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MK Stalin hosts JAC meet in Chennai to challenge proposed 2026 delimitation plan

In a show of regional solidarity, southern and eastern state leaders assembled in Chennai for a high-level meeting to oppose changes in the upcoming delimitation process, warning of its impact on federal balance and democratic representation.

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In a significant political development, leaders from various southern and eastern Indian states gathered in Chennai on Saturday for the first Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting on “Fair Delimitation”, hosted by the Tamil Nadu government. The initiative, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, aims to build consensus against the upcoming 2026 delimitation process, which critics argue could unfairly reduce the parliamentary representation of progressive states.

The meeting was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, and senior representatives from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Former Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik and former minister Sanjay Das Burma represented the BJD, while BRS’s working president K T Rama Rao led their delegation.

West Bengal’s ruling party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), was invited but chose not to send a representative. Andhra Pradesh, ruled by BJP ally Chandrababu Naidu, also abstained.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Stalin called the event “a historic day for Indian federalism,” stressing that states that have successfully controlled population growth and contributed to national development must not be penalised by a skewed delimitation policy.

The meeting’s agenda included demands to extend the current delimitation framework based on the 1971 Census for 30 more years beyond 2026, drafting resolutions against the proposed changes, exploring constitutional and legal remedies, and launching public awareness campaigns across concerned states.

“There is a deliberate attempt to silence our voices in Parliament,” Stalin said. “Fair delimitation is about our states’ rights, not just numbers.”

Leaders from attending states echoed this sentiment. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy framed the issue as one of federal equity, while Karnataka’s Shivakumar called for a non-partisan national dialogue. Although the TMC was absent, it has also expressed concern over the potential impact of the changes.

This marks a rare moment of cross-regional unity on a policy-driven issue, separate from electoral alliances. The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has taken the initiative forward since hosting an all-party meeting on March 5, where 58 political parties, excluding the BJP, pledged support for “fair delimitation.”

Although Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently assured that southern states would not lose any seats, the assurance was made at a public rally, not through an official parliamentary statement.

“This is not just a Tamil Nadu issue anymore,” Stalin said. “It is a national movement demanding fair representation and protection of federal values.”

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Government ropes in Meta, Google, and Telegram to prevent leaks ahead of NEET-UG re-exam

In a bid to ensure a fair and secure NEET-UG re-examination, the central government has partnered with tech giants like Meta, Google, and Telegram to actively eliminate fake online channels and misinformation networks before the June 21 test.

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May 21, 2026

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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.

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Tamil Nadu cabinet expansion: 23 new ministers, including 2 Congress MLAs, to take oath

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is set to expand his Council of Ministers today with the induction of 23 MLAs, including 21 from the TVK and two from the Congress.

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May 21, 2026

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In a major political development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is expanding his Council of Ministers today by inducting 23 new MLAs. The expansion reflects a significant consolidation of the ruling alliance, bringing representation from key partner parties into the government.

Diverse representation in the new team

The incoming cohort of ministers consists of 21 lawmakers from Chief Minister Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), alongside 2 legislators from the allied Congress party. Media reports indicate that the expansion aims to reinforce unity among alliance partners, with further representation expected for other regional allies to balance regional and political administration. The official swearing-in ceremony for all 23 nominees is scheduled to take place today in Chennai.

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Melody runs out of stock on quick-commerce apps as viral PM Modi-Meloni video triggers candy frenzy

A casual diplomatic gift has triggered an unprecedented consumer rush, leaving quick-commerce apps like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart completely out of stock of the iconic Melody candy.

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15 hours ago

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May 20, 2026

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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.

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