As the world’s largest democracy goes to the polls, this Backgrounder looks at the laws, major players, and issues, including economic reform, caste, and religion, that have shaped India’s politics.

India’s burgeoning economy is placing strains on its inefficient power sector and raising questions about the country’s ability to meet its energy demands.

The global financial crisis threatens to hamper poverty alleviation efforts in India and China, responsible for lifting the largest numbers of the world’s poor out of extreme poverty.  Political or s…