ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) is one of the youngest startups in India's defence sector, focusing on developing homegrown technology and intellectual property.The company is working on cutting-edge defence solutions, including the Next-Generation Hybrid Personal Combat Armour, a non-lethal system to stop vessels at sea, the 360 Advanced Battle Interface (ABI), and an Anti-Drone Defense System. These innovations have already been adopted by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Ramaswamy Shivaraman, co-founder of BBBS and head of research and product development, discusses how the Indian government is supporting homegrown startups in defence and why the private sector needs more government backing in the industry.He also speaks about the role of AI in modern warfare and its integration into defence systems. He also highlights the challenges Indian startups face in exporting defence products and underscores the importance of promoting Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the sector.*Audio Timestamps:*00:00 - Introduction 01:14 - India’s Defence Budget Allocation 02:38 - Anti-Drone System Deal 05:50 - How Big Bang Boom Solutions Started 09:14 - Products by Big Bang Boom Solutions 10:28 - Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War 12:24 - Govt’s Approach to Defence Startups 15:45 - Private Investment in Defence 18:07 - Deals with Indian & Foreign Govts 22:59 - Challenges in Foreign Markets 25:09 - Startups vs Big Defence Companies 30:14 - AI in Defence Systems 36:14 - AI and Drone Warfare 40:22 - Non-Lethal Naval Deterrence Tech 45:01 - Advantages of Doing Business in India 54:44 - Can Foreign governments invest in BBBS? 56:11 - Meeting with PM Modi 01:00:24 - Anti-Drone System: Vajra Shield 01:03:14 - PM Promoting Desi Defence Startups Abroad

Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, CEO and MD of IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd), is a pioneer in the fertiliser industry and has been honoured with the title “Fertiliser Man of India.”In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Awasthi talks about the major challenges Indian farmers face and what can be done to address them. He discusses whether India can become self-sufficient in fertilisers and how farmers’ incomes can be increased.He also sheds light on IFFCO’s Nano Urea, a breakthrough in green technology that not only boosts crop yield but also protects the soil—unlike conventional urea, which harms it over time. Dr. Awasthi believes that technology is the key to transforming Indian agriculture and ensuring a sustainable future for farmers.Additionally, he talks about why many young people are moving away from farming and what can be done to make agriculture a more attractive and viable profession.More on the future of Indian farming and the innovations that can shape it.00:00 - Introduction01:21 - What Does IFFCO Do?08:01 - Harmful Chemical Fertilisers12:46 - 'Stop Using Urea Fertilisers'14:32 - What Are Nano Urea Fertilisers?21:01 - Imports of Fertilisers26:16 - 'Fertiliser Man of India' Title27:42 - Adoption of New Technologies in Agriculture31:59 - Key Challenges Faced by Farmers35:24 - Why Do Farmers Resist New Technologies?37:56 - Why Are Most Farmers Poor?41:31 - Farming in Hilly Areas46:03 - Uses of Worm Compost in Farming47:51 - Will Nano Urea Replace Traditional Urea?49:16 - Revolutionary Initiatives in Indian Agriculture

Pawan Khera is currently serving as the Chairman of Media and Publicity for the Congress. He previously worked as the political secretary to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit from 1998 to 2013. Since 2015, Khera has been representing the party in debates and discussions on television channels.In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pawan Khera discusses Congress' prospects in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. He calls Arvind Kejriwal a 'megalomaniac' and claims that his party is a threat to democracy.He also talks about what went wrong with the INDIA alliance, why AAP and Congress are no longer fighting together, and why Congress' top leadership has recently started criticizing Arvind Kejriwal and his party.Khera further claims that mid-term elections will take place and that Prime Minister Modi will be ousted from power before 2029. He also shares insights on Sheila Dikshit’s legacy and Delhi’s development.00:00 – Introduction01:40 – Why is Congress targeting Kejriwal?08:08 – Congress’ prospects in the Delhi polls12:17 – What factors are working in Congress’ favour?16:25 – Hung assembly possible in Delhi?19:01 – Who will Muslims vote for in Delhi?25:37 – Voter controversy in the New Delhi seat30:41 – JNU report on illegal migration in Delhi32:42 – Bonding with Sheila Dikshit38:33 – Will India see mid-term polls?43:35 – AAP vs BJP vs Congress

Sanjay Kumar Jha is a member of the Rajya Sabha and serves as the National Working President of Janata Dal-United. He is also the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sanjay Jha discusses the challenges Bihar is facing, such as unemployment, poverty, literacy rates, migration, and GDP growth. He also reflects on what Nitish Kumar has accomplished for the state over the last 20 years.Jha speaks about Nitish Kumar's health and whether he will be fit for the upcoming state elections. He also clarifies whether Nitish Kumar will be the CM candidate for the 2025 Assembly elections in Bihar.Jha explains the relationship between Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar and criticizes Tejashwi Yadav for his ‘ineffective’ 17-month term as Deputy CM. He also addresses the recent BPSC protests and the possible influence of Prashant Kishor on Bihar politics.More on the Caste Census, India Bloc, Delhi Assembly elections, and the liquor ban in Bihar.00:00 – Introduction00:45 – Bihar: Poverty, Growth & Inequality06:48 – Literacy in Bihar11:44 – Liquor Ban in Bihar16:25 – Crime Rate in Bihar20:49 – Nitish's Chemistry with Lalu Yadav23:33 – Why Nitish Left the INDIA Bloc30:27 – Who Convinced Nitish to Rejoin the NDA35:18 – Seat-sharing for the Upcoming Bihar Polls38:23 – Prashant Kishor and BPSC Protests40:24 – Nitish Kumar’s Health43:04 – Caste Census47:35 – Will Nitish Switch Sides Again?52:54 – 2024 Lok Sabha Poll Mandate57:35 – Purvanchali Factor in Delhi Polls1:03:19 – Tejashwi vs. Chirag

Jaideep Ahlawat is a talented Indian actor known for his powerful performances. Born and raised in Rohtak, Haryana, he studied acting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He gained early recognition with films like Aakrosh (2010) and Khatta Meetha (2010), but it was Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) that helped him establish a foothold in the Hindi film industry.His big breakthrough came with Paatal Lok (2020), where he played Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary. The role won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series and earned him widespread praise.In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Jaideep Ahlawat talks about the success of Paatal Lok 2, how his character has evolved, and the transformation he went through for the role. He also opens up about his relationship with his father and how it shaped his life and career.He shares his experiences working with top directors like Anurag Kashyap and actors such as Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor. He also discusses Bollywood’s reality, including nepotism and the media’s obsession with celebrities’ personal lives.Jaideep reflects on his career, his favorite directors, and what it was like working with Shah Rukh Khan. He also talks about his interest in South Indian films and the much-awaited The Family Man 3 with Manoj Bajpayee.00:00 - Introduction01:41 - Paatal Lok 2 Success08:13 - Hathi Ram Chaudhary’s Character Explained11:34 - Jaideep Ahlawat vs. Hathi Ram Chaudhary12:11 - Relationship with His Father18:40 - Transformation for Paatal Lok 224:07 - Hathi Ram’s Famous Dialogues28:35 - Real vs. Reel Life32:40 - Hathi Ram’s Journey Over the Years34:28 - Viral Photo from FTII Days38:20 - Anurag Kashyap as a Director40:44 - Sharing Screen with Kareena, Alia & Ranbir42:07 - Reality of Bollywood45:20 - Nepotism46:57 - Media Focus on Celebrities' Personal Lives51:42 - Career Path54:03 - Favorite Directors55:04 - Working with Shah Rukh Khan57:43 - Handling Fans01:04:05 - Unforgettable Experience in Life01:05:05 - South Indian Movies01:13:10 - Need for Family Support01:17:20 - Favorite Actors01:21:20 - The Family Man 3 with Manoj Bajpayee01:24:50 - Upcoming Projects

Shambhavi Choudhary is the youngest Member of Parliament in the 18th Lok Sabha. At 26 years old, she represents the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) from Samastipur. Her father, Ashok Choudhary, is a JDU leader and a key minister in Nitish Kumar's cabinet.She holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics and graduated from Lady Shri Ram College. She is pursuing a PhD on the participation of women in active electoral politics in Bihar from Magadh University.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shambhavi talks about the challenges Bihar faces, including unemployment, migration, and the lack of business opportunities. She also discusses the recent BPSC protests, addressing whether there was a paper leak or not and why students in Bihar are obsessed with government jobs.Shambhavi shares her views on caste politics in Bihar and weighs in on whether Prashant Kishor could make a difference in the state’s politics. She strongly criticizes Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Chief Minister, calling it a period of stagnation.More on the problem of floods in Bihar and whether Nitish Kumar switches sides again or not.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:01 – BPSC Exam Controversy07:36 – Prashant Kishor & Bihar Politics14:03 – Bihar Students' Obsession with Govt Jobs20:18 – Lack of Employment Opportunities and Migration in Bihar30:00 – Caste Politics in Bihar35:40 – Tejashwi Yadav vs Chirag Paswan43:13 – Political Representation of Women in India49:05 – Portrayal of Bihar in Movies53:12 – Will Nitish Kumar Quit the NDA Again?1:02:11 – Women's Reservation in Indian Politics1:10:37 – Liquor Ban in Bihar1:21:44 – Low Literacy Rate in Bihar

Dr. Shamika Ravi is a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and a Secretary to the Government of India. Her research focuses on the economics of development, including Finance, Healthcare, Urbanization, Gender Equality, Welfare and Poverty.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Shamika Ravi talks about India’s economic outlook for 2025 and whether the world’s fastest-growing economy is slowing down.She also discusses women’s participation in the workforce in India and how it has changed over the past decade. Dr. Ravi highlights the challenges posed by an ageing population in southern states and explains why leaders like CM Stalin and Naidu are encouraging families to have more children.She shares insights on the fertility rates of Hindus and Muslims in India and how population changes can impact national security and policymaking. She also speaks on NRC whether India is or not and if there is a need for anti-conversion laws.Dr. Ravi raises concerns about election freebies and discusses whether MSP (Minimum Support Price) can be provided to farmers for all crops.00:00 – Introduction02:11 – Food Consumption Patterns in India08:56 – India's Economic Outlook12:05 – Gender Discrimination at Work22:53 – Female Participation at work in India33:42 – Naidu, Stalin's Call for 'More Children'36:29 – Fertility Rates of Hindus, Muslims in India46:16 – Impact of Demographic Changes on Policy-Making56:34 – Is India Ready for the NRC?1:02:46 – Anti-Conversion Law1:08:34 – Are Freebies Sustainable?1:14:19 – RSS Chief Bhagwat’s Call for ‘3 Kids’1:19:31 – Can MSP Be Given on All Crops?1:22:50 – Conducting the Census in India

Will the BJP end the schemes run by the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi? What will happen to Mohalla Clinics and free bus rides for women? Will free education for all continue? Is the BJP offering freebies to win power in Delhi?In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Baijayant Jay Panda, BJP National Vice President and MP from Kendrapara, joins us. He has been appointed as the Delhi BJP election in-charge and answers questions about AAP’s schemes and the BJP's manifesto.Panda accuses AAP of focusing on drama and claims that Delhiites want a double-engine government that works without conflict. He also talks about the three-way contest in Delhi between the BJP, AAP, and Congress.He shares the BJP’s plans to tackle Delhi’s air pollution and explains why the party is releasing its manifesto in three parts. He also discusses why leaders like Smriti Irani, Nupur Sharma, and Meenakshi Lekhi haven’t been given tickets for the Delhi Assembly polls.More on the Sheesh Mahal controversy, law and order in Delhi, and the liquor scam.00:00 - Introduction00:50 - Delhi Assembly Polls03:21 - BJP Karyakarta vs. AAP Karyakarta06:51 - Lok Sabha & Vidhan Sabha Voting Patterns12:42 - Muslim Voters & BJP Saga16:32 - "Samvidhan Badal Denge" Row19:30 - CM-LG Rows21:45 - AAP's 'Drama' Politics23:02 - Honouring Congress' stalwarts27:47 - A 3-Way Battle in Delhi?34:11 - 'Fake' Voters in Delhi36:02 - BJP's Plan to Tackle Delhi's Air Crisis40:18 - Law and Order in Delhi44:03 - Delhi 'Liquor' Scam45:52 - BJP's Election Manifesto49:35 - Is BJP Copying AAP's Schemes?52:21 - Will BJP End AAP's Schemes?55:00 - Poverty Issues in Odisha58:25 - Are Freebies the Route to Power?01:01:16 - Ayushman Bharat Scheme vs. Mohalla Clinics01:04:50 - Is 'Hinduism' a Factor in Elections?01:08:35 - BJP's In-Charge for Delhi Polls01:10:49 - Is RSS Helping BJP in Delhi Polls?01:12:50 - BJP's CM Face in Delhi?01:15:05 - Smriti Irani, Nupur Sharma, Meenakshi Lekhi

The ANI Podcast is launching a new format with live audience interaction! In this version of the show, ANI employees and reporters will be part of the audience, asking questions and sharing their thoughts.Hardeep Singh Puri, a seasoned diplomat and the current Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, joins the discussion.He criticizes former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not tackling corruption and pollution in the city.Puri also talks about India’s oil imports and shares his views on how India-US relations might change with Donald Trump becoming the 47th President.00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - BJP’s Delhi Candidate List09:20 - Kejriwal's Tenure as CM12:18 - BJP Not Ready for Delhi Polls?16:34 - Delhi's Education System20:31 - EC Captured by the BJP?24:04 - BJP vs Congress28:20 - Who Is BJP's Delhi CM Face?33:20 - AAP's Pujari Granthi Samaan Yojna34:46 - Kejriwal vs Home Ministry41:42 - Mohalla Clinics in Delhi43:20 - BJP's Strategy for Delhi Polls49:51 - Delhi Breathes Poison51:50 - 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Survivors54:20 - Dollar-Rupee Exchange Rate in Oil Imports56:10 - Sanctions on Russian Oil Imports01:00:24 - Trump as President: Good for India?01:02:48 - Trump's Offer to Canada01:08:44 - Sikh Community in Canada01:11:45 - Mahakumbh01:13:25 - Tharoor, Soros, and Puri's Meeting01:18:35 - Rivalry in INDIA Bloc01:26:23 - Rohingya Issue in Delhi

In the last two Delhi Assembly elections, Congress failed to secure a single seat out of 70. Its vote share has dropped from 40% to just 4% in the last 18 years. Can the Grand Old Party make a comeback in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections? Can it rejuvenate its cadre in the National Capital? Was it a mistake to support AAP in 2013? In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sandeep Dikshit, Former MP and son of Ex-Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, answers these pressing questions. He also shares untold stories about Arvind Kejriwal from the India Against Corruption movement in 2011. Sandeep Dikshit is contesting the Assembly elections against Kejriwal from New Delhi, dedicating his campaign to his late mother, whom Kejriwal had called corrupt. Dikshit does not hold back, calling Kejriwal a megalomaniac. He also addresses key issues like traffic, Yamuna pollution, air pollution, and the need for clean water in Delhi. He discusses the India Alliance, explaining its current position and why its partners are not backing Congress in the Assembly polls. Dikshit predicts that Congress will secure a double-digit vote share in this election and that it won’t be a cakewalk for Arvind Kejriwal. 00:00 – Introduction 01:06 – Kejriwal vs. Sandeep Dikshit 11:22 – Kejriwal's Attack on Sheila Dikshit 17:48 – How Congress Lost the 2013 Delhi Polls 26:01 – Is Kejriwal Losing? 33:23 – How Delhi Votes 40:20 – INDIA Alliance 'Backs' AAP 46:52 – Congress' Delhi Nyay Yatra 50:16 – What's Wrong with Delhi Congress? 56:46 – Congress’ CM Face in Delhi 1:07:04 – ‘Megalomaniac Arvind Kejriwal’ 1:15:12 – 'Sheesh Mahal' Controversy 1:22:17 – Will CAG Reports Impact Delhi Polls? 1:29:11 – The Role of the Opposition in Delhi