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Vibe With Stalin” (or more commonly #VibeWithMKS) is a recent youth outreach program and digital talk series launched by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his political party, the DMK. The initiative aims to connect with younger and first-time voters, particularly ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.  Program Details

Mass protests are currently underway across India in response to the central government’s recent overhaul of the flagship rural employment scheme, which involved renaming and restructuring the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).  The government has introduced new legislation, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, which has led to protests by opposition parties and trade unions.  Key changes in the new act compared to the original MGNREGA include the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name, a shift from a legal “right to work” to a mission-based scheme, and a requirement for states to cover up to 40% of costs. Critics argue these changes weaken the legal guarantee of employment and place a financial burden on states. There are also changes to work guarantee days and provisions for pausing work, which critics argue are either cosmetic or detrimental to workers. The new act also grants greater central control and digital monitoring, reducing the role of Gram Panchayats.  Protests are being led by parties like Congress and the Left, occurring in various locations across India. The legislation also faced significant opposition in Parliament. Protesters are demanding the withdrawal of the new law.  The government asserts the changes aim for improved efficiency, transparency through digital monitoring, and better alignment with infrastructure needs.

Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Association (FNCRWA) Highlight: Focused on environmental issues like opposing Waste-to-Energy plants in North Chennai.Impact: Pressured local and state government to reconsider industrial projects affecting residents’ health and environment.Implementation: Organised protests, legal petitions, and awareness campaigns to influence policy decisions.Ambedkar Makkal IyakkamHighlight: Works for Dalit empowerment, education, and social justice in Tamil Nadu.Impact: Strengthened caste-based political mobilization and welfare advocacy for marginalized communities.Implementation: Conducts educational programs, rallies, and lobbying efforts to influence government welfare schemes.amil Nadu Construction Workers Central Association.Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Central AssociationHighlight: Represents construction laborers and protests against unfavorable labour policies.Impact: Influences state labor legislation and ensures worker welfare boards are protected.Implementation: Organises strikes, protests, and negotiations with government bodies to implement fair labor codes.

Key Highlights Workers’ unions in Tamil Nadu protested against the new central labour codes.The protests were primarily led by the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Central Association in Madurai.Workers demanded safeguarding existing labour welfare benefits and protections. Description Labour unions argue the new codes could dilute worker rights and social security schemes.Welfare associations actively mobilized members to participate in peaceful demonstrations.The protests spotlight the union-government dialogue on labour policy reforms. Implimentations Potential revisions to labour codes due to public pressure and protests.Strengthened influence of worker welfare associations in shaping political and policy decisions.Increased awareness among workers about rights, benefits, and policy changes.