HERALD PUBLICATION PVT LTD

O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, friDaY, april 16, 2010

Visit us at: www.oheraldo.in

Sports: Saina in Asian badminton quarters Pg 18 My prayer to God is a very short one “Oh Lord, make my enemies ridiculous!” God has granted it — Voltaire

IN BRIEF Storm toll 129 Complaining of tardy relief, hundreds of people hit by a severe nor’easter in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district squatted on national highway and staged demonstrations even as rescue workers retrieved 9 more bodies as the toll in storm-hit areas of three states climbed to 129. — (PTI)

Ex-envoy shoots self K D Sharma, former High Commissioner to Pakistan, on Thursday shot himself dead in his east Delhi apartment this morning apparently depressed over his poor health conditions, police said. Sharma was India’s envoy to Islamabad in the 1980s. Sharma used his licenced revolver to end his life at his flat in Madhupan Apartments in Preet Vihar at around 11 am, a senior police official said. – (PTI)

Business: Inflationary pressure to continue till June: FM Pg 12

priCE rs. 3.00 (air Surcharge rs 1.50) pages 18

Goa’s Heartbeat: Gerard Butler named most attractive Pg 14

IFFI 2004: THE GHOST IS BACK CBI questions Parrikar for 2 hours, may summon again CM to be examined as witness l Chargesheet to take time HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

Former chief minister and the leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar was today quizzed for nearly two hours by the Central Bureau of Investigation officials in connection with an alleged scam related to expenditure on infrastructure development for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), 2004.

“We had called Parrikar in connection with the IFFI 2004 case registered with us in 2007,” CBI SP (ACB) S S Gawli told media persons here after the questioning.

He said the CBI basically wanted explanation from the former chief minister with regards to the case.

“At this stage we can’t say anything as we may again need to question him,” Gawli said replying to a query on what was the outcome of the questioning.

CBI officials said that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat would also be examined as a witness in course of the investigation.

On asked how many persons have been questioned or examined so far, Gavali said, “The Investigating Officer (IO) Rajiv Rishi has so far examined 35 persons in connection with the case.”

“Twelve of the core committee members for the IFFI, who (Continued on page 10)

Zardari stripped of his powers PTI ISLAMABAD, APRIL 15

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari was today stripped of his sweeping powers as the country’s Senate approved by a two-thirds majority a “landmark” constitutional reform bill, which also wiped off changes made to the constitution by former military dictators.

The thumping passage of the amendment in the upper house came unanimously, with 90 out of the hundred members voting for it and none opposing.

By this thundering verdict by the lawmakers, the reforms package received a parliamentary approval as a week back it was overwhelmingly backed by the National Assembly.

Zardari has already announced he would sign the legislation.

22 allegations under probe HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

MANOHAR PARRIKAR POINTS AT OTHERS: Parrikar flanked by police official stops to make a ‘point’ while on his way to the CBI office at Altinho on Thursday. Photo by Rozario Estibeiro.

Union Minister of State in the PMO, Prithviraj Chauhan has said that as many as 22 allegations are being investigated by CBI against former chief minister Manohar Parrikar and others in connection with International Film Festival of India (IFFI) when Goa hosted it for the first time in 2004.

He was replying to a question

by Goa’s Rajya Sabha Shantaram Naik in the Rajya Sabha today.

Chauhan informed that no definite time frame can be stipulated at this stage for filing of indictment.

Regarding delay in filing the indictment, Chauhan said that (Continued on page 10)

It’s politically motivated: Parrikar “This could be direct consequence of unearthing of multi-crore scams like in the excise, mining, power departments and real estate scams in which senior Congress leaders, including the chief minister Digambar Kamat and top ranking bureaucrtas are involved”.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, who was quizzed for nearly two hours by the CBI said that the agency’s move to summon him could be a direct con-

sequence of his unearthing of multi-crore scams and dubbed it as politically-motivated.

Emerging out of the marathon meeting, Parrikar told reporters that he was asked nearly 60 questions relating to

Goa gears up to implement free education HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

The Directorate of Education is gearing up to meet the requirements of the Right to Education Act, 2009, and is hopeful most of the provisions of the law will be taken care of in the next three years which is the time limit set by the Centre for its implementation.

The Government of India has enacted the RTE Act with an objective to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged between 6 and 14 years.

Education officials maintained that meeting all the provisions of the law is a challenge. They said copies of the Act have reached most of the schools which will have to on a priority basis go through it and learn what’s required of them.

They mentioned that the school managements, school management committees and local bodies (panchayats) have to gear up and support the Directorate of Education to implement the Act. The i m p l e m e n t a t i o n c a n’ t b e overnight so efforts by all stakeholders in the education sector will be mandatory, they added.

SCOUTING: Deputy Director

of Education Anil Powar said it will be the duty of the respective schools to scout for households falling within three kilometre range and find out if any child is not enrolled for learning. “Of course, they will have to take the help of the panchayats that have been listed for help as designated by the Act. Gradually copies of the law will be dispatched to these bodies,” he added.

PENAL ACTION: The RTE aims to plug the drop out rate in schools across the country and make it mandatory for parents to see that their wards get the necessary elementary education.

If parents fail to send their wards to school the Act contains a provision for their penalisation.

Powar says at the elementary level Goa has no problem of drop outs, but it starts from the eighth standard onwards. Officials at the Goa Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, which looks after elementary education (Std I to VIII), say the drop out rate at the eighth standard level is there but it was minimal.

The deputy director said as far as Goan children were concerned most of them were (Continued on page 10)

“Chief minister Digambar Kamat along with several other cabinet ministers were involved in decision making since they were part of the IFFI 2004 core committee. I would like to know whether they have been issued similar notices.”

IFFI infra-structure development.

“The CBI’s move to question me could be a direct consequence of unearthing of multicrore scams like in the excise, mining, power departments and

Ash cloud halts Europe bound flights

Kadamba Transport Corporation’s (KTC) new buses will now have a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, which will help the control rooms track the bus wherever they are.

“GPS, a vehicle tracking system at the initial stage will be mostly adopted for governmentrun public transport vehicles, that is, KTC,” Director of Transport Venencio Furtado told Herald.

Furtado confirmed that as per Central government directives, GPS will be installed in all States including Goa. KTCL will be soon inducting 20 buses in its fleet through Jawaharlala Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and on trial basis GPS will be fitted in all these buses.

“Once it gives positive results,

the same will be inducted in other KTC and private buses,” the director said.

He informed that the GPS in buses are primarily installed to track the location of buses, over speeding, late arrival, late departures and bunching of buses at any given time for administrative purpose.

“It will be of great help especially to passengers to find exact timings of the buses and will be more useful to address grievances of passengers who lose

(Continued on page 10)

PTI SRIHARIKOTA, APRIL 15

Flying ash from Iceland’s erupting volcano crippled air traffic across northern Europe as hundreds of flights, including to and from India, were grounded in Britain, Ireland and Nordic nations.

Ash clouds drifted from Iceland’s spewing volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier forcing forecasters to announce that air space had been closed over northern Europe “as volcanic ash represented a significant safety threat to aircraft”.

All the London bound flights from India were also grounded leaving thousands of travellers criss-crossing the continents stranded at all major British airports including Heathrow and Gatwick.

More than 150 flights from Heathrow and another 138 from Gatwick were cancelled.

In Britain, flights were also suspended from the cities of Manchester and Birmingham as well as Northern Ireland’s Belfast and the Scottish Airports at Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The National Air Traffic Service said non-emergency flights would not be permitted in British airspace until at least 5 GMT tomorrow.

India’s Rs 330 crore mission to flight test the first indigenous cryogenic engine failed today after the rocket powered by it crashed into the sea five minutes after a perfect lift-off in a setback to its space programme.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) carrying a 2,200 kg communications satellite plunged into the Bay of Bengal after it deviated from its flight-path dashing the country’s hopes of joining an exclusive club of five nations that has mastered the complex cryogenic technology on which ISRO was working for 18 years.

The satellite was to have been put into a Geostationary orbit, 36,000 km above earth, but the initial euphoria after the textbook launch turned into disappointment.

their belongings,” Furtado explained.

“There are times when people hand over their belongings to co-passengers who are seated and forget to collect them while getting down and as such they ring us up. Even we receive several complaints of buses being late at spot,” he added.

The new 20 buses of KTCL will be blue in colour with low floor having additional 10 seats (31-seater) and will provide shuttle services. The low floor buses will facilitate the aged people and partially disabled to board them without any hassle. These buses will have special seating arrangements for students.

Under JNNURM Rs 7.7 crore were assured by the Central government of which Rs 3.50 crore were utilised for procuring 30 buses while remaining Rs 1.50 (Continued on page 10)

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

In a major development, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) finally bowing to the demands of the State, has decided to reduce the width of NH4A from 60 to 45 meters wherever required.

The NHAI team led by the chairman Brijeshwar Singh and member Ashok Patil was on a brief visit to Goa particularly on the issue of widening of NH4A – Panjim to Karnataka border.

The team held a meeting with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao and other PWD officials.

Addressing a press conference at his official residence, the PWD minister said that the Centre has finally heard the grievances of the people of Goa. “The NHAI team which visited today said that they had got instructions from the Minister of Road and Surface Transport Kamal Nath not to go ahead with the project against the wishes of the State,” Churchill, who had recently written to the minister to reduce the width, said.

Alemao said, “the NHAI has decided to reduce the width of the widening to 45 meters in thickly populated areas and maintain the width at 60 meters wherever there are open spaces.”

“This will reduce the number of demolitions of the

Cryogenic-powered rocket mission fails

PTI LONDON, APRIL 15

Satellite control for KTC buses!

SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, APRIL 15

real estate scams in which senior Congress leaders, including Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and top ranking bureaucrats were involved,” he said.

The former chief minister said

NHAI gives way, to trim NH4A

Announcing the ambitious mission that would have given India self-reliance in all areas of launch vehicle technology was unsuccessful a grim Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Radhakrishnan said scientists would test another cryogenic engine-powered GSLV within a year.

“Flight testing of indigenous cryogenic technology during the GSLV space mission was not successful,” Radhakrishnan told reporters at the Satish Dhawan Spaceport here shortly after shocked scientists watched blips on huge computer screens tracking the rocket’s path disappear. The rocket swerved off its path 505 seconds after the launch in perfect weather.

Hundreds of space scientists were visibly disappointed by the sudden turn of events.

FLYING HIGH NHAI has sanctioned five flyovers at: l Karaswada junction l Green Park Hotel Guirim l O Coqueiro Circle, Porvorim l Airport junction at Dabolim l Varnapuri to MPT berth no 9 at Vasco structures,” he said.

He said, “In Bhoma which faces maximum demolition as per original alignment, the NHAI has decided to carry out realignment to save the structures.”

Churchill said after reduction of the width the State has 80 per cent of land in possession for the project.

“Only 12 kms at Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary comes under forest area for which we will need to take clearances from the Forest Ministry,” he said.

“Since the work has already been tendered, the work on (Continued on page 10)

Kochi attacks Guj CM The controversy surrounding IPL Kochi franchise took yet another political turn on Thursday as Lalit Modi was accused of working under the pressure of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for taking away the bid to Ahmedabad. – (PTI)

Your bedroom is safe on top!! As per proposed plan one of the lane is passing through your kitchen.

Hope you don’t mind!!

Pg2

HE RA LD

GOA

GOA, FRIDAY, 16 APRIL, 2010

Digambar assures to act against zone violations HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

Keeping the pressure on Chief Minister Digambar Kamat over issues related to violations, finalization of Regional Plan, protecting eco-sensitive zones, etc seems to have worked to some extent.

At a meeting with Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), the chief minister assured action on the ground relating to violations in eco-sensitive zones like hill-cutting, filling of fields, etc.

In a press statement issued here, GBA Convenor Dr Sabina Martins said the chief minister has agreed to a structured meeting and has asked TCP Secretary Raajiv Raghuvanshi to call a meeting next week.

On the issue of ODP not adhering to eco-sensitive zones and being part of Regional Plan, CM has instructed Chief Town planner to form a comprehensive development plan. Kamat has also assured that he will call a meeting of TCP Board and give instructions to stop constructions on eco sensitive zones.

On the issue of amendment to TCP Act, the CM has stated that he has formed a Committee headed by Mauvin Godinho. To preserve heritage structures a notification will be issued on recommendation of Committee.

Delegation consisting of Dr Sabina Martins, , Dr Oscar Rebello, Dr Claude Alvares, Fr Maveric, Ms Swati Kerkar, Ms Judith Rebello. Mr Miguel Braganza called on the chief minister and persued the issues raising earlier by GBA. GBA threatened unrest if their demands were not adhered to.

A memorandum was also submitted to the chief minister GBA and village groups noted that the assurance of the Chief Minister on 27 March, 2010 in the Goa Legislative Assembly is the only tangible progress since 04 March, 2010.

They pointed out that no orders have been issued to the authorities to stop hill cutting on steep slopes and land filling in cultivable paddy fields, water bodies, and mangroves.

Neither have the Taluka Plans

of Pernem and Canacona been made public by 31 March, 2010 as committed on 04 March, 2010 as part of the process to keep the public informed about the progress of RP every 15 days.

They also demanded the TCP stop issuance of all N.O.C. and/or permissions for land-filling, hill cutting and development on hill slopes, fields, water bodies and mangroves, including but not limited to those areas demarcated as Eco-Sensitive Zone-1 & 2 in the Draft Regional Plan for Goa 2021 notified in October, 2008.

Permissions given in violation of draft RP2021 guidelines be immediately withdrawn and work on the ground should be physically stopped with the assistance of the District Collector, Police and other authorities as may be needed.

The projects permitted under the amended section 16/16 A of the Goa TCP Act, 1974, should also be held in abeyance till the new legislation is enacted They also demanded that the Goa TCP Department incorporate forthwith the Village Plans into the Taluka, District and State level Regional Plan 2021 and complete this process by the month of September, 2010.

And make it public through a notification in the Official Gazette.

DM modifies order on mining trucks timings HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

Bowing to the demands of the residents of Quepem, the South Goa district Magistrate, G P Naik has partially modified his order in respect of the timings of plying of mining trucks in the taluka.

Naik today issued directions that the mining trucks would now ply between 6 am to 4.30 pm till May 31 instead of 6 am to 6 pm.

The changes in the timings came after the district Magistrate had meetings with the residents of Quepem in the morning and another round of meeting with a delegation of mine owners in the Collectorate this evening.

“BY the modified order, no mining truck will be allowed on the roads after 4.30 pm. Clear instructions have been issued to the authorities to implement the order in both letter and spirit”, Naik said.

The district Magistrate had restricted the movement of mining trucks in the Quepem and Sanguem talukas with effect from Monday by setting up check posts in a bid to reduce the volume of mining traffic by nearly 50 per cent.

Orlim villagers voice opposition to mega projects in low-lying areas HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

Orlim villagers on Thursday have conveyed a message loud and clear to the Town and Country Planning Department that they are firmly opposed to multi-storied projects coming up in low lying areas and close to paddy fields and water bodies.

In respect of one project coming up in the lowing area which acts as a duct to take the rain water to the neighbouring pond used for irrigating fields, Ida Coutinho pointed out that the water is carried naturally and through drains gradually finding its way into the pond and then the paddy fields.

“Any construction will

hamper this natural flow and either the water will move too fast resulting in water logging or too slow which will mean no water in the pond which helps irrigate the neighbouring fields”, she said.

The villagers also voiced their displeasure over the project which the builder and concerned TCP keep calling "development".

“This development has and comes with a very steep price since our infrastructure of water, electricity, roads and garbage are at this point unattended to.

A project of any capacity will just mean more load on the present population”, the villagers maintained.

It was brought to the atten-

tion of the Town planner that a swimming pool was totally unacceptable .

The STP plant was questioned as the garbage composting there was no guarantee of how long it would function and who would oversee this .

The town planner was urged to hold two site inspection one at present and another in the rains to ascertain the ground reality with regards the water flow.

Besides, the villagers requested that this plan be discussed threadbare before any construction licence be issued by the Panchayat of Orlim and put before the Gram Sabha .

The other hearing on the project building 66 flats with a swim-

Hearing on SEZs adjourned HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

Hearing in SEZ petitions was adjourned once again on Thursday on request of the SEZ stakeholders and Court will hear the petitions next on April 27.

The SEZ promoters have challenged the notices issued by Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) for withdrawal of land allotted to them.

A batch of petitions filed by SEZ promoters -Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd,

Peninsular Pharma Research Centre Pvt Ltd, Paradigm Logistic & Distribution Private Ltd, Planetview Mercantile Company Pvt Ltd, Inox Mercantile Company Pvt Ltd and Maxgrow Finlease Pvt Ltd, are pending before High Court which were filed immediately after GIDC served them with show cause notices on withdrawal of the SEZ policy by the State Government.

On June 15, 2009 the State government revoked SEZ policy following a cabinet decision.

But it was public pressure that compelled the government to

scrape SEZ development in the State.

The SEZs promoters have submitted that they invested heavily in the projects and have suffered huge losses due to stop-work orders issued.

On April 27, the court will also hear a couple of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by villagers of Keri, Sancoale and Verna, challenging GIDC's decision allotting land in their respective villages on lease agreements to SEZ promoters. It is their case that the land was fraudulently allotted.

Shortfall of trained staff in hotel industry feared HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

The hospitality industry in India will need 100,000 trained personnel over the next three years but the hotel management institutions in the country will not be able to meet the demand, the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western Region) said here.

Addressing a press conference in a city hotel, Sunil Kothari, who is the chairman of the HRA Diamond Jubilee Celebration Committee, said that there were nearly 100,000 hotel rooms being developed across tourism centres in India, which would need to hire the same number of trained professionals soon.

“The average ratio is one trained person per hotel room.

And there are nearly 100,000 hotels rooms being constructed all over the country,” Kothari said.

However, Kothari lamented the current rate at which both government owned and other private hotel management institutions were churning out manpower was not enough to meet the demand.

“In the next three years, only 25,000 trained persons are expected to pass out of all the hotel management institutions

in India which simply does not meet our demands,” Kothari said, adding that the hospitality industry had liased with the central government and had devised very short courses ranging from six to eight weeks to fill up the shortfall of trained manpower.

The western association of the HRA, which comprises states like Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, etc completes 60 years of existence this year.

The HRA has been headed in the past by Ajit Kerkar, D R D Tata etc has 1100 members in the western region with leading five star hotels like Taj, Oberoi, ITC Leela as its members.

Tavde given MMC charge HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APR 15

Additional Collector II, South Goa, Y B Tavde has been given additional charge as chief officer of Margao Municipal Council.

As per the order issued, Tavde will relieve Prasanna Acharya, additional collector I, of the additional charge.

ming pool was adjourned to April 22 as the Town planner had to rush for another meeting in Panjim before which the builder as usual denied that the property next to his was Fabrica of Orilm and that he has been trespassing the same to access his property further he said his construction in the paddy field was totally legal.

The Town planner was told to Act on complaints made by Villagers and Patrick Cardozo of land filling in Paddy fields under section 17 A and book the builder accordingly.

As the builder was in a denial mode, denying the allegations made by the villagers, the villagers have requested the TCP officials to seek an affidavit from the builder to back up his claim on the project.

Electronic items stolen from chapel HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, APRIL 15

Electronic items worth around Rs 15,000 were stolen from Our Lady of Rosary Chapel, VerlaCanca, Parra, late Wednesday evening.

In a compliant filed with Mapusa police, St Anne Church, Parra, Parish Priest Fr Roland Carvalho, who looks after the chapel, stated that late Wednesday evening, some locals informed him that the side door of the chapel was found open.

Upon receipt of the complaint, Mapusa police PI Rajesh Kumar and PSI Brendan D’Souza along with Fr Carvalho rushed to the site and found table fan, two pairs of candle stands, an amplifier and a mike, all worth around Rs 15,000 stolen from the chapel.

Chapel committee members were also present when police carried out the inspection. No religious articles or statues were touched by the miscreants.

Police pressed the dog squad and finger print expert into service, but could not get any clue.

Mapusa police have registered a complaint of theft against unknown persons and PSI Brendan D’Souza in investigating the case.

A young girl beats the heat as she relishes a kulfi on a hot and humid Thursday afternoon in Panjim.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

UTAA demands 12 pc of budget for welfare of STs HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, ARPIL 15

UTAA has demanded that the government earmark 12 per cent of the budget to the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in the state and have called for reservation of seats for the STs in the Municipal polls scheduled later this year.

UTAA president Prakash Velip said that cosmetic financial allocations for the welfare of the STs would not be tolerated by the community and demanded that the government earmark 12 per cent of the total budgetary provision.

Addressing a press conference, Velip made a strong demand for reservation of seats for the ST community in the forthcoming Civic polls. “There is reservation of seats for the STs in Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat bodies, but not in the Municipalities”, he said, while calling upon the government to set the process going to ensure reservations of seats for the ST community.

On the procurement of school

… wants sports director suspended HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

UTAA leader and Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar has demanded the suspension of Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Susan D’Souza and a probe instituted against her for spending funds meant for the ST community in Pernem taluka.

Tawadkar mainained that lakhs of rupees were spent on the recent sports meet for the ST community in Pernem taluka where there are hardly any ST population. “Why was the sports meet not held in Quepem, Canacona or Salcete taluka where there is a sizeable ST population”, he demanded to know and said the Director of Sports should have guided the Sports Minister to hold the meet in these talukas instead of Pernem. buses for the children of Scheduled Tribes by the government, the leaders said since the buses have been purchased under the Tribal fund, the buses should be meant exclusively for the use of the ST students. “We are not happy with the purchase of buses for the ST children. Instead, ST students would have benefited if the government had to pay them a fixed t raveling allowance”, Gaonkar said.

Gaonkar said the tribal communities will have no option than to launch an andolan across the state to secure the just and genuine demands of the ST people. “The government should do a re-think on its policy towards the ST people. All benefits and financial allocations should devolve down to the beneficiaries”, he demanded.

A demand was made to employ both the driver and the

Leave fish alone during ban period, urges PETA HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

A Goan swears by his fish, curry and rice! But the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have urged Goans to leave fish off their plates for good. PETA asserts fish that the people of the State consume may be containing deadly chemical toxins.

An investigation carried out

by PETA on the fishing industry in India over a period of one year claims the fish that people consume were found to be containing heavy metals and deadly toxins.

This comes just a day after a study of the National Institute of Oceanography was made public. The study maintained the Chicalim bay was found to be contaminated with heavy metals like lead, copper and zinc.

The study conducted in all the coastal states of India found very high levels of iron content in the meat of windowpane oysters that are found in abundance in the bay. Marine zoologist Dr Manoj Borkar, who is closely associated with the Chicalim Villagers Action Committee, stated if such is the plight of the windowpane oysters then the same contamination could be found in fish.

The PETA investigative report, however, has no basis to assert

helper on the 112 buses belonging to the STs since the vehicles have been procured from the Tribal fund. Moreover, the tribal leaders demanded that the government introduce the buses to the government schools, where a large number of ST students are studying across the state.

Velip also demanded that the government should reserve seats for ST community at the XI science level so that ST students avail benefits of the quota facility for the professional colleges.

The tribal leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction over the progress of the criminal case vis-à-vis the duping of 800 ST community people on the promise of giving a job at the Dabolim airport.

“What we have been asking for is the recovery of the huge amount of Rs eight crore taken from the innocent people. The case is not progressing at a fast pace and no recovery of money is made from the accused persons”, Velip added.

MP assures to look into ban of low grade ore HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 15

that the fish netted in Goan waters is polluted for sure. Its main grouse is against the violation of the 40-45 days ban period in Goa by those in the fish trade.

At a press conference held in the city to address the issue, Senior Campaigns Coordinator Nikunj Sharma said PETA was looking at regulating fish catch.

At least during the ban period the fish have to be allowed to spawn well.

Sharma said it was surprising to find Goa with such a short coastline netted one lakh tonne of fish every year. So we found it was important to spread the message of leaving the fish alone for its betterment, he added.

PETA gathered information for the report from firsthand investigations, scientific studies

and research from both government sources and non-governmental organisations. The comprehensive report, which took more than a year to complete, offers facts about fish markets, potentially deadly chemical toxins that are commonly found in fish, the nature and intelligence of fish and how they suffer. It also addresses “sport” fishing (angling), commercial fishing and fish farming and the industry’s routine violation of animal and environmental protection laws.

Sharma mentions, “From the sea or fish farm to the fish market, the fishing industry is a monument of animal suffering, environmental degradation and serious health risks. Goans will do well to leave fish alone.”

South Goa Member of Parliament (MP) Francisco Sardinha has assured Goa Barge Owners Association (GBOA) and people related with mining business to pursue the recent moves of China Chamber of Commerce of Metal, Minerals and Chemical Importers (CCCMC) to ban import of low grade iron ore with the concerned Union Ministry

by Monday.

The GSouth Goa MP as speaking to media along the sidelines of the function of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Headland Sada, Vasco, on Wednesday.

“Every country has its own set of rules and one cannot influence them, but with such a sudden decision, countries directly dealing with China will d e f i n i t e l y s u f f e r, ” s t a t e d Sardinha.

“Definitely, there is a scope for negotiation with China and I will put the grievances of the people related with mining business in the State before the Union Minister to take up the issue with the Chinese counterpart,” assured Sardinha.

Centre increases Goa’s IAS strength to 18 HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

In a development related to running Goa’s administration, the Centre has decided that Goa will have 18 IAS (Indian Administration Service) officers instead of the present 13.

As per a communication issued by the Union Ministry of Personnel and Grievances, 18 posts henceforth will be held

by IAS officers of AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union territories) cadre.

The Union Home Ministry has amended the regulations – Indian Administration Services (fixation of cadre strength) Regulations 1955. The Centre has

increased the strength of IAS officers of AGMUT cadre in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and union territories.

For the first time, departments of Education and Tourism are notified as AGMUT cadre posts. However, in the past, some other posts including District Collectors and Magistrates, head of departments of Industries and Mines, Excise, Sales Tax were notified as central cadre posts but the state government had continued posting officers of Goa Civil Service to the posts for more than seven years now.

The posts listed for central cadre officers, according to the

latest order of the central government, are: chief secretary, principal secretary, commissioner and secretary (finance), commissioner and secretary (health and education), secretary to Governor, Secretary to CM, four secretaries to government, Commissioner of VAT, District Collector & Magistrates, Director of Industries and Mines, Commissioner of Excise, Directors of Education and Tourism besides Resident Commissioner.

Sources said Resident Commissioner in Delhi has been made a central cadre post besides that of Director of Tourism and Education.

For quite sometime now, though they were central cadre posts, officer of Goa Civil Services were heading the departments of Sales Tax /VAT, Excise, Industries & Mines. In Goa, Industries and Mines are two separate departments.

On paper, only two secretaries to the government were earlier shown as central cadre posts. But in reality, several secretaries are serving the Goa Administration. These include Secretary Civil Supplies, Cooperation, PWD, Tourism, Power, Science & Technology, Animal Husbandry and Labour. This is besides finance secretary.

Now, the number of Secre-

taries to government has gone up to four. But Goa already has more Secretaries of central cadre. It is not clear whether there is any compulsion on the part of the respective state to strictly go by the notification of the union ministry of personnel and grievances vis-à-vis central cadre posts. If strictly implemented, then Directors of Education, Tourism and Industries & Mines, Excise Commissioner, Sales Tax Commissioner, the two District Collectors will have IAS officers.

In a related development, the salaries of central cadre officers has also gone up. Sources said the CS will get a fixed salary of Rs 80,000 pm with a 3 % increment pa.

GOA

HE RA LD

Pg 3

GOA, FRIDAY,16 APRIL, 2010

Fire services seek help on Margao inferno HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

Baffled over the cause behind the raging fire in the stationary-cum-transport office housed in a over century-old building, the fire services have sought the help of the Margao police to ascertain whether Wednesday’s fire was due to arson, sabotage or any other reason.

The fire services have also approached the power department to throw light on the fire inferno, to ascertain whether it was due to a short circuit or otherwise.

Margao Assistant Fire Divisional Officer, Prakash Parab said the fire services had no option than to approach the police and the power department as the fire men who fought the fire has no clue on the origin of the fire.

“Let the police and the power officials conduct their own investigations and the fire services would carry out its independent

probe”, Parab said, adding that the fire services had to approach the police and power department as the two agencies are experts in this field of investigation.

Replying to a question, Parab said that it is not fair to comment on the exact cause of the fire unless he receives the reports from the police and power officials.

He, however, expressed his shock and surprise over the spread of the fire in the old building used to store stationary books and other chemicals.

“The way the fire has spread quickly to the building is indeed surprising. That’s why the fire services have asked the police and the power department to probe into the episode”, he added.

Replying to a question, Parab said the owner of the building has till date not submitted the estimated loss caused by yesterday’s fire incident.

… favour survey of old buildings HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

Will the authorities identify the old buildings in the city which are used for trade and commerce in the wake of Wednesday’s fire incident in the Commercial Capital?

The fire services say a survey of the old residential building utilized for commercial use will help the authorities ascertain the condition of the premises as well as the safety requirements.

But, Margao Assistant Fire Divisional Officer, Prakash Parab says though the survey is a must in view of the incident, the licensing authority should bell the cat by conducting the survey. “The Margao Municipal Council is the licencing authority. It is the Civic body which have issued the trade licenses to the old residential houses.

The Fire services, in most case, are normally not taken into account by the licensing authority on the fire safety aspects”, Parab said.

Incidentally, Margao Civic officials admit that the Commercial Capital plays host to a large number of business establishments carrying out trade and commercial from old buildings, initially built for residential purpose.

When contacted, MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho said a survey of old buildings is required to ascertain the number of premises used for commerce.He said the question of conducting the survey of old buildings in the Commercial Capital being used for commerce would be discussed with officials of the fire services how to go about the work.

PCB officials visit Colva beach, collect samples

Scarlet’s mother cancels Goa trip PTI PANJIM, APRIL 15

Fiona Mackeown, mother of slain British teenager Scarlet Eden Keeling, has cancelled her trip to Goa, where she is to depose in a court, due to disruption in flight services in the UK, her lawyer said today.

The volcano eruption in Iceland has hit aviation services in the United Kingdom.

Pollution Control Board members inspecting the trench built by the Water Resources Department to drain out sewage waters.

Photo by Sidharth Mehta HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

Goa state Pollution control Board officials made their presence felt at the Colva beach nearly a week after the Water Resources Department sought to desilt the stinking Colva creek by connecting the water channel to the sea.

GSPCB Scientific assistant Chaitanya Salgaonkar and lab assistant Waman Chari descended at the beach this afternoon following allegations made by the local NGOs over the contamination of the creek waters by discharge of sewage and kitchen waste.

The two officials collected samples from waters stagnated at the trench and the creek for investigations and to identify the nature of the discharge.

The duo, were reportedly taken aback when they found traces of raw sewage in the creek, indicating the sad state of affairs. They also went along the course of the creek and also inquired with the hotel and restaurant owners over the mod of discharge of sewage and kitchen waste. In fact, the officials noted down details from the establishments and the Sulabh Sauchalaya over the nature of disposal system adopted by

them for the treatment of waste and sewage in their premises.

The Convenor of Colva Civic and Consumer Forum, Judith Almeida, who took up the matter with the GSPCB and other authorities, explained the pollution board officials the state of affairs of the Colva creek.

The Forum has now demanded that the government levy fees on the establishments to set up a waste and effluent treatment system in the coastal village.

The sample testing report is likely to be completed within a week’s time, sources said.

Film finance scheme in next 15 days: CM

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has said the government’s film finance scheme will be finally notified within the next 15 days and has asked the film producers to come out with good quality films.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 10th Kalarang Festival of Dance, Music and Theatre at the Ravindra Bhavan here on Thursday evening.

Referring to the comment made by Fatorda MLA Damu Naik that he is yet to receive government’s assistance for his film till date, the Chief Minister said the Film Finance Scheme has been finally cleared by the government and the same has gone for vetting by the Law Department. “The scheme will be notified in the next 15 days after clearance from the Law Department”, the Chief Minister, but appealed to the film producers to produce really good and quality films.

“There will be no dearth of money under the scheme. We have made a provision of Rs two crore, but there should be qualify films. Those who produce quality pictures, government would finance the films”, he said, adding that the notification of the scheme was delayed on account of the bitter controversies over who should receive the government assistance for the films.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Kosambe fes-

tival of ideas will now be held in Margao followed by other towns and villages of the state.

“The festival has been appreciated and taken note of even in Delhi. It will be held all over Goa in the years to come”, he added.

Referring to the Kalarang Festival of Dance, Music and Theatre, Kamat said the foundation for the festival was laid 10 years

ago with the assistance of the West Zone Cultural Centre (Udaipur) and Kalangan. “The time has now come to look back and review the progress of the festival and take it to greater heights in the years to come”, the Chief Minister said, adding that the KalaRang festival has now become a permanent festival in the city of Margao.

"She had booked her ticket and went to the airport to board the flight for India. But since all the flights for the day were cancelled, she could not come to India," Fiona's lawyer Vikram Varma told PTI. Some UK airports had been shut because of volcano ash drifting south from the erupting volcano in Iceland.

Fiona was expected to arrive tomorrow and depose before Goa Children's Court, which is hearing the case related to her daughter's death two years ago.

Scarlet was found dead on Anjuna beach on February 18, 2008. Police suspect she was raped and killed.

The CBI, which took over the probe from Goa police, has chargesheeted two locals - Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho.

The court, hearing the case three times a week, has recorded testimony of six witnesses, including five policemen.

CBI counsel S R Rivonkar was supposed to move an application to get Fiona testify on Friday.

Petition against construction at Old Goa filed in High Court HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

A construction carried out by M/s Madkaikar Realtors Pvt Ltd, at Ella in Old Goa, has been challenged before High Court.

The Bombay High Court at Goa on Friday directed M/s Madkaikar Realtors Pvt Ltd, to reply to allegations made in the petition pertaining to a construction at Ela Village in Old Goa. A Division Bench of Justice S J Vazifdar and Justice N A Britto issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by one Vishwanath Naik who challenged the permissions granted by Town and Country Planning Department and Se-Old Goa Village Panchayat to a construction made by the company in Survey No. 102/1 and 102/2 of Ela village.

nThe petition claimed that the disputed structure has a setback of only 24 metres from the national highway when under the law a setback of 30 meters has to be maintained .

The petitioner has raised the objection saying that permission for the construction was granted during a period when Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar was director of the company while his wife was the Sarpanch of the Panchayat. According to

the petitioner, in the original approved plan permission was granted for a structure consisting only of ground plus two upper storeys. But now a ground plus four-storey structure has been built.

It is also alleged that disputed structure has a setback of only 24 metres from the national highway when under the law a setback of 30 meters has to be maintained, the petition claimed.

The Senior Counsel Saresh Lotlikar who represented the petitioner told the court that the authorities have misused their powers by allowing the construction which is not in conformity with Planning Regulations of 2000 and the Building Bye-laws.

“The entire construction is in contravention of the plans originally approved,” he alleged

seeking direction to the authorities to cancel all the permissions granted to the construction. Senior Counsel Atmaram Nadkarni appearing on behalf of the respondent company told the court that petition has been filed because of political rivalry between the ex-transport minister and the petitioner.

He told the court that shops built have already been sold to third parties and requested the Court to grant time to file an affidavit-in-reply.

The Division Bench thereafter directed the company to file a reply to the petition. It also made it clear that if any further third party rights are created, then the company shall do so by informing the purchasers about pendency of the petition and adjourned hearing till June.

GOA

HE RA LD

Pg 4

GOA, fRiDAy, 16 APRiL, 2010

s H o Rt tA K e s Dr Pooja bags gold medal

Govt should create MIE to aid barge industry: GBOA chief HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 15

Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission presenting gold medal to Dr Pooja Pal.

PANJIM(HND): In a glittering ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi recently, the National Board of Examination. Govt. of India held its 16th Convocation for conferring Degree "Diplomate of National Board" and awards to various successful candidates from all over the Country who qualified at the prestigious DNB Examination in the year 2010.

According to a press release, on this occasion, Dr Pooja Pal, an ex- student of Goa Medical College completed her undergraduate MBBS and Post graduate MS Degree in ENT received Gold Medal for ranking top position in the country at the hands of Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission.

The press release further states, Dr Pooja is currently working as a Fellow at the prestigious Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai who made visits earlier along with her senior Members of team for sharing their surgical experiences in advanced Head and Neck cancer cases at Goa Medical College. Dr Pooja is the daughter of Dr M N Pal, former Prof and HOD of Gynecology and Dean of Goa Medical College, adds the press release.

Road safety signage installed

Installation of Road Safety Sign Boards inaugurated by Sunita Verekar, Chairperson of Sanquelim Municipal Council. Also present are A B Rao, Assistant Engineer of PWD, U Kerkar, AGM-Mining, Sanjay Bhandare, Nilesh Zore of Sesa Goa Ltd, Jc Suraj Naik, President of JCI Sanquelim, Jc. Peeush Ramnathkar, Project Co-coordinator and others.

PANJIM(HND): As a part of Sesa Goa Ltd Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, Road Safety Sign Boards were installed from Sanquelim town to Amona bridge by joint collaboration of M\s Sesa Goa Ltd and Junior Chamber International, Sanquelim and were inaugurated at the hands of Sunita Verekar, Chairperson of Sanquelim Municipal Council in distinguished presence of A B Rao, Assistant Engineer of PWD, U Kerkar, AGM-Mining, Sanjay Bhandare, Nilesh Zore of Sesa Goa Ltd, Jc Suraj Naik, President of JCI Sanquelim, Jc Peeush Ramnathkar, Project Co-coordinator and others.

According to a press release, the objective of installing road safety signage is to create awareness among the people on care to be taken for road safety. The project was well appreciated by chairperson and complimented Sesa Goa Ltd and JCI for their CSR programmes.

John D’ Silva awarded

John D’Silva along with Kevin and Girish Chodankar.

PANJIM(HND): John D' Silva, well-known writer, director and one of the top most comedian’s of Konkani stage, was presented with Award of Appreciation recently at GVN hall, Margao by Multi Dimension Aids Awareness Social Trust (MAAST) from Margao, during the performance of his tiatr ‘Kuttumb’. The award was presented by Girish Chodankar, chief patron of MAAST and ex-president of Goa Pradesh Youth Congress along with the President of MAAST, Edmund and Secretary Kevin.

John's latest tiatr ‘Kuttumb’, conveys a powerful message on AIDS and ill effects of alcohol. MAAST appreciated and complimented John d' Silva for his efforts to make a social awareness from the Konkani stage.

Recruitment drive

PANJIM(HND): 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 June 21 to June 25.

For details, interested ex-servicemen are requested to contact Secretary, Department of Sainik Welfare, Collectorate Building, Panjim.

Offices at Archbishop’s House closed on April 17, 19 HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 15

The offices at the Archbishop’s House, Altinho, Panjim, will remain closed for the public on the occasion of the installation day of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on April 19 as well as on April 17, for their annual day off, says a press release.

Goa Barge Owners Association (GBOA) President Atul Jadhav said considering growing business of the barge industry, the State government should create an exclusive ‘Maritime Industrial Estate’ (MIE) for the purpose of repair and barge building in Goa. Jadhav was speaking to Herald along the sidelines of a press conference at GBOA office on Tuesday.

“Presently, about 300-odd barges are operating and another 50 will join the business in due course of time and it has become an uphill task for immediate repair and barge building with the present crumbling infrastructure,” said Jadhav.

“To cater to the needs of barge repair and barge building, only 56 small repair yards and 14 dry docks are in Goa and with such a small figure, entire repair process gets delayed thereby affecting the business,” he added.

“Some barge operators send their barges for repair in Gujarat, as most of the repair yards are occupied during peak time,” said Jadhav.

“MIE is similar to other industrial estates, but it will be an exclusively meant for repair, barge building and other small boats and ships,” he added.

“We have demanded about six plots alongside the rivers to create facility for MIE and some international companies from US are keen to develop MIE on

Public, Private Partnership mode,” he said.

He further said six plots have been identified at Boma, Amona.

Panchwadi, Borim, Shindolim and one more is yet to be identified. “These plots could either be developed by people-related with barge industries or other professional organizations,” he said.

GBOA claimed that development of MIE would be big step in terms of employment generation in the State.

Meanwhile, GBOA has acknowledged Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s support for making a provision in the recent budget for creation of Goa State Maritime Board that would be beneficial for efficient development of maritime industry.

GSL to organise exhibition on diabetes HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 15

In an effort to reach out to the less privileged community residing around port town of Vasco, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) will organize a three-day exhibition on diabetes at Vasco Residency from April 16 to 18.

The exhibition is being organized in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Novo Nordisk Education Foundation. This is the first of its kind exhibition on diabetes being organized in Vasco as part of GSL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza will inaugurate the exhibition in the presence of GSL officers and others. Besides, a free check up, lectures on diabetes, diet advice and a live diet display will be conducted.

Poem termed popular art of literature HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, APRIL 15

Gazalist Madhav Satwani has termed poem as the popular art of the literature.

Satwani was recently addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Kavi Sammelan near the bank of Mhadai River at Keri-Sattari.

Satwani further said such a place, which has the beauty of natural heritage, is one of the best for organizing a Kavi Sammelan.

On the occasion, poets from Goa presented poems and added colour to the programme. The artistes included Sandeep Kelkar, Pournima Kerkar, Vithal Parwadkar, Mohandas Kulkarni, Damodar Malik, Narendra Pandav, Shivaji Desai and others, who presented poems based on environment warning the politicians.

Adv Mayekar, Mhalu Gawas, Ranjeet Rane and novelist Chandrakant Gawas were present on the occasion.

Director of Fire and Emergency Services Ashok Menon pinning the Fire Service Flag to the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on the occasion of Fire Prevention Week which is underway upto April 20.

Monsoon works undertaken in Aldona constituency: Narvekar HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, APRIL 15

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar said during the current calendar year, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has undertaken development works worth Rs 4.5 crore in Aldona constituency, which includes repair of bundhs at Kitla and Ekoshi and sluice gate at Pomburba.

Narvekar was speaking after laying the foundation stones for two projects, ‘Improvement to waterways from Chapel to fields, Carrem-Socorro’ and ‘Improvement to waterways and providing access slab near Hanuman Temple, Socorro’ on Wednesday evening.

“During monsoon, Carrem part of Socorro used to get flooded, causing a lot of incontinence to the residents. Theref o re , the panchayat recommended these projects which on completion will prevent flooding of this area to a large extent. Both these projects which have been estimated to cost Rs 1.32 crore have been undertaken

by WRD,” said Narvekar.

Narvekar appealed to the villagers to avail the benefits of subsidy as high as 75 per cent provided by the agriculture department towards purchase of farming machinery like power

Spoken Konkani learning class HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 15

For the second consecutive year, the Panjim based Ganga-Zuari Academy in collaboration with NIO Staff Club is conducting ‘spoken Konkani learning class’ from April 25.

According to a press release, this 20-hour class is designed in such a manner that at the end of the course the learners will be able to converse in Konkani for their daily needs in market, shopping complex, with vendors, cab-man, panchayat, police station, RTO, etc. Moreover conversing in local language will help non-Konkani speaking persons to assimilate with confidence into the immediate society.

The classes will be held in two batches at the Community Center in NIO Colony in Dona Paula with following timing: Batch 1- every Sunday (10 am to 12 noon), and Batch 2Every Friday and Monday (7 pm to 8 pm). Interested persons must register with Chatterjee (9890606240) or Dr Gaur (9422414311).

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar unveils the plaque at Socorro.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

tillers, tractors, etc.

“To make farming a profitable venture, obstacles like size of holdings, poor financial position of farmers, traditional methods of farming have to be removed.

The best solution to overcome these difficulties is to adopt cooperative farming under which a farmer is provided with all the facilities and necessary help by the agriculture department,” he added.

“Under cooperative farming, farmers retain their right to ownership of their land and are able to increase his agricultural income. This concept of co-operating farming is very popular

and successful in Maharashtra,” said Narvekar.

Socorro Sarpanch Pratima Narvekar said villagers should air their grievances and suggest developmental works required to be undertaken in their areas to the panchayat so that the panchayat can communicate it to the local MLA or ZP member.

ZP member Gupesh Naik also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, WRD Executive Engineer P B Badami welcomed the gathering, while Engineer Nazareth Vaz compered the programme and also proposed the vote of thanks.

Another Albino crow rescued at Ibrampur

Workshop on jute products HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 15

Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Development Corporation along with the Jute Manufacturers Development Council (JMDC) will be organizing a workshop on April 16 pertaining to the promotion of innovative jute products and its applications at Miramar Residency A/C hall from 2:30 pm to 6 pm. The resource persons for the workshop will be Atri Bhattacharya (IAS), Secretary Jute Manufacturers Development Council Kolkata and 2 experts from the jute board.

According to a press release, the Key objective of the workshop are: Promotion of Diversified Jute Products by engaging agencies / entrepreneurs to organize training, entrepreneurship development activities in Goa under different schemes of Jute Technology Mission (JTM), application of Jute Geo Textiles in Civil Engineering applications and other innovative uses of jute as technical textiles.

Civil Engineers, Architects, members of Self Help Groups, and representatives from SMEs, Industry, GHRSSIDC, Goa Tourism Department, PWD, Environment Protection Bodies etc will be participating in the workshop, says a press release.

Parra passes budget of over Rs 83 lakh for development HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, APRIL 15

The rare Albino crow.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, APRIL 15

Barely four days after a rare Albino crow was rescued from Ibrampur in Pernem taluka, another Albino crow was rescued at Ibrampur on Wednesday night.

According to reports, the

Photo by Vishant Vaze

white-coloured crow was spotted near the house of one Sunil Kubal. The family then contacted an animal activist from the village, who in turn alerted Amrut Singh from Bicholim. On Friday morning, the crow was taken to Bondla wildlife sanctuary.

At the recently convened gram sabha, Parra panchayat passed a budget of over Rs 83 lakh for fiscal year 2010-11, earmarking a substantial amount for development of civic amenities in Parra.

The Parra panchayat has earmarked Rs 3 lakh for maintenance of panchayat roads, Rs 5 lakh for construction of pathways, Rs 10 lakh for works under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, besides Rs 10 lakh for grants-in-aid.

The sanitation has also been taken care of by earmarking over Rs 3 lakh. The panchayat has also decided to tackle the garbage woes with a substantial amount for garbage collection.

Speaking to Herald on the garbage issue, Parra Sarpanch Benedict D’Souza said the garbage is not a serious issue for Parra villagers.

Govt employees panel want pending demands resolved HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 15

The ‘Co-ordination Committee of Goa Government Employees Association’ (CO-COGGOE) which comprises of Public Works Department Employees’ Union, Electricity Employees Union (Goa), Government of India, Navigation Employees’ Union (Goa), Government Printing and Stationery Employees’ Union; Forest Department Workers’ Union, All Goa Panchayat Workers’ Union and KTC Drivers and Allied Employees Association held a meeting in Panjim recently to discuss about the various pending demands/issues of employees working in various government departments, semi-government departments and corporations in the State.

The meeting was chaired by A F G Mascarenhas, President – Electricity employees union and was attended by Saturnino Mesquita, Secretary – PWD Employees Union, Caetano Lourenco, Secretary, Printing and Offset Employees Union, Uday Chari, Vice President – IPHB Unit TNAI, Joaquim Fernandes, President – KTC Drivers and Allied Employees Union and Nanda Vagurmekar, President – All Goa Panchayat Workers’ Union.

According to a press release, the CO-COGGOE has unanimously resolved to intensify their struggle in support of certain demands before the Government of Goa. The demands listed are : a) Upgradation of pay scales for all left out categories; of government employees working in various Government departments effective from 1 January 1996, b) implementation of 6th pay commission to KTCL employees and Panchayat workers which includes immediate implementation of 6th pay commission benefits to all KTCL employees

and Panchayat employees in Goa with effect from 1 January 1996, c) Payment of field allowance/shift allowance i.e., field allowance/shif t allowance payable to field staff/shift staff to employees of River Navigation Department and Government Printing and Stationery department. d) Five day week i.e., all employees working in various government departments, semigovernment departments and corporations should be eligible to 5 day week working. e) Abolish contract labour system in all government employees and regularization of all contract workmen presently employed on the permanent rolls of these respective government departments, f) Implementation of minimum wages i.e., immediate implementation of minimum wages based on 6th pay commission recommendation to all casual, daily-wage, contract and NMR employees/workmen.

The press release further states that the CO-COGGOE has on a stand-alone basis presented a detailed memorandum to the Chief Minister highlighting all the above pending unresolved demands of the employees employed in various government departments, semi-government departments and corporations in Goa requesting for his immediate intervention with a request to resolve the same expeditiously.

It has been unanimously resolved in the meeting of CO-COGGOE that if the government fails to address and resolve the above listed pending demands of the employees employed in various government departments, semigovernment departments and corporations, a Goa wide campaign would be launched by COC O G G O E t o s e c u re t h e implementation of the demands, adds the press release.

upcoming events Summer vacation workshops

PANJIM(HND): Sunaparanta- Goa Centre for the Arts will be organizing a fun-filled summer vacation art workshops for children over the age of 7.

Four reputed artists will conduct specially designed sessions in their respective areas of specialization and teach children specific skills to be employed in a creative manner.

On April 21, 22 and 23 a workshop on ‘Portrait making and Painting’ will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm facilitated by Harshada Kerkar. On April 28, 29 and 30, a workshop on ‘Portrait and Nature Photography’ will be held between 4 pm to 6pm facilitated by Assavri Kulkarni. On May 5, 6 and 7, a workshop on ‘body work and sculpting (clay)’ will be held between 10 am to 1 pm facilitated by Crisologo Furtado. On May 13, 14 and 15, a workshop will be held on ‘pin hole (match box) camera’ between 10 am to 1 pm facilitated by P Madhavan, Srinivas Mangepudi and Enith Perez.

For details and registration, contact Sunaparanta office on 2421311 between 10 am to 5 pm on working days.

Tailoring classes at Vasco

VASCO(HR): As part of its social initiative, Anthony Designer Tailoring Institute from Vasco will conduct free tailoring classes in Vasco.

The classes will be conducted at Anthony Designer, Shop No 24, 1st Floor Karma Paes Avenue near City Bus Stand, Vasco.

For enrolment and further details, contact 0832-2512430 or 9422386585.

Software, IT workshop

PANJIM(HND): As part of the activities during vacations, the Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa) in collaboration with the National Institute of Information Technologies (NIIT) will organize a ‘Software and IT awareness workshop’ on Saturday, April 17 at 6:45 pm at the Public Astronomical Observatory, 7th floor, Junta House, Panjim, for students below 17 years of age.

Participation in the workshop is free of cost. Teachers and parents may accompany their students/children, says a press release.

Retreat at Navelim

PANJIM(HND): Holy Family Retreat House at Jacknibandh, Dramapur, Navelim-Salcete, will organise a 3-day retreat at its premises beginning from Friday April 16. Bro Stanley from Bangalore will conduct the retreat on all the three days – April 16, 17 and 18. The retreat timing is from 10.30 am to 4 pm, says a press release.

Sanquelim college reunion

PANJIM(HND): The Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim will be holding a get-together of its exstudents (Reunion-2010) on Saturday, April 24, from 4 pm in the college premises.

The Principal Dr B A Gomes and teachers of the college have earnestly requested all the ex-students to attend this event which will be an occasion to meet old friends and be entertained with music, dance, games, etc. It will also include a membership drive for the proposed Alumni Association. Ex-Students who wish to participate may register at lucylucyjames@gmail.com or SMS - 9371095534 or contact Lucy James-Dept of English or Cynthia Fernandes - College office, says a press release.

French course at St Britto’s PANJIM(HND): A French course, written and conversational will be held, for the beginners and for the advanced, starting from April 16 to May 21 will be held at St Britto’s School, Mapusa, from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

Those interested may register on April 16 between 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm in the school primary section. For details contact S Fernandes on 9049018214/2293812.

GOA

HE RA LD

Pg 5

GOA, fRiDAy,16 ApRiL, 2010

Census work goes awry over summer vacations HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

The summer vacations seem to have come in the way of the smooth conduct of the ongoing census survey in the state.

If officials are to be believed, people have either gone out on holidays or have proceeded to their native places from the cities, hampering the census work.

Take for instance, Salcete taluka. Deputy Collector Johnson Fernandes says the census work has touched 25 per cent in the last fortnight since the exercise commenced from April 1. The authorities had set a target of 35 per cent in this fortnight, which has fallen short by 10 per cent.

Says deputy Collector, Johnson Fernandes: “The field enumerators are facing an odd situation on the ground. Quite a number of houses have been

found closed during the visit by the enumerators. It appears the household owners have proceeded on holidays”.

The deputy Collector did not hide the fact that the census operation has evoked lukewarm response so far, causing enough worry and concern for the authorities. In some case, the citizens have been either found reluctant to disclose the necessary information or were hesitant to field most of the questions put by the enumerators.

Herald understands that an enumerator had to face the ire of a person in Borda earlier this week, when he was literally roughed up and the papers torn.

The matter was immediately taken up with the deputy collector, prompting the authorities to think of ensuring safety of the enumerators.

To overcome the absence of

household owners from the houses, especially in urban areas, the authorities have made an appeal to the people to cooperate with the census work in the interest of the country.

Johnson has issued an appeal on Thursday to members of the public to come forward and give their valuable inputs to the enumerators and help compile the data concerning the people of the state.

For those who have gone out of the state or their native places, the deputy Collector has said that these citizens can directly contact his office if any house if left out during the month and half long exercise.

Around 795 enumerators have been drafted for the census work in Salcete taluka and the poor response coming from the ground has raised concern in the district collectorate.

Police pray for remand of 3 held for abduction

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

The Colva police have prayed to the court for remand of the three persons who were nabbed for allegedly abducting the employees of a construction company to four days police custody.

The police have prayed that the remand of the trio to police custody will help in nabbing the remaining members of the gang which carried out the abduction plan and to further investigate the case.

One dies from tree fall at Pernem HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, APRIL 15

A 35-year-old man from Chopdem-Agarvado, Pernem, died, after he accidentally fell from a mango tree at Tarwado-Chopdem on Tuesday.

Mango prices soar over low arrivals in market HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

Normally, during April-May mangoes dominate the fruit markets and common man get a chance to eat his favourite Mancurad as the price of this fruit drops in the peak period. However, this season is an exception as mangoes are yet to make way into the markets into loads. The price of Mancurad has remained “exceptionally high” even when we are in mid-April, On Wednesday, reasonably good size Mankurad variety was sold at Rs 700 dozen in the Panjim market. Retail price of Mancurad mangoes ranged between Rs 300 – 700 per dozen but only smaller and not so fresh mangoes were sold for Rs 300 and Rs 400 per dozen.

Ongoing rate of mango has been too high for April when normally peak season

begins. But this season, even in when we are in mid-April price has been as high as it is in the beginning of the season.

During April-May the retail price of Mancurad comes down to Rs 200-300 per dozen but due to late flowering this season, crop has suffered and consequently, supply has been less.

Flowering was delayed due to change in the climatic conditions. The Agriculture department had predicted delayed flowering indicating that fruiting will be behind schedule with a possibility that fruits will be ready for harvesting end of May and probably coincide with onset of monsoon.

Last season, mango production suffered in a big way due to vagaries of weather. In 2008-09, mango production

Stage set for grand finale ‘Ancient temple site at Khola has archaeological value’ of Miss Goa at Nuvem ‘HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 15

Historians who reportedly inspected an ancient temple site in ruins but regularly worshipped at Khola, believe that locals instead were unaware about its historic value and archaeological importance.

Speaking to Herald, historian Rohit Phalgaonkar, who was reportedly part of the team which also had another historian Prajal Sakhardande that inspected the Soliem-Khola Ishwar Maheshwar Temple in ruins, said deity idols existing at the site could possibly be from the period between 12th and 13th centuries.

“Basically, there are three archaeological importance sites at Soliem-Khola, first two of temple complexes, while the third site has five stone slabs standing on the ground, which locals call five Pandavs,” Phalgaonkar told Herald.

“However, they seem to be ‘Menhirs’ stones erected to commemorate some event or happening,” added Phalgaonkar.

“Secondly, an existing structure

The 10 finalists of Miss Goa 2009-10 beauty pageant.

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 15

The stage is finally set for the grande finale of the muchawaited Miss Goa 2009-10 beauty pageant organized by VJT Entertainments at Palavra De Jardin, Nuvem on April 17 at 7 pm.

Briefing newsmen, VJT’s Managing Director Joseph Dias said this is the seventh year the Miss Goa beauty pageant is being organized by the group with ah objective of providing an ideal platform for Goan girls to get into the pageant contests all across the state.

The 10 finalists are Karima Kiran Kerkar (Porvorim), Pearl Braganza (Verna), Fayrall Lerrisa Rodrigues (Nuvem), Merill Judy G o d i n h o ( Va s c o ) , S h a i s t a Mehboob Shaik (Vasco), Sakubai Pooja Konnur (Margao), Nuzhat Ansari (Aquem), Joanne L M Da

Cunha (Alto-Porvorim), Sparsha Makarand Deshpande (Fatorda) a n d S w e t a Re g i n a G o m e s (Vasco).

Mumbai-based choreographer Romach Mehta has been roped as the Choreographer for the event. The panel of judges will judge the inherent charm, wit, talent and beauty of the participants.

Dias said the Judges hail from varied professional backgrounds. While Gurmeet Chaudhary played Ram in Ramayan, Miss Debina Bonnerjee played Sita in Ramayan. The third judge sangeeta Kapure is a South Indian actor of Savgurn Sampan of Imagine channel fame.

The contestants will be judged for natural beauty, attire, intellect, poise and posture as well as confidence. The winner of Miss Goa contest will be awarded a cash prize of Rs

Mormugao council removes illegal stall at Vasco

15,000 plus gold worth Rs 15,000 besides gifts. The Runners-up will take away cash of Rs 10,000, besides gold worth Rs 10,000 and gifts.

This year, the pageant is being backed by sponsors such as Signature, Anta Jewellers, Top Fashion, Papillon, San Andre Wines, Real’s packaged drinking water and Prudent Media.

Prizes have been sponsored

by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, Water Resources Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues and Chairman of IDC Babu Kavlekar.

Adding spice and entertainment to the event will be Savia Da Costa with her classical dance, a vocal performance by Varun Carvalho, dance performances by Dance Illusions, Unbeatable Dance Academy and the Yellow Boys. Melba Leitao will host the event.

HJS urges govt not to demolish religious structures HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, APRIL 15

Photo by M Prabhav.

MMC Chairperson Shekhar Khadapkar along with Councilors Kritesh Gaonkar and Arnold Rego inspects the illegally erected kiosk behind Sulabh Toilet near T B Cunha Circle, Vasco.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 15

Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Wednesday removed an illegal stall erected behind Sulabh Toilet, near T B Cunha Circle, Vasco.

According to reports, after some electronic media persons intervened and complained to the chief officer about the illegal stall, the chief officer inspected the stall.

However, later in the evening, the stall was removed, after MMC Chairperson Shekhar Khadapkar along with Councilors Arnold Rego and Kritesh Gaonkar inspected the stall and

directed MMC officials to remove it.

Radeshayam Chavan, who operates his stall near the illegally installed stall, said the work was going on to erect the stall since the last couple of days.

“The stall was illegally installed and that too in such a manner that it was blocking the way for other stalls,” said Chavan.

Chairperson Khadapkar, while inspecting the stall, said the stall owner did not obtain any permission and installed it illegally.

He directed the council staff to remove the stall and lodge a police complaint.

The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has requested the State government not to demolish roadside religious structures, which were identified as ‘illegal’ in a recent survey conducted by the authorities.

“The government should take into confidence the members of temple committees before going ahead with the demolition drive. There was also an order from Supreme Court to demolish a star city hotel, which the State government had not acted upon, but managed to save it,” said Samiti Convenor Jayesh Thali.

“If the government can do such things, then why can’t they prevent demolition of our centuries old religious structures,” he asked.

Samiti is organizing meetings in talukas in protest against the decision of the State government to demolish religious structures.

“There are some centuries old temples, which should be preserved. A mega protest meeting is scheduled at Panjim on April 22,” said Thali.

built of well-cut laterite stones having door jams and ceiling of the sanctum, using basalt stones, in fact could well be a temple structure and not a Pandava Cave, what locals are believing it to be,” said Phalgaonkar.

“Interestingly, no idols or anything else is found inside this ancient piece of structure,” he said.

“The third structure is the complete in ruins site, where two idols and two Lings exists and regularly worshipped by locals on most of the events in accordance to Hindu calendar.

Interestingly, none was aware about its importance in historical and archeological point of view till we found the importance of these three structures,” stated Phalgaonkar.

Providing more information on the existence of historical pieces of importance, Phalgaonkar said these sculptures are one of the few exposed laterite stone temples ever found in Goa till now. “These structures could well be for the period Circa 8-10 AD,” he said.

8 Goans arrested in Karwar for transporting diesel illegally HERALD CORRESPONDENT KARWAR, APRIL 15

Coastal Security Police of Karwar on Monday morning arrested 10 persons, including eight from Goa, on charges of transporting diesel worth Rs 2.5 lakh from an anchored cargo ship at Bavatekatta near Baithkhol Port in Karwar.

Two Goa-based vehicles, a truck (GA-06-T-0930) and a car (GA-06-A-2422), have also been seized in this connection, police said.

Coastal Security Police seized the truck, which was allegedly transporting the diesel, along with 36 barrels of diesel containing 200 litres each, 26 empty barrels, a Zen car and two out-

board engine boats engaged in bringing diesel to shore.

The accused has been identified as Melvyn Godinho (20) of Baina-Vasco, Achhelal Fakir (30), Ramesh Naik (21), both from Khariwada-Vasco, Kanaihya Sharma (26), Shanam Babu Shaikh, both from Dongri-Khariwada, Vasco, Philip Coutinho (25) from New Vaddem-Vasco, truck driver Ibrahim Muktum Sab Mokashi, Shabbirsab Nandgad, both from Khanapur, Srinivas Subray Harikantra (26) of Konewada-Karwar and Deepak Tulsi Gadkar (45) of Sadashivgad.

DySP Sadanand Naik of Coastal Security Police, PSI Sundar and others conducted the raid.

“The earliest exposed laterite stone temple so far explored in Goa that dates back to 960 AD is presently at Selaulim, which the ASI department transplanted it after uprooting it from Curdi village, which area came under submergence of Salaulim Dam,” said Phalgaonkar.

“Khola temple could be the second temple institute, provided ASI protect the site and carry out site exploration, which will bring out more details of the period to which it belongs to.”

The third temple built with exposed laterite stones is at Opa-Khandepar, Ponda, which however was remodeled during historic times.

“It is difficult to authenticate exactly to which period it belongs to, but if Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects the site and conducts exploration in due course of time, more light will be thrown, as it is not only important to Goa, but considering the type of structures and existence of idols, it could well prove to be of national importance,” said Phalgaonkar.

Kudal resident found dead at Arambol lake HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, APRIL 15

Pernem Police on Thursday recovered a male body from Wagkolamb Lake at Arambol beach.

According to Pernem Police, deceased Deepak Ramesh Kerkar (27) and his friend Dhananjai Ravul, both from Kudal, had gone for a swim at Wagkolamb Lake on Wednesday at about 4 pm.

After Dhananjai found Deepak missing in the lake waters, he immediately alerted the police. However, police could not recover the body till late Wednesday night.

On Thursday, after some locals noticed the body floating in the lake, they alerted Pernem police, who after conducting the investigations sent the body to GMC Hospital at Bambolim for autopsy.

was 8000 metric ton as against 18894 metric ton in 2007-08.

It appear this year too, common man will not able to eat Mancurad mango to his heart as high price will restrain his purchasing abilities.

On the other hand farmers are also stand to lose their crops. They can hope to save their crops, only if, the arrival of monsoon is delayed for some time.

Security guard from Nepal found dead at Mollem HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, APRIL 15

A 35-year-old security guard from Nepal was found dead near Vadamal Mines on Wednesday morning. According to Collem Police PI Manoj Mardolkar, Setal Sirjal Tomat was working as a security guard at a mining company at Suktolim-Mollem.

After some locals informed Collem police about the body lying near Vadamal mines, PI Mardolkar along with Police Constables Sushant Sangodkar and Hassan Patel rushed to the site.

CLASSIFIEDS

OHERALDO

Pg6

GOA, FRIDAY, 16 APRIL, 2010

ACC AvAilAblE

bEAuty & CArE

Available on rent 3 BHK bungalow in Borda & 3 BHK pent house in the heart of Margao City. Continental Realtors.

9527463241 (Anc)

Ayurvedic Aroma Body massage and Relax, Male Female services, doorstep. Contact 8806471402, 8806471403.

(SD)

Available for rental 3BHK bungalow 3 sit out balcony’s fully-furnished 2A/c on Colva road Gandalium. Also available studio house ground floor.

Contact: 9860747952 / 08322789913.

(CM)

Relax and Rejuvenate Ayur vedic Body Massage, Ladies & Gents. Doorstep Services. Contact: Vicky – 9850640514.

(DA)

New furnished bungalow on rent, 3BHK, in Margao – rent 15 thousand. Contact: Golden Touch - 2715643 / 9423835613.

(CM) Benaulim 2-bedroom fullyfurnished row-house with AC pool 13,000/-, Borda 3-bedrooms semi-furnished in a good complex. Contact: 9881567270 / 9767647192.

(CM) Rental: Portuguese house in Moira-Bastora-NerulAssagao. 1/2 BHK flat/Studio’s in Candolim, Calangute, Porvorim, Donapaul. Goa Property Consultancy (21448 Spacious furnished 3BHK, part of ground plus one Bungalow, in decent colony, Near airport for rent Rs.10,000/- (negotiable) Contact: 9422444127.

(SD) Grafikon Realty Pvt Ltd. Offer ‘5’ select Designer’s Flats with “Best of Specifications” at Cunchelim Mapusa Goa (125 Sqm. 3 BHK & 100 Sqm. 2 BHK) Construction to commence shortly. For further information Contact: Ms Shirley08322255551 & 9890216605.

E m a i l info@grafikonrealty.com (CB) Self contained airconditioned Hotel Rooms in Verna with 24 hours Water & Power, Satellite TV, Restaurant, Parking on short/long term basis at attractive rates.

9325351047, 9881723352 (CB) Unfurnished Bungalow for rent near Costa ground Aquem Alto -Margao Goa Contact 2767232 (after 5 pm) Broker’s excuse (Cst) Available rental 2/3bedroom furnished unfurnished flat / bungalow Borda, Gogol, Fatorda, Colva. Single bedroom furnished flat Colva 9823145699.

(CM)

For ladies ! Relax and rejuvenate body massage service at your door stops. Call: Sagar 7620039244.

(21406) Royal Thai Saloon Spa Massage, colouring, bodycare, foot massage, All your requirement under one roof, you are welcomed, Navelim 08322728092 (Cst)

buss. & FinAnCE Looking for Investors who are willing to invest to uplift the society & environment, earn reasonable returns. Email: goa2day@rediffmail.com (Adt)

businEss oFFErs Thinking of a quite weekend? Stay with us at Doptewadi village (Devgadh) 150 kms from Panaji. Absolute serenity with home made malvani food. Well set rooms in village atmosphere. Stay you will never forget. For bookings contact: Vasundhara, AG 24, Supreme Temple Gardens, Beside Maruti Mandir, Davorlim, Margao. Ph. 9923497345.

(Int) Visas for all countries, Domestic & International Airlines ticketing, Wide choice of holidays around the world, Indian Passport & Immigration, Portuguese Passport Attestations & Submissions, Apostille/Consulate Attestation, OCI/PIO Assistance, Admissions for study abroad Contact: Travco Holiday, Opp. MMC BLdg., Margao.

Ph: 6686868, 9860090341 E m a i l : travcoholidays@gmail.com www.travcoholidays.com (21186) “Urgent!!!” foreign co. expanding in Goa work from home/net trainings provided call Liz Anne.

9325525708/9892171608.

Email: louliz@eth.net (Int)

ACC WAntEd

Mystries of your life revealed and instant solution offered for your complexed problems through scientifically calculated Astrology and Mystic Spiritual powers by Professor Vishal, world Renowned Astrologer with life long experience whose accomplishments are recognized world over. Consult him with prior appointment at Hotel Goa Woodlands, Margao. Mobiles: 9970939177, 09810007558/ 9953706590.

(SD)

Vacation courses in beautician, tailoring, candle making, sof t toys, chocolate making & variety of painting.

Ph: 9923146577.

(CM)

Sewing Machine: Get your Sewing Machine repaired at your doorstep. Service Charges 200/-, multipurpose 250/-, Imported 300/-. Contact: Ansari - 9371544516.

(BS) Waterproofing New Technology.Waterproofing with paint including rubber coat, plastic coating for old/ new Bldg, Bungalows. Life long Guarantee.

Contact: 9970372478 / 9096984459.

(SD) Swimming pool designing & construction, fountains, jacuzzi, steam, sauna, waterfalls, filters, accessories & chemicals. Southern Pools Ph. 6455243, 6452034, 9823605885, 9850421246. email - spwsgoa@yahoo.in w e b s i t e : www.southernpools.in (21210)

Computer Courses 50% Discount Enroll for the best course this summer at Orbits Technologies, 3rd Flr. Above Tato Restaurant Margao, Ph: 2732615 / 9890347441 / 9860386761 www.orbitstechnologies.com (BS)

Silver Institute of Fashion.

Admission open for Tailoring, Embroidery, Candle, Beadwork, Paper Flower, Decorative Flower, Permanent Pleats, Pursemaking, Smoking, Crochet, Fruit / Vegetable Carving, Beautician. Specialist in Ladies Tailoring, Wedding Gown. Near Post Office, Abade Faria Road, Margao. 2710931 (BS)

N.E. Diniz Music Institute, Margao (Regd). Crash courses - suitable batches. Organ, Guitar, Drums, Violin, Singing in Voices, Theor y, Solfege.

2738645 / 9545924235 / 9850459507.

(CM) Calligraphy Monday / Thursday, Drawing / Painting Tuesday / Friday, Thermocol Decorations Wednesday / Saturday. Special Discount for Children. Starting 19th April.

9822182052 (Margao) (BS)

businEss oFFErs Portuguese Passport documentation, attestations from all authorities including Apostille in New Delhi & submissions in Portugal, follow up assistance till finalisation at Conservatoria dos Registos Centrais, Lisbon, Contact: Travco Holiday, Opp. MMC Bldg., Margao. Ph: 6686827, 6686868, 9860090341. Email: travcoholidays@gmail.com www.travcoholidays.com (21186) 8.1/2 “dia borewell for water resources for agriculture farms, lodging ,garden and for domestic use gentleman service contact Pawar 9423041293 (SD)

Earn extra high incomes in Rupees and Dollars !!! Foreign Company. Work from home !!! Flexible hours. No experience. Natasha 9967961287, 9096664676.

(21411) Work from home/internet great incomes, working people, housewives, retired, students. Part/full time. Trainings vacations p ro v i d e . C o n t a c t Ro m a : 9822103105.

(21411) Digital Cameras Exchange any Old Camera with Digital Camera - Starting from 4000/Also instant repairs of Digital Cameras / Camcorders. 9765526610.

(21355) No water no problem we undertake construction of open wells ring-type wells (R.C.C.) all over Goa. Contact Mehaboob 9822103820 /8805589130 (21309)

IATA Authorized Academy.

Worldwide recognised IATA courses offered in Travel & Tourism Management, Air Ticketing Diploma and online Reservation system training on Amadeus and Galileo. Admissions open for students having pre-qualification of standard twelfth contact Travco Aviation Academy, Opp. MMC Building, Margo 9860090341 / 0832-6686868 / 6686838.

(21186) Tuitions for V-VII all subjects & VII to college level Hindi, Marathi, Konkani, Sanskrit. Contact: 2732288 / 9422389714.

(CM) IATA Travel Courses/Hospitality Courses/English courses.

Approved by HRDF, Govt of Goa. Contact: Airsonic Academy, Panaji. Tel.: 2420213 / 2420248 (Ind)

Diploma / Crash Tailoring Courses for ladies. Teaching exquisite garments: Instituto Artes Femininas, (Government Authorized) Abade Faria Road, Margao. Phone: 9403849707.

(CM)

Portuguese Nationality Apostille Attestation, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.

Call us anytime on 9850200682 & 9604838043 / Email processpgoa@gmail.com , Shop # 1, Alzira Apartments, Fatorda 403602.

(CM)

Wanted on Rental basis 2/3 bedroom flat or villa in Panjim/Caranzalem/Donapaula. No Brokerage contact: 9970056737 (21465)

Astrology

Crash Course: Hindi - Science - Maths - English (VIII, IX, X) Entire syllabus completed even before Schools reopen. Contact:9822484673. Experienced Faculty, AC Classroom.

(BS)

Opportunity unlimited extra income!!! Ambitious men / women work from home / office part-time without disturbing present job, profession, business. Vijay 9096033709.

(CM)

Wanted 3 BHK flat or Bungalow fully furnished with A/C in and around Margao budget 20000 Continental Realtors 9527463241.

(Anc)

Wanted P.G. accommodation for a student foreigner in a G o a n f a m i l y. C o n t a c t : 8007711789 / 9404312216.

(CM)

Cookery Classes. Going away from home? Learn to cook. Quick, yummy and also exotic dishes. Call: 2451363 / 09948098805 / 09848041000.

(21475)

Available Mini Bus for hire, contract for schools, staff etc.

Model 2008. Contact: 9822159132.

(CM)

Urgently wanted rental / sale 1/2/3 BHK flats bungalows rowhouses in Margao, Aquem, Borda, Gogal, KTC, Colva, Navelim for ready clients. Continental Realtors 9527463241 (Anc)

Wa n t e d r e n t a l / s a l e 8/10rooms spacious Portuguese house Margao, Nuvem, Verna, Loutolim, Raia, Chandor, Cuncolim, Navelim 9527870099 / 2749845. (CM)

Summer classes for children in drawing and yoga in Nagalli Hills Colony, Dona Paula Call: 2451363 / 09948098805 / 09848041000.

(21475)

Educational

D i p l o m a i n Yo g a & Ayurveda Therapy correspondence courses Contact Ph: 09495479134, 9730508369 (21426)

Learn to speak Russian high income big jobs don’t miss, private tuitions batch available Contact 9881074507 / 9657962496 (Cst)

UGC/DEC. Govt. Recognized Distance Education.

10th/12th/M.Phil/ MBA/MCA/MSW/BCA/BBA/B.Co m,/MA/BA/Msc/Bsc/Executive M.B.A. 10th/12th fail. FY/SY pass or fail directly appear for Third Year Exam in 2010.

June/December. Contact:BCHE, Pissurlekar Towers, above Prince Furniture, Opp. Power Jim, St.Inez, Panaji. Tel - 2431014 / 9764234786 /9765565784 / 83 / 85 (PM)

businEss oFFErs

businEss oFFErs

Peter Nazareth’s Music School prepares students for Trinity College exams in various instruments. Has the best of facilities. Phone : 2253936.

(Adt)

Are you earning what are worth. Earn extra income, International Co. work part/full time.

Housewife/Students/Retired/Working/Business. Shreya 9822154477 / 9823204559 (Ind)

Agarwal Packers & Movers (SE) DRS Group ISO 9001 Co. For tension free Home/Car shifting Ph: 9970090711, 6060001 (HRP) Website Designing Packages. Budget Website 6000/-, Economy 10,000/-, Deluxe 15,000/-, Animated 20,000/-, Photography 5000/-, Domain + Server + Emails + Hosting.

9850472932 / 9372049214 (BS) Portuguese Nationality / passport professional advice.

Documentation/attestations & filling of processes in Lisbon.

Correspondence and handling all old processes 1 including obtaining Boletim/Assentos de Nascimento/Casamento/Obito from CRC, Lisboa. Jet International Travels & Tours, Borda, Margao. 9422063724, 2700264, 2700265, 2712938, portuguese nationality @hotmail. com (Emm) Earn extra high income working from home great earning potential realize your financial dreams, experience not required Flora/Mario 9822134180 (Cst) Dias Caterers, Catering for all occasions. Contact us for making all your celebrations more memorable. Ramesh – 9921930505, Selima – 9767694769 (Int) VISA SOLUTIONS all types of Indian Visa Extensions Company Formations R.B.I./ROC/TAX, Indian Citizenships PIO/OCI, Foreign Investment. Contact 9637169333, 9867541433, Email: visasolutionsgoa @yahoo.in (Anc) Agarwal Packers & Movers India’s No. 1 Company since 1987. For tension free shifting Call Goa: 0832-6001500, 9326101181 (CB)

Required for Mobile Company, Vacant/Terrace/Agricultural Land for Installation of Towers, Rent 40000/- P.M. Advance 9 Lakhs Khan Gold Care Government approved 08802001208, 08802001207, 08802001206, 08802001205.

(Int) Godara Packers & Movers Car Transportation specialist, household packing, loading/unloading, transportation, local shifting, insurance facility. All India Ser vice. Contact: 9370663341, 9420687350, 0832-3293340 (CB)

dAnCE Dance while you can! Ballroom dance classes conducted in Margao. Learn: Waltz, Jive, Cha Cha, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, etc. Contact: 9850109251.

(CM)

EntErtAinmEnt Pure live band. MAJOR STRINGS with female vocalist available for weddings, dances, hotels, parties & all occasions.

Contact: 9823951639 / 9922646430.

(CM) Your Master of Ceremony C o m p e re f o r w e d d i n g s , Dances or any occasions. Contact friendly, pleasing Personality Savio Queiroz 9960609920, 9689915623, 08326698500.

(21312) L.I.V.E. Music and DJ for all occasions, Weddings, Parties, Hotels etc. Also Jazz-Band available Goa’s exclusive one-man-band for Hotels, Weddings, Parties also accoustic Solo, Duo, Trio. Call 9822181692.

(CB) Brass band for all occasions.

Weddings, parties, hotels, sports, festas, funerals. Phone (Margao): 9822121696. (DG)

FirE ExtinguishErs Fire extinguishers DCP /ABC, 5kg. ISI Marked, Govt. approved, 1year Warrantee, ISO Certified, Rs.1275/- VISION S A F E T Y, Ve r n a I D C , .

9326127464 / 2782095 / 2782443 (20468)

mEdiCAl Sir Marcus’ “Top Tuturials” admissions open for Std VIII, IX & X Maths, Science & all subjects, at Colmorod, Navelim & Betalbatim with experienced and well qualified teachers.

Limited seats. Contact 9922929644.

(Int) Vacation batches in Computerized Mobile Phone repairing, Laptops/PC Repairs, Networking Wireless, Basic Computer Applications, DTP, Tally etc. Contact: St. Anthony’s Technical Academy 201 Sirsat B l d g , M a p u s a G o a Te l : 2262633/9890360173.

(21253) Direct X, XII, B.A, B.Com, B.Sc, M.A, M.Com, M.Sc, B.Ed, D.Ed, B.B.A, B.C.A, B.Tech, D.Tech, Exam in Goa. May2010. Ramnath Damodars, Kurtarker Classic A/7, near Power House, Margao. Ph: 6953324 / 2753747 (CM) Creativity Contest on Graphic Design Age 12 to 30 years. Amateurs only. Topic: a New World Vision 2050 prizes worth 50,000/- Modules: Sketching, Digital Graphics, Matte Painting Registrations open 01st April 10. Contact: Arena Animations Academy, Midas Touch Bldg 3rd Floor, Panjim Market Square, Opp. DCB Bank. 2225153 / 9423885224/9823013484/982 3611824 (21187)

PrEmisEs AvAilAblE

Experienced M.B.B.S. Doctor available for home visits in Tiswadi & Bardez Taluka Fe e s R s 5 0 0 / - C o n t a c t 9422058730 (21378)

Offices / Rooms / Godowns for rent, 20 sq.mts., 6000/-pm, La Vivenda, Opp. BDO Office, Old Market, Margao. 6484612 / 9970509768 (BS)

Ayurvedic Treatment – Quickdischarge, Nightfall, Impotency, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Infertility, Small/curved Penis. 100% successful treatment. Ask for Lingvardhak free and one course of Medicine for expected retention and to make the organ 2”-3” long, fat, straight.

Tuku Clinic, Cyber Zone Internet, Shop: AS-9, Silver Tower Bldg., behind Vishant, Aquem, Margao, 9822155821 (DA)

Shop for sale at Candolim Bardez, Goa. Nr. Prazeres Resort Road facing area 22 sqmt.

Contact 9764246828 (21457) 3BHK duplex unfurnished for rent in Margao, 2BHK fully furnished Varca 1BHK fully furnished Colva for rent contact 9970616980 (CST)

misC AvAilAblE Steel cupboard, sandwich toaster, food processor, electric whisk, novels (English) – South Goa 9960069877.

(DG) For sale wooden teakwood bed, Godrej cupboard, showcase, sofa set, portable DVD player, kitchen stand, Eterno S c o o t e r, e t c . C o n t a c t : 9422847006 (Cst) Garage sale: Elec Water Cooler, Classical Music CDs, VCD’s, Novels, Furniture, Household items, St. Anthony’s Apts, shop 16, Mapusa, Saturday, 9.30-12.30.

(Aks) New Laptop Toshiba, Window Vista, can up to Window 7, 3GB Ram, 320 HOD, Webcam, Microphone contact: 8007387065 (Cst)

misC WAntEd

Mine Owners (Goan origin) vast land above 200lac m2 in Rivona of Sanguem, also a plot fensed area 525m2 on highway Opp. Ciba Syngenta at Corlim for sale. Brokers excuse. Contact: 9421247143 / 2735416.

(CM) Family Restaurant & Bar with AC fully furnished on rent 35000/- prime location Navelim. Contact Brokers 9975817781 (Cst) 49.67m2 shop for lease at Osia Mall Complex. Interested parties contact 9822185268 / 9637247441. Brokers excuse.

(CM)

Santa Barbara Academy of Beauty & Hair, conducts professional courses. Contact 9923082921.

(4000)

Don’t exchange old batteries (we pay good price) we sell new batteries new invertors any big factory setup inverters 9011445339 (21430)

Shop for sale at primelocation on Baga Road, Suitable for Bar Restaurant area 47 Sq.mts Contact 9923786469, 9850123405, 9326102234 (21429)

hEAlth, hotEl & rEsort

We buy all types of vehicles any model any make 4 wheeler, 2 wheeler or scrap vehicle (Sold by owner only) 9850729255 (21430)

Available industrial shed of 1,600 Sq.mtr built-up on plot 6,000 Sq.mtr, sloping roof of 9 mtrs with Genset of 125 KVA, for manufacturing or Godown use. Outright sale or long lease. Contact: 9503747932 (WN)

Excess body fat causes obesity reduce body fat safely/effectively satisfaction assured, excellent customer care fat check Ralph 9850256317 (Cst)

mAtrimoniAls Perfect Matrimonials. Marriages for all castes, religion.

All under one roof. Complete satisfaction guaranteed. Contact: 9766540426.

(CM) Wedding car for hire contact Orwin Monteiro on Phone 2452528/9420686828(21464) Wedding cars, Mercedes (Merk), Sonata (Gold), Corolla, Honda City / Civic / Accord, undertaking decorations, cars for self drive. 9823966474 / 9421300462 / 2710262. (CM) L uxur y wedding car ’s Honda Accord, Civic, City etc. quality of service at its best Perry’s Wedding Car’s Margao 9890299255/2767832 (Cst) Royal Luxur y wedding Car’s St. Anthony wedding cars on hire Sonata (Gold) white and Sonata (Gold) Black, Margao 9822719468, 9765856465 (Cst)

mEdiCAl Unwanted hair of any part of body permanently removed

by Laser treatment. Consultation for Liposuction, Varicose Veins, Warts & Moles. Available at Mapusa – 17 & Madgaon 18 April. Contact – Lakshyakiran Laser Center, Kolhapur. Mobile – 9422414324.

(Aks) (Ayurvedic Dr. Palash) Secret Sexual Diseases, *Infertili t y, * Q u i c k D i s c h a r g e , *Impotency, *Nightfall, *Loose Penis, *Erection problem (Without operation *Piles, *Fistula, *Fissure). Ponda Clinic, Below Café Bhosle, Ponda & Tanu Clinic, Near Bar Corner, Malim – Betim, Panaji. Appointment – 9881889650, 9673094890.

(CB) Treatment with Challenge - Sexual disability, Quick discharge, Nighfall, Short bend loose penis problems, Less Sperm counting, Penis infection, Piles, Fistula, Urine stone, Diabetes & Rheumatism. Contact: 9158059015 / 9765329439 / 9860022193 / 6484068.

(DA)

Wanted scrap A.C. Airconditioner fridge 2 wheeler, 4 wheeler Hotel’s scrap etc we collect 9011445339 (21430

musiCAl instrumEnts Yamaha Keyboard PSR1500 for sale. Contact: Ph. 9822150355 (Free Pen Drive with Music Data) (BS) Learn Drums in 12 classes (guaranteed). Learn Keyboards at home - 9822130576 / DDrum Triggers and Korg-01 for sale.

(BS) Imported Guitar workstation Digitech GNX for sale 10 effects 65 factory presets 5 footswitches tuner CD jamming input memory card input drum machine & multifunctions, made in U.S.A. Contact: 9764267394.

(CM

Swimming pool & water treatment we construct swimming pools, long lasting water proofing in years competitive rates 9823521766. (21410)

PrEmisEs WAntEd Space required for Office at Panjim area 60 to 70 m2 outrigt purchase Contact 9225906191 Professional Courier.

(21386)

ProPErtiEs AvAilAblE

PErsonAl Available Nurse/Care Takers to take care of elderly and sick people pls contact Blue Cross Ser vices. 3223614 9890237558 (20319)

PEts & livEstoCks Available Pure breed German Shepherd puppies at Best Rates. Also for other pure breed pups call Pets4home, Por vorim 9823256705, 9823248705 (21472) Buddy pets pups and pup food available Labrador Chocolate color & Pug. Persian kitten available too. Contact Ashwini 9822130639 / 9422419139.

(Emm) Available FawnLabrador male puppy 45 days old, strong muzzle, heavy boned, excellent companion for kids. Contact-9823077679 / 9823007679.

(Aks) Available Bullmastiff female 1 ½ year contact: 9923923090 and German Shepherd 1 month contact: 9823618990 (Gal)

PrEmisEs AvAilAblE For rent 2 BHK fully furnished & office 60 sq.mts at C o m b a M a rg a o c o n t a c t : 9820285686 / 9823129214.

(Cst)

Villa for sale in gated complex of 13 villas at Arpora. Plot for sale at Calangute. Contact: Big Space Properties. M 9623502040 (CB) DBR flat for sale Arlem, Opp. The Chapel, 80 sq.mts.

Interested person may contact: 9527734928 (Adn) For immediate sale 4 BHK villa on 350 sqmts in Nagalli Hills Colony, Dona Paula and 550 sqmts plot in Aldea-deGoa, Bambolim plot (640) sqmts in Curca. Call: 2451363 / 09948098805 / 09848041000 (21475)

Classifieds cont on Page 7

CLASSIFIEDS

OHERALDO

Pg7

GOA, FRIDAY 16 APRIL, 2010

ProPerties AvAilAble

ProPerties WAnted

situAtion vAcAnt

situAtion vAcAnt

situAtion vAcAnt

situAtion vAcAnt

shiPPing

tours & trAvels

Available for immediate sale two, 2 BHK flats in heart of Margao both first-going cheap contact 9822169448, brokers excuse (DSN)

Plot 300 sqmts required in Betalbatim surrounding road touching settlement @ 10 Rs to 12 lakh Rs only 9960424653 (Emm)

Wanted Female Accounts Assistants for a leading Pvt Ltd firm to handle dealer billing in SAP, maintain supply & bank records. Interested candidates residing in and around Vasco may contact on 9422063643 (ES)

Required Female for Telemarketing in Travel Agency in Margao. Interview on 16 & 17 between 10-4. Contact: 9657176246.

(CM)

Wanted 8 smart Sales Boys/Girls at Jina’s new showroom S. No. 3, Dalal Bldg., near Hari Mandir Margao 9850702505, 9923658620.

(Emm)

Academy for better communication, Kerala requires Teachers for teaching Communicative English in Schools.

Salary Rs. 7000/- to 9000/- + free accommodation. Contact: 9767020211 / 09349788120 (BS)

DG Shipping Govt of India approved STCW 95 even Passenger Familiarization Courses can be done in 12 days with INDOS Number. New rates for Panama CDC - 14000/-, Liberian CDC - 19000/- Booking available. Contact: 6555374, 9987678131 / 9209266294 (BS)

Worldwide Holidays. Europe 89,000 Holyland 69,900 Thailand 25,500/- Shimla Manali 16,900 early bird offers.

Call Holidaying Passions 9881903443, 2472357, 2472171 (1800)

Luxurious Villas for sale 3 BHK with swimming pool G u i r i m b r o k e r e xc u s e 9823521766 (21410)

Wanted experienced Stewards urgently for a fine dine restaurant contact 9823109419 (Gal)

Double bed, 120 Sq.mt, Heart of Ponda City, upper Bazaar, Contact-9850161831 (CB) Newly Constructed Modern flats for sale 2BHK area 90m2 with Balcony in Candolim near Sinquerim beach, Independent, parking Rs. 32,00,000/- Beckham Estates@rocketmail.com call 9225904828 (21461) Flat for sale 63 sqmtrs. in Porvorim 1km from NH-17 fully equipped with gym s/pool Elevator security in building compound with stilt parking possession in June 2010 immediate for sale price 22 lacs negotiable cash parties can contact 9923901776/ 9765321725 (21387) New Flat for sale. 71 sq.mts., 28000/- sq.mt., Rawanfond, non negotiable. Ph: 9921042819 (BS) Available new 2 & 3 BHK Apartments / Row Houses in Colva and Margao. Kindly Contact 8805021247. Brokers Excuse.

(BS) 1 & 2 Bedroom Sea View Apartment, 3 Bedroom Row Villas, Shops with swimming pool, Elevator with backup generator, 24 hrs security, 5 min walk to the beach at Benaulim, Possession May 2010 contact: 2712000, 9049772000 (Cst) 250 - 300m2 settlement Plots available for sale at Revora, Bardez, Goa @ Rs. 1500/m2. (8kms. from Mapusa / 4kms. from Binani Colvale & 2Kms. from Tivim). Contact: 9850450575, 9545008635, 9049909258, 9823056342.

(Adt)

Required urgently experienced Delivery Boys for Mapusa. Contact: 9225906191, The Professional Couriers.

(21477) Wanted property 500 to 5000 m2 with or without house in South Goa Contact 9823647765 (Cst)

Wanted live in maid (age 30-40 years) for a Goan Catholic family in Dubai attractive salary call: 2863588 (Cst)

Tivim- require plot 300/400 Sqm with or without House for Goan Catholic,Immediate purchase,Contact Sera9960403810.

(SD)

Required sales representative for North Goa and South Goa for reputed firm, contact immediately: 9921296596 (CB)

400-600 sq.mts for a Goan Christian family with clear titles, location Mapusa, Siolim, Parra, Saligao, Bambolim, Aldona, Old Goa. Broker Excuse.

Contact: 9822970475.

(21317)

Wanted: 1. Restaurant Steward 2. Trainee Stewards 3. Room Service Stewards 4.

Roomboys. Contact: Hotel Menino Regency, Near Jama Masjid, Panjim-Goa. Walk-ininterview on 16th & 17th April 2010 between 10.30 am to 2 pm, and 4 pm to 6 pm.

(21461)

PhotogrAPhy www.rockywilzstudio.com, Professional Photography & Video. Specialised in weddings, conferences, events. Ph: 09823473737.

(CM

situAtion vAcAnt Wanted urgently i) Receptionist (M) ii) Restaurant Cashier iii) Waiters iv) Roomboys v) Kitchen Helper. Contact Hotel Shree Damodar Regency, Opp. Club Harmonia, MargaoGoa. 9822156785.

(Int Wanted a Driver LMV having valid licence, with sober habits, pleasant manners preferably from in and around Margao. Contact 9823127280 (21478)

Property for sale near KTC Bus Stand Margao, 2600m 2 price 11,000 per m2 Contact broker 9766611625 (Cst) Under construction posh, luxurious, 2BHK Apts, 3BHK Row-villas, 3-Duplex enclosed project, behind Showroom Nuvem. Contact Micon Realtors, S-1/2/3, Delia Residency, (next to J.J. Costa Hospital) near Rosary Church, Fatorda, Margao, Goa. Tel: 2749004 / 9823687944. Email: info@miconrealtors.in / website: www.miconrealtors.in (CM) Single & double bedroom flats with open terrace in SIRVODEM RESIDENCY at Navel i m , S i r v o d e m , M a rg a o .

Contact Micon Realtors, S1/2/3, Delia Residency, Next to A.V. D’Costa (next to J.J. Costa Hospital) near Rosary Church, Fatorda, Margao. Tel: 2749004 / 9823687944.

Email: info@miconrealtors.in / website: www.miconrealtors.in (CM)

Wanted Asst. Cooks, all round Cooks, Kitchen Helper, Dishwasher and Stewards for a multi cuisine family restaurant contact:- 9822141961.

(CB) Wanted urgently a registered Pharmacist for a D.R. Fernandes Medical Stores at MIE. C o n t a c t : D r. B a p t i s t a (9822480117) or Gomendis (9158233983).

(Rd)

2 BHK flat 80 sq.m for sale in Pedda, Benaulim on second floor. Rate 23 lakhs negotiable.

Contact: 2735313, 9403271129.

(Adn) For sale ready possession new 2BHK flat 88 sq mts with parking and lift on second floor at Kamat Riveira Caranzalem. 9822581195.

(Sty) 1 BHK flat for sale near Baga Marina Baga Beach area 55 Sq.mts Contact 9923786469, 9326102234 (21431) 1 BHK prime location, Nr Beach furnished A/C, W/Socie t y, S / P o o l , 2 3 ½ l a k h s Calangute, also available rental short/long term, Owner – 9822767911 (21407) Plot for sale at Nerul area 419 Sq.mtr with terrace house good locality rate 65 lakhs genuine party only Contact on 9370642759 (21389)

Wanted Indian tandoor cook and dishwashers for a reputed multicusine restaurant in Margao. Good salary assured. Contact 9822133506, 9890959377 (21463) Wanted maintenance supervisor/AC Technician/Electrician. Also required roomboys, kitchen helper, Dishwasher and Security Guards. Please contact: Panjim Inn, Male Fo n t a i n h a s , Pa n j i m . Te l : 2228136 (21449)

BPO/Call Center job in Goa, Qualification: HSSC pass/ Graduate (Fresher’s welcome) Good communication mandatory, Salary Rs. 10500/- (In Hand)+Incentives. Home pick/drop available. Walk-in @ CVC,3rd floor, Reliance Plaza, Behind Grace Church, Margao.

C a l l : 9923086157/9923646157.

Jobs@civicco.in Also require HR Exec. (MBA) (Fresher)/Graduate (BPO experience) (DA) Wanted housemaid, Drivers (Gulf &Kuwait Lic) cook, Houseboy for Kuwait family having valid passport. Contact 9623689527.

(DA) Wanted Ayurvedic Therapists Male (1), Female (1) Couple preferred) to work in India & Abroad. Walk-in-interview wih Bio-data t Nagarjuna Ayur, Clinic, C-5, Sanchayani Anant Vishwa, Opp. Borkar Super Stores, Aquem-Margao on Monday 19th April 2010. Between 5pm to 8pm.

(DA) Wanted Dishwashers, waiters, Indian & Chinese cooks, for restaurant in CalanguteGoa. Contact: 9823399582 (Aks)

Required urgently female Office Assistant to work at Panaji. Candidate should be good in computer typing & fluent in English. Contact pesonally. 9822043647 (21470) Wanted to work in Verna Industrial Estate as “DTP cum Data Entry Assistant” Phone:9822121845 (CB) Cook wanted to cook Goan, Indian, Conti foods; Colva, South Goa. Call: 9881443960.

(CM)

Required trainees advisors & consultants in Margao Qualification 12th/Graduates. Contact: 9764328920 (Gal) Required one Waiter & a South Indian Cook for a restaurant in Chandor. Please contact 9881722519 / 2784266. (CM) Wanted Storekeeper & Male to work at the office around Margao. Min. experience 2years. Contact: 9421300462 / 9823966474.

(CM)

Vacancies in IT Company for Marketing Executives in Mapusa. Having knowledge of FMCG. Call 2734444, 9822553838 Email:- openings365@gmail.com (CB)

Wanted Staffs for Resort in Candolim Roomboy, Waiters, Night Receptionist. Kindly come for interview between 9-6pm. Contact: 6450496.

(Adt) Wanted Driver cum Office Boy for Construction Company in Margao. Contact: 6573044 / 2710564 (BS)

Vacancies for Counter Sales Girls and Male Shop Assistants.

Applicants should be smart and hardworking. Apply today with complete biodata to Souza and Paul, M.G. Road, Opp. Govt. Printing Press, Panjim.

(21402) Wanted for Amori A/c Restaurant 03 Waiters. Salary + all meals + room provided.

Call: 9881250004 / 9822467217.

(CM) Wanted urgently Dishwasher & Helper. Contact: Vincent’s Bar & Rest., Voltar, Benaulim, Salcete Goa. 9890201900 / 0832270539.

(CM)

Wanted urgently mine foreman with valid certificate of competency under MMR 1961 (311) in South Goa for stone quarr y contact: Mr. Rego 98221435192 2 8 5 2 0 9 A n y time.

(21459)

Wanted M/F receptionist Roomboys, waiters, helpers, Assis. cooks, Dishwaser, Sweeper, Security Guards, Dishwasher and Driver, Contact: Manager Sea View Cottages Calangute Baga.(21456) Wanted “Office Assistant” female who has knowledge of computers, Accounts, drafting, etc. for organization dealing in handling construction development (any graduate/freshers in similar jobs apply at email:- employment goa@rediffmail.com Ph:- 2710075 (PR)

Wanted female (DTP) Operator. Contact: S.G. Arts Shop No. D-G 14 Basement, Osia ‘C ’ Complex, Near Kadamba Bus Stand, Old Market, Margao 9822151884 / 2736626 (21382)

Career connections require for an IT Company in Mapusa 1) Web Designer 1 yr + experience, 2) Photostore Executive in Porvorim (Knowledge of Photoshop) Call 2734444, 9822553838 Email:careers.connections@gmail.co m (CB) Wanted Assistant Architect/Civil Draughtsman/Site Supervisor/Office Boy with 4 wheeler Driving Licence in Mapusa Office. Contact for Appointment : 9890074545.

(McD) Wanted Room Boys and Sweeper Contact Hotel Arcadia M.G. Road Panjim.

(21440)

Abudhabi Housekeeping Cleaners (Females 15 Nos) for Company,Age Strictly 30 to 37 only,Salary Approx.10,000 + O T, Free Fo o d , Accomodation,Indian Embassy Agreement provided,Contact Souza-9822582633 / 9764004957 with original passport, & photos, Departure within 15 days, (Lic:0453/mum/part/8503/09) (SD) Wanted Driver near Colva.

Call: 9890211037 (BS)

Wanted Female Commerce Graduate. Computer literate with knowledge of MS Office & Internet. Company offers other benefits apart from salary such as PF, ESI, Bonus, Gratuity. Interested may contact: Sambari Enterprises, ‘Gajanana’, Opp. Little School, Murida road, Fatorda. Ph: 9823173265 (BS) Wanted Driver with professional licence to drive light motor vehicle. Contact: Ph: 9823173265 (BS) Urgently required a Female Receptionist, All Rounder Indian Cook & Driver with Tourist badge for Vailankanni Cottages, Colva. Contact: 9822159523 (BS) Walk-in inter view for the post of Office Assistant.

XIIth std. / SSC, min. knowledge of Computers. Contact: Grace X-Ray Clinic, V.V. Road, Opp. Reliance Trade Centre, Margao. Ph: 9545521980 (BS) Wa n t e d a C o u n s e l l o r with good educational background & experience for an Educational Consultancy, in Panjim. Contact : 8975801640 or ijpedu@gmail.com (McD)

Urgent required Kitchen Supervisor/Store Keeper, Waiters. Contact- Bhojan Restaurant & Bar, Porvorim-Goa. M9823720213/9422444324 (21358) 1 Office Boy and Loader for S.L Marketing, 2 office boy cum Loader for Universal Trading Co. Opp. Rosary Church, L & L Mascarenhas Heritage, Ratwaddo, Navelim Goa. Ph.:2728018 / 2728038. Walk in interview on 14th & 15th April, 2010 to the above mentioned address between 10.00 am to 12.30 pm (Cst) Wanted off season, Jobs, Resort in Baga Calangute. Earn 8,000/- weekly. Male/Female 25 to 35 years from North. Call 9673155899.

(KK) Required urgently 1) Marketing Executives for Margao experienced and South Indians preferred Salary Rs. 10,000/Plus Petrol Allowance 2) Telephone Operator for Panjim only experienced may apply.

Salary Rs. 5000/- and above 3) Delivery Boys for Panjim Salary Rs. 4000/- plus petrol allowance Contact The Professional Courier Fernando 9225906191 (21386) Wanted Master Cutter (Gents, Ladies), Tailors (Gents, Ladies – Western), Salesgirls, Doorman – Helper, Bridal Flower Maker, Machine Embroidery. Phone: 9822184589 (Margao).

(DG) For an English Medium Primar y School in Bardez, 2 t r a i n e d Te a c h e r s f o r English/Maths on a permanent basis. Salary with EPF. Reply expected by 30th April, 2010 with bio-data to Box No 9619 Herald Panjim.

(21384) .Net developers with experience Smart freshers may apply for trainee position.

Email your resume to goaitjobs@gmail.com. (21411) Wanted Sales Executives and Sales Managers for MNC salary 10,000/- - 15,000 PM Qualification 12+3 For details Call 9372686709, 9822686709 (21432) Required Teachers with good English language flair for St. Norbert CBSE School, Koppa-Udupi (free accommodation) Qualification: Graduation / Master Degree. Nursery Training / B.Ed. Contact: 9673240719 / 9767020211 (BS)

Thanksgiving to God, Jesus, Holy Spirit Bambolim Cross, Our Lady of Vailankanni, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Rosa Mistica, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Anthony, St. Jude, St Joseph, St Sebastian, Fr. Pio, Fr. Agnelo, Fr Joseph Vaz, St Thresa, St Thresa of Child Jesus Sister Faustina, St Michael, The Archangel, Guardian Angel, St Francis Xavier & All the Angels & Saints for All the Favours Granted – Carol.

(SD) Many thanks to Our Lady of Vailankanni Mother for blessing me for good health.

Also thanks to Jesus From Ermalina H. (KK) Thanks to Our Lady of Vailankanni, St. Francis Xavier & Bambolim Cross for favours granted. - Gracy (GC) Many sincere thanks to God, Jesus, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Mar y, Our Lady of Vailankanni, Our Lady of Fatima, Perpetual Succour, Our Lady of Santana, Mother Thereza, Padr.

Jose Vaz, Fr. Agnel, Holy Cross, St. Anthony, St. Jude and all the angels and saints for favours granted.

Urgently wanted Indian / Continental, Tandoori / Chinese Cook, Kitchen Helper & Dishwasher. Call: 9890711363.

Good salary for the right candidate.

(CM)

Wa n t e d S a l e s g i r l f o r Mustafa’s Ladies Wear, Opp. Lohia Maidan, Margao - Goa. Salary 3000/- & above. Contact: 9890071273 (BS)

thAnksgiving

Wa n t e d G r a p h i x D e signer/DTP Operator for an Advertising Agency in Margao.

Contact Intergraphix Advertising, T-6, 3rd Floor, Laxmi Plaza Bldg, Behind Grace Church, Margao 2711969 (Int) Wanted Sales Girls/Boys – 10 nos., Cashier, Pickup Driver, Office Boy, Office Assistant with computer knowledge, residing in & around Margao, Contact: Navshant Enterprises, Gardenveiw Building, Phase II, 3rd Floor, Margao.

(CB) Wa n t e d S a l e s G i r l s & Helpers (F) to work in Printing Press at Margao. Contact: 9823982567 (DSN) “Earn upto 35,000/ monthly, paper work / online / offline data entry / internet / data typing / copy paste / adposting job at Home – Call — Zenith Services – 09051010534 / 09051412410 / 09051547728”.

(20576) Require an Office Accountant in Panjim. Address – G-3, Emerald Tower, Opp. Vivanta Taj Hotel, Nr. Traffic Signal, Panjim. Cont 9371034197, 3256707.

(21395) Required male photo Lab Assistant. Salary Rs. 5,000/onwards. Apply today with complete biodata and PP Photo to Souza and Paul, M. G. Road, Opp. Govt. Printing Press, Panjim.

(WN) Required Trainee Male Photo Machine Operators.

Salary Rs. 5000/- onwards.

Apply today with complete biodata and PP photo to Souza and Paul, M. G. Road, Opp. Govt. Printing Press, Panjim.

(WN)

shiPPing Sea Scan Maritime foundation conducts DG Shipping Govt. of India approved STCW’95 (FPFF, PST, PSSR, EFA & OTF courses). Pkg of four courses fees Rs. 10,000/- only Indos no’s issued after the completion of courses for booking. Contact 2423409 /10, 9822132034, Margao booking office 2732706.

(20368)

Thanksgiving to The Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Mary & Joseph, St. Anthony, Virgin Mary, Padre Pio, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Divine Mercy, St. Jude, Bambolim Cross, Fr. Agnelo, Perpetual Succour. The precious Blood of Jesus for favours granted.

Cheapest Air Tickets, Immigration, Visas to UK, Europe, USA & all destinations, Thomas Cook, Cox & Kings, Cosmos & Globus Holidays Worldwide, UAE Consulate attestation, Seaman Tickets, Contact Edwin at Jet International Travels & Tours, Head Off: 375, Borda, Margao Tel: 2734915, 2703553, 2712937, 2704278, 2734220, 9822487607, Branch Off: #2, Mabai Hotel, Margao, Tel.: 2726550, 2726551, 2726552, 9422063742, jetint@sancharnet.in, www.jetint.com (Emm) Holyland Tours - Jordan, Isreal, Egypt. 11 days. Rs. 70,000/- all inclusive. Departure: 16th May & 20th June, 2010 Ex-Goa. Contact: Airsonic Holidays.

Te l .

2420213/2420248.

(Ind)

vehicles AvAilAble Excellent condition M-800 Euro II done only 28000 kms Oct 2003 Ruby red non a/c single owner 1.10 lacs. Owner 9860314810, 9420819005 Panaji (21476) Daewoo Matiz model 2001 Golden colour AC/Power steering in good condition Rs. 50,000 - Neg Call: 9271350940 (21466) Omni 2007, 2005 for sale.

Exchange possible with another old Omni Van or any other vehicle. Finance possible too. Call: 9850966943 (CB) Palio with power steering, power windows and A/c for sale. Good condition.. Call 9923797365 (CB) Maruti 800 A/c 2004, Maruti 800 2004 and Maruti 800 2002 for sale. 1yr/6month or 15000/7500 kms warranty on the cars. Call: 9657711884 (CB)

PRAYER TO HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit thou who makes me see every thing and show me the way to reach my ideal. You who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me & who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue want to thank you for every thing and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your Perpetual glory. Amen. Persons must pray this 3 consecutive days without stating one's wish. After 3rd day your wish will be granted no matter how difficult it may be, promise to publish this soon as your favours has been granted.

Indica DLS 2004 with power steering and A/c and power windows and driven only 40,000 kms for sale. Call: 9921210997 (CB)

Thanks to Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus, Mother Mary, Our Lady of Vailankanni, Our Lady of Livrament, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, St. Anthony, St. Jude, Fr. Agnelo, Bambolim Cross and all the Saints for favours granted. Sorry for delay.

Hero Honda CBZ for sale 2003 model mono suspension with mags. Contact: 9049467730.

(CM)

Used Car Mela at Panaji. All types of car on sale. Alto Swift diesel, D’zire, Omni Van, Maruti 800 etc. call 9922726808/9850699635 (CB)

Many thanks to St. Jude and Sacred Heart of Jesus for favours granted.

Sincere thanks to St. Jude, Fr. Agnelo, St. Don Bosco, St. Anthony, Holy Cross, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary, Holy S p i r i t , B a m b o l i m C ro s s , Mother Theresa, Our Lady of Vailankanni, Perpetual Succour, Pad Pio, Fr. Joseph Vaz, Infant Jesus, St. Domnic Savio for favours granted.

Thank you St. Jude for a successful operation & Many favours granted.

tours & trAvels Raj Tours – Offers, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok-Pattaya 12 days. @ 55555/- all inclusive limited bookings, April, May, group. Contact immediately – 9850835455/ 9403106061 (Aks Local + International cheapest Air Tickets, Rail, Bus. Indian Holidays- Kerala, Kashmir, Manali, Mysore-Ooty etc.

Rs. 6500/- onwards. International Holidays- Bangkok, Pattaya, Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia etc. Rs. 25000/- onwards (All inclusive). Daily Worldwide Courier Service.

Call Travel Stop, 2714465, 2733169 (CB)

Honda Civic 1.8V, Feb 2008 model, Done 21,500 Kms, Sky Blue colour, genuine buyers only call Vincent on 9823229147. Final price 8.5 lakhs. Brokers Excuse.

(21402) Dupont fullcar painting, touchup perfect refinish @ reasonable rate, teflon coating 2000, machine polishing 1000/-, floor lamination 1000, upholstery cleaning 400/-, Service repair etc. free pickup Service car Sunival Automobile Clinic Betalbatim 9326811804 Valinton ex-Maruti Engineer.

(Reb)

vehicles WAnted Looking for a bike for 11 months on hire. Contact: 08805210477.

(Adt) Looking for a Car / Jeep for 11 months on hire. Contact: 08805210477.

(Adt)

OHERALDO

Edit Page Template1:Layout 1 4/16/2010 12:35 AM Page 1

OPINION

Pg8

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Up ... Up... Into the Yonder!

Vol No CX No: 100 Goa, Friday 16 April, 2010

More than a tiatr

F

or long now, if anything was likened to a ‘tiatr’, it was taken to be an insult. Now, we’re waking up to the reality of how this vibrant form of the Konkani stage — despite attempts to look down on it — is something that strongly reflects Goan cultural traditions since the late 19th century and earlier.

Politics in recent years, shifting equations in Goa, and probably the Romi-Devanagari rift in Konkani too, all lead to the hitherto neglected tiatr finally getting an academy of its own. While it is yet to be seen whether fairly lavish State funding can take this stage form forward, having an official body finally supporting it suggests the tiatr has come a long way indeed. Old-timers remember with surprise how Statefunded bodies once shunned tiatrs. All sorts of arguments were used then, including claims that tiatr audiences could not be trusted to maintain cleanliness in the plush auditoria!

Bygones will be bygones. Now, it’s left to be seen if the tiatr in Goa gets the impetus it badly needs. Saturday, April 17, marks yet another tiatr day, since the first modern Konkani tiatr was staged in Bombay in 1892. It makes sense to see where our tradition and culture forms are headed. More so, with all kinds of challenges and competition emerging on the cultural front.

Goa University’s Andre Rafael Fernandes’ PhD research on the subject reminds us that the tiatr is actually connected with older Goan cultural and drama forms, such as the zagors and khels. This means that the cultural roots of the tiatr go further back than 1892 itself, as is widely thought.

Tiatr is intricately linked with Konkani, and Goan, music and song. Many prominent tiatrists have also acted in the Konkani films, particular those emerging during the cinematic renaissance of Konkani in around the 1960s. All this means the elite tendency of looking down on the tiatr — primarily because it is not seen as a form of “elite” entertainment — is both misplaced and unfair.

Dr Fernandes’ work digs up a good deal of information about past tiatrs. In a small society like Goa, we never know whether such information exists, and how to access it. There is a crying need to do more intense research on local issues, which should have happened more consistently since Goa University was set up in the mid-1980s.

Tiatr proponents point out that written records of the tiatr are scattered around in diverse places, or difficult to access. This is true even of early Goan music, cut on LP records. Unless these are preserved carefully, this is a treasure likely to be lost. All India Radio needs to help preserve and make available early Konkani music too.

Obviously, like many others in Goa, tiatrists too are lost when it comes to dealing with the new digital media, and that whole ocean called cyberspace. Is it something that could hurt them, or help them, or both? Should they be sharing their content via cyberspace? Will audiences grow, or sales shrink, if their work is also visible on the Net? A small culture like that of Goa has a lot to gain by sharing and tapping new audiences, in whichever part of the globe.

But unless there are a few pioneers taking the lead in this field, fear will rule and the old pay-before-you-watch logic will continue. For some time now, tiatr supporters have been stressing on the need to preserve scripts of drama shows. There is also need to perhaps translate tiatrs, find wider audiences for them (beyond just the traditional Catholic audience) and build effective links between tiatrs and diaspora communities.

How this will be done is to be seen, since it obviously costs a lot and resources are finite.

For Goa, the tiatr is not just a successful form of entertainment.

It is a grassroots initiative that has survived, and thrived, over time. It is a reminder about so many aspects of Goa which have worked in the past, and continue to work today. To make these vibrant once more will need more than just funding, but innovative and bold ideas that latch on to the challenges and opportunities of our times. We owe it to past generations who innovated, persisted and build up the media that allowed them to voice their issues in a manner that made sense to the wider Goan community.

A

funny thing happened to me sometime ago, or rather after the Union Budget was presented in the Parliament by the Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, when I was travelling, as customary, with the usual “Evel Knevels” or the so called motorbike “Pilots” who are synonymous to Goan roads, to purchase a few of my own necessities. After doing all the errands, as I knew the tariff of my vagabonding, when I went to pay for my travelling he said that the rates were not as usual as the new budget has deemed it necessary to increase the fare, which flummoxed me out of my wits for I reasoned that although his bike must have been older than Methuselah and was in urgent need of total overhauling, the end did not justify the means, as such I refused to pay that exorbitant sum which was demanded.

When I arrived home I cogitated about futility of living in this world which we might call it our own where the gravitational sense expresses that whatever goes up must come down which is practically non-existent and the new upgraded terminology should be whatever goes up should stay up and proceed further into that blue yonder and leave us in abject misery.

One may think that the subject of my disgust is the price rise over my vagabonding with “Pilots”, which I partly beg to differ, as the crux matter is the high cost of living which we are entangled with, and seemingly the real culprits the Vendors and the Politicians are roaming scot-free to carry on with their nefarious acts and are least repentant about the malfeasances imposed upon the people who have elected them.

I read somewhere that in this growing crisis of food inflation, the Government is feeling the heat, as in global warming, with the Opposition waiting to pull the rug from under their feet to enable them to assume the reins of power once again.

This move will not assuage the plight of aam aadmi, for I certainly know that if the prevalent trend continues our ordeals are here to stay.

It is reported that in the ambit of the common man, the price of rice as on January 2010 is touching Rs. 23 from Rs. 10 as of March 1998; that of wheat Rs. 14.5 from 8 which was reported in 2004; Sugar have gone up to Rs. 47 from Rs. 17 which people used to buy in 2004; Edible oil

Augustus Alphonso, Vasco-da-Gama

I was excited to read the news that the internationally acclaimed Christian vocalist and musician Don Moen would be performing in India for the very first time. But then my excitement was short-lived because the Gospel singer would not be performing in Goa but in Mumbai, Chennai and Shillong.

After watching the show by the gospel group “Hillsongs” recently at Kala Academy Goans I would have loved to watch a live show by Don Moen. If possible “Heritage Jazz”, a supporter of the Don Moen concert, could impress on ‘The Friendship Circle’ who reportedly are the organizers of the Don Moen India Tour, to include a show in Goa in its’ itinerary.

The State government has delayed the removal of the grounded ‘River Princess’ near Sinquerim beach and there’s a lot of confusion and cheap gossip regarding the issue. Newspapers keep reporting about this man-made disaster and only blamegame has become a hot topic. Now, it is known to the public via newspapers that an experienced mariner — Virendra Jagannath Mehta, who believes that this vessel can be easily refloated without cutting it. I sincerely and personally feel that he should be given a chance as his ‘idea’ seems to be the most effective one till date.

 All agree in unison that Peace walks in gigantic strides against the pathways of dissolution which is in reference to Portugal’s political imbroglio. It is reported from the pages of history that today in 1516 the beatification of Dona Isabel, Queen of Portugal, wife of D. Diniz, took place at the hands of Pope Leo X.  Russia retracts before the Korean Government its request for better understanding in regards to Massampo.  An individual called Sebastiao who is reported to belong to the now extinct Cavalry Battalion expired due to . submersion after falling into a well. The Agra Police apprehended a nefarious gang of robbers, who following the pattern of “Condottieri” from Italy, were terrorizing the entire suburbs of that City.

Obscene hoarding S Kamat, Alto Betim There is a huge hoarding opposite the Hotel Neo Majestic on the NH17 to Panjim advertising the Amul Macho brand of men’s underwear with two models showing off the company product and much more.

If I recall correctly there was a stricture sometime back that hoardings abutting the national highways should be at least 40 metres away from the edge of the road and that the display should not be obscene and/or distract motorists. On both counts the Amul Macho hoarding infringes the rules and should be removed forthwith. I also wonder why our women’s organisations in Goa who are generally quite active and were in the forefront when women’s lingerie hoardings were put up and on their initiative were removed are not saying anything about the Amul Macho hoarding.

Is Fire Dept No 1?

Stephen Dias, Dona Paula It has become a habit to rate anything or everything as number one, earlier Chief Minister Digambar Kamat rated the state as number one among all other States of India, at least at certain counts. This has been going on and on, for most of our ministers expressing it during their speeches.

In a speech, we understand the Home Minister Mr Ravi Naik, declared the Fire Services as number one department in the

which is despicable.

There is always the bad news. However, the aam aadmi is braving truculently the imposed circumstances with the knowledge that prices will not fall according to their whims and fancies, as the fundamental malaise is with the agriculture which has been neglected for far too long with modernity ruling our lives with everything at our finger tips least realizing that we the ,4am aadmi are encouraging this factor of satirical circumstances, so how can we blame the price rise? Although the cost of food has gone up tremendously, the arithmetic is equitable which means that the demand for food is greater than the production, and when there is less productivity where will the food be?

It is reported that the Government is always at the mercy of the farmers, who are demanding higher procurement prices without making the least of efforts to enhance productivity and improvise the public distribution system by better

supply chain management at the consumer level, which is deplorable as the aam aadmi is paying the price for that foolhardiness.

Nevertheless, there is always a silver lining amongst the dark clouds, as I can discern that there is a great endeavour amongst the private farmers to give impetus to their earnings and simultaneously ease the ordeals of the aam aadmi, which might be said as going back to the roots.

The community-managed sustainable agriculture (CMSA) programme of Andhra Pradesh is low in cost, high on returns, and is billed as the second Green Revolution. The methodology is simplistic as it replaces the usage of chemical pesticides with a combination of physical and biological measures to include eco-friendly biopesticides, which are locally available organic materials that does not harm the farmers, do not affect the yield, and do not pollute the environment It is to be noted that amongst the biopesticides in use, are extracts of chilies and garlic, neem seeds, cow’s dung and cow’s urine, milk, ghee, fish, jiggery, yoghurt, lime, eggs, custard apples etc. At the outset, the CMSA encourages the tapering of the use of pesticides, however once that it done they do without fertilizers and go completely organic, which is showing grand results. Some of the crops grown under the CMSA are paddy, red gram, groundnut, cotton, jowar, bajra, sunflower, castor, turmeric, chillies, and locally grown vegetables, and has nothing to do with being genetically enhanced. It can be said that in Brinjal the pesticides tend to be ineffective as the borer pest enters the fruit at an early stage and subsequent spraying is only for the outer rim with the pest being smug within. Although there is a great controversy over the Bt., I say let the scientists and Mr. Jairam Ramesh decide about what is good or bad for the human consumption, or rather nothing less and nothing more. As for me, the bone of my contention is the spiralling price rise and we, with our “Derepente” (On a spur of the moment) knowledge are seemingly making no efforts at all to assuage our own plight, so what is left for us in the long run with farmers throughout India creating a resurgence of some sorts and while we, are still grappling in the dark?

The Morning Raga

A

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

16 April, 1910

to Rs. 113 from 86; Pulses to Rs. 88 from 31; Fruits and Vegetables depending from where or from whom you buy, which is nothing cheap, as the price quoted on the spur of the moment is what counts; and as for the fish and other edibles, the sky is the limit with no ceiling implemented to curtail the exorbitant price rise.

With the price rise choking the consumers and with the Opposition crying foul, there has been a poor perception management ranging from fool-hardy statements to still lesser efforts, which are unfathomable when the Indian soil and subsoil is fertile and all that is required is, consolidated hard-work to overcome the prevailing crisis.

Nevertheless, the prevailing circumstances have left the consumers in a dilemma, the profiteers overjoyed, and the intentions of the Agriculture Minister questionable. Further, the states besides giving lip-service to the wary have done absolutely nothing to prevent hoarding, control panic, nor has it encouraged any farm activities,

s twilight gives way to the amber glow of the sky, the bright red-ball gradually making its majestic ascend to mark the break of dawn, many would have roused from their sleep; some going about attending to their morning ablutions, others greeting the day with thoughts of tackling the onerous tasks ahead.

Milk-booths opening … and closing; bakers pedalling around announcing their presence to colonies yet in slumber; newspaperboys throwing, or looping, papers and magazines onto doorsteps and into balconies with geometrical precision; ladies with fresh vegetables making a beeline for the first bus to town, already packed with office-goers, students and others.

In this tumult, it is not unusual to spot the roads dotted with people, young and old, ambling about. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but there’s nothing like a brisk early morning walk to rejuvenate one for the whole day! For some the enjoyment comes from having this habit firmly ingrained as part of their morning routine.

Gyms and health clubs may have caught the fancy of the younger generation, but an hour’s stint in the open, filling one’s lungs with fresh air, feeling the tarmac slide below the legs, is an experience by itself. The animated chirpings of the birds, the changing hues of the sky, the greenery or the withering vegetation, as the season

River Princess - rise up!

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

View from my panvddo

Inspirational chimes

Excitement short-lived!

100 Years Ago

If the prevalent trend of price rise continues, our ordeals are here to stay writes CAETANO DE ABREU

varies, presenting a panorama of sorts, keeps one spellbound. For some though such appreciation is a forced expression, an indication of their insensitivity.

Generations of medicos and fitness experts have waxed eloquent about the virtues and merits of the morning stroll and inculcating this practice – and continue to do so. I feel an arcane pleasure in watching people, observing them trying their best to shed those layers of blubber adorning their anatomical larders, aiming to stay fighting fit.

The wave of a hand in recognition, an occasional nod of the head and the recurrent exchange of pleasantries with passersby, mark some as regulars in the ‘circuit’. There some couples who love carrying their ‘pillow talk’ further from ‘last night’, animated discussions on family matters keeping them engrossed the whole distance. Evidently, they want to savour the much needed privacy afforded on these lonely trots. Corpulent figures huffing-and puffing their way around looking for a niche to ease their tiring bodies onto is another common feature on these stretches. It would appear that these people are more concerned about others appreciating their efforts at containing their obesity.

Fitness-freaks jogging and engaged in callisthenics, some using

By Pachu Menon the bulwarks of bridges to exercise, do make heads turn around.

Then, there are those who can only be seen out during holidays and vacations. No harm in that, considering that there are many who love to ‘enforce’ the office culture into their morning jaunt schedule as well – every holiday is compulsorily a rest day from the rigours of the fitness regime!

Flaunting track-suits in various shades, there is a special ‘species’ that can be seen doing everything but moving about and exerting themselves. Moving in groups of twos or threes, they appear more intent on idle gossips. The strange dress-sense that makes one substitute night-suits for the trekking ensemble and the penchant for wearing ill-fitting attire that causes suffocation more than anything else, makes it necessary to remind people that they aren’t participating in a fancy-dress parade, but are working out, to tone their muscles and burn off those extra calories.

At times it becomes apparent that these ‘footslogging affairs at dawn’ is best restricted to the confines our homes. The Caninefamily i.e, the stray breed, looking to extend their boundaries beyond acceptable limits is seemingly adamant on denying the human race the right to thoroughfare. How alarming it is to have the fear of an imminent attack from packs of these hounds forcing one permanently indoors!

Letters to the Editor Letter of the Day Concrete Tourism Policy needed Savio Pinto, Nagoa

“The buzz is around that the Russians have fallen in love with Goa.” And besides the facts that they indulge in illegal activities by running businesses instead of just enjoying Goan hospitality, the locals have been hosting them with delight. Everyone dealing with them would definitely argue that they too have every right to do their business. But the game of love has gone sour and somewhere and somehow all the “corridors of power” have been found napping.

So, should we blame it on Goans who meekly surrender themselves to the lust and greed of making some quick bucks or should we blame the Russians who are opening the illegal business ventures in Goa at will in connivance of the locals?

Whatever reasons may be the State government seems to have lost its senses to protect and safeguard the interest of Goa and Goans. The government is to be blamed for the current mess due to the invasion of Russians in our coastal belts.

Goa has been lacking basic tourism policy for a long time, which has been going on a trial basis every year. So the ‘crooks’ have taken every advantage of the loopholes in our system. And even after two decades of flourishing tourism trade in Goa, we still lack the basic tourism policy, and thus have invited innumerable problems. The open arms policy of the government has backfired and it will be very difficult to get away with these foreigners. Many will argue that due to Russians, the tourism industry has survived until date, but the million dollar question is that the Russians have driven away most of the other Europeans from Goa, some of whom have been predicting that Goa will be finished by the Russians. As Goa is already feeling the pinch, another bad season, (God forbid) will have devastating effects.

It’s a different question as to why most of the Europeans dislike Russians, but the fact is that they don’t like mere presence of them. And this is a hard fact which will be hard to digest in the corridors of powers. The police nexus with the drug peddlers has been long flourishing in the State and rest of the tales are best told by the coastal villagers who stumble upon all such characters.

We urgently need a concrete Tourism Policy which should be the guiding force on a long term strategy and not mere lip service, which only serves the interests of the individuals to “grab and loot” as much as possible within stipulated time. Why can’t the Government rope in some professional consultants to draw up a futuristic Tourism Policy for Goa? Today, Goans are crying for good governance and it’s unbelievable to see how the sons of the soil masquerade as the saviours of Goa, are merely trampling upon the rights and needs of the niz Goenkars.

Instead of working overtime on drawing board to pen the future course of action to protect tourism industry, the Government is busy running helter skelter to protect their chairs. Never in the history of Goa had we witnessed the stupidity of our “dishonorable” elected representatives who have shown their true colours of just “looting and plundering” Goa at the cost of development.

State, that means it comes after all other departments from his Government including his own Home Dept. Now praising it, as number one has become a style of functioning of the Government.

Director of Fire Emergency Services Mr Ashok Menon said on Fire Service Day celebrations that there is a necessity in near future to acquire the latest gadgets to fight the fire fighting in quick manner since their

present vehicles are of larger size and outdated, and cannot reach the site quickly and he expresses the need to have sophisticated latest equipments and technology which is already existing in other parts of India and the world.

When such type of drawback exists in the Fire Services, I wonder how the rating could be number one?

Arundhati must be tried for sedition SND Poojary, Miramar Arundhati Roy’s is reported to have said, “India has never hesitated to use her military might to annex land and put down popular movements — Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Hyderabad and Goa are examples.’ Ms Roy is questioning the very existence of India as a sovereign nation, while residing and enjoying the fruits of the nation state.

Her statements tantamount to declaring war against the Indian Nation and she must be tried for sedition. Thousands of freedom fighters and security personnel had sacrificed their lives to preserve the unity and integrity of the nation. By her above statements she has insulted all the freedom fighters and men in uniform. She has been uttering such preposterous statements in the past; she had just escaped being jailed by the Supreme Court for her “malicious” remarks on Supreme Court.

If she is so aggrieved by India as a nation, she could seek asylum to some other country, and live happily in the adopted country.

Speed breakers Aureo Cunha Gomes, Mapusa The speed breakers, rumblers installed at various sites in Bardez taluka need to be given a coating of oil paint, either white or yellow with phosphorescence that can be seen at nights. The absence of this poses great risks to two-wheelers especially who many at times, speed without gauging speed limits. The accidents could be fatal due to self-inflicted injuries.

It is my earnest appeal to the authorities concerned to take up this issue on a priority basis to avoid occurrence of such accidents

Paths of Wisdom It’s Better and More Enduring

By Samir Khan “Do not turn your eyes covetously towards the embellishments of worldly life that We have bestowed upon various kinds of people to test them. But the clean provision bestowed upon you by your Lord is better and more enduring.

Enjoin Prayer to your household, and do keep observing it. We do not ask you for any worldly provision; rather, it is We Who provide you. The ultimate end is for piety.”

(Al-Qur’ân – 20:131-32) These verses are meant to impress upon the Holy Messenger (may Allah bless and greet him) and his Companions, and of course his followers, that they should not feel envious of the iniquitous who hoarded their unlawful wealth.

There is no reason why the artificial sheen of wealth and power should lure the believers. The little they earn as a result of their sweat and toil, is much better for honest and righteous people since it conduces to their good in both worlds – the present and the Next.

The believers are told to enjoin upon their children not to feel heart-broken at the fact that their miserable state is in sharp contrast to the pomp and luxury of unbelieving swindlers. Instead, they should be urged to pray regularly. This is likely to change their perspective on life, their values, and the focus of their attentions; a change that will help them be satisfied with their lawfully earned livelihood, even if it be meagre. All this will lead them to prefer a virtuous life ensuing from faith and godliness to a life of luxury and self-indulgence arising out of sin, disobedience and excessive worldliness.

God does not ask Man for any worldly provision. He simply wants Man to turn righteous, and it is in the interest of Man himself. When Man observes Prayers, it does not benefit God. It is only he who prays tht derives any benefit from it. This benefit consists of piety which will be a means to his success both in this world and in the Next.

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.

HE RA LD

Pg9

GOA, fRiDAy, 16 ApRiL, 2010

MES holds dharna in Mumbai

opinionatEd St inez creek: a semi-extinct natural heritage

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, APRIL 15

BY ANTONIO MASCARENHAS

The capital city of Panjim is endowed with natural heritage that very few cities are blessed with. Flanked by the majestic Mandovi River, the mangrove complex of Patto – Ribandar – Merces comprises a natural setting that welcomes whosoever enters Panjim. The productive lowlands of Santa Cruz – Taleigao – Caranzalem are another regional unit that encircles Panjim.

Within this ensemble, the once quaint St Inez creek is one such natural feature, presently on the verge of extinction. The creek constitutes antecedent drainage of the area.

The environmental scenario changed drastically with the advent of anthropogenic activities and the insatiable greed of certain stakeholders. The “development” witnessed since the 1980s started the slow demise of the creek. Dr Nandkumar Kamat has time and again written and warned about the irreversible consequences of lopsided projects being undertaken with scant respect to the fundamental principles of ecology and environment. A well read scientist, with an enormous amount of knowledge, needs to be listened to. If well researched scholarly articles cannot drive sense into the brains of our authorities, a hidden agenda is obvious.

The St Inez creek is sought to be beautified, for which a colossal amount of finances are being projected. But beautification is different from restoration; this unique city water body is crying for an eco-friendly remedy. That is why pouring concrete onto the bed of a natural water body simply defies logic. Fortunately better sense prevailed, and the idea of concretization of the creek has been rejected outright.

Was St Inez creek a natural channel or was it built by the erstwhile regime? Was it that an antecedent natural water pathway used to contain metropolitan flooding of yester years?

Or, was it constructed manually, with two U-turns, so as to serve as a “flood reservoir” for the city during the past centuries?

These are research topics that need inputs related to geomorphology and hydrology of the entire catchment. But for the time being we shall devote to a simple methodology to restore the creek to its past glory.

Starting from the foothills of Nagali, the St. Inez creek traverses the environs of Tonca, winds its way through outskirts of Taleigao, takes a U-turn, then goes past Vintage hospital, then takes another U-turn, flows past the fire brigade station, and then empties into the Mandovi opposite the old GMC. The creek also comprises two narrower channels: one disappears somewhere behind Goa Science Centre, and the other part, now a “drain”, passes Bal Bhavan, and is blocked adjacent to the Youth hostel. The detailed history of the creek has been described by Dr Kamat.

A close look at the Survey of India (SoI) Toposheet published in 1964 reveals interesting facts. A smaller arm of River Mandovi, the St Inez creek was clearly functional during the early 1960s.

The daily tidal ingress of saline waters was then routinely observed up to and even beyond Tonca. The entire landscape was then a marshy wetland, thinly populated, and occupied by paddy fields and orchards. St Inez creek was a part and still constitutes the antecedent drainage of the area.

Obviously, when the creek was functional, the tidal effect was experienced twice daily. As a student during the 1970s, this author was a regular eyewitness to local city dwellers using fishing gear, as fish was plenty, particularly along the stretch behind the present day Fire Brigade station. This activity also proves that the creek was productive, oxygenated and nutrient-rich even in the late 1970s.

A survey and the present status of St Inez creek has also been elaborated by Dr Kamat. Filth, muck, garbage and stink are what typify the creek at present. The signs of life are nil. Between St. Inez and Taleigao, the creek has lost its identity; pigs are seen in permanent revelry. Shockingly, all the makeshift structures and even multi-storey buildings are shamelessly emptying sewage into the ancient water way. Several other structures owned by the rich have apparently encroached into the creek banks. One such residential/commercial structure is at Tambdi Mati where the creek has been reclaimed / filled up in totality with construction debris, leaving no trace of an erstwhile water pathway.

Observations at high tide revealed that, at present, the tidal influx does occur, albeit till the Fire Brigade Station. Floating plastic waste does travel gradually upstream, indicating tidal ingress. Beyond this point, the channel appears blocked. When the tide recedes, the opposite phenomenon is observed; then marine water stagnates till the next tide.

Therefore, it is quite simple to rejuvenate this ancient water body. To start with: (a) the sludge that forms the top layer needs to removed in totality along the entire stretch, (b) this process is to be followed by the dredging of the layer of sediment that may have accumulated beneath the muck over the years, (c) the depth to be attained will depend on the tide – the excavation has to follow the level of the lowest low tide at least, (d) the mangroves that line the creek at places should not be disturbed, (e) Mini mangrove shoals within the wider creek are bound to ensure the return of marine fauna and, as a consequence, the productivity of the creek, and (f) the flanks of the creek should never be vertical, but sloping in design; such a setup will gather an enhanced volume of flood waters. The above soft scheme could form the Phase I of the restoration endeavour.

Had concrete been poured, the creek bed would be rendered static rather then dynamic. Marine fauna would then be only memories. Similarly, concrete is not needed along the flanks either. Terraced banks using laterite cut to size is the most sustainable option that will exhibit a natural look. In fact, more mangroves can be planted, as these species will ensure the stability of the banks. Similarly, the two mangrove shoals behind the parade grounds may be retained so as to enhance the ecological services and the natural value of the creek.

It is pertinent to note that the “gate” type structure that was erected at the base of the bridge opposite old GMC may create problems. Its concrete foundation appears higher than the level of low tide. This obstruction hinders the free flow of tidal waters, and particularly affects the ebb tide out of the creek. As such, stagnation of water within the creek is noticed.

This engineering aspect needs to be rectified simultaneously.

Similarly, the “tongue of sand” accreting off the mouth of the creek needs to be considered. Our unpublished work shows that sand has accumulated over the last 45 years or so, and is still expanding. Nevertheless, this feature may not prove detrimental to creek restoration efforts, at least for the present.

If the soft measures listed above are accomplished, the tide will indeed reach Tonca. Scientific studies can then be initiated as Phase II, by considering the geomorphological, hydrological and tidal parameters. Simultaneous regular monitoring will ensure productivity of incoming waters and restore the functional behaviour of the water body.

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

To draw the attention of Maharashtra government as well as of the people towards the long-pending border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra, the taluka unit of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) staged a dharna at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Friday.

Former MES MLA B I Patil informed that MES workers will confront all party leaders in Maharashtra urging them to bring pressure on the Union government for the inclusion of Marathi areas of Karnataka into Maharashtra.

MES and the Marathi-speaking people of Belgaum, Khanapur, Nipani and Karwar have been organizing agitations and peaceful satyagrahas since 1956, however it did not yield any result.

Patil, who earlier represented Uchgaon assembly constituency in Karnataka for four terms, has persuaded that Maharashtra should lead an all party delegation to Prime Minister to apprise him of the condition of Maharashtrians living in Belgaum.

Making strong allegations against Karnataka government, Patil said: “Marathi culture is being systematically destroyed by the state government, while Kannada culture is being forced on Marathi speaking areas.”

“Maharashtrians in Belgaum and other Marathi speaking areas feel that the Maharashtra government was ignoring them,” Patil stressed, adding that Maharashtra leaders should take more interest in the dispute.

appointMEntS Boys diving into the sea to beat the scorching heat at Kasimedu in North Chennai on Thursday.

8 bodies found in W Bengal, Bihar, storm toll rises to 124 PTI PATNA/RAIGUNJ, APRIL 15

The toll in the devastating storm that lashed Bihar, West Bengal and Assam on Tuesday, climbed to 124 today with six more bodies found in Purnia and two in North Dinajpur.

Six bodies were found from Purnia district in Bihar, taking the toll to 83, Divisional Commissioner of Purnia, Sudhir Kumar, said.

The figure rose to 41 in West Bengal with the recovery of two more bodies in North Dinajpur district. The storm with a windspeed of 125 kmph left behind a trail of death and destruction.

Several houses were flattened, crops damaged and thousands of trees uprooted.

While compensation cheques of Rs 1.50 lakh were being given to the next of kin in Bihar’s af-

fected districts, an official in North Dinajpur said that compensation in the district would be given soon.

Over 25,000 people were rendered homeless in five districts of Bihar — Purnia, Araria, Katihar, Kishanganj and Supaul and about two lakh in North Dinajpur district.

In Bihar, 15,000 dwellings were destroyed, while in North Dinajpur one lakh were flattened and another lakh partially damaged.

Kumar said operations were continuing on a war-footing to reach relief material to affected families.

One quintal of foodgrains and Rs 2000 in cash were also being provided to those affected by the storm, he said.

In West Bengal, two bodies were found from Raigunj and

Kaliagunj in North Dinajpur district, Additional District Magistrate, Pijush Kanti Dutta told PTI. Asked about the Rs two lakh compensation announced for the next of kin of the dead by West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee yesterday, Dutta said it would be given as early as possible.

Asked about relief measures, he said no relief camp has been opened as yet, but khichuri (ricedal mix) was being distributed in the worst-affected Karandighi block and Dalkhola municipality.

A PTI correspondent who visited the collectorate office found only a few officials in the relief department as most were away because of holidays on account of B R Ambedkar’s birth anniversary yesterday and Bengali New

Year’s day ‘Poila Baishak’ today.

Leave of officials has been cancelled and they have been asked to report back immediately.

Pressed rice and molasses was also being distributed, which would stop when rice distribution began, Dutta said.

Tarpaulins were also being given to those rendered homeless.

Dutta said house building assistance would be given within ten days, while money for cremation of bodies was being given.

District Magistrate Ramanuj Chakraborty was visiting the affected areas with Civil Defence minister Sreekumar Mukherjee, Small-Scale Industries minister Manab Mukherjee, Jail minister Biswanath Chowdhury and Relief Secretary Madanlal Meena.

THREAT TO THAROOR Govt has ‘staying power’ to fight naxals, Forged documents used to procure SiM says Chidambaram stitution Club, was detained.

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 15

With the government under opposition attack over “divisions” in the ruling alliance and Congress on anti-Naxal strategy, Home Minister P Chidambaram today said a strong head and “enormous staying power” were needed to fight the Maoists.

“To counter the menace of Naxalism, we need a strong head, a stronger heart and enormous staying power. I believe that the government has all three qualities,” Chidambaram said in a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the April 6 Dantewada incident which claimed the lives of 76 security personnel.

He said the state governments have the primary responsibility to fight the Maoist menace and the Centre was ready to assist them.

“The state governments have the primary responsibility” to regain control of areas dominated by the Naxals, he said.

The Central government, Chidamabaram said, was ready and willing to assist the state governments and to coordinate inter-state operations.

Chidambaram made the statement even as the BJP attacked the government saying while it was extending its support in the fight against Naxals, the “divided” treasury benches and Congress had been pulling down their own Home Minister.

The Home Minister said as

the security forces were deployed in areas populated by scheduled tribes, they were facing hindrances.

“Because the security forces are deployed in areas populated by scheduled tribes, a number of restrictions have been placed on the operations of the central paramilitary forces,” he said.

Apparently rejecting suggestions that the security forces were not adequately trained, Chidambaram said “the three companies (deployed in Dantewada) concerned had undergone pre-induction training before they were inducted in that area”.

Noting that the goal of Naxalites was to overthrow the established authority of the government, he said the State has a legitimate right to deploy its security forces to “resist, apprehend and, if necessary, neut r a l i s e m i l i t a n t s w h o a re determined to strike at the very roots of our nation”.

He said the call to the CPI(Maoist) for talks was made in the hope of getting their sincere response. “The only condition is that the CPI (Maoist) must abjure violence”.

The minister said that the Centre has appointed a one-man inquiry committee headed by E N Ram Mohan, a retired IPS officer, to look into the Dantewada incident. The committee has been asked to submit its report within two weeks.

Maoist-hit Narayanpatna still remains cut off PTI KORAPUT (ORISSA), APRIL 15

Maoist-hit Narayanpatna area in Orissa’s Koraput district remained cut off from the rest of the state for the seventh day today after the ultras blew up a portion of a bridge last week.

While movement of vehicular traffic was yet to begin in the area, there was little effort to clear the blockades put up by Maoists on Laxmipur-Narayanpatna Road.

Since the blast took place last Friday, no district official has visited the area while phone lines have gone dead.

“There has been delay in clearing blockades. Traffic to Narayanpatna will resume in a couple of days. Police are examining all security aspects before starting road clearance work,” District Collector Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said.

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 15

Forged documents in the name of a city gym trainer were used by an unknown man to procure a SIM card from which “malicious” and “threatening” messages were sent to Union Minister Shashi Tharoor and others.

After tracing the number to west Delhi’s Hari Nagar, police detained the gym trainer but investigators found him an “innocent victim as of now” and released him after lengthy interrogation.

According to sources, the same number was also used to send a “filthy” SMS to senior CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat and Manic Verma, the gym trainer at the elite Con-

However, sources said, it came to light during investigations that the mobile number was procured using forged documents in the name of Verma, residing in Hari Nagar.

The detention came following investigations after Tharoor’s Officer on Special Duty Jacob Joseph received an SMS last morning from the ‘henchmen’ of Karachi-based underworld don Dawood Ibrahim threatening the Minister to stay out of IPL Kochi team or face death.

Police had earlier received a complaint from Karat about a “filthy” SMS to the Rajya Sabha MP and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, saying “you (Karat) are harming the country by your politics.”

appointMEnt

Pg10

HE RA LD

WORLD

GOA, FRIDAY, 16 APRIL, 2010

Bakiyev escapes crowd at rally Reuters

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, APRIL 15 Bodyguards of Kyrgyzstan’s embattled president fired shots into the air to help Kurmanbek Bakiyev escape a crowd of 1,000 opponents that disrupted his rally in the country’s south today.

A Reuters photographer and cameraman at the scene both saw about 20 bodyguards with Kalashnikov rifles usher Bakiyev into a waiting jeep after two rounds of gunfire minutes apart. His motorcade then sped away from Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second city.

The gunfire started when opponents of Bakiyev moved toward his meeting from a separate rally in support of the interim government, a third Reuters reporter at the scene said. There was no immediate sign of casualties after the gunfire.

The interim government of Bakiyev’s opponents also said the president’s bodyguards had

shot into the air and that Bakiyev was driving back toward his neighbouring home region.

‘He is driving back towards Jalalabad. He is not injured,” Bolot Sherniyazov, the interior minister in the interim government, told Reuters by telephone.

“The crowd in Osh prevented h i m f ro m s p e a k i n g . T h e y shouted: ‘Down with Bakiyev!’

They did not try to attack him.

His bodyguards opened fire into the air,” Sherniyazov said.

Bakiyev has been trying to muster support in his southern stronghold since fleeing an April 7 uprising in the capital, Bishkek, during which his troops fired repeatedly into crowds of protesters calling for his resignation.

The interim government which took power a week ago has warned it will send special forces to arrest Bakiyev and put him on trial for at least 84 deaths in the uprising.

S Korea removes ship that sink near North Reuters SEOUL, APRIL 15

South Korea today lifted the stern of a naval ship that sank after an unexplained explosion near a contested sea border with North Korea to see if Pyongyang may have had a hand in the incident that killed dozens.

South Korea’s defence minister said this month the 1,200tonne Cheonan may have been hit by a torpedo, immediately putting suspicion on North Korea and stoking concerns that the incident could start a conflict on the long divided peninsula.

Several bodies of the 46 sailors who went missing were seen in the ship’s stern, which is thought to have gone down with dozens trapped inside, a defence official told local media.

A Defence Ministry spokeswoman declined to comment.

Government officials said Seoul was looking at all possibilities for the sinking and expected the raised stern to provide clues on what caused the explosion.

The salvage operation comes as tensions on the troubled

peninsula have increased with the North freezing assets of a South Korean firm at a joint tourism project north of the border once hailed as a symbol of cooperation.

The stern was raised above the water line in the morning and drained before being placed on a barge.

Seoul has few appealing options if the North was behind the sinking, but would not likely take an aggressive stance because it could escalate into major conflict that would harm the South’s interests, analysts said.

“I do not think South Korean government will go to war over this ... it will probably try to handle it more diplomatically,’’ said Kim June-kie, a market analyst at SK Securities in Seoul.

Shares on Wall Street fell when reports came out shortly after the Cheonan’s sinking on March 26 that said the South was looking into a possible North Korean torpedo attack.

The price to insure Korean sovereign debt also rose at that time to 83 basis points from 78 basis points, according to two trading sources. That meant the cost to insure 10 million dollars in South Korean debt increased by 5,000 to 83,000 dollars.

The ship sinking could also complicate the resumption of stalled international talks on ending North Korea’s atomic arms programme in return for aid to prop up its broken economy, experts said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il was expected to visit his neighbour and biggest benefactor China in the coming weeks for a trip supposed to help prod Pyongyang back to the dormant talks among the two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the United States.

FROM PAGE 1 The ghost is back

took major decision have also been questioned so far,” said the IO Rajiv Rishi.

The IO however did not answer as to how many politicians or ministers have been questioned so far in the case.

Rishi said the case was not originally registered by CBI and as such he cannot answer all such question.

“The case was registered at Panjim police station and then transferred to us and as such we have to conduct investigation based on documents available with us,” he said. The complaint against Parrikar was lodged by Mauvin Godinho but the Congressled coalition government then had dragged its feet on the complaint before referring the matter to the central agency.

On Parrikar’s charge that the CBI questioned others in their offices and did not summon anyone, SP Gawli replied, “it is as per convenience of the people. If they are available they come here otherwise we go to their offices.”

Gawli also said that CBI had summoned Parrikar because he is the only accused in this case. The other 35 are not accused though they were associated with various committees including the core committee Statements of around 12 people are registered out of 35. “We can call Parrikar again if need arises”.

Asked how much time they would need to file the chargesheet in this case, he said, “It will take a lot of time as we have to examine the consultants, contractors and GSIDC officials among others.”

On whether they would seek arrest of the former chief minister, the officials said “we can’t say anything right now. He is cooperating well with us.”

It’s politically motivated

he has also told them that along with Kamat, several other Cabinet ministers, including those in the present government were a part of the decision making process and that they should be questioned too. They were part of core committee and all the decisions were taken after approval of the committee, he claimed surrounded by his supporters.

“I would like to know whether other persons including the present chief minister, other ministers in the present Cabinet who are now with the Congress or the NCP have been issued similar notices when all were part of my cabinet or members of the core committee of IFFI,” he asked.

He said half the members of the present Cabinet were members of the core committee which includes Education Minister Babush Monserrate, Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco, Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira, Water Resources Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues besides Digambar Kamat among others.

CBI officials however maintained that none of the above except Parrikar is named as accused in the case.

“Their (CBI officers) questions were based on the observations made in the Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) report”, Parrikar said.

It may be recalled that CAG in its report had brought out the irregularities in creating infrastructure for IFFI in 2004. Several projects like the multiplex which is now being operated by INOX, revitalisation of Kala Academy, parallel Patto bridge, restoration of Old GMC building, etc were undertaken allegedly at exorbitant cost after huge sums were spent on consultants. The projects were executed through Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) which was headed by Parrikar who was also the State’s finance minister.

Parrikar had earlier, criticising CAG, said it had not conformed to the laid down procedures.

Parrikar also submitted a six-page letter to the Investigating officer of CBI raising issues over CAG report, collective decision making on IFFI, CBI notices, etc He also accused some Congressmen who he said, he would name at the appropriate time, for being instrumental in procuring the CAG’s observations on IFFI expenditure. “These observations were a bundle of lies”.

Raising a legal point, Parrikar said CAG report has no standing unless it is referred to and placed before the state legislature.

Presently, the State legislature through Public Accounts Committee is seized of the report. He also said he declined to participate in the discussion though he is the chairman of the committee. Parrikar further said that a report of the sub-committee of PAC is awaited.

He further requested the CBI that until the constitutional requirement of placing the CAG report in the House is done, “the investigation in this case may also be kept in abeyance in due deference to the Majesty of the House.”

22 allegations under probe

the case involves as many as 22 allegations requiring collection of voluminous documents of various departments, examination of a large number of witnesses and suspects including contractors, consultants and officials of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), which was the nodal agency for International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2004 project.

The case involves also recording of statements of the Entertainment Society of Goa, Senior Officers of Government of Goa and Members of various committees, the minister said.

Chauhan further informed that projects undertaken during IFFI 2004 are also required to be inspected by various technical authorities/bodies.

Goa gears up to...

enrolled in schools. “The problem will arise with migrant children who are moving in and out of the State. It is the migrant children that will benefit most from the RTE,” he asserts.

MODALITIES: He said not everything will be smooth sailing while implementing the law. “We are still working out the modalities of a study to find out what will be needed of all stakeholders in implementing the Act,” he said.

Powar said there are problems that have will have to be sorted out first. New school timings, additional teachers, buildings, class rooms, compound walls, separate toilets for boys and girls, rest rooms, etc, these are some of the facilities that will have to be created for smooth implementation of the Act, he stated.

He said they’ve had just one round of informal talks and will get into serious deliberations in an effort to implement the Act that seeks to make the country an educated nation.

Satellite control for KTC buses!

crore were to be used for the purchase of these new 20 buses.

However, two months back, the central government refused to pay off funds for the introduction of remaining 20 buses, thus forcing the KTCL to opt for other resources within its department.

Meanwhile, sources have confirmed that the arrangement for money has been done and the corporation will soon be inducting these buses to its fleet of 390 buses.

NHAI gives way

the project should start by November this year,” he said.

The NHAI team visited Goa following directions of Union Minister Kamal Nath last month. When the chief minister accompanied by PWD minister had called on him to impress upon the Centre the need to reduce the width of the proposed NH4A, Kamal Nath had told them that NHAI chief would be asked to visit Goa to get a first hand information and decide accordingly.

Besides this, the NHAI has also given the Goans gifts in the form of five flyovers.

“The NHAI has sanctioned five flyovers at Karaswada junction, near Green Park Hotel Gurim, O Coqueiro Circle, Porvorim, the airport junction at Dabolim and another from Varnapuri to MPT berth no 9 at Vasco,” Churchill informed.

To a query Churchill said the work on the widening of NH17 too will begin soon and the NHAI will take up the three bridges at Zuari, Talpona and Galgibaga on priority.

HE RA LD

WORLD

Pg11

GOA, FRIDAY, 16 APRIL, 2010

India and China discuss further ways to cooperate PTI BRASILIA, APRIL 15

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today met Chinese President Hu Jintao and discussed the entire gamut of bilateral issues, particularly trade and investments.

Singh met Hu in this Brazilian capital on the sidelines of the India- Brazil-South Africa and Brazil- Russia-India-China summits and the two leaders are understood to have discussed ways to further cooperation in issues of global interest.

Welcoming Singh, Hu shook hands with him and posed for photographs. The Chinese President said he will warmly welcome his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil when she visits Beijing next month.

Singh also conveyed India's grief over the death of 617 people in the devastating earthquake in China yesterday.

“People of India have learnt

with great sorrow the destruction caused by the earth quake which has led to loss of lives of Chinese citizens. On behalf of the people of India, I convey deep condolences," he said.

Global issues like climate change and economic recovery also came up for discussions during the meeting here.

The Indian delegation included National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao. The leaders are also believed to have discussed the progress made on the boundary question. The two countries have a mechanism to deal with the boundary dispute under which special representatives from both countries have held 13 rounds of talks so far.

Ahead of the talks, Singh had yesterday India and China were working very hard to find a “practical” and “pragmatic”

solution to the boundary question and its resolution would take time.

“Well we have the border problem and that problem has to be resolved. We are working very hard to find to have a practical, pragmatic solution to that problem," he said.

On the overall Sino-India relations, he had said the economic content of the relationship has increased significantly, with China today being India's largest trading partner.

As the two leaders met, Singh told Hu: “It is always a matter of great pleasure to meet you.”

He refereed to his earlier meeting with Hu Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and said he has “become wiser” after these interactions.

“We hold you in great regard,” Singh told the Chinese leader and conveyed to him greetings from President Pratibha Patil and Sonia Gandhi.

Hamas group executes two Palestinians Reuters GAZA, APRIL 15

Hamas said today it executed two Palestinians convicted by a Gaza military court of collaborating with Israel.

It was the first time that Hamas has carried out formal executions since the Islamist group seized control of the Gaza Strip three years ago from the rival Fatah party of President Mahmoud Abbas, who governs in the occupied West Bank.

A Hamas government official confirmed the executions after the bodies of two men arrived at a Gaza hospital but did not say how they were carried out.

The Palestinian rights group al-Mizan identified the executed men as Mohammed Ismail and Nasser Abu Freh.

London-based Amnesty International had urged Hamas not to carry out several death sentences against Palestinians convicted of murder and of collaborating with Israel.

Amnesty said proceedings in Hamas military courts do not meet international legal standards.

No Indo-Pak meet scheduled:Gilani PTI ISLAMABAD, APRIL 15

Pakistan today said no meeting has been scheduled so far between Prime Ministers Yousuf Raza Gilani and Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the SAARC summit later this month though it had proposed one and insisted that restarting dialogue was "a necessity".

Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit told a weekly news briefing that no meeting between the two premiers has been scheduled on the sidelines of the regional summit to be held in Thimphu on April 2829 though a proposal for such a meeting was part of a roadmap provided recently by Islamabad to New Delhi.

“As far as a formal meeting in Bhutan is concerned, it has yet not been pencilled in.

“Nevertheless, given that our roadmap also provided for a summit meeting in Bhutan, we look forward to a meaningful engagement with India," he said

“We look forward to a meaningful engagement with India”--Gilani in response to a question.

Singh was yesterday evasive when asked whether he would meet Gilani in Bhutan during the SAARC Summit. "I think there is still time to think about the meeting in Bhutan. When we reach there we would cross the bridge."

The prime minister had yesterday said India could resume dialogue with Pakistan on all issues if “concrete” and "effective" action is taken against those behind the Mumbai terror strikes.

Basit said neither country would be doing the other a “favour” by resuming the peace process that was stalled in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai ter-

ror attacks.

“Let me also underline here that engaging in meaningful and result-oriented talks is in our mutual interest and in the interest of this region. It is not a favour by Pakistan to India or vice versa,” he said.

Asked about Singh's remarks, Basit said the legal procedure for the of Pakistani suspects linked to the Mumbai attacks was underway.

However, he made it clear that talks are "a necessity between the two countries and for peace in the region".

Referring to the two brief meetings between Gilani and Singh on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit hosted by the US in Washington, Basit said the "two Prime Minister shook hands and exchanged pleasantries".

He also said “there was mutual warmth in the handshakes.”

In response to a question about Singh's reported com-

ments that India was not averse to a civil nuclear deal between Pakistan and the US, Basit said: “It is good to see India taking a position based on the principle of non-discrimination.”

“Asked about concerns expressed by Indian leaders that military aid provided by the US to Pakistan could be used against India, he said the relationship between Islamabad and Washington was not directed against any country.

“Prime Minister Singh has reiterated India's position and Pakistan has its own position.” " We a r e d e v e l o p i n g a long-term partnership with the US and this partnership is not against the interest of any third country. This partnership will purely help promote peace, stability and prosperity in this region,” the spokesman said.

Basit also dismissed reports about France being reluctant to provide civil nuclear technology to Pakistan as “speculation”.

Polish president blamed for air crash Reuters MINSK, APRIL 15

Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko has said he believes Polish President Lech Kaczynski gave the final order to land his plane which crashed on Saturday in Russia, killing all on board, Interfax news agency reported.

Kaczynski, a combative nationalist known for his distrust of both the European Union and Russia, had been travelling to mark the 70th anniversary of the massacre of more than 20,000 Polish officers by Soviet secret police in the Katyn forest in western Russia when his plane went down on Saturday in thick fog.

Russian air traffic controllers in Smolensk urged the pilot to divert to another airport because of poor visibility, but say he ignored the advice and made four attempts to land before hitting tree-tops and crashing.

“It is clear who's responsible Rescuers carry an injured man from the ruins after an earthquake at the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu, Qinghai province. The death toll from the for this. Guilty or not guilty, you earthquake in China's remote and mountainous Yushu county, Qinghai province, has risen to 617, Xinhua news agency said on Thursday.

are the number one person and you are responsible for it,” Lukashenko was quoted as saying yesterday by Interfax.

“If the number one aircraft with the president on board is in flight and there is some kind of irregularity, the captain reports the situation directly to the president,” said Lukashenko, who has stormy relations with Warsaw after a crackdown on ethnic Poles in Belarus.

“The president asks whether the plane can be landed in this situation. But it's nevertheless the president who has the final say, it's he who decides whether the plane is to land or not, but the pilots don't have to obey.”

Russian officials are decoding the two cockpit voice recorders recovered from the flight and expect to complete a preliminary review of the data by the end of the week.

Some Polish media have speculated that Kaczynski, in his de-

Survivors brave cold as China quake toll rises to 618 Reuters YUSHU, (China), APRIL 15

The death toll from yesterday's earthquake in China's remote and mountainous Yushu county has climbed to 617, even as convoys of trucks carried in supplies and tents on Thursday for survivors braving the cold.

The death toll is expected to rise further, in freezing temperatures that leave little hope for those still trapped under the rubble of homes, schools and monasteries in the ruined county seat, Jiegu, known in Tibetan as Gyegu.

Tents have sprung up around a statue of a warrior on a horse in windswept Gyegu, where most of the region's 100,000 people live. Monks dug at the rubble with shovels as soldiers handed out rice and gruel to shaken survivors.

The sports stadium is now a makeshift hospital, but inadequate for the number of people with broken bones and other injuries. Dozens of injured and distraught Tibetans lay outside,

their broken limbs crudely splinted with wooden lathes.

The main 6.9 quake was centred in the mountains that divide Qinghai province from the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Tibetan plateau is regularly shaken by earthquakes, though casualties are usually minimal because so few people live there.

Nearly 10,000 people have been injured in the latest quake, almost 1,000 of them severely, the official Xinhua news agency said, citing a spokesman with the rescue headquarters in the ethnically Tibetan town. Hundreds are still unaccounted for Buses carrying rescue workers and trucks filled with food and medicine rumbled all night through sleet, sandstorms and fierce icy winds along the 1,000 km-long (620-mile) highway separating Yushu from the Qinghai provincial capital, Xining.

Tibetan Buddhist monks have turned out in force to help rescue efforts, although the town's main Buddhist monastery lay in ruins on a nearby hillside.

''We were the first to help when the earthquake came. We monks are here to help the people just as much as the government,'' said one monk, digging through rubble in the main square.

Tibetan Buddhists have often been at odds with China's ruling Communist Party, which is wary of the ties between the monasteries and Tibetan exiles. That tension could complicate rescue efforts by non-government organisations, some worry. ''They say the army is helping us here but look, it's all up to us,'' said Tashi, a volunteer outside the stadium who said he was trying to transfer patients to outside hospitals.

Memories : For many Chinese, images from Yushu recall the devastating May 2008 earthquake in Sichuan province, which killed 80,000.

Volunteers and donors traded information on Twitter accounts, while Tibetans and Chinese living in Beijing organised an im-

US leads in effort that may end whale hunting REUTERS

WASHINGTON, APRIL 15 The United States is leading an effort that could result in an agreement in coming weeks to limit and ultimately end whale hunting by Japan, Norway and Iceland, The New York Times reported.

Citing people involved with the negotiations yesterday, the newspaper said the compromise deal -- which has sparked controversy within the 88-nation International Whaling Commission – would allow the three countries to keep hunting whales for the next 10 years in reduced numbers.

In exchange, the whaling nations would agree to stricter monitoring of their operations, including tracking devices and international monitors on all whaling ships and participation in a whale DNA registry to track global trade in whale products.

The newspaper said officials involved in the talks were hopeful they could reach agreement in coming weeks, although ratification by the overall group is uncertain.

“This is one of the toughest negotiations I've been involved in in 38 years,'' The Times quoted Cristian Maquieira, the Chilean chairman of the commission, as saying. “If this initiative fails now, it means going back to years of acrimony.”

Last month, diplomats involved in the talks said during a meeting in Florida that they were in the middle of a “diplomatic crisis” over differences in

the commission regarding whaling.

Japan, Norway and Iceland are the only countries that now hunt whales.

Australia, New Zealand and other countries want to ban all whaling. The compromise of reduced hunting for 10 more years is a hard one to get the commission members to agree on.

Anti-whaling activists have called for a ban on all whaling within a short amount of time and have urged an end to the hunting of threatened whale species.

The commission's annual meeting is scheduled for June in Morocco.

The Times said representatives to the whaling commission from more than a dozen countries including the three whaling countries and others backing a compromise deal are in Washington this week to negotiate terms of the agreement.

promptu fund-raiser near the Chinese capital's largest Tibetan Buddhist temple. In the Sichuan quake, the widespread collapse of school buildings when many other surrounding buildings remained standing, caused anger and accusations of corruption.

In the Yushu quake, 66 students and 10 teachers were confirmed dead at three schools, including a collapsed vocational school, Xinhua said.

Experience from that rescue effort was evident in the speedy deployment of material after the quake.

President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao have called for all-out efforts in rescue attempts, and sent Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu to Qinghai to oversee relief work.

China declined an offer of help from Japan, that government's spokesman said.

Many locals said they were happy to see help arrive so

quickly, but they also worried that their area's isolation means reconstruction will take a long time.

Survivors slept beneath quilts collected from the cinderblocks and bricks of their former homes, or set up tents on a flat area just outside town. Some spent the night in cars for warmth, state TV said.

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who was born in Qinghai, said in a statement he was praying for the victims.

“It is my hope that all pos-

sible assistance and relief work will reach these people. I am also exploring how I, too, can contribute to these efforts,'' said the Nobel Peace Prize winner, who Beijing accuses of promoting Tibetan independence but who says he simply wants meaningful autonomy for his homeland.

Cracks appeared in a dam near the town of Gyegu, Xinhua has said, adding that repair workers were trying to stabilise the structure and prevent it from bursting and flooding the town.

termination not to miss the Katyn anniversary event, may have ordered the pilot to land but prosecutors looking into the crash have said there is no evidence so far to support that view.

The speculation is based in large part on an incident in 2008, when Kaczynski flew to Georgia to show his solidarity with the country during its brief war with Russia.

He grew irate when his pilot refused to land in the capital Tbilisi because of safety concerns, later accusing him of cowardice for diverting to Azerbaijan and pushing for him to be fired.

OHERALDO

Biz12:Pg12 4/15/2010 9:36 PM Page 1

Pg12

BIZ

GOA, FRIDAY, 16 APRIL, 2010

CMIE sees FY10 GDP growth at 7.1% PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 15

India's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 7.1 per cent in FY 10 and by 9.2 per cent in FY 11, a leading economic think-tank said.

"We estimate the real gross domestic product would have risen by 7.1 per cent in fiscal 2009-10...and by 9.2 per cent in 2010-11," the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) said in its report here today.

In the first three-quarters of FY 10, real GDP grew by 6.7 per cent as compared to 7.1 per cent in the corresponding period of 2008-09.

In the fourth-quarter, it is estimated to have grown by an "impressive" 8.4 per cent, the CMIE report said.

"The growth in 2009-10 would be driven by the rise in GDP from the industrial sector including construction, it said,"

adding "we estimate that the industry sector would have grown by 9.4 per cent in 200910, with the manufacturing segment clocking a robust 10.3 per cent growth."

Real GDP from mining and quarrying is estimated to have grown by 10.3 per cent in 2009-10, on top of a 9.7 per cent growth in 2008-09.

"Coal, natural gas and iron ore are the few items whose production has recorded impressive growth," the CMIE said.

Growth in the services sector is estimated to have come down to 8.2 per cent in FY 10 from 9.8 per cent in FY 09, it said.

"This slowdown is largely on account of a steep deceleration in growth in the public administration and defence segment to eight per cent from 22.1 per cent in 2008-09," the CMIE said.

TALK BUSINESS

BoI celebrates 50 yrs in Hong Kong PANJIM (HBD) -- Bank of India celebrated the golden jubilee of its Hong Kong centre with senior functionaries of government and leaders of the business community there.

Presiding over the function, the Union Minister of State for Finance in Hong Kong, Namo Narain Meena, underscored the strong economic growth in India and a promising future.

He Seen in the photograph are Alok K Misra, CMD, BoI and Namo Narain Meena, Union stressed the rising trade be- Minister for Finance (HK) at the golden jutween India and Hong bilee celebration in Hong Kong.

Kong/China and hoped for further enlargement in the years to come. He exhorted the staff of Bank of India at Hong Kong Centre to continue to serve the community with distinction.

L D Ralte, Consul General Of India conveyed his best wishes on the occasion and spoke about strong ties between India and Hong Kong and importance of banking in the economic scenario.

Alok K Misra, CMD spoke on the Banks extensive Pan-India network and significant overseas business including at Hong Kong centre which covers Hong Kong, Kowloon, Shenzhen Branches and the Representative Office at Beijing.

He further said that Bank of India offers the entire cross section of banking services and appealed to customers to make use of these services.

Referring to the plethora of opportunities that exist for investment in India, Misra said that the bank can be an active facilitator for the Indian community in Hong Kong to realize their aspirations for ventures in India. He also outlined the bank’s plan for enlargement of presence abroad with proposed offices in New Zealand, Canada and expansion of network in Africa.

CSR DEEDS

GSL to hold exhibition on diabetes at Vasco PANJIM (HBD) -- In an effort to reach out the less privileged community residing around the port town of Vasco, Goa Shipyard Ltd is organizing an exhibition on Diabetes at Vasco Residency in coordination with the Ministry of Health, Govt of Goa and Novo Nordisk Education Foundation from April 16-18, 2010.

This is the first of its kind exhibition on Diabetes being organized in Vasco – Da- Gama as part of GSL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The exhibition will be inaugurated by Jose Philip D’ Souza, Minister for Revenue and Civil Supplies Government of Goa on April 17, 2010.

There will be free check up of blood sugar, BMI, diabetic foot, blood pressure, ECG for those who need it, medical consultation, eye check, lectures on diabetes, diet advice and a live diet display.

Sensex tanks 180 pts on rate hike fears; RIL, ICICI lead fall PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 15

Stock market extended losses for the third day today with the benchmark Sensex plunging over 180 points, led by decline in Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank, as rising inflation raised concerns of an imminent interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank.

The Bombay Stock Exchange’s 30-share index dropped 182.70 points or 1.03 per cent to settle at 17,639.26 points. During the day the index had extended its losses to 1.13 per cent as decline in global markets further weakened domestic sentiment.

Real GDP from the agricultural and allied sector is also estimated to have declined by one per cent in FY 10 because of a decline in kharif crop production, it said.

This would be the first fall after 2002-03, when the sector had witnessed a 7.2 per cent decline, it said.

For FY 11, the CMIE report said that it expected that all the three broad sectors of the economy -- agriculture and allied sector, manufacturing sector and services sector – to improve their performance.

The industrial sector, including construction, is projected to grow by 9.6 per cent in FY 11, better than the 9.4 per cent in FY 10, the report said.

Growth in the construction sector will be led by food products segment, particularly sugar and edible oil, the CMIE

report said.

"Acceleration in consumption and investment growth in 2010-11 will contribute to a higher growth in consumer durables and capital goods output," it said.

Around Rs 6.5 lakh-crore worth projects are scheduled to be commissioned during FY 11 as against an estimated Rs four lakh-crore in FY 10, it said.

In addition, a good growth in production of cement, steel and aluminium and a rise in the prices of these products also point towards a brisk growth in construction activities, it said.

"We expect the construction sector to grow by 10 per cent in FY 11 as compared to an estimated 8.5 per cent in FY 10," CMIE said.

The services sector is projected to expand by 9.8 per cent in FY 11 as against an estimated 8.2 per cent in FY 10.

This growth will be led by the trade and transport segments, it said.

On the agricultural and allied sector, CMIE said that it is projected to grow by 5.8 per cent in 2010-11, assuming that the rainfall will be normal.

"This will be a recovery from the one per cent decline expected in 2009-10," the CMIE said.

Foodgrain production is projected to rise by 9.5 per cent, as compared to an estimated 9.8 per cent decline in 200910.

Oilseed production will grow by 22 per cent, sugarcane and cotton are projected to grow by 19 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively, it said.

The allied activities segment (livestock, forestry and logging and fishing) will continue to grow at its normal rate of two to four per cent," the CMIE report said.

Raffles to open 5 design colleges PTI BANGALORE, APRIL 15

PTI BANGALORE, APRIL 15

Singapore-based Raffles Education Corp announced today it would open five more design colleges in India by this yearend with an investment of USD 24 million.

Chairman and CEO of Raffles, Chew Hua Seng, said the educational institution was looking at 20 colleges in India in the next couple of years.

Key components of the Raffles' design education were foreign faculty, high-end technology and internationallevel infrastructure, he said in a statement.

Raffles which opened design colleges in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore in 2009 would soon be opening colleges in Chennai Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

Tata Sky plus to launch 3 features

Bank of India slashes bulk deposit rates

PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 15

PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 15

Leading direct-to-home (DTH) player, Tata Sky, today said it will launch three features on its premium PVR offering Tata Sky plus by this month-end.

The three features--True Video-on-Demand (TVoD) service, dual access remote recording and the auto stand-by technology to save electricity--will now be available for existing and new customers free of cost.

The TVoD service will enable all Tata Sky plus subscribers to access a rich catalogue of exciting content across genres including movies, documentaries and sitcoms in the comfort of their homes. The new TVoD service will allow subscribers to start viewing unique content already downloaded by Tata Sky into their PVR instantly on demand at any time of their choice.

Subscribers will now be able to record any program either through a mobile or the Internet through the dual access remote recording facility.

Through the auto stand-by technology, viewers can save electricity and put their high power consumption woes to rest as the smart feature will switch one's box to sleep-mode when not recording or viewing live TV. "With more than 130 hours of recording time, TVoD, dual access remote recording through the Internet or

Public-sector lender, Bank of India today cut the interest rates on its bulk deposits or deposits of Rs 1 crore and above, by upto 1.25 per cent, across various tenures with immediate effect.

The reduction in the bulk deposit rates is seen as part of the lender's efforts to bring down its cost of funds and into increase its dependence on the current and savings account deposits.

Deposits having a maturity period of 31 days to 45 days will now attract an interest rate of 3 per cent as against 3.25 per cent earlier while those having 46-days to 90-days will offer 3.5 per cent (4 per cent), a release said here.

Infosys hits high; rally seen limited ReuTeRs MUMBAI, APRIL 15

Shares in Infosys Technologies hit an all-time high on Thursday afterthe exporter issued a strong sales forecast that indicated a healthy demand outlook for outsourcing services.

But some analysts cautioned the share gains in Infosys and rivals Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro were unlikely to be sustained as a stronger rupee and rising wages threaten margins.

On Tuesday, Infosys had put out a better-than-expected sales forecast for the year to next March suggesting a recovery for India's $60 billion software services sector, prompting investors to pile into IT stocks.

Trading in Infosys shares was more than double normal levels, after markets were closed Aban Offshor, 1245.15, 1263, 1237.5, 1243.35 Abb Ltd., 847.8, 854.1, 827, 833.95 Abg Shipyard, 272.05, 282.45, 270.65, 273.8 Acc Limited, 940.1, 951.8, 929.15, 939.2 Adani Enterp, 491, 491, 484.05, 487.8 Aditya Birla, 901.05, 940.9, 872.65, 885.85 Allahabad Ba, 157.8, 158.75, 153.1, 153.7 Alstom Proje, 628, 639.45, 616.1, 621.1 Ambuja Cemen, 118.8, 120.9, 118.8, 119.6 Andhra Bank, 114, 115.95, 113.7, 114.05 Ansal Prop &, 83.8, 85.8, 82.5, 83.35 Ashok Leylan, 56.3, 56.3, 54.5, 55 Asian Paints, 2039, 2075, 2025, 2048.7 Axis Bank Li, 1165, 1172.95, 1142, 1148.3 Bajaj Hindus, 139.8, 142.7, 138.65, 139.5 Bank Of Baro, 645.5, 646, 624, 629 Bank Of Indi, 363.2, 368, 356.35, 357.9 Beml Limited, 1080, 1089.95, 1065, 1067.45 Bharat Elect, 1941, 1950, 1891, 1898.25 Bharat Forge, 270, 274.6, 268.4, 271.05 Bharat Petro, 507.8, 510.95, 503.2, 508.1 Bharti Airte, 308, 310.95, 302.85, 304.2 Bhel, 2571, 2585, 2515, 2529.1

on Wednesday for a public holiday.

Infosys, whose customers include Goldman Sachs, BT Group and BP, forecast its fiscal 2011 revenue would increase 16-18 percent in U.S. dollars, better than most analysts had predicted.

Infosys shares, valued at $36 billion, rose as much as 1.5 percent to a record 2,823.80 rupees in a slightly firmer Mumbai market. The IT sector index also rose 1.5 percent and is close to its life high set in February 2007.

"We believe most of the positives are already priced in (and) there is a small upside from here," said A. V. Srikanth, executive director of private wealth management at Anand Rathi. "An appreciating rupee remains a big risk."

India's rupee rose 3.6 per-

Bhushan Stee, 1835, 1855.3, 1809, 1814.35 Biocon Limit, 303.1, 305.7, 296.1, 297.75 Bombay Dyein, 633, 633.4, 602.1, 608.6 Bosch Limite, 4830, 4919.95, 4830, 4899.5 Brigade Ente, 149.9, 159.9, 149.9, 151.4 Cairn India, 306.7, 312.6, 305.2, 307.8 Canara Bank, 415.5, 417.2, 403.35, 405.05 Central Bank, 155, 156.95, 151.25, 154.2 Century Text, 554, 558.9, 535, 539.7 Cesc Ltd, 410.25, 411.5, 394, 396.4 Chambal Fert, 63.75, 63.95, 62.25, 62.5 Chennai Petr, 282.2, 288.6, 277.3, 278.55 Cipla Ltd, 337, 337.9, 327.65, 330.2 Colgate Palm, 711.1, 718.8, 711.1, 716.05 Container Co, 1416.4, 1425, 1380.6, 1396.1 Crompton Gre, 279, 280, 267, 269.15 Cummins Indi, 523.5, 536.7, 521.15, 529.4 Dabur India, 177.75, 180, 175.3, 178.5 Deccan Chron, 156, 159.05, 155.15, 156.15 Dish Tv Indi, 38.3, 38.3, 37.35, 37.55 Divi’s Labor, 705, 725, 700.5, 718.5 Dlf Limited, 335.25, 345.4, 335.05, 338 Dr. reddy’s, 1214.5, 1242, 1202.05, 1230.2

cent against the dollar in the March quarter after a 4.7 percent gain in 2009. A stronger rupee eats into profit margins at Indian software services firms that earn more than half their revenue from the United States.

Shares in sector leader Tata Consultancy, which is expected to report on Monday a 38 percent rise in January-March net profit, rose as much as 1.8 percent.

Of three dozen analysts covering Infosys, as tracked by Thomson Reuters StarMine, 16 rate the Bangalore-based firm a 'strong buy' and 10 a 'buy'.

The other 10 have it as a 'hold'.

The 12-month mean target price is 2,877.94 rupees - less than 2 percent above Thursday's high.

GROWTH MOMENTUM Deutsche Bank noted In-

Edelweiss Ca, 435.2, 442, 435.2, 439.55 Educomp Solu, 755, 758, 735.1, 738.6 Eih Limited, 130, 131.8, 128.3, 129.1 Engineers In, 2378, 2735, 2331.1, 2340.95 Essar Oil Lt, 148, 150.6, 141.6, 142.7 Essar Shippi, 96.25, 97.75, 92.6, 93.9 Exide Indust, 119.8, 121, 118.8, 119.6 Federal Bank, 272, 282, 272, 277.1 Financial Te, 1537.15, 1551, 1512, 1523.7 Gail (india), 414, 414.15, 401, 402.95 Gammon India, 225.75, 229, 223.55, 227.75 Glaxosmithkl, 1809, 1825, 1800.15, 1810.2 Glenmark Pha, 272.35, 274.35, 268.6, 270.2 Gmr Infrastr, 63.5, 65, 63, 63.95 Godrej Indus, 161.4, 163.55, 159.05, 161.05 Grasim Indus, 2869, 2884.35, 2819, 2825.7 Great Offsho, 417, 424.5, 417, 419.6 Gtl Infra.Lt, 42.9, 43.1, 42.15, 42.45 Gujarat Mine, 143.9, 145.5, 141.8, 142.75 Gujarat N R, 88.25, 91.6, 88.25, 89.95 Gujarat Stat, 92, 92.8, 90, 90.2 Gvk Pow. & I, 46.45, 46.8, 44.35, 44.7 Hcl Technolo, 358, 363.25, 354, 356.7

Hdfc Bank Lt, 1955, 1974.9, 1944.2, 1957.05 Hdfc Ltd, 2790, 2790, 2681, 2689.7 Hero Honda M, 1980, 2017.3, 1945.65, 1953.15 Hindalco in, 179.2, 182.25, 175.8, 176.75 Hindustan Co, 138, 138.95, 133.1, 133.95 Hindustan Ma, 83.1, 84.9, 81.6, 82.05 Hindustan Pe, 309.8, 310, 304, 304.65 Hindustan Un, 224.7, 227.65, 223.7, 225.45 Hindustan Zi, 1254.4, 1262.7, 1214, 1222.3 Housing Dev, 305, 308.65, 301, 301.95 Icici Bank L, 947.8, 957.9, 915.3, 918 Idea Cellula, 67.8, 69.1, 67.7, 68.8 Ifci Ltd, 53.15, 53.3, 51.25, 51.45 India Cement, 139.7, 139.7, 135.5, 136.2 India Infoli, 118.8, 118.8, 111, 113.5 Indiabulls F, 137.7, 139.95, 136.1, 137.6 Indiabulls R, 163.4, 164.75, 159.05, 160.1 Indian Bank, 180.1, 182.7, 179.5, 180.9 Indian Hotel, 106.15, 109.8, 106.15, 107.35 Indian Oil C, 286.9, 286.9, 282, 282.95 Indian Overs, 96.35, 96.35, 93.75, 94.15 Indus Dev Ba, 121.4, 122, 119.7, 120.05

fosys' dollar revenue outlook topped the 12-15 percent expected in the market, and that the growth momentum should continue in the coming quarters.

TCS, Infosys and thirdranked Wipro have revived hiring and are competing for staff and orders with IBM, Accenture and Hewlett-Packard as outsourcing demand picks up.

Morgan Stanley said Infosys shares would probably only tick higher once the company upgrades its earnings per share estimates, which the broker said was unlikely before the September quarter.

Infosys on Tuesday said it expected earnings per share in a range of 106.82 rupees to 111.28 rupees for the year to March 2011, up or down around 2 percent from the year just ended.

Indusind Ban, 183, 183.7, 178.25, 179.95 Infosys Tech, 2788, 2824.7, 2759.3, 2801.6 Infra. dev., 168, 169.9, 163.15, 164.05 Ispat Indust, 20.75, 21.1, 20.5, 20.55 Itc Ltd, 270.05, 270.7, 261.25, 262.75 Ivrcl Infras, 179.9, 181.25, 174.1, 174.95 Jai Corp Lim, 289.2, 292.45, 278.05, 280.1 Jaiprakash A, 151, 153.6, 151, 151.55 Jet Airways, 547.35, 560, 535, 549.7 Jindal Saw L, 220.5, 222.1, 216.1, 217.45 Jindal Steel, 726, 739.9, 726, 732.75 Jsw Steel Li, 1273, 1288, 1261, 1265 Kotak Mahind, 772.5, 773.9, 741.25, 745.05 Lakshmi Mach, 1923.8, 2120, 1923.8, 2006.1 Lanco Infrat, 57.1, 58.4, 57.1, 57.4 Larsen & Tou, 1610, 1618.85, 1565.2, 1572 Lic Housing, 864, 897.95, 846, 852.1 Lupin Limite, 1612.1, 1635, 1605, 1617.7 Mahanagar Te, 74, 74.5, 73.2, 73.55 Mahindra & M, 518, 524, 508, 510.8 Maruti Suzuk, 1371, 1378.9, 1350, 1354.85 Max India Lt, 216.95, 219.85, 190.55, 193.4 Maytas Infr., 204, 208.9, 197.3, 198.4

Worldwide Q1 PC shipments up 27% Worldwide PC shipments totaled 84.3 million units in the first quarter of 2010, a 27.4 per cent increase from the same period last year, according to preliminary results by IT research and advisory firm Gartner, Inc. These first quarter results have exceeded earlier market outlook of Gartner, which had been expecting a 22% growth.

"The stronger-than-expected growth was led by a robust recovery in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) PC market, which grew 24.8% in the first quarter of 2010," said Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner.

"All other regions recorded double-digit growth rates, although the US and Latin America were slightly lower than what we had expected", he said.

HP continued to be the leader in worldwide PC shipments, but its growth was below the worldwide average in the first quarter of 2010.

Acer had strong shipment growth across all regions.

Acer's business model allows it to meet price points that other vendors find difficult to match, Gartner said.

BOARD@MEETINGS Gruh Finance KPR Mill stone India Hindustan Foods sV electricals CPeC Ind Bank Housing CRIsIL DCB Indusind Bank

Source: Indiainfoline.com

IPO CRONER

Gujarat Pipavav IPO may hit market in 1 month MuMBAI (PTI) -- Private port developer and operator, Gujarat Pipavav Port (GPPL), plans to hit the capital market with its initial public offering (IPO) of Rs 500 crore within a month, a top company official said today.

"We are expecting to get market regulator SEBI's approval in the next 15 days. After that, we will proceed for the IPO. In my opinion, we will be able to launch the IPO in a month," APM Terminals Pipavav MD Prakash Tulsiani said.

GPPL is promoted by APM Terminals, an international container terminal operating company.

Of the total IPO proceeds, around Rs 120 crore will go into port infrastructure development, while Rs 300 crore will be used for repayment of loans, Tulsiani said.

The first phase of port infrastructure development is estimated to cost around Rs 1,600 crore, he said.

"We plan to increase cargo volumes and are trying to attract a bigger chunk of cargo going to JNPT (in Mumbai) and Mundra (Gujarat) ports with our facilities, good road and land connectivity and strategic location," he said.

At present, GPPL is principally engaged in providing port handling and marine services for container, bulk and LPG cargo. APM Terminals, headquartered in The Netherlands, owns 57.9 per cent equity interest in the Indian firm.

The Pipapav port near Bhavnagar intends to capitalize on its strategic location, developed infrastructure and high-quality service, he said.

"We plan to utilise existing infrastructure to increase cargo volumes, improve operating efficiency, quality of service and overall competitiveness and develop land to support the growth of port operations and attract third parties interest in sub leases," he said.

The port handled 2.38 million tonnes of bulk cargo and 0.13million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) of container cargo in the nine-month period ended September 2009.

APM Terminals is part of Denmark-based AP Moller-Maersk Group, one of the largest container terminal operators in the world with a global network of 49 terminals in 32 countries.

Engineers India public offer in July NeW DeLHI (ReuTeRs) -- State-run Engineers India Ltd is likely to launch its follow-on public offer in July, its chairman A K Purwaha told reporters on Thursday.

"The matter is with the disinvestment ministry. They have to decide. It should be in July," he said.

India has approved an up to 10 percent stake sale in the company.

Moser-baer (, 78.9, 78.9, 76.15, 76.45 Mrpl, 80.1, 81.5, 78, 78.55 Nagarjuna Co, 177.25, 182.85, 173.55, 176.25 Nagarjuna Fe, 32.5, 32.7, 31.45, 31.65 National Alu, 406, 421, 406, 409.65 Neyveli Lign, 153.3, 157.35, 153.3, 154.15 Ntpc Ltd, 212, 212, 207.9, 209.4 Oil And Natu, 1045.3, 1059, 1037.5, 1039.65 Omaxe Limite, 93.6, 98.8, 93.6, 94.85 Oriental Ban, 332, 335.9, 326.55, 328.8 Pantaloon Re, 415, 421.9, 408.25, 411.5 Parsvnath De, 119.9, 128.75, 117.6, 126.65 Petronet Lng, 85.15, 85.9, 81.9, 82.3 Power Fin Co, 247.75, 262.5, 247.75, 258.75 Power Grid C, 108.5, 108.9, 107.3, 107.65 Praj Industr, 92, 93.8, 90.8, 91.35 Punj Lloyd L, 176, 178.85, 172.8, 173.3 Punjab Natio, 1000, 1010, 980.25, 985.2 Rajesh Expor, 125.15, 129.55, 123.55, 123.9 Ranbaxy Labs, 459, 463.9, 451, 454.6 Rashtriya Ch, 82.2, 82.7, 79.85, 80.3

Rel. nat. re, 65, 65.6, 64.15, 64.4 Reliance Cap, 780.3, 787.9, 762.5, 765.45 Reliance Com, 172, 174.5, 169.5, 170.25 Reliance Ene, 900, 909, 900, 900 Reliance Ind, 901.2, 911.95, 875.25, 881.35 Reliance Ind, 1125, 1134.9, 1087.05, 1090.7 Reliance Pow, 160.1, 161.1, 156.5, 157.2 Rolta India, 199.5, 200.95, 187.35, 189 Satyam Compu, 96.05, 97.2, 94.2, 94.8 Sesa Goa Ltd, 457, 465, 456, 458.1 Shipping Cor, 157.4, 159.75, 156.65, 157.05 Siemens Ltd, 744.5, 749.1, 734.1, 737.2 Sintex Indus, 316.6, 319.9, 315.1, 316.95 Sobha Develo, 298.6, 353.4, 297, 314.7 State Bank O, 2096.65, 2109.05, 2048, 2054.05 Steel Author, 232, 233.15, 226.2, 227.35 Sterlite Ind, 850, 864, 844, 848.2 Sun Pharmace, 1804, 1819, 1781.15, 1799.35 Sun Tv Netwo, 420.15, 430.5, 420.15, 423.25 Suzlon Energ, 73.9, 74.9, 72, 72.45 Tata Communi, 286.5, 288.9, 284, 284.5 Tata Consult, 822, 834.9, 819.05, 821.7 Tata Motors, 780, 797.4, 772, 775.35

Tata Power C, 1351.1, 1364, 1328.35, 1334.8 Tata Steel L, 695.9, 701.3, 678.1, 686.1 Tata Tea Ltd, 1010.3, 1034, 1001, 1006.1 Tata Teleser, 24.75, 24.8, 24.25, 24.35 Tech Mahindr, 850, 858.05, 841.05, 846.6 The Ge Shpg., 310, 318.75, 309.25, 311.05 The Phoenix, 221.95, 235.8, 220.8, 226.5 Thermax Ltd, 719, 719, 703, 710.45 Titan Indust, 1905.95, 1980, 1905.95, 1964.45 Torrent Powe, 305.4, 306.8, 296.15, 297.4 Triveni Engg, 130.9, 134.9, 130.55, 131.2 Tv18 India L, 83.5, 84, 80.5, 81 Uco Bank, 58.45, 58.7, 57.95, 58.1 Ultratech Ce, 1130, 1147.7, 1121, 1129.85 Union Bank O, 300, 312.8, 298.8, 306.4 Unitech Ltd, 78.35, 81.8, 78, 80.25 United Phosp, 142.55, 152.4, 142.55, 150.65 Videocon Ind, 244, 245.95, 236.5, 238.1 Vijaya Bank, 49.5, 49.5, 48.45, 48.55 Voltas Ltd, 190.4, 190.95, 182, 182.85 Welspun Guj, 284.5, 286.35, 278.5, 279.5 Wipro Ltd, 721.7, 734.4, 718.65, 722.15 Yes Bank Lim, 259.5, 262, 250.1, 251.95

HE RA LD

BIZ

GOA, FRIDAY, 16 APRIL, 2010

Inflationary pressure to continue till June: FM PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 15

The wholesale price-based inflation may have moderated somewhat in March but the pressure on prices is likely to continue for another two months, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said.

"Of course, the apprehension was that it may reach the double digit figure. So it has moderated to some extent but you will have to see that till the month of June, this pressure will continue," Mukherjee told reporters here.

Inflation rose moderately to 9.9% in March from 9.89% in the previous month.

Mukherjee said inflation will cool down after the Rabi (winter crops) harvesting is complete and clearer indications of a good monsoon are available.

Harvesting of Rabi crops like wheat, potatoes, sugarcane and some pulses will be complete by mid-May. Inflation remained largely concentrated on food items, particularly pulses and sugarcane. For the week ended April

IVRCL Assets to raise Rs 1000 cr ReuTeRs MUMBAI, APRIL 15

IVRCL Assets & Holdings Ltd said on Thursday that its board approved raising Rs 1000 crore by way of qualified institutional placements of one or more tranches. The board also declared a 1-for-2 bonus share issue subject to shareholder approval, it said in a statement.

IVRCL Assets & Holdings Ltd, formerly IVR Prime Urban Developers Ltd, has over Rs 7500 crore of infrastructure projects under construction, it said.

3, however, food inflation inched down to 17.22% from 17.70% in the previous week.

Inflation did not touch the double digit mark in March, but remained far above RBI's pro-

jection of 8.5 per cent by the end of last fiscal.

Earlier the Finance Minister had said he would not be surprised if inflation touches double digits in March.

Videocon eyes IPL stake PTI CHANDIGARH, APRIL 15

After losing out on securing a team for itself in the recently concluded bid, Videocon Industries today said it is talking to promoters of many IPL franchises to buy a stake.

The group chief Venugopal Dhoot, who debunked reports of plans to buy Ness Wadia's 26 per cent stake in Kings XI Punjab, said that he has received several proposals from promoters of IPL franchises who want to sell their stake.

He, however, said that he would buy the stake at the right price.

"I have been receiving several proposals from promoters of IPL franchises..and I have also been in talks with several promoters to buy their stake...but I will buy the stake at a price which is profitable to me," Chairman of Videocon Group, Venugopal Dhoot told reporters here today while replying to a query on buying stake in IPL franchises.

However, Dhoot refused to divulge the names of the promoters who proposed to sell their stake.

HDFC lowers first year home loan rate to 8.25% PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 15

Housing finance major HDFC today lowered its home loan rate to 8.25 per cent for the first year in its new dual rate scheme, commonly known as teaser loans, applicable on fresh loans.

Under the scheme, the country's biggest mortgage provider would offer a fixed rate of 8.25 per cent up to March 2011, then 9 per cent for the next one year and the prevailing floating rate for the remainder of the loan tenure.

"This is a flexible product with dual rates. The fixed rates are applicable for all new loans irrespective of the loan amount," HDFC said in a statement.

The teaser rates have been a major issue in the home loan market in the recent past, with public sector lender SBI walking away with a big pie of the market through its own teaser rates.

A number of lenders, including HDFC, had followed SBI last year in offering teaser rates, but most of these offers

ReuTeRs MUMBAI, APRIL 15

India's aviation industry, which is expected to lose $2.1 billion in 2009/10, is cautiously expanding routes and adding capacity as an economic recovery sets in, but fund raising continues to pose a challenge.

"Return to growth was sharper than we expected because of impressive economic growth and significant capacity reduction by airlines, especially Jet and Kingfisher," said Kapil Kaul, Chief Executive Indian subcontinent and Middle East, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), an aviation consulting

firm.

In the last two years, the airlines sector in India and globally had been battered by a spike in fuel prices and economic slowdown resulting in lower travel spends.

The past few months though have thrown up evidence of a turnaround with travellers returning and passenger traffic grew 20.54 percent in JanMarch over a year ago, government data showed.

All private carriers posted seat factors of over 72 percent in Feb-March, while three budget airlines- SpiceJet, Indigo and Paramount - recorded

over 75 percent.

Jet Airways, India's top private carrier by sales, reported around 80 percent load factor for international routes.

"We are happy with the bookings we have recieved for April to June. Volume driven yields will go up," said Raj Sivakumar, vice president, revenue management, Jet Airways.

The new-found confidence is prompting airlines to reach out to newer overseas locations though the pace of expansion is more measured now than what was seen in 2008, before the slowdown hit.

While Jet has launched a

ReuTeRs BEIJING

JP Morgan to buy 49% in Viceroy unit ReuTeRs MUMBAI, APRIL 15

Viceroy Hotels said on Thursday that JP Morgan India Property Mauritius Company will pick up a 49 percent stake in its Bangalore-based subsidiary for 740 million rupees.

Viceroy Hotels shares rose to a high of Rs 48.35, up 5 percent after the announcement.

"This special offer is applicable to all new home loan customers who apply before April 30, 2010, and take at least part disbursement before June 30, 2010."

Without naming SBI, HDFC said that the effective rate on its new scheme was "very attractive" and "much better than other large players in the market offering similar products" for a loan tenure of 15 or 20 years.

SBI is the only other major player currently offering teaser rate home loans.

"We would also allow the option to all customers whose loans are fully undisbursed as of April 14 to convert to this product without any conversion fees," Karnad said, adding that the special rates would also be available to NRIs, persons of Indian origin and self-employed customers.

HDFC recorded a growth of 22 per cent in loan approvals during the nine-month period ending December 31, 2009, to Rs 44,110 crore, from Rs 33,820 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Loot bets big on Pvt labels PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 15

Multi-brand discount retailer, The Loot, is betting big on private labels and is targeting a 30 per cent revenue from this business this fiscal, a top company official said.

"We plan to add two more private label brands to our portfolio and expect the category to contribute 30-35 per cent to the company's overall revenue this fiscal," The Loot's Managing Director, Jay Gupta said.

Presently, the private label business contributes 25% to the company's overall kitty, he said.

The company has two private label brands 'Eccentric', a semi-casual wear for men and 'Bus Stop', a casual fashion wear product that has denims, shirts and T-shirts with 40 products in these categories.

"We plan to add two more brands in the private label category within the next three months. It would be called 'IOU', a formal wear for men and 'Road', a casual wear for men and women," Gupta said.

The Loot sees a growing opportunity for private labels on both the consumer and retailer fronts.

Airlines in India eye turnaround, funding woes linger daily Mumbai-Johannesburg flight, Kingfisher has received approval for seven new international routes and budget carrier SpiceJet is getting ready to make its international debut.

The airlines are also adding seats and planes to service new routes after having slashed capacity by 15 percent during the slowdown, analysts said.

CAPA estimates the domestic aviation industry to add 78 percent capacity in a year, but expects a capacity crunch in the third quarter this year.

Kingfisher Airlines chair-

Strong China 2010 backs tightening case China chalked up unexpectedly strong year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 11.9 percent, prompting renewed calls for tighter policies to prevent the world's third-largest economy from bubbling over.

The rate of expansion, the fastest since 2007 and above the median forecast of 11.5 percent in a Reuters poll, was flattered by a low base of comparison a year earlier, when the economy was reeling from the global financial crisis.

But economists said the figures, released on Thursday by the National Bureau of Statistics, were unquestionably sturdy and would justify a firmer policy stance to nip inflation in the bud.

"We think in absence of a dramatic fall in external demand, it is critical for the government to tighten policy more decisively than they have been doing in order to prevent overheating," Goldman Sachs economists Yu Song and Helen Qiao said in a note to clients.

However, not all economists said it was urgent for Beijing to slam on the brakes. They noted that the government is already winding back its anti-crisis investment spending and has ordered banks to reduce new lending by more than 20 percent in 2010.

And while property prices leapt 11.7 percent in the year to March, consumer inflation remains under control. The consumer price index rose 2.4 percent in the year to March, below market expectations of a 2.6 percent increase.

"While we expect policy tightening over the coming

were discontinued earlier this year in a rising interest rate scenario.

Although SBI has continued with its teaser rates, it has raised the effective interest rate on the scheme at the beginning of this month.

SBI has extended its 8 per cent special home loan scheme till April 30, but revised the rate for second and third years to 9 per cent from 8.5 per cent earlier.

HDFC today said that besides the new dual rate scheme, its existing floating rate product would continue without any change where rates are 8.75 per cent for loans up to Rs 30 lakh, 9 per cent for loans between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 50 lakh and 9.25 per cent for loans of Rs 50 lakh and above.

Announcing the new scheme, HDFC Managing Director Renu Sud Karnad said that the company received "overwhelming" response to its earlier dual rate offer and its cost of funds has now allowed launching a "lower initial fixed rate."

Pg13

quarter, there is no need for dramatic measures," said Mark Williams with Capital Economics in London.

YuAN ON THe RIse? So far this year the central bank has twice raised the proportion of deposits that banks must hold in reserve and has also aggressively drained cash from the banking system.

But unlike a clutch of Asian neighbours, including India and Malaysia, China has kept its benchmark interest rates unchanged even though it is leading the global recovery charge.

"The government is faced with an unpalatable choice: raise rates and dampen the ardour of investors in the real estate sector, or leave rates on hold and allow the property bubble to expand further, and risk inflationary expectations taking hold," said Tom Orlik with Stone & McCarthy Research in Beijing.

And unlike Singapore on

Wednesday, China has not tightened financial conditions by pushing up its exchange rate -- despite quiet, persistent pressure from the United States, which believes a cheap yuan gives China an unfair edge in global markets.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry on Thursday reaffirmed its opposition to a stronger yuan, arguing that it would do nothing to solve the problem of near double-digit U.S. unemployment.

However, Glenn Maguire, an economist with Societe Generale in Hong Kong, said Thursday's data deluge reinforced his conviction that a revaluation of the yuan, and a widening of the currency's trading band, were imminent.

"It could happen any time," Maguire said.

"Yuan stability and China's stimulus package made an enormous contribution to global stability in the aftermath

of the crisis, but now that China's economy is growing by 12 percent, it's time for China to share some of that growth with the rest of the world via appreciating its exchange rate," he said.

The reaction in financial markets to the figures was muted, partly because they were circulating beforehand.

The yuan rose modestly in the offshore forwards market, which was pricing in a 3.2 percent rise against the dollar over the next year.

Instead of acting through interest rates or the exchange rate, the central bank has relied so far on curbing credit growth to keep the economy on an even keel.

This year's quota for new bank lending has been cut to 7.5 trillion yuan from a record 9.6 trillion yuan in 2009 when banks lent freely at the government's behest to support a 4 trillion yuan fiscal stimulus

package.

Ben Simpfendorfer, an economist with Royal Bank of Scotland in Hong Kong, called Thursday's data "a dangerous mix" because the low inflation reading would delay a rise in borrowing costs.

"Growth is running too hot.

It requires policy tightening."

A GOOD sTART The State Council, China's cabinet, promised on Wednesday after reviewing the incoming data to stick to the "appropriately loose" monetary stance and active fiscal policy first adopted at the height of the global financial crisis in late 2008.

Regardless of the degree of tightening, the first quarter could well prove to be the high watermark for growth this year, as the base of comparison will become increasingly demanding.

A Reuters poll issued on Wednesday projected 10 percent GDP growth this year, which will almost certainly catapult China past Japan and make it the biggest economy in the world after the United States.

In addition to quarterly GDP, China released a batch of figures for March that were strong and close to expectations.

Retail sales rose 18.0 percent from a year earlier, industrial output expanded 18.1 percent, and urban investment in fixed assets such as roads and factories rose 26.4 percent in the first quarter.

"This year, the economy's momentum has increased. We are off to a good start," statistics office spokesman Li Xiaochao said.

man Vijay Mallya said the firm may look at inducting new aircraft sooner than planned to capitalise on the upturn.

Ravi Nedungadi, chief financial officer of the UB group, which has a controlling stake in Kingfisher, said the carrier would become profitable from fiscal year 2012.

FuND RAIsING ROADBLOCKs But airlines' plans to raise funds and de-leverage their balance sheet has hit an air pocket as both Jet and Kingfisher have delayed their fund raising plan through share sale and a rights and GDR issue respectively to

Orra draws up Rs 75-cr retail plan PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 15

ORRA Diamonds has drawn up Rs 75 crore capex plan for its retail expansion plans over the next three years period, a top company official said.

"We have taken up major retail expansion drive with capital expenditure plans of Rs 75 crore. W will set up another 16 new stores over the next three years period," ORRA's CEO, Vijay Jain said.

The company already has 29 stores in 19 cities and are adding four new stores at Baroda, Lucknow, Jallandhar and Amritsar in the current year, Jain said.

The company will raise the fund through private equity investors for which it is negotiating with investor bankers, Jain said, adding the company has no plans to enter into the capital market.

After the recession last year, the US market started consolidating. The company expects 20 per cent growth in the domestic market this year, Jain said.

With Akshaya Trithiya round the corner, and the impending marriage season, consumers may shop for diamond jewellery instead of gold, he said.

ORRA - the Diamond Destination is targeting consumers by providing them a huge opportunity to buy exquisitely designed jewellery, and Belgian diamonds.

The company is also offering the facility of advance booking opportunity any time during the sale period from April 15 May 16, 2010.

the current fiscal.

"A persistent problem is that domestic investors are reluctant to invest in this industry as it's a risky industry," said an aviation analyst from a local brokerage.

"Crude (oil) has played havoc with them in the past, the rupee-dollar movement has effects and demand is very elastic. The confidence level is low," he said.

SpiceJet, in which US investor Wilbur Ross holds foreign currency convertible bonds worth $68 million, too is looking to raise $50-75 million.

It has been approached by

Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group and the founder of Sun TV Networks for a majority stake, according to media reports.

SpiceJet CEO Sanjay Aggarwal refused to comment on the stake sale reports but said the airline would make a preferential allotment of shares later this year to raise the funds.

He also said Ross had not yet taken a decision on whether he would convert his bond holdings into equity.

"They will make a decision at any point in time. The options are in the money, based on the current stock price so it's up to them".

Olympus eyes doubling sales PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 15

Japanese imaging major, Olympus, today said it expects to double its sales in the Indian market this fiscal and has chalked out plans to revamp its marketing and brand-building strategies for the same.

The camera-maker, whose net sales stood at Rs 67.5 crore in FY 10, is expecting a 50 per cent growth this fiscal at Rs 135 crore through the launch of a series of new products, a top company official said.

"We are expecting a revenue of Rs 135 crore this financial year from our India operations. We will be achieving the growth by launching 12 different models this year. Besides, we will focus on brand-building and marketing," Olympus' General Manager (India), Kinya Yoshimura, told PTI on the sidelines of the launch of its Olympus Pen series here.

The company launched its latest Olympus PEN (EPL-1, EPL-2, EPL-3) SLR cameras, that are designed to be portable and easy-touse with a range of new sophisticated features. It is priced at Rs 29,999 onwards.

"India is a big market and with the launch of PEN series, we will definitely be able to push our sales further. This light weight SLR camera is reasonably priced with inter-changeable lenses, builtin pop up flash and in-camera creative features," Yoshimura said.

With the launch of its SLR PEN series, Olympus is ready to take on other giants such as Nikon and Canon, whose products are priced at Rs 50,000 onwards.

Intel buoys technology sector with hopes of recovery ReuTeRs SAN FRANCISCO, APRIL 15

US tech stocks jumped higher on Wednesday after strong earnings and forecasts from Intel Corp further galvanized hopes that the beleaguered technology sector's recovery was underway.

Analysts say Intel's betterthan-expected revenue and margin forecasts for the second quarter and 2010 had heightened expectations for a faster and stronger recovery in everything from computers to software, potentially triggering a sustained stock rally.

Intel, whose chips power more than three-quarters of

the world's PCs, said on Tuesday that business spending was growing again and it was increasing capacity to meet stronger-than-expected demand.

Dell Inc, which is highly reliant on sales of PCs and servers to businesses, gained 5.3 percent. Hewlett-Packard Co, the world's No. 1 PC marker, ticked up 1.4 percent.

International Business Machines Corp rose 1.7 percent, and software giant Microsoft Corp rose 1.2 percent.

And chipmakers Nvidia Corp, Advanced Micro Devices Inc, Texas Instruments Inc and Micron Technology Inc all traded

higher as well.

"Judging by the stock reaction today, you have broadly higher expectations than you did a day ago, and that's fairly evident from how the group has moved," said Auriga analyst Daniel Berenbaum, adding that Intel had helped to set a high bar for the rest of the group.

A slew of brokerages, including Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, raised their price targets for the company and investors responded, pushing Intel shares up 3.3 percent to close at $23.52.

Robert W. Baird analyst Tristan Gerra said the results allayed investor's concerns that

the fourth quarter was the peak for Intel's gross margins.

Now that Intel has said it expects gross margins to remain near all-time highs, Gerra said, it could propel a continued rally for the sector.

Many analysts said that this downturn for the tech industry was different from those of years past, as many companies were able to cut costs and manage inventory much more successfully, allowing for an easier swing back into a recovery.

Wedbush Morgan analyst Patrick Wang said those factors may have helped break the cycle of profit-taking that had followed past tech sector earn-

ings announcements.

"Everyone seems more optimistic this time around," he said. Although, with Intel's spectacular earnings, he said expectations will definitely be higher for other major tech companies. uPGRADes Industry watchers IDC and Gartner said on Wednesday that global personal computer shipments had risen sharply in the first quarter.

Intel reported a 44 percent surge in first-quarter revenue on Tuesday and gave a currentquarter forecast that topped Wall Street estimates.

The blow-out quarter and

strong forecast confirmed expectations that the chip industry was slowly, but surely, on its way to reaching pre-recession growth levels after grappling with a two-year downturn, when demand for PCs and consumer electronics crashed.

Of 45 sell-side analysts tracked by Thomson Reuters StarMine, 33 rate Intel a "strong buy" or "buy." Ten rate the stock a "hold" and two rate it a "sell" and "strong sell."

Intel forecast a gross margin of 64 percent, plus or minus 2 percentage points, for both this quarter and 2010. Analysts said the 2010 gross margin

forecast was conservative.

Barclays analyst Tim Luke wrote that Intel may lift its longer-term gross margin forecast to between 55 percent and 65 percent at its investor day on May 11, since the company beat its target range of 50 percent to 60 percent in the last several quarters.

Luke said Texas Instruments and Broadcom Corp should see a boost from Intel's stronger outlook, but he did not expect the same degree of margin and sales upside for Advanced Micro, which is expected to report first-quarter results on April 15.

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

Education

GOA’S HEARTBEAT A Fresh Approach to Farming

Information Technology

first to understand, then to “Seek be understood - Stephen Covey

Entertainment

“

bara vignam “ Eka lognak- Anonymous

Fashion

“

Lifestyle

Travel

Tourism

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Friday, 16 April, 2010

Don’t just be a Bond - James Bond.

Instead , better than the best clothes, wear your winning traits to sweep your lady of interest, off her feet. The Herald suggests...

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES n Hollywood, we have actor Brenden Frazier whose character in the tri-series of ‘The Mummy’, is one man a woman wouldn’t mind as ‘all brawn and no brain’. In the famous series, he saves his nosy-archaeologist lady from just about any peril. In part three of the series, devoid of arms when he screams at the Dragon emperor, “Come on! Fight like a man!” it suits him to the tee. Whatta man!

Our Bollywood hunks wear their attitude on their sleeves. The big-bodied Salman Khan regularly flaunts a pretty thing on his triceped arm. Even Shahrukh Khan who had ridiculed his male costars (in typical sarcastic Shahrukh style) for their six packs, inevitably fell to the trend of the chiseled abs and gyrated sexily to ‘Krazzy 4’ and ‘Dard-e-disco’ making his female fans go weak in the knees. Then we get to the current heartthrob, Ranbir Kapoor. Despite a spree of films, Neetu Kapoor’s baby boy is still best remembered for his famous act of ‘dropping his towel and showing his all’, which had elicited a gasp from the audience.

But get down to reality. What do women really want from a man? What really floors her? What causes passionate shivers to dance along her spine, tantalising her very being?

For a whole week I got talking to women from different age groups and different fields and I kind of got the picture.

Attention, gentlemen! Your lady of interest is all harassed telling you, she is so stressed with work and just wants to get away for a little holiday, but that happens to be a farfetched dream at office. So, Mr Hero, here is your chance.

Take the reins, promptly tell her that her boss knows she is his best for the job and in the same breath, don’t ask her, tell her, “Will pick you up at six for coffee and a long romantic drive to relax you.” Don’t overdo it and get bossy, but instead your tone should be commanding yet have that pleading irresistible drawl. Oh! She simply won’t be able to resist that.

At the start of the relationship, you are all man – opening the car door for her, warding off male stares with your hand protectively around her waist, carrying her across a puddle of rainwater as you deliciously torment her with your masculine closeness, in other words, a Bond, James Bond! But as the attachment grows, you find yourself strangely experiencing feminine feelings – more

I

S

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Evaluate what you're doing for a living. Should you be doing something else? Material objects (21 Mar – 19 Apr) are much more appealing right now, which is not to say that you're moving away from your spirituality. It just means that shopping and collecting are a lot more interesting.

Heavy undercurrents might try to pull a work relationship off-course.

You are drawing amaz(23 Sep – 22 Oct) ing people your way, even if you can't quite see them yet. Keep your eyes open and make sure that you are ready for anyone who comes by looking for a good time.

Everything's coming up roses and daffodils.

You're a one-person garden of delights! Though (20 Apr – 20 May) you're feeling a bit needy today, you should find that you can turn your concerns into some amazing performance or art -- if that's what you want to do. It should all be positive for you.

Put the 'comp' in 'compromise.' As in, give way on this issue freely. Expect a little irritation (23 Oct – 21 Nov) today -- people are especially abrasive, for some reason.

You should be able to shrug off most of it, but friends and family can really get under your skin if you let them.

Who's takin' care of business? That's right -- you are! You can play later.

You've got more going (21 May – 21 Jun) on today than you want -- which is an extremely unusual situation for you! Expect at least one major obstacle to manifest, but it should be a distant memory by the day after tomorrow.

Tackle your responsibilities like it's the Super Bowl. Once victory's yours, go play. It might (22 Nov – 21 Dec) be all you can do to keep up with your responsibilities today, but you still feel the urge to push yourself. You may be exhausted by tonight, but that might feel like a small price to pay.

Get ready to set sail on fantastic seas. You're captain, and this is the Love Boat. Pay close at(22 Jun – 22 Jul) tention to family issues -- they are closer to the surface and somewhat easier to deal with. Your own energy is best spent listening and absorbing new information, so play it safe.

If you've got some strong feelings on a certain topic, go ahead and discuss them. Your good (22 Dec – 19 Jan) energy makes life a little more fun for those around you -and you too, of course! If you include a few extra people in your fun, you should score some serious bonus points!

'Black and white' makes classification easy, but gray areas hold more possibilities. You may (23 Jul – 22 Aug) need to hide your desires from others in a small way today -someone is watching out for the least sign of greed, and they are sure to let you have it if they catch on to you.

You're on a journey of discovery, by yourself and with the people around you. You've got nothing (20 Jan – 18 Feb) against change under most circumstances -- but you might actually be pretty happy with the way things are right now! You may feel unusually conservative as a result, but that won't last long.

Feed your senses along with your stomach. Take someone special out to dinner. Your mental en(23 Aug – 22 Sep) ergy is trending toward the more thoughtful today, and that could mean that you're feeling especially philosophical. It's a good time for you to reflect on what is coming up soon.

Are you dreaming?

Everything is so fantastic, you keep waiting to wake up. Your love life (19 Feb – 20 Mar) is taking off today, even if you're not feeling it quite yet. If you're single, someone is just about to take a serious interest. If you're partnered, expect to see your mate in a new light soon.

His love for experimentation can be seen in the various gadgets around his land, some even harnessing wind energy to drive the crows away.

The major problem with growing crops in the non-monsoon season is the need to meet the demands of water supply. “Goa complains of water scarcity, but the rains in Goa are more than enough to meet the demands,” says Darryl. He further explains this with eye-opening statistics: “We get 11,127 billion litres of rainwater every year in Goa (3,709 sq km x 3000 mm rain). Every calorie of food we eat requires seven litres of water to produce. Assume a frugal diet of 1000 calories per day and about 250 litres of water for domestic consumption.

The total requirement per person per day is 7,250 litres. And that equals 4,234 billion litres per year taking into consideration the 16lakh population into 365 days further multiplied by 7,250 litres per day. That means we need only 38 per cent of the rainwater we receive. Yet we suffer form water shortages.”

The management of rainwater resources on his farm is done just by digging a pit three metres deep and lining it with a plastic sheet, thereby letting the water to collect. “To avoid the breeding of mosquitoes, I have put in some fish. The water that is collected is enough to sustain my farms for the rest of the year,” comments Darryl. The recharging of the aquifers is one topic Darryl is passionate about. “If we don’t recharge these aquifers, all our wells will run dry; to avoid that we have to prevent the water from running off into the sea. The bottom of the storm water drains can have tiny holes to allow percolation of water to the water tables, or you can also dig small holes in the ground with a pipe installed vertically, attach these pipes with plastic sheets to the roof drains and to collect water in it,” he explains.

Another problem faced by farmers is that of lack of micronutrients in the soil. “Only the cultivation of rice doesn’t replenish the soil of its nutrients; it needs to be rejuvenated,” says Darryl. The rotation of crops, growing of nitrogen fixated crops and fertilisation of the soil are the need of the hour.

“I have set up composting units to meet the demands of my fertilisers,” says Darryl, pointing to his garbage composting unit set up in his backyard, where he practises vermi-composting. Together with all his helping hands on the farm, Darryl seeks to create awareness about organic farming, especially among the youth. Darryl is a perfect example of trying to revive the traditional living among the younger generations through regular workshops for farmers and school and college children.

Gerard Butler named Most Attractive Celebrity Brad Pitt, Clive Owen, Robbie Williams, Johnny Depp, George Clooney and Will Smith follow

G

Pg14

‘Qualities’ Dressing to Woo your Woman

Wi t h a l l t h e f a r m l a n d b e i n g converted into residential areas, farming is on a drastic decline in Goa. Attempting to halt this trend and make a difference in the farming world is one man, Darryl Pereira, who, through his passion for the profession, has revolutionised the image of a farmer

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES ay the word ‘farmer’ and one’s mind conjures up the image of a thin lean man, dressed in a ‘kashti’, tanned by the sun’s scorching heat after toiling the day through his fields. But take a look at Darryl Pereira and that image is transformed into a man dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, looking more like an entrepreneur enjoying his holidays, when in fact he is a new-age farmer simply enjoying his profession.

Darryl’s tryst with farming began as a hobby; horticulture and landscaping always fascinated him and this hobby was then nurtured until finally, Reira Eco Ventures was established. The idea of this endeavour came up with the fact of the disappearing farms around the state. “Considering the fact that we eat rice on a regular basis, if we don’t grow the grain, where will we get our food from?

The fact that there is a demand means that there is need for supply,” says Darryl Pereira, Managing Director of Reira Eco Ventures.

Presently, the land under the venture consists of a consolidated area of 23 small field holdings. The farm now yields not only rice but also crops like sweet corn, broccoli, carrots, onions, lettuce, capsicum, cucumber and celery, apart from the local vegetables like red bhaji, sweet potatoes and fruits like chikoo, bananas and wax apples. Along with growing crops, Darryl also has a Water Harvesting project set up along with a composting project to meet all his farming needs.

“The first year we started farming, we had only rice growing and the yield in the first year was 1.8 tonnes per hectare, while the ICAR recommendations said the optimum yield was 2.8 tonnes,” but this did not bother Darryl. Instead, he worked upon the suggestions and brought his yield to about 4.8 tonnes the very next year. “This is proof enough that with a little knowledge of science and innovations and with the proper use of machinery, we can increase the profits from farming,” he says. Although the ventures have a good standing now, it wasn’t very easy in the beginning. “The major problems that plague agriculture today are the fallow fields, water stress, micronutrient deficiency, lack of labour and subsidies which don’t reach the farmers,” says Darryl.

Elaborating further, he says, “Goa’s staple crop has been rice, and that grows during the rains. Once the monsoons are over, the fields lie fallow, and they lack the nutrients after the cultivation of only one crop.” This is what prompted Darryl to grow crops which needed a drier weather to grow and thus started the experimentation with all kinds of crops. “I experiment to find out which crops can grow in the Goan soil and climate,” he explains.

Parenting

erard Butler beat hunks Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and George Clooney to be named the celebrity that women find most attractive, says a British poll.

The Bounty Hunter topped the survey carried out by a cosmetic treatment website.

Founder of the website Christiana Clogg said: “With his alleged relationship with Jennifer Aniston making headlines, and a number of successful blockbuster films under his belt, Gerard Butler is certainly in many women’s thoughts.”

She added: “He always appears fresh and handsome in the spotlight, and I am sure has a style many men envy.”

Brad Pitt, the ‘Inglourious Basterds’ star, took second place, followed by Clive Owen and Robbie Williams.

Pirates Of The Caribbean’s Johnny came fifth, Clooney was sixth and Will Smith took seventh spot. British pin-ups Robert Pattinson, David Beckham and Prince Harry completed the top ten.

Though Butler may have topped the list here, we unfortunately cannot say the same for his romantic comedy opposite Jennifer Aniston.

Pa n n e d b y m o s t c r i t i c s , ‘ T h e Bounty Hunter’ seems to have failed in capturing the so-called real chemistry between the lead actors. With a loose storyline, the only thing likable is seeing these two attractive actors share some screen space rather than their usual tabloid space.

affection for her, you want to care, share, and bare your soul. Don’t hide these strong feelings.

She will be floored by your feminine side and love you more for it.

Gently get her involved in your hobbies and activities.

It will amaze you to see her interest and involvement in things that make you happy. If you happen to share common likes, it is 80 per cent of the job accomplished.

Indulging in activities together can be exhilarating and romantic for both of you, whether swimming together, going on intimate long drives in the lashing rain, horse riding in a rustic romantic ranch, sailing into the sunset in your private boat, sharing books, or simply even just holding hands and walking along the beach kissed by the silver moon on a ‘chandni raat’. Or for you ‘filmy log’, live that famous filmy scene – drinking from two straws, one tender coconut, remember?

An interesting append to the story is from a colleague who dies for unconventional men – the intelligent types with long hair, wearing ‘khadi kurtas’, perhaps with a squint and a commanding manner of communicating which leaves her with that ‘over the moon’ feeling.

Remember to always treat your girl with respect; this in turn will make her dote on you. Even the most successful woman having men dance to her tunes, will invariably place her special one on a pedestal, because he is the one she has lost her heart to. She might command 10 males on one hand, interact with 20 others, dine out with just a handful, but she will be enslaved by only you who she adores.

Yes, she is strong but only you can make her cry with joy and pleasure and yes, pain too! And if secretly she finds out that you take time off to pray, it sure is a huge turn on.

Caution gentlemen: The above tips are applicable only when you are in a relationship or are sure that your lady love is interested in you. Otherwise, you will find her fleeing in the opposite direction, screaming, “Lech….lech…lech….lech!”

Ultimately, it would do good to remember that it does not really matter whether you are a towering Greek god with drop dead gorgeous looks, with a firm handshake, pots of money, a winning smile, have the gift of the gab, close lucrative deals, sail in luxurious yachts, anything. What a lady needs is a simple, humble, beautiful soul, and a true courageous man who will stand by her at all times and elicit laughter from her even when those floodgates are open, as you tell her how precious those teardrops are.

Weekend Roundup: The Last of the Live Gigs …before the Showers

BY CLARON MAZARELLO f one thought leaving Niladri Kumar’s scintillating and high-energy performance on his ‘Zitar’ (a cross between a guitar and a sitar) accompanied by Goa Boys Bosco on drums, Edwin on bass, Sameer on keys and Elvis Lobo on guitar at the Saturday Night Market at Arpora would indeed be a pain, fret not, cause this Saturday, it will be Remo Fernandes, and the next will have Bondo – live and free again!

While a whole many places are also in the process of shutting shop for the season’s entertainment; given that places like Cafe Loodas, Felini at Arambol and others are to wind up totally somewhere by May 15. With some betting that we would receive showers of blessings much earlier than that, the beat music sessions at the clubs however will remain with us throughout the rains.

Exams are ‘in the exit’, paving the way for another reason to party yet.

Elvis Lobo’s birthday marked the beginning of this week with members of ‘The Essence’ (Attila Manju and Stephen Coppens) making it all the way from Arambol and Mandrem respectively to jam up with the regular Monday night duo of Cliff de Souza and Elvis at the elite, finedinning Stone House restaurant just next door to well, the ex-Butter location at Candolim. Monday also incidentally marked the closure of the entertainment nights at Janet & John’s in the south of the Anjuna beach stretch. Thursday marked a similar threshold at Little Tiger, Benaulim.

Alas, the threshold of the end of the tourist season seems to have finally come.

Undoubtedly then, it would be ideal to wrap up all possible live gigs for the sum-

I

mer. Among the indoor venues, DTR Panjim has upped the ante though with its inclusion of a Karaoke Nite that took place this Monday and might have a repeat as well. And if you haven’t yet received mail from Collin D’Cruz (possibly a Jazz Goa update), the coming Wednesday (April 21) will see Cavala’s at Baga grooving to an evening called, ‘Latin Connection – the Sound of Goa’.

While the rain dances are probably yet up some organiser’s sleeve, guess it is time to check out whatever live gigs one can; lest the rain comes and washes them all away...indoors ! C u before the rains do!

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

GOA’S HEARTBEAT Friday, 16 April, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

A workshop pertaining to the promotion of innovative jute products and its applications organised by the Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Development Corporation and the Jute Manufacturers Development Council (JMDC) will be held at the Miramar Residency, Miramar on April 16 from 2:30pm to 6pm. Call 2464154 or 2463811.

A pottery workshop by Geeta Sahu will take place at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula on April 17 and 18.

Call 9765404390, 9975702885 or 2452805-10.

The 10th Kala Rang Festival of Dance, Music and Theatre, organised by the Directorate of Art and Culture is being held till April 19 at the Ravindra Bhavan.

Margao.

Tiatre Day, organised by the Kala Academy will take place on April 17 from 5:30pm onwards at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

A Marathi play ‘Jagadamba’, organised by the Kala Academy in collaboration with Avishkar, Mumbai will take place on April 18 at 6:30pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. The cast includes Rohini Hattangadi. Call 2420452.

The Free Pomburpa Spring Eco Summer Camp 2010, organised by the Mother of God parish, Pomburpa and the St Elizabeth High School is being held till April 18 at the Pomburpa Spring, Pomburpa. Call 9881344379 or 2295999.

An art exhibition titled, ‘Quartet’ featuring 4 artistes is being held at the Kerkar Art Complex, Calangute till April 30. Call 2276017.

‘Goan Brew – High Spirits and Healing’, the Feni festival will take place on August 25. Call 9822151419, 9881533456 or 9822581232.

Jazz Goa’s first album is available free of charge at www.jazzgoa.com.

chevron

by Francis Rodrigues convict-escapes stall as the estimates fail, because a prison wall isn't built to scale!

INGS email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Tourism

Parenting

Pg15

Curtains set to rise for 17th Tiatr Day

HERALD FEATURES n a press conference held this Thursday at Campal, author of ‘When the Curtains Rise…Understanding Goa’s vibrant Konkani theatre’, Andre Rafael Fernandes and president of the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), Tomazinho Cardozo both, with complete confidence, agreed that tiatr’s future is in safe hands.

Fernandes and Cardozo were addressing the press about the upcoming Tiatr Day, to

I

Splendid Performances at Kala Rang

SOUTH POLE

09:55 Equilibrium 12:05 War, Inc. 14:10 The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 17:05 I Know Who Killed Me 19:05 Alvin and the Chipmunks 21:00 27 Dresses 23:15 Soul Man

12:00 The Jackal 14:30 And Then Came Love 16:30 Bats: Human Harvest 18:15 Only You 20:30 TMZ 21:00 Nutty Professor II 23:00 Troy

08:00 Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai 09:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 09:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 10:00 Choti Bahu 10:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Dance India Dance Limelight 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Dance India Dance 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Kahani Ab Tak 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:00 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Dance India Dance 23:00 Pavitra Rishta

Travel

G

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 528 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

10:30 Aise Karo Naa Vidaa 11:00 Bhagya Vidhata 11:30 Uttaran 12:00 Laagi Tujhse Lagan 12:30 Bairi Piya 13:00 Balika Vadhu 13:30 Agnipareeksha Jeevan 14:00 Aise Karo Naa Vidaa 14:30 Na Aana Iss Des Laado 15:00 Uttaran 15:30 Bhagya Vidhata 16:00 Balika Vadhu 18:00 Na Aana Iss Des Laado 18:30 Uttaran 19:00 Bhagya Vidhata 19:30 Maat-Pitaah Ke Charnon 20:00 Balika Vadhu 20:30 Bairi Piya 21:00 Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam 21:30 Laagi Tujhse Lagan 22:00 Uttaran 22:30 Na Aana Iss Des Laado 23:00 Balika Vadhu 23:30 Uttaran

Fashion

HERALD FEATURES oa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Development Corporation along with the Jute Manufacturers Development Council (JMDC) is organising a workshop today, April 16, 2010, pertaining to the promotion of innovative jute products and its applications.

The workshop, being held at the Miramar Residency A/C Hall from 2:30pm to 6pm, has Atri Bhattacharya (IAS), Secretary Jute Manufacturers Development Council Kolkata and 2 experts from the jute board as the resource persons.

The key objectives of the workshop include the promotion of Diversified Jute Products by engaging agencies, application of Jute Geo Textiles in Civil Engineering applications, etc. Civil engineers, architects, members of self help groups and representatives from SMEs, GHRSSIDC, Goa Tourism Department, PWD, Environment Protection Bodies, etc will be participating in the workshop.

– Bob Hope DAILY GROOK GUESS MESS

Entertainment

Workshop on Jute Products and their Implementation

GARFIELD

09:00 Na Aana Iss Des Laado 09:30 Uttaran 10:00 Agnipareeksha Jeevan

EN

“People who throw kisses are hopelessly lazy.”

Function Noun Meaning : a figure, pattern, or object having the shape of a V or an inverted V Example Sentence The cavalry soldier has three chevrons upon his sleeve, signifying that he is a sergeant.

09:00 Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai 13:00 C.I.D Classics 20:00 Mahi Way 21:00 Seven 22:00 C.I.D 23:30 Aahat

CURR

PEN T HAP

Funny Quote

Pronunciation SHEV-run

09:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 09:30 Sasural Genda Phool 10:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 10:30 Sasural Genda Phool 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Behenein 18:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 18:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 19:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

Information Technology

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 529

Sacred Dance Workshops with Akash Dharmaraj will be held at the Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim every Tuesdays and Fridays from 4 to 6pm for the next two weeks. Call 2421311.

A Paintball Tournament, organised

by Splat, Goa’s first paintball arena in Anjuna is announced for the month of May. The age limit is 16 years and it is free and open to all. Call 9552929873 or 6451873.

A one-day multi-lingual literary festival for the youth will take place at the Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim on April 25. It is organised by the Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim. Call 2224143.

A 6-month part time training programme for pre-school teachers, organised by Sethu will run from the month of June to December 2010 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The last date to register is May 15. Call 6513749.

Email reachus@sethu.in.

Miss Goa 2010 will be held on April 17 at 7:30pm at Palavara de Jardin Gardens, Nuvem. Call 9823061965.

A 3-day residential training camp, ‘AURA of Success’, conducted by the Global Academy of Meta Mind Management (GAMMA) will take place from April 23 to 25 at Miramar, Panjim.Call9096938269.

E-mail amey.hegde@gmail.com. Visit www.metamindmanagement.com.

Aparant Maand - an exhibition cum sale of exquisite handicrafts and allied items, organised by the Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation is being held at the Chatrapati Shivaji Maidan, Bicholim till April 18 from 10am to 9pm.

Cultural programmes like dramas, orchestra and live demonstrations by handicrafts artisans will be organised on all days of the exhibition from 7pm to 9pm. Call 2513582.

Education

12:00 Jodi No. 1 16:20 Angaaray 20:00 Mukhbir 23:30 3 Deewarein

09:30 Gayab 12:30 Hum Kaun Hai? 16:00 Devi Maa 20:00 Devdas 23:00 Sky High

09:20 Bicentennial Man 11:55 Monster's Ball 14:05 Jeepers Creepers 15:55 Where The Money Is 17:45 Evening 20:15 FA Cup 2009/10 H/ls 21:00 Art Heist 23:15 Breach

07:30 Angaara 11:00 Chal Mere Bhai 14:30 Naya Jigar 18:30 IPL 3 Highlights : Chennai Super Kings vs.

Delhi Daredevils 19:00 IPL 3 Extraaa Innings 20:00 IPL 3 : Kings XI Punjab vs. Deccan Chargers 23:30 IPL 3 Extraaa Innings

08:00 Lav Kush 12:00 Karz 16:00 Yeh Raaste Hai Pyar Ke 20:00 Tridev

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 19:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 19:30 Lapataganj 20:00 Sri Adi Manav 20:30 Gutar Gu 21:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

11:15 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Lapataganj 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Maniben.com 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

14:30 Lapataganj 15:00 Office Office 15:30 Gutar Gu 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

18:00 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai

11:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 11:30 Geet 12:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 12:30 Dill Mill Gayye 13:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 13:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 14:00 Geet 14:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 15:00 Dill Mill Gayye

15:30 Geet 13:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Ssshhh.....Phir Koi Hai 17:30 Geet 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh

11:00 Drop Dead Diva 12:00 Top Chef 13:00 Ghost Adventure 14:00 Estate of Panic : A Raw Deal 15:00 Video Zonkers

be celebrated on April 17, the very same day Lucasinho Rebeiro staged the first tiatr ‘Italian Bhurgo’. Tiatr completes 118 years of existence this year.

The highlight of the day will be the release of extensively researched and detailed, Andre Rafael Fernandes’ ‘When the Curtains Rise…Understanding Goa’s vibrant Konkani theatre’. With six years of research put into the book, it was originally written as a PhD thesis. At the conference, the author elaborated on the facets of tiatr that he explores in the book, focusing on his intense research and difficulties. Cardozo stated that the book is a first with regards to authentic information on tiatr and will help the Goan population at large and any student heading their research work in that direction.

In addition to his book Fernandes spoke of the future of tiatr, especially in view of the young generation. “Tiatr has a strong future,” he said earnestly, adding “Goans have a strong affinity to music and I believe that despite the competition with the more modern forms of entertainment tiatr will have a firm ground with youngsters.”

To this Cardozo said “amidst a fear of extinction, tiatr survived the onslaught of television in 1983, its introductory year.” Presently, he feels there is little if any worry on the matter. He gave an example, “My village of Candolim has 10 vods, each vod celebrates a church feast which is not complete without a tiatr performance, that makes 30. This phenomenon is witnessed all over Goa.” Fernandes seconded his statement, “As long as tiatr is an element of the village it will live.”

“What we have to focus on is a message to ‘tiatr’ producers to change along with the audience,” Cardozo said firmly.

Assuring TAG’s efforts to up ‘tiatr’ in the state Cardozo went on to expound on the schemes and activities to be offered by TAG in its bid to develop ‘tiatr’ and enrich its quality. The twenty schemes he spoke off covered all the major elements that go into a ‘tiatr’ production, besides others. The schemes included documentation and preservation of ‘tiatr ’ works, promotion of ‘tiatr’ through educational institutions, ‘tiatr’ music, award winning ‘tiatrs’ and Konkani songs through choreography, staging of yesteryear ‘tiatrs’ to the younger generation, financial assistance, development of local talent and child ‘tiatrists’, the other miscellaneous factors that contribute to its quality.

Tiatr Day will also witness the release of a directory of ‘tiatr’ artistes compiled

by TAG.

BY RYAN AND RUSSEL D’COSTA HERALD FEATURES he Directorate of Art and Culture, Goa in association with West Zone Cultural Centre (Udaipur) and Kalangan organised the 10th Kala Rang Festival of Dance, Music and Theatre, held at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

The festival opened with the inauguration ceremony attended by the dignitaries present including CM, Digambar Kamat and MLA, Damodar Naik.

The highlight of the day was ‘sarod’ recital by the mighty Ustad Amjad Ali Khan along with his sons Amaan and Ayaan. The introduction of this festival will certainly put Goa on the cultural map and enable people to witness and enjoy great performances.

The five day program continues with a vocal recital

by Veena Sahsrabuddhe happening today at 6.30pm, a sitar recital

by Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan on April 17, followed by the staging of lighthearted drama ‘Kachche Lamhe’ directed by Salim Arif. A presentation of ‘Jagadamba’ a play based on the life of Kasturba Gandhi will take place on April 18.

T

17:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 18:00 So You Think You Can Dance 20:00 Top Chef : Focus Group 21:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 21:30 E Buzz 22:00 The Master of Disguise

10:00 Psych 11:00 American Idol 12:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 12:30 Prison Break 13:30 90210 14:30 Two and a Half Men 15:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 15:30 Psych 16:30 Friends 17:00 Prison Break 18:00 90210 19:00 Friends 19:30 Two and a Half Men 21:00 American Idol

09:00 TNA Sikander 10:00 Barclays Premier League 12:00 Behind the Baseline 12:30 Ace 2010 13:00 Hot Water 2009/10 14:00 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters : Quarter Final 1 22:00 Asian Tour Golf Show 23:00 Score Tonight 23:30 Glitch

09:00 Monte- Carlo Rolex Masters 2010 : Last 16 17:00 WWE: Smackdown 19:00 Sports News 19:15 ICC Cricket Show 19:45 Football India 20:15 Winning Post 20:45 UEFA Champions League Magazine Show 21:15 Sports News

21:30 UEFA Champions League : Quarter Final: 2nd Leg 22:30 WWE: Smackdown

09:00 Jailed Abroad 10:00 Creative Vision 11:00 Is it Real? : UFO's 11:30 Is it Real? : Crop Circles 12:00 My Brilliant Brain 13:00 Built for the Kill 14:00 Taboo 4 : Extreme Performers 15:00 Jailed Abroad 16:00 Nat Geo Junior: Big Bang 17:00 Bondi Rescue 18:00 Nat Geo Wild : Hiss of Death 19:00 India Larger Than Life 20:00 Jailed Abroad : Busted In Bali 21:00 Built for the Kill : Grassland 22:00 Mystery Files

07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

Flavors English News Konkani News Marathi News Piano Recital Konkani Duet Flavors English News Konkani Movie Kala Guru Dance Goa Dance Straight Talk Kids Club Face-2-Face Konkani News Marathi News English News Interview with Rahul Roy HCN Smash Hits English News Face -2-Face Quinton Sings Again Melody Queen-Lata Mangeshkar 00:30 Goa Wonderful Destination Note: Subject to change

Photos by Samson Dias

HERALD CROSSWORD - 529 Across 1- Greek letters; 5- Flip out; 10Raced; 14- Beancurd; 15Garbage; 16- Israeli dance; 17Not e'en once; 18- Room at the top; 19- Came down to earth; 20- Moving around; 22Like some cats; 24- Chart; 25Walk in water; 26- Province in central Canada; 30- Scoffs; 35Actress Thurman; 36- Sky light; 37- Inactive; 38- Newness; 41- Mosaic piece; 43Jalopy; 44- Pothook shape; 45And not; 46- Serf; 47- Somite; 50- Hydrox rival; 53- Hot time in Paris; 54- Make poisonous; 58- More spine-tingling; 62Rich soil; 63- At right angles to a ships length; 66- Between white and black; 67- "___ She Lovely?"; 68- Suit fabric; 69- Acquire through merit; 70- Goes out with; 71- Cornered; 72- "___ quam videri" (North Carolina's motto); Down 1- Gas burner or Sicilian volcano; 2- Digits of the foot; 3- Not many; 4- Paste of inexpensive fish; 5Ball-game target; 6- Frequently; 7P.m.; 8- Monetary unit of India; 91961 Heston role; 10- Counterfeit; 11- Tent stick; 12- Goddess and sister of Ares in Greek mythology; 13- Go out with; 21- Deserter; 23Protection; 25- Pallid; 26- Chew vigorously; 27- Love, Italian-style; 28- Maritime; 29- Purchase; 31Connections; 32- Designer Geoffrey; 33- Diamond flaw?; 34-

Blank look; 39- DDE's com- SOLUTION - 528 mand; 40- Admit; 41- Half a fly; 42- Prestigious; 44- Comedian Philips; 48- Broke bread; 49- Company acquired by another; 51- Way to cook; 52- Cinder; 54Some Ivy Leaguers; 55- Centrepiece of the human face; 56- Turbine blade; 57- CPR experts; 59- Some nest eggs; 60- "…countrymen, lend me your ____"; 61Baseball's Sandberg; 64Before; 65- Candle ount;

Pg16

HE RA LD

SPORTS

GOA, Friday, 16 April, 2010

Standrik wins State chess title PANJIM (HSD) -- Standrik Colaco emerged champion with 8.5 points to remain unbeaten in the

ninth round of State Chess Championship at Clube Tennis de Gasper Dias, Mira Mar, on Thursday.

Former State champion Anurag Mhamal finished with 7.5 points while Niraj Saripalli took the third spot with 6.5 points. Umang Kaisary finished fourth with 6.5 points.

Other standings: Rishubh Naik(6.5) - 5th, Rohan Ahuja (6.5) - 6th, Pranav Zantye (6.5) - 7th, Akhilesh Rai (6) - 8th, Nandini Saripalli (6) - 9th, PM Kantak (6) - 10th.

Category prizes: U-7: 1st place - Swera Braganza, 2nd - Akanksha Naik; U-9: 1st - Stanford Pereira, 2nd - Vidula Dempo; U11: 1st - Gauri Hadkonkar, 2nd - Tatwesh Sawant; U-13: 1st Omkar Damle, 2nd Deepak Gopalan; U-15: 1st - Tejas Chari, 2nd - Adrian Almeida.

Yakubu strikes for E Bengal E Bengal…1 Mumbai FC…0 AGENCIES KOLKATA, APRIL 15

Yusif Yakubu put an end to East Bengal seven match winless streak as the Kolkata giants edged past Mumbai Football Club by a solitary goal in a round-21 of ONGC I-League at Salt Lake stadium, here on Thursday.

It was a match between two teams wary of relegation threat as both East Bengal and Mumbai were perishing at the bottom of the standings with 21 points following a winless patch.

B u t E a s t B e n g a l s c o re d through a penalty conversion

by Yusif in the second-half to help his team come back from slumber in the round 21 at Salt Lake Stadium Thursday.

East Bengal climbed to eighth place with three points taking their tally to 24 points, two points behind arch-rivals and last year's runners-up Mohun Bagan who are in the sixth place.

The Mumbai outfit remained in the drop zone with 21 points from 21 matches.

East Bengal did not have a very good first half with their usual mis-passes and wasted opportunities being the order of the day. Yusuf was missing the target more than once, while

captain Syed Rahim Nabi was no better. As a result, Mumbai FC remained unscathed in the first half.

Coach Phillippe de Ridder opted for Alvito d Cunha in the starting XI but there was no result as the veteran too finding it difficult to score. In the 12nd minute, Alvito missed again when his shot was cleared by the Mumbai defence with ease.

East Bengal however had the better ball possession. Nabi-Yusif combined but the Ghanaian striker could not find the target as they played out goalless in the first-half.

It was in the 59th minute when East Bengal got their best chance with a Mumbai defender bringing down Abel Hammond inside the box and a penalty was awarded

in favour of East Bengal. Yakubu converted from the spot to take East Bengal 1-0 in the 61st minute.

In the 72nd minute, Sanju Pradhan came in place of Nabi while Bhutia was brought in for Bekhokhei as East Bengal went all out but Mumbai held on without any further damage.

Mehtab Hussain was given the man-of-the match prize for his brilliant performance.

Dempo look to maintain lead i-league preview HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 15

Former champions Dempo Sports Club are confident of earning full points from their 21st round match of ONGC I-League when they meet Kolkata’s Chirag United at Nehru stadium, Fatorda tomorrow (Friday).

With just five rounds to go, Dempo need to garner as many

ONGC I-League soccer: Dempo SC v. Chirag United, Nehru stadium, Fatorda, 4 p.m.

All-India volleyball organised by Wilred Leisure Sports Club (women semis): SC Railway v. KSEB; St Joseph’s v.

Western Railway. Men semis: Cochin PT v. ICF, St Alex church court, Curtorim, from 7.30 p.m.

Merces volleyball (semis): Da Cruz, Mala v. Goa Police, Moloca volleyball court, 8 p.m.

South Goa volleyball: Vasco v. Cavelossim; Upasnagar v. Assolda. Cuncolim v. Raia, Butica court, Navelim, 7 p.m.

Sodiem Siolim trophy soccer: Sinquerim SC v. Sodiem Siolim SC, St Anthony’s Church ground, Siolim, 4.45 p.m.

Salgaocar soccer (quarters): Candolim SC v. St Savio SC, Saligao ground, 4.30 p.m.

GFA Taca Goa U-20 league soccer: Sesa Football Academy (Juniors) v. Vasco SC, Duler stadium, Mapusa, 4 p.m.

3rd Colormax Imperial Rolling Trophy soccer: F.C. Siolim v. Sao Minguel Taleigao, Dr Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.45 p.m.

Eslinda Alemao soccer: Varca SC v. Sarzora SC, Davorlim ground, 4.30 p.m.

Cayman Cup soccer: Sporting Club of Davorlim v. St Sebastian SC, Curtorim ground, 4.30 p.m.

3rd Colormax-Imperial Rolling Trophy soccer: FC Siolim v. Sao Minguel Taleigao, Dr, Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.45 p.m.

Goa Premier League cricket: Salgaocar SC v. Sarvodaya SC, Porvorim ground; Dempo CC v. Goa Sports Acade m y, Pa n j i m G y m k h a n a ; Chowgule SC v. Al-Fatah CC BITS Pilani ground, 9:30 a.m.

points as possible to ensure that they don’t slip down the standings. Dempo have 38 points from 20 matches and a win on Friday will ensure that they would inch closer to the title.

Chirag have 31 points from the same encounters and occupy the fourth spot.

Dempo buoyed by their fluent 1-0 win over East Bengal last week are determined to move forward against Chirag, who have not performed well in their previous game.

Dempo’s strong point has been their midfield marshalled by captain Anthony Pereira and with Robert Mendes da Silva, Clifford Miranda and Climax Lawrence. Dempo’s coach Armando Colaco is confident that his boys will dominate the midfield and they will not provide space to the rival attackers.

Abhijit Mondal will be at the goal while the goal scoring responsibility will rest on Ranty Martins and Joaquim Abranches.

“The boys are playing well

but I hope they capitalize on the chances. The midfield and forwards are combining well and the strikers have shown good form. I am confident that we will deliver tomorrow,” said Colaco “We have to focus on winning three points and will play our usual game and try to create chances. However, I have full respect for our opponents, who are also fighting for the title,” added Colaco.

The purple brigade is keen to snatch a point. “We don’t want to lose our away matches.

We will be happy with a win, if not a draw,” added Anjan Anjan will miss the services of goalkeeper Sandip Nandi, who has been red carded and injured S Malswamtuluanga.

Somnath Khara will replace Sandip Nadu under the bar.

Chirag too has an able strike force of Brazilians Edmilson Marques and Josimar Da Silva Martins. Captain Denson Devdas will play a lead role.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 15

Katkar 2 for 31 and Vivian Castelino 1 for 22.

In another match at Panjim Gymkhana ground, Goa Sports Academy which won the toss and elected to bat scored 262 for 7 in 76 overs against Dempo Cricket Club.

For GSA, Kernal Nar topscored with a dazzling 67, followed by useful contributions from Tushar Narvekar 51, Sayil Dhuri 21, Aditya Angle 22 not out, Damodar Lotliker 10 and Gajanan Azgaocar 10 not out. For Dempo, Amit Yadav took 3 for 72, Harpit Wasawada 2 for 64 and Arun Waghjee 2 for 54.

Salgaocar on top after Sagun’s century

A sparkling 114 by Sagun Kamat helped Salgaocar Sports Club reach 329 for 7 against Sarvodaya Sports Club in Goa Premier League Cricket tournament at Porvorim ground, on Monday.

Earlier, Sarvodaya won the toss and opted to field. Salgaocar scored 329 for 7 in 90 overs.

A brilliant 114 by Sagun Kamat (17x4s, 2x6s) followed by Kenan Vaz 74, Nihad Pawaskar 33, Hemant Shetgaocar 30 helped Salgaocar to post a commanding total. For Sarvodaya, Rohan Desai claimed 3 for 37, Advant

Varca in last eight

Aditya Barros e Pereira declaring the 3rd All-Goa Alvernaz and Lalush memorial football tournament open alongwith Valanka Alemao, Maria Rebello, Brahamanand Sankwalker, Regan Alemao and Warren Alemao.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 15

Varca Sports Club defeated Verna Sports Club 6-5 via the tie-breaker to move into the quarter-finals of 3rd All-Goa Alvernaz and Lalush memorial football tournament organised

by Churchill Brothers, at Varca ground, on Thursday. Verna led 1-0 at the break.

Verna shot into lead in the 20th minute through Wilson Fernandes off a pass from Santan Rego.

After the change of ends, Varca equalised in the dying minutes through Colombo Noronha.

In the ensuing tie-breaker, Villroy D’Cruz, Elvis Fernandes, Quelan Alemao, Carmo Rebello and Colombo converted for Varca while Verna found the net through John Costa, Santan Rego, Shawn Fernandes and Wilson Fernandes. Anthony Rego’s try was blocked by Reagan Alemao.

Valanka Alemao was the chief guest. Maria Rebello, ZP chairperson South Goa, Vincentina Fernandes, Varca Sarpanch and the Alemao family were also present. Wilson Fernandes was given the man-of-the match prize.

GOA DIARY Karate camp in Vasco

VASCO (HR) – A one-month free karate summer coaching camp organised by Woo Tao Kwoon International will be held at Terrace of Karma, Paes, Avenue Building, Vasco, from 7 to 8 a.m.

Details may be obtained on 9422386585.

5-a-side soccer at Bogmalo

VASCO (HR) – The All-Goa 5-a-side soccer tournament organised

by United Youth Club of Bogmalo in memory of James Alvares will be held on April 25 at Bogmalo beach. The winners, runners-up, third place and fourth place winners will receive Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively. Details may be obtained from Anthony 9673172269 or Alfio 9823752599.

Archery coaching camp

PANJIM (HSD) – The Amateur Archery Association, Goa, and SAG will organise a coaching camp for boys and girls, beginners, from April 19 to May 5 from 8 to 10 a.m. Those interested may contact Hotel Manoshanti or Gurudas Sawant, Kasturba Matosheree HS, Panjim on 9422739688.

Mario for referees course

PANJIM (HSD) – Goan referee Mario Malcom Pereira has been selected to attend the FA Level-1 international refereeing course organised by Abhijit Kadam Development Football Centre at Bharati Vidyapeeth Educational Complex, Satara Road, Dhankawadi, Pune from April 19 to 25, according to Goa Football Association.

Pg17

HE RA LD

SPORTS

GOA, Friday, 16 April, 2010

Govt awards Rs 5 lakh to ex-Olympian Franco

Lee likely to miss T20 WC UNI SYDNEY, APRIL 15

With Brett Lee struggling to regain fitness following a spate of injuries, his agent Neil Maxwell has indicated that the pacer might give the upcoming World Twenty20 championships a miss in the long term interest of his career. Lee is yet to recover from a broken thumb on his bowling hand, which he suffered while representing the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL. The 33-year-old had struggled to make an impact in the IPL after being forced to sit out for six months due to an elbow surgery and the latest injury has come as another severe blow.

But Maxwell suggested that Lee would not rush to be ready for the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, which starts later this month. ''The poor bloke has had a run of bad luck trying to get back in the swing of things, and this is a small setback,'' Maxwell was quoted as saying by the 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

lU-21 footballers also to get SAG cash awards HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 15

The Government ultimately kept up its promise and Goan, former Olympian Fortunato Franco will receive the special award of Rs 5 lakh on April 17, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, at 4.45 p.m.

Sports Minister, Babu Azgaonakr will hand over the cash award in the presence of SAG’s Executive Director, V M Prabhudesai.

Fortunato, on being informed

by Prabhudesai on Thursday afternoon, that he will receive the award on Saturday, telephoned the Sports Journalists Association of Goa (SJAG) President Jovito Lopes, to express his gratitude as the proposal was mooted by Jovito five years ago and the SAG under the chairmanship of the then Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane and the then Sports Minister Pandurang Madkaikar had accepted it promptly.

Fortunato was ecstatic when he said: “But for you and the SAG and the Government I would have never got the award.

My deep gratitude to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat for agreeing to release the amount in the last SAG meeting. I am also indebted to Sports Minister, Babu Azgaonkar and all the SAG members and Prabhudesai, for the wonder ful gesture, which should motivate all our youngsters and make them realise that the Government does recognise excellence.”

“I am also thankful to GFA’s Secretary, Savio Messias, first

for consistently backing Jovito at the SAG meetings and also for pursuing it subsequently and especially at the last SAG meeting when he brought up the topic as the accepted proposal was not being realised,” Fortunato remarked and added that the GFA had also helped him a lot.

“My hats off to SJAG, GFA, SAG, Government and all those who shaped my career and inspired me to get into football right from my childhood,” expressed Fortunato and added he always knew the power of the Press and that he had abundant faith in the Almighty.

n 74-year-old, Fortunato, hailing from Colvale (Bardez) and now residing at Colva (Salcete), donned National colours for India from 1959-65, without a break, having been the member of India team at Rome Olympics in 1960.

Seventy-four-year-old, Fortunato, hailing from Colvale (Bardez) and now residing at Colva (Salcete), donned National colours for India from 1959-65, without a break, having been the member of India team at

Rooney, Fabregas, Tevez, Drogba for PFA award

AgENCIES LONDON, APRIL 15

Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney is among the nominations for the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year award.

Rooney is joined on the fourman shortlist by Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Manchester City ace Carlos Tevez.

Rooney and Fabregas are also nominees for the young player of the year award.

Aston Villa midfielder James Milner and Birmingham City's on-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart complete that particular list.

Hart, 22, has spent the season on loan at St Andrew's from Manchester City.

Rooney, who has already scored 34 goals for his club this term, is favourite to capture the PFA prize and make it the fourth successive year it has gone to a United player.

Cristiano Ronaldo recorded back-to-back wins in 2007 and 2008, while Ryan Giggs was handed the honours last season.

Rooney, 24, and Fabregas, 22, will compete to join a select band of players to have won the young player award in the same season as the main honour.

Andy Gray, the former Aston Villa and Scotland striker, and Ronaldo achieved the feat in 1977 and 2007 respectively.

Both Rooney and Fabregas have already won the young player prize in the past. Rooney triumphed in 2005 and 2006, while Fabregas collected it in 2008.

Fabregas is currently injured and will miss the rest of the season after cracking his right fibula during the first leg of the Gunners' Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona.

But the Spaniard remains a key player for the Gunners, whose Premier League title aspirations were seemingly ended by their defeat by Tottenham on Wednesday.

BBC African Footballer of the Year Drogba, 32, has hit 32 goals to leave Chelsea on the brink of the first double in the club's history, while Tevez, 26, has also enjoyed a prolific campaign; netting 28 goals since joining City from neighbours United last summer.

The 24-year-old Milner, who looks like being a key player for England at this year's World Cup, is trying to emulate Aston Villa team-mate Ashley Young, who won the young player accolade last season.

OL Rosary triumph

The winners, Our Lady of Rosary Altar Servers, Fatorda team, alongwith the runners-up St Alex Alter Servers Association, Curtorim, in the presence of Fr Freddy Lobo and Fr Milagres Dias, Margao Deanery, at Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda.

PANJIM (HSD) -- Our Lady of Rosary Altar Servers, Fatorda scored a fluent 2-0 win over St Alex Altar Servers Association Curtorim to emerge champions in inter-Margao Deanery Altar Servers Tournament organised

by Margao Deanery at Don Bosco

Oratory ground, Fatorda.

Both goals were scored by Alison in the second half. OL Rosary have now qualified for the All-Goa State Deanerywise Altar Servers Soccer Tournament to be held on April 18, at Saligao seminary ground.

Rome Olympics in 1960.

Having represented India at Asia Cup in Ernakulam in 1959, right midfielder Fortunato caught the eye of the selectors and he was next in India team for Olympics. He was the member of India squad which won the Asian Games gold in Jakarta in 1962 and played in preOlympic matches against Sri Lanka (Ceylon then) and Iran in 1963.

In 1961, 1964, 1965 he was a regular member of the India team at Merdeka football championship.

Fortunato always played for Tata Sports Club in Mumbai and belonged to the old school of thought of serving loyally just one master no matter what. He was the vice-captain of the Maharashtra team which won the Santosh Trophy National football championship in 1963 in then Madras and that too without conceding a single goal in the entire event.

Fortunato was in a jubilant mood and was looking to celebrate his birthday on May 2, perhaps with champagne being popped off.

Meanwhile, the Goa State team which won the National Under-21 crown will be also be presented with cash awards of Rs 15,000 to each member also on April 17.

Savio Messias highlighted the role played by Prabhudesai in getting the proposal okayed by the Government.

“In fact, the cheques were kept ready long back,” he added.

Porto in Portuguese Cup final REUTERS LISBON, APRIL 15

Porto thrashed Rio Ave 4-0 at home in the second leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-final to book a place in the final against second division side Desportivo Chaves.

Argentine midfielder Fernando Belluschi opened the scoring on 20 minutes with Fredy Guarin, Ruben Micael and Radamel Falcao netting in the second half to give holders Porto a 7-1 aggregate victory yesterday.

Chaves, who are struggling near the bottom of the second division, reached the final for the first time on Tuesday by scoring two goals in extra time to beat top-tier team Naval 2-1 away and post a 3-1 aggregate win.

The final will be played in Lisbon on May 16.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose fires in a wonderful volley from outside the area.

Spurs crush Arsenal’s title hopes AgENCIES LONDON, APRIL 15

Tottenham Hotspur dealt a potentially fatal blow to north London rivals Arsenal's Premier League title hopes with a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

A superb Danny Rose volley and a second from Gareth Bale edged Nicklas Bendtner's second half effort to hand Spurs a first league win over Arsene Wenger's side in 11 years.

The defeat leaves third-placed Arsenal six points behind leaders Chelsea with four games remaining. Spurs stay fifth on 61 points, one behind Manchester City after 33 matches.

Dramapur Sports Club prevailed over Macazana Welfare Club 52 via the tie-breaker to march into the quarter-finals of Cayman Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Curtorim Gymkhana at Curtorim ground, on Thursday. The teams shared two goals each at the end of the regulation period.

Macazana were the first to settle down and took the lead in the 12th minute when Vicky Cardozo unleashed a snap shot which beat the Dramapur goalkeeper.

However, their joy was shortlived as Dayberon Noronha neutralized the lead with a swift shot off a pass from Nickson Rebello in the 17th minute.

In the second half, Dramapur

Wenger conceded his team's title prospects were now remote but refused to give up the fight.

Elsewhere, seventh-placed Aston Villa salvaged a late 2-2 draw against Everton, who are in eighth spot. Tim Cahill headed in both Everton's goals either side of Gabriel Agbonlahor's second-half header before Phil Jagielka's injury-time own goal levelled it.

At the bottom of the table, relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic were held 0-0 at home by already condemned Portsmouth to leave them five points clear of the drop zone in 16th place.

Wenger sent his side into the London derby with a must-win message if they were to secure a first league title since 2004

but their strong start was halted by a stunning Rose strike.

The 19-year-old midfielder made sure his first Premier League start was one to remember when he met Arsenal goalkeeper's Manuel Almunia’s punched clearance with a crashing 30 metre volley which rocketed in on 10 minutes.

It got worse for Arsenal soon after when key defender Thomas Vermaelen limped off injured and despite dominating possession Wenger's side had no answer to Tottenham's resilience.

Immediately after the restart, Gareth Bale was left unmarked and onside to calmly slot a second for the hosts. Boosted by the late introduction of Theo Walcott and Dutchman Robin van

Persie, back after a five-month injury absence, Arsenal began to rally.

Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner slid home on 85 minutes and defender Sol Campbell, who had an effort cleared off the line in the first half, had a late header tipped onto the bar against his old club.

Spurs, with Ledley King back in defence after seven weeks out injured, nullified Arsenal for long periods with a strong defensive display and are now firmly in the race for the fourth Champions League qualifying place.

Aston Villa's push for that very same position continued to falter with their draw against a resurgent Everton side now unbeaten in seven league matches.

Dope tainted pacer Mohammad Asif has landed in hot water once again after allegedly threatening his ex-girlfriend Veena Malik.

According to reports, Veena has been receiving threatening emails and text messages from Asif, which the actress was planning to use as evidence in court.

The actress also alleged that the pacer is still doing drugs and may even ask the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to conduct another dope test on Asif, which she believes, may be positive. ''Veena has told people close to her that Asif still spends a lot of his earnings on drugs and that he would fail a dope test again,'' a source was quoted as saying by 'The News'.

At a jubilant Nou Camp stadium, mid-table Depor became the latest of Barca's opponents to spend long periods chasing the ball as the peerless Xavi again ran the show in midfield.

With striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Andres Iniesta injured, Guardiola fielded an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 starting lineup, with Bojan leading the line in front of Lionel Messi, Pedro and Jeffren.

Spain midfielder Xavi cracked open the visitors' defence to release Bojan to score from close range in the 16th minute before a spectacular overhead kick from

the energetic Daniel Alves came back off the crossbar. Messi and Rafael Marquez also had efforts cleared off the line by defenders.

Pedro's goal in the 69th minute was easily the pick of the three.

An attempted clearance from Daniel Aranzubia went straight to the 22-year-old and he lifted a spectacular first-time effort over the Depor goalkeeper and into the empty net from just inside the visitors' half.

Aranzubia had earlier kept Depor in the match with saves from Messi, Xavi and Jeffren but was beaten again three minutes

later when Toure's powerful strike crashed in off a defender.

Barca have 83 points with six matches remaining. Real are on 77 with a game in hand and Valencia, who host Athletic Bilbao later today trail on 56 in third.

Real Mallorca climbed above Sevilla into Spain's fourth Champions League qualification berth earlier on Wednesday when they drew 1-1 at struggling Real Zaragoza.

The Balearic Islanders have 52 points to Sevilla's 51 after the Andalucians' 2-1 defeat at relegation threatened Real Valladolid on Tuesday.

Atletico Madrid, who play the

first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Liverpool on April 22, suffered a shock 2-1 loss to bottom side Xerez.

A sixth win of the campaign for tiny Xerez, who are making their La Liga debut and have a budget about a 10th the size of Atletico's, puts them on 26 points with six matches left, still six from safety.

Racing Santander pulled away from the relegation places with a 3-1 comeback win at home to Espanyol, who had goalkeeper Carlos Kameni sent off in the 46th minute, and Osasuna twice surrendered the lead to draw 22 with visiting Malaga.

Barcelona took another step towards retaining their La Liga title when goals from Bojan Krkic, Pedro and Yaya Toure fired them to a 3-0 home win over Deportivo Coruna.

Saturday's 2-0 victory over arch rivals Real Madrid had put Pep Guardiola's side three points clear at the top and their latest crushing triumph yesterday extended their advantage to six ahead of Real's match at Almeria today.

were the first to settle down and were rewarded when Dickson Costa slotted past the rival goalkeeper after picking up a pass from Piedade Rebello in the 45th minute.

W ith time running out, Macazana mounted pressure and found the equalizer in the 58th minute, when Jameson Noronha sent a floater into the danger zone where Franky D’Costa bulged the net giving no chance to the rival goalkeeper.

In the tie-breaker, Dramapur scored through Dickson Costa, Nickson Rebello and U. Soares while Macazana failed to convert any spot kick.

Antonio Rebello, former Salgaocar footballer was the chief guest and was introduced to the teams.

KSEB spikers ahead HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 15

KSEB overcame ICF 25-15, 2515, 15-25, 25-20 in All-India Wilred Leisure Volleyball tournament at St Alex church court, Curtorim.

Nerul up

PANJIM (HSD) -- United Club Nerul scored a fluent 2-0 win over Sodiem Sports Club to move into the quarter-finals of 3rd Colormax Imperial Rolling Trophy soccer tournament sponsored by Jaysingh L Rane at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, on Thursday.

A f t e r t h e l e m o n b re a k , Charles Pereira opened the account for Nerul with a power packed shot in the 45th minute.

Minutes later, Xavier Clemente made it 2-0 through a header off Sydney Monteiro’s cross.

Carmona sail into quarters HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 15

Carmona Sports Club edged past Curtorim Gymkhana 5-3 via the tie-breaker to cruise into the quarter-finals of All-Goa Eslinda Alemao memorial intervillage football tournament organized by Sporting Club of Davorlim at Davorlim ground, on Thursday . Curtorim led 1-0 at the breather.

Nuvem advance

Sporting breeze past Dempo

CALANGUTE (HC) -- Parish Youth Nuvem scored a narrow 2-1 win over Saligao Sporting Club in Salgaocar trophy inter-village football tournament at Saligao sporting ground, on Thursday.

Nuvem shot into lead in the 15th minute through Xavier Colaco. Joe Colaco doubled the lead for Nuvem in the 25th minute.

Saligao reduced the margin through Joseph Monteiro.

in the 7th minute through Flody D’Souza who guided the ball into the top corner of the net after receiving a pass from Cliff Barretto.

Three minutes later, Sporting captain Mackroy Piexoto was trying to clear a corner and the ball hit Dempo’s Velzino Cruz on the back and deflected over Sporting custodian Oswin Rodrigues to give Dempo their equaliser.

Sporting’s Mackroy came

PANJIM ( HSD) -- Britona Boys scored a 35-run win over Ideal Advalpal in a T20 cricket organised

by Badem SC.Britona were 116 for 4. Vishant 32, followed by Sanjay 22 and Prasad 28 for Britona. For Ideal, Dilip claimed 2 for 11, while Chetan took 1 for 23.Ideal were bowled out for 81. Ashok 14, Rupesh 14 and Viyayanand 10. Prasad claimed 4 for 19.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, APRIL 15

Sporting Clube de Goa edged past Dempo Sports Club 2-1 in Taca Goa U-20 League at Duler stadium, Mapusa on Thursday.

The score was 1-1 at the breather.

In the 60th minute Sporting were reduced to ten men after Pritam Ningthougam was rightly sent off by referee Sunil Nanodkar for his second yellow.

Sporting opened the scoring

close to scoring in the 33rd minute through a free kick which narrowly missed the target.

In the 80th minute, Sporting scored the match-winner through Mackroy who neatly headed the ball from a corner taken by Valzino Fernandes. Dempo defender Prathamesh Mauligkar did his best to clear the ball on the goalline but the ball rolled back off the crossbar.

Britona Boys win

15 Calangute football players to be felicitated PANJIM (HSD) -- Fifteen star footballers of yesteryears from Calangute will be honoured by Football Legends at a felicitation function on April 24 at Poriat ground, Calangute at 4 p.m.

Bonny Sieiro of Football Legends disclosed that the awards will be presented to former stars of Calangute for their splendid

UNI LAHORE, APRIL 15

Barca extend lead over Real to six

REUTERS MADRID, APRIL 15

Dramapur prove better shooters HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 15

Asif lands in fresh row

contribution for football, the beautiful game. Among the 15 is the lone women footballer, exinternational Yolanda de Sousa.

Bonny said that those who will be felicitated are – Alex Miranda, Anthony D’Sousa, Peter Carvalho, Bruno Coutinho, Peter S Gomes, Alex J Coutinho, Anthony F D’Sousa, Bhasker

Gadekar, Digambar Haldankar, Zacharias S Fernandes, Namshed B Kundaikar, Sebastiao N Silveira, Luis T Gonsalves, Romeo C Mascarenhas and Yolanda.

The function will be followed by an exhibition match between Calangute Association and Siolim Sodiem.

The awards will be presented

every year and players from other areas or villages will be selected hereafter, Bonny divulged.

Peter Carvalho, technical director and Cyriaco Dias, adviser were also present.

Presently, Football Legends are engaged in imparting coaching to children at Calangute.

Curtorim controlled the game well with Savio Fernandes excelling in the midfield and repeatedly spraying accurate passes.

Curtorim broke the deadlock midway in the opening session when John Fernandes unleashed a volley which crashed into the net.

In the second half, Carmona put up a better display and found the equaliser in the dying minutes when Charles Ro drigues found the net with a swift grounder.

In the tie-breaker, Yuri Ferrao, Eloy Pereira, Neil D’Cruz and Alex Rodrigues were on target for Carmona while John Fernandes and Savio Fernandes converted for Curtorim.

Nadal in last eight REUTERS MONTE CARLO, APRIL 15

World number three Rafa Nadal continued his destruction business at the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-0 6-1 demolition of German Michael Berrer to reach the quarter-finals today.

D a v i d Fe r re r r u t h l e s s l y brought Ivan Ljubicic down to earth with a 6-0 7-6 victory and his compatriots Albert Montanes and Fernando Verdasco also reached the quarter-finals.

Ferrer will face Germany's Philipp Petzschner or Philipp Kohlschreiber for a place in the last four, with a possible match up against claycourt machine Nadal looming.

Montanes beat Croatian fourth seed Marin Cilic 6-4 6-4 while Verdasco, seeded sixth, recovered from a shaky start to see off Czech Tomas Berdych 57 6-3 6-2.

SPORTS

Spurs crush Arsenal’s title hopes Pg. 17

Yakubu strikes for E Bengal Pg. 16

GOA, FRIDAY, 16 APRIL, 2010

www.oherald.in

Pg18

Gambhir guides Delhi to victory AGENCIES CHENNAI, APRIL 15

TODAYS FIXTURE Kings XI Punjab v.

Deccan Chargers, Dharamsala, 8 pm

Virender Sehwag and teammates celebrate the wicket of Mathew Hayden of Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Thursday.

Gautam Gambhir hit an unbeaten half-century to guide Delhi Daredevils to a six-wicket victory against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League match here, on Thursday.

In a low-scoring encounter played under hot and humid conditions, Delhi kept their cool in a tense run chase to reach 113 for four in 18.4 overs to inch closer to the semi-finals.

Gambhir ended his run of poor scores as he led from the front with a fighting innings of 57 from 56 balls, having hit four boundaries. The Delhi captain was involved in an unbroken stand of 75 runs in 70 deliveries for the fifth wicket with Mithun Manhas, who made 25 from 32 balls.

Earlier, Ashish Nehra took three wickets to restrict Chennai Super Kings to 112 for nine in their 20 overs.

Electing to bat, Chen-

India not to play warm-ups ahead of T20 WC: ICC AGENCIES DUBAI, APRIL 15

Team Mumbai Bangalore Delhi Chennai Rajasthan Deccan Kolkata Punjab

P 12 13 13 13 13 12 12 12

W 9 7 7 6 6 6 5 4

L 3 6 6 7 7 6 7 8

NR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

PTS 18 14 14 12 12 12 10 8

Busy slogging it out in the Indian Premier League right now, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men will not play any warm-up matches ahead of the Twenty20 World Championships in the West Indies.

"India has elected not to play any warm-up matches while Sri Lanka has opted to play only one warm-up match," the ICC said in a statement detailing the schedule of the practice games of other teams.

The Indian women's team will, however, play a couple of

Saina, Aditi in quarters; Kashyap shown door asian badminton UNI NEW DELHI, APRIL 15

Top seed Saina Nehwal and Aditi Mutatkar surged into the quarter-finals of the women's singles but it was curtains for India in the men's singles after Parupalli Kashyap's valiant effort ended in defeat at the Asian Badminton Championships here today.

The famed pair of Jwala Gutta and D Viju survived some anxious moments in the first game to move into the quarter-finals of the mixed doubles with a 2422, 21-15 win against the Chinese Taipei pair of Sheng Mu Lee and Yu Chin Chien.

Saina lived up to her top billing in the tournament with a convincing 21-14, 21-16 win over Malaysian Julia Pei Xian Wong as she wrapped up the match in just 27 minutes.

Joining her in the quarter-finals was Pune girl Aditi who came up trumps against Hsiao Huan Chen of Chinese Taipei 2321, 21-11.

While Saina will be up against another Malaysian Mew Choo Wong in the last 16 stage, Aditi will face Chinese qualifier Xin Liu, who upset eighth seed Japanese Sayaka Sato 19-21, 217, 21-11 today.

Rupesh Kumar and Sanave Thomas gave more reasons to cheer to the home fans when

the third seeded pair beat Patipat Chalardchaleam and Thitipong Lapoe of Thailand 21-14, 21-15 in their second match of the day to sail into the quarterfinals of the men's doubles.

However, there was disappointment in store as well for the hosts as Kashyap, the lone Indian in the men's singles, crashed out of the event with a 16-21, 21-18, 13-21 loss to seventh seed Yun Hu of Hong Kong.

The biggest upset of the day however, came when Hsuan Yi Hseuh of Chinese Taipei brought down to earth top seed Taufiq Hidayat of Indonesia with a 2220, 21-16 verdict in his favour.

Earlier in the evening, Saina proved to be a hard nut to crack for her Malaysian rival as the Indian ace did not even have to pull out the best strokes in her armoury and yet she made it look very easy, especially in the first game.

The world number six used her deft touches at the net exceptionally well as her opponent made umpteen mistakes in her net play.

But there were some hiccups for Sania in the next game as after a healthy 5-0 lead, she was pulled back by the Malaysian who in fact took a 13-11 lead.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Aditi showed nerves of steel in her opening game and then grew in confidence to make her way

IT officials visit IPL, Modi offices PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 15

With allegations and counter allegations over the bidding process, Income Tax officials today visited the headquarters of the cash-rich IPL and office of its Commissioner Lalit Modi to inquire into financial details and share holding patterns of all the league franchisees.

Official sources said the team's visit was part of a "source probe" that has been initiated by the Revenue Department to look into the financing aspects of the multicrore IPL in the wake of the controversy over the funding of IPL Kochi, the new franchisee.

IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi said the IT team's visit was only an inquiry and not a raid and assured that the IPL will "fully cooperate" in the inquiry.

Modi has threatened to sue Rendezvous Sports. The action comes after Rendevous alleged that Modi had bribed them to withdraw from the race. Terming as "rubbish" the charges, Modi said: "Are they mad. Who will offer them what they say Rs 200 crore.

I will take legal recourse."

into the quarters.

Aditi and Chen were going neck and neck in the first game and were locked at 20-all before the Indian surged into the lead to go one-up.

After a close first game, Aditi had figured out her opponent's game and did not give her much of a chance to seal the issue in 33 minutes.

Shruti Kurian and Aparna Balan won their first match of the day relatively comfortable but their inexperience was exposed by sixth seed Chinese pair of Pan Pan and Qing Tian who thrashed them 21-10, 21-12.

Also in the women's doubles, Tarun Kona and Jishnu Sanyal lost to Nguyen Khang Huynh and Hoang Nam Nguyen of Vietnam 18-21, 21-13, 16-21, while Arun Vishnu and Akshay Dewalkar were other casualty in the men's doubles.

Jwala Gutta and her partner Ashwini Ponappa battled hard against the Indonesian pair of Meiliana Jauhari and Greysia Polii in the women's doubles but all their efforts went invain as they lost 18-21, 21-15, 2117.

While Taufiq made made an unexpected exit, his arch rival Lin Dan of China ensured that he moves ahead to the quarterfinal with a 21-8, 21-17 over Tien Chen Chu of Chinese Taipei.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister M S Gill today ridiculed the ongoing ownership row involving the Kochi franchise, saying it is "just not cricket".

"I have heard about it and all I can say is that it is just not cricket," said Gill, who has criticised the IPL in the past for commercialising the game by changing the rules and for allowing alcohol inside stadiums.

The IPL Kochi controversy deepened today amid allegations that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and IPL Commisioner Lalit Modi had come together to get a new team for Ahmedabad.

Bringing Narendra Modi in the line of fire, Kochi franchise spokesman Satyajit Gaikwad said everyone knew about his "nexus" with Lalit Modi and the concerted effort by them to deprive Kochi of IPL team and get a slot for Gujarat.

Meanwhile, miffed by Lalit Modi's style of functioning that has spawned a lot of controversies, a move is afoot in the BCCI to clip his wings as the commissioner.

practice matches against England (May 2) and South Africa (May 3).

The Championship starts April 30, just five days after the IPL ends in Mumbai.

"With just 16 days to go before the first match takes place in Guyana on April 30, both the men's and women's teams will play a series of warm-up matches against either other competing teams or host XIs where a competing team is not available," the ICC said.

"The men's teams will play their warm-ups from 27 to 29 April in Barbados, St Lucia and Guyana while the women will play on 2 and 3 May in St Kitts.

In line with previous ICC events, none of these matches will carry official Twenty20 International status," it added.

nai's batsmen failed to live upto expectations and lost wickets at regular intervals. S Badrinath top scored with 30 from 29 balls, adding vital runs at the end with Doug Bollinger (16 not out) to take Chennai past the 100-run mark after they were reeling at 77 for eight at one stage.

Nehra was the most successful bowler, claiming three for 26, while Virender Sehwag claimed two for 18 in four overs.

In reply, Delhi were off to a horror start as they were reduced to six for three in the second over.

David Warner was caught in the covers off R Ashwin in the first over for a duck and Doug Bollinger followed it up with two wickets in the next over.

First Sehwag was gobbled up

by Matthew Hayden for four, who took an overhead catch at first slip while Tillakaratne Dilshan was bowled off an inside edge for one.

Dinesh Karthik made 13 from 16 balls before he top edged a pull shot and was taken at midwicket off Shadab Jakati.

The struggling Matthew Hayden got an early lifeline when he was dropped by Gautam Gambhir even before he had scored a run in the first over from Dirk Nannes.

However, Hayden didn't make most of that reprieve and was caught in the covers off Ashish Nehra in the next over for one.

Chennai were dealt another big blow in the next over when

Chennai Super Kings: Murali Vijay c D Karthik b A Nehra 17, Matthew Hayden c P Collingwood b A Nehra 1, M S Dhoni (c) (wk) c M Manhas b D Nannes 0, Suresh Raina c U Yadav b T Dilshan 15, Michael Hussey c T Dilshan b V Sehwag 15, Subramaniam Badrinath c D Warner b A Nehra 30, Albie Morkel c P Collingwood b V Sehwag 1, Ravichandran Ashwin run out (A Mishra) 6, Lakshmipathy Balaji lbw b A Mishra 3, Doug Bollinger not out 16. Extras: 8. Total: 112 for 9.

Fall of wickets: 1/9, 2/13, 3/23, 4/52, 5/53, 6/55, 7/72, 8/77, 9/112.

Bowling: Dirk Nannes 3-0-25-1, Ashish Nehra 4-0-26-3, Umesh Yadav 1-0-11-0, Tillakaratne Dilshan 4-0-19-1, Virender Sehwag 4-0-18-2, Amit Mishra 4-0-13-1.

Delhi Daredevils: V Sehwag c Hayden b Bollinger 4,David Warner c Vijay b Ashwin 0,T Dilshan b Bollinger 1,G Gambhir not out 57,Dinesh Karthik c Badrinath b Jakati 13,Mithun Manhas not out 25. Extras: 13. Total: 113-4. Fall of wickets: 1-1, 5-2, 6-3, 38-4, 7. Bowling: D Bollinger 4-0-24-2, Shadab Jakati 3-0-14-1, Albie Morkel 2.4-0-16-0, L Balaji 2-0-16-0, Suresh Raina 3-0-15-0.

captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni pulled a short delivery from Nannes straight to Mithun Manhas at square leg to be dismissed for a duck.