Nuclear Security Summit

Nuclear Security Summit: Adopted Communique and Plan of Work

A major international summit convened by Barack Obama to discuss ways of improving the security of nuclear materials got underway on April 12, 2010 with the American resident underlining the importance of preventing terrorists from getting hold of the ingredients for a nuclear bomb in Washington.

The two-day summit brought together 47 countries, including the U.S., 37 of whom are being represented by their heads of state or government. A final declaration, negotiated over the past few months by officials from participating countries has been released.

Romania has nearly 1500MWe of nuclear generating capacity and sources 20 per cent of its electricity from nuclear energy, Bulgaria's two reactors account for 35 per cent of its national power grid, and Hungary has four reactors generating one-third of its power. All three countries also figure in the list compiled by the International Panel on Fissile Material with stocks of Highly Enriched Uranium in the 10-100 kg. range. Yet, neither country will be at the Washington summit, even though Armenia, with just 370MWe of nuclear power has been invited. Uzbekistan has also not been invited, despite holding HEU stocks in the 100-1000 kg range. But Georgia, with no nuclear programme to speak of, will be in Washington.

Two other countries whose presence ought to have been considered essential to such an end eavour are Niger and Namibia, who together account for nearly 18 per cent of the world's mined uranium. But the two African states, whose yellowcake drives much of the world's nuclear programme, were not considered important enough for the summit.

Laura Holgate, Senior Director, WMD Terrorism & Threat Reduction at National Security Council, told that the idea was to get a representative set of countries. “We couldn't invite every single country that has any nuclear connectivity and so we were looking for countries that represented regional diversity where we had states that had weapons, states that don't have weapons, states with large nuclear programs, states with small nuclear programs.”

Both India and Pakistan has attended the summit at the prime ministerial level. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pulled out at the last minute, opting to send his Foreign Minister instead.

Statement by Indian Prime Minister

Nuclear security is one of the foremost challenges we face today. I therefore wish to commend President Barack Obama for his initiative in convening this Summit on Nuclear Security. We would like the Summit to lead to concrete out comes which help make our world a safer place.

The developmental applications of nuclear science in areas such as medicine, agriculture, food preservation and availability of fresh water are by now well established. Today, nuclear energy has emerged as a viable source of energy to meet the growing needs of the world in a manner that is environmentally sustainable. There is a real prospect for nuclear technology to address the developmental challenges of our times.

In India we have ambitious plans for using nuclear energy to meet our growing energy needs. Our target is to increase our installed capacity more than seven fold to 35000MWe by the year 2022, and to 60,000 M We by 2032.

The nuclear industry’s safety record over the last few years has been encouraging. It has helped to restore public faith in nuclear power. Safety alone, however, is not enough. The challenge we face today is that of ensuring nuclear security.

The danger of nuclear explosives or fissile material and technical know-how falling in to the hands of non-state actors continues to haunt our world. India is deeply concerned about the danger it faces, as do other States, from this threat.

Since 2002, we have piloted a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly on measures to deny terrorists access to Weapons of Mass Destruction. We fully support the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 and the United Nations Global Counter Terrorism Strategy. The primary responsibility for ensuring nuclear security rests at the national level, but national responsibility must be accompanied by responsible behaviour by States. If not, it remains an empty slogan. All States should scrupulously abide by their international obligations. It is a matter of deep regret that the global non-proliferation regime has failed to prevent nuclear proliferation. Clandestine proliferation networks have flourished and led to insecurity for all, including and especially for India We must learn from past mistakes and institute effective measures to prevent their recurrence.

The world community should join hands to eliminate the risk of sensitive and valuable materials and technologies falling into hands of terrorists and illicit traffickers. There should be zero tolerance for individuals and groups which engage in illegal trafficking in nuclear items.

Global non-proliferation, to be successful, should be universal, comprehensive and non-discriminatory and linked to the goal of complete nuclear disarmament. We welcome the fact that the world is veering around to our view that the best guarantor of nuclear security is a world free from nuclear weapons.

Starting with Jawaharlal Nehru over five decades ago, India has been in the forefront of the call for global and complete nuclear disarmament. In 2006 India proposed the negotiation of a Nuclear Weapons Convention. We have also expressed our readiness to participate in the negotiation of an internationally verifiable Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty in the Conference on Disarmament.

Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had put forward a concrete Action Plan in 1988 for the universal and non-discriminatory elimination of nuclear weapons leading to global nuclear disarmament in a time- ound framework. I once again reiterate India’s call to the world community to work towards the realisation of this vision.

We welcome the agreement between the United States and Russia to cut their nuclear arsenals as a step in the right direction. I call upon all states with substantial nuclear arsenals to further accelerate this process by making deeper cuts that will lead to meaningful disarmament.

We are encouraged by the Nuclear Posture Review announced by President Obama. India supports the universalisation of the policy of No First Use. The salience of nuclear weapons in national defence and security doctrines must be reduced as a matter of priority. The dangers of nuclear terrorism make the early elimination of nuclear weapons a matter of even greater urgency.

The Indian Atomic Energy Act provides the legal framework for securing nuclear materials and facilities, and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board ensures independent oversight of nuclear safety and security. We are party to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 amendment.

India’s three stage nuclear power programme which began sixty years ago is based on a closed nuclear fuel cycle. A direct benefit of this is that it ensures control over nuclear material that is generated as spent fuel. At the same time, we are continually upgrading technology to develop nuclear systems that are intrinsically safe, secure and proliferation resistant. We have recently developed an Advanced Heavy Water Reactor based on Low Enriched Uranium and thorium with new safety and proliferation- resistant features.

India has maintained an impeccable non-proliferation record, of which we are proud of. As a responsible nuclear power, India has and will not be the source of proliferation of sensitive technologies. We have a well-established and effective export control system which has worked without fail for over six decades. We have strengthened this system by harmonisation of our guidelines and lists with those of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime. Our commitment to not transfer nuclear weapons or related materials and technologies to non-nuclear weapon states or non-state actors is enshrined in domestic law through the enactment of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Act. We stand committed not to transfer reprocessing and enrichment technologies and equipment to countries that do not possess them.

As a founder member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, we have consistently supported the central role of the IAEA in facilitating national efforts to strengthen nuclear security and in fostering effective international cooperation. We have so far conducted nine Regional Training Courses on Nuclear Security in cooperation with the IAEA. We have entered into a Safeguards Agreement with the
IAEA in 2008, and have decided to place all future civilian thermal power reactors and civilian breeder reactors under IAEA safeguards.

We will continue to work with the IAEA and our partners in the United Nations as well as other forums such as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism to upgrade standards, share experiences and ensure effective implementation of international benchmarks on nuclear security.

we have decided to set up a “Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership” in India. We visualize this to be a state of the art facility based on international participation from the IAEA and other interested foreign partners. The Centre will consist of four Schools dealing with Advanced Nuclear Energy System Studies, Nuclear Security, Radiation Safety, and the application of Radioisotopes and Radiation Technology in the areas of healthcare, agriculture and food. The Centre will conduct research and development of design systems that are intrinsically safe, secure, proliferation resistant and sustainable. We would welcome participation in this venture by your countries, the IAEA and the world to make this Centre’s work a success.

Communiqué and Plan of Work

The 47-nationNuclear Security Summit ended with the adoption of a short final communiqué and seven page work plan aimed at promoting the effective security of nuclear materials worldwide.

The communiqué includes general commitments while the more specific work plan constitutes a political commitment by participating countries to carry out applicable measures, on a voluntary basis, in all aspects of the storage, use, transportation and disposal of nuclear materials.

Unlike most nuclear documents springing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty system, the Washington communiqué makes no legal distinction between nuclear weapon states and the rest. Nor is there any reference to the NPT. Instead, it reaffirms the fundamental responsibility of States, consistent with their international obligations, to maintain effective security of all nuclear materials. These materials are defined as including “nuclear materials used in nuclear weapons, and nuclear facilities under their control.”

The document calls for wider support for existing international instruments on nuclear security such as the 1979 Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 amendment, the Convention on the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism.

There is no reference in the documents to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1887 on nuclear security and non-proliferation, passed last year at the urging or U.S. President Barack Obama. Indian officials say the reference in that to NPT adherencemeant it could not be included in the communiqué.

But the communiqué and work plan have words of support for the G8-led Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction. This initiative includes the annual G8 statements on nonproliferation, the last of which sought to prevent India from accessing enrichment and reprocessing technologies.

The work plan covers a wide range of issues from nuclear detection and forensics to exchange of information to detect and prevent illicit nuclear trafficking, and the promotion of nuclear security culture.

The document recognises that highly enriched uranium (HEU) and separated plutonium—basic ingredients of a nuclear weapon require special precautions and that participating countries agree to “promotemeasures to secure, account for, and consolidate the sematerials.” It also says that they agree to encourage the conversion of reactors from HEU to low-enriched uranium, a stated priority of the U.S. in the run-up to the Summit.

Next Nuclear Security Summit in the South Korea

President Barack Obama announced that the next Nuclear Security Summit would be held in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in two years. He said that this would help to “ensure that our progress is not a fleeting moment, but part of a serious and sustained effort.”

Mr. Obama said the summits provided the nations with the opportunity to take specific and concrete national-level actions to secure the nuclear materials, to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency, and to deepen international cooperation aimed at preventing nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorists.

TOURISM IN INDIA

India is often described as a tourist paradise. From the mighty snow-capped Himalayas of Kashmir in the north to the shimmering seas of Kanyakumari in the south, the verdant deltas of Sunderbans in the east, the world's largest protected eco-and-game reserve to the historic forts and shrines of Rajasthan to the west . India has everything that the footloose traveller would like to sample.

Inbound tourism is booming and the country is going all out to lure more travellers from around the world.

Contrary to perceptions across the world that tourism in India is still confined to traditions . the country is opening up with trendy tour packages and affordable air travel deals to woo inbound visitors from every segment.

The Pacific-Asia Travel Association says international arrivals to destinations in Asia-Pacific grew by 2.6 per cent in 2008 despite the economic downturn. And it is still showing a healthy growth.

According to projections, inbound arrival figure is expected to jump the four million mark this year.

India, says the Asian travel trade fraternity, figures on the top of the most favoured destinations, primarily because of five reasons - affordability, cultural and entertainment diversity, heritage, the country's rich socio-cultural mosaic and the robust economy which has been able to withstand the recession. The country has adapted to change, fusing modernity with traditions.

According to World Travel & Tourism Council, the travel and tourism economy in India generates employment for 17.7 million people, some 5.6% of total employment in the year 2000. WTTC forecasts that, by the year 2010, global Travel & Tourism will generate 24.8 million jobs, accounting for 6.5% of total employment world-wide. If, by the year 2010, Indian Travel & Tourism were to generate the same level of employment as the world average, then a further 25 million jobs would be created in India over the next decade. Given Indias outstanding wealth of natural reserves and rich cultural heritage, its thriving business community and high levels of entrepreneurship, India can seize this opportunity.

In India, inbound tourist expenditure is the third highest in the world. The tourist influx to India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.65 per cent between 2007 and 2011.

Consequently, the country offers a eclectic mix of tourism from upend spa, golf, wine, skiing and shopping holidays, river safaris, health tourism to the traditional camel rides in Rajasthan, rural tourism in the hinterlands of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.

The traditional history and religious trails touch states like Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and the temple towns of Southern India.

This year, the government is providing incentives for repeat visitors. It includes special packages for those visiting India for the second time.

The most popular tourist circuits in the country are the northern Indian heritage packages that include Delhi-Agra and Rajasthan.

Delhi, the Indian capital, is like an archive- home to the modern and the old. It was the seat of the Mughal rulers, the British Raj and also the Indraprastha mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.

Every crumbling wall in Delhi has a story to tell. Every yesterday is replete with history. Rulers have come and gone. The city has lived through wars, resurrection, repeatedly rising from the ashes. It has cradled civilisations since times immemorial. Delhi goes back hundreds of thousands of years back into time.

Agra, which lies adjacent to New Delhi at a distance of 300 km, is one of the most important destinations on the world map with three heritage monuments- the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen, descendants of the Muslim artisans of the 15-16th century. The city is famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is an abode of extensive boulevards and beautiful gardens. Founded by Sawai Jaisingh II in 1727 AD, the pink city still preserves its glory of rich history, pink sandstone architecture and culture.

The past comes alive in its impressive forts, majestic palaces and in its royal buildings, which for centuries were the abode of royal families. Rajasthani jewelry, art and fabrics from the city are in great demand in the international market. It is the gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan.

Mumbai formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of Maharashtra state, and is the financial capital of the country. Situated on Salsette Island, Mumbai is made from a cluster of Seven Islands and derived its name from Mumbadevi, the goddess of the Koli fisher folk.

It has a deep natural harbour, which handles more than half of India's passenger traffic and a large amount of cargo. The city which never sleeps, is also home to the country's million-dollar movie industry. Mumbai and the beach resort of Goa- a 12-hour drive from the city, draws thousands of tourists every year.

Located on the slopes of the Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It still retains the glory of colonial times, with its race tracks, lush golf ccourses and colonial British cuisine.

Hyderabad in the South Indian state of Karnataka, in contrast, is steeped in its Muslim heritage while Bangalore in the state of Karnataka is a free individual traveller (FIT)'s delight. It is the Silicon Valley of India, the face of contemporary India.

Atithi Devo Bhavah (Guest is like God)

'Atithi Devo Bhavah' is a social awareness campaign aimed at providing the inbound tourist a sense of being welcomed to the country. The campaign targets the general public as a whole, while focusing mainly on the stakeholders of the tourism industry. The main components of the campaign are training and orientation to taxi drivers, guides, immigration officers, tourist police and other personnel directly interacting with the tourists, while simultaneously creating a brand equity for the trained persons.



Historical Tourism
Each and every stone in India has a story to tell about its past. Indian historical tourism sites are a timeless sojourn back in the by lanes of time to unravel untold mysteries of the past and explore the rare jewels of the glorious past of India. Historical tourism will help you get to know about India from the very beginning, and the splendor that this country once enjoyed. India has been ruled by many indigenous dynasties that have contributed a lot in growth of its rich culture and heritage. Due to its strategic positioning, various topographic features, fertile alluvial plains, long flowing rivers and six different seasons, India has been a source of constant attraction for foreigners who have sometimes conquered it and at others made it their permanent abode.

On its historical tourism, study the long and eventful history of the country that is as vast and as rich the country itself. Explore forts, palaces, temples, mosques, churches, schools, tombs, cemeteries, victory pillars and places built by various builders at various points of time during their rules. These monuments of the past have stood the vagaries of time to tell the story of their inception, beauty, grace, love, passion, art and architecture. Most of the famous Indian cities have a rich history worth knowing, and important sites worth visiting.

Agra
The city of Agra is known to be in existence since the period of Mahabharata when it was known as Agravan and believed to be the part of the Brij-Bhoomi. Made the capital by Raja Badal Singh, Sikander Lodi and Babur, the city rise to fame only after the Mughal Emperor Akbar ruled from here. Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, Akbar's Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri and other smaller monuments.


Aurangabad
Aurangabad enjoys a strategic location in central India from where the north can have control over the Deccan. It's important positioning was first realized by Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq who established his capital at Deogir, and re-named it as Daulatabad. But the city has got its name from the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, who made this city as his seat of power to control his vast empire. Visit the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Aurangabad Caves, Bibi ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Pithalkhora Caves, Paithan and other places.


Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the pipal tree and became 'The Buddha' or 'The Enlightened One'. 13 km from Gaya in Bihar, Bodhgaya is the place where the birth of Buddhism took place. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, Mahabodhi Tree, Vajrasana, Ancient Railing, Lotus Tank, Chankaramana, Animeshlochana and Ratnagar.




Chittorgarh
The legendary city of romance and chivalry, Chittorgarh was brought in dowry by the last Solanki princess when she married Bappa Rawal, the legendary founder of the Sisodia dynasty in the middle of the 8th century AD. Spread over a 7-mile long hill, the city was sacked three times in history due to its strategic location. Visit the Chittorgarh Fort, Vijay Stambha, Kirti Stambha, Rana Kumbha's Palace, Rani Padmini's Palace, Kumbha Shyam Temple and other places.


Delhi
Delhi has traveled a long way since it became the capital of the Pandavas becoming the capital of India eight times. If you pass through the city, you will come across various monuments big and small, some in good condition, others dilapidated, that will remind you about the glory that this city has seen. The modern structures are a reminder of the British rule and contemporary structures are there to indicate the progress that the city has made over the centuries. There are several places to visit in Delhi.


Hyderabad
Hyderabad was established in 1591-92 AD by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah on the banks of river Musi five miles from Golconda. Since then, the city has grown tremendously in size, economy and fame. Visit Charminar, Golconda Fort, Mecca Masjid, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Falaknuma Palace, Salrajung Museum and other places.


Jaipur
Jaipur is the brainchild of the Kachhwaha King, Sawai Jai Singh, who came up with the idea to build the first planned city of India in 1713 AD. His ideas were effectively complimented by a very talented Bengali architect, Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, who planned the city on the basis of the principles laid down in ancient Indian treatises on architecture, Shilpa Shastra and ancient Indian science of architecture, Vastu Shastra. The foundation was laid in 1727 AD, and the work was accomplished in 1731 AD. Visit the City Palace and Museum, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort and several other monuments.


Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer was established by Bhati Rajput Rao Jaisal in the year 1156 AD. The city was named after him. Visit the Jaiselmer Fort, Patwaon-Ki-Haveli, Nathamlji-Ki-Haveli, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli, Gadsisar Lake and several other monuments.




Jodhpur
Jodhpur was the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar. The foundation of the modern state of Jodhpur was laid down by Sir Pratap Singh and followed by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada and several other monuments.



Khajuraho
Khajuraho is a small village in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. The village is celebrated the world over for beautiful stone temples that mark the culmination of temple architecture in India. Hidden deep in the forts, the temples were first discovered by T.B. Burt, a British engineer in 1838 AD. The temples were patronized by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD. The temples are significant for their perfect craftsmanship and refined sculpting. Out of the 85 temples, only 22 are left today. Visit the Western, Eastern and Southern Group of Temples.


Konark
Konark was the part of the Kalinga Empire and a busy harbour during ancient times. 65 km from Bhubaneshwar, Konark is better known for the Sun Temple. Some traditions believe that King Narshimadeva I of the Ganga Dynasty built the famous temple dedicated to Sun God. Local traditions say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, constructed the temple in honor of Sun God who had cured him of leprosy that occurred due to his father's curse after he underwent severe penance for 12 years.


Madurai
Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India, as it history dates back to the Sangam Period. It is believed that Madurai derives its name from 'Madhuram' or 'Nectar' that fell from the locks of Lord Shiva when he came to bless the people of the city for construction of a Shiva temple. It was a glorious and prosperous city during the Sangam Age, as well as under the dominance of the Vijaynagar Empire. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Gandhi Museum, Vaniyur Mariamman Teppakulam and other smaller monuments.


Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram was founded by the King Narsimhavarman I, son of King Mahendravarman. The city was named as Mahamallapuram meaning 'City of the Warriors' after his title 'Mahamalla'. Visit the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, Ganesh Ratha, Trimurti Cave Temple, Five Rathas and other smaller monuments.


Mumbai
Better known as the Commercial Capital of India, Mumbai comprises of 7 islands, namely, Colaba, Mazagaon, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel and Matunga-Sion on the central-western coast along the Arabian Sea. Visit the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Sir Pherozshah Mehta Gardens or the Hanging Gardens, Flora Fountain, Chowpatty Beach, Prince of Wales Museum of Western India or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, and several other places.




Mysore
Situated 140 km from Bangalore on the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, Mysore was the capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty. Also known as the 'City of Palaces', Mysore is lined with splendid palaces, well laid gardens, magnificent temples and striking buildings. Visit the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, St. Philomena's Church, Mysore Zoo, The Art Gallery and other smaller monuments.


Udaipur
Udaipur was the capital of the Mewar Kingdom and established in 1567 AD. Mewar is the oldest surviving dynasty in the world. Visit the City Palace, Sajjan Garh or the Monsoon Palace, Sahelion ki Bari, Fateh Sagar Lake and several other monuments.


Varanasi
Varanasi is supposedly the oldest city in the world with a mention in the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Located on the semi-circular left bank of River Ganga, Varanasi derives its name from the two rivers that flow across the city, namely, Varuna and Asi. Visit the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Alamgir Mosque, Banaras Hindu University, Archaeological Museum, the Ghats and several other monuments.


Cultural and heritage tourism

From time immemorial, India has been considered to be a land with a rich cultural heritage. Centuries after centuries, this country has seen rulers like the Rajputs, Mughals, English and Portuguese. Besides, various religions also flourished at different times like Buddhism, Jainism etc. All these factors have played their role in making an impact on the culture of this country. One can find the traces of different cultures in music, dance, architecture, festivities, languages spoken, traditional beliefs and customs, food and many more like these. It is the development in these aspects of life that makes the heritage of India one of the most vibrant and exhaustive.

We believe in the continuity and dynamism of Indian cultural heritage and it is our endeavour to help people from the world over get acquainted with it. And there can not be a better way to understand this than to experience it. Travel to India with our cultural tour packages and understand why this heritage has withstood thousands of years and is still going strong.


Railway Tourism

India has the largest network of railways in the world. It is one of the most convenient and popular modes of transport for travelling in India. The Indian railways offer you a hoat of options when you choose to explore India by train. There is the most exclusive 'Palace on Wheels', which takes you into the world of royal life. Then there are fast and comfortable Rajdhanis and Shatabdis. Besides, there are hundreds of trains available which cover almost whole of India. We, therefore, offer you an exclusive opportunity to see and explore India with Indian Railways, which is the most enduring symbol of the British Raj.


Yoga and meditation

Modern life has also brought complexities and mental pressure. What we immediately do not realize is the impact of such a lifestyle on our health. For those who do care about their lives and want to live it the healthy way, what could be a better way to de-stress than to relax in the soothing and therapeutic balm Yogic and Meditational practices. India is internationally renowned for its ancient healing practices and alternative therapies. For thousands of years now, we have followed our own indigenous healing systems and medicinal practices such as Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Pranic Healing to name just a few. It is no wonder then that people from all over the world are turning to the Indian sub continent for a more spiritually satisfying way of life.

Yoga and meditation are just such indigenous twin techniques of self-realization and purification. One incomplete without the other, they help an individual to develop a sense of physical, mental, emotional as well as spiritual well being. Yoga in all its forms tries to create harmony of the body with the mind and soul. It is a very general term that encompasses many different disciplines ranging from the purely physical to the purely spiritual, and is a truly original Indian concept.

Many people believe that yoga and meditation are mystic arts that demand complete devotion to the exclusion of everything else. However, the truth is that Yoga and Meditation are not the hard taskmasters they are often made out to be. Yoga and Meditation can easily be incorporated into our daily lives, requiring no more than a few minutes, everyday. Their benefits on the other hand are wide-ranging and restorative. For instance, meditation has proven to be highly effective in treating psychological conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety, and Yoga is known to increase levels of self-confidence and memory.

We have designed special Yoga and Meditation tour packages that will allow you to combine your holiday and travel to India with a truly uplifting and revitalizing experience. What could be better way to spend a vacation than to go on an inspiring health holiday that will leave you physically, mentally and spiritually refreshed.


Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the 'Knowledge or Science of Life'. According to Charaka, the ancient physician-sage, life is a unified state of the physical body, the cognitive organs, the mind and the soul, thus signifying a living being.

Inspired by the zeal, vision and human compassion of its great founder, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala carried on with its noble mission. It sailed smoothly through two World Wars, the Great Depression of the thirties and several natural calamities and political upheavals. Today, it has grown into a mighty organisation unparalleled in South India.

The services of The Arya Vaidya Sala reach its patients through a nation-wide network of 14 branches and more than 1000 retail distributors that market its 500-odd formulations.

Thousands of patients visit Kottakkal every year, seeking succour at the healing hands of Arya Vaidya Sala. Ailing people from West European, Arabian, American and Far East countries also approach the institution. For thousands of years the wise men of India have applied natural medicine. Massage, herbs and oils are applied to the body aiming to restore the natural balance of the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The diagnosis is based on the combination of Vata, Pitta, Kapha, which describes the constitution of each individual.

IT and Technology in India

In today's knowledge-driven global economy, one industry in which India is among global leaders and has a firm footprint is the fast-growing information technology and business process outsourcing industry, which includes software development and back-office operations. This industry has not only emerged among the fastest growing contributors to the country's national income, but also the biggest employment generator.

Some Indian companies in the business like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Technologies, Wipro and Hindustan Computers have earned global repute for the quality of service and reach, while several large overseas players like Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Cisco, Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Yahoo, Google, Dell, Intel have set up shop in India, registering phenomenal growth.

Leading researcher and technology consultancy Gartner says India remains the undisputed global leader in offshore services. The country, according to it, has distinct advantages such as language, policy support, focused education system, talented labour pool, rich intellectual capital, cost advantage and good infrastructure backbone to support the information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

According to National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom), the apex body for software and relates services in India, the country's technology and business services industry has had a phenomenal run over the last 10 years. The industry has grown from $4 billion in revenues in 1998 to a $59-billion giant today employing over two million people. Of this, exports accounted for $47 billion.

Thus, the industry's contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) has also quadrupled from 1 percent to 4 percent in the last decade. Including the hardware segment of this industry, the total revenues stood at an impressive $71.7 billion in 2008-09, registering a growth of 12 percent despite the current global downturn and a recession in most of top markets for the industry. Nasscom says there are other interesting facts and trends as well:

-Exports remained the mainstay of the Indian IT-BPO growth story. Software and services exports, accounted for over 99 percent of the total exports and reached $47 billion and directly employed over 1.7 million professionals in 2008-09.

-Direct employment in the Indian IT-BPO industry crossed 2.2 million people - an increase of about 226,000 professionals over 2007-08. This apart, indirect job creation is estimated at about eight million.

-As a proportion of the national GDP, the sector’s revenues have grown from 1.2 percent in 1997-98 to an estimated 5.8 percent in 2008-09. Net value-added by this sector to the economy, is estimated at 3.5-4.1 percent for 2008-09.

-Banking, financial services, insurance and telecom continued to account for more than 60 percent of the market. Healthcare industry is likely to witness increased IT investments due to increased focus on public health, making healthcare and insurance affordable to all. Other industries that will see growth include telecom, retail and utilities.

The IT-BPO industry has also set a precedent for talent practices in the country by creating career opportunities for the youth, providing global exposure and offering extensive training and development. It has also pioneered the concept of employee ownership and has been a frontrunner in diversity at the workplace. Employee stock option schemes handed out by companies like Infosys and Wipro have turned several of their employees into dollar millionaires.

India is also the largest developer location for global giants such as Sun Microsystems, which has recently been acquired by Oracle, as well as mobile handset and technology provider Nokia. Sun Microsystems has 760,000 developers in India, which is the largest for it among any country in the world. And Nokia works with more than 140,000 independent developers in India, which is again the largest for the Finnish company.

Indian IT companies have also been executing some mega deals in the global space, says the commerce and industry ministry-sponsored India Brand Equity Foundation that seeks to push brand India overseas. The biggest among them included Citi's sale of its captive BPO unit to Tata Consultancy Services for over $500 million in October 2008 and HCL Technologies buying out of British consulting firm Axon for $658 million. This apart, Wipro acquired Citi's technology services unit for $127 million and 3i Infotech bought Regulus Group of the US for $80 million.

According to consultancy Grant Thornton, cross-border mergers and acquisitions involving IT-BPO companies from India, increased nearly 12 percent last year to top $3.22 billion, spread over 98 deals. This rose from $2.88 billion the year before spread over 159 deals. The average deal size also increased in 2008 to $32.86 million, against $18.15 million in the year before.

Going forward a joint study by Nasscom and another global consultancy McKinsey India's technology and services industry can earn $225 billion in revenues by 2020 despite the current global economic crisis. Of this, $175 billion is expected from exports and the remaining from domestic sources. The study also says that if India and its technology industry focused on transforming its business environment, innovativeness and talent development, the revenues would be as high as $375 billion by 2020.

On the technology front, convergence of information and communication technologies (ICT), reduction in bandwidth cost and availability of human capital have created an eco-system to enable India emerge as the global hotspot for IT services and products much as China became a factory of the world for manufacturing goods.

Though inadequate physical infrastructure, rising capital cost and delays in clearances remain a cause for concern, growing competition and demanding customers are forcing the industry players to move up the value chain to offer enhanced services and products that are innovative, productive and cost-efficient.

With pervasive technology becoming imperative to sustain growth, enhance performance of goods and services and compete globally, knowledge firms are entering high-value verticals such as engineering, aerospace, defence, healthcare, retail, logistics and e-governance.

Having gone through a cycle of downturn when the dot.com bubble burst early this decade, the Indian IT industry has come of age to withstand the current global recession and tech meltdown to bounce back into high growth with lean, mean and fighting fit operational models.

Increasing investment in technology and capacity expansion to reach out new geographies within the country and abroad are making enterprises across verticals to outsource their entire IT operations to the Indian vendors and remain focused on their core competency.

The advent of web-based services using Internet as the virtual platform has made even brick and mortar firms to engage software and hardware vendors to maintain or run their IT operations either onsite or remotely, providing end-to-end services and solutions.

As the world’s second fastest growing economy, with increasing technology absorption and huge investments in ICT by enterprises across verticals, global players are setting up operations in the Indian sub-continent to cash in on the business opportunities and leverage the abundant human capital at much lower cost than any where world over.

Consistent high growth rate, increasing disposable incomes and heightened aspirations of the Gen-next have expanded the Indian market for technology-driven products and services across verticals.

The phenomenal growth of mobile telephony, direct-to-home (DTH) services, voice over internet protocol and increasing appetite for content in voice, data and video formats from enterprises and individuals have created opportunities for multiple vendors to capitalise.

General Overview of India - U.S. Relations

India-US relations have seen a remarkable transformation over the last decade. The recent bilateral visit of Prime Minister to Washington from November 22-26, 2009 as the first State Guest of President Barack Obama has reaffirmed the global strategic partnership between India and the United States. The two leaders have reaffirmed that the common ideals and complementary strengths of India and the United States provide a foundation for addressing the global challenges of the 21st century and resolved to build on these to expand the U.S.-India global partnership for mutual benefit, peace, stability and prosperity in Asia.

There is a broad political consensus across the spectrum in both the countries to strengthen the India-US relations as is evident from the fact that the transformation of our bilateral relationship which began with President Bill Clinton’s visit to India in March 2000 continued through President Bush’s tenure with the summit meetings in July 2005 in Washington D.C. and in March 2006 in New Delhi. The signing of Agreement for Cooperation between the Government of India and the Government of the United States of America concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy by both countries on October 10, 2008 reflects culmination of the transformation process. India-US relationship is based on both principle and pragmatism which points to a much more durable and multi-faceted relationship for the future.

The historic inauguration of President Barack Obama as first African American President of the United States of America on January 20, 2009 was warmly welcomed and celebrated in India. President Obama, in his greetings on India’s 60th Republic Day, underlined the shared belief in democracy, liberty, pluralism, and religious tolerance of the two countries and to work together to advance peace, prosperity, and stability around the globe.

In recent years, there have been close and frequent contacts at political and official levels. There is now a wide-ranging dialogue on global, regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

Prime Minister’s visit to USA in November 2009

Prime Minister visited Washington from November 22-26, 2009 at the invitation of President Obama as his first State Guest. The visit focused on the common interests and shared values in a strategic partnership of global relevance and reflects the vision and resolve of the two leaders to embark upon a new phase in their bilateral partnership. The visit marked the first bilateral Summit between India and the United States after the elections in America last November and our Parliamentary elections this year. In their meeting on November 24, which was also attended by Minister for External Affairs Shri S.M.Krishna and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Prime Minister and the US President reviewed all aspects of the India-US bilateral relationship including the progress of the Strategic Dialogue that was announced during the visit of Mrs.Clinton to India on July 20, 2009. Prime Minister conveyed to the President that the rapid socio-economic transformation underway in India holds several opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and that India is in a position to contribute to global economic recovery, combat poverty and underdevelopment, and provide stability to a region plagued by terrorism and violent extremism. Eight MOU/MOIs were signed between the two sides during the visit.

President Obama and Mrs.Obama hosted the state dinner in honour of Prime Minister and wife and the Vice President Joseph Biden and Secretary of State Clinton jointly hosted a well-attended lunch in honour of PM and his delegation. Apart from the US Secretary of State Mrs.Hillary Clinton, Defence Secretary Robert Gates, Energy Secretary Dr.Steven Chu, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner also called on Prime Minister. Prime Minister invited President Obama to visit India in 2010, which the US President has accepted.

Prime Minister had met President Obama for the first time in London in April 2009 on the sidelines of G-20 Summit. He met the President again in L’Aquila in Italy and also during the G-20 Summit in Pittsburg, USA in September 2009. Earlier, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited India in July 2009 and had launched a new Strategic Dialogue with EAM.

Major Areas of Cooperation

Recognizing the new heights achieved in the India-US relationship over the last two Indian and US Administrations, India and the United States are committed to pursue a new phase of the relationship that will enhance global prosperity and stability. A Joint Statement titled “India and the United States : Partnership for a Better World” was issued by Prime Minister and President Obama on November 24th 2009, which highlights the main areas of cooperation. Both the leaders recognized that the India-US partnership is indispensable for global peace and security and acknowledged the common threat that international terrorism poses to regional and global security. The Statement also focused on trade and investment, clean and efficient energy, science and technology, space, high technology, education, health, agriculture and counter-terrorism. The two sides launched a Knowledge Initiative with a total funding of USD 10 million that will be allocated to increasing university linkages and junior faculty development exchanges between U.S. and Indian universities and they also agreed to launch the US-India Financial and Economic Partnership to strengthen engagement on economic, financial and investment related issues.

Both the leaders reaffirmed their intention to move ahead and operationalize the provisions of the Civil Nuclear Agreement at the earliest and also agreed to consult regularly and seek the early start of negotiations on a multilateral, non-discriminatory and internationally verifiable Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty at the Conference on Disarmament. They further committed themselves to strengthen and reform the global economic and financial architecture in the G-20, World Bank and the IMF, and to achieving genuine reform of the United Nations including in its Security Council in a manner that reflects the contemporary realities of the 21st century.

Cooperation in the field of education, space, and science & technology was further enhanced with the concluding of a Science and Technology Endowment Agreement and also signing of the space related Technology Safeguards Agreement. Greater cooperation is also envisaged on energy security and climate change, focusing on increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy and also to work together with other countries for positive results in the UNFCCC Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December 2009. An MOU to “Enhance Cooperation on Energy Security, Energy Efficiency, Clean Energy and Climate Change” was signed between the two sides on November 24, 2009.

Secretary Clinton and External Affairs Minister established a "Strategic Dialogue" during the former’s visit to India in July 2009, to be pursued by bilateral working groups of five principal fields viz; Strategic Cooperation on nonproliferation, counter-terrorism and military; Energy and Climate Change; Education and Development on education and women’s empowerment; Economics, Trade and Agriculture on business, trade and food security; and Science and Technology, Health and Innovation on major technologies and global health challenges which will lead to more focus on areas of common interest. The two sides signed a Technology Safeguards Agreement that will allow India to launch satellites containing US parts on its satellite launch vehicles for non-commercial purposes. They also established a $30 million Science and Technology Endowment for various related projects. Agreement was also reached on End-Use Monitoring Language to be used in letters of offer and acceptance for defence procurements. It is expected that this will facilitate greater defence cooperation.

Both the countries are striving to increase and diversify bilateral economic relations and expand trade and investment flows and as members of G-20, are working together with other major economies to foster a sustainable recovery from the global economic crisis.

Other recent high level visits

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited India from 17-21 July, 2009. This was the first high-level political contact between India and the US since the formation of the new Government in Delhi. Earlier, in her speech at the 34th anniversary of the USIBC on 17th June in New York, Secretary Clinton spelt out her vision for the next phase of the India-US relations. She mentioned that the US saw “India as one of the few key partners worldwide who will help us shape the 21st century.” She has termed the next phase as being the “third era of the US-India relations” which would have four platforms of cooperation –global security, human development, economic activity and science and technology.”

Minister of Home Affairs, Shri P.Chidambaram, visited New York and Washington from September 8-11, 2009. During his visit he met various dignitaries, including Secretary of State , Treasury Secretary, Secretary, Dept.of Homeland, Attorney General, FBI Director , National Security Advisor and some Senior Senators.

External Affairs Minister met US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton on September 25, 2009 on the sidelines of the UNGA. They reviewed the progress in bilateral relations since the visit of Ms.Clinton to India in July this year and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest

There were other high level visits during this year, including NSA, Commerce & Industry Minister, Human Resource Development Minister, Minister for Environment and Forests, Minister for Non-Conventional & Renewable Energy, FS and SEPM. From the US side, apart from Secretary Clinton, NSA General James Jones, Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Deputy Secretary of Defence William Lynn have visited India.

India-US Economic Relations

The growing economic partnership between the US and India has been one of the pillars of the transformed bilateral relationship. In the Joint Statement issued on November 24, 2009, during Prime Minister’s state visit to Washington, Prime Minister and President Obama agreed to launch the India–US Financial and Economic Partnership to strengthen bilateral engagement on macro-economic, financial, and investment-related issues.

India has emerged as a thriving market for US exports, which nearly tripled in value between 2004 and 2007. The upward trend has continued in 2008, though at a slower rate and declined in 2009 due to the global economic downturn. The total trade during 2008 was US$43.4 billion (India’s exports to US –25.7 and US exports to India-17.7) as compared to US$21.6 billion (15.5 + 6.1) in the year 2004. The total trade during January – August 2009 was US$24.4 billion (13.6bn + 10.8bn). Major US exports to India include aircraft and aviation-related products, fertilizers, other machinery, precious stones and metals, organic chemicals, optical and medical instruments. Major components of India’s export to the US include gems and jewelry, textiles, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, engineering goods and, since last year, iron & steel products.

The US is the third largest source of foreign direct investments in India. Cumulative FDI inflows from USA till July 2009 were $ 9.71 billion. The FDI inflows from USA to India increased from US $502 million in 2004-05 to US $1.80 billion in 2008-09. The sectors attracting FDI from USA are Fuels (Power and Oil Refinery), Telecommunications, Electrical equipments (including computer software and electronics), Food Processing Industries and service sector. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, investments from India to US in 2006 were estimated at around US$ 2 billion and rose sharply in 2007 to touch US$ 13 billion. In 2007-08 alone, an estimated US$ 10.25 billion was invested by Indian companies in the US. Consequently, by industry estimates, an additional 65,000 jobs were created in the US in diverse sectors (steel, chemicals, hotels, beverages, automobile). According to a report by FICCI, the number of disclosed deals involving acquisitions by Indian companies in USA during 2007-08 and 2008-09 were 55 and 24 respectively and the values were $4.432 billion and $960 million respectively. The most active sectors were IT and IT enabled services, followed by manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Anand Sharma visited Washington (16-18 June 2009) and participated in the 34th Anniversary Summit of the US-India Business Council (USIBC). He visited again during 13-15 October, 2009 to attend the Global Services Summit. Minister for Textiles Shri Dayanidhi Maran visited Las Vegas during August 29-31, 2009 to inaugurate the India Pavillion at the MAGIC Apparel Fair. The US Trade Representative, Ambassador Ron Kirk, visited New Delhi for an informal WTO Ministerial in September 2009 and again in October 2009 for the India-US Trade Policy Forum meeting. Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri.Kamal Nath visited the US from 11-12 September, 2009. Minister of State(I/C) for Environment & Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh,visited Washington from September 30 to October 02, 2009. Dr.Farooq Abdullah, Minister for New & Renewable Energy attended the India-US Energy Partnership Summit in Washington in September 2009. Dr.Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, visited Washington on different occasions during the year to participate in World Bank meetings and G-20 Sherpa meetings. Numerous other visits from both sides took place during the year 2009, including several official level delegations and trade missions.

India – US Defence Cooperation

During PM’s visit, both Governments agreed to continue pursuing mutually beneficial defence cooperation through the existing security dialogue, service-level exchanges, defence exercises and trade and technology transfer and collaboration.

The ‘New Framework for India-US Defence Relationship’ signed between the two sides on June 28, 2005 and the India-US ‘Framework for Maritime Security Cooperation’ signed in March 2006 have added a new dynamism to the Indo-US defence ties. Under the Framework for Defence Cooperation, six Joint Working Groups are functioning.
Joint Exercises between the three Services of both countries have improved in scale and frequency since the signing of the New Framework. From the US, India has presently contracted for defence equipments such as radars, maritime patrol aircraft, transport aircraft, anti ship missiles etc.

The present Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited India from February 26-27, 2008 and our Raksha Mantri Shri A.K.Antony visited Washington from September 7-10, 2008. Admiral Timothy Keating, Commander, US Pacific Command visited India during 13-15 May 2009. The new PACOM Commander Admiral Willard visited India in early December 2009. CoAS visited Washington in July 2009.

During the recent visit of Secretary of State Clinton to India from 17-21 July, 2009 the End use monitoring arrangements for high-end defence procurements from USA was agreed to, which would further take the bilateral defence relationship forward.

India - US Space Cooperation

The U.S. – India Joint Working Group on Civil Space Cooperation is the forum for discussions on joint activities in space. India signed a landmark agreement with NASA at their Ames Research Centre on 28th July 2008 to carry out lunar exploration. India's first unmanned lunar mission, Chandrayaan-I was successfully launched from Shriharikota on 22nd October, 2008 and carried two NASA payloads - a Miniature Synthetic Aperture Radar to map ice deposits in the moon's surface and a Moon Mineralogy Maper to assess mineral resources of the Moon. A Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) signed with the US on July 20, 2009 in New Delhi during the visit of US Secretary of State, will open up fresh opportunities for India in the field of space launches and will facilitate the launch of non-commercial US satellites and satellites with US components on Indian launch vehicles. US has subsequently approved launch of ALSAT-2A and 2B satellites by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

A Letter of Intent was signed between ISRO and NASA on November 18, 2009, on Oceansat-2 collaboration, on the sidelines of the 6th Plenary session of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in Washington. The Oceansat-2 was successfully launched by ISRO from Sriharikota on September 23, 2009 using PSLV. This would enable the US agencies to receive Oceansat-2 data for research, education etc.

Dr. G Madhavan Nair, Chairman ISRO met NASA Administrator Charles F Bolden on 17th Sept 09 and discussed about future cooperation between the two organizations The M3 instrument from NASA on Chandrayaan-1 has identified water molecules on Lunar surface.

India-US Cooperation in Education sector

India-US Education Dialogue was announced by India and US Governments on July 20, 2009 during the visit of US Secretary of State to India. Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD), Shri Kapil Sibal, led a delegation to New York and Washington during 25-31, October 2009 with a view to explore partnerships with top US Universities for establishing fourteen new Innovation Universities in India.

‘Amartya Sen Fellowship Fund’ was instituted in December, 2008 at Harvard University for fellowships for deserving students from India. Indian study centers have been established at University of Pennsylvania, South Asian Initiative in Harvard, India Initiative in Yale. Government of India has taken many initiatives such as “Promotion of Indian Higher Education Abroad (PIHEAD)” program and awarding fellowships, including through the corporate sector; teaching of Ayurveda in US medical schools; and Indo-US Cooperation on E-Learning. In academic year 2008-09, there were 103,260 students from India studying in the United States, constituting 15.4 % of total foreign students in the USA.

During the visit of Prime Minister to Washington, both Governments launched the “Obama-Singh 21st Century Knowledge Initiative” with funding from both sides to increase university linkages and junior faculty development exchanges between US and Indian universities. On July 4, 2008, India and the US signed a new bilateral Fulbright Agreement, that supersedes the Fulbright Agreement operating since 1950 with U.S. funding. Under the Agreement, the Government of India and the United States will implement the scholarship programme as full partners with scholarship amount of US$5 million awarded annually. For 2009-10, there were total of 89 American Fulbright-Nehru students and scholars who went to India to teach or pursue research. A total of 72 Indian Fulbright-Nehru students and scholars came to the US to teach or pursue research.

Indo-US Cooperation in Science & Technology

India and the US signed a Science & Technology Agreement on October 17, 2005 that deals with IPR issues and provides for joint research and training, and the establishment of public-private partnerships. A $30 million Science & Technology Endowment for various related projects was established during the visit of Secretary of State to India on 20 July 2009. The 11th annual governing body meeting of the India-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), was held at National Institute of Health, Bethesda, USA during 7-8 December, 2009. An MoU for “Earth Observations and Earth Sciences” has been signed between Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in April, 2008 and the first Joint Executive Meeting (JEM) was held during 6-7 October 2009 in New Delhi. The 6th Steering Committee Meeting of Methane to Markets (M2M) partnership was held at Washington DC during 10-11 September 2009 and was represented by India. A delegation from India attended the XXXII Antartica Treaty Consultative Meeting and XII Committee for Environmental Protection meetings held in Baltimore, USA, from 16-17 April, 2009.
Indo-US Cooperation in the Health Sector

During the visit of Secretary of State Clinton to India during July 2009, a “Health Dialogue” was established between the two countries, which forms part of the “Indo-US Strategic Dialogue.” US National Institute of Health (NIH) has eight collaborative programmes with DBT, DST & Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); NIH awarded over 100 research projects to India in 2008; Indo-US Centre for Research on Indian System of Medicine (CRISM) established at University of Mississippi, USA in April 2009; Teaching of basic courses on Ayurveda in different U.S Medical Schools as Continued Medical Education (CME) course by experts nominated by the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The Dept.of Biotechnology in collaboration with Indo-US S&T Forum and Stanford University has formulated Stanford-India Bio-design program for development of implants and medical devices. US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) opened two offices in New Delhi and Mumbai in January 2009.

During the recent visit of PM, an “Agreement for access to Traditional Knowledge Digital Library” was signed between CSIR, India and US Patent & Trademark office on November 23, 2009, to prevent misappropriation of traditional knowledge belonging to India, at international patent offices. A Memorandum of Intent between US Dept. of Health and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI, was signed on November 24, 2009. This envisages to set up a Global Disease Detection Centre in Delhi.

The US Health & Human Services Secretary, Michael O.Leavitt visited India during 7-12 January 2008.

Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism

Duri ng the visit of PM in November 2009, the India-US Counter-terrorism Cooperation Initiative was initialed between the two countries, which would expand collaboration on counter-terrorism, information sharing and capacity building. Prime Minister and President Obama expressed their grave concern about the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremists emanating from India’s neighborhood, and agreed that resolute and credible steps must be taken to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries that provide shelter to terrorists and their activities. JWG on Counter Terrorism was established in January 2000 and in the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attacks in November 2008, both sides have reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism. The 11th meeting of the JWG was held in Washington on 17 June 2009.

Cultural ties.

Indian music, dance, art and literature are widely appreciated in the United States. Kennedy Centre in collaboration with Indian Council for Cultural Relations [ICCR] is organizing the “Festival of India’” in March 2011 focusing on established as well as emerging artists and art forms including all of the performing arts. Apart from live shows, exhibitions and lecture-cum-demonstrations, the Kennedy Center will also showcase the Festival of India through educational programmes that reaches into schools through satellite and internet. As in the past, the Embassy organized events marking major Indian festivals, which were well attended, including by American nationals.

Indian Press

The major agencies PTI and IANS have their representatives in Washington DC; several leading dailies also have correspondents based here [Times of India, Telegraph, Economic Times]; others have stringers [Pioneer, Indian Express and New Indian Express and major magazines like Outlook and The Week]. The TV channels represented in Washington are Times Now, CNBC TV-18 and ZEE TV [through a tie-up with VOA]. NDTV has their full-time correspondent based in New York.

People-to-people Ties
The 2.7 million strong Indian American community in the United States has been growing in affluence and political strength and has developed into a force for closer and stronger ties between their adopted country and their nation of origin. The community has played a significant role in the successful passage of the Henry J. Hyde Act by the U.S. Congress and eventually signing of the Agreement for Cooperation between the Government of India and the Government of the United States of America concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. A number of Indian Americans are occupying high level posts of Governor, Senators/Representatives of State Legislatures and in the Federal Administration. Their active cooperation and interaction at different levels with the Government of India as well as with the U.S. Administration provides a bridge between the two countries

APPSC GROUP-1 MAINS GENERAL ESSAY MODEL QUESTIONS

• 1) Should Americans not ask why China has increased funding for its 2.3m strong military (the world's largest) at such a rapid rate—17.8% last year compared with America's 3.4%?

2) Should Americans not be concerned about the decline of western power in the UN and the WTO, where China's "cheque book diplomacy" enlists an expanding bloc of supporters and admirers when America's and China's interests clash?

3) The majority of people in the US believe oil companies should be more regulated in the wake of BP's oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

4) More than half a million people trapped by floods in north-west Pakistan are facing increasingly desperate conditions as monsoon rains prevent helicopters from reaching the worst-hit areas. Should Indian Air force provide assistance with its squadron located at Siachen? Comment

5) What is striking about China's foreign policy is how cautiously it has sought to avoid an ideological cold war with America by emphasizing commonalities instead of highlighting differences. Do you agree?

6) EU is a model that is doomed from the start. Comment

7) Turkey is gaining in importance in the world politics. It will be insane for any political thinker to call it as “sick man of Europe”. Elucidate with reasons?

8) It is the grant and aid that is providing the second spell of disaster for Africa after the end of colonialism. Do you agree?

9) It will be technical innovation that will force the world society to redraw or erase their boundaries. Comment before explaining?

10) Saudi Arabia has snow fall, Leh has flash flood, Peru has experienced the worst sub zero temperature ever in the recorded history. How much human beings are responsible for all of this considering the fact that still there is debate in the scientific community about the science of global warming as normal cyclical phenomenon and not something anthropogenic?

11) Pakistan government must think that Taliban poses greater threat to them than India.

12) G-20 has taken the baton from the G-8

13) India, Germany and Japan must get their due status as permanent member of UNSC.

14) China's breakneck growth has produced severe inequality, corruption and environmental pollution, and that in many respects, China is a fragile superpower. Advocate this point with elucidation?

15) Gaza Strip is a nation in captivity. Explain and suggest measures as World citizen to soothe the situation in that area?

16) UN General Assembly is more democratic than UN Security Council. Do you agree?

17) World Bank is more accessible banking medium than IMF for the developing nation. Explain and suggest reason for IMF to transform itself?

CIVIL SERVICES MAINS ESSAY MODEL PAPER

CIVIL SERVICES MAINS 2010 MODEL PAPER

(ESSAY)

• Time Allowed: Three Hours
• Max. Marks: 200

Instruction: The Essay must be written in the medium specified in the admission certificate issue to you. The name of medium must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No credit will be given to the essay written in a medium other than that specified in the admission certificate.

(Examiner will pay special attention to the candidate’s grasp of his material, it’s relevant to the subject chosen and to his ability to think constructed and present his ideas concisely, logically and effectively).

1. Write an Essay on any one of the following topics:

I. Let Society and Culture go their own way.

II. Reform is not difficult, initiating Reform is difficult.

III. All Systems revolve around Economy.

G.S. SOCIAL NATIONAL ISSUES MODEL PAPER

GENERAL STUDIES
(SOCIAL NATIONAL ISSUES)

MODEL PAPER

• Time allowed: 3 Hours
• Maximum marks: 300

1. Answer any one of the following in about 250 words. : (30 Marks)
a) Naxalism and Maoism are social economic problem, so mere military and administrative actions won’t sort out the problems. Analyse the problem and suggest measures.
b) Issue of women empowerment will have far reaching impact on Indian society and culture. Discuss.
c) Internal security of India is no more mere national issue. Examine the statement and work out design to tackle the problem.

2. Answer any two of the following in about 150 words each. (20X2=40 Marks)
a) Should capital punishment be abolished? Put your views.
b) Compare Gandhian and Nehruvian model of education. How do you see present reform in education system of India. Answer with arguments.
c) National Rural Health Mission is not able to maintain its own health. Do you agree? Suggest effective measures.

3. Answer any two of the following in about 100 words each. (15X2=30 Marks)
a) Recognizing live-in relationship, homosexuality and premarital sex may be serious threat to moral values and marriage institution of Indian society. Examine.
b) Caste and community based census will serve purpose of vote bank politics only. Comment.
c) Impact areas of development must be taken into account while executing development schemes. Explain.

4. Write an essay on any one of the following in about 800 words. (200 Marks)
a) Nehru’s model of Politics and Policy- Have we lost?
b) Let Society and Culture go in their own way!
c) Failure of Law Enforcement is root cause of Problems.

G.S. INDIAN POLITY MODEL TEST

GENERAL STUDIES FOR IAS MAIN 2010
(INDIAN POLITY)

MODEL TEST

• Time allowed: 3 hours
• Maximum marks: 300

1. Answer any one of the following (250 words) : 30 Marks
(a) Some recent judgments and opinion of the Supreme Court of India may be milestones in social reform. Discuss.
(b) Parliamentary system in India may take lead towards party-less democracy than party-based democracy. Analyse.
(c) India is federation in term of distribution of responsibilities and unitary in term of distribution of resources. How far do you agree? Put your views.

2. Answer any two questions in 150 words each. : 2X20=40 Marks
(a) Now Governors in India need to be governed by reviewing and amending their constitutional position. Comment.
(b) Planning is basically an economic activity but in India, it has been mostly political activity. Put your views.
(c) President’s powers of pardon against death sentence itself seems to be dead in present references of mercy petition. Examine the statement.

3. Answer any two of the following questions in 100 words each. : 2X15=30 Marks
(a) What may be the parameters of deciding failures of constitutional machinery in the state? Examine from constitutional and extra-constitutional view points.
(b) Right to life and personal liberty has been defined by the Supreme Court as the back-bone of Indian Constitution. Comment.
(c) Union of States in India need fresh look on state reorganization. Answer with your arguments.

4. Write an essay on any one of the following in about 800 words. : 200 Marks
(a) There is neither any beginning nor end of reforms.
(b) 60th Year of Indian Republic – A Review.
(c) Nationalism is Above All “ism” of India.

UPSC MAINS G.S. MODEL PAPER

UPSC Mains 2010
General Studies Model Paper

Indian Polity

Q.1) Do you agree with the statement that some recent decisions of the Supreme Court may have far reaching impact on Indian society and culture? Put your views. (250 words).

Q.2) Rajya sabha become backdoor entry into legislature and government. Examine the statement critically. (200 words).

Q.3) “Let the Governors complete their term”. Explain.

Social National Issues.

Q.1) What Constitutional and extra constitutional options are available with the Union government to tackle Naxalites and Maoists effectively? Examine and suggest measures. (250 words).

Q.2) “Police reforms won’t work without Judicial and legislative reforms”. Comment. (200 words).

Q.3) What reasons, do you think ,are responsible for domestic violence and juvenile delinquency in India? Are acts sufficient to control them? Put your views.

Science And Technology

Q.1) Energy policy has become core issue in diplomacy of India today. How do you react? (250 words).

Q.2) What are GM crops? Do you agree that accepting or non accepting, is more political issue than technical? Discuss. (200 words).

Q.3) “Banning narco-analysis and brain mapping is certainly based on violation of right to life and personal liberty”. Explain with reference to technical procedures involved their in. (250 words).

Indian Geography

Q.1) “Majority of rivers water dams in India generate more disputes than hydroelectricity”. Examine the reasons and suggest measures. (250 words).

Q.2) “Global warming has some positive impacts also”. Comment. (200 words).

Q.3) Caste based census may become political tool of vote bank politics than social tool of development. Answer with arguments. (200 words).

Indian Economy.

Q.1) Indian farmers get defeated in case of over production and under production either. What economic and constitution measures should be taken to win the situation? Analyse. (250 words).

Q.2) Inflation and anti-inflationary measures are not only economic issues. Do you agree? Discuss. (200 words).

Q.3) Petroleum is blood of economy and Indian economy is a kind of patient, whose survival mostly depends on external blood salers. Critically examine the statement. (250 words).

Q.4) Planning is basically economic activity but it has become political activity in India. How far do you agree? Put your views. (200 words).

Q.5) All the rounds of W.T.O. are revolving around Doha round. Comment. (150 words).

International

Q.1) Indian diplomacy is mixed bag of success and failures. Comment with reference to Indo-US relations. (250 words).