Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Death, Devastation, darkness in US

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Photographs of the devastation caused by super storm Sandy that hit the United States yesterday, are splashed across most papers this morning. New York City and New Jersey were the hardest hit, report the papers. "Death, Devastation, darkness in US", reads the headline of the story in The Indian Express.

The Reserve Bank of India has left the key policy rate unchanged at 8% defying pressure from the Finance Ministry to lower the rate, reports The Business Standard. "RBI holds key rates, but indicates cuts in January" notes The Hindu. "Mint street won't go by fiscal road map," reads The Financial Express's headline.

Hindustan Times reports that the Minister of Telecommunications Kapil Sibal has assured users, that there will soon be relief from pesky calls and unsolicited communication. Sibal too is helpless against SMS menace, writes Mail Today.

The Times of India reports that you may have obtained the Aadhar unique identification number, but now get ready for another biometric-based scheme - The National Population Register - to register all residents of the country. Registration camps will be organised all over Delhi and the process will end by 31st January, 2013, reports the paper.

Delhi has the lowest death rate among major States, reports The Times of India citing the Registrar General of India's latest data. The paper says, against a national average of 7.1 people per 1000 dying every year, Delhi has recorded the lowest death rate of 4.3, while Odisha topped the list with an average death rate of 8.5.

And finally, "Wear your baggage, avoid paying extra to airlines" under that headline the Times of India reports that an Irishman has come up with a coat made of light but strong polyester fibre that has pockets of various sizes that can hold 15 kilograms of baggage. Asian Age also reported this story.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

India has emerged as one of this top 5 investment destination in the world

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The Finance Minister, Unveiling a fiscal consolidation plan is the lead story in most papers. "Fin Min wants to cut fiscal deficit to 3 per cent by 2016-17" writes the Business line. "PC acts on Kelkar's advice adopts 5 year deficit cut plan", reports the Asian Age.

"Rail Minister flags first major hike in 10 years", writes the Hindustan Times, reporting that after a decade of "no fake hike regime under a coalition government at the Centre, train fares are finally set to increase to save the mode of public transportation from virtual bankruptcy.

Hurricane Sandy and the United State bracing for it has been covered pictorially nearly by all papers on their front page.

Under the Headlines "Time to dissolve Parliament, says ex - army chief", the Indian Express writes previous army chief General (Retd) V.K. Singh formally joined hands with activist Anna Hazare on Monday and demanded the immediate dissolution of Parliament and fresh elections, saying the government was "not following the constitution".

"Penguin, Random agree to merge", says the Hindu, writing that Penguin and Random House, two of the world's tip english Language Publishing Houses have agreed to merge, in a move seen as a precusor to more such mergers as the publishing industry struggles of overcome growing competition from digital publishing, notably Amazon.

Reporting on PIL seeking medical aid for conjoined 16 year old twin girls from Bihar, the Indian Express writes that the Supreme Court has asked the centre for the expect committees report on the case within 2 days, after expressing unhappiness over the centre failure to submit the report so far.

And finally, The Pioneer writes that as per a Survey, India has emerged as one of this top 5 investment destination in the world, primarily in account of its large market size and high customer potential.

WTF: to-let board of the day

It happens in Hyderabad (to-let board in Nallakunta)

----------
Sent via Nokia Email

Rise of the Titan: 'World’s fastest' supercomputer goes live

Monday, October 29, 2012

Get Up. Get Out. Don't Sit.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

FDI into India from low-tax regimes such as Mauritius, Singapore and Cyprus has accounted for 52.6 % of the total in flows into the country

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Most newspapers highlight the major Cabinet revamp, scheduled for this morning. "At least a dozen new faces, promotion for Ministers of State, and changes in portfolios of senior ministers likely today", reports the Indian Express. The Times of India writes "Upgrade for Salman Khursid and Rahul's boys likely".

" Mulayam, Bardhan eye 'Third alternative", writes the Sunday Tribune, adding - with the political temperature set to rise in the coming days, leaders of the Samajwadi party, Telugu desam and the Left parties came together yesterday - to search for an 'alternative' political platform.

Hindustan Times writes- Homes that have more than one subsidized LPG connection need to watch out as the Petroleum Ministry and Oil marketing firms have identified 26 million such connections, that run the risk of being disconnected over the next 3 months.

Myanmar's icon of freedom Aung San Suu Kyi is all set to visit India mid November for her first trip in 40 years. The Nobel Prize winner is keen to visit the worlds largest democracy, where she is scheduled to deliver the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial lecture.

Business Line of the Hindu informs us that FDI into India from low-tax regimes such as Mauritius, Singapore and Cyprus has accounted for 52.6 % of the total in flows into the Country - in the first four months of the current fiscal.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

7 Top Websites to Make You Happy

Friday, October 26, 2012

day-light blackmailing and extortion

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

"Gadkari firms get two weeks to explain irregularities" is the lead headline of today's Hindustan Times. The paper reports that following the submission of a "discreet inquiry report" by the Mumbai unit of the Registrar of Companies, the Corporate Affairs Minister sought "mandatory explanation" under the Companies Act from firms owned by the Gadkari family.

The Hindu reports that the disgraced Wall Street titan Rajat Gupta was given a lighter sentence of 2 years in prison, and slapped with fine of 5 million dollars by a US Judge. The story has been covered by almost all newspapers.

"Jindal and Zee TV in a war of words" under that headline Mail Today reports that Congress MP and CMD of JSPL Naveen Jindal, went public with the video of a purported sting on two Zee TV editors and accused the channel of "day-light blackmailing and extortion."

The Tribune reports that the Central Universities are moving towards a single entrance test regime for 1,956 programmes currently being offered at various levels across all 37 institutions put together.

"Govt goes AIR-borne, uses radio jingles to take on Maoists", under that headline The Times of India reports that the government has taken to airing specially produced audio clips, through AIR's regional transmission network in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha, highlighting how Maoists' activities are detrimental to growth.

A mass stranding of whales has been found on the coast of North Andaman Island, but a rescue operation was not possible given the large size of the mammals. This disorientation is largely due to close social bonding where the group follows sick or injured to shallow waters. The story has been covered with photograph by The Asian Age, The Hindu and The Times of India.

And finally, The Times of India reports that scientists have for the first time created embryos using human eggs that contain DNA from three parents, paving way to prevent designer babies from inheriting rare genetic diseases.

How Twitter is Ruining Political Journalism

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Pictures: Best Wild Animal Photos of 2012 Announced

Happy Dasara

Photo VST

----------
Sent via Nokia Email

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

INDIA: Smart Community Country Infographics

Monday, October 22, 2012

Cool videos, history lessons on I&B ministry's Youtube channel

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat evokes a great deal of speculation in the press today. "RSS blessings for Modi as PM" reports the Mail Today. The Indian Express writes "Modi meets RSS chief Bhagwat, wants Joshi, Togadia reined in".

Protests by members of India Against Corruption or IAC at Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's New Delhi residence are prominently noticed in the papers. The Hindustan Times observes "IAC protest alleged Hooda hand in 'Vadra land deals". Meanwhile, commenting on questions posed to Arvind Kejriwal by an angry Annie Kohli at a press meet, the Statesman writes, "Ex IAC member questions Arvind's conduct".

In the backdrop of the increasing number of complaints against police harassment, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's rap to the police force is widely reported. "Akhilesh warns of stern action against erring policemen" writes the Hindu.

The passing away of film producer and director Yash Chopra is prominently noticed in the papers today. In its obituary, the Hindustan Times says "Bollywoods affair with romance ends".

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh's exhortation to women not to get married into homes that don't have toilets, is highlighted in most papers. "No toilet, no bride" sums up the Asian Age.

In its front page lead , "Heavy attrition, suicides bleed paramilitary forces", the Times of India cites government figures to state, "44,000 personnel quit in 3 years : BSF, CRPF worst hit".

The Asian Age carries a disturbing story on milk adulteration. Over 68% milk in the country is adulterated, writes the paper, citing a report by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

In an exclusive story, the Hindustan Times reports on the success of a surveillance system that keeps a watch on tigers round the clock at the Corbett National Park. With cameras installed on tall towers, it helped authorities catch illegal sand and stone miners near the boundary wall of the park.

And finally, the Indian Express informs us about "Cool videos, history lessons on I&B ministry's Youtube channel". The paper writes that as of yesterday, the channel had 318 videos in sections like music, photos, speeches, campaigns and news.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

SIM Earth: 46% of the world's total population of 7 billion have at least one active mobile (cellular) device

SIM Earth

Friday, October 19, 2012

Newsweek to cease print edition after 80 years

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Guardian 'seriously discussing' end to print edition - Telegraph

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Now in New York: Delhi's Moti Mahal and a 'Dosateria'

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

GHMC welcomes Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

----------
Sent via Nokia Email

Black balloons, flags to greet PM in city; Man sells wife for Rs 5,000

Black balloons, flags to greet PM in city

----------
Sent via Nokia Email

Sexist stereotypes dominate front pages of British newspapers, research finds

Monday, October 15, 2012

A Manipur first : 1 shot, town fines militants

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Salman Khurshid's rebuttal of charges leveled against him and his wife, is the lead story in most papers of the day. Hindustan Times' headline reads, "Khurshid counters charges, says ready to face any probe". The lead headline of The Hindu says, "Khurshid flaunts photos to show camps for disabled were held."

The Indian Express reports that in a major breakthrough in the Naga peace process, the Centre has secured a written commitment from the NSCN (IM) that it will accept the Indian Constitution and 'for larger peace, won't seek that boundaries of States be redrawn, opening the way for a final settlement.

"A Manipur first : 1 shot, town fines militants", under that headline, The Indian Express writes, that for the first time in Manipur's history, its residents have imposed a 'fine' on insurgent groups for causing the death of a person.

Lok Sabha Speaker has refused to intervene on the issue of whether the Joint Parliamentary Committee probing the 2G Spectrum scam should summon Finance Minister, reports Hindustan Times under the headline, "Meira puts ball back in JPC court on summoning PC."

Quoting Union Minister of Oil and Natural Gas Jaipal Reddy, The Times of India reports that the Government would offer exploration blocks over the next round of auction only after finetuning the existing policy for making it friendlier for investors, and easier for the government to monitor pricing and share of revenue.

And finally, "Coming Soon : Shopping on the Shatabdis" The Asian Age and The Hindu Businessline report that the Indian Railways is planning to introduce onboard shopping on Shatabdi trains. The items on offer would range from perfumes, watches and exquisite jewellery to chocolates and gift items. Advanced onboard entertainment systems are also planned to be installed so that passengers can view movies and television programmes via satellite.

Too much sitting 'bad for health'

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Janata bar

Wine shop, bakery just behind bus stop serve as an open bar. Happy Hyderabad

----------
Sent via Nokia Email

Google chief urges newspapers to rethink – and help themselves

Guys How Did We Start Using 'Guys' To Refer To Both Men And Women?

Guys

Saturday, October 13, 2012

TAP, TAP, what's there? Government!

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Most of the newspapers have covered Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's concern over the "frivolous and vexatious use of the right to information (RTI) Act and call for limiting citizens right to Information if it encroaches on the individual's privacy.

Within days of Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony downplaying the turf war between the Army and the Air Force over control and operation of attack helicopters, the Government has finally decided to give their control to the Army reports the Hindustan Times under the headline "50 years on, attack choppers sought for China border".

The Statesman on its front page writes that the European Union won the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to promote peace and democracy in Europe despite being in the midst of its biggest crisis since the bloc was created in 1950's. the story has been covered under the headline "Nobel boost for crisis - ridden EU".

The Tribune on its page asks how did the Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi reach the alarming figure of 7 out `of 10 youth being hooked to drugs? The source has been revealed, the Punjab and Haryana High Court - this has been covered under the headline "Rahul's drug figure came from High Court order quoting Badal Government affidavit".

TAP, TAP, what's there? Government! reads the Asian Age front page headline. The paper adds over 4,500 phones were intercepted in August and 5,000 have already been monitored. These interceptions are ordered by various Intelligence agencies police forces and the army. The story has also been covered by the Hindu.

And finally, according to the Times of India, drinking a litre of mineral water daily can prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients by removing aluminium from their bodies.

Texas mom gets 99 years for gluing toddler to wall, beating her

The Single Biggest Sign Of Incompetence

Squirrels masturbate to avoid STDs

Friday, October 12, 2012

Armstrong cheated his way to the top of the cycling world

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Most of the newspaper have reported about the Chinese writer Mo Yan Winning the Nobel prize for literature, along with his photograph. The Tribune writes Mo Yan is a pen name which means "Don't speak" His real name is Guan Moye. He uses a mixture of fantasy and reality, historical and soul perspective to create a world which was reminiscent of the writings of William Faulkner and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

The Asian Age has shown the picture of a Syrian passenger plane, that was forced by Turkish jets to land in Ankara. The paper further adds that tensions flared between Turkey and Syria as well as top Syrian ally Russia, after Ankara forced the Syrian passenger plane from Moscow, reportedly carrying arms, to land in the Turkish capital.

The Indian Express under the headline "Malala still critical moved to Rawalpindi for better care" reports teenage rights activist Malala Yousfzai aged 14 years was shot in the head by a Taliban fighter in Swat on Tuesday, for encouraging education amongst girls was airlifted to Rawalpindi for better post-surgery care.

The sports pages of almost all dailies carry the dark side of Lance Armstrong. According to United States Anti-doping Agency lance Armstrong cheated his way to the top of the cycling world with doping scheme never seen before in the sport.

The Times of India under the headline "India emerges world's child marriage capital reports that the United Nations has told India that child marriage is not the right way to shield girls from sexual crimes.

Reports The Times of India of, all the chocolate research out there, the most unabashed tribute to the "dark gold" has to be a study just published in one of the world's most prestigious medical journals. The higher a country's chocolate consumption, the more Nobel laureates it spawns per capita, according to findings released in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"Rahul's drug remark triggers row", headlines The Tribune adding that Rahul Gandhi on Thursday coated reports to say that seven out of ten youths in Punjab had a drug problem, triggering a row with the ruling Akali Dal.

In a Mail Today headline, "India-born astronomer finds the planet of diamonds", reports that India-born astronomer Nikku Madhusudhan a post doctoral researcher at Yale University has discovered an exoplanet which is made of nothing but diamond.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Rugged road near Secunderabad railway station

This is the toughest road to pass on my way ----------
Sent via Nokia Email

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

"His Excellency" will be discontinued for functions and interactions within the country

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Anti corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal's allegations against Robert Vadra, form the lead story in many papers of the day. "Kejriwal now sees Vadra, DLF, Haryana Govt nexus", writes The Tribune. "Kejriwal presents 'evidence' of deal, Haryana and DLF reject allegations", writes the Indian Express. The headline of a related story in The Hindu reads, "Shocked at Kejriwals' ferocity, Congress distances itself from Vadra; Hooda in the firing line too."

Papers today report of government panel, Parathasarathi Shome Committee's recommendation that foreign companies undertaking mergers and acquisitions in India should pay taxes only prospectively, not retrospectively, paving the way for telecom giant Vodafone to get off the tax hook. "Shome relief for Vodafone in tax case" reads the story's headline in the The Indian Express.

"Sonia takes on khaps over spate of rapes in Haryana. Says judiciary is there to decide on legal issues; visits victim's family in Jind", writes Hindustan Times.

"Rule changed : Kundankulam 3 and 4 reactors to come under n-liability law", under that headline the Indian Express writes, that setting aside Russian contentions, the next two reactors in Kundankulam will come under the new civil nuclear liability law.

In a report titled "New study shows steep fall in child sex ratio" the Asian Age writes that nearly three million girls, one million more than boys went missing in 2011 as compared to 2001". The decline in the child sex ratio between 2001 and 2011 in rural areas is three times more than that in urban areas, which is a matter of grave concern, highlights the report.

"'His Excellency'" to go for a toss " is the headline of a Statesman's story which reports that President Pranab Mukherjee has formally approved changes in the current protocol practices being followed for his office. Use of the words "His Excellency" will be discontinued for functions and interactions within the country. In Hindi, The expression "Rashtrapati Mahodaya" will be used in place of "Mahamahim", reports the paper.

'driving' force to learn

----------
Sent via Nokia Email

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Heroin worth around 525 crore Rupees and 500 Cartridges were also seized by the customs department from a goods train coming from Pakistan

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The Government readying itself for a five year roadmap for fiscal consolidation, is highlighted in today's Press. Hindustan Times reports that at the annual Economic Editors Conference in Delhi, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said, 'Will pursue tough reform measures for fiscal control'. The Statesman writes that the Finance Minister asks the protesting opposition not to hamper the reforms process now underway.

The Indian Express reports that the Railways Minister CP Joshi has decided to set up a 'Rail Tariff Authority' to determine train fares - a move that could undermine the discretionary power of Railway Ministers or their party leaders. He will also consider recommendations on Railway Modernisation & Safety.

Sachin Tendulkar making impeccable preparations for seeking to integrate Sports and Education, are covered by Mail Today. He has written to Education Minister Kapil Sibal on the matter.

The Tribune informs us that heroin worth around 525 crore Rupees and 500 Cartridges were also seized by the customs department from a goods train coming from Pakistan.

The Statesman writes that John Gurdon of Britain and Shinya Yamanaka of Japan have won this year's Nobel Prize for their work in Stem Cell Research wherein mature specialised cells of the body can be reprogrammed into 'blank slates' that can become any kind of cell.

According to Hindustan Times, the BJP could not stage a united protest with anti-corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal on Monday against the recent power tariff hikes because Kejriwal accused the party of not taking the issue seriously.

The Asian Age says that the Health Ministry has decided to humanise the treatment of mental illness by proposing to give patients the right to choose in advance the kind of treatment given to them and recommends the use of electric shocks only in rare cases.

Gaffesplosion: The Unrelenting Hype of Modern Politics

Monday, October 8, 2012

In a first, the Indian Air force puts women pilots in Attack Mode

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

An inspired West Indies lifting the World T20 Trophy in Colombo yesterday after defeating Sri Lanka, is highlighted by the Press, with several photographs of jubilant players. "Calypso Kings are Back", headlines Hindustan Times - even as the Asian Age reports that Mehela Jayawardene quit as Sri Lanka's T20 skipper immediately after the match.

Robert Vadra trashing the allegations about his property dealing with real estate giant DLF - by activists Arvind Kejriwal and Prashant Bhushan, is also noticed by the Press.

Mail Today reports that with the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections around the corner, Congress sitting M.P. Virbhadra Singh has almost been declared a Chief Ministerial candidate by the Party.

Britain has assured India of its determination to bring the perpetrators of the recent assassination attempt on Lt. General Brar to justice, reports the Tribune. The Asian Age writes that Babbar Khalsa International, (which is the prime suspect behind the London attack), is getting active support from Pakistan's ISI - to revive militancy in Punjab.

According to Asian Age the main opposition BJP said it will support any no-confidence motion to be moved by the Mamata Banerjee-led Triinamul Congress in Parliament.

"In a first, the Indian Air force puts women pilots in Attack Mode", highlights the Times of India. With another male bastion going to woman, the IAF is preparing two of its women pilots for Combat Roles - training with the Mi-8, a utility and assault helicopter.

"Dismantle Caste Barracks, says Nitish", headlines the Indian Express - with the Chief Minister asking for dismantling caste based Kitchens and Barracks in Police Lines across Bihar.

And finally, The Times of India informs us that after battling water shortages for ten long years, Bharatpur is again ready to host birds in numbers not seen in the sanctuary since the 1990's - with water from the Goverdhan Drain reaching the Park - as a permanent solution.

Joshua Wolf Shenk - What Makes Us Happy? - The Atlantic

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Prasar Bharati Corporation is planning to open 839 new FM stations in the private sector in 290 cities

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The hike in prices of LPG cylinders as the government's decides to increase the dealers' commission is prominently noticed on the front pages of many papers. "Another blow to 'aam aadmi', LPG costlier by Rs.11.42" writes the Pioneer. The Hindustan Times front page lead says "LPG price up again as dealers get more".

Robert Vadra and realtor DLF have responsed to the allegations of irregularities in their financial transactions and these are highlighted in all the papers. The Times of India quotes DLF as saying "No easy loans, cheap deals for Vadra". The Tribune writes " I can handle all the negativity says Vadra as Congress, BJP spar".

The filing of a chargesheet against former Haryana minister Gopal Kanda and his employee Aruna Chaddha in the Geetika Sharma suicide case gets wide coverage. "Kanda charged with abetting Geetika suicide" writes the Hindustan Times. The Hindu observes "Kanmda chargesheet lists calls made to Geetika, mother".

The Indian Express, in its front page lead writes that constables of the Bihar Police live and sleep in areas segregated on the basis of caste and community and eat from spearate kitchens in their barracks. The paper aptly sums it up in these words "Bihar Police: united in khaki, divided by caste barracks".

The Asian Age carries a story on a novel way in which Dalits in Chakwara village in Rajasthan are fighting untouchability. Terming their struggle as 'Ghee satyagraha" the paper reports that dalits in this village have been cooking their food in ghee for the last 76 years as a mark of protest. Music lovers are in for a treat as the Statesman reports that Prasar Bharati Corporation is planning to open 839 new FM stations in the private sector in 290 cities across the country in the near future.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

India has lost 69 tigers in a year..these deaths has brought down India's tiger count to 1,706

Today's Newspapers

Kejriwal's allegation that Robert Vadra received undue favours from DLF finds front page mention in most dailies, and is the lead story in The Times of India, The Pioneer, The Hindu and The Indian Express. "Team Kejriwal targets Vadra for his 'Rs. 300 crore assets, DLF links'" is the headline in The Indian Express. Hindustan Times writes, "Kejriwal guns for Vadra, Congress rebuts".

The Economic Times has carried a photograph of Rahul Gandhi and Ratan Tata on its front page, with the headline, "Kashmir gets a Gandhi". The Mail Today writes that Rahul, on his visit to Kashmir, was booed by sarpanches but bonded with University students. The Hindu headline reads, "Rahul pledges to build trust with J&K youth".

Clarification by the PMO, that the government did not foot Sonia Gandhi's health and travel bills, as alleged by Narendra Modi, figures prominently on the front pages of The Times of India, The Tribune, The Indian Express and The Statesman.

The Tribune, in its lead story reveals that a total of 12 persons - including 2 women - have been arrested in Britain, for the attempted murder of Operation Bluestar hero, retired Lieutenant General Brar. The Times of India opines that the UK is treating the case as much as one of terrorism as of homicide.

Hindustan Times, in a front page news item, headlined, "BJP-JD(U) rift widens as Modi set to hit poll trail in Bihar" writes that the two parties are set for a showdown with BJP seeking to invite Narendra Modi to its "hunkar" rally in Patna next year.

India has lost 69 tigers in a year - 41 of them to poachers; and 39 rhinos in the same period - 28 due to floods at Kaziranga National Park and 11 to poachers - reports Hindustan Times. The Asian Age writes that these deaths has brought down India's tiger count to 1,706.

And finally, Hindustan Times and The Times of India report on their front pages that an audit done by AIIMS reveals that as many as 48% of stroke patients referred to AIIMS are found to have been prescribed useless and expensive drugs at other hospitals.

BJP all set to retain Gujarat

Friday, October 5, 2012

Children who grow up on fast food are likely to develop a lower I Q than those who regularly take freshly cooked meals

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The UPA government approving a fresh wave of economic reforms - to open up the Insurance and Pension sectors to foreign investment - makes for newspaper headlines this morning. ''Cabinet okays 49 % FDI limit in Insurance and Pension funds : Government reaches out to BJP to get key bills through", writes the Times of India.

And, In anticipation of the reforms package, Hindustan Times writes that the Sensex has crossed the 19,000 mark to hit a 15 month high.

Hindustan Times writes that in the Supreme Court, Sushil Ansal, eldest of the three Ansal brothers, walked up to Neelam Krishna Murthy, who lost her teenaged daughter and son in the 15 year old Uphaar Cinema tragedy, and apologized with folded hands.

Rahul Gandhi connecting with Kashmir during his ongoing visit to J & K, is highlighted by the Asian Age which writes, " I am a Kashmiri, Rahul tells J & K". "Rahul brings India Inc and hope to the people of the Valley" reports Hindustan Times. He laid the foundation of the Sri Nagar - Leh tunnel and appealed to the J & K government to provide security for Sarpanches.

Mitt Romney and Barack Obama kicked of the US presidential race with their first debate in Denver yesterday. The Hindu writes - " Round one for Romney, Republican nominee puts Obama on the back foot".

Students of IITs and other top educational Institutions may soon get regular stress-busting and counseling sessions along-side classes, as part of a national plan to check suicides.

Hindustan Times says according to a new study children who grow up on fast food are likely to develop a lower I Q than those who regularly take freshly cooked meals.

And finally, Asian Age informs us that Olivia Manning, a 12 year old school girl in UK has been rated with an I Q of 162, making her brainier than even Albert Einstein and Stephan Hawking. She admits having a knack for quickly absorbing and remembering new information.