ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Eknath Shinde is Maharashtra's Chief Minister and a key leader in the Mahayuti Alliance, which includes his party, the Shiv Sena (Shinde), along with the NCP (Ajit Pawar) faction and the BJP. He rose to prominence after leading a significant split within the Shiv Sena, marking a new chapter in the party's history. Eknath Shinde is a staunch follower of Sena founder Bal Thackeray and often invokes his legacy in his political journey.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, CM Eknath Shinde delves into the ongoing issue of Maratha reservation and shares insights on Maharashtra's Ladli Behna Yojana, a scheme aimed at empowering women at the grassroots level. The Maharashtra CM also reflects on the Shiv Sena split and explains how fleeing to Guwahati was a crucial strategy.CM Shinde remembers Bal Thackeray's enduring influence on Maharashtra's politics and reflects on the Sena's founding Hindutva ideology. He speaks confidently about the upcoming Maharashtra elections, expressing a strong belief that the Mahayuti alliance, will emerge victorious.Introduction (0:00)Fake Narratives' in 2024 LS Polls (2:02)Maratha Reservation (4:58)Uddhav Thackeray as a Competitor (9:27)Maha Vikas Aghadi (14:17)CM Eknath Shinde (18:07)Shiv Sena Suffered Due to Pawar? (23:37)Shiv Sena Split (31:12)NCP(Ajit Pawar): A Reliable Ally? (33:47)Shinde's Developmental Schemes (36:32)Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra (39:25)Freebie Politics in Maharashtra (40:42)Eknath Shinde's Early Life (45:40)Family Tragedy (47:25)Real Reason Behind Shiv Sena Split (52:29)Shiv Sena's Hindutva Ideologue (56:12)Who Will Win Maharashtra? (1:01:33)Raj Thackeray: Balasaheb's 'Real' Successor? (1:05:08)Mahayuti's CM Candidate (1:09:07)

Ajit Pawar is Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and a partner in the Mahayuti Alliance, which includes the BJP and the Shiv Sena Shinde faction. He is the nephew of Sharad Pawar, who has served as Maharashtra's Chief Minister four times. In July 2023, Ajit Pawar split the NCP, a party founded by his uncle. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Ajit Pawar faced a setback when his wife lost the election against Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ajit Pawar calls fielding his wife against Supriya Sule in Baramati a bad decision. He also explains why his party and its alliance partners didn't perform well in the Lok Sabha polls. He declines to comment on the possibility of returning to his uncle's party.The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister also discusses the farmers' crisis and the state of infrastructure in Pune and Mumbai. He advocates for a caste census, stating that the real numbers of every community should be revealed.Introduction (0:00)Pawar vs. Pawar (0:35)Ajit Pawar with Mahayuti? (9:57)Maharashtra Assembly Polls (17:15)Civic Polls (22:07)Ajit Pawar's Vision (25:44) Maha Farmers' Crisis (32:10)Water Management Issues (36:05)City Infrastructure Issues (40:15)Voters on Mahayuti Government (49:15)Jan Samman Yatra (50:53)Pawar’s Family & Politics (54:52)Ajit Pawar on 'Waqf Board' (1:01:12)CM if Mahayuti Wins? (1:05:35)Ajit Pawar's Future Plans (1:12:15)Caste Census (1:15:28)

Sonia Narang is one of Delhi's leading dietitians. She provides medication, healthy diet plans, weight loss programs, and workouts. Sonia advocates for realistic lifestyle changes that allow you to enjoy eating while achieving your health goals, rather than imposing strict diets.In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sonia Narang debunks many myths related to the Indian diet. She also explores the debate between vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, addressing the notion that vegetarian food doesn't provide enough protein. Sonia explains what a balanced diet should include and how much carbohydrates, protein, and fat it should contain.She discusses whether skipping breakfast is a good way to lose weight, how to eat for effective weight loss, and the ideal timeline for losing weight. Sonia also talks about the popularity of Sattu and whether it can replace whey protein for gym-goers. She shares 10 tips for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.Introduction (0:00)Dietitian vs. Nutritionist (1:07)Myth vs. Fact Segment (5:55)Plant vs. AnimalBased Protein (13:22)8 Glasses of Water a Day (17:51)Supplements for Nutritional Needs? (20:03)Supplements for Children (24:52) Dairy Products for Bone Health (29:14)Is Juicing Healthy? (31:15)Is Ghee Healthy? (33:09)Papaya & Menstrual Cycle (41:39)Seasonal Veggies (53:27)Junk Food (55:57)Yay or Nay Segment (1:03:45)Tea Intake1:13:57Weight Loss (1:16:17)Sattu vs. Whey Protein (1:26:09)

Arjun Singh Kadian is an academic and author having expertise in Haryana's political and cultural landscape. Arjun has authored two insightful books: 'Land of the Gods: The Story of Haryana' and 'Neeraj Chopra: From Panipat to Podium'. He also worked in the policy communication department under the Haryana Chief Minister in 2018-19. His political leaning is with the BJP.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arjun talks about the upcoming Haryana elections and shares his views on the importance of fostering a unified Haryanvi identity in a region often divided by caste and community lines.He also discusses what went wrong for the Haryana BJP and why they lost 5 seats to the Congress in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, mentioning the "Hooda Factor" giving Congress an edge in this election. Arjun also talks about the power shift from Manohar Lal Khattar to Nayab Singh Saini and whether it will benefit the BJP.He also highlights Haryana's cultural significance as the land of the gods, reflecting on the historical presence of the Saraswati River and the state's role as the birthplace of Bharat.Introduction (0:00)Lok Sabha Polls 2024 BuildUp (1:27)Jat Agitation & Farmer Protests (8:52)The 'Satrap' System of Haryana (12:10)The '400 Paar' Effect (17:34)The Jat Votebank (20:54)The 'Hooda' Factor (29:44)Manohar Lal Khattar's Legacy (36:28) Why Haryana Matters for BJP (39:14)The Congress Narrative (45:54)The 'Agniveer' Sentiment (53:22)Haryana's Chautala Clan (56:14)Growth Slowing Down in Haryana? (1:01:14)Gurugram's Crumbling Infrastructure (1:04:51)The 'Neeraj Chopra' Phenomenon (1:08:14)Saraswati River: Myth & Facts (1:09:50)The Haryanvi Identity (1:14:21)

Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin is a veteran gastroenterologist and hepatologist, renowned for his clinical research and reforms in medical education and health sciences.He is the director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), which aims to provide cost-effective solutions to liver problems. He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India. Dr. Sarin is also credited with launching the Hepatitis B vaccination program in India.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Sarin explains why India may become the 'fatty liver' capital of the world, with 40% of the population suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. He shares tips on keeping the liver healthy and identifies products to avoid.Dr. Sarin calls the liver 'the real heart' of the body, explaining how every function of the body is directly or indirectly dependent on it. He also delves into the dangers of alcohol and how it is slowly killing people.Introduction (0:00)Significance of Liver in Ancient Cultures (1:22)Liver: The Boss of the Body (5:17)Fatty Liver & Diabetes (8:13)Liver & Cholesterol: What's the Link? (12:58)Obesity on the Rise? (14:10)Sugar: A Silent Killer (19:42)Alcohol & Liver Health (20:54)Anyone Can Have Cirrhosis (24:32)True & False Segment (25:52)Know What You Eat (41:08)Reversing Fatty Liver (45:24)Can Diabetes Be Fixed? (51:07)Tips for a Healthy Life (52:47)Importance of the Bile System (56:56)How to Identify Fatty Liver (59:33)Everything About Hepatitis (1:00:49)Dangers of Alcoholism (1:09:26)Lack of Health Awareness (1:11:52)Are You Healthy? (1:13:45) Ozempic: Yay or Nay? (1:15:45) Train Your Mind to Adopt Healthy Habits (1:18:12)

Harsh Vardhan Shringla was the Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 and the former Foreign Secretary of India. He has also been India’s Ambassador to the United States, and High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Thailand.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Amb. Shringla talks about the recent quota protests in Bangladesh. He looks into whether these protests are just the start of bigger problems for the Sheikh Hasina government and discusses if foreign influences played a role. Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called the protests "almost a terrorist attack" aimed at overthrowing the government.Ambassador Shringla also shares his views on the U.S. Presidential race. He talks about the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life, Joe Biden’s decision to step down, and why Biden supporting Kamala Harris as his successor is important.He also covers the political issues in Nepal, focusing on the frequent leadership changes and how they affect India, especially because Nepal shares borders with five Indian states.Introduction (0:31)Trump vs. Harris (1:16)U.S. Campaign Funding (5:42)Indian Community in the U.S. (9:52)Biden's Legacy (13:58)U.S. Afghan Withdrawal (16:04)Biden's Foreign Policy (19:49)Bangladesh Quota Protests (25:18) Who's Behind Bangladesh Protests? (32:05)1971 B'desh War Against Pakistan (34:33)Economic Crisis in Bangladesh (36:44) Sheikh Hasina's China Visit (39:28)Sheikh Hasina's India Visit (41:25)Bangladesh-Bengal Connection (45:18) End of Sheikh Hasina's Rule? (51:13)Nepal Power Struggle (52:38)India's Stance on KP Oli (59:32)KP Oli's 4th Term (1:05:29)Modi's Russia Visit (1:07:26)

In 2009, following her father Sone Lal Patel's death, Anupriya Patel faced a significant challenge. She was pushed into the political arena to lead the party her father founded. Despite the subsequent party split, Anupriya Patel defied expectations. Now, a three-time MP, she leads Apna Dal (Soneylal) and holds the MoS Health & Family Welfare portfolio for the second time in the Modi government.Anupriya Patel is regarded as a vital player in Uttar Pradesh politics and is one of the key allies of the BJP.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Anupriya Patel discusses the need for a caste census to uplift marginalized communities and the importance of moving beyond caste lines for India's advancement. She also addresses NDA's poor performance in Uttar Pradesh, in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, alleging that the opposition capitalized on false narratives like the abrogation of reservation and changing of the constitution. She also speaks about the challenges of being a woman in Indian politics.Anupriya Patel also recounts her responsibilities during the G20 summit and hosting Former French President Emmanuel Macron. She debunks myths about her constituency, Mirzapur, highlighting the contrast between its reality and its OTT portrayal.Introduction (0:00)MoS Health & Family Welfare (1:21) Accidental Politician? (5:00)Apna Dal Split (8:21)The 'Real' Mirzapur (11:20)UP BJP's Debacle (13:15)Letter to CM Yogi (16:33)Opposition's Reservation 'False Narrative' (23:01)Challenges as a Woman Politician in UP (26:19)Reply to SP's Allegations (29:20)Caste Census & OBC Reservation (33:11)Importance of Uplifting Minorities (37:26)Instability in UP? (44:00)NDA Ally Experience (46:15)Revival of Congress in UP (48:45)Importance of Social Diversity (50:25)Reservation in Private Sector (53:45)Snap Reactions (56:15)Women in Politics (1:15:15)Anupriya Patel's Ambition (1:16:37)Mother's Contribution (1:18:00)Personal Lives of Politicians (1:19:45)Maintaining Physical & Mental Health (1:21:23)

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Naor Gilon, Israeli Ambassador to India, discusses the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.He provides insights into Israel's stance on a potential ceasefire against Gaza and the hostage release deal, as well as Qatar's role in mediating the conflict due to its influence over Hamas.He further addresses the issue of misinformation and propaganda from Hamas concerning casualty figures and examines the impact of Middle Eastern funding on the U.S. universities and its influence on perceptions of Israel.Ambassador Gilon also shares the trade ties between India and Israel, highlighting the significance of their bilateral relationship.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, founder and MD of Drishti IAS, shares his journey from being a civil servant to becoming an educator.Dr. Divyakirti delves into several important issues affecting the education and examination system in India. He discusses the restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the controversies surrounding the NEET-UG. He offers his insights on the UPSC exams, highlighting biases in the selection of Hindi and English candidates.Dr. Divyakirti also addresses the reservation system in India, pointing out the loopholes and how they are being exploited. He also shares his views on the Puja Khedkar case.Dr. Divyakirti also talks about the 2024 Lok Sabha results and how they are going to shape India and what reforms NDA 3.0 can bring.

In 2020, when his father Ram Vilas Paswan passed away, Chirag Paswan faced the biggest challenge of his political career. His uncle took charge of the party, and many thought Chirag's political journey was over. Sidelined by other leaders in his party, he was written off by many. But Chirag Paswan defied the odds. In 2021, he formed the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and now he has secured victory in all five seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.Today, Chirag Paswan holds the same Food Processing Industries ministry that his father once looked after under the Modi government. Chirag calls himself "Modi's Hanuman" and is seen as the future of Bihar politics. The BJP also views him as a ''valuable asset''.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Chirag Paswan discusses the importance of Bihari identity and the need to rise above caste lines for a progressive Bihar. He also recalls the tough time when he lost his father and how he navigated his personal and political life.Chirag also talks about his vision for Bihar, one of India's poorest states. He delves into the nepotism debate and explains why his Bollywood debut failed. Chirag also discusses his friendship with Kangana, who is also a member of Parliament in the 18th Lok Sabha.(0:00) Introduction(1:07) Chirag Paswan on Religion(3:17) The Split in LJP(7:35) NDA - LJP Alliance in 2014(11:37) 2024 LS Polls Victory(14:42) Dalit Politics in Bihar(17:14) Caste Politics in Bihar(20:33) Bihar First, Bihari First(27:08) Bihar Infrastructure Mess(30:20) Vidhan Sabha Polls in Bihar(34:29) First 100 Days Plan(39:11) Pride in Being a Bihari(40:56) Nepotism Debate(44:18) Chirag & Tejashwi Spat(48:01) Why Tejashwi Failed(51:20) Agnipath Scheme(54:55) NDA & Its Allies(56:29) Chirag & Kangana's Friendship(59:04) Snap Reaction Segment