Defence Industry Daily

F-35 Lightning II Wins Dogfight in Norway

23-Nov-2008 19:23 EST

Related Stories: Alliances, Americas – USA, BAE, EADS, Europe – Other, Fighters & Attack, Issues – International, Issues – Political, Lobbying, Lockheed Martin, Official Reports, Other Corporation, Project Methodologies, Spotlight articles

F-35: takeoff…
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by Endre Lunde & DID

In my May 2006 article “Norway’s Future Fighter Competition: A Norwegian View” offered in-depth coverage of the difficulties and controversies facing Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Lightning II team when marketing their 5th generation strike fighter in Norway. Since then, there have been some successes. The next milestone MoU was signed on January 31st, 2006, amidst industrial and missile deals designed to bring Norway on board – but as DID noted, the signing came with express statements that the country was keeping its options open.

The Kongsberg JSM missile deal, and the conditional composite structures deal, were designed to address the demand for stronger industrial participation by Norwegian defense industries. As I noted in my previous article, Norway threatened to back out of its partnership with the JSF program if Lockheed Martin could not make credible assurances in this area. Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin Executive President and JSF Manager then made a personal visit to Norway; the deals followed, and Norway signed the MoU on December 31/07.

The controversy is by no means over, and will not be over until production contracts are signed. Nevertheless, Norway has made a decision – and released it in a way that may have created a diplomatic incident…

• DID – Updates [updated]
• Appendix A: The Play of Politics
• Apendix B: The Defense Debate: Strike-Fighter or Interceptor?
• Apendix C: Analysis – Could JSF Really Lose in Norway?
• Additional Readings & Sources: Background
• Additional Readings & Sources: Norwegian Defense Experts Weigh In
• Additional Readings & Sources: Other News & Developments

Citigroup gets massive government bailout

By Dan Wilchins and Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The U.S. rescued Citigroup Inc, agreeing to shoulder most losses on about $306 billion of the bank’s risky assets, and inject new capital, bolstering investor hopes that the government will support big banks as the economy sinks into recession.

The bailout, announced late Sunday, gives the government the right to buy an equity stake, and marks its latest effort to contain a widening financial crisis that has already brought down Bear Stearns Cos, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc and Washington Mutual Inc.

U.S. President George W. Bush called the bailout necessary “to safeguard our financial system,” and said the government would, “if need be,” make similar decisions in the future.

Shares of Citigroup rose 58 percent on Monday. The price of insuring Citigroup bonds against default fell by half.

“All in all, these actions should settle market jitters surrounding the company for now,” CreditSights Inc analyst David Hendler wrote.

The bailout could also boost investor confidence in the largest U.S. banks, which are expected to suffer billions of dollars in credit losses in the coming quarters.

“The government is trying to restore trust to the financial system. There are big banks that are central to the economy that the government will support,” said Thomas Russo, portfolio manager at Gardner Russo & Gardner, which does not own Citigroup shares.

Bank of America Corp rose 27.2 percent to $14.59, JPMorgan Chase & Co advanced 21.4 percent to $27.58, and Wells Fargo & Co rose 20 percent to $26.02, all on the NYSE.

The package gives Chief Executive Vikram Pandit more time to shed assets, slash payroll and boost efficiency after soaring losses from toxic debt led to $20.3 billion in losses in the last year. Analysts expect billion of dollars of further losses. Pandit became CEO in December

Harvard project proposes rich nations cut CO2 first

By Michael Szabo

LONDON (Reuters) – Rich nations should make the first cuts in greenhouse gases while developing countries carry on business as usual for the time being, according to a plan set out on Monday by a Harvard University project.

This is one of four proposals by the American university’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs to negotiators who meet for U.N. climate talks next week in Poland.

The current climate pact, the Kyoto Protocol, expires in 2012 and governments are scrambling to agree a new treaty by the end of next year.

“The new agreement should be scientifically sound, economically rational and politically pragmatic,” Professor Robert Stavins of the Harvard Project on International Climate Agreements said.

The Harvard report calls on rich nations to lead in cutting emissions, while developing countries can “maintain their business-as-usual emissions in the first decades, but over the longer term agree to binding targets that ultimately reduce emissions below business as usual.”

U.N. scientists have warned global warming caused by high atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide will lead to rising seas, big storms, mass heatwaves and droughts.

“The agreement should be cost-effective and consistent with the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,” Stavins said, referring to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning scientific body.

Observers hope a new pact will include the U.S., which did not ratify the original agreement, and commit developing nations like China and India to binding emissions targets.

“We need an agreement that can be ratified in the U.S. Senate and provide increasingly meaningful roles for developing countries. We see those as essential ingredients,” Stavins said.

Last week President-elect Barack Obama said the U.S. would “engage vigorously” in climate change talks when he takes office next year.

Obama wants to reduce U.S. carbon emissions to their 1990 levels by 2020 and cut them by an additional 80 percent by 2050.

FAIR DEAL

The Harvard report proposes introducing national carbon taxes, linking emissions trading schemes or pursuing a series of simpler, possibly bilateral agreements that separately address the different gases and their sources as the other ways to fight warming.

“Countries will only participate in an international agreement if they believe they received a fair deal,” the initiative said in a statement.

But the line dividing rich and poor nations set out in Kyoto may need to be redrawn, as the global economic landscape has altered in the past 10 years.  Continued…

UN nations step forward to boost force numbers in DRC

24 November 2008

The forces of India, Pakistan, South Africa and Uruguay are likely to boost their numbers in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the decision on 20 November by the UN Security Council (UNSC) to reinforce the world’s largest peacekeeping operation with an additional 3,100 personnel.

Most of the forces will be deployed to the restive North and South Kivu provinces where ethnic Tutsi rebels opened an offensive in late August.

Senior UN officials said that preliminary discussions with the already contributing nations have been continuing in anticipation of a pledging conference expected “within a week” after the unanimous vote by the UNSC, with deployments expected before the end of the year.

The reinforcements will comprise soldiers, police officers and technical advisors, one official said. It will not, however, incorporate the rapid-reaction force widely considered to be the most crucial military requirement ahead of a clear political solution to the crisis.

India and South Africa have also informally indicated they could also provide some of the 18 utility helicopters and C-130 medium-lift transport aircraft requested to enhance the capacity of the mission known as MONUC.

Despite weeks of pronouncements from senior European diplomats about the need for swift action to reinforce MONUC and a plea from European parliamentarians that followed the UN resolution, no decisions have been taken to commit European troops to DRC under what one UN official described as an “angrier” mandate than the one that proscribed UN operations.

Image: UN peacekeepers on patrol in eastern DRC (PA Photos)

240 of 719 words
© 2008 Jane’s Information Group

Defence Industry Daily

Double-Jointed & Popular: The Bv Family of Infantry Support Vehicles (updated)

24-Nov-2008 16:46 EST

Related Stories: Americas – Other, Americas – USA, Asia – Central, BAE, Britain/U.K., Contracts – Awards, Design Innovations, Europe – France, Europe – Other, FOCUS Articles, Field Reports, Forces – Marines, New Systems Tech, Other Corporation, Project Successes, Tanks & Mechanized, Transformation

This article is a free sample taken from our database of more than 180 detailed analyses of defense programs and contracting trends. To see what we’re already covering, check our list of Focus and Spotlight articles. For full access to the complete Defense Industry Insider knowledge base, subscribe today for less than $50 a month. Content updated daily!

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A Viking comes ashore
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The BvS-10 is the successor to the wildly popular Bv206, 11,000 of which have been sold to 40 countries around the world – including the USA (M978). It is in use in both Britain and the Netherlands as a key armored vehicle for their respective Marines, and is under evaluation elsewhere. Singapore has developed and manufactured an improved variant of its own called the Bronco ATTC, and Finland and Norway also have their own local Bv-206 variants.

What makes this unusual-looking vehicle family so popular? They aren’t like Hummers or similar wheeled mainstays. They aren’t full armored personnel carriers, either – they’re armored, but Bv family vehicles can’t take the kind of punishment that a Bradley or LAV can absorb. Instead, the secret to their success lies in a remarkable all-terrain capability, and their ability to fill a rare and critical role: air-portable and amphibious infantry enhancement.

These success factors are discussed below, along with contracts and key developments related to this vehicle family. The latest development involves a bulletin from the Dutch, who are finding that they need to fix some issues with the BvS-10 Vikings headed for duty in Chad…

• The Bv Family of Vehicles (i.e. Continue reading…)
• Bv Family: Why So Popular?
• Bv Family: Performance in Afghanistan [updated]
• Contracts and Key Events
• Additional Readings & Sources

Defence Industry Daily

Upgrading Big Stealth: B-2 Improvements Continue

18-Jun-2007 09:34 EDT

Related Stories: Americas – USA, C4ISR, Contracts – Awards, Heavy Bombers, Lockheed Martin, Northrop-Grumman, Other Corporation, Satellites & Sensors, Support & Maintenance, Support Functions – Other

NOT the bat-plane
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“USA’s B-2 Bombers Leading the Way in Contracting for Availability” described the new support arrangements for the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, which has historically had availability rates that hovered around 50%. Since there are only 21 of these aircraft in existence, that simple logistics change is likely to have major consequences for American power projection capabilities.

Alongside its new maintenance arrangements, the US government is also implementing aircraft upgrades to these rare and expensive systems…

JAIPUR – “The Pink City”

Introduction

The city of Jaipur is the logical starting point for anyone traveling in Rajasthan because of its central location and good air, road, and rail connections. To the west lies the desert region of Marwar (Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur), to the north and south run the craggy Aravali hills. From Jaipur it is an easy drive to Alwar and the Sariska Tiger Reserve in the northeast, or to Ajmer, Pushkar and Kishnagarh in the South east.
Also within reach is the Shekawati region in the northwest and Ranthambor National Park in the east.

Quick Facts about the City
Location: Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan state in west India. The second largest Indian state of Rajasthan is a land of contrasts – the Thar desert, mountains, man- made and holy lakes, forests and jungles, impregnable fortresses and magnificent palaces, of warrior kings and princes, saints and mystics, Rajputs and Mughals. In common with other parts of India, Rajasthan has a wealth of royal residences and stately homes in the form of palaces (great and small), forts, hunting lodges or large estates.
STD Code : 91 (country dialling code), and 0141, most numbers in Jaipur are still seven digits.
Country : jaipur,india
Area : 64.75 sq.km.
Airport : sanganer airport
People : rajasthani
Altitude : 431 meters
Climate : Max. Min.
Summer : 45.0° C 25.8° C
Winter : 22.0° C 8.3° C
Best Season : September-March
Clothing :
Summer : light tropical
Winter : Light woollen
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.
Population : 1.5 million

General Info & History
General Information
If Jaipur is a city of turbans and mustaches, it is also a city of polo which has curious variants: while usually played on Horseback it is also played on elephants and times being what they are on bicycles. The important sights to see in Jaipur are the city palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and Amber Fort. But do not miss the city’s other fine public buildings such as the Albert Hall Museum. While on the subject of architecture remember to take a look at the grandiose Raj Mandir cinema whose style could only be described as “Cecil B.De Mille-Rajput Rococo”. Above everything, Jaipur is an extraordinary colorful place.On its streets you see women in their brilliant red and orange odhnis and sweeping skirts and men in their equally vivid turbans and upturned mustaches. Both turbans and mustaches have an entire non verbal vocabulary of their own: for instance, twirling one’s mustache while looking at a woman constitutes making a pass at her. And as for a turban, it can tell you the wearers hometown, profession and various other personal details besides.

History
JAIPUR “SHEER SYMPHONY IN PINK” The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink-the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortress perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by its formidable wall. A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya formalized the city’s plans in the grid system. The wide straight avenues, roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris) in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the ‘Shilpa Shastra’ – an epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvellous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to pinkcity a memorable one.

How to get there
By Air
Sanganer Airport at a distance of 12 km from the city center. There are direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and some other cities from Jaipur.
CITY DISTANCE IN FLY TIME
From Jaipur To
Delhi 45 mins
Mumbai 02 hrs
Kolkata 01hr 30min
Thiruvananthapuram 3hrs 30mins
Bangalore 3hrs
Hyderabad 02hr
Chennai 03hr
Goa 02 hrs
Ahmedabad 01 hr 30mins
Aurangabad 02 hrs 30mins
Pune 02hr 30mins
Bhubaneshwar 01hr 30min
By Rail
The Jaipur Railway Station is in the heart of the town. There are many trains that connect Jaipur and Delhi. Palace on Wheels is a train with luxury accommodation that passes through popular tourist places on a week’s journey. It begins and ends its journey in Delhi and passes through Jaipur – Chittaurgarh – Udaipur – Ranthambhore – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur and Agra. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi, takes four-and-a-half hours to travel to Jaipur.
Pink City Express also connects Jaipur to Delhi.
Rail
CITY DISTANCE IN RAIL TIME
Mumbai 14 hrs
Agra 3 hrs
Delhi 4hrs 30mins
Amritsar 7hrs 45 mins
Dehradun 13 hrs
Lucknow 6 hrs 40 mins
Kolkata 15 hours
Patna 12hrs 40 mins
Guwahati 15hrs 10 mins
Jammu 16 hours
Bangalore 33 hrs

By Road
Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle Circuit of India that includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Most of these tours are conducted either by buses or trains. The National Highway 8 is the connecting link between Jaipur and Delhi. The entire highway is a four-lane double carriage-way. One can travel to Agra (230 km) along National Highway 11 via Dausa, Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri. The route is a two lane highway with fairly good surface. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation has Volvo, air-conditioned deluxe coaches to Delhi. These also have sleeping facilities. One can also avail of the Pink Line bus services, operated by Rajasthan Roadways that takes about 5-6 hours to travel to Delhi.
By Road in Kilometers drive
Delhi 258 km 5 hrs
Udaipur 347 km 7 hours
Kota 242 kms 5 hrs
Bharatpur 176 km 3 hrs 30 mins
Agra 232 km 4 hrs 30 mins
Ajmer 131 km 3 hrs
Jaisalmer 543 km 11 hrs
Bikaner 354 km 7 hrs
Jodhpur 316 km 6 hrs 30 mins
Bombay 1202 km. 24 hrs

Travel Within Jaipur
Pre-paid taxis can be hired at the airport. Auto-rickshaws. There is a pre-paid auto-rickshaw counter, at the railway station. Taxis and autos are the most convenient ways of moving inside the city as well as to reach some of the excursions located in the proximity. To move around within the city, one can also take cycle rickshaws. Radio taxis and tourist cabs are available for short and long trips, in and around Jaipur.

Accomodation

• akriti guest house
• alsisar haveli
• amrapali hotelresort
• angan guest house
• anuja hotel
• arya niwas hotel
• atithi guest house
• bani park palace
• best western om tower
• bikaner hotel
• bissau palace hotel
• blue bird hotdiresorts
• bombay hotel
• chandra vilas hotel
• chirmi palace
• chokhi dhani resort
• choki dhani
• country inn suites
• diggi hotel

Elephant festival: Celebrated in the month of March every year, the Elephant festival is organized by the state tourism department in Jaipur every year. Elephants have played an important role in the royal history of Jaipur and the elephant festival in Jaipur showcases the beauty and skill of these gigantic pachyderms that walk the streets of Jaipur with graceful gait. The main venue for the elephant festival is the Jaipur Chaughan or the Polo Ground and the celebrations begin with a large procession of brightly caparisoned elephants who catwalk in all their gold and silver glory in front of all the visitors. Several camels and horses also join the procession though female elephants dominate the procession. Ornamented in colors of gold, red, yellow, green the elephants are adorned from their trunks to toes. Watch elephants in action as they participate in races, polo games, elephant games, tug-o-war etc. See folk dance performances and watch elephants at their royal best during the fabulous elephant festival.

The most engaging, exciting and thrilling event that enthralls you is the final gala when elephants spring holi colors at each other and the crowd with their trunks. Also see with bated breath as the elephants compete with each other in fierce elephant fights during the elephant festival celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

International kite festival: Makar Sankranti or the Hindu New Year is celebrated with merriment, kites, street plays, folk art performances and exotic food all over India and especially in Jaipur every year on January 14. The International Kite Festival fill the Jaipur soul with gay rainbow colors and a general happy mood. People from all over the world come and participate in the International Kite Festival with joyous enthusiasm. Entire Jaipur springs to life with paper kites, kite exhibitions, sessions on the history of kite flying, dance dramas and other festive celebrations. The International Kite festival in Jaipur has two main occasions; one the “Kite Fight” and the other the “friendly Kite flying” session. You’ll be amazed to see the innovative shapes and colors that adorn the Jaipur skies during the International Kite Festival. The three-day kite festival is celebrated in the Jaipur polo grounds. On the final day of the festivities air force helicopters release hundreds of colorful kites in the blue skies and school children release balloons that fill the skies in vibrant hues of happiness and gay abandon. The final day of the International Kite Festival in Jaipur is celebrated on the Umaid Bhawan Palace lawns with a lot of pomp and fanfare.

Religious Places
Laxmi Narayan Temple: Tour the Laxmi Narayan temple located below the Moti Doongri in Southern Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Constructed by the famous Birla family, the Laxmi Narayan temple in Jaipur is an excellent illustration of the secular spirit of India. The entire temple structure has been constructed in such a way that the building rises in a tiered form with three distinct domes representing three different faiths. The splendid Laxmi Narayan temple in Jaipur has been built in such a manner that the entire shrine begins to glow with a soft light as soon as the sun begins to set, creating a picture pretty vista against the glorious Jaipur skyline.
Dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity and the Lord of preservation, the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Popularly referred to as the Birla Mandir, the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Jaipur is managed by the B.M. Birla Foundation. A similar temple build on similar lines has been constructed in Delhi also. Come and explore the architectural wealth of Jaipur with Rajasthan Holiday and discover the inherent charm of the fascinating and royal Pink City.

Attractions
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is located in the Tripolia Bazaar to the west of GPO. Built to let the ladies of royal harem watch the royal possessions, Hawa Mahal is not a palace as the name suggests. Hawa Mahal is the part of the east wall of the City Palace complex. Most well known of Jaipur’s buildings, you can have the best views of this great building from the street outside.

The City Palace
A major part of the City Palace has been converted in a museum. Remaining part of the palace is still being used by the royal family of Jaipur as residence. The palace is built in the fortified campus style and covers almost seventh part of Jaipur. There are different sections of the museum dedicated to subjects like arms and ammunition, textile and costume, and art gallery.
Some important palaces in this complex include the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-I-Aam, and Diwan-I-Khas.

Jantar Mantar
Translated into ‘Instruments of Measuring the Harmony of the Heavens’, Jantar Mantar was built by Sawai Jai Singh between 1728 and 1734. Jantar Mantar is a grand celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading. Major Yantras or instruments that you can watch moving clockwise are:
1. Small ‘Samrat’
2. ‘Dhruva’
3. ‘Narivalya’
4. The Observer’s Seat
5. Small ‘Kranti’
6. ‘Raj’
7. ‘Unnathamsa’
8. ‘Disha’
9. ‘Dakshina’
10. Large ‘Samrat’
11. ‘Rashivalayas’
12. ‘Jai Prakash’
13. Small ‘Ram’
14. Large ‘Ram Yantra’
15. ‘Diganta’
16. Large ‘Kranti’

Nahargarh
Most of the fort is now in the ruins but it is a pleasant attraction in terms of stunning views you get from here of the countryside. There are few visitors here and solitude inside the ramparts of the fort makes the fort worthy of a good visit. The fort is lit beautifully in the night and dominates the skyline by the day.

Central Museum
Earlier known as Albert Hall, this building was built to welcome Prince of Welcome during his visit to India in 1853. The building is located in sprawling Ram Niwas Garden and houses precious collections of metalware, miniature portraits, and other pieces of art.

Kanak Valley
Welcome to Kanak Valley, a world of temples, chattris and cenotaphs interspersed with watercourses, ponds, dense greens and marble pavilions with brightly colored frescoes depicting Krishna lilas. All this and more stand in bright contrast to the seer Aravalli ranges known for their yellow craggy rock surfaces. Mountain brooks, hill streams and lush greens create a wonder oasis in the midst of a barren land. In fact centuries ago when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh happened upon this paradise he was so enchanted that he christened it as Kanak Vrindavan i.e. a land that was just like the legendary Vrindavan of Lord Krishna. The Kanak Valley in Jaipur lies at a little distance from the Amber Fort and is the wonder world that is nourished with the River Dharbawati that has now been reduced to a hill lake. The Govind Deoji Temple and the Natwarji temple are the two most sacred shrines located in the Kanak Valley in Jaipur. The people of Jaipur consider the Kanak Valley so sacred that even today the Gangaur and other religious processions stopover at the Kanak Valley before going further. There are several royal cenotaphs in the Kanak Valley that are nothing short of architectural wonders with exquisite jail designs, intricate lattice work and fascinating marble friezes.

Shopping/Clothing
Jaipur offers one of a kind shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching jewellery, beautiful gems, semi precious stones, kundan and minakri work (enamel work on gold). Beautiful cotton fabric including sanganeri prints, tie-dye, and fine kota doria saries are the best buys for women. The exotic blue pottery, enamel ware and brass ware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items. The city is also famous for woollen carpets and cotton rugs, equally popular are the leather footwear, especially that embroidered Jutes.The famous shopping spots are Rajasthali, Johari Bazaar, MI road, Nehru Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Chapur stalls. The markets are generally closed on Sundays.Markets are generally open from 10:30 am till 5:30 pm and are closed on Sundays.Rajasthan Cottage Industries at Shilpgram Complex, Golomar Garden sells a wide range of silver jewellery, furniture, textiles and hand made paper.

Activity for Kids
Amusement Parks
Wonderland and Fun Kingdom (telephone: 91-141-397505, 395432 ) are outdoor parks where the kids can have all the fun they want. It�s a huge hit with kids of all ages! For more information on Wonderland, you can ring : 91-141-60954. Pink Pearl Water theme Park, on the Ajmer Road. (Telephone: 91-141-370670, 381988)

Zoo
Jaipur zoo houses a rarely found white peacock and a white lion amongst lots of other birds and four legged creatures. A must visit only for these speciesFor the hip and trendy teenager, a trip to the Megabowl is a must. It is one of the largest indoor amusement centre at Malviya Nagar that has the latest computer/video games and a bowling alley.

Birla Planetarium
Statue circle
The Birla Planetarium is at the BM Birla Science & Technology Centre offers unique audio-visual educational and entertainment with its modern computerised projections system.

Pink Pearl Water Park
Ajmer Road, phone: 370670, 381988.

Important Getaways
There are many places to visit around the city of Jaipur. One can see the amazing step wells and Harshad Mata Temple at Abhaneri and the Krishna Temples of Karauli. Rajasthani handicrafts are very famous and you can have the first-hand experience of the traditional block-printing process at Bagru and see the small-scale industry of handmade paper flourishing in Sanganer. Besides, one can also see the Jain Temples at Sanganer. The adventure-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts would love to visit the best-known Tiger reserve in India, Ranthambore National Park and the Sariska National Park. Samode Palace is exquisitely beautiful and has been preserved in a good condition while the Persian art of Tonk, which was once ruled by ‘Pathans’ of Afghanistan, is sure to grab the attention of the tourists. The charms never cease to amaze tourists in and around Jaipur.

Abhaneri
95 km from Jaipur, the village of Abhaneri is situated on the Jaipur-Agra road and is especially notable for ‘baoris’, the step wells that are an indigenous invention of the local people at rainwater harvesting. Besides these ‘baoris’, the Harshat Mata Temple is worth visiting, who is the Goddess of Mirth and Happiness. According to the local beliefs, Goddess Harshat Mata is always depicted in a jolly mood and is said to impart her mirth and happiness as brightness to the whole village. ‘Abha’ means brightness in Hindi. Thus, the village was originally named ‘Abha Nagri’, which in time was corrupted to Abhaneri.

Bagru
30 km from Jaipur, Bagru is situated on the Jaipur-Ajmer Road. The town is especially famous for the typical wooden block prints that are famous as Bagru prints all over India. The technique used for printing is also unique and simulates a wooden block print. Mostly ethnic floral patterns are used and typically vegetable dyes are used for traditional Bagru Prints.

Karauli
182 km from Jaipur, Karauli is known mainly for its famous Krishna temple known as Madan Mohanji Temple and other historic monuments. The village was founded in 1348 and it is the 600-year old Fort, which forms the imposing highlight of this village. Used as a residence by the royal family until 1950, the fort has now been abandoned by them. There are a good number of monkeys and geese in the fort. It is said that geese are here since the days when they were used as a warning system against any intruders. The large manor known as Bhawar Vilas Palace still belongs to the descendents of the royal family and has now been converted into a hotel. It offers comfy and luxurious rooms and good meals. One can reach Karauli by road from Jaipur.

Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambhore National Park has once been the princely game conserve, lying at the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas in eastern Rajasthan. Known for the Indian Tigers, it also boasts of a tenth century fort, Dhok sands, plateau grasslands, meadows in valleys and lush green foliage around the canals. It has three big lakes Padam Talab, Malik Talab and Raj Bagh that abound with aquatic vegetation such as duckweeds, lilies and lotus. The ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range, is a unique geological feature, whereas two rivers known as Chambal and Banas flow across the park. Besides the tiger, which is the chief attraction here, other fauna of the park includes Owlets, Langurs, Leopards, Caracals, Hyenas, Jackals, Jungle Cats, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boars, Bears and various species of Deer.

Samode
40 km from Jaipur, the fortified residence of the Nathawat family is a charming and romantic citadel that exhibits grandeur, good taste, class and elegance worthy of the erstwhile Prime Ministers of the Jaipur Royal Court. The main entrance of the fort is through the village and one can opt for camel safari to ride across the village with hardy desert people flashing warm smiles and extending cordial hospitality. The medieval architecture of the fort reflects oriental formality. 43 spacious rooms and suites surround the centrally located open courtyards and boast of their very own having private balconies and views.

Sanganer
16 km from Jaipur, Sanganer is known not only for its exquisite Jain temples but also as one of the world-famous centre for crafts and hand-printed textiles. The ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple of Sanganer has fine carvings that are comparable to the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu that are built in various phases. Built in old architectural style, the latest additions were made to the temple in the 10th century. It has sky-high ’shikharas’ (spires) and the inner sanctum is a stone shrine with three pinnacles housing the idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods surrounded by carvings of religious symbols such as lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. However, the presiding deity of the temple is Adinath.

Sariska National Park
107 km from Jaipur, Sariska National Park is larger than Ranthambor and has a similar topography. However, it does not have so many tigers and has not been so commercialized. Sprawling across an area of 800 sq km in the Northern Aravalis, it was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979. The steep hills and narrow valleys, scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses make a natural habitat for wide range of wildlife that exhibits ecological adoption and tolerance. Legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar, it boasts of historic pavilions and temples and the Kankwadi Fort nearby, which has a long and turbulent history. The best place and time to spot the wildlife and viewing game at Sariska is at the water holes at sunrise and dusk, when animals come here to drink water.

Tonk
96 km away from Jaipur, Tonk is a small and peaceful town. Once ruled by the tribes said to be descendents of ‘Pathans’ from Afghanistan, the highlight of the city is the Sunehri Kothi or the Golden Bungalow. The monument has stark and simple exteriors but its lavish and ornamental interiors are quite charming. The other monuments that are worth passing through are the old buildings that were once occupied by the British office. The leather and the felt industry of Tonk are also famous and one can get some good bargain on leather and felt items from the place. The Persian arts and crafts are prevalent in Tonk and those who are interested can also visit the library of Nawab of Tonk, which boasts of a good number of Arabic and Persian manuscripts and the Arabic and Persian Research Institute.

Nightlife/Entertainment
The Polo Bar
Rambagh Palace hotel,
Bhawani Singh Road,
Tel: 2381919
Decorated with polo trophies won by the late Maharaja of Jaipur, it is rated amongst the finest bars in the world. Steam, at the same hotel is located in a very unique setting of a steam engine. It is Jaipur’s first and original “pub on wheels”. is a popular watering hole.

Chokhi Dhani
Near Jaipur airport
Tel: 2770555
Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort with a blend of rustic environment and modern amenities makes it your favorite destination in Pink City.
Chokhi Dhani Resort literally meaning the “Fine Hamlet” is a 5 star Ethnic resort, the only one of its kind in the country. With quaint mud and thatch dwellings set in sprawling acreage of land, it serves ethnic Rajasthani vegetarian cuisine. Traditional folk performance is organised alongside.

Geoffrey’s
The Park Plaza Hotel,
Prithviraj Road
Tel: 0141 – 2339668/2336205
Geoffrey’s the hotel pub delights you with a wide range of delectable dishes and wines on its menu.

Apna Gaon
Jaipur Sikar Road,
Tel: 331582
Serves authentic local cuisine amidst recreated village atmosphere. Entertainment here comes from puppet shows and folk dances. Most delicacies served here are made from vegetables grown on the same farm.

Dreamland
Gaurav Tower,
Malviya Nagar,
Tel: 2549487
Indoor family fun centre open from 11 am to 11 pm has discotheques, video games and fun rides.
Welcomgroup Rajputana Palace Sheraton
Every evening from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the it-out area.
The show includes Kalbelia Dancers,Puppeteers and Bhopas that display Rajasthan’s rich heritage.

Band Playing
Ram Niwas Bagh
An age old tradition of “Band Playing” has been revived by the Department of Tourism and is held every Saturday evening.

Travel Tips

• While using local transport be it taxis or auto rickshaws, make sure that they down the meter. You may get fleeced.
• Summers can be scorching hot and winters piercing cold.
• Always have a couple of extra rolls / batteries for you camera, there is lots you can shoot.
• Make sure you get a road map if you are planning to do the tour of the city on your own on foot. Local shop owners are helpful but it is always safer to ask a police man for directions.

Important Landmarks
Sargasuli
The tower erected in the mid-18th century by Maharaja Ishwari Singh to commemorate a battle victory dominates the skyline on the western side of Tripolia Bazaar and is the highest structure in Jaipur.

Ram Nivas Bagh
A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium and a museum. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II as a famine relief project in 1868. Rabindra Manch here with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air theatre hosts cultural events.

Statue circle
The full length exquisitely carved statue of Sawai Jai Singh in white marble stands at the centre of the circle.

Dolls Museum
Near Police memorial
Open:12noon to 7 pm.
Pretty dolls from various countries are on display within the complex of a school for deaf and dumb.

Tipping
10% in all locations

Eateries of Jaipur
Taj Rambagh amphitheatre offers both traditional entertainment and Tandoori cuisine to its guests. There are multicuisine restaurants here too. Lakshmi Misthaan Bhandaar or LMB is well known for serving sumptuous Rajasthani cuisine including famous dessert of Jaipur, ‘ghewar’. There are many good multi-cuisine restaurants at Ganapati Plaza, while one can get real taste of Rajasthan at Tonk Road and Choki Dhani. However, these places offer only vegetarian traditional meals in their rustic way with lots of desi ghee and no tables unlike the sophisticated ways of big and famous restaurants in the city. Here, you can also enjoy the folk performances and a camel ride before lunch or dinner. There are several world-class multicuisine restaurants offering Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine at MI Road. The palace turned hotels have some quality bars and multicuisine restaurants too such as Hotel Maharani Palace, Hotel Rambagh Palace, Hotel Mansingh Palace and Hotel Jai Mahal Palace . To savor South Indian food or nibble on fast food, Subhash Marg is a good place to explore. ‘Niro’s’ specializes in Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian, Chinese and Continental food along with American Ice Cream Sodas, while ‘Golden Dragon’ is known for its perfect Chinese cuisine. For a nibble in reasonable prices, ‘Copper Chimney’, ‘Indian Coffee House’ and ‘Chanakya Restaurant’ are good places to choose from. All of the above are situated on MI Road. Those who love to drink must visit ‘Polo Bar’ at the Rambagh Palace.

Emergency Contact No.s
Police 100
Ambulance 102
Crime police 1090
Sawai Man Singh Hospital 2560291, 2560392
Foreighners registration office 2669391
Forest Reception Office 2241333

If you are planning to visit Jaipur, You can visit the Jaipur Accommodation Guide. If you have any queries regarding Jaipur, you can ask the Jaipur City Expert and get answers within 24 hrs for free.

Labels: City Guide.

India Spa Resorts -Editor’s choice

TYPES OF SPAS

There are several types of spas: day spa; salon/spa; destination spa; resort spa; hotel spa; club and medispa.

The day spa offers spa treatments, such as massages, facials and body treatments, on a day-use basis. Most offer manicures and pedicures as well. Many hair salons have added day spas, which allow you to combine spa and beauty services in one day.

Facilities will vary at day spas, but most have treatment rooms, a mediation or waiting room, and a locker room with showers. A “wet room” is a tiled room with special shower facilities for more elaborate body treatments. Hydrotherapy tubs are not that common at day spas, but desirable.

The Destination Spa offers a complete spa experience in an overnight setting (most require a two or three-night minimum stay.) Its sole purpose is to provide mind and body fitness, healthy eating, spa treatments and relaxation.

There is a great range in terms of size, style and luxury, but the facilities should be more elaborate and extensive than the average days spa. Ideally it will have hydrotherapy tubs, wet rooms, steambaths, saunas and some unusual treatments. Expect a wide selection of exercise and stress reduction classes, as well as outdoor activities. It should have gyms for working out, swimming pools, tennis courts, and sometimes Pilates studios. Classes and lectures are part of the programming. Healthy spa cuisine is generally included in the price. While some treatments are included, you will probably want additional services. Some destination spas allow non-guests to book services on a day use basis. Others are limited to guests.

The Resort Spa is a facility that is just one of the many guest amenities at the resort, not the sole or primary attraction. This can be a good choice when one person loves spas and the other loves golf. Check your package: treatments and exercise classes may not be included. Meals are almost certainly a la carte. While there will be some spa cuisine, you can wash down your steak with a bottle of wine. (Some destination spas forbid alcohol.)

The Club spa is attached to a fitness club, and the Hotel Spa is generally a luxury facility attached to an upscale urban hotel. Finally, the medispa has been popping up in large cities. It offers treatments that require a doctor’s supervision, such as laser resurfacing and Botox injections, in addition to traditional spa services.

Rajvilas, Jaipur

Location : 20 kms from Airport. 12 kms from Railway Station.
Star Rating : Heritage Hotel
Total Rooms : 71 Rooms
Amenities : Business Centre, Conference facilites, Beauty Parlour, Shopping Arcade….

Reminiscent of a princely fortress, the Oberoi Rajvilas revives the gracious lifestyles of the legendary Rajput princes. The resort is situated in 32 acres of beautiful gardens and reflection pools. This elegant oasis of opulence reflects Indian craftmanship. There is a large lotus-filled pond with a 250-year-old Hindu temple in the centre. Rich in architecture, with fine cuisine and impeccable service, the Oberoi Rajvilas has consistently been rated among the best in the world.

DESCRIPTION OF RAJVILAS
Set in a princely oasis of thirty-two acres of beautiful gardens, pools and exotic fountains right in the heart of Rajasthan, The Oberoi Rajvilas must be the perfect way to experience the palatial treasures of Jaipur. Thirty minutes by car from Jaipur Airport and just 8 kilometres from the famous ‘Pink City’, Rajvilas is a palace in itself with decorated arches, colonnades, pillars, heavenly reflective pools, cool beautiful interiors and tented ceilings hung with silk.

At Rajvilas one can relive the gracious lifestyle of India’s legendary Princes in incomparably elegant surroundings, and yet enjoy all the modern comforts of the 21st century and the very best of Western and Oriental therapies in the fabulous spa. Superb attention to detail, warm, effortless service, the beauty of harmonious spaces and exquisite buildings all combine to produce a tranquil and romantic experience. Guests find that there is something magical about Rajvilas.

Location of Raj Vilas, Jaipur
10 Kms from Kottayam. 78 kms from Cochin.

Getting There
The resort is a 30-minute drive from Jaipur Airport. Flights can be arranged from Palam Airport, New Delhi to Jaipur Airport (flight time is approximately 35 minutes). Flights from Sahar Airport, Mumbai take 90 minutes.

Facilities at Raj Vilas, Jaipur
The resort has a magnificent heated swimming pool, jogging track, five-hole pitch and putting green and two tennis courts. Elephant rides and safaris can easily be arranged. A beautifully restored old Rajasthani mansion houses the exclusive Spa at the Oberoi Rajvilas. Surrounded by tranquil gardens that look like they have been reproduced from an Indian painting, the Spa features therapy suites, steam rooms, saunas as well as plunge pools. The treatments at the Spa range from Ayurveda to aromatherapy. An early morning session of yoga in the gardens is the best way to begin the day at this exceptional resort.

Amenities at Raj Vilas, Jaipur
Business Centre, Conference facilites, Beauty Parlour, Shopping Arcade, Health Club, Shopping Arcade, Swimming Pool, Tennis.

Accomodation at Raj Vilas, Jaipur
The hotel is located in 32 acres of lush gardens and water bodies. It has deluxe rooms, air-conditioned luxury tents and villas with private swimming pools.

Deluxe rooms have an area of 42 sq meters; luxury tents with outdoor decks have an area of 45 sq meters and villas with their private 40 ft swimming pools, outdoor dining pavilions and gardens each occupy an area of 355 sq metres has a 60 ft swimming pool, 2 bedrooms, a private sauna and living and dining rooms.

Rooms and villas with their own swimming pools are arranged in clusters around private courtyards in a traditional Rajasthani setting. All rooms have four-poster beds and sunken marble baths that overlook private walled gardens.

Dining
The Surya Mahal restaurant, with sculpted sandstone pillars, arches and handcrafted brass doors, offers Indian and continental cuisine, complemented by a selection of tempting fusion cuisine. There is also an option for alfresco dining, to the accompaniment of both classical Indian music and traditional Rajasthani folk dances in the courtyard outside the restaurant. Or enjoy some privacy by dining in the intimacy of your own room.

Local Attractions
The Oberoi Rajvilas is only eight kilometres from the magical pink city of Jaipur, with its many forts and palaces. Pink houses with latticed windows line the streets. The city has several beautiful buildings including the Amber Fort, the enchanting Hawa Mahal and the City Palace, which is guarded by stone elephants. The Nahargarh Fort has splendid views of the city of Jaipur. There are excursions to many other wonderful sites. Local bazaars and markets display a dazzling variety of traditional arts and handicrafts, as well as jewellery and gems. Jaipur is famous for its exquisite blue pottery, block-printed textiles, carpets and marble. Fabulous gems, both antique and contemporary, can be purchased at the hotel or in Jaipur.

Prices will vary depending on where you live and the spa’s luxury factor. A smaller day spa outside a major city will have lower prices: a fifty minute Swedish massage for $75; a European facial for $65; a half-hour body scrub for $40. Prices at a more luxurious spa in a bigger city might be $95 for the massage; $90 for the facial; and $60 for the half-hour scrub. Manicures range between $20 and $35; pedicures between $45 and $65.

Destination spas can vary a great deal in the luxuries and amenities they offer, so there is a wide price range. Prices begin at around $200 per person, per night (double occupancy), including meals and some treatments, for more rustic destination spas, usually with a two-night minimum. A top-of-the-line spa like Ananda Spa Resort has a three-night minimum and can run $600 per person, per night (double occupancy) including meals and some treatments. And once you get there, you’ll probably want more services and treatments than come with your allowance.

Always check to see what’s included. Meals? Treatments? Tax? Service fees? And some resort spas even charge extra for yoga or aerobic classes

You can save by traveling off-season, planning your stay during the week rather than on weekends, and looking for special bring-a-friend programs. You can also make the most of your time by arriving early in the morning on your first day and leaving late your last day.

SAVING ON YOUR SPA HOLIDAYS

How do you make sure you’re getting the best price on a spa vacation?

First, make sure you understand what kind of spa you’re visiting, and what’s included. A destination spa can be expensive, with prices ranging from $150 to $600 a day per person. But that includes all your meals, most classes and activities, and may even include some spa treatments like massage or facials. Always check to see if tax and service fees are included. They can add a hefty 25%. And you’re likely to want more treatments, so budget that in.

A spa resort, on the other hand, might have an alluring room rate of $150 a night, a great golf course and six swimming pools. But you’ll be paying for all your meals and treatments. They won’t offer as many exercise classes. And you may have to pay $10 or $15 for every yoga class you want to take – or even to have access to the gym and steam room.

Here are some money-saving tips:

* Stay during the week for the lowest rates. Destination spas usually have a three-night minimum. A Thursday night arrival will cost more than a Sunday night arrival.

* Travel off-season. In the Northern part of India , rates are higher in the winter, lower in the summer. It’s the reverse in the Southern part of India and Goa.

* If there is a particular spa you want to experience, get in touch with us. We will let you know about any special savings programs.

* Look at destination spas that are known for good value, like the Ananda in Rishikesh, Amar Vilas Agra, Pousada Tauma Goa etc. . They are rustic, but offer a healthy holiday at an affordable price.

* Some spas are copying the airlines with “frequent spa-er” programs.Ananda Spa Resort in Rishikesh, AMar Vilas Agra, Golden Palms Bangalore etc offer these facilities.

* Deals are always changing. Get in Touch with us by calling our
24 hour helpline number +91-11-29812200, +919873100810 or
send us a mail at info@sparesortsindia.com

Gazans despair over blockade

Aleem Maqbool
BBC News, Ramallah

Many Gazans are dependent on food aid

“People in Gaza are waiting in lines for almost everything, and that’s if they’re lucky enough to find something to wait for,” says Bassam Nasser, 39.

An aid worker in Gaza City, he, like so many others there, including the UN relief agency, says living conditions are the worst he has ever seen in the strip.

“People queue for two or three hours for bread, but sometimes there’s no cooking gas or flour, so no bread.

“People wait in line for UN food handouts, but sometimes there aren’t any. The suffering is reaching every aspect of life.”

As well as working for an American development agency, Mr Nasser is a Gazan, and a father.

“I’ve got three young children. It’s difficult to explain to them that it’s not my fault we don’t have electricity and that it’s not in my control.”

‘Severely stretched’

Since June 2007, Israel has allowed little more than basic humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip.

Many there hoped that policy would change, five months ago, when Hamas and Israel agreed to a truce.

Gazans describe life under blockade

But while there were some increases in the amount of aid allowed in, Israel’s strict restrictions on the movement of goods and people into and out of Gaza largely remained.

Two weeks ago, an already fragile humanitarian situation resulting from the mounting effects of months of shortages, saw a dramatic downturn.

The fighting resumed, with an Israeli army incursion into Gaza and a retaliatory barrage of militant rocket fire. With that, Israel all-but shut the Gaza Strip.

Although there are some goods being smuggled into Gaza through tunnels from Egypt, little else is reaching the territory.

Serious fuel shortages have led to widespread power cuts across Gaza City. That, in turn, has caused problems in pumping water to homes, and sewage to treatment plants.

Israel is preventing many aid workers, and all journalists from entering Gaza too, so our interviews have had to be conducted over the telephone.

It’s so hard to see where the hope is, and so hard to stop these conditions breeding more hatred Bassam Nasser, aid worker, Gaza

“I never thought we would see days like this,” says Monther Shublak, head of Gaza’s water authority.

“The water system was severely stretched even before this crisis, but now, things are much worse.

“For the last four days, around 40% of people in Gaza City have had no access to running water in their homes at all.”

“People ask me ‘When will we get water?’ I simply can’t answer them,” Mr Shublak says.

“But we are putting all of our resources into sewage pumping. The health consequences of that system totally failing are too worrying to think about, but it could happen unless things change.”

Alongside attacks by its military, Israel’s government says its Gaza closure strategy aims to deter Palestinian militants from firing rockets across the border at Israeli towns.

It also wants to choke Hamas, the Islamist faction in charge of Gaza, an enemy Israel sees as one of its most deadly.

But the rockets keep being launched and Hamas shows few signs of losing its grip on power.

Question of blame

There is much discussion among Palestinians as to why this sudden increase in pressure on Gaza is happening now.

Some say Israel is preparing for a big invasion; others feel there is an element of political posturing ahead of an Israeli general election in February.

Guide: Gaza under blockade

Many will tell you that they feel a time of deep division in Palestinian society is being taken advantage of.

Few take Israel’s explanation, that it is only protecting its citizens from the horror of rocket attacks, at face value.

“Isn’t it enough that their army kills the people who fire rockets?” asks Mr Nasser.

“We are not responsible, so why are we all being punished? It makes no sense.”

He talks of the long-term impact on children in Gaza, including his own, aged six, five and two.

“It’s getting harder for us to answer our childrens’ questions about the situation, without instilling hatred in their minds about the people responsible for our suffering,” he says.

He does not just mean the Israeli government.

“People here see everyone as responsible for their miserable lives. They see Israel closing Gaza, but they also see people around the world doing nothing.

“They see Hamas making things worse by using the blockade as an excuse not to be accountable, and they do whatever they like.

“People see the silence of the PA, [the Fatah-dominated Palestinian government in the West Bank] and blame them too,” he says.

“It’s so hard to see where the hope is, and so hard to stop these conditions breeding more hatred.”

Afghans -schoolgirl acid attackers arested

Afghan authorities have arrested 10 Taliban insurgents who threw acid in the faces of schoolgirls in southern Afghanistan, an official said on Tuesday.

President Hamid Karzai ordered the arrest of the culprits and said they would be executed in public after the attack on eight schoolgirls and four female teachers in the southern city of Kandahar this month.

General Mohammad Daud Daud, the deputy interior minister tasked to deal with incident, said authorities had arrested 10 men in recent days in connection to the attack.

“The attack was the work of the Taliban and we have not finalized our investigation,” Daud told reporters in Kandahar.

The Taliban barred girls from education while they were in power from 1996 until U.S.-led and Afghan forces toppled the hardline Islamist movement in 2001, but the militants denied any involvement in the acid attack.

Violence has surged to its worst level this year in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s removal. The ongoing insecurity, as well as attacks targeting schools and teachers, have stopped tens of thousands of Afghan students attending classes.

bbcworldnews.com/reuters.com