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Autopsy report claims 6 injuries on Cipriano HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

In what could put Goa police in the dock over the custodial death of Cipriano Fernandes, the autopsy report has claimed six injuries on the deceased’ body.

Local rights group alongwith relatives of Cipriano have charged the Panjim police with torture in the case.

Sources in the Goa Medical College, however, told Herald that the cause of death is reserved as the report on the chemical analysis is still awaited.

“Six injuries including those on the head and body were found during the post-mortem”, doctors, who did not want to be named, said.

Declining to reveal the cause of death, doctors said it has been reserved as the deceased was

admitted to the GMC on the night of January 8 as an alcoholic and was treated for the same.

Hence, “it is prudent to wait for the chemical analysis report before concluding what led to Cipriano’s death”, they said.

According to doctors, Cipriano was brought to the GMC on January 8 at night and died the next morning at 6.45.

While the magisterial enquiry into the death of Cipriano is yet to be completed, authorities

Gazetted officer to investigate HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today said that a gazetted officer would probe into the custodial death of Cipriano.

“DGP Bassi has told me that he has asked Superintendent of Police to hold an inquiry into the incident through a gazetted officer”, the chief minister said.

Kamat on Wednesday had sought a detailed report from the Home Ministry after Cipriano’s family submitted a memorandum for a judicial probe against the police officers.

“We received the report today (Thursday) evening…meanwhile the Sub Divisional Magistrate Sabaji Shetye is also conducting a parallel inquiry into the case”, Kamat told reporters.

Probe ordered against city cops HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

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State Police Complaints Authority has taken suo moto cognizance of the news report on the death of an NRI chef in police custody.

Chairman Justice Eurico Santana da Silva has directed its office to register the news report dated January 12 on Herald as ‘Suo Moto Inquiry Proceedings’ against Panjim police officers of gross misconduct.

In his order on Thursday, the chairman has also directed issuing notices to the North Goa Superintendent of Police Arvind Gawas and the Herald reporter to present facts of the case known to them regarding the incident.

“We have gone through the news item under the caption “Rights group demands judicial

inquiry into NRI chef ’s death” published in the newspaper “oHeraldo” dated January 12, 2010, which prima facie suggests commission of acts of gross misconduct eventually committed by some police officers of North Goa District, namely, from Panjim police station”, the order reads.

HERALD IMPACT “In this connection, we propose to hold suo moto inquiry proceedings to actually establish the factual position in the reported incident of Cipriano’s death in police custody”, the order further reads reserving the matter for January 17.

Utt Goenkara activists and kin of the 39-year-old NRI had de-

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manded a judicial enquiry into the alleged custodial death, who they claim died in police custody.

Cosme Fernandes, cousin of the deceased Cipriano and the latter’s lady friend accused several police officers of beating the NRI chef to death, first in a police jeep on January 7 and in police custody on the subsequent day.

Cipriano was a chef working on board an ocean-liner. Cosme had also accused the police of stealing credit cards and cash which was on Cipriano’s person, when he was picked by the police.

According to the police, Cipriano was picked up on January 7 evening after he allegedly threatened a lady friend, who had complained to the police.

He was not even taken for medical examination.

have dispatched the autopsy report to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Sources told Herald that whenever there are allegations of custodial deaths the standard procedure is to send the autopsy report to the NHRC along with the video recording. Doctors at the GMC confirmed sending the report along with the CD of video recording to the NHRC. Meanwhile, Utt Goenkara has demanded that the police officials involved in the torture should be immediately suspended following the disclosures in the post-mortem report.

Adv Jatin Naik, vice president of the rights group, said, “our first demand is that the policemen involved should be suspended and a judicial inquiry be initiated in the matter”.

CBI gets nod to re-investigate Malegaon blast PTI MUMBAI, JAN 13

In a fresh development in the 2006 Malegaon blast probe, a special court today granted permission to CBI for re-investigating the case in wake of “confession” statements made by Swami Aseemanand linking Hindu groups to terror acts.

CBI has moved the application before a MCOCA court here after the statement made by Swami Aseemanand under Section 164 Criminal Procedure Code before a magistrate in which he claimed that Hindu groups had carried out the Malegaon blast in 2006 that left 37 people dead and over 100 injured.

GUDLAR SUSPENDED

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

In a late night development, Goa Police Establishment Board suspended police subinspector Sunil Gudlar for his alleged involvement in peddling drugs.

The decision has been taken two days after the Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police Shamba Sawant submitted the inquiry report to the Director General of Police Bhim Sain Bassi.

“PSI Gudlar has been suspended today (Thursday) pending departmental inquiry”, Superintendent of (headquarters) Police Vishram Borkar confirmed

to Herald.

The decision comes after initial delay with the department facing wrath from activists and other groups across the State for delaying action against Gudlar.

DGP along with other senior officers had a meeting in the police headquarters on Thursday, which was preceded by a meeting with the chief minister on Wednesday.

The former Anti-Narcotics Cell PSI was caught on spycam negotiating with two foreigner women over the sale of charas.

The tapes were released in parts via local news channel following which Gudlar faced

inquiry without action. The inquiry report records his elaborate interrogation by the senior officer.

ANC constables were also grilled during the course of inquiry. Crime Branch sleuths were particularly focusing on one constable who was reportedly a close aide of Gudlar who acted as a liaison officer between Gudlar and the drug dealers.

However, whether a case against the policeman is registered or not is yet to be confirmed. Police spokesperson Superintendent of (Special Branch) Police Atmaram Deshpande was not available for comments till late night.

Nigerian accuses ANC of threat to frame him HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

Trouble does not seem to end for the disgraced Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) as a Nigerian national has accused the department of threatening to implicate him in a narcotics case in 2010.

Nwabuwanne Nwachukwu in his complaint with the Calangute police station alleged that on October 10, 2010, four ANC members barged into his house at Saligao and demanded bribe failing which he would be implicated in a case of possessing narcotics.

“On October 10, 2010 at about 3 pm, when I was at my residence, four police of-

ficials from the ANC police station barged into my residence and began talking to me in a threatening manner and demanded a sum of Rs 20,000. They threatened to plant drugs if I did not pay up…” the complaint letter dated November 2, 1010 read.

Nwachukwu on May 3, 2010 was arrested in a December 2009 case wherein one Abhijit Mandrekar, 20, from Calangute was caught with 20 grams of cocaine worth Rs one lakh.

ANC cops claimed to have detected Nigerian Nwachukwu alias Sam’s involvement but he gave cops the slip. After he was bailed

out by Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class in an overstaying case, ANC cops arrested him in the year-old case.

The Nigerian who stays at a rented premise claims to have been abiding by all bail terms. He, however, fears of being apprehended in a false case by filing a case against the ANC team.

Interestingly, through the sequence of events it is clear that PSI Sunil Gudlar was the ANC’s unofficial head at that time under the former Superintendent of Police Veenu Bansal.

Calangute police have ironically not acted upon the complaint till date.

China: No visas for Govt steps in to curb rising prices Arunachal officials CHECKS & BALANCES PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 13

Stapled for non-officials PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 13

China today made it clear that it will not issue visas to any official from Arunachal Pradesh, over which it lays claims, and will continue to issue stapled visas to non-officials from that State.

Speaking against the backd ro p o f re p o r t s t h a t t w o Arunachal men have got stapled visas which was departure from past practice, an official in Chinese embassy, on the condition of anonymity, said there was no change in their visa policy for residents of Arunachal Pradesh.

“There is no change in our visa policy for residents of Arunachal Pradesh. China does not issue visas to officials from that State and will still not do

it. For non-officials, we only issue stapled visas”, the official told PTI. The incident of issuance of stapled visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh came to light when two sportsmen from that State were prevented by immigration officials from boarding a flight yesterday from New Delhi to Beijing since they had stapled visas given by Chinese Embassy on their passports.

Indian Weightlifting Federation’s Joint Secretary Abraham K Techi along with a weightlifter of the State were taken aback when immigration officials at New Delhi’s IGI Airport stopped them and turned them away because of the stapled visas issued by the Chinese Embassy.

Promising to crack down on black marketeers and hoarders, the Government today unveiled measures to check spiralling prices by deciding to continue ban on exports of edible oils, pulses and non-basmati rice and asked States to waive local taxes on essential commodities.

After two days of discussions at the highest level, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Ban on exports of edible oils, pulses to continue States told to waive taxes on essential commodities Action against hoarders, black marketeers — on a day weekly food inflation showed some moderation — the Government constituted an inter-ministerial group under

Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu to review the overall inflation with particular reference to primary food articles.

Admitting that food prices have frequently risen at “unacceptable rates”, a statement issued by Prime Minister’s media advisor said that the “current bout of inflation is driven by rise in prices of vegetables and fruits which is more difficult to manage because they are not held in public stocks.”

Attributing the rise in prices, the Government said that fast growth of the economy, put greater income in the hands of the relatively poor whose food consumption increased. This led to rise in prices of milk, eggs, meat and fish.

On measures that it proposes to take, the Government said it would take stringent action against hoarders and black marketeers manipulating market prices.

We're introducing this currency note for the convenience of our minister, sir.

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Allegations against me politically motivated: Khalap HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

Breaking his silence over the volley of controversies surrounding him, Goa State Law Commission Chairman Ramakant Khalap today rubbished the allegations against him terming them as politically motivated.

“I am as calm as Buddha. I did not respond to these allegations all this while as they are baseless. But I thought of telling the public through media now that these are politically motivated,” Khalap said while addressing a press conference at his Porvorim office.

He said that ‘some elements’ were worried that he might contest state legislative assembly or Parliament elections and hence they are spreading false propaganda against him.

Without naming Aires Rodrigues during the entire press conference, Khalap

Medical camp at Davorlim HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 13

The three-day polycentric knee brace medical camp will be held at the Gujarati Samaj hall, near Davorlim Maruti Temple from January 15. The camp will be held every day between 10 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm.

Organised by the PNR Society for Relief & Rehabilitation of the disabled, Bhavnagar-Gujarat, the patients will be attended by eminent Prosthetist and Orthotist Dr Vijay Naik.

The organizers said the knee brace relieves pain immediately, wherein patients can walk freely with the brace without any support.

I did not respond to these allegations all this while as they are baseless. But I thought of telling the public through media now that these are politically motivated.

-- Khalap

said that those who are coming in public against him are being used by others for their personal gains. “I have all my records straight. He (Aires) is perhaps working as a mouth piece of someone,” the chairman said.

Khalap, however said that he is interested in contesting Lokh Sabha election. “Nobody can stop me…I have full

The Congress High Command has asked the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) to adopt a wait and watch policy following the threat by alliance partner the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to withdraw support to the government.

The NCP executive committee meeting held recently resolved to withdraw support if the Digambar Kamat-led government failed to respect its (NCP’s) directives to drop two of party ministers – Jose Philip and Nilkanth Halarnkar.

The Congress had turned down the orders after the Churchill-led group of 10, which consisted of five ministers, protested against plans to induct Mickky into the Cabinet.

Following the NCP’s executive meeting, the GPCC President Subash Shirodkar rushed to

point as the chairman. There is no compulsion that only former judges should head the commission.

“There are no retired judges available in Goa. Also, Maharashtra Law commission has a lawyer heading it,” he said adding that what is required is that the chairman should have knowledge of prevailing laws in the State.

In yet another clarification, Khalap said that the cases filed against him before he was appointed as chairman stands withdrawn. “The allegations were that the board of directors (of Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank) headed by me had not recovered the loans,” he said adding that all the cases stand withdrawn in the High Court.

Currently, the commission is working on new excise Act for Goa. It is also likely to come up with titan guaranty Act along with electoral reforms with panchayats and municipalities of Goa.

Onion prices to drop in Goa by Jan-end: traders HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, JAN 13

The days of shedding tears over the steep price of onions in Goa could be numbered, as onions from Maharashtra have reached the wholesale market in Belgaum, from where nearly half of the stock will be sent to Goa. "Believe me, onion prices will surely crash, latest by the end of this month," stated Sambhaji Hongekar, former chairman of the wholesale onion traders association in the Belgaum, while speaking to Herald.

"This is because onion harvesting has just commenced in Maharashtra," he said.

Wait-n-watch moves of NCP, govt told HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

support of public,” he added.

He ruled out his role in disappearance of the file related to the Constitution of Law Commission. “When the commission was appointed in 2009, we had received an order from the government.

The original file was with the state,” Khalap said adding that he has no role in the disappearance of the file.

The chairman said that the file is the property of Government of Goa. It originates in the chief minister’s office and later moves to Law Ministry and Finance Ministry.

“It’s finally proved that the file was with Finance Department. And now when the file is found the person who had levelled allegations against me has no etiquettes to apologies for his words,” Khalap said.

Responding to the allegations of huge expenses by the commission, Khalap said that commission’s staff worked without a salary for over one year when it was conceived.

“As far as car belonging to the commission is concerned, one vehicle ran for 40,000 kilometres in 600 days which means on an average it ran 70 kilometres every day,” he clarified.

Khalap said that it is the prerogative of the State government whom to ap-

Delhi wherein he met the political secretary to AICC President Sonia Gandhi and Congress General Secretary B K Hariprasad on Wednesday.

“Yes, I did meet the senior Congress leaders in Delhi to discuss the issue,” confirmed Shirodkar while speaking to Herald.

However, Shirodkar said the Congress High Command has conveyed that it would not interfere in the matter as yet.

“The High Command is seized of the issue but they do not want to interfere at this moment and have asked me to wait and watch,” he said.

Asked what would be his stand if the NCP withdraws support, he said, “Let the situation arise then we will see.”

However to a quer y, he replied, “our stand still remains that Mickky cannot be inducted into the cabinet.”

Onions arrive at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Market Yard of Belgaum every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

"On an average, about 40 truckloads of onions arrive here, of which 50 percent of the onions are sent to Goa. Hence the prices of onion in Goa should also come down accordingly," Hongekar opined.

The wholesale onion prices in Belgaum on Thursday were between Rs 2000 and Rs 4000 a quintal, depending on the size and quality.

Adding a profit margin and spoilages at a maximum of 10 percent, the retail price of

Water restricted to Sanguem, Quepem, Salcete, Mormugao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 13

Water consumers in the four talukas of Sanguem, Quepem, Salcete and Mormugao will have to contend with restricted water supply from the Selaulim water pipeline.

PWD Executive Engineer on Thursday informed that the department has proposed a shut down on the 1422 mm dia MS Selaulim convening main on January 17-18. The shut down has been taken in order to connect the 1422 mm dia MS pipeline at Davorlim-Margao and install flow meter on the pipeline at Xelpem starting point.

The PWD has appealed to the consumers to bear with the inconvenience that will be caused on account of the shut down.

onions should have ranged from Rs 22 to Rs 45 a kilo.

On the contrary, consumers in Belgaum were shocked as

until Thursday, the retail prices of onions were still hovering at around Rs 50 a kilo.

According to traders at APMC-

Valpoi PI Shivram Vaigankar and his team with the seized Gutka at the Police station.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, JAN 13

Valpoi Police arrested two persons on charges of transporting Gutka worth Rs 30,000 from Goa to Maharashtra.

According to Police, the accused, Prashant Hanumant Gawas and Vishnu Prakash Redkar, both from Dodamarg-Maharashtra, were arrested by

Valpoi Police while they were found transporting four sacks of Gutka worth Rs 30,000 at the Poriem-Sattari check post at about 11.15 am on Thursday.

Police arrested both accused and also seized the Gutka and the Tata Ace (MH-07-P-0106).

Further investigations are on under the supervision of PI Vaigankar.

Constructions of two mining corridors in Sanguem Taluka are likely to ease the traffic congestion created due to ore laden trucks.

Officials stated that mining corridors are bypass roads, which will divert the truck traffic from public roads to these corridors.

Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has almost finished the detailed study for two mining corridors – Ugem to Gudimol and Gudimol to Kapsem. The tenders are already floated by GSIDC. The mine owners have agreed for the corridors which will work on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis.

“There is a thinking that the mining companies will pay for using the road on tonnage basis or there could be toll booths installed on the roads,” Glenn Kalavampara, secretary, Goa

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

A disability rights association has charged the State Social Welfare Minster Sudin Dhavlikar of being prejudiced in awarding ‘Best Disabled Employee 2010’ to a non-disabled person.

While a police complaint has been filed regarding the issue, Panjim police say that the case is not a cognizable offense.

In his complaint letter, President of the Disabled Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) Avelino de Sa alleged that ‘screening committee under the chairmanship of the minister has committed a fraud against the State and the disabled by giving the award to Harsha Joshi – a nondisabled person.’

The association said that Joshi’s disability is 36 percent and the Disability Act defines a disabled person as one who has 40 percent or more disability.

“The screening committee for the purpose of selecting the awardee for the year 2010 … .has given the award for Best Disabled Employee in the Orthopedic Disabled Category for year 2010 to Harsha Joshi who is not a disabled person as defined under the Persons with Disability Act as her disability is only 36 percent. She also has no credible achievements to her credit,” the complaint application reads.

DRAG is a seven year old registered charitable society recognized by the Government of Goa with an aim to bring the disabled in Goa into the mainstream society.

The complaint letter, which has also been forwarded to the North Goa Superintendent of Police office requests to file a case of fraud against Dhavlikar, who is chairman of the screening committee.

Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA) told Herald.

In all there are 13,000 mining trucks plying on regular basis across state’s mining belt.

Kalavampara said that the mining companies might demand that no other transport except ore-laden trucks would be allowed to use these corridors. Also there should not be any hindrances like roadside eateries on these corridors.

Chief Minister Digamber Kamat during the monsoon assembly session, last year had said that Goa will build two or three concrete transport corridors exclusively to transport ore using funds from the state’s mining industry.

Replying to a debate on mining during the assembly, Kamat also said that the mining industry have agreed to shell out Rs 500 crore towards a corpus for creation of mining related infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the mining firms

also feel that replacing the conventional six-tyre trucks with the 10-wheeler trucks with the more capacity to carry the ore can also solve the vexed issue of mining transport congestion.

“These trucks are of the same size but their capacity to carry ore is more. They can carry almost double the capacity,” he said adding that the phasing out of old trucks and replacing them with the heavy capacity will do away with 40 per cent of the traffic.

“But this needs to be done after consulting the locals who are involved in the business,” he added.

Kalavampara also said that the conveyor belts to carry the ore can also be a solution for the issue.

The association also feels that state government should monitor registration of new mining trucks in the wake of Central government’s moratorium on mining in Goa.

Sex change helps Brit drug dealer avoid jail HERALD CORRESPONDENT LONDON, JAN 13

A British drug dealer, who was caught in the city of Bristol with 2kg of ketamine smuggled from Goa, escaped jail because a judge decided it would ruin his dream of a sex change.

Ian Morris, 41, who changed his name to Jean, admitted to possession of nearly 2kg of the powerful horse tranquiliser ketamine, with intent to supply.

But his lawyer told the court that he was about to start hormone treatment, and would find conditions ‘particularly difficult’ if he was sent to a male prison.

Judge Mark Horton let him walk free with a suspended 11-month jail term.

The judge told Morris – who was referred to as ‘Miss Morris’ during the trial, that if (s)he was sent to prison, it would be sentencing her to a continuation of her sexual nightmare, possibly forever. Morris said (s)he would just like to say thank you to the judge.

Police in Bristol intercepted two packages of ketamine – containing a total of 1.96kg of the hallucinogenic drug of around 80 per cent purity – sent from two addresses in Goa to Morris’

Ex-mayor Naik taunts Karishetty HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

Former Mayor Ashok Naik, on Thursday termed the decision by controversial coporator Nagesh Karishetty to withdraw from the forthcoming corporation elections, as a clear acceptance of all charges leveled against him.

“It was a pleasant surprise to read “vote of thanks” by Karishetty. His current action should have come immediately after his arrest in the pay parking scam by Goa Police in July 2008,” Naik, who plans to contest the CCP elections with BJP support, said.

Karishetty, who was involved in the pay parking scam, was given a place in the panel named

by Taleigao legislator Babush Monseratte.

“We congratulate the people of ward 8 and the Panjim in particular for voting out the “corrupt rotten apple”,” he said.

“The decision of Karishetty to opt out of CCP elections is a clear acceptance by him of all the corrupt practices that he has been indulging in the corporation. This means that he is aware of the scams and his involvement in them,” Naik said.

“But…the people of Panjim are wise enough to know that his opting out of the CCP elections does not excuse his crimes and will not accept such corrupt people again.” Naik stated.

Naik further said that the people are well aware of the scams in the CCP. “The entire panel floated by

The decision of Karishetty to opt out of CCP elections is a clear acceptance by him of all the corrupt practices that he has been indulging in the corporation. This means that he is aware of the scams and his involvement in them.

-- Ashok Naik Babush has some or the other allegations against them like casino office licence scam, garbage mismanagement, ghost workers scam, security guard tender scam, house tax scam etc,” he said adding “we are aware people of Panjim and Taleigao together will reject rest of 29 rotten apples along with the tree in coming elections”.

‘Dhavlikar prejudiced Narvekar grilled for 2 hours against disabled’ over son’s forged certificate

2 held for smuggling Mining corridors planned Gutka in Valpoi to ease traffic in Sanguem HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

Belgaum, the prices of onions should come down to Rs 10-15 a kilo, the assumption which is based on the past experiences and the yield of onion in Maharashtra and some parts of Karnataka.

Meanwhile, a couple of trucks carrying onions imported from Pakistan also arrived in the Belgaum market.

"These onions were priced at Rs 3,500 a quintal. However, there has been no demand for the onions from Pakistan. Despite their large size, these onions are inferior in taste and colour as compared to the onions from Maharashtra and Karnataka," Hongekar said.

GOA

flat in Bristol. (S)he signed for them and then hid them. The parcels Morris got actually just contained fructose powder, because police had earlier intercepted the original packages containing ketamine and substituted them. Hashish and weighing scales were also found in the flat. Morris told police (s)he had agreed to receive the parcels and pass them on to a ‘friend’.

Defence lawyer Anna Vigars told the court that if Morris was jailed, if would disrupt his ongoing gender reassignment.

He had officially changed his

name to Jean in September 2009, and had lived as a woman for three years. But he had to stand trial as a man on the drugs charge. (S)he would have to go to a man's prison, where (s)he would find conditions particularly difficult, she pleaded.

The judge told Morris (s)he would “certainly” go to prison if (s)he committed a further offence. He suspended the jail term for two years and ordered Morris to observe a six-month curfew, in which (s)he has to stay at home from 9 pm to 5 am.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 13

Mapusa Police interrogated Goa Cricket Association President and Aldona ML A Dayanand Narvekar and his family for nearly two hours on Thursday, in connection with a complaint against them on charges of forging the birth certificate of their son.

"Dayanand Narvekar, his wife, Sushma, and their son, Ganeshraj, were summoned to the police station, where both Mr and Mrs Narvekar were interrogated for nearly two hours," Mapusa Police Inspector Rajesh Kumar told Herald.

However, PI Kumar declined to disclose details of the interrogation and said: "The matter is still under investigation."

"We have already interrogated seven persons in this case, including Director of Chodankar Nursing Home Dr Ravindra Chodanker, GCA Secretar y Prasad Fatrarpekar and former

4 Kenyans held for overstaying HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 13

Porvorim Police on Thursday arrested four Kenyan nationals residing in Porvorim on charges of overstaying in the country.

During an enquiry, police found out that the visas of Moses Omula (29), Suleman Obiva (29), Beranard Maele (30) and Victor Omula (26) had expired 3 months ago.

They were booked under Section 14 of foreigners Act, Section 79 of Foreigners Order 1948 and Passport Entry into Indian Rule 1950.

They were later produced before the Judicial Magistrate First class, Mapusa.

Since all of them pleaded guilty and produced air tickets to prove that they would leave the country soon, they were released by JMFC on a fine of Rs 5000 each.

Dayanand Narvekar, his wife, Sushma, and their son, Ganeshraj, were summoned to the police station, where theywere interrogated for nearly two hours.

-- PI Rajesh Kumar

Belgaum kite fest pledges good treat to Goan tourists HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, JAN 13

A slew of attractions are on offer to draw in large numbers of Goans and foreign tourists to Belgaum to witness the two-day Belgaum International Kite Festival beginning on January 16.

The two-day festival will be inaugurated on January 16, as national and international kite fliers would display their exemplary skills during the festival.

A special reception awaits Goan and foreign tourists on this occasion.

Apart from a complimentary trip to Belgaum to take part in the festival, the organizers have also arranged a special shopping bonanza for the visitors, ranging from traditional delicacies to the famous Shahpuri Sarees.

A procession with the visitors

Sancoale boy missing HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 13

A 14-year-old boy from Uppasnagar-Sancoale has been reported missing since the last four days.

According to Verna Police, Vignesh Balsubramni Achari was last seen after school hours at Zuarinagar-Sancoale on Jan 10.

In his complaint, the boy's father stated that Vignesh, a student of Keshav Smruti HS, Dabolim, was last seen in his school uniform, a blue half pant, white shirt and school bag.

The boy is 4 feet in height, dark in complexion, strong built and has a black mark below the

GCA secretary Chetan Dessai," he said.

It may be recalled that Mapusa police have registered a case against GCA President Dayanand Narvekar, his wife Sushma, son Ganeshraj, Dr Ravindra Chodankar and Magistrate P M Borkar on charges of forging the birth certificate of Ganeshraj to make him eligible to play cricket at the Under15 level.

The case was registered based on the complaint of former GCA executive member Dr Shekhar Salkar.

In the complaint, it was stated that Ganeshraj, who featured in the cricket matches at the U-15 level for two years under his original name, was allegedly allowed to play for the third year by changing his name and faking a birth certificate.

This was in violation of BCCI rules that allow a player a maximum of two years to play at the U-15 level.

Vignesh Balsubramni Achari

mouth.

People who have any knowledge of the whereabouts of the boy are requested to contact the nearest police station or the father on Ph: 9923261451 or 9322626090.

atop an open bus has been also planned during the festival.

"A grand welcome awaits the tourists as 108 traditionally dressed women accompanied by three conventional bands would extend a hearty welcome to the foreign and Goan tourists, who are expected to visit the festival in large numbers," said MLA Abhay Patil, who is overseeing arrangements for the festival.

"Stalls with popular products from the region, such as handloom sarees, sweets, food-stuff, processed food products and different types of kites will be a bonanza to the Goans who visit this festival," he added.

Around 30 international kiteflying experts have already confirmed their participation.

Some kite flyers from France and UK shall display their dexterity by flying a number of kites simultaneously with both hands.

"We propose to take the visiting tourists and dignitaries to the nearby tourism spots so that this shall automatically culminate in a regular annual feature of Belgaum City in the years to follow," the MLA said.

Other events at the festival include a photo exhibition on kites and a coaching camp for children in kite-flying techniques.

Goans and tourists interested in witnessing the event as well as kite lovers who wish to take part in the festival are requested to contact V K Rao at 09844044199 and/or Chaitanya Kulkarni on Ph: 09480188877.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, FRIDAY, 14 JANUARY, 2011

Manpower shortage hits Margao Tiatrist Rosary Ferns laid to rest library computerisation project HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 13

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 13

Margao Municipal Council’s ambitious egrantalaya project of computerizing the library has hit a roadblock and is stuck by manpower shortage and official indifference.

Even as the Margao Municipality has received a grant of Rs five lakh from the government as promised by the Chief Minister for library upgradation, the e-grantalaya is progressing at a snail’s pace since its commissioning with much fanfare nearly a year and half ago.

Herald inquiries have revealed that of the 22,000-odd books housed in the library – popular amongst students and adults over the decades – library officials have managed to complete data feeding of only 10,000 books, raising questions over the inauguration of the computerization project much before it completion in all aspects.

Sadly, the e-grantalaya project did not evoke the much-needed support from the Civic officials for best reasons know to them, throwing the project haywire. In fact, if officials are to be believed, senior officials even withdrew the staff drafted to the library to undertake data feeding.

That’s not all. The data feeding work is presently being undertaken by the existing library staff without help and assistance from

computer trained staff and employees.

The issue was brought to the notice of successive Chief Officers since the last one year and half, but in vain.

Meanwhile, sources in the Civic body informed that a grant of Rs five lakh has been received from the government towards the upgradation of the library.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had promised to sanction Rs five lakhs for upgradation of the library while commissioning the egrantalaya project.

Sources in the know said part of the funds will be utilized to procure books, including novels and reference books, while funds will also be spent to buy computers for the benefit of the readers.

The MMC library spends Rs 6000 on newspapers, periodicals and magazines every month and cater to the growing requirement of students who avail the library facilities for assignments.

The mortal remains of Tiatrist Rosary Ferns were laid to rest at Colva on Thursday evening after an Eucharistic Celebration at Our Lady of Merces Church.

Members of the Tiatrist fraternity, well wishers, friends and fans paid their rich tribute to Rosary Ferns who died on 12 January due to cardiac arrest.

In his homily, Fr. Domnic Alvares praised Rosary Ferns for having kept the flag of Goans, Konkani Language and Konkani Tiatr high in Kuwait and the Gulf region through his God given talents. He said Rosary’s songs were centered on moral theme and conveyed a firm message to the listeners..

Kuwait Kala Mogi and other Goan Association in Kuwait have expressed shock over the untimely death of Rosary Ferns.

New Market traders willing to rebuild it HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 13

Margao’s New Market traders have said they are willing to rebuild the ageing market if the Margao Municipal Council hands over the market to the traders Association.

Association President Vinod Shirodkar said the traders are not opposed to the construction of the market by the government, but raised apprehensions that the traders will be left in the lurch if there is a change in

the government.

Shirodkar also demanded to know why the authorities have turned a blind eye to the violation of parking provision by builders across the city.

“We can build the market if the Margao Civic body hands the complex to the traders. We have no trust in the government. We don’t want a repeat of the Panjim situation in Margao”, he said.

Shirodkar said that even Chief Minister Digambar Kamat is apprehensive that that he would

be blamed for any delay in completing the project in the event the builder plays truant with its execution.

Replying to a question, he said the Chief Minister has directed the Margao Municipal Council to comply with all procedures to repair the ageing market and to clear the longpending proposal of the traders for trade licence.

“An estimate of Rs 37 lakh has been prepared by the Civic body for the repairs and paintings.

Goa offers to help Belgaum police in probing drug case HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 13

The Goa police have offered help and assistant to their Belgaum counterparts in the investigation of the drug peddling case involving a police head constable, besides other drugs cases.

Superintendent of Police, South Allan De Sa said the Goa police would extend all possible help to the Belgaum police if they think there are deeper links to the arrest of a Goa police constable in drug peddling.

“I am not only taking about the instance case. But, if the Belgaum police have any specific information regarding any drug case having connections with South Goa, we will offer all out support to take the investigations to the logical conclusion”, De Sa added.

If the Belgaum police have any specific information regarding any drug case having connections with South Goa, we will offer all out support to take the investigations to the logical conclusion.

-- SP De Sa The Belgaum SP, Sandeep Patil had stated in Belgaum on Wednesday that the arrest of the head constable attached to the Margao police station could reveal deeper links in Goa.

Shiv Sena wants probe into MMC compactor tender HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 13

Alleging corruption in the tender floated by the Margao civic body towards the purchase of four garbage compactors, the Shiv Sena has petitioned to the Vigilance department to conduct a detailed probe into the tender.

Ad hoc Committee member Sandeep Vengurlekar alleged that the technical conditions of the tenders were drafted in such a manner that it suited only one party, adding that the technical conditions were not framed by technical persons and no justification was given for the same.

He pointed out that the tender notice was advertised only in the local newspapers when in reality tenders need to be published in national dailies for a tender of the value of Rs one crore.

“We understand that only party will qualify for the tender and that the order is being issued based on a singer tender”, Vengurlekar told the Vigilance, adding that this smacks of corruption as the Civic body ought to have gone for re-tender as prescribed by the CPWD manual. The Shiv Sena has prayed to the Vigilance to order a thorough probe and expose the corrupt.

Attempts to contact Margao Municipal Chief Officer Prasanna Acharya to throw light on the tender proved futile as he was not responding to the call on his cell phone.

Benaulim P’yat members ‘boycott’ anti-plastic drive HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 13

Majority of the Benaulim Panchayat members were found conspicuous by their absence at a plastic collection drive organized by the Panchayat body in association with the NSS unit of Damodar College of Commerce and Economics.

While around 300 college students turned up in large numbers coinciding with the National Youth Day, the absence of the panch members left the Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes fuming.

Taken aback by the absence of majority of the Panch members, the sarpanch said she had communicated to each and every panch member about the plastic collection drive. “I had twice told the Panch members and later contacted them on phone over the plastic collection drive. While Panch Mary and Piedade have responded to her request, the remaining panchas were absent”, she added.

The students later went round the village and collected tons of plastic waste as part of the drive.

A representative of the NSS unit informed that the drive has been organized to coincide with the National Youth Day celebrated every year on January 12

Nessai murder: cops search for clues HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 13

The police on Thursday once again conducted a search with the help of a dog squad in a bid to collect clues in the brutal murder of the unknown person at Nessai in Sao Jose de Areal.

The police have also informed their counterparts in police stations across the borders to help and assist in the identification of the headless body.

Maina Curtorim PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the entire area near the scene of offense was combed by the police personnel with the help of a dog squad. The combing operation was carried out so as to collect clues vital towards the identification of the body.

De Sa said the police would coordinate with their Belgaum counterparts to crack a whip on drug peddling between the two points.

Meanwhile, DySP Mahesh Gaonkar, the inquiry officer appointed by the district police chief to inquire into the arrest of the head constable Arun Desai by the Belgaum police, will leave for Belgaum either on Friday or Saturday.

SP De Sa informed that DySP Gaonkar would inquire into all aspects of the case pertaining to the involvement of head constable Arun Desai in drug peddling.

The SP, South had on Wednesday placed under suspension the tainted cop after his arrest by the Belgaum police on Tuesday.

“We conducted a detailed search of the entire area. Nothing has come to light that would help the police in the investigations,” PI Shirodkar added.

Meanwhile, he said that wireless messages have been sent to all the neighbouring police stations to help collect clues in the case and help in the identification of the body.

“We are making all out efforts to get the headless body identified. So far, no one has come forward with the report of any missing person. Our investigations are on”, he said.

Interrogations of migrant construction workers continued for the third day by the police in a bid to collect the clues.

We would like the Civic body to complete the procedure and execute work on the building repairs at the earliest”, he said.

Shirodkar lashed out at the authorities for the silence in cracking a whip against big time builders in the city for violating parking norms. “Accusing fingers are always pointed at the small time traders in the New Market for narrow passages. But, hardly anyone raises questions over rampant parking violations by the builders”, Shirodkar said and

demanded action by the Civic body against erring builders violating parking norms.

The Margao New Market Traders Association President said the government should immediately put to use the open spaces at the Pick up stand, old bus stand and the old fish market for vehicular parking. “The Commercial capital badly requires a parking lot to meet the growing requirements. This should be taken up on a priority basis”, he added.

Technical glitches delay inking of pact over Princess

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

Technical glitches have delayed the process of signing of agreement between the government and the Arihant Ship Breakers for the removal of the ill-fated vessel River princess, which has been grounded off Candolim beach for over a decade.

Arihant Ship Breakers, bagged the contract in November, but a contract is still to be signed.

Officials said that it may take ten days more before the State Government actually signs an agreement with the contractors.

Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik said that getting a stretch on the Candolim as the Customs point has been the major reason in signing the agreement.

“Getting the Candolim beach stretch identified as Customs point becomes mandatory as the grounded ship is a foreign vessel,” he said.

The Director of Tourism however said, they expect to sort

out technicalities shortly to make a way for removing the vessel from Candolim.

Meanwhile, Arihant Ship Breakers have started mobilising equipments for cutting the vessels into pieces, which will be then moved seawards to be taken to the scrapyard.

Naik, meanwhile said, the department has also received a second valuation report of the vessel, which has been forwarded to the government.

Another company had recently submitted its report to the department but since the department wanted to compare valuations of two companies it asked another company to do the job.

Both the reports are being considered and final decision as to which report has to be accepted will be made in the next two-three days, he said.

Naik, however, refused to reveal scrap value of the vessel mentioned in any of the two reports.

The body of tiatrist Rosary Ferns being carried for last Photo by Savio Dias rites.

Clarification

Errant ASI is attached to bomb squad The assistant sub inspector who was booked for dashing against a vehicle in the city on Wednesday is attached to Bomb Disposal Squad and not to traffic cell as reported today, officials said.Panjim police have booked a case against ASI Menino Andrew D’Sa for dashing against a youth riding a scooter in the city. At the time of the incident he was found drunk.D’Sahas been booked under section of 184 and 185 of IPC.

Re-inventing the wheel.

NINE TIMES. 15-24 Oct, AZ.U.R

A different theme every week that spells unlimited fun for your family – you do not want to miss our all-new Sunday Brunch!

28th Nov - Goa Reloaded 5th Dec - Caribbean Calypso 12th Dec - Mexican Mania 19th Dec - Robust Roman 26th Dec - Oriental Odyssey 2nd Jan - Benami Streets of India 9th Jan - Viva Espanol 16th Jan - Mediterranean Zest 23rd Jan - Cholesterol Cravings

Mahavir statue to be installed in sanctuary HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary on Goa-Karnataka border will finally have a larger than life statue of the saint, three years after it was desecrated by miscreants.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will unveil the 8-feet tall statue of Bhagwan Mahavir on January 16 which is made of black marble.

T h e s t a t u e w a s re c o n structed after it was attacked and defaced by miscreants in March 2008. Goa government had constituted a committee which had finalized the new statue costing Rs 5.5 lakh.

Goa Marriott Resort P.O. Box No 64, Miramar t: +91 832 2463333 goamarriottresort.com

OHERALDO

Pg4 GOA, FRIDAY, 14 JANUARY, 2011

S H O RT TA K E S Konkani directory released

PANJIM (HND): Goa Konkani Akademi (GKA) has released its ‘Whose who in Konkani’ a Konkani directory at the concluding ceremony of 19th Konkani Drama Festival organised jointly by Goa Konkani Akademi and Antruz Lalitak at Nagueshi, Bandora.

The directory includes the addresses, phone numbers, email IDs, etc, of Konkani writers, artists, teachers, institutions, etc.

The directory was released by senior and local Konkani writer and National awardee Manikrao Gaunekar. GKA President N Shivdas, and Antruz Lallitak president Vijaykant Namshikar were present.

The directory priced at Rs 150 is available at Goa Konkani Akademi’s counter at 243, Patto colony, Panjim.

Restricted water supply

PANJIM (HND): Due to inter connection of 1400 mm dia MS pipeline at Davorlim, there will be restricted water supply to entire Salcette and Mormugao talukas on January 17 and 18.

Retired teachers felicitated

Pipeline breakdown leaves Pomburpa, nearby areas thirsty HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 13

Residents of Ecoxim, Pomburpa, Aldona and surrounding areas have been hit by acute water shortage due to a breakdown in the underground pipeline in the river at Quitula-Aldona.

Speaking to Herald, some residents of Calvim complained that there was not enough water even for cooking, bathing and other basic activities.

In as press note, the PWD had stated that there would be restricted water supply only on January 7.

However, when residents made telephonic enquiries at the Mapusa PWD office, they were informed that water supply would be restored by 10 am on January 10.

“Thousands of people are being put to inconvenience because of the delay in repairing the pipeline and this is accentuated because of the movement of the barges. P WD authorities should have prohib-

n Thousands of people are being put to inconvenience because of the delay in repairing the pipeline and this is accentuated because of the movement of the barges.

--- Marie D’Souza ited the movement of barges between 10 am and 5 pm, so that repair work could have been expedited,” said Aldona Civic and Consumer Forum Secretary Marie D’Souza.

When contacted, PWD Executive Engineer H Kamaldini mentioned that the underground 400 mm HDPE pipeline at the Quitula River crossing developed a leakage on January 6.

“The water department undertook repair work immedi-

ately and informed the public through newspapers that there would be restricted water supply on January 7 to Aldona, Quitula, Pompurba, Ecoxim, Salvador do Mundo, Nachinola and Penha de Franca,” said Kamaldini.

“Since the pipeline is around 1 metre below the riverbed, repair work took some time. Besides, Sirsaim is the filling point for iron ore and there is constant barge movement through Ecoxim and Quitula route, which is why the repair work was hampered.”

Kamaldini informed that the department had made arrangements to supply water through tankers to the affected areas.

“The repairs were completed at 1 pm on Thurdsay and the department has resumed water supply. As such, residents of Aldona, Pomburpa, Ecoxim, Salvador do Mundo, Nachinola and Penha da Franca will get sufficient water from Friday onwards,” assured Kamaladini.

Valpoi Municipal Council Chairperson Umesh Gulelkar felicitates the retired teachers at Valpoi. Photo by Ashraf Khan

VALPOI (HC): The Sattari Taluka Primary Teacher’s Society (STPTS) recently felicitated some retired primary teachers during its annual general body meeting at Valpoi.

Valpoi Municipal Council Chairperson Umesh Gulelkar felicitated the tecahers in the presence of ADEI Suresh Gawas, Harischandra Gawde, STPTS President Prakash Gaonker, Dattaram Joshi and Manohar Gawas.

Speaking on the occasion, Gulelkar said primary teachers play an important role in moulding the students.

“Teachers must know their responsibility while delivering their services,” added Gulelkar and praised primary teachers efforts in the system of education.

Lauding the hard work of members of the society, he said: “To start an organization is very simple, but to continue and keep up the work is difficult.”

He urged all the members of STPTS to be united while running the organisation.

ADEI Suresh Gawas said such societies are supportive to the teacher’s community when they are in need and added that young members of the society must take lead and actively operate the society affairs.

Earlier, retired teachers Pandurang Gaonker, Prabhakar Shetkar, K Patil, Banudas Naik and others were felicitated.

Besides, the Society also felicitated some of students who topped in the exams. Prakash Gaonker welcomed the guests, while Kalpana Parab the proposed vote of thanks.

CM to launch U P C O M I N G E V E N T S development ‘Goan Idol’ at Mayem works in Pale BICHOLIM (HC): The Fun Club of Mayem and Cultural AssoHERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM JAN 13

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will kick-start developmental work to the tune of Rs 25 crore in Pale constituency on January 14.

Addressing a press conference, Pale MLA Pratap Gawas said the chief minister will be accompanied by Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane, PWD Minister Churchil Alemao and other government officials.

“Kamat will first inspect the area of the Ravindra Bhavan at Sanquelim, followed by laying of the foundation stone of the road from Pratap Nagar to Housing Board, Sanquelim,” said Gawas.

“This will be followed by laying of foundation stone at Upper Harvalem for the hot-mixing of a road and culvert as well as hot-mixing of the main road from Velgaum to Gaonkarwada.”

The MLA added that a culvert at Velgaum, constructed at a cost of Rs 18 lakh and pending since the last several years, would also be inaugurated on the day.

On the occasion the MLA’s office would also be inaugurated.

3 saved from drowning HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JAN 13

Goan writers Nayana Adarkar and Deepa Kholkar were felicitated at 11th All India Poetess Convention held recently at Vadodara in Gujarat. Nayana received Shri Maan Arvindashram Award for her contribution to Konkani literature while Deepa got late Sudappa Mule Award for her book ‘Mogatanar’. The eleven poetesses who participated in the event ‘Kokani-Marathi Kavyadhara’ were Nutan Sakhardande, Maya Kharangate, Deepa Kholkar, Aparna Garudi, Susheela Halarnkar, Veena Surlakar, Srinisha Naik, Sujata Ghadi Betakikar, Seema Baliram Nanoskar and Siddhi Sanjeev Kerkar.

Three persons were saved from drowning by lifeguards at Calangute and Agonda beaches.

According to reports, Sudeep Goud (21) from Hyderabad was rescued by the lifeguards while he felt dizzy and was on the verge of collapse at Calangute waters. Lifeguards Rohan Salgaonkar, Sashikant Jadhav and Nikheel Mahale brought him safely to the shores in an unconscious state and rushed him to Primary Health Centre Candolim for medical attention.

In another incident at Agonda beach, Vinod Poude (19) from Nepal and Chandrakant Pagi (51), local fisherman, were saved by lifeguards Srikant Velip and Mithun Pagi.

Govt apathy forces Mormugao council to re-think strategy on projects HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 13

Mathematics Why do We Need

Trigonometry?

The techniques in trigonometry are used for finding relevance in navigation particularly satellite systems and astronomy, naval and aviation industries, oceanography, land surveying, and in cartography .

Trigonometry finds a perfect partner in modern architecture. The beautifully curved surfaces in steel, stone and glass would be impossible if not for the immense potential of this science.

Learning math sure makes us smart and adept at solving tricky situations. From tacking brain-teasers and jigsaws to the more complex crises, the application of basic laws of math and geometry are many.

Not only does math provide a strong basis for resolving everyday issues, it undoubtedly helps handle situations with a positive approach.

Tough Multiplication If you have a large number to multiply and one of the numbers is even, you can easily subdivide to get to the answer: 32 x 125, is the same as: 16 x 250 is the same as: 8 x 500 is the same as: 4 x 1000 = 4,000

Dividing by 5 Dividing a large number by five is actually very simple. All you do is multiply by 2 and move the decimal point: 195 / 5

Step 1: 195 * 2 = 390 Step 2: Move the decimal: 39.0 or just 39 2978 / 5

Step 1: 2978 * 2 = 5956 Step 2: 595.6

Contact Us:

Easy Math Tricks Subtracting from 1,000 To subtract a large number from 1,000 you can use this basic rule: subtract all but the last number from 9, then subtract the last number from 10: 1000 -648

Step 1: subtract 6 from 9 =3 Step 2: subtract 4 from 9 =5 Step 3: subtract 8 from 10 =2 Answer: 352

Comments or queries? Bouquets or brickbats? Talk to us!

Email Junior Herald at junior@herald-goa.com or join our Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/Herald.Jr. Our readers are invited to rave, rant, chat or even contribute. No message will go unanswered!

Lack of government support and lethargic approach of the bureaucracy to Mormugao Municipal Council’s (MMC) five major projects worth nearly Rs 15 crore under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) has forced the MMC to scrap the earlier proposals and prepare them afresh.

It had taken the MMC three years to prepare the groundwork for the five major projects proposed under the PPP, the fish market, municipal market, municipal garage, power house and chief officer’s bungalow.

In the absence of support from the government, the council has decided to cancel its earlier proposals and purse them afresh on a priority basis.

During its ordinary meeting on Thursday, Councilor Carlos Almeida said the MMC council should execute three projects, the chief officer’s bungalow, municipal garage and fish market on a Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis and two projects, the municipal market and power house on a PPP mode.

He felt that these projects should be taken on a priority basis since the council had lost

three crucial years due to bureaucratic failure.

“Earlier, resolutions were adopted and a committee was appointed to execute these projects. After that, we did not get any help from the government nor the PPP cell. Even the consultant appointed by the council has withdrawn from the projects consultancy and the entire process has collapsed,” said Almeida.

“We have discussed and discussed, but at the end nothing has happened. But now with some modification by bifurcating the projects on a BOOT and PPP modes, we can commence the process on a priority basis,” said Almieda.

A new committee has been formed to prepare a fresh proposal. While Chief Officer Gopal Parsekar will be the member secretary of the committee, other members include the MMC municipal engineer, Councillor Fiola Rego, former chairperson Saifullah Khan, Shekhar Khadapkar, Manesh Arolkar and the PDA Member secretary are member of the committee.

One junior engineer will be assigned the special duty to complete the documentation work on the projects.

Khandepar Yuva Mahotsava to attract 3000 youth HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will inaugurate the two-day 16th Goa Yuva Mahotsav on January 15 at GVM’s Matoshri Indirabai Baburao Khandeparkar high school ground at Khandepar, Ponda, at 9.30 am.

About 10000 people are expected to attend various programmes of the Mahaotsav in which 3000 youth from 60 colleges and 30 cultural groups are expected to participate. Many competitions such as Lokmand (folk dance), street play, dance competition, monologue, mime, rangoli, mobile short film, mustaiki and elocution competition on the theme ‘Goa Vision 2050’ will be held during the cultural

GOA

extravaganza.

The aims of Mahotsav are to involve the youth in keeping alive the cultural traditions, develop their personalities, foster unity and brotherhood, promote organisational skills and provide them a platform to exhibit their talent.

Curti-Khandepar Sarpanch Suraj Nayak will be the guest of honour for the inauguration.

Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Manohar Azgaonkar will be the chief guest for the valedictory function on January 16 at 5.30 pm.

The Mahotsav is being organised by Konkani Bhasha Mandal Goa in association with Rotaract Club, Ponda and Directorate of Art and Culture.

ciation Mayem will organise ‘Goan Idol’ on January 15 at 8 pm.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will be the chief guest.

Speaker Pratapsingh Rane, Pale MLA Pratap Gawas, MP Dr Nilesh N Rane, Pravin Zantye, Rajesh Dempo, Nitin Bandekar, Nilkanth Nagvekar and Reshma Sawant will be present on the occasion.

Coconut craft workshop

PANJIM (HND): GHRSSIDC will organise a design development workshop in coconut craft for Goan artisans in collaboration with South Asia Foundation.

Applications are invited from coconut craft artisans from all over Goa for participation in design development workshop which will be held from January 31 to February 14. The artisan should be in the trade of producing and selling coconut craft handicrafts, with advanced skills in the craft.

The design development workshop will be conducted by Sajith Gopinath, a designer from National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, one of India’s internationally acclaimed design institutes.

Artisans will have to submit written applications along with bio-data and contact details by 1 pm on or before January 28 at GHRSSIDC head office, crafts complex, Neuginagar, Panjim.

A maximum of 20 artisans will be selected from the applications received for participation in the design development workshop which shall be fully sponsored by GHRSSIDC. Participants will be paid Rs 200 per day as stipend.

For details, contact John Sebestian/Krishna Karapurkar on 0832-2228157, 0832-2225328/09822140583.

‘Bizz-Buzz’

PANJIM (HND): Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics will organise an annual inter collegiate state level competition ‘Bizz – Buzz’ on January 14 and 15. The event comprises of a series of business oriented competitions, designed to hone students’ skills, creativity and capabilities.

‘Lex Novitas 2011’

PANJIM (HND): V M Salgaocar College of Law will conduct a unique all India law students competition ‘Lex Novitas 2011’ from January 20 to 23, starting with inauguration on January 20 at 5.30 pm.

The competition will have three main competitive events – AD-LIB Moot (moot court competition), Getting Yes (negotiation competition) and Lend a Lawyer (client counselling competition).

14 law college teams have registered for the event. They will be judged by senior lawyers as well sitting judges of High Court and District Courts.

Cookery, bakery classes

PANJIM (HND): A comprehensive course on low fat bakery and cookery classes will be conducted from January 17 by Fatima Moniz in Margao. The course will include cakes with decoration, desserts (hot & cold), pies, tarts (sweet and savoury), breads, cookies, soufflés, mousses and veg/non-veg dishes.

The cuisine will be Portuguese, Goan, Continental, Italian, Indian and others. Eggless cooking will also be taught.

Contact Fatima on 2776035 or 9370275702.

Solo dance competition

PANJIM (HND): Sachin Tendulkar’s Fan club will organise the all Goa solo dancing competition ‘Naach Re Goa Naach 2011’ in Hindi, Marathi and English on January 16 at multipurpose ground, Borda, Margao. The competition will be open for two age groups – under 12 years and above 12 years. Cash prizes will be given to the winners.

Audition for the competition will be held on January 15 in Margao from 10 am to 10 pm. For more details, call 08975880788.

‘Trendsetters’

PANJIM (HND): The students of IIAS School of Management will host an inter-collegiate fashion show and dance competition popularly known as ‘Trendsetters’ for the 10th successive year at the Kala Academy open-air auditorium on January 14 from 6.30 pm onwards. The participating colleges this year are SS Dempo College, Institute of Hotel Management, Don Bosco’s, Dhempe College of Arts and Science and Goa Dental College.

Programme will showcase a new section of a ‘Latin American Dance Contest (couple)’ in addition to the group dance competition. The evening will also witness to a ‘Model Hunt Contest’.

Legal awareness program

PANJIM (HND): The students of V M Salgaocar College of Law will conduct a legal awareness program through Marcela Free Legal Aid Cell on January 15 on government welfare schemes, land laws and Consumer Protection Act in Shree Ganapati Devasthan Hall, Khandola, Marcela, at 3.30 pm.

The programme will be addressed by advocates and it is open to the public. For further details and registration, contact student cell in-charge Purva Chodankar, or deputy cell incharge Sanjana Gaonkar.

Program on domestic violence

PANJIM (HND): Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell of VM Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar will conduct a major program on ‘Domestic Violence’ on January 15 at Community Hall, Darbar Waddo, Camurlim, Bardez, at 3.30 pm.

The session will be presided over by Mapusa BDO Tushar Halarnkar and the chief guest will be Siolim MLA Dayanand Mandrekar, and guest of honour will be Camurlim Sarpanch Sharad Gad. The program will be coordinated by Prof Patil and is open to all. For queries call Maya S Nagvenkar on 9764491174.

POWER SHUTDOWN JANUARY 14 PORVORIM: From 9 am to 5.30 pm. Areas affected are Porvorim Bazaar, Green hill, Sangolda, Shantadurga teple, Sangolda, 20-point programme, Alua, Sangolda, Bhutki Wado, Mae-de-deus T/C, Morod, Waddem, Kharrem, Ticlo Petrol Pump and surrounding areas.

CORLIM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Bela Vista, Mollar, Vikasnagar, Primus Park, Vijayanagar and Milrock vicinity of Corlim village.

JANUARY 15 GUIRIM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Jackniwaddo, Brittowado, Lingabhat, Saliswado, Bokache Aradi, Fondawaddo, Abbaswaddo Canca, Sonarwado Verla, Freitaswaddo Verla, Parpoli Guirim, Sonvem, Kumayamarod Guirim, Vanciowaddo Guirim, St Anthony Waddo, Prerxetwaddo, Agniwaddo and surrounding areas.

CARAMBOLIM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Jyoti estate, Churchwado, Calwaddo, Volvaddo of Corlim village, entire Carambolim village, Katyebhat, Ela, Dineshnagar of Old Goa village.

VALPOI: From 8.30 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Sesa Goa Sonshi, Sesa Goa Kudnem, Alcon, Ambey Metal, Ellanabad Steel, GAAL, ACGL (SMD), ACGL (BBD) (Honda IDC), Rudra Metal, P&G, Village panchayat area of Dignem and Sonshi and the entire Sattari taluka.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 5 GOA, FRIDAY,14 JANUARY, 2011

Govt staff in Canacona left Factory land auctioned to recover loan amount; Customs dept’s dues go unpaid red faced as team tracks attendance HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 13

A peculiar situation has arisen over sale of prime land measuring 14,838 sq mtrs in Pilerne Industrial Estate ordered by the Debts Recovery Tribunal-II (DRTII) at Mumbai.

The office of the Deputy Commissioner of Central Excise at Panjim claims that outstanding arrears worth crores of rupees are due from the company.

The GIDC had leased land comprising two plots to M/s Ravish Infusions Ltd, which had set up a factory and installed the required plant and machinery.

The land was mortgaged to IFCI Ltd, which had sanctioned the requisite loan while the machinery was hypothecated.

As the company defaulted in making payments, IFCI Ltd approached the DRT-II, which ini-

tiated recovery proceedings.

A notice of Proclamation of Sale was issued and recovery certificate in original application was drawn up for Rs 7,68,20,150 with interest and costs from certificate debtor and a further sum of Rs 21,48,69,310 is recoverable together with further interest, costs and charges.

The public auction was conducted on September 7, 2010, and the sale confirmed on October 7, 2010.

The Customs Department in its letter dated March 9, 2010, to the Recovery Officer, DRT-II, Mumbai, informed their outstanding dues.

The letter was signed by A V S N Dias, Deputy Commissioner, Central Excise, Div I at Goa, a copy which is in possession of Herald, states “The undersigned have been regularly requesting

M/s IFG Ltd formerly known as Ravish Infusions Ltd and M/s IFCI Ltd Mumbai to pay the government dues, but they have failed to do so.”

The undersigned has been informed that M/s IL&FS Financial Centre broke open the lock of the bonded warehouse without permission from the department/competent authority and carried out inspection on March 4, 2010, and are going ahead with auction at its office on March 10, 2010.

“All the parties having interest in the machinery and plant are requested to take note of the government dues and pay it.”

The outstanding government dues are Customs Duty (Rs 2,03,29,802), Penalty (Rs 17,50,000), Redemption fine (Rs 1,75,00,000), Personal penalties on Directors (Rs 1,00,000), In-

Hill cutting halted at Vasco

terest as per rule in force.

It is further informed that the department will not permit any individual/company/institution removal/use of the plant and machiner y installed in the bonded warehouse under license No 2/76.

The letter from Excise Department seems to have been ignored by officials of the DRT-II Bombay, who have gone ahead and concluded the auction.

It is now left to be seen if the excise department will succeed in recovering its dues from the proceeds of the auction or from the prospective buyer or whether they will initiate action under Section 142 of Customs Act 1962 to recover the outstanding arrears by ordering attachment of movable and immovable assets of the individual directors of the defunct company.

Bishop Ferrao elected CCBI vice-president

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JAN 13

It was a rare moment on Thursday morning when many government employees in Canacona taluka were flustered and anxious.

Several government staff of different departments in the taluka, including some officers at the Canacona Deputy Collector’s office complex building at Chaudi, were caught arriving late in office.

A team of officers, appointed by the government to undertake sudden inspection in government offices, took charge of the attendance registers by 9.45 am, after the reporting time on Thursday morning.

It was an unexpected move by the team, led by Director of Government Printing Press N D Agarwal, reportedly under-

taken in extreme secrecy and even many controlling officers as well as top administrative officers in the taluka, were caught unaware of the sudden inspection.

“The inspection team of around four officials came in a Swift car and stopped at the Canacona government office complex exactly by 9.30 am.

After the permitted grace time, the team then reportedly took in their possession all attendance registers pertaining to different departments, marked the absentees as observed and left the complex by 10.15 am,” a source told Herald.

Later, there were utter chaos among the staff members and a few officers, who as a usual practice turn up late at office, when they were informed of the sudden attendance verifi-

SMC councillor keeps word, begins work on water drain

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, JAN 13

The proposed stretch of NH-17B along the Destero culvert to Bogda Crematorium has been stopped for undertaking hill cutting without obtaining TCP permission.

Photo by M Prabhav HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 13

The Mormugao Deputy Collector recently stopped construction work of port connectivity of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) National Highway 17-B of one km hilly stretch from Destero Culvert to Bogda Crematorium.

According to reports, the executing authority, National High Authority of Indian (NHAI), has been asked to stop the work on one-km hilly stretch from Destero Culvert to Bogda, as NHAI failed to obtain hill-cutting permission from the Town and Country Planning Authority.

However, Deputy Collector Levinson Martins’ action to stop the work comes after NGO GOAMAR (Guild of Active Members for Action and Review) complained alleging that NHAI has failed to obtain permission for hill cutting and filling of lowlying area from the TCP. Martins in his stop order has stated that since NHAI failed to obtain permission from TCP and

Nutan’s caste before marriage helps her win PMC by-poll

Mormugao Planning and Development Authority as per the conditions laid down by the authority, NHAI has been asked to produce relevant permission for hill cutting and stop the work.

Speaking to Herald, South Goa Collector G P Naik said there is a standing order and the flying squad has been constituted to look into such complaints.

“Any hill cutting or filling of low-lying area is not permitted without permission from TCP and other competent authority,” said Naik.

“All the authorities are bound to take the permission for hill cutting or filling of low-lying areas,” added Naik.

However, the 1-km odd hilly stretch from Destero Culvert to Bogda Crematorium has been declared as ‘landslide prone zone’, as most of the inhabitants in the area have been evacuated and rehabilitated after massive landside in 1991, while there is an existing road on this stretch.

NHAI officer, who wished not

to be quoted, said work has been stopped as they have applied for hill-cutting permission from TCP and MPDA. This stretch of land has been handed over to NHAI by the State government on July 2008 as part of port connectivity road project of NH-17B. The officer claimed that they had obtained environment as well as Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) permission for construction, while getting these permissions condition was laid to obtain clearance from TCP and MPDA. “As the obtained permission copy of GCZMA was marked to TCP, we were under the impression that permission is obtained from the TCP and due to this confusion, we failed to obtain the permission,” said the officer.

“We have applied for permission and once permission is obtained, work will resume,” added the officer.

Archbishop-Partriarch Felipe Neri Ferrao was on Tuesday elected vice-president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops in India (CCBI) at a meeting of the Latinrite bishops in the country, which ended with a call for a catechetical renewal to counter corruption in the country.

According to a report in the Ucanews.com, outgoing CCBI President Cardinal Oswald Gracias felt that catechetical renewal is imperative in the context of the Church in India today.

Widespread corruption and impropriety in all areas of life in India "not only indicates the lacuna in the education, but highlights the urgency of character formation," Cardinal Gracias was quoted in the report.

Over 120 bishops attended the meeting in Chennai from January 6-12 to deliberate on "Catechetical renewal, essential for a vibrant Church."

The bishops urged priests, religious and the laity to grow in awareness of "our vocation to be catechists by our word and life."

A statement at the concluding day of the plenary stated that the bishops would "make every effort to read the signs of the times in the Indian socio-cultural and multi-religious scenario."

The bishops urged Catholics to participate in the catechetical initiatives of the Church and to become authentic and credible witnesses of faith in their lives, stated the Ucan report.

The prelates also urged parents to play a vital role in the faith-formation of their children through family prayer and catechesis.

AIDS awareness held at Calangute

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, JAN 13

It was her caste before marriage that enabled Nutan Aroskar get elected unopposed on Thursday as councillor of Ward 9 in the by-elections of the Pernem Municipal Council (PMC).

Ward 9 had been vacant as not a single candidate of the Scheduled Tribes community had filed a nomination.

Two candidates had filed their nominations for the by-elections, slated on January 30.

One candidate had filed a nomination without enclosing a caste certificate and this nomination was promptly rejected by the election officer and Deputy Collector Rajendra Mirajkar, during scrutiny on Thursday.

Nutan Aroskar filed her nomination and enclosed a certificate to prove that she belonged to the Scheduled Tribe before marriage.

This nomination was accepted by the election officer and she was elected unopposed as councillor. Hence, there will be no by-elections on January 30.

Speaker opens solo art expo HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

Speaker Pratapsingh Rane inaugurated a solo art exhibition titled ‘Our Concerns Over Time a n d Sp a c e’ by So mji ( K A Soman), a senior artist from Kerala at Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Panjim, on Thursday. The exhibition will remain open for public till January 16.

Dr Sachin Govekar and Savio Fernandes Sales flags off the rally at Calangute.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JAN 13

The Candolim Primary Health Centre in association with Don Bosco High School Calangute recently organised an AIDS awareness rally at Calangute.

Don Bosco High School Headmaster Savio Fernandes Sales and Health Officer Dr Sachin Govekar flagged off the rally.

The main aim of the rally was to spread the message ‘Prevention is the only cure for AIDS’.

The programme was organised to create awareness among the society that AIDS is prevalent in the society, but there is a need to control and prevent it

even better. Banners, placards, slogans and leaflets highlighted how each one can bring out the change to curb the spread of AIDS in the society.

Dr Govekar later addressed the parents and students with an aim to educate the gathering that the need of the hour is to remain careful, guarded and be away from the use and abuse of drugs. The parents were also advised to practice safe and protected sex.

Bhausaheb Rane Programme Manager Priya Mandrekar, integrated counselor, and Gautam Gawas, health worker from Extension counter Calangute at-

tended the programme.

A community mobilization programme was later conducted

by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for the parents.

The programme was well organized by Enfrasia D’Souza, while I M Desai was the resource person. He spoke about Sarva Shiksha taking education to the masses and 100% literacy.

A drawing competition titled ‘Express Yourselves’ was organized for the parents.

Savio Fernandes Sales, Principal cum Headmaster, thanked the parents for their valuable time and attending the programme.

Swan gives birth to cygnets at Mayem Lake HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, JAN 13

The tourists who visit Mayem Lake in Bicholim will now be welcomed by yet another host, the cygnet of a swan.

According to Mayem Lake Manager Vinayak Naik, this is the first time that they have been successful in having their own cygnet on Mayem Lake.

“For all these years, the little ones of the swan either died or the people took away their eggs, but this time with the help of workers, we were able to save the eggs and now we have two little cygnets at Mayem Lake,” Naik told media.

It may be recalled that there are about 20 swans and ducks at Mayem Lake, which attracts the tourists.

cation by a special team.

In fact, many of the staff turned up so late that they had even not seen the personnel department officials arriving or leaving the government complex.

It is, however, not known whether the inspecting team took photocopies of the attendance register or simply took records of absentee details.

However, staff at the Canacona government office claimed they could sign up the attendance register while leaving the office on Thursday evening.

It is not known what prompted the sudden check of the office attendance of government staff at Canacona.

A source told Herald ever since government has formed two inspection teams (North

SMC Councillor Deepak Marathe inaugurates the construction work of the storm water drain in Ward 9 of SMC. Photo by Alfred Fernandes HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, JAN 13

Keeping up his promise in the election manifesto, Ward 9 Councillor of Sanguem Munic-

ipal Council (SMC) commenced construction work of water drain in his ward.

The construction work commenced from the residence of

Filomeno D’Costa to Ramkrishna Verlekar’s house.

The work which, undertaken at a cost of Rs 4 lakh, is the first of the many projects to be undertaken in the ward under the proposals forwarded by Deepak Marathe.

Speaking at the inauguration function, Marathe thanked the voters for getting him elected to the council and for giving him an opportunity to serve the ward.

Marathe assured the locals to fulfil all his election promises during the election campaign and urged the people for their support and co-operation during the term.

Councillors Imtiaz Shaikh and Dr Revansiddh Naik were also present for the function.

The project work is undertaken by SMC under the funds allocated by DMA for the project.

Parrikar all praise for Chari community HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, JAN 13

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar inaugurated the new workshop of ‘Mallikarjun Body Builders’ owned by Subhash Chari and sons from Dando-Sanguem at Cacoda recently.

Quepem MLA Babu Kavlekar, Sanguem MLA Vassudev Meng Gaonkar, former Sanvordem MLA Vinay Tendulkar and exML A Sanguem Pandu Vassu Naik were among the prominent ones who attended the inauguration function.

The inaugural function started with Parrikar and other guests lighting the traditional lamp in the presence of a large gathering.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Parrikar spoke highly of Chari community living in Goa for their dedicated and sincere work in body building and other like activities. “The Chari’s are special and Subhash Chari is one of them,” claimed Parrikar.

Parrikar while complementing Subhash Chari and his sons

for the good work urged the youth not to run after government jobs but to gain self-employment.

Quepem MLA Kavlekar also spoke highly of the Chari Community in Goa and assured all possible help and support from the government to the youth seeking self employment.

Sanguem MLA Gaonkar and Tendulkar also spoke on the occasion and lauded the exceptional hard work done by Subash Chari and his sons in the field of truck building in Sanguem.

Subhash Chari was running his workshop at his residential house at Dando since date.

However as business started increasing, Chari could not manage running the business from the mini workshop at his residential house and as such started to open the new spacious workshop within the precincts of Cacora Industrial Estate.

Chari was also compelled to shift the workshop given the increasing number of complaints from the neighbours of

CM to open Sangeet Sammelan at Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JAN 13

Chief Minister Digamber Kamat will inaugurate the two-day 7th Sangeet Sammelan organized

by Canacona Kalakar Sangh at Shri Mallikarjun Devasthan’s hall at Shristhal-Canacona on Saturday.

The Sangeet Samelan has been organized in association with Department of Arts & Culture in memory of late Pt. Govindrao Agni and Pt. Anjanibai Lolayekar in recognition of their contributions to music.

Addressing a press conference, Canacona Kalakar Sangh President Daya Pagui said: “We intend to keep the tradition alive and provide a perfect ambience to the taluka’s upcoming artists to showcase their talents.”

“The inaugural function will also be graced by Sawantwadi’s e r s t w h i l e q u e e n Ra j m a t a Satyashiladevi Bhonsle, an ardent lover of music,” informed

the organising committee Chairman Dr Dhillon Dessai.

The two-day Sangeet Samelan will witness performances by a number of artistes from the State as well as from Mumbai, Pune and Dharwad.

Some of the performers are Sanjiv Ubyenkar (Mumbai), Raja Kale (Mumbai), Kum Subeda Dessai (Goa), Ashmita Chinchalkar (Pune), Dr Giri Nayak Bhat and Chandrakant Vernekar (both from Goa), Pt B S Mat and Akka Mahadev Mat (both from Dhar wad), Ravikiran Nakod (Dhar wad), Dayesh Kosambe (Goa), Rohit Muzumdar (Mumbai), Raya Korgaonkar (Goa) and Tanmay Devchakke (Mumbai).

Meanwhile, the Canacona Kalakar Sangh has also expressed its desire to renovate the dilapidated ancestral house of late Pt Anjanibai Lolayekar and preserve it as a remembrance of the great musician from the taluka.

noise and dust pollution caused in the locality due to the operation of the workshop at odd hours.

Chari since his venturing into truck body building business has build over 350 trucks and he is considered to be special one in the body building of Eicher Trucks. Subhash Chari is ably supported by his two sons in carrying on the family run business.

& South districts) to tackle low, delayed, erratic attendances in its various offices, a representative from the taluka had reportedly complained that the government staff were habitual in reaching late and bunking work in their respective offices.

Later in the day, top officers including the deputy collector and mamlatdar were reportedly closeted in a meeting apparently to take stock of the situation, but details of what had transpired in the meeting is not known.

An official who spoke to Herald said: “A few of the staff, especially officers, normally visit field sites before reaching office. Some others had orally taken permission from their superiors to come late to office on Thursday morning.”

Symposium to focus on liver transplantation HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

A symposium on Liver Transplantation (LT) has been organised at Goa Medical College & Hospital on January 14 by GMC Staff Society.

This is the first time such a symposium on LT has been organised at GMC auditorium wherein Padmashree Dr A S Sion, FRCS (transplant surgery) and Dr Rahul Kakodkar from the Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation, Gurgaon will address various aspects of this procedure.

This symposium is likely to be help GMC doctors in a big way as they have to cater to a large number of patients suffering from liver cirrhosis with level of alcoholism high in Goa. Dr Sion will speak on the topic ‘LT in India: Journey so far’ whereas Dr Kakodkar will speak on ‘Living donors -- LT, how, when and whom’. The symposium is open to all medical fraternity.

OHERALDO

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

The ‘might’ of Mickky

Vol No CXI No: 013 Goa, Friday, 14 January, 2011

‘Nexus’ is not quite the word

W

hen a police head constable who is supposed to be on duty at at the ‘zatra’ of Shree Shantadurga Kunkolekarin at Fatorpa is caught over 150km away, near Belgaum, driving his own Maruti Van, in which are two Nepali women, three North Indian men and over Rs25 lakh worth of ‘charas’; is ‘nexus’ quite the appropriate word to describe the connection between certain policemen in Goa and drug dealers? When a Police Sub Inspector who was earlier attached to the elite Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) visits the house of the girlfriend of a known drug dealer who is under arrest and tries to sell her some ‘charas’, could it be said to be a mere ‘nexus’?

What when 24kg of ‘charas’ go missing from the Police ANC ‘muddemal’ warehouse for seized drugs – allegedly sold back to drug dealers – and the police and Home Department say shamelessly that it was “eaten by white ants”?

‘Nexus’ does not even begin to illustrate the intimate connection some members of Goa’s police force have with illegal narcotics.

When news weekly, ‘India Today’, in its 8 November 2010 issue, described Goa as “a state firmly in the grip of drugs and organised crime”, there was outrage at what was seen to be a cheap attempt to overly sensationalise a problem that is common to cities all over India and the world. But events before and after are making us wonder whether there might have been a kernel of truth in the portrayal of this state as the ‘cocaine coast’.

PSI Sunil Gudlar, the former ANC police officer who was caught on camera in a sting operation by arrested Israeli drug dealer ‘Dudu’ Driham’s sister Ayala, pointed a finger squarely at former Superintendent of Police (SP) in charge of the cell, Veenu Bansal, and accused him of taking a large cut in every rupee of bribe money that he extorted illegally.

Gudlar profanely called it ‘Mahatma Gandhi’, referring to the image of the Father of the Nation on Rs500 notes. If nothing, this testifies to the large sums involved. And if Gudlar’s statements, made on candid camera, are true, it would mean that the connections between drug dealers and policemen extend all the way to the very highest echelons of the police hierarchy – the elite Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. Can this be explained adequately by the modest term ‘nexus’?

Both Home Minister Ravi Naik and Director General of Police (DGP) Bhimsain Bassi need to revise their rather optimistic earlier assessment that there is no organised drug trade in Goa. In fact, if recent events are any indication, there seems to be an organised group inside the police force itself that is actively engaged in the drug trade. That a number of these elements appear to be from the AntiNarcotics Cell is a further cause for concern.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has done well to demand a detailed report in this matter within 24 hours from DGP Bhim Sain Bassi. But will such a report actually portray the factual situation?

It’s no ‘nexus’. Popular as it is, that term utterly fails to describe the gravity of the situation. Some sinister criminal elements within the police force are involved not only in aiding and abetting drug dealers, but in peddling the stuff themselves. Can they be allowed to go on? Someone in the government and/or in the higher echelons of the police force has to realise now, at least, that something is deeply wrong, and that there is a need for urgent surgery to excise the rotten elements within the force. Otherwise, the rot will spread and overcome even those good and honest officers who take pride in their work and believe in the force and its ideals.

Child beggars Willie Severes, Majorda It is seen that child begging still continues in Margao. The menace has now spread to the coastal belt. It has become a nuisance for local as well as foreign tourists, as they have become a target.

The state government and child welfare organisations should prepare an action plan to curb begging in any form, not only in the city limits, but in the entire state.

Treating diabetes in Goa Dr C Fernandes, Margao Lately, due to various reasons, one of them being the erratic way of living, diabetes has increased in Goa, by leaps and bounds, sapping the vitals of the human organism.

100 Years Ago PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

14 January 1911 Property purchase in London

It is reported that D Manuel de Braganca is purchasing from the Village of Richmond, in the suburbs of London, a property which belonged to the reputed McLean who for some time was the Commanding Officer of the British Forces in Morocco.

School for females

The State Governor decreed that in the edifice which earlier was functioning the College known as ‘Institute Nossa Senhora de Piedade’ to install a provisional school exclusively for the National School for the feminine gender.

Provincial council committee

In Terms of Law were appointed members for the new Managing Committees of the Provincial Councils.

Imperial decree on Portuguese

It was made Compulsory by an Imperial Decree the study of Portuguese Language in the principal schools of Japan.

OPINION

I

Are Congressmen so scared of Mickky Pacheco? SANDeSH PrABHuDeSAI tells us why

s Mickky Pacheco the most powerful politician in Goa? It appears so. See the bandwagon of politicians opposing his re-entry into the cabinet: Churchill Alemao, Joaquim Alemao, Babush Monserrate, Babu Azgaonkar and seven more; five ministers and five MLAs…!

Are they so scared of just one among three MLAs of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)?

Was Mickky so powerful when he was in the cabinet?

One can understand if Churchill is scared of Mickky.

This ‘casino-fame’ Benaulim MLA made the Saxttikar strongman bite the dust in the 2002 Assembly election.

In 2007, Churchill simply moved to another constituency. And now he wants to field his daughter-cum-‘social’ worker Valanka from Benaulim.

Little wonder he opposes Mickky becoming a minister again.

Even brother Joaquim opposing Mickky is understandable. But why the other eight? Are they too concerned about Valanka? Are they ‘slaves’ of the Alemaos?

Their argument is that Mickky is facing a chargesheet in Nadia Torrado’s death. A minister facing a chargesheet, they say, should not be in the cabinet, just like Dayanand Narvekar was dropped after he was chargesheeted. Then why was Pandurang Madkaikar dropped? What chargesheet did he face?

And who cries about the chargesheeted Babush Monserrate? He publicly attacked the Panjim town police station with his supporters (let’s not even talk about the ‘rape’ case on his son Rohit).

Churchill says Mickky is facing a murder charge; Babush is not. Well then, did Narvekar face a murder charge? Or is a cricket-ticket scam a much more serious crime than attacking a police station?

Has the Congress prepared a list of crimes categorised as ‘to-be-pardoned’ and ‘not-to-be-pardoned’, as far as ministerial berths are concerned?

Does this ‘Gang of 10’ think that Goans are fools? Or that they can fool all the people all the time?

Definitely not.

Politics is never so straight. Politicians always have hidden agendas. In Mickky’s case, Churchill claims that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and even the Congress High Command opposes his reentry.

He appears to be right, judging from the way Digambar-bab and High Command observer B K

CleAr Cut Hariprasad have behaved. It’s definitely not because of one Mickky. There is much more than what is openly spoken about.

The rumour in political circles is that Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza and Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar – both NCP legislators – are planning to join the Congress after the present Legislative Assembly is dissolved and fresh polls are announced.

D’Souza and Halarnkar’s behaviour make this rumour seem true. Perhaps it is for the first time that a central high command has ‘ordered’ its members to quit and they have simply refuse to obey. What gave them the guts to defy party supremo Sharad Pawar?

Of course, even if they don’t quit, neither Pawar nor his party can legally touch them. They can simply defy the party directive and continue in their ministerial berths. They constitute a twothirds majority in the three-member NCP Legislature Party. Though the NCP high command has ‘replaced’ him, D’Souza continues as the legislature party leader. Even if Pawar throws them out of party, they will continue as MLAs of NCP (Jose or Nilkanth) in the assembly, just as Babush Monserrate continued as a UGDP member even after he was expelled from the party. He was not even ‘unat-

Behind the headlines

Breakfast of Champions

I

t is Thursday 6 January 2011 and, as usual, I am woken-up at the dot of 6am by the call of the ‘koel’ in the huge tree next door. After going through the usual early morning routine of washing, shaving and exercising, I am off to the Taleigao market.

A little early morning walking never hurts anyone, and I am sure I will come home with the freshest home-grown vegetables in Tiswadi, if not all of Goa. So by 8am, I am home with the day’s veggies, sitting down to breakfast. It is the usual mix of brown bread, parathas and tea, which always goes down well. Breakfast is like the self-starter on a car. It kicks life into me and I am ready to go. It beats push starting, not to mention cranking the engine with a ‘handle’ as we did 60 years ago. “Maar reh, eestart maar reh,” the bus drivers yelled at the cleaners in the ‘praça’. A grunt, a jerk and a cloud of black smoke from the exhaust; an appreciative nod from the driver and the ‘caminhao’ was ready to roll.

Back to Thursday. I pick up the day’s ‘Herald’, scan the headlines and am ready to throw up. The year is only five days old and already 18 people have died in road accidents. And they call this ‘safety week’! With two more days for the ‘week’ and 51 more weeks to go, things do not look so bright for 2011.

On the front page is a picture of a truck lying on its side. On its

Being some kind of an epidemic, it has severely affected health of those afflicted, in the state.

This being so, the need of competent DM Endocrinologists/Diabetologists is felt.

The Wockhardt hospital at NUSI, Cuncolim, has the required infrastructure, and it is only fitting that it establishes a Department of Endocrinology/Diabetology. If done, it will render yeoman service to Goa and Goans.

Mining misdemeanours Pachu Menon, Margao The recommended cancellation of mining leases to firms owned by the Reddy brothers, by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee should ring warning-bells for their ‘political kin’ in Goa. The mining company caused a loss to the state to the tune of several thousand crores of rupees.

Mining has become an integral part of the state and as an industry by itself, it has assumed gigantic proportions. They operate out of utter disregard for environmental conservation, and have fly-by-night operators who cause devastation. But what is galling, is the impudence with which such irregularities are carried out. If we have to maintain the sanctity and serenity of our terrain, we have to be ever-vigilant against such misdemeanours.

Ban weapon manufacture Carlos Fernandes, by email Many people seem to have fallen in love with animals and are against slaughter of animals, particularly cattle for human consumption, citing it as cruelty. How many of these so-called animal lovers, not eaten butter and cheese? How many of us have not used leather shoes and leather bags, and other leather products?

If Maneka Gandhi loves animals so much, she should collect and take care of stray dogs all over the country. This will reduce death of humans, as a result of bites from rabid dogs. She should embark on a campaign to ban manufacture of all weapons that are used in wars, and aimed at killing humans. Love and care for human beings is more important than that of animals.

tached’; no such category exists in law.

But fresh elections are not that far away. If both of them have to contest again, they cannot do it unless the NCP gives them tickets. Why should Pawar give tickets to D’Souza and Halarnkar, who have publicly defied party directives and put him to public shame?

They can do this only if they are ‘well protected’.

And both of them are under the protection of the Congress. After their public defiance of the NCP high command, D’Souza and Halarnkar are de-facto behaving like Congressmen, and not ‘loyal soldiers’ of their own party.

Obviously the NCP – from Goa to Delhi – is fully aware of this ‘political conspiracy’ by its senior alliance partner. The Congress plan is simple. Keep its ‘own’ men as NCP ministers, admit them into the Congress as and when the election approaches, and wipe out the NCP from Goa’s political map.

In such a situation, the only hope for the NCP is Mickky Pacheco, whether they like him or not.

The way Mickky’s re-induction into the cabinet is being opposed, it is crystal clear that the Congress will never admit him. Besides, he is the only one who could organise a massive party convention in his Benaulim constituency, and mobilise an

equally large crowd for his birthday bash recently.

For the NCP, it just does not matter whether Mickky is facing a murder charge, a bigamy case, a police case for cheating while gambling at a casino, or even more serious offences. ‘Character’ is a non-issue, simply because the NCP itself has no character.

The NCP was born out of opposition to making Sonia Gandhi the prime minister of India, because of her Italian roots. Today, Sonia is more powerful than the prime minister. She is the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), of which the NCP is a constituent party. Pawar surrendered before Sonia long ago, and accepted the Italyborn lady as his supremo.

Except this single issue, on which Pawar has already compromised, the NCP never had any distinct ideology of its own. It exists in Maharashtra because of Pawar, survives in Meghalaya because of P A Sangma and was born in Goa because Dr Wilfred de Souza merged his Goa Rajiv Congress into the party.

Why then should such a party then bother about the ‘character’ of any person when it desperately needs to keep its identity alive? Today, Mickky is the saviour of the NCP. Tomorrow, disgruntled characters from the Congress could join this ‘characterless’ party. It could be Dayanand Narvekar, Pandurang Madkaikar, etc… All dissatisfied ‘Congressmen/women at heart’ have three basic options – the NCP, the UGDP or the MGP. Even the ‘party with a difference’, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is not indifferent to them. In fact, Manohar Parrikar embraced and welcomed opportunists of all hues during his stint as Chief Minister. Mickky Pacheco, Jose Philip D’Souza, Dayanand Narvekar, Babu Azgaonkar – even GPCC Chief Subhash Shirodkar – were all ‘loyal soliders’ of Hindutva at one time.

It is not just the Alemaos who are opposing Mickky.

Rather, it’s a well-planned election strategy of the Congress to keep Mickky out and Jose-Nilkanth in. And it is the struggling NCP that is trying to push Mickky in, for its own survival. It is a simple opportunistic power game; it has nothing to do with keeping criminals out, maintaining the credibility of the party or our welfare.

(This article first appeared in Goanews.com)

tailgate it says, ‘OK!’ The rear axle with four wheels is to one side. On the other, tons of laterite stones are strewn.

Half-a-dozen other vehicles look as if they have been hit by a truck.

The lesson is clear. Safety week is strictly for the birds. Our culture does not care for safety and maintenance. Our road traffic authority believes that it is money, not oil and grease, which keeps wheels turning. Human life is cheap because of its abundance, and corruption is an accepted way of life.

And, for all our Disaster Management Plans, it took four full hours to return traffic to normal. In the meantime, 2,000 security, safety, administrative and other government personnel were deployed for four days exclusively to take care of the President of India, who was here for an ‘unofficial’ visit. This is Digu-bab’s ‘aam admi’ government in action.

Just below this ‘news’, the ‘Herald’ headline reads: ‘My senior also accepts bribes, reveals Gudlar’. What a sad commentary. Our police force not only believes that two wrongs make a right, but a thousand wrongs make a thousand rights. Can one blame them?

Their ultimate boss insists that there is no drug problem in Goa, even as his family members wallow in it. Last I heard, he and Agnelo were suffering from severe ‘Sunburn’.

In bad taste

Francis Fernandes letter’s ‘Am I wrong in asking?’ (Herald, 7 Jan) reminds me of my own case of pain and suffering and immobility for having operated for hip replacement when the X-ray showed no signs of fracture, but dislocation. The operation was a failure but was advised that I would recover quickly.

During this period, my doctor friend from Mumbai visited me after six months and saw my condition. He referred me for a second opinion. My doctor was reluctant. At the second opinion, I was advised a second operation. Not having overcome the financial burden of the first operation and six months doctor’s visiting fees; I preferred to go to the GMC. I was thoroughly examined, but was told that the operation could be done in Mumbai or at KLES, Belgaum. The operation in Belgaum took six hours as the bone was already deformed. Today, two years later, I can still go about on a walker.

This is in bad taste for the state, where hospitality and correct advice in helping others is a prime motto. Secondly, it reminds me of the case of Francis’s letter of July 2010 (correct date) to the CM and the governor. This is an ignominy.

Bar tainted MLAs P L Fernandes, Old Goa This recent report that the Election Commission favours the government and parliament to revisit the issue of criminalisation of politics, is because they are empowered to do so, and change laws. The EC can only recommend and the rest is left to parties, to come to a consensus.

All those who are facing serious charges should be disqualified from incumbent positions and further, not allowed to contest elections, until they are cleared.

The win-ability of candidates involves strong-arm tactics, money and musclepower, which everyone is aware of. The concerned political parties should be made responsible for choosing right, clean, impeccable candidates, in order to root out the malaise of corruption. The elected representatives should be made responsible to the electorate, in order to truly represent them.

Turn Atala into approver Julius Carvalho, Dubai It is surprising that the Interpol in Peru, succeeded in arresting Israeli drug lord Atala. The exposition of the drug nexus in

Gudlar’s description of his boss: “He is a very smart guy… You show him the money and his mouth will be shut.”

Next caption: ‘IT sleuths raid Vishwajeet’. The raids were conducted by the Karnataka circle of the Income Tax Department at Miramar and the factory at Karapur, Bicholim. There was no information on the raids. The official in the IT Department in Panjim claimed they had no knowledge about the raids. Obviously, government serpents in Goa cannot be trusted. Like their political bosses, they’re liars, thieves and cheats.

Further down the page: ‘Full probe report of paper leakage in 10 days: GU’. These are allegedly the cream of our medical fraternity leaking papers and pressurising police not to register an FIR based on a complaint by some activists.

Digu-baba and his 40 thieves (Governor included?), along with our freedom fighters, are going to celebrate 50 years of liberation on 19 December 2011. Recently, as I walked-past the bust of T B Cunha, I noticed drops of liquid on his cheeks. At first I thought someone may have hosed it down. But it was dry all around.

But after seeing today’s front page, I am sure those were teardrops. Like freedom fighter Lambert Mascarenhas, he thinks, ‘Sorrowing lies my land’.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day Rocky Dias, Raia

By Anthony Simoes

Goa and his re-arrest also seems very suspicious. The Goa police crime branch have a strong nexus with drug lords and the shabby investigation that followed, is to protect plenty of black sheep of the police department.

For this, Atala must be turned into a state approver/witness. A lot of evidence has gone down the drain. Perhaps, the shabby investigation and unprofessional conduct can also be investigated.

Our CM should select a team of untainted police officers from Goa police to investigate the nexus that exists.

120 more lifeguards!

Augustus Alphonso, Vasco/Kuwait Drishti Special Response Services (DSRS), which handles Goa’s beach safety management programme, has submitted a proposal to the Tourism Department for recruiting 120 more lifeguards. Would this curb cases, arising due to drowning? It is the question of what leads to drowning, which is debatable. We have seen that consumption of alcohol, lack of information on tides, and areas of beach that have strong undercurrents, which are presumably life threatening, and it is these aspects that need to be adhered to, before anyone takes

to the water. Lifeguards must be provided with loudspeakers that can cover a kilometre of distance, to holler out a warning of any impending danger in the sea. The whole concept of saving lives requires a well-orchestrated strategy, and not numbers in lifeguards, as safety of life is a matter of a ‘timely rescue operation’.

Loyalties to self Tulsidas Malkarnekar, Margao A landlord politician exported to another party is now blaming his ex-party’s soldiers and especially CM. Perhaps, it is an attempt to get coverage for having been sidelined in the new outfit. It is, in a way, to show his loyalties by making sensational statements. This is done ostensibly to get a position in the present party. Such exports will never work as the credentials are doubtful and no one knows when one will get back to square one. Thefts in churches and temples, are occurring on a regular basis.

As a citizen and political leader of this state, he should have come out with the facts immediately and help the government to nab the culprits, instead of making such half-hearted statements to get political mileage.

Road safety week sham Blossom Cabral, Nagoa Despite the recently concluded 22nd road safety week, accidents seem to be on the rise. Driving at breakneck speed and overtaking has become the order of the day.

Wearing a helmet may be uncomfortable, but it saves lives. However, an ISI specified one, is recommended.

Honking unnecessarily creates noise pollution and should be curtailed. Pedestrians have to be cautious while crossing the road. Drunken driving also contributes to serious accidents.

All said and done, traffic rules must be obeyed, thereby creating discipline and order on the roads.

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

Paths of Wisdom The Hour is Coming

By Samir Khan “I am Allah. There is no god other than Me. So serve Me and establish Prayer to remember Me. The Hour of Resurrection is coming. I have willed to keep the time of its coming hidden so that everyone may be recompensed in accordance with his effort. Let him who does not believe in it and follows his lusts not turn your thought away from it, lest you are ruined.”

(Qur’an – 20:14-16) The verse 20:14 indicates the main purpose of the Prayer: that man may not become oblivious of God, that the glittering allurements of this world may not make him impervious to the basic fact that he is God’s servant, that man may not remain under the illusion that he is free to do as he pleases. Prayer is the potent means of keeping this consciousness fresh in man’s mind; it enables him to maintain a strong, vibrant relationship with God. Prayer weans man away, many times a day, from the ordinary hum-drum existence of daily life; it orients him towards God. The doctrine of the Hereafter (life after death) is the second most important doctrine in Islam, the doctrine next in importance to monotheism. This is a basic truth, revealed to all the Prophets (right from the first prophet Adam, to the last Prophet Muhammad peace be upon them all), in different periods of history, a truth which they were all required to expound to its people. The verse 20:15 states both the nature and purpose of this doctrine. The Last Day (Day of judgement) will come to pass so that man may be recompensed for what he has done. The time of its coming, however, has been kept hidden so as to test people. Those who are, to any extent, concerned with the Hereafter will remain ever fearful lest the Last Day suddenly takes place; this, in itself, is likely to deter them from committing evil.

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

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

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INDIA

GOA, FRIDAY 14 JANUARY, 2011

NIA files chargesheet against 30 accused PTI KOCHI, JAN 13

Bollywood actress Gul Panag dances with performers as she attends the promotional event for the movie "Turning 30 !!!" in Mumbai.

Octogenarian man gets divorce after 30-year legal battle PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 13

After a three-decade-long legal battle, an octogenarian man today finally got divorce on grounds of desertion with the Delhi High Court rejecting his wife’s appeal challenging a lower court order.

Upholding the decision of the trial court, which granted the decree of divorce to 85-year-old JM Kohli in 1994, Justice Kailash Gambhir voiced his anguish over the grueling legal battle and said it should be the endeavour of the courts to expeditiously decide these matters so that the people involved can start their lives on a clean slate.

“This is an unfortunate case where the parties have spent more than half of their lives in the alleys of the courts,” he said.

Kohli got married to Vimla in 1953 but forced to leave the house in 1979. He filed a divorce petition in 1982 and the court granted the divorce in 1994.

Challenging the same in the high court, Vimla alleged that she had not been heard by the trial court before granting the divorce.

“The years which should have been spent by the parties to start on a clean slate have been

spent with the lawyers and in the court rooms.

“When parties approach the portals of law for dissolving their matrimony, it should be the endeavour of the courts to expeditiously decide these matters so that parties can get on with carving out their future plans,” the judge said.

Justice Gambhir said, “Marriage is a union where the husband and wife spend their entire life building a bond of trust, love and friendship which would be their support during the last years of their lives.

“Having the other spouse by the side at the fag end, to cherish the moments of their times spent together, is an asset which clearly the parties were devoid of in the present case,” the court added.

The court accepted Kohli’s counsel Geeta Luthra’s argument that wife’s greed for property led to the couple splitting ways. Kohli was befooled by Vimla’s brother and other people.

“The respondent (Kohli) has successfully proved the ground of desertion.

“The court does not find any illegality or perversity in the findings arrived at by the learned court below and the same are accordingly upheld,” it said.

APPOINTMENTS

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) today filed chargesheet in the December 2007 Wagamon SIMI arms training camp case naming 30 accused, who are involved in various terrorists cases in the country, including the Ahmedabad serial blast case of 2008.

The camp was conducted with an intention to train the participants to advocate, incite and abet unlawful terrorist activities, disrupt communal harmony and causing threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country, thereby waging war against lawfully established Government of India, NIA stated in the chargesheet filed before the CBI Special court judge S Vijay Kumar.

All the 30 are accused in the 2008 Gujarat serial blast case.

Twenty-nine were arrested and are lodged in Sabarmati Central Jail, Ahmedabad, while one accused is absconding.

Though there is no adequate prosecutable evidence against seven other accused, who are absconding, the NIA decided conduct further investigation against them.

Investigation has revealed that in and around November 2007, office bearers and functionaries of SIMI entered into a criminal conspiracy in Choral, Indore in Madhya Pradesh and other places to conduct training camps for their active cadres. Accordingly, they have

n The camp was conducted with an intention to train the participants to advocate, incite and abet unlawful terrorist activities, disrupt communal harmony and causing threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country, thereby waging war against lawfully established Government of India.

-- NIA

conducted camps at Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. From Dec 10-12, 2007, they organised a secret training camp at Thangalpara in Wagamon within the limits of Munakayam Police Station in Kottayam.

Oral evidence gathered from witnesses and documentary evidences collected during the investigation established that in the camp the accused were engaged in physical training, arms training, firing practice, manufacture of petrol bombs, motor bike racing and rope climbing.

Forensic evidence collected from the scene of the crime confirmed that explosives were used in the camp. Similarly, training on preparing of petrol bombs and its use could be established from the crime scene and subsequent forensic examination.

In the camp, classes on ‘Jihad in India’ were also held.

Of the 30 accused, who are all active cadres of SIMI, four are from Kerala, 9 from Karnataka, 10 from Gujarat, 8 from Madhya Pradesh, 2 from Jharkhand, 3 from Uttar Pradesh and

APPOINTMENTS

One from Maharashtra.

Among the accused are P A Saduli (Kerala), Hafeez Husain (Karnataka), Safdar Nagori (Madhya Pradesh), Shilby P Abdul Karim (Kerala), Mohammed Ansar (Kerala), Abdul Sattar (Kerala), Aamil Parwaz (Madhya Pradesh), Mohammed Usman (Gujarat), Mohammed Ali (MP), Kamran Siddique (MP), Mohammed Sami Bagevadi (Karnataka), Mohammed Yasin (Karnataka), Mohammed Asif (Karnataka) and Nadeem (Karnataka).

The accused’s previous and subsequent conduct such as Ahmedabad serial blast established that they also conspired to incite communal feelings and thereby create communal disharmony and feelings of enmity between different religious communities, causing threat to the integrity of the country.

NIA teams conducted investigation at various places at Bangalore, Hubli, Indore, Ahmedabad, Jharkhand, Kerala etc examined several witnesses.

Evidence clearly established the involvement of the 30 hardcore SIMI activists in the case.

Ship passengers stranded PTI KOCHI, JAN 13

APPOINTMENTS

With shipping services from Lakshadweep to Kochi, Kozhikode and Mangalore ports coming to a standstill following strike by ship crew unions, thousands of passengers have been stranded in the Union territory and the mainland.

The Lakshadweep Development Corporation operates 24 ships and barges, including some passengers vessels, — M V Bharat Seema, M V Kavaratti, M V Minicoy, M V Lakshadweep, M V Amindivi and M V Arabian Sea. The inter island connectivity has also been affected.

APPOINTMENTS

GOA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION EDC House, Block ‘C’, 1st Floor, Dada Vaidya Road, Panaji-Goa 403001.

Web: http://goapsc.gov.in ADVERTISEMENT NO. 1 YEAR 2011

Applications are invited by the Commission for the below mentioned posts. The last date for receipt of applications in the office of the Commission is 03.02.2011.

Casa J.D. Fernandes Stationery Supplier, Printers & Book Binders, Opposite Municipal Garden, Panaji, are authorized to sell the prescribed application form @ Rs. 20/- per set. The Commission does not take the responsibility of supplying application forms by post. For detailed information, please see the instructions supplied with the application form. Candidate can also download and use the application form available at GPSC website.

2. Incomplete applications in any manner are liable to be rejected summarily by the Commission.

3. “The upper age limit shown against each post is relaxable upto 5 years for the candidates belonging to SC/ST, upto 3 years for candidates belonging to OBC, upto 5 years (total 10 years for SC/ST & 8 years for OBC in respect of posts reserved for them) to blind, deaf-mute and orthopedically handicapped person and upto 5 years for CFF. Age is also relaxable for Government Servants upto 5 years as per the instructions issued by the Government from time to time”.

4. In case of non-availability of suitable candidates with the knowledge of Konkani, this requirement may be relaxed in case of below mentioned posts.

5. The Commission will draw a panel of candidates, which will remain valid for a period of one year.

6. Prescribed EQs are minimum & mere possession of same does not entitle the candidates to be called for interview. Where number of applications received is large, the Commission will short list the candidates to be called for interview.

I. GOA MEDICAL COLLEGE 1. Lecturer in Ophthalmology …….. 1 post Scale of Pay: Rs. 15,600-39,100+6,600/-. Age: Not exceeding 45 years.

Educational & Other Qualifications:Essential: (i) A recognised Medical qualification included in the First or the Second Schedule or Part II of the Third Schedule (other than licentiate qualifications) to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Holders of qualifications included in Part II of the Third Schedule should also fulfill the conditions stipulated in Section 13 (3) of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. (ii) Post Graduate degree qualification in the speciality concerned or equivalent. (iii) At least 3 years teaching experience in the concerned speciality as Senior Resident/Registrar/ Tutor/Demonstrator in a Medical College/Teaching Institution. (iv) Knowledge of Konkani. Desirable: Knowledge of Marathi.

II. INSTITUTE OF PSYCHAITRY AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR 2. Psychiatric Social Worker …… 1 Post Scale of pay: Rs.9300-34800+ 4200/Age: Not exceeding 40 years.

Educational & Other Qualifications: Essential:- (i) Master’s Degree in Social Work.

OR Sociology or equivalent degree of a recognised University. (ii) Post Graduate Diploma in Psychiatric Social work.

OR (ii) M. Phil. (iii) 3 years experience in social Work. (iv) Knowledge of Konkani.

Desirable: i) Knowledge of Marathi.

III. DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH SERVICES 3. Junior Radiologist …… 1 Post (resvd. for OBC) (4th time) Scale of Pay: Rs. 15,600-39,100+5,400/Age: Not exceeding 40 years.

Educational & Other Qualifications:Essential: (i) A recognised Medical qualification included in the First or Second Schedule or Part II of the Third Schedule (other than Licentiate qualification) to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. (102 of 1956) Holders of educational qualifications included in Part II of the Third Schedule should also fulfill the conditions stipulated in sub-section (3) of section 13 of the said Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. (ii) Postgraduate degree, failing which post-graduate diploma, in the speciality concerned. (iii) In case of Diploma holders, work in responsible position connected with the speciality concerned for 2 years after post-graduation Diploma. (iv) Knowledge of Konkani.

Desirable: Knowledge of Marathi.

by the Central Government for such purposes and has not less than five years of experience after graduation in the analysis of food, in a laboratory recognized by the Government or in the combined Food and Drugs Laboratory of the Directorate of Food and Drugs administration.

OR (i) Holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry or Bio-chemistry or Food Technology or Microbiology or Food and Drugs from a University established in India by Law or is an Associate of the institution of Chemist (India) by examination in the section of Food Analysis conducted by the institution of Chemist (India) or has an equivalent qualification recognized and notified by the Central Government for such purposes and has not less than 3 years of experience in the analysis of food, in a laboratory recognised by the Government or in the combined Food and Drugs Laboratory of the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration. (ii) Has been declared qualified for appointment as a Public analyst by a Board appointed and notified by the Central Government for such purpose and has 3 years of experience as Public Analyst under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (Central Act 37 of 1954). (iii) Knowledge of Konkani.

Desirable:- (i) Knowledge of Marathi. (ii) Knowledge of Food Standards and Food Composition. (iii) Research experience in Food Analysis and Food composition or allied subjects.

V. GOA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 5. Professor in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering …… 1 Post (6th time) Scale of Pay: 16,400-22,400/- (Pre-revised) Age: Not exceeding 50 years.

Educational & other qualifications: Essential: (i) Ph.D. Degree with first Class Degree at Master’s or Bachelor’s level in the appropriate branch of Engineering/Technology. (ii) 10 years experience in Teaching/Industry/Research in the appropriate branch of Engineering out of which 5 years must be at the level of Assistant Professor and/or equivalent. (iii) Knowledge of Konkani.

Note: (i) Candidates from Industry/Profession with Master’s Degree in Engineering/Technology and Professional work, which is significant and can be recognised as equivalent to Ph. D. Degree and with 10 years Industrial/Professional experience of which at least 5 years should be at a Senior level comparable to that of an Assistant Professor as certified by the concerned University would also be eligible.

Desirable: Knowledge of Marathi.

Note: For the above posts appropriate branch means the branch in which the post is to be filled up or such other branch where there is demonstrative evidence of likeness of subject matter covered.

VI. GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, CURCHOREM 6. Lecturer in Electronics Engineering ….1 post (resvd. for ST) (4th time) Scale of Pay: Rs. 8,000-13,500/- (Pre-revised) Age: Not exceeding 40 years Educational & Other Qualifications: st Essential: (i) 1 Class Master’s Degree in appropriate branch of Engineering/Technology or 1st Class Bachelor’s Degree in the appropriate branch of Engineering/Technology. (ii) Knowledge of Konkani.

Desirable: (i) Knowledge of Marathi.

Note: For the above purpose, “appropriate branch” means the branch in which the post is to be filled up or such other branch where there is demonstrative evidence of likeness of subject matter covered.

VII. HOME DEPARTMENT 7. Instructor (Civil Defence) ..… 2 posts Scale of Pay: Rs. 9300-34800+4,200/Age: Not exceeding 40 years.

Educational & Other qualifications: Essential: (i) Bachelor’s degree of a recognised University or equivalent (ii) Successful completion of Civil Defence Instructors Course at the National Civil Defence College, Nagpur or equivalent. (iii) Knowledge of Konkani.

Desirable:- (i) Training in fire fighting rescue and first-aid. (ii) Experience of imparting training in Civil Defence or Home Guards. (iii) Knowledge of Marathi.

VIII. DIRECTORATE OF EDUCATION 8. Dy. Director of Education ….. 1 Post Scale of Pay: Rs. 15,600-39,100/- + 6,600/Age: Not exceeding 50 years.

Educational & Other Qualifications:Essential: (i) At least 2nd class Masters Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. (ii) Degree in Teaching/Education of a recognised University or equivalent. (iii) 12 years teaching experience in a High School/Higher Secondary School or a teachers training Institution including at least 5 years experience in a responsible administrative capacity. (iv). Knowledge of Konkani.

IV. DIRECTORATE OF FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION Desirable: (i) Experience in an administrative charge of a recognised High 4. Senior Scientific Officer (Food) …… 1 post School/Higher Secondary School/Intermediate College. (ii) Doctorate Degree in Scale of pay: Rs 15,600-39,100+.5400/Age : Not exceeding 40 years. any subject. (iii) Experience in public Schools. (iv) Experience as Inspecting Educational & Other Qualification :Essential: (i) Holds a degree in science with Chemistry as a principle subject or Officer of an Educational Institution. (v) Knowledge of Marathi.

Microbiology or Bio-Chemistry or Food Technology or Food and Drugs from University NOTE: The applicants already applied in response to Advertisement No. 12/2010 need not apply again. established in India by law or has an equivalent qualification recognized and notified

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GOA, FRIDAY, 14 JANUARY, 2011

2 policemen killed in Pak blast PTI PESHAWAR, JAN 13

Militants targeted a police van with a roadside bomb in northwest Pakistan’s restive Bannu region on Thursday, killing at least two security personnel and injuring five others, a day after a suicide attack on a police station in the same area claimed 20 lives.

The police van was attacked

with the remote-controlled bomb at Sardi Khel town in Bannu district of KhyberPakhtunkhwa province, officials said.

The area borders North Waziristan tribal region, considered a hub of Taliban and alQaeda operatives.

The attack left two policemen dead and five more injured, the officials said. The injured were taken to a hospital in Bannu city.

Security forces launched a massive crackdown against militants following the attack.

Officials said police had seized two bags containing explosives at Miryan Road in Bannu district and defused them.

WORLD

Brisbane turns into city under siege, death toll reaches 34 PTI MELBOURNE, JAN 13

Australia’s third largest metropolis, Brisbane, turned into a city under siege as swelling muddy waters submerged major parts of the town, swallowed roads and the entire river front in the worst ever flooding which hit 30,000 properties. Only roof tops were visible in large parts of the city as the flood waters from the Brisbane River breaching their embankments crested, sinking all two storeyed houses and keeping an estimated two million population locked indoors.

As the roaring river waters peaked one metre below predictions, the devastation was likened by a top official to an

“aftermath of war”.

Latest reports said the first death in the reeling city had been caused when a 24-yearold man was drowned when he went to check his home in the disaster zone.

With his death, the toll in the current flooding rose to 14 and cumulatively the figure of the dead, officials said, was 34 in weeks of heavy rains and flash floods which have hit the Queensland state since November.

Mercifully for the authorities, the flood waters which had reached peak levels of 4.46 metres, below levels that devastated the city in 1974, have started receding.

Residents heaved a sigh of re-

lief as they woke up to the news that they had dodged the worst case scenario. However, 15,000 houses were completely submerged, some upto their roof, and more than 14,000 were partly under water.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Canberra said on Thursday Indians were not among the casualties in Queensland province.

The rising waters also sunk more than 8,000 commercial establishments and wiped off the city map, Brisbane’s famous water front.

The death of the young man prompted authorities to issue fresh warnings to others not to enter flood zones.

Biden visits Iraq for talks on future relationship AGENCIES BAGHDAD, JAN 13

Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Baghdad on an unannounced visit early Thursday for talks expected to focus on America’s future relationship with Iraq beyond the scheduled December 2011 deadline for the departure of US troops.

Biden will meet with Iraqi

leaders for the first time since the formation of a new Iraqi government last month opened the door to discussions on the politically sensitive subject.

He is also expected to offer his congratulations on the establishment of what the White House hailed as “an inclusive national partnership government” grouping all the country’s

major factions, after 10 months of tortuous negotiations that at times had threatened to tear the country apart.

“I’m here to help the Iraqis celebrate the progress they made. They formed a government. And that’s a good thing,” Biden said ahead of a briefing with Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the commander of US forces in Iraq, and US Ambassador James Jeffrey. “They have a long way to go,” Biden added.

There are 47,000 US troops in Iraq, and they are scheduled to leave by the end of the year under terms of a security agreement negotiated between thenPresident George W Bush and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in 2008.

Maliki, embarking on his second term of office, publicly insists that he wants all the troops to leave on time, and the Obama administration also says it is planning to pull them out on schedule.

But Iraqi military commanders have said they would prefer at least some form of continued US military presence to help

deter external threats from Iraq’s neighbours until Iraq has its own conventional defense capabilities. Although Iraq’s security forces have proved themselves able to sustain security gains since the formal end of American combat operations last August, they will also need help with training and logistics for several more years, US and Iraqi officials say.

The return to Iraq last week of the anti-American Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr has diminished the likelihood of an extended troop presence. Sadr’s decision to support Maliki for a second term broke the political deadlock that had paralysed the country since elections last March, but he has threatened to withdraw from the government if any attempt is made to retain US troops beyond the deadline.

There are ways, however, of providing military help without a formal troop presence, and US and Iraqi officials are looking at ways in which the State Department could oversee a small number of military trainers.

US defense chief warns on North Korea Reuters

TOKYO, JAN 13

The United States and Japan vowed on Thursday to deepen military cooperation in the face of North Korean “belligerence”.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, on an Asia trip that started in China and will end in South Korea on Friday, said all major regional powers hoped to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula.

“If there is a common theme in my visits, it is the common interest of the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea and China for there to be stability and peace on the Korean peninsula,” Gates said.

Gates earlier this week warned that Pyongyang was becoming a direct threat to the United States and could develop inter-continental ballistic missiles within five years.

He also suggested that the sinking of a South Korean warship and the shelling of a South Korean island last year was raising pressure on South Korea to shift from a policy of restraint toward one of military response, were Pyongyang to strike again. “ The key on the Korean peninsula, as I discussed in China and discussed in Japan, is to prevent another provocation from happening,” he said.

The North has appealed almost daily for talks since the start of the year, but Gates called on Pyongyang to make concrete gestures that it was serious about negotiations.

Gates and his Japanese counterpart, Toshimi Kitazawa also agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, and discussed the potential export to allies of missile defense capabilities both countries are jointly developing. Pentagon officials hope Japan will buy US fighter jets, when upgrading its fleet of ageing F-4 Phantom fighters.

US relations with Tokyo frayed after the Democratic Party of Japan swept to power last year vowing to forge more equal ties with the United States and review an agreement on relocating a US Marine airbase on Japan’s Okinawa island.

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RBI move may hit fuel supplies to Mauritius PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 13

Fuel supplies to Mauritius, which sources its entire requirement of petrol, diesel and jet fuel from India, may be disrupted following RBI clamp down on the main conduit the Indian companies use to pay for Iranian oil.

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) rather sudden and unilateral decision to discontinue the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), a move that effectively stops settlements in US dollars and the euro, will most impact Mangalore Refinery (MRPL) which sources 60 per cent of its crude needs from Iran.

MRPL supplies Mauritius' entire requirement of 1,00,000 tons of petrol, 3,50,000 tons of diesel and 2,70,000 tons of jet fuel annually by processing Iranian crude oil.

The company has written to RBI warning of disruption in these supplies due to its move on Iran, sources privy to the development said.

Its three-year contract to export 1.1 million tons of product annually to Mauritius has been

finalised based on crude supply arrangements from Iran.

"Non availability of Iranian crude oil would result in supply disruption to Mauritius and the entire Mauritius may come to stand still as they operate with a very low level of inventory," a source quoted MRPL's letter to RBI. MRPL is India's largest importer of Iranian crude oil at 7.5 million tons per annum.

Iran is India's second largest crude oil supplier after Saudi Arabia. It sold 21.3 million tons of crude oil to India in 2009-10.

So far supplies from Iran have not been disrupted as the Islamic republic has agreed to sell crude oil on credit pending resolution of the gridlock, sources said adding RBI had taken the decision to scrap the ACU without putting in place an alternate payment mechanism and without consulting importers.

Neither United Nations nor US sanctions prohibit crude oil purchase from Iran. European Union, through which payments till last month were being routed, had only asked

for certification of commodity imported from Iran using euros.

MRPL, source said, asked RBI to issue certification of crude oil imports as per the State Bank of India (SBI) approved format to meet the requirement of Deutsche Bundes Bank, the central bank of Europe, for the purpose.

Besides guaranteeing such large volumes annually, Iran also gives 90 days credit period for payments for crude imports as opposed to global practice of 30 days credit.

If such large volumes are stopped, India will be forced to tap the expensive spot market to meet the deficit, they said.

MRPL and other Iranian crude importers - Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum and private sector Essar Oil-want an alternative mechanism for settlement of payments against imports of crude oil from Iran to be put in place immediately.

Besides MRPL, IOC and HPCL import 3 million tons each and Essar imports about 5 million tons of crude oil.

Facebook, Aircel tie for voice updates PanjIm (hbd) – Aircel has launched an innovative way to connect to family and friends on Facebook through the new Facebook Voice Updates on Aircel.

Facebook Voice Updates on Aircel lets people connect in their own voice, even without Internet access on their mobile phones, which makes it an easy access for a large audience anytime anywhere.

The product is easy-to-use – for example, to broadcast what you’re up to today, simply dial a short code to record your voice message, and post it as your status update on Facebook. Your friends will then receive an SMS alert about your new status update, to which they can reply with their own voice updates on Aircel.

This indeed opens a world of possibilities for all to connect, share, and socialize in a quick and more personal manner which spells efficiency as you multi-task your way through various activities during the day. Also, Facebook Voice Updates on Aircel does not require access to mobile Internet, which makes it more userfriendly and provides larger access.

Infosys cautious of macro environment PTI BANGALORE, JAN 13

In a performance below market expectation, IT major Infosys today posted 14.2 per cent growth in profit at Rs 1,780 crore for the third quarter, but the company said it has "done well on all parameters".

The NASDAQ-listed company raised outlook for the January March period and whole of current financial year based on expected demand on new services and its revenue growth.

The company registered revenues of Rs 7,106 crore for the October-December quarter, a 23.8 per cent growth year-onyear.

"The company saw an all round good performance," Infosys CEO and MD S Gopalakrishnan told reporters here.

The company's performance had exceeded its guidance, volumes had gone up, attrition had come down. There had been a strong employee addition and client addition. "We have done well on all parameters," he said.

The country's second largest software exporter added 40

clients during the quarter. It saw a gross addition of 11,067 employees and a net addition of 5,311.

On project size, he said, they were getting smaller and of shorter duration, given the fact that most of the IT budgets had been spent in the first two quarters.

In the next year, it expected budgets to be slightly up. "We expect discretionary spend to pick up," he said.

"Next year could be a normal year for the IT service," he said but was quick to express some concern on the macro economic situation.

"The weaker economic recovery in developed markets coupled with high unemployment and risk of sovereign default could impact the industry growth," he said.

"Recovery is happening, industry is benefiting, but it is still possible something bad could happen. We need to be cautious ... In case something bad happens, it could have a domino effect. The consequences are unpredictable," he said.

BoB on Fin inclusion drive in Bihar

ICICI Bank, Vodafone for Fin inclusion

PTI PATNA, JAN 13

PanjIm (hbd) -- ICICI Bank Ltd and Vodafone Essar Ltd announced a joint initiative to drive financial inclusion in the country.

Under this tie-up, both entities will offer a bouquet of financial products such as savings accounts, pre-paid instruments and credit products through a mobile phone based platform.

This partnership is expected to bring the un-banked and under-banked population into the organised financial services framework and assist in furthering the electronic payments market in India. ICICI Bank will leverage the distribution strength of Vodafone, which manages over 1.5 million retail points for acquiring customers and servicing them.

The RBI has over the past few years come out with various measures to facilitate banks to achieve the financial inclusion agenda.

The Bank of Baroda (BOB) will provide banking facilities to 451 villages in Bihar by March 2012 under a financial inclusion scheme.

"Our bank will take banking facilities to the doorsteps of 451 villagers by March 2012, the bank's Executive Director (ED) N S Srinath said here today.

Srinath told reporters that the public sector bank has hired the services of a service provider, Hindustan Computers Ltd, to provide banking facilities to targeted villagers under the financial inclusion scheme.

The BOB has been entrusted with providing banking facilities to 2800 villagers across the country under the scheme, he said.

Referring to financial activities of the BOB in Bihar, he said that it has 103 branches in the state till date and another 10 will come up by March 2011.

The bank stood fourth among all banks to have 100 or more branches in the state.

Srinath said that BOB will seek to attract new customers not only for deposits, but also for availing credit facilities for individuals, students and business activities.

The BOB also has 22 ATM units functioning in the state and 10-15 more would be set up by March 2011.

Srinath said that the bank has been positively contributing to the economic activties in the agriculture-dominant state and implementation the annual credit plan of state governments.

Referring to the economic prospects of Bihar in terms of expansion of banking activities, the BOB official said that the banks' deposit and credit growth would witness a quantum leap once industrial activities took off in the state.

LAUNCH PAD

Pakistani technicians work on high voltage power lines in Lahore on Thursday. Pakistan faces a crippling energy crisis, as it is only able to produce about 80 per cent of the electricity it needs, causing debilitating blackouts and suffocating industry.

Investment: Gujarat draws Rs 20.83 lakh cr in 2 days PTI GANDHINAGAR, JAN 13

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said the state has been able to attract investments to the tune of Rs 20.83 lakh crore during the two-day long Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

Speaking at the final session of the summit, Modi said as many as 7,936 MoUs were signed by the state government with several industrial houses to invest in the state.

On the first day of the summit, the state government had said it got investment commitments totalling nearly Rs 15 lakh crore with 2,766 MoUs signed with business houses and companies.

Leading among those which announced mega investments in the state were Anil Ambaniled Reliance Group and

SBI Life’s Smart Horizon PanjIm (hbd) -- Strengthening its series of “Simple and Smart” products, SBI Life, the leading new generation life insurer, has launched an innovative Unit Linked Insurance Product (ULIP) Smart Horizon.

The investment-hassle-free product offers investors the opportunity of long-term capital appreciation through exposure to the markets and investment expertise of SBI Life.

The uniqueness of the product stems from the proprietary Automatic Asset Allocation (AAA), an algorithm-based active investment allocation mechanism. This IT – based system developed by testing over 5000 potential scenarios in the Indian equity and bond markets, determines the optimal risk – return combination.

Higher exposure to equities for the initial years, followed by increasing exposure to debt and money markets as the plan nears maturity. Thus, AAA mechanism ensures better returns for investors, while protecting their capital.

To avail the benefit of Automatic Asset Allocation facility, the customer can choose either Plan A or Plan B, depending on his risk appetite. Under Plan A, the equity exposure is higher as compared to Plan B. The product also provides the flexibility to allow the customer to actively manage his investment through a choice of four funds namely, Index, Equity, Balance and Bond Fund. This option is possible under Plan C. Flexibility to increase or decrease Sum Assured from 6th year onwards, switch and premium redirection facility and a low premium allocation charge of 2% in first policy year are other attractive features of Smart Horizon. Additionally, the wide range of riders including Criti Care 13, Accidental Death Benefit, Premium Payor Waiver Benefit and Income Sustainers enable policy holder to customize the product based on protection needs.

Ahmedabad-based Adani Group.

While Adani Group said it would invest Rs 80,000 crore in port, power generation and infrastructure, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group said it would pump in Rs 50,000 crore in the state in the state in the next 57 years on various projects in power and cement.

Similarly, conglomerate Essar Group said it will invest Rs 30,000 crore in Gujarat for projects in various sectors, including power and refinery.

Engineering and construction giant Larsen & Toubro also committed an investment of Rs 15,000 crore in Gujarat on infrastructure projects, while infrastructure major Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) also said it will invest Rs 12,000 crore to develop a re-

newable energy park in the state.

Farm equipment-tosoftware group Mahindra & Mahindra also signed six MoUs with the state government to invest Rs 3,000 crore to step up presence in the hospitality and real estate sectors in the state.

Auto maker General Motors also said it is investing USD 100 million (Rs 450 crore) to enhance production capacity at its Halol plant to 1,05,000 units annually from 85,000 units per year at present.

According to Gujarat Principal Secretary for Industries and Mines M Sahu, major sectors which attracted investments are power, special investment regions, mineral-based industries, banks and financial institutions and oil and gas.

L&T exports first nuke equipment PTI MUMBAI, JAN 13

Engineering major Larsen and Toubro today said it has delivered its first four Dry Shielded Canisters for Transnuclear, a US-based nuclear power operator.

"These Canisters form a part of orders for 50 such units for three leading American nuclear power plant operators, to be manufactured in accordance with the US Code of Federal Regulations and Nuclear Safety Class 1 standards," the company said in a statement.

"This marks an international recognition of our capabilities and also the first steps in participating in the potentially large global nuclear equipment market," L and T Board Member and President (Heavy Engineering) M V Kotwal said.

PVR to invest around Rs 100-125 cr in FY 12 PTI MUMBAI, JAN 13

Film distribution and production house PVR Pictures, a 60 per cent subsidiary of the listed PVR, will invest around Rs 100125-crore in FY 12 to up its distribution activities and production of 3-4 Bollywood movies, a top company official said.

JP Morgan Mauritius Holding Ltd and ICICI Venture each hold 20 per cent stake in PVR Pictures, that came into existence in 2005 with its first production Aamir Khan-starrer 'Taare Zameen Par', that released in 2007.

The company is close to inking four distribution deals for Hindi movies and 15 Hollywood movies.

"We will invest around Rs 100-125 crore in the coming

fiscal. We have three movies under our production house.

Besides we will be signing distribution deals for 15 Hollywood and four Hindi movies.

All are set to release in FY 12, " PVR Pictures' President, Kamal Gianchandani said here today.

He, however, refused to divulge details on the upcoming deals.

The company has produced around nine movies so far, including blockbuster 'Jaane Tu Ya Jane Na', Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Khelenge Jee Jaan Se' and 'Aisha'.

On revenues the company expects from its upcoming movies, Gianchandani said, PVR pictures expects a 10% increase in its earnings in FY 12.

The company posted revenues of Rs 100 crore in FY 10 and is expecting flat sales in

this fiscal.

"The coming fiscal we plan to consolidate our business.

We will do lesser films but big ticket and quality projects," he added.

On new movies, he said, the company has started production of its movies for the coming fiscal. The next movie is Rakesh Omprakash Mehra-directed 'Teen thhey Bhai' slated for release in April 15.

It has also signed Emraan Hashmi and Abhay Deol for a film called 'Shanghai' to be directed by Dibakar Baneerjee.

The movie will be released in October.

The third movie is an untitled one to be made by Anil Kapoor. All the movies are being made on a budget of under Rs 30 crore, Gianchandani added.

Infosys shares were battered on the BSE after the earning figures were released and lost nearly 5% at Rs 3,212.30. I Market players viewed the result as not-so-good and the company's Q4 revenue outlook failed to enthuse investors.

"Infosys Q3 results came in behind expectations with muted volume growth of 3 per cent Q-o-Q being the key dampener. The conservative management commentary and flattish Q4 growth guidance was also not encouraging," IIFL AVP Research Rajiv Mehta said.

For the quarter ending March 31, 2011, Infosys expected revenues to be in the range of Rs 7,157-7,230 crore, a growth of 20.4 per cent to 21.6 per cent year-on-year.

For the 2010-11 fiscal, the company expected revenues to be in the range of Rs 27,40827,481 crore, a growth of 20.5 per cent to 20.8 per cent yearon-year.

Mirae Asset launches iPhone Apps PTI MUMBAI, JAN 13

Mirae Asset Financial Group today launched an 'Emerging Market Experts' iPhone application that will provide content and information focused on emerging markets.

The application will allow its users to benefit from highly developed capabilities of the iPhone and iPod touch user interface to access information.

The iPhone application syncs via Wi-Fi or the user's cellular network and downloads the latest contents directly to the device, giving readers access to up to the minute content both offline and in air plane mode.

"This application will serve as a window for Indian investors to gain insights into emerging markets through access to credible information on a real time basis," Mirae Asset Global Investments (India) CEO Arindam Ghosh said.

Biz10_Pg12 1/13/2011 9:16 PM Page 1

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Pg 10 RBI should hike policy rates, says ex-official PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 13

The Reserve Bank of India should hike shortterm rates in its policy review later this month in order to contain inflation, a former RBI official said today.

"RBI should hike policy rates if they have to curtail inflation," K L Khetarpaul, former executive director of the RBI, said while releasing his book ''Indian Financial System- Evolution and Outlook'' here.

The former RBI official stressed on the need for the central bank and the government to work together to contain price rise, especially food inflation.

He also said that the government needs to

Simply Grills opens at Goa Marriott

curtail the fiscal deficit and bridge the demandsupply gap to rein in price rise.

The RBI is widely expected to raise shortterm lending and borrowing rates -- repo and reverse repo -- in its policy review on January 25 to ease inflation, particularly food inflation.

Food inflation moderated but was still at elevated level of over 16 per cent for the week ended January 1.

"Indian Financial System-Evolution and Outlook has been written with the intent to demystif y the complexities prevalent in the financial system of India," Khetarpaul, who has served for more than 37 years at RBI, said.

PANJIM (HBD) -- Goa Marriott Resort has opened a restaurant known as Simply Grills. According to the company release, the new outdoor dining destination in the hotel will serve sizzling grills and barbeques besides a range of fresh seafood like snapper and lobster, meats like pork, tenderloin and German sausages or even seasonal vegetables.

The a la carte menu will consist of Slow Baked Salmon, Grilled Lamb Rack along with an assortment of signature innovations like Saltimbocca and Chicken Scaloppini.

Taj to open 43 new hotels in 4 yrs PTI MUMBAI, JAN 13

Indian Hotels Company that owns the Taj brand of luxury hotels, today said it will open 43 new properties in the next four years.

"We have a project pipeline of 43 properties across our brands. Timeline for the same is 36-48 months," MD and chief executive of the company Raymond Bickson told reporters on the sidelines of an international summit organised by the Hotel Investment Forum India here today.

These proposed 43 properties will have 10,000 to 12,000 rooms, he added.

On the location of the pro-

posed properties, he said, "the majority of these additions will be within the country. We have planned growth for the Ginger, Gateway, Vivanta and Taj brands. But outside the country, it will be just with the Taj brand."

The Tata Group company owns and runs six brands of hotels in the luxury, premium, mid-market and value segments.

The Taj brand with its iconic property being the Taj Hotel and Palace in south Mumbai is the flagship of the group; the resort and spa brand Taj Exotica; Taj Safaris are wildlife lodges; Vivanta by Taj come in the premium hotels & resorts

Nafed confident onion prices will fall to Rs 25/kg PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 13

Onion prices will come down to Rs 25 a kg in the national capital in the next 10-15 days following a supply boost from

BIZ

GOA, FRIDAY, 14 JANUARY, 2011

Pakistan and increased arrivals from Maharashtra, Nafed Chairman Bijendra Singh said today.

"Prices of onion would come down to a comfortable level of Rs 25 a kg in the next 10 to 15 days," Singh said after flagging off 15 mobile vans which will sell onions at a subsidised rate of Rs 35 a kg in different parts of the state.

"If it does not happen you can question me," the Nafed chief told mediapersons.

He said Delhi is all set to receive additional quantity of onion from Pakistan soon, besides arrival from Maharashtra, the feeder state, would be boosted after harvest of kharif crop.

"Over 300 tonnes of onion from Pakistan is expected to land at Mundra port in Gujarat tomorrow from where it will come to Delhi soon," Singh said, adding more quantity would arrive from across the border subsequently.

He said wholesale prices of the kitchen staple has shown a decline by up to 20 per cent in the main producing regions of Lasalgaon and Pimpalgaon (both in Nashik district of Maharashtra) in last 3-4 days.

Agri cooperative Nafed has pressed into services mobile vans, the number of which will soon be increased to 100 from 15 now. Also, each van will carry 2,000 kg of onion, up from 500 kgs. Singh said this service would continue till rates come down to a comfortable level.

The mobile vans are in addition to the five Nafed outlets in Delhi which also sell onion at Rs 35/kg.

One person can buy not more than two kg of onion from the vans (as also in the Nafed outlets) in a day, he added.

Retail prices of onion are ruling over Rs 60/kg in the capital.

On the first day, each mobile outlets will sell 500 kg of onions in colonies like RohiniRanibagh, Raja Garden-Kirti Nagar, Janakpuri-Dwarka, ITOVidhana Sabha, Mayur ViharSamachar Apartments, Moti Bagh-R K Puram, INA-Kidwai Nagar and CGO Complex in Delhi. It would go to different regions particularly those inhabited by poor each day.

The Centre has agreed to compensate 30 per cent of losses that NAFED would suffer in selling onion at cheaper rates.

Anandan to lead Google India PANJIM (HBD) -- Rajan Anandan has been appointed as VP of India sales and operations at Google India.

Rajan brings to Google India an impressive pedigree of hitech and leadership expertise, as well as degrees from Stanford and MIT. His 18-year career includes key roles at Microsoft, Dell and McKinsey & Company.

Most recently Rajan was MD of Microsoft India, responsible for all aspects of Microsoft’s software, OEM and services business in India.

Sensex rebounds by 338 pts PTI MUMBAI, JAN 12

Shrugging off low industrial production numbers, stock markets today made a smart comeback after falling for 6 straight sessions, as the BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 338 points on value buying, amid strong cues from global peers.

However, the Bombay Stock Exchange bellwether index, Sensex, showed a highly volatile movement and swung in the range of over 526 points, before settling at 19,534.10, up 337.76 points or 1.76 per cent from the previous close.

The NSE's wide-based Nifty also went up by 109.15 points or 1.90 per cent to settle at 5,863.25. Experts said that bargain hunting at lower levels helped the key indices recover.

Aban Offshor, 743.1, 749.85, 712.55, 722.65 Abb Ltd., 749, 768.4, 746.5, 753.2 Abg Shipyard, 384.05, 390, 370, 371.85 Acc Limited, 1028, 1052, 1026.35, 1038.1 Adani Enterp, 623.25, 649.5, 622.2, 643.6 Aditya Birla, 766, 787.4, 756.5, 762.65 Allahabad Ba, 208.9, 209, 201, 201.95 Alstom Proje, 668, 684, 660.05, 664.3 Ambuja Cemen, 129.8, 134.2, 129, 132.5 Andhra Bank, 136.85, 138.85, 131.5, 132.4 Ashok Leylan, 62.4, 62.9, 61.15, 62.1 Asian Paints, 2739, 2764.9, 2700.1, 2713.75 Axis Bank Li, 1308.5, 1327.6, 1261.1, 1265.45 Bajaj Hindus, 104.95, 107, 101, 101.7 Bank Of Baro, 837.2, 864.7, 818.9, 829.8 Bank Of Indi, 445.1, 451.75, 424.35, 427.55 Beml Limited, 970, 994, 950.05, 954.15 Bharat Elect, 1698, 1725, 1672.05, 1675.85 Bharat Forge, 361.55, 364, 352, 354.3 Bharat Petro, 619, 619.05, 594.6, 597.9 Bharti Airte, 346.2, 354, 345.1, 346.65 Bhel, 2247.7, 2254.6, 2214.15, 2229.15 Bhushan Stee, 442, 444, 423.95, 426.7 Biocon Limit, 392, 392, 377.05, 379.5 Bombay Dyein, 461.7, 461.7, 446.1, 447.7

segment; The Gateway Hotel operates the upscale/mid-market full service hotels and resorts and last is the economy brand Ginger.

Taj group has 66 hotels in 42 locations across the country with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, Britain, the US, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, according the information posted on the company website.

Bickson further informed

that the company is chalking out plans to add 1200 to 2,000 rooms this year across the world.

On the occupancy, he said, the hotels have seen 15-20 per cent rise in occupancy in the quarter ended December, adding average rentals have reached the pre-crisis levels.

On the plans to hive-off its overseas properties and bring them under one single entity, Bickson said, the plan would take a few years.

MF FUNDA IDFC MUTUAL FUND has announced the revision of exit load structure for IDFC Nifty Fund with effect from January 14, 2011.

Accordingly, the exit load for all investment including SIP/Micro SIP/STP shall be 1% of the applicable NAV if redeemed / switched out within seven days from the date of allotment.

TALK BUSINESS

IDFC to issue 2nd tranche of tax-saving infra bonds

A woman sits near onion bags at a wholesale market in Hyderabad, on Thursday. Onion price in India reached Rs 80-85 in December 2010, and are currently around Rs 70 a kilo, way above the normal retail price of Rs 20-25.

RIM denies access to enterprise mail PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 13

BlackBerry today said it has provided a solution for legally intercepting messenger and Internet and email services, but denied such access on BlackBerry Enterprise Server, saying the company has "no ability to provide its customers' encryption key."

"The company has now delivered a solution that enables India's wireless carriers to address their lawful access requirements for our consumer messaging services, which includes BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and BlackBerry Internet Services (BIS) e-mail," BlackBerry maker Research-in-Motion said in a statement.

However, the enablement of lawful access does not extend to BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), which is essentially an Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution.

"As we have stated on several occasions and as we have set our company's Principles for Addressing Lawful Access Matters, no change can be made to the security architecture for BES customers since,

Bosch Limite, 6402, 6449.95, 6257.7, 6393.5 Brigade Ente, 105.1, 107.85, 103.25, 103.95 Cairn India, 342.95, 346.7, 341.1, 343.6 Canara Bank, 589.55, 597.95, 567.2, 572.1 Central Bank, 168.6, 171.9, 165.75, 168.3 Century Text, 399.95, 406, 388.1, 390 Cesc Ltd, 366.6, 366.6, 355.2, 357.8 Chambal Fert, 79.05, 81, 77.05, 77.5 Chennai Petr, 227.6, 229.2, 225.5, 227.3 Cipla Ltd, 348.5, 350, 339.35, 344.5 Colgate Palm, 848, 859, 835, 840.95 Container Co, 1238.45, 1259.9, 1222.05, 1242.75 Crompton Gre, 292, 297.9, 290.15, 293.3 Cummins Indi, 735.3, 755, 723.6, 744.95 Dabur India, 102.6, 102.9, 100.5, 100.95 Deccan Chron, 105.4, 107.8, 99.15, 103 Dish Tv Indi, 63, 63.65, 61.4, 61.75 Divi’s Labor, 635, 641, 626, 635.45 Dlf Limited, 265.3, 269.2, 261.65, 265.2 Dr. reddy’s, 1670.05, 1672, 1633, 1642.2 Edelweiss Ca, 47, 47, 41.5, 42 Educomp Solu, 515, 527.9, 511.35, 517 Eih Limited, 106.5, 107.8, 106, 106.75 Engineers In, 322, 322, 310.05, 311.15 Essar Oil Lt, 130.25, 131.9, 127.35, 129

contrary to any rumors, the security architecture is the same around the world and RIM truly has no ability to provide its customers' encryption keys," it said.

RIM cannot access information encrypted through BES given that neither RIM nor the wireless operators are ever in possession of the encryption keys, the company said.

Earlier, RIM had assured the Government that they will provide final solution for the lawful interception of BlackBerry Messenger services by January 31, 2011. The company had said that this was the understanding that they were to put in place the system by Jan 31.

"We are pleased to have delivered a solution well before a mutually agreed milestone date of January 31, 2011. We look forward to continue serving our Indian customers with industry products and services that deliver and unmatched mobile communications experience," the company added.

The lawful access capability, now available to RIM's carrier partners (the service providers who offer Blackberry services)

Essar Shippi, 99, 102.85, 99, 101.05 Exide Indust, 153.9, 158.5, 153.05, 156.4 Federal Bank, 380, 383.8, 375, 376.25 Financial Te, 810, 814.9, 784.25, 790.05 Gail (india), 511.15, 515.35, 495.5, 498.6 Gammon India, 159.15, 164.2, 155.1, 156.65 Glaxosmithkl, 2410, 2410, 2331, 2343.35 Glenmark Pha, 351, 356.4, 342.45, 347.1 Gmr Infrastr, 41.05, 41.8, 40.5, 41.05 Godrej Indus, 182, 184.5, 177.05, 177.9 Grasim Indus, 2415, 2510, 2395, 2464 Great Offsho, 363, 372.8, 358.65, 359.7 Gtl Infra.Lt, 42.55, 42.55, 41.3, 41.6 Gujarat Mine, 130.5, 132.95, 127.15, 129.75 Gujarat N R, 69.05, 69.3, 66.15, 66.85 Gujarat Stat, 110.65, 112.35, 107, 107.4 Gvk Pow. & I, 38.2, 38.6, 37.5, 37.7 Hcl Technolo, 471, 481.8, 458.75, 464.75 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2209, 2217.4, 2126.4, 2143 Hdfc Ltd, 687.5, 687.5, 664.15, 667.35 Hero Honda M, 1851.5, 1885, 1816.3, 1825.75 Hindalco in, 237.25, 240.95, 232.1, 234.25 Hindustan Co, 44.65, 45.7, 44.15, 44.4 Hindustan Ma, 64.95, 66.6, 63.65, 64 Hindustan Pe, 382.25, 382.25, 359.5, 362.55

meets the standards required by the govt for all consumer messaging services offered in the Indian market place.

BOARD MEETINGS Chowgule Steam KIC Metaliks Peoples Invest Godrej Prop REI Agro HDFC Mapro Inds Hindustan Media Nectar Life Source: Indiainfoline.com

Hindustan Un, 306, 307.15, 300.25, 302.2 Hindustan Zi, 1410, 1431.5, 1360.1, 1366.15 Housing Dev, 166.5, 169.45, 161.6, 167.9 Icici Bank L, 1068, 1068, 1016, 1026 Idea Cellula, 68, 68.45, 66.55, 67.25 Ifci Ltd, 60.5, 61.15, 58.2, 58.7 India Cement, 104.8, 107.15, 104.05, 105.35 India Infoli, 80.35, 81.2, 77.85, 78.15 Indiabulls F, 168, 169, 160.1, 161.7 Indiabulls R, 125.3, 128.3, 124.1, 125.85 Indian Bank, 221.4, 224, 216.05, 217.2 Indian Hotel, 101.5, 102.7, 99.5, 99.95 Indian Oil C, 319, 322.1, 310, 310.35 Indian Overs, 136, 138.75, 128.5, 129.25 Indus Dev Ba, 153, 153.95, 147.45, 148.1 Indusind Ban, 242.5, 244, 231.55, 234 Infosys Tech, 3293, 3299, 3195, 3205.2 Infra. dev., 165.5, 166, 157.85, 158.3 Ispat Indust, 23, 25.05, 23, 23.95 Itc Ltd, 173.05, 174.7, 171.4, 173.15 Ivrcl Infras, 115.7, 116.45, 112.3, 113.05 Jai Corp Lim, 203, 205.2, 199.25, 200.8 Jaiprakash A, 97.35, 99.2, 95.05, 95.85 Jet Airways, 715, 725, 685.6, 692.4 Jindal Saw L, 219.5, 223.4, 214, 216.85

PANJIM (HBD) -- Infrastructure Development Finance Company Limited has announced a public issue of its second tranche of secured, redeemable, long term infrastructure bonds having tax benefits under Section 80 CCF of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for an amount not exceeding Rs 2,928.96 crore.

The Tranche 2 Bonds will be issued on the terms set out in the prospectus filed by IDFC with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), Tamil Nadu. The issue proceeds are proposed to be used for the company’s infrastructure lending activities.

IDFC has the authority to raise up to Rs 3,400 crore in one or more tranches during fiscal 2011. It has already raised Rs 471 crore in the first tranche of bonds issued on the terms set out in Prospectus – Tranche 1 in November, 2010.

The issue will open for subscription from Monday, January 17, 2011 and will close on Friday February 4, 2011, or on such earlier date or extended date, as may be decided by the board subject to necessary approvals.

The Tranche 2 Bonds, with a maturity of ten years, will be issued in two series: Series-1 - Carry a 8% coupon, payable annually and Series-2 - Cumulative option, 8% coupon, compounded annually The bonds will be issued in both dematerialised and physical (paper) forms as SEBI has allowed the Company to issue the bonds in physical form and therefore it is not necessary for potential investors to have demat accounts.

USGICL’s health insurance for Allahabad Bank clients PANJIM (HBD) -- Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd (USGICL) has introduced a new health insurance scheme named ‘Sampoorna Swasthya Kavach’ designed for the customers of their joint venture partner Allahabad Bank.

The scheme was launched by J P Dua, CMD, Allahabad Bank and O N Singh, executive chairman, USGICL jointly in a function held at Mumbai, in presence of D Sarkar and M R Nayak, executive directors, Allahabad Bank amongst others.

Allahabad Bank entered into a corporate agency arrangement with Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd (USGICL) on November 8, 2008 and is presently distributing Non-Life (General) Insurance products to the customers of the bank to act as the ‘One Stop Shop’ to meet the financial requirements of its Customers. Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd is a joint venture company, partly owned by Allahabad Bank.

Sampoorna Swasthya Kavach will be available to the savings bank, current account, recurring deposit account and term deposit account holders of Allahabad Bank including NRIs for treatment in hospitals in India by paying annual premium.

The policy has been specially designed to take care of spiralling medical cost and is available for treatment right from the consultation to hospitalisation stage including post hospitalisation expenses.

The facility will be available on cashless basis in over 5000 hospitals of the country through hassle-free transaction in the event of medical contingency in the family of the customers. The minimum and maximum policy amount is 1 lakh and 5 lakh. The premium paid is exempted under Section 80D of Income Tax Act. E Meditek Health Care Services Pvt Ltd will act as the third party administrator (TPA) for the health insurance scheme. This unique Health Insurance facility will be available to the customers through over 2400 branches of Allahabad Bank pan India.

Jindal Steel, 691.1, 692.55, 675, 678.25 Jsw Steel Li, 1000, 1033.7, 986.9, 1002.7 Kotak Mahind, 425, 432.8, 402.7, 406.65 Lakshmi Mach, 2300.2, 2365, 2300.2, 2322.3 Lanco Infrat, 56.55, 58.45, 56.15, 57.95 Larsen & Tou, 1770, 1785, 1730, 1748.25 Lic Housing, 169.9, 173.45, 162.6, 163.65 Lupin Limite, 465, 473.9, 461.9, 467.75 Mahanagar Te, 53, 54.4, 52.15, 52.65 Mahindra & M, 747.3, 759.3, 733.75, 737.7 Maruti Suzuk, 1320, 1325, 1301.6, 1315.55 Max India Lt, 144.85, 147.4, 143.6, 146.2 Maytas Infr., 183, 186, 182, 184 Moser-baer (, 60.2, 61.9, 58.15, 58.95 Mrpl, 70, 70.55, 68.7, 69.05 Nagarjuna Co, 127.5, 128.85, 123.35, 124.85 Nagarjuna Fe, 31, 31.35, 30.2, 30.3 National Alu, 383, 399, 379.5, 388 Neyveli Lign, 127.1, 128.7, 124.2, 125.4 Ntpc Ltd, 191.5, 191.85, 187.5, 189 Oil And Natu, 1185, 1208.8, 1170.15, 1201.5 Omaxe Limite, 145.9, 148, 144.05, 144.7 Oriental Ban, 367.3, 367.3, 346.6, 348.85 Pantaloon Re, 352, 352.5, 330, 332.3 Parsvnath De, 55.1, 55.4, 54, 54.45 Petronet Lng, 123.25, 126.85, 122, 123.75

Power Fin Co, 289, 294.25, 283.3, 286 Power Grid C, 97.2, 97.45, 96.45, 96.75 Praj Industr, 85.55, 88.9, 80.6, 81.45 Punj Lloyd L, 103.5, 105.4, 101.75, 102.45 Punjab Natio, 1190, 1198.8, 1128, 1133.65 Rajesh Expor, 134.45, 135.7, 132, 132.75 Ranbaxy Labs, 565.5, 568.9, 555.1, 563.7 Rashtriya Ch, 88.1, 91.5, 87.1, 88.05 Reliance Cap, 630, 636.7, 616.2, 621.65 Reliance Com, 138, 143.2, 137.6, 138.5 Reliance Ene, 1150, 1150, 1104, 1108.53 Reliance Ind, 669, 677, 662.1, 666.55 Reliance Ind, 1030, 1039.15, 1011.1, 1015.35 Reliance Pow, 150.55, 151.75, 147.8, 148.45 Rolta India, 144, 146, 140.55, 141.9 Satyam Compu, 68.9, 69.75, 67.6, 68 Sesa Goa Ltd, 342.25, 345.95, 332.4, 336.25 Shipping Cor, 125.5, 126.4, 123.3, 123.8 Siemens Ltd, 780.85, 784, 763.15, 766.5 Sintex Indus, 170.2, 173.85, 166, 167.3 Sobha Develo, 302, 307.95, 297, 301.95 State Bank O, 2674, 2674, 2554.95, 2560.7 Steel Author, 178, 179.8, 171.3, 172.3 Sterlite Ind, 183, 186.75, 180, 183.1 Sun Pharmace, 481, 487.95, 474.15, 483.1 Sun Tv Netwo, 502, 510.3, 500.2, 501.7

Suzlon Energ, 53.75, 55, 52.15, 52.7 Tata Communi, 263.4, 263.4, 255, 256.5 Tata Consult, 1128.95, 1155.95, 1116.2, 1124.25 Tata Motors, 1221, 1246.95, 1212, 1236.7 Tata Power C, 1352.35, 1377.7, 1342.5, 1350.45 Tata Steel L, 651.8, 656, 635, 637.55 Tata Teleser, 18.55, 18.95, 18.55, 18.6 Tech Mahindr, 690, 699.9, 680.05, 686.5 The Ge Shpg., 325.75, 335.8, 325.75, 331.4 The Phoenix, 250, 250, 209, 215.8 Thermax Ltd, 790.5, 790.5, 772, 773.25 Titan Indust, 3580, 3590, 3403, 3414.3 Torrent Powe, 245, 248, 244, 245.1 Triveni Engg, 104.05, 105.8, 99.55, 100.55 Tv18 India L, 70.8, 72.35, 69.15, 71 Uco Bank, 111, 111, 105.55, 106.05 Ultratech Ce, 1001.05, 1048.7, 1001.05, 1038.65 Union Bank O, 332, 333.95, 320.05, 321.45 Unitech Ltd, 59, 61.65, 57.65, 59.8 United Phosp, 161, 164.8, 158.5, 159.95 Videocon Ind, 213.1, 215.75, 209.2, 210.65 Vijaya Bank, 94.4, 94.9, 91, 91.8 Voltas Ltd, 210.65, 211.65, 207.1, 209.2 Wipro Ltd, 461.5, 474.2, 447.3, 453.55 Yes Bank Lim, 274.5, 276.3, 264.3, 267.8 Zee Entertai, 131.2, 136.35, 129.3, 130.5

Pg 11 Presa di Goa triumph

SPORTS

GOA, Friday, 14 January, 2011

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, JAN 13

Holy Rosary Convent HS, Nuvem, winners of U-17 boys handball Salcete Taluka level. They defeated Rosary HS, Navelim 17-15. Alvito D'Costa (8 goals) and Standly Barretto (4 goals) were the main scorers for Holy Rosary. Standing (l - r): Suraj Pawar, Selvin Barretto, Joel Colaco, Regan Fernandes, Rajesh Vimal, Alvito D'Costa, Royston Goes, Standly Barreto and Shubham Salunke. Sitting (l to r): Sr Chrissie (manager), Sr Divya and Selvin (PE sir). Squatting (l to r): Milton Barretto, Sylvester Colaco, Savio Velho, Nivio Colaco, Clevinton Rebello and Nikhil Sathe.

Cuncolim United, Bhumika top

A splendid performance by Presa di Goa gave them victory, as they defeated St Xavier’s College, Mapusa Team B 3-1 in the finals of First All-Goa V M Salgaocar College soccer tournament at Duler Stadium, here, on Sunday.

Francis, Gauresh and Agnelo found the target for Presa while Ashley punted in a consolation goal for St Xaiver’s Team B. Earlier in the afternoon, St Xavier’s Team B defeated St Xavier’s Team A via the tiebreaker in the first semi-finals after the match ended goalless.

In the second semi-finals, Presa di Goa overcame CJ Brothers, Valpoi 2-1.

The 7-a-side 3-day tournament had a unique twist to it, as college teams played on the first day while clubs battled on the second day. The winners colleges and clubs met in the finals.

A girl’s exhibition match between St Xavier’s girls and GFA girls was also held.

Advocate Valanka Alemao was the chief guest. “I truly believe

Presa di Goa with GFA vice-president Lavinio Rebello (Anjuna Sarpanch) and other officials.

football is a part of Goa’s identity and it is a shame that cricket is popular in the rest of the country. It is pleasing to see so many youngsters taking part especially in the girl’s team,” remarked

Valanka.

Guest of honour, GFA vicepresident L avinio Rebello thanked the organisers for working hard to promote football at the college level.

The other dignitaries present were Duler stadium manager, Jerome Fernandes and sports director of VM Salgaocar College, Mira Mar, Prof S A Mandrekar.

Anurag emerges St Cruz Open champion

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

Cuncolim United HSS

Bhumika HSS HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

Cuncolim United HSS and Bhumika HSS, Parye Sattari won the State level HSS kabaddi tournament in the boys and girls category respectively organised by DSYA at Campal.

In the boys finals, Cuncolim defeated Bhumika HSS by 13 points (35-22) while in the girls finals, Bhumika HSS beat Carmel HSS, Nuvem by 7 points (5245).

Laxmi Majik of Bhumika HSS stole the limelight with her

super riding and catching skill.

Divakar Kotkar, DSYA APEO was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Yogesh A Parab, State sports organiser, Caitan Clement, senior kho-kho and kabaddi coach, Sanket Naik, PE teacher of Cun-

colim HSS and Sidheshwar Naik, PE teacher of Bhumika HSS. The officials for the finals were Suryakant Wadkar, SAI kabaddi coach, Narcinv Prabhu, Manual Fernandes and Ajit Ssamant, senior kabaddi officials from GKA.

Anurag Mhamal won the All-Goa open chess tournament organised by Alto Santa Cruz Residents Association in collaboration with the Goa Chess Association at Shanta Durga Temple, Santa Cruz on January 8 and 9.

In all 130 participated including 30 rated players. Victoria Fernandes, MLA Santa Cruz was the chief guest while Rosy Fernandes, sarpanch Santa Cruz was the guest of honour. Also present were Sarvanad Shirodkar, president, ASCRA, Tom Fernandes, secretary ASCRA, Swati Naik, Lavina Abreu and Arvind Mhamal, secretary GCA. Shirodkar pointed out that Goa’s rising stars of chess need support from the Government as well as private companies.

Victoria Fernandes promised to bring this to the notice of the Government.

Cash prizes and trophies were given to the winners.

Results: Anurag Mhamal (8 points), Ritviz Parab (7.5), Rishubh Naik, Cruz Wilson, Vasant Naik, Sawaikar Shubham, Pawse Kapil, Belurkar Suyan (7 points each), Ahuja Rohan, Saripalli Niraj, Prasanna Swamy, Bhat Anirudh. (6.5 points each).

U-7: Viraj Porob, Sravan Suresh and Thorat Sanjay.

U-9: Zantye Riddhi, Sahil Shetty and M Barath.

U-11: Prabhudesai Anant and Thorat Aishwarya.

U-13: Savant Riya and Braganza Shane.

Consolation prizes: Yeshitesh Shirodkar and M Harikrishnan.

St Clara High School boys winners of DSYA U-17 handball alongwith Sr Margaret D’Sousa, principal and Raj Gawas, PE teacher.

CES College, Cuncolim winners of Inter-College Kho Kho (men) Championship organised by Goa University at University ground, Taleigao.

CES Cuncolim GOA DIARY win varsity Floodlit volleyball kho-kho PANJIM (HSD) – Crown Club will organise their All-Goa Crown volHERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

CES College, Cuncolim won the Inter-College Kho Kho (men) Championship organised by Goa University at University ground, Ta l e i g a o d e f e a t i n g S h re e Mallikarjun, Canacona by six points. CES led 15-5 at the end of the first innings.

Savio Leitao, PE director of Shree Mallikarjun College was the chief guest and gave away the prizes to the winners.

Shikha to lead

Don Bosco High School, Panjim winners of DSYA U-17 boys Tiswadi Taluka football tournament alongwith Victoria Fernandes, (MLA St Cruz), Fr Domnic Fernandes (Don Bosco principal), Fr Andrew Fernandes (Fr Agnel principal), Sanjay Shirodkar (Taluka sports organiser) and Clifford Chukuwuma (Sesa FA coach).

PANJIM (HSD) -- Shikha Pandey will captain the women’s team for the Senior South Zone women T-20 tournament in Hyderabad.

The team: Shikha Pandey (captain), Salma Divkar, Dipti Parab, Suananda Yatrekar, Crista Sousa, Santoshi Rane, Marlene Colaco, Nikita Malik, Rupali Chavan, Resha Rawal, Teena Volvoikar, Freeda Pereira, Bharati Gaonkar and Shilpa Gawas.

Colin Rodrigues (coach), Denny Pereira (physio) and Kishori Haldankar (manager) will accompany the team.

leyball floodlit tournament on January 17 at St Cruz church ground at 7.45 p.m. The winners and runners-up will take home Rs 10,000 and Rs 8,000 respectively. Details may be obtained from Fortunato Braganza on 9422453284, NIS coach Ladislau Gonsalves on 9420141551, Jose Dias on 9822136447 or Felix Fernandes on 9823353553.

Referees training at Duler

PANJIM (HSD) – The North Goa referees and match commissioners have been asked to attend the morning physical training session on January 16 at GFA Stadium, Duler at 7 a.m. The chairman and deputy chairman of GFA Referees’ and Assistant Referees’ Committee together with zonal secretaries of Bardez and Ilhas will also be attending the training. The third annual fitness test for referees will be on February 20 at PJN Stadium, Fatorda at 7 a.m.

Tennis ball cricket trials

PANJIM (HSD) – The Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association will conduct selection trials on January 15 at 2.30 p.m. at SAG tennis ball cricket ground, Campal to select Goa State senior men and women teams for the Senior Inter-Zonal Tennis Ball Cricket Championships in Chennai from January 27 to 29.

Players may report to Haresh Parsekar or Hemant Khot with kit (white T-shirt, black track pant, sports shoes and tennis bat).

Varsity handball trials

PANJIM (HSD) – The Goa University will conduct handball selection trials on January 14 at 3 p.m. at Fatorda to select the University handball team to participate at Inter-University Handball Championship organised by Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded. Students from colleges affiliated to Goa University may report to Sudhakar Naik at the venue alongwith college identity card and kit.

Pg 12 GOA, Friday, 14 January, 2011

SPORTS

Churchill play HAL sans Odafe HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JAN 13

The home match against Salgaocar Sports Club will continue to rankle coach Vincent Subramanian for sometime now as they were unbeaten and had a decent performance that evaporated that night. Churchill Brothers suddenly found themselves in the third place behind East Bengal and Salgaocar a day before they take on Bangalore’s HAL in their ninth round match of AIFF’s 4th I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Friday at 3.45 p.m.

It is certain that Churchill Brothers will be without the services of scoring Nigerian machine Odafe Okolie, who is yet to recover from the thigh injury suffered against Salgaocar in their previous match.

Churchill coach Vincent is keen to exploit the home conditions and play for a win. “We know the ground much better than the opposition. Keeping that in mind we have to try and outsmart them and play for a win,” he said.

“The three points are very crucial as it will take our tally to 16 points and help us stay closer to table-topper East Bengal,” Subramanian stated.

At the end of practice session at Cuncolim ground, on Thursday evening, Subramanian was quite satisfied. “We are confident of notching a win and moving up but HAL is not a team that can be taken lightly since they fight well,” mentioned Subramanian.

The absence of striker Odafe

TODAY’S FIXTURES Churchill v. HAL Chirag v. E Bengal ONGC v.Viva Kerala will somewhat prove to be an impediment to Churchill Brothers.

But on the brighter side, young Durga Boro or Binesh Balan have risen to the call of coach Subramanian. Either will partner New Zealand’s Kayne Vincent upfront.

Lenny Rodrigues, Israil Gurung, Zakeer M and Charan Rai will complete the midfield. The back four will see Rowilson Rodrigues, Denzil Franco, Y Raju and Robert L holding the fort.

HAL coach Z Thyagraj was confident that his boys would go all out for a win to add the

maximum possible points to the eight they currently hold. “The boys have played most of their matches well but poor refereeing in the last two matches have robbed us valuable points,” said Thyagraj. Now the team is keen to turn a new leaf and get its finishing together.

“It’s sure Churchill’s coach will motivate his team and ensure they come out hard at us.

Churchill Brothers is always a dangerous side when playing at home,” Thyagraz concluded.

Midfielder James Singh continues to be sidelined due to injury. HAL strike force will consist of veteran striker, R C Prakash, Nigerian A Fenni, Xavier Kumar and Asian origin Rohit Sen will surely fancy their chances against them.

Goa kicks off with 6 gold in poomsae HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

Goa’s 1st National Poomsae team claimed six gold, two silver and four bronze medals on

the opening day of the 1st National Inter-Zone Taekwondo Championship in Bangalore today.

Gold medal winners: Angela

Naik, Carlos Lourenco, Elizabeth Luis, Tanvi Nadkarni, Lysha Fernandes and Sanida Fernandes.

Silver medals - Sneha Naik

and P. Srawana Kumar.

Bronze medals were bagged

by Vijeta Kalkal, Marolif Fernandes, Sandeep Reswal, Disha Kerkar.

Aishwarya wins double crown under-19 tennis HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

Aishwarya Nunes of Panjim beat Simran Khan from Margao in the ladies and girls (under 19) tennis events at Panjim Gymkhana organised by Goa State Tennis Association.

Results (ladies): In the semis, Simran Khan beat Shreya Shetty 9-0 while Aishwarya Nunes beat Raisa Menezes 8-2.

Under 19 girls: In the semifinals, Aishwarya beat Shreya Shetty 9-0 and Simran Khan beat Megha Kalokhe 9-3.

In the men's singles, Steve Gomes beat Christian Cummings 9-5. Stan Pereira defeated Sameer Kakodkar 9-6. Raju Kundaikar beat Mauvin Baptista 9-0. Sachin Dukle beat Biju Methews 9-4. Sanil Shirwaikar beat Ameet Suktankar 9-6 and Glen D'Silva beat Siddarth Nunes 9-6.

In the men's doubles, Biju Methew and partner beat Sanil Shirwaikar and Partner 9-5.

Kevin Rebelo and partner beat Biju Methew and partner 9-2 while Sameer Kakodkar and partner beat Milind Kamat and partner 9-3.

DBO edge past Ambelim

romeo soccer HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda scraped out a narrow 1-0 win over Ambelim SC to move into the second round of All-Goa Romeo memorial football tournament at Santa Cruz ground on Thursday.

The first half saw DBO dominating and going into the lead in the 4th minute off a free kick

by Rozer Azavedo, which hit the inside of the bar and entered the net.

DBO should have swelled the lead in the second half, but on one occasion the Ambelim keeper fisted away a goalbound shot and then another try by a DBO forward missed the mark by a whisker.

I-League: Churchill bros v.

HAL, Bangalore, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda-Margao, 3.45 p.m.

GFA Second Division: Maina SC v. St Cruz Society of Poitamado, Cuncolim ground; Wilred L e i s u r e S C v. C u r t o r i m Gymkhana, Curtorim ground.

Kick off 4 p.m.

GFA First Division: Salcete FC v. Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, Raia ground, 4 p.m.

All-Goa Romeo memorial soccer: St Savio SC, Calangute v.

Pilerne SC, St Cruz ground, 4.30 p.m.

5th Reira Cup soccer: Sangolda Lightning v. Sirsaim Tivim SC, Saligao Sporting ground, 4.45 p.m.

Assolna Seamen cup quarterfinals: St Anthony, Colva v. Salig a o U n i t e d , G P S g ro u n d , Assolna, 4.30 p.m.

Chandor Seamen soccer: Chic a l i m Yo u t h C l u b v. SS C , Loutolim, Chandor ground, 4.30 p.m.

Pg 13

SPORTS

GOA, Friday, 14 January, 2011

ITI Margao, Vasco move into finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

ITI Margao got the better of ITI Canacona 6-0 on the fourth day of XIth All-Goa inter-ITI (South Zone) sports competition on Thursday.

In football, ITI, Margao routed ITI, Canacona 6-0. ITI, Margao will now meet ITI, Vasco to decide the South Zonal champs.

In the first semi-finals, ITI, Vasco beat ITI, Cacora 4-2 via

the tie-breaker after no score at the end of regulation time.

In the second semi-finals, ITI, Margao thumped ITI, Canacona 6-0. For ITI, Margao, Mayur Khandepar and Ajay Staerkar netted a brace each while Thomson Quadros and Selvy D’Silva scored one each.

In cricket, ITI, Vasco entered the zonal finals thrashing ITI, Farmagudi in the cricket finals by 6 wickets. Batting first, ITI

Farmagudi scored 58/10 in 10 overs. ITI, Vasco completed the task in just 9.1 overs losing only 4 wickets (63/4). Navin Naik was the star for ITI, Vasco batting lineup, with his brilliance knock of 27.

In tennikoit, ITI, Canacona reached the single’s Zonal finals.

ITI, Canacona defeated ITI, Cacora. Pratisha Velip of ITI, Canacona beat Aswini Shirodkar

in straight sets in a close encounter 21-12, 21-18 in the tennikoit singles (girls) held at SAG sports complex, Fatorda on Tuesday.

ITI, Canacona also entered the zonal finals (doubles).

Aswini Shirodkar alongwith Seema Naik of ITI, Cacora later overcame the challenge of Pratisha Velip and Viniksha Velip representing ITI Canacona to win the doubles title.

Bicholim down Sesa, Riya secures FIDE rating qualify for ITI finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 13

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, JAN 13

ITC Bicholim stormed into the final, after defeating ITC Sesa by 9 wickets in the 11th North zone Inter-ITI cricket tournament at Peddem complex on Thursday.

ITI Sesa scored 68 runs in the allotted 10 overs. In reply, Bicholim scored the required runs.

In the second semi-finals, ITI Mapusa overcame ITI Panjim by a narrow 3 runs win. ITI Panjim hit 64 runs while ITI Mapusa put 67 onto the score board.

In the quarter-finals, ITI Mapusa scored 104 runs to defeat ITC Monfort by 43 runs.

ITC Bicholim will take on ITI Mapusa in the finals on Friday at 9.30 a.m. at Peddem complex.

Riya Sawant secured her FIDE rating after winning an individual silver medal at Asian Youth Chess Championship in Beijing in July 2010.

Riya is the brand ambassador of Geno Pharmaceuticals (Mapusa). She is a Std V student of St Mary HS, Mapusa.

She is being coached by Prasanna Swamy, Shivaswamy and Raghunanadan Gokhale.

Riya will now participate in

the open chess championship from January 15 to 20 in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

St Joseph HS, Nagoa, Verna, winners of 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals in SQAY at 56th National School Games. Sitting (l to r): Kashinath Naik (general secretary, SQAY Association of Goa), Sr Clarina Gonsalves (principal) and Sadashiv Joshi (team manager). Squatting (l to r): Dolly Alphonso, Supriya Kamble, Sunanda Velip and Famila Fernandes.

Amaron karting challenge at Nuvem today HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 13

The 6th round of Amaron Pro Racing for students in Goa will be held on Saturday and Sunday at Go-A-Karting, Nuvem. In all, nearly 5000 students have been registered and only about 300 could be the lucky ones.

The winner will get a scholarship of Rs 10 lakh while the top six will get a chance to participate in the finals to be held in Hyderabad.

Addressing a press conference, Mackinlay Barreto, Head, Motor Sports, Amaron Pro Racing said the Amaron Karting Challenge is the only talent hunt in India that scouts and discovers talent at the grassroot level and the season three will span across seven States and nine cities namely Kolhapur, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh and Hyderabad making it India's biggest racing extravaganza.

"The Amaron Karting Challenge’s winner will get an opportunity to move to the Rotax Max Karting Championship and the National formula racing series in India and further be fostered by Amaron Pro Racing to graduate to international level," Barreto said.

The challenged is targeted at students between 12 and 16 years from Sharada Mandir, People’s, Panjim, Don Bosco and 27 other schools, there being no entry fee.

The top six finishers of the Goa royund will be selectred for ethe finals of Amaron Kartin Chellenge Season 3. The organizers will also provide s[pecial support for those above 16 with an opportunity to race in VW Polo Cup 2011.

Christopher Moraes of GoA-Karting Nuvem was ecstatic that the event was being held in the State and that the 400m track had all the safety measures in place for hosting India’s biggest karting challenge.

The organisers claimed the participation of female drivers was on the rise in India. Barreto said the target for the challenge is to reach to 1.5 lakh school children worldwide and added that there was a spurt in the

Armaan Ebrahim, Smaron Pro Racing Brand Ambassdor F2 Driver and GP 2 Racer, Mackenly Barreto, head, Amaron Pro Racing and Christopher Moraes of Go_A-Karting Nuvem at the media briefing at Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim, Thursday.

Photo: Rozario Estibeiro

number of girls participating in racing events.

“It is certainly a good sign, it shows that racing as a sport is slowly gaining acceptability in

India,” said Barreto.

“We had 20 girls participating in the rounds which were held in Bengalaru recently. In Coimbatore, the second position was

won by a girl named Subhiksha.

As time goes they will do even better. We are looking for more participation from women in go-karting,” he said.

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Presa di Goa triumph Pg 11

GOA, FRIDAY, 14 JANUARY, 2011 www.oheraldo.in

In BrIef Ahmed gets Qatar party started Two first-half goals from striker Yusef Ahmed sent Qatar on their way to a 2-0 win over China as the host nation finally joined their own Asian Cup party on Wednesday and began dreaming of a place in the quarter-finals. Qatar took the lead after 27 minutes of their second Group A game when Ahmed scored the goal of the tournament so far at the Khalifa Stadium. Ahmed made it 2-0 on the stroke of halftime.

Blackpool beat Liverpool New manager Kenny Dalglish was again unable to deliver the Midas touch as Blackpool beat Liverpool 2-1 at Bloomfield Road on Wednesday to complete a remarkable Premier League double over the 18-times champions. Fernando Torres scored the opener.

Blackpool hit back nine minutes with Gary TaylorFletcher efforts. Both sides missed chances but it was Blackpool who finally found the target after 69 minutes from DJ Campbell.

India hope for better show PTI DOHA, JAN 13

After the spirited show against formidable Australia, India would hope to make an impact in the Asian Cup football tournament when they take on Bahrain in their second group match here tomorrow at 9.45 p.m.

Following a troubled build-up to the tournament which saw the team suffer heavy defeats in international friendlies, the 0-4 result against the world number 26 was comparatively better then what many had expected.

Bahrain are the least fancied among India's opponents in Group C, though they are ranked seventh in Asia and 93rd in FIFA charts, and missed out on the 2010 World Cup in play-off.

The match against Bahrain at

India drop to 144 in FIFA rankings India dropped two places, to 144, in the latest FIFA rankings, two days after a drubbing from Australia in their opening Asian Cup match in Doha on Monday.

The dip in the world rankings has also seen India drop to 25th place in the Asian charts. The top three places remain unchanged, with World champions Spain leading the table, while Netherlands and Germany are second and third respectively.

Clijsters in Sydney final Kim Clijsters came through a major test of her early season form to reach the Sydney International final with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 victory over Alisa Kleybanova on Thursday. In Friday's final, Clijsters will meet China's Li Na, who continues to suggest she might match or even better last year's breakthrough at Melbourne Park.

the Al Saad Stadium tomorrow would be a great opportunity for India to make their presence felt in the continental showpiece event despite talismanic skipper Bhaichung Bhutia's absence, who is recovering from a calf muscle injury.

Bhutia, who consulted the Australian team doctor on his injury a few days back, is expected to play a part in India's third group match against South Korea on January 18.

Coach Bob Houghton will make some changes from the team that played against Australia in their opening match, to provide them rest for the match against South Korea.

"We can't play three matches with the same set of boys, they

will get tired as you are running a lot. So there will be some changes. It will be a tough match. Bahrain are a strong team, having missed the World Cup in play-off, though they were dominated by South Korea in their opening match," Houghton said.

Left-back Deepak Mondal, who struggled to stop the crosses from the right by Brett Emerton in the first match, is likely to be replaced

by Syed Rahim Nabi who operated on the wings against Australia.

Senior player Renedy Singh, who came in the second half against Australia and who delivered a couple of good crosses, is expected to take Nabi's left-

Players have been let down by AIFF: Bob

Ipswich stun Arsenal Ipswich Town, thrashed 7-0 in the FA Cup by Chelsea three days ago, produced a memorable display to shock Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Portman Road. Their performance might not have matched their FA Cup upset win over the Gunners in the 1978 final but the Championship (second division) side, who sacked manager Roy Keane last week, can dream of a Wembley return thanks to a 78th-minute goal by Hungary striker Tamas Priskin.

Amaron karting challenge at Nuvem today Pg 13

Churchill play HAL sans Odafe Pg 12

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, JAN 13

The Indian National team coach Bob Houghton had strong words for the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as he used the example of Renedy Singh to present the case of the State of

affairs in the country.

"I've got a group of players here. Look at Renedy; he has played for many years in India, is a very good footballer and he has got to where he is despite playing in a country with no infrastructure, no development programmes and very poor coaches. He has got here using what was at his disposal.”

"When he was playing for the under-19s and he played against Japan, the teams couldn’t be differentiated. But five years later when he played them, the difference was huge. Of course, that’s got to do with the quality of the J-League and the facilities in Japan. And in India, players like Renedy have been let down by their federation (AIFF),” said Houghton.

On being asked as to what’s beyond the Asian Cup 2011 for Team India, Houghton hoped that the change of seat at the AIFF could pay dividends for the long term future of the game in the country.

“We hope that the Asian Cup will be a watershed for Indian football. We have a new president, a new general secretary and new sponsors on board.”

“We want to get ourselves back in the mental frame and achieve so that people sit up and watch back home.”

“It’s great to be on the continental level. While a lot of people are watching it here shows that if we can make football good in India, we can get people’s interest,” said the experienced coach.

Bad start wrecked chances: Dhoni PTI DURBAN, JAN 13

Chasing 290 on the bouncy Kingsmead track was always going to be a tough task, said Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the humiliating 135-run loss to South Africa in the first ODI but insisted that the target was gettable had the visitors not lost early wickets.

"We could have done better. When you are playing with four bowlers, you are under a bit of pressure, that if one of the bowler don't bowl well then you have to make those overs with the part timers. Fortunately in this game our part timers bowled really well and they brought us back into the game," Dhoni told reporters here last night.

"But still chasing 290 runs was a stiff target especially on the Kingsmead track. If we would have got a good start then we could have fancied our chances," he added.

India lost four wickets for a mere 43 runs and Dhoni said the poor start put a lot of pressure on the lower half of the batting order.

"Playing well against quality fast bowlers on new white ball is going to be a huge challenge. This wicket had a bit of bounce but it was not that quick a wicket.

We could have negotiated the first 8-10 overs and then

Asian Football Confederation President Mohammed bin Hammam today said India's participation in the Asian Cup after a gap of 27 years could see the country taking the first step towards the glory days of the past when they were continental leaders.

India are taking part in the Asian Cup for the first time after 1984 and Bin Hammam forsees the country becoming a strong side in future tournaments.

"I am happy for India to play in Asian Cup after so many years, after long disappearance. I welcome them. The national association, the players and fans in India must be feeling excited that their team is playing in the Asian Cup. I do believe it is the start of the wake up call for India by all means and from here on they should move ahead," Bin Hammam told PTI in an interview.

"India started football in Asia with the

first official match being played there in 1854. In the recent past there has been strong development of football in Asia except for India.

Football in India has changed from 27 years ago but many countries of the region had gone ahead of India and they have the chance to move forward now.

"In 1988, Japan played in the Asian Cup for the first time when it was held here in Qatar and they could not win a match and failed to get past the group stage. But in the next tournament in 1992, they were the champions. I have a feeling that the same can happen in the case of India. The federation and people of India want change in their football fortunes," said the Qatari, who was recently elected to his third fouryear term as AFC chief.

"It is a myth," said Hammam, when queried about India lagging behind mainly due to acute lack of infrastructure in the country.

Asked about his views on FIFA chief Sepp Blatter's reported comments that India could be a potential candidate to host the World Cup in 2026 or after, Bin Hammam said, "Every country has a right and ambition to host big events like the World Cup. It is not in our hands. It is entirely in India's hands and not an external wish."

"If India wants to host the World Cup they will have to show in their bid that they are capable and ready. It depends on the determination of India to take up the challenge," he said.

The AFC chief, however, said India will have to address the issues of lack of football infrastructure if it has to host big international events.

Asked if India should bid for 2019 Asian Cup, Bin Hammam said, "India will have to be ready and naturally infrastructure will

Tsotsobe cherishes Sachin’s wicket PTI DURBAN, JAN 13

South Africa's wrecker-in-chief in the 135-run win over India, medium pacer Lonwabo Tsotsobe, is on a high as one among his four victims was Sachin Tendulkar but he prefers not to talk about it as he does not want to "anger" the batting icon.

"I got a big wicket (Sachin) and I am happy for that. I am not going to predict anything related to that as I don't want to get that man angry," Tsotsobe, who was adjudged man of the match yesterday, told reporters.

Meanwhile, Proteas skipper Graeme Smith lavished praise on his batsmen for putting a challenging 289 on the board.

"I don't think it was a 300plus wicket. Keeping in mind the slow nature of the outfield getting to 289 was great effort.

Batting power play worked very well for us," he said.

could have gone for runs.

"But we lost couple of wickets earlier on and then again we lost few in the middle overs. That put pressure on our lower middle order," he said.

Asked whether going in with six batsmen was a gamble that didn't pay off, Dhoni said, "we picked Rohit keeping in mind the Kingsmead wicket. He played reasonably well...got bad decision but it is just part and parcel of the game.”

"He bowled and fielded well too. So you can always debate about whether to go in with 6 specialised batters or 5 specialised bowlers," he added. Dhoni also defended the inclusion of Ashish Nehra in the squad despite the pacer being short of match practice.

"Honestly speaking these are the four-five fast bowlers we have got. We do not have many options to play with. So we have to back them to do well. Whether they are in match practice or not what is important is that we take care of these bowlers and they should go in the World Cup without any injuries," he explained.

Despite the heavy loss, Dhoni said the Indians will bounce back in the five-match series, the second game of which is on Saturday.

India must move ahead: Hammam PTI DOHA, JAN 13

wing position tomorrow.

Houghton is likely to continue with Sunil Chhetri and Mohammed Rafi as strikers in the starting line-up, with the lanky Abhishek Yadav coming in later.

Gouramangi Singh, Anwar and Surrkumar Singh are expected to start at the back, while Climax L awrence and N P Pradeep will continue to man the midfield. Steven Dias, who did not have a very good game against Australia, is also expected to start at the right.

Bahrain, who left out five players who featured in the 2010 World Cup play-off, would look to score their first win having lost to South Korea in their opening match, and set up a crunch match against Australia for a quarter-final berth.

have to be developed in a way that it meets today's international football standards."

"Lot of things need to be done. Football is not played in isolation. Countries play against each other and clubs in Asia have become very professional and we know these things are not in India. These are no secrets.

"People know what Qatar have, the stadiums and the facilities which India do not have. It is a myth (why this is happening in India). They will have to address these issues.

It is entirely the Indians who will have to do this and fix it. The Indian Clubs will have to be commercial entities if you want to progress further," he said.

Asked if FIFA would continue to support Indian football with projects like 'Win in India with India' started in 2008, Bin Hammam said, "Win Project moves from country to country but the USD eight million FIFA gives is nothing. What will you do with it.

This is just a small amount.”

"What is important is that there will have to be mass participation in football and part of Indian football must be commercialised and businessmen will see opportunity to enter to football. Commercialisation of Indian football is a must and I am sure it will be a success," he said.

Bin Hammam said those clubs which do not fulfill AFC licensing criteria -- with deadline already over on December 2010 -- would not be allowed to take part in the next I-League.

"The AFC criteria apply to all clubs in all of Asia. It is not on Indian clubs only. The rules will apply. We want to transform part of India football into elite football, as international level football.

"But hardly 12 or 14 top clubs are there in a subcontinent like India. This I feel is just a small drop in a vast ocean. Indian clubs need to take the lead in this development," Hamman said.

SPORTS Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

IPL III under scrutiny PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 13

The IPL of 2009 has come under sharp scrutiny of a Parliamentary Committee which has questioned BCCI's decision to extend bank guarantees worth USD 13 million to foreign players allegedly without RBI nod, which amounts to violation of the foreign investment norms.

The BCCI top brass, including President Shashank Manohar Secretary N Srinivasan and IPL Commissioner Chirayu Amin, were grilled by the Parliamantery Standing Committee on Finance.

IOC warns India of ban AGENCIES LUSANNE, JAN 13

The International Olympic Committee on Thursday warned India of a possible ban from the Olympics unless it resolves the spat over the country's sports chiefs.

After a two-day meeting in Lusanne, the IOC executive board said India will have to take care of a number of issues.

"Consequently if the situation does not evolve positively, the IOC executive board will consider taking appropriate measures and actions which might seriously affect the representation and participation of India

at the Olympic Games and international sports events coming up," the IOC said in a statement.

The International Olympic body insisted that the Indian government had agreed at a meeting in Lausanne last year to adopt a jointly drafted constitution while it will respect the autonomy of the Indian Olympic Association and the national federations affiliated under it.