Protests are taking place across India today over proposed government reforms to the retail sector that would allow international supermarket giants such as Tesco and Wal-Mart to set up shop in the country.
A strike has been called by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, as well as communist parties, which will see schools, public transport and many independent businesses shut down for the day.
Thousands of kirana, owners of small independent supermarkets, also plan to close their shops to protest against the government's decision to allow foreign stores to enter the market.
Many large international chains already have shops in the country, but are only allowed to sell to smaller shopkeepers, not directly to consumers. The ruling Congress party's controversial plan would allow them to compete for market share with existing retailers in an attempt to attract further foreign investment and boost the economy.
In reaction to the protests and strike the party has stood firm and refused to reverse the decision, but has suggested that it could compromise by rolling-back recent increases in the price of diesel.
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