From uranium to naan, India-Australia business links growing

28/03/2008 0 Comments read Business and Trade, Diaspora

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, (IANS): While dining at the plush Oberoi Hotel in the Indian capital New Delhi, you probably didn’t know the hot tandoori chicken and naan on your platter was from an Australian-made oven. But Brisbane-based Beech Ovens that has been selling tandoori ovens to India is just one example of the growing economic ties between the two countries.

“The success of Australia’s long-term engagement with India will rely heavily on the commercial links built up by Australian businesses,” stressed Federal Minister for Trade Warren Truss Wednesday while delivering the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) Accor-Qantas India Independence Day speech on “Breaking new ground” in Adelaide.

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Almost Goa

22/03/2008 0 Comments read Travel

St. Paul's Church, Diu, Photo Credit: © Neena Bhandari

By Neena Bhandari

Diu (India), 22.03.2008 (The Australian): Characterised by its blink-and-miss inconspicuousness, little Diu is just a dot off the west coast of India. The island’s quaint blend of Gujarati culture and Portuguese legacy has long fascinated me, so there is good reason to break our journey in Mumbai and hop on a plane to explore this time-warp ingredient in the cultural melting pot of India.

After a 40-minute flight northwest over the Arabian Sea, we arrive at Diu airport, a small airstrip surrounded by sea and palm trees. With the propellers lazily spinning to a halt, we take a quick picture, only to be ushered aside by security staff. We are told photography at Indian airports is strictly prohibited. Sadly, we have to delete our prized first picture.

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Pay homage to the king

22/03/2008 1 Comment read Travel

By Neena Bhandari

Sasan Gir (India), 22.03.2008 (The Sunday Age): A lion’s thunderous roar penetrates the quiet, sending me into a spin. The red numerals on the bedside clock are fuzzy at 0400 as I fumble for the torch. A second roar reverberates through the lodge and I try to muffle the sound with a pillow, but all vestiges of sleep have vanished. Fear and excitement grip me at the thought of my first date with the king of the jungle.

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