ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

In this engaging conversation, Sunil Chhetri, one of India's greatest football players and former captain of the national team, reflects on his inspiring journey from childhood in Delhi to becoming an iconic athlete. He discusses his fitness regimen, the vital role of nutrition, and how his family shaped his career. Chhetri shares candid thoughts on handling social media criticism, his friendship with Virat Kohli, and unpacks his future plans post-retirement, including potential political ambitions—revealing a personal side of the football legend.

BK Shivani, a renowned Rajyoga Meditation teacher and TV personality, dives into the evolution of Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual movement focused on inner peace. She discusses the significance of celibacy and the roles of women in leadership within the organization. Shivani explores topics like Ram Rajya, the idea of a spiritual India, and the importance of compassion in healing societal violence. She reflects on love versus attachment and shares insights on parenting, forgiveness, and the transformative power of meditation.

Sushant Sareen, a senior fellow at ORF specializing in Pakistani affairs, and Tilak Devasher, an author and National Security Advisory Board member, delve into the alarming rise in attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, questioning the notion of 'religious cleansing.' They explore the potential for Bangladesh to destabilize further and the implications for India as migrant numbers rise. The discussion also tackles the ongoing political chaos in Pakistan, focusing on Imran Khan's plight and the role of military influence in shaping governance and unrest.

Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud served as the 50th Chief Justice of India from November 9, 2022, to November 10, 2024. During his tenure, he was a part of several landmark judgments, including the Ayodhya verdict, the decriminalization of Section 377, entry of women into the Sabarimala temple, the fundamental right to privacy, and the constitutionality of the Electoral Bonds Scheme, among others. He is widely respected for making the judiciary more tech-savvy and accessible. Under his leadership, the court embraced technological advancements such as live broadcasting of hearings, digitalization of Supreme Court and High Court records, and AI for transcribing judicial proceedings. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the former Chief Justice shares his views on several key issues. He discusses the collegium system, the Ayodhya Ram Temple verdict, and the impact of online trolling on judges' mental well-being. He highlights the heavy scrutiny judges face in the age of social media, where every word and decision is closely examined. Justice Chandrachud also addresses the opposition's claim that the judiciary is under pressure. He emphasizes that one does not need to be an atheist to deliver unbiased and fair judgments and speaks about practising faith while upholding the law. The conversation also touches on his retirement, his choice to follow a vegan lifestyle, his family, and his thoughts on whether he might enter politics in the future. 00:00 - Coming Up 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Retirement Plans 04:16 - On Teaching Law 06:24 - Delhi Air Pollution 12:20 - Delhi Govt vs L-G Tussle 16:42 - On his legacy 18:35 - Why He Chose to Become a Judge 23:04 - Trolling of Judges 25:54 - SC Handbook on Gender Stereotypes 29:21 - Media Scrutiny 31:54 - Who Authored the Ayodhya Verdict 36:33 - Liberal vs Conservative Judge Labels 38:17 - When the Ex-CJI Prayed for a Solution 44:17 - Sambhal Mosque Row 45:51 - Ganpati Puja with PM Modi 48:37 - Is the Indian Judiciary Under Pressure? 56:20 - Article 370 Judgment 57:24 - Overturning His Father’s Judgment 58:37 - Why He Got into the Legal Profession 01:02:24 - Nepotism in the Indian Judicial System 01:06:04 - The Collegium System 01:09:21 - Pendency of Court Cases in India 01:18:10 - Advocates’ Affordability 01:27:24 - Decriminalization of Homosexuality 01:32:24 - Roe v. Wade Judgment 01:34:16 - Disability-Friendly Courts 01:39:00 - Choosing a Vegan Lifestyle 01:44:40 - Judges Entering Politics 01:49:58 - Supreme Court Prison Report 01:53:34 - Privacy Issues for Judges in the Digital Era 01:56:13 - Live Telecast of Hearings 02:04:30 - Caste Element in Judgments 02:08:04 - International Disputes 02:12:19 - How DY Chandrachud Relaxes 02:17:57 - Hindi vs English- language used in courts 02:23:09 - Interaction with PM, CM, and President

A post on Twitter claiming that foreigners are 'avoiding' Goa due to 'bad services and treatment' has put the state government under scrutiny. Many blame Goa’s 'Taxi Mafia,' which charges high fares due to the lack of private app-based cab services. Some criticize the dirty beaches and the attitude of overcharging both domestic and foreign tourists. Many also argue that Goa is overpriced, and tourists can visit Thailand, Vietnam, or Sri Lanka on the same budget, where they offer a better and more pleasant stay. Is this the reality, or is there more to the story? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte addresses all queries about tourism, including whether foreigners are abandoning Goa. He also discusses issues like drug trafficking, rave parties, and the casino culture in Goa. 00:00 - Introduction 01:41 - Goa Tourism in Trouble? 08:04 - Agenda Against Goa Tourism? 12:30 - 'Taxi Mafia' in Goa 19:22 - Commuters' Concerns in Goa 22:40 - Goa's Filthy Beaches 26:11 - Stray Dogs and Cattle on Beaches 28:24 - Fewer ATMs in Goa 30:45 - Power Cuts in Goa 32:44 - Goa's Road Infrastructure 35:20 - Is Goa an Expensive Tourist Destination? 37:25 - Chikhal Kalo Festival 42:20 - IFFI 2024 47:05 - Drug Trafficking in Goa 50:17 - Goan Culture 54:58 - Diversifying Goa's Economy 59:40 - Casinos in Goa 1:03:02 - Mopa vs. Dabolim Airport

Manipur is on the edge, with no end in sight to the Kuki-Meitei divide. AFSPA has been imposed in six districts, and additional forces have been deployed in the state after 11suspected militants were killed in an encounter with the CRPF. When will peace return to Manipur? Is the Centre delaying taking the strictest action against radical groups? What's the solution? In the latest episode of the ANI podcast, Lt Gen D S Hooda (Retd) answers all these questions. Having served for 40 years, he held multiple posts, including Army Commander of the Northern Command. He was the Army Commander during the Chumar incident along the LAC in 2014 and during the launch of the surgical strikes in September 2016. He retired in November 2016. In this episode he also talks about the India-China border truce and whether Beijing can be trusted. He explains in detail what is happening in Jammu and Kashmir and why there is a rise in terror attacks there. More on the surgical strikes against Pakistan in 2016, reforms in the Army, and expenditure on the armed forces. 00:00 - Introduction 01:22 - Manipur Crisis Explained 04:32 - Meiteis-Kukis Ethnic Divide 09:52 - Assam Rifles Row in Manipur 10:52 - Armed Groups in Manipur 13:29 - How to Restore Peace in Manipur 14:43 - Manipur Crisis: A National Security Matter 16:60 (17:00) - Why No Action Against Violence in Manipur 18:03 - India-China Border Truce 20:12 - Can China Be Trusted? 21:52 - Why China 'Dislikes' India's Rise 26:40 - Buffer Zones at LAC 28:12 - Chumar Standoff in 2014 38:12 - When the PLA Left Its Soldier in India 40:52 - Facilities for Soldiers at LAC 45:22 - Attacks in Jammu & Kashmir 55:37 - Local Support for Terrorists in J&K 1:00:37 - Does India Need More Army Personnel? 1:02:19 - Expenditure on Armed Forces 1:09:08 - Armed Forces 'Reluctant' Towards Tech Reforms? 1:14:10 - Overseeing Surgical Strikes Against Pak in 2016 1:19:17 - Why Balakot Was Picked to Strike Pak 1:22:52 - Why No Strikes Against Pakistan After 26/11 Attack 1:26:38 - Heading Congress Panel on National Security Strategy 1:31:46 - Agniveer Scheme 1:35:52 - Retired Service Members Joining Politics 1:38:12 - Uber-IAF Deal Repercussions 1:46:14 - Personal Data at Risk

A few major tech companies are dominating the digital world and have significant influence in politics as well. Big Tech companies control many aspects of our lives, including markets, businesses, and public services. Is it a good idea to allow a few tech giants to monopolize our data? Where does China stand in the tech race against the USA? Where does India stand in the global tech race, and what are its digital vulnerabilities? And what about modern warfare? How are drones changing the course of war and transforming how battles are fought? what is data privacy—and why is it important? To answer these questions, the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash features Lt. Col. Pavithran Rajan, a former intelligence officer, academic, and tech entrepreneur. He explains how technology is reshaping the battlefield, allowing countries to win wars without even entering the battlefield. He also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare and emphasizes the need for India to protect its digital interests. This is a must-watch podcast for anyone who thinks there’s nothing to hide and doesn’t understand why privacy matters for both individuals and businesses. 00:00 - Introduction 01:16 - Pager Attack in Lebanon 10:24 - China’s Supply Chain Strategy 15:36 - OSI Layers of Encryption 25:58 - Five Eyes' Response to Intel Threats 28:54 - Digital Policies of China & India 35:28 - Data Privacy in India 41:02 - Data Breaches in the USA 42:59 - India Under Surveillance 47:41 - Semiconductor Industry in India 51:19 - China–India Relations 56:16 - U.S. Dollar and SWIFT 59:21 - Why SWIFT Remains Indispensable 1:10:36 - Use of Cyber Technology in Wars 1:13:54 - The Rise of AI Apps 1:15:45 - India’s Position in the Cyber Power Ranking 1:24:36 - Quantum Cryptography 1:28:21 - Snowden Revelations 1:31:49 - Is Your Phone Listening to You? 1:44:48 - Hamas Attack on Israel 1:52:00 - What Should India Do Amid Global Wars?

Social media has greatly transformed the skincare industry. People are constantly searching for the best sunscreen, ways to get rid of acne and pimples, and tips for flawless skin. This obsession with skincare is at an all-time high, especially among the youth. In the latest episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Delhi-NCR's top dermatologist, Dr. Ankur Sarin, joins to clear up common myths about skincare products and explain the difference between European and Indian beauty products. Dr Sarin shares a simple three-step routine for healthy skin and discusses the effectiveness of traditional home remedies. He also highlights why teenagers might be experiencing hair loss, pointing to stress, weight issues, and environmental factors as common causes. Watch this episode to learn more about skincare, hair care, and ways to manage hair loss and baldness. 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Most Asked Questions to Dermatologists 02:55 – Male Pattern Baldness 04:50 – Pigmentation 07:50 – When to Use Sunscreen 12:00 – Demand for Fair Skin 13:54 – How to Get Rid of Acne & Pimples 19:20 – What’s Best for Your Skin 21:40 – European vs. Indian Products 25:50 – How to Take Care of Your Skin & Body 30:54 – Male and Female Pattern Baldness Treatment 35:30 – Chemotherapy and Hair Loss 37:55 – 'Ghar Ke Nuskhe' for Skin & Hair Oiling 39:57 – True & False Segment 45:35 – This & That Segment 49:59 – Impact of Social Media on Choosing Skin Care

Avinash Dharmadhikari is a renowned Indian bureaucrat, author, and educator, celebrated for his contributions to public service and youth empowerment. A former IAS officer from Maharashtra, Dharmadhikari resigned from his prestigious post in 1996, choosing to dedicate his career to educating and mentoring the next generation of civil service aspirants and social leaders. Known for his deep commitment to societal transformation, he founded the Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, an institution aimed at nurturing aspiring civil servants through a blend of values-based education and rigorous training. Dharmadhikari is also an accomplished writer, and his works include Aswastha Dashakanchi Diary, a popular Marathi book chronicling his journey and reflections on India's social and administrative challenges. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Avinash Dharmadhikari opens up about the challenging realities of the UPSC exams and shares why he left the civil services to focus on politics and education. Reflecting on his role in Anna Hazare's Anti-Corruption Movement, he discusses his subsequent disillusionment with the Aam Aadmi Party and later with the Shiv Sena. Dharmadhikari also gives his perspective on the current political landscape in Maharashtra, analyzing why the Mahayuti alliance struggled to create a more significant impact in the state in the 2024 General Elections. In this candid conversation, Avinash Dharmadhikari further explores Vir Savarkar's role in India’s independence movement, and explains Savarkar's vision of Hindutva. 0:00 - Introduction 0:45 - Quitting Civil Services 6:22 - Contesting Elections 9:00 - Anna Hazare's Anti-Corruption Movement 14:30 - Corruption in UPSC Selection Process? 17:03 - Importance of 'Character Building' for UPSC Aspirants 21:40 - Disillusion with Shiv Sena 26:10 - Savarkar's Role in Indian Freedom Struggle 32:49 - Where Does Loyalty of Civil Servants Lie? 35:27 - Mahayuti's Poor Performance in 2024 Lok Sabha Polls 41:43 - Foreign Interference in 2024 General Elections? 44:30 - Indian Youth Disillusioned with Media & Governance? 47:10 - Increasing Tolerance for Corruption Among Politicians 51:13 - Flaws in Indian Democracy? 54:15 - Reservation Protests & Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra 59:00 - Importance of Rural Development Projects 1:00:43 - Rising Trend of Civil Servants Entering Politics 1:03:13 - Dark Side of UPSC Coaching Institutes

Manisha Koirala is a renowned Nepali-Indian actress known for her exceptional talent and versatility in Hindi, Nepali, and South Indian cinema. Born in Kathmandu, she comes from a prominent Nepali political family. Manisha has delivered some powerful performances in iconic films like Bombay, 1942: A Love Story, Dil Se, and Khamoshi: The Musical. Known for her skill in portraying deep and complex characters, she returned to the spotlight with the OTT series Heeramandi, earning significant critical acclaim. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, veteran actress Manisha Koirala opens up about her journey in Bollywood, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from her acclaimed films such as 1942: A Love Story, Khamoshi, Dil Se, Bombay, and Heeramandi. She reflects on her experiences within the industry, discussing the ways Bollywood has evolved over the years. A cancer survivor, Manisha speaks on her advocacy for cancer awareness, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment. She also shares her thoughts on spirituality and the central role of family in her life. 0:00 - Introduction 0:40 - The Cult of '1942: A Love Story' 5:25 - The Story Behind 'Khamoshi' 7:35 - Behind the Scenes of 'Heeramandi' 10:50 - How Bollywood Changed Over the Years 16:18 - The 'Bombay' Controversy 19:27 - The Original 'Dil Se' Plot 24:50 - The Making of 'Heeramandi' 30:00 - Battling with Cancer 37:12 - The Legacy of Koirala Family 45:10 - Navigating Through Bollywood 49:25 - Friendships & Relationships 51:33 - A Director's Actor 53:43 - Political Volatility in Nepal 58:22 - The Massacre of Nepal’s Royal Family 1:00:38 - Role of Spirituality 1:01:41 - Raising Cancer Awareness 1:05:17 - The Importance of Therapy 1:07:00 - Speaking Up on Women's Issues 1:09:38 - Nepal's Human Trafficking Crisis 1:10:50 - Mantra & Goals 1:11:46 - The Importance of Family