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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray on his birth centenary, describing him as a towering personality who deeply shaped Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape. The Prime Minister said Thackeray’s vision for the state’s progress continues to inspire generations and that efforts will always be made to realise his ideals.

In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said that Balasaheb Thackeray was a figure who left a profound imprint on Maharashtra through his sharp intellect, powerful oratory and unwavering ideological commitment. He noted that Thackeray shared a unique bond with the people and remained closely connected to social and cultural issues.

The Prime Minister highlighted that apart from politics, Thackeray had a keen interest in culture, literature and journalism. He said Thackeray’s work as a cartoonist reflected his sharp observation of society and fearless commentary on contemporary issues. PM Modi added that Thackeray’s vision for Maharashtra’s development continues to guide public life.

Balasaheb Thackeray was born on January 23, 1926, in Pune and passed away on November 17, 2012, in Mumbai. An Indian journalist, cartoonist and politician, he founded the Shiv Sena, which went on to become a dominant force in Maharashtra’s politics. Known for advocating a strong pro-Hindu ideology, Thackeray left a lasting impact on the state’s political and cultural identity.

He began his professional career in the early 1950s as a cartoonist in Mumbai, with his work also appearing in international publications, including Japan’s Asahi Shimbun and the Sunday edition of The New York Times. Over time, his political observations drew him increasingly towards active politics.

In the 1960s, Thackeray launched the Marathi-language weekly Marmik along with his brother. Through the publication, he criticised what he saw as the growing influence of outsiders in Maharashtra, arguing that local residents were being deprived of employment opportunities. This line of thought later formed the foundation of the Shiv Sena in 1966, built around the slogan “Maharashtra for Maharashtrians”.

Despite never holding a constitutional post or contesting elections, Thackeray was regarded as one of the most influential figures in Maharashtra for decades. Revered by supporters as Hindu Hridaysamrat, his authority was such that during the Shiv Sena-BJP government in 1995, Bombay was officially renamed Mumbai, after Goddess Mumbadevi.

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.