The paralysed, risk-averse UPA-2 government has suddenly become a risk-taking reformer. Last week it risked defeat in both Houses of Parliament on foreign direct investment in retail. Its victory showed that fortune favours the brave. For its first three and a half years in office, UPA-2 focused on survival, not performance. Its hairline majority in the Lok Sabha gave partners like Mamata Banerjee a virtual veto.