July 2, 2026

March 2026

Updated: Mar 15, 2026, 18:20 IST

Updated: Mar 15, 2026, 18:20 IST

Vamsikrishna010 mins mins

The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) will be held on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow, celebrating the inspiring journeys and achievements of India’s finest athletes across multiple disciplines. TOISA 2025 will recognise performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, highlighting standout displays at global championships and major international…

Read More
US bill to waive H-1B visa fees for public school teachers brings hope for international educators

US bill to waive H-1B visa fees for public school teachers brings hope for international educators

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

New H-1B visa bill could boost US teaching opportunities for international educators A new legislative proposal in the United States could open doors for international educators—including many from India—by easing financial barriers for schools that hire foreign teachers on H-1B visas. The move aims to support school districts struggling with teacher shortages while keeping opportunities…

Read More
“Second home”: Expats praise UAE’s stability and leadership amid US-Israel-Iran conflict | World News

“Second home”: Expats praise UAE’s stability and leadership amid US-Israel-Iran conflict | World News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Expats praises UAE’s leadership amid regional tensions As regional tensions continue to create uncertainty across parts of the Middle East, residents in the UAE are showing calm and resilience, with many members of the expatriate community expressing strong confidence in the country’s leadership and its commitment to keeping people safe. While the UAE’s defence and…

Read More
PM Modi with Om Birla (PTI image) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praising him for his composure, impartiality and leadership after a no-confidence motion against him was defeated in the House. PM Modi also lauded him for upholding parliamentary decorum and ensuring the dignity of democratic institutions.In the letter, PM Modi wrote, “The no-confidence motion brought against you in the Lok Sabha has been rejected by the House. Just as the House clearly rejected this political act, I also congratulate the members of the House for this. After the motion was defeated, I carefully listened to the statement you made in the House. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesUS military supremacy shines as China fails big in Iran, VenezuelaThe balance, patience, and clarity with which you referred to parliamentary history, the responsibilities of the Speaker, and the supremacy of rules is highly impressive. I commend you for this.”PM Modi further praised the Speaker for safeguarding democratic norms, emphasizing that “no one in this House is above the rules”. “The responsibility of the Lok Sabha Speaker is not just to conduct proceedings but also to safeguard democratic traditions, rules, and the institutional dignity. Your clear statement that no one in this House is above the rules is a message that reaffirms the core spirit of our democracy,” PM Modi wrote.PM Modi also acknowledged that democratic institutions often face challenges when new voices emerge and said Birla had consistently broadened the spirit of democracy by ensuring equal opportunities for all members, especially young and new MPs. Modi wrote, “The manner in which you have discharged your duties even amid difficult circumstances is truly inspiring.”‘Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words’: Om Birla responds to PM Modi’s letterOm Birla responding to PM Modi’s letter thanked him for his words of courage and said that the message reflected his deep faith in parliamentary rules, traditions and democratic values.Sharing the letter in a post on X, he wrote: “I have received your letter. You have always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India’s parliamentary democracy. Your letter expresses those highest ethical values of public service that you have lived by throughout your long public life; both in your current role as Prime Minister of India and previously as Chief Minister of Gujarat.” Birla further expressed his thanks to PM Modi for his inspiring words. “This message of yours, transcending the boundaries of party lines, will inspire all elected representatives in Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies, and will further strengthen the robust ethical foundation of the democracy established by our freedom fighters and the members of the Constituent Assembly. Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words,” he wrote.The no-confidence motion, backed by 118 opposition MPs, was moved against Birla over allegations of partiality. The proceedings against him witnessed nearly 12 hours of intense debate over two days. With Speaker Birla absent during the discussion, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who presided over the House, announced that the motion had been rejected through a voice vote amid protests and sloganeering from opposition members demanding an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.Returning to the Chair on Thursday after the motion was defeated, Birla addressed the House.”This House represents the sovereign will of 1.4 billion citizens of India. Every member comes with the mandate of lakhs of citizens and carries the hope of addressing their problems, deprivations, and aspirations,” he said. Birla emphasized that he had always sought to conduct proceedings with impartiality, discipline and balance, providing opportunities to all members while preserving the dignity of the House.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On AfghanistanSupreme Court Asked to Phase Out IPS Deputation, But CAPF Bill Does The OppositeIndian Navy Warships On Standby Near Persian Gulf To Assist Vessels In Hormuz Amid West Asia WarTharoor Exposes Reality of LPG Shortages, Questions Modi Govt’s Claims”India Facing Difficult Time…” Former Foreign Secretary On India’s Strategic Loss In West Asia123PhotostoriesArtery ageing in your 30s? Doctors reveal early warning signs and lifestyle changes that can protect your heartSmriti Mandhana’s Sangli home is beautifully minimalistic and modernThe Great Indian Kapil Show 4: From Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek- Net worth of the star castRed patches on tongue? Doctors say ignoring this common mouth sign could raise oral cancer risk, when to get checkedCocaine, politicians and businessmen: What we know about Hyderabad farmhouse raid10 longest rivers in the world and their points of originCelebrities who have been banned from the Oscars: Will Smith, Richard Gere, and more7 posh localities in Pune dominating the luxury real estate marketAlia Bhatt birthday special: ‘Highway’, ‘Raazi’, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, must-watch films on OTT5 types of people who kill your time (And how to handle them)123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

PM Modi with Om Birla (PTI image) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praising him for his composure, impartiality and leadership after a no-confidence motion against him was defeated in the House. PM Modi also lauded him for upholding parliamentary decorum and ensuring the dignity of democratic institutions.In the letter, PM Modi wrote, “The no-confidence motion brought against you in the Lok Sabha has been rejected by the House. Just as the House clearly rejected this political act, I also congratulate the members of the House for this. After the motion was defeated, I carefully listened to the statement you made in the House. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesUS military supremacy shines as China fails big in Iran, VenezuelaThe balance, patience, and clarity with which you referred to parliamentary history, the responsibilities of the Speaker, and the supremacy of rules is highly impressive. I commend you for this.”PM Modi further praised the Speaker for safeguarding democratic norms, emphasizing that “no one in this House is above the rules”. “The responsibility of the Lok Sabha Speaker is not just to conduct proceedings but also to safeguard democratic traditions, rules, and the institutional dignity. Your clear statement that no one in this House is above the rules is a message that reaffirms the core spirit of our democracy,” PM Modi wrote.PM Modi also acknowledged that democratic institutions often face challenges when new voices emerge and said Birla had consistently broadened the spirit of democracy by ensuring equal opportunities for all members, especially young and new MPs. Modi wrote, “The manner in which you have discharged your duties even amid difficult circumstances is truly inspiring.”‘Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words’: Om Birla responds to PM Modi’s letterOm Birla responding to PM Modi’s letter thanked him for his words of courage and said that the message reflected his deep faith in parliamentary rules, traditions and democratic values.Sharing the letter in a post on X, he wrote: “I have received your letter. You have always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India’s parliamentary democracy. Your letter expresses those highest ethical values of public service that you have lived by throughout your long public life; both in your current role as Prime Minister of India and previously as Chief Minister of Gujarat.” Birla further expressed his thanks to PM Modi for his inspiring words. “This message of yours, transcending the boundaries of party lines, will inspire all elected representatives in Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies, and will further strengthen the robust ethical foundation of the democracy established by our freedom fighters and the members of the Constituent Assembly. Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words,” he wrote.The no-confidence motion, backed by 118 opposition MPs, was moved against Birla over allegations of partiality. The proceedings against him witnessed nearly 12 hours of intense debate over two days. With Speaker Birla absent during the discussion, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who presided over the House, announced that the motion had been rejected through a voice vote amid protests and sloganeering from opposition members demanding an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.Returning to the Chair on Thursday after the motion was defeated, Birla addressed the House.”This House represents the sovereign will of 1.4 billion citizens of India. Every member comes with the mandate of lakhs of citizens and carries the hope of addressing their problems, deprivations, and aspirations,” he said. Birla emphasized that he had always sought to conduct proceedings with impartiality, discipline and balance, providing opportunities to all members while preserving the dignity of the House.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On AfghanistanSupreme Court Asked to Phase Out IPS Deputation, But CAPF Bill Does The OppositeIndian Navy Warships On Standby Near Persian Gulf To Assist Vessels In Hormuz Amid West Asia WarTharoor Exposes Reality of LPG Shortages, Questions Modi Govt’s Claims”India Facing Difficult Time…” Former Foreign Secretary On India’s Strategic Loss In West Asia123PhotostoriesArtery ageing in your 30s? Doctors reveal early warning signs and lifestyle changes that can protect your heartSmriti Mandhana’s Sangli home is beautifully minimalistic and modernThe Great Indian Kapil Show 4: From Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek- Net worth of the star castRed patches on tongue? Doctors say ignoring this common mouth sign could raise oral cancer risk, when to get checkedCocaine, politicians and businessmen: What we know about Hyderabad farmhouse raid10 longest rivers in the world and their points of originCelebrities who have been banned from the Oscars: Will Smith, Richard Gere, and more7 posh localities in Pune dominating the luxury real estate marketAlia Bhatt birthday special: ‘Highway’, ‘Raazi’, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, must-watch films on OTT5 types of people who kill your time (And how to handle them)123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

PM Modi with Om Birla (PTI image) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praising him for his composure, impartiality and leadership after a no-confidence motion against him was defeated in the House. PM Modi also lauded him for upholding parliamentary decorum and ensuring the…

Read More
Mar 15, 2026, 17:55 IST

Mar 15, 2026, 17:55 IST

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) will be held on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow, celebrating the achievements and inspiring journeys of India’s finest athletes across multiple disciplines. TOISA 2025 will honour performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, recognising standout displays at major international tournaments and world…

Read More
Delhi University rebuts Rahul Gandhi’s caste bias claim, says CUET-based admissions leave no room for interview manipulation

Delhi University rebuts Rahul Gandhi’s caste bias claim, says CUET-based admissions leave no room for interview manipulation

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The University of Delhi has strongly rejected remarks made by Rahul Gandhi suggesting that students were being failed on the basis of caste, asserting that the claims are not supported by facts and misrepresent how the university’s admission system operates.The university issued a firm clarification stating that admissions are conducted through the Common University Entrance…

Read More
Zakir Khan hospitalized in Mumbai? Viral video of the stand-up comedian in a hospital robe sparks fan concern

Zakir Khan hospitalized in Mumbai? Viral video of the stand-up comedian in a hospital robe sparks fan concern

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Renowned comedian Zakir Khan has taken a step back from his bustling career for health reasons, sending fans into a frenzy. Concerns escalated when a clip of him in hospital attire, engrossed in a cricket match, circulated online, shared by his brother. However, official updates from Lilavati Hospital regarding his health condition are still awaited….

Read More
Weekly Health Horoscope Predictions, March 15 to March 21, 2026: Tips for wellness and balance based on each zodiac sign

Weekly Health Horoscope Predictions, March 15 to March 21, 2026: Tips for wellness and balance based on each zodiac sign

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

AriesEnergy stays reasonably steady through the week. Not extremely high, yet reliable enough to keep you moving through your routine. You will notice that the body responds better when the pace remains balanced rather than rushed. Sleep improves once evenings become quieter. Small breaks during the day help you stay consistent.TaurusYour body prefers rhythm this…

Read More
Qatar Eid Al Fitr Holiday 2026: Qatar news: 7-day Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday announced for public sector employees | World News

Qatar Eid Al Fitr Holiday 2026: Qatar news: 7-day Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday announced for public sector employees | World News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Qatar government employees get 7-day Eid Al Fitr 2026 break / Image: thepeninsularqatar Qatar has officially announced a seven-day Eid Al Fitr holiday for public sector employees, offering government workers an extended break to celebrate the end of Ramadan.According to the Amiri Diwan, ministries, government agencies and public institutions will observe the Eid holiday from…

Read More
File photo NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly election, with polling to be held in a single phase on April 9 and counting of votes on May 4. Voting will take place for all 30 constituencies of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly.Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, addressing a press conference, said elections across the four states and one Union Territory must be conducted in a free, fair and violence-free manner. He said the Election Commission would take strong action against any attempt at violence or inducement and ensure greater transparency in the counting process and announcement of results.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesUS military supremacy shines as China fails big in Iran, VenezuelaPuducherry Election 2026: Key datesFor Puducherry, the election will be held in one phase on April 9, while the result will be declared on May 4. The Union Territory goes to the polls along with Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.The EC has announced voting for all 30 Assembly seats in Puducherry, where nearly 9.44 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Puducherry voters and polling stationsAccording to data shared by the Election Commission, Puducherry has around 4.43 lakh male voters, 5 lakh female voters and 139 third-gender electors, taking the total electorate to about 9.44 lakh.Among them, the Union Territory has 54 centenarian voters, 6,034 voters aged 85 and above, and 12,204 persons with disabilities (PwD). It also has 23,033 first-time voters aged 18 to 19, around 1.87 lakh voters in the 20–29 age group, and 328 service electors.Polling will be held across 1,099 polling stations, of which 610 are in urban areas and 489 in rural areas. The EC said the average number of electors per polling station in Puducherry is 859, which falls within the 750–900 range across the five poll-bound regions. The Commission also said Puducherry will have 30 model polling stations, 60 women-managed polling stations, and four PwD-managed polling stations. Importantly, 100 per cent webcasting will be in place at polling stations.What the Election Commission saidCEC Gyanesh Kumar said a total of 17.4 crore voters are eligible to vote in elections to five assemblies with 824 constituencies. Across the four states and one Union Territory, polling will be conducted at around 2.19 lakh polling stations, with nearly 25 lakh election officials deployed.Kumar said the number of total voters across the five poll-bound regions is equivalent to the population of countries such as Australia, France, South Africa, Germany and Canada. He also said pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy and stressed that no eligible voter should be left out, while no ineligible voter should be included.The CEC added that representatives of election bodies from 20 countries will visit the poll-bound states to observe India’s electoral process, which he described as the “Festival of Democracy”.What happened in the 2021 Puducherry election?The last Assembly election in Puducherry was held in 2021, when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a simple majority. N Rangaswamy of the All India NR Congress (AINRC) was sworn in as chief minister for the fourth time.In that election, the NDA won 16 seats with a 44.2 per cent vote share, while the UPA won eight seats.Party-wise, AINRC emerged as the largest party with 10 seats and a 26.2 per cent vote share. The DMK won six seats with 18.8 per cent vote share, while the BJP also won six seats with 13.8 per cent vote share. The Congress won two seats with 15.9 per cent vote share.NDA’s 2026 seat-sharing planAhead of the 2026 election, the AINRC-BJP alliance has already finalised its seat-sharing arrangement. Under the formula, AINRC will contest 16 seats, while the BJP-led combine will contest 14 seats.The alliance has said it is also in talks with the AIADMK. In the previous election, five seats had been allotted to the AIADMK from the BJP’s quota. Puducherry Election 2026 result dateThe Puducherry Assembly Election 2026 result will be declared on May 4, when counting is taken up along with the other four state elections.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On AfghanistanSupreme Court Asked to Phase Out IPS Deputation, But CAPF Bill Does The OppositeIndian Navy Warships On Standby Near Persian Gulf To Assist Vessels In Hormuz Amid West Asia WarTharoor Exposes Reality of LPG Shortages, Questions Modi Govt’s Claims”India Facing Difficult Time…” Former Foreign Secretary On India’s Strategic Loss In West AsiaBJP Ends Alliance Speculation, Amit Shah Says Party Will Go Alone In Punjab123PhotostoriesArtery ageing in your 30s? Doctors reveal early warning signs and lifestyle changes that can protect your heartSmriti Mandhana’s Sangli home is beautifully minimalistic and modernThe Great Indian Kapil Show 4: From Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek- Net worth of the star castRed patches on tongue? Doctors say ignoring this common mouth sign could raise oral cancer risk, when to get checkedCocaine, politicians and businessmen: What we know about Hyderabad farmhouse raid10 longest rivers in the world and their points of originCelebrities who have been banned from the Oscars: Will Smith, Richard Gere, and more7 posh localities in Pune dominating the luxury real estate marketAlia Bhatt birthday special: ‘Highway’, ‘Raazi’, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, must-watch films on OTT7 local foods you shouldn’t miss while visiting Manali123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

File photo NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly election, with polling to be held in a single phase on April 9 and counting of votes on May 4. Voting will take place for all 30 constituencies of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly.Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, addressing a press conference, said elections across the four states and one Union Territory must be conducted in a free, fair and violence-free manner. He said the Election Commission would take strong action against any attempt at violence or inducement and ensure greater transparency in the counting process and announcement of results.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesUS military supremacy shines as China fails big in Iran, VenezuelaPuducherry Election 2026: Key datesFor Puducherry, the election will be held in one phase on April 9, while the result will be declared on May 4. The Union Territory goes to the polls along with Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.The EC has announced voting for all 30 Assembly seats in Puducherry, where nearly 9.44 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Puducherry voters and polling stationsAccording to data shared by the Election Commission, Puducherry has around 4.43 lakh male voters, 5 lakh female voters and 139 third-gender electors, taking the total electorate to about 9.44 lakh.Among them, the Union Territory has 54 centenarian voters, 6,034 voters aged 85 and above, and 12,204 persons with disabilities (PwD). It also has 23,033 first-time voters aged 18 to 19, around 1.87 lakh voters in the 20–29 age group, and 328 service electors.Polling will be held across 1,099 polling stations, of which 610 are in urban areas and 489 in rural areas. The EC said the average number of electors per polling station in Puducherry is 859, which falls within the 750–900 range across the five poll-bound regions. The Commission also said Puducherry will have 30 model polling stations, 60 women-managed polling stations, and four PwD-managed polling stations. Importantly, 100 per cent webcasting will be in place at polling stations.What the Election Commission saidCEC Gyanesh Kumar said a total of 17.4 crore voters are eligible to vote in elections to five assemblies with 824 constituencies. Across the four states and one Union Territory, polling will be conducted at around 2.19 lakh polling stations, with nearly 25 lakh election officials deployed.Kumar said the number of total voters across the five poll-bound regions is equivalent to the population of countries such as Australia, France, South Africa, Germany and Canada. He also said pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy and stressed that no eligible voter should be left out, while no ineligible voter should be included.The CEC added that representatives of election bodies from 20 countries will visit the poll-bound states to observe India’s electoral process, which he described as the “Festival of Democracy”.What happened in the 2021 Puducherry election?The last Assembly election in Puducherry was held in 2021, when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a simple majority. N Rangaswamy of the All India NR Congress (AINRC) was sworn in as chief minister for the fourth time.In that election, the NDA won 16 seats with a 44.2 per cent vote share, while the UPA won eight seats.Party-wise, AINRC emerged as the largest party with 10 seats and a 26.2 per cent vote share. The DMK won six seats with 18.8 per cent vote share, while the BJP also won six seats with 13.8 per cent vote share. The Congress won two seats with 15.9 per cent vote share.NDA’s 2026 seat-sharing planAhead of the 2026 election, the AINRC-BJP alliance has already finalised its seat-sharing arrangement. Under the formula, AINRC will contest 16 seats, while the BJP-led combine will contest 14 seats.The alliance has said it is also in talks with the AIADMK. In the previous election, five seats had been allotted to the AIADMK from the BJP’s quota. Puducherry Election 2026 result dateThe Puducherry Assembly Election 2026 result will be declared on May 4, when counting is taken up along with the other four state elections.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On AfghanistanSupreme Court Asked to Phase Out IPS Deputation, But CAPF Bill Does The OppositeIndian Navy Warships On Standby Near Persian Gulf To Assist Vessels In Hormuz Amid West Asia WarTharoor Exposes Reality of LPG Shortages, Questions Modi Govt’s Claims”India Facing Difficult Time…” Former Foreign Secretary On India’s Strategic Loss In West AsiaBJP Ends Alliance Speculation, Amit Shah Says Party Will Go Alone In Punjab123PhotostoriesArtery ageing in your 30s? Doctors reveal early warning signs and lifestyle changes that can protect your heartSmriti Mandhana’s Sangli home is beautifully minimalistic and modernThe Great Indian Kapil Show 4: From Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek- Net worth of the star castRed patches on tongue? Doctors say ignoring this common mouth sign could raise oral cancer risk, when to get checkedCocaine, politicians and businessmen: What we know about Hyderabad farmhouse raid10 longest rivers in the world and their points of originCelebrities who have been banned from the Oscars: Will Smith, Richard Gere, and more7 posh localities in Pune dominating the luxury real estate marketAlia Bhatt birthday special: ‘Highway’, ‘Raazi’, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, must-watch films on OTT7 local foods you shouldn’t miss while visiting Manali123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly election, with polling to be held in a single phase on April 9 and counting of votes on May 4. Voting will take place for all 30 constituencies of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly.Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, addressing a…

Read More
Updated: Mar 15, 2026, 13:28 IST

Updated: Mar 15, 2026, 13:28 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Abhishek Sharma (AFP Photo) NEW DELHI: Abhishek Sharma did not expect to begin the T20 World Cup 2026 the way he had planned, dreamt and desired. The swashbuckling opener, known for his blistering batting and high strike rate while pummelling bowlers all over the park, endured a nightmare start to the tournament. Abhishek was out…

Read More
Middle East war, crude prices to steer Dalal Street this week; Fed, inflation data also in focus

Middle East war, crude prices to steer Dalal Street this week; Fed, inflation data also in focus

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Developments in the ongoing Middle East conflict and the movement in crude oil prices will be the key drivers for Indian equity markets this week, analysts said, with investors also closely tracking the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, inflation data and foreign fund flows after a bruising selloff in Dalal Street.Market participants are bracing…

Read More
Varun Dhawan on being compared to Govinda in every scene by his father David Dhawan: ‘Its a very tall order to live up to’

Varun Dhawan on being compared to Govinda in every scene by his father David Dhawan: ‘Its a very tall order to live up to’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Filmmaker David Dhawan revealed on Kapil Sharma’s show that he always envisioned Govinda performing scenes while writing scripts, a practice he continued with son Varun Dhawan. Varun acknowledged the challenge of living up to his father’s iconic collaborations, noting his father’s references to past superstars. The father-son duo have continued their successful partnership, with new…

Read More