Daily Briefing: SC expresses displeasure over ‘selective disclosure’ of bond details by SBI; latest on Lok Sabha elections; and more

Expressing displeasure over “selective disclosure” by the State Bank of India, the Supreme Court has asked the bank to “disclose all details” on electoral bonds purchased or redeemed after its April 12, 2019, including their unique alphanumeric codes, to the Election Commission of India (ECI), and to file an affidavit on compliance by March 21, 5 pm.

Industry bodies, however, have told the court that asking political parties to “breach confidentiality agreements and disclose information based on a new standard” can have a grave impact on India Inc’s interests.

Meanwhile, take a look at the 15 prominent individuals, most of whom are associated with big corporate firms, whose share in the electoral bonds amounts to Rs 158.65 crore or 44.2%.

⚡ Only in Express

Among the companies being investigated by the CBI for misusing student visas to allegedly push Indians into Russia’s war against Ukraine is OSD Bros Travels & Visa Services Pvt Ltd. From “cheap, fresh stuff” to “Europe’s feel”, here’s how the accused sold the Russian dream.

📰 From the Front Page

Plans are afoot to make a “grand temple” for Sita in Sitamarhi district in north Bihar, considered to be her place of birth. The Bihar government has decided, in principle, to acquire 50 acres around an existing temple in Sitamarhi to construct a new temple.

In order to ensure a level-playing field ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the poll panel has ordered transfer of home secretaries of six states. The Election Commission (EC) has also ordered that West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar be shunted out.  

Of the six states, Uttar Pradesh is the only one known to have argued against the removal of its officer, Sanjay Prasad, The Indian Express has learnt. But the EC stood firm.

👩‍💻 Must Read

The average global sea surface temperature for February 2024 stood at 21.06 degrees Celsius, the highest-ever dataset going back to 1979. Why are the oceans getting warmer and what are the consequences it will have for the marine ecosystem? We explain. 

Discussing the water crisis in Bengaluru in today’s Opinion section, Seema Mundoli writes that the city’s association with water seems to be caught in an endless cycle dealing with scarcity and flooding. “Perhaps, this is a good time to reflect on the 3Rs – our relationship, our rights and our responsibilities – when it comes to water in Bengaluru.”

Decision 2024: In the last two decades, Bengal’s politics shifted dramatically, with TMC and BJP gaining ground, squeezing out both the Congress and Left. BJP’s growing vote share and seats in previous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections illustrate why Mamata Banerjee can afford to go solo this time.

⌛ And Finally…

Sixes flying into the stands were a common feature across Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium and Delhi’s Kotla — two of the venues for the just concluded Women’s Premier League. This leads to questions on whether the boundary rope needs to be pushed out for the women’s game from the next season of the WPL.

Delhi Confidential: Ever since former Union minister Sushma Swaraj’s daughter Bansuri Swaraj was declared the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from New Delhi constituency, there has been suspense over the fate of incumbent Meenakshi Lekhi. There have also been rumours of her being fielded from Chandigarh, in place of sitting MP Kirron Kher.

In today’s 3 Things Podcast, we discuss why this time the Lok Sabha elections will extend all the way into the peak summer month of June.

Until tomorrow,

Sonal Gupta and Aradhana Kalia

Business As Usual By Unny