No.45 December 2010 - February 2011Embassy of India, Tel Aviv

INDIA NEWSLETTER

Among our remarkable accomplishments has been an unwavering adherence to democracy. The people of India have expressed their confidence by participating time and again in the electoral processes. For us, democracy is an article of faith, important both as a basic pillar of our Republic and as a guarantor of our freedoms. Its sustenance is essential for the identity of India, hailed as the largest democracy in the world, and one that functions well even in situations of multiple complexities.

It is heartening that our economy is progressing at a stable pace and that even in the face of difficult circumstances during the global financial downturn, its performance was appreciable. We are now returning to the pre-crisis growth pattern and are confident of growing at over 9 percent next year. All sectors of the economy will be contributors to our growth trajectory.

Terrorism poses the single most detrimental threat to the progress of humankind. There is a crucial need for concerted action by all members of the international community to eradicate the threat of terrorism. India’s profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today. As India assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, it will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues.

Excerpts from Address toThe Nation by Presidentof India Her ExcellencyShrimati Pratibha Devi

Singh Patil

Celebration of India'sRepublic Day in Israel

out excerpts from the Address of the President of India delivered on the eve of Republic Day.On the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed Munir Ansari, the Director of the Indian Hospice was felicitated.

The 62nd Anniversary of India’s Republic Day was celebrated at the Embassy Residence in Herzliya on January 26, 2011. Shri Navtej Sarna, Ambassador of India to Israel unfurled the National tricolour which

Sheikh Ansari was recently conferred the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for 2011’ for his contribution towards maintaining the Indian Hospice as a symbol of India's heritage in Jerusalem. A memento was presented by Ambassador to Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari.

was followed by singing of the The felicitation was followed by a National Anthem. Ambassador read cultural programme.

Ambassador addresses the gathering

Flag-hoisting ceremony

Mr. Yuval Cohen performing the OdissiMs. Mayala performing the Kathak

Miss Amrita performing a solo dance to apatriotic song

2

ECONOMIC NEWS

Visit of Secretary of Food ProcessingIndustries to Israel

A high level delegation led by Mr. Ashok Industries. The delegation also met with a Round Table Conference organized by Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Food the Director General of the Ministry of the Israel Export and International Processing Industries, Government of Industry, Trade and Labor, Mr. Sharon Cooperation Institute (IEICI) and the India visited Israel from February 5-8, Kedmi and other senior officials at the Embassy.2011. The delegation visited various sites Ministry. Keynote speakers at the Conference of interest including the companies On Febuary 8, the delegation interacted included Mr. Avi Hefetz, CEO of IEICI and Osem, Ella Valley Winery, Adir Dairy, with leading Israeli companies from food Mr. Ashok Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Maadaney Yehiam and Gan Shmuel Food processing and agricultural fields during Food Processing Industries.

delegation visited various sites of interest including the

technological incubator JVP Media Labs in Jerusalem to witness

first hand how technological incubators operate in Israel.

A 3-member high level delegation led by Mr. D.S. Dhesi, Joint

Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India,

visited Israel on February 27-28, 2011 for the second round of

India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.In addition to the FTA negotiations and interaction with senior

officials of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, the

High level delegation visits Israelfor FTA negotiations

The delegation visits Maadaney Yehiam factory At the Round Table Conference

The delegation visits JVP Media Labs incubator

India-Israel FTA second round negotiations

3

ECONOMIC NEWS

The 17th International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM 2011) Exhibition took place in the Israeli Trade Fairs and Convention Center in Tel Aviv on February 8-9, 2011. IMTM is the largest annual professional tourism fair of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean and it serves to promote incoming and outgoing tourism as well as domestic tourism. India participated in this international tourism exhibition, and a booth was set up by the India Tourism Frankfurt office (represented by Ms. Elizabeth Varte, Assistant Director).

India participatesin IMTM 2011

The Indian booth at the IMTM exhibition

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Indian Film FestivalFebruary 13 – 16, 2011

T h e E m b a s s y was attended by a organised a Film l a r g e a u d i e n c e F e s t i v a l f r o m including diplomats Febr uar y 13 to and members of February 16, 2011 at Indian community.Inbal Dance Theatre, Ambassador in his Tel Aviv. During the a d d r e s s t o t h e festival four Hindi gathering reflected movies ‘Sholay ’, on the richness of ‘Black’, ‘Chalte Chalte’ and ‘Anand’ were Indian cinema and its ability to strike a screened. chord with audiences worldwide.The screening of inaugural film ‘Sholay’ The movies were highly appreciated, was preceded by a cocktail reception. It particularly by the young Israeli audience.

Wo r l d H i n d i D a yenacted by the students of Tel Aviv quiz was followed by a Hindi song and University. The play included three Hindi recital of a Hindi poem “Antriksh Mein songs. Hindi”. The programme concluded with A quiz competition also organised. The singing of National Anthem.

The Mission celebrated World Hindi Day on January 10, 2011 in association with the Tel Aviv University at the University. In his address, Ambassador appreciated the interest in Hindi in Israel and the prominent role of TAU in promoting the language.Mr. Asaf Goldsmith, Head of the Department of East Asia Studies also addressed the well attended function. On the occasion, a play ‘Sirf Ek Titli’ was

Students participating in events

Ambassador being welcomed at World Hindi Day

4

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Plaque Ceremony

A unique plaque ceremony was held in first Indian Jew to be included in the Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem on Wall. December 29, 2010 in which the name The plaque of Lt. Col. Joseph was of an Indian soldier Lt. Col. Joseph unveiled by Mr. A Amarnath, Second Jhirad was included in the Wall of Secretary along with Col. Shimon Honour. "Katcha" Cahaner, former Chairman of The wall of honour is erected as a tribute Ammunition Hill. The ceremony was to the heroism and courage of Jewish attended by several members of the soldiers who have fought in defense of Indian Jewish Community and the their countries and Lt. Col. Joseph is the members of Lt. Col. Joseph’s family.

Ambassador attended the Christmas celebrations at St. Antony’s Church at Jaffa on December 25, 2010.

ChristmasCelebrations at

St. Antony’s Church,Jaffa

The Indian worker community in Israel also organised a Christmas celebration

Celebration of Christmas by IndianWorker Community

The “Open House for Indian Culture” organised Indian classical dance performance at Artist House, Elharizi Street on February 24, 2011.Ms. Mayala performed Kathak dance at the event. Mr. Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary, attended.

Indian ClassicalDance

Performance

Mr. Sharad Srivastava and Mr. David D’or lightingthe lamp to open the ceremony

Col. Shimon 'Katcha' Cahaner, former Chairman of Ammunition Hill, and Ms. Ruth Solomon,relative of Lt. Col. Joseph, with Second Secretary A. Amarnath at the Plaque Ceremony in Jerusalem

in Israel on December 25, 2010.The program attended by about 200 people, included dance, music and a circus. David D’or, a well known Israeli singer and First Secretary Sharad Srivastava were the chief guests.The event also included a prize distribution ceremony for sport events organised by the Indian community over the past months. Mr. Srivastava felicitated the gathering on the occasion of Christmas.

Celebrating Christmas at St. Antony's Church

Ambassador with Father Jayaseelan

5

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

INDIA TROPHYFriendly Cricket Matches

As a continuation of its outreach Another such interaction took place in activities, the Embassy of India played a Dimona on February 19, 2011, when the friendly cricket match against Qiryat Gat members of Indian Community in cricket club on January 22, 2011. The Dimona hosted the Embassy’s cricket Indian Embassy’s cricket team was led team for a match against the Dimona by Mr. Sujit Ghosh, First Secretary. cricket teams.The day was marked by pleasant The cricket match was interestingly interaction with the Indian community close, with the Embassy Team winning in Qiryat Gat, which has a significant by 5 runs.number of Indian origin Jews who are The day of interaction ended with a small living in the town for several decades now ceremony with members of the Indian and several Indians working in the Intel Community singing songs from old factory in this southern city. Bollywood movies.

In order to harness the cricket fever generated by the Cricket World Cup 2011 held in India among the Israeli Indian Community and to use it as tool of public diplomacy, the Embassy, in co-operation with the Israel Cricket Association (ICA) and various other cricket clubs in Israel, organised a T20 Knockout tournament - “ INDIA TROPHY” . The c r i cke t tournament, organised for the first time in Israel, commenced on February 26, 2011 with the opening matches played in the cricket grounds of Ashdod and Lod. Eight teams – Ambassador’s XI, Ashdod, BeerSheva, Dimona, Lod, Petach Tiqwa, Qiryat Gat, Ramleh - participated enthusiastically in the first round of the tournament. The second round matches will be played over the weekends in March 2011 and the finals of the tournament will be held on March 19, 2011 in Beersheva.

To commemorate the occasion of India’s 62nd Republic Day, the Embassy of India organised the screening of the film ‘Lakshya’ in cooperation with the Herzliya Cinematheque.The screening was attended by Israelis from several walks of life and the movie was well received by the audience, who could connect immediately to the young Lieutenant Karan Shergill (played by Hrithik Roshan), who finds the ‘Lakshya’ of his life while serving for his country in the army.The Embassy also o r g a n i s e d screening of Hindi movie ‘Taal’ on December 30, 2010 at Inbal Theatre, Tel Aviv.

Screening of Hindi Films“Lakshya” and “Taal”

Teams from Qiryat Gat Cricket Club and the Embassy of India pose for a group photo

C O N S U L A R M A T T E R S

The Embassy has outsourced visa services (with effect from May 15,2010) to two new agencies (a) M/s Caspi Aviation Ltd., 1- Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv, Tel. No. 03-7962000, Fax No. 03-5108365, website: www.caspi-aviation.co.il and (b) S.M. Visa, No. 5, Droyanov Street, Tel Aviv, Tel. No. 03-5250332, Fax No. 03-5250786, website: www.smvisa.co.il. The above mentioned agencies have offices in different parts of the country as under.The Embassy website (www.indembassy.co.il) also contains all relevant details.

Branches of Caspi AviationTel Aviv - 1, Ben Yehuda St., Tel : 03-5100214, Fax: 03-5107673

Bat Yam - 79, Balfur St., Tel : 03-5070797, Fax: 03-6596557

Netanya - 27, Dizengoff St., Tel: 09-8841830, Fax: 09-8332735

Petah Tikva - 20 Hahitadrut St., Tel: 03-9136136, Fax: 03-9307919

Ashdod - 17 Rogozin St., Tel: 08-8521521, Fax: 08-8522505

Haifa - 20 Nordau St., Tel: 04-8624919, Fax: 04-8624032

Tel Aviv - 5, Druyanov St., Tel: 03-5250332, Fax: 03-5250786

Tel Aviv - 24 Saadiya Gaon St., Tel: 03-7610255, Fax: 03-7602033

Jerusalem - 19 Hillel St., Tel: 02-6220018, Fax: 02- 6240724

Haifa - 8, Khatib St., Tel: 04-8650241, Fax: 04-8670886

Ben Gurion Airport - El-Al Building, Tel: 03-9717998

Branches of S.M.Visa

6

INDIAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC NEWS

INDIAN ECONOMY TELECOM/ IT/ BIOTECHNOLOGYJanuary exports at US$ 20.6 India’s domestic market for IT set

billion, up 32.5% to grow three times faster

TCS ready to spend US$ 500 million on acquisitions

Foreign tourist arrivals in India rise by 9.7% in January 2011

Indian economy set to grow by 8.6 per cent in 2010-11

Nasscom pegs IT-BPO exports at US$ 175 billion by 2020

Forex reserves rises by US$ 243 million

India set to get Asia's first tidal Bharti Infratel ties up with IBM

power plant

Bank of India to open subsidiariesoverseas

India plans to reserve airwaves for developing mobile tech

Gems, jewellery exports to touch Drug retail sales up 18% in 2010

US$ 33 billionas companies take rural roads

by 41% to reach US$ 27.5 billion as compared to the same period in FY 2009-10. The sector is being pegged to cross the targeted US$ 30 billion during the period India’s merchandise exports in January In a year when top markets for software 2010-11 as against the US$ 28 billion in 2011 came down to US$ 20.6 billion, exports are recovering and expected to 2009-10. Moreover, exporters are positive compared to US$ 22.5 billion in December grow at less than 5%, India’s domestic about the next financial year, expecting a 2010. But year-on-year, exports registered market for IT is set to grow three times robust global demand. The US and growth of 32.5% from January last year, faster, mainly on the back of higher European market constitute about 60% of when it stood at US$ 15.6 billion. Imports government spending on IT and new India’s gems and jewellery exports. Indian stood at US$ 28.6 billion in January, up outsourcing projects from local banks.exporters are also exploring other new 13.1% from the same month last year. markets including South America and East Total exports for April-January 2011 Asia in order to reduce their dependency registered 29.4% year-on-year growth, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the on the West. reaching $184.6 billion, while cumulative country’s largest information technology

imports rose by 17.6% to US$ 273.6 services provider, is eyeing acquisitions to billion. expand its geographic footprint and

Foreign tourist arrivals in India witnessed presence in niche verticals. It is ready to an increase of 9.7% in January 2011, with spend more than US$ 500 million (around 538,482 foreign tourists visiting the The Indian economy is set to grow by 8.6 Rs. 2,250 crore) for this.country as compared to 490,868 visitors in per cent in 2010-11, as compared to 8 per January last year, according to data cent in Financial Year (FY) 2009-2010, released by the Ministry of Tourism. according to data released recently by the Having touched export revenues of US$ 59 Foreign exchange earnings or forex earned Central Statistics Office (CSO). billion last year, the industry is estimated from tourism increased from US$ 1.23

to have grown by 19 per cent in this billion in January 2010 to US$ 1.27 billion

financial year, aggregating revenues worth in January 2011, registering an increase of

India's foreign exchange reserves (Forex) US$ 76 billion. Indian information 3.3%. Meanwhile, the ministry is planning

rose by US$ 243 million to reach US$ technology (IT) and business process to conduct road shows abroad to promote

299.42 billion in the week ended February outsourcing (BPO) exports are expected to Indian destinations, besides participating

4, 2011, on back of an increase in its grow three-fold to US$ 175 billion in in various international travel and tour

foreign currency assets (FCAs). FCA, the revenues by the end of this decade fairs.

biggest component of the total foreign according to NASSCOM. reserves, increased by US$ 793 million to US$ 270.08 billion for the week, according Bharti Infratel, a subsidiary of Bharti

With the proposed commissioning of a 50-to the weekly data released by the Reserve Airtel, has chosen IBM to provide Mw tidal power project off the coast of Bank of India (RBI). ‘intelligent site operations' to over 32,000 Gujarat in 2013, India is ready to place its Bharti Infratel tower-sites across 11 first “seamark” that will be a first for Asia

telecom circles in the country.as well. London-based marine energy

Bank of India plans to acquire small or developer Atlantis Resources Corporation,

mid-sized banks in African countries, New along with Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd,

Zealand and Canada. The bank is also India plans to reserve some radio has s i gned a memorandum o f looking at the organic route to foray into frequencies, the airwaves on which mobile understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat other countries. signals travel, to be exclusively used for government to start this project.

developing indigenous telecommuni-cation networks. The communications

India’s gems and jewellery exports are ministry is examining a proposal to set Sales in the domestic drug retail market

estimated to rise 17.8% to touch US$ 33 aside about three units (or MHz) of second rose a healthy 18.36% during 2010,

billion in 2010-11, according to Mr. Rajiv generation (2G) airwaves and five units (or making India an attractive destination for

Jain, Chairman, Gems and Jewellery MHz) of third generation (3G) spectrum foreign players who have been looking to

Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). which can be used by private and state-run buy local companies to increase exposure

During the first three quarters, April- companies to develop and run indigenous in one of the fastest growing healthcare

December 2010-11, India’s exports rose telecoms networks. markets globally.

Popular Indian Recipes

Ingredients:

Method:

7

INDIAN BUSINESS

India Soft 2011 Agritech Asia Sep 6-8, 2011, Mumbai March 25-26, 2011, Pune

Electronica and Productronica Convergence IndiaIndia 2011March 24-26, 2010, New DelhiSep 13-16, 2011, New Delhi

World Renewable Energy Nanotech India 2011

Technology Congress and ExpoDec 1-3, 2011

April 21-23, 2010, New Delhi Gokulam Park, Kochi, Kerala

India Machine Tools Show 2011 Paperex 2011 May 26-29, 2011, New Delhi Dec 10-13, 2011, New Delhi

www.biztradeshows.comwww.indiasoft.org

www.biztradeshows.comwww.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com www.nanotechindia.in

www.biztradeshows.com www.biztradeshows.com

FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN INDIA1.

2.

3.

Place the bread slice(s) in water just enough to soak them. Squeeze gently between palms of hand and discard excess water. Tear into small pieces and keep aside. Mix the cottage cheese, potato(es), onion(s), green chilli(es), cornflour, chopped coriander leaves, bread pieces, salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into patties. Spread 1 teaspoon of oil on a griddle and heat on medium level for about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Place 4-5 patties on the griddle and fry for 3 minutes on each side or till both the sides are golden brown. Fry the remaining patties in the same way.

Serves: 4Cooking time (approx.): 4 minutesStyle: North Indian Vegetarian

300 grams (about 12 oz.) cottagecheese crumbled 2 big potatoes boiled and mashed 2 big slices of white bread 1 onion(s) finely chopped 2 green chillies finely chopped(optional) 2 tablespoons cornflour (if notavailable, try any other flour forbinding the mixture) 2 tablespoons coriander leaves finelychopped (optional) salt and pepper to taste oil for shallow frying

AUTOMOBILESDomestic car sales grow by 26% in

January 2011

Renault-Nissan training its international staff in Chennai

The domestic passenger car sales witnessed an increase of 26.28% to 184,332 units in January 2011 from 145,971 units in January 2010, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The motorcycle sales registered a growth of 14.94% during the month, increasing from 650,633 units in January 2010 to 747,818 units in the first month of 2011. The total two-wheeler sales in January increased by 17.55% to 980,752 units from 834,343 units in January 2010. Sales of commercial vehicles also saw an upsurge by 12.58% to 60,753 units in January 2011 from 53,963 units in the same month last year.

The Renault Nissan Alliance has said that its Oragadam greenfield facility near Chennai - its first in the world - will be a template for its upcoming Morocco facility, with a few changes only in the back-end engineering.

Ecron Acunova forms research venture with Thailand firm

Biotech sector to see uptick in M&As

Merck sets up first custom-solutions unit in India

The Manipal group-owned clinical research organisation Ecron Acunova has formed a joint venture contract research organisation (CRO) in Thailand with the Bangkok-based Jamjuree Innovations Co Ltd.

According to research company Grant Thornton, the biotechnology industry in India is likely to see a significant uptick in the merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, primarily on the back of drastic restructuring that companies from the West had to undergo post the economic recession.

German pharmaceuticals and chemicals group Merck KgaA, has set up its first lab chemicals and technology solutions centre in India offering customized services for its local as well as foreign clients in pharma, biotechnolgy, cosmetics and other chemistry-based industries.

Paneer Cutlets(Cottage Cheese)

Serve immediately with:Tomato Ketchup.

8

Nestled in the lower Himalayas at an altitude of 1,250 m in the eastern Indian state of Bengal is Kalimpong, a hill town that was developed by the British as an alternative summer getaway to Darjeeling. Kalimpong, which falls under the Darjeeling district, has evolved into a major tourist destination thanks mainly to its temperate climate. Besides, there is plenty to see in and around Kalimpong for the aesthetically inclined as well as those looking for adventure. The snow-clad Himalayan ranges serve as an enchanting backdrop to the town that holds a number of important Buddhist monasteries with rare Tibetan Buddhist manuscripts besides many edifices from the colonial era. World's third tallest peak Mount Kanchenjunga (8,591 m) is clearly visible from Kalimpong, which is also famous for its large variety of rare orchids. The town is also the starting point for several 4-7 day treks.

By Air:By Rail:By Road:

For more on India tourism, visit: www.wbtourism.com www.tourindia.com www.indiatourism.com

March-June and September-December. Best time to visit:

Attractions

Nearest airport is at Bagdogra, about 80 km away. Main railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, about 77 km away. Well-connected by road from Siliguri and otherimportant cities.

Kalimpong Arts and Craft CentreDarmodaya Vihar

LavaTibetan monasteries

Samco RopewayDurpin Dara

Samthar Plateau

: Located within a walking La Pass, the Kanchenjunga Range and the Tiger Hill. distance from middle of the town is the Kalimpong Arts and Craft : This is a temple as well as the abode of the Centre, which is famous for its handicrafts such as tapestry bags, Nepalese Buddhists. The idol of Buddha in the temple was purses, pictorial wall panels, screens, embroidered bags and presented by the Buddhists of Burma. The temple is run and scrolls, and much more. The centre was founded by the Scottish maintained by the members of Kalimpong Dharmodaya Sabha. missionaries in 1897. : Located on a pass on the old trade route to Bhutan, at an

: En route altitude of 2,000 m above sea level and about 35 km from to Dr. Graham's Home are two Kalimpong is Lava, a small hamlet surrounded by virgin forests Tibetan monasteries: Tharpa and ideal for nature exploration, bird watching and for viewing Choling Monastery at Tirpai, which orchids in their natural habitat. It is also the base for exploring the belongs to the Yellow-Hat-Sect of Neora Valley up to the 3,152 m high Rachela Pass that divides lamas or Gelugpa Sect of the Dalai Sikkim and Bhutan. Treks to Lama; new Buddhist Monastery or Samthar plateau also start Zang-dog PalrifoBrang, completed f rom here . G i tdabl ing-in 1975, which is on Durpin Dara Hill. In 1956 during a visit to Budhabare: Famous for its Kalimpong, the Dalai Lama presented a set of rare manuscripts or weekly bazaar, Gitadabling in "Kangyur" of 108 volumes to Durpin Dara Monastery. Gouripur the Git River valley is endowed House: Situated about 2 km from Kalimpong is Gouripur House, with scenic countryside, which has been made famous by the fact that the great Indian poet, forests and streams. Here one Rabindranath Tagore, used to stay here during his visits to can see terrace cultivation and old style homesteads. Kalimpong and wrote many of his poems. : Located 20 km from Kalimpong on the

: Durpin, meaning "binoculars", is a popular view highway to Siliguri, this ropeway was constructed by Christian point of Kalimpong and is located at an altitude of 1,402 metres. missionaries to open up the remote Samthar Suruk region with its From here can be seen the entire Chola Range of Sikkim, the Jelep predominent Lepcha population. The ropeway spans 1.5 km over

both the Teesta and Relli rivers. : Located 80 km south of Kalimpong at an

altitude of 1,400 m, Samthar Plateau is a great place for a quiet holiday. It offers panoramic views of the snow ranges stretching from Kanchenjungain the west to Gymochen in the east. Besides, one can glimpse the unique lifestyle and culture of its Nepalese, Bhutias and Lepchas population.

How to get there Climate Winter: Maximum temperature is 15 °C; minimum is 7 °C. Summer: Maximum temperature is 25 °C; minimum is 15 °C.

India Calls – Kalimpong