-The Hindustan Times An uneasy combination of the BJP, the Left and the estranged UPA ally, the Trinamool Congress, is set to provide fireworks during the winter session of Parliament beginning next week. The issue: The government’s decision to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail sector through an executive decision. At least 15 MPs belonging to the BJP-led NDA, Trinamool and Left parties had till late Wednesday evening served notices under...

-The Indian Express How can an overwhelmingly young India be well served by its ageing political leaders? The UPA government has touted its cabinet reshuffle as a much-needed infusion of youth and vibrancy. While it is easy to get caught up in government talking points, the facts speak otherwise: as India’s population is getting younger, its political elites are bucking the trend. India is increasingly exhibiting all the hallmarks of a gerontocracy...

-The Hindustan Times The government and the parliamentary panel examining the anti-graft Lokpal bill have locked horns on whether public servants facing corruption charges should be given a chance to explain their position before any probe is initiated against them. The bill passed by the Lok Sabha in December last year provides for such an opportunity to be given, but the Rajya Sabha committee has warned that it will allow the corrupt...

-Outlook Alleging discrimination against SC, ST and OBC students at AIIMS, 54 MPs have sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention in the matter, requesting him to seek a detailed report from the institute's administration. In a letter to Singh, the MPs also informed that AIIMS has not fulfilled the criteria for appointment of doctors and other medical staffs from backward communities, creating a backlog against these. "There are serious allegations of discrimination against...

-CNN-IBN Jind: Members of a Dalit organisation created a ruckus outside a PWD guesthouse in Jind, Haryana after police refused to let them in on Wednesday. The group wanted to go inside to meet the 11 MPs visiting from Delhi. The MPs who are on a fact-finding mission were holding a closed door meeting with rape victims and their families. The District Collector and the DGP were also present at the closed...