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- India: development case study (2)
India: development case study (2)
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Rapid development brings big benefits and big problems. This lesson looks at trade, geopolitics, technology and the impacts of growth.
Trade, aid and investment
India exports IT services, medicines, refined petroleum, textiles and jewellery.
It has received aid for health and education, and now also gives aid to neighbouring countries.
The balance has shifted from public (government) investment towards private investment by Indian companies and foreign TNCs.
It has received aid for health and education, and now also gives aid to neighbouring countries.
The balance has shifted from public (government) investment towards private investment by Indian companies and foreign TNCs.
Geopolitics and technology
Geopolitics: India has a long-running dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir, and border tensions with China. It belongs to groups such as BRICS, the G20 and the Commonwealth, which give it influence in world affairs.
Technology: mobile phones and the internet now reach many villages, helping farmers check prices and people access banking, but access is still lower in rural and poorer areas.
Technology: mobile phones and the internet now reach many villages, helping farmers check prices and people access banking, but access is still lower in rural and poorer areas.
Impacts of rapid development
Positive: rising incomes, a growing middle class, better education, and millions lifted out of extreme poverty.
Negative: widening inequality, growing slums, and severe air and water pollution, for example smog in Delhi.
Management: government schemes to build toilets, connect villages to electricity, and expand renewable energy such as solar power.
Negative: widening inequality, growing slums, and severe air and water pollution, for example smog in Delhi.
Management: government schemes to build toilets, connect villages to electricity, and expand renewable energy such as solar power.
Explain one positive and one negative impact of India's rapid development.
- Positive: more jobs in services and manufacturing have raised incomes and grown the middle class.
- Negative: rapid industrial growth and more vehicles have caused severe air pollution in cities such as Delhi.
Answer: Higher incomes, but more pollution and inequality.
India exports IT services, medicines and refined petroleum, and now gives as well as receives aid. Private and TNC investment has grown. Geopolitics (Kashmir, BRICS, G20) and technology (mobile phones) shape development. Growth has raised incomes but increased inequality and pollution.
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