If last year was one marked by turbulence, this year is one that has begun with hope. Hope for the long-delayed and much needed Goods and Service Tax to become a reality - despite some last moment political opposition; hope for the bold demonetisation initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to start paying dividends, later this year, in terms of higher growth and lower levels of corruption; hope for lower interest rates that will restart the investment cycle and a renewed boom in loan-fuelled consumer spending; hope for election results that help the economic reforms process to gather steam; and most importantly, hope for the creation of millions of jobs - the true barometer of the Prime Minister's poll promise of ushering in achcche din (good times). How likely is it for our hopes to come true Truth be told, the chances are fairly high, but there could be some hiccups along the way as well. Read on further to find out more about all these issues that will surely affect you and your investments in India.

• Rewriting India's social contract
• India's daring demonetisation move
• Will GST keep its date with April 1 this year
• Goods and Services Tax: Impact on Indian economy
• Good show in crucial state polls will give a fillip to reforms
• Uttar Pradesh elections are the one to watch
• Is an interest rate cut on the horizon
• Crude prices and US rate are the X factors
• Job creation may gather pace from second half of 2017
• India's big job crunch