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India - Partner In Growth
Welcome to the June 21, 2018  bulletin of key policy decisions and high-impact news, presented by the Embassy of India, Washington DC.
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KEY POLICY DECISIONS
Tourism Minister to Attend 'Incredible India!' Road Show in U.S.

In support of the launch of the new "Incredible India!" website, Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons will attend road show events in several major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago and Houston. The events will include cultural performances.



U.S. OKs Sale of Boeing Apache Helicopters to India

The White House has approved the sale of six Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to India, along with missiles, radars and navigational systems. "This support for the AH-64E will provide an increase in India's defensive capability to counter ground-armored threats and modernize its armed forces," the Pentagon said.


 
GST Has Led to Formalization of Economy, Growth of Tax Base

The historic Goods and Service Tax (GST) reform has resulted in the formalization of the economy and will lead to the growth of the tax base, the Government said. Under the GST, there will now be a seamless flow of common data to both the Government and the states, making direct and indirect tax collections more effective.


 
Govt. Teams Up with Google for Flood Forecasting

The Government has entered into an agreement with Google to use state-of-the-art advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and geo-spatial mapping for effective management of water resources in flood forecasting and dissemination of flood-related information to the population.


 
Minister: India, U.S. to Meet Soon on Trade

Senior officials of India and the U.S. will soon meet to address concerns of both sides, including issues related with visas, continuation of concessions for exports, duties on steel and aluminum, and prices of medical devices. Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu held discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer recently.


 
HIGH-IMPACT NEWS
Ambassador Sarna Leads 4th International Day of Yoga at U.S. Capitol

Ambassador Navtej Sarna led the Embassy of India's 4th International Day of Yoga celebration, held this year on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. It was the most successful event so far, with more than 2,500 people attending on a lovely Saturday morning.


 
Video: Watch PM Modi's #FitnessChallenge Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi picked up the popular #FitnessChallenge from Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and released a video of his morning workout routine, which includes yoga, stretching and balancing exercises.


Indian Dhivya Suryadevara Named General Motors CFO

Indian Dhivya Suryadevara, 39, was named the first female chief financial officer of General Motors, the largest U.S. automaker. She is a GM veteran who was born in India and moved to the U.S. to attend Harvard. She joined GM at age 25.



Uber: There Will be No Let-Up in India Investments

Uber will continue to invest heavily in India, the ride-hailing company's most important market outside the U.S., for an indefinite period. "The market opportunity is so significant that we're not focused right now on how can we get this business to profitability," chief operating officer Barney Harford said. "We have an indefinite investment horizon in India."



U.S.-India Panel, Maharashtra State Announce 3 Projects

The government of the state of Maharashtra and the U.S.-India State and Urban Initiative have announced three new projects in the state. The state will sign an agreement with the Network for Global Innovation to develop a clean tech incubator ecosystem in Maharashtra to accelerate adoption of sustainable technologies and encourage trade and investment in these sectors.




TRANSFORMING INDIA
Balloons Provide Free Wi-Fi to Remote Villages in Uttarakhand State

Tethered internet-beaming balloons will soon provide free wi-fi to remote villages in the state of Uttarakhand. Hydrogen is used to lift the balloon which is fitted with cameras for surveillance, a base transceiver antenna to make calls and a wi-fi modem to provide internet.



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