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Goa’s Heartbeat: Splitsville for Arshad, Maria? Pg 14
Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong. -- Theodore
Roosevelt.
IN BRIEF Monsoon in Kerala Southwest monsoon, critical for the farm-based economy of the country, is expected to reach Kerala on May 30, two days before its normal onset date in the coastal state. “The south-west monsoon is likely to arrive over Kerala on May 30 according to the forecast of India Meteorological Department (IMD),” Earth Sciences Minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters here this evening. The much awaited seasonal rains are expected to bring showers to the Andaman Sea by May 20. (PTI)
Khushboo joins DMK Fresh from a legal victory in the four-year-long pre-marital sex case, popular South Indian actress Khushboo today took a plunge into politics by joining the DMK, with her entry seen as a prize catch for the ruling party just a year ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The 39- year-old actress enrolled herself as a primary member in the presence of Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi at the party headquarters. (PTI)
The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, saturDaY, maY 15, 2010
Business: Gold too hot for Pg 13 Indian buyers
Cop with alleged drug mafia links surrenders HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAPUSA, MAY 14
After evading the Crime Branch for almost two months, suspended police constable Sanjay Parab on Friday surrendered before NDPS Judge Bimba Thaly. The accused constable wanted in connection with the alleged police-drug mafia nexus case was accompanied by his lawyer when he surrendered before the NDPS Court. The Crime Branch team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Salgaonkar, who was informed about the proposed surrender, was present at. the court to take the accused into custody. However, with Parab refusing to accompany the police team, Salgaonkar filed an application before the court seeking police custody of the accused. After the court remanded the accused cop to seven days police custody, the accused was taken into custody by the Crime Branch team. With the arrest of Parab, the
3 Pakistanis held in US for bombing bid PTI NEW YORK, MAY 14
Three Pakistani men, who allegedly supplied funds to Times Square bombing suspect Faisal Shahzad, were arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in a slew of raids across Asian-dominated suburbs, United States authorities said, amid reports that another person linked to the botched plot had been held in Pakistan. Two of the three Pakistanis were arrested in Boston suburbs yesterday while the other one in Maine, nearly two weeks after 30-year-old Pakistani-American Shahzad attempted to blow up a Nissan Pathfinder packed with explosives in the crowded Times Square. In coordinated raids, FBI teams centred on New York’s Asian-dominated suburbs of Long Island, Boston suburbs and New Jersey, authorities said and claimed that the three arrested men had supplied funds to Shahzad. US Attorney General Eric Holder later said that these arrests were part of an ongoing investigation.
total number of policemen arrested in the case has gone up to seven. Those arrested include a police inspector, a police subinspector and five police constables. It may be recalled that Parab had approached the Sessions Court and High Court for anticipatory bail, but both the courts had rejected his plea. A nonbailable warrant was also issued against the accused. Public Prosecutor Shiral Monteiro represented the State while pleading for Parab’s police custody. PANJIM REPORTER ADDS: Police public relations officer and Superintendent of Police Atmaram Deshpande on Friday said the arrest of constable Sanjay Parab will give them more leads indicating that more names of men in khaki will stumble out for having links to the narcotics mafia. Sanjay Parab was the seventh person arrested in the case after Swedish model Lucky Farmhouse uploaded some startling videos of her former boyfriend, Israeli
drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala making disclosures of his links with police and politician. While Atala and the seven policemen are inside, Lucky has claimed she has a video footage of a leading politician’s son dealing with drug peddlers in the State’s coastal belt. However, the Crime Branch mentioned it has no such statement from any person commenting on the involvement of politician in drugs crime. Salgaonkar said currently the police were not investigating the politician angle. On further questioning Salgaonkar said first let Lucky give a statement and let the politician nexus come on record and in black and white then we will investigate in that direction. Leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar had demanded the arrest of Salgaonkar for allegedly trying to sabotage the probe in order to save a leading politician and asked the State government to hand over the case to the CBI.
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SIT probing Modi’s role in 2002 riots submits report PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 14
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged role of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in post-Godhra killing of ex-Congress member of parliament Ehasan Jafri today submitted its report to the SC. The SIT chief and former Central Bureau of Investigation Director R K Raghavan submitted the report in a sealed cover to the SC registry as directed by the apex court in its May 6 order. The SIT had earlier sought time for submitting the report as it wanted to question Vishwa Hindu Parishad International President Praveen Togadia who was last week questioned by the SIT which had earlier questioned Modi and several other persons named in the complaint lodged by the slain MP’s wife Zakia. The apex court had on April 27, 2009, asked the SIT to look into the complaint of Zakia about the alleged role of Modi and others in Gulbarg Housing Society killing in which the for-
PTI HYDERABAD, MAY 14
A police constable at a picket in the sensitive Old City area here was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in broad daylight and police was probing whether any terror operative carried out the attack. U Ramesh (26) of Andhra Pradesh Special Police Battalion-XI died on the spot as one of the assailants opened at least two rounds of fire. The incident occurred near Shali-Ali Banda area under the Hussaini-Alam police station limits in the Old City area. The assailants, suspected to be led by fugitive Viqaruddin alias Viqar Ahmed, reportedly wore masks and came on a motorbike, carried out the attack and made good their escape even as the local people were caught totally dumbfounded, police sources said.
NGZP to cancel 86 tender notices HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 14
In its third general meeting on Friday the North Goa Zilla Panchayat (NGZP) decided to cancel 86 works for which tender notices were issued by the last NGZP. Members of the current body took the decision to cancel the
tender notices of 86 works as they felt that tender notices issued did not reflect works for all 30 constituencies. During the meeting, the accounts officer also informed that there were no funds to execute 86 works for which work orders have not been issued yet. The second major decision
taken at the meeting was that it proposed to increase allocation of funds to each constituency. For any given financial year a NGZP member can undertake works upto Rs 20 lakhs but they have proposed to up the limit to Rs 50 lakhs. It was also decided to audit
Bid to cheat mobile shop owner foiled, Mumbai conman held HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
Beware Goans, cheats from neighbouring States are on the prowl in the State, to make a quick buck. This conman from ThanaMumbai, who tried to cheat a mobile shop owner, with a duplicate credit card is now cooling his heels in the Margao police lock-up. The incident occurred this morning when accused Suresh Chawan walked into a Nokia mobile outlet right in the heart of the city and decided to purchase four cell phones all worth around Rs 80,000.
The conman being taken by a policeman. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar
What raised eyebrows amongst the employees was that instead of making cash payments, the accused handed a credit card to clear the bill. Suspecting hanky panky, an alert employee did not swipe the
credit card and instead intimated his employer, who immediately contacted the manager of a nationalized bank to verify the authenticity of the credit card, only to be told it was a duplicate one. The accused tried to make good his escape, but the owner Syed Amjad caught him after a hot chase near hotel Tato. Initially, the accused gave his address as Belgaum, but upon being apprehended by the shop owner, he said he hails from Thana-Mumbai. That’s not all. The accused spilled the beans in front of (Continued on page 10)
Tottewada’s mangrove trees gone? CM’s eco-sensitive promise comes a cropper By Franky Gracias PANJIM, MAY 14
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s verbal assurances to the Goa Bachao Abhiyan of not allowing cutting of mangroves in ecosensitive zones has come a cropper as a 500-metre stretch touching the banks of river Mandovi at Tottewada, Naroa in Bicholim have been felled for a commercial project while the authorities concerned have turned a Nelson’s eye to the wanton destruction. Journalists who visited the spot on Friday walked the stretch and got to see for themselves the felling of a huge number of mangrove trees in the eco-fragile area and also witnessed alleged illegal hill-cutting for a road that will facilitate the commercial project. Inquiries with some of the villagers revealed one Captain Mehta of Panjim-based Sea Scan Marine Services had cleared the
mer MP was burnt alive along with several others during the post Godhra 2002 communal riots in Gujarat. Modi was earlier grilled by the apex court-appointed Special Investigation Team on his alleged role in the 2002 killing of Jafri as the deceased, according to the complaint, had made frantic calls for help to police and the chief minister. The Gujarat government had in a subsequent affidavit in the apex court questioned the SIT’s power to summon Modi for interrogation.
Gunmen kill constable on duty in Hyderabad
Mangrove trees which were felled to make way for the commercial project.
pristine mangroves on May 2, 2010, in order to construct a dry dock and a farm house. The villagers revealed Mehta had visited the villagers’ houses promising employment to locals once the dry dock was built. Villager Sandip Naik who claimed he lost around 1,800 square metres of his property
to the hill-cutting said the activity for building the approach road more than a kilometre long has been going on in a portion which is a reserved forest since last year. “When I approached Captain Mehta and brought to his notice the encroachment and destruction of jackfruit and cashew
trees in my property I was told that the activity was legal and he could do what he wants,” Naik maintained. Captain Mehta has also anchored seven tourist boats on the banks of the river where a miniature ramshackle jetty has been made of bamboo stands. When press persons accompanied by social activists approached the Naroa Village Panchayat, the Sarpanch, Laxman Malvankar, said no permissions were issued for any of the activity carried out by Mehta but also admitted there was no written complaint made by him for legal action. Malvankar expressed helplessness to many of the ills going on in the village. “I went to the Bicholim block development officer after learning of the mang ro v e c u t t i n g b u t g o t n o cooperation from him,” he observed. The panchayat secretary (Continued on page 10)
accounts of the last five years as no auditing was done. It was further proposed to procure more staff for the NGZP and also purchase a new vehicle and clear 22 bills amounting to Rs 5 lakhs. Members have been instructed to submit their works so that new tenders notices could be issued.
That BJP leader didn’t expect to be in a dilemma for his statement “Mulayam & Lalu are licking dogs”.
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3 vital projects worth Rs 33 cr referred to central committee HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 14
Three important projects worth Rs 33 crore are referred to the Central Government’s ‘central sanctioning and monitoring’ committee, which will release the fund to the State Government under Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewal Mission (JNNURM). All three proposals- urban renewal parking and garden, heritage conservation and e-governance will be scrutinized by the committee before submitting them to the Central Government’s committee under union minister for urban development or secretary urban development. Goa was recently represented in Delhi by Director of Municipal Administration Daulat Hawaldar wherein he presented the detailed project report (DPR) of these projects. “The DPR would be studied by this committee and after thorough scrutiny it would be referred to the Union Government,” a source stated. Six projects worth Rs 7 crore under heritage conservation, six more projects under urban re-
newal parks and garden at a cost of Rs 11 crore and e-governance project worth Rs 15 crore were forwarded by the SLSC, last month. However, two main projects-beautification of St Inez creek worth Rs 17 crore and comprehensive mobilization plan amounting to Rs 20 crore are been kept on hold. The fate of the St Inez creek would be decided in the upcoming sub-committee meeting scheduled on May 18. The project has been hanging fire due to various irregularities. The committee members have also raised objections to the mushrooming illegal activities along the creek, which has affected its beautification. According to sources, the survey of creek conducted in 2007, has revealed 136 illegal constructions around this creek, which is 4.5 kms long. The state has already availed funding under JNNURM for purchase of 20 buses for Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL). The corporation is also expecting more funds for additional 30 buses.
appointments
Davorlim Sarpanch elected unopposed
HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
Francisco Sebestiao Dias is the new Sarpanch of the village Panchayat of Davorlim. In the elections held on Friday, Dias was elected unopposed after the Presiding Officer Raghunath Chari received his lone nomination papers for the post. He succeeds Sandeep Verlekar who had quit office as per an understanding amongst the ruling group. The election had evoked keen interest and had triggered a debate whether former Sarpanch Martin Rocha will be allowed to cast his vote in today’s election. The Presiding Officer Chari told newsmen that he had allowed Martin to participate in the election process after he obtained stay from the Supreme Court against the order of the High Court disqualifying him from the Panchayat membership. In fact, Rocha was promi-
nently seen amongst the members of the ruling group at today’s election, which elected the new Sarpanch unopposed. After his election, the new Sarpanch thanked the group for electing him unopposed and promised to usher all round development of the village. He said he and other members of the ruling group owe their allegiance to former MLA Luizinho Faleiro. “I will try to bring about development in the village. Besides, awareness will be made on all schemes meant for the upliftment of the poor and the downtrodden”, he added. The presiding officer R Chari told newsmen that barring one, all the remaining 10 Panchayat members attended today’s meeting. “Panch Rocha was allowed to take part in today’s election exercise as he has obtained stay on the High Court order debarring him from participating in the panchayat affairs”, Chari added.
appointments
Setting up of Doppler radar delayed HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 14
Delay in setting up of Doppler radar coupled with the timely arrival of monsoons will force the state met department officials to have their rain forecast without this sophisticated gadget. The monsoon is likely to arrive in Goa by first week of June as the pre monsoon showers have already begun in the state. The pre-monsoon showers were witnessed during the last week of April as well as in the beginning of May month. Meteorological Observatory in-charge K V Singh said that it would be difficult to install Doppler radar before monsoons as the work on the construction of building is still going on. The Doppler radar had arrived in Goa on April 8 via Mumbai. The department was expecting to get this gadget installed before arrival of the monsoon that is by May 30, which will help in rendering accurate forecast during monsoon. Chief Minister Digamber Kamat had assured installation of this facility before rains as inaccurate warnings during ‘Phyan’ cyclone had killed 60
fisherman of Goa coast. “The building which will house this equipment is still under process and it will take more time to get complete. Once its done experts from China will be visiting to install the gadget,” Singh said. Since last six months, the Met department is working on modifying the radar building at Altinho with the help of Central Public Work Department (CPWD). Singh said that the exact date of monsoons arrival can be specified only after its sets in Andaman. “Approximately around May 20, monsoon will set in Andaman and it takes 15 days for it to hit Goa coast,” he said. Monsoons are expected to arrive in Kerala on June 1, Singh predicted. Singh said that Goa will experience normal monsoon for the year. Along with Doppler radar, the department is also expecting to set up Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) stations across the state to ensure that there is real time mapping of the rainfall.
Where are your promises CM, questions GBA HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 14
The Goa Bachao Abhiyan on Friday said as of May 12 the Government had not issued a single notification on ‘no construction in eco zones’, even as the CM had assured he would not allow
appointments
no constructions in eco-sensitive zones. The GBA in a press release issued here said its core group met on May 12 to take stock of the assurances given by the Government in constituting flying squads to check land-use violations and formation of a committee headed by the Secretary to the TCP for modification of the outdated TCP Act 1974 to include people’s participation. It ridiculed that as of May 12 not a single notification had been made official, with all papers still awaiting the CM’s signature. Illegal hill cutting, filling of fields that need permissions of TCP under Section 17-A of existing Goa TCP Act, 1974 and other violations continue unabated on ground, maintained Secretary GBA Reboni Saha in the press release. Saha observed that despite bringing the violations to the notice of the Government with specific details, the aggrieved citizens have not received any communication on action taken till date. She chided, “It is more than two months since the first assurance was given for protection of eco zones but no order is forthcoming. The same Government issued an ordinance in less time than this last year for protection of private interests.” Saha stated the Government
had not yet communicated its stand on the peoples’ demand for approvals of plans only as per existing roads and not based on proposed roads, which are sometimes imaginary. This issue has been a major cause of dissent in the villages as local peoples’ land is sought to be acquired for road widening to serve private builders and to pave way for building huge projects, she mentioned.
John moves sessions court HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
Russian woman rape accused John Fernandes has once again moved the sessions court to direct the Crime branch to hand over the keys and RC book of his Captiva car to his brother. The Additional Sessions Judge P V Kamat had earlier this week ordered the release of the John’s car on several conditions. However, in his application filed in the court, John has claimed that the Crime Branch has not handed back the car keys and the RC book on grounds that these two items are not part of the court order. The Crime Branch is also believed to have refused to hand over the keys and the RC book saying these items have been attached with the charge sheet filed against the accused. The court has now asked for the say of the Crime Branch to the application filed by the accused.
Rape case transferred HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 14
The JMFC Court in Canacona has transferred the Australian rape case to the Sessions Court in Margao and the first hearing is likely to take place on May 25 after the vacation. Crime Branch PI Sunita Sawant said the case was handed to the Sessions Court as the offence is considered serious where punishment can be imprisonment of seven years and more. The Crime Branch had filed a 115-page chargesheet in the JMFC Court in Canacona just 13 days after it took over the investigation. Police had arrested a 28-yearold Nigerian youth, Obi Okaroafor, on April 18 after an Australian woman complained she was raped by the man on April 17 night at Palolem beach after spiking her drinks.
Decomposed male body found HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
The Margao police on Friday recovered a highly decomposed body of a male person from Telaulim. Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Margao DySP Umesh Gaonkar said the male person was found dead in the river near the Telaulim-Varca bridge site. Margao PI Santosh Desai has ruled out foul play in the death of the man. The body has been sent for post mortem examination.
Rape case adjourned HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
The Nigerian accused was on Friday produced in the Sessions Court for appearance in the Canacona rape case. However, hearing of the case could not take place in the absence of the judge. The case was later adjourned to May 25.
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TCP dept inspection reveals Mickky announces illegal land filling in Colva housing scheme for
the land in question. “The debris deposited on the agricultural field is illegal. The activity carried out is in violation of the rules”, Bomkar added. Today’s inspection was carried out by the TCP following a complaint lodged by the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum stating that land filling activity is being carried on land admeasuring 20,000 square metres. Incidentally, a portion of the land is being filled up and is apparently being converted into a garden, as evident by the presence of coconut and other saplings, besides vegetation found on the A TCP official along with representatives of Colva Civic and Conland. sumer Forum at the site inspection at Colva. Incidentally, trenches were Photo by Sidharth Mehta found dug on the land, and the Convenor of the Colva Forum JuHERALD REPORTER dith Almeida demanded strict action from the MARGAO, MAY 14 concerned government departments against the An inspection carried out by the Town and Country parties. Planning department has revealed illegal filling Almeida said the land filling activity was going of low lying land in Colva village on Friday. on for some time, with the migrants engaged at The inspection was conducted by TCP planning the site distributing the peace of the neighbouring assistant Bomkar, who told newsmen that what- villagers. ever activity carried out on the land is totally ilShe thanked Town Planner Rajesh Naik for legal. promptly deputing his Planning Assistant to Bomkar said the TCP would issue a notice to the Colva police to ensure that no further inspect the land in question and hoped the land filling activity takes place on the vast plot authorities would initiate necessary action against those involved in the land filling activof land. Confirming that around 32 rooms have been ity. Almeida demanded that the authorities seal erected in the low lying land, the TCP official has said that orders will be issued to the Colva Pan- the entire area, saying no one has the right to chayat to stop further construction of rooms on disturb the eco system.
5 cheating accused remanded to 14 days police custody
The five accused arrested by Mapusa police in a cheating case. HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 14
The five accused arrested by Mapusa police in connection with the cheating case on Thursday night has been remanded to 14 days police custody. It may be recalled that Khalid Sheikh (driver), Sameer Bhatiza, Zamir Sheikh, Tanvir Khan and Imran Khan from Thana-Mumbai were arrested on charges of cheating computer dealer Harshad Govekar from Mapusa to the tune of Rs 3.68 lakh. Speaking to Herald, Mapusa PI Rajesh Kumar said Bhatiza, Zamir Sheik, Tanvir Khan and Imran Khan hired a Tavera car (MH-04-DR-4502) from Dadar-
n “On verification with the bank in Mapusa, it was revealed that the bank in Andheri did not issue any pay order in the name of ‘Computer House’ for Rs 3,68,600,” added PI Kumar. Mumbai and arrived in Goa on Thursday. “They submitted a pay order for Rs 3,68,600 drawn in the name of ‘Computer House’ by a
Loutolim petrol adulteration accused released HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
The three accused arrested in the petrol storage case at Loutolim were on Friday released upon orders from the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao. The trio Antonio Salvador Alvares, Manuel Fernandes and Sebastiao D’Costa were ordered to be released by JMFC, Margao Pooja C Kavlekar upon executing a personal bond of Rs 5000 and one identical surety. The judge ordered the accused not to abscond or jump the bail and not to tamper with the evidence. The accused were further ordered not to leave the country without the permission of the court until the matter is finally disposed off. Moreover, the accused were directed to remain present be-
fore the police station for the next three days between 10 am to 12 noon and thereafter as and when required by the investigation officer. The judge directed the Maina Curtorim police officer to release the accused if they are not required in any other case or crime and return the bail bond duly signed by the accused to the court. The three accused were arrested by the Maina Curtorim police under the Essential Commodities Act two days ago after the CBI raided the premises at Loutolim on Wednesday evening as part of the crack down on petrol adulteration. The police had seized a tanker, besides 19 barrels of diesel, petrol and oil all worth Rs 2.20 lakh from the premises, besides bags containing chemicals.
6 arrested
MARGAO, MAY 14 (HR) -- The Maina Curtorim police on Friday evening arrested six persons following a complaint lodged by Sao Jose de Areal Sarpanch Liberata Travasso. Peter Viegas, Domingo Monteiro, Dameio Monteiro, Manuel Mascarenhas, Jose Paul Mascarenhas and Remedios Viegas were arrested under section 143, 147, 353 and 504 of the IPC. Police said the six persons were arrested following a complaint lodged by the Sarpanch on Thursday evening over a site inspection which could not take place yesterday. The police said the six persons later went to the Panchayat office and confronted the Sarpanch over the site inspection scheduled at Ramnagri. The police are investigating.
Photo by Anil Shankhwalker
bank in Andheri to Harshad Govekar towards supply of six laptops and six desktops,” said PI Kumar. “On verification with the bank in Mapusa, it was revealed that the bank in Andheri did not issue any pay order in the name of ‘Computer House’ for Rs 3,68,600,” added PI Kumar. “Police arrested the four accused and car driver Khalid Sheikh and also seized the car in which they had come down to Goa,” informed PI Kumar. The accused were produced before JMFC on Friday afternoon and have been remanded to 14 days police custody, he said.
32 workers arrested for blocking road HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
The Margao police on Friday morning arrested 32 workers who had blocked the road near the residence of a businessman behind Cine Metropole here. They were protesting against the non-payment of their wages by the management of a pharmaceutical company. Margao PI Santosh Desai said the workers, including 19 ladies, were taken into custody under preventive detection as a precautionary measure. He said the workers were later released by the court.
Margao man drowns at Varca beach HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
A 42-year old man from Margao reportedly got drowned at the Varca beach this evening. Police sources said the deceased along with his family had gone for a picnic at the Varca beach this morning. After lunch, the deceased is reported to have entered the waters and drowned. He was brought dead at the Hospicio hospital. The police are investigating.
needy Nuvem locals
Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco and Nuvem ZP member Wilfred D’Sa distributing paddy seeds to the farmers of Nuvem. Photo by Sidharth Mehta. HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
There’s good news in store for the constituents of Loutolim constituency. If local MLA and Power Minister, Aleixo Sequeira has promised to allot 400-odd housing plots at the Verna plateau to the deserving villagers by June this year, his challenger and Housing Minister, Mickky Pacheco – who has set his eyes firmly on Loutolim — has announced an ambitious housing scheme to meet the housing needs of the needy villagers of Nuvem. While distributing paddy seeds to the farmers of Nuvem on Friday along with Nuvem ZP member Wilfred D’Sa, Pacheco said he has plans to acquire land admeasuring six lakh square meters in Nuvem and make them into plots of 250-300 square meters and distribute to the needy villagers. “I understand the difficulties faced by the villagers of Nuvem on the housing front. I want to acquire land in the village and distribute them into plots for the needy”, he said. Hitting out at the big landlords for disposing off land to parties from Delhi and Mumbai, Pacheco said if the current trend continues, outsiders will outnumber the Nuvem villagers one day. “I want to acquire land and distribute the same to the villagers. This will also help to retain the land and utilized by the
locals instead of by outsiders”, he added. Earlier, Pacheco and Wilfred distributed 500 bags of paddy seeds for the farmers and have promised to provide fertilizers to ensure the seeds grow into plants. “Don’t hesitate to come to me for any help and assistance. I will continue my work in Nuvem”, he said, while profusely thanking Nuvem villagers for electing Wilfred with a comfortable margin in the ZP polls. Incidentally, both Pacheco and Wilfred had distributed around 400 bags of paddy seeds to the farmers of Verna. “During my visits to Nuvem, I have found many farmers still cultivating the fields, unlike many other villagers, where fields are kept fallow”, he said, while asking the people to protect their land and not to sell them to outsiders. Wilfred D’Sa later told newsmen that the objective behind distributing the paddy seeds is to promote farming in the village. “People showed their love for me by giving me a huge lead in the ZP polls. Now, it is my turn to shower my love for the villagers”, he said. He said the people have formed Nuvem Krishi Saunstha wherein machinery including tractors and power tillers will be made available to the farmers as part of efforts to promote agriculture in the village.
Quepem Coop Society in Panjim soon HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 14
The Quepem Urban Cooperative Credit Society will soon make its presence felt in the state capital, besides the towns of Vasco and Mapusa. This was disclosed by Society Chairman Prakash Velip at the inauguration of its 17th branch in the state here on Friday at the hands of Fatorda MLA Damu Naik. Saying that the Quepem Urban Cooperative Credit Society has grown over the years as evident by the number of branches opened across the State, Velip said the society will open branches in Panjim, Mapusa and Vasco in the near future as part of the expansion plans. “We have grown over the years, especially in the state countryside. The society has now two branches in Margao to cater to the growing requirements of the common man”, Velip said. Vice-Chairman Subhash Fal Desai said the credit society is being run by professionals from various backgrounds, which have lent strengthen to the organization. “There are professionals, teachers, chartered accountants, farmers on the board of directors”, Fal Desai said.
Vasco woman falls off scooter, dies VASCO, MAY 14 (HR) -- A 55-yearold woman from Merces-Vaddem, Vasco, died after she fell off from a scooter at Matve-Dabolim. According to Verna police,
Tara Bapu Sawant succumbed to injuries at GMC, Bambolim on Friday. Police informed that the incident occurred when Tara along with her husband were
proceeding on their scooter from Cortalim. Tara sustained head injuries, while he escaped unhurt. A accident case is booked.
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S H O RT TA K E S Annual day celebrations
Tourism season successful, say Patnem locals
Goa Suraj Party lauds Mapusa Merchant’s panel
upcOming EvEnTS
HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
we also engaged our own persons to clear the beach, thereby leaving no room to any tourists for any complaints,” said Dhuri. “Our most satisfaction came from the comments and expressions from visiting tourists themselves, who appreciated our beach (Patnem) for being the cleanest and safest for tourists to stay and enjoy,” Dhuri told scribes. “We have run our association with contributions from our own members. We are soon filing application for registering our association with the sole aim to keep the practice alive and serve visiting tourists better in the coming tourist seasons,” he said. “Including all the businessmen engaged in tourism trade, everyone is satisfied at the outcome of this year’s tourism season. Our utmost satisfaction came with appreciations pouring in from all the satisfied visitors to our beach at Patnem,” said Dhuri. Another person informed that the expenses which ranged below a lakh of rupees have been reportedly met from contributions from among the local and other tourism trade stakeholders.
The Goa Su-Raj Party congratulates and commends the Mapusa Merchant's Association for organizing a peaceful, committed and total bandh of the Mapusa Municipal Market as well as the entire Mapusa City on May 12. According to a press release issued here, the essence of such peaceful and self-imposed bandh sends a very clear and un-ambiguous message to the 'Powers that Be' that the common men are frustrated in its functioning. Any intelligent governance setup will carefully evaluate the 'loud and clear' message that the citizens of Mapusa have sent under the banner of Mapusa Merchant's Association, various other NGOs including the potent 'Mapusa Nagrikancho Ekvott' against implementing the notified 'Mapusa-ODP-2011' as well as the irresponsible functioning of the Mapusa Municipal Council. The press release further states that the publicly passed resolution on May 12 calls for the immediate scrapping of the Mapusa-ODP2011 which has been graphically exposed as the cunning engineering of vested interests and therefore completely and unacceptably faulty despite tremendous efforts by the Mapusa citizens to have it corrected and/or modified before its notification.
PANJIM(HND): Mixed Friends of Loutolim in association with Primary Health Centre will be organizing their annual blood donation camp on May 15 at Primary Health Centre, Loutolim, from 8:30 am to 12:30 noon.
HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 14
Asha Kamat, lights the traditional lamp at the inauguration of an exhibition to mark the annual day celebrations of Prerna School of Life Skills, Zuarinagar.
PANJIM(HND): The Children of Prerna School for Life Skills, Zuarinagar celebrated their Annual Day 2010 with an exhibition of their own handicrafts. There were beautiful table linen, stitch work, embroideries, personal articles, bags and toys made by the children. There was a show of performing arts with dances from Rabindra Sangeet and Regional Folk Songs. Asha Kamat, President Kalashree Mahila Mandal inaugurated the programme and gave away prizes to the deserving children and Sonali Datta, President of the Jaikisaan Ladies Club presided over the proceedings. Led by a dedicated group of ladies from the Jaikisaan Ladies Club (Ladies Club sponsored by Zuari Industries Limited) Prerna is dedicated to the financially challenged girl child. There are around 30 economically challenged girl children participants from Zuarinagar and voluntarily working 15 teachers. The children are imparted various skills for their future prospects. Prerna’s vision is to build a group of girl children - who would be proud to have been born a girl, who would contribute to society and be achievers in their respective fields of training, says a press release.
Hari is CII president
PANJIM (HND): Hari S Bhartia, co-Chairman and Managing Director of Jubilant Organosys Ltd has been elected as president of CII for the year 2010-11. A chemical engineering graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Bhartia has been conferred distinguished alumni award by Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in the year 2000. Recently, he was awarded the ‘BioSpectrum- Person of the Year’ 2009. B Muthuraman, vice-Chairman, Tata Steel, has been elected as the vice-president of CII. A BTech in Metallurgical Engineering from IIT Madras, he also holds MBA degree from XLRI Jamshedpur, and underwent an Advanced Management Programme from CeDEP/INSEAD.
Chowgule students to visit Stockholm
Residents as well as businessmen at Patnem beach claim to have had a successful tourism season this year, widely appreciated by the tourists themselves. “We have kept our beach clean and most importantly free from encumbrances by Lamanis, beggars and touts,” informed Om Dhuri, social worker, tourism stakeholder and president of Patnem Tourism Businessmen Association. Dhuri was speaking to a visiting group of scribes who were on a visit to Patnem beach. Responding to tourists frequent complaints of harassment by Lamanis, beggars and touts disturbing them and very often sneaking into their privacy, he said: “We chalked out a programme this year to stop this menace.” “A t t h e b e g i n n i n g , w e formed this association (which is as of now at registration stage), discussed the matter at length and decided to engage professional private security guards to keep-away troublemakers so that visitors to the beach are not disturbed,” he said. “We approached each and
Tally course at Bicholim
The Stockholm Upper Secondary Schools have continued their strong commitment to develop contacts between schools and the surrounding world. Sodra Latins Gymnasium, Stockholm, Sweden contacted Chowgule College, Margao, to create an exchange programme between the two institutions. The aim of this exchange programme is to understand democratic conditions prevailing in India as well as in Sweden and environmental issues. This will create opportunities for an exchange of cultural experiences between the two countries. In this the institutions can develop students’ activities through the establishment of new contacts.
Both faculty and students will be involved in a two week exchange programme. The first and second year social science students of Chowgule College and third year students from the social science programme at Sodra Latins Gymnasium, Stockholm will participate in this programme along with staff and students from Sodra Latins Gymnasium. The leader of the project is Principal Lennart Kagestam, Rector, Sodra Latin, Stockholm. A team from Chowgules headed by Principal R V Gaonkar, Aparajita Chatterjee Menon, Head of Sociology Department along with four students Anushree Lokhande, Delancey Dias, Michelle Alemao and Ricylia D’Costa will visit Sodra Latins Gymnasium, Stockholm, Sweden from May 16 to 29.
Farmers, locals engage in work to face monsoon
Pre-monsoon repair work in full swing in Nanora-Bicholim. Photo by Vishant Vaze HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MAY 14
With monsoon fast approaching, traditional farmers and locals from Bicholim taluka are engaged in different works to face monsoon. Locals and farmers are engaged in different traditional works like roof repair of houses
and cattle sheds, collecting firewood, storing necessary food stuff required during monsoon, etc. “In cities, such things have gone into oblivion. However for village people, all such things are important to safeguard his family during monsoon,” said a local.
Paddy field filled up at Cortalim
Narayan Zantye College, Bicholim, will conduct a tally course for the benefit of students from May 21. According to College Principal Arun Sakhardande, the course will be undertaken by computer experts, in which training on subjects like accounts vouchers, trial balance, financial accounting statements, reports, VAT, income tax and others will be imparted. Prof Sakhardande expressed confidence that the tally course will benefit the students, especially the Commerce students, to secure better jobs. He also informed that only those students passing Std XI in Commerce and Vocational streams will be given the admission for the course. For further details, interested students may contact on 2361377 or 2362769.
HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
every Lamani attempting to corner tourists on the beach. We first politely advised them against doing any acts which disturbs tourists and even advised them to open shops just like Kashmiris,” said Dhuri. “At large, our requests were heeded with caution, then private security personnel did the rest to keep away all intruders disturbing tourists,” he added. “Even though the municipal council was deputing its workers to clean the shore sands,
HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MAY 14
Computer course at Pilar
Faculty and students of Chowgule College, Margao, who will participate in the exchange programme at Sodra Latins Gymnasium, Stockholm, Sweden.
n We have run our association with contributions from our own members. We are soon filing application for registering our association with the sole aim to keep the practice alive and serve visiting tourists better in the coming tourist seasons.
Computer Hardware course for students of Std XIth and XIIth at Pilar College will commence from May 17. Duration of the course is one month. Contact on 9764246325 for further details.
Portion of the paddy field filled up by mud. HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, MAY 14
At a time when authorities are trying to enact tight laws to prevent filling up of paddy fields, another instance of brazen filling up of paddy fields has come to the fore along NH-17 at Pazentar-Cortalim. After visiting the site based on information, it was seen that a portion of the paddy field near
R K Marbles was found filled. Cortalim-Quelossim Sarpannh Caitano Xavier however in his customary style said he was unaware as to who was behind the mud dumping. “I visited the site after being informed of the matter but I do not know the person,” Xavier told Herald. Asked whether he had made any efforts to trace the culprit
Several Hindu marriages planned for next 15 days in State HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 14
Come May 15 and unusual rush of Hindu marriages is on the anvil in the next 15 days, as about 2,000 marriages of Hindu community are planned all over the State. According to sources, besides the several weddings planned in the remaining days of May, 2,000 Hindu marriages are also scheduled within a period of 15 days from May 15 to 31 all over the State. This has put additional burden on various infrastructural needs which are required in marriage celebrations, including unusual rush for Hindu priests. It is learnt that almost all the marriage halls from every nook and corner of the State are reportedly booked, some of which for two and three marriages on a single day. Others having no option are organizing marriage ceremonies in makeshift pandals, either on open grounds or house courtyards. When contacted, Shri Mallikarjun Temple Priest Sarvesh said it is largely attributed to the inauspicious days for wedding ceremonies for over a gap of over one month until May 14 and the impending monsoons starting with June. This year in accordance to Hindu calendar is similar to a leap year, having one additional month (adhik Mahina) in between Chaitra and Vaishaka (the first two months in a Hindu calendar year, April 14 to May 14), which comes after every three
years. During this period, there are no auspicious days for holding marriages. “Even though ‘Muhurth’ for marriages is available up to July 7, people are rushing to hold their marriage ceremonies before the onset of monsoons, resulting in the extraordinary rush,” explained Priest Sarvesh of Shri Mallikarjun Temple. The Hindu Priests too has an unusually busy schedule during the period, while caterers are reportedly overbooked in making catering arrangements for the marriage parties. In Canacona alone, sources informed that all the 20 marriage celebrating priests are over booked during the period with few priests taking up as many as three bookings on a single day. Caterers, especially specialized in Hindu marriages, are also having a tough time in meeting with marriage parties. Sources informed that some famed caterers are compelled to take orders for as many as 15-16 marriage parties.
It is extraordinary too for a number of families to attend marriages at different locations on a single day with many households deciding to distribute family members to attend various marriages in different directions. Sources close to Canacona MLA Vijay Poikhot informed that the local MLA has received invitations for as many as 18 marriages on a single day on May 16. Tailors too are unavailable, as if one approaches any tailor in Canacona taluka, gives you dates only after June 2. “We are not in a position to accept stitching orders for delivery before May 31, as we are already full with orders, which we are supposed to deliver on time to several marriages,” said Relish Tailors at Chaudi. In Canacona alone, all the known marriage halls are booked regularly on daily basis from May 15 to 31, virtually making many people to fall back on olden methods for celebrating marriages at residences itself.
Appointment of JRF HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Applications are invited on plain paper from eligible candidates for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) to work on the research project titled ‘grain quality evaluation, chalkiness formation and molecular genetic diversity studies of rice varieties of Goa’ sponsored by Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Saligao for a period of two years to carry out research under the guidance of Dr S Krishnan, Senior Lecturer, Department of Botany, Goa University. Applications should reach Department of Botany, Goa University on or before May 31, says a press release.
Photo by Alvaro Colaco
behind the mud dump, the sarpanch retorted saying that it was not possible to do so. Asked whether he had registered a police complaint since it was a cognizable offence, the sarpanch however admitted that he had not done so. It is reportedly learnt that a contractor who has also done land filling in his property nearby was responsible for filling up the land.
Ex-servicemen contact programme HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Ex-Servicemen contact programme will be conducted by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Panjim on May 23 at 10.30 am in front of State Bank of India, Canacona. The Secretary, Department of Sainik Welfare will brief ex-Servicemen and their widows on various schemes, welfare benefits and other concessions introduced and provided by the Department of Sainik Welfare as well as State/Central Government. He will meet the ex-Servicemen and widows of the ex-Servicemen in the area and listen to their grievances if any. He will also gather relevant input through this programme to formulate future proposal for the benefit of all ex-Servicemen. All the ex-Servicemen and widows of Canacona and surrounding areas are requested to attend the programme in large numbers, says a press release. Meanwile, Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal, New Delhi proposes to conduct a special drive for ex-servicemen to fill up 126 vacancies of Constable (GD) pertaining to Ex-servicemen quota. For maximum mobilization of Ex-servicemen, SSB propose to conduct the recruitment at 25th BN SSB Ghitorni, New Delhi from 21 June 2010 to 25 June 2010. For more details, the interested ex-Servicemen are requested to contact Secretary, Department of Sainik Welfare, Collectorate Building, Panjim.
Blood donation camp Seminar at Porvorim
PANJIM(HND): All Goa govt recognized unaided schools association will be conducting a seminar on ‘School Administration’ for the benefit of all the Unaided Schools, on May, 21 at Hotel Orion, Porvorim, from 9 am to 1 pm, concluding with lunch. The main purpose of this seminar is to guide the managements of all the unaided schools in streamlining the administration of the School, as per the Goa State education rules and regulations, and also to have interactive sessions on various issues like fee structure, salary scales for teachers and staff, implementation of provident fund and other social security measures for the welfare of the staff and also the provisions of Right to Education Act. The seminar will be inaugurated by Dr Celsa Pinto, Director of Education, and the concluding session will be graced by Gajanan P Bhat, Dy Director of Education (Acad), and Avinash Nasnodkar, Law Officer, from Education Department. This seminar is open to all the Heads of the Unaided Schools of Goa. For registration of the seminar, contact President, Deepak Khaitain on 9822132182 or Secretary, Vijay Shetti on 9823158535.
Bonsai, art expo in Mapusa
PANJIM(HND): Deep Service Station of Cuchelim in Mapusa will organize a Bonsai and Art exhibition at Turtle Art Alley in Duler, Mapusa on Saturday and Sunday. The exhibition will be inaugurated at the hands of Mapusa MLA Adv Francis D’Souza on May 15 between 4 pm and 9 pm and on May 16, between 9 am and 9 pm. Several bonsai sculptures and artistes from Goa will showcase their talents through the exhibition.
Literary work publication
CANACONA(HC): Anujit Prakashan will publish literary work of renowned journalist Ajit Poinginkar under the caption ‘Nishpana Vriksha’ (Leafless Tree) at Poinguinim on Saturday. Educationist Subhash Shirodkar will be the chief guest, while former head of Marathi Department, Goa University, Dr Somnath Komarpant will preside over the function, which also coincides with the silver jubilee wedding day of Ajit Poinginkar Ajit and Sukhada Painginkar. Director of Information Menino Peres, Rt Principal, Goa College of Music, Kamlakar Naik and Retd Headmaster F Y Prabhugaonkar will be the special invitees. Addressing a press conference, Anup and Ajinkya Ajit Painginkar informed that the function will be held at Forest Rest House, Poinguinim, and Antarnad, Margao, will present ‘Shabdasooranche Dene’, a musical programme on the occasion. Anup also informed that musician Kamlakar Naik, who is the recipient of State Cultural Award, and Sidhant Pagi, who designed the Nishpana Vriksha book cover page, will be felicitated on the occasion, along with about 65 artists from Poinguinim alone, who were assisted by Ajit Poinguinkar to enhance their God given talent. The function will be compered by Anant Agni, the well-acclaimed moderator, informed Ajinkya. Ajit Painginkar has over 35 years in journalism under his belt and is presently a prolific reporter with a Marathi daily ‘Tarun Bharat’.
CM to open Bhandare’s art expo at Loutolim HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will inaugurate the maiden art exhibition of senior citizen and a ‘natural painter’ Mohan Bhandare at Big Foot Art Gallery at Loutolim May 15 at 5.30 pm. PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao will grace the occasion as the guest of honour. Mohan Bhandare has painted in his entire lifetime but at a ripe age of 75 years is exhibiting his maiden exhibition aptly named ‘Samarpan – A tribute to nature’. Hitherto Bhandare would paint, sketch portraits to gift his family and friends till he eventually decided to exhibit this facet of his diverse personality. Bhandare who hails from
Cortalim derived inspiration from eminent artist Mr Dandavate whom he diligently watched and was subsequently encouraged by him to paint. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 16 – 19, between 9.30 am to 6 pm For Bhandare, art is a passion, perception and practice. At the age of 75, is his first, solo exhibition. 'Samarpan' - 'nature' our core of existence and its marvellous creation 'Woman'. He expresses the strength and power of women in her simple daily chores. He is an inspiration to all the growing budding artists and all of us in general that dedication, perseverance, will power is all that is needed and age is not a restriction to display your work, says a press release.
One of the art work of Mohan Bhandare.
POWER SHUTDOWN MAY 15 ASSOLDA: From 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. Areas affected are Amona, Avedem, Cottombi and Assolda. TALEIGAO: Between 9 am to 2:30 pm. Areas affected are Csailem Bhat, Part of Cardozwaddo and surrounding areas. CUNCOLIM: Between 8 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are Cuncolim Industrial Estate, Cuncolim Municipal Area, V P Sarzora, V P Dramapur and Sirlim, V P Chinchinim, V P Assolna and Ambelim, V P Balli, Velim, Betul-Naqueri, Morpilla, Barcem and Fatorpa. MAY 16 OLD GOA: Between 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Old Industrial Estate, New Industrial Estate, Bainguinim, St. Pedro, Dhauji, Kadamba Plateau, entire area of Old Goa, Carambolim, Corlim, Dhulapi, Gaudalim, Kumbarjua and St Estevam village.
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CM favours Parichaya Kendra to project Goa’s culture continue their work in future. The Chief Minister also presented the Goa State Cultural Award for the best institution to Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Margao for the year 2009-10. The recipients of the awards were Pt Kamalakar B Naik (music), Caridade F Fernandes alias Babush (music), Carlito Fernandes (music), Vasant Josalkar (drama), Sakharam V Mayenkar (drama), Vincent F Fernandes alias Star of Curtorim (Tiatr), Maria Platilda
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat with the recipients of State Cultural Awards at a function held at Kala Academy, on Friday. Also present are Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava, Director of Art and Culture Prasad Lolayekar and others.
personalities from Goa in recognition of their outstanding contribution in various art forms like music, drama/Tiatr, folk art, bhajan, kirtan, craft, literature and painting at a function held at Dinanath Mangueshkar Kala Mandir, Kala Academy in the city today. Kamat further said that artists should continue their work without anticipating anything in return. “The government always takes cognizance of the services rendered for
the betterment of the society in any field, be it cultural or others,” he said and exhorted artists to work selflessly and honestly as the government, through the Directorate of Art and Culture, is working to encourage budding artists by making available a cultural platform and other facilities. The Chief Minister who released a booklet on life and work of state cultural awardees on the occasion, also lauded the splendid work being done
by Konkani Bhasha Mandal for the benefit of younger generation. He also informed that the prestigious Gomant Vibhushan Award will be presented to eminent scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar on May 29, for his immense contribution in the field of science. Tomazinho Cardozo and Avdhut Kudtarkar who spoke on behalf of awardees thanked the government for honouring them. They said that this honour will always inspire them to
‘Places of worship should have own security to avoid desecration’
MPT union poll: 73% cast vote
HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has favoured establishing Goa Parichaya Kendra, on the lines of Maharashtra Parichaya Kendra, in other States. He said this is necessary to project the cultural tradition of Goa in other states of the country in the right perspective. Kamat was speaking after presenting the prestigious State Cultural awards for the year 2008-09 to 16 eminent
HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 14
Stating that police department is disturbed with the rise in cases of vandalism, desecration of idols, thefts in temples and churches in the State, SP (North Goa) Arvind Gawas said it is high time that security measures are adopted by temples, churches and mosques committees to avoid such incidences. He was addressing the representatives of temples, churches and mosques at the meeting convened by Mapusa police station in its premises. “Goa police department has only 4,000 staff and it is not possible to provide police protection to each and every place of worship in the State. The incidences of desecration of idols of gods and goddesses have taken place in the temples, which are located in remote areas,” said SP Gawas. “Since police could not get any clue, they could not arrest the culprits. Temples, churches and mosques, which are financially sound, should depute its own security personnel to safeguard its place of worship,” added SP Gawas. “However, those who cannot afford can select two or three
SP Arvind Gawas addresses representatives of temple, churches and Mosques at Mapusa police station. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker
young people from their villages and recommend them to the police department, which will select the best one, train him and pay honorarium, which will be decided by the government in consultation with the committees of temples, churches and mosques,” said SP Gawas. He further said police will undertake the responsibility to keep a vigil on security staff of the temples, churches and mosques to ensure that that they are doing their duties properly during night. SP Gawas said the temples should think of installing CCTV cameras in their temples as a precautionary measure so that in the event of any theft or des-
ecration of idols, it will be easy for the police to nab the culprits. “The temple committees should also think of constructing strong room in the temples, where gold ornaments and cash can be stored safely. Further, access to the temples should also be reduced to the extent possible,” said SP Gawas. The meeting was attended by 62 representatives of temples, churches and mosques from Bardez and Pernem talukas. DySP Sammy Tavares, Mapusa police PI Rajesh Kumar and Pernem PI Uttam Raut Dessai were present for the meeting.
Churchill’s birthday on Sunday guration of illumination of decor lights at Varca, Mobor and Rawanfond at Varca in Navelim constituency at 7.30 pm.
HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
PWD Minister Churchill Alemao will celebrate his birthday on May 16. He will be available at his Varca residence from 9 am to 1 pm. On the occasion, the supporters of his constituency have launched a series of programmes. This include laying of foundation stone for community hall at Cavelossim in Navelim constituency at 2 pm, inauguration of labour welfare board near Panchayat Ghar, Navelim at 2.30 pm, inauguration of tailoring classes at Cotto Moll, Aquem–Baixo in Navelim constituency at 2.45 pm, inauguration of 300 cum RCC overhead service reservoir in Carmona village in Navelim constituency at 3 pm, inauguration of tailoring classes at Gantamorod, Aquem-Baixo in Navelim constituency at 3.15 pm, laying of foundation stone for renovation work near Our Lady of Socorro Church, Carmona in Navelim constituency at 3.30 pm, inauguration of transformer center in Orlim village in Navelim constituency at 3.45 pm, inauguration of transformer center at Rawanfond, Aquem–Baixo in Navelim constituency at 4.30 pm, laying of foundation stone for 500mm dia and 400mm dia ductile iron pipeline from Gudi to Orlim for improvement of water supply system in Velim constituency and costal villages of Navelim constituency at 4 pm, inauguration of transformer center at MES, Dicarpali in Navelim constituency at 4.45 pm, inauguration of transformer center at Davorlim in Navelim constituency at 5 pm, laying of foundation stone for develop-
ment of football ground at Nagmodem, Navelim at 5.10 pm, laying of foundation stone for extension of Panchayat Ghar at Davorlim in Navelim constituency at 5.20 pm, laying of foundation stone for development of Coldem football ground in Navelim constituency at 5.30 pm, visit to Old Age Home at Perpetual Convent, Navelim by the PWD Minister at 5.45 pm, laying of foundation stone for development of nullah at Bobteawado, Dicarpali in Navelim constituency at 6 pm, laying of foundation stone for development of children park at Dicarpali in Navelim constituency at 6.15 pm, construction of compound wall, providing pavers and pre-cast benches in open space at Rudamol in Navelim constituency at 6.20 pm, laying of foundation stone for development of football ground at Davorlim in Navelim constituency at 6.30 pm, distribution of cheques to vegetables vendors. IYA cheques for house repairs and urea to farmers at Navelim office in Navelim at 7 pm, inauguration of floodlights for Varca sports ground at Varca in Navelim constituency at 7.15pm and inau-
HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 14
About 73 per cent of Mormugao Port Trust workers on Friday franchised their franchise to decide which union will take the cause of workers in an effective manner. Out of the 2,652 MPT workers from C and D grades, about 1,937 workers cast their votes for the first time in the form of secret ballot, after the Union Shipping ministry abolished the ‘Check-off System’. In all, seven booths were earmarked in the operational area of the port. The voting that started at 6 am, ended at 8 pm. The deputy labour commissioner from Mumbai along with his staff was the election observers.
Afonso e Dias (Tiatr), Pundalik N Naik (literature), Tomazinho Cardozo (literature), Audhoot Y Kudtarkar (literature), Meena Kakodkar (literature), Ganapatibuva L Dandekar (kirtan), Dhondu B Naik (bhajan), Dr Pandurang R Phaldesai (folk art), Digambar A Kuncolienkar (craft/sculpture) and Francisco Martins (craft). The State Cultural Awards consist of cash of Rs 20,000, a certificate, a Nataraj replica for individuals and Rs 1 lakh, a cer-
tificate and Nataraj replica for institution. Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar also spoke on the occasion. Earlier Director of Art and Culture Prasad Lolayenkar welcomed. Asstt Director Ashok Parab proposed the vote of thanks.
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O HERALD O
Goa’s Lack of Vision
Vol No CX No: 126 Goa, Saturday 15 May, 2010
Mining madness
T
he hidden hand of the international market is making its impact felt deep in the interiors of Goa. With amazing regularity, accidents and deaths are being reported from the mining belt. With every upward revision in the price and demand for ore, there is a further mad rush in interior Goa. Companies involved in mining are happy with the situation, and so are the locals who get transport contracts, or jobs. But the security and safety of the local communities cannot be taken for granted, regardless for how good the money might be for those in this business. Media reports from the area have already blamed the police for turning a blind eye to the situation. Our politicians have more than let down the citizen. Even if it is hardly a secret that quite a few politicians have open — or not-so-open — stakes in the mining industry, including some as transport contractors, the class of elected politicians can hardly absolve themselves of their responsibility here. Goa has seen more than an ore rush in recent years. GMOEA, the ore exporters’ body, points out that just approx 40,000 tonnes or ore were exported via Mormugao port in the 1940s. This touched 45.93 million tonnes in 2008-09, both ore of Goan and beyond-Goa origin. In the early 1960s, ore exports earned exporters around Rs 18.31 crore. Nearly five decades later, it earned its exporters — all in private hands — Rs 7400 crore, again to cite GMOEA figures. Exporters have to spend more to build safety mechanisms in place. In the rush to make the fast buck, basic safety cannot be overlooked. There are much more critical voices highlighting the impact of mining now, than anytime in the past. Mineowners should see the writing on the wall, not attempt to merely blame “illegal” mining, and those contracted by them to carry the ore. Citizens have become sharper in highlighting the price they pay for living around the ore-rich soil that Chinese and global economic growth is hungry for. For a change, fewer newspapers now are directly linked to the mining industry — the impact of which Herald has been long willing to focus on. At the same time, citizens are using new technologies, including GoogleMaps, to build awareness over the situation. For the officials to take on an ostrich-like attitude is an exercise in self-delusion.
Slow on education
P
ondicherry (or, the Union Territory of Puducherry/Territoire de Pondichér) is comparable to Goa, specially in scale. Like Goa too, it has a different colonial history from the British link most of India shares. Pondicherry is itself fast becoming an educational hub of southern India. It now has one central university, eight medical colleges, ten engineering colleges, three dental colleges, two law colleges, one veterinary college, one agricultural college, ten arts and science colleges, and five polytechnics. Other medical and engineering colleges, including one national institute of technology and a state-owned university, are believed to be in the queue! For the record, Pondicherry has a total are of just 492 km2 (190 sq mi) — spread out over Pondicherry itself, Karaikal, Mahéand Yana — and around a million inhabitants. If so few can sustain so many educational initiatives, then Goa indeeds has to think hard, and think fast. But, while Pondicherry is seeing fast growth on this front, Goa is very reticent about encouraging a growth in its educational facilities. We shoot ourselves in the foot with arguments like “where will our youth get jobs” if we educated them well. This is a bizarre approach. Jobs, self-employment and creative endeavours will come only after our young people access good education. Even centres like Mangalore are finding it apt to lure students from Goa for courses offering degrees ranging from physiotherapy, to audiology and nursing. Surely, Goa needs to learn from South India and build more institutions of its own. Even with limited students of our own, building educational capacity does make sense. Goa could be an educational hub. Certainly, Goa can do it. But only if there is the vision.
Fight corruption Socorro D’Souza, Fatorda India continues to struggle with huge social, political, economic and environmental problems aggravated by corruption as well as communal, caste and regional tensions. India’s political system is characterized by deep-rooted patronage systems and by a bureaucracy with an interest in maintaining discretionary policies. Corruption is spreading in all sectors of Goan society and is entrenched at every level of public administration. The country has established a series of constitutional, legal and institutional provisions aimed at combating corruption. However, while there is no shortage of anti-corruption bodies and legislation, that government initiative to curb corruption at the institutional level faces an enormous implementation gap when it comes to their practical effects. Moreover the lack of political will to enforce and implement
100 Years Ago PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS
15 May, 1910 • The request made by the Bishop of Lahore to the English Governor had a decent hearing, as the English Government sanctioned the establishment of a cemetery exclusive for the Catholics. • The annual fair which took place at Ribandar on the occasion of the Feast of the Patron Saint of the Parish Was well-attended. • The works of monument to honor Vasco de Gama are found in advanced stages of construction at the City • The exact date of commencement of Monsoons over Ceylon, is not reported. • From Tangiers, the Daily Mail reports that France and Spain have signed an accord relative to the actions of both in the Moroccan Empire.
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Goa lacks clear vision of what it wants to be, asserts AVERTHANUS L. D’SOUZA
f there is one thing that can be accurately said about the State, it is that Goa lacks clear vision of what it wants to be in the year 2050. Lack of vision, meaning the lack of a ‘common’ or unanimous vision of all Goans. There is no lack of fragmented (and limited) vision expressed many times by many prominent public figures, especially politicians. One can make a very long list of these ambitions. Not so long ago, the Directorate of Film Festivals, Government of India, pressurized the then Government of Goa to host the International Film Festival of India, which had till then been hosted by various States. Since the organization of any international film festival is an expensive affair and needs very elaborate organizational infrastructure, the Directorate of Film Festivals attempted to palm this onto the shoulders of the Goa Government. Many inducements were offered like carrots on a stick to a donkey; our politicians, like the donkeys that they are, readily took the bait. The Goa Government agreed to not only host that particular International Film Festival, but also that Goa become the permanent venue of future Film Festivals. Although there was no infrastructure available to host such a large event, the politicians conned the citizens into believing that Goa was quite capable of hosting such international festivals. They did not explain the requirements and how they would be acquired in a short period of time. They simply obfuscated the problem by painting glorious (and unattainable) pictures for us. They spoke glowingly of making Goa the international centre for all film festivals on par with, and even surpassing such venues, as Cannes, Berlin, London, Sydney and Hollywood. Like their usual promises, they exaggerated their ability to provide adequate cinema halls, hotels, entertainment facilities, parking spaces and all the usual facilities that normally accompany international film festivals. Destruction of heritage buildings was undertaken with a vengeance in order to make room for the construction of ‘modern’ high technology cinema halls. No plans were presented to Goans. In fact, no plans were even made, except the private plans of the then Chief Minister and a few members of his inner circle, who saw in this event, a gratuitous opportunity to fill the coffers of their party. Like Marie Antoinette who offered the citizens of France cakes when they had no bread to eat, our wily politicians offered the citizens of Goa plenty of jobs and lots of money which would
Moral Considerations be generated by the emergence of a magnificent “Film City” in Goa and a glorious film industry which would accompany this new endeavour. All Goan youth would be able to aspire to become actors, script writers, producers, directors and lackeys of the movie moghuls. This was a dream more attractive than Hollywood or Bollywood could ever offer. Not only was Goa destined to become a land flowing with milk and honey, but its streets would soon be paved with gold. Then came the other glorious promise of making Goa into the cricket capital of the world- to outshine London, Australia, South Africa, the West Indies, Sri Lanka and all the other centres of cricket in the world. There was a sudden rush to construct cricket stadiums all over Goa – in Panjim, Tivim, Fatorda, Taleigao, St. Cruz, Monte de Guirim and wherever land could be found. There was no dearth of enthusiastic politicians who saw this as an opportunity to solve the unemployment problem in Goa. Concurrently with the cricket wave came the tidal wave to make Goa into the football capital of the world. Goa’s football teams had already acquired a national reputation for excellence and our politicians swore
Tongue in cheek
Will Kasab Hang On?
T
here has been lot of euphoria around the decision of the special court which has awarded the death penalty to Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab for his involvement in the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai. But the question to be asked is whether Kasab will be hanged in the near future. Or will Kasab hang on to life for the rest of his life. According to the norms, the death sentence will undergo judicial scrutiny by the High Court. This means that that Kasab need not even appeal in a higher court against the judgement. The Sessions Court will ask the High Court to look into the judgement. This could probably take several months. Kasab then has the option to appeal in the Apex Court. All this could take many more months. Finally Kasab can then wait for the President’s decision on a mercy plea. All this can take decades as there are reportedly 52 people still waiting for presidential assent. Before arriving at a decision, the President has to put it before the council of ministers. It is here that politics takes over, and the pulls and pushes of the various political parties could mean that the final decision could take decades. Several appeals have been
anti-corruption measures is the main explanation for the lack of genuine progress in the fight against corruption. Politicians are in fact the most visible perpetrators. The fight against corruption has to be a priority. Goa has not witnessed any sporadic crackdowns on corrupt officials or politicians.
to provide them with all the facilities to convert them into international players who would be able to compete in international games. The rush to find land to create football grounds grew into a frenzy. Some sports enthusiasts began a public debate on whether a cricket stadium could not also be used as a football stadium. The debate petered out without any definite conclusions. Next came the attempt to make Goa into the economic capital of India by creating SEZ (Special Economic Zones) to enable industries to set up manufacturing plants in secluded zones which would be immune from any interference from the Government of Goa. According to the concept of the SEZ, the entire functioning of the industry, including law and order and imports and exports would fall outside the purview of the government. In effect, these Special Economic Zones would become independent entities not answerable to the local Government. The proposal was embraced by the Minister for Industries without studying the long-term implications of opening Goa to these SEZs. Fortunately the citizens were more diligent and foiled the attempts of some politicians to promote SEZs in Goa. The lesson
made to make the Kasab case an exception so that after the case was put on a fast track now it would be in the fitness of things to put the capital punishment on a fast track too. Simply because prolonging indefinitely the execution of death penalty of Ajmal Kasab will be a rude blow to the near and dear ones of the victims of the Mumbai terror attack who will be looking forward to get it over with so that the souls of those who died in the attack will rest in peace. Keeping Kasab alive will also cost the Government crores of rupees. Imagine a terrorist killing scores of people and the Government then uses the tax-payers money for his security. That’s the way it is. Kasab is no ordinary prisoner and has to get all the necessary security till he is hanged to death. Be that as it may, it must be said that after the court passed the judgement of death penalty on Kasab, there was lot of jubilation among the people. Fire-crackers were burnt and sweets were distributed. The question to be asked is whether it is right to rejoice over the imminent death of another person? It is true that what Ajmal Kasab has done was unpardonable and he got the right punish-
Letter of the Day
Golf course jobs an eyewash
Julius Carvalho, Dubai-UAE
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
The report “Delhi Party eyeing Talpona for Golf Course” seems like certain rich class of people across our country are considering Canacona and Goa as their colony. It is very frightening that a once lovely, peaceful and environment friendly Canacona taluka is very rapidly turning into a place for rich and stupid migrant class of people from across the country. The local politicians are not bothered about this alarming situation where migrants are outnumbering local inhabitants.The majority of land across Canacona are bought over by people from Delhi, Karnataka and Kerala through illegal methods and with active support of power sharing local politicians and corrupt bureaucrats .Will people of Kerala, Karnataka and Delhi allow Goans to buy huge tracks of land in their States? Canconkars are already facing huge problem due to scarcity of water and erratic power supply so can the Delhi party or that matter the panch from Poiguinim panchayat answer us from where they will get water and power to run the huge golf course? Secondly giving employment for locals is just a eyewash .We have a star hotel in Canacona can anyone tell how many locals are employed and how dificult it is becoming for those willing to work in that hotel to get employment? Canconkars don’t trust your politicians but wake up and come together, take support of NGOs and fight against the likely ill effects of this huge plan for a golf course by Delhi party as well against diverting huge tracks of taluka land to land sharks from outside .
Premium water? Jonas Correia , Aldona In Goa we had never heard of packaged water until the tourist started arriving.So whenever you go to any hotel or restaurant, after taking the order the steward asks whether you want normal or bottled water. Whether the water is really pure and hygienic cannot be said because there is no health agency certifying the product.So we have to believe whatever is printed on the label. Recently at a Restaurant in Baga, the steward asked me whether I want normal, bottled or PREMIUM water. When I asked what is premium water, he had no answer except that it cost Rs. 2 more than other bottled water. Later I checked with an official from the Civil Supplies Department , who said that there is nothing special in that water except the extra premium of Rs 2 which people pay foolishly per bottle and the company takes everyone for a ride.
By Adelmo Fernandes
ment. But was it right for the people to celebrate? This (the celebrations) only goes to show how sadistic we humans can be. The death of another person can never be a time to rejoice, however evil he may be. A death penalty is after all, a medieval practice and has been banned by several countries. This is so because no human being has the right to take the life of another person even if the person has committed a murder. In India too, there have been only a handful of convicts who had to face the gallows. To think of it, in the case of Ajmal Kasab a life behind bars for the rest of his life would have been a worse punishment than a death penalty. One should not forget that Kasab, like all other terrorists, has been brainwashed to believe that if he dies killing other people, he will go to heaven. By hanging Ajmal Kasab we could only be making him a martyr among the terrorists. Given a choice, probably even Ajmal Kasab would have preferred to be martyred than to spend his life behind bars.
Letters to the Editor
Forego games In a study made on the financial and social cost of the Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi this year it is seen that the official cost estimates have gone up by a whooping 525% since the city won the bid. It is understood that unofficial assessments put the escalation at a massive 1575% which reportedly is more than 15 times the original estimates. The report was prepared by the Indian chapter of Housing and Land Rights Network, an arm of Habitat International Coalition. The question to be asked is whether a country where millions go to bed on an empty stomach can afford such extravagant spending on the games. Of course hosting the Commonwealth Games is a prestigious matter but given the fact that the citizens of the country have to cope with the rising price of essential commodities, wouldn’t it have been in the fitness of things for the country to forego the games altogether? Undoubtedly the security aspect at the games will be a major issue confronting the organizers. And, God forbid if there is a terror attack during the games, it will show the country in poor light and future International events may be in jeopardy. In this respect it must be said that countries like Canada, USA, Britain, etc. have issued travel advisory for their citizens specially with respect of the forthcoming Commonwealth games. Another aspect is whether the game city will be ready in time for the games in all respect, specially the infrastructure. In the recent past several questions have been raised about the readiness of Delhi to host the games. Of course the chief Minister Sheila Dixit of Delhi has allayed all fears about the non preparation of the city for the games by confirming that the deadline will be achieved. It remains to be seen whether the ground reality is the same.
from this struggle of citizens against the decisions of the Government, however, is very clear. The Government does not always makes decisions which are in the larger interest of the citizens. There were those who wanted to make Goa into the Information Technology Capital of India. Our politicians were suddenly obsessed with creating an IT hub in Goa to compete with Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune and other cities in India. Some politicians saw this as an opportunity to grab as much land as they could in the name of creating IT Parks, IT cities, International Convention Centres and whatever. Like all the other will-o-the-wisps the IT fever abated without a whimper or without even a sigh for its demise. Of course the politicians successfully capitalized on the enthusiasm, and are now waiting for the next opportunity to make more money. The Knowledge Commission which was set up by the Government with so much fanfare has faded into oblivion. Do the citizens of Goa have a right to demand a report from the Chief Minister of the work done by the Knowledge Commission? What actions have the government taken on its recommendations – if any? Why is it that our ‘honourable’ Members of the Legislative Assembly have not demanded a detailed report from the Government? Then, of course, there were those who wanted to make Goa the destiny for international tourism, to outclass places like Nepal, Rajasthan and Kerala. Nay, they even claimed that Goa could compete with Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, the Côte d’Azur, Macau, Las Vegas and other destinations. They managed to invite big time gamblers in spite of the law which forbids gambling in Goa, and they have clogged the waterways of the Mandovi with the horribly unattractive ‘off-shore’ casinos which are proving to be more and more of a blight on the beautiful visage of the river front and the surrounding hillscapes. The problem with our Government and our planners is that they do not have a common vision for Goa. Rather we are inflicted with a multiplicity of limited and confused visions, depending on the whims and fancies of those politicians who want to impose their visions on the people. This is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. The solution now lies in the hands of the citizens, who need to formulate a common vision for Goa and demand that the politicians work towards realizing this common vision rather than trying to impose their limited, twisted and disjointed vision on this beautiful piece of paradise.
The government should immediately check into the matter and stop this malpractice or else ban the sale of such products.
Celibacy issue Bernard Simoes, Dona Paula I write this letter in response to the letter, ‘Rethink on Celibacy’ by Michael Vaz. He writes that it is time for the Catholic Church to rethink its ‘celibacy code’. I have a few questions for the author. Does the author know that the priests involved in all of the abuse cases account for less than four per cent of the total number of Catholic priests in the world? Does he know that 93 per cent of these abuse cases involve priests with homosexual tendencies? Will the author kindly explain how marriage will solve this problem? Does the author know that in churches where priests are allowed to marry there is an even higher percentage of abuse?
I request the author to get his facts straight before offering such ridiculous suggestions.
Paths of Wisdom
Soccer kings Venan B.Dias, Santo Estevam Dempo Sports Club Goa has once again proven to its critics that its Goans and only Goans who rule the country in this magnificent game of soccer. Many a times whenever a Kolkata team use to win, television channels use to make it big by time and again flashing the news . But lately since the Goan clubs are making it big, no TV channels are interested in flashing the news.Also Dempo is the only Goan Club which encourages local talent compared to other Goan clubs. In fact the credit of elevating Dempo to this level should entirely go to Armando Colaco. He is cool, calculative and delivers with precision I would also recommend his name to coach our national team After conquering the I-League Dempo should now focus on the AFC cup with Armando I would also suggest other top Goan clubs to encourage local talent and make Goa the powerhouse of Indian soccer.
All are Indians Raju Vernekar, Mumbai This has reference to your editorial “Sena, Vendors and Mapusa” (May 13, 2010). You have rightly said that by divisive attitude nothing would be achieved. If the vendors from outside Mapusa are offering goods and services at cheaper rate, obviously they will attract more customers compared to local traders who are said to be charging higher prices and are also rude in their behavior with customers. There will be always inter-State migrations not only in India but anywhere in the world. One wonders what would have been the fate of building construction activity in the country if the skilled workers at cheaper rates from southern states like AP and Karnataka were not available. While there should be no discrimination against outsiders, care has to be taken to ensure that the outsiders do not create their own “slum-type settlements” and change the topography of the area as is seen in Mumbai. Finally all are Indians.
Things that make us unclean
(Mark 7; 14-23)
14 Then Jesus called the crowd to him once more and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand. 15 There is nothing that goes into a person from the outside which can make him ritually unclean. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that makes him unclean.” 17 When he left the crowd and went into the house, his disciples asked him to explain this saying. 18 “You are no more intelligent than the others,” Jesus said to them. “Don’t you understand? Nothing that goes into a person from the outside can really make him unclean, 19 because it does not go into his heart but into his stomach and then goes on out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared that all foods are fit to be eaten.) 20 And he went on to say, “it is what comes out of a person that makes him unclean. 21 For from the inside, from a person’s heart, come the evil ideas which lead him to do immoral things, to rob, kill, 22 commit adultery, be greedy, and do all sorts of evil things; deceit, indecency, jealousy, slander, pride and folly – 23 all these evil things come from inside a person and make him unclean.
Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83. HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald & Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com — For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com — For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Herald represent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.
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Ban on LTTE extended by another two years DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, MAY 14
Government today extended the ban on LTTE by another two years following intelligence reports that remnants of the Sri Lankan Tamil terror outfit were trying to re-group in Tamil Nadu. According to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, even though LTTE has been "decimated in Sri Lanka, recent reports reveal that remnant LTTE cadres and leaders are regrouping in Tamil Nadu". The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has been banned since 1992 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The outfit which was espous-
Kudos to Jairam for ban on peacock feathers DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, MAY 14
The Federation of Animal Protection Organisations on Friday wrote to Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh, expressing thrill at the move initiated by him to bring to an end the trade of peacock feathers to protect the national bird from poaching. "We are unanimously thrilled by the positive action in process now to finally bring to an end the trade of peacock feathers," the federation wrote in response to a notification on the Environment Ministry's website inviting suggestions on banning sale, transfer and trade of peacock feathers by amending the Wildlife Protection Act. It has been a very long and painful wait for such a measure
ing the cause of a separate Tamil Eelam was vanquished by the Sri Lankan military in May last year. The notification said the possibility of its remnant cadres using India and especially Tamil Nadu as a rear base for their regrouping activities cannot be ruled out. It also said the possibility of their entering in the guise of Tamil refugees also cannot be ruled out. Sources said LTTE sympathisers were posing a security threat by continuing to spread antiIndia propaganda on the Internet accusing the Indian leadership and its officialdom
Judicial remand of MHA official in jackets scam extended DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, MAY 14
A Delhi Court today extended by 14 days the judicial custody of a senior Home Ministry official and two other accused in a scam involving purchase of bullet-proof jackets for Central paramilitary forces. Additional Sessions Judge O P Saini sent them to Tihar jail till May 28 when they were produced before the court after expiry of their judicial custody. Radhey Shyam Sharma, an Indian Railway and Engineering Officer of 1984 batch, is accused of accepting Rs 10 lakh as bribe in the purchase of bullet-proof jackets for Central paramilitary forces.
Uranium mining stopped despite dire need for N-plants DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, MAY 14
Despite dire need of indigenous nuclear fuel for which India is totally dependent on foreign suppliers, the Environment and Forest Ministry on Friday announced rejection of a proposal for uranimum mining in the Balphakram national park near the Garo Hills in Meghalaya citing sentiments of local people and representations from local civil society groups. The Standing Committee of the National Board on Wildlife, chaired by Minister Jairam Ramesh, took the drastic decision of shelving a proposal of the Department of Atomic Energy for exploratory drilling for uranium in the Rongcheng Plateau in the reserved park. Jairam Ramesh admitted that the country urgently needs to augment domestic uranium supplies but he chose to go by the standing committee's decision. In a related development, the committee also asked the state government to immediately ban all mining and road construction activities within the national park and strictly regulate all coal mines in the Garo Hills and other parts of Meghalaya. Ramesh said the decision was based on a report prepared by Dr. Asad Rahmani of the Bombay Natural History Society, a member of the standing committee, on illegal private coal mines around the Balphakram National
of being responsible for their defeat. They said activities of certain remnant cadres have been noticed in Tamil Nadu and a extension of ban on LTTE was required. As per the procedure, the notification will now reach a Tribunal, which has to ratify it. The group-led by V Prabhakaran had been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by several countries including the United States. The LTTE was involved in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 following which it was banned in India in 1992.
Park. He said the state government has been also asked to draw up proper mining plans that ensure greatest benefit to the local people. Dr. Rahmani’s report is available on www.moef.nic.in. The report refers to rampant illegal coal mining without any permission and points out how untrained workers dig up ratholes on private lands, with or without consent of owner or community, up to 60 to 100 metres deep and extract coal manually, bringing it to surface as headload. Even children are used as labourers. Dr Rahmani pointed out that many coal heaps were within five metres of streams, polluting the water source, or in the rice fields. The illegally extracted coal is taken to Bangladesh border in trucks, mostly having no number plates, thus creating a real atmosphere of wild frontier where no law applies. He was shocked to learn that the illegally extracted coal is exported "legally" to Bangladesh through the border outpost at Gasaupara. He regretted that those felling trees illegally and trading or using the timber products are prosecuted but this simple rule does not apply in case of the coal mined in Garo Hills as once it is extracted out, it becomes legal and can be exported outside the country through the government channels!
Sharma, along with R K Gupta and his wife Laveena Gupta, both directors of a Delhi-based company involved in production of defence equipment, were booked under various penal provisions dealing with giving and accepting bribe and conspiracy. Sharma has also been charged with misconduct on the part of a public servant. The court on May 4 had dismissed the bail application of Laveena, the sole woman accused in the case, saying the investigation was still at the initial stage. CBI had alleged Laveena, along with her husband R K Gupta, gave Rs 10 lakh as bribe to seek favours from Sharma.
PM's dual stand on corruption DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, MAY 14
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has set up a 3-member panel of experts to suggest measures to expedit process of disciplinary and vigilance proceedings against the corrupt officials, but on the other hand he is himself dragging feet in filling up two vacancies in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) since last year. The panel, which has been given 2-month time frame to give its report, have former Chief Vigilance Commissioner P Shankar and former Personnel Secretaries P C Hota and Arvind Verma as its members. Sources in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the panel was felt necessary as the UPA-II government wants to ensure that the vigilance cases are disposed off quickly but the fact is that the CVC is handicapped to expedite cases before it because of vacancies of the two vigilance commissioners. The CVC is currently having just one Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradyut Sinha, a 1969 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, who himself set up a 9-member advisory council only last month to help him in coping with the burden that otherwise was shared by two other vigilance commissioners. P Shankar happens to be a common name on both the panel and the advisory council. Other council members include decorated former Mumbai Police Commissioner F Ribeiro, Infosys chief N R Naryanaswamy and Business Standard editor Sanjaya Baru.
'Poor' students may get education loan at 4 per cent interest PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 14
Government is planning to provide education loans at four per cent interest rate to help students from weaker sections of society to pursue higher studies. Discussions are on between the HRD Ministry and the Planning Commission on this innovative concept, which is seen as a significant initiative of the UPA government. "It (education loan at four per cent proposal) is at a preliminary stage. We have discussed this idea with the Planning Commission and it is supportive," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal told PTI. This loan will be provided by banks while a proposed funding corporation for higher education will re-finance the banks to help them compensate the loss. The mandate and functioning of the proposed National Higher Education Finance Corporation (NHEFC) are now being worked out.
"I hope it will be crystallised soon," Sibal said. The detailed modalities are being worked out for the scheme, including the weaker section criteria. The scheme will have another component of providing loans to students at the rate of seven per cent, subject to a ceiling. There will a cap on loan amount in this category. There may another provision of extending loans at nine per cent without a cap on the amount. According to sources, the NHEFC, which will also provide low-interest loans to higher educational institutions for capacity building through commercial banks. The HRD Ministry has already prepared a concept note on creation of NHEFC. As per the HRD Ministry's plan, the proposed NHEFC will be an institutional mechanism to address the in-
vestment needs in higher education sector. The proposed corporation will nurture philanthropic tradition in education by providing loans at concessional rates on interest to such agencies for establishment of higher and vocational institutions in educationally backward areas. It will be a NABARD like institution in higher education and will raise debt by issue or sale of bonds for augmenting resource from the market and will finance creation of universities.The proposed scheme will be in addition to the existing interest subsidy on educational loan scheme. Under the existing scheme, students, whose family income is less than Rs 4.5 lakh per annum, are able to get loans at a concessional rate. Normally the education loan is about one per cent less than the Prime Lending Rate (PLR) of the banks.
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China jails cops for dam collapse role REUTERS BEIJING, MAY 14
A Chinese court sentenced two policemen to up to five years in jail for taking bribes from the owner of an iron mine where an accident killed 277 people, Xinhua news agency said. A mine dam collapse trig-
gered a landslide of sludge that buried a village in Xiangfen county, Shanxi province, on September 8, 2008. Former county police head Han Chunxi, 39, was sentenced to five years in prison for taking 40,000 yuan in bribes from the mine owner.
Libya, Thailand elected to UN Human Rights Council REUTERS UNITED NATIONS, MAY 14
L i b y a a n d T h a i l a n d w e re among 14 countries elected as new members of the UN's top human rights body in a vote that rights advocates criticized as uncompetitive and “pre-cooked.” Angola, Mauritania, Uganda, the Maldives, Malaysia, Qatar, Moldova, Poland, Ecuador, Guatemala, Spain and Switzerland were also elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms on the 47-nation Human Rights Council yesterday, which is based in Geneva. Both Libya and Thailand have been criticized by rights groups for their human rights records. “The council elections have become a pre-cooked process that strips the meaning from the membership standards established by the General Assembly,'' said Peggy Hicks, global advocacy director at US-based Human Rights Watch. “States serious about the role the council can play in promoting human rights should push
for competitive slates in all regions, and should be willing to compete for a seat themselves,” she said. Of the 14 states elected to the council, Libya received the fewest votes from members of the 192-nation General Assembly --155 -- but well over the 50 per cent threshold needed to secure a seat. Without naming any specific countries, US ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice made it clear she was not happy with some of Washington's new fellow council members. “It's fair to say that this year, there is a small number of countries whose human rights records is problematic that are likely to be elected and we regret that,” she said. Last year the United States successfully campaigned for a seat on the council, which conducts periodic reviews of member states' compliance with international laws but is criticized for being anti-Israeli and soft on authoritarian governments. When Washington decided
NRI jailed for abusing mentally-challenged girl PTI CHICAGO, MAY 14
An Indian-origin man was today sentenced to four years in prison here after he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a mentally challenged girl last year. Shreya Lal, 21, of Lombard near here has also been ordered to register as a "lifetime convicted sex offender" upon his release from prison. He was charged with sexually abusing a 20-year-old girl, who has the mental capacity of a 5year-old, in June last year. Lal's attorney John Donahue told DuPage County Judge Daniel Guerin that Lal was mentally ill and health experts have determined he suffers from "cognitive reasoning dysfunction". Under the plea agreement that Lal has entered into for pleading guilty, he would receive treatment at a correctional centre for neurological, developmental and cognitive problems that stretch back to infancy. He must serve 85 per cent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. According to the complaint against him, Lal sexually assaulted his victim on June 15, 2009 at his residence after convincing her to come home.
He took his victim's cell phone from her and threatened her with physical harm if she reported the incident to the police. Lal has remained in custody since his arrest in June last year. Lal's victim lives with her mother, who had obtained a 2009 protective order on behalf of her daughter against Lal. Despite the protective order, Lal admitted sexually assaulting the young woman, whom he had met on social networking site Facebook. He said she was his girlfriend. He also admitted that he knew she was mentally disabled and did not having any understanding or ability to give consent to sex. The identity of the girl has not been released. Lal has a history of indecent public behaviour. In 2008, Lal was placed under court supervision after he was convicted of public indecency while exposing himself. He also was investigated, but not charged, with offering to pay another mentally challenged girl USD 5,000 to perform a sex act in October 2008. Born in India, Lal came to the US in 1999 and is now an American citizen.
to join, Rice and US President Barack Obama said it would be better to try to change the body from within. Rice said Washington was still working to achieve that goal. “It will take time, no doubt, for our efforts and those of others to bear fruit and it’s not a task that the United States can accomplish on its own,” she told reporters. “But we remain committed to strengthening and reforming this council.” Iran also had been running for a seat on the council, but it withdrew its candidacy last month in exchange for a seat on the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Western diplomats in New York said Iran pulled out of what had been a competitive slate for the Asia group's four open slots when it became clear it would lose. Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told reporters in New York last week that the withdrawal was a “procedural” matter and the Islamic Republic was pleased to serve on the UN women's commission.
A disabled man tries to cross the street as a school boy takes shelter from rain in Colombo, on Friday.
52 suspects arrested in Pakistan PTI PESHAWAR, MAY 14
Pakistani security forces today arrested 52 suspects, including a wanted terrorist, during search operations in the restive tribal belt and adjoining areas, officials said. Hazrat Noor, a terrorist wanted by the authorities, was
Pak Supreme Court summons law minister PTI ISLAMABAD, MAY 14
Pakistan's Supreme Court today summoned Law Minister Babar Awan to explain why the government had not fully implemented its verdict annulling a graft amnesty that benefited President Asif Ali Zardari and thousands of others. A five-judge bench summoned Awan to appear before it on May 25 after Law Secretary Aqil Mirza, who recently resigned, sent a letter to the court saying he could not appear before it as he was very unwell. The apex court had summoned the Law Secretary and Attorney General Anwar-ul-Haq to appear before it today to explain why the government had not contacted authorities in Switzerland to reopen graft cases against Zardari. Attorney General Haq informed the bench about the Law Secretary's letter. In the letter, Mirza said he was very unwell and gave a detailed account of his illness. He also said he had resigned and had nothing to do with the case being heard by the court. The bench observed that no one was taking responsibility for the
failure to implement its verdict on the National Reconciliation Ordinance, a graft amnesty issued by former military ruler Pervez Musharrraf in 2007 that benefited over 8,000 people, including Zardari and several close aides. The bench also said that the court's ruling was being passed from door to door. The judges said they had tried their best to find out how the verdict was being implemented and it was now necessary to summon the Law Minister to explain the government's position and to tell the bench why the court’s verdict has not been implemented. Shortly before his resignation, Mirza had stunned the court by saying that the cases in Switzerland had been closed and that there was no need for the government to contact Swiss authorities for reopening them. In recent interactions with the media, Law Minister Awan and other top PPP leaders have made it clear that the President enjoys immunity from prosecution and there was no need to reopen the cases against him in Switzerland.
US okays money for Georgia gets backing Afghan, Iraq wars on rebel regions REUTERS WASHINGTON, MAY 14
A US Senate committee approved another 33.5 billion dollar for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq this year, although some members said they did so reluctantly. The action by the Senate Appropriations Committee is the first step toward congressional approval of the extra war spending that President Barack Obama requested in February to support his surge of 30,000 more US troops into Afghanistan. But the money still must be approved by the full Senate and also by the House of Representatives yesterday, where the majority Democrats are split over the wisdom of continuing the wars. The Senate panel unanimously approved 33.5 billion dollar for the Pentagon for the two wars and a little under 4 billion dollar for the State Department to help fund a “civilian stabilization strategy” to deliver more economic aid to Afghanistan as well as neigh-
boring Pakistan. Chairman Daniel Inouye said he hoped the Senate would act on the legislation by the end of May. The money comes on top of about 130 billion dollar that Congress already approved for the Afghanistan and Iraq wars through September 30 of this year. Senator Barbara Mikulski said she had “grave questions” about spending so much in Afghanistan given that its president is “running the secondmost corrupt country in the world.” While US troops are fighting in Afghanistan, “the Chinese are building railroads and buying up mining interests” there, Mikulski added. But she voted for the bill. Senator Patrick Leahy, another Democrat, echoed her concerns. “Ever y cent we've been spending in Iraq and Afghanistan, we've been borrowing from others, particularly the Chinese,” he said. “It’s very, very hard to justify some of the spending for either place.”
REUTERS KIEV, MAY 14
Ukraine is not prepared to recognise the independence of Georgia's South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions, its foreign minister was quoted as saying today. Interest has focused on Kiev's position on Georgia's Russiabacked breakaway regions because new Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, who has generally tilted policy towards Moscow since coming to power, has been ambiguous on the issue. But, in an interview with Kommersant Ukraina, Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko said: “For us, the question of the territorial integrity and indivisibility of borders is one of principle. Full stop.” Gryshchenko staked out Ukraine's position ahead of a visit to Kiev on May 17 and 18 of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev when the two coun-
tries are expected to mark a resumption of warm ties after a period of frosty relations under Ukraine's pro-Western former president Viktor Yushchenko. Russia has recognised the independence of both rebel territories, which broke with Georgia in separatist wars in the early 1990s, since fighting a five-day war with the small Transcaucasian country in August 2008. Only Venezuela and Nicaragua have followed Russia's lead in recognising the two regions. Yushchenko, an ally of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, strongly criticised Kremlin policy towards Georgia, like Ukraine an ex-Soviet state with a Black Sea coastline. Yanukovich, who has moved quickly to smooth relations with Ukraine's powerful neighbour, has avoided giving a clear answer on the issue of Georgia's rebel regions.
Malaysia Islamists protest gambling REUTERS KUALA LUMPUR, MAY 14
Malaysian police broke up a protest by Islamists today against US rapper Pitbull's concert and the government award of a sports betting licence, underscoring a deepening tide of Islam in the country. About 300 Malay Muslims representing several groups led by the opposition Pan Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) gathered in the compound of a mosque in the capital's Malay enclave after Friday prayers to denounce gambling and pop concerts. The government recently approved a sports betting licence to a company set to be majority
controlled by property-to gaming group Berjaya Corp Bhd. Pitbull is scheduled to perform at a dance music festival in the country tomorrow. The concert and gambling licence are unrelated, but a PAS official said the protest was part of an ongoing awareness campaign against “immorality” in the country. “We must act before gambling floods our country,” PAS official Kamaruzaman Mohamad told the crowd. “Gambling is a cancer in our society.” Malaysia forbids its majority Muslims from gambling but allows licensed numbers forecast operations and a casino operated by Genting Group.
apprehended by police at Saidano Banda in Hangu district, which borders the volatile Orkazai and Kurram tribal regions where security forces are conducting operations against the Taliban and other militant groups. Fifty-one suspects associated with the banned Lashkar-e-Islam
were arrested during a search operation by the Frontier Constabulary in Bara area of Khyber Agency. Security forces also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from their possession. The arrested suspects were taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation.
Orissa to announce climate change plan PTI BHUBANESWAR, MAY 14
In view of the threat posed by climate change and rise in temperature, Orissa has initiated preparations to come out with a climate change action plan. Stating this at a workshop on State Climate Change Action Plan, state energy secretary P K Jena said Orissa was committed to sustainable growth and has made attempt to come out with a climate change action plan. A high-level Inter-departmental Co-ordinating Committee has been established under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary and Secretary, Environment and Forest Acting as the convener of this group, he said. There are 11 working groups covering agriculture, Coasts and Disasters, Energy, Fishery, Forestry, Health, Industry, Mining, Transport, Urban and Water. The deliberation has started in March and a draft climate change action plan has been prepared with the support from The World Bank, sectoral experts from the World Bank, DFID and from the state. Leading climate change advisory firm CTRAN has been engaged as the Knowledge Partner. The action plan is expected to be finalized by the first week of June, he said. The objective of the workshop was to chart out a clear strategy for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Odisha.
While the working groups have developed short term, medium term plans in adaptation and mitigation in several sectors, it was decided to have wider stakeholder consultation in different locations. It would help in getting inputs from diverse constituencies like civil society organisation, media and grassroots level officials, official sources said adding the exercise will help enriching and finalisation of this draft climate change action plan. There will be five such workshops the first and last one is being organised in Bhubaneswar. The other workshops are being organised at Berhampur, Angul and Balasore on May 19, 20 and 22, they said. On the action plan for Energy sector, Jena said utmost importance will be given to techno logical upgradation in Thermal power plants converting them from sub-critical to super critical technology based plants. Also the use of washed coal will be more environments friendly and the other hand ample emphasis is being given on the Renewable energy sector and developing small and mid level hydel projects. Plans have also put in place to minimise the energy loss at Transmission and Distribution which is 40% currently. The govt aims to limit it to 10% which would save more than 1000 MW electricity for the State.
Halappa shifted to govt hospital PTI BANGALORE, MAY 14
Former Karnataka Minister H Halappa, who has been hospitalised in Shimoga since his arrest on rape charge, was today shifted to a state-run hospital here for further treatment. Halappa was admitted to Victorial Hospital here after a medical checkup at the central jail where he was brought from Shimoga amidst tight security, police said. A special room has been provided to Halappa and a fourmember medical team set up to treat him, they said. On May 9, Halappa was admitted to McGann Hospital in
Shimoga after he complained of chest pain hours after his arrest. A magistrate court in Shimoga yesterday permitted Hal a p p a t o b e s h i f t e d f ro m McGann Hospital to Victoria Hospital. The former minister was arrested following a complaint by Chandravathi, wife of financier and his friend Venkatesh Murthy, that he had raped her in November last. Halappa quit as Food and Civil Supplies Minister on May 2 after the rape charge surfaced, but has denied the allegation saying it was a political conspiracy.
From Page 1 Bid to cheat mobile shop
media persons saying he was sent to Goa by a gang with a duplicate credit card with a promise that he would get 10 per cent commission on the amount. Inquiries further revealed that the duplicate credit card was in the name of an Australian citizen. The shop owner Syed Amjad said he has instructed all his employees to be alert when customers come with credit cards as he was a victim of duplicate cards in the past.
Tottewada’s mangrove
is on leave from March 3, 2010 and till date I haven’t got a replacement, he mentioned. But when asked whether he had conducted an inspection of the spot and compiled a report after the mangrove cutting came to his knowledge the sarpanch again admitted he had not carried out any such activity which has brought up a question mark on the functional capability of the village panchayat. It is just today, nearly two weeks after the cutting and burning of the mangroves, the sarpanch drafted a complaint and filed it before the Bicholim police which stated they were verifying the ownership of the property where the violations has taken place before registering a case.
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Troops fire on rioting protesters in Bangkok
Thai soldiers shoot at anti government protesters as they are chased by anti government protesters who are blocking traffic on a main road outside their barricaded occupied area in Bangkok, on Friday. AP BANGKOK, MAY 14
Thai troops fired bullets and tear gas at anti-government protesters rioting near the US and Japanese embassies today as an army push to clear the streets sparked deadly clashes and turned central Bangkok into a virtual war zone. Violence escalated after a rogue army general regarded as a military adviser to the Red Shirt protesters was shot in the head on yesterday evening, possibly by a sniper, leaving him in critical condition. Ensuing street clashes have killed two people and wounded at least 13 others, including a Thai photographer and a foreign journalist.
US, China resume human rights talks
With security deteriorating and hopes of a peaceful resolution to the two-month standoff fading, unrest plunged Thailand deeper into political uncertainty, threatening the country's stability, economy and already-decimated tourism industry. Today's violence was initially centered on a small area home to several foreign embassies, but by mid-afternoon had spread to other areas around the protest zone. Soldiers crouched behind a raised road divider in one area and fired rubber bullets, live ammunition and tear gas shells. Army vehicles were seen speeding on deserted streets littered with stones and debris. Protest-
ers retreated and hurled rocks and insults. Fighting has now killed 31 people and injured hundreds since the Red Shirts, mostly rural poor, began camping in the capital on March 12, in a bid to force out Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. They claim his coalition government came to power illegitimately through manipulation of the courts and the backing of the powerful military, which in 2006 forced the populist premier favoured by the Red Shirts, Thaksin Shinawatra, from office in a coup. The latest death came today, when a 33-year-old man died of a gunshot wound linked to the protests, said Suwinai
B u s a r a ka m w o n g a t K l u a y Namthai Hospital. Last week, Abhisit offered November elections, raising hopes that a compromise could be reached with the Red Shirts, who have been demanding immediate elections. Those hopes were dashed after Red Shirt leaders made more demands. Late yesterday, the army moved to seal off the Red Shirt barricaded encampment which covers 3-square-kilometre in an upscale commercial district of the capital. Some 10,000 protesters, women and children among them, have crammed into the area.
US, Russia discuss ‘progress’ on sanctions against Iran
REUTERS WASHINGTON, MAY 14
The United States and China resumed a formal dialogue on human rights after a two-year hiatus in which the countries have worked to keep ties stable amid disputes over Tibet, Taiwan, Internet freedom and the value of the yuan currency. Although the first such talks under the Obama administration follow ethnic unrest in Xinjiang and Tibet and an overall deterioration in conditions in China, the Asian nation's growing economic power and international clout make it easier for it to shrug off critics, human rights experts said yesterday. The US State Department said the two-day, closed-door meeting in Washington would address areas including religious rights, rule of law and Internet freedom, an issue that put Google Inc on a collision course with Beijing last year and led the Web search giant to quit the Chinese market. The dialogue, which was frozen between 2002 and 2008, is expected to include cases of numerous Chinese lawyers and human rights activists who have been detained or harassed by their government, the State Department said. “Rule of law, religious freedom, freedom of expression, labor rights and other human rights issues of concern will be raised over a two-day period,” said State Department spokesman PJ Crowley.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is surrounded by his supporters as he attends a commemoration ceremony in Tehran, Iran, on Friday for the Iranian war victims who died in the Iran-Iraq conflict between 1980 and 1988 and whose remains were recently found. REUTERS UNITED NATIONS, MAY 14
US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called for the speeding up of six-nation negotiations on a UN sanctions resolution against Iran over its nuclear program. A White House statement said the two leaders discussed by phone the “good progress” being made by the United States, Russia, Britain, China, France and Germany toward agreeing on a fourth round of UN Security Council sanctions against Iran for refusing to halt its uranium enrichment. They “agreed to instruct their
negotiators to intensify their efforts to reach conclusion as soon as possible,” the statement said. Western nations fear that Iran's nuclear program is aimed at building atomic weapons. Tehran denies the charge, saying it only wants to generate electricity for civilian use. Russia, like China, has close trade ties with Iran and has been reluctant to support new punitive measures against Tehran. Moscow eventually gave in but is supporting Beijing's push to dilute the proposed sanctions outlined in a US draft. As negotiators from the six powers work to hammer out a draft resolution, Brazilian Pres-
Iraq’s Qaeda names new ‘war minister’, vows attacks REUTERS BAGHDAD, MAY 14
An al Qaeda-linked militant group named a new “war minister” in Iraq and threatened majority Shi'ites with “dark days coloured in blood”, after two of its commanders were killed by US and Iraqi forces. Attacks that have left dozens dead in the past weeks were seen as al Qaeda in Iraq's response to the killing in May of its leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri, also known as Abu Hamza alMuhajir, and Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, the purported head of its affiliate, the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). The al Qaeda statement, posted on Islamist Internet forums today and translated by SITE Intelligence Group, identified the new ISI war
minister as al-Nasser Lideen Allah Abu Suleiman, who replaced Masri. Abu Suleiman declared the launch of a new campaign against Iraq's military and police as well as the country's majority Shi'ites in revenge for the death of al Qaeda in Iraq's leaders and what he called abuse of Sunni Muslims in Iraqi prisons. “How can the men of the state close their eyes while they see... (Shi'ites) transgressing against the people of Islam, men and women, in the prisons of the apostates in Baghdad, Mosul, and Diyala,” Abu Suleiman said in the statement. “The matter has become unbearable, patience has run out... We named this invasion, `The Attack of the Monotheists in Revenge for Honors in the Prisons
of Apostates’.” He said ISI would deliver “a long gloomy night and dark days coloured in blood” to Shi’ites. Overall violence in Iraq has dropped sharply since the height of sectarian carnage in 2006-07, but bombings are still common and a March 7 election that produced no outright winner has fuelled tensions. Gunmen and bombers killed about 125 people on Monday in a series of attacks across the country, in what appeared to be at least in part a message to Iraqis that insurgents are still powerful despite suffering a series of setbacks. ISI is believed by intelligence analysts to have been created by al Qaeda in Iraq as a local umbrella group for insurgent organisations.
ident Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is scheduled to head to Tehran this weekend to help mediate. “It is not impeding progress ... on reaching agreement at all,” said US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice when asked by reporters in New York if the Brazilian mediation efforts were undermining the push for a sanctions resolution. “In fact, the P5-plus-one have been working intensively, regularly, both here and in capitals. I think we are making good progress,'' she said. The “P5-plus-one” refers to the five permanent veto-wielding members of the Security Council and Germany.
US studying arms sales for Taiwan REUTERS TAIPEI, May 14
US officials are studying new weapon sales to Taiwan despite near certain outrage from China, the island president told local media, a move that could further strain ties between the two superpowers. Taiwan and the United States, the island's staunchest informal ally and a regular seller of arms for defence against China, are studying new systems in addition to a 6.4 billion dollar package announced earlier in the year, President Ma Ying-jeou told the semi-official Central News Agency. Taiwan's Defence Ministry is working on a wish list for the US side, the president's office told Reuters.
Indonesian police uncover plot to kill president AP JAKARTA, MAY 14
A plot to assassinate President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and other top officials, massacre foreigners in Mumbai-style attacks and declare an Islamic state, has been uncovered by the Indonesian police. The attackers planned to launch their assault during this year's Independence Day ceremony to be attended Aug 17 by Yudhoyono and the country's top dignitaries, national police chief Gen Bambang Hendarso Danuri told reporters. The plot also included taking over hotels and killing foreigners, especially Americans, in violence that would have been reminiscent of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, he said. The plot was revealed during interrogations of dozens of suspects arrested since a February raid on a terrorist training camp in the western province of Aceh, Danuri said. "They were confident that all state officials and dignitaries
21 killed in China coal mine blast PTI BEIJING, MAY 14
In yet another coal mine accident, 21 miners have been killed in China's southwest Guizhou Province, rescuers said today. The accident occurred last night at Yuanyang Colliery in the city of Anshun where a total of 31 miners were working. Rescuers have confirmed that 10 people had escaped either by themselves or with their help. The bodies of other 21 miners were recovered by the rescue teams in the mine which was struck by the burst of poisonous carbon monoxide, Xinhua news agency reported. "We arrived at the mine to carry out the rescue at midnight, and helped bring three of the survivors out of the shaft," said a rescuer surnamed Zhao. He said five of the 10 survivors were in hospital after being poisoned by carbon monoxide from the coal-gas outburst. Wang Shuhe, deputy director of the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety, is on the way to the accident site. Yuanyang Colliery is a private mine that was being upgraded at the time of the accident.
would be there," Danuri said. "Killing all the state officials would have accelerated the transition from a democracy to a state controlled by Islamic Shariah law." Some of the newest information on the plot came from a series of raids this week on militant hideouts in and around the capital that yielded 20 arrests as well as a supply of assault rifles, ammunition, telescopes and jihadist literature. Five suspected militants were killed in those raids. Most of those arrested were believed to have trained at the
Aceh camp, run by a group called al-Qaida in Aceh, a new splinter of the Southeast Asia terror network Jemaah Islamiyah. "If we had not detected them and their military training had been successful, then they would have assassinated foreigners ... as well as police and military posts in Aceh," Danuri said.
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Govt may scale down tax relief proposed in DTC PtI NEW DELHI, MAY 14
People with more than Rs 10 lakh annual income may not get the tax relief originally proposed in the Direct Taxes Code, as the Finance Ministry is for tweaking slabs across the board to offset concessions elsewhere. Under the first draft of DTC -- which when implemented will replace the archaic Income Tax Act, 1961 -- income of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh was to attract tax at the rate of 20 per cent, but the final draft expected by June 15 may propose slapping 30 per cent tax on any income above Rs 10 lakh per annum, according to sources. This is to make up for the possible concessions the ministry may extend in other areas like exempting long term savings from tax at the time of withdrawal and the way Minimum Alternate Tax is calculated, sources said. As such, the relief on highest tax slab would not be much,
since under the present regime too, 30 per cent tax is imposed on income of more than Rs eight lakh a year. Sources said the ministry is reworking the August 2009 draft following feedback from stakeholders. Under this, the 10 per cent tax proposed on income up to Rs 10 lakh may now stand scaled down to Rs five lakh a year. And income of Rs five-10 lakh a year would attract 20 per cent tax, although the first draft proposed slapping this rate on Rs 10-25 lakh income. However, the threshold level of income that is exempt from tax may be raised to Rs two lakh from Rs 1.6 lakh at present. The first draft had propopsed retaining the threshold limit at Rs 1.6 lakh. Sources said the government has to generate tax revenue for meeting its expenses and it might yield to the "genuine" demand of MAT being imposed on book profits rather than on gross assets as sug-
TALK BUSINESS
Goa Board XII results via BSNL PANJIM (HBD) -- BSNL will be providing Goa 12th Board Result through landline and mobile services. Results can be availed through IVRS by dialling 12555/1255560 from BSNL landline or mobile. Rs 5 per min for mobile and a charge for 20 sec pulse for landline will be taken from the subscriber for this facility. BSNL has also arranged results through SMS facility for mobile subscribers. For this subscriber have to SMS ‘GB12 <roll no>’ to 56505. In return customer will get an SMS for his result. Charges Rs 3 per SMS. Also before the result is announced, the candidates can preregister from their BSNL mobile and after the result is announced the registered candidates will get the result through SMS informing their result status.
The Loot to launch 50 more stores PANJIM (HBD) -- The Loot, India’s leading multi brand retail discount store, plans to launch 50 more stores by November 2010. With over 150 stores already under its belt in a span of less than 5 years, The Loot is scheduled to scale it up to 200 stores by end of November 2010. These stores, across India will provide its patrons the best shopping bargains at unbeatable prices for the exciting racks of merchandise. True to its format and the mission, The Loot stores will be easily accessible and provide a world class shopping experience to its customers. New t-shirt range: The Loot is offering a brand new collection of tees to chill with. The tees are available too all in summer friendly colours such as whites and pastels and are made of cottons, linens and light weight fabrics. Available for both men and women, the tees spell complete bliss when it comes to fighting the summer heat and lack of fashion options. They are priced at Rs 125 onwards for ladies and Rs 199 onwards for men. The brands these tees are available in include Eccentric, Gas, Reebok and Nike to name a few.
Barakat Food & Tobacco to distribute Davidoff cigarettes PANJIM (HBD) -- UK’s Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (Imperial) and Mumbai based Barakat Food & Tobacco Pvt Ltd (Barakat) announced that they have entered into an import and distribution agreement for the Davidoff cigarette brand in India. Davidoff cigarettes will be available in the “Classic” and “Gold” Premium Line versions and will be distributed in a number of key cities in India.
Sensex plunges 271 points; SBI drops 4 pc PtI MUMBAI, MAY 14
Cutting short the two-day gain, stock market benchmark Sensex today plunged 271 points on weak global cues and disappointing fourth quarter result from SBI. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s 30share index dropped 271.27 points, or 1.57 per cent, the most in Asia, to finish the day at 16,994.60 points. Snapping the two-week losing trend, the index retraced much of Monday’s gains to close the week 1.3 per cent up. On Monday, the gauge had surged 561 points. The index witnessed a sharp rise and fall and a late sell-off, triggered by weak European stocks, inflicted heavy losses on domestic markets.
gested in the first draft. "Gross assets also include the debt portion of a company and it is highly illogical to tax debt," said a source. MAT is a tax imposed on profit making companies who do not fall under any tax because of various exemptions. Further, the ministry might also agree to retain the current provision of following exemptexempt-exempt (EEE) model for long term savings like provident fund and pension, instead of changing to exempt-exempttax (EET). EET model implies that tax would be imposed on long term savings at the time of withdrawal. On tax exemptions on home loans, on which the first draft is completely silent, sources said that there might be no rebates in the second draft as well, since the individual tax exemption limit on savings like insurance and others is proposed to be hiked to Rs three lakh from the current Rs one lakh. "This more than compensates" for doing away with tax rebates on the housing loans, the source said. The final draft would be open for feedbacks from various stakeholders for 15 days, after which the ministry would put it up for the Cabinet's approval before taking it to Parliament. Earlier, in this fiscal's Budget, the Government had widened the tax slab so that tax of 30 per cent falls on income above Rs eight lakh, 20 per cent on Rs five-eight lakh and 10 per cent on Rs 1.6 lakh-five lakh.
Govt to set up $11 b infra fund
Air India to launch more flights
ReuteRs NEW DELHI, MAY 14
PtI MUMBAI, MAY 14
The government will set up a $11-billion infrastructure fund to upgrade the country's creaking infrastructure, refinance high cost debt and develop the debt market by issuing more long-term paper, a plan panel member told Reuters. "Of course, the idea is to refinance high cost debt, develop the bond markets, and some money will be raised by issuing bonds," B K Chaturvedi, member of Planning Commission said. The fund will need the clearance of the federal cabinet before it becomes operational in the current fiscal year, he added.
National air carrier Air India today said it would launch additional flights from six cities to tap summer passenger traffic, starting from tomorrow. Air India will also operate a direct flight between Chennai and Coimbatore four times a week from May 17, a release said. The national airline would provide the additional air services between Delhi and MumKolkata, Chennai, bai, Bangalore and Patna, the release said. The airline had earlier said it plans to jack-up capacity by 10 per cent during the summer schedule. Air India's summer schedule starts from March 28 and continues till middle of October. Air India will be adding a daily night flight between Delhi and Mumbai at an all-inclusive one-way economy class fare of Rs 5,330, the release said, adding all these flights would be operated at night.
Crude price could touch 3-digits soon: Mukesh PtI MUMBAI, MAY 14
Leading industrialist, Mukesh Ambani, today said the trend of rising energy prices is a matter of great concern and that it could rise further to three-digits going forward. "Crude oil prices are well above the USD 70 mark. We foresee an increase in crude price to three digits in the near future," Reliance Industries Chairman, Mukesh Ambani, said at an industry conference here today. The decline in refining growth and sluggish market would drive the price increase, he said. "I believe the petrochemical
industry should reinvest and we have to reset our thinking and must innovate to tackle these issues," he said. According to him, India was poised to become the world's strongest country economically by 2020. "I believe by 2020 the balance-sheet of India would be the strongest in the world. The GDP growth of India from USD 1.5-trillion to USD 5-trillion in the next ten-years will make India an economically powerful country in the world," Ambani, said. This century belongs to India, Ambani said, adding, that economic development was now shifting to India from
FTA not to hurt Indian dairy sector, says NZ PtI NEW DELHI, MAY 14
Allaying fears of the domestic dairy sector, New Zealand today said the proposed free trade agreement with India will not hurt the industry here as it produces only two per cent of the global milk output. "The FTA with India is not going to hurt the Indian dairy sector as we contribute just two per cent to the world dairy production and have already a market for that," New Zealand High Commissioner to India Rupert Holborow told PTI on the sidelines of a CII conference here. Indian Dairy Association, the apex industry body, had earlier said the proposed market opening trade pacts with New Zealand and Australia could jeopardise the domestic industry supporting millions of livelihood. "In-
Aban Offshor, 980, 980, 810, 832.25 Abb Ltd., 684, 715, 670, 673.4 Abg Shipyard, 270.9, 275, 260.1, 262.35 Acc Limited, 891.2, 902, 880.55, 892.8 Adani Enterp, 580, 603.95, 580, 597.4 Aditya Birla, 787.7, 787.7, 756.6, 763.55 Allahabad Ba, 157, 160.5, 156.1, 157.6 Alstom Proje, 583, 591.5, 583, 587.45 Ambuja Cemen, 109, 110.45, 104.55, 105.8 Andhra Bank, 134.05, 134.75, 132.5, 133 Ashok Leylan, 69.5, 69.75, 66.85, 67.1 Asian Paints, 2115, 2150, 2105, 2141 Axis Bank Li, 1308, 1312.8, 1280, 1295.75 Bajaj Hindus, 113, 113.9, 107.3, 108.4 Bank Of Baro, 701, 701.8, 680.55, 686.5 Bank Of Indi, 334, 336.4, 327.8, 330.05 Beml Limited, 1005.4, 1013.7, 995, 1005.05 Bharat Elect, 1800, 1828, 1752.15, 1784.75 Bharat Forge, 276.15, 280, 264.25, 266.45 Bharat Petro, 540.5, 555, 538.05, 549 Bharti Airte, 255.5, 267.75, 254.55, 264.55 Bhel, 2388.7, 2404.2, 2351, 2359.3 Bhushan Stee, 1604, 1604, 1551, 1556.3 Biocon Limit, 288.95, 288.95, 284.1, 285.25
ternational trade in dairy is very thin against the world production. Our share is only two per cent of the global production. Indian production is very large. And most of that two per cent, which we do trade, goes to the established high-paying markets," he added New Zealand exports milk and milk products to Europe, Australia, North Asia, China and the US markets. "We are closely trading with these countries. And, it is likely to remain so. We rely on active relationships. Even if we could develop the relationship with India, it would not hurt or injure the market here. It simply can''t. If you look at the numbers, it tells the story," Holborow added. The demand of milk in India, the world''s
Bombay Dyein, 550.85, 551.85, 531.05, 534.3 Bosch Limite, 5077, 5078, 4930.6, 4958.25 Brigade Ente, 139.05, 141.55, 136.2, 136.75 Cairn India, 300, 300, 290, 291.4 Canara Bank, 435.5, 440, 422.4, 424.45 Central Bank, 145, 145.6, 143, 143.3 Century Text, 484, 484.95, 464.2, 468.85 Cesc Ltd, 400, 404.35, 395.1, 399.75 Chambal Fert, 60.2, 61.2, 59.3, 59.5 Chennai Petr, 269, 270.5, 267.15, 268.2 Cipla Ltd, 314.5, 318.8, 312.05, 313.15 Colgate Palm, 739, 741.9, 728.1, 731.3 Container Co, 1347.7, 1347.7, 1300, 1300.9 Crompton Gre, 251, 254.8, 248, 250.05 Cummins Indi, 577, 580, 567, 576.8 Dabur India, 179.6, 183.8, 175.4, 182.8 Deccan Chron, 148.7, 149.2, 140.8, 141.65 Dish Tv Indi, 38.6, 39.2, 38, 38.2 Divi’s Labor, 684.9, 696.7, 684, 692.55 Dlf Limited, 306.95, 309.95, 296.55, 298.55 Dr. reddy’s, 1251.2, 1313, 1248, 1292 Edelweiss Ca, 405, 412.9, 400.25, 402.95 Educomp Solu, 622, 625.5, 602, 604.35
largest producer and consumer of milk, is projected to go up to 166 million tonnes (MT) by 2020 and would be between 180 MT and 200 MT by 2021-22. The milk production was 108.50 MT last year. New Zealand had produced 15.8 MT milk in 2007. On the current status of the proposed FTA, Holborow said that the joint study between the two governments was completed last year. "We have just started the negotiating round in early March. The FTA is expected to take another one year to be signed," he added. The bi-lateral trade between India and New Zealand is currently pegged at around USD one billion favouring the Kiwis, which exports timber and coking coal, among others worth USD 700 million to India.
Eih Limited, 124, 125.5, 123.45, 124.2 Engineers In, 410, 429.45, 390.05, 420.3 Essar Oil Lt, 128.6, 132.1, 128.6, 129.4 Essar Shippi, 89.3, 89.8, 85.2, 86.15 Exide Indust, 120.8, 122.9, 119.25, 119.85 Federal Bank, 286, 292, 279, 280.7 Financial Te, 1410, 1454.7, 1390, 1403.1 Gail (india), 426, 433.4, 426, 427.75 Gammon India, 207.6, 210, 207, 207.4 Glaxosmithkl, 2140, 2150, 2096, 2140 Glenmark Pha, 278.1, 280.4, 275.25, 277 Gmr Infrastr, 59.65, 60.05, 57.95, 58.15 Godrej Indus, 156, 167.75, 154, 164.9 Grasim Indus, 2630, 2669, 2613, 2637.1 Great Offsho, 455, 455, 421, 442.1 Gtl Infra.Lt, 40.4, 41.5, 40.4, 40.65 Gujarat Mine, 125, 125.9, 119.2, 120.45 Gujarat N R, 76.4, 76.4, 72.3, 73 Gujarat Stat, 92.5, 93.4, 89.8, 90.7 Gvk Pow. & I, 43, 43.3, 42.5, 42.55 Hcl Technolo, 396.5, 409, 395, 405.4 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1964, 1973, 1942.25, 1951.75 Hdfc Ltd, 2785.55, 2819.5, 2760, 2776.8 Hero Honda M, 1875.55, 1921.75, 1871.1,
other parts of the world. "Almost 40 per cent population of the world belongs to India and China and this will create a paradigm shift. Both India and China will create a huge demand as consumption of these countries will reach new heights. Thus, India is going to be a major manufacturing hub as consumption will increase," he said. "This is the time developing countries like us realised the unrealised potential within us," he said. The world was now very much inter-connected and an economic disruption in any country will have its effect on India.
Prudential to outline Asia asset sales ReuteRs HONG KONG, MAY 14
Britain's Prudential Plc is expected to outline divestments of some Asian assets in its upcoming rights offering prospectus in an effort to appease shareholder concerns about its planned AIA acquisition, a source familiar with the process said on Friday. Prudential's audacious $35.5 billion takeover of American International Group Inc's Asian life insurance business hit a regulatory snag last week and delayed the release of the prospectus for the $21 billion rights issue to part fund the deal. Reuters reported in March that Prudential was expected to exit some Asian markets after the completion of the American International Assurance (AIA) buy, to focus on key markets and raise at least $1 billion. "For most countries in Asia they have still not reached a conclusion for integration plans. For some, they will probably announce on the day the prospectus is out," the source said. Prudential declined to comment. The decision to exit certain markets is driven by strategic business needs rather than aimed at raising money to fund the AIA purchase, the source said.
1876.8 Hindalco in, 168, 169.95, 162.7, 163.4 Hindustan Co, 119.75, 122.3, 118.1, 118.55 Hindustan Ma, 76.25, 77.3, 74, 74.5 Hindustan Pe, 333, 337, 329.25, 332.4 Hindustan Un, 242.75, 242.75, 233.35, 233.9 Hindustan Zi, 1091, 1110, 1072.15, 1081.25 Housing Dev, 255.85, 258.6, 251.4, 254.2 Icici Bank L, 925.05, 925.05, 905, 911.05 Idea Cellula, 55.4, 57.55, 54.65, 57.1 Ifci Ltd, 52.95, 53.6, 51.1, 51.4 India Cement, 116.7, 118.35, 114.05, 115.2 India Infoli, 104.5, 104.75, 101.05, 102.2 Indiabulls F, 150.25, 153, 147, 147.65 Indiabulls R, 167, 171.85, 160.15, 162.45 Indian Bank, 210.3, 214.45, 208.15, 210.85 Indian Hotel, 118, 118, 115.4, 116.05 Indian Oil C, 303, 310.4, 302.1, 308.95 Indian Overs, 93, 95.25, 92.2, 93.85 Indus Dev Ba, 117.75, 118.8, 116, 116.55 Indusind Ban, 185, 185.4, 182.8, 184.65 Infosys Tech, 2710, 2727, 2630, 2651.9 Infra. dev., 165, 167.75, 163.1, 165.2
Ispat Indust, 18.75, 18.8, 17.95, 18 Itc Ltd, 263, 273, 263, 268.15 Ivrcl Infras, 171, 173.4, 168.65, 170.1 Jai Corp Lim, 240, 244.7, 231.5, 234.75 Jaiprakash A, 134.95, 134.95, 129, 129.6 Jet Airways, 522, 524, 511.85, 516.65 Jindal Saw L, 194, 197.45, 190.35, 191.95 Jindal Steel, 665, 666.75, 648, 650.85 Jsw Steel Li, 1236.65, 1262.65, 1182.1, 1196.2 Kotak Mahind, 776, 789.95, 751, 758.1 Lakshmi Mach, 1956, 1964.95, 1921.1, 1930.2 Lanco Infrat, 61.2, 61.9, 60, 60.75 Larsen & Tou, 1561.2, 1585, 1521, 1529.35 Lic Housing, 985, 999.4, 974, 977.35 Lupin Limite, 1804, 1815, 1785, 1796.25 Mahanagar Te, 65, 65.1, 62.5, 64.4 Mahindra & M, 562.9, 566.65, 554.35, 559.8 Maruti Suzuk, 1269, 1281, 1246.9, 1259.5 Max India Lt, 178.4, 181, 176.65, 178.6 Maytas Infr., 203, 204.9, 195.1, 196.25 Moser-baer (, 67.4, 67.75, 65.55, 65.9 Mrpl, 73, 73.3, 70.4, 71.1
P&G being sued over diapers ReuteRs CHICAGO
Procter & Gamble Co is being sued by parents claiming new Pampers diapers have caused severe rashes and other skin conditions on their children, court documents showed, assertions the company has called "completely false." The lawsuit was filed in US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on May 11. The action, filed by the law firm of Keller Rohrback, comes on the heels of parents' complaints that updated Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers diapers with P&G's new Dry Max technology appear to have caused rashes and burns on their children. A number of parents have voiced concern in Internet forums such as Facebook. "While we have great empathy for any parent dealing with diaper rash, the claims made in this lawsuit are completely false," P&G said in a statement. Last week, Pampers dismissed reports that the diapers were causing skin irritations after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada said they were investigating the products.
BOARD MEETINGS ABC Gas Gujarat Nat Res Parker Agro Gujarat tool Hathway Cab Patel engr Ackruti City Hindustan Hous Prabhav Inds Aishwarya tele Itl Inds Alka securities J&K Bank Jagatjit Inds Reliance Com Asian Hotels Reliance Infra Reliance Nat Reliance Power Austral Coke Kavveri telecom Bartronics Kinetic engr Berger Paints Kirloskar el sAl steel Blue Bird India lMl spice Mobiles Clutch Auto sterling Intl Dhanlaxmi Cotex Modern Dairies DHP India Gemini Comm Nilkamal Nimbus Foods Vishal Info Nova Granites GR Cables Source: Indiainfoline.com
MF FUNDA sBI MutuAl FuND has approved May 19, 2010 as the record date for declaration dividend under dividend option of sBI Arbitrage Opportunities Fund. The face value of per unit is Rs 10. The quantum of dividend will be 1% (Rs. 0.10 per unit) as on the record date.
Nagarjuna Co, 166.7, 170.5, 164.55, 167.95 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.8, 32, 31, 31.1 National Alu, 411.9, 414.45, 404, 408.05 Neyveli Lign, 152.85, 153.5, 147, 148.45 Ntpc Ltd, 207.75, 208.2, 205.15, 205.85 Oil And Natu, 1045.9, 1055.5, 1040, 1044.55 Omaxe Limite, 95, 95, 93.2, 93.45 Oriental Ban, 345, 347.4, 340.3, 343 Pantaloon Re, 408, 415, 401.15, 411.85 Parsvnath De, 113, 114, 110.3, 112.45 Petronet Lng, 84, 84.8, 81.65, 82.3 Power Fin Co, 292, 292.8, 284, 287.55 Power Grid C, 107.25, 108.4, 105.5, 106.25 Praj Industr, 85.9, 86.2, 84, 84.3 Punj Lloyd L, 148.6, 148.6, 143.15, 144.25 Punjab Natio, 1028, 1028.9, 998.6, 1010.05 Rajesh Expor, 123.35, 125.9, 123.35, 124.3 Ranbaxy Labs, 461, 464.8, 455.2, 457.45 Rashtriya Ch, 82, 83.5, 80.05, 80.5 Rel. nat. re, 49.6, 49.6, 47.1, 47.45 Reliance Cap, 690.25, 695.9, 668, 676.2 Reliance Com, 144.15, 148.15, 143.65, 144.4 Reliance Ene, 905, 907.5, 865, 876.07
Reliance Ind, 805.5, 814.95, 784, 786.7 Reliance Ind, 1067.7, 1071, 1035, 1043.65 Reliance Pow, 146.55, 146.95, 144.5, 145.05 Rolta India, 178.75, 178.85, 176, 176.65 Satyam Compu, 88.4, 89.35, 87.8, 88.1 Sesa Goa Ltd, 391, 392, 372.75, 374.7 Shipping Cor, 174, 174.8, 164.05, 164.85 Siemens Ltd, 665, 677.5, 656.35, 661.95 Sintex Indus, 305.45, 306.7, 294, 296.2 Sobha Develo, 311, 322.45, 308.15, 318.3 State Bank O, 2315, 2333.9, 2211.6, 2224.25 Steel Author, 213.8, 213.8, 207.15, 208.2 Sterlite Ind, 727, 728.4, 696.7, 701.3 Sun Pharmace, 1575, 1599.9, 1568, 1591.95 Sun Tv Netwo, 439.65, 446.5, 422.35, 439.85 Suzlon Energ, 66.8, 67.4, 65.05, 65.6 Tata Communi, 253.9, 254, 250.15, 251.25 Tata Consult, 766, 777, 755, 763.85 Tata Motors, 832, 835, 810.6, 816.25 Tata Power C, 1352, 1363.4, 1325.05,
1335.15 Tata Steel L, 574, 574, 545.5, 547.95 Tata Tea Ltd, 1030.5, 1092, 1025, 1070.5 Tata Teleser, 21, 21.35, 20.9, 21 Tech Mahindr, 727.65, 732, 706, 713.95 The Ge Shpg., 315, 319, 306.1, 307.9 The Phoenix, 213, 214, 205.35, 207 Thermax Ltd, 665, 686, 660, 681.65 Titan Indust, 2246, 2294, 2240, 2278.55 Torrent Powe, 322.1, 339.95, 321.65, 335.15 Triveni Engg, 113, 114.5, 108.1, 109.9 Tv18 India L, 79.3, 80.2, 77.2, 77.85 Uco Bank, 71, 71.95, 69.8, 70.2 Ultratech Ce, 964.1, 970, 932, 939.2 Union Bank O, 303, 305.3, 297.4, 299.4 Unitech Ltd, 79, 79.25, 75.8, 76.45 United Phosp, 171.55, 175.7, 168.2, 169.6 Videocon Ind, 217, 218.6, 211.6, 212.75 Vijaya Bank, 55.5, 56.75, 55.15, 55.45 Voltas Ltd, 178.7, 179.45, 175.6, 177.8 Welspun Guj, 264, 264.7, 256, 257 Wipro Ltd, 678.8, 680, 659.1, 666.4 Yes Bank Lim, 278, 278, 271.3, 272.85 Zee Entertai, 304, 307.45, 292.25, 294.7
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Monitor infra Dev every quarter: PM to Plan panel PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 14
With a view to expedite major infrastructure projects, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked the Plan panel to set up a mechanism to monitor the targets of all important projects on a quarterly basis. These targets, the officials said, would be monitored on quarterly basis by the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI) which is headed by the Prime Minister. The Planning Commission, which will prepare the quarterly reports which are to be presented to the CCI, is slated to unveil the physical targets for each ministry that deals with the infrastructure sector
on Monday. It's also been decided that the status of infrastructure development would open to public scrutiny as the ministries dealing with roads, power, railways, sea ports and airports would post their targets and achievements on their Websites. The sources said all infrastructure projects would not come under the proposed monitoring mechanism, though. For instance, only those airport projects having a project cost of Rs 150 crore or above would be monitored by the Planning Commission, the source added. Meanwhile, the Plan panel has proposed to set up a mega fund with a seed money of Rs
50,000 crore to facilitate investment of over Rs 45 lakh crore in the infrastructure sector during the 12th Plan (201217) period. The Plan panel has also constituted a committee that would be headed by HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh, to look into funding of major infrastructure projects. The committee would submit its report to the Plan panel in two weeks. For the proposed dedicated infrastructure fund, the government would seek assistance from multilateral lenders like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, domestic financial institutions, including insurance companies and pension funds.
Govt to consult mobile operators on new fees
ReuTeRs NEW DELHI, MAY 14
The government will listen to mobile phone operators' concerns before finalising plans to slap new fees on second-generation spectrum, the telecoms minister said on Friday. The telecommunications regulator earlier this week called for companies to pay a one-time fee for 2G radio-spectrum with high bandwidth they won several years ago, a move that will hit established operators and has seen their shares
skidding. India's leading mobile phone operator Bharti Airtel, which could face paying $1.4 billion if the new fees were adopted, has said the regulator's proposals were "shocking, arbitrary and retrograde" and urged government to reject them. Bharti and others, including Vodafone Essar, are locked in a multi-billion dollar bidding war for 3G spectrum that has exceeded forecasts. "If necessary, patient hearing will be given to all stakehold-
ers," federal telecommunications minister Andimuthu Raja told reporters. Raja also said he expected the ongoing 3G spectrum auctions to conclude in the next few days. Bids for one set of nationwide third-generation (3G) mobile spectrum licences in India reached 150 billion rupees ($3.33 billion) as of Thursday, an indication the government could earn revenue of more than Rs 60000 crore from the sale.
Inflation to average at 4.5-5%: FM
Jet tops list of passenger complaints
PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 14
PTI MUMBAI, MAY 14
Expressing concern over the rising prices, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee today exuded confidence that average inflation during the current fiscal will be at 4.5-5 per cent. "Average annual inflation rate will come down substantially...I think it would not be more than 4.5-5 per cent," he told business channel CNBC TV18 this evening. The inflation has crossed 10 per cent in February but marginally declined to 9.59 per cent in April. But food inflation is still hovering at 16-17 per cent. The moderation in inflation, Mukherjee said, would depend on the monsoon. "The first prediction is encouraging. They (the Met Department) are saying it would be a normal monsoon this year." High food inflation, the minister said, is a matter of concern as it affects the common man the most. The government has already taken steps to provide subsidised food through PDS to the vulnerable sections. "But unfortunately that mechanism (PDS)was not very effective during the recent crisis," he said. On the Greece crisis, Mukherjee said no economy can insulate itself from the impact of global developments. "Volatility of capital flows needs to be watched. We have to be watchful of the developments in Europe."
Naresh Goyal-owned Jet Airways has earned the dubious distinction of topping the list of air-carriers with the maximum number of passenger complaints as well as the highest flights cancellation rate during April. Jet is followed by another private airline, the south-based Paramount Airways in terms of passenger complaints. Surprisingly, state-owned Air India had the least number of complaints compared to its peers during April. While both Jet Airways and its wholly-owned subsidiary, JeLite, had 7.6 and 5.4 complaints per 10,000 passengers, Air India received had 0.6 complaints per 10,000 passengers during April, according to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Gold too hot for Indian buyers ReuTeRs NEW DELHI
Gold imports by India, the world's biggest market for the precious metal, could drop for a third straight year in 2010 as record high prices scare off traditional buyers. Traders expect to spot the first sign of this trend at next week's Hindu festival of Askhay Tritiya, when demand usually jumps because it is considered an auspicious time to buy jewellery and coins. "Forget buying for the festival, on the contrary people are selling," said Suresh Hundia, president of the Bombay Bullion Association in Mumbai. "There is a queue of sellers." Gold is up 12.6 percent so far this year to record levels on investors' fears that a $1-trillion rescue package to prevent a Greek debt crisis from spreading to other euro zone states would eventually fail, or stoke inflation. On Friday the metal was heading for its fourth consecutive weekly rise, matching a run that ended in late November. Gold stood at $1,234.40 an ounce by 0636 GMT, up $2.57 from New York's Thursday notional close, but off Wednesday's record of $1,248.15. Traders say many Indians are responding by buying smaller quantities to maintain the same expenditure, or recycling old jewellery. Those who can afford to spend more may wait for prices to stabilise before they buy. "Demand has turned to zero in the last four days," Hundia added. "Last year for the festival about 12 tonnes was sold. If prices stay like this, there will be very little sold." After Akshay Tritiya, demand may spurt only for the festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi in September and Dhanteras in November. "If prices stay like this, near all-time highs, physical demand could take a hit and a lot of scrap could start coming in. Im-
C-DAC unveils 3 new products PTI MUMBAI, MAY 14
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) launched three new products with varied utility -Revival1000, GYN1000 and Stars. Revival1000 provides an effective solution for critical data protection, GYN1000 provides stateful inspection and Stars for web-based services. "With new types of attacks appearing continually, developing flexible and adaptive security oriented approaches is a severe challenge," Zia Saquib said.
Tata Motors April global sales up 53% ReuTeRs MUMBAI, MAY 14
Tata Motors, India's largest vehicles maker, said on Friday its global vehicles sales rose 53 percent in April to 77,732 units. Global sales include that of Jaguar and Land Rover brands, which rose 61 percent in the month to 17,909 vehicles, the company said in a statement.
L&T bags highway order ReuTeRs MUMBAI, MAY 14
Engineering and construction firm Larsen & Toubro said on Friday it had got an order from the National Highways Authority for a project whose estimated cost is 14.5 billion rupees ($322 million). The order is for six-laning of a highway in Tamil Nadu that has to be completed within 30 months, it said in a statement.
ports for the full year could fall by 25-30 percent," said Abhishek Raval, a precious metals manager at IndusInd Bank. GOLD BECOMING INVESTMENT, NOT JUST JEWELLERY In India, where gold has long been considered auspicious, the bulk of demand is for jewellery. But a small and growing number of investors is turning to gold to diversify portfolios and protect themselves against inflation, which has driven prices higher and crowded out jewellery buyers. "People are allocating 20 to 30 percent to gold in their portfolios," said Haresh Acharya, director of Parker Bullion Pvt Ltd, a large wholesaler in Ahmedabad, noting that wealthy investors were buying the metal. "The risks involved in the stock market and high inflation are making them allocate more to gold." Gold as an investment is a relatively new asset class in India, where headline inflation soared to a 17-month high of 9.9 percent in March. Last year India's demand for gold jewellery was 405.8 tonnes, while that for investment was at 74.2 tonnes, data
from the World Gold Council shows. Rajan Mehta, director of Benchmark Asset Management Co Pvt Ltd in Mumbai, which started India's first gold exchange-traded fund in 2007, said total gold under exchange traded funds could rise as much as 50 percent within a year from 10.063 tonnes now. "If you look at gold, the returns in the last few years have been very high," he said. "There is more and more realisation that this is an asset class that will give good returns." On the other hand, a Mumbai-based fund manager said gold was not a compelling buy, because apart from price fluctuations, it was subject to currency risk, as India is a big importer. Investment in gold still pales in comparison to household demand, which accounts for nearly three quarters of sales in India, and most Indians do not consider it an asset class in its own right, but as a store of wealth. "The majority of households that buy gold in India don't do that to sell at a higher value necessarily. It becomes a form of savings," said Rajeev Malik,
economist at Macquarie Capital, Singapore. "The two are not as substitutable as elsewhere." Indian jewelers saw brisk sales from January to April, when imports rose 74 percent to 126 tonnes from the same period a year ago as demand bounced back, after a dip last year when prices were high and the monsoon failed, hurting rural incomes. Food shortages following last year's poor harvest touched off inflation, drawing investors to gold, even though it pays no dividends and can incur storage costs. "Prices are at unbelievable levels," said Rajesh Mehta, chairman of Rajesh Exports Ltd, one of India's top jewellery makers and exporters. Trade officials have their fingers crossed for good rains in the monsoon period from June to September, vital to boost incomes in the rural areas home to two-thirds of Indians. Normal rains are forecast but predictions can often go awry. "If the monsoon is bad, it will be a crisis. Sales will fall more than they did last year," said Haresh Kewalramani, director of the Bombay Bullion Association.
Essar Projects bags Rs 342 cr deal PTI MUMBAI, MAY 14
Major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor Essar Projects (India) Ltd has signed a contract with the Ministry of External Affairs to execute port and inland water transport components of the ''Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project'' in Myanmar. The contract for port and water transport is worth Rs 342 crore and it is to be executed within 36 months, a company release said here today. It involves construction of two jetties at Sittwe and Paletwa in Myanmar, dredging and construction of barges to facilitate cargo movement along the river Kaladan. In addition, construction of a port at Sittwe is also a major component of the agreement, the release said. The project is being executed by the Indian government under a framework agreement between the two countries to ease the movement of goods from the mainland India to the north- eastern states.
ONGC to up oil prodn at Mehsana PTI AHMEDABAD, MAY 14
State-run oil exploration major ONGC's largest on-shore oil producing asset in the country at Mehsana has proposed to undertake drilling of 57 development wells to augment its per day oil production capacity to 6,300 tonnes by 2011 fiscal end. The Mehsana Asset currently produces 6,100 tonne of medium crude or over 40,000 barrels per day, which is the highest production from any of the onshore assets of the exploration major. The asset has 1,200 flowing oil wells and 23 active gas wells. "We shall be drilling 57 development wells during this fis-
cal for increasing our existing per day oil production of 6,100 to over 6,300 tonnes or 43,100 barrels, by this fiscal end," executive director Mehsana Asset A K Gupta said. Drilling of each well costs anything between Rs 1.5 and Rs 2.5 crore, depending upon the well size, he said. Mehsana asset which has close to nine major oil fields, has chalked out a different strategy for layer-wise hydrocarbon exploration at Santhal field where the per day production is 1,250 tonnes. "Through prudent usage of sub-surface reservoir management technology
we intend to raise the oil production from wells at Santhal from 1,250 to 1,350 tonnes per day by this fiscal end, which is part of the asset oil augmentation plan," Gupta said. "The asset will also be revamping its 12 oil and gas installations out of the 33 here with an investment of few crores, in order to make them sustainable for next two decades," Gupta said. The technical feasibility study for modernisation of the installations has commenced, Gupta said adding "The modernisation includes addition of new equipment." "As part of the multi-crore
modernisation project, we have also proposed to set up an exclusive Desalter plant having 6,000 to 10,000 tonnes per day oil filtering capacity," he said. The technical feasibility of this plant is presently being examined, Gupta said. The proposed modernisation at the asset is part of the national onshore installation revamping project of ONGC. "Mehsana asset's total oil production in 2009-2010 stood at 2.204 million tonne, which was up by 103 per cent from the allocated target of 2.13 MMT of the same period," spokesperson for the asset said.
Gulf hotel installs gold-dispensing machine ReuTeRs LIfe! DUBAI, MAY 14
It's the ultimate hole-in-thewall -- a money machine that dispenses pure gold. But installed beneath the ceilings of Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace hotel, where royalty and billionaires come for cappuccinos topped with gold flakes, the machine almost seems part of the furniture. "The reason we chose Emirates Palace is because it really fits with the surroundings here," said German entrepreneur Thomas Geissler, creator of the "Gold to Go" brand and chief executive of Ex Oriente Lux. The exterior of the machine is coated with a thin layer of gold and offers customers 320 items to choose from, ranging from gold bars that can weigh up to 10 grams, to customised
gold coins. "All the gold is imported from Germany, and soon we will have a customized gold bar with a print of the Emirates Palace logo, which will be a nice souvenir for guests to take home," said Geissler.
Through a computer system, the ATM gold machine updates the gold price every 10 minutes to match international markets. For now, it takes notes of the local dirham currency, but the
option of using credit cards will soon be introduced. The cash-for-gold machines were first tested in Germany in 2009, but Geissler chose Abu Dhabi for the official launch of his invention because of the region's high demand for gold. "On the first night we had a lot of demand," he said. "One customer even bought one item of every product we have." Geissler's timing is spot-on, as investors flock to gold as a safe haven from economic turbulence. On Thursday, gold priced in sterling and euros reached record highs, while that priced in the more usual dollar denomination was quoted at $1,236 an ounce, with dealers expecting it to reach fresh highs over coming days.
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Pg14 GOA’S HEARTBEAT The Fervent Familial Bond Cool Careers in “
Saturday, 15 May, 2010
Commerce
Everyone associates the field of Commerce careers connected to number crunching. But there is a lot more you can do in this interesting avenue
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Families are like fudge – mostly “sweet with a few nuts Anonymous
email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com
ay ternational D In s a d te ra b May 15 is cele r World Family Day. On o of the Family erald delves into various ,H the occasion like families rk o w o h w s p units or grou BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES amily is God’s gift to each of us. And it comprises not just of grandparents, parents, kids etc but also of pets, laughter and tears and colds and fevers. “Family means putting your arms around each other and being there,” said Barbara Bush. Can we agree more? And to put your arms around each other and be there, you don’t have to only belong to any particular clan or tribe. Any network or team you closely bond with is also family! Walk into fashion guru, Wendell Rodricks’ salon and you feel the camaraderie between the team members reach out and envelope you. The manner in which the associates interact with each other radiates a sense of well being, order and peace. The ace designer says, “There are people who ask me why I wish my door man. I tell them he is like family too; he makes my life easier. Every Christmas, I get all my tailors and the rest of the members to enjoy a meal at my home in Colvale. I look after my associates like my own family members. I would never want them to stay late and miss their bus, just the way I feel about a family member. We don’t work as just a company but more as a family. The key word here is respect for each other. We give each other our individual space. Every one has an individuality and they bring in their best towards our one focus – to give the customer a quality product.” Reiterating the above, environmentalist Clinton Vaz states, “Our team works in unity and as one body. We delegate a lot of work and responsibility as we believe that many hands make the work lighter. There is a lot of bonding amongst us members and we call each other up even at 12 midnight. We even argue with each other but then, it is only in order to get things done.” Concurring with the fact, that when you work closely as a team, a lot of bonding ensues, Vaz informs, “Yes, we do have a lot of fun events. A significant one was the Frog Quiz we had last year during the ‘Save the Frog’ campaign. All of us were seated on the floor and we had this real amazing quiz which was so much fun. It really feels like a family.” Talking of bonding like a family, how can the enthusiastic Goan Shutterbugs be far behind? “We definitely are a family in the true sense of the word,” says Sanjeev V Sardesai from the group. Aptly analogising, Sardessai elucidates,
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BY FREEDA ALBUQUERQUE here are scores of sites and hundreds of online forums and chat-rooms where you can surf and find out for yourself how others go about choosing a stream and careers in Commerce. Each of the careers such as Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretary, Banking, etc has hundreds of websites. As the industrial development and services sectors grow, the choices in commerce career get positively affected. It is very difficult to choose a career in commerce because of the overabundance of choices. The opportunities to study in Commerce colleges too have increased plentifully. If you choose the Commerce stream after Class XII, you can carry on and graduate in Commerce or venture into the field of BCA, if passed with maths. Vocational options include computer courses, Certificate/Diploma, art, media, secretarial, etc. Commerce is the foundation for a career as Chartered Accountant or Company Secretary or a future in Cost & Works Accounts. Entrance Exams that can be attempted at this stage include those for Hotel Management, BBS, Law, NID, NIFT, Foreign Language (5 years), TOEFL, Fine Art, Teaching (B.Com Bed) and NDA. After graduating in Commerce, there is a whole galaxy of opportunities open to you. Those interested in further studies can do post-graduation degree programmes such as M Com, M Economics, M Statistics, M Ed, MA Operations Research, International Studies, International Research or professional courses like Hotel Management, Fashion Merchandising, Industrial Design, Journalism, Media, Advertising, Computing, Insurance, B Ed, B Ed (special education), B Lib. Science, Secretarial, Performing Arts, CA, Company Secretary, Mass Communication, Musicology, Foreign Languages. Competitive exams that can be attempted at this stage are of Civil Services, Indian Economic Services, Banking, Insurance, Combined Defence Services, Air Force Accounts, Mass communication, Journalism, Advertising, Film Studies, Drama and Theatre, Management Studies and GRE/GMAT. The young bloods raring to start earning can get into fields such as Travel, Airlines, Management Executives, Finance Executives, Secretarial, Journalism, Media, Entrepreneurship, Banking, Defence, Security Services, Performing Arts, etc. Graduating in commerce is highly recommended for a decent and definite start in future professional training or taking up a job in the commercial stream. The commerce colleges are throughout the breadth and length of the country. The competition in commerce study stream is as fierce as in the real field of trade and commerce. The qualifying percentages to earn a college seat may be as low as 50 per cent. However, be assured that it is not enough even in smaller cities and towns of India. Hence one must start early, as early in school to detect an aptitude for commerce and work towards the set goal. The goal is to achieve good performance in the exams. Four ‘P’s of utmost importance are: Percentage, Plan, Prepare and Plunge.
HOROSCOPE Over email or the telephone, your meaning will be lost. Talk to them face to face. A meeting or ap(21 Mar – 19 Apr) pointment is shorter than usual -- but that's a good thing for you! It frees up more time to take care of the essentials, and you're always looking for ways to use your energy efficiently.
Your happiness gives hope to others -- use your sunshine to cheer up a blue friend. Something (23 Sep – 22 Oct) or someone new comes your way today, and you would do well to follow along wherever the experience leads you. Your good energy ensures a positive result in the long run.
There's ambiguity around you -- don't sign legal documents and avoid commitments. This is not (20 Apr – 20 May) the time for long-term thinking, though you do need to return to it soon enough. Focus on whatever is right in front of you and take care of any crisis as soon as you see it emerge.
Speed through the details and you'll miss something important. Read the small print! Something (23 Oct – 21 Nov) small is bothering you today -- and it might turn into something bigger if you let it go. Though others may tease you for getting obsessive, you just want to make sure everything goes according to plan.
There's no need to sell out on your idea, it's prefect as is. Don't underestimate yourself. You (21 May – 21 Jun) are in motion today -- in one way or another. You may actually be on the road or on vacation, or perhaps you're transitioning away from a job or relationship that just isn't working for you anymore.
Keep yourself busy today -- boredom has made your mind hungry for stimulation. You've got a (22 Nov – 21 Dec) big issue to deal with, but it doesn't seem to be cracking just yet. It may be a good time for you to slow down and wait for inspiration - though that might very well take several days!
Today is your independence day -- break free from authority and be your own boss. Your (22 Jun – 22 Jul) work is getting more and more complicated today, which can be a good thing, but needs some serious management. If you can't handle it all, be sure to call in reinforcements.
Being diplomatic isn't working -- cut the sugar coating and tell it like it is. Communication is(22 Dec – 19 Jan) sues are important today, but it's easier than usual for you to commit to one mode or another and stick with it. Your family and coworkers should be able to handle your choices.
Teamwork -- how mountains are climbed, problems are solved, and careers are made. It's (23 Jul – 22 Aug) harder than usual for you to make big decisions -- and even the small ones may come at a price. Try to just go with the flow for the time being and put off anything major for a while.
Get ready -- those flirtfilled conversations will finally add up to something real. Explore your (20 Jan – 18 Feb) artistic or creative side today -- there's a lot more going on under the surface than you may have realized yet. It's one of those days that can yield serious breakthroughs if you push things.
Don't think with your heart. Turn off your emotions -- look at cold, hard facts. Your rational side (23 Aug – 22 Sep) is hyperactive right now, possibly leading to some conflicts with those whose emotions are more prominent. Try to give them some leeway, but make sure that you do what's right.
Things that were once so clear are becoming foggy. Visibility is poor - be careful. You're gen(19 Feb – 20 Mar) erally full of creative energy -- but today, you've also got the motivation to get to work on something big! Collaboration may be fruitful, but even if you're on your own, you should like what you see.
Is it Splitsville for Arshad and Maria?
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“Just like our rich Indian family culture teaches children to learn from the good or bad habits of the elders in a family, so too in Goan Shutterbugs, the amateurs learn from the experienced and professional photographers. And just like every family has a goal, so too our sole aim is to get every beautiful aspect of Goa to the fore, through our photography. Besides, just like elders in the family are also open to learning from the youngsters, so too in our group the professionals learn from the different perspectives of the amateurs.” He continues, “For families, there was a time when there was lesser scope in terms of jobs but today there are tremendous job offers. Similarly, there was a time when access to a camera was very difficult but today we have mobile cameras and six lens cameras right up to Digital SLR cameras. We bond together by ideas of photography with sincerity in teaching others.” Rodricks aptly concludes, “Wherever in the world I go, I look at another Goan as my own family member. So, I am a part of the Goan family which constitutes the Indian family which in turn constitutes the international family.” So, this World Family Day, whether we are with the warm families we are born in, or with our little beloved group of friends who we can look our worst with and yet become our best as we hang out way past the witching hour just to catch up on some harmless juicy gossip or with our team members working towards one productive goal, let’s just love, share and care – it’s all that truly matters in life!
Opportunity to realise your Silver Screen Dream Want to be the face of Goa? Here is a chance to flaunt your looks and present your personality at the Mr and Miss Youth Eye Goa. This is a platform to Goa’s young boys and girls to make it to the silver screen. Herald details BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES ou have the looks and the attitude to carry yourself down the ramp and back. Your photogenic and can add charm on screen. Here is the perfect opportunity for you. Without venturing far you can earn the title of Mr and Miss Youth Eye Goa. This national competition is organised by Youth Eye interactive magazine in collaboration with Mandovi Entertainment. The auditions will be held at the Kala Academy Black Box on May 26. The last day for submitting application is May 23. Kunal Sagarkar, CEO, Mandovi Entertainment sheds some light on the competition. “We are in search of ten couples, who have the looks and talent to represent Goa at the national level. All the applicants will have to come for the auditions on May 26 out of which ten boys and ten girls will be selected and have another ten days of training before heading out to compete. The winning couple will participate in the national competition for the title of Mr and Miss Youth Eye India. We have received a tremendous response from the Goan youth so far. The magazine will also select best face of the month which appears on the cover of its monthly issue and the models are also given an opportunity to feature in Bollywood films and TV serials,” he expounds. This month, Hazel D’Cruz was featured as the face of the month for the magazine. He goes on to state why this is an opportunity of a lifetime for young Goans who can’t venture out for various reasons. “Usually models have to travel all the way to Mumbai as competitions of this calibre are not held in Goa,” he explains. So get your photographs and head to Mandovi Entertainment, Qurem, Panaji to submit your application. Don’t dread the questionnaire round just give the judges your best shot.
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ccording to the latest tabloids reports, Bollywood’s funny man Arshad Warsi and his wife Maria Goretti are heading towards splitsville. Recently, Arshad, after engaging in a nasty war of words, moved out of their Yari Road residence in Mumbai. “Maria can’t take it any longer. Arshad moved out of their house before reaching the sets of ‘Golmaal 3’ in Goa. Their two children are with Maria,” revealed a source close to the couple on the condition of anonymity. Reportedly, the couple, who’s married for around 11-years, is on the verge of a break-up because Maria is finding it tough to handle her husband’s growing closeness to his ‘Hum Tum Aur Ghost’ co-star Dia Mirza. Reportedly, Maria is not comfortable with Arshad being too friendly with actress Dia Mirza. Maria and Arshad’s relationship strained furthermore when tabloids started reporting that Arshad and Dia are more than just good friends. “The bone of contention has been Arshad’s link-up with Dia Mirza. Maria obviously is not happy about it. It looked like they had reached a compromise in the past, but it was clearly a temporary arrangement,” revealed an insider familiar with the matter. Arshad and Maria used to be among Bollywood couples whose marriages survived despite break-ups and divorces abounding in tinsel town. “The entire industry was shocked last year when reports of their tumultuous relationship started doing the rounds,” added the insider. It seems that both Arshad and Maria did try their best to save their relationship, at least for the sake of their two children. However, things did not work out as planned. The couple have two children, a son named Zeke, almost 10 years old, and their 3-year old daughter Zene Zoe.
Amanda Seyfried joins Brood as Red Riding Hood C
atherine Hardwicke, director of ‘Thirteen’, ‘Lords of Dogtown’ and, most recently, ‘Twilight’, is taking on an old fairytale and directing an adaptation of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. But no, it's not just a sick grandmother and a big bad wolf — there's a gothic, ‘romantic thriller’ twist. The new adaptation, entitled ‘The Girl with the Red Riding Hood’, will follow the main character, Valerie, who seeks to reveal the “true identity of the wolf that's been terrorising her village for two decades,” while reconciling feelings for her rich fiancé and the town's bad boy. It appears that Amanda Seyfried will take some time off from kissing women on-screen and is going to star in the updated version that will be produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Films. Filming begins in June. This also comes on the heels of Tim Burton's ‘Alice in Wonderland’ interpretation, which has wowed some audiences and disappointed others as a blasphemous crime committed against Lewis Carroll's sacred story. Perhaps some classics are to be left untouched. Is the adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood doomed to fail or will it produce another box off i c e smash?
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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Saturday, 15 May, 2010
WHAT’S UP IN GOA?? ‘Natural Painter’, the maiden art exhibition of 75-year-old artist Mohan Bhandare will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister Digamber Kamat on May 15 at the Big Foot Art Gallery, Big Foot, Loutulim. The exhibition will go on till May 19 from 9.30am to 6pm. Call 2777034 or 2777580. ‘Shades of Grey’, a photo exhibition by Archana Nagvekar will be inaugurated on May 15 at 11am by Harshada Kerkar at the Kala Academy Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Panjim. It will be open to the public on May 15 and 16 from 10am to 7:30pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452. All Goa Marathi Film Singing Competition, organised by the Pratibha Friends Circle, Borim will take place on May 15 at 2:30pm at the Raghvindra Swami Hall, Borim. Call 9860410997. A photography exhibition by Thomas Vaz will be held on May 18, International Museum Day from May 18 to 25 at the Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa. Call 2285299. ‘School Administration’ a seminar, organised by the All Goa Government Recognised Unaided Schools Association will take place on May 21 from 9am to 1pm. Call 9822132182 or 9823158535. ‘Open Competition of Carnival Plays’, organised by HCN and Vandana Productions will take place on May 18, 19 and 20 at Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Margao. Call 9822983541. A legal literacy camp will be held on May 15 from 3pm onwards at Vasant Bhavan Villa, Cumbharjua. A five-day workshop on rangoli design, organised by the Directorate of Art and Culture, will be held from May 24 to 28 at the Swami Vivekanand Society, Panjim. Professional rangoli artist Gunvant Manjrekar will lead the workshop. The last date to submit entries is May 18. Forms are to be submitted to the Department of Art and Culture, 5th Floor, Shrama Shakti Bhavan, Patto, Panjim. Call 2438103.
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afterclap
INGS email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com
Meaning : an unexpected, unpleasant sequel to a matter that had been considered closedy Example Sentence Since ceasefire had been declared, the afterclap of the battle had everybody shocked.
Seventy five year old Mohan M Bhandare to extract the strength and power of a woman (nature’s marvellous creation) in her simple daily chores in his first solo art exhibition
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HERALD FEATURES ohan M Bhandare, born March 30, 1935 in the village of Cortalim spent his young days in Cumbarjua. A natural painter he did not receive any formal training in art. During his growing up years in Mumbai, he watched eminent painter Dandwate work in his studio and has picked up some of his skills by merely watching him. Noticing his talent Dandwate encouraged him to paint. In the early 1960's he returned to Goa and started his business in the field of art. He began with the paintings of boardings and other related advertising art work. Later, he shifted to industrial and residential painting works where he undertook painting contracts in leading industries in Goa. But the artist in him never took respite. He would paint, sketch portraits and gift these to his family and friends till he eventually decided to exhibit this facet of his diverse personality. For him, art is a passion, perception and a practice. At the ripe age of 75, comes his first solo art exhibition ‘Samarpan – A tribute to Nature’ which has a strong focus on woman, nature’s marvellous creation. He expresses the strength and power of the woman in her simple daily chores. His exhibition will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Digamber Kamat at the Big Foot Art Gallery, Big Foot, Loutulim on May 15 at 5:30pm. PWD minister Churchill Alemao will grace the occasion as the guest of honour. In conclusion, he is an inspiration to budding artists everywhere and to all of us as well. He as proven that dedication, perseverance and will power is all that is needed to excel and age should be no excuse. These qualities are aptly depicted in his works. ‘Samarpan – A tribute to Nature’ will be open to the public from May 16 to 19 between 9:30am to 6pm at the Big Foot Art Gallery, Ancestral Goa Big Foot, Loutolim.
Talk on the European Influence in Goa
Photo by Herald Features
The Power of Black and White
HERALD FEATURES ason Keith Fernandes gave an extensive lecture on ‘The European Presence in Goa’ recently at the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Well researched and well presented, he painted a complete picture of the European presence in Goa, which goes beyond just the Portuguese colonial masters, but included the British, the Croatian, the Spanish, the Dutch and more recently the hippies, besides others. He stressed on the fact that Goans do not possess European blood as commonly thought off but had Instructions a strong cultural mix with the Porfor Sudoku tuguese. SUDOKU SOL 553 Through a slide show, he provided ar9 x 9 letter: chitectural and other aesthetic proof of To solve a Sudoku the many European nations’ presence puzzle, every numin Goa. ber from 1 to 9 must
DAILY GROOK BAULK TALK by Francis Rodrigues a prison motto even if u sin, "refuse to go - in the bin!"
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HERALD FEATURES n this world of colours, a black and white picture seems to draw attention more effectively than any other. With this in mind, Archana Nagvekar, computer engineer, is making her debut into the world of photography with her first solo exhibition titled ‘Shades of Grey’ which will be on at Kala Academy Art Gallery, on May 15 and 16. “All these photographs are clicked in black and white and they have been shot during my travels around Goa. Black and white is very powerful when it is a landscape, and in portraits, it removes other unwanted elements,” says Archana, who learnt the art of photography at Prasad Pankar’s CMYK Academy. According to the artist, black and white are the most versatile colours to work with and the pictures have a starkness that colour photography cannot achieve. Most of her works are candid shots and the rest are street photography. Archana wanted to bring out the sense of mystery in her pictures, and the title of the exhibition is very apt. She draws inspiration from the various art movements in the world like that of cubism, thus showing the world as an object from different angles. Although this is Archana’s first solo exhibition, she has exhibited her works in other exhibitions like ‘Changing Goa’ in February last year and 1000 Smiles of Goa later that year. In 2008 she even had one of her pictures published on the National Geographic website.
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MOVIE REVIEW BY KESHAV NADKARNI
nadkarniassociates@gmail.com
GARFIELD
Bum Bum Bole
life. It is this desire which brings in a lot of bittersweet moments in their life, but the family fights through for a happy life. Darsheel Safary of ‘Taare Zameen Par’ fame has given an excellent performance, proving that he can sustain the initial grooming given to him by Aamir Khan. Little Ziyah, the twin of ‘Aapki Antra’ star Zaynah, looks so cute in the film and has also performed very well. This simply proves that India’s young artistes are a talented lot. The tots surely deliver a ‘paisa vasool’ performance. Atul, as always, has done a great job and Rituparna has supported him well. As a director, Priyadarshan has done a good job. The editing and the camera work too is good and the music goes well with the total mood of the film.
Director: Priyadarshan Cast: Darsheel Safary, Ziyah Vastani, Atul Kulkarni Rating:
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riyadarshan’s ‘Bumm Bumm Bole’ (BBB) is the Hindi adaptation of the Iranian Film ‘Children of the Heaven’ by noted Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi. BBB revolves around a unique brother-sister relationship. The holiday season is an ideal time for this film as it is about children, hence offering something for people of all ages. Khogiram (Atul Kulkarni), his wife (Rituparna Sengupta) and their children Pinu (Darsheel) and Rimzim (Ziyah) leave in a terrorist affected area of Kashmir. Working on the tea estates, the family live in a hand to mouth situation, but despite this, Khogiram has an ardent desire to send his children to school and give them what he never got in his
SOUTH POLE
09:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom 13:30 Jab We Met 16:00 Kurbaan 19:00 Mahavir Hanuman 20:00 Balika Vadhu 21:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom 22:00 Balika Vadhu
10:00 Let'z Go!
Pg15
‘Samarpan – A Tribute to Nature’
appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes
09:00 Dance India Dance L'il 09:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 12:30 Dance India Dance L'il 14:00 Pavitra Rishta 16:30 Avtaar 20:30 Keshav Pandit 21:30 Dance India Dance L'il
Parenting
“Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.” – Charles M Schulz
Function Noun
09:00 Aahat 10:30 C.I.D Classics 11:30 C.I.D Classics 16:00 Ta Ra Rum Pum 20:00 Lift Kara De 21:30 Comedy Circus Maha 23:00 Aahat 23:30 Comedy Circus Maha
Tourism
Funny Quote
Pronunciation aaf-ter-klap
09:00 Sasural Genda Phool 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 13:00 Behenein 15:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 18:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 21:00 Zara Nachke Dikha 23:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo
Travel
LAFFS
WORD OF THE DAY
SUDOKU 554
A trek to Mount Kasainath, organised by Wildtrek will take place on May 16. Call 9822123458. A tagline competition, organised by the website www.goaadventures.com is open to entries. E-mail goaadventues@gmail.com. ‘Morning Ride to Pomburpa Spring’ will be held on May 16 at 7am. Call 9822166165. ‘Relevance of Neuroscience to Management’, an open preview session will take place on May 18 between 3.30pm to 6.30pm at the International Centre, Goa, Dona Paula. Call 2452805-10 or 9765404391. A 5-day workshop on internet and e-mail will be held from May 18 to 22 and May 24 to 28 at the Detroit Institute, Panjim. Call 9822131835 or 9822131835. Free personalised counselling sessions will be held on May 15 from 11am to 5pm at the Chowgule Business Centre, Miramar, Panjim. Call 9822380116 or 9822179980. Visit www.healthgoa.com. ‘Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses leading Chronic Care’ will be the theme of the state nursing conference organised by the Trained Nurses Association of IndiaGoa branch, to be held on May 19, International Nurses Day. ‘Mahila Melava’, a literary symposium, organised by Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim will be held on May 22 at the Gomantak Maratha Samaj Hall, Panjim. There will be three discussions/symposiums – ‘Leadership in Women’, ‘Rudi/Parampara/Dharma Bhavana and Bailanchi Sanhyachi Shithi’ and ‘Live-in Relation’. Call 2224143. ‘Coconut Heritage Photography Contest’ a photography contest organised by the Heritage Jazz is open for entries till June 10. The entry forms are available at Champs and Big G, Margao and Champs, Magsons, the Don Bosco Oratory and the Gonsalves Mansion, Panjim. Call 2228010.
Education
12:00 Bollywood Case Files 12:30 Bollywood Case Files 13:00 TENtalize 13:30 The Zoom Review Show 14:00 Making of : Rajneeti 14:30 Clozer 15:30 Guthy Renker 16:00 Bollywood Spice Station 17:00 A-star Bollywood Hits 18:00 Let'z Go! 19:00 Planet Bollywood 19:30 Page 3 20:00 Best of Encounter 20:30 The Zoom Hot'list 21:00 Planet Bollywood 21:30 TENtalize 22:00 Discography 23:00 Clozer
10:15 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai 11:15 Gutar Gu 12:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta 14:00 Souten 15:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 19:30 Gutar Gu 20:00 Aan Milo Sajna
08:30 Star Box Office 09:00 Geet 10:00 Ssshhh.....Phir Koi Hai 11:00 Laughter Dons 12:00 Laughter Dons 13:00 Geet 15:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 18:00 Rakshak 21:00 Laughter Ke Phatke 21:30 Ssshhh.....Phir Koi Hai 22:30 Geet
11:00 Crime Scene Investigation 12:00 Drop Dead Diva
08:20 The Mist 10:45 Blonde Ambition 12:45 27 Dresses 15:00 George of the Jungle 16:55 The Spirit 19:05 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 21:00 The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 23:15 Righteous Kill
09:00 Solo 11:00 Storm Cell 13:00 The Mummy 3 15:15 Boa vs. Python 17:00Slap Shot 3 19:00 Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control 21:00The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 23:15 The International
08:30 Dinotopia 09:30 Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina 13:15 Raaz: The Mystery Continues 16:45 The Host 20:00 De Dana Dan
09:30 Vaastu Shastra 12:30 Kaala Sona 16:00 Sangdil Sanam 20:00 Kyun! Ho Gaya Na... 23:00 Gone in Sixty Seconds
10:25 Committed 12:25 The Visitor
14:35 Snatch 16:40 Enigma 19:00 The Dog Problem 21:00 Ong Bak 2 23:10 Death of a President
12:00 Bachna Ae Haseeno 16:00 Aag 20:00 Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge 23:45 Apmaan Ki Aag
12:00 Viewers Choice 16:00 Police Police 20:00 God Tussi Great Ho
E N T E R TA I N M E N T 13:00 Top Chef 14:00 Wipeout Australia 15:00 The Amazing Race 16:00 Sports Crash 17:00 Top Chef 18:00 Wipeout Australia 19:00 Chuck 20:00 Ghost Adventures 22:00 Video Zonkers 22:30 Sony Style Tv Magazine 23:00 Fear Itself : Community
09:00 V.I.P 10:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 12:00 Rendezvous With Simi
12:30 Two and a Half Men 13:00 V.I.P 14:00 Desperate Housewives 15:00 Monk 16:00 Monk 17:00 V.I.P 18:00 90210 19:00 Castle 20:00 Castle 21:00 American Idol 22:00 90210 23:00 V.I.P
09:00 Barclays Premiere League 11:00 V8 Supercars
Championship 12:30 Portugol! 13:00 Football Asia 13:30 NBA Playoffs 16:00 Football Forecast 16:30 Inside Grand Prix 17:00 Engine Block 2010 17:20 FIA F1 World Champ Qualifying 19:00 Ace 2010 19:30 Golf Focus 2010 20:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 20:30 FIA Wtcc 2010 21:00 FIM Motocross World 22:00 Hannspree Sbk Superbike 22:25 Spirit of Yachting Series 22:55 FEI Equestrian World 2009 23:25 German FA Cup
09:00 Australia vs. Pakistan 10:00 West Indies vs. New Zealand 11:00 New Zealand vs. England 12:00 England vs. Sri Lanka 12:50 Sportscenter Weekend 13:00 Australia vs. Pakistan 14:00 Sri Lanka vs. Australia 15:00 England vs. Sri Lanka 15:58 Sportscenter Weekend 16:00 Pakistan vs. South Africa 17:00 New Zealand vs. England 18:00 Sri Lanka vs. Australia 19:00 Australia vs. Pakistan 20:00 West Indies vs. Australia 21:00 New Zealand vs. England 22:00 England vs. Sri Lanka 23:00 Australia vs. Pakistan
09:30 UEFA Europa Atletico Madrid vs. Fulham 12:00 World of Athletics 12:30 ICC Cricket Show 13:00 2010 Archery World Cup 13:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 14:00 UEFA Europa League 14:30 Pakistan vs. England 15:00 UEFA Champions Magazine 15:30 Winning Post 16:00 WWE: Super Star 17:00 WWE: Smackdown 19:00 UEFA Europa Atletico Madrid vs. Fulham 21:30 Winning Post 22:00 ICC Cricket Show 22:30 WWE: Super Star 23:30 UEFA Europa League
08:00 Best of Wild : Deadly Sum mer 09:00 Cutting Carbon Footprint 10:00 World's Deadliest Animals
11:00 NatGeo's Amazing Moments 12:00 Fashion Memoir 12:30 Fashion Memoir 13:00 Mega Factories - Ikea 14:00 Cutting Carbon Footprint 15:00 Monkey Thieves : Street Life 16:00 HDFC STD Life Spell Bee 17:00 Apollo Flight of the Hawkz 18:00 Wild Specials : Hyena Queen 19:00 Millau Sky Bridge 20:00 Mega Factories Lamborghini 21:00 Focussed Frame Lens 22:00 Nat Geo Explorer : Thailand 23:00 Apollo Flight of the Hawkz
06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00 00:00
Art of living Health Watch Kids Club Flavors English News Konkani News Marathi News Konkani Palkachim Noketram HCN Smash Hitz Flavors English News Konkani Movie Sanjeet Interview with Rahul Roy Flavors Kids Club Konkani Palkachim Noketram Konkani News Marathi News English News Adlim Kantaram Talking Talkies English News Trendsetters Churchill Alemao’s 61st Birthday 01:00 Art of living 01:30 Health Watch 02:00 Kids Club Note: Subject to change
HERALD CROSSWORD - 554 Across 1- Barker and Bell; 4Guides; 9- Lathers; 14Bass, e.g.; 15- Gandhi's land; 16- Communion table; 17- Compass dir.; 18- Pilfer; 19- Roman goddess of the moon; 20- Star groups; 23"You are ___"; 24- Beast of burden; 25- Vast seas; 28Harbor; 30- Loss leader?; 33- Flow controlling device; 34- Upper limbs, weapons; 35- Eats; 36- Informally; 39Put down; 40- Lucie's father; 41- Metal spikes; 42- Antiquity, old-style; 43- Nota ___; 44- Stanzas; 45- Direct a gun; 46- Blend; 47- Tending to sleep walk; 54- Member of the dog family; 55Brother of Moses; 56- Genetic messenger; 57- Old enough; 58- Elegance; 59Barely make, with "out"; 60Domingo, for one; 61- Conger catcher; 62- Island of Denmark; Down 1- Not fem.; 2- "______ sprach Zarathustra"; 3- Observed; 4Auditor; 5- Goes in; 6- Designer Simpson; 7- Clock face; 8Room in a casa; 9- One who enjoys inflicting pain; 10- Mixed bags; 11- ___ impasse; 12Gives a bad review; 13- Madrid Mrs.; 21- Beardless; 22- Foot bones; 25- Small egg; 26- Artificial waterway; 27- 1961 Heston role; 28- Plain writing; 29- Old
Dodge model; 30- Bears SOLUTION - 553 the ictus; 31- Silk fabric; 32- Vast chasm; 34- "So be it"; 35- Protects; 37- Accumulation of fluids; 38Brief joke; 43- Cover for loose papers; 44- Played at a fast tempo; 45- Buddy; 46- Wall painting; 47- Call at home; 48- Son of Judah; 49- Merlin, e.g.; 50- Exposed; 51- Not kosher; 52Black; 53- Capital of Calvados, in NW France; 54Portable bed;
SPORTS
GOA, Saturday, 15 May, 2010
Pg16 Salgaocar too good for Viva Kerala u-19 i-league HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, MAY 14
Salgaocar Sports Club defeated Viva Kerala 4-1 in the U-19 ILeague football tournament, at Duler stadium, here, on Friday. Salgaocar led 2-1 at the breather. Today’s result gives Salgaocar their first win in the tournament after losing two matches. Viva Kerala are bowed out with three points, having drawn three matches and losing one. Salgaocar had Clifton Dias back after suspension, partner-
ing Alvito Miranda upfront. Dawson Fernandes moved over to the left wing position but was just as effective at putting pressure on the Kerala defence. Kerala had the first opportunity to take the lead in the 5th minute, with the help of Britto, whose powerful shot from close range, straight bulged into Salgaocar net. Salgaocar stung by the upset, moved up their pace in search for an equaliser and in the 12th minute, Clifton was at his best heading the ball into the goal, off a cross from Gilbert Oliveira. Three minutes before the
break, Dawson swung in a freekick from the right, which guided Gilbert to smash the ball into the net for Salgaocar. After the lemon break, Jason Pereira scored the third goal for Salgaocar from a corner. In the dying minutes, Salgaocar skipper Dawson rounded off the tally after receiving a brilliant cross from Jason. Sporting Clube with seven points will meet Churchill on Saturday, who have four points while on Sunday, Dempo Sports Club with four points will lock horns with Salgaocar Sports Club, who have three points.
Stunned by the equalizer, after change of ends, Guardian Angel stepped up the ante and showed more urgency with their forwards and midfielders working in tandem to put the rival citadel under tremendous pressure. Shakeer Shaikh put Guardian Angel into the lead with a snap shot. Areal were quick to harass the rival defence with well orchestrated raids with Darryl Endro repeatedly raiding the rival citadel and came close in scoring. With time running out, Areal tried their best to force their way and their hard work paid
dividends when Monty Valadares beat the rival goalkeeper with a deft placement to make it 2-2. Alliston Fernandes of Guardian Angel scored the match-winner when he headed in off a flag kick taken by Austin Fernandes. Earlier, Guardian Angel drubbed Curtorim Gymkhana 30. Milroy Diniz, Russel Vaz and Melvito Fernandes were the scorers. In an earlier match, Sao Jose de Areal trounced Curtorim Gymkhana 6-1 Lefito Gomes, Raymond Fernandes and Monty Valladares scored a brace each while Myrone Fernandes reduced the margin for Curtorim.
Guardian Angel in semis coca cola cup HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 14
Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem overcame Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club 3-2 to romp into the semi-finals of U-16 Coca Cola Celebration Cup football tournament at Rosary ground, Navelim on Friday. The teams were tied 1-1 at lemon break. Guardian Angel surged ahead in the 10th minute when Alliston Fernandes bulged the net giving no chance to the rival goalkeeper. Areal were soon rewarded when Raymond Fernandes neutralized the lead with a snap shot.
Goa boys in pre-quarters tennis ball cricket HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Goa boys entered the pre-quarterfinals while the girls moved into the quarter-finals of 15th Sub-Junior National Tennis Ball Cricket Championships organised by Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association in collaboration with Sports Authority of Goa at Nehru stadium, Margao on Friday. Goa boys defeated Punjab in the last league match. Electing to bat, Punjab scored 49 in 8
Siridao, DBO, Verna in semis frank pires soccer HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Siridao Sports Club trounced Nauxim Sports Club 3-0 to move into the semi-finals of Frank Pires memorial soccer tournament, near Siridao church ground, on Friday. Siridao led 2-0 at the breather. Siridao surged ahead when Wilson D’Mello slotted past the goalkeeper in the very 3rd minute. Cedric D’Souza doubled the lead for Siridao. Changing over, Alistair Rodrigues rounded off the tally for Siridao. Nauxim tried their best to reduce the margin but were unable to get past the stubborn Siridao defence. In another match, Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda trounced PVC Parra 6-2 to move into the semifinals. Don Bosco led 2-1 at the breather. Verna Sports Club got the better of St Sebastiao Sports Club 5-4 via the tie-breaker to enter the semi-finals. There was no score at the end of the regulation period.
overs. In reply, Goa scored the required runs in 7.2 overs with Atish scoring 20. Earlier, Goa defeated Andhra Pradesh. Goa scored 106 in the allotted 8 overs with Atish scoring 37, Shubham 23. In reply Andhra scored 44 all out. In the girls section, Goa defeated Jharkhand. Electing to bat Jharkhand scored 45 for 3 wickets in 8 overs. Goa scored the required runs in 4.1 overs with Melissa scoring 18 not out. In another match, Goa defeated Jammu and Kashmir. J&K scored 39 in 8 overs, with Dhan-
shree 2 wickets, Dixita and Santoshi claiming 1 wicket each for Goa. In reply Goa scored the required runs in 4.1 overs with Dhanshree scoring 31. Other results: Maharashtra bt Pondicherry, Delhi bt Punjab, Telengana bt Karnataka, Assam bt Uttarkhand, UP bt Tamil Nadu, AIIB bt J&K, MP bt Chandigarh, Jharkhand bt Karnataka, Maharashtra tied with Vidharba, Chattisgarh bt Uttarkhand. Girls: AIIB bt Karnataka, Chattisgarh bt Vidharba, UP bt Hyderabad, Goa bt Jharkhand, Delhi bt Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan bt Bihar.
Ambelim advance
cuncolim trophy HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 14
Ambelim Sports Club defeated Varca Sports Club 2-1 to sail into the quarter-finals of All-Goa 2nd Cuncolim Union trophy intervillage football tournament organised by Cuncolim Union at school ground, Cuncolim on Friday. The teams were tied 1-1 at half time. Ambelim took the lead when Romeo Fernandes’s snap shot beat the rival goalkeeper hands down af ter he received a through pass from Tiburcio Fernandes.
Spurred by the early success, Ambelim nearly doubled the lead but striker Tiburcio’s try hit the crossbar to the dismay of the Ambelim supporters. Varca equalised when Elvis Fernandes free kick beat the Ambelim goalkeeper to put his team on equal terms. Ambelim put up a better display after resumption and their efforts bore fruits when Donald Rocha brilliantly fired home off Clyde D’Silva pass. Varca tried their best to level the score but found it difficult to break the Ambelim defence.
Sangolda move into semis arpora cup
HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 14
Sangolda Lightning trounced Clube Sao Miguel Taleigao 3-0 to enter the semi-finals of Nagoa Arpora Panchayat Cup inter-village soccer organised by Arpora Sporting Club at Salt Lake ground, Arpora on Friday. Dominating the initial proceedings, Sangolda shot into lead in the 7th minute through a free kick by Lloyd Mascarenhas from top of the box. Sangolda doubled the lead through Nilesh Palyekar in the 25th minute. Nilesh capitalized on a deflection off Taleigao defender Martin after Joseph had taken a shot at the goal. Changing over, Taleigao dominated the proceedings and were all over the Sangolda territory in search of goals. However, the ever agile Sangolda goalkeeper Devraj Tari affected brilliant saves to deny goals to Samson, Victor Lobo and Haldankar. Shadab Shaikh scored another goal for Sangolda in the dying minutes.
Cuncolim up eslinda soccer HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Cuncolim Union scored a narrow 2-1 win over Margao Sports Club in Eslinda Alemao memorial mandopa football tournament organised by Mandopa Sporting Club at Mandopa ground, on Friday. Margao led 1-0 at the breather. In the second session, Cuncolim equalised in the 35th minute and doubled the lead in the 50th minute.
U-19 I-League soccer: Sporting Clube de Goa v. Musli Power Churchill Brothers, Duler ground, Mapusa, 4.30 p.m. Frank Pires memorial soccer (semis): DBO, Fatorda v. Navelim SC, near Siridao church, 4.30 p.m. Arpora-Nagoa Village Panchayat Cup soccer (quarters): FC Siolim v. Arpora Sporting Club, Salt Lake ground, Arpora, 4.45 p.m. Eslinda Alemao memorial soccer: St Anthony SC, Colva v. Chicalim SC, Mandopa ground, 4.30 p.m. Lakhanpal Novino Gold Cup soccer: PVC, Parra v. UC Nerul, Dr Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.30 p.m. Nerul Panchayat Cup soccer: Sangolda Lightning v. Anjuna Gymkhana, Nerul ground, 4.30 p.m. Cuncolim Union Trophy soccer: Sao Miguel de Taleigao v. Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, school ground, Cuncolim, 4.30 p.m. 3-a-side tie-breaker soccer, Vaddem ground, Socorro, 7.30 p.m. 1st Control cricket, organised by Jago Citizens Welfare Trust, near Rosary Church, Fatorda, 6 p.m. All-Goa volleyball: Piety Sports Club v. Orlim, 6 p.m; Holy Family, Raia v. Upasagar, Telaulim, Navelim, 7 p.m.
SPORTS
Pg17
GOA, Saturday, 15 May, 2010
Mariano, Lawrence retained for Santosh l Heated discussion on signing of Duler agreement
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 14
Coach Mariano Dias, whose contract with Sesa FA ended last month, has been retained as coach of the Goa football team for National Santosh Trophy football championship to be held in Bengal in July. Lawrence Gomes also has been retained as manager. Both, Mariano and Lawrence were the officials with the Goa team, which regained the Santosh Trophy last year. The GFA Executive Committee meeting held today felt that holding of Santosh Trophy in July was not proper since the Goa football players would start their conditioning only in that month which would leave not much time for the actual preparation.
“The All India Football Federation will be informed accordingly,” GFA spokesman Tonito Botelho told Herald tonight and added that Mariano and Lawrence were assigned the task of selecting the players given the abnormal situation as Goa begin their league preparations only by Augustend. “The AIFF will be informed that the Duler Stadium is the right venue for laying the artificial turf. With the additional land being given to GFA, the committee felt that it would be appropriate that the FIFA turf ought to be given to GFA and not the SAG at Tilak Stadium,” Tonito disclosed and stated that the final decision rested with the AIFF.
The last date for submitting entries by clubs for various leagues ends tomorrow, Tonito disclosed and pointed out that renewals will be accepted upto May 31, on a late payment fee of Rs 500. On Goa hosting the Federation Cup, the members opined that December was not the right time to host the event, given the fact that it is the peak festive season wherein the rates of hotels and travel are almost doubled. “This will be brought to the notice of AIFF,” Tonito said. The signing of the MoU on Thursday also came for lengthy, heated discussion, but Tonito refused to throw light on the matter. It is learnt that some mem-
bers were hurt that the invitation for the signing was conveyed ver y late and that originally the agreement was to be signed by the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr Susana de Sousa and GFA Secretary, Savio Messias, both of whom were absent at the time of signing the same. A member, who did not want to be named, said that Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar, Tourism Minister Mickk y Pacheco, Speaker Pratapsing Rane, Dr Wilfred de Sousa ought to have been associated with the function and that GFA members – Peter Vaz, Elvis Gomes – who were instrumental in getting the conversion done, needed also to be there. “The manner in which the sign-
ing function was carried out, it was not sporting at all, to say the least,” a member remarked and added that it looked as if the grassroot workers had remained absent or were ignored. The agreement was to be signed five or six months ago, it is reliably learnt, but who was responsible to keep it pending for so long is not known, although it was the responsibility of DSYA to get it executed. The draft was ready then. “Mickky is the one who permitted the final transfer of the land from the Department to DSYA when he was the Agriculture Minister and as such he ought to be have been given due credit,” a GFA member remarked.
Macasana trounce Sarzora taca goa
HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 14
Suyash Shivdas Govenkar (centre) claimed a gold in kumite, silver in team kata and a bronze in kata at National Karate Do Championship organised by SKDG at Azad Bhavan, Porvorim in the presence of sensei Joseph Rodrigues, Satish Kumar, Subhash Shirodkar and others.
GOA DIARY Hardball cricket at Tonca
PANJIM (HSD) – Intergrate Cricketers, Tonca will organise their 9th All-Goa 5-overs hardball cricket tournament on May 16 near Red Rosary school ground, Mira Mar, Tonca, at 9 a.m. The winners and runners-up will receive Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 4,000 respectively. Spot entries will be accepted until 2 p.m. Details may be obtained from Nanu on 9922353428 or Sunil on 9326107920.
3-a-side tie-breaker
PANJIM (HSD) – The Vaddem Boys will organise their 2nd floodlit 3-a-side football tie-breaker tournament on May 15 at Vaddem ground, Socorro at 7.30 p.m. The winners and runners-up will receive Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 7,000 respectively. Details may be obtained from Felix on 9881276336 or Robert on 9823128761.
Kayaking postponed
PANJIM (HSD) - Goa Kayaking's 8th introduction to kayaking and training programme scheduled at Vainguinim beach, Dona Paula from May 14-17, has been postponed to May 21-24. The programme is open to adults and children above 9 years. The last date for registration is May 20. Entries are accepted at Angleys Sports, opposite
Municipal garden, Phone: 2223119 or Nobert’s Fitness Studio, Mira Mar, Phone: 2462182. Details may be obtained on 9422056037.
Aquatic championship
PANJIM (HSD) - Fatorda Swimming Pool Users' Club (FSPUC) under the aegis of Goa Swimming Association will organise the 22nd Goa State juniors and sub-juniors aquatic championship on May 15 and 16 at Fatorda swimming pool, Margao. Swimming events will be held from 8.30 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. while diving events will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In all, 140 swimmers will participate. Prakash Borkar, chief patron, FSPUC will inaugurate the event.
V’ball tourney at Chorao
PANJIM (HSD) -- Gauna Boys of Chorao will organise a floodlit volleyball tournament sponsored by Goa Sena on May 22 and 23 at Gauna ground, Chorao. The winners, runners-up and third place will receive Rs 4,000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively. Players from Chorao, Mayem, Narve, Pilgao, Shirgao, Ona, Maulingem and Karapur can participate. Details may be obtained from Gitesh Sulikar on 9823725623 or Ulhas Maulingkar on 9764597706 or Shailesh Usapkar, Nitin Mardolkar and Umesh Shirodkar.
Windsurfing workshop ends on a high note at Dona Paula
Trainer Donald Coelho alongwith 16 participants after completion of training. (inset) Donald keeps a watch on the youngest participant Chadwick D’Mello and others while undergoing windsurfing coaching. HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
The three-day windsurfing coaching camp organised by Goa B e a c h S p o r t A c a d e m y, Calangute, at Hawaii Beach, Dona Paula, concluded recently, with participants getting trained to perfection. The camp was held under guidance of Donald Coelho, National Windsurfing Champion 2009 and runner-up for 2010. He has also represented India for World Sailing Championship. The students surfed with confidence and flare. Due to the enthusiasm and demand, the camp
was extended for an additional two days. The total number of participants was 16, out of which, 11 were between the age of 10 and 13 years, from Goa and Mumbai as well. Talking on the professional approach, trainer Donald informed that there is a huge dearth of training programme in windsurfing in India and this was a pioneering initiative, which turned out to be a roaring success. “Seeing the overwhelming response, I will continue to conduct such camps in the near fu-
ture and organise windsurfing championships to encourage the participants to test their skills, he mentioned. “Traditionally Indians are not water savvy however, with the number of students enrolling, it seemed as though the trend is changing. It is noteworthy that windsurfing as an adventure sport activity is not only safe, but also is very enjoyable besides, it increases the fitness level of a person and due to these collective benefits it is a great reason why this relatively untapped sport should be mastered,” he added.
Mala B triumph volleyball
HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Mala Panjim ‘B’ defeated Mala Panjim ‘A’ in 3-1 sets to clinch the 1st inter-ward floodlit volleyball tournament at PDA volleyball court, Mala, Panjim. Following prizes were awarded: Best smasher-Vinay Salgaonkar, Mala ‘B’; Best lifter-Anand Bhangini, Mala ‘A’; Best defender - Yeshwant Telegre, Mala ‘B’. Santosh Vaigonkar was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Harish Chari, Sudhir Naik and Chandesh Morajkar.
Sai Avtaar edge past Saligao
novino lakhanpal gold cup HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 14
Sai Avtaar, Anjuna scored a solitar y goal win over Saligao United to enter the quarter- finals of Novino Lakhanpal Gold Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Candolim Sports Club at Dr. Gustavo Montiero stadium on Friday. In an equally contested match the teams fought well and created scoring opportunities but failed on a couple of occasions. Anjuna scored the all-important goal in the 25th minute through Saprem Diukar off a Christopher move. Saligao went all-out in search of the equaliser but were unable to find the target.
Macasana Welfare Club trounced Sarzora Sports Club 5-1 in the Taca Goa Second Division League at Curtorim ground, on Friday. Macasana led 3-1 at half time. Jemmie Costa opened the flood gates in the 18th minute for Macasana. Fredrick Lima doubled the lead in the 21st minute. In the 25th minute Franky Oliveira reduced the margin for Sarzora. Maxwin Fernandes inflated the tally for Macasana at the breather. The second half did not bring any respite for Sarzora as Macazana attacked from both the flanks. Anthony Dias and Sheldon Dias completed the rout in the 56th and 60th minutes respectively. In the 61st minute, Sarzora suffered a blow when Moly George Vaz was red carded by referee Judas for abusive language and refused to play for the remaining part of the game.
Steffi for Nationals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Goa’s star athlete Steffi Cardozo, who recently won a silver medal at Senior National Fe d e r a t io n Cup Athletics Championship at Ranchi, will be Goa’s lone representative at 50th National Open Athletic Championship at Cochin fron May 15 to 18. Steffi who wanted to withdraw from the championship due to an injury at a training session at Patiala recently, was left with no other option but to participate as Goa’s lone contestant.
SPORTS
Salgaocar too good for Viva Kerala Pg. 16
GOA, SATURDAY, 15 MAY, 2010
www.oherald.in
In BrIef
Nadal storms into Madrid semifinal Rafael Nadal was close to his clay-court best in beating Gael Monfils 6-1, 6-3 Friday for a place in the Madrid Masters semifinals. Nadal will play fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, who beat Jurgen Melzer 63, 6-1 in the only quarterfinal not to feature a seeded player. In the women section, Venus Williams defeated Samantha Stosur 6-3, 6-3 Friday to reach the semifinals. Earlier, Lucie Safarova advanced to the semi-finals with a 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 victory over 16th-seeded Nadia Petrova.
Hussey powers Australia to final Michael Hussey of Australia celebrates hitting the winning runs with Mitchell Johnson at the Beausjour Cricket Ground on Friday.
Its all media's imagination: Biswal The media is agog with sordid happenings in the West Indies involving the under-performing Indian squad, including a brawl with fans in a pub in St Lucia, but team manger Ranjib Biswal today termed the reports as its "imagination". "No... nothing like that has happened. Its all media's imagination. You know how it is. One channel carries a story and others follow," Biswal told PTI.
Lorgat confident of avoiding corruption fears Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, is aware that cricket is facing another challenging time following the recent revelations from the IPL and the task of maintaining the status of Test cricket in an increasingly crammed schedule. There is a growing fear that the game has opened itself up to a new wave of corruption with the sums of money now involved in Twenty20 plus the ease of access to matches now provided by satellite TV and the internet.
Beckham in talks over England role at World Cup David Beckham has talked with England manager Fabio Capello about the possibility of a coaching role at the World Cup in South Africa, the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder said today. ''I've spoken to the manager and spoken to (assistant) Franco Baldini and they made it aware to me that they felt I have a role to play with the players and with the team,'' the former England captain told reporters.
Dhoni to remain T20 captain: BCCI PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 14
Amid speculation that Mahendra Singh Dhoni may be replaced as India's Twenty20 captain following the team's dismal performance in the West Indies, BCCI today sought to clear the air saying though it was unhappy, there was no such move. "Obviously we are not happy with the performance of the team but it does not mean that we are thinking of removing Dhoni as Twenty20 captain," a top BCCI source said. The Indian team, knocked out of the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies, returned home today and will have to face some tough questions. The cricketers avoided eye con-
Blaming IPL is a poor excuse: Gavaskar AGENCIES MUMBAI, MAY 14
Former skipper Sunil Gavaskar feels blaming the Indian Premier League or its post-match parties for India's humiliating exit from the Twenty20 World Cup is a "poor excuse" to justify the dismal campaign. Gavaskar rejected skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's comments that IPL's after-match parties and all the travelling during the inter-city league left the players drained ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies. "I don't think that is an excuse at all. I think that is a very poor excuse used by people to say that IPL parties were the reason for the team not performing.
Brandon selected for Cape soccer school HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 14
Goa's young football talent, Brandon Fernandes hailing from Benaulim received a major boost to his promising career after being selected by the Cape United Soccer School of Excellence at South Africa. Brandon who was invited for a week long trial at Cape Town impressed the coaching staff with his skills and abilities. Mike Steptoe, the owner of Cape United in a communiqué stated about meeting Brandon’s parents and will come to Goa shortly for further talks. Elated with the news about Brandon being chosen by the Soccer School from South Africa, the proud dad, Jaju Fernandes couldn’t hide his emotions with his son's progress. "We are really happy about everything, it's simply great and we can't wait any longer for Cape United officials to come down to Goa. Brandon can only get better with the latest facilities and the coaching available there. He was very con-
Michael Hussey powered Australia to a surprising threewicket win over defending champions Pakistan in the second semi-final of the World T20 at the Beausejour Stadium in Gros Islet (St Lucia) on Friday. The win, their sixth on the trot in the tournament, ensured the team from Down Under a match-up with England in the final, the latter having booked their berth a day earlier at the expense of Sri Lanka . Chasing a mammoth total (192), the Australians eventually managed 197 for seven and romped home with a ball to spare. Having allowed Pakistan to dictate the game for most parts the Aussies finished proceedings with a characteristice elan - a quality which has made them the most dominant side in world cricket (if not the most lucrative). The ever-reliable Hussey made a spectacular 60 not out,
his 24-ball knock inclusive of three hits to the fence and six huge hits over it, and the southpaw almost single-handely carried his team home. It was an uncharacteristic but timely innings that undid all the damage Australia had done with the ball and the bat eralier in the day. The eighth-wicket partnership - also involving Mitchell Johnson (five not out) - yielded Australia a whopping 53 runs off just 16 balls - with Hussey contributing 44 - and took them home. Cameron White also contributed with a 31-ball 43 to keep Australia in the hunt after a terrible start that witnessed no significant contribution from the top order. Australia's come-from-behind win ensuring their recent stranglehold over Pakistan - the latter having lost all matches, in every format, against the team from Down Under - stretching to more than six months in tact. There were a whopping 14
Pakistan: K Akmal c Warner b Johnson 50, S Butt c Warner b Smith 32, U Akmal not out 56, S Afridi c Haddin b D Hussey 8, K Latif c Warner b Nannes 13, A Razzaq run out (Tait) 12, Misbah-ul-Haq run out (Tait) 0. Extras: 18. Total: 191 for 6. Fall of wickets: 82-1, 89-2, 114-3, 145-4, 189-5, 191-6. Bowling: D Nannes 4-1-32-1, S Tait 4-0-25-0, M Johnson 4-0-37-1, S Watson 2-0-26-0, S Smith 2-0-23-1, D Hussey 3-0-24-1, M Clarke 1-0-13-0. Australia: D Warner c U Akmal b Aamer 0, S Watson c Rehman b Aamer 16, B Haddin st K Akmal b Rehman 25, M Clarke st K Akmal b Afridi 17, D Hussey c and b Rehman 13, C White c Hafeez b Aamer 43, M Hussey not out 60, S Smith st K Akmal b Ajmal 5, M Johnson not out 5. Extras: 13. Total: 197 for 7. Fall of wickets: 1-1, 26-2, 58-3, 62-4, 105-5, 139-6, 144-7. Bowling: M Aamer 4-0-35-3, A Razzaq 2-0-22-0, A Rehman 4-033-2, S Ajmal 3.5-0-46-1, S Afridi 4-0-35-1, M Hafeez 2-0-20-0. Man-of-the-match: M Hussey.
SA axe Gibbs, call up Miller Miffed with the team's disastrous show in the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup, South Africa's selectors dropped four players, including star batsman Herschelle Gibbs and included unheralded David Miller in the team for the upcoming tour of the West Indies. Hashim Amla, Alviro Petersen, Ryan McLaren and Lonwabo Tsotsobe will also join the squad in the West Indies for the series.
AGENCIES ST LUCIA, MAY 14
tent with his stay for a week and is eager to go back. This is a splendid opportunity and we're all glad about it" expressed the contented dad, Jaju. Brandon will be offered a contract which will commit him to the Soccer School of Excellence till he turns 18. Brandon's progress report will be maintained by the Soccer School and after his graduation he'll be offered a professional contract with Cape United Management. Besides, all deals will be done through FIFA qualified agents. Brandon is very keen to re-join the boys with whom he had bonded in quick time. "I didn't face any problem from day one. The boys are very cooperative. They have been there for a long time and are very quick in their movements on the field. Going there is great and I'll give my all to justify my selection,” stated Brandon. It's certainly a big decision for the teenager to make, but with a supportive family the ticket to Cape Town may just be weeks away for the young footballer.
tact at the Mumbai and Delhi airports with the waiting media and slipped into their vehicles without offering any comments. Dhoni chose to make a quiet back door exit. The team's arrival came a day after reports that coach Gary Kirsten had spoken to seven cricketers individually and complained about their fitness and commitment. On his arrival in Mumbai, team manager Ranjib Biswal denied that the players had got any dressing down from Kirsten. "Nothing of this sort happened. We were all together at the team hotel's swimming pool before departing for home," Biswal told PTI. Kirsten is believed to have held one-on-one meeting with seven senior players, including
Dhoni, and is expected to give his inputs to Biswal who will submit his report to the BCCI. While the players returned home, Kirsten stayed back in London and would rejoin the side in Johannesburg when the team goes to Zimbabwe for a tri-series also involving Sri Lanka. Dhoni is under fire for his tactical blunders during the World Cup and according to a source, the selectors want to exert pressure on him by putting him on notice when they sit down to select the Indian team for the Asia Cup next month. The source said Dhoni would be given the captaincy on a tournament-to-tournament basis. Although he has led the team to the top of the ICC Test rank-
ings and to the number two spot in the ODI rankings, Dhoni's captaincy has not been upto expectations in the Twenty20 format.
Bond retires from all cricket AGENCIES WELINGTON, MAY 14
Shane Bond has announced his retirement from all forms of the game, less than a year after making his international comeback from the ICL wilderness. Bond ended his Test career in December, when he felt that his body could not handle the rigours of the fiveday game, and he has now decided to step away from the shorter formats as well. After returning home from the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, where he col-
lected five wickets at an average of 29, Bond said he was unwilling to compromise his own standards for the sake of prolonging his career. Bond turns 35 next month and he will leave the game nearly nine years after his international debut, with 259
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Mariano, Lawrence retained for Santosh Pg. 17
victims across all formats for his country, and he is not planning to continue in the IPL. "I know the time is right for me to step down," Bond said. "I have given it everything when playing for the Black Caps. I will miss the camaraderie because it has been a privilege to play along such a great bunch of guys who are so committed to do their best for New Zealand. Playing with pride for the Black Caps over the years has meant so much to me.
sixes in the Australian innings a clear indication of how desperate were the Aussies to make the final of the only tournament they are yet to win, the also trophy they are left to add to their overflowing cabinet. Pakistan are the only side in the fledgling tournament's history to have reached at least the semi-final of all the three editions - having lost the inaugural final to India in 2007 and beaten Sri Lanka last year tow in the title. However, they failed in their bid to win a third straight final. Earlier, Kamran Akmal (50) gave Pakistan a solid start while his younger brother, Umar (56), ensured them a perfect finish. The defending champions put up a mammoth 191 for six in their stipulated 20 overs, the second highest total thus far in the tournament. Earlier, Australia captain Michael Clarke called correctly and had no hesitation in asking Pakistan to bat first Rain delayed the start of the match.
Australia crush India eves to enter final world twenty20 AGENCIES GROS ISLET (ST LUCIA), MAY 14
Captain Alex Blackwell led from the front with a punishing 61 as Australia crushed India by seven wickets to storm into the final of the Women's World Twenty20 here. Pursuing India's modest 119 for five, Australia made 123 for three and maintained their winning streak in the event. Blackwell struck eight lusty boundaries yesterday during her maiden half-century innings in Twenty20 Internationals. Brief Scores: India: 119 for five in 20 overs (Poonam Raut 44, Harmanpreet Kaur 24; Ellyse
Perry 1/19). Australia: 123 for three in 18.5 overs (Alex Blackwell 61, Leah Pouton 30 not out, Shelley Nitschke 22; Priyanka Roy 2/27).