Punjab's best village for girls

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Efforts for release of abducted Sukma Collector Alex Menon are prominently covered in today's papers. The Asian Age says, "Maoists want eight freed by April 25", "Demand to end operation Green hunt".

"10 French Nationals on Red turf deported", under that headline Hindustan Times reports that the Bihar Government deported 10 French nationals out of the State on Sunday for their alleged involvement in Maoist activities.

The papers also covered the French Presidential elections. The Hindu says, "Early exit polls put Hollande ahead". The Tribune reports "France votes, mood in Sarkozy camp sombre".

Papers report the rift in Team Anna. The Statesman headline says, "Meltdown in Team Anna", "Kazmi found 'recording' proceedings, expelled". The Indian Express headline reads,  "Muslim face out, slams Team Anna".

The Times of India opines that a second innings for special economic zones could be in the offing, with the Government mulling "new norms, tax sops to revive SEZ boom".

The Tribune carries two stories highlighting India's changing face with regard to international relations. The paper reports that China has finally allowed import of Indian Basmati rice into its markets, in a move expected to curb India's trade barrier with its neighbor. Another story says, "EU looks beyond trade-only ties with India" and offers to join hands on defence and security-related issues. 

The Hindu on its back page reports, "Six scientists of Indian origin elected Fellows of Royal Society", Britain's premier science academy, joining the ranks of the likes of Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton.

And finally, the Times of India has a report on "Punjab's best village for girls". The paper says Bijlipur, a village in Punjab bucks the trend with something most of Punjab cannot boast of: a sex ratio in favour of women.