May 29, 2026 8:19 PM

Govt notifies two new special economic zones in Puducherry

The Union government has notified two new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Puducherry as part of the continued push towards strengthening the country's industrial base, expanding exports, and deepening self-reliance in strategic sectors, according to an official statement issued on Friday. The proposals were approved by the Board of Approval for SEZs under the Department of Commerce at a meeting held on Thursday. These approvals constitute a major milestone for Puducherry's industrial and expo...

May 13, 2026 1:44 PM

N Rangasamy sworn in as Puducherry CM for record fifth term; PM Modi congratulates

N. Rangasamy was sworn in as Puducherry Chief Minister for a record fifth term on Wednesday, as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power in the Union Territory following the recent Assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Lok Bhavan in Puducherry, where Lieutenant Governor K. Kailasanathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rangasamy and the newly inducted ministers. Along with the Chief Minister, A. Namassivayam and Malladi Krishna Rao took oath as...

April 9, 2026 9:48 PM

Assembly elections: Assam and Puducherry record highest-ever voter turnout

Assam and Puducherry registered their highest-ever voter turnout in Assembly elections as polling across three regions concluded peacefully on Thursday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said. According to provisional data, Assam recorded a turnout of 85.38%, surpassing its previous high of 84.67% in 2016, while Puducherry achieved a record 89.83%, exceeding its earlier peak of 86.19% in 2011. Kerala also witnessed strong participation, with voter turnout estimated at 78.03%. Polling was ...

April 9, 2026 5:34 PM

Assembly elections: Polling records high turnout in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry

Polling for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry progressed steadily on Thursday, with voter turnout registering strong figures by the evening. According to data released by the Election Commission of India, turnout at 5 p.m. stood at 84.42% in Assam, 75.01% in Kerala, and 86.92% in Puducherry. In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cast his vote at a polling station in Jalukbari, the constituency he represents and is contesting from as a can...

April 9, 2026 11:34 AM

Voting underway in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry; turnout over 30% by 11 am

Polling for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry began at 7 am on Thursday, with early voter turnout figures indicating steady participation. According to data released by the Election Commission of India, voter turnout at 11 am stood at 38.92 per cent in Assam, 33.28 per cent in Kerala, and 37.06 per cent in Puducherry. The elections are being held for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry. The counting of votes is scheduled for ...

April 9, 2026 10:29 AM

Polling begins in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry; early turnout around 17%

Polling for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry began at 7 am on Thursday, with early voter turnout figures indicating steady participation. According to data released by the Election Commission of India, voter turnout at 9 am stood at 17.87 per cent in Assam, 16.23 per cent in Kerala, and 17.41 per cent in Puducherry. The elections are being held for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry. The counting of votes is scheduled for M...

April 9, 2026 8:55 AM

PM Modi calls on Assam, Kerala voters to exercise franchise in large numbers, strengthen democracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the voters, especially the youth and women, of Assam and Kerala to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise as the high-stakes voting begins. Polling for the high-stakes Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry commenced at 7 a.m. earlier in the day. The polling is underway for 126 Assembly seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry. The results will be announced on May 4. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "As pollin...

April 9, 2026 8:48 AM

Voting begins in Assam, Keralam and Puducherry; Results on May 4

Polling began for high-stakes electoral battles in two states, Assam and Keralam, as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry, on Thursday at 7 am with the Election Commission making arrangements for free, fair and smooth polling. Voters queued outside polling stations to cast their votes in a single-phase assembly election. Voting will be held for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Keralam, and 30 in Puducherry in this phase of the election. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23, and West Beng...

April 9, 2026 8:34 AM

‘Youth engaged in shaping prosperous, strong India’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the role of youth in nation-building, emphasising that youth are engaged in shaping a prosperous and strong India. The Prime Minister pointed out that India's heritage and culture have always taught true knowledge and its proper use, being the foundation of a nation's progress. In a post on X, he said, "Our heritage and culture have always taught us that true knowledge and its proper use form the foundation of a nation's progress. Following ...

April 4, 2026 11:15 AM

PM Modi holds roadshow in Puducherry ahead of assembly polls

With just days remaining for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections scheduled on April 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a massive roadshow in the Union Territory, significantly intensifying the campaign of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The roadshow, which passed through Ansari Duraisamy Road to Kamaraj Salai, witnessed enthusiastic participation from large crowds amid tight security arrangements. N. Rangasamy, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, and BJP state president...