India's economic growth sparks BBC business and cultural season

As India’s latest set of GDP figures are expected to show it is on track to be the world’s fastest growing major economy this year, the BBC is bringing tales of the country’s development to its global audiences. Drawing on the world renowned international broadcaster’s extensive news and programme making teams in India and the UK, BBC World Service, BBC World News and BBC.com/news will be delivering a wealth of content examining all aspects of India’s business, political and cultural life.

The season launches with ‘India Rising’ on Thursday, August 27th – a pan-BBC News day of content delivered by reporters based in India working with journalists from the Business and Economics unit. For BBC World News TV, Business Editor Kamal Ahmed reports live from Delhi looking at how Prime Minister Modi’s reforms have progressed and how UK companies are faring.  Yogita Limaye will be travelling the country visiting Indian firms hungry to expand abroad and World News Asia Business Correspondent Karishma Vaswani will live in Mumbai with a range of guests, with coverage for the international news channel’s shows Global, Impact and World Business Report. There will also be a round-up edition of India Business Report. Listeners on BBC World Service will hear from the correspondents as well as Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, while Business Daily will explore the need for investment to help provide new opportunities for the millions living in poverty. There will also be content on BBC.com/news including animations, video and explainers to help audiences understand the data and what it means for India. Plus people can get involved using social media via #indiarising2015.

The focus on India will continue over the following months with content across BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and online at bbc.com/news.

“With India’s economic performance under the spotlight, this is the perfect time to take an in-depth look at the country’s rapidly evolving business and financial landscape – from successes to areas of challenge - and focus on the people whose daily lives underpin the economy.  For our listeners in India and around the world, we’ll also be discussing India’s dynamic arts scene, its wonderful food culture, and the importance of education for the next generation of growth,” said Mary Hockaday, Controller of BBC World Service English.

Richard Porter, Editorial and Digital Director, BBC Global News Ltd added: “The BBC has a long history of broadcasting to and from India and we know our audiences here value what we do. Indeed bbc.com remains the number one international news site in India. Launching this season gives the BBC’s award winning international services the chance to showcase our commitment to this important market.”