F A Q

What about the Scientific Programme of the congress?

This World Congress will consist of scientific sessions/invited talks. Lectures will be open to questions from the audience. The conference will also feature abstract sessions and poster viewing. The working language is English.

Where will the World Congress take place?

The congress will take place at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. All the plenary oral sessions will take place at Bhargawa Auditorium, PGIMER and the Poster Sessions in  adjacent hall  (Zakir Hall). We plan to have a Trade Exhibition in lawns adjacent to Bhargawa Auditorium.

DISTANCES BY ROAD TO CONGRESS VENUE

What about Travelling to Chandigarh?

Chandigarh is easily accessible from New Delhi via Road / Air /Rail.

We have also a daily express train running to and from New Delhi to Chandigarh.

From New Delhi it takes around 3 ½  hours):

Morning Shatabdi starts at 7:40 am  

Evening Shatabdi starts at 5:15 pm.

Late Evening Shatabdi starts at 7:15 pm.

Railway tickets have to be booked well in advance. 

Booking can be done by creating an account at https://www.irctc.co.in.

Daily Flights from New Delhi to Chandigarh (approx. 45 min):

Air India          10 am

Spicejet          7:10 am and 5:55pm

Jet Airways     6:50 am, 11:05 am and  4:10 pm

There are comfortable Volvo deluxe buses running every hour to Chandigarh (6 am to 2 pm) starting from ISBT (Kashmiri gate) 

Is there a Registration Fee? Is there a deadline to register?

There are registration fees for the congress covering all conference materials, coffee breaks, lunches & dinners. Please note the registration fees and deadlines. For on-spot registration we also have a provision of paying by Credit/Debit card (Visa/Master Card), Cash, Draft etc.  

When does Registration Desk will be open?

Opening hours:

Wednesday, Feb 27, 2013 from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm

Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm

Friday, March 1, 2013 from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm

Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm

Registration desk will be set up at the entrance area ofthe conference venue. 

What about the “Business Hours” in Chandigarh and New Delhi?

Most banks are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 to 4:00 pm & Saturdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Money exchanges at airports daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Most businesses are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Store hours can vary from town to town, but shops are generally open Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 or 9:00 pm.

What about Emergencies?

Throughout India the emergency telephone to call police  is 100.

What about the Climate and Weather in February/March in Chandigarh?

Chandigarh is located near the foothills of the Shivalik range of Himalayas in northwest India. It covers an area of approximately 44.5 sgm or 114 qkm and shares its borders with the states of Haryana in the east and Punjab in the north, west and south. The exact cartographic co-ordinates of Chandigarh are

30°44´N 76°47´E / 30,74°N76.79°E / 30.74; 76.79. It has an average elevation of 321 meters (1053 ft).

The weather is very pleasant and comfortable in Chandigarh “The City Beautiful’ during February-March (spring season) with the night-day temperature ranging between 9°C to 25°C. Woolens are suggested for evening functions. 

What about exchange rate & Currency in India?

The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR or Rs).Estimated prevailing exchange rates can be found on www.xe.com. Generally 1 Euro = 70INR and 1 US$ = 54 INR. Exchanging currency or travelers cheques in to Indian Rupees is  easy and can be done at the hotels, banks or official money exchangers.While there are bank ATM machines from which you can make credit card cash advances.

What about Taxes?

The major tax in India is 12.5 %.The general term used for tax on goods in India is VAT ie Value added tax. Generally bill reads VAT inclusive (ie taxis already  paid in the bill).

What about Telephones?

Public phones are available and marked as STD/PCO/ISDbooths for local and long distance calls.The country code for India is 91.

To make an international call from India, you would dial “00 + country Code + area code + local number”. International calls made from hotels tend to be expensive.

Most international cellular/mobile service providershave collaborations with Indian telecom providers. Please ensure you carry a GSM handset. If you intend to buy a local SIM card in India for short term use, please carry 2 pictures and a copy of your passport as this is needed before your service can be activated.  

DURING THE SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS MOBILE PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED!

What are the specifications of electricity?

The power voltage in India is 220volts/50 hertz. You might need anadaptor to convert the plug type for your appliance. The electric sockets/plugpoints used in India are the round 2 or 3 pin type.

What about the Time Zone in India?

India is 5:30 hrs ahead of GMT and is applicable across India.

What about Tipping?

Generally tips are not added in your bills. Tipping (where it’s warranted) is common practice in India. Naturally, it’s never compulsory and should only be done if you’re happy with the service. Room-cleaning staffs get small tips in India, as do concierges who perform some special favors.

What about Visas?

Visitors to India should ensure that they are in possession of valid Indian Visa before they start their journey to India. You are advised to contact the Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate in your country in order to obtain an entry visa. The visa application form is available at the Indian Mission in the country where the applicant resides.

Types of Visas:

•           Tourist Visa

Validity: 6 months. The applicant is required to submit documents in proof of his financial standing. Tourists travelling in groups of more than four members under the auspices of a recognized travelagency may be granted a collective tourist visa.

•           Conference Visa

Conference Visas are issued to visitors attending conferences/seminars/ meetings in India. A "Letter of Invitation" from the conference must be submitted along with the visa application. Delegates coming to attend conferences may combine tourism with attending conferences.

Congress delegates are advised to apply for a Conference Visa. Accompanying guests should consult their nearest Indian Embassy/High Commission to determine which visa to apply for. 

What about Immigration Clearance?

As Chandigarh is not an international airport so the immigration clearance has to be done at New Delhi/Mumbai international airports. So kindly book your connecting flights to Chandigarh accordingly (at least 3 hours ofgap)

What is the common LANGUAGE in India?

The region has a plethora of languages, which vary from state to state. English is widely spoken throughout the sub-continent. Guides and travel professionals are available in most major international languages. Mentioned below are some general words that one should know.

SOME USEFUL HINDI WORDS

ENGLISH                                       HINDI

Hello                                              Namaskar or Namaste

I need a Taxi                                   Taxi chaheye

Stop                                               Roko

Go                                                 Chalo

How much does it cost                    Kitna Rupee hua ?

Could you please help me                Kya aap merimadad karenge ?

Water                                             Paani

Tea                                                Chai

Understand !                                   Samjhe !

Can you give me directions              Kya aap mujherasta bata sakte hain?

What is your name                          Aap ka naam kya hai ?

My Name is._____                          Mera naam _______ hai.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE / MOBILE NUMBERS:

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Prof. Baljinder Singh  + 91 9914209725

Ankit Watts              + 91 9914207918 and + 91 9815962123

In Delhi:

Dr. Anil Mishra          + 91 9968314130

TRAVEL CORPORATION INDIALIMITED (Our Event Mangers )

Ms. Arti Jaitly             + 91 9910093037

Mr. Niranjan Kumar     + 91 9810621454

Mr. Tanuj Pahuja         + 91 9899780304

We look forward to welcoming you in Chandigarh, INDIA for the Conference.