''''1958: Key Events'''

* The first phase of the Bhakra Nangal dam, the showpiece of Nehru’s government, is completed. 

* The dramatic deterioration in India’s foreign exchange reserves, increased spending on imported arms and the need to double the envisaged foodgrain imports, force the government to adopt a radical development strategy emphasising agrarian reform, land ceilings and (following the Chinese model) the organisation of co-operatives. 

* The Indian Copyright Act comes into force. 

* Hindi playwright Mohan Rakesh writes his Ashad Ka Ek Din.

* The first documentary film festival is held in Bombay. [[Ajantrik]] is shown in Cannes, out of competition. D. N. Sampat, founder of the [[Kohinoor Studio]], dies.