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India: Priyanka is UNICEF National Ambassador Pg 9

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, thursday, august 12, 2010

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Team to resurvey highways HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

Sena chief, dy released

No man’s credit it as good as his money — E W Howe

IN BRIEF Holy month of Ramadan begins Sunni Muslims across much of the world on Wednesday began the fasting month of holy Ramadan, with the Shias expected to follow from August 12. The holy month of Ramadan, which marks a 30day period of fasting, commenced in most of the Arabian peninsula, much of the Gulf nations and many other parts of the world. The first day of fasting was observed on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, the birth place of Islam; Egypt; Indonesia, the largest Muslim nation; and in Gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. – (PTI)

Caste count in census final The Group of Ministers (GoM) put a final stamp on Wednesday night on the count of the backward castes in the third and last round of the Census to be conducted along with enumeration for the national population register at the crack of dawn on the first day of 2011. – (HC-Delhi)

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, AUG 11

Shiv Sena, Goa unit, Chief Upendra Gaonkar and his deputy Umesh Salagonkar, who were arrested on charges of extortion based on the complaint by Neo Majestic Hotel, Porvorim, were (Continued on page 10)

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Wednesday announced that the government has decided to keep the widening of the national highways to 45 metres wherever possible and restrict it to 35 metres in densely populated areas.

Addressing a press conference, after chairing the House Committee meeting which was attended by ministers and legislators as well as Leader of the Opposition, Manohar Parrikar, Kamat stated that the legislators at the meeting raised their views and objections on the project.

“The committee has decided to constitute a team comprising

The House Committee has decided to retain widening of the national highways to 45 metres wherever possible and restrict it to 35 metres in densely populated areas to minimise demolitions. of engineers from PWD, NHAI, land survey officers and the land acquisition officers who will resurvey the proposed alignment for both the national highways (NH17 & NH4A) in consultation with the legislators concerned,” he stated.

The team will also focus on

CBI awaits govt nod to prosecute 11 in Goa HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, AUG 11

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought permission for prosecution of nine personnel of the Customs and Central Excise in a case of corruption registered in April 2008 and two others of Mormugao Port Trust and Customs in the case registered last December.

Minister of State in PMO, Prithviraj Chavan in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday in a reply to a question by Bhoopendra Singh said, the permission was sought in the first case in June last year and in the second case in June this year and the same is under consideration.

The government’s permission is mandatory for prosecution of the government servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Customs and Central Excise officials whom the CBI has sought to prosecute are Atchut Alornekar, Sunil Pandurang Bharne, Mortoba Lakhba Sardes-

Politician’s son, nephew H1N1 +ve HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 11

A son of a political heavyweight from Salcete, besides his nephew have tested positive for the H1N1 virus, even as the health officers from across South Goa are gearing up to put in place an Action Plan to contain the further spread of the virus in the district.

Sources in the know said the politician’s son and his nephew had visited Hospicio hospital after the duo were down with cold. Not taking any risk, Hospicio doctors had taken their swab and dispatched for testing.

The report has come in on Wednesday, and both the youngsters have tested positive to the disease.

Doctors said the politician’s (Continued on page 10)

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26 H1N1 cases since January 2010

WAIT & WATCH

Nine personnel of the Customs and Central Excise, one each of Mormugao Port Trust and Customs are on the CBI radar over corruption charges. The CBI is awaiting government’s nod as such permission is mandatory for prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act. sai, Raj Kumar Mathur Mukund Shinde, Manoj Kumar, Atmaram Ghadi, Virender Kumar and Ramesh Sitaram Sawant. Those sought to be prosecuted in the second case are Boddu Venkata Raman Murthy of Mormugao Port Trust and Herculano Rebello of Customs and Central Excise.

NAVY QUARTERS In reply to another question

by Shantaram Naik (Congress) in the Rajya Sabha, Defence Min-

the areas where demolitions are proposed and submit its report within 20 days, he stated.

The chief minister continued, “The committee has decided to retain the right of way to 45 metres wherever possible and restrict it to 35 metres in the densely populated areas to min-

Govt convenes meet to ‘control’ BlackBerry PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

ister A K Antony disclosed that 323 new residential quarters are under construction for families of the Navy personnel posted in Goa under the Married Accommodation Project Phase-II. This is in addition to 245 units of the residential quarters spread over 17.4 acres of land are already occupied by the families of the Navy personnel, he added.

HAJ PILGRIMS In reply to Deepa Dasmunsi (Congress), External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said 104,000 Muslims will be travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage this year as per the quota of persons allowed from India.

He said the selection of the pilgrims was completed in May by the Haj Committee of India through computerised draw of lots.

He said quota of each state is drawn up on the basis of the Muslim population in the 2001 census that put the total number

To take a view on BlackBerry’s services, the Home Ministry will hold a meeting on August 12 with Department of Telecommunications and service providers and is expected to direct them to stop certain features which cannot be accessed by security agencies.

Official sources said while the onus of giving access to security agencies to monitor the information on these phones lies with the service providers, the Home Ministry will ask them which services were not accessible.

“We will tell the service providers in categorical terms that the government will allow them to offer only those services which could be intercepted by the security agencies. If any service cannot be intercepted, we will not allow them to run such services in India,” sources said.

According to the licensing conditions, service providers are liable to put in a mechanism allowing security agencies to

(Continued on page 10)

(Continued on page 10)

Know the H1N1 vaccines H1N1 virus is in the news again with the State witnessing one death and many cases from different corners. This has caused quite a few of my patients to call and enquire about the vaccine for the disease, says Dr Anita Kamath MD, Clinical Immunologist and Secretary of Voluntary Health Association of Goa. She has compiled important information in the form of question and answers for the benefit of the general public.

What is the nasal spray flu vaccine?

There are two types of flu vaccine: a) The flu shot (injected vaccine) – There are two vaccines in this category: monovalent vaccine which has just the A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus (pandemic H1N1 strain) and the trivalent vaccine which contains the WHO recommended A/Caifornia7/2009, A/Perth/16/2009 and the B/Brisbane/60/2008 strains. b) The nasal spray vaccine – This is a live viral vaccine. Live viral vaccines are prepared from attenuated strains (which are completely devoid of causing infection but can generate an immune response) which multiply in the human host and provide continuous antigenic stimulation over a period of time.

Should health-care providers get the influenza vaccine?

Yes. Both the vaccines can be given to health-care providers.

In Goa, the Directorate of Health Services is providing the injected vaccine to health-care providers. However, health-care providers should not get the intra-nasal vaccine if they are providing medical care for patients who require special enviro n m e n t s i n t h e h o s p i t a l because they are profoundly immuno-compromised (e.g. those who work in bone marrow transplant units).

What side effects are associated with the flu vaccine?

In children, side effects of intranasal vaccine can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. In adults, side effects can include runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. Fever is not a common side effect in adults receiving the nasal spray flu vaccine. There are fears among some doctors in the US

Intra-nasal Injected vaccine vaccine (Trivalent) Who can be vaccinated?

2 yrs to 6 months 49 yrs onwards Pregnant women No Yes Breast-feeding women Yes Yes Immuno-compromised people No Yes Can be administered to No Yes children with asthma or children with wheezing during the preceeding year Interval between 2 doses 21 days 4 weeks recommended for children aged 6 mths - 8 yrs who are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time People with severe egg allergy No No People with diabetes, renal No Yes dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies People with chronic heart or No Yes lung disease about the potential side effects of introducing viruses (though attenuated) in the nasal cavity under pressure. The feeling is that some of the viruses may enter the brain through the cribriform plate and infect the neural cells. As T cells do not cross the blood brain barrier there may not be an immune response towards the virus. Therefore the virus may continue to replicate and destroy the neural cells over a long period of time. However these reports are unsubstantiated and there is no proof that this can or will happen. But we do need to keep this is mind when we recommend the vaccine to our patients.

The side effects of the injected vaccine can include mild

temperature and redness at the site. In multi-dose vials the preservative thiomersal is used. The thiomersal controversy describes claims that vaccines containing mercur y -based thiomersal contribute to the development of autism and other brain development disorders.

The current scientific consensus is that there is no convincing evidence that supports these claims. In any case, the single dose trivalent vaccine does not contain thiomersal.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of both vaccines?

The advantages of the intranasal vaccine are the mode of delivery which is painless. This (Continued on page 10)

imise demolitions.”

Further, Kamat said, “there were apprehensions on the toll that would be charged for the road users. We have decided to appoint a separate team comprising of engineer from NHAI, PWD and personnel from Finance department as well as the Department of PPP, which will study the rates proposed by the NHAI.” “This team will examine how the interest of the local road users could be protected,” he stated.

Kamat said that upon receiving the reports from both the teams, the government will take up the issue with the Union Ministry for Road and Surface Trans-

port.

“The Union Minister spoke to me and asked to find out a solution to the matter at the earliest,” he stated.

When pointed out that the land acquisition process for the project has already begun the chief minister replied “until a final decision is taken, the land acquisition will be put on hold.”

Kamat also clarified that there was panic caused due to the notification by land acquisition officer for the project.

“The notice said that the 60metre width would be acquired which created panic amongst citizens. This was wrong and the land to be acquired is total of 45 metres width,” he stated.

Marriage between minors valid: Delhi High Court PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Marriage between minors is valid and it can be annulled only on the plea by one of the partners, the Delhi High Court ruled on Wednesday.

“A marriage in contravention of clause (iii) of section 5 (which fixes minimum age of twenty-one years for bridegroom and eighteen years for bride) does not fall in the category of void marriages nor does it fall in the category of voidable marriages. Consequently, by the process of elimination, it would be a valid marriage,” the court said.

A bench of Justices B D Ahmed and V K Jain said that even under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act the marriage involving minors has not been declared as invalid and the Act just says that the marriage can be annulled on this ground if plea is made by the minor partner.

“It is clear that where, earlier, a child marriage may not have been voidable under personal law, as in the case of the Hindu Marriage Act, by virtue of the section 3 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, it has explicitly been made voidable at the option of the child spouse. But nobody other than a party to the marriage can petition for annulment of the marriage,” the court said.

It said the legislature while drafting the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act had consciously left out marriages in contravention of the age stip-

A marriage in contravention of clause (iii) of section 5 (which fixes minimum age of twenty-one years for bridegroom and eighteen years for bride) does not fall in the category of void marriages nor does it fall in the category of voidable marriages.

Consequently, by the process of elimination, it would be a valid marriage.

– Delhi High Court

ulation from the category of void or invalid marriages.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by a minor boy who tied knot with a minor girl against the wishes of their family members after fleeing from home.

18-year Jitendra Kumar Sharma approached the court after a criminal case was registered against him on the complaint of family members of 16-year- old minor girl Poonam Sharma who alleged the boy had abducted her.

The High Court had earlier directed the couple to be present in the court and they (Continued on page 10)

Arjun breaks silence on Bhopal HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, AUG 11

A very frail looking 79-year-old Arjun Singh wheel-chaired into the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday to join the debate on the Bhopal gas tragedy and broke his silence on arrest and release of the then Union Carbide chairman Warren Anderson in 1984 when he was the chief minister of MP. Reading out slowly from a prepared statement he was allowed to make while sitting, he refuted the Opposition’s charge of being soft to the American tycoon and urged PM Manmohan Singh to broach his extradition with US President Obama visiting India in November as India and US have an extradition treaty in place.

He owned up all actions he took to maintain dignity and safety of the people of Bhopal as the chief minister after the tragic night of the gas leak that killed hundreds. He also indirectly absolved then Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi of any responsibility for arrest or release of Anderson, pointing out that he had driven down to Harda, some 140 km from Bhopal, two days later to brief him (Gandhi) who was busy with the electioneering.

People quite angr y from Bhopal turned into a mass grave had reached Bhopal airport in large number on learning about Anderson’s arrival a day after the tragedy and they would have lynched him but “I gave orders in writing to arrest Anderson.”

Anderson and two other Carbide executives were picked up by police as soon as their aircraft touched down and whisked away through a side gate.

Mobs would have lynched him but for taking him in the physical custody and flying him out quickly, Arjun Singh affirmed, adding “I did it with a heavy heart but I had to ensure his physical safety so that trial could be carried out against him.” After Anderson left Bhopal for Delhi, he returned to America and has since ignored a series of arrest warrants.

With around 500 tonnes of oil spilled into the Arabian Sea, this fish is ready to fry

GOA

OHERALDO

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GOA, THURSDAY, 12 AUGUST, 2010

BSNL to approach collector over activating mobile towers including the Appellate authority for consumers to get their disputes redressed.

GOACAN Coordinator, Roland Martins told newsmen that BSNL at today’s open house session has agreed to depute a deputy general manager for South Goa.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 11

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has decided to knock the doors of the South Goa district Magistrate to activate the 6-7 mobile towers, lying idle due to opposition from the people.

At the Open House session held a the Margao Municipal o n We d n e s d a y m o r n i n g , BSNL officials as well as telephone subscribers have decided to call on the district Magistrate and impress upon him to convene meetings with residents objecting to installation and activation of the mobile towers.

BSNL has further informed that it will soon approach the police to initiate penal action against the private agencies responsible for leaving the underground cable damaged due to haphazard digging.

BSNL general Manager Ravi informed after the Open House Session that telephone subscribers have been put to lot of hardships at many places on account of damage for the underground cable due to digging.

“We will take up with the police department to initiate action for damage to the cables”, he added.

The BSNL general manager said the telephone directory has been circulated by the depart-

NIA takes custody of blast accused HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 11

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing into the Margao bomb blast case on Wednesday took into custody accused Prashant Juvekar, a week after his arrest from Nashik.

The National Investigation Agency has obtained 14 days police remand for a c c u s e d J u v e ka r f o r f u r ther investigations into the blast case.

Juvekar was remanded to 14 days judicial custody by the Sessions Court, South after he was brought on a transfer warrant to Goa following his arrest by the Mah a r a s h t r a A n t i -Te r r o r i s t squad at Nashik.

Construction licences in coastal VPs to stay on hold HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

Many Coastal Village Panchayat (CVPs) in the State will not able to issue construction licences until they fully comply with High Court directives pertaining to garbage disposal.

The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday issued directions to several CVPs not to issue further construction licences until they comply with its directions issued.

There are about twenty-six CVPs that generate large quantum of garbage being tourist places.

On March 10, 2010 the High Court had directed GSPCB to inspect as to whether CVPs had established functioning composting units while hearing a suo motu petition on garbage.

Phone users want Konkani announcements HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 11

ment and the directories are available at the telephone exchanges.

Replying to a question, he said the BSNL call centre will be set up in the state within the next three months, adding that BSNL has simplified the mechanism

by opening local numbers which should help broadband customers.

On the question of disputes raised by customers against BSNL, Ravi said BSNL will publish the consumer disputes redressal mechanism,

MMC sets Aug 23 deadline for petro companies to pay rent HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 11

Asserting that the Civic body will not compromise on the payment of rent by the petroleum companies, Margao Municipal Council on Wednesday threatened to revoke the NOCs issued to the petrol pumps if the companies fails to clear rent dues amounting to Rs 35 lakh by August 23.

At a joint meeting between representatives of Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum and the MMC led by Chairperson Savio Coutinho and Chief Officer Y B Tawde, the Civic body conveyed a message loud and clear to the oil companies that there cannot be any compromise on the rent payment.

Both Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum were served final notices by the Margao Civic body on December 11,

2009 to clear their respective dues. The Civic body on July 26 this year sent reminders to the two oil companies to settle the payments within 25 days or threatened to remove them from their place of business and recover the dues.

“Today’s meeting was called by the oil companies to negotiate on the notice served by the Civic body, but we have made it very clear that there cannot be any compromise on the amount payable by the companies”, asserted MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho.

Incidentally, Coutinho said the oil companies were categorically told that the 10 per cent increase in rent every year was effected as per government’s circular.

“What has come as a shocking revelation in this entire episode is that the Municipality

Ward No II of Assolna village Panchayat – reserved for OBC candidates -- has created a record of sorts this current term.

For the third time in a row, candidates contesting from this ward has been elected unopposed in the polls.

That’s not all. All the three candidates elected as panch member representing this ward hail from other wards for want of local OBC candidates.

On the last date for withdrawal of candidates for elections to Ward No 11, John D’costa has been elected unopposed as the Returning Officer Paresh Faldessai has received his lone nomination paper.

had never raised any bill for the last 32 years asking the oil companies to pay the annual rent.

Records show the oil companies have not paid any amount to the Civic body prior to 2001”, Coutinho added.

According to Coutinho, while Bharat Petroleum were served a notice to pay accumulated rent amounting to Rs 22.44 lakh, Hindustan petroleum owed to the Civic body rent amounting to Rs 12.40 lakh.

Incidentally, the district Administration, South had proposed for the shifting and relocation of the petrol pumps located near the old bus stand a decade ago to ease traffic congestion. However, successive district Collectors, including incumbent G P Naik has failed to relocate even a single petrol pump to the outskirts of the city.

guard decamps with cash after assaulting supervisor HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, AUG 11

A 24-year-old security guard from Manipur, stationed at a private-run mobile tower at Loliem, allegedly assaulted a security supervisor, who had come to disburse salary, before decamping with cash bag containing Rs 35,000 on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Canacona Police PI Raju Raut Dessai, the incident came to light only past Tuesday midnight, after the frantically searching family of the security supervisor found him unconscious locked inside a mobile tower equipment room at Dapot-Loliem.

PI Dessai informed that Vinayak Patil (50), security supervisor with Central Investigation & Security Services Ltd, Porvorim, was on a salary disbursal round on Tuesday and had reached the mobile tower situated at Dapot to disburse

salary to the working guards at about 11.30 am.

The security guard, who was on duty at the time, allegedly assaulted Patil. Later the security guard attacked Patil with a chopper, injuring him badly and unconscious.

The accused locked unconscious Patil inside the equipment room of the mobile tower and fled on the motorcycle belonging to b Patil, informed PI Dessai.

Since the supervisor did not reach his home even late at night, a frantic search was led by his family members contacting every stations, where he was supposed to disburse salary to the security guards on the day.

Sources informed that the family could trace Patil’s last tract of leaving Canacona tower to go to Loliem tower. There was none to confirm the arrival or leaving of Patil from Loliem

Assolna ward panch elected unopposed third time HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 11

Telephone users have demanded that BSNL also use Konkani language while making announcements to the subscribers.

Goa Hitrakhan Manch leader Prashant Naik questioned BNSL general manager Ravi why the telephone service provider is not using Konkan for making announcements.

At the Open House Session held at the Margao Municipal hall, Naik reminded BSNL officials that Konkani is official language of Goa and demanded that the mother tongue of Goans be used for making announcements.

“In Maharashtra, Marathi is used to inform subscribers of any announcement. The same is the case in Karnataka”, he said.

The BSNL General manager assured that the service provider will look into the feasibility of using Konkani language for making announcements.

Elections for ward No 11 were necessitated after then Panch member, Anthony Rodrigues quit following his election as the Velim Zilla Panchayat member.

Incidentally, Anthony Rodrigues had got elected unopp o s e d f r o m Wa r d N o 1 1 following the resignation of then Panch, Elvino D’Silva, who too was elected unopposed from the ward for want of any local candidates belonging to the OBC. Meanwhile, three candidates are left in the fray for the byepolls for ward No 11 of Curtorim village Panchayat on the last date of withdraws.

The candidates in the fray are Luiza Pais, Sarita Dias and Winee Dias. The bye-polls are being

held after panch member Veena Lourenco was elected the members of Curtorim zilla panchayat constituency For by-polls to ward No IV of Nuvem village panchay, which have been necessitated following the election of Wilfred D’Sa as Nuvem ZP member, the Returning officer has received two nomination papers of Frida Wilfred D’Sa and Vinod Verlekar.

For By-polls of Ward No II of Chinchinim Panchayat, a total of five candidates are left in the fray after the last date of withdrawal.

The candidates are Alina Dias, Constancio Fernandes, Philip Menezes, Rajesh Coutinho and Valentino Barreto.

tower.

Sources further informed that with the help of security personnel stationed at one of the towers in Canacona, the family reached Loliem tower only to see the tower’s equipment room locked and security personnel from there missing.

Later, unconscious Patil was found in a pool of blood and was rushed to Community Health Centre, from where he was shifted to Hospicio in Margao, where he is recuperating.

According to PI Dessai, police were informed passed Tuesday midnight, after which frantic search led to discovery of a motorcycle at KTC bus stand at Canacona on Wednesday morning.

Canacona PI informed that further investigation is on and every effort will be made to nab the accused.

Child rescued from flat HERALD REPORTER VASCO, AUG 11

Panic gripped a woman, after her one-old-year child was locked in the flat, when the main door latch got accidentally closed at Melisa Port View Building near El-Monte, Vasco, on Wednesday.

According to Vasco Fire Brigade, Swizal Rebello got locked in the flat situated on the second floor, when her mother was out at the main door and the child pushed the door accidentally, thereby getting it automatically locked.

However, the worried mother sought help of Vasco Fire Brigade who mmediately swung into action and gained entry by opening the window and rescued the child.

Contract for towing away of Princess deferred HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

The State Government has deferred the award of contract for towing away off the stranded River Princess till August 17.

The Advocate General Subodh Kantak the High Court on Wednesday that contract will not be awarded till August 17.

The Division Bench of Justices A S Oka and F M Reis was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by River Princess Hatao Manch (RPHM) that highlighted environmental damage caused by the stranded vessel for the last ten years and demanding that it be removed without delaying further.

When the matter came up for hearing, the counsel for RPHM, Adv Nigel Costa told the Court measures undertaken to stop erosion of beach have been ineffective and should adopt the method adopted at Betalbatim beach which has proved more effective in preventing sand erosion. It should be also implemented at Sinquerim beach stretch by way of interim relief, he prayed.

The AG thereafter sought time to seek instructions and make a statement with regards suggestions made by the RPHM. Hearing was then adjourned till August 17.

26 H1N1 cases since Jan HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

Out of the 13 throat swabs of suspected H1N1 cases that were sent for testing between August 6 and 9, four have been confirmed positive for the disease, thus taking the total number of cases detected since January this year to 26.

Salcete has recorded the highest number of cases at 8, followed by Tiswadi (7), Mormugao (5), Ponda (3), Quepem (2) and Bardez (1).

Meanwhile, the North Goa Collector in a meeting with deputy collectors, BDOs and mamlatdars have instructed them to take appropriate measures to contain diseases l i ke H 1 N 1 , c h i k u n g u n y a , malaria, dengue, etc.

Diabetic foot ulcer patients can now look forward to angioplasty HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

Angioplasty and stent placement treatments have come as a respite to those suffering ‘diabetic foot ulcers’, hence overtaking surgery, an Interventional Cardiologist has said.

Addressing a press briefing, Dr Uday Khanolkar informed reporters that angioplasty has befit revascularization for blockages below the knee, where surgical bypass is not possible.

“Angioplasty for diabetic foot ulcers has advantages as it increases the blood flow and helps healing ulcers. It also prevents local infection from entering the blood stream which is a life threatening condition,” said the doctor.

He revealed that foot complications are common in patients suffering from diabetes followed by heavy smokers. 10 to 15 percent diabetic patients develop foot ulcer and with this increases the risk amputation by eight fold once an ulcer develops.

“The problem is noticed among diabetic patients above the age of 50 years. But the youngest case we encountered was of a 32-year-old patient who was a heavy smoker…It blocks the blood vessels. Diabetes is the greater risk than heart attack in this medical case,” said the Interventional Cardiologist.

The procedure, the doctor said is carried out at Apollo Victor Hospital at Margao wherein 77 procedures of the total 78 cases have been successfully

performed. While, in one case, the patient’s limb had to be severed, as according to Khanolkar, the patient approached doctors after the infection had deepened.

“Not many Goan patients and doctors are aware of this procedure and hence we felt it a need to create awareness to help diabetic patients here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), he informed, is a common problem wherein arteries carrying blood to legs or arms are either narrowed or clogged. “Its risk factors include diabetes, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiac or vascular

disease, obesity and sedentary lifestyle,” he said adding that 15-20 percent suffer PVD and one-third are symptomatic.

Khandolkar suggested that patients should approach doctors at an early stage to prevent amputation in almost 100 percent of diabetic foots. Whereas, a little delay, he warned, may limit amputation to toes or below the ankle and in extreme delay the patient will have to undergo major amputation at the knee level or above.

The press note circulated at the briefing discloses that the procedure at the hospital costs Rs 57,000 and Stent Rs 52,000 with hospital stay of three days on an average.

kidney ailments: 45,000 Canacona locals to undergo urine tests HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, AUG 11

It seems finally something positive in the pipeline as efforts are definitely on to take care of Canconcars kidneys in the days and years to come.

If Shri Nirankar Education Society President Prashant Naik is to be believed, approximately over 45,000 residents from Canacona taluka of above five years will be subjected to urine tests to determine any impending kidney ailments beforehand.

This massive exercise will be first taken up at Maxem on August 15 subjecting 100 students of Satyawati Soiru Angle Higher Secondary School, MaxemLoliem for urine tests.

Naik informed that this enormous task will be carried out through NSS students from the taluka, who will make serious

dent to visit each and every household, even if its means tasks of several visits to conduct the urine tests on all the individuals from the households.

Naik also informed that primarily all NSS students will be provided with requisite knowledge of the tests and provided with necessary appliances and chemicals to conduct the otherwise a very simple and calculated urine test to determine

kidney functioning.

Recently, Director of Health Services Dr Rajanand Dessai had called a meeting of teachers, headmaster and Chairman of Shri Nirankar Educatin Soceity in this regard, informed Naik.

Nirankar High School Headmaster Jayram Gaonkar, SS Angle teachers Anant Agni and Kavindra Dessai were also present along with Prashant Naik, who divulged details about the urine tests project.

It may be recalled that several Canacona residents are reeling with kidney ailments with residents calling on the government to take up a cause-study survey and accordingly come to the residents rescue, who are feeling seriously threatened due to the unknown trend of many Canconcars hitting with kidney ailments.

One held for making spurious ‘Borosil’ glass work HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

The Crime Branch sleuths today raided the office of a scientific company at Margao and arrested its owner Joel Vaz for manufacturing spurious ‘Borosil glass work’ products.

The raid was based on a complaint filed by the field officer of Borosil Glass Work Ltd at Mumbai, Bhavesh Nathwaul.

Duty Officer Assistant Sub Inspector Tukaram Naik, (on directions from Superintendent of Police Mangladas Desai) informed that the spurious ‘Borosil’ products worth Rs 50,000 were seized that was used by the alleged felony owner to sell all over places.

Nathwaul filed a complaint with the Goa Crime Branch that ‘Shantadurga Scientific Trader’ at Margao manufactured spurious products in the name of the original ‘Borosil Glass Work Ltd’ located at Kandivali in West Mumbai without the latter’s authorization.

Following the complaint, the investigating team launched the raid and arrested Joel under sections 51 and 63 of Copyright Act 1957 and 420 (cheating) of Indian Penal Code, of allegedly committing the felony. Complete details of the raid, etc were however not available till late night as the formalities were underway.

Borosil that exports laboratory glassware across the globe is a brand name of specialty Glassware Company in India, according to its website.

It also mentions that it is a certified company is also into microwable kitchenware, disposable plastics, etc reaching through its wider network of outlets across India.

Crime Branch sleuths searching the office of a scientific company at Margao on Wednesday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

Around 115 bird species Bondla sanctuary SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, AUG 11

Goa’s smallest wildlife sanctuary Bondla, is also a home for around 115 bird species, including those who migrate to these woods from far off places, a study report reads.

A bird survey conducted by Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN), an initiative of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), has recorded these species, which includes migratory birds like black maped oriole, greenish warbler and forest wagtail.

Environmentalist Parag Rangnekar said that IBCN has taken this initiative for the first time in Goa to ascertain the exact number of bird species and their trend in state’s wildlife

sanctuaries.

The bird survey which took place on March 14 and 15 saw an increasing presence of grey jungle fowl.

The survey was conducted by 15 volunteers of IBCN. Rangnekar, who was part of the team, which surveyed the place for winged visitors, said that survey was conducted through a method called Mickinnos.

“We will be able to get the richness of the species through this method,” he added.

Rangnekar explained that volunteers will collect data over the years and compare it so that the exact trend of the birds and their numbers can be known.

Along with Bondla, other wildlife sanctuaries begin-

ning from Cotigao wildlife sanctuar y and Mollem national park will be surveyed on similar pattern.

“If everything goes well, we might cover the rest of the sanctuaries by end of this year,” he stated.

Rangnekar said that the state forest department has actively participated in his survey. “Without their logistic support, such a survey would not have been possible,” he said.

Bondla, a wildlife sanctuary spread over 8 sq kms, which also houses a zoo, has altogether 125 animal species which includes a pair of tiger, bisons, peacock, leopards, elephants, dear, bear, jackal, snakes like king cobra, pythons, crocodiles, and others.

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Govt has no control over illegal mines: Gawas Wants 24-hour ore transportation

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

The mining truck owners today objected to the timing restrictions on ore transportation stating that the state government should stop the illegal mining rather than harassing the truck operators.

The mining truck owners from across the state, who met today at Hotel Mandovi formed a nine member All Goa Mining Truck Owners Association (AGMTOA), which is likely to meet Chief Minister Digamber Kamat tomorrow over the High Court order.

The High Court in its order in April has said that the ore transportation in the state will take place only between 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm.

The timings are already applicable to south Goa mining truck owners, while in case of North Goa the matter is still pending.

“It will better if the government tries to control the increas-

nThe Association is soon going to file Public Interest Litigation challenging High Court’s order.

“The timing restrictions will also result into overloading, traffic conjestions which in turn can result into accidents,” Gawas said. ing number of illegal mines in our state rather then harassing us,” AGMTOA, p r e s i d e n t Nilkhant Gawas told reporters.

Gawas pointed out that mining is the only livelihood of the people leaving in Bicholim and Sattari areas as the agricultural

fields there are destroyed.

“Agriculture, which was our livelihood, is shattered and our children are not able to get jobs in city areas. We have no other option then mining,” he stated.

Gawas alleged that the state government has no control over illegal mines, which are mushrooming throughout Goa. The association also demanded that the government should allow 24-hours ore transportation. “Our tucks or business is not illegal…we have permits…no rule restricting us to a particular timing…we pay tax for 24-hours transportation,” association’s joint secretary Ulhas Gawade said.

The Association is soon going to file Public Interest Litigation challenging High Court’s order.

“The timing restrictions will also result into overloading, traffic conjestions which in turn can result into accidents,” he said.

Kerala couple commits suicide at Porvorim

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, AUG 11

A couple from Kerala committed suicide in their flat near Corporation Bank, Shantinagar, Porvorim, on Wednesday.

According to Porvorim Police, Deepak Kumar (40), who was working in a computer company at Panjim, was residing along with his wife (35) in a flat at Shantinagar.

Police further informed that the couple had returned from their native place on Tuesday

evening. Since Deepak did not resume duty on Wednesday, his colleagues visited his flat in the evening, but they found the door locked.

Since they did not get response on pressing the door bell, they peeped into the flat through the window and they found Deepak’s body hanging from the fan. They immediately informed the police.

PI Devendra Gad along with this staff rushed to the spot and broke open the flat door. Police

found Deepak’s body hanging to the fan and the body of his wife in the bedroom.

Police have also found a note in the room written by the couple stating that they are fed up with life and due to depression, they are committing suicide.

Police after conducting Panchanama sent the bodies to GMC Hospital at Bambolim for post mortem.

PI Devendra Gad is investigating the case.

EIA at Verna, Kundaim soon GSPCB says tenders being verified HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

The impact of various industrial units operating at the Verna and Kundaim industrial estates will be brought out in environment impact assessment (EIA) studies to be conducted at both these locations.

The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) recently opened the tenders and is in the process of verifying the same for their technical viability before opening the financial bids to award these EIA projects.

Chairman Goa State Pollution Control Board Simon D’Souza said one of the major reasons for carrying out these assessments at these major industrial estates was prompted after complaints from neighbouring villages in Verna of major ground water depletion and contami-

nation of wells.

D’Souza said in this scenario it was better to know the damage done to the environment at these places. “In the absence of no water supply from the Public Works Department many of the units have gone ahead and dug bore wells in violation of law,” he mentioned.

He said gradually EIAs will be conducted at industrial estates which have many units operating inside. There are around 20 industrial estates in the State.

The GSPCB Chairman informed the EIA for Pilerne Industrial Estate being conducted

by Sadekar Enviro Engineers Pvt Ltd was nearing completion and soon the Board will get a report from the company. The industrial estate was in the news in July after neighbouring villagers

bitterly complained of pollution from Berger Paints.

D’Souza said Berger Paints was allowed to start operations after remaining closed for around two weeks.

The company has showed compliance after the Board issued a show-cause notice to the management, he stated.

Meanwhile, the chairman informed after verifying the technical bids for installing seven stations for checking ambient air quality the Board has opened the financial bids.

These stations will check pollution caused by mining transportation at seven crucial locations namely Curchorem municipal area, Usgao-Pale junction, Codli Tisk, Honda junction, Bicholim town, Amona and Assonora junction.

Police oppose Mickky travelling abroad HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 11

The Crime branch investigating into the Nadia Torrado death case on Wednesday strongly objected to the application moved by former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco requesting permission to leave the country.

Submitting its reply to Pacheco’s application seeking permission to proceed to USA from August 15, Crime Branch Investigating officer, PI Sunita Sawant told the court there is every possibility of the former Tourism Minister jumping bail if allowed to leave India.

Saying that Pacheco is a Green Card holder of USA, PI Sawant said the former Minister may not be available for investigations since reports from GEQD Forensic Scientific Laboratory, Hyderabad in respect of nine hard discs of eight CPUs and a laptop are yet to be received, thereby hampering investigations.

The crime branch further submitted to the court that opinion received from the government examiner of questioned documents, Hyderabad including his five mobile sets and three SIM cards showed there are no phone call details, SMSs available in the phone sets and the SIM cards even though Call Details Report (CDR) of the mobile phones of the former Minister shows number of calls and SMSs exchanged with the victim.

“The former Minister was interrogated in custody, but he has not given any account in respect of the mobile phone, passport and a laptop fo the deceased and empty ratol paste tube and the weapon of assault’, PI Sawant submitted in the court.

Arguments of Pacheco’s application seeking per-

mission to leave the country and reply filed by the crime branch will be heard in the court of Additional sessions Judge, B P Deshpande on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, the Additional sessions Judge has asked Pacheco’s lawyer to approach the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao with an application for the release of eight computers, a laptop, five mobiles, three black berry, two Nokia mobiles and three SIM cards.

Prachi Dessai to showcase Goa as safe tourist destination Water sports to be made cognisable offence HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

In a bid to boost up Goa’s tourism economy the State Government has shifted its focus on “affluent domestic youth” and designed a multi-dimensional campaign to attract youth.

Prachi Dessai, lead cast of Bollywood flick “Once upon a Time in Mumbai” has been chosen to be the brand icon to promote Goa as safe tourist destination.

Nilkant Halarnkar, Minister for tourism while unveiling this multi-dimensional campaign at a city hotel on Wednesday here, said this drive will remove labels attached to Goa as an unsafe tourist destination.

It must be recalled that former tourism minister Mickky Pachecho had publicly said that Goa has become rape capital of India, following rape of a Russian woman in South Goa. Goa’s image as safe and family tourist destination took a beating after murder of British minor, Scarlet keeling in 2009 in Anjuna followed by two incidents of rape involving foreign women, this year.

When questioned as to whether she is not apprehensive about promoting Goa as safe tourist place in the face of incidents of sexual assault on foreigners -- Prachi Dessai said she has visited Goa four times in the past and have always found it to be safe.

“You enjoy yourself but also be responsible,” she said. “Domestic tourists visiting Goa

mostly come alone and are a bit careless, “ she said in relation to attack on foreign tourists.

The multi-dimensional campaign to boost tourism will be conducted through all channels of communication -- television, newspapers, retail activation directed primarily at domestic tourism.

The Love Aaj Kal Go Goa Contest – The campaign will kick off with a contest, to coincide with the global premier of the Hindi movie -“Love Aaj Kal” on August 15at 8 pm on Zee TV. Swapnil Naik, Director of Tourism briefing about the campaign, said TV promos profiling imagery of Goa, cleverly juxtapose against the feature film, are already on air drumming up awareness and excitement levels. During the movie, viewers will be posed three simple questions on Goa with winners standing a chance to win free holiday package with airfare.

Online promotion --- viewers who wish to participate in the contest will be required to log on GTDC website www.goa.tourism.com to answer the questions and enter the contest, via a specially created micro-site.

Retail Activation -- The contest promotion will also be heavily publicised through promos on the TV screens at all future group establishments , including BIG BAZZAR and Pantaloons, thus imparting a 360 degree feel to the campaign.

Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act is set to get more teeth with amendment in the Act wherein director of tourism will be vested with powers as also activities such as water sports and adventure tourism will be brought under the ambit of law -- making water sports a cognisaable offence under Cr Pc. Secretar y Tourism Dr M Modassir while speaking at a press conference on Wednesday here while unveiling of multidimensional campaign to boost tourism, said operators of water sports will be now held accountable for any accidents with any negligence on their will be treated as cognizable offence.

With growth in tourism, there has been corresponding increase in water sports activities but negligence by operators have left a big question mark on the safety of users (tourists).

There have been couple of accidents in the past involving tourists with water operators not employing adequate safety mechanism and instruments.

Guidelines were framed for water sports activity however they could not be implemented in the absence of powers in the Act, pointed out Swapnil Naik, Director of Tourism.

The proposed amendment

will enlarge the scope of the Act. “Not just water sports activity but all kinds of tourism related activities which were not covered under the Act earlier will be brought under its range now,” said Naik. Added provisions in the Act will enable the director of tourism to initiate against offenders under the Act. TOURISTS SECURITY: The tourism department will soon have its own force to provide protection to tourists.

Tourist security force comprising of retired army men will be formed and to begin with security men will be posted at all popular beaches.

The tourism department has contacted Rajya Sainik Board for recruitment of ex-servicemen and has listed sixty-six security personnel for the job, he said.

Corlim man dies in mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, AUG 11

A 50-year-old man from Corlim died, after he was knocked down by a two-wheeler near bus stand at Mollar-Corlim on Tuesday night.

According to Old Goa Police, Pramod Naik, who was working as a security personnel for a company and posted at a company in Corlim Industrial Estate, was proceeding towards his residence on Tuesday night when he was knocked down by Activa scooter.

Naik was shifted to Goa Medical College Hospital at Bambolim, where he breathed his last on Wednesday morning while undergoing medical treatment.

Old Goa Police have registered the case under Motor Vehicle Act and are investigating the case.

Spirit of Freedom underway at Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 11

The three-day Spirit of Freedom organized by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) got underway at the Ravindra Bhavan here on Wednesday.

The film Haqeeqat was screened on the opening day of the festival, which was attended by school students.

Addressing the students after opening the festival, Water Resources Minister, Filipe Neri Rodrigues said the idea behind organizing the second edition of the festival is to inculcate the spirit of freedom amongst the younger generation. “Through this festival, the young minds will know more about the history and sacrifices made by the freedom fighters”, he said, adding that no country can move ahead without recognizing the values of freedom.

Making an appeal to the students to become the torch bear-

ers of freedom as they are the future leaders of the country, Rodrigues underlined the need to inculcate in the minds of the students the importance of freedom like religion.

“Every student should think about the future of the country”, he said, while requesting teachers and parents to motivate their children to participate in NCC and NSS to inculcate in them discipline and a secular outlook.

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SHORT TAkES Children’s library opened

Heart attack is number one killer in world: Dr Shawl HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 11

PANJIM (HND): The children’s library was inaugurated at Bal Bhavan Kendra, Khandepar recently at the hands of the Bal Bhavan Chairperson Vijayadevi Rane. Speaking on the occasion, Rane lauded Bal Bhavan for giving stress to inculcate the reading habit among the children.

During the inauguration, Bal Bhavan Director Suman Pednekar, Headmistress of MIBK school-Khandepar Sita Kuncolienkar and secretary of the school Gaonkar were present.

Earlier programme officer of Bal Bhavan Shashikant Punaji welcomed and briefed the concept of setting up the children’s libraries at the different Bal Bhavan centres with the financial assistance of National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi.

Savita Phadte, Incharge of Bal Bhavan Kendra- Khandepar proposed vote of thanks.

No parking, no horn zone

PANJIM (HND): The North Goa District Magistrate has prohibited drivers of motor vehicles from using any horn, gong or other device for giving audible warning on the stretch of 100 metres from the main gate of Vrundavan Hospital towards Heart Beat Restaurant in the jurisdiction of Mapusa Municipal Council. He has also ordered both sides of said road starting from Step Inn Super Market upto NH-17 as ‘No Parking’ for all types of vehicles.

Necessary traffic sign boards showing the sign ‘No Horn Zone’ and ‘No Parking Zone’ on the above stretch of road in order to regulate the motor vehicular traffic will be erected.

Adv Anjali named notary

PANJIM (HND): Government of India, Ministry of Law and Justice department of legal affairs, New Delhi, has appointed Adv Anjali Kailash Nale from Margao as Government of India Notary. Interview for the same was held in New Delhi recently.

Adv Anjali will be available in her office at Prestonia chambers, 3rd floor, above Lily garments, new Market-Margao.

Heavy vehicles banned

PANJIM (HND): The North Goa District Magistrate has prohibited the entry of heavy vehicles from both the ways i.e. from St Annie Church to Jaycees Nagar Housing Board in Ponda Town with immediate effect.

Necessary traffic sign boards in order to regulate the motor vehicular traffic will be erected.

Speed breakers at Revora

PANJIM (HND): The North Goa District Magistrate has ordered construction of ‘Speed Breakers’ in the Revora Panchayat infront of Rajesh Bar - about 5 metres away from the road leading towards Haliwada towards Colvale; infront of Ramnath Bagkar house - about 5 metres away from the junction towards Revora village and near Sunil Jakhi's house - about 5 metres away from the junction on bye pass road.

Cautionary sign boards ‘Speed Breakers Ahead’ at about 40 metres in advance of the first speed breaker and traffic sign board showing the sign ‘Speed Breaker’ at the placement of the speed breaker in order to regulate the motor vehicular traffic will be erected.

Laxman elected president

VASCO (HR): Former Chicolna-Bogmalo Sarpanch Laxman Kavlekar has been elected unopposed as president of Gomantak Dhangar Samajonnati Mandal for year 2010-2011.

At a recent annual general body meeting of the Mandal at CurtiPonda, Kavlekar as elected for sixth consecutive occasion, while Vagha Miral from Sangem was elected as the secretary.

Other office bearers elected were Anil Jangali and Vithu Kharat, both from Bardez, (vice presidents), Konda Lambor from Sangem (treasurer), Ragu Varak (joint treasurer) and Rajesh Baragade from Ponda (joint secretary), while Jay Varak and Janu Koulekar have been elected as executive members and Dr Janu Zore as advisor.

Addressing the meeting, Kavlekar highlighted the projects undertaken by the Mandal durng the last five years and appreciated the work by their lone MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar.

Legal literacy club opened

PANJIM (HND): The legal literacy club of Dhempe College NSS unit alongwith the inaugural ceremony of the Students Council and Red Ribbon Club was inaugurated by Nutan Sardessai, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Chairperson of District Legal Services Authority for North Goa. Nutan enlightened the students about the basic functions of legal literacy club and knowing their rights as citizens. 25 NSS volunteers have enrolled under the legal literacy club.

Vice Principal Dr Yasmin Modassir introduced Nutan Sardessai and Principal Dr S V Deshpande briefed the students about various activities. The NSS volunteers graced the occasion with a song. The vote of thanks was proposed by Annie Rajan.

Informing that heart attack is the number one killer in the world, noted cardiologist Dr Fayaz Shawl said that 50 percent of the people are unaware of hyper tension, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes and therefore early checks and preventive steps would go a long way in keeping heart diseases under check.

“Doing exercises for 45 minutes thrice a week will also help to keep heart attacks under check,” he observed.

Dr Shawl was speaking at a health awareness programme organised by Directorate of Health Services, at Dona Paula, in a bid to create greater health care awareness, prevention and treatment among the masses.

Speaking on healthy living

and wellness, the Indian-born United States-based cardiologist Dr Shawl touched upon various risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history, high cholesterol, stress, obesity, etc which cause heart attacks. He said prevention was the best cure for these diseases which could be checked by undergoing health check up regularly.

“Stress could be kept under check through medication,” he said.

Mentioning that fatigue could be a symptom of heart related diseases, Dr Shawl said frequent check-up could help diagnose it early and prevent its growth. Healthy lifestyle can also change the genes particularly of those with family history of heart related diseases.

He also enlightened the packed audience about the

type of food they should consume and avoid for healthy growth. He also informed that 70 percent of the heart diseases will be treated with medication.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Speaker Pratapsingh Rane, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, MLAs Pratap Gawas and Reginaldo Lawrenco, Bal Bhavan Chairperson Vijayadevi Rane, Asha Kamat, Dr Divya Rane, Director of Health Services Dr Rajnanda Desai, industrialists, doctors and other prominent citizens attended the health awareness programme.

Goa Medical College Dean Dr V N Jindal introduced Dr Shawl to the audience and Dr R G Wiseman Pinto proposed the vote of thanks.

Bandekar’s proximity to Luizinho cost him Canacona seat: Churchill HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, AUG 11

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao raked up the Luizinho Faleiro factor yet again at the birthday celebrations of former minister Sanjay Bandekar, claiming that Bandekar’s former proximity with Faleiro had cost him the assembly seat at Canacona.

Speaking as chief guest in the specially organized function on Tuesday night, which was also attended by GPCC President Subhash Shirodkar, Karnataka Minister for Science and technology Anand Asnotikar, South Goa Zilla Panchayat Adiyaksha Maria Rebello, Alemao made a veiled attack at his friend turned foe from Navelim.

“Bandekar’s one wrong move during the last assembly elections cost him the seat and he lost the election by just around 750 votes.”

“And that wrong move of Bandekar was that he entered Navelim constituency in support of Luizinho Faleiro, saying that Luizinho Faleiro is a great man, and that Churchill is nothing to give him even a simple

Sangath to create awareness on disabilities HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 11

The National Trust for the welfare of persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities in collaboration with ONGC is organizing a countrywide awareness and sensitisation campaign on disabilities in the month of November. The National Trust is a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; it was formed under the National Trust Act (1999) for persons with the above mentioned four disabilities.

In Goa the campaign is being coordinated by Sangath. This is a huge exercise across the nation and Sangath aims to reach out to the community and sensitise it towards disability. To create community awareness about this programme, Sangath is looking for volunteers to help organise this massive campaign.

Valentino Gasper, a man who has had a taste of a variety of the arts has recently opened ‘Centre Punch’ in Verna, Margao. He claims that this centre teaches everything under the sun. Art, pottery, stone and glass sculpture, horse riding, welding, plumbing, mathematics, swimming are just a few activities one can pick up from Centre Punch. “The centre is open twenty-four seven and to anyone wiling to learn,” he states. Its official timings are from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm.

A painter, writer and sculpture, he too partakes in the various activities that are taught at the centre. Though Valentino lightly exclaims, “There is only learning here, no teaching”, any amount of learning requires a considerable amount of teaching and a lot of the teachers here are recruited very informally. “I’ve got stu-

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 11

The North Goa District Magistrate, under section 144 of code of criminal procedure, 1973 has ordered that no landlord, owner, person of house/property which falls under the jurisdiction of all the police stations of the North Goa district shall let or sublet or rent any accommodation to any person unless and until he has furnished the particulars of the said tenants to the police inspector of the police station concerned.

All persons who intend to take accommodation on rent shall inform in writing in this regard to the police inspector concerned in whose jurisdiction the premises falls. The persons dealing in property business shall also inform in writing to the police inspector concerned in whose jurisdiction the premises falls about the particulars of the said tenants.

This order has come into force with effect from August 9 and shall be effective for the period upto October 7, unless withdrawn earlier.

Any person contravening this order shall be punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

ESG to discuss woes faced by media at IFFI HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 11

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao wishes former minister Sanjay Bandekar on his 58th birthday.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

fight.”

“Someone narrated to me these utterances of Bandekar and I simultaneously worked against Bandekar and made him lose those elections in Canacona. Yes, I am responsible for the defeat of Bandekar,” Alemao said.

However, Alemao then sought to clarify his relationship with Bandekar.

“I am a straight person and I

wanted to inform openly to Bandekar, who is very close and family friend to me and my family. In future, I will always remain close to Bandekar and pursue his candidature for the next elections and get him elected,” the PWD minister said.

“Don’t trust some people, who speak good things at your face, only to backstab you,” Alemao added.

In view of the forthcoming 41st International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the Chief Executive Officer of Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) desires to understand the various problems faced by the media and implement apt solutions for the 11day festival.

In view of this, the ESG has convened a meeting on August 17 at the press room, Maquinez Palace, Panjim at 3 pm. Journalists, including electronic media representatives, representatives of periodicals, etc, are requested to attend the meeting and give their valuable suggestions pertaining to professional needs of the media.

Seminar throws light on causes, effects of Canacona floods HERALD CORRESPONDENT POINGUINIM, AUG 11

Shri Nirakar Education Society's Rural Science Centre organised a seminar on 'Canacona Flood 2/10 Causes, Effects and Suggestions' at Mashem-Loliem, Canacona, on Tuesday.

The presentation programme was organised by Prudent Media editor Sandesh Prabhudesai and the talks with visual display were given to about 200 attendees by Director of National Institute of Oceanography Dr Satish Shetye, Director of Department of Science, Technology and Environment Michael D'Souza, Dr Pratima Kessarka, Dr Suprit Kumar, D Sundar and others.

Canacona taluka is plagued by frequent floods not only during the monsoon, but even after the offset of the rainy season. All experts were of the same opinion that topography

Centre Punch to impart teaching in various activities HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 11

Landlords told to furnish details of tenants

dents coming here from all over the world. Some take the role of teachers, a few months down the line and impart the knowledge they have learnt,” says Valentino.

Rajesh Naik, a 13-year-old migrant from Belgaum is a student at Centre Punch. He is currently learning Hindi, mathematics and whatever skills he can pick up. Education is viewed as the only solid option toward a better life. These classes are doing this boy and his family good, in their pursuit of it.

The idea behind the centre began in 1982 in Pune, where Valentino was based, about three decades ago. With a background in the arts himself, setting it up was easy. “When I decided to move to Goa, I brought it down here, in 1991,” he says.

Valentino firmly believes that there is no age limit to learning and welcomes persons of all ages.

of Canacona taluka is such that the strata of the soil in this region rainwater gushes from high hills from around 300 mtrs above seal level and gushes into the low-lying areas from streams and rivers. The worst affected are the people living below 50 mtrs from the sea level.

Dr Shetye stated that one cannot predict nature accurately, but they are relying on outdated equipments and have requested for Dopller Radar with the government that is on the way and will be installed in the State shortly.

This modern gadget is more accurate to detect weather conditions and that they will be in a position to give alerts to the people well in advance of the impending dangers.

Michael D'Souza said Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has accepted the recommendations made by Canacona Relief

Committee and has accorded sanction to the noting made by them.

"The problem in this region is cited due to choked up and narrow water drains and the rivers are also to be desilted. It was noted that the rivers of Talpona and Galgibag are choked due to the accumulating silt and the flow of water is blocked," said D'Souza.

Anant Agni was of the same opinion and said people of Canacona are living in state of trauma whenever heavy rainfall descends.

The think tanks advocated the need to form a team of students from various schools of the taluka to visit places and give the report to the government agencies of their case study where uprooting of trees are taking by vested interested persons and also where illegal mining activities are going on.

Govt officers urged to make people aware of schemes

uPCOMInG EVEnTS Lok Adalat

PANJIM (HND): The advocates/litigants and the public are hereby informed that the Lok Adalat of claim petitions cases of South Goa district will be conducted by the District Legal Services Authority, South Goa, Margao on August 14 from 10 am onwards in the District and Sessions Court building, Margao.

All concerned parties whose cases are referred to the Lok Adalat are required to be present at 10 am sharp on the above mentioned date.

Principal District and Sessions Judge, South Goa U V Bakre will be the presiding officer for the Lok Adalat duly assisted by a panel members of senior advocates.

Poetry reading program

MAYEM (HC): Shri Shantadurga Higher Secondary School Bicholim will organise poetry reading programme of Vishnu Surya Wagh on August 12.

The programme is being organised to mark the Library Day celebration. The programme, which has been scheduled at 11.30 am in the library premises, will be followed by symposium of poetries.

Dr Jose’s portrait installation

PANJIM (HND): Assagao Union High School will install the portrait of late Dr Jose Camilo Lisboa on August 15, between 9.30 am to 10.30 am in the old school hall. Deputy Director of Planning Dr Wilfred D’Souza will be the chief guest and President of Assagao Association Edric D’Souza will be the guest of honour and preside over the function in the presence of Headmistress, staff, students and wellwishers.

I-Day celebrations

PANJIM (HND): Panjim Traditional Festival Committee in collaboration with Clube Vasco da Gama, Panjim and Directorate of Tourism will celebrated Independence Day on August 14 in Clube Vasco da Gama from 8 pm onwards. The variegated musical titled ‘Rain drops, Music and Memories’ will be organized, consisting of dances, songs in Konkani, Portuguese and English, skits, laughter, comedy by Ben Evangelist and comedian Joana from Konkani stage. Similarly, Goa’s best Sonia Sirsat, Anicet, Bab Andrew, Livia, Minglu-comedian, Norman will give their best, besides 3-man band Trinity will be in attendance.

Cookery, bakery classes

PANJIM (HND): A comprehensive course on low fat bakery and cookery classes will be conducted from August 16 by Fatima Moniz in Margao.

The course includes cakes with decoration, desserts (hot and cold), pies, tarts (sweet and savoury), breads, cookies, souffles, mousses and veg/non-veg dishes. The cuisine will be Portugese, Goan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc. Eggless cooking will also be taught. Contact Fatima on 2776035 or 9370275702.

Hair, make-up workshop

PANJIM (HND): VLCC, Goa will organise a free ‘hair and makeup workshop’ at its centre in Panjim on August 13, from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

Hair and make-up expert Mahhinder Salunke will conduct the workshop which is open to people of all ages and gender.

Salunke will conduct a make-up demonstration for different skin types and occasions and will also be providing a one-toone consultation on hair and make-up needs.

‘Sangodd’ at Candolim

CALANGUTE (HC): The Santa Khuris Committee will organise the popular festival ‘Sangodd’ at Camotti Vaddo, Candolim on August 14 from 2.30 pm onwards.

Professional artistes, including Lorna, Francis de Tuem, Domnic and Luis Bachhan, Comedy Queen Joana, Mini Mario, Tony de Ribandar, Nathan, Lawry, Anil and Olga, Justine de St Cruz and local talent, will perform on the stage, which will be made out of boats.

Photography contest

PANJIM (HND): The Photo Journalist Association of Goa (PJAG) in association with the Department of Information and Publicity will organise its annual photo contest for school students, at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Panjim on August 19 on the occasion of the third anniversary celebration of PJAG , which also happens to be World Photography Day. PJAG is organising this competition to boost and propagate the art of photography among the students and give them a platform to showcase their hidden talent.

School students studying in the secondary section (V to X) are eligible to participate in the contest. The top three entries will be awarded cash prizes of Rs 1500, Rs 1000 and Rs 750 respectively along with the PJAG trophy and certificate. In addition to the awards, all the selected entries will be awarded participation certificates and their photographs will be displayed at the ESG. The theme for the contest is ‘Candid’ (off beat). Interested contestants can click photographs in digital, film or mobile medium and submit 6x8 inch prints of their entries.

The last date to submit the entries is August 16.

For South Goa students, entries can be submitted to Sagun Gawade, Sunaparant office, Pajifond-Margao. Contact number is 9422441203.

For North Goa students, entries can be submitted to Rozario Estibeiro, Estibeiro Photo Studio, near Mary Immaculate High School, Rua de Ourem, Panjim. Contact number is 9822156429.

POWER SHuTDOWn

Bicholim Municipal Council Chairperson Satish Gaonkar distributes cheques.

Photo by Vishant Vaze HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, AUG 11

Bicholim Municipal Council Chairperson Satish Gaonkar has called upon all government officials to make people aware about different socio-beneficial government schemes.

He was addressing the gathering on the occasion of distribution of cheques of different schemes to sections of community like vegetable vendors, motorcycle pilots and other unsheltered people at Block De-

velopment Office Bicholim on Tuesday.

BDO Murgaonkar, official Vivek Naik and Sarpanch Shiva Gaonkar were present on the occasion.

On the occasion, motorcycle pilots, vegetable vendors were distributed cheques for the development of their business, while some poor sections of community were distributed cheques for constructing houses amounting to Rs 1.5 lakh.

AUGUST 12 CARANZALEM: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Dando, Mitra Bazaar, Hyundai showroom and surrounding areas.

PORVORIM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Socorro, Porvorim Bazar, Police Housing society, Socorro, 20-point programme, Socorro, Zoswado, Maina-Ambirna and surrounding areas.

SANGOLDA: From 2 pm to 5.30 pm. Areas affected are Bhutki wado, Sangolda Morod, Mae-de-Deus Sangolda and surrounding areas.

WEATHER REPORT Max Temp: 30.10C Min Temp: 24.00C Humidity: 71% Rainfall past 24 hrs: 12.1 mm Seasonal Total: 2390.8 mm Forecast: Occassional spells of rain or thunder shower would occur in some areas.

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Govt school at Bhati-Sanguem in deplorable condition

CM opens 100th dealership of Toyota Kirloskar Motors the showroom and at full capacity, the dealership can provide

Students made to study in bathrooms

Students sitting in the bathroom which the authorities deny.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, AUG 11

Former Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) chairperson Sanjay Raikar accompanied by Bhati Sarpanch Uday Naik and other citizens from Sanguem visited Government Middle High School at Bhati-Sanguem to acquaint themselves with the dilapidated condition of the school building and the atmosphere in which the students are made to study.

While the government lauds of its achievement in various fields including education, the condition in which the students are made to study at Government Middle School, Bhati, is deplorable.

According to sources, students of Std VI are literally made to study in the bathroom.

Though the school authorities

deny the room being used to house Std VI students to be a bathroom, photographic evidence and the interior of the mini class room are enough to disprove the claim made by the authorities.

The classroom has half-fitted wall tiles and a tap connection which is used for a bathroom and despite this being the situation, the school authorities deny of the same being a bathroom.

Moreover, the atmosphere in which the classes are conducted in the school also needs urgent attention by the education department. In the morning session, the school conducts classes for V, VI and VII, while in the afternoon session classes are held for students reading in Class I to IV.

Photo by Alfred Fernandes

In the morning session due to the poor condition of the school building, students of Std V and VII are made to sit in one room, while those studying in Std VI are sitting in the bathroom.

Similarly in the afternoon session, all the 40 students studying in Std I to IV are made to sit in one room. To make matters worse for students, the class room which is used to conduct joint classes is not partitioned either, thereby making all the students suffer during class hours.

Speaking to media, locals claimed that due to poor infrastructural facilities in the school, students cannot concentrate on their studies and are made to suffer due to negligence by the department in maintaining the school building.

“The school building does not have proper rafters and ribs supporting the roof tiles are missing at many places. The roof tiles at some places are on the verge of falling in the absence of ribs supporting the tiles,” stated the villagers.

Sanjay Raikar and Bhati Sarpanch Uday Naik have urged the education minister to take cognizance of the matter and the atmosphere in which the classes are conducted at Government Middle High School Bhati.

Raikar informed that last year, citizens from Sanguem had led a delegation to Education Minister Babush Monserratte to highlight the reason for poor results at SSC exams at Government High School ValkiniSanguem and with due interference of the education minister and Director of Education Dr Celsa Pinto, things had greatly improved at the school with the school getting pass percentage of 60 per cent at the SSC exams in May 2010 as against 0 per cent results it was getting in the earlier years.

Raikar has imposed high faith in Education Minister Babush Monseratte in improving the infrastructural facilities at Government Middle School Bhati within one month, failing which Raikar has assured the villagers of providing the desired funds in getting the school repaired at his cost.

Raikar was accompanied by SMC Vice Chairperson Caetano Fernandes, Councillor Queroz Cruz, Deepak Marathe and others.

Truck collides against tree at Kundaim, driver escapes unhurt HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, AUG 11

A truck driver and a cleaner had a lucky escape, after the truck in which they were travelling rammed against a roadside mango tree at Kundaim in the wee hours of Wednesday.

According to reports, the accident occurred when the truck carrying painting material was proceeding from Ponda towards Panjim. The truck driver lost control at the turn at Kundaim slope and the truck went off the road, thereby colliding against a mango tree along the road.

The truck after collision overturned.

Former Kurdi Sarpanch is no more HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, AUG 11

Former Kurdi Vaddem sarpanch and active social worker from Sanguem Inacio Rodrigues expired after a massive heart attack on Wednesday morning.

Rodrigues had reportedly gone to see his advocate, where he collapsed after the severe attack. Rodrigues was rushed to the nearby private-run hospital, but he breathed his last on arrival at the hospital.

Rodrigues was reportedly seen at the office of Sanguem Mamlatdar in assisting a villager to get some work done even on Wednesday morning, informed sources.

Rodrigues was politically strong in Kurdi Vaddem village, where his daughter Josephine Fernandes is the sarpanch. He was also an active leader of Congress over the past several decades.

Rodrigues was normally helping the poor, particularly at times of grim difficulties and illnesses to shift the patients to nearby hospitals in his vehicle.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and daughter.

Annual Nira Puthari at Vasco HERALD REPORTER VASCO, AUG 11

The annual Nira Puthari function of Sree Ayyappa will be performed at Sree Ayyappa Temple, Vasco, on August 14 at 7.15 am.

Followed by Nira Puthari, Naga Panchami Pooja will also be performed at the temple at 9 am. The 31-day Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homa Yagnam and Ashtadala Padma Bhagavati Seva commenced on July 17 and will conclude on August 16. For s details, contact Ayyappa Seva Samithi (Ravishankar) president on 9422438682.

The ill-fated truck that collided against a mango tree at Kundaim.

Photo by Amresh Parab

CHC Ponda holds village wise drive to curb Chikungunya HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, AUG 11

With reports of rising number of Chikungunya cases, the Community Health Centre (CHC), Ponda commenced village-wise drive to control the disease.

Sanitary Inspector Manoj Naik along with health workers from CHC Ponda visited areas like Savoi Verem and Curti, where high number of Chikungunya cases was reported. There were reports that in Savoi Verem alone, hundreds of Chikungunya cases were detected along with Kelbai in Curti.

However, the CHC Ponda so far has recorded 11 cases of Chikungunya and three cases of Dengue, as majority of the population preferred visiting private medical practitioners.

The health authorities learnt of the disease through media reports and as precautionary measures, CHC Ponda health workers visited the areas, which were reported to have maximum number of Chikungunya cases.

Villagers were guided on the steps to be taken to stop mosquito breeding and fogging was also undertaken in the locality.

“We have undertaken fogging drive and also informed villagers to check for water accumulation in and around their houses,” said CHC Ponda Sanitary Inspector Manoj Naik.

“Mosquitoes breeds in open stagnated water and we have requested the villagers to keep an eye on such places in their locality. Our drive will continue for few more days,” added Naik.

Rajaram Verenkar of Savoi Verem said: “There are numerous cases of Chikungunya in our village and such drive of

Community Health Centre, Ponda Sanitary Inspector Manoj Naik along with workers during fogging operation at Savoi Verem.

Photo by Amresh Parab

the health department will help the villagers. I hope that all will co-operate with them in this drive.”

Acting Health Officer Dr Nutan Dev said mosquito breeds in clean water and people should take necessary precautions. She also said though Chikungunya disease is not that dangerous, but it disables the patient for a week and there are no particular medicines to treat the disease.

“Chikungunya spreads faster than malaria. There is no medicine to treat Chikungunya, but there is symptomatic treatment such as for joint pains, rashes.

Though this disease is not dangerous, but it disables a patient for a week,” said Dr Dev. “Water in the houses should also be kept covered if not in use for longer duration. Mosquitoes breeds within a week,” added Dev. “Kulagars have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes

and discarded tyres. People should take care. Responsibility also lies on people so as to elimi n a t e m o s q u i t o b re e d i n g grounds. We are also conducting awareness drives in the locality,” said Dr Dev.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat inaugurates the showroom of Toyata dealership at Colvale.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, AUG 11

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Wednesday inaugurated the 100th dealership of Toyota Kirloskar Motors Pvt Ltd (TKM) at Colvale.

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, Tourism Minister Nilkant Halarnkar, Minister for Revenue and Civil Supplies Jose Philip D’Souza and Curchorem MLA and Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Shyam Satardekar were present on the occasion.

This is the second dealership of TKM in the State. The first, also called Sharayu Toyota, is located at Verna.

The new dealership will cater to the customers in North Goa. Spread over an area of 3,072 sq mtrs, Sharayu Toyota will have 10 general bays, 10 body and paint bays and one paint booth, besides showroom.

Parrikar delivered the fist car from this dealership to Pravin Gad. Later, Deputy Managing Director, Tata Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd, Sandeep Singh inaugurated the Service Centre of the dealership.

Earlier in a press conference, Sandeep Singh said: “With the opening of another dealership in Goa, we aim to service our customers better through greater accessibility.”

“With the increasing demand in semi-urban areas and the impending launch of Etios setting of dealerships in small towns is essential,” said Singh.

Singh further informed that Tata Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd has registered a growth of 36.51%

with 6,835 units in July.

“TKM launched the Corolla Altis Diesel model on July 21, 2010, and has already received 1,190 bookings. Toyota has got the highest market share in Goa in every segment,” added Singh.

“We are going to open 5-6 more dealerships in India within a fortnight. Toyata has firmed up plans to enhance its dealer network to 150 outlets before the launch of the much-awaited Etios, scheduled 2010 end. Toyota’s dealership thrust will be largely in non-metro towns,” said Singh.

“With increasing demand from semi-urban and rural areas, Toyota aims to bring its quality service closer to them,” said Singh.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of TKM Amarsinh Patil said the State government through Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation has provided land to them for the construction of showroom and service centre.

“Since the area is close to the highway and very close to Mapusa city, we have opened this showroom. We provide vehicle pick up and deliver service to the customers. In the service centre, we have got four Express Maintenance Bays through which we can service the vehicle within one hour,” said Patil.

“At each bay, we can service 12-14 vehicles per day. This unique concept has been devised to reduce the waiting period of the customers at the service centre,” he said.

“We have employed locals at

Sattari taluka farmers claim losses due to destruction of crops HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, AUG 11

Farmers in Sattari taluka have complained that they have suffered losses due to soil erosion, as a result of heavy rains in the taluka.

“Due to heavy rains, water continues to get accumulated in our fields or plantations, thereby destroying crops,” complained some farmers, while some farmers complained that not only their plantations are destroyed, but portion of land also got washed away.

It may be recalled that last week, due to heavy rains in the taluka, low-lying areas near river banks got flooded and water entered the plantations and destroyed crops at some places, while in some areas the portion of land along with the plantations got washed away.

Farmers said paddy, banana and coconut saplings were destroyed and the most affected a re a s w e re T h a n e , Ve l u s , Bironde, Savorshe-Khadki and few places in Poriem and KeriSattari.

When contacted, Department of Agriculture, Panjim, Plants Protection Officer Kishore Bhave said soil erosion takes place

Canacona CHC observes Breast Feeding Week HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, AUG 11

Canacona Community Health Centre (CHC) observed Breast Feeding Week 2010 at about seven places in Canacona taluka and organized healthy baby contest awarding three babies from the taluka.

According to CHC sources, Breast Feeding Week was observed in sub-centre's at Cotigao, Agonda, besides GPS Kindlebag, Damodar High School, Loliem, AW Gawal, AW Shrishthal-Gaondogrim and AW Shrishthal-Bhatpal. Two babies from each of the centres were then brought at the CHC for healthy baby show contest at the taluka level.

Accordingly, three best babies were selected according to the immunization status, weight, physical examination and interview of the mother and were given prizes and a small gift for other participants.

Vaibhav Parshuram Pednekar from Ponsulem-Colomb bagged the first prize, while Swapnil Satish Gaonkar (Edda-Cotigao) and Prakash Ravindra Pagi (Kajumol-Agonda) bagged second and third prizes. The theme for this year was 'Ten steps for successful breastfeeding', informed health source.

mostly in low-lying areas when rivers are flooded during rainy days.

“The plantations near the bank of the rivers get destroyed or washed away due to soil erosion, protection trees and shrubs are not planted near the banks of the rivers to check soil erosion,” informed Bhave.

“Even mangroves grown on the banks of the rivers help to hold the soil firmly and avoid soil erosion to some extent,” he added.

employment to 100 people,” said Patil.

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INDIA

GOA, THURSDAY, 12 AUGUST, 2010

JSM seeks final order on summoning Modi from Nanavati Panel PTI AHMEDABAD, AUG 11

NGO Jan Sangarsh Manch (JSM) today moved the Nanavati Commission, probing the 2002 postGodhra riot cases in Gujarat, seeking a final order on whether it would be summoning Chief Minister Narendra Modi and three others or not.

JSM, the NGO representing some of the post-Godhra riot victims, approached the Commission afresh after the Gujarat High Court direction on July 23 which had asked the riot panel to "look into the matter after taking into consideration the facts in their record".

The application by JSM was made before retd Justices G T Nanavati and Akshay Mehta of the Commission where the lawyer representing state government Tempton Nanavati requested time to file reply to JSM plea.

The Commission granted time till August 25 when further hearing on the application has been scheduled.

JSM, in its application, has sought the summoning of Modi, Ashok Bhatt, the then Health Minister and now the Assembly Speaker, Gordhan Jhadafia, the then Home Minister, who has now parted ways with BJP and floated his own party and R J Savani, the then DCP of Ahmedabad.

All the four need to be summoned for cross examination with regard to post-Godhra riots, it said.

The Commission has also reserved orders on another plea

by JSM to summon three officials of Modi's office. JSM had re-

quested the Commission to call officials of Modi's office Omprakash Singh, Tanmay Mehta and Sanjay Bhavsar for cross examination with regard to the 2002 riots and also the affidavit which they had filed before the Commission last year.

The Nanavati Commission had in September last year rejected JSM's application seeking summoning of Modi and three others, saying they did not find any justification in cross-examining them at that point of time.

JSM had then approached the High Court seeking quashing of the Nanavati Commission's order in November 2009. However, a single bench of Justice K S Jhaveri dismissed its petition saying the Commission had not completed its inquiry and still had the power to summon Modi.

Following this, JSM filed an appeal before a division bench of the Gujarat High Court.

The Nanavati Commission had told the division bench headed by chief justice S J Mukhopadhaya during hearing in the matter on April 1 that its decision of September, 2009, of not summoning Modi was "not final". The court had, however, in July asked JSM to approach the Commission afresh.

Modi has already been questioned in connection with 2002 riot for over nine hours by the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team(SIT) on March 27 following a complaint by one of the victims.

The state government had in June extended the term of the Commission for the 14th time till December 31.

BJP shies away from Shah's name during protest against CBI PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

It was a BJP protest against the "misuse" of CBI but senior party leaders today shied away from taking the name of Gujarat Minister Amit Shah arrested by the agency recently in connection with the Sohrabuddin encounter killing case.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, BJP General Secretary Vijay Goel and Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly V K Malhotra addressed the protest outside CBI headquarters but none of them mentioned Shah.

They alleged the Congress was using the agency to destabilise the Gujarat government.

None of them also took the name of Sohrabuddin though they accused the Centre and CBI of targeting the officials and leaders for the killing of a "terrorist".

46-year-old Shah was arrested on July 26 and chargesheeted by the CBI for his alleged involvement in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case. BJP had termed Shah as a "victim" of a "political conspiracy" hatched

by Congress.

Jaitley, who spoke for about ten minutes at the protest, alleged the CBI has become a "political weapon" in the hands of Congress in the past eight years during which it started targeting BJP-led governments.

Without mentioning

Sohrabuddin, Jaitley said, "the CBI has become political. There were evidences about the terrorist in three states. Without evidence, people were arrested in the case. There is an attempt to destabilise the Gujarat government."

Jaitley also used Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks in Lalgarh rally, when she said Maoist leader Azad was killed, to attack the government.

"Your Minister is supporting Maoists. Mamata Banerjee has said that the Maoist leader was killed in a fake encounter. It is your Minister who is saying this. Will you include Andhra Pradesh Home Minister's (Sabita Reddy) name in the case? Will you include Union Home Minister's (P Chidambaram) name. Is it only for Gujarat?"

He alleged that the small parties like Samajwadi Party, BSP and RJD were being pressurised to support the government.

"A sword is above their heads.

CBI was after Mulayam Singh Yadav and when the no-confidence motion came in Parliament in 2008, the CBI said they will reconsider the case. Similarly this year during cut motion, BSP changed tracks," Jaitley said.

Goel alleged that the CBI has become "Congress Bachao (Save Congress) Institution". "If the smaller parties are supporting Congress, then their cases are being put in cold storage. When they withdraw support, the cases re-emerge," he claimed.

Nearly 100 Americans affected by flash floods in Leh: US PTI WASHINGTON, AUG 11

Around 100 American nationals have been affected by the flash floods in Leh, the US said, adding its embassy in New Delhi has dispatched a team to the region to provide them necessary help.

THANKS GIVING

"Roughly a hundred Americans have been affected by the floods in India thus far. We have no reported deaths or injuries at this time," US State Department spokesman P J Crowley said.

"We're working closely with Indian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens across the region who are affected by this," he said.

"A team of officers from the US embassy in New Delhi have been dispatched to Leh to provide assistance to US citizens in the area who have been mostly affected by this," Crowley said. He added that the largest number of Americans affected by flood in India is in Leh. Earlier, USA and UK had advised its citizens to avoid travel to Leh in view of the recent flash flooding in the region, which is a favourite destination for foreign tourists.

A total of 166 people, including 23 foreigners, were killed in flash floods caused by cloudburst that devastated Leh last Friday. More than 400 people are still missing.

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OHERALDO

OPINION

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

What Price Freedom?

Vol No CX No: 203 Goa, Thursday 12 August, 2010

T

The politics of extortion

I

The fruits of freedom were hijacked by rascals and charlatans, says erVeLL e MeneZeS

t’s 63 years now since we achieved Independence and still it is as fresh as if it were just yesterday. The hoisting of the national flag and the celebrations that followed were memorable, but at the tender age of seven, it is too soon for the real significance of the event to sink in. That came with the inevitable passage of time.

We grew up knowing the importance of freedom for our country. Things began to change, slowly and not too surely. It took us time to assimilate all its implications; how power can and must be handled, and the pitfalls of corruption or what good governance really is.

There came the Five Year Plans and India’s ‘new temples’ – gigantic irrigation projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam. Rivers were dammed and electricity provided to the villages. But there was always a wide gap between the urban and rural areas. Then came the division of the country into linguistic states and other decisions, not all good.

Corruption crept in and spread like a cancer.

The princes were divested of their purses and titles, but their benefits accrued to the politicians, the Ministers to be precise. “A deaf government and a dumb people do not make a democracy,” is a well known adage, and former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill predicted a rough time for us, saying that there would be a time when we would be selling water and even air.

We laughed at him then, but today it surely makes us think twice.

Although it was before our time, it was the fight for Independence that was so remarkable.

It was like a one-point programme and it threw up leaders of the calibre of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and others. Who can forget the clarion call for freedom

by Bal Gangadhar Tilak: “Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it!” It is rhetoric like this that fired others with zeal and fervour to finally achieve this goal.

But it seems that in the years after independence, the fruits of freedom were hijacked by rascals and charlatans who, like the devil, cited the scripture to serve their own purposes. There was no equitable distribution of the benefits of freedom, and the ‘aam admi’ (the common man) was deprived of their fair share.

For genuine equality of opportunity, private enterprise must be encouraged at all levels. But

it?

Then we come to the Press – known as the Fourth Estate, an unofficial pillar of our democracy – which should act as a vibrant Opposition. But does it do so? Not really. Today, we know that only too well.

In the pre-Independence days, freedom was a common binding goal, and it worked well. Today, advertising and marketing have made inroads and almost taken over. We have leading newspapers like ‘The Times of India’ selling space on its news pages. The banner heading (on top of the page across all eight columns) has been hijacked by an advertisement. ‘Happy stories’ are the need of the hour, not tragedies. Beauty contests devour space, not farmer’s suicides. And, of course, the Page 3 folks; social events splashed with a plethora of pictures that breed the Lalit Modis, Vijay Mallayas, Sania Mirzas, Amitabh Bachchans and Preity Zintas of this world.

Once, an important political event – something to do with President Musharraf – was shunted onto an inside page in preference to some celebrity fluff. This writer rang up the editor.

Guess what he did; he transferred my call to the news section! I just hung up. In our time, the editor took responsibility for everything that appeared (or did not appear) in his newspaper. But that was once-upon-a-time…

Rural editor P Sainath has much to say about the deterioration of the press in ‘Nero’s Guests’, which lashes out at the government (mainly in Maharashtra) for its acts of commission and omission. Still, as farmers continue to take their own lives, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar stands firm as the proverbial rock. What have we come down to?

But let’s not be too cynical. Every dark cloud has at least one silver lining, and we must count our blessings. Aren’t we much better off than our neighbour Pakistan, which became independent just a day earlier?

For this, we are in debt to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi; she managed to keep her distance from the United States of America, and avoided India becoming its satellite. We must continue with this hands-off policy, and keep our options open.

For, one never knows when a crisis will strike.

And oh, for the advent of a new dynamic leader…

Or is that asking for too much?

he politics of today requires lots of money. Village temples and chapels must be expanded, rebuilt or repaired. Village clubs must get donations for functions and tournaments.

One’s supporters need a constant flow of cash.

A little over a decade ago, a chief minister was lecturing a journalist about political realities. He pulled out a small diary from his pocket and showed it to him: “Choi. Look at today’s entries.” Written on the page for that day were five or six names; individuals and institutions. Against each name was an amount, from Rs600 to Rs5,000. Altogether, the day’s total was about Rs12,000.

Explaining that they were all institutions and needy people in his constituency, the CM went on: “Where in the world,” he asked, flinging his arms around dramatically, “am I going to get this kind of money everyday?” And then he said, somewhat accusingly: “And you guys talk about ‘corruption’? This is where the money from that so-called ‘corruption’ goes!”

While that last statement may have been true as far as he himself was concerned, most politicians give out relatively little, but rake in huge amounts in kickbacks. But we digress. The point is that it is difficult to be a successful politician today without spending money. Corruption has now trickled down from the highest levels to the grassroots. Even loyalists and acinding ur uSineSS tivists have to be dined and wined, if not paid cash. To stay relevant in politics means maintaining a steady supply of what is it is not. Take the case of cabbies in Mumbai. sums of money given to secure government jobs? so quaintly described as ‘No: 2’ money.

Being fitted with expensive CNG kits, they have It is all true, because these jobs are permanent.

For Ministers and ruling party MLAs, this is easily achieved to be bought by capitalists and run by the aam Only death can do them part. As for work output, by taking a percentage off every payment made by their deadmi. At times, I am told, there are three drivers the less said the better. Those who work, work; partments, corporations or planning and development authorto each cab, which means the middle man is king. those who don’t, don’t. ities. Others have backers and donors. Still others are moneyed At one time, there was a good number of But the private sector is also not run effectively. businessmen. But there are still others, who have no ready private cabbies. This is the way out. Or by setting These units often develop a mysterious ‘sickness’, source of cash. Some of them, then, squeeze it out of those up co-operatives, using which Dr Verghese Kurien natural or manipulated. Competence is a longthat do. worked wonders with milk through Operation forgotten virtue, further diluted by reservations.

Obviously, Goa Shiv Sena chief Upendra Gaonkar and his Flood in Gujarat. But no, it is inevitably the middle Eventually, it boils down to vote banks; compemen and traders who reap the harvest for which tence goes right out of the window. deputy Umesh Salgaonkar, who were arrested on charges of exthe aam admi toils.

It does not take an Emergency to run things tortion late on Tuesday evening, fall in this last category. They The Panchayati Raj is not implemented in toto well. It can be done at all times, if there is a will, were allegedly trying to extort Rs25 lakh from the Neo Majestic and the panchayats, which are supposed to be and support from higher-ups. But to digress, Hotel at Porvorim. grassroots organisations, are riddled with holes. we’ve just come to know that there are no records The hotel’s CA and Consultant, Shrinivas Nayak, was a hard I can cite the example of Goa and my own village of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s dreaded bargainer and managed to scale down their demand to Rs3 of Bastora, as well as Goa and its ‘challis chors’, Emergency (she imposed a state of ‘Emergency’ lakh. Then, he called in the cops, who caught the pair red but let’s leave that for now. on the country from 1975 to 1977 and imprisoned handed. Mr Nayak must be congratulated for his courage and Then we come to employment.

How transparall opposition leaders). Can one believe that, or presence of mind. So must SP Arvind Gawas, DySP Mapari and ent is recruitment? Haven’t we heard of large is it a sinister move to get young Indians to forget their men, who did not back down even though the dramatis personae were politicians.

Those were the days This is not the first time that the Shiv Sena chief has been accused of extortion. There was talk of demands for money in his bid to stop the restoration of the Reis Magos Fort too. Mr

By Marc de Souza Gaonkar & Co may be following in the ‘glorious’ traditions of t the rate it is raining, it appears that it will be a satisfactory hardly a place where the lesson is not written plain for all to see.

Water’s nature itself is a part of these complications. This simple their principals in Mumbai. But extortion cannot be tolerated. monsoon, as long as the clouds keep consigning their treasure We live in a changed world, and we are a changed nation. structure of hydrogen and oxygen has even been called the universal This case must be taken to its logical conclusion; not ‘comto the earth. It must rain at the right time, without long dry Except for floods and droughts we ignore water, but our waters solvent. It takes into solution a vast number of substances, and promised’ in the usual Goan style. That will deter any more would-be politicos from taking ‘inspiration’ from the Shiv Sainiks. spells. We have reached the halfway mark; something like more are troubled. When wells and springs dry out, we know the worth what it can’t dissolve, it simply pushes along or grinds up fine than 50 inches of rain. of water. Today our wells, especially in the villages, are running enough to carry in suspension. Water can carry some of our most The power of water is such that you have to treat it like it has dry, and we are being faced with a critical shortage of clean, fresh serious diseases too. a soul of its own. Water is a living thing. This might sound super- water.

Human beings have put this characteristic of water to work in stitious, but it’s pretty much real. Water is a mutual interconnected Almost every village in Goa is endowed with a spring – our out- thousands ways. A lot of things we don’t want in water get in need. It is a source of spiritual nourishment, frequently used in door heritage – its water generally having medicinal properties. there anyway. If you pour poison on the ground, water will take it inally, Naval officers are seeking the help of traditional rituals, and endowed with a range of mystic and symbolic prop- Folks nearby that use these waters always feel privileged in this away to where it is going. regard, as the spring water is pure for sure. Sad to say, not any People everywhere are affected by soil and ground water confishermen to spot suspicious activities along the coast to erties.

Water itself works in a tumultuous, eager system, powered by more. If you get the water tested, you are likely to get a notation: tamination. They know we are pressed beyond limits we should detect sea-borne terrorists before they reach our shores.

This is what we have been advocating in these columns ever the mighty sun, rushing from sea to cloud to river to sea and back. “Background bacteria – Too numerous to count.” What has hap- not have exceeded. Also, trash and toxic waste has become an inMuch of the water we use, curiously, is in a sense man-made. In pened? With human activity, something has seeped into the aquifer tractable problem. We are victims of our own success, drowning since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. one lifetime we have developed lakes, dams, reservoirs. In a and clouded people’s peace of mind. To put it mildly, this is the in our own garbage!

We are sure this effort will be far more successful than their reservoir, if you are lucky, water shines in the sun, and everything sorry state of our spring waters.

Our planet, like the delicate crystal globe on its pedestal, deserves earlier singlehanded patrolling. But to make that possible, the looks simple and at peace. Not so. Reservoirs are dangerously Few things are as insidious as bad water. It’s dangerous for you the best care we can give it. We should ask whether humanity is Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Police need to end harassment fouled by use and abuse. and your children, but you usually can’t tell if you have it. And if meeting its most basic responsibility. The responsibility lies squarely by their personnel of fishing trawlers and tourist boats. Otherwise, During one brief century, mankind has passed the point of global you do, you may not be able to find out where the problems are with us. Will future generations praise our foresight or look back there is little incentive for the community to cooperate. opportunism and entered an era of global protection. There is coming from. in anger at what we had, and what we lost forever?

M

O

B

Water Lessons

A

The right attitude

F

Letters to the Editor Pigs not responsible Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco A Councillor of the Mormugao Municipal Council has written a letter to the Chief Officer urging him to end the menace of stray pigs which, he says, can increase the chances of an H1N1 Flu outbreak.

Even though the disease spread by the H1N1 virus is known as ‘Swine Flu’, pigs are in no way responsible for its spread.

The virus spreads from human to human, through the air or from surfaces that get infected when an infected person sneezes or coughs on them.

So cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing. Regularly wash your hands. Stray pigs may be an eyesore, but let us not blame them for H1N1 Flu.

Cheaper PIO cards Mike C, by email I appreciate the efforts of Commissioner for NRI Affairs Eduardo Faleiro for taking

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

12 August 1910 Patrol Boats

‘0 Colonial’ reports that the state’s Governor-General proposes to have smaller cannon boats to patrol our fluvial network.

Teachers’ age reduced

The Council for Instruction opined that the age limit for the feminine gender towards admission into Teachers’ Training should be reduced from 18 to 16 years.

By-laws published

The Official Gazette has published the state’s by-laws for civil registration.

60K Customs Duty

Sixty thousand ‘Patacas’ were collected by the Government of Macau as Customs Duty.

up the long term visa issue with Union Home Minister P Chidambaram. But it is not clear if these long term visas will be good for multiple entry within two months or not.

The PIO card has been around for years.

The problem is its high fees – around $500.

This is big money. I have three minor kids, and to get PIO cards for the entire family costs $2500 – too much for me. Why can’t a PIO card be more reasonably priced?

Dreams & nightmares Ludovik Rodrigues, Margao Luizinho Faleiro has publicly stated his intention to contest either from Navelim or Fatorda, “if Sonia Gandhi tells him to”. Why would she do that? Are there other ‘real’ Congressmen in these constituencies?

She has appointed him as a observer for the North East, so why is he concentrating on his revival in Goa? The people of Goa should teach the Congress that Goans are not slaves of Delhi. Persons rejected at the hustings should not be thrust upon us again and again.

Poor Sonia; she may not even know where and how her name is being used and misused!

Treat trash at home Shaikh Zemir, Margao A Margao company has come out with a unique device to dispose wet garbage at source. The product was launched by Chief Minister Digamber Kamat recently.

The government should make this unit mandatory for all hotels, industries, restaurants, housing societies and bungalows.

Wet waste is more than 60 per cent of garbage. If this is treated at source, we will avoid all stink and problems of Sonsoddo and Bainguinim. The company should give a special discount to all Goans.

Don’t muzzle him Paul Rodricks, Caranzalem Both Averthanus L D’Sousa (‘Wrong Forum’, Herald, 10 August) and Dr Francisco Colaco (‘Unjustified criticism’, Herald, 9 August), object to Fr Saturnino Dias’ article, ‘The Year for Priests: An Assessment’ (Herald, 20 June) as “a scathing criticism of the Arch-

Letter of the Day

Wrong is right

Mario Fernandes, Benaulim

With respect to the grading system, every school has rules about working and instructional days. A school must have two unit tests a day and normal classes following, or a single examination a day and classes thereafter. The system may be illogical and probably causes unnecessary pressure on the students, but every school respects and follows it.

But the management of Mahila & Nutan High School, Margao, pays no attention to educational rules, for the welfare of its students and the school’s prestige. It has a single test a day at 1.30 pm, and no regular classes.

As a student I would like action to be taken and justice to be done. The Education Department and the Minister should see that all schools follow the same procedure as Mahila & Nutan High School, Margao. bishop”. It is obvious where their loyalties lie. Please, gentlemen, we are not living in the Dark Ages.

A senior and long-time cleric, Fr Saturnino has specific inside knowledge of ecclesiastical affairs and the workings of the Archbishop’s office. He is well within his rights to express his views. It is very unlikely that he would have “rushed” to the media without first making them known within the “ecclesiastical fora”. What are Averthanus and Dr Francisco afraid of?

Fight against scams Col Cyril P D’Souza (Retd), Calangute The article ‘Fighting a losing battle’ (Goa’s Heartbeat, Herald, 7 August) by Janice Rodrigues tells the true story of Helen Braganza, a retired widow who was reduced to a pauper as she lost her life savings when she was duped by an investment company.

Over the years, we have seen several such companies that have collected peoples’ hard-earned money and then disappeared without a trace, leaving poor investors high and dry.

One such company was CRB Capital Markets led by conman C R Bhansali, who duped thousands of people. Was anything done to trace him? One of his henchmen from Panjim is still roaming scot-free. A gentleman in my village suffered a stroke as he too, like Helen, had deposited his life’s savings in that company.

Will those affected by such scams come forward together fearlessly and pressurise the government to ensure that these crooks are brought to book and such incidents don’t happen again?

Inquire and forget Marcos Alemao, Varca Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane is very diplomatic. He instituted an inquiry into the death of Miss Raveena, suspended the doctor who operated her, and then kept the suspension order in abeyance.

The Health Minister instituted a similar inquiry when a boy’s legs were amputated some months back owing to negligence by GMC doctors. No one knows the results of that inquiry. The boy is in despair, while the negligent doctors are happy and healthy.

Will the same thing happen to the present inquiry?

Barefoot meetings Soter D’Souza, Socorro Incidents of hurling shoes at political leaders are increasing, posing a security threat to dignitaries. Increasing suicides in Goa by consuming Ratol has prompted activists to demand a ban on this poison. But, surprisingly, there is no call for a ban on pesticides, consumed by thousands of farmers to commit suicide.

Governments could now consider impos-

ing a ban on footwear at meetings and conferences addressed by political dignitaries.

Will it not be exciting?

Shoe hurling Stephen Dias, Dona Paula ‘Shoe hurled at Zardari in Britain’ (Herald, 9 August) is a repeat of a similar incident with former US President George W Bush during his visit to Baghdad in December 2008, and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to Cambridge. Are we now going to see this in Goa? Goans have lost their patience at the endless illegalities in the state, because the government is not bothered to improve the situation. Goa’s politicians are only into corruption to increase their wealth.

MLAs should be asked to keep their footwear outside before entering the Assembly, or else these incidents could take place when Assembly discussions get heated.

Hail Prison Ministry!

Agniyah Shaikh, Margao ‘Prison Ministry of India’ by Fr Valeriano Vaz (Herald, 8 August) made interesting reading. Criminals are not born, but created by circumstances. If fellow humans cannot forgive them and guide them to the right path, who else will do it?

Prisoners cannot be expected to reform by themselves. The exceptional work of the Prison Ministry must be bringing a lot of positive changes in the lives of the prisoners.

God is love Rocky Dias, Raia I agree with Glestone Fernandes’ letter ‘Catholics and Christianity’ (Herald, 27 July) that Jesus had no hand in the formation of the Catholic religion. Jesus went on doing good and preaching the love of God and the love of man.

If at all, for the first time the word ‘Christian’ came into existence at Antioch, where Barnabas was awaiting for the arrival of Saul. Here the believers were addressed as Christians. My simple advice to my brethren is to remain where you belong. Don’t divide the love of one another through man-made religions.

Paths of Wisdom There are two classes of devotees

By Sri Ramakrishna “There are two classes of devotees.

One class has the nature of the kitten.

The kitten depends completely on its mother. It accepts whatever its mother does for it. The kitten only cries. It doesn’t know what to do or where to go. Sometimes the mother puts the kitten near the hearth, sometimes on the bed.

Devotees of this class give God the power of attorney and thus become free of all worry. He is our Father and our Mother. Shouldn’t parents bring up their children after they are born?

Does it mean that the neighbours will look after them?’ Devotees of this class have an unwavering conviction that God is our Mother and our Father.

“There is another class of devotees.

They have the nature of the young monkey. The young monkey clings to its mother with might and main. The devotees who behave like the young monkey have a slight idea of being the doer. They feel: ‘We must go to the sacred places; we must practise japa and austerity; we must perform worship with sixteen articles as prescribed by the sastras. Only then shall we be able to realize God.’ Such is their attitude.

“The aspirants of both classes are devotees of God. The farther you advance, the more you will realize that God alone has become everything. He alone does everything.

He alone is the Guru and He alone is the Ishta. He alone gives us knowledge and devotion.

“The farther you advance, the more you will see that there are other things even beyond the sandal-wood forest — mines of silver and gold and precious gems. Therefore go forward.

“But how can I ask people to go forward? If worldly people go too far, then the bottom will drop out of their world.”

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.

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OHERALDO

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GOA,•THURSDAY, 12 AUGUST, 2010

oPinionatED The adverse effects of indiscriminate mining

By S KAmAT

The news that the Central Government is also planning to ban iron ore for export is welcome news, which comes in the wake of the Karnataka Government banning the export of the ore from its ports. This is the first step on the long road to stop indiscriminate mining in the country. For iron ore, what was happening was that, since China was accepting low grade ore, the top soil of farms in Karnataka was dug up and sent abroad by both legal and illegal mining operators without any regard for the long term generation of income of the farmers/land owners and with even less consideration about environmental damage.

As for mining companies, they continue to ravage the environment, putting out the logic that they are doing it for the sake of revenue for the Government keeping their selfish interests of generating sky-high profits in the background. A corporate mining entity in Goa was gaining much publicity recently through the media, who reported that this corporate have paid Rs. 500 crores in royalty in the last financial year.

This would mean that the entire environment and the people residing in the mining areas are forced to sacrifice their health, livelihood and well-being on the altar of money. One wonders why these mining companies have to be reminded time and again that generation of income in no way justifies degradation of the environment by rampant and indiscriminate mining. In fact Union Minister Jairam Ramesh recently stated that illegal mining is rampant around the country and it is difficult to stop. This would mean that the best means to regulate it is to stop all mining and allow it only in a limited way to meet the country’s strategic needs. Furthermore, some of the corporates involved in mining feel very holy when they are given environment awards, which in fact has no meaning, since the depredations that they conduct on the soil is irreparable and has ill effects elsewhere like, with the water running off ore dumps you have contamination of water bodies and lung related diseases to people which are caused in the mining areas by the contamination of the air with fine ore dust. Thus a planting of decorative green cover like a few trees is no compensation to the extent of damage that they have caused to Mother Nature.

We also have to remember that more often than not, these awards are purchased so that the corporate entity’s name is burnished time and again, in the minds of people about their being environment-friendly. In a similar manner, the construction of schools, playgrounds, health clinics and camps or promoting activities like sports, music groups etc., in the mining areas are just mechanisms to divert the attention of the people from the pressing problem that they face, and essentially to salve the conscience of the corporate entity involved in mining.

To contest this, you have to just ask whether it is better to do all this, after having committed the act of creating nuisance by resorting to mining or not doing mining at all. The latter option is clearly the more honest and nature-friendly one.

In this context one has seen recently in the case of the second Mumbai airport that in the greed or the compulsion for building the airport, the government agency has said that they can transplant 400 acres of mangroves elsewhere! One does not really know whether mangroves in the first instance, can be transplanted and secondly, if possible, what this will cost? Is it not better for a country like ours where resources are required to be used judiciously that we choose a site which will have the minimum of green cover destroyed.

Now here a government entity which is expected to have a public conscience, is proposing this kind of environmental damage. You can imagine how much a private entity will spoil nature.

In another instance, a corporate entity involved in mining in Goa is supporting the capital city to install a nominal capacity garbage digester which they have never done in terms of taking such initiatives ever since the corporate set up base in Goa. Why are they doing it now, when iron ore export is likely to be banned? And is it because there is more environmental awareness among the people now? In all charitable thoughts that corporates have, there is always a certain selfish or a profit motive hidden somewhere. In conclusion, it must be said that mining as an activity should be banned and indiscriminate mining more so.

Do you have a strong opinion about something? Then write it down in around 1,100 words and send it to ‘editor@herald-goa.com’ with the word ‘OPinionatED’ in the subject line. Or send it to: OPinonatED, Herald, Rua San Tome, Panjim, Goa-403001. If we find it suitable, it will appear in this column. Please note all contributions will be edited to correct the English and improve readability. Personal attacks or any matter that is potentially libellous may also be edited out.

Priyanka is UNICEF National Ambassador AGENCIES NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra was appointed on Tuesday UNICEF National Ambassador for promoting child rights and adolescence. She follows the footsteps of Amitabh Bachchan and Sharmila Tagore in supporting the UNICEF’s work in India and abroad.

Chopra said she was honoured to formalise her association with UNICEF. She was quietly working with the organisation to generate awareness about a number of causes relating to children.

“I neither represent the government nor am I the president of the country. But as an actor of the Hindi film industry, I can lend my voice for disseminating the crucial message that all children, irrespective of caste, colour, sex and religion, have a right to live, eat, attend schools and fulfil their aspirations. It is important to sensitise children, especially adolescents about their rights. I don’t want to make empty promises but I am at a stage in my career when I can give something back to society,” she noted. Thanking her doctor parents for instilling in her the values of education, Ms. Chopra said they gave her the freedom to fulfil her dreams.

“When I visited slums recently to interact with underprivileged adolescents, I realised how lucky I was to have been blessed with such wonderful parents. The unfortunate girls there were forced to work be-

cause their brothers had to get education; some of them were already married and had kids,” she said at a press conference here.

Ms. Chopra said from her gynaecologist mother she learnt that if she could educate even a single girl then she could educate her entire family.

“When I use the word education, I do not mean academic qualifications like doing a Ph.D., but the girl should have knowledge about reproductive healthcare, sanitation, education and her right to live with dignity.

We want girls living in urban slums and rural areas to stand on their own feet and look after their entire family. Parents have a duty to ensure that their children are allowed to achieve their full potential.”

The actor asserted that the movement pioneered by UNICEF would continue to spread and it would always be there to make an impact on the lives of people.

“As for the suggestion that I won’t be able to fulfil my duties as ambassador of UNICEF because of my hectic film schedules, all I can say is that as an actor for the past 10 years I have done numerous films, advertisements and also taken out time for doing social work. When I can do noble work for those who need it the most when my career-graph is ascending, then I can certainly continue it for the next decade. Even when I won’t appear on the silver screen I will support the movement as a human being.”

Sena stalls Question Hour in RS over border dispute PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Shiv Sena today stalled the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha briefly to demand an immediate discussion on the MaharashtraKarnataka boundary dispute, leading to adjournment of the House for 15 minutes.

As soon as the House met for the day, Manohar Joshi (Shiv Sena) was on his feet saying he has given a notice for suspension of Question Hour to discuss the issue as well as the alleged atrocities on Marathispeaking people in Belgaum district of Karnataka.

Chairman Hamid Ansari, however, disallowed the notice but unrelenting Shiv Sena members trooped into the well to the issue more forcefully.

After repeatedly requesting the members to take their seats, he adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

Joshi, a former Lok Sabha Speaker, insisted that a matter on which hearing has not started in the court can be discussed in the House.

“Your request has been considered carefully... This calls for a ruling,” Ansari said but could not give his ruling as Shiv Sena

members kept raising the issue loudly near the podium.

“People are suffering, why cannot it be discussed,” Joshi asked. “Injustice has been done to Marathi-speaking people in Belgaum.”

“Sub-judice matters can be discussed in the House. Union Carbide issue is also a sub-judice matter,” he said in an apparent reference to a short duration discussion listed in day’s proceedings.

Ansari said the issue cannot be argued by a member who does not speak from his seat.

“If this is an effort to restrain the Chair from giving a ruling, then this is a very sad day,” he observed, asking members to go back to their seats. “We have to go by procedures. We have received a firm advice (against discussing the sub-judice boundary dispute in the House).”

The Supreme Court, he said, was seized of the matter.

Venkaiah Naidu (BJP) said members from both the states can be heard on the issue but Ansari asked “if there is a provision to convert this House into a court of law.”

“I regret very much (that) you are con-

straining the Chair from giving a ruling which is absolutely unprecedented,” he said adding the members were expressing their right on a very improper manner.

In a veiled support to the Shiv Sena, Heavy Industries Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who hails from Maharashtra, said Joshi and his colleagues were only raising the alleged atrocities on Marathi-speaking people in Belgaum and not the boundary dispute.

Ansari was, however, not impressed and said “the Question Hour cannot be suspended.”

“We have been discussing this matter for several days. Let us not start an unmanageable (debate). Please go back to your places,” he said, asking the members to raise the alleged atrocities during Zero Hour.

At one point, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal, who said inter-state disputes and sub-judice matters cannot be discussed in the House, walked up to Joshi to persuade him and his colleagues to return to their places. But the Shiv Sena leader was unrelenting.

Fifteen minutes into the pandemonium, Ansari adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

Full Sukhoi squadron deployed in Tezpur PTI SHILLONG, AUG 11

A full squadron of Sukhoi-30 warplanes have been deployed at Assam’s Tezpur air base, while another squadron is expected to be brought to upper Assam base of Chabua by the end of the year.

The full complement of Sukhoi fighter jets arrived at Tezpur this June and the squadron is operational, defence sources said.

The air base at Chabua is being upgraded to house the warplanes which will subsequently replace the ageing MIGs. The sources said the runway, taxi track, hanger and other airfield infrastructure at Chabua air base is being upgraded.

Already the ‘vintage’ MIG-23 and MIG-25 planes have been phased out.

“Once adequate number of Sukhois and other modern aircraft come in, MIG-21s would also eventually phased out,” sources said.

IAF has been expressing concern over the maintenance of the older generation aircraft like MIG-21s in the force which are operating since early 60s. There have been a number of incidents of MIG-21 crashes in the last couple of years.

Besides the Sukhois, the sources said once the medium multirole combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal is through, Air Force would deploy some of the squadrons in the eastern sector. Currently, trials are being conducted with aircraft of six manufacturers for the 126 aircraft deal, officials said.

The MKI variant of the Su30 warplanes was first inducted at Tezpur last year. Since then, the air base was also opened for civil aviation. When four Su30s landed at the base on June 12 last year for a symbolic induction, it was after a gap of more than a year that a fighter operated from the air base after the MIG fighters were moved out of the base.

The IAF was also contemplating to deploy another Su30 squadron at Bagdogra air base in the region, the sources said.

Central team takes stock of drought situation in Bihar PTI PATNA, AUG 11

A central team of experts from the Agriculture Ministry, sent by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is assessing the drought situation in 28 rain deficient districts in Bihar.

The team made an on the spot study in Vaishali, Begusarai, Sitamarhi and other districts and took the stock of damages caused to farmers and discussed relief measures with district officials, state Agriculture Minister Renu Kumari said.

Magadh and Patna divisions were the worst affected by drought as the water table had declined to precariously low levels, she said, adding the water table in north Bihar was slightly better. State Agriculture Director B Rajendra and other officials were accompanying the central

team, which arrived yesterday.

The visit follows submission of a memorandum by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to the prime minister on Sunday demanding financial assistance of Rs 5,000 crore to tackle the crisis.

The team has been informed of 50 per cent of Kharif (paddy) loss due to scanty rainfall, official sources said.

The Chief Minister has already announced diesel subsidy for paddy and maize irrigation. According to Met officials, the overall rainfall deficit has risen to 31 per cent from 23 per cent on July 31.

The most rain-deficient districts as per the IMD, were Arwal (-65 pc), Sitamarhi (-64 pc), Khagaria (-58 pc), Vaishali (-57 pc), Samastipur (-51 pc), Sheohar (-50 pc), Rohtas (-39 pc), Gaya (-33 pc) and Jehanabad (-30 pc).

School girls wave national flags during a rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations at a school in Amritsar on Wednesday.

JD(S) to fight ‘evil design’ of Cong, BJP PTI KOCHI, AUG 11

Janata Dal (Secular) would fight what it called the ‘evil design’ of the Congress and BJP to create a bi-polar or two party system in the country, National President, H D Deve Gowda, today said and called for consolidation of left democratic forces.

“There is no hesitation on our part to say that we will fight against the Congress and BJP building a bi-polar system in the country,” Former Prime minister, Gowda, told reporters here.

Both the two national parties ‘use’ the regional parties and later ‘discard’ them, he said.

There is need for consolidation of left democratic forces, he said adding ‘secular forces are certainly trying to consolidate and move forward’.

On the possibility of a third front, Gowda said he had discussed the issue with the left parties earlier and “we had

come to a conclusion that there was need to consolidate the secular forces in the country”.

“Since my days as Prime Minister in New Delhi, I have been seeing the evil design of both the Congress and BJP to build bipolar or two party system in the country,” he said.

On the formation of the Socialist Janatha (Democratic) party by former party colleague, M P Veerendra Kumar, he said “I do not want to comment on that. When he himself has taken the decision to go with the United Democratic Front (UDF)...

He is one of the elderly leaders...,” Gowda said. “I wish him good wishes”.

He said he would not comment on the circumstances leading to the parting of ways by Veerendra Kumar and what made him take the take decision to go with congress led UDF. On the Mining scam in Karnataka, Gowda said “Everybody knows what is happening in Kar-

nataka. It is a routine normal day to day affair. On Aug 17, the scam will figure in Parliament, he said adding the Lok Ayukta’s second report on the scam is expected shortly.

Huge quantity of mining materials like coal have been transported to various ports from Karntaka without proper permission,” he said.

On whether BJP government was at fault on the issue, Gowda said Chief minister had himself admitted in the floor of the legislative council that over one crore tonnes of mining materials had been transported to various countries in the last two years.

Asked about the case against PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madani, an accused in the Bangalore blast case and the presence of Karnataka police in Kerala now to arrest him, Gowda said he did not want to come to any conclusion.

However, the minorities have

been victimised on several occasions in Karnataka which is under BJP rule, he said. This is not specifically on the Madani issue. Individually the government has fabricated cases against minorities; he alleged adding the minorities are under threat in Karnataka.

National General Secretary, Dansih Ali, said one advice from JD(S) workers was that either Veerendra Kumar should move a resolution in the Congress Working Committee to accept that Jaiprakash Narain was right in launching an agitation or he should not use the photographs of JP, Ram Manohar Lohia or other socialist leaders.

“We have taken a view that 3 MLAs have joined the new party of Veerendra Kumar and the party has asked its legislative party secretary and minister, Jose Thettayil to petition the speaker for disqualification of the 3 MLAs,” Ali said.

CPI(M) meet an exercise in soul-searching PTI VIJAYAWADA, AUG 11

The just-concluded meeting of it Extended Central Committee (ECC) here has been an exercise in soul-searching for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) even as its heart (West Bengal) is bleeding.

More than anything else, the entire thrust of the four-day session was on saving the “heart” and, as one senior leader put it, the skin (Kerala) of the party.

An adverse outcome in West Bengal and Kerala, where crucial elections to the Assemblies are due next year, would spell a certain doom for the CPI(M) in the country as a whole. Hence, the party devoted most of the time during the four days to a “serious and widespread” discussion on West Bengal and Kerala affairs.

In fact, a separate four-page resolution was passed by the ECC on the two states on the steps needed to be taken for “reforging” links with people and thwarting the attempts of “reactionary forces” to wrest power from the Left.

The ECC meeting, many presumed, would see CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat in the dock for leading the party on the path of decline. But that did not happen and Karat had the last laugh. He successfully pushed through his agenda and the party rallied behind him, with the dissenting voices falling silent, CPI(M) sources said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb

Bhattacharya too had a happy outing as he too reportedly did not face much of the (f)ire over the sorry state of affairs in his home state, the sources added.

Buddhadeb skipped both the inaugural and concluding ceremonies of the ECC meeting though he remained in the city for four-days for the closed-door sessions.

The party identified its “shortcomings” in West Bengal which are related to politics, organisation and (state) government.

“Re-forging links with people” by countering the “vilification campaign” of the “reactionary forces” led by “prime enemy” Trinamool Congress was the panacea that the ECC recommended for the West Bengal unit.

That the CPI(M) is certainly worried about the prospects of losing power after three-and-a-half decades has been reflected in the statements of both Prakash Karat and his politburo colleague Sitaram Yechury, who could not emphatically express confidence over their winning prospects.

“Losing elections is not unnatural. We never look at electoral gains,” Karat maintained while Yechury did not want to “presume” the outcome of West Bengal polls next year.

As usual, the 24-page political resolution, adopted by the ECC, was full of rhetoric.

Opposing the “neo-liberal economic policies,” fighting the “communal forces,” combating the Maoists who it feels have “degenerated into anarchic violence,”

breaking the “strategic alliance” between India and USA and “stepping up the struggles” for the cause of the common people are the salient features of the political resolution.

Of course, numerous other issues like the international political situation, global economic crisis, climate change, electoral reforms, Centre-state relations, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the demand for Telangana and other separate states, “nexus” of big businesses and politics, the prejudicial role being played by the “corporate media,” the “attitude” of regional parties and Left unity also found mention in the political resolution.

The ECC listed 11 “tasks” for the party to regain lost ground with “struggles” on all issues as the central theme.

“We discussed the West Bengal and Kerala issues in great detail for two days. The UPA government’s policies and our course of action were also elaborately discussed but most other issues only found general reference,” a senior member of the Central Committee pointed out.

By and large, the CPI(M) feels, the ECC meeting was a success. Incidentally, it was for the first time in the party’s history that such a meeting had been called as the CPI(M) ’s national Congress, slated for March next year, could not be held because of the impending elections in West Bengal and Kerala.

CRPF for special training of its men to handle riots PTI JAMMU, AUG 11

The CRPF has sent a proposal to the Home Ministry for undertaking special training for its personnel in handling riots and other law and order situations.

New CRPF recruits have been given a nine-month training in jungle warfare and anti-insurgency operations, Inspector General, CRPF, Jammu, A S Sidhu told reporters today after a passing out parade of 278 CRPF recruits at Bantalab here.

“CRPF has sent a proposal to the Home Ministry for undertaking special training for its personnel in handling different situations, including riots,” he said.

To a question on CRPF’s preparedness to deal with stonepelters in Kashmir Valley, the IG said this was for the first time that Kashmir has witnessed such large-scale stone-pelting incidents.

“Now we are well equipped to deal with the situation of stone pelters in the Valley, although Rapid Action Force (RAF) is specially trained to deal with the crowds,” he said.

He said the CRPF would be deployed at sensitive places, including places of worship, ahead of Independence Day to foil any possible attempts by militants to disturb law and order in Jammu province.

“In consultation with IGP Jammu and Army, we have worked out a plan for deployment of CRPF at sensitive places, including religious places, in Jammu province,” he said.

“We also plan to undertake random patrolling in different areas of the city and other towns as an additional measure of security,” Sidhu said.

These measures are part of a strategy to thwart any militant design, he said.

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Former US senator Stevens dies in Alaska plane crash Reuters ANCHORAGE, Alaska, AUG 11

Former US Senator Ted Stevens, who for several years played a leading role in controlling the nation's purse strings, died with four other people in a small plane crash in his home state of Alaska, officials said.

Four people survived Monday night's crash near Bristol Bay in southwest Alaska. Among them was Sean o'keefe, North American chief of European aerospace giant and Airbus maker EADS, and a former NASA Administrator who was a former aide and longtime friend of Stevens.

O'Keefe's son, Kevin, also survived, the company said in a statement yesterday, but details of their condition were not disclosed.

Stevens, a gruff, hard-charging politician who rose to become chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, served 40 years in the Senate, longer than any Republican, before losing a 2008 reelection bid amid a corruption scandal.

FROM PAGE 1 It provides information about a certain item’s Sena chief, dy content like how large the picture is, the colour depth, the image resolution, when the image released was created, and other data. A text document’s

released on bail on Wednesday.

Gaonkar and Salgaonkar have been directed to report to Porvorim Police station every day from 10 am to 1 pm to enable the police to conduct the investigation.

It may be recalled that Porvorim Police on receipt of complaint from Neo Majestic Hotel and after viewing the CCTV footage had arrested Upendra Gaonkar and Umesh Salgaonkar on Tuesday night.

However, Salgaonkar produced papers to the police stating that he was operated last week and that he was not feeling well. He was later admitted in GMC Hospital at Bambolim by the police.

In the CCTV footage, the entire discussion between Salgaonkar and hotel officials was recorded and on the basis of the recording, police could recover an amount of Rs 50,000 from Salagonkar.

On Wednesday evening, police produced Upendra Gaonkar before Judicial Magistrate First Class, Mapusa, who released them on bail.

CBI awaits...

of Muslims in India at 13.82 crores. A total of 341 persons from Goa were cleared for the Haj on the basis of the Muslims’ population in 2001 census fixed at 92,210. Only recently the Civil Aviation Ministry decided to allow a direct flight from Goa to Saudi Arabia for the Haj travel.

The Muslims can go on the Haj on their own by booking flights and paying full fare while those selected through the Haj Committee are provided subsidy by the Government of India, besides getting travel, accommodation and other logistic support, Krishna added.

Govt convenes meet...

intercept any conversation or message of any subscriber whenever required.

As telecom service providers like Airtel, Vodafone, RCom, the Tatas and the government-run BSNL and MTNL are offering BlackBerry services, it is the responsibility of these operators to ensure that security agencies get access to all services they offer.

Sources further said the maker of BlackBerry phones, Research in Motion (RIM), has conveyed to the operators that services like email and voicemail can be intercepted by the security agencies but no commitment has been given to services like BlackBerry Messenger.

Last week, BlackBerry made a fresh attempt to break the logjam over its services in India by offering “metadata” and relevant information to security agencies which will enable them in lawful interception but failed to enthuse them.

RIM representatives explained that BlackBerry mobile device sends the encrypted email, which is sent to BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) located with the service provider.

BES decrypts messages and sends it to the email server of the service provider where it remains stored in decrypted form. Then it is pushed to the BlackBerry device in encrypted form.

After some persuasion, the representatives agreed that “they can provide the metadata of the message like Internet Protocol address of BES and PIN and International Mobile Equipment Identity of the BlackBerry mobile,” sources said.

Metadata is loosely defined as data about data.

metadata may contain information about how long the document is, who the author is, when the document was written, and a short summary of the document.

However, sources said RIM, which has nearly one million subscribers in India, failed to enthuse the security agencies who want an uninterrupted access to the messaging services on BlackBerry platform.

Minor marriages

submitted that they were in love and got married without being forced by anyone.

The court, after recording their statement, said their marriage is valid and the minor boy is the lawful guardian of the girl.

The court said family members of Poonam cannot prevent her from living with her husband.

H1N1 vaccines

makes it easy to deliver especially in children.

Also it is cheaper – it costs Rs180 to Rs 200 per dose. The disadvantage is that it cannot be used in a large number of people who may be at high risk for influenza.

The advantages for the injected vaccine are that it has been in the market for a long time and a study which looked at 28 clinical trials could hardly find any side effects of the vaccine.

But the disadvantages are that it is injected and children are fearful and it costs more, a little over Rs 500 per dose.

So, should we advise our patients to take the vaccine?

Where the disease is endemic and the morbidity and mortality are high I think that we will be justified in giving the vaccine to large numbers of people but in non-endemic areas maybe we should be more cautious. We can give it to people in high-risk jobs like healthcare workers and patients at high risk but for the general public we can adopt a wait-and-watch programme. But the danger in the wait-and-watch approach is that this is a fast-spreading virus and by the time we do decide to administer the vaccine we may be a bit late. The final decision has to be made by the individual patient in consultation with his/her physician about whether to get immunised and which vaccine is suitable for that particular case.

Politician’s son...

son had recently travelled to Pune and might have contracted the H1N1 virus there. The duo is being diagonised for the disease.

Meanwhile, the Urban and Primary health Centers located across South Goa will formulate their individual plan of action to tackle the H1N1 virus.

As per the directions of the District Magistrate, South G P Naik, the health officers of both urban and primary health centers are required to formulate a plan of action for their respective jurisdiction.

When contacted, Margao Urban Health Officer, Dr Geeta Kakodkar, who has been appointed the nodal officer for the urban areas of Margao and Fatorda, said that she has prepared an Action Plan for Margao city and the same will be submitted to the district Magistrate on August 12.

She said the Margao Urban Health Centre has already started its educational campaign in the educational institutions and the same will be taken to its logical conclusion in the days ahead.

As per the directions of the district Magistrate, the health officers of Urban and Primary health centers are not only required to prepare an Action Plan, but also file a compliance report with the Magistrate on the success of the plan.

State Epidemiologist Dr Jose de Sa has already called for greater efforts from the district administration, South as many cases of H1N1 from Salcete and Mormugao have come to light in recent times.

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Show us proof, we’ll act on Saeed: Pak PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Pakistan has said it is ready to take action against Jamaat-ud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed but added that India should give “concrete evidence” that stands “legal scrutiny” and holds him responsible for the Mumbai attacks.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi insisted that his country was committed to bring the perpetrators of 26/11 to justice but could not give any specific time-frame for conclusion of the trial in the case as the judiciary is independent.

He termed as ‘preposterous” any “suggestion that there is some sort of nexus” between ISI and Mumbai attacks, rubbishing the contention by Pakistani-American Laskhar-e-Taiba operative David Headley in this regard.

‘The government of Pakistan has detained Hafiz Saeed several

Nothing to gain from diamonds case: Campbell Reuters LONDON, AUG 11

Supermodel Naomi Campbell said she had nothing to gain from being untruthful in her testimony about alleged “blood diamonds'” and said suggestions she did not care about suffering in Africa were hurtful.

In a statement issued five days after testifying in The Hague at the war crimes trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor, Campbell described herself as ''a black woman who has and will always support good causes, especially relating to Africa.'' ''I've no motive here. Nothing to gain,” she said yesterday.

Campbell, 40, said last week that she was given some “dirty looking pebbles” after a 1997 charity dinner she attended with Taylor and others but did not know if they were blood diamonds or who they were from.

She handed them to a South African charity the next day.

Testimony on Monday by actress Mia Farrow and model agent Carole White, who were also at the dinner, contradicted parts of her evidence.

“Naomi Campbell was in South Africa helping a charity, had the diamonds for a matter of hours and handed them over to a representative of Nelson Mandela's children's charity.

“She was not on trial in The Hague and was as helpful towards the court as she could be,'' the statement said.

Campbell was summoned by prosecutors to support their allegations that Taylor received blood diamonds from rebels in Sierra Leone and used them to buy weapons. He denies 11 counts, including rape, sexual slavery and the conscription of child soldiers during wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Winds clear toxic smoke from Moscow Reuters MOSCOW, Aug 11

Strong winds today cleared the toxic smoke from raging wildfires that has choked Moscow for three weeks, but weather forecasters warned that polluting clouds could return in 24 hours.

The smoke in Moscow -which sent pollution levels to the highest levels in decades -almost doubled mortality rates in the capital and disrupted flights, consumer activity and even trading in Russian stocks and bonds.

Muscovites were greeted with a glimpse of clear skies on Wednesday after a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds in the early hours dispersed the smoke.

The Emergencies Ministry said the area of burning forests in Russia was almost halved in the past 24 hours to 927 square km from 1,740 square km, and that nearly 166,000 people were fighting more than 600 fires.

"The forest fires have not ceased," Roman Vilfand, the director of the state weather forecasting centre, was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

"As soon as there is windless weather again, the smoke will return," he said. "It has got easier in Moscow but not where the fires are burning."

Pollution levels in Moscow on Wednesday were at safe levels, but the state weather forecaster said in a statement that the smoke could return by Thursday, depending on the weather.

times but for the lack of evidence, our courts would order his release,” Qureshi told PTI in an email interview.

“We are ready to take action.

We have asked India to share with us in case they have some concrete evidence which could stand legal scrutiny,” he said.

Qureshi was responding when asked to comment on India's persistent demand for action against Saeed who had become a sticking point between the two countries.

India has been maintaining that it has provided ample evidence about Saeed's role in the Mumbai attacks and Pakistan should follow it up and initiate legal proceedings against the JuD chief.

The fresh dossier containing more information about Saeed's role in 26/11 attacks on the basis of Headley's revelations was given by Home Minister P Chidambaram to his Pakistani counterpart Rah-

man Malik during his visit to Islamabad in June.

Noting that courts take decisions on legal merit, Qureshi said, “We, therefore, did not find it out of the ordinary when the Indian nationals accused in the Mumbai trial were acquitted by the Indian court for lack of sufficient evidence.”

He was referring to the acquittal in May of Fahim Ansari and Sabaudin Ahmed, who were accused of conducting recce and preparing maps of the 26/11 targets. The Mumbai trial court acquitted them for lack of evidence.

Qureshi refused to comment “publicly” when pointed to India's contention that PakistaniAmerican LeT David Headley, who has admitted his role in Mumbai attacks, had talked about the involvement of ISI and Hafiz Saeed in 26/11 and that details in this regard have been given to Pakistan.

“The suggestion that there

is some sort of nexus between ISI and Mumbai attacks is preposterous, to say the least,” the Pakistan foreign minister said.

On India's insistence that Pakistan should act on the information provided by Headley, he said, “We are committed to bringing the perpetrators of the crime to justice.”

He said India had been assured time and again that Pakistan was committed to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice.

“But if you ask me to give you a definitive timeframe for the conclusion of the trial, that is asking for too much in a democratic set up where judiciary is independent and cannot be dictated by the executive. This is indeed also the case in India.”

Pakistan has arrested seven accused in the Mumbai attacks, including Lashkar-e Taiba's operational commander Zaki-ur Rahman Lakhvi and their trial is underway.

India has been saying that the trial has been slow and needs to be expedited.

While underlining Pakistan's “commitment” to fighting terrorism, Qureshi said his country “continues to suffer, more than any other country” on account of the scourge.

“We are fighting the pernicious evil of terrorism on a daily basis,” he said, while pointing out that there have been more than 250 suicide attacks in Pakistan in the last nine years, killing over 3000 and injuring over 6500 innocent people.

“Terrorism is a global, regional and local phenomenon at the same time,” he said, adding “what we need is cooperation at all levels to extirpate this menace.”

He maintained that Pakistan is committed not to allow its territory for terrorism anywhere in the world. “We expect the same from India,” he said.

Rescue hopes dwindle in mudslide-hit town Reuters

ZHOUQU, China, AUG 11 Chen Daochen knows he will never see his father or elder brother alive again. Yet still he digs through the thick yellow mud that cascaded through their home, killing four members of his family.

“I know they're dead. But I have to get them out. I have to see them with my own eyes or I won't know for sure,” he said quietly, desperately pulling rolls of plastic pipes from the simple brick house to get at the bodies.

“At least the kids were not at home when it happened,” Chen added numbly, a pile of damp school books at his feet slowly rotting in the damp heat.

It is a scene of stunned grief repeated across Zhouqu, a remote town in northwestern Gansu province. At least 702 people died when a mass of mud and rocks swept down on sleepingr residents at the weekend.

Another 1,042 are missing.

Rescuers who have swarmed into Zhouqu are not giving up hope of finding anyone else alive, but they warn that chances are slim in the chocking mud, so thick in places it has piled up to what used to be the third or fourth floor of buildings.

Logs and stones have been laid over the sludge to ease access. They seem almost to float when stepped on, threatening to give way, and plunge rescuers into the morass.

“It's different from an earthquake. With all this mud it gets into every corner of a room. You drown,” said Dan Xiaoli, a rescue worker from next-door Sichuan province, where tens of thousands died in a devastating earthquake two years ago.

“But we need to keep looking in case there is a miracle,” she added, dressed in orange overalls and carrying a first aid kit.

Close by, a crowd gathers expectantly, peering down to where troops have prised open a small hole in what was the roof of a house, using their

hands, a few shovels and some sledgehammers. ''Keep quiet! Step back! We can hear someone in there!” shouts one soldier. A reverent hush falls, and people edge back.

Five minutes later, the silence becomes sobs as the pale white arm of a dead man pokes through the rubble. Even the most curious of bystanders recoil from the smell.

Two women collapse wailing, unable to stand their grief, and are carried off by relatives. Almost everyone has a tragic story to tell. Many escaped by luck alone.

“The first to fourth floors of my building were swamped. We were on the sixth. Dozens of my neighbours are still in the mud. We've had to give up trying to get their bodies out,” said Liu Jiesheng, 40, his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep.

While relief supplies and workers continue to arrive, poor roads and the area's remoteness

are hampering efforts.

The nearest airport is a seven-hour drive away, mountains tower over settlements in the valleys, and on the main artery from the south, traffic has to be strictly limited.

“The road is too narrow. We have to control what goes up there or there will be chaos and everything will get blocked,” said one policeman, after a brief argument with some officials from Sichuan trying to bring in bottled water.

Yet despite the tough restrictions, much heavy lifting equipment sits idle, unable to either get into the town or be used in large parts of it, lest it slip into the mud.

“The government is doing what it can. But we are a long way from anywhere here. This is not a problem that will be solved overnight,” said resident Wang Xuezhen, who lost four family members and survived only because he was away for the night.

Visitors gather at a crowded swimming pool at Toshimaen water park in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday .

More than 10,000 people visited the amusement park to enjoy the hot and sunny summer day.

Indian among 11 Asians killed in Dubai fire PTI

DUBAI, AUG 11 Eleven Asian workers, including an Indian, were killed as a fire swept through a perfumery police said.

“Nine Bangladeshis, an Indian and a Pakistani were suffocated to death when a fire broke out in a warehouse in Al Qous industrial area, while they were

sleeping,” Major General Khamis Al Mazeina, acting chief of Dubai Police, said.

Police also arrested the local owner of the perfumery and two Indians, including the Managing Director of the firm, for illegally using the perfumery premises to lodge workers, Mazeina said.

While ruling out any criminal intent, the police chief said that

forensic experts were investigating to establish the cause of the fire, which broke out at 12:59 on Tuesday night, but was brought under control under half an hour.

The police chief said that owners of the perfumery had spread mattresses in a partitioned portion which was being illegally used to house these workers

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RBI may limit new players in banking sector PTI MUMBAI, AUG 11

Working towards issuing banking licences to newer players, apex bank RBI today said it may allow limited entrants, but feared about independence and neutrality of banks controlled by industrial houses.

It also disfavoured nonbanking financial institutions having realty interests while seeking public comments on the issue of entry of private players into the banking arena, which Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in his Budget (2010-11) speech would be opened for new players.

In a discussion paper titled, 'Entry of New Banks in Private Sector', the RBI also mooted the idea of bringing down the cap on foreign direct investment in banks to below 50 per cent from 74 per cent now.

Pointing out that more players would lead to efficient banking services at a reduced cost for the poor, the paper said, "The Reserve Bank is considering providing licences to a limited number of new banks.

A larger number of banks would foster greater competition, thereby reduce costs and improve the quality of service."

The Reserve Bank said that though industrial houses could bring in more capital, it cautioned that they may "undermine the independence and neutrality of banks."

Top corporate houses, including the Anil Ambani Group, Aditya Birla conglomerate and leading financial sector player India Bulls, which has substantial realty business, are waiting in the wings to enter the banking sector.

It sought opinions by September 30 on issues ranging from raising the minimum capital requirements for new banks and promoters' contribution to caps on equity for promoters and others as well as lowering the cap on foreign shareholding to below 50%.

The central bank listed the pros and cons of keeping the minimum capital requirement at a low level of over Rs 300 crore, a middle level of Rs 500 crore and a high level of Rs 1,000 crore.

While a low minimum capital requirement may lead to an optimum level of utilisation of resources from the beginning, it may result in non-serious players coming into the field, the RBI said.

PTI

Once touted as a contender to head the Tata group before Ratan Tata took charge, Russi Mody feels that someone from the family alone should spearhead the USD 71 billion conglomerate and any outsider would not sound right.

Mody, 92, held important positions in Tata group and led Tata Steel till he retired in the early 1990s. Later, he held various advisory positions both in the group and outside, with a notable stint as Chairman of the erstwhile Indian Airlines and Air India. "...But I wonder what would someone from outside do at the Tatas," Mody said in a column in daily 'Financial Chronicle'.

Mody's comments are in sharp variance with Ratan Tata who said that his successor would not be pro or anti-Parsi and could be from either India or abroad.

At the AGM of Tata Chemicals' annual general meeting on Monday, Ratan Tata had said: "The Tata Group is an Indian Group and we should not be looking (at it) as a Parsi group.

The successor should be the right person and not anti-Parsi

or pro-Parsi."

Tata had also said in a TV interview some time back that his successor need not be a Tata.

He told the AGM, "The Tata Group (today) is not the group that Jamsetji Tata formed.

Today, its revenues are USD 70billion and 70 per cent of this comes from outside India. So we are no longer an India-centric group."

Modi was earlier also reported to have had differences with Ratan Tata on different issues.

"So far, there has always been a good chairman from the Tata family. There is no reason why that should not continue in the years to come," Mody said in the piece that was all praise for the Tata family, which set up the group over 140 years ago.

Having left behind the past

Global cues pull markets down PTI MUMBAI, AUG 11

All-round selling pressure, especially in realty and IT stocks, pulled down the BSE benchmark Sensex by 150 points today amid distinctly weak global cues.

The National Stock Exchange’s wide-based 50-share Nifty index dropped by 0.73 per cent to finish at 5,420.60 points.

The dampened market sentiment took a further hit after the country’s top telecom operator, Bharti Airtel, posted a 32 per cent decline in June quarter profit to Rs 1,682 crore.

Analysts said that market sentiment was weak after the US Federal Reserve said that the recovery is losing pace. Wall Street ended in the deep red in yesterday’s session.

UNI KOLKATA, AUG 11

UNI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Asian Development Bank (ADB) today said it will extend a 150 million dollars financing facility to help building infrastructure in India's National Capital Region (NCR).

The ADB's board of directors approved the 'India National Capital Region Urban Infrastructure Financing Facility', which will provide funds in two or more tranches, the Bank said in a statement.

In the NCR, population is expected to almost double to 64 million by 2021 from 37 million now, and the NCR Planning Board has identified investment needs in transport, power, water and solid waste totalling about USD 43 billion.

The financing facility will allow the NCR to accelerate its planned investments by providing long-tenure funds.

It will identify bankable projects, extend capacity-building assistance for sub-borrowers of the funds to design and execute high-quality infrastructure, and help attract private investors and public-privatepartnerships into the sector, the ADB said.

The first tranche loan of USD 78 mn will have a 25-year term, including a 5-year grace period, and an annual interest rate determined in accordance with ADB's LIBOR-based lending facility.

Mody against non-Parsi heading Tata group NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Lenovo launches wide range of products

ADB sanctions $150 mn for NCR infra

bitterness, Mody, who claimed that he considered himself as a 'Tata man' said: "The family of Tatas is an institution by itself.

And I would always like to see some Tata spearheading the group's operations."

Recalling his days with JRD Tata, Mody said: "In our time we knew who was being brought up as the successor.

There was no question of bringing someone from outside the family."

Stating that he did not quite understand the formation of a panel to find a successor to Ratan Tata, Mody said: "...why they have to go through all this to decide who would succeed the current chairman."

Mody wrote that he is unsure who will finally be selected, but "I would like to see the next chairman to be someone worthy of this position. He should be someone who is intelligent, should have a solid understanding on certain critical issues."

With changing times more activities have already come along and the new chairman should be able to respond to that, Mody said, adding that "I hope and pray that they don't select some odd fellow for this important job."

Aban Offshor, 878, 897, 855.5, 858.65 Abb Ltd., 786, 788, 774.25, 776.2 Abg Shipyard, 255.35, 259.45, 251, 252.9 Acc Limited, 848, 848, 840.2, 842.35 Adani Enterp, 620.95, 622.75, 608.85, 612.75 Aditya Birla, 812.85, 818.4, 796, 799.3 Allahabad Ba, 206, 207.95, 203.25, 203.8 Alstom Proje, 759.85, 773, 753, 755.7 Ambuja Cemen, 119.7, 122, 118.5, 120.55 Andhra Bank, 145.9, 146.7, 143.3, 143.85 Ashok Leylan, 70, 72.6, 69.55, 70.25 Asian Paints, 2666.95, 2710, 2660, 2680.55 Axis Bank Li, 1294.9, 1301.5, 1276.65, 1289.1 Bajaj Hindus, 115.6, 119.8, 102.2, 118.45 Bank Of Baro, 763, 764.95, 757, 762.15 Bank Of Indi, 435.05, 440.75, 435.05, 438.05 Beml Limited, 1008, 1011.95, 993.05, 995.8 Bharat Elect, 1789.9, 1789.9, 1749, 1754.35 Bharat Forge, 345.9, 345.9, 334.5, 336.25 Bharat Petro, 649.7, 668.5, 647.5, 660.35 Bharti Airte, 321.2, 335.75, 315.8, 320.65

Lenovo India Managing Director Amar Babu and company Vice President Alex Li at the launch of 12 new products in Eastern India in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Lenovo, a leading player in personal computer business, has aimed at double digit growth during the current fiscal after achieving a sales target of 250,000 units in Eastern India alone.

Announcing this during the launch of Lenovo's 12 new state-of-the art and highly sophisticated products in the domestic market, Lenovo India Managing Director Amar Babu and its vice-president Alex Li told newsmen here today that India and China had become the two fastest growing global markets for Lenovo's consumer products where the company enjoyed the share of more than 28 and 30 per cent markets respectively.

They said in keeping with the everchanging customer de-

mand, Lenovo had introduced a wide variety of innovative, sophisticated and highly competitive priced table top computers, ideapad, laptops and notebooks.

Showcasing the new products, which included multimedia notebooks, Lenovo IdeaPad Y460, Lenovo IdeaPad Y560, Desktop Lenovo H320 and all in one PCs like Idea Centre B300, B500, C-200 and Lenovo Think Tanker A70Z. All these products cost between Rs 18,000-65,000 per unit, Babu informed.

To queries on their projected growth trajectory, he said following over 30 per cent growth in PC market in India every year, they hoped to meet over ten per cent increase in demand for Lenovo products during next year from around 7.2 per cent now.

India ranks 4th in plastic surgery internationally PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Be it a new mother who wants to shed the extra flab or a recent collegiate wanting to look fabulous on campus, more people in India are going under the knife to enhance their features and get "the killer look", according to a recent global survey.

Conducted by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the survey ranks India as four in the list of top five countries in the world in the number of people going for surgical and non surgical procedures to enhance their features.

The survey included the top 25 countries representing 75 per cent of all pro-

cedures performed by board certified plastic surgeons in 2009.

Also, continent wise Asia leads with 5,704,277 procedures overall followed

by North America at 4,155,955 and Europe at 3,538,319.

"There has been a shift in the perception of beauty with time. In a competitive world people want to look younger and fresher and they are opting for procedures that will take away years from their face," says Sanjay Parashar, a leading cosmetologist in the country.

"Mummy makeovers" for new mothers, facial rejuvenation, tummy tucks, high definition liposuction, breast augmentation and contouring are among the procedures that are quite popular

among clients, he says.

India saw 683,160 surgical procedures in 2009 and 211,540 non surgical procedures totalling to 894,700, which is 5.2 per cent of overall procedures performed in these 25 countries.

In the surgical procedures category, Liposuction tops with total of 1,607,979 people getting the job done in the world, followed by Breast Augmentation (1,454,317) and blepharoplasty (upper or lower eyelid lift, 1,153,756).

Indian surgeons performed 117,140 cases of liposuction, 109,580 of Breast Augmentation, 60,280 of Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) and 54,720 of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck).

BOARD MEETINGS

AP sets eye on high foodgrain production

Ansal Properties & Infra Apollo Hospitals Asian Electronics Hind Rectifiers Indiabulls Real Estate ICRA Indraprastha Gas Liberty Shoes Moser-Baer PTC India Ranbaxy Laboratories Shree Renuka Sugars State Bank of India Simplex Projects Tata Power Company Tata Steel

UNI HYDERABAD, AUG 11

President, Specialty Retail Businesses, K Dasaratharaman and Bollywood actress Diya Mirza at the launch of 'Ecko Unltd' in New Delhi, on Wednesday.

Chief Minister K Rosaiah today claimed Andhra Pradesh was the only State giving topmost priority to agriculture, even as it targeted to produce an alltime high of 208 lakh MT of foodgrain during 2010-11.

He made these remarks during a teleconference with Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy and Advisor to Government and Agricultural Technology Mission Deputy Chairman D A Somayajulu in the backdrop of the Minister’s meeting with President Pratibha Singh Devi Patil at New Delhi today.

Apple to replace overheating iPods REUTERS TOKYO, AUG 11

Apple Inc's Japan unit will replace any iPod nano portable music players that overheat, it said in an online statement, improving an earlier offer to replace only their faulty batteries.

The concession yesterday came after Japan's trade min-

Bhel, 2502.2, 2522, 2482.05, 2498.75 Bhushan Stee, 1648, 1667.4, 1580.65, 1593.7 Biocon Limit, 312.6, 322.25, 312.3, 319.6 Bombay Dyein, 600, 614.7, 580.5, 585.7 Bosch Limite, 5790, 6000.05, 5772, 5801.65 Brigade Ente, 134, 137.25, 133.1, 133.8 Cairn India, 335, 337.1, 330.4, 332.25 Canara Bank, 484, 487, 481.35, 483.4 Central Bank, 176, 182, 175, 178.25 Century Text, 474.9, 484.65, 470.95, 476.5 Cesc Ltd, 387.1, 393.95, 387.1, 389.4 Chambal Fert, 66.1, 67.95, 66.1, 67.15 Chennai Petr, 271, 275, 271, 273.5 Cipla Ltd, 318.7, 319.95, 312.5, 313.15 Colgate Palm, 841.1, 854.6, 841.1, 847.8 Container Co, 1432, 1432, 1377.1, 1381.15 Crompton Gre, 275, 284.7, 275, 282.7 Cummins Indi, 643.8, 651, 636.1, 638.9 Dabur India, 203.85, 204.75, 200.15, 201.65 Deccan Chron, 134, 134, 128.3, 130.05 Dish Tv Indi, 49.85, 49.9, 48.7, 49.05 Divi’s Labor, 764.5, 771.15, 750.05, 753.3

istry put the world's largest technology company under scrutiny, ordering it to publish an ''easy to understand'' statement on its website explaining how users of the devices could receive replacement batteries and obtain advice.

The first generation models, sold between September 2005 and December 2006, have

Dlf Limited, 318.6, 322.85, 315, 315.65 Dr. reddy’s, 1325, 1343.7, 1307.5, 1314.05 Edelweiss Ca, 61, 62.6, 59.15, 59.85 Educomp Solu, 702, 702, 615, 619.95 Eih Limited, 133, 134.8, 131.55, 133.2 Engineers In, 309.8, 338, 302.6, 333.35 Essar Oil Lt, 134, 134, 130.1, 130.75 Essar Shippi, 115.45, 133.4, 115.45, 129.8 Exide Indust, 144.9, 144.9, 142, 142.95 Federal Bank, 328.5, 331.45, 324.25, 326.05 Financial Te, 1250.45, 1285.75, 1225.8, 1260.3 Gail (india), 445.3, 452.5, 444.75, 448.35 Gammon India, 209, 213.5, 205, 206.55 Glaxosmithkl, 1980, 1997, 1945.3, 1958.25 Glenmark Pha, 268.45, 271.5, 268, 270 Gmr Infrastr, 60.7, 61.3, 60, 60.6 Godrej Indus, 204.9, 207.35, 196, 198.8 Grasim Indus, 1900, 1909.8, 1891, 1902.85 Great Offsho, 413.3, 418.95, 404.5, 405.95 Gtl Infra.Lt, 47.6, 47.9, 46.8, 46.95 Gujarat Mine, 126.5, 128.9, 124.55, 125.25 Gujarat N R, 61, 61, 59.1, 59.55 Gujarat Stat, 112.2, 112.2, 109.3, 110

Gvk Pow. & I, 44, 44, 42.85, 43 Hcl Technolo, 410, 413.85, 403.65, 406.7 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2101, 2113.05, 2077.95, 2089.5 Hdfc Ltd, 3084.8, 3084.8, 2991.1, 2998.75 Hero Honda M, 1868, 1878.9, 1853.1, 1866.45 Hindalco in, 163.8, 170.3, 163.2, 164.55 Hindustan Co, 71.9, 72.75, 70.55, 71.15 Hindustan Ma, 76.7, 77.7, 74.8, 75.25 Hindustan Pe, 453.2, 470.8, 452.05, 465.65 Hindustan Un, 260.2, 265.2, 260.2, 261.25 Hindustan Zi, 1150, 1163.95, 1125, 1127.15 Housing Dev, 276.85, 279.4, 271.6, 274.25 Icici Bank L, 980.1, 999, 962.7, 971.85 Idea Cellula, 71.5, 72.1, 70.35, 71.2 Ifci Ltd, 57.7, 60.7, 57.5, 58.9 India Cement, 108.55, 109.9, 105.9, 106.25 India Infoli, 100.7, 101.3, 98.6, 99.1 Indiabulls F, 166.7, 166.95, 155.5, 157 Indiabulls R, 186, 189.3, 179.8, 181.15 Indian Bank, 230.9, 230.9, 227.1, 228.05 Indian Hotel, 97.45, 97.45, 95.75, 95.9 Indian Oil C, 374, 381.8, 373, 375.9

been responsible for around 60 incidents of overheating in Japan, including four cases of minor burns, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Apple described the incidents as ''very rare'' and has blamed the problem on a single battery supplier, without identifying the maker.

Indian Overs, 130, 130.45, 125, 125.75 Indus Dev Ba, 119.5, 121.2, 118, 118.6 Indusind Ban, 219.15, 220.9, 217.5, 219.05 Infosys Tech, 2834, 2857.9, 2800, 2810.9 Infra. dev., 182.85, 185.9, 176.85, 178.1 Ispat Indust, 17.9, 18.05, 17.8, 17.85 Itc Ltd, 156, 157, 154.35, 154.95 Ivrcl Infras, 169, 171, 157.15, 157.65 Jai Corp Lim, 274, 287.65, 267.15, 269.2 Jaiprakash A, 122, 122.95, 120, 120.85 Jet Airways, 660, 665.8, 650.6, 653.6 Jindal Saw L, 204, 211.35, 202.55, 206.4 Jindal Steel, 633.3, 661.5, 628.8, 654.25 Jsw Steel Li, 1130.3, 1141, 1110, 1113 Kotak Mahind, 807, 817, 799.1, 809.05 Lakshmi Mach, 2035, 2055, 2016.05, 2025.4 Lanco Infrat, 66.8, 67.95, 65, 66.6 Larsen & Tou, 1820, 1838.95, 1805, 1813.5 Lic Housing, 1200, 1241.9, 1195, 1214.3 Lupin Limite, 1861, 1863.9, 1830, 1833.65 Mahanagar Te, 66.6, 67.85, 65.3, 65.55 Mahindra & M, 645, 647, 620.45, 626.95 Maruti Suzuk, 1227, 1234.9, 1211.05,

United States leads the list followed

by China and Brazil. The top ten includes Mexico at 5th place followed by Japan, South Korea, Germany, Turkey and Spain. France is at 14th, UK at 17th and Australia at 21st while bottom is occupied by Portugal.

"We are seeing a lot of people from the US and the west opting to get their surgeries in India. This may be because apart from being cheaper we also have a very good infrastructure and are also good at communicating in English compared to say countries like China," says Dr Parashar.

Surgeons have also recorded an increase of clients to India from countries such as Nigeria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

MF FUNDA

IDFC MUTUAL FUND has announced to introduce monthly and quarterly dividend payout and dividend re-investment option under the IDFC Super Saver Income Fund - Medium Term Plan Plan B and Quarterly dividend payout and dividend re-investment option under the IDFC Super Saver Income Fund - Medium Term Plan - Plan A. The changes came into force on Aug 9. IDFC Super Saver Income Fund - Medium Term Plan seeks to generate stable return with low risk strategy by investing in good quality fixed income securities and money market instruments.

RELIANCE MUTUAL FUND has approved Aug 13, as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option in Reliance Interval Fund - Monthly Interval Fund Series I - Retail Plan and Reliance Interval Fund - Monthly Interval Fund Series I -Institutional Plan.

The face value of per unit is Rs 10. The quantum of dividend will be Rs 0.0277 per unit under retail plan and Rs 0.0285 per unit under institutional plan.

1215.2 Max India Lt, 165, 166.85, 158.6, 159.65 Maytas Infr., 223, 233.75, 223, 228.55 Moser-baer (, 64, 64.35, 62.45, 62.8 Mrpl, 77.9, 79.5, 77.15, 77.7 Nagarjuna Co, 165.55, 166.8, 160.3, 161.05 Nagarjuna Fe, 30.8, 31.1, 30.4, 30.7 National Alu, 425, 425.8, 421.6, 422.5 Neyveli Lign, 155.9, 159.9, 155.75, 158.55 Ntpc Ltd, 196.5, 197.6, 195.7, 196.05 Oil And Natu, 1240, 1249.1, 1228, 1237.4 Omaxe Limite, 125.45, 127.25, 122.4, 124.7 Oriental Ban, 400, 403.5, 393.15, 394.5 Pantaloon Re, 467, 470, 459.55, 460.85 Parsvnath De, 137.2, 139.85, 134.1, 134.9 Petronet Lng, 104, 109.75, 103.5, 108.65 Power Fin Co, 324, 326, 317.25, 318.6 Power Grid C, 101, 101.6, 100, 100.15 Praj Industr, 77.75, 77.75, 76.05, 76.35 Punj Lloyd L, 120, 120.6, 118, 118.55 Punjab Natio, 1103, 1109, 1093.05, 1101.95 Rajesh Expor, 97, 102.05, 96.65, 98.9 Ranbaxy Labs, 445, 452, 443.75, 447.35

Rashtriya Ch, 83.1, 83.4, 80.4, 80.9 Rel. nat. re, 39.3, 39.8, 38.9, 39 Reliance Cap, 760, 794.3, 757, 774.45 Reliance Com, 174.45, 177.5, 172.1, 172.9 Reliance Ene, 991.1, 1000, 972, 984.84 Reliance Ind, 890.95, 894.4, 868.4, 870.6 Reliance Ind, 989.8, 994.9, 980.1, 983.25 Reliance Pow, 159, 159, 155.5, 155.85 Rolta India, 175.2, 175.9, 170.4, 171.45 Satyam Compu, 86.05, 91, 85.95, 86.9 Sesa Goa Ltd, 375.75, 378.95, 369.55, 370.4 Shipping Cor, 168, 169.45, 165.15, 165.55 Siemens Ltd, 697.5, 701.3, 686.4, 689.75 Sintex Indus, 365, 376, 365, 372.95 Sobha Develo, 374, 378.5, 365.05, 366.95 State Bank O, 2625, 2647, 2590.6, 2599.6 Steel Author, 196.6, 198.3, 194.6, 195.4 Sterlite Ind, 175.1, 176.6, 171.2, 172.25 Sun Pharmace, 1755, 1764.9, 1733.7, 1747.95 Sun Tv Netwo, 470.75, 481.05, 470.75, 476.7 Suzlon Energ, 58.4, 58.9, 57.05, 57.25 Tata Communi, 292, 330, 290.25, 325 Tata Consult, 862, 873, 854.8, 858.15

Tata Motors, 962.25, 1024.5, 961.55, 1006.7 Tata Power C, 1328, 1355, 1325.1, 1334.45 Tata Steel L, 538, 547.8, 518.65, 520.25 Tata Teleser, 24.1, 24.8, 23.65, 23.9 Tech Mahindr, 712, 731.9, 711.3, 713.6 The Ge Shpg., 313.7, 315, 305, 306.2 The Phoenix, 242, 248.9, 240.35, 242.55 Thermax Ltd, 766.25, 774, 755.25, 766.75 Titan Indust, 2800, 2829.9, 2751.1, 2772.85 Torrent Powe, 348.3, 348.3, 338, 339.4 Triveni Engg, 105.9, 106.2, 100.55, 102.7 Tv18 India L, 78.35, 81.5, 77.4, 79.45 Uco Bank, 97.1, 97.9, 96.2, 96.8 Ultratech Ce, 889, 889, 873.2, 878.7 Union Bank O, 321, 323.45, 319.1, 320.95 Unitech Ltd, 89, 90.6, 85.85, 86.15 United Phosp, 184, 187.75, 181.75, 184.75 Videocon Ind, 236, 240.45, 233, 234.15 Vijaya Bank, 74.35, 75, 73.4, 73.85 Voltas Ltd, 210, 210.7, 203.7, 204.3 Wipro Ltd, 433, 433, 417.1, 418.95 Yes Bank Lim, 303, 305.5, 299.4, 300.5 Zee Entertai, 311.9, 315.5, 307.5, 308.8

OHERALDO

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BIZ

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GOA, THURSDAY, 12 AUGUST, 2010

New roaming facility for foreign tourists by Airtel HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 11

Buoyed by research that reveals 80% of its air telecom traffic from Goa is roaming, Bharti Airtel will soon launch ‘Tourist Pack’, an innovative product which the company feels will enable foreign tourists visiting the State stay connected with friends and family back home.

On his first visit to Goa and at his first media briefing at a starred resort, here, on Wednesday, Anant Arora, Chief Operating Officer – Maharashtra and Goa Mobile Services, said, “This product is Goa-specific and aimed at international tourists flocking in big numbers from UK, Russia and the Gulf. Technically it is ready and by next week we are launching the same.”

Describing a bit about the product, Arora mentioned when a foreigner arrives here he or she will have to buy a separate SIM card for which the company will ask for the requi-

Ashok Leyland wins $26 mn Lankan order UNI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group flagship firm, today said it has bagged an order worth 26 million dollars for 1,000 buses from the People's Leasing Company in Sri Lanka.

Delivery of the 1,000 'Viking' buses, with varying seaters, will commence with immediate effect and have to be completed before March 2011. ''This represents the company's largest single order for buses from that country,'' the auto giant said in a statement.

The order is partly funded by the Asian Development Bank. ''With Lanka Ashok Leyland, a joint venture between the Government of Sri Lanka and Ashok Leyland that was formed in 1983, we have been playing a vital role in helping develop the country's economy ,'' Ashok Leyland Managing Director R Seshasayee said in a statement.

This facility is Goaspecific and aimed at international tourists flocking in big numbers from UK, Russia and the Gulf.

Technically it is ready and by next week we are launching the same.

-- Arora, Chief Operating Officer

site documents which will be verified. “The tourist pack is largely aimed at foreigners, but even domestic tourists can avail of its benefit,” he mentioned.

Priced at Rs 400 with a talktime of Rs 360, the Tourist Pack offers all local and STD calls at one paisa per second with 30 ISD SMS free. For national roaming, customers calling an-

other Airtel number will be charged 60 paisa per minute for outgoing as well as incoming. Calls made on non-Airtel number will be charged 80 paisa per minute.

To give international callers maximum benefits call rates have been significantly slashed for countries like Russia, China, UK and USA. The local and STD tariff will be valid for one year from the time of subscription, whereas the ISD tariff will be valid for 30 days.

Arora observed the socioeconomic profile of tourists arriving in Goa has changed drastically. “Our research on the usage habit of the tourists also goes on to prove that the product which offers roaming facility at a subsidised rate will do well,” he stated.

Answering a question on Airtel’s connectivity front, he admitted, “There are some gaps in the network and more towers are required. This is a separate issue and we are handling it.”

Sony PIX eyes 25% market share PTI HYDERABAD, AUG 11

English movie network Sony PIX, which is eyeing to increase its share in Hollywood film channel space, is betting big on social networking site Face-

Actress and brand ambassador for Sky Mobiles, Zarine Khan poses at the launch of Sky Mobiles in Kolkata, on Tuesday.

PETA finds jewellery design ‘fishy’ PTI MUMBAI, AUG 11

Terming as "cruel" the usage of live fish in a necklace, animal rights group PETA is contemplating action against city-based jewellery designer Lakshya Pahuja.

This is the second time PETA has taken on Pahuja. In 2007, the designer received flak for the same neck piece design which traps a betta fish in an acrylic block.

"This is a cruel and unimaginative act. This is a matter of grave concern affecting the life of a fish, which will be trapped in a necklace. This is an act of deliberate cruelty and cause unimaginable distress, suffering and likely death to the fish," PETA India Coordinator Sachin Bangera said.

Pahuja is set to showcase the design again at an international jewellery show beginning here from August 15.

"The designer must be heartless and falling short of new ideas for again deciding to entomb living fish inside a necklace and show the jewellery as his 'creation'," he said.

Sylvia Earle, a leading marine biologist, condemned the move and said, "fish are sensitive, intelligent animals capable of feeling pain and suffering."

Meanwhile, Pahuja, speaking to PTI defended his creation. "I am using fighter fish for the neckpiece and it absolutely requires no oxygen. I am doing this for a social cause and not making money out of it.

Also, I am not doing this for any publicity

as alleged by PETA," he said.

The necklace, adorned with diamonds, is called 'Lakshwadeep', and has a case containing a small fighter fish. It has been used as a prop, Pahuja informed.

PETA has written a letter to Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) asking them to send a notice to Pahuja as this is an act of deliberate cruelty in contravention of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act. "We have written a letter to AWBI demanding that the designer must not use a fish in this way," Bangera said adding "if he does not comply to our demand we will have to take strict action against him."

Pahuja, however said that PETA has not met me in person and brought forward this issue. "We can meet and discuss the issue,"

Polycom signs strategic agreement with Microsoft HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 11

Polycom Inc, a global leader in unified communications solutions with industry-leading telepresence, video, voice and infrastructure solutions built on open standards, has signed

a multi-year, strategic global agreement with Microsoft Corp to deliver integrated end-toend unified communications (UC) and to improve customers’ business productivity.

Polycom has expanded this relationship to include unique,

natively integrated Polycom solutions and coordinated go-tomarket initiatives for Microsoft unified communications.

Under the agreement, Polycom plans to develop and market standards-based UC solutions encompassing soft-

ware, hardware, networking and services that span the enterprise, small-to-medium business, and government markets; and will enable customers to improve business productivity and reduce travel, telecom and IT operating costs.

425 MP villages to get solar power PTI BHOPAL, AUG 11

Madhya Pradesh Non Conventional Energy Minister Ajay Vishnoi today said solar power will energise around 425 villages in the state by the end of this financial year.

"Solar energy will reach around 425 villages by the end of this financial year," Vishnoi told reporters here. He said so far Solar energy has already lit up 245 villages in the state.

book and a self created club.

PIX Movie Club is a special initiative to encourage students to watch the best new Hollywood movies, it said.

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Thursday, 12 Aug, 2010

Cooking while Fasting and in Prayer

Tourism

Parenting

Pg14

Goa’s Shutterbugs get Official!

The official launch of Goan Shutterbugs on August 19, World Photography Day, at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao will give the art form in the state, a boost. Herald looks into the journey of this photography association

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES hotography has captured the minds of people of Goa with great intensity.

From the various competitions and contests to the numerous workshops, the fan following of photography has grown, quantitatively and qualitatively.

The art has caught up tremendously with the various photography groups and clubs formed in the state. One such group that has evolved and grown from a club to an association is the Goan Shutterbugs. The photography association which is being formally launched on World Photography Day had a humble beginning.

“Once while surfing the net, I came across photography clubs around the world whoich organised photo walks and thought of starting something similar in Goa. We named the group Goan Shutterbugs, and then I designed a logo with a bug holding a camera,” says Lynn Barreto Miranda of the Goan Shutterbugs.

The group had started their journey on World Photography Day last year and in a year, it has grown significantly from being just a meeting ground of seven photography enthusiasts to a club with more than 250 members associated with under it. In tune with the growth, the association felt the need to channelise their activities and the members have registered the Goan Shutterbugs under the Societies Act. We now have Goa’s first formal photography association.

Since its inception, the Shutterbugs have been spotted at various cultural events, clicking away the various sights of life “We have organised various competitions with regard to photography,” says Sanjeev Sardesai, the media coordinator. The association has had various exhibitions and competitions like the ‘Capturing the Unseen at Ancestral Goa’ or ‘Capturing the Emotions’ and the carnival and Shigmo Festivals, which got a tremendous response of about 2500

P The Holy month of Ramadan has begun.

While the holy period of rigorous fast has begun, Herald delves behind the home curtains to discover the love and sacrifice the women put in to prepare the important ‘iftar’

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES he auspicious month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Islamic prophet, Prophet Muhammad has begun. It calls for a thirty day period of fasting and sacrifice, a month that is most auspicious and revered by Muslims everywhere. Distance between families and the busy, daily schedules of modern living come in the way of family get-togethers. But the preparations that go into the ‘sehri’ or the beginning of the fast and the ‘iftar’, which is the breaking of the fast is an opportunity to bridges these gaps.

Cooking, and the related activity that comes along with it allow women to have some light moments during the holy month. The more the women involved, the merrier, and this is particular of families that invite extended families over. Large, joint families are testimony to this too.

Muslim tradition states that a newly-wed bride is to leave the family of her childhood to live with that of her husband’s. This time together allows married women who don’t often meet to catch up with family members and other female friends. In addition, the activities strengthen bonds and also help create new ones. Imagine a kitchen full of women, young and old, putting together a simple meal to be eaten in the wee hours of the morning? The very thought is filled with awe!

“Preparation of the food begins one to two and half hours prior to the ‘iftar’. The fruit is kept aside to be skinned and cut, there’s ‘bhajia’ batter on one of the kitchen waiting to be fried, it’s a warm feeling of being besides each other, helping each other,” Neha Sheikh elucidates, about her experiences during the holy month. Another Muslim girl shares her feelings, “watching people sharing the very food they have all put effort into is a lovely feeling and being a part of it is even lovelier.”

Hang around a mosque during the season of Ramadan and the sights of ‘iftar’ will meet your eye. This involves a joint breaking of the fast by the men of the community. As women are not allowed inside the mosque, for them, ‘iftar’ is a domestic affair, but the religious sentiment is similar. While men are most religiously partaking in the ‘fajar ki namaz’ before the ‘iftar’ women are doing the same, at home.

Away from the walls of the kitchen, that has witnessed the sharing of activities and swapping of tales now brings us to a solemn group of women waiting to take part in the daily ‘iftar’ or breaking of the fast.

T

“Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with ‘kajurs’ or dates, so the first thing we eat to break our fast is a date,” says a

young Muslim girl, who has just begun working this year. Like her, many more women are stepping out of the domestic scene and into schools, colleges and workplaces. Just like the men it becomes increasingly difficult for them to hold a fast with demands from work. But these are difficulties they go through with, sacrifices they adhere too.

As the tradition goes, the fast begins at an early hour in the morning, anytime between four and five ‘O’ clock. All through the day one cannot even swallow their spit, such is the level of abstinence. And Muslims everywhere are dedicated to their tradition and follow it religiously, we learn. ‘Namaz’ is to be performed five times a day and the Quran is to be read.

Performing these religious activities amidst the demands of their work, women of the state passionately reveal, “This is the month of Ramadan, the month that calls for us to go through with difficulties, and make sacrifices.”

“When you are aware of the true meaning of Ramadan, you are spiritually and mentally prepared,” strongly concludes a female Muslim student.

entries. Another event was the Feni Festival at the Big Foot. “We prefer to click and promote anything Goan, with the culture and traditions of the place. We have been trying to get the various feasts and festivities captured, be it the Sao Joao or the Shigmo,” explains Sanjeev.

Photography has caught the eye of the public in the recent times and with the coming of digital cameras, the art has become extensive. “The art of photography, I think, had caught the attention of the world when the National Geographic Magazine had brought out the picture of the Afghan Girl; with that, photogra-

phy took a new turn,” says Sanjeev. Digital cameras made the art more user-friendly with the absence of film and the hassles of developing it, giving the photographer instant results. “The photographer now knows what and how he has clicked and can check the image there and then,” adds Sanjeev.

The Goan Shutterbugs are trying their best to promote the art and with this aim, they have planned to have interactions with various masters in the field who could help in imparting their knowledge and expertise to the other budding photographers. Another idea they plan to put into practice is the creation of an equipment pool, which would help the photographers to tap their talents and use the equipments on minimal rental rates. “At Goan Shutterbugs there are no pre-requisites for how long you must have been a photographer or what kind of gear you are carrying! Whether you have a simple point & shoots or advanced DSLRs or even a mobile camera phone, all are welcome to join,” says Lynn.

‘I did not receive any Threat Calls’ fame, Wendell hion guru of international Affirms Goa’s esteemed fas designer himself nd clarification from the ace Rodricks. Herald gets firstha

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E It's time to get your project going -- prepare everything then get people onboard. Routines (21 Mar – 19 Apr) are important to maintain right now, so make sure that you're keeping at whatever keeps your schedule flowing. It's one of those days that feels like every other, but that's okay by you.

An awkward encounter with a former foe ends well -- there were no grudges held. You're in (23 Sep – 22 Oct) a weird position today - and might find it easiest to do nothing at all, rather than keep pushing in one direction just to find that it's been wasted effort the whole time.

Take it easy and don't over do it. Your plans are ambitious but not all possible. Your terrific energy (20 Apr – 20 May) is making life a lot more fun for you and your friends or coworkers. It's a privilege to hang out with you right now, so make sure that people get to share your good times.

Stuck in a win-win situation? Decisions are hard ... but there's no bad choice! You can keep (23 Oct – 21 Nov) (and create) secrets like nobody else, and today, that vital talent is more important than ever.

It might not be life-or-death, but your ability to handle sensitive info is worth gold.

Things have been either good or bad, black or white -- what is this telling you? Your family (21 May – 21 Jun) is sending you some very weird -- or mixed -- messages right now, and you need to sort out what is really going on. You may need to push things out a few days, but that's no big deal.

Right now, you have all the answers -- and everyone knows. Expect advice-seekers. Your boss (22 Nov – 21 Dec) o r s o m e o n e el s e i n power is having a bad day -- and that means everyone else is, too!

You just need to deal with it and hope things get better soon, because their mood is beyond your control.

A partnership with the Libra in your life shows you different ideas. Explore them. Your ability (22 Jun – 22 Jul) to let others know what's on your mind is peaking, and while it may be fun at first, you should get right down to business soon. It's a good time to write memos -- and love notes.

To stay sharp, keep challenging yourself -pick a tough goal and get to work! Plot your (22 Dec – 19 Jan) course in meticulous detail today -- it's easier than ever for you to hold spreadsheets in your head and to make the most of your great mental energy. The future looks bright!

A new friendship is developing -- if offers new communication. Listen and share. You've got (23 Jul – 22 Aug) to deal with a financial issue that has been plaguing you for a while, but it's easier than ever to get help. You may not feel totally up to it, but it's not all that hard, really.

Stimulation is good. Expose yourself to something new and feel a re-awakening. Business (20 Jan – 18 Feb) can be tougher than usual, thanks to those who seem to think they know everything. You are sure there's more to any given situation than can be easily seen, but good luck convincing your peers!

Take what is important to you and share it -your values define who you are. You should feel (23 Aug – 22 Sep) great as you find that you've reached a new milestone of some kind -- at your work, in your love life or maybe in some deeply personal field. It's easy to build out from there!

Your biggest challenge isn't finding a path -- it's picking one. Think longterm. Relationship issues (19 Feb – 20 Mar) are cropping up now, and you need to make sure that you are dealing with them directly. You're feeling stable enough to handle almost anything, though not everyone shares your faith.

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES ews flashed through PTI yesterday stated that a fashion show to be held in Guwahati, with the participation of ace designers Ritu Kumar and Wendell Rodricks, was postponed after organisers claimed they received threat calls but that the police dismissed the claims. According to the report, Paramita Saha, CEO of Arts Forward had said, “The event has been postponed due to security reasons as we thought it unwise to hold it following the threat calls.”

So, did our ace fashion guru receive any threat calls?

Wendell Rodricks says, “No, I did not receive any threat calls. In any case I do not take calls from numbers not in my cell. So, the odds of me answering a threat call is zero.”

So why has the ace designer opted out of the fashion show? Rodricks clarifies, “Some time ago, I was invited to do

N

the grand finale for the North East India fashion weekend.

At that time, I had agreed. But after some time, I received news that there is a possibility of there being some trouble as this show was scheduled for Independence Day. I know the DGP of Guwahati, Mr Kashyap personally. So, thereby keeping in mind our safety, the organisers did pre-pone the event to the 13th of August, and now I hear it has been postponed.”

He continues, “As for opting out of this event, it had nothing to do with any calls of threat. In the beginning I had agreed to do the event, but later on when I got to see the invite and the logo, I had to turn it down as it was sponsored by another whiskey brand whereas I have always been associated with Seagram’s and Chivas Regal for many years.

In fact, I had opted out some time ago, in March itself. It had nothing to do with any threat calls.”

He concludes, “Yes, I did hear reports that my other colleagues had got threatening calls, but later I got to know from them that this was fake.”

Beckham not kicking a Role Around in MI-4 D

avid Beckham, famed soccer player and best friend to Tom Cruise, will not be appearing in ‘Mission: Impossible IV’.

It was earlier reported that Cruise allegedly wanted “big stars” for the flick and had suggested David for a small cameo role that would be significant to the plot. But Tom Cruise has now dismissed a report claiming that he wants Beckham to appear in MI-4.

A Cruise rep has denied rumours that Beckham is coming aboard the action franchise to play a pivotal role. The gossip was that Cruise wanted to use Beckham’s fame to raise the profile of the fourth film. A source claimed that the actor wanted to cash in on Beckham's "huge following" to boost the upcoming action sequel’s box office.

“This is blown out of proportion,” said Cruise’s spokesperson.

Clarifying Cruise’s take on Beckham, the rep explains: “He (Cruise) was asked a simple question on a press tour about if he thinks David would be a good actor and he said yes… then it ran into the ether in a crazy way that doesn’t represent what he said.”

So, if you were hoping to see Beckham with Cruise on the big screen, it might just be a mission… impossible.

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

GOA’S HEARTBEAT Thursday, 12 Aug, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

A cultural programme will be held on August 14 at 5pm at Senior Citizens Recreation Center, Pedda, Margao. Registration closes on August 13. Call 2700886.

The annual fourth state level patriotic group singing competition for primary and middle school students, organised by Jagannath Shet Kala Saunstha, Cortalim will take place on August 14 at 4pm at Manguesh Maharudra Sabhagrah, Cortalim. Call 9890225690.‘TriNation Trio’,amusicconcertfeaturingSabineEhsheidt from Germany on viola, Lin Lin Fan from China on the piano and Sanya Cotta fromIndiaon the violin will be held onAugust 13from6:45pmattheKalaAcademy,Panjim.

Call 2420452.

A talk by Arvind Kejriwal, social activist, organisedbytheDirectorateofArtandCulture, the Kala Academy and the Department of Personnel, will take place on August 12 at 4:30pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘Development of Synergetic Framework and Mechanism for Establishment of Science Clubs in the State of Goa’, a 3-day interactive workshop, organised by Vigyan Prasar, a constituent of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India in union with the Science Technology Council and Directorate of Education, Goa is being held till August 13 at the Goa Science Centre, Miramar.

‘Coasts, Coastal Populations and their Concerns’, a seminar organised

by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the Goa Union of Journalists will be held on August 13 and 14 at the Goa University, Taleigao plateau. Call 9822179125.

The Goods and Service Tax, International Financial Reporting Standards and Transfer Pricing will be the topics for discussion at an interactive session organized by the Goa

safari Function Noun Meaning 1: the caravan and equipment of a hunting expedition especially in eastern Africa; such a hunting expedition 2: journey Example Sentence Last summer, I treated my family to an exotic African safari.

Fashion

Travel

INGS email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Tourism

‘D

Coconut-breaking and Much More HERALD FEATURES he youth of Dugrem, Agacaim, had organised a cultural programme to celebrate the feast of St Lawrence. The programme also played host to the 40th All Goa Coconut Breaking Contest, besides a host of folk music and dances. With over a dozen contestants smashing coconuts, the contest was a rave and had participation from all over the state.

The fun activities did not just end there.

There was a magic show by magician Anil, who entertained the crowds with his tricks during the 20-minute magic show. This was followed by the Konkani cultural programme comprising folk dances and songs, with some well known artists entertaining the crowds.

For the sport lovers there was a volleyball match between the teams of Merces and Santacruz. The children were given a platform to showcase their talent and creativity in the fancy dress competition for those below the age of 12.

In all, it was a day of fun, frolic and fiesta, entertaining people of all ages.

T

“When a man steals your wife, there is no better revenge than to let him keep her.”

– Sacha Guiltry DAILY GROOK PRETTY PITY

by Francis Rodrigues io win miss universe she just wasn't able, and what's even worse now she's miss'erable!

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 628 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

Medical Book released under GKA’s New Writers Scheme HERALD FEATURES r Dinesh Khavante, a well known ear, nose and throat doctor, recently released his first book, ‘Kan Bhed’dpon ani Upai’ which was published through Goa Konkani Akademi under the new writers scheme. Goa Konkani Akademi has been implementing various publication schemes to encourage new writers from various academic fields. As part of the scheme, writers are encouraged to write on medical writings.

The book is published in Devnagiri script and was released on August 9, 2010. “The book is regarding the ear as an organ. Some of the topics in the book are the anatomy of the ear, functions of the ear, infections and precaution to be taken when dealing with the ear. I have also written about ear deafness, treatments, deafness in children and earring aids,” says Dr Dinesh Khavante, a practising doctor currently working with Hospicio, Margao.

“Most of the parents get devastated when they realise that their children are deaf but now we have cochlear implants which can be done on one year olds also. They then have to go through intensive speech and auditory training. I have even mentioned the effects of loud sounds on our ears,” adds Dr Dinesh.

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11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 15:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 15:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 19:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 22:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 22:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan

11:20 Pearl Harbor 14:50 Charlie Bartlett 16:55 The Ramen Girl 19:00 Witless Protection 21:00 Bruce Almighty 23:05 Pretty Woman

11:00 Batman Forever 13:30 Rocknrolla 15:45 Batman 19:00 The Time Machine 21:00 Eagle Eye 23:30 Duplicity

08:00 Haste Raho Club 10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

11:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

14:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta ...

16:30 Papad Pol 17:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

18:30 Papad Pol 19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale

08:30 Imtihaan 14:25 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 16:30 Insaaf Ka Tarazu 20:00 Farishtay

23:25 The Visitor

09:30 Banaras 12:30 Kishan Arjun 16:00 Chocolate 20:00 Ram Aur Shyam

08:30 Chal Mere Bhai 12:00 Mann 16:30 Good Boy, Bad Boy 20:00 Kayda Kanoon 23:45 50 Lakh

10:00 Click 12:10 Ultraviolet 14:00 G.I. Jane 16:30 The Quiet American 18:35 The Hottest State 21:00 The Gift

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00

Anokha Bandhan Khiladi Phool Aur Kaante Ram Lakhan

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 20:00 Papad Pol 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta..

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 22:00 Lapataganj 22:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai

11:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30

India's Magic Star Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Dill Mill Gayye Mile Jab Hum Tum Geet Rang Badalti Odhni

16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00

Dill Mill Gayye Mile Jab Hum Tum Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Dill Mill Gayye Mile Jab Hum Tum Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Dill Mill Gayye Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh Mile Jab Hum Tum Geet Rang Badalti Odhni

09:00 Mondo Magic Singapore 11:00 Fear Factor

12:00 Masters of Illusion 13:00 Whacked Out Sports 14:00 Wipeout 15:00 Mondo Magic Singapore 15:30 Slamball 17:00 Estate of Panic 18:00 Fear Factor 19:00 Wipeout 20:00 Scare Tactics 21:00 Sports Crash 22:00 Destination Truth

10:30 How I Met Your Mother 11:00 MasterChef Australia 11:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

12:00 Glee 13:00 Castle 14:00 Criminal Minds 15:00 Ugly Betty 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 Friends 17:00 Criminal Minds 18:00 Glee 19:00 Castle : Ghosts 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 MasterChef Australia 22:00 Criminal Minds

2009/10 : Final: Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan 14:00 Sri Lanka Triangular Series in 2010 H/ls : 1st ODI: New Zealand vs. India 16:00 Moto GP H/ls : Red Bull U.S Grand Prix-Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca 17:00 WWE: Raw 19:00 The Inside Story : MicroMax Tri Series:(Ind,SL, Zimb) 19:30 Race It 20:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 20:30 ATP 1000 Masters : Last

11:00 Rogers Masters 17:00 TNA Impact 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 TNA Ppv : Turning Point

13:00 Animal Impact : Jungles 14:00 True Stories : Lockdown 14:00 Big : Ferrari 16:00 Monkey Thieves : Skid Row 16:30 Nat Geo Junior 17:00 Most Amazing Moments 18:00 Big : Angkor Wat

10:00 Fina Aquatics World 10:30 KIA X Games Asia 2010 11:00 Ricoh Women's British Open 2010 H/ls 12:00 Barclays Premier League 09/10 : Manchester City vs.

Tottenham Hotspur 14:00 MLB Regular Season 2010 : New York Yankees vs.

Texas Rangers 17:00 ISKA World Championships 17:30 Football Crazy 18:00 Evian Masters 2010 : Day 4 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Champions League Twenty20 2009 H/ls : Group Stage: Cape Cobras vs. Otago Volts 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia

12:00 UEFA Champions League

08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Face-2-Face Ravi Naik 11:30 Geo Natal Fashion Show 12:00 Bharat Amcho Des 12:30 Holy Sprit Hymn Singing 13:00 English News 14:00 Juke Box Hindi 14:30 Naad Abhisheki 15:00 Snaden Shawn Dance 15:00 Face-2-Face Ravi Naik 15:30 HCN Smash Hits 17:00 Treasure Attic 17:30 Bharat Amcho Des 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Straight Talk 22:00 English News 23:00 Concert of classical music 23:30 Konkani Duet Note: Subject to change

HERALD CROSSWORD - 629 Across 1- Like a recluse; 9- Overhaul; 15- Spanish Miss; 16Dodges; 17- Bed; 18- Alberta's home; 19- Switch ending; 20- Mall-goer, often; 22- Component of organic fertilizer; 26- Fishermen; 27Damage; 29- Sun. talk; 30Hwy.; 31- Random; 33Geneva's lake; 38- Person of great influence; 39Lack of success; 41Neighborhoods; 42- Accessory; 43- Georgia, once: Abbr.; 46- Hawaiian acacia; 47- Best; 48- Resident of Canadian region; 52Chou ___; 54- Specialist in religious law; 56- Celestial body; 59- Threefold; 60Manner; 64- Wholly; 65Pressured; 66- Closer; 67Most lucid; Down 1- Salinger girl; 2- Back; 3Group of attendants; 4- Engine; 5- Like some vbs.; 6- Bind; 7T.G.I.F. part; 8- Dramatic troupe; 9- Of late occurrence; 10- In keeping with the Gospels; 11- Artificial waterway; 12- Maxim; 13- Passover feast; 14- Autocratic Russian rulers; 21- Decoration at the top of a chair leg; 23- Kill; 24- Milk source; 25- Della's creator; 27Baby's cry; 28- Rent-___; 32Actress Merkel; 34- Biblical

Parenting

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HERALD FEATURES evelopment of Synergetic Framework and Mechanism for Establishment of Science Clubs in the State of Goa’, a three-day interactive scientific workshop was inaugurated at the Goa Science Centre. The workshop, from August 11 to 13, 2010 is jointly organised by Vigyan Prasar, a constituent of the Ministry of Science and Technology Government of India Science Technology Council, Directorate of Education, Goa, and Goa Science Centre. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr G N Nayak, Professor in Department of Marine Science Goa University.

The objective of the workshop is establishing Science Clubs in institutions to facilitate the child scientist to increase their potential for development in Science and Technology research and headway in child scientists. It will also be a platform to motivate the young minds towards enhancing the proficiency and knowledge.

Around 200 science teachers and 100 Heads of Institutions will be imparted the knowledge and mechanism for establishing Science Clubs in their respective institutions. Dr Nayak advised teachers, “Scientific knowledge is a powerful tool today in the field of development and the teachers are the catalyst for linking the class room academic to field based activities. Children should be curious to know more and more on the application of science and curiosity of various problems through their intellect, and the teacher plays a major role in finding a solution to the problem.”

Dr Joseph de Souza Rauto, Chief Scientist and State Coordinator of the project who welcomed the delegates said, “Majority of students decline to opt for Science at school and at higher secondary level, whilst enrolment in other disciplines is increasing; if this trend continues it will be a matter of grave concern as the consequences could be adverse.” He added that since there also is a large constituent of students opting for international and inter-state migration for academic enhancement, there is an urgent need to bring tangible inputs for strengthening the Science and Technology system at the institutional level.

The science clubs established would be involved in science and technology based activities, programmes and also would address issues relevant to waste management, climate change, biodiversity, disaster management, rain and roof water management. Dr Ajay Mahajan and Dr Anuj Sinha, Senior Scientist and Director, Vigyan Prasar, Ministry of Science and Technology, will be present for the interactive session on August 13, 2010.

WIZARD OF ID

11:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi

Entertainment

Importance of establishing Science Clubs

GARFIELD

13:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Comedy Circus Ke Superstars 15:00 C.I.D 19:30 Godh Bharaai 20:00 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Indian Idol : Shaan 22:00 Boogie Woogie Kids Championship 2010 10:30 Aahat

EN

PEN T HAP

Funny Quote

Pronunciation se-FAR-ee

10:00 Tere Liye 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 Chhote Ustaad 15:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 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 Tere Liye 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye

CURR

Information Technology

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 629

Chamber of Commerce and Industry on August 12 from 4pm to 5:30pm at Surendrababu Timblo Hall, Panaji.

Call 2424252.A trek to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Mollem, organised by the UWA will take place on August 22. Call 9423886358 or 9420178820.

‘Cholta Cholta’, a walk around the city of Panjim, organised by Bookworm will be held on August 13. It will begin from the Azad Maidan, Panjim.

A 12-day black and white photography workshop, organised by Goa Center for Alternative Photography (Goa-CAP) will be held shortly. Email info@goa-cap.com. Call 9822087276.

A free hair and make-up workshop, organised by VLCC, Goa will be held on August 12 in Margao and August 13 and 14 in Panjim. Call 2726806807 or 2421429-430.

Amedicalcampforchildrenwithphysical deformities, organised by the Rotary Club of Panjim will be held on August 15 from10amto 12pm.

The7thfreecanineanti-rabiesvaccination and health camp, organised by the Loyola Ex-StudentsAssociationwil beheldonAugust 15 form 9:30am to 12:30pm at the Loyola High School, Margao.

The 19th annual festival of plants and fowers,organisedbythegreenheritageecoclub of St Francis Xavier’s School, Siolim will be held from August 13 to 15 at the school campus. A book, ‘Growing Vegetables Organically’ will also be released.

The firstAll Goa Menezes Rolling Trophy Coconut Breaking Contest, organised by Calangute United will be held on August 15 at 2:30pm at the Calangute Association Ground, Calangute.

‘FreedomBash’,amusicaleveningorganised

by Nostalgia, Raia, Salcete will be held on August15from11amto3pm.Call9822103467, 9822151296, 2777054 or 2777098.

Education

high priest; 35- Throng; 36- SOLUTION - 628 He sang about Alice; 37Tides that attain the least height; 39- Simulate; 40Bartlett's abbr.; 44- Mariner; 45- Hosp. workers; 48- Join the cast of; 49- Chili con ___; 50- Writer Loos; 51Giver; 53- Fall bloomer; 55Apply powder to oneself; 57- Bustles; 58- 1996 Tonywinning musical; 61- ___ Aviv; 62- ___ kwon do; 63Actress Balin;

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SPORTS

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GOA, Thursday, 12 August, 2010

Kajol bags gold HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 11

Kajol Verekar, a student of Manovikas English Medium School, Margao bagged the gold medal at West Zone Athletic Championship in Bhopal on Wednesday. She secured the gold in shot put in under-14 category with a hurl of 8.23 meters.

Verekar is a promising athlete being trained by SAI coach Awadhesh Kumar at SAG, Fatorda Salgaocar’s Technical Director, Peter Vales picking a lucky winner of Herald’s World Cup contest in the presence of Salgaocar’s head coach Karim Bencharifa, deputy general manager (advertising and marketing) Savio Monteiro (extreme right), assistant editor Jovito Lopes and HCN’s presenter, Chelsea De Sousa at HCN audition hall, Panjim on Tuesday.

St Rock’s YC rout PY Nuvem HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO , AUG 11

Kajol

Jessy claims bronze HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 11

Goa’s Jessy Vaz bagged the bronze medal in long jump at the ongoing 22nd National West Zone Junior Athletics at Tatya Tope Stadium, Bhopal on Wednesday.

Jessy, an 18-year-old, second year student of DMC College, Mapusa leapt a distance of 5.03m. She is being trained by SAI, Mapusa.

St Rock’s Youth Club, Calata-Majorda warmed up for the tougher challenges ahead with a resounding 3-0 over win over Parish Youth, Nuvem in a Group E match of Salcete Zone GFA’s Third Division League at Verna ground, on Wednesday. St Rock’s were leading 1-0 at the lemon break.

St Rock’s dominated from the start and surged ahead in the 40th minute when Wenceslau Pereira punished the rival goalkeeper with a deft placement.

Stung by the setback, Parish

Youth tried their best but failed to get past the rival rearguard.

The Majorda lads built their attacks from the flanks and created enough panic among the rival defenders after change of ends. They increased the lead when Jerry B slotted past the rival goalkeeper after he picked up a through pass from Wenceslau in the 60th minute. Samson Braganza rounded off the tally.

At St John Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim Varca Sports Club came from behind to hold Orlim Sports Club to a 3-3 draw . At half time, Orlim were leading 3-1.

Orlim started the game in right earnest when Maclino Pereira drew first blood in the 5th minute. Ten minutes later, Zico Menezes equalised with a gentle push. Stunned by the equaliser.

Orlim went into the attacking mode with Venson Parkar making it 2-1. Orlim piled on the pressure and Maclino recorded his brace.

Crossing over, Varca pulled one back throu7gh Leo Mascarenhas. With time running out, Varca made their last ditch effort and Teenyson Rocha restored parity with a snap shot.

Enfermos oust Cuncolim Union HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 11

Enfermos Sports Club, Sinquetim-Navelim beat Cuncolim Union 6-4 via the tie-breaker to march into the finals of All Goa Chinchinim-Deussua Panchayat Cup inter- village football tournament organised by CRCC at church ground, Chinchinim on Wednesday. The teams were tied 2-2 at the breather.

Cuncolim Union went into the lead when Rovan Colaco unleashed a snap shot which

beat the Navelim goalkeeper hands down.

Enfermos’ reply was on expected lines, as striker Jaison Pereira bulged the net after After missing a couple of chances, Enfermos found success midway in the second session when Jonathon Faleiro scored through a stiff shot that crashed into the net leaving the Cuncolim goalkeeper stranded.

Cuncolim Union fought gallantly and took the fight to the rival camp with well orches-

trated raid. Their persistent raids paid dividends when Daulat Dessai restored parity with a scorcher.

In the ensuing tie-breaker, Jaison Pereira, Vikas Dable, Milton Gomes, Jonathon Faleiro were on target for Enfermos while Adilson Fernandes and A. Naik converted for Cuncolim Union ..

Preston D’Costa of Cuncolim Union was adjudged man-of-the match .He received the award from Advocate Agnelo Furtado.

Zodd Modd, winners of 40th coconut breaking contest receiving the cash award from Francis Silvera, MLA in the presence of Antonio Silveira (NG Zilla Panchayat member), Piedade Fernandes (sarpanch) , Espy Alfonso (panch), Sr. Auzilea, Tony Fernandes and Raymond Vaz at Dugrem Agasaim on Tuesday.

Goa girls for sub-jr Nationals HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, AUG 11

The Goa girls team will leave for Haldwani, Uttarakhand on August 15 to participate in 7th Girls Sub-Junior Football National Championship. At the group stage they will face Bihar on August 19, Tripura on August 21 and Tamil Nadu on August 23.

Twenty-seven girls were involved in the first phase of training since July 12 at Verna ground. They were being put through their paces by coach Deggie Cardozo and manager Meena Vaz. The training was

disrupted for a short period due to the exams which gave the coach time to assess his options before finally cutting down the squad to 20 who are currently being trained at Candolim.

Deggie who plays for Calangute Association in the GFA First Division has learnt a great deal in the off-season, technically and tactically. In May he undertook the AFC C Licence football coaching course conducted byIndian goalkeeping coach Marcus Pacheco. Manager, Meena Vaz who hails from Quepem, was a part of the Goa

GOA DIARY

Tie-breaker at St Cruz

PANJIM (HSD) – The St Agostinho Boys will organise their 1st all-Goa 2-a-side tie-breaker on August 14 at St Agostinho ward, near Dempo House, Santa Cruz from 8 p.m. The winners and runners-up will receive Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 6,000 respectively.

Other consolation prizes will also be awarded. Spot entries will be accepted. Details may be obtained on 9923384133.

Football festival at St Cruz

United team which lifted last season’s GFA women’s title. She also represented the Goa University athletics team. “I am looking forward to the championship, as our girls have worked very hard,” stated Meena.

Wesley, Manguesh in cadet finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 11

Wesley Rosario will play Varun Gangodkar in mini-cadet finals of LESA Carmo Memorial Major Ranking Table Tennis Tournament at Loyola school hall, Margao.

Wesley got the better of Aditya Kalro 11-5, 11-5, 11,5; Varun Gangodkar beat Gandhar Thakur 115, 11-6, 11,9 en route to the finals.

In the semi-finals (cadet boys), Siddhant Parekh played his heart out before going down to Manguesh Sacordekar 5-11, 119, 10-12, 9-11. Wesley beat Nandan Sancordekar 11-5, 11-7, 12-10.

PANJIM (HSD) – The Jolly Boys Sports Club, St Cruz, will organise their 5th all-St Cruz football match between Married and Unmarried on August 15 at St Agostinho ground, Santa Cruz at 5 p.m. The Under-11 football match between Corte Real and St Agostinho Boys, the under-14 match between St Sebastian SC bandh and St Agostinho Boys and the under-21 football match between Cabesa Boys and St Agostinho Boys will be also played on the same day from 3.30 p.m. Details may be obtained from Mariano Ricardo Araujo or contact on 9158372649.

Chess selection trials for ladies

PANJIM (HSD) – The JCI, St Inez in association with SAG under the aegis of Goa Chess Association will conduct the all-Goa Shripad Vishnu Kamat Tarcar memorial selection chess championship for ladies on August 12 at the SAG conference hall, indoor stadium, Campal to select women to participate in 37th National Women's B Challenger Championship in Guwahati, Assam. Players have been asked to report at the venue at 9 a.m.

Chess tourney at Curchorem

MARGAO (HC) -- Curchorem Chess Club in association with GCA and SAG will conduct the junior under-19 State Chess championship- cum-selection trials for boys and girls from August 14 to 17 at SAG sports complex, Curchorem. Top four boys and girls will be selected for the Nationals to be held in Orissa from September 20. Details can be obtained from Sanjay Kavlekar on 9823258711, Avinash Malvankar on 9850271759, Swapnil Hoble on 9881776689 or Arvind Mhamal, secretary, Goa Chess Association. Entries close on August 14 at 9 a.m.

Third Division football: Siolim Sodiem Sports and Cultural Association v. Tropa Sports and Cultural Association, Siolim ground; St Sebastian SC, Benaulim v. Cavelossim YA, Mobor, Dando ground, Benaulim; United Club of Utorda v. Pax of Nagoa SC, Verna ground. Kick off 4.15 p.m.

Chinchinim-Deussua panchayat cup soccer semis: CRC, C h i n c h i n i m v. C u r t o r i m Gymkhana, church ground, Chinchinim, 4.30 p.m.

LESA Carmo memorial TT: All girls’ events, Loyola hall, Margao, 4 p.m.

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Pg17

SPORTS GOA, Thursday, 12 August, 2010

Goalline technology on IFAB agenda: Blatter REUTERS SINGAPORE, AUG 11

The issue of goalline technology is on the agenda for the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) October meeting, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said today.

Blatter told a news conference in Singapore that IFAB, the body responsible for determining the rules of the sport, had agreed in their July meeting to put the issue on their agenda for their official gathering in Wales from October 19-20. ''At this meeting (in October), we will bring the point of goalline technology,'' Blatter told reporters. ''It is now on the this agenda.''

The debate on the of the use of technology was raised again when England's Frank Lampard was denied a goal in their World Cup second round defeat to Germany in June, despite television replays showing the ball clearly crossing the goalline.

Soccer remains one of the few major sports to resist the use of technology, with tennis,

FIFA president Sepp Blatter (2nd right) walks to a conference room along with Zainudin Nordin (2nd left) the president of the Football Association of Singapore, Chung Mong-Joon (left) FIFA Organising Committee chairman and Mohamed Bin Hammam (right), president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Wednesday.

cricket, rugby, NBA basketball and American football all using applied science successfully.

Blatter, who is in Singapore to open the men's and women's soccer tournaments for the in-

augural Youth Olympic Games, said that he was in favour of using technology to rule on such contentious decisions providing it was reliable. ''My personal opinion on goal

AFA chief broke his word on Maradona, says Tevez in December to see Argentina through to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a job Batista, who played alongside Maradona in the 1986 World Cup-winning team, is keen to land.

PCB to issue fresh notice to Younis

German Osieck appointed new Australia coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board has again threatened to issue a fresh show cause notice to former captain and senior batsman Younis Khan.

The PCB is apparently upset over the fact that Younis has yet to contact them regarding his case after the appellate tribunal of the board lifted ban from him in June.

"Younis has not bothered to contact us at all over his case and if he does not talk to us then we will have to issue a fresh show cause notice to him as the appellate tribunal has said the case has to be disposed off," PCB legal advisor, Tafazzul Rizvi said.

He said that though the appellate tribunal had removed the ban from Younis that was imposed in March after the Australian tour, it had also stated that the board must resolve the

German Holger Osieck has been appointed the new coach of the Australian national team, the Football Federation Australia (FFA) said today.

Osieck, who was an assistant to Franz Beckenbauer when West Germany won the 1990 World Cup, replaces Dutchman Pim Verbeek who vacated the post after this year's finals in South Africa.

The 61-year-old led Canada to a Gold Cup triumph in 2000 and has also coached Turkish club Fenerbahce. His most recent work was at Japanese club Urawa Reds, who he led to the Asian Champions League title in 2007.

Osieck was presented by FFA chairman Frank Lowy in a live telecast from Ljubljana, where the Socceroos play Slovenia in a friendly later on Wednesday.

Argentina's soccer chief Julio Grondona broke his word when the ruling body did not renew Wo r l d C u p c o a c h D i e g o Maradona's contract, striker Carlos Tevez said on Tuesday.

"Mr Grondona said Maradona could do what he liked (after the World Cup)," Tevez said, adding the AFA president had told the coach the job was still his after Argentina's 4-0 quarter-final defeat by Germany.

"In the changing room (after Argentina's elimination) Don Julio told Diego he would continue (as coach). If (Grondona) holds a meeting and I can say it to him face to face, I'll do it," the outspoken Tevez told TyC

AGENCIES KARACHI, AUG 11

issue at the earliest or issue a fresh notice to Younis if they felt he was guilty of misconduct.

"The appellate tribunal had removed the ban because it felt the p ro c e d u re adopted to impose it was not correct," Rizvi

said.

He also made it clear that if Yo u n i s f e l t h e w a s b e i n g wronged and the ban was not justified then he should approach the court of law for redressal but he needed to sort out the issue with the board.

Rizvi also said that apart from this issue, the board has every plan to issue a notice to the lawyer of Younis for making nonparliamentary remarks against the board and criticising it.

"Ahmed Qayyum will be asked to explain his remarks and statements in the media over the case," Rizvi said.

technology has never changed, I have said if we have an accurate and simple system then we will implement but so far we have not had a simple, nor an accurate system.''

IFAB decided in July to expand their use of two additional referees officiating matches with the method also being employed in the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup this

Queiroz confident on keeping Portugal job

Federer wins; Roddick withdraws

REUTERS LISBON, AUG 11

Sports when he joined the squad in Dublin for Wednesday's friendly against Ireland.

"There's a lot lacking in the AFA's word ... I say what I think and feel, I don't care if for the next match I'm in the national team or not," the Manchester City player said.

The AFA board voted against renewing Maradona's contract after the coach had said he could not accept Grondona's demand to drop of some of his coaching staff and pick new assistants.

Argentina are under interim coach Sergio Batista, who has been in charge of the juniors and steered the country to Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008.

The AFA plan to name a coach

AGENCIES ARGENTINA, AUG 11

REUTERS SYDNEY, AUG 11

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said he was confident of keeping his job and that the probe into allegations he insulted anti-doping agents could have been prevented through dialogue. ''This is a storm in a cup with no water in it,'' Queiroz told reporters yesterday. ''I am absolutely confident that in the end, once the parties have been heard, things will be cleared up. There was no dialogue before and I would like it to have existed, to avoid all this disturbance which makes no sense at all,'' he added.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is investigating allegations that Queiroz insulted anti-doping doctors during a surprise visit to the World Cup training camp in May, with local media reports saying the episode could cost the coach his job.

Queiroz said that despite the storm he is focussed on Portugal's 2012 European Championship qualifiers next month and expects to be on the bench guiding the side on September 3 at home against Cyprus and away to Norway four days later.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 11

Raising Sports Club, LadewadaMadkai defeated St Jose Boys, Shiroda via the tie-breaker 7-5 to lift the Ponda Taluka football trophy organised by United SC,

Mardol.. At regular time the teams were level 2-2.

Praveen Naik gave the lead to Raising SC while the equaliser came through Myron. Samsung increased the lead for Raising 2-1 but Myron again scored the

equaliser for St Jose Boys.

In the tie-breaker Pravin, Rezer, Jayson, Manual and Ajay scored for Raising SC and Myron, Lukas and Melison scored for Shiroda while Sherry's shoot hit the goalpost.

AGENCIES TORONTO, AUG 11

Roger Federer beat pesky Argentine challenger Juan Ignacio Chela 7-6 (7), 6-3 in his opening match at the Ro g e r s C u p o n Tuesday night.

The thirdranked Swiss star allowed Chela back into the first set, before prevailing in the tiebreaker. He was not as generous in the second set, which lasted 34 minutes.

Federer, seeking his third Rogers Cup title, was playing his first match since losing in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

He had largely withdrawn from the sport after his early exit, going on vacation and, aside from a handful of sponsor appearances, disconnecting from the public.

The tournament lost one big name on Tuesday when American Andy Roddick withdrew with an undisclosed illness. The eighth seed will be replaced

by France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu.

In second-round action Tuesday, Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych ousted Sergiy

Stakhovsky 6-2, 64 in 90 minutes.

Berdych, ranked No. 7 on the ATP World Tour, has won five singles titles over his career, but none this year.

Fifth seed Robin Soderling survived a scare to emerge with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over Ernests Gulbis, while Argentine David Nalbandian scraped to a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory over 10thseeded Spaniard David Ferrer.

Frank Dancevic will also play in the night cap on center court, facing off against Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka.

In other matches, Serbia’s Viktor Troicki upset 11th seed Marin Cilic 6-4, 7-6, while Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov earned a 1-6, 6-2, 7-6 win over Germany’s Philipp Petzschner.

Italy’s Fabio Fognini won 6-2, 6-4 over the Czech Republic’s Radek Stepanek in another early match.

Also, Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez has withdrawn with a left calf injury and will be replaced by India’s Somdev Devvarman.

Sharapova in second round cincinnati masters AGENCIES CINCINNATI, AUG 11

Maria Sharapova battled to a 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 victory over in-form Russian compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova to reach the second round of the Cincinnati Masters on Tuesday.

While the 10th seeded Sharapova was successful on her Cincinnati debut, top seed Jelena Jankovic opened the defence of her crown with a familiar taste of victory at the venue, a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 second round win over Russia's Vera Dushevina.

Kuznetsova arrived fresh off a victory in San Diego on Sunday and her first round clash against Sharapova did not disappoint as a contest between two multi-Grand Slam winners returning to form.

Sharapova, winner of three Grand Slams including the 2006 US Open, broke Kuznetsova in the ninth game of the opening set to take early control of their match.

But Kuznetsova, the first Russian to win the US Open with her

Raising SC lift Ponda Trophy

Raising SC players receiving the trophy and cash prize from Jayant Tari in the presence of Dr Madhu, Dr G Mardolkar.

season after it debuted in the Europa League last year.

MAKING PRESENTATIONS The 74-year-old, flanked by AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam, FIFA executive committee member Chung Mong-joon and Singapore FA president Zainudin Nordin, said that a number of groups would be able to present their solutions at the meeting. ''The Cairos-Adidas system said they will have something more simple and the Italian group presented by the Italian FA said they now have a system which is absolutely accurate. ''We have the Hawk-Eye again and then a Swiss watch company Longines, they said we have something that will beat everything so in this meeting all of these people can come and present their different items.''

German manufacturers Cairos Technologies told Reuters last month that they had been asked to make changes to their product by IFAB but had heard nothing from the law-making board after rectifying the technology to appease them.

Raising SC were awarded Rs. 10,000 alongwith a trophy while St Jose Boys had to be content with Rs. 7,000.

Following individual prizes were awarded: Best player of the tournament - Viraj Dabolkar of ICC Veling. First scorer of final - Praveen Naik of Raising SC. Best disciplined team - Sharp Shooter, Khandola-Tamsule. Best player - Meryon of St. Jose Boys.

Jayant Tari, deputy collector and SDO Ponda was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guests Satish M a d ka i ka r ( p a n c h ) , P r i y a Gawade (sarpanch), Shivdas Gawade, Dr. Madhu Ghodkiker (lecturer in forensic medicine, GMC). Magan Borkar, president of the club welcomed. Mahesh Mardolkar, treasurer proposed the vote of thanks.

victory in 2004, roared back into the match by sweeping through the second set in just 30 minutes.

In the third, former world number one Sharapova once again benefited from her never-saydie approach by taking the initiative and surging 3-0 ahead before she broke Kuznetsova a second time in the decider to close out the match.

AMERICAN HOPE Other first round winners included, 11th seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta, who breezed past China's Zheng Jie 6-4, 62, while 12th seeded Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium dumped Hungarian qualifier Greta Arn 6-2, 6-2.

Wildcard Christina McHale will carry American hopes into the next round, advancing when 15th seed Nadia Petrova was forced to retire because of heat illness while trailing 7-6, 5-3.

McHale's teenage compatriot Melanie Oudin, who became the darling of last year's US Open by reaching the quarter-finals, will have a little more time to prepare for Flushing Meadow this year after losing 6-2, 6-3 to Russia's Elena Vesnina.

Real Madrid agree to sign Chelsea defender Carvalho AGENCIES CHELSEA, AUG 11

Real Madrid agreed to sign experienced Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho from Chelsea on a two-year contract on Tuesday.

"Real Madrid and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ricardo Carvalho," Real said on their website.

"The player will be contracted to Real Madrid for the next two seasons."

Chelsea said in a statement on their website that the deal is subject to a medical and Carvalho agreeing personal terms.

The 32-year-old will rejoin his former boss and compatriot Jose Mourinho, who replaced Manuel Pellegrini as Real coach at the end of last season after leading Inter Milan to a treble of Champions League and Italian league and cup.

Mourinho took Carvalho with him to Chelsea from Porto following their 2004 Champions League triumph and he has been a near-permanent fixture in the

centre of Chelsea's defence over the past six seasons.

He also joins up with international team mates Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real.

The Spanish club did not disclose financial details of the deal.

Local media reported the fee was 8 million euros ($10.52 million) and said Carvalho had also agreed an option for a third season.

He is Real's fifth addition to the squad since the end of the last campaign following the purchase of winger Angel Di Maria and midfielders Pedro Leon, Sergio Canales and Sami Khedira.

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SPORTS

Goalline technology on IFAB agenda: Blatter Pg 17

Kajol bags gold Pg 16

GOA, THURSDAY, 12 AUGUST, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

In BrIef India drop 6 places in FIFA rankings With less than six months to go for the AFC Asian Cup, India has dropped six places to 138 in the latest FIFA rankings released.

Bob Houghton's boys, who are yet to play an international friendly this year, lost 31 points last month and have also slipped three places to 24th in the Asian rankings. In the world rankings, India is just below Sierra Leone and is followed by fellow Asians Malaysia who have climbed three spots and also trail India In the continental rankings. In the Asian list, India is 14 points behind 25th ranked Indonesia, who are on 143 points.

Abramovich not taking over Kings XI Kings XI Punjab has denied the reports that Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich is all set to buy the Punjab-based Indian Premier League (IPL) team.Kings XI Punjab co-owner Mohit Burman, while speaking to a private TV channel, rubbised the reports which also claimed that the franchise was up for sale. Burman further agreed that they were talking to the ISIS, a UKcentred private equity firm, for the change of ownership and Abramovich is a part of ISIS. However, he clarified that sale of the team would not take place until investigations by Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax are not over.

ECB tells KP to stay away from Modi The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has asked Kevin Pietersen to stay away from suspended Indian Premier League commissioner Lalit Modi after the two were spotted before the first Test against Pakistan at Trent Bridge. According to a report published in The Telegraph, Pietersen was approached by ECB's senior management after the second Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston. "Kevin Pietersen has been warned by the England and Wales Cricket Board against having more meetings with Lalit Modi, the defrocked former commissioner of the Indian Premier League, after they were seen together in London before the first Test with Pakistan at Trent Bridge," the report said.

Blackpool sign four players Premier League newcomers Blackpool have signed four players with manager Ian Holloway making his first acquisitions of the close season to help bolster the squad, the club said. Defender Craig Cathcart joined from Manchester United on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, along with midfielders Ludovic Sylvestre, Malaury Martin and Elliot Grandin. Former France under-21 winger Grandin, now 22, signed on a twoyear deal as a free agent from CSKA Sofia having failed to settle at the 31times Bulgarian champions.

Castelen to undergo knee surgery Hamburg SV midfielder Romeo Castelen will miss the start of the Bundesliga season because of another knee injury that requires surgery, the club said. Former Dutch international Castelen, who has only managed 15 games and one goal in his three years with the Bundesliga club after being plagued by injuries, picked up a knock on his right knee during training. ''I really do not know yet where I will find the strength for yet another comeback,'' the 27-year-old said on the club website.” ''You just cannot have more bad luck,'' he said after only recently returning to full fitness. Castelen underwent surgery on his left knee in October, missing most of last season.

CL T20 teams declare line-ups AGENCIES NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Injury-plagued England allrounder Andrew Flintoff has been left out of IPL champions Chennai Super Kings' final 15member squad for next month's Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa.

Flintoff has had two knee operations in the last 12 months and will be out of action for the entire season.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led Super Kings to their maiden IPL triumph this year, will continue to captain the side.

The foreign players who found a place in the squad are retired Sri Lankan spin-wizard Muttiah Muralitharan and Thilan Thushara; Australia's Michael Hussey, Doug Bollinger and retired Matthew Hayden; and Albie Morkel of South Africa.

Three players from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will play for their 'away' team rather than their 'home' teams.

Jacques Kallis, Ross Taylor and Cameron White will line up for

RCB in South Africa from September 10 after being named by their home teams as well as their IPL franchise.

Dean Kino, CLT20 Governing Council Member and Director of Legal and Business Affairs, said RCB will compensate the respective home teams for taking away the players.

"CLT20 regulations stipulate that with Jacques Kallis, Ross Taylor and Cameron White playing for their IPL franchise instead of their home teams, RCB must compensate the Warriors, Central Stags and Victorian Bushrangers USD 200,000 each respectively," he said.

The 10 teams are loaded with stars, including Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shaun Tait, Mahela Jayawardene, Dale Steyn, Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh and Mike Hussey.

The second edition of the multi-million dollar Champions League Twenty20 was on Tuesday launched at Johannesburg, South Africa in a glittering func-

FINAL SQUADS CHENNAI SUPER KINGS MS Dhoni, S Badrinath, M Vijay, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Shadab Jakati, A Srikkanth, L Balaji, Muttiah Muralitharan, Michael Hussey, Doug Bollinger, Thilan Thushara, Albie Morkel, Matthew Hayden, Joginder Sharma.

WARRIORS Davy Jacobs, Ashwell Prince, Colin Ingram, Mark Boucher, Johan Botha, Nicky Boje, Craig Thyssen, Juan Theron, Makhaya Ntini, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Justin Kreusch, Garnett Kruger, Arno Jacobs, Lyall Meyer, Jon Jon Smuts.

tion attended by top officials of Cricket South Africa and star players including retired spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan.

CSA president Dr Nyoka, secretary Gerald Majola and CL T20 CEO Sundar Raman unveiled the glittering trophy of the USD six million prize-money Twenty20 tournament to be held for the first time in South Africa, at a city hotel.

South African players JeanPaul Duminy, Alviro Petersen, Albie Morkel, Wayne Parnell and Makhya Ntini were also present.

Raman said India will continue to be represented in future by three teams while two teams from Australia and South Africa, the two other founder members, will take part.

"We have a 10-year contract with ESPN Star Sports. The number of matches will remain 23 but regarding the increase in number of teams that is the decision of CLT20 council. Three teams from India, two each from South SAfrica and Australia will take part in future tournaments also. The other teams were on invitational basis," he said.

MUMBAI INDIANS Shikhar Dhawan, Sachin Tendulkar, Ambati Rayudu, Saurabh Tiwary, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, R Sathish, Ali Murtaza, Dhawal Kulkarni, Aditya Tare, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, JP Duminy, Lasith Malinga, Ryan McLaren.

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey, Praveen Kumar, R Vinay Kumar, Virat Kohli, Cameron White, Ross Taylor, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, Dillon du Preez, B Akhil, Abhimanyu Mithun, Nayan Doshi.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Cullen Bailey, Daniel Harris, Graham Manou, Daniel Christian, Gary Putland, Peter George, Callum Ferguson, Michael Klinger, Jake Haberfield, Tim Ludeman, Shaun Tait, Tom Cooper, Chris Duval, Cameron Borgas, Aaron O'Brien, Cullen Bailey.

VICTORIA BUSHRANGERS David Hussey, Ryan Carters, Aaron Finch, Shane Harwood, John Hastings, Brad Hodge, Andrew McDonald, Bryce McGain, Clint McKay, Glenn Maxwell, Dirk Nannes, James Pattison, Rob Quiney, Peter Siddle, Matthew Wade.

WAYAMBA Jehan Mubarak, Mahela Udawatte, Mahela Jayawardene, Jeevantha Kulatunga, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Kushal Janith Perera, Rangana Herath, Chanaka Welegedara, Ajantha Mendis, Farveez Maharoof, Thissara Perera, Damitha Hunukumbura, Shalika Karunanayake, Isuru Udana, Sameera Zoysa.

GUYANA Ramnaresh Sarwan, Royston Crandon, Lennox Crush, Travis Dowlin, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Narsingh Deonarine, Jonathan Foo, Derwin Christian, Christopher Barnwell, Esuan Crandon, Devendra Bishoo, Assad Fudadin, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Richard Ramdeen.

CENTRAL DISTRICTS Adam Milne, Bevan Griggs, Brad Patton, Brendon Diamanti, Doug Bracewell, George Worker, Jacob Oram, Jamie How, Kieran Noema-Barnett, Matthew Sinclair, Michael Mason, Mitchell McClenaghan, Peter Ingram, Seth Rance, Tim Weston.

LIONS Alviro Peterson, Thami Tsolekile, Craig Alexander, Shane Burger, Richard Cameron, Werner Coetsee, Cliffe Deacon, Zander de Bruyn, Robert Frylinck, Neil McKenzie, Ethan O'Rielly, Aaron Phangiso, Jean Symes, Jonathan Vandiar, Vaughn van Jaarsveld.

India’s 4th heaviest defeat in ODIs

* Sri Lanka beat India by 245 runs in Sharjah 2000 * Australia beat India by 208 runs in Sydney 2004 * England beat India by 202 runs in Lord's 1975 * New Zealand beat India by 200 runs in Dambulla 2010 * Australia beat India by 162 runs in Nottingham 1983 * Pakistan beat India by 159 runs in Delhi 2005 * South Africa beat India by 157 runs in Durban 2006 AGENCIES NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Batting under lights has never been easy at Dambulla and the scenario was no different on Tuesday night. India were

handed some cricketing lessons by solid New Zealand team.

Dambulla International Stadium first came into the scene in the year 2000. But since its inception, the venue has been

BCCI dismisses Modi’s demand PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

In a snub to suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi, the Indian Cricket Board today rejected his demand for the recusal of Chirayu Amin and Arun Jaitley from the disciplinary panel investigating the charges of financial irregularities against him.

Setting August 18 as the next date for the disciplinary hearing, the Board refused to oblige Modi without specifying the reasons for the decision, leaving the sidelined administrator's legal team furious.

"The request of Lalit Modi for recusal of certain members of the Disciplinary Committee is rejected," the BCCI said in a statement.

"The next hearing of the Disciplinary Committee is fixed for Wednesday August 18 at 7:30 pm at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi," it added.

Modi's lawyer Mehmood Abdi was quick to slam the BCCI for rejecting Modi's demand and threatened to take the Board to court.

"We don't consider it as a fair order. We will take appropriate legal steps after consultations with senior counsels," said Abdi, reacting to the BCCI decision.

Asked whether it meant going to a court of law, Abdi said "that is not ruled out."

Apart from Amin (the interim IPL chief) and Jaitley (BCCI vicePresident), the three-member panel also comprises Congress MP and Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association chief Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The panel has met thrice so far and Modi has been absent on all the occasions, leaving it to his legal team to present his case against allegations of financial irregularities.

The last hearing of the panel took place on August 1 after which the committee reserved its order on the contentious recusal issue.

Modi's lawyer Mehmood Abdi had then stated that the arguments on their demand of recusal of panel members Jaitley and Amin were complete.

Modi has been insisting that Jaitley and Amin recuse themselves from the panel as they are also part of the BCCI, which has made the allegations against him.

"We don't consider it as a fair order. We will take appropriate legal steps after consultations with senior counsels," said Abdi, reacting to the BCCI decision.

at the heart of controversies.

In the recently concluded Asia Cup – which had seven matches in all – the skipper winning the toss chose to bat first on six occasions and won four of those.

However, you cannot discredit the way New Zealand played, and how terribly India performed.

India's 200 runs humiliating defeat in the first match of the triangular ODI series against New Zealand was also their fourth heaviest defeat in ODIs. Winning the toss and batting, New Zealand led by a fourthwicket 190 run stand between skipper Ross Taylor and Scott Syris piled up a formidable 288 runs in 48.5 overs.

New Zealand then bowled out India for a meager 88 in just 29.3 overs. It was also India's lowest total against New Zealand in ODI's.

Their 245 runs defeat against Sri Lanka in Sharjah 2000, still remains their heaviest defeat in this form of the game.

Pg 18

Hooper disappointed over scandals, venue delays

UNI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) CEO Mike Hooper is deeply concerned over the corruption charges and delays in completion of CWG venues, which have dogged the preparation of the October 3-14 event.

Hooper said the time is run-

ning out for the Organising Committee (OC) as only few weeks left for the mega sports spectacle to begin and asked the Delhi government to get the venues ready for it. ''We are greatly concerned and dismayed over allegations of corruption and constant delays,'' Hooper said. ''We are in August and we are seeing a lot of incomplete venues.” ''I don't mean superficial stuff like leaking, broken tiles or landscaping. We are talking about concerns which are not ready for occupation,'' he added.

Hooper's comments came on a day when Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit was forced to extend the deadline to clean up the debris from the stadiums for the CWG.

Hooper, a New Zealander, further said he will meet OC chief Suresh Kalmadi along with CGF president Mike Fennel on August 18 and 19 and discuss the preparations for 2010 Games in detail.

Safety and security of venues and Games village would also be a focal point in the discussion.

He said the CGF has also asked the OC reports on corruption and delays in construction. ''We need to satisfy ourselves on all aspects because Sports Minister M S Gill has given assurance that everything is world class and ready. The Delhi government and the Delhi Police also have to give us a roadmap.” ''Obviously corruption needs to be investigated thoroughly.

CGF is not an investigating agency. We are concerned over overpricing and use of poor quality of materials,'' the CGF CEO added.

Nothing is going well for the Kalmadi and Co., when the CWG are less than two months away.

works will be completed in time. I am satisfied with progress of work in the sense that I have no reason not to believe them," she said.

The Chief Minister has been under attack from various quarters for the delay in completion of key projects.

During her visit, Dikshit also took stock of progress in removal of debris from various construction sites.

Her visit to various construction sites came a day after the government extended the deadline for removal of debris to August 31 after various agencies

including MCD and NDMC failed to comply with the earlier deadline.

Dikshit had last month set August 10 as deadline for removal of construction waste across the city and ordered all civic agencies to strictly comply with it.

The Chief Minister today visited Connaught Place and some other parts of Central and South Delhi where mounds of rubble can seen due to the ongoing construction and underground cable work.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister A K Walia issued an order banning cutting of roads with effect from August 20.

He also ordered the discoms, MTNL and ECIL, which are laying underground cables in various areas of the city, to complete their works by August 16.

me, it should have my signature.

If someone is concocting any letter it is his problem not mine."

"I have already clarified that I am not a party to any contract, never I was a recommending person. There was a committee constituted for this purpose, which has recommended and competent authority has approved it," he said.

Darbari further said that neither can he deny nor can he confirm the authencity of Raju Sebastian's letter.

"I can't deny or confirm the authenticity of the letter since neither I was an addresser nor I was the addressee," he said.

Asked if Suresh Kalmadi was aware of the deal, Darbari said, "I do not know who was in the knowhow. I just know that Darbari was not in the knowhow. I never knew Ashish Patel and I don't want to have a discussion about a third person. I have to safeguard my self respect and I know I am not a

party to anything."

The e-mail, sent by an IHC protocol official Raju Sebastian, recommending various service providers for the London launch of the Queen's Baton Relay stirred a hornest's nest after Ministry of External Affairs declared that the mail could have been "doctored".

The e-mail was made public

by CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi to justify payments to a little-known UK-firm -- AM Films -- for its "services" during the event, which was also attended by President Pratibha Patil and British Queen Elizabeth II. The mail was originally sent to OC Director Raj Singh and later forwarded to suspended Deputy Director General Sanjay Mohindroo, who in turn sent it to Darbari.

However, Darbari, in his letter to probe panel head and Organising Committee CEO Jarnail Singh claimed he had nothing

to do with the mail as he neither received it first-hand nor sent it to anybody else.

Even Raj Singh also said he won't be able to say whether the mail recommending A M Films is authentic or not.

Mohindroo, on his part, said he doesn't want to comment till the investigation is over.

"I wouldn't want to make any comment as investigation is still on, he said.

Dikshit satisfied with preparations PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

Unfazed by mounting criticism for delays in key Commonwealth Games projects, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today expressed satisfaction over preparations, saying the event will be a great success.

Dikshit, after inspecting progress of work in various projects in MCD and NDMC areas, said the agencies concerned have told her that all the works will be completed in time.

"I am confident that all the works will be completed in time and the Games will be a great success," Dikshit said replying to a question on whether she was satisfied with progress of works in MCD and NDMC areas.

"Top officials in MCD and NDMC told me that all the

I’m clean, says Darbari PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

T S Darbari, the CWG Joint Director General who was sacked in the wake of the corruption scandals, today sought to clear his name of any wrongdoing by saying that he was not involved in any of the dealings with A M Films and was being made a "scapegoat".

"My role in the London QBR launch was ceremonial. It had nothing to do with any negotiation of shortlisting of vendors or financial transaction or imbursement or recommendation of advance", he said.

"This is a tragedy the way things has been projected.

Whatever has happened, it is unfortunate. I'm unnecessary being targeted and being made a scapegoat," he said.

Asked if he received a letter from A M Films dated August 22, 2009, an angry Darbari said, "If there is any letter send it to

Klusener to be Bangla bowling coach AGENCIES DHAKA, AUG 11

Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener and ex-baseball player Julien Fountain are set to be appointed as Bangladesh bowling and fielding coaches, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said on Tuesday.

"We are at the closing stage of signing a deal with them.

Hopefully they will join our national set-up before the home series against New Zealand in October," BCB spokesman Jalal Yunus told reporters.

IHF, IWHF merger today PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 11

The KPS Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation is all set to merge with the Indian Women's Hockey Federation tomorrow to strengthen its claim for being the sole representative body for the sport in the country.

Re-recognised by the Sports Ministry, the IHF is trying to get the approval of the International Hockey Federation, which considers Hockey India as the sole representative for the sport here.

One of the pre-requisites for getting the FIH recognition is to have a single body for both the men's and women's hockey.

IHF and IWHF would be confirming to this norm tomorrow in a meeting here.

"We have a meeting tomorrow and we are going to merge as per the government guidelines. We have completed the formalities.

We have requested for a government observer andhopefully we will get one for tomorrow," IWHF secretary Amrit Bose told PTI. At present, there is confusion over which body is the official representative of hockey in India as both HI and IHF have staked their claim.

While the IHF, which has promised to comply with the Sports Ministry's age and tenure-

limitation guidelines, has the government's backing, HI enjoys FIH's support.

Peeved by the FIH's stand to recognise HI, the Sports Ministry has stated that HI had no right to select teams as it was a "private body" and that IHF should be given time to be fully compliant with world governing body's guidelines.

The ministry also asked the FIH not to deal with HI any more as it has lost its national character and allow the IOA or the Sports Authority of India to field the Indian team for international events till the issue was resolved.