The Reporters' Collective sheds light on electoral bonds data, exposing significant donations by companies through obscure channels. High-profile contributors include a Kotak group company, a firm linked to a YSR Congress Party MP, and individuals associated with Reliance Industries. The lack of transparency in the scheme raises concerns about undisclosed financing of political parties, prompting scrutiny. The Supreme Court recently declared electoral bonds illegal, citing concerns over voter rights. With the scheme's abolition, attention intensifies on the opaque nature of political donations, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in campaign financing.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi's KT Rama Rao engaged in a heated argument with Enforcement Directorate officials as they arrested his sister K Kavitha in connection with an alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. Rao accused ED of violating its undertaking to the Supreme Court against coercive action. Video footage captured Rao challenging officials, citing lack of a transit warrant. He demanded accountability, stating the matter was sub-judice. Rao criticized the BJP-led government for alleged misuse of power. Kavitha is being taken to Delhi tonight, as per BRS leader Prasanth Reddy.

India's Union Home Ministry unveils a mobile app for Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, allowing eligible individuals to apply for Indian citizenship. The 'CAA-2019' app is now operational and can be downloaded from Google Play Store or the official website. This initiative follows the notification of CAA rules, facilitating citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The move aligns with the government's commitment to grant nationality to persecuted minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Madras High Court has granted permission for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Coimbatore on March 18. Despite initial denial by district authorities citing security concerns, the court directed police to permit the event with specified conditions. These conditions include designated routes, distance limitations, and restrictions on flex boards. The roadshow, part of PM Modi's South India tour ahead of elections, faced opposition due to security risks and the city's communal history. However, the court's intervention ensures the event proceeds under regulated conditions.

India's first underwater metro line debuted in Kolkata, West Bengal, amidst cheers and patriotic chants. Commuters eagerly queued for the inaugural ride on the East-West metro corridor. Traversing beneath the Hooghly River, the 520-meter under-river section marks a groundbreaking engineering feat. With trains departing simultaneously from Howrah Maidan and Esplanade stations, excitement was palpable. The tunnel, adorned with blue LED lights, enhances the underwater experience. Operating on weekdays with a frequency of 12 to 15 minutes, the metro offers convenient transportation. The milestone journey concluded with the last metro departing at 9:45 pm, heralding a new era in Kolkata's transportation network.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S Yediyurappa faces allegations of sexual assault under POCSO and IPC sections based on a complaint by a minor girl. Yediyurappa claims innocence, stating he assisted the girl previously and reported her distress to the police commissioner. The incident allegedly occurred on February 2, 2024, when the girl sought help regarding a previous assault. The case has sparked controversy amid political implications. Investigations are ongoing as Yediyurappa awaits legal proceedings.

State-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) announced a ₹2 per litre reduction in petrol and diesel prices effective from 6am Friday. Petrol prices in Delhi will drop to ₹94.72 per litre, while Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai will see reductions to ₹104.21, ₹103.94, and ₹100.75 per litre respectively. Diesel prices will decrease to ₹87.62, ₹92.15, ₹90.76, and ₹92.34 per litre in the respective cities. The move aims to stimulate consumer spending and lower operating costs for millions of vehicles. This cut precedes the anticipated announcement of general election dates by the Election Commission of India.

The Election Commission unveiled the top contributors to political parties via electoral bonds, spotlighting prominent figures like 'lottery king' Future Gaming and mining giants Vedanta Limited. Future Gaming leads with a staggering Rs 1,368 crore contribution, followed by infrastructure giant Megha Engineering and Qwik Supply Chain Pvt Ltd. Bharti Airtel and Essel Mining also feature prominently. Notably, steel tycoon Lakshmi Niwas Mittal made individual donations totaling Rs 35 crore. This disclosure comes after the Supreme Court's recent scrapping of the electoral bond scheme, underscoring concerns over anonymous political funding.

With Bengaluru facing water scarcity and rising temperatures, monkeys are raiding homes for food and water. The city's authorities receive numerous complaints about these raids, highlighting a growing conflict between humans and wildlife. Officials point to habitat loss caused by urban development, leaving monkeys with no choice but to seek resources in residential areas. The situation underscores the need for sustainable urban planning to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and preserve natural habitats.

In a significant move for political funding transparency, India's Election Commission has released data on electoral bonds from the State Bank of India, a day ahead of the Supreme Court deadline. The data covers bonds of ₹1 lakh, ₹10 lakh, and ₹1 crore denominations dating back to April 12, 2019. Two lists are provided: one detailing companies purchasing bonds, and another listing political parties encashing them. However, the lack of correlation between the lists prevents direct identification of which companies donated to which parties. This move marks a step towards greater openness in political funding.