INDIA SUMMARIZED

Sep 16 (IANS) The UPA government's slew of economic decisions, including opening up retail to foreign investment, has revived Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's image as a "courageous reformer" and is a "political masterstroke" that will help the sagging image of the embattled government, political analysts and commentators said. Political risks involved in going ahead with its commitment on the economic reforms front notwithstanding, the government's move is only reflective of the combative mood of the prime minister, who has asked his ministers to brace for a battle and, if need be, fight to the finish, they feel. "These are courageous decisions. These initiatives are long overdue. Though the decisions come after a delay, they are the right decisions to boost the sagging economy," Nisar-ul-Haq, Jamia Millia Islamia Political Science Department head, told IANS. The United Progressive Alliance government on Sept 14 permitted 51 percent FDI in...