Sunday, March 13, 2011, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 2:30 am (IST)

Day after, blast in Japan’s nuke plant
Radiation level low, major leakage not expected: Government
Quake toll put at over 1,700; four trains still remain untraced
Fukushima, March 12
Radiation leaked from an earthquake- crippled nuclear plant in Japan today after a blast blew off the roof, and authorities prepared to distribute iodine to local people to protect them from exposure.
A ship tossed up onto Kesennuma city streets by a tsunami that ravaged Japan. — Reuters

Heroic Japan picks up the pieces
Standing up to earthquakes, daring them to do their worst, is the response of modern Japan
Earthquakes are a fact of life in Japan. The distinction between a quake and a tremor does not impress the Japanese. A jisshin is a jisshin, is a jisshin. It might start as a tremor, a vaguely sensual, rocking sensation under one's bottom but where is it going to end? Most just fade out after a few seconds. (Details on world page)

PM in China next month
To hold talks on bilateral issues at BRICS Summit
New Delhi, March 12
Amid the ongoing debate over Beijing’s ambition to increase its influence in South Asia, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will travel to China in mid-April to attend the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit on the sidelines of which he will hold talks on bilateral issues with the Chinese leadership.

Sachin’s knock goes in vain

UNLUCKY 111: Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his 48th ODI century against South Africa in Nagpur on Saturday. SA beat India by 3 wickets. — Reuters  Details on Sports page

New Delhi, March 12
The government is in the process of reviewing the existing guidelines for the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which got a handsome raise in funding from the Finance Minister yesterday. (Details on Nation page)

Sukhbir wants industry to expand operations
Chandigarh, March 12
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal today said that the state’s economy was on an upswing. Quoting data from the Planning Commission, Badal used the forum of the Punjab Council Meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to push his economic reform agenda for the state. (Details on Business page)