Monday, 20 December 2004, 1800 hrs

TOP STORIES
Public transport will get
priority, says PM
Manmohan Singh inaugurated the underground stretch of Delhi's metro rail and said he would work towards making Indian cities more livable

BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Aviation minister wants no
hand in aircraft purchase
Fed up of corruption charges, Praful Patel has said he would leave the decision of what to buy for Air India and Indian Airlines to a committee
 

Tribune
Reservation in private sector
a social necessity
With the beginning of the disinvestment process, jobs in the public sector for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are receding. This has given rise to the demand for reservation in the private sector, says SURESH KUMAR



* * * 
Asia Times
House of Saud shows its colors
The threat of al-Qaeda has made the Saudi regime even more determined not to loosen its grip on power, evident by this week's crackdown on anti-monarchy demonstrations. But by barring channels for expression of dissent, the House of Saud is actually strengthening the hands of militants, including Osama bin Laden. By SUDHA RAMACHANDRAN
* * * 

Indian Express
The world's first multinational
Corporate greed, the ruination of traditional ways of life, share-price bubbles, western imperialism: all these modern complaints were made against the British East India Company in the 18th century. NICK ROBINS draws the lessons


* * * 

India Together
Hail to the new chief 
The new army chief, Lt. General J J Singh, has drawn much attention as the first Sikh to head the army. More interesting than this, however, is the fact that he takes office at a time of great opportunity for peace, as political relations with Pakistan have taken a small turn for the better. FIRDAUS AHMED welcomes the new commander.


* * * 

Pioneer
Patent primer
From the first day of 2005, India is committed to a new patents regime that could drastically alter your medical bill. MANOJ MITTA demystifies the stormy process and its stormier politics


* * * 
Asian Age
The Romantics 
The technology has changed. The problem remains. Flashbulbs were once as dreaded as mobile cameras are today. Those who live by the camera must occasionally expect to die by it. That’s part of the deal when you are a movie star like Shah Rukh Khan, says M J AKBAR 

TOP PICKS

OPINION


Not a partisan issue (Tribune)
Going up faster in the army (Tribune)
Justice in 44 days (Indian Express)
Speaker: Points to ponder (Pioneer)