आयोग ने ऑफ सीजन अवधि 1 नवंबर से 31 मार्च के बीच मानी है। इस दौरान यदि किसी माह में 10 प्रतिशत से अधिक लोड की खपत होती है तो बिल पुराने यानी पूरे कनेक्शन के अनुसार ही आएगा। अगर अगले महीने खपत 10 प्रतिशत से कम हो गई तो बिल फिर कम हो जाएगा। इससे खासकर पहाड़ के उन होटल और रेस्टोरेंट मालिकों को राहत मिलेगी, जिनका ऑफ सीजन में काम लगभग बंद या नाममात्र का होता है। हालाँकि, यह छूट पूरे राज्य में एक साथ लागू की गई है।

ये भी पढ़ें…उत्तराखंड: आज से पानी के लिए चुकाने होंगे ज्यादा पैसे, जल संस्थान ने चार फीसदी बढ़ाया बिल

निजी ट्यूबवेल का बिल त्रैमासिक आएगा

कृषि कार्यों में उपयोग किए जाने वाले निजी ट्यूबवेल उपभोक्ताओं को बिल अवधि के दौरान राहत दी गई है। अभी तक उन्हें हर छह माह में बिजली बिल मिलता था लेकिन अब तिमाही आधार पर मिलेगा। इससे उन्हें बिल चुकाने में आसानी होगी.

In this new social media era, the use of PR is quite high and even though it can be beneficial to a great extent, most of such PR activities are used to tarnish the reputation of actors or even discredit a film.Now Radhika Madan has taken a strong stand against the increasing trend of paid negative PR in the film industry. The actress said that she never wants to have so much free time that she starts planning to talk bad about others and believes that one should focus on her work instead of putting others down. Recently, in an interview given to News 18, Radhikka shared her views.

Radhikka Madan said this about negative PR

On the negative PR, Radhikka gave a candid reply, “May God never give me so much free time that I start doing things like this. Oh God, please don’t ever leave me so worthless that I sit and plan what bad things I should say about others. I truly believe that you can never rise up by putting someone else down. Keep working hard, keep doing your work honestly and keep growing.” He believes that people should remain engaged in their journey.

A place to shine for everyone

Radhikka believes there is enough room for many people at the top, “I also think there is not room for just one person at the top, there are many stars in the sky. I have always been someone who lifts people up, and I just hope I never have enough time to do something like that.”

How does she handle trolls?

The ‘Subedaar’ actress has had to face a lot of trolling since her initial days. People have criticized her looks and choices. Talking about it he said, “Kuchh toh log kahenge, log ka kaam hai kehna. I believe you can never please everyone. No matter what you do, there will always be people who like it and others who don’t like it. It doesn’t matter what size you are or what you look like, people will always have opinions. You must know yourself, who you are and what you stand for. You should feel very good about yourself.”

emotional reaction to Hansal Mehtapraise of

Radhikka was very impressed when filmmaker Hansal Mehta praised her performance in Subedaar. She said that she deserves better roles and more opportunities.As quoted by Hindustan Times, he shared, “When I first read it, I had tears in my eyes because when you come into this industry, you need to create an identity for yourself, and you want to get the attention of these legendary, legendary filmmakers. When you get that kind of acceptance and support, and if someone like that feels for you, takes your side, or gives voice to whatever you’ve been feeling for so many years, it means a lot.He said it has made him even more passionate about his work.

Radhikka Madan her career till now

Radhikka Madan debuted in 2014 with the TV show ‘Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi’. She entered Bollywood in 2018 with ‘Pataakha’. Over the years he has gradually built a different kind of filmography. His recent role in Anil Kapoor‘Subedar’ received a lot of praise.

Penn State researchers are taking the unique resilience of tardigrades, or ‘water bears’, as the basis for evaluating how the living organisms would respond and protect Martian resources. These microscopic extremophiles are known for their ability to survive in the vacuum of space; However, this study focuses primarily on their molecular response to Martian conditions and the specific types of proteins that tardigrades use to protect their DNA and cellular structures. Researchers are gaining important information regarding biotechnology applications that can be used for future space missions by studying the proteins produced by tardigrades. This information will not only help identify conditions for potential habitability on other planets, but will also provide a model for developing flexible, bio-inspired materials that can be used to protect critical infrastructure and biological properties on the surface of Mars.

Habit hack: How ‘water bears’ survive the stress of Mars

Tardigrades are known for their ability to enter a state of dormancy called cryptobiosis, but Penn State researchers are looking at the very specific molecular mechanisms that allow them to do so. Researchers have identified a new class of ‘disordered proteins’ without a well-defined three-dimensional structure, which appear to form a biological glass around the DNA and other vital cellular components of tardigrades when they experience extreme stress (for example, excessive radiation or low humidity from a Martian-like environment). This glass covering is probably preventing the cells from breaking down or being permanently damaged in the harsh environment of Mars.

Water bears are turning protein into protection

The findings of this research suggest that water bears’ survival strategies could be used to create protective coatings for valuable resources on Mars. By investigating how these microbes stabilize their biological materials, the researchers hope to create bio-inspired coatings that could protect sensitive technologies such as electronics and pharmaceuticals from degradation caused by cosmic radiation and extreme temperatures – effectively moving from passive observation of biological systems to engineering ‘active protective systems’ that would lead to a significant change in how we think about sustaining human life on Mars long-term.Understanding how tardigrades adapt serves as an experimental framework when developing resilient infrastructure for Mars. The Penn State University team reports that biosynthetic analogs of the broken down protein could potentially be synthesized to create self-repairing or ultra-durable materials for housing construction. By designing similar organizational systems and methods that replicate these types of natural protection systems, future missions will eliminate the need to use large amounts of heavy shielding on spacecraft and will be able to use lightweight bio-compatible polymeric materials that react to their environment in the same way a tardigrade reacts when transitioning to its ‘tuned’ state, therefore providing longer-lasting, more successful building solutions.

biological map of mars

By demonstrating that organisms from planet Earth can use specific molecular pathways to survive in environments such as Mars, this research is expanding the definition of what can be habitable; It also creates a reference point from which to assess the potential for other extraterrestrial bodies to be deemed habitable. In short, if we can adapt these biological models, the means of survival on Mars could be viewed as biologically engineered rather than survival by mechanical endurance alone. For NASA, this biological infrastructure will be essential in pursuing its long-term plans to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars.

Congress’ V Vaithilingam; CM N Rangasamy; TVK chief Vijay

NEW DELHI: The upcoming Puducherry assembly elections have set the stage for a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of All India NR Congress (AINRC)–BJP and the Congress–DMK’s Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).The NDA, led by chief minister and AINRC founder-president N Rangasamy, is aiming for a second consecutive term. Meanwhile, the Congress and DMK finalised their seat-sharing at the last moment, and will fight to reclaim power in the Union territory.

Puducherry assembly polls 2026

Puducherry’s 33-member legislative assembly includes 30 elected seats, while three members are nominated by the Centre. Voting will be held on April 9, followed by counting on May 4, alongside counting in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, all of which will also vote this month.

A snapshot of past elections

Puducherry has not re-elected a government since the Congress in 2006. In February 2011, Rangasamy, a former Congress member, launched the AINRC, which came to power a few months later. The grand old party reclaimed power in 2016, before the AINRC–BJP combine won the assembly elections in 2021.In the previous polls, the AINRC and BJP—contesting together for only the second time and their first assembly election as allies—ousted the Congress. The alliance won 16 seats, exactly the majority needed to form the government.

How parties fared in Puducherry assembly polls 2021

Five years before that, the Congress had emerged victorious with 15 seats, while the DMK added two more to their joint tally. The AINRC, which had experienced rapid success soon after its formation, was voted out, securing just eight seats.Can AINRC reverse the trend?

High-stake contest

The most high-profile contest of the election is set to unfold in Thattanchavady, featuring two candidates who were once in the same party and have both held the UT’s top executive post. On the final day of nominations, with the Congress and DMK yet to finalise a seat-sharing agreement, V Vaithilingam, Puducherry Congress president and former chief minister, filed his nomination from Thattanchavady, setting up a direct clash against Rangasamy, the outgoing CM.

Thattanchavady constituency

Since his second term as chief minister ended in 2011, Vaithilingam has represented the UT’s only Lok Sabha seat—also called Puducherry—which he won in both the 2019 and 2024 general elections. Meanwhile, Rangasamy has held the chief ministerial post four times, twice each with the Congress and later with the AINRC.Thattanchavady could, therefore, once again decide Puducherry’s next chief minister.

Major poll battles

While the Rangasamy–Vaithilingam contest will be the most high-profile battle, several other constituencies are also set to witness intense fights. For the Raj Bhavan segment, the NDA has nominated VP Ramalingam, the Puducherry BJP chief. The SPA nominee is Vignesh Kannan, who recently joined the DMK and is the son of the late P Kannan, an ex-Puducherry minister and a former parliamentarian.

Key battles

In Lawspet, AINRC’s VP Sivakolundhu, who served as assembly speaker while in the Congress, faces a strong challenge from V Saminathan of actor-politician Vijay’s two-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Saminathan, a former Puducherry BJP president, holds the distinction of being the longest-serving leader in that position, making this race a high-stakes contest.In Mahe and Yanam, which fall in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh respectively, the NDA candidates are A Dineshan (BJP) and Malladi Krishna Rao (AINRC). The SPA candidates are Ramesh Parambath (Congress) and GS Ashok (Congress).

Puducherry dynasty candidates

Other major candidates include home minister and BJP leader A Namassivayam (Mannadipet), minority affairs minister and BJP leader A Johnkumar (Mudaliarpet), and AINRC’s Nedungadu nominee Chandira Priyanga, a former minister who resigned in October 2023 as the lone woman in the cabinet.From the Congress-DMK alliance, DMK’s R Siva, leader of the opposition in the outgoing assembly, will contest from Villianur. DMK leader and ex-minister AMH Nazeem will contest the Karaikal South seat.

Key issues dominating the election campaign

Statehood: Ahead of the electoral battle, the long-pending demand for statehood for Puducherry has emerged as the biggest issue and could play a decisive role in the outcome. As the ruling party and an ally of the BJP, which leads the Union government, the AINRC stands to lose the most if the opposition is able to bring this issue to the forefront effectively.Puducherry’s Union territory status means that most administrative matters are decided by the lieutenant governor—the UT’s constitutional head appointed by the President on the Centre’s recommendation—rather than the chief minister. For instance, the police department reports to the Union home ministry, unlike in a full-fledged state, where it functions under the elected political administration. Successive governments in the UT have cited this lack of full-fledged powers as a hindrance to effective governance.‘Excessive’ focus on Puducherry district: The district, which shares its name with the Union territory and is home to its capital city of the same name, also accounts for a lion’s share of the assembly seats. Out of the 30 assembly constituencies, 23 are located here, giving it an overwhelming influence in determining the outcome of the elections. This concentration of seats means that political campaigns, party strategies, and voter attention are heavily focused on the Puducherry district, often overshadowing Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Additionally, Mahe and Yanam are surrounded by two different states (Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, respectively), which shape their political and administrative dynamics differently.

Candidates with criminal cases

Water contamination: In September 2025, the Puducherry city faced a public health concern due to contaminated drinking water in some areas, with many residents reportedly falling ill with symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting after consuming unsafe water. The contamination was believed to be caused by poor sanitation and possible mixing of sewage with the water supply. The incident led to protests and raised concerns about the need for better water quality management and improved public health measures.Unemployment: Despite its small size and relatively low population, the UT has recorded a high unemployment rate. In June 2021, just a month into the AINRC–BJP government’s first term, the unemployment rate stood at a national high of 47.1%, according to a Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) study, compared to a national average of 9.2%.This was significantly lower than the figures recorded in April 2020, when the unemployment rate had peaked at 75.8% against a national average of 23.5%, largely due to the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.

SWOT analysis

NDA: The alliance has retained its previous formula, under which AINRC will contest 16 seats and BJP 14. From its quota, the BJP has allocated two seats each to allies like the AIADMK and the newly formed Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), led by businessman Jose Charles Martin, son of “lottery king” Santiago Martin.Strength

Weakness

Opportunity

Threat

NDA SWOT

Congress-DMK: The Congress–DMK alliance is the more traditional of the two major coalitions, having contested assembly elections here since 2006.Last time, the DMK won six constituencies compared to the Congress’ two, emerging as the second-largest party and holding the leader of the opposition post.The Congress will field 16 candidates, with the remaining seats allotted to the DMK. The MK Stalin-led party had initially announced one seat from its quota for the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). However, the VCK chose to contest independently and field its own candidates in three constituencies.Strength

Weakness

Opportunity

Threat

Congress-DMK SWOT

Wildcard factor

As in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the biggest wildcard factor in Puducherry is “Thalapathy” Vijay. His TVK initially announced candidates for all 30 constituencies before joining hands with independent legislator G Nehru’s newly formed Neyam Makkal Kazhagam (NMK).Under this arrangement, the TVK withdrew its nominees from the Orleanpet and Thattanchavady seats for the NMK. Nehru himself will contest from Orleanpet, while NMK general secretary E Vinayagam will stand from Thattanchavady.Like in Tamil Nadu, the TVK’s biggest strength is Vijay’s massive popularity; his Puducherry rally in December last year drew thousands. Yet, converting his fan base into votes will be the party’s biggest challenge. Additionally, as a newly formed party—it was launched in February 2024—the TVK lacks both a strong grassroots organisation and governance experience compared to more established parties.Yet, TVK could attract voters seeking alternatives beyond the two major alliances. This could end up benefiting one of the two while hurting the other, and at the same time help establish TVK as a rising political force.Unsurprisingly, Vijay was reportedly courted by the AIADMK, BJP, and Congress in Tamil Nadu, but he declined overtures from all three.Strength

Weakness

Opportunity

Threat

TVK SWOT

As the elections approach, several political heavyweights—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, and Congress MP and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi—are expected to visit Puducherry regularly to campaign for their respective parties..Still, attention is not on Puducherry as it is a Union territory and small in size. However, it has its own politics and stands out for its French colonial past and the fact that its four districts are spread across three different states, with two of the states—Tamil Nadu and Kerala —voting in the current round, giving the UT a unique political significance.With the key players and alliances in place, the stage is now set for a potentially close poll battle.