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.