Daily Briefing: NDA will cross 400-mark in upcoming Lok Sabha polls, says PM; SC terms Chandigarh mayoral polls as ‘mockery of democracy’; and more

🔍 Express Investigation

We investigated 41 documented instances of leaks over the last five years in recruitment exams across 15 states — their governments cutting across party lines. What emerged was startling: The leaks derailed schedules of as many as 1.4 crore applicants, applying for a little over 1.04 lakh posts.

This investigation comes a day after the Centre introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to check malpractice in government recruitment exams. The Bill is to serve as a “model draft for States to adopt at their discretion.” Here’s everything you need to know about the new Bill.

📰 From the Front Page

In arguably his last speech in the 17th Lok Sabha, PM Modi said he, and the nation, are convinced that the Opposition has resolved to remain in the opposition for decades while the BJP will return for a third term with 370 seats and cross the 400-mark for the NDA.

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the conduct of the returning officer during the Chandigarh mayoral polls on January 30, calling what happened during the election was “mockery of democracy” and underlining that “we will not allow democracy to be murdered like this”.

👉 Must Read

Express Interview | Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Prasad Singh talks about why his party’s MLAs have been flown to Hyderabad, seat-sharing talks in the state, and why he thinks that Nitish Kumar’s exit from the INDIA alliance is “good in a way”.

India’s first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India has estimated a population of 718 in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal. The study conducted between 2019-2023 is a major leap in our understanding of the keystone species and is also necessary for framing the right policies

With a precarious economy, rising wave of terrorism and vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, Pakistan needs a broad political consensus and a strong government functioning without the army’s interference, writes Sharat Sabharwal in today’s opinion piece.

The Indian Finance Ministry raised import duties on gold findings – which are small components such as hooks, and clasps used to hold a piece of jewellery in place- by 5,000% due to a significant surge in imports, reaching Rs 5,212 crore this fiscal year. The move aims to address duty arbitrage and smuggling issues related to gold and silver.

🔴 And Finally

The silence surrounding male loneliness in India is deafening, yet its consequences are profound. It ripples through lives, eroding mental well-being, straining relationships. But acknowledging this issue is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength, a recognition that men, too, need connection and support, writes Rishika Singh.

The Sari Walkathon organised by the Ministry of Textiles, which has been enthusiastically welcomed by many BJP women MPs in their constituencies, saw its biggest success last weekend in Rajasthan’s Kota, represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The event, meant to raise fitness awareness as well as support local weaves, recorded the participation of around 10,000 from different states.

A recent investigation by the Indian Express reveals that under the policy that allows MLAs to seek funds from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for civic works, only the 21 ruling MLAs have been able to receive funds. In today’s episode of the ‘3 Things’ podcast Indian Express’ Pratip Acharya tells us what concerns it raises for Mumbaikars.

Until tomorrow,

Rahel Philipose and Aradhana Kalia

Business As Usual By Unny