The Indian elite and the erosion of democracy

The Indian elite and the erosion of democracy

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
Stage set for swearing' in of the new government, is the focus across newspapers.
"NDA II takes oath today, all eyes on Modi's new team" headlines the Hindustan Times." "As Jaitley pulls out, All Eyes on Modi's FM pick" writes the Mail Today. "Modi to largest oath-event history" states The Pioneer, with 8,000 guests likely tonight.
"Rahul firm on quitting, Congress in fix" reports The Asian Age. "Congress yields to firm Rahul, hunts for presidium" writes The Pioneer.
"No anticipatory bail, GST violators can be arrested sans FIR" The Times of India quotes the Supreme Court.
"Veterans want curbs on car purchases rolled back" says the Hindustan Times in a box item, on an order restricting service personnel from buying cars priced above 12 lakh rupees, from the subsidised Canteen Stores Department.
"Heatwave grips India, more in store this week" states the Pioneer.
And finally, "RO not required for water supplied by us, says the Delhi Jal Board; Problem only where Borewells are being used", The Times of India reports, a day after the National Green Tribunal asked the Centre to restrict use of reverse osmosis purifiers.

Arun Jaitley was much more than just a finance minister, his counsel will be missed

Arun Jaitley was much more than just a finance minister, his counsel will be missed

AN OVERVIEW OF TODAY'S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:-


A mass defection of elected representatives from West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is the story that dominates headlines this morning. "Setback to Didi as two MLAs, 50 councillors join BJP fold" leads The Asian Age.  The paper writes, will demolish TMC in seven phases, says Vijayvargiya on post poll exodus.

On Rahul Gandhi, insisting on quitting the top post, The Statesman writes "Chorus grows louder to convince Rahul to stay on."  "Adamant Rahul closets with leaders on future" says The Pioneer.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's global outreach, Hindustan Times writes "Trump meet in US, top Modi Government's foreign push."

Lightening made humans start walking on two legs.  Well, The Times of India reports that lightening triggered by spectacular cosmic blasts millions of years ago holds the key to why humans walk on two feet.

Setback to Mamata: 2 Bengal MLAs, 50 councillors join BJP

Setback to Mamata: 2 Bengal MLAs, 50 councillors join BJP

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES,

Almost all the dailies have reported on Prime Minister designate Narendra Modi's oath ceremony. The Hindu headline reads "BIMSTEC heads invited to PM's swearing-in". The Times of India writes "Neighbouring leaders invited for swearing-in, Imran left out".

On the Niti Aayog's 100 day agenda for the new government, The Tribune writes "To further free infrastructure, oil and gas education and health-care from red tape."

Taking note of Developments in the Congress Party, The Hindu reports, Congress in disarray as Congress chief Rahul Gandhi insists on stepping down.

"Delhi orders fire audit of coaching centres after 22 die in Surat blaze, writes The Pioneer. The Hindu adds "Government bans cooking, kitchens on roof tops and basements."

Supporter Of KCR's Daughter Kavitha Dies Of "Shock" After Her Poll Defeat

Supporter Of KCR's Daughter Kavitha Dies Of "Shock" After Her Poll Defeat

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

All the dailies have the front page headline on Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to take oath of office for his second term on 30th May along with a pictorial depiction of him taking blessing of his mother at her house.
Pakistan Premier dialing PM Modi with a call to work together has also been covered by all newspapers today. In first talk post Pulwama, Modi says, 'ending terror must for regional peace' writes The Hindu.
The Times of India writes, 'Swiss notices to 11 Indians in a day', marking a significant surge in the number of cases where Switzerland has initiated the process to share information on Indians with Swiss accounts.
'Agri, Small and Medium enterprises, government's top priority', writes The Asian Age about the centre's new priorities to boost economic growth and create jobs.
'Waste dump near Kochi is now home of new rice brand', reports the Indian Express on 17 young men who worked for 3 years to revive the discarded paddy fields in Kerala.
And finally, the Hindustan Times reports, the PWD department of the Delhi Government has started work to beautify 500 kilometres of roads across the capital by planting trees and plants to give the city a greener look.

Rafale office break-in: vital hard disk not taken, says defence source

Rafale office break-in: vital hard disk not taken, says defence source

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The second innings of PM Modi, many Congress leaders sending in their resignations and the tragic fire accident in Surat, are some of the main stories across dailies today.

''After Modi meets President, decks clear for new government; fresh faces likely,'' writes The Hindu Business Line. The Pioneer headlines reads, ''MPs to pick Modi for second innings - NDA II Government formation to be set in motion today.''

''CWC meet today will take call on Rahul's quit offer,'' reports The Asian Age. The Indian Express writes, ''Rahul's negative campaign didn't work: Senior Congress leaders on eve of CWC".

The Economic Times reports, ''ED asks High Court to cancel Vadra's bail,''

''20 students die as fire engulfs commercial complex in Surat,'' is a headline in The Statesman.

Papers also highlight the stock market upswing after the results of the Lok Sabha polls. The Financial Express writes, ''Benchmarks  surge to lifetime highs on Modi euphoria.''

US President Donald Trump sees ‘great things’ for US-India ties

US President Donald Trump sees ‘great things’ for US-India ties

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
BJP sweeping the polls is splashed across the press.
"India Keeps Faith in Modi", headlines the Hindustan Times. The Business Standard writes "Modi Tsunami Blows Away Opposition". " India Incredibly Modi-Fied" is the Pioneer's take.
Under the caption "Chowkidar's Chamatkaar" The Times Of India  states  "Nationalism, Hindutva, Welfare power BJP to an Even Bigger Victory".
On the loss of Gandhi stronghold Amethi after 15 years, the Indian Express writes " Turfed out at home, 19 States/Union Territories, first rumblings in Congress".
Almost all the dailies have highlighted the Assembly results in four states with Naveen Patnaik retaining Odisha and TDP losing Andhra Pradesh.
On Bengal, The Indian Express states " With 18 seats, 40 percent vote share, BJP breathes down Trinamool's neck".

‘Nothing Seems To Have Worked’: Rout For Congress As Saffron Wave Sweeps Country

‘Nothing Seems To Have Worked’: Rout For Congress As Saffron Wave Sweeps Country

Six times exit pollsters ended up with egg on their faces

Six times exit pollsters ended up with egg on their faces

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
"Opposition raises EVM fears, asks EC for more checks" is the Hindustan Times headline. Parties seek more VVPAT matching in case of discrepancy, says the report.
The Business Standard reports that RBI has ruled out credit line for non banking financial companies for now.
14 years later, relief for Mulayam, Akhilesh: CBI tells Supreme Court assets probe shut" is a Indian Express headline.
At 67.11 per cent it has been highest ever Lok sabha poll turn out, observes a Pioneer report.
Most papers carry pictures of thousands of Delhi metro passengers stranded due to a technical snag on yellow line yesterday.
The Parsi priests have gone hi-tech! with prayers digitised, the Parsis can plug in the earphones to learn their prayers. That's a front page story in the Hindu.
Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh to host a Jaggery Mahotsav on 30th May, the death of Niki Lauda, Formula-One Champion and Arunachal poll team having walked for 3 days to set a polling station, are some of the other stories covered by newspapers today.

The rise of Modi: India's rightward turn

The rise of Modi: India's rightward turn

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
The Sensex and nifty hitting new all time highs after exit polls showed that the ruling NDA is set to win a second term is the lead story in most of the dailies.  Financial Express leads "Stocks pole-vault as exit polls signal NDA return". "Best day in a decade for markets" writes The Business Standard.
"Opposition doubts exit poll projections of NDA win" reports The Statesman.
The Tribune writes "2016 surgical strike was first,  says Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the then DGMO".
And finally, the  definitions for units of weight, electricity and temperature have changed forever. Scientists have adopted a new kg definition. The Times of India reports that it will now be defined in terms of Planck Constant.

Chandrababu Naidu doubles efforts to unite Opposition as non-NDA front, says EC is 'losing credibility'

Chandrababu Naidu doubles efforts to unite Opposition as non-NDA front, says EC is 'losing credibility'

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

The predictions of Exit Polls dominate newspaper headlines this morning.
"All exit polls point to return of NDA" headlines The Indian Express. "Exit polls Predict Modi 2.0: Holds on in UP, Rises in Bengal" reports The Economic Times. The Mail Today calls the predictions "TsuNamo?".
The Hindustan Times reports "Violence in West Bengal, Punjab as voting ends". The Times of India writes "Overall voter turnout 2 per cent lower than in 2014".
"Opposition plans coalition list to stake claim in event of hung verdict" reports the Hindustan Times. "Naidu knits anti-BJP front" writes the Tribune.
Calling BJP's Pragya Thakur's remark on Godse condemnable, The Hindu quotes Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "BJP should consider expelling Pragya".
The Pioneer reports "Opposition cries foul over telecast of Modi's visit to Kedarnath". The Hindustan Times writes "TMC complains to EC on Modi's Kedarnath Trip."
And finally, the Tribune says - the world's highest polling station at 15,256 feet in Tashigang village of Himachal Pradesh recorded an unbelievable 143% per cent voter turnout yesterday. And all votes were declared valid, thanks to voting by the polling staff deployed in the region.

Mayawati Likely to Meet Sonia, Rahul Tomorrow as Efforts to Form Grand Coalition Gather Pace

Mayawati Likely to Meet Sonia, Rahul Tomorrow as Efforts to Form Grand Coalition Gather Pace

FOR AN OVERVIEW OF TODAY'S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:-


The polling frenzy coming to an end while everyone waits for the red letter day on 23rd, dominates the headlines across dailies today.

"Anti-BJP alliance talks gather pace as D-Day closes in," writes the Hindustan Times."

The split in the Election Commission is given wide coverage.  The Sunday Express writes, "On eve of last phase, EC split wide open."  The Asian Age headline reads, "CEC Arora denies rift, says 'members are not clones'."

The Prime Minister's visit to Kedarnath is also noticed with his pictures meditating in a cave.

In a big relief, cancer cure is made affordable as many anti-cancer drugs, including chemotherapy injections have been  made cheaper by up to 87 per cent.  The Sunday Times headline reads, "Almost 90 per cent cut in prices of several anti-cancer drugs."

As the world marked Hypertension Day on Friday, doctors have said four out of ten adults worldwide have high blood pressure and only 50 per cent are aware of it.  The Sunday Pioneer informs, "50 per cent hypertension patients unaware."

India's 'Tiger state' reports at least 11 rare cub sightings

India's 'Tiger state' reports at least 11 rare cub sightings

Elections 2019: Press Conference That Wasn't? PM Narendra Modi Lets Amit Shah Do The Talking

Elections 2019: Press Conference That Wasn't? PM Narendra Modi Lets Amit Shah Do The Talking

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's war of words over the desecration of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's bust continues to make top headlines in the dailies.
''Modi, Didi blame each other for vandalism'' headlines The Tribune. ''PM-Mamata war escalates as Bengal Campaign ends'' writes The Asian Age. ''Will build Vidyasagar statue pledges PM; don't want BJP alms says Didi'' reports The Times of India.
The Pioneer writes ''Congress will forgo PM's post if it stop Modi, hints Azad''. The Statesman reports "Sonia invites Opposition leaders for 23 May meeting".
BJP's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur's 'Godse Patriot' remark triggering an outrage also gets wide coverage. ''Pragya calls Godse 'patriot', whips up storm. Apologizes later at BJP's directive'' notes The Hindu.
The Mail Today, revealing the world's biggest study on substance use, writes that Indians get drunk an average of 41 times a year, beating France, Italy and Spain.
And finally, ''homebuyers can seek refund if flat delayed beyond 1 year'' observes the Times of India, as the consumer forum sets one year time limit for wait period beyond which investors can claim refund from builders.

Poll Body Cuts Short Bengal Campaign, Mamata Banerjee Says "Gift To BJP"

Poll Body Cuts Short Bengal Campaign, Mamata Banerjee Says "Gift To BJP"

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES-
Newspapers lead with different stories this morning.
"Bengal simmers after BJP and TMC clash during Shah's Kolkata roadshow" headlines The Indian Express. "Clash cuts short Shah show" says The Pioneer.
"Federal Front can take Congress support to form government; But we will not give up Driver's Seat". The Times of India quotes the Telangana Rashtra Samiti.
"Next government will weigh factors, decide on oil import: India to Iran" writes The Indian Express.
"Monsoon slightly late, may be below normal", leads the Hindustan Times. "Belated and scanty monsoon to rain misery on farm" states The Pioneer.
"4 top Jet executives resign in a day as revival hopes dim" reports The Times of India.
"World Jittery as Spyware hits WhatsApp" writes The Mail Today. "Hacked! WhatsApp urges users to upgrade app" states The Financial Express.
And finally, "Mumbai girl first to cross Atlantic solo in small aircraft" The Tribune reports on 23-year-old pilot, Captain Aarohi Pandit becoming the world's first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo in a Light Sports Aircraft.

Several injured after clashes mar Amit Shah’s Kolkata rally

Several injured after clashes mar Amit Shah’s Kolkata rally

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

Telangana Chief Minsiter K. Chandrashekar Rao meeting DMK President MK Stalin in Chennai is the lead in several newspapers today. The Hindu reports, "Stalin remains unswayed by K. Chandrashekar Rao on ties with Congress" The Hindustan Times highlights, KCR pushes for national role in post-poll scenario.
The Pioneer reports, SC to hear today the bail plea of BJP leader on Didi's morphed picture. Priyanka Sharma challenged her arrest for allegedly sharing a morphed photo of West Bengal CM.
The Indian Express highlights, Stubble burning rises with delayed harvest of wheat crop and pollution control board officials  deployed on poll duty.
The Tribune reports quoting a draft report of the Central Ground Water Board that Punjab will be rendered a desert within 25 years if the exploitation of its underground water resources continues at the current rate.
And finally, The Times of India reports that scientists from King's College London in the UK have developed a gene therapy that can induce heart cells to regenerate and repair the damage  caused by a heart attack.

Did Stalin snub KCR’s Federal Front pitch? Just a ‘courtesy call’, says DMK

Did Stalin snub KCR’s Federal Front pitch? Just a ‘courtesy call’, says DMK

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:
Almost all the dailies have covered the lower turnout of voters in Delhi under the 6th phase of election yesterday. "Delhi polling sinks 5 percent". Lowest polling recorded in New Delhi writes The Hindu. The Pioneer reports,"Highest 80 percent polling in Bengal amid large scale violence." The Tribune states, "Turnout in Haryana lower than 2014 election."
On the back of harsh summer and drought in large parts of India, The Indian Express writes, "First challenge for next government: Food inflation set to return."
Writing about the easing of Environmental clearance processes, an official data reports, "Green nods eased in 5 years of NDA government", cites The Hindustan Times.
Under the headline "Assam produces an orchid link to the Orient", The Hindu writes about the smallest Japanese Orchid in terms of size and duration of bloom discovered by an Assam forest Officer.
And Finally, Vande Bharat, India's first Semi high speed train is set to get a body double that does'nt have any of its faults", informs The Hindustan Times.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Phase 6 sees 63 per cent, violence, glitches

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Phase 6 sees 63 per cent, violence, glitches

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

Today polling takes place for the sixth phase. The Hindustan Times notes "Across seven states, 59 seats will go to the polls on Sunday with a number of high profile fights in regions where the BJP performed well 5 years ago".
The Indian Express leads with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview given to the paper. It quotes Mr. Modi as saying "Khan Market gang hasn't created my image, 45 years of tapasya has....you can't dismantle it".
The Asian Age quotes Congress President Rahul Gandhi as saying "I learnt from PM how not to run government : Hails Maya as 'symbol' of nation".
On the Alwar rape case , the Hindustan writes "Modi accuses Congress govt. in Rajasthan of supressing issue; Mayawati seeks top court intervention".
Drawing attention to a major drug haul, the Pioneer reports "1800-kg party drugs seized from Greater Noida, 3 foreigners held".
In its obituary to ITC Chairman Y C Deveshwar, the Hindu writes "ITC's longest-serving chairman wanted the firm to be known as an entity that looked at creation of sustainable livelihoods".

13 Killed, Several Injured After Bus Collides With SUV In Andhra Pradesh

13 Killed, Several Injured After Bus Collides With SUV In Andhra Pradesh

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE

A five judge bench of the Supreme Court noting that there had been some progress for an out-of-court settlement in the Ayodhya case, is prominently covered by the press. The top headline on the Asian Age front page reads " Finish Ayodhya Case mediation by August 15: Supreme Court".

Congress Party overseas head and close aide of Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda's casual remark on the 1984 anti-sikh riots, is another lead in the papers. The Hindustan Times writes "Rahul slams Pitroda remarks on '84 riots", claiming that his words were completely out of line.

The Indian Express headline reads "SC/ST quota in promotions : Top Court OKs Karnataka law". In a landmark ruling on Friday the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of a 2018 Karnataka law granting consequential seniority to government servants promoted on the basis of reservation.

The Times of India reports that Cyclone Fani has affected a slaggering 1.5 crore people and that losses may top 50 thousand crore rupees, as ecological, financial and infrastructural damage could be much larger than anticipated.

And finally, The Hindu informs us that Chandrayaan 2 , ISRO's Lunar Lander Mission is planned to be launched between July 9th to 16th, loaded with 14 Indian study devices or machines.

Heat wave kills 111 in AP, Telangana, in 42 days

Heat wave kills 111 in AP, Telangana, in 42 days

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
Collegium reiterating names of two judges for elevation to Supreme Court and the increasing mudslinging in the run up to the last phases of polls, are some of the headlines that dominate newspapers today.
"Supreme Court collegium reiterates names of two judges Government sent back, adds two more," writes the Indian Express, on the collegium recommending names of judges including Justice Bose and Bopanna for whom the Centre expressed reservations in the past.
"Gambhir Atishibazi" is a headline in The Pioneer on AAP candidate Atishi breaking down at a press conference in which she accused her BJP opponent, Gautam Gambhir of slander.
On political temperatures rising, The Tribune writes, "Anti-BJP parties set to meet ahead of results,"while The Asian Age headlines, "Congress calls PM a 'serial liar', BJP mocks crocodile tears."
And finally, the GI tag holder, the Alphonso mango is fighting an uphill battle in the market against similar looking variants from Karnataka that are being sold as Alphonsos.  "Alphonso fights bitter battle against Karnata Mangoes in Maharashtra," writes The Hindu Business Line

Chandrababu Naidu meets Rahul Gandhi, to meet Mamata

Chandrababu Naidu meets Rahul Gandhi, to meet Mamata

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
The Apex Court rejecting plea for 50 per cent slip verification and the In-House Committee giving a clean chit to Chief Justice of India are some of the stories that dominate headlines today.
"VVPAT match: Supreme Court no to review plea of 21 leaders" writes The Tribune while The Asian Age reports, "Big blow to opposition as Supreme Court refuses to modify its order on VVPAT."
A day after the CJI was given a clean chit by the In-House inquiry Committee, the complainant has sought a copy of the report.  The Indian Express says, "Give me copy of clean chit to CJI, says woman to panel" adding "Supreme Court said report not public."  Hindustan Times headlines, "Complainant seeks copy of report clearing Gogoi."
The Pioneer's front page is splashed with news related to the elections in a segment called 'Battleground Lok Sabha'. Some of its headlines are: "Federal front gathers mass," adding "Bid on to revive non-BJP, non-Congress entity in case of fractured verdict." The Asian Age writes, "Arrogance was end of Duryodhan, Priyanka warns PM."

PM Modi's Rajiv Gandhi Attack Draws United Opposition Rebuke

PM Modi's Rajiv Gandhi Attack Draws United Opposition Rebuke

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

The Rafale deal, dominates today's newspapers again. The Sunday Tribune headlines  "Centre contests April 10 Supreme court order on Rafale papers--Government: Penalty Waiver for leak of secrets will threaten state". The Indian Express adds "Monitoring by the PMO isn't interference, government tells Supreme Court".
On the Election front The Pioneer informs "Phase-5 campaign ends, bigwigs in fray". The Hindustan Times reports "Modi, Rahul trade barbs on the roles of Army, Election Commission.
In significant International news, The Hindu reveals that Srilanka's Army Chief has said some of the suicide bombers who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday last month had visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outlets.
And finally, The Hindustan Times, reporting on the destruction caused by the recent cyclone headlines "Fani leaves trail of devastation: India, Bangladesh count losses". While The Times of India adds "Fani: Massive effort to save lives earns global praise".

"Anywhere But At Anil Ambani's House": Rahul Gandhi Jabs PM On Debate

"Anywhere But At Anil Ambani's House": Rahul Gandhi Jabs PM On Debate

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

The extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani causing havoc in coastal districts of Odisha yesterday, is covered extensively by the Press. Hindustan Times writes "Cyclonic Fani wrecks havoc in Odisha, brings rain elsewhere, kills 8 ".
The UN Security Council designating Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist is the other lead in todays Press. The Indian Express writes "Pak makes it official: Freezes Azhar's assets, orders ban on travel".
The Tribune reports that the last of the militants still unaccounted for, from the Burhan Wani group photo taken a few years ago, Lateef Tiger - was among the three militants killed in an early morning gun fight in Shopian yesterday.
Financial Express reports on its front page - "Kapoors finally sell iconic RK Studio to Godrej Properties" in suburban Chembur. The Godrej Group plans to develop luxury flats and retail space on the sprawling land.
And finally, The Times of India informs us that astronomers hunting for gravitational waves in the far universe, now say they may have heard 'whispers' of a Black Hole eating up a Neutron Star, some 1.2 billion light years away from Earth.

Bhubaneswar Airport Suffers Heavy Damage As Cyclone Fani Batters Odisha

Bhubaneswar Airport Suffers Heavy Damage As Cyclone Fani Batters Odisha

Newspapers Headlines

Odisha coast bracing the might of "extremely severe" cyclone Fani grabs the top headline space in most of the newspapers today.

"One million shifted as India's worst cyclone in 20 years hits today" headlines the Times of India. "Super Cyclone to make landfall near Puri between 8 and 10 am today" writes the Pioneer.

The UN listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist continues to make news. The Hindustan Times writes "US bolsters India's stand on Pak link in Azhar ban" ; "Indian Strategy : Let US take lead" adds the daily.

The Election Commission giving another clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Barmer's speech in Rajasthan and clearing Congress President Rahul Gandhi's Siroha Speech in MP for alleged Model Code of Conduct violations gets widely reported.

The Hindu leads with "Decide on Modi, Amit Shah 'hate speeches' by May 6, Supreme Court tells EC". The Asian Age notes "SC to hear plea over Rahul's UK nationality" next week.

Reporting on Madhya Pradesh's Tikamgarh Lok Sabha constituency, that is battling a drought-like situation for years, the Indian Express writes " In dry heart of India, Elections 2019 is all about water".

UN designates JeM chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist

UN designates JeM chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
The Election Commission giving clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Wardha speech and Congress President Rahul Gandhi expressing his apology in the Supreme Court for attributing his remarks against the Prime Minister to the top court find prominent mention in the newspapers today.
Under the caption, Wardha-speech cleared, the Indian Express writes "PM majority-minority speech: EC says does not violate poll code".The Pioneer reports "EC's clean chit to PM on Rahul's Wayanad haven."
The Hindu reports "Supreme Court insists on apology from Rahul";"Affidavit makes no sense, says bench".The Indian Express notes "After SC frowns on his 'regret', Rahul says will apologise for Rafale misquote".
The Times of India, in its lead story, writes, "Woman who accused CJI of harrassment opts out of probe". The Tribune writes "complainant expresses 'serious concerns and reservations' over in-house panel's functioning".
The Hindu, The Hindustan Times and The Tribune highlight the 'progress' made on the issue of listing of JeM Chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN. "China may let go of hold on Azhar" writes The Tribune.
On the economic front, "SEBI cracks whip on NSE, 2 ex-MDs" headlines The Business Standard. The Economic Times writes "SEBI asks exchange to pay 687 crore rupee penalty" and banned it from accessing the securities market for six months following investigations into the colocation of servers.
And finally, "In a first, drone delivers kidney for transplant" in the US reports the Times of India. The paper says, marking a major milestone, drones could open doors for faster and more efficient organ deliveries.

CJI sexual harassment issue: former SC staff says she won’t take part in panel hearing

CJI sexual harassment issue: former SC staff says she won’t take part in panel hearing

Newspapers Headline

The fourth phase of polling in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections makes for front page news in most of the dailies. "In phase 4 polls, Bengal records highest turnout of 76.4 percent, overall voting at 64 percent" writes The Business Line."

The Indian Express quotes Prime Minister Modi telling Mamata Banerjee "40 of your MLAs are in touch with me, will desert on May 23rd."

On BJP candidate Sunny Deol filing his nomination paper  as SAD-BJP combine candidate, The Pioneer states "Sunny pledges 'Dhai kilo ka haath' to Gurdaspur."

"Rahul expresses 'regret' for linking SC remark on Modi" notes The Hindu.

"Election Commission to consider poll code plaints against PM today"  reports The Times of India adding "Pleas against Shah, Rahul also on Agenda".

"Centre wants Rafale hearing in SC deferred" writes Hindustan Times.

"Sri Lanka bans face veil after bombings" informs The Statesman.

"Masood Azhar likely to get Global Terror Tag this week" speculates the Hindustan Times.

The World's oceans are becoming stormier. Well, The Times of India reports that the world's seas are becoming stormier; with extreme ocean winds and wave heights increasing around the globe, a study has found.