SC for special courts for cases of violent agitations

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The start of the Winter Session of Parliament yesterday dominates the front pages of most dailies today. "Day 1 washed out, Govt looks to save session", reports the Hindustan Times. Elaborating on what happened, the Tribune says "Day 1 : Interruptions over Inflation, P Chidambram's alleged role in Spectrum scam". The Hindu highlights the Prime Minister's assertion, "There is no case for a boycott" in response to the BJP deciding to boycott Home Minister P Chidambaram in Parliament. Ascribing political motives to BJP's boycott decision, the Economic Times says, "NDA's 'boycott PC' to woo Jaya".

The death of seven persons in a fire that engulfed two air-conditioned coaches of the Howrah-Dehradoon Express is prominently covered in the papers. The Indian Express reports railway officials as saying, "Alarms missing but fire-retardant material averted disaster". The Times of India and the Hindustan Times say that the Railways are not ruling out sabotage.

The Supreme Court indicating that it will order the setting up of special courts for disposal of cases involving damage to public properties in violent agitations is highlighted in many papers. "Special courts to try violence during stir." writes the Asian Age. Similarly, the Tribune reports "SC for special courts for cases of violent agitations".

All papers prominently notice the decline in the value of the rupee which closed at an all-time low of 52 rupees 32 paise a dollar yesterday. "Rupee hits a new low, sparks inflation worry" writes the Hindustan Times. The Financial Express reports the Reserve Bank of India as saying that it can and will intervene when it is consistent with its policy".

And finally, believe-it-or-not, you may get to see emails on your contact lenses. The Times of India informs us that Scientists at the Washington University and Aalto University in Finland have constructed a computerised contact lens which could potentially be linked to the internet.