Assembly Elections 2026: SIR, MCC & more — what EC said on polls for 4 states, 1 UT

West Bengal polls: Why EC opted for two-phase assembly elections

Kerala, Assam & Puducherry vote on April 9, TN on April 23, 2-phase polling in WB; results May 4

The Election Commission has unveiled the assembly poll schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Key political players like Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, and Himanta Biswa Sarma are gearing up for intense electoral battles across these states and the Union Territory.

EC announces bypoll dates for 8 assembly constituencies across six states; check schedule

By-elections for eight assembly seats across six states, including Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura, have been announced by the Election Commission. Polling dates are set for April 9 and April 23, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. These elections will fill vacant legislative seats, ensuring full representation in state assemblies.

Puducherry assembly polls: Key election dates and other details

Puducherry will vote for its 30 Assembly seats on April 9, 2026, with results announced on May 4. Nearly 9.44 lakh voters are eligible, including 23,033 first-time electors. The Election Commission emphasized free and fair polls, deploying extensive webcasting and model polling stations. The NDA, including AINRC and BJP, has finalized its seat-sharing plan.

Kerala polls: Voting on April 9, results on May 4

Assam election schedule: Voting in one phase on April 9, results on May 4

Mamata raises monthly honorarium for priests, muezzins ahead of poll schedule announcement

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 hike in monthly honorariums for priests and muezzins, raising their pay to Rs 2,000. This move, along with the approval of all new applications, was made just before the Election Commission declared poll dates. Banerjee stated the decision recognizes the vital role of religious functionaries in community life.

Kerala, Assam & Puducherry to vote on April 9; Tamil Nadu on April 23

The Election Commission has unveiled the assembly poll schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Key political players like Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, and Himanta Biswa Sarma are gearing up for intense electoral battles across these states and the Union Territory.

Chinese telecom company fined $50m for conspiring to steal technology from US firm

A Chinese telecommunications company, Hytera, has been fined $50 million for criminally conspiring to steal proprietary digital mobile radio technology from Motorola Solutions. Hytera recruited Motorola employees to take trade secrets, including source code, to develop competing products at a significantly lower cost. The company pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal trade secrets and received a five-year probation term.

‘Good stocks in hand’: India well placed on crude, fuel despite Middle East war, says Goyal

India is well-prepared for Middle East crisis disruptions, with ample fuel stocks and no supply issues reported. The government is diversifying gas import sources and will soon announce support for affected exporters, including insurance schemes. Despite short-term economic pressures and rupee stress, India remains confident in its growth trajectory.

Mother quit job, son scripts history: How Mayank, 16, became Northeast’s 1st GM

Sixteen-year-old Mayank Chakraborty has made history as the first Grandmaster from Assam and Northeast India. His landmark achievement in Sweden follows years of immense sacrifice, including his mother, Dr. Monomita Chakraborty, resigning from her medical career to support his journey. While celebrated as India’s 94th GM, Mayank’s family now seeks government and corporate backing to sustain his elite professional career.

Punjab man shot dead in Canada: How passenger pickup from motel ended in fatal shooting

A 30-year-old Punjabi cab driver, Devinder Singh, was tragically shot and killed in North Battleford, Canada, while on a pickup. Police are investigating the homicide, which occurred when a man reportedly followed a female passenger and opened fire. Devinder, who had moved to Canada four years ago, was a driver for Crown Cab and co-owned a café with his wife.

Middle East conflict forces Indian exporters to reroute shipments, absorb higher costs

Indian exporters are navigating Middle East conflict fallout, facing rising freight, insurance, and transit times. Businesses are adapting by adjusting inventory and contracts, while shipping lines reroute vessels around Africa, adding significant delays and costs. The government is exploring support measures, including airlifting perishables and alternative port options.

NASA alert! Huge 140-foot asteroid 2007 EG to pass Earth today; should we be worried