Direct Taxes Code, 2009: The Spotlight this month focuses on the Direct Taxes Code, which was recently released for public debate by the Finance Minister. This Code seeks to create an efficient and equitable direct tax system by merging and modifying the laws relating to all direct taxes, that is, income-tax, dividend distribution tax, fringe benefit tax and wealth-tax.

We tell you how this Code aims to encourage voluntary tax compliance and a progressive tax regime by doing away with distortions in the current tax structure, setting up moderate levels of taxation, expanding the tax base and making the drafting language much simpler. We also inform you about the new online rating and comment system that allows you to send in your feedback to the Government regarding this important initiative.

India.gov.in receives eIndia Award: We are pleased to inform you that the National Portal of India has won the award for the 'Government to Citizens Initiative of the Year', in the eGovernance track, at the e-India 2009 Awards, held last month in Hyderabad. The Portal, india.gov.in, is the most comprehensive single window source of information, web links and online services of various units of the Indian Government. With this award, the National Portal of India adds another feather to its cap.

Travel and Tourism: The rich culture, ancient history and diverse landscape of the country, make India an attractive destination for tourists, both domestic and international. This module of our Citizen Section has been updated with a new segment that contains a State-wise list of beaches, hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries. It also provides links to accommodation, tourist offices, maps, tour packages and much more in each State. If you are planning a vacation in India, then browse through this section to make sure you don't miss out on the most popular tourist spots.

Overseas: The Overseas Section caters to the information needs of Indians living abroad as well as foreign nationals who wish to visit India. The content of some modules of this section have been revamped with the inclusion of up-to-date information to make the process of travelling to India much easier. These topics consist of general details on travel formalities such as visa procedure, travel vaccinations, travel advisory, currency, customs rules, passport, insurance and much more.

India has also recently emerged as a top destination for pursuing further studies in fields such as engineering, medicine, liberal arts and management. The 'Study in India' module of this section has been updated with useful information on government scholarships, educational consultants, living in India, a list of frequently asked questions and a lot more. Foreign students wishing to pursue a course in India are sure to find this module very helpful.

Outsourcing Industry: This newly introduced module of our Business Section offers details about the lucrative outsourcing industry. In recent years, India has emerged as the software powerhouse of the 21st century, dominating the global outsourcing market with world class IT enabled Services (ITES), Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) firms. This section offers information about various topics of interest to those in the outsourcing business, such as -

1. Evolution of the industry.
2. Types of outsourcing services provided.
3. Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing.
4. India and outsourcing.
5. Challenges and future prospects in this field.

Study these pages to help build your outsourcing business and provide consistent service to your customers.

Onam: This harvest festival, lasting for ten days, marks the annual return of King Mahabali to visit his subjects in Kerala. It is celebrated with colourful Pookalam floral designs, snake boat races and Kaikotikalli dance performances.

Eid-ul-Fitr: Beginning with the sighting of the new moon, Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramzan. It is observed with special prayers at mosques, purchase of new clothes and preparation of sweets.

Durga Puja: This festival celebrates the yearly return of Goddess Durga to her father's home. During this period idols of the Goddess are venerated in beautifully decorated puja pandals and later taken in colourful processions for immersion.

Dussehra: Spanning ten days, this festival marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. It is celebrated in varied traditions across India with Navratri fasts, Ramlila enactments, Dandiya dances and the burning of effigies of Ravana.

Participate in the festivities by sending your friends and family some of the elegant e-cards available at india.gov.in.