The Department of Information Technology, Government of India, along with the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is pleased to host a meeting of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in New Delhi, India from 10-15 February 2008.
Pre-registrations can be done here. Details about the schedule and agenda can be found here.
ICANN is currently finalising hotel rates for participants at for the New Delhi Meeting. As soon as the rates are available to participants, the information will be posted on the official event web site.
Foreign Nationals desirous of coming into India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa. They are very easy to obtain and the application is very straight forward and can easily be obtained from your nearest Indian Mission (Embassy, consulate or high commission).
India is one of the oldest civilizations with a kaleidoscopic variety and rich heritage.
Twenty Eight States and Seven Union Territories span the length and breadth of the Country, marked by diversity in culture and geography but bound together by a common chord of Nationalism. There are 604 Districts in India administered by their respective State/UT Government.
New Delhi has two airports catering to domestic and international flights. The international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport and is situated 20 Km from the city center. Palam Domestic Airport handles all domestic flights and is located 17 Km from the center of town. Average Flight Times from Major Regions of the World:
Europe (London, Paris, Vienna, Frankfurt, Geneva) 8-10 hours
North America (New York) 14-20 hours
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Mexico) 18-22 hours
Middle East 4-6 hours
Southeast Asia 4-6 hours
Far East Asia 8 hours
Australia 10-14 hours
African Region 10-15 hours
CLIMATE
September to March is the best season to visit Delhi. During the winter temperatures in Delhi have the following ranges: High 93?F (33.7?C), Low 44?F (6.8?C). The average temperature of New Delhi in February is 62?F.
Current Temperature:
CURRENCY
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the country’s national currency. Current exchange rates are approximately 39.00 INR = 1.00 USD, and 57.00 INR = 1.00 EUR.
ELECTRICITY AND VOLTAGE
Electricity in India is 240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. In case the devices you are carrying do not accept 240 volts at 50 hertz, you will be required to carry a voltage converter. There are three basic types of voltage converters available and adaptable to the Indian voltage.
Resistor-network converters: 50-1600 Watts
Can be used for appliances like hair dryers and irons.
Transformers: 50-100 Watts
Can be used continuously for items like battery chargers, radios, laptop computers, cameras, MP3 players and camcorders.
Combination converters: Has a combination voltage of resistor network and transformers. One can switch from one mode to another by a switch provided for this purpose.
Outlets in India generally accept the following types of plug:
Two round pins
Three round pins arranged in a triangle
If your appliances plug has any other shape, you will need a plug adapter.
LANGUAGE
The Indian Constitution recognises Hindi in Devan?gar? script as the official language of central government India.
However, English is the principal spoken and written language of the city. Other languages commonly spoken in the city are Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. Linguistic groups from all over India are well represented in the city; among them are Maithili, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali and Marathi.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Personal Safety
As in any other big city, it is important to consider personal safety. For this reason:
Keep an eye on your luggage. Use large and colorful labels to identify them easily on airport conveyor belts or delivery balconies.
Change your money only in exchange houses or authorised bank agencies. Do not accept help from strangers like luggage porters and agents in airports.
Only use official taxi stands or taxis from the cooperatives indicated by the event organisation.
Always keep your belongings in sight, especially in open areas like restaurants, snack bars, parks, and even in the event’s venue. Don’t leave backpacks, purses, bags, photo or video cameras hanging on chairs or on the floor.
Don’t wear expensive looking jewelry and watches.
Try not to carry large amounts of cash.
Don’t disclose your personal data to unknown persons and avoid carrying passports and travel checks when you go for a walk or a drive.
In case of loss, theft or robbery, report the fact immediately to the local police.
For your peace of mind, use the hotel’s safe to keep valuable objects, your documents, passport and airplane tickets, and use photocopies of your documents when you go out.
If you go out for a walk or to public and open areas, keep your belongings near to your body and avoid going out alone. It’s recommended to avoid going out carrying your laptop or other electronic devices.
If you need to go to a cash machine, preferably use those located in malls (shopping centers) or banks. Avoid cash machines on streets or dark places. If you need help, always ask an employee of the bank.
Be Careful about Food and Water. Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. This includes water used for brushing your teeth.
Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.
Make sure food is fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.
Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself.
Prevent Insect Bites
Many diseases are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by:
Using insect repellent (bug spray)
Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors.
Spraying rooms with products effective against flying insects, such as those containing pyrethroid.
Source DomainNews