National

As winter blankets the region, the hidden gem of Ladha Dhar in the Chenani area of Udhampur has emerged as a top-tier destination for nature lovers seeking "pure white gold" far from the crowded tourist hubs. Visitors are increasingly drawn to this unexplored spot, where the lack of heavy footfall has preserved the snow in its most pristine, pollution-free form, offering a stark contrast to the commercialised slopes of more famous hill stations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met families affected by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) at Banga Bhavan in the national capital on Monday, while alleging a politically driven attempt to suppress voters in Bengal.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday lauded the Union Budget 2026-27, asserting that the budget fulfils the aspirations of Uttar Pradesh with its special focus on Micro Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief Vijay on Monday called on party cadres to work actively to ensure a victory for the 'Whistle' symbol, asserting that only his party, the "pure force," can defeat the "evil and corrupt" forces in Tamil Nadu politics.

Thousands of devotees witnessed the annual float festival, during which the float carrying the deities of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar will be pulled around the Maiya Mandapam of Mariamman Teppakulam here. The event marks the culmination of the 12-day Thai Poosam festival. Every year, on the occasion of Thai Poosam, the decorated float of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is ceremoniously taken around the Maiya Mandapam at Mariamman Teppakulam.

"I realise that when I am asked to move the motion on the President's address to the joint assembly of the parliament on January 28th, it is a matter of immense honour and privilege bestowed on me. The President's address has been remarkable. First in the new quarter of the year, setting the stage for the next 25 years," he stated.