A Publication of the Embassy of , Washington, D.C.

April 2014

I India RevieI w Vol. 10 Issue 4 www.indianembassy.org

Indian Ambassador to the US Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar with US President Barack Obama at the Oval Office of the White House on March 10. Photo: The White House Ambassador presents his credentials to President Obama

n India to emerge n Indian media to n Google offers largest aviation grow 14.2 percent, indoor maps in market in the world says a CII•study India Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS Ambassador presents credentials to US President

mbassador of India to the , Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Apresented his credentials on March 10 to the President of the United States of America (USA) Barack H. Obama at the Oval Office of the White House. President Obama warmly wel - comed Ambassador Jaishankar to Washington and wished him success in his responsibilities as India’s next Ambassador to the United States. The President said that US and India could accomplish a lot together. Ambassador Jaishankar, in his remarks to President Obama, con - veyed warm greetings from the President and the to him and Mrs. Michelle Obama. Ambassador Jaishankar assured President Obama of his com - mitment to expand key pillars of the bilateral relationship including eco - nomic relations and trade ties, defense and security, energy, science and technology and global issues. Indian Ambassador Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar with President Barack Obama. Photo: The White House

Ambassador welcomes US move to include more Sikh in military mbassador of India, Dr. S. The large number of signatories to walks of life. The Sikh community's Jaishankar welcomed the this letter testifies to the important success in the United States is a Abipartisan Congressional letter role played by the Sikh community in source of pride for India and a pillar issued on March 10, 2014 to the U.S. the United States and its various of the India-U.S. partnership.” Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Speaking of the contributions of the urging the Department of Defense to THE LETTER WAS ISSUED TO Sikh community in India, Ambassador promote inclusion of Sikh communi - Jaishankar noted, “India takes pride in ty members in the U.S. Armed Forces US SECRETARY OF DEFENSE being the cradle of Sikhism. The Sikh by modernizing appearance regula - CHUCK HAGEL URGING HIM community is an intrinsic part of tions that allow them to wear turbans India's multi-religious and pluralistic and maintain beards. TO PROMOTE INCLUSION OF fabric. Sikhs have made India proud 2 The letter is authored by with their sacrifices, achievements and Congressmen Joe Crowley (D-NY) SIKH MEMBERS IN THE US leadership. India's Sikh sons and and Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), ARMED FORCES BY daughters have held the highest offices and signed by over a hundred in the land and have served at the high - Members of Congress. MODERNIZING APPEARANCE est ranks including at Four Star ranks In a statement following the letter's in the Indian military. The tremendous release, Ambassador Jaishankar said, REGULATIONS THAT ALLOW progress and prosperity they have “The Congressional initiative is an THEM TO WEAR TURBANS achieved, and their enormous contri - important step towards upholding the bution to their motherland, speak vol - cultural and religious rights of the AND MAINTAIN BEARDS. umes about their indefatigable spirit of Sikh community in the United States. enterprise and diligence.”

April 2014 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS

Photo album of Ambassador’s meetings

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5 1. Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida on March 3. 2. Ambassador with Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut on March 5. 3. Ambassador with the CEOs of Indian companies in the U.S. at a round table meeting of the CII India Business Forum at the Embassy on March 27. 4. On March 28, the US welcomed an Indian delegation to discuss India-U.S. relations with a specific focus on East Asia. The Indian Delegation included MEA Joint Secretaries Guatam Bambawale, Vikram Doraiswami, Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar and DCM Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The delegation was met on the U.S. side by Assistant Secretary Russell, Assistant Secretary Biswal and Admiral Lockler. (Photo: U.S. Department of State) 5. Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar meeting with House Minority Whip, Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland on March 30.

April 2014 India Review Bilateral EVENTS India-US energy dialogue meeting India and the United States affirm that both countries have a strong commitment to collaborating on energy and promoting greater technological innovation

he India-U.S. Energy Dialogue was held in New on March 11. The TDialogue was co-chaired by Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and Dr. Ernest Moniz, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy. The Energy Dialogue is part of the broader Indo-U.S. Strategic Dialogue. The Energy Dialogue was launched in May 2005 with the last meeting held in September 2012 in Washington DC. Secretary Moniz led the U.S. delega - tion comprising of senior officials from the Department of Energy and various national laboratories. At the end of the meeting, India and the United States affirmed that both countries had a strong commitment to collaborating on energy and promoting greater technological innovation, sci - entific collaboration, trade, research and development, deploying environ - ment-friendly technologies and prod - ucts, and promoting sound regulatory frameworks to deliver energy solutions Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia with Dr. Ernest Moniz, US for sustainable growth. Energy Secretary during the meeting. Officials from the two sides held meetings from March 5 to March 11 agreed to significantly increase collab - co-chairs expressed satisfaction at the and reviewed the full range of cooper - oration under the Partnership to progress made in the energy sector ation under the U.S.–India Energy Advance Clean Energy (PACE) for through the co-operative process. Dialogue. deployment, research and develop - They directed the members of the The co-chairs of the dialogue, Dr. ments in clean energy. working groups to continue their Ahluwalia, and Secretary Moniz dis - The PACE program has already efforts, especially in the newer areas of cussed progress made by the working mobilized public and private resources mutual interest. Dr Ahluwalia briefed groups in renewable energy and new to support clean energy research and the Secretary, Energy about the India technologies, cooperation in shale gas, accelerate the deployment of clean Energy Security Scenarios, 2047 and 4 LNG imports, energy efficiency and energy technologies, policies and prac - presented him a copy of the document. low carbon technologies. tices among others. The Planning Commission Deputy The members from the U.S-India The India-U.S. Dialogue is an ongo - Chairman asked the U.S. side to study virtual Joint Clean Energy Research ing program, and new initiatives such the hypotheses of this energy scenario- and Development Center (JCERDC) as forecasting air conditioning building exercise, and welcomed any also highlighted their progress in solar, demand, improving efficiency for comments on it. advanced bio-fuels, and energy effi - space cooling and the PEACE The US Energy Secretary thanked ciency research projects under PACE- (Promoting Energy Access through the Deputy Chairman for hosting the R, a unique program for funding joint Clean Energy) initiative were launched U.S. energy team, and looked forward research by Indian and US institutes. in 2013. to collaboration between the two In the year 2009, the U.S. and India In their concluding remarks, the two countries.

April 2014 India Review Bilateral EVENTS US-India business successes highlighted Economic successes of three US corporations in India and three Indian companies in the US were highlighted at an event organized on Capitol Hill

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he Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the U.S.- India Business Council T(USIBC) on March 27 host - ed several members of Congress, busi - ness executives, and friends of India for a packed event, “Success Stories in the U.S.-India Partnership” on Capitol Hill. The event highlighted the eco - nomic successes of three U.S. corpora - tions in India and three Indian compa - Above: Seated from left: Madhu Vuppuluri, Chairman, CII India Business Forum USA and CEO, Essar nies in the US. Americas; Rep Joe Crowley (NY), Co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans; Dr. S. Jaishankar, Ambassador of India to the US; Rep Pete Olson (TX); Ron Somers, President, USIBC House India Caucus Co-chair and Rep Ami Bera (CA). Below: A section of the audience Representative Joseph Crowley (NY) offered remarks along with Ambassador Jaishankar said he was that investment to go above $3 billion if Congressmen Pete Olson (TX), Ami optimistic about the future of the state permits come through. Bera (CA), and Rick Nolan (MN). India-U.S. partnership. He pointed out Mahindra recently celebrated the Indian Ambassador to the US Dr. S. that trade investments have grown 20th anniversary of their U.S. opera - Jaishankar delivered the keynote three times since 2005. tions. With investments in California, address and Kapil Sharma, Senior The panel discussion featured Georgia, Kansas, Pennsylvania, General Manager, Tata Sons moderat - Madhu Vuppuluri, CEO, Essar Tennessee and Texas, Mahindra has ed a panel discussion with representa - Americas; Steve Biegun, Vice created 3000 jobs in the US. tives from the featured corporations President, International Government Mahindra also has very successful Essar Americas, Flex Films (USA), Affairs, Ford Motor Company; Mani corporate social responsibility (CSR) Mahindra USA, Corning, Gilead, and Iyer, President, Mahindra USA; initiatives in universities and local com - Ford Motor Company. Clifford Samuel, Vice President, munities. Congressman Crowley opened with Access Operations and Emerging Gilead has collaborations with 15 praise of Ambassador Jaishankar’s Markets, Gilead; Pradeep Tyle, CEO, drug manufacturers in India with tenure thus far in his new capacity and Flex Films (USA) Inc.; and Deb licenses to provide Gilead medicines in with congratulations to the people of Waggoner, Director Global resource-constrained countries. Flex India on the upcoming elections. Government Affairs, Corning. Films (USA) has operations in “815 million people partaking in this Each of the panelists outlined the Kentucky to manufacture flexible great democratic experiment is a mar - success story of their company and packaging and Tyle appreciated the vel to behold. People from all walks of how it embodies the potential that effective streamlining of the permitting life have a chance to shape the direc - exists within the partnership. processes from the state government. tion of India and we wish India well in Essar has major investments in min - Corning just opened an optical fiber this process,” the Congressman said. ing in Minnesota and is prepared for facility in Maharashtra.

April 2014 India Review Embassy EVENTS Inauguration of painting exhibition ‘Akshara’ n March 22, the Gandhi Memorial Center in association with the OEmbassy of India inau - gurated an exhibition called Akshara by Shanthi Chandrasekar. Shanthi Chandrasekar has been drawing and painting since early childhood and recently has added sculpting and Tanjore painting to her creative repertoire. Many of her works are influenced by her Indian heritage, but her true inspiration comes from the mystery and majesty Shanthi Chandrasekar (artist) speaks about the inspiration behind her AKSHARA exhibition of paint - of the world around her. Her muse ings on the occasion of the exhibit inauguration at the Gandhi Memorial Center jointly presented and her heart live where the scientif - with the Embassy of India on March 22. She spoke of her Tamil Nadu origins and surrounding com - ic and spiritual overlap. munity of scientists from all over India and her lifelong interest in discovering the origin and devel - opment of ancient and modern Indian scripts. Best-known for the vibrancy of her work, her artistry includes a diverse media: oils, acrylics, colored pencils, pen and ink, string, paper, wood, clay, soapstone, and alabaster. Shanthi is also well known for her unique insight and creative depiction of the confluence of sci - ence and art. Shanthi Chandrasekar’s works have been displayed in various loca - tions throughout the Washington D.C. area. She has received numer - ous awards for her paintings as well as her sculptures. Shanthi is a teach - ing artist with the Arts and Humanities Council of Shanthi Chandrasekar (artist) lighting the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the Akshara painting exhi - Montgomery County, Maryland. bition presented by the Gandhi Memorial Center and Embassy of India. Also seen are Srimati Kamala, President and Carrie Trybulec, Director, Gandhi Memorial Center. The exhibition is a collection of paintings depicting the relation between the sounds and symbols of the languages of South Asia. Deputy Chief of Mission meets AAHOA President In the exhibition, Shanthi tries to investigate the shapes of the letters in relation to the dominant culture Deputy Chief of 6 Mission Taranjit Singh and its origins. She focuses on the Sandhu with Fred shapes of the letters of the alphabets Swartz, President of rather than copying texts. She uses Asian American Hotel Owners Association vowels and consonants to represent (AAHOA) during the the dichotomy between the Shiva Association’s Annual (male) and Shakthi (female) and Convention in Philadelphia on March the richness this combination brings 21. about within the language. (Photo: Jay Mandal/On This exhibition will remain on dis - Assignment) play through the end of April.

April 2014 India Review Consulate EVENTS CGI Monthly lecture series: Media India: 2014-15

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Clockwise from left: (L-to R) Salman Rushdie, Suketu Mehta, Tunku Varadarajan and Amb. Dyaneshwar M Mulay; Suketu Mehta; Tunku Varadarajan and a section of the audience during the event at Consulate General of India, New York.

n the evening of March duce the diversity an vibrancy of Graduate School of Journalism. In 21, the Consulate Indian states. the ensuing question and answer ses - General of India, New The distinguished speaker Mr sion, a good number of questions OYork kicked off Media Suketu Mehta, author and thinker were answered by Mehta. India: 2014-15 — a monthly lecture- who is working with Arthur L. Carter The event was attended by series — at the Consulate’s ball- Journalism Institute, New York renowned author Salman Rushdie; room. Consul General of India in University talked on India & US: Digambar Bhouraskar, former New York. Traffic of Ideas. Director of United Nations and Ambassador Dyaneshwar M. Mulay In his presentation, Mehta praised writer of United Nations’ in his opening remarks said that these centuries old traditions in India of Development Aid: A Study in History conversations were aimed at dis - debate and discourse and India’s and Politics ; Kaydor Aukatsang, rep - cussing India’s global image, identity, continued long democratic tradition. resentative of His Holiness the Dalai aspirations, role and projection and Mehta also explained that in Lama for North America along with related themes aimed at mainstream today’s world there need not be ‘one many educationists and students media, university students, youth and home’ as there is more human mobil - from , PACE second generation Indian Americans. ity than ever. University, Queens College whose The Consul General highlighted The event was moderated by participation during the Question- other initiatives like “State-by-State” Tunku Varadarajan, Professor at the Answer-session made the session being taken by the Consulate to intro - City University of New York’s lively and informative.

April 2014 India Review Consulate EVENTS Community reception for Ambassador

n the evening of March 12, the Consulate General of India, New York; GOPIO International and ICommunity Reception Committee hosted a community recep - tion at the Consulate’s ball-room for Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s Ambassador to the USA, and Mrs. Kyoko Jaishankar. A large number of the members of Indian community from New York and the tri-state area attend - ed the reception. Consul General, Amb. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay welcomed the guests and introduced Ambassador Dr. Jaishankar to the audience. The newly-elected assemblyman of New Jersey state assembly Raj Mukherjee welcomed the Ambassador. The New Jersey assemblyman and Deputy Speaker Upendra Chivkula also expressed happiness over The Consulate General of India, New York hosted a community reception for Ambassador Ambassador’ visit to the region. Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Mrs. Kyoko Jaishankar. Ashook Ramsaran, President of GOPIO International also addressed tions towards India-US relations. He American community towards India’s the gathering. talked about the achievements of vari - social and economic development. Ambassador Jaishankar during his ous Indian American in numerous Ambassador Jaishankar thanked the remarks thanked the Indian-American fields in the US. He also appreciated Consulate and the Indian community community for its invaluable contribu - the contribution of the Indian for hosting him.

‘Connect India & usA’ CGI HOustON

n March 18, the Consulate General of India, New York organized a presentation titled O“Connect India & USA in 2014” at the con - sulate’s ball-room. The focus of the presentation was the development of business relations between India and the USA. CG Amb. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay in his opening remarks emphasized the need for better connection between the two countries. He also invit - 8 ed young members of Indian-American as well as American community to work together for building co-operative relationships and partnerships. Keith Zendler, CEO & Founder of The Cspace, Michigan outlined his efforts to connect India and USA through his innovative idea and technology available to the users on this web-space Cspace. Govind S. Sovale illustrated the technology. Ms Above: Above: Consul General P Harish attended as Guest of Honor for Sabbath Shyamala Desai associated with the NGO PREM Worship Service in the tradition of the Jews of India conducted by Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism on February 21. Right: Consul General P Harish briefed about the organizations who have already meeting with US Congressman Blake Farenthold (R-TX:27th District) during his joined the initiative. visit to Corpus Christi on March 19. .

April 2014 India Review Consulate EVENTS CGI CHICAGO CG meets Congressman Peter roskam

onsul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, had a meeting with Congressman Peter Roskam C(R-IL) in his office in West 9 Chicago on March 10. The discussions between the two sides covered areas like strengthening bilateral relations between India and the US in the fields of economy trade, commerce and investments. Roskam showed deep interest in various facets of India, including economy and the forthcom - ing Parliamentary elections and fondly recalled his last visit to Bengaluru. Peter Roskam is the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus of India and Indian Americans for the 113th Congress. Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed with Congressman Mr Peter Roskam (R-IL) CG joins Parsi Open House session at the consulate community during Navroz festival

onsul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed joined the Consul General’s Open House session with Indian and Indian-American community CZoroastrian (Parsi) commu - nity in Chicago in the celebrations of n interactive ‘Open House’ ses - The Consul General and senior Navroz festival at the invitation sion was organized by the diplomats were present during this Zoroastrian Association of AConsulate with members of the interactive session. Metropolitan Chicago. The Consul Indian and Indian-American commu - A number of outstanding issues on General lauded the numerous nity on February 1 at the premises of community welfare, trade and con - achievements of the Parsi community the Consulate General of India, sular activities were discussed during in India in various fields. Chicago. the session.

April 2014 India Review Consulate EVENTS CG addresses ‘Connect India ’ event

onsul General Dr. Ausaf trade, bilateral relation between India Commerce and other Indian- Sayeed delivered the and US with a special focus on American businessmen of Minnesota keynote address at the Minnesota and diaspora’s role in during his visit. The Consul General C‘Connect India’ event enhancing economy of both the also addressed a Town Hall meeting organized by the India Association of nations. at the Hindu temple organized by the Minnesota (IAM) on March 22. The Consul General also interacted Hindu Society of Minnesota The Consul General’s speech with Sean Nelipinath, Chairman and (HSMN) and interacted with the focused primarily on international CEO of the India Chamber of Indian expatriate community. Midwest trade Ambassador meets editorial delegation visits India board of The Chicago Tribune mbassador Dr. S. Jaishankar along with Consul General for Medical Fair and other officials attended an interactive session with llinois’s Department of Commerce and Amembers of the editorial board of The Chicago Tribune . Economic Opportunity sent delegation to par - The Ambassador touched upon a wide gamut of issues ranging Iticipate in the Medical Fair that was held in from foreign policy to trade and economic affairs of India dur - 10 , India from March 14-16. ing the discussion. The Chicago Tribune congratulated India Medical Fair India is India’s premier trade fair for on complete eradication of polio from the country. hospitals, health centers and clinics. The healthcare market in India is among the most flourishing service sectors of the Indian subconti - CG speaks on foreign policy at UIC nent and has been the focus of both private and gov - ernmental entities. onsul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed addressed the students Held annually, alternating between New Delhi and at University of Illinois Chicago as part of Allan Learner Mumbai, the Medical Fair provides a good platform CLecture series on foreign policy organized by to tap the enormous opportunities in the Indian International Affairs Department of Political Science in healthcare market. University of Illinois Chicago on March 6.

April 2014 India Review Indian Election 2014 Mark on finger, a moment of pride As the world’s largest democracy votes to elect a new government, indelible ink marked on voter’s finger after voting is a key aspect of the election process in India

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ndelible Ink, popularly known as Commission of India, National Voter's Ink to mark on voter’s Physical Laboratory, and National finger during elections to avoid Research Development Corporation fraudulent, multiple voting and (NRDC). Imalpractices, is not an ordinary ink, MPVL is the sole authorized supplier once it is applied on the finger it of this type of foolproof Indelible Ink in remains for few months. India having exclusive license granted The credibility of producing the spe - by National Research Development cial ink goes to the Mysore Paints and Corporation (NRDC), New Delhi Varnish Limited (MPVL) the sion has introduced a measure, i.e. since 1962. Government of Karnataka undertak - using Indelible Ink which is put on the Apart from supplying indelible ink to ing, which is supplying this ink to India left hand finger nail of the voter. Indian elections, Mysore Paints & and various foreign countries. The Indelible Ink cannot be removed Varnish Ltd has been exporting the Ink In India, the company has been a by any chemical, detergents or oil, it to 28 countries across the world since great challenge for the government and remains for few months. 1976, to name some few countries are: the Election Commission to hold and Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria, Nepal, complete the process of general elec - (MPVL) specialized in manufacturing Ghana, Papua-New Guinea, Burkina tions. In achieving this and to eliminate and supply of quality Indelible Ink, in Faso, Canada, Togo, Sierra Leone, the fake voting, the election commis - association with the Election Malaysia, Cambodia etc.

April 2014 India Review Economy NEWS

‘Aviation sector offers huge India to build 200 opportunity to foreign investors’ low-cost airports ndia plans to build 200 low-cost airports ndia, which is Iin the next 20 years to connect tier-II and poised to become tier-III cities, said a Civil Aviation Ministry the third largest official. G Ashok Kumar, Joint Secretary, Civil Iaviation market in Aviation, told reporters in Hyderabad that the world by 2020, low-cost, small and no-frill airports would offers tremendous be built in tier-II and tier-III cities, which are opportunities for foreign expected to spur the development of the investors. This was stat - aviation sector in the second phase. ed by Civil Aviation “As the operating and service costs at the Minister Ajit Singh while major airports are phenomenally high, there inaugurating India are plans to build small no-frill airports. Aviation 2014, the coun - They will have the basic infrastructure and try’s largest civil aviation will be like upgraded high-class railway sta - show, in Hyderabad on March 12. modernization of existing airports and tions,” he said. The government also plans The Minister underlined the need development of low-cost airports. to construct 15 additional airports in the for increasing international collabora - He said the move to allow 49 per - country under the Greenfield Airport Policy, tion in the sector. cent FDI by foreign airlines in Indian by identifying the most suitable low cost Minister Singh said the Indian gov - carriers was the biggest game changer viable model. ernment envisaged an investment of in attracting FDI and roping in private Airports Authority of India plans to invest `725.33 billion in the airports sector investment. “The results of this policy $15 billion in the development of non metro during the 12th Plan period, of which are already visible as two airlines — airports during the 12th Plan. `557.48 billion is expected to come Air Asia and Tata SIA — are in the India is planning to invest over $120 bil - from the private sector for construc - process of starting their operations in lion in the development of airport infra - tion of new airports, expansion and the near future,” he said. — IANS structure; improvement in connecting infra - structure; development of world class air navigation services infrastructure to improve the air connectivity. India has potential to be largest India currently ranks ninth but is expect - ed to become the third largest after US and aviation market: Report China by 2020. ndia has the potential to become One of the top 10 in the world, the the third largest aviation market by size of India’s civil aviation industry is Boeing, SpiceJet I2020 and the largest by 2030, said around `596 billion. However, the a report by FICCI-KPMG. paper says, this is a fraction of what it sign `264 bn deal There is large untapped potential for can actually achieve. oeing and SpiceJet inked `264 billion growth due to the fact that access to The report notes that the next gener - Bdeal for 42 aircraft on March 12. aviation is still a dream for nearly 99.5 ation of aviation growth in India will be The mega deal was signed at the inau - percent of the country’s population, triggered by regional airports. guration of India Aviation 2014, India’s said the report released at ‘Indian At present, there are around 450 largest civil aviation event, in Hyderabad. Aviation 2014’ on March 13 in used, unused or abandoned airports The first of the 42 737-8 MAX aircraft 12 Hyderabad. The report says Indian and airstrips spread all over the coun - ordered by SpiceJet will be delivered in civil aviation industry is on a high try. The report pointed out that many 2018, Dinesh Keskar, Senior Vice-President growth trajectory, albeit with minor Indian states, especially in Eastern of Asia Pacific and India sales, Boeing hiccups. “The industry has ushered in India, have started taking pro-active Commercial Airplanes, said. a new wave of expansion driven by measures to promote air connectivity. Keskar and S.L. Narayanan, Group CFO Low Cost Carriers (LCC), modern The report also called for immedi - for The Sun Group, signed the memoran - airports, FDI in domestic airlines, cut - ately setting up Essential Air Services dum of understanding (MoU) in the pres - ting edge IT interventions and a grow - Fund by the ministry as this will have a ence of Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh. ing emphasis on No-Frills Airports multiplier effect in terms of higher Keskar said the aircraft, a variant of 737- (NFA) and regional connectivity,” said growth of local economic activities, 800, was 14 percent more fuel efficient. the report. tourism and employment. — IANS

April 2014 India Review Economy NEWS Foreign tourist arrivals up 7.2 percent in February

oreign Tourist arrivals (FTAs) in February, 2014 was 738,000 compared to F688,000 in February last year with a growth of 7.2 percent. Foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism in rupee terms in February clocked `113.55 billion com - 13 pared to `102.52 billion in February, 2013. FTAs during February 2014 was 738,000 compared to FTAs of 688,000 during February 2013 and 681,000 in February 2012. Growth of 7.2 percent in February 2014 over February 2013. The growth was only 1 percent in February 2013 over February 2012. FTAs during January- February 2014 were 1.45 million (5.1 India’s travel and tourism industry is set to grow by about 7.3 percent in 2014 percent), compared to the FTAs of 1.38 million with a growth of 1.8 per - during 2012 — which is a 16.5 per - cent during January-February 2013 Foreign tourist cent increase over the 864.53 million over the corresponding period of 2012. FTAS DURING February 2014 was 738,000 recorded in 2011. Bringing cheer to travel companies compared to FTAs of 688,000 during Initial estimates of foreign tourist faced with a drop in foreign tourist February 2013 and 681,000 in February arrivals in 2013 show a falling growth arrivals in India last year, the govern - 2012. of around four percent, less than the ment said domestic tourism crossed Growth of 7.2 percent in February 2014 five percent growth in 2012 when the one billion mark in 2012. over February 2013. upwards of 20 million foreign tourists The tourism ministry had earlier said The growth was only 1 percent in visited India. Foreign exchange earn - provisional figures showed there were February 2013 over February 2012. ings from tourism in 2013 grew 2.2 1,036.35 million domestic tourists percent. — IANS Media, entertainment industry to grow 14.2 percent ndia’s media and entertainment (M&E) industry is expected to log Ia 14.2-percent growth to over R 1.78 trillion in the next four years, according to a FICCI-KPMG report released in Mumbai on March 12. Driven largely by digitization, the industry in 2013 grew at 11.8 percent over 2012 and touched `918 billion. “The media and entertainment industry is expected to register a CAGR of 14.2 percent to touch `17.85 Leading dignitaries during the three-day long FICCI conference in Mumbai recently billion by 2018,” said FICCI-KPMG report titled ‘The Stage Is Set’. The Lauding the healthy growth of the it remains central to defining the direc - report sees digital advertising witness - media and entertainment industry, tion of the country’s social and eco - ing the highest compounded average Uday Shankar, Chairman, FICCI nomic path. The focus of the three- growth rate (CAGR) of 27.7 percent Media & Entertainment Committee, day-long event was Media and by 2018. said the real value of the sector is that Entertainment: Transforming Lives.

April 2014 India Review Economy NEWS Low-cost drugs for developing nations

tressing that India’s pharma - ceutical technology was appropriate for Africa, SCommerce & Industry Minister said India is committed to making available to developing countries newer generation life-saving drugs also. He said that the entire health care system of 87 developing countries is supported by Indian medicines. “India is committed to ensure that even the new generation of life-saving drugs that the Indian pharma industry will make are available to our people and people of developing countries,” Project Partnership in New Delhi on discourse on anti-retrovirals (ARVs) Minister Sharma said at the 10th CII- March 9. He said the arrival of Indian for the treatment of HIV-AIDS in Exim Bank conclave on India-Africa generic drugs had changed the global African countries. Six Indian institutes Air passenger traffic grows to get aid from Gates foundation 1.10 percent in February ix Indian institutions were selected for Sfinancial aid from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to work out solutions to the poor sanitation levels in the country. The institutions were given two years to develop innovative, safe and affordable tech - nologies to improve sanitation. Eram Scientific Solutions and Amrita School of Biotechnology from Kerala, Pradin Technologies from Bangalore, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in collaboration with Fresh Rooms Life Sciences, Institute of Chemical Technology from Mumbai and Birla Institute of Technology from Goa were select - ed for the grant during a fair “Reinvent the Toilet” in New Delhi on approaches to omestic air passenger traffic under review at 77.3 percent, followed improve sanitation. rose 1.10 percent in February by JetLite at 76.4 percent, IndiGo at The 45 exhibits showcased at the fair aim Dto 4.94 million passengers — 75.5 percent, ’s domestic 14 to bring safe, affordable and sustainable san - up from 4.89 million ferried during the operations at 75.1 percent, Jet Airways itation to those who need it the most in India. corresponding month last year, data at 72.3 percent and newly formed Air The institutions will work on self-sus - showed on March 14. Costa at 71.6 percent. tained, modular and electronic toilets with According to Civil Aviation Ministry The data also showed that low cost solar energy for the Indian weather, and con - , passengers carried by domestic air - carrier (LCC) SpiceJet had the highest cepts to target pathogens and odour-produc - lines during January-February, 2014 cancellation rate of 1.5 percent fol - ing bacteria. The Bill and Melinda Gates was up 0.69 percent at 10.09 million lowed by GoAir at 1.3 percent, Jet Foundation has done a research study on from 10.02 million passengers in the Airways at 1.3 percent, Air India’s poor sanitation in states like Bihar, Uttar corresponding period of last year. domestic operations at 1.2 percent, Pradesh and Odisha. Budget carrier GoAir achieved the JetLite at 0.7 percent and IndiGo at highest overall occupancy in the month 0.5 percent. — IANS

April 2014 India Review Economy NEWS Domestic car sales up 1.39 percent in February

ale of domestic passenger cars grew marginally by 1.39 per - cent in February, industry Sdata showed on March 10. Data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) showed that 217,749 units were sold in the month under review as against an 15 offtake of 226,483 units in the corre - sponding period of 2013. According to SIAM, the recent excise duty cut and the Auto Expo have created positive sentiment but it was too early to say if that can translate into sustained automobile sales trend. Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, The data also showed that utility by 3.86 percent at 217,749 units from in the interim budget 2014-15, vehicles sales fell by 9.09 percent at an off-take of 226,483 units in reduced the central excise on small 43,507 units from 47,859 units sold in February 2013. For last month, SIAM cars, scooters/two-wheelers from 12 the corresponding period of 2012. reported a 23.96 percent decline in to eight percent. Domestic sales of vans fell by 32.76 sales of heavy, medium and light com - He also reduced the central excise percent at 13,524 units from 20,112 mercial vehicles (M&HCVs) which are from 30 percent to 24 percent on units off-take in February, last year. a key indicator of economic activity. SUVs (sports utility vehicle), and Total passenger vehicle sales which Sales stood at 16,372 units from medium segment sedans from 27-24 includes, cars, utility vehicles and vans 21,530 units in the corresponding percent to 24-20 percent, respectively. in the month under review went down month of last year. — IANS Search engine Google offers Bharatiya Mahila Bank indoor maps in India expanding base across India lobal search engine Google is offering indoor maps in India, he Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB), Gbeginning from Bangalore, at selected locations such as malls Tthe country’s first all-women bank, across the city to enable visitors to aiming to economically empower explore them at ease. women will open 55 more branches “Our indoor maps will provide a across the country by next fiscal view of fashion stores to movie the - (2014-15), a senior bank official said atres and supermarkets on different in Agartala on March 24. floors in malls, which are evolving into Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan convenient one-stop entertainment Singh and Congress president Sonia hubs,” the company’s Indian subsidiary Gandhi inaugurated the BMB on said in a statement. It has uploaded November 19 last year simultaneous - maps of 75 popular indoor venues ly opening seven branches of the Usha Ananthasubramanian, across the country. government-owned bank. Before the CMD, BMB “The maps can be accessed and end of the current fiscal (2013-14), zoomed on an Android platform with the number of branches would be 24 in the country. “To empower the detailed floor plans of the malls on a women economically, the total number of branches across India would smart-phone loaded with Google Maps be about 80 by March 2015,” said Usha Ananthasubramanian, BMB application. In some locations, a user chairman and managing director. Of the 80 branches, 20 percent would will have the option of using the indoor be set up in rural areas. After inaugurating the 20th branch of the BMB, My Location feature to help him/her navigate she said: “Our aim is to involve housewives, unemployed young their way inside,” the statement added. The application’s blue dot women, rural and energetic ladies to start small units taking loan from icon will also help indicate a user’s location in a mall. this bank on concessional schemes.”

April 2014 India Review Economy NEWS India Inc expects economy to grow at 5.5%

he Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on March T30 said a survey by it pointed to improved economic growth in the next fiscal. “The GDP growth for the year 2014-15 is projected at 5.5 percent. The participating economists expect the industrial sector to also recover in the next fiscal with an estimated growth of 3.3 percent,” the industry chamber said in a statement. Agriculture and services sector growth in the next financial year is Finance Minister P Chidambaram (L) says Indian economy is more stable today than it was 20 months back pegged at 3.3 percent and 7 percent, respectively, according to FICCI’s inflation rates would remain range- ‘Economic Outlook Survey’. Indian economy more bound. The median forecast for fiscal It also estimates that growth in the deficit as a percent of gross domestic fourth quarter of the current fiscal will stable: Chidambaram product (GDP) stands at 4.4 percent pick up marginally to five percent. FINANCE MINISTER P. Chidambaram on for 2014-15, higher than the 4.1 per - “However, this might imply that March 31 said the Indian economy is more cent estimate announced by Finance actual growth in the year 2013-14 will stable than it was 20 months back and the Minister P. Chidambaram. be slightly lower than the growth of 4.9 government is hopeful of meeting major “The government must also allow percent projected by the Central macro-economic targets, including fiscal market forces to play a fuller role in Statistical Organization some time and current account deficits. determining the price of fuel products back,” the chamber said. “The economy today is far more stable in particular,” the statement added. On inflation, it said that a majority of and far stronger than it was 20 months On the external sector, the survey the surveyed felt that going ahead both ago,” Chidambaram said at a media confer - pegs current account deficit to remain the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and ence in New Delhi. in the comfort zone at 2.2 percent in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based 2014-15. — IANS IBM to open new lab in Bangalore lobal IT major IBM on March models of engagement. “The new labs 28 announced investing `60 will make multi-discipline experts Gbillion to set eight new labs available to help companies recreate worldwide, including one here for their customer experience,” IBM glob - enabling its clients work with experts al business services vice-president in design, mobile and digital market - Bridget van Kralingen said. ing. “We will open the new labs in Multi-discipline teams in the labs 16 Bangalore, Beijing, Groningen will analyze business challenges and (Netherlands), London, Melbourne, jointly develop solutions that integrate Kralingen noted. New York, Sao Paulo and Shanghai to next-generation mobile, social, analyt - “Our researchers are developing provide our clients an opportunity to ics and cloud technologies. capabilities to harness the value of data work with our researchers and con - “As our clients redefine how they to help clients create personalized sultants on design, data and analytics,” engage with their customers or experiences, while designers are work - the US-based company said in employees, they discover that the tradi - ing with clients to develop the design Bangalore. tional digital agency model has limits. that makes a difference in business The company also plans to hire We are closing these gaps by integrat - outcomes,” Kralingen said. Each day, about 1,000 employees for the labs to ing our world-class design and the company generates 2.5 quintillion help its clients develop personalized research with our strength in big data,” bytes of data. — IANS

April 2014 India Review Economy NEWS

Hilton to expand in Bangalore FII invested `797.09 billion in equity mar - ospitality major Hilton Worldwide is expanding ket during FY14 its presence in Bangalore oreign institutional investors (FIIs) have Hby opening its second Finvested around `797.09 billion in the hotel in the city’s upscale eastern sub - Indian equity market during FY14, according urb March 27. to data released by Securities and Exchange “As our fourth brand hotel in India, Board of India (SEBI). Hilton Bangalore Residences will This was the fifth consecutive fiscal year 17 expand our presence in an important inflows by foreign investors after pulling out market in the country, which is among a net amount of `477.06 billion from the our key strategic regions,” Hilton share market in 2008-09. Hotels & Resorts global head Rob Foreign investors invested hugely in the Palleschi said in a statement in domestic equities markets in 2013-14 Bangalore recently. because Indian equity markets gave one of Owned by Umbel Properties Ltd, the the best returns among the emerging coun - star hotel is strategically located in a tries, according to market analysts. business park that is a hub for several “FIIs are expected to be bullish on Indian Fortune 500 firms and a commercial stocks in 2014, despite the US Federal’s deci - nerve center, with easy access to shop - sion on tapering,” said Sudeep ping, entertainment and dining. — Ministry of Food, an all-day global Bandhopadhyay, MD and CEO, Destimoney “The full-service hotel features 247 cuisine restaurant; The Salt Grill, a Securities. studios and one-two bedroom suites poolside al-fresco bar and grill, an ideal In the 2012-13, overseas investors had built for transient business travelers to venue to relax; Klinx, a chic lobby bar pumped in nearly `283.34 billion in the debt long-stay guests and offers living, din - and the Recess coffee lounge,” Hilton securities. “Overseas investors are looking ing and work areas with a fully- India vice-president Daniel Walk said. forward to a stable government that can equipped kitchenette,” Palleschi said. For business travelers, the hotel has move reforms process faster, irrespective of Hilton forayed into the city early this 24-hour business services and web- which political party comes to power at the year by opening its DoubleTree Suites enabled computer workstations. Being Centre,” added Bandhopadhyay. in the northwest suburb. a key strategic growth market, Hilton FIIs started the financial year on a positive The suites also have separate living operates hotels and resorts in eight note and infused more than `260 billion in rooms, washers/dryers and dishwash - other cities across the country - the first two months of FY14 on the back of ers and the kitchenettes are furnished Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Gurgaon, various reforms initiated by the Government with appliances for self-catering. Mumbai, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram of India. “We offer four stylish dining venues and Vadodara (in Gujarat).

IIM-A joins hands with Harvard, MIT and Berkeley for research assachusetts Institute of Technology Faculty and students at IIM-A, along (MIT), Harvard University and with those of Indian Institute of MUniversity of California, Berkeley have Technology (IIT), National Institute of joined hands with the Indian Institute of Design (NID); Centre for Environmental Management, Ahmedabad. There will be joint Planning and Technology (CEPT); research projects to develop field water quality Entrepreneurship Development testing and filtration equipment, ambient pollu - Institute of India (EDI) and Mudra tion measuring products and mobile technolo - Institute of Communications, gies for health purposes. Ahmedabad (MICA), will work with These institutions have decided to work skilled researchers, faculty and stu - together through a consortium to benefit and the United States Agency for International dents from Department of Urban Studies and address issues of the bottom of the pyramid in Development (USAID), which has sanctioned Planning, as well as D-Lab at MIT, South Asia and around Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, grants to the likes of MIT and Berkeley to con - Institute of Harvard University and Center for Gujarat. The projects will be partly funded by duct empirical research in developing countries. Effective Global Action at UC Berkeley.

April 2014 India Review Economy NEWS

Indian spice exports increase WD launches cloud

uoyed by the significant solutions in India export of mint, chilli and S-based storage solutions provider seeds, the Indian spice indus - UWestern Digital (WD) on March 27 Btry has achieved a growth of launched a personal cloud solutions product 41 percent during the period of April- named “My Cloud” in India that enables December 2013. users to organize, centralize, secure and This period witnessed a total export access digital contents from anywhere in the of 571,680 tonnes of spices and spice world. products valued at `94.33 billion as By connect - against 449,926 tonnes valued at ing “My `66.96 billion during April-December at `19.06 billion was exported when Cloud” device 2012. “The steady growth of spice compared to 109,067 tonnes valued at to Internet users exports reiterates the unshaken global `10.08 billion in the previous year. get anywhere, any demand for Indian spices. The export Amongst the seed spices, cumin reg - device access that performance of mint, chilly, value istered an increase of 89 percent, they can get from the added products and seed spices points coriander grew by 48 percent, fenu - public cloud, without having to pay monthly to a promising future for the Indian greek, celery and other seed spices also fees or giving up control to their personal spice industry,” said A Jayathilak, showed an identical upward trend on data. “My Cloud personal cloud storage is an chairman, Spices Board India. the export front. easy-to-use, secure and cost effective storage The spice sector has had a dream During April-December 2013, a solution,” said Khalid Wani, WD's sales direc - run during April-December 2013 with total volume of 58,000 tonnes of tor, branded products for India, Middle East 78-percent increase in volume and 89 turmeric valued `4.64 billion was and Africa. percent in value when compared with exported. Pepper and cardamom My Cloud is priced in the range of April-December 2012. (small) exports were valued at `6.51 `11,000 to `15,000. Device for 2 terabyte During the period, a total volume of billion and `1.64 billion, respectively. (TB) of storage capacity comes with a price 193,625 tonnes of seed spices valued IANS tag of `10,999. HAL sales up 6 percent in fiscal 2014 Bharti Airtel, IBM join hands for 5 years tate-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) elecom service provider Bharti March 31 between the two top Sposted `151.80 billion sales turnover for Airtel and IBM inked a pact to companies. the just-concluded fiscal 2013-14, registering Tmanage Airtel’s infrastructure Airtel and IBM also have partner - a marginal six percent growth over previous and application services in India over ships for IT infrastructure and servic - fiscal (2012-13) at `143.24 billion. the next five years, a company state - es across Airtel’s international opera - “We rolled out 60 aircraft and helicopters, ment said in New Delhi recently. tions spanning 19 countries includ - achieved the initial operational clearance for “As we embark on the next phase of ing Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and the light combat aircraft (LCA) Airtel's growth the Africa region. Tejas fighter journey, I am “In the last and filed 209 confident that decade, Bharti's patents during the agreement customer base the fiscal under with IBM will has increased 18 review,” HAL Chairman help us offer from a few mil - RK Tyagi said in a state - innovative and lion to over 285 ment in Bangalore. cutting edge million. Airtel The defense behemoth's products and partnered with operating profit, however, shot up 38 percent services to our customers, enabling IBM to drive this growth, by using year-on-year (YoY) to `16.51 billion from Rs us achieve our vision of being the technology to respond with intuitive 11.94 billion in 2012-13. most loved brand,” Gopal Vittal, MD offers for customers, managing serv - The company's value of production has & CEO, Bharti Airtel (India & South ice delivery, and improving organiza - gone up 7.7 percent YoY to `152.96 crore last Asia) said in a statement. tional efficiency,” said Vanitha fiscal from `142.02 billion year ago. This deal was inked following the Narayanan, managing director, IBM lapsing of the previous 10-year deal India. IANS

April 2014 India Review Science NEWS Indian scientist gets Germany ’s top award minent Indian biologist awarded for his “outstanding Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain, a achievements in the relationship professor in the Department between the two countries”. Eof Biological Sciences at With the award, he joins the league Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi of outstanding personalities from var - has been awarded Germany’s highest ious fields including Nobel laureate civilian award, the Order of Merit. biologist Paul Herman Muller, former Hasnain, known for his work on German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, 19 tuberculosis, was bestowed with the former Japanese Prime Minister Order of Merit of the Federal Yasuhiro Nakasone and music con - Republic of Germany by German ductor John Crosby. ambassador to India Michael Steiner “The recognition has raised the at an informal ceremony in New expectations from me of my friends Delhi on March 11. and peers alike,” Hasnain told Nature SE Hasnain (left) receiving the Order of Merit from The Indian biologist has been German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner. India after receiving the award. World’s first solar- Indian-American researchers find powered toilet set for launch in India new target to control diabetes revolutionary toilet fueled by the sun that n a thrilling discovery, two Indian- Ais being developed to help some of the American researchers have identi - 2.5 billion people around the world lacking Ified a new potential therapeutic tar - safe and sustainable sanitation would be get for controlling high blood sugar — unveiled in India this month. a finding that could help millions suf - “The self-contained, waterless toilet has fering from type 2 diabetes worldwide. the capability of heating human waste to a Researchers showed that lipid mole - high enough temperature to sterilizes human cules called phosphatidic acids waste and create biochar, a highly porous enhance glucose production in the Dr Anil Agarwal and Dr Shireesha Sankella charcoal,” informed project principal investi - liver. The findings suggest that inhibit - gator Karl Linden, professor of environmental ing or reducing production of phos - was removed in the mice — resulting engineering at University of Colorado phatidic acids may do the opposite. in rodents with generalized lipodystro - Boulder. The biochar can be used to both “This study establishes a role for phy. The research team then examined increase crop yields and sequester carbon phosphatidic acids in enhancing glu - what impact this genetic manipulation dioxide, a greenhouse gas. cose production by the liver and iden - had on phosphatidic acids and glucose The project is part of the Bill & Melinda tifies enzymes involved in the synthesis production. Gates Foundation’s ‘Reinvent the Toilet of phosphatidic acids as potential drug “We expected the levels of phospha - Challenge’, an effort to develop a next-gener - targets,” explained Anil Agarwal, a pro - tidic acids to go down. However, in ation toilet that can be used to disinfect liquid fessor of internal medicine at examining the livers of these lipodys - and solid waste while generating useful end University of Texas’ Southwestern trophic mice, we unexpectedly found products. “The invention consists of eight Medical Center. high levels of this lipid class,” added parabolic mirrors that focus concentrated sun - These observations were made while lead author Shireesha Sankella, a post- light to a spot no larger than a postage stamp studying a mouse model of lipodystro - doctoral researcher. Researchers also on a quartz-glass rod connected to eight bun - phy, a rare metabolic disease in which discovered a marked increase in glu - dles of fiber-optic cables, each consisting of the body is devoid of fat. cose production in the livers of the thousands of intertwined, fused fibres,” Lipodystrophy patients often develop lipodystrophic mice. Linden explained. The energy generated by diabetes and accumulate fat in the liver Increased phosphatidic acid levels the sun and transferred to the fiber-optic because of an imbalance in the body’s may play a key role in a metabolic path - cable system can heat up the reaction cham - ability to properly regulate lipids and way that supplies energy to cancer ber to over 600 degrees Fahrenheit to treat glucose. The causal gene ‘AGPAT2’ cells, said the study published in the the waste material. which is involved in the synthesis of Journal of Biological Chemistry. phosphatidic acid and triglycerides, IANS

April 2014 India Review Diaspora NEWS Puneet Talwar gets senior US Award for Indian- American professor State Department job usmita Roye, an SIndian-American et another person for South and associate professor of Indian central Asia. English at the American, Earlier, Kerala Delaware State YPuneet Talwar, University physics grad - University, has been a longtime White House uate Arun Madhavan named as a recipient national security staffer, Kumar was confirmed to of the National Susmita Royce was confirmed by the be Assistant Secretary of Endowment for Humanities (NEH) Award for US Senate on March 13 Commerce and Director Faculty. Roye will receive financial support to the key job of serving General of the US and from the grant award, which will enable her as a bridge between the Foreign Commercial to take some time off from teaching to finish state and defense depart - Service along with the book. ments. As the State Talwar. Talwar became The award has been given in recognition Department’s new Assistant Secretary the third Indian-American in a top and support of her current book manuscript for Political-Military Affairs, Talwar, position at the State Department after project, which is about the women writers will be taking over the bureau that Nisha Desai Biswal, point person for of India during British rule (1757-1947). She manages US defense exports as well as South and Central Asia and USAID has tentatively titled the book Mothering serving as the bridge between two key Administrator Rajiv Shah, highest India. She was one of only eight people to departments. ranking Indian-American in Obama receive the award out of 101 applications, Talwar, a former adviser to then administration. At over two dozen, according to an announcement on the univer - Senator Joseph Biden would become Obama administration has the highest sity website. the second Indian American assistant number of Indian Americans in key The NEH, an independent federal agency secretary in the State Department after jobs than any previous administrations created in 1965, is one of the largest funders Nisha Desai Biswal, who is the point in US. IANS of humanities programs in the US. New York mayor taps Indian-American boy wins epic three Indian- Americans for key jobs spelling bee battle ew York Mayor Bill de Blasio has tapped fter a two-week 90-round gru - But in the end, in the 29th round Nthree Indian-Americans for key posi - elling battle, a 13-year-old Kush Sharma, a seventh-grader from tions with Meera Joshi named to serve as AIndian-American student Kush Kansas City, won with not a tongue Chairperson and CEO of the Sharma finally broke a tie in a local twister but a simple word — “defini - Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Nisha county contest to go to the National tion” after Sophia, a Lee’s Summit Agarwal, a leading advocate for the city’s Spelling Bee competition. fifth-grader too stumbled on her word immigrant communities, has been named as The Indian champion on March 8 — “stifling” — in round 28. commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of faced his 11-year-old rival Sophia Kush earlier spelled killer Immigrant Affairs and Udai Tambar, the Hoffman again to resume the words like “hemerocallis”, and Executive Director of South Asian Youth Jackson County Spelling Bee in “jacamar”, correctly. Action (SAYA!), the new Director of Children Kansas City, Missouri, that had In fact, Indian-Americans 20 and Youth Services. ended in a tie earlier on have dominated the contest “Meera Joshi is a dedicated public servant February 22 when the judges over the years. New York stu - with the experience and energy to move our ran out of words. dent Arvind Mahankali Taxi and Limousine Commission in a pro - The two had eliminated 23 won the 2013 gressive direction, ensuring we prioritize other contestants and went Scripps National New Yorkers’ safety,” he said. another 47 rounds against Spelling Bee, “I am committed to the de Blasio admin - each other in their previous breaking a istration’s agenda of providing equitable taxi encounter, according to personal and for-hire transportation services and safe Kansas City Star. four-year streets for all New Yorkers,” said Joshi. 13-year-old Indian- losing American Kush Sharma streak.

April 2014 India Review Cuisine OF INDIA

If you are a foodie and want to savor the finest delicacies in this India’s finest tourist destination, head inland Fried fish away from the breathtaking beaches. And its fried fish is the most sought for safari in Goa any sea food aficionado 21

f you ever want to eat the best On most days, getting a seat in the restaurant almost threatening to go the fried fish in Goa, you gotta do bar can be a problem with the 10 or so fine dining way. one thing for sure: Head inland tables packed to capacity with binging Unlike most fried fish haunts which Iaway from the sea, away from the junior bureaucrats, off-duty policemen, use a red chilli marinade before slip - fancy beach-belt diners and those local residents and journalists among ping the fish into the pan, Sylvester beach shacks offering assembly-line others which even includes staffers D’Souza uses a unique green chilli food. Under clay-tiled roofs, dodging from the chief minister’s office. paste. “This is our trademark. But we tendrils of smoke in dim light and Over in Siolim, the Amancio Bar have a lot more offer in terms of fish, occasionally holding your breath to overlooks a picturesque river and an oysters, crabs and meats,” says avoid breaths reeking of feni, pans abandoned ferry ramp. Amancio’s has D’Souza. His relatively sweet crab is laden with coarse flour-coated fried a quaint wooden balcony with tables unique too, as against the fiery garam fish sizzle in delight in Goa’s taverns. overlooking what was once a busy masala spiced variants found in other Near Panaji, Kuttikar Bar lies at the market place. But once the crusty fish restaurants. The crabs are more often end of a loose-gravel road behind what lands on your plate, your attention than not bursting with flesh and that was once a stone mine. But for sea doesn’t get anywhere else. sweet, fresh flavor. food aficionados it’s a gold mine as far “The palu (perch) marinated fried And then there are really rustic tav - as fresh fish is concerned. with recheado (red chilli paste, spices erns like the one run by Madhu Run by former legislator Krishna and vinegar) masala is smouth-water - Halarnkar right next to a popular Kuttikar, the bar serves some of the ing and priced affordable too,” says medicinal spring in the village of best fried fish this side of the river, Ashley do Rosario, who swears by the Pomburpa. His small operation reflects whether it’s filleted Red Snapper, Rock place. Sheela Bar, located off the St. the quintessential soul of a Goa tavern: Fish, Bombay Duck or Mussels. But Jacinto island along the airport road four tables, animated conversation, the sweet and sour vinegar-kissed has grown over the last couple of mingling odours of stale sweat, spilt squid rings are the most sought after. decades from a shack to a bar and feni and fish frying in the kitchen.

April 2014 India Review Cinema NEWS

New York Indian Film Festival Hollywood film ‘Warrior’ inspires to spotlight Gurinder Chadha new Hindi film he 14th Annual New York April 15. Chadha of Bend It Like Indian Film Festival will put Beckham fame will be in attendance. the spotlight on British film - NYIFF will also feature a retrospec - Tmaker Gurinder Chadha to tive of Chadha’s documentaries, co- celebrate the 20 year anniversary of her presented by Third World Newsreel. acclaimed film Bhaji On The Beach . The featured documentaries include The six-day festivities at the oldest Acting Our Age , I’m British But , A Nice and most prestigious film festival for Arrangement and What Do You Call An Indian cinema in North America from Indian Woman Who Is Funny? May 5-10 will also include a retrospec - “Gurinder Chadha is one of three tive of the filmmaker’s documentaries, ‘Bhanji Brigade’ (coined by ) according to the Indo-American Arts super star diaspora women Council (IAAC). filmmakers — the other two After a star-studded opening being Mira Nair and Deepa night red carpet premiere at the Mehta — all three of whom Skirball Center for Performing have been honoured for Arts, festival screenings, centre - their talent by NYIFF in he 2011 Hollywood sports drama Warrior piece, retrospective and special years past,” said IAAC Thas inspired a new Hindi film which will events will take place through - executive director be co-produced by leading global entertain - out the week at the Village Aroon Shivdasani. ment company Lionsgate and Endemol India. East Cinemas. Film festival Hindi film Warrior , inspired by Lionsgate’s The closing night director Aseem North American release of the same name, selection to be followed Chhabra added: will be the first film jointly produced by the by the annual awards “Gurinder two firms in India. ceremony and after- explores the “Warrior will be a quality film made with party would be held at Asian Indian top-of-the-line production values that we Skirball Center for immigrant believe will strike a responsive chord with Performing Arts. experiences in Indian audiences,” Deepak Dhar, CEO, Final film selec - Britain, laced Endemol India, said in a statement. tions will be with humour, Warrior tells the story of two estranged announced by pathos and a brothers and deals with their struggling rela - early April with tick - lot of intro - tionship with each other and their father. ets going on sale spection. ‘Queen’ takes the box office by storm ueen is giving tough competition to recent - Gautam and Ali Zafar’s romantic comedy Total Qly released Bewakoofiyan — while the Siyapaa . Kangana starrer has hauled in Rs 2.1 million Film critic Taran Adarsh shared the first 22 and is still going strong at the box office, the weekend earning of Bewakoofiyan and the sec - weekend earning of Sonam Kapoor’s film is just ond week collection of Queen on his Twitter Rs 47.4 million, say trade pundits. page. He tweeted: “ Bewakoofiyan Fri Rs. 22.3 Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines million, Sat Rs 25.1 milllion. Total: Rs 47.4 mil - summed up the films’ performances:” Queen’ is lion nett. India biz.” doing an outstanding business and it’s still Kangana Ranaut (far left) has essayed an inspiring “Queen (Week 2) Fri Rs.21.5 million. Grand role in the film Queen going houseful in many theaters. Though total: Rs.210 million nett. India biz.” Bewakoofiyan released this Friday, yet the busi - drama, came out March 7 along with much Thadani said: “ Queen is doing well in the ness of Queen has not been affected.” talked about Madhuri Dixit-Juhi Chawla’s gritty multiplexes universally...The collection of Directed by Vikas Bahl, Queen, an atypical hinterland drama Gulaab Gang and Yami Bewakoofiyan is not up to the mark.”

April 2014 India Review Travel & TOURISM aNdamaN & NICobar: an unexplored paradise

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With its breathtaking beaches and pristine islands, wonderful opportunities for adventure sports like snorkeling and sea-walking, this island offers a lot to tourists

ndowed with picturesque with a sense of patriotism as the clock landscapes, sterling beaches ticks back to the days of India’s free - HoW to reaCH and nature’s generous gifts, dom struggle. Ethe Andaman and Nicobar According to official estimates, the Andaman, being an island, can be reached archipelago has always been a tourist’s flow of tourists doubled to nearly in only two ways – by air or by sea. paradise. The group of 572 emerald 300,000 in 2012 from 130,000 in BY AIR: You have direct daily flights to islands in the Bay of Bengal, out of 2008-09. Less than 10 percent were Port Blair (capital of Andaman) from Delhi, which only 36 are inhabited, is surely foreign visitors. The tourism depart - and Chennai. Some flights also fly waiting to be discovered. ment feels in coming years the growth from Bhubaneswar in Odisha on certain With its exotic looking beaches and rate of tourists will be higher, consid - days. Veer Savarkar International Airport, pristine islands having equally exotic ering attractions here. Port Blair is the only airport here. names, wonderful opportunities for BY SEA: You can sail from Chennai, Vizag adventure sports like snorkeling and A beach in Andaman and Nicobar Island is often the and Kolkata. There are usually 3-4 sailings most sought after for any tourist sea-walking and a vast succulent array every month and the tentative sailing of seafood delicacies that come cheap - schedule can be found here. Ship voyage er than the vegetables brought from takes about 50-60 hours. the mainland, the Andamans can com - pare with many other dream tourist destinations across the globe. One can laze around the enticing beaches at Havelock Islands, or Ross and Smith — the twin islands joined by a bewitching sandbar. Sea-bathing and sun-basking at the Corbyn’s Cove beach helps one to unwind and de- stress while the Hilltop Gallows on Viper Island and Port Blair’s Cellular Jail are sure to overwhelm the visitors

April 2014 India Review EMBASSY OF INDIA SS Pre-sort First Class A U.S. Postage 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW CL T Paid RS Washington, D.C. 20008 FI Silver Spring, MD Tel: 202-939-7000 RT Permit No. -SO Fax: 202-462-7276 PRE 3966

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