16 FEB,2011 HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

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Sports: Players banned from tweeting Pg 16 There is a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will.

— Shakespeare

IN BRIEF Egypt-style stir grips Bahrain Thousands of protesters poured into a main square in Bahrain’s capital in an Egyptstyle rebellion that sharply escalated pressure on authorities as the Arab push for change gripped the Gulf for the first time. Security forces have battled demonstrators over two days, leading to the deaths of two protesters. In a clear sign of concern over the widening crisis, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa made a rare national TV address, offering condolences for the deaths, pledging an investigation into the killings. – (AP)

‘Bugged’ passengers detain train Unable to bear the bite of bugs, about 60 passengers of an A/C coach of Jammu Tavi Express detained the train here for nearly two hours and continued the journey in a new compartment. Railway sources said passengers of a three-tier A/C Coach of the express coming from Mangalore, complained about the presence of large number of bugs in the compartment, but to no avail. When the train was about to depart around 1.30 am, nearly 60 passengers of the coach pulled the chain and sat on the platform refusing to allow the train to move, they said. — (PTI)

Business: EPFO for 9.5% interest; Pg 12 not to invest in bourses

(air surcharge Rs 2.00) pages 16 + 4

India: Bryan Adams Delhi concert cancelled Pg 7

SC upholds Koli’s death rap PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 15

The “barbaric” Nithari rapistcum- serial killer Surinder Koli’s death sentence for the murder of a 14-year-old girl in 2005 was today upheld by the Supreme Court which described his act as “horrifying” and one of the rarest of the rare cases.

Holding that the appellant, Koli, “appears to be the serial killer”, the court said, “These cases in our opinion fall within the category of the rarest of the rare cases. No mercy can be shown to him”, a Bench of Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Misra said, while giving the verdict in the Rimpa Haldar murder case.

The judges confirmed in just 90 minutes the death sentence of 39-year-old Koli, who has also been awarded capital punishment by the trial court in three other cases of rape and killing of young women and children in Nithari village near Noida on the outskirts of the national capital.

A total of 16 cases were registered against Koli and his businessmen employer Moninder

What the SC Bench said…

These cases in our opinion fall within the category of the rarest of the rare cases.

No mercy can be shown to him.

The confessions had been made voluntarily before the magistrate and there are no defects in them.

The crime of Koli is “horrifying” and “barbaric”; he used a definite methodology in committing the murders.

Although it is a case of circumstantial evidence, we are of the opinion that the entire chain of circumstances… has been established by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt.

Singh Pandher (54), who was also sentenced to death in Rimpa Haldar case, but he was acquitted by the Allahabad High Court. Pandher is facing trial in several of the other Nithari cases, which surfaced in December 2006.

While confirming Koli’s death

sentence, the apex court kept pending with itself the CBI appeal against acquittal of Pandher, saying any order passed against him or in his favour can have a bearing on remaining cases which are at the trial stage.

Relying upon the Koli’s confessional statement, in which

Silvio Berlusconi: politics and women

Italian Prime Minister weakened by underage sex allegations

he had given “graphic details” of how he used to allure and kill young girls in Noida, the Bench said, “The confessions had been made voluntarily before the magistrate and there are no defects in them.”

The Bench confirmed Koli’s death sentence, first awarded

Annul S-band spectrum deal, CCS told PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 15

The Space Commission has recommended to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) that the controversial S-Band spectrum deal between ISRO’s commercial arm Antrix and private firm Devas Multimedia be immediately annulled.

The Space Commission made this recommendation in a note to the CCS, saying priority is required to be given to the country’s strategic requirements including societal ones. The CCS is chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Department of Space may take necessary steps and give instructions for scrapping the Antrix-Devas Agreement, according to the Commission’s draft note.

Govt inching towards JPC Government gave further signals about the formation of a JPC to probe the 2G scam, but the BJP’s demand for widening its scope was rejected by the Congress. “You will have no problems on that score”, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal reportedly told Chief whips of various political parties. — (PTI)

Arihant pays guarantee for Princess To sign pact with Govt shortly HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 15

Arihant Ship Breakers, the Mumbai-based company engaged for breaking the grounded M V River Princess off Candolim beach, on Tuesday paid the performance guarantee of Rs 10 crore, thus paving the way for signing the agreement between the State Government and the former.

Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik on Tuesday evening confirmed that the company had paid the performance guarantee

and the Government was expected to a sign formal agreement with the company shortly, but after obtaining the necessary clearance from the Customs.

Naik said they were likely to get the customs clearance this week notifying Britona jetty as the notified Customs Point as required under law. Broken parts of the vessel will be moved via sea to Britona jetty to be transported elsewhere.

The Government has also got clearance from Goa State Pollution Control Board today allowing the company to carry out the work of the ship breaking.

However, clearance from the

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) authority is yet to come.

The issue of removal of the grounded ship has seen many a storm within the State administration. In 2005, Crosschem International Pvt Ltd, the UKbased company which was

awarded the contract to remove the vessel, failed to carry out the salvage operation. The company had also not submitted a bank guarantee and the contract was later terminated as it kept delaying the work.

Then came Jaisu Shipping, a Gujarat-based company, which was awarded the contract in 2006. It too failed to complete the work within the stipulated time. The bank guarantee of Rs 5.5 crore submitted by the company was forfeited. The company remained in possession of the vessel for almost three years blocking the removal of the vessel.

Nigerian drug peddler came as a student SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT PANJIM, FEB 15

Nigerian drug peddler Daniel Fernandez, who was caught along with Bhanu Chander alias DJ Nash, the son of a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, for allegedly peddling cocaine to one Murali, brother of Telugu film actress Jeevitha and his associate P Rambabu in Hyderabad on Saturday, came to India as a student and did an IT course at NIIT Chandigarh, before taking to the drug trade.

According to a report in the ‘New Indian Express’, Daniel is the son of a doctor and is a qualified chemical engineer. His confession, recorded by the cops and submitted in the Nampally court in Hyderabad, says that after completing his engineering course, he opened a clothing shop in Nigeria, but had to wind it up after heavy losses. He then

came to India to pursue a sixmonth IT course in Chandigarh.

For some time after he completed the course, Daniel shuttled between Nigeria and India. In July 2010, he made Goa his base and has since been peddling drugs. It was around this time that Chander alias DJ Nash met Daniel in Goa. Nash had moved to Goa from Hyderabad in March 2010, and was working in various pubs.

Allegedly a drug addict himself, Nash became a regular customer for Daniel. Nash made friendships with several foreigners, especially Africans, and allegedly started selling cocaine in Hyderabad.

“I started selling it to several persons in Hyderabad. Over time, it became a full-time vocation, as it turned out to be much more lucrative than my original profession. I made easy money”, Nash has said in his confession.

by a CBI special court in Ghaziabad and later endorsed by the High Court, dismissing his appeal in one of the 16 cases.

Describing the crime of Koli as “horrifying” and “barbaric”, the court said that he used a definite methodology in committing the murders.

“He would see small girls passing by the house, and taking advantage of their weakness lured them inside the house and there he would strangulate them and after killing them he tried to have sex with the body and would then cut off their body parts and eat them,” the court said.

The court also turned down the plea of Koli that death penalty cannot be awarded on the circumstantial evidence.

“Although it is a case of circumstantial evidence, we are of the opinion that the entire chain of circumstances connecting the accused Surendra Koli with the crime has been established by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt,” the Bench said, adding people can be hanged on the basis of circumstantial evidence.

Margao to host IFFI opener

Ravindra Bhavan to be upgraded HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 15

The inaugural scene of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) would be shifted from Panjim to Margao this year, officials stated.

Sources from the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) stated the Ravindra Bhavan at Margao would be upgraded to meet the standards required to host the inaugural ceremony of IFFI 2011.

Since 2004, when the festival shifted to Goa, the inaugural is being held at Kala Academy, except on one occasion when it was held at the Inox courtyard.

Sources stated the decision to shift the inauguration to South Goa was reiterated by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday during his meeting with Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary Raghu Menon.

Menon discussed extensively on plans for upgrading Ravindra Bhavan for holding the inaugural of the film fest. He also expressed happiness over the pro-

Chidambaram agrees to review transfer order PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 15

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today agreed to review the transfer of several top officials of Delhi Government following a request by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Chidambaram gave the assurance to Dikshit when she called on him seeking review of the transfers on the ground that allowing the top officials to go from Delhi will severely affect the budget-making exercise.

“The issue has been sorted out”, Dikshit said in a brief comment after the meeting.

The Centre had on Friday transferred Principal Secretary (PWD) K K Sharma, Delhi Jal Board CEO Ramesh Negi, Commissioner of Trade and Taxes Jalaj Srivastava, Transport Commissioner R K Verma and Industries Commissioner Chetan Sanghi out of Delhi.

Top sources indicated that the Home Ministry agreed to give extension to two-three officers till depending on pending projects.

They said Srivastava, who was moved to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will continue to stay in his current position till March while Negi will be allowed to stay till August. They said Verma will also stay back for sometime.

posed Festival Auditorium and Media Centre at Inox for the festival.

Earlier, Secretary and Commissioner, Information and Publicity, Narendra Kumar, made a presentation on the proposed project in the presence of Chief Secretary, Sanjay Srivastava, at Marquiniz palace. D P Reddy, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, was also present.

“The Festival Auditorium and Media Centre to be set up will be unique and the same has to be ready by September 2012 at any cost”, Menon mentioned.

He felt that the State needs (Continued on page 10)

Madkaikar made chairman of SC, ST Commission HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 15

Former transport minister and Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar has been appointed as chairman of Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe Commission with Cabinet status. Madkaikar was dropped from the Cabinet about two years ago to accommodate MGP MLA Sudin Dhavlikar.

The Cumbharjua MLA since the last two years had been lobbying hard to get back his place in the Cabinet but his moves were not successful. Those close to the MLA said it appears for now he would have to be content with chairmanship of the SC & ST Commission.

Sources said Sharma, who has been appointed as adviser to the administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, is being relieved with immediate effect.

The governor of Punjab is exofficio administrator of Chandigarh.

They said in the next few days, a modified transfer order will be issued making these adjustments.

While Verma has been transferred to Goa, Negi was moved to the northeastern State of Arunachal Pradesh.

Listen, if we perform well here, next we will nominate candidates for University elections, College elections, school elections...

OHERALDO

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY,

MMC seizes goods in major raids against encroachers HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 15

The Margao Municipal Council on Tuesday cracked a whip against encroachments in the city – the first since the new Civic Chairperson Sushila Naik took over the reigns of office in November last year.

Furniture worth around Rs two lakh was confiscated from the old market circle by a municipal team led by Market Inspector Dulcina, while another team headed by Mohan Arlekar seized fruits from vendors at the Power House junction, Aquem.

Visitors to the municipal building were greeted by sofa sets and other furniture items as civic workers dumped the seized items right at the entrance for want of storage space.

It was only later around noon that the goods were housed in the building, while Municipal Chief Officer Prasanna Acharya issued instructions to dispose off the perishable fruits.

However, like in the past, the Civic administration appeared uncertain how to dispose off the furniture items for want of a clear cut policy on auctioning of the confiscated goods. Over the years, the Civic administration had been following a policy

Sofa sets welcomed visitors to the Margao Civic body on Tuesday after a raid by the market inspectors against encroachments.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

of returning the confiscated goods to the owners upon levying a fine.

Sources in the know, however, said this practice has had no effect on the unscrupulous traders and vendors, who got away with meager fines, only to continue the encroachments on the city footpaths, pavements and market areas.

When the market inspectors were questioned whether the

goods would be returned back to the owners after imposing fines, they had no clear-cut answer, adding that the question would be answered only by the Chief Officer, Acharya, who was not available in the office this evening.

Says a Civic officer: “The practice of returning back the confiscated goods to the owners have only emboldened unscrupulous traders

and vendors to violate the high court orders with impunity. Unless, the Municipal Administration opts for the auctioning of the goods, the prevailing practice will not act as a deterrence on the violators”.

Meanwhile, the Municipal workers also cleared encroachments and extensions to fast food kiosks near the old station road on Tuesday.

Residents demand strict action in molestation case HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, FEB 15

In an unusual show of solidarity, about 100 residents from Cuncoliem-Ponda on Tuesday marched to the Ponda Police Station, demanding strict action against the person arrested in connection with the molestation of a minor girl.

It may be recalled that on February 11, Krishnanath Naik (55) was arrested on charges of molesting a minor girl.

On Tuesday, the residents along with Bailancho Ekvott President Auda Viegas submitted a representation to the Ponda Police, demanding action in the matter.

The residents claimed that family members of the accused have been pressurising the complainant to withdraw the com-

Cuncoliem villagers outside the Ponda Police station.

Photo by Amresh Parab

plaint. The residents further alleged that the family members even pelted stones on the victim’s house.

“It is unfortunate that a minor girl studying in a school was raped by an elderly man,” said

Bailancho Ekvott President Auda Viegas.

“Now, the family members of the accused are targeting the victim and her family. They are being threatened to withdraw the complaint. We are thankful

Training course for civil service aspirants HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 15

After realizing the dearth of Goan cadres in Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Foreign Service, the State Government has finally decided to introduce training for young aspirants in an effort to equip them to get through the preliminary exams.

The State-run Goa Education Development Corporation (GEDC) has decided to guide youth below 30 years to get through the preliminary exams of civil services like IAS, IPS and IFS. GEDC Managing Director Yatindra Maralkar told Herald two IAS officers and a faculty from Dhempe College will

Another plaint against Corporator

tutor aspiring candidates for eight Sundays starting from March 6, 2011.

In all, 50 students in two different batches will be tutored and the training was exclusively for Goan youth who will hone their skills to pass through the preliminary exams of civil services. Maralkar said graduation is the minimum qualification required to enroll for the training.

The move has been welcomed by intellectuals, who find there is an immense talent among Goans to be part of the civil services. Arvind Bhatikar, the first ever Goan to be an IAS officer, said compared to other parts of the country, the urban areas of Goa lacked the tradition of opting for civil

services. “In absence of institutions providing training Goan youth were keeping away from civil services,” he mentioned.

“If you go to see in places like Delhi and Bombay one will find students with high qualification are trained in civil services by their own institutions.

Whereas in Goa we don’t have institutions of such high capability,” he added.

Bhatikar has been very critical about the way civil officers live in Goa. “The civil officers need to motivate others to opt for such studies,” he said.

Bhatikar recently moved a proposal to the state government demanding introduction of public service examination for Goan youth.

to Ponda Police for speedy arrest of the accused,” stated Veigas.

Veling-Priol-Cuncolim Panchayat Member Nilesh Kunkoliekar said: “The accused needs to be punished severely for the offence. His family members are now trying to hush up the matter, but we will not allow this to happen.”

“Family members of the accused have even tried to lodge a false complaint against the villagers. They even pelted stones on the victim’s house,” claimed Kunkoliekar. Added former Veling-Priol-Cuncolim sarpanch Damini Kunkoliekar: “The whole village is united and will stand by and support the victim to get justice.”

Meanwhile, Naik has been remanded to 14 days judicial custody.

Russian ends life at Ponda

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, FEB 15

A mentally unsound Russian tourist committed suicide in a hut at Bhom-Paliem in Ponda on Tuesday.

According to Pernem police, a local noticed the body of the unidentified tourist hanging from the roof of a hut and alerted the police.

Incidentally, locals had last seen the tourist walking nude in the Arambol market on Monday.

Locals then took him to the police station, where he was later released.

Police has sent the body for an autopsy at the Goa Medical College (GMC) and Pernem police is investigating the case.

INTUC extends support to striking workers

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, Feb 15

In a fresh bout of trouble, a vendor has filed a polcie complaint against Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) corporator Uday Madkaikar accusing him of cheating the former by allotting one of his shops to another person.

Shaikh Mustak, original owner of three shops in the new CCP market in 2008 approached Madkaikar for removing the internal partition walls of his shops. According to him, the corporator demanded Rs 40,000, which he paid.

“I requested Uday Madkaikar to remove the internal partition walls of the three shops and he demanded Rs 40,000 which was paid to him. He made arrangements to remove the same. A month later, he approached me and said that shop 117-C and 118-C cannot be merged into one and hence he will have to again put the partition separating the two,” Mustak said in his complaint.

Two held for possessing drugs HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, FEB 15

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 15

Pernem police arrested a German tourist and a Kashmiri in separate cases on charges of possessing drugs worth a combined value of Rs 85,000.

According to reports, police arrested the German tourist, Peter Salthav and seized 8 grammes of MDM and 30 grammes of charas worth Rs 50,000 at Arambol on Monday evening.

Police also found out that the visa of the German tourist had expired in 2009.

He has been arrested on charges of drug possession and overstaying in the country.

In the second incident, Pernem police arrested Rafique Gani Barramulla of Kashmir near a restaurant at Arambol on Monday evening on charges of possessing 204 grammes of charas worth Rs 35,000.

Agitating advocates from South Goa were back in the Sessions court and lower courts on Tuesday after literally staying away from the court proceedings since Thursday last.

Functioning of the Sessions courts was normal with the Court of Additional Sessions Judge Vijaya Pol hearing the trial of Russian woman rape case this evening. In the morning, the Court also heard arguments on the bail application moved by accused Vivek Dhamale in the headless body murder case.

A couple of advocates were also seen in the court of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Utkarsh V Bakre. The Sessions Judge pronounced an order in the Margao bomb blast case rejecting the application for the release of the vehicle attached by the investigating

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, FEB 15

Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) has extended its support to the striking workers, who are protesting at the Padoshe water treatment plant in protest against the lackadaisical attitude of the department to pay their wages for the last four months.

It may be recalled that 35

workers working at the plant staged ‘dharnas’ since the last couple of days after they went on strike in protest against lackadaisical attitude of the department to pay their wages for the last four months.

The workers are also protesting that they were not regularized since the last eight years.

INTUC delegation led by Hari Gawade on Tuesday met the ag-

Photo by Vishant Vaze

itators and extended their support.

Meanwhile, PWD Union President Ulhas Bhaje has also extended his support to the striking workers.

Meanwhile, on Monday in a meeting of PWD officials with the worker’s representatives at Panjim, PWD authorities have assured to come to the conclusion within the next two days.

agency.

However, banners demanding justice for suspended Judge Desmond D’Costa were prominently displayed on the compound wall of the district and sessions court.

President of the South Goa Advocates Association, Adv Anacleto Viegas informed that the advocates returned to the courts on Tuesday, except the court of the Principal district and Sessions Judge, U V Bakre.

When his attention was drawn to the presence of some advocates in the court of the Principal Sessions Judge, Adv Viegas said a couple of advocates might have made their presence felt to take dates or in insurance matters.

Meanwhile, members of the Goa Labour Law Practitioners Association on Tuesday stayed away from the Industrial Tribu-

nal and Labour courts as a mark of protest against the suspension of Judge Desmond D’Costa.

Adv Madhav Bandodkar informed that the Goa Labour Law Practitioners Association has expressed solidarity with the agitating lawyers and has expressed their resentment at the manner in which upright judges are being suspended and humiliated by the high court.

“We have expressed our resentment over the entire issue and have decided to stay away from the courts today”, he told newsmen.

He said the Goa Labour Law Practitioners Association has expressed opposition to the unhealthy trend that have crept in the Judiciary in Goa such as suspension of Presiding officers in courts and show cause notices being issued even after exoneration in the departmental inquiry.

Archbishop: education cannot be imparted exclusively by institutions HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 15

Saying that education today is a complex task, which is made even more difficult by the rapid social, economic and cultural changes brought about by globalization, Archbishop of Goa Filipe Neri Ferrao on Tuesday said young people must be helped at all costs to develop physical, moral and spiritual values and develop a sense of responsibility and to participate actively in social life.

Speaking at a function organized at the Ravindra Bhavan Here to mark the Catholic Educational Institution Day on Tuesday, the Archbishop such an education cannot be imparted exclusively by the institutions, but it requires the contribution of many agents, chief amongst them are the parents, to bring up the children according to their own moral and religious principles.

“Let us all pledge to rededicate ourselves to the great task that we have all embraced not just as a profession, but much more as a divine calling”, he said, while complimenting the 116 teachers who were felicitated on the occasion for putting in 30 or more years of service in the field of education.

“This is yet another occasion

Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao inaugurating the Catholic Educational Institution Day at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Tuesday.

Photo by Savio Dias

to grow and to become deeply conscious of the enormous challenges that lie ahead of us so that we constantly evaluate our mission and rededicate ourselves with increasing enthusiasm”, he said.

Saying that education is indeed the best gifts that Church can offer to young people for their integral development into fully human persons, capable of

serving the genuine interest of humanity and of promoting justice, harmony and peace, the Archbishop said the educational task is an essential part of the mission of the Apostolate of the Church in the work, the task that correspondent to the aspiration of every nation to develop a society that is fair and respectful to each person’s dignity.

In his address, the Chairman

of the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher secondary Education, Merwyn D’Souza said the talks of reforms in education should aim at transforming the society into better individuals and ensure a well balanced child to meet the challenges of the new millennium and be equipped with all skills and tackle any problems they face in life.

Kiss of life for Aguada jail paper bag-making project

State-run libraries offer to supply newspapers VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, FEB 15

Newspapers from various government-run libraries will now make its way for a better cause to the Central Jail in Aguada.

The State Art and Culture Department, which runs these libraries, will now supply old newspapers and magazines to jail authorities, who in turn will make eco-friendly bags out of them.

The move stems from the recent paper shortage faced by jail inmates, who are into manufacturing of these bags as part of their rehabilitation project.

Additional Inspector General of Prisons Dipak Desai has initiated this move to rope in the government-run libraries to ensure the bag-manufacturing project is not aborted pre-maturely.

passengers hurt in mishap discharged HERALD CORRESPONDENT Mayem, FEB 15

Contract workers protest at the Padoshe water treatment plant.

South Goa advocates are back to work

Most of the injured passengers of the ill-fated bus that met with an accident at Vijaynagar-Karapur, Sanquelim, were discharged on Tuesday.

According to Bicholim PI Harish Madkaikar, some patients who were shifted to GMC Hospital have been discharged, while a few are still undergoing treatment.

Most of the injured passengers, who were admitted to Bicholim and Sanquelim Primary Health Centres, have also been discharged, except for few who are still undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, Bicholim Police is likely to book an offence against the bus owner for rash and negligent driving, which resulted in death of Kalpana Tulshidas Kerkar (Rawan-Poriem), who was working at sales tax office in Bicholim, and bus driver Daulatrao Rane.

The State has 17 libraries scattered across villages which are run by the Art and Culture Department.

As per a proposal approved by the Art and Culture Department on January 14, Jail officials from Aguada would visit these libraries to collect the newspapers and magazines every fortnight.

Desai said the paper manufacturing unit at Aguada jail was running short of papers.

The proposal of the department states, “Presently the old newspapers are supplied from the Secretariat which are not sufficient. As a result, there is shortage of old newspapers for the said unit. Therefore, it is requested that old newspapers from your office as well as from the libraries under your control

may be made available to the unit.”

Jail authorities are buoyed over the response they have been receiving for the paper bags. Desai told Herald that the authorities will begin collecting newspapers by February-end.

Libraries from Bicholim, Curchorem, Honda (Sattari), Mandrem, Valpoi, Quepem, Sanguem and others have already began stocking the unused newspapers. This is the State’s only paper bag manufacturing unit ran from the prison.

Around 140 inmates imprisoned in the fort-turned-jail have been making paper bags for years. The finished products are sold in the open market. Desai said that there are some private firms which are also listed in

Salcete BDO refutes charges HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 15

Colva Panchayat member Calvert Gonsalves has urged Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat to discharge Udhay Prabhudessai of his duties as Block Development Officer II of Salcete taluka for various sins of omission and commission.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday accompanied by Colva Deputy Sarpanch Anthony Mama Fernandes, Calvert alleged that the BDO has been allegedly harassing the common man for small matter like minor repairs, but have been prompt in issuing directions to the panchayat body for issuance of occupancy certificates to mega building projects.

“Prabhudessai is allegedly harassing the common man into submission even for small matters like minor repairs of old houses of which the plinth is not being altered”, Gonsalves

claimed, adding even the contractors are not spared by the BDO by keeping their bills pending and by conducting inspections sans the presence of technical person.

On the other hand, the panch member alleged that the BDO had issued directions to the panchayat body to issue occupancy certificate to three building projects despite glaring discrepancies such as approach roads, setbacks, no proper parking area, no rain water drain networks et al.

When contacted, BDO Prabhudessai said that if Calvert or any person is aggrieved by his order directing the panchayat to issue occupancy certificate to the builders, they can very well challenge the orders in the higher forum.

Refuting allegations made against him by the Colva panch, the BDO said that he has every right to inspect any work constructed by the contractors.

their client list.

The inmates manufacture at least 10,000 paper bags in a month, which are sold at 45 paisa (small size) and 80 paisa (big).

Interestingly, jail officials have received several orders for the bags. About two months back, handicraft items especially made by prison-inmates were sold in Calangute market by the State Government.

Officials said the items were on sale for three days at the market. The sale worth Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 was recorded in three days.

A workshop within the jail premises has inmates working on candle making, carpentry items, tailoring and book binding to keep them occupied.

goods gutted

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, FEB 15

Electrical goods worth Rs 5 lakh were destroyed in a fire at a workshop in Kharaswada-Mapusa in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Mapusa Fire Station Officer D D Redkar told Herald that the fire services were alerted of the fire in the electrical appliances repair workshop at about 4 am.

“Four fire tenders were pressed into service to extinguish the fire and the operation that lasted about one-and-half hour. Electrical goods like refrigerators, deep freezers, bottle coolers, micro oven, etc, worth Rs 5 lakh that were kept for repairs were destroyed in the fire,” informed Redkar.

“However, property worth Rs 8 lakh was saved. The cause of the fire is not yet known,” added Redkar.

Workshop owner Pascoal Mendonca stated that he suspect foul play by some miscreants.

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Pg3 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2011

Cancel Portuguese street names: Panel

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 15

A newly formed committee headed by senior journalist and freedom fighter Flaviano Dias has demanded cancellation of Portuguese names designated to several roads, villages and localities and rename the same after national heroes, freedom fighters and eminent personalities loyal to this country and state.

The committee named ‘Goa liberation-50: From Torture to Strength and Progress’ has been formed to chalk-out exhaustive year-long programme to create awareness about Goa’s freedom struggle.

Working president of the committee Subhash Velingkar said, “The demand would be placed before the government.

This is not just the demand of this committee but from a section of the society. We will pressurize the government till it comes out with a decision in this regard.”

The committee will also pro-

nThe demand would be placed before the government. This is not just the demand of this committee but from a section of the society. We will pressurize the government till it comes out with a decision in this regard.

-- Subhash Velingkar

grammes in villages where freedom fighters rebelled against the Portuguese regime.

“We want to visit those villages and places where rebellion took place and hold functions there. The aim is to make locals aware about the importance of these places,” he Velingkar mentioned.

“If possible, we will felicitate freedom fighters who participated in the rebellion of their respective villages,” he added.

The committee’s year-long programmes will commence from February 20 at Kala Academy where Goa’s first martyr Bala Raya Mapari, who died on February 18, 1955, will be remembered. The inaugural would also see release of special issues based on various historical aspects of Goa’s freedom struggle.

“The 6th volume of prestigious ‘Vishwa Charitra Kosh’ would also be released on the o c c a s i o n , ” Ve l i n g k a r i n formed.

Apart from this, the committee would also pay gratitude to six freedom fighters – Prabhakar Sinari, Nagesh Karmali, Verissimo Coutinho, Madhukar Mordekar, Chandrakant Kenkre and Flaviano Dias.

“This is not felicitation but an act to convey that we are indebted to these brave hearts,” Velingkar stated.

The committee with its 600 volunteers is aiming to associate with around 250 organizations for the entire programme.

Headless murder case: Victim was tortured in gymnasium HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 15

Investigations into the Headless body murder case has revealed that deceased Sultan Bellary was allegedly housed and tortured in the gymnasium and a room adjoining the Shri Swami Samarth Temple at Rumdamol Housing Board before his body was dumped at Nessai on January 11.

In this connection, the Maina Curtorim police on Tuesday raided the gymnasium and the room in the premises of the Shri Swami Samarth Temple and is believed to have seized some confiscating material. A knuckle duster and a nylon rope were amongst the items seized under panchanama from the site.

In another development, the police have attached the Hero Honda motorcycle of accused Jayesh Naik, who is the President of the Shri Swami Samarth Temple.

Margao Sub-divisional police officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar told newsmen that a police team

‘nOur investigation reveals that the deceased was housed in the gymnasium and the room for a day and tortured. After the deceased fell unconscious in the room, the accused took him to Nessai where he was allegedly beheaded.

--DySP Gaonkar led by PI Sidhant Shirodkar conducted a search of the gymnasium and the room which was occupied by absconding accused Vinod Kumar Yadav as the investigations have revealed that deceased Sultan Bellary was kept in the gymnasium and the room after his abduction from PeddaBenaulim.

‘Our investigation reveals that

the deceased was housed in the gymnasium and the room for a day and tortured. After the deceased fell unconscious in the room, the accused took him to Nessai where he was allegedly beheaded”, DySP Gaonkar added.

Replying to a question, he said the police had recorded the statement of the Temple manager, Padmanaba Pai in connection with the murder case.

Meanwhile, the court on Tuesday heard arguments on the bail application filed by Vivek Dhamale in the headless body murder case.

PP Sarojini Sardinha submitted in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Vijaya Pol that the accused had visited PeddaBenaulim in search of deceased Sultan Bellary on a scooter and was part of the group that abducted the deceased later the same night. On the other hand, defense lawyer, Adv Alban Viegas said the prosecution has not yet specified the exact role played by the applicant, saying the police are trying to frame up his client in the murder case.

IT sleuths verify MMC documents, seize files HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 15

Sleuths of the Income Tax department on Tuesday descended at the Margao Municipal building to verify the challans of tax deducted of contractors and income tax returns of Municipal employees.

A team of IT sleuths verified the documents throughout the day and the operation concluded only at around 4.30 in the evening.

The sleuths later seized a number of files for inspection and verification.

Margao Municipal Chairperson Sushila Naik denied that the IT sleuths have raided the Civic body, but said that the officials only came to verif y certain documents pertaining to the TDS challans of contractors and returns filed by the employees.

The IT officials made their presence felt in the Accounts Section in the morning and scanned through files and documents pertaining to the last three years. They were assisted by the Municipal Accounts and Taxation Officer Mr Elekar and others.

The old issue of parking in the heritage-cum-residential area of Campal once again came to the fore after tyres of two buses said to be belonging to a film shooting group went up in flames in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Campal resident Marco Sequeira Fernandes woke up after hearing a sound early in the morning. On coming out Sequeira saw the bus tyre in flames. Soon, he saw, a tyre of another bus parked close by burning.

The cause of the fire remains a mystery, even as the residents once again raked up the issue calling the attention of the authorities to take note. Tuesday afternoon the most area on the

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 16

Bharatiya Janata Party has declared five of its remaining candidates for the civic polls, even as some of them filed their nominations before the Returning Officer on Tuesday.

With the declaration of the five candidates – Mahesh Chandekar (ward 21), Suraj Kande (ward 20), Pratima Hoble (ward 29), Rupesh Halankar (ward 30) and Ratnakar Fatarpekar (ward 18) – the BJP panel stands complete.

Today, among those who filed their nominations, was former Mayor Ashok Naik (ward 14), who is heading the BJP panel.

This ward is represented by current deputy mayor Yatin Parekh. The third candidate here is Prasad Surlekar, who is contesting as an independent.

The BJP has not yet made its poll strategy known. However, former mayor Naik said they will back Cunha Oscar, who filed his nomination today from ward 26.

“He is a nice person; we support his candidature,” he stated.

Goa University reconstitutes board for media studies HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 15

The Goa University has reconstituted its six-member board of studies in journalism and mass communication.

The new committee which would be chaired by Dr Marie Raj (Principal Don Bosco College) will be entitled to carry out functions and duties as prescribed under Ordinance OA-14 of the university.

The other members of the committee include, Cyril D Cunha (Dhempe College of Arts and Science), Vailarose Fernandes (St Xavier’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce), Layla Mascarenhas (Damodar College of Commerce and Economics), Dr Ujwala Barve (Head of Department of Communication and Journalism, University of Pune) and the Editor of the Navhind Times.

IT sleuths scanning documents in the Accounts Section to verify TDS of contractors and employees.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

The presence of the IT officials raised many an eyebrow and a word went out that the Municipality has been raided by the Income tax department.

However, one of the IT official maintained that there was no raid, but only perusal of documents of the challans paid into

the bank and the contractors bills.

An IT official remarked that security personnel would have accompanied them in the municipal building and the entire building would have been closed for the visitors in the event of a raid in the Municipality.

Resident and social activist Patricia Pinto said they have been informing the Corporation of the City of Panjim, Collector and Goa police about the problem, but the matter still remains unsolved. most beautiful stretch of the D B Marg resembled a parking area. Many heavy trucks and buses were seen parked.

Resident and social activist Patricia Pinto said they have been informing the Corporation of the City of Panjim, Collector and Goa police about the prob-

lem, but the matter still remains unsolved.

She said, “Parking of buses of these film shooting crews was one issue, but the other problem was the people alighting from these vehicles come and dirty the place by throwing rubbish and using the place as an open urinal.” We have seen some tourists using the parking areas for cooking, she added.

Residents have once again demanded parking in the area for vehicles film shooting crews and tourists should be completely banned as Campal was a heritage area.

Campal Residents Association President Derek Rebello has also raised the matter with the authorities. CCP has meanwhile ordered an inquiry into the whole incident.

Ruth Furtado, Surendra Furtado submitting their nomination papers to the Returning Officer Sabaji Shetye on Tuesday.

Natty Po (ward 1) filed her nomination from ward 1. Ward 2 will make an interesting fight where two brothers are contesting against each other. Nelson Cabral has filed his nomination from this ward as the BJP panel candidate, while his brother Nazareth Cabral is contesting on the panel headed by Taleigao MLA Babush Monserrate.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 15

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, FEB 15

With the rise in milk prices by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) from Tuesday, prices of Nandini milk are set to increase in Goa. KMF on Monday took the decision to increase the procurement and selling price of its milk products marketed under the brand name ‘Nandini’ by Rs 2 per litre.

The price rise has been already implemented in Karnataka with immediate effect, whereas KMF’s Belgaum branch which provides milk to Goa was rather cautious in implementing the rise in Goa. KMF Belgaum sells about 48,000 litres of milk every day to Goa. The per litre prices of Nandini products in Goa are full cream (Rs 30), toned (Rs 26), standard (Rs 24) and homogenized cow milk (Rs 25).

KMF Belgaum Managing Di-

tigations into the bomb blast case are still continuing.

“The NIA had argued that the Trax vehicle, though in the name of Annaso Maruti Varekar, was being used by the accused before the test blast and prior to the bomb blast in Margao.

The vehicle is required in custody for further investigations into the case”, Faria stated.

He said the court had earlier rejected the application for the release of the vehicle on grounds that investigations into the case are continuing.

Meanwhile, the sessions court is likely to pronounce its order in the framing of charge against the accused persons in the bomb blast case at the next date of hearing.

GSHC indebted to Belgaum farmers, says Amonkar HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, Feb 15

Immense support by some farmers from Belgaum helped Goa State Horticulture Corporation (GSHC) in saving its ambitious subsidized vegetable scheme from derailing.

After some of the Belgaum based traders united to stop supply of vegetables to Goa, the farmers came to the rescue of the state-run body. GSHC chairman Sankalp Amonkar was left in the lurch after protest by the traders.

However, thanks to the farmers.

Amonkar told Herald the Belgaum farmers volunteered to supply vegetables to the Corporation without depending on the agents. These farmers have supported us unconditionally and in return we have reciprocated by paying them handsome money for their products, he stated.

The strike by traders came as a blessing in disguise as the Corporation can now do away with the middlemen and commission agents who escalated the prices of veggies further.

Amonkar said that the strike had affected the supply only for a day. “After that we sourced products from other places. And these Belgaum farmers are like God-sent,” he mentioned.

The Corporation’s subsidized

Today, sitting corporators Surendra Furtado and Ruth Furtado filed their nominations from ward 10 and ward 9, respectively.

While Surendra is elected from ward 9, Ruth won from ward 10 in the last civic polls.

Since ward 10 has been reserved for women the couple has interchanged the wards.

Nandini milk to cost more

Court refuses to release vehicle in blast case The South Goa Sessions Court on Tuesday rejected the application moved by Annaso Maruti Varekar for the release of the Tempo Trax vehicle in connection with the Margao bomb blast case.

Sessions Judge Utkarsh V Bakre rejected the application on grounds that investigations in the bomb blast case are still continuing. This is the second time that the Sessions court has rejected the application for the release of the vehicle. The matter was later adjourned to February 21.

Special Public Prosecutor S B Faria said the National Investigation Agency had strongly opposed the release of the Trax vehicle on grounds that inves-

Vehicle parking in front of Campal houses unsolved HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 15

Civic polls: BJP panel candidates file nominations

vegetable scheme seemed to be in danger after the recent protests by suppliers in Belgaum. A brief violence, commotion and failed talks left it out of ideas. But suddenly, the group of farmers came forward to help the Corporation to keep its scheme going.

After the protests, the Corporation officials procured vegetables from Kolhapur, Nashik, Chikmagalur, Ichalkaranji and Sirsai and restored the supply to its 350odd carts and 246 mobile vans.

Amonkar said the farmers from Belgaum had bypassed their associations.

“Earlier they sourced vegetables to private markets but now they are giving it to its municipal market from where vegetables are coming to us,” he stated.

The Goa government to sort out the issue amicably had offered the Belgaum wholesalers association, a chance to partner with the Corporation. But the association did not responded back.

Amonkar said the suppliers were agitating in vain. “When we offered them the chance to supply us vegetables, they did not turn up to sign the agreement. This means they don’t have the capacity to cater to our vegetable demand,” he mentioned.

rector P D Hampihalli told Herald that company’s officials are studying prices of other suppliers to Goa. “The decision regarding the price rise may be arrived in this regard very soon,” he ascertained.

Interestingly, KMF, which supplies quality milk to Goa, has been always cautious about its price policy in Goa. However, since Karnataka government has directed KMF to offer higher prices to the farmers, thus per litre prices of Nandini had to be hiked by Rs 2. A high level meeting to discuss the implementation of price rise was held in Belgaum on Tuesday.

According to sources, KMF may implement the price rise of Rs 2 per litre with effect from February 20.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 4 Institutions must impart quality education: CM

S H O RT TA K E S Peoples HS celebrates annual day

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, FEB 15

Left to right: Sidhi Kinalkar, Vijay Surlekar, Mala Prabha, Dr Shubha Shirwalker, Vivek Parseker, Ashok Kenkre, G R Sardesai and Satish Mhapsekar at the Annual Day.

PANJIM (HND): Progress High School, Panjim recently celebrated its Annual day at Kala Academy open air auditorium where students and parents of the school had gathered to take part in the celebrations. Ex student Vivek Pansekar of City Corporation of Panjim, was the chief guest and ex-student Assistant Professor Homeopathic College Shiroda, Dr Shubha Shirwaikar was the guest of honour. Mala Prabhu was felicitated as Jubilarian. Cash Prizes, certificates and medals were awarded to the students who had excelled in academics and sports. The Headmaster Satish Mhapsekar welcomed the gathering and read School Annual Report. The vote of thanks was given by the best student of the year, Siddhi S Kinalkar, and the programme was compered by Virginia Souza and Maria Ribeiro.

Ashiyana helps poor students

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has stated that education is a concern not only for the State government, but also for the Central government and huge money is spent on the educational sector.

He was speaking as the chief guest after laying the foundation stone for the prestigious Agnel Institute of Technology and Design College at Assagao.

“The responsibility of the educational institutions is to impart quality education to the students so as to make them responsible citizens of the country,” said Kamat.

Kamat complimented the office bearers of Assagao Communidade for donating 51,000 sq mtrs of land to the Agnel Institute for the educational project.

“Angel Institute has done commendable job in the field of education by providing technical education to youth of Goa,” he added.

Power Minister said the endeavour of the Pilar Fathers has been to provide value-

Children lighting the lamp in presence of Advocate General Subodh Kantak, Director of Fomento Lume Periera, and renowed choreographer Mamta Hussain.

PANJIM (HND): Gyan Jyoti Puraskar was awarded to 77 poor but meritorious students from all over Goa, Karnataka, Maharastra.

The entire educational expenses of these students will be taken care by Ashiyana, an initiative of Fomento. Ashiyana Gyan Jyoti Purashkar undertakes to support the needy children in their educational needs till the time they complete their graduation.

The amount includes all expenses incurred on admission fees, tuition fees, books, reference books, uniforms, shoes etc. The total number of students under this scheme is now 212. Ashiyana, an initiative of Fomento’s is looking after many institutions like the Missionaries of Charity Home for destitute women, Ashadeep clinic for children with special needs. Ashiyana has also set up clinics with ambulances in backward and remote villages.

L

itmus is a mixture of several different dyes extracted from the Roccella tinctoria or Lecanora tartarea, which are special types of organisms known as "lichens".

These dyes (most notably erythrolitmin and azolitmin) have massive molecules, which feature special structural groups called "chromophores." These chromophores consist of several rings filled with carbon-carbon and carbon-oxygen double bonds. This combination of double bonds and rings creates a network of corridors through which electrons can travel.

When visible light hits a dye molecule, the chromophore's electron network allows it to absorb a specific range of colors. The color of light that is not absorbed is reflected back to the observer, giving the molecule its observed color. For example, litmus's natural color is blue, meaning that the network absorbs every wavelength of light except blue.

However, the hydrogen ions in acids attack carbon-carbon and carbon-oxygen double bonds, con-

Jackson Dias, an acclaimed composer of Manddos and a beacon of Goan culture, has recently released his second Konkani album titled ‘Mogachi Kanni’ (Love story).

A native of Santo Estevam, Jackson has won numerous awards, including the Goa State Manddo Award for his composition ‘Orhad Ami Zuenkar’.

The multi-faceted and talented Jackson opened the CD on the auspicious occasion of the feast of Santo Estevam on December 26.

Produced by Bhenddekar Production, Jackson’s lyrics extol the virtues and the beauty of the island of Santo Estevam.

This is aptly reflected in the song Mogachi Kanni which is sung by young Joylita Silveira.

Chemistry

What Is Litmus?

verting them into single bonds. With each double bond that is destroyed, the electron network decreases in size. This alters the range of wavelengths the molecule can absorb, thus changing its observed color.

Blue Litmus Paper

Used to test for acidity, blue litmus paper consists of cellulose filter paper infused with a solution of litmus dye freshly extracted from lichens.

In an alkaline solution, the hydrogen ion levels are too low to significantly damage the chromophore's double bonds, preserving the natural blue color. In a neutral solution like distilled water, the hydrogen ion levels are significant enough to begin damaging a significant number of dye molecules.

For those molecules that are affected, the hydrogen-degraded chromophores cause the dye molecules to turn from blue to red. At the microscopic level, the litmus paper is a mixture of unaffected blue mole-

UPCOMING EVENTS Pernem Darshan PANJIM (HND): The department of History, Govt College of Arts & Commerce, Virnoda, Pernem, in collaboration with the Directorate of Art & Culture, will organise a three-day Heritage Fair in the College from February 17 to 19 on the theme ‘Pernem Darshan’. The artifacts displayed at this fair will provide information and knowledge on history, culture and anthropology of Pernem. Vinayak Khedekar, an eminent folklorist and former Secretary Kala Academy, will inaugurate the fair on February 17 at 10.30 am. The fair will be open to public from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm.

Anti-TB week PANJIM (HND): TB Association Goa, will organise ‘Anti TB Week’ from February 17 to 23, in collaboration with various Units of the DHS, Goa State TB Control Society/ National TB Control Programme and GSACS, to create awareness about the Tuberculosis problem. The foundation day of the Tuberculosis Association of India, New Delhi, is observed annually on February 23 by its affiliated associations throughout the country as ‘AntiTB Day’. The necessary Health Education material on Tuberculosis is available for free distribution at the office of the TB Association of Goa, 403, Nizari Bhavan, Panjim.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Agnel Institute of Technology and Design College at Assagao.

based education to Goan youth. “The engineering college which will come up at Assagao will provide opportunities to the youth of North Goa to pursue their higher technical education,” he added.

Siolim MLA Dayanand Mandrekar said Assagao has now become the educational hub of Bardez taluka, as many prestigious educational institutes have

‘Mogachi Kanni’ released HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 15

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2011

In song titled ‘Goenkarank Fotoile’ Veleni, Snayha and Joylita have lent their voices to spread the message of political corruption and the betrayal of the Goans by government on the RP. To be in Goa is another foot tapping composition sung by Reniy (former India band fame) and Antoneta .

Tiatrist Xavier Gomes has chipped in with two songs - Viva Jua and Goencho Missionar. Amchem Goem sung by Astria and Carran will make most of the Goan diaspora nostalgic about their homeland. So too would the Dhekni (Marcelant Zatreak Vetam), which is rendered by Jackson, Tania, Veleni, Joylita, Aloma and chorus. The price of the CD is Rs 200. Those who want to help Jackson can contact him directly on 9657031787.

come up in the area.

Earlier, Superior General of Agnel Fathers Fr Tony Lopes in his welcome speech stated that the land acquisition process started in 1987 and after completing all the formalities the first project to Agnel vocational training was started in August 2010.

On the occasion, a cheque of Rs 95 lakh from the Central Government was handed over to

the Pilar Fathers.

Regional Superior of Pilar Fathers Fr Saturnino Almeida and Chief Secretary S K Srivastava also spoke on the occasion.

Vicar General of Goa Archdiocese Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes blessed the foundation stone.

C u r t o r i m M L A Re g i n a l d Lourenco, Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes and Assagao Communidade President Noel D’Souza were also present.

Cyril, 3 others felicitated

Healing retreat for couples PANJIM (HND): All Goa Special Healing Retreat for Married Couples will be held at Carambolim Church on February 18 by Parish Priest of Nerul, Fr Orlando Marquis, on five consecutive Fridays, from 6.30 am to 12 pm.

The retreat will begin at 7.30 am with Biblical Rosary based on married life. From 8.30 am to 9.30 am Dioginho D’Costa will give a talk and his own personal experience on married life. From 9.30 am to 10.30 am, Mario Fernandes and his Music Ministry will conduct praise and worship dedicated to married couples. From 11am to 12pm Fr Conceicao D’Silva, Agnes Fernandes will conduct the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament dedicated to the married couples and then Fr Conceicao D’Silva will pray over the married couples and bless them. Fr Orlando Marquis, Parish Priest of Nerul, will be the main celebrant for the concelebrated mass where he will preach on theme ‘Kazari Bhav Bhoinnamni Mogan, Ekvottan ani Magnnean Nazarethchea Ghorabea bhaxen aplem kazari jivit sarchem’. From 6.30 pm to 12 pm there will be several priests for confession.

Transport will be available from Margao near Fatima Convent, Bus Stand from 6.30 am onwards.

Group dance competition MARGAO (HR): Young Boys of Gantamorod will organise an All Goa Group Dance Competition on February 19, at 6.30 pm at Gantamorod Volleyball ground, Opposite MES Gate, Rawanfond.

Inacio Dias informed that the competition will be held for senior above 12 years of age and juniors below 12 years. Cash prizes of Rs 8000, Rs 6000 and Rs 4000 awaits the first three winners in the seniors category, while the first three winners in the junior category will be awarded cash prizes of Rs 4000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 respectively. Dias said that spot entries will be accepted as per rules and regulations. He said that Navelim MLA and PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao will be the chief guest, while Fatima Alemao and Adv Valanka Alemao will be the guests of honour. The special invitees include Filomeno Barretto, Director of Goa Sewerage Corporation and all the Sarpanchas and Panchas of Navelim constituency. For more details contact Inacio 9850472299, Diago 8007653921 and Romeo 9158081287.

RTI workshop in Calangute PANJIM (HND): Asha Family Responsibilities & Rights Association and Calangute United (Social and Cultural Club) will conduct a ‘Right to Information’ Workshop on February 20 at St Alex Church Complex Hall, Calangute, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.

People from Calangute and surrounding villages may attend the interactive RTI session. For details call 2256445, 9822166876 or 9881064985, or email trustasha@yahoo.co.in. Registration is Free.

Seminars for DSE pedagogues cules and degraded red molecules.

To the observer, however, the paper appeared to be a uniform shade of purple.

Finally, in an acidic solution, the excess of hydrogen ions manage to degrade the vast majority of chromophore double bonds, turning the litmus paper entirely red.

How Red Litmus Paper Works

Used to test for basicity, red litmus paper consists of cellulose paper infused with dye molecules that have already been degraded by acid (hence the red color). Red litmus paper essentially functions as blue litmus paper in reverse.

As a solution's pH increases, the concentration of hydrogen ions decreases but the concentration of hydroxide ions [OH-] increases. These negatively-charge ions "steal" hydrogen atoms from the degraded dye molecules to form water. The dye molecule responds to the lost hydrogen by forming double bonds between their carbon and oxygen atoms. In this way, the dye molecule "rebuilds" their electron networks and regains its original blue color.

Comedian Cyril Andrade being felicitated.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 15

Noted Konkani stage comedian Cyril Andrade alias Dotor Cyril was felicitated recently along with three other personalities at a function organized at Murda-Grande, Nuvem.

Cyril got the recognition for his oustanding performances in the field of Art & Culture. Known for his stage mimicry and comedy, Cyril has earned wide acclaim also in the field of Sports and Social activities.

Cyril is an employee of Directorate of Health Services, Margao and is on his second stint as president of Parish Youth Nuvem.

Also felicitated on the occasion were Elvis Gomes in the field of sports, Norman Cardozo for Music and DySP Sammy

Tavares for the success of his VCD “Police Porjek”.

Elvis brought soccer laurels to Nuvem and had represented the State Juniors football team in his schooling days. Norman Cardozo, a Guinness Book record holder for non-stop Konkani music, has made a mark in Music, not only in the State, but even globally, having been part of many international tours.

The felicitation was done at the hands of Power Minister in the presence of Nuvem Sarpanch Antonio Barretto, Deputy Sarpanch Menino Mascarenhas and Panch Guilhermina Monteiro.

The St. Sebastian feast at Murda Grande was celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety and a 3-day programme marked the celebrations.

CMM opens furniture showroom at Margao

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, FEB 15

The Diocesan Society of Education (DSE) will organise a series of seminars for heads, teachers and laboratory assistants of its schools.

The seminar is being organised to equip teachers to face present challenges and to motivate them to innovate and create a culture in the classroom and beyond the classroom that might produce an inclusive environment for children.

The schools have been grouped in different clusters.

The seminar for the Secondary Section will he held at Holy Cross Church Hall Verna on February 17, Immaculate Concept i o n C h u r c h H a l l Pa n j i m (February 19), St Xavier’s College Hall Mapusa (February 22) and Cardinal Gracias Hall Navelim (February 24). For all the DSE Primary Schools teachers, the seminar will be held at Mary Immaculate Girls High School Panjim on February 20.

The seminars will commence at 9.30 am and end at 4.30 pm.

The resource person for the Secondary Section will be Dr Jorson Fernandes (ENT surgeon), a multifaceted personality, visiting faculty at the Homeopathic Medical College, Shiroda, NUSI Mari t i m e A c a d e m y, A s s o l n a , ONGC-IPSHEM. The primary teachers will be enlightened by Suvartha Hiremath, lecturer at the Institute of Hotel Management, Porvorim, and an Associate Trainer for various hotels and corporates in Goa. Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao will also address the primary teachers.

DSE Secretary Fr Zeferino D’Souza and Assistant Secretary Fr Edmund Barretto will also give important inputs on teacher as a role model and will keep the teachers updated on the latest developments for the better functioning.

For further details, contact on 2239457.

FY/SYBA/BSc Exam PANJIM (HND): Students of Dhempe College of Arts & Science BA/BSc having backlog papers of Second Semester and Fourth Semester may note that supplementary forms for the examination commencing from April 6 will be available in the college office from February 14 to 19 between 10 am to 12 noon. Last date for submission of forms is February 19.

Interviews postponed

Fr Savio Pinto, Grace Church, Margao blesses the new showroom of Cosme Matias Menezes Pvt Ltd opened recently in Margao.

PANJIM (HND): Cosme Matias Menezes Pvt Ltd inaugurated its new Furniture showroom at Luis Miranda Road, near Hotel La Flor, Margao, on Monday. This Home and Office Furniture Showroom was inaugurated by Anay Prasad Kamat, Manager –HR & Admn, CMM and the new showroom was blessed by Fr Savio Pinto, Grace Church, Margao.

This showroom displays variety of Home and Office furnitures. Manager of the showroom

Rosalina Fernandes has urged the Margaokars to visit the showroom.

Sales Manager, Godrej Div CMM, Manoj Joshi, thanked CMM for opening this new showroom and giving Margaokars an opportunity to buy reliable and durable furniture.

This is the second showroom of CMM group in Margao city.

The first is the electronics appliances showroom located opposite Margao Municipality office.

PANJIM (HND): The walk-in-interviews which were to be conducted on February 17, 21 and 23 for posts of various categories on contract basis under State Health Society, Directorate of Health Services, Panjim, have been postponed due to code of conduct in force for election of the City Corporation of Panjim. The new dates of interviews will be published in newspapers after the CCP Polls.

POWER SHUTDOWN FEB 16 SOCORRO: From 9.30 am to 1 pm. Areas affected are Village Panchayat Socorro, Prabhu Residency, Police Society, 20-point and surrounding areas.

PONDA: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Mahalaxminagar, Wadi, Wade, Talaulim, Paun, Durbhat, Casa, Adpai.

FEB 17 TALEIGAO: Between 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. Areas affected are Taleigao, Vodlem Bhat, Shankarwadi, Cardozo Wado, Sailem Bhat, Amaral Wado, St Paul, Taleigao market and surrounding areas.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 5 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2011

Illegal structure continues to blossom at Palolem!

‘CMC not aware of any activity at site’

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, FEB 15

When an illegal construction is allegedly allowed to flourish in a CRZ area at SawantwadaPalolem, it can only speak volumes of efforts by the Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) to follow the laws of the land.

The alleged illegal commercial construction has now blossomed over the period and is presently housing tourists in the ongoing tourism season.

According to reports, Sarvesh Uttam Sawant of Sawantwada had lodged a complaint with CMC last year regarding an illegal construction in his vicinity and that too in a CRZ area.

The resident further claimed that municipal authorities preferred to sit idle on his complaint for a long time, until the Delhi party completed the primary construction of the structure.

The civic body then reacted by officially sealing the premises for its alleged status of illegalities on March 19, 2010.

Interestingly, the municipal inspector in April that year had put up a note claiming that due to the sealed premises, fears of electrical short-circuit, injury and loss is anticipated.

This was enough for the then chief officer to give his official

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, FEB 15

The alleged illegal construction at Sawantwada-Palolem.

consent to break the seal.

The file was shown to the reporters and except for the note and CO’s acceptance remark, there is nothing to mention as to when exactly the seal was broken.

The present chief officer suggested that based on file remarks, it is assumed that the seal was broken by authorities and not by the concerned party, as reportedly alleged by the

complainant.

Interestingly, the remarks shown to scribes bear no date on his signature, and the present Chief Officer could not ascertain as to the exact date of seal removal.

Sawant further alleged that using the opportunity, the Delhi party then completed the remaining internal works, where rooms were fitted with AC units, furnished and are presently

rented out to foreign and national tourists.

Sawant further claimed that he shot several letters to CMC and even Canacona Deputy Collector, however no action is being taken stop illegal activities taken up by the Delhi-based party in the illegal premises and that too without any trade licenses (seasonal or permanent) for running a resort in full public view.

Russian robbed of cash HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 15

Colva police on Friday registered a theft against unknown person for stealing cash of a Russian National from the hotel room at Cavelossim-Mobor.

Police said the Russian national was putting up in a resort when unknown persons opened the locker in the room and lifted away the cash.

A complaint to this effect was lodged with the Colva police.

Investigations are on.

Poshak’s annual sale

GPCC President Subhash Shirodkar being congratulated by Monica Dias, Mahila President, Nafisa Shaikh and Emilinda Dias on his re-appointment as GPCC President.

Fr Conceicao celebrates b’day HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 15

Fr Conceicao D’Silva, Parish Priest of Carambolim Church celebrated his birthday on Sunday at Carambolim. The celebrations started with the offering of the Holy Mass, the main celebrant being Judicial Vigar of Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Fr Rosario Olievera. Director of Caritas Goa Fr Valerian Vaz, and Professor of Theology Rev Dr Savio D’Cunha, concelebrated the mass. The meaningful liturgy, the choir and all other arrangements were looked after by the members of Church Parish Council.

Throughout the day, people from various walks of life and from different parts of Goa visited Fr Conceicao D’Silva to felicitate him on his birthday.

Churchill Alemao, Minister of PWD, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Minister for Forest, Mauvin Godinho, Dy Speaker, Francisco Sardinha, MP, Pandurang Madkaikar, Francisco Silveira and Anil Salgaonkar all MLAs graced the occasion. Dr Wilfred D’Souza former Chief Minister of Goa and Nirmala Sawant former Minister were also present for the felicitation.

On this occasion a website jesusmaryministry.org, which gives information on retreats conducted by Fr Conceicao was inaugurated by Churchill Alemao.

Fr Conceicao D’Silva thanked all his followers for showing love towards him.

The Parish Council also organized a cultural programme of mando and songs dedicated to Fr Conceicao D’Silva on the occasion.

Mapusa locals flay transfer of CO HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, FEB 15

The sudden transfer of Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chief Officer Madhura Naik has evoked sharp criticism from residents in the city.

Naik had taken charge of as CO of MMC barely four months ago and during this short term, had initiated a number of measures to improve the working of the council.

Incidentally, during the last 12 years of the MMC, no chief officer has remained for over three years.

Most chief officers have been transferred within six months, thereby severely affecting administration at the MMC. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena has strongly condemned the transfer of the Chief Officer Madhura Naik.

In the press note, member of the Shiv Sena Adhoc committee Philip D’Souza said the transfer is “totally uncalled for, unjustified, and highly improper.”

“It looks like the State government is dancing to the tunes of certain selfish, egoistic councillors and other vested interests who want their person to be in Mapusa to get their work done.”

“Most chief officers who survived for longer periods in the MMC were either known to have a soft corner for some councillors or those who were holding additional charges,” D’Souza said.

Noted singer and social worker Siddhanath Buyao (centre) releasing the 66th video album of Lawry Travasso (right) at Sally’s show at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao in the presence of tiartrist Mario Menezes.

“The Shiv Sena will not keep quiet and be silent spectators to the degradation of Mapusa and unjustified transfers of sincere and honest chief officers,” he warned.

“The Shiv Sena has demanded that Naik be returned to Mapusa

by February 28, failing which we will file a PIL against the State government.”

“The time has come that all people interested in the welfare of Mapusa come together and fight against frequent and unwarranted transfers of chief officers,” states the press note.

Gov, CM extend Id greetings HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 15

Governor Dr S S Sidhu and Chief Minister Digambar Kamat have extended warm greetings to people of Goa, especially Muslim brethren on the occasion of Ide-Milad.

The Governor in his message says, “On the auspicious occasion of Id-e-Milad, I convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa in general and our Muslim brothers and sisters in particular.

Prophet Mohammed was a symbol of virtue, truthfulness and selfless ser vice, who preached the noble ideals of peace, brotherhood and compassion. These ideals have profound significance and relevance in our lives. Today, when the world is witnessing hatred, violence and communal disharmony, humanity should practice the eternal message of Prophet Mohammed in order to lead a happy and wholesome life.”

Chief Minister in his message says, “Id-e-Milad reminds us of selfless service of Prophet Mohammed to humanity. The preaching of truthfulness, peace and brotherhood by Prophet Mohammed are relevant even today on the backdrop of disturbances in different parts of the world”. “I extend on behalf of my Cabinet colleagues and me, warm and heartiest greetings to Muslim brethren on the occasion of Id-e-Milad”.

PANJIM (HND): Poshak, a family garment store having a wide range of Indian and imported brands under one roof, has announced its popular annual sale at its Mapusa and Panjim outlets on all days from 9.30 am to 8 pm. Customers can avail upto 50 per cent discount on purchases.

Besides the range of clothes, inner-wear and accessories for kids, gents and ladies, a special section for the new-born and mothers-to-be is also on display.

Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) Chief Officer L S Pereira and municipal engineer have confirmed that the CMC has not issued any trade license nor any occupancy certificate to the alleged illegal construction at Sawantwada-Palolem.

They, however, stated that the matter is presently sub-judice.

“Moreover, the civic body is also not aware of any business activities underway using the alleged illegal construction,” said Pereira and the municipal engineer.

However, Pereira informed that he has shot a letter to the electricity department to disconnect the power supply to the alleged illegal premises.

However, the local officer, instead of disconnecting the supply, raised a query to his order.

“Once we informed electricity department to act, they are supposed to act and not to raise queries. Besides, we referred the file for legal opinion and we accordingly intend to proceed in dealing with the matter,” informed Pereira.

When few photographs where business interests are promoted from the premises, besides a couple of foreign visitors seated inside the alleged illegal premises were shown, CO categorically remarked that the matter is subjudice and any contempt of municipal appellate tribunal will accordingly be informed to the tribunal in due course of time.

Interestingly, in one of the RTI

application of complainant, Sar vesh Uttam Sawant of Sawantwada, the CMC informed that the council had sealed the construction vide a order dated March 19, 2010 and that, the matter is pending before municipal appellate tribunal at Panjim.

While confirming that it had not issued any occupancy certificate, the CMC said it was not aware of business activities taking place at the site.

The complainant had recently informed the CMC that one person is illegally running a resort and also questioned how a sealed structure is in operation for a tourism business.

When confronted with the complainant’s charge, the chief officer informed that the RTI reply is in accordance with the questions posed by the complainant, and since there was no specific question as to the opening of the seal, the RTI applicant is given details of only the date of sealing and not of opening the same.

However, the complainant alleged that by surpassing the facts, the authorities are trying to bailout the massive illegal construction by the Delhi-based party.

He reiterated that this is the classic example as to how by greasing the palms of a few, non-Goans can so easily hoodwink local authorities to their benefits and went on to complete a massive construction without any legalities and thereafter run a business establishment paying little heed or concern to laws of the land.

Chimbel youth detained in Merces murder case HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, FEB 15

Old Goa Police on Thursday detained a 19-year-old teenager from Chimbel in connection with the murder of Amitabh Borkar (19) of Kirlawada-Chimbel.

Speaking to Herald, Old Goa PI Francis Corte said the accused has been detained on suspicion, after he was called for an inquiry at the Old Goa Police station.

PI Corte further said though there are no concrete clues about the person’s involvement in the crime, police may interrogate Amitabh’s close relatives or friends in the next few days.

Old Goa Police also stated that they are inching towards solving the case, but refrained from divulging how the investigation process was going on.

It may be recalled that Old

Goa Police on Monday registered murder case against unknown persons, after police found Amitabh’s body in a pool of blood at Zarikade-Merces.

The deceased was identified only after Amitabh’s sister logged a missing complaint along with her brother’s photograph with Old Goa Police station on Monday evening.

OHERALDO

Pg 6

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Gearing up for 2012?

Vol No CXI No: 046 Goa, Wednesday, 16 February, 2011

I

Your telephone could be tapped

s your telephone tapped? It could well be. According to a startling revelation made by Reliance Communications to the Supreme Court, it intercepted close to 1.51 lakh phone numbers from 2006 to 2010 following requests from various government authorities. It says that on average, it received instructions to tap 100 telephones a day throughout this period. Reliance is just one of over a dozen major mobile phone companies in the country. Not just Amar Singh, many more of us could well have been victims of phone tapping.

Reliance tapped an estimated 3,588 phones in 2005 in Delhi alone − including Amar Singh’s numbers. The former Samajwadi Party strongman has filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court, which has unearthed this enormous can of worms. Merely extrapolating from the figures available, if all the service providers are put together, it seems very possible that the central government alone is tapping thousands of telephones a year. That does not include the 28 states. Law and order is a state subject, and each state government too has the authority to tap telephones, ostensibly for security purposes. Totally, the number of telephones being tapped in India could run into lakhs each year.

As Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly of the Supreme Court remarked, if proper procedures were not followed it could result in a gross violation of citizen’s privacy. The matter gains importance because it has come to light that the letter authorising the tapping of Amar Singh’s phone was obviously forged.

The issue is of vital interest for Goa and Goans because, as ‘Herald’ recently brought out, the Goa government has been tapping telephones in the state in gross violation of Supreme Court directions and the Indian Telegraph Rules, until very, very recently. RTI activist Savio Correia, who brought this entire sordid affair to light, says that the ‘Review Committee’ for telephone tapping, required according to Supreme Court guidelines, was constituted only in September last year, after he filed a second appeal before the State Information Commission (SIC). This was after the authorities stubbornly refused to disclose any information about interception of telephone conversations.

Correia says that the little information he has got on this subject from the state government shows that all telephones tapped in the last 14 years were in violation of directions of the Supreme Court and of Rule 419-A of the Indian Telegraph Rules. His request for copies of tapping orders from 1997 to 2010 was denied by the Home Department, invoking the exemption clause in the RTI Act. This refusal was upheld by the appellate authority, the Joint Secretary (General Administration). Undeterred, Correia separately asked for just the number of telephone tapping orders passed during the same period. This was denied by the Home Dept, but granted by the Joint Secretary in appeal. But in a surprise move, the state government has challenged its own Joint Secretary’s order before the State Information Commission!

Obviously, the Goa government has a great deal to hide.

The State Information Commissioner will hear arguments in all these cases on Friday 18 February. There is every possibility that telephones of opposition politicians, civil society activists, journalists and even the judiciary may have been intercepted. But this is one area where the opposition is unlikely to raise hell. That is because from 24 October 2000 to 29 January 2005, the Leader of the Opposition was the Chief Minister of the state, and a number of telephones could well have been tapped at the time…

On issues like this, the people, civil society and the NGOs are entirely and completely on their own. But that is no reason for us not to assert our rights.

OPINION

Despite staging of different parties at election time, ideologies have not differed, says FReDeRiCK NoRoNHA

J

ust as surely as dawn follows night, an election comes after five lean years. Politicians suddenly start remembering the people, thinking of their interest, and acting as if they’re really concerned about what matters to the wider populace.

As Goa gears up for 2012, we’re seeing our politician go into overdrive. Familiar political faces surface on our already politics-dominated frontpages more than ever before. Like frogs in a wet monsoon, our ‘netas’ adopt bizarre positions and make adept jumps...if only to land with both feet on a comfortable spot, which takes care of their own interests.

Dayanand Narvekar is repositioning himself as part of the Opposition. So is Dr Wilfred de Souza.

They’re once again finding their voice, exercising their vocal chords, and running with long neglected issues. They’re not the only ones; every politician, ruling or Opposition, who feels he deserves better, is at the game. Smart men that they are, they know well how to cover up for their silence, how to rake up issues that sound almost credible. Public memory being short, we are quick to forgive, faster to believe.

But rackets over privatisation of state and common resources in Goa, is not restricted to Mapusa’s Asilo hospital alone. This is one of the most serious concerns that have hit us since the ancient regime was edged out and new elite took power here in the 1960s. Surely our politicians should know that; they have themselves been indulging in that too, regardless of party and ideology.

So many of our politicians are suddenly finding their voices, and fitting into Opposition space.

Or, are they really doing that? This seems more like an attempt to take over dissent space, and even cash-in on it, for personal needs. Privatisation of a worst kind indeed!

But there is an even more serious issue than that at play here. That is, the failure of the Opposition to play its role, to systematically challenge the logic, the status quo, and to offer the people, a real alternative. This turns acute in Goa, because of certain factors at play here. For one, despite the different “parties” presented to the electorate at election time, there is very little of a difference in ideology, especially among the dominant players.

Parties themselves are run undemocratically, and without accountability of any sort, other than keeping top leaders in good humour. Politicians hop from one party to another with alacrity.

For example, the “BJP” ruled Goa for nearly six

Devil’s ADvoCAte years, only after depending on a whole team of “Congressmen”, who have subsequently “returned” to the Congress! Is changing ideology in Goa then, just like changing shirts, and is it being done whenever we feel like it?

Secondly, minor variations apart, the politicians who have ruled our state for much of the past five decades, come from very similar social roots.

They may want to favour one section, instead of another; they may have somewhat differing levels of efficiency (or is it inefficiency?); and they may opt for a differing corruption-communalism mix, to stay in power. But their vision for Goa is very much the same, one that supports the interests of lobbies and businesses, rather than people and social capital.

More importantly, things have changed in the past decade and half. Some friends make it out as if there is a vast difference between Congress and BJP, a perspective I don’t share. But since 1994, when the logic of Goan politics shifted — to being a two-party race among Delhi-dominated brands — we have had to compete with a new reality.

The BJP plays the role of an effective Opposition only as much as it helps to discredit the Congress,

and help it (the BJP) to slide back into the seat of power. Even while in the Opposition, it makes the most of its links to power. The Congress is worse; its leaders are into the business of politics in a way that ensures they gain maximum returns.

Little attention is paid to raising issues that matter to the people that make a difference to the Goa of tomorrow. No wonder that the Congress is even willing to buy into communalism and the BJP is not aloof from corruption.

For their part, the small local parties have also failed the citizen. They would like to believe that they can compete in the race to power — which is simply geared against them, right from funding politics downwards. Goa’s small parties are deluding themselves by imagining the role in ruling the state, instead of seeing themselves more realistically as an efficient Oppositional force. *** Take a look at the issues raised, and one will quickly realise the manner in which the Opposition has failed the people. Emotive issues are given importance. Confusion is spread over concerns like mining. Communally tinged issues are blown out of proportion, with help from a section of the media. Issues involving the Muslim minority

– whether it is vegetable vendors, scrap yards or ‘illegal shrines’ – are promptly played up.

With the Panjim civic elections coming up soon, the Hobson’s choice that faces the citizen is all the more clear. If one examines the record of the politicians contesting for power, and the godfathers behind them, their duplicity becomes all the more clear. It’s time the citizen realised that the problem is not with individuals per se, but with a system that is not meant to protect the common man’s interests. Unfortunately, even the media has not been able to campaign consistently over issues. Such work needs sustained attention, resources for a deeper study and the skills to properly understand the same.

All this would have not been so bad, if the common man was allowed to play an oppositional role of his (or her) own. But today, even that is prone to being manipulated. Ever since politicians spoke of setting up hundreds of NGOs, Goa has seen the mushrooming of all kinds of organisations. Some, of course, are genuine and reflect the concern of the citizen. But quite a few are turning out to be fronts, to push for certain political interests. This is to discredit rival politicians and thus promote reputations of others. Or, more seriously, even to push for certain vested goals, to promote the needs of dubious lobbies.

Despite all this, people’s power has a way of surfacing. Citizens need to be vigilant of the need to avoid a hijacking of their interests though, at all times. Or else, we could end up with a case like Egypt’s, where the US suddenly talks about the need for democracy, in a nation, whose corrupt military and discredited rulers, they have themselves bankrolled, for decades together.

The growing use of the Right to Information, to dig out crucial information, in Goa too, is a matter of hope. Yet, as Magsaysay award-winner Arvind Kejriwal has pointed out, we have a rotten system for battling corruption. Just digging out information is not good enough if action is not taken to ensure justice. Meanwhile, as scams get unearthed in New Delhi and elsewhere, the Goa links of these scamsters — and their projects here — also need to be unearthed.

Lawyers like Aires Rodrigues have shown a determined persistence to dig out information via the RTI Act. What we are left guessing about, is the basis on which the targets for such queries are chosen. Goa does need a class of campaigners who would look beyond individuals, and work for a wider, systemic change.

A fresh look at the A/C loo

Tongue in cheek

M

uch water has been flushed down the new air-conditioned toilet at Goa’s commercial capital, since it was inaugurated by the most powerful politician in the state. A lot of criticism has been passed by many since the inauguration of this state-of-the art toilet. There have been criticisms from left, right, and centre. Surprisingly, the opposition party did not castigate the government for building such an expensive toilet (The toilet is understood to have cost all of rupees twenty lakhs) during the winter session of the assembly. Probably, the opposition party was on the same wavelength as the government, as far as the most talked about toilet is concerned. The toilet has not just become the talk-of-the-town, but talk-of-the-state. Well, we need not look at the toilet with jaundiced eyes. I, for one, feel that there are many plus points to the project. We as citizens, should not raise objections to each and every developmental work of the government, even if it means building one solitary toilet. But

then, it is not just another toilet. It’s a luxurious way to answer nature’s call. I heard someone say that the a/c loo is one of the best in the world.

We never had a construction in the state, which could be considered as world class. Now we have one. So what if it is only a toilet? Probably, the best part of the toilet is that it is situated in a garden, amidst all the greenery and the flowery surroundings. People have complained that there is either no toilet, wherever necessary, or the toilets in other parts of the state are in bad shape. There is no reason to complain. We now have a toilet for that experience of a life-time. The best part is that it need not be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One can come over and over again. As for me, I have not visited the toilet thus far. Well, going from Vasco to Margao just to answer nature’s call, is not my way of starting a new day.

It is understood that the toilet has a music system which probably plays music 24x7. I wonder what music they play there. I am not

By Adelmo Fernandes

too sure if music does stimulate bowel movement or the urinary bladder. If it does, it definitely cannot be heavy-metal. This kind of music gives me constipations. Be that as it may, if the commercial city lacked in one thing, it was a site of tourist attraction. Now with the inauguration of the new toilet, this need has been fulfilled.

I wonder if this toilet advocates the use of toilet-paper, instead of water. It is understood that all the facilities and amenities at the toilet come with a price-tag. But then, at two rupees for the use of the urinal, and five rupees for the use of the toilet, the price is peanuts. It could be said that our politicians may not show much concern over how the common man fills his stomach, given the rising price of food commodities. But the government definitely has shown concern, as to how the citizens empty their bowels in royal style. But the big question is, given the fact that we are so used to dirty stinking toilets all over the state, whether easing in such luxurious surroundings, will be any easy task after all.

Letters to the Editor After raids, what?

Sagar Naik, Mapusa Recently, there was news in the press about income tax raids on the offices and factory of the Health Minister of Goa, Vishwajeet Rane in connection with alleged violations and irregularities in land dealings over the past couple of years. This surprise move, I must say, was long overdue.

For time immemorial now, there have been allegations of corruption, nepotism, land grabbing, illegal land conversions and dubious deals against the junior Mr. Rane, which he has been successfully evading.

He is believed to have acquired large tracts of land. It is common knowledge that he was deeply involved in the Regional Plan fiasco that broke out in 2006, which was rightly nipped in the bud by the Goa Bachao

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

16 February 1911 Discharge not accepted

Pope Pius X declared that in regards to Mons Dibelmente who has requested for the discharge of his Post as the Nuncio at Vienna that he would not accept the same and is intending to have the meeting of Consistory by February end.

Plague in Manchuria

At the request of the Chinese Government some Japanese Doctors left Tokyo to investigate the emergence of Plague in Manchuria.

Overwhelming ceremony

From London there is a report which cheers that the Opening Ceremony of the House of Lords was overwhelming and as never witnessed before.

New committee elected

Was annulled the Administrative Council of the ‘Comunidade of Sarzora’ to pave way to a new Committee recently elected.

Andolan.

In the Health portfolio, in signing a MoU with Elbeit, an Israeli firm for developing a super-speciality hospital at Bambolim, he has turned a blind eye to more established and renowned names in the healthcare sector in India. The newly constructed District Hospital in Mapusa, has already become a white elephant. His frequent trips abroad have also drawn sharp criticism from all quarters. In the summer of 2010, he was holidaying in the US from April to June.

But the people of his constituency have been duly electing him time and again, to represent them in the assembly, falling prey to all the goodies doled out during electioneering.

Where is Goa heading to? Whether there is justice in God’s court, only time will tell.

Wealthy but not healthy B V S Priolkar, Margao It will not be out of place to say that Goa is a land of banks, bars and chemists. Goans are ‘wealthy’ and that’s why at every nook and corner, there is a bank. This shows that the state is having a rich cash flow for which one needs more and more banks/financial houses. No wonder thefts have been occurring every alternate day. Secondly, bars with free flowing liquor, is abundant which attracts domestic tourists. This is a highly profitable business. Bars indirectly help in slow deterioration of health.

It is most unfortunate we are not ‘healthy’ at all, as we are consuming maximum medicines/tablets. It is high time that one now becomes conscious and adopts ways to lead a healthy life with little or no medication.

Have pity on the poor Irineu Gonsalves, Verna The letter ‘Goa’s hall of shame’ by Orlando da Silva (Herald,14 Feb) needs attention.

In spite of rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, and migration to cities and towns, a large percentage of Goa’s population lives in villages. There are many residents who live below the poverty line. It is true that various measures are taken to alleviate poverty by designing a number of specific

Letter of the Day

Nationalise Goa’s waterways

Babluis Pereira, Pomburpa

This refers to the news item ‘CM rules out nationalising waterways’ (Herald, 3 Feb).

The Kamat government has not thoroughly examined all the stakes. His government should be aware that this means bringing in huge investment, but it must also think in terms of the various benefits, it would get in return. They are blindly following the apprehension that it would curtail state government’s rights and wealth of its waterways. This is wrong. The central government’s proposal said the infrastructural development expenditure will be borne by them and they will only be looking after the navigational channel, and the rest of the rights and control will be with the Goa government. Either way, the Goa government is a winner by way of tax collection.

The Goa government failed to honour the infrastructural opportunity given to them. They should realise their folly and nationalise Mandovi/Zuari rivers and the Cumbarjua canal, which serves as a lifeline, to the ore laden barges that traverse this route from hinterland mines. as well as general schemes. However, the schemes are not handled properly. Ministers’ cronies run the show. The PWD Minister’s distribution of water tanks was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the poor.

How can they be found perched on plush bungalows and villas? The minister should initiate action. No sincere and determined efforts have been made to remove and check poverty. It gives an impression that the political leaders ‘poverty alleviation’ has been a mere vote-catching slogan.

Goa is a welfare state and it is the government’s duty to see that Goans lead a good, meaningful and qualitative life. The right to adequate means of livelihood, protection against unemployment, and poverty is, therefore, justifiable.

Social campaigns Augustus Alphonso, Vasco/Kuwait Of late, we have heard of a ‘respectable’ campaign titled ‘Goa Chaka Chak’. In the same manner, the State Nationalist Youth Congress, in association with NRB-Kaleidoscope, launched, what it claims, a unique social campaign titled ‘Stand Firm’ to impress upon the youth brigade to fight against various social evils. As I read, this

campaign will start in the right earnest in March, across all colleges and cover topics like drugs, ragging, garbage problem, conservation of water, anti-plastic propaganda, AIDS/HIV, traffic menace, corruption, dowry, etc.

I convey my best wishes to Kunal Sagarkar (of NYC and Kaleidoscope) for taking up such an important mission. I also pray that such campaigns will continue for a long time.

Panjim’s ugly face Ralph Fernandes, Margao It was a delight to read about the awakening of residents of Panjim to the careless attitude shown by the Corporation of City of Panjim (CCP) to the accumulation of filth and garbage.

The shameless battle to control the CCP is on. Stephen Dias has expressed in his” People Edit “ (Herald, 6 Feb), the ineffectiveness of the Commissioner and Rui Ferreira in OPinionatED (Herald, 5 Feb) has dubbed CCP as ‘Chek Chek Panjim’. Are the officers and the technical staff of CCP so ineffective that they cannot stop washing of cars and open urination across the newly furnished Garcia de Orta garden.

Panjim surely deserves a better deal than having bureaucrats who only wish to fill their pockets, which has choked the beautiful heritage town of Panjim.

Paths of Wisdom Charminar

Better than Bollywood music Jerry Fernandes, Saligao Goa has produced many great musicians like Anthony Gonsalves, Chris Perry etc., but the musician who has really made it big at the national and international level is none other than Remo Fernandes. Unlike other musicians, he operated from Goa and recorded music at his own studio in Siolim..

Currently, his classic music from “O Maria” is still rocking Goa and so is the Konkani film. Remo has proved that we Goans are not a bunch of stupid sissies who are meant to play second fiddle to Bollywood music.

Seafarers woes Vishal D’Costa, Cuncolim A scheme was started to serve retired seafarers or widows of seafarers who were entitled to 50% discount at NUSI Apollo hospital. Subsequently, the management and ownership changed hands and the hospital has been renamed as NUSI Wockhardt hospital. From 1 Jan 2011 seafarers were given a discount of 20 per cent on outpatient and 12.5 per cent on inpatient bills respectively, with a lot of conditions.

The pension of Rs200 received is insufficient to avail of the services offered in the above hospital, coupled with the reduced discount. I appeal to the authorities to give 50 per cent discount to seafarers.

NH 17 widening Jacinto Almeida, Cortalim It’s interesting to learn that National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has agreed to land acquisition for NH17 to between 35 and 45 metres in Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra. I am very happy as this will bring some cheer to a few people, as some residential houses will be spared from demolition.

I hope that NHAI sticks to 35 metres in Agassaim and Cortalim’s resident areas

Charminar is the emerald of Hyderabad city. The majestic beautiful building built with granite, lime crushed marble and mortar is one of the prime tourist attractions of Andhra Pradesh state and a must visit place for Hyderabad visitors. The city was previously known as Sikandarabad.

Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, who was the 5th ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty built Charminar in 1591 shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golconda to what is now commonly known as Hyderabad, in celebration and remembrance of the elimination of a plague epidemic from this city. It is said that he had prayed here for the end of a plague that was ravaging his city and vowed to build a Masjid at the very place where he was praying. The Mosque became popularly known as Charminar, surely because of its four minarets. In Hindi and Arabic, char is the word used for four and Minar means Minarets.

Charminar is a square alike structure with four towers in the four corners of the square. Each of whose sides is 20 Meters in length. Every side opens into a plaza through giant arches. The arches overlook four major thoroughfares. Except the minarets, they dwarf all other features of the building. Each arch is 11 meters wide and rises 20 meters to the top from the plinth. The minarets soar up skywards by 24 meters from the roof of Charminar. Each minaret has four stories and each looks like a delicately and skillfully carved ring around the minaret. From the ground to the pinnacle, the minarets cover a length of 48.7 meters.

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INDIA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2011

opinionated PM must speak on S-band World Cup Cricket an “open” event

By Sachin H Karapurkar

W

hen one thinks of any World Cup event, in any sport, the one thing that comes to mind immediately is ‘a festival of sport, with the top teams of the world coming together, striving to give their utmost best, and trying to prove to the world, that they are the best’.

The World Cup trophy is the most coveted and sought after trophy and winning it means assuming the status of ‘Kings’ for the next four years. We all know that a World Cup is an event that takes place once in four years (generally), and as is the buzz at the moment, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, is just round the corner.

Cricket is nothing short of a religion in India. The entire nation is bound by emotions, sentiments, high hopes, and prayers as this sport generally binds the nation together. Nonetheless, the cricket World Cup is nothing short of a festival.

Whether you are a student, an employee, some kind of a busy professional or the boss yourself, you often tend to enquire of the odd score from here and there, from time to time, however busy, or engrossed you may be. And now that the World Cup is just round the corner, (it begins from the 19 February and continues till 2 April), it is going to be a time for high excitement and festivity. However busy one may be, he/she will take some time out to enquire which team is doing well, and which isn't, which player is performing or not, as everyone has their own favourites. But this event of 2011, according to me, happens to be the most "open" competition ever, in the history of World Cups till date.

In the earlier editions, one could always say that the West Indies were the favourites during the l970s and 1980s, or Australia during the 1990s. But this time around, it looks like there are no clear favourites.

The last 18 months have shown that India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia and England are almost equally up there and are proving their worthiness. No single team has gone on to dominate world cricket. This period has also seen a seesaw ride in the ODI rankings. Even going by the recent past, say the last six months or so, Pakistan and New Zealand have not won too many games, but these are the two most unpredictable teams in the world of cricket and can spring a surprise at any moment, and in any event. Do not be surprised, if they make good progress in this tournament. They have some magnificent players and match winners in their ranks.

The West Indies too, may not be highly ranked at the moment, but they too have some explosive, talented and good all-round performers, and can make a mockery of their current ranking.

On the occasion of the biggest ODI event (The World cup) they may just recharge their batteries and add a spring to their steps.

And who knows, they could surprise everyone. They are certainly a capable team, at least, on paper.

As seen in previous World Cups, the minnows do provide some surprises, here and there. They cannot be discounted and can shock any big opponent on their day, and spoil the party.

That game often tends to be an important game and can change the complexion of the tournament.

In the 70s and 80s, the West Indies were firm favourites and did not let their followers down. They went on to win almost every game and lifted the first two World Cups (1975 and 1979).

In the 1990s, and most of the last decade, Australia dominated world cricket and became firm favourites, every time a World Cup came around. Although they lost in the finals of the 1996 event, they went on to win the next three successive events of 1999, 2003 and 2007. They also won in 1987. India (1983), Pakistan (1992) and Sri Lanka (1996) managed to lift the cup in between, and surprised many. Australia are the current reigning champions. They won the last edition of the World Cup in 2007.

But since then, times have changed, Australia has lost some top class players due to retirement, and in the last 18 months or so, they looked a bit vulnerable. During this time, some other teams like India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and England have raised their performances to quite an extent. Therefore, we can now rate these above teams along with Australia on an equal footing, and consider these teams to be "equal amongst equals". And that 'opens' up this World Cup cricketing event of 2011.

This year's event will be held in the sub-continent with India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, hosting the matches. This will make for an interesting spectacle and it would be a great thing if we can have a new winner, this time around. I think we will.

(The author Sachin H Karapurkar is a resident of Panjim, Goa, and also a cricket enthusiast. The above are his general views about the mega event).

Cops object to Lankan minister’s bail petition Police has objected to the anticipatory bail petition filed by Sri Lankan Minister Douglas Devananda before the Madras High Court in connection with a 1986 murder case and said the non bailable warrant issued by a lower court in 1987 is still pending against him.

In his petition, Douglas claimed he was covered by immunity offered as part of 1987 Indo-Sri Lankan accord. After being enlarged on bail that year, he was 'expatriated' to Sri Lanka.

So he believed the case had been dropped Devananda, in his petition last week, had also submitted he is ready to face trial and abide by any condition imposed and that he would appear before it as and when required.

Last year, Devanada had filed a petition challenging the 1994

proclamation order pending in the lower court.

When the matter came up yesterday before Justice K N Basha, police filed a counter, stating that the 10 accused are evading appearance before the trial court and that the proclamation procedures taken against them were in accordance with law.

Though the proclamation was brought on notice in all dailies in 1994, the petitioner till date has not taken any steps to appear before the trial court, they said. The investigation officer dismissed the petition filed by the minister. On December 8, 2010, the court had ruled that Devananda was not pronounced a proclaimed offender in connection with the case and directed him to seek anticipatorybail.(PTI)

allocation issue, says BJP PTI KOLKATA, FEB 15

The BJP today demanded a statement from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the S-band allocation controversy, saying the subject falls under a department which is looked after by him and it involved the country's security.

“Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet editors of television channels tomorrow and we want him to speak on the Sband allocation issue. He has not spoken on this,” BJP national spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters here.

“The department is held by the Prime Minister. This is a new scam termed as S-band scam.

This is a very serious issue. We want a statement by the PM,'' she said.

She said that the bandhwith which had been given to a private party was used by the Coast Guard and other national security agencies.

She was speaking after the meeting of the party's national office-bearers here.

The BJP spokesperson said, ''We also want the prime minister to speak on the whole issue of corruption and blackmoney.

Why are we not signing the UN charter of corruption? It would have been easier to get information,” she said.

The BJP spokesperson said that the prime minister should also speak on price rise and food inflation.

Saying that an economist was leading the country, she said, “We have had two full years of inflation. The prime Minister

should speak on this issue.”

Turning to the demand of setting up a JPC, Sitharaman said ''We are demanding JPC not only specifically on the 2G spectrum scam, but on the whole issue of corruption.''

Apart from Nirmala Sitharaman, Arun Jaitley and a host of senior BJP leaders including L K Advani, party president Nitin Gadkari and former party chief Rajnath Singh are here attending a crucial meeting of the party's office-bearers in view of the upcoming assembly polls in five States.

The meeting will take stock of the situation in the five States going to the polls, the party's preparedness and prospects of alliance with other parties, BJP central observer Chandan Mitra had said here yesterday.

Court grants Setalvad anticipatory bail PTI GODHRA(Gujarat ), FEB 15

A fast track court here today granted anticipatory bail to social activist Teesta Setalvad in connection with exhumation of bodies of 2002 riot victims four years after they were buried.

Fast Track judge V D Parmar granted anticipatory bail to Setalvad on grounds of parity as other accused in the case have been granted bail.

Setalvad runs a NGO called Citizen for Justice and Peace (CJP) and has taken up the cause of riot victims.

According to the details of the case, in 2002 the district administration had buried about 28 unidentified bodies of riot victims from Pandarwada and surrounding villages of Khanpur taluka of Panchmahal district at a graveyard near river Panam there.

After over four years, Rais Khan, who was then associated with CJP, and 12 others exhumed these bodies without the permission of the government.

Army chief reviews J&K security scene PTI JAMMU, FEB 15

Artists performing Manipuri traditional tribal-dance during inauguration of community hall at Salem Lhouthong village, Senapati district constructed by the 57 Red Shield Division, Laimakhong under the MCA project, about 20 km from Imphal on Tuesday.

In the backdrop of the Centre's decision to withdraw 10,000 paramilitary personnel from Jammu and Kashmir, Army Chief General V K Singh today met senior officers at Udhampurbased Northern Command which looks after the operational area of the State.

The army chief, who came here on a two-day visit this morning, held a meeting with top army personnel.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen A K Choudhary, Commander of 9 Corps, told reporters in Yol Camp in Himachal Pradesh today that there is a need to take a holistic view on reduction of troops in Jammu and Kashmir.

Based on this holistic policy, troops reduction would be assessed and decided by Unified Headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.The Centre plans to withdraw nearly 10,000 paramilitary personnel.

Bryan Adams Delhi concert cancelled PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 15

In a disappointment for Bryan Adams' fans, the Canadian rock star's much-awaited concert in Delhi today was cancelled after police refused permission for it over security concerns.

The sold-out concert, which was scheduled for this evening, was called off after the Delhi Police said the location for the show in the NSIC exhibition grounds in Okhla industrial area of south east Delhi was not suitable for it.

“Police have canceled the New Delhi concert tonight due to public safety. There are so many more people than they expected coming to the show, that they are concerned about security,” tweeted Adams.

The organisers of the show said that unexpected rains coupled with the overwhelming public response for the show had made the venue “unsafe”.

However, they said that the singer was keen to perform in New Delhi and a new date and venue was being worked out.

“The organisers are working towards finalising an alternate venue and date to re-schedule the Bryan Adams concert in New Delhi since public safety is a priority,” the organisers said.

The 52-year-old singer of the 'Summer of 69' hit, who has sold nearly 70 million albums and 30 million singles worldwide, has already performed in Bangalore and Mumbai.

Adams is also scheduled to hold a concert in Hyderabad tomorrow before he flies to Dhaka and then Kathmandu.

Police, however, was not satisfied with the arrangements in

Delhi and did not give a green light for the show.

“We have denied permission for the concert because of security concerns. The place chosen to organise the concert is not suitable for this kind of a programme,” a senior police official said.

According to the official, the objection was mainly due to the organisers selling more tickets

Constable shoots himself dead PTI

Decades afer retiring, these men can now get pension PTI THANE, FEB 15

More than four decades after their retirement, a dozen-odd former Air Force personnel can now hope to get pension, thanks to the decision of Delhibased principal bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal.

The bench of Justices A K Mathur and M L Naidu asked the government last week to work out their due amounts within three months.

The bench mentioned that most of the petitioners are now in their late 80s, and the Defence Ministry must provide them pension as soon as possible.

Pune-based S H Nargund (75) and others joined the Air Force in 1952, and retired from active duty in 1961. Further, they continued to be in `reserve' force, till 1967.

than the capacity of the ground which can cater to only 6,000 people at a time.

“They have issued VIP and complimentary passes also.

There was no traffic plan despite the fact that the show was to be held on a working day,” the official said.

The official said police had informed the organizers about the denial of permission on February 10 itself.

The official ticketing partner for the event KyaZoonga asked people who had booked tickets online and through retail outlets to “not go to the NSIC venue to pick up your tickets”.

It also assured that in case the customers choose not to attend the rescheduled concert, their tickets will be refunded.

It said that besides the rescheduled dates, the details of refunds and ticket exchanges will also be announced later.

But after the retirement, Air Force took the stand that they were not entitled to pension, as they had not served for 15 years in the active service, as required by pension rules.

Petitioners filed a petition in the Bombay High Court in 2009, which referred the issue to the tribunal.

Before the tribunal, the central government's lawyer pleaded that petition had been filed too late. Even service records were not available now, the government said. However, the tribunal did not entertain this argument.

"It is true that the petition is extremely belated but this petition has been admitted by the Bombay High Court and therefore, it will not be proper for us to dismiss it on account of laches (delay) alone....the pension is not a bounty payable as

per the sweet will and pleasure of the government,” the tribunal said.

Further, the tribunal noted that at the time of appointment, the petitioners had been told that they would be working in active duty for a period of nine years plus six years in reserve.

Therefore, later the government could not say that they had not been in active service for 15 years, and not eligible for pension, the tribunal remarked.

That will amount to a breach of promise, it said. The tribunal also noted that while in reserve, they had been summoned for duty during the 1962 China war.

“The pension of all the petitioners may be worked out within a period of three months as most of the petitioners are aged 75 and above,” it directed.

TIRUCHIRAPALLI : An armed reserve head constable here shot himself dead with his rifle this evening, police said.

The motive for the 40-yearold man taking the extreme step was being ascertained, they said.

APPOINTMENTS

Following this, a criminal complaint was registered against Khan and others. But they obtained a stay on further investigation in the case.

The stay on investigation was lifted by the High Court in November last year, after which Khan and his three aides were arrested on December 14.

APPOINTMENTS

OHERALDO

Pg 10 GOA, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2011

WORLD

Tunisian migrants threat to Europe’s social structures: Italy AGENCIES ROME, FEB 15

Italy has warned that an influx of Tunisian migrants arriving on its shores could have devastating consequences for all European nations.

Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said migrants who have landed on the island of Lampedusa threaten the institutional and social structures of Europe.

Italy is asking the EU for about 100m euros (£84m) to tackle the influx.

In another development, a boat was intercepted off Sicily carrying about 30 people believed to be from Egypt.

Italian police said the boat was intercepted overnight off the coast near Ragusa.

More than 5,000 immigrants have reached Lampedusa - south of Sicily - by boat in the past week.

The upsurge follows last month’s mass protests over unemployment and poverty in Tunisia which resulted in the overthrow of President Zine alAbidine Ben Ali. Most of those arriving in Lampedusa say they are seeking work and a better life in Europe, although correspondents say they could include escaped con-

victs and members of the ousted regime fleeing retribution.

“It is a question that risks igniting an extremely fast process of change in North African countries, that can have devastating consequences on the institutional and social structures of European nations,” Mr Maroni said.

“I have asked, and I think it is fundamental, that Europe at its top levels - meaning heads of state and government - defines a strategy... and starts a strong diplomatic action towards all countries that are touched by these phenomena.”

Mr Maroni also said he had asked for the intervention of the EU’s border management agency, Frontex, and deployed an extra 200 soldiers to supervise centres where migrants are staying.

Lampedusa Mayor Bernadino Rubeis has declared a state of emergency.

“There is an entire nation trying to escape Tunisia to reach Italy and then to go on to other countries,” he said.

Laura Boldrini of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) who is on Lampedusa, told the BBC World Service that the situation on the island was “critical”.

She said conditions had improved slightly since the island’s reception centre re-opened on Sunday but it was important to move people to other reception centres in Italy.

Ms Boldrini said migrants were either saying they wanted to escape “insecurity” in Tunisia or had left to look for jobs in Europe.

She said some planned to travel on to France and other European countries to be reunited with family members already there.

“This influx is affecting many other countries, not only Italy,” she said.

The BBC’s Jim Muir in Tunis says many people there are puzzled by the upsurge in the number of people trying to get to Italy, as the situation in Tunisia is seen to be stabilising.

Some of those trying to leave are said to be well-dressed and paying over the odds for the trip, our correspondent says indicating they might be associated with the former regime and trying to avoid retribution.

But most are believed to be economic migrants taking advantage of a security loophole, he adds.

Michele Cercone, spokesman

for the European Commission for Home and Justice affairs, said there had to be a European common approach to increasing migration sparked by recent turmoil in northern Africa.

“On one hand we have to intervene, if needed, with urgent measures to assist member states and on the other hand we have to be sure that we cooperate with... countries of origin of these migrants, in order to have a more consistent and long term solution,” he said.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports say at least five migrants died and others are missing after their boat sank off the Tunisian coast near Zarzis.

Alleged survivors told AFP news agency that a Tunisian coastguard ship rammed their boat on Friday as it was making its way to Italy.

“The boat... was carrying 120 passengers - 85 people were saved, five died and 30 are still missing,” 23-year-old Ziad Ben Abdaalah is reported to have said.

Coastguard officials in Zarzis contacted by AFP confirmed that a boat had sunk but blamed it on the poor condition of the boat and declined to make any further comment.

Freeze assets of Iranian lawmakers call Mubarak aides, asks for leaders’ execution Egyptian military AGENCIES TEHRAN, FEB 15

PTI CAIRO, FEB 15

Days after the toppling of the regime, the Egyptian military led government has asked US and European Union to freeze the assets of top henchmen of ousted Hosni Mubarak, but has remained mum on the bounty of the deposed president.

While the Obama administration has conveyed to Cairo that it is examining the request, EU ministers are meeting in Brussels to take a decision on the issue.

US State Department officials said that the administration had received request to freeze assets held by some senior officials in Mubarak’s regime, but have not received any request to freeze assets of the ousted president.

Egyptian as well as US officials refused to disclose the identity of the individuals whose assets were being asked to be frozen and whether they included the sons of former Egyptian strongman.

Media reports have put the worth of Mubarak, who ruled Egypt with an iron hand for last 30 years, as anything between USD 6070 billion, but banking experts say a more realistic estimate would be anything upto USD 5 billion.

Officials here quoted by the state media said a similar request had been sent to European Union’s big three - France, UK and Germany for freezing the assets of Mubarak’s top aides.

Britain’s Finance Minister George Osborne has put up a proposal before the EU that all 27-member states should strip the assets of closest associates of Mubarak.

Without naming anybody, al-Arabiya reported that riches accumulated by 6-7 Egyptians were being targeted, but not Mubarak himself.

In its first step, the new Egyptian authorities have imposed a travel bar on all former top officials of the Mubarak regime. The officials can only travel abroad after clearance by military or public prosecutor.

Switzerland, known to be a tax haven, has already ordered a freeze of any assets belonging to Mubarak and his entourage. The Swiss announced the ban within hours of the downfall of Mubarak.

EU is already considering a freeze of assets of the deposed Tunisian President Zine al Abidine Ben Ali, and British Foreign Secretary William Hague has proposed a similar action against Mubarak.

The move to freeze accounts of Mubarak’s aides comes as Arab media reports said that former Egyptian strongman had moved his family assets from European banks to institutions in Gulf region.

There are also reports that Mubarak who is officially stated to be still in Egypt, in the resort town of Sharam-al-Sheikh may seek asylum in the UAE.

Abbas to disband NSU REUTERS RAMALLAH, FEB 15

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has decided to disband the Negotiations Support Unit (NSU) which provided him with technical help during long-running peace talks with Israel, an official said on Monday.

The decision was made after it was discovered that employees in the unit were behind the leak of hundreds of documents to the television station al Jazeera which embarrassed Abbas’s administration.

The discovery prompted the resignation at the weekend of the chief Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, who said he was taking responsibility for the re-

lease of about 1,600 secret documents relating to more than a decade of peace maneuvers.

It was not immediately clear if Abbas had accepted his resignation, but an official said Erekat was adamant he would not return to his post.

The planned closure of the NSU and possible departure of Erekat marked a new low point in peace initiatives, with no sign whether Abbas wanted to rebuild his negotiating team.

The latest round of U.S.-led peace negotiations broke down almost immediately after they started last September, with the Palestinians refusing to continue talks until the Israelis halted all settlement building on occupied territory.

Iranian lawmakers denounced Monday’s protests in Tehran and called for the execution of two opposition leaders for inciting the demonstrations, Iran’s staterun Press TV reported Tuesday.

Members of the Iranian parliament issued fiery chants against opposition leaders and former presidential candidates Mehdi Karrubi and Mir Hossein Moussavi Press TV aired video Tuesday of lawmakers chanting “Moussavi, Karroubi ... execute them.”

Lawmakers also named former President Mohammad Khatami in some of the death chants.

Iranian leaders have praised Egypt’s revolution, but Monday when protesters in Iran took to the streets the government cracked down hard.

Last week, the Iranian government rounded up activists after Karrubi and Moussavi called for supporters to gather at Azadi Square — the site of mass protests by Iran’s opposition movement after the disputed 2009 presidential elections.

Despite the security crackdown, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Tehran Monday.

Patrolling security forces battled protesters with batons and tear gas for much of the day.

The large crowd was largely cleared from the city’s streets by nightfall and the main squares near Tehran University remained free of police, security forces or protesters Dozens of demonstrators were detained during Monday’s protests while internet videos showed others had been chased and beaten.

One person was shot and killed during the protests, according to Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency. Several others were injured and listed in serious condition as a result of the shooting, which the Iranian government blamed on “agitators and seditionists.”

Video uploaded to YouTube showed throngs of demonstrators marching, burning posters of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and in one instance beating a man who appeared to try to remove a poster from the hands of protesters.

1 killed in Iran clashes AP TEHRAN, FEB 15

Clashes between Iranian police and tens of thousands of protesters wracked central Tehran, killing one person, as opposition supporters tried to evoke the spirit of Egypt’s recent popular uprising.

The opposition called for yesterday’s demonstration in solidarity with Egypt’s popular revolt that a few days earlier forced the president there to resign after nearly 30 years in office. The rally was the first major show of strength for Iran’s cowed opposition in more than a year.

Police used tear gas against the protesters in central Tehran’s Enghelab, or Revolution, square and in Imam Hossein square, as well as in other nearby main streets. Demonstrators responded by setting garbage bins on fire to protect themselves from the stinging white clouds.

The pro-government Fars News Agency reported that a bystander was shot dead at the hands of protesters.

Eyewitnesses said at least three protesters injured by bullets were taken to a hospital in central Tehran while dozens of others were hospitalized because of severe wounds as a result of being beaten.

“An Iranian dies but doesn’t accept humiliation,” demonstrators chanted.

“Death to the dictator,” they said, in a chant directed at hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Security forces on motorcycles could also be seen chasing protesters through the streets, according to eyewitnesses.

Fars, which is linked to the Revolutionary Guard, Iran’s most powerful military force called protesters “hypocrites, monarchists, ruffians and seditionists,” and ridiculed them for not chanting any slogans about Egypt as they had originally promised.

From Page1 Margao to host IFFI opener to exploit its natural beauty and utilise it fully so that IFFI improves in a big way.

He said India has a huge film industry and it is the biggest producer of films. “Keeping this in mind, we must make efforts to make IFFI the topmost film festival in the world. We need to take huge strides”, he added.

He spelt out priorities for the new project and felt that it should not remain a mere auditorium but should have other facilities and amenities required for organizing a successful film festival.

Menon said the festival office would be permanently set up in Goa and a Festival Director, exclusively for IFFI, would be appointed.

He requested the Goa Government to provide an office space for the same.

He emphasised the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) was burdened with many other functions and therefore there was a need for an independent director to look after IFFI.

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WORLD

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2011

Berlusconi to face trial in April AGENCIES ROME, FEB 15

A Milan judge on Tuesday ordered Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to stand trial in April on charges of paying an underage nightclub dancer for sex and abusing his office to help release her from police custody when she was detained for theft, Italian news media reported.

The fast-track trial is expected to begin on April 6, according to news reports citing a statement by the Milan judge.

Mr. Berlusconi denies wrongdoing. After the decision on Tuesday, he did not appear at a scheduled news conference in Sicily, where Italy is seeking to stem a flow of more than 5,000 illegal immigrants from Tunisia.

Ever since prosecutors announced last week they would call for an expedited trial, saying they had enough evidence to waive preliminary hearings, Mr. Berlusconi has fought back in the media, accusing the judiciary of a “moral coup” against his leadership.

The prime minister said on Monday that he would not step down, and his center-right coalition, which governs with a narrow majority, has stood by him, even as a growing number of Italians are growing weary of his leadership.

As the crisis wears on, no one has ruled out early elections before his mandate ends in 2013.

The president of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, who has the power to dissolve Parliament and call early elections, said on Tuesday that the growing showdown between the executive and the judiciary posed “reasons for anxiety,” Italian news media reported.

On Sunday, thousands took to the streets in Italian cities and worldwide in coordinated demonstrations that organizers said were aimed at restoring the dignity of Italian women amid the

n Ever since prosecutors announced last week they would call for an expedited trial, saying they had enough evidence to waive preliminary hearings, Mr. Berlusconi has fought back in the media, accusing the judiciary of a “moral coup” against his leadership. latest sex scandal and after years in which Mr. Berlusconi has routinely appointed television showgirls to political office.

The judge’s ruling comes weeks after prosecutors said they were investigating the prime minister on charges that he paid Karima El Mahroug, a nightclub dancer nicknamed Ruby Heart-Stealer, for sex before she turned 18 and abused his office in calling police to intervene when she was detained in May for theft.

Mr. Berlusconi has said he called police to avoid “an international diplomatic incident” because he had been told that the Moroccan-born Ms. Mahroug was the niece of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.The age of consent is 14 in Italy and prostitution is legal, but not with a minor under the age of 18.

Both Mr. Berlusconi and Ms. Mahroug say they did not have sex, although Ms. Mahroug said the prime minister gave her 7,000 Euros the first time she came to his villa for a party last spring.

In a television interview last month, she said she had made up “a parallel life,” telling people she was Egyptian, not Moroccan, although she did not reveal whether she had ever claimed to be Mr. Mubarak’s niece.

Grossman may be US special Af-Pak envoy PTI WASHINGTON, FEB 15

Marc Grossman, former US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, is expected to replace the late Richard Holbrooke as Obama Administration’ s special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The post has been vacant since Richard Holbrooke, 68, who was the Special US Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan for two years, died suddenly last December.

An announcement in this regard is expected to be made by the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday in New York where she would deliver the First Richard Holbrooke Memorial Lecture of the Asia Society, The Washington Post reported today.

Clinton met Grossman yesterday at the State Department.

“Retired diplomat Marc Grossman is expected to take over as the administration is facing a crucial year for its war strategy in Afghanistan, where it plans to begin US troop withdrawals this summer and to move toward a political settlement including negotiations with the Taliban before the end of 2011,” the daily said.

Grossman, who spent time at the US Embassy in Islamabad in late 70s, at present is the vice president of the Cohen Group, headed by the former Defence Secretary William Cohen. The group has several clients with contracts in South Asia.

A Komondorak in the ring during the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Tuesday. The show, one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world.

UK defends 1 billion pound aid to India PTI LONDON, FEB 15

As an outcry blew over Britain’s decision to continue over 1 billion pounds in aid to New Delhi until 2015, the David Cameron government has defended the move, saying India symbolises a development paradox.

The vociferous tabloid press led the criticism today with headlines such as ‘Scandal of our 1b pounds aid to India’ (Daily Express) and ‘Our 1b pounds aid to India: A nation with three times as many billionaires as we have’ (Daily Mail).

International development secretary Andrew Mitchell defended the aid on the ground that India symbolised a ‘development paradox’ - it has a growing economy and gives aid to Africa, but also has more poor than the entire sub-Saharan Africa.

He said British aid would henceforth focus on three states: Orissa, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

A spokesman for the Department for International Development said: “ The coalition Government has announced that British aid to Russia and China will end. India is different. Our development programme is in transition, but now is not the time to end it completely. For the next four years, we will focus only on the poorest states in India”.

“We will not be in India forever. But as part of the revitalised British relationship with India, following the PM’s successful visit last year, our development partnership has an important role to play.” he added. However, criticism of the

n International development secretary Andrew Mitchell defended the aid on the ground that India symbolised a ‘development paradox’ - it has a growing economy and gives aid to Africa, but also has more poor than the entire sub-Saharan Africa. aid to India is likely to figure in the House of Commons today.

“It is completely unacceptable to be giving aid to a country that can afford to spend vast amounts of money on nuclear weapons and a space pro gramme,” Conservative MP Philip Davies said.

“India’s economy is growing at a rate that we can only dream of. It is quite extraordinary to be giving aid money to a country that could end up lending it back to us,” he added.

Emma Boon, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies so it is now hard to justify these huge aid payments from the UK. At a time when we are making spending cuts at home, it is unfair to force taxpayers to pour another 1 billion pounds in aid, over the next four years, into a country that has a space programme.

Bahrain mourner killed in clash AP DUBAI, FEB 15

Security forces in Bahrain fired tear gas and bird shot today on mourners gathered for a funeral procession for a man killed in the first Egypt-inspired protests to reach the Gulf, killing at least one other person and sharply raising the chances for further unrest.

Officials at Bahrain’s Salmaniya Medical Complex, the meeting point for thousands of mourners, said a 31-year-old man died from injuries from bird shot fired during the melee in the hospital’s parking lot.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak to journalists.

The latest death raises the possibility of more rallies and challenges to the ruling Sunni monarchy in Bahrain, a strategic Western ally and home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet.

After the clash, riot police eventually withdrew and allowed the funeral cortege for 21-year- old Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima to proceed from the hospital, the main state-run medical facility in Bahrain’s capital Manama.

Despite strain, US allocates USD 3.1 billion aid for Pak PTI WASHINGTON, FEB 15

Despite a stand off with Pakistan over the issue of jailing of its diplomat Raymond Davis, US has not proposed any slashing of aid to Islamabad, and for the second year in running has allocated a whopping USD 3.1 billion as assistance to the country for 2012.

President Barack Obama has kept up the aid levels to Pakistan and of the huge allocation a staggering USD 1.1 billion is to provide critical equipment and training for Pakistani security forces, increasing the ability of the Pakistani government to combat insurgents inside that country and eliminating the insurgent’s capacity to conduct cross-border operations in Afghanistan that jeopardise US lives and the mission there.

In 2010, Pakistan had received USD 79 million under the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) Budget, which is estimated to jump to USD 1.3 billion in 2011.

Obama has requested USD 73.6 billion for the State Department in its USD 3.73 trillion budget for the next fiscal year and of this a significant portion has been allocated for p ro g r a m m e s i n Pa k i s t a n , Afghanistan as well as Iraq, where US is likely to face problems as withdrawal of American troops continues.In a significant development, the American budget retains major assistant programmes for US allies in the Middle East including USD 1.5 billion for Egypt. But US officials warn that money for the country which include USD 1.3 billion military aid could be altered depending on developments.

The stepped up military assistance to Pakistan will come under the Overseas Contingency Operations Budget.

The bulk of American assistance USD 1.9 billion has been proposed to promote a secure,

stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan with a capacity to govern effectively and accountably.The major focus of the civil aid is on energy, economic growth, agriculture, the delivery of health and education services.

USD 1.5 billion of this is part of the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Bill.

Another USD 45 million has been proposed in operations to support infrastructure for maintaining the US government civilian and diplomatic presence and to support educational and cultural exchange programs to build bridges with civil society.

“We have USD 350 million in that part of the budget for FMF (Foreign Military Financing) programs, which is part of the fiveyear agreement that we have made with the government of Pakistan,” a State Department official told reporters.

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EPFO for 9.5% interest; not to invest in bourses PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 15

The EPFO today stuck to its decision that about 4.71 crore subscribers of the pension fund get one per cent increase in interest on their deposits for 2010-11, pegging the rate of interest at 9.5 per cent.

The Central Board of Trustees of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) also decided not to invest in stock markets After a two-hour meeting of the CBT, Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge expressed hope the finance ministry will shortly give its concurrence to the proposal.

"I hope that after we answered all clarifications, they (Finance Ministry) will approve it (9.5 per cent interest rate for 2010-11)," he told reporters on the finance ministry's reservation on 9.5 per cent recommended by the Central Board of Trustees of EPFO in September last "As far as 9.5 per cent interest (2010-11) is concerned, the Finance Ministry had sought some clarifications.

Those clarifications have been sent by Labour Secretary to the Finance Ministry," Kharge added.

Downplaying the ongoing tussle between the two ministries over hiking the interest rates on PF deposits,

Kharge said there was "no tussle between the two ministries over giving 9.5% interest rate."

"These are just consultations between the two ministries.

They had certain queries and when we satisfy them. They will definitely approve it," Labour Secretary P C Chaturvedi later explained.

Although CBT, which is headed by labour minister, had decided to give a higher return of 9.5 per cent on provident fund deposits for 2010-11, the Finance Ministry had expressed its opposition to the move.

Following discovery of Rs 1,731.57 crore in suspense account, the EPFO trustees favoured raising the rate of interest on provident fund deposits to 9.5 per cent for its 4.71 crore subscribers from 8.5 per cent which is being paid by EPFO since 2005-06.

The decision, however, did not find favour with the Finance Ministry which argued that there was no real surplus.

It said the surplus shown by the EPFO arose because all subscribers' accounts were not updated.

In a recent letter of January 29, the Labour Ministry argued the EPFO is not asking for any government support for the extra returns to the salaried workers. It is their money which has earned returns.

The Finance Ministry's objections were based on a report by Comptroller and Auditor General which suggested that there was no surplus with the EFFO's interest suspense account.

The Finance Ministry has to give concurrence to the rate of return decided by CBT and notify allowing tax exemption on the entire such earnings on PF deposits.

Meanwhile, the retirment fund manager, which has a corpus of Rs 5 Lakh crore, said it will not invest in the stock market in absence of any guarantee on returns and safety of the money by the finance ministry.

"We don't want to invest in equities. No futher decision has been taken on this and same status (of not investing PF money in stock market) would prevail," Kharge said.

During the meeting, the EPFO also approved a proposal to resume investment in the scam-hit LIC Housing Finance, a subsidiary of the country's largest insurance company Life Insurance Corporation.

The CBT had suspended investment in housing finance company following disclosure of the bribe-for-loans scam in November 2010 in which top officials of the LIC Housing Finance were allegedly involved.

Farmers advised to sow potato

R-Digital TV in tie-up with MIRC

PTI COIMBATORE, FEB 15

PTI MUMBAI, FEB 15

Farmers are recommended to go for sowing potato in neerbogum (in February under irrigation conditions) since the crop would get better prices and particularly that of Nilgiris district, would fetch a premium price for its better quality, according to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).

The Domestic Export and Marketing Intelligence Cell (DEMIC) in TNAU has analysed the price behaviour of potato that prevailed in Nilgiris Cooperative Marketing Society in nearby Mettupalayam for the last 20 years and found that farmers would get a price of Rs 14 to Rs 16 per kg of in May and June, when the neegbogum potato for harvesting, it said in a release here.

The society is one of the major trading centres in India, with 100 private commission mandies functioning in and around.

The peak arrivals of potato is during June to December and in Nilgiris neerbogum potato is sown uring February, it said.

In Tamil Nadu, potato is grown in the hilly regions of Dindigul, Nilgiris and Krishnagiri and Erode districts, with Dindigul and Nilgiris contributing 95 per cent.

In 2010-11, potato productioin in the state was expected to be 97,20 tonnes fror an area of 4,600 hectares, with an average production of 21.13 tonnes per hectare,it said.

Reliance Digital TV has inked a corporate alliance with MIRC Electronics through which customers can avail Reliance Digital TV on purchase of Onida television sets.

The offer is open on select models of Onida LEDs, LCDs, ultra-slim, flat and thunder models, a press release issued here today stated.

Reliance Digital TV is a leading DTH service provider.

The alliance comprises all three offerings from Reliance Digital TV--high definition-cumdigital video recording box, high definition set-top box (STB) and standard definition STB, the release said.

The offer is valid till March 31 and available for customers across India. Reliance Digital TV's Senior VP & CMO, Umesh Rao, said "With the excitement building up for World Cup cricket, this alliance will give us accelerated volume momentum on ground."

Govt to raise fertiliser subsidy PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 15

Faced with high food inflation, the government today decided to increase fertiliser subsidy to absorb high global prices so that the domestic price of urea, Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and muriate of potash (MOP) are protected.

The group of ministers, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, today met to review the fertiliser prices.

"The subsidy level will be increased so as to maintain the affordable prices. We are working out the details," Fertiliser Secretary Sutanu Behuria told reporters here.

"Given the global prices have risen, MRP should be maintained at a reasonable level.

The government will absorb the burden of rise in global prices by way of subsidising," he added.

The price of DAP in the global market is around USD

630 per tonne and MOP at USD 400-420 per tonne, but the benchmark price at which the government reimburses subsidy to fertilizer companies are USD 450 a tonne and USD 350 a tonne, respectively.

It is feared that inflation, already hight at 8.23 per cent in January, will move up as higher fertiliser prices would increase cost of production of food items.

"We have discussed how

the benchmarking of the price should be done so that fertilisers are made available at comfortable price for the Kharif season," Behuria said.

Fertilsier subsidy stood at over Rs 64,000 crore in 200910.

Fertiliser subsidy is the difference between the normative delivered cost of fertilisers and their notified selling prices.

Subsidy is given to fertiliser manufacturers.

Cocoberry eyes listing

PTI AHMEDABAD, FEB 15

Cocoberry, a chain of premium frozen yogurt, has planned major expansion over the next couple of years and is also planning to get its shares listed on a stock exchange, the company said today.

The company has been posting rapid growth since its inception couple of years ago and has already become a formidable player in the market.

"We have 25 outlets in the country which would reach to 80 by the end of financial year 2011-12," Cocoberry Assistant Vice President Deepa Negi told reporters here while opening its first outlet in the state.

In the first year of operation in 2009, the company's turnover was Rs 5 crore. This is expected to reach Rs 15 crore by the end of this fiscal and Rs 45 crore in 2011-12, she said.

Negi said that the company

has plans to get its shares listed on the stock exchange by 2013.

Cocoberry has tied up with major producers across the country for its requirement of quality milk and yogurt.

"In Delhi we have tie up with Mother Dairy, while in Gujarat, where we plan 6-7 outlets in next six to one year, we have a tie up with Amul," Negi said.

She said that most of the ingredients required for the frozen yogurt are purchased locally, but the main pre-mix and berries, were imported from a European country.

Negi however, declined to divulge the name of the European company with which it was collaborating for the yogurt recipes and technology.

When asked how would a frozen yogurt compete with the huge ice cream market in India and especially in Gujarat, Negi said that theirs was a pre-

Experts discuss ways to make air travel more secure PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 15

Top security experts from several countries and global aviation bodies today decided to enhance cooperation and share information on emerging threats besides working out measures to make air travel more secure.

After deliberating on the emerging threats to the sector for two days, the experts evolved an aviation security roadmap which can be used by countries to proactively and jointly counter and pre-

vent acts of unlawful interference against global civil aviation.

The participants at the Regional Aviation Security Conference also reviewed compliance by various nations on the Security Declaration made in the 37th ICAO Assembly last year and carried out a risk overview of the recent developments in aviation security.

The experts, including those from International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), International Air Transport As-

Sensex up 72 points PTI MUMBAI, FEB 15

The BSE benchmark Sensex ended 72 points up today at 18,273.80 on smart rally in heavyweights like Reliance Industries, which helped it overcome initial hesitancy and end with gains for the third session in a row.

In a volatile session, the Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share bellwether index opened on a positive note but fell back to a low of 18,050.48, down nearly 152 points.

However, buying in select blue-chips helped it bounce back to a high of 18,361.66 before closing at 18,273.80, a rise of 71.60 points or 0.39 per cent. In three days of smart pull-back, the Sensex has gained 810.76 points or 4.64 per cent.

sociate and the Airports Council International, adopted a joint statement detailing measures for effective implementation of globally laid-down security standards.

These included strengthening of security screening procedures, developing enhanced security measures including those for air cargo, correct the identified deficiencies and provide technical assistance to needy states, an official spokesperson said.

While promoting co-operation among ICAO member

Aban Offshor, 589, 598.5, 576.25, 585.8 Abb Ltd., 664.8, 673.75, 659.5, 662.55 Abg Shipyard, 345.5, 357, 344.9, 347.8 Acc Limited, 1014, 1014, 990, 1003 Adani Enterp, 610.15, 615, 585.8, 606 Aditya Birla, 787.85, 787.85, 768.15, 775.55 Allahabad Ba, 205, 209.2, 200.75, 205.65 Alstom Proje, 575, 584.9, 565.25, 577.7 Ambuja Cemen, 120, 120.9, 117.3, 119.2 Andhra Bank, 148.25, 151.3, 145, 148.8 Ashok Leylan, 55.65, 55.65, 53.35, 54.65 Asian Paints, 2582, 2625.05, 2575, 2587.9 Axis Bank Li, 1277.4, 1288.3, 1250.3, 1274.8 Bajaj Hindus, 79.3, 79.95, 76.5, 77.6 Bank Of Baro, 902, 924.9, 879.6, 919.05 Bank Of Indi, 433.7, 449, 425.15, 443.4 Beml Limited, 657, 677.05, 645, 660.7 Bharat Elect, 1738, 1739, 1665, 1685.4 Bharat Forge, 325, 326.85, 315.55, 320.35 Bharat Petro, 608.8, 621, 600, 603.9 Bharti Airte, 325.5, 333.2, 323.4, 329.15 Bhel, 2145, 2152.3, 2061, 2070.6

BIZ

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2011

states, the participants also decided to transfer technologies and share best practices and information in a range of key areas.

The areas include screening and inspection techniques, assessment of advance screening technology for weapons and explosives, behaviour detection as a threat-based risk analysis and screening of airport employees.

India now heads the Cooperation Aviation Security Programme of Asia Pacific with the post being chaired by Civil Avi-

Bhushan Stee, 394, 402, 385.3, 396.5 Biocon Limit, 349.3, 349.3, 335.1, 336.15 Bombay Dyein, 317, 336.5, 313.25, 330.1 Bosch Limite, 5963, 6059, 5963, 6021.1 Brigade Ente, 99, 100.85, 98.2, 98.8 Cairn India, 328.8, 328.9, 321, 322.05 Canara Bank, 564.5, 585.9, 556.8, 581.4 Central Bank, 155.1, 161.45, 153.6, 159 Century Text, 325.1, 330.9, 315, 325.35 Cesc Ltd, 304.6, 304.85, 292.15, 294.75 Chambal Fert, 73.65, 75.9, 72.15, 75.1 Chennai Petr, 207.95, 208.3, 203.2, 204.75 Cipla Ltd, 315, 317.7, 307.5, 309.85 Colgate Palm, 829.9, 830, 819, 822 Container Co, 1097.5, 1108.7, 1095, 1100.9 Crompton Gre, 271, 277.6, 265.5, 266.6 Cummins Indi, 648.95, 683, 637.1, 674.2 Dabur India, 95, 95.9, 92.3, 92.6 Deccan Chron, 79.15, 79.2, 75.3, 77.45 Dish Tv Indi, 64.9, 64.9, 62.9, 63.7 Divi's Labor, 649.9, 660, 635, 656.3 Dlf Limited, 247.85, 248, 238.1, 239.7 Dr. reddy's, 1544, 1548.35, 1511.05, 1538.6

ation Secretary S N A Zaidi.

Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi, while inaugurating the conference yesterday, had promised to extend technical co-operation to neighbouring countries in enhancing the aviation security standards in the region.

He had said the government was in the process of revamping the entire gamut of activities relating to aviation security, including restructuring of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

The conference was at-

Edelweiss Ca, 38.8, 39.15, 37.75, 38.35 Educomp Solu, 483.8, 492.1, 472, 479.6 Eih Limited, 102.3, 104.7, 100.05, 101.85 Engineers In, 291, 302.5, 284.9, 289.8 Essar Oil Lt, 113, 113.7, 109.3, 110.05 Essar Shippi, 90.3, 90.3, 86.55, 87.7 Exide Indust, 131.4, 131.4, 124, 126.95 Federal Bank, 378.5, 391.5, 376.65, 384.95 Financial Te, 829.8, 843.75, 816.1, 823.1 Gail (india), 456, 463.9, 451.35, 457.55 Gammon India, 120, 124.9, 115.25, 119.25 Glaxosmithkl, 2265.7, 2299, 2209.9, 2222.3 Glenmark Pha, 294.6, 296.75, 282.5, 284.5 Gmr Infrastr, 40.5, 42.6, 40.3, 42.25 Godrej Indus, 170.1, 174.8, 168.1, 171.8 Grasim Indus, 2318, 2395, 2295, 2308.55 Great Offsho, 265, 282.9, 265, 278.65 Gtl Infra.Lt, 37.05, 38.15, 37.05, 37.95 Gujarat Mine, 116.8, 118.25, 112.35, 115.75 Gujarat N R, 54.3, 54.95, 51.95, 52.35 Gujarat Stat, 99.5, 99.5, 96.1, 97.8 Gvk Pow. & I, 29.1, 29.8, 27.5, 28.8

Hcl Technolo, 482, 489.95, 472.35, 483 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2110, 2128, 2075.3, 2107 Hdfc Ltd, 641.2, 653, 633.7, 646.6 Hero Honda M, 1539, 1539.8, 1501, 1517 Hindalco in, 220, 220.3, 211.55, 212.4 Hindustan Co, 35.5, 36.45, 35.05, 35.25 Hindustan Ma, 60.8, 64.7, 60.5, 63.2 Hindustan Pe, 355.35, 363.8, 349.15, 352.85 Hindustan Un, 273.9, 276.5, 271.8, 273.15 Hindustan Zi, 1290.05, 1306.9, 1258.1, 1268.9 Housing Dev, 148.5, 152.6, 142.65, 149.45 Icici Bank L, 1034, 1066.15, 1034, 1054.2 Idea Cellula, 62.5, 64.4, 57.05, 62 Ifci Ltd, 51.95, 52.95, 50, 51.9 India Cement, 94.6, 96.25, 92.8, 93.2 India Infoli, 70.9, 72.2, 69.25, 71.5 Indiabulls F, 147.85, 153.75, 145.2, 152.15 Indiabulls R, 117.2, 119.2, 113.2, 115.25 Indian Bank, 220.9, 223.9, 216.75, 218.45 Indian Hotel, 87.9, 87.9, 80.3, 81.45 Indian Oil C, 330.1, 334.95, 326, 332.85 Indian Overs, 132, 154.2, 130.25, 131.25

tended by ICAO Secretary General Raymond Benjamin and US Transportation Security Administration chief John Pistole, besides delegates from several countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

The conference would be followed by a two-day Aviation Security Training programme for senior executives of the Indian aviation industry from tomorrow.

Indus Dev Ba, 138.45, 138.7, 133.65, 137.05 Indusind Ban, 221.9, 228, 218.25, 223.75 Infosys Tech, 3100, 3129, 3074.15, 3106.55 Infra. dev., 139.95, 145.4, 138.7, 142.2 Ispat Indust, 23.1, 23.2, 21.8, 22.8 Itc Ltd, 158.65, 158.7, 154.6, 157.1 Ivrcl Infras, 73, 74.2, 69.5, 72.9 Jai Corp Lim, 149, 171.5, 147, 167.95 Jaiprakash A, 87.6, 88, 83.25, 84.65 Jet Airways, 500, 507.3, 480.2, 488 Jindal Saw L, 203.5, 205.1, 199.3, 200.1 Jindal Steel, 647.7, 655.95, 630.7, 650.75 Jsw Steel Li, 890, 918.6, 865, 898.15 Kotak Mahind, 398, 417, 392.5, 411.35 Lakshmi Mach, 2175, 2233.5, 2139, 2154.5 Lanco Infrat, 40.5, 41.4, 38.65, 40.1 Larsen & Tou, 1670, 1688.95, 1616, 1624.75 Lic Housing, 179.5, 195.4, 176.55, 190.6 Lupin Limite, 433.85, 433.85, 415.5, 422.95 Mahanagar Te, 44.9, 45.4, 43, 44.15 Mahindra & M, 678.1, 679.8, 654.7,

mium product targeted at those who are health conscious.

"With the growing health and wellness food market along with good response to our stores in Delhi and Chandigarh, we seem to be doing well. Also, with the growing consciousness among people for low fat dessert and healthy food, our product would offer a good variety," she said.

Cocoberry was also planning to expand its operations in the international market and was in advanced stage of finalising the locations in some South East Asian and West Asian countries.

BOARD MEETINGS Aventis Pharma Blue Circle Pan India Resort Hexaware Tech Pesticides & Brew Source: Indiainfoline.com

IPO CORNER

Fineotex Chem IPO price-band at Rs 60-72 MUMBAI: Speciality chemicals and enzymes-manufacturer, Fineotex Chemical, plans to set-up a 13,125 metric tonnes per annum plant at Khopoli in Maharashtra which is expected to become operational by April 2012, a top company official said.

The company presently has a 5,000 metric tonnes plant at Mahape in Navi Mumbai and plans to finance its expansion programme through an IPO slated to hit the market on February 23.

"We have fixed the price-band of our IPO at between Rs 60-72.

At the lower-end of the price-band, we are eyeing Rs 25.27-crore and at the upper-end, 30.32-crore," the company's Director, Sanjay Tibrewala, said here today.

In Mahape, land of the size the company requires is not available and besides, land prices are also high and hence, the company has zeroed-in on Khopoli for its plant, Tibrewala said.

The IPO proceeds will be used to fund the company's expansion, acquire plant and machinery and for general corporate purposes, he said, adding the investment in the plant will be around Rs 17-crore.

The company also plans to set-up a sales office in Mumbai.

"We are into value-addition and have a wide diversified portfolio of products. We make tailor-made products for our customers," he said.

On exports, Tibrewala said that the company's products have a good export potential. "Exports presently contribute around 25 per cent to our total revenues," he said.

668.05 Maruti Suzuk, 1225, 1242, 1212, 1236.7 Max India Lt, 154, 154, 145.5, 147.7 Moser-baer (, 42.5, 43.5, 41, 41.35 Mrpl, 58, 64, 58, 63.25 Nagarjuna Co, 102.5, 103.8, 97, 101.85 Nagarjuna Fe, 28.4, 29.45, 27.45, 28.95 National Alu, 402, 409.9, 397, 405.15 Neyveli Lign, 105.75, 106, 102.05, 103.1 Ntpc Ltd, 179, 182, 177.55, 180.9 Oil And Natu, 279.6, 285.9, 275, 282.55 Omaxe Limite, 137.1, 139, 131.4, 134.8 Oriental Ban, 341.95, 354.5, 333.35, 345.45 Pantaloon Re, 265, 277, 242.5, 273.7 Parsvnath De, 30.25, 31.8, 28.9, 29.75 Petronet Lng, 122, 123.5, 120.2, 121.25 Power Fin Co, 262.55, 268.9, 259, 262.05 Power Grid C, 98.5, 99.25, 97.8, 98.75 Praj Industr, 70.6, 72.3, 68.2, 70.95 Punj Lloyd L, 73.95, 74, 70.2, 72.5 Punjab Natio, 1062.5, 1104.95, 1042.1, 1094.95 Rajesh Expor, 141.4, 141.5, 136.1, 138.9 Ranbaxy Labs, 520, 520, 506.1, 516.15 Rashtriya Ch, 84.7, 87.7, 82.2, 86.75

Reliance Cap, 444.8, 490.9, 430.5, 481.8 Reliance Com, 96.3, 103.5, 95, 101.55 Reliance Ene, 1042, 1065.95, 1042, 1051 Reliance Ind, 517, 615.7, 500.15, 599.45 Reliance Ind, 914.4, 944.8, 911.3, 941.7 Reliance Pow, 118.4, 122.9, 115, 121.3 Rolta India, 144.4, 146.7, 143.6, 144.6 Satyam Compu, 64.9, 66.85, 63.85, 64.65 Sesa Goa Ltd, 309.5, 312.2, 306, 308.65 Shipping Cor, 112.85, 114.5, 112.1, 112.85 Siemens Ltd, 840.2, 843.25, 837.1, 838.15 Sintex Indus, 162, 169.8, 161.5, 165.6 Sobha Develo, 234.8, 247.8, 231.95, 241.5 State Bank O, 2710, 2761, 2670.1, 2736.8 Steel Author, 162.3, 163.5, 158.65, 162.45 Sterlite Ind, 165.3, 166, 162.55, 163.5 Sun Pharmace, 424.1, 427, 414.25, 423.85 Sun Tv Netwo, 416.4, 441, 390, 405.45 Suzlon Energ, 49.25, 49.25, 47.25, 47.95 Tata Communi, 210.05, 213, 205, 210.6 Tata Consult, 1119, 1119, 1076.55, 1097.7

Tata Motors, 1213.9, 1247.9, 1201.85, 1237.35 Tata Power C, 1241, 1279, 1225.1, 1268.65 Tata Steel L, 624, 627, 612, 616.6 Tata Teleser, 16, 16.25, 15.45, 15.85 Tech Mahindr, 637, 643, 617.85, 635.7 The Ge Shpg., 290.3, 295.95, 281, 283.95 The Phoenix, 178, 188, 178, 186 Thermax Ltd, 648, 652.55, 626, 632.9 Titan Indust, 3195, 3247.9, 3115.55, 3212.75 Torrent Powe, 236, 236.95, 226, 234.2 Triveni Engg, 87.95, 89.45, 79.4, 80.9 Tv18 India L, 81.35, 82.4, 79.55, 80.9 Uco Bank, 104.1, 106.45, 100.55, 104.4 Ultratech Ce, 936, 953.9, 921, 946 Union Bank O, 339.8, 345, 332.45, 341.1 Unitech Ltd, 35.2, 36.8, 34.1, 34.95 United Phosp, 125.8, 143.8, 125.8, 143.3 Videocon Ind, 200.1, 205.25, 198, 198.7 Vijaya Bank, 84, 85.9, 81, 83.85 Voltas Ltd, 183, 184, 175.05, 176.8 Wipro Ltd, 425, 427.4, 417, 425.45 Yes Bank Lim, 270, 278.8, 266.5, 277.25 Zee Entertai, 116, 119.75, 114.2, 116.95

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No plans to hike petrol, diesel prices: Reddy PTI PANIPAT, FEB 15

The government has no plans to increase petrol and diesel prices even though international crude rates have touched USD 100 per barrel, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy said here today.

"We are not at the moment thinking of increasing prices," he told reporters here.

The spurt in international oil prices means that state fuel retailers will end the fiscal with around Rs 80,000 crore of revenue losses on selling diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene below cost. "... the oil marketing companies are facing a burden of the order of Rs 80,000 crore (and) may be Rs 100,000 crore (this fiscal)," he said.

Even in case of petrol, whose price fixation was freed from government control in June last year, there is no proposal to raise prices just now, Reddy said.

State-owned Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum, who have raised petrol prices seven times since June last year, currently sell petrol at a loss of Rs 1-2 per litre.

"At the moment, there is no proposal on table of oil companies to increase price of petrol," he said, adding public opinion cannot be ignored even in free market.

Reddy said half of the revenue loss fuel retailers incur on selling diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene would be met by the government by way of cash doleout. Another one-third would be contributed by upstream firms like ONGC. The rest will "somehow be digested by oil marketing companies," he said.

Oil Secretary S Sundareshan said of the Rs 46,000 crore revenue loss on fuel sales in the first three quarters this fiscal, the government provided Rs 21,000 crore and upstream firms contributed one-third.

Reddy said he hoped the Finance Minister will cut customs and excise duty on crude oil and products in the Budget to ease the burden of rising global oil prices.

Earlier, dedicating the Indian Oil Corp' naphtha cracker complex to the nation, he said the nation needs to find more oil to cut its reliance on imports to meet demand.

India currently imports 80 per cent of its oil needs.

The cracker, that produces raw material for making plastic, went on-stream in March last year but it was formally inaugurated only today.

Speaking on the occasion, Sundareshan said the nation's oil refining capacity will jump up to 240 million tonnes in the next two years from the current about 187 million tonnes.

Even the present refining capacity is in excess of 146 million tonnes of fuel demand, he said.

Listing the new plants, he said Bharat Petroleum will commission a 6 million tonnes unit at Bina in Madhya Pradesh shortly, while Hindustan Petroleum is building a 9 million tonnes unit at Bhatinda in Punjab. Also, IOC is constructing a 9 million tonnes refinery at Paradip in Orissa.

Built adjacent to IOC's 15 million tonnes a year Panipat refinery, the naphtha cracker along with PX-PTA units is the state-owned firm's big push into petrochemical business.

The Rs 14,439 crore naphtha cracker complex will produce 800,000 tonnes per annum of ethylene and 600,000 tonnes of propylene - raw material for manufacturing polymers.

Ethylene and polypropylene produced acts as feed for downstream polymer units like polypropylene, Linear Low Density/High Density Polyethylene Swing unit, High Density Polyethylene unit and Mono Ethylene Glycol unit.

These polymer products are used for manufacturing moulded plastic containers/barrels, heavy duty films, stretch wrap films, shopping bags, automobile parts, pipes and sheets, moulded furniture, yarn and fibre and many other household and industrial items.

Axis Bank unveils ETM concept PTI MUMBAI, FEB 15

After automated teller machines (ATMs), the country's third-largest lender Axis Bank today introduced a new concept wherein a swiping machine at a shop can be used by an account-holder to withdraw cash. Christened as "Everywhere Teller Machines" (ETM), the facility has the potential to be used at the 1,80,000 points of sale of the bank spread across the country.

"Generally, card swiping is done to make a purchase at a shopkeeper's end. ETM is the reverse wherein a customer can withdraw money at the shop," a spokesperson said, adding the merchant will be paid a transaction fee. The bank kickstarted the concept in AP's Vijayawada, commencing with 120 points of sale, a release issued by the bank said.

More funds sought for ailing AI PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 15

The Civil Aviation Ministry today sought more budgetary support for Air India claiming that almost 65 per cent of the turnaround plan of the ailing national carrier has been implemented.

The issue of additional support was raised by Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi at a meeting here with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, during which the two leaders discussed issues pertaining to the aviation sector in the upcoming Budget.

"We informed him that whatever decision had been taken, we have implemented almost 65 per cent of it and something more is to be implemented," Ravi told reporters after the hour-long meeting.

Regarding government guarantees on the hefty loans Air India has taken to fund its fleet acquisition, he said, "The guarantee has to come .... because

the RBI, the SBI need some kind of assurance. All financial matters were discussed."

He said certain clarifications had been sought by Finance Ministry officials. The replies would be sent soon so that a final decision on the matter could be taken at the earliest.

Asked whether the Ministry has asked for additional equity infusion of Rs 2,000 crore, he said, "I have asked for little more money, I cannot tell you how much."

To further queries, he said the estimated amount had been given by Deloitte, the consultancy firm appointed by Air India to go into its turnaround plan. "We want more money if we can get more."

Asked about Mukherjee's response, Ravi said the government would help Air India but it would come "depending on how we are progressing step by step. So it means we have to earn more money and gradually reach the break-even

point."

Air India has so far received a total of Rs 2,000 crore as equity in two tranches and earlier reports said the Civil Aviation Ministry has sought another Rs 2,000 crore in the next financial year.

Official sources said a provision for at least Rs 1,200 crore worth of equity could be made in the 2011-12 budget and another tranche could be given in the supplementary budget later this year.

Asked about the remaining priorities of Air India's turnaround plan, Ravi said a major issue was that of integration of employees and assets of the two erstwhile public sector carriers -- Indian Airlines and Air India.

"I said give me some time.

My first priority is my employees. Integration is the main point. Routes also. I am going to look into pricing of tickets also," the Minister said.

He said the headquarters of

Swiss relax rules for info exchange PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 15

In a move that could help India in its black money trail, Switzerland today relaxed norms for sharing information on secret bank accounts of overseas tax offenders by allowing varied modes of identification. At present, only name and addresses are accepted as valid identity modes.

But the European nation would still consider as impermissible any 'fishing expeditions' or allowing the foreign countries to trawl through Swiss bank accounts in hope of finding something of their in-

terest.

The changes were made by the Swiss government's finance ministry today through a revision of 'Requirements for Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters,' an official said from Bern, Switzerland.

The Indian government is facing intense pressure from Opposition, as also courts, to act tough against those who have amassed illicit wealth in foreign countries that have strict secrecy rules.

The Swiss Parliament is debating a treaty between India and Switzerland to pave the way for authorities here to

seek details of illicit wealth stashed away by Indians in Swiss banks.

As per the existing practice, the foreign country having an information exchange-facilitating treaty with Switzerland can get help from the Swiss government after providing name and address of the suspected tax offender, as also those of the concerned bank.

As per the revision, "other means of identification should also be admissible in the future".

While Switzerland has not clarified what all 'other means' of identification modes would be admissible for seeking infor-

mation on suspected tax offenders, the Swiss Federal Department of Finance said that "identification via a bank account is also a possibility." "... although care should be taken in these cases to ensure that a fishing expedition is not involved," the ministry said.

"Fishing expeditions continue to be impermissible," it added.

To bring this revision into effect, the administrative assistance provisions in double taxation agreements (DTAs) between Swiss and other governments would need to be revised.

Air India Express would also be shifted "because that is a major area... we are confident that we can make good profit from Air India Express. One by one only I can do."

On the recent sacking of AI Express COO Pawan Arora and Air India's HR Policy, Ravi said, "It is serious business... The (AI) Board is there, its decisions are there. There are independent directors (on the Board). They are eminent people and if they advise me to do something, I will do it."

The Minister said he would hold meetings with leaders of all trade unions in Air India in Mumbai tomorrow to seek their cooperation to turnaround the carrier. The airline has 32,000 employees on its rolls and another 10,000 on contract.

Himself a trade union leader, Ravi will camp in Mumbai for two days and hold discussions with the management on the feedback he gets from the unions.

McNally Bharat bags GSl order HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, FEB 15

McNally Bharat Engineering Company has received an order from Goa Shipyard for supply of one number 45 ton level luffing crane for jetty for a value of Rs 13.81 crore inclusive of taxes and duties. The schedule time for completion is 14 months. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till February 14, 2011, falling 5.06% compared with the Sensex`s 3.49% decline.

Sol Poker room launched in Casino Pride HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, FEB 15

Sol Poker (www.solpoker.in) is a fresh, professional poker room launched by young, energetic Professionals who have combined experience of 15 years in poker industry. Poker has been in Goa for 4 years and is pulling players from across India.

Having played at most poker rooms in Vegas, Macau, London and around the world, we thought of bringing that experience to Goa; this is exactly what our poker room offers Madhav Gupta (Maddy), COO. The idea of Sol Poker was incepted a few years back, but its promoters waited till the time was right and they could leverage their experience of Poker

OWM to hive off Monte Carlo brand PTI CHANDIGARH, FEB 15

Textiles manufacturer Oswal Woollen Mills today said it has decided to hive off its premium apparel brand Monte Carlo into a separate company to unlock the value of the 17- year-old brand.

"We intend to put entire business of Monte Carlo (from OWM) into a separate company called Monte Carlo Fashions Ltd which will give us the leverage to further penetrate its market by tapping new markets across the country," OWM Director Dinesh Gogna told PTI. OWM, which is a part of Punjab-based Nahar Group, has sought approval from the Punjab and Haryana High Court for its demerger.

"We are hoping to get requisite approvals from all authorities, including the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Ministry of Corporate Affairs within next four months," he said.

Cairn-Vedanta: OilMin to refer deal to Cabinet PTI PANIPAT, FEB 15

Strongly backing state-owned ONGC's stand, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy today said his ministry is referring mining group Vedanta Resources' buyout of Cairn India to the Cabinet.

The USD 9.6 billion deal is going to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) because of a standoff over the excess royalty Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) pays on Cairn India's oilfields in Rajasthan. "... as it is a huge issue, we are trying to go to CCEA," Reddy told reporters here.

The note for the CCEA is being prepared and views of all concerned ministeries, including finance, law and corporate affairs, will be taken before it being put to the Cabinet, he said.

"We cannot bailout any seller or buyer. We will not compromise on concerns of ONGC," Reddy said. "The claim of ONGC that royalty should be a cost recoverable item, is being sup-

ported by us."

ONGC not just pays royalty on its 30 per cent share of oil from the Rajasthan block but also on partner Cairn India's 70 per cent share, making the nation's largest onland fields a losing proposition for it.

Cairn says ONGC is also contractually bound to pay Rs 2,500 per ton cess on all of the 12 million tons of projected crude oil output from the fields in the 3,111 sq km block.

The oil ministry wants the twin liability of Rs 21,800 crore on ONGC to be addressed before giving nod to Vedanta buying most of 62.4 per cent stake held by UK's Cairn Energy Plc in Cairn India.

However, Cairn and Vedanta opposed tooth-and-nail its proposal to make partners share the levies equitably.

"We are trying to expedite the process (of getting CCEA approval). I think it may go to Cabinet in 2-3 weeks," Reddy said.

A CCEA approval by month

end may just give enough time to Vedanta group to make and complete an open offer for buying additional 20 per cent from Cairn India's minority shareholders, by April 15. But any delay beyond that would leave very little time for Cairn and Vedanta to conclude the transaction within that timeline.

Reddy said CCEA was being approached as "it (transaction) is too big for one ministry to handle".

Sources said that at a meeting called by Oil Secretary S Sundareshan last Sunday, Cairn Energy Chief Executive Bill Gammell had even given a veiled threat of calling of the deal if the ministry made this a precondition for approval.

While Gammell is believed to followed up with February 6 deliberations with a meeting with top officials in the Prime Minister's Office, Cairn India board on Thursday also opposed any move that will impact its valuation.

Orient Ceramics mulls more JVs PTI HYDERABAD, FEB 15

Orient Ceramics and Industries Ltd (OCIL), India's largest ceramic tile manufacturer, is mulling more outsourcing and joint venture deals to meet the growing demands, a top company executive said today.

According to Madhur Daga, Executive Director, OCIL, the company, which acquired Bell Ceramics last year, is on the path of improving capacity util-

isations significantly.

While Bell Ceramics has 14.5 million square meters of capacity at two locations – Dora in Gujarat and Hospeta in Karnataka, OCIL has around 15 million square meters plant at Sikunderabad in Uttar Pradesh.

The total installed capacity now stands at 29 million square meters.

"In a bid to meet the burgeoning domestic demand following revival in the real estate

and property markets, the company is currently pursuing outsourcing deals with several ceramic manufacturers. We will supervise the quality control at the outsourced facilities while entering into contract manufacturing arrangements," Daga said.

Vijay Shankar Sharma, Chief Financial Officer, OCIL, said though several ailing ceramic makers with quality manufacturing facilities were approach-

ing them and offering merger, the company right now had no such plans. The company is currently in talks with several ceramic manufacturers for outsourcing deals and with some of them for joint venture arrangements, he said.

Sharma, however, could not specify timeframe for joint ventures and said the company expects to firm up a few outsourcing deals in the next quarter.

of many years. Our Poker Room is named after ‘Sun’, or ‘Sol’ in Latin-the star at the center of the Solar System. As Goa has positioned itself as a central gaming and entertainment destination, the Sol Poker room fulfils the gap in providing a world class poker facility in the heart of Goa, quoted Maddy.

Sol Poker is located in Casino Pride.

Currently there are 2 poker rooms in Goa, and 100's of players flock to them daily. Sol Poker plans to bring more poker players from all across India by launching various marketing policies, such as Rake free days and free tutorials on how to play Poker. "It's not about just bringing players that are already in Goa to

play poker -- the idea is to bring fresh new players who are very comfortable with there home games and there friends. Thus Sol poker will arrange a game at player requests with whatever blinds and format they feel comfortable says Maddy.

There are numerous poker tournament brands trying to

make their mark in this industry such as IPS, IPC, Aces Unlimited and we are sure some of them will be as or more prestigious as a brand than WSOP, EPT, WPT in the years to come.

"We have seen a 200 percent growth in players during our IPS tournaments in less than a year and massive following from them for our tourney calendar. We will do our best to maintain our motto of "We Have The Best Hand!". Bharat Agarwalla, Director IPS. Poker has seen massive traction in the last few years, which has seen uprise of professional affiliates and bloogers such as Pokerguru and merchandizing companies such as The Shark and Poker

Planet. India Inc is realizing the importance of Poker (Which is No 2 most watched sports on TV in US) as many have tied up for media Content and exclusivity for India.

Over last few Diwali home games, there are more and more Poker tables being set up," During last diwali all our 25 poker tables were on hire, sometimes twice a day" Pranav Bagai, CEO, The Shark. There are 2 sepcialized poker magzines, The Card Player and Bluff who have also made an entry into India during last 12 Months.

Looking at Poker as an industry in India, Sol Poker has set itself an objective "to become India's top Poker destination!" Come on in' We got a game for you.

Pg 14

SPORTS

GOA, Wednesday, 16 February, 2011

Koko gives Vasco SDS Trophy HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 15

After going a goal behind, Koko Sakibo netted a second half hattrick to give Vasco Sports Club the title as they defeated BG Pune 3-1 in the finals of SDS invitational football tournament in Bhopal on Saturday.

After coming back from suspension, Koko produced the goods when mattered most and not only helped Vasco to win, but also walked away with the man-of-the match and man- ofthe tournament awards.

“I took a squad of only 16 players as four players are with the National Games Goa team, but every player in the squad played their part well, which is extremely satisfying,” remarked Vasco coach Gavin Araujo.

Vasco Club with the Gyan Ganga All-India SDS football trophy in Bhopal.

Calangute Association Piety spikers win S Goa title prevail over Signals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 15

first division league HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, FEB 15

Calangute Association scored a hard fought 3-2 win over Corps of Signals in GFA’s First Division L e a g u e a t Po r i a t g ro u n d , Calangute on Tuesday. The teams were locked 1-1 at half time.

Calangute took the lead in th e 1 2 th min u t e th ro u gh Shadab Shaikh off Stanley Coutinho. Stung by the reverse, Signals fought back and levelled the score in the closing minutes of the first half through Pankaj Gorkha off a defensive lapse.

Changing ends, both teams adopted a cautious approach confining play to the midfield.

Calangute then scored two quick goals in the 75th and 80th minute through Shadab Shaikh and Pedro Gonsalves to take the game away from Signals.

Signals did not give up and pulled one back through Pankaj Gorkha off B Bahadur.

After more than a decade of waiting, Piety Sports Club, Navelim claimed the South Goa volleyball crown beating Maina 6, 3-1, 25-16, 25-19, 16-25, 27-25 in the volleyball tournament or-

ganized by Sateri Boys, Assolda on Thursday.

For Piety, Aaron, Rahul, Lintonlovel, Amit, Aliton and Vishan excelled. For Maina, Raymond, Caje and Zico played well.

Rahul of Piety was adjuded the best smasher of the finals

while Caje of Maina 6 was the best lifter of the finals, both of who pocketed Rs 500 each.

Piety were richer by Rs 6006 while Maina 6 had to be content with Rs 4004. Piety SC are being coached by Avelino Pereira.

Piety Sports Club’s players and officials with their trophy.

Sai Avtaar edge out Rossman HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, FEB 15

Sai Avtaar, Anjuna got the better of Rossman Cruz Nagoa, Verna 2-1 in the inaugural match of 1st All-Goa inter-village football tournament for Laxmi and Subha memorial trophy sponsored by Deu S Banaulikar and organised

by Nerul Sports Club at Nerul ground on Tuesday.

Both teams began on a promising note. However, it was An-

juna who took the lead in the 26th minute through Sagun Kambli.

Changing over, Rossman fought back and restored parity in the 5th minute through Vijal Rego off a penalty. The penalty was awarded to Rossman as Steven was brought down in the danger zone by Anjuna defender Cristopher.

Vijal who was entrusted with the kick made no mistake in

placing the ball past the Anjuna keeper.

Goaded by success, Rossman could have forged ahead in the 12th minute but Steven failed to beat the rival keeper in a oneto-one situation.

Vijal Rego was declared the man-of-the-match.

Earlier, the tournament was kicked off by Moti Dessai, uncle of Deu S Banaulikar, the sponsorer of the tournament.

Talasha Prabhu who secured a gold medal in 50 meters freestyle swimming at 34th National Games in Ranchi beating India’s ace swimmer, Richa Mishra by clocking 27:95 seconds alongwith coaches Thomas Jose, Narsimalu, SAG assistant secretary Mahesh Naik, general manager Chetan Kavlekar, Satish Prabhu in Ranchi on Tuesday.Goa has secured their third gold medal taking the tally to a total of eight medals. (3 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals).

Goa beat Hyderabad HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 15

I-League: Churchill Bros v.

JCT, Nehru Stadium, FatordaMargao, 3.45 p.m.

G FA F i r s t D i v i s i o n : S t Mathew SC v. Agassaim YC, Santa Cruz ground, 4 p.m.

GFA U-14: Orlim SC v. Sarzora SC, Orlim ground; United Boys of Palolem v. Young Strikers, Deobagh ground. Kick off 4 p.m.

GFA U-16: Sirlim SC v. Colmorod Ratwaddo SC, Assolna ground, 4 p.m.

Mahindra Youth Football Challenge: St Britto’s HS, Map u s a v. S t J o s e p h H S , Calangute, Duler Stadium, Mapusa; Chubby Cheeks HS, Pilerne v. St Clara HS, Tivim, Don Bosco School ground, Panjim; Deepvihar HS, Vasco v. Loyola HS, Margao, Tilak Maidan, Vasco; Guardian Angel HS v.

Bethany HS, Curtorim ground.

Kick off 9.30 a.m.

Laxmi and Subha memorial soccer: Candolim SC v. Siolim Sodiem SCA, Nerul ground, 4.30 p.m.

Aldona Cup soccer: Quitula SC v. Sangolda Lightning SC, Quitula ground, Aldona, 4.45 p.m.

Merces volleyball: Goa Police v. Da Cruz; Churchill Brothers, Varca v. Upasnagar, Vasco, Molloca court, 8 p.m.

R D Asnodkar’s 74 not out and Amit Yadav’s 3 for 22 enabled Goa to beat Hyderabad by 7 wickets in 1-day South Zone S Pillay cricket at Palakkad on Tuesday.

Goa won the toss and elected to field. They bowled out Hyderabad for 158 runs for 10 in 45.4 overs.

Hyderabad’s Benjamin Thomas hit the highest 45 off 64 balls with 2 fours and 1 six. T Suman 21 off 58 balls with 3 fours. D B Ravi Teja 20 off 61 balls with 1

four. Extras: 20. Fall: 1-54, 2-55, 3-80, 4-123, 5-134, 6-147, 7-154, 8-155, 9-156, 10-158.

In reply, Goa achieved the target scoring 162 for the loss of 3 wickets in 39.5 overs. R D Asnodkar hit a good 74 not out off 85 balls with 8 fours and 1 six. The other contributors were V U Naik 15 off 42 balls with 1 four, Swapnil Asnodkar 14 off 32 balls with 1 four, R V Keni 2 off 18 balls, Reagan Pinto 37 not out off 64 balls with 4 fours. Extras: 20. Fall: 1-35, 2-37, 3-47.

GOA DIARY 7-a-side cricket at Tonca

PANJIM (HSD) – Intergrate Cricketers, Tonca, Panjim will organise their 5th All-Goa 7-a-side cricket tournament on February 16 near Red Rosary School ground, Tonca at 9 a.m. Details may be obtained from Suraj on 9923292907 or Nanu on 9922353428.

8-a-side soccer at Merces

PANJIM (HSD) – St Caetano Sports Club will organise their 13th All-Goa 8-a-side soccer tournament on February 26 at A Lua ground, Merces. The winners and runners-up will take home Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively. Details may be obtained from Dhakto on 9921347464.

TT tourney at Campal

PANJIM (HSD) -- The GCCI Cup table tennis tournament for U18 boys and girls organised by Panjim Table Tennis Club in association with Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sports Authority of Goa will commence on February 16 at indoor stadium, Campal, Panjim. Players may report at the venue by 4 p.m.

Canacona women’s meet

POINGUINIM (HC): The 10th annual sports meet for women of Canacona taluka will be held at Government sports complex, Agonda on February 17 and 18 at 9 a.m. A budget of Rs 1 lakh has been allotted.

www.oheraldo.in

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2011

Eden, Wankhede get green signal AGENCIES KOLKATA, FEB 15

Kolkata and Mumbai grounds have been given the final clearance to stage Cricket World Cup matches after concerns about their readiness, the head of the governing body told Reuters on Monday.

"Those venues have all been squared off, they're ready," International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a telephone interview ahead of the Feb 19-April 2 tournament. "There isn't an issue about readiness of stadiums."

This means only one match, India's fixture with England on Feb 27, had to be switched from Kolkata's Eden Gardens to Bangalore. Mumbai has been given the go-ahead to stage the final on April 2 as well as two other group-stage fixtures.

"We felt they (Kolkata) would not be ready by Feb 27 but they had every op-

Bradley stars for Siolim aldona cup soccer

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 15

Bradley Lobo netted a second half hat-trick to ensure FC Siolim progress into the next round of Aldona Cup after they defeated Sirsaim Welfare and Cultural Association 3-0 at Quitula ground on Tuesday.

FC Siolim began strongly but their strikers could not find the back of the net.

Changing over, Bradley managed to hit three goals in the space of eight minutes to seal victory.

portunity to be ready for the matches (there) in March and we've got to the point now when all of the venues are going to be ready for the games scheduled," he said.

"Mumbai made fabulous progress post the initial delays, the initial concerns, that were experienced back in December and when we came for that inspection in January we were satisfied with the

progress.

"So there isn't an issue about readiness of the stadiums."

Similarly, Sri Lanka's three grounds were also "good to go".

A report from the ICC's World Cup inspection team is expected on Tuesday to confirm his comments.

The ICC's bill of health will be a big relief to local organisers, particularly in India where the delays in preparing Commonwealth Games facilities last year in New Delhi proved a major embarrassment to a country determined to present a modern, efficient image to world audiences.

Eden Gardens is one of the most prestigious in India but ICC inspectors found renovation work on the stand still unfinished in December and similarly, Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium needed completing.

Pankaj Advani wins PSPB snooker HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 15

Pankaj Advani won the PSPB snooker crown beating Shahbaaz Khan 4-2 (58-23, 64-11, 2971, (51), 29 – 83 (50), 66 (58) – 0, 83 (83) – 0 at Clube Gaspar Dias, Mira Mar. Pankaj raced to a 2-0 lead but young Shahbaaz had no plans of going down without a fight with breaks of 51 and 50 in the 3rd and 4th frames which saw him draw level at 2- all in the best of 7 frames final.

Pankaj immediately raised his

game a couple of notches and replied with breaks of 58 and 83 in the 5th and 6th frames to win the title.

Earlier, Shahbaaz Khan (BPCL) beat giant-killer Dhruv Sitwala (ONGC). Earlier, Saurav Kothari (ONGC) went down fighting to Pankaj Advani (ONGC) in the semi-finals. They were locked at 3-all when Pankaj came up with a superb century break of 103 to win.

Snooker : Dhruv Sitwala (ONGC) beat Manan Chandra (BPCL) 3-1 (88-21, 69-46, 8-76,

76-13). In the semi-finals - Shahbaaz Khan (BPCL) beat Dhruv Sitwala (ONGC) 4-0 (69-49, 7446, 110 (59) – 15, 93-0.

Billiards: Saurav Kothari (ONGC) beat Anuja Chandra (BPCL) 3-0 (150 (72) – 30, 150 (62) – 124, 150 (73) – 73). Rupesh Shah (ONGC) bt Aditya Mehta (IOC) 3 – 0 (151 – 131, 150 – 51, 152 – 104). Manan Chandra (BPCL) bt Dhwaj Haria 3 – 1 (31 – 152(72), 151 (121) – 2, 150 – 118 (90), 151 – 88).

Shahbaaz Khan (BPCL) bt Rishab Pandya (IOC) 3 – 0 (151 (50) –

PTI CHENNAI, FEB 15

New Zealand coach John Wright is not yet ready to label India as the firm favourites to win the World Cup and said that coping with the huge pressure of playing in front of the home crowd would be crucial for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men to lift the coveted trophy.

Wright confessed that he still follows Indian cricket even after leaving the coaching job six years ago but said it was not his job to tell the world that Dhoni and his men are the top dogs to win the trophy.

"Pressure of playing at home is certainly something that India will have to deal with it. There can be a huge advantage with it

Chelsea title hopes fade AFP LONDON, FEB15

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti conceded defeat in the Premier League title race after his side played out a goalless draw at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

His goalkeeper Petr Cech saved a Clint Dempsey penalty in the last minute of a game with precious few chances.

But the draw means Chelsea are now 12 points behind leaders Manchester United with as many games to play.

Vaddy hold St Sebastian

Goa win

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 15

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 15

Great play from Goa’s U-15 team ensured they won their opening match in the final phase of Mir Iqbal Hussain trophy as they overcame Tripura 3-1 at Barsarat Stadium, Kolkata on Tuesday.

Goa led 1-0 at the interval.

Austern Fernandes opened the scoring for Goa in the 7th minute with a long range shot.

Tripura battled their way back into contention with a well taken equaliser.

In the final ten minutes, Binatone Singh scored a goal from close range before putting the game beyond doubt with a heading goal.

90, 151 – 141, 150 (66) – 15).

(ONGC) bt Dhruv Sitwala 3 – 2 (150 (88) -7, 150 (70) – 30, 38 – 150 (116), 37 – 150 (104), 150 (148 UNF) – 30.

Non-ranking event results: J K Kotuk y (OIL) bt Chandrashekhar P (MRPL) 2 – 0, Arif Akhtar (IOC) bt Navin Shetty (MRPL) 2 – 0. Rachit Madan (GAIL) bt J K Kotuky 2-0, Rahul Pateria (GAIL) bt Sateesh Kumar (GAIL) 2 – 0. M H Malatesh (MRPL) bt Amit Gupta (GAIL) 2 – 0. Arif Akhtar (IOC) bt Rahul Pateria (GAIL) 2-0.

Coping home pressure vital for India to win WC: Wright

Team Goa, winners of ten medals at the recent 11th Senior National SQAY championship in Satara, Maharashtra organised by SQAY Federation of India affiliated to International Council of SQAY and SQAY Organization of Asia, recognised by School Games Federation of India. Standing (l to r) top: Mahesh Pujari (coach), Moularao Neeli (treasurer), Kashinath Nayak (chief coach and general secretary), Jagdish Shirodkar (vice-president) and Suresh Kumar (coach). Standing (l to r) down: Tukaram Kunkalikar (gold), Shubham Patil (bronze), Prakash Mallesh Dessai (bronze), Mehboob Walikar (two bronze), Anil Kumar Pawar (gold) and Sarang Naik (bronze). Not in picture: Shivanand Madar (gold), Rayappa Kadiwal (bronze) and Subhash Jambagi (bronze). Those interested in learning SQAY may contact 9422057062, 9225900588 or 9822731173.

Vaddy Sports Club, Merces and St Sebastian Sports Club, Santa Cruz had to be content with a point each, as they drew 1-1 in GFA’s Second Division at DSYA ground, Santa Cruz on Tuesday.

St Sebastian led by a solitary goal at the lemon break.

Vaddy’s Paulo Joao received the only booking of the match in the 72nd minute for a foul on his opponent.

As the sun was still strong, the match started slowly with neither team taking any risks going forward.

In the 26th, St Sebastian came close when Dilip Rodrigues’ long

range attempt came back off the post.

St Sebastian had a stroke of luck with the opening goal, when Joseph Dias deflected the ball in the net from his teammate’s corner in the 37th minute.

Vaddy came out stronger in the second half, looking for the equaliser and it took only 14 minutes to get back into the game. Francis Rodrigues found himself blocked by two St Sebastian defenders, but the ball fell for teammate Milton Negredo and he blasted home from close.

Vaddy move to ten points from five matches and St Sebastian have seven points from six encounters.

Dempo target AFC Churchill look for victory against JCT Champions slot HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, FEB 15

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 15

Dempo Sports Club chief coachcum[-secertary Armando Colaco is upbeat with his team’s marvelous performance against Churchill Bros in the last round of the I-League and agreed about the Indian champions peaking at the right moment ahead of their AFC play-off match against Al Sadd of Qatar on February 19.

The last year’s I-league champions will clash with the Qatari opponent on Saturday and Armando feels that the victory over their local arch rivals has boosted the confidence of his players. “ There’s no doubt about it.

Our last match was simply fantastic. The boys really played well, they realize about their potential and value, everybody was so committed and that’s how we play. Our fans and everybody will agree about our performance that day, it’s was very pleasing and very satisfying,” expressed Armando.

“We’ve to take it forward and the coming match in the AFC play-off is a big opportunity for us to take it in that direction and we’ll give our best in that match,” Armando explained.

A victory will put Dempo in the prestigious AFC Champions League but their Gulf opponent Al Saad had demolished former winners Al Ithihad of Syria 5-1 and the Goans seem to have a tough task but Armando is savouring the challenge.

“You cannot improve unless you play tough teams. We had this opportunity to face one of the potential title contenders.

They’re coming into the match with an absolute drubbing of one of the top team in Asia and this is were we’ve to measure ourselves,” disclosed Armando.

“By competing in the AFC we

can get our faults and limitations minimised and get better by taking corrective measures. It’s an ambition to be in the AFC and if we win we can create a piece of history by becoming the first team from India to be in the Champions League and I had a feeling that this time we’ll do much better as this is the only chance for everyone to go out there and perform to your capability,” stressed Armando who had an objective to play the big teams of Asia like Pakhtakor, Kashima Antlers, Jubilo Iwata.

This is the second time that the Goan glamour outfit will vie for a place in the AFC Champions League were top teams from Japan, South Korea, Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan are jostling for the continental supremacy.

However, the Indian champions will have to play away from home in the single-leg tie to decide which team will progress for the main draw and Armando is somewhat concerned about the AFC’s choice on one match play-off.

“It’s a big match and vital at that for any team specially from the sub-continent to have a double-leg play on home-and-away basis, but it’s not like that and it’s in my mind to write to the AFC in bringing about the changes. Being in the AFC is a great credit for us and having only one match and that too away from our fans and supporters is a disadvantage. I’ll definitely correspond on this matter with the AFC. Someone has to communicate on this issue and it can help us in the future,” Armando explained before disclosing that his squad is fully fit with the exception of international winger Anthony Pereira and right wing back Valeriano Rebello, both of whom are nursing long term injuries.

Despite being unable to register a win in the previous match or even score a goal, Churchill Brothers are not too concerned.

Their coach Vincent Subramanian and the players seemed relaxed as they went through a training session at Cuncolim ground on Tuesday evening on the eve of their 15th round match against JCT, Punjab at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao on Wednesday at 3.45 p.m.

After succumbing to a 2-0 loss to Dempo Sports Club, the Varca based team coach is determined to earn three full points against the Punjab outfit.

“We have to go all out for a win. We have 26 points from 14

matches and I hope the boys go out and give their best. I have confidence in my players,” stated Subramanian.

Churchill Brothers will miss injured Nigerian striker Odafe Okolie and defender Robert Lathlamuana due to double bookings. But he was quick to point out that any team in the competition cannot be taken lightly. “JCT is a good team and have done well in away matches. We cannot afford to relax. We have to work hard to put them under pressure as they will play their usual game and try to create chances. We have to stay focused, Subramanian said.

However, when questioned on the inconsistency of the firing

line, Subramanian said “I am hoping for an improved performance from them against JCT. Zakeer Mundampara has been in his elements and that has taken a bit of the pressure from the attack.” Strikers Kayne Vincent and Karpeh will have to come good to make Subramanian’s plan a success. He hinted about some change in the line up that played against Dempo. “I will finalise the team tomorrow,” concluded Subramanian.

Nonetheless, technical director, Sukvinder Singh who is at the helm in the absence of coach Parminder Singh, who is busy with his daughter’s wedding at home is satisfied with the preparation of his team.

“Churchill Brothers are a better prepared team, moreover they are playing at home and to be fair they are superior opponents. But we know we can match them,” maintained Sukvinder Singh.

However, Sukvinder Singh will miss the services of striker Balvant Singh and Noordin both of who are recovering from injuries. “We cannot afford to play an open game. We will be defensive for the start but when there is an opening, we can catch Churchill Brothers on the counter,” concluded Singh.

With both coaches gearing up for the battle, this clash promises loads of fire works, continuing with the festive mood.

when it is going well. But if they are not, you know, it could be a factor. It is something one understands with reality and deal with it. It is as simple as that," Wright said at a press conference ahead of his side's warm-up game against India here tomorrow.

"As for maturity in them, let us see. They are playing very good cricket. We will know in two months," said Wright who

was India coach from 2000 to 2005.

"I still watch and follow them.

To be honest, it is good to be here and play against them tomorrow. I would not be doing my job and it is tough for me to provide predictions about. They look after themselves and I have got enough to do with my players," said the former Kiwi opening batsman.

Fitness Aerobics, 3-day HUTS event in Goa

BY JOVITO LOPES PANJIM, FEB 15

A one-day `Fitness Aerobics’ workshop organised jointly by Saraswat Vidyalaya’s Sridora Caculo College of Commerce and Management Studies, Mapusa and Don Bosco College’s B P Ed Department will be held on Febraury 24 at Don Bosco hall, here.

Jayesh Churi, director of sports and physical education, Sridora Caculo College, Mapusa told Herald that Fitness Aerobics is the latest trend to enhance cardiovascular efficiency, muscular endurance, flexibility, stress reduction and weight management. It will be conducted by the Institute for Sports and Fitness Development (ISFD) under NBFE (National Board of Fitness Examiners, USA), with the faculty comprising Anjum Padyal (international aerobic gymnast, wold rank 8th), Sumit Bedi (international aerobic gymnast) and Bhupinder Singh (international master trainer).

“The workshop will be a great educational opportunity for all health and fitness professionals,” stated Churi. It will start at 10 a.m. with the practical session from 3 to 5 p.m.

The practical sessions will provide experiences of various intensity work-outs with music.

The workshop is actually the percursor to the 3-day international conference on physical education and sports sciences to be organised by the Mapusa College in association with National Association of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, SAG and Don Bosco College. It will be held from February 25-

27 at NIO Centre, Dona Paula.

The conference will focus on the theme “Healthy Universe Through Sports” (HUTS) with presentations from world renowned faculty drawn from Taiwan, Portugal (Porto University) and Nigeria. The others will be from Delhi, Rajasthan, Gwalior with Dr Mahendra Kudchadkar and Dr Rajesh Bhatkurse being the Goan faculty.

There will also be discussions on, “impact of environment and its effects on well being, modern lifestyles and its effects on well being, exercise, diet and nutrition, yoga and stress management, sports psychology, drug abuse in sports, sports as health medicine, sports and community health, sports and health related diseases, sports management, issues related to women sports.”

The conference is being organised by Saraswat College to commemorate its centenary year, having been established in 1911. It is one of the oldest educational societies dedicated to imparting quality education in Goa, with its presence in primary, secondary, higher secondary, undergraduate and post graduate education. Since 1991, it is conducting undergraduate courses in commerce, business administration, computer application and is affiliated with Goa University.

The college’s sports department has done exceedingly well since 1991, consistently winning laurels, having churned out National and international level players.

About 500 outstation delegates are expected to attend the 3-day event.

MPT score past St Rock HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, FEB 15

Mormugao Ports Trust (MPT) Sports Council registered an easy 3-0 win over St Rock’s Sports Club, Fatrade, Varca 3-0 in GFA’s Third Division league at Varca ground, on Tuesday.

MPT led 1-0 at the breather.

The highlight of the day was a brilliant brace by Joe Colaco.

MPT slowly took over the reins with their forwards and midfielders working in tandem to put the rival defence under pressure. Their persistent forays in the rival territory paid off div-

idends when Allister Fernandes bulged the net giving no chance to the rival keeper.

Stung by the setback, St Rock’s had scoring chances but striker Columban Noronha misfired sorties from ideal positions.

Crossing over, MPT conjured their attack in scintillating fashion and created waves of attacks but their forwards were guilty of spurning easy sitters.

Joe Colaco got past a rival defender’s challenge with a sharp turn and fired home keeping the St Rock’s goalkeeper dazed.

Joe Colaco rounded off the tally in the 89th minute.

32 schools for Mahindra Youth Football Challenge HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 15

Thirty-two leading schools from all over the State will participate in Mahindra Youth Football Challenge (MYFC), a unique Under14 Schools Fo o t b a l l Tournament-cum-Talent Hunt to decide the Goa Champion School, which kicks off on Wednesday under the aegis of GFA with four matches at four venues. The finals are slated for February 26 at Tilak Maidan, Vasco.

The champion school of Goa will then lock horns with five other champion schools from Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Kerala to decide the winner of the Mahindra Youth Football Challenge. The other legs have already concluded in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala and Kolkata.

MYFC is the Mahindra Group’s commitment to promote football at the grassroots level and the company has partnered with Scottish football giants, Celtic Football Club, who will take on the responsibility of training and grooming young talent identified through the initiative, stated Sriram Ramachandra (Senior General Manager, Corporate Strategy, Mahindra Group) at

l Young talent to be groomed by Scotland’s Celtic FC

Ajit R (Senior Vice-President, Sales & Innovation, Procam International Ltd), Sanman Kenkre (Station Head-92.7 Big FM, Goa), Sriram Ramachandra (Senior GM, Corporate Strategy, Mahindra Group), exOlympian Fortunato Franco Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho and Schubert Furtado (Chairman of GFA Competition Committee) at the launch of Mahindra Youth Football Challenge (MYFC), Goa Leg 2011 for boys under-14 schools at Vivanta Taj, Santa Ines on Tuesday.

Photo: Rozario Estibeiro

the media briefing at Vivanta taj, Santa Ines on Tuesday.

The idea is to cast a wide net to identify the most talented junior football players in the country. The MYFC initiative is being promoted and executed by leading sports management company, Procam International, Sriram added.

The MYFC aims to cultivate young talent and provide a competitive framework to hone their

skills. The tournament will be very useful in promoting the game of football, in developing young players for the future and ultimately leading to a positive and lasting connection between Celtic Football Club, Scotland and India.

“Procam is committed to giving India's junior footballers a professional playing experience, enabling them to focus completely on the task on hand,

which is to play good football,” stated Ajit R (Senior Vice-President, Procam).

India’s No. 1 FM station,92.7 BIG FM is the official radio partner for the MYFC. Sanman kenkre (Station Head-92.7 Big FM, Goa) said, “It has always been our endeavor to offer listeners unique exciting content, while offering talent, a platform to express themselves.”

The Goa leg will be conducted

under the auspices of GFA with matches being played at Tilak, Duler, PJN and Don Bosco ground.

Among the top 32 schools are names that include St. Britto Mapusa, Don Bosco Panjim, Fr. Agnel Pilar, Deepvihar Vasco, Infant Jesus Colva, Our Lady of Rosary, Fatorda, Mount Mary, Chinchinim, disclosed Schubert Furtado, GFA’s Competition Commitee.

The winners will get Rs. 30,000, the runners-up Rs. 20,000 and the 3rd placed winner Rs. 15,000. The teams that reach the last eight will be provided with kitting, while the winners and runners-up teams will be awarded trophies with each player from these teams getting a kit bag.

There will be a ‘star qPerformer of the game’ trophy for each match from the quarter-final stage and ‘best player of the tournament’ trophy to be won.

The overall (India) champion school will receive Rs 50,000, along with the winner’s trophy, while the runner-up team will win Rs 30,000 and a trophy.

There will also be awards such as ‘star performer of qthe game’ and individual appreciation tro-

phies for the best striker, best midfielder, best defender and best goalkeeper.’

The teams will get transport allowance. Matchjew upto quarter-finals will be of 25 minutes duration (each half) while thereafter it will be 30 minutes each half.

Matches will start at 9.30 a.m.

Each player from the six teams in the inter-city league will be given two pairs of kitting (jersey, shorts and stockings), while travel, out of pocket expenses during the travel, and lodging and boarding of all the six schools will be taken care of

by MYFC. The winning schools from the six cities and their coaches will benefit from a 4-day coaching camp to be conducted by a panel of visiting coaches from the Celtic Football Club before the inter-city challenge. This same panel will then shortlist 16 players from the inter-city challenge who will further undergo an intensive five-day long coaching clinic where two to four of the best players will be picked to travel to Scotland and the Celtic Football Club for intensive training.

Ex- Olympian Fortunato Franco and Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho also spoke.

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY, 2011

Need to raise intensity on field, says Dhoni l Tendulkar to play crucial role AFP CHENNAI, FEB 15

India must raise their World Cup intensity, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said on Tuesday, with star batsman Sachin Tendulkar poised to play a crucial role.

India, strong favourites to win the showpiece tournament, stuttered in their warm-up game against defending champions Australia in Bangalore on Sunday before pulling off an unlikely 38-run win.

The Indians take on New Zealand in their second and final practice match on Wednesday in Chennai ahead of their tournament opener against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.

Tendulkar missed the win over Australia, a legacy of the hamstring injury that forced him to cut short his participation in the one-day series

in South Africa last month.

But he came through a long net session on Tuesday and is poised to open the batting against the Black Caps in what will be only his third one-dayer since his historic double-century against South Africa in Gwalior a year ago.

"Of course we did not have a very good game against Australia," Dhoni said.

"We needed a partnership but that did not happen and we could not score big.

"The lower order helped and added some 45-odd runs. But at 214 we did not have a par score on the board. We want to score more runs in the warmup and try various bowling options.

"We need to pick up intensity as we progress into the World Cup." Dhoni said the performance of spinners in the game against Australia had opened up his options.

Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, a surprise inclusion in India's squad, picked up 4-31 in nine overs and off-break bowler Harbhajan Singh took 3-15 from five.

"We have a very good side," said Dhoni.

"That is what I have said always. I don't believe in comparisons. We have a mix of players who are very good.

"But obviously what we have on paper is not important, it is what we do on the field which matters. We need to see what the conditions are and pick our best 11 accordingly."

Dhoni said bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan would be rested for Wednesday's warm-up to allow him to be fresh for the tournament opener. The left-arm paceman had missed out on the Australia game as well.

"He has a very mild groin strain. It is nothing to rest. He will definitely play against Bangladesh."

The Indian skipper, leading the side for the first time in a World Cup, also said his team will treat New Zealand with respect despite their recent poor form in one-dayers in the sub-continent.

ICC pulls up Dhoni for ambush marketing AGENCIES

DUBAI, FEB 15

With the ICC Cricket World Cup barely 72 hours away from start, India captain MS Dhoni finds himself charged with ambush marketing.

Dhoni was pulled up by the International Cricket Council for disregarding its clause and was reprimanded by the governing body for doing so.

ICC is miffed with the Indian captain for promoting Sony and Aircel ads and has asked him to get rid of the posters that promote non-World Cup sponsors.

D h o n i ' s m a n a g e r, however, begs to differ.

He says the campaign has nothing to do with the brand, but to do with Dhoni’s personal image, reputation, goodwill and his popularity.

"Any squad member that knowingly or

unknowingly breaches the squad terms may face sanctions ranging from financial penalties through to being excluded from continued participation in the event," ICC's legal head David Becker had earlier said in a memo to all international players and cricket boards regarding guidelines for endorsements and commercials around the ICC Cricket World Cup. But the ICC has permitted squad members to appear in advertisements and endorsement during the t o u r n a m e n t i f t h e y w e a r c r i c ke t whites or "any other casual, formal or leisure wear", provided they don't appear in the national colours of their team and there is no direct association with the ICC Cricket World Cup or usage of logos of the ICC or the tournament.

Sachin Tendulkar had a meeting with BCCI president Shashank Manohar with regard to the same issue last week.

WARM UP MATCHES ON FEB 16 India v. New Zealand (Chennai) England v. Canada (Dhaka)

Solid SA beat Australia AGENCIES BANGALORE, FEB 15

South Africa produced a clinical all-round display to inflict a crushing seven-wicket defeat on defending champions Australia in a World Cup warm-up match at the near-empty Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Tuesday.

Captain Graeme Smith (65 off 81 balls) and Hashim Amla (60 off 73) laid the foundation for the run chase by sharing an unbeaten 131-run for the opening wicket, after Dale Steyn and Robin Peterson rocked the Aussie batting with three wickets each.

After taking a firm grip on the match, Smith and Amla decided to retire themselves out to make way for other batsmen as South Africa chased Asutralia's 218 in 44.2 overs.

JP Duminy made the most of the opportunity and remained unbeaten on 47 while giving him company was AB de Villiers on 16.

Even though South Africa lost only one wicket, both Smith and Amla are considered as retired out and cannot bat the second time.

Pak thrash Bangladesh

MIRPUR: Misbah-ul-Haq and Ahmed Shehzad both hit centuries to help Pakistan reach an imposing 285-9 against Bangladesh.

Ul-Haq (100) took just 99 balls to reach the landmark, blasting eight boundaries and four sixes.

Opener Shehzad was dropped twice on his way to 103, when he was caught close to the ropes after pulling a shortish delivery

by Rubel Hossain.

Only a flurry of late wickets by captain Shakib Al Hasan, who took 3-49, and Hossain (3-73) helped prevent Pakistan building an even greater total.

Tournament co-host Bangladesh had the visitors at 58-3 after 15 overs after spinner Al Hasan and Abdur Razzak (1-53) struck within the space of two overs.

Sri Lanka win

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara tuned up for the World Cup with a half century in a four-wicket win over the West Indies.

Sangakkara top-scored with 71 while Tillakaratne Dilshan (62) and Thilan Samaraweera (55) also hit good batting form at R. Premadasa Stadium as Sri

Lanka reached 282-6 off 47.3 overs in reply to the West Indies' effort of 281 all out.

Chris Gayle and Darren Bravo hit contrasting half-centuries in what appeared an impressive West Indies total.

Gayle played in his usual flamboyant style to score 58 off 38 balls, while Bravo made 54 after captain Darren Sammy won the toss and opted to bat.

Paceman Lasith Malinga and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath both claimed 3 Windies wickets.

Dutch sink Kenya

COLOMBO: Ryan ten Doeschate hit a brilliant 98 not out to guide the Netherlands to a two-wicket upset win over Kenya on Tuesday, sending a timely warning to tournament rivals.

Ten Doeschate's 92-ball knock, spiced with four sixes and three fours, helped the Netherlands chase a challenging 264-run target after being down and out at 1307 with part-time spinner Steve Tikolo taking four wickets.

Serene Waters had scored a brilliant 126 not out for Kenya.

Ten Doeschate added an invaluable 66 runs for the eighth wicket with Aste Buurman (29).

And even when his partner

was out with 52 still needed, he did not lose heart, putting on 52 for an unbroken ninth-wicket stand with Mudassar Bukhari who finished on 20 not out.

Ireland pip Zimbabwe

NAGPUR: Andre Botha and Kevin O'Brien hit resolute halfcenturies to carry Ireland to a final over, four-wicket victory against Zimbabwe.

Botha top-scored with 79 and O'Brien hit an unbeaten 62 as Ireland chased Zimbabwe's competitive 244-8 with three balls to spare in the thrilling match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur.

The duo upstaged Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura, who slammed eight fours and three sixes in an unbeaten 103 off just 81 balls to lift his side from a shaky 74-4 after they had won the toss and elected to bat.

Taibu chipped in with a valuable 45 up the order after the early dismissals of openers Brendan Taylor and Charles Coventry.

Ireland seamers Trent Johnston and Botha picked up two wickets each in what was their last practice match ahead of the tournament beginning in Dhaka on Saturday.

Players banned from tweeting AGENCIES MELBOURNE, FEB 15

In a bid to ensure a corruptionfree World Cup following the spot-fixing scandal, the International Cricket Council has banned players and team officials from tweeting during matches.

The decision, an initiative of ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, was intended to restrain the players and officials

from any possible approach by people with links to illegal betting during World Cup matches.

The move from the ICC came in response to Australian team manager Steve Bernard's tweets which attracted more than 1,100 followers to his stevebernard37 account in the past six months, including during Ashes and the subsequent ODI series, according to a report in Sydney Morning Herald.

The long-time manager was told soon after arriving in Bangalore with the team last week that he, as well as

any other player or team official at the World Cup, had been banned from tweeting during matches.

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GOODBYE DEAR SCHOOL

A Tender Milestone in Life Precious moments that made us laugh with tears then, leave indelible memories that make us cry with laughter now. Every year, the months of February and March are painful months when students have to say goodbye to their precious friends as they move on in life. Herald gets nostalgic…

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES ne more academic year comes to an end and one more batch of students in every school has to undergo the painful inevitability of saying goodbye to friends; friends we have grown up with over the many years. Bidding goodbye to our friends in school can be one of the most painful moments of life. Yet, when we are in the course of our friendships or relationships, how many of us realise how much memory is built around things unnoticed while it is happening? Often, it is only during moments of parting that we look deeper into the depths of friendship and love.

Memories of those beautiful days remain vivid throughout life. The most heart wrenching episode was on school graduation day in our century-old school hall which if could speak, it would have copious stories to narrate – tales of friendship, innocent crushes or love, heart break that was earth-shattering at the time, dreams etc.

As we, 15-16 year-olds, stood in long lines, attired with white pristine saris like little dolls, nothing could suppress the tears from freely flowing as we gave vent to our emotions, as speeches were delivered by parents and teachers about how we came sobbing to school at having to leave our parents, and how now, we are left sobbing at having to move out of our cherished school, as we stand at the crossroads of life. One teacher held us weeping in her arms saying, “Oh! My heart is broken! It is like giving away my daughters in marriage!” This is how strong teachers and students feel during parting moments.

After all, we have spent a good 10 to 12 years in those secure surroundings where we were loved and nurtured.

There is a flood of warmth in the heart as one recollects those beautiful, carefree, childhood memories which, in my mind, are like a precious photograph with the colour fading against the light - A nun spanking you on your bottom for seducingly dancing to ‘Laila, mein Laila, Aisi hoon Laila, Har koi chaahe mujse, milna akela’, from ‘Qurbani’, atop the desks in the classroom. Or bellowing with laughter when your computer sir asked the class what a mouse was and the naughty lad in your class shouted out, “A stinking rat, sir!” Or having the Casanova lad from the neighbouring boy’s school cycle by your classroom and sing out your name aloud, rhyming it with a melodious, “la-la-la,” only to have the whole class giggling and looking in your direction and antagonised, you quickly clear the air by shrieking, “Sister, I have nothing to do with that creep,” which only engenders in uproarious laughter and the nun replies, “It’s okay, I didn’t say anything,”

O

and while the Romeos wait down, she storms to the window muttering, “Wasters!”

The guffawing in the class increases as we hear the hero cheekily scream, “God save my soul, I got a nun on to me,” and the group quickly cycles away laughing gleefully.

Till date, I just have to stand at that window whenever I visit school, and I break down, as with a mixture of joy and pain I recollect those awesome days and remember all the people I have lost over the years, either through distance or through death.

One more hilarious memory – it is the last day of school before board exams. So it is only natural that you get all wild and start scribbling messages on each other’s school sports T-shirts, with colour pens, ‘gulal’, whatever, to keep as precious mementos forever.

Your gang of friends are aware of the neighbouring school boy, Louis who is besotted by you with unrequited love and so naughtily, they scribble the song, ‘Brother Louis Louis…’ on the bust area of your sports shirt and voila! Suddenly, the most somber nun materialises out of nowhere. While you are looking all innocent wondering what crime you have committed, the orthodox nun exclaims, “You too! Shame on you! From this year’s batch, I always considered you as the chosen one with potential to join our congregation.” And while your friends stare at you in horror as they are on the verge of laughter, she makes you cringe further in embarrassment as she continues, “Can’t you see that you have to keep your body holy for the Holy Order and not have these useless boys names scribbled on your body?”

And you are totally lost wondering what your crime is! I mean, it is just a boy’s name on your shirt! Yet today, one warmly misses the nun’s sweet reprimand! Yes,

Brazil Brides face Fine for being Late

B

Roddte bailek ani hanstea dadleak patuyeum naka?

- Anonymous

razilian brides will have to start dressing early on their wedding day because if they get to be late, they will be fined.

A church in the country has had enough of late bridal arrivals and is determined to stop it. Subsequently the church has come up with a plan to get the brides in the church early.

Any bride who gets to the church late on her wedding day will be fined equivalent of $300.

Brides in Brazil love to keep their grooms and every other person waiting. It is not unusual for a bride to be late for ten minutes. Some brides keep everyone waiting for hours even.

Nossa Senhora de Lourdes Cathedral in the small southern city of Apucarana has devised a plan to get the brides in early. If a bride is going to have a wedding, she would have to deposit a cheque of $300 with the church.

Of course that money still belongs to the bride, but only when she arrives on time for the wedding.

If the bride arrives late, the cheque is kept in the church’s coffers – smart move.

The cathedral complains that brides arriving late often disrupt the church’s plan for the day and inconvenience everybody.

(Courtesy: Thaindian News)

The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning - Ivy Baker Priest

she cared for us and loved us!

The sex education class takes the cake: Today, kids might be enlightened in as early as class V, but a couple of decades ago, we were given such an enlightening talk only when we were about 14 to 15 years of age. As 14 to 15 year-olds, it was sheer torture when our girly bodies were blossoming and we were undergoing various aches and pains or when the boys were getting wet dreams and their voices were getting hoarse, but we didn’t dare ask mama or papa as they were too shy themselves.

Then you recollect some weirdo warning you, “Don’t let anyone even lay a finger on you, you will get babies.” But, inescapably the lewd guy brushed against you in class and you are in agony wondering what next.

Then the sexual education talk happens and it is such a relief. But the moment the teacher touches on lovemaking, the bunch of naughty guys play spoilt sports. They initiate their subtle shrieks and squeals and the class breaks into guffaws. The embarrassed teacher runs quickly through the session and you are still left wondering what goes where exactly. But you feign knowledge and pretend that you know it all.

So much has evolved over the years. Today, youngsters just have to log on to the internet for knowledge and they can keep in touch relatively more effectively than passed out students of yore. But the fact remains, that the intensity of the pain of separation is the same for every generation.

School days invariably happen to be the best days of our life – so pure and carefree!

That is why we hurt so much at saying goodbye. But, while there are many struggling to say their goodbyes, it is good to speak to the optimistic who advise, “What ultimately matters is not the destination but how much you have enjoyed your journey. And today’s youngsters are lucky as they have social networking sites to stay connected.”

They are right! The internet has become a boon, especially to the youth!

At any given time in life, there are countless people whose hearts are being ripped but are smiling through their pain, whether you are a standard ten student or it is the end of your beautiful relationship, or you are leaving some place and someone you dote on, where you are aching to say, “I want to be your favourite hello and your hardest goodbye’. But it is futile, staring hard at closed doors, as we will end up missing out the new ones opening right in front of us. We need to pick up our rucksacks of our beautiful memories and the lessons our experiences have taught us and move on. After all, isn’t it a blessing to have someone or something that makes saying goodbye so hard?

Look up at the golden sun and understand that the same sun is lighting up your friend’s face elsewhere or wake up at a peaceful hour of the night, look up at the dazzling night sky bejeweled with millions of stars and feel good that perhaps your friends too are looking up and thinking of you as each one moves on to a new phase in life.

Birth Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Prophet Muhammad is believed to be one among the first persons to urge people to respect women and enlighten them on their rights. Today is the birthday remembrance of this great prophet who was one of the greatest benefactors of humans

L

HERALD FEATURES ike I always say, one more festival or celebration in Goa means one more reason to experience the exquisite religious harmony that prevails in this glorious state. As with every year, the Jamaat-e-Islam Hind is again organising a grand function where they invite people from varied religions and different areas of life to articulate speeches.

Their theme this year is on ‘Freedom of Speech’ and the function is on February 19, 2011 as they being a Saturday, more people will attend. They even have excellent new indoor premises this year.

The great prophet always evokes intense reverence amongst people of any religion or community. That is inevitable as apart from preaching Islam to the Muslim community, he was the protector of life, saviour of women, benefactor of all humans, beacon of light in the dark world, most enlightened, and a person who was not moulded by circumstances but instead shaped the world. The prophet’s greatest miracle is the most revered Quran. Ms Shahida Khan from Mapusa enlightens, “Yes, the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.” Adding intrigue, Mr Wahid Khan pipes in, “Angel Gabriel used to bring little holy messages from time to time as and when the need arose when the prophet had to solve people’s problems. Over the course of 23 years, through all the little messages, the Quran was completely revealed to the prophet.”

Catch up with a group of aged Muslim gentleman, in their ‘Pathani’ suits and long beards, walking out of the Jama Masjid after ‘namaaz’ and they welcome you with absolute respect and hospitality. It

is interesting when they deal out information on how the holy prophet lost his father very young and was brought up by his mother who again left him at the tender age of six. Then on, he was taken care of by his grandfather and then by an uncle. One of the men says, “We can’t even imagine the hard life of an orphan, we have only probably read of their ordeals. But our prophet led the severe life of an orphan. Yet, he grew up to be a wonderful person in every aspect of life; he was truthful, honest, brave, forgiving, cheerful and he lived an austere life.”

The beautiful veiled women ask, “How many of us are worthy of calling ourselves Muslims today? How many know the teachings of the great prophet? How many are following his teachings? That is why on prophet’s birthday, we take the opportunity to organise get-togethers where we enlighten people about his life and his teachings.” Remind them that it was Prophet Muhammad who put an end to the ancient ritual of burying new born girl babies and they say, “Yes, in those years, no Muslim ever wanted a daughter or a son-in-law. But prophet preached to the people that whoever looks after daughters with a lot of love and educate them and get them married, will be in Paradise with the prophet.”

Therefore, Prophet Muhammad was a role model in liberating women from age old shackles, bondages and oppressions perpetrated against them.

The facts and events of his life inspired people to such an extent that various evil practices were abolished forever. The women enlighten, “He also ensured that women were allowed to go out to work if they wished though they should not be compelled to be the main breadwinner of the family. Besides, he brought about equal rights in share in property for women.”

Mr Wahid Khan concludes, “Prophet always preached that Heaven is at the feet of your mother. He said that mothers had three times more significance than fathers. And even in his very last sermon at Haj, he had warned people to respect and treat women and slaves well.” - CV

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Wednesday, 16 Feb 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

Third Konknni (Romi Lipi) Literary and Cultural Sammelan, organised by the Dalgado Konknni Academy will be held on February 19 and 20 at Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘Goan Kaleidoscope 2011’ - a group show of 35 contemporary Goan artists, organised by Gallery Gitanjali will open on February 19 at 6.30pm at Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhas-Panjim. The works will remain on display till March 5 from 9am to 9pm at Gallery Gitanjali. Visit www.gallerygitanjali.com. Call 9823572035.

‘Color Ecstasy’, an exhibition of paintings by Puran Singh Jhala is underway till February 20 from 11am to 7pm at SeShah House, Saligao.

A Solo Singing Competition, organised by Omkar Cultural Association will be held on February 19 at 5.30pm in Dhargal. Call 9823306652 ‘Sunset Art Programme’, an innovative art programme for children, organised by Kala Academy will be held every Sunday from 5pm to 6.30pm for 6 weeks at the Jetty. Call 2420452.

‘Effects of promoting obscenity and sexuality for tourism’, a workshop organised by Asha Human Rights Association (AFRRA) will be held on February 26 from 3.30pm to 6pm at Institute Piedade Hall II, Panjim. E-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in. Call 2256445 or 9822166876.

Pottery workshop for adults and children, organised by Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts will begin on February 16 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm every Wednesday. Registration closes on February 12. Call 2421311.

Aparant Maand 2011, organised

by Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited is underway till

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HOROSCOPE February 2011 at Kranti Maidan, Ponda. Call 2228157 or 2225328.

Series on Health, organised by the International Centre Goa will be held on February 16 from 5:30pm to 7pm at the International Centre, Dona Paula.

E-mail prog@incentgoa.com. Call 9765404391 or 2452805-10.

Sandhya Sanjana Live in concert will be held on February 19 at 8pm at Goa Chitra, Benaulim. Call 2772910 or 6570877.

‘Red Oleander’, the English play will be staged on February 15 at Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

Performance art workshop for adults and children will be held from February 16 to 22 from 4pm to 7pm at Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

‘Right to Information’, a workshop organised by Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association and Calangute United (Social and Cultural Club) will be held on February 26 from 10:30am to 12:30pm at St. Alex Church Complex Hall, Calangute, Bardez. E-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in. Call 2256445, 9881064985 or 9822166876.

Ghar Asaave Gharaa Saarkhe, a Marathi musical programme in association with the Department of Art and Culture and Parampara Pratishthanam a cultural organization will be held on February 16 at Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

A painting exhibition, by artist Dilesh Hazare will be held on February 15 at the Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

11th Saraswat Food Cultural Festival, organised by Goa Saraswat Samaj will be held from February 25 to 27 at the Panjim gymkhana, Panjim.

Pitch Black Project III, organised by Creatiwitty Works will be held on February 17 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.

Today you'll create something that others take great inter21 Mar - 19 Apr est in. You'll impress. Expect some friction at work or at home today -- your energy, though mostly positive, may grate on the wrong people.

That is okay, because you should still get plenty done and can make up later.

Taurus Training is ending today -- you are ready to move forward, 20 Apr - 20 May so stretch your w i n g s ! Yo u r righteous enthusiasm might get misinterpreted today, so try to hold back from intimidating folks who don't know you well.

Your people know what to expect when you climb up on a soapbox!

Pay attention to Gemini your community. If offers you some real advantages for 21 May - 20 Jun happiness. Your opinions are making life more interesting -- and maybe somewhat more difficult, though in a fun way. Someone who takes life too seriously needs a dose of your conversational medicine.

No one's getting things done right today, so step in if you can 22 Jun - 23 Jul see how to do it. You need to make a big splash today -- otherwise, you might find yourself at loose ends later tonight. Buy something you can only just barely afford or lavish your mate with a year's worth of affection.

Push away at the trappings of happiness today. Only you know what will 24 Jul - 23 Aug really work. You may get mistaken for someone famous today -- you just exude the kind of energy that screams 'I am somebody!'

Let the masses lavish you with the attention you know you deserve.

Someone with an excessive personality may be setting you 23 Aug - 22 Sep back now. Get distance. Let others hog the spotlight today -- you know what you've accomplished, and you can tell you aren't going to get the credit just yet. If you speak up, things just get weird. Patience pays in a big way!

When conflict appears today, take a reflective point of view.

23 Sept - 22 Oct Don't fan the flames.You've got to exercise your social energy today -- it's almost a physical need! The good news is that you're not alone, so you should be able to find some way to get your people to interact.

Scorpio C a l l u p o n every ounce of your discipline today. You sim23 Oct - 22 Nov ply must stick to the plan.

Watch out for ego clashes - they are much more likely today, and are more likely than usual to cause lingering damage. If you can keep a lid on your own issues, you can skate through unharmed.

Sagittarius It may feel like

Capricorn You're right where you should be now.

Don't worry 22 Dec - 20 Jan about the expectations of others. Life could be a little easier -- but then it wouldn't be challenging. You may want to take a break mid-afternoon, but you are better off dealing with each problem as it arises.

Time can make them worse.

Aquarius A few people you know need to meet e a c h o t h e r. the 21 Jan - 19 Feb M a k e group connect soon. You can't help but show off your independent streak today, and it certainly casts you in a positive light. It may also tick off your mate or family, but they have come to embrace your peculiarities.

Putting things together will give you great satisfaction 20 Feb - 20 Mar today -- cook a nice meal. Can you keep your mind from wandering? If so, make sure that others see you working so diligently -- but if not, you may need to leave work early or hire out someone to take care of home chores for you.

Aries

Libra

you're in a fog t o d a y, b u t there's a lot of 23 Nov - 20 Dec subconscious activity. Foreign travel is favored right now, so it's a good time to take off or at least make plans. Your great energy helps you figure out the hottest places to go and the best people to meet.

WORD OF THE DAY

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? The book no one can read

inveigle Pronunciation in-VAY-guhl Function Verb Meaning 1: to persuade by ingenuity or flattery; to entice 2: to obtain by ingenuity or flattery Example Sentence Alan tried his best to inveigle his boss into giving him a promotion.

LAFFS

Inside the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University is the Voynich manuscript: a book that has come to be known as ‘the world’s most mysterious manuscript’. Consisting of 240 pages of detailed illustrations and a cipher, the book has a unique and notorious quality. For decades, historians and scientists have studied its ancient pages but have been unable to decipher its text. A book dealer named Wilfrid Voynich discovered the manuscript outside of Rome in 1912, and it has been in the news because of the work of scientists at the University of Arizona. The book was probably composed between 1404 and 1438 and is written on vellum. The text within the manuscript consists of over 1,70,000 glyphs, some resembling Latin text. While many scientists and historians believe that the manuscript was meant to act as a pharmacopoeia, some theorise the text is idioglossia, a private language that only one or two people could ever decipher.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“You can’t find any true closeness in Hollywood, because everybody does the fake closeness so well.”

– Carrie Fisher DAILY GROOK MORTAL PORTAL

by Francis Rodrigues life in the mortuary is a soul transition, so isn't an obituary a new die-mention?

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Red lorry, yellow lorry Wednesday 32° C | 18° C Dawn 06:38

Partly Clouded

Sunrise 07:00

Moon rise 16:43 High —

Low 03:18

TIDES High Low 08:35 15.15

High 22:11

21:00 Veer

10:15 12:15 15:15 16:45 18:45 21:00 23:00

Disturbia Ninja 100 Feet Thick as Thieves The Myth D-War: Dragon Wars Doubt

17 Again Transformers2 Observe and Report Road Trip: Beer Pong Bean The Hangover Two Brothers

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

10:50 12:45 15:00 18:30

Raising Helen Taaqatwar Humjoli Gangster Mission to Mars

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Charcoal

21:00 Legion 23:15 Hardwired

08:30 12:00 16:00 20:00 23:40

Koyla Champion Tarkieb Jamai Raja Sadak

Shade The Condemned Gandhi S.W.A.T.

08:00 Devi 12:00 Nadiya Ke Paar 16:00 Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin 20:00 Awara Paagal Deewana

09:30 Sangeet 13:15 Raja 17:30 Ek Aur Ek Gyarah: By Hook or by Crook

15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Tere Liye Saath Nibhana Saathiya Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Mere Sapne Hamari Devrani Sapno Se Bhare Naina Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak? Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Sasural Genda Phool Saath Nibhana Saathiya Behenein Sabki Laadli Bebo Saath Nibhana Saathiya Sasural Genda Phool Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Liye Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

10:00 10:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30

Kismat Adaalat Krishnaben Khakhrawala Maa Exchange Kismat Krishnaben Khakhrawala Saas Bina Sasural Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa C.I.D C.I.D C.I.D Classics Khotey Sikkey Krishnaben Khakhrawala Baat Hamari Pakki Hai Maa Exchange Saas Bina Sasural Kismat

12:00 Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dharmyudh

12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 15:59 16:00 16:30 16:59 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 Kheli 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Choti Bahu Pavitra Rishta Sanskaar Laxmi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Ram Milaayi Jodi Bhagonwali - Baante Apni Taqdeer Ek Nazar Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dharmyudh Choti Bahu Ek Nazar Jhansi Ki Rani Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali - Baante Apni Taqdeer Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dharmyudh Dil Se Diya Vachan Choti Bahu Jhansi Ki Rani Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Pavitra Rishta Ram Milaayi Jodi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Sanskaar Laxmi

Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00

12:00 Lapataganj 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 13:00 Mrs. Tendulkar 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 14:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 FIR 16:00 Ring Wrong Ring 16:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 17:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 19:00 Mrs. Tendulkar 19:30 Ring Wrong Ring 20:00 Papad Pol 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Mrs. Tendulkar Lapataganj FIR

IDIOT BOX 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30

SUDOKU 785

George was dead. He was found face down in the street, nearly flat. He must have been there some time as he was cool to the touch. Adding to that, there was a bird on the back of his head.

What was George’s last name?

Moon set 04:57

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

10:15 12:25 14:20 16:20 18:30 21:00 23:15

Riddle Me This

Sunset Dark 18:39 19:01

10:00 Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein 10:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 11:00 Geet 11:30 Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

12:00 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 12:30 Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein 13:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 13:30 Geet 14:00 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 14:30 Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

15:00 Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein 15:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 16:00 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 16:30 Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

17:00 Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein 17:30 Geet 18:00 Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

18:30 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 19:00 Dhoond Legi Manzil

10:30 Sports Crash 11:30 Breaking The Magician's Code 12:25 Got to Dance 13:20 Reaper 14:15 Wipeout 15:10 Sports Crash 16:05 Top 20 Countdown 17:00 Ultimate Guinness World Records 18:00 Wipeout 19:00 Got to Dance 19:00 Guinness World Records Smashed 21:00 Breaking The Magician's Code 22:00 India's Minute to Win It

10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

The Simpsons Two And A Half Men Koffee With Karan Burn Notice The Bold and The Beautiful Friends Masterchef US Detroit 187 Two And A Half Men The Simpsons Burn Notice Masterchef US Koffee With Karan Detroit 187 Masterchef US Burn Notice

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:10 22:30 23:00

Capturing the Cup ICC World Cup H/ls ICC World Cup H/ls Superstars Legends ICC World Cup H/ls ICC Cricket World Cup The Fourth Estate Capturing the Cup

09:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:10 22:30 23:00

Barclays Premier League Premier League Highlights Bpl Express Best of the Best India Edition ICC Cricket World Cup Sportscenter India Sportscenter Asia

10:00 Calypso Beats 11:00 Calypso Beats 12:00 World Cup 99 With Wasim Akram 12:40 The Contenders 13:10 ICC Cricket World Cup 22:30 Capturing the Cup 23:30 World Cup Journey with Mathew Hayden

08:00 English News 09:00 Success Mantra 09:30 Kids Club 10:00 English News 11:00 Jazz Gospel Concert 11:30 St Xavier’s Sunset Symphony 12:00 Flavors 12:30 Geo Natal Fashion Show 13:00 English News 14:00 In search of Feathered Friend 14:30 Clown Fiesta 15:00 Success Mantra 15:30 Snaden Shawn Dance Jhalak 16:00 English News 17:00 St Xavier’s Sunset Symphony 17:30 Kids Club 18:00 English News 19:00 Jazz Gospel Concert 19:30 Clown Fiesta 20:00 English News 21:00 In search of Feathered Friend 21:30 Snaden Shawn Dance Jhalak 22:00 English News 23:00 Success Mantra 23:30 Argam Diumia 00:00 Grape Escapade 00:30 Jazz Gospel Concert NOTE: Subject to Change

Instructions for Sudoku 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

SUDOKU SOL 784

HERALD CROSSWORD - 785 Across 1- Pituitary hormone; 5- Employees; 10- Did the butterfly; 14Pouting grimace; 15- Hang in the air; 16- Exclamation of fright; 17- New Rochelle college; 18- Rice-___; 19- Close with force; 20- Enchant; 22- In ___ (unborn); 23- Beverage commonly drunk in England; 24That, in Tijuana; 25- Extempore; 29- Lattice; 33- Low cards; 34Zeno's home; 36- Tombstone lawman; 37- Bran source; 38Portents; 39- Fannie ___; 40Slaughter of baseball; 42- Timber; 43- Glide along smoothly; 45- Sieves; 47- Agitated; 49Not neg.; 50- At all; 51- Moisten while cooking; 54- Top roof timber; 60- Calculus calculation; spool; 55- Dies ___; 56- Calamitous; 57- Hor61- Eagle's home; 62- At that time; 63- Bank rors!; 58- Incline; 59- Feminizing suffix; 61deposit?; 64- Get to know; 65- Son of Judah; Long-sleeved linen vestment; 66- Ad word; 67- Run in the wash; 68- Nada; Down SOLUTION - 784 1- French friends; 2- Poultry enclosure; 3- Air; 4- Robust; 5- 8th month of the Islamic calendar; 6- Singer Amos; 7- Mary Kay competitor; 8- Ward off; 9- Calendar abbr.; 10- Normal contraction of the heart; 11- Trickery; 12- On ___ with; 13- Office note; 21- Meadows; 22- Application; 24- Ages; 25- Siouan speakers; 26Former French currency; 27- Stench; 28Band's sample tapes; 29- Is inclined; 30- Truman's birthplace; 31- Angry; 32- Swiftness; 35"Seinfeld" uncle; 38- Possesses; 41- Divided, anatomically; 43- Cosecant's reciprocal; 44Inert monatomic gaseous element; 46- Fair-hiring abbr.; 48- Remnant; 51- Low in pitch; 52Horne solo; 53- Exchange for money; 54- Film

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Wednesday, 16 Feb 2011

Parenting

Pg3

A Magical Evening of Fado A

Hanuman Temple prepares for the Annual Puja

Sonia also shed some light on the history of fado, giving the audience insight into the origins of this genre. The guest artists included Carlos Manuel Meneses, Dr Allan Abreo, Daryl Coelho, Franz Schubert Cotta ad Dinesh K, along with Flavio Texeira Cardoso at the Portuguese guitar, Pedro Miguel Soares Marreiros at the Classical guitar, Mayuresh Dattaram Vasta at the Tabla, Marwino Antonio Da Costa at the Flute and Millind Chari at the percussions.

With the soulful tunes of the fados, the audience was left stirred and wanting for more.

Photos by Rozario Estibeiro

HERALD FEATURES n evening of song and music, Sonia Shirsat’s maiden solo concert in Goa, Mundo Fado II, was a real treat to the lovers of this genre of music. The fadista, Sonia Shirsat, brought to Goa the various fados from all over the world at Mundo Fado II which was held at the Kala Academy in association with Fundação Oriente and Cidade de Goa. With a powerful voice, and immaculate modulations, Sonia charmed the packed auditorium.

Sonia, accompanied by guest artists from all over the world, sang the fados of every genre, from the soulful longing of a lover for a sinful love and a yearning to declare it, to a farewell song. They also performed the fado based on the prayer to the holy Virgin Mary. Giving the fado an Indian appeal, one particular performance brought together the sounds of the western guitar and the beats of the Indian tabla and flute.

Margao Children’s Park inaugurated HERALD FEATURES ari Contractor, former captain of the Indian cricket team, recently inaugurated the Dinesh Trikannad Children’s Park, popularly known as the Margao Children’s Park. Other dignitaries on the dais were Ashok Kumar Meghraj, Director of Mines Safety Goa region, Pratima Coutinho, councillor and Dinesh Trikannad. The opening ceremony was held at the Margao Cricket Club, Margao.

Pantaleao Fernandes was felicitated on the occasion for his contribution to photography and Goan culture.

N

Photos by Herald Features

Photos by Rozario Estibeiro

We’re having fun: Kids playing together

Photos by Herald Features

Giving the True Picture of Goa: ‘Goa Remembered’ released

Weeee!: Children go down a slide in the newly opened park

Dr Savia Viegas, Lez Menezes, Dr Rajendra Kerkar, Victor Hugo Gomes, Damodar Mauzo and Pantaleo releasing the book HERALD FEATURES he release of Pantaleao Fernandes’ book ‘Goa Remembered’ was done at the hands of Dr Rajendra Kerkar at the Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim. Also present at the event were Dr Savia Viegas, Les Menezes and Victor Hugo Gomes with Damodar Mauzo as the compere for the Traditionally yours: Pantaleao Ferfunction. nandes signs a copy of his book The guests were treated to a slice of Goan culture with the Dhalo performance in keeping with the book being launched.

‘Goa Remembered’ is a pictorial representation of the traditions and culture of the state.

T

The traditional circle: Women give a dhalo performance

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Wednesday, 16 Feb 2011

Sachin, Priyanka to promote Census 2011

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Kunal Kohli in Goa to write Script

C

ricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra will encourage people to be counted in Census 2011 when they appear in television spots. The television advertisements are part of a wider campaign that started on February 2 and will go up to February 28, the dates when the Population Enumeration Phase of the 15th Census will be held.

“Sachin is an icon and is very popular as far as young persons are concerned, and if he is spreading a message then everybody would like to follow. He’s a star in himself, so is Priyanka,” said Chinmoy Chakravorty, Consultant to Registrar General of India.

The two icons are not brand ambassadors in the traditional sense, but they will spread the message that everyone should get themselves counted and cooperate with enumerators or the foot soldiers who will ask questions and collect data from households, he added.

The publicity campaign will be in 12 languages and has been built up with an approximate cost of Rs 38 crore for the second phase, Chakravorty said.

Apart from this, Priyanka will also be seen engaging female viewers to talk about what work they do and that, in addition to other details, will be used to gather genders details in the Census’ result, something which is often ‘masked’ by biases.

The two stars have not charged for appearing in the advertisements.

Anne Hathaway to star in Rock Of Ages with Tom Cruise?

K

unal Kohli has announced that he is writing the script of his new Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra film. The Fanaa director revealed that he taking a break from Mumbai to work on the untitled project.

The filmmaker posted on his Twitter account: “Have come to Goa to finish my script.”

Kohli earlier confirmed that music director Pritam will be composing the soundtrack for the film. “I have started music sittings with Pritam today for my film with Shahid and Priyanka. Lyrics will be by Prasoon Joshi,” the director had written.

The Hum Tum filmmaker returns to directing after producing last year’s romantic comedy Break Ke Baad.

Zooey to take Lead Role in New Fox Comedy

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ove over, Emily. Zooey Deschanel is coming to Fox. The (500) Days of Summer actress, sister of Bones star Emily Deschanel, will headline a Fox comedy pilot formerly titled Chicks and Dicks. This will be Deschanel’s first regular television role, even though it will not be her first foray into television. In-between filming movies, she has completed a multi-episode arc on Weeds and guest starred on Bones and Frasier.

Writer and producer Liz Meriwether (No Strings Attached) is developing the ensemble comedy about the sexual politics of men and women.

Deschanel will play Jessica, an elementary school teacher who is hopeful but unlucky in love.

As far as comedies go, the pilot sounds fairly standard and unoriginal but Deschanel does have a decent track record when it comes to picking projects, and with a booming film career, she would most likely not turn to television unless the script was worth it.

Deschanel is also one half of the band She & Him.

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ctress Anne Hathaway is likely to star alongside Tom Cruise in the big screen adaptation of 1980’s hit stage musical Rock Of Ages.

While Cruise will play rock star Stacee Jax, Hathaway will be playing a journalist who seeks to ruin Stacee’s career with a damning expose – but instead ends up falling for his charms.

Hathaway will also be required to sing in the film as the role requires her to duet with Tom’s character on a rendition of British-American rock band Foreigner’s song I Want To Know What Love Is, stated reports.

Actor Alec Baldwin has been confirmed that he will be playing the role of Dennis, the owner of rock club The Bourbon, while Russell Brand is said to be in the run for the role of Lonny, the manager of The Bourbon.

Alcohol Intake may increase Risk of Abnormal Heart Rhythm

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Beware! Your Lover may be Cyberstalking you

new study has found that moderate to heavy alcohol intake may increase risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). Atrial fibrillation alone is not in itself generally life-threatening, but it may result in palpitations, fainting, chest pain or congestive heart failure.

There is no doubt that heavy alcohol intake and binge drinking can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, with the ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome’ being known for more than three decades.

This syndrome often includes atrial fibrillation and it is usually not associated with long-standing heart disease and the arrhythmia tends to resolve when drinking stops.

According to the members of The International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research, the results of 14 papers suggests that even moderate drinking can lead to this syndrome, but others find no effect for moderate alcohol intake, only for heavy drinking.

One of the best studies on alcohol consumption and risk of atrial fibrillation is a Danish cohort study examining the issue among 22,528 men and 25,421 women followed over 6 years. The results included a modest increase in risk of atrial fibrillation in men drinking more that 2 drinks a day and no association between alcohol consumption and risk of atrial fibrillation in women.

The consistent message is that there is a difference between heavy and moderate use of alcohol, between binge drinking and a healthy pattern of drinking, and inherent health risk. The most important question would be: Does light to moderate drinking increase the risk of AF? The conclusion of the authors of this paper seems to be yes, while many other studies find little effect of such drinking.”

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ver felt that someone was snooping on your email account or watching your movements? You might be right, according to a new study. Sloane Burke at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, and her colleagues surveyed over 800 students and found that a third of female respondents had broken into their partner’s emails on more than one occasion.

And although men were less likely to break into their partner’s email accounts, they were more likely to use hidden cameras, GPS devices and spyware to monitor their partner’s whereabouts and activities.

Thirty-four per cent females said they had broken into their partner’s email more than once, whereas only 14 per cent of men admitted doing the same.

The survey also showed that women were more likely than men to check their partner’s Facebook activities and cell phone records.

However, 3 per cent of men responding to the survey admitted to hiding a camera in their partner’s room, while 5 per cent used online cell phone tracking software to monitor their lover’s location.

“Only a small fraction of men used GPS technology in this way, but we were still shocked,” said Burke.

Only a small number of men and even fewer women said they had resorted to spyware.

A New Bra that unhooks when you... clap your Hands!

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US engineer has invented a bra clasp that comes off when you clap your hands. Randy Sarafan’s device could be the answer to problem of millions of men and women who struggle with unhooking bra clasps.

The device would consign to history the dreaded clasp fumbling that often happens in the throes of passion.

Sarafan was inspired to make the clap-off bra after reading about wacky electronic undergarments sold in Syria, such as musical knickers.

“Those of us in Western cultures have a thing or two to learn from the Syrians about gaudy electronic lingerie. Henceforth, it became my mission to fast-forward lingerie technology in the West,” he said.

Courtesy Agencies

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