Pavneet Singh is an author, teacher, and content creator who makes videos on geopolitics, foreign affairs, and international relations. Over the years, he has carved a niche for himself by simplifying geopolitics into layman’s terms, making it easy for everyone to understand. He also runs a popular YouTube channel called SpyGamesPavneet.

In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pavneet discusses how governments are being toppled in South Asia, with Nepal serving as the latest example. Is there a foreign hand at play, or was it truly a people’s revolt? He also shares his views on the India–US trade dispute and why ties between the two countries have hit their lowest point in the last two decades.

Pavneet further discusses Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China after seven years, and whether India should be cautious in resetting its ties with Beijing. The conversation also touches upon Pakistan, Operation Sindoor, the Russia–Ukraine war, and even the role of the so-called ‘Deep State’ in India.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

01:00 – Nepal’s Gen Z Protests

05:22 – Social Media’s Role in Nepal Protests

11:33 – Regional Politics and Nepal’s Stability

17:24 – Foreign Influence in Nepal’s Crisis

20:33 – Regimes Toppled in South Asia

24:25 – India’s Approach to Regional Stability

31:18 – China’s Vision and Regional Ambitions

36:16 – India’s Strategic Autonomy & the SCO Summit

42:26 – India–China Thaw & Nuclear Proliferation

47:00 – America’s Deep Game in Pakistan

49:37 – Regime Degradation in South Asia

54:52 – The India–China Border Issue

1:04:32 – Peter Navarro’s Anti-India Comments

1:10:09 – India’s Adaptive Foreign Policy

1:15:19 – Gen Z’s Geopolitical Awakening

Amod Kanth is a former IPS officer who served in the Delhi Police and is known for handling some of India’s most high-profile and sensitive cases. He was the investigating officer in the Jessica Lal murder case and played a key role in probing the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Kanth also headed the Crime Branch and later founded Prayas, an NGO working for children and youth.

In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Amod Kanth speaks about the motive behind Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination and what really went on behind the scenes. He also talks about the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the rise of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and how the Jessica Lal case changed India, highlighting the crucial role of media activism.

He shares first-hand accounts of policing during turbulent times, the challenges of maintaining law and order, and the lessons these landmark cases hold for India’s governance and society.

00:00 – Introduction

02:59 – Jessica Lal Murder Case

11:09 – Big Names at the Party When Jessica Was Murdered

20:08 – Jessica Lal Murder Investigation

23:24 – Cover-Up in the Jessica Case

30:16 – Manu Sharma's Surrender

34:09 – Court Acquitted All Accused in the Jessica Case

35:52 – How Media Scrutiny Reopened the Jessica Case

44:15 – BMW Hit & Run Case

57:28 – Sting Operation on BMW Hit & Run Case

01:02:34 – Why the Witness Flipped in BMW Hit & Run Case

01:07:11 – Romesh Sharma Chopper Case

01:14:47 – Romesh Sharma's Connection with Mafias

01:20:01 – Bhindranwale & Operation Blue Star

01:30:00 – Indira Gandhi's Assassination

01:32:44 – How Did Delhi Police Handle the 1984 Riots?

01:42:28 – Rajiv Gandhi's Assassination

01:48:58 – Why Rajiv Gandhi Neglected Security

01:51:20 – Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Probe

01:56:58 – Delhi After Rajiv Gandhi's Death

01:59:08 – Amod Kanth's 'Prayas JAC Society'

02:03:44 – Joining Politics

Milind Deora is a former Union Minister of State and prominent Mumbai politician who joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena after spending over two decades in the Congress. Known for his candid views on governance, democracy, and Mumbai’s development, Deora has often been at the centre of key political debates.

In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he opens up on Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, why he left the Congress, and discusses Trump’s tariffs on India. He also speaks about democracy within political parties, while slamming the protests against the SIR issue.

Deora shares his views on Mumbai’s lost decade due to internal party politics, explains why certain sections cannot digest Prime Minister Modi’s success, and talks about the road ahead for the Shiv Sena.

Timestamps

00:00 – Coming Up

02:08 – Introduction

03:29 – Why He Left Congress

06:24 – Freedom of Speech in NDA

07:36 – Reasons for Leaving Congress

14:26 – Manmohanomics vs. Modinomics

15:30 – Young Leaders Betraying Congress?

18:00 – Hindi–Marathi Language Row

22:08 – Mumbai’s Lost Decade

28:54 – Mumbai’s Infrastructure

32:38 – Garbage & Pothole Issues

38:13 – Mumbai’s Development

46:17 – Can Mumbai Regain Its Global Status?

49:06 – Marine Drive vs. Bandra–Worli Sea Link

50:38 – Mumbai’s Food Culture

52:11 – Pani Puri vs. Bhel Puri

53:05 – Udupi Hotel vs. Irani Café

53:29 – Gateway of India vs. CSMT

53:57 – Mumbai’s Local Trains

54:29 – Puran Poli vs. Shrikhand

56:55 – Mumbai’s Dabbawalas

58:04 – Bollywood

01:00:12 – All-Party Delegation on Operation Sindoor

01:05:17 – ‘Vote Chori’ Controversy

01:06:45 – Central Agencies Being Misused?

01:12:57 – Remembering the 26/11 Attack

01:22:04 – Why Didn’t India Retaliate After 26/11?

01:24:48 – Munir’s Nuke Threat Against India

01:27:30 – Should India’s Youth Enter Politics?

01:30:22 – Meeting with PM Modi

01:31:36 – Equations with the Gandhis After Leaving Congress