The overall current state of India

[Blue3]

I'm going to be spending 5 weeks doing volunteer work in India, in Goa, though I may travel to other parts on the weekend. I have somewhat kept up with politics in India... I know there's a new state, a new Prime Minister, the far west is still threatened by Islamists, the far east is still threatened by Maoists, there's been a new spotlight on anti-women violence in India lately, etc. But is there anything else I should know about that's going on in India right now, before I leave on Friday?

[retromike22]

Prepare for toilets from hell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6atNzGPtQzk

[politicus]

Goa is a nice place with a friendly vibe and beautiful old buildings. So enjoy! It feels a bit isolated from the rest and is not generally the sort of place you would meet the more problematic sides of India, except poverty, but even that is lower than in most parts.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Goa is IIRC the most affluent Indian state.

[RR1997]

Goa is IIRC the most affluent Indian state.

This.

As someone who has been to Goa, I can tell you that the beaches in Goa are amazing.

[Sbane]

Always buy bottled water from a decent looking store, not some random guy off the street. Make sure the seal is not broken and it is from a company such as bisleri, nestle etc. Maintaining your health should be your biggest concern.

In terms of safety, always travel in a car and not an autorickshaw. Wear your seatbelt despite your drivers insistence that the police won't care. Watch your belongings very carefully as there is a high risk of pickpockets and such, but you don't need to fear for your physical safety as much.