EP-433 | Is the American Dream Dead? | Arnab Ray on Racism, H-1B & AI Layoffs

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

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

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

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

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