ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Asian News International (ANI)

ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash gets eminent people from different walks of life to talk about issues that impact you and society at large. Join Smita Prakash as she brings important voices from the field of politics, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. Dive in for a great listening experience brought to you by India’s largest news agency.

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22 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes22

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Yesterday · 1 hr 12 min
EP-439 I 90s Stardom, Life Lessons, Affairs, Iconic Dance & Bollywood’s Reality | Govinda
Govinda is one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars of the 80s and 90s. Known for his unique comic timing, energetic dance moves, colourful style and unforgettable performances, he became one of the most loved entertainers of his generation. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Govinda talks about his rise to superstardom, his work with David Dhawan and Kader Khan, highs and lows of his career, and memories of legends like Rajesh Khanna, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand. This is Govinda like you have never seen him before - candid, emotional and completely unfiltered. 00:00 – Introduction 01:07 – 90s Stardom 03:42 – Dilip Kumar’s Advice 10:27 – Memories of Rajesh Khanna 14:26 – Mother’s Influence 21:20 – ‘Outsider’ Tag in Bollywood 25:29 – Flop Movies 32:18 – Working with David Dhawan 34:49 – Upcoming Films 37:53 – Love Affairs & Relationships 41:14 – Suicide Attempt & Spirituality 46:57 – Underworld Threats 50:34 – Pairing with Kader Khan 53:34 – Iconic Dance Style 58:00 – Chemistry with 90s Leading Heroines 1:03:34 – Global Fashion Trendsetting 1:05:52 – Tips to Salman Khan 1:07:58 – What’s Next for Govinda?
Wednesday · 1 hr 23 min
EP-438 | BJP’s Gen Z Disconnect, Youth Protests, Jobs & Social Media Elections | Amitabh, Mallika
Amitabh Tiwari is a political strategist, election analyst, author and commentator. He is the founder of Vote Vibe and a regular columnist and television panellist. Mallika Bajaj is a digital transformation expert who studies how technology affects the way people learn, behave and think. In this live edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, they discuss what Gen Z wants and why there is a disconnect between the government and young people. They also explain how algorithms work and why Instagram is becoming the next major platform for election campaigns. 00:00 – Introduction 00:58 – BJP Lost Gen Z Support? 06:22 – Algorithms & the Digital Divide 14:04 – BJP's Social Media Edge 19:58 – Q&A with Gen Z 20:51 – Foreign Apps & Data Leaks 26:39 – Need for Younger Politicians 34:08 – Fake Information in AI Age 42:10 – Gen Z's Political Grammar 45:35 – Job Creation 49:28 – CJP's Future Role 51:21 – Youth Representation in Parliament 56:41 – Legacy vs Independent Media 1:01:08 – Gen Z's Electoral Influence 1:06:02 – Political Labels 1:07:58 – Traditional Media 1:11:46 – The Right Way to Protest 1:17:26 – Political Influencers 1:21:19 – CJP's Political Ambitions
August 2 · 1 hr 32 min
EP-437 I Bollywood PR Culture, Typecasting, Political Films, Theatre & More | Pavan Malhotra
Pavan Malhotra is one of Hindi cinema’s finest actors, known for his powerful performances across films, television, theatre and OTT. In a career spanning over 45 years, he has delivered memorable roles in films like ‘Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro’, ‘Black Friday’, ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ and ‘Jab We Met’. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pavan Malhotra talks about his journey in cinema, working with legendary actors and directors, Bollywood’s PR culture, typecasting, political films and changing approach of new actors. 00:00 – Introduction 00:54 – Working On ‘Gandhi’ Film 05:32 – Theatre’s Marxist Influence 11:40 – Political Films & Selective Outrage 15:34 – ‘Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro’ Story 22:06 – Indian Parallel Cinema 27:04 – Amrish Puri’s Advice 31:36 – ‘Black Friday’ & Anurag Kashyap 38:52 – BTS of ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ 46:10 – Bollywood’s New-Gen Actors 49:46 – Legacy Of Om Puri 54:20 – Bollywood PR Culture 57:42 – OTT vs Theatre 1:02:23 – Rakesh Bedi’s Bollywood Journey 1:07:33 – Making Of ‘Punjab 1984’ 1:12:05 – Art Of Storytelling 1:19:48 – Indian Culture & Traditions
July 29 · 1 hr 17 min
EP-436 | Education System, CJP, Degree vs Skills, AI, Movies, China & Startups | Ronnie Screwvala
Ronnie Screwvala wears many hats: entrepreneur, investor, film producer and philanthropist. He built UTV into one of India’s biggest media companies, co-founded upGrad and established the Swades Foundation. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ronnie Screwvala speaks about the student anger, paper leaks and what is wrong with India’s education system. He also discusses degrees versus skills, unemployment, AI, India’s competition with China, entrepreneurship, start-ups and why India must become a “no-collar nation”. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:45 – AI Bubble 02:54 – China in AI Race 06:54 – India’s Service Economy 09:48 – Entrepreneurial Journey 14:41 – Rang De Basanti 16:46 – Licence Raj & Liberalisation 22:30 – Education and upGrad 26:39 – Quick Commerce 30:02 – Advertising Agencies 32:30 – India’s Television Revolution 38:47 – Did OTT Save Indian Cinema? 44:34 – Will AI Make Our Minds Dull? 47:38 – Education & Rural Digital Divide 52:56 – India’s Untapped Tourism 55:52 – Student Protests & Education Reform 1:03:15 – AI & Entry-Level Jobs 1:07:31 – Blue-Collar Work 1:13:11 – AI, Agriculture & Farming
July 27 · 1 hr 53 min
EP-435 | 26/11 Attacks, Modi, LK Advani, Gujarat Riots & Judicial Reforms | Mahesh Jethmalani
Mahesh Jethmalani is a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and a former Rajya Sabha MP. He has represented the BJP in several high-profile legal battles over the past four decades. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Mahesh Jethmalani speaks about his father Ram Jethmalani's legacy. The conversation also covers 2002 Gujarat riots, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, judicial reforms, anti-defection law, Vande Mataram debate and NEET student protests. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:54 – NEET protests 10:51 – Anti-defection law 22:35 – Article 370 & Ram temple 29:20 – Ram Jethmalani's legacy 39:20 – High-profile cases 43:45 – LK Advani's leadership 48:13 – 2002 Gujarat riots 1:00:20 – 26/11 terror attacks trial 1:05:16 – 'Cockroach' remark by CJI 1:11:17 – Ram Jethmalani's courtroom drama 1:15:19 – Handling BJP cases 1:18:11 – Modi-Trump relationship 1:27:30 – Indus Waters Treaty 1:31:28 – Judicial reforms 1:43:19 – Vande Mataram debate 1:49:06 – Harshad Mehta case
July 24 · 1 hr 35 min
EP-434 | Manish Tewari on Cockroach Janta Party, NEET Protests, Police Action & Rahul Gandhi
Manish Tewari is a senior Congress leader, lawyer and Member of Parliament from Chandigarh. He previously represented Ludhiana and Anandpur Sahib in the Lok Sabha and served as Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting. He is also an author and has been active in Indian politics for over four decades. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the Cockroach Janta Party protest, the NEET controversy, police action against students, Rahul Gandhi’s protest and the Parliament deadlock. He also speaks about the Punjab Congress, the 2027 Assembly elections, Operation Sindoor, his viral interaction with PM Modi. 00:00 – Introduction 01:16 – Cockroach Janta Party 06:01 – Political Involvement 07:36 – INDIA Alliance 14:36 – PM Residence Protest 15:54 – Pradhan’s Resignation 17:43 – Parliament Washout 20:05 – Anti-Defection Law 36:18 – Interaction with PM Modi 40:28 – Journey Through Congress 43:45 – Punjab Elections 2027 45:46 – Operation Sindoor 51:32 – Father’s Assassination 56:15 – Political Entry 57:52 – Rajiv Gandhi 01:01:53 – Punjabiyat 01:05:32 – Punjab Partition 01:10:43 – Satluj Movie 01:12:26 – Accidental Prime Minister 01:14:29 – Chandigarh Connection 01:16:50 – Partition Trauma 01:20:20 – Bittu Traitor Remark 01:26:19 – Bhagwant Mann 01:31:57 – US Trade Deal 01:35:02 – Conclusion
July 20 · 1 hr 12 min
EP-433 | Is the American Dream Dead? | Arnab Ray on Racism, H-1B & AI Layoffs
Arnab Ray, also known as Greatbong, is known for his satirical commentary on Indian politics, society, and popular culture. He is an author and holds a PhD in Computer Science. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arnab Ray discusses racism against Indians, the H-1B visa crackdown, AI-driven job cuts, and the changing American Dream. 00:00 – Introduction 01:33 – Image of Indian Immigrants 05:55 – Challenges for Indian Immigrants 10:23 – Indian American Cultural Identity 17:10 – Political Influence of Immigrants 27:20 – H-1B Crackdown 32:41 – Indian Students in U.S. 40:01 – NRI Stereotype 46:01 – Indian Politics and NRI Connection 53:53 – Indian Diaspora and Political Polarisation 59:09 – Jimmy Kimmel Controversy 1:07:18 – Rise of BJP in Bengal
July 18 · 1 hr 34 min
EP-432 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj vs Aurangzeb, Mughal History & Maharani Tarabai | Medha Bhaskaran
Medha Bhaskaran is an author and researcher known for her work on Maratha history. She has written extensively about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Tarabai. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Medha Bhaskaran explores the long conflict between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire. She also discusses Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign, the destruction of temples, Shivaji Maharaj’s military leadership, Maharani Tarabai’s resistance, Tipu Sultan and the continuing debate over how Indian history has been written. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:56 – Life in Dubai 05:31 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 10:16 – Mughal-era Violence 15:36 – Aurangzeb's Deccan Wars 22:27 – Aurangzeb's Family Conflicts 31:25 – Idea of Hindavi Swarajya 45:29 – Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s Legacy 52:40 – Untold Story of Maharani Tarabai 58:54 – Maratha Weapons 1:02:43 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Final Days 1:07:34 – How Shivaji Maharaj Became Chhatrapati 1:22:25 – Rewriting Indian History 1:28:57 – Story of Tarabai’s Courage
July 14 · 1 hr 42 min
EP-431 | Hindu Terror Origin, 26/11 Attacks, Ishrat Jahan Case, Malegaon Blast, Beant Singh| RVS Mani
R.V.S. Mani is a former Under Secretary in the Internal Security Division of Ministry of Home Affairs and a public commentator on national security. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2026 and is the author of The Myth of Hindu Terror: An Insider's Account of the Ministry of Home Affairs (2006–2010). In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, R.V.S. Mani speaks about the origins of the "Hindu Terror" narrative. He also discusses the truth behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Ishrat Jahan case, Beant Singh assassination, Pakistan-backed terror funding through fake currency and India's evolving internal security strategy. 00:00 – Introduction 00:54 – On Receiving Padma Shri Award 2026 02:34 – "Hindu Terror" Narrative 12:22 – 2006 Malegaon Blast Case 21:10 – 2007 Samjhauta Express Bombings 32:56 – 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks 51:32 – Pakistan's Fake Currency & Terror Network 54:18 – Ishrat Jahan Encounter Case 1:05:46 – CBI Questioning of R.V.S. Mani 1:14:21 – Fake Currency Empire of Khanani Brothers 1:33:53 – Cross-Border Drug Trafficking 1:37:10 – Beant Singh Assassination Case 1:39:34 – Lessons on National Security
July 12 · 1 hr 43 min
EP-430 | Economist Surjit Bhalla's Shocking Take on Indian Economy | ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
Surjit Bhalla is an economist, author, and columnist. He was a part-time member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Council. He also served as Executive Director at the IMF for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Surjit Bhalla shares his views on why India may not achieve its Viksit Bharat goal by 2047 if it continues with business as usual. He also says, "Senior babus who make decisions but are never held accountable are India's real deep state." The conversation covers Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's economy, the rupee, China, foreign direct investment, demonetisation, GDP, and the reforms India needs to accelerate economic growth. 00:00 – Introduction 03:03 – India's Economic Future 12:51 – Why India Overprotects Its Industries 16:42 – Lessons From Vietnam 21:07 – Viksit Bharat 2047 Target Realistic? 24:25 – India's Growth Story 36:43 – Why India Hesitates to Reform 42:24 – Agriculture and Dairy Sector 50:14 – China's Agriculture Model 56:39 – Manufacturing in West Bengal 1:01:15 – India's Next Window for Reforms 1:09:46 – Why Isn't FDI Coming to India? 1:13:51 – India's Job Challenge 1:21:13 – The Freebies Debate 1:30:06 – Demonetisation 1:34:27 – India's Middle Class Really Growing? 1:38:11 – Advice for Prime Minister Modi
July 2 · 1 hr 26 min
EP-429 | India vs Pakistan Over Indus Waters Treaty: 'Water War' Coming Soon? | Tilak & Uttam
Tilak Devasher is the author of four widely acclaimed books on Pakistan and a former member of the National Security Advisory Board. He lives and breathes Pakistan, closely tracking its politics, military, and society. Uttam Kumar Sinha is a scholar and commentator on transboundary rivers, climate change, and the Arctic. He is a Senior Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses and the author of 'Trial by Water: Indus Basin and India-Pakistan Relations' (2025) and 'Indus Basin Uninterrupted' (2021). In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss the Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, and how it has become the latest flashpoint between the two countries. Will Pakistan face a water crisis due to the suspension of the treaty? More on Ayub Khan, Nehru, Modi and Asim Munir. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Indus Waters Treaty Geography 07:54 – Nehru's Vision 14:39 – Importance of Chenab 22:12 – Pakistan's Water Crisis 27:50 – India's Dam Projects 35:40 – Abeyance of Water Treaty 40:07 – India's Water Storage Capacity 46:20 – Chenab-Beas Link Project 54:49 – Pak's Diplomatic Strategy 1:03:20 – How Indus Waters Treaty Was Signed 1:11:23 – Pakistan's Internal Water Conflict 1:18:10 – India's Narrative
June 30 · 1 hr 5 min
EP-428 | "Energy Security Decides India's Future" Bank of America Chief India Economist Rahul Bajoria
Rahul Bajoria is the Head of India and ASEAN Economic Research at Bank of America (BofA). In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rahul Bajoria discusses the impact of falling rupee, inflation, foreign investment, AI's impact on jobs, and what lies ahead for the Indian economy. He also explains why strengthening India's energy security is essential to protecting the economy from future global shocks. 00:00 - Introduction 00:33 - India's Growth Story 03:18 - Manufacturing in India 07:21 - Foreign Investment 09:29 - Investment Boost 13:16 - Inflation vs. Growth 14:56 - Oil Prices & the RBI's Next Move 16:35 - Indian Stock Market 18:46 - Investment Strategy 25:09 - India's Consumption Story 30:15 - Make in India & Exports 34:37 - AI, Jobs & Unemployment 44:12 - Bank Lending vs. Deposit Growth 52:20 - Falling Rupee 55:28 - Lessons from ASEAN Economies 1:00:18 - Risks to India's Economy 1:03:21 - Top 3 Economic Reforms for India
June 27 · 1 hr 5 min
EP-427 | US-Iran Deal, Pakistan's Role, Trump's Retreat & India's Stakes | Former Envoy Talmiz Ahmad
Talmiz Ahmad is one of India’s most experienced diplomats, with decades of work across West Asia, the Gulf, and global strategic affairs. A former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE, he has watched world politics change from the front row. In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he says Benjamin Netanyahu misled Donald Trump by promising a quick victory in Iran, only for the war to drag on. He calls Trump an unpredictable leader, argues that U.S.-Israel ties have suffered, discusses Pakistan's role in the peace talks, and explains why the Iran war is India's war because New Delhi's strategic interests lie in the Gulf. 00:00 – Introduction 01:35 – US-Iran Talks 03:51 – Netanyahu's Influence 06:33 – Trump's Shift on Israel 10:26 – Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 14:18 – Hegemon in West Asia 21:25 – Trump Vs Netanyahu 26:59 – Pakistan's Role 33:49 – Netanyahu's War Strategy 37:27 – Gulf's Response to Israel 43:29 – Pakistan's Influence 52:36 – Why West Asia Matters to India 57:27 – New Multipolar World Order
June 24 · 1 hr 53 min
EP 426 | Dhaka to Kathmandu to New Delhi: Truth About Gen Z Protests | Sanjay Bhardwaj & Pathikrit Payne
Pathikrit Payne has over 20 years of experience in journalism and policy analysis. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation. Sanjay Bhardwaj is the former Chairperson of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University's School of International Studies. He specialises in India's foreign policy towards its neighbours, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and China. In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss the Gen Z-led protests in India's neighbouring countries, the rise of the Cockroach Janata Party, and whether Gen Z has the power to influence or even topple a government in India. 00:00 - Introduction 01:40 - Youth in West Bengal & Tamil Nadu 13:55 - Youth Protests Around the World 21:44 - Challenges to Democracy 33:53 - Are India's Youth Angry? 46:04 - Gen Z Protests 1:02:10 - The Sanatan Debate 1:12:40 - Do Neighbours Distrust India? 1:24:33 - India-Bangladesh Relations 1:37:57 - The Aspirations of Today's Youth
June 22 · 1 hr 48 min
EP 425 | Narendra Modi 4.0 or Rahul Gandhi in 2029? | Neerja, Rasheed & Shekhar | ANI Podcast
From Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal to Punjab, political equations are shifting across India. Is Prime Minister Narendra Modi still the defining force in Indian politics? Can Rahul Gandhi transform the Congress into a credible alternative? What role will regional parties play in shaping the next phase of Indian democracy? And is India moving towards a two-coalition political system? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, senior journalists Neerja Chowdhury, Rasheed Kidwai and Shekhar Iyer join the discussion to analyse the changing political landscape. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – TMC's Collapse 08:05 – Defections in TMC 15:10 – The Fall of Abhishek Banerjee 23:31 – Congress & Regional Parties 31:53 – Congress–TMC Merger? 37:57 – TVK-Congress Alliance 47:33 – Rahul Gandhi vs Modi in 2029? 54:27 – BJP's Core Voters 1:00:23 – Why Voters Relate to Modi 1:08:19 – Modi's Feedback Mechanism 1:14:44 – Rajasthan Congress & Sachin Pilot 1:24:46 – Punjab Assembly Polls 2027 1:31:58 – UP Polls 2027 1:38:48 – Journalists and Politicians
June 17 · 1 hr 9 min
EP-424 | U.S.-Iran Deal, Hezbollah, Trump, Pakistan & India-Israel Ties | Israeli Envoy Reuven Azar
Reuven Azar is Israel's Ambassador to India. A career diplomat, he has held several key positions in Israel's foreign service and has been closely involved in shaping his country's foreign policy and international relations. In this edition of the ANI Podcast, Reuven Azar speaks to Smita Prakash about the Iran–U.S. peace deal, Israel's position on Lebanon, the future of the Middle East, and whether the region is moving towards peace or another phase of conflict. He also discusses India-Israel ties and what has changed under the leadership of PM Modi. 00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – U.S.–Iran Peace Deal 07:45 – What Israel Wants Next 09:22 – Defence vs Aggression 18:00 – Trump & Netanyahu Relationship 19:47 – Iran’s Nuclear Program 24:32 – Strait of Hormuz Crisis 29:05 – Buffer Zones in Gaza, Lebanon & Syria 35:02 – Netanyahu Under Pressure? 43:04 – Humanitarian Cost of War 46:35 – Two-State Solution 51:50 – India–Israel Relations 53:10 – Israel’s Wartime Economy 55:24 – Modi’s Visit & Iran Strikes 59:18 – Six Shared India–Israel Values 1:03:21 – Trade & Investment Future 1:08:23 – Pakistan as a Mediator
June 15 · 1 hr 50 min
EP-423 | CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran on India's Economy, AI, Rupee, Freebies & China | ANI Podcast
Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran is the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. He is also a writer, author, and teacher. He has taught at several business schools and management institutes in India and Singapore. He was a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India from 2019 to 2021. In this edition of the ANI Podcast, Dr. Nageswaran speaks to Smita Prakash about the future of the Indian economy, the impact of the West Asia crisis, the outlook for the rupee, and whether AI is a bubble. He also explains why he believes the era of the MBA is over. 00:00 - Introduction 00:56 - Foreign Investors 04:14 - Rupee-Dollar Debate 08:24 - Rupee Stability 14:20 - Foreign Banks 20:07 - Critics of India's Economy 28:20 - China's Manufacturing 33:09 - Unemployment in India 35:09 - Freebies Debate 44:24 - India's Aging Population 50:41 - Demographic Dividend 58:36 - The Skill Gap 1:00:21 - Artificial Intelligence 1:05:55 - India's Economic Strength 1:09:52 - Myths About Indian Economy 1:12:00 - India in 2047 1:18:22 - Per Capita Income 1:22:56 - Viksit Bharat Target 1:27:59 - Vision for India 1:36:42 - Old Economic Beliefs 1:38:07 - India's Economic Mindset 1:44:52 - Advice vs. Execution in Govt 1:48:40 - Fake News
June 10 · 1 hr 25 min
EP-422 | Pawan Kalyan Unfiltered: Politics, Spirituality, Gen Z, Movies, Modi & More | ANI Podcast
Pawan Kalyan is the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the founder and chief of the Jana Sena Party, an actor, and a philanthropist. He is the younger brother of Telugu cinema megastar Chiranjeevi. Over the years, he has carved a unique place for himself in Andhra Pradesh politics and has become one of the biggest stars in Telugu cinema, with a devoted fan following that extends far beyond the silver screen. In his first-ever podcast appearance, Pawan Kalyan opens up about his journey from movies to politics, his plans for Telangana, his days in Srinagar, his spiritual beliefs, and several untold stories from his life. He also shares his views on Gen Z, nationalism, language politics, governance, and the future of India. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 00:48: - Story Behind His Name 02:37 - Re-Entering Telangana Politics 07:03 - Telangana Expansion Plan 09:17 - "Outsider" Tag in Telangana 12:36 - North-South Debate 17:25 - Tax Allocation Debate 20:17 - Cockroach Janta Party 27:53 - Spiritual Journey 45:19 - Freebies Debate 48:54 - Hindi Imposition 57:54 - Plans for IT Jobs 1:00:15 - Brain Drain 1:08:47 - Special Status for Andhra 1:10:07 - Telangana Roadmap 1:14:27 - What's Next in Life? 1:16:59 - South vs North Films 1:21:54 - Fitness Routine
June 8 · 1 hr 39 min
EP-421 | Where is India's Economy Heading Amid West Asia Crisis? | Economist Neelkanth Mishra
Neelkanth Mishra is an Economist and a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He has recently been appointed India’s Executive Director at the World Bank. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Mishra breaks down India’s current economic position amid the West Asia crisis. He discusses the impact of the falling rupee, energy problem, capital flows, and concerns around foreign investors leaving India. 00:00 – Introduction 1:09 – India's Economic Growth Outlook 7:37 – Are Foreign Investors Leaving India? 12:27 – Innovation Challenge in India 22:29 – India's Energy Vulnerability 25:41 – Economic Impact of West Asia Crisis 32:47 – US Tariffs on India 36:32 – Rupee’s Fall 48:31 – RBI’s Gold Reserves Position 53:02 – Why Gold Overtook US Bonds 57:29 – Domestic Demand vs Export-Led Growth 1:05:38 – 3 Key Policy Advice for India’s Growth 1:19:14 – Lessons from Global Capital Giants 1:25:23 – RBI’s Hold on Repo Rate 1:28:26 – Tax Exemption on Government Securities 1:32:38 – India’s Next Phase of Economic Expansion
June 4 · 1 hr 21 min
EP-420 | Falling Rupee, Inflation, AI, Foreign Investment & India's Growth Story | Dr Shamika Ravi
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 development economics, with a special emphasis on finance, healthcare, urbanisation, gender equality, welfare, and poverty. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Shamika Ravi discusses how the West Asia crisis impacts India's economy. She responds to critics who argue that India's growth story is over and shares her views on foreign direct investment, India's position in the artificial intelligence race, the falling rupee, rising inflation, and the country's economic outlook in 2026. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:48 – India's Economic Future 04:29 – Foreign Direct Investment 07:11 – India's Approach to AI 11:09 – Indians' Purchasing Power 15:13 – Nuclear Reactors 17:28 – COVID-Like Crisis Coming? 19:56 – Advice for Investors 22:09 – India's Economic Growth 25:16 – Freebies and Welfare Politics 29:24 – Rural vs. Urban Consumption 30:52 – Economic Reforms 40:43 – PM's Advice Against Buying Gold 44:43 – World Abandoning Free Market? 48:43 – Market Privatisation in India 50:26 – Market Solutions for New-Age Problems 56:20 – India's Demographic Dividend 1:06:03 – Demographic Change in India 1:10:06 – Women's Reservation 1:18:24 – PM Modi's Economic Vision for 2047