General Elections - 2009 : The General Elections are almost here. As the nation buzzes with election fever, we bring you useful information to help you cast your vote. This section gives you details on the nature and process of Lok Sabha elections as well as facts about the phases of voting, schedule and constituency maps. It also lists online services offered by the government such as searching electoral rolls and application for press passes. India is the largest democracy in the world and to ensure that the new government is truly representative of the wishes of the people, it is necessary for every citizen above the age of 18 years to vote.

Sectors : Ten sectors of the sectors section of the Portal have been updated with new content and figures based on India Book, 2009. These freshly revamped sectors are namely; Agriculture, Commerce and Industries, Finance, Communications and Information Technology, Science and Technology, Defence, Education, Rural Development, Water Resources and Transport. Going through the Agricultural Sector, one may view the latest figures on crop protection schemes, seeds, organic farming, rearing of livestock and agricultural mechanization. The Defence Sector dwells on recruitment in different branches of the military while the Education Sector showcases the Teacher Education Scheme. Check out the latest facts and statistics about these and other sectors as well as learn about the new technological developments designed for the growth and advancement of the country in this newly updated section of the National Portal of India.

Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation : This new module in our Business section gives entrepreneurs useful information on the acquisition and requisition of property. It enumerates the various legislations and policies formulated in this regard, such as the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and the National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation. This section also talks about the problems that may crop up while planning to acquire land with regard to environmental hazards, Government permission, compensation to displaced people and so on. As land is a vital resource for the growth of the economy, various units have been constituted to deal with land matters in both urban and rural areas.

The growth and profitability of a company in a continuously changing business environment has a lot to do with the timeliness and accuracy of information received. Keeping this in mind, we have updated details, links and figures in some modules of our business section. These modules include Foreign Trade Policy, Trade Agreements, International Trade Trends, Banks and Registration of Foreign Venture Capital Funds.

Ram Navami : This festival marks the birthday of Lord Rama. It is celebrated with a special puja at midday, the birth time of Lord Rama. Later, a procession in which a chariot carrying persons dressed as Rama, his brother Laxman, his wife Sita and his disciple Hanuman is taken out in great splendour.

Mahavir Jayanti : Also known as the birthday of Lord Mahavira, this festival is remembered with peaceful processions, lectures, fasts and the offering of prayers. Jain temples all over India are decorated with flags and members of the community present offerings of milk, fruits, incense and so on.

Easter : Easter is held on the Sunday following Good Friday. It marks the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth after his death on the cross and is also the end of the 40 day period of fasting called Lent. This occasion is celebrated with special prayers at churches, feasts and the purchase of new clothes.

Baisakhi : This traditional harvest festival is celebrated under various names around the country. In some parts it marks the start of the solar New Year. For the Sikhs, it is the day when the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth. Baisakhi also marks the establishment of the Arya Samaj and the day Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana.

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