Been to India after 5 years. I was in Chennai,Bangalore and Thirupathi. I believe changes are more on the positive aspects.
Bangalore:
I was surprised to see the Mc Donalds to be the most crowded spot at 10 pm in the forum mall at Bangalore. The Indian Middle class society seems to be content with fast food at 10pm at night. Compare that to US, where any fast food is pretty much deserted for dinner. Such a contrast
Also had a chance to see the multinational buildings. Oracle is designed like Oracle in Redwood Shores. Because of the heavy traffic, these companies are concentrating on the having everything and anything inside the campus, so the employees need not have to get out. Some offices in the airport road even have multi-rise apartments right next to them with pool, tennis courts, kids playground and employees can walk down to their offices.
Thirupathi:
Thirupathi hills has been forested heavily and the TTD has created a deer park on the hills too. There are signs which say "Rs 25 fine for spitting" "fine for urinating in public places" etc. which is a very good start for eliminating the endemic problems plaguing the indian society. Also most of the street vendors have been moved further away from the main temple gopurum and TTD has plans to build an arena like structure around the gopuram where only the devotees will be allowed. The security is heavy with a complete check of every vehicle and passenger. The buses uphill and downhill take only the number allowed to seat.
Chennai
One major advancement is the coverage and cost of cell phones. On my entire train trip from Chennai to Bangalore and to Mysore, coverage is 100%. Somewhere between Chennai and B'lore I think the service provider changes from one carrier to another and most cell phones have a default setting to indicate change in service provider. In one single compartment in Shatabdhi atleast 6 phones bepped in different tones to indicate this change in service provider. Facinating... It is like my ATT wireless which keepes changing from cingular to ATTWS display locally in Charlotte here.
