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, Pakistan’s political chaos shows no signs of slowing down. PTI supporters, led by Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, marched towards Islamabad, resulting in dozens of deaths and many injuries. What lies ahead for Imran Khan? Will he ever be released from jail?

To answer all these questions, the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash is joined by two experts Tilak Devasher, an author of three acclaimed books on Pakistan and a National Security Advisory Board member. Sushant Sareen, a senior fellow at ORF and a leading analyst on Pakistani affairs.

The podcast also explores how the political and social turmoil in Bangladesh and Pakistan could impact India.

00:00 - Coming Up

00:00 - Introduction

04:25 - Recognition of Bangladesh & Pakistan

06:43 - Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

13:36 - Muhammad Yunus and Jamaat

15:38 - Bangladesh Becoming a 'Taliban State'?

20:06 - Will Bangladesh Army Stop Violence Against Hindus?

23:31 - Role of the Deep State in Pakistan & Bangladesh

29:11 - Social Media and Political Mobilization

30:16 - Why Pakistanis Are Using VPNs

34:46 - Pro-Imran Khan Protests

42:10 - Who Is Bushra Bibi?

48:50 - How Crowd Control Works

56:18 - Why Did Imran Khan Marry Bushra Bibi?

1:02:31 - Pakistan Army vs. Imran Khan

1:09:20 - Pakistan Army Losing Its Hold on the Country?

1:13:30 - Saudi Arabia’s Connection to Imran Khan

1:16:18 - What Happens If Imran Khan Comes Out of Jail?

1:19:23 - Why Is Imran Khan Still Popular in Pakistan?

1:25:12 - What’s Next for Imran Khan?

1:28:27 - "Pakistan Is Running Dry"

1:31:30 - The Situation of Hindus in Bangladesh

1:36:30 - India’s Response to Bangladesh

1:41:30 - Pakistan’s Existential Crisis

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