Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Green Light for 29th state Telangana

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

Sentencing in the Batla House encounter case, creation of Telengana state and the chargesheet in IPL match-fixing scandal. Front pages of prominent dailies have covered these stories and more this morning.

"Shahzad spared gallows, slain cop's family gets shock of life" under this headline, the Pioneer reports that Shahzad Ahmad, lone convict and suspected IM operative, in the 2008 Batla House shootout has been given life term by a Delhi court. The paper adds that the family of slain inspector M C Sharma has expressed shock over the judgment saying, they were confident Shahzad would be given capital punishment.

"At 66, Mother India gets ready for her 29th baby", is a headline in The Times of India whereas, "Green Light for 29th state Telangana", reads a headline in the Tribune. The Statesman writes that CWC, Congress party's highest decision- making body has taken a call to carve a separate state of Telangana out of Andhra Pradesh. The Asian Age reports that this decision is all set to open up a Pandora's box giving momentum to the demands for creation of Vidarbha and Gorkhaland.

Under the headline, "Dawood, Sree in IPL charge sheet", Hindustan Times says, the charge sheet filed by Delhi Police in the IPL match-fixing scandal names Pakistan based underworld dons Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel as the kingpins who hatched the conspiracy while asking the court to cancel bail given to Sreesanth, Chavan and 19 others.

And finally, in its bid to win the hearts of tribals residing in far flung areas of Maoist-infested Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, the CRPF in a tie-up with AIIMS, Raipur, has launched the concept of telemedicine under which patients are connected to doctors in the state capital, reports the Pioneer.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Will Telangana be India's 29th state? Cong likely to decide today

Will Telangana be India's 29th state? Cong likely to decide today

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

The Hindustan Times reports that the Delhi High Court has said that tough laws alone cannot stop crime against women but their strict implementation by law enforcement agencies and courts can act as a deterrent.

Soon, you will be able to apply for a passport using the mobile app of the External Affairs Ministry on your smart phone, writes the Asian Age under the headline, 'MEA India app to end passport woes'.

According to the Pioneer, if the Uttarakhand State Forest Department doesn't improve wildlife security and clamp down on poachers, the future of the big cat might not be that bright. Meanwhile in Sunderbans, the paper adds, the Forest Department is set to start a novel experiment of setting up satellite breeding centres of prey species in the mangrove forests.

The National Sample Survey Organisation's newest set of consumption expenditure data for 2011-12 states that an individual who spends Rs. 2886 per month in a rural area or Rs. 6383 in an Urban area in in the top 5 per cent of the country. The story has been carried by the Hindu.

The Economic Times quote Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia admitting that the latest poverty estimates released last week is indeed low and needs to be revised upwards.

According to the Indian Express, the Central Board of Secondary Education would like to make the functioning of schools more transparent, seeking information like fee structure, salaries paid to teaching and non-teaching staff etc on their websites.

The Hindu reports that the Health Activists have suggested linking the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme with the food security programme to be launched shortly for better treatment outcomes.

Crucial Tuesday for Telangana

Monday, July 29, 2013

BCCI Probe Panel clears Srini, Guru and Kundra

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

A BCCI probe panel clearing Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals of spot fixing charges due to lack of evidence gets top slot in today's Press. "Probe Panel clears Srini, Guru and Kundra", reads the headline in the Statesman.

The UPA Coordination Committee will meet on July the 31st to finalise its stand on the Telangana issue, writes the Hindu. The Asian Age reports that the Congress Party appears to be moving towards bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

"India and Pakistan chalk out schedule for resuming dialogue", is the top headline in the Tribune. The paper adds that Delhi has received a set of dates from Pakistan, for the Secretary level meetings that are to be hosted by Islamabad.

The Pioneer reports that the controversy over the letter sent by some MPs to US President Barack Obama urging him to deny a visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, has taken a new turn with a California based Examiner certifying that the signatures of the MPs are "Original and authentic", and not a cut and paste job, as claimed.

Reports of a 19 year old stunt biker dying in Police firing in Delhi yesterday, cover the front pages. The Indian Express writes that 19 year old Karan Pandey was killed when the police reportedly opened fire, in an attempt to stop a group of over a hundred motorcyclists from performing stunts in a high security area near Janpath.

The Delhi Metro has been voted the most comfortable mode of commuting in the city, writes Hindustan Times, quoting survey.

And finally a priceless note - The Times of India says, a Chandigarh court has declared the 1982 Will and Testament of the former Faridkot Maharaja - "Forged and Illegal". The Maharaja's two daughters will now inherit properties worth 20,000 crore rupees, which had in the earlier will, been left to a Trust.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

After Congress meeting, Azad consults Owaisi on Rayala-Telangana

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
With the Congress core group deliberating on the demand for a separate state, the Telangana statehood issue is prominently noticed on the front pages of many papers. On Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's talk with Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, the Indian Express writes "After Congress meeting, Azad consults Owaisi on Rayala-Telangana". The Times of India reports "Telangana may get two Rayalseema districrts". The Pioneer highlights opposition to the Telangana demand as it observes "Anti Telangana Congressmen ask PM not to split the state".

The papers keenly notice the opposition to the Planning commission's poverty figures, this time from a senior Congress leader and a government minister. "Poverty row: Sibal, Digvijay slam plan panel" reports the Statesman. The Times of India cites National Sample Survey Organisation data to write "Income disparity between rich and poor growing rapidly".

Senior BJP leader L K Advani's projection of a positive outcome for the party in the 2014 elections is highlighted in many papers. "Advani predicts early poll, record breaking results" writes the Tribune. After the very public displeasure Advani had shown on Narendra Modi's elevation as campaign committee chief, the Mail Today observes "Mollified Advani predicts BJP landslide under NaMo".

The Indian Express in its front page lead reports "Pak proposes dates for talks, India cautious". The paper goes on to add "New Delhi holds back response to offer, waits for Nawaz Sharif government to take steps to expedite 26/11 trial process in Pak".

The British government's decision to go ahead with its controversial visa bond scheme whereby Indian visitors to the UK will have to furnish a 3000 pound or 2.7 Lakh rupee bond before they are granted a six month visa is the lead in the Tribune.

And finally, the Times of India reports that a Dadar based institute in Mumbai has discovered two Urdu ghazals written by Freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. The paper notes the 'surprise' element that Urdu has been used by a champion of political hindutva.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Congress brass bent on Telangana State

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Almost all papers have reported about the creation of the separate Telanaga state. The Hindu carries the story on its front page under the headline. "Congress brass bent on Telangana State".

"Sharif's covert K-Plan" reads the Mail Today headline. The paper elaborates that an anticipated New York-meeting between Dr. Manmohan Singh and Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly has raised hopes on both sides. The South Block however remains circumspect, having received inputs about a renewed and reconfigured Pakistan's effort to put the Kashmir issue back on the boil.

The main opposition Pakistan Peoples Party has decided to boycott next week's Presidential election, paving the way for smooth election of PML-N candidate Mamnoon Husain writes the Statesman.

In a Taliban-like dictat, Aligarh Muslim University has asked its female students not to wear Jeans or T-Shirts in College. Violations would attract a fine of Rs. 500. Also, female students can not use Internet in the hostel nor visit cinemas, restaurants and hotels reports the Hindustan Times.

Martyrs who laid down their lives in 1999 Kargil War were remembered and honored by the Chiefs of the three forces. The Asian Age carries a photograph of top officials as they paid their respects at Amar Jawan Jyoti, at India Gate.

And finally, The Times of India reports that Kawa Brass band, a group of Jaipur based artistes, was invited to perform at the welcome ceremony of the royal baby at Buckingham palace. The band played the tunes of the Lullaby "Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu" followed by "welcome home" by the Beatles and "Papa Kehtey Hai Bada Naam Karega".

Congress for split AP #Telangana

Friday, July 26, 2013

Batla encounter real, IM man shot cop


NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

Most newspapers have reported on their front pages, the trial court verdict in the Batla House shootout case. A Hindustan Times headline reads "Batla encounter real, IM man shot cop" while The Times of India writes that the court held suspected Indian Mujahideen militant Shahzad Ahmad guilty of the murder of Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma in the controversial encounter. The Pioneer says the family of slain inspector was relieved and satisfied that the judgment quashed all doubts being raised over the genuineness of the encounter.

The Juvenile Justice Board has deferred the judgment on the minor accused in the December 16 gang rape case to August 5 in view of the pendency of a petition in the Supreme Court seeking fresh interpretation of the term juvenile in the Juvenile Justice Act, reports The Hindu.

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has said the Gujarat development model suffers from weaknesses on the social side and could not therefore be considered a success, writes The Indian Express. The Tribune quotes Sen as saying that he does not want Narendra Modi as Prime Minister and he would return his Bharat Ratna if Atal Bihari Vajpayee asks him to do so.

The Indian Express reports that the HRD Ministry is set to launch nationwide surprise checks of lunch served across schools under its flagship program.

In an attempt to enhance livelihood opportunities for youth and thereby tackle left wing extremism, the Rural development ministry plans to launch Roshni - skill development cum placement program in 27 worst Maoist affected districts, writes The Indian Express.

The Times of India reports that the Union Home Ministry will take charge of construction of inter-state bridges across Naxal areas, a move seeking to boost stalled connectivity in vast swathes under the sway of the Red outlaws.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has officially launched his political party called "Wikileaks Party" to contest Australian elections this year, reports The Times of India.

Hindustan Times writes that the temple authorities in Puri have decreed that from next year, foreigners will not be allowed to climb on the chariot of Lord Jagannath.


Accused Shahzad held guilty in Batla House encounter case, court says raid genuine

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

65 MPs have written to US President Obama to maintain the current policy of not granting a US visa to Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The papers choose to highlight different stories as their front page lead today. On Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's comments on the Mid-day meal tragedy in his state, the Hindustan Times writes, 'Nitish smells BJP-RJD nexus in meal tragedy, Sharad dismissive'.

The Times of India draws attention to the Planning Commission report on declining poverty figures between 2004-05 and 2011-12. It writes, 'Odisha, Bihar show biggest drop in percentage of poor'.

The Statesman, in its front page lead, reports that 65 Indian Members of Parliament have written to US President Obama to maintain the current policy of not granting a US visa to Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi. This is in the backdrop of BJP President Rajnath Singh's demand that the ban on granting of a visa to Mr Modi be revoked.

The shutting down of an eatery in Mumbai, after Congress activists protested against a sentence printed on the bill, which made reference to some scams under UPA rule, is widely noticed. 'Congress activists shut down hotel for criticising UPA policy', reports the Hindu.

Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav's plea in the Supreme Court, seeking transfer of the judge presiding over the fodder scam trial in Ranchi, is prominently noticed. 'SC may drop fodder scam judge : CBI gets a week to spell out stand on Lalu's plea', writes the Pioneer.

And finally, pictures of a cheerful royal couple, Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, holding their new born baby dot most of the papers today. 'A King is born, Britain rejoices', writes the Asian Age on the royal birth.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

"Mind your language" conveys Congress Vice President to its party spokespersons

"Mind your language" conveys Congress Vice President to its party spokespersons. The Hindustan Times adds that the Congress VP has asked spokespersons not to go beyond the party line and keep the debates dignified and decent.

According to the Times of India the TRAI-mandated cap on advertisements has proved to be the last straw for broadcasting companies, hit hard by usurious carriage fees, falling advertisement rates and the slow rollouts of digitization - all of which have combined to lead to a dramatic shrinking of revenues.

The Indian Express on its front page reports that the government has decided to seek cabinet approval to amend the Right to Information Act instead of promulgating an ordinance to negate the order of the CIC to bring political parties under the purview of the Act.

Punjab Government has announced one percent reservation for all cancer and AIDS victims for admission to technical educational institutions across the state reports the Pioneer.

The Times of India front page headlines reads, "Govt plans 1,260 crore rupees hi-tech drive to make Delhi Safer". The paper elaborates that the government promises to change the face of policing and will put the entire criminal database in the hands of the cop on duty.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Rajnath bats for Modi

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

Newspapers today lead with different stories on their front pages. "In election year, govt backs EC move to ban opinion polls" concerned that opinion polls have the potential to influence voters, says the Hindustan Times. The Tribune leads with "Uncertainty over sale of power to Pakistan" and reports that the government is yet to make up its mind given the heavy economic and political cost of the proposal. "Money laundering in new PPP avatar", under that headline the Pioneer reports that "a group of investors in connivance with banks" has laundered 1350 crore rupees. The Hindu on its front page reports "Political meddling proves toxic for state pollution control boards". The boards which are understaffed, have little time for meetings, inspections, quoting a study by an assistant professor at Tata Institute of Social Science, says the paper.

RBI seeks tougher forex trade curbs reports the Times of India. The central bank is of the view that currency future and options was resulting in speculative trading and was offsetting its steps to check volatility in the forex markets, says the paper.

"Rajnath bats for Modi" report The Statesman and other newspapers. "BJP chief virtually anoints Modi as PM candidate" reports the Times of India. In a parallel front page story, The The same paper reports "Gujarat slides in both rural and Urban spending" and quotes data between 2011-12 and 1999-2000 provided by the National Sample Survey Organisation.

In a first of its kind move, to deal with communicable diseases, India has quietly started training public health professionals to become part of an elite Epidemic Intelligence service reports the Indian Express.

"Street lamps that glow only when someone's there", slashing energy cost by 80% has been developed by an Indian origin designer Chintan Shah reports the Times of India.

And finally, are you prone to stress and anxiety? Scientists have found the brain's most 'miserable' molecule a protein involved in all our feeling of stress, anxiety and depression, paving way for the development of new drugs to control stress and anxiety, reports the Times of India.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

More villages along Godavari River put on high alert in Andhra Pradesh

Centre quietly deploys forces in Andhra, Rayalaseema towns - Express
Godavari districts face river's fury now - Hindu
Rajnath kids are English Vinglish - DC
Flood situation grim - Hans India

More villages along Godavari River put on high alert in Andhra Pradesh


NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

Pictures of a rain battered Delhi with flooded roads and traffic snarls dominate the front pages of most papers. The irony in the Pioneer caption cant be missed as it writes, "Delhi turns Venice". The paper goes on to add "Hell on roads after 123 mm downpour".

The Hindustan Times reports that the CBI is planning to give a clean chit to Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav in the disproportionate assets case. Highlighting the opposition reaction, the Pioneer writes, "Opposition slams Congress for using CBI to gain support to Food Bill".

Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray's clarification about his remark that he did not see a credible face for the post of Prime Minister gets wide attention. The Times of India reports him as saying "Was targetting Congress, not Modi".

All the papers report that there has been swift justice for a Swiss woman who was gangraped in Madhya Pradesh in March this year. "Six get life in gangrape of Swiss woman" reports the Asian Age as it writes about the sentence handed out by a special court in the Datia district of the state.

An interesting question -Which is the linguistically richest state in India? The Hindu writes that according to a baseline survey of Indian languages by the Peoples Linguistic Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh is the richest state with 90 languages out of a total of 780 different languages in the country.

The Times of India carries a story on an initiative by the Central Board of Secondary Education or CBSE to provide online learning resources to the tune of one lakh questions, 80 hours of live lectures and 4500 animations. The paper says that 11 million CBSE students will benefit from this.

And finally, you may not see too many of them on the roads these days, but our good old Ambassador car has been hailed as the worlds best taxi in BBC's popular television show Top Gear, reports the Hindustan Times.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Flood situation in several districts of AP continues to be grim

Flood situation in several districts of AP continues to be grim

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

Newspapers have reported on their front pages, PM Manmohan Singh's address at the inauguration of the annual meeting of ASSOCHAM. The Hindu Business Line writes that Dr. Singh while promising more FDI reforms said that the RBI may consider relaxing its monetary tightening measures once the pressure on the rupee eases.

'United Colours of Divided BJP', under the headline, Mail Today writes that the BJP's 2014 Rath had been unveiled and though it has Narendra Modi written all over, it comes with Advani, Joshi and Naidu riders. The Tribune headline reads, 'Modi stamp evident as BJP unveils poll teams', while the Asian Age caption reads, 'Team Modi, Guide Advani'.

The Centre intends to explore all legal and legislative options to reverse the controversial Supreme Court judgment, scrapping the common entrance test for admission to medical and dental colleges, reports Hindustan Times.

The Times of India writes that BJP Chief Rajnath Singh has stirred up a controversy with his comment that English has caused a great loss to India by eroding its cultural values. The comment was greeted with derision by intellectuals and political leaders.

The Statesman reports that Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin LAden was in Pakistan for at least the last 9 years of his life, moving from place to place with his wives and children. All this while he was listed as the most wanted man by the United States, with Pakistan as its front ally in the war against terror.

Archaeologists claim to have found a 3,000-year old palace and royal storehouse in Jerusalem belonging to the biblical king David, says the Asian Age.

Want to lose weight without having a workout regime? Two newly published studies investigate the enticing possibility that we might one day be able to gain the benefits of exercise by downing a pill, rather than by actually sweating, reports the Indian Express.

Friday, July 19, 2013

The UPA government has decided to honour the commitment made in 2009 to carve out a separate state of Telengana from Andhra Pradesh

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

According to Hindustan Times, the autopsy reports of children who died after eating a mid-day meal in Bihar confirmed they died of insecticide poisoning.

The Tribune writes that the Centre has decided to constitute a permanent committee under the chairmanship of Human Resource Development Minister to review the implementation of the Mid-Day meal programme and ensure quality, safety and hygiene standards.

"Mid-day horror grips India" reports the Pioneer. The paper adds eight students of a north west Delhi school fell ill after allegedly being given folic acid and iron supplements under a newly launched scheme.

The hopes of lakhs of medical aspirants were shattered as the Supreme Court quashed the notification for holding a single common entrance test for admission to medical and dental colleges across India. Mail Today covers it under the headline "Medical Muddle".

According to the Hindu, the UPA government has decided to honour the commitment made in 2009 to carve out a separate state of Telengana from Andhra Pradesh

On the eve of assuming office as the Chief Justice of India, Justice Sathasivam took the government head-on over its criticism of the collegium system of appointing judges and questioned the government's own contribution to the system, writes the Indian Express.

Scientists have developed a knife called iknife based on electro surgery that can convey to surgeons in three seconds whether the tissue they are operating on is cancerous or not, writes the Times of India.

The paper also carries a report that Mughal-e-azam directed by K Asif has been named the greatest Bollywood film of all time by a poll celebrating 100 years of indian cinema. The film beat SHOLAY which stood at the 2nd place.

Telangana looks certain

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Air India in cockpit trouble, again

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Most newspapers have reported on their front pages the horrific death of schoolchildren in Bihar. "Poison theory floats as Bihar midday meal kills 27 kids". Under that headline, The Times of India reports that the midday meal tragedy worsened with fatalities rising to 27 and suspicion mounting that the last meal eaten by the children may have been accidentally contaminated or as Bihar's Education Minister claimed, deliberately poisoned. The Pioneer says that the school flouted the tasting norms which say that the food prepared has to be tasted by two to three adults including at least one teacher before it is served to children.

The Indian Express reports that school boards and the IITs had calculated the top 20 percentile of students in different ways and this may have affected the admission prospects of a number of students in the joint entrance examination 2013.

The involvement of a juvenile in the December 16 gang rape and murder was an aberration rather than the rule observed the Supreme Court and dismissed petitions seeking lowering of the juvenile age from 18 to 16 years, reports Hindustan Times.

"Clean up Yamuna bank or pay from pocket". Under that headline, The Indian Express writes that the National Green Tribunal has ordered government agencies in the National Capital Territory to prepare a beautification plan or else pay exemplary costs from the salaries of the respective officers.

Under the caption, "Air India in cockpit trouble, again", Hindustan Times writes that a south Indian actress was allowed to travel in the cockpit by the pilots on a Bangalore-Hyderabad flight.

The country's first all women bank, Bharatiya Mahila Bank is eyeing to open 33,400 customer accounts through 39 branches across the country in the first year, reports The Indian Express.

And finally, The Times of India reports that to bring in gender equality and provide equal educational opportunities to women students, Calicut University has decided to grant long term maternity leave to women students.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Government opens FDI floodgates to boost economy, rupee

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

"Government opens FDI floodgates to boost economy, rupee" reads the Hindustan Times headline. The paper adds that the Government is desperate to spur the economy and stem the rupee's slide, therefore relaxed the investment caps for foreign investors in a range of sectors. The story has been covered by almost all the dailies.

It will be business as usual for over 75,000 dance girls and women rendered jobless by the Maharashtra Government in 2005 by banning dance bars. This has become possible following a Supreme Court judgement. The Tribune has covered it on its front page, along with a photograph under the headline "No bar on Mumbai dance girls, rules SC".

To prevent rising incidents of acid attacks, especially against women, the sale of acids will be regulated by strict guidelines and the strength of the harmful substance to be sold in retail would be reduced, the centre has informed the Supreme Court reports the Asian Age.

The Hindu on its front page writes under the headline "Poverty levels down by 15 percent in eight years". Elaborating the paper adds that poverty levels across India decreased approximately 2 per cent year on year, primarily due to high economic growth rate. The steepest decline in poverty was reported amongst the poorer states.

In the first fallout within the party, post Narendra Modi's "Puppy" remark, Delhi BJP vice president and well known theatre personality Aamir Raza Hussain has resigned from the party, a day after he had made anti-Modi remarks on television reports the Delhi Express.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

CPI first party to reply to RTI query

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES


The war of words between the BJP and the Congress finds place on the front pages of many dailies. 'Congress embraces secularism burqa, takes Modi head on', reports the Hindustan Times.

The Pioneer headlines the BJP's intention to 'cash in on NaMo Mantra', adding that the BJP's state unit has decided to charge Rupees 5 each from those attending Narendra Modi's rally in Hyderabad next month.

'One month on 5,748 still missing in Uttarakhand', reports the Tribune, whereas The Hindu says in an anchor story, 'Bahuguna won't declare the missing as dead yet'.

The Mail Today reports, 'Kedarnath gets a new trek route', adding that in a major relief, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering has recommended an alternative 34 km Kedarnath route to the Uttarakhand Government.

'CPI first party to reply to RTI query', reports the Pioneer, saying that the party has provided information about its funding, but refused to give out details on the deliberations and agenda of its meetings.

In what is cause of concern for the Archeological Survey of India, the Times of India reports that repeated paving of roads around the Taj Mahal has resulted in the road level becoming higher then the Taj fore court thus allowing rain water to flood the complex.

On its front page the Asian Age reports, 'Ishrat case : arms appear planted', saying that officers investigating the encounter case have made startling revelation : that the weapons found on the deceased did not bear any blood stains.

And finally, the Times of India and the Asian Age report that the "Earth's 6 year twitch alters day length". Periodic jumps generated in the Earth's core change the length of a day every 5.9 years on our planet, a study in the University of Liverpool has found.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Congress hiding behind burqa of secularism, says Modi

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

Hike in petrol prices is noticed by all papers today. "Petrol dearer by one rupee fifty five paise a litre, reports the Tribune. The Hindu writes that it is the fourth increase in six weeks, as the falling rupee has made oil imports costlier.

Mayawati defending caste rallies, even after the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court put a ban on them features in the papers. The BSP chief demanding a ban on saffron outfits is highlighted by Mail Today, Hindustan Times and the Pioneer.

Narendra Modi addressing students at a college in Pune yesterday figures on the front pages. "Congress hiding behind burqa of secularism, says Modi", reads a Hindustan Times headline. "Targets UPA on food security bill, falling rupee", writes the Indian Express.

India bidding adieu to the 163-year old telegram service has been covered by most papers, with pictures of people queuing up outside telegraph offices in various cities. The caption of the photograph in the Times of India reads, "Goodbye telegram full stop".

The Asian Age and the Pioneer report that in a fine example of communal harmony, 45 Hindu inmates of Tihar Jail have joined their Muslim brethren in observing rozas.

Exactly a month after the tragedy in Uttarakhand, the Indian Express in a heart wrenching headline writes, 'Pyres are cold, identities preserved in photos of earrings, clothes, IDs. Uttarakhand police preserve 'clues' for relatives of those they cremated'.

While equal pay for equal work is the way it should be, in rural India gender equality in wages is still a distant dream, with men getting 70 per cent higher wages than women for working in fields, reports the Business Line of the Hindu.

If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will be thrilled to know who J.K. Rowling finally is. In a box item titled 'Chamber of secrets: Cover blown, Robert Galbraith is J.K. Rowling', Hindustan Times says that the well-known crime writer Galbraith and Rowling are one and the same person.

Last telegram sent to Rahul Gandhi | Business Standard

Last telegram sent to Rahul Gandhi | Business Standard:

'via Blog this'

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Bose, wizard of sound, dies at 83

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

Several dailies have reported on the food security bill. The Financial Express, under the headline "Congers CMs told to push food scheme in 'letter and spirit", writes that Congress President Sonia Gandhi has asked Chief Ministers of party - ruled states to expeditiously implement the food security scheme in "letter and spirit".

"Quattrocchi dies, Bofors buried" - Hindustan Times says the man of controversy - high profile accused in India's first widely publicized scam has passed away at 74 in his Milan home. "Q carries money, mystery to grave" is the headline in Sunday Pioneer.

The aviation ministry is set to form an economic cell to collect seat info from all airlines in a move aimed at shielding flyers against exhorbitant fares and ensuring transparency, says The Times of India.

Under the caption "Aadhaar may speed up visa to US and Canada", Hindustan Times reports that the Unique Identification Authority of India is in talks with embassies to use Aadhaar based applications to simplify the visa processes.

Newspapers have also reported the death of Amar Gopal Bose, who brought concert hall quality into the living room. Hindustan Times says "Bose, wizard of sound, dies at 83". "Sound pioneer Amar Bose falls silent" says The Times of India.

The Sunday Pioneer writes that the US military has unveiled one of its most advanced humanoid robots known as Atlas, created to assist in emergency situations. The paper adds that the Atlas robot can make a range of natural movements and has an on-board, real time control computer.

Mail Today under the headline "Death in every breath you take" says that a study by Jawaharlal Nehru University has revealed that there are alarming levels of aerosols and heavy metals that could be carcinogenic, in Delhi's air.

And finally, The Asian Age writes that Chikan work, an embroidery for what Lucknow is famous for, is now facing a Chinese invasion with Chinese machine-made cheap imitations of chikan embroidery, very similar in designs and forms to the original, flooding the market.


Saturday, July 13, 2013

The Villain who was Pran of every movie

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in an interview to Reuters, have been reported prominently in most news dailies today "Modi talks 2002, kicks up storm with puppy remark" headlines the Hindustan Times. The Indian Express reports "Modi says did the right thing in 2002, his "Puppy" analogy triggers out rage". The Hindu adds "No guilty feeling about Gujarat riots, says Modi".

The death of the veteran Actor Pran, has been reported with encomiums and glowing words in the front pages prominently. "Villany is dead. Long live Pran!" Remarks the Asian Age, the Times of India report, "Villian with Heart of Sher Khan No More". While the Pioneer calls him, "The Villain who was Pran of every movie".

The Times of India reports "Govt may seek review of Supreme Court order on jailed netas", while The Pioneer adds. "Govt set to consult political parties to challenge verdict on jailed/convicted MP said MLAs".

In a significant news the Pioneer reports that Lashkar-e-Tayyeba and its new avatar the Jamaat-ud-Dawa have been training the Rohingayas Muslims at their terror camps in Pakistan - occupied Kashmir and one of their modules could have targeted the Buddhist shrine at Bihar.

According to the Times of India "Announcement on Telangana may come this month" and adds that the congress leadership has decided to refer the issue to the Congress Working Committee, amid ever strengthening indications that a decision on bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh may be taken this month.

The Mail Today reports that in her first speech since the Taliban in Pakistan tried to kill her for advocating education for girls, Malala Yousafzai celebrated her 16 birthday on Friday at the United Nations, appealing for compulsory free schooling for children. The Hindustan Times adds that Malala mentioned Mahatama Gandhi as her inspiration in her address to the UN observed as Malala Day.

The Times of India reports that a team of researchers from Jadavpur University in Kolkata have announced that the pattern of Blood vessels just beneath the skin of our faces is as unique as a fingerprint or iris, and can be revealed easily with infra-red thermal imaging camera leading to instantaneous face recognition, that would be impossible to replicate or cheat.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Govt set to bite the bullet on Telangana, decision likely by July-end

Govt set to bite the bullet on Telangana, decision likely by July end

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

"Jail birds can't fly into house" writes the Pioneer on its front page. Elaborating, the paper adds, after ruling instant disqualification of convicted MPs and MLAs, the Supreme Court has gone a step further by barring politicians from contesting polls even from behind bars, no matter if they may not have been convicted. The story has been covered by almost all papers on their front page.
The Indian Express reports as rescue and rehabilitation efforts continue in Uttarakhand, the Centre has decided to give additional financial assistance under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, from existing 100 days of employment to 150 to flood-affected districts of the state, in order to counter the adverse impact of the floods on people's livelihood.
According to the Tribune, throwing a spanner in the work of Uttar Pradesh's caste-dominated politics, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court  has stayed rallies based on caste in the state with immediate effect.
The Cabinet cleared a proposal to replace the Directorate General of Civil Aviation with a new regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, which will have full autonomy, states the Business Line on its front page.
According to the Times of India, judgement against the juvenile accused in Nirbhaya's gang -rape and murder case, will be pronounced on July 25 by a juvenile Justice board.
The Asian Age writes while dismissing the finance ministry's suggestion that it look at the possibility of putting a cap on the extent to which natural gas prices could be hiked under a new pricing formula, Petroleum  Minister Veerappa Moily has said that the government was not contemplating any change in its decision to nearly double the natural gas produced domestically.
Glued to your cell phone? It may reduce your fitness and physical activity. The Times of India reports a  new study that reveals that high cell phone use is associated with poor fitness and contributes to a sedentary lifestyle.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Convicted MPs, MLAs to lose seat right away : SC

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The Supreme Court's ruling and orders on different issues occupies the front pages of most newspapers. 'Convicted MPs, MLAs to lose seat right away : SC', reports the Hindustan Times and other newspapers. 'SC hauls up Government for withholding material from CBI on Coalgate', says the Hindu, whereas the Pioneer reports that 'SC gives Centre 4 weeks to produce file pertaining to 164 coal blocks'. The Statesman reports that the Supreme Court asked Tata Motors to consider returning the Nano factory land back to the State Government and the Agriculturists from whom it was acquired.

On the Serial blasts in Bodhgaya the Asian Age says, 'No leads all angles still open'. However, the Pioneer and several other newspapers have reported that 'IM terror tweets originated in Pak'.

The Hindu headlines, 'RIL must get lower gas price till shortfall is delivered', reporting that the Finance Ministry has asked the Petroleum and Gas Ministry to take steps to ensure that Reliance India Limited receives only the old price until it delivers the shortfall it was contractually obliged to supply.

The Juvenile Justice Board verdict, on one of the suspects in the fatal December 16 gang-rape of a 23 year old paramedic in a moving bus, is likely to be given today, reports the Asian Age.

In an attempt to combat anaemia among children between 10 and 18 years, all Government School children in Delhi will get Iron tablets as part of Delhi Government's Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation programme.

'80 per cent IIT entrants from just 3 boards', that is, CBSE, Andra Pradesh and Punjab, reports the Times of India highlighting that the new entrance exam system that gives weightage to class XII scores of candidates has changed the rules of the game in one fell swoop.

And finally, "Mobile dead?" No cause for worry any more. "Try solar headphones". A pair of headphones that can harness solar power to charge mobile devices when you are on the move has been designed in the United Kingdom reports the Times of India.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Chinese troops re-enter Ladakh

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The Indian Express and the Asian Age show Buddhist monks offering prayers for peace at the site of the explosion in Bodh Gaya. While the Indian Express headline reads, 'No breakthrough, NIA takes over probe', the Hindustan Times, quoting the Indian Mujahideen writes, 'We bombed Bodh Gaya'. The outfit has also warned that their next target will be Mumbai.

The Supreme Court telling the Union Government to formulate a policy on retail sale of acid across the country in a week, has been aptly titled, 'Court puts Centre through acid test' by the Hindu. The Times of India and the Tribune have also covered this adequately.

'Chinese troops re-enter Ladakh', is the Statesman headline. Mail Today informs that they have smashed army bunkers there.

'RBI and SEBI step in, apply brakes on Rupee free fall', is the Indian Express headline. 'Regulators joint assault on speculation brings relief to rupee', says the Economic Times.

'Solar bomb explodes in Kerala', writes the Pioneer, referring to the protests demanding the Chief Minister's resignation on account of alleged involvement in the solar scam.

In a shocking revelation, Mail Today reports of Delhi cops running a jail of their own, in which people, including children are tortured and sodomized.

'Cheers among chaos', is the caption of the picture in the Hindustan Times, showing children enjoying the Delhi shower yesterday. The Times of India says that it was the heaviest single day shower since 2009.

'Twins who shared liver survive 8-hour surgery', writes the Hindustan Times, of the successful operation of the conjoined twins at AIIMS.

And finally, all we can say is strange but true. The Times of India writes on its front page, 'Losing lustre? IIT seats go vacant as 769 refuse to join'.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

The 13th edition of Jagganath rath Yatra will begin from 400 year old Jagannath temple on July 10 with a start of Facebok page

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

The Hindustan Times writes that the enquiry proceedings against CBI official may get exempted from the scope of the Right to Information Act (RTI) if the government's suggestion on the working of a proposed accountability commission gets through.

Almost all papers have quoted BJP's general Secretary Ananth Kumar as saying that the BJP was ready for snap Lok Sabha poll with good governance and development as its key poll planks. The Tribune covers the story on its front page.

The 13th edition of Jagganath rath Yatra will begin from 400 year old Jagannath temple on July 10 with a start of Facebok page on the deity for devotees to worship and follow the yatra through the social networking website reports the Asian Age.

In economic news the Business Line reports that India's gold imports in June have fallen 80 percent to about 32 tonnes providing some relief to the current account deficit and the weak rupee.

The Financial Express writes that the Indian economy is showing sights of recovery helped by gradual reduction of inflationary pressure even though the country's growth still remains relatively weak" according to Paris based thinktank Organization for economic Co-operation and Development-OECD.

The Times of India reports that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences will now provide telephone consultation to treating physicians on poison management.

The paper also reports that school children in the age group of 15 16 years in United Kingdom will now get to study India's struggle for Independence in detail.

Scientist have demonstrated for the first time that starfish use premature eyes at the tip of their arms to usually navigate their environment. Starfish eyes are image-forming and could be an essential stage in eye evolution reports the Hindustan Times.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Home hurray for Murray

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The serial blasts in the temple town of Bodh Gaya in Bihar dominate todays headlines. "Himsa shatters Abode of Ahimsa" writes the Pioneer. Highlighting the low casualty figure, the Hindustan Times reports "Damp bombs and low crowd save day". The Tribune and the Hindu cite security experts as saying that this attack could be a spillover of sectarian violence between Rohingya Muslims and Buddhists in Myanmar.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati's address at the Brahmin Bhaichara Sammelan in Lucknow is widely noticed. "Mayawati warns Brahmins against sectarian Modi" reports the Mail Today. The Tribune writes "Maya assures quota for poor across the board".

Most papers highlight Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's address at a rally in central Kashmir. The Times of India reports him as saying "Dont test J&K patience, political solution is must". The Asian Age quotes him as saying "NC will never be part of NDA".

The Indian Express and the Times of India report that six naxalites were killed in an encounter with the police in Gadhchiroli district of Maharashtra. The papers draw attention to the fact that all the six naxalites killed were women.

The Satesman says that the Home Ministry has objected to  the hiking of the FDI cap in defence, space, telecom and some other areas citing security concerns.

In a major step to empower women in 'khaki' the government for the first time is going to recruit and commission women officers in the Border Security Force, BSF report the Hindustan Times and the Asian Age.

The Times of India highlights the miraculous escape of 305 passengers, including three Indians, when an Asiana Airlines flight crash landed at the Sanfransico Airport late Saturday night.

And finally, photographs of an elated Andy Murray kissing the Wimbledon trophy after he won the Men's singles title are prominently displayed in all the papers. "Home hurray for Murray" is how the Hindustan Times describes the win.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

PM condemns blasts at Bodh Gaya

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

Several dailies have covered Defence Minister AK. Antony's visit to China. "More India China border meets to prevent flare ups' writes the Hindu and the Tribune says India China to scale up defence ties. The Asian Age writes on front page India China make progress on border pact.

The stage being set for the 2014 elections is the big story today. 'Modi aide vows to build grand Ram temple' is the Times of India headline, referring to Amit Shah's visit to Ayodhaya. 'BJP rakes Ram Janmabhoomi issue - divisive politics, cries Congress' writes the Business Standard.

At the onset of Modi's election campaign in Bihar, the Pioneer says 'NaMo takes on Nitish on his turf'. 'Modi warns Nitish - betrayers of mandate will be taught a lesson' writes the Indian Express.

Most papers today have a picture of Marion Bartoli of France celebrating her maiden win at Wimbledon.

Tennis mania seems to have reached a feverish pitch. A single ticket to the centre court finals today has sold for 35,500 pounds or 31 lakh rupees, the highest ever in the history of Wimbledon, reports the Times of India.

The Financial Express and The Asian Age have reported on Venezuela and Nicaragua offering asylum to Snowden.

Vegetable prices have hit the roof in the last few days. Wondering why? Well, Mail Today writes " Middlemen drawing veggies off your menu - difference between wholesale and retail prices is 100-200 per cent. Survey by Assocham discloses that the price rise has forced people to switch to pre cooked, ready to eat foods.

So did you take a beach vacation this summer? The Financial Express writes that 'Indian tourists evolve to beach bums from culture vultures - also 71 per cent Indians took a beach vacation in 2012 - and the prediction for next year is 95 percent - the highest globally!.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

CBI hushes up Ishrat Jahan's terror link

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

The Supreme Court's direction to the Election Commission to frame rules regarding the content of party manifestos is prominently noticed on the front pages of most national dailies. "SC says freebies not good for fair polls, wants checks" sums up the Hindustan Times in its banner headline.

In the backdrop of the CBI filing a chargesheet in the Ishrat Jahan encounter case, the press highlights various concerns being raised about the case. The Hindu and the Hindustan Times highlight the testimony of a police witness mentioned in the chargesheet. He is reported to have said that he had heard accused Crime Branch DIG D G Vanzara tell his juniors that he had the approval of political bosses for the encounter. The Pioneer writes "CBI hushes up Ishrat's terror link".

The Supreme Court's intervention in tackling the problem of illegal occupation of government bungalows by MPs, MLAs and retired bureaucrats is widely noticed. "SC orders high and mighty to vacate : lays down 20 point guideline on evicting squatters in govt houses" reports the Mail Today. The Asian Age writes "SC sets a month for vacating govt houses".

All the dailies take note of the resignation of the Finance minister of Madhy Pradesh Raghavji over sexual harassment charges leveled against him by his domestic help.

Defence Minister A K Anthony's talks with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing are prominently noticed. "India -China agree to have strategic communication" reports the Tribune. The Times of India reports Mr Anthony as saying "Sino-Indian military games in October".

And finally, the Indian cricket team has a very new entrant. All the papers notice the inclusion of the first Kashmiri youth Parvez Rasool for the ODI tour of Zimbabwe.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Railgate: Bansal is CBI witness

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Almost all newspapers have covered CBI naming Pawan Kumar Bansal as a witness in the charge sheet filed by it in the ten crore rupees cash-for-post bribery case. The Tribune headlines it as, 'Railgate: Bansal is CBI witness'.

'After spring, Egypt feels the heat', writes the Pioneer. The paper adds a senior judge Adly Mansor was sworn-in as Egypt's interim President to replace Islamist President Mohammed Morsi as the military launched a major crackdown against the Muslim brotherhood.

According to Mail Today, the Union Cabinet may have given its nod to the food security ordinance but the UPA government's 'game-changer' will still take six to nine months for the on-ground roll out as its beneficiaries are yet to be identified by the states. This story has been covered under the headline 'Food bill in pregnant pause.'

The Hindustan Times front page headline reads, 'China breathes fire, greets Antony with border warning'. The paper has shown the photograph of Luo Yuan, Mayor General in the Chinese Army and prominently placed his quote which reads 'The Indian side should not provoke new problems and increase military deployment at the border areas and stir up new trouble', this, hours before defence Minister A K Antony was to land in Beijing.

The Supreme Court has held that employees do not have a right to seek the benefits of voluntary retirement schemes and that the decision taking power lies only with the employer firm reports the Asian Age.

The Hindu on its front page has quoted Union Minister for Law and Justice Kapil Sibal wherein he has said the government may not press ahead with a clause in the draft Judicial Accountability Bill that seeks to curb  casual observations (Obiter dicta) made by senior judges against the legislature and the executive.

And finally, the death of Douglas Engelbart, the visionary electrician engineer who invented the computer mouse decades before the influx of personal computers into homes and workplace has been reported by almost all newspapers. The Times of India inside page headline reads, 'Father of computer mouse, dies'.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Rupee slides again, now at 60.22 to a dollar



NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

The CBI chargesheet in the Ishrat Jahan case is the lead in most papers. 'Abducted, drugged, shot' is the Hindustan Times headline. 'Chargesheet doesn't name Modi or Amit Shah', writes the Times of India.

The Cabinet nod for the Food Bill Ordinance finds front page coverage. 'Will cover 67 per cent population' says the Tribune. 'Is the Congress preparing for 2014 ?' asks the Pioneer.

The Statesman, the Hindu and the Asian Age Show millions of people gathered at Egypt's Tahrir Square. 'Egypt's Army Chief removes Mursi' , reads the Hindu headline.

'Rupee slides again, now at 60.22 to a dollar', informs the Asian Age.

The Supreme Court asking the motor accident claims tribunals and High Courts to be liberal and award just compensation to claimants is covered by the Hindu.

There's hope for HIV patients 'Stem cell therapy wipes out HIV in 2 patients', writes The Times of India. Not just this, the paper elaborates that stem cells can now be used as a painless way to treat cavities and even regrow teeth.

The Hindu reports of an innovative way of generating electricity. Titled 'poultry farmer turns litter to light', the paper says that in the poultry hub of Namakkal in Tamil Nadu, bird droppings are now being used for power generation.

Do Indians love gods and goddesses? Seems like that. The Indian Express which conducted a survey on names of villages in India, writes that 3,626 villages are named after Ram and 3,309 after Krishna!

And finally, when did you last see a sparrow, which was so common a few years ago? In a box item titled 'flying away', The Hindustan Times writes that in Delhi, the sparrow is nobody's bird and that the state government is doing little for its conservation.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

CBI clean chit! Rail charges filed, Bansal is not named

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The death of six policemen, including an SP, in the Naxal attack in the Dumka district of Jharkhand yesterday, dominates the front pages of all the national dailies. Regarding the killing of the SP, the Times of India writes, 'First senior cop to be slain by Naxals after State formation'.

The filing of chargesheet in the Railway Bribery scandal is widely noticed in the press. Highlighting the clean chit given to former Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, the Asian Age reports, 'Rail charges filed, Bansal is not named'. The Tribune's headline of the story reads, 'Railgate: Bansal's nephew, nine others figure in chargesheet'.

Most papers report that the government is likely to take a call on the pending Food Security Bill at the Cabinet meet scheduled for today. The Hindu notes, 'Government to push for ordinance route today'.

The seizure of cash and gold and diamond jewellery worth hundreds of crores of rupees from four trucks bound for Gujarat is highlighted in all the papers. 'Trucks with 200 crore rupees cash and gems seized', reports the Times of India. This intercept was made by the National Investigating Agency and the Income Tax Department, following a tip off, says the Tribune.

The Indian Express, the Times of India and the Hindustan Times report that the National Green Tribunal has summoned the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Uttarakhand State Government to give details of the upcoming projects in the state and their ecological and environmental impact.

All the papers note that Sujata Singh will succeed Ranjan Mathai as the new Foreign Secretary. The Times of India writes, 'Government goes by seniority, making her only the third woman Foreign Secretary'.

And finally, if you've always wanted to eat like a King, here's your chance...its quite easy....all you need to do is own 1,400 piece dinner, set of former Maharaja of Patiala, which goes up for auction tomorrow. The Times of India and the Hindustan Times say, there might be just a small hitch - the price of 1.5 million pounds!!!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Central Bureau of Investigation is unlikely to name Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his close associate Amit Shah as accused in its charge-sheet in the Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case


Sakshi front page

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

"Rain fury coming to Uttarakhand again, hopefully warning will be heeded" reads the front page headline of the Times of India. The paper adds that from 4th of July another furious spell of rain is expected to hit the state which is still grappling with the aftermath of the mid-June devastation. Hopefully, warning will be paid heed to this time, writes the paper.

According to the Tribune the Central Bureau of Investigation is unlikely to name Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his close associate Amit Shah as accused in its charge-sheet in the Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case.

The Asian Age report says, following representations made against the Jet Airways- Etihad deal, the cabinet secretary is likely to chair a meeting today to look into aviation bilateral agreements and the Jet-Etihad deal including certain security concerns about the implementation of the deal.

Tata sons, India's biggest business group and firms controlled by billionaires Anil Ambani and Kumar Mangalam Birla are among the 26 companies that have applied for a license to open banks, reports the Pioneer and Indian Express.

The Hindu on its front page reports that the US National Security Agency snooped on the Indian Embassy and considered it a "target" along with 37 other embassies and mission in Washington citing a report in the Guardian which has been reporting on the data obtained by the fugitive whistle-blower Edward Snowden.

Monday, July 1, 2013

China is quietly intruding into India's geopolitical space in Iran

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

With the emergency rescue operations of stranded pilgrims and tourist by various national agencies at Uttarakhand almost drawing to a close, the second phase of rehabilitation at remote villages finds prominence in the press. Mail Today writes - 'with as many as 1,840 connecting roads to villages being destroyed, more than 150 villages still remain cut off'.

"Gas in its Tank, Government set to Step-Up Speed of Reforms" headlines the Economic Times. The Government is lining up a spate of reform decisions, aimed at lifting the economy out of its slump with a two-fold thrust:- increase inflows to cut the current account deficit and to break the logjam-holding up investments and infrastructure.

"China is quietly intruding into India's geopolitical space in Iran', writes the Indian Express. It recently offered Tehran a facility of 60 million Euros, almost equal to the proposed Indian investment in the revamp of Chabahar Port, which may muscle out India from the project.

Quoting Samajwadi Party Supremo - Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Asian Age writes "3rd Front will be only after the polls". Keeping the door ajar for a Third Front Alliance between Non-Congress and non-BJP parties, he ruled out Mamta Banerjee's call for a Federal Front 'before' the Lok Sabha elections.

Hindustan Times reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has cleared an ambitious plan to induct private sector experts in the rank of Joint and Additional Secretaries, in Government posts that require technical and specialised knowledge, along the lines of Nandan Nilekani as head of the Unique Identity Project and Raghu Raman constructing a national intelligence grid.

And finally, Times of India reports that researchers in the UK have developed a camera that works like a huge electronic nose and can capture aromas and fragrances of objects instead of images.

Check Out These Gorgeous Color Photos From World War II

Check Out These Gorgeous Color Photos From World War II