Bilal Lone is a former separatist and the elder son of Abdul Gani Lone, the Hurriyat Conference leader who founded the People’s Conference. Bilal was part of the Hurriyat Conference delegation that met Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani in Delhi in 2004. His younger brother, Sajjad Lone, is currently a member of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Bilal was aligned with the Mirwaiz faction of the Hurriyat when it split into two groups — the so-called moderates led by Mirwaiz and the hardliners led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Abdul Gani Lone states that the terrorists who attacked Pahalgam do not represent the mindset of all Kashmiris. He emphasises that the people of Kashmir want peace and do not want to be associated with radical elements.

He also advocates for a war with Pakistan, urging that it should be settled once and for all, for the sake of all Kashmiris. Abdul Gani Lone also explains why he stopped visiting Pakistan and stepped away from separatist leadership, sharing the reasons that led to a change in his perspective.

00:00 – Introduction

01:55 – Normalcy in Kashmir

06:07 – Local Support for Terrorists

13:16 – Conflict Zone of Kashmir

16:44 – Hurriyat's Ties with Pakistan

19:59 – Extremism in Kashmir

25:59 – Tourists Saved by Locals

29:26 – Kashmir Leaders Unite

33:19 – Indus Treaty on Hold

39:45 – Kashmir's Tourism Industry Setback

48:37 – Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus

52:31 – PM Modi's Warning to Terrorists

58:09 – BJP in Kashmir

1:07:55 – AS Dulat's Book Row

1:09:55 – Advani's Meeting with Hurriyat Leaders

Sundarraj Pattilingam is an Indian Police Service officer currently serving as the Inspector General (IG) of Bastar Range in Chhattisgarh. He is known for his leadership in operations against Maoist insurgents in the region.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sundarraj discusses how Naxalism is coming to an end in Chhattisgarh. He explains how the efforts of security forces and the administration are helping bring Maoists into the mainstream.

He also shares some shocking tactics used by Maoists to target security forces and reveals the changing face of Bastar. He encourages people to visit the region, which is blessed with stunning scenic beauty, forests, waterfalls, wildlife, ancient temples, and vibrant tribal dances and music.

00:00 – Introduction

01:48 – Bastar as a Maoist bastion

06:45 – Ideology of the Maoists

10:45 – Posting in Bastar

19:09 – Local recruitment in Bastar

21:22 – Development in Bastar

26:47 – Sacrifices made by jawans

32:54 – 'Operation Kagar'

35:39 – Naxal influence on villagers

43:15 – Minors recruited by Naxals

46:53 – Humanitarian handling of Naxal bodies

52:37 – Tech use in Naxal-affected zones

India has faced its worst terrorist attack on civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In Kashmir's Pahalgam, 27 innocent lives were lost and 15 others were injured in an attack backed by Pakistan. Terrorists opened fire at point-blank range, targeting innocent tourists. Four terrorists stormed the popular tourist location, creating chaos for 20 minutes. Will India respond to this attack? What will be New Delhi’s reaction?

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd), former Commander of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps. He explains why terrorists chose Pahalgam to attack civilians, what message Pakistan intends to send to India and Kashmir, and whether the terrorists had local support.

Pandey also discusses whether there could be more attacks like the one in Pahalgam and blames Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for orchestrating these attacks, calling him the "Kingpin" behind them.

00:00 – Introduction

01:00 – Intel failure behind the attack

03:33 – Pakistan’s message to Kashmiris

05:20 – 'Asim Munir behind the attack'

08:11 – Why only tourists were targeted

13:54 – Gulmarg fashion show controversy

15:20 – Who tipped the terrorists off

17:55 – Why women and children were spared

21:20 – Rising tourism in Kashmir

24:55 – What Kashmiris think of the terror attack

28:22 – India vs Pakistan: Leadership compared

30:40 – India’s response to the attack

33:17 – Casualties in the war

34:57 – ISI’s propaganda

36:30 – Consequences of war

38:42 – 'Pakistan wants a war'

43:16 – Civilian, military, and intel coordination

46:33 – Why the terrorist said “Tell Modi”

50:32 – NC & PDP’s stance on the attack

53:56 – A message for Indians

Kushal Mehra is an author and podcaster who divides his time between Canada and India. He is known for his sharp insights and first-hand experience of life in Canada. Ajay Bisaria is the former High Commissioner of India to Canada. He is now a strategic advisor and a well-regarded voice on geopolitics, international business, and public policy.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss why the Canadian elections matter to India and how the outcome could affect relations with New Delhi, especially after strained ties under Justin Trudeau's regime.

Kushal and Ajay also talk about how Donald Trump's political comeback and tariff wars are influencing the Canadian political landscape. They explore why Canada has become a safe haven for Khalistani elements. The conversation also touches on concerns around possible foreign interference in the 2025 Canadian elections, including the roles of China, India, and Pakistan.

*Audio Timestamps:*

00:00 - Introduction

02:27 - Why Canadian Polls Matter to India

12:32 - How Canada Chooses Its Government

16:47 - Mark Carney vs Justin Trudeau

18:13 - Canada’s Response to Trump’s Win

21:07 - Trump’s Influence on Canada’s Polls

29:19 - Impact of Debates on Canada’s Polls

31:32 - Situation of Indian Students in Canada

34:39 - Indian Students Being Targeted in Canada

42:15 - Minorities and Canada’s Election

48:17 - What's Next in India-Canada Ties

50:36 - Jagmeet Singh’s Political Future

55:02 - Global Trade War

01:00:04 - Nijjar Killing Row

01:09:12 - Role of Indian Embassy in Canada

01:15:52 - Diplomats' Security in Canada

01:20:37 - India-Canada Diplomatic Ties

Kiren Rijiju is currently serving as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister of Minority Affairs. He has served as the Union Law Minister of India and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports. He is considered one of the most active and respected parliamentarians, with over 90% attendance in Parliament and regular participation in debates and questions on national and international issues.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kiren Rijiju clears the air on the Waqf Amendment Act, saying that no rights of the Muslim community will be taken away. He strongly criticises opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Asaduddin Owaisi.

He also talks about the Manipur crisis and addresses the question of why the Prime Minister has not visited the state. Rijiju speaks about the BJP not having a single Muslim MP and shares his views on the collegium system, the China-Arunachal passport issue, and Muhammad Yunus' statement on the Northeast.

00:00 – Introduction

00:58 – Waqf Act

03:28 – Rahul Gandhi on Waqf

05:10 – Impact of Waqf Act on North-East

08:24 – Bengal CM Against the Waqf Act

09:30 – Waqf-Related Violence in Bengal

12:37 – Non-BJP States on the Waqf Act

16:53 – Can Waqf Trigger a Nationwide Protest?

20:28 – Viral Picture with Omar Abdullah

23:23 – Waqf Act's Impact on Mosques

29:24 – Manipur Debate in Parliament

31:36 – Who’s to Blame for the Manipur Crisis?

37:38 – Normalcy in Manipur

40:48 – Role as Parliamentary Affairs Minister

44:13 – TMC MP Mahua’s Allegation

49:39 – Dhankhar Mimicry Row

55:26 – Fight Over Ambedkar’s Legacy

01:02:41 – Rijiju as Law Minister

01:05:16 – Entry into Politics

01:10:44 – Muhammad Yunus’ Comment on Northeast

01:15:06 – Arunachal-China Passport Row

01:17:58 – China-India Border Dispute

01:18:41 – Physical Fitness

01:22:55 – Food

01:26:14 – Learning Multiple Languages

How can AI be used to detect lung cancer early? Is there enough funding for healthcare in India? Are we seeing enough medical advancement and technology in the Indian healthcare system? Can AI models identify breast cancer at an early stage? And is AI better than humans regarding cancer diagnosis and therapy?

In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Swapnil Rane, Professor of Pathology and AI Research Lead at the Tata Memorial Centre, answers these questions. He also shares how AI has the potential to revolutionise cancer diagnosis and treatment. According to him, AI can detect lung cancer at a very early stage, sometimes even before it becomes visible to the human eye.

00:00 – Introduction

00:50 – Lung Cancer in India

10:24 – AI in Cancer Diagnosis

13:32 – Health Insurance Sector

16:59 – Cancer Trials Ecosystem

23:32 – Use of AI in Medicine

28:47 – AI vs Humans in Healthcare

31:40 – Challenges faced by Doctors

39:19 – Medical Technology in India

43:08 – Data Privacy in Healthcare

Arun Sao is currently serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. A lawyer by profession, he began his political journey in 1990 as a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks of the BJP, starting out as a booth-level worker. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arun Sao levels serious corruption allegations against the previous Congress government. He also talks about the BJP government’s efforts to generate employment in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, he explains how Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh and shares insights on the current situation of Naxalism in the state.

00:00 – Introduction

00:46 – Anti-Naxal Operations

09:17 – Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder

15:41 – Water Crisis in Chhattisgarh

19:29 – Bharatmala Project

21:38 – 'Misuse of ED, CBI, I-T' charge

25:26 – Chhattisgarh Civic Polls

32:15 – High Command Culture in Political Parties

36:33 – Goal of Gender Equality

42:42 – Employment and Job Opportunities

Vijay Sharma is the MLA from the Kawardha constituency and currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He had served as the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. Over the years, he has been actively involved in several protests, including those related to paddy procurement and ration card distribution.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Deputy CM Vijay Sharma speaks about the recruitment of minors by Naxal groups, the overall law and order situation in the state, and whether journalists are safe in Chhattisgarh. He also shares an update on the murder case of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar and strongly criticises the previous Congress government, accusing it of widespread corruption under Bhupesh Baghel’s leadership

00:00 – Introduction

00:19 – From School Teacher to a Politician

03:46 – First-Time MLA to Home Minister

04:29 – Naxalism in Chhattisgarh

10:56 – Ceasefire: A Naxal Tactic?

13:32 – Minors in Naxalism

16:05 – Anti-Naxal Ops or Revenge Killing?

17:20 – Rehabilitation for Naxals

22:14 – Modern Weapons for Police

25:31 – Cyber Crimes in Chhattisgarh

29:25 – Balodabazar Violence

32:53 – Overcrowding in Jails

36:31 – Mukesh Chandrakar Murder Case

39:26 – Human-Animal Conflict

47:29 – Forced Religious Conversion

51:32 – Impact of Waqf Act

53:18 – Metro in Chhattisgarh

54:24 – Government Policies