Most Powerful Indians in 2012

17. Anna Hazare, 74, Social & political activist:

Anna is new on the list and he makes it to the top 20 for single-handedly bringing the government to its knees on more than one occasion in the last year. He gave prominence to the anti-corruption movement and captured the imagination of millions of urban Indians and gave civil society a voice and a face. He has been exceptionally responsible for the UPA government's image taking a beating. His recurring fasts forced the government to debate the Lokpal Bill in Parliament. In recent opinion polls, he tops the list of role models, way ahead of Rahul Gandhi and Sachin Tendulkar.

18. Amar Pratap Singh, 59, Director, CBI:

Amar Pratap Singh goes up in the list and makes it to the top 20 because he’s clearly more powerful this year, with the Central Bureau of Investigation in the forefront of high-profile corruption cases. He is also fighting for CBI's autonomy and independence. He has so far managed to convince the government and Team Anna not to diverge CBI. He is also admired for the role played by CBI in the investigation of the 2G scam. Despite the odds in the 2G probe which also involved investigations abroad and opposition from the director of prosecution; he gave a judgment to file a charge sheet against Essar-Loop. He has keenly opposed putting CBI under Lokpal.