July 29, 2026

MEA takes meme route (ANI image) The ministry of external affairs (MEA), in a unique attempt to counter repeated misinformation about the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, on Wednesday shared a viral meme from the American animated show South Park with the caption: “How many times do I have to explain this to you?” on its new fact check page on Instagram.The post used the popular meme format to express frustration over what it described as repeated false claims regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.The MEA Fact Check wrote: “On repeated falsehoods being spread about the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, @meaindia be like…” alongside the South Park meme.The ministry reiterated India’s long-standing position, stating: “The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas currently under Pakistan’s illegal and forcible occupation, are integral and inalienable parts of India.”It further said that Pakistan’s ongoing electoral exercise in the region was “nothing but an attempt… to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region.”Response to social media claimsThe MEA Fact Check also posted the same message on X in response to a social media account that claimed Jammu and Kashmir remained disputed territory under UN resolutions.Rejecting those assertions, the ministry reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistan’s “illegal and forcible occupation,” are an inseparable part of India and described Pakistan’s electoral process in the region as merely “cosmetic.”The ministry’s post also referred to the continuing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), saying the protests were a direct result of “Islamabad’s decades-long systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression.”The rebuttal comes amid reports of fresh violence in Rawalakot and Mirpur, where security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators protesting for basic rights.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad ProtestTwo Army Personnel Injured In Suspected Landmine Explosion Near LoC In Uri’Most Filthy Type Of Man’: Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Attack Pralhad Joshi; Massive Ruckus In ParlWhy Delhi-NCR Flooded Again As Four Weather Systems Combined With Years Of Planning Failures’Students Want Justice, Not Charity’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Explosive Speech On Paper Leaks Rocks LSMizoram Minister Opens Up On Drug Menace, Myanmar Border, Disaster Readiness & Ties With Centre”You Removed One Pradhan To Save The PM”: Paper Leak Bill Triggers Massive Showdown In ParliamentPolice Diary Reportedly Reveals RAF Fired Anti-Riot Guns During Jantar Mantar Protest | WatchOnce A Fierce BJP Critic, Ex-TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh To Defend Centre’s Anti-paper Leak Bill | Watch123Photostories”Your child is always watching you”: 7 everyday parenting habits that unknowingly shape every Indian child’s futureWant more blooms? Prune these 5 garden plants in AugustWhy Indians have added ghee to hot rice for generations, according to scienceThe truth about Kumkumadi tailam: Know why it doesn’t deliver the same results for everyoneFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsLeftover rotis? Try these 9 desi lunch dishes that pack 14–22g proteinHow to grow and care for lucky bamboo: An easy step-by-step guide for beginnersIrina Shayk dating history: Inside the Russian supermodel’s high-profile romances; from Bradley Cooper to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Mirabai Chanu to Harjinder Kaur: 10 women who are making India proud at the Commonwealth Games 2026Did you know this was the world’s first favourite flavour? Here’s how it became so popular123Hot PicksMCC new rulesRey mysterios daughterDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions bille20 PetrolRajasthan Safai Karamchari recruitmentTN supplementary resultsTN SSLC, HSE supplementary resultsTop TrendingKangana RanautJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
MEA takes meme route (ANI image) The ministry of external affairs (MEA), in a unique attempt to counter repeated misinformation about the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, on Wednesday shared a viral meme from the American animated show South Park with the caption: “How many times do I have to explain this to you?” on its new fact check page on Instagram.The post used the popular meme format to express frustration over what it described as repeated false claims regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.The MEA Fact Check wrote: “On repeated falsehoods being spread about the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, @meaindia be like…” alongside the South Park meme.The ministry reiterated India’s long-standing position, stating: “The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas currently under Pakistan’s illegal and forcible occupation, are integral and inalienable parts of India.”It further said that Pakistan’s ongoing electoral exercise in the region was “nothing but an attempt… to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region.”Response to social media claimsThe MEA Fact Check also posted the same message on X in response to a social media account that claimed Jammu and Kashmir remained disputed territory under UN resolutions.Rejecting those assertions, the ministry reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistan’s “illegal and forcible occupation,” are an inseparable part of India and described Pakistan’s electoral process in the region as merely “cosmetic.”The ministry’s post also referred to the continuing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), saying the protests were a direct result of “Islamabad’s decades-long systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression.”The rebuttal comes amid reports of fresh violence in Rawalakot and Mirpur, where security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators protesting for basic rights.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad ProtestTwo Army Personnel Injured In Suspected Landmine Explosion Near LoC In Uri’Most Filthy Type Of Man’: Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Attack Pralhad Joshi; Massive Ruckus In ParlWhy Delhi-NCR Flooded Again As Four Weather Systems Combined With Years Of Planning Failures’Students Want Justice, Not Charity’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Explosive Speech On Paper Leaks Rocks LSMizoram Minister Opens Up On Drug Menace, Myanmar Border, Disaster Readiness & Ties With Centre”You Removed One Pradhan To Save The PM”: Paper Leak Bill Triggers Massive Showdown In ParliamentPolice Diary Reportedly Reveals RAF Fired Anti-Riot Guns During Jantar Mantar Protest | WatchOnce A Fierce BJP Critic, Ex-TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh To Defend Centre’s Anti-paper Leak Bill | Watch123Photostories”Your child is always watching you”: 7 everyday parenting habits that unknowingly shape every Indian child’s futureWant more blooms? Prune these 5 garden plants in AugustWhy Indians have added ghee to hot rice for generations, according to scienceThe truth about Kumkumadi tailam: Know why it doesn’t deliver the same results for everyoneFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsLeftover rotis? Try these 9 desi lunch dishes that pack 14–22g proteinHow to grow and care for lucky bamboo: An easy step-by-step guide for beginnersIrina Shayk dating history: Inside the Russian supermodel’s high-profile romances; from Bradley Cooper to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Mirabai Chanu to Harjinder Kaur: 10 women who are making India proud at the Commonwealth Games 2026Did you know this was the world’s first favourite flavour? Here’s how it became so popular123Hot PicksMCC new rulesRey mysterios daughterDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions bille20 PetrolRajasthan Safai Karamchari recruitmentTN supplementary resultsTN SSLC, HSE supplementary resultsTop TrendingKangana RanautJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up


MEA goes the meme way to reinforce India’s position on J&K, Ladakh
MEA takes meme route (ANI image)

The ministry of external affairs (MEA), in a unique attempt to counter repeated misinformation about the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, on Wednesday shared a viral meme from the American animated show South Park with the caption: “How many times do I have to explain this to you?” on its new fact check page on Instagram.The post used the popular meme format to express frustration over what it described as repeated false claims regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.The MEA Fact Check wrote: “On repeated falsehoods being spread about the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, @meaindia be like…” alongside the South Park meme.The ministry reiterated India’s long-standing position, stating: “The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas currently under Pakistan‘s illegal and forcible occupation, are integral and inalienable parts of India.”It further said that Pakistan’s ongoing electoral exercise in the region was “nothing but an attempt… to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region.”Response to social media claimsThe MEA Fact Check also posted the same message on X in response to a social media account that claimed Jammu and Kashmir remained disputed territory under UN resolutions.Rejecting those assertions, the ministry reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistan’s “illegal and forcible occupation,” are an inseparable part of India and described Pakistan’s electoral process in the region as merely “cosmetic.”The ministry’s post also referred to the continuing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), saying the protests were a direct result of “Islamabad’s decades-long systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression.”The rebuttal comes amid reports of fresh violence in Rawalakot and Mirpur, where security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators protesting for basic rights.



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Parliament is speaking GenZ NEW DELHI: “The Leader of the Opposition had gone ‘MIA’. ‘FOMO’ perhaps explains why he eventually went and sat outside the Prime Minister’s residence.” These are the words of 69-year old Union minister Jitendra SIngh, who was addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.Until recently, these words belonged to Instagram comment sections, meme pages, K-pop fan communities and WhatsApp chats. This week, however, they echoed through the halls of Parliament. Watch ‘Students Want Justice, Not Charity’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Explosive Speech On Paper Leaks Rocks LSDuring the Monsoon session, MPs infused their speeches with Gen Z slang and internet catchphrases while taking on political rivals, discussing governance and framing arguments around issues ranging from education to development.BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, while defending the Centre’s policies, urged the Opposition to “clock it” — a Gen Z phrase meaning to recognise or acknowledge something. “Where Congress created a policy vacuum, Modi clocked it, if I may borrow the language of Gen Z, and created a solution. All the Opposition did was chase political opportunism,” she said, explicitly acknowledging that she was borrowing from the vocabulary of younger generations.BJP’s Tejasvi Surya reached for another popular internet expression, calling the Opposition “delulu” — shorthand for “delusional” — suggesting its criticism of the government was detached from reality.Not to be left behind, Congress MP Deepender Hooda, during debate on anti-paper leak in Lok Sabha, slipped in ‘Kuchu Puchu’ and viral internet catchphrase “Vasteguna Huiya” in a swipe at Centre. “Aaj mera birthday hai toh please kuchu-puchu isteefa de do naaa (Today is my birthday, so please resign cutie pie),” he remarked, giving example of slogans at the recent student protests.Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde labelled the Opposition as suffering from “FOMO” — the “Fear of Missing Out” — and even described it as “MIA” (Missing in Action), implying that the Opposition was scrambling to remain politically relevant after missing key opportunities.It was an unusual moment.As Hooda put it, the GenZ with Bhagat Singh’s slogan of ‘Inquilab Zindabad’, turned it into ‘Vastaguna huiya’ when they protested against the government.Parliament, traditionally associated with constitutional language, Hindi idioms and literary references, suddenly sounded like an Instagram comment thread.What these words mean and where they come fromThe internet has a way of making words travel across continents, cultures and generations. Many expressions that now dominate Gen Z conversations were born in niche online communities long before they entered mainstream discourse.Clock ItUnlike many internet expressions, “clock it” has a much older cultural lineage. The phrase traces its roots to African-American and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture in the United States, where “to clock” someone meant to notice, identify or call out something—often a flaw or inconsistency.Popularised through drag culture and shows such as RuPaul’s Drag Race, the expression later migrated to TikTok and Instagram, where Gen Z adopted it to mean “spot the truth” or “call it as it is”.Vasteguna Huiya The phrase traces its roots to the viral meme “Can I get a Hoya?”, in which a teenager shouted the line in an exaggerated tone. In India, content creators gave the meme a local twist by replacing the original phrase with the nonsensical-sounding “Vasteguna Huiya”.The humour lay not in the words themselves—they have no literal meaning—but in the confused reactions they elicited. From there, the phrase spread rapidly across Instagram memes, reels and comment sections before making its way into the CJP student protests. Kuchu Puchu”Kuchu Puchu” does not have a single, traceable origin like “delulu” or “FOMO”. Instead, it evolved organically from baby talk, a simplified, affectionate style of speech used by parents, grandparents and couples across many Indian languages.The phrase is believed to be a playful variation of words like “kuchi kuchi,” “guchu puchu,” “kuchi poo,” and similar rhyming expressions that mimic the sounds babies make. Such reduplicative words are common in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and several other Indian languages, where they are used as terms of endearment for children, pets or romantic partners.In recent years, “kuchu puchu” was revived and popularised by Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and meme pages, where it took on a new, often sarcastic meaning. Calling someone “kuchu puchu” can imply that they are overly pampered, babied, innocent or treated with excessive affection.Its popularity surged during the CJP-led student protests, where protesters and social media users used “kuchu puchu” satirically to poke fun at political leaders and institutions.FOMOUnlike most Gen Z slang, FOMO predates social media. The acronym, standing for “Fear of Missing Out”, entered popular vocabulary in the early 2000s as psychologists and marketers described the anxiety people felt when they believed others were enjoying experiences they were not part of.Instagram amplified the phenomenon, turning FOMO into one of the defining emotions of the social media age. Today, the term is used far beyond personal life—to describe everything from investment trends to political strategy.MIAOriginally a military abbreviation for “Missing in Action”, MIA has been repurposed by internet users to describe people who suddenly disappear from conversations, social media or public life.DeluluPerhaps the most recognisable Gen Z word today, “delulu” is a shortened version of “delusional”. It first gained popularity within K-pop fandoms, where devoted fans jokingly described unrealistic fantasies—such as believing their favourite idol secretly loved them—as being “delulu”.Over time, the term evolved beyond fandom culture to describe anyone perceived as wildly optimistic or disconnected from reality. Today, it has become a staple of political banter, where opponents routinely accuse each other of being “delulu”.Why Gen Z language mattersThe timing of Parliament’s linguistic makeover is not accidental.The recent protests spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over NEET examination paper leaks were organised as much on Instagram and X as they were on the streets. Protesters used memes, short-form videos, viral hashtags and internet humour to mobilise students and simplify complex issues around examination reforms.For many young Indians, politics is now consumed through Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and meme pages rather than lengthy parliamentary speeches or television debates. Viral clips often carry more influence than hour-long discussions.Taking notice of the same after massive protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also advised his Cabinet to engage with the youth on Instagram through reels and interactive sessions. “Young people are just on Instagram. This is a potential segment of citizens that we all need to connect with,” he said.India’s demographic profile makes this shift even more significant. With one of the world’s youngest populations and millions of first-time voters entering the electorate every election cycle, speaking the language of youth has become a political strategy as much as a communication style. Parliament has always borrowed popular languageAlthough Gen Z slangs in Parliament may sound dramatic, Parliament has always reflected the language of its times.In the early decades after Independence, speeches frequently quoted verses from the Bhagavad Gita, couplets by poets like Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal. Hindi literary works were seen as a mark of oratorical skill.Long before MPs began saying “delulu” or “clock it”, Parliament had embraced the language of popular culture. Bollywood dialogues have long been used to simplify political arguments, inject humour and produce memorable sound bites.Rahul Gandhi’s dig at GST by calling it “Gabbar Singh Tax” transformed a complex debate on GST into a phrase instantly understood across India, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked the character “Mausi” from the Sholay to mock the Congress party during his address in Parliament on July 2, 2024. He teased the opposition over their electoral defeat by mimicking a dialogue: “Arey Mausi, teesri baar toh haare hain, par moral victory toh hai na!” (Oh Mausi, we have lost for the third time too, but it’s a moral victory, right?). Watch 'Arre Mausi Hero Toh…': PM Modi Turns To 'Sholay' To Target Rahul Gandhi In Lok SabhaIn another instance, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut brought DDLJ’s iconic dialogue ‘Ja Simran, jeele apni zindagi’ to life while addressing women’s reservation bill in Lok Sabha. Watch Kangana Ranaut quotes DDLJ’s iconic line in Parliament, sparks heated debate on women’s bill rowCricket metaphors soon followed, with terms like “hitting a six”, “playing on the back foot” or being “clean bowled” by the Opposition. Finance ministers have described Budgets as “innings”, while election victories and defeats have routinely been framed as cricket matches.In many ways, Gen Z slang is simply the latest chapter in this evolution. Parliament has never existed in a linguistic vacuum; it has always absorbed the language spoken beyond its walls.Language keeps evolvingEvery generation believes the next one’s vocabulary sounds strange.Words like “cool”, “awesome”, “dude” and “LOL” were once dismissed as youthful fads before becoming mainstream. Today’s internet lexicon follows the same trajectory.Many Gen Z expressions have travelled remarkable distances—from Korean pop fandoms to American drag culture, from gaming communities to TikTok trends—before landing in Indian political discourse. Their journey illustrates how digital platforms have accelerated the movement of language across borders and cultures.Not every slang term will survive. Internet vocabulary evolves at dizzying speed, with new words replacing old ones every few months. But some expressions inevitably escape their online origins to become part of everyday speech.When lawmakers adopt them, it signals that these words have crossed into the mainstream.When Bansuri Swaraj paused to say, “if I may borrow the language of Gen Z”, she acknowledged something larger than a passing linguistic trend.Politics is no longer communicated solely through ideological speeches or parliamentary rhetoric. It increasingly competes in the same digital ecosystem as influencers, meme pages and viral videos, where relatability often matters as much as reasoned argument.Whether that makes parliamentary debate more accessible or more performative remains open to debate. But one thing is clear: as India’s politics becomes increasingly digital, the House is learning to speak not just to Gen Z, but increasingly like Gen Z.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorNatasha SinghPrincipal Digital Content ProducerEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! 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Parliament is speaking GenZ NEW DELHI: “The Leader of the Opposition had gone ‘MIA’. ‘FOMO’ perhaps explains why he eventually went and sat outside the Prime Minister’s residence.” These are the words of 69-year old Union minister Jitendra SIngh, who was addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.Until recently, these words belonged to Instagram comment sections, meme pages, K-pop fan communities and WhatsApp chats. This week, however, they echoed through the halls of Parliament. Watch ‘Students Want Justice, Not Charity’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Explosive Speech On Paper Leaks Rocks LSDuring the Monsoon session, MPs infused their speeches with Gen Z slang and internet catchphrases while taking on political rivals, discussing governance and framing arguments around issues ranging from education to development.BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, while defending the Centre’s policies, urged the Opposition to “clock it” — a Gen Z phrase meaning to recognise or acknowledge something. “Where Congress created a policy vacuum, Modi clocked it, if I may borrow the language of Gen Z, and created a solution. All the Opposition did was chase political opportunism,” she said, explicitly acknowledging that she was borrowing from the vocabulary of younger generations.BJP’s Tejasvi Surya reached for another popular internet expression, calling the Opposition “delulu” — shorthand for “delusional” — suggesting its criticism of the government was detached from reality.Not to be left behind, Congress MP Deepender Hooda, during debate on anti-paper leak in Lok Sabha, slipped in ‘Kuchu Puchu’ and viral internet catchphrase “Vasteguna Huiya” in a swipe at Centre. “Aaj mera birthday hai toh please kuchu-puchu isteefa de do naaa (Today is my birthday, so please resign cutie pie),” he remarked, giving example of slogans at the recent student protests.Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde labelled the Opposition as suffering from “FOMO” — the “Fear of Missing Out” — and even described it as “MIA” (Missing in Action), implying that the Opposition was scrambling to remain politically relevant after missing key opportunities.It was an unusual moment.As Hooda put it, the GenZ with Bhagat Singh’s slogan of ‘Inquilab Zindabad’, turned it into ‘Vastaguna huiya’ when they protested against the government.Parliament, traditionally associated with constitutional language, Hindi idioms and literary references, suddenly sounded like an Instagram comment thread.What these words mean and where they come fromThe internet has a way of making words travel across continents, cultures and generations. Many expressions that now dominate Gen Z conversations were born in niche online communities long before they entered mainstream discourse.Clock ItUnlike many internet expressions, “clock it” has a much older cultural lineage. The phrase traces its roots to African-American and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture in the United States, where “to clock” someone meant to notice, identify or call out something—often a flaw or inconsistency.Popularised through drag culture and shows such as RuPaul’s Drag Race, the expression later migrated to TikTok and Instagram, where Gen Z adopted it to mean “spot the truth” or “call it as it is”.Vasteguna Huiya The phrase traces its roots to the viral meme “Can I get a Hoya?”, in which a teenager shouted the line in an exaggerated tone. In India, content creators gave the meme a local twist by replacing the original phrase with the nonsensical-sounding “Vasteguna Huiya”.The humour lay not in the words themselves—they have no literal meaning—but in the confused reactions they elicited. From there, the phrase spread rapidly across Instagram memes, reels and comment sections before making its way into the CJP student protests. Kuchu Puchu”Kuchu Puchu” does not have a single, traceable origin like “delulu” or “FOMO”. Instead, it evolved organically from baby talk, a simplified, affectionate style of speech used by parents, grandparents and couples across many Indian languages.The phrase is believed to be a playful variation of words like “kuchi kuchi,” “guchu puchu,” “kuchi poo,” and similar rhyming expressions that mimic the sounds babies make. Such reduplicative words are common in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and several other Indian languages, where they are used as terms of endearment for children, pets or romantic partners.In recent years, “kuchu puchu” was revived and popularised by Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and meme pages, where it took on a new, often sarcastic meaning. Calling someone “kuchu puchu” can imply that they are overly pampered, babied, innocent or treated with excessive affection.Its popularity surged during the CJP-led student protests, where protesters and social media users used “kuchu puchu” satirically to poke fun at political leaders and institutions.FOMOUnlike most Gen Z slang, FOMO predates social media. The acronym, standing for “Fear of Missing Out”, entered popular vocabulary in the early 2000s as psychologists and marketers described the anxiety people felt when they believed others were enjoying experiences they were not part of.Instagram amplified the phenomenon, turning FOMO into one of the defining emotions of the social media age. Today, the term is used far beyond personal life—to describe everything from investment trends to political strategy.MIAOriginally a military abbreviation for “Missing in Action”, MIA has been repurposed by internet users to describe people who suddenly disappear from conversations, social media or public life.DeluluPerhaps the most recognisable Gen Z word today, “delulu” is a shortened version of “delusional”. It first gained popularity within K-pop fandoms, where devoted fans jokingly described unrealistic fantasies—such as believing their favourite idol secretly loved them—as being “delulu”.Over time, the term evolved beyond fandom culture to describe anyone perceived as wildly optimistic or disconnected from reality. Today, it has become a staple of political banter, where opponents routinely accuse each other of being “delulu”.Why Gen Z language mattersThe timing of Parliament’s linguistic makeover is not accidental.The recent protests spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over NEET examination paper leaks were organised as much on Instagram and X as they were on the streets. Protesters used memes, short-form videos, viral hashtags and internet humour to mobilise students and simplify complex issues around examination reforms.For many young Indians, politics is now consumed through Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and meme pages rather than lengthy parliamentary speeches or television debates. Viral clips often carry more influence than hour-long discussions.Taking notice of the same after massive protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also advised his Cabinet to engage with the youth on Instagram through reels and interactive sessions. “Young people are just on Instagram. This is a potential segment of citizens that we all need to connect with,” he said.India’s demographic profile makes this shift even more significant. With one of the world’s youngest populations and millions of first-time voters entering the electorate every election cycle, speaking the language of youth has become a political strategy as much as a communication style. Parliament has always borrowed popular languageAlthough Gen Z slangs in Parliament may sound dramatic, Parliament has always reflected the language of its times.In the early decades after Independence, speeches frequently quoted verses from the Bhagavad Gita, couplets by poets like Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal. Hindi literary works were seen as a mark of oratorical skill.Long before MPs began saying “delulu” or “clock it”, Parliament had embraced the language of popular culture. Bollywood dialogues have long been used to simplify political arguments, inject humour and produce memorable sound bites.Rahul Gandhi’s dig at GST by calling it “Gabbar Singh Tax” transformed a complex debate on GST into a phrase instantly understood across India, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked the character “Mausi” from the Sholay to mock the Congress party during his address in Parliament on July 2, 2024. He teased the opposition over their electoral defeat by mimicking a dialogue: “Arey Mausi, teesri baar toh haare hain, par moral victory toh hai na!” (Oh Mausi, we have lost for the third time too, but it’s a moral victory, right?). Watch 'Arre Mausi Hero Toh…': PM Modi Turns To 'Sholay' To Target Rahul Gandhi In Lok SabhaIn another instance, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut brought DDLJ’s iconic dialogue ‘Ja Simran, jeele apni zindagi’ to life while addressing women’s reservation bill in Lok Sabha. Watch Kangana Ranaut quotes DDLJ’s iconic line in Parliament, sparks heated debate on women’s bill rowCricket metaphors soon followed, with terms like “hitting a six”, “playing on the back foot” or being “clean bowled” by the Opposition. Finance ministers have described Budgets as “innings”, while election victories and defeats have routinely been framed as cricket matches.In many ways, Gen Z slang is simply the latest chapter in this evolution. Parliament has never existed in a linguistic vacuum; it has always absorbed the language spoken beyond its walls.Language keeps evolvingEvery generation believes the next one’s vocabulary sounds strange.Words like “cool”, “awesome”, “dude” and “LOL” were once dismissed as youthful fads before becoming mainstream. Today’s internet lexicon follows the same trajectory.Many Gen Z expressions have travelled remarkable distances—from Korean pop fandoms to American drag culture, from gaming communities to TikTok trends—before landing in Indian political discourse. Their journey illustrates how digital platforms have accelerated the movement of language across borders and cultures.Not every slang term will survive. Internet vocabulary evolves at dizzying speed, with new words replacing old ones every few months. But some expressions inevitably escape their online origins to become part of everyday speech.When lawmakers adopt them, it signals that these words have crossed into the mainstream.When Bansuri Swaraj paused to say, “if I may borrow the language of Gen Z”, she acknowledged something larger than a passing linguistic trend.Politics is no longer communicated solely through ideological speeches or parliamentary rhetoric. It increasingly competes in the same digital ecosystem as influencers, meme pages and viral videos, where relatability often matters as much as reasoned argument.Whether that makes parliamentary debate more accessible or more performative remains open to debate. But one thing is clear: as India’s politics becomes increasingly digital, the House is learning to speak not just to Gen Z, but increasingly like Gen Z.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorNatasha SinghPrincipal Digital Content ProducerEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad ProtestTwo Army Personnel Injured In Suspected Landmine Explosion Near LoC In Uri’Most Filthy Type Of Man’: Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Attack Pralhad Joshi; Massive Ruckus In ParlWhy Delhi-NCR Flooded Again As Four Weather Systems Combined With Years Of Planning Failures’Students Want Justice, Not Charity’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Explosive Speech On Paper Leaks Rocks LSMizoram Minister Opens Up On Drug Menace, Myanmar Border, Disaster Readiness & Ties With Centre”You Removed One Pradhan To Save The PM”: Paper Leak Bill Triggers Massive Showdown In ParliamentPolice Diary Reportedly Reveals RAF Fired Anti-Riot Guns During Jantar Mantar Protest | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsHollywood celebs who spoke about their ADHD, dyslexia and other mental health issues5 Plants you think are attractive, but are actually invasive in natureHansika Motwani’s ultra-luxurious Mumbai home: Glam dressing room, grand living area and more”Your child is always watching you”: 7 everyday parenting habits that unknowingly shape every Indian child’s futureWant more blooms? 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NEW DELHI: More than one lakh schools across India are functioning with a single teacher, with Andhra Pradesh alone accounting for over 16,000, government data has revealed, highlighting severe deployment gaps despite the country’s overall pupil-teacher ratio remaining within national norms.According to UDISE+ data for 2025-26, India has 1,00,843 single-teacher schools across all management categories. Andhra Pradesh tops the list with 16,357 such schools — more than 16% of the national total — followed by Jharkhand with 9,827 and Maharashtra with 9,269.Karnataka has 8,042 single-teacher schools, Uttar Pradesh 7,874, Rajasthan 7,200 and West Bengal 6,769. Together, the seven states account for nearly 65% of all schools in the country operating with only one teacher.The problem is spread across regions rather than being confined to poorer or geographically difficult states. Telangana has 4,793 such schools, Tamil Nadu 3,957 and Assam 3,159. Himachal Pradesh has 3,128, Uttarakhand 2,655 and Chhattisgarh 2,461.At the other end, Kerala reported 67 single-teacher schools, Nagaland 35, Sikkim 31, Ladakh 28, Delhi seven and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands one.The figures were provided by minister of state for education Jayant Chaudhary in response to a Rajya Sabha question on teacher vacancies. While the question sought data specifically for government schools, the annexure on single-teacher institutions covers schools under all managements.The ministry did not provide state-wise sanctioned posts or vacancies, saying recruitment, service conditions and deployment of teachers were handled by state governments and Union Territory administrations. It attributed vacancies to retirement, resignation, creation of posts, staff rationalisation and changing enrolment, including in rural, tribal and aspirational districts.The Centre said states were regularly advised to fill posts through transparent, merit-based recruitment and use technology for forecasting teacher requirements. Financial support was also provided under Samagra Shiksha to maintain prescribed pupil-teacher ratios.The ministry cited national pupil-teacher ratios of 19 at the primary level, 17 at upper primary, 15 at secondary and 23 at higher secondary — all within the limits envisaged under the National Education Policy. However, the single-teacher-school data indicates that favourable national averages continue to conceal sharp local imbalances in teacher availability.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad ProtestTwo Army Personnel Injured In Suspected Landmine Explosion Near LoC In Uri’Most Filthy Type Of Man’: Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Attack Pralhad Joshi; Massive Ruckus In ParlWhy Delhi-NCR Flooded Again As Four Weather Systems Combined With Years Of Planning Failures’Students Want Justice, Not Charity’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Explosive Speech On Paper Leaks Rocks LSMizoram Minister Opens Up On Drug Menace, Myanmar Border, Disaster Readiness & Ties With Centre”You Removed One Pradhan To Save The PM”: Paper Leak Bill Triggers Massive Showdown In ParliamentPolice Diary Reportedly Reveals RAF Fired Anti-Riot Guns During Jantar Mantar Protest | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsHollywood celebs who spoke about their ADHD, dyslexia and other mental health issues5 Plants you think are attractive, but are actually invasive in natureHansika Motwani’s ultra-luxurious Mumbai home: Glam dressing room, grand living area and more”Your child is always watching you”: 7 everyday parenting habits that unknowingly shape every Indian child’s futureWant more blooms? Prune these 5 garden plants in AugustWhy Indians have added ghee to hot rice for generations, according to scienceThe truth about Kumkumadi tailam: Know why it doesn’t deliver the same results for everyoneLeftover rotis? Try these 9 desi lunch dishes that pack 14–22g proteinHow to grow and care for lucky bamboo: An easy step-by-step guide for beginners123Hot PicksMCC new rulesRey mysterios daughterDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions billCWG 2026 GamesSmartphone exportsTN supplementary resultsNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingKangana RanautJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up

NEW DELHI: More than one lakh schools across India are functioning with a single teacher, with Andhra Pradesh alone accounting for over 16,000, government data has revealed, highlighting severe deployment gaps despite the country’s overall pupil-teacher ratio remaining within national norms.According to UDISE+ data for 2025-26, India has 1,00,843 single-teacher schools across all management categories. Andhra Pradesh tops the list with 16,357 such schools — more than 16% of the national total — followed by Jharkhand with 9,827 and Maharashtra with 9,269.Karnataka has 8,042 single-teacher schools, Uttar Pradesh 7,874, Rajasthan 7,200 and West Bengal 6,769. Together, the seven states account for nearly 65% of all schools in the country operating with only one teacher.The problem is spread across regions rather than being confined to poorer or geographically difficult states. Telangana has 4,793 such schools, Tamil Nadu 3,957 and Assam 3,159. Himachal Pradesh has 3,128, Uttarakhand 2,655 and Chhattisgarh 2,461.At the other end, Kerala reported 67 single-teacher schools, Nagaland 35, Sikkim 31, Ladakh 28, Delhi seven and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands one.The figures were provided by minister of state for education Jayant Chaudhary in response to a Rajya Sabha question on teacher vacancies. While the question sought data specifically for government schools, the annexure on single-teacher institutions covers schools under all managements.The ministry did not provide state-wise sanctioned posts or vacancies, saying recruitment, service conditions and deployment of teachers were handled by state governments and Union Territory administrations. It attributed vacancies to retirement, resignation, creation of posts, staff rationalisation and changing enrolment, including in rural, tribal and aspirational districts.The Centre said states were regularly advised to fill posts through transparent, merit-based recruitment and use technology for forecasting teacher requirements. Financial support was also provided under Samagra Shiksha to maintain prescribed pupil-teacher ratios.The ministry cited national pupil-teacher ratios of 19 at the primary level, 17 at upper primary, 15 at secondary and 23 at higher secondary — all within the limits envisaged under the National Education Policy. However, the single-teacher-school data indicates that favourable national averages continue to conceal sharp local imbalances in teacher availability.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad ProtestTwo Army Personnel Injured In Suspected Landmine Explosion Near LoC In Uri’Most Filthy Type Of Man’: Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Attack Pralhad Joshi; Massive Ruckus In ParlWhy Delhi-NCR Flooded Again As Four Weather Systems Combined With Years Of Planning Failures’Students Want Justice, Not Charity’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Explosive Speech On Paper Leaks Rocks LSMizoram Minister Opens Up On Drug Menace, Myanmar Border, Disaster Readiness & Ties With Centre”You Removed One Pradhan To Save The PM”: Paper Leak Bill Triggers Massive Showdown In ParliamentPolice Diary Reportedly Reveals RAF Fired Anti-Riot Guns During Jantar Mantar Protest | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsHollywood celebs who spoke about their ADHD, dyslexia and other mental health issues5 Plants you think are attractive, but are actually invasive in natureHansika Motwani’s ultra-luxurious Mumbai home: Glam dressing room, grand living area and more”Your child is always watching you”: 7 everyday parenting habits that unknowingly shape every Indian child’s futureWant more blooms? Prune these 5 garden plants in AugustWhy Indians have added ghee to hot rice for generations, according to scienceThe truth about Kumkumadi tailam: Know why it doesn’t deliver the same results for everyoneLeftover rotis? Try these 9 desi lunch dishes that pack 14–22g proteinHow to grow and care for lucky bamboo: An easy step-by-step guide for beginners123Hot PicksMCC new rulesRey mysterios daughterDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions billCWG 2026 GamesSmartphone exportsTN supplementary resultsNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingKangana RanautJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up

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