hi , one of my friend want P.hd in geography can anyone suggest a topic in urban or development geography in Indian context.

Urban development in Mumbai perhaps? :-)

It is SO familiar to me. This unwillingness to do one's own work and ask for 'topics' out of the blue to get the degree, to pass the eligibility tests NET and SLET and then try to get a job in the city university.

And take it from me, this situation is rather familiar to me, I have seen others in the exact same spot (including same subject and country) and I was sick of it all very soon!

I am doing my PhD in Loughborough University's Geography department, we have research cluster on global cities (GAWC), perhaps contacting one of them or looking at the website would give your friend ideas.