ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

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

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 episode dives into some heated topics, including:

The India-Canada spat over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar

The rise of Khalistani elements under Trudeau’s watch

Did India send an agent to take out Khalistani separatist Pannun in the USA?

The panel also digs into why exit polls keep missing the mark on voter sentiment and Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu's call for more babies—what's behind it? And much more.

Don't miss the witty banter in this episode!

00:00 - Introduction & Message to Viewers

03:14 - Samosa Caucus Returns

08:43 - Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Killing

15:40 - Israel-Iran War Escalation

16:45 - Impact of Cancel Culture

19:06 - Canada-India Diplomatic Crisis

27:14 - Canada Harbouring Criminals?

33:42 - U.S. Sheltering 'K-Backer' Pannun

36:54 - Did India Disown Vikas Yadav over 'Kill Pannun' plot?

46:39 - BRICS 2024 & India-China Relations

55:00 - Pakistan's Bid to Join BRICS

1:01:25 - Exit Polls' Flop Show

1:07:34 - Mainstream Media Losing Credibility?

1:15:34 - Ola's Business Model

1:23:38 - Samosa Caucus 5.0 in Goa?

1:25:04 - J&K Assembly Elections 2024

1:31:29 - Stalin Demands 'Tamil Name' for Kids

1:33:39 - Aging Population Issue in South India

1:40:34 - Inter-State Migration

1:50:11 - 'Batenge to Katenge' Row

2:06:14 - Uber's MOU with IAF

2:19:48 - Maharashtra Assembly Polls

2:28:14 - Why Congress Lost Haryana

2:31:34 - 'Flop' Exit Poll

2:32:47 - Favorite OTT Shows

2:38:14 - Luxury Apartments

2:43:52 - Resolutions for 2025

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, including surviving an attack, the release of Masood Azhar, and attributing recent violence to Pakistan’s influence.

Shesh Paul Vaid, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has served as one of Jammu and Kashmir's most respected top cops. Known for his dedication and resilience, Vaid led the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) as Director General (DGP) during a critical period marked by heightened militancy and security challenges. His tenure saw numerous counter-insurgency operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. He also worked to strengthen community policing initiatives to foster trust with local communities.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, former Jammu and Kashmir top cop Shesh Paul Vaid discusses the recent surge in terror attacks in the region. He shares insights into the terrorists' modus operandi and the strategies they use to incite violence in the Valley. Vaid also reflects on the release of Masood Azhar during his tenure, describing it as an embarrassing moment for the country. Additionally, he recounts a near-death experience when his convoy was ambushed by 17 terrorists, as well as the circumstances surrounding the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.

00:00 - Introduction

00:45 - IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

08:44 - Masood Azhar's Release

22:20 - Kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed

25:14 - 'First' Wave of Militancy in Kashmir

30:36 - Aftermath of Burhan Wani Killing

39:44 - Public Safety Act

42:44 - Operation All-Out in J&K

44:26 - Hanging of Afzal Guru

51:09 - Hurriyat hypocrisy

57:24 - When 17 Terrorists Attacked SP Vaid

1:04:54 - 'Special' Treatment for Syed Ali Shah Geelani

1:07:07 - Mast Gul's Escape from Charar-e-Sharief Shrine

1:10:32 - J&K Security Situation in the '90s

1:12:18 - Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits

1:22:34 - Contribution & Sacrifices of J&K Police

1:29:26 - Modus Operandi of Recent Terror Attacks in J&K

1:38:05 - J&K Assembly Elections 2024

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 Nijjar's killing escalate. Trudeau accused India of interfering in Canada’s sovereignty, while India dismissed his claims as baseless and absurd.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sanjay Kumar Verma, the recalled Indian High Commissioner to Canada, shares his perspective on Canada’s handling of Sikh extremist elements, which he believes is influenced by vote-bank politics.

Verma also explains why Trudeau has refrained from taking action against Khalistani figures who are wanted in India for serious crimes. He shares personal accounts of the challenges he and his family faced in Canada. Verma stresses that a small group of Khalistani elements has hijacked the narrative and that the majority of Sikhs do not support the Khalistan movement.

Watch this episode to understand how the Canadian government addresses Khalistani extremism and why some believe it has given them a free hand.

0:00 - Coming Up

1:12 - Introduction

2:02 - India-Canada Diplomatic Row

8:40 - What Canadians Think of India

12:00 - Nijjar Killing Probe

16:44 - Bishnoi Gang Link to Nijjar Killing

21:07 - Trudeau's Allegations Against New Delhi

23:56 - MEA's Strong Response to Canada

27:00 - Threats & Attacks against Envoy Sanjay Verma

35:34 - Attacks on Diplomats in Western Countries

39:47 - Indian Journalists Accused of Foreign Interference

45:22 - Lawrence Bishnoi

51:00 - Trudeau Harbouring Khalistani Elements

55:33 - 'Fake' Asylum Claims in Canada

59:06 - India: A 'Rogue' Nation?

1:01:30 - Will India-Canada Ties Improve?

1:04:05 - Pakistan-Khalistan Ties?

1:05:05 - What's Next for Envoy Sanjay Verma

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 honoured with two National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and two Indian Television Academy Awards.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Annu Kapoor delves into his thoughts on nationalism. He expresses his belief that most Indians do not truly love their country and also opens up on atheism.

Kapoor shares anecdotes about legends from the film industry, including a vivid recount of Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar’s wedding, and reflects on a spat with Amitabh Bachchan. He also reveals an intriguing episode from the sets of 7 Khoon Maaf, alleging that Priyanka Chopra refused to kiss him because he wasn’t a 'hero.'

Tune in to this episode as Kapoor shares his flair for 'shayari' and performs a 300-year-old rap in his signature style.

00:00 - Introduction

01:44 - Upcoming projects

04:37 - Early life struggles

16:42 - Patriotism vs. Nationalism

21:37 - Early days in Bollywood

33:10 - Why he avoids watching films & news

34:33 - National Awards

37:05 - Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita

39:19 - True meaning of 'Deshbhakti'

43:59 - Publicity stunts

46:30 - Punctuality & Discipline

49:02 - Why was Wheel Smart Srimati scrapped?

53:40 - Learning discipline from Islam

55:27 - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad teachings

58:52 - Love, religion, and honour killings

1:02:14 - The story of 'Bharat'

1:04:34 - Annu 'Google' Kapoor

1:10:14 - Relationship with parents

1:13:48 - 'Kiss' controversy with Priyanka Chopra

1:20:14 - Shabana Azmi & Javed Akhtar's wedding

1:22:14 - Darr shoot

1:25:14 - Story behind India's independence

1:29:58 - World's 'oldest' rap song