Language:India is a land of diversity with twenty two languages recognized by the constitution and numerous dialects. Hindi is the national language; although the language of the North, it is spoken and understood across the country. Written in Devanagiri script, it is a phonetic language which unlike English is spoken as it is written. Hindi has descended from Sans krit and ancient languages Prakrit and Apabhramsha. Because of the history of the North, it has been influenced and enriched by Dravidian, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, Portugese and of course the English language. Hindi as spoken on the streets and used on the media channels is an eclectic mix with Urdu and English!

Delhi , the Capital city, is truly metropolitan. Despite the wide spread use of vernacular languages, English continues to bind diverse population groups and dominate urban communication. It is the medium of instruction in most urban schools and educational institutions, particularly those of higher learning.

English would be the language for the conference.

Signage:Road signs, public notices and hoardings in Delhi are mostly in English, or both, Hindi and English.

Weather:Weather will be pleasant,temperature will be 28 0C-300C celsious.

Time:India is 5½ hours ahead of GMT, UTC; 4½ hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 10½ hours ahead of American EST. The local time is known as Indian Standard Time (IST). India does not observe day light saving time.

Currency:The currency of India is Indian Rupee (INR) which is denoted locally as Rs. Currency notes comes in denominations of Rs. 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. One Rupee has 100 paise to it. The coins are of denominations Rs. 5, Rs. 2, Rs. 1 and 50, 25 paise.

To check rate of Currency Conversion, click http://www.xe.com/ucc

Credit Cards:VISA and Master Card and American Express credit cards are accepted in all major cities, tourist centres, top-end hotels, emporia and major shopping centres. However, not all budget hotels, restaurant and shops accept these.

ATMs:Delhi and other metro cities have a large network of ATMs, many open 24 hours. These accept Cirrus, Visa and Mastercard but not all foreign cards. Please check with your local bank if your card can access International Banking Networks.

Traveller Cheques:All major brands are accepted in India with Thomas Cook and American Express being the most widely traded. US dollars, Pound Sterling and Euro are the preferred currencies for exchange.

Moneychangers:You can change currency at the airport, all top-end Hotels, bank branches with forex transactions and private agencies across the city.

Re-exchange:You can change back leftover Indian Rupees before departure to major currencies at the airport, some banks and moneychangers in the city. For this you would have to produce encashment certificates that cover the amount, passport and air-ticket. Note that ATMs do not provide encashment certificates.

Note: When traveling in India , it is important to have ready cash.

Visa:You would require a Visa from the Indian embassy (High Commission in case of Commonwealth Nations). Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal do not require a passport to travel to India . However, they must carry suitable means of identification.

The Visa regulations, forms and list of Missions abroad are available at the Official Website of Ministry of External Affairs at http://passport.nic.in/

Another official site is at http://indiaimage.nic.in/embassies.htm

In case you need to submit a letter of invitation for participating in the Conference from the Organizers, please ask us early enough.

Disclaimer: While the sites are regularly updated, the conference secretariat does not take responsibility for the status of information in the links. Do check procedures at your end.

Custom Regulations and Security Checks: Visitors may be asked to declare the amount of foreign currency in their possession at the time of check-in. For flights within India from Delhi , after security clearance, you may be required to identify baggage placed at an assigned place before it is loaded in the plane. It is usual practice to report three hours before departure time for all International Flights out of Delhi .

Communication:You will never be too far from a PCO/ STD/ ISD booth in India , be it the major cities or far flung towns. These offer direct local, interstate and international dialing and fax services. The calls are far cheaper than those made from hotel rooms. Internet outlets are also widespread.

Mobile: India has the fastest growing mobile network and a mobile with roaming service enabled from a well established multinational company is likely to function from India . Please check with your service provider the area of coverage.

Postal Services: India has the biggest network of postal services in the world. Postage rates for parcels are standard and depend on the weight. Books and printed matter can go by book post which has far lower rates but requires wrapping that can be opened for inspection. City of Delhi has major Courier Companies like DHL Worldwide Express operating.

While it is safe to mail shopping parcels through Government Emporiums and well recognized outlets, it is best to exercise discretion and avoid direct dispatch from other places.

Electricity:The power grid in India supplies 220 volt at frequency of 50 Hz. The connecting points and plugs have round sockets and pins. Most hotel rooms will have fitted 5 ampere three and two round pin plugs. A universal AC adapter for devices will be helpful.

Transport:Traffic in India follows the right hand drive system. Delhi provides multiple modes of public transport such as the buses, the very economical three wheeled auto-rickshaw and taxis. For short rides within some localities, in particular in Old Delhi, you can get the cycle-rickshaw. You will see a rich spectrum of vehicles competing for road space!

Delhi is in for a makeover. It is fast turning into the city of flyovers which decongest main traffic intersections. Delhi Metro is now operative in certain segments of the city. University of Delhi is linked by a state-of-the-art underground metro to the Inter-state Bus Terminus and is likely to be connected by June 2005 to the centre of the city by metro. In five to ten years, the metro network would have connected the whole city and its suburbs. The do not be surprised if you see massive construction projects all over the city!

India has the largest railroad network that facilitates daily a staggering number of passengers. The highways are improving fast.

Air Quality: The air quality in Delhi has improved considerably over the years because of well deliberated efforts made in this regard. All public buses and auto-rickshaws are required by law to run on CNG, considered a cleaner fuel. Private vehicle are required to have Euro standards and use unleaded fuel.