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Sports: Africa in spotlight, WC kick-off today Pg 18 IN BRIEF 32 get elected unopposed to RS Union Minister Ambika Soni, Satish Sharma, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Chandan Mitra were among 32 candidates elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha today with the Congress garnering eight seats and the BSP seven. The BJP bagged six seats, the DMK three, the SP, the NCP and the AIADMK two apiece and the SAD and the SS one each as all 32 made it to the Upper House after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations closed. – (PTI)

No consensus in CCS on Naxals Differences between the Home and Defence ministries on the use of special forces of the Army and setting up of a unified command centre for anti-Naxal operations came to the fore at the CCS which ended without any decision being taken. – (PTI)

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, friDaY, june 11, 2010

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Business: Govt okays Rs 2,500 cr Pg 12 highway projects

Goa’s Heartbeat: Indian duo to perform at South Africa Pg 14

‘Ratol may have been Investigation forcibly given to Nadia’ needed: judge Pacheco’s bail rejected

Mickky, Lyndon named main accused

questioned further.

Nadia’s mother has filed a petition in the High Court and accused the police of harassing her and forcing her to make false allegations against Pacheco. She also requested the court to order a CBI inquiry into the death of her daughter.

“Any person who is questioned by the police has the same grievance that he or she is being harassed and so we think that is normal for her (Nadia’s mother) to make such statements”, Deshpande stated.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 10

Absconding former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco and his Officer on Special Duty Lyndon Monteiro were today named main accused in the death of Nadia Joelle Torrado.

Goa police spokesperson SP Atmaram Deshpande told rep o r t e r s b o t h Ly n d o n a n d Pacheco have been named accused in the case and as such their custodial interrogation was needed.

Deshpande said the postmortem report reveals there were 11 injuries on Nadia’s body and police believe she could have been forcibly administered the rat poison.

“To substantiate this, we need custodial interrogation of Pacheco and Lyndon”, he said.

Incidentally, Pacheco anticipatory bail was rejected by the Margao District and Sessions Court today.

Deshpande, however, refused to confirm under what Sections Pacheco had been charged.

“The former minister’s arrest and custodial interrogation is essential to collect more evidence in the case”, he said adding, “right now I can only

confirm both of them have been added as accused in the case”.

Asked whether police have charged Nadia’s mother with destruction of evidence, he replied, “we are questioning her and other family members as there are conflicting statements”.

The Torrados’ maid in her statement had revealed that Nadia’s mother had given her two bags containing clothes and papers and had asked her to burn them.

“We have not given a clean chit to anybody yet, the case is still wide open”, he said when

Divorce, now made easy PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

Seeking a divorce in case marriage goes bad will now become easier with the Government today approving a bill that seeks to amend two Acts governing marriages.

The amendment makes it possible for anyone to seek divorce by proving that there has been “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” and escape the delays and “harassment” caused because of one party not turning up in courts.

The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill 2010 was approved by the Union Cabinet chaired

by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Bill provides for amendment of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 and the Special Marriage Act 1954, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters.

The Bill would provide safeguards to parties to marriage who file petition for grant of divorce by consent from the “harassment” in court if any of the party does not come to the court or willfully avoids the court to keep the divorce proceedings inconclusive, she said.

The amendment bill has been prepared on the recommendations of the Law Commission as well as the Supreme Court.

The new clause will be in addition to the existing grounds for divorce include adultery, cruelty, desertion, conversion to another religion, unsoundness of mind, virulent and incurable form of leprosy, venereal disease in a communicable form, renouncement of the world and not heard as being alive for a period of seven years.

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Confessional statement of deceased under duress finds favour in court.

Husband withdraws anticipatory bail plea.

Ravi rules out interference.

NGO files complaint of threats.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 10

In a major setback to former tourism minister, Mickk y Pacheco, the South Goa Sessions Court on Thursday rejected his anticipatory bail application with the Judge saying that the truth in the case could be revealed only by specific interrogation and not otherwise as injuries on the body of the deceased further suspect that Ratol might have been forcibly given or the deceased might have been induced to consume the same.

Rejecting the bail application, Additional sessions Judge B P Deshpande said that Mickky’s

presence in the house of the deceased on the previous night and even at the time when the deceased was taken to the hospital has not been properly explained during interrogations carried out by the CID. The Judge said if deceased Nadia had consumed Ratol by mistake considering it toothpaste, the deceased or her family members would have immediately contacted the doctor or admitted her in hospital for treatment.

Judge Deshpande said the information given to the doctor at Apollo Hospital at 3 pm by the mother and also by victim (Continued on page 10)

Lyndon moves HC HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 10

Lyndon Monteiro, the officer on special duty (OSD) to the absconding former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco has gone in appeal in the High Court.

The Additional Sessions Judge B P Deshpande had rejected Lyndon’s anticipatory bail application on Wednesday saying there was grave suspicion regarding Lyndon’s involvement in the destruction of evidence in order to save and protect the prime suspect.

Lyndon has appealed against Session Court’s order on the grounds that there was no complaint by any person and it was the (Continued on page 10)

Mopa airport gets Central nod Operations at Dabolim to continue

PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

Government today approved the setting up of a greenfield international airport in Mopa area of Goa through private participation and decided not to close down commercial o perations at the existing Dabolim airport.

The Government also decided not to change the present provisions prohibiting a second airport from coming up within 150 kms of an existing one, thus allaying apprehensions among the locals about the possibility of the Dabolim airport being closed down once the new one started operations.

“There was a lot of discussion on the issue,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters here after announcing the Union Cabinet’s green signal to the proposal to set up the greenfield airport at Mopa.

“The new airport at Mopa will be constructed on a Build-OwnOperate-Transfer basis, for which, a private entity will be selected through a global ten-

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To be built on Build-Own-Operate-Transfer basis.

Private entity to be selected through a global tendering process.

Investment is estimated to be close to USD 400 million.

A 33,000 sq mt terminal is envisaged.

To have a runway for the largest aircraft — Airbus A-380 — to land.

dering process,” she said, adding the Cabinet decided to grant it the status of an international airport.

Soni said the Cabinet approved continuation of commercial operations at the existing Dabolim civilian airport “by reviewing its earlier decision to close it down once the commercial operations start from Mopa in Goa.” “Continuation of Dabolim airport at Goa will facilitate the

State to meet the requirement of increased inflow of air traffic more efficiently as well as for balanced development of all parts of the State,” the Minister said.

The announcement could put a lid on years of unrest among the locals. Way back in 2000, the Civil Aviation Ministry had proposed that Dabolim airport should be closed down once an airport starts operations in Mopa.

Relief at last as monsoon arrives HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 10

Finally, the south-west monsoon has arrived in Goa with Met Department predicting rainfall in next 24 hours.

The Met Department today said that the monsoon had advanced into some parts of Konkan and Goa and the conditions were favourable for the further advancement of southwest monsoon current.

“The monsoon has reached Ratnagiri. Goa can receive rainfall in the next 24 hours”, Indian Meteorological Observatory incharge K V Singh told Herald.

Singh said that the situation is improving fast. “The currents have started moving towards Goa”, he added.

Inspite of monsoon setting over Kerala on May 31, Goa had to wait for nearly a week for the showers. The cyclone Phet that originated in the Arabian Sea last week had halted further development of monsoon current across the country.

Every Minister’s photograph on each page is a brilliant idea sir!!

You can just tear the pages not required.

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GOA, FRIDAY, 11 JUNE, 2010

NADIA DEATH CASE

Confessional statement of deceased under duress finds favour in court HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 10

Prosecution claim that the confessional statement made by deceased Nadia Torrado at the Jupiter hospital, Thana was under duress has found favour with Additional Sessions Judge, B P Deshpande.

While rejecting Mickky Pacheco’s bail application, Judge Deshpande said it is clear that the first statement given by the mother of the deceased at Apollo Victor Hospital at Margao shows that the deceased consumed full contents

of a Ratol tube paste at around 9 am on May 15. “This is again confirmed by the doctor, who initially attended the deceased at Apollo Hospital, Margao.

Thus, it is clear that the subsequent statement of the deceased recorded before the Special Magistrate at Mumbai is “surely under duress”, when it is found recorded that she mistakenly took Ratol as a toothpaste”, the Judge said.

He further said the said statement given at Mumbai does not disclose that the deceased swallowed the contents consider-

ing it as toothpaste, so as to affect her liver badly which was opined by the doctors as fit for transplant.

“Thus, it was rightly pointed out by the Public prosecutor Sarojini Sardinha that the so called statement of the deceased given at Mumbai is not free and the same cannot be considered as given voluntarily by the deceased, more specifically considering the relationship of the deceased with Pacheco and that the position which he was occupying at the relevant time”, the Judge added.

Judge fails to accept theory of Ratol consumed mistaking it as toothpaste HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 10

The defense theory that deceased Nadia Torrado had consumed Ratol mistaking it as toothpaste has failed to convince Additional Sessions Judge, B P Deshpande.

“Ratol is a poison having bitter taste and one could immediately make out as to whether it is toothpaste or something else whenever put in the mouth even by mistake for brushing purpose. On real-

Husband withdraws anticipatory bail plea HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 10

In an interesting development, the husband of late Nadia Torrado on Thursday filed an application before the South Goa Sessions court withdrawing the anticipatory bail application filed by him in the court on June 2.

In his application, Barretto said he is withdrawing the anticipatory bail application filed on June 2 since the mater relating to the crime has been transferred to the Crime branch for the purpose of investigations.

Incidentally, Barretto’s bail plea was scheduled to come up for hearing in the Sessions court on June 14.

NGO files complaint of threats HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 10

Bailancho Ekvott President Auda Viegas on Thursday intimated the Margao police over threats issued to her after four persons allegedly came looking for her at the Nehru Yuvak Kendra office at Sonsodo.

“I have intimated the series of threats received by her since the last two days. But, I have not asked for police protection”, she said.

Auda was in Panjim Thursday evening, when four persons reportedly came looking for her at the NYK office at Sosnodo. “Going by the version of the boys at the NYK office, their intentions appeared not good. That’s the reason why I have lodge complaint to the Margao police late this evening”, she added.

ising this, a person will certainly try to spit out the entire contents if it is taken by mistake and the contents will not go inside the stomach, which is not the case in this matter”, Judge Deshpande observed.

Moreover, the Judge said the first statement or the history given by the mother of the deceased at Apollo Victor hospital clearly shows that the poison was consumed at around 9 am in the morning by

the deceased and before she was admitted to the hospital, there was history of vomiting on six occasions. “One does not und e r s t a n d a s t o h o w b y m i s t a ke a toothpaste contents could be swallowed without noticing such other substance while brushing teeth.

Judge Desphande said the patient was admitted with the history of consumption of 20x0.5 mg Alphrazolan and unknown quantity of zinc phospide rodenticide.

Ravi rules out interference HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 10

Even as Goa Police are unable to trace former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco in connection with the death of Nadia Torrado, Home Minister Ravi Naik said the police are investigating the case and claimed he has no role to play in the case.

“It is the duty of the Police department to locate the missing ex-minister and there are higher police officers to guide the investigating team,” said Naik while speaking to Herald along the sidelines of his routine inspection of the swimming pool at Sport Complex, Curti-Ponda.

The minister, however, ruled out any interference in the case.

“Regarding any case, we have our Police department to investigate into it and I don’t int e r f e r e i n i t . We h a v e Investigating Officers (IO) to every case and they are guided by their superiors,” added the home minister.

“I cannot give directions to police officers, but there are IPS officers, SP’s to direct and monitor the investigation in any cases,” said Naik.

Naik refrained to comment

HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, JUNE 10

The Sattari Taluka Farmers Society (STFS) has demolished nine illegal kiosks from its premises near Valpoi Bridge on Thursday.

It may be recalled that the gaddas were erected in 2004 and the STFS had filed a case against Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) for permitting the kiosks in the society’s premises.

The matter was taken up in the court and the court recently decided in favour of STFS, directing the PWD to remove all nine illegal kiosks from the society premises.

The PWD (building section) team led by Assistant Engineer Arvind Kalmate supervised the demolition operation, which started at 12 noon and continued till late night. Valpoi police force was also present at the site.

Miscreants burgle house at Rumdamol HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 10

Unknown culprits broke into the house of Suresh Sripad Sakhre at Rumdamol housing board Wednesday night and decamped with cash and gold ornaments, all amounting to Rs 70,000.

The miscreants effected entry into the house by breaking open the door and lifted away cash of Rs 34,000, besides gold ornaments. The inmates had gone out of the house when the burglary occurred. The Maina Curtorim police are investigating.

Man succumbs to injuries

Home Minister Ravi Naik during his visit to the swimming pool at Curti-Ponda.

Photo by Amresh Parab

on his ex-cabinet colleague’s alleged involvement in Nadia death case saying that the case is sub-judice. “I cannot comment on this as it is sub-judice,” said Naik.

However, Naik went on to say that politicians in general should work for the betterment of the people and take them in the right path.

“I have been saying that politicians should work for people, helping them to avail various government schemes and guide them in proper path.

Politicians should also work for the development of people and take them in right direction.

Politicians should distance themselves and people at large from anti-social activity,” said Naik.

Commenting on his visit to the swimming pool at Sport Complex, Curti-Ponda, Naik said: “I visit the pool occasionally to oversee functioning and maintenance of the swimming pool, which has a status to that of international standards.”

Aires demands sacking of Lyndon from GTDC HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 10

Social activist Adv Aires Rodrigues has on Thursday demanded that Goa Tourism Development Corporation Vice Chairman Lyndon Monteiro be immediately sacked in view of the prima facie evidence against him in Nadia Torrado’s death.

Addressing a press conference in the city, Adv Rodrigues has stated that a person who has been absconding after being linked by the Crime Branch to Nadia’s death could not continue as a Vice-Chairman of a Government Corporation.

Adv Rodrigues has stated that it was now very clear that instead of using the post to

promote Goa as a tourism destination, Lyndon had misused his position as Vice Chairman of GTDC and OSD to former Tourism Minister to support and abet the illegal misdeeds of Mickky Pacheco.

He demanded that all the disproportionate assets and real estate investments of Lyndon Monteiro over the last three years be probed.

Adv Rodrigues has also demanded that the Crime branch record the statements of all officers who have held the post of Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC during Mickky Pacheco’s tenure as Tourism Minister and also Goa Tourism Secretary Dr M Modassir.

Supporters, workers vow to stand by MLA HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 10

Even as the Sessions Court denied him the anticipatory bail on Thursday noon, supporters and workers of the former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco expressed their solidarity with the beleaguered Benaulim MLA this evening and warned the government that they will not sit and watch any further harassment meted out to their leader.

A large number of Pacheco’s supporters, who assembled behind his residence at Betalbatim, cautioned that they will not rest even if a finger is touched to the former Minister and demanded that the Nadia Torrado death case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigations for an impartial probe to unearth the true facts concerning the case.

They came down heavily on woman activist Auda Viegas, asserting that Viegas should first clean up her house before making entry into the houses of others.

The supporters came up with banners such as “Is the Congress afraid of Mickky Pacheco. Why is Mickky singled out for police harassment”.

“Stop harassing our ML A Mickky Pacheco”, “Who filed the complaint against our

9 illegal kiosks razed at Valpoi

PONDA (HC): A 30-year-old man from Shiroda, who was seriously injured in a collision between two vehicles at Shiroda, succumbed to injuries at GMC Hospital at Bambolim on Thursday.

It may be recalled that one Rajaram Bhalerao, who was proceeding on his two-wheeler, rammed against a Sumo Jeep at Shiroda on Sunday.

PWD demolishes nine illegal kiosks at Valpoi.

Photo by Ashraf Khan

Hill-cutting: Margao town planner asked to lodge FIRs against offenders HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 10

Cornered over the failure to file FIR against persons involved in illegal hill cutting and land filling, the Town and Country Planning department on Thursday issued directions to the Town Planner, Margao to start lodging FIRs with the police against the offenders.

As many as 18 cases were pending with the TCP after the newly constituted flying squads issued stop work orders in South Goa over the last few days.

When village groups gheraoed Senior Town Planner Puttaraju at the Margao TCP office Thursday morning, he said that he has issued directions to the Town Planner, Margao Rajesh Naik to lodge the FIRs with the police.

Defending the delay in filing the FIR against the law violators even after the flying squads have

Woman’s skeleton found hanging to tree at Canacona

stopped work orders, Puttaraju said the TCP needs to conduct an inspection of the site before filing the FIR. “This process will certainly take time and hence we could not file FIR in the 18 cases referred by the flying squad”, he added.

Replying to a question, he admitted that the TCP will encounter problems, including manpower, infrastructure such as vehicles to go about the work.

“This new concept of flying squad is a new one and it will require some time before the new system is put in place”, he added.

Asked whether the deadline of 48 hours set to lodge an FIR is too short a time, he answered in the negative, but hastened to add that the time frame would be short, especially during the weekend when the offices are closed. “ The flying squad will be working on Friday, Saturday

and Sunday, but the TCP will certainly difficulties during the weekend”, he said, adding that the TCP will now ask the police to maintain a vigil at the concerned sites where work is stopped by the flying squads.

“I have asked the Town Planner to file FIR in all the 18 cases from tomorrow and complete the process by next Wednesday”, he added.

Earlier, the Village Groups complained to Puttaraju that work is carried out in full pace the illegal hill cutting and land filling sites despite work orders issued by the flying squads.

The NGOs insisted that the TCP should take the stop work orders issued by the flying squads to the logical conclusions. “Otherwise, the entire exercise will be an eyewash. No FIR has been lodged till date”, they complained.

Rider injured in Bicholim accident

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 10

Canacona police on Thursday afternoon recovered the skeleton of a woman found hanging to a tree at Yedda-Cotigao in Canacona.

Canacona police informed that the skeleton was sent to the Hospicio at Margao for preservation and further action.

It may be recalled on Wednesday evening, a resident from Cotigao provided information to Canacona police about the skeleton found hanging to a tree at Yedda.

However, police who first informed that a team had already gone to verify the antecedents of the informer, returned late night empty handed claiming that there was no skeleton existing in the area.

When scribes called police late Wednesday night, they claimed that the information provided to them was hoax and had no substance in it.

Meanwhile, on Thursday morning the word spread like wildfire, after a vernacular daily carried the report about sighting of woman skeleton. The police too reportedly swung into action and recovered the body, informed the sources.

Police even hinted that the body could be of a missing woman and said Shubhangi Sibhash Gaonkar (28) of Bardem- Cotigao was reported missing on Februar y 16, 2010.

Sources informed that the skeleton was found hanging to a tree to its neck with a gown and nylon rope around the neck. One leg has given away from her knee and other leg had a slipper, while the other slipper was found on the ground. Police informed that further investigation is in progress.

Two mining trucks and a motorcycle gutted in a fire at Tarmath Surla, Bicholim.

Photos by Vishant Vaze HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, JUNE 10

A motorcycle rider was seriously injured when three vehicles collided with each other and later burst into flames at Tarmath Surla, Bicholim on Thursday morning.

According to Bicholim police, the incident occurred at about 9 am when the truck (GA-09-U5731), plying from Usgao to Amona, collided against another oncoming truck (GA-09-U-1303).

A motorcycle which was following a truck also dashed the trucks.

Motorcycle rider Shivadatta Verekar from Surla was seriously injured and was shifted to GMC hospital at Bambolim.

The impact of the collision was that both the trucks and the motorcycle burst into flames and were gutted. Both trucks were destroyed in the mishap and the total loss is estimated at Rs 10 lakh.

Bicholim fire force officials rushed to the site and after about an hour managed to extinguish the fire.

Bicholim police have registered an offence against truck driver Lala Mashak Immamsab Bedegar (22) from Karnataka under Section 279, 337 IPC. Hawaldar Harishchandra Parab attached to Bicholim police is investigating the case.

Land constraints hamper development of Vasco rail terminal: SWR GM HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JUNE 10

A large number of Mickky Pacheco’s supporters assemble behind his residence at Betalbatim on Thursday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

MLA”.

Clarifying that Pacheco’s supporters had just got together to express their solidarity with the MLA, former Orlim Sarpanch Godfrey Rodrigues said they have come together to show their solidarity with the former Tourism Minister and to convey a message to the government that they will not keep quite if Pacheco’s harassment continues.

“Even if one finger is touched to Pacheco during interrogations, we will come out and take care of the people and seek justice”, he warned.

Godfrey was highly critical of Bailancho Ekvott President Auda Viegas, saying she has no moral right to speak about others. He said Goan woman are not with her and her group, adding that

she is being backed by the politicians in the present case.

Noted tiatrist Roseferns said that Pacheco is being unnecessarily targeted by the Congress government in the Nadia death case and wondered why the government is dragging its feet to probe into the role of a politician’s son in the drug case. “Why has the Goa police not yet interrogated Lucky Farmhouse on the drugs scam till date. So many issues have rocked Goa in recent times, but the government is silent”, he added.

A shack owner said Mickky Pacheco has been instrumental in helping out the shack owner and attributed the government’s tirade against him after he shocked the Congress in the recent ZP polls. “The Congress

is shocked because he won in Nuvem and Loutolim and were worried that he would finish them in entire Goa”, he said and demanded to know the presence of Auda when Goa witnessed so many rapes and murders in recent times.

An OBC woman said she had once approached Auda when her daughter had consumed poison, but was not helped by the women activist.

Another supporter said that the policemen accused in the drugs case were recently granted bail, but lamented that the former Minister was denied bail by the court today.

Zilla members Nelly Rodrigues and Wilfred De Sa and sarpanchas and panchas were amongst the supporters present for the meet.

South Western Railway (SWR) General Manager Kuldeep Chaturvedi said the Vasco rail terminal has been restrained from further development due to lack of maintenance facilities and land constraints.

Chaturvedi along with SWR Hubli Divisional Manager Adesh Sharma, who are on inspection visit at Vasco railway station, had an interactive session with media at Vasco railway station on Thursday morning.

“SWR’s efforts are on to create additional pit rail line for maintenance of trains that will help to explore running of additional trains which will be materializing shortly,” said Chaturvedi.

“SWR is keen in creating more facilities for passengers at Vasco railway station.

Since land constraint is a big problem, we have been restricted from carrying out further development,” said Chaturvedi.

He further informed that an additional pit rail-line would be laid at Vasco railway terminal, thus creating maintenance service

for trains so that they could commence additional passenger trains.

“Work on another pit rail-line should be commencing in another few months, which will help to start new trains from Vasco,” added Chaturvedi.

SWR is keen in creating more facilities for passengers at Vasco railway station. Since land constraint is a big problem, we have been restricted from carrying out further development.

South Western Railway (SWR) GM Kuldeep Chaturvedi He said additional two rail tracks would be laid for increasing traffic from Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), however MPT is optimistic to hand over some land, which is in its possession that is required for railway expansion.

“Due to Ghat section, time table of freight and passenger trains is very constraint, but still SWR has been working out plans to increase passenger trains and possibilities have been

e x p l o re d t o d i v e r t f ro m a l t e r n a t e routes from Sawantwadi,” added Chaturvedi.

However, the SWR is upset over development of Sanvordem railway terminal, as for the last three years, though the project has been given a green signal by the rail authority, it has not moved ahead due to objections from the local people.

“Sanvordem rail terminal will be developed in the form of fully covered rail terminal for iron ore freight and SWR has paid for land acquisition to the State government. Since some farmland would be acquired for terminal, people have been objecting to the project,” he said.

Chaturvedi congratulated Vasco railway staff for being awarded as the best maintained station. “Passenger amenities have increased at Vasco railway station and it has been maintained very well,” said Chaturvedi.

SWR Hubli Divisional Manager Adesh Sharma said about 10 hectares of land would be required for Sanvordem terminal, including some farm land.

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Abhiyan to hold chain-in-the-rain protest today HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 10

Reminding the people the fight against Government’s failure in its commitment to finalise the Regional Plan 2021 was on, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan has made a fervent appeal to the masses to join in the “chain-in-the-rain” protest that begins at the Mandovi Hotel tomorrow, Friday, from 4 pm onwards.

GBA Convenor Sabina Martins reiterated the RP issue affects all Goans and as such it becomes all the more pertinent they stepped out of heir houses to stand in the rain and assert they were not happy with the way things were going presently.

She once again reminded the Government it had assured the people taluka plans for Pernem and Canacona would be finalised

by March 31, 2010, but more than two months have passed and there was no sign.

At a press conference on Tuesday Treasurer GBA Annand Madganvkar expressed fears that the finalisation of the RP was being unnecessarily delayed to facilitate a number of building projects lined up. It may be because there is a strong provision in the RP to save eco-sensitive zones which is not there in RP 2001 presently in force, he had mentioned.

The GBA has also chided the Flying Squads constituted by the Government as mere eye wash. Martins stated they were given to understand the squads would operate for 24 hours, but calls made on 1077 after 6 pm on Monday had not yielded any results.

Martins said the GBA expects people to come out in large numbers because the real fight is when the people show their angst and concern and the GBA was just a catalyst to take that fight forward.

2 officers to deal with RTI applications PANJIM (HR): Following the High Court directions, the Goa Coastal Management Authority (GCZMA) on Thursday appointed Legal Assistant of GCZMA as Public Information Officer and Office Assistant of GCZMA as Assistant Public Information Officer to deal with the applications received from the public under the Right To Information Act, 2005.

The Member Secretar y, GCZMA will be the First Appellate Authority (FAA) under the Act against the decision of the PIO/APIO as far as the Coastal Authority is concerned.

KTCL to redress workers woes on extra working hours HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 10

The Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) management has decided to redress grievance of its workers, who resorted to fresh protest in Margao against extra working hours.

KTCL chairman Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco told Herald that the management is trying their best to find out the solution for the same.

“They have refused to work for extra hours but in-order to increase the revenue the workers will have to give their extra time. We will come out with a

solution that will benefit both workers and the corporation,” Lourenco said.

“At the time of sixth pay implementation, the workers had agreed to put in extra work, thus helping the corporation to raise its revenue by 10 per cent,” he added.

Meanwhile, KTCL managing director Venancio Furtado had cleared that he has not received any such demand from the workers.

“I had asked them to submit their demand in writing to us but till date no one has approached me. Will wait till they come out with their demands

Rains poured in rest of the State on Thursday giving indication that monsoon has finally arrived, but for residents of Canacona, it was no different to the two earlier days as the day was hot and humid with clean and clear skies.

Accordingly to sources, despite rains lashing the taluka a few times in the past, the recorded rainfall is not even a inch, besides it has hardly given

any push for improvement in ground water storage amenities like rivers and Chapoli Dam. “Chapoli Dam reservoir continues to linger at its barest capacity,” informed a source.

“With the State observatory previously predicting early monsoon and lately saying that monsoon hitting the State in a few days time, residents seem to keep their eyes glued to the skies for actual arrival of monsoon to commence farming activities,” informed farmer

told the management that the employees have agreed to put in extra work to raise their revenues which is required to make up for the financial liability arising out of implementation of sixth pay commission.

“The drivers and conductors are ready to work extra which will raise the revenue by 10 per cent. They can be paid

overtime expenses,” Fernandes had said.

The KTCL management on May 2 signed the agreement to pay wages to its workers as per sixth pay commission.

The implementation of sixth pay commission for KTCL staff has translated into additional liability of Rs 43 crore and monthly liability of Rs 1.3 crore for the corporation.

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Canacona yet to witness rains HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 10

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KTCL Margao staff, on Monday had closed down the operation of its inter-city transport for almost three hours agitating against the extra working hours they were forced to do after the implementation of sixth pay commission.

KTCL Allied Workers and Employees Union President Joaquim Fernandes had earlier

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Education Dept asks Sancoale HS to revive stream HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 10

The Education Department has withdrawn its earlier letter for closure of the Arts stream in the Shantadurga Higher Secondary School based at Sancoale, thus bringing relief to both students and parents who had requested the Director of Education to revive the stream.

In a letter dated July 29, 2009 the department had directed the higher secondary to stop admissions to the Arts stream on account of poor enrolment. But the high pass percentage (83 per

cent) at the SSC Board exam and the ATKT (allowed to keep term) for those failing in two subjects made the department to ask the school to revive Arts stream.

The latest letter issued by Deputy Director of Education Anil Powar states the ATKT in two subjects and high pass percentage had resulted in large number of students seeking admission to higher secondary schools. Also, the department

has permitted many schools to open extra divisions to admit surplus students, he mentioned.

Powar said the Government had decided to provide admissions to all children rather than opening new higher secondary schools.

Parents residing in Sancoale, Cortalim and Cavelossim had expressed fear closure of the Arts stream would put their wards to great inconvenience as they would have to travel 15

to 18 kms for admission to the next higher secondary.

In a representation to the Director of Education the parents mentioned the Shantadurga HS at Sancoale was the closest falling within 8 kilometres of all the three places.

The parents said classes for Std XI will commence on June 14 and the decision of the Education Department was a welcome relief.

Candolim boy swallows ‘jelly’, suffocates and dies HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JUNE 10

A treat turned into tragedy when a four-year-old boy from OrdaCandolim died of suffocation on Thursday morning.

According to Calangute police, Vishnu Hemant Chavan died while swallowing a jelly without removing the outer plastic cover.

Police said the boy along with his young sister had gone to a nearby shop at about 7.30 am. They bought jelly from the shop and went straight home. The boy reportedly swallowed the jelly without removing the plastic cover and could not manage to remove it out.

Despite attempts by parents and others, the swallowed jelly cover could not be removed.

The boy was rushed to Primary H e a l t h C e n t re C a n d o l i m , where doctors declared him brought-in dead. PSI Narayan Chimulkar is investigating the case.

Pillion rider dies in Calangute mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JUNE 10

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A 21-year-old woman pillion rider from Nagaland died, while the motorcycle rider was injured in a self-accident at Saunta Vaddo, Calangute, on Thursday.

Calangute police have identified the deceased as Sentilemla alias Alim, a resident of Mumbai.

The accident occurred when a group of four family members were proceeding from Baga towards Calangute on two separate motorcycles.

On reaching near Nazri Res o r t a t S a u n t a Va d d o , Moameren Longkumer (21), who was riding a Yamaha motorcycle (GA-03-K-0405), failed to negotiate a turn and rammed into the side wall. The pillion rider died on the spot, while the rider sustained minor injuries.

Both were second year students at Mumbai. Longkumer has been arrested on charges of rash and negligent driving.

PSI Mahesh Kerkar is investigating the case.

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short takes GCZMA appoints PIO

PANJIM (HND): The Goa Coastal Management Authority (GCZMA) has appointed legal assistant of GCZMA as Public Information Officer and office assistant of GCZMA as assistant Public Information Officer to deal with the applications received from the public under the Right to information Act, 2005.

The Member Secretary, GCZMA will be the First Appellate Authority (FAA) under the act against the decision of the PIO/APIO as far as the coastal authority is concerned.

Water facility installed

Rotary Governor Gurudatta Bhakta inaugurates safe water drinking project at Bicholim.

Photo by Vishant Vaze

MAYEM (HC): Rotary International recently set up a filter water drinking facility in government building premises in Bicholim.

Rotary Governor Gurudatt Bhakta inaugurated the safe water drinking project, costing about Rs 50,000.

The drinking facility set up near Bicholim fire brigade office will quench the thirst of hundreds of people from Bicholim taluka and surrounding areas, who visit different government offices like deputy collector, sub registrar, mamlatdar, Anganwadi, BDO, excise, fire brigade and police department for their routine works.

Rotary Club Bicholim President Prithviraj Sardesai, Secretary Damodar Prabhu, Parish Khanolkar, Praveen Gadekar, Suraj Mandrekar, Anand Desai, Narahari Sawant, Arun Salkar and Vallabh Salkar were present on the occasion.

Interior design course

PANJIM (HND): Applications are invited for admissions to the certificate course in interior design and decoration conducted by the Department of Architectural Engineering at the Government Polytechnic Altinho-Panjim.

The prospectus will be available at the Department of Architectural Engineering, extension wing, Government Polytechnic on payment of Rs 100, from June 14 till June 25. The last date for submitting the application is June 30, by 5 pm. For any inquiries call 2421475 or 2432667.

Mobile health camps held

PANJIM (HND): Dr Hubert Gomes Dental Clinic in association with Faith Works (India) and Society of St Vincent de Paul organised free dental, medical and eye camps at Benaulim and surrounding villages recently.

The ‘Mobile Summer Health Camps’ provided free dental, medical and eye check-ups and basic treatment to needy patients of Benaulim and surrounding areas. The camps were conducted at St John the Baptist Church, Benaulim; Our Lady of Succour Church, Carmona; St Michael’s Church, Orlim; Holy Cross Church, Cavelossim; Dona Sylvia Taxi Stand, Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva; Our Lady of Gloria Church, Varca; St Sebastian Chapel, Benaulim; Our Lady of Pilar Church, Seraulim; Patrocinho Chapel, Benaulim and Holy Trinity Church, Benaulim. Over 2000 patients benefitted from this initiative.

Further to this initiative and on realizing that there are many needy patients who cannot afford even basic treatment, Dr Hubert Gomes has decided on having a ‘permanent’ health clinic at Benaulim. This clinic will provide free basic treatment and medicines to the poor.

The clinic will be located at the Benaulim Community Centre and will to a great extent fulfill the long pending needs and demands of the people of Benaulim and its neighboring villages.

Farmers meet held

Janice Alphonso addresses the farmers meet. Also present are Nevil Alphonso and Avinash Prabhudesai.

PANJIM (HND): Lions Club of Avedem-Paroda organised a ‘Farmers Meet’ at Mullem, Paroda-Salcette recently. Around 100 farmers attended the meet.

Janice Alphonso, Assistant Agricultural Officer from Zonal Agricultural Office, Margao was the resource person for the programme and explained various agricultural development schemes of the government and called upon the farmers to avail the benefit of the same. She also explained the package of practices for cultivation of paddy and vegetables. She furher convincingly replied various technical queries of the farmers regarding pest and diseases and other agricultural aspects.

Vegetable seeds, pesticides and fertilizers were distributed to the farmers.

Earlier, the president of the club Nevil Alphonso welcomed the gathering and later PRO Adv Peter John Alphonso proposed the vote of thanks. Secretary Avinash Prabhudessai compered the function. Deepak Kharangate coordinated the programme.

Local panch Natal Visosker also spoke on the occasion.

Contraband liquor seized from train at Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT POINGUINIM, JUNE 10

Contraband liquor worth about Rs 20,600, which was being transported on a KRC train bound for Mangalore, was seized at KRC station at Canacona on Tuesday.

Canacona Excise team led by Excise Inspector Shamba Naik confiscated the contraband liquor that was being transported from Margao to Mangalore. However, it is learnt that no person has claimed ownership of the contraband liquor.

Further on Tuesday, Shamba Naik along with his staff detained one person for allegedly carrying liquor worth Rs 12,500 at the Polem border forest region. The accused has been detained by the sleuths and further investigations are in progress.

It may be recalled that smuggling of IMFL and Country liquor is going on clandestinely through the Arabian Sea and through the thick forest region of Polem that links to Karwar in neighbouring Karnataka due to high cost of liquor across the border.

The Polem border check post has been disbanded and the barrack of Goa Police that houses the Close Circuit Television monitor, where police used to be stationed, has been disbanded and is locked.

Speaking to Herald, police personnel posted at the Outpost stated that they are helpless in detecting the movement of vehicles, as they cannot intercept them because barricades are removed.

The barricades were removed after some relatives of a top brass of Goa Police were traveling from Goa to Karnataka. Sources informed that the incident occurred about three months ago and the relatives of the top brass traveling

Implement 10% reservation for Muslims, demands PFI HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 10

No checks at the check-post in Pollem.

in a private vehicle were made to cough up Rs 500 to pass through the border and were not issued any receipt.

The next day they returned from their journey and once again they were asked to pay Rs 500 for their entry into Goa. However, this time the guests of the top police were in no mood to relent as they found that they were in no hurry and called their relative cop, who upon investigation ordered for the disbanding of the barricades.

When contacted, a police official stated that police personnel manning Polem check post were not discharging their duties properly.

“I have gone through the records since the past many years and they (police stationed at Polem) have not detected any single case worth of merit,” said the police offi-

Photo by Freddy Rebello

cial.

He further stated that the persons manning the Polem border check post have been instructed not to put any barricades and that if need be in any incident they will have to put the barricades upon the orders of the higher up.

Meanwhile, the Excise department stationed at Polem border is looking as a helpless lot, for due to the removal of the barricades they cannot intercept any vehicles for checking of contraband liquor that is being transported from across the border.

It is learnt from sources in Canacona excise department that they have made request to the Commissioner of Goa (Excise) for provision of the barricade, but that work is still pending and vehicles carrying contraband liquor simply zoom away.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, the Popular Front of India (PFI) has demanded that the recommendations of the Justice Misra Commission should be immediately implemented and 10% reservation be made for Muslims in Central Government services and education.

PFI has further urged the Governor to forward the memorandum to the Central government for an early favourable action.

Stating that despite being tabled in the last session of the Parliament in December 2009, PFI has lamented that it was not followed by either an action taken report or any pronouncement regarding the actions proposed to be taken by the Central Government. A detailed discussion about this Commission Report was also not held in the Parliament.

In the memorandum, PFI has condemned certain vested interest groups for trying to mislead the people and the government by alleging that providing reservation to Muslims will amount to communal appeasement. “They are also attempting to mislead scheduled castes and other backward communities stating that Muslim reservation will reduce their share,” it states and adds that the recommendation for Muslim reservation is made not on religious ground, but based on the relative backwardness of the community.

Musical evening in Ponda

PANJIM (HND): M/s Vishwakamal Travels, Ponda will organise an exclusive musical concert on July 2 at Sungrace garden, Bethoda-Ponda, on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee year.

The top 5 finalists of Zee Sare-Gama-Pa Little Champs will perform at the function.

Also, the winner of ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge-Season 1’ and ‘Comedy Circus ke Superstars’ fame Sunil Pal will grace the occasion.

There will also be a dance performance by ‘Miss Goa 2010’ Sparsha Deshpande.

Entry passes will be available soon at Vishwakamal Travels, Ponda. For more details, contact 9822126654.

A huge branch of an old tamarind tree came crashing down, causing extensive damage to the house of Joao Fernandes, from Aivao, Dona Paula on Wednesday. Luckily, the occupants of the house had a miraculous escape.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 10

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 10

The State Council of Educational Research and Training declared the results of Diploma in Education (DEd) Examination (Marathi and English mediums).

In all 47 students in DEd I (Marathi medium), 52 students in DEd I (English medium), 48 students in DEd II (Marathi medium), 48 students in DEd II (English medium), including repeaters appeared for the examination.

42 students of DEd I (Marathi medium), all students of DEd II (Marathi medium), 45

Noite de Santo Antonio PANJIM (HND): Clube Nacional, Panjim will hold its traditional ‘Noite de Santo Antonio 2010’ – a dine and dance, on June 12 in the Clube premises from 8 pm onwards. Live band ‘Archies’ will perform to keep the party spirit high. Dance illusions led by Dr Martin will present some traditional as well as contemporary dances.

Members and their guests are requested to register their names in the Clube office. For further details, contact Clube Nacional on 2225316.

Informative outing PANJIM (HND): Wildtrek Adventures will organize a two day fun-filled informative outing on June 12 and 13 at Bondla and Tambdi Surla.

Participants can welcome the monsoon by feasting their eyes on the rich flora and fauna over thick forests that Goa has to offer. Know about the rich biodiversity of the sanctuary, courtesy, the resource people.

Go back into history when you visit the Tambdi Surla temple and chill out on a lazy Sunday afternoon at a water body, all this in one package which includes stay in the sanctuary in cottages/dormitories, uphill mountain trek to build your confidence, trek to river body, sighting animals by night from your window, veg/non-veg nutritious food to choose from.

For further details contact 9822123458 / 9822155805 or log on to www.wildtrekadventures.blogspot.com. The faculty team comprises of Dr Prithvi (doctor, medical-related problems, first aid), Savio (resource on wildlife), Sagar (experienced wildlife handler and rehabilator), Manoj (fitness and sports injury consultant), Dipali (guest relationship officer).

GEA meeting PANJIM (HND): The first annual general body meeting of the Goa Entertainment Association (GEA) will be held at Unity hall, 1st floor, Osia Complex, near SPDA market, Margao on June 13 at 11 am. The meeting will be preceded by the inaugural mass to be held at Don Bosco, Fatorda at 9.45 am. New memberships will be accepted at the meeting.

Osteoporosis camp at Margao PANJIM (HND): The Loyola Ex-Students Association (LESA), Margao in association with Pharmed will organise an osteoporosis detection and management camp at Loyola school premises on June 13 from 9.30 am onwards.

Registrations will be done strictly from 9 am and 11 am. The tests will be performed free of cost. Those who have undergone the tests earlier are requested to bring along their old reports. An orthopedic surgeon will be available for consultations.

Meet the achievers

‘Nobody cares to protect govt schools’ Stating that government schools are fields without fencing, Deputy Director of Education Anil Pawar on Monday said there is hardly anyone to take care or protect the government schools.

Pawar reacted after inaugurating a private primary school in the same premises where a government school existed earlier at Gaondongrim.

Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar’s Balaram Education Society, of which Tawadkar is the chairman, opened a Marathi medium primary school at Tallem-Gaondogrim.

The primary school was opened by Pawar.

Pawar regretted that there is no control of local people on government schools, despite Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan appointed and allotted the control to locally appoint samittees.

“When it was government primary school, there were no

upCoMing eVents

PANJIM (HND): Students planning to pursue an MBA in 2011 can now avail of a golden opportunity to meet and interact with achievers who has tasted success this year.

IMS Learning Centre-Goa is organizing interactive sessions in Panjim and Margao on June 13 wherein aspiring candidates can know first hand how the achievers went about preparing for the various grueling exams.

The achievers will comprise of students who have secured admissions to renowned colleges across the country; namely the India Institutes of Management (IIMs), XLRI, Goa Institute of Management, Symbiosis and others. The session will also enlighten the audience with information on various management functions, top management institutes and various entrance tests.

The session will be held on June 13 in Margao at 10 am and in Panjim at 4 pm. In Margao, the venue is Damodar College of Commerce and Economics and for Panjim it will be held at Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar.

It is an open seminar and all MBA aspiring students and parents of such candidates are invited. Interested candidates can also register at the IMS Centres, Panaji (tel: 6643852 / 3290425) and Margao (6480313 / 9822101516).

Contact IMS office for further details: Panjim: 106,Citi Centre, Patto Plaza, 3290425 / 6643852 / 9822101516, email: goa@imsindia.com.

Foundation Day

PANJIM (HND): Dnyanprassarak Mandal, Mapusa, will celebrating 102nd Foundation Day on June 18 at Sports Complex Hall, College campus, Assagao at 4.30 pm. MP Shripad Naik will be the chief guest. Principal Bhaskar Nayak Director, Higher Education will be the guest of honour. On this occasion, prizes will be awarded to the successful students.

Deputy Director of Education Anil Pawar along with Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadar and students in a classroom of the newly opened primary school at Talem-Gaondongrim in Canacona taluka.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

students, then how students appeared now,” he asked expressing fears that most government schools are dying slow deaths due to variety of reasons including non-interests among the locals.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Canacona Convenor Kamlakar Mhalshi, Balram Education Soceity Chairman and Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar, Gaondongrim Sarpanch Vishant Gaonkar, village Budhvont Bab

Velikp, ADEI (Canacona) Babaji Kothulkar spoke on the occasion.

Tawadkar welcomed the gathering, Society’s Secretary Ramesh Gaonkar proposed the vote of thanks, while Yogita Vernekar compered the function.

Interestingly, the government primary school was opened in the newly constructed building in 2003 by the then minister Isidore Fer-

DEd results declared students of DEd II (English medium) and 49 students of DEd I (English medium) have passed the examination.

The detailed results is as follows: DEd II (English medium) DISTINCTION: 203, 206, 208, 213, 219, 227, 241, FIRST CLASS: 201, 202, 204, 205, 207, 209, 210, 211, 212, 214, 215, 218, 220, 221, 224, 225, 226, 228, 229, 231, 232, 233, 234, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, SECOND CEASS: 216, 222, 223,

230, 235 RESERVED: 217.

DEd II (Marathi medium) DISTINCTION: 308, FIRST CLASS: 301, 302, 303, 306, 307, 309, 311, 313, 315, 319, 322, 323, 324, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 333, 334, 336, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 345, 346, SECOND CLASS: 305, 310, 312, 314, 316, 317, 318, 320, 321, 332, 335, 337, 343, 344, 347, 348, PASS CLASS: 325.

DEd I (Marathi medium) DISTINCTION: Nil, FIRST CLASS: 001, 005, 006, 007, 008, 012, 013, 019, 020, 021,

nandes, but it was subsequently closed for want of students.

Sources informed that presently, 20 students have been enrolled in Std 1 at the newly opened primary school

by Balaram’s Education Soceity, in the same government building at Tallem-Gaondongrim.

Balaram Education Society runs the only resident school in the taluka for ST students at Ordhnfond-Poinguinim.

026, 029, 031, 034, 037, 039, 041, 042, 045, 047, SECOND CLASS: 003, 004, 010, 016, 018, 022, 032, 033, 044, PASS CLASS: 009, Oil, 015, 017, 023, 024, 025, 027, 030, 035, 038, 040, 048.

DEd I (English medium) DISTINCTION: 102, 104, 109, 112, 121, 144, FIRST CLASS: 101, 103, 108, 111, 114, 115, 119, 120, 122, 126, 131, 132, 135, 138, 139, 142, 145, 146, 148, 149, 150, SECOND CLASS: 105, 107, 110, 116, 117, 118, 123, 125, 127, 128, 129, 130, 133, 137, 141, 143, PASS CLASS: 106, 113, 124, 134, 140, 147.

Legal aid clinics

PANJIM (HND): A free legal aid clinic will be held at the Goa State Legal Services Authority, Panjim once a month beginning on June 19 at the Mediation Centre, Goa State Legal Services Authority, new High Court building, Lyceum Complex, Altinho-Panjim at 10.30 am. Senior advocate S G Dessai and advocate J A Lobo will preside over the clinic.

The next clinic will be held on July 17 at 10.30 am. Senior advocate A N S Nadkarni and advocate D Pangam will preside over the clinic on July 17.

power shutdown JUNE 11 PONDA: From 8 am to 2:30 pm. Areas affected are Mahalaxminagar, Paun, Talauli, Londya Wadi, Wade, Caswada, Agapur, Chicalim, Undir, Dempo and surrounding areas SIOLIM: From 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are Siolim, Oxel, Guddem, Porta waddo, Marna, Sodiem, Siolim Health Centre, Vagali and surrounding areas.

JUNE 12 PONDA: From 8 am to 2.30 pm. Areas affected are Dhonshi, Nageshi, Mahalaxmi and surrounding areas.

powerline warning XELPEM: The newly 11KV Namaskar-1 and Namaskar-II, feeder lines at a distance of 3 kms each under APDRP scheme tapped from 33/11KV Xelpem sub-station upto Namaskar Nagar near Paikdev temple road Temchewada and the newly erected 11 KV S/C line at a distance of 2 kms from Pajimol to Ugem has been test charged and will remain charged thereafter.

Public is cautioned not to interfere with the power line, poles, stays, etc as any contact with this power line is highly dangerous to life and property.

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GOA, FRIDAY, 11 JUNE, 2010

Railways yet to realise importance of Tivim station HERALD CORRSEPONDENT VALPOI, JUNE 10

The North Goa Konkan Railway Action Committee (NGKRAC) has demanded that most trains make a halt at Tivim Railway station.

In a memorandum to the chief operations manager KRC Mumbai, NGKRAC President Dr Kambli stated that it is painful to state that the railway authorities are yet to realize the importance of Tivim railway station, which is centrally located station of north Goa district and having well-connected public road facilities with high tourism potential.

“The Tivim station has been neglected for the last 10 years without grant of any additional stoppage of any of the trains on Konkan railway route, except the Goa Sampark Kranti Express, which is the initial stoppage from Margao along with Karmali and Pernem stations,” stated the memorandum.

The memorandum further stated that presently, commuters from North Goa district have to travel 64 kms to Margao station to alight or embark, as only nine pairs out of the 21 trains, plying through Konkan

Highest settlement signed by any Union: GMS HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 10

The Gomantak Mazdoor Sangh(GMS), a workers union, has claimed to have achieved a milestone in the history of trade union in the State by signing the highest ever wage rise between the management of M/s Umicore Anandeya India Pvt Ltd, Sancoale Industrial Estate and its workmen.

In a press note, Gomantak Mazdoor Sangh General Secretary Puti Gaonkar stated that this is the first higher settlement signed by any union for the period of three years in the State (January 2010 to December 2012).

The press note stated that according to the settlement, there is an increase in basic rise of Rs 1,450 to a maximum of Rs 1,500 and should be added to the existing basic.

“The overall benefit of the settlement is Rs 4,600 per month with an average 5% annual inc re m e n t a n d v a r i a b l e a l lowances,” stated the press note.

The press note further stated that Ajit Narurkar, director of the company, signed on behalf of the management and Puti Gaonkar, Suraj Dessai, Santosh Ghadge, Prakash Naik, Abdul Razak and Uday Gaonkar signed on behalf of the workers union.

Nigerian held for overstaying HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JUNE 10

Calangute police on Wednesday arrested a 31-year-old Nigerian national on charges of overstaying in India.

According to Calangute police, Ndidi Igbinidu Okoro, who was residing at Arpora, was arrested by Calangute police at Candolim for overstaying without valid visa.

Police further informed that the visa of the Nigerian national expired on February 20, 2010.

Okoro has been arrested under Foreigner’s Act 1946 and will be produced in the Court on Thursday. PI Nolasco Raposo is investigating the case.

n A halt at Tivim station will serve over 6 lakh passengers from North Goa district, which will benefit 83 village panchayats, four municipal councils and the capital city of Panjim. route, make a halt at Tivim station.

“A halt at Tivim station will serve over 6 lakh passengers from North Goa district, which will benefit 83 village panchay-

ats, four municipal councils and the capital city of Panjim,” added the memorandum.

The NGKRAC has demanded stoppage of Ernakulam-Pune, Vasco-Patna, Tirunelveli-Happa and Matsya Gaandha Express on priority.

Speaking to Herald, NGKRAC Secretary K J Joy said the committee has personally met Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and apprised him of the fact that demands are pending for the last 10 years.

“Chief Minister Kamat has given an assurance that he would pursue the matter with the concerned authority in the interest of large number of passengers including students, employees and businessmen,” said Joy.

GSIDC to construct p’yat ghar at Socorro HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 10

The existing building of Socorro panchayat has been handed over to the Goa State Infrastructural Development Corporation for the construction of new Panchayat Ghar.

The Socorro panchayat office has been shifted in the rented premises ‘Ankush Vihar’, near 20 Point Programme, on June 7.

Though the panchayat has shifted its office in the new building, the phones have still not been shifted by the telephone department due to which the people

have to face a lot of hardship. The people have to visit the panchayat office to check whether the secretary or sarpanch is available in the office.

Speaking to Herald, Socorro Sarpanch Pratima Narvekar said the panchayat has already given the application to BSNL office, Panjim, to shift the phones to the new address, but the BSNL office has not taken any action in the matter.

With regard to new Panchayat Ghar, Sarpanch Narvekar said the new ground plus two storey Panchyat Ghar is being constructed

on an area of 2,750 sq mtrs.

“On the ground floor, there will be 18 shops and the post office. The shops will be rented out to the residents of Socorro, preferably unemployed. The panchayat office, conference hall and Talathi’s office will be located on the first floor and the fully air-conditioned community hall with a seating capacity for 500 people on the second floor,” said the sarpanch.

“The total cost of the project has been estimated to be Rs 3.85 crore,” added Narvekar.

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New law to legalise lawyers as ambulance chasers DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

A new law is contemplated by the government to let the lawyers take up cases of the industrial disaster victims on commission basis alike in the United States, though the step comes 26 years too late after chasing out the American lawyers who had descended on Bhopal in hordes to help out victims of the Union Carbide gas leak disaster in 1984 and 1985, dubbing them as "ambulance chasers."

A realisation is now dawning on the government that the Americans were pro-active lawyers and not bad elements trying to feast over the misery of the Bhopal gas victims as they would have any day got much better compensation from the U.S. firm by suing it under the American laws.

Only after the long-awaited judgement on Monday in the Bhopal gas tragedy, the Law Ministry is examining the Law of Torts in the United States and Britain to frame the new law that will allow the lawyers to share a percentage of the compensation amount with the clients.

The existing laws and professional ethics require the lawyers to charge only the professional fee for taking up any case and not allowed to have any financial interest in the case.

Though not legally allowed, many Indian lawyers are already striking deals with the clients in the motor vehicle accident cases to get them the best possible compensation from the court and then pocket a percentage, varying from 25 to 50 per cent, as their commission for the services rendered.

The victims of accident are too happy in such deals as it entails no huge costs to them involved in fighting the legal battles that may go on for years.

Once such practice is legalised to let the lawyers have financial interest in winning the cases, the Law Ministry officials

hope the victims of any accident, industrial or otherwise, will have the scope of getting better damages and losing nothing if the lawyer does not win the case.

The costs will be of the lawyer.

"Though we are working on a Law of Torts that does not exist on the Indian statutes so far only in the case of the industrial disasters alike the Bhopal gas tragedy, it will automatically pave way for its expansion to cover all types of cases for compensation," a ministry official said. It will legally permit the lawyers to claim up to one-third of compensation instead of charging a professional fee.

The Bill for the purpose may not be ready for the monsoon session next month, but it will be definitely brought before Parliament in the winter session that is normally held in November-December, the official said.

It will be different from another law being contemplated

by Law Minister M Veerappa Moily for enabling class action suits against the corporate houses under criminal and civil laws for speedy compensation to the victims of the industrial accidents.

The Law Ministry officials, however, admit that the government is thinking on these lines too late after enacting the law to take up responsibility to fight the Bhopal gas victims' cause.

They point out that the government could have amended the law after the Supreme Court struck down some of the charges framed by the CBI against the Union Carbide officials to ensure they do not get away with just two years of jail.

The government, however, did not bother to bring the amendments that would have taken care of the Supreme Court ruling and as such the Bhopal judge had no option but to award the maximum punishment of two years permissible under the charges finally framed by the CBI, the officials added.

Afzal's hanging: ball in president's court DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

The Home Ministry's report rejecting clemency to Parliament House attack convict Mohd Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri, is ready and may land up in President Pratibha Patil's court as early as on Thursday or Friday, a top ministry source said.

He said Home Minister P Chidambaram personally directed the officials to quickly prepare the recommendation after the ministry got the recommendation from the Delhi Government on Monday through the Lt Governor, unlike his predecessor Shivraj Patil, now Punjab Governor, reportedly asking Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to delay decision.

Mercy petition of Afzal's wife Tabassum to the President just a fortnight before he was to go on the gallows on October 20, 2006 was sent by the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the Home Ministry for comments and since then it was lying with the chief minister, who also holds portfolio of the home department that had to give its recommendation as in all such cases. Sheila Dikshit moved the file to Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna only last week and he too forwarded it to the Home Ministry with his recommendation on Saturday.

The government swung into action to quickly clear the file for Afzal's execution only after

questions were raised as to whether it would also put in queue hanging of the 26/11 terror convict Ajmal Amir Kasab for decision in the serial order, an argument advanced all these months to explain away delay in not hanging the culprit despite the highest court of the country, the Supreme Court, confirming the death sentence back in 2004..

The source said Chidambaram may himself send the Home Ministry's comment on the clemency petition to the President directly under the council of ministers' collective responsibility or place it before the Cabinet on Thursday to get its formal nod.

He said the Home Ministry was left with no flexibility after both the Supreme Court and the State Government rejected pleas for sparing Afzal from death and convert his sentence into life imprisonment. Even the President will have no option but to concur with the recommendation to order his hanging, though the Constitution permits her to take an independent decision.

The President has the option to send back the file to the Home Ministry to reconsider its comment, but the Home Ministry will send back the same recommendation without any change and that will be the end of the process of the President's consultations before signing the death warrant, the source said.

Govt approves Rs 626 cr project for e-linking of treasuries PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

In a major initiative to ensure efficiency in financial administration, Government today approved an ambitious Rs 626 crore project to computerize state treasuries and provide e-link to RBI for interface with them.

The project under National E-governance Plan was cleared by the Union Cabinet chaired

by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"The scheme, at an overall cost of Rs 626 crore aims at supporting the state governments to computerise their treasury functions," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters here.

OHERALDO

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OPINION

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O HERALD O

The Curious Case of Nadia Torrado

Vol No CX No: 150 Goa, Friday 11 June, 2010

T

‘Waka, Waka’ maka, tuka

his one may be for Africa, but it doesn’t stop the FIFA Football World Cup 2010, starting today in South Africa, from being the greatest show on Earth. That is not just hype. The World Cup is the most widely viewed sporting event in the world. An estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 World Cup held in Germany. For this World Cup, 204 countries entered.

A series of qualification matches and play-offs was held over the last three years, across the six FIFA continental zones – Africa, Asia, North and Central America and Caribbean, South America, Oceania, and Europe. This process resulted in the qualification of the top 31 teams that, along with host nation South Africa, will compete in what is called the ‘finals’, starting today.

The 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four teams each, which play each other in a round-robin format. The top two teams of each group qualify for the knockout stage, followed by the quarter finals, the semi finals, the thirdplace match and the finals. This is truly a world event. FIFA has more members than the 192-country United Nations (UNO). In comparison, the Cricket World Cup, which most Indians are so crazy about, has just seven real contenders, apart from a handful of ‘minnows’. That’s less participation than in a single FIFA continental zone!

This year’s World Cup will have a two-day opening. It started yesterday night with a spectacular three-hour Kickoff Celebration Concert at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, to raise funds for ‘20 Centers for 2010’, a charity campaign dedicated to building twenty ‘Football for Hope’ centres for public health, education and football across Africa. The official 2010 World Cup song, ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ will be performed by singer Shakira backed

by South African group Freshlyground. John Legend, Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, and Colombian heart-throb rocker Juanes, apart from a host of others, are performing. Afterwards, host South Africa plays Mexico in the opening match.

Though most Goans will be rooting for five-time winners Brazil as usual, the remarkable thing about most World Cup finals is the surprises they have produced. All eyes are on the South Africa vs Mexico game tonight. This is because till the present World Cup, no host country has failed to advance to the second round. South Africa might make dubious history by becoming the first, or it may not. But the host team, fondly called ‘Bafana Bafana’, needs a victory against powerful Mexico if it is going to emerge from the group.

And, the 92-year-old former South African President Nelson Mandela, among others, will cheer them on. Mandela, better known as ‘Madiba’, is a huge football fan. He played a major role in bringing the World Cup to the African continent for the very first time this year.

The player to watch out for in this World Cup is young Lionel Messi of Argentina, the 2009 world player of the year.

He has scored 34 goals for his club, Barcelona, this season, and will combine with Carlos Tevez, who scored eight goals for Manchester City and Javier Mascherano of Liverpool. Argentina’s coach, the great but controversial Diego Maradona – who was the architect of Argentina’s World Cup triumph in 1986 – has promised his team that if they win this World Cup, he will run naked through the streets of the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires. That underlines the kind of stakes involved in a Football World Cup victory.

For the next month, we are going to be treated to the very finest of footballing action the world has to offer, where the most skilled players on the globe fight for their country’s pride and honour. And we will all hope that some day, in the not-too-distant future, the Indian flag too will adorn a stadium where the World Cup finals are being played. Enjoy!

Std XII in Catering Alwyn Pires, Bambolim Of late, a number of private as well as government Hotel Management colleges have come up in Goa. I am a resident of Bambolim. A number of higher secondary schools are offering vocational courses in catering and bakery, which is beneficial for those who want to do a three-year degree in Hotel Management. But there are no such choices for children in and around Panjim.

I would like to request the concerned authorities to have at least one higher secondary (in Santa Cruz) that would cater to this vocational stream.

If Goans are pigs…

Ayres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo He worked hard. He bought fishing trawlers.

God blessed him and increased his prosperity. He became popular among locals in his village. He contested elections and won.

Today, he is a powerful minister who can shake the High Command in New Delhi and

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

11 June 1910 Cuncolim Post Office The building from where functions the Post Office at Cuncolim looks like a cowshed. We request the concerned authorities to take a serous look into the matter.

Assolna Road There is a great labour activity to lay a branch road from Cuncolim to Assolna.

Hegde-Desai’s paper The Director of the Marathi daily to be launched from the Capital City is Mr Govinda Panduranga Hegdo Dessai.

Migrant peddlers We are in total accord with our press colleagues in regards to dirty and smelly clothes worn by the migrant peddlers.

Is nadia’s unfortunate suicide a reflection of what society in Goa is fast turning into, asks dr osCar reBello

G

oa is presently witness to the latest blockbuster running houseful in our little state: ‘The mysterious suicide of Nadia Torrado’.

Admit it, all of us are riveted by the nuggets of intrigue, deception, histrionics, tears and suspense flung at us by the participants in this morbid soap opera.

Whatever the conjectures and innuendo, we can be certain of four salient, indisputable facts: 1. Nadia Torrado was desperate enough to commit suicide. The ‘accidental’ ingestion of Ratol paste theory has no medical basis whatsoever.

You can’t die so dramatically if you simply brush your teeth with Ratol paste.

2. Over 99 per cent of Goans are relieved (even secretly chuckling) to see the back of a nasty work of art who colourfully dominated South Goa politics. Whether he abetted the suicide or not investigations will tell (or not tell), but just to see the boorish Mickky Pacheco ejected from his ‘kodel’ is, for most of us, ‘just deserts’.

3. The Government of Goa headed by Digambar Kamat has not let the entire police force crash land on Mickky out of any altruistic sense of justice and fair play. Nailing Mickky and kicking him out makes ample sense to the Congress in South Goa. And Mickky, predictably and idiotically enough, has consistently placed his head on the chopping block. Don’t for one moment think that the sun is going to rise in the west and that the government will now go after all the bad guys.

‘Our’ bad guys will be protected ‘Not our’ bad guys will be eliminated, until the next coalition government.

And this last indisputable fact: 4. A young girl; desperate, wretched and confused with life’s choices she made, took her own life. Suicide is a horrible, horrible tragedy. It isn’t and can never be a synonym for a media circus, character assassination or petty gossip. It is an insurmountable tragedy for the victim and certainly for the family she leaves behind.

The first three facts will be handled by the courts, the activists, the media and the investigating authorities (if politicians don’t wade in to interfere). As a society, our complete focus must be on the last fact: Is Nadia’s unfortunate suicide a reflection of what our society in Goa is fast turning into?

Speak to any psychiatrist and (s)he will tell you of the alarming rise in suicide attempts in Goa –

Goa dIary both successful and unsuccessful – over the last decade and half. This should not be a surprising statistic, considering the potent cocktails brewed in Goa that makes it a fertile ground for young people to snuff out their lives prematurely.

A fast life; a quest for thrills rather than enduring happiness; glum economic prospects; examination pressures; broken families; the omnipresent scourge of drugs and alcohol; our morality and values plunging lower than Lady Gaga’s necklines; the python-like grip of corruption on our system; the relentless, savage rape of Goa… It’s a wonder that any of us actually want to remain alive in this environment.

And trust me, it will get worse! With our mindless and seductive embrace of today’s cowboy capitalism, the incidence of rape, crime, murder, shootouts, extortion and kidnapping is set to become endemic. With our blind acceptance of American-style capitalism-on-steroids also come all the social ills that afflict that continent. Brace yourself.

Most near-suicide and fatal cases we handle

touched…….

InsPIratIonal InCIdents

N

owadays, people are driven by ulterior selfish motives of power, prestige, wealth, fame, etc. Giving alms, charity to the poor and needy, offering a seat to the elderly or expectant mothers in the buses was more common in the days gone by. The philosophy followed is ‘Each one to self and God to all.’ You want to achieve something in this competitive world, then you better work towards it. Don’t expect help from all quarters. Each one is busy with their own work schedules and routines, however mundane they may be, or are. However, some of my views have undergone a metaphorical change. It’s great to know that good Samaritans are still around on this earth. Well, it’s a simple, ordinary incident.

But it does show the extent of human warmth and kindness.

Two weeks back, I was watching the idiot box, when my mom called out to me. I didn’t hear her until she came to my room and said to me, “You youngsters are aging quite fast and your ears too.” It then struck me that she might have been calling out to me.

I grinned at my mom and asked her “What’s the matter?” She knew that I was engrossed in watching some movie on one of the many channels on TV . She pointed outside our house. I took a quick look in the direction that she had indicated. I couldn’t see a

keep Goa’s lollipop chief minister on tenterhooks.

He himself is a niz Goenkar, but somehow power has gone to his head. Now he talks of the “development” of Goa, which doesn’t make sense at times. His recent statement in support of a big builder didn’t go down well with the villagers of Carmona. This infuriated him. He complained that Goans ‘squeal like pigs’. Very strange; calling his fellow Goans pigs. What would that make Churchill Alemao, as he is also a Goan…!

Golden handshake Prof Robert Castellino, Calangute The people of Goa must congratulate Chief Minister Digamber Kamat on completion of three years in office. Given the state’s past track record, it is no mean achievement.

But holding on to the chair can hardly be termed an achievement!

Unemployment, influx of migrants, sewage and sanitation problems and, above all, rampant corruption needs to be tackled on a war footing.

To his credit, it must be admitted that Kamat has endeared himself to the common man because of his easy accessibility. He now needs to leverage this goodwill by taking his ministers to task. Ministers must be asked to deliver within a fixed time-frame, as PM Manmohan Singh has demanded of his cabinet colleagues. ‘Shape up or ship out’ should be the new mantra. Not Golden Glow but Golden Handshake; for ministers who do not perform.

Rampant adulteration Prakash L Naik, Ponda It is a matter of great concern that drugs banned all over the world are readily available here, resulting in their misuse to become rich overnight at the cost of the health of the consumers. Cyanide, Chloroform, Steroids, Mandrax, Calcium Carbide, Oxytocin, Ethephon Frutron, Ethylene Oxide, etc, are reportedly banned drugs used for adulteration in India.

Saccharin is used to sweeten food articles and soft drinks. Calcium Carbide is used for artificial ripening of mangoes. Ethephon Frutron is used for artificial ripening of bananas.

are of youngsters out to prove a point. A silly argument with a parent, sibling or friend, and pronto, the youngster swallows a fistful of tablets, or Dettol, or whatever (s)he can lay his or her hands on, and is rushed into the Emergency Room.

Most poisons can be reasonably well handled.

The availability of modern antidotes and dialysis facilities means we can save most lives, if the patient is brought in early. The big problem is when there is a delay in seeking medical attention, owing to social stigma or, worse, from the fear of the bizarre law that makes attempting suicide a crime.

But by far the deadliest and surest killer poison is Ratol paste. Once ingested and absorbed, the fatality rate is near 100 per cent, even with the best facilities that can run up a bill of over Rs40 lakh. It is such a deceptive poison because the patient usually seems well for the first 24 to 48 hours, but once the jaundice sets in, it mostly results in sure death within seven agonising days.

The fear, trauma and agony writ large in the victim’s eyes is truly heart-wrenching. They may

have swallowed the poison to jolt a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or parent, but now they don’t want to die. But, whatever we doctors do, we can almost never get them back.

I therefore second the suggestion put forth by the feisty Auda Viegas that there must be a ban or at least restricted sale of Ratol paste. It’s a horrible, horrible killer. Alternatively, we parents need to keep Ratol paste under lock and key, if we don’t want our kids / staff / significant other to end up as victims of its lethal accuracy.

Also, as suggested by Celina Pereira of New York in a touching post on Goanet, we need hotlines for potential victims on the verge of suicide.

Sometimes, just a simple heartwarming talk can break the messy cobwebs in the mind, and serve as comforting chicken soup for the soul.

In sum then, folks, once the heat, dust and storm of this story fade out, we will all be back to base. The media will go chasing another scoop and we, the audience, will be salivating for the next soap opera. The politicians will move on to playing the next ‘elimination round’. The judiciary / cops will ponder over the case for the next 75 years. The family will live a life of guilt and remorse forever. And Mickey will probably return to power with a thumping majority in the next poll, and all will be forgiven.

Sadly, for a desolate, forlorn, tragic young lass, all of 27 years old, fighting the demons of her own awful choices – a girl they called Nadia Torrado – there will be no comebacks.

PS: One thing that does not make sense is the charge of culpable homicide on Mickky & Co. Why would a man who tried to bump off his girlfriend spend over Rs45 lakh, doing everything possible to save her life? It sounds completely incongruous.

Suicide, yes. Murder? My, my, that’s rich!

The Ubiquitous World Cup From today the grandest spectacle on earth will unfold before our eyes – the Copa del Monde. Agitations will be put on hold, attendance at offices will drop, beer company execs will have smiles on their faces and passionate arguments in Goa will abound. I love this Carnival every four years.

It is said that the whole of Argentina is praying that their team loses the World Cup this time.

Yes, loses…! That’s because if they win, an unfit, enormously corpulent and hideous Diego Maradona has threatened to run on the streets of Buenos Aires stark naked!

thing. And like any other impatient young person continued to watch the movie. Shaking her head, my mom proceeded to the kitchen.

Suddenly, I heard a loud moo. And then followed by another ‘moo.’ I looked outside. I couldn’t see any creature that could fit the description of a cow. Again, the sound bellowed and it wasn’t a normal moo or a hungry moo. It seemed different to me. So, giving the TV a well-deserved break, I set out to investigate the matter that seemed to have aroused my curiosity and amateurish Agatha Christie skills. I managed to locate the source of the sound.

Indeed, it was a cow… a cow in deep pain… and it had fallen in a narrow drainage meant for rain water to flow. It was bewildering for a cow of that size to fall in a gutter so narrow.

A crowd gathered there within minutes. People were talking about how to save the poor creature. Several neighbours were summoned to lend a helping hand. Finally, after much effort, the people managed to loosen the stones of the narrow ridge, while one of them spoke soothingly to the cow. It seemed to be working.

With heavy coir ropes that were brought by one of the neighbours, the people managed to heave the cow back to safety. However,

By Charlane Pereira the cow seemed motionless. Fear crept in my mind at the possibility that the fall could have damaged its vertebrae. As one of the neighbours approached with a big bucket full of water towards the cow, the cow staggered to its wobbly feet… and with a look that conveyed gratitude, mooed softly. Then she headed for the bushes and trees ahead. People cheered and were happy. I felt like clapping.

I was moved at the great humane efforts to save the animal in distress. A generous act and a helping hand can go a long way in saving lives.

Acts of kindness flow from the heart and can never be forgotten.

Cleveland Amory once said, “What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind.” International wars, interpersonal conflicts, petty fights, violence, terrorism, crime, homicide, aggression is not a way of life.

Non-violence, as practiced by Gandhi, is a weapon not of the weak, but of the strong and fearless. Peace and kindness move together to complement each other. A strong moral system with ethical principles is the cornerstone of a successful community/individual. That’s when nations progress or when there is strong unity in the family/neighbourhood/society.

Letters to the Editor Letter of the Day Immoral and illegal donations Rocky Dias, Raia In educational institutions during my time, fees and money were not the criteria. The priority was sending a child to school. In Goa, one hardly ever heard the words donation, bribe or corruption.

Today, even after passing the Right to Education Act, it is shocking and painful to learn that there are schools in Goa demanding donations of Rs1 lakh and more for a child’s admission. It is disgusting and shameful that when the government is propagating free education, there are schools denying admission and closing doors if parents do not wish to donate.

This cannot happen without the knowledge of government officials. The state government has already made a mess of the law and order situation – corruption, drugs, rape and murder is rampant. Now it’s ruining the field of education.

Those on the wrong side of the fence can easily get away if they are supported by the government. Our politicians do not depend on Goan votes, but are backed by money and migrants.

The present government cannot honour its commitments and responsibility. The need of the hour is strong Goan unity, and a law that the government should provide jobs for all Goans and a decent education for all Goans.

Oxytocin injections are used to enlarge the sizes of fruits like mangoes, papayas, apples, bananas and watermelons. Consumption of these fruits can cause hormonal disorders, paralysis, heart and liver problems and impotence. It is high time the authorities act sincerely and responsibly.

Selective sympathy?

Keziah Fernandes, Benaulim Convenor of Bailancho Ekvott Auda Viegas said that ‘Ratol’ must be banned, as “too many people have lost their lives owing to this poison”. Why she did not take up all those suicides cases; why is she only after Nadia’s case? Has it to do with money power from rival political leaders? If she is so concerned about women, she should have taken up all suicide cases and other women-related issues.

Congrats, Goa Police Julius Carvalho, Dubai The Nadia case has been perfectly investigated by the Goa Police under the direct supervision of Home Minister Ravi Naik, leading us to know the real facts: that Nadia’s

death was not a simple suicide but a clearcut case of culpable homicide by a member of Goa’s infamous G-7.

Now the Goa Police should nail all the evidence perfectly before the court of law, so that the ex-minister gets the maximum punishment. People like him should know that they cannot have as many partners as they like in their life. Let us wipe out criminal politicians from Goa’s map forever.

Minister: Role model Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar Apropos the letter ‘Role model?’ by Fatima Sardinha (Herald, 8 June), a minister should be a role model to the people at large and the youth in particular. Goa Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues is definitely a role model. He is very soft spoken and was never embroiled in any controversy. Goa would have been a very different place if all ministers were like him.

She also refers to the case of the minister’s son accused of raping a German girl.

I handled this case as an advocate, not an activist. Every lawyer is within his rights to withdraw from any case; in this particular case, I acted within my rights.

Mapusa’s maladies Errol D’Souza, Porvorim Recently, after a year-and-a-half, I made a trip to Mapusa city for some personal work.

But Mapusa made feel sick to my stomach; I felt like I was going to Hell.

There is absolutely no proper road system, no street signs, congested shops and establishments.

Stray dogs and cows obstruct the pathway and, most disgusting, stinking garbage is strewn all over the place.

Mapusa city is in a disgusting and pathetic state. Will the concerned authorities do something to develop and beautify the Mapusa market and the surrounding areas?

Stipend plea Pravin Sardessai, Adpai In Goa, fisherfolk have been maintaining their families by selling fish During summer season, the availability of fish being quite large, they receive reasonable earnings by selling fish, either in the local market or by visiting various households.

However, during the monsoons, the situation is quite different. Due to rough weather, no fish is available and this in turn, delivers a severe blow to the fisher folk who do not earn any amount during major part of the monsoons.

Inorder to provide some relief to this community during the rainy season, it would be advisable for the State government to pay a certain amount of stipend to this category of people. This step will indeed help them a lot in satisfying their basic needs.

Fishermen who have to pay monthly loan installments will receive the benefit to some extent incase this suggestion is brought into practice.

A detailed list of fisherfolk must be framed so that the state government gets a clear picture about the total amount required for providing the necessary stipend.

Letters should be 150 words or less in length, and should have the writer’s name, address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for size and readability, and to delete any personal attacks or libellous /objectionable matter.

Paths of Wisdom Resemblance to the Opposite Gender

By Samir Khan Ibn Abbas, (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) has uttered curses for those who try to resemble women, and for those women who try to resemble men. (Bukhari) The pattern of moulding of men and women is not similar as there lies a natural, palpable difference between the two. Similarly, the psychology of both the sexes is also different. Man represents strength and protectiveness while woman represents fragility and domesticity. This difference in the nature and psychology of the two sexes demands that their dresses, their appearances and their behaviour should also be different from one another.

Opposed to this, attempts made by men to look like women and vice versa amount to fighting against nature and for this reason they attract the wrath of Almighty Allah.

Western civilization which encourages the blind following of fashion, has created such a tendency in women to resemble men and in men to resemble women that nowadays we can see in public men looking like semi-women and women looking like semi-men; sometimes it becomes difficult to ascertain whether a certain person passing by is a man or woman.

In their attempts to look like women, they begin to imitate women in their clothes and even in ornamentation.

They have also started braiding their hair. In the same way, women have also begun to don men’s dresses in their effort to look like the stronger sex; they even get their hair trimmed like those of men. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) has cursed such men and women.

Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald & Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com — For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com — For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Herald represent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.

INDIA

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Govt mulling dropping key Call to fly out Anderson came from CM’s office: ex-official clause in N-liability bill PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

The government is understood to be considering changes in the nuclear liability bill, including a proposal to drop a crucial clause that would compel a foreign nuclear supplier to provide for compensation in case of accidents due to willful action or gross negligence.

The changes coming against the backdrop of light sentencing in the Bhopal gas tragedy verdict have already come under attack from political parties including the BJP and the Left parties which have said it was being done under American pressure.

The government intention is believed to have been conveyed during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology on Tuesday by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The changes appear to have even caught off guard the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which plays a key role in forging cooperation with the US and other nations for the gov-

NHRC seeks report from Centre on Shopian killing PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

The National Human Rights Commission has sought a detailed report from the Centre on a complaint alleging that security forces killed a civilian in a "fake encounter" and also fired at protesters in south Kashmir's Shopian town recently.

Issuing notice to the Defence Secretary, the NHRC asked the government to submit the report of a magisterial inquiry into the incident along with the post-mortem and inquests report within ten weeks. "...issue notice to the Secretary to the government of India, Defence, New Delhi calling for a detailed report including magisterial inquiry report, post-mortem report and inquest report within ten weeks," the Commission said.

The Commission took cognisance of a May 29 complaint filed by a rights activist and lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy who alleged that army personnel killed Gulam Mohammed and injured four other civilians in a "rampant fake encounter" in Sophian district on April 24.

"Two of the injured are in critical condition.

Postmortem, inquest and magisterial inquiry remains under suspicion," he charged.

He pleaded that the Commission order an investigation into the incident and also sought adequate compensation for the dependents of the victims.

Woman’s stripping: 3 cops suspended PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

Three police personnel, including a woman Head Constable, were today suspended and a Vigilance inquiry ordered after a woman claimed that she was forced by police to strip in front of her son and asked to have sex with him after the boy was arrested on charges of stealing money.

The woman residing in a slum cluster in west Delhi's Mayapuri has filed a complaint in this regard with Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal. According to the complainant, the incident took place in the last week of May in the presence of a woman police personnel.

The investigations into the complaint has been transferred to Vigilance Wing of Delhi Police, a senior police officer said.

Woman Head Constable Amrita Singh and Constables Pramod Kumar and Santosh of Delhi Police were suspended from service pending inquiry, the officer said.

Police had apprehended the woman's two sons on May 22 for allegedly stealing money from a car and she and her husband had gone to the police station to meet their sons.

They were allegedly abused by police and they came back the next day.

ernment.

Highly placed sources in the MEA said Section 17(b) was part of the Bill at least till last week and they were not aware if changes were being mooted by the DAE. However, the sources maintained that the government would not take away the liability of the supplier under contractual obligation and that the interests of the common man would be protected.

This, they claimed, would be ensured in the context of the Bhopal court verdict that has highlighted the lacunae in Indian laws in dealing with such industrial disasters and to provide adequate compensation for the victims.

There was no official word from the government on the changes except a terse press release from the DAE which referred to news reports on deletions and modifications in the Bill.

It merely said the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill, 2010 was under consideration by a Parliamentary Committee, which is "examining all aspects".

"The Government's role is limited and will continue to be restricted to providing inputs in response to queries put to it by the Committee," the release said.

The important change in the Bill, tabled in the Lok Sabha on May 7, being considered by the government relates to Clause 17 which has provisions for "right of recourse" to an operator of a nuclear plant which is the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

As it stands, it provides for right of recourse in three conditions -- (a) such right is expressly provided in the contract in writing; (b) the nuclear incident has resulted from the willful act or gross negligence on the part of the supplier of the material, equipment or services, or of his employee; (c) the nuclear incident has resulted from the act of commission or omission of a person done with the intent to cause nuclear damage.

Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi said his party would oppose the Bill both in Parliament and outside.

PTI BHOPAL, JUNE 10

With the circumstances under which Warren Anderson was flown out in a state plane after the gas disaster coming under scrutiny, a former Madhya Pradesh aviation official says he received a call from the then Chief Minister Arjun Singh's office to arrange for his departure.

Also, the identity of the then chief of Union Carbide was kept a secret and not revealed to the pilots of the state government plane who flew him out of Bhopal on December 7, 1984 within hours after he landed here in a commercial plane from Mumbai.

"I got a call from the CM's office that we have to arrange for an aircraft for Delhi flight...Accordingly we arranged the aircraft belonging to the Government of Madhya Pradesh," Captain R S Sodhi, who was the Director of Aviation in 1984, told TV channels today.

After the Bhopal gas case verdict on June 7, the focus is back on how Anderson was allowed to get away on despite

being arrested on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder for the gas disaster at the Carbide plant on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984. Over 15,000 persons were dead in the world's worst industrial disaster.

Anderson was whisked away to the airport, where the Chief Minister's official plane stood waiting. Senior bureaucrats and police officers were also present at the airport.

the Superintendent of Police and Collector of Bhopal.

"It was a one-hour-35minute flight. We landed in Delhi. An ambassador picked him up from next to the plane.

I left him with the airport manager. Another car was waiting for him there," he said.

Ali also said Anderson was the lone passenger.

"Only one person received him at the airport. He was looking tired and upset. It was a state government plane. We did not know who he was. It was kept a secret," he said.

Ali's version of events corroborated what the then Bhopal Collector Moti Singh said yesterday.

"The Chief Secretary at that time called me to the room and told me to arrange for the departure of Warren Anderson," Singh had said.

"At around 2 pm, the Chief Secretary called the police chief and me and told us to release Anderson and send him to Delhi by plane. Accordingly we went to that place, did the formalities, and he was released on bail and sent to Delhi by plane," Singh said.

BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY Sodhi said the city's Superintendent of Police and Collector Moti Singh waved to Anderson as he boarded the plane.

Captain S H Ali, who piloted the plane, said the identity of his passenger was kept a secret and not revealed to him. Ali said Anderson was looking tired and upset.

"We got flight information from director R S Sodhi for a flight from Bhopal to Delhi. I was told to keep aircraft ready.

I planned it one hour beforehand. We waited for Anderson," Ali recalled.

Ali said Anderson came with

AppointMentS

Arjun Singh should break his silence: Mishra PTI BHOPAL, JUNE 10

Madhya Pradesh Parliamentary Minister Narottam Mishra today said that senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Arjun Singh should "break his silence" on the issue of Warren Anderson being allowed to leave the nation soon after Bhopal gas tragedy.

"I think it is high time that Arjun Singh breaks his silence

on this issue and let the world know what prompted the then Madhya Pradesh government to allow Anderson to leave the country," he told reporters at a cabinet briefing.

The Minister also said that it was for the Congress to clear all doubts as to why the Union Carbide chief was allowed to leave days after the world's biggest industrial disaster.

AppointMentS

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FROM PAGE 1 Investigation needed

reveals that it was not consumed by mistake. “The material collected by the prosecution ruled out the possibility of consuming poison by mistake as tried to be claimed by way of statement of the victim recorded before the special Magistrate at Mumbai for the simple reason that if it was consumed by mistake at around 9 am on May 15, no one will remain in the house till 3 pm when actually the deceased was shifted in presence of Mickky at Apollo Victor hospital”, Judge observed.

The Judge said considering the other settled propositions and the fact that Pacheco was holding a high profile post in the Government and that he is an elected member of the Legislative Assembly, there is reasonable apprehension that the witnesses would be tampered with and the larger interest of the public as well as that of the State in order to properly investigate the matter in order to find out the true facts, are weighing against Pacheco. “The material collected by the prosecution suggests different events which are necessarily required to be investigated thoroughly”, the judge said.

Referring to Pacheco’s claim that the prosecution is trying to unnecessarily harass him while investigating the matter, Judge Deshpande said the material collected till date shows grave suspicion about some involvement of Pacheco.

Judge Deshpande said the allegations that have come from the prosecution are of very serious nature and it shows a grave suspicion that it is not the case of voluntarily consuming the contents of Ratol tube as projected by the family members and others since there were multiple injuries found on the person of the deceased, which according to the opinion of the doctors date back to the day or prior to consuming such poison.

The Judge sought to now why the family members as well as the former tourism minister, who were continuously present

with the deceased from the time she was shifted to the hospital on May 15 and even on the previous night, are not disclosing the correct facts even though they were interrogated by the investigating agency. “The aspects which are collected by the prosecution point towards something else and certainly not towards the facts which are disclosed by the family members as well as by Pacheco till date. Once it is reported that a young lady has consumed entire content of Ratol paste which is admittedly a poison, it becomes a medico legal case and therefore the investigations has to be conducted to find out the actual reasons for doing so.

Thus the seriousness of the offenses alleged against Pacheco is of grave nature and therefore require to be thoroughly interrogated”, Judge Deshpande said.

Saying that the post mortem report given by the Chennai hospital shows there were multiple contusion injuries on the person of the deceased, which date back to the day of taking the said poison or a day prior to it, Judge Deshpande said the family members of the deceased are also not disclosing true facts regarding such injuries which were certainly not because of the treatment given to her later on. “There is also material collected by the prosecution that Mickky was with the deceased on May 14 during night time and what led her to consume entire contents of Ratol tube is required to be investigated thoroughly”, Judge Deshpande said, while rejecting the bail application.

Lyndon moves HC State that took suo motto cognizance and had filed the complaint, which he claims was not considered by the Sessions Court while deciding his application.

Lyndon in his appeal said he was allegedly merely suspected to have destroyed the evidence and that the police had no concrete proof. He also pointed out that just because influential persons were involved, this could not be a ground for rejection of his application and it would not be necessary to call him for custodial interrogation.

He further pointed out that while rejecting his application, the Court had failed to consider that he was the OSD to the ex-minister.

His application states that he has bright political future, perceived as a threat by many in the present Government and as a result has been falsely implicated to tarnish his political career.

Legally binding climate deal likely in 2011 AGENCIES BONN, JUNE 10

An international treaty to fight climate change is likely to take shape during United Nations talks in December and be completed a year later, the UN’s top climate official Yvo de Boer said.

The main ingredients of the accord may be set at a two-week summit in November and December in Cancun, Mexico, he told reporters today in Bonn.

Countries likely will give legal form to the deal in late 2011, said de Boer, who failed in his attempt to marshal more than 190 countries into completing a treaty at talks last December in Copenhagen.

“We really should have got a deal in Copenhagen,” de Boer said today in the German city.

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Defiant Iran rejects curbs AFP TEHRAN, JUNE 10

A defiant Iran rejected new UN sanctions imposed over its controversial uranium enrichment programme, saying it will press on with the sensitive atomic work, even as world powers stressed today the door remains open for dialogue.

A US-drafted sanctions resolution was adopted by 12 votes to two in the UN Security Council on Wednesday, with Lebanon abstaining and Brazil and Turkey voting against.

Although swiftly hailed by the United States, Britain and France who co-sponsored the resolution, the sanctions drew an immediate, scornful reaction from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"These resolutions are not worth a dime for the Iranian nation," said Ahmadinejad, who had earlier threatened to suspend negotiations with six major powers if the sanctions were imposed.

Speaking in the Tajik capital

Dushanbe minutes after the UN vote, he said he had told world powers "that the resolutions you issue are like a used hanky which should be thrown in the dust bin."

Iran's envoy to UN atomic watchdog, Ali Asghar Soltanieh insisted that Tehran would "not halt its uranium enrichment programme," the most contentious part of its nuclear policy.

Iranian newspapers, both hardline and reformist, unanimously denounced the sanctions.

The hardline Kayhan daily ran a front-page lead headline: "Wait for Iran's decisive response to illegal sanctions."

The reformist daily Aftab eYazd said: "Now that the West, along with Russia and China, has adopted the path of confrontation, Iran's response will be strong."

US President Barack Obama said the "toughest-ever" sanctions "sent an unmistakable message about the international community's commitment to stopping the spread of nukes."

Russia, China block Iran's entry to SCO PTI MOSCOW, JUNE 10

Russia and China have effectively blocked the entry of Iran into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), even as the regional bloc mulls opening its doors to new members.

Ahead of the two-day SCO summit which opens in Tashkent today, diplomats from Russia and China blocked Tajikistan's request for inviting Iranian President Ahmadinejad, who was to publicly bid for admission to the six-member grouping, Kommersant daily reported.

SCO comprises of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Iran along with India, Pakistan and Mongolia has a status of observer state in the grouping, which initially emerged as a confidence-building mechanism along the former Sino-Soviet border and later expanded its activities to combating terrorism and promoting economic cooperation.

Russian Presidential aide Sergei Prikhodko said the Tashkent summit will set the rules and criteria for admitting new members.

Wilders in line for Cabinet role AGENCIES THE HAGUE, JUNE 10

The Freedom Party of the antiIslam MP Geert Wilders emerged as the third force in Dutch politics last night, nearly doubling its number of seats in Parliament in the country’s general elections.

Wilders won 21 seats, up from 9, pushing the Christian Democrats, led by the outgoing Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, into fourth place.

The cost-cutting, right-wing Liberal Party (VVD), led by Mark Rutte, won a paper-thin lead of just one seat, putting them in position to form a coalition that must tackle a ballooning budget deficit.

With 88 percent of the votes counted, the Liberals had 31 seats in the 150-member Parliament against 30 for the Labour Party, which wants slower and fewer cuts to tackle a deficit ex-

pected to reach 6.6 percent of GDP this year This would give Mr Rutte a mandate to form a coalition and become prime minister, but sticking to his austerity policies could prove tough because he needs at least three other parties to secure a parliamentary majority.

Wilders, who wants to ban Muslim veils and the building of new mosques, is constitutionally bound to take part in coalition talks. He could be offered a place in a Cabinet chosen

Boob job for Palin?

by Rutte, who has said that the Freedom Party is “just another party”, but Job Cohen, the Labour leader, has ruled out on moral grounds sharing power with the controversial critic of Islam.

“We really want to be part of government, we want to participate. I don’t think the other parties can escape us,” Mr Wilders said.

The biggest losers were the Christian Democrats, who plummeted from 41 seats to 21 in a damning indictment of Mr Balkenende’s eight years in charge.

He resigned as party leader last night.

Earlier, exit polls had showed the Liberals and Labour running neck-and-neck in an election dominated by debate on fiscal austerity after the euro zone’s stability was threatened by sovereign debt woes plaguing Greece.

Taliban hang 7-year-old to punish family AGENCIES KANDAHAR, JUNE 10

AGENCIES TORONTO, JUNE 10

Hot off the rumour mill: Sarah Palin, spiritual leader of the Tea Party protest movement, has new breast implants.

This seems redundant to me, like selling coals to Newcastle.

I mean, Mount McKinley is not the only lovely peak in Alaska.

But nothing surprises me anymore, especially in American politics.

The buzz began at the Belmont Stakes on the weekend.

The former governor and vicepresidential candidate was there with the faithful Todd. They bet on First Dude, who was named for Mr. Palin and finished third.

Some observers tore their gaze from the colts on the track to the filly in the VIP seats — and noticed Ms Palin looked

even perkier than usual.

“Hey, Sarah Palin,” marvels Boston Herald columnist Lauren Beckham Flacone. “I can see your cleavage from my house.”

Or is that Russian cleavage?

Look at the photo — as if I have to ask — and judge for yourself. As a noted expert in the field, I’d say Ms Palin is just drumming up more support than usual.

Bras have come a long way since those long ago “lift and separate” days. Now, anyone can mimic the Himalayas. Especially in a white T-shirt.

Ms Palin has not yet commented on the rumours, but I bet she says “I didn’t do it. Cross my heart.”

And we media boobs will have to go sniffing for other dirty laundry.

A seven-year-old boy was executed by the Taliban in a brutal act of retribution this week, after his grandfather dared to resist the insurgency’s iron rule.

Afghan officials said the boy was accused of spying for US and NATO forces and hanged from a tree in southern Afghanistan.

Daoud Ahmadi, the spokesman for Helmand’s provincial governor, said the murder came just days after the b o y ’ s g r a n d f a t h e r, A b d u l Woodod Alokozai, spoke out against militants in their hometown.

“I know his father and I know his grandfather,” Ahmadi said.

“His grandfather is a tribal elder in the village and the village is under the control of the Taliban.

His grandfather said some good things about the government and he formed a small group of people to stand against the Taliban. “That’s why the Taliban killed his grandson in revenge.”

The killing of children to punish their parents has chilling echoes of western mafia-style violence.

But the Taliban has denied killing the boy.

The insurgents have been known to deny attacks in the past deemed unpopular in the eyes of ordinary Afghans.

Anti-whaling activist begs for leniency AGENCIES TOKYO, JUNE 10

A New Zealand anti-whaling activist broke down in a Tokyo court today, as his lawyers pleaded for him to be spared prison for boarding a Japanese whaling ship and allegedly injuring one of its sailors with acid.

Tok yo prosecutors demanded a two-year prison sentence for Peter Bethune, 45, on charges of trespass, destruction of property, obstruction of business, illegal possession

of a knife and assault causing injury.

“I did not have the intention of hurting crew members,” he told the court, speaking in Japanese from a prepared text, his voice sometimes breaking with emotion. “I do not have animosity towards Japanese. I would like not to be considered an enemy of Japan but a friend who has different opinions.”

Bethune was arrested in February after boarding the Shonan Maru II in the Antarctic Ocean

as a member of Sea Shepherd, an organisation of self-styled environmental “pirates” dedicated to stopping Japan’s annual whale hunt.

In what has become an yearly confrontation in one of the most extreme maritime environments on earth, Sea Shepherd fired light beams, attempted to entangle the Japanese propellers with ropes and bombarded them with “stink bombs” of butyric acid, successfully hampering their capacity to fulfill their whale quota.

Cameron rules out more troops for Afghanistan AFP KABUL, JUNE 10

British Prime Minister David Cameron today made his first official visit to Afghanistan, hailing 2010 as vital in efforts to fight the Taliban but ruling out the prospect of sending any extra troops.

Cameron, whose visit was not announced ahead of time for security reasons, held talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the heavily guarded palace in Kabul before the two leaders held a joint news conference.

The new British premier declared Afghanistan "the most important foreign policy issue, the most important national security issue for my country".

Britain has around 9,500 troops in Afghanistan, mostly in the south, as part of a 46-nation force. It is the secondbiggest contributor to the NATO-led mission after the United States.

But Cameron told the news conference: "the issue of more troops is not remotely on the UK agenda".

It is his first visit to Afghanistan since taking power as head of a coalition government involving his centre-right Conservatives and the centre-

left Liberal Democrats last month.

Cameron's new government has faced questions over whether it will follow the same

strategy as his predecessor Gordon Brown and increasing public support for troops to come

home.

An Independent on Sunday/ComRes survey in April found that 77 per cent of those questioned now supported a phased withdrawal and the end of operations within a year, up six per cent in five months.

A total of 294 British personnel have died in Afghanistan since operations began in the country to topple the Taliban government in October 2001.

British Defence Secretary L i a m Fo x , w h o v i s i t e d Afghanistan shortly after the new government took power last month, caused controversy by telling the Times newspaper that he would like British troops to "come back as soon as possi-

ble" and referred to Afghanistan to "a broken 13th century country".

Cameron announced an additional USD 98 million for British forces to counter the threat from improvised bombs, which are the biggest killer of Western soldiers in Afghanistan.

"I've described this year -- and the president, I know, agrees -in terms of the NATO mission in Afghanistan as the vital year," Cameron said.

"This is the year when we h a v e t o m a ke p ro g re s s - progress for the sake of the Afghan people, but progress also on behalf of people back at home who want this to work," he added.

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Govt okays Rs 2,500 cr highway projects Committee cleared four-laning of a 78 km stretch on Krishnanagar-Baharampore section on NH 34 in West Bengal to be built under DBOFT basis at a cost of Rs 702 crore.

The statement said that the traffic on NH 34 would increase substantially with the completion of the project due to its strategic importance of the highway which connects the North-Eastern states and neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

"The traffic would increase substantially due to the implementation of South Asia Free Trade Agreement among SAARC countries," the statement said.

PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

The government today approved four highway projects worth over Rs 2,500 crore in five states -- Gujarat, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh -- to be built under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP).

The projects were approved by the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI) and included Rs 828 crore scheme for fourlaning of 123 km stretch on Jetpur-Somnath section in Gujarat, a statement said.

This will be built on design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis. The

Goan starts sausage factory in Croydon HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 10

The project for Bihar included two-laning with paved shoulders of a 82 km stretch on Muzaffarpur-Sonbarasa section at an estimated cost of Rs 512 crore. Similarly a Rs 494 crore project was approved by the CCI for two-laning with paved shoulders of a 164 km stretch on Jhansi-Khajuraho section in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

"The project is covered in the three districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh -Jhansi, Tikamgarh and Chhattarpur," the statement said. All the highways projects approved today fall under the NHDP phase III, it said.

New solar tech best suited for India: inventor in India. Solar energy is a cheap, abundant resource that is importantly also non-toxic,' said the Swiss professor who has developed a solar cell that mimics nature, just as plants produce their own food with photosynthesis.

'Solar cooling will immensely help India as refrigeration is directly related to health issues,'

AGENCY HELSINKI, JUNE 10

India will stand to significantly gain from a new technology on solar power as it is cheap, green and efficient, says Michael Gratzel, winner of this year's Millennium Technology Prize that is often called the Nobel for innovation.

'I am particularly interested

TALK BUSINESS

Marriott’s offer on your stay PANJIM (HBD) -- The Marriott Group of hotels in India has unveiled an exciting ‘Expect the best returns on your stay’ promotion at all the Marriott Group of hotels in the country viz JW Marriott Mumbai, Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Goa Marriott Resort, the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre and the 6 Courtyard’s by Marriott hotels across Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Gurgaon and Mumbai.

A guest will get upto Rs 3000 to spend indulging in services like room upgrades, cocktails, spa/massage treatments, laundry/room service, and lots more. For further information logon to www.marriottindiadeals.com

Mercedes-Benz to expand into city buses segment PANJIM (HBD) -- Mercedes-Benz today announced their expansion plans to set-up a dedicated assembly line that will cater to the production requirements of buses, at the company plant at Chakan, near here.

The company's foray into bus business will also include a plan for integrated body-building facility for city buses at Chakan.

Mercedes Benz now plans to conduct product clinics and fine tune the buses to the specific needs of Indian city bus operators and has already imported a low floor and a semi-low floor city bus for the purpose, a company release stated.

"Mercedes-Benz is the inventor of the first bus in the world and ever since, we have pioneered innovations that have revolutionised motorised public transport. In India, our 2-and 3-axle luxury coaches have been received very well. We would now like to expand into the city buses segment. Our trial buses will achieve the objective of assessing the customers' needs," said Dr Wilfried Aulbur, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India.

Mule elected Nafscob VC PANJIM (HBD) -- Elections to the Board of Directors of National Federation of State Coop Banks Ltd, (Nafscob) were held on June 10, 210 at Mumbai for the period 2010-2015.

Among 19 directors, Ramchandra G N Mule, chairman of The Goa State Coop Bank Ltd has been unanimously elected vice-chairman of the National Federation of State Coop Banks Ltd (NAFSCOB).

His candidature was proposed by B Bandopadhyay, chairman of West Bengal State Co-op Bank Ltd and seconded by R K Meena, chairman, Rajasthan State Co-op Bank Ltd.

Sensex extends gains for 2nd day; jumps 264 pts on global cues PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 10

Stock market bellwether index Sensex rose for the second consecutive session today ending 264 points higher on renewed investor confidence, supported by positive European cues.

The Bombay Stock Exchange’s 30-share benchmark, which was creeping till mid-session, spurted in the second half after European markets opened firm and settled at 16,922.08 points, showing a gain of 264.19 points, or 1.59 per cent.

The wide-based Nifty Index of the National Stock Exchange ended 1.57 per cent higher at 5,078.60 points.

Gratzel told IANS here after he received the prize at a grand ceremony presided over by Finnish President Tarja Halonen.

Solar cooling uses energy from sun rays to generate power for refrigeration.

'I had been to Coimbatore in April. In India, petrol is expensive. Solar energy is the best alternative as there is lot of sunshine in your country,' the professor said while holding the dye-sensitisised solar cell he has developed that won him the award.

The Millennium Technology Prize is awarded every second

year. This year's winner got nearly $1 million for what has come to be called 'Gratzel Cells'. The previous winners included inventor of the World Wide Web Tim Berners-Lee in 2004, Shuji Nakamura (blue and white LEDs) in 2006 and Robert Langer in 2008 for invention and development of innovative biomaterials.

Gratzel, director of the laboratory of photonics at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, said: 'Solar cells can also provide energy for water purification. Solar panel is now already capable of charging your mobile

RIM launches 3G version of Pearl

HCC divests 74% stake in 247Park

PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 10

PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 10

In view of the impending rollout of 3G networks in India, Research In Motion (RIM), maker of Blackberry smart phones, today launched a 3G version of its compact phone, Pearl.

RIM's Global chief marketing officer, Keith Pardy, said that the new model has got the "highest screen resolution and fastest" and drew parallels, stating "it is like a powerpacked Ferrari engine put into a small smart phone."

India is the third market worldwide, after Canada and Australia, where RIM has launched the new phone. "...we will continue to localise our content with newer applications which is part of our Indian investment" Pardy said.

Bullish on the Indian market, RIM's Managing Director in India, Frenny Bawa, said this market which sees 18-million new subscribers added every month "is definitely exciting".

On RIM's forecasts for the Indian market, she said, "The smartphones market is growing at 60 per cent annually and we would like to participate in that."

Aban Offshor, 650, 652, 636.05, 645.6 Abb Ltd., 855, 859.9, 855, 858.3 Abg Shipyard, 247.1, 254.1, 247, 250.2 Acc Limited, 856, 873, 846, 868.9 Adani Enterp, 531.2, 547.5, 531.2, 545.35 Aditya Birla, 768.7, 768.7, 753.7, 762.7 Allahabad Ba, 167.8, 168.8, 164.25, 165.5 Alstom Proje, 606, 612, 600, 604.65 Ambuja Cemen, 114.3, 116.8, 114.1, 115.85 Andhra Bank, 135.5, 138.35, 135.5, 137.9 Ashok Leylan, 62.1, 63.35, 61.5, 63 Asian Paints, 2298, 2327, 2265, 2311.55 Axis Bank Li, 1239.65, 1250, 1220.25, 1248 Bajaj Hindus, 109.2, 110.35, 108.1, 109.3 Bank Of Baro, 729.9, 736.9, 726.1, 732.7 Bank Of Indi, 330.05, 334, 327.8, 331.8 Beml Limited, 997, 1005.6, 991.1, 999.3 Bharat Elect, 1665, 1703.7, 1665, 1693.5 Bharat Forge, 266, 276.5, 262.75, 274.5 Bharat Petro, 557.4, 558, 546.3, 551 Bharti Airte, 275, 286.9, 271.1, 285.2 Bhel, 2296, 2340, 2296, 2324.85 Bhushan Stee, 1305, 1336.5, 1297.35,

Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) said that it has divested 74% stake in its new-age business destination 247Park in Mumbai, to IL&FS Milestone Fund.

Valued at Rs 775 crore, 247Park is a 1.8 million sq ft commercial property and has a leasable area of 1.1 million sq ft, located in the upcoming business corridor at Vikhroli.

This is the largest investment by an REIT-structured fund in India till date. The fund has entered into a definite agreement with an affiliate company of the HCC Group to buy this stake pending legal and statutory requirements, a release issued here stated.

Over 85% of its space has already been leased out, a statement read. This 65-metre high complex also houses a rooftop helipad besides other modern amenities.

Milestone Group's MD and CEO, Ved Prakash Arya, said that "the group was looking for premium commercial development like 247Park which is designed using sustainable design philosophies."

1331.9 Biocon Limit, 288, 291.75, 287, 290.35 Bombay Dyein, 490.4, 497.5, 485, 492.65 Bosch Limite, 5059.95, 5074.85, 5030, 5067.25 Brigade Ente, 136.5, 138.8, 136.1, 137.5 Cairn India, 292.5, 297.9, 291.1, 297.15 Canara Bank, 429.95, 432.7, 425.3, 430.05 Central Bank, 148.7, 151, 146.65, 148.55 Century Text, 443, 455.5, 443, 453.45 Cesc Ltd, 350, 386.85, 350, 379.9 Chambal Fert, 60.3, 60.75, 59.25, 60.15 Chennai Petr, 252, 252.7, 250.25, 251.8 Cipla Ltd, 324.4, 337, 324.15, 335.45 Colgate Palm, 827.1, 828.4, 796, 811.05 Container Co, 1227, 1236.95, 1210.05, 1225.7 Crompton Gre, 235.2, 246, 235.2, 241.8 Cummins Indi, 586, 596.5, 585, 593.2 Dabur India, 191.85, 194.45, 190.65, 191.95 Deccan Chron, 125, 126.5, 123, 125.4 Dish Tv Indi, 40.7, 42.6, 40.7, 42.3 Divi’s Labor, 745.25, 774.5, 745.25, 771.3

phone.'

Pushing back his tousled hair, the professor went on: 'These cells can be useful for charging batteries in hybrid cars. Not only that, in Japan they are developing street lighting that work solely on solar cells. So there is tremendous potential for it.'

He said the solar cells developed at his laboratory worked on cloudy day, without a drop in efficiency. 'Clearly, the biggest advantage of our technology is: It is clean, cheap and efficient. Now the goal is: subsidy-free, commercially-viable products.'

"The stable rental returns from such properties would be extremely attractive for its investors with reasonable yield expectations in the current volatile investment environment," he added.

Money Matters Financial Services is the exclusive advisor to the deal, the HCC statement said.

HCC Real Estate's President, Rajgopal Nogja, said that "we completed 247Park on schedule incorporating high standards and have successfully attracted very premium tenants. Several reputed fundhouses had shown interest in this premium development despite the turbulent investment environment and we are pleased to conclude the deal and partner with IL&FS Milestone Fund."

HCC Real Estate is a 100 per cent subsidiary of HCC. IL&FS Milestone Realty Advisors, a joint venture between Milestone Capital Advisors and IL&FS Investment Managers, has made eight investments through its funds and has invested around Rs 1,800 crore into the commercial leased-out property spaces so far.

Dlf Limited, 260, 263.9, 256.6, 262.75 Dr. reddy’s, 1480, 1517, 1477.5, 1497.3 Edelweiss Ca, 420, 429.95, 420, 428.05 Educomp Solu, 538.95, 551, 536.55, 542.7 Eih Limited, 115, 116.5, 113.05, 116 Engineers In, 318.6, 324.95, 316.5, 318.3 Essar Oil Lt, 125.1, 126.5, 123, 125.25 Essar Shippi, 84.95, 86.4, 84.2, 84.85 Exide Indust, 122.7, 123.55, 121.4, 122.75 Federal Bank, 345, 345, 332.5, 335.8 Financial Te, 1325, 1325, 1299, 1315.6 Gail (india), 457.85, 459.25, 454, 456.1 Gammon India, 194, 201.95, 188.15, 196.3 Glaxosmithkl, 2125, 2133, 2100, 2106.3 Glenmark Pha, 259.5, 262, 258.3, 261.05 Gmr Infrastr, 55.9, 55.9, 54.45, 55 Godrej Indus, 145.8, 147, 144, 146.4 Grasim Indus, 1775, 1790, 1757.05, 1769.7 Great Offsho, 448, 452, 445, 449.25 Gtl Infra.Lt, 38.1, 38.5, 37.85, 38.35 Gujarat Mine, 117, 120.9, 117, 119.6 Gujarat N R, 58, 58.95, 57.9, 58.7 Gujarat Stat, 95.15, 95.75, 94.65, 95.5

Gvk Pow. & I, 41.25, 42.4, 40.85, 41.6 Hcl Technolo, 365.8, 368.45, 360.15, 366.9 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1880.9, 1921.95, 1863, 1916.15 Hdfc Ltd, 2710, 2755, 2706.7, 2749.9 Hero Honda M, 1925, 2012, 1920.1, 2005.75 Hindalco in, 134.7, 139.2, 132.7, 138.5 Hindustan Co, 110.9, 114.6, 110.75, 113.45 Hindustan Ma, 70.65, 71.75, 69.65, 70.8 Hindustan Pe, 356.9, 360.5, 349, 354.25 Hindustan Un, 247, 252.5, 247, 252 Hindustan Zi, 951.7, 971, 944, 964.3 Housing Dev, 219.1, 221.9, 214.2, 219.9 Icici Bank L, 822.8, 834.2, 814, 829.05 Idea Cellula, 53.85, 55.45, 53.4, 55.2 Ifci Ltd, 53.85, 55.45, 53.2, 55.05 India Cement, 113.5, 115, 112.15, 114.2 India Infoli, 93, 93.3, 91.5, 93 Indiabulls F, 134.9, 134.9, 129.5, 131.15 Indiabulls R, 144.95, 150.15, 144.1, 149.5 Indian Bank, 230.6, 230.6, 227, 228.75 Indian Hotel, 99.25, 102.1, 98.5, 101.85 Indian Oil C, 349, 349.95, 341.1, 344.15

The professor also sounded a word of caution regarding fossil fuels. 'We are seeing what is happening in the Gulf of Mexico,' he said, referring to the oil spill there, which is wrecking havoc on environment. 'It was a risk we can't take. We need solar energy now.'

He said the Earth's surface receives solar radiation at an average of 81,000 terawatt.

This energy, he added, exceeded the whole global energy demand by a factor of 5,000. He said he was happy to have won the award and promised to continue his research.

Infosys to hire 30,000 this year AGENCY THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JUNE 10

IT bellwether Infosys will hire 30,000 professionals this year as growth has returned to the sector, chief executive Kris Gopalakrishnan said.

'Infosys will recruit 30,000 professionals this year,' Gopalakrishnan said. He said growth had come back to the IT industry and this was evident from the performance of companies, including Infosys.

Infosys has a development centre at the Technopark campus here and employs more than 1,500 professionals.

He said a new campus in the special economic zone near Technopark would be fully operational by the end of the year.

He expressed confidence that Kerala will soon be a force in IT and the need of the hour is good promotion.

'Every destination has some pluses and minuses and for Kerala the perception that it is not a destination to invest still continues, but the experience of those who have already invested is the exact opposite and hence the state should vigorously promote the advantages,' added Gopalakrishnan.

Indian Overs, 92.5, 93, 91.75, 92.05 Indus Dev Ba, 112, 113.45, 110.8, 112.9 Indusind Ban, 182, 183.2, 180, 181.65 Infosys Tech, 2625.2, 2654, 2620.55, 2645.55 Infra. dev., 165.5, 166.85, 163.7, 165.9 Ispat Indust, 16.7, 17, 16.55, 16.9 Itc Ltd, 279, 281.75, 275.2, 280.05 Ivrcl Infras, 178, 181.5, 173.65, 180.5 Jai Corp Lim, 224, 224, 219.25, 222.85 Jaiprakash A, 119.5, 122.3, 118.7, 122.05 Jet Airways, 490.1, 500.9, 490.1, 497.6 Jindal Saw L, 188.5, 192.3, 185.65, 191.65 Jindal Steel, 617.5, 631.85, 614.2, 629.35 Jsw Steel Li, 1032, 1054.2, 1020.05, 1050.45 Kotak Mahind, 739, 746.65, 732.75, 744.1 Lakshmi Mach, 1779.85, 1805, 1755, 1776.6 Lanco Infrat, 60.9, 63.25, 60.25, 62.95 Larsen & Tou, 1647.2, 1675, 1647, 1672.4 Lic Housing, 968, 976.9, 955.3, 971.7 Lupin Limite, 1860, 1899.8, 1860, 1887.75 Mahanagar Te, 53.4, 54.25, 52.95, 53.85

Goan specialist sausage maker Alex Dos Santos’ has gone from family recipes to factory production after opening a new manufacturing base in Croydon.

Former chef Santos has been making and selling Goan cuisine for four years, and has seen his creations feature on TV shows ‘Market Kitchen’ and the BBC’s ‘Indian Food Made Easy’.

The 49-year-old originally started a small-scale business in West Norwood selling food to the Goan community, but his TV fame meant demand for his sausages soared.

He puts the success of his sales down to the unique taste of his products, the popular Goan cuisine.

Santos thanked Croydon Economic Development Company for playing a “crucial” role in getting his new

firm under way.

He said: “They have helped me to negotiate favourable terms for a new lease with the landlord, acquiring a reduced rental rate for a couple of years and a rent free period whilst the extensive renovation was carried out.”

BOARD MEETINGS Hinduja Vent Shri Lakshmi Uniply Inds Hindustan Unilever Steel Exchange Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA RELIGARE MUTUAL FUND has approved June 15, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under quarterly dividend option of Religare Gilt Fund - Long Duration Plan. The face value of per unit is Rs 10.

The quantum of dividend will be Re 0.1752 per unit for Individuals and HUFs and Re. 0.1631 per unit for others.

The AMC also approved June 15, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend in regular plan under quarterly dividend option of Religare Active Income Fund. The face value of per unit is Rs 10.

The quantum of dividend will be Re 0.2628 per unit for Individuals & HUFs and Re 0.2446 per unit for others.

L&T MUTUAL FUND has approved June 16, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under the dividend payout option of L&T Fixed Maturity Plan-Series 12-Plan91D-March 10-II. The fund house has decided to distribute 100% of distributable surplus as on the record date on the face value of Rs 10 per unit.

ICICI PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND has approved June 15, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option of ICICI Prudential Interval Fund - Quarterly Interval Plan II. The face value of per unit is Rs 10.

The quantum of dividend will be Re 0.115 per unit as on the record date.

BIRLA SUN LIFE MUTUAL FUND has decided to modify the asset allocation and investment pattern of Birla Sun Life Income Fund.

The changes will be effective from July 10, 2010.

Unit holders who do not wish to hold units in view of the aforesaid change may exit the scheme from JunE10, 2010 to July 9, 2010 without any exit load, at the relevant applicable NAV. The AMC also decided to alter the asset allocation and investment pattern of Birla Sun Life Midcap Fund by increasing the cash allocation limits. The changes will be effective from July 10, 2010.

Proposed (Cash) allocation limits: Accordingly the scheme will invest up to 20% of assets in cash, deposits and money market instruments including Mibor linked short term papers.

Existing (Cash) allocation limits: The scheme invests up to 5% of assets in cash, deposits and money market instruments including Mibor linked short term papers.

Unit holders who do not wish to hold units in view of the aforesaid change may exit the scheme from June 10, 2010 to July 09, 2010 without any exit load, at the relevant applicable NAV. KOTAK MUTUAL FUND has announced the revision of exit load structure for Kotak Quarterly Interval Plan Series 8. The changes will be effective from June 10, 2010.

Accordingly for redemptions / switch outs on or before 30 days from the date of allotment of units the exit load charge is 1%. For redemptions / switch outs after 30 days from the date of allotment of units the exit load charge is nil.

Mahindra & M, 580, 599.9, 578, 592.75 Maruti Suzuk, 1316, 1349.8, 1296, 1346.15 Max India Lt, 164.5, 166.9, 162.6, 164.65 Maytas Infr., 186.5, 188.5, 185, 187.75 Moser-baer (, 60, 60.9, 59.3, 60.5 Mrpl, 66.2, 68.55, 66.2, 67.95 Nagarjuna Co, 181.95, 189.5, 181.35, 187.8 Nagarjuna Fe, 28.75, 28.95, 28.4, 28.85 National Alu, 422, 424.45, 419.9, 421.9 Neyveli Lign, 145.05, 147.5, 145.05, 146.75 Ntpc Ltd, 199.1, 200.4, 198.7, 200 Oil And Natu, 1200, 1204.6, 1178.65, 1188.7 Omaxe Limite, 93.9, 94.8, 93.15, 93.9 Oriental Ban, 338, 338.75, 334.6, 335.95 Parsvnath De, 125.8, 127, 124, 126.05 Petronet Lng, 82, 82.4, 80.8, 81.55 Power Fin Co, 304, 306.8, 300.1, 302 Power Grid C, 102.8, 103.7, 101.5, 101.95 Praj Industr, 77, 78.2, 76.75, 77.95 Punj Lloyd L, 116.75, 117.3, 114.5, 116.9 Punjab Natio, 1015.55, 1029.75, 1010, 1019.1 Rajesh Expor, 77, 77.9, 76.3, 76.95

Ranbaxy Labs, 417.95, 426, 416.15, 424.6 Rashtriya Ch, 80.3, 80.65, 78.2, 80.25 Rel. nat. re, 51.55, 52.4, 51.4, 52.15 Reliance Cap, 667.95, 686, 665, 681.7 Reliance Com, 170.55, 175.5, 169, 174.35 Reliance Ene, 883.6, 907.9, 883.6, 892.14 Reliance Ind, 748.7, 767.1, 737.85, 758.35 Reliance Pow, 153.5, 157.3, 153, 156.5 Rolta India, 160.5, 163, 159, 162.3 Satyam Compu, 86.2, 86.75, 85, 86.3 Sesa Goa Ltd, 351.95, 355.4, 345.1, 354.1 Shipping Cor, 159.65, 167.2, 159.65, 165.3 Siemens Ltd, 682.25, 699.9, 682.25, 699.1 Sintex Indus, 287.65, 288, 280.2, 284.45 Sobha Develo, 268.1, 279, 268.1, 277.05 State Bank O, 2266, 2338, 2266, 2326.85 Sun Pharmace, 1705, 1709.95, 1685.35, 1702.45 Sun Tv Netwo, 392, 420, 392, 416.5 Suzlon Energ, 53.5, 54.3, 52.1, 53.9 Tata Communi, 241, 251.85, 241, 250.4 Tata Consult, 730, 753, 730, 750.5 Tata Motors, 738.65, 762.45, 730, 759.1

Tata Steel L, 468.8, 473.35, 457.7, 471.45 Tata Tea Ltd, 1050.25, 1078.55, 1050.25, 1071.2 Tata Teleser, 20, 20.3, 19.95, 20.2 Tech Mahindr, 705, 717.5, 702.5, 715.35 The Ge Shpg., 292.1, 296.7, 290, 293.8 The Phoenix, 198.5, 199.5, 195.5, 197.95 Thermax Ltd, 706.2, 708, 698.05, 702.85 Titan Indust, 2225, 2243.9, 2213.05, 2231.55 Torrent Powe, 334.9, 341.9, 333, 339.5 Triveni Engg, 88, 91.15, 87.5, 90.45 Tv18 India L, 85, 89.7, 84.9, 89.35 Uco Bank, 81, 81.8, 80.6, 81.45 Ultratech Ce, 950, 995.95, 935, 981.8 Union Bank O, 308, 311.55, 305.1, 308.75 Unitech Ltd, 69.25, 71, 68.1, 70.7 United Phosp, 181.25, 189, 181, 187.4 Videocon Ind, 194.15, 201.9, 194.15, 199.6 Vijaya Bank, 61.5, 62.45, 61.45, 62.2 Voltas Ltd, 192, 192.95, 187.25, 189.2 Wipro Ltd, 628, 645, 625, 642.55 Yes Bank Lim, 282, 283.3, 275.4, 281.8 Zee Entertai, 282.75, 291, 282.65, 289.3

SPORTS

HE RA LD

Pg13

GOA, Friday, 11 June, 2010

Nagoa Sporting move into quarters HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JUNE 10

Nagoa Sporting Club, Bardez stormed into the quarter-finals of 37th Bandodkar memorial football tournament edging out Goa Velha Sports Club by a solitary second half goal at MPT ground on Thursday.

The all-important goal came from the boots of prolific Stanley Coutinho from a quick pass from the left flank by Adnan Baig, who was declared man-of-the match.

Goa Velha, with the exception of midfielder Vishant Pednekar forwards Flanson Rego, Joy Rodrigues and Chatur Naik looked

found it difficult to mount an attack.

Earlier in the first half, Nagoa Sporting’s Gaurish Naik placed the ball right in the hands of Goa Velha keeper Valerio Vaz in the 26th minute and two minutes later he blasted over from hand-shaking distance.

After change of ends, substitute Kalpesh Naik and Pradip Chopdekar increased the pace.

A combined move initiated from midfield by Pradip Chopdekar saw Adnan Baig moving towards the left flank and sending a crisp cross pass to Stanley Coutinho, who beautifully shot in to the surprise of Goa Velha keeper Va-

KJ’s cagers emerge champions HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 10

KJ’s Panjim beat Margao Basketeers 60-59 in an exciting final of 18th All Goa Aliens Basketeers Basketball tournament at Fr Benedict Furtado memorial complex, Don Bosco, here. KJ’s were trailing 28-30 at half time.

Lambert Godinho (21), Amiash Jain (17) topscored for KJ’s.

Spencer Viegas was outstanding for Margao Basketeers with 26 points. Nigel Fernandes scored 13.

In women’s, Dashing Damsels outplayed Jades 35-13. Sheheen Rebello (12), Mitchelle Fernandes (8) were outstanding for Damsels. Rahila Pinto played well for Jades with 5.

Spencer Viegas was awarded best player of the finals prize.

Fr Ralin D’Sousa, Director, Don Bosco Oratory, was the chief geust and gave away the prizes.

Fr Paul D’Sousa, Rector, Fr Wilfred Fernandes, Administrator were the guests of honour.

Fourth seeded Maja Tvrdy of Slovenia, followed by India's Trupti Murgunde (7) and Aditi Mutatkar (5), Mingtian Fu of Singapore (5) in the women's singles exited from Yonex-Sunrise India Open Grand Prix (gold) badminton tournament.

Fifth seed Anup Sridhar of India fell to Indonesian Yusuf Alamsyah. However, top seeds Chetan Anand and Saina Nehwal saved the blushes with fluent wins. Saina beat Thilini Jayasinghe of Lanka 21-7, 21-10 while Chetan trounced Mohit Kamat 21-8, 21-8.

Goa meet Assam today HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, JUNE 10

KJ’s Baskeeters, winners of 18th all-Goa Aliens Basketeers Trophy alongwith Fr Ralin D’Sousa, Fr Paul D’Sousa, Fr Wilfred Fernandes, Andrew Cardoso.

Don Bosco Oratory enter quarters Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda prevailed over United Boys of Benaulim1-0 to enter the quarter-finals of 18th Super Soccer tournament organized by United Clubof Dando at St John Baptist ground, Dando – Benaulim onThursday. There was no score at half time.

Chetan, Saina win AGENCIES CHENNAI, JUNE 10

St Sebastean, Bandh winners of 21st Romeo memorial football tournament beating Segundo Bairro 2-0 (Custodio D’Cunha, Raison Fernandes – scorers) in the finals at Santa Cruz village ground alongwith PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, Reginaldo Lourenco, Fr Caldeira, Victoria Fernandes, MLA, Rudolfo Fernandes, Fortunato Coutinho, Sarpanch and panchas of St Cruz.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JUNE 10

lerio. That was in the 44th minute.

Adnan Baig was handed over the man-of-the match award by ex-international striker Prakash Naik of Vasco.

Referee Shekhar Shirodkar flashed the yellow card to Vishant Pednekar of Goa Velha for dangerous tackle.

Oratory and Benaulim went into the stack right from the word go and fired at each other’s goal.

Benaulim slowly took over the reins and Ozie Fernandes unleashed a rasping shot which was blocked by the Fatorda goalkeeper.

Oratory put up a vast improved performance in the second session and they went all

out in search of the match-winner. They created umpteen chances into the rival territory and their hard works paid off when Valente Silva headed in off a flag kick taken by midfielder Francis Andrade soon after resumption.

Stung by the setback, Benaulim piled on the pressure and came up in several counter-

moves but the Oratory defenders were in no mood to allow their opponents any space to manoeuver inside the danger zone with tight marking.

Benaulim made a last ditch effort and their efforts nearly bore fruit but the Oratory goalkeeper was equal to the task to deny Ozie Fernandes a sure equalizer.

The Goa U-19 team is gearing up for their opening match against Assam in Dr B.C Roy trophy U-19 Junior Nationals at East Bengal ground, Kolkata on Friday.

The squad which arrived on Wednesday is currently staying at the Salt Lake stadium. The team has had a problem adjusting to the conditions. Team manager Mario Aguiar informed Herald that the squad has decided to eat their meals outside, instead of the stadium canteen as they were not happy with the hygiene and sanitation.

On Thursday, the players were taken to a ground nearby to train, only to find they could not use the pitch. They drove back to Salt Lake ground and had a small training session on the artificial turf which the players were not used to.

Goa U-19 manager Mario said, "Despite the conditions, we are looking forward to the game, our boys are geared up and fully motivated."

The match will be played at the early time of 8 in the morning.

Probable line-up: Albino Gomes (gk), James Fernandes, Meldon D'Silva, Mario Lobo, Raju Haldankar/Clinton Rodrigues, E d b e rg S e q u e i r a , Ly n d o n Pereira/Jesvil D'Souza, Alwyn Fernandes, Brandon Fernandes, Myron Fernandes, Pandhari Chopdekar.

BRIEFS Johnson down with elbow injury

Mitchell Johnson is the latest addition to Australia's growing injury list with the left-arm pacer set to miss a part of the forthcoming tour of England due to an elbow problem.

The fast bowler is the third Australian player to be injured ahead of the series against England and Pakistan after Brad Haddin pulled out due to an elbow injury and Phillip Hughes dislocated a shoulder during a boxing exercise last month.

Johnson injured his right elbow during the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies, forcing him to miss the game against Bangaldesh.

Ruthless Nadal lights up Queen's

Rafael Nadal's day-global outfit and his ferocious forehands lit up a gloomy Queen's Club on Wednesday as the Spaniard marked his return to grass with a 6-2 6-2 demolition of Brazilian journeyman Marcos Daniel.

Second seed Novak Djokovic gave the fans who had sat through several rain break a thumbs up after he joined Nadal in the third round with a 6-3, 63 win over Italy's Paolo Lorenzi.

World T20 with 20 teams

The qualification for the 2012 World Twenty20 cricket has been expanded to 20 teams.

The qualification tournament, which previously involved six or eight teams, will be expanded to a 16-team tournament for the next World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka The ICC Development Committee has designed the newlook tournament to include 10 qualifiers from regional Twenty20 events which will add to the current six nations from the ODI/T20 status.

Vieira staying at Manchester City

French midfielder Patrick Vieira will stay at Manchester City next season after agreeing a one-year extension to his contract, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

The former Arsenal player, who turns 34 this month, joined City from Inter Milan on a sixmonth contract in January with an option for a further year.

City said on their website (www.mcfc.co.uk) yesterday that the option had been taken up.

Custodio football at Raia

The Goa tennis ball cricket team for 18th Junior National Championship to be held in UP from June 13-16 alongwith Bruno Coutinho (SAG’s joint director coaching), Mahesh Naik (asst secretary), coaches Nilesh Naik, Ajinka Naik and Haresh Parsekar.

PANJIM (HSD) -- The 39th edition of Custodio memorial football tournament organised by Raia Sporting Club will start on June 13 at Raia panchayat ground at 4.30 p.m. Parish Youth Nuvem will meet Sangolda Lightening in the opening match.

AGENCIES MUMBAI, JUNE 10

I-League champions Dempo Sports Club are close to signing a deal with an unnamed English football club for acquiring technical know-how as well as ideas on how to market the game and run the entity profitably.

"We are close to signing a deal with an English club but I cannot reveal the club's name because of confidentiality clauses. It will benefit our players and coaches.

It will also help us to gain knowledge on how to market the

The Goa tug-of-war team for National tug-of-war championships to be held in Patiala alongwith Sharendra Naik, Pramod Naik, Gurudas Naik, Mahesh Naik, Shashikant Sardessai, Dhargalkar, Sadanand Verenkar.

Projected as an outsider by the ruling camp, cricketer-turnedpolitician Mohammad Azharuddin today fired a salvo at Badminton Association of India President VK Verma, saying the BAI chief is not eligible for reelection and should gracefully walk away having played a "long innings".

Azhar referred to the Sports Ministry guidelines which fix the terms of a National Sports Federation president to 12 years and said it's time to go for Verma, having been at BAI's helm for as many years.

"Verma has not challenged the validity of the Government guide-

lines in any court of law and, as such, is bound by the same and ineligible for a re-election," Azhar told PTI from Hyderabad.

"The government guidelines are binding on all. Even an Indian Olympic Association resolution (rejecting the guidelines) cannot nullify it. It is binding on every federation. Having been a government official himself, Verma should have known it better," Azhar said.

The Ministry guideline in question has the sports administrators up in arms, claiming it an infringement of their autonomy and the issue has now snowballed into a crisis with the International Olympic Committee set to discuss it later this month.

Representing India is like ‘dream come true’: Tiwary PTI JAMSHEDPUR, JUNE 10

Eagerly looking forward to making his debut for India, batsman Saurabh Tiwary, who has been picked for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, says just getting selected in the 15-man squad is "like a dream come true."

The flamboyant middle-order southpaw who replaces hardhitter Yuvraj Singh, was well aware that he would have to perform in the tournament to prove his mettle and cement his place in the national squad.

"Obviously, there will be pressure on me and I am confident I will not disappoint the selectors, who have put faith in me", he said.

Tiwary, the second player in

the national squad from Jharkhand after India captain M S Dhoni, was felicitated by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on his arrival here last night.

Tiwary, Jharkhand Ranji captain, said his consistent performance in IPL-III drew the attention of the selectors, and added that he was also expecting a call for the tri-series held in Zimbabwe recently on the basis of his IPL performance.

Tiwary scored 419 runs for the Mumbai Indians in the last edition of IPL. Replying to a poser, Tiwary said statemate Dhoni is "a great cricketer" and he did not wish to be compared to him.

Bopanna-Qureshi crash out

India's Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi were shown the doors by Marx Philipp and Igor Zelenay, defeating them in straight sets, in the first round of the Gerry Weber Open here.

The Indo-Pak pair, who showed some resistance in the second set before losing 2-6, 6-7(3) to the German-Slovakian duo to crash out of the euro 750,000 ATP 250 event.

Bopanna who also had qualified for the singles main draw, failed to move beyond the first round going down 4-6, 6-7(11) to Thiemo De Bakker of Holland.

Sree plans to quit Kerala

India pacer S Sreesanth is all set to leave Kerala cricket and represent some other team in the Ranji trophy.

Speaking to media persons in Kochi, he said it is because he was ill- treated by Kerala Cricket Association authorities.

He said was unhappy after the Kerala state senior selection board stripped him of the captaincy despite he and the team performing well last season.

He went on to add that he suffered for the past couple of years as there was lot of back-stabbing.

game," said Dempo Group of Companies chairman, Shrinivas Dempo said in Mumbai on Thursday.

Dempo was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a media conference to announce the launch of FIFA Collections in India by Amigo Sports, in which his company has a significant minority stake, that has signed a licensee agreement with Global Brands Group, master licensee of the FIFA brand globally.

Dempo said the deal with the English club is one way to generate the much-needed revenue through the company's wellknown football club.

“We have won the I-League or National League four times in the last six years. We are in existence for over four decades but we are still burning cash.

We in India have a lot more to do in marketing football," he said.

Dempo saw the tie-up between Amigo Sports and Global Brands as a tool to expedite India's maiden entry into the

World Cup finals.

“It's just another opportunity to get the momentum and support to participate in the World Cup," Dempo said.

As per the licensing agreement Amigo Sports, in which chairman Sanjiv Mehta is the majority stakeholder, has the exclusive rights to manufacturing, multi-channel distribution and retail of official FIFA merchandise across the country.

The FIFA official stores will open across more than ten countries globally with India being the most recent entrant, it was announced.

Simon Hawkins of Global Brands said India has the potential to be one of the largest football consuming nations in the world.

“Although one would think India is a cricket crazy nation, TV audience estimates suggest that over 287 million people will be watching the 2010 FIFA World Cup (commencing in South Africa tomorrow)," he said.

Salcete geared up for fiesta

BY CHARLES D’SOUSA MARGAO,JUNE 10

Mardol Trophy soccer: Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda v.

Navelim Villagers, Mardol ground, 4.45 p.m.

37th Bandodkar memorial football: Football Club of Siolim v. Cuncolim Union, MPT ground, Vasco, 4.45 p.m.

Late Pramodini Dattaram Palyekar soccer semis: United club, Nerul v. Valankani Arambol SC, St. Anthony's Church ground, Siolim, 4.45 p.m.

18th Super Soccer: Maina Sports Club v. Parish Youth, Nuvem, St John Baptist ground, Dando- Benaulim, 4.30 p.m.

PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 10

Dempo close to signing deal with English club

Tie-breaker at Saligao

PA N J I M ( H S D ) – C C C P BARSA, Saligao, will organise the 3 -a-sid e f o otbal l tiebreaker on June 12 at Mollembhat ground, Saligao at 3.30 p.m. Rs 8000 (winners) and Rs 5000 (runners-up) will be awarded. Details may be obtained from Bibian on 9822161812 or Bonny on 9822862953.

Verma ineligible to fight for BAI top post: Azhar

Soccer runs in the blood of Goans. Little wonder that almost everyone, and Salcete could be no exception, is all set for the start of the biggest football tournament on earth, the World Cup, which gets under way on Friday in Johannesburg.

“It is the 19th staging of the showpiece event and will be the first time it has taken place in the continent of Africa. So we are all geared up for the biggest show,” that’s how Salcete fans and others summed up from South Goa. Several hotels, bars and restaurants have installed giant screens with most fans backing Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Spain, England.

Big cut-outs of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kaka and Fernando

Torees are adorning the halls where the screening will take place for one-month.

Neeraj Aguair of NUSI Academy, Chinchinim said: “I want Brazil to win .They are the best team.They have gifted players in their rank and I like their artistry.”

Mario Soares of Churchill Brothers believes that Spain are the best. “I am excited with their form. I hope Spain emerge champs. They are a compact lot,” Mario remarked.

The fair sex is equally excited.

Ovida Fernandes, a die-hard of Brazil admires Kaka and is sure that Brasil have the champion material. Angela D’Silva also agrees and exclaims Brazil will definitely will take home the title.

Pritam Fernandes is an Argentine fan who feels that under the legendary Maradona and with Messi in top shape, the

South Americans will emerge triumphant.

Oscar Martins from Cuncolim is rooting for Brasil because they play vintage football.

Sudin Naik, a taxi driver, says Brasil is a blend of youth and experience who believe in the beautiful game. “They are going to mesmerise everyone with their brand of football,” he pointed out.

Anthony Rodrigues also has laid his bet on Brasil. “Their players are gifted ones.”

Businessman Cedric Menino Fernandes of Betul, predicted that South Africa will be the surprise team of the world’s greatest show after the Olympics.

“Watch them at the inaugural and you will know that they will be a force to reckon with,” Cedric remarked and added that Africa will have something different to show this time.

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Pg14 GOA’S HEARTBEAT Nano: Yet to Capture Three Years of Sincerity Goan Fancy and Slog dileat dant; Devuch is the nature of great “ Devan “ Simplicity jevonn ditolo - Anonymous souls - Baba Ramadas

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

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Friday, 11 June, 2010

They are the smart women constables we have been seeing around in the cities of Goa over the last three years, as they dutifully carry out their jobs. But there is a lot that is being endured in the background by these intrepid women. Herald probes…

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES hey have been around for the last three years, the smart, faces of the law enforcers in Goa. Confident, young women in uniform, at street junctions efficiently keeping an eye on the slow-moving, city traffic! Many of the residents of the state had even opined that these girls in khakis, analytically blowing the whistle on errant motorists, were a welcome addition to a police force majorly associated with partiality and slackness.

Three years hence, the women can be highly commended as SP Arvind Gawas (Traffic) affirms, “The lady police personnel of IRB (India Reserve Battalion) are doing an excellent job in enforcing of traffic laws, in regulation of traffic and in ensuring orderly parking in cities. They are no less than their male counterparts in executing any of the traffic duties.” SP Gawas’ plea to the public is, “The public should encourage these lady traffic personnel of the IRB by promptly obeying their lawful directions while driving on roads and should not argue with them unnecessarily.”

Rewind back a little to the time when these women were inducted and it is interesting to note that the higher-ups in the police department sounded quite proud of them. Top officials had informed that the IRB being a part of the country’s para-military forces, the enterprising bunch of women (which is a special force created for individual states by the President of India) was given exposure in all areas and had undergone a rigorous nine-month training stint in Madhya Pradesh and were capable of directly tackling law and order in the state. In fact, they can be sent any where in India, whenever there is a call for them. Even conversation with the young women three years ago brought to light the fact that they were excited and full of the joy of raring to go in their new professions. Most of them had no inkling of what they were getting into when they decided to join the reserve force. In fact, they had to counter a lot of family opposition from their parents when they realised that their job involved staying away from home, at the reserve police quarters at Althino.

Today, though they continue with the grind, come rain or shine, there is a sense of despair and frustration that is elicited when you get chatting with them. The enthusiasm for a good life has faded. For starters, we are told that extra perks and benefits alongside special barracks were promised to them initially when they were absorbed, but to no avail. According to the ladies, “The quarters in Altinho, where we reside are in a very bad condition. Often, we struggle with insufficient water supply, bad sanitation and the surroundings are very dirty. We don’t even have proper cots to sleep on. And there are many more problems.” And others add that the 13th Pay has not been extended to them. Besides, when they are called for additional duty, they are not paid any extra allowances.

As for the day-to-day hassles, the ladies inform, “Often, we are in situations where people don’t cooperate with us. They give us ‘gaalis’ and even make fun of us. Sometimes, we even get subtle catcalls. Often, motorists look at us in a jeering manner and argue with us in a manner which says that they think that we don’t know our jobs. And they don’t do this to our higher au-

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As part of the ‘Tata Nano Superdrive’, Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Group flagged off three Nanos from Sanand in Gujarat on June 2. The three were planned to fork out to Eastern India, the North and the South. The car passed through Goa on June 8. Coinciding with this jaunt Herald finds out the opinions on the Nano, racing through the Goan mind

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES pon its unveiling, at the 9th annual Auto Expo on January 10, 2008 at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, the Tata Nano, officially the world’s cheapest car has been in almost everyone’s casual conversations.

‘An Engineering Marvel’, ‘The Middle Classes Dream’, ‘The People’s Car’ said some of the theory and practically, it generated 200, 000 bookings in a booking period of 16 days, quite the feat for a car criticised for its safety and size.

The Nano hype was also felt in Goa as the car was brought into showrooms in Margao and bookings began to increase. The people of Goa, especially the middle class and the working youth, whom the car is aimed at, have varied opinions on the yellow jellybean, as it is nicknamed.

Collectively speaking we can safely deduce that the car has yet to catch the people’s attention enough for them to make a purchase.

With the exception of a few, most gave it a negative review. “Yes, it mostly does put to practice what the flyers preach,” they agree.

But…“from what I’ve seen and heard it is relatively unsafe especially on the highways…”, “why does it have to be that small?”, “all of its colours, with the exception of silver are not appealing”, “its front is too flat”, “…its ventilation system is bad,” came a flurry of little issues.

Placing aside the smaller opinions, the stronger ones do make one sit up and think.

The hype of the car was focused on its ecofriendly nature and affordability. ‘The perfect city car’ ringed in everyone’s ears? That hype was all due, to a certain degree.

All said, strong opinions came through from a bunch of youngsters in the state, technically

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speaking and otherwise. Jenny who is a regular on the road had this to say, “besides its cute shape, there is nothing that is attracting me to it. Its gearshift is stiff, it produces an annoying sound while in motion and that incident in Gujarat was a put off to me.” She is referring to the two Nanos that spontaneously combusted in Mumbai and Gujurat. Its battery placement seemed to irk another young freshly employed man. “I would definitely change the placement of the battery. Being right above the engine makes it virtually a death trap for anyone in it,” he says, sounding annoyed.

People like Jenny and the young man are willing to acknowledge the positive adjectives attached to it but are also looking at the bigger picture. And they have valid points indeed.

Among the many the points they make are affordable cars sell fast thereby increasing the traffic double fold. Change in roads and routes are not as fast as the purchase rate in the state. “Focus on monetarily satisfying the consumer has to some extent been compromised with the safety of the car,” shrugs Joao, a car enthusiast. He backs up his statement with the following statement. “Its front is flat, making it horribly dangerous for its rider. For if it crashes its impact will be worse than most other cars. Its weight too would add to the intensity of the crash on the driver. And of course its small tyres.”

Not all agreed with the above. “It does have its limitations, one being it cannot be driven on a regular basis on highways, but keeping all of them in mind and sticking to what it can do, it is quite the performer,” said Allister.

Some of the positive comments received were compact, elegant, simple – “…no frills and fancies, down-to-earth…”, roomy, easy to manoeuvre and park.

A new car to the market, whether it will be able to capture and retain the Goans attention, we will have to wait and see.

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Communication dominates -- via email, telephone, or in person.

Keep conversations (21 Mar – 19 Apr) brief. Things start to move quickly today -- but you can keep up, as always. In fact, you may find that your ability to outpace the competition gives you a serious leg up in the workplace and beyond.

The happiness you've found is a beautiful thing. You're ready to share it. You need to find (23 Sep – 22 Oct) someone close to share your latest secret with -- that shouldn't be too hard for you! The good energy filling your brain helps you spit out just the right words to clue them in.

By not making this decision, you're wasting time.

Make your choice and move forward. Your usual (20 Apr – 20 May) caution has been replaced by near-recklessness -- and you couldn't be happier! You can tell that it's only temporary, so go nuts for tonight and then get back to business as usual.

Handling others' money gives you a new perspective. Be cautious and conservative. Your (23 Oct – 21 Nov) skepticism is setting off internal alarm bells today -- and it's almost certainly with good reason!

Read the small print, ask more questions and find out what's bugging you.

Socializing is doing more than winning friends; it's creating new ideas and opportunities. You are (21 May – 21 Jun) the ace of communication, and today, you may find it easier than ever to get your point across in style. All your positive energy needs an outlet, and you've got quite a few to choose from.

Keep an observant eye on coworkers -- someone who's all ears has too much influence. You (22 Nov – 21 Dec) have to be extra careful today when it comes to your dealings with others -- even close friends or family members! They aren't trying to take advantage of you, but misunderstandings are too easy.

You needed encouragement to break out of your shell. Now there's no holding you back! You're (22 Jun – 22 Jul) pushing your emotional boundaries somewhat and finding new ways to reach out to those you once thought unattainable. It's a great day to keep at it and score one great new friend.

Yes, you're charming -but to get your point across, skip the wit and cut to the chase. You (22 Dec – 19 Jan) are drawing the flightiest people imaginable near to you, for reasons that don't really make any sense. Just roll with it and pretend that you're in the middle of a screwball comedy from the '50s.

They're a friend but they don't have the right to lecture you -- stand your ground. Try to avoid (23 Jul – 22 Aug) solitude today -- you've got to make sure that you're part of the group if you're going to get anywhere. It's one of those days that you really need to assert leadership.

An intellectual connection causes sparks ... go chat up that smart, cute person. Your creative en(20 Jan – 18 Feb) ergy is perfect for today's big gig -- whether it's at the workplace, around the house or out in the community. Make sure others are paying attention to your biggest ideas.

Every day has the potential to be good or bad.

The way it goes depends on you! You need to deal (23 Aug – 22 Sep) with your work issues today -- especially if your number one task is getting a new job! You've got the right kind of energy for making a good impression, as long as you're committed.

Find comfort in the written word -- poetry can express the feelings you can't. You've got to be a (19 Feb – 20 Mar) little extra careful today -- you never know when things are going to get weird! It may be a good time for you to step back and let things resolve without you while you catch your breath.

thorities, so when we complain to them, we are not believed.” Others add, “Whenever we have taken our problems to our superiors, we are only told that it cannot be helped; it is part of our job.”

An attempt to talk to the higher-ups turned out futile. Mr D K Sawant who looks after the IRB informs, “It’s only been a month since I took charge. So, I can’t really comment on the anything.”

Move over to Mr Tari who was in charge before Mr Sawant took over and he is also highly uncooperative. According to the ladies, IGP Sundari Nanda was looking into their problems and was soon to find solutions, but the inspector was not reachable to apprise us on the latest.

Alas! When women fight for their rights, they are reprimanded and often refused their dues when it comes to equality with men. But when it comes to slog, these women are made to understand that they have to do everything that their male counterparts do. Yet, the ladies opine, “We ladies are definitely more sincere, honest and non-corrupt than our male counterparts and we definitely work harder in terms of quality and time.”

As for medical problems, the women inform, “There are days when every fibre in our bodies hurt, our stomach, legs, backs everything. Two of our colleagues even suffered from kidney stones; the doctors told us this happened as the girls were neglecting themselves and their health for sake of duty. In this country, there is uproar when women fight for equality with men in terms of our rights. Yet, when it comes to struggles, our superiors tell us we have to work equally like the men.”

Slogging from 10:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening in Goa’s scorching heat and humidity or lashing monsoons, these women (most who are newly married) cannot even plan a family with such hard work and erratic timings.

Presently, all the women spoken to seem resigned to their fate. They inform, “This is a government job. And even if nothing good comes our way, we have to continue slogging. We have no other option. We need to support our families.”

It is sad that these hardworking lady constables have lost that spark and gusto which shone through three years ago. Hope the authorities promptly sit up and study the despicable situation these hardworking women are in and hope they chalk out a plan and implement it in providing the lady constables with a qualitative life and sound working and living conditions.

It’s the time to Diski!

The world’s most popular quadrennial sporting events is finally here! The football fever in Goa is already underway as all are geared up to catch the FIFA World Cup, live!

BY CLARON MAZARELLO ere is probably a great example of how song remixes are the trend of the moment. Maybe in future, we’ll only have CDs of one song – done in several different versions. With already about eight different versions of the current FIFA song by 1978 born K’naan, originally baptised as Keinan Abdi Warsame, this Somalian poet, rapper, singer, song-writer and instrumentalist who usually fuses sounds like that of Bob Marley, conscious American hip hop, and brilliant protest poetry, writes lyrics that predominantly talk about the situation in his homeland – a calling for an end to violence and bloodshed while categorically avoiding gangster rap clichés and posing like how hip hop artistes generally do.

Then again, lyrics like ‘Fight for this Love’ could only be justified when it comes to the game of football, so say the Rezza brothers singing another FIFA world cup 2010 song called ‘For the love of the game’.Accompanied by South African group ‘Freshlyground’ this year, Shakira, who also performed last World Cup with Wyclef Jean singing a bamboo version of ‘Hips Don’t Lie’, seems to be in the eye of the storm though this year for her Afro-Colombian rhythm and Soca beat FIFA song called ‘Waka Waka’ (This Time for Africa).

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Apparently, this song samples a very popular track from Cameroun called Zangelewa. The controversy, apart from Shakira being chosen again from the very many international artistes to choose from, is that the Africans feel this World Cup could have done better in supporting and thus popularising a newer artist from Africa instead.

Sort of reminds one of the situation of Goan entertainers at IFFI, doesn’t it? The choice made by the corporates is to capitalise on the already popular Shakira in order to confirm sales figures; even at the cost of blatant repetition.

On the music front in Goa, DJ Pearl Chinnappa played at the Marriot, Miramar last week. L’Orange at Candolim, Cavala’s, Cape Town and Poco Loco at the Baga stretch will continue with live gigs that usually kick in during the rains, besides newer places like The Copper Bar at Oceanique, Colva among others especially setting up logistics for a great viewing of the World Cup this year. Seems like the weeks henceforth will only have most of us all staring hard at the screen and all else in it until… Goooooaaal! Then dance the Diski – the rhythmic, sometimes showy way of playing football, South African style.

Salim-Sulaiman perform at Mandela’s Foundation Concert

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usic Composers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant have presented an extremely powerful song to Africa titled, ‘African Promise’.

To add to the pluralistic sound they collaborated with leading artists from Africa, Eric Wainaina, R&B Artist Loyiso Bala who Salim describes as the current heartthrob of Kenya, and back vocals by Alisha Popat. “We recorded the scratch with Sidd Coutto, the vocalist of Tough on Tobacco and wanted him to do the vocals, but the organisers felt otherwise,” Salim recounts.

The song was composed, produced and recorded along with the African singers at their studio in Mumbai.

The Merchant Brothers along with Eric Wainaina and Loyiso Bala perform at the Nelson Mandela Smile Foundation Concert in Soweto, South Africa. The concert was attended by a select audience. The song was well received and given a standing ovation!

Nelson Mandela’s Smile Foundation help’s facially disfigured children and the foundation is honoured to continue his legacy through programme expansion.

The group also performed at the FIFA World Cup Kick Off Celebration Concert at the Orlando stadium in Soweto on June 10. The artists who performed at the event represent current popularity and reflect the variety of musical generations, genres and geographies of the country and African region. It featured 70 per cent African artists and was witnessed by millions of music and football fans worldwide hence becoming a great achievement for the Indian musicians.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Friday, 11 June, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

The 2-day Marathi Film Festival begins on June 11 at the Maquinez Palace, Panjim. It will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat and Marathi actor, Sachin Pilgaonkar at the Maquinez Palace. 12 Marathi films will be screened.

Call 2428111/13/15.

The ASM Footbal Fiesta 2010 will continue till July 11. Live matches will be screened daily at 11pm at Clube Gasper Dias, Miramar, Panjim. Call 2462220 or 2462221.

Watch the football world cup live at the AZ U R, Goa Marriott Resort from June 11 to July 11. Call 2463333.

‘Waves and Us’, the art camp held its finale on June 9 at the Kerkar Art Complex, Calangute. The complete works of the artists will be on display till June 19. Call 2276017.

An eye camp, organised by Rugnashraya, Bambolim will be held on June 13 from 9am onwards at the Rugnashraya, based on the Alto-Santa CruzBambolim road, Bambolim.

‘Painting Exhibition with Deprived Kids’, organised by the Heritage Jazz will take place on June 11 at 7pm at the Gonsalves Mansion, Campal, Panjim.

Call 2228010.

The significance of Goa Revolution Day will be discussed at the Friday Balcao session on June 11 from 4pm to 6pm at Goa Desc Resource Centre, Mapusa.

E-mail goadesc@gmail.com.

An Arangetram of the Kalangan Centre for Performing Arts, Margao will be held on June 12 at 5:30pm at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Call 2653083.

A free legal aid clinic will be held by the Goa State Legal Services Authority, Panjim once a month. It will take place on June 19 at 10:30am at the Mediation Centre, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421169.

A vehicle rally will take place on June 18, Goa’s Revolution Day. It will be flagged off from the house of Dr Juliano Menezes in Assolna at 2:30pm. The event is held in the memory of Ram Manohar Lohia

noctivagant

Meaning : pertaining to going about in the night; night-wandering Example Sentence Rob loved nocturnal wildlife and wished to live a noctivagant life like his most favoured creatures.

DAILY GROOK SICK BIC

by Francis Rodrigues biros n'bahrain often do stick, how to explain this arab..bic!

Poornima Patil

SOUTH POLE

09:00 Crime Patrol 11:00 Indian Idol 13:30 C.I.D 16:00 C.I.D Classics 19:00 Comedy Circus Ke Superstars 20:00 Mahi Way 21:00 Seven 22:00 C.I.D 23:00 Aahat

10:30 Keshav Pandit 12:00 Dance India Dance L'il masters Lime Light

10:00 Choti Bahu 10:30 Keshav Pandit 12:00 Dance India Dance L'il masters Lime Light 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Dance India Dance L'il Masters 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Kahani Ab Tak 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:00 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Dance India Dance L'il Masters

10:00 Dill Mill Gayye 10:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 11:00 Star One Horror Nights 12:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 12:30 Dill Mill Gayye

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

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HERALD FEATURES ive budding students of Kalangan, Margao will be giving their first performance, Arangetram in Bhratnatyam, at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 5:30pm.

The dance performance of five dancers, namely Tanya Keni, Chandni Asolkar, Shruta Pai, Poornima Patil and Vaishnavi Pai Cacode who have undergone training for almost seven years, is titled ‘Shyam Bavari’ and is choreographed

by Lalan Dessai, who holds a Masters Degree in Bhratnatyam with Gold Medal, P u n e U n i v e r s i t y, under the guidance of acclaimed Guru, performer, researcher, choreographer and teacher Dr Sucheta Chapekar.

World renowned exponent of Bharatnatyam Dr Jayashree Rajagopalan will be the Chief Guest for the function.

The secret upheavals in the lovelorn mind of Radha about lord Krishna is portrayed in this specially choreographed Arangetram ‘Shyam Bavari’.

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GARFIELD

10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Zara Nachke Dikha 18:30 Star Parivaar Awards 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo

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Shyam Bavari – Arangetram of Five Young Dancers

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 575 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Dance India Dance L'il Masters 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Kahani Ab Tak 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:00 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Dance India Dance L'il Masters

Travel

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“Older people shouldn't eat health food, they need all the preservatives they can get.”

– Robert Orben

Function Adjective

Fashion

HERALD FEATURES he Marathi Film Festival is back in Goa showcasing the latest and some of the best films during the two-day extravaganza. The 3rd Marathi Film Festival organised by Vinsan Graphics will be inaugurated on June 12, 2010 by Digambar Kamat, Chief Minister and noted Marathi actor, Sachin Pilgaonkar at Maquinez Palace, Panjim. Noted film personalities such as Mahesh Manjrekar, Amol Palekar, Sanjay Mone, Pushkar Shrot, Sukhania Kulkarni, Smita Tambe and Mita Sawarkar will be present for the inauguration.

“The film festival aims at popularising Marathi films in Goa. Films are released every week but unfortunately they are not screened in Goa. This festival gives Marathi film lovers an opportunity to see the latest films in Goa itself. Another facet of the film festival is that after the screening of every film, there is an interaction of directors and actors with the audience,” says Sanjay Shetye of Vinsan Graphics.

This festival has two screening venues, Maquinez Palace and Kala Academy. Films to be screened on the first day at Maquinez Palace are ‘Vihir’ at 10:30am, ‘Kon Aahe Re Tikade’ at 11am, ‘Rita’ at 1:30pm, ‘Pangira’ at 2:15pm, ‘Lalbaug Parel’ at 3:45pm and ‘Nirop’ at 5pm. Films that will be screened at Kala Academy are ‘Hello Gandhe Sir’ at 2:30pm and ‘Samantar’ at 2:30pm.

On the second day, the films that will be showcased at Maquinez Palace are ‘Vihir’ at 3pm, ‘Lalbaug Parel’ at 11:30am, ‘Kon Ahe Re Tikade’ at 2pm. ‘Nirop’ at 11:15am and ‘Pangira’ at 11:30am will be screened at Kala Academy, while ‘Janya’ directed by Ashish Valinjakar will have its premier show at 6:15pm at Kala Academy.

Three short films will be screened at the festival on both the days at Kala Academy, ‘Girani’, ‘Shwet Angar’ and ‘Bangdya’.

Funny Quote

Pronunciation noc-tiv-A-gant

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

A Bouquet of Marathi Films in the Offing

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 576

and Dr Juliano Menezes.

‘Works on Paper II’, an art exhibition featuring 5 artists, N Sachin, P Conrad, P Charudatta, S Vasudev and S Querozito is being held till July 11 from 10am to 6pm at the Tamarind Art Gallery, Calangute. It will be open on all days, except Mondays. Call 9822481481 or 6514796.

A 2 CME Programme, organised by the Medical Education Cell of the Goa Medical College will take place on June 11 and 13 at the GMC Library Auditorium, Bambolim. The topics will be ‘Sparing Managament of Renal Tumors – Making a Case to Save the Nephrons’ and ‘Left Atrium – the Fascinating Art Chamber’, respectively. Call 2458727, 2458724, 2458728 and 2458722.

‘India’s Strategic Perspective in the 21st Century: Maritime, Geo-Strategic and mega-Death Issues’, a seminar, organised by the UGC Centre for Nehru Studies, Goa University will take place on June 11 at 4pm at the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula. Call 2450281, 2450235, 2450228 or 2456700.

The inauguration of the Seminary Year 2010-2011by the Pilar Theological College will be held on June 11 at the College, Pilar. Call 2218521, 2219459 or 2219458.

The All Goa Private Bus Owners Association (AGPBOA)will hold a meeting of delegates from MARG, GOACAN, political leaders, student unions, commuters and the director of transport on June 13 at 10am at the T B Cunha Hall, Panjim. It is held to address the grievances. Call 2435913, 6454487, 9326114190 or 9325633219.

‘Joga’, an indoor mini Futsal (football) competition, organised by SpaceKraft Media Solutions will take place on June 26 and 27 at the Don Bosco Oratory, the Don Bosco High School Panjim. Registration is open at the Don Bosco Oratory Office. Call 9823117259 or 2221402.

CURR

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19:00 Billy Madison 21:00 The Fast and the Furious 23:15 I Am Legend 08:35 The Sandlot: Heading Home 10:35 What's the Worst That Could Happen?

12:35 Shanghai Noon 13:50 Disaster Movie 14:40 Blown Away 19:05 Jingle All the Way 21:00 George of the Jungle 22:55 Bolt

09:45 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain 11:45 The Making of : Sex and the City 2 12:00 The Fast and the Furious 14:15 I Am Legend 16:15 Only You

10:10 The Believers 12:10 The Official Film of the

11:00 Official Fifa World Cup Kickoff Celebration

14:00 Sports Crash 15:00 Whacked Out Sports 15:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 So You Think You Can Dance 20:00 Top Chef : Reunion 21:00 Sony Style TV Magazine 21:30 Official Fifa World Cup Kickoff Celebration

10:30 The Simpsons : The Bart Wants What it Wants 11:00 America's Got Talent 12:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 12:30 Castle 14:30 Scrubs

Poornima Patil

‘Advogad’ – Law should Never be taken Lightly HERALD FEATURES ou will reap good fruits through your upright actions.

If you have been honest in providing a fair and just judgment while dealing with a case, people will always remember you, even long after you have passed away.

If not, you will be criticised for being partial and always be labelled as corrupt for your misjudgements. This is the powerful message conveyed by comedian Agostinho in his drama ‘Advogad’.

The storyline revolves around two brothers, John (Mathew) and Peter (Salu) who are concerned about each other’s welfare and live united. One day Peter informs his elder brother that he was a witness to an incident wherein an innocent girl was raped by unknown culprits and how he was instrumental in saving her from further dangers.

When John notices that the bracelet from Peter’s hand is missing, he gets upset but Peter pacifies him that those goons could have snatched it from him, while saving the victim. Lawyer Lucas Soares (Jaju), who survives by indulging in corrupt practices, takes up the case of Dona Franskina (Benny). As she was badly injured in a mishap, the accused Saluzin (Selvy) is asked by that corrupt lawyer to compensate the loss by bearing the expenses of the medicine.

When Saluzin’s upright lawyer Falcao (comedian Agostinho) poses a query to Dona Franskina about her visit to the market that fateful night when she actually suffered from poor eyesight, the victim gets confused and fails to provide a justified answer. Consequently, Saluzin wins the case in his favour.

When John expresses his desire to enter into wedlock with Sandra (Roma), his younger brother gets nervous and instigates him to put back his decision by providing false excuses. Finally, when Sandra weds John and steps into

Y

2006 FIFA World Cup 14:30 Money Train 16:40 Up at the Villa 19:00 Iris 21:00 Charlie's Angels 23:15 Wild Things

12:00 Champion 16:00 Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai 20:00 Agneepath

08:00 Tu Hi Durga Tu Hi Kaali 12:00 Phool Aur Kaante 16:00 Fool N Final 20:00 Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 13:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 13:30 Geet 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 15:00 Laughter Special 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Dill Mill Gayye

Vaishnavi Pai Cacode

Shruta Pai

11:40 Imtihaan 15:40 Ziddi 20:00 The Hero

09:30 Kaisay Kahein 12:30 Khushboo 16:00 Dor 20:00 Robbery

Chandni Asolkar

15:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 15:30 Desperate Housewives : Mirror, Mirror 16:30 Friends 17:00 Castle 18:00 90210 19:00 30 Rock 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Friends 20:30 Rendezvous with Simi Garewal 21:00 America's Got Talent

11:00 Wimbledon Official Film

12:00 Legends of Wimbledon 13:00 Sea Master Sailing Series 13:30 Formula Drift : Singapore 14:30 TNA Sikander 15:30 Aegon Classic 18:30 TNA Sikander 19:30 Inside Grand Prix 20:00 FIM Motocross World 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 Wimbledon Official Film 22:30 Roger Federer - Spirit of a Champion : The Man

09:00 The Contenders : Algeria, Honduras & Paraguay 09:30 The Contenders : Switzerland & South Korea 10:00 The Contenders : Australia & Slovenia 10:30 The Contenders : Serbia & Cameroon 11:00 The Contenders : Japan & Chile 11:30 The Contenders : USA & Uruguay 12:00 The Contenders : Mexico & Greece 12:30 The Contenders : France 13:00 The Contenders : England 13:30 The Contenders : Argentina 14:00 The Contenders : Germany 14:30 The Contenders : Italy 15:00 The Contenders : Netherlands 15:30 The Contenders : Portugal & Nigeria 16:00 The Contenders : Spain 16:30 The Contenders : Brazil 17:00 Sportscenter Express : South Africa 17:30 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Pre-Show 19:20 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Group Match: South Africa vs. Mexico 21:30 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Post Show 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia

23:00 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Pre-Show 23:50 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Group Match: Uruguay vs. France

09:30 2010 South Africa Tour to West Indies H/ls 11:30 Motorsport Mundial 12:00 JK Tyre Baja SAE India 12:30 Moto GP H/ls : Gran Premio D'Italia Tim: Mugello 13:30 Zimbabwe Triangular ODI 15:30 WWE: Raw 17:30 WWE: Smackdown 19:30 2010 South Africa Tour to West Indies : 1st Test Day 2

07:00 Kids Club Nat geo 07:30 Air Flavors 09:00 Crash Investigation : 08:00On English News Head Air Crash 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 11:00 Dangerous Frame BoxEncounters Animations: Deadliest Snakes 11:30 Fairyland 12:00 Marine 12:00 Geo's Most Amazing 12:30 Nat Flavors 13:00 English News Photos : Lava Hunter 14:00 Kids Club 14:30 Built Frame 13:00 forBox the Animations Kill : Claws 15:00 Kala Utsav 15:30 Taboo Sangeet 14:00 : Signs of Identity 16:00 Straight Talk 17:00 Khell Tiatr 15:00 Flight of the Hawkz 18:00 Apollo Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 16:00 Geo Junior: 20:00 Nat English News Big Bang 22:00 Khell Tiatr 22:00 Nat English News : Science 16:30 Geo Junior 23:00Twist Disha- Sound Mein 00:00 Revolutionz 00:30 Most Flavors 17:00 Amazing Moments : 01:00 Encounters: Art of living Close 01:30 Health WatchPart 2 02:00 Kids Club 18:00 Geo Wild : Frogs: The 02:30 Nat Flavors Thin 03:00Green FrameLine Box Animations 03:30 Fairyland 19:00 Megastructures : Dubai 04:00Marine Note: Mall Subject to Change Mega

Tiatr Review

HERALD FEATURES

the house, she realises that it was her husband’s younger brother who had attempted to rape her. But to avoid misunderstanding among the siblings, Sandra hides the truth from her husband.

To safeguard the image of the family, Sandra is now prepared to withdraw the rape case filed at the police station. But John unknowingly supports his wife and asks her to go ahead with her case in order to achieve justice.

Advocate Soares’ daughter Sanika (Steffi) decides to take up the rape case of Sandra. But unfortunately she is madly in love with Peter and vows to prove that he is not accountable for the crime. Advocate Falcao fights for Sandra and counters Sanika in the court.

Finally, who turns out to be victorious? How, if ever, is the truth exposed in the court? What are the evidences? All this is well presented in the second half of the drama.

While residing with his wife Bisleri (Anita), Saluzin keeps the audience entertained with his comic interludes. They are ably supported by Dona Franskina and comedian Agostinho, who steps in as and when required.

Steffi as the new entrant plays a promising role and has a bright future on the Konkani stage. Comedian Agostinho and Jaju excel in their respective roles as lawyers and deliver their dialogues promptly in the court. The last scene in the court is especially worth a watch.Songs on various social issues rendered by Salu de Loutolim, Xavier Gomes, Roma/Steffi had powerful messages to the viewers and were well accepted.

HERALD CROSSWORD - 576 Across 1- Artificial waterway; 6Sharp; 11- Quaker cereal; 14Butler's love; 15- Capital city of Yemen; 16- Speck; 17Loss from the sale of assets; 19- 401(k) alternative; 20Sugar suffix; 21- K-6; 22Book of prayers; 24- Treater's words; 25- Plant-eating aquatic mammal; 26- Town in central Australia; 30- Roman garments; 31- Altdorf's canton; 32- Strikes; 36- Also; 37Ogle; 41- Bring civil action against; 42- Organization to promote theater; 44- Bambi's aunt; 45- Delight; 47- Unwholesome; 51- Noisiest; 54Swedish auto; 55- Elaborately adorned; 56- Kind of prof.; 57Narc's org.; 60- Involuntary muscular contraction; 61Surgical cutting of the windpipe; 64- Impresario Hurok; 65- Singer Cleo; 66- Ancient region of Asia Minor; 67- Hydrocarbon suffix; 68- Conger catcher; 69- "Til ___ do us part"; Down 1- First name in fashion; 2- Cries of discovery; 3- Back of the neck; 4- Jackie's second; 5- Tardiness; 6- Out, in bed; 7- Still; 8- Numero ___; 9- Island S of mainland Australia; 10- Relaxing; 11- Writer of lyric poetry; 12- Goddesses of the seasons; 13- Hackneyed; 18- Donations to the poor; 23- Scarf; 24South American tuber; 25- Bog; 26- ___ boy!; 27- Crazy as a ___;

28- ___ Rhythm; 29- Bucolic; SOLUTION - 575 33- Golfer Aoki; 34- Ballet skirt; 35- Goes out with; 38Mosaic pieces; 39- Med school subj.; 40- Resembling a monster; 43- Verdi opera; 46- Women's ___; 48- Stinging plant; 49- Irish prelate and scholar; 50- Common; 51___ luck!; 52- Betelgeuse's constellation; 53- Sam, e.g.; 56- Skin disorder; 57- Lady of Spain; 58- Expel gas or odor; 59- Indian nursemaid; 62- Afflict; 63- Digit of the foot;

SPORTS

GOA, Friday, 11 June, 2010

Pg16

D-day for South Africa and Parreira AFP JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 10

D-day has arrived for World Cup hosts South Africa, who hope months of intense preparation can be translated into victory over Mexico on Friday in the opening 2010 World Cup match.

Training camps in Brazil, Germany and South Africa under Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira have reaped reward as the serial losers of last year have gone 12 matches unbeaten.

“We are ready,” says the 67-year-old of a team built around Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar and containing more local-based footballers than originally expected with unfit West Ham striker Benni McCarthy among the casualties.

Mexico look stronger and are more experienced than Bafana Bafana (The Boys) with a potentially potent cocktail of youth and experience captained by

occasional Barcelona first-team utility player Rafael Marquez.

It adds up to an intriguing opening match at the first World Cup in Africa with international political icon Nelson Mandela expected to be among a sellout 90,000 crowd at Soccer City stadium in Soweto.

Parreira, a World Cup-winning coach with Brazil 16 years ago, needs to get a monkey off his back by winning a match at the tournament with a country other than his own.

Parreira took Middle East nations Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to the tournament between 1982 and 1998 without managing to celebrate even one victory.

No host nation has failed to reach the second round since the World Cup began 80 years ago and three points for Bafana would set them up for a top-two finish and a place among the

16 survivors.

After being told for eight months by South Africans to make them proud, Parreira believes he can deliver a second-round place although other group rivals France and Uruguay are also ranked among the leading 20 nations.

"I believe if you want to qualify for the second round you have to do something special and for us that would mean in the technical and skills aspects of the game," says Parreira.

"We cannot beat France, Mexico or Uruguay in a physical struggle. My boys have to play well against them with the ball on the ground. This is our big strength. That is what I want the South African team to believe in."

Bafana demonstrated in a draw with Bulgaria last month they can retain the ball while a victory over Colombia suggested the stars can handle the pressure of playing before a huge crowd.

Mandela, headache-inducing plastic vuvuzela trumpets that opponents detest, and a knowledge within the team that an often divided sporting nation has united behind Bafana may inspire Aaron Mokoena and his team to success.

Mexico had an impressive build-up to the tournament that culminated in a 2-1 Brussels triumph over 2006 World Cup winners Italy via goals from Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, and midfielder Alberto Medina.

Like Parreira, coach Javier Aguirre is a wily old fox when it comes to the big time and at least the 1,800-metre Johannesburg altitude will pose no problems for footballers used to performing at such stamina-draining heights.

He is expected to combine young stars like Manchester United-bound striker Javier Hernandez with veterans like recent West Ham United discard Guillermo Franco.

"Mexico have been eliminated in the round of 16 at the last four World Cup tournaments, so we want to make history in South Africa by improving as much as possible."

Aguirre was recalled when a Sven Goran Eriksson-led qualifying campaign came off the rails and boasts that youngsters like Vela and Giovani dos Santos of Galatasaray represent the "best generation in Mexican football history".

The opening World Cup match is often a tight affair offering few scoring opportunities to ultra-cautious rivals.

Khune is set to become a goalkeeping giant, but wears a work-in-progress tag. Despite an imposing physique, the South African can struggle with crosses.

A strength is his shot-stopping ability.

Although Ocha ranks among the leading goalkeepers in the Americas, he struggled at times during an intense warm-up schedule.

Uruguay confident against France AGENCIES PRETORIA, JUNE 10

Though not attracting the same interest as Group A’s earlier fixture between South Africa and Mexico, Uruguay’s opening tussle with France should prove to be an interesting affair.

The South Americans arrive at this game having only prepared with one warm-up friendly, but having thumped Israel 4-1, coach Oscar Tabarez probably feels justified in his decision to focus primarily on the training ground. It may have been a quiet build-up for the Celeste, but they believe they are in good form.

“We will arrive to the game

against France in our best form,” Fenerbahce centre-back Diego Lugano declared to the press.

“We will see how far we can go in the competition but we are calm because we have worked well in training and we are ready.”

Tabarez’s side, which is noted for their tenacity and determination, known locally as garra charrua, can justify their confidence ahead of their opening fixture. Though they only snuck into the competition via a backdoor play-off against Costa Rica (whom France beat 2-1 in a warm-up friendly), in November 2008 they battled to a creditable 0-0 draw again Les Bleus in Paris.

Prior to that, Uruguay achieved a similar result in the 2002 World Cup, helping to

eliminate France from the group stage, while in England ’66, the South Americans triumphed 21 in London.

History is on the side of Uruguay, and they appear confident of upsetting opponents who have constantly shown cracks over the course of Raymond Domenech’s reign.

France will doubtless advocate the assertion that the actual qualification process to the World Cup is meaningless, so long as it is successful.

Beaten finalists four years ago by virtue of a penalty shoot-out against Italy, Les Bleus have since been almost wholly turgid. Euro 2008 was an outright disaster, and South Africa 2010 promises little more.

Thierry Henry’s infamous handball against the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs ultimately proved the decisive factor in Les Bleus reaching the finals, though ironically he is poised to take little part, having been pushed to the bench by coach Raymond Domenech.

The Barcelona man may be a great distance from the peak of his powers, but that is simply characteristic of a team looking tired and directionless under their outgoing trainer.

Franck Ribery, the undoubted star man of the team, has had a crisis-riddled season, Nicolas Anelka isn’t scoring or even looking particular likely to and Karim Benzema has, temporarily at least, dropped off the international map.

Of those players in form, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris appears full of trepidation about the World Cup’s infamous Jabulani balls, Florent Malouda is being played

out of position as a central midfielder and Samir Nasri hasn’t even been selected for the squad.

Pre-tournament friendly results have hardly been encouraging. A win over Costa Rica was a positive step, but a draw in Tunisia and a loss to China, despite controlling much of the game, have done little to build confidence or even team spirit.

Added to the existing problem of an uncertain defence, France have an uncertain cocktail that may result in the humiliation of an early exit, which is incidentally exactly what happened last time they were paired with Uruguay in the group stages of the World Cup back in 2002. A good start this time around is utterly essential for Les Bleus.

A youngster from Panjim proudly displays the trophy sporting the Portuguese jersey.

Photo: Rozario Estibeiro

Youth of Moiravaddo, Pilerne ready for the World Cup with the flags of their favourite teams painted on a wall of a well.

Blatter, 74, seeks to remain FIFA chief REUTERS JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 10

A buoyant Sepp Blatter announced on Thursday he intended to stand again as FIFA President, with no expected opposition to him remaining the most powerful man in soccer until he is almost 80.

The 74-year-old Swiss, first elected President in 1998, is unlikely to be challenged when he seeks a fourth four-year term in office when his current tenure ends in 2011.

“I have not yet completed my mission as President of FIFA, I am motivated to go for another term,” he told FIFA delegates at their 60th Congress to a spontaneous round of applause.

“Thank you for your confidence. I would like to say we will go for it together. I am ready, you are ready.”

Asked later whether it would be his last term in a role observers say makes him sport’s

second-most powerful person after the President of the International Olympic Committee, he said: “I cannot say it will be the last one because I don’t even know what will happen next year.”

On the eve of the first World Cup finals to be held in Africa, Blatter did not deliver a passionate, electioneering-style address to delegates from 207 of FIFA’s 208 member countries.

Instead he concentrated on the aim of world soccer’s governing body to eradicate society’s vices that blighted the sport, especially racism and discrimination.

“Violence, cheating, doping, betting, discrimination and racism, these are all in our game,” he said.

“We have started to eliminate them, one is practically eliminated - this is doping. But here in this World Cup in South Africa, and specifically through this Congress, we declare we are against discrimination.

“Never, never again should we have any problems on any football field or in a stadium concerning discrimination or racism.”

The Congress also agreed to keep the Olympic soccer tournament as a competition for players aged 23 and under

rather than lowering the age limit.

With one day to go before the World Cup kicks off, Blatter said holding the finals in Africa completed the vision of former FIFA President, Joao Havelange, who wanted to make football the global game when he became President in 1974.

“It was not easy, much has been said about it. But now the World Cup is here. This is touching the world,” he said.

Irving Khosa, the chairman of South Africa’s organising committee, backed Blatter’s words when he said this World Cup would help bury the stereotypical image of Africa and a successful World Cup would prove the cynics wrong.

Blatter also said FIFA’s finances had been affected by the worldwide economic downturn in 2008 but, with a turnover of more than a billion dollars a year, it was “comfortable”.

One woman, one football, across Africa REUTERS JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 10

Anjali Nayar has dribbled her football through the streets and slums of every country in subSaharan Africa on her way to the World Cup. Anjali has engaged thousands of kids in impromptu games, juggled her ball for crowds, and met famous and unknown football fanatics alike on a continent in love with the Beautiful Game.

Now the Canadian soccerlover has at last reached South Africa for the World Cup finals at the end of an amazing onewoman journey.

“The basic concept was to have a football and play every day,” the 29-year-old, who has been playing the game since she was four, told Reuters in Johannesburg.

“My main rule was to go wherever people said it is was too dangerous and prove that with a football you can do it.

Everyone said it was crazy, I would be assaulted, robbed, massacred or kidnapped. But I

just got out my ball, and people joined in.”

Nayar left her home in Kenya on April 10 and spent six weeks wending her way - with a mosquito net and ball in her backpack - mainly by bus, car, ferry and on foot through Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and, of course, South Africa.

The only qualifying nation Nayar, who is a freelance journalist, missed was Algeria, above the Sahara. She added Togo and Benin for good measure.

“Sport is just such a fantastic in. I was this random foreign woman showing up and juggling my ball or kicking it out to start a game. Everywhere I went, there were crowds playing within minutes. The ball is a great facilitator.”

In a seedy street in Yaounde, the Cameroon capital infamous for pickpockets, Nayar was delighted to get the crowd going.

“I’d been there before, a very shady place, so I was determined to go back. I started juggling the ball, and hundreds of people

made a circle, then others came in and took turns to show their tricks.”

“The amount of skill is amazing. The security guard, the gangster, the vendor on the street, everyone knows how to play. In Yaounde, we even had a woman who was a supermarket cleaner pulling some amazing moves.”

In Johannesburg’s famous Soweto township, one schoolboy was hanging back when Nayar struck up a game. When he finally came over to play, a gun dropped out of his pocket.

“He kept shoving the gun back into his pants as he played.

His name was Bule and he moved with such skill,” Nayar said. “I told him ‘you are a little Drogba but Drogba got people to put down weapons not pick them up’. He nodded.”

One of the world’s best strikers, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba has championed peace in his home country Ivory Coast.

Beyond just playing football, Nayar’s intentions were to tell the stories of everyday Africans

in the build-up to the World Cup and to show the continent’s positive face.

“There’s little positive news about Africa. Everything is diluted into one-minute news packages that focus on the negative: poverty, famine, corruption, war.”

“This is the first really big positive story to come out of the continent,” said Nayar, who worked for media, including Thomson Reuters, on her trip.

“Everywhere I went, people were talking about the World Cup. In all these countries, football is the one thing that goes beyond ethnicity, religion and politics to unite everyone.”

Although she kept her feet on the ground, Nayar bumped into several personalities like revered former Cameroon striker Roger Milla. She also had a close encounter with the country’s president Paul Biya.

“I went to a parade for the 50th anniversary of independence in Cameroon and had my ball a few centimetres from him!” Nayar said.

2010

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FIFA WORLD CUP MATCH SCHEDULE

South Africa

GOA, FRIDAY, 11 JUNE, 2010

Pg18

www.oheraldo.in

intends to Africa basks in spotlight, kick-off today Mandela appear at opener AGENCIES PRETORIA, JUNE 10

The World Cup kicks off with a 40minute opening ceremony at Soccer City starting at 5.30 p.m. (IST).

American R'n'B star R Kelly is one of 1,581 performers ahead of the game between the hosts and Mexico at 7.30 p.m..

The global TV audience for the tournament will be made up of viewers in more than 215 countries and will run into hundreds of millions.

South Africa President, Jacob Zuma and Archbishop Desmond Tutu are also expected to be at Soccer City, the newly refurbished stadium designed to look like a calabash, an African cooking pot.

"South Africa has come alive, and will never be the same after this World Cup," said Zuma, who hailed Mandela's role in securing the right to host the finals back in May 2004.

“Nelson Mandela worked hard so that we could win the right to host this tournament. We dedicate the World Cup to him.”

“There are a few moments that define a nation's history. We stand on the threshold of one as we draw closer and closer to Friday, 11 June, when the World Cup officially begins."

The festivities begin in earnest on showing that we can't just match what Thursday, with Shakira among the others have done but that we can do artists at a pre-tournament concert in even better. Now the doubters are the Soweto from 11.30 p.m. that is ex- believers." pected to draw 30,000 fans.

As well as the iconic Soccer City The Colombian pop star will perform the biggest stadium in Africa - nine the official World Cup song Waka Waka other venues will stage World Cup and will be joined by a cast of interna- matches across the country, including tional stars, including the Black Eyed Ellis Park, which is also in Johannesburg.

Peas and Alicia Keys, alongside African Cape Town, Pretoria, Polokwane, Rustenstars Amadou and burg, Bloemfontein, Port M a r i a m a n d H u g h Saturday’s Matches Elizabeth, Durban and NelMasekela. spruit will host matches, Since it was chosen S Africa v. Mexico too. as the first African host There are 64 games 7.30 p.m. of the World Cup in in total, with the final 2004, South Africa has Uruguay v. France taking place at Soccer spent about 40bn rand City on Sunday, 11 July.

00.00 hrs (£3.55bn) on stadiums, There have been contransport infrastructure cerns about ticketing and upgrading airports. policy and security in the run-up to the The tournament, which is made up of tournament.

32 nations, could add as much as 0.5% to FIFA has come under fire for the way the country's GDP in 2010 and will bring tickets have been distributed, with critin an estimated 370,000 foreign visitors. ics claiming its preferred method of Danny Jordaan, chief executive of making tickets available online exthe local organising committee, said: cluded many locals who did not have "For me it will be a dream come true. an internet connection.

It's a great moment in the World Cup's However, football's world governing 80-year history.” body has made a number of tickets ex"People said no African country could clusively available to South Africans ever deliver this event. But we are and announced on Wednesday that

Messi not sole recipe for success: Heinze AGENCIES JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 10

A brilliant World Cup for Lionel Messi would be good for Argentina's chances of victory although it is preferable to rely on the team and not one man however great, according to defender Gabriel Heinze.

"I personally think it's the team that makes you win these very difficult championships," Heinze said three days before Argentina's opening Group B match against Nigeria.

"Lionel is the best in the world, the player who today is in his best form, but Argentina do not depend on Lionel," the battle-hardened 32-year-old told a news conference.

"Argentina depend on each one of the players who go onto the pitch. We don't need to put any pressure on Lio or anyone," he said after a team practice.

"We all lose and we all win (together) and Lio is one more (among us), it's impressive what he does but he's a human being and people forget he can have good days and bad days.

"Let's hope he has them all good for the good of Argentina.

I hope the team is the star of the World Cup," said Heinze, like Messi a member of the Argentina squad that reached the quarterfinals in Germany in 2006.

Argentina meet Nigeria at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday with Messi tipped to inspire the team to victory and seal his place as the greatest player of his generation.

97% of the 3.1m tickets had been sold, allaying fears of empty stadiums.

As for security, there have been concerns about the safety of fans, media and players travelling to South Africa.

Sixteen people - including two police officers - were injured at a stampede ahead of a World Cup warm-up match on Sunday between Nigeria and North Korea outside Makhulong Stadium in the township of Tembisa near Johannesburg.

And journalists from China, Spain and Portugal were targeted in two separate armed robberies in and around Johannesburg on Monday and Wednesday.

This competition will prove that South Africa, and the African continent in general, is capable of organising an event of this magnitude.

However, FIFA President, Sepp Blatter insists the World Cup will be a success.

"Everywhere, one can feel, I hope, that this World Cup is very special, the first on African soil," he said. “We find ourselves in a position of indescribable anticipation.”

“More importantly, this competition will prove that South Africa, and the African continent in general, is capable of organising an event of this magnitude."

England are among the favourites in

South Africa and Fabio Capello's men get their Group C campaign under way against the United States in Rustenburg on Saturday.

Defending champions Italy start on Monday with a match against Paraguay, Brazil face North Korea in their first game on Tuesday and Euro 2008 winners Spain start their bid for a first World Cup win by taking on Switzerland on Wednesday.

South Africa have never progressed beyond the group stage at the World Cup, though they have only taken part in two previous tournaments, in 1998 and 2002. Spain are rightfully up there as favourites Some of the world's best players will be on display in South Africa, among them Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

But some big names will be missing because of injury, such as England duo Rio Ferdinand and David Beckham, Germany skipper Michael Ballack and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien.

Didier Drogba - an icon in African sport - fractured his elbow in a recent friendly against Japan, but is hopeful of playing a part in the Ivory Coast's campaign.

MORE SPORTS ON P 13, 16, 17

REUTERS JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 10

Nelson Mandela, 91-year-old former South African president, firmly intends to make a brief appearance at Friday's World Cup opening match, organisers and his family said today.

But World Cup chief Danny Jordaan told reporters the decision on whether Mandela will appear at Soccer City for South Africa's encounter with Mexico would be determined on the day. ''He intends to be there,'' Jordaan said. ''Whether he comes for five minutes or the whole match is not our decision. ''As things stand now there is a very good chance that he will be with us because he wants to be there.''

Speculation on whether Mandela, whose health has become increasingly fragile in recent years, would take part has been rife for some time with the general expectation that any appearance would be limited to greeting the crowd at the open-

ing ceremony just before kickoff.

His grandson Mandla Mandela said his family would monitor the weather before a decision on whether he should take part. ''We wouldn't want to risk his health for a soccer game,'' he said.

But he added the intention was for Mandela to make an appearance which would be highly symbolic for South Africans.