National

Addressing a public gathering here as Kerala heads into Assembly election mode, PM Modi began with the traditonal greeting "Namaskaram!" and wished his long time friend and P P Rajesh who was sworn in Mayor in Thiruvanthuparam after the BJP in the city's municipal elections ,for the first time came to power in any Corporation in Kerala.

Tourists have begun arriving in large numbers in Himachal Pradesh's capital, Shimla, following the season's first heavy snowfall, which continues intermittently in the region. Visitors who had reached the hill town over the past few days, closely tracking weather forecasts, waited patiently for snowfall and are now celebrating and enjoying the fresh blanket of snow.

The visit comes against the backdrop of significant legal and political developments following the ED's plea before the Supreme Court alleging interference by West Bengal authorities during the search operations. Last week, the apex court issued notices to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior state police officials in the matter.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of repeatedly betraying the state and ignoring its key demands.

The Banihal town of Ramban district on Friday witnessed the season's first heavy snowfall as fresh snow blanketed the entire region, bringing winter conditions in full force.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Friday accused the Telangana government of indulging in "drama politics" and failing to deliver on its promises to the people over the past two years, ahead of appearing before the SIT in connection with the phone tapping case.