Higher Education Bill hits a bump
4 states reject the draft; law being reworked
New Delhi, May 10
Government’s much-hyped Bill on the overarching regulator in higher education is in for major changes after several state governments put up stiff resistance to its proposals, terming these as “anti-federal”.

Points of contention

Prime Minister reprimands Ramesh 
It is advisable for Cabinet colleagues not to make comments on the functioning of other ministries 
New Delhi, May 10
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today ticked off environment minister Jairam Ramesh for criticising his own government on foreign soil. Known for his irreverence, Jairam Ramesh breached protocol when he described the home ministry as being “alarmist” and “overly defensive” about the entry of Chinese companies in India while speaking to media persons in Beijing over the week-end.

Race for Jharkhand CM’s post hots up in BJP
New Delhi, May 10
Even before the BJP could persuade Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren to step down for its nominee, contenders in the BJP have  started openly staking claim to lead the next  government in Ranchi.

The Last Word
Thuingaleng Muivah
Guns and Roses
Why this suited Naga rebel is still important
Guwahati, May 10
He is a rebel who is flown in BSF planes around the country. When he moves, it is in a motorcade, surrounded by officials and security men, much as a high government officer would. While other militants languish in jails, the Government of India once moved at great speed to keep him out of one. He leads an ‘army’ which has not fought for the last 13 years, and in this lies the key to his special status.

Law Minister rules against ‘Uncle Judges’
Says they should opt out of HCs where their kin practise
New Delhi, May 10
“Uncle Judges” may soon be a thing of the past. For, the Union Law Ministry is learnt to be keen on taking an undertaking from judges at the time of their elevation that they would not function in a court where their relatives were practising.

Retirement age may now be 65

Shyam Benegal  takes on Kalmadi 
New Delhi, May 10
There is fresh trouble brewing for the embattled Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi. Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal has dashed off an angry letter to the group of ministers (GOM), headed by urban development minister Jaipal Reddy, overseeing the preparations for the Commonwealth Games to complain at the last-minute decision to advance the timings of the opening ceremony of the games to favour Australian broadcasting companies.