Lieutenant General PC Nair is a retired officer of the Indian Army with a career spanning over four decades. He served as the Director General of the Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, where he played a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East region. Lt. Gen. Nair (Retd) has extensive expertise in dealing with insurgency, tribal dynamics, and border security.

He is also recognised for his in-depth understanding of India’s internal security challenges, particularly in volatile regions such as Manipur, Nagaland, and the North East. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Lt Gen PC Nair (Retd.) discusses the proposed Rakhine Corridor in Myanmar, which has sparked political and military tensions in Bangladesh.

He explains how China is expanding its influence through the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and why the US seeks to increase its foothold via humanitarian aid in Myanmar. He also explores why Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, is delaying elections and the growing rift with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman.

He also discusses the impact of militancy along the Myanmar border and how growing Chinese influence in Bangladesh affects India.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

01:50 – Power Game in Myanmar’s Rakhine

06:30 – China’s Ties with Myanmar’s Arakan Army

11:57 – ‘Humanitarian Corridor’ in Rakhine

14:00 – Yunus’s Interest in Rakhine Corridor

19:27 – American Presence in Bangladesh

23:17 – Muhammad Yunus vs Army

27:16 – Kaladan Multimodal Project

32:28 – Challenges on the Indo-Myanmar Border

35:38 – Bangladesh's ‘Two Chicken Necks’

41:43 – Revival of Lalmonirhat Airbase

46:36 – Jamaat-e-Islami Comeback in B'desh

48:54 – Myanmar’s Rare-Earth Mining

51:43 – Militant Groups in Myanmar

57:33 – India-Bangladesh Relations

Rajpal Yadav began his acting journey with television before making a mark in films like Shool (1999) and Jungle (2000).

Rajpal has delivered iconic performances in films such as Hungama, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Chup Chup Ke and Bhool Bhulaiyaa series, among others, where he impressed audiences with his blend of humor and comic timing.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rajpal Yadav opens up about his iconic comic roles and his views on nepotism in Bollywood. He highlights how actors from non-film backgrounds carve their path in the industry.

He also discusses his time at the National School of Drama (NSD), and the lifelong friendships he formed with fellow actors who went on to achieve success in Bollywood.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

00:45 – Love for Theatre

02:42 – Typecast in Comic Roles

06:05 – Boundaries of an Artist

08:53 – Playing Multiple Characters

16:08 – Insecurity Among Actors

23:11 – Turning Point of Career

31:50 – Bollywood and its Audience

36:54 – PR Companies in Bollywood

42:07 – Family Background

44:14 – Nepotism Debate

47:39 – Iconic Comic Roles

52:00 – Roles in Sequel Movies

54:23 – Rapport with Actors

57:04 – Bonding with Directors

1:01:40 – Life After NSD Days

1:05:26 – Upcoming Projects

1:06:55 – Quitting Politics

1:13:07 – Directorial Venture

Shashi Shekhar is the founder of AI for India, an initiative focused on building a strong ecosystem for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in the country. He is also the former CEO of Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster.

In this episode of the Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shashi Shekhar talks about the battle of narratives surrounding Operation Sindoor and how false narratives against India are often amplified in the West through misinformation and fake news.

He highlights the role of AI platforms in this ongoing narrative warfare. He also discusses the outreach efforts by the all-party delegation on Operation Sindoor and stresses the importance of strong engagement and clear communication of India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

Shashi Shekhar further explains why the global Indian diaspora, along with film celebrities, sports personalities, and spiritual leaders, must take a moral stand and speak up in support of India’s narrative.

Audio Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:08 - Narrative wars of Operation Sindoor

08:37 - Fighting Fake Narrative

17:23 - Balakot: Facts vs Bias

24:56 - J-10 Hype & Narrative Building

31:08 - Religious Spin by Western Media

34:53 - The Karachi Bombing Confusion

39:18 - Social Media’s Impact on Conflict

46:44 - Indian-Origin Billionaires

01:02:41 - US-Pakistan Relations and Propaganda

01:06:21 - Does Public Opinion Affect Govt?

01:10:23 - Why Film Industry Quiet on India-Pak War?