H.E. Mr. Ajai Malhotra, Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation, met with Academician Yury S. Osipov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in Moscow on February 6, 2012.
Both sides agreed to boost India-Russia scientific and technological cooperation, which has been the most extensive S&T collaboration effort for either country. They also agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the Indian National Science Academy and the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Ambassador Malhotra revealed that the next session of the Indo-Russian ILTP Joint Council would be held in New Delhi, India, in April 2012. It may be recalled that the India-Russia Integrated Long Term Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology (ILTP) begun in 1987 was renewed for a further ten years from 21st December 2010, with a new mandate to promote innovation led technology cooperation.
Ambassador Malhotra also proposed the establishment of an Indo-Russian Mathematical Network, which was welcomed by Academician Osipov, who is himself a reputed mathematician. This would enhance the traditional strength of both countries in mathematics. It may be recalled that India has declared 2012 as National Mathematical Year to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan.
The discussion also covered climate change, biodiversity and other global environmental issues of common interest and concern.
Russian chopper Mi-17V5 formally inducted into IAF
PTI
New Delhi: India formally inducted its latest Mi-17 V5 armed helicopters from Russia to enhance its operational capabilities including carrying troops and cargo to high altitude areas. Marking the formal commissioning of the choppers in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Defence Minister A K Antony symbolically handed over its keys to the Commanding Officer of one of the units operating the machines.
"The new Mi-17 helicopters will help in adding muscle to IAF's capabilities to carry out operations assigned to it", the Defence Minister said while addressing the gathering of senior IAF officials.
India has placed orders for 80 such choppers from Russia and the first batch was inducted in the last week of September last year. The first three units of the helicopters will be raised at Bhatinda (Punjab), Srinagar (J-K) and Bagdogra (West Bengal).
Over 20 such flying machines have already arrived and are deployed at various locations in the northern sector, Air Force officials said. The MI-17 V5 falls in armed helicopter category, with substantial and effective firepower. It has the latest and more powerful engines that will enhance its payload carrying capability at higher altitudes.
"The Mi-17 V5 is an upgrade of Mi-17 choppers in the medium-lift category and is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and on board navigation nystems," IAF officials said. On the machine's capabilities, they said, "It has on- board weather radar, state-of-the-art autopilot and is compatible with the latest generation night vision goggles."
The Mi-17 variants have operated in various types of terrain, including Siachen Glacier, and have also proven their mettle in UN missions.
Where do Indian students meet in Moscow?
Dmitry Zaika, RIR: Russia and India report
Here is a place in Moscow that even a Muscovite would find rather difficult to reach. It is situated close to the last metro station in a spot that always seems crowded and filled with buses and taxis. Waiting in the queue for tickets, you can hear a question asked in Spanish or Swahili. You can answer in French or Chinese – and you will be understood. It is here in the southwest of the capital that people from around the world have been drawn together for 50 years now – it is Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.
Indian students association always works with the University, the Embassy of India in Moscow and all Indian communities to promote Indian culture in Russia and other countries. Main festivals which are organised by Indian students every year are Durga Puja and Rhythm of Unity. Durga puja is arranged with the help of different Indian local communities for the last 18 years in Moscow, and PFUR has become a symbol of Durga puja as a spot of festival. Rhythm of Unity is organised by the Indian students in May every year to show Indian culture in PFUR. On this day Indian PFUR alumni are invited to share their experience with new generation, as well as on the annual day of PFUR there is an opportunity to share the experience of alumni with newcomers.
Despite freezing weather, students flock near the PFUR (russian RUDN) building, as usual. Some Africans wearing national consumes are obviously waiting for someone. Finally, they see their friends – a motorcade of Mercedes vehicles with national flags drives into the square in front of the university. Men wearing formal suits step out of the cars and it would appear they could not have anything in common with the students. Yet, before walking towards the building, they dive into car boots and suddenly re-emerge wearing colourful costumes. Pearly-white African smiles explain everything – the guests are gathering for a celebration.
In early February, the university marks its anniversary. This year PFUR turned 52, so you can still meet its first alumni. Everyone hurries to the convention hall, where the Rector, Academician Filippov, speaks about the heights the university has reached during this comparatively short term: “PFUR is the leading Russian university in terms of joint master’s programmes with leading universities of the world, which guarantees the high competitiveness of our alumni on the job market.
Delegations of alumni and officials at the 52nd PFUR anniversary
Iran – three people
India – more than 40 people
China – about 20 people (official delegation)
Mauritius, Indonesia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Dominican Republic – five people each
Costa Rica – three people
Afghan community – more than 50 people
Bangladesh – more than 25 people
Vietnam – about 15 people
Indian students in PFUR
Till now more than 1200 Indian students passed out from RUDN. About 80 % graduates (800 students) obtained a degree in medical faculty, 12 % (250 students) majored in engineering and the rest 8% (200 students) studied in different faculties like public relations, MBA, hotel management and Russian teaching course. At present time the ratio between boys and girls is 10:1. After graduating from PFUR, lots of Indian doctors work in famous hospitals all over India, and abroad. And lots of Indians are well settled in Russia also with high positions.At the moment there are 53 students from India, nine of them having been accepted this academic year.