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O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, saturday, august 14, 2010

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World: Paris Hilton to vigorously defend bad hair day Pg 11

There is no such thing as white lies; a lie is as black as a coalpit, and twise as foul.

— Henry Ward Beecher

IN BRIEF ISI’s plot to engage Maoists unearthed A plot by Pakistan’s ISI to engage Maoists to commit terrorist and subversive activities in the country has been unearthed with the arrest of two Indian conspirators in the state, a top police official said on Friday. The duo identified as Vinay Kumar and Devaiah were hired by Altaf, who was working at behest of Chhota Shakeel faction of Dawood Ibrahim gang, Bangalore City Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari told reporters. – (PTI)

33 killed in fresh Chinese floods At least 33 people have been killed and 32 others are reported missing in fresh round of floods in different parts of China, as the death toll in last week’s mudslides in Gansu province rose to 1,156 with 588 persons yet to be traced. – (PTI)

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Business: India to target Google, Pg 13 Skype messaging

Sports: Man City bids £96m for Ibrahimovic Pg 18

US hikes visa fees

50% NIT quota assured for Goans: CM Says Centre to look into denotifying SEZs, additional 50 mw power HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

The Centre has in principle acceded to the State government’s demand of reserving 50 per cent seats for Goan students in the newly started National Institute of Technology (NIT), at Farmagudi.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who was on a day’s visit to the national capital, told Herald that his meeting with the HRD Minister Kapil Sibal was quite fruitful.

“I demanded 50 per cent seats for the Goan students in NIT and the minister has in principle agreed to it,” Kamat said upon his arrival in Goa on Friday.

The NIT started functioning at the GEC campus at Farmagudi from the current academic year and was inaugurated by the chief minister recently.

However, the State government had come in for severe criticism from various quarters including the Opposition, for not demanding 50 per cent reservation for Goans.

Currently, Goa is sharing 50

DRIVING A HARD BARGAIN THE CHIEF MINISTER SAYS: That the Centre has agreed in principle to grant 50 per cent seats for the Goan students in NIT. Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma assured to expedite the process of denotifying three SEZs which were sanctioned in the State.

Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde stated that he will hold meeting with his officers on Monday on Goa’s request for additional 50 mw electricity. per cent reservation with the Union territories of Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep.

Mickky ‘free’ to travel abroad HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 13

The South Goa Sessions court on Friday granted permission to former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco to travel abroad.

Additional Sessions Judge Desmond D’Costa directed the Crime branch to release Pacheco’s passport, with a condition that Pacheco deposits the passport with the Investigation Officer within seven days after his return from abroad. The former minister has also been directed to produce before the court copies of his outward and return tickets.

The Judge further directed the Investigating Officer to hand over the five mobile sets and three SIM cards to Pacheco upon furnishing an indemnity bond of Rs 50,000. The former minister was directed not to dispose off the mobile sets and the SIM cards and to produce the same when directed by the court.

Judge D’Costa, however, declined to order the release of the CPUs and the laptop as the report from the Central forensic laboratory is still awaited.

‘Undoubtedly, Pacheco is a MLA of the Goa Assembly. He admittedly runs his business of

Court directs Crime branch to release Mickky’s passport. The investigating officer has been directed to hand over the five mobile sets and three SIM cards to Mickky upon furnishing an indemnity bond of Rs 50,000. a software company in the USA. As he wishes to visit USA in connection with his business and undertakes to return to India

by August 30, I see no reason to deny him his right to travel abroad for his business”, he said.

In respect of Pacheco’s five mobile sets and three SIM cards attached by the Crime branch, Judge D’Costa said the same are (Continued on page 10)

SEZ: During his visit to Delhi, the Chief Minister also met the Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and requested

US warns of fresh terror in India PTI WASHINGTON, AUG 13

In a fresh warning, the US has said it has “credible evidence” that terrorists may be planning terror attacks at places frequented by its citizens in India, Pakistan and Middle East and asked them to be alert and take precautionary measures.

In a “Worldwide Caution” issued on Thursday, the State Department said it continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South and Central Asia, including in India and Pakistan, may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against US government facilities, citizens or its interests.

“In India there is a continuing threat of terrorism as attacks have randomly targeted public places frequented by Westerners, including luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas,” the State Department said.

The presence of al-Qaeda, Taliban elements, LeT, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organisations, many of which are on the US government’s list of foreign terror organisations, poses a potential danger to US citizens in the region, it said.

him to expedite the process of denotifying three Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which were sanctioned in the State.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

The Tourism department which faced some anxious moments over shack allotment last year, has now proposed to remove the criteria giving weightage to experience in shack allotment.

As per the proposed shack policy for this season, applicants having one to ten years experience will be considered together while allotting 90 per cent of the shacks. Whereas balance ten per cent will be allotted among new entrants, told Swapnil Naik, Director Tourism while speaking to Herald on Friday evening.

Both the associations of Shack owners have given in writing that they have no objection with the new arrangement, he said.

The policy for the last season provided that 90 per cent of the shacks were to be allotted by giving weightage to past experience in operating shack.

Accordingly, applicants having ten years experience was given first preference. Whereas applicants with six to nine years experience were considered second and applicants having one to five years were to be considered last.

This provision in the policy

New authority to oversee permissions for constructions

The soon-to-be constituted National Monument Authority (NMA) will scrutinise all applications seeking permissions for construction and reconstruction in areas marked as ‘prohibited’ and ‘regulated’ in Old Goa that houses world heritage sites.

The NMA is a provision in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment & Validation Act) Act 2010 that was passed in Parliament. The Government of India has issued a Gazette Notification dated March 30, 2010, of the said amendment. This Act amends The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

Superintending Archaeologist, Dr Shivananda V Rao, who

WHAT IT MEANS Prohibited area begins from the boundary wall protecting the monument and extends up to 100 metres.

The area extending up to 200 metres from where the 100 metre prohibited stretch ends is defined as the regulated area.

The total area (prohibited and regulated) totals 300 metres.

No constructions, including any public projects, are allowed in the prohibited areas of the protected monuments and the permission for construction or reconstruction activities in regulated areas shall be governed by heritage bye-laws.

Any illegal construction in the prohibited areas will attract a Rs 1 lakh penalty or jail term up to two years.

took over the reigns of ASI Goa a little over a year ago, observed, “This Act is very strict having a provision for stronger penalisation than before. Before

the amendment to the AMASR Act, any person carrying out illegal construction in the prohibited areas would get away with Rs 5,000 penalty or impris-

PTI WASHINGTON, AUG 13

Ignoring the concerns of Corporate America and India, US President Barack Obama on Friday signed into law a new Border Security Bill proposing a steep hike in some categories of H-1B and L-1 visa fees.

The move is expected to badly hurt Indian IT firms which may have to shell out an additional USD 250 million annually for the next five years.

The money thus raised by this steep increase in the visa fee would be used to strengthen security along the porous USMexico border, by deploying an additional 1,500 National Guards, unmanned drones and other measures.

The Senate held a rare meeting – coming out of its recess – to approve the Bill unanimously, which was done by the House of Representatives a few days ago.

A summary of a Senate ver-

Experience not to be worth its weight for shacks

Central Act fortifies heritage preservation FRANKY GRACIAS PANJIM, AUG 13

“I requested Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma to expeditiously take up the matter of denotifying the SEZs,” Kamat said adding the minister has responded positively to the State’s request.

“Sharma has told me that he will take up the matter with his officers,” the chief minister said.

The State has scrapped its SEZ policy cancelling 12 projects in the State.

The fate of three SEZs still hangs in balance as the Board of Approval (BoA) is yet to denotify them. All these SEZ developers have currently challenged the State government’s decision before Bombay High Court bench at Goa. POWER : Kamat also met Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde urging additional 50 mw electricity to the State, which is required to meet the deficit.

“The minister (Shinde) has assured me that he would hold meeting with his officers on Monday and take a decision,” the chief minister said.

onment upto three months, but with the new law the punishment has been enhanced to Rs 1 lakh and jail term of upto two years.”

Dr Rao said, “The purpose of the new Act is to preserve and protect heritage and reflects the Government’s determination to ensure that no constructions, including public projects, come up within the ‘prohibited area’ around the monuments.”

He informed that the President of India will appoint the Chairman of NMA, which is a very high-level panel. The Chairperson will be assisted by five members who will be appointed on the recommendation of a selection committee, he mentioned, and added, “Deliberations pertaining to the (Continued on page 10)

THIS YEAR Applicants having one to ten years experience will be considered together for 90 per cent of the shacks. Balance 10 per cent will be allotted to new entrants.

sion of the Bill named Indian firms Wipro, Tata, Infosys and Satyam, which use hundreds of these visas for their employees coming to the United States to work at their clients’ locations as technicians and engineers.

The fee increases would apply only to companies with more than 50 employees and for whom the majority of their workforce is visa-holding foreign workers.

Obama, in a statement, welcomed the passage of the Bill, saying the resources made available through this legislation will build upon US’ successful efforts to protect communities along the Southwest border and across the country.

He said the action by Congress answers his call to bolster the essential work of federal law enforcement officials and improve their ability to partner with state, local, and tribal law enforcement.

4 killed in Kashmir violence PTI SRINAGAR, AUG 13

Four persons were on Friday killed and 35 others injured as fresh violence hit Kashmir Valley during a separatist sponsored strike.

Authorities clamped curfew in Pattan, Baramulla, Handwara and Kupwara towns but relaxed restrictions in downtown Srinagar to enable people to offer prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid coinciding with the first Friday of the holy month of Ramazan.

LAST YEAR 90 per cent of the shacks were to be allotted by giving weightage to past experience in operating shacks.

Applicants with six to nine years experience were considered second and applicants having one to five years were to be considered last. led to controversy as fresh entrants as well as shack owners with less experience who were put at disadvantage objected to the allotment.

As a result of this discord between shack owners allotment was delayed. Fresh applicants and shack owners with less experience joined hands and moved High Court against arbitrary provision in the policy.

They got relief in the form of

interim relief wherein the court directed the government not to make allotment purely on the basis of experience.

While petition is still pending before High Court, the department had decided to play it safe this season by not giving weightage to experienced shack operators in shack allotment and, has forwarded the file for cabinet approval with amendment in the policy.

45 metres wide in non populated areas, 35 metres in densely populated areas, 25 metres in crowded areas, 15 metres in congested areas, 10 metres in jam-packed areas...

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GOA, SATURDAY, 14 AUGUST, 2010

Soil erosion threaten houses at Baga beach

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, AUG 12

Residents of Baga are living with fear of being washed away due to cyclonic weather conditions.

The four families at Baga beach are living in fear of being washed away, especially during late night or early hours.

In the early hours of Thursday, Baga resident Oswald Noronha (Ozy), his two children and spouse, lived in fear of being washed away by heavy under water currents hitting the shores.

The Noronha family however survived the tragedy on Thursday, but with much damage to the property surrounding their dwelling. Their house is now on the verge of the collapse.

To save their house from being washed away, family head Noronha undertook preventive measures like stacking the boulders and bags filled with sand to arrest the soil erosion, which may lead to the collapse of the house. A large number of labourers were employed by the Noronha family to carry out preventive measures.

When the matter was brought to the notice of local ward member Albert Fernandes, he alerted Acting Sarpanch Sneha Salgaonkar, who rushed to the site along with Panchayat Secretary Subodh Prabhudessai, Panchas Alex Fernandes and Subhash Sal-

Environmentalists stresses the need to save Goa’s coastline HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

Noted environmentalist Sunita Naraine today said that encroaching into the living and life of traditional people on the coastline may lead us to the similar situation like naxalism, which was witnessed after exploitation of rights of forest dwellers.

“The big issue right now before us is that we must not repeat the mistake committed in respect to our forest areas, which are currently breeding naxalism,” Narain, director of Center for Science and Environment (CSE) said.

She said that the countries coastline is reeling under sever pressures of development and conservations.

“This scenario was never witnessed before apart from forest. Our forests have gone through similar pressure and are still under it,” she stated.

Narain was addressing a

A house on the verge of collapse at Baga Beach due to soil erosion.

gaonkar.

Later, former sarpanchas Joseph Sequeira and Laxman Porob Palyekar also visited the site and took stock of the situation.

Speaking to Herald, Acting Sarpanch Salgaonkar said: “The panchayat has taken a decision to grant an immediate relief of Rs 25,000 to the Noronha family under natural calamity to undo the damage and losses suffered by them.”

Panch Subhash Salgaonkar said: “This is the effect of the stranded River Princess.”

He appealed to the government to immediately arrange for removal of the vessel from the shores of Candolim.

Joseph Sequeira said: “The Collectorate of North has been undertaking Disaster Management awareness programme in private halls, where people or villagers are reluctant to attend.”

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

He called upon North Collector Redkar to undertake such programmes in the panchayat halls.

Speaking to Herald, a number of Baga residents pointed out to the septic tanks that were visible due to soil erosion, which emanated foul stink.

In all, five septic tanks which were constructed by the shack owners were seen in and around of the house of the Noronha family.

Fomento procures Trommel for Sonsodo fecting a number of changes.

The Civic body has dispatched the draft for vetting by the Municipal lawyer, before the same is placed before the Council for approval.

media briefing workshop on ‘coasts, coastal populations and their concerns’ jointly organized

by CSE and Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ).

“Along with the coasts, our fishing community is also doubly vulnerable. On one side there is development and on the other hand there is increasing pressure of conservation,” she stated.

The director said that the government has completely failed to regulate these pressures, which are taking away their land and livelihood.

“The fishermen are either marginalised or thrown out of their places forcing them to resort to suicides,” Narain, who was also the member of the expert committee on draft Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) notification 2008, said.

She pointed out that the CMZ was allowed to be lapsed with the recommendation to

strengthen the CRZ. “In April 2010, MoEF issued a pre-draft CRZ 2010. The careful scrutiny of pre-draft shows that it is not different from CMZ,” she alleged.

Narain said that since the stakes on the coast are high, there are special dispensations awarded to certain areas. “There is special consideration to CRZ within greater Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, Kerala, Sunderbans and Goa,” she said.

“But what I feel is that only Navi Mumbai and Goa need special consideration as these are most affected places of CRZ,” she added.

She rightly pointed out that pollution and climatic change are yet another major threat to the coasts of India.

Chandrika Sharma, executive secretary, International Collective in Support of Fishworks, Chennai also criticized the cen-

Goa should have autonomous tourism board: Maganlal HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has said that it was attitude to severe those hands that feed us’ that is making tourism industry suffer.

“We have mastered the art of severing the hand that feeds us or you can say killing the goose that lays golden eggs,” Travel and Tourism Association of Goa’s (TTAG) ex-president Kirit Maganlal said.

He said that the taxi operators along the coast have missed the bus due to their extortionist attitude.

“Security along the beach is completely compromised due

to poor illumination and garbage littered beaches, which are big ‘no-no’ for the tourist,” Maganlal, who is also the TTAG’s executive committee member, stated.

Maganlal was speaking at the media briefing workshop on ‘coasts, coastal populations and their concerns’ organized by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ).

TTAG member said that the State which has attracted Rs 20,000 crore investments in the tourism sector is buckling under pressures from few groups.

“Most of the tourism development is related to the weak

governance. There are several pressure groups and big lobbies, which are slugging the state image,” he pointed out.

Maganlal admitted that the coasts in Goa are facing unprecedented pressure of urban development, especially tourism activities and the climatic change.

At the same time he alleged that the local panchayats have failed to work out a solution over garbage menace on the beaches.

“Panchayats are busy giving licences to the structures, illegally, which have sprung along the coast,” he claimed.

He even criticized state gov-

Burglars Police suspect ‘outsider’ ‘strike’ behind temple thefts in Nuvem HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

The Trommel procured by Fomento to segregate existing waste at Sonsodo.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 13

A Trommel to segregate and screen existing waste has finally made its presence at the Sonsodo dumping yard on Friday.

Fomento Chief Executive Officer, Sridhar Kamat said that work on installation of the Trommel, which has a capacity to segregate 30 tons of waste per hour, will get underway immediately.

He said the Trommel will be

put in operation after the end of monsoons and will take care of the existing waste. “This high capacity Trommel will segregate the plastic from other waste at the site. Work will begin only after the monsoons”, he said.

Fomento had bagged the contract to segregate the existing waste and install a plant and machinery at the site to treat fresh garbage at the site for the next 25 years.

While Fomento has begun

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

work at the site since the last three months, actual work of segregation of existing waste and installation of the garbage treatment plant will commence after the monsoons.

The Margao Municipal Council and Fomento is yet to sign a Concession agreement on Sonsodo till date.

I n f a c t , Fo m e n t o h a d re turned the draft agreement to the Civic body after ef-

Collin denies fashion designer’s charge HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

Collin Curry, who was alleged by a fashion designer Noel Andre of harassing him has denied all charges. Andre on Thursday had alleged that Taeligao Panchayat illegally demolished a part of his villa and that local authorities were harassing him.

When contacted by Herald, Curry claimed that since he did not offer help to Andre, the latter threatened him. “I have no idea what has happened. He (Andre)

came to seek help…but I would not get involved in any politics or illegalities.

Hence, did not help him after which Andre in a state of intoxication threatened me,” he said.

Curry also specified that he was not a present when a portion of Andre’s villa was being demolished, lately. On the second morning, Curry recalled that Andre broke the windshield of two cars belonging to him.

A complaint was subsequently filed at Panjim town police sta-

APPOINTMENTS

tion following which Andre was put behind bars for 24 hours.

“He had threatened me … He is taking revenge because I did not help him and I will not for any illegality,” he said.

Bicholim locals made aware on diseases HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, AUG 13

A special meeting to create awareness among the villagers, including students, about diseases like Swine Flu, Dengue, Malaria, etc, was convened at Bicholim deputy collector’s office on Thursday.

A team of doctors from PHC Bicholim, school teachers and prominent citizens were present for the meeting, which was chaired by Bicholim Deputy Collector Narayan Gaad.

The doctors guided the teachers to follow some basic principles with regard to Swine Flu and advised them to take proper care incase they find symptoms like fever, cough, headache, vomiting, etc, among the students.

Bicholim Mamlatdar Pramod Bhat, Joint Mamlatdar Gurudas Desai, Dr Shivr a m L o t l i k a r, D r M e d h a Salkar, Dr Girish Pednekar, Sanquelim Municipal Council Chairperson Anand Naik, teachers, panchayat members and villagers were present for the meeting.

From temples to shops and residences, burglars seem to be on the run striking it rich every day. Away from the hustle and bustle, there were imprints of burglaries of a different kind.

Custodio Fernandes, a former Nuvem panch and propeitor of Cassun Electricals at Murda-Grande woke up on Friday morning to a rude shock only to find the window pane of his car smashed and stereo stolen.

To his surprise the burglars picked up an expensive Ray Ban sun glasses in his other car – a Qualis parked inside, even though the stereo was not touched.

There was another similar burglary in Mr Fernandes’ neighbourhood, with burglars laying their hands on one more car stereo, after breaking open into the vehicle.

Fernandes later gave a written complaint to Maina Curtorim police station to that effect.

While speaking to Herald, Fernandes said that he has no hopes of recovering the stolen stereo and sunglasses, given the spate of robberies that have taken place over the past few months.

He however stated that police should resume the late night nakabandis along the Nuvem-Majorda road, because robberies have now spread into remote areas.

NIA asked to file chargesheet HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 13

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday submitted draft charges to the South Goa Sessions court, even as the Sessions Judge has asked the NIA to file a chargesheet against accused Prashant Ashtekar arrested in the case.

The court, however, adjourned the matter to August 27 and is likely to frame charges against the four accused Vinay Talekar, Vinayak Patil, Dhananjay Ashtekar and Dilip Mangaonkar at the next date of hearing.

The court is also expected to pronounce its orders on the application made by the accused person for a day-today trial of the case and also dispose off the application by the accused to house them in a single cell while in Judicial custody.

tral government’s pre-draft CRZ 2010 as she feels that large sections are not been properly highlighted.

“In name of management anything goes,” she commented.

Sharma pointed out that issues like hazard line, allowing reconstructions in CRZ I and II are not properly highlighted.

“The draft includes territorial water and also islands, which are not areas of concern,” she added.

However, she said that no additional protection of environment impact of activities like shipping and mining. “There is no regulation on fishing activities,” she stated.

Sharma said coasts and related areas are been targeted in un-regulatory manner for tourism, urban expansion, ports and harbour, affecting fishing communities by large.

Smarting under burglaries over the last few days, police on Friday claimed the incidents were handiwork of a single person who taking advant a g e o f heavy showers makes a clean sweep.

Besides, Goa police, two months ago, raised apprehensions that the recent burglaries at places of worship and desecrations are seemingly to incite communal passion.

“It appears that anti-social elements are deliberately doing acts of vandalism to incite communal passion…” reads an extract from a letter dated June 4, 2010 to 647 reli-

gious institutions across North Goa. The four paragraph letter attached with a sheet of 15 security advisories, also requests managing committee members of places of worships, deploying a security guard round the clock, installing CCTVs and Door Frame Metal Detectors in the premise, check suspicious people/vehicles, keep the area illuminated, keeping temple valuables either in bank/safe lockers, etc.

In the recent burglaries, the police are suspecting a Karnataka-based alleged accused, notorious of committing the felony in Karnataka.

“We are informed that the

suspected thief is an outsider and holds distinct appearance, resided here before executing his plan.

He last committed a theft at a Karnataka temple and absconded. We are seeking help of Karnataka police and studying his modus operandi and hide-outs in Goa,” said an officer wishing anonymity.

Meanwhile, North Goa district police have been constantly carrying out intense night patrolling to evade similar incidents.

A massive manhunt is simultaneously launched to trace the suspect.

“The man (suspect) stayed

One held for truck theft at Mollem HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, AUG 13

Collem Police on Wednesday arrested a person from Castle Rock, Karnataka, in connection with the tipper theft case.

According to Collem Police PI Manoj Mardolkar, Bala Halgekar, who was involved in tipper theft case at Palsakata-Mollem, was absconding for the last three months.

It may be recalled that a truck, which was parked at Palaskata, was stolen by some persons from Goa and Karnataka on May 19.

Later, Collem Police arrested Prashant Narayan Matonkar, Adao Philip Lobo, Malikarjun Sonaulim and mechanics from Khanapur. All the accused

were later released on bail.

Police further informed that Bala was absconding for the last three months and the police had kept surveillance at the residential place of the accused.

After getting the information about the accused, PSI Praveen Gauns, Head Constable Parshuram Patil and PCS Shankar Naik and Premanand Sawant rushed to the Bala’s residence on Wednesday at about 2.30 am and asserted the accused.

Bala was produced before JMFC Sanguem on Thursday and was remanded to five days police custody for further investigation.

PSI Praveen Guans is investigating the case under the supervision of PI Manoj Mardolkar.

One run over by train HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, AUG 13

A 30-year-old man from Mulgao-Bicholim was crushed under a railway near Shirgao railway tracks at Bicholim in the wee hours of Friday.

According to reports, Harishchandra M Gaonkar, originally from Pisurlem, but presently residing at Manaswada-Mulgao,

Surveillance strengthened HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

Surveillance across the state have been strengthened and the police force have been mobilized in wake of Independence Day celebrations.

Police spokesperson Superintendent of Police Atmaram Deshpande told Herald that adequate precautions have been adopted on all fronts. “We have taken adequate precautions on all fronts and all possible security arrangements/ measures taken are off…We expect the Independence Day celebration to pass off peacefully,” he said.

was crushed by a train at about 3.30 am on Friday.

MARCEL CORRESPONDENT ADDS: A 33-year-old pillion rider died, after the two-wheeler on which she was traveling met with an accident at Zydin Wado, Khandola, on Friday at about 7.15 am.

According to Ponda Police, Gaurisha Sawant had taken lift

from one Prakash Tari. Both were proceeding from Amona t o w a rd s Pa n j i m o n a t w o wheeler (GA-04-B-4237).

On reaching Khandola, some 4 kms from Amona, the twowheeler collided head-on with an oncoming four-wheeler (GA01-E-1438).Pillion rider Sawant died on the way to GMC Hospital at

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, AUG 13

Porvorim Police PI Devendra Gad said based on the post mortem report, they suspect that Dilip may have murdered his wife.

“While investigating into the matter, police found the ‘Odni’ around Simija’s neck. Since the couple was married barely 8 months ago, the enquiry is being conducted by Bardez Dy Collector,” said PI Gad. “Police will take necessary action on receipt of the findings from the Deputy Collector,” he said. “The bodies have been handed over to their respective parents. The parents have identified the handwriting on the suicide note, which was found in the flat, as that of Dilip Kumar,” said PI Gad.

Simija was murdered: report

The post mortem report of Simija Kumar’s death stated that she was murdered, before he committed suicide in his flat at S h a n t i n a g a r - Po r v o r i m o n Wednesday.

It may be recalled that Dilip Kumar, who was working with a computer company in Porvorim, had committed suicide on August 11 by hanging himself to the fan. His wife Simija was also found dead in the bedroom.

The post mortem received by Bardez Dy Collector stated: ‘death of Simija Kumar has occurred due to Asphyxia as a result of smothering and strangulation.’

ernment’s apathy to move River Princess ship.

“This is one of the best example how we are destroying our coast,” he stated.

“The ship has eroded the coastline and we are small away from a major catastrophic split,” he added.

Maganlal suggested that the state should have Goa tourism board, an autonomous body which will work on improving the tourism product.

“But the issue is whether government is willing to share its enormous power? And are private partners ready to take up the said challenge,” he questioned.

POLICE FILES at a hotel for few days before the three temples at Panjim, Mapusa and Calangute were burgled. We have certain details of the suspected thief…some of the hotel staffers have confirmed the suspect had booked a room before checking-out a couple of days ago,” revealed the source.

The department has appealed temple committee members to cooperate with the police and to implement security advisories, which at present are not abided.

Senior police officials are contemplating another meeting with managing committees of all religious institutions.

Police raid house in Calangute HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 13

The Maina Curtorim police have raided a house at Calangute on Friday which was used by the gang arrested in connection with the dacoities at Raia and Quepem.

The police has also arrested a goldsmith from Sanvordem in connection with the Raia dacoity. If PI Sidhant shirodkar is to be believed, the police has recovered part of the stolen booty from the arrested goldsmith.

He said the police raised the house at Calangute, which was hired on rent by the accused to further their criminal activities. After a search of the house, the police has recovered a motorcycle from the premises.

Meanwhile, the accused arrested by the Margao police Suleiman Nadaf in connection with the dacoity case has been remanded to five days police custody.

House burgled HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 13

In a daring burglary, unknown miscreants barged inside the house of Vallabh Vinayak Dangui last night at Cuncolim and decamped with silver ornaments and cash amounting to Rs 1.25 lakh.

Cuncolim police said the inmates had locked the house last night and proceeded to the hospital in Margao.

When then returned early morning, the inmates found the lock of the main door broke open.

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GOA, SATURDAY, 14 AUGUST, 2010

Parulekar alleges scam in removal of Princess

Takes potshots at Calangute MLA, warns of moving court HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

While the State Government is yet to award contract for removal of M V River Princess (RP) that has been stranded off Candolim beach almost for a decade now, ex-ML A of Calangute, Suresh Parulekar has alleged scam in the process of selection of the contractor for removal of the vessel and demanded that it be cancelled.

Addressing a press conference on Friday here, ex-Calangute ML A alleged that seating Calangute MLA, Agnelo Fernandes who is part of the sub-committee appointed by the government is directly involved in the scam.

The sub-committee was constituted to scrutinise tenders for removal of RP and accordingly make recommendations to Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA).

Questioning the authority of the sub-committee, he charged that the government could not

have appointed the sub-committee. When contacted Calangute MLA hit back saying Parulekar was MLA of Calangute in 2000 when RP grounded at Candolim beach. “Probably he had a deal with the industrialist and now MLA of Savordem, Anil Salgoankar to remove the vessel.

He wants to repay the debt and so has taken cudgels on behalf of Salgaonkar,” retorted Fernandes.

He said he is on the sub-committee in capacity as Calangute MLA and his people are affected by environmental damaged caused by the grounded vessel.

Parulekar lamented how Salgaonkar was sidelined even though he had offered better deal to remove RP, he could not justify why he was supporting the cause of miner who failed to own-up responsibility for damaged caused by his vessel to the environment. The RP was reported brought on lease by Salgaonkar but according department of tourism there are

Meet takes stock of H1N1 measures HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

In view of the rising number of H1N1 cases the State Core Committee for monitoring of the virus met on Friday at the Secretariat in Porvorim to deliberate on the issue and decided upon various measures to control the spread of the disease.

At the meeting, which was headed by Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava, it was decided to instruct the Education Department to enforce broad guidelines issued by Government of India to keep an eye over students showing influenza-like symptoms.

Taking stock of the present situation, the meeting summed that absenteeism in schools and colleges should be monitored and reported to the Health Officer of the respective jurisdiction for timely action.

The deliberations touched upon the subject of impressing upon the managements to make available enough water so that students can wash their hands after sneezing or coughing.

The meet was informed that the Tourism Department has already updated H1N1 information on its website. Srivastava requested the department to make available handouts in hotel rooms in the hospitality sector giving information on health ser vices that could be approached if need arose.

The Goa Medical College dean was instructed to take all the requisite measures to procure test kits to detect H1N1 in the State itself without depending on outside labs.

The meeting took stock of the situation arising out of the fast-approaching Ganesh festival and suggested displaying of ed-

ucational material at railway stations during the festive time.

Others present at the meeting were secretaries of Health, PWD and Tourism, besides GMC Dean, officers of Mineral Foundation, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa and other Government officers.

Meanwhile, out of the 30 samples that were sent to Delhi’s National Institute of Communicable Diseases four have come positive for H1N1. Two of these are from a private hospital and one each from the GMC and Hospicio Hospital.

MARGAO REPORTER ADDs: Saying there’s no need to panic over H1N1 situation, District Collector, South G P Naik on Friday warned of strict action as per law against erring government servants failing to implement measures worked out by the health authorities.

“I have issued orders to the Sub-divisional Magistrates and the panchayats to identify areas to undertake cleanliness drive in their respective areas”, warned Naik, adding that he has asked senior officials to intimate his office if any order is disobeyed by the employees.

Saying that stress will be laid on cleanliness of the local areas ward-wise, Naik said the exercise will kick off in Mormugao taluka in a day or two.

“Similar programs will be undertaken in other Civic bodies and panchayat bodies in the days to come”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Margao U r b a n H e a l t h O f f i c e r, D r Geeta Kakodkar, who has been appointed as the nodal officer to tackled H1N1 in the city, submitted an Action to the district Collector on Friday.

VHP vows Ram temple at Ayodhya HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 13

Even while stressing that no court can give verdict on issue of religious faith, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has decided not to leave any stone unturned to make sure that ‘all Hindus support the cause of Ram Temple at Ayodhya.’

“It’s easy to meet Kasab (Mumbai carnage accused) but it’s difficult to get darshan of Ram at Ayodhya temple,” VHP’s Maharashtra region organising secretary Prashant Hartalkar told reporters today.

He said that the barricading starts almost three kilometers away and you are checked at six different points. “You can get darshan of Lord Ram for 15 to 20 seconds, that too from 50 feet distance,” the VHP leader said.

The right wing Hindu organization has begun an extensive campaign to make aware people about Ram Janmbhoomi issue in the run up for Allahabd high court order scheduled in September.

Under the banner of Sri Hanumat Shakti Jagaran Samiti, various activities are planned in all the 400-odd villages and almost all the temples to prepare the masses for fight to have proper temple in Ayodhya.

“What we have right now at Ayodhya is a small structure.

The plans are to have a proper big temple at that place,” Hartalkar said.

He said that VHP will now adopt all the possible modes to reach out to the youths.

Hartalkar said that there was a need for a strategic shift in

the media management policies of the VHP, which included focusing more on regional media and local cable television networks over the "secular" national media and tapping blogs, twitter space to attract the youths.

"The national media is important, but it has now become the arm of the government,” he alleged.

“They are killing our news.

Their point of view is so-called secular and anti-Hindu. We must focus on the regional media to put forth our point of view," the VHP leader stated.

no papers to prove his ownership .

According to Parulekar in 1998 Salgaonkar Mining purchased RP having capacity of 1,15,000 DWT for operating at Panjim port.

In 2000, on account of heavy cyclonic storm and strong currents, it broke anchor chain and d r i f t e d u n c o n t ro l l e d a n d grounded at Candolim.

Further reacting to allegations

by Parulekar, Fenandes said

“Whole Goa knows what a person he is -- no Party wants to take him. He is a “dead wood” and wants to revive his flagging political career by making baseless allegations.”

The Disaster Management Committee (DMC) in principle had decided to award the tender to M/s Titan Maritime Pvt Ltd, a Singapore based company for removal of the RP. As to the High Court on Wednesday the government will award the contract

on August 17. Parulekar has threatened to move Court if the

Government does not cancel the contract.

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GOA, SAturdAy, 14 AuGuSt, 2010

SHORT TAkES

St Estevam locals demand withdrawal of additional ferry; to meet MLA HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

Social worker Damodar Bhatkar blessed by Shree Vidyadhiraj Teertha Swamiji during his visit to Chathurmasya Vrata 2010, Siddapur-Karnataka.

Breast feeding week

CANACONA (HC): 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 (EddaCotigao) 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.

ANC OPD on August 6, where Dr Sandeep Borkar, Gynecologist, had given talk to 46 ante-natal women. DVD on breast feeding was also shown during the programme.

Talk on breast feeding to 79 anganwadi workers were given

by Dr V R Muralidharan, HO and Dr Vandana Desai, MO of CHC.

Workshop on employability

PANJIM (HND): Departments of Economics and Psychology of Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce-Khandola in partnership with the CII Young Indians (Yi) - Goa Chapter organised a one-day State level inter-collegiate workshop on ‘Work Vision: Developing Employability Skills’ for college students. The chief guest of the inaugural function of the workshop was Chairman of Employability Vertical Yi Nitin Desai.

Desai emphasised that it is important for students to develop employability skills, which keep changing with changing times. Thus updating ones employability skills in today’s global environment is important. Officiating Principal Dr Seema Rath welcomed the gathering. Associate Professor of Economics Dr Christina de Souza outlined the objectives of the workshop and Associate Professor of Psychology Dr Mahesh Pai proposed the vote of thanks.

The workshop gave the students an insight into the employability skills required in today’s global job market. The interactive sessions of the workshop included etiquettes at work, interpersonal skills, team work and team building.

Professor of Law Sonia Shirsat conducted the session on etiquettes at work, Pravin Sabnis took the second session on interpersonal skills and the third session on team work and team building was conducted by Atul Shah - Director of Institute of Management Training and Research and Kiran Shah - Chairperson of Live Life India. Chairperson of Art and Sports Vertical Yi Rajesh Salgaonker was the chief guest at the valedictory function. 16 colleges attended the workshop with over 136 students participating.

Suzuki’s Intruder in Goa

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane hands over the key of Suzuki Intruder to Siddhesh Nasnodkar in the presence of Parind Nasnodkar, Babu Kamat, Pradeep Naik and Ligorio Rodrigues.

PANJIM (HND): Suzuki Intruder M1800R, the most modern cruiser bike from Suzuki was delivered by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to Siddhesh nasnodkar in presence of Parind Nasnodkar, Babu Kamat, Pradeep Naik and Ligorio Rodrigues.

The Intruder M1800R is the world’s most modern cruiser. It delivers the classic look of a cruiser without sacrificing the power and torque that motorcyclist crave, and it is built for effortless cruising, across town or across state lines.

By injecting the Intruder M1800R with a potent shot of raceproven technology developed for the championship-winning GSX-R sport bikes, Suzuki has literally redefined the concept of a cruiser.

The Intruder M1800R's exhilarating performance begins with its 109-cubic-inch, fuel injected V-twin engine.

Like Suzuki's sport bikes, the Intruder M1800R balances extraordinary performance with crisp handling, thanks to a technically advanced chassis and suspension, matched by world-class brakes. And when it comes to wrapping that performance package in cruiser styling, a picture is worth a thousand words.

The Intruder is available in two colours, black and blue. The ex-showroom price of the intruder is Rs 12.5 lakh.

Speed breakers at Marcel

PANJIM (HND): The North Goa District Magistrate has ordered construction of two ‘Speed Breakers’, one on either side of the four roads junction at Tariwada, Marcela i.e. one 15 metres away from the junction, the road proceeding towards Kumbharjua, and the other 15 metres away from the junction on the road proceeding to Panjim-Ponda side in the jurisdiction of Tivrem Panchayat, Orgao in Ponda.

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.

Irked over the decision of the River Navigation Department (RND) to allot an additional ferry exclusively for trucks transporting sand from Tolto to Dhauji, locals of St Estevam have decided to meet the local MLA Pandurang Madkaikar on Saturday and press their demand for immediate withdrawal of this ferry failing which they have threatened to resort to further agitation.

In a press note issued here, deputy Sarpanch Orlando Menezes said that this additional ferry, which is used exclusively by sand trucks, has become a nightmare for the villagers who fear that the increase of traffic on this narrow channel has increased manifold

n This additional ferry, which is used exclusively by sand trucks, has become a nightmare for the villagers who fear that the increase of traffic on this narrow channel has increased manifold the possibility of a mishap occurring in the near future, as besides the ferry boats, barges are also plying on this channel.

--- Deputy Sarpanch Orlando Menezes the possibility of a mishap occurring in the near future, as besides the ferry boats, barges are also plying on this channel.

He further reminded that last year, a mishap had occurred in which a barge collided against a ferry boat and feared that similar mishap could also take place with an additional ferry now plying on

this channel. Justifying the opposition of the locals to the additional ferry, Orland said, “The road leading to the ferry boat is very narrow and now with sand trucks too fighting for space, it has become doubly dangerous for the villagers who fear that mishaps would occur on this narrow road and endanger their lives.”

Orlando further condemned the unilateral decision of the River Navigation Department of allotting an additional ferry for sand trucks, which he said has gone against the wishes of the people and that of the Panchayat. “This decision only goes to show that the concerned authorities are least bothered about the safety of the people,” he added.

“The locals have been demanding an additional ferry for plying villagers from Tolto to Dhauji, as this is a short cut route and many people prefer this route to save time,” Orlando informed and chided the River Navigation Department for not solving the woes of the people and instead bowing down to the wishes of the sand truckers.

Margao council to appoint Wenceslau as worker

Fisherman’s body yet to be traced

Silva should be appointed with effect from the date of appointment and will not be entitled for any benefit with retrospective effect.

At the meeting, the MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho raised serious concern over the delay by the Municipal administration in compiling the details of the daily wage workers between the year 19962006.

Coutinho told the Committee that complete details of the workers who were engaged by the Civic body between 19962006 is important as the same is required to be submitted before the Dy Labour Commissioner while deciding the case of Wenceslau Silva.

In this respect, the Chief Officer later issued an order to an employee Guru Fondekar to

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, AUG 13

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 13

The Margao Municipal Council has finally decided to appoint aggrieved worker Wenceslau Silva against the post of worker as a special case.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Departmental Selection Committee held in the Municipality on Friday evening.

MMC Chief Officer Y B Tawde told the worker in a written communiqué that the Departmental Selection Committee in its meeting today has decided to appoint him as a special case.

Tawde said the recommendation will be conveyed in the conciliation proceedings before the deputy Labour Commissioner on August 19.

The meeting decided that

complete the compilation of the data by August 17 so that the same is placed before the Dy Labour Commissioner at the August 19 meet.

The Chief Officer has warned of action if the data compilation is not completed within the time frame.

Meanwhile, the Citizens Working Centre, Margao has decided to suspend their agitation till August 19, minutes after the Departmental Selection Committee recommended to appoint Wenceslau Silva as a worker.

The CWC has thanked Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao, Fatorda MLA Damu Naik, MMC Chief Officer Y B Tawde, Councilors and others who supported the NGO to give deserved justice for Silva.

Reading sharpens thought process of individual: Dr Kiran HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, AUG 13

A literary critic and reader of Department of English at Goa University Dr Kiran Budkule said reading sharpens the thought process of an individual and makes him/her grasp ideas better.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the function organized

by Penha-de-Franca Panchayat Library on Library Day at Community Hall at Alto-Betim.

“When a person reads books on different subjects, it makes him/her more knowledgeable,” said Dr Budkule.

Dr Budkule said if the parents or at least one of the parents is fond of reading books, he/she automatically passes on the habit to the children and others around them as well.

“The parents should therefore read books and also motivate their children to do the same. When we read right kind of books, especially the wellresearched, well-written books by established authors, we tend to gain a lot of knowledge, which is bound to enhance our mental capabilities,” added Dr Budkule.

“Sports have not been given sufficient importance in our education system. It is well known that only a sound body can boast of a sound mind. To fulfill this, sports should be included in school curriculum,” said Dr Budkule.

FMRAI to strike on Aug 17, 18 HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

Dr Kiran Budkule addresses the gathering at Porvorim.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

“Further, sports and games give the youngsters an opportunity to lead as well as be lead. Thus, sports help to bring out and nurture the qualities of leadership,” said Dr Budkule.

Earlier, Penha de Franca Library President Rajesh Volvoikar welcomed.

On the occasion, Penha-deFrance Library organized an elocution competition for the children (6 to 10 years).

The students who bagged the prizes in the elocution competition are Std I - S Prabhudessai (first), Sunil Marathe (second) and Krutika Mahale (third), Std II - Laxmi Pai (first), N Sawant (second) and K Bhide (third), Std IV- Vibha Sidhye (first), Smayak Sapre (second)

and Ratna Rajput (third) and Std V - Sushant Sawant (first), Sridha Prabhudessai (second) and Zeenat Shiledar and Priyanka Tejbahadur (third).

Dr Prasad Gurav, Meghna Devari and Kashmira Sawant were the judges for the competition. The prizes to the winners were given away by Dr Budkule, Penha-de-Franca Sarpanch Gopal Sawant, Rajesh Volvoikar, Dr Prasad Gurav and Megna Devari.

On the occasion, Librarian Bina Nayak, Nandkishor Madkaiker and Ashok Gadak were felicitated by the chief guest.

Deepika Gurav compered the function, while Vinod Kumbarjuvekar proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Politicians encouraging immoral trades’

Shivaprasad Joshi inaugurates the Hindu Sanghatan Melava in the presence of Niranjan Chodankar and Revati Prabhudesai.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

Stating that corruption and immorality are rampant these days and have reached the zenith, Goa State President of the Hindu Mahasabha Shivaprasad Joshi said that politicians are encouraging immoral trades.

“There is news of the Home Minister’s son being involved in the drug trade. During the

The body of a 45-year-old fisherman from TemwadoMorjim, who was feared drowned after he fell off the fishing canoe in Chapora River early Thursday morning, is still untraceable.

According to reports, the incident took place at Temwado when the deceased Mohan Ankush Morje along with his nephew Ankush B Morje had gone for fishing in the Chapora River near Arabian Sea. A strong wave hit the canoe, due to which the canoe overturned and both were thrown into the waters.

Sources further informed that the duo in a bid to save their lives, caught hold of the canoe and battled in the rough sea for nearly 10 minutes. However, Mohan was pulled away by the strong currents and went missing, while Ankush swam across to the beach shore. Lifeguard Amit Shinde and two other lifeguards conducted search operation on Thursday and Friday, but could not trace Mohan.

Legislative Assembly session, the opposition demanded that a thorough investigation be conducted in the drugs issue.

However, today investigations are conducted, not of the drug nexus of politicians but of Hindu organizations like Sanatan Sanstha,” he added.

Shivaprasad was speaking at a Hindu Sanghatan Melava organised by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti on Thursday at the

Rakhumai Mandap, Upper Bazaar, Ponda.

Niranjan Chodankar of the HJS was also present. The program began with lighting of the auspicious lamp at the hands of Shivaprasad Joshi. A documentary on ‘How to practice Dharma in day-to-day life’, a play ‘15th August 2012’ and self defence tactics were also shown. The program was concluded with singing of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’.

Thousands of leaders and functionaries of FMRAI at all India zones, sub-units and councils will go on a two-day countrywide strike on August 17 and 18 in pursuance of their 27-point demands.

Around one and half lakh field workers are expected to join.

FMRAI has appealed to all central trade unions and industrial federations, organisations of women, youths and students, Indian Medical Association and Chemists and Druggists Association, political parties, members of parliament and of legislative assemblies, and the public at large to support the strike and just demands of the medical and sales representatives and people's demand on medicines.

FMRAI submitted petitions to the Lok Sabha speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman urging for parliamentary investigations on open and gross violation of Sales Promotion Employees (conditions of service) Act, (SPE) enacted by the parliament and drug laws by drug multinationals and their follower Indian companies. In the prevailing situation of world economic crisis, the MNCs are rapidly taking over Indian companies and Indian market. They want to do business in India, but not abiding by Indian laws enacted by the parliament.

FMRAI has submitted memoranda to various authorities and demanded to look in the matter.

WEATHER REPORT Max Temp: 29.80C Min Temp: 23.00C Humidity: 95% Rainfall past 24 hrs: 18.6 mm Seasonal Total: 2463.6 mm Forecast: Spells of rain or thunder shower with heavy rainfall would occur in some areas.

UPCOMING EVENTS Free canine health camp

PANJIM (HND): Loyola Ex-Students Association (LESA), Margao in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South will organise the traditional free canine health camp for the seventh year in succession at Loyola quadrangle, Margao on August 15 from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. The camp is supported by Agusta Monte de Silva, Pfizer, Intas and Petcare.

Free anti-rabies vaccination with certificate, anti-tick injections, de-worming, etc will be administered to 200 canine pets that are brought to the camp, on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Cuncolim forum’s meet

PANJIM (HND): The Cuncolim Civic and Consumer Forum will hold its monthly meeting on August 15 at Our Lady of Health High School, Cuncolim at 10.30 am.

Among the issues to be discussed include preparation of citizen’s manifesto for forthcoming municipal elections, LPG consumers rights and responsibilities, follow-up of BSNL open house session, response to H1NI and vector borne disease, EIA and environmental public hearing on widening of National Highway 17, follow-up on State of law, order and crime report and state of health report for Cuncolim by relevant authorities.

Various service related issues like post office, PWD water supply, Goa dairy milk, banking, ration & kerosene supply and bus transport will also be discussed.

Jewellery exhibition opens

PANJIM (HND): Phorum Jewels, Mumbai opened its exhibition of the finest diamond studded gold jewellery on the occasion of India's Independence at Hotel Mandovi, Panjim on Thursday.

Phorum has laid out a tempting and hypnotic range of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets sure to steal the hearts of women. Eager treasure hunters trooped in braving the pouring rain prompted by their heart's yearning. Innovative new designs are on display at the exhibition.

On August 15 and 16, Phorum Jewels' exhibition will move to Margao where diamond lovers will get to view the exhibition at Chandni Hall, Hotel Nanutel, Margao. The exhibition will be open from 11 am to 8 pm.

Drawing competition

PANJIM (HND): YMCA Goa, Panjim will hold a pencil and charcoal drawing competition for school/college students and for the art enthusiasts in the general category on August 14 at 9.30 am.

Family Day

PANJIM (HND): The Don Bosco Past Pupils Association, Fatorda will hold its AGM and celebrate Family Day on August 15. The family day will begin with mass at 6 pm at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Fatorda, followed by AGM and family gettogether.

I-Day program at Quepem

PANJIM (HND): The Nav Yug Vikas Manch of Quepem will organise a special programme on August 15 at Quepem municipal garden and the theme of the program is ‘Desh Bakthi–Desh Shakthi’.

Programmes based on national integrations such as poetry reading, fancy dress, singing, etc will be organised. Konkani singer Lawry Travasso will also present songs on Independence Day. The poetic meet will be participated by Dr Jayanti Naik, Jesse fernandes, Adv Suhas Dessai, Probe Fernandes, Dr Uday Gaonkar, Nandan Hedge Dessai, Brenda Menezes, Satyavan Naik, Eknath Gaonkar, Neville Mascarenhas, Jose Fernandes, Linette Goes and Laxmikant Kuncolkar.

Similarly fancy dress competition based on Independence movement will be held for the age group below ten years and above ten years. For below ten years category, prizes of Rs 500, Rs 400 and Rs 300 will be awarded while for above ten years category, prizes of Rs 700, Rs 500 and Rs 300 will be awarded in addition to a trophy to each winner.

Felicitation of students

PANJIM (HND): The Siolim-Marna Village Panchayat Child committee in coordination with the panchas will felicitate SSC and HSSC toppers of schools in the jurisdiction of Siolim-Marna Panchayat, and sports personalities who have achieved medals at the state and national level in the academic year 2009-10.

The program will begin at 9 am after the flag hoisting on August 15. Sarpanch Prathiba Shirodkar will be the chief guest and give away prizes to the winner.

Program on RTI Act

PANJIM (HND): The Calangute free aid cell of V M Salgaocar College of Law will conduct a program in Lar de Estudantes, Altinho-Panjim on August 15 on ‘Right to Information Act 2005’ at 10.30 am. The program will be coordinated by student-incharge Anusha Kaisukar, Prof Carmo D’Souza, Ranjana Ferrao and Fr Olavo.

Free medical camp

PANJIM (HND): To commemorate the 63rd Independence Day, Royal Goan Beach Club-Arpora together with Vrundavan Hospital and Research Centre and Lions Club-Arpora, will jointly organise a free medical camp on August 15 at Church Community Hall, Arpora-Nagoa from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Specialised doctors from Vrundavan Hospital will examine the residents of Arpora-Nagoa for various ailments free of cost.

Besides, the medical camp will provide for free blood sugar testing for diabetes detection. There will also be free eye check-up available for all those who suffer from eye-related and vision problems and it will be conducted by Marina Sequeira under the program of vision 2020.

Royal Goan Beach Club will distribute free of cost spectacles (single vision and bifocals) for all the needy of the village.

St Roque’s feast

PANJIM (HND): The feast of St Roque at Our Lady of Grace Church, Madel-Chorao will be celebrated on August 22. Novenas for the same have already commenced from August 13.

Novena masses will be held on August 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 at 6 pm. On August 15, novena mass will be held at 9 am.

On August 21, vespers will be held at 6.30 pm. On the feast day i.e. August 22, mass will be held at 10 am.

Patolyo cooking contest

MAYEM (HC): Sumangal Mahila Mandal, Nagzarwada-Bicholim, will organize ‘Innovative Patolyo’ cooking contest at Second Innings Bicholim on August 15.

The main aim in organizing the contest is to instill and encourage tradition of Goan cuisine. The first three winners will be given cash prizes of Rs 750, Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively, besides two consolations prizes.

For details, contact Chairman Supriya Mayekar on 9970469900 or Secretary Poornima Prabhudesai on 9423885829.

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Opposition to four-lane road: Curchorem Manch to go on strike

Ribandar resident hurt in mishap

lane road in 2008,” stated Bhende.

“Satardekar had declared that he would block all the mining transport with the support of people if the bypass road was not started by March 31, 2010. But now it is August and the construction is not in sight. We shall resort to all types of agitations and even approach the court to stop the work of four lane road,” he said.

Rajendra Kakodkar claimed that the PWD has not done any traffic survey on the road.

“Our survey shows that four-wheeler traffic (non-mining) on this two lane road is 30-50 vehicles per hour, but the actual capacity is 150 vehicles per hour. Thus, the existing road is sufficient for the next over 20 years,” claimed Kakodkar.

“Nowhere in the world mining traffic pass through city.

Resolutions have been passed

by CCMC, Xeldem Panchayat and even in the Gram Sabhas opposing the four lane road meant to facilitate mining traffic,” he said.

Krishanand Pednekar said:

HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, AUG 13

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, AUG 13

Ganv Rakhon Jagruti Manch Curchorem, newly formed forum to oppose the four lane road from Tilamol to Sanguem court via Curchorem, will resort to one-day token strike in front of the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) building on August 15.

This was declared by Manch office bearers during a press conference at Richa Hall, here on Wednesday. Former chairperson and CCMC Councilor Paresh Bhende, Babajon Fenandes, Rajendra Kakodkar, Mafeldo Fernandes, Krishnand Pednekar and Sucorina Rose were present during the press conference.

Bhende accused Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar of misguiding the people by making contradictory statements.

“Since the last four years, people are demanding the construction of bypass road as they are upset with dust and noise pollution, traffic congestion and fatal and other accidents due to mining traffic.

However, despite the fact, MLA Satardekar proposed the four

“Though we tolerated dust and sound pollution, but now we shall not allow our houses to be demolished. There is no meaning in oral assurances that no house will be demolished while constructing the four lane road. The road will benefit the mine owners and not the common men.”

Babajan Fernandes said: “Our only demand is to scrap the widening and de-notify the land acquisition forthwith. This road will not help to join cities like Margao, Panjim and Vasco.

The government should broaden the Curchorem-Chandor road.”

Mafaldo Fernandes said there are gutters, cables, pipeline and street light poles, besides the road. “It will be difficult to restore these things if the road is widened,” said Fernandes.

Adv Mahesh Kudchadkar said under the garb of development, it is a conspiracy to bring mining traffic in Curchorem.

Agnel Fernandes, Mahadev Dessai, Dorothy Pereira and Ajit Pereira too expressed similar views.

Traders panic at burning PMC to elect smell, turns out to be dead rat new chief HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 13

Rodents gave some anxious moments for the fire brigade and traders in the New Market area of the Commercial Capital.

A wine outlet located in the congested New Market kept every one on their toes this morning as burning odour enveloped the area in the vicinity of the shop. New market traders led by President Vinod Shirodkar all geared up and requisitioned the services of the fire services as a precautionary measure.

Sources in the know said the fire men opened up the electrical box installed in the shop only to find a rat dead inside.

It is believed that the burning smell emanating from the electrical box was due to the dead rat and not because of any major fire incident, bringing relief to the anxious traders.

In fact, Assistant Fire Divisional Officer, Margao Prakash Parab had recently warned the authorities that the New Market may face major trouble if the overhead wiring is not attended to immediately.

on Tuesday HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, AUG 13

Pernem Municipal Council (PMC) will have a new chairperson on August 17.

The Director of Municipal Administration (DMA) has issued an order to convene a special meeting of the council to elect the chairperson on August 17 at 11 am.

It may be recalled that the post of chairperson had fallen vacant, after Nutan Aroskar resigned from the post on personal ground. According to sources, Councilor Nilesh Pednekar is likely to be the next chairperson.

‘Release stress to live long, peaceful life’ MAYEM (HC): Shekhar Mujumdar of Lonawala Manoshanti Kendra has stressed the need to release stress to live a long and peaceful life.

He was addressing the gathering during a talk on ‘How to live a life without stress’, organized by Lions Club of Bicholim in association with the Second Innings at Deendayal Bhavan Bicholim on Wednesday.

Mujumdar also explained how science and spiritual strength could be used to live a tension-free life.

Earlier, Second Innings founder Ramakant Shetye welcomed the gathering and also compered the programme.

A resident of Sao Pedro Ribandar was injured in a collision between two vehicles near Hoble Garage, Merces, on Friday afternoon.

According to Old Goa Police, the accident occurred when one Nimlesh Kolkar, who was on its way from Patto to Panjim on a Honda Dio scooter, was hit by an oncoming Maruti 800 car, which was proceeding from Panjim to Old Goa. Old Goa Police rushed to the site and shifted injured to GMC Hospital at Bambolim for medical treatment.

According to Old Goa Police, the car driver fled from the site leaving behind the injured person. Old Goa Police have now asked the transport department to find out the address of the vehicle to trace the driver.

Police have registered the case under MVA Act and is investigating the case further.

Now, Goans can air grievances online HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

Directorate of Public Grievances, Government of Goa has envisioned launching of Goa Public Grievance Redress And Monitoring System (GPGRAMS) for the State with a view to achieve a uniform and systematic approach towards monitoring of procedures by adopting a comprehensive classification and standardization of grievance and redress actions across the government organizations.

The system will be available online on the website www.grievances.goa.gov.in from August 15, where citizens can register their grievances and check progress of redress from anywhere and anytime (24x7) using internet. Also, this facility can be availed through the Citizen Service Centres (CSCs)/Lok Seva Kendras (LSKs)

which are set up across the State on payment of a nominal fee.

This website allows departments to receive, process and monitor the grievances and is made flexible enough to be extended down below to the sub offices as per the requirement of the departments for online speedy and effective redress of grievances.

Centralized Public Grievances Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) was launched by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India. The same is developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), New Delhi and is customised, hosted and maintained by Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa in association with NIC, Goa as GPGRAMS.

Pernem man commits suicide

PERNEM (HC): A 29-year-old man from GothanwadoVazrem, Pernem, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself at his residence on Wednesday.

According to Pernem Police, Shamsundar Chandrakant Shetye allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself with the rope on the first floor

of his residence. Police have recovered the rope, which was used to hang himself.

Sources informed that the exact reason for committing the act is not known, but Shamsundar was unemployed for a long time. After conducting the post mortem, police handed the body to his family. Pernem Police is investigating the case.

OHERALDO

OPINION

Pg8

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Art controversy and Goan Modernities

Vol No CX No: 205 Goa,Saturday 14 August, 2010

I

Language & politics

s the language of a newspaper or television station an indicator of its political or religious orientation? The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) seems to think so. According to a report in ‘The Economic Times’, a shadowy workshop was held exclusively ‘by invitation only’ yesterday in Goa by the VHP, for those who it feels are ‘Hindutva-oriented journalists’. One Prashant Hartalkar, the Maharashtra region organising secretary of the VHP, who conducted the workshop, said that the forces of Hindutva now need to focus more on the regional media and local cable television networks, over the ‘secular’ national media.

For the VHP and the RSS, the word ‘secular’ is an item of abuse or, at very least, contempt. Mr Hartalkar apparently told the assembled journalists and others: “The national media (both print and electronic) is important, but it has now become the arm of the government. They are killing our news. Their point of view is so-called secular and antiHindu. We must focus on the regional [language] media to put forth our point of view.” He said the local media was hungry for news, had greater reach and understood the pulse of the people in small towns better than the national media.

The object of the workshop, it appears, was to motivate the journalists attending – who apparently are already oriented towards Hindutva and work in regional language media – to write more about the Ram Janmabhoomi issue.

The Allahabad High Court is likely to deliver its verdict on the contentious Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue shortly. Having spectacularly crashlanded in the last election after having adopted a more aggressive ‘Hindutva-vadi’ plank, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to put the temple issue firmly on the backburner for the time being. This, it seems, has pushed its more aggressive cousin, the VHP, into overdrive on the issue.

Among the suggestions made at the workshop was that pro-Hindutva journalists should go online, get into the blogosphere and onto social networking media like Facebook and Twitter, to spread the message of the Ram Janmabhoomi among the younger generation. Mr Hartalkar urged the journalists present to attract the Cafe Coffee Day crowd who, he said, had been cut adrift from the pulse of Hindutva.

These new media forums, he felt, were the most useful to cultivate public opinion on the Ram Mandir issue. He was apparently concerned that youngsters are completely ignorant of the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. “India is a young country and we cannot afford to alienate youngsters in this movement,” Hartalkar told his audience, disclosing that the VHP itself has 86 active blogs linked to its official website.

Why the secrecy? The VHP’s position on most of these issues is well known, and the online skills of the Sangh Parivar are not to be scoffed at. For example, the Sanatan Sanstha, some of whose ‘sadhaks’ are facing terrorist charges in the Margao bomb blast case, maintains an absolutely up-to-the-minute website in the name of its associate organisation, the Hindu JanJagriti Samiti. But for some reason, the VHP felt that the issues he was discussing on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement could not be spoken in front of all journalists and, therefore, had to be discussed only with journalists with a “Hindu base”.

Journalism is not supposed to have religious bases or biases, especially where news is concerned. A newspaper has a news section (most of the paper) and a ‘views’ or ‘comment’ section (the edit page and, sometimes, the page facing it). As the old adage goes: “Comment is free, but news is sacred.” The VHP’s efforts to split the country’s media into ‘secular’ and ‘pro-Hindutva’ cannot be good for the profession, or even for society at large. The journalists’ unions, editors’ guilds and maybe even the Press Council needs to combat this surreptitious bid to divide journalists on the basis of their religious beliefs.

Oscar quits GBA Gary Fonseca, by email It’s shocking to learn that Dr Oscar Rebello has resigned from the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA). One of the few people who hold credibility, Oscar has time and again been ridiculed and accused of abandoning the cause of Goa by certain people. He has suffered all this with his head held high.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Let us not forget that people like Oscar are professionals, not full-time activists. Despite a busy, demanding schedule, Oscar has taken time out to educate and lead the people of this state.

Most members in GBA are sincere and genuine, but there are few that are irrational, foul-mouthed, conniving trouble mongers.

They want all projects to be stopped, but have no alternate suggestions for a sustain-

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

14 August 1910 Mozambique study tour

A Revenue Inspector will be sent once again to Mozambique, to study the measures to be undertaken to improve the financial conditions of that colony to be at par with Goa.

AE empowered

The Assistant Engineer of Public Works was authorised by the government to issue all official notices which relate to his department.

Coconuts delight

There is a great demand for newly plucked coconuts, as they emanate a homely flavour.

Ship inspection

It is reported that the Naval Minister is going to undertake a compulsory visit to all cannon boats to check the seaworthiness of those vessels, to incorporate the same standards in the Colonial Navy.

Western-trained modernists need to respect cultural traditions of former colonies, says tEotÓnio r DE soUZA

I

presume that no individual right is absolute.

All individual rights need to respect the rights of others around, particularly when the established socio-political structures do not guarantee in practice the defence of the rights of some underprivileged sections of the society, and leave it to its legal or judicial channels as a way of fudging from its obligations in a respectable (or deplorable) democratic manner.

The recent incident of interference by the ‘Hindu JanJagriti Samiti’ (HJS) in the exhibition of paintings of Dr José Pereira at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research (XCHR) in Porvorim seems to have provoked different reactions and responses from some sections of the Goan society, and also indifference from most as usual. I noticed little interest among some self-appointed activists (who, too, seem to distrust the interest of state agencies to do justice) to reflect seriously upon their own brand of contribution to fundamentalism, which they condemn in others.

When I poked one literary missus, she shot back at me in the ‘Secular Goa’ Internet forum: “Activism is less about discussion and more about action.”(!) God save such social activists when the action gets hotter. Her written prophecy may come true: “Maybe one day, I will decide that Goa is no longer where I physically want to be.

But wherever I go, I will carry Goa with me. Because for me, Goa is a state of mind.”

I shifted the discussion of the issue to another Goa-related forum, the more academic ‘Goa Research Net’. Some of those involved in the promotion of the aforementioned exhibition seemed more concerned with their right and the right of the artist to exhibit the art pieces objected to.

They also insisted upon the highest level of scholarship, technical skills and pure intentions of the artist Dr José Pereira.

The technicalities of art are not my area of expertise. I presume that Art is not produced for the collectors (who know well how to make it a market commodity for speculation), but preferentially for the general public to appreciate. The old scholastics defined ‘beautiful’ as ‘quod visum et auditum placet’ (what pleases the eye and the ear). My appreciation of art is limited to these primary criteria. I must confess that I remember with the greatest pleasure my visit to Dr José Pereira’s enchanting frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the Borda chapel some two decades ago or so.

I am interested in the educational / political

HistoricAl ExplorAtions implications of art. The Church in Europe used it from the times of the catacombs to teach the early uneducated masses of its faithful. The mighty rulers used it everywhere to impress their subjects and to legitimise their power at home and beyond.

The pyramids in Egypt, the Basilica of St Peter, the monumental VT (now CST) station of Mumbai, the architecture of the Salazar regime in Lisbon, may be seen as illustrations of such interests.

I am inclined to believe that the Western modern artists, but also Indians influenced by Western trends, tend to behave as ‘enfants terrible’ of their times, trying to shock public morality to gain popularity. Granted that there exist Cubist and other art forms that do not go in for crude exploitation of nudity; many have gone as far as they could, avoiding the extremes that could boomerang. I do not know of Renaissance or Reformation artists who braved to undress Our Lady (beyond showing her breast-feeding the infant Jesus) or to undress adult Jesus beyond what Roman law permitted for those condemned for crucifixion. What would one say of the latest live nude art at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

the great escapes

Tongue in Cheek

L

ast week, the Goa police were literally on their toes. The reason was that three jail inmates, from the now infamous Sada sub-jail, decided to take to their heels. They probably thought that they were cooling their heels in the lock-up for far too long.

It made me wonder why their other jail-mates also did not try to escape. On second thought, it could be because these inmates probably felt that they are living a better life behind bars. After all, it is understood that they have access to laptops, mobiles and also a regular supply of drugs.

Be that as it may, of the three jailbirds, one of them had the name of a former German dictator. He probably felt that jail is not the right place for a person with such a famous name as Hitler.

I sometimes wonder why those in the lock-up are also referred to as jailbirds. After all, they are not as free as the birds in the sky.

Coming to the three escapees, it is understood that they dug a hole in the wall with a screwdriver. They were obviously driven

able development plan. They are only interested in creating clashes within the GBA and proving themselves right.

To find a solution to a problem, one needs to do more than just protest. One must offer alternatives, negotiate with opposing parties to find common ground, and be part of the solution. Oscar and other like-minded people understood that. The gossip mongers in GBA do not.

The people of Goa had laid their trust and hope in the mighty GBA when Dr Oscar was leading the group. Today, alas, it’s a different story.

Finally!

Alvaro Noronha, Margao At last Dr Oscar Rebello has resigned from the membership of the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), a decision he should have honourably taken as soon as he abdicated the responsibility of fighting assembly elections, when it was the right time for GBA to strike.

He is responsible for having handed over on a platter, the momentum generated by the GBA movement to the Save Goa Front, its English namesake (no other similarity), with disastrous consequences, which the people of Goa are now facing.

Those irresponsible SGF MLAs are now enjoying benefits, and the voters are ruing having voted for them, thinking that they stood for GBA’s causes. After merging with the Congress, the former SGF men support mega projects, Mopa airport, SEZs, etc, and GBA has lost its sting.

A sincere doctor Rima Anant Naik, Vasco I was shocked learn that GMC’s Dr Dilip Amonkar was suspended following the death of young Raveena Rodrigues. I know him for years. About four years ago, when my private physician was unable to diagnose my illness, he advised me to visit GMC. I approached Dr Amonkar and received the proper treatment. His intervention saved my life. He also treated me for ulceration two years later.

Dr Amonkar is a good doctor and a kind man, who cares for his patients. Monetary gain is not his aim. I cannot believe the accusation of negligence against him, as I have personal experience to the contrary.

in New York? I do not even dare to imagine the intensity of the HJS response, if the art vanguard in Goa moved in the direction of the ‘Mome’ (read it in Konkani) live art for interpreting some select Hindu scriptures.

Now my question is: Are the modernist artists looking for pastures in the non-Christian myths to feed their libido and Freudian regressions?

Such transgressions could perhaps find colonial support during the past. In post-colonial times, the modernist trained after western models needs to beware and respect the cultural traditions of the former colonies.

Some of my other points that have remained without any response so far: (1) Would hermeneutical principles approve of any valid interpretation of religious scriptures outside the community experiences that inspired those writings? We should not forget that Hinduism has seen protest movements across its history, and I doubt if the texts and art expressions (including the much cited Ajanta paintings) associated with those movements can be considered as a good basis for modern paintings to be ap-

preciated by the dominant mainstream Hinduism today. Unless, of course, the artistic devotion of the scholar-artists and their promoters wish to cater to fresh protest movements in Hinduism today.

The fact that only a ‘fringe group’ protested for whatever motive, does not permit us to conclude that everybody else who remained silent thinks differently. That would be like liberal democratic elections, with voters who know little or nothing about those they vote for routinely, or abstain from voting due to lack of interest.

(2) As for Goan Christians who boast of their roots in the Hindu tradition only because they had Hindu ancestry in the 16th century or little later, I consider it a hoax. Such pretenders are probably rooted in nothing at all, not even in their newly worn Christianity. I would classify them as free-floating cultural dross.

Let us not forget that most of the media stunts represent power contests between rival elites.

The elite or elites in power tend to call others ‘fringe groups’. Pareto has told us that History is a cemetery of dead elites. History has seen dominant elites sliding into fringes with regularity, giving way to other fringe groups to enter the political arena. And the circus will go on…

To conclude, let me recall what Salman Rushdie wrote in his ‘The Moor’s Last Sigh’ (1995): “English and French sailed in the wake of that first-arrived Portuguee (sic), so that in the period called Discovery-of-India – but how could we be discovered when we were not covered before? We were not so much sub-continent as sub-condiment.”

When the Europeans (The Portuguese in Goa) arrived in India, they thought we needed to be civilised. They forced us to change our habit of scanty dress or no dress at all. Not very long back, in the times of our grandparents, a Portuguese law did not permit women from rural areas to enter district towns without covering their breasts. Men, too, had a corresponding law that did not permit them to appear in towns only with their ‘caxtti’ or loincloth.

Just as the Discoverers left Goa in 1961, Goa was discovered (as Salman Rushdie understands it) by the flower children, who found the Goans over-covered. They introduced Goa to the third modernity, if we should agree with Rochelle Pinto’s distinction of two earlier modernities in India, brought to Goa by the Portuguese and the British respectively.

with a lot of will to escape.

The three fugitives on the run probably thought that the road to their freedom was the rail tracks. So they walked all of 30 km along the railway line. When they ultimately decided to board the train that could take them to freedom, one of them decided to stay back. This was probably the wisest decision he made in his lifetime, half of which has been spent behind bars. Of the other two, who made it to an old abandoned house in remote Kalay, one got caught and is now back in jail. For him, freedom was shortlived.

It must be said that escapees have no age limits. A group of juveniles from Apna Ghar (which, ironically, means ‘our home’) in Merces, decided to flee from their ‘home’. For two of these young escapees, it was back to home-sweet-home.

In the broader context, life is one big escape. We try to escape from everything that is not comfortable. In the hot summer season, we escape to cool hill stations. Tourists from the colder regions of the globe escape to sunny Goa for a sun-tan. At any and every

By Adelmo Fernandes times, we try to escape from punishment, be it in school, college or at the workplace. Many times, we prefer to escape from boredom and head to wherever there is excitement.

We would prefer to escape from all the shouting that we are subjected to by our bosses at the work place, but then it is not always possible. We try to escape from all the hardships of life. All too often, we even try to escape to freedom, as life could be too ‘stuffy’ and demanding, and not to our liking.

Children would like to escape from all the homework they are forced to do. If possible, they would even like to escape from the mundane task of going to school every morning.

Unfortunately, even if we escape from all that is unpleasant in life, it could be just for a short while. Life would have been boring if we were to taste all things good it [life] has to offer. So, instead of trying to escape from all the unpleasant things in life, it would be advisable to face it and take everything life has to offer.

Letters to the Editor Letter of the Day

Oscar’s rage is misplaced Bevinda Collaço, Herald columnist, Panjim Let me place on record that I have not alleged that Dr Oscar Rebello has taken any payments in any form for buying his silence or cooperation. What was written in ‘Whistleblower’ (Mirror, Herald, 8 August), I quote: “surmises and wild guesses, ranging from ego hassles to cash transactions, are doing the rounds”.

These rumours have been doing the rounds for a while, in fact, ever since Dr Oscar resigned as convenor of the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA). Quite possibly, as he says, they originated from his detractors within the GBA. As a matter of fact, I overheard four middle-aged men at a food stall in Mala, who were self-righteously discussing, as we Goans do, the bleak scenario in Goa. They spoke of the GBA and how it seems to have died after Dr Oscar resigned. One man said he heard Dr Oscar left because of ego problems. Another said, no, he heard it was cash transactions.

Rumours are not important. What is important is that the GBA with Dr Oscar Rebello as its face and voice, is the one weapon Goa has against those who work to destroy her.

The item ‘Where is Oscar Rebello?’ was a call from a small group of villagers who know Dr Oscar to be a man of integrity. They trust him and want him to be the voice of censure against the destructive forces in Goa. This is a tall ask for a doctor with many patients depending on him. It has to be a difficult situation; his first calling is medicine. As he rightly said, he cannot tell a patient to postpone a heart attack because he has to attend a protest meeting.

What I cannot understand is how someone of his wit and intelligence could completely misunderstand the item ‘Where is Oscar Rebello?’. It was meant to be complimentary; to tell him that Goa needs him, regardless of what a handful of his detractors may say; that without him GBA will disintegrate. And without GBA, small groups like those in Cansaulim fighting a hopeless battle will give up the struggle.

The rest of Goa knows Dr Oscar Rebello to be a man of integrity. I have the greatest respect for him, but if someone of his standing cannot understand what I write, chances are no one can. I have requested the editor to get someone else to write the ‘Pinch of Salt’ column.

Another point I wish to clarify: I am not a member of the GBA or any other organisation.

I would willingly join an organisation which is headed by Dr Oscar Rebello.

National Games?

Irineu Gonsalves, Verna Your editorial ‘CWG ‘con’ tracts’ (Herald, 10 August) is just the tip of the iceberg. The scandal has deep roots. People in high positions think that public memory is short, and soon things will be forgotten.

Politicians and bureaucrats are now developing inferior sports infrastructure. The quality of construction is poor, and electrical installations in stadiums are not checked for safety. They are not worried if the lives of athletes and the public are at risk.

A huge budget of Rs550 crore is earmarked for the National Games to be held in Goa. How much will be lost to corruption?

This scandal should serve as a warning. The government should tighten the screws on checks and balances. Old habits die hard.

Litter-ally cheating Gregory E D’souza, by email Recently, the High Court passed an order asking a few coastal Panchayats not to issue licences to projects that do not have a garbage disposal site. This order should be

extended to all local bodies. Unless there is enforcement, the situation will worsen in future.

Fines should be levied on local bodies, and these monies should be used to encourage local bodies or NGOs to solve the garbage menace in our villages. At present, funds allocated for rural garbage disposal are used to clean drains and cut bushes in the villages, prior to the monsoon. The ‘concerned’ government department seems quite unconcerned about this.

Tourism must go Socorro E Cardozo, Varca Goa was different prior to Liberation. It was beautiful. Today, in the name of development, it has been ruined. It is stinking everywhere with garbage and pollution.

Good news for Goans. Today, Goa is not a top tourist destination. I hope we go further down and hit rock bottom to save Goa for Goans. Tourism has given us nothing but corruption, murders, garbage, pollution, slums, drugs and migrants.

Merge Porvorim in Panjim Joao Mariano de Almeida, Porvorim The old Secretariat building or ‘Palacio Idalçao’ has been vacated long back, and the government and Assembly have moved to the new complex at Alto Betim, presently under the Village Panchayat of Penha de França (Britona). But all major functions like Republic day, Independence day, Liberation day, etc, are still held in Panjim.

It is true that normally such functions are held in the capital city. But it is only in Goa that the headquarters of the government is outside the capital. It is high time that Alto Betim and Porvorim, where the Assembly complex and Secretariat are located, are merged into the city of Panjim.

This area, where Panjim has expanded, is totally neglected with heaps of garbage, no sewerage, poor water supply and a massive mosquito menace. The VP of Penha de França cannot cope with the problems and meet the requirements of the residents.

Therefore, the government should merge these areas into Panjim, before the coming municipal elections, to provide better civic amenities to the residents of Porvorim.

Paths of Wisdom T h e Widow and the Judge

Jesus told his disciples a parable, to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged.

In a certain town, there was a Judge, who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that same town, who kept coming to him and pleading for her rights, saying, “Help me against my opponent!” For a long time, the Judge refused to act, but at last, he said to himself, “Even though I do not fear God or respect man, yet because of all the troubles this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I do not, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out!”

And the Lord continued, “Listen to what that corrupt judge said. Now, will God not judge in favour of his own people, who cry to him day and night for help? Will he be slow to help them? I tell you, he will judge in their favour and do it quickly. But will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes?”

(Luke 18: 1-8)

The Growing Seed

Jesus went on to say, “The Kingdom of God is like this. A man scatters seed in his field. He sleeps at night, is up and about during the day, and all the while, the seeds are sprouting and growing. Yet, he does not know how it happens. The soil itself makes the plants grow and bear fruit; first the tender stalk appears, then the ear, and finally, the ear full of corn. When the corn is ripe, the man starts cutting it with his sickle, because harvest time has come.

(Mark 4: 26-29)

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Pg9

OHERALDO

INDIA

GOA, SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2010

Govt expresses inability to enforce compulsory voting PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

Observing that people cannot be forced to vote till they have a choice to elect candidates with a clean image, Government today expressed its inability to enforce compulsory voting in the country.

"Till the time people have a choice to vote for candidates with clean image, they cannot be forced to vote. It would be fatal for democracy and lead to disillusionment," Law Minister M Veerappa Moily said in the Lok Sabha.

He was replying to a private member's bill on compulsory voting tabled by J P Agarwal (Cong), who later withdrew it.

Moily said while he was not against the idea of compulsory voting, "a stand alone law won't take us anywhere."

He said enacting another law was not a remedy . "It should not be ornamental. We have to add flesh and blood in it," he said.

The Law Minister said the Dinesh Goswami Committee formed in the 1990s had delved into the subject of compulsory voting and recommended against it as it was found to be impractical.

He said situations like illness,

preoccupation and use of force by political parties can prevent people from voting.

While expressing concern over low voter turnout, Moily said it was not a reflection on the electorate.

He claimed that illiterate people

Till the time people have a choice to vote for candidates with clean image, they cannot be forced to vote. It would be fatal for democracy and lead to disillusionment.

-- M Veerappa Moily were more aware of their rights as voters than the educated lot.

Moily said there was no dispute with any aspect of the bill moved by Agarwal as this was the ultimate goal.

"This Bill has provided a roadmap on how to enlighten the electorate and reach that goal. Voting is as much a duty of the voters as it is to taxation and other such duties. Voters are the foundation of this great democracy. It is a fundamental

duty every citizen should perform," he said.

Pointing out that about 31 crore out of the 71 crore voters do not vote, Moily wondered if candidates winning with less than one-sixth of the votes polled reflected the will of the electorate.

"Clearly, we cannot boast of being the largest democracy with the largest electorate in the world, if this situation prevails. It will be a tragedy, travesty of democracy...we have to set this right," he said.

Wondering if it was necessary to "motivate, coerce and tempt" voters to exercise their right to franchise," Moily said, "It will be ideal when a day comes when we need not canvass for votes and the entire electorate comes out to vote voluntarily. This will certainly happen one day. All of us (members) should work towards this."

He said the situation would be called ideal if voters can come out and vote fearlessly. "Voters have several reasons to keep away from voting. Fearlessness will liberate a person. Voters should come to polling booths without fear of violence and persecution," he added.

Superbug report doctored: author With a report of an antibiotic resistant superbug originating from India creating an uproar its superbug lead author has dismissed as hypothetical the conclusion that the bacteria was transmitted from the country and said some interpretations were made without his knowledge.

Karthikeyan Kumarasawamy

Schoolchildren dressed up in tricolour combinations on the eve of Independence Day in Ranchi on Friday.

NDA accuses Cong, RJD of trying to create 'caste frenzy' PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

The NDA today accused the Congress and the RJD of trying to create "caste frenzy" in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections and requested the Election Commission to "derecognise" them.

A delegation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders led by its convenor Sharad Yadav today met the Election Commission members here and submitted a memorandum.

"Congress and RJD leaders met the Election Commission in Patna and tried to mislead it.

Their entire effort was to destabilise the administration in the state," Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley told reporters after the meeting EC officials here.

Congress and RJD demanded a "large scale" reshuffle and removal of government officials on "caste lines" alleging before the EC that many officials and state security personnel were posted by the NDA government

to influence the poll process in its favour in the state, he said.

The complaint was a calculated move with definite purpose to prejudice the Election Commission and also to malign the image of not only the state government but also the officers, the NDA charged in its memorandum to the EC. "The complaint made on wholly incorrect facts tends to promote feelings of enmity and hatred on grounds of caste between different classes of citizens," it said and requested the Commission to deal "firmly with such political parties which have ventured to make incorrect baseless and scandalous allegations".

Suggesting EC to invoke Section 125 of Representation of People Act, it said, "We would request the Commission to take step to derecognise such parties whose leaders have unnecessarily tried to create caste frenzy in the state."

SC stays trial against Sajjan PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

In a reprieve for Sajjan Kumar, the Supreme Court today stayed trial proceedings against the Congress leader facing murder and other charges in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases.

A bench of Justices P Sathasivam and B S Chauhan also issued notice to the CBI on Kumar's appeal challenging his prosecution.

The high court had on July 19 refused to quash various charges including that of murder against him, saying the delay in prosecution has apparently benefited him.

Kumar, a former Outer Delhi MP, is facing prosecution in two cases in which he has been accused of inciting a mob against Sikh community in the aftermath of Gandhi's assassination on October 31, 1984.

"The interest of justice requires that the offences allegedly committed by accused persons are expeditiously tried to preserve

the rule of law in the society," the High Court had said while directing the trial court to hold the proceedings against him expeditiously in the riots cases.

The trial court had in May this year framed charges between different communities) and other provisions of the IPC paving the way for trial of Kumar and five others.

CBI had accused Kumar of provoking people against members of a particular community during the carnage that led to the killing of five persons in Delhi Cantonment area.

Amin’s approver plea adjourned PTI AHMEDABAD, AUG 13

The hearing on N K Amin plea, an accused in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, becoming an approver, was adjourned till August 18 by the CBI court here today.

Amin had last month filed an application in the court to become approver and had also asked the court to grant him pardon.

CBI had early this week said that it had no objection to Amin becoming approver, provided that he makes true disclosures about the case.

It had further said that before considering Amin's application for pardon, his confessional statement needs to be recorded under CrPC 164, and after verifying the statement, CBI might consider his application of becoming an approver.

Indian cabbie in Australia claims racial abuse PTI MELBOURNE, AUG 13

An Indian cabbie has claimed that Australian police just "smiled" when a group of passengers racially abused him outside a police station, where he had gone for support after they refused to pay the fare.

Gurpreet Singh Ashreja (29) said he was stunned that police did nothing as they listened to passengers racially abuse him outside Chelsea police station.

He said he drove to the police station for support when his passengers refused to pay USD 47 in fares.

said there was nothing to worry or fear about the superbug, termed New Delhi metallo-betalactamese.

He also said some interpretations in the report were written without his knowledge. "Without my knowledge some of the interpretations were written in the report",

he said.

The Department of Health in UK has already put out an alert on the issue, raising the hackles of the Indian medical fraternity.

The Union Health Ministry also came out with a hard-hitting statement against the report,-(PTI)

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Mamata’s reported support to Naxals: BJP asks Govt to explain PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

The BJP today asked the Government to come clean on Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's reported open support to Maoists at a rally in Lalgarh in West Bengal.

BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reporters outside Parliament that though Finance Minister Pranab Mukerjee's re-

ported remove to seek a clarification from Banerjee was "desirable", there was a need for the government to come clean on the matter.

"It (Mukherjee ascertaining facts) is a ploy by the Congress to cover up on Mamata Banerjee.But still it would be desirale to seek an explanation on how a Union Minister in the Cabinet has openly supported the Maoists in a public platform," he alleged.

Rudy was asked about Mukerjee reportedly seeking clarification from alliance partner and TMC chief Banjeree's reported support to Maoists.

"The statement (supporting Maoists) made by Mamata Banerjee has been factually reported by the media.BJP leader in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley has raised the issue in the House. The government should come clean on this issue," he said.

Minister of State for Urban Development and Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy, when asked about Mukherjee's reported move to ascertain details of the party rally in Lalgarh, said he had no information on it.

Asked if it was right for Banerjee to continue in the government in the wake of her reported support to Maoists, Roy asserted that she would remain in the Cabinet.

panel to decide declassifying 1962-63 Indo-pak records PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

The CIC has directed the Government to constitute a high-level committee to decide on declassifying "top secret" records of talks held 47 years back between Foreign Minister Swaran Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in the wake of the India-China war.

The Central Information Commission said the committee should comprise secretaries from Foreign, Defence and Home departments.

The decision comes after a full-bench of the CIC perused all the eight "top Secret" files related to six rounds of talks between Singh and Bhutto during 1962-63.

On an RTI application by veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar, the CIC noted that the decision to withhold information relating to the talks was taken by a joint secretary without making any reference to the Foreign Secretary.

"A Committee comprising the Foreign Secretary, the Defence Secretary and the Home Secretary be constituted to address and finally decide as to whether the information in the instant case can actually be disseminated at present fully or partially after the passage of more than three decades of the incident," the Bench directed exercising powers vested to it under the transparency law.

Nayar had sought these documents from the MEA but his request was rejected by the ministry citing exemption clauses of the RTI Act. The Bench had in March this year asked the ministry to produce these files for perusal.

In its order, the Commission said the committee should consider contention put forth by Nayar that Pakistan was willing to disclose this information but not to any Indian national as there is no such

agreement between the two countries.

"It will be open to the Committee to examine this information on the principle of severability, thus severing such information as would in their view be exempt from disclosure...MEA will then take a decision on declassification within two months," the Bench comprising Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah and Information Commissioners Annapurna Dixit and Satyananda Mishra said.

The Commission asked the Ministry to revisit its declassification policy with respect to information existing in the form of old documents, particularly relating to events that took place more than 20 years ago.

The Right to Information Act allows disclosure of information which is more than two decade old if it does not attract three exemption clauses -- related to sovereignty and integrity of India and other interests of the State, breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature and Cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers.

The panel directed the MEA to consider "Automatic, Systematic and Mandatory declassification Review" policy of the UK and the US while deciding on the issue with respect to old documents of "historical and international significance".

"The MEA will also have to decide as to whether the policy of withholding the information can be applicable in eternity," the Commission said.

The panel, however, asked the ministry to consider, while declassifying the records, whether they carried the potential of adversely affecting relations with a foreign state.

The Commission directed the MEA "to arrive at a decision regarding the identification/declassification of such sensitive and

pak SC seeks report Concern in Lok Sabha over Indian soldiers on detained Indian fishermen drifting to Pak in floods PTI ISLAMABAD, AUG 13

Pakistan's Supreme Court has asked authorities to submit a report on the detention of hundreds of Indian fishermen in the country's jails even after they had completed their sentences.

A three-judge bench directed the Interior and Foreign Ministries and the government of Sindh province to submit a concise statement by August 26 on the detention of the Indian fishermen.

The court directed the Attorney General to depute his officer to assist the court at the next date of hearing.

The bench issued the direction yesterday after hearing a batch of petitions filed by the Pakistani Fisher Folk Forum, Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research, five detainees and four under-trial prisoners seeking the release of the Indian fishermen.

The petitioners' counsel, Iqbal Haider, said there are 582 Indian fishermen being held in four jails of Sindh – Malir District Jail in Karachi, Nara Jail in Hyderabad and district jails in Badin and Naushero Feroze.

The Indians are waiting to be deported home as prisoner exchanges between Islamabad and

New Delhi had virtually come to a halt after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The apex court asked the authorities to disclose the facts and provisions of law under which the fishermen were being detained.

Haider informed the court that the Indian Supreme Court had on March 10 directed the government to immediately release Pakistani prisoners languishing in Indian jails.

He further said some of the Indian fishermen have been languishing in Pakistani prisons for over three years despite having completed a one-year jail term given to them for violating the Foreigners' Act by illegally entering Pakistani waters.

Sindh's home department had kept them in jail under a detention order without lawful authority and this was a violation of Articles 9 and 10 of the Constitution, Haider said.

India and Pakistan arrest dozens of fishermen every year on charges of violating the maritime boundary.

Many of the fishermen, including teenagers, have languished in jail for several years despite having completed their sentences.

Malaysian court jails two for church arson REUTERS KUALA LUMPUR, AUG 13

A Malaysian court today jailed two brothers for five years for setting fire to a church, local media said, after a spate of similar attacks provoked racial and religious anger in this mostly Muslim country.

The sentence on the two Malay Muslim brothers was stayed pending an appeal after the two were convicted of setting the Metro Tabernacle church ablaze on January 7, the news website The Malaysian Insider said.

The attack, coupled with the caning of three Muslim women in February for having sex out of wedlock, had fanned fears

that a more radical brand of Islam was taking root in the Southeast Asian country.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has tried to promote the concept of an inclusive Malaysian society to reverse a trend of falling foreign direct investment. ''Torching the Metro Tabernacle (church) in this case was an appalling and despicable thing to do,'' Sessions Court judge Komathy Suppiah was quoted as saying. ''Individuals who commit arson attacks on places of worship deserve little or no mercy from the courts... The message from this court must be loud and clear. Don't play with fire.''

PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

Members in the Lok Sabha, including from ruling Congress, today questioned the government's silence over reports that 33 soldiers had drifted away to Pakistan during last week's flash floods in Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Manish Tewari (Cong) said 33 jawans of 15 Bihar Regiment, posted on the Line of Control, were washed away in the flood and mudslide following a cloudburst.

"Whether these reports (on being washed away) are correct or what happened to them (soldiers), we do not know," he said.

The role of Pakistan Army has been questioned several times as "we saw what happened to Lt Saurabh Kalia who was tortured by them," he said.

Kalia and his patrol party of five jawans of the Indian Army, who had reported Pakistani intrusion during the Kargil conflict, were captured alive on May 15, 1999, from the Indian side of LOC. They were kept for three weeks and subjected to unprecedented brutal torture, evident from their bodies handed over by Pakistan Army on June 9, 1999.

Tewari said the government should inform the House on the matter immediately. He drew support from members from all sides, including the opposition benches.

Shahnawaz Hussain (BJP) said it was a major tragedy in which

600 people had died and 33 soldiers posted along the LoC had drifted away in the floods to Pakistan.

Questioning as to what the government was doing about it, he asked whether relatives of the deceased should themselves go to Pakistan and look for them.

"There is no statement by the government. The Defence Minister has not even expressed sympathies," he said.

Amid chants of "shame, shame", he said nobody in the government seemed to be concerned about the fact that the soldiers guarding the border had drifted to Pakistan and their bodies were untraceable.

"They were not tourists, they were guarding the border but the government is silent," the BJP member said and sought a response from the government.

Making a brief intervention, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said though the subject related to the Defence Ministry, he had information that 25 soldiers and three loaders had drowned.

The incident happened near the Line of Control in an area which had been retrieved from Pakistan during 1971.

He said it was not true that the government had done nothing in the wake of the disaster.

He said he along with his Cabinet colleague Farooq Abdullah had gone to Leh immediately after the tragedy and visited the affected areas.

California gay marriage can resume next week: judge REUTERS SAN FRANCISCO, AUG 13

A federal judge ruled that gay marriages can resume next week in California, pending the appeal of his earlier decision overturning a ban on same-sex matrimony as unconstitutional.

The order to allow gay marriage will take effect at 5 pm.

PDT on Wednesday. That will give an appeals court time to consider ''in an orderly manner'' whether the voter-approved ban, known as Proposition 8, should be left intact while appellate judges weigh the merits of the overall case, US District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker ruled yesterday.

Both sides expect the case eventually to be appealed up to the US Supreme Court, giving the California legal battle national importance.

The outcome has no bearing on 18,000 gay and lesbian couples who were legally wed in California from June 2008, when a state Supreme Court ruling overturned an earlier ban, and November 2008, when Prop 8 was passed.

Thirty-nine US states have laws explicitly prohibiting gay marriage. Only five states -- Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire -- and the District of Columbia allow same-sex unions.

Yesterday's ruling left neither side completely happy. San Francisco City Hall's steps were lined with couples hoping for a green light from Walker. ''I think they should have lifted the stay today,'' said

Chinese admiral says US drill courts confrontation REUTERS BEIJING, AUG 13

A senior Chinese military strategist called planned US naval exercises in the region a provocation and accused the Obama administration of seeking to encircle China and pursuing a ''chaotic'' approach towards Beijing.

The commentary in the top paper of the People's liberation Army (PLA) was China's latest verbal broadside against Washington, which Beijing has accused of stirring tension in the region with a series of military drills near its borders. ''On the one hand, it wants China to play a role in regional security issues. On the other hand, it is engaging in an increasingly tight encirclement of China and constantly challenging China's core interests,'' Rear Admiral Yang Yi wrote in the Liberation Army Daily.

The Pentagon plans new joint naval exercises with ally South Korea that will send a US aircraft carrier into the Yellow Sea, between China and the Korean peninsula.

Those exercises are intended to provoke ''enmity and confrontation in the Asia-Pacific region,'' Yang wrote.

Yang, who works at China's National Defence University, warned that friction over the planned US.-South Korea naval exercise reflected broader instability in relations with Beijing, and he placed the blame at Washington's doorstep. ''Rarely has there been such wavering and chaos in US policy towards China,'' wrote Yang.

Yang's commentary came out a day after a similarly angry warning in the paper, suggesting expectations from the PLA for a firm response from Beijing. ''Washington will inevitably pay a costly price for its muddled decision,'' Yang wrote n a separate commentary today in the China Daily, the country's main

English-language paper. ''The risks of a collision occurring between the two countries' navies in seas off China's coast are escalating,'' Wang Jisi, a prominent expert on ChinaUS relations at Peking University, wrote in a recent analysis.

MILITARY TIES STALL China appears unlikely to risk directly challenging any new USSouth Korea drills by sending its ships to the same waters, a step that would risk a dangerous escalation in tensions.

However, its anger with the Obama administration could hold off any upgrading of military relations, which Beijing has curtailed since friction earlier this year over US weapons sales to Taiwan, the self-ruled island claimed by China.

The planned exercises leave scant chance that US Defence Secretary Robert Gates will be invited to visit China any time soon, said Xu Guangyu, a former PLA officer and now a researcher at the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association. ''It's natural for the PLA to speak out first on these issues,'' Xu told Reuters. ''It's the PLA's sacred duty to defend China's territory and interests.''

The US and South Korea last month held a joint naval drill in the Sea of Japan off the Korean peninsula, which brought condemnation from China. It then answered with its own heavily publicised military exercises.

The Pentagon last week said a US aircraft carrier, the George Washington, which joined in the earlier exercise, would participate in a followup drill in the Yellow Sea. The United States and South Korea have said their exercises are aimed at warning North Korea, which they blame for torpedoing a South Korean navy ship in March. ''Anyone clear-sighted can see that this carries something of a warning to China,'' wrote Yang.

Lindsay Lohan could see early release from rehab REUTERS LOS ANGELES, AUG 13

Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan, fresh out of jail on charges of violating her probation, may be released early from a court-ordered stint in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, a prosecutor said.

Danette Meyers, who recently prosecuted Lohan for violating probation on drunken driving charges, told celebrity news website RadarOnline. com yesterday that the ''Mean Girls'' star may be able to avoid her full 90-day sentence in rehab. ''My understanding from conversations with Shawn Chapman Holley (Lohan's attorney) is that Miss Lohan could be released early from the treatment facility,'' Meyers told RadarOnline.com. ''It is looking as if that (early release) is what the health care professionals are going to recommend.''

Meyers said she was unsure exactly when Lohan might get out and that a release date would depend on recommendations from people treating the actress. The prosecutor further said that Lohan may have to undergo ''follow up treatment.''

Lohan, 24, rose to fame in Disney movies like ''Freaky Friday,'' but began to see her career fall apart as Hollywood's nightlife caught up with her. In 2007, she was arrested for drunken driving and cocaine possession and served 84 minutes in jail along with being put on probation.

from page 1 Mickky ‘free’ to travel not required to be further retained by the police and directed that the same is handed over to the applicant on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 50,000. In this respect, the Judge directed Pacheco not to dispose off the same and to produce them when directed by the court.

The Crime branch had strongly objected to Pacheco’s request to leave the country on grounds that investigations are in progress and fearing that the MLA may jump bail and may not be available for investigations since reports from GEQD FSL, Hyderabad in respect of the nine hard discs of eight CPUs and one laptop is yet to be received by the investigating agency.

Central Act fortifies...

constitution of this authority are presently on at the Centre.”

The Act defines ‘prohibited area’ as the one that begins from the boundary wall protecting the monument and extending upto 100 metres. The area extending upto 200 metres from where the 100 metre prohibited stretch ends is defined as the regulated area. The total area (prohibited and regulated) totals upto 300 metres.

The amended Act further makes very clear no constructions, whatsoever, including any public projects, will be allowed in the prohibited areas of the protected monuments and the permission for construction or reconstruction activities in regulated areas shall be governed by heritage bye-laws.

Dr Rao informed that ASI has constituted a monitoring cell in April this year to keep a close watch on illegal activities in protected areas in an effort to strictly implement the provisions of the Act, a copy of which has been sent to the District Collector, Village Panchayat and authorities concerned.

He said the Central Act supersedes local laws. The Old Goa Village Panchayat will have to forward applications seeking permissions for constructions to ASI Goa which in turn will send the same to NMA for scrutiny and final approval.

ASI which looks after four areas of heritage importance in Old Goa has marked the prohibited and regulated areas as per the recommendations of the new Act. Dr Rao has appealed to the authorities concerned and citizens to assist it in implementing the provisions of the Act. Meanwhile, construction activities in the said areas will have to remain on hold till the NMA is constituted.

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Pentagon warns fresh ‘No country should depend on leaks would be damaging PTI LONDON/WASHINGTON, AUG 13

Web whistleblower Wikileaks owner has announced that the portal is preparing to release the remaining secret Afghan war documents, as Pentagon warned that the fresh exposures could be even more damaging to the American military than what has already come out.

The Wikileaks spokesman Julian Assange has said that his organisation is preparing to release the rest of the Pentagon documents it has on file.

Speaking over video link to media here, Assange brushed aside the Pentagon's demand that he hand over the intelligence documents, but gave no time frame for the release of the 15,000 remaining files he claims are with his portal.

The spokesman said his personnel had combed through about "7,000 files" to ensure that no names were published to put lives of US ser vicemen or

Afghans at peril.

"We absolutely would go ahead and publish them", Assange said, but did not indicate that whether he would hand over these files to prominent media outlets.

Slamming WikiLeaks' announcement the Pentagon termed it as the height of irresponsibility.

"The only responsible course of action for them is to immediately remove all the stolen documents from their website and expunge all classified material from their computers," the Pentagon spokesman, Geoff Morrell, said.

"If they were to publish any additional documents after hearing our concerns about the harm it will cause our forces, our allies and innocent Afghan civilians, it would be the height of irresponsibility," Morrell said.

Last week, the Defense Department demanded that WikiLeaks return all documents

belonging to the Pentagon and delete any records of the documents.

"The only acceptable course is for WikiLeaks to take steps immediately to return all versions of all of these documents to the US government and permanently delete them from its website, computers and records," Morrell said.

However, the WikiLeaks has not responded to the call of the Pentagon.

"We have made very clear that we view the publishing of these communications very seriously and as a very serious breach and a security breach to our soldiers and diplomats overseas," the State Department Deputy Spokesman, Mark Toner, said.

WikiLeaks, the whistleblower website last month released on the Internet around 70,000 classified US military documents on Afghanistan, some of which included the names of Afghan informants.

foreign army’

PTI BEIJING, AUG 13

With LTTE vanquished, Sri Lanka now says that the important lesson it learnt during the war with Tamil Tigers is that if a country wants to succeed against terrorism it has to depend on itself and not on a foreign army.

In an apparent reference to the country's experience with Indian Peace Keeping Force in the late 1980s, Foreign Minister G L Peiris said: "The most important lesson we have learnt is that if a country wants to succeed in their war on terror, the effort has to be made by the country itself, not by a foreign army of another country."

"Because intuitively people will support their own inland terrorists and gang up against the foreign army as they will consider them as the invading force. It has happened in many countries already. Patriotism is part of people's instincts," he

US arrests Israeli linked to serial knife murders REUTERS ATLANTA, AUG 13

Traditional Act! Fishermen drink and watch a newly married couple kiss on a bank of the Yenisei River in Divnogorsk, a town in Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, on Friday.

Sailors press Gates on how defense budget hits them REUTERS SAN DIEGO, CALIF, AUG 13

For sailors aboard the USS Higgins docked in San Diego, a popular question for visiting Defense Secretary Robert Gates was how the austerity drive he announced this week would affect them. ''We are fighting two wars and so the budget is a huge deal for us,'' said Naval Petty Officer Michael Allen yesterday after Gates gave him and the rest of the crew aboard the guided-missile destroyer a commemorative coin. ''On our level there are things we can do (to cut costs) but we don't make the decisions about it,'' Allen said.

Gates was peppered with questions about the finances of the US military and whether he had plans, for example, to cut back on forces, or whether it would be harder to get supplies. ''If it works the way I want it to, you get the money,'' Gates told one sailor.

One target of Gates' cost-cutting is to slash spending on defense contractors by 10 percent for each of the next three years,

reducing the reliance on outside workers and putting more pressure on the US military. ''The whole idea is to reduce contracts, reduce staff, consolidate headquarters, cut the overhead so that we can invest properly in force structure and force modernization,'' said Gates, whose announcements have stirred up some anxiety among troops.

With a giant US deficit to tackle, Gates this week unveiled a series of cost-cutting measures that will shed thousands of jobs and shut down an entire military command.

The US budget gap hit a record 1.41 trillion dollar in fiscal 2009 and is poised to grow wider this year, unnerving many Americans grappling with unemployment at 9.5 per cent.

Many of the proposed cuts have upset members of Congress who face the potential loss of jobs in their home districts, but Gates hopes his austerity plan will show lawmakers the Pentagon can spend tax dollars wisely during tough economic times.

Conceding to sailors that de-

fense department bureaucracy had the ''fine motor skills of a dinosaur'', Gates promised he was doing his best to ensure they got the right tools and the cuts did not inadvertently affect those lower down the food chain. ''I want to make sure that those involved in maintenance have the tools and those who are doing the welding have the steels they need,'' he said.''

Pressed on whether some forces would be cut, he said, for example, the Marine Corps was currently at about 202,000 with the surge of current forces in Afghanistan, up from a previous number of 175,000. ''After the surge ends in Afghanistan they will probably reduce some,'' he said.

Petty Officer Second Class Nels Dale, who is leaving service soon, said he had noticed greater attempts to cut costs in recent months. ''We are very aware of all the things we can do to save the taxpayer money and we are doing all we can to increase our efficiency,'' he told Reuters as Gates was leaving.

Paris Hilton to vigorously defend bad hair day REUTERS LOS ANGELES, AUG 13

Many people have bad hair days, but one that cost $35 million? Not even Paris Hilton could do that – at least, that's what she says.

Lawyers for the hotel heiress and socialite yesterday said they ''will pursue all of our defenses vigorously and any potential counter claims'' against a company that sued Hilton for 35 million dollars claiming she broke a contract to wear its hair extensions.

One day earlier, Beverly Hills-based Hairtech International Inc filed its suit alleging Hilton, a member of the family that founded the hotel chain bearing her name, broke a contract in 2008 when she wore a rival company's extensions.

Hairtech also blamed Hilton for missing a product launch party in 2007 because she was in jail, and said her failure to appear cost the company 6.6 million dollars, according to reports.

Hairtech declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The suit caused headlines around the world as the media seized upon it as a way to tease the wealthy heiress who has acted on TV and in movies, and endorsed products ranging from jewelry to apparel, cosmetics, perfume and hair products.

Hilton's personal life has long been fodder for the tabloid press, and she has had her share of troubles with the law, including a reckless driving arrest and probation violation.

More recently, she has adopted a lower public profile, although she remains a staple on red carpets around the world and is active as a celebrity endorser. Just this week, she was out in Hollywood promoting her new perfume, Tease.

An Israeli national suspected of being responsible for five stabbing murders in a spate of latenight knife attacks against African-Americans in three US states was arrested in Atlanta as he prepared to fly to Tel Aviv, authorities said.

Police yesterday said the suspect, Elias Abuelazam, was arrested on Wednesday night at a boarding gate at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson international airport. ''He surrendered without incident,'' David Leyton, prosecutor for Michigan's Genesee County, told a news conference.

He added that Abuelazam, 33, a legal resident of the United States, was carrying a valid Israeli passport as he prepared to board the Tel Aviv-bound Delta Airlines flight.

Most of the stabbings Abuelazam is suspected of committing occurred in Michigan and a warrant charging him with assault with intent to commit murder was issued in Flint, Michigan, yesterday.

Leyton said all but three of the victims in the 18 attacks since the stabbings began on May 24 were black.

The prosecutor said he targeted them in an ''opportunistic'' way after allegedly following them in his green Chevrolet Blazer SUV as they walked along darkened streets at night in Flint, Toledo, Ohio and Leesburg, Virginia.

n The most important lesson we have learnt is that if a country wants to succeed in their war on terror, the effort has to be made by the country itself, not by a foreign army of another country. said.

Peiris, who is here on an official visit, was speaking at the China Institute of International Studies on Sri Lanka's experience and fight against terrorism.

India sent its peace keeping forces to Sri Lanka to disarm the LTTE after the countries signed the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord in 1987 to end the ethnic crisis in the country.

Sri Lanka's 30-year-old war against the LTTE came to an end with the death of the outfit's chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in 2009.

South Asian 'superbug' spreads to Australia AFP SYDNEY, AUG 13

A drug-resistant "superbug" has infected three Australians who travelled to India, an expert said today, reinforcing fears it could spread worldwide after hitting dozens of people from Britain.

Professor Peter Collignon, Canberra Hospital's head of infectious diseases, said the cases -- including one patient who had plastic surgery in Mumbai -- were just the "tip of the iceberg".

"There may well be more because it's difficult to pick up this particular gene unless you've got sophisticated testing," Collignon told AFP. British scientists sparked an angry response from India when they said "medical tourists" were among 37 people who were found to be carrying bacteria with the New Delhi metallo-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) gene.

The gene was identified last year in bacteria carried by a Swedish patient admitted to hospital in India.

The gene, which is found in a number of different bacteria, produces an enzyme that renders even very strong, last resort

antibiotics ineffective in combating the bacteria.

Collignon said he treated one of Australia's three cases in Canberra, while there was one each in the eastern states of New South Wales and Queensland.

"We found this multi-resistant, untreatable bug in their urine, luckily not causing too many problems to that person. But it's a real problem if it spreads to others," he said.

"The germ we had was untreatable -- there were no drugs we had that could treat it," he added.

Collignon said his patient caught the bug in intensive care in an Indian hospital after plastic surgery went wrong.

But he said one of the three picked up their bug in the general community, indicating the extent of the problem.

"There are likely to be more because what you're picking up in hospitals is just the tip of the iceberg," he said.

"It probably is killing lots of people but it happens in the developing world and there's no way of measuring it."

Collignon blamed the new bugs on the "abuse" of antibiotics in medicine and also in agriculture, saying some countries used them on billions of chickens, which develop bacteria and are then eaten by humans.

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BlackBerry optimistic of resolving security issue PTI NEW DELHI/TORONTO, AUG 13

BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) today said it was optimistic of resolving with the Government the issue of lawful interception of its services even as the Canadian smartphone vendor made it clear that only legal monitoring of its data would be allowed.

Faced with the August 31 deadline to address the country's security concerns, a threemember delegation of (RIM) led by Vice-President Robert E Crowe met Home Secretary G K Pillai to discuss government's notice.

Government has set the August 31 deadline for the Canada-based RIM and telecom operators to address its security concerns warning that failure to do so would result in some of the mobile phone's popular services being shut down in the country.

Government wants RIM to make available lawful interception of BlackBerry Enterprise Services (BES) and BlackBerry Messenger Services (BBM) to Indian security agencies.

"I am optimistic," Crowe told reporters after a half-an-hour meeting with Pillai.

In a letter to the Department of Telecom (DoT) Secretary P J Thomas, Pillai has asked him to convey to the operators and RIM that a technical solution to make available lawful interception of BES and BBM must be found out by the stated deadline.

There are an estimated one million BlackBerry subscribers in the country.

In Toronto, RIM in a statement on Thursday said it would allow Indian security agencies only to do legal monitoring of data of its subscribers, although India has asked the smartphone vendor

ROTTING FOODGRAINS

Media exaggerated gravity: Pawar PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

Government today termed as "quite exaggerated" reports on rotting of foodgrains and said a master plan has been prepared to increase storage space.

"All reports on rotting of foodgrains are not actually correct and quite exaggerated.

There are only certain cases of damage and we have suspended some officials," Food Minister Shard Pawar told the Rajya Sabha.

Pawar made the remark two days after conceding in the House that the rotting of foodgrains was a "shameful" fact. He had said that over 11,700 tonnes of foodgrains worth Rs 6.86 crore were found "damaged" in government godowns.

During Question Hour, Pawar said the government has

prepared a comprehensive plan to create 149.4 lakh tonnes of storage space to prevent damage of foodgrains. These will be built by Food Corporation of India (FCI) through private entrepreneurs and central and state warehousing corporations.

The deadline for completion of construction of godowns for private entrepreneurs would be one year, while that of godowns with railways sidings would be two years from the date of agreement, he said.

Tenders invited under a new scheme for construction of godowns will be processed fast, he said.

Pawar also said that the government is taking other steps to enhance storage capacity of food grains with special emphasis on North Eastern region.

to provide access to e-mail and messenger data.

"The only time it allows carriers to access the data sent via BlackBerry devices is in the case of national security situations, and even then, only as governed by the country's judicial oversight and rules of law," it said.

In Delhi, a Union Home Ministry spokesman said, "The meeting today asked DoT to convey to service providers and RIM that the BES and messanger services be made accessible to legal enforcement agencies (LEA) and a technical solution be found.

"If a technical solution is not found by August 31, government will review the position and take steps to block these two services. As of now, voicemail, SMS and BlackBerry Internet Services (BIS) have been made available to the LEA," the spokesman said.

BJP for early opening of Mumbai port

LIC posts Rs 23,478 cr valuation surplus HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

Ravi Menon, Director of Sales and Marketing, John Deere India, launching two new tractor models in Bangalore on Friday.

Life Insurance Corporation of India, India’s largest life insurer, has announced its audited figures for the financial year ended March 2010. LIC has declared a Valuation Surplus of Rs 23,478 crore of which Rs 1,029 crore is given to the Central Government as dividend.

The total premium income of the Corporation for the year rose to Rs 1,85,985 crore from Rs 1,57,186 crore showing an increase of 18.32% over the previous year.

The gross total income of the Corporation rose to a mammoth Rs 2,98,721 crore showing a phenomenal growth of 49.15% over FY 2008-09. The First Year Premium Income of the Corporation rose to Rs 70,891 crore from Rs 52,954 crore showing a growth of 33.87%.

During the FY 2009-10, the Corporation settled a total of 6,64,619 Death Claims amounting to Rs 7,033.68 crore and 2,05,17,870 Maturity/Survival Benefit claims amounting to Rs 46,921.22 crore.

The Overall Expense Ratio of the Corporation during the year was 13.10% which was well within the prescribed limit. The Total Assets of the Corporation

RCom ties up with Universal Music

UNI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

The BJP today lashed out at the Government for not having registered any case so far against the company responsible for the oil leak near Mumbai port and sought a high-level inquiry into the mishap.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Gopinath Munde said that the disaster had forced closure of both Jawahar Lal Nehru port and Mumbai port which had resulted into the loss of nearly Rs 6000 crore. About 1000 containers were stranded near the ports ever since the mishap occurred on August 7.

Besides it had also affected the fish live-stock, badly hitting poor fishermen who cannot undertake fishing in the waters affected by the oil-spill. It was strange that the Government had not yet registered a case against the company, he said.

The Government must immediately seek heavy compensation from the shipping company for the loss, he said.

Having successfully won the licence to offer 3G services in India, Reliance Communications, India's single largest integrated telecommunications service provider, is readying a huge chest of services and state-of-the-art applications as a prelude to the launch of its 3G services in India. RCOM has got the licence to offer 3G services in 13 key circles including Mumbai, Delhi & Kolkata.

Reliance Communications today announced the signing of an exclusive strategic partnership with Universal Music to offer music-related services and content across RCOM's GSM, CDMA, 3G Mobile and Wireless Broadband platforms.

The agreement between Reliance Communications and Universal Music has been signed with a commitment of substantial investments to be made by both the parties to offer 360 degree music experience to customers across all

amounted to Rs 11,52,057 crore showing an increase of 31.88% over the previous year.

The New Business Performance of the Corporation for the year ending 31st March, 2010 has also shown very positive results. The Corporation has sold a record number of 3.88 crore policies during the year by collecting Rs 42,960 crores in First Premium with a growth rate of 8.21% on number of policies and 21.63% in First Premium Income.

In Pension and Group Schemes, the Corporation sold 18,573 schemes covering a total of 2,37,57,262 lives showing a growth of 17% in schemes and 15% in lives.

One of the major highlights was that during this period, the market share of the Corporation rose from 60.79% to 64.86% in First Premium Income and from 70.52% to 73.02% in number of Policies.

The performance of the Corporation during the first quarter of the current year has been stupendous. As on 30th June, 2010, the Total First Premium Income of the Corporation stands at Rs 18, 740 crores showing a growth of 107.57%. The market share of the Corporation in First Premium Income has risen to 73.43%.

RS considers bill for better use of coal UNI

NEW DELHI, AUG 13

platforms including Voice, WAP, Web, IVR, Blog & through On-Ground Events.

The agreement with Universal is a prelude to RCOM's 3G launch since music offers the potential to provide the best consumer experience on 3G network. This is the first ever biggest & most comprehensive music partnership signed in India by a telecom operator.

Universal will offer its entire catalogue of international and Indian music to RCOM. Universal's music catalogue boasts of some of the best of Indian & western billboard artists such as Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, The Black Eyed Peas, Enrique Iglesias, Eminent, Lady Gaga amongst Others.

RCOM's agreement with Universal Music is in line with similar deals signed by it with other global operators across the globe including with UK Orange, SingTel, Digi Malaysia, Bouygues Telecom, France Orange, Belgium Base and other Eastern European Operators.

The Rajya Sabha today considered a bill to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as it was needed to improve effective utilisation of coal reserves.

Minister for Mines B K Handique presented the bill before the Rajya Sabha and said that the bill has been brought before the House after consulting various stakeholders. The standing Committe had considered the bill presented in 2008 and recommended that all stakeholders must be taken into consideration before a final decision could be made.

He said that the bill was necessary in view of the increased availability of blocks and to bring more transparency in competitive bidding process for private companies.

S S Ahluwalia of the BJP said that the country lacked proper data about quality of available coal reserves.

He urged the coal India to compile such data. The Government has not take into consideration views of Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and some other coal producing states as they had not responded. Has the government devised any mechanism to get their views?

Pointing out that Jharkhand has semi-Anthracite variety of coal, he said that instead of converting into Anthracity through calcination process, the government was using it as a steam coal and imports Anthracite from abroad.

Shell offers chance to race Ducati’s MotoGP riders AGENCIES MUMBAI, AUG 13

Shell Lubricants, the global market leader in finished lubricants has launched its ‘Can you keep up with me?’ Global Promotion that will offer motorcycle fans from India the opportunity to travel to the 2010 Malaysian MotoGP race and compete against Ducati’s MotoGP World Championship riders Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden in a virtual race.

Not only will the lucky winners meet and have a chance to compete against the two World Champion riders on a MotoGP simulator, they will visit the Sepang MotoGP circuit to watch quali-

Sensex gains 93 points PTI MUMBAI, AUG 13

Buoyed by promising first quarter results from India Inc, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today rose by 93 points, with realty and banking stocks leading the gains amid a positive trend in Asia and Europe.

The National Stock Exchange’s wide-based Nifty index, too, increased by 0.66 per cent to 5,452.10 points.

Boosted by strong June quarter numbers from Tata Steel and SBI, the 30-share index put concerns over rising food inflation and a slowdown in industrial output behind it to settle higher by 93.13 points or 0.52 per cent, at 18,167.03. The Sensex touched a high of 18,260.39 at mid-session.

Aban Offshor, 842, 847.7, 826.4, 831.3 Abb Ltd., 782.8, 788, 778.2, 782.65 Abg Shipyard, 250.6, 256.65, 249.05, 252.1 Acc Limited, 840, 857, 833.1, 844 Adani Enterp, 604, 661.45, 603, 626.65 Aditya Birla, 795, 831.35, 795, 820.35 Allahabad Ba, 210, 212.9, 208.3, 211.25 Alstom Proje, 743.95, 755.2, 731.25, 739.75 Ambuja Cemen, 117.1, 118.15, 116, 116.65 Andhra Bank, 148, 152.85, 148, 151.75 Ashok Leylan, 69.9, 72.2, 69.8, 71.8 Asian Paints, 2680, 2710, 2645.2, 2654.55 Axis Bank Li, 1320, 1336, 1320, 1328.2 Bajaj Hindus, 118, 118, 118, 118 Bank Of Baro, 770, 787.4, 770, 779.4 Bank Of Indi, 462.05, 472.85, 457.5, 462.95 Beml Limited, 993.4, 1034.9, 990.15, 1009.2 Bharat Elect, 1731.3, 1749, 1723.7, 1730.65 Bharat Forge, 340.55, 347.15, 340.55, 343.05 Bharat Petro, 677.75, 691.8, 669.25, 670.85 Bharti Airte, 318, 322.9, 315, 316.95 Bhel, 2490, 2532, 2486.35, 2496.75 Bhushan Stee, 1612, 1629.2, 1606.05, 1610.55

fying and the race. Along with seeing the future World Champion on track, the Shell Advance guests will have the opportunity to tour the MotoGP paddock and Ducati Corse garage to see the race team at work.

The winners will begin their experience by travelling to Kuala Lumpur in October 2010 as VIP guests of Shell Advance and Ducati Corse. While the MotoGP riders warm up for their afternoon session, the Shell Advance prize winners will also be warming up for their big competition on the MotoGP simulator. To participate in the contest, the customers have to SMS “Shell Advance”

Biocon Limit, 338.9, 344.4, 336.25, 342.8 Bombay Dyein, 595, 684.5, 595, 661.65 Bosch Limite, 5770, 5819, 5710, 5776.45 Brigade Ente, 133.6, 136.5, 133.6, 134.3 Cairn India, 345, 358.2, 342.25, 355.45 Canara Bank, 494.5, 507.5, 494.5, 503.2 Central Bank, 185, 192.8, 185, 186.8 Century Text, 472, 505.8, 472, 497.8 Cesc Ltd, 385.05, 398.9, 384.25, 395.9 Chambal Fert, 66.5, 67.5, 66.5, 66.85 Chennai Petr, 273, 281.4, 273, 277.5 Cipla Ltd, 314.9, 318.6, 313.35, 314.85 Colgate Palm, 848.2, 852, 841.3, 849.05 Container Co, 1440, 1440, 1365, 1366.45 Crompton Gre, 281, 289.4, 281, 287.05 Cummins Indi, 660, 681.65, 651.85, 672.15 Dabur India, 198.3, 201, 197.7, 200.15 Deccan Chron, 134, 137.45, 132.25, 134.75 Dish Tv Indi, 49.9, 50.5, 48.8, 49.8 Divi’s Labor, 749, 764, 739.65, 747.6 Dlf Limited, 315.55, 323.8, 315, 322.5 Dr. reddy’s, 1345, 1359.8, 1337.05, 1339.45 Edelweiss Ca, 58.8, 58.8, 55.25, 55.65 Educomp Solu, 585, 597.8, 580.75, 586.45 Eih Limited, 131.3, 133.1, 131.05, 131.45

Engineers In, 320, 335.1, 320, 333.75 Essar Oil Lt, 137, 137, 131.15, 131.9 Essar Shippi, 118.55, 119.8, 108.25, 109.55 Exide Indust, 141.55, 145.15, 141.55, 142.85 Federal Bank, 324, 334.6, 323.2, 330.2 Financial Te, 1308, 1332.35, 1308, 1320.55 Gail (india), 449.35, 455, 448.05, 453.7 Gammon India, 207, 209, 203.3, 207.6 Glaxosmithkl, 1950, 1985, 1935, 1961.8 Glenmark Pha, 270.9, 270.9, 266.25, 266.8 Gmr Infrastr, 62, 62.25, 60.85, 61.8 Godrej Indus, 200, 205.85, 199.1, 200.25 Grasim Indus, 1875, 1894.7, 1865.25, 1876.4 Great Offsho, 410, 414.5, 406.55, 408 Gtl Infra.Lt, 46.7, 47, 46.15, 46.3 Gujarat Mine, 122.1, 123.8, 122.05, 122.6 Gujarat N R, 58.85, 59.55, 58.2, 58.35 Gujarat Stat, 109.6, 112.75, 109.6, 110.8 Gvk Pow. & I, 43.2, 43.2, 42.2, 42.3 Hcl Technolo, 401.4, 415.45, 401.4, 411.05 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2061.55, 2101.4, 2058.25, 2087.55 Hdfc Ltd, 2985, 3027, 2981.2, 2995.9

<NAME> and send it to 58888. A few lucky participants will get the chance to jet set and go to Malaysia and head for the chequered flag.

The Grand finale will take place in Mumbai to identify 5 winners amongst the top 25 dealers/BikeServowners who then will get the chance to visit Moto GP in Sepang, Malaysia.

The contest is on till August 31 and the winners will be announced in September. To reach closer to its customers, Shell Lubricants is running a marketing campaign including onground activation programs in bike clusters in India. The company has si-

Hero Honda M, 1869, 1899.95, 1868.25, 1884.25 Hindalco in, 166.75, 169.8, 164.8, 166.05 Hindustan Co, 70.8, 72.9, 70.6, 72.1 Hindustan Ma, 74.9, 78.4, 72.65, 75.6 Hindustan Pe, 491.15, 506.8, 483.15, 485.3 Hindustan Un, 266, 267.8, 265.1, 265.8 Hindustan Zi, 1106, 1144.5, 1096.55, 1117.75 Housing Dev, 285, 290.8, 281.35, 285.1 Icici Bank L, 969.9, 984.8, 963.3, 976.4 Idea Cellula, 72.5, 72.9, 71.65, 72.65 Ifci Ltd, 59.8, 61.4, 59.25, 61 India Cement, 104.5, 106.5, 104.5, 105.1 India Infoli, 101, 102.2, 99.95, 100.4 Indiabulls F, 160.85, 162.45, 158.5, 161.5 Indiabulls R, 187, 198.25, 187, 194.25 Indian Bank, 229, 246, 229, 243.85 Indian Hotel, 98, 103.4, 97.8, 102.55 Indian Oil C, 384.95, 386.9, 377.2, 380.35 Indian Overs, 127, 131.45, 127, 129.1 Indus Dev Ba, 120, 122.1, 119.1, 120.8 Indusind Ban, 224.5, 226.5, 222.15, 223.75 Infosys Tech, 2775, 2798, 2755, 2777.25 Infra. dev., 178, 182.4, 177.45, 181.25

Ispat Indust, 17.8, 18.1, 17.75, 17.85 Itc Ltd, 153, 157, 152.95, 156.25 Ivrcl Infras, 160.1, 162.55, 159.1, 161.7 Jai Corp Lim, 270.65, 301, 269.55, 291 Jaiprakash A, 118.9, 121.45, 118.5, 120.95 Jet Airways, 662, 739, 660, 730.1 Jindal Saw L, 204.7, 207.4, 204.5, 205.8 Jindal Steel, 656.5, 666.8, 650.55, 662.5 Jsw Steel Li, 1115, 1125.8, 1105.35, 1113.85 Kotak Mahind, 808, 833, 807, 829.3 Lakshmi Mach, 2005, 2075, 2005, 2024.6 Lanco Infrat, 66.4, 69.15, 66.1, 68.4 Larsen & Tou, 1809, 1823, 1800.1, 1808.7 Lic Housing, 1226, 1243.75, 1220, 1226.15 Lupin Limite, 1815, 1852, 1792.15, 1835.45 Mahanagar Te, 64.8, 65, 63.55, 64.7 Mahindra & M, 636.45, 637.65, 623.8, 627.45 Maruti Suzuk, 1230, 1254.4, 1222.5, 1249.15 Max India Lt, 158.1, 159, 154, 154.65 Maytas Infr., 223.15, 228.75, 219, 225.5 Moser-baer (, 61, 63.5, 61, 62.25 Mrpl, 80.5, 88, 80.4, 81.05 Nagarjuna Co, 162.5, 162.8, 157.85, 160.5

multaneous trade offers for dealers & franchisees.

Shell Advance VSX is specially designed for riders of high-powered bikes who need superior oil to protect and keep a bike engine clean in all types of road conditions. It is a premium semisynthetic lubricant exclusively developed for 4 stroke high powered bikes, providing superior performance and excellent engine protection.

Shell Advance Ultra is a unique fully synthetic lubricant exclusively designed to provide the ultimate performance for high performance bikes used in racing or high speed, long distance riding.

Nagarjuna Fe, 30.5, 30.8, 30.05, 30.2 National Alu, 433.9, 442.5, 433.05, 439.05 Neyveli Lign, 167.1, 168.2, 164.25, 165.3 Ntpc Ltd, 195, 196.75, 193.5, 195.75 Oil And Natu, 1267, 1288, 1267, 1277.55 Omaxe Limite, 126.2, 132.65, 123.5, 131.3 Oriental Ban, 404.15, 422.5, 403.5, 419.6 Pantaloon Re, 462, 469.35, 458.55, 464.6 Parsvnath De, 137.5, 139.9, 136.15, 138.3 Petronet Lng, 106.25, 107.7, 104.3, 105.55 Power Fin Co, 330.2, 333.9, 328.9, 332.1 Power Grid C, 100.35, 102.2, 99.65, 101.9 Praj Industr, 75.7, 77.7, 75.5, 76.75 Punj Lloyd L, 117.8, 118.8, 116.3, 116.75 Punjab Natio, 1134, 1154.8, 1131.2, 1139.05 Rajesh Expor, 100, 102.55, 97.55, 98.85 Ranbaxy Labs, 443, 449.5, 434.25, 443.25 Rashtriya Ch, 81.8, 82.4, 81, 81.65 Rel. nat. re, 39, 39.4, 38.4, 38.55 Reliance Cap, 762.2, 774, 762, 763.7 Reliance Com, 173.4, 173.5, 167.05, 168.1 Reliance Ene, 991, 1025, 991, 1023.31 Reliance Ind, 869.5, 948.9, 865, 913 Reliance Ind, 970.5, 993.8, 970.5, 979.1 Reliance Pow, 156.95, 157.1, 154.35,

155.25 Rolta India, 169.45, 171.65, 169.1, 169.85 Satyam Compu, 86.95, 86.95, 85.5, 85.65 Sesa Goa Ltd, 350, 357.95, 350, 353.6 Shipping Cor, 165.15, 167, 164.05, 164.75 Siemens Ltd, 698.8, 699.8, 687.25, 696.4 Sintex Indus, 370.05, 374.9, 368.15, 371.55 Sobha Develo, 370.45, 376, 366.05, 370.05 State Bank O, 2784, 2879.7, 2784, 2850.25 Steel Author, 193, 194.6, 192, 192.75 Sterlite Ind, 165.95, 165.95, 158.95, 160.65 Sun Pharmace, 1739.75, 1755, 1735.05, 1750.9 Sun Tv Netwo, 489, 548.3, 488.95, 509.4 Suzlon Energ, 59, 59, 56.05, 56.45 Tata Communi, 321, 333.45, 316.15, 329.55 Tata Consult, 857, 862.9, 838, 854.4 Tata Motors, 1027, 1035, 1007.5, 1013.4 Tata Power C, 1325, 1339.9, 1309.2, 1326.85 Tata Steel L, 540, 540, 523.8, 527.2 Tata Teleser, 24, 24.65, 23.9, 24.4

Tech Mahindr, 710, 722.4, 709.2, 711.8 The Ge Shpg., 311, 315.9, 305, 307.2 The Phoenix, 244.3, 260.8, 242.2, 247.1 Thermax Ltd, 751.1, 764, 742.2, 745.05 Titan Indust, 2835, 3025, 2821.05, 2983.85 Torrent Powe, 338.8, 347, 337.05, 341.9 Triveni Engg, 101.6, 103.85, 101.5, 102.55 Tv18 India L, 81, 82.7, 80.1, 81.85 Uco Bank, 102.1, 104.1, 101.25, 102.5 Ultratech Ce, 876.1, 901, 871.05, 892.4 Union Bank O, 330.75, 341, 329.7, 336.4 Unitech Ltd, 86.25, 89.4, 86.1, 88.1 United Phosp, 186.5, 190.7, 185.6, 189.55 Videocon Ind, 233.45, 236.8, 232.7, 233.6 Vijaya Bank, 76.55, 77.9, 76.3, 77.1 Voltas Ltd, 201, 208.05, 201, 207 Wipro Ltd, 413.15, 421.9, 412.55, 415 Yes Bank Lim, 307.55, 329.7, 306, 321 Zee Entertai, 301.3, 305.85, 300, 303.1

OHERALDO

Biz13_Layout 1 8/13/2010 10:28 PM Page 1

Pg13

BIZ

GOA, SATURDAY, 14 AUGUST, 2010

After BlackBerry, India to target Google, Skype messaging next REUTERS SINGAPORE, AUG 13

India may shut down Google and Skype Internet-based messaging services over security concerns, the Financial Times reported today, as the government threatened a similar

crackdown on BlackBerry services.

The Financial Times quoted from the minutes of a July 12 meeting between telecommunication ministry security officials and operator associations to look at possi-

ble solutions to ''intercept and monitor'' encrypted communications. ''There was consensus that there [is] more than one type of service for which solutions are to be explored. Some of them are BlackBerry, Skype, Google

etc,'' according to the department's minutes. ''It was decided first to undertake the issue of BlackBerry and then the other services.''

Yesterday, the Indian government became the latest of several nations that have

threatened to cut off Research In Motion's encrypted BlackBerry email and instant messaging services if the Canadian company does not address national security concerns.

India has set an August 31 deadline for RIM. It wants ac-

cess in a readable format to encrypted BlackBerry communication, on grounds it could be used by militants. Pakistanibased militants used mobile and satellite phones in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.

HP directors sued REUTERS NEW YORK, AUG 13

Hewlett-Packard Corporation's directors have been sued by a Massachusetts pension fund that alleges they violated their fiduciary duties in connection with the abrupt departure of Chief Executive Mark Hurd,

causing the company's shares to fall.

The shareholder derivative lawsuit accused the directors of failing to properly disclose the existence of an internal probe into Hurd's activities and failing to ''police insider trading'' by company executives.

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Pg14 GOA’S HEARTBEAT Worshipping the ‘Nag’ “

can judge the heart of a man by his “ Koso rukh toxem foll “We Anonymous treatment of animals - Immanual Kant

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

“

Saturday, 14 Aug, 2010

oded with With markets flo e ‘Nag’ for clay idols of th mi’, it is ‘Nag Pancha e different amazing to see th s of the pe colours and sha find buyers snake idols that s , H e ra ld in m e re m in u te ky path sna walks down the mi’ on ‘Nag Pancha

A Good Catch

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES ining the road from Santacruz to the city, near the four pillars, or the jetty at Dona Paula, or even the Betul Jetty in the south and Hollant in Vasco, are a string of fishing lines dangling into the water waiting for a tug, to indicate a catch.

Goa is blessed with a large amount of water bodies, fresh water as well as saline, and they give the Goan population ample of opportunity to test their skills for fishing. Fishing, or angling, has been one of the most significant means of livelihood since times immemorial and an enjoyable leisure activity in recent times.

“Fishing is an art that needs a lot of expertise and knowledge, and is not necessarily expensive,” says Michael Fernandes of the fishing club called the Fishing Lovers of Ribander, who are organising the 11th All Goa Fishing Contest. “The contest, on August 15, is held in celebration of the Feast of the Assumption and the beginning of the fishing season,” says Michael who propagates the art of fishing. “We are trying our level best to inculcate the art in the younger generation and to make them aware that fishing doesn’t demean anybody,” he adds.

“Fishing was always a profession for many and we want to inculcate that spirit in the youth who are unemployed; instead of whiling away their time can keep themselves busy and earn simultaneously,” says Bernado Lobo from Ribander.

Fishing has been turned into a leisure activity with the young working crowd lining the fishing haunts on Sundays and other holidays. “It is relaxing and helps you take your mind off the stress of work life,” says John Rodrigues from Margao. Sherine Dias goes fishing with his friends to Dona Paula or Sinquerim Bandh, where they fish while having quality time with friends.

Although it is a fun hobby, there are some points to be kept in mind with regard to the baits, the tides, and the season. “First of all,

L

ander 15, the Rib t s u g u A e Com eople cked with p a p e b ill w Jetty ro d s in e ir fi s h in g c a rr y in g th ith the w good catch hopes of a o C ntest. oa Fishing 11th All G age-old ks into the Herald loo angling tradition of you require a lot of patience,” says Bernado, who has been fishing for the past 25 years. “Sometimes you may get a good catch in just five minutes and at other times you will have to wait for hours to get one fish,” says Michael who has been fishing since the age of 10, along the Ribander

Jetty.

The baits vary on the type of fish you are aiming to catch. “If you want to catch fish like shevtaye, you can use dough and for fish like palu or tamso you can use small crabs as baits,” says Bernado. The other baits used include prawns, bread, worms, and other small fishes.

Practice makes perfect, this phrase is the best suited for fishing, as Michael puts it.

“The way you hold the line, the right time you have to pull it out of the water… it all comes with experience,” says Michael. The right time to go fishing is also another important factor. “There are some spots where you will get a lot of fish like the areas surrounding rocks and depending on the temperature of the water and the time of the year, you will get lucky with a fish catch,” says Bernado.

The joy of catching a fish after hours of wait is something to cherish. So get going with your fishing rods though you should handle everything with a lot of care, and start angling for fish. You never know when you can hook a little luck.

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E This is not the time for action; just let things take their course. Wait for news. You've got to set (21 Mar – 19 Apr) aside selfish concerns for now -- but that's easy! Your energy is better spent on something that can help all of your people, or at least those who are most important to you.

Do all the research you need to do right away today. Get a strong, supported start. Share some (23 Sep – 22 Oct) of that great energy with the people you meet today -- friends, customers, strangers, whomever! It may come across as flirtation, but that can work out well for you.

Give uncomfortable things a chance -- live with them and get used to the feeling. Boredom (20 Apr – 20 May) should not be a problem today, even if you're locked in a routine that has been a part of your life for a long time. You see the world with fresh eyes, and it's easy to enjoy your time.

If you picture something clearly enough, it may come to pass. Focus on hope today. It's harder (23 Oct – 21 Nov) than usual for you to make decisions today -- though that could mean nothing more than a slight delay in your plans. Try to get your people to help you figure out what to do next.

Establish communications with someone who has the time to help you with a goal. When did (21 May – 21 Jun) work (or chores) get to be so much fun? You can feel the good energy flow through you as you take care of the most routine tasks and responsibilities. Use that creative energy!

Follow the guidance of an outgoing someone who can help you make things happen. Expect a (22 Nov – 21 Dec) little extra mojo coming your way from friends and associates -- they are sure to be on your side in a big way! Once you've found the best course of action, you get all the support you need.

Your spiritual life is centered around your home today. Stay close to family. Your home life needs (22 Jun – 22 Jul) some attention, though maybe not the kind you think. There could be some simple tidiness issues that need to be resolved, or maybe your kids need to hear the rules again.

You'll catch a businessrelated problem early and avoid a big crisis down the line. Focus on (22 Dec – 19 Jan) your resume or your online career profile -- any effort you put into your working issues is sure to be rewarded in a big way. You may not get instant offers, but your position does improve.

You may not realize it yet, but things are really starting to come together for you. Life is great (23 Jul – 22 Aug) today, especially if you spend it with someone you know and trust. It's a really good time for you to step up and ensure that your people are all working toward the same goal.

Today could be a major turning point -- your thoughts will become more objective. Your brain (20 Jan – 18 Feb) power is well respected, and on days like today, you show why that's so. Make sure that you are communicating with all the right people so you can take swift action, if need be.

Forces around you are forcing you off track. Get distance from everyone today. You need to keep (23 Aug – 22 Sep) an eye on your wallet today -- it may have a tendency to creep out of your pocket when it should stay put! Impulse buys are almost sure to cause headaches today, so stay conscious.

Step back and take a good look at everything you've accomplished. Be content. You've reached (19 Feb – 20 Mar) an impasse with a partner, one that feels a bit more challenging than usual. It's a good time to talk openly and honestly, but you may have to wait a while for resolution.

Charlie Sheen and Oprah Winfrey highest paid TV stars

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BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES ag Panchami’, celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Shravan as per the Hindu calendar, is an important festival. On this day, snakes are worshipped to gain knowledge, wealth, and fame. Snakes idols are worshipped in houses for a day with milk and rice (laio). The cobra is a snake that evokes mixed emotions, fear and anxiety coupled with awe and respect. This respect is taken to a higher level by the Hindu community which worships the Nag and prays to it for protection. Nag Panchami, dedicated to this divine serpent, is basically a nature loving festival which dates back in time.

In Sanskrit, snakes are known as ‘sarpa’, meaning 'any gliding creature' and ranks sacred, second only to the cow. Because of its swift and gliding movement, scaly skin, hypnotic eyes and poisonous bite, it is feared. It was worshipped in the hopes that it would protect and not harm the devotees. “The festival is celebrated to show that humans are in sync with nature. A cobra’s idol is a representation of nature in whole and it is worshipped to pay gratitude.

Another reason behind celebrating ‘Nag Panchami’ is that, long before when Goa consisted of a large number of farming communities, during harvesting time, the fields would be attacked by rodents who spoiled the crops.

Snakes, especially cobras, would either chase away or eat these rodents, thereby protecting the crops. When farmers realised this, they started worshipping the snake, offering it milk and rice in a bid to keep it happy and encourage it to protect their crops. Now we have a representation of the real snake which is kept in the house for a day,” informs Jagdeep Pokle.

This age old practice has been carried forward and even though people have no fields that need protection, the blessings of the Nag are invoked on Nag Panchami. People even offer milk near snake holes on this day. Most homes have their own snake shrines in a corner of the garden, often under a neem tree. At the end of the day of Nag Panchami, the clay idols are kept amidst bushes of taro (allu). The traditional patolleo is made on this day.

“The clay idols are left in the open as the heavy rains melt away the clay and the idol is restored back to nature. As the festival is considered naturefriendly, ploughing, uprooting of plants and digging is avoided as these activities harm nature and in turn snakes,” says Ulas Gawandalkar, who has been selling idols for the past 40 years at the Mapusa market.

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FLIPSIDE OF ‘NAG’ WORSHIP Though the snake is considered sacred, people go out of their way to harm them. Aaron Fernandes, a snake catcher, speaks about the cruelty done to snakes especially on the occasion of Nag Panchami.

“Nag Panchami is observed at a village in the Sangli district of Maharashtra on a large scale. During this time, snake charmers catch cobras and place them in earthen pots and devotees worship them to the accompaniment of folk dances and song. Later, they are carried in processions of bullock carts and chariots. On the following day they are released into the fields from where they were captured. These captured cobras are ill treated by the snake charmers. They are starved so that they drink the milk that is offered. Cobras are reptiles who don’t consume milk as they cannot digest it but due to thirst, they are left with no option but to drink the milk. Some of them even die if their digestive system cannot break down the milk.”

He further says, “Another kind of torture which has recently come to light is the capture of cobras to be kept in the house for some specific days in the year. It is myth that if the cobra is kept in the house, the family is blessed with wealth and happiness. The cobra should be of a particular weight and in order to attain that weight, some snake catchers feed the snakes clay.

Goans are willing to pay even a crore of rupees for the snake, which usually dies because of this torture. Cobras are even injected with mercury in order to prove some notion about snakes having electric current in them.”

A Play on Communal Harmony announced by Kala Mogi HERALD FEATURES wenty years after performing the hit tiatr ‘Ami Sogli Ek’, Tomazinho Cardozo, President of Kala Mogi, has come out with the English adaptation of the same play, titled ‘United We Stand’. The play will be performed on August 16 at JAF Auditorium, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao at 7pm and on August 17 at DMK Auditorium, Kala Academy at 7pm.

“During the first Goan elections in 1963, politicians belonging to a particular religion would urge people of the same religious community to vote for them while the other politicians would also do whatever they could to attract voters of their religion. This caused communal tension in the state. In 1991, I directed the tiatr ‘Ami Sogli Ek’ which highlighted this issue and how to work towards communal harmony.

The tiatr was well received but unfortunately, the situation has not changed much. This time I have adapted the same play in English,” says Tomazinho Cardozo.

Directed by Cardozo, the cast comprises Irene Cardozo, Jocelyn Misquita, Zico Fernandes, Shivanand Naik, Tukaram Naik, Joy Fernandes, Celza Lopez, Larissa Fernandes, Mathias Mascarenhas, Dnyaneshwar Morajkar and Simonia Cardozo. This is the third play organised by Kala Mogi, Candolim. The previous plays by them include ‘The Verdict’(2006) and ‘Sweet Poison’(2008).

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roubled actor Charlie Sheen and talk show queen Oprah Winfrey have topped the list of the highest paid stars of the small screen. Sheen, who has been sentenced to 30 days in rehab after a domestic violence episode, nets a whopping USD 1.25 million per episode for hit comedy ‘Two And A Half Men’.

The figures show that Oprah Winfrey is still the Queen of the small screen. She pulls in a massive USD 315 million per year for her talk show, while Judge Judy Sheindlin and David Letterman are paid USD 45 million and USD 28 million respectively.

Sheen’s co-star Jon Cryer had the second highest salary for a comedy star on US TV, USD 550,00 per show. The ‘Simpsons’ voiceovers Dan Castellaneta and Julie Kavner are paid USD 400,000 for each instalment of the animated series.

In the drama shows category, Hugh Laurie takes the top spot with earnings of more than USD 400,000 per episode of ‘House’. ‘Law & Order’ stars Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay both take home USD 395,000.

‘American Idol’ host Ryan Seacrest topped the reality TV stars rundown, with an annual salary of USD 15 million for fronting the singing show.

‘Dabangg’ Director raves about Sonakshi

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he promos of Anubhav Kashyap’s ‘Dabangg’ are already making rounds and while Salman Khan’s ‘naya avatar’ is quite eye-catching and Malaika’s item numbers are jaw-dropping, the blink-and-youmiss-it glimpse of Shatrughan Sinha’s daughter Sonakshi leaves you curious about the newcomer.

While Salman plays Chulbuley Pandey in the film, Sonakshi is making her debut as a village belle, Rajo.

When Kashyap was asked why Sonakshi was cast for the film, he said, “I guess she has a rustic look. We needed a new girl in the film and she was the best choice.”

He went on to say, “’Dabangg’ is Sonashi’s first film. Usually, newcomers get nervous in their early days of shooting but I didn’t see Sonakshi nervous at all. She faced the camera and gave her first shot beautifully.

She is a very confident girl and has no camera fright. Just after a few rehearsals, she understood everything.”

Well, with the cast and crew smitten by this young star and her ‘oldworld charm’ and even the promos receiving rave reviews, the future seems bright for Sonakshi and her debut film.

Lifestyle

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Sports

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Health

Art

Culture

Environment

GOA’S HEARTBEAT Saturday, 14 Aug, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

Hoisting of the flag will take place on August 15 at 9:15am in front of the Old Secretariat, Panjim.

The 11th All Goa Fishing Contest along with a Fish Food Festival, organised by Fishing Lovers of Ribandar will be held on August 15 at 11:45am in Ribandar. Call 9881511348.

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.

The first All 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.

‘Incredible India Quizzes’, organised by the International Centre Goa (ICG), Sunday Evening Quiz Club (SEQC) and Ministry of Tourism, Government of Goa will take place on August 15 from 3pm onwards at the ICG, Dona Paula. E-mail seqcgoa@gmail.com.

Call 9765404391.

An All Goa Drawing Competition organised by Bal Bhavan as a part of their Silver Jubilee celebrations will be held on August 20 in all the 11 talukas of Goa. The competition will be conducted in two age groups, Group A – 5 years to 9 years and Group B – 10 years and 15 years. Registration closes on August 16. Call 2226823.

‘People’s Canvas’, organised by Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts will be held on August 14, 15 and 16 from 11am to 7 pm at the Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. A roll of fabric will be suspended at he premises for members of the public to add strokes with the colours of the Indian flag. The final work of art will be open to viewing on August 17 from 11am to 7pm. Call 2421311.

The annual I-Day road races, organ-

ised by the Directorate of Sports and the Goa Atheletic Association will take place on August 15 from the Old Secretariat to Miramar and back.

The 7th free canine anti-rabies vaccination and health camp, organised by the Loyola Ex-Students Association will be held on August 15 form 9:30am to 12:30pm at the Loyola High School, Margao.

A medical camp for children with physical deformities, organised by the Rotary Club of Panjim will be held on August 15 from 10am to 12pm.

A meeting of well -wishers to chalk out the felicitation programme for Eduardo Faleiro’s 70th birthday on August 30, will be held on August 15 at 3:30pm at the Goa Chamber of Commerce, Panjim.

Art Initiative Series 5: Demonstration in Painting and Interactive Session with R S Shakya, organised by the International Centre Goa and Indian Ateliers, Goa will be held on August 15 from 2pm to 7pm at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Call 9765404391 or 2452805-10.

The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall, first book reading-cum-discussion, organised by the International Centre Goa will be held on August 17 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Call 9765404391 or 2452805-10.

Climbing and Bouldering Classes will be held in two courses over the course of the next three months.

Course 1 will be held in two batches.

Batch 1 will be held from September 6 to 11 from 11.30am to 12.30pm and Batch 2 will be held from September 13 to 18 from 11.0am to 12.30pm.

Registration for Course 1 closes on August 23. Course 2 will be held from October 5 to November 25 every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm to 6pm.

Registration for Course 2 closes on September 15. Call 9422438186 or 8975841178.

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

aerie

Funny Quote

“My mother buried three husbands - and two of them were only napping.”

Pronunciation air-ee Function Noun

– Rita Rudner

Meaning 1: the nest of a bird of prey or a lofty nest of any large bird 2: a house or fortress located high on a hill or mountain Example Sentence The birdwatcher couldn’t take his eyes off the aeire located in a high tree.

SUDOKU 631

DAILY GROOK HEAT TREAT

by Francis Rodrigues during rome's royal rule the sexual practitioner, who kept a hot son cool was an heir-conditioner!

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES ot much hype or buzz was generated before the fashion show, ‘‘Visionary Cosmo Designer’ by International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD) which was held at Grande Sala, Cidade de Goa Beach Resort. But when the show finally did happen, it left most of the crowd smiling and cheering. It was a scintillating line of couture which was launched by Chief Guest of the evening, Mr Sanjay Srivastava, Chief Secretary, Guest of Honour, Mr Manoj Srivastava, CEO of Entertainment Society of Goa, along with Peter Vaz and Rakesh Sharma Ishita Sarkar, a contestant of Femina Miss India 2009, was the compere for the evening. And she surely did her job with loads of required attitude.

The clothes unveiled were designed by students of INIFD from Nagpur, Chandigarh and our very own Goa. INIFD Goa put up a great line of well-designed couture under the name ‘Fusion Wear’, but somehow it didn’t reflect any elements of what was announced: Goa’s summer.

But after a disappointing bunch of girls we watched on the ramp for the ‘I am She, 2010’ preliminaries, getting to see these confident models was a genuinely cheerful breather. The women specially shone in the ‘Street Hawks’ sequence where they sashayed and strutted their stuff and shimmered down the ramp with loads of attitude bringing forth the designers’ perception of the confident, modern Indian woman who also wants to have fun. The young men subtly rocked in the ‘Moksh’ sequence; it was spiritually stimulating to see them in spiritual attire as they sported only ‘dhotis’ and showed off their waxed torsos adorned with peacock feathers, flutes, etc.

Add to this their expressions of ‘Oh I look so good,

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WIZARD OF ID

09:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai : Kahani Ab Tak 11:30 Mohabbatein 16:30 C.I.D 20:00 Indian Idol: Usha 21:00 Comedy Circus Ke Superstars 22:00 C.I.D : Delhi 23:00 Aahat

09:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 12:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 14:30 Pavitra Rishta 17:00 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstars 18:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 21:30 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstars 23:00 Jhansi Ki Rani

09:30 Gutar Gu 11:00 Malegoan Ka Chintoo

09:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 10:00 Geet 11:00 India's Magic Star 14:00 Geet 16:30 Laughter Ke Phatke 17:00 C Kkompany 20:00 India's Magic Star 21:30 Star One Horror Nights 22:30 Geet 23:30 Laughter Ke Phatke

08:50 Red Carpet 09:00 Let'z Go! 09:50 Red Carpet 10:00 Let'z Go! 10:50 Red Carpet 11:00 Zoom Box 11:50 Red Carpet 12:00 Bollywood Case Files : Salman Khan - The Bad Boy 12:30 Bollywood Case Files : Salman Khan - The Bad Boy 13:00 Stardum 13:30 The Zoom Review Show 14:00 Garama Garam 15:00 Kya Kehna 18:30 Let'z Go! 19:00 Planet Bollywood 19:30 Page 3 20:00 Link'D 20:30 India's International Face 21:00 Crime & Bollywood 22:00 Let'z Go! 23:00 Let'z Go!

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

Fashion

Travel

INGS email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

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Pg15

Photos by Chiquitita D’ Sousa

GARFIELD

08:30 Sasural Genda Phool 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 13:00 De Dana Dan 14:30 My Name Is Khan 20:00 Behenein 21:00 Chhote Ustaad: Do Deshon Ki Ek Awaaz 23:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

CURR

Information Technology

They Showed It…All Right!

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 630 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

11:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

14:00 Aakhir Kyon?

17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

18:30 Lapataganj 19:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 19:30 Malegoan Ka Chintoo 20:00 Gutar Gu 21:00 Papad Pol 23:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

Education

MOVIE REVIEW

Peepli [Live]

Cast: Omkar Das Manikpuri, Raghuveer Yadav, Naseeruddin Shah Director: Anusha Rizvi Rating: he film ‘PEEPLI [Live]’, directed by Anusha Rizvi, is a tongue-in-cheek satire on farmers' suicides and the role of vote-hungry politicians and the over-enthusiastic, TRP-seeking electronic media.

Though such a concept would instinctively translate into a serious, thoughtprovoking film, this film takes a grim and solemn issue, turns it into a satire, garnishes it with populist sentiment and makes a far greater impact than a mere documentary. In fact, like all Aamir Khan films, ‘Peepli [LIVE]’ marries realism with a winning box-office formula most brilliantly.

The film focuses on the poorest of the poor in India and not only highlights the plight of a farmer in a tiny corner of a giant country, but also throws light on the varied people who exploit the situation to their advantage. The best part is that at no point does the film get preachy or starts offering solutions to the grave issue. It's a mere tool that the makers have used to discuss bureaucracy, the rural and urban divide and lack of concern of the administration.

Natha (Omkar Das Manikpuri), a poor farmer from Peepli village in the heart of rural India, is about to lose his plot of land due to an unpaid government loan. A quick fix to the problem is the government's programme that aids the families of indebted farmers who have committed suicide. As a means of survival, Natha chooses to die. His brother (Raghuveer Yadav) is happy to push him towards this unique honour. Local elections are around the corner and what might've been another unnoticed event turns into a cause célèbre, with everyone wanting a piece of the action. First-time director Anusha Rizvi handles the subject material like a veteran. Her script is tight and witty and her handling of a difficult subject deserves kudos. The finale is most appropriate and absolutely befitting the content of the film.

The music, composed by multiple artists, is Indian to the core and borrows heavily from folk music. The hugely popular 'Mehangayee Daayan' is the pick of the lot, without doubt. Cinematography is appropriate. Dialogue, laced with expletives, are truly fantastic and most importantly, real.

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2010/11 : Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Stoke City

23:30 PGA Championship 2010 H/ls : Whistling Straits

09:00 Cheetah Blood Brothers 10:00 Best of Wild : Last Lioness 11:00 Nat Geo Wild : Lion Army 12:00 Nat Geo Women's Hour 13:00 Nat Geo Weekends : Primeval Valleys 14:00 Nat Geo Specials : Porsche 15:00 Best of True Stories : Conned In Quito 16:00 Best of True Stories : Philippine Terror 17:00 Monkey Thieves : Divided We Stand 18:00 Fight Science : Stealth Fighters 19:00 Most Amazing Moments 20:00 Nat Geo Weekends : Siberia 21:00 India : Mumbai Mega Flood 22:00 Nat Geo Explorer

22:00 Glee 23:00 V.I.P

12:00 Indian Premier League 2010 H/ls : Deccan Chargers vs. Mumbai Indians 13:00 Indian Premier League 2010 H/ls : Mumbai Indians vs. Kings XI Punjab 13:58 Sportscenter Weekend 14:00 Indian Premier League 2010 H/ls : Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore 14:58 Sportscenter Weekend 15:00 Indian Premier League 2010 H/ls : Kings XI Punjab vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore 16:00 Scorecast Saturday 16:30 Primetime Premier League 17:10 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City 17:15 Primetime Premier League 19:25 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Aston Villa vs.

West Ham United 21:30 Primetime Premier League 21:55 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Chelsea vs. West Bromwich Albion

08:30 2010 DTM : Hockenheim Baden: Wurttemberg 09:30 Rogers Masters 15:30 Premier League Preview 16:00 TNA Sikander 18:00 Asian Tour 2010 H/ls 19:00 Simply the Best 19:25 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Blackburn Rovers vs. Everton 22:00 Barclays Premier League

09:30 ATP 1000 Masters : 1/4 Final: Rogers Masters 13:30 WWE: Superstars 14:30 WWE: Smackdown 16:25 Moto GP 2010 Qualifying : Cardion ab Grand Prix Cesky Republiky 19:30 PGA Championship 2010 : Day 2: Whistling Straits 20:30 Sri Lanka Triangular Series in 2010 H/ls : 2nd ODI: New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka 22:30 WWE: Superstars

16:25 Butterfly on a wheel 18:25 Running Scared 21:00 Gandhi 08:20 My Best Friend's Girl 10:25 Watching the Detectives 12:25 Barbershop 14:35 Phone Booth 16:15 Casino Royale 19:10 Horton Hears a Who! 21:00 The Recruit 23:15 D-War: Dragon Wars

09:00 Obsessed 11:15 True Blood: Bad Blood 12:15 Rush Hour 2 14:00 The Making of : I Am Legend 14:15 I Am Legend 16:15 Mamma Mia! 19:00 Monsters vs. Aliens 21:00 Terminator Salvation 23:15 Jackie Chan's First Strike

09:15 Jai Santoshi Maa 12:40 Hello Brother 16:15 Independence Day 20:00 Gangaajal

09:30 Dragon in Fury 12:30 Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani 16:00 Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya 20:00 The Train

09:40 Shadows of Time 12:10 Slumdog Millionaire 14:40 Spin

08:30 Salaam Namaste 12:00 Dil Ki Baazi 16:00 Suhaag 20:00 Karan Arjun 23:00 Lage Raho Munna Bhai

08:00 Socha Na Tha 12:00 Viewers Choice 16:00 Yeshwant 20:00 Trishul

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 08:30 So You Think You Can Dance : 20 - 18 Live 11:00 CSI: Miami: And How Does that make you Kill 12:00 So You Think You Can Dance : Top 20 Compete 14:00 Axn Action Awards 2010 15:30 Top Chef : Show Your Craft 16:30 Top Chef : A foo fighters thanksgiving 17:30 The 6th Day 20:00 A.I. Artificial Intelligence 23:00 Sony Style Tv Magazine 23:30 Supernatural : The curious case of Dean Winchester

I’m bored’ went perfectly well with a show brimming with attitude.

The models also shimmered down the ramp in the ‘Black Pearl’ and ‘The Legend Lives’ sequences; the latter which was a tribute to the once-in-a-lifetime music legend, Michael Jackson. ‘Oww’! This one rocked!

With no real skin show, the fabrics, cuts and colours were garments which today’s men and women can easily sport. A personal favourite was a flimsy black sari with a red and white border; oh the stunning hue of BLACK! The show comprised of 13 sequences: Ode to Fashion, No Class, Ornate Offerings, Dark Pearl, Blue Muse, Here are the Men , Street Hawks, Piano Love, Fusion Wear, Moksha, The legend Lives, Little Miss Maiden, and the finale, I Glow. We busy folks get easily bored with too much; we want everything in moderation. Perhaps six to eight sequences would have been just fine. Something like a sharp Wendell Rodricks showing where the designer always leaves us wanting for more. And yes, we were a wee bit disappointed at his absence among the crowd.

Lady in white, Director Dr Anupama Kathyayni exuded a lot of grace during her short stint on stage.

Both the young lady entrepreneurs, Chinar Rakesh and Pankhuri Sharma who are promoting the institute also shimmered on stage with a happy glow. Madhuri Pandey belted out some peppy Bollywood tracks which had the crowd tapping their feet.

Our very own Goan, Ziko Rodrigues bagged the ‘Visionary Cosmo Designer (August) for his recycling of a pair of denim jeans into a guitar bag with messages that are the need of the day – peace, love, honesty, loyalty, etc. All in all, the initiative in unveiling clothes designed by the students of INIFD from centres across India engendered in a successful fashion show.

09:00 Boston Legal 10:00 Criminal Minds 11:00 Glee 12:00 Friends 13:00 How I Met Your Mother : 14:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

14:30 The Simpsons 15:00 Castle : Little Girl Lost 16:00 MasterChef Australia 17:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

18:00 Glee 19:00 Criminal Minds 20:00 Lost 21:00 Boston Legal

07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 11:30 Face -2- Face 12:00 HCN Smash Hits 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Konkani Movie 15:30 Frame Box Animation 16:00 HCN Smash Hits 16:30 Flavors 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Sportlight with Malaika 21:30 Face to Face 22:00 English News 23:00 Revolutionz Note: Subject to Change

Manikpuri is brilliant as Natha. Raghuveer Yadav shines as the opportunist brother. Malaika Shenoy, as the television reporter, is exceptional. In fact, the entire cast - there're lots of actors in the film - pitch in believable performances.

On the whole, the film may ride initially on the strength and credibility of its iconic actor/producer Aamir Khan and once that is achieved, the powerful content is sure to speak for itself. This tragi-comedy, a brilliant satire, is not to be missed.

Help

Cast: Bobby Deol, Shreyas Talpade, Mugdha Godse Director: Rajeev Virani Rating: ost horror films produced in Bollywood follow the same route; a revengeseeking aatma who manages to kill everyone except the main protagonist who puts an end to the aatma's atrocities. All's well that ends well. ‘Help’ is no different. It follows the same rules, except that it has an interesting twist to offer, which, again, is sure to have its share of advocates and adversaries. Unfortunately, the screenplay, based on an interesting concept, gets repetitive at times and excruciatingly slow at places. And though horror films are supposed to scare, barring a sequence or two which do give you jhatkas, the film lacks in the scary quotient.

Vic (Bobby Deol) and Pia (Mugdha Godse) are going through a difficult time in their marriage and in the midst of these troubled times they have to rush to Mauritius to take care of Pia's ailing father. On landing in Mauritius and going back to Pia's old family home, Pia is confronted by her distant past. Little do they know that there's something in this house. When Pia finds out that she is pregnant, this vicious spirit possesses Pia and starts killing people close to her. Now Vic must race against time to save his pregnant wife.

The very first sequence of the film raises the bar and you expect the remainder to be as riveting or perhaps, more. Unfortunately, ‘Help’ is akin to a game of see-saw with engaging and non-engaging moments at regular intervals. The writing, somehow, is not thoroughly convincing and at places, gives an impression of being a script of convenience. Director Rajeev Virani has shot a number of sequences very well.

Bobby pitches in a sincere performance. Mugdha shows marked improvement over her previous performances. Shreyas Talpade enacts his part well.

On the whole, ‘Help’ is at best an ordinary attempt.

Courtesy www.bollywoodhungama.com

M

HERALD CROSSWORD - 631 Across 1- Month of showers; 6- Collide; 11- Best; 14- Beach locale; 15Lofty nest; 16- Genetic messenger; 17- Refreshment stand; 18Fishhook line; 19- Neighbor of Leb.; 20- Elects; 22- Computer key; 24- Becomes visible; 28Difficult to understand; 29- North African desert; 30- Clause; 32Wall St. debuts; 33- Fantasize; 35- Old Testament book; 39Hamlet, e.g.; 40- Boat propeller; 41- Let fall in a mass; 42- K-6; 43- Mythical hell; 45- Winglike parts; 46- Each partner; 48Human mind; 50- Woody tissue; 53- Communications satellite; 54- "Awake and Sing!" playwright; 55- Fiber obtained from a banana plant; 57- 1980's movie starring Bo Derek and Dudley Moore; 58- Religion of the Muslims; 60- ___ luck!; 65- Paving material; 66- Triple; 67- Eggshaped; 68- Cheer for Manolete; 69- Steeps; 70- Deadly black snake; Down 1- Charge; 2- 21st letter of the Greek alphabet; 3- Aussie hopper; 4- Apr. addressee; 5- Jamlike spread of prunes or apricots; 6Throws; 7- Actor Auberjonois; 8Ancient Athens's Temple of ___; 9- Part of RSVP; 10- Treasure State capital; 11- Country singer Travis; 12- Beginning; 13- Ward off; 21- Toward the mouth; 23Currently; 24- Digression; 25- Pertaining to Benedict XVI; 26- Call;

27- Convenience; 28- Dutch SOLUTION - 630 carrier; 30- Like some eyes; 31- Dextrous, lively; 34Laugh loudly; 36- Swindle; 37- Brando's birthplace; 38Nuremberg trial defendant; 43- Female fowl; 44- Blueprint detail; 47- Calls on; 49Zigzag; 50- Numbers game; 51- Model; 52- Style; 53- Domesticates; 55- Inter ___; 56Financial institution; 59- Hit sign; 61- Eggs; 62- Male cat; 63- Bro or sis; 64- Nabokov novel;

Pg16

SPORTS GOA, Saturday, 14 August, 2010

3 Goan footballers in India U-19 squad l Colin Toal praises football set up in Goa (GFA)

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

Colin Toal and his coaching staff finally named the next India U19 squad of 34 players – 4 goalkeepers, 12 defenders and midfielders each and 6 strikers, after a camp in Goa. Three more boys have been kept under observation as they weren’t able to put their best

foot forward during the camp due to injuries.

There are only three players from Goa – Albino Gomes, Brandon Fernandes and Pandhari Chopdekar.

The team is expected to train in Goa until the end of November following which they are hoping to get a foreign exposure trip.

“Hopefully we might have a training camp outside the country if that comes off as it helps a lot for the players to get international experience and exposure.”

“Another group of U-14’s shall be here in Goa from the first week of September. It’s a good chance to have a look at more players.”

Toal reserved his words of praise for Goa for organising their football in a manner which helps the development of the local talent in a healthy manner as most states in the country don’t have a proper structure in place.

“Take a look at Goa. It’s a pyramid sort of structure. At the top you have the clubs that play in the I-League and I-League Second Division. Then you have the clubs who participate in the Goa Professional League which then has a Division One, Two and Three. You also have village tournaments and at the youth level, there is an U-18, U-16, U-14 leagues and they are to start an U-12 one soon. An U-16 village tournament is also set to kick off.

“If other states can think of a

pyramid like this it would take care of the young players in this country,” pointed out Toal.

The squad: Goalkeepers: Kamaljit Singh (Punjab), Shibinraj K (Kerala), Albino Gomes (Goa), Nitin Meel (Haryana).

Defenders: Bikramjit Singh (Punjab), Sonu (Haryana), Rajib Boro (Assam), Arijit Singh (Bengal), Pawan Kumar (Haryana), Syed Imran (Karnataka), Akashdeep Singh (Chandigarh), Lanlunfela (Mizoram), Pritam Kotal (Bengal), Edwin (Karnataka), Pradeep (Karnataka), Avik Guha (Bengal).

Midfielders: Sehnai Singh (Chandigarh), Shankar S (Karnataka), Prabir Das (Bengal), Souvik Das (Bengal), Pronoy Halder (Jharkhand), Siam Hanghal (Jharkhand), Brandon Fernandes (Goa), Jayabrata Dhar (Jharkhand), Rajib Ghorui (Bengal), Sunny (Punjab), Yumnam Meetei (Jharkhand), Anto Xavier (Karnataka).

Strikers: Holicharan Nazary (Assam), Sumeet Pasi (Chandigarh0, Rajinder Kumar (Chandigarh), Prem Kumar (Punjab), Lalnunmawiz (Mizoram), Pandhari Chopdekar (Goa)

Wesley shocks Arjun HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

Goa's young and promising player, Wesley Rosario caused a

major upset in the junior category when he beat Goa's number three Arjun Sood in LESA Carmo Memorial Table Tennis tournament at Loyola school hall, Margao. Wesley scored a well-deserved 2-11, 11-2, 11-8, 13-11 victory.

In the quarter-finals (juniors) Yash Naik beat Tyronne D'Costa 12-10, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8; Krishal Peres recorded an 11-5, 11-9, 11-5 victory over Shreyas Aigal; Tejas Shevde beat Yash Salgaokar 11-2, 11-2, 9-11, 11-5.

We s l e y ' s g o o d r u n w a s stopped by B S Shddharth who won 11-7, 14-12, 7-11, 11-8.

St Xaviers win HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, AUG 13

St Xavier’s HSS, Mapusa were victorious at the Higher Secondary Schools chess Zone 1 tournament organised by DSYA at Peddem complex on Thursday.

Xavier’s scored a total of 11 points from 4 matches and DM Kushe HSS, Assagao finished as runners-up after accumulating 10 points from 4 matches. Both teams have qualified for the inter-zonals.

Diksha Chavan, Roshan Nair, Amogh Kamalkar, Nihal Melwani and Shawn Pinto represented Xavier’s while Sandeep Redder, Dattaraj Nachinolkar, Siddesh Naik, Raj Verlekar and Akshay Joshi made up the DM Kushae line-up.

Xavier’s played against Government HS, Sanquelim, DM Kushe HSS, Assagao, Purushottan Walawalika, Khorlim and Shanta Durga, Bicholim.

DMs came up against Dr. Ambedkar, Colvale, St Xavier’s, Assagao, Hamal Panchkroshi and Purushottan Walawalkar.

Third Division football: Cunchelim Sports Club v. Xetrapal Sports Club, Siolim ground, 4 p.m.

LESA Carmo memorial TT finals, Loyola hall, Margao, 4 p.m.

1st all-Goa 5-a-side football tournament organised by St Anthony Boys of Reis Magos, Reis Magos church ground, 9.30 a.m.

All-Goa 2-a-side floodlit tiebreaker organised by St Agostinho Boys, St Agostinho ward, near Dempo House, Santa Cruz, 8 p.m.

4th Remigio de Araujo memorial married soccer: St Anthony Goa Velha v. Fatrade, Varca, St Agostinho ground, Santa Cruz, 5 p.m.

CRCC’s exhibition soccer: Chinchinim Veterans v. Secreavaddo Selection, church ground, Chinchinim, 5 p.m.

Subroto Mukherjee soccer: Fr. Basilio Andrade HSS, Majorda v. St. Alex HSS, Curtorim, 8.30 a.m.; RMS HSS, Margao v. Fr. Agnel HSS, 9.45 a.m; Mae Dos Pobres HS, Nuvem v.

Mount Mar y's HSS, Chinchinim, 11 a.m.; Fr. Agnel Multipurpose HS, Verna v. Infant Jesus HS, Colva, 2.30 p.m.

Manora ground, Raia.

Pg17

SPORTS GOA, Saturday, 14 August, 2010

GOA DIARY

3-a-side tie-breaker at Velim

PANJIM (HSD) - The Parish Youth of St Francis Xavier will organise their 3-a- side tie- breaker on August 15 at Velim Church ground from 10 a.m. The winners and runners-up will receive Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000 respectively. Spot entries will be accepted. Details may be obtained on 9420977724.

Bajaj Allianz talent hunt

PANJIM (HSD) - Schools which have not participated in the first phase of Bajaj Allianz talent hunt for football may send their students for trials at the following venues. Ilhas and Mormugao zone schools, Campal ground on August 19, 20 and 21 at 3 p.m. Salcete zone schools, Betalbatim ground on August16, 17 and 18 at 3 p.m. Bardez zone schools, Duler ground, Mapusa on August 18, 19 and 20 at 3 p.m.

Students born on or after January 1, 1996 are eligible. The Goa team for Sub-Junior Nationals will also be selected at the trials.

Tie-breaker at Grand Morod

PANJIM (HSD) – The Mae De Deus Boys Sports and Cultural Club will organise an all-Goa 3-a-side tie-breaker on August 14 at 7 p.m. at Grand Morod, near Saligao church. The winners will be awarded Rs. 7,000 alongwith a trophy while the runners-up will take home Rs. 5,000. Other individual prizes will also be awarded.

Spot entries will be accepted. Details may be obtained from Edvick on 9850088906 or Asmi on 9850624041.

One-a-side tie-breaker

PANJIM (HSD) -- Carmel Sports Club will organize their one-a-side tie-breaker on August 15 near Mount Carmel Chapel, Telaulim, from 11.30 a.m. Cash prizes will be awarded. Spot entries will be accepted.

I-Day race at Sanguem

SANGUEM (HC) --As part of Independence Day celebration, Sanguem Patrakar Sangh will organise a `run for peace’ on August 15 for citizens from Sanguem Taluka at 10 a.m. The race will be held from Uguem Junction to Sanguem Bus Stand. Those above-14 are eligible to participate. Rs 3333, Rs 2222, Rs 1111 will be awarded.

Details may be obtained from Vinay Gaonkar on 9764630992.

Carrom tourney at Colvale

PANJIM (HSD) – The Colvale Giant Group will organise a carrom tournament on August 14 at Salkar Hall, Colvale for Bardez and Pernem Talukas from 10.30 a.m.Rs 2500 (winners), Rs 1500 (runners-up) and Rs 1000 (3rd place). Those interested may report at the venue at 10 a.m. or contact Jagannath Chodankar,president, Giant Group on 9822385780 or Saidas Salvi on 9822103741.

Coconut breaking contest

PANJIM (HSD) – Mix Friends of Maddant, Cortalim will organise their annual coconut breaking contest on August 15 near Filsu Bar, Maddant, Cortalim from 2 p.m. Rs 3000 (winners), Rs 2000 (runners-up) will be awarded. Spot entries will be accepted.

9-a-side football at Poira

PANJIM (HSD) – Poira SC will organise their 9-a-side football tournament on August 15 and 22 at Chowgule ground, Poira, Assonora. Rs 6000 and trophy (winners), Rs 4000 and trophy (runners-up) and individual prizes will be awarded. Details may be obtained from Kapil on 9923272857 or Siddesh on 9823998263.

Tie-breaker soccer at Aquem

MARGAO (HC) -- Aquem Socio Cultural Welfare Association will organise their 3rd All-Goa 3-a-side tie-breaker on August 15 at 6.30 pm near T B Cunha HS ground, Aquem. The winners and runners up will receive Rs 5000 plus trophy and Rs 3000 plus trophy respectively. Those interested may contact on 9822988966.

Domnic stars in Siolim’s win HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, AUG 13

A second half brace from Domnic D’Souza gave Football Club of Siolim the edge as they defeated Holy Cross, Arambol 4-3 in GFA’s Third Division at St Anthony’s church ground, Siolim on Friday.

This was a game which the goalkeepers would have liked to forget but every soccer fan would have liked. There was a slow downpour throughout the first half which left large puddles in front of the goalkeepers and made it difficult to control the ball and needed the goalkeepers to be off their goalline early to narrow the angle of the shots.

In the 27th minute, Siolim’s Sangam Pednekar dribbled into the box, moved past his marker and fired in to give his side the lead.

Domnic Alphonso outjumped the Siolim defence in the 57th minute to head in from a corner to bring Arambol on level terms.

Siolim’s response was instant.

From the restart, Siolim moved forward and Dominic D’Souza shot to regain the lead beating Arambol custodian Anthony D’Souza.

In the 69th minute, the ball fell to Siolim’s Vinay Pednekar in the box and he rifled the ball into the top corner to put Siolim 3-1 up.

Dominic D’Souza put Siolim on the path to victory in the 72nd shooting past the Arambol custodian for his second and Siolim’s fourth.

Ten minutes from time, Dominic D’Souza was denied his hat-trick after rightly being waved off-side.

At the other end, Arambol went straight into attack mode with the ball reaching Cedric Rodrigues on the right wing. Taking the ball in his stride he drove the ball into the bottom corner leaving the Siolim goalkeeper with little chance of saving.

Three minutes from time, Arambol were on the attack again, this time on the left. The ball was played into Keval Fernandes on the edge of the box and he struck the ball low first time beating the Siolim keeper Joseph Britto.

Give grace marks for varsity students, pleads Shantaram HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 13

Shantaram Naik, MP, making a special mention in Rajya Sabha demanded that university students as also candidates appearing for CET examinations should be awarded grace marks for sport activities.

Shantaram demanded that the Central Government should make its position clear in matters wherein institutions overlook National interest and refuse to encourage children from tak-

Colva school in quarters HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 13

Infant Jesus High School, Colva trounced Gauncar Higher Secondary 3-0 to storm into the quarter-final of Salcete Taluka Under-17 Subroto Mukherje inter-school football.

Infant Jesus’ Baptisto Fernandes scored a brace with Ronnie Hilario being the other scorer.

Rosary Higher Secondary, Navelim registered a hard fought 1-0 win over Our Lady of Rosary High School, Fatorda.

The all-important goal was scored by Turnard Fernandes.

Cuncolim United Higher Secondary, overcame a stiff challenge from Holy Trinity Higher Secondary, Benaulim 1-0. Craig Fernandes struck the lone goal.

Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim came from behind to defeat St Jude High School, Betalbatim 2-1.

St Jude went into the lead in the opening session through Klinsman.

Perpetual regrouped and equalised through Avlon Gomes.

Aldrich Coelho struck the matchwinner.

Fr Agnel Multipurpose, Verna blanked Government High School, Davorlim 2-0. Neliston D’Silva and Peter Fernandes were the goal getters.

ing part in sports activities on one pretext or the other.

Naik regretted that India’s new Sports Policy had still not been finalised. He felt that the draft Sports Policy 2007 ought to have been brought into force by now, at least, considering the spirit of Commonwealth Games.

Naik pointed out that draft policy stated that out of a population below 35 years, (77 crore), only 5 crore or so have access to organised sports and

games, thus neglecting nearly 72 crore of our children, adolescents and youth.

The Parliament Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, in one of its reports has said that there is a lack of sports culture in our country, and that, there is no integration of sports with formal education system, Naik said.

One of the steps that the Government of India has to take so as to encourage children to par-

ticipate in sports activities, is to see to it that every educational institution in the country, including universities and authorities holding tests like CET, award grace marks for sportspersons in a manner which can be laid down in the new Sports Policy, for these institutions to adopt, said Naik.

It is learnt that some universities put the ball in the court of their statutory bodies who are free to decide in such matters, he pointed out.

India squeeze past Massama AGENCIES PANJIM, AUG 13

Riding high on Mohammed Rafi’s strike, India edged past Real Massama SC by a solitary goal in the second football practice match at Massama ground in Lisbon on Thursday.

India included Arindam Bhattacharya in the goal, Deepak Mondal, Mahesh Gawli, N.S.Manju and N. Mohanraj in the defence. James Singh,

Baldeep Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadao and Clifford Miranda were the four midfielders, while once again Abhishek Yadav and Mohammed Rafi paired up front.

Mohammed Rafi has been in sublime form throughout the practice matches and once again paved the way for the winning goal providing a perfect start to India’s proceedings.

Abhishek Yadav essayed a pass to Rafi, which was neatly

finished by the Churchill Brothers striker in the 7th minute.

After the lemon break, four substitutions were made; Mohammed Rafi and Abhishek Yadav were replaced by Baljit Sahni and Sushil Kumar Singh.

Govin Singh replaced Clifford Miranda, which saw N. S. Manju shifting on the left flank as left wing half. Baldeep Singh made way for Rakesh Masih in the

Paes, Bhupathi in India team PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

Multiple Grand Slam winners Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were today named in India’s men’s squad for the Commonwealth Games.

The four-strong team, which has Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna as the other two members, was announced after a meeting of the selection committee, headed by Anil Dhupar.

Somdev will lead India’s challenge in the singles along with Rohan Bopanna.

pg18_Layout 1 8/14/2010 12:28 AM Page 1

SPORTS

Give grace marks for Varsity students, pleads Shantaram Pg 17

3 Goan footballers in India U-19 squad Pg 16

GOA, SATURDAY, 14 AUGUST, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

In BrIef

Man City bid ÂŁ96m for Ibrahimovic Manchester City has offered Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic a four-year deal worth a staggering 96 million pounds, roughly 500,000 pounds a week.

The deal would make him the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning 24 million pounds a year.

According to The Sun, it would topple the salaries of top stars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.

Lanka scores nervous win India back to 2 spot PTI DAMBULLA (SRI LANKA), AUG 13

Top two out on day of upsets at Cincinnati Open Top-seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia and second seed Caroline Wozniacki suffered surprise third-round exits in the Cincinnati Open.

In fierce heat, champion Jankovic yesterday fell 7-6, 6-4 to Uzbek qualifier Akgul Amanmuradova, who now meets another Serb, Ana Ivanovic, in the quarter-finals.

Denmark's Wozniacki was beaten 6-4, 6-1 by France's Marion Bartoli, while Italy's Flavia Pennetta completed a trio of upsets yesterday when she beat Russian sixth-seed Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 6-3.

Polish seventh seed Agnieszka Radwanska also lost 6-2, 6-3 to 10th seeded Russian Maria Sharapova, leaving just two of the top 10 seeds in the tournament.

The only other top 10 seed, apart from Sharapova, to have survived the cull is fourth seeded Belgian Kim Clijsters, who will face Pennetta on Friday having crushed 18-year-old American Christina McHale 6-1, 6-1.

Big four set to light up Toronto quarters World number one Rafa Nadal's victory at the Toronto Masters set the stage for mouthwatering quarter-final matches that will feature the game's top four men's players.

The presence of Nadal, his great rival Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in the last eight offers the promise of something special as the players gear up for the US Open.

Eager to add an elusive US Open title to the Wimbledon and French Open crowns he has already lifted this season, Nadal dismissed big-serving South African Kevin Anderson 6-2, 7-6.

Next up for Nadal will be 37th ranked German Philipp Kohlschreiber, a 67, 7-5, 6-0 winner over Taiwan's Lu Yen-hsun.

Federer eased into the quarter-finals with a 7-6, 63 win over Frenchman Michael Llodra, setting up a grudge match with Czech nemesis Tomas Berdych, who booked his place with a 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 win over Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov.

Tevez still devastated

by WC exit Argentina's elimination from the World Cup has left Carlos Tevez reeling and the striker says he could quit soccer if his passion for the game does not return.

Argentina were among the favourites to win the World Cup in South Africa but were shocked 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals last month. ''It's the hardest thing I've experienced in football,'' Tevez told the Estudio Futbol programme on TyC Sports yesterday.

nd

l

Daryl Tuffey is clean bowled by a Lasith Malinga yorker at Dambulla on Friday.

New Zealand: B Watling c Sangakkara b Mathews 55, M Guptill c Kapugedera b Malinga 0, R Taylor lbw b Mathews 16, K Williamson c Samaraweera b Mathews 0, S Styris c Jayawardene b Herath 24, G Hopkins c Kapugedera b Malinga 11, N McCullum c Herath b Mendis 36, D Tuffey b Malinga 0, K Mills c Mathews b Herath 11, T Southee c Dilshan b Kulasekara 13, A McKay not out 4. Extras: 22.

Total: 192 all out. Fall of wickets: 2-1, 47-2, 47-3, 99-4, 101-5, 123-6, 123-7, 143-8, 178-9, 192-10. Bowling: L Malinga 10-135-3, N Kulasekara 8.1-1-35-1, A Mathews 10-1-36-3, A Mendis 10-042-1, R Herath 10-0-35-2.

Sri Lanka: U Tharanga c Watling b Mills 70, T Dilshan c and b Mills 5, K Sangakkara c Guptill b Styris 48, M Jayawardene c Taylor b McCullum 5, T Samaraweera not out 36, A Mathews c Taylor b Mills 0, N Kulasekara c Hopkins b Southee 7, R Herath c Taylor b Mills 2, C Kapugedera not out 9. Extras: 13. Total: 195 for 7. Fall of wickets: 11-1, 96-2, 119-3, 162-4, 164-5, 177-6, 180-7: Bowling: K Mills 9.5-1-41-4, D Tuffey 5-031-0, T Southee 6-0-41-1, A McKay 4-0-26-0, N McCullum 7-0-23-1, K Williamson 1-0-6-0, S Styris 8-0-22-1.

Man-of-the-match: U Tharanga

Modi denies bonus payment to Majola PTI MUMBAI, AUG 13

Suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi today denied making bonus payment of one million Rand to Cricket South Africa chief Gerald Majola for agreeing to host the second edition of the T20 League in South Africa last year.

Modi, currently facing a probe by the Cricket Board's threemember disciplinary panel for alleged irregularities in running the cash-rich league, said that whatever payments were made by the IPL was only to CSA as per an earlier agreement.

"We have and had no idea about these payments and as such I have no comment to make. It's an internal CSA matter.

IPL only made payments to CSA for their help and services as per our agreement with them," Modi told Times Now channel.

The suspended IPL chief is

currently overseas.

Reports have come from South Africa that Majola will pay back more than R1 million believed to have been paid to him as a bonus from funds provided

by Modi for agreeing to host the 2009 event when it was hurriedly moved to South Africa after security concerns in India because of Lok Sabha elections being held at the same time.

Majola offered to pay back the money in an urgent telephonic conference with the executive committee of CSA on Wednesday night as the panel prepared to release its financial statements next week, the Afrikaans daily Beeld had reported, adding the payment would be indicated as "a miscellaneous loan that has been repaid".

The move came after an extensive investigation into irregularities in the payment of bonuses by the cash-flushed IPL.

Sri Lanka huffed and puffed to a three-wicket win over New Zealand in the second ODI of the cricket tri-series and helped India reclaim the second spot in the ICC ODI team rankings, here today.

India had surrendered the second position to Kiwis after the humiliating 200-run loss in the series-opener.

Opener Upul Tharanga (70 off 109) was top scorer in Sri Lanka's haphazard chase as Sri Lanka scored 195 for seven in 40.5 overs in a target of 193.

New Zealand, electing to bat, were all out for 192 in 48.1 overs after Sri Lanka's pace duo of Lasith Malinga (3/35) and Angelo Mathews (3/36) shared six wickets between them.

The Kiwi total was built around some good effort by debutant BJ Watling (55) and Nathan McCullum (36).

The low-scoring match at Rangiri Dambulla stadium was a dull affair as only 32 boundaries, including just two sixes, were scored in the flood-lit encounter.

New Zealand, who had 117 rating points before this match, lost three points to slip to fourth spot behind South Africa (115).

India gained a position to second with 116 points behind leaders Australia (132).

Like the Kiwis, Sri Lankan made a wretched start, losing opener Tilakkaratne Dilshan (5) in the third over.

Tharanga raised a 85-run stand for the second wicket with skipper Kumar Sangakkara (48) to steady the innings and then along with Thilan Samaraweera (36 off 38) steered the hosts close to win.

But once Tharanga departed in the 37th over, wickets started tumbling and the hosts were reduced from a comfortable 162 for four to 180 for seven in a gap of 14 balls.

However, seasoned Samaraweera kept his cool and brought his side home with 9.1 overs to spare.

Tharanga's patient knock had nine boundaries and Samaraweera helped himself with four boundaries with last one coming for winning runs off Kyle Mills.

Mills was the highest wicket taker for the Kiwis with outstanding figures of 4 for 41.

Team India tells BCCI to reduce burden AGENCIES NEW DELHI, AUG 13

It seems that the cancellation of Team India's three-day break during the sixday gap between its games in the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka has not gone down too well with the players.

According to local media reports the Indian cricket team has reacted sharply to the snub by sending a letter to the Board where they have expressed their displeasure about playing too much cricket.

The Indian team have complained about playing too many unimportant matches and have asked the Board to re-schedule the itenary for the next few months.

One suggestion given by the players is to change the home series against New Zealand later this year by making it a two-Test series instead of a three-match affair as planned earlier.

Kumble to spin again AGENCIES MUMBAI, AUG 13

Indian spin legend Anil Kumble will share his skills with some of South Africa's leading and young spinners in a coaching clinic in Johannesburg next week.

Kumble will be joined by Proteas spinners Paul Harris and Johan Botha as a host of franchise and upcoming spinners receive first hand coaching from the Indian wizard.

EPL FIXTURES (GMT) Saturday

Tottenham Hotspur v. Manchester City (1145) Aston Villa v. West Ham United (1400) Blackburn Rovers v. Everton (1400) Bolton Wanderers v. Fulham (1400) Sunderland v. Birmingham City (1400) Wigan Athletic v. Blackpool (1400) Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Stoke City (1400) Chelsea v. West Bromwich Albion (1630)

Sunday Liverpool v. Arsenal (1500)

Monday

Manchester United v. Newcastle United (1900)

Premier Brand pulls out of CWG PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

Engulfed in a spate of corruption scandals, the Commonweath Games organising committee was today dealt another blow with merchandising company Premier Brands pulling out of the mega event.

The official merchandising and licensing partner of the Delhi Games, Premier Brands had been contemplating to withdraw as the delay in starting the process is amounting to huge losses every day.

"We have decided to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games as the project has got delayed too much," chairman of Premier Brands Suresh Kumar told PTI.

PM, Sonia discuss CWG mess in core group meet AGENCIES NEW DELHI, AUG 13

Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and Congress president, Sonia Gandhi discussed the growing controversy over the Commonwealth Games at the Congress core group meeting on Friday.

In the meeting, the core group decided to leave it to the government to take a decision on the issue. The Prime Minister will discuss the Games with the Sports Minister and the Sports Ministry will take all decisions on Games' supervisory body and Suresh Kalmadi, it was decided.

The core group also discussed other subjects relating to nuclear liability bill and other parliamentary matters.

Amid growing controversy over the CWG and corruption allegations against OC Chairman, Suresh Kalmadi,

and other officials, the Cabinet Secretary too chaired a meeting with all top ministries concerned today.

This comes a day after NDTV reported that the Congress is considering an oversight group, an indication that Kalmadi's wings may be clipped.

The Congress party has been looking to distance itself from Suresh Kalmadi, the man at the centre of the allegations of corruption in the Commonwealth Games. Kalmadi, who is the chairman of the CWG Organising Committee, is also a Congress MP from Pune.

The party has said that it holds no brief for Kalmadi. And NDTV reported yesterday that the party is discussing a supervisory committee for the Commonwealth Games. Such a committee could be headed by the Cabinet Secretary. A similar mechanism was in place when India hosted the 1982 Asian Games.

AITA accepts govt guidelines on age, tenure PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 13

At a time when major National Sports Federations (NSFs) have refused to adhere to government guidelines on age and tenure, the All India Tennis Association today announced that it will follow the controversial regulations.

The AITA arrived at this decision at its Executive Committee meeting here.

"President Shri Yashwant Sinha stated that the Government Guidelines with respect to tenure and age of Office Bearers should be adhered to by the AITA. These views were unani-

mously approved the Executive Committee," a release said.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Badminton Association of India (BAI) and now the de-recognised Hockey India (HI) have refused to accept the government guidelines, saying that they are independent and do not require government grants to survive.

The guidelines, issued on May 1 this year, restrict tenure of the president of a NSF to 12 years and that of the secretary and treasurer to a maximum of two consecutive terms of four years.

According to the guidelines no person who is 70 or above,

can contest elections of a NSF. "IOC Guidelines and recommendations to the IOA for amendment of the IOA Constitution to bring the same in line with IOC were also discussed," an AITA release said.

The AITA also rejected media reports that inferior quality surface was used to prepare the tennis courts for the Commonwealth Games.

AITA Secretary General Anil Khanna had quit the post of Organising Committee treasurer after allegations that his son's company got the contract to lay tennis courts.

"The Committee noted all the facts regarding the selection of the tennis surface by the Govt and DDA and, thereafter, unanimously resolved that it did not appreciate the news appearing in two national dailies and that all actions taken by the AITA were 100 per cent correct and above board and there was no conflict of interest whatsoever of any office bearers of AITA in this process.

"The committee further noted that by following the process of competitive bidding the Govt saved upto 30 per cent (around 40 lakh)," the release said.

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GOA: ALCON HYUNDAI, PH: 6452666, 9225907061 â&#x20AC;˘GOA HYUNDAI, PH: 6699999, 9822588851

"Anil Kumble is a living legend and CSA is honoured that he has accepted our invitation to come out to South Africa and work with tomorrow's stars," Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Gerald Majola said.

"We will also invite some of our woman cricketers, young batsmen and wicketkeepers, who we believe, will benefit from the experience.