The Republic of India Is a South Asian country bounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal on the south, southwest, and southeast, respectively. It share borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is separated from the island country of Sri Lanka, to the southeast, by the Palk Strait, a distance of less than twenty miles. The Maldives are a few hundred miles to the south.
The Andaman Islands, an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, are part of India, although a few of them in the north are in Myanmar. People have lived on the Andaman Islands for thousands of years, possibly as early as the Middle Paleolithic era. The ethnic Andamanese people lived in isolation until the mid-1700s. Although there are 572 islands in the archipelago, only about a dozen of them are open to tourists, as many are reserved tribal areas. The Nicobar Islands, in particular, are open only to Indian nationals who are on official research or government business, except for approved traders.
India is the second most populated country in the world, after China. India's constitution recognizes 22 languages, but more than 1,600 are in use in India. Its most common languages fall within the Into-Aryan or Dravidian language groups. Although India has no national language, Hindi is the language of its government, and the most commonly spoken language in India. There have been attempts to promote Hindi as the official language of India, and to phase out the use of English, but English remains a popular second language among Indians, and many educated Indians use English as their first language. English is also commonly used in business and education. Although India has an overall literacy rate of nearly 75%, literacy rates in rural areas are just over 15%.
The Indian subcontinent was the center of the Bronze Age Indus Valley Civilization, from 3300-1300 BC, which was one of the earth's earliest human civilization. The oldest writings that are associated with Hinduism were written in the following millennium, and India's caste system was devised about 1000 BC. Buddhism originated in India between the 6th and 4th Centuries BC, although it declined in India during the Middle Ages. Jainism also originated in India, although the date is uncertain. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism were introduced to India during Medieval times.
India is a secular state today, in which all religions are treated fairly by law and custom. Approximately 80% of the population identifies as Hindu, but many other religions are active in India, including Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other religions. Zoroastrianism and Judaism have been historically significant in India, but account for relatively small numbers of adherent today. The roots of Hinduism in India go back more than 5,000 years.
Most marriages in India are arranged by the families, as this arrangement is common among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists in India. Although currently illegal, a dowry still plays into many arranged marriages, particularly among more conservative families. It is suspected that the financial burden of providing for a daughter's dowry plays strongly into the high rate of abortion of female fetuses. Divorce is uncommon, and widows are not expected to remarry.
Officially, the caste system in India has been abolished. However, caste still carries a significant influence among the people of India, influencing both marriage and job prospects. In some more traditional regions of India, those who married outside of their caste have been murdered. Hindus believe that by living a moral and righteous life, a person can improve his chances of being reincarnated into a higher caste.
In India, women are entitled to own property, to vote, and to run for political office, although women are still underrepresented in the national parliament. Although the professions are male-dominated, women are making progress in business, particularly in the urban areas of the country. In 1938, Kerala was the first state to recruit female police offices, and an all-female police station was established in Kerala in 1973.
The government of India is a parliamentary republic in which multiple political parties are active. Since achieving independence from Britain in 1950, India has undergone periods of political turbulence, including the assassination fo Indira Gandhi in 1984, yet it stands as a relatively stable nation. Its separation from Britain did not come before the region was partitioned into two states: India and Pakistan, and its territorial disputes with Pakistan have led to for wars, as well as a nuclear rivalry during the late 1990s. India was defeated in a brief border war with China in 1962, and relations between the two countries remain tense. India still has unresolved boundary issues with Pakistan and China.
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The site was created as a part of a larger effort to encourage appreciation for the traditional music of India. Apart from its online presence, the company seeks out traditional artists and releases music under the Beat of India label. Those who register for a free membership may download three free songs, and one additional song each month, and receive free tickets to music concerts when possible. CDs may be purchased through the site.
http://www.beatofindia.com/
Based in India, the online booking site facilitates reservations for hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacations throughout the world. Popular destinations are highlighted, or users may browse through several sorting options, such as domestic hotels, international hotels, budget hotels in India, or by hotel rating. Users may also browse through country categories. The database may also be searched by city or airport, number of rooms, or number of guests.
http://www.bookingkhazana.com/
The ECI is an autonomous body created by constitutional authority to administer elections in India. Its organizational structure and functions are published to the site, and current, past and future elections are featured, election law and ECI instructions regarding the conduction of elections, media and communications, notifications, announcements, publications, and election results.
http://eci.nic.in/
Located in New Delhi, the embassy represents the Irish government to the government and people of India. Office hours and closure times and dates are posted, along with contacts, and emergency assistance instructions. Its role is to promote and protect the interests of Ireland in India, to promote Irish economic interests, and supporting the strong partnerships between the two governments, as well as a range of consular services.
https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/india/
Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of India
Embassy relations between the governments of Russia and India began in 1947, even before Pakistan was split from India. The embassy location and office hours are published to the site, and the Russian ambassador is introduced, including his interviews, speeches, and articles, a diplomatic list, and an overview of its services to Russian citizens in India, and to the Indian people are spelled out.
http://rusembindia.com/
The French Embassy is located in New Delhi, where it represents the interests of the government of France in India, offering services to French citizens in India, as well as to Indian citizens wanting to study, move, or do business with France. Information and policies on obtaining a visa, visiting France, studying in France, doing business with France, and learning French culture and language are featured and presented in English and in French. Embassy hours and contacts are included.
https://in.ambafrance.org/
Web sites related to the Government of India are listed here, categorized by governmental body and department, including the Union Government, States and Union Territories, Legislature, and Judiciary, as well as by sectors. Developed and maintained by the National Informatics Centre, the directory is an effort of various Indian government ministries and departments. Governmental agencies or services not listed may be submitted for consideration of inclusion.
http://goidirectory.nic.in/
Government of India Ministry of Human Resource Development
Originally known as the Ministry of Education, the Ministry is divided into two departments: the Department of School Education and Literacy, and the Department of Higher Education. The constitutional provision for the Ministry is set forth, along with an allocation of business rules, policy initiatives, citizen’s charter, advisory bodies, and organizational structure. Documents and reports are available for downloading.
http://www.mhrd.gov.in/
A guide to art and entertainment in India, the site features a lifestyle section, with articles on party ideas, pets, finance, and other topics, as well as beauty and fashion, computers and technology, health and wellness issues, home decorating and do-it-yourself household tips, parenting, school, and homeschooling issues, a travel guide covering various destinations and attractions in India, and other topics.
http://www.iloveindia.com/
The online discussion forum provides a venue for discussion of a variety of topics related for Internet service providers in India, including user recommendations for broadband providers, comparisons of broadband Internet service providers, mobile broadband, 4G LTE, as well as satellite, cable, IPTV, and mobile phone service providers, and general computer discussions. Registration is required for participation.
http://www.indiabroadband.net/
Created in 1998, the site serves as an informational source and portal for information about India, including its history, geography, arts and crafts, music, culture, religions, traditions, people, places of interest, tourist destinations, and other topics, such as demographics, news, traditional games, and links to shopping sites for Indian products. Press releases may be submitted for publication.
http://www.indianmirror.com/
Kids Web India is a health website designed for the children of India. You can get beauty tips, find out about healthy eating, play games, solve riddles and more here. The website also has information on India's holidays. The website has sections for three different age groups: 0-5 years, 6-11 years and 12-17 years. You can also find Indian proverbs here. Several topics are available.
http://www.kidswebindia.com/
Featuring a variety of informational articles on India, its topics are divided into a number of topical categories, including facts and information about the country, a geography of India, great personalities of India, the Indian independence movement, and Indian politics, as well as tips on tourism and traveling in India, an introduction to Hinduism, and others, such as news and events from around the world that relate to India.
http://knowledgeofindia.com/
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
Formerly known as the Department of Information Technology, the department was made into a full Ministry in 2016. An organization chart is presented, including an introduction to key personnel, its acts and rules, policies and guidelines, schemes and services, and performance management programs. Its divisions, administrative contacts, office hours, and announcements are published to the site.
http://www.meity.gov.in/
Ministry of External Affairs (India)
The Ministry of External Affairs of India, also known as the Foreign Ministry, is the government agency charged with conducting the foreign relations of India, including its representation in the United Nations. Its organizational structure, profiles, and internship programs are recognized, along with ingoing and outgoing visits, overseas Indian affairs, public diplomacy, circulars, and notifications.
http://mea.gov.in/
The government ministry is charged with taxation, financial legislation, and the regulation of financial institutions within India, as well as capital markets, central and state finances, and the Union budget, and is the controlling authority over the Indian Revenue Service, Indian Economic Service, Indian Costs Accounts Service, and Indian Civil Accounts Service. Its budget is listed by line item, and in infographics, videos, and an e-book.
http://finmin.nic.in/
The official government site offers links to government ministries, departments, and services, as well as information related to agriculture, commerce, defense, the environment, governance, housing, industries, law and justice, social development, travel and tourism, arts and culture, communication, education, finance and taxes, foreign affairs, and other topics in India. General information about the country, news highlights, and downloadable documents are included.
https://www.india.gov.in/
Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India
Featuring census information conducted and collected by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the site features census data for the Republic of India, birth and death registrations, census maps and an atlas, the results of the national register of Indian citizens, and a linguistic survey of India. A census handbook, acts and rules regarding the census, and contacts are posted.
http://www.censusindia.gov.in/
The official government site highlights the Prime Minister of India, including an introduction and biography, photo gallery, live and archived video, his speeches in text form and video, infographics, and downloadable documents. Previous prime ministers are acknowledged, and a schedule of domestic and international visits are posted to the site. Portfolios of the Union Council of Ministers are included.
http://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/
Focused on real estate, the site advertises available property listed by real estate agents, property management companies, builders, developers, and individuals. Listings include residential and commercial properties available for purchase or lease. Users of the site can search by area, property type, number of bedrooms, or budget range. Contacts and a blog are also included.
http://www.propertykhazana.com/
The Embassy of Angola in India
Located in New Delhi, the embassy represents the government of Angola to that of India and offers various services to Angolan citizens in India, such as passport or visa problems, travel advisories, and emergency notifications. Its site offers information about the Republic of Angola, its provinces, art and culture, literature, cuisine, and languages. Tourism information, visa applications, business opportunities, office hours, and contacts are included.
http://www.angolaembassyindia.com/
US Embassy & Consulates in India
The United States embassy in India is in New Delhi, and US consulates are in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. American citizen services are highlighted, with information about the relationships between India and the United States, an overview of the assistance and services available to Indian citizens wanting to do business with the United States, to study in America, or to visit the country.
https://in.usembassy.gov/
