India-Austria in Focus 2015

India-Austria Republic Day Special

in focus 2015 Edition

CMS_LawTax_CMYK_from101.eps

To keep leading, make sure you have the best behind you.

CMS’s 3,000 law and tax experts in 59 offices help your organisation thrive in changing times. Through technical rigour, strategic expertise and focus on building long-term partnerships, we are committed to our clients and their business success.

Contents Ambassador's Foreword...................................................................................................................................... 4 Launch of Make in India in Austria...................................................................................................................... 5 Indian Diplomacy through Ages: Distinguished Lecture...................................................................................... 6 Indian Railways Going Green the Bio-Diesel Way...............................................................................................14 ISRO Touches New Heights............................................................................................................................... 16 NaWaTech - Natural Water Systems and Treatment Technologies......................................................................18 Incredible India.................................................................................................................................................. 20 CMS Austria: Indian Desk as a link between Austria and India.......................................................................... 25 Recognition of India's World Heritage: Inscription of Indian Sites on the World Heritage List............................ 26 Renewable Energy Programmes Gets A New Impetus....................................................................................... 30 Austria – A Profitable Location.......................................................................................................................... 36 Commercial Events Organised by the Embassy................................................................................................. 39 Cultural Activities: Embassy of India................................................................................................................. 42 Gods of Zero and Infinity................................................................................................................................... 46

Published by Diplomacy Media in association with Embassy of India, Vienna Embassy of India: Kaerntnerring 2 (2nd Floor), 1010 Vienna, Austria Tel : 00 43 1 5058666 • E-mail: indemb@eoivien.vienna.at • www.indianembassy.at Diplomacy Media: B-7/17/1, Ground Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110029, India Tel.: 91-11-4653 9323 • Fax : 91-11-4610 5603 • Email: editor@diplomacy.in Editor: Harun Riaz • Project Co-ordinator: R.K. Verma • Marketing Manager: Ajit Thakur • Layout: Hari Sharma • Printing: Rave India Disclaimer: 'India-Austria in Focus' is a special publication. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Embassy of India, Vienna, Austria or the Government of India. The magazine has no commercial value and is not for sale. It is for private circulation only.

Ambassador's Desk

India-Austria Ties: Warm and Friendly

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Rajiva Misra

I

am indeed happy that the Diplomacy Media have brought out “India –Austria in Focus”, a handy profile of diverse aspects of the India-Austria relations. The publication also gives glimpses of some events organized by the Embassy of India in Vienna over the past one year.

The India-Austria relationship is warm and friendly. Formal diplomatic relations date back to 1955, when the present State of Austria was formed as an independent neutral State under the Austrian State Treaty. In fact India played a positive role in the discussions leading to the Austrian State Treaty.

The bilateral relationship has seen many high-level visits over the decades. In recent years, the President of Austria, Dr. Heinz Fischer, made a State visit to India in 2005, and the former President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, visited Austria in 2011. The bilateral trade relationship with the two-way trade standing at about Euro 1.3. billion is modest and much short of the potential.

A number of Austrian companies, however, especially in the railways sector, have been active in the Indian market. With the major opening up to FDI currently underway in the railways sector in India, this presence is likely to grow.

As a people with much pride in their culture, especially the rich tradition of western classical music, the people of Austria are a discerning and appreciative audience for Indian classical dance and music. A number of well-known Indian troupes, and eminent individual performers, have visited Austria in recent years. Most recently, the distinguished Indian conductor, Zubin Mehta, conducted the prestigious New Year’s Day Concert at the famed Musikverein in Vienna. Austria also has a tradition of Indology, with the University of Vienna hosting a programme of Sanskrit studies as far back as 1845. Yoga and Ayurveda too have a large and growing following in Austria.

I am sure, “India-Austria in Focus” would be useful to business organisations, as well as to the broader public in India with an interest in India’s engagement with Europe.

H.E. Mr. Rajiva Misra Ambassador

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

4

Indian Economy

Launch of Make in India in Austria

O

n October 9th, 2014, the Indian Embassy, Vienna, in association with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, organized the "Make in India" launch event at the WKO (Wirtschaftskammer, the Federal Chamber of Commerce in Austria} in Vienna. Representatives of more than 40 companies attended the event. Representatives from the Austrian Financial Ministry and the top Banks in Austria were also present.

financial capabilities and hence to purchasing power. The size of Indian middle class is increasing hence “Make In India” would be relevant not only to the Indian domestic but also to the international market. He also informed about the plan of the Government to develop 100 smart cities and asked the companies to participate in this endeavor.

India” project and expressed their appreciation about the progress India is making in the recent years with a comment that India is moving towards the right direction.

Some companies pointed out that the existing economic growth rate is not sufficient to achieve the targets set, but Ambassador explained that the emerging economic indicators point to an

The event started with the opening remarks by Mag. HansJörgHörtnagl, Regional Director of Foreign Trade (South & SouthEast Asia) at the WKO. He said that with EUR 250 million FDI, the Austrian firms created 6400 jobs in India and there are huge investment opportunities in India.

This was followed by a detailed “Make in India” presentation by Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Rajiva Misra.

Ambassador also dwelt upon the new policy initiatives taken by the Government to create a conducive environment for the foreign investments in India.

He also highlighted the sectors in which there are maximum opportunities for investment in India. Ambassador, in his presentation pointed out the availability of the highly skilled labour force in India in the engineering, medical and business fields, who undergo training in the IITs and other universities.

He also mentioned about the young population of India, 65% of which is under 35 years. He emphasized on a higher economic growth rate, which would in turn add to the job creation for the younger generation leading to improving the household

"Make in India" launch event at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce

Following the presentation, the guests were invited to ask questions, which led to a very interactive discussion. The guests expressed their appreciation and were very enquisitive about the prospects for India-Austria business as well as the “Make in India” campaign. Some of the attending companies informed that already haveestablished business in India and some others informed that they are interested to invest in India. The event was also attended by guests from Indian companies doing business in Austria.

The participants congratulated India in initiating the “Make In

5

upward trend and it is expected that India will achieve the higher growth rate which it achieved few years ago. Representative from the Austrian Financial Ministry commented positively on the financial advancement India is making and promised all their support in developing and improving Indo-Austrian economic relationship. Bank Austria representative mentioned about its involvement with having a representative office in India and appreciated the progress India is making and recommended to encourage Austrian SMEs to invest in India; promising all their assistance.

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Distinguished Lecture

Indian Diplomacy through Ages

By Ambassador (Retd) Mahesh Kumar Sachdev

I

got collectivised into tribes which needed to negotiate the mutually overlapping matters with their counterparts.

With its ancient history, Indian civilisation has a long, comprehensive and elaborate tradition of diplomacy. In this lecture we shall study the history of Indian diplomacy from its initiation in the Puranik era till date. We shall also take the opportunity to briefly describe the current structure of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs as well as the Indian Foreign Service.

Towards the end, I would be glad to listen to your comments and questions, if any.

Being among the world’s oldest civilisation, India, naturally, had evolved her own ancient concept of statecraft which included elaborate and mutually agreed tradition of diplomacy. It was both inclusive among various rulers of India as well as exclusive - with states beyond geographical confines of the sub-continent. The practice of diplomacy was initially rooted in concept of Dharma, or morality. Subsequently, however, more realpolitic-based diplomacy came to be justified. The practice of inter-state alliances, based on linkages among the royal families as well as on strategic or tactical considerations came into being.

Treaties were negotiated by the states and largely honoured by the various parties. Diplomatic envoys, both permanent as well as mission-based, were mutually accredited. They were expected to report back unhindered to their principals.

t is indeed a privilege for me to be amidst you in Amarkantak.

Your city combines an ancient, holy and scenic city with one of India’s emerging seats of higher learning. I am grateful to you all for making me feel welcome with your gracious hospitality.

It is an honour to deliver firstever Ministry of External Affairs sponsored Distinguished Lecture at your esteemed university on "Indian Diplomacy Through Ages�. I deem the subject to be well suited to the setting of this historic city.

Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states. It is derived from the Greek word (diploma) meaning making a deal with other countries. In India the word used is Kootniti or law of dealings.

The diplomacy is an important element of statecraft and can presumed to be as old as concept of the State. In fact, it can be argued that the diplomacy came into being when human society

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

At this point, it is necessary to mention a few historical examples to illustrate the ancient history of Indian diplomacy. The following two instances are cited: (i) Ancient Indian scriptures are replete with numerous diplomatic instances. For instance, in Ramayana, Lord Rama sent Hanumana and Angada as his envoys to King Ravana to persuade him to avoid war and destruction.

Although King Ravana

6

contemptuously rejected these entreaties and wanted to kill the envoys, he was prevented from doing so as the envoys were inviolable under the established diplomatic practice. In Mahabharata, Lord Krishna himself played the role of a mediator of last resort to avoid hostilities between the Pandavas and the Kaurvas. The war of Mahabharata was preceded by feverish diplomacy as both sides sent envoys around to form military alliances. The war itself was a Dharmayuddha (or War of Righteousness) with wellestablished rules with chivalry and diplomatic contact being maintained among the two warring sides. The concepts of immunity and amnesty were well established and were respected. (ii) Manu-Smriti, is considered to be the first Indian legal code complied by Maha-Rishi Manu around 1500 BCE. Commenting on different roles of authorities in a State, Manu stated, "Let the king appoint an Ambassador; the army depends on its Commander; control of subjects (depends) on the army; the Government of the kingdom on the King; peace and war on the Ambassador". (iii) An interesting and recurring concept in Indian history was the Chakravarti Samrat (Universal Emperor) whose suzerainty or zone of protection, after wars, if

Distinguished Lecture necessary, was acknowledged by surrounding kings. It is quite akin to the modern-day concept of Super-Power, with their pacts, doctrines and areas of influence.

Chankya’s Arthshashtra, world’s first comprehensive treatise on diplomatic practice, occupies centre stage in any narrative of Indian diplomacy. Chankya also known as Kautilya - was Prime Minister and mentor of Emperor Chandragupta, the founder of Gupta dynasty which ruled Patliputra in fourth century before Christ. With Chankya as his mentor, Chandragupta successfully overthrew the Nanda dynasty and expelled the Greek footprint in India’s north-west. Although Chankya’s Arthshashtra or ‘The Science of Material Gain’, written around 300 BCE (before Christ) is mainly concerned with statecraft, nearly a fifth of it is devoted to the conduct of foreign policy and diplomacy. Astonishingly, much of its discourse is still relevant today, nearly twenty four centuries later. Following citations would underline the sagacity and foresighted nature of Chankya’s recommendations and observations: (i) The concept of "Raj Mandala” or ruling universe is central to Chankya’s Foreign Policy construction of a State desirous of consolidation or expansion. Raj Mandala is a matrix comprising of a maximum of 12 type of states and Arthashashtra prescribes best ways of dealing with each of them. (ii) The protection and promotion of political, military and economic interests of a State rested on six constituent elements, viz. the king, the ministers, the fortress, the countryside, the treasury and the army.

(iii) For the purpose of settlement of disputes, four methods were advocated, namely, 'Sama' (conciliation) , 'Dana' (appeasement), 'Bheda' (dividing), and 'Danda' (use of force) to be employed as the last resort. (iv) According to Arthashastra, the State should follow a six-fold policy with other States: (1) Sandhi (treaty of peace); (2) Vigrah (war); (3) Asana (neutrality) (4) Yana (marching) - presumably a threat; (5) Samsrya (alliance) and (6) Dwidibhava (making peace with one and end war with another). (v) Among more cynical advices Kautilya offered to the king are about his stress on diplomatic manoeuvres and espionage activity.

Similarly, he recommended that the king to make treaties knowing that he may not keep them in the long term, his ‘doctrine of silent war’ or a war of assassination

(vi) On other hand, Arthshastra emphasised that foreign relations be determined by rationale calculation of self-interest rather than by ethical considerations.

Chankya preferred peace over war and urged humane treatment of conquered soldiers and subjects.

Arthashashtra’s conception of foreign policy is brilliant, cohesive, comprehensive and logically sound. It is entirely theoretical without any moral subjectivity. (vii) Among examples of Arthashashtra’s practical foreign policy prescriptions to a king are the following specific advices: (a) "When the advantages derivable from peace and war are of equal character, one should prefer peace; for disadvantages such as loss of power and wealth, sojourning and sin are ever attending upon war."

Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states.

It is derived from the Greek word (diploma) meaning making a deal with other countries

against an unsuspecting king, his approval of secret agents who killed enemy leaders and sowed discord among them, his view of women as weapons of war, his use of religion and superstition to bolster his troops and demoralize enemy soldiers, the spread of disinformation.

7

(b) "One shall make an alliance with a king who is stronger than one's neighbouring enemy; in the absence of such a king, one should ingratiate oneself with one's neighbouring enemy, either by supplying money or army or by

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Distinguished Lecture

According to Chankya, a high degree of intellectual equipment was necessary for an Ambassador.

In selecting people for diplomatic missions, one must choose persons who are "loyal, honest, skilled, possessing good memory, fearless and eloquent ceding a part of one's territory and keeping oneself aloof; for there can be no greater evil to kings than alliance with a king of considerable power, unless one is actually attacked by one's enemy." (c) "A king, who is situated between two powerful kings, shall seek protection from the stronger of the two or one of them on whom he can rely; or he may make peace with both of them on equal terms."

Apart from theoretical treatment of various foreign policy options, Arthashashtra also provides elaborate advice on conduct of the diplomatic practice to implement it. The following salient points emerge: (i) According to Chankya, a high degree of intellectual equipment was necessary for an Ambassador. In selecting people for diplomatic missions, one must choose persons who are "loyal, honest, skilled, possessing good memory, fearless and eloquent". An envoy must also be sweet voiced, persuasive, industrious, well-versed in sciences and possessed of faculty of reading others' thoughts and

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

feelings from their behaviour and appearance etc. (ii) Arthashashtra discussed classification of Ambassadors, his qualifications, status, immunity, duties, salary etc. in great details. A successful Adviser (Minister) was deemed suitable for the post of Ambassador, a practice followed by many nations even now for important Missions. The envoys had the following four classifications: (a) D u t a ( A m b a s s a d o r Extraordinary): (b) Nisrishtartha (Minister Plenipotentiary); (c) Parimitarhah (Charge d'Affaires); and (d) Sasanarhah (Diplomatic Messenger/ Special Envoy). (iii) Kautilya describes the "duties of an envoy” as "sending information to his king, ensuring maintenance of the terms of a treaty, upholding his king’s honour, acquiring allies, instigating dissension among the friends of his enemy, conveying secret agents and troops [into enemy territory], suborning the kinsmen of the enemy to his own king’s side, acquiring clandestinely gems and other valuable material for his own king, ascertaining secret information and showing

8

valour in liberating hostages held by the enemy.” He further stipulates that no envoys should ever be harmed, and, even if they deliver an "unpleasant” message, they should not be detained. (iv) Detailed rules regulated diplomatic immunities and privileges, the inauguration and termination of diplomatic missions, and the selection and duties of envoys. Thus, whether the diplomatic mission is ad hoc or permanent, the mission had to follow well accepted principles in interstate relations. Adoption of appropriate 'diplomatic language' was considered important in dealings between rulers and kings.

Guda lekha (code language) was adopted for diplomatic correspondence. (vi) Other related structure prescribed were "Commercial Counsel” who was charged with managing commercial relations and transactions.

Arthashashtra described two kinds of Spies: those charged with the collection of intelligence and those entrusted with subversion and other forms of covert action.

In ultimate analysis Arthashashtra’s discourse on foreign policy and diplomatic practice can only be described as a profound timeless classic book of realism, ahead of its peers written two millennia later.

Its objective treatment of possible foreign policy options facing a king and cold calculative diplomatic actions required has often been criticised for being an amoral, cynical policy prescription in which ‘the ends justified the means’. However, protagonists of Chankya’s recommendations point out that pursuance of these

Distinguished Lecture policies led to establishment of India’s first empire by Maurya dynasty which at its peak straddled well beyond South Asia’s natural boundaries. In urging the king to rely on science and not the precepts of religion, Kautilya separated, for the first time in India, political thought from religious dictum. It also ushered in stable polity and two generations later led to Ashoka’s pacifist policies after conversion to Buddhism in the wake of carnage of war with Kalinga.

Ancient Envoys: During era of Chandragupta Maurya, Megasthenes was Greek ambassador to India and authored his account of the country in his book Indika. During the reign of Indian King Bindusara, Delmachos was sent as an Ambassador by King Antiochos of Syria and Dinyosius as an Ambassador by King Ptolmy of Egypt (298 BC



- 273 BC). During the Buddhist period and later, many rulers entrusted delicate and strategic missions to diplomatic agents for the security of the State and for the maintenance of friendly relations.

Emperor Ashoka (273 BC - 232 BC) established diplomatic and evangelical relations with the Kings of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Syria, Egypt, Macedon, Cyrene and other countries. During the 7th century AD, there were diplomatic relations between the Indian King Pulkesin II and Shah of Persia, Khosru Parwez. There is evidence of diplomatic relations between King Harasha Vardhana of India and the Imperial Court of China.

Similarly, during the medieval period of Indian history diplomatic relations were maintained among States in the Indian sub-continent, as well as with States beyond it. The Afghan and Turks rulers based in Delhi and other places,

maintained diplomatic relations with States in Central Asia, Persia, Arab world, Asia Minor, Greece, Levant and even with States in Tibet and China. The Kingdoms of South of India on the West Coast, maintained diplomatic relations with States along Arabian Sea Littoral and Indian Ocean littoral in Africa. The ones on the EastCoast and South, maintained relations with Ceylon, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaya; some of these countries were conquered and colonised by the Kings of South India. During medieval times, Chola and other south Indian dynasties’ overseas empires in South East Asia had an economic underpinning.

The Moghuls maintained diplomatic relations with most of the states mentioned earlier and in the later stages received envoys from European states like Portugal, France, Britain,

A GLOBAL PACKAGING SOLUTIONS PROVIDER

        

9

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Distinguished Lecture Holland, etc. In times of Akbar the Great, India was world’s largest economy and a coveted partner for economic diplomacy for various European trading nations - many of whom sought trading facilities and patronage.

By liberally dispensing these permissions, unsuspecting Indian rulers sowed seeds of their own nemesis. Sir Thomas Roe was envoy of British queen Elisabeth I to the court of Emperor Jahangir.

Even until 1820 - before Industrial Revolution gained salience, India’s economy was bigger than Great Britain’s, her colonial masters. During the period of decline of political influence of Moghul Emperors and rise of other Indian States, there was intense diplomatic jockeying for influence by the British,

abroad. Indians abroad often launched diplomatic campaigns against colonial rule in India and sought diplomatic and material assistance from foreign powers such as Japan ( e.g. Azad Hind Fauz during Second World War), Nazi Germany, Russia, France and the US. After independence in 1947 and proclamation of a republic in 1950, Indian diplomacy resumed function of a sovereign state. The structures such as the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Foreign Service were established and a large number of diplomatic missions abroad were set up.

Separately, India’s foreign policy took shape together with its diplomatic content and style.

India chose a non-aligned foreign policy which was seen to be an

The Moghuls maintained diplomatic relations with most of the states mentioned earlier and in the later stages received envoys from European states like Portugal, France, Britain, Holland, etc

Portuguese, French and other European powers. The Indian kings, like Hydar Ali, Tipu Sultan and others maintained diplomatic relations with countries in the Arab world, Ottoman Sultans and European powers (esp.

Napoleonic France) in order to obtain support in political and defence technology and training.

Even during 1857 first war of independence against East India Company, there were episodic contacts with foreign powers such as Nepal, Afghanistan and Russia. Subsequently, during freedom struggle, Indian National Congress maintained links with similarly inclined political parties

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

extension of our freedom struggle as we did not want to surrogate our foreign policy to a particular power block. Mahatma Gandhi’s adage, India should be like a house with open windows to all winds, but we should refuse to be blown by any of them has remained the hallmark of our foreign policy since independence.

We took principled stand on decolonisation, anti-apartheid and various military aggressions.

At the same time, our diplomacy took into account our national interests in terms of our conflicts with Pakistan in 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999 as well as with China in 1962. Our socio-economic

10

priorities were also factored into our diplomacy. We remained influential member of the nonaligned world, G-77, etc. As Indian economy gained strength and market got liberalised after 1991, India gained importance as important economic partner and is counted among most prominent countries in the world. Our nuclear tests in May 1998 created a new paradigm in our international profile which was reconciled through an exceptional treatment granted to India by the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group a decade later.

India, nevertheless, has continued to call for universal nuclear disarmament and considers the global Nuclear Proliferation regime as discriminatory. We have also taken a strongly prodevelopment view on issues such as climate change, food security and trade facilitation.

While we have found support for reforms in the UN system to make it reflect the changes in global political architecture since Second World War, our quest for a permanent seat at the Security Council has proved elusive so far.

Moreover, our ongoing challenges as terrorism, climate change, South Asian regional security need to be tackled satisfactorily.

Additionally, Indian diplomacy is required to contribute towards our socio-economic development, through such inputs as access to foreign capital and technology, raw materials, markets for our exports of goods and services, promotion of inbound tourism, etc. Hence, Indian diplomacy has its work cut out for foreseeable future.

In the second and last part of my lecture, I would like to give you a bird’s eye view of the two instruments of Indian diplomacy, viz. the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Foreign Service.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was founded in

Company Profile Regional Know how for Global Challenges Since 1974, the year of it‘s foundation Gottschligg Gmbh is located in Brunn am Gebirge.

Together with the subsidiary WIGO s.r.o. in Bratislava founded in 1989, has evolved into a supplier of tailor made solutions for load carriers and means of transportation made from metal, wood and plastic.

2008 Gottschligg Gmbh, saw a further step towards new market in India and opened it’s own Branch in New Delhi.

Within India Gottschligg accompaniedit’s long time influential customers, at the same time reaching new customers segments, who value reliability, competence and high quality of service, GOTTSCHLIGG's broad range of proved and tested solutions which is reflected in the heterogeneity of it´s customers: whether Global Players in the Automotive Branch or local wine grower.

Their regular evaluations and the high level of long time customers confirm GOTTSCHLIGG’s constantly high product quality, flexibility and service level, which is practiced in the Indian, Russian and Slovak subsidiaries.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES The Complete Range v

Today GOTTSCHLIGG is considered THE system supplier for transportation and storage. v Means made from metal, plastic and all standard versions of wooden pallets, mesh boxes, metal containers and special load carriers for all industry segments. From virtual development to serial delivery since 1989.

The International Supply Chain v Focused on savings of costly non returnable packaging since 1989 GOTTSCHLIGG was in 2012 the first company licensed by OEBB (Austrian Federal Railways) for production of interchangeable Y-UIC Mesh Boxes in India. v In Europe, the Y-UIC Mesh Boxes can be returned back into the European Pallet Pool. v No leasing and no destruction of packaging material required. v GOTTSCHLIGG provides also in India long time tested load carrier solution for transports within India and all exports from India.

Corporate Social Responsabilty GOTTSCHLIGG’s products are the driving links of the logistic chains – connecting efforts and requirements of peoples: this is emphasized in the mission statement. The high quality of GOTTSCHLIGG's products and processes is repeatedly certified by TUEV Germany and Bureau Veritas (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, CSR ONR 192500).

Distinguished Lecture 1948. Since beginning till his demise in 1964, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru held the portfolio of India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) and guided country’s foreign policy through its formative period. It was only in 1964 that an independent Minister with Cabinet rank was appointed. Currently, Smt. Shushma Swaraj is the EAM and Gen (Retired) V.K. Singh is the Minister of State. The Ministry operates from South Block as well as Jawahar Bhavan, both located in central New Delhi. As would be seen from Ministry’s organigram (attached below), it is divided into functional units called divisions which cater either to specific territories (such as East Asia) or issues (UN), or functional aspects as External Publicity, Finance, Administration, etc. The Ministry runs over 160 Missions and Posts abroad headed by Head of Mission (usually an Ambassador or High commissioner) and Head of Post (usually called Consul General). While a "Post” is usually for consular and commercial work alone, a Mission represents Indian government in its entirety - be it political, defence or economic ties.

The Indian Foreign Service, or IFS, is the civil service cadre which mans Ministry of External Affairs - both in India and abroad. First batch of the IFS was recruited in 1948 and since then every year the candidates are recruited through Combined Civil Services examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in New Delhi. 31 officers have been recruited to the IFS in 2014. Of these, 12 are ladies and 19 gentlemen. 14 of them studied engineering, 6 studied sciences and three are qualified doctors. At present the IFS cadre is around 700 officers strong, spread 1:2 in India and abroad.

A number of guest officers from other backgrounds also serve in the Ministry of External Affairs.

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

After selection in IFS, the "Probationer” is trained for nearly three years in general administration at LBSNAA in Mussourie), at Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi as well in foreign language school abroad.

It is only after passing all the relevant departmental exams that the Probationer gets confirmed in IFS as Second Secretary.

He or she progressively rises to First Secretary, Counsellor, Minister and Ambassador.

When posted in India, his or her designations are Undersecretary, Deputy Secretary, Director, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary, Secretary and Foreign Secretary.

In many cases, IFS officers are also deputed outside the MEA to such organisations as Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Commerce, Finance, Defence, etc.

her representatives command attention and respect among their peers. By nature of its functional specialisation and deployment mostly abroad, IFS work more autonomously than most Indian government services. Although IFS’s perquisites are possibly the best among Indian civil services, these permit, in general, a middle class existence abroad. At the same time, an IFS officer has also to contend with a number of challenges. Family stability is affected by frequent transfers to widely different stations.

The best among these, such as the Western capitals, are undoubtedly glamorous, but most other postings may rank even lower than New Delhi in standard of living, security and availability of healthcare, education and basic amenities. Moreover, family life is particularly problematic with a

India being an increasingly important country, her representatives command attention and respect among their peers

Although mainstream functions of IFS does not involve direct public dealing, the officers dealing with consular, labour and community matters abroad as well as passport, visa and Haj related matters interface with large number of Indian nationals. As a career, the IFS offers considerable variety - in terms of deployment in various parts of the world as well as various functional domains as political, commercial, cultural, media, etc. It also offers considerable freedom to choose your calling.

Moreover, India being an increasingly important country,

12

professionally qualified spouse.

Last but not the least, unlike India-based services, each time an IFS officer returns to India, his or her moorings need to be set all over again. Still, on balance, Indian Foreign Service is a well sought after career for those who seek adventurous and unscripted professional life.

The Author, a career diplomat was Indian Ambassador to Algeria (1999-2001) and Norway (2005-08) and High Commissioner to Nigeria (2008-13).

The Distinguished Lecture was given at the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh on November 12, 2014.

FOR YOUR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS: IMPORT/EXPORT ACCOUNT We offer tailor-made solutions to provide you, as an import-/exportoriented business, with the best possible support along the way.

•

Value-for-money terms and conditions and no handling charge

•

Management of your foreign bank accounts via the International Cash Management module of your Office Banking application: no initial license fee and links to up to 5 bank accounts free of charge

•

Best rates for foreign currency conversions

•

Approved credit line for all financing products (global overdraft facility)

•

Risk protection in international trade

The advisory team at the Vienna Branch of Austrian Anadi Bank will be happy to help: Oliver Waldthaler, Corporate Banking Vienna Parkring 12/staircase 2/2nd floor, Tel. 050202 6960, oliver.waldthaler@anadibank.com Last updated: January 2015. Terms and conditions valid until further notice.

Subject to modifications at any time. All information provided without liability.

Austrian Anadi Bank AG | Domgasse 5 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee www.austrian-anadi-bank.com Commercial register number FN 245157a Klagenfurt regional court DPR no. 2110537

Feature Story

Indian Railways Going Green the Bio-Diesel Way *Sachinder Mohan Sharma

W

ith growth in the world economy the demand for energy and transportation has been increasing.

The BRICS nations have been growing and China and India today are consuming higher levels of fuel to sustain their growing economies.

The overall energy requirement in India is likely to increase from 549 Million tonne oil equivalent (mtoe) in 2011-12 to 1433 mtoe by 2031-32, a 2.6 fold increase. The transport sector which currently consumes 86 mtoe which is about 16% of the energy consumption is likely to increase to 360 mtoe by 2031-32 and would be 25% of the total energy consumption.

The transport sector would grow by 4.2 times. The transport sector consumed 57% of the oil in 201112 and this would go up-to 73% by 2031-32 in the business as usual scenario. About 97% of the fuel basket for transportation is based on petroleum and the balance 3% is equally shared by CNG, bio-fuels and electricity. As per the current trends this mix would continue even in 2031-32. If we look at the consumption pattern in the transport sector, the road vehicles consume 93% of the oil, 3% each is consumed by Railways and Airways and the balance 1% by waterways.

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

Indian Railways (IR) today has the largest passenger operation in the world and carries about 23 million passengers every day. Recently it has also entered the billion tonne club and is expected to carry more than 1100 million tonne of freight traffic in the current year.

For providing transport services Indian Railways consumes 2.7 billion liters of high speed diesel and 13.9 billion units of electricity.

Most of the electricity consumed is also produced using fossil fuels like coal, diesel etc. Higher use of fossil fuels means higher carbon

14

foot prints in transpiration. It is in this context that IR has envisaged in its vision 2020 to ensure that 10% of its energy needs are met through renewable. Bio-diesel is a substitute for diesel and can be sourced from various raw materials. It is green and renewable and can be blended with diesel and used without any modification to the locomotives.

Use of B5 blend translates into a requirement of about 0.13 billion litres. However, volatility of the oil market also impacts the demand/supply of bio-diesel since it is a substitute for diesel.

In this context a bio-fuels 2014 conference which was recently held in Delhi on 5th November, 2014 was relevant for the transport sector. The theme of the conference was “Energize Growth & Business opportunities in Biodiesel Sector in India”. It provided opportunity for policy makers, researchers, consultants, industry professionals, consumers, manufacturers and sellers from both private and public sector to interact and share their views on a common platform. The inaugural address was delivered by the Hob’ble Union Minister of Railways, The Hon’ble Union Minister for Shipping Road Transport and National Highways, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj the Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways and Dr. Suresh Prabhu, ex. Power Minister, Government Of India.

The meeting was also attended by the Chairman, Railway Board,

Member Staff/Member Electrical, Ministry of Railways and other senior officials. They stressed the importance of alternate fuels especially bio-fuels to reduce oil imports and carbon emissions.

Indian Railways has already conducted trials with 20% blending on diesel engine test bed at RDSO. Field trials have also been done with B5/B10 and many units like Shakurbasti, Kharagpur, Perambur etc. have manufactured bio-diesel using small plants of upto 2000 literes per day.

Railways also tried to plant Jatropha trees along the tracks but were not very successful.

Issues of transportation, blending, storage and dispensing were deliberated during the conference.

The manufacturers gave their prospective on raw material, bio-diesel plants and technology for production. Singapore based manufacturers JOil provided ideas

15

on how to improve the yield and adopt best practices in production of seeds. Bio cube from Australia show cased their technology for off grid bio diesel production with zero discharge. The socioeconomic impact of bio-diesel was also deliberated upon by looking at linking science, living hoods and polices for sustainable bio fuels. The conference tried to outline the road ahead for proliferation of bio fuel in the transport and Railway sector.

Railways being the single largest bulk consumer have to set an example in the use of green fuels for sustainable transportation.

These efforts are essential as it is estimated that climate change mitigation and adaptation measures will cost around 5% of the world GDP and the developing countries would be worst affected. *Sachinder Mohan Sharma is Director E&R, Railway Board

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

India's Space Science

ISRO Touches New Heights

By Ashok Handoo*

O

n the 24th September 2014, India created history by becoming the first country in the world to enter the Mars orbit in the very first attempt. Its Mars orbiter mission also called ‘Mangalyan’, was placed successfully in the orbit of the red planet on this day. India thus joined the elite club of the countries exploring Mars—US, Russia and Europe. It has also become the first Asian country to reach Mars planet.

While all other countries including the US and Russia, had to face initial failures, India did it in one go. The whole operation was watched keenly by the scientists across the world.

The Organization behind achieving this fete is the Indian Space Research Organization, ISRO. To its credit, besides other achievements, is also the unmanned moon mission ‘Chanderyan 1’, which was

launched in 2008 for scientific exploration- to map the moon’s surface and look for precious metals. The head of the organization Dr. K.Radhakrishnan says that its second moon mission 'Chandrayaan 2', was also in the pipeline. "In this area of scientific exploration, we have of course the 'Chandrayaan 2', with the Indian lander and the Indian rover, which are to be put in place in another three years’ time,” he said. According to him “What we are now looking for is a major scientific mission and, when that can happen will depend upon the mission, could be 2018 or 2020.

No wonder then that ISRO has been chosen for this year’s Indira Gandhi prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development. It has been chosen for the award for strengthening international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space.

India’s space activities which started in early 60’s from Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram have come a long way since then. The immense potential of space technology in national development was first realized by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai who firmly believed that this powerful technology could play a meaningful role in solving the problems of the common man.

He had said “We are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the comity of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society”.

Initially, the space programme focused on achieving self- reliance by developing capability to build and launch communication satellites for television broadcasts, telecommunications and meteorological applications as also remote sensing satellites for

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

16

management of natural resources.

In keeping with objective of ISRO to develop space technology and its application to nation building, it has operationalized two major satellite systems. One is called Indian National Satellite (INSAT) and the other Indian Remote Sensing (IRS). The first one is used for communication services while the other is for management of natural resources. ISRO uses Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV) for INSAT type satellites and Polar Satellite Launch vehicles for launching IRS type satellites. Its PSLV-C26 successfully launched IRNSS-1C, the third satellite in the Indian regional Navigational satellite system on October 16 from Satish Dhavan Space Centre, Sriharikota at which the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists.

He described the occasion as a “matter of immense pride and joy”.

IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1500 km. around the Indian mainland.

On December 21st ISRO successfully test fired GSLV mark III to earn yet applause by the Prime Minister.

With this launch, India is now capable of sending astronauts into the space. It can double the capacity of payloads which it can carry into

space and place up to 4 tonnes of communication satellites into space. India has thus become a major player in the multibillion dollar competitive market of commercial launch market.

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra modi has made it clear that he wants to expand the Indian space programme. Accordingly, the budget for space research has been increased by 50 percent to $ 1 billion this financial year. In June this year the Prime Minister had asked ISRO to develop a satellite that would serve all SAARC nations. During his Mayanmar visit he announced that the services of SAARC satellite will be extended to Mayanmar also. This will be beneficial, among others, in the fields of health, telemedicine, and long distance education.

In the words of K. Radhakrishnan India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), powered by smart satellites, has shown the world the way of doing things differently without making any sacrifice on the quality in space mission.

Primarily a technological mission, Mars Orbiter Mission is India's first interplanetary mission to planet Mars. The orbiter craft has been designed to orbit Mars in an elliptical orbit. One of its

17

main objectives is to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission.

The success of the Mars Orbiter Mission has been lauded also for its low price tag of $74 million.

The Chandrayaan-1 (India's first unmanned moon probe), which cost $79 million, was launched to map the moon's surface and look for precious metals. The ‘Mangalyan’ was built with most of its parts manufactured indigenously.

The application of satellites for human welfare has also been quite impressive. For instance, INSAT3D, which became operational in January this year, played an important role in tracking Cyclone Hudhood which hit the east coast of India in October last. During Cyclone Phailin, which hit east coast at the same time last year, images from Kalpana played a vital role.

India’s space programme is thus set to move from one milestone to another and thus realize the dreams of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai – the father of country’s space programme. *Ashok Handoo is a Senior Freelance Journalist.

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Business Story

NaWaTech - Natural Water Systems and Treatment Technologies to cope with Water Shortages in Urbanised Areas in India Guenter Langergraber and Sandra Nicolics

Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU University), Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.

T

he EU-DST funded project NaWaTech ("Natural Water Systems and Treatment Technologies to cope with Water Shortages in Urbanised Areas in India", http://nawatech.net/) aims to explore, assess and enhance the potential of natural and compact water and wastewater treatment systems in order to improve their performance and reliability to cope with water shortages in India. These systems shall realise the effective management of municipal water resources, water supply and sanitation services, and the municipal water cycle as a whole in urbanised areas of India. Separate collection and treatment of wastewater fractions shall thereby facilitate achieving the required water quality for the reuse application with the optimal technology.

In many countries in the world including India, operation and maintenance (O&M) of wastewater treatment facilities has not been of priority so far. Thus, within NaWaTech one main objective is to foster system operation also after project duration. Therefore O&M is prioritised right from the beginning of the project using a "risk-of-failure"-oriented safety planning approach for O&M planning.

The selection of the specific

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

technologies/designs for the NaWaTech implementation sites was a joint effort by the EU and Indian partners. It was aimed to test designs used by the Indian partners in parallel to European designs. Table 1 summarises the different designs for the NaWaTech pilot sites.

During the consortium meeting in Vienna from 17-21 November 2014, the project team discussed the latest developments regarding implementation of the pilot sited and finalised the workplan for the remaining project duration. On Wednesday, 19 November 2014, an international workshop on "How to make business in India"

was held at BOKU University.

Besides the NaWaTech team, representatives from the following companies participated: VA TECH WABAG GmbH (http://www. wabag.com/), s::can Messtechnik GmbH (http://www.s-can.at/), AQUACONSULT Anlagenbau GmbH (http://www.aquaconsult. at/) and the Global Wetland Technology Group (http://www. globalwettech.com/).

During a 2 days field trip on 20+21 November 2014 the participants had the change to visit two constructed treatment wetlands, installations of the first Vienna spring main (the Kaiserbrunn spring as well as the Neusiedel

Table 1: Technologies/designs for the NaWaTech pilot sites.

NaWaTech pilot site

Indian designs

European designs

Dayanand Park, Nagpur

-

Constructed wetland systems (5 parallel lines with different CW types)

Ordnance Factory, Nagpur

Main treatment line (anaerobic pre-treatment and HF CW)

1) Sludge drying reed bed 2) French type CW system (pilotscale) 3) Short Rotation Plantation (pilotscale)

Amanora Park Town, Pune

-

SBR and MBR systems

College of Engineering Pune (COEP) hostel campus, Pune

Anaerobic treatment

VF CWs for greywater and combined wastewater

Vertical garden, Pune

-

Vertical garden for greywater (pilot-scale)

Indradhanushya Citizenship Center (Rainbow Museum), Pune

Soil scapefilter

-

18

Business Story

Inspection of the effluent quality of the constructed treatment wetland Bärenkogel (Mürzzuschlag, Styria)

• Biazul, Spain • Iridra Srl, Italy • Kretschmer und Tauscher GbR, Germany Indian partners • National Environmental Engineering and Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur (Coordinator) • Ecosan Services Foundation (ESF), Pune • I n d i a n W a t e r W o r k s Association (IWWA)

reservoir), and the Vienna main wastewater treatment plant.

Information on NaWaTech The project NaWaTech (Natural Water Systems and Treatment Technologies to cope with Water Shortages in Urbanised Areas in India, http://nawatech.net/, duration: 1.7.2012 – 31.12.2015) is funded within the EU 7th Framework Programme (Contract # 308336) and by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India (DST Sanction Order # DST/IMRCD/ NaWaTech/2012/(G)).

NaWaTech project partners European partners • TTZ Bremerhaven, Germany (Coordinator) • s e e c o n i n t e r n a t i o n a l , Switzerland

Picture 2: Participants in front of the Kaiserbrunn spring of the First Vienna Spring Water Main (Kaiserbrunn Quelle der Ersten Wiener Hochquellwasserleitung)

• BOKU University, Institute of Sanitary Engineering, Austria • UniversitatPolitecnica de Catalunia, Spain.

• Shrishti Eco-Research Institute (SERI) • Viraj Envirozing India Pvt. Limited (VEIPL) • Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) • Pune Municipal Cooperation (PMC).

Contact: Dr. Guenter Langergraber Scientific Coordinator NaWaTech Project University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU University) Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control

Picture 3: Visiting the constructed treatment wetland at the Ökosiedlung (eco-village) Gärtnerhof, Gänserndorf

19

Email: guenter.langergraber@boku.ac.at

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Tourism in India

Government launches ETA enabled tourist visas on arrival. More than 22,000 visas processed during first month of its launch. Foreign tourist arrivals show a commendable increase of 7.1 percent during Jan-Nov, 2014 over the same period last year. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism cross Rs. 1 Lakh crore mark during January to November 2014. In a path breaking initiative, Incredible India Tourist helpline is launched. A year end summary of 2014.

T

he Tourism sector plays a very important role in the economy of the country.

The contribution of Tourism in GDP for the Financial Year 2012-13 is estimated to be 6.88% and contribution to employment is estimated to be 12.36% in the same year. The Tourism sector also contributes to Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) in a big way with FEEs from Tourism standing at Rs 107671 cr in INR terms in 2013.

Growth in Tourism Inbound Tourism: India received 65.8 lakh (Provisional) visitors during the period JanuaryNovember, 2014 which is the highest ever number of visitors received till November in any year during the last decade. The Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during this period showed a commendable increase of 7.1 percent over the same period during the previous year. The FTAs for the entire year 2013 were 69.7 lakhs showing a growth of 5.9% over the previous year. In comparison, the growth rate in International Tourist Arrivals for the World as a whole was only 5% in 2013.

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

Nearly 16% of FTAs during 2013 were from the USA followed by 11.62% from UK and then Bangladesh with 7.53%.

Domestic Tourists: No. of Domestic Tourist Visits to all States/UTs were- 1145 Million in 2013 showing a Growth Rate of 9.6% over the previous year.

Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI): As per the TTCI, 2013 of the World Economic Forum, India ranks 11th in Asia and Pacific region and 65th amongst 140 countries in tourism competitiveness. Improving ranking of India from 65th to 62nd position in travel and tourism competitiveness has been set as a target in the Result Framework Document (RFD) of M/o Tourism for the year 2014-15.

The Government has also set a target to achieve one percent share in global tourism arrivals during 2015 which is sought to be achieved with the help of a multi- pronged strategy. India’s share in global tourism arrivals in 2013 was 0.64%.

Foreign Exchange Earnings: During the January to November period of 2014, the Foreign

20

Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism crossed the mark of 1 lakh crore rupees (standing at Rs 1, 07,208 crore) showing a growth of 12.1 percent over the FEEs of the same period last year.

FEE from tourism in terms of US$ during January- November 2014 were US$ 17.606 billion with a growth of 5.2%, as compared to US$ 16.742 billion with a growth of 4.9% during January- November 2013 over the corresponding period of 2012.

Tourist Visas on Arrival (TVOAs) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): The year 2014 will remain a historic year for tourism industry since the Government implemented the first phase of Tourist Visas on Arrival (TVOAs) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). As a result of this, more than 22,000 visas were processed till 31.12.2014 since its launch on 27th November, 2014. Out of this, 6100 TVOAs are from the US and 3800 from Russia. The Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled with the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Scheme was launched on 27.11.2014

Incredible India for nationals of 43 countries whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight- seeing, short duration medical treatment, casual business visit, casual visit to meet friends or relatives etc. for a short stay of 30 days. A brochure on Visa-on-Arrival enabled by ETA has also been published.

Recent Path breaking Initiatives: Several path breaking initiatives have been taken recently, some in partnership with Ministry of Culture, to promote tourism.

Important initiatives are as below: 1) E-Ticketing: The process of E-ticketing at important historical monuments has begun with the launch of E-ticketing at the Taj Mahal in Agra and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi. This has been accomplished with the help of IRCTC. 2) Incredible India Tourist Helpline: Similarly, in another path breaking initiative, the Incredible India Tourist Helpline has been set up on a pilot basis to address and guide the tourists during any emergency which may include medical, crime

natural calamities or on being stranded. This service will be available as toll free on telephone 1800111363 or on a short code 1363.

3) Adarsh Smarak: ASI has identified 25 monuments to be developed as Model Monuments. These monuments would be provided necessary tourist facilities including wi-fi, security, signages, encroachment free area, interpretation centres showing short films about the importance of monuments and signboards of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Some of the monuments included in Adarsh Smarak scheme are Leh Palace, Leh(J&K), Humayun’s Tomb(New Delhi), Red Fort,(Delhi), Shore Temple (Mahabalipuram), Elephanta Caves(Mumbai Maharashtra), Taj Mahal,Agra,(UP), Rani-kiVav(Gujarat) among others.

4) Welcome Cards: The Ministry of Tourism has launched the special welcome cards that will be handed to all the tourists, landing at our 9 International airports where Tourist Visa on Arrival Enabled with Electronic Travel Authorization facility is operational. This card will

21

carry the information of the local India Tourism office along with online and offline contact information which the tourists can use in case of any queries.

Infrastructure Development The Ministry of Tourism has been making efforts to develop quality tourism infrastructure at tourist destinations and circuits. The Ministry sanctioned Rs. 929.84 cr for a total number of 136 tourism projects during 2012-13 and Rs 1801 cr for 261 projects during 2013-14. During 2014-15 (Till 30.09.2014), 30 projects have been sanctioned for an amount of Rs 205 cr. This includes projects relating to Product/ Infrastructure Development for Destination and Circuits (PIDDC), Human Resource Development (HRD), Fairs and Festivals and Adventure & Rural Tourism for infrastructure augmentation.

• In the Budget for 2014-15 two new schemes have been announced with the following allocation: • Rs. 500 crore for developing 5 tourist circuits around specific themes. The circuits identified are: Ganga circuit, Krishna

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Incredible India circuit, Buddha circuit, North East circuit, and Kerala circuit.

• Rs. 100 crore for National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenations and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD).

•

•

Guidelines are under finalization to implement these schemes.

• 50 circuits have been identified for development in phases.

• The upgradation of Varanasi Railway Station has been undertaken.

• The project for construction of new Passenger Terminal at Marmugao, Goa Port Trust to promote Cruise Tourism has been launched.

EMPLOYMENT • As per provisional estimates, contribution of tourism to total employment (direct and indirect) for the years 201011, 2011-12 & 2012-13 was 10.78%, 11.49% and 12.36% respectively.

• During the 10th and 11th Five Year Plans, the contribution of tourism to total employment (both direct and indirect) progressed from 8.27% to 11.49% and the Foreign Exchange earnings for the corresponding period progressed from Rs.20729 crore to Rs.94487 crore.

• An additional employment of 24.5 million (direct and Indirect) is targeted to be created during the years 2010 to 2016.

Human Resource Development • Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (HSRT): In June 2014, the Ministry of Tourism has a launched a 6-month programme of training exclusively for the HSRT pass-outs in hospitality trades to give them vertical skill mobility. It has now been decided to involve the

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

•

•

following to implement the programme: Industrial units, association of industries and professional/ skill developing agencies with proven credentials; and Hospitality Institutions approved by the AICTE/ National Skill Development Authority/State Governments/ UT Administrations.

In a major initiative, the Ministry of Tourism has tied-up with Ecole Hotelier de Lausanne, Switzerland for improving quality of Hospitality Education. The First phase of this programme has already started.

Swachh Bharat Swachh Pakwan (Hunar Zaika): The Ministry of Tourism is partnering with the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) for the specific purpose of orientation, skill testing and certification of the street food vendors.

Some of the other important measures taken in this area this year include the following: • The foundation stone for setting up of Indian Culinary Institute has been laid in September, 2014.

• Decision has been taken this year to set up Sector Skill Council (SSC) to regulate and promote hospitality and tourism related education and skill development in the country.

• Culinary Survey of India for identification and documentation of recipes launched in the current year.

• M i n i s t r y h a s a c c o r d e d approval for setting up of Food Craft Institute at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and has sanctioned Central Financial Assistance of Rs.475.00 lakhs • 3 month Tourist Facilitator Training Course organized

22

for the Executives of tour operator members of the Indian Association of Tour Operators in order to overcome the bottleneck of shortage of Chinese speaking tourist guides in India.

• Six months certificate courses in 4 Hospitality Trades launched.

• Capacity building programme for Tourist Transport Drivers conducted.

Tourist Visa on Arrival The Government has recently launched Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization on 27th November 2014 for 43 countries.

Prior to it, the normal TVoA scheme used to operate for 12 countries.

• During January- November 2014, a total number of 24,963 VoAs were issued as compared to 17,594 VoAs during corresponding period of 2013 registering a growth of 41.9%.

• The number of VoAs issued under the Scheme, during January- November 2014 were South Korea (5,080), Japan (4,683),New Zealand (3,690), Singapore (3,494), the Philippines (3,346), Indonesia (2,776), Finland (990), Myanmar (391), Vietnam (238), Cambodia (129), Luxembourg (126) and Laos (20).

The Tourist Visa on Arrival facility is now operational from 9 international airports.

SAFETY MEASURES • The Ministry of Tourism had advised the State Governments/ UT Administrations to deploy Tourist Police at prominent tourist spots.

• The Ministry of Tourism along with all stakeholders, including the Tourism Departments of all

Incredible India

•

•

•

•

States and UTs, have adopted the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’.

Ministry of Tourism is running the Social Awareness Campaign on television to sensitize the masses and the stakeholders on the traditional Indian values and concept ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. The campaign consists of two commercials; one on sensitizing against misbehaviour with tourists and the other against cleanliness of tourist sites and streets.

An advisory has been posted on the Ministry of Tourism website www.incredibleindia. org indicating that India remains safe destination for international Tourists including women tourists.

The Ministry of Tourism has issued the Guidelines on Safety and Security of Tourists for State Governments/Union Territories and Tips for Travellers in September 2014.

The Incredible India Tourist Helpline will also assist tourists on the subject of safety.

Development of Tourism in the North East • The 3rd International Tourism Mart was held in Shillong in Meghalaya this year and was organised in the North East with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets. Over 50 buyer delegates from ASEAN and SAARC countries, Japan, Korea, Australia, France, Spain, Russia, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, U.K. and USA are participated in the Mart.

• Similarly, the Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 29 projects of Tourism for the North Eastern States till date during the year 201415. These include 9 projects in Nagaland, 8 in Sikkim, 5

in Manipur, 4 in Arunachal Pradesh, 3 in Mizoram. An amount of Rs 113.72 cr of plan funds were released in 2012-13 for tourism in the North-Eastern region and Rs 149.16 cr in 2013-14.

• A North-East Campaign was also launched on private TV channels and Doordarshan this year.

BUDHIST CIRCUITS Following are to be developed as Budhhist Circuits in the country with the help pf Central Governments/State Government/ Private stake holders: • The Dharmayatra or the Sacred Circuit – This will be a 5 to 7 days circuit and will include visits to Gaya (Bodhgaya), Varanasi (Sarnath), Kushinagar, Piparva (Kapilvastu) with a day trip to Lumbini in Nepal.

• Extended Dharmayatra or Extended Sacred Circuit or Retracing Buddha’s Footsteps – This will be a 10 to 15 day circuit and will include visits to Bodhgaya (Nalanda, Rajgir, Barabar caves, Pragbodhi Hill, Gaya). Patna (Vaishali, Lauriya Nandangarh, lauriya Areraj, Kesariya, Patna Museum), Varanasi (Sarnath), Kushinagar, Piparva (Kapilvastu, Shravasti, Sankisa) with a day trip to Lumbini in Nepal.

• Buddhist Heritage Trails (State Circuits) including those in Ladakh, Srinagar, Ajanta Ellora, Sirpur, Dharamsala, Sikkim, Tawang, Sanchi among others.

- S e c o n d I n t e r n a t i o n a l Buddhist Conclave in Bodhgaya and Sarnath held

23

from 26-28th September, 2014 in collaboration with the State Governments of Bihar and UP. A total of 120 international delegates from 30 countries, 71 domestic Tour Operators and 16 State Governments had participated in the Conclave.

- M O T h a s i n t r o d u c e d guidelines for financial assistance to States/UTs for holding Buddhist Festivals in the Monasteries of foreign origin to promote traffic to “Core Buddhist Circuit”, specifically at places where Buddha Lived, walked, gave sermons and attained Nirvana.

- Completion of the Phase –I of the IFC–Development of Buddhist Circuit in UP and Bihar. The strategy ‘Investing in the Buddhist Circuit’ has been launched.

Publicity, Promotion and Marketing: • The Ministry of Tourism held several events to promote cooperation in the field of Tourism with various countries including Mexico, Australia, Nepal among others during the year 2014.

• The Ministry of Tourism, through its overseas offices has participated in the major international Travel Fairs and Exhibitions in important tourist generating markets the world over as well as in emerging and potential markets to showcase and promote the tourism products of the country. These include Virtuoso in Las Vegas, USA in August 2014, PATA Travel Mart 2014 in Phnom Penh,

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Incredible India

•

•

•

•

• •

•

Cambodia, IMEX America in Las Vegas, USA in October 2014, World Travel Market (WTM) in London in November 2014, ILTM 2014 in Cannes, France, amongst others.

The road shows for promoting the tourism destinations and products of country organized in USA, Europe and China, South America and France in collaboration with stake holders.

For promotion of Indian Cuisine, support has been extended to Indian Food Festivals by sponsoring Indian Chefs for the food festivals organized in Santa Domingo, Buenos Aires, Asuncion, Johannesburg, Durban, Harare, Algiers, Stockholm, Beirut, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Nicosia and Mauritius.

For greater visibility of “Incredible India”, outdoor advertising campaigns including advertising at airports and on buses / trams, hoardings & billboards have been undertaken at prominent places in the important cities including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Beijing, Belgrade, Cape Town, Dubai, Durban, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Kuwait, Milan, New York, Ottawa, Paris, Singapore, Stockholm, Tokyo and Toronto.

Launch of Jammu & Kashmir campaign in private TV channels and Doordarshan. The theme of the TVC on Kashmir was ‘Once again ready to welcome guests’.

The campaign was basically released to convey the message that Kashmir was ready to receive tourists after the floods which affected Srinagar and surrounding areas.

9 City Maps have been uploaded on the official website of Ministry of Tourism.

Launch of Social Awareness Campaign on private TV channels, Doordarshan, digital cinemas and outdoor advertising.

Ministry of Tourism has decided to showcase “Live Streaming Videos” of important tourist

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

centres, identified by the State Governments/UT Administrations, on Incredible India website (www. incredibleindia.org) of the Ministry.

• Calendar 2015: The Incredible India Calendar 2015 turns back the pages of history and showcase some of the country’s greatest architectural marvels as they were existing years before.

Use of Technology for service delivery • T h e W e b s i t e w w w . incredibleindia.org has been upgraded. New features such as Walking Tours, AudioTour s, Holiday Planner and 360 degree view of monuments have been added on the website. In addition, selection of system integrator for developing new website of the Ministry has been initiated.

• T h e A n d r o i d M o b i l e Application of Incredible India’s official trip planning and destination discovery App Tripigator.com was launched by the Ministry of Tourism this year.

• Contents of the promotional website of MOT www. incredibleindia.org are being translated in 8 International languages viz. Arabic, Chinese (simplified) French, German, Japanese, Russian, Korean and Spanish.

• Online Financial Accounting System (FAS) introduced in the Overseas India Tourism offices.

• Mobile application for listing of classified Hotels and recognized Tour Operator/ Travel Agents has been developed.

Hotels and Restaurants • G u i d e l i n e s r e v i s e d f o r classification / re- classification for the hotels under 5 Star, 4

24

Star, Heritage Classic - with alcohol service or without alcohol service.

• Sensitization workshops on Bed & Breakfast / Home stay with all States /UTs and stake holders of tourism industry held. This will add room capacity at tourist destination in the country.

• List of Bed & Breakfast / Home stay establishment posted on the website of Ministry of Tourism.

• H o t e l C l a s s i f i c a t i o n / r e classification/application system simplified.

Niche Tourism • Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for three important Sectors of Tourism IndustryAccommodation, Tour Operators and Beaches, Backwaters, Lakes & Rivers launched in August 2014 and a workshop held on the subject for stakeholders.

• Action taken for inviting foreign adventure tour operators to familiarize them with the Incredible Indian Himalayas.

• Guidelines for promotion of Golf Tourism revised.

• Guidelines for the Promotion of Wellness & Medical tourism revised.

• Scheme for use of Satellite Phones for Adventure Tour Operators drafted.

• Revised Guidelines for the Promotion of Wellness & Medical Tourism formulated.

Market Research • With a view to prepare third tourism satellite account for India for 2014-15, 2 baseline surveys on Domestic Tourism expenditure and International Passenger undertaken through NSSO and ISI Kolkata respectively.

Business Story

CMS Austria: Indian Desk as a link between Austria and India Corporate Law and M&A, Joint Ventures, Private Equity, Labour Law, Arbitration and Legal Proceedings, Banking and Finance, IT & TMT, Energy, Competition andTax law etc.

CMS support for Indian companies entering European markets

T

Mr. Johannes Trenkwalder, Head - India Desk

he Indian economy is expecting a boom and will continue to offer interesting investment and trade opportunities: A population of a billion young peopleand manyhighly skilled workers– particularly in the field of information- and communication technology –boost India’s international appeal.Other important assets include its sound democratic structures and stable legal system.

CMS in Austria is operating an India Desk that supports both Austrian and international companies seeking to invest in India. Furthermore CMS advises Indian investors in their activities in Austria and Europe in general, with a special focus on Eastern and Southeast Europe (CEE/SEE).

The experts at the CMS India Desk are well-versed in the political, economic and cultural particularities of the Indian market. Apart from providing legal expertise, their services also cover providing advice in Hindi, which creates considerable added value in negotiations for CMS clients.

The CMS India Desk supports investors as a single point of contact to which they can address all questions concerning business law. It offers a tight network and well-established connections with leading Indian law firms, advisors and the relevant chambers of commerce. A special consulting focus is on the vitalautomotive, energy, IT and mechanical engineeringindustries. CMS’s scope of services covers all areas of business law, including.

25

As one of the leading law firms in Austria and CEE/SEE, CMS Austria has the very industry knowledge that Indian companies need when entering markets in Austria, CEE/SEE and the EU. In addition to the aforementioned legal services, CMS also supports Indian companies in areas such asinfrastructure and project financing, industrials, hotels & leisure, consumer products, trade law and obtaining permits from relevantauthorities, EU and regulatory law and legal questions concerning commercial representatives and distribution law.

Beyond that the experts of our CMS India Desk also handle large-scale acquisitions and transactions concerningmediumsized companies. In the field of transactions, CMS offers legal advice with a special focus on areas such as acquisition of family-owned companies or distressed assets, public takeovers particularly squeezeouts, obtaining permits from relevant authorities and takeover procedures. Not least CMS supports its clients in issues related to due diligence, employeremployee relations, worker participation and staff protection but also takeovers in CEE/SEE countries other than Austria. www.cms-rrh.com/InternationalDesks_en/India-Desk_en

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

In Focus Article

Recognition of India's World Heritage: Inscription of Indian Sites on the World Heritage List

By Ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee*

Background India’s cultural and civilisational heritage is reflected in the World Heritage List of the World Heritage Committee but in an incomplete manner. There has been a greater emphasis on cultural sites while natural and mixed sites have not been fully reflected. This is a phenomenon in many parts of the world including in old Europe, where cultural heritage overwhelmingly dominates recognition of Europe’s great cultural heritage on the World Heritage List. Natural heritage, whether in India or in Europe, is inadequately represented.

Perhaps the reason for this imbalance lies in the process of nomination and inscription, painstakingly elaborated in the Operational Guidelines of the World Heritage Convention.

Perhaps it is also because tangible heritage, as represented in magnificent monuments and buildings such as the Taj Mahal are much easier to justify in accordance with the guidelines for inscription, as opposed to natural and mixed sites. I would give an example later, but let us first examine the Convention and the inscription process.

World Heritage Convention The Convention adopted in 1972 has proved to be a remarkably visionary instrument for safeguarding the world’s heritage. It has been dubbed

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

Taj Mahal

as the flagship programme of UNESCO and has set the standard for conventions, instruments and programmes for conservation. Its Secretariat, known as the World Heritage Centre, is headed by an eminent Indian from the Indian Forest Service of 1976 batch, Shri Kishore Rao, who is also an expert on natural heritage.

Today, the World Heritage map has come to cover the globe. It has helped to recognize and protect properties whose exceptional universal value would make their disappearance and an irreparable loss, not only for the country concerned but for humanity itself.

Perhaps, the greatest achievement of the Convention is that it has deepened public awareness of the need to protect and nurture this precious international legacy

26

of the world. For if heritage attests to our common history, its preservation demonstrate our concern for our environment and our commitment to our collective future.

Operational Guidelines leading to inscription of Properties on the World Heritage List The preparation of the nomination dossier is central to the process of inscription. According to existing rules of business, it is the Archaeological Survey of India headed by its Director General with overall supervision

by Secretary (Culture) that spearheads the process in India including the politically sensitive process of selection from the vast number of sites in India

In Focus Article which all deserve inscription.

The Indian Ambassador/PR to UNESCO plays the role of adviser in the process and later as India’s member on the World Heritage Committee, plays a crucial role in the intricate and, unfortunately, highly political process of background negotiations within the Committee, leading to inscription. I would give a few examples later, according to my experience as India’s Ambassador to UNESCO and India’s representative on the World Heritage Committee from September 04 to June 10.

Mountain Railways of India Before States Parties begin to prepare a nomination of a property for inscription on the World Heritage List, they should become familiar with the nomination cycle. It is desirable to carry out initial preparatory work to establish that a property has the potential to justify Outstanding Universal Value, including integrity or authenticity, before the development of a full nomination dossier.

Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee during the following year. Only nominations of properties included in the State Party's Tentative List will be examined by the Committee.

Nominations of properties for inscription on the World Heritage List should be prepared in accordance with the format.

nominated property and any buffer zone.

2. Description of the Property • T h e d e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e property should include the identification of the property, and an overview of its history and development.

3. Justification for Inscription.

The format includes the following sections: • • • •

Identification of the Property Description of the Property Justification for Inscription State of conservation and factors affecting the property • Protection and Management • Monitoring • Documentation

This section should indicate the World Heritage criteria under which the property is proposed, together with a clearly stated argument for the use of each criterion. Based on the criteria, a proposed Statement of Outstanding Universal Value of the property prepared by the State

States Parties are encouraged to prepare nominations with the participation of a wide variety of stakeholders, including site managers, local and regional governments, local communities, NGOs and other interested parties.

States Parties are strongly encouraged to transmit to the Secretariat by 30 September of the preceding year (see paragraph 168) the draft nominations that they wish to submit by the 1 February deadline. This submission of a draft nomination should include maps showing the boundaries for the proposed site.

Sanchi Nominations may be submitted at any time during the year, but only those nominations that are "complete" and received by the Secretariat on or before February 3 will be considered for inscription on the World

Konark Sun Temple

• C o n t a c t I n f o r m a t i o n o f responsible authorities • Signature on behalf of the State Party(ies) For a nomination to be considered as complete, the following requirements may be noted: 1. Identification of the Property

The boundaries of the property being proposed should be clearly defined, unambiguously distinguishing between the

27

Party should make clear why the property is considered to merit inscription on the World Heritage List. A comparative analysis of the property in relation to similar properties, whether or not on the World Heritage List, both at the national and international levels, should also be provided.

The comparative analysis should explain the importance of the nominated property in its national and international

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

In Focus Article or more component parts related by clearly defined links: a) Component parts should reflect cultural, social or functional links over time that provide, where relevant, landscape, ecological, evolutionary or habitat connectivity. b) Each component part should contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value of the property as a whole.

A serial nominated property may occur:

Mountain Railways of India

context. Statements of integrity and/or authenticity should be included.

4. State of conservation and factors affecting the property This section should include accurate information on the present state of conservation of the property (including information on its physical condition of the property and conservation measures in place). It should also include a description of the factors affecting the property (including threats).

Requirements for the nomination of different types of properties: Transboundary properties A nominated property may occur: a) on the territory of a single State Party, or b) on the territory of all concerned States Parties having adjacent borders (transboundary property).

Serial properties Serial properties will include two

a) on the territory of a single State Party (serial national property); or b) within the territory of different States Parties, which need not be contiguous and is nominated with the consent of all States Parties concerned (serial transnational property).

Evaluation of nominations by the Advisory Bodies The Advisory Bodies will evaluate whether or not properties nominated by States Parties have Outstanding Universal Value, meet the conditions of integrity and/or authenticity and meet the requirements of protection and management.

Evaluations of cultural heritage nominations will be carried out

by ICOMOS. Evaluations of natural heritage nominations will be carried out

by IUCN. In the case of nominations of cultural properties in the category of 'cultural landscapes', as appropriate, the evaluation will be carried out by ICOMOS in consultation with IUCN. For mixed properties, the evaluation will be carried out jointly by ICOMOS and IUCN. Evaluation and Conclusion

The Great Stupa at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, India

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

28

The above demonstrates that

In Focus Article inscription on the World Heritage List is a time-bound process that should respect the procedures elaborated in the Operational Guidelines, from the inscription on the Tentative List, to the preparation of the "nomination dossier”, to active lobbying of other members of the Committee regarding the merits of the site proposed, to the interaction and engagement with the concerned Advisory Body, whether ICOMOS or IUCN, to the actual presentation of the case before the Committee.

Sometimes, a nomination can fail because of a cultural divide within members of the Committee or because of a one-sided presentation by the Advisory Body concerned.

I recall that in the case of Majuli Island, on the Brahmaputra river in Assam, an Island larger than Belgium, despite our best efforts to present our dossier as an outstanding cultural landscape symbolising India’s Shivate heritage, the representative of the Advisory Body concerned only focussed on climate change issues arguing that Majuli Islands’ Outstanding Universal Value would diminish because of the changing course of the Brahmaputra river. There was little understanding of the cultural issues at stake, and of the impact of its inscription, the first in Assam, on its future existence and conservation. Ultimately, as is unfortunately the case often in the Committee, it became the victim of a highly political vote with Western countries voting against India. We lost by a narrow margin. (Reference WHC Meeting in Quebec, Canada).

An example, however, where we were able to prevail despite the adverse report by the Advisory Body was the historic Apravasi Ghat in Mauritius, which traces the indentured route from India

memory to the World, similar to the Slave Route. Despite the protest by the Advisory Body, this site was inscribed by acclamation representing a great victory for India and Mauritius.

(Reference WHC Meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania) Let me conclude by underlining the importance of understanding the process of inscription and to prevail upon the Committee members to accept the merits of our case, if we are of the view that our site has OUV. Swami Vivekanand has said: "Our motherland is awakening from her deep long sleep.. India that is to be, the future India, must be much greater than

Mahabodhi Temple

Ajanta Caves

to Mauritius. Although the representative of the Advisory Body tried to argue that there was no indentured route and that these Indians were seeking a better future through immigration, India was able to make the case along with Mauritius to Committee members that indentured labour’s passage to Apravasi Ghat could not be compared with modern immigration as we understand it and that its OUV was intact and represented a significant historic

29

ancient India.” To demonstrate the greatness of this heritage past and present, we must be fully aware of and master the procedure of nomination, since the process itself is complex, time consuming, poorly understood and often frustrating. *(Amb. Bhaswati Mukherjee has served as India's Permanent Representative to UNESCO during 2004-2010)

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Sustainable Development

Renewable Energy Programmes Gets A New Impetus; Focus on Development of Energy Infrastructure Giving a fillip to the country’s renewable energy programme, the new government led by Mr. Narendra Modi has taken a slew of decisions in a span of six months to boost “Clean Energy” in the country

T

hese include providing support of Rs 1000 crore to Central Public Sector units to set up over 1,000 MW grid connected solar photovoltaic power projects, setting up of 25 solar parks each with a capacity of 500 MW requiring financial support from the centre of Rs 4050 crore and setting up of over 300 MW of solar power projects by Defence and Para military establishments. With these decisions, India will emerge as a major solar power producing country as nowhere in the world solar parks are being developed on such a large scale.

The Government restored Accelerated Depreciation benefit in the Union Budget 2014 to give much-needed relief to wind power developers and to ensure ramp-up of production. This will enable to kick start & ramp up wind capacity addition expeditiously.

Th e G over nm ent am i c abl y resolved the anti-dumping duty dispute. A whole host of measures have been undertaken to make India “Solar manufacturing” hub with priority for domestic players in line with “Make in India” programme. With these initiatives, domestic manufacturers will have greater visibility on order books,

have an opportunity to upgrade technologically and be able to reduce costs.

In order to facilitate speedy growth of renewable energy power generation in the country, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is preparing a Renewable Energy Bill. This apart, the Ministry is also preparing a scale up plan for the development of Solar in the next five years.

Outlining the new government’s priorities in the energy sector, President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, while addressing the first session of both Houses of Parliament after the elections to the 16th Lok Sabha, said that the government will come out with a comprehensive National Energy Policy and focus on development of energy related infrastructure, human resource and technology. The aim of the government will be to substantially augment electricity generation capacity through judicious mix of conventional and non-conventional sources.

It will expand the national solar mission and connect households and industries with gas-grids.

To showcase India's renewable energy potential globally, the MNRE in partnership with Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), the Confederation of Indian Industry

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

30

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is organizing the Global Renewable Energy Investment Promotion Meet (REINVEST) from 15-17 February, 2015 as a follow-up to the 'Make in India' initiative launched by the Prime Minister. RE-INVEST will enable the global investment community to connect with the renewable energy stakeholders in India.

The details of the major initiatives of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to boost “Clean Energy” in the country are as follows: 1. Scheme for development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects: The Government has recently approved a Scheme for setting up of 25 Solar Parks, each with the capacity of 500 MW and above and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects to be developed in next 5 years in various States and will require Central Government financial support of Rs 4050 crore. These parks will be able to accommodate over 20,000 MW of solar power projects. 12 states have so far given consent for setting up of Solar Parks. They are: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, Jammu & Kashmir,

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. The solar parks will be developed in collaboration with State Governments and their agencies.

2. Setting up of over 300 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by Defence establishments and Para Military Forces with viability gap funding: Under this Scheme over 300 MW of Grid-Connected and Off-Grid Solar PV Power Projects will be set up by Defence Establishments under Ministry of Defence and Para Military Force under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with Viability Gap Fund (VGF) under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in five years that is from 2014 to 2019. Under the Scheme there is a stipulation of mandatory condition that all PV cells and modules used in the solar plants set up under this Scheme will be made in India. To implement this Scheme a provision of an amount of Rs 750 crore for MNRE from the National Clean Energy Fund has been earmarked.

3. Implementation of Scheme for setting up 1000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV Power projects by CPSUs and GoI organisations with Viability Gap Funding:

32

The Government has also approved the Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects with VGF (Viability Gap Fund) support of Rs.1000 crore, by CPSUs under various Central/State Schemes, in three years period from 2015-16 to 2017-18. The Scheme will have a mandatory condition that all PV cells and modules used in solar plants set up under this Scheme, will be made in India. The CPSUs and Government of India organisations like NTPC, NHPC, CIL, IREDA, Indian Railways, etc. are coming forward to set up solar power projects.

4. Classification of Renewable Projects from Red to Green Category: On the request of MNRE, Ministry of Environment and Forests has decided that classification of Solar, Wind and Small Hydro Projects be out of Red Category to Green Category under Central and State Pollution Control Boards.

CPCB has issued an amendment in the categories of industries, according to which the Wind and Solar power projects of all capacities and Small Hydro projects of <25 MW capacity have been put in Green category, i.e. the project developers to obtain clearance from SPCB to “establish and operate” only once in the beginning.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development 5. Continuation of Schemes for 12th Plan Period: The Government approved the following schemes for their continuation during the 12th Plan period: (i) National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP), (ii) Scheme to Support Promotion of Grid-Interactive Biomass Power and Bagasse Cogeneration in Sugar Mills, (iii) Programme for the Development of Small Hydro Power, and (iv) Off-grid and Decentralized Solar Applications under JNNSM. 6. Enhancement in MNRE’s Budget by 65.8% in Regular Budget, 2014-15: The Budget Estimate of the Ministry is increased by 65.8% to Rs.2519 crore in the Regular Budget passed by the Parliament in July from Rs.1,519 crore provided in the Interim Budget. Clean Energy Cess on coal has been increased from Rs 50 per tonne to Rs 100 per tonne so that adequate funds are available for financing Renewable Energy projects.

7. Restoration of Accelerated Depreciation (AD) Benefits to Wind Power Projects : After significant harm was done to the wind sector due to withdrawal of AD with effect from 1.4.2012, it has been restored on 18.7.2014. This decision of the Government will help in creating a robust manufacturing base of wind turbines in the country.

8. Scheme for Development of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks and Canal Tops : MNRE launched a Scheme for Development of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks and Canal Tops in the country during the 12th Plan period at an estimated cost of Rs. 975 crore and with Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of Rs. 228 crore.

The objective of this scheme is to

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

achieve gainful utilization of the unutilized area on top of Canals and also the vacant Government land along the banks of Canals wherever available, for setting up Solar PV power generation plants for feeding the generated power to Grid and to set up a total capacity of 100 MW solar PV power projects.

9. Financing Roof top Solar PV: The Department of Financial Services under the Union Finance Ministry has advised all banks to encourage home loan/home improvement loan seekers to install roof top solar PVs and include the cost of equipment in their home loan proposals just like non solar lighting, wiring and other such fittings. Apart from this, the RBI have issued instructions to all Scheduled Commercial Banks that the loans sanctioned by banks directly to individuals for setting up off-grid solar and other off-grid renewable energy solutions for households will be covered under Priority Sector lending.

10. Scaling up of a programme of Solar Pumps: The existing programme of Solar Pumps has been scaled up to solarize one lakh solar pumps and supplementary guidelines to this effect have been issued. The target of one lakh pumps has been allocated amongst, 20,000 are allocated to Ministry of Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation (20000 pumps for drinking water), MNRE (solarizing 50,000 pumps for irrigation purpose through States) and to NABARD (30000 pumps) for innovative implementation 11. Improved Cook-stoves: Unnat Chulha Abhiyan9uca) Programme with the objectives to develop and deploy improved

34

cook-stoves for providing cleaner cooking energy solutions in rural, semi –urban and urban areas using biomass as fuel for cooking launched.

This will save rural women from the carcinogenic fumes emitted when traditional fuels are burned.

12. Obtaining/Extending Line of Credits for IREDA: • T h e A g e n c e F r a n c a i s e d e Development (AFD) of France has decided to extend a Line of Credit (LoC) of Euro 100 million to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), for the tenure of 15 years without any guarantee from Government of India, for financing the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects in the country. An agreement to this effect was signed between AFD and IREDA on 22 May, 2014.

• I n d i a n R e n e w a b l e E n e r g y Development Agency (IREDA) Ltd and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an Agreement for availing another Line of Credit (LoC) of JPY 30 billion for 30 years (including the grace period of 10 years) from JICA according to which IREDA shall utilize the funds for financing Renewable Energy projects in India.

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by IREDA and US Exim Bank with respect to cooperation on clean energy investment. As per MoU, US Exim Bank shall provide US $ 1 Billion medium and long-term guaranteed and/or direct dollar loans to finance U.S. technologies, products and services utilized during commercial development activities within the clean energy sector by IREDA. 13. Setting up a JVC for undertaking the First Demonstration Offshore Wind Power Project in the country along the Gujarat Coast: An MOU was signed on 1st October, 2014 for setting up a Joint Venture

Sustainable Development Company (JVC) to undertake first Demonstration Offshore Wind Power Project in the country along the Gujarat coast. The signatories of the MoU were Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), and Consortium of partners consisting of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Power Trading Corporation (PTC), and Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL). The JVC will undertake detailed feasibility study and necessary steps as deemed necessary for implementation of the first offshore demonstration wind power project.

• Scheme for setting up 1000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV Power projects by CPSUs and GoI organisations under various Central / State Schemes / self-use / 3rd party sale / merchant sale with Viability Gap Funding under batch – V of Phase-II of JNNSM. • Scheme for Development of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks and Canal Tops ; to be implemented during the 12th Plan period at an estimated cost of Rs. 975 crore and with Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of Rs. 228 crore.

loan seekers to install roof top solar PVs • Classification of Solar, Wind and Small Hydro Projects be out of Red Category to Green Category.

• Existing programme of Solar Pumps scaled up to solarize one lakh solar pumps.

• Setting up a JVC for undertaking the First Demonstration Offshore Wind Power Project in the country.

• A g e n c e F r a n c a i s e d e Development (AFD) of France extended a Line of Credit (LoC) of Euro 100 million to Indian Renewable Energy

• Enhancement in MNRE’s Budget by 65.8% in Regular Budget, 2014-15.

• Restoration of Accelerated Depreciation (AD) Benefits to Wind Power Projects.

• Clean Energy Cess on coal increased from Rs 50 per tonne to Rs 100 per tonne so that adequate funds are available for financing Renewable Energy projects.

• Banks advised to encourage home loan/home improvement

Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA).

• IREDA and Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) signed an Agreement for availing another Line of Credit (LoC) of JPY 30 billion for 30 years .

• An MOU was signed for setting up a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to undertake first Demonstration Offshore Wind Power Project in the country along the Gujarat coast.

14. Formation of an Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS): To promote the interaction amongst the State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) implementing the renewable energy programmes to enable them to learn from each other's experiences and share their best practices, MNRE took an initiative in consultation with SNAs and formed an Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (abbreviated as "AREAS), registered as a society on 27 August 2014, under Society Registration Act 1860.

IN A NUTSHELL: MAJOR INITIATIVES TO BOOST CLEAN ENERGY IN THE COUNTRY • Scheme for setting up 25 solar parks each with a capacity of 500 MW and above and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects; to be set up during five years that is from 2014-15 to 2018-19 and will require Central Government financial support of Rs.4050 crore.

• Setting up over 300 MW of GridConnected and Off-Grid Solar PV Power Projects by Defence Establishments and Para Military Forces with Viability Gap Fund (VGF) under JNNSM; Provision of an amount of Rs.750 crore from the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) for the purpose.

35

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Bilateral Ties

Austria – A Profitable Location The success factors: CEE know-how, stability, a motivated workforce, and a prosperous market in the heart of Europe

I

nternational investors take it for granted that the business location of Austria will enable them to utilize top-notch know-how and quality, high performance technologies, a stateof-the-art infrastructure as well as EU membership with close proximity to Eastern and South Eastern Europe.

Advantages of the business location Austria at a glance Attractive business environment

• Austria is the second richest country in the EU (behind Luxembourg) • Austria ranks among the most prosperous countries in the EU, with a per capita GDP of EUR 34,190 (Euro area: EUR 28,590, EU-28: EUR 26,640) • Economic growth Austria 2013: 0.3 percent (forecast 2014: 0.8 percent) • Companies as good customers – the gross investments of Austrian companies reached a level of 21.1 percent of GDP in 2013 • H i g h l y d e v e l o p e d infrastructure • M o d e r n a n d e f f i c i e n t public administration: Austria is ranked first in

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

the benchmarking study of e-Government services East-West business interface • Austria’s central location in Europe makes the country the ideal hub for East-West business relations.

• Austria is the leading business location for building up business ties to Eastern and South East Europe.

• Some 300 international companies - including 28 Fortune 500 firms - have set up their CEE headquarters in Austria to carry out crossborder corporate activities.

• Approximately 40 CEE-related international institutions are based in Austria.

• Extensive experience derived from 16,000 joint ventures between Austrian and Eastern European companies.

• Outstanding CEE know-how of Austrian service providers such as banks, tax advisors and business consultants.

• Experienced Austrian freight forwarding companies and excellent transportation links via road, rail, inland waterway and air ensure good logistics.

• With 41 destinations and 559 flights each week, Vienna airport is the leading hub to the CEE region.

36

• Every destination in Europe is reachable within three hours flight.

• High percentage of welleducated and loyal employees with Eastern European language skills.

• Austria is the leading foreign investor in four CEE countries.

High productivity • Austria is among the most productive countries in the EU and is ranked fifth with respect to labor productivity per employee in manufacturing industry (behind Luxembourg, Ireland, Belgium and France).

Highly motivated and qualified employees • Austrian employees are top motivated and completely identify with company objectives (5th place in the world).

• O u t s t a n d i n g q u a l i t y o f Austrian skilled labor.

• Employee training is a high priority in Austrian companies (rank 5 worldwide).

• Austria's dual education and training system enables practice-oriented learning in technical and business fields (ranked 3rd in worldwide comparison).

• High educational expenditures

Bilateral Ties confirm the value placed on education and training.

Economic and social stability • Eurozone-Member • Personal security and private property rights are adequately protected • High political stability and a reliable legal system • Lowest strike rate and high level of social peace • Good relations between labor and management • Reliable and secure supply of electricity. Electricity is available more than 99 percent of the time.

Coveted Investment Destination for Foreign Companies The most important investor in 2013 was Russia, accounting for 43.4 percent of foreign direct investment or a total of EUR 3.63 billion, followed by Germany with a share of 25.5 percent (EUR 2.13 billion). Investments in Austria which originated in Luxembourg totaled EUR 1.39 billion, with a smaller volume from France, United Kingdom and Switzerland, amongst others.

The largest foreign investor from the new EU member states was Hungary, accounting for EUR 1.03 million, followed by Malta (EUR 32 million) and Bulgaria (EUR 26 million).

The intensive and traditionally important economic ties between Austria and Germany are reflected in the development of foreign direct investment. On balance, Germany accounts for 29.4 percent of total accumulated foreign direct investment in Austria, ahead of Italy (11.5%), the USA (10.6%) and Russia (7.6%).

Dynamic reforms Several reforms have entered into force during the last years, making Austria even more attractive as a business location: • Flexible working hours: An amendment to the Working Time Act enables companies to make its use of their employees on a 24 x 7 basis, 365 days a year, under certain conditions. The maximum working hours will be extended to 60 hours a week and 12 hours a day.

• Fast decisions: Amendments to facility approvals rules have led to the introduction of a three-month expedited approval process covering 80 percent of all facility approvals.

• Free telecom market: Telecom deregulation in 1998 has provided private providers entry to the fixed and mobile telephone markets, reducing telephone costs by up to one-third.

• Free electricity market: The energy market was fully liberalized in 2001, leading to price reductions up to 20 percent.

• Deregulated gas market: The 100 % liberalization of the natural gas market took effect in 2002, following the full liberalization of the electricity sector in 2001. Austria is now one of the EU members next to Germany, Great Britain, Denmark, Finland and Sweden to completely liberalize its energy markets. As a result, commercial and private energy users enjoy free choice of electricity and natural gas providers.

37

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Bilateral Ties Business-friendly tax-system • Low corporate taxation with a standard corporate tax rate of 25 percent – according to BAK Basel Economics, the effective tax burden amounts to 22.4 percent.

• Most attractive group taxation in Europe • Austrian tax laws allow further reduction of the tax burden • No wealth or trade tax • Favorable holding company regulations • Double taxation treaties.

Research & Development

• Tax-exempt educational allowance of up to 20 percent • Training bonus of 6 percent • Promotion of environmental protection: 15 to 30 percent.

Unmatched quality of life • Vienna is the most livable capital city in the world (followed by Zurich and Auckland) • Austria ranks number 2 worldwide in quality of live (behind Switzerland) • Comprehensive choice of international educational opportunities.

• 2,800 competence centers,

information to international investors in the following areas: • Austria as a business location – sectors, technologies and markets, political and economic conditions • Issues relating to site selection such as labor and tax regulations, incentives or real estate prices • S u p p o r t i n h a n d l i n g administrative procedures (operating licenses, funding applications, labor permits, visas, etc.)

• Establishing national and regional contacts • Ongoing support for companies locating in Austria • Contact partner for expansion investments Facts & figures In 2013 ABA – Invest in Austria provided professional consulting services to 228 companies locating their business operations in Austria, accounting for a total investment volume of EUR 347.80 million. 1,479 new jobs were created as a result of these investments. Since its founding in 1982, ABA – Invest in Austria has concluded projects attracting total investments of EUR 6.877 billion, creating 47,158 jobs.

research and development facilities • “House of research“ as “onestop-shop” • Subsidies for innovative R&D projects up to 50 percent • Research premium of 10 percent.

Innovative subsidies • R e g i o n a l s u b s i d i e s f o r investments • Incentives for small and medium-size companies

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

ABA – Invest in Austria The best contact partner for business location issues ABA – Invest in Austria, the business promotion agency of the Republic of Austria, is the top choice of international investors.

Twenty-five qualified employees consult and support firms quickly, unbureaucratically and at no cost in establishing companies in Austria, and offer customized

38

The Global Investment Promotion Benchmarking 2012 report of the World Bank Group ranked ABA – Invest in Austria as top global performer among 189 investment promotion intermediaries (IPIs).

Website (rank 1) and inquiry handling (rank 7) were assessed.

Contact: ABA-Invest in Austria Opernring 3, A-1010 Vienna Tel.: +43-1-588 58-0 Fax: +43-1-586 86 59 E-Mail: office@aba.gv.at

News & Events

Commercial Events Organised by the Embassy

O

WKO Breakfast Meeting for Trade Diplomats

n 17th December, 2014, the Federal Chamber of Commerce hosted a Breakfast Meeting for Trade Diplomats of South-East Asian Countries. In the meeting, the Regional Director of Foreign Trade (South/South-East Asia), Mag. Hans-Jörg Hörtnagl discussed several ideas on how to increase the cooperation between the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. As far as India is concerned, Mag. Hörtnagl highlighted the plans of the Austrian chamber to attend some trade fairs and business events in India along with a business delegation in the year 2015 as well as its plans on local events with themes covering India in business and the bilateral trade opportunities between the two countries.

1st Symposium Carinthia Meets India

O

n November 20th, Mr. Alok Raj, Consular Counsellor of our Mission, delivered a speech at the '1st Symposium Carinthia meets India'. The event is organized by the Austrian Anadi Bank in partnership with the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce. Several Carinthian government leaders and high-level business guests took part of this day-event in Pörtschach am See. Among the several topics brought up on stage are: India-Austria bilateral relations, its chances and challenges, the new Indian government and the 'Make in India' Campaign. Moreover, presentations by Austrian companies sharing their experiencing in doing business in/with India added great value to the event, which has the support of the Embassy of India, Vienna.

The commercial wing of our Embassy attended the event to interact with the guests and deliver prospects on Business-India and the ‘Make in India’ campaign.

39

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

News & Events

“Make in India” Launch event at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce

O

n October 9th, 2014, the Indian Embassy, Vienna, in cooperation with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, organized the "Make in India" launch event at the WKO in Vienna. The main focus of the event was the recently announced “Make in India” campaign. The morning was opened by the Regional Director of Foreign Trade (South/ South-East Asia) at the WKO, Mag. Hans-Jörg Hörtnagl and was followed by a “Make in India” presentation by H.E. Ambassador Misra, which counted with the showing of a “Make in India” video.

Following the presentations, the 35+ guests were invited to ask questions and raise their comments, which led to a very interactive discussion. All guests expressed a positive impression about the prospects for India-Austria business as well as the “Make in India” campaign.

Some of the attending companies have already established business in India and some others are interested to invest in India. The event also counted with the participation of guests from India-desks abroad.

O

WKO Breakfast Meeting for Trade Diplomats of South-East Asian Countries

n 18th June, 2014, the commercial wing of our Mission attended the WKO Breakfast Meeting for Trade Diplomats of South-East Asian Countries organized by the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce. In the meeting, the Regional Director of Foreign Trade (South/South-East Asia), Mag. Hans-Jörg Hörtnagl as well as trade commissioner to India Dr. Wolfgang Moritz discussed several ideas on how to increase the cooperation between the Austrian Chamber of Commerce and the present Missions in terms of promoting bilateral trade and investment. As far as India is concerned, Dr. Moritz highlighted that the Austrian chamber has started to explore new business sectors, namely, consumer goods, lifestyle products as well as wine. Our mission contributed to the meeting with some short overview of past and current business initiatives and sought cooperation from the chamber to engage Austrian companies to attend business tradeshows and events in India.

O

Ayurveda Seminar in Klagenfurt

n March 20th, the Chamber of Commerce Carinthia organized an Ayurveda event in Klagenfurt.

With this event counted with an introduction into the world of Ayurveda by a recognized experts an offered an overview of Ayurveda product selection.

This oldest healing art in the world offers a number of development potentials for Austrian chemists as well as all professions dealing with wellness and health improving measures.

Such initiatives are supported by our Mission and this time, the event counted with the presence of our Third Secretary, Mr. Pawan Badhe.

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

40

News & Events

Mission releases 5th volume of the Business Series “India Reader” entitled “Export Promotion Councils and Organisations in India”

T

he Embassy of India, Vienna, has officially released the fifth volume oft he “India Reader”.

The series is targeted at the India-Austria Business Community and aims to provide information on the most commonly discussed topics of doing business in India.

This volume entitled “Export Promotion Councils and Organisations in India” was compiled in-house by our commercial wing and features a comprehensive directory of first contact points in India for businesses seeking for support in finding the right business partner in India.

The series has already another four volumes published on 1) Indovation – How to innovate for India, 2) PAN – Permanent Account Number, 3) Legal and Tax aspects of doing business in India and 4) Transport and Logistics within and from India.

O

Taste of India Event at the Expat Center Vienna

n February 13th, the Indian Embassy (Vienna) in cooperation with the Expat Center, an initiative of the Vienna Business Agency, organized the "Taste of India" evening. On the occasion, Prosi Exotic Supermarket & Cosmetic World, Austria's largest international food store catered

freshly cooked Indian food and Alpine Wineries, producer of fine Indian wines, promoted a wine tasting for the 70+ guests who attended the event. The event also included some Incredible India tourism promotion and cultural performances.

41

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

News & Events

Cultural Activities

The Embassy organized a Seminar "Conservation and Research Today - India-Austria Cooperation in the field of Conservation", at the Business Centre, Indian Embassy on January 10, 2014. Students of the exchange programme under the MoU between the University of Applied Arts, Vienna and the National Museum Institute New Delhi presented their research studies to the audience.

The Embassy organized an Indian Cultural Evening at the University of Vienna on 26th January 2014. The event comprised of a fusion of Indian dances (Bharatnatyam & Odissi) and music (Sitar and Konkani Medley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a mixture of old Goan folk songs with Portuguese influence, which was performed by Pianist Marialena Fernandes, accompanied by Hotel Palindrone a group of Austrian Folk artists). The event also had an exhibition of Dr. Marcella Wallner, an artist from Lower Austria, who has widely travelled in India and has painted about her experiences in India.

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

42

News & Events

An ICCR sponsored Kathak Dance troupe led by Ms. Rujuta Soman visited Vienna on 27-28 May, 2014. The troupe presented two performances in Vienna, one of which was at the United Nations Head Quarters, the Vienna International Centre for an event organized by the Mission to commemorate the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Group of 77.

The Embassy organized a concert by Pandita Anuradha Pal (first professional female Tabla player in the world) at the Indian Embassy Business Center on the 9 September 2014.

43

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

News & Events

The Embassy celebrated the International Day of Non-Violence and the 145th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Rotunda at United Nations, Vienna International Centre. DG UNOV, H.E. Mr. Yuri Fedotov, DG UNIDO, H.E. Mr. Li Yong, Permanent Representatives of various countries, officials of UN Vienna were present for the event. The event comprised of Bhajans sung by Ms. Meera Venkatesh, Director in the IAEA accompanied by Mr. Thayyib Sahani of UNIDO on the tabla. It was followed by a sitar performance by Mr. Alokesh Chandra, accompanied by Mr. Pintu Khan on the tabla.

Mr. Alokesh Chandra, a disciple of Pt. Ravishankar, played the raga â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mohankaunsâ&#x20AC;? (derived from the first name of Mahatma Gandhi), which was composed by Pt. Ravishankarji as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

On the occasion of "International Day of Non-Violence", the Embassy in cooperation with the Institute for South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies, organized an exhibition "A Brief Biography of Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)" at the premises of the Institute. Prof. Karin Preisendanz, Department for South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies, University of Vienna made the welcome address.

Prof. Melanie Malzahn, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies, University of Vienna was also present for the inauguration. Prof.

Martin Gaenszle, Department for South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies, University of Vienna delivered a lecture on the topic: "The topicality of Gandhi: Recent Reinterpretations".

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

44

News & Events

The Embassy in cooperation with the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna, screened the documentary "Fire in the Blood" on 1st December on the occasion of the World Aids Day at the Top Kino in Vienna. The screening was followed by a panel discussion with director Dylan Mohan Gray and FaribaSoltani, Senior Expert of HIV/AIDS Section at United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which was moderated by Martin Nesirky, the Director of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS), Vienna.

The screening of the film was supported by the External Publicity & Public Diplomacy [XPD] Division.

Indian food and goods stall at the UN Women's Guild (UNWG) Bazaar

45

In d ia -Au s tr ia in Focus 2015

Last Page

Gods of Zero and Infinity

I

f you travel to the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and visit a place called Deo-garh, which literally means citadel of the gods, you will find the ruins of a Hindu temple, one of the oldest, at least 1500 years old, built by the kings of the Gupta dynasty. On its walls, there is the image of a man reclining on the coils of a serpent with many hoods, surrounded by his wife and many warriors and sages. Its clearly inspired by a scene from the royal court. But it is clearly a celestial scene, visualisation of the moment when the world was created.

For Hindus, the world is created when Narayana awakes. Narayana is the god reclining on the serpent with multiplehoods. When he is in dreamless slumber, the world does not exist. When he awakens, the world comes into being. Narayana is thus a visual representation of human consciousness, which awakening heralds the creation of our world.

What is interesting is the serpent on whose coils Narayana reclines. Its name is: Adi-Ananta-Sesha, which literally means Primal-Limitless-Residue, which is numerically visualised as One-Infinity-Zero.

For with consciousness, we become aware of the first moment of beginnings, of limitless possibilities, and of nothingness that existed before the first moment.

The Hindu worldview has always been obsessed with infinity (everything-ness) and zero (nothingness) and with the number one (the beginning). More than Hindu, it is the Indic worldview, the substratum of thought which gave rise to three major ideas: Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, all of which speak of rebirth, cyclical time, and a world where there are no boundaries.

Buddhism came up with ideas such as nirvana (oblivion) and shunya (which literally means zero). Jainism spoke of a world of endless possibilities (an-ekantavada).

This is in stark contrast to the Greek worldview where the world begins as chaos until the gods create order. And with order comes definitions, boundaries, certainty, and predictability. It is also different from

In dia-a us t ri a in Fo c u s 2015

By Devdutt Pattanaik the Abrahamic worldview where God creates the world out of nothingness and the world he creates in seven days has a definite expiry date: the Apocalypse. The Greek and Abrahamic worldviews inform what we call the Western worldview today that is obsessed with organisation, and is terrified of disorder, and unpredictability, something Indians are used to and rather comfortable with, even thriving in it.

but also giving it a form (a dot), and finally using it in a decimal system. This happened around the same time that the Gupta kings built the temple in Deogarh.

The mathematician Brahmagupta, 638 AD, is associated with giving form to the number zero, and formulating the first rules with its usage. The rise of the decimal system enabled the writing of vast numbers, of huge value, a practice that has been traced to even Vedic texts written around 1000 BCE, values that are not seen in any other parts of the world.

The story goes that when Alexander, the Great, after having conquered Persia, visited India, he met a sage on the banks of the river Indus, who he referred to as a gymno-sophist or naked wise man, in Greek. This sage sat on a rock and spent all day staring at the sky. Alexander asked him what he was doing and the sage replied, “Experiencing nothingness.” The sage asked Alexander what was he doing. Alexander replied, “I am conquering the world.” Both laughed. Each one thought the other was a fool. For Alexander, the sage was wasting his one and only life doing nothing. For the sage, Alexander was wasting his time trying to conquer a world that has no limits, with a sense of urgency that made no sense when one lives infinite lives.

Belief in one life, which is the hallmark of Greek worldview, and later Abrahamic, results us in valuing achievements. But belief in rebirth, hence infinite lives, which is the hallmark of Indic worldview, makes achievements meaningless, and puts the focus on wisdom and understanding.

When the denominator of life is one, the world is different from when the denominator of life is infinity.

The Arab sea-merchants who frequented the coasts of India, and who dominated the rich spice and textile trade then (before the European sea-farers took over in the 16th century) saw value in this system and took it with them to Arabia. The Arab mathematician Khowarizimi suggested use of a little circle for zero. This circle was called ‘sifr’ which means ‘empty’, which eventually became ‘zero’. Zero travelled from Arabia through Persia and Mesopotamia to Europe during the Crusades. In Spain, Fibonacci found it useful to do equations without using the abacus. Italian government was suspicious of this Arabic numbering system and so outlawed it. But the merchants used it secretly, which is why ‘sifr’ became ‘cipher’, meaning ‘code’.

India’s philosophical obsession with infinity and zero led to mathematicians not just conceptualising the idea of zero, 46

It comes as a shock to many people that the modern use of the number zero is less than thousand years old, and that it became popular less than 500 years ago.

Had it not been for the arrival of zero, neither would the Cartesian coordinate system nor calculus have developed in the 16th century. Zero enabled people to conceptualize large numbers and helped in book keeping and accounting. In the 20th century, came the binary system which forms the foundation of modern computing. All because some wild Indian sages conceptualised the universe and their gods in terms of zero and infinity.

Devdutt Pattanaik is author of over 30 books and 400 articles on relevance of mythology in modern times. A 2009 TED speaker, he is renowned for drawing attention to the Indian consequence-based approach to management, quite distinct from objective-based modern management . To know more about him visit devdutt.com

270 270 270 x Safety. x Safety. x Safety.

Worldwide.

Worldwide.

Worldwide.

270 270 270 x Safety. x Safety. x Safety.

Worldwide.

Worldwide.

Worldwide.

Third Party Inspections | Industrial Inspections ISO Certifications

www.tuv-austria.in | www.tuv.at TUV AUSTRIA (INDIA) PVT. LTD. A208, Kohinoor Vayona Apts, Opp. PCMC Building, Pimpri, Pune-411018, MAHARASHTRA (INDIA)