General Upendra Dwivedi is currently serving as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army. He previously served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command. Before that, he was the Deputy Chief of Army Staff for Information Systems and Coordination and the General Officer Commanding of the IX Corps.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the Army Chief shares his views on several key issues. He discusses how the situation of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has changed after the abrogation of Article 370 and also talks about the Indian Army's role in implementing the theme of ‘Terrorism to Tourism” in Kashmir Valley.

He also opens up about the Pakistani Army’s mindset regarding PoK and the motive behind infiltration bids by Pakistani terrorists.

General Dwivedi also addresses how AI is transforming battlefields across the world and how the Indian Army is utilizing this technology. He emphasizes that civilian support for the army plays a major role and explains how an average citizen can be helpful to the Indian Army. He highlights the disengagement between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

General Dwivedi further reflects on the role of women in the Indian Armed Forces. He also discusses the budget allocated for the defence sector and the priorities that need to be addressed to boost the army's performance.

00:00 – Introduction

01:06 - India-China border Disengagement

04:20 - Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Army Chief

07:32 - Trump’s pitch to sell stealth fighters to India

11:43 - Security situation along LoC

14:16 - Decline in militancy in Kashmir

16:47 - Mindset of Pakistani Army

22:24 - Drones: Future of Warfare

27:46 - Is Agnipath scheme helping Army?

30:42 - ‘Gray zone’ and ‘Hybrid’ warfare

38:31 - AI and Indian Army

48:56 - Two classmates leading Indian Armed Forces

55:59 - Recruits in the Indian Army

59:22 - Budget allocation for Defence

1:06:23 - Army pay scale compared to private sector

1:12:02 - Civilian support for Army

1:16:55 - When Army Chief visited Mahakaleshwar Temple

1:19:05 - Childhood of Army Chief

1:22:30 - Emotional impact of losing friends in combat

Jaya Kishori started her spiritual journey at the age of seven. Raised in a spiritual environment, she developed a deep love for spiritualism, leading her to become a motivational and spiritual speaker. Her mission is to instill faith, positivity, and the importance of family, emphasizing that good parenting shapes successful and virtuous individuals. She ensures her teachings are simple and relatable for all ages.

In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Jaya Kishori speaks about finding a balance between spirituality and a materialistic lifestyle, addressing the Dior bag controversy and how she deals with online criticism. She also talks about ego, the highs and lows of fame, and the importance of family support in her journey. Sharing her experience of studying the Bhagavad Gita, she talks about sacrifice, spirituality, and why she chose to change her name.

She also discusses whether visiting temples or following a Satvik lifestyle is necessary for devotion, why today's youth feel disconnected from spirituality, and why some parents use their children for money. She also talks about the rise in suicide cases, the misuse of laws, how to handle anger, and the importance of chanting in life.

00:00 - Introduction

01:46 - Dior Bag Controversy

09:45 - Online Criticism

13:36 - Ego & Adulation

16:29 - Career & Family Support

18:21 - Bhagavad Gita

20:48 - Sacrifice vs. Spirituality

23:49 - How to Deal with Failure

28:03 - Why Jaya Kishori Changed Her Name

30:29 - Devotional Journey

34:43 - Visiting Temple Importance

37:11 - Youth and Spirituality

44:11 - Satvik Life

51:12 - How to Become a Spiritual Speaker

54:46 - Kids in Spirituality & Devotion

57:41 - Parents 'Misusing' Children for Money

01:03:44 - Sacredness vs. Hypocrisy

01:05:23 - Snap Reaction Segment

01:36:36 - Misuse of AI

01:43:28 - Rise in Suicide Cases & Misuse of Laws

01:49:58 - Finding Hope in Difficult Times

01:53:00 - Jaya Kishori's Go-To Chant

01:57:01 - How to Handle Anger

Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as 'Gabbar' by his fans, has had a remarkable cricket career. He won the Golden Bat twice at the ICC Champions Trophy, and holds the record for the fastest Test century by a debutant, In August 2024, he announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket.

In this podcast with Smita Prakash, Dhawan talks about the pressure social media creates in team selection and shares his views on the controversial Yo-Yo test. He also recalls his Test debut alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

He opens up about his mindset during the Champions Trophy, the challenges of sledging, friendships off the field, and why India can't play in Pakistan.

Dhawan also talks about his bond with his son, how spirituality has shaped his life, and his journey from being dropped in 2022 to his thoughts on the future of Indian cricket.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:21 - The Pressure of Social Media

05:37 - Champions Trophy 2025

08:11 - Dressing room conversations

11:07 - Yo-Yo test

18:11 - Story behind selection in Indian Team

19:33 - Playing with Sachin in his debut Test

21:14 - Sachin Tendulkar's retirement

22:41 - Timing, fate, and hard work

26:34 - Breaking Gundappa Viswanath's record

29:57 - A captain’s advice for openers

33:35 - Understanding the opponent’s abilities

35:22 - Champions Trophy records & Mindset

40:51 - Bid to upskill cricket coaches in India

47:35 - Sledging in cricket

49:33 - Should Team India travel to Pakistan?

50:43 - BCCI's new rulebook for players

52:06 - IPL success story

54:16 - Dhawan as captain

58:27 - Getting dropped from Team India

01:00:43 - Having a godfather in cricket

01:04:36 - Relationship with his son

01:10:38 - Spirituality in life

01:13:27 - Retirement decision

01:16:33 - Advice to young players

01:17:56 - Importance of physical fitness

01:24:49 - Legends 90 League

01:27:01 - Rapid Fire Segment