Tata Consultancy Services has bagged a 2.2 billion dollar outsourcing contract

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The sentencing to life imprisonment of 31 persons, for burning 33 Muslims alive during the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat, forms the main story in many dailies. "First whiff of justice for Gujarat riot victims" headlines The Hindu. The Times of India writes that the Gujarat special court has made history by sending the most people to prison for life in a single case.

Sonia Gandhi's statement that corruption cannot be eradicated by "merely making speeches and pointing fingers at others", has been mentioned prominently on the front pages of many dailies. "Sonia signal to Anna: Look within...why 'hue and cry', we will bring Lokpal" is the headline in The Indian Express, while The Pioneer writes, "Sonia crafts anti-Anna poll plank for Congress".

"Sun, sand and smiles for Manmohan at SAARC" writes The Tribune, referring to the Prime Minister's arrival in Addu for the SAARC summit. "Pakistan proposes Schengen-like visa system for South Asia" reports The Indian Express, while The Statesman reports that both S.M. Krishna and Hina Rabbani Khar have stated that the trust deficit between the two countries is shrinking.

The Times of India reveals that the CBI may charge Essar Group's Ravi and Anshuman Ruia, in the fresh charge sheet the CBI is set to file in the 2G spectrum scam case.

The top news in The Financial Express reports that Moody's has downgraded its outlook for India's banking system. Hindustan Times quotes a finance ministry personnel as saying that India is not worried as domestic lenders are much stronger than their global peers.

Amidst global economic gloom, some good news for India. Hindustan Times reports on its front page that Tata Consultancy Services has bagged a 2.2 billion dollar outsourcing contract - the biggest technology deal for an Indian firm.