ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

General Upendra Dwivedi is currently serving as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army. He previously served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command. Before that, he was the Deputy Chief of Army Staff for Information Systems and Coordination and the General Officer Commanding of the IX Corps.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the Army Chief shares his views on several key issues. He discusses how the situation of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has changed after the abrogation of Article 370 and also talks about the Indian Army's role in implementing the theme of ‘Terrorism to Tourism” in Kashmir Valley. He also opens up about the Pakistani Army’s mindset regarding PoK and the motive behind infiltration bids by Pakistani terrorists.General Dwivedi also addresses how AI is transforming battlefields across the world and how the Indian Army is utilizing this technology. He emphasizes that civilian support for the army plays a major role and explains how an average citizen can be helpful to the Indian Army. He highlights the disengagement between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).General Dwivedi further reflects on the role of women in the Indian Armed Forces. He also discusses the budget allocated for the defence sector and the priorities that need to be addressed to boost the army's performance.00:00 – Introduction01:06 - India-China border Disengagement04:20 - Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Army Chief07:32 - Trump’s pitch to sell stealth fighters to India11:43 - Security situation along LoC14:16 - Decline in militancy in Kashmir16:47 - Mindset of Pakistani Army22:24 - Drones: Future of Warfare27:46 - Is Agnipath scheme helping Army?30:42 - ‘Gray zone’ and ‘Hybrid’ warfare38:31 - AI and Indian Army48:56 - Two classmates leading Indian Armed Forces55:59 - Recruits in the Indian Army59:22 - Budget allocation for Defence1:06:23 - Army pay scale compared to private sector1:12:02 - Civilian support for Army1:16:55 - When Army Chief visited Mahakaleshwar Temple1:19:05 - Childhood of Army Chief1:22:30 - Emotional impact of losing friends in combat

Jaya Kishori started her spiritual journey at the age of seven. Raised in a spiritual environment, she developed a deep love for spiritualism, leading her to become a motivational and spiritual speaker. Her mission is to instill faith, positivity, and the importance of family, emphasizing that good parenting shapes successful and virtuous individuals. She ensures her teachings are simple and relatable for all ages.In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Jaya Kishori speaks about finding a balance between spirituality and a materialistic lifestyle, addressing the Dior bag controversy and how she deals with online criticism. She also talks about ego, the highs and lows of fame, and the importance of family support in her journey. Sharing her experience of studying the Bhagavad Gita, she talks about sacrifice, spirituality, and why she chose to change her name.She also discusses whether visiting temples or following a Satvik lifestyle is necessary for devotion, why today's youth feel disconnected from spirituality, and why some parents use their children for money. She also talks about the rise in suicide cases, the misuse of laws, how to handle anger, and the importance of chanting in life.00:00 - Introduction01:46 - Dior Bag Controversy09:45 - Online Criticism13:36 - Ego & Adulation16:29 - Career & Family Support18:21 - Bhagavad Gita20:48 - Sacrifice vs. Spirituality23:49 - How to Deal with Failure28:03 - Why Jaya Kishori Changed Her Name30:29 - Devotional Journey34:43 - Visiting Temple Importance37:11 - Youth and Spirituality44:11 - Satvik Life51:12 - How to Become a Spiritual Speaker54:46 - Kids in Spirituality & Devotion57:41 - Parents 'Misusing' Children for Money01:03:44 - Sacredness vs. Hypocrisy01:05:23 - Snap Reaction Segment01:36:36 - Misuse of AI01:43:28 - Rise in Suicide Cases & Misuse of Laws01:49:58 - Finding Hope in Difficult Times01:53:00 - Jaya Kishori's Go-To Chant01:57:01 - How to Handle Anger

Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as 'Gabbar' by his fans, has had a remarkable cricket career. He won the Golden Bat twice at the ICC Champions Trophy, and holds the record for the fastest Test century by a debutant, In August 2024, he announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket.In this podcast with Smita Prakash, Dhawan talks about the pressure social media creates in team selection and shares his views on the controversial Yo-Yo test. He also recalls his Test debut alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.He opens up about his mindset during the Champions Trophy, the challenges of sledging, friendships off the field, and why India can't play in Pakistan.Dhawan also talks about his bond with his son, how spirituality has shaped his life, and his journey from being dropped in 2022 to his thoughts on the future of Indian cricket.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:21 - The Pressure of Social Media05:37 - Champions Trophy 202508:11 - Dressing room conversations11:07 - Yo-Yo test18:11 - Story behind selection in Indian Team19:33 - Playing with Sachin in his debut Test21:14 - Sachin Tendulkar's retirement22:41 - Timing, fate, and hard work26:34 - Breaking Gundappa Viswanath's record29:57 - A captain’s advice for openers33:35 - Understanding the opponent’s abilities35:22 - Champions Trophy records & Mindset40:51 - Bid to upskill cricket coaches in India47:35 - Sledging in cricket49:33 - Should Team India travel to Pakistan?50:43 - BCCI's new rulebook for players52:06 - IPL success story54:16 - Dhawan as captain58:27 - Getting dropped from Team India01:00:43 - Having a godfather in cricket01:04:36 - Relationship with his son01:10:38 - Spirituality in life01:13:27 - Retirement decision01:16:33 - Advice to young players01:17:56 - Importance of physical fitness01:24:49 - Legends 90 League01:27:01 - Rapid Fire Segment

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