VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html . NEW DELHI: In a move that may prevent further stress on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and upper reaches of river Ganga in Uttarakhand, the Centre Wednesday told Supreme Court that it’s “not in favour of permitting any new hydro-electric project in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins” apart from the seven that have either been commissioned or have made substantial progress in construction.The Centre’s view was expressed by environment ministry through an affidavit to SC which has been examining the issue of allowing new hydel projects in the upper reaches of Ganga river basins since the Kedarnath disaster of 2013.The decision means the Centre will now go ahead with only seven of the 28 projects planned earlier and scrutinised by various committees. Centre told SC the risk/damage to environment, including health of the river, is far greater than financial/economic benefits of the remaining 21 hydro-power projects with a total capacity of about 2,100 MW..SC is expected to pass its order on the issue at the next hearing on Aug 20. It had in Jan granted three months to the Centre to take a final decision.The seven projects the govt wants to continue include four already commissioned – Tehri Stage-II (1000 MW), Singoli Bhatwari (99 MW), Madhmaheshwar (15 MW) and Kaliganga-II (4.5 MW) – and three, Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW), Vishnugad Pipalkoti (444 MW) and Phata Byung (76 MW), which are in advanced stages of construction. The affidavit, representing “collective and consensus decision” of three ministries – Jal shakti, power and environment – argued that these seven “may be permitted to proceed, subject to strict compliance with applicable statutory provisions and environmental safeguards”.Better sense has prevailed: Green activistsIt is good to see that better sense has prevailed and the govt has taken this wise and welcome step to prevent future tragedies like 2013 and protect the fragile and disaster prone ecology of the Ganga-Himalayan basin,” said Mallika Bhanot of Ganga Ahvaan, a citizen forum working towards conservation of Ganga and Himalayan ecosystem. The decision to not have any new hydro-electric project in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins was taken following inter-ministerial consultations on recommendations of different expert committees. One of the committees wanted 28 projects to be allowed in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins while the other one, comprising officials from Jal shakti and environment ministries, recommended only five.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? 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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Union government’s council of ministers on Thursday, with discussions expected on the functioning of ministries, recent policy decisions, their outcomes and future plans, official sources said.The meeting, the first of the council of ministers this year, assumes political significance as it comes after the BJP’s strong performance in the recent Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, besides the formation of an NDA government in Puducherry again. It is also taking place amid speculation of a cabinet reshuffle.All cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state will attend the meeting, reported PTI.According to sources, the functioning of various ministries and departments, key decisions taken in the recent past and their impact will be reviewed. Discussions are also expected on future priorities and the implementation of government schemes and programmes to ensure maximum success.The meeting is likely to focus on reforms across sectors aimed at benefiting common people. PM Modi had earlier outlined reform priorities for the next 10 years, asserting that his government’s “Reform Express” has delivered systemic transformation and benefitted common citizens in a significant way.The prime minister is also expected to raise the ongoing West Asia crisis and its economic implications. Sources said he may direct ministries and departments to take steps to minimise inconvenience to citizens and reduce the impact on affected sectors.Sectors such as energy, agriculture, fertilisers, aviation, shipping and logistics are likely to receive focused attention during the meeting.Soon after the West Asia conflict began, PM Modi had directed all concerned to take every possible step to ameliorate the problems of citizens and sectors affected by it.PM Modi has been holding meetings of the entire council of ministers from time to time to discuss key policy and governance issues, but Thursday’s meeting is being closely watched due to its political timing and broader governance agenda.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5 am: What happens when your brain hears positive words before sunriseInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your MindNidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026’s red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan Financiers can’t block borrower phones, online shaming barred Capricorn Horoscope Today, May 21, 2026: Stretch your back and neck, and aim for early sleep Lauren Sanchez’s Amazon billionaire husband Jeff Bezos emerges as favorite to buy Microsoft co-founder’s NFL team Seattle Seahawks Over 50% of TMC MLAs skip stir against Bengal post-poll violence | India News May 21, 2026, 05:00 IST 42 aircraft, over $29 billion: What Trump’s Iran operation cost the US military Was Nina Lin arrested? Twitch streamer claims missed $4 scissors scan led to night in jail 66 held for supply of SIMs tied to 76 frauds worth Rs 101 cr | India News ‘Dhurandhar Raw and Undekha’ to release on May 22; netizens mistake post for early OTT release of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ in India Scorpio Horoscope Today, May 21, 2026: Earnings can exceed expectations, but don’t turn that into careless spending Bombay HC says wife not a ‘deemed maid’, failing to do chores, not cruelty . NEW DELHI: A Pune-based defence company has successfully carried out firing demonstrations of the EXTRA and Predator Hawk “Suryastra” rockets with ranges of 150km and 300km, respectively, at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, on May 18 and 19, reports Surendra Singh. Suryastra is India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system, designed for precision surface-to-surface deep strikes against hostile targets. It bridges the gap between traditional field artillery and heavy ballistic missiles, offering the armed forces a flexible, rapid-response and cost-effective precision weapon system. NSE-listed NIBE Ltd had received a purchase order from Indian Army under emergency procurement for supply of Suryastra launcher and rockets.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? 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KOLKATA: Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday announced the enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state and said illegal immigrants not covered under the Act will be arrested and handed over to the BSF for deportation. “The Act is being enforced in the state from today… BSF will get in touch with BDR (Bangladesh Rifles, now known as Border Guard Bangladesh) and deport them,” Adhikari said after a meeting with BSF officers at Nabanna. . Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who entered India till Dec 31, 2024, to flee religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan can apply for citizenship under CAA, as per the Central govt notification issued in Sept last year. Members of the six communities can stay in India legally even without valid passports. The home ministry had in May 2025 issued fresh guidelines regarding the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. It also set up two empowered committees to process applications for citizenship. “The central govt sent a notification to the state govt on May 14, 2025, asking them to hand over illegal immigrants to BSF. The earlier govt opposed granting of citizenship under the Act and also did not enforce the order,” the CM said.About the AuthorRohit KhannaRohit Khanna covers sectors like government finance, economy, industry and issues related to financial crime.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your MindNidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026’s red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed5 heaviest and biggest birds on earth: The real heavyweights of nature123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan Dhurandhar singer Jasmine Sandlas pauses Dehradun concert after barricade collapse near audience area; urges team to prioritise safety US military boards Iranian oil tanker suspected of breaching blockade . India and South Korea on Wednesday signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) related to self-propelled air defence systems and directed energy weapon systems (that include high-power microwaves and laser beams) during defence minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Seoul, a defence source told TOI. “Both future-oriented projects have a strong make-in-India focus,” the source said. Two agreements between India’s L&T and South Korea’s Hanwa Co Ltd were signed. The pacts are expected to facilitate enhanced collaboration between defence industries of both countries and promote technology cooperation and capacity building, according to a ministry statement. Hanwha and L&T had earlier tied up to provide the Indian Army with 100 K9 Vajra-T 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers under a 2017 contract. Later, an additional order for 100 more howitzers was finalised. Rajnath and minister of national defence for South Korea, Ahn Gyu-back, held bilateral discussions, reviewed defence cooperation and discussed ways to further expand collaboration. Both sides acknowledged the growing convergence between India’s Act East Policy and South Korea’s regional strategic vision, reiterating their commitment to strengthening defence ties in line with the shared objectives of maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your MindNidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026’s red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed5 heaviest and biggest birds on earth: The real heavyweights of nature123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan ‘Michael Jackson: The Verdict’ trailer: Docuseries revisits EXPLOSIVE trial amid ‘Michael’ box office success – WATCH Virgo Horoscope Today, May 21, 2026: If you’re single, a conversation with someone familiar can turn warmer Man strangles daughter for speaking to lover, rides with her tied to back to bury her SC: Animal lovers can protect strays if they take responsibility for bites | India News Trinamool veteran MP Mala surrenders in Arms Act case . NEW DELHI: Even as challenges to several provisions of PMLA are pending review before a three-judge bench of Supreme Court, the Patna high court on Monday reiterated the powers conferred on Enforcement Directorate under the Act, and said the central agency was not bound to share ECIR (enforcement case information report) with an accused as it was not a statutory document and neither was it equivalent to an FIR registered by the police reports Pradeep Thakur. While dismissing a writ petition seeking to quash an ECIR registered by ED, Justice Arun Kumar Jha of Patna HC said, “If ECIR is an internal document of the department, no question arises of quashing the same as the said document is akin to a private document created for initiation of a proceeding, and it may be so that no proceeding might be initiated pursuant to the said document and the proceeding may even be dropped. Therefore, a person, as a matter of right, cannot claim quashing of the ECIR.”. The court said that unless the predicate offence itself was quashed, ECIR proceedings would ordinarily survive. The HC rejected the importation of ‘Miranda Rights’ of the US into PMLA and accepted ED’s submission that Miranda warnings had no legal force in India and they could not be grafted into Section 50, adding that Indian statutory safeguards were sufficient. Any protection under self-incrimination is not allowed under PMLA. “Miranda Rights have no legal force in the Indian legal system as our system has incorporated these rights by way of various statutory provisions. In absence of incorporation of these principles under the PMLA, these rights could not be granted in Section 50 of the PMLA,” the ED said. Miranda Rights are legal protections in the US that require police to inform suspects of their constitutional rights before custodial interrogation.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your MindNidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026’s red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed5 heaviest and biggest birds on earth: The real heavyweights of natureWant to grow Aloe vera indoors? Simple step-by-step guide to grow the succulent for beginners123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan Leo Horoscope Today, May 21, 2026: At work, keep your head down and finish what’s necessary Bryson DeChambeau faces massive backlash after bizarre moon landing claims and poor PGA Championship performance KG Basin: RIL wants to sort it out with Centre | India News Adnan Sami reveals he was set to collaborate with Michael Jackson before the singer’s death: ‘With his passing, the album also ended’ Cancer Horoscope Today, May 21, 2026: Students should try not to change their timetable at the last minute Will ask for CBI probe into Twisha case, says MP CM NEW DELHI: The portmanteau wrote itself. Now, it has a ring to it that could launch a thousand toffee ads. PM Narendra Modi landed in Italy early Wednesday, greeted his counterpart Georgia Meloni and, much to the delight of the political paparazzi, handed her a packet of ‘Melody’. Curiously, the name of the Parle toffee rhymed with what the internet has been calling the bonhomie between the two premiers for three years. The 12-second video of the ‘chocolaty’ exchange between PM Modi and Meloni crossed 10 crore views within hours. “PM Modi brought us a gift — a very, very good toffee: Melody,” Meloni said as Modi raised the packet before both broke into a hearty, knowing laugh. “Thank you for the gift,” she later posted on X. The ‘Melodi’ tag has been arecurring fixture of online trends whenever the two have met. It got something close to an official endorsement when Meloni used it as a hashtag on a selfie with PM Modi, posted during the COP28 meeting in the UAE in December 2023. The PM’s toffee diplomacy in Rome had the opposition back home in a flap. Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi said the PM was “busy handing out candies in Italy” while “an economic storm is raging over the country”. “Farmers, youth, women labourers and small traders are all in tears — the PM is laughing and making reels, while the BJP folks are clapping along. This isn’t leadership, it’s a farce,” he said. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, too, took a swipe at the PM. “Modiji wants the public to enjoy the ‘melody’ of speeches while surviving the ‘misery’ of his govt’s loot!” he said, citing domestic LPG prices that he said had spiked 121%. “Every aspect of the economy is suffering, but Modiji continues his PR, lecturing citizens to shoulder the burden of this grave economic storm,” Kharge alleged. Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal had his own take on the toffee discourse, albeit without referring to either Melody the sweet or Melodi the pair. “India’s TOFFEE TALE would surely be melody to the ears! Exports have grown nearly 166% since 2013-14,” he wrote on X. Later, responding to Rahul’s criticism of Modi’s choice of gift for the Italian PM, Goyal wondered why he had so much “hate” for India and Indian products. “India has become a trusted destination for the world through its ‘made in India’ and ‘local goes global’ initiatives but Congress can find only problems in every Indian achievement,” he said, alleging that Rahul couldn’t stomach the country’s “rising stature under PM Modi’s governance”. The Prime Minister was in Italy on the last leg of his five-country nation visit. Meloni hosted him for dinner and accompanied him on a tour of the Colosseum.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your MindNidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026’s red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed5 heaviest and biggest birds on earth: The real heavyweights of nature123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan Suvendu aide’s murder: Court frees man wrongly arrested by police | India News Tennessee man jailed for 37 days over Charlie Kirk meme to receive $835,000 settlement 26-year search by 3 families ends as van found in canal | India News Gemini Horoscope Today, May 21, 2026: Keep your time buffer, traffic won’t care about your plans Now 18, rape survivor wants to marry accused; HC grants him bail Scientists grow a bacteria-made “living” supermaterial that could replace plastic CBI files FIR against former Navy captain in assets case | India News Retail credit cools in Q4 after festive rush, gold loans lead India-Italy ties hit sweet spot: Deals on defence, critical minerals . The Centre has provided ‘Y’ category armed security cover to senior TMC neta and Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, with protection deployed from May 19, an official said in New Delhi on Wednesday. The ministry of home affairs extended the security cover by CISF – a central armed police force primarily tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure and providing security to high-risk individuals – to Dastidar following an intelligence bureau security assessment report. Under ‘Y’ category, the protectee is typically assigned a team of armed personnel for round-the-clock security. Sources said the decision to provide security to Dastidar, who represents the Barasat constituency, was taken following a review of her threat profile. Officials indicated the security cover would be subject to periodic review. agenciesEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? 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NEW DELHI: Multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026 involving personnel from 12 friendly countries started at Meghalaya’s Umroi Military Station on Wednesday.The contingents of Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam were accorded a traditional welcome by the Indian Army.PRAGATI — Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region — exercise provides a common platform for participating armies to engage in professional exchange, learn from one another’s experiences and build closer military-to-military ties.The two-week exercise will focus on counter-terror operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. The training programme will include joint planning exercises, tactical-level drills and coordinated operations designed to improve adaptability, endurance and tactical proficiency of participating troops.In his address during a ceremony, Major General Sunil Sheoran, additional director general of Infantry of Indian Army welcomed all contingents and highlighted the importance of collective engagement in addressing contemporary security challenges. He stressed that the strengths and perspectives brought by each nation would contribute meaningfully towards achieving collective objectives of exercise.As part of the exercise, Indian technology and defence companies will showcase indigenous equipment and innovations under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and highlighting India’s growing capabilities in defence production, innovation and self-reliance.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123Photostories”Faltu khana na banaye, agar koi…” CM Yogi Adityanath urges people on being mindful while cooking: 5 tips on how to cook ‘right’ at homeMorning affirmation at 5 am: What happens when your brain hears positive words before sunriseInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? 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