The central government has initiated a collaborative effort with major social media giants, including Meta, Google, and Telegram, to counter the spread of misinformation and secure the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level review meeting alongside central security and intelligence agencies to establish a foolproof security framework for the medical entrance test.

During the discussions, authorities raised serious concerns over the proliferation of fake paper-leak claims, clickbait content, and unverified information circulated via anonymous online groups and automated bots. Inputs from intelligence agencies revealed that multiple suspicious channels operate through a restricted set of phone numbers, pointing toward a coordinated effort to create panic among students and parents.

Focused crackdown on fraudulent networks

To address these vulnerabilities early, the Union Education Minister directed law enforcement and tech platforms to proactively identify, block, and take down channels spreading propaganda before the examination commences. The minister emphasized that social media platforms must work in sync with the Ministry of Education, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and security agencies to safeguard candidates from misleading narratives.

The high-level meeting, which included the director general of the NTA and senior ministry officials, aimed to map out potential security risks in advance to deploy preventive and corrective measures. Maintaining public trust in the examination process remains a top government priority.

The development follows the recent cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 exam originally held on May 3, which is currently being investigated by the CBI over paper-leak allegations. The re-test is officially scheduled to take place on June 21.

A simple packet of the classic chocolate-and-caramel toffee Melody has unexpectedly gone viral after a light-hearted diplomatic moment between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni triggered a wave of online buzz and consumer interest in India.

Viral Modi-Meloni moment drives internet frenzy

The trend began after a video of PM Narendra Modi gifting a packet of Parle Melody to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit gained traction on social media. The clip shows the two leaders sharing a warm and informal exchange, which quickly caught the attention of users online.

Meloni’s positive reaction in the video and the friendly interaction between the two leaders helped fuel the popularity of the moment, which users soon began referring to as part of the “Melodi” meme trend.

Melody demand spikes on quick-commerce platforms

Following the viral spread of the video, demand for Melody toffees reportedly surged across India. Users on social media began sharing screenshots showing the candy listed as out of stock on quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Zepto in several locations.

The sudden spike in interest led to widespread discussion online, with many users humorously linking the diplomatic moment to the sudden shortage of the nostalgic candy.

‘Melodi’ meme trend returns

Beyond the retail impact, the interaction once again revived the popular “Melodi” meme trend on social media. Users flooded platforms with memes, edits, and humorous posts referencing the friendly exchange between the two leaders.

The trend highlights how light-hearted diplomatic moments can quickly evolve into viral cultural phenomena in the digital age.

The Congress party is set to become part of the Tamil Nadu government for the first time in nearly six decades, with two of its MLAs expected to join Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s cabinet in an upcoming expansion.

According to reports, the Congress leadership has approved the induction of two legislators into the Vijay-led administration, marking the party’s return to power-sharing in Tamil Nadu after 59 years.

The development comes days after actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), formed the government in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 Assembly elections. Congress had extended support to TVK during the government formation process earlier this month.

Reports said MLAs K Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan are among the likely Congress leaders to be sworn in as ministers. The cabinet expansion is expected to strengthen the alliance between TVK and Congress while also giving Congress a direct role in governance in the state.

Congress had last been part of the Tamil Nadu government in 1967, making the latest move a major political milestone in the state’s history. Political observers see the decision as an attempt to consolidate the ruling alliance and maintain stability in the new government.

The TVK government led by Vijay has already begun administrative restructuring and portfolio allocation after taking office earlier this month. Vijay retained key departments including Home, Police and Youth Welfare in the initial cabinet formation.

The Congress leadership had earlier indicated its willingness to participate in the Tamil Nadu government after extending support to Vijay during the post-election negotiations.