India and China are obvious and formidable twins

With a combined population of almost two-and-a-half billion people, they are the emerging giants of the new century.

Both are seeing dramatic levels of economic growth.

Both are increasingly dynamic members of the international community, increasingly conscious of their growing influence and feted by Western governments.

The central governments in both countries have found a new pragmatism in international affairs, eager to forge strategic relationships based on fuelling their growing energy needs at home.

China has built an impressive new network of political relationships with countries rich in resources - whether in Latin America and Africa or closer to home.

India, chasing many of the same resources, is racing to keep up.

Finding a new place on the world stage, marrying pragmatism and self-interest with the urging of countries like the United States to be responsible and altruistic global citizens, is difficult enough.

But the greatest challenge for both countries is managing the threat within - the threat of social instability which is increasingly preoccupying them both. Read full story via bbc news

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India, world's fastest growing economy has some deep rooted problems

A plan to set aside places at some of India's best-known professional colleges for low-caste Indians has bitterly divided the country.

Angry students at elite institutions across the country have been taking to the streets in protest and doctors at major hospitals have gone on strike to show solidarity.

Business leaders and teachers have joined the students in decrying the move saying that it would lead to a drop in academic standards.

But the move also has the support of millions of low-caste Indians who have faced years of social discrimination and are poorly represented in leading professions.

In recent years, low-caste Hindus - who form a significant percentage of the population - have also grown politically influential, particularly in north India.

It is one reason that no political party - from left-leaning socialist parties to centre-right parties such as the Congress and the BJP - can afford to ignore them. Read full story via bbc news

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