Since weak demand is at the heart of the recession, governments need to enact stimulus programs along with structural reforms, argues Menzie Chinn. Structural reforms don’t always work out, writes Karl Smith. Raghuram Rajan demurs.

Just a few years ago, India seemed on the brink of becoming the world's next great power. Today, its future appears less certain. Although some have blamed the global economic recession, the real problem is domestic - namely, the centralized, secretive and arbitrary political culture that pervades New Delhi.

C. Raja Mohan says Indians watching how the U.S. presidential race shapes up shows a growing appreciation of how political developments within the United States can affect Indian interests. He answered questions on a variety of subjects involving India-U.S. relations in this interview with Bernard Gwertzman.

India’s tumultuous politics, weakened capital market, retroactive tax laws, uncertain growth rate, and bleak investment climate are adding up to India’s gloom. We need strong leadership and bold reforms to strengthen our economy.

Over the past thirty years, the U.S. and Iran have been at odds over Iran's alleged nuclear weapons programme. India too has a large stake with both countries - with the U.S. as a strategic partner and Iran for its oil imports - and resolving this conundrum will require some creative diplomacy.

The emerging BRICS economies agree that the West should hold less sway in the global economy. But their leaders, despite regular summits, have failed to articulate a coherent vision because of divergent interests, says journalist Martin Wolf.

This report in India Briefing outlines the Indian Income tax slab in respect to income of all categories of assessees accountable for tax during the assessment year 2012-13.

In B Chandrasekaran & Vipin P Veetil opinion, market economy will provide answers to the following questions: how can India become rich? what about income-inequality? and what about the caste-system?

The development similarities between China and India are strikingly similar, argues Chris Devonshire-Ellis. Twenty years ago, China faced challenges and difficulties but also offered oppurtunities and profits. Similarly India offers much of the same now.

It is time to dust off those preconceived notions about India as dirty and poverty stricken. Investing in India makes a sound Asia-strategic sense when coupled with China.