General Information

Climate
Lucknow is truly delightful in November. Usual maximum and minimum temperatures during
November are 20-25 degree C and 8 degree C, respectively. Rainfall is occasional and mild.
Light woollens are required.

Language
English is a commonly used language for business transactions. The main spoken language
on streets is Hindi; however, one can get along easily with English. The official language of
the conference will be English.

Currency Regulations
The currency of India is Rupee (INR, Re or Rs). The currency notes are in denominations
of Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. The present conversion rate is approximately
US$ 1= INR 47. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency that can be brought into
the country. Visitors should fill in the amount brought in in the Disembarkation Card handed
over to them by the airlines during the course of incoming flight. The filled form will enable
the visitors not only to exchange the foreign currency into Indian currency, but also to
convert the left-over Indian currency back to foreign exchange on departure. Cash, bank
notes and travelers' cheques of value up to US$ 10,000 or equivalent need not be declared
at the time of entry.

Visitors are advised to use only authorized money changers and banks to exchange their
travellers' cheques, drafts, bills, etc. in convertible currencies into Indian currency and to
obtain an encashment certificate; this certificate is required at the time of re-conversion of
any unspent foreign currency into a convertible currency. Exchange of foreign money other
than through banks or authorized money-changers is an offence.

Customs and Visa Formalities
Foreign citizens planning to visit India need a valid visa from the Indian Embassy or
Consulate in their country. They should possess a valid passport, except in the case of
nationals of Bhutan and Nepal, who may carry only a suitable means of identification.
Delegates originating from or transiting through countries where yellow fever is endemic
should possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate conforming to International Health
Regulations. Visitors are generally required to make an oral declaration in respect of
baggage and foreign currency in their possession. There are two channels for customs
clearance, i.e. a green channel and a red channel; passengers with dutiable items or high
value articles should use the latter and get such items registered using a tourist baggage
re-export form.

Export Regulations
Foreign visitors can take back all articles brought in by them. In addition, they can carry
souvenirs (including Indian silk, wool, handicrafts, etc) purchased in India without any limit,
and gold jewellery, silverware and jewellery with precious stones, except when these are of
high value. Export of antiques and art objects more than 100 years old is prohibited. In case
of doubt, please consult the Director (Antiques), Archeological Survey of India.

International Airports
India has several International airports which are served by several leading international
airlines. The major airports are at Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras),
Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Calicut and Ahmedabad. For travel to
Lucknow, the airports at Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay) are the most convenient ports of entry
since these are connected to Lucknow by direct flights. Facilities at these airports, include
gourmet restaurants, business centers, and ample opportunities for shopping and leisure
like duty-free and handicraft shops and snack bars.

Rail and Road Transport System
The Indian Railway Network connects the entire country and has the distinction of being the
second largest in the world. It is used by more than 11 million persons daily. Air-conditioned
luxury coaches limousine services as well as rent-a-car services are also available. India has
a fine network of metalled roads connecting all the important cities.

Credit Card
Almost all the world's top credit cards have tie-ups with Indian counterparts. The commonly
accepted international credit cards include: VISA, American Express, Master Card,
Citibank, Diners' Club, etc.

Business Hours
The normal business hours are from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm on weekdays. Saturday and
Sunday are closed days for several business establishments and all government offices.

Indian Standard Time (IST)
India had only one time zone despite its large size. Indian Standard Time (IST) is 05:30
hours ahead of GMT.

Insurance
The organizing committee is not responsible for personal accidents and damage to the
private property of participants. Participants may therefore like to make their own
arrangements with respect to personal insurance, health insurance, etc.

Electrical voltage etc
Electricity supply in India is 220 Volts, 50 Hz, AC.

Conference Venue
Cellular phones and pagers are not allowed inside the conference auditorium. These must be
deposited at the entry point.

Scientific Poster Exhibition
For exhibition of selected scientific posters, a space 1.2 meter (4 feet) in height and 1 meter
approx. 3 feet) in width will be provided for each poster during the specified time which will
be intimated to you by the secretaries of the accepting society.