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

March 1, 2013

I India RevieI w Vol. 9 Issue 3 www.indianembassy.org

Indian Foreign Secretary with U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry in Washington, D.C. on February 21. (Photo: U.S. Department of State) We have evolved a ‘new normal’ in India-US partnership: Indian Foreign Secretary

n General Budget n Second India- n Indian rocket puts 2013-14: Focus Afghanistan-US seven satellites in on high growth Trilateral Dialogue orbit Cover STORY Energy, education next big things in India-US ties During his three-day visit to the U.S., Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai had series of interactions on bilateral, global and regional issues with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State

ooperation in the areas of energy and education could be the next big things in CIndia-US relations, officials said after “a series of very useful and important interactions” between visit - ing Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai and U.S. officials. In these discussions, the importance of the bilateral partnership in key areas, including energy, trade and economic development, as well as existing regional and international consulta - tions were reaffirmed. In the year ahead, it is intended that the two sides would increase the frequency and pace of bilateral consultations, including at official and political levels. Mathai, who was on a three-day visit to the U.S., starting February 20, also called on the new U.S. Secretary of Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai (far right) meets with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, at the State John Kerry during which he U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on February 21. Also seen, from left, are Ambassador , U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, and U.S. Ambassador to India “extended to him the good wishes of Nancy J. Powell. our leadership, and their congratula - tions upon his appointment.” for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman. cooperation on energy, climate Mathai also discussed the pro - During the Mathai-Sherman meet - change, defense, civil nuclear issues, posed visit to India by Kerry for the ing the two sides covered bilateral, education, regional dynamics, and Third Round of the Bilateral regional and global issues. joint collaboration in Afghanistan, Strategic Dialogue, possibly in mid- The two “discussed a broad range Africa and Asia,” according to a State June. Kerry in turn reaffirmed his of issues, including our bilateral Department spokesperson. invitation to the External Affairs “Both look forward to another Minister to visit India and the U.S. round of the U.S.-India Strategic the U.S. soon. Dialogue later this year,” she said. 2 Mathai also called upon Deputy reaffirmed the Earlier, Mathai set out a detailed Secretary of State William Burns, importance of bilateral blueprint of India-US bilateral rela - Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel partnership in key areas, tionship in an address on India and Poneman and Deputy Secretary of the United States in the 21 st century Defense Dr. Ashton Carter. including energy, trade at the Carnegie Endowment for He had a conversation over lunch and economic develop - International Peace. with Under Secretary of State for ment, as well as existing Mathai proposed greater India- Economic Growth, Energy and U.S. cooperation in several key areas Environment Robert Hormats as well regional and interna - ranging from terrorism, defense and as extensive and wide-ranging consul - tional consultations enhanced trade to support in multi - tations with Under Secretary of State lateral fora.

March 2013 India Review Cover STORY We have evolved a ‘new normal’ in India-US 3 partnership: Foreign Secretary

Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Mathai Washington, DC, on February 21. (Photo: AFP) Highlighting the remarkable transformation in the relations between the two countries, Foreign Secretary Mathai said India-U.S. dialogue architecture today spans from social sector measures to trade and global financial policy coordination; from energy to defense, counter-terrorism and homeland security

ndia on February 21 suggested “part of the new normal,” Mathai said: unprecedented. The centerpiece was greater cooperation with the U.S. “We can do so by finding simple the India-U.S. civil nuclear arrange - in several key areas ranging, process solutions to enable your ment and all that went into it and has Idefense and enhanced trade to defense companies to make value-for- since emerged from it. support in multilateral fora as they take money bids to meet our defense.” The problem, of course, is that their strategic partnership forward. As both countries need significant everything since that definitive moment “From our perspective, closer and investment in industry and manufac - tends to be compared with the audaci - more effective cooperation between us ture and the jobs that they create, “we ty of what we dared to do together in on terrorism is critical,” said Foreign must find ways to work more closely putting this arrangement in place. This Secretary Ranjan Mathai in an address together in this context”, he said. places a somewhat-unfair strain of on ‘A 21 st Century India-United States Energy and education too were expectation. But I think it is also mis - Partnership for Peace, Prosperity and strategic openings for the US to invest placed. Because the truth of it is that Progress’ at the Carnegie Endowment in the future of India, he said. much that has happened since is equal - for International Peace in Washington, ly significant in the game of nations in DC. “Obviously, this has an impact on Excerpts from the Foreign which we have evolved a “new normal” our bilateral and trilateral consultations Secretary’s remarks: in the relationship. on Afghanistan and the region.” “I am part of the squad called upon to Let me cite a few instances of what I Noting that the “relationship sustain the remarkable transformation mean by the new normal, going between us must now stand squarely that has brought the U.S. and India beyond the regular exchanges between on its own merits, Mathai said: “As you closer together than we have ever been our Heads of State and Government, re-calibrate your presence in in the past. And I deem this an extraor - both bilaterally and at multilateral Afghanistan, we hope that the transfor - dinary privilege. events, and the Strategic Dialogue mation of our relationship can acceler - To an audience such as this, I do not which has unprecedented levels of ate, based on the unique merits of what need to dwell on history — or the his - Ministerial participation on both sides. each side brings to the table.” torical nature — of this transforma - It is now normal that we have over Suggesting that defense cooperation tion. But it is worth emphasizing that one hundred visits at the senior official between the two countries should be the nature of this change has been and higher level exchanges per year.

March 2013 India Review Cover STORY

It is normal that our dialogue archi - based multilateral frameworks, will military exercises. Today, our armed tecture covers the gamut of govern - shape a better world order. At the more forces conduct the maximum number mental activity— from social sector mundane level of how we see India’s of military exercises with U. S. armed measures to trade and global financial growing interests converging with US forces. policy coordination; from energy to Strategic outlook, let me outline a few Trade and economic cooperation defense, counter-terrorism and home - broad areas. continue to increase. Both services and land security. At our inter-departmen - In this context, I cannot overempha - goods trade are up, and we are hopeful tal review meeting, which we held in size the point that terrorism is and will that in the near future, our bilateral the MEA in in the begin - remain a pre-eminent security chal - Trade Policy Forum can be held; a ning of January, we identified over 30 lenge for both our countries. meeting is overdue. dialogue mechanisms, connecting Not surprisingly, counter-terrorism It is essential that we re-engage in a almost all major departments of our is a key dimension of our partnership. more focused manner especially Government. Quite obviously, it also has a strong because of the changed policy environ - And it is now entirely normal that public resonance. ment in India. As you know, the our foreign offices consult each other Cyber-security, to which the Government has announced a range of on a wide range of global and regional President of the United States made a reform measures to make India a more challenges. Already we have held three reference, and counter-piracy are also attractive investment destination. rounds of a trilateral between the US, areas in which our two countries can These new measures offer signifi - Japan and India, and several rounds of work together, particularly since the cant openings in single and multi- bilateral consultations on East Asia. terrorist threat folds into these areas of brand retail, aviation and the financial Just two days ago, we hosted the sec - challenges. sector. Some measures have already ond round of our trilateral dialogue Even on global and extra-regional been rolled out — and companies have with Afghanistan. We hold regular issues, we are developing the habit of started opening stores. consultations on strategic security broader cooperation. Our Prime Meanwhile, however, we hear from issues, covering non-proliferation, dis - Minister and President Obama agreed our U.S. partners that there are still armament and export controls; we are in 2010 that we would begin to work elements on which clarity is awaited, at working together closely on India’s together in trilateral mode, in capacity- least in terms of new policies in force. membership of the four multilateral enhancement projects in Africa and Ultimately, these are business deci - export control regimes. also in Afghanistan. sions. However, these waters can only We hope to expand these dialogues We have now put in place the soft - be tested by taking the plunge in what to cover many more areas of interest. ware for an IT-enabled Open has consistently been proved to be a And that is also now normal. Government Platform — using IT to large and profitable market. I do recall In short, in a few years, consultation bring open governance to the people a study in which the academic was has become a habit. We have created a — in joint partnership with the hard-put to find a multi national com - comfortable space to exchange opin - Government of Rwanda, and we pany that had lost money in India. ions as trusted partners, with both can - intend to expand this soon in partner - I believe that we also need to find a dor and often convergence. ship with Ghana. new positive narrative that can bind As India’s horizons expand with the Defense is a key pillar of our bilater - our countries closer together. One growth of our strategic and economic al cooperation. such opportunity, I feel, is in the ener - interests, we will need to talk regularly Our armed forces are developing the gy sector. Without assured access to about real-world concerns to the US, habit of closer cooperation through energy inputs in sufficient quantities, which continues to have both critical training together and through bilateral we will not be able to sustain our eco - interests and a vital presence across the nomic development. entire globe. This is as it should be in a The rise of democratic, Therefore, an enduring India-U.S. partnership that is genuinely strategic. partnership in energy should not only 4 There is no hint here, however, of tak - pluralistic and liberal cover technological and regulatory ing lessons from each other. India is in the aspects, but also establish commercial The rise of a democratic, pluralistic fundamental interests of partnerships in energy. and liberal India is in the fundamental Our regulations and processes interests of the United States. And that the United States. And a involving large projects are being re- a strong, prosperous, innovative, glob - strong, prosperous, examined by a Cabinet Committee on ally engaged, United States is funda - innovative, globally Investment. Among the first which the mentally in India’s interest. We in India Cabinet Committee has taken up are have no evangelical tradition, but we engaged United States is those related to energy. Progress is share the conception that the spread of in India’s interest being made on simplifying the democracy, open societies, and rule- approval process for oil and gas explo -

March 2013 India Review Cover STORY ration blocks. US companies have world-recognized strengths in this industry, and we hope that as we move ahead, we will be able to draw in new players to India. Education is also, similarly, a strategic area for our partnership. In being part of the reform and upgra - dation of our higher learning infra - structure, you will help support mod - ernization of the supply line of 5 trained workers on the other. Let me endeavour to draw my pres - entation to a few clear conclusions and recommendations on the way forward. First, from our perspective, closer and more effective cooperation between us on terrorism is critical. There is strong public support in India for this aspect of our partner - ship. Obviously, this has an impact Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai with Daniel Poneman, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy, on our bilateral and trilateral consul - on February 21. (Photo: Ken Shipp/DOE ) tations on Afghanistan and the region. We recognize and welcome each others’ policies. Both of us need Sixth, energy and education are your enduring commitment to the significant investment in industry and strategic openings for the US to security and stability of Afghanistan. manufacture and the jobs that they invest in the future of India. As many We hope that our concerns will also create. We must find ways to work of our American friends remind us, factor into your calculations. more closely together in this context. enabling the rise of India is, or Second, the relationship between There will be value for U.S. compa - should be, a strategic end in itself for us must now stand squarely on its nies to engage in our efforts to build the US. These are sectors in which own merits. It has taken decades for several industrial ecosystems in India the US would be part of such a us to stop viewing each other from in a manner that is compatible with strategy. the prism of each others’ relation - each other’s market or employment Seventh, we have begun to work ships with third countries. As you re- interests. We believe the US industri - together well in a number of multilat - calibrate your presence in al and manufacturing sector could eral fora— the G-20 is a case in Afghanistan, we hope that the trans - witness a significant revival led by point. We appreciate the support of formation of our relationship can your energy and chemical industries. the U.S. for our membership in vari - accelerate, based on the unique mer - We ourselves expect to return to a ous multilateral export control its of what each side brings to the high GDP growth trajectory— and by regimes. There is also room for us to table. high, we mean over 7.5%--in over a do more together as our interests Third, we need to do more to make year’s time. And we expect that the coincide with yours in the mainte - defense cooperation part of the new policy emphasis on manufacturing nance of a strong and stable global normal. We can do so by finding sim - will start showing tangible results. As and regional architecture.” ple process solutions to enable your India industrializes, the scope for defense companies to make value-for- beneficial cooperation will only The full text of Foreign Secretary money bids to meet our defense increase, whether in terms of R&D, Mathai’s speech can be viewed at: requirements. It would also help for us technology agreements, integration of http://www.indianembassy.org/prde - to evolve our relationship towards co- manufacturing processes, or trade. tail2105/remarks-by-foreign-secre - design and joint production of defense Fifth, we cannot allow the differ - tary-of-india%2C-mr.-ranjan-math - material. In short, let’s actually move ences we have in trade in goods or ai-at-the-carnegie-endowment-for- to make this happen, rather than invit - movement of services to dominate the international-peace%2C-washington- ing each other to move first. discourse. At the same time, we have to dc-%3A-andquot%3Ba-21st-centu - Fourth, let us recognize that trade create forums to discuss these issues ry-india-united-states-partnership- and economic cooperation must be openly and with a forward-looking for-peace%2C-prosperity-and-pro - about more than finding fault with approach. gressandquot%3B

March 2013 India Review General Budget 2013-14

Finance Minister P. Chidambaram arrives at Parliament House along with the Ministers of State for Finance and S.S. Palanimanickam to present the General Budget 2013-14, in New Delhi on February 28. Focus on high growth, inclusive development Finance Minister P. Chidambaram proposes increases in allocation to key areas, cut in government expenditure and incentives for foreign investments and savings with a view to addressing the challenges of current account deficit

he Union Budget for 2013- India would achieve high economic The Finance Minister said that the 14 aims at ‘higher growth growth despite slowdown in the global other areas of concern addressed by 6 leading to inclusive and sus - economic growth. the government were inflation and gov - T tainable development.’ With The Minister said that his govern - ernment expenditure. “Our efforts in this as the guiding principle, Finance ment had been able to contain fiscal the past few months have brought Minister P. Chidambaram has sought deficit at 5.2 percent in 2012-13 by down headline WPI inflation to about to increase allocation to key areas and following the path of fiscal consolida - 7 percent and core inflation to about provide incentives for investments and tion. But the current account deficit 4.2 percent. It is food inflation that is savings while containing the fiscal (CAD) is a greater worry, the Minister worrying, and we shall take all possible deficit to 4.8 percent of GDP. added. He, therefore, proposes to steps to augment the supply side to Presenting the Union Budget in encourage foreign investment that is meet the growing demand for food Parliament on February 28, the consistent with India’s economic items,” he said. The Minister further Finance Minister expressed hope that objectives. said that he had no choice but to

March 2013 India Review General Budget 2013-14 rationalize government expenditure in new crop varieties that are rich in view of huge fiscal deficit in 2012-13. micro nutrients, such as iron-rich Budget Highlights “We also took some policy decisions bajra. A sum of up to `2 billion is to be n Nirbhaya Fund to empower women and to that had been deferred for too long, provided to start the pilots. keep them safe and secure. corrected some prices, and undertook n Proposal to set up India’s first Women’s a review of certain tax policies.” Other Major Allocations Bank as a public sector bank. Education has been allocated `658.67 n `10 billion for skill development of 1 mil - Three Promises: To Women, billion, an increase of 17 percent over lion youth to enhance their employability Youth and the Poor the RE for 2012-13. and productivity. Minister Chidambaram made promises ICDS gets `177 billion representing n Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme to be to the women, the youth and the poor an increase of 11.7 percent. A multi- rolled out throughout the country. 7 — the three faces that represent the sectoral program to tackle maternal n Fiscal Deficit for 2013-14 is pegged at 4.8 majority of the people of India. Stating and child malnutrition that was percent of GDP. The Revenue Deficit will be that the government pledges to do announced last year will be implement - 3.3 percent for the same period. everything possible to empower the ed in 100 districts during 2013-14. It n Plan Expenditure placed at `5,553.22 bil - women and to keep them safe and will be further scaled up to cover 200 lion. It is 33.3 percent of the total expen - secure, he said that a number of initia - districts the year after. diture while Non Plan Expenditure is esti - tives were underway and many more Ministry of Health and Family mated at `11,099.75 billion. The plan would be taken by the Government as Welfare has been allocated `373.30 bil - expenditure in 2013-14 will be 29.4 per - well as non-government organizations. lion. Of this, the new National Health cent more than the RE of the current year He announced the setting up of a fund Mission that combines the rural mis - i.e. 2012-13. — Nirbhaya Fund — with the sion and the proposed urban mission n Substantial rise in allocation to the social Government contributing `10 billion. will get `212.39 billion — an increase sector. Allocation for Rural Development The Minister also announced a of 24.3 percent over the RE. Ministry raised by 46 percent to `801.94 `10 billion scheme for training youth The Backward Regions Grant Fund billion. to boost their employability and pro - (BRGF) has been allocated `115 bil - n The Government will encourage ductivity. The National Skill lion and will include a State compo - Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF) and allow Development Corporation will be nent for Bihar, the Bundelkhand some institutions to raise tax free bonds up asked to set the curriculum and stan - region, West Bengal, the KBK districts to `500 billion which is 100 percent more dards for training different skills. of Odisha and the 82 districts under than the current year. For the benefit of the poor, the the Integrated Action Plan. n India Infrastructure Finance Corporation Minister assured that Direct Benefit A National Institute of Sports (IIFC), in partnership with ADB will help Transfer (DBT) schemes will be rolled Coaching is proposed to be set up at infrastructure companies to access bond out throughout the country. Patiala at a cost of `2.5 billion over a market to tap long term funds. period of three years. n Proposal to launch Inflation Indexed Bonds Rural Development, Drinking water and sanitation will or Inflation Indexed National Security Agriculture and Food Security receive `152.6 billion. `14 billion is Certificates to protect savings from The allocation for Rural Development being provided for setting up water inflation. Ministry has been raised by 46 percent purification plants to cover arsenic and n On oil and gas exploration policy, the to `801.94 billion in 2013-14. fluoride effected rural habitations. Budget proposes to move from the present Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana The National profit sharing mechanism to revenue shar - (PMGSY)-II has been carved out to Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) ing. Natural gas pricing policy will be benefit States that have substantially will receive `148.73 billion as against reviewed. fulfilled the objectives of PMGSY. This RE of `73.83 billion in the current n On coal, the Budget proposes adoption of will benefit states such as Andhra year. a policy of pooled pricing. Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Defense gets an allocation of n Benefits or preferences enjoyed by MSME , Punjab and Rajasthan. `2,036.72 billion and the assurance to continue up to three years after they Ministry of Agriculture gets a rise of that constraints will not come in the grow out of this category. 22 per cent over the revised estimates way of providing any additional n Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (RE) for 2012-13, at `270.49 billion. requirement for the security of the (TUFS) for textile to continue in 12th Plan `5 billion is being allocated to start a nation. with an investment target of `1510 billion. program on crop diversification. It will The Finance Minister proposed to n `140 billion will be provided to public encourage farmers in the original allocate `415.61 billion to the sched - sector banks for capital infusion in green revolution states to choose alter - uled caste sub-plan and `245.98 billion 2013-14. native crops. A pilot program on Nutri- to the tribal sub-plan. The programs n New taxes to yield `180 billion. Farms will be started for introducing relating to women get `971.34 billion

March 2013 India Review General Budget 2013-14

and child budget, `772.36 billion. The Financial Sector Ministry of Women and Child and Minister Chidambaram proposed to Development has been asked to design constitute a Standing Council of a scheme that will address women’s Experts in the Ministry of Finance to concerns, and an additional sum of ` analyze the international competitive - 20 billion has been provided to the ness of the Indian financial sector. Ministry to begin work in this regard. The Finance Minister announced Ministry of Minority affairs has been that `140 billion worth of capital infu - allocated `35.11 billion and the sion will be made into public sector Department of Disability Affairs `1.1 banks. It will be ensured that these billion. banks meet the Basel III regulations. India’s first women’s bank is pro - Investment and Infrastructure posed to be set up with `10 billion as The Finance Minister stated that the initial capital. key to restart the growth engine was to The government has finalized a attract more investment, and that the number of proposals relating to the government would improve communi - Finance Minister P. Chidambaram addressing the insurance sector in consultation with cation of its policies to remove any Post-Budget Press Conference, in New Delhi on IRDA. These include empowering apprehension or distrust in the minds February 28. insurance companies to open branches of investors. constituted for the road sector. in Tier II cities and below without prior A number of steps to mobilize Bottlenecks stalling road projects have approval of IRDA, having a public gen - investment have been announced in been addressed and 3,000 km of road eral-insurance company in all towns the Budget keeping in view that as per projects in Gujarat, , with the population of 10,000, and 12 th Plan the private sector will share Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar permitting banks to act as insurance 47 percent of `55,000 billion invest - Pradesh will be awarded in the first six broker. ment in infrastructure. Infrastructure months of 2013-14. Debt Funds (IDF) will be encouraged. The Budget introduces an invest - Taxes India Infrastructure Finance ment allowance for new high value The General Budget reiterates that Corporation (IIFCL) will offer credit investment. A company investing `1 clarity in tax laws, a stable tax regime, enhancement to infrastructure compa - billion or more in plant and machinery a non-adversarial tax administration, a nies that wish to access the bond mar - during the period April 1, 2013 to fair mechanism for dispute resolution ket to tap long term funds. Some insti - March 31, 2015 will be entitled to and independent judiciary for greater tutions will be allowed to issue tax-free deduct an investment allowance of 15 assurance is underlying theme of tax bonds up a total sum of `500 billion percent of the investment (in addition proposals. It is proposed to set up the (as against `250 billion in 2012-13). to depreciation). Tax Administration Reforms Assistance of the World Bank and Commission. Asian Development Bank will be Budget Estimates Modified provisions of GAAR will sought to build roads in the northeast - The total expenditure in the Union come into effect from April 1, 2016. ern states and connect them to Budget 2013-14 is pegged at It is also proposed to increase the rate Myanmar. The corpus of Rural `16,652.97 billion. Out of it of tax on payments by way of royalty Infrastructure Development Funds `5,553.22 billion (33 percent) is Plan and fees for technical services to non- (RIDF) is proposed to be raised to expenditure. The non-Plan expendi - residents from 10 percent to 25 per - `200 billion. A sum of `50 billion will ture is estimated at `11,099.75 billion. cent. The Budget also proposes to be made available to NABARD to Juxtaposing economic welfare with introduce Commodities Transaction finance construction of warehouses, the economic policy, the Minister said Tax (CTT) in a limited way. 8 godowns, silos and cold storage units that the link between policy and wel - However, agricultural commodities designed to store agricultural produce. fare could be expressed in a few words: will be exempted . Minister Chidambaram informed opportunities, education, skills, jobs In a major step to rationalize taxa - that the newly set-up Cabinet and incomes. The Budget has before it tion on goods and services, the Budget Committee on Investment has held one overarching goal — to create has earmarked `90 billion towards the two meetings and taken decisions in opportunities for the youth to acquire first installment of the balance of CST respect of a number of oil and gas, education and skills that will get them compensation. The Minister said that power and coal projects. CCI would decent jobs or self-employment that overwhelming majority States had take up some more projects shortly, will bring them adequate incomes that agreed that there was a need for he said. The Minister also informed will enable them to live with their fam - Constitutional amendment to pass that a regulatory authority is being ilies in a safe and secure environment. GST law.

March 2013 India Review Trilateral NEWS Second India-Afghanistan-US Trilateral Dialogue held

epresentatives from India, U.S. and Afghanistan held in-depth consultations on 9 R issues ranging from politi - cal and security spheres to trade, com - merce and investment, and other areas of mutual interest at the second India- Afghanistan-U.S. Trilateral Dialogue in New Delhi on February 19. The three sides agreed to continue this tri - lateral process as a vehicle for achiev - ing the shared goal of peace, security and development of Afghanistan. The Afghan delegation was led by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Jawed Ludin, with Assistant Secretary Y.K. Sinha, Additional Secretary (PAI); Jawed Ludin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Afghanistan and Robert for South and Central Asian Affairs Blake, U. S. Assistant Secretary of State for South & Central Asia at 2 nd India-Afghanistan-U.S. Trilateral Robert O. Blake, Jr. leading the U.S. Dialogue Meeting in New Delhi on February 19. delegation. Additional Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) Y. K. India has strategic partnerships prosperous Afghanistan. Sinha led the Indian delegation. Later with both Afghanistan and the U.S., The first trilateral dialogue was host - the three delegations jointly called on and jointly they share a vision of a ed by Afghanistan in New York on Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai. secure, peaceful, democratic and September 25, 2012.

BILATERAL NEWS India-US Joint Working Group meets on UN peacekeeping efforts ndia and the United States Ministry of External Affairs Joint explored an agreement on a set of Secretary for United Nations Political IPrinciples of India-U.S. Affairs Pavan Kapoor, and comprised Cooperation in the area of training officials from the Indian Ministries of UN peacekeepers and institutional External Affairs, Defense, and Home arrangements between their peace - Affairs. The U.S. delegation was led keeping institutions at the 10 th India- by Assistant Secretary of State for U.S. Joint Working Group on UN International Organization Affairs Peacekeeping, in Washington D. C. Esther Brimmer, and comprised offi - on February 13. The two countries cials from the U.S. Departments of advanced a number of goals laid out State and Defense. in the Declaration of Principles the The India-U.S. Joint Working Joint Working Group agreed upon in Group on UN Peacekeeping was 2011. The Joint Working Group also shared commitment to supporting given greater impetus by the meeting continued in-depth consultations on and strengthening United Nations between President Obama and Prime UN peacekeeping issues. Both sides peacekeeping operations, and their Minister Singh in November 2010 welcomed the open and comprehen - mutual interest in assuring the suc - Both sides agreed that the 11 th sive nature of the discussions, and cess of UN peacekeeping missions. meeting of the Working Group will agreed the talks helped advance their The Indian delegation was led by be held in New Delhi in 2014.

March 2013 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS Ambassador Rao calls on Congressman Roskam mbassador Nirupama Rao met with the newly-elected ‘India-US partnership Co-Chair of the enjoys broad support’ A Congressional Caucus on India and , ndian Ambassador Nirupama Rao consid - Congressman Peter Roskam of Illinois Iers it fortunate that India-U.S. partnership at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on enjoys bipartisan support in the U.S. February 15. Congress, just as it does across the political Ambassador Rao congratulated spectrum in India. Congressman Roskam for assuming Ambassador Rao expressed the sentiment the office of Co-Chair of the in a letter sent to the Chairman of House Congressional Caucus on India and Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Ed Indian Americans, and hoped that Royce, thanking him for his leadership of the under his leadership, the Caucus Congressional Caucus on India and Indian would provide even greater momen - Americans on February 6. Congressman tum to the India-U.S. partnership. Royce recently passed the Co-Chairmanship Both Ambassador Rao and the of House India caucus to Congressman Peter Congressman agreed that India-U.S. Roskam of Illinois. strategic partnership derived much of Expressing her deep appreciation of its strength from the strong support it Royce’s leadership of the India caucus, Ambassador Nirupama Rao with Congressman enjoyed across the political spectrum Peter Roskam in Washington, D.C. on February 15. Ambassador Rao said the diversification in in both countries. They praised the the global strategic partnership between the role played by the Indian American dynamic country”, Congressman two countries “is in no small measure attrib - community in taking this relationship Roskam said there were a broad spec - utable to your long association with the forward. trum of opportunities, including in the India caucus and the vision and diligence Ambassador Rao and Congressman economic sector, for the two countries with which you have led it.” Roskam also discussed the present to collaborate. Ambassador Rao said she was thankful state of India-U.S. relations. Congressman Roskam represents for Royce’s “willingness to work across the Ambassador Rao informed the the 6 th District of Illinois and is serv - aisle and with the large Indian American Congressman about recent develop - ing his fourth term as Representative. community in the United States to advance ments in the relationship, which she He is a member of the House Ways our shared values and common interests.” described as “multidimensional”, and and Means Committee. As the She appreciated Royce’s decision to shared India’s perspective on regional Majority Chief Deputy Whip, he is the remain actively engaged in the work of the and global issues of common interest. fourth-ranking Republican leader in India Caucus. Describing India as an “incredibly the House of Representatives. ‘Education, energy important pillars of India-US relations’ mbassador Nirupama Rao and anchor of stability in the region and as Ted Poe, an influential an important partner in promoting ARepublican member of the U.S. regional and global peace, security and 10 House of Representatives, concurred development, he told Ambassador Rao that sectors like education, health and during the meeting. energy had emerged as important pil - Congressman Poe, who chairs ter - lars of the multi-faceted India-U.S. rorism, non-proliferation and trade partnership. Ambassador Rao called subcommittee of the House Foreign on Congressman Ted Poe from Texas Ambassador Rao met with Congressman Ted Affairs Committee besides serving sev - at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on Poe from Texas at the Capitol Hill in Washington, eral other House panels, discussed February 28. D.C. on February 28. recent positive developments in India- Congressman Poe expressed confi - the shared values and interests of the U.S. relations, including cooperation dence in the future of the India-U.S. two countries. in counter-terrorism with the Indian strategic partnership and underscored The U.S. looked upon India as an Ambassador.

March 2013 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS

“It is a space that impacts our des - India welcomes US ’ ‘Asia pivot’ tinies, whose security and prosperity is vital to both of us, and where we have ndia welcomes the U.S. engage - an increasing convergence of inter - ment in Asia Pacific as New ests,” Ambassador Rao said. Delhi’s vision is to create a web India, she said would continue to Iof inter-linkages for shared pros - deepen its engagement with the United perity and security, Ambassador States and other partners in the Asia- Nirupama Rao has said. Pacific region with the goal to promote “We want the Indian Ocean and their collective prosperity, stability and Asia-Pacific regions to develop into a security. “Wellbeing of Asia is equally 11 zone of cooperation rather than one of dependent on the resolution of strife competition and domination,” she said and violence in countries like at the opening seminar of the Spring Afghanistan and the defeat of non- 2013 Brown-India Initiative Seminar state actors who perpetrate a terrorist Series at Brown University on agenda in countries like Pakistan,” February 4. Ambassador Rao said. “We would like to work for an open, inclusive and transparent cooperative responses,” added Rao The full text of Ambassador Rao’s architecture of regional cooperation speaking on “America’s ‘Asian Pivot’: speech can be viewed at: http: in the Asia-Pacific region, where all The View from India”. //www.indianembassy.org/prdetail major powers in Asia and beyond “Based on this vision, we welcome 2097/remarks-by-ambassador-nirupa - work together to address the tradi - the U.S. engagement in the Asia of the ma-rao-on-andquot% 3 Bamericaan tional and non-traditional challenges Indo-Pacific. The continuance of eco - drsquo%3Bs-andlsquo% 3Basian-piv - and to create a basis for a stable and nomic growth and prosperity in both otandrsquo %3B% 3A-the-view-from- prosperous Asia,” she said. our countries is in many ways linked to india%2 Candquot %3B-at-the-open - “These are the challenges that cut the opportunities for growth and pros - ing-seminar-of-the-spring-2013- across national boundaries and require perity in this region,” she said. brown-india-initiative-seminar-series ‘India offers untapped opportunities to American states’ ndia’s determination to strengthen Education, defense trade; biotech - its manufacturing and make itself a nology and pharmaceuticals etc. are Ihub for knowledge and innovation some other areas where there was industries would open up untapped plenty of scope to build business part - opportunities for greater commercial nerships, the Ambassador said. links with American states, said “The Indian private sector has been Ambassador Nirupama Rao. the bedrock of support in our quest for Indian companies are also exploring new vistas to expand and deepen the new trade and investment links with Ambassador Nirupama Rao (center) with India-U.S. relationship,” she said states in the U.S. in the energy sector, American State Governors at the CII-IBF gover - describing it as “one of the signature nors’ reception in Washington, DC, on February including fossil fuels and renewable, 22. Sandhya Satwadi, Director and Head, CII elements of our bilateral ties.” she said at an event to highlight the North America and Dave Delie, Chairman, CII She expressed confidence that in impact of Foreign Direct Investment IBF, are also seen. their efforts to weave their businesses from India on U.S. states in scope to build business ties in the field with local economies, Indian compa - Washington, D.C. on February 22. of hydrocarbons and energy efficient nies would receive the full support of Reflecting on the transformational technologies”, Ambassador Rao said at governors of the American states. nature of India-U.S. business ties the event organized by the including business links, Ambassador Confederation of Indian Industry- The full text of Ambassador Rao’s Rao noted the bilateral trade of $100 India Business Forum and attended by speech can be viewed at: billion; two way investment flows; governors of nine American states. http://www.indianembassy.org/prde - growing technology and business part - Similarly, the U.S. strengths in the tail2108/remarks-by-ambassador-rao- nerships, and a rich cooperative agen - field of agriculture could form the at-india-business-forum-reception- da in a range of economic areas. basis of strong mutually beneficial organized-by-the-confederation-of- Going forward, “there is enormous commercial linkages, she said. indian-industries-in-washington-dc

March 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS

Reception for Congressman Ami Bera & Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard

mbassador Nirupama Rao Excerpts from Ambassador Rao’s of hard work and sincere effort, has said the presence of remarks at the event: perseverance, creativity and innova - Congressman Ami Bera “We are welcoming Dr. Ami Bera tion. Today, the Indian American Afrom California and and Tulsi Gabbard both of whose community stands on the cutting Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard lives have been linked to India and edge of excellence in American life, from Hawaii in the U.S. Congress influenced by India in a truly special leaders in science and medicine, brings “great meaning” to the task manner. Dr. Bera is Indian education, in entertainment and the of taking India-U.S. relations fur - American by birth. His father and arts, in public service. And pioneers ther forward to greater heights. mother came to this country from like Dalip Singh Saund made that Ambassador Rao hosted a welcome India in the fifties. His story is truly possible, as I am sure Congressman reception for newly elected inspiring and epitomizes the Bera will agree. We wish Dr. Bera Members of Congress, American Dream. He is a physician the very best in his tenure in Congressman Ami Bera and by profession and he has walked Congress and I hope he will rise to Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on every inch of the path of selfless greater and greater heights in the February 14 at the Embassy community service in his native years to come. Residence. Congressman Mike state of California, in his career as a Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Honda from California also attend - doctor and educationist. He has comes from the beautiful state of ed the event. fought an election campaign for a Hawaii which I had the privilege of Ambassador Nirupama Rao said Congressional seat successfully in a visiting recently. When you are in the United States Congress “has vindication of the democratic ideals Hawaii you realize that the United certainly played a stellar and defin - that this country and indeed we in States is a Pacific country and that ing role in enhancing the spirit and India, stand for. He comes to the waters that lap the shores of substance of the U.S.-India strate - Congress five and a half decades Hawaii are the same waters that gic partnership.” Complimenting after Dr. Dalip Singh Saund, also of touch the coast of Pacific Asia. The the efforts of Indian Americans in California but born in Punjab, India, voices and cadences of speech of furthering the friendship between was elected to the House of the Hawaiians remind me so much India and the U.S., she pointed out Representatives. The second Indian of Asian voices. It made me realize that the Congressional Caucus on American Congressman was Bobby how much our destinies are inter - India and Indian Americans was the Jindal who is now Governor of connected and how much we live in largest country caucus in both Louisiana. an interdependent world. Houses of Congress. President Obama recently Congressman Gabbard is a role “That is certainly a compelling referred to Dr. Saund as a “trail - model for young women not only in measure of the importance of the blazer” with the unshakeable belief this country but also I have no U.S.-India relationship,” Ambassador that this country, the United States, doubt in India, too. She was the Rao said. is a place that recognizes the value youngest woman elected to the

1 2

12

March 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS

3 4

13

5 6

1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao welcoming and addressing the gathering at 3. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard speaking on the occasion. a reception hosted in honor of Congressman Dr. Ami Bera and 4. Congressman Mike Honda addressing the gathering. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, at the Embassy Residence on 5. Ambassador Nirupama Rao with Congressman Dr. Ami Bera, February 14. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Mike Honda. 2. Congressman Dr. Ami Bera addressing the gathering. 6. Guests in attendance.

Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, she and shelter in the Gita’s message of more young people, both Indian has an exemplary record of national the eternality of the soul and God’s American and other Americans, to service having been deployed in Iraq unconditional love. I believe that scale great heights of achievement and been awarded the Meritorious now the U.S. Congress is blessed to for their country. On behalf of all Service Medal. Both she and have Tulsi Gabbard as a member of those present today, I wish them Congressman Bera have been nomi - the House. happiness and great success in the nated to the House Committee on The presence of Ami Bera and cause of serving their country and Foreign Affairs and its Subcommittee Tulsi Gabbard in the U.S. Congress building friendship between two on Asia and the Pacific. brings great meaning to our mission great countries – India and the In an interview to USA Today and our task of taking U.S.-India United States.” recently, Congressman Gabbard relations further forward to greater said recently that as a Hindu by and greater heights. Throughout The full text of Ambassador Rao’s faith, she had taken her oath on the their lives, they have been touched speech can be viewed at: Bhagavad Gita because the Gita had by the spirit of India and by the http://www.indianembassy.org/prdet taught her about enlightenment, message of great leaders like ail2101/ambassador-nirupama- love for God, selfless service and Mahatma Gandhi who personified rao-hosts-welcome-reception-for- how each one of us can succeed in the spirit of selfless service in the congressman-ami-bera-from-cali - our struggle on the battlefields of cause of freedom and democracy. fornia-and-congresswoman-tulsi- life. She said she had found comfort They will, I am sure, inspire many gabbard-from-hawaii

March 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS

Panel discussion on India-US relations 1 2 3

4 1. Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Arun K. Singh addressing the gathering at a special panel discussion on ‘India-U.S. Relations’ with the Board of Trustees, School of International Service, American University, at the Embassy on February 20. 2. Jeffrey A. Sine, Chair, Board of Trustees, School of International Service, American University, addressing the guests. 3. Professor James M. Goldgeier, Dean, School of International Service, American University, addressing the gathering. 4. From left, Jeffrey Sine, DCM Ambassador Singh and Dean Goldgeier on the occasion. 5. A view of the interactive Q&A session with the panelists. 6. Guests in attendance.

5 6

CONSULATE EVENTS CGI Houston hosts Minister Moily inister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dr. M. , Maccompanied by a high-level delegation, visited Houston from 14 February 5-9. During the visit, Consul General of India in Houston P. Harish hosted a din - ner in honor of Minister Moily and the accompanying delega - tion at his residence on From left, Shaleen Patel, Manager JV, Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc.; B. C. Tripathi, Chairman & Managing Director, GAIL; Gerry Morton, February 6. General Counsel/VP of Development; Scott Hudson, Manager- Drilling & Completions; S. P. Chip Johnson, IV, President & CEO of From left, Consul General of India Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc.; P. Harish, Consul General of India, Houston; P. Harish, Minister of Petroleum and Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas; Andy Natural Gas Dr. M. Veerappa Moily and Agosto, VP of Business Development; Michael Wieland, VP of Grant E. McCracken, Vice President, Corporate Development & Finance; Brad Fisher, VP of Operations Commercial Operations, Cheniere Energy. & COO and Paul F. Boling, VP & CFO from Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc.

March 2013 India Review Economy NEWS India to grow at 6.1-6.7 pc: Economic Survey alling for reforms, incentives for investment and tangible action on job creation, CIndia’s Economic Survey for 2012-13 pegs the country’s growth at 6.1-6.7 percent next fiscal, with infla - tion easing soon to 6.2-6.6 percent. The forecast comes against the 15 backdrop of a deceleration in growth to around 5 percent and 6.2 percent in the previous two fiscals from 9.3 per - cent and 8.6 percent in the two fiscals before that, induced largely by the global slowdown and financial crisis. “The slowdown is a wake-up call for Chief Economic Advisor Raghuram G. Rajan addressing a press conference on the Economic Survey 2012-13, in New Delhi on February 27. increasing the pace of actions and reforms,” said the survey, adding that had precisely been stressing on these India has navigated difficult times as Highlights: Economic very issues to stimulate growth. these before, and with good policies The survey also expresses concern and strong reforms programme, it Survey 2012-13 over the high current account deficit would again come through stronger. n GDP growth to remain between 6.1 due to a higher share of imports vis a Authored by Chief Economic percent to 6.7 percent in 2013-14 vis exports and says this in the short Advisor Raghuram Rajan, the report n WPI inflation to moderate in the range of run must be corrected by cutting oil card on the state of the economy, with 6.2 percent to 6.6 percent and gold imports with market-deter - recommendations for the way forward, n Economy estimated to grow at 5 percent mined prices. This, the survey was tabled in parliament by Finance in 2012-13 after growing by 6.2 percent argues, is all the more necessary, Minister P. Chidambaram on February in previous year since the flow of invisibles — such as 27, a day ahead of the national budget n Poor show of services sector contributed money in the form of remittances by for 2013-14. significantly to slowdown Indians abroad and software earnings The survey also called for fast action n Global as well as domestic factors — are not particularly sufficient to on the ground after the opening up of responsible for slowdown cut current account deficit, now at 4 the retail trade industry to overseas n FDI in retail can pave the way for invest - percent of the GDP. companies and said this would not just ment in new technology and marketing On the issue of land acquisition, the pave the way for flow of investment in of agricultural produce survey seeks a balance between the new technology, but also for marketing n The survey has a special chapter focused need for economic growth and the of farm produce in India. on jobs costs imposed on the displaced with “Fast agricultural growth remains n Fast agricultural growth remains vital for proper mapping of land, easier means vital for jobs, incomes and food jobs, incomes and food security to facilitate leasing and transparent security.” compensation policy. A special chapter focusing on jobs the tax base and prioritization of On foreign direct investment, the says the future holds promise for India expenditure, holding them as the key survey notes that India, with a rank of if it seizes the demographic dividend, ingredients to a credible medium-term four in the global restrictiveness index, with nearly half of the additions to the fiscal consolidation plan. fares better than , ranked first. labor force till 2030 expected in the “The policy recommendations of the Yet, there is scope to reverse the mod - 30-49 age group. Survey focus largely on stimulating eration seen last year in inflows of “Because good jobs are both the investments and reducing supply bot - overseas capital. pathway to growth as well as the best tlenecks particularly in the agricultural Accordingly, it calls for a review in form of inclusion, India has to think of sector,” the Confederation of Indian increasing the foreign investment cap ways of enabling their creation,” said Industry said in a statement. in a host of areas, notably public sector the survey, adding new jobs were cur - “The analysis shows that bottlenecks banks, insurance and defense produc - rently being added mainly in informal relate mainly to regulatory hurdles that tion as they promise new technology and low productivity sectors. prevent small firms from growing,” the and practices and such capital are bet - The survey also calls for widening chamber said, adding that India Inc ter than portfolio investment.

March 2013 India Review Diaspora NEWS

Indian-American awarded Indian-origin physicians to meet in Chicago national science medal ver 3,000 doctors are expected to Oattend the annual convention of the resident Barack Obama has American Association of Physicians of awarded Rangaswamy Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic med - Srinivasan, an Indian- ical organization in the US, in Chicago from PAmerican co-inventor of May 23-27. LASIK eye surgery, with a national Organized by AAPI’s largest and most medal for science, technology and active chapter, the Indian American Medical innovation along with 22 other Association of Illinois, this year’s convention researchers and inventors. would deliberate on ways to enhance their Srinivasan, 82, an inventor at IBM professional growth as well as explore pos - Thomas J. Watson Research Centre, sibilities to give back to the society. received the 2011 National Medal of “The convention will give us the chance Technology and Innovation with to meet old friends, make new friends, and Samuel Blum and James Wynne. provide a great opportunity for professional They were awarded for “the pio - networking,” said AAPI President neering discovery of excimer laser Rangaswamy Srinivasan (centre) with President Dr. Narendra Kumar. ablative photodecomposition of Barack Obama after receiving the 2011 National “The major attractions include cutting- human and animal tissue, laying the Medal of Technology and Innovation on edge continuing medical education (CME) February 1. (Photo: Ryan K Morris/National foundation for PRK and LASIK, laser Science & Technology Medals Foundation) with renowned speakers, women’s forum, refractive surgical techniques that alumni meetings, delicious ethnic cuisine, have revolutionized vision enhance - The President also used the opportu - fashion shows, and Bollywood entertain - ment,” according to the White House nity to call for increased focus on sci - ment with outstanding artists,” he said. citation. ence and technology education, as well “AAPI was formed in the midst of chal - Lauding the recipients for their hard as immigration reform. lenges that physicians of Indian origin have work and contributions at a White “In a global economy, where the faced due to cultural barriers,” said Dr. House ceremony on February 1, best jobs follow talent, whether in Jayesh Shah, President-elect of AAPI. President Obama thanked the recipi - Calcutta or Cleveland, we need to do “Today, the organization is a dynamic body, ents for “the sacrifices they’ve made”. everything we can to encourage that spearheading legislative agendas on health The medals represent the highest same kind of passion” that has led to care and influencing the advancement of honours the U.S. government can give scientific breakthroughs and innova - ethnic medical organizations.” — IANS to scientists, engineers, and inventors. tion, he said. — IANS Subra Suresh named President of Carnegie Mellon University ubra Suresh, President Barack positions CMU uniquely to address tist and engineer — beholden to Obama’s top Indian-American national and global challenges,” evidence and committed to Sscience official, has resigned as said Suresh. upholding the highest scientific Director of the National Science “I am very happy for Professor standards,” President Foundation (NSF) to become the Suresh and for Carnegie Obama said accepting 16 President of Carnegie Mellon Mellon,” said MIT President Suresh’s resignation University (CMU). L. Rafael Reif. “Professor “He has also done Carnegie Mellon University Suresh will bring Carnegie his part to make sure announced on February 5 that Suresh Mellon exceptional experience the American people would be its ninth president. He suc - and a proven ability to get benefit from advances ceeds Jared Cohon, who is stepping important things done.” in technology, and down after 16 years as president. President Obama appoint - opened up more “The extraordinary ability of the ed Suresh in 2010 as head of opportunities for CMU faculty and students in bringing NSF. women, minorities, and together cutting-edge research and “Subra has shown himself other underrepresented education across multiple disciplines to be a consummate scien - groups”. — IANS

March 2013 India Review Science NEWS

Indian scientists develop arsenic detection tool cientists in Kolkata have developed a Snew high-precision technique to detect arsenic in water, a toxic substance wide - spread in the groundwater of India and Bangladesh that on long-term exposure is capable of causing skin cancer. According to the WHO, natural arsenic 17 contamination is a cause for concern in many countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, China, India, Mexico, Thailand and the US. The new method developed by the scien - tists enables high-precision detection of arsenic through tiny gold clusters that signal its presence in water by emitting light. (Left) President addressing at the launch of PSLV-C 20 SARAL Mission (right), at “The ultra-sensitive sensors synthesized Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on February 25. by us were in the form of gold clusters that signal the presence of arsenic in water by emitting more light or fluorescence when in Indian rocket puts seven contact with the toxic arsenic in water. “It even detected arsenic in presence of satellites in orbit other toxic metal ions,” Arindam Banerjee of the Department of Biological Chemistry of n Indian rocket on February He said India’s capability was rec - the Indian Association for the Cultivation of 25 evening successfully ognized by the world and stressed the Science, said. placed in orbit seven satel - need to apply technology in various A lites — the Indo-French aspects of life touching the common Scientists develop ‘snake satellite SARAL, the world’s first smart man, adding that innovation and phone-operated nano satellite, a space drive towards self-reliance was the robots’ for rescue ops telescope satellite and four other for - need of the hour in increasing India’s hey can slither through the rubble of eign satellites. capability. Tbuildings brought down by earthquakes, A little after 6 p.m., the rocket — “ISRO enjoys tremendous trust locate survivors and alert rescuers — they Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C20 amongst our countrymen. This faith are no ordinary beings, but ‘snake robots’ (PSLV-C20) standing 44.4 meters tall and confidence puts the onus back on developed by Indian scientists to save cru - and weighing around 230 tonnes — the organization to raise the bar of its cial lives during disasters. hurtled towards the skies ferrying the performance, scale greater heights and Fitted with a high definition camera and seven satellites, together weighing explore newer frontiers. For India to ultrasonic sensors, snake robots are flexi - 668.5 kg. occupy its rightful place in the comity ble enough to enter into a narrow opening President Pranab Mukherjee wit - of nations, we must promote innova - and locate survivors under the rubble. nessed the first of the 10 space mis - tion and technological advancement. The 1.5-meter-long robot, made of alu - sions planned by the Indian Space ISRO should be in the forefront of minum, can be easily operated with a joy - Research Organization (ISRO) during such a movement,” the President said. stick and the camera fitted on its head can 2013 and also the country’s 102nd Exuding happiness at the success - send to the rescuers images of people space mission. ful mission ISRO Chairman K. stuck under rubbles. At around 18 minutes into the flight, Radhakrishnan thanked President Developed by scientists from the PSLV-C20 spat out the SARAL satel - Mukherjee for his presence. Defense Research and Development lite. The following four minutes saw The successful launch of the satel - Organization Centre for Artificial the rocket ejecting six satellites in their lites takes ISRO’s tally of launching Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), intended polar orbit. foreign satellites to 35. , the first prototype of these President Mukherjee congratulated ISRO started putting into space snake robots has been inducted in the the scientists on their successful third-party satellites for a fee on its for trials. mission. PSLV-C2 rocket from 1999 .

March 2013 India Review Trends IN SOCIETY

Indian comic industry BIg-Bucks mantra The focus is increasingly shifting towards young adults as the consumer base for the industry broadens to include not just the kids, say industry leaders

he Indian comic industry is helped us to retain our young readers laughing all the way to the in the metros and mini metros while we bank. Modern storytelling, have successfully percolated into tier-II Tbroadening readership to and tier-III cities as well,” he added. include young adults besides children, The transformation was evident, diversification into areas like graphic going by the success of the recently- books, mobile apps and merchandise, concluded Comic Con India (CCI) at has enabled the $22 million comic Dilli Haat in New Delhi and a huge industry to reach out and captivate turnout of children and young adults newer audiences with an eclectic alike. Be it Batman, Fred Flintstone or assortment of products. Chacha Chowdhary, the three-day According to industry experts, it annual event saw over 80 participants was the need of the hour to change and several interactive sessions and 18 and modernize content of their publi - talks by renowned artists. cations to cater to the children of the According to CCI founder Jatin new millennium. Varma, the focus has shifted to young “The content has changed over the adults as comics today are not just years and keeping with the times the limited to kids. characters have changed and so has “I believe that lovers of comics and the storytelling,” Manas Mohan, cartoons can be found in any age Chief Operating Officer of one of group, but most of the comic books, India’s oldest publications, Amar graphic novels and games at the CCI Chitra Katha, said. were for young adults,” Varma said. “The contemporary content has Ashok Namdeo of Campfire

March 2013 India Review Trends IN SOCIETY

sales of all types of reading material and merchandise. “An estimated 50,000 people visited the convention this time. The revenue last year was `2.5 million while 15,000 visitors came to the event. It is heartening to see that the interest of people, including young adults, has increased,” Varma added. “The comic and related industry today is worth around `1.50 billion 19 and the annual turnover is around `20 million,” said Varma. Introduction of exclusive merchan - dise in the Indian market has played a major role in keeping the interest alive. A table lamp shaped as the sabre of Darth Vader, the central character Graphic Novels agreed, saying graph - from Star Wars , or glasses to a motorcycle helmet emulating the one ic novels have played a major role in cut eye strain from LCD worn by Captain America or a replica attracting young adults to start read - screen glare — the mer - of Hermoine Granger’s gown she ing. “The dark and mature themes, chandise promises to fulfil wears in the Harry Potter series of combined with colorful graphical dis - fantasies of comic book films. plays, attracts the young adults who lovers, gamers and Special spectacles by Gunnar have started to take a liking to such movie buffs alike. Technology Eyewear for gamers who books,” he said. Priced between `20 are addicted to Counter Strike or Call According to Varma, there has been and `800, the usual of Duty can be bought for around a 100 percent rise in the number of and cheap products `5,000. The price though is not a publications at CCI over the years and like pouches, wal - deterrent. a majority of such books are for young lets, coffee mugs, “If I am buying a state of the art adults. The interest of children and key chains, mobile video game for `25,000, I won’t young adults for comics also meant and tablet covers based mind paying another few thou - booming business for the event. on cartoon characters sands to have the appropriate According to Varma, they did busi - are an all-time eye gear to protect my eyes,” ness of over `10 million, including favorite. said Anirudh Singh, an avid However, despite gamer. being expensive, But that is not all. equally popular are A lot of content creators also niche items such as showcased their comics as apps for popular smartphones and tablets at the event. Amar Chitra Introduction of exclusive Katha led the pack with all their titles merchandise in the available as apps for iPad. Indian market has “It has never been so good before. Not only do we get to buy our favorite played a major role in comics but also the merchandise too. keeping the interest alive. It was not so a few years back. It gives us more choice,,” Sidharath Singh, a The merchandise 12-year-old, who apart from comics, promises to fulfil buys merchandise of his favorite char - fantasies of comic book acter Darth Vader. “The apps help us to cater to our lovers, gamers and movie tech-savvy readers in metros,” Amar buffs alike Chitra Katha ’s Mohan said.

March 2013 India Review Short STORY On the eve of life…

By Dr. Ketaki Patwardhan Nirkhi

An Anesthetist by profession, Mumbai-based Dr. Ketaki Patwardhan Nirkhi’s debut novel Those Enchanted Four and Half Years was published in 2012. Her stories and poems are widely published in ezines

hey sit together on the beach, guess I have never confessed to you, he shakes his head at the memory. “I side by side, facing the vast but it was love at first sight for me.” He have taken a picture of the face you expanse of the sea, watching smiles. She looks at him and smiles. made after your first sip, remember? T the breathtaking sunset. He A smile that gives away nothing. Our kids will laugh their hearts out if looks at her, she keeps looking straight “Then”, he continues, “After our they see it… But of course I will never ahead at the fierce orange ball. marriage, we went to Goa, the city of show it to them, its our little secret.” “This beach, this beautiful sunset beaches and beer. You remember our Few moments pass by as they revel in brings back so many memories”, he first evening, we sat on the beach just the beauty of nature. The cool breeze says, “I had been here exactly fifty six like we are today, watching the sunset? makes them relax. years ago. I had come with my friends It was such a wonderful feeling… “Few days after our darling son 20 to enjoy a play of volley ball. I was a being in the embrace of nature with Ryan’s first birthday, you said that you champion then. But that day my play - your loved one. That day you wanted were getting bored of the monotonous ing skills got paralyzed. Because I saw to go shopping. It was my first time of routine and needed a break. I had the most beautiful creature on earth… accompanying a lady while shopping, come home wary and exhausted from you. You were here, roaming around and did I ever tell you, it was a terrific work. I shouted at you, I scolded you. with your friends. I still remember the experience! I loved shopping more that You said nothing. I later felt very sorry dress you wore, white with big pink you ladies.” but my male ego prevented me from flowers all over. Your hair was free to He pauses to look at her. She is still saying that to you. But you remember I dance on the rhythm of the wind. Your looking at the sun with a smile on her took you and Ryan to Silvasa for the smile lit up a thousand lamps in my lips. “And then the next day, it was your new year? That was my way of com - mind. I forgot all about volleyball! I first time to taste beer”. He laughs as pensating for my behavior.”

March 2013 India Review Short STORY

She keeps looking at the sun which When you started working to support course they visited us on weekends, but is now partially buried into the dark our family of four, I could not bear the the vacuum remained…” waters, with still a hint of a smile. He thought that my homemaker wife was She just keeps staring at the small looks at the huge waves that form in earning money and I was jobless… sun which is now almost completely the depths of the ocean and come again my male ego. That’s when I took submerged in the dark waters. The crashing all the way to the shore. Each to drinking. Those were the worst waves are gradually turning wilder. wave begins somewhere in the ocean, seven years of my life, but I pulled The ocean now appears grave. travels the same path, hits the shore at through only because of you. I never “Life is so mysterious… It keeps on the end and bursts into thousands of admitted this, but I am indebted to you bringing ups and down at the moments white sparkling pearls which soon get for that. I know you suffered a lot, but we least expect them. Just when we had mixed with the pearls from other you never let our family break. You tol - adjusted to our lives, accepted our 21 waves. Yet no two waves are alike. erated me and injected sense into me. fates, compromised our destinies, Each is beautiful and different in its You never let any of this affect Ryan another blow hit us… Rucha fell into own way. We humans are also like and Rucha’s upbringing…” bad company. She was far away, she these waves, he thinks. We are all alike, He looks away, his eyes welling with was alone, and she succumbed. You yet so different. tears. She is now looking at him had warned me when we decided to “You remember the vacation we all, earnestly. send her far away for college, but I did - you, me, Ryan and little Rucha went to “But then again, our life was as n’t listen to you. And then we repented Kodai Kanal? What a lovely break that beautiful as it could be. You were so our decision. Drugs are the worst was!” he says with eyes closed, as if happy when Ryan got married to Kajal. things in this world. Rucha had almost reliving those precious moments. “You You remember how we ourselves become a lifeless creature. Bringing her remember the Periyar backwaters? The painted the whole house in vivacious, back to life proved such a challenge for beautiful Munnar? The long stretches flamboyant colors? You know, those us. Those days in the rehabilitation of lush green tea farms? You remember colors reflected our mood. It was a center where she was kept were the what you said to me then? You said happy reunion for all of us after a long toughest days.” “lets buy a tea farm, build a small long time. Ryan was very happy, you He sighs. She is still staring far away wooden house here and stay here for were happy to see him happy, and I into the horizon. the rest of our lives…”, he pauses and was happy to see you happy…” he “But now, after all these years, on then says, “I sometimes feel we should pauses carefully before continuing. the eve of life, I am happy. I am happy have done that because it was the same “And I was sad to see you sad when that we are together. Together, to see year I lost my job…” Ryan and Kajal decided to stay in a dif - Ryan and Kajal with their kids Vivaan Both are silent for sometime. The ferent house, away from us. I know and Vihaan, happy in their life. Soon it only sound is that of waves crashing your heart wept for little Vivaan, with - will be time for Vivaan’s marriage. Do and wind whooshing. out whom you could not even think of you know he has a girlfriend?” he “The worst period of my life was the spending a single moment! In those chuckles, “Together, to see Rucha back time when I lost my job. I was frustrat - two years little Vivaan had become the to her own life, happily married to the ed, I was depressed. And I vented all center point of our lives… Suddenly person who can take good care of her, my anger and frustration on you. But the house seemed empty and vacant… and blessed with a beautiful daughter you remained as strong as a pillar. as if life had been sucked out of it… of like Revati. Together, we can now retire, just like the sun does… I have led a very happy life with you. Two The worst period years back we celebrated our fiftieth of my life was the anniversary… Do you remember?” time when I lost The overnight sky is now studded with stars. Moon is not visible any - my job. I was where. Is it a no-moon day today, he frustrated, I was wonders. She now turns to look at depressed. And I him, and asks, “Who are you?” He is eighty two and she is eighty. vented all my And she has Alzheimer’s. Doctors say frustration on she is deteriorating, but he has faith in you. But you God… and in his love. He knows, one day, she will remember. He has been remained as doing this daily, for the past six strong as a pillar months. Because for her, its just anoth - er day. But for him, it’s a lifetime!

March 2013 India Review Cinema NEWS ‘Life of Pi’ leads Oscar pack he Indian flavor was predom - inant at the 85 th Academy Awards, when Life of Pi , wide - Tly shot in India with Indian actors, won the maximum awards, including the best director’s trophy for Ang Lee, who not only thanked his Indian crew but also wowed everyone by saying ‘Namaste’. Another India link was Lincoln , a historical drama about the last few months of 16 th U.S. President (Clockwise from left) A scene from the film Life of Pi ; Director Ang Lee accepting the Oscar for Best Abraham Lincoln, which has been Director from Michael Douglas; and actor Suraj Sharma at the 85 th Academy Awards. co-produced by Indian business tycoon Anil Ambani’s Reliance prominent roles in the movie, a ond Oscar after 2005 Brokeback Entertainment and big screen adaptation of Mountain , Life of Pi clinched the tro - DreamWorks. Canadian author Yann phies for best cinematography However, India’s only Martel’s Man Booker Prize- (Claudio Miranda), best music — hope — vocalist Bombay winning eponymous novel. original score (Mychael Danna), and Jayashri — lost the award in During his acceptance best visual effects (Bill Westenhofer, the best original song cate - speech, Lee thanked his pro - Guillaume Rocheron, Erik-Jan De gory to Adele, who took ducers, the “Indian crew”, Suraj Boer and Donald R. Elliott). home the golden statuette and all technicians who worked The best actor trophy went to for Skyfall . on the movie. Daniel Day-Lewis for portraying Life of Pi narrates the jour - “Suraj, where are you,” he said, Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln . Day- ney of an Indian boy who sur - and the cameras focused on Lewis is the only actor to win three vives a storm. Widely shot in Suraj, who made his acting debut best actor Oscars for My Left Foot , India, the fantasy adventure with the movie. And finally Lee There Will Be Blood and now drama stars young Delhi- wrapped up the speech saying: Lincoln . Jennifer Lawrence won the based Suraj Sharma in the lead “Namaste.” best actress trophy for her work in role, with acclaimed Indian Apart from the best director’s Silver Linings Playbook . The best film actors Irrfan and Tabu seen in award for Lee, who won his sec - award went to Argo. Entertainment should reflect society: Irrfan ntertainment should “reflect the society that the society that we live in. I am constantly chal - and that is important for Ewe live in”, says seasoned actor Irrfan who lenging the definition of entertainment. me”, opined the 46- is working with the motto of challenging the Entertainment has to do something more than year-old. definition of entertainment. just time pass.” Irrfan’s next is A name to reckon with in the international With an interesting bouquet of work that Saheb Biwi Aur 22 arena, thanks to his powerful performances in boasts of variety and quality, have his options Gangster Returns . The Namesake and Oscar winning films narrowed as an actor in pursuit of challenges? A sequel to Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pi , Irrfan is “My job is to explore as much as possible 2011 offering equally respected on home turf for his extraor - even when I don’t know where I would head Saheb Biwi Aur dinary work in Maqbool and Paan Singh Tomar . to. And not knowing things has risk as well as Gangster , Irrfan Sharing his views on movies and its content, fun in it,” said the actor who entertained his joins Jimmy the alumnus of the National School of Drama fans with light-hearted roles in Life... in a Metro Sheirgill and said: “I am just trying to find entertainment, and Sunday . who which is not regular definition of entertainment. “Cinema should be entertaining” and at the were in the It has to keep evolving and it should also reflect same time “it should also leave some message original.

March 2013 India Review Travel & TOURISM A train runs where the Buddha 23 walked The Mahaparinirvana Express, a special train dedicated to Buddhist pilgrims, offers a ride to history for some, spirituality for others

t’s a trip down the Buddha’s lane, At Sarnath, a solitary man sat chant - A Buddha statue at Sarnath, in . The into antiquity and serenity. ing in a nook among the ruins. Other Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath. Tracking the Buddha’s path, the visitors peeped into bottomless wells, IMahaparinirvana Express is for and wandered looking at the ruins of At Kushinagar, an over six-meter the historian, the tourist and, of monasteries and what remains of terracotta statue of the Buddha lying course, the pilgrim seeking salvation in Emperor Ashoka’s famous Sarnath pil - on his side tells of a peaceful death. retracing the footsteps of the man who lar, the capital of which is the four-lion The Buddha died when he was nearly walked this land some 2,400 years ago. emblem of modern India. 80. The special train dedicated to From Gorakhpur, the travellers take The Mahaparinirvana pilgrims then Buddhist pilgrims does the circuit the bus to Kushinagar, about 50 km ride a bus nearly 160 km from twice every month in the cooler away, where the Buddha died after a Kushinagar into Lumbini, across the months of the year — beginning from brief spell of diarrhea. border with Nepal, where the Buddha New Delhi and taking the traveler to He is believed to have had a premo - was born. places like Varanasi and Gorakhpur in nition of death, and travelled to this The train recently made a trial run Uttar Pradesh before getting into Gaya spot on the banks of the Hiranyavati into Odisha, where there are ruins of in Bihar. Sarnath, where the Buddha river to make it convenient for follow - ancient Buddhist monasteries, all con - gave his first sermon, is just 13 km ers to converge for his last rites. structed between 3rd and 5th century from Varanasi. From Gorakhpur, trav - AD, at Udaigiri, Ratnagiri and elers are taken to Kushinagar, where Lalitgiri. he died and attained mahaparinirvana The train, which has The Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, (death, and ascent to “deathless - about 95 km from Patna, Bihar’s capi - ness”), and Lumbini, where he was been running for six tal, marks the site where the Buddha born. And Gaya is where he attained years, takes a week to gained nirvana or enlightenment. enlightenment. There are many reasons to take the The train, which has been running complete the tour. It is Mahaparinirvana ride. It’s not just for six years, takes a week to complete named after the about religion — there are 350 million the tour. It is named after the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, Buddhists in the world — it’s also Mahaparinirvana Sutra, the Buddha’s about delving into the ancient past. sayings in days preceding his death. the Buddha’s sayings in The Mahanirvana Express begins It’s a train ride to history for some, days preceding his death from New Delhi’s Safdarjung station spirituality for others. and ends there.

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n Acrobatics in the air...

Aero India 2013, one of Asia’s biggest aviation trade show, opened on February 6, in Bangalore. (Photo: AFP)

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