Mumbai : Over one hundred senior executives from across India gathered last night at The World in 2011 Gala Dinner to debate and exchange perspectives on the year ahead.

This thought-provoking evening brought The Economist’s annual publication The World in to life, featuring predictions for 2011 from Daniel Franklin, Executive Editor of The Economist and Editor of The World in series, and a panel of distinguished guest speakers.

Guest speakers from India and abroad joined Franklin, the gala dinner host, including Lorraine Heggessey, TV executive; Andrew Cayley, International Co-Prosecutor, Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trial; and Vineet Rai, CEO, Aavishkaar.

The evening featured a review of The World in 2011 publication, including thoughts and discussions on social, business and political issues on the horizon for India and the world. The evening also included personal predictions from the guest speakers on what they believe will shape 2011.

Predictions included:

• China could find itself being overtaken by India in economic growth
• Countries to look out for: Sudan, Ghana, Cuba and Poland
• Industries to look out for: Agricultural commodities, technology, automotive, healthcare, media and finance
• The story of economic development in emerging markets will spread beyond the BRIC countries