ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

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...

Can the BJP break the 27-year jinx and form a government in the National Capital? Who has the edge in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls? Where does the BJP stand in Delhi? Is RSS backing the BJP in the Delhi polls? Are freebies the route to power? Who is BJP’s main rival in Delhi—Congress or AAP? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Parvesh Verma, former MP, answers all these questio...

Why did Justin Trudeau resign? Is it a temporary tactic? What are Trudeau's scandals? Did Khalistanis prop up his government? What’s the impact on Canada after Trump won the election? To answer these questions, we are joined by Kushal Mehra, author and podcaster, and Daniel Bordman, senior correspondent for The National Telegraph and Geopolitical Analyst. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Sm...

What is Dharmic Capitalism? How can Dharma power India’s economy? What role do temples play in the modern economy? How has Dharma shaped India’s economy over the centuries? And how did Kautilya use Dharma to boost the economy and ensure political stability? Sriram Balasubramanian, an economist and author, explores these questions in the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash. Discuss...

Do UFOs exist, or are they just illusions? What’s the truth behind sightings in New Jersey and California? Is the USA hiding something? And why is there no big UFO culture in India? Has the Indian Air Force ever encountered a UFO? In this latest episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Air Marshal Dilip Kumar Patnaik (Retd.), former Eastern Air Commander, answers all these intriguing questions....

From politics to dating, cricket to OTT shows, the ANI Podcast Team wraps up 2024 with a year-end special that's both entertaining and insightful. Every topic is seasoned with a pinch of wit and a dash of intrigue, making it a must-listen! In this special edition, hosted by Smita Prakash, the guests bring their unique perspectives to the table: Shehzad Poonawalla, National Spokesperson of the BJP,...

The suicide of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash has brought the spotlight onto gender-biased laws in India. Why did suicide become the only option for Atul Subhash? Who is responsible for his death— the system, the judiciary, or the police? His tragic death has sparked a demand for gender-neutral laws in India. In an episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Priya Jain, a lawyer and co-founder o...

There seems to be no end to the Temple-Mosque disputes in India. After Ayodhya, claims have emerged regarding a mosque allegedly being built after the demolition of a temple in U.P.'s Sambhal. What does the Places of Worship Act, 1991, say about such disputes? Did the Ayodhya judgment set a legal precedent? And what about maintaining communal harmony? In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with...

Why are mental health disorder cases rising in India? Why are so many young people struggling with depression and anxiety? What are the real causes of ADHD, and how can we break common myths about mental health? To answer these questions, we are joined by Dr. Achal Bhagat, one of New Delhi’s leading psychiatrists. He is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and leads a team of psychologists, social wor...

What does it take to become a supermodel? How difficult is it to reach the top of the modelling industry? What role do diet and body image play in modelling? Why is there a rise in cosmetic surgeries among models and actors? What goes on behind the scenes during a fashion show? To answer these questions, we're joined by Alicia Kaur, a Mumbai-based model originally from Australia, who has made a na...

Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore from 1782 to 1799, is often celebrated in history books as a freedom fighter and the "Tiger of Mysore." He was the son of Hyder Ali, a Muslim military officer who became the king of Mysore after overthrowing the Hindu Wadiyar dynasty. But was Tipu Sultan truly a freedom fighter, or was he an Islamist ruler known for his tyranny? In his latest book, 'Tipu Sultan: Th...

Sunil Chhetri is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in India. Playing as a forward for the national team from 2005 to 2024, he became the country's all-time top goal-scorer and most-capped player. Internationally, he stands fourth on the list of all-time goal-scorers, behind legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and Daei. In Indian club football, Chhetri has been a star, representing t...

What is Brahma Kumaris? Is it a religious cult or a spiritual movement? How did a movement that began in the 1930s in Hyderabad, Sindh (now in Pakistan), grow to have over a million followers and 5000 centres in 135 countries worldwide? What is the purpose of Brahma Kumaris? How do its followers view religion, and why do women hold key administrative positions within the organization? In this epis...

This special podcast discusses two pressing issues involving India’s neighbours, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Since Sheikh Hasina's ouster, over 2,000 attacks on Hindus have been reported in Bangladesh. Is this part of a 'religious cleansing' against Hindus? Is Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s regime aligning with Islamist forces? Could India face a surge of migrants in the coming months? Meanwhile, Pa...

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....

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 tour...

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 AN...

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...

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 ab...

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 commitm...

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 c...

Get ready for the much-awaited episode of the 'Real' Samosa Caucus! Edition 4.0 is here and it's all about raw, uncensored, no-holds-barred discussions. Joining the chat are: Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at ORF Tehseen Poonawalla, TV personality and political analyst Anand Ranganathan, author and scientist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies This episo...

In recent months, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a surge in attacks, with police encountering new strategies from terrorists. Who is fueling this renewed terror, and how can armed forces respond? To answer all these questions, we have former top cop Shesh Paul Vaid, who has witnessed the rise of militancy firsthand and the evolving landscape of J&K. He shares insights from his personal experiences...

New Delhi-Ottawa relations have reached an all-time low after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian government officials and diplomats in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a figure who was designated as a terrorist in India and placed on Canada’s no-fly list. Both countries have since expelled top envoys and other diplomats as tensions over...

Annu Kapoor is an entertainer who has worn many hats—actor, singer, director, producer, radio jockey, and television presenter—earning immense respect and recognition worldwide. He became a household name through iconic television shows like Antakshari and Wheel Smart Srimati. Known for speaking his mind, Annu Kapoor has appeared in over 100 films and numerous television shows. He has been honoure...