India and Israel set up a bilaterallegal colloquium

INDIA NEWSLETTERNo.35 October - December 2008Embassy of India, Tel Aviv

A delegation of Indian Judges and interest. The delegation also called Jud ges and Jur ist s of the two Jurists led by Chief Justice Mr. K. G. on President Shimon Peres. countries.Balakrishnan visited Israel from During this visit, India and Israel The mem ora ndu m wa s si gne d D e c e m b e r 2 6 - 3 1 , 2 0 0 8 t o also signed a memorandum to set between Chief Justice of India, K. G. pa rt ic ip at e i n a fi ve -d ay le ga l up an Indo-Israeli Legal Colloquium Balakrishnan, and the President of exchange programme in which the to fa ci l i tate disc ussi ons a nd Israel 's Supreme Court, Dorit two sides discussed issues of mutual ex ch an ge pr og ra mm es be tw ee n Beinisch, in Jerusalem.

The Indian delegation calls on Israel's President Shimon Peres.President of Supreme Court, Ms. Dorit Beinisch is also in the picture

From right to left: India's Chief Justice Mr. K. G. Balakrishnan, Israel's PresidentShimon Peres and the President of Israel's Supreme Court Ms. Dorit Beinisch

Jerusalem. On the occasion, President Shimon Peres spoke about India’s vibrant democracy as well as several areas of cooperation. In particular, he pointed out the potential for cooperation in agriculture, science & technology including high-tech and nano technology.Ambassador Navtej Sarna joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1980. He has served as a diplomat in several countries including Russia, Poland, Bhutan, Iran, the US and at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, Geneva. More recently, he served as India’s Foreign Office Spokesperson in New Delhi from 2002 to 2008. The Ambassador is also the author of two novels – “The Exile”

H.E. Navtej Sarna presented his credentials to Israel’s and “We Weren’t Lovers Like That” and two books of non-

President Shimon Peres at the President House in fiction – “The Book of Nanak” and “Folk Tales of Poland”.

Ambassador presenting his credentials to President Shimon Peres

New Ambassador of India presentscredentials

Indian biotech to be a US$ 5 billion Audi India sales rise three-fold in industry by 2010 2008

Luxury cars log double digit growth last year

According to a report by the Confederation Audi reported a sale of 1,050 units in India of Indian Industry (CII) and consultancy in the year 2008, a three-fold rise firm KPMG, the Indian biotechnology sector Mercedes-Benz India, the largest luxury car compared with the sale of 349 units in the is projected to become a US$ 5 billion manufacturer in the country, registered a previous year.industry by 2010. The report says that the growth of 46% at 3,625 units in the The company posted over two fold rise in sector has tremendous potential and that passenger car industry in 2008 as against

its sales in December last year at 76 units "India is ranked among the top 12 biotech 2,483 units in the preceding year. Even as against 31 units in the year-ago period. destinations in the world and is the third BMW India sold over 2,500 units last year The year 2008 has been an exciting time biggest in Asia-Pacific in terms of the as against an estimated 2,000 units for the

number of biotech companies." The sector for Audi India as they not only have whole year. Likewise Audi India, the has been attracting major investments, achieved, but exceeded their projected relatively new entrant into the Indian which have been growing at the rate of automobile industry, posted a growth of targets despite the overall slowdown in the about 38% for the last three years, and had 201% at 1,050 units in 2008 as compared automobile market.touched US$ 560 million in FY 2006-07. to 349 units in 2007.

AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY:

FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN INDIAInternational Leather Goods Fair Pune Expo I.T. India FairFebruary 20-22, 2009, Kolkatta March 26-29, 2009, New DelhiFebruary 28 - March 3, 2009, Pune

India International Maritime & Lighting South Asia 2009 Tex-Styles India Logistics ExpoFebruary 20-23, 2009, MumbaiMarch 1-3, 2009, New Delhi April 10-12, 2009, Mumbai

IIJS SIGNATURE 2009Wireless India 2009February 20-23, 2009, Goa Aahar - The International Food FairMarch 2-4, 2009, Mumbai

(Twin events: ‘Food India’ and ‘Hospitality India’, Chennai)India International Security Expo –

2009 August 27-29, 2009, ChennaiNakshatra, New DelhiFebruary 22-25, 2009, New Delhi Astrological, computer horoscope,

Vaastu, yoga, vedic science, spiritual Stationery Fair, New Delhi

development, etc.International Hospitality Fair August 29 – September 6, 2009, New (IHF) 2009 March 5-7, 2009, New Delhi

DelhiFebruary 23-26, 2009, Bangalore

Aahar International Food FairSports Goods & Physical 3rd Safety Security & Fire Equipments March 7-10,2009, New Delhi

& Services 2009 (SAFE 2009) Equipment ExhibitionFebruary 23-26, 2009, Bangalore October 5-9, 2009, New DelhiInternational Exhibition Center, Global SMEs Summit: Business Bangalore Partnership Meet – 2009

Delhi International Leather Fair, March 11-12, 2009, New DelhiNew DelhiIndia International Healthcare Expo October 2009 (final dates to be Mumbai February 24-27, 2009, Mumbai

India International Wine Fair 2009 announced)March 16-18, 2009, Mumbai

6th International Exhibition and Conference on Building Materials India International Trade Fairand Construction Technologies 17th Convergence India 2009 November 14-27, 2009, Pragati February 25-27, 2009, Pragati Maidan, March 18-20, 2009, New Delhi Maidan, New DelhiNew Delhi

www.indiatradefair.com www.indiatradefair.comwww.indiatradefair.com

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INDIAN ECONOMY:

REAL ESTATE:

INVESTMENTS:

TELECOM / IT / BIOTECHNOLOGY:

India exceeds FY 2007-08 export target by US$ 3 billion

Indian telecom industry witnesses M&A deals worth US$ 9 billion

Easier FDI rules for real estate is likely

Retail sector is likely to grow to US$ 590 billion in 2012

India zooms on high-speed internet connectionIndia sees over 6% jump in tourist

arrivals

Global Hyatt to add 20 hotels in 5 years

Intel Capital to invest US$ 23 million in Indian companies

India targets US$ 58 billion software export this fiscalMarriott to open seven more hotels

Warner Brothers is likely to invest The first marine biotech park is

US$ 40 million in film productionplanned to be set up in Ganjam soon

3.3 million active Internet users in rural India

Basra, Chand Bhai, SRK), including an Since rural India was mapped for the first untitled animation film. It will also make time, the year-on-year growth of internet six fil ms in dif fer ent sou th Ind ian users in rural India could not be estimated.languages this year.

According to the final figures released by the Directorate General of Commercial

T h e f a s t g r o w i n g I n d i a n Intelligence and Statistics, India's exports te lecommunica t ions industry has during 2007-08 exceeded the target by US$ witnessed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) 3 billion to touch US$ 162.9 billion, valued at over US$ 9 billion this fiscal, registering a growth of 29.02 per cent over The government is mulling a proposal that according to a study by Assocham the same period previous fiscal. mixed development projects should be EcoPulse. In fact, out of the total M&A exempt from the minimum capitalization deals sealed in the country , the and area development norms. The telecommunications industry accounted changes, proposed by the Ministry of for around one-third of them. The largest Commerce and Industry, will be discussed According to a study by Indian Council for telecommunication deal of the year came by the committee of secretaries set up for Research on International Economic from the buyout of 26% stake in Tata the purpose. A mixed development project Relations (ICRIER), retail business in India Teleservices by Japanese major NTT can inc lude townships , hous ing , would grow at 13% annually from US$ 322 DoCoMo Inc.commercial premises, hotels, multiplexes billion in Financial Year (FY) 2006-07 to

and recreational facilities. Under the US$ 590 billion in FY 2011-12.proposed policy, the government is seeking to exempt such projects from the US$ 10

According to some estimates, India has million requirement, reduce the project more than 41 million internet users, size to 10 acres and cut the minimum built According to initial figures prepared by the making it the eighth largest internet up area to 10,000 square feet.Ministry of Tourism there has been a 6%-population in the world. In the quarter 8% jump in foreign tourist arrivals in 2008 ended October, research agencies observed over the corresponding year 2007. Last 2.6 million new IP addresses connecting to year, tourist arrivals to the country were 5.3 the global network compared to 2.1 million Global Hyatt Corporation, a US-based million as compared to 5.08 million in in the quarter ended June. This is a growth premier hotel chain operator, has 2007. Foreign exchange earnings from this of 23%. The trend of high speed internet announced an expansion initiative sector also showed a growth of 8% at connection is steadily growing. Currently, involving erection of 20 new hotel US$11.5 billion in 2008 as against 74% of all internet connections in India properties in the next five years. It also US$10.70 billion registered in 2007.have speeds of over 256 kbps. In fact, the signed a 24:76 joint venture agreement number of connections with speeds of with Delhi-based real estate company 2mbps and above is also growing fast — Emaar MGF for building six hotels under from 4.6% of all connections in the second the upper mid-segment brand Hyatt Place. quarter to 5% in the third quarter.Both companies will invest US$ 200 million

into the project.Intel Capital, announced an investment of US$ 23 million in three Indian companies - One97 Communications, IndiaMART.com

Last fiscal, the country exported software Marriott International plans to triple its and Global Talent Track. With these worth US$ 45 billion and the target this hotel portfolio in India by 2012 to cash in investments, the organization has spent fiscal is around US$ 58 billion. Out of this, on the growing business and leisure travel nearly US$ 100 million of its US$ 250-US$ 3.6 billion has been earmarked for in the country. The company will open million Intel Capital India Technology Fund electronics hardware and US$ 55 billion for seven hotels across the country in 2009 to set up in December 2005.software and services.tap growth in one of the world’s fastest-

growing economies.

Warner Brothers Pictures India, a The first marine biotechnology park is

subsidiary of the US-based Time Warner planned to be set up soon near Rambha in

Inc, is set to invest Rs.200 crore (US$ Ganjam district (in the Indian state of

40.68 million) in film production in 2009. Orissa) on the public-private-partnership Rural India has 3.3 million active Internet Warner Brothers Pictures India will be (PPP) mode. The Ganjam district users, a new report by the Internet and making 11 films in 2009. This will include administration has identified about 23 Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) states. five Hindi films (Jaane Kahaan se Aayi Hai, acres of government land for this purpose.

Israeli delegationattends Water

Asia Exhibition

An Israeli delegation comprising 12 c o m p a n i e s , a t t e n d e d t h e 9 t h International Conference and Exhibition on Asian Water Industry, "Water Asia 2008", at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. On December 9, 2008, FICCI organized a Seminar on the Urban Wa te r Management Solutions for the members of the delegation. This seminar was followed by one-to-one meetings. The delegation's aim was to discuss possible MOUs or JVs and future mutual collaboration.

Visit of High Level Science Delegation led bySecretary of Department of Science and Technology

10, 2008. The delegation also included officials from the Israeli Foreign Dr. M. K. Bhan, Secretary, Ministry of Ministry, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Science & Technology, Department of Labor, and MATIMOP – The Israeli Biotechnology, and Dr. Pushpito K. Industry Center for R&D.Ghosh, Director, Central Salt & Marine Chemica l s Research Ins t i tu t e , Bhavnagar, India.The delegation had several meetings with Israeli officials from various

A high level delegation led by Dr. T. ministries in order to discuss future Ramasami, Secretary of Department of India-Israel cooperation.Science and Technology, Government of The delegation met with the Israeli India, visited Israel from November 8- President, Mr. Shimon Peres, as well as

The delegation meets with President Shimon Peres

Israeli Delegation participates in IndiaChem 2008 A 5-member delegation from Intercontinental in Mumbai in Israel sponsored by CHEMEXCIL the presence of Mr. Ram Vilas ( B a s i c C h e m i c a l s , Paswan, Hon'ble Minister of Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Chemical s & Fertili zers and Export Promotion Council) and Steel.organized in cooperation with CHEMEXCIL also organized a th e E mb as sy of In di a, Buyer-Seller Meet for the participated in India Chem 2008 delegates on October 20-21, in Mumbai, on October 20 - 23, which enabled them to meet 2008. The visit commenced with a n d i n t e r a c t w i t h m a n y the inauguration on October 20, companies and to establ ish 2 0 0 8 a t t h e H o t e l long-term relationships.

Delegates from Israel with Mr. B.P. Pandey, Jt. Secretary, andMr. P.S. Singh, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers,

and Mrs. Smita Samant, Executive Director, Chemexcil

ECONOMIC NEWS

Israeli delegation attends the SemiconductorAssociation (ISA) seminar

A 5-member delegation led by their chip designs in India. Other the Chairman of the Israel High- possible services that they were Tech CEOs Forum visited India seeking were RTL-GDSII design, from November 18-20, 2008 to verification, and physical design interact with the members of the and embedded system software. I n d i a S e m i c o n d u c t o r ISA organized a half-day seminar Association. followed by one-to-one meeting The delegation comprised CEOs with their members.o f I s r a e l i f a b & f a b l e s s T he to ur in cl ud ed vi si ts to companies and research labs. various company sites, including The de legat ion’s aim was to Sasken, Tessolve, Wipro, KPIT, explore the possibility of doing L&T, Moschip, CMC and others.The Israeli delegation at the ISA seminar

2

3

ECONOMIC NEWS

Globes BusinessConference

Ambassador Navtej Sarna, and Mr. Sanjay Vyas, Second Secretary, represented the Embassy at the annual Globes Business Conference held on December 14-15, 2008, at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv. The event was a t tended by senior representatives of the Israeli business and financial community, as well as political leaders. The conference included a half-day seminar on investments and business in India.

Ehud Menipaz (Dean, School of Social Sciences and Management, Ruppin), Prof. Nachum Finger (Deputy Chair, Israeli Council of Higher Education), Mr. Sanjay Vyas, Second Secretary (Economic & Commerce), Major General Revinder K. Dhawan, VSM (Retd.), Senior VP Amity University, and

The inaugural of Amity – Ruppin Dr. Gurinder Singh, Dean Amity Academic Round Table “Globalization International School of Business, Vice in Business and Education – India and Chancellor, Amity, India. Israel” was held on December 16, 2008 at the Ruppin Academic Center in Emek Hefer.The round table session which included representatives from Amity University and Ruppin was conducted via live video conference. The key note speakers included Prof. Shosh Arad (President of Ruppin), Prof.

Signing Ceremony of Amity – RuppinAcademic Cooperation Agreement

India’s participation in "Israel Gateway 2008”

The Embassy participated in "Israel e ven t a t t ended b y E mbass ies , speaker at the inauguration.Gateway 2008" organized by the Globus in te rn at io na l or ga ni za ti on s an d Other speakers included the Chairman Gate Group Limited in collaboration companies from around the world. of Israe l Expor t and International with the Israel Export and International The Embassy set up a booth which Cooperation Institute, the President of Cooperation Institute and the Ministry showcased promotional material on Manufacturers’ Association of Israel of Industry, Trade and Labor of Israel doing business with India as well as and the President of the Federation of on November 11, 2008. information on tourism. Israeli Chambers of Commerce.“Israel Gateway” is an annual one-day Ambassador Navtej Sarna was a keynote

Ambassador Navtej Sarna addressing the gathering Ambassador visiting the Indian booth

Round Table session between Ruppin AcademicCenter and Amity University

Following the round table session, a signing ceremony of Amity – Ruppin Academic Cooperation Agreement was held.The cooperation agreement will lead to exchange of both students and faculty between the two academic institutions.Live Video Conference between Ruppin and Amity

ECONOMIC NEWS

4

The 70th Anniversary of theIsrael Diamond Exchange

November 23, 2008. Ambassador Navtej Sarna represented the Embassy at the event. The programme included a presentation on the history of the Israeli Diamond Industry and its protagonists, and a reception. Special guests included Israel’s Deputy PM and Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor, Mr. Eli Yishai, Ramat Gan Mayor, Mr. Zvi Bar, Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Managing Director Varda Shine, and representatives from diamond The Israe l Diamond Exchange exchanges in various countries.celebrated its 70th Anniversary on

Israel DiamondExchange holds

Mumbai MemorialService

The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) h e l d a m e m o r i a l s e r v i c e o n December 10, 2008 to honour the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks of November 26.The memorial service was attended b y A m b a s s a d o r N a v t e j S a r n a , diamond dealers in Israel, as well as family members of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, the Chabad Rabbis killed in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

From left to right: Mr. Avi Paz, President IDE,Mr. Eli Yishai, Deputy PM and Minister of Industry,

Trade and Labor, and Mr. Yair Cohen,IDE Managing Director

Phot

o: Y

anke

le

Senior executives of YES Bank and IFFCO visit Israel

Chakravarthy, Country Head and Mr. Cooperation Institute (IEICI), held a P.S.R. Raju, Vice President and Sector b u s i n e s s s e m i n a r, i n w h i c h Head, Food and Agribusiness Strategic representatives of 19 Israeli companies Advisory and Research, YES Bank. One participated.of the objectives of this delegation was The delegation also visited the Embassy to promote an Investors' Delegation an d me t wi th S ec on d Se cr et ar y from Israel to visit the site in Nellore (Economic & Commerce) to discuss (Agri Special Economic Zone - SEZ), their future plans. Andhra Pradesh, and participate in a

A 4-member delegation comprising seminar in Hyderabad on the Integrated senior executives from the Indian Yes Agro Food Park (scheduled from March Bank, and IFFCO (Indian Farmers’ 16-19, 2009). Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) visited The delegation made field visits to Israel from December 21–25, 2008. Israeli companies engaged in intensive The visiting delegation included Mr. M. farming and greenhouses and other Rajashekharaiah CEO of IFFCO Kisan related fields.S E Z , H y d e r a b a d ; M r . K a l y a n The Israel Export & International

The delegation meets with Second Secretary

(Economic & Commerce)

The delegation visits Tshuva Agricultural Projects

Ambassador at the Memorial ServicePh

oto:

Yan

kele

Indian Semiconductors delegationvisits Israel

A 7-member delegation from the Indian Research Organization, Department of Semiconductor industry visited Israel Space; and the Space Applications on November 16-17, 2008. Center. The delegation comprised officials from Ambassador met with the delegation various governmental organizations and discussed further cooperat ion inc luding the Semi-conductors between India and Israel in the Laboratory, Punjab; Indian Space Semiconductor sector.

5

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Indian eveningat Ashdod

An Indian evening was organized for

Indian Diaspora community in

A s h d o d b y M r . N o a h M a s s i l ,

Chairman of COIJI on October 26,

2008.

The event was attended by about

300 people and included Indian

dance and song per formances

rendered by artistes from India.

Embassy of India was represented

by First Secretary, Mr. Sharad

Srivastava.

Mr. Boris Gitterman, Deputy Mayor

of Ashdod, was the guest of honour.

Stalls of Indian snacks were also

arranged at the event.

10th Know India Programme (KIP)

Four Israeli youth (3 girls and 1 boy) participants from all over the world. were also familiarized with Indian of Indian origin participated in the Th e pa rt ic ip an ts we re ta ke n to history, culture and heritage during 10th Know India Programme (KIP) Madhya Pradesh as a part of the KIP the three week programme.from December 20, 2008 to January programme. Besides attending Pravasi Bharatiya 12, 2009 organised by the Ministry of They also visited Chennai, Bangalore, Divas 2009 in Chennai, they also got Overseas Indian Affairs, Government Delhi and Agra apart from various an opportunity to meet the President of In di a, in pa rt ne rs hi p wi th places of interest in Madhya Pradesh. of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil Confederation of Indian Industry The participants were exposed to and other high dignitaries during the ( C I I ) . T h e y w e r e j o i n e d b y various facets of modern India and programme.

Visit to Kiryat Gat by Ambassador

origin community on the evening of November 19, 2008.Mr. Aviram Dahari, Mayor of Kiryat Gat, welcomed t h e A m b a s s a d o r a n d b r i e f e d h i m o n t h e ongoing community and development projects in Kiryat Gat.Ambassador also visited

Ambassador v i s i ted K i rya t Gat the synagogue and municipality Municipality and met the Indian school.

Participants from Israel and other countries with President of India

Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil

Participants being received with traditional Indian garlands

Ambassador with Mayor Aviram Dahari at Kiryat Gat Municipality

Mr. Roger Judah presents Ambassador a memento.

At centre is First Secretary Sharad Srivastava.Mrs. Dorothy Judah welcomes Ambassador

Israeli delegationattends Water

Asia Exhibition

An Israeli delegation comprising 12 c o m p a n i e s , a t t e n d e d t h e 9 t h International Conference and Exhibition on Asian Water Industry, "Water Asia 2008", at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. On December 9, 2008, FICCI organized a Seminar on the Urban Wa te r Management Solutions for the members of the delegation. This seminar was followed by one-to-one meetings. The delegation's aim was to discuss possible MOUs or JVs and future mutual collaboration.

6

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

He also complimented the Indian participated in the Know India students studying in Israel for their Programmes (KIP) also participated in contribution in strengthening India-the function.Israel relations.The event included a cul tural The programme was followed by a programme by ICCR scholars. Mr. reception.Yuval Cohen who obtained BA degree in

Od iss i dance f rom Gandharva Mahavidyalaya (Venu Nad Kala Kendra), under ICCR scholarship, presented

The Embassy celebrated "International Odissi dance. Mr. Ran Erez, a disciple of

Scholar’s Day" on December 15, 2008 Mr. Dudu El Kabir who learnt classical

at the Chancery auditorium. About 60 music in Sri Ram Kala Kendra, New

scholars / students both from India and Delhi under ICCR scholarship, played

Israel attended the function. These sitar.

included Israeli scholars and artists The programme also included sharing

who studied in India under ICCR of experiences in Hindi by Mr. Assaf

scholarships, scholars who are studying Patrick, an Israeli who studied Hindi at

in Israel under reciprocal scholarship the Central Hindi Institute, New Delhi

p r o g r a m m e s e x t e n d e d b y t h e under ICCR scholarship.

Government of Israel and the Indian The gathering was addressed by the

students who are studying in various Ambassador who appreciated the

In st it ut es in Is ra el . Th e Is ra el i interest shown by the ICCR scholars in

youngsters of Indian origin who had Indian art and culture.

The Embassy of India cooperated with was invit ed by the organizers to a t t e n d e d t h e p e r f o r m a n c e . Confederation House, Jerusalem for perform in the festival. The Indian Am ba ss ad or me t al l th e In di an 9th Jer usa lem Internati ona l Oud group performed on December 4, performers at the end and appreciated Festival 2008 held in Jerusalem from 2008 at Sherover Theatre, Jerusalem their performance. November 20 - December 4, 2008. A during the festival. The performance He also congratulated the organisers six-member group of musicians and was attended by a large audience and for arranging the Indian per formance poets from Rajasthan (Northern India) was highly appreciated. Ambassador in the festival.

Jerusalem International Oud Festival 2008

International Scholar’s Day in Israel

Ambassador with the artistes from Rajasthan

Ran Erez in performance

Israeli student Yuval Cohen

performing Odissi dance

ECONOMIC NEWS FROM INDIA

INDIAN ECONOMY: TELECOM / IT / BIOTECHNOLOGY: AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY:

REAL ESTATE:

India exceeds FY 2007-08 export 3.3 million active Internet users in Luxury cars log double digit growth target by US$ 3 billion rural India last year

Indian telecom industry witnesses M&A deals worth US$ 9 billionRetail sector is likely to grow to US$

590 billion in 2012

India sees over 6% jump in tourist arrivals

India zooms on high-speed internet connection

Easier FDI rules for real estate is likely

India targets US$ 58 billion software export this fiscal

The first marine biotech park is Marriott to open seven more hotels planned to be set up in Ganjam soon

According to the final figures released by the Rural India has 3.3 million active Internet Mercedes-Benz India, the largest luxury car users, a new report by the Internet and Directorate General of Commercial manufacturer in the country, registered a Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) states. Intelligence and Statistics, India's exports growth of 46% at 3,625 units in the Since rural India was mapped for the first during 2007-08 exceeded the target by US$ passenger car industry in 2008 as against time, the year-on-year growth of internet 3 billion to touch US$ 162.9 billion, 2,483 units in the preceding year. Even users in rural India could not be estimated.registering a growth of 29.02 per cent over BMW India sold over 2,500 units last year as

the same period previous fiscal. against an estimated 2,000 units for the whole year. Likewise Audi India, the

The fast growing Indian telecommunications relatively new entrant into the Indian industry has witnessed mergers and automobile industry, posted a growth of According to a study by Indian Council for acquisitions (M&A) valued at over US$ 9 201% at 1,050 units in 2008 as compared to Research on International Economic billion this fiscal, according to a study by 349 units in 2007.Relations (ICRIER), retail business in India Assocham EcoPulse. In fact, out of the total would grow at 13% annually from US$ 322 M&A deals sealed in the country, the billion in Financial Year (FY) 2006-07 to US$ telecommunications industry accounted for 590 billion in FY 2011-12.around one-third of them. The largest telecommunication deal of the year came from the buyout of 26% stake in Tata According to initial figures prepared by the Teleservices by Japanese major NTT DoCoMo Ministry of Tourism there has been a 6%-8% Inc.jump in foreign tourist arrivals in 2008 over

the corresponding year 2007. Last year, tourist arrivals to the country were 5.3

According to some estimates, India has million as compared to 5.08 million in more than 41 million internet users, 2007. Foreign exchange earnings from this making it the eighth largest internet sector also showed a growth of 8% at population in the world. In the quarter US$11.5 billion in 2008 as against US$10.70 ended October, research agencies observed

billion registered in 2007.2.6 million new IP addresses connecting to

the global network compared to 2.1 million in the quarter ended June. This is a growth of 23%. The trend of high speed internet

The government is mulling a proposal that connection is steadily growing. Currently, mixed development projects should be 74% of all internet connections in India exempt from the minimum capitalization have speeds of over 256 kbps. In fact, the and area development norms. The changes, number of connections with speeds of proposed by the Ministry of Commerce and 2mbps and above is also growing fast — Industry, will be discussed by the committee from 4.6% of all connections in the second of secretaries set up for the purpose. A quarter to 5% in the third quarter.mixed development project can include townships, housing, commercial premises, hotels, multiplexes and recreational Last fiscal, the country exported software facilities. Under the proposed policy, the worth US$ 45 billion and the target this government is seeking to exempt such fiscal is around US$ 58 billion. Out of this, projects from the US$ 10 million US$ 3.6 billion has been earmarked for requirement, reduce the project size to 10 electronics hardware and US$ 55 billion for acres and cut the minimum built up area to software and services.10,000 square feet.

Marriott International plans to triple its hotel The first marine biotechnology park is portfolio in India by 2012 to cash in on the planned to be set up soon near Rambha in growing business and leisure travel in the Ganjam district (in the Indian state of country. The company will open seven hotels Orissa) on the public-private-partnership across the country in 2009 to tap growth in (PPP) mode. The Ganjam district one of the world’s fastest-growing administration has identified about 23 acres economies. of government land for this purpose.

FORTHCOMINGEVENTS IN INDIA

Tex-Styles IndiaMarch 1-3, 2009, New Delhi

Wireless India 2009March 2-4, 2009, Mumbai

Nakshatra, New DelhiAstrological, computer horoscope, Vaastu, yoga, vedic science, spiritual development, etc.March 5-7, 2009, New Delhi

Aahar International Food FairMarch 7-10,2009, New Delhi

Global SMEs Summit: Business Partnership Meet – 2009March 11-12, 2009, New Delhi

India International Wine Fair 2009March 16-18, 2009, Mumbai

17th Convergence India 2009March 18-20, 2009, New Delhi

I.T. India FairMarch 26-29, 2009, New Delhi

India International Maritime & Logistics ExpoApril 10-12, 2009, Mumbai

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7

Ingredients:

Method:

1 kg carrots

1 litre milk (with high-fat content)

Pinch of crushed cardamom seeds for flavour

2 tablespoons raisins

2 tablespoons almonds

2 tablespoons cashew

200 grams sugar

1. Wash and grate the carrots. Soak the raisins in water for 30 minutes. Blanch and shred the nuts.

2. Put the milk to boil, when it starts boiling add the grated carrots. Cook.

3. Cook on a low flame for 1 hour stirring occasionally. Add sugar, mix well and cook till the sugar has dissolved and all the milk has been absorbed.

4. Add the slightly crushed cardamoms and the raisins. Mix well.

5. Remove the gajar halwa from heat and arrange in a serving dish. Garnish with almonds and cashews.

Serve hot.

India Calls – Kodaikanal:Kodaikanal – The Queen of Hill Stations

Kodaikanal, also known as Kodai, The mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and located at an altitude of 2,133 meter slopes captivate the visitors. The climb above sea level amidst the folds of the to the various jutting rocks at Kodai is verdant Pali hills in Tamil Nadu, is one rewarding. The arduous climb to the of the most popular serene hill stations Pillar rocks, to a height of 400 ft, is a of so ut h In di a. Th e ch ar m of must for every visitor to this hill resort. Kodaikanal lies in its wooded slopes The hill town is renowned for its and gigantic trees. In fact the name educational institutions of international itself means 'gift of the forest' in Tamil. repute.

Attractions Berijam Lake:

Coaker's Walk:

Kodaikanal Lake:

The Perumal Peak:

Pillar Rocks:

Silver Cascade Falls:

The lake, about 21 km from the main town, is one of the main picnic spots in Kodaikanal. Considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in south India, the lake covers an area of 24 hectares.

Coaker's Walk derives the name from Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodai. It runs along a steep slope on the southern side of the Kodai. From Coaker's Walk one can have a breath-taking view of the plains below.

A magnificent man-made lake, which spreads out in a star shape over sixty acres is a main attraction.

About 11 km from Kodaikanal, the Perumal Peak is a trekkers' delight.

Three granite boulders each vertically measuring a height of 400 feet stand shoulder to shoulder. It is located 8 km from the lake tower over the panoramic view.

This waterfall is located on the main Ghat Road, 8 km away as one approaches Kodai from Kodai Road. Overflow of Kodai Lake takes 180 ft leap over a steep cliff, to crash into a pool beside the Ghat Road.

How to reachBy Air:By Rail:

By Road:

Nearest airport is at Madurai, about 120 km away. Nearest railway stations are Kodai Road Station, about 80 km away and

Palani Railway Station about 64 km away. Well-connected by road from Coimbatore and other important cities.

Best time to visit:

For more information on India tourism visit:

April-June and September-October but can be visited throughout the year.

www.tamilnadutourism.org ; www.tourismofindia.com ; www.kodaikanal.com

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