PUBLICATION OF THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA IN DUBAI
N Industrial output in India bounces back to double digits N FDI norms for real estate in India may be relaxed N India to become second biggest destination for FDI: survey N BrahMos cruise missile achieves supersonic dive
VOL. 2 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2010 INDIA BACK IN UN SECURITY COUNCIL
CONSULATE HOSTS SUHOOR FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL’S DESK India Matters is a monthly publication of the Consulate General of India Dear Reader (CGI) in Dubai . All rights reserved. No part of this journal As a testimony to our international stature, India was elected with a hands-down majority as the Asian regional rep - may be produced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any contents resentative to the 15-member UN Security Council. India’s elevation to the UN high table was near unanimous. This means – electronic, mechanical, is another recognition of India’s case for a permanent seat in a restructured UN Security Council. photocopying, recording or During Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Mr. Vayalar Ravi’s visit to UAE recently, he encouraged all Indians to otherwise, without the register with their diplomatic missions as this will help them to exercise their voting rights while in India. permission of the CGI Dubai . We plan to revamp India Matters . Do let us have your suggestions on a new look and what changes you would like to see or the kind of articles you would like to read. As much as this is your Consulate, the magazine is yours as well. So Editorial correspondence and we look forward to your inputs. manuscripts can be addressed to [email protected]
Content and design by IANS Happy Reading. (www.ianspublishing.com) Sanjay Verma on behalf of Consulate General of India in Dubai.
India elected UNSC Non-Permanent Member 4 After a gap of nearly two decades, India has been elected as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, a fact that reiterates India’s rise as a global power.
INDIA-UAE 8 Indian Consulate, Dubai, INDIA MATTERS ON AIR hosts Suhoor The Consulate General of India in Dubai has re-launched its weekly radio programme, India Matters, with the purpose of informing the public about various Consular services, events relat - ing to India and about what matters to Indians in the UAE. INDIA-UAE India Matters is aired every Saturday between 6 pm and 7 pm on FM 105.4 Radio Spice and repeated every Friday between 5 pm 10 UAE, India sign security, and 6 pm. prisoner accords FM 105.4 Radio Spice caters to the South Asian community in BUSINESS & ECONOMY the UAE, broadcasting mainly in Hindi and English. 12 India to be 2nd biggest destination for FDI A new UNCTAD survey finds India will become the second biggest destination for LONAVLA foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world The winner of the August 2010 over the next two years. monthly quiz contest is 20 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Ms. Anjali Jestine . 18 BrahMos missile achieves She wins a gift hamper. supersonic dive The 290-km range BrahMos cruise mis - sile, being jointly developed by India and s! Russia, achieved a supersonic dive after ratulation being test-fired from the Integrated Test Cong Range at Chandipur in Orissa, meeting all mission requirements.
2| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS |3 SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 COVER STORY
irroring the shifting archi - tecture of the evolving glob - al order, India left no one in doubt about the over - Mwhelming support it enjoys in the global arena when it won a rotating non-perma - nent seat on the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) with 187 votes in the 192-mem - ber U.N. General Assembly (UNGA). Comprising 98 percent of the total membership of the UN, this was the high - est number of votes polled by any of the candidates for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the past five years. With Kazakhstan withdrawing from the race in January, India became the sole can - didate from the Asian region and its elec - tion to the non-permanent seat had become a near certainty. But the huge mar - gin with which it won the UNGA elections took even India’s Ministry of External Affairs and diplomats, who worked tireless - ly to make this possible, by surprise. It was clearly a big moment for Indian diplomacy as New Delhi returns to the council on January 1, 2011, after a gap of nearly two decades. The news triggered waves of jubilation across the Indian diplo - matic and strategic establishment. India’s permanent mission to the UN, which liter - ally burnt midnight oil to make this feat possible, was “overjoyed.” “This is the highest vote that any coun - try has got in the last five years. Now that’s saying a lot,” said Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Envoy to the UN, in New York, while describing the vote as “a ringing endorsement”. In New Delhi, Minister for External Affairs S.M. Krishna, hailed the re-entry of India into the U.N. Security Council as “a step forward” in the direction of New Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, meeting with US President Barack Obama, at Toronto, Canada, on June 26, 2010. (File picture) Delhi getting a permanent seat in the pre - India elected to UNSC as eminent global body. needed structural reform to the U.N. over 50 heads of state and foreign ministers manent member of the UNSC for 2011-12 “We will demonstrate to the internation - Security Council. I have absolutely no during his 10-day trip to New York to and underlined that New Delhi will be the al community that India on the Security doubt that we will utilise our tenure to pro - attend the 65th session of the UNGA just “voice of moderation” in the global body. NON-PERMANENT Council is good for the world,” Krishna said vide a sense of satisfaction to all our part - days before the crucial vote. “India’s traditional wisdom and desire to minutes after the news of India winning the ners and obtain their reaffirmation of the India last held a non-permanent seat in contribute to international peace and amity rotating seat trickled in from New York. need for a permanent presence for India on the U.N. Security Council in 1991-1992. will result in our being the voice of modera - MEMBER “This resounding endorsement of the Security Council.” This will be India’s seventh term on the tion and constructive engagement in the India’s candidature at the United Nations Minister Krishna had reasons to feel Security Council as a non-permanent decisions of the Security Council,” he said. serves as a reaffirmation, if any were need - gratified as he led the diplomatic charge for member. India has previously been a mem - Alluding to “a troubled neighbour - ed, of the overwhelming support that India getting a non-permanent seat since becom - ber of the Security Council in 1950-51, hood”, Krishna said India’s immediate pri - After its election as a non-permanent member of the enjoys in the international community,” ing the Foreign Minister in May last year. 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, orities in the Council will include peace Minister Krishna added. “India will also According to sources, he spoke to foreign and 1991-92. and stability in our near and extended UNSC, India will now pitch harder for a permanent seat, continue to work with like-minded coun - ministers of over 100 countries and sought Looking ahead, Krishna outlined key pri - neighbourhood, including Afghanistan, writes Manish Chand tries and groups for bringing about much their support for the U.N. seat. He met orities of India during its tenure as non-per - the Middle East and Africa. Other key pri -
4| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS |5 SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 COVER STORY orities, he stressed, would include counter- on the U.N. Security Council from 2011- terrorism, including the prevention of the 2013,” U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for proliferation of weapons of mass destruc - South Asia Robert Blake said in his speech tion to non-state actors, and the strength - at the Baltimore Council on Foreign ening of U.N. peacekeeping to which India Affairs. “As two of the world’s leading is one of the leading contributors. democracies, we can help build a new glob - Krishna said the victory was reflective of al commons — an international system in India’s major role on the world stage in which other democracies can flourish, areas like combating terrorism and climate human dignity is advanced, poverty is change. reduced, trade is expanded, our environ - “India will discharge its obligations as a ment is preserved, violent extremists are responsible member of the international marginalised, the spread of weapons of community by remaining fully and active - mass destruction is curbed, and new fron - ly engaged on all issues before the tiers in science and technology are Council,” Krishna assured. explored. That is the moment, and the Conjuring a picture of restraint and bal - promise, that lies before us,” Blake said. ance, Krishna said India would handle all It’s now up to India to leverage its non- issues with “objectivity” when he was asked permanent seat to take a stand on on press - questions about terrorism originating from ing global issues sans prejudices and use its Pakistan or sanctions against the Iranian soft power to revivify the UN’s standing as nuclear programme. the premier global body the world can trust “We would like cordial relations with for maintaining international peace and Pakistan. We have made every effort to be security. The world will be watching close - good neighbours with Pakistan,” Krishna ly the way India handles its responsibilities replied when asked whether India would as a non-permanent member as New Delhi proactively place issues relating to terrorism pitches harder for a permanent seat that it originating from Pakistan on the agenda of believes will give it a greater say in shaping the Security Council. global discourse. “ Krishna also made it clear that India “Whenever that (expansion of the would take a constructive view when issues Security Council) happens, India will be a relating to the Iranian nuclear programme part of it — that I guarantee,” says come up before the UN Security Council Chinmaya Gharekhan, India’s former per - and reiterated New Delhi’s opposition to manent representative to the U.N. and the sanctions. “We believe all questions author of The Horseshoe Table , an insightful account of the working of the U.N. (L-R) Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Security Council. The veteran diplomat, Silva, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh however, cautioned that “together with FIRST TIME IBSA, BRIC IN SECURITY COUNCIL during the Second BRIC Summit in Brasilia, on April 15, 2010. (File picture) success goes responsibility”. “I think we got so much support from the ith India, South Africa and Germany winning three of between nations can be resolved through of World War II. The world has changed. General Assembly because there (is) a lot of the rotating non-permanent seats in the U.N. Security mutual discussions. India will continue to Africa is under-represented. Latin America expectations that India will play a construc - WCouncil (UNSC) for 2011-2012, this is the first time the work in this direction,” he said. and Asia are under-represented,” he said tive, productive, independent role in the Security Council will witness the simultaneous presence of all Armed with a non-permanent seat, India after talks with his Indian counterpart. Security Council,” he said in an interview. BRIC and IBSA countries and three of the four G-4 countries. now plans to take the lead in reinvigorating “We need reform of the U.N. to India, on its part, is confident that it will The BRIC countries comprise four emerging powers, viz., the G4 initiative that also includes strengthen the role of the U.N. in the live up to growing global expectations. Brazil, Russia, India and China who are set to become leading Germany, Brazil and Japan for expansion of world as an institution that can resolve “India will also not only bring ability economies of the world by 2050. Russia and China are already the U.N. Security Council in both perma - regional conflicts,” he stated, adding that but add to the legitimacy of the Security permanent members of the UNSC. nent and non-permanent categories. The the G-4 countries would meet soon to Council and be pro-active on tackling the Brazil was elected to a non-permanent seat last year and will composition of the new Security Council review their strategy for pushing expansion scourge of terrorism and strengthening the remain there till end of 2011. that includes many emerging powers of the Security Council. India is also set to UN’s peacekeeping and peace-building The IBSA comprises India, Brazil and South Africa, bringing reflects mutating power realities and the intensify consultations with African coun - efforts,” Krishna said on the day India won three leading economies of three continents together. shift of power from the north and west to tries, who hold key to expansion of the the non-permanent seat with a record Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Brazilian President Lula da The G-4 comprising India, Brazil, Germany and Japan are east and south. German Foreign Minister Security Council. number of votes. “Membership of the UN Silva, South African President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma during aspiring for a permanent seat in the UNSC. India won the seat Guido Westerwelle, who visited New Delhi Leading global powers have welcomed Security Council, of course, entails higher the 4th Summit of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue vacated by Japan from the Asia region in a vote in the UN days after the two countries won non-per - India’s election to the UNSC. responsibility. We will live up to that,” he Forum in Brasília, Brazil, on April 15, 2010. (File picture) General Assembly. manent seats, struck an upbeat note. “We will see India emerge as a global assured. v “The architecture of the U.N. is a result leader as it occupies a non-permanent seat (Manish Chand in New Delhi)
6| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS |7 SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 INDIA-UAE
WHEN IBPC PLAYED HOST
Consul General of India in Dubai, Mr. Sanajay Verma (centre), with Emirati dignitaries at the Suhoor hosted by the Indian Consulate in Dubai on August 26. (Above) IBPC president Mr. Paras Shadadpuri (second from left) with HE Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber, and HE Dr. Haneef Hassan, Consulate hosts Suhoor UAE's Minister of Health; (below) guests at the IBPC Suhoor. Mangaldas and her dance company, The ditions that resulted in the most unique Drishtikon Dance Foundation, who mes - cross-fertilisation of various faiths. he Indian Consulate, in associa - (IBPC), Dubai, Mr. Faizal E. Kottikollon, merized the audiences with their Kathak Drawing on themes from Persian and tion with India Tourism and President of EmiratesTechno Casting FZE performances based on Sufi poetry by Urdu poetry and qawwalis and ghazals, Dubai Press Club, hosted a and Mr. J.C. Sharma, former secretary in Hazrat Amir Khusro. Kathak’s exquisite artistry, rich in rhythms Suhoor dinner in Dubai on India’s Ministry of External Affairs also Kathak, one of the eight forms of Indian and utterances, was honed for many cen - TAugust 26, 2010, to celebrate the Holy attended the function. classical dances, had originated in northern turies in Mughal courts. Month of Ramadan and showcase the Speaking at the event, the Consul Indian. This dance form traces its origins Sufism is known as a science whose Islamic culture and heritage in India. General of India in Dubai, Mr. Sanjay to the nomadic bards of ancient northern objective is the reparation of the heart and The event was attended by prominent Verma, spoke about the large Muslim pop - India, known as kathaka s, or storytellers. turning it away from all else but God. In its Emiratis like Dr. Omar Al Muthanna, ulation in India and recalled his childhood The story of Kathak begun in ancient early stages of development Sufism effec - Chief Executive Officer of the Community days in his hometown where he used to times with the performances of profession - tively referred to nothing more than the Development Authority, Government of have Iftar with his Muslim friends during al story-tellers who recited or sang stories internalisation of Islam. According to one Dubai, Dr. Shihab M. Ghanem, renowned ‘Ramzan’, as it’s known in India. No part of from epics and mythology with some ele - perspective, it is directly from the Qur’an, Emirati poet, HE Mirza Hussain Al India is left untouched by our Muslim ments of dance. The traditions of the constantly recited, meditated, and experi - Sayegh, Deputy Chairman of Dubai community which is present in every kathaka s were hereditary, and dances were enced, that Sufism proceeded in its origin Natural Gas Company and Editor-in- aspect of Indian society be it the govern - passed from generation to generation. and its development. Others have held that Chief of Gulf News , Mr. Abdul Hamid ment, movies, science or business, he said. Kathak, as a dance discipline, is one of Sufism is the strict emulation of the way of Ahmed among others. The evening highlighted the strong the most vital expressions of the intersec - Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, through Mr. Paras Shahdadpuri, President of the Islamic roots of India with performances tion of secular and religious life in India. It which the heart’s connection to the Divine Indian Business and Professional Council by internationally acclaimed Aditi exemplifies the legacy of Indo-Islamic tra - is strengthened. v
8 | INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS | 9 SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 INDIA-UAE SPECIAL
tive director of the Abu Dhabi Film Indians in UAE encouraged to register Festival, in a statement. “This year, first- or second-time direc - tors of documentary or narrative features at their diplomatic missions have the chance of winning a $100,000 prize, just as much cash as in the other fea - ndians in the UAE are being two months ago, to be presented in the ture competitions. So the access to prizes encouraged to register themselves federal cabinet and then the Parliament. for young filmmakers is no different than with the diplomatic missions to If passed in the Parliament as a law, last year,” he added. help them exercise their right to NRIs will be able to participate in the In the New Horizons section, films like Ivote while in India. democratic process if they are present Iranian movies Orion by Zamani Esmati “There is no compulsory registra - in their constituencies during state and Gesher by Vahid Vakilifar, two New tion. But it will be to the benefit of the assembly or parliament elections. York-based films, Furious Force of Rhymes by Indian community here to use their Currently, an NRI’s name gets delet - Joshua Atesh Litle and Bill Cunningham voting rights. In case somebody chal - ed from the voters’ list if he or she stays New York by Richard Press, which connect lenges their names in the voters’ list, outside the country for more than six the city’s music and fashion to the rest of the registration will help verify their months. the world in very unusual ways, will be details through the consulate or the Responding to questions from the showcased. embassy,” Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Minister media, Minister Ravi said the govern - “Adrian Brody, the youngest winner of a for Overseas Indian Affairs, said at a press we are ready to take it to a different foot - ments of UAE and India are in the process best actor Oscar will be on hand for the conference at the Indian Consulate in ing,” the Consul General said. of finalising the amendments to the American independent film, Wrecked by Dubai. Expatriate Indians can register their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) PAAN SINGH TOMAR Michael Greenspan, and there's an equally Consul Geneeral of India in Dubai, details online by using their passport signed between the two countries for the impressive line-up of films by new talents Mr. Sanjay Verma, said currently less details. welfare and protection of Indian workers. from Egypt, France, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, than 500 people are registered with the The long-standing demand of non-resi - The Minister, who was in the UAE to TO BE PREMIERED AT Turkey and the UAE. consulate. dent Indians was fulfilled when the Group of attend the Global Arab Business Meeting “The selection also includes one of the “If the linkage between NRI voting Ministers (GoM) cleared the draft for the at Ras Al Khaimah, did not divulge details most surprising and unexpected new films rights and online registration is established, Representation of People’s (Amendment) Bill of the MoU. v ABU DHABI FILM FEST we’ve seen all year, Slackistan by Hammad Khan, a Pakistan-UK co-production,” said Scarlet. TV’s production venture Paan announced on September 27 at a press Feature competition titled Narrative UAE AND INDIA TO SIGN SECURITY, Singh Tomar , about the sol - conference at the Abu Dhabi Theater. Competition will have movies like director dier-athlete who went on to “The Festival as a whole has three big Wang Bing’s Chinese movie The Ditch ; become a bandit, will have its competitions for features. When I say big, Olivier Assayas’s Carlos , about the notorious PRISONER ACCORDS Uworld premiere at the Abu Dhabi Film I mean they have 14 or 15 films each with terrorist, featuring a remarkable perform - Festival, starting October 14. very generous prizes of $100,000 for all the ance by Edgar Ramirez; In a Better World by he UAE and India will soon sign Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, led tinuing on a proposed agreement on mutu - Randall Wallace’s Secretariat, starring major awards. They are for narrative fea - Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier; French two significant agreements on the UAE delegation and Vijayalatha al assistance in customs matters. A delega - Diane Lane and John Malkovich, will open tures, documentary features and a new film Potiche by François Ozon; and Russian Tsecurity and transfer of prisoners. Reddy, Secretary (East) in India’s Ministry tion from UAE Customs also visited India the fest and Indian filmmaker Murli Nair’s competition called New Horizons, which movie Silent Souls by Aleksei Fedorchenko. The India-UAE Foreign Office of External Affairs, led the Indian delega - as part of the negotiations, he said. The Virgin Goat will be screened in the compe - is open to fiction and non-fiction features “Until a couple of days ago, we thought Consultations (FOC), which was held on tion in the consultations. agreements would be signed at the ministe - tition section. by first- and second-time directors from all we had three very strong Arab documen - September 19 in Abu Dhabi, reviewed the Ambassador Lokesh said the proposed rial level. The complete line up for the festival was over the world,” said Peter Scarlet, execu - taries. But then we got the upsetting news current status of three proposed agree - security cooperation agreement had been A spokesman for the Indian Embassy in that the Iraqi filmmaker Mohamed Al- ments. designed to ensure the exchange of infor - Abu Dhabi said that those who took part in Daradji, who has a very strong film called India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Mr. mation on security matters between both the high-level consultations, held after a long In My Mother’s Arms , had run into a tech - M.K. Lokesh, said after the meeting that it countries. time, agreed to increase the number of visits nical hitch and the film was not going to be was decided that the agreements would be The proposed agreement on those who between the two countries, to consolidate the ready in time, leaving us with only two expedited. have been sentenced would allow the trans - excellent relationship at the political level. Arab documentaries. Ambassador Lokesh said both sides had fer of prisoners between the two countries, The spokesman underscored the need “That is why we decided to change the almost finalised the two agreements – one he said. The agreement would enable for an early convening of the ministerial rules of the Documentary Competition this about security cooperation between the Indian convicts in the UAE to serve their level India-UAE Joint Commission, which year and include three films about the two nations, and the other for the transfer sentences in their home country, the last met in 2007. Middle East made by filmmakers from out - of prisoners. Ambassador said and added that were Those at the negotiations said they were side the region. We thought, let's try having In July, the UAE and India had drawn about 1,400 Indians in UAE jails. A few satisfied with the rate of growth in trade all five of them compete against each other. up an agreement to allow prisoners to be were convicted and the others were on trial and economic links between the two coun - They happen to be three films about transferred between the two countries. or in detention. tries, which had become major trading Palestine, from Norway, the Netherlands Dr. Anwar Mohammad Gargash, UAE Mr. Lokesh said negotiations were con - partners for each other. v and Germany,” said Scarlet. v
10 |INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS |11 SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 BUSINESS & ECONOMY
India to be 2nd biggest destination for FDI Planning Commission India is ranked fifth in real estate FDI ndia will emerge the second-most expenditures in the next three years. This is sees a rosier economy popular destination for foreign direct a positive sign, given that many developing ndia is ranked investment (FDI) in the globe over economies depend on FDI inflows to ith an over growth would make it pos - Ias the fifth the next two years, says the World ensure growth in their domestic markets. 4-5 percent sible for the economy to most- attractive IInvestment Prospect Surveys 2010-2012, Data released by other international agriculture grow up to about 8.4-8.5 destination for published by the United Nations organisations reflect the improved condi - growth like - percent. future real Conference on Trade and Development tion of global FDI after 2008. lWy to pep up the overall GDP “The economy grew at estate invest - (UNCTAD). The International Monetary Fund growth a little higher than 7.4 percent last year. So, ments in a list China remains the “top investment des - (IMF) reported that net inflows in emerg - the projected 8.5 percent, agriculture alone would topped by tination” for FDI, followed by India, ing and developing economies were up to Planning Commission take it up to about 8.4-8.5 China, according to a latest report of Brazil, the US and the Russian Federation. flows had not climbed back to the pre-cri - $294.1 billion in 2010, compared to Deputy Chairperson percent. The rest of the sys - industry body FICCI and Ernst and Young. The report stated it was the first time that sis levels. Yet, the survey finds attitudes $274.8 billion in 2009. The Economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia sees a rosier econ - tem would also show some acceleration, In the list of top-nine attractive destina - all the four BRIC countries figure among toward the business and investment envi - Intelligence Unit predicts that while global omy in the offing. Ahluwalia echoed the and it could go beyond 8.5 percent,” said tion for real estate investments, China is the top five for FDI inflows. ronment improving, with only 36 percent flows will not match 2007 numbers ($2 popular perception of a good rabi harvest Ahluwalia. followed by the US, the UK and Predictably, developing Asia is seen as of respondents expressing pessimism, com - trillion) until 2014, they will grow to $1.3 this year because of an excellent monsoon. Agreeing that “the base level effect is Singapore. the most sought-after place for FDI (with pared to 47 percent in 2009. trillion in 2010. Unctad predicts a further In an interview to the TV•channel CNBC going to affect quarter-2 growth compared “India ranks fifth on the overall index, as six countries in the top 15). The survey, The survey says a mere 13 percent of the increase to between $1.6 and $2 trillion in TV18, he said, “I am absolutely certain to quarter-1”, Ahluwalia said, “There will it scores better on the country economy aimed at the largest global non-financial respondents were actually optimistic about 2012. Interestingly, developing economies that this year we are going to see more than be some slowing down but we will end the development index and the real estate transnational companies (TNCs), national the prospects of the global business envi - have moved up the ranks in their capacity 4 percent agricultural growth. My guess year with double-digit industrial growth market index, but fairly low on the regulato - investment promotion agencies and loca - ronment in 2010. Yet, this gloom seems to of serious investors. would be that we should be somewhere in and that’s very good.” ry index,” the report said. tion experts, explores coming trends in glob - be short-lived, with 62 percent saying they Half of the 20 most-promising investor the 5 percent to even 6 percent range.” “It (the base effect) is not a cause of con - Dean Hodcroft, E&Y’s Head of Real al FDI over the next three years in the wake thought things would look up in 2012. In countries were economies in transition – While terming an agriculture growth in cern. Let’s look at it. The 8.5 percent GDP Estate for India, Europe, Middle East and of the financial crisis. fact, 58 percent of TNCs are planning to with China ranking second and India the range of 5-6 percent as “not-so-phe - growth only requires just about double- Africa, said, India had the potential to even Until as recently as mid-2010, FDI increase their international investment ranking sixth globally. v nomenal”, Ahluwalia, however, explained digit growth in industry. So there is a lot of overtake the Chinese attractiveness, “if the that it would be potent enough to pep up room for industrial growth to slow down government allows real estate investment India’s overall growth beyond the targeted and for our aggregate growth performance trust (REIT) and real estate mutual funds 8.5 percent. On the chances of the country to be on track.” (REMF)”. Industrial output bounces back to double digits clocking a higher growth, Ahluwalia He said that food inflation may even fall Globally, REITs and REMFs have con - expressed optimism that good agricultural below 6 percent to 5.5 percent range. v tributed significantly to the real estate 63-percent rise in capital goods increased output for the capital goods is finance and developers overseas have production pushed India’s industri - driven by investments in productive capac - capitalised on the growth potential of the Aal output up to 13.8 percent in ity formation within the economy, the India to target 10% growth in sector, the report said. July, as against 7.1 percent in the previous trend in the data provides room for opti - “However, this source of finance has not month, according to official data released mistic projections regarding India’s long 12th Five-Year Plan seen a similar response in India primarily on September 10. The index of industrial term productivity in manufacturing and due to policy issues and lack of clarity on production (IIP) had grown at 7.2 percent infrastructure sectors,” said Shanto Ghosh, ndia will target nearly 10 Year Plan. “Because of the cri - government’s intention to promote such in July of 2009-10. principal economist, Deloitte, in India. percent growth in the sis in the global economy, we alternative source of funding,” it noted. The double-digit growth is significant During the April-July period, industrial I12th Five-Year Plan (fiscal will not be able to achieve the Hodcroft observed that while global because industrial expansion in the previous the maximum weightage, rose the highest, output has risen 11.4 percent, compared to years 2012-17), said Planning growth target during the 11th investors were wary of investing in China month was revised downward to 5.67 per - to 15 percent in the month under review, a mere 4.7 percent in the first four months Commission Deputy Plan. I hope we will achieve as they were concerned that Beijing could cent from the earlier estimate of 7.1 percent. compared to a rise of 7.4 percent in the of the last fiscal. Chairman Montek Singh overall 8.1 percent growth in change the policy anytime, New Delhi Experts had earlier said the industry year-ago period, data from the Ministry of India’s industrial output, which surged Ahluwalia. the current plan, which is should strive to make regulations more could grow in single-digit for July because Statistics showed. 13.8 percent in July from 7.1 percent in “Our GDP (gross domestic quite good,” Ahluwalia said. investment-friendly. of the base effect. The manufacturing sector constitutes the previous month, is an indication of the product) growth target during the 12th Kaushik Basu, the government’s chief “India has a strong macro economic Planning Commission Deputy about 80 percent of the IIP. long-term optimism in the country’s Plan will be somewhere between 9 to 10 economic advisor, said that GDP growth story which needs to be supported by Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said The mining sector expanded at 9.7 per - industry and the overall economy, Finance percent. I think a 10-percent target is quite in the current fiscal was likely to remain some regulatory changes like availability of the IIP figures were better-than-expected cent, quickening its pace from the increase Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on feasible,” Ahluwalia said. above 8.5 percent. liquid vehicle for investment such REMFs and there was a good case for the govern - of 8.7 percent in July 2009. Among the top September 10. The Planning Commission deputy “I hope in the second and the third and REITs,” he added. ment to increase its economic growth tar - performing sectors was capital goods, “The figures indicates long-run opti - chairman further said that during the cur - quarters, growth will be better than the Hodcroft said as much as $200 billion get for the current fiscal year. which grew the fastest at 63 percent, 9.1 mism on the part of Indian industry and rent plan period (2007-2012), GDP first quarter. We might surpass the 8.5 per - private equity fund was waiting to be Though 12 out of 17 industries, which percent in intermediate goods and 5.1 per - this, once again, underlines my own opti - growth was likely to remain at 8.1 percent. cent growth target,” said Basu, adding that invested globally and India had a chance constitute the IIP, posted a positive growth cent in basic goods. mism concerning the growth of the Indian The Planning Commission has set a 9-per - GDP growth would remain between 8.5 to to get more than its fair share. in July, it was manufacturing, the one with “While it is unclear whether the economy,” Mr. Mukherjee said. v cent GDP growth target for the 11th Five 9 percent during fiscal 2010-11. v
12 |I NDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS |13 SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 BUSINESS & ECONOMY
FDI norms for real estate may be relaxed n IN SHORT n IBM to manage Airtel’s IT GDP growth projected at operations in Africa eiterating the government’s India allows 100 percent foreign direct 9.2%: CMIE commitment to make India an investment in integrated housing projects. attractive foreign investment However, there are certain conditions he Centre for Monitoring Indian ndia’s largest cellphone operator destination, Commerce and like investment has to be made within six TEconomy (CMIE), in its monthly Bharti Airtel on September 17 said RIndustry Minister Anand Sharma on months of commencement of business review, has estimated India’s GDP to grow global technology major IBM would September 16 said the three-year lock-in and repatriation of original investments is at 9.2 percent in 2010-11 on the back of supply the computing technology period for overseas investment in the real not permitted before a period of three robust growth in economic activities. “We Iand services for its telecom network across estate sector might be relaxed. years. have been maintaining a 9.2-percent 16 nations in sub-Saharan Africa. “It is an evolving process. We will take These conditions, many analysts say, growth projection for FY-11 since March The two companies, whose partnership an appropriate decision when required,” are restrictive in nature and limit the flow 2010. We project the three broad sectors began in 2004, will finalise an agreement to Minister Sharma told reporters on the side - of overseas investment into the real estate of the economy (industry, services and this effect in the fourth quarter, the compa - will consolidate 16 different IT systems lines of the 7th FICCI International Real Commerce Minister Anand Sharma. sector. agriculture) will improve their perform - ny said in a regulatory filing. The deal will across Bharti Airtel’s African operations Estate Summit in New Delhi. The Minister said, “Indian real estate ance in FY-11,” said CMIE. Growth in the enable Bharti Airtel to provide innovative into an integrated one and will oversee the He pointed out that India had emerged cies and strong macro-economic outlook. sector emerged from the crisis because their industrial sector is projected to increase and affordable second and third generation management of all of the applications, data as the second most-favoured destination “We are committed to create an invest - focus shifted to affordable housing proj - at 9.4 percent in 2010-11, better than 9.2 mobile services across the continent. center operations, servers, storage and for overseas investment after China on the ment-friendly environment, be it in real ects, the demand for which remains strong percent in 2009-10. “There are huge opportunities through - desktop services. back of forward looking government poli - estate or any other sector,” Sharma added. in the country.” v out Africa to transform how people com - “We are delighted to extend our success - India targets 150 mn municate and how communities interact. ful relationship with IBM in South Asia to India air traffic up skilled workforce by 2022 Delivering on that opportunity through Africa. This business delivery model will $220 million corpus for affordable mobile communications for bring enhanced efficiencies to our opera - 19%, Jet Airways leads he National Skill Development everyone is our focus,” said Sunil Bharti tions and help us deliver world-class TCorporation, a joint venture between Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, mobile services to our customers,” Mittal spurring innovation assengers carried by domestic carri - the government and industrial associa - Bharti Airtel. Under the agreement, IBM added. v Pers rose 19.3 percent to 33.9 million tions, targets to create 150 million skilled utting a premium on innovative passengers in January-August with Jet workforce in India by 2022 for sustaining TCS No.2 insurance ideas to spur inclusive growth, tech - Airways recording the highest market high economic growth, Finance Minister Indian firm helps build Pnology evangelist Sam Pitroda on share among domestic carriers, govern - Pranab Mukherjee said on September 20. water park in UAE BPO in UK on September 9 envisaged a $220-million ment data showed. “We have a challenging target of creating corpus to nurture a culture of innovation Jet Airways and its budget arm, Jetlite, a skilled workforce of 150 million persons n ice-themed water park in the ata Consultancy Services (TCS) has in the country. recorded a combined market share of 27 by 2022. We have to take action to Arabian Gulf, where penguins can Tbecome the second-largest insurance The Prime Minister’s Advisor on Public percent in August while Kingfisher Airlines achieve this target by ramping up the Abe seen frolicking in the waters, was business process outsourcing (BPO) Information Infrastructure and had a 20 percent share of the aviation capability of the NSDC. The movement is built at a cost of $100 million by a joint provider in the UK, after winning two deals Innovation mooted the idea at the first- market. in the right direction,” Mukherjee said at a venture of Indian and UAE firms. The park worth £250 million. UK-based Capita is the ever meeting of the newly-formed State-run Air India had a 18.3 percent meeting with top NSDC officials in New was opened for public on September 29. number one player in this space. Sam Pitroda, extreme left, addressing the National Innovation Council, of which he market share and budget airline SpiceJet Delhi. The Ice Land Water Park, built in the Diligenta, a subsidiary of TCS, had media after the meeting of the Council. is also the Chairman. had a market share of 12.6 percent for the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, is part of a recently announced that it had acquired Pitroda expected the government to that produces more frugal cost products month, data from the Civil Aviation Ministry Core Projects acquires 2 125-acre resort project inspired by the issue Unisys Insurance Services (UISL) from pitch in with a 10-20 percent share in cre - and services that are affordable by people showed. US-based KPO firms of global warming. Unisys Corporation, in lieu of which the ating the corpus, which, he hoped, would at low levels of income without compro - The park, spread across 110,000 sq company received business worth £250 eventually grow to a size of $1.09 billion mising the safety, efficiency and utility of ore Projects and Technologies, metres, packs an array of unique attrac - million for the next six years. with public buying its equities. the products.” Cprovider of ICT (information and tions, including the world’s largest man- TCS, the country’s largest information “This will not be a government fund. The council has the mandate to pro - communication technology) education made water fall and rain dance pool along technology (IT) services provider, took The government may contribute only mote the culture of innovation aimed at services, acquired two US-based educa - with over 50 exhilarating water slides and almost four years to develop a platform for seed capital to the tune of 10 to 20 per - achieving inclusive growth. tion companies for $20 million. Core rides. the insurance segment in the UK. “It has cent. We are looking at a fund of size While encouraging all key sectors of acquired Georgia-based education solu - Managed by Polo RAK Amusement, a taken four years to develop the platform. $220 million to begin with,” said Pitroda, the economy to innovate, it is expected tions company Technical Systems joint venture between India’s Polo There was skepticism around this platform, answering queries as to how the council to take special efforts to facilitate innova - Integrators and New York-based Keenan Amusement Group and RAK Properties but in April this year, we went live with two would fund innovative ideas. tion by micro, small, and medium enter - and Keenan Group, an education consul - PJSC and RAK Investment Authority million policies for Phoenix,” said “We need to create a new model of prises. tancy. The two companies have a com - (RAKIA), the park is equipped with a full Vandrevala. For TCS, the UK is an impor - inclusive innovation for India which can Among other things, it will focus on bined turnover of $25 million, with an set of in-house utilities, including a four tant market, contributing 15 percent to its provide solutions for the people at the innovation in public services delivery and average Ebit (earnings before interest megawatt power generation, a water revenue. TCS headcount in the UK will bottom of the pyramid,” said Pitroda. encourage multi-disciplinary and globally and taxes) margin of 16 percent. desalination plant and water filtration touch 2,000. “India needs more frugal innovations competitive approaches for innovation. v systems. v
14 |INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS |15 SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 BUSINESS & ECONOMY
ognizant, a leading provider of consulting, technology and INDIA’S EXPORTS UP 22.5% business process outsourcing services, has announced a joint Cdevelopment programme with Microsoft to ndia’s exports rose 22.5 percent imports surged 33.2 percent to deliver cloud-enabled solutions to enter - to $16.64 billion in August as $141.89 billion. prise customers. As part of this programme, against a 13.2-percent growth in Khullar said with the current Cognizant has set up an ‘Octane Solution the previous month, helped by a growth trend the government was Center’ to accelerate development of Irevival in the demand for leather, cot - confident to meet $200 billion cloud-enabled next-generation solutions ton and engineering goods. exports target during fiscal 2010-11. that integrate Cognizant business services Imports jumped 32.6 percent to “The incentives that we and Microsoft technologies. It extends $29.7 billion, widening the trade announced recently will start showing Cognizant’s long-term partnership with deficit to $13.06 billion in the report - its impact on exports in the coming Microsoft and will facilitate collaboration ing month. months,” said Khullar, adding the between customers and senior business “Widening trade deficit is a matter government was still concerned about technology specialists, solution architects, of serious concern. We must boost the low exports of handlooms, handi - and security experts. The centre was inau - our exports to bridge the gap,” crafts and ready-made garments. gurated by S. Somasegar, Senior Vice- Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar In the annual supplement to the President of the Developer Division at said. foreign trade policy recently, the gov - Microsoft. In the first five months of this fiscal ernment announced `1,050 crore R. Chandrasekaran, President and trade deficit has jumped to $56.62 stimulus package for labour intensive Managing Director of Global Delivery at billion. Khullar said total trade deficit export sectors like handicrafts, hand - Cognizant, said, “This strategic pro - during the current fiscal was likely to looms and leather goods, whose busi - COGNIZANT, MICROSOFT IN gramme will enable our customers to surge to $135 billion. about the widening gap,” he added. Total nesses had been badly affected by the eco - realise the full potential of Microsoft cloud “The sheer size of deficit is quite high. It exports during the April-August period nomic downturn in the US and European technologies and redefine the way they is manageable. But we remain concerned grew 28.6 percent to $85.27 billion, while countries. v PACT FOR CLOUD SERVICES deliver value to their customers.” v
KEC buys US-based Mobile subscriber base by the roll-out of 3G and BWA networks, Government approves Economy to grow by 9% in touches 652 million mark digitisation of television networks, and simplified labour law SAE Towers increased technology adoption among indi - 2011-12, says Finance Minister EC International Ltd, an RPG group he number of Indian mobile subscribers viduals, small and medium enterprises, and he Cabinet has cleared a simplified ver - Kcompany, has acquired Texas-based Twitnessed a robust growth as it touched in government services like the Unique ID Tsion of the Labour Bill, which will benefit he Indian economy is estimated to power transmission infrastructure company project, Census, among others, said a small business establishments employing up grow by 8.5 percent this fiscal and SAE Towers Holdings for an enterprise study. T9 percent in 2011-12, Finance value of $95 million. Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on The 100-percent acquisition from ACON India becomes the seventh September 16. Investments, a US-based private equity “We have not revised our projections of firm, will help KEC reach the largest vehicle producing achieving the growth rate of 8.5 percent expanding markets of North country globally despite achieving the growth of 8.8 percent and South America. In the US in the first quarter of the current financial market, SAE Towers has a The government has claimed that the year,” Mukherjee said at the platinum 40-percent market share. Tcountry has become the seventh- jubilee celebrations of the Bank of Ramesh Chandak, the 652.42-million mark in July, with an addi - largest vehicle producing nation in the Maharashtra. Managing Director and Chief tion of 16.92 million connections, as per the world. Mukherjee said that with growth back Executive of KEC, said the acquisition official data. The total telephone subscriber According to B.S. Meena, Secretary, on a high trajectory, the government was would be completed through a mix of debt base has touched 688.38 million. Ministry of Heavy Industry, “When we trying to make it more inclusive so that and equity. were making the Auto Mission Plan to 40 workers in maintaining registers and the benefits also reached the poor. The The deal will put KEC in the league of Digital information in (AMP) in 2006, we had projected India submitting returns electronically. Minister asked banks to increase their global power infrastructure companies and India to grow 60-fold by to become the seventh-largest vehicle According to the bill, small establishments presence in rural areas so that more people for fiscal 2010-11, it is expected to make 2020: EMC producing country in the world by 2016. will now require to maintain two registers could be brought under the banking net. profits. We have already achieved this mile - about the labourers which can be main - Mukherjee added that even in areas well- The government aims to provide finan - Based in Houston, Texas, SAE Towers stone good six years ahead of the set tained in computer, floppy, diskette or on covered by banks, there were sections of cial and banking services to all areas with a has a production facility at Monterrey, ndia’s share of digital information is target.” other electronic media and return submitted urban society who were excluded from the population of more than 2,000 people by Mexico and at Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Iexpected to grow 60-fold by 2020, driven through e-mail. banking system. 2012, the Minister said. v
16 |I NDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS |17 SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BrahMos missile achieves supersonic dive India to launch four satellites in December
he BrahMos cruise missile, The sophisticated cruise missile has he Indian Space Research and two small satellites each weighing being jointly developed by already been inducted into the Indian army Organisation (ISRO) is gear - around 90 kg made in Singapore and India and Russia, achieved a and the navy. The Block-II version capabil - ing up to launch four satellites Russia. supersonic dive after being fired ities to hit precisely a small target in a clus - within a span of one week in The GSLV will launch the INSAT Tfrom a defence base in Orissa as part of the ter of larger targets were demonstrated TDecember, a top space scientist said in series communication satellite. trials to fine-tune its capabilities. from Pokhran recently. Chennai on September 14. He said the space agency was working “The missile flew in the designated “This new capability has made it even “We will be launching the satellites this toward the goal of doubling the number of complex trajectory conducting large more lethal,” Pathak said in a statement. December. Currently the two rockets are rocket launches to eight per year. manoeuvres and steep dive. This is the first The BrahMos missile is a two-stage being assembled,” Vikram Sarabhai Space Earlier, at a function, Veeraraghavan time in the world that a supersonic dive vehicle that has a solid propellant booster Centre (VSSC) Director P.S. received the next generation strap on has been realized by a cruise missile,” said and a liquid propellant ramjet system. It Veeraraghavan told reporters on the side - motor case – the PSOM-XL empty shell – BrahMos Aerospace spokesperson Praveen can carry conventional warheads up to 300 lines of a function. fabricated by Ramakrishna Engineering Pathak. kg for a range of 290 km. The two rockets that will fly towards Company that would be fitted on next The Indian armed forces termed it a The cruise missile is capable of being the heavens are the polar satellite launch generation PSLV rockets. “perfectly precise flight”. launched from multiple platforms based vehicle (PSLV) and the heavier geosyn - Strap-on motors are additional motors The 290-km range BrahMos missile, on land, ships, submarines and aircraft, chronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV). hugging the PSLV rocket to provide addi - which can travel 2.8 times the speed of and currently the focus in on for the devel - According to Veeraraghavan, the PSLV tional upward thrust during the initial sound, was tested for the army from the opment of its air-launched and submarine- will carry three payloads – Resourcesat stages of launch. v Integrated Test Range (ITR) of Chandipur, launched versions. some 230 km from Bhubaneswar, the India and Russia are jointly designing Orissa capital, it was disclosed by director the BrahMos missile, named after the India’s fast breeder reactor gets Kaveri engine to be of the test range S.P. Dash. The launch was conducted in the pres - Brahmaputra (India) and Moskva (Russia) installed in 2018 “The launch met all mission require - ence of Director General of Artillery Lt. rivers. ments. It was a 100 percent fantastic Gen. Vinod Nayanar, BrahMos Aerospace A regiment of the BrahMos-I variant, critical component ndian-built Kaveri engine for the country’s launch,” Dash said. CEO and MD A.S. Pillai, scientists from consisting of 67 missiles, five mobile ILight Combat Aircraft (LCA) may be ready Defence Minister A.K. Antony congrat - the Defence Research and Development autonomous launchers on 12x12 Tatra n a 20-hour operation that ended on for installation in 2018, a senior official of the ulated the armed forces and the defence Organisation, industry representatives vehicles and two mobile command posts, early September 18, the $1.25 billion Defence Research and Development scientists associated with the project for the and officers from different units of the among other equipment, is already opera - Iprototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) Organisation (DRDO) has said. “success”. army. tional with the army. v built by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut “The gas turbine engine Kaveri will Nigam Ltd (Bhavini) at Kalpakkam got its replace the GE-404 engines which are now fourth critical component — the 65-tonne being put in the LCA,” DRDO’s chief con - CHANDRAYAAN-2 WILL TRY OUT NEW IDEAS inner vessel. more material for a nuclear fission reaction troller of research and development “The 65-tonne inner vessel has been than it consumes. Prahlada told reporters in Bangalore on successfully installed and bolted precisely Outer-most is the stainless steel safety September 16. handrayaan-2, the proposed second With a heavy orbiter and lander, the weight inside the main vessel. The process started vessel (200 tonnes, 13 metres in diameter The Kaveri engine, a `20-billion project, Indian mission to the moon, would of the payloads cannot exceed 40 kg. at 6 a.m. on September 17 and got over and 13 metres in depth) which was lowered is being developed by one of the DRDO Cundertake “extremely good” experi - The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft weighs labs based in Bangalore, the Gas Turbine around 2 a.m. the next day without any into the reactor vault in June 2008. ments and try out new technologies. This was about 2,650 kg at lift-off of which the orbiter scratch to any of the components,” Prabhat The project achieved its third milestone Research Establishment (GTRE). stated by Prof. U.R. Rao, Chairman, weight is about 1,400 kg and lander’s about Kumar, project director at Bhavini, said. in May this year when another critical Test runs of the first complete prototype Advisory Committee on Space Sciences 1,250 kg. With the meteorological department component, thermal baffle, a cylindrical Kaveri began in 1996. (ADCOS). Prof. Rao chaired the national The mission, which will have an orbiter, a forecasting a clear sky on September 17, safety vessel weighing 60 tonnes, measur - The Kaveri engine project got revived in committee of experts drawn from ISRO cen - lander and a rover, is planned to be Bhavini officials decided to lower the 11- ing 12 metres in diameter and more than 2006 following a joint venture formed tres, academic institutions and R&D labora - an opportunity to develop new technologies launched onboard Geosynchronous Satellite metre tall conical shaped inner vessel into six metres in height, was lowered into the between the DRDO and French company, tories which finalised the payloads to be in a “comprehensive way” . Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from Satish Dhawan the already erected main vessel. main vessel. Snecma, an engine-maker, to jointly devel - flown on board Chandrayaan-2 (orbiter and The first edition of the moon odyssey had Space Centre, Sriharikota, in 2013. The inner vessel, which would support Meanwhile, the Bhavini has started pre - op it to fit in the LCA. rover). six foreign payloads and five Indian ones on While the lander would be provided by reactor components like pumps and heat liminary work for the construction of two He said that Chandrayaan-2 would carry board but heavy orbiter (satellite) and lander Russia, the orbiter and the rover are being exchangers, was ready for installation for more units at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. out experiments based on the discoveries of weight this time has put constraints on the built by ISRO. nearly a week but cloudy weather deterred “The government has released `2.5 bil - its predecessor. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Prof. Rao said there were informal discus - the officials to proceed further. lion to carry out preliminary activities “It will conduct extremely good experi - in terms of carry-load of instruments. sions with players from the US and Europe The sodium-cooled PFBR designed by towards setting up of two more 500 MW ments, try out very new ideas and new tech - “One of the problems was weight consid - on flying their payloads, even though ISRO the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic fast reactors at Kalpakkam. We have start - nologies,” the former chairman of ISRO said. eration. Weight limitation is overall boundary had not issued “availability of opportunity” Research (IGCAR) has three vessels — a ed the site preparatory work where the two India is seeing Chandrayaan-2 mission as within which we have to work,” Rao said. for foreign instruments. safety vessel, a main vessel and an inner ves - units are likely to be located,” disclosed sel. A breeder reactor is one that breeds Prabhat Kumar.
18 |INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS |19 SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 TRAVEL
HOW TO REACH
By Air: Pune, 64 km from Lonavla, is the nearest airport which is well-connected to other major cities in India. By Rail: Since Lonavala is located between the Mumbai and Pune broad gauge rail net - work, you can easily travel either from Mumbai or from Pune by the express trains that ply from one city to another. By Road: Lonavala is located at a distance of 92 km from Mumbai and the well-maintained network of the roadways allows the tourists in reaching Lonavala by road transport quite conveniently. erched on the Western Ghats in Wake up in the morning to the glazed pic - around and enticing you, and you know ing view of the surrounding hills and Maharashtra, Lonavla is popular ture of sunrise, the sounds of birds chirp - why the residents of the nearby Mumbai hamlets. romantic hill station far away ing, the soft blanket of fog and the nip in and Pune find every conceivable opportu - den situated in Lonavla. This garden cov - Monkey Hill and Thakarwadi, lies the from the madding crowds. the air – and for a brief moment, you nity to rush to Lonavala for the weekend ers a lot of ground and it is full of majes - place. To reach Gambhirnath, one has to Bhushi Dam: A fabulous waterfall near PLonavala is a place where nature appears would be left wondering where you are. or on holidays. tic tall trees. There is an old Shiva temple leave the train, climb the narrow path on the dam is one of the most exciting spots with its entire splendour. It is a place When you are at the jewel of the in this park. the hill and reach Gambhirnath. At the of Lonavla. It’s a where you can sink into an ocean of tran - Sahyadri mountains – Lonavala is located Major attractions very entrance of the cave, one can feel the beautiful waterfall quility, one that is filled with gurgling a little over 100 km from Mumbai – you LONAVLA LAKE: It is a picturesque underlying suspense and darkness. between Lonavla brooks, gushing waterfalls, refreshing are left wishing you had a one-way ticket RAJMACHI POINT: Rajmachi Point is spot surrounded by natural scenery, and the naval grasslands, deep valleys, majestic forts, into this place and didn’t have to go back. located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. This about 1.6 km from the town. However, KAIVALYADHAM: Kaivalyadham is one station INS placid lakes, mystical hillocks, cool winds. The enchanting smells of nature’s flora point commands a magnificent view of the lake dries up during the hot summer of India’s premier yoga institute. It’s an Shivaji. v And the little township has sprung up in add to the nip in the air as it reminds you Shivaji’s famous fort, Rajmachi (royal ter - months. institute for scientific and philosophic lit - the midst of all these. Blessed with resplen - that you are 625 metres above sea level. race) and the surrounding valley. erary research, training and therapy in dent valleys, hills, milky waterfalls, lush Add to this, the sweet smells of various DUKE’S NOSE: Duke’s Nose stands 12 yoga. It offers short and long term courses greenery and pleasant cool winds, kinds of chikki — a delicious sweet made RYEWOOD PARK & SHIVAJI km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the in Yoga. Lonavala is an epic poem created by God. of groundnuts and jaggery — wafting UDYAN: This is a big and beautiful gar - highway while driving towards Mumbai. This is the finest landmark in Khandala LOHAGAD FORT: A robust climb of (neighboring hill station) and is popular about 11.2 km from Malavali Railway with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Station takes you to the ‘Iron Fort’, once a Duke of Wellington, since it resembles his formidable battle station of Shivaji. LONAVLA: famous and ample nose. The fort commands an exhilarat - TIGER’S LEAP: Tiger’s Leap is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m. The A romantic gateway magnificent view from Tiger’s Leap is enthralling.
GAMBHIRNATH CAVES: If one is An ocean of tranquility, Lonavla is filled with gurgling brooks, gushing waterfalls, refreshing ready to go through certain inconvenienc - es, Gambhirnath Caves must be visited. grasslands, deep valleys, majestic forts, placid lakes, mystical hillocks and cool winds. While going towards Mumbai, between
20 |INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS |21 SEPTMEBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 QUIZ Rajasthan, a colourful state of India, has many valuable tourism attractions in the country. The palatial palaces, fantastic forts, impressive art and architecture, frescoes, havelis, magnificent temples and the never ending deserts are the most important and significant attractions over there. The marvellous historic monuments are
Readers are invited to answer the questions given in the column which will make them eligible to attractions for tourists from all over the world since these places win a prize to be given by the Indian Consulate in Dubai. Write in the answers to claim a prize. All answers should be e-mailed to [email protected] and the first person to email all the correct appeal a lot to them. answer will win the prize. Please mention your postal address, mobile phone number and e-mail address clearly in the mail.
1. Which beach in Goa is famous for the Church 6. How is the river, called Yarlong Zangbo in of Our Lady of Mercy and the miracle statue China, known as in India? of Menino Jesus? 7. Who produced the 1937 Hindi feature film 2. Which bank in India advertises itself with the Kisan Kanya , credited as being the first indige - catchline, ‘The banker to every Indian’? nously produced colour film in India?
3. Balram Halwai is the main character of which 8. Name the annual award presented every Booker Prize-winning book by an Indian November 19 that was instituted by the All author? India National Unity Conference to recognise national unity, integration and brotherhood? 4. Which ancient Indian treatise is also referred to as the fifth Veda? 9. The Rajmala is the ancient royal chronicle of which modern Indian state? 5. The sophisticated patterns of which style of sarees are inspired by the figurines on the walls 10. Who was the first chief justice of India to also of the citadel of queen Ahilya Bai of Holkar? serve as acting president of India?
THE PICTURE QUESTION
The winner of which premier Indian domestic sports tournament gets the trophy shown here?
ANSWERS TO indiQtive , AUGUST 2010
1. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, regarded as India’s first war of independence, 2. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the annual conclave of the Indian diaspora, 3. Rani Gaidinliu. 4. The All India Home Rule League, with Annie Besant as its leader, 5. The Lucknow Pact, 6. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, 7. To conduct an inquiry into the Jallianwala Bagh mas - sacre that happened on April 13 that year, 8. The Indian national flag. (It originally had the spinning wheel in the middle, which was replaced by the Ashok Chakra once the flag was adopted officially as Indian national flag.), 9. Since he was imprisoned in a South African jail in December, 1907. (As an Indian, Gandhi fell under the coloured cat - egory and all coloured prisoners had to wear a similarly designed cap. After returning to India, Gandhi continued to wear the cap made out of homespun khadi and it soon became popular.), 10. Moirang in Manipur. The Picture Question: Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar.
22 |INDIA MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2010 Honour for O.N.V Kurup
Consul General of India in Dubai, Mr. Sanjay Verma, presenting acclaimed litterateur of Kerala, Padmashri Professor O.N.V. Kurup, a memento at the AKCAF Onnakkazhcha 2010 held in Dubai on September 24.
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