Light to moderate rainfall was recorded across several parts of Delhi on Friday morning, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. Cloudy conditions are likely to persist through the day, according to weather updates.

The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert early morning, warning of short but intense spells of rain along with moderate thunderstorm activity in multiple pockets of the city.

Areas such as Narela, Bawana, Alipur, Burari, Kanjhawala, Rohini, Badli, Model Town, Azadpur, Pitampura, Mundka, Paschim Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Jaffarpur, Najafgarh and Dwarka are expected to be affected. These regions may witness lightning and fast-moving winds along with rainfall.

The rain is likely to provide relief from prevailing temperatures in Delhi and nearby regions.

Fresh snowfall blankets Kashmir Valley

Several areas in the Kashmir Valley, including the popular ski destination of Gulmarg, received fresh snowfall as a strong western disturbance impacted Jammu and Kashmir. Snowfall began late Thursday evening in Gulmarg, located in Baramulla district.

High-speed winds were also reported across Srinagar and other plains of the valley.

Due to the continuing snowfall, authorities at Srinagar Airport have indicated that flight operations may take longer than usual to return to normal. Train services were affected, and the Srinagar–Jammu national highway was blocked following snow accumulation.

Himachal Pradesh’s Manali also witnessed fresh snowfall, covering the hill town in a white blanket and bringing cheer to residents and tourists.

Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is likely to skip an important meeting of the party’s Kerala leadership scheduled for Friday afternoon, with sources indicating that the four-time Lok Sabha member is upset over a perceived lack of due respect during Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Kochi.

The meeting, set to be attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, is aimed at reviewing preparations for the Kerala Assembly election later this year. Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram, is expected to be absent.

Sources said the diplomat-turned-politician has been unhappy with the party’s handling of his role during the Kochi visit, adding to existing strain between him and the Congress’ central leadership.

Tharoor has in recent months found himself under scrutiny within the party following remarks that were seen as appreciative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. These include comments on the Prime Minister’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military strikes on Pakistan, as well as occasional critical observations aired through media interactions.

The tension resurfaced on Thursday after Tharoor shared a selfie with former BJP MP and current India men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir. In his post, Tharoor praised Gambhir for handling what he described as “the second-hardest job in India,” after the Prime Minister’s role.

The post drew a sharp response from a BJP spokesperson, who linked Tharoor’s comments on cricket fans questioning coaching decisions to the opposition’s criticism of the Prime Minister. The BJP leader accused the opposition of prioritising family interests over national concerns and suggested that Tharoor’s remarks once again highlighted divisions within the Congress.

The episode underscores the continuing unease between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress leadership, a rift that political rivals have frequently highlighted in public discourse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, observed as Parakram Diwas, recalling the freedom fighter’s fearless leadership, unwavering patriotism and enduring contribution to India’s independence struggle.

In a series of posts on X, the prime minister said Netaji’s ideals continue to inspire generations to build a strong and self-reliant India. He also outlined steps taken by his government to preserve and promote Bose’s legacy, while criticising previous governments for neglecting his historical contribution.

“On the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which is commemorated as Parakram Diwas, we recall his indomitable courage, resolve and unparalleled contribution to the nation,” PM Modi said, adding that Bose symbolised fearless leadership and deep patriotism.

Recalling personal inspiration and early initiatives

The prime minister said Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had always inspired him and recalled launching the e-Gram Vishwagram Yojana in Gujarat on January 23, 2009, during his tenure as chief minister, as a tribute to the freedom fighter.

He noted that the scheme, aimed at transforming Gujarat’s IT landscape, was launched from Haripura, a place closely associated with Bose. PM Modi said he vividly remembered the public reception and procession organised along the same route where Netaji had once travelled.

PM Modi also recalled a major programme organised in Ahmedabad in 2012 to mark Azad Hind Fauj Day, which was attended by people inspired by Bose, including former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma.

Criticism of past governments

The prime minister said remembering Netaji’s contribution did not “fit the agenda of those who ruled the nation for decades,” alleging that efforts were made to forget his role in India’s freedom movement.

“Our beliefs are different. At every possible juncture, we have popularised his life and ideals,” he said, describing the declassification of files and documents related to Netaji Bose as a landmark step.

Key initiatives highlighted

PM Modi said 2018 marked a significant year, citing the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Azad Hind government at the Red Fort and the 75th anniversary of Bose unfurling the tricolour in Srivijayapuram, now Port Blair.

He also noted that three prominent islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were renamed, including Ross Island, which was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.

At the Red Fort, the Kranti Mandir museum houses historical material related to Netaji Bose and the Indian National Army, including the cap worn by the leader, the prime minister said.

Statue near India Gate and Parakram Diwas

The prime minister said Netaji’s birth anniversary was officially declared as Parakram Diwas to honour his legacy. He also referred to his 2021 visit to Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata, from where Bose made his historic escape.

Highlighting a symbolic move to shed colonial mindset, PM Modi said the decision to install a grand statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose near India Gate reflected the government’s reverence for the freedom fighter.

“This grand statue will inspire people for generations to come,” the prime minister said.