Anand and Madhura Katti, Mumbai (2011-01-20)
 
 SUBODH Kant Sahay, formerly Minister for Food Processing Industries, has replaced Kumari Selja as India's Minister for Tourism, in the country's union ministry reshuffle yesterday.

 Vayalar Ravi is the new Civil Aviation Minister, replacing Praful Patel. Ravi takes the helm of the Civil Aviation Ministry in addition to his current portfolio as Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs.

Both gentlemen take on their new assignments at a time when their respective industries are flourishing.

Tourist arrivals to India grew by 9.3 per cent to 5.58 million last year, compared to a 3.3 per drop in 2009.

Indian aviation is also on an upward trend. Domestic airlines carried 52.08 million passengers last year, an 18.77 per cent increase over 2009's 43.85 million.