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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

The Rebel In The Family

Updated: Nov 7, 2024

Dhananjay Munde

As Agriculture Minister, Dhananjay Munde has taken several decisions for the benefit of the agriculture and the farmers in the state over the past year and now it as if he is getting ready to assume the larger role of saviour of farmers after the Assembly elections.


Born on July 15, 1975, in Parli, Beed, he is the nephew of the late Gopinath Munde, a BJP veteran. While following his uncle’s footsteps his political career began initially with the ABVP and later in the form of his association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he served as the President of the Youth Wing (BJYM). He was being looked at as the political heir apparent of his uncle. However, when he realised that his cousin sister Pankaja Munde was being promoted in the politics by his uncle, he parted ways and switched allegiance to the NCP, where he found his political footing and rose through the ranks.


In the 2019 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, Dhananjay won the Parli constituency, defeating Pankaja. This victory was significant as it marked a shift in the political landscape of the region, traditionally dominated by the BJP. His win was attributed to his grassroots connect and his ability to address local issues effectively.


Dhananjay’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to connect with the masses and his commitment to addressing their concerns. He is known for his extensive tours of his constituency, where he interacts directly with the people, listens to their grievances, and works towards resolving their issues. His down-to-earth image and dedication to public service have earned him a loyal following.


Despite his achievements, Dhananjay’s political career has not been without controversies. In January 2021, he faced a rape allegation, which was later withdrawn. He refuted the allegations and continued to focus on his political responsibilities. This episode demonstrated his resilience and determination to uphold his integrity.


In this election, Dhananjay is expected to play a double role as an elder brother after his reunion with Pankaja and a trusted lieutenant of NCP chief Ajit Pawar. The NCP’s poll success in Marathwada largely depends upon how Dhananjay mobilises the cadre. He knows the pulse of the people. However, the caste equation is not in his favour. Being an OBC he is likely to face a stiff opposition from the Maratha community. If he could sail through his party Dhananjay would emerge as a force to be reckon with. If he fails, he might choose to return to the BJP for a better prospectus.

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