No.40 Januar y - March 2010Embassy of India, Tel Aviv

INDIA NEWSLETTER

opportunities for cooperation. A cultural programme was also organized that included patriotic songs / dance by Indian community dance groups of Mr. Avraham Bhonkar, Mr. Rony Bhastekar, Ms. Sophia Solomon and ‘Namaste Israel’. A Maratha dance was

The 61st anniversary of the Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy residence on January 26, 2010. The event was attended by about 500 people comprising the Jewish community of Indian origin, Indian business community, Indian students, Embassy staff and their families and other well wishers. performed by the Indian contingents Following the flag hoisting and the of UNDOF. Copies of President of national anthem, Ambassador read India’s address to the Nation and out the address of Hon’ble President Embassy Newsletter (September - of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh December, 2009) along with Patil to the nation on the eve of p a m p h l e t s o n K n o w I n d i a Republic Day. Ambassador also Programme (KIP) were also launched a publication “INDIA distributed among the attendees. The BECKONS”, which highlights India- gathering was later served Indian I s r a e l b i l a t e r a l t r a d e a n d snacks.

Republic Day Celebrations 2010

In the first decade of the 21st Century, India witnessed transformational changes. It also emerged as a force driving change in the world. Our achievements and experiences have, indeed, brought the nation to a definitional stage, where the promise of a bright future as a developed and progressive nation is for us to claim, as we all work together with conviction and commitment.Foremost amongst what we must continue with, is our democratic principles and way of life. We have ably demonstrated that we are a functioning democracy, time and again, choosing our governments through the ballot and by taking democracy to the grassroots. Also, as we are aware, democracy is very much more demanding. It is the rule of law. It is the rule of reason. And, as India has shown to the world, it is the rule of non-violence.T h e s e v a l u e s m u s t b e f o l l o w e d uninterruptedly in a nation that is as vast and as varied as ours. Secularism, our constitutionally chosen path, entails respect for all religions. Its place in our national life is unalterable. India is a land where followers of different religions have lived together for centuries. We must maintain social cohesion. Our tradition of living in accord with each other must continue to form an integral part of the rhythm of life of our future generations.Our nation has made significant strides. We are the fourth largest economy of the world in terms of purchasing power parity. Our target of achieving a double digit growth rate is plausible and realistic, given our impressive performance during the last decade and our resilience during the global economic downturn. We should continue with policies that promote growth, and also take growth patterns to the bottom of the pyramid and, to those currently outside its purview.

Excerpts from Hon’blePresident Smt. Pratibha

Devisingh Patil’s Address

Hoisting of the National Tricolour atEmbassy Residence

Ambassador releases special book‘INDIA BECKONS’ on India-Israel trade

relations and opportunities

‘Lezim’ performance by Indian Contingent of UNDOF

2

cooperation in high tech areas, including knowledge of Israel's expertise in these Information Technology, Biotechnology, areas. He addressed a seminar organized Nano technology, Agriculture and Water by the Israel Export and International Management. He also announced Cooperation Institute in collaboration Government of India's decision to start with the Embassy of India which was negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement attended by CEOs and representatives of with Israel. major industries in Israel. The theme of

the seminar was "Indian Economy in the Next Decade – an Engine for Growth". He also attended a lunch organized by the SBI Tel Aviv, where top business persons of Israel were also present. Minister of State for Commerce and

Industry, Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia, led a three member delegation to Israel from February 16-18, 2010. During his visit the Minister met with the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres, his counterpart Mr. Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, The Minister met with leading Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour, industrialists to discuss promotion of and the Chief Scientist of Israel, Dr. Eli trade and commerce between the two Opper. Mr. S c ind ia d i s cussed countries. He also visited an incubator possibilities of developing further and agricultural sites to have first hand

countries on the basis of the existing Weizmann Institute of Science for Memorandum of Understanding. interaction with the senior management The two Ministers discussed possibilities to explore closer cooperation with Indian of greater exchange of scientists and scientific institutions. In addition, he researchers from both sides to take visited a desalination plant in advantage of the complementarities Palmachim, as well as the drip irrigation between the two countries. facilities at Kibbutz Naan to get firsthand

knowledge of water and agricultural solutions which could have possible applications in India.

Mr. Prithviraj Chavan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, visited Israel from March 20-23, 2010. During his visit, Minister Chavan called on President Shimon Peres for a wide-ranging discussion on India-Israel scientific and technological cooperation. Mr. Chavan also met Minister of Science & Technology Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz to review Mr. Chavan also visited renowned Israeli ongoing cooperation between the two Institute of Technology - Technion and

Mr. Scindia visits NaanDanJain Irrigation

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry,Jyotiraditya Scindia visits Israel

ECONOMIC NEWS

Minister of State for Science and Technology visits IsraelMarch 20-23, 2010

The delegation meets withIsraeli President Shimon Peres

Minister Chavan meets withIsraeli President Shimon Peres

Minister Chavan meets with Israeli Minister ofScience and Technology

Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry,J. Scindia, meets with

Israeli President Shimon Peres

Minister Scindia meets with Israeli Minister ofIndustry, Trade and Labor, Benjamin Ben Eliezer

3

ECONOMIC NEWS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation participated in a round table conference organized by the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute and interacted with leading Israeli agriculture companies. The delegation visited several sites of interest including NaanDan Jain Irrigation systems (Kibbutz Naan), Kibbutz Nitzanim (orange groves and citrus packaging house), Kibbutz Zikim

A 5-member high level delegation, led by (greenhouses), Moshav Shahar, Besor Mr. T. Nanda Kumar, Secretar y Research and Development Experiment (Agriculture & Cooperation), Ministry of Station, and Hydroponic plantations. Agriculture, Government of India, visited In addition, the delegation visited the Israel from January 10-14, 2010. The AgroMashov 2009 Exhibition at the delegation comprised of senior officials exhibition grounds in Tel Aviv and from the agriculture departments of explored the Israeli agricultural market Rajasthan, Haryana and Maharashtra. and the opportunities it has to offer to During their visit, the delegation met India.with Israeli Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Shalom Simhon, Mr. Yosi (Joseph) Ichay, Director General, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Mr. Itzik Ben David, Senior Deputy Director General, officials from the Agriculture Research Organization (ARO), officials from the Veterinary Services, and officials from MASHAV, Israel’s National Agency for International Development Cooperation,

The delegation meets with Israeli Minister of Agriculture,Shalom Simhon and Mr. Yosi Ichay,

Director General, Ministry of Agriculture

traveled to India (January 11-14, 2009) on an official visit with a delegation of businesspeople from 25 Israeli companies in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure, alternative energy, water, internal security, communications and services. During his visit in New Delhi, the Israeli Minister met with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Minister for External Affairs and Minister

Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and of Agriculture among other official Labor, Mr. Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, meetings.

Secretary of Agriculture visits Israel

Mr. Benjamin Ben Eliezer, Israeli Minister of Industry,Trade and Labor meets with Mr. Anand Sharma,

Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry

Israeli Minister of Industry,Trade and Labor visits India to

discuss trade relations

Mr. T. Nanda Kumar, Secretary of Agriculture, meets withIsraeli Minister of Agriculture, Shalom Simhon

A 13-member delegation of senior officials from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) led by Mr. S.S. Rajshekhar, General Manager, visited Israel from February 22 - March 1, 2010 for an Exposure-cum-Study visit on Regional Development, High Tech Agriculture and Innovative Irrigation Solutions in Israel. The major objectives of the Study were to document the development and the technological progress made by Israel in the areas that are critical and relevant to Indian agriculture and to examine its adaptability in India.The study team visited a number of farming systems - Moshavs and Kibbutz; greenhouse, computer controlled micro irrigation system, nursery unit, dairy unit, NaanDanJain Irrigation Company, besides holding discussions with Institute for Technology and storage of agricultural products and post harvesting, the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute, State Bank of India and the Ambassador at the Embassy of India in Israel.In addition to the visits, the group had lectures on Integrated Regional Development the "Rehovot Approach" and on the Development of the Israeli Agriculture.The visit was organized by the Weitz Center for Development Studies, in Rehovot.

The delegation meets with Ambassador

NABARD delegationvisits Israel

The Israel Export and International reinforce and expand Indian-Israeli Cooperation Institute (IEICI) has agricultural cooperation. It is structured established a close-knit forum consisting as a Public to Private Partnership (PPP) of representatives from the Ministry of model sponsored by the Israeli Industry, Trade and Labor, the Ministry government. The program was launched of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of on February 21, 2010 in the presence of Agriculture to bring together capabilities, the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and budgets and resources to promote the Labor, Mr. Benjamin Ben Eliezer, and GroWin program over the next decade Ambassador Navtej Sarna. A delegation from 2010 to 2020 for development of from YES Bank, India, also attended the advanced agriculture in semi-arid areas seminar organized on this occasion and in India by efficient use of water held talks with Israeli companies for resources. The GroWin program aims to possible partnership.

ECONOMIC NEWS

4

At the seminar: Israeli Minister for Industry, Trade & Labour Mr. Binyamin Ben Eliezer at center;Ambassador and Mr. Avi Hefetz, CEO IEICI to his left; Mr. P.S.R. Raju, VP FASAR Division, Yes Bank

Limited and Mr. Elad Goz, Consul-Economic, Consulate General of Israel, Mumbai, to his right

A 6-member high level delegation from Research Station, and more.Ministry of Agriculture, Government of In addition, the delegation met with Haryana, visited Israel from January 23- senior officials from MASHAV (Israel’s 29, 2010, in order to further explore Agency for International Development cooperation with Israel. Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign The delegation visited various sites of Affairs) and CINADCO (Israel’s Center interest including the following: Rozen f o r In t e rna t i ona l A g r i cu l tu ra l Nursery, Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu, Kibbutz Development Cooperation, Ministry of Nir Oz, Kibbutz Kalya, “Yair Farm” Agriculture).

At the concluding session of the course students on February 5, 2010, at the Haifa “Doing Business with India”, part of the University. The presentation covered both International MBA program at the Haifa business related as well as cultural related University, a presentation on “India – issues which are of interest to anyone Now More than Ever” was given by the interested in entering the Indian market, Second Secretar y (Economic & opening an office there, and doing Commerce), Mr. Sanjay Vyas, before MBA business with the sub-continent.

Ambassador inaugurates the Indian boothat the IMTM exhibition

GroWin program of IEICI

Haryana delegation visits Israel

“India – Now more than Ever” Presentation at the Haifa University

Mediterranean TourismMarket (IMTM)

Exhibition

The 16th International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) took place in the Israel Trade Fairs & Convention Center in Tel Aviv on February 9-10, 2010.IMTM is the largest annual professional tourism fair of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean and it serves to promote incoming tourism, domestic tourism and outgoing tourism, as well as to strengthen cooperation among tourism bodies in Israel and elsewhere in the world. Seven Indian companies led by the India Tourism Frankfurt office (represented by Mr. Anil Oraw, Assistant Director) participated in this international tourism exhibition. The Indian participation included an India booth showcasing tourism opportunities in India. A seminar on "Incredible India" was held on February 10, 2010. The theme of the presentation was to project India as a tourist destination and to discuss ways to jointly promote tourism to and from India. The presentation was followed by an interactive session between the participating Indian companies and the Israeli counterparts attending the seminar. Various brochures, posters and DVDs were distributed to the participants.

Talk by AmbassadorAmbassador delivered a talk on “Recent Milestones in India’s Foreign Policy” at Tel Aviv University on January 27, 2010. This was followed by a lively interactive session with the audience. The talk was attended by academicians, scholars and diplomats.

5

For the first time, an Israeli company (Royal Enfield Israel 2008 Ltd) has started importing from India the Classic Royal Enfield motorcycles. On February 11, 2010, senior representatives of the company showcased some of the motorcycles at the Embassy before Ambassador Navtej Sarna and other senior officials of the Embassy. The company reported that till now over 20 Classic Royal Enfield motorcycles were imported to Israel.

Importing of RoyalEnfield Motorcycles

to Israel

ECONOMIC NEWS

Indian Plastics delegationvisits Israel

A 10-member high level plastic Department for Economic Affairs III, delegation from India, visited Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Eyal from March 14-19, 2010 in order to Dekel from the Manufacturers’ further explore the Israeli Plastic Association of Israel. Following the market and the opportunities it has to offer to Indian companies.The delegation was led by Mr. Shiv Singh Mehta, President of the Organization of Plastic Processors of India (OPP) and Managing Director of Kriti Industries Ltd, and Mr. Ashok Goel, Vice Chairman & MD, Essel Propack Limited. On March

greetings and presentations there were 15, a business seminar called “Indo-B2B meetings between the Indian Israeli Cooperation in Plastics” was delegates and leading Israeli plastic o r gan ized by the Embassy in companies. During their visit in Israel, cooperation with the Federation of the delegation visited various plastic Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC).factories and academic institutions The seminar included greetings and i n c l u d i n g S h e n k a r C o l l e g e , presentations by Ambassador Navtej NaanDanJain Irrigation Systems, Sarna, Advocate Uriel Lynn, President of Netafim, Metzerplas, Carmel Olefins, FICC, Mr. Shiv Singh Mehta, President Plastopil, and Tefen Plastic. OPP, Mr. Gi l Haskel , Director,

The delegation visits NaanDanJain

Mr. Uriel Lynn, President of FICC, addressesthe gathering

At the business seminar ‘Indo-Israeli Cooperation in Plastics’

As part of the Young Indians Mission to Israel and Istanbul, a 14-member delegation visited Israel from March 16-22, 2010. During their visit, the delegation visited various Centers of Excellence as well as leading companies including the Tel Aviv University, Shafdan (waste water treatment facility), the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), Weizmann Institute, NaanDanJain Irrigation Systems, MATIMOP (Israeli Center for R&D), Elbit Imaging, and more.

Young Indians Missionto Israel

6

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

The Embassy organized a Guru Dutt Ghulam”, “Chaudhvin Ka Chand”, Ambassador addressed the gathering Retrospective in Israel from January 20 “Kaagaz Ke Phool”, “Pyaasa”, “Mr. & and reflected on the strong social – February 8, 2010. Mrs .55” , “Baaz” , “ J aa l ” were message of Guru Dutt’s movies. He also The festival was supported by the Public showcased. mentioned that the Guru Dutt Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External A cocktail reception organised by the retrospective festival was inspired by the Affairs, New Delhi and was held in Mission preceded the inaugural success of the film festival held in collaboration with the Cinematheques of screening of “Pyaasa” at Tel Aviv December - January 2010. Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, and Shai Cinematheque on January 27, 2010, He also mentioned that the Guru Dutt Motion Pictures, Petah Tikva. During the which was attended by a large audience retrospective festival was inspired by the festival seven of the acclaimed Guru including diplomats and members of success of the film festival held in Dutt’s films including “Sahib Bibi Aur the Indian community. December - January 2010.

Indian Film Festival – A Guru Dutt RetrospectiveJanuary 20 - February 8, 2010

The Indian Jewish community in Israel groups during the events spread over Scheme (OCI), Scholarship Programme celebrated the “Hoduyada”, in southern three days. for Diaspora Children (SPDC) and the coastal town of Eilat from January 14 - Mr. Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary, Know India Programme (KIP), which is 16, 2010. addressed the gathering and described becoming increasingly popular among The highlight of the event was the the Indian community in Israel as a very the Indian origin persons/youth of performance by Indian Pop singer Daler important component of the growing Israel.Mehndi and his group who had relationship between India and Israel. The event was promoted by the Central especially come to perform on the He also briefed the audience about the Organisation of Indian Jews in Israel occasion. They were joined by local various programmes of the Government (COIJI) and prominent Indian artistes from the Indian community of India including Overseas Citizenship community members.

“Hoduyada” in Eilat

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

An Indian cultural evening was organised on March 9, 2010 in Petah Tiqwa by the Indian Jewish Community. The evening featured cultural per formances including presentation of Bollywood songs by Rubin Ephraim from Haifa and Sophia Solomon from Petah Tiqwa. Mr. Itzik Ohayan, Mayor of Petah Tiqwa, was the guest of honour and the Embassy was represented by Mr. Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary. About 350 persons attended the function.

Indian Evening In Petah Tiqwa

First Secretary Sharad Srivastava addressesthe gathering

Rendition of Bollywood songs by artistes fromthe community

Two Israeli youth (2 girls) of Indian The participants were taken to Kerala Delhi and got an opportunity to meet the origin participated in the 13th Know and Rajasthan as part of the KIP President of India, Smt. Pratibha India Programme (KIP) held from programme. They also visited Delhi. Devisingh Patil and other high December 28, 2009 to January 20, 2010, The participants were exposed to various dignitaries during the programme.organised by the Ministry of Overseas facets of modern India and were also The KIP provides a unique forum for Indian Affairs, Government of India, in familiarized with Indian history, culture youth of Indian origin to visit India, share partnership with Confederation of and heritage during the three week their views, expectations/experiences Indian Industry (CII). They were joined programme. They also participated in and bond closely with contemporary by participants from all over the world. the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, 2010 in India.

On a visit to the Taj Mahal

13th Know India Programme (KIP)

Delegates in front of the Qutub Minar

Event at Beit Avi ChaiThe Mission, in coordination with “Beit Avi Chai”, a cultural centre in Jerusalem, organised an event titled “A Journey to the Bene-Israel Community in India” including “Rag Sounds Ensemble” on March 11, 2010. The event included a lecture, an interview with Dr. Shalva Weil who has studied the Indian Jewish community closely and with Ms. Sophie Judah, a member of the community who authored a book “Dropped from Heaven”. Ambassador, speaking on the occasion, emphasized the cultural richness of the Indian Jewish community and hoped that many more such functions bringing out the Indian Jewish heritage would be organised in future. Ambassador addresses the gathering at ‘Beit Avi Chai’

7

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

World Hindi Day celebration,2010

The Embassy celebrated World Hindi by the students in Hindi. Day in Israel on March 22, 2010 in The Embassy was represented by Mr. association with the South East Asian Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary, who Department of Tel Aviv University. delivered a speech in Hindi and The func t ion was he ld a t an appreciated the interest being shown auditorium in Gilman Building of Tel in the universities of Israel in Hindi. Aviv University. Mr. Zvika Serper, Head of East Asia The celebration drew about 150 India Studies Department at Tel Aviv enthusiasts including students from University, emphasized the role played Tel Aviv University, Haifa University, by Hindi teachers, particularly Dr. Ha i f a and Hebrew Un i ve r s i t y, Genady Shlomper in generating Jerusalem participating in a range of interest in the language among activities in Hindi. students.The programme started with Sarsawati The Embassy presented prizes to the Vandana and included a short skit, winners of the quiz, Hindi books and songs and dance with background instrumental/classical music audio music of Bollywood Hindi movies and CDs to the university library.a quiz in Hindi. The programme concluded with The entire programme was conducted Indian snacks.

to Cochini Jewish community living in Israel.He also explained the various Government of India schemes such as Overseas Citizenship Scheme (OCI), Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) and the Know India Programme (KIP) etc. for I s r ae l i you th and d i s t r i bu ted information material on these schemes.

The Cochini Jewish Community living in Israel held an annual Cochini Jewish convention at Dead Sea Hotel Leonardo Club from March 18-20, 2010.M r. S h a r a d S r i v a s t a v a , F i r s t Secretary, attended the convention a n d s p o k e o n I n d o - I s r a e l relationship and matters of concern

Yearly Cochini Jewish conventionat Dead Sea

An even t mark ing the recen t

publication of the biography of Irena

Sendler entitled “Irena Sendler - The

Sav ior o f Holocaust Chi ldren”

published in India, was held on March

16, 2010 at the Holocaust Memorial,

Yad Vashem, Jerusalem.

The publisher of the biography Mr.

Ulhas Latkar of the Ameya Prakashan

Publishing House attended the event.

A short tribute in honour of Irena

Sendler was read while presenting the

biography to the Director of Yad

Vashem Libraries.

Also present was the Ambassador of

Poland to Israel and a visiting

delegation of educators from Poland.

Mr. Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary

attended the event and reflected on

the relevance of Irena Sendler to the

Indian context, where the Jewish

community assimilated in Indian

society, lived like any other religious

c o m m u n i t y a n d n e v e r f a c e d

persecution.

Event atYad Vashem,Jerusalem

View of the gathering 8

Welcoming guests and participants to the annualCochini Jewish convention

Visit of IIPA delegation

A twenty eight member delegation from the Indian Institute for Public Administration (IIPA) comprising senior bureaucrats and defence officials, visited Israel on a study tour from January 11-16, 2010.

Ambassador’s VisitFebruary 28, 2010 –Ambassador visited Hatzor Haglilit and met the Indian community and the Mayor of Hatzor Haglilit.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

A friendly cricket match was organised Secretary of the Nepalese Embassy in on March 13, 2010 at the Hadar Yosef the presence of officers of Indian and Stadium, Tel Aviv, by Nepalese Workers’ Nepalese Embassies. Association in Israel between the Embassy of India and Nepalese teams in the memory of Anita Tamang (2nd Anita Tamang Memorial Cricket Trophy, 2010).Ambassador inaugurated the match and addressed the gathering. The Embassy of India team staged a thumping victory. Officers, staff of Indian Embassy and Nepalis working in Israel were present during the match.Trophy and prizes were distributed to the winning team by the Second

c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r s t o t h e Ambassador and briefed him about the activities of the Indian community and cooperation with Indian Embassy. Mr. Nissim Moses, community member, gave a brief review of the Heritage of the Bene-Israel Community in India. Ambassador thanked the COIJI for the reception and assured all cooperation from the Indian Embassy to the Indian community. The Central Organisation of Indian Jews

in Israel (COIJI) held a welcome r e c e p t i o n f o r A m b a s s a d o r i n coordinat ion wi th Str i Mandal (women’s organization of Share Shalom Synagogue, Lod) on March 5, 2010 at the ‘Namaste’ Indian restaurant in Ashdod. The function included a performance of Indian classical dance by the “Sapna” dance group. Mr. Noah Massil, President of COIJI and Mrs. Elizabeth Elis David Nowgaonkar, President Stri Mandal introduced the

A Bharatnatayam performance - “Krishna Mandela” was presented by Ms. Miho Kataoka (a Bharatnatayam dancer who learnt the dance in India) with a Western flute player Yoav Bitner at Inbal Dance Theatre, Tel Aviv on January 6, 2010.The theme of the dance was based on Lord Krishna.Mr. Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary attended the performance.

The Embassy organised screening of Hindi movie “Taare Zameen Par” on March 27,2010 at the Cultural Centre (Heychal Hatarbut), Ramle for the Indian community living in Israel.About 250 persons attended the show.

The victorious team celebrates

Cricket match between Embassy ofIndia and Embassy of Nepal Screening of Hindi

movie in Ramle

Welcome Reception for Ambassador BharatnatayamPerformance

Miho Kataoka and flutist Yoav Bitner inperformance at Inbal Dance Theatre, Tel Aviv

COIJI President Mr. Noah Massil welcomingAmbassador and Dr. (Mrs.) Sarna

9

Artiste from Sapna Dance Group with Dr. AvinaSarna and Ambassador. They are flanked by

Mrs. Elizabeth Elis David Nowgaonkar, Presidentof Stri Mandal, and Mr. Noah Massil,

President of COIJI

INDIAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC NEWS

INDIAN ECONOMY: TELECOM / IT/ BIOTECHNOLOGY:

AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY:

Economy to post 8.75% growth in India data centre services market 2010-11 to touch US$ 2.2 billion by 2011

Auto industry records highest ever sales this financial year

Investment proposals by India Inc Indian IT services will soon see grow by 16% in 2009 double-digit growth: Gartner

Nissan-Renault's plant near Chennai inaugurated

Computer sales surf higher on economic revival

Auto sector to post 10%-12% Mauritius contributes growth in sales in 2010: Fitch

largest FDI

TCS, Infosys and Wipro increase global hiring

Options trading in currency futures gets nod

stagnated around 10%. TCS, Infosys and Wipro reported stronger than expected results for the December quarter.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Reserve The data centre services market in the Bank of India (RBI)-Organisation for country, is forecast to grow at a compound E c o n o m i c C o - o p e r a t i o n a n d annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.7 per Development (OECD) workshop, Union cent over the period between 2009 and The domestic auto industry is set to hit Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, has 2011, to touch close to US$ 2.2 billion by an all-time high sales figure of 12.2 said that the economy would grow by close the end of 2011, according to the research million units in FY 2009-10, surpassing to 7.2 per cent in the current fiscal, and firm IDC India. The IDC India report the previous sales record of 10.1 million the economy was forecast to grow between stated that the overall India data centre units in FY 2006-07. The strong growth 8.25 per cent and 8.75 per cent in the services market in 2009 is estimated at is in terms of passenger car volumes, 2010-2011 fiscal. US$ 1.39 billion. two-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

This also represents a growth of 25.48% over FY 2008-09 (9.7 million units). The phenomenal growth rides on the back of With the economy coming back on the By mid-2011, the Indian information a low base, new launches-primarily in growth path, investment proposals by technology services sector will be back to the compact car category - lower interest India Inc saw an increase of about 16% to growth in double-digits, according to rates and the 4% reduction in excise US$ 345.3 billion in 2009, according to a research and advisory agency, Gartner. duty as part of the fiscal stimulus.study by the Associated Chambers of The sector may not touch the 30-40 per

Commerce and Industry of India cent growth rates it witnessed before the (ASSOCHAM). As per the study, the total slowdown, but an register above 20 per investment plans of Indian companies, cent growth as it nears calendar year The new car factory set up by Nissan of which were surveyed by the industry 2011. Japan with its French partner, Renault, chamber ASSOCHAM, increased from US$ at Oragadam near Chennai was 299.12 billion in 2008 to US$ 345.3 billion inaugurated in the presence of state in 2009 in sectors like power, real estate Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Carlos Economic revival, technological and infrastructure. Gujarat, Orissa and Ghosn, Chief Executive, Renault-Nissan developments and right pricing led to Andhra Pradesh have received maximum Alliance, said the new plant would overall sales of the Indian personal investment proposals among the states manufacture 200,000 cars, half for the computer (PC) market touching 1.97 with 15.4%, 12.6%, and 8.1% respectively export market, by 2012, and 400,000 by million units during the October-of the total proposed investments, the 2014.December (fourth) quarter of calendar study added. year 2009 — a 25.7 per cent year-on-year

(y-o-y) growth, according to a report by IDC, the research and advisory company. The Indian auto industry is likely to see a

Between 2000 and November 2009, Desktop PC sales accounted for nearly growth of 10%-12% in sales in 2010, foreign direct investment (FDI) from two-thirds of total PC sales at 1.27 million according to a report by the global rating Mauritius into the country stood at over units, a 14.6 per cent increase over the firm, Fitch. According to the report, US$ 43.1 billion, contributing the largest corresponding quarter last year. Indian Auto Sector Outlook, the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow into competition in the country's auto sector India. During the April 2000-November is likely to increase due to increasing 2009 period, FDI inflows from Mauritius penet ra t ion o f g loba l or i g ina l Country's top three outsourcing into India stood at US$ 45.24 billion. This equipment manufacturers (OEM). companies are increasing global hiring amount accounts for 44 per cent of total India is witnessing an entry of and increasing pay as global corporations, foreign direct investment into the country i n t e r n a t i o n a l O E M s , e i t h e r mainly from the US, send more work which stands at US$ 104.9 billion. independently or in collaboration with offshore to cut costs. Tata Consultancy

existing players to take advantage of an Services, Infosys, and Wipro expanded established distribution network. The their global workforces by an average of competitive intensity in the auto In a move to help importers, exporters 5.1% last quarter, benefiting India as industry is likely to increase over the and commodity traders hedge currency companies outsource more work to cut medium term due to the number of new risks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has costs. The employment revival in India's players, as well as the higher number of allowed options trading in the currency outsourcing sector, which counts on the new product launches from existing futures market in its Annual Policy US for about 60% of global sales, comes as players.Statement, 2010-11. unemployment in the US stands 10

FORTHCOMING EVENTSIN INDIA

Gears Motors & Controls ExpoMay 6-9, 2010, Mumbai

India International Furniture & Décor Fair May 6-10, 2010, Mumbai

India International Sign Show May 7-9, 2010, Mumbai

East India Jewllery ShowMay 8-10, 2010, Kolkata

Automotive Engineering Show May 14-17, 2010, Chennai

Communications India 2010May 20-22, 2010, Bangalore

All Food TechJune 11-14, 2010, Bangalore

ACMEE 2010 – International Machine Tools June 17-21, 2010, Chennai

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

Global Investors Meet June 3-4, 2010, Bangalore

AgriTech 2010 June 15-18, 2010, Angrau University Campus Rajendranagar, Hyderabad,

Safe 2010 4th International Exhibition & Conference on Internal Security July 28-30, 2010, New Delhi

www.advantagekarnataka.com

www.card.org.in

www.biztradeshows.com

Deep fried cottage cheese cubes can be soaked in some warm water to which lemon juice and salt are added. This will keep them extra soft and prevent them from hardening.The cottage cheese cubes can be added without frying. However, avoid stirring often as they crumble. Do not overcook spinach so as to get a bright green colored gravy.

Serve hot with: white rice or Indian bread (Chapati, Nan, Pooris).

Tips:

Popular Indian Recipes

Palak - Paneer

Serves: 4

Cooking time (approx.): 7 minutes

Style: North Indian Vegetarian

Ingredients: 600 grams (about 24 oz.) tender spinach washed 2 green chillies chopped 2 cup(s) cottage cheese cubes 2 tablespoon(s) butter / oil for main dish 1/2 teaspoon(s) cumin seeds 1 tablespoon(s) finely chopped garlic 1 tablespoon(s) finely chopped ginger salt to taste 1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice 2 tablespoon(s) creamlots of finely chopped fresh coriander to garnish

Method: Blanch the spinach in lots of boiling salted water for about 3 minutes. Refresh in chilled water. Squeeze out excess water gently and blend to a fine paste with the green chillies. Squeeze out excess water gently and blend to a fine paste with the green chillies.Deep fry the cottage cheese cubes in moderately hot oil till light golden in color. Drain on absorbent paper.Heat the clarified butter / oil in a heavy-based pan. Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add the garlic and ginger. Fry briefly till the raw smell goes away. Add the chopped spinach puree, salt and mix well. Add water if required to get a gravy of desired consistency and bring to a boil. Add the deep fried cottage cheese cubes and stir to mix gently. Mix in the lemon juice. Simmer for about 4 minutes. Put off the heat and mix in the cream.

Garnish with chopped fresh coriander.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

11

The Ridge: Prospect Hill:

Christ Church:Naldehra:

Chail:

Jakhu Hill:Jubbal:

Summer Hill:

Chadwick Falls:

The large open space in the heart of town presents Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, an excellent view of the mountain ranges. this is located on the Shimla-Bilaspur road. Five kms from the

Situated on the main town, the hill offers a spectacular view of the area. Ridge is Christ Church, which is the Twenty two kms from Shimla and surrounded by second oldest church in northern beautiful deo-dar trees Naldehra has a well kept golf-course. It is India. Built in the Neo-Gothic style, a popular picnic spot. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in it bears a majestic appearance with Naldehra. stained glass windows that Chail is a little mountainous heaven, 45 kms from represent faith, hope, charity, Shimla. It was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala fortitude, patience and humility. before Independence. The forests near Chail have many species

Two kms from Shimla, of birds and deer. at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is Headquarters of the erstwhile Princely State, Jubbal the highest peak and offers a (90 kms) has a superbly maintained palace which was designed beautiful view of the town and of the by a French architect in 1930 and is a remarkable mix of snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, there is an European and indigenous styles. ancient Hanuman temple.

Situated at a distance of 5 kms from the Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill at a height of 6,500 ft. on

the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla.

Surrounded by thick forests, this water fall is located seven kms away from Shimla. A 45-minutes walk from Summer Hill chowk can also take you to the falls.

12

How to reach

India Calls – ShimlaThe former summer capital of British named it "Simla".India and the present capital of Shimla is endowed with scenic Himachal Pradesh, Shimla has been locations and is surrounded by green blessed with all the natural bounties hills and the snow capped Himalayas. one can think of. Shimla derives its T h e s p e c t a c u l a r c o o l h i l l s name from "Shyamala" - the goddess accompanied by the structures made Kali, whose temple existed in the during the colonial era create an aura dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in which is very different from other hill the early 19th century. The British stations.

By Air:

By Rail:

By Road:

Vayudoot services connect Jubbor-Hatti (23 kms from Shimla) with Kullu, Chandigarh and Delhi. Delhi is in turn connected with other Indian cities by Indian Airlines flights.

Shimla is connected by a narrow gauge railway line with Kalka (90 kms), which is well-connected with major cities in the country.

Regular bus services connect Shimla with Chandigarh 117 kms, Kullu 220 kms, Manali 260 kms, Delhi 343 kms, Mandi 150 kms, Pathankot 380 kms, Ambala 151 kms, Chail 43 kms, Dehradun 240 kms etc.

When to visit: April to mid-July and mid-September to mid-November.

For more on India tourism, visit: www.himachaltourism.nic.in; www.tourismofindia.com

Tourist attractions