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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Modi’s ‘Melody’ diplomacy stuns the world

Overjoyed investors buy shares of a wrong company after the PM’s gift Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gifting his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni 'Melody' toffees, reviving the light-hearted "Melodi" wordplay associated with the two leaders on social media. Meloni thanked Modi and shared a video on the social media in which she could be heard saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift, a very, very good toffee - Melody.” Modi, who was also seen in the video, burst...

Modi’s ‘Melody’ diplomacy stuns the world

Overjoyed investors buy shares of a wrong company after the PM’s gift Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gifting his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni 'Melody' toffees, reviving the light-hearted "Melodi" wordplay associated with the two leaders on social media. Meloni thanked Modi and shared a video on the social media in which she could be heard saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift, a very, very good toffee - Melody.” Modi, who was also seen in the video, burst into laughter as Meloni jokingly referred to the "Melody" toffee while showcasing the gift. The hashtag "Melodi", a blend of Modi and Meloni's names, was coined by the Italian prime minister during the COP28 in Dubai in 2023 and later went viral on social media following the warm interactions between the two leaders at global events. Modi, who arrived in Rome on Tuesday, is on the final leg of his five-nation tour to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy from May 15-20. Modi’s gift not only floored the social media, but also earned gushing gratitude from the manufacturer of the sweet candy, Parle Products, in Vile Parle, Mumbai. “Thank You. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for taking Parle Melody to the global stage. A proud moment for all of us at Parle Products to see an Indian favourite being shared across borders,” said a social media post from @ParleFamily, a 97-year-old company. Parle Products describes Melody: “Parle Melody brings to you an irresistible layer of caramel on the outside & a delightful chocolate filling inside. Open & pop it in your mouth & relish the unique experience. It won't be too long before you start asking yourself the age-old question "Melody Itni Chocolaty Kyun Hai?”.” Cong Attacks Modi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and several other Congress leaders also attacked Modi saying he continues his PR even when the economy is suffering. However, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hit back at Gandhi, accusing him of "hating India" and refusing to tolerate the "global respect" the country has garnered under Modi's leadership. Gandhi, who is on a visit to his constituency Raebareli and Amethi, said on X, "This isn't leadership, it's a gimmick." At a time farmers, labourers, traders and others in the country are all in tears, the prime minister is laughing and making reels while BJP folks are clapping along, the former Congress president said in his post in Hindi. "An economic storm is raging over our heads, and our prime minister is busy handing out candies in Italy!" he said. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge attacked Modi over issues of "rising" prices, unemployment, paper leaks, "dampening" investment and "sinking" Rupee, saying the prime minister continues his PR even as the economy is suffering. Shares turn sweet but the company was mistaken Shares of Parle Industries Ltd saw frenzied buying on Wednesday, surging five per cent to hit the upper circuit limit after Meloni posted the video. Investors wasted no time and flocked to the counter to buy the stock. Shares of the firm jumped to Rs 5.25 - the highest trading permissible limit for the day - on the BSE. On volume terms, 8.57 lakh shares of the firm were traded on the BSE during the day. But, there is a catch! Investors mistook Parle Industries for the maker of Melody toffees. Parle Products, the FMCG major, is the manufacturer of Melody toffees and is not listed on the stock exchanges. Parle Industries Ltd is a diversified commercial services provider, engaged in the business of infrastructure & real estate, and paper, waste paper and allied products. The history of swadeshi toffee is entwined with the country’s Independence and the company, House of Parle was founded in 1928 by Mohanlal Dayal Chauhan, a tailor from Pardi near Valsad, then part of the Bombay Province. As the country was flooded with imported sweets and confectionery, he decided to give it a ‘desi’ touch and flavour, and with a band of 12 workers, he launched the Parle products from a musty old warehouse near Vile Parle east station, when large parts areas of Vile Parle west were still marshes dotted with a few old bungalows and chawls. Later, he visited Germany to master the art of confectionery and returned with machinery worth Rs 60,000 to churn out simple sweets, toffees and locally flavoured Indian confections at affordable prices – willy-nilly challenging the imported British offerings. It was in 1983 that the chocolate Melody toffee. -WITH PTI

Six Financial Tips For A Strong 2025

Updated: Jan 6, 2025

Six Financial Tips

As 2025 begins, it’s the perfect time to reassess your financial goals and make smart decisions to set a strong foundation for the year. The following six key strategies will help you take control of your financial future.

Whenever I talk about investments below, I always mean a combination of mutual funds, direct stocks, and gold. These are essential for achieving your long-term goals (beyond three years). For short-term goals, you can stick to bank fixed deposits and recurring deposits.


1. Increase your SIPs

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined way to invest. If you haven’t increased your SIP contributions in the last 12 months, now is a great time to review and increase. This adjustment ensures your SIPs are sufficient in comparison to your monthly income.


2. Ensure SIPs constitute atleast 30% of your income

Your SIPs should account for at least 30% of your in-hand monthly income. This consistent investment approach helps you manage current expenses while building wealth for the future. It's crucial that your investments not only beat inflation but also help maintain and elevate your standard of living over time.


3. Make lumpsum investments

If you have excess funds that you won’t need for the next three years, consider making lumpsum investments. Idle money tends to lose value due to inflation, so investing it wisely is essential.


4. Health insurance

Health insurance is a critical component of any sound financial plan. To protect your savings and long-term financial goals, it’s essential to buy personal, comprehensive health insurance that offers sufficient coverage and necessary features. Don’t rely on your employer's health insurance plan.


5. Term life insurance

Term life insurance is an essential product to provide financial security for your loved ones. If you don’t already have a term plan, make it a priority to get one. If you do have it, assess whether your coverage is sufficient in relation to your income and financial goals, and increase it if needed. Term insurance is a cost-effective way to protect your family in case of an untimely death, ensuring their financial stability.


6. Engage a financial advisor for comprehensive planning

If you haven’t worked with a financial advisor, 2025 is the perfect time to start. A professional advisor can help you create a personalized plan that includes investments in direct stocks, mutual funds, gold, fixed-income products, and insurance strategies tailored to your income and financial goals. With expert advice, you can ensure your investments and plans are optimized for both growth and protection.

By implementing these strategies early in the year, you’ll position yourself for financial success and a secure 2025.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor.

Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605. )

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