As India grows into its role as one of the undisputed economic leaders of the worlds economy, it faces a number of challenges. The current strikes and the controversies surrounding the upcoming Commonwealth Games are but two indicators of the complexity of the issues facing the rapidly growing economy and the changing cultural dynamics.
India seems determined to meet the challenges, though. The countrys government is attempting to successfully manage all the sectors of Indias growth and the demands put on the infrastructure and the environment. On the ecological front, India has just announced the creation of a bio-diversity corridor which will include parts of five northern states, and has named the elephant as National Heritage Animal in an effort to preserve the species.
Meanwhile, millions of workers have taken to the streets in a one-day general strike and have shut down businesses in protest of the rising cost of living and the governments plans to curtail investments in public sector companies. The protesters are claiming that the government is engaging in anti-labor policies and inflation has almost reached double-digits in recent months in India.
Indias economy, however, continues to grow. Maruti Suzuki, Indias top automaker, has just announced plans to invest over $1.3 billion into manufacturing plants over the next three years. The demand for new automobiles has prompted Suzuki to build its 4th auto manufacturing plant in India, which will increase its output to 1.5 million units per year.
The Commonwealth Games have brought over $1.6 billion of investment into Dehli, but the project has been shrouded in controversy, with allegations of corruption amid problems with the facilities being ready on time for the event, which has been highly touted as a boost for Indias economy and tourism industry.
Concerns about the growing tension between India and China and relations with Pakistan are two more big issues facing India. For those who call India home, these are exciting, if somewhat uncertain times. Those with friends and family in India can take advantage of cheap, or even free, international calls to stay abreast of the changing times. India is looking forward to a bright future and growing pains are part of the process as the country reaches towards economic maturity.
India seems determined to meet the challenges, though. The countrys government is attempting to successfully manage all the sectors of Indias growth and the demands put on the infrastructure and the environment. On the ecological front, India has just announced the creation of a bio-diversity corridor which will include parts of five northern states, and has named the elephant as National Heritage Animal in an effort to preserve the species.
Meanwhile, millions of workers have taken to the streets in a one-day general strike and have shut down businesses in protest of the rising cost of living and the governments plans to curtail investments in public sector companies. The protesters are claiming that the government is engaging in anti-labor policies and inflation has almost reached double-digits in recent months in India.
Indias economy, however, continues to grow. Maruti Suzuki, Indias top automaker, has just announced plans to invest over $1.3 billion into manufacturing plants over the next three years. The demand for new automobiles has prompted Suzuki to build its 4th auto manufacturing plant in India, which will increase its output to 1.5 million units per year.
The Commonwealth Games have brought over $1.6 billion of investment into Dehli, but the project has been shrouded in controversy, with allegations of corruption amid problems with the facilities being ready on time for the event, which has been highly touted as a boost for Indias economy and tourism industry.
Concerns about the growing tension between India and China and relations with Pakistan are two more big issues facing India. For those who call India home, these are exciting, if somewhat uncertain times. Those with friends and family in India can take advantage of cheap, or even free, international calls to stay abreast of the changing times. India is looking forward to a bright future and growing pains are part of the process as the country reaches towards economic maturity.
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