Children For Sale
For as little as Rs 3,000, impoverished parents sell their children to adoption centres and unscrupulous operators in Andhra Pradesh, who in turn earn up to Rs 3 lakh from foster families. A look at the people involved, the law and where the process went wrong.

Amma Turns Red
J. Jayalalitha's hopes for contesting the elections have been dashed with the rejection of her nomination papers. But this does not deter her from stepping up her campaigning efforts for the AIADMK and assuming an aggressive stance.

Past Tense
The muted reaction of the Government to the massacre of the BSF troops raises many questions. A look at the past skirmishes between the BSF and BDR gives an insight into what led to the heightening of tension at the border.

Coming To Life
With the end of state monopoly, private insurance companies are offering wider risk coverage and better customer relations.

Starting Over
It's been three months since nature shook Gujarat, killing over 30,000 and shattering dreams. Despite government promises and generosity of individuals, rehabilitation is still to touch the lives of many. The story in pictures.

NEWSNOTES

Voices

"I am not trying to step into Jyoti Basu's shoes but only trying to follow his method of governance. And I am determined to succeed."
Buddhadev Bhattacharya, West Bengal chief minister, in an interview to The Asian Age

"How can I go? Where will I sit? I have been told that I can sit in my old minister's chair since the Trinamool has not officially informed Parliament that it is no more in the NDA."
Ajit Panja, rebel Trinamool Congress leader

"There is no harm in joining hands with 'small corrupt' persons if the aim is to defeat 'big corrupt' persons."
E.K. Nayanar, Kerala chief minister and CPI(M) politburo member, explaining his party's alliance with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu

"The BCCI does not want to make a habit of withdrawing from tournaments because the Government doesn't want us to play against a certain team or at a certain venue."
A.C. Muthiah, BCCI president, at a press conference in Delhi

VIS-A-VIS

"Karunanidhi may think he has gained a victory but I have enough faith in the people. They will deliver a fair verdict."
J. Jayalalitha, General Secretary, AIADMK

"When the law has taken its own course, why should there be a sympathy wave for the AIADMK?"
M Karunanidhi, Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu

MetroScape

Focusing On Art
The brief for participants at
"Exhibit 'A' 2001" organised by the
200-member
Photographers'
Guild of India at the Nehru Centre, Mumbai, was clear—no advertisement and portfolio photos. more...

Looking Glass

Delhi Poster:
One Page Classics

Calcutta Pub:
London Pub

Bangalore & Mumbai Rock Concert:
Bryan Adams

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharya reflected optimism about winning the state election when he spoke to INDIA TODAY Senior Editor Sumit Mitra at the CPI(M) headquarters in Kolkata, minutes before rushing off for campaigning.
Excerpts: