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NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The crisis in Japan remains on the front pages in the Press. After the earthquake cum tsunami, disaster appears to have struck Japan again in the form of a radiation leak at a nuclear power plant. "Red alert in Japan over nuclear-meltdown", headlines the Mail Today.
"How safe are our nuclear plants", questions the Times of India. The paper adds - 'scientists say Indian nuclear plants are safe from natural disasters - as was evident in the Kalpakkam reactor of Tamil Nadu emerging unscathed in the 2004 tsunami. Once the unforeseen factors in Japan are revealed, Indian Scientists will undertake a detailed safety audit.
The Asian Age reports that after Telangana, the demand for 'Special Category Status for Bihar, is soon set to rock parliament.  The Nitish Kumar led NDA government has, since its first term, been demanding this for Bihar to combat its backwardness. 
The Hindu reports that the Centre is working on a tough law to tackle piracy, to deal with Somali pirates who are striking at will in the Gulf of Eden. The Indian Express writes that Washington has also offered New Delhi a bilateral maritime security frame work involving joint mechanism against piracy.

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The earthquake in Japan and the massive tsunami it caused, is the banner story in almost all national dailies today, which have splashed across their front pages, photographs of the devastation caused through the country.  "Quake, tsunami ravage Japan killing hundreds" is the headline in The Hindu.  The Indian Express headline reads, "Tsunami terror slams Japan".   Commenting on the tsunami warning system in India, The Times of India reveals that 42 out of 50 tsunami buoys, which sense tidal variations and send out signals to a satellite that alerts ground stations, have been vandalized by fishermen, in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
The news of CBI quizzing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's daughter and wife has been widely reported in papers.  "Karuna clan grilled by CBI" headlines The Pioneer.  Hindustan Times reports that in a new twist in the 2G Spectrum Scam, The Centre for Public Interest has filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court, seeking the court's nod for the CBI to probe the alleged violation of allocation rules by late Pramod Mahajan.
The Asian Age and The Statesman have highlighted on their front pages, the sharp increase announced by Pranab Mukherjee in the MP Local Area Development fund, from 2 crore Rupees to 5 crore Rupees a year. 

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

"Rat Poison in your Veggies" is the Hindustan Times headline. According to the paper, Delhi's Azadpur Mandi is Asia's biggest whole sale hub for Vegetables and fruits. These fresh fruits and Vegetables in a surprise check contained banned pesticides laced with rat poison. These pesticides and Toxic colors  are used by traders to speed up growth, ripen fruit and improve color. "Test veggies randomly for pesticide" writes the Asian Age" in a direction to lawyers.
All most all papers have carried the story about Al Qaida and Laskar plotting a joint strike during world cup venues in India.
Business dailies  like the Business Standard opine that the Government may roll back some budget levies bowing to pressure. Ministry - Officials says the Govt may partially roll back the proposed levy of service Tax on health and diagnostic services and on rail freight by another six months. The Times of India also adds that the 5 per cent service tax on health care now faces resistance from the Prime Minister's surgeon Dr. Ramakant Panda and Dr. Devi Shetty renowned Cardiologist who insist that air conditioning in hospitals is not a luxury but an essential requirement.
The Pilot who landed an Indigo flight in Goa on its nose, was arrested for procuring her flying license by submitting forged documents. Most papers this morning have photographs of the grounded pilot Parminder Kaur  Gulati, covering her face. The Indian Express adds that now the DGCA has decided to place under scrutiny all documents of pilots for commercial airlines.
And finally, The Times of India writes that thrice week insulin shot for diabetics may soon be a reality. Doctors from India, China, Canada, U.S. and South Africa have finally tested a promising new form of the lay acting insulin Deludes needed once in 48 hours and found it to be good in controlling blood sugar.

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The Congress and DMK finally reaching an agreement on seat-sharing for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is the top story in most dailies today.  "DMK blinks, Congress gains, UPA safe" is the headline in The Tribune.  The Economic Times headline reads, "Karunanidhi melts as Sonia talks tough"  and The Times of India headline states, "Sonia puts party prestige over government survival". 
The Supreme Court's directive to the government to probe Pune-based businessman, Hasan Ali Khan, for terror links, has been widely reported in newspapers.  The Pioneer has quoted Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam as saying, "We are considering whether Prevention of Corruption Act could be attracted in this case.  We need 10 days' time to come to a definite conclusion." 
Under the headline, "PM blames Chavan for CVC mess", The Hindu has quoted the Prime Minister as saying, "The honest answer is that the note which was prepared by the Department of Personnel and Training did not contain this information about charge sheet."   Former minister of state for personnel, Mr. Prithviraj Chavan has sought to pass the buck to the Kerala government, saying that the vigilance clearance is done by the state, writes The Statesman. 
The news regarding Gaddafi contemplating quitting, has been reported on the front pages of The Tribune, The Times of India and The Asian Age.  The rebel Libyan National Council has rejected Gaddafi exit talks, reports The Asian Age.
The top story in The Indian Express relates to the allegation by the CBI that retired Justice Nirmal Yadav fast-tracked a property dispute case and was paid by the lawyer who had personal interest in the case, after her ruling.  
The Asian Age reports that the first meeting of the JPC, set up to probe the 2G spectrum allocation scam, will be held between March 20th and 25th.
Newspapers have widely reported the killing of a Delhi University girl, allegedly by a stalker, outside her South Delhi College. "Capital shame on Women's Day" headlines Mail Today.
And finally, The Pioneer reports on is front page that in perhaps a first case of its kind, an 11-year old boy from Pune has used the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 to successfully sue his father for educational and general expenses till he turns 18. 

NEWSPAPERS Headlines

The path breaking judgement of the Supreme Court legalizing passive euthanasia and paving the way for mercy killing in India--a decision made while hearing the case of Mumbai nurse, Aruna Shanbaug,who has been in a vegetative state for 37 years, is headline news today. 'Aruna lives, but others can die with dignity'. 'SC legalizes passive euthanasia' is the Times of India lead with detailed coverage inside and an editorial on the judgement.

The Supreme Court allowing a single MBBS entrance test from next year, saving students the harassment of appearing in several tests across the country, is also widely covered on the front pages of papers.

On International Womens Day, marking its 100 years of observance, most papers carry supplements or features and reports on exceptional women who braved the odds to reach the top.

A comprehensive study on Indian Students in the US, their future plans and decisions, conducted by two leading US Universities in collaboration with a major Indian social institute revealing that 92% of them are ready for a future in India is reported in Hindustan Times.

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
The Congress-DMK standoff over seat sharing for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu assembly polls comes in for front page scrutiny in all the papers. "Little chance of DMK, Congress patching up" reports the Hindustan Times. The Mail Today writes "Congress plays hardball with Karuna". With SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav declaring that there was no danger to the UPA government,  the Times of India says "SP in hand, Congress dares DMK to pull out". Analysing what really went wrong between the two parties, the Asian Age writes "2G go-slow plea by DMK rejected".
Most papers take note of the CPM's plans for the forthcoming assembly polls, specially in Bengal and Kerala. Highlighting the roles defined for Chief Ministers Buddhadev Dasgupta and VS Achyutanandan, the Indian Express writes "Poll battle: Karat banks on Buddha, mum on VS". The Pioneer observes "Kerala CPM divided over VS's candidature."
Senior BJP leader L K Advani's demand that the Opposition should have a role in the formation of the Election Commission is highlighted in most newspapers.
The Times of India and the Indian Express report on their front pages that despite three requests in the past year, the Coal Ministry has refused permission to the CBI to register a case against the head of the state-owned Western Coalfields Ltd for favouring a contractor and causing loss to the Company.
In a front page special story, the Times of India writes, that a recent International Men and Gender Equality survey covering six developing countries has found that Indian men ranked lowest on a `gender-equitable men' scale with one in four Indian men having committed sexual violence at some point in their lives.
And finally, in what is a rather novel form of punishment, the Hindustan Times reports that traffic violators in Gurgaon in Haryana, will be made to spend time at traffic intersections and manage traffic. Will this bring greater sanity on the roads...we'll have to wait and watch!

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The developments in Tamilnadu over the issue of seat sharing for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, is avidly reported in todays Press." DMK breaks alliance with Congress but not ties", is the lead headline  in the Hindustan Times ."DMK pulls out, but keep comeback window open" writes the Asian age. The Mail Today reports that The Congress  Party has dispatched emissaries  to  engage in dialogue with the DMK. Apart from P.C Chidambram, Shipping minister  GK Vasan will be reaching Chennai today on a peace mission.
"Gaddafi storms key city held by Rebels". The Asian Age reports that Gaddafi's militia has stormed the rebel-controlled town of Zawiyah, in what two residents described as a 'massacre'. A day of brazen counter attacks yesterday  by colonel Gaddafi's militia saw firing on unarmed protesters in front of International news media. The paper writes that this action is likely to stir a debate over international intervention to limit  the use of military power.
The Economic Times  writes "Libya Crude exports set to slide as crisis worsens", as mounting violence, falling oil output, the impact of sanctions and rising freight costs could take their toll on Africa third largest oil producer.
Today's India Ireland cricket match is highlighted by the press with several photographs of practice sessions. "Battlefield Banglalore-India meet giant killers" writes the Hindustan Times, giving  an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for each side." watch out for Sachin Tendulkar and Kevin O'Brian', writes the Sunday Pioneer.
Some other issues highlighted in today's papers are : Sushma Swaraj claiming that there are no differences between her and Jaitly over the Prime Minister CVC apology issue;  Slumdog Millionaire child star Rubbina Ali's home being gutted in Mumbai's Gharib nagar.

NEWSPAPERS  HEADLINES
The Supreme Court striking down the appointment of Central Vigilance Commissioner P J Thomas finds prominence in front-page headlines. "SC tells CVC Thomas to quit"  writes the Hindustan Times. "CVC loses job, UPA loses face" - writes the Indian Express. The Times of India writes 'The unseating of CVC PJ Thomas is the latest break through made by the Supreme Court in the course of a resurgent judicial activism, under the leadership of Kapadia.
"India opposed to 'no fly zone', and use of force in Libya" - reports the Hindu. The paper adds - 'In the articulation of official thinking on Western plans to deal with the emerging situation in Libya, India has said it will oppose any move to enforce a no-fly-zone or the use of force, to end the civil war in Libya.
The Mail Today has a question. It writes, 'Are the Maoists using drugs to fund their revolution? Is marijuana, grown in the remote forests of Malkangiri in Odisha, transforming into automatic weapons and bullets? The paper writes that lawmakers suspect a nexus between Maoists and the Drug Mafia. The police recently detained porters who were ferrying the contraband packed in 266 large bags.
"India trains  full blast", writes the Pioneer. The shock and awe of the Irish performance against England has the Indian Cricket Team practicing hard in batting, bowling and innovative fielding to get ready for their Super Sunday encounter with the resurgent Irishmen. The paper writes - MS Dhoni and coach Gary Kirsten will have to think out of the box, to take on the likes of Kevin O'Brien.
And finally, the Hindustan Times informs us that choreographer Sandeep Soparrkar and his wife Jesse Randhawa have reportedly been invited to perform a 'Bollywood Waltz' at the Royal wedding reception of UK's Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Royal couple want them to perform, as currently, Bollywood is a big thing in the West.

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's announcement that she would not contest the forthcoming Bengal assembly polls is highlighted on the front pages of most papers. "Mamata won't contest Bengal assembly polls" writes the Hindustan Times. The Asian Age adds "if she wins poll, Didi clarifies, she'll head govt."

The assassination of Pakistan's Minority Affairs Minister is also prominently covered on the front pages. The Indian Express reports "Now, only Christian minister in Pak killed over blasphemy law". Drawing attention to an earlier killing the Tribune writes "Shahbaz Bhatti second official to be killed after Punjab Governor Taseer over blasphemy row in less than two months".

The Central Information Commissioner's move to bring greater transparency in Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts gets wide attention. "Bring PPP under RTI, CIC tells Plan panel" reports the Indian Express on its front page. The Hindustan Times writes "Citizens may get RTI info for PPP projects".

The removal of Muhammad Yunus from the post of managing director of Bangladesh's Grameen Bank and the Election Commission's order stopping distribution of free colour TV sets as the model code of conduct comes into force for the Tamil Nadu assembly polls are the other stories highlighted in the papers today.

Most papers take note of the concluding arguments made in the Supreme Court on the euthanasia plea filed on behalf of Aruna Shanbaug who has been in a vegetative state for the last 37 years in a Mumbai hospital. "We'll take care of vegetative Aruna till the natural end, says hospital" reports the Hindu. On the governments response to the plea, the Times of India writes " Mercy killing for Aruna? Govt tells SC a flat no". The Mail Today says "Euthanasia on hold as SC reserves its verdict".

And finally, the Tribune reports that the National Museum is all set to be blind friendly with visitors being able to touch and feel the objects in the galleries.