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Heartbeat: So what if I play Kamal’s wife: Sonakshi Pg 4

Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.

— wilde

IN BRIEF

Deol to built eco-friendly home in Goa

Business: Foreign funds traced in 2G scam – ED Pg 12

Govt to withdraw Lokayukta Bill SURAJ NANDREKAR PANJIM, MARCH 15

Bollywood actor Abhay Deol is building an environmentally friendly home keeping with his responsibility as ambassador of the Climate project, founded by former US vice president Al Gore. The star has already bought one acre of land in North Goa to build his eco-friendly dream house, construction of which begins in a month’s time. Sources close to the actor said the contemporary house designed by architect couple Vishakha and Muninder Chowdhry will reflect Deol’s personality and will have four bedrooms, a master bedroom, a living room, an open kitchen and a dining room along with a 22seater private screening room.

– (PTI)

After dilly-dallying for almost eight years, the government has finally taken a decision to withdraw the Goa Lokayukta Bill, 2007, which had become a thorn in the flesh for several politicians and bureaucrats.

The Bill sought to provide the establishment of the institution of Lokayukta to inquire into grievances and allegations against public functionaries into the state of Goa and to make provision for the appointments of the Lokayukta and Upa Lokayukta.

The Lokayukta is an anti-corruption government organisation at the State level authorised to investigate public servants accused of maladministration and graft.

The controversial decision to withdraw the Bill was reached in the 49th cabinet meeting held last week.

Interestingly, the same meet-

Lokayukta is an anti-corruption government organisation at the State level authorised to investigate public servants accused of maladministration and graft. The Lokayukta Bill was to provide the establishment of the institution of Lokayukta to inquire into grievances and allegations against public functionaries.

A breather for the jealous & worried?

Does the decision to withdraw Goa Lokayukta Bill come as a breather for many?

On November 17, 2010, Goa Assembly Speaker Pratapsing Rane had said that ‘jealousy and worries’ of a few politicians and bureaucrats have inordinately delayed the actual execution of Lokayukta Bill.

“I had tabled two Bills, both of which are pending although they were passed by the Assembly. The

ing had given its approval for the denotification of a 36,800 sq meters of land which was acquired for airport expansion at Dabolim.

reason is that some people, including bureaucrats and some politicians are jealous,” Rane had at a function.

The speaker elaborated that the Lokayukta Bill was passed in 2007, but, some people are trying to ‘kill it’ delaying its actual formation.

“Right from Chief Minister to a Speaker and everybody comes under the scrutiny after the Bill is (Continued on page 10)

Moreover, Herald understands several key ministers were absent for the meeting, they were Churchill Alemao, Joaquim Alemao, Aleixo Se-

queira and Babush Monseratte.

The decision has come exactly a month after the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat told the assembly that the Bill would be withdrawn.

The Chief Minister said the Central Government has suggested withdrawing the bill, as it suffers from legal infirmity.

The cabinet note circulated to all ministers also says that the reason for withdrawal is as per the advice of the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.

Ironically, the government had come under flake from the Speaker of the Assembly Pratapsing Rane who said that ‘jealousy and worries’ of a few politicians and bureaucrats have inordinately delayed the actual execution of Lokayukta Bill.

The speaker, at a private function in 2010, has said that the Lokayukta Bill was passed in 2007, but, some people are (Continued on page 10)

3 killed as hailstorm hits coastal Orissa At least three persons, including a woman and a girl, were killed as a high-velocity hailstorm hit coastal Orissa Tuesday, uprooting trees and damaging houses. As wind with 60-80 kmph velocity swept the coastal areas, a large number of trees and electric poles were uprooted in many places disrupting vehicular movement and supply of electricity. – (PTI)

Govt may bring GST Bill in Parliament Carrying forward its reforms agenda, Government cleared the Constitution Amendment Bill with plans to introduce it in current session of Parliament to pave way for Goods and Services Tax. – (PTI) Report on Page 12

Sports: Zaheer remains India’s Pg 16 pace enforcer Bahrain under emergency, Indians safe PTI DUBAI, MARCH 15

Bahrain’s monarch Tuesday declared a three-month state of emergency, amid growing prodemocracy protests in the country, forcing it to invite troops from Saudi Arabia and UAE to quell the unrest.

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a decree declaring what it called a threemonth State of National Safety in light of the worsening security situation in the country.

However, Indians working in the country hit by protests are reported to be safe and are keeping a low-profile waiting for things to improve.

Indian Embassy officials said they have set an emergency helpline but things are largely under control.

Most of the phones, including that of the Indian ambassador in Bahrain, was unreachable.

The King’s decree said that the decision has been taken following a worsening security situation that posed a serious threat to the citizens’ lives.

King Hamad has delegated the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) to take the necessary measures in order to implement the Decree.

15-day State budget session kicks off today

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

A full-fledged 15-day budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly begins tomorrow with the Opposition again promising a “garam session”.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will present the Goa budget for the year 2011-12 on March 17.

This will be the third time Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will present the State budget in the assembly.

Last year, Kamat had presented Rs 6,788 cr budget on March 23.

Observers say that this could be the last budget Kamat will present for the current assembly

term. Though the term of the current assembly will end in early June 2012, indications are that the next assembly election will be held before March 2012.

It is in this backdrop that it is said in the political circles that the new budget, in all probability, might be a populist one.

There are about 2062 starred and unstarred questions tabled in the House by both Opposition as well as ruling MLAs. Besides, 10 private members resolutions would also be taken up for considerations.

The Opposition, meanwhile, has once again promised to corner the government on various issues like illegal mining, (Continued on page 10)

Babush-backed panel elects Yatin as CCP mayor HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

Wikileaks claim Indian PM isolated Fresh Wikileaks cables have revealed that US Ambassadors had told the State department that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was “isolated” in his government on talks with Pakistan and that there was a pro-US tilt in Mani Shankar Aiyar’s removal as Petroleum Minister in 2006. A cable sent by current Ambassador Timothy Roemer in August 2009 after a meeting with the then NSA M K Narayanan says that “on Pakistan, Narayanan readily conceded a differing policy vision with his boss”. – (PTI)

(air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

DEAD END: A group of over 30 organisations and forums under the banner of Goemchea Rakhondarancho Awaz voiced their concern over issues that have hit Goans, at a protest-meet held at Azad Maidan on Tuesday. Agitated citizens also carried a coffin vouching to oust all 40 MLAs by not electing them in the next assembly election. Report on page 3.

Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar

Japan’s nuke crisis on verge of catastrophe PTI FUKUSHIMA/TOKYO, MARCH 15

Japan’s nuclear crisis assumed dangerous dimensions Tuesday as two more blasts rocked the quake-crippled Fukushima plant spewing large amounts of radioactive material which may float towards Tokyo, with Premier Naoto Kan warning that there was a “very high risk” of further leakage.

The hydrogen explosions at No 2 and No 4 reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant Tuesday morning prompted the government to announce that the radiation had reached harmful levels.

A fire was also reported around 9:40 am local time at

A m a n fe e d s h i s ch i l d a t a makeshift shelter at Ofunato, northern Japan, on Tuesday.

the No 4 reactor, where spent nuclear fuels were stored, but it was extinguished later, according to Tokyo Electric Power

Company (TEPCO), the plant’s operator.

The blast at No 2 reactor at 6.10 am appeared to have damaged one of its containment systems for the first time, triggering fears about more serious radioactive leaks.

TEPCO said the problem could develop into a critical “meltdown” situation after part of the No 2 reactor’s container vessel damaged following the explosion, Kyodo reported.

A worried Prime Minister Kan, in his address to the nation, warned that the radiation had already spread from the crippled reactors and there was “a very high risk of further leakage”.

Indian gets death in Dubai PTI DUBAI, MARCH 15

An Indian national was sentenced to death and 11 other compatriots were given life imprisonment for torturing and killing a co-worker here.

Major Singh, from Punjab, was awarded death penalty and 11 others have been given life imprisonment after they were found guilty of murdering a coIndian worker after a drunken brawl in 2009. A Pakistani man was also sentenced to life imprisonment in the case.

The identity of the deceased, who belonged to Kerala, was not revealed.

“Major Singh got death sentence in this case while the remaining boys, 11 Indians and 1 Pakistani, got life imprisonment,” SP Singh Oberoi, the Dubai-based hotelier told PTI.

English medium movement hots up Delegation of PTAs meets CM on Right to Education Act

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15

The ongoing movement in favour of English as the medium of schools at the elementary level is heating up with a delegation of city-based PTAs calling on the Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat on Tuesday, even as the Chief Minister has maintained that he has no plans to table the Right to Education Act before the Assembly during the Budget session beginning from Wednesday.

If the city-based parents and teachers interacted with the Chief Minister at his Malbhat residence on Tuesday, parents and teachers of Our Lady of Rosary high school, Fatorda will walk to the residence of local MLA Damu Naik and submit a

memorandum demanding English as the medium of instruction at the elementary level.

The PTA delegation that

called on the Chief Minister sought to know the Goa government’s plans on the implementation of the Right to

CM says no plans to table Act HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15

Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has said that there are no plans to place the Right to Education Act on the Floor of the House in the coming session of the Legislative Assembly.

“There are no plans to table the Right to Education Act in the Assembly for adoption in the state. I have told the Director of Education to study the Act in detail and get back to the government for further

action”, he said.

But, when his attention was drawn to the fact that the coming budget session of the Goa (Continued on page 10)

Education Act in the coming Academic year. The Chief Minister was asked whether the medium of instruction would be in the mother tongue or regional languages at Std V in the coming academic year as per the Right to Education Act. The delegation expressed apprehensions on the medium of instruction policy at the elementary level, which would adversely affect the local students.

The Chief Minister is believed to have given a patient hearing to the delegation by reassuring that nothing would be done without taking the stakeholders into confidence.

The Chief Minister told Herald that he has asked the Director to study the Act in detail before (Continued on page 10)

A day after gaining power on the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), Education Minister Babush Monserrate backed panel Tuesday elected Yatin Parekh as the next Mayor of the city.

Parekh, who defeated Panaji First’s Mayor Candidate Ashok Naik from ward 14, was elected as the leader of the group in an hour-long meeting held at Monserrate’s residence in Taleigao.

However, the formal meeting to elect Mayor is expected to be held on Friday after State Election Commission notifies the elected council.

Rudresh Chodankar was elected as deputy mayor by the

Yatin Parekh and Rudresh Chodankar being greeted by Babush in the presence of Tony Rodrigues.

Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar

group, which also comprised all the candidates fielded by Babush for recently held CCP polls.

Monserrate also announced

that he will approach social activist Patricia Pinto to be coopted on the corporation.

(Continued on page 10)

OHERALDO

Pg 2 mP for foolproof strategy to protect Kaiga nuke plant HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik today said that the central government should chalk out a foolproof strategy to protect the Kaiga nuclear power plant, which was giving Goa ‘constant nightmares’ in the wake of the tsunami-triggered crisis at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant.

The plant is less than 25 km from the coastal State’s southern border with Karnataka.

Naik said in a statement released here, quoting his speech in parliament, that the government should ensure that the horrific Fukushima experience does not get repeated in this coastal state.

“Nuclear power plants are established to meet power needs of the country, but although the Kaiga nuclear power project is

n As far as Goa is concerned, areas up to Quepem and Chaudi fall within 77 km of Kaiga; while Panjim, Ponda and Bicholim are within 115 km of the nuclear plant.

-- Shantaram Naik close to Goa, the state itself has not benefited from it,” Naik said.

“Goa has not been allotted any power from the plant,” he added.

The Congress MP also said that the Kaiga plant was giving Goa ‘constant nightmares’.

He further said a study conducted by environmental engineer Shivaji Rao submitted to the Goa government had estimated that evacuation of 2-5

km area around the reactor must be completed within six hours; within 12 hours for an area 525 km away, within 24 hours for an area 25-75 km away and within 48 hours for distances beyond 75 km of an accident.

“As far as Goa is concerned, areas up to Quepem and Chaudi fall within 77 km of Kaiga; while Panjim, Ponda and Bicholim are within 115 km of the nuclear plant,” Naik said.

Local environmental activists have also cautioned against the setting up of the Jaitapur nuclear power plant towards the north in Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra.

The controversial nuclear project has also resulted in the death of a protester, Yusuf Kazi, 40, who died during an agitation against the proposed Jaitapur plant in December last year.

“The Fukushima incident is a serious warning for an environmentally and socially fragile state like Goa,” said activist Kalanand Mani, who runs Peaceful Society, an NGO operating from Goa. “The state could become an atomic sandwich between Kaiga and Jaitapur as environmental destruction does not know state boundaries,” he added.

Colva shack gutted in blaze Property loss estimated at Rs 12 lakh

B Ed teachers were seen protesting late Tuesday night against non-regularisation of their services opposite Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim.

The teachers are on an indefinite strike, which began on Monday.

Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar

Navelim BJP unit wants Aquem-Baixo panch arrested HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15

The Colva beach shack which was gutted in a major fire last night.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15

A major fire reduced a beach shack Eddie’s Place Pub and restaurant located at Colva village to ashes late last night, destroying property worth over Rs 12 lakh.

Shack owner Mariano Fernandes informed that goods such as deep freezers, cooking range, toasters, and other items were

destroyed in the inferno.

“As usual, we had closed down the shack for the day at around 10.30 last night. At late night, I heard my relative screaming saying the shack is on fire. When we reached the site, the entire structure was on fire”, he said.

The fire brigade which rushed to Colva could not be of much help since the shack was already destroyed in the fire.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

A generator, TV set, cane chairs and store, besides other items were also damaged in the fire.Replying to a question, he put the total estimated loss to around Rs 12 lakh.

Mariano’s nephew Thomas Rodrigues informed that the government should work out a compensation package in such disasters since there is no insurance cover for the

crime beat Chargesheet filed against Mahanand

MARGAO, MARCH 15 (HR): The Maina Curtorim police have filed a chargesheet against accused Mahanand Naik in the Deepali Jotkar murder case.

PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the case was chargesheeted in the court on Monday after seeking legal opinion in the case.

In this case, Deepali Jotkar was found dead at Balli in Quepem taluka and the police later arrested Mahanand Naik in connection with the murder after her family members spilled the beans vis-àvis his relationship with deceased Deepali.

This is the third murder case against Mahanand Naik chargesheeted in the South Goa Sessions Court. The previous two murder cases ending in acquittals for want of evidence from the prosecution.

Incidentally, Mahanand’s acquittal in one of the murder case by Additional South Goa Sessions Judge Desmond D’Costa had kicked up a row of sorts after the Judge was placed under suspension following a complaint lodged by South Goa Sessions Judge Utkarsh V Bhakre.

Judge Desmond is presently under suspension upon orders of the High Court and an inquiry has been initiated against him vis-à-vis the complaint made against him by the Sessions Judge.

Nigerian held with drugs

PANJIM, MARCH 15 (HR): A Nigerian man was arrested on Monday night with illegal possession of drugs in an anti narcotics raid near a shack at Arambol Anjuna police said.

Thukwueduka Gidson Igvokue was arrested with 54gms of Heroin and 7 gms cocaine which, according to the police is total Rs 3.73-lakh in international market.

Police was acting on a tip off that the Nigerian would carry packets of drugs for his prospective customer. He was caught red-handed near Coco Loco shack at Arambol. Police also seized from him a black wallet containing Rs 730 in different denominations, Wego bike GA-03-K-5147 and other accessories. He was arrested and later remanded to police custody for interrogation by the NDPS Court, Mapusa.

Forgery case registered

MARGAO, MARCH 15 (HR): The Margao police have registered a case against one Rajesh Srivastava for forgery and cheating to fraudulently obtain a plot at Per-Seraulim village under the 20-point programme.

The case was registered against the accused based on a complaint lodged by the Mamlatdar of Salcete, Paresh Faldessai. In his complaint, the mamlatdar stated that the accused person prior to December 19, 2010 approached the office and fraudulently entered his name in the old ration card belonging to his mother-in-law and produce the same before the mamlatdar to obtain Plot No 120 at Sokhoband Per-Seraulim under the 20point programme. The complaint further stated that the accused person later sold the plot to one Basavraj. A case of forgery and cheating has been registered against the accused under Sections 465, 471 and 420 of the IPC. The Margao police are investigating.

Order reserved

MARGAO, MARCH 15 (HR): The South Goa Sessions Court on Tuesday reserved its order in the bail applications filed by Govind Naik and Nitin Dicholkar in the headless body murder case.

While the duo had knocked the doors of the court for bail, the Maina Curtorim police have vehemently opposed the bail applications.

After hearing arguments in the matter on Tuesday, Additional Sessions Judge Vijaya Pol has reserved orders in the case to Wednesday.

Jharkhand duo held

MARGAO, MARCH 15 (HR): The Colva police have arrested two persons, both natives of Jharkhand in connection with the murder of a person in the village.

The police said the two accused persons have been remanded to seven days police custody for the purpose of investigations. The Colva police had last month recovered the skeletal remains of a male person in a paddy field.

Police said the duo is being interrogated and exuded confidence of achieving a breakthrough in the case.

The police are investigating.

beach shacks. He said the government should take the initiative and come out with a relief package in times of such disasters.

Thomas said that Valanka visited the site and assured to take up with the concerned authorities the question over the compensation. “The Talathi and the police has visited the site and conducted a panchanama”, he added.

GOA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011

The Navelim unit of the BJP on Tuesday demanded the immediate arrest of Aquem-Baixo village panchayat member Ashok Shirodkar in connection with the abetment to commit suicide offense registered against him and his family members in connection with the suicidal death of the 20-year old maid servant at Moti Dongor.

BJP leader Shaikh Jina said Shirodkar has not been arrested by the Margao police till date because of political pressure and demanded the reason behind the delay in arresting the panch member when the police were quick to arrest Mickky Pacheco is a similar case last year.

While demanding to know why PWD Minister Churchill Alemao is supporting Shirodkar when the police have registered an offence against him, Jina said the Panch member should immediately resign as member of the Aquem-Baixo village panchayat.

Demanding that the Margao police should conduct a detail probe into the death of the 20year old maid servant, he said the police should probe into all angles into the case without any political pressure. “There may be something else behind the death of the young girl other than theft. It is for the police to investigate and unravel the true facts before the public”, he demanded.

While serving a deadline on the police to arrest the panch member, Jina said the BJP would mobilize its supporters across the state if the police fail to arrest Shirodkar in the case.

Clarify on no parking resolution in Gandhi market complex: vendors HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15

Gandhi Market vendors and meat traders called on Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Sushila Naik, seeking clarifications on the resolution passed by the Standing Committee to declare no parking in the market complex.

Led by President Rajendra Azgaonkar, the vendors drew attention of the Chairperson that any move to declare no parking would affect loading and unloading of goods in the market area.

They told the Chairperson to allot an alternative area for loading and unloading of goods and take all the stake holders into confidence before taking any decision.

“We have come to draw attention of the chairperson that no parking in the market area would affect the trade and business in the market. The chairperson has assured to take all concerned into confidence before taking a final decision”, Azgaonkar said, adding that the municipality should provide alternate place for loading and unloading of goods in the market.

After giving the delegation a patient hearing, the MMC chairperson said she would ask the municipal inspectors to conduct a survey of the area before taking a final decision on the issue.

‘No field to get affected due to Panchawadi bypass’ HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15

PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao has said that he has reported to the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat stating there is no problem to build the bypass road at Panchawadi since no field would be affected by the proposed road.

Alemao told newsmen in the presence of the Panchwadi Deputy Sarpanch John Braganza that Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik was behind the road closure at Panchwadi during his visit to the area for inspection of the land for the proposed road.

“After my visit to the area, I can say with confidence that 90 per cent of the people want the bypass road. The MLA and one Cristo are opposing the road. Majority of the people are in favour of the road”, he asserted. The PWD Minister said the government is willing to scrap the bypass road if any square meter of fields is to be affected by the project. “I am not responsible for the clash between two groups. I had just gone to inspect the road upon an invitation from the people. But, the people who got exposed closed the road, creating tension in the area”, he added.

UGDP demands special category status for Goa HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15

Asserting that the regional party is committed to protect the interest of Goa and Goans, the United Goans Democratic Party has demanded special category status for the state to protect the state’s identity.

UGDP Secretary General Adv Anacleto Viegas pointed out that it’s now nearly two years since Congress President Sonia Gandhi had promised to bestow special category status for Goa, but lamented that the proposal has not been fulfilled till date. “The Congress president came down to Goa during the Lok Sabha polls and promised to consider the demand for special category status for the state. Two years have elapsed, but the Congress and the its government is yet to bestow the special category status”, Adv Viegas said, while issuing a warning to the Congress leadership that Goans would not take things lying down anymore if special status is not bestowed on the state forthwith.

Briefing newsmen, he further said that that the UGDP leaders had been actively participating in all major agitations in the state, including the demand for a High Court, pollution free state,

against mining activities and had been voicing the grievances of the people at various fora across the State.

“The UGDP may not have participated in the name of the party, but party leaders have been proactive in all agitations when it came to protecting the interests of the State. Whether we fight in the name of the party or nor, all the leader have been in the forefront in the agitations’, he said.

Criticizing Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s ways of functioning, Viegas said the Chief Minister had been virtually allowing his ministerial colleagues to do what they do without any control.

Citing the case of rampant mining activities in the State, Viegas said mining has not benefited the people of the State, adding that activity ought to have benefited the people in terms of subsidised water and power supply, but lamented that only the politicians and a few industrialists have benefited from the activity.

“The mining wealth should go to the general masses in terms of subsidized public utility facilities”, he demanded and warned of an agitation if rampant uncontrolled mining is allowed in the state.

Roll back export duty hike on Goan low-grade ore: GBOA HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 15

The Goa Barge Owners’ Association (GBOA) has appealed to Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to roll back the hike in export duty on Goan lowgrade iron ore, as it would have an adverse effect on the State economy and lead to mass retrenchment of workers.

The association has stated that a delegation of barge owners would like call on the union finance minister to explain in person about the seriousness of the situation.

In a letter to Finance Minister Mukherjee, GBOA President Atul Jadhav has stated that Goa exports only low-grade ore with a ferrous content of 52-58 grades.

Increase in duty, in the recently presented budget, proposed from 5 per cent to 20 per cent together with the fall iron ore price in the international market have made export of iron ore totally unviable.

“Many exporters from Goa have been forced to cancel its shipments, as increase in export duty will be a double blow, as Karnataka has already imposed a ban on export of iron ore, besides unseasonal rain till June 2010 had already led to a fall in export by 15 per cent,” said Jadhav.

“Impose of hike in duty will lead to the death knell of iron ore export trade,” added Jadhav.

He further said that hike in duty leading to further cut in export will kill the already tottering barge industry, as based on export projections, some 30 new barges were added to the fleet at a cost of Rs 150 crore and the bank finance to the tune of Rs 120 crore was taken to finance the additional fleet.

“Under such circumstances, the barge owners will not be able to breakeven and will be

constrained to default in their commitment to their financial institutions. If the situation worsens, it could lead to large scale retrenchment of barge workers,” said Jadhav.

He further said the barge industry has employed nearly 7,000 workers directly and over 15,000 workers in ancillaries like repairs, administration, port, etc.

He requested the union finance minister to initiate a favourable action to prevent collapse of the social fabric of Goa.

Tsunami may hit ore exports to Japan, fear Goan exporters HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

Goan iron ore exporters are worried that Japan tsunami may have its ripple effect that would affect the ore exports to this nation.

Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association’s (GMOEA) Executive Director S Sridhar said that Japan market has not shown any affect till now but the exporters are keeping a close watch on the developments in tsunami affected nation.

“If there is impact on the nuclear plants in Japan then that would result into power problems there, which would further affect

the steel production,” he said.

The Goan iron ore, which is exported to Japan, is used as a raw material by the steel industry. The state exports around 3 million metric tones of iron ore to this nation annually.

Japan stands second in the exports after China. Before the surge in demand from China market, Japan was the biggest importer of iron ore from Goa. Sridhar said that so far there have been no cancellations of export assignments. He said that many of the major ports, where Goa ore is off loaded are spared from the Tsunami impact.

ESG’s 7th anniversary likely to be a star-studded event HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has chalked out extensive plan worth Rs 18 lakh to celebrate its 7th anniversary on May 6, which is expected to be a star-studded event.

ESG’s Governing Council which met in Panjim on Monday discussed the plans to host the anniversar y. The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat decided to felicitate all the past Chairmen and CEOs, during the function.

ESG Chief Executive Officer Manoj Srivastava said that the event is budgeted at Rs 18 lakh and entire expenditure would be raised through sponsorships.

“We will not allow a single paisa to be spent from the State coffers,” he said adding that

sponsorship worth Rs 4 lakh is already arranged.

“Birthdays or anniversary are the occasions to express thanks to the partners and people who help you exist. For us this is thanksgiving occasion for all our partners, film industry people, Goa government and all the past CEOs and chairmen,” Srivastava said.

Interestingly, even as the meeting on Monday unanimously decided to hold the celebrations, some of the members expressed their dissatisfaction over the programming of the event to the media.

Sources stated that during the meeting there was no opposition for any programming even as Srivastava made a presentation about the expenditure which also includes a mega aerobic show by Yogi Group.

Yogi group, in past, had hit the controversy after they presented belly dance for the inauguration of Anjuna Police Station.

ESG officials, however, said that this time, Yogi Group has come with an international standard presentation of aerobic and other acts.

Sources stated that of the total Rs 18 lakh expenditure, Rs 10 lakh will be paid to Yogi while Rs 3 lakh for sound, stage and light, Rs two lakh for ESG brochure and Rs 3 lakh for travel and accommodations.

Union minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni will be invited by the chief minister for the event. Several Bollywood and regional stars are also expected to make their presence.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011

Strike off bogus voters from electoral list: GRA Demands end to corruption

A huge gathering of people at the protest meet held at Azad Maidan, Panjim on Tuesday.

Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

Agitated over the ruthlessness and insensitivity by Goa government to various social issues, the citizens groups today re-

solved to demand Special Status for Goa by the Central Government meant for the protection of Goan culture and land.

Over 30 organizations and forums under the banner Goem-

chea Rakhondarancho Awaz (Voice of the Protectors of Goa) GRA on Tuesday held a protestmeet at Azad Maidan, also demanded to eliminate bogus voters from the voters list and

end corruption in the State.

“Goan votes are lost. We demand to remove bogus voters from the election voters list, who have not deleted their voting rights back at their native place,” Advocate Yatish Naik, representing Pilerne Citizens Forum (PCF) addressed the public rally. Similarly, concerns were raised on the increasing migrants in Goa, who are being used as their vote banks during election.

The aggrieved members vouched to oust all 40 MLAs, by not electing them in the forthcoming assembly election, as they have been ‘selling Goa’.

They said that it is high time that Goans elect new faces and those who are literate to run the government well.

PCF President Prakash Bandodkar said that places like Chimbel and Moti Dongor – Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s constituency, are flooded by illegal immigrants. “The increasing slums and migrants have been created by politicians only to get votes. These outsiders are residing in Goa without any credentials,” he said.

Bandodkar alleged that the 40 legislators and respective mamlatdars are hand in gloves in allowing migrants to take shelter here.

Besides, environmental issues were also raised at the gathering with environmentalists demanding to scarp government’s de-

cision to bring out Vision – 2035 document for the development of Goa. “It is the utopian idea by the Goa government. When it could not responsibly work on Regional Plan 2021, then Vision document is something which it should not think of. In fact, it should be scrapped,” renowned environmentalist Ramesh Gawas said.

He further stated that Goa is turning into a sophisticated and lawless State as government is turning a blind eye to several illegal mining activities here.

“Goa is already facing water crisis, and if mining continues, then Goans will cry for every single drop of water. The non-stop mining would create other problems as well,” he said.

Scores of people from all walks of life participated in the rally, chanting anti-government slogans.

Swati Kerkar of the SEZ Virodhi Manch rued that villages and agricultural lands are being destroyed in the name of development. “We should not succumb to the government’s false promises of jobs and developmental activities. We should instead unite and fight the injustice. How can we get jobs when industries have already failed here?” she said.

The much talked about issue of the police-drug nexus also dominated the agenda of the gathering, besides other issues on rampant sand extraction,

NCP yet to decide on Jose, Nilkant’s resignations CM distances himself from development their resignations,” he said.

NCP’s Goa unit chief Surendra Sirsat told reporters here that Pawar is yet to respond to the resignations.

Sirsat said that Pawar was impressed with the stand taken by

Jose Philip

Nilkant Halarnkar

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

the party supremo Sharad Pawar in New Delhi.

The duo alleged lack of development in the State. They put down their papers before Pawar but not the Chief Minister.

Surprisingly, the move came two months after the party supremo asked them to tender their resignations to make way for Mickky Pacheco into the State Cabinet.

The duo had defied the party orders and continued as the ministers.

Chief minister Digambar Kamat said here that he is yet to receive the resignation from the ministers.

“It’s their internal party matter.

I will react only when I receive

Even a day after their resignations, the fate of two NCP ministers- Jose Philip and Nilkant Halarnkar remains undecided as the party is yet to take a call on the matter while the chief minister distanced himself from the development.

The two ministers yesterday submitted their resignations to

Margao police directed to stop land filling at Gogol HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15

The district authorities on Tuesday evening directed the Margao police to stop land filling at Gogol on land admeasuring 33,000 sq mts.

The action came following a complaint lodged by Fatorda MLA Damu Naik to the District Collector G P Naik claiming that land filling was going on at the field since this evening. The MLA also lodged his complaint with the Member Secretary of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA), demanding action against the illegal land filling.

When contacted, Deputy Collector, Margao Johnson Fernandes said that he has directed the Margao police to stop the land filling activity.

“As per information, debris was found dumped on the land in question, but inquiries have revealed that the filling was not more than 50 cm. The filling is not more than half a meter and hence is not a violation”, he said.

Johnson said the District Collector G P Naik had personally visited the site following complaint from the MLA, adding that directions to the police were issued after inspection of the land by the Collector.

The Fatorda MLA claimed that the land filling activity just behind the petrol pump was carried out without permission from the authorities.

He pointed out that the zone of the land in question was converted to Commercial I and wondered why the land filling activity was conducted without permission.

the ministers, who have proved their loyalty to the party.

Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Pratapsing Rane said that the resignations will have no bearing in the assembly as the duo has not resigned be-

fore the chief minister.

“If the ministers (Tourism Minister Nilkant Halarnkar and Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza) resigned alleging lack of development in Goa, then they should have tendered it to either chief minister or the Governor and not to NCP party chief (Sharad Pawar)”, he said.

mining, land and the proposed Mopa airport.

A local from Margao Croydan Madeira took a pot shot at the government on drugs scene along the coastal belt. He said that while outsiders are awarded jobs here, many local youths are rendered jobless and hence indulge in anti-social acts.

“Goan politicians take advantage of the frustrated local youth who are jobless and induce them into doing drugs or alcohol.

Youths should not fall prey to all this,” he said.

New Vaddem flat burgled HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 15

In the second burglary within a week, burglars decamped with gold ornaments and cash of Rs 1 lakh from a flat at New Vaddem, Vasco, on Monday.

According to Vasco Police, gold ornaments estimated at Rs 99,000 and cash of Rs 1,000 was found missing from the flat of one Gokuldas Vast in Avelino Apartment, New Vaddem, Vasco, on Monday.

Vast had locked his flat in the morning and when he returned in the evening after work, he found the main door open. The locker in the cupboard was open and belongings were ransacked, informed police.

Police pressed the dog squad and finger print experts to get lead in the investigation.

Vasco Police have registered a case of theft against unknown person under Sections 454, 457, 380 of IPC and is investigating the case.

Earlier on March 9, burglars had decamped with gold ornaments and cash of Rs 1.97 lakh from a flat at Mangor-Hill, Vasco.

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Pg4 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011

UPCOMING EVENTS Poetry book release

PANJIM (HND): ‘Utsavkuvar’ an anthology of poems of earlier years of N Shivdas, titled ‘Sarth Duk’karth’ which he published under pen name ‘Utsavkuvar’ will be released by Konkani poet Naguesh Karmali, at Goa Konkani Academy premises on March 17 at 4.30 pm. The book is published by Rudra Prakashan.

Ramesh Veluskar will speak on poems of N Shivdas and poet and playwright Vishnu Wagh will be the chief guest.

Assagao houses registered

by MMC, alleges Shiv Sena

PANJIM (HND): The final round of Kaleidoscope Konkani quiz for students of higher secondary schools, organised by Communicare Cultural Centre will be telecast on March 18 on Prudent at 2 pm, with repeat telecasts at 4 pm and 10.30 pm.

Quizmaster Jayesh Raut will take the final four teams through a series of questions based on grammar, culture, and spelling skills.

LESA quarterly meeting

Sopo auction in Cortalim

PANJIM (HND): The auction for the collection of market fees (sopo) for the year 2011-2012 will be held on March 21 at 12 noon in the office of the Village Panchayat, Cortalim-Quelossim.

The condition laid down by the panchayat for the auction are available at the panchayat office during working hours.

CME programmes at GMC

PANJIM (HND): The Department of Pathology of Goa Medical College in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Cytologists will organise two Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes in the pathology department seminar room, Goa Medical College Bambolim.

The first CME programme on thyroid will be held on March 22 at 3.45 pm and the faculty will be Dr R G Wiseman Pinto. The second CME programme is organised in collaboration with the neurosurgery department, GMC and will be held on March 23 at 3 pm. There will be a Clinico Pathological Conference on the clinical case of central neurocytoma -- of the lateral ventricle of the brain. The speakers are Dr Yatin Kher from the Department of Neurosurgery and Dr Anuya Bandekar from the Department of Pathology. This will be chaired by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto and Dr Ponraj Sundaram. Goa Medical Council has given CME accreditation to the CME programmes and they are open to doctors in Goa.

Assagao houses which are given numbers by Mapusa Municipal Council.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 15

Shiv Sena has demanded cancellation of house numbers allotted to residents of Assagao

by Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), failing which the Shiv Sena has threatened to take necessary action.

In a memorandum to MMC chief officer, Shiv Sena Ad Hoc committee member Philip D’Souza stated that residents having houses near the electricity department sub-station at the Assagao hilltop, which is legally in the jurisdiction of Assagao Panchayat, have been given house numbers by MMC.

“Subsequently, the revenue in the form of house tax and other taxes are collected by MMC, which should otherwise be the revenue income of Assagao Panchayat,” stated the memorandum.

The memorandum further stated that the residents residing in the area, who are mostly migrants from other states, have also been issued election and ration cards that enable them to exercise their votes in favour of candidates of MMC and those contesting the Mapusa constituency.

“The voting rights of these residents should be in favour

A Little About Civics

Ever imagined a day without water?

Imagine a day without water. No water to brush one’s teeth in the morning; no water to shower with before going to school; no water to drink after a tasty lunch – the prospect is quite scary. We human beings cannot survive without this essential liquid, and yet we treat it so casually.

As global citizens, it is our civic responsibility to do our best to conserve our dwindling natural resources. After all, we have an obligation as inhabitants of this beautiful planet, not to take its precious resources for granted. So what can we do to prevent wastage of water?

The trouble with conservation is that mostly everyone looks

of prospective ward members for Assagao Panchayat and Siolim MLA,” states the memorandum.

Shiv Sena has suggested that MMC should take assistance from Land Survey Department and Town and Country Planning Department and survey all tenements in the housing board/Assagao hilltop and locate the irregularities that are in the form of wrong jurisdiction, illegal constructions, encroachments, etc and correct it.

“This is necessary in lieu of the ensuing assembly elections,” adds the memorandum.

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT PANJIM, MARCH 15

PANJIM (HND): Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association and Village Groups of Goa will conduct a workshop on ‘Special Status for Goa under Article 371’ of the Constitution of India, on March 19 at Grace Church Complex Hall, opp Laxmi Plaza, VV Road, Margao, from 3.30 pm to 6 pm. Public can participate in the interactive session. For details, call 9822166876/ 9822102131or e-mail: trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

W

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Partagal Swamiji in Mangalore

Workshop on ‘special status’

ater is a natural resource, taken very much for granted.

It is usually free and available for many of the privileged people that its true value is lost entirely.

S H O RT TA K E S Women’s Day celebrated

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT PANJIM, MARCH 15

Konkani quiz’s final round

PANJIM (HND): The quarterly regular meeting of the Loyola Ex-Students Association (LESA), Margao, will be held on March 20 at 10.30 am at Loyola school hall, Margao. The statement of the National Congress for Jesuit Alumni/ae held recently at Patna will be read out at the meeting, plans for the next quarter will be taken up for discussion.

Maharashtra considering ban on Sanatan Sanstha

GOA

to someone else to do it. It actually starts at home. Simple things like water-efficient flush tanks can go a long way: Low-flow toilets as they do not flush out more than 1.6 gallons of water, whereas a conventional toilet flushes out at least 3.5 gallons of water. Rainwater harvesting techniques and efficient water distribution could be implemented in buildings and homes to great effect. Tanks can be used to collect water and this water can be used in the house for washing and cleaning purposes.

Among the bigger aspects of the environment, waste disposal and air pollution, we tend to overlook our bathrooms where a lot of water gets wasted.

En-

ergy-efficient plumbing products help us to save water in our homes as well. Electronic faucets are becoming increasingly popular and not just for their good looks. These faucets are energy-efficient in that their sensor features prevent the faucet from being left open. Metering faucets are also energy-efficient, as manual metering faucets are not only cheaper than electronic ones, but the push-button feature prevents water from being wasted as the faucet is turned off when not in use.

There is a significant amount of water wasted on a daily basis, in every home and in practically every neighbourhood. It is up to us to take measures to prevent the day when we turn on a tap and no water comes out.

Shree Vidyadhiraja Teertha Vader Swamiji of the Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Mutt arrived in Mangalore to participate in the ‘Lagu Vishnu Yaga’ and the ‘Shata Kalasha’ initiation being organised on the occasion of the completion of 350 years of the foundation of Shree Gokarn Mutt at Car Street in the city.

The Swamiji was extended a ceremonial welcome on his arrival, with an ornate welcome arch set up near Swadeshi Store, and brought to the Mutt in an impressive procession.

At the Mutt, the Swamiji presided over a religious meeting. Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Dempo Group Chairperson Srinivas Dempo, Canara Bank executive directors K L Jagadish Pai and H S U Kamath, Bank of Baroda Chairperson and Managing Director M D Mallya, and philanthropist and entrepreneur Dr P Dayanand Pai were present.

The Swamiji delivered an ‘ashirvachan’ or benedictory address on the occasion.

The Maharashtra government is considering a ban on the Sanatan Sanstha. ‘Seekers’ of this Hindu fundamentalist outfit are alleged to have been involved in bomb blasts in Thane district and in Goa, according to a report in TwoCircles.net.

Maharashtra Minister of State for Minority Affairs Arif Nasim Khan told TwoCircles.net: “I have been demanding a ban since ATS Maharashtra Chief Hemant Karkare sought a ban on the Sanstha, when six of its members were allegedly found involved in a blasts in theatres at Thane and Vashi.”

Two other members of the Sanstha died in a blast while allegedly trying to plant a bomb at the Narkasur procession in 2009 in Margao, on the eve of Diwali, while another – intended to explode in Vasco – was defused at Sancoale after it was spotted by an alert pickup driver. Six other members of the Sanstha are accused of involvement in this terrorist plot, and their trials are underway.

NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad, whose party is part of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, confirmed the government move to consider ban on Sanstha.

“The government is really serious about it, and is working on a proposal to be sent to the government of India,” he said, according to the report.

Woman held for murder dies HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, MARCH 15

The 50-year-old woman, who was arrested in connection with the murder of her paramour at Vathadev-Bicholim, died at GMC Hospital in Bambolim due to natural causes.

It may be recalled that one Ra ja n i a l ia s K a l ya n i a l i a s Babita Raghu Gawde from Deulwada Narve was arrested under Section 302 of IPC in connection with murder of one Babu Viro Mote (52) from Vathadev.

According to Bicholim PI Harish Madkaikar, Rajani, who was arrested on March 4, was admitted to GMC Hospital following a medical check-up at PHC Bicholim. She died a natural death at GMC Hospital.

“The doctors have claimed it a natural death as her lungs had collapsed,” informed PI Madkaikar.

Canara Bank honours women

Saifulla Khan presenting a certificate to a participant on Women’s Day in the presence of Kishori Haldankar, Yashashri Gadekar and other members of Kalashree Mahila Mandal at Belabaim, Vasco.

PANJIM (HND): Kalashree Mahila Mandal celebrated Women’s Day with a sweet dishes cooking competition at Belabaim, Vasco.

Saifulla Khan, president of Goa Pradesh Congress Minority cell and MMC councillor was the chief guest and gave away the prizes. He complimented the Mahila Mandal for their excellent job in organising various programmes for women in the port town. He highlighted the importance of self help groups and mahila mandals and spoke about various government schemes for women.

Yashashri Gadekar welcomed and president of Kalashree Mahila Mandal Kishori Haldankar proposed the vote of thanks.

Students felicitated

Councillor Michael Carassco presents certificate and memento to Hardik Patel. Also present is Shiv Mandir Samiti President Arun Bicholkar.

PANJIM (HND): Shri Shiv Temple at Satt-Adhar complex, Karaswada, Mapusa celebrated ‘Mahashivratri,’ during which, over 2000 devotees visited the temple for worship. Shiv Mandir Samiti also felicitated students from Mapusa and surrounding areas.

Hardik Patel who topped the science stream scoring 92% marks, Sandriya D’Souza, Omkar Vaingankar and Steffy Mathew were felicitated for scoring the highest marks in their respective streams by the chief guest Michael Carassco, councilor and exchairperson of Mapusa municipality. He presented mementos and certificates to the students.

Samiti President Arun Bicholkar and vice-President Kailash Naik were present. Arun Bicholkar welcomed and the vote of thanks was proposed by Kailash Naik.

Souvenir released

PANJIM (HND): Youth Force of Goa released its 1st annual souvenir recently at the hands of vice president of the Group Naresh Gawas in the presence of president Osbert D’Cunha and other committee members at a city hotel in Panjim.

Speaking on the occasion, president Osbert congratulated the souvenir committee for the success achieved by vice president Lawrence Lobo, vice president Naresh Gawas, general secretary Pranay Haldankar, block president of Saligao Chandrashekar Morajkar, Rabiya Muzaver, South Goa block president Jalesh Velip and others. He also said that there will be a convention of Youth Force Of Goa in the month of April in Panjim.

This will motivate more youth to join this group. The function was followed by cutting of the cake followed by dinner to mark the birthday celebration of vice president Naresh Gawas.

Waste comes in handy

Rupa G Bhakta speaks at International Women’s Day celebration organised by Canara Bank recently at their office in Panjim. DGM P N Parameswaran, Lalita Correia Afonsa and DM A Sathish Nayak are present.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 15

Canara Bank celebrated the International Women’s’ Day Cele b r a t i o n b y o rg a n i s i n g a function, recently at their circle office in Panjim. Some of the successful lady entrepreneurs of various branches of the bank and all the women working in the branches/offices of Goa were invited and honoured.

Divisional Manager Sathish Nayak welcomed the gathering.

Deputy General Manager Circle Office, Goa, PN Parameswaran, presided over the function. In his speech, he emphasized the role of women in this demanding world and urged the women to rise to the occasion and come

on par with men.

Associate Vice President Finance, Sesa Goa Ltd, Lalita Correia Afonso, inspired the gathering by giving a brief history of her struggle and her determination to study hard and how she had achieved the positions hitherto occupied by men.

Ex-chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council and councillor Rupa G Bhakta exhorted the ladies not to depend entirely on their family members but to depend on self to achieve anything in life.

Some of the other lady entrepreneurs of various branches of the Bank and staff members spoke on the occasion. Vote of thanks was proposed by Belinda.

POWER SHUTDOWN MARCH 16 MAPUSA: From 9 am to 1 pm. Areas affected are Prabhu Estate colony, Shetyewada and surrounding areas.

SANVORDEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Durganandnagar, Camral, Khamamol, Capxem, Sanvordem-Tisk, Gandhinagar, Mopa, Panchwadi etc under Sanvordem VP and Panchwadi VP.

Parents and teachers admire creativity of school children of Little Lamb School, Taleigao. Children had made these creations out of waste.

PANJIM (HND): An exhibition of ‘Wealth Out of Waste’ was conducted at Little Lamb School, Taleigao. Children exhibited their talents by using waste items such as empty glass bottles, plastic spoons, etc and created lovely items such as wind chimes, glass paintings, vegetable prints, paper mache and more. Present for the exhibition were Terezinho Afonso, a senior citizen from Taleigao, PTA Chairman Imtekha Sayed, chairman of school managing committee Christopher Po and art teachers Veleini Gonsalves and Elita Jorge.

TIdES March 16

High Tide: 0712; 2054 Low Tide: 0154; 1347

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Pg 5

GOA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011

COLVA CREEK CONTAMINATION

VP knocks Tourism Dept doors to stop nuisance again HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15

Will the Tourism Department finally crack a whip against the discharge of kitchen and sewage waste from its stalls into the Colva creek?

Once again, the Colva Panchayat has knocked the doors of the Tourism Department to stop the nuisance and the contamination of the creek. The contention of the panchayat body is simple: The tourism stalls are owned by the Tourism Department and its natural that the department provide a plant to treat the effluents discharged by the stalls into the creek.

Says acting sarpanch Anthony alias Mama Fernandes: “The panchayat body had requested the Tourism Department last year to initiate necessary action, days after the Goa State Pollution Control Board confirmed

Body found lying on rail tracks HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 15

Railway Police recovered a male body lying across the tracks at KRC’s Ponsulem tunnel in Canacona.

According to reports, the male body was found lying inside the Ponsulem tunnel across the KRC’s Canacona-Karwar rail tracks on Thursday.

“The man was wearing a blue coloured t-shirt and a black/white half pant. His body has been shifted to Hospicio morgue,” informed sources.

According to sources, three days ago KRC authorities had undertaken a public awareness programme for railway gate crossing and the discovery of the body on the railway tracks has come barely in two days time.

contamination of the creek by sewage and waste water. Since then, the panchayat has sent reminders to the Tourism Department seeking action, but in vain”.

If the acting sarpanch is to be believed, the Tourism Department should initiate action against the stalls or in the alternative make available the effluent treatment plant.

The last reminder dispatched by the panchayat body to the Tourism Department was on February 14 when the body drew attention of the department to the inspection carried out by the Pollution Control Board and the observation that the occupiers of hotel, restaurant, eateries in the tourism stalls are discharging kitchen waste/sewage into the creek.

After discussing the report at the village panchayat meeting,

the panchayat felt that immediate action to repair and plaster the creek walls by plugging the holes needs to be initiated on a priority basis to avoid further damage to the creek and to stop nuisance and pollution of the water body.

Moreover, the panchayat body had written to the Tourism Department to take up the repair and clean up of the drain from the Sulabh Sauchalaya touching the creek to stop entry to waste and dirty water into the creek.

Till date, however, action has not been forthcoming from the tourism department, the acting sarpanch said, adding that the panchayat body has been unnecessarily blamed for the situation when the concerned department is involved in a blame game on the sensitive issue.

Expenditure outweighs receipts CMC okays budget in Mormugao council’s budget of over Rs 3 crore HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 15

The maiden budget presented by the newly formed Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Friday for the financial year 201112 has portrayed a dismal picture yet again.

For the fourth year in a row, the MMC has presented a deficit budget and this has raised some eyebrows on the council’s ability to undertake developmental projects in the port town.

The revised budget for previous financial year 2010-11 suggest that the council hardly made any progress, as original receipts were estimated at Rs 18.76 crore, which were revised at the end of financial year at Rs 10.87 crore. The original expenditure was estimated at Rs 19.95 crore and later revised to Rs 11.95 crore.

Surprisingly, the MMC ’s Standing Committee approved the budget with minimum recommendations.

The budget for financial year

Palolem widow gifted house HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 15

A voluntary organisation constructed and gifted a house to a widow at Palolem, whose house had collapsed a month after it got submerged in the unprecedented floods of October 2009.

Keshav Seva Sadna, a social organization having its branch in Canacona, constructed the roof tiles house for Amba Pagui, a widow residing at Palolem, at a cost of Rs 1.75 lakh.

The social organization stepped in reportedly on the appeal of Canacona MLA Vijay Poi Khot, as house collapse which came late after Canacona floods could not be included in the list of flood victims.

The house keys were handed over to Amba in the hands of Canacona MLA Vijay Poi Khot on Monday evening in the presence of Palolem-Devabhag Coun-

Amba Pagui with Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot, Palolem-Devabhag Councilor Rajeshri Divakar Pagui and other office bearers of Keshav Seva Sadna.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

alias Laximan Vaman Bherem Mataji Mandir Adhyaksh Anant N a i l G a o n k a r, J e t e n d r a Amshekar, Vasant Nagarsheskar among others. Dr Divarkarji Velip welcomed and compered the function.

Farming should be made profitable, respected occupation: Speaker

Bicholim woman escapes monkey attack

and department officials.

He maintained that legislators should take up issues of farmers in right earnest to give agriculture sector a boost and make Goa self sufficient in agriculture produce.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat laid stress on the need to make farming economically viable by enabling farmers to reap the fruits by introducing better and cost-effective technologies.

Dy Speaker Mauvin Godinho expressed the same opinion adding that agriculture should be promoted for ecological balance also as it would promote green tourism in Goa. He said that government should support the cultivators with sufficient subsidies on machineries, electrical fencing and soil investment.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, MARCH 15

In order to revive the dying occupation of farming in Goa, Assembly Speaker Pratapsing Rane has said that farming should be made a highly paid occupation to encourage youngsters to follow this as a career.

Speaking at a day-long workshop to discuss strategies for Agriculture Development in the State at Dona Paula on Tuesday, Rane said that the best way to encourage new entrants would be ensuring that farming is a profitable and a respected occupation.

“Government should support the farmers and find out as to why the younger generation chase behind white collar jobs and find farming unattractive,” he told the gathering in the presence of other ministers, MLAs

Rane, besides, insisted the need for new schemes for the betterment of farming community and modify those schemes which are not derived by the farmers to carry out their agriculture and allied activities.

He said that problems raised by the farmers related to irrigation, fencing, desalting, natural calamities, among others, should be resolved on priority.

Chairman of Goa State Law Commission, Adv Ramakant Khalap opined that Tillari waters could be supplied to farmers and hence there’s a need to implement CADA making it mandatory for the people to use the water available for the agricultural purpose.

Similarly, other panelists and attendees suggested that government should aid poultry and dairy farming being a profitable

Book on letters of Bl Joseph Vaz released

Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao releases a book on ‘Letters of Blessed Joseph Vaz’ at Sancoale in the presence of Fr Eremito Rebelo and Fr Cosme Costa.

Photo by Alvaro Colaco HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, MARCH 15

Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao recently released a book on ‘Letters of Blessed Joseph Vaz’ at Sancoale Sanctuary.

The book was released at the Sunday Mass which was attended by the visiting Sri Lankan pilgrims who are on a visit to the Holy places of Blessed Joseph Vaz in Goa from March 12 to 15.

In his homily, the Archbishop said the Lent was a time for those who have drifted away to come to God. The Archbishop also spoke on the temp-

tations which was thrown to Jesus by the Satan, but said that Jesus did not fall pray and said mankind should also similarly fight to win over tempt a t i o n s . A rc h b i s h o p a l s o

2011-12 has been estimated at Rs 28.41 crore (receipt) and Rs 30.80 crore (expenditure).

As expected, MMC’s inability to improve its track record on recover y (rents and house taxes) reflects on its revised budget.

Since the last four years, the MMC has presented a deficit budget, where spending has exceeded receipts. A major chunk of the receipts has been spent on salaries, wages, pension gratuity of staff and daily wage worker and administrative expenditure.

Though the MMC is aware that nearly Rs 6 crore is outstanding as rent and house tax

thanked all those who had put in efforts in compiling the book.

In his homily, Rector of Blessed Joseph Vaz Sanctuary Fr Eremito Rebelo who is also the vice-postulator for the Cause of Canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz said Joseph Vaz had built a spiritual bridge between India and Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the book, the Rector expressed deep gratitude to Historian Fr Cosme Costa for his help in compilation of the book, which has been priced at Rs 100.

He also thanked Fr Joaquim Miranda of the Pilar Society and the committee of the Cause of Canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz for their contribution in releasing the book. Later, the Archbishop also presented gifts to the Sri Lankan pilgrims.

Bishop D’Souza is coadjutor archbishop of Calcutta HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, MARCH 15

Pope Benedict on Saturday appointed Bishop Thomas D’Souza of Bagdogra as coadjutor archbishop of Calcutta. Born in AdyapadyMangalore on August 26, 1950, Bishop D’Souza was ordained priest on April 16, 1977. He was elected Bishop of Bagdogra on June 14, 1997 and consecrated on 25 January 25, 1998.

A 52-year-old woman from Vathadev-Bicholim escaped a possible attack from a monkey at Vathadev on Tuesday.

According to reports, one Suman Manjrekar was working in the Kulagar when a monkey jumped from the tree and started chasing the woman.

S e n s i n g d a n g e r, S u m a n started running, but the monkey followed her to a distance of about 100 mtrs.

Hearing her shouts for help, a man who was working close by began pelting stones at the monkey and the animal later fled away.

It may be recalled that a similar case was reported in the village some days back, when a monkey had chased another woman, who was working in the Kulagar.

As per the reports, the monkey is alone and runs after people, especially if they are alone, besides damaging crops in the area.

for last many years, MMC has made a feeble attempt to recover its dues.

Despite the deficit budget, the MMC has made a provision to undertake development in all 20 wards of the MMC. A provision has also been made to upgrade and develop the existing garbage treatment plant.

Debating the issue at the budget meeting, former MMC chairperson Carlos Almeida grilled the taxation department official and chief officer for being lethargic towards enforcing the double entry system, due to which council did not get central grants.

Chief Officer Gopal Parsekar and Councillor Tara Kerkar were also involved in a heated argument.

Kerkar had alleged that Parsekar was lethargic in executing works and Parsekar retaliated by daring her to prove her allegations. He also stated that the council is free to demand a new chief officer.

Forest Dept to form ‘Vision Document’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

cilor Rajeshri Pagi and CMC exchairperson Divakar Pagui.

A pujan was organised, which was attended by Keshav Seva Sadna South Goa President Adv K Hegde Dessai, other organizational office bearers Nama

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

n The budget for financial year 201112 has been estimated at Rs 28.41 crore (receipt) and Rs 30.80 crore (expenditure).

After getting a windfall through Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management Authority (CAMPA), the State Forest Department has now decided to form a decade long ‘Vision Document’ detailing spending of money and priorities.

The State Forest Department, for the year 2010-11 had received Rs 12.10 crore while for the next fiscal it will fetch Rs 10 crore under CAMPA, a Central Government sponsored scheme that gives back 10 percent of the money collected from the State for diversion of forest land.

The Forest Department has sought help from Centre for Environment Education (CEE), a body of environmental experts, who will be preparing ‘Vision Document’ over CAMPA funding within next two months, which will be later placed before state government for approval.

A Forest Department official confirmed that an official agreement with CEE and State Forest Department would be signed soon.

“The document will provide various guidelines over expenditure of funds received under CAMPA. This is basically to curtail misallocation of funds,” the official said.

The State Government has al-

ready sanctioned works worth Rs 11.9 crores for the last financial year when fund of Rs 12.10 crore was allocated to Goa. The State’s cumulative contribution for the central kitty was to the tune of Rs 120 crore, all these years.

The central scheme basically aims to increase the forest and tree cover along with wildlife conservation. As per the objectives of the scheme, which was formulated in the wake of a Supreme Court order, the State has to pursue activities for preservation of natural forests, management of wildlife and other allied works.

As per the Forest Departments record, last year, the department took up project to afforest 150 hectares of degraded land under CAMPA funds. In all 75 hectares each was afforested in each division – North and South.

The department is also going to set up tissue culture laboratory at Forest Training School in Valpoi, which would be funded under CAMPA. Official stated that funds under C AMPA are not just utilised for protected forest areas but also for upgradation of non-protected areas. He said that funds also helps the department to create infrastructure like patrolling stations, check posts, office buildings, equipments and others.

Educate masses on consumerism: CS HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava has asked consumer organizations to educate masses on the challenges while buying any product.

He said that consumers should protect themselves by fully understanding their rights and not to fall prey to unrecognized marketing.

Srivastava was speaking as a chief guest at the function of Consumer Rights and the Common Man: Redressal of Consumer Grievances by Government Agencies, on World Consumer Rights Day held at Dona Paula, on Tuesday.

Speaking further, he said that Government should not shun its responsibility from addressing to grievances of the consumers.

“In a democratic set up, people have the right to question the government, as they have responsibility towards the common men. The government should ensure timely service to consumers,” he told the gathering, which was also attended by NGOs and other civic activist groups.

Admitting government’s sluggish response, he said that there needs to be a revolution to change the lethargy attitude of government employees in handling consumers’ matters.

‘I Am Kalam’ bestowed Coaching classes young jury award in NET/SET of film critics, had come toHERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

Smile Foundation’s pathbreaking movie ‘I Am Kalam’ was honoured with the best young jury award on Monday in a ceremony, which was extension to IFFI 2010.

The film director Nila Madhab Panda and Producer Jitendra Mishra were awarded with the Young Jury award

by Chief Minister Digamber Kamat.

Addressing the gathering Chief Minister said Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), a nodal agency to host IFFI, will continue with the initiative.

“This was for the first time that we introduced young jury award, which was an opportunity for youngsters to be judge as well as critic,” Kamat said adding that initiative will boost film culture among young Goan artists.

For the first time, 12 young critics from Goa, who were trained by experts in the field

gether and selected ‘I am Kalam’ for the award.

Expressing himself, film director Panda said that the film was very special to him because it has come at a time when whole nation is celebrating historic Right to Education (RTE) act.

“The movie has already received nine international awards, which includes three audience awards. The success of this movie will motivate many young minds to come for ward with their unique ideas,” he said.

The film is about a poor boy who gets inspired after watching a speech by India’s former President A P J Abdul Kalam, which urges him to map the course of his destiny through determination, perseverance and hard work.

It can be recalled, that though the award was declared during IFFI 2010 but was not awarded for long due to lack of communication among ESG officials.

PANJIM (HND): UGC sponsored coaching classes in NET/SET Paper II and III will be conducted by the respective departments of Goa University for students of SC/ST/OBC and minority communities from April 10. General category candidates may also apply subject to availability of seats.

Only candidates who have secured minimum 55% marks at post graduation are eligible for the coaching program. Candidates who have secured 55% marks in the first year of post graduation and are scheduled to appear for the final year examination are also eligible to apply.

Students desirous of joining the coaching program may contact the Heads of respective University Departments for registration and further information.

In the subjects of Geography, Law and Education, the concerned students may contact the Principal of Chowgule College, Salgaocar College of Law, and GVM’s College of Education.

Last date for registration is March 22.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 15

Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) has approved a budget of Rs 3.10 crore for 2011-12 with an anticipated balance of Rs 4.33 crore between receipts and expenditure for the current financial year.

The budget meeting was convened on Friday and almost all the councilors, including Chairperson Ratnakar Dhuri were present.

Chief Officer L S Pereira submitted the budgetary provisions for the approval of the council with receipts of Rs 10,08,87,100 and expenses of Rs 5,75,15,100 keeping a balance of Rs 4,33,72,000 in the CMC coffers.

Some of the major head of the budgetary provisions for 2011-12 are market income of Rs 22,00,000 (last year Rs 9,60,750) and income from taxes on houses and lands Rs 4 lakh.

The last three budgetary provisions made by CMC was Rs 1,62,72,400 (2008-09), Rs 2,07,28,196 (2009-10) and Rs 3,68,16,529 (2010-11).

CMC has also eyed Rs 2 crore from various developmental works taking place in the municipal areas, while it plans to raise Rs 20,00,000 from shacks/stalls, temporary structures activities taking place in municipal coasts.

Another major head of receipts to the tune of Rs 20,00,000 is from non-specified income.

On the expenditure front, CMC’s coffers is likely to take major beating from various salary head accounts with an earmarked expenses of Rs 90,00,000 which includes Rs 15,00,000 for salary to common cadre, Rs 25,00,000 for pay and allowances to establishments and Rs 50,00,000 to permanent establishments.

For the first time, CMC had made provisions for reimbursement of child education fees of Rs 5,00,000 and for pension gratuity of Rs 5,00,000.

Rs 5,55,000 has been earmarked for honorarium to the chairperson and councilors while Rs 3,00,000 will be expended for taking various study tours by the council.

Other major expenses heads are Rs 45,00,000 towards workers wages, expenses of Rs 150,00,000 towards GIA developmental works, Rs 5,00,000 (miscellaneous public works) and Rs 30,00,000 are marked for minor developmental works that could be taken-up by the council.

Interestingly, the CMC which is overflowing with vehicles has also marked Rs 40,00,000 towards purchases of new vehicles and Rs 3,00,000 as repair expenses of existing vehicles.

OHERALDO

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O Vol No CXI No: 074 Goa, Wednesday, 16 March, 2011

Goa trapped in an atomic sandwich?

T

he Kaiga nuclear power plant is near Goa’s border with Karnataka, less than 100km south of Panjim. The largest nuclear power plant in the entire world is slated to come up at Jaitapur – in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra – less than 200km to the north. Goa is in imminent danger of being trapped in an atomic sandwich.

It is not the most comfortable of thoughts, especially in the wake of the ongoing tsunami-triggered crisis at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant, which could go into meltdown and spew deadly radiation over large parts of Asia if efforts to cool down its nuclear core fail.

Goa Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik has raised this issue in Parliament on Monday. However, it did not seem as if too many people were listening. Ironically, this state gets no power from the Kaiga Nuclear Power Project. And as things stand now, there is no proposal that any of the 9,900 MW that the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project is ultimately supposed to generate will ever come to Goa. But we still face the possibility of being nuked from two sides.

Kaiga is not on the coast. And though Jaitapur will be a seaside plant, it is at an elevation of 80ft. Neither are threatened by a tsunami. But let us not forget that tsunamis are caused by earthquakes, and Jaitapur lies in a seismic zone.

To put things simply but without being inaccurate: If there is a disaster at Kaiga, all residents of Goa south of the Mandovi River will have to be evacuated. If there is a blast at Jaitapur, all residents of Goa north of the Zuari River will have to move elsewhere.

Are we prepared for this? Has anyone ever told us about it? Was the Government of Goa even asked for its opinion about the location of these plants?

In the wake of the Japanese nuclear disaster, President of Germany Angela Merkel ordered the immediate closure of all nuclear power plants in her country built before 1980, until their safety is established by an independent review. But the Indian Prime Minister merely made a statement in Parliament promising an “immediate technical review of all safety systems of our nuclear power plants”. Manmohan Singh was quick to add, however, that Indian nuclear plants “met safety standards” during the 2002 Gujarat earthquake and 2004 tsunami. So will the so-called review be a mere formality?

It seems that India not only has different standards of hygiene – as one of the Commonwealth Games organising officials said so candidly – but also puts a different (and much cheaper) price on human lives. Witness the pathetically meagre compensation the central government and Supreme Court obtained from Union Carbide for the horrific Bhopal gas disaster. If either one of the two nuclear power stations sandwiching Goa explodes, we can expect little help from New Delhi.

T

Pawar play

he Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) doesn‘t seem to have too much appeal. All its candidates lost the Panjim municipal poll and its leader in the CCP got just seven votes. But if state NCP President Surendra Sirsat is to be believed, it certainly has its loyalists. Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza and Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar are supposed to have handed over letters of resignation from the cabinet to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Monday.

But the letters must reach Governor S S Sidhu, to become effective. Let us see whether this was merely a loyalty test or something more.

Portray correct picture Jacinto Almeida, Cortalim The PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao, said the state will not go ahead with the 4laning of the National Highway 17, if the centre doesn’t accept demands placed before it by the state. It is high time for Churchill to do some serious thinking and stop fooling the people. If the NH17 is going to be 4-laned then the question of 45 to 60 metres of land doesn’t come in the picture. This can be done in 25 to 35 metres.

It is rumoured that in Cortalim and Agassaim around 60 houses are going to be axed to make the way for the new bridge and road widening. Can the above ministers explain as to what’s being done to save houses at Agassaim and Cortalim?

100 Years Ago

Fleecing the Goan customer

Why do customers walk with fear anytime they approach anyone for a service or some product, asks FReDeRicK NoRoNHA

T

his experience is hardly unique. It must have happened to you too, at least somewhere along the way, if not more often. I stopped at a roadside cobbler the other day, somewhere near the municipal garden the other day. He quickly understood I needed a shoeshine, and politely got into the act. While exchanging some pleasantries and enquiries about the shoes (where they were bought from, and at what price), he did his job efficiently. So I thought...

Soon he realised that they needed a pair of laces. I concurred readily. A couple came with a child for some other work, and waited for their turn. Next, the cobber found out that my shoes were weakening inside. He quickly opened his neatly-packed box of wares, and took out four inner soles.

Before I realised what was happening, two new inner soles had been added to each shoe.

Another person, by now, was also in the queue.

On taking out a hundred rupee note, all I got was an apologetic smile. “It’s Rs 110,” the cobbler told me. So what started out as a shoe-shine, ended up as a bill for Rs 110! *** This is a routine experience in today’s Goa. Why do customers have to walk with fear anytime they approach anyone for a service or some product? Whether it is our cobblers, our taxis and motorcycle ‘pilots’, our retailers, or our doctors — chances are that the buyer in Goa ends up badly overcharged, and feeling cheated. Goa has long been known to have higher inflation levels than much of the rest of India. But this made only worse due to the attitude of overcharging customers here. ‘Catch one customer, hit him hard. It doesn’t matter if he never returns.’ This seems to be the Goa approach of doing business, for the most. Of course, there are rare and honourable exceptions to the rule, but these are only a few cases.

The cobbler I’ve mentioned above told me he hadn’t had a single customer since morning. As I walked away (it was late evening), I thought to myself, belatedly: “Now I know why.”

Taxi drivers, rickshaws and motorcycle pilots are no better. So are professionals, the healthcare sector (a few are still very dedicated), and those whom we depend on in life-or-death situations. In Mumbai, you wouldn’t think twice before jumping into a taxi. But here things are

16 March 1911 Small pox sickness

Small Pox sickness has emerged at various places of Bardez without the medical health services being not aware of the same and neither is they taking any preventive measures to arrest the same.

Motor vehicles inspection

Will take place on every Tuesdays and Fridays the motor-vehicles inspection at the Police Head Quarters of the City.

German liner due in port

Is awaited on 15th instant at the Port of Lourenco Marques the new transatlantic German liner ‘The General’ of the Shipping Company ‘DOA Line’.

Tariff reduction

Due to festive commemorations which are going to place in England on the coronation of the Emperor King George, the Shipping Company ‘Union Castle Mail SS Line’ is going to give a rebate of 20 per cent over their tariff price.

Devil’s ADvocAte quite different. Okay, Goa’s geography doesn’t help. Goa is not a city, and the scattered nature of the geography means that return trips are often not available. Yet, the make-fast-money attitude only makes things worse. It’s a chickenand-egg situation of the worst kind. Because taxis are costly and tend to overcharge, fewer people use them. Because fewer people use them, they turn costlier.

To make things worse, there is no centralised pool for linking passengers with taxis (or motorcycles), by way of wireless communication as done in some tourist-oriented areas like Penang.

Let’s call this the Goan taxi driver’s way to doing business. No, one is not making fun of the taxi driver here. They are as much victims of the situation, as you and I are. While the passengers get a raw deal, it’s not as if the taxi-driver is earning decently either! Even he too is facing poor business. Nobody gains. This is a classic loselose scenario.

Due to a lack of vision — or guidance — the taxi driver’s approach in Goa is to hike charges continually. Not only that, they keep carving out their turf, and cautiously ‘protecting’ the same.

Taxis who have dropped a passenger off at Dabolim airport are not allowed to pick up someone who has just landed in Goa. North Goa taxis can’t do business in the South, and vice versa.But the Goan consumer, it is not just about getting

Tongue in Cheek

F

Please stop playing with the people’s sentiments and come out with the correct picture about national highways. Goans cannot be fooled all the time.

Customary heckle Marcos Alemao, by email The Congress ticket at Fatorda Constituency already been promised to Vijay Sardessai.

Which Congress ticket does Mrs Monica Dias expect? (Herald, 10 March). It is too late to demand this precious ticket. Demands pertaining to more representation for women will never be met in Goa as long as the present sitting representatives are there. It is the custom of Monica and other mahilas to demand tickets before election, wherein they warn the Congress party to boycott the elections if they do not get the representation. But they finally succumb to pressure and support the candidates. This has been observed several times in the past.

Francis D’Silva, Alto-Betim I am not at all surprised that a so-called freedom fighter has joined hands with communal elements to suggest meaningless things like changing names of streets, marking the 50th year of Goa’s annexation to India. There was an effort being made to erase Goa from the map by merging our beloved land with Maharashtra. We are aware of his anti-Goan stance. It is a tragedy that Goa has spawned such individuals whom we niz Goenkars, unwittingly tolerate, instead of ostracising them.

Goa’s political destiny Allwyn George, Carmona Goa’s political scene seems to be heating up as probable candidates are again trying to entice the Goan voters with goodies to influence their support. Sadly, Indian Constitution does not restrict the number of times a person can get elected as an MLA. Today, power and politics has become an addiction for our MLAs as they will never give up their seats voluntarily. New aspiring faces with little resources are not able to withstand the money, muscle power and the government machinery.

fleeced while travelling. Every professional in demand, every service offered, tends to get overcharged.

Recently, some doctors in Panjim (and beyond) went about suggesting whom the citizen should vote for in the civic poll. At least, some politicians shot back by suggesting that the doctors themselves should charge their patients more reasonably. They have a point, one which resonates with the common man... even if being used as a defensive argument.

Try and get your equipment serviced and repaired, and you’ll quickly realise the inefficiency of a state like Goa. Your vendor, who was promising you the moon till yesterday, will give you a hundred-and-one reasons as to why you need to buy a new replacement. Not only is this a waste of money, but a needless drain on the environment.

Recently, one had an experience with servicing a notebook. The vendor sent me to the service centre. The service centre gave a dozen excuses which seemed aimed at pushing the computer away. Was the computer physically damaged?

Was the warranty registered properly? Had a complaint been registered (with a number in Bangalore)? Had the Windows software sticker been ‘tampered’ with? (The last was the most ludicrous, since the computer entirely uses Free Software, and doesn’t have a line of proprietorial Windows code installed on it.)

This ‘market inefficiency’ hurts Goa hard, apart from the other problems we face here — an unresponsive political system, lack of curbs on corruption and communalism, undemocratically controlled political parties, and inegalitarian social-economic-political structures.

Goa has a larger-than-average middle class population in Goa – by Indian standards, at least.

One would have thought that there would have been more checks and balances in place, to ensure that the consumer got a fair deal. But it’s business as usual for most.

Overcharging and unethical practices are fair game, as long as those calling the political shots are kept happy. In fact, various lobbies are more than influential in the system, while the consumers are consistently kept powerless. Our politics, based on emotions not issues, only contributes to the situation.

When was the last time you got a receipt for a purchase made? Often, you hear the a-bill-willcost-you-extra logic. This only means that someone somewhere is avoiding paying the due taxes.

All this means that we are cheating ourselves, and losing out on the chance to invest in our own infrastructure. Leakages happening due to corruption are no excuse for evading taxes. This inefficiency continues. The circle of overcharging hits everyone.

Bills don’t get paid on time; if you do work for other outlets in the rest of India, you would know that the situation is hardly as bad elsewhere, as in Goa. There are other complications too.

Our transport system is run with a lot of inefficiency — and an eye primarily on profits (in the private sector) or rackets (in the State-run sector).

So everyone pays the price. Buses go off the road, even today, by 8 pm. Our towns and ‘cities’ have to close shop not much later. So many private vehicles on the road add to pollution, inefficiency and urban congestion, as the recent civic polls noted. At the end of the day, every rupee lost adds up. It is time for those concerned about the future of Goa to give a serious thought as to how efficiency can be brought into the system.

After all, we are no longer a sleepy colonial backwater, as we were five decades ago. We have to compete with bustling new towns and cities nearby and far. If we allow inefficiency to rule, its effects will gnaw into us in ways we don’t anticipate. Finally, every citizen ends up poorer, and taxed unnecessarily.

Black Friday

riday, 11 March 2011, was just like any normal working day for the people of Japan, which is considered as the third largest economy in the world. Then nature struck. The devastation was mind boggling. The death toll has risen dramatically and is still counting. Japanese Prime Minister N Kan said that the country is facing the worst crisis since World War II. The Japanese are a very polite people and, by nature, very helpful. They have helped several countries in times of natural calamities. Now it is the turn of the entire human race to stand by this country, as people try to rebuild their lives. More importantly, they need our prayers. The problems for that country are not yet over.

The worst is probably yet to come. The damage to the nuclear reactors due to the earthquake could be the worst thing to happen.

Indeed, the footage on various news channels have sent shudders down the spine of millions across the globe. The after effects of such a catastrophe, is going to be felt for several years. The pictures brought back grim memories of the earthquake and resultant tsunami that struck Indonesia in the Indian Ocean on Boxing Day of 2004, which left more than two lakh people dead.

Niz Goenkar weakness PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

OPINION

Nature’s raw fury is unleashed in natural calamities like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tornados, storms, etc. But then, all these calamities are confined to a particular area, or a particular country.

The worst thing with a tsunami (which literally means Harbour Wave) is that it can cause devastation in several countries. It is understood that the tidal waves can travel round the globe and strike other countries. The pictures telecast by television channels showed the extent of damage, a tsunami can cause. Cars and buses were carried away like toys. Houses were seen floating in the water till they finally collapsed. Ships and trains disappeared.

Indeed, nature spared nothing. But then the question on everyone’s mind is what has caused this tsunami? Was it the effect of the moon? According to experts, on 19 March 2011, the moon will come closer to the Earth than it has, in the past 20 years, which will give rise to the occurrence known as “Extreme super-moon”.

This astronomical event may trigger earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other disasters. It is a well known fact that the moon has an effect on tides. It is reported that this effect, combined with certain weather conditions, can cause devastation along the coastal

Elected Panel: Pledge for Panjim’s betterment Simon D’Souza, Calangute The CCP results in Panjim has put me into a quandary as to how people of Goa vote, in spite of different advertisements for a change. Now that Babush’s panel has won, it is hoped that he will do something different, and with integrity. This includes beautification of the city of Panjim. A better civic sense should prevail, and in the meanwhile, he should also prove his detractors wrong that his efforts in Taleigao were not just a flash in the pan.

In politics, there are lots of allegations and counter allegations. That is why politics is labeled as a dirty game. It is difficult to be a paragon of virtue.

I, therefore, implore on the elected panel to do their very best for the betterment of our lovely city of Panjim.

Ill-timed announcement Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has recently announced an Rs3 crore increase in the Member of Parliament Local Area Fund (MPLAD fund) from the present Rs2 crore to Rs5 crore.

The additional allocation for this will be approximately Rs2,370 crores. It must be said that this announcement was ill-timed as states like Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry are heading towards assembly elections.

The Members of Parliament, especially in Goa, should see to it that the enhanced allocation in the MPLAD fund is utilised to the fullest, but it should come at a apt time.

Extend ‘108’ facility Ayres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo A villager in my neighbourhood suddenly

area.

Was the tsunami in Japan, a precursor of happenings to unfold on 19 of March? The sheer thought can be nerve-wrecking. India has had its share of devastations, caused by natural calamities.

The earthquake that hit the town of Latur and adjoinging areas of Maharashtra in 1993, and the tsunami that ensued after an earthquake hit the Bandar Aceh region of Indonesia in 2004, are still fresh in our minds.

Are we to be blamed for all these calamities which have been occurring with disturbing frequency in the past few decades? Yes. Man has played havoc with Mother Nature. Our greenery has been destroyed, our hills have been cut, and we have polluted our atmosphere. Natural calamities may be the only way when Nature gets even with us, like a-tit-for-tat reprisal. Nature probably felt it was pay-back time. Can we, even at this presumably advanced stage, save mother earth? To borrow the words of President Barack Obama “Yes We Can”. Indeed, all is not lost. What is required is a strong commitment of the governments of the world. The time to act is now...before it is too late.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

Will Goans ever see new faces with a vision to serve the state or will the same old MLAs and their proxies be back in their seats? If this happens, Goans have to blame themselves. Goa is heading for a government of families and their friends. We need to look beyond the four boundaries of our dwellings to prevent this from happening.

By Adelmo Fernandes

took ill on 11 March. The 108 ambulance service was summoned. It arrived 45 minutes later from Calangute. By then, the villager had expired. This is the normal experience which villagers face, who live in the interior. The 108 service also encounters difficulty in maneuvering the winding roads, some of which are not in good condition.

Two ambulances are stationed, one each at Mapusa and Calangute. They are quite away from the villages of Salvador do Mundo, Socorro, Penha de Franca and Pomburpa. Since the aam admi government has the required funds, the facility of 108 services needs to be extended to far-flung villages.

Konkani in Roman Script Wilmix Wilson Mazarello, by email Most educationists in Goa have come out openly against the Goa government’s policy of schools in Goa teaching Konkani in the Devnagari script. Why? Do these educationists love Konkani any less? It is none of these. It’s just being “realistic”. The educationists of Goa have read the “Writing on the Wall’ loud and clear. This is as clear as daylight i.e., English written in the Roman Script, is the strongest language in today’s world.

We have to be prepared to protect our Konkani by giving it full protection with an armour of the Roman Script. A vast majority of Goans in Goa read and write Konkani in the Roman Script.

The writing on the wall is plain and simple. It is English written in the Roman Script for the protection and development of our “Avoi-Bhaas” Konkani.

‘Faithful’ inner voice Mathew Oommen, Pune L K Advani’s admission to the effect that the demolition of the Babri Masjid was the ‘saddest day’ in his life is the inner voice of an ordinary Indian citizen who is having faith in nationalism and secularism. All political leaders should sincerely involve in nation building projects and need to fashion a pan-Indian identity. Let us dilute emphasis on ethnic, religious , linguistic or caste based identities. The anti-secularists forces operating in this country should understand that every citizen of this country has equal right to freedom of conscience and religion.

Moreover, the state will not espouse or establish or practice any religion or become partisan to any social group.

Tips for plastic-free zone Svatantra Sarjano, by email I read with a great interest your story about helping Goa to be free from the tons of plastic which are literally suffocating our beautiful country, but my conclusion is that it will depend from each of us only, and that we cannot blame anyone else. For example, when you go for shopping, carry your own bag..

I have a restaurant in Vagator since nine years, and after the first month I had 500 empty plastic bottles of mineral water to dispose, I decided to change the game dramatically! And what I did? I bought a couple of 20 liters containers of the same mineral water, and with that I filled 40 elegant bottles.

It served amongst everybody’s delight, because each one is happy to contribute in saving Goa from plastic, which costs nothing.

Strangely, I remain the only restaurant in Goa to use this simple practice. This is a genuine advice to save Goa from the menace of plastic.

Paths of Wisdom

Adorning her reflection

By Sri Swami Sivananda A woman looked at herself in the mirror.

Her bare body and head were unattractive. The reflection disgusted her. She ran in and brought a number of ornaments. She began to adorn the reflection with them. But she could not. When she took the ornament near the image in the mirror, it looked as though (in the mirror) the ornaments are being taken away from the reflection.

At last, she started wearing the ornaments on her own self. To her wonder, the image in the mirror also put the ornaments on, and looked beautiful.

The reflection represents the Jiva and the woman the Self or God. The ignorant man finds that he lacks prosperity, wealth and happiness. He hunts for the things of the world and goes on accumulating around himself the wealth and luxuries of the world. These do not satisfy him or enrich his soul! The more he tries to adorn himself with the riches of the world, the farther they seem to recede from him in truth. Then he understands that his little self is but the reflection of the All-Pervading Atman, the Supreme Self. He offers all his wealth to the Self by doing charity to the poor, by self-abnegation and self-dedication. He serves the poor, the sick and the suffering and brings happiness to them with the Bhava that he serves the All-Pervading Self in all. He offers himself to the Self through meditation on It. He pays no more attention to the little reflection, the Jiva; but devotes himself to the adorning of the Reality. Instantly he finds that he (the Jiva) is the centre of all auspiciousness, of all beauty, of all happiness and bliss.

O Man! Abandon self-seeking, and seek the Self. You are not this body, mind, intellect and little ‘I’; you are the Immortal, All-Pervading Satchidananda Atman. Realise this and be free.

(Source : Parables of Sivananda)

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Pg7

OHERALDO

INDIA GOA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2011

OPINIONATED JPC, 2G judgements etc

T

By Brig ian da CoSTa

he BJP’s attitude towards the government, the 2G scam and the recent attitude of the judiciary is worth studying in some detail. The main opposition BJP should have been more serious if they really had some solid evidence against A Raja in the 2G scam. Simply shouting slogans at the top of their voices in the well of the house, making provocative statements against the speaker, the Prime Minister and the chairperson of the UPA-II Madame Sonia Gandhi, is not enough to convince the people of India that their real intentions were to safeguard the country and the principles of democracy. Their real motive was to paint the UPA-II in bad light and hope to unsettle them. This they thought would give them a good chance to win the next general elections. But the people know very well, that a leopard does not change its spots. As long as we have this motley gang of LK Advani, Arun Jaitley, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sushma Swaraj and their likes spitting fire and brimstone, none of us can think of bringing them back to power at the centre. We have already seen how the CM of Karnataka defied the BJP central leadership and flatly refused to resign in spite of the many serious charges against him from many quarters including the Lokayuktha of the state. They have many skeletons in their own cupboard.

The CAG has admitted that the loss of Rs, 1, 76,000/- calculated by him is notional and based on certain presumptions which have not been tested. If we sit down and calculate the loss in a more scientific and professional way, taking into account the technicalities of the complex 2G spectrum and beyond, we may arrive at a more rational result. The actual loss could be much less as claimed by Kapil Sibal the present Telecom Minister.

The JPC will certainly do all this in the days to come and we will be nearer the truth. The scope of the JPC is to examine, determine and identify the wrong steps taken from 1992 to 2010. At that time, Arun Shourie was the Telecom Minister in the NDA Government. Two of the close advisors in the formulation of the telecom policy were Jaswant Singh and Yeshwant Sinha. These two will be called upon by the JPC to clarify certain matters pertaining to the advice they tendered at that time. As such, it is argued that they should not be members of the JPC which is inquiring into these very lapses in the ministry in the areas of policy making and implementation. This has now become a bone of contention and the sooner it is sorted out, the JPC can start its work. The BJP is in a fix as the country will make certain conclusions based on the action taken on the basis of their conscience. They had spun a web around the JPC in which they themselves seem to have got entangled. No one else is to blame.

Introducing the JPC resolution in the Rajya Sabha, Kapil Sibal read out from the two reports of the CAG and the Justice Shivraj V Patil one man commission, and clarified that the two conformed two each other in their findings.

This sets at rest the accusations that the Justice Shivraj V Patil Commission was biased and tailor made. We must learn to respect the findings of various authorities, however bitter they may seem to be.

The Opposition led by the BJP did not allow the functioning of parliament for even one day during the last winter session. Every day saw appeals for cool, calm and orderly discussions by the speaker, chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the PM being turned down by the BJP and other opposition parties.

Slogan shouting, scenes of hooliganism, and aggressive behavior, with a generous dash of bad and abusive language, was all that could be heard and witnessed on the TV screens.

Is this why people voted for these leaders to represent them in parliament, the foremost constitutional body of our democracy? Is blackmailing, an acceptable form of protest? Are gentlemanly discussions now a thing of the past? We can help India regain its value system, if only we set aside our narrow and partisan ideas.

Vote for the best candidate. Ensure that a good candidate stands for election and see to it that he is elected. In this way, we can put the past aside and herald a bright future.

Criminal elements must be debarred from contesting elections.

Over the decades, our police force has become ineffective.

It is only a tool in the hands of the ruling party or coalition.

Even the Armed Forces have become politicised and the generals have been divided to make our army weak. Our enemies are the happiest ones as their job has been simplified and they can bully us at will, as we will never be able to put up a strong joint front in future. Discipline in the Armed Forces must be left to the three chiefs of staff of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Policies can be discussed and laid down, but the Defence Minister who is a civilian should not interfere in the actual dispensation of justice within the forces, just as he should not interfere in the tactics and strategy employed by our own forces to ensure victory.

Look at our judiciary of today. The situation, where the Apex court has to point fingers at the just retired CJI Justice K V Balakrishnan is unfortunate. Justice is being inordinately delayed and thus denied. Many witnesses are turning hostile as they are not afforded adequate protection and they and their families are exposed to the worst kind of threats and blackmail. Whistle blowers are systematically being eliminated and the courts and police have not made any effort to intervene.

They sit by merrily watching the fun. Senior Jurist Shanti Bhushan castigated all except two CJIs of recent times, for being corrupt and said that the court can put him behind bars for contempt of court and that he was willing to take up the challenge of proving his statement. But the Apex Court backed out.

Let us support our scientists and technicians, so that they can deliver the goods. They are fully qualified and capable of doing so, but must be given freedom and the peaceful environment to work unhindered in peace. Let’s look after our BPL families and see that they get two square meals a day instead of allowing millions of tons of grain to rot, or to be left to the rats and worms. Middle men, petty politicians and minor government officials have, without authority, been eating into the BPL families’ share of the slice of bread and money.

All they ask for is Roti, Kapda and Makan. Give them a roof above their heads and they are willing to slog from morn till night for the nations’ progress in return. So far we have failed! Now we have another chance, perhaps the last one, before some terrible catastrophe befalls us all and puts our nation a century back in progress.

Some elders have even predicted a civil war with widespread bloodshed. Delhi or the NCR has made some progress in looking after the poor and homeless after the recently concluded CWG. Let’s all emulate them and move ahead. My hats of to Sheila Dixit for her commendable efforts! God bless India! God bless Goa! Jai Hind.

Govt can review N-plants safeguards: Ramesh PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 15

Government today said it can look at putting in place additional environmental safeguards to ensure safety of the proposed nuclear reactors in Jaitapur in the aftermath of the tsunami in Japan that has endangered the atomic power plants there. "...Based on the technical reviews the NPCIL does, we will certainly be in touch with them and if additional safeguards have to be built in as part of the environmental clearance, we will certainly look at it," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

He was reacting to a question whether the Government is going to have a relook at the Jaitapur nuclear power project in Maharashtra amid demands for a reconsideration in the wake of the deadly earthquake that caused damage in a nuclear facility in Japan.

Ramesh said the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited is having a relook at all safety systems and designs.

"This is appropriately a subject that has to be dealt with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board," the Minister said.

Ramesh said Prime Minister

N-plants still under terror threat: govt

The government today said atomic power plants in the country are under threat from various terrorist groups.

Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran said in view of the prevailing security scenario, the atomic power plants continue to remain targets of terrorist groups.

"Central security agencies review security of atomic power plants periodically and make specific recommendation to enhance the security wherever required," he told Lok Sabha.

The Minister said central security agencies also conduct regular sensitisation programmes for senior officials of these plants and share threat inputs at the appropriate level of Department of Atomic Energy and the state governments concerned from time to time. -- (PTI) Manmohan Singh has made a detailed statement in Parliament and has ordered a review of safety systems at all the nuclear plants in the country.

Terming the tragedy that has hit Japan as "horrendous", Ramesh said, "the nuclear catastrophe is a matter of concern for all of us."

Earlier, addressing a conclave on Business and Climate Change organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Ramesh said India should "go beyond the immediate crisis" that has hit the nuclear industry and recognise the nuclear option.

He said the country will have a global footprint as far as nuclear technology is concerned.

"We would actually in a couple of years from now have a global footprint as far as Indian technology is concerned. This could be in the area of nuclear energy...this could be in the area of coal technology," the Minister said.

In all these areas Indian industry has the potential, skill, capacity and institutional resources, he said. He said industry and Government have to work together to deal with challenges posed by climate change that will "affect India most profoundly."

MPs demand speedy probe against Ali PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 15

A strong demand was made in Lok Sabha today for pushing with greater zeal the probe against suspected economic offender Hassan Ali, with a member questioning if there was "political pressure" on investigating agencies to go soft on him.

The issue was raised by CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta, who said credibility of investigating agencies like the Enforcement Directorate had come under a cloud after Ali was released on bail with a rap by the court for "home work" not being done properly.

He wanted a statement from the government on the "serious" issue which has "dangerous implications" as Ali was said to be linked to international arms dealers and terrorists.

Dasgupta noted that Ali was arrested recently only after the Supreme Court asked why there has been no custodial interrogation so far.

"We keep targeting the CBI and other agencies for working under political pressure. Now the courts are saying so," the CPI member said amid chants of 'shame, shame' by Opposition members.

He questioned whether Ali was a "frontman" for some powerful person as "deliberately a soft case" was being pressed against him.

Noting that the court has said the "case was weak" and "documents were fabricated", Dasgupta wondered whether ED was "incapable of proving the charges" against Ali. "Is there any political pressure on agencies not to act against Ali? This is a dangerous situation," he said, adding, "I wish the government makes a statement...It is good for the Government to come clean."

APPOINTMENTS

Students of Magadh Mahila College playing Holi with colourful gulal in the campus ahead of Holi festival in Patna on Tuesday.

PAC has exceeded 2G Mandate: JPC chief

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 15

With Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament being on a spree of questioning people from various sections in 2G case, it has not gone down well with JPC Chairman P C Chacko who feels that PAC has gone beyond its mandate and wants a "conflict" to be avoided.

Chacko underlined that PAC's mandate was limited to looking into accounting irregularities in 2G spectrum allocation as highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and it

should not give an impression of holding a "parallel inquiry" to what JPC is supposed to do.

"The very purpose of forming the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) is to look into the broader question about 2G and telecom. It appears from media reports that PAC is performing a parallel inquiry to that of JPC," Chacko told PTI here.

"The PAC should confine to the accounting irregularities pointed out by the CAG," he said.

Chacko's comments came as the PAC, headed by BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, has been calling for deposition of journalists who wrote on 2G spectrum "scam" and editors of magazines which published the transcripts of telephonic conversations of corporate lobbyist Niira Radia with industrialists, journalists and politicians.

YEDDY IN DOCK AGAIN Trust run by sons got kickbacks: Oppn PTI BANGALORE, MARCH 15

Opposition Congress and JDS staged a dharna in Karnataka Legislative Assembly today demanding a CBI probe into alleged "kickbacks" received by a trust run by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's sons in return for Government favours.

Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah (Congress) also demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister.

However the opposition demand was rejected by the government, which dubbed CBI as the "Congress Bureau of Investigation".

"We can't give it to CBI, that's our party's (BJP) stand. We will not give any enquiry to CBI (to probe)", Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar said.

Insisting on a CBI probe, op-

position members trooped into the well of the House, staged a dharna and ignored appeals to go back to their seats by Speaker K G Bopaiah, who then adjourned the proceedings by half an hour.

A meeting of opposition leaders and Ministers convened by the Speaker in his chamber apparently failed to break the deadlock as Congress and JDS MLAs continued their dharna when the House re-assembled.

Sought by leading International Resort developer Head of a “Meet and Greet (GRO)” team To provide Concierge services to guest staying at its Resort.

Package commensurate with International company and importance of role.

Preference will be given to applicants with strong hospitality background.

Please forward CV and photograph to the Group Sales and Marketing director, royalmark01@hotmail.com

appointments

OHERALDO

WORLD

Pg 10

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011

Bahrain tensions rise as Iran slams Gulf force AFP MANAMA, MARCH 15

Armed vigilantes roamed Manama's streets and blocked Bahraini villages Tuesday as Iran condemned a military intervention by Gulf troops to help subdue unrest in the Shiite-majority, Sunni-ruled kingdom.

The financial district of Manama was deserted, shops and malls were shuttered and Sunni and Shiite vigilantes armed with metal pipes and clubs were seen in the streets of the capital after hundreds of Saudi-led armoured troops rolled into Bahrain from Saudi Arabia.

Witnesses said vigilante groups also blocked access to a number of villages across the kingdom.

Women have been told to leave central Manama and activists were distributing surgical masks and eye protectors to defend against tear gas.

There were rumours of a march against the Saudi embassy near the financial district later Tuesday.

The troops arrived in Bahrain on Monday to help the Manama government deal with pro-democracy protests which have shaken the strategic Gulf kingdom for the past month.

Saudi Arabia's staunchly Sunni government said it had responded to a call for help from its neighbour under a mutual defence pact of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

But Iran's foreign ministry described the intervention as unacceptable and said it would complicate the already volatile situation.

"The presence of foreign forces cannot be acceptable and will make the situation

n The people of Bahrain have demands, which are legitimate and are being expressed peacefully.

Any violence in response to these legitimate demands should be stopped. more complicated and difficult," ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said.

Television footage showed convoys of unmarked, desert-brown armoured vehicles crossing the causeway from Saudi's Eastern Province into Bahrain, the home of the US Fifth Fleet.

"Basically, we do not think it is right for forces of other countries, specially Persian Gulf countries, to be present or intervene in Bahrain's situation," Mehmanparast told a news conference in Tehran.

"The people of Bahrain have demands, which are legitimate and are being expressed peacefully. Any violence in response to these legitimate demands should be stopped."

More than 200 people were wounded in clashes between police and demonstrators in Manama on Sunday, the worst day of violence since seven people were killed at the start of the protests a month ago.

The country's Shiite opposition has vowed to resist any foreign "occupation," and protesters manning a peaceful pro-democracy vigil at a key roundabout in Manama have started preparing for confrontation.

The United Arab Emirates confirmed it

had contributed about 500 police to the coalition force.

It was not clear if other GCC members were participating. The GCC groups Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. US Defense Secretary Robert Gates held talks with Bahrain's rulers in Manama on Saturday and told them Washington had no evidence that Iran was behind the unrest.

The Pentagon said Monday it had no advance warning that Saudi troops and others were being deployed in the Gulf kingdom.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for restraint by all the forces at play in Bahrain, a State Department official said.

The official added Clinton was referring to all events unfolding in Bahrain, including the "increasingly provocative" acts by protesters and government supporters as well as the arrival of Gulf forces.

Neil Partrick, associate at the Londonbased Royal United Services Institute, a private think-tank on security and defence issues, said the Bahraini regime "was not under any direct threat" of collapse.

He said he expected the GCC force would take a back seat and free the Bahraini security and army to deal with the protests.

"The GCC wants to be seen to be willing to take action against external and internal threats facing the alliance," he said.

Sami al-Faraj, head of Kuwait's Strategic Research Center, said the Gulf Arab states assumed Iran was meddling in Bahrain's affairs and suspected the protests included "infiltrators backed and funded by foreign parties."

Germany shuts down 7 reactors temporarily

Jordan's government has approved the creation of a 52strong National Dialogue Committee charged with drawing up a new electoral law within three months, the official Petra news agency reported.

It said the committee, headed

by Senate president Taher alMasri, would work on "two amended laws on general elections and political parties."

The new body will include former ministers, members of political parties, trade unionists, Islamists and writers, Petra said.

In a letter to Masri, King Abdullah II wished him and the panel "success in developing a productive political dia-

trying to ‘kill it’ delaying its actual formation.

The Goa Lokayukta Bill, 2007 (Bill No 23 of 2003) was introduced in the Goa Legislative Assembly on April 4, 2003 with the approval of the cabinet.

The legislative assembly referred the Bill to the select committee on April 4, 2003 after recommending certain amendments to the draft Bill.

The select committee, after examining the Bill in detail and suggesting certain changes submitted its report to the legislative assembly on February 2, 2006.

Accordingly, after carrying out the necessary changes in accordance with the select committee report, the bill was taken up in the House for consideration.

However, some of the members raised objections stating that there are some lacunae in the Bill.

The Bill was again referred back to the select committee to consider further suggestions from the members of legislative assembly.

However, since no further suggestions came from any of the members, it was decided to table the bill as amended earlier.

Finally, on January 25, 2007 the assembly unanimously passed the Bill.

On August 11, 2007 the Bill was submitted to the Governor for assent and the secretary to governor forwarded it to the Central Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for seeking assent of the President of India vide letter dated October 12, 2007.

However, the MHA vide letter dated May 14, 2010 has advised that the state government may consider withdrawing the Bill and send a revised Bill.

Following the letter, the Governor asked the government to take steps that the Bill is immediately withdrawn from the Assembly.

A breather for the jealous &...?

enforced as one has to declare its finances or assets,” he said adding that “we are using public funds and utmost transparency is required”.

“But till date nobody has been appointed to execute the duty.

They are trying to kill it,” he commented.

Rane also cited example of rift among some Goa Police Service and Indian Police Service officials, who are also reluctant to get the bill in place hence blocking its formation.

law and order, garbage, corruption, etc.

Addressing a press conference in the city Tuesday, Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar said longer the session, it will give the Opposition an opportunity to expose the scams and corruption in the government.

“We have tabled around 1700 questions in this session,” Parrikar said.

The BJP, he said, will also propose a casino policy in the assembly to ban the entry to locals in the casinos.

“The policy will also ask the government to stop all casino advertisements in the State,” he said.

Pointing some of the issues they will take up, Parrikar said, that the entire government machinery has come to a standstill; there is huge scam in the horticulture corporation as they are yet to submit the accounts for last four years, corruption in health department, PWD and illegal mining.

Panel elects Yatin as CCP mayor

Anti-nuclear protesters take part in a human chain protesting against nuclear power plant at Neckarwestheim in Stuttgart, on Tuesday.

Jordan creates commission to examine reform AFP AMMAN, MARCH 15

Govt to withdraw Lokayukta...

15-day State budget session

AFP BERLIN, MARCH 15

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Tuesday the provisional shut-down for three months of seven ageing nuclear reactors pending a safety review in light of events in Japan.

"We are launching a safety review of all nuclear reactors ... with all reactors in operation since the end of 1980 set to be idled for the period of the (threemonth) moratorium," Merkel said.

This covers seven of Germany's 17 nuclear reactors.

On Monday Merkel suspended for three months a postponement of more than a decade until the mid-2030s the date when the last of Germany's nuclear reactors are switched off, pending a safety review.

from paGe 1

Royal wedding expected to be biggest TV events

logue framework that enhances achievements and stability."

He reiterated the "importance to agree on a democratic elections law, paving the way for a parliament that represents all Jordanians and plays a key role in enhancing justice, transparency, fairness and the rule of law."

Inspired by the revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, Jordanians have been demonstrating for nine weeks demanding general reforms.

Tensions between the government and Islamists escalated on Friday after the latter refused to take part in the national dialogue commission, claiming the regime was not serious about reform.

AGENCIES BERLIN, MARCH 15

Global buyers are head over heels for William & Kate, the Lifetime TV movie on the reallife love story of England's Prince William and Kate Middlelton.

A host of European networks, including Germany's Sat.1, RAI in Italy, Spain's Antena 3, Norway´s TV 2, SBS Denmark, SIC in Portugal and Pro Plus in Slovenia have snatched up broadcast rights to the MOW from sales outfit SevenOne International.

SevenOne had previously locked up several big Euro terr i t o re s i n c l u d i n g Fr a n c e , Switzerland, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

Buyers are hoping to capitalize on interest surround the royal wedding between Prince

SAD DEMISE

William and Kate Middleton later this year.

The royal wedding, which will be aired mainly on public broadcasters in Europe, is expected to be one of the biggest TV events of all time, with around 2.5 billion viewers expected worldwide.

Pinto would be empowered to solve the vexed garbage problem in the city.

“I have strictly told the corporators not to interfere with her work,” he said adding that he was yet to meet Pinto and request her to join the council.

Announcing various measures to bring transparency in the CCP, Monserrate said they will have a gramsabha kind of meetings once in three months where the people of Panjim will be able to encounter the corporators on various developmental issues.

Once again admitting that there were mistakes committed during the last CCP tenure, Monserrate said that ‘people’s concerns would be taken care during this tenure.”

“We will start cleaning up the mess which was created earlier,” he said during the press conference which was also attended by both the former Mayors – Caroline Po and Tony Rodrigues.

“I will also personally visit council once a week and will also ask commissioner to be on move,” the education minister said adding that a complaint box will also be installed outside CCP office.

He stated that the entire ruling council will meet Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Wednesday and seek his support for the development of the city.

“We will require Rs 20 crore funding to upgrade various infrastructures in the city,” Monserrate said.

Appealing his opponents to join hands with him in developing Panjim, Monserrate commented that all the crusaders who accused my panel should now be part of the progress and work for the development of the city.

“Politics is over. We also say Panjim First. We never said Panjim second,” he stressed.

Yatin’s reaction: Soon after being selected as next Mayor, Yatin Parekh said that ‘all PINK (PINC), red and orange, should join hands for development of Panjim city.’

“I am on a mission. My mission is to develop Panjim. Interest of the people will be taken care first,” he said.

To-be Mayor said that parking, garbage, market scam, market cleanliness and development of St Inez nullah are his priorities.

“I want to give a scam free, total transparent and the corporation with public access,” he said.

“Let’s work and not talk,” Parekh reacted during media briefing.

medium movement Two children English taking any decision on the implementation of the Act. “My govstand on the Right to Education Act is very clear: The killed in NATO ernment Act may contain many provisions, but we have to see whether it would be beneficial to the state. We have to ensure that the Act air strike AFP ASADABAD, MARCH 15

FELIX JOHN FERNANDES. (FREEDOM FIGHTER) SARZORA- CHINCHINIM

Beloved husband of Aurita(Bushon) Ex-teacher of Fatima Convent High School Margao. Loving Father of Doris(Gulu), Sylvie, Gemma, Euclid(Petito), Olav, Dr. Susheela (Suzie) and Sanjay. Caring Father-in-law of Adv J.S.Rebello, Rosarinho, Irineu,Derina, Sharon and late Osler.

Affectionate Grandfather of Lianne, Nilesh,Clinton, Alison, Chantalle, Charlton, Fleur, Osler, Ethan, Craig,Elaine and Andrea.

Expired peacefully on the 14TH March, 2011.

TH Funeral cortege will leave his residence on Friday 18 MARCH,2011, at 3.15PM, to Our Lady of Assumpta Church, Sarzora, followed by the Eucharistic celebration .

NO CONDOLENCE VISIT’S PLEASE Relatives & friends please accept this as the only intimation

goanrites@gmail.com 9822122003/9822136397

Two children were killed in an international air attack near where nine others died in another recent strike, an Afghan official said Tuesday, but NATO said the targets were insurgents.

"Last night two children who were irrigating their land were hit by a coalition air strike and both were killed," Abdul Marjan, the district chief of Sawkai in Kunar province, told AFP. A spokesman for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) confirmed there had been an incident, but said those targeted were suspected insurgents and added that one person had died and another wounded.

is beneficial to the state”, he said, adding “This is one reason why I have directed the Director of Education to study the matter in detail and take the stakeholders into confidence before implementing the Act”.

Meanwhile, the Parents-Teachers Association of Our Lady of Rosary high school, Fatorda will march to the residence of Fatorda MLA Damu Naik and hand over a memorandum demanding English as the medium of instruction at the elementary level.

PTAs of various schools dotting Salcete’s countryside, besides the city-based schools have adopted resolutions over the last fortnight demanding English as the medium of instruction from Std I to Std VIII.

CM says no plans to table Act

Legislative Assembly is the last session before the coming Academic year, Kamat shot back “I admit that the coming session is the last session before the next Academic year, but the government can convene a short session if it feels that the Right to Education Act needs to be implemented in the state from the coming Academic year”.

OHERALDO

WORLD

Pg 11 GOA,WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011

Russia’s Far East nervously eyes Japan nuke risk AFP VLADIVOSTOK, MARCH 15

Russia's Far East region Tuesday nervously monitored any increase in radiation from the quake-damaged Japanese nuclear plant but experts said any threat was reduced by favourable weather.

With the main city of the Russian Far East Vladivostok no more than 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) west of the Fukushima nuclear

plant, officials have been measuring the background radiation levels every hour.

The meteorological service said that radiation levels were within the normal limits throughout the region but the military emphasized it could evacuate the Pacific Kuril and Sakhalin islands at short notice should the need arise.

The emergencies ministry said that radiation in the region had

over the last four days ranged between 10-17 microroentgen per hour compared with a maximum accepted norm of 30 per hour.

The spokeswoman for the local weather service, Varvara Koridze, said that air samples that were taken "contained the usual background components.

Radionuclides that would have been the result of an explosion were not found."

Boris Lamash, head of the climate department at the Far Eastern Federal University, said that the prevailing winds at this time of year in

the region were westerlies and north-westerlies, which should keep harmful material away.

"If air was to come from the eastern shore of Japan then this would require a full day of southeasterly winds which are not present in the Far Eastern region at this time of year."

Nevertheless in a sign of Russia's concern, Russia's Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu was holding an unscheduled meeting with the Japanese ambassador to Moscow.

The Far Eastern military district said it was closely watching

the situation and was ready to evacuate the Kuril archipelago - the southernmost part of which is still claimed by Japan -- and Sakhalin to the north.

The southernmost island in the Kurils -- known as the Northern Territories in Japan -- is barely 700 kilometres north of the Fukushima plant.

"We are ready to carry out a timely evacuation of the military service people, their families and the civilian population from the Kuril islands and Sakhalin, if the need arises," a spokesman told the RIA-Novosti news agency.

Health experts sound warning over iodine rush AFP HONG KONG, MARCH 15

diation near the facility, jitters spread to Tokyo and beyond.

US-based firms selling potassium iodide, a radiation sickness preventative, completely ran out of stock and pharmacies across the country's Pacific-facing West Coast had a rush on the overthe-counter pills.

"We are quite slammed with orders, but we are working as fast as we can to get orders out," said NukePills.com, which had sold out of iodine tablets and was fast exhausting oral liquid supplies.

"We are experiencing delays in shipping due to the Japan nuclear crisis. A delay in shipping may be a week or more."

Potassium iodide is a salt used to saturate the thyroid gland to block the uptake of radioactive iodine, a highly carcinogenic substance that can leak from nuclear reactors in an accident.

Another major supplier, Anbex, said it was also out of stock and didn't expect new orders until April 18.

One packet of 14 pills had attracted bids of up to $540 at online auction house eBay and talk about radiation poisoning was so feverish on Twitter and other forums that the World Health Organisation issued a statement urging calm.

"Consult your #doctor before taking #iodine pills. Do not selfmedicate!" the WHO said on its Twitter page.

Iodine pills are "not radiation antidotes" and offer no protection against radioactive elements such as caesium, the UN's health agency said, stressing

they also carried health risks for some people, including pregnant women.

The WHO also cautioned against drinking or applying iodine liquid, commonly used as an antiseptic, after a rush on the wound cleaner in Asian countries, where iodine is typically only available in hospitals or by prescription.

"It is crazy, people have been reading about the situation in Japan and they are demanding iodine tablets but most pharmacies don't stock the tablets," said Kuala Lumpur pharmacist Paul Ho. "There have also been text messages and emails going round that you can use the iodine antiseptic solution, which you place around your neck, to help cut down on radiation absorption," he added.

"I don't know if its true but we have run out of all our iodine antispetic solution at the moment."

The text message, also circulating in China, Hong Kong and the Philippines, is billed as a "newsflash" from a major news organisation and urges Asian residents to "take precautions" including sheltering indoors and swabbing the thyroid region of the neck with iodine.

Malaysia's health minister Liow Tiong Lai dismissed the purported warning as "nonsense", saying there was "no need to apply such solutions to the neck and private parts."

"People must not panic. The health ministry is keeping very close tabs on the situation," he told AFP.

Gaddafi forces plan recapture rebel-held areas

Nordic nations warn against all trips to Japan

Japan's nuclear crisis has sparked panic buying of iodine pills, with online bids exceeding $500 for a single packet, but health experts hosed down the hysteria and warned the pills are of limited use.

As fresh blasts rocked a stricken atomic plant on Japan's east coast, and crews worked frantically to cool reactors that emitted dangerous levels of ra-

Filipinos offer flowers outside the Japanese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday to express sympathy for Japanese residents involved in the March 11 devastating earthquake and tsunami.

AFP CAIRO, MARCH 15

Formidable formations of Libyan forces encircled the key town of Ajdabiyah today as they began the final push to wrest back the opposition strongholds of Benghazi and Tobruk, with Muammar Gaddafi holding out two choices to the rebels -- "surrender or flee".

Libyan fighter jets flew behind the rebel lines to bomb Ajdabiyah as Gaddafi's tanks and patrol boats launched a barrage on the coastal areas for what appeared to be a decisive push to recapture the strategic town as well as Benghazi and Tobruk.

But the outgunned rebels have marshalled all their forces numbering up to 10,000 for the defence of the twin major ports of Benghazi and Tobruk, which provide Libya with crucial road links to Egypt, Al-Jazeera reported.

Western intelligence reports said that Libyan tanks and artillery were poised to strike a decisive blow to recapture both Benghazi and Tobruk in one major assault.

Gaddafi had still kept back his more formidable fighting formations, including the 3,000strong Revolutionary Guards and heavily-armed Khamish brigade, as a reserve to fight back any western attempt to intervene

Gaddafi needs to leave: Obama PTI WASHINGTON, MARCH 15

in the North African country.

Amid reports that both the G8 and UN Security Council were divided on the proposal to impose a no-fly zone, Al-Jazeera said that Gaddafi had decided to gamble and go all out to overrun the shrinking swathe of eastern Libya still held by the rebels.

Gaddafi, in an interview to an Italian daily, described the rebellion against his 41-year rule as a "lost cause" and also said he felt betrayed by his friends in Europe.

"The rebels have no hope, it's now a lost cause for them.

There are only possibilities: to surrender or run away," he was quoted as saying in the interview.

He ruled out any mediation between his regime and the rebels, saying it was impossible to negotiated with "terrorists".

He claimed that the rebels

Issuing a fresh ultimatum to Muammar Gaddafi, US President Barack Obama has said the Libyan leader needs to leave as he has "lost legitimacy".

"Mr Gaddafi has lost legitimacy and he needs to leave," Obama said in a joint media availability with visiting Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen at the White House.

Obama said he and Rasmussen agree that international community have to speak firmly against any violence that's directed at civilians.

"We have to make sure to provide humanitarian assistance, both inside of Libya as well as along the border regions where so many people have left; and that it's going to be very important for us to look at a wide range of options that continue to tighten the noose around Mr Gaddafi and apply additional pressure," he said.

"So we will be continuing to coordinate closely both through NATO as well as the UN and other international fora to look at every single option that's available to us in bringing about a better outcome for the Libyan people," Obama said.

Condemning the violent repression of the Libyan people, Rasmussen said European leaders gathered last Friday, sent a very strong signal to Gaddafi.

"He should be history. He has lost his legitimacy, as you (Obama) just mentioned. I think it's important that the international society examine all options to protect the Libyan people," he said.

"Fortunately, change is going on in other countries in the Middle East and North Africa as well, and we had an opportunity to discuss it's basically a very positive transition in Egypt and Tunisia," the Prime Minister said.

Indonesians sue Australian media, US over WikiLeaks AFP JAKARTA, MARCH 15

A group of Indonesians filed a billion dollar lawsuit on Tuesday against the US embassy in Jakarta and two Australian newspapers over articles based on leaked US cables accusing the country's president of abuse of power.

The group, called the StateOwned Enterprise's Labour Union, said the Fairfax-owned newspapers The Age and Sydney Morning Herald failed to provide adequate checks and balances before they ran the stories on Friday.

"We have filed a defamation suit to the Central Jakarta district court against the newspaper companies today as the allegations have ruined our national pride," the group's lawyer Habiburokhman told AFP. "They have tarnished the good name of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and gave the image that Indonesia is a corrupt country," he added.

In its article entitled Yudhoyono: Abused Power, The Age said "the cables say Mr Yudhoyono has personally intervened to influence pros-

n We have filed a defamation suit to the Central Jakarta district court against the newspaper companies today as the allegations have ruined our national pride. ecutors and judges to protect corrupt political figures and pressure his adversaries".

Yudhoyono also used "the Indonesian intelligence service to spy on political rivals and, at least once, a senior minister in his own government", the paper said.

It also accused the president's wife Kristiani Herawati and her family of seeking fortunes through their political connections.

"The cables did not say Yudhoyono had abused power so their headline was misleading.

They cooked up their own story

to make our president look bad," Habiburokhman said.

Analysts say the group's move was a knee-jerk reaction by the people which had little chance of success.

"This is just a form of emotional reaction from the people which is likely to lead nowhere," political analyst Yunarto Wijaya said.

Yudhoyono on Monday said he had been subjected to "character assasination" over leaked US cables that accused him of misusing his authority.

Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the US Embassy in Jakarta on Tuesday demanding the US government apologise over the leaked cables, the Detikcom news website reported.

"The US government must apologise over the leaked diplomatic cables that have no quality and have hurt the feelings of Indonesians," protest coordinator Ahmad Suhaimi was quoted as saying.

Indonesia scored 2.8 out of 10 in Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2010, ranking it 110th out of 178 countries.

were linked with Osama bin Laden.

The Libyan despot also claimed that the international community does not know what is really happening in Libya.

"The people are with me, the rest is propaganda."

Meanwhile, the G-8 nations, meeting in Paris, were divided over the enforcement of a nofly zone which would ground the Libyan air force.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said in a radio interview that it may be already too late for world powers to help the Libyan opposition repel an advance eastwards by Gaddafi's forces.

"The events on the ground in Libya have already outpaced diplomatic efforts. Countries meeting here (Paris) still remain short of an agreement," he said.

France is demanding a no-fly zone over Libya to protect innocent civilians of the country.

But the US, Russia and other EU countries have reacted cautiously to the proposal.

US Secretary of State Hillary of Clinton, who was in Paris for the G-8 meeting, met Mahmoud Jibril, a leader of the opposition National Council in Libya, at a hotel in the French capital for 45 minutes and discussed ways through which the US could assist beyond humanitarian aid.

AFP STOCKHOLM, MARCH 15

Sweden, Norway and Finland all expanded their travel advisories to Japan Tuesday, cautioning against all travel to the quake and tsunami-hit country, amid growing fears of radiation from damaged nuclear plants.

"Due to the natural disaster in Japan and the situation at the Japanese nuclear plants, the foreign ministry, in coordination with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, advises against all non-essential travel to Japan," the Swedish ministry said in a statement.

The ministry, which had previously only cautioned against travel to the areas in northeastern Japan worst-hit by earthquakes and tsunamis, now also warned especially against trips to Tokyo.

Norway's foreign ministry meanwhile warned against all "travel or stays in Japan," due to the "unclear situation at the nuclear plants."

"The danger is not over at the Fukushima nuclear power plant...

The potential for serious leaks cannot be ruled out," agreed Finland's foreign ministry, which also recommended "avoiding all nonessential travel to Japan, especially Japan and the Northeast."

‘Metformin’ still best for diabetes: Report AGENCIES TORONTO, MARCH 15

Type 2 diabetes can often be a difficult ailment to treat and new solutions are being put on the market on a regular basis.

However, metformin, which has been around for over 15 years and approved by the FDA in 1995, still seems to be the best in class and has fewer side effects and is cheaper than new innovative medicines.

Wendy L. Bennett, M.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine says: "Metformin works for most people. It's cheaper, there's a generic form 'it's tried and true.'

Our study shows that even though there are all these newer drugs, metformin works just as well and has fewer side effects. Diabetes is an enormous public health problem, and patients have difficult decisions to make about what medications they should be taking. Our study provides good information comparing drugs and can be used to inform those decisions."

New classes of medication for adult-onset diabetes have been approved by the FDA since metformin, but Bennett and her colleagues wanted to know if the newer drugs were any better

than the older technology.

First synthesized and found to reduce blood sugar in the 1920s, metformin was forgotten for the next two decades as research shifted to insulin and other antidiabetic drugs. Interest in metformin was rekindled in the late 1940s after several reports that it could reduce blood sugar levels in people, and in 1957, French physician Jean Sterne published the first clinical trial of metformin as a treatment for diabetes. It was introduced to the United Kingdom in 1958, Canada in 1972, and the United States in 1995. Metformin is now believed to be the most widely prescribed antidiabetic drug in the world; in the United States alone, more than 42 million prescriptions were filled in 2009 for its generic formulations.

More than 25 million Ameri-

cans have type 2 diabetes, and the number of diagnoses have been steadily rising, with 1.9 million new cases diagnosed in 2010.

Like many chronic illnesses, diabetes disproportionately affects older people, and its prevalence is higher among racial and ethnic minorities. The annual economic burden of diabetes is an estimated $132 billion and increasing, mostly attributable to costly complications of the disease.

The research team also looked for the first time at the efficacy of two-drug combinations to treat the chronic disease, which has become increasingly common with more than one-third of diabetes patients needing multiple medications. Researchers found that while two drugs worked better than one in those patients whose blood sugar remained poorly controlled on a single medication, there were also side effects associated with adding a second medication.

While most drugs reduced blood sugar similarly, metformin was consistently associated with fewer side effects. Though metformin is associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects, Bennett, an internist, says she finds many of her patients can overcome them by starting with a low dose and taking it with meals.

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Corporates pay higher advance tax in Q4 PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 15

Several leading corporates have paid more advance tax in Q4 FY 11 as compared to the year-ago, indicating their healthy financial performances.

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries as well as the Ratan Tataled Tata Steel have both paid more advance tax this quarter at Rs 1,054-crore and Rs 987-crore, respectively, an Income Tax source told PTI here today.

In Q4 last fiscal (FY 10), Reliance Industries and Tata Steel had both paid Rs 770-crore and Rs 513-crore, respectively.

Two-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has paid Rs 250-crore in Q4 FY 11 as against Rs 175crore in the year-ago period while Anand Mahindra-led M&M has shelled out Rs 307crore as against Rs 226-crore in the year-ago period.

According to the source, Hindalco has paid Rs 160-crore in Q4 FY 11 as against Rs 110-

crore in the year-ago period while MRPL paid Rs 296-crore as against Rs 180-crore in Q4 last fiscal.

Engineering and construction major, L&T, has also paid more advance tax in Q4 FY 11 at Rs 300crore as against Rs 270-crore in the year-ago period.

Two biggies--FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and Tata group company, Tata Motors--have, however, paid less. While HUL paid Rs 150-crore this time as against Rs 170-crore in the year-ago period, Tata Motors has paid a meagre Rs 50-crore as advance tax in Q4 FY 11 as against Rs 115-crore in the same period last fiscal, the source said.

Meanwhile, leading multinational banking majors have paid more advance tax in Q4 FY 11 indicating a healthy financial performance from their side while its been a mixed bag from Indian banks, especially public sector ones.

Foreign funds traced in 2G scam: ED PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 15

Thirty one firms have come under the scrutiny of the Enforcement Directorate which told the Supreme Court today that multicrore foreign transactions relating to the 2G spectrum scam have been traced to at least six countries.

The agency placed its latest status report of its investigation in the scam in a sealed envelop before a bench comprising justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly in which it has mentioned that it is seeking the help of foreign authorities in tracking the source of money.

Senior Advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for ED, said that that Letters Rogatory have been sent to Singapore, Cyprus, Jersey and Virgin Islands in connection with the 2G spectrum scam. Similar communications were being sent to two more countries. He

The BSE Sensex plunged 272 points as stock markets dipped globally, triggered by panic selling in Japan following another explosion at its nuclear plant that was damaged last week by earthquake and tsunami.

Following global investors, spooked by fears that a nuclear radiation will worsen the situation in Japan and other Asian markets, operators booked profits across sectors on Indian bourses — realty, auto, metal, power, capital goods and IT. The BSE benchmark index Sensex resumed trade lower at 18,113.79 and moved in a wide range of 18,326.33 and 17,920.55 before settling the day at 18,167.64, down 271.84 points or 1.47 per cent.

The NSE 50-share Nifty also closed lower by 81.85 points or 1.48 per cent to 5,449.65.

Aban Offshor, 592, 605.5, 584.2, 597.6 Abb Ltd., 708.75, 748, 708.75, 745.8 Abg Shipyard, 348.6, 350.7, 339.1, 348.85 Acc Limited, 991, 1012, 990, 1009.95 Adani Enterp, 594.35, 606.65, 593.5, 603.85 Aditya Birla, 756.2, 783.3, 756.2, 779.45 Allahabad Ba, 197, 203.95, 197, 203.35 Alstom Proje, 535, 546.2, 535, 538.55 Ambuja Cemen, 125.25, 128.35, 125, 127.5 Andhra Bank, 132, 135.45, 132, 135 Ashok Leylan, 51.95, 53.95, 51, 53.65 Asian Paints, 2522, 2555, 2506.35, 2528.15 Axis Bank Li, 1266, 1296.9, 1266, 1290.35 Bajaj Hindus, 69.15, 70, 68.5, 69.8 Bank Of Baro, 883.1, 908.5, 883.1, 905.05 Bank Of Indi, 457.25, 464.9, 452.65, 464.05 Beml Limited, 667, 676, 663.1, 671.45 Bharat Elect, 1656.05, 1672.15, 1651.75, 1658.1 Bharat Forge, 311.95, 323, 311.95, 321.75 Bharat Petro, 551.5, 572.9, 551.2, 570.45 Bharti Airte, 320.1, 324, 319.3, 321.75 Bhel, 1977, 1994.6, 1945, 1975.75

The Court after going through the report says that prima facie there seems to be violation of law of the land.

"Networks are vast. Their connections are in many countries and prima facie there is a violation of law of land," the court said.

It asked the ED about how many people are involved in investigating the scam.

The ED said that there are four teams which are involved in cracking the case.

During the hour-long proceeding, the agency also sought the court's intervention to restrain the media from questioning its credentials in the case by making "baseless" allegations against it.

The agency referred to media reports in which it was said that its Chief A K Mathur was trying to scuttle the probe on the direction of the Finance Ministry.

Expressing satisfaction over

the probe done by the ED, the bench such reports "deserve to be ignored". "The matter is serious. Court would protect everyone. It is not proper to indulge in character assassination," the court said while adjourning the case for tomorrow for further arguments in the case.

The court was hearing a petition filed by an NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation on whose plea CBI probe was ordered by the apex court which is also monitoring the investigation in the 2G spectrum allocation scam which allegedly caused a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to public exchequer.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the NGO, said that the CBI and the ED should also probe into quid-pro-quo arrangement between the DMK and Tatas as the land was allotted to the political party after the company got dual license during the tenure of A

Raja.

Venugopal, however, opposed the contentions of Bhushan and said that he should not make oral remarks and referred to the last hearing when he had spoken about alleged links of union minister Sharad Pawar with the 2G scam.

"All the media reported on what he(Bhushan) said but when he filed his affidavit he did not substantiate his allegation. This should be stopped," he said.

In the last hearing on March 1, CBI had in its report named the CEOs and promoters of ten companies as among 63 persons who have come under the scanner for their alleged involvement in the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

The court had expressed satisfaction about the progress in the probe into the case and asked the agency to file status report on March 15.

ICICI Securities launches Research Suite PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 15

ICICI Securities today launched a Research Suite which is a

Japan fears spook investors

said that 31 companies have so far been summoned and statements of 26 companies have been recorded.

He said that some hawala operators were also involved in the scam and their premises were raided and they were questioned by the ED. Venugopal did not reveal the names of individuals and companies mentioned in the report.

He said day to day details of transactions in a bank account have been mentioned in the report as the account holder had failed to explain the source of Rs 2.5 crore lying with him. He has been asked to submit the documents.

ED in its report also mentioned that after granting licence, a person sold his equity in the company and he made huge monetary gains which has traced to Mauritius. It said that a person has paid Rs 100 crore for liasioning.

Bhushan Stee, 435, 439.9, 428.6, 435.1 Biocon Limit, 320, 320, 315.15, 318.6 Bombay Dyein, 353.05, 370, 351, 366.45 Bosch Limite, 6000, 6049.5, 5973, 6001.45 Brigade Ente, 96.2, 97.8, 94.5, 94.8 Cairn India, 337.8, 347, 336.7, 345.8 Canara Bank, 605.25, 624.65, 601.6, 621.3 Central Bank, 154, 156.25, 154, 155 Century Text, 311.5, 320.9, 311.5, 318.85 Cesc Ltd, 316, 317.4, 309.5, 311.1 Chambal Fert, 70.5, 71.8, 69.8, 71.45 Chennai Petr, 192, 198.05, 190.25, 195.8 Cipla Ltd, 295, 301.55, 291.3, 300.1 Colgate Palm, 849, 854, 841, 850.45 Container Co, 1130.6, 1187.95, 1111, 1177.2 Crompton Gre, 268, 269.8, 263.55, 266.6 Cummins Indi, 683, 692.7, 667.05, 671.35 Dabur India, 97.05, 97.9, 96.05, 97.05 Deccan Chron, 68.5, 70.7, 68.25, 69.85 Dish Tv Indi, 59.7, 62.45, 59.4, 62.15 Divi’s Labor, 624, 626.3, 615.1, 620.85 Dlf Limited, 225.9, 229, 224.05, 228.25 Dr. reddy’s, 1590, 1608.5, 1587, 1597.4

comprehensive research offering for Capital markets and private equity investments.

The Research Suite offers clients an easy and convenient access to its various research offerings, including the institutional research reports for large-caps, ICICI direct reports for comparison of mid-caps with select large-caps and a 'Watch Tower' for emerging sectors.

"The Research Suite will help to expand coverage of a sizable number of diverse companies at the aggregate and granular level as well as establish ICICI Securities' leadership position in understanding and appreciating the financial performance of Indian corporates", ICICI Securities' Managing Director and CEO, Madhabi Puri Buch, told reporters here.

The Research Suite's most important tool is the, i-Lens framework, a proprietary company modelling and valuation framework for analysing and valuing companies based on reformulated, consistent and economically relevant financial statements.

I-Lens framework offers two product lines, Default Intrinsic Value and Modeling framework.

"The i-Lens framework facilities analysis and valuation of unlisted companies to fulfill the increasing demand of investors in his space," she said.

Presently, Default Intrinsic valuation covers 600 listed and unlisted companies in sectors such as food and beverages, health care and auto ancillaries.

"We plan to add more sectors and increase coverage to 3,000 companies in sixmonths," she said.

Edelweiss Ca, 35.75, 36.5, 35.45, 36.05 Educomp Solu, 410, 425.9, 407, 421.5 Eih Limited, 77, 78.5, 76.3, 77.3 Engineers In, 297, 302, 290, 299.85 Essar Oil Lt, 118, 122.95, 116.65, 122.5 Essar Shippi, 85, 86.2, 84.15, 85.75 Exide Indust, 137, 138.35, 134.1, 135.6 Federal Bank, 364.9, 368.5, 363, 365 Financial Te, 775.15, 787.5, 771, 780.35 Gail (india), 442.9, 467.75, 442.9, 462.65 Gammon India, 111, 111.8, 109.45, 110.2 Glaxosmithkl, 2160.3, 2168, 2115, 2122.4 Glenmark Pha, 274.8, 274.8, 264, 269.55 Gmr Infrastr, 39, 39.65, 38.3, 39.05 Godrej Indus, 168, 173.3, 167.2, 172.2 Grasim Indus, 2350, 2389.7, 2349.9, 2380.45 Great Offsho, 233.6, 235.4, 206.55, 234.3 Gtl Infra.Lt, 36.5, 36.9, 36.15, 36.6 Gujarat Mine, 125, 126.9, 123.55, 125.7 Gujarat N R, 45.2, 47.2, 45.2, 47.05 Gujarat Stat, 98.1, 100.75, 96.5, 99.95 Gvk Pow. & I, 25.5, 25.5, 24.85, 25

Hcl Technolo, 451.2, 465.85, 450.3, 464.6 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2172, 2219, 2172, 2214.75 Hdfc Ltd, 659.85, 675.45, 656, 671.45 Hero Honda M, 1520.5, 1549.9, 1507, 1531.1 Hindalco in, 203.8, 209.95, 203.8, 209.1 Hindustan Co, 35.25, 35.5, 34.85, 35.15 Hindustan Ma, 60.05, 61.2, 59.25, 60.2 Hindustan Pe, 324.8, 337.45, 324.5, 335.4 Hindustan Un, 277.35, 279.2, 275.5, 278.1 Hindustan Zi, 128.3, 130.45, 126.5, 129.3 Housing Dev, 166, 167.3, 162.8, 166.1 Icici Bank L, 1006.9, 1021.6, 1005.95, 1019.1 Idea Cellula, 60.8, 61.5, 59.6, 60.95 Ifci Ltd, 52.7, 53.85, 52.45, 53.7 India Cement, 90.2, 93.25, 90.2, 92.5 India Infoli, 71.3, 72, 70.5, 71.8 Indiabulls F, 139.85, 141.9, 138, 140.35 Indiabulls R, 113, 114.7, 111.7, 114.1 Indian Bank, 217, 217.95, 213.15, 215.1 Indian Hotel, 79.9, 81.05, 79.35, 80.25 Indian Oil C, 308, 311, 307, 309.85

GST Amendment Bill gets Cabinet nod

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 15

The Union Cabinet today approved Constitution Amendment Bill to pave the way for implementation of Goods and Services Tax, a new indirect tax regime that will subsume various levies such as excise and service tax.

According to sources, the Cabinet has cleared the Bill but there are certain changes which the Law Ministry has been asked to do. Now, the government would push to table it in Parliament.

"It has been approved.

We will try to introduce it in Parliament," a minister said.

The Finance Ministr y h a s w o r ke d o n t h e f i n a l Indian Overs, 144, 144.3, 142.5, 143.25 Indus Dev Ba, 135, 136.75, 133.8, 136.15 Indusind Ban, 240.5, 245.85, 238.05, 245.1 Infosys Tech, 3035, 3108, 3030.65, 3100.8 Infra. dev., 144, 146.25, 143.25, 145.75 Ispat Indust, 22, 22.15, 21.75, 22 Itc Ltd, 171.75, 173.9, 170.5, 173.45 Ivrcl Infras, 73.5, 75, 72.95, 74.65 Jai Corp Lim, 163, 166.7, 156.6, 163.45 Jaiprakash A, 81.95, 84.75, 81.35, 84.2 Jet Airways, 448, 473.75, 445, 469.8 Jindal Saw L, 190.25, 193.4, 190.25, 192.5 Jindal Steel, 654.3, 668, 650.25, 664.15 Jsw Steel Li, 902.15, 930, 896.05, 928.05 Kotak Mahind, 418, 429.7, 415.35, 426.1 Lakshmi Mach, 2140, 2166, 2110, 2155.1 Lanco Infrat, 36.2, 37.2, 35.9, 37 Larsen & Tou, 1540, 1565, 1531.15, 1562.15 Lic Housing, 197, 198.8, 194.3, 197.65 Lupin Limite, 380.05, 396.5, 380.05, 395.3 Mahanagar Te, 44, 45.95, 43, 45.3 Mahindra & M, 655.25, 667.5, 652.75, 661.45

draft Amendment Bill, the fourth since the discussions on the new tax regime started.

Earlier, the first three drafts prepared by the Centre were rejected by the states citing autonomy issues.

The fourth draft, a hybrid of the second and third draft, has proposed that the GST council for taking decisions on all important matters will be formed through a presidential order. In addition, the composition of the GST Dispute Resolution Authority, proposed to be a part of the Constitution Amendment, will be decided by Parliament.

Furthermore, petroleum, natural gas, diesel and ATF have been kept out of the GST

Maruti Suzuk, 1242.25, 1266, 1218.05, 1257 Max India Lt, 144, 146.3, 142.5, 145.7 Moser­baer (, 40.7, 41.2, 40.15, 40.95 Mrpl, 61.6, 62.9, 61.4, 62.65 Nagarjuna Co, 97.05, 99.95, 97.05, 99.7 Nagarjuna Fe, 27, 27.35, 26.9, 27.2 National Alu, 465.4, 481.9, 456.75, 476.1 Neyveli Lign, 101, 102.5, 100.25, 101.9 Ntpc Ltd, 175.25, 178.7, 175, 177.95 Oil And Natu, 283.15, 286, 279.65, 280.7 Omaxe Limite, 132, 133.9, 130, 132.4 Oriental Ban, 356.5, 363.4, 350, 361.85 Pantaloon Re, 263, 270.45, 262, 263.4 Parsvnath De, 30.25, 31.2, 30.2, 30.75 Petronet Lng, 117.5, 119.6, 117, 117.3 Power Fin Co, 245, 245, 238.55, 240.55 Power Grid C, 97.65, 99.1, 97.65, 98.8 Praj Industr, 68.1, 69.45, 67.6, 69 Punj Lloyd L, 61.8, 63.75, 61.6, 63.35 Punjab Natio, 1074, 1088.85, 1071.5, 1081 Rajesh Expor, 121.4, 123.05, 120.05, 121.45 Ranbaxy Labs, 458.35, 471.25, 458, 469.2 Rashtriya Ch, 79.2, 80.3, 78.3, 79

ambit in the final draft.

Last year, a draft Constitution Bill proposed by the Centre to the states had suggested a council chaired by the Union Finance Minister, with states as members, to make changes in GST. The states, especially NDAruled ones, had raised objections to the proposal, saying it would give veto power to the Union Finance Minister over state taxation issues.

The Centre subsequently provided another draft to states, suggesting that changes in GST could be made only if there was a consensus on those issues in the council.

However, some state finance ministers did not agree to even this suggestion.

Reliance Cap, 514, 566.3, 514, 561.95 Reliance Com, 96, 101.95, 95.55, 100.45 Reliance Ene, 1045, 1069.99, 1045, 1069.27 Reliance Ind, 634.5, 647.1, 630, 640.35 Reliance Ind, 992.95, 1020.75, 992.25, 1018.35 Reliance Pow, 122.2, 127.7, 122.2, 127.3 Rolta India, 138.6, 138.6, 138.6, 138.6 Satyam Compu, 66.5, 67.65, 66.15, 66.95 Sesa Goa Ltd, 268.3, 272.75, 267.55, 271.85 Shipping Cor, 107, 110.2, 106.1, 109.25 Siemens Ltd, 857.3, 860, 856.9, 857.95 Sintex Indus, 148, 149.9, 146.5, 149.2 Sobha Develo, 268.5, 268.5, 260.5, 262 State Bank O, 2572.5, 2609, 2565.8, 2602.05 Steel Author, 155.25, 160.45, 155, 159.8 Sterlite Ind, 160.1, 163.25, 159.5, 163 Sun Pharmace, 417, 428, 416.1, 425.55 Sun Tv Netwo, 400.05, 439.9, 400.05, 430.7 Suzlon Energ, 47.3, 48.15, 44.75, 46.45 Tata Communi, 208.15, 213.7, 208.15, 212.5 Tata Consult, 1071, 1102, 1058.4, 1097.55 Tata Motors, 1155, 1179.7, 1140.2, 1175.8

Tata Power C, 1203.8, 1255, 1192.25, 1250.65 Tata Steel L, 582.1, 602.8, 582.1, 601.1 Tata Teleser, 15.25, 15.25, 15, 15.15 Tech Mahindr, 721.8, 741.9, 721.8, 738.2 The Ge Shpg., 266.05, 267.45, 262.6, 265.4 The Phoenix, 169, 171.85, 167, 171.1 Thermax Ltd, 608.25, 610, 592.2, 600.1 Titan Indust, 2800, 3506.45, 2800, 3494.85 Torrent Powe, 228.15, 232.5, 228.15, 231.35 Triveni Engg, 98.95, 99.2, 96.8, 98.45 Tv18 India L, 73.35, 75.2, 71.55, 74.75 Uco Bank, 97.05, 99.55, 97.05, 99.05 Ultratech Ce, 1008.95, 1037.5, 1003.05, 1030.4 Union Bank O, 323.5, 338, 323.5, 337.25 Unitech Ltd, 37.1, 38.35, 37, 38.15 United Phosp, 132.5, 133.85, 131.8, 132.95 Videocon Ind, 185.3, 187.8, 183.55, 185.6 Vijaya Bank, 72.5, 73.95, 72.05, 73.7 Voltas Ltd, 150, 157.95, 147, 156.9 Wipro Ltd, 445, 457.8, 445, 456.25 Yes Bank Lim, 265, 272.2, 263.25, 271.25 Zee Entertai, 119, 122.5, 118.25, 120.1

OHERALDO

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BIZ

Pg13

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011

Decision on investment by foreign airlines soon: Zaidi PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 15

The Civil Aviation Ministry is considering a suggestion from the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) to allow investments by foreign airlines in the Indian aviation sector.

"We have received a proposal from DIPP on the inflow of investments by foreign airlines in Indian carriers. It is under consideration and a decision in this regard would be taken soon," Civil Aviation Secretary S N A Zaidi said at the "India Aviation Meet" organised by CII here today.

At present, no foreign carrier is allowed to pick up stake in their Indian counterparts, as is the case in several countries including the US. Speaking on the concerns raised by the aviation sector on the budget proposal to hike service tax on air travel, Zaidi said his Ministry would take up the issue with the Finance Ministry.

He said Indian airlines have

nThe Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), an umbrella body of Indian carriers, has demanded that ATF be brought under the ambit of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) so that a uniform tax rate of four per cent is imposed on it across the country. also approached the ministry on the issue of high taxes on aviation turbine fuel (ATF).

The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), an umbrella body of Indian carriers, has demanded that ATF be brought under the ambit of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) so that a uniform tax rate of four per cent is imposed on it across the country.

Stressing the need for strong policy framework to make aviation sector safer, Zaidi said, "It is high time that an overall reg-

IT seeks details of MoUs at Vibrant Gujarat Summit PTI GANDHINAGAR, MARCH 15

ulatory framework be further strengthened, as the passenger traffic is expected to cross 180 million by 2015 and 300 million by 2020."

He said the process of gradually transforming the Directorate General of Civil Aviation into a full fledged Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) with adequate administrative and financial powers had been launched, he added.

Elaborating on the overall contribution of the civil aviation to the GDP, he said the Ministry would also launch a satellite accounting system to assess the actual contribution of the sector to the country's economy.

He stressed that public private partnership model in development of aviation infrastructure has been a success and 35 airports were being developed by Airports Authority of India in non-metro airports. Zaidi also said that there was need to increase the connectivity to Tier-II and III cities in the country.

Airlines begin to hike fares over high fuel cost PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 15

With crude oil price crossing USD 100 per barrel mark, the airlines have begun to pass some of the cost on to the consumer to meet the increased air turbine fuel (ATF) expenses, and asked the government to take steps to reduce the cost of aviation fuel.

Low cost carrier, SpiceJet has raised the fares by a couple of hundred rupees and is reviewing it on a daily basis while Kingfisher has also sufficiently hiked the fuel surcharge.

Terming the present crude prices as `unsustainable’ for airlines' survival, SpiceJet CEO Neil Raymond Mills said, "We have already started passing it (burden of high crude prices) on to the customer. We have started with an increase of a couple of 100s of Rs per ticket but to be very honest this is only the beginning... It is getting really uncomfortable..."

Mills said some of the cost will have to be passed on to the consumer and some of it will have to be borne on our own, we'll have to manage it on a day-to-day basis.

"Pricing (of tickets) is dynamic. Its changing everyday, it is not absolute or same across the board. At current levels of crude, airfares must

be hiked by Rs 600-700 to break even," he told reporters on sidelines of "India Aviation Meet" on 'Creating an Economically Viable, Sustainable and Inclusive Aviation Sector' by CII. Kingfisher airlines has also sufficiently raised fuel surcharge to offset some of burden increased ATF prices.

"Kingfisher Airlines has sufficiently raised fuel surcharge to meet rising crude expenses," Chairman Vijay Mallya said.

Full service carrier, Jet Airways has also "adjusted" fuel surcharge to absorb the impact of rising ATF prices. "We have not raised the fares but we have adjusted the fuel surcharge. We are forced to pass it on to the passengers as increasing fuel prices have squeezed our margins," said Sudheer Raghavan, Chief Commercial Officer of Jet Airways.

All the airlines have asked the government to reduce the sales tax on ATF, which at times are as high as 30 per cent.

The government should include ATF into new Goods and Service Tax (GST) or should be make it a "declared good" under the present central sales tax regime, which will allow a uniform four per cent sales tax on ATF across the country, they demanded.

Taparia Tools seize duplicate products HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 15

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra during the launch of the new range of Nikon Coolpix cameras in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Taparia Tools Ltd recently conducted a raid on unscrupulous dealers who were involved in duplication of some of Taparia Tools Products, under “Taparia” Brand name.

A raid was conducted in Kolkata and products worth lakhs of rupees were seized from the accused. The police also arrested and jailed the accused and legal actions have being initiated against him.

Taparia Tools Ltd, the release says, takes very stringent actions against those who try to duplicate Taparia products.

The users of Taparia Tools are self employed & skilled users like carpenters, electricians and also many industrial operators – big and small who firmly believe in Taparia Tools as it lasts a life time, which enables them to earn their livelihood as well as their self respect in the Society.

Meanwhile, Taparia Tools launched Spirit Level and tools trolly recently.

ministry to go ahead with barcoding of medicines PTI HYDERABAD, MARCH 15

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will go ahead with the proposed 2D barcoding and a unique 'randomly generated numeric code' on medicine packaging meant for exports, a senior official said.

According to PV Appaji, executive director of Pharmexcil, (Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council) under the ministry has set March 31 as the date for receiving objections and suggestions from the pharma industry which is opposing the move.

"The government will go ahead with implementation of the bar coding. However, the ministry has asked the industry to come out with their problems before March 31. Bar coding is fixed and the government

will implement it as per the schedule," Appaji told PTI. The commerce ministry had recently mandated all medicines manufactured and exported out of the country to have a barcode from July 1.

Rajeev Kher, additional sec-

retary, Department of Commerce held a meeting on March 10 with the representatives of pharmaceutical companies Torrent, Lupin and Fortis India, along with the officials of the Pharmexcil, sources said.

The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has made it mandatory for drug makers to print a barcode on every product exported out of the country in the wake of overseas allega-

tions that some local firms ship out counterfeit medicines.

Export of pharmaceuticals from India stood at Rs 40,000 crore in the last fiscal and is expected to witness a growth of 20 per cent this year.

The industry is opposing the move saying that it would incur an additional cost for barcoding procedure. Any value edition to the product would affect pricing, said an official of the city-based Natco Pharma.

"As it is we have been facing serious competition from China on all fronts. Barcoding needs additional investment on manpower as well as machinery and thus put pressure on pricing", M. Adinarayana, Company Secretary and General Manager of Natco Pharma said.

A model walks the ramp to showcase the creation of designer Priya Kataaria Puri during 'Lakme Fashion Week' in Mumbai.

The Income Tax department has slapped a notice on Gujarat government seeking details on the nearly 8,000 MoUs it signed with several investors at this year's high profile 'Vibrant Gujarat Summit' to bring in an anticipated Rs 21 lakh crore investment.

Minister of State for Industries Saurabh Patel while revealing the IT decision in the state Assembly today blamed Congress for this and asked why Gujarat--which is ruled by BJP--is being targeted by the Centre as a "special case". The Global investors summit was touted by the state government as a big success for Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

"We have received a letter from the Income Tax department seeking information about all the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed during the VGS 2011," Patel told the house.

Details of VGS held in 2009 too have been sought, he said.

Patel alleged that this was proof that Opposition Congress was creating hurdles in Gujarat's progress.

I-T department's letter states that an inquiry in connection with the VGS 2011 is pending, and "the details of the MoUs signed by various corporate en-

nMinister of State for Industries Saurabh Patel while revealing the IT decision in the state Assembly today blamed Congress for this and asked why Gujarat--which is ruled by BJP--is being targeted by the Centre as a "special case". The Global investors summit was touted by the state government as a big success for Chief Minister Narendra Modi. tities with the Government of Gujarat needs to be examined".

The letter, dated February 17, signed by Deputy Director (investigations) Anurag Sharma, further says theinquiry is being conducted under section 131 (1A) of the Income Tax Act. "It is unfortunate that because of the attitude of Leader of the Opposition (Shaktisinh Gohil) and his constant complaints to the Centre, the I-T department has sent us a letter," Patel told reporters after coming out of the Assembly.

"I want to ask the Central government, has it sent such letters with regard to the investment proposals in all the states, or has Gujarat been taken as a special case," Patel said.

When asked if the state had replied to the I-T letter, Patel said, "We will get into action now." "The country and the world... all have appreciated the success of VGS 2011. It is

unfortunate that I-T department of the country has initiated an inquiry and asked the state to furnish details of MoUs and investors where investment above Rs 1000 crore was pledged," he said.

"This is injustice to the state and the people of Gujarat," the minister added.

As many as 7,936 MoUs, drawing investment to the tune of Rs 20.83 lakh crore, were signed by the state government at the VGS 2011, held on January 12-13.

Corporates made investments in all key sectors but power, manufacturing, urban development and infrastructure remained key focus areas.

Leading among those which announced mega investments in the state were Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group and Ahmedabad-based Adani Group.

Essar Group, Larsen and Toubro and Mahindra & Mahindra were among others who made mega investments.

Nirma terms MOEF directions ‘illegal’

PTI AHMEDABAD, MARCH 15

In response to a direction by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF) to halt work on its cement plant at Bhavnagar district in Gujarat, Nirma Ltd has said that the orders had no binding on the company and termed it as completely "illegal".

The Ministry had on March 12 ordered "permanent suspension of work" at the 1.91 million tonne per annum capacity cement plant, along with its captive power and coke oven plant near Padhiarka village in Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar district.

It had also directed the company to respond as to "why the environmental clearance accorded to the project should not be revoked and stoppage

of the work not be made permanent."

On the same day, the company wrote a letter to the Environment Ministry in which it said that the direction under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act 1986, to stop implementation including construction work of the project, was "completely without jurisdiction or authority of law including in violation of the principle of natural justice."

"And the same time it cannot bind us at this stage," the letter signed by Vice President Nirma Ltd V N Desai said.

Terming the direction by Ministry as 'illegal' and 'unjust', the company said it was in process of filing a detailed reply and preparing for a personal hearing.

nThe Ministry had on March 12 ordered "permanent suspension of work" at the 1.91 million tonne per annum capacity cement plant, along with its captive power and coke oven plant near Padhiarka village in Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar district.

Nirma Ltd, in its letter has requested the Ministry to withdraw its directions, failing which it would be constrained to approach the Supreme Court in an 'appropriate manner'.

In the reply, the company

India Inc increasingly adopting flexible working hours, says report PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 15

India Inc is now increasingly taking to flexible working hours at the office as it finds that it helps in containing costs and pushing up employee productivity, a survey said.

Four-fifths of companies in India are now offering their staff flexible working and a majority of these companies are finding that it is bringing them major benefits such as reduced

IndiaFirst to sell products online PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 15

The country's youngest insurer IndiaFirst Life today said it hopes to sell all its products online soon.

Launching its online platform called LifeStore here as part of its first anniversary, IndiaFirst managing director and chief executive P Nandagopal said this online facility simplifies insurance jargon and encourages customers to make their own decisions besides help avoid misselling by greedy agents.

IndiaFirst, promoted by public sector lenders Bank of Baroda and Andhra Bank and the British risk, wealth and investment firm Legal & General with 44, 30 and 26 percent equity holding respectively, was launched last March and has so far sold over two lakh policies since then.

"The core objective of LifeStore is to simplify insurance and encourage customers to make their insurance investment decisions on their own, anytime and anywhere. This is one of priority areas now and we would be looking at expanding this onto mobile platform and interactive kiosks as well," Nandagopal said.

overheads, a research report from Regus said.

Regus is the world's leading provider of workplace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully-equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the world's largest network of video communication studios.

59 per cent of firms in India believe that flexible working costs less than

fixed office working, the report said.

Over eight out of 10 businesses offering flexible working report that their staff has a significantly better work-life balance, improving satisfaction and motivation while almost four in ten believe that it improves staff productivity.

Three in ten say that it helps them scale rapidly to cope with rapid growth, the report said.

also drew attention of the Ministry to an affidavit filed by the Government of India, through it, in the Gujarat High Court which had given go ahead for the project in September last year.

"The judgement (of Gujarat High Court) and the stand of the government of India shows that the environmental clearance was validly granted to us," the Company said.

The company further claimed that the direction was an attempt to 'overreach' order of Apex Court where the matter was pending following challenge by the farmers of Mahuva taluka against the Gujarat High Court order allowing Nirma to go ahead with construction of cement plant.

Farmers from over 12 villages of Mahuva are agitat-

ing against the cement plant since last couple of years alleging that the plant was being built on a natural water body and would destroy their agriculture and animal husbandry, besides causing irreparable damage to the environment.

BJP MLA from Mahuva Kanu Kalsaria has been leading the agitation against the cement plant which has been supported recently by Bharitya Kisan Sangh.

The farmers had filed public interest litigation (PIL) in the Gujarat High Court last year opposing Nirma Ltd's cement plant in Mahuva which was rejected.

Following this, the farmers have now approached the Supreme Court challenging the HC order.

Pg 14

SPORTS

GOA, Wednesday, 16 March 2011

Al Ansar down Dempo Dempo...0

Al Ansar...2

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

Dempo suffered their first defeat in AFC Cup going down to Al Ansar (Lebanon) 0-2 at Sports City Stadium Beirut on Tuesday night. They were trailing 0-1 at the break.

Edson Luis Nascimento put Al Ansar into the lead in the 32nd minute and Ali Nassereddine rounded off the tally in the 63rd. Al Ansar and Dempo

Calangute win HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MARCH 15

Calangute Association scored a hard fought 2-1 victory over Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim in GFA’s First Division League at Poriat ground, Calangute on Tuesday.

Dominating the proceedings, Calangute shot into the lead in the 14th minute through Shadab Sheikh. Sadab doubled the score for Calangute in the 20th minute. Cavelossim finally managed to pull one back through Lavino Fernandes.

have three points after two matches.

D e m p o : S u b h a s i s h Ro y Chowdhury, Carvalho Peter, Lawrence Climax, Soleye Ranti Martins, Roberto Mendes Silva, Ogba Kalu Nnanna (Abranches Joaquim Santan), Miranda Clifford Rayes (Rodrigues Joe), Rebello Valeriano Joseph, Noronha Domnic, Samieinia Rouhollah, Gawli Mahesh.

Al Tilal (Yemen) lost to Nasaf (Uzb) at Al Tilal Stadium,

Aden 2-3 in another Group A match.

With two victories, Nasaf have collected 6 points to head the group.

Dempo will take on Nasaf on April 12 in Pune with the return match being on April 27.

Nasaf ’s Artur Gevkoryan's late goal saw the Uzbeks edge out Al Tilal 3-2 in a contest of fluctuating fortunes.

Having brushed aside Lebanese side Al Ansar at home

two weeks ago, Nasaf were looking to carry that form into the clash with an Al Tilal side that had gone down 2-1 to Dempo.

The Uzbeks went in front after just 13 minutes when Lutfulla Turaev found the back of the net.

Al Tilal fought back to take the lead in the second period.

First, Lami Geleta pulled the Yemen outfit level in the 50th minute and 12 minutes later,

Ruffin Motshumba gave them the lead for the first time and the real hope of collecting their first three points. It was not to be, however.

Three minutes later, Maksud Karimov got Nasaf back on terms when he beat keeper Amir Haidarah to claim their second goal before Gevkoryan's late intervention handed the Uzbek's all three points and maintained their perfect record in this season's competition.

CM, SM, DSYA, SAG, GOA back 15 merit marks award l RMS HSS principal flayed for defiant attitude HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15

The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), the Goa Olympic Association (GOA) and State level associations fully backed the Sports Policy’s Merit Marks Scheme of allotting 15 marks to those students who participate at State level in recognized events conducted officially by State Level Associations as ratified by SAG. “We condemn the attitude of the principal of RMS HSS, Margao in not agreeing to allot 15 marks to 27 of their students who had participated in the St ate age-group tug-of-war tournament which was recognized by SAG. The certificates have been authenticated by SAG, which is the apex body controlling sports organised by recognized State level associations,” stated Dr Susana de Sousa, DSYA director, V M Prabhudesai, SAG’s ED, Gurudatta Bhakta, GOA secretary, Anil Madganvkar, GOA

treasurer and president, Goa Yachting Association, Vero Nunes, president of Goa Table Tennis Association, Lenny D’Gama of Goa Boxing Association, Sadanand Sawal Dessai of Goa Kabaddi Association, Chetan Kawlekar and Gaurish Dhond of Goa Archery Association, Nana Thakur of Goa Badminton Association, Sashikant Sardessai of Goa Tug-of-War Association, Shripad of Goa Athletic Association.

“Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar, the entire Cabinet and Government have concurred with the provision of giving 15 marks at State level and there is no going back on that, as the Sports Policy has been interpreted in true letter and spirit,” disclosed Prabhudesai.

“The RMS HSS principal is only showing disrespect and dishonouring the verdict of SAG in an unwarranted and uncalled for show of defiance,” the speakers said at the press briefing at

Hotel Mandovi here. “He cannot discard the directives given by the Government as well as the Board, much more so when tugof-war is recognised by the Government of India, Indian Olympic Association, International Federation of Tug-of-War, Indian Railways Board, Asian Tug-of-War Federation, South Asian Federation of Tug-of-War, SAG, GOA, Registrar of Cooperative Societies,” they stressed and pointed out that tug-of war was being played in 16 Asian countries.

It was a big show of solidarity with SAG on the question of allotment of 15 marks with those present flaying the stand taken

by RMS HSS since they pointed out that the principal had misrepresented the facts of the case and tried to belittle the students alongwith the game.

Dr Susana said that it was wrong to state that the DSYA was involved in just 22 disciplines, when actually it was 32.

The SAG itself promotes 42 dif-

ferent games with the National rural tug-of-war being held in Goa in 2006. There is lot of misinformation campaign launched by the principal, the speakers remarked adding that it was correct to allot the 27 students 15 marks as per the Sports Policy.

The officials also brought to light the fact there were several schools and institutions which have participated in various events conducted by State level associations and that the students were given the benefit of 15 marks and that the principals, except the RMS, had not raised any problem and had all concurred with the SAG’s decision. “ T h e S p o r t s Po l i c y w a s adopted after proper discussions, debates and deliberations for nearly 10 years. As it is being implemented, we will assess it and certainly there will be need for amendments in the future since sports is dynamic and ever-changing and change is the only constant, but certainly not for now,” was the overall consensus.

Penha beat Peddem HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, MARCH 15

In an action packed encounter, Penha de Franca Sports Club overcame Peddem Bomm Sports Club 3-1 in GFA’s Second Division League at Duler Stadium here on Tuesday. Penha led 2-1 at the interval.

Minguel Fernandes put Penha on their way to victory in the 35th, but was sent off in the 90th. Russel Fernandes netted his third goal in two games and Francisco Fernandes got the third for Penha. Parsuram Kaddinawar netted Bomm’s only goal.

In the 35th minute, Penha defender Maulali Naik played a through ball for Minguel and with his first touch he rounded off the Bomm custodian to give Penha the lead.

Within two minutes, Russel Fernandes chipped over the onrushing Bomm custodian.

Parsuram Kaddinawar tapped in af ter the Penha keeper flapped at the ball from a Vinayak Mulgaonkar free kick.

The winner was slick. Francis Fernandes sprinted onto a pass and finished with a low shot to cap off a memorable win for Penha in the 60th.

Deep into injur y time, Minguel Fernandes saw red after receiving his second yellow for an unnecessary reckless tackle.

Wilred Leisure All-India volleyball: ONGC, Dheradun v.

IOB, Chennai; BPCL, Kochi v.

KSEB, Karnataka, St Alex church court, Curtorim court, 8 p.m.

Novino Gold Cup soccer : Sangolda Lightning v. Wilfred Leisure Sports Club, Dr. Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim, 4.30 p.m.

IOB Chennai players blocking a smash from DLW (Banaras) UP at the inaugural match of 3rd All-India volleyball tournament organised by Wilred Leisure Sports Club Curtorim at St Alex court, Curtorim on Tuesday. IOB won 27-25, 25-22, 25-22. Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar inaugurated the tourney in the presence of Reginaldo Loutrenco, MLA and Fr Livio D’Mello.

Candolim oust Nerul SC HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MARCH 15

Candolim Sports Club got the better of Nerul Sports Club by a solitary goal to move into the quarter-finals of Novino Gold Cup inter-village football tournament at Dr Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim on Tuesday.

In a match that did not rise to great heights, Candolim relatively enjoyed the upper hand coming close to scoring a couple of times.

In the 15th minute, a curling free kick by Kliebber was brilliantly saved by Nerul’s keeper Prasad Dabholkar.

Nerul counter-attacked but

a Mukund Agar wadekar header missed the mark narrowly.

In the 18th minute, a good tr y by Kliebber was fisted away by the Nerul keeper for safety.

Changing over, Kliebber gave his team the lead in the 40th minute off a solo effort.

Candolim could have doubled the lead in the 50th minute but a Samir Naik shot hit the crossbar and went out.

Down by a goal, Nerul almost restored parity in the dying minutes but Candolim keeper Bharat Morje fisted away a good try by Felix Barretto to safety.

GOA DIARY T20 cricket at Taleigao

PANJIM (HSD) – The Goa University will organise their 2nd All-Goa T20 cricket championship for vice-chancellor trophy at University ground, Taleigao plateau from March 22 to 31.

The winners will take home Rs10, 000 while the runners-up will have to be content with Rs 6,000 and trophies. The last date to submit entries is March 18. Only 16 teams on first- come-firstserve basis will be considered.

Salgaocar soccer

PANJIM (HSD) – The Saligao Sporting Club will organise their 20th edition of late V M Salgaocar trophy at Saligao Sporting ground in the first week of April. The winners will pocket Rs

Verna face Betalbatim

st rock super soccer HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 15

Verna Sports Club will lock horns with Betalbatim Sports Club in the finals of 22nd St Rock super soccer in memory of Nazario Dias organised by St Rock Youth Club at Majorda ground on March 19.

In the first semi-finals, Verna SC trounced Margao Sports Club 4-0. Verna were leading 2-0 at the lemon break.

John and Rego netted in the 12th and 19th minutes respectively.

Changing ends, Menino Pereira scored in the 57th while Moniz rounded off the tally just before the final hooter.

25,000 while the runners-up will take home Rs 20,000. Details may be obtained from Tony Remedios on 9822981702.

Elvino soccer at Fatorda

PANJIM (HSD) -- Salcete Football Club will organise their annual NIKE sponsored 7th Elvino Lawrence memorial football festival for U-12 boys and girls at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao on April 5 and 6. The festival is open to all schools, clubs and institutions. Players born on or after 1/1/1999 are eligible. Only 32 boys and 8 girls teams will be accepted on first-come-firstserve basis. The last date to submit entries is March 31.

Details may be obtained from the secretary, c/o AIFF Training Centre, behind Canara Bank, Fatorda or on 2742603 or 9822630887.

www.oheraldo.in

Pg15

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011

Learn from Sachin: Akram to Pak team

Don't want to over-experiment: Ponting

AGENCIES KARACHI, MARCH 15

PTI BANGALORE, MARCH 15

Former captain Wasim Akram has called on the Pakistani openers to seek inspiration and learn from the exploits of Indian senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

Wasim, who is in Sri Lanka commentating on the World Cup matches, also expressed his frustration over Pakistan's performance against Zimbabwe yesterday.

The former fast bowler called on openers, Muhammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shahzad to learn the art of batting and building an innings from Tendulkar.

The two openers have failed to provide a single decent start to the Pakistan team in five matches of the World Cup and Wasim felt both needed to rethink their approach to batting.

"They should learn from Tendulkar, look at him he is 38 plus and yet he is still going strong.

He just plays normal cricket in the first ten overs and does not gift his wicket," Akram said.

"Tendulkar is a role model for many others and the Pakistani openers should learn from him how to build an innings and how to tackle dicey conditions. Look at Shahzad he is immensely talented but the moment the ball does a little movement he either starts shuffling across the line or moving in his crease and is gifting his wicket. Hafeez is also getting out constantly shuffling across," he explained.

Despite being assured of a quarterfinal berth, Australia skipper Ricky Ponting is in no mood to over-experiment when his side will take on Canda in a group A match of World Cup, here tomorrow.

"Depends upon how the game's going," Ponting said when asked if he would like to experiment with his spinners.

"I think the guys got the chance to perform different roles the other night. Looking back at the game, I think it's really important for us to put in place the process what we think is going to be best for us to play and win big games.

He also ruled out a surprise tomorrow.

"I would not like to think so.

We have an experienced team are skilful enough to win it convincingly,� he said.

"I think we have to give the guys the exposure, every op-

Australian captain Ricky Ponting (right) holds a discussion with vice-captain Michael Clarke (left) and selector Andrew Hilditch (centre) during training at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Tuesday.

Kings XI Punjab names final squad AGENCIES MUMBAI, MARCH 15

Kings XI Punjab named a 23member final squad for the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, from April 8 to May 28.

The team will be captained by former Australia ace Adam Gilchrist, who led Deccan Chargers to the title in IPL-II in South Africa.

Michael Bevan, another Australia, is team's coach. He brings with him valuable years of experience and expertise and is responsible for training and guiding the players through the season.

Kings XI squad: Overseas players: Adam Gilchrist (captain), Shaun Marsh, David Hussey, Ryan Harris, Nathan Rimmington (all Australia), Dmitri Mascarenhas, Stuart Broad (both England).

Indian international players: Dinesh Karthik, Praveen Kumar, Piyush Chawla, Abhishek Nayar.

Domestic players: Paras Dogra, Sunny Singh, Nitin Saini, Bipul Sharma, Love Ablish, Vikaramjeet Malik, Siddarth Chitnis, Paul Valthaty, Shalabh Srivastava, Bhargav Bhatt, Mandeep Singh, Amit Yadav.

Terry set to regain England armband AFP LONDON, MARCH 15

England manager Fabio Capello is set to restore John Terry as captain for this month's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales amid doubts over Rio Ferdinand's fitness.

Capello has confirmed he will meet Ferdinand at Old Trafford later Tuesday to discuss his plans for the captaincy ahead of England's crucial match against Wales in Cardiff on March 26.

British press reported at the weekend that Capello had taken the decision to replace Ferdinand with Terry, with some reports indicating that the Chelsea star may even regain the armband on a permanent basis.

Terry was stripped of the captaincy last year after lurid tabloid revelations about his relationship with the ex-girlfriend of England squad member Wayne Bridge.

portunity in different situations prepare the best way we can. in a game. That's what we did We had plenty of time to do the other night but from now that in the last couple of weeks. on we can't afford experiment- We have got Canada coming up ing too much. We will be playing tomorrow, then a big game that brand of cricket which will against Pakistan, before the hold up in big quarter finals games," he said. and semi-finals.

TODAY’S Ponting felt To tell you the MATCH the key to Austruth, we have tralia's succes in never looked Australia v. the last three that far ahead."

Canada World Cups was Asked about that they have the conditions 2.30 p.m. been able to h a l f w a y build their way through the tour- t h ro u g h t h e t o u r n a me n t , nament, and play their best cricket Ponting said it has been a "conaround the time when the semi- trast" in the three host counfinals and finals took place. tries.

"We want to win every game.

"The conditions have been We would like to continue im- fairly contrasting in the counproving upon each performance, tries we have played so far. We as we go through the tourna- started here on a couple of difment. And by the time, the semi- ficult wickets in the practice finals and final generally come games. up, we would be playing our "There is no doubt that in the best cricket." game we played in Colombo, "First of all, we just try and the wicket was going to be dif-

Somdev to clash with Nadal

atp masters

PTI INDIAN WELLS (USA), MARCH 15

Indian tennis sensation Somdev Devvarman set up a dream match against world number one Rafael Nadal after his stunning three-set win over Xavier Malisse in the BNP Paribas ATP Masters here.

Somdev shocked Belgium's Malisse 6-1 3-6 7-6(5) in his third round match in the USD 3,64,500 hard court tournament.

It will be Somdev's second big match of his life after playing against multiple Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in Dubai last month.

Nadal beat American qualifier Ryan Sweeting 6-3 6-1 to move

to the pre-quarterfinals and then delayed his post match interview to watch the final set tiebreaker of the Somdev-Mailsse match.

Somdev broke Malisee' serve twice and dropped his own once apart from saving a breakpoint en route to the win.

World number four Robin Soderling became another seeded casualty as he suffered a rare loss this season with his fourth defeat in five career meetings against Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6 (10/8), 6-4.

In other men's matches, Spain's Tommy Robredo crushed young American Donald Young 6-0, 6-4, hard-ser ving Ivo Karlovic hammered 11 aces in his 6-3, 6-3 win over Gilles

Simon of France and Sam Querrey surprised Spanish ninth seed Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 6-4 in the night match.

On the women's side, top s e e d C a ro l i n e Wo z n i a c k i stepped up her bid to win her first Indian Wells title by snapping a spell of bad luck against Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez.

The 20-year-old Wozniacki, who lost to Martinez Sanchez in their three previous matches, swept past the Spaniard in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 in the California desert.

Wozniacki, Danish-born of Polish parentage, moves on to the fourth round where she will face Russian Alisa Kleybanova who beat 13th seed Flavia Pennetta of Italy 6-3, 6-4.

Martinez Sanchez' prior dominance of Wozniacki dated back to the final of the 2009 Bastad clay court tournament where the Spaniard won 7-5, 6-4.

Russian 16th seed Maria Sharapova wasted little time booking her berth in the fourth round by routing France's Aravane Rezai 6-2, 6-2 on centre court.

After a slow start in which she lost the first two games, Sharapova hit her stride in the third game and won six straight to take the first set.

In other women's matches, Belarus eighth seed Victoria Azarenka beat Ursula Radwanska of Poland 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 and China's Peng Shuai defeated qualifier Lucie Hradecka 6-3, 46, 7-5.

ficult for the team batting second. The other games we have had, the conditions have been quite fair," Ponting added.

"This is the venue (Chinnaswamy Stadium) where there has been high-scoring games.

So the wicket has held up the best here if you look around the three countries so far," Ponting assessed.

As far as his general assessment goes, Ponting feels that they have encountered standard sub-continent wickets so far.

"I would say that we have played on pretty standard subcontinental wickets and conditions so far. On some wickets, the dew has made it easy for the team batting second. Otherwise it tends to become s l o w e r a s t h e g a m e p ro gresses."

The tournament is yet to see the best of Ponting, but the batsman is eager to get back to his scoring ways.

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Proteas book QF berth

Zaheer remains India’s pace enforcer AFP NEW DELHI, MARCH 15

With 12 wickets so far, Zaheer Khan is the leading fast bowler at the World Cup and India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's goto man when the going gets tough for the hosts.

At the World Cup, where there have been constant question marks over the staying power of India's attack, Dhoni has turned to the burly leftarmer whose mastery of the ball is matched by the ferocity of his character.

The 32-year-old, however, prefers to keep a low profile.

"I'm enjoying the space I am in," he said.

"There's a lot more responsibility and I have no issues going to sleep with this pressure. I'm ready for the next day. I have to lead by example, which I find challenging."

The bowler's calm disposition was on show during the tied game against England in Bangalore.

Zaheer was taken for 40 runs in his first five overs by rampaging England batsmen but he did not lose heart.

Bowling in his second spell, an inspired Zaheer cleaned up Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell off successive deliveries to bring India back into the game.

His 12 wickets from five games put him ahead of fast bowling rivals Dale Steyn of South Africa, who has 10, and fiery Australian Shaun Tait on eight.

Zaheer's control, nagging line and length and ability to reverse swing the old ball have often led to comparisons with legendary Pakistan left-armer Wasim Akram.

Zaheer may not be as skilled as Akram but he has definitely carried India's pace attack, grabbing 264 wickets from 187 oneday internationals at an average of just over 29.

That Zaheer is indispensable was evident in the three-wicket defeat against South Africa.

The Baroda seamer gave away just four runs in what turned out to be penultimate over of the match before Zaheer's pace partner Ashish Nehra conceded 16 to let the game slip from India's hands.

Dhoni summed up Zaheer’s effectiveness "It's not that whenever Zaheer plays, he gets wickets," said Dhoni.

"But with his amount of experience, he always has a back-up plan ready in case the first strategy doesn't work."

Zaheer's journey to the top has not been without its share of ups and downs.

A shoulder surgery in 2009 threatened to cut short his career but he fought back to emerge as a stronger and more competitive bowler.

South African batsman J P Duminy keeps his eyes on the ball after playing a shot at Eden Gardens cricket stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday.

AFP KOLKATA, MARCH 15

South Africa: H. Amla c Dockrell b Rankin 18, G. Smith run out 7, M. van Wyk b Dockrell 42, J. Kallis run out 19, JP Duminy c K. O'Brien b Mooney 99, F. du Plessis c Johnston b Stirling 11, C. Ingram b Johnston 46, J. Botha not out 21, R. Peterson not out 0. Extras: 9. Total: 272 for 7. Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-52, 3-84, 4-95, 5-117, 6-204, 7-269. Bowling: Rankin 10-0-59-1, Johnston 10-0-76-1, Mooney 8-0-36-1, Dockrell 10-0-37-1, Stirling 10-0-45-1, Cusack 2-0-14-0.

Ireland: W. Porterfield c Smith b Morkel 6, P. Stirling c Kallis b Morkel 10, E. Joyce lbw b Botha 12, N. O'Brien c van Wyk b Kallis 10, G. Wilson lbw b Peterson 31, K. O'Brien c Amla b Peterson 19, A. Cusack c Smith b Peterson 7, J. Mooney c van Wyk b Kallis 14, T. Johnston c van Wyk b Duminy 12, G. Dockrell c van Wyk b Morkel 16, B. Rankin not out 0. Extras: 4. Total: 141 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-19, 3-35, 4-51, 5-92, 6-92, 7-107, 8-123, 9-137, 10141. Bowling: Steyn 4-1-13-0, Morkel 5.2-0-33-3, Kallis 6-1-20-2, Botha 8-032-1, Peterson 8-0-32-3, Duminy 2-0-11-1. Man-of-the-Match: JP Duminy.

n There’s a lot more responsibility and I have no issues going to sleep with this pressure. I’m ready for the next day. I have to lead by example, which I find challenging.

We don’t fear playing in India: Afridi REUTERS KARACHI, MARCH 15

Pakistan's captain Shahid Afridi said his team were happy to play their World Cup knockout stage matches in India despite earlier voicing concerns about security.

"It does not matter to us where we play our quarter-final.

The biggest issue for us was to qualify for the knockout stage and we have done that now," Afridi said on Geo TV. "We are ready to play our quarter-final at any venue now," the experienced all-rounder said.

The Pakistan skipper had kicked off a debate in Pakistan cricket circles earlier in the competition when he said that his team would like to avoid playing their knockout matches in India and preferred to remain in Sri Lanka.

Afridi had reasoned that playing in India would bring more pressure on the players because of the tense relations between the two nuclear-armed nations.

"That is a thing of the past.

Right now we are just happy to make the quarter-final and if we remain in our confident mode then it does not matter where our quarter-final venue is," Afridi said after an apparent change of view.

Pakistan's former captain, Imran Khan had criticised Afridi for publicly airing his views on not wanting to play in India.

"If I had been in his place I would have announced we are ready to take on India in India because there is more pressure and expectations on the Indian team," Imran earlier told Reuters.

Afridi said his team had now come out of their bleak spotfixing scandal period and was just focusing on the World Cup.

South Africa rode on JP Duminy's robust 99 to storm into the World Cup quarter-finals with a crushing 131-run victory over Ireland on Tuesday.

The Proteas were wobbling at 117-5 after a tight bowling and fielding show by Ireland, but Duminy played a responsible knock to help his team post a challenging 272-7 in the day-night match at Eden Gardens.

The target proved too big for Ireland who were bowled out for 141 in 33.2 overs, with Gary Wilson top-scoring with 31.

South Africa currently top Group B with eight points from five matches, followed by India (7/5), the West Indies (6/4), Bangladesh (6/5) and England (5/5). The top four sides advance to the quarter-finals.

Ireland, with two points from five games, are out of contention.

Ireland's chase under lights

began on a shaky note when they lost openers William Porterfield and Paul Stirling in the opening four overs, with Morne Morkel taking both the wickets.

Morkel ended the innings when he dismissed George Dockrell to finish with 333.

Wilson and Kevin O'Brien (19) offered brief resistance with a 41-run stand for the fifth wicket before both of them fell to leftarm spinner Robin Peterson in the space of three balls.

Peterson grabbed three wickets and seamer Jacques Kallis two.

Man-of-the-match Duminy earlier kept the Irish attack at bay with a commendable knock, adding 87 for the sixth wicket with Colin Ingram (46) and 65 for the next with Johan Botha (21 not out).

Morne van Wyk was the other notable run-getter with a brisk 42.

Duminy looked set to complete his third one-day hundred before he fell in the last over, brilliantly caught by Kevin O'Brien at mid-on off seamer John Mooney. He hit one six and six fours in his 103-ball knock.

Ingram, playing his first World Cup game in place of injured batsman AB de Villiers, hit seven fours in his 43-ball knock before being bowled by fast bowler

Trent Johnston.

The non-Test playing nation did not allow South Africa to settle after they elected to field, with paceman Boyd Rankin and spinners George Dockrell and Paul Stirling taking one wicket apiece.

The Irish bowlers were backed by their fielders, with skipper Porterfield and Mooney having a hand in the run-outs of Kallis (19) and skipper Graeme Smith (seven).

The South African batting problems began in the fifth over when Hashim Amla (18) fell soon after pulling Rankin for a six, upper-cutting the next ball to Dockrell, who took a superb diving catch at deep third man.

Van Wyk went for his shots from the beginning as he twice lofted Johnston for fours and then hit two successive boundaries off Rankin.

He was lucky to survive on 23 when Stirling dropped a re g u l a t i o n s l i p c a t c h o f f Rankin, but Ireland did not have to wait long for success as Smith was run out following a Mooney direct hit at the nonstriker's end.

Van Wyk continued to play attacking shots as he smashed Johnston for two fours and a six in the same over before his flourish finally ended, bowled by leftarm spinner Dockrell while attempting to cut.

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Xavier’s Outreach Evaluating Goa’s Education System

Gavin D’Souza “In the modern day of national entrance exams, the NCERT syllabus gives Goan students a massive boost as it keeps them more or less on par with students of other states. However, I studied in the ICSE board and I felt that it focused a lot more on making the students understand important concepts and the applications of these concepts. I feel that this is an area in which the NCERT board can improve.”

Prajyot Verlekar “The syllabus prescribed at the college level has many drawbacks. Being a science student myself, I have faced the problem of outdated syllabus in subjects like Botany and Chemistry wherein the portion has already been covered at higher secondary level and nothing new as such is taught.

In short, a thorough modification of the system is the need of the day, or else the community will be ‘literate’ but not ‘learned’!”

Nadine Cardoso “Personally, I never had NCERT as it was implemented the year after I passed out. However I would have liked to study under that system as it provides opportunities to study beyond the limited information. I think I would have done better in the exams as it was a combination of theory and practical learning.”

Meena Desai “As a parent, I feel that NCERT has invoked the need among students to study and gain knowledge more thoroughly on a broader perspective, and thus be more competent. It would be a little preferable if NCERT accepts the CBSE academic pattern, i.e. encouraging the students to get involved in more of practical and project work, rather than just the theoretical part. This will indeed help the students to take more interest in studies instead of only mugging up.”

Jayakumar, Parent The NCERT system of education is excellent, because it provides children with a lot of exposure, thus, not restricting them to the classroom only. The system is just in it's infancy stage, a lot of efforts have to be taken for it's betterment. I am not satisfied with my child's performance though. My child would have definitely performed better, had the teachers been more aptly trained with methods of teaching the NCERT syllabus.

Sybil Rodrigues, Parent/ Lecturer I do feel that the NCERT board is helping the students in becoming more intellectual rather than just educated.

There is a link between the syllabus and the subsequent classes. The activities suggested in the syllabus awaken curiosity, thus helping the students to think more logically and reason out the concepts, encouraging them to avoid rote-learning.

Sunita Misquita, Lecturer When the NCERT system was first introduced in Goa, it was envisaged to bring all the good things that education should deliver to young minds, like independent thinking, analytical inquiry and concept applicability. If these were its goals, then the system is good. However, there is a discrepancy between the expectations and student output which needs to be debated.

Principal’s Note

C

Principal, Fr Dr Walter de Sa

ontinuous evaluation is the best method of enabling the students to learn the subject matter in a more efficacious and systematic manner. Today, there is a tendency to study just, so to say, on the eve of examinations, thus causing undue pressure on the students by the students themselves. When they study on a day-to-day basis, they can grasp the concepts/ theories in a better way and become more up-to-date.

It is of serious concern on the part of the managements of schools to look after special children, who are also called, differently abled children. One has to admit that such children are also talented, but due to some deficiencies, they face problems, making it difficult for them to cope with learning. However, today, there are tested means to improve upon their conditions and place them on par with other children, thus speeding up the process of socialisation.

I am happy that our institution, on a trial basis, has welcomed some special children to spend half a day in our campus, facilitating them to move around and mingle with our students.

Commenting about education in Britain, British anthropologist Roger Lewin had once said, “Too often we give students answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” The education system in Goa today seems to be heading down a similar path. The journalism students of ST XAVIER’S COLLEGE bring out the current scenario of education in the state

G

oa’s education system, though better than most other states has been of a sauntering standard. It is high time the curriculum and syllabi were brought into line. The most notable attempt which improved its dismal education standards was the implementation of the National Council of Education Research & Training (NCERT) syllabus by Luizinho Faleiro, the then Education Minister. Goa became a pinnacle of transitions by approving NCERT prior to any other state in the country. It has been a long road since then...

The NCERT syllabus has been implemented in many secondary and higher secondary schools of Goa and it has given the students access to compete and to be on par with the National level academics. But in what can be termed as prudent, there have also been a few stand-out schools allocating CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) syllabi in their curriculum.

The higher secondary level is the most important in deciding career goals and choosing a path for further education. There have been some debates as well as some sore pin points that distinguish which Board is the best to govern a child’s future. With Sharada Mandir School (Miramar), Mater Dei Institution (Saligao), Manovikas High School (Margao), Kendriya Vidhyalayas, etc. being some of the schools in the state affiliated to ICSE and CBSE boards and the rest to NCERT, the state is eloquently testifying to a worthy education system.

The College and University education systems, on the other hand, are thoroughly dissected to appeal to the interests of the masses. Goa has many regular degree and a few professional colleges like engineering, architecture, medical, etc, thus heavily exuding a competitive spirit like never before. Trendy courses like mass-media, journalism, travel and tourism management, business administration, etc have joined the ranks of the typical institutions, thus providing generous scope for innovation amongst the younger generation.

The most recent development that has surfaced in the Goan education system is the

introduction of the grading system. Although implemented in 2007-08 for a few standards, this system is now being enforced from the academic year of 2010-11 for the Standard X and XII public exams, after receiving a nod of approval from the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. In today’s fiercely competitive world, where every mark, nay, every half mark, makes a difference, this 9 point scale for absolute grading, has materialised in a move meant to de-stress students and do away with the inter and intra examiner variability.

Another notable advancement that reiterates Goa’s steady progress in the educational realm is the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system that has already been adopted by the CBSE schools for Class X. Continuous evaluation refers to the assessment of co-curricular activities and semester exams, while Comprehensive evaluation assesses co-scholastic proficiencies like music, art and sports, values and skills, which usually tend to get neglected. Although the Goa Board has yet to reach a conclusive decision on implementing this form of evaluation in the institutions, it is still in the pipeline.

Speaking in favour of the CCE, Dr Elvis Gonsalves, Principal of St Xavier’s HSS, Mapusa, says, “You cannot label a child as a failure if he doesn’t perform in an exam, since he may be proficient in other areas.” The system attempts to put a lid on the widely prevalent rote-oriented learning, by its versatile form of assessment, and will be a significant step in improving the education system.

Cajetan Rapose, member of the Board of Studies (Goa University) disapproved of the leniency of the education system. “The new system with SEE and ISA allows plenty of liberty in favour of the students. The more you fail, the more opportunities you are given to pass. Not only is it ludicrous but also misused by the students. With no improvement in the quality of answering, the innumerable opportunities are more like a try-out for these students.”

With topics like ‘Water conservation’ included in the syllabus of Self Development classes at college levels, all we can hope for is a cloud with a silver lining!

Education without Bounds

S

eventeen-year-old Janice communicates verbally by voicing her needs, sharing her opinions and simply enjoying being around people. But she has a tendency to be overdramatic sometimes. She has been diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome.

Rahul, aged 12, communicates in two-word phrases, but very unclearly. He enjoys outdoor games and is very good at football. When he is excited, he tends to scream.

He also has a tendency to run and hide for attention. He is diagnosed with Autism.

Many Children With Special Needs (CWSN) have problems in appropriate interaction.

As the child grows, there is an urgent need to create space for them beyond academic or vocational learning. Simultaneously, if a truly inclusive society is aimed for, it is important for young persons to be exposed to and assist families who have children with special needs.

The generation today, believes that “the only disability in life is a bad attitude.”

Working on the much-emphasised philosophy of inclusion, TIES – Towards Inclusion Everywhere In Society, is an organisation in Goa started by the Parent’s Support Group to ensure that their children are included in all aspects of society. These differently abled special children are encouraged to participate in the same activities and experiences as normal children. The society, headed by Giselle Lobo, a Special Educator, has a second goal – to create awareness among the average population so that children with disabilities are welcomed into their world.

There are various resource rooms in a regular school for children with disabilities, set up for them to be educated alongside their peers. Here the children learn with, and from, one another. Subjects like motor skills, basic mathematics, socialisation,

We oft take our abilities to see, hear, speak and even think, for granted, seldom realising that there are many who live life with intellectual disabilities.

But knowledge is not limited to the ‘abled’ and it’s only when we socially interact with the differently abled that we see their positivity and intellect communication, reading and writing are taught to the children. Each child has his/her own structured time-table, developed on the basis of age and capabilities.

Advancing a step further, TIES has introduced ‘DOST’ – Developing Opportunities for Special Teens, an initiative, wherein interactive sessions were organised on a regular basis between seven teenagers in the age group of 13-17 years, possessing at least minimal social skills and college students; with the aim to overcome the child’s fear of social spaces, noise and crowds.

St Xavier’s College, Mapusa has been the first college to support such an endeavor and a well-equipped campus has made it an ideal location for the project to materialise successfully. The two-hour sessions on Saturdays included fun-filled structured activities, like art and craft, outdoor activities like a walk in the campus, eating in the canteen, working out in the gym, etc, which were organised to help the teens be independent.

Inclusion Day is a day set aside to promote sensitisation in an atmosphere of relaxation, fun activities, dancing and games. This day was held on February 26, 2011.

The college hopes to continue this event annually, with the support and cooperation of the students, the guidance of the teachers, under the patronage of TIES and Sangath and the principal. In fact, students of various institutions can join hands in such noble causes because the experience gained and the happiness shared with these children, will not only be a life-time opportunity, but also help them see life in a truly unique perspective.

(Names changed for privacy)

Stories and photos contributed by: (Dept of Journalism),Class of SYBA: Rebecca Rodrigues, Meenal Bale, Steffi Mascarenhas, Jahnavi Samant, Malaika Fernandes, Prachet Gollamudli. Supervised by: lecturer Amita Fjeld

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Wednesday, 16 Mar 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘Four Women Artists and a Cartoonist’, an art exhibition, organised by Alexyz and Gallery Attic is underway till March 17 at Gallery Attic, Panjim. It is held to celebrate International Women’s Day and will feature four female artists along with Alexyz. Call 2257690 or 2420929.

‘Lights in Goa’, International Architecture Lighting Workshop is underway till March 19 and the seminars will be held on March 17 and 18 at the Kala Academy, Panjim.

Call 2234477.

‘Capture the Sights, Colors and Revelry of Carnival 2011 Photography Contest’, organised

by Goan Shutterbugs is open for registration till March 31. Visit www.goanshutterbugs.com to download entry forms. Call 9822151419.

‘When I Open My Eyes’, an art exhibition by Maria Fernanda and Eduardo Souto is underway till March 21 at Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

‘Right to Information’ is the subject of the workshop, organised by Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association (AFRRA) will be held on March 20 from 4pm to 6pm at Holy Trinity Community Hall, NagoaArpora, Bardez. E-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

Call 2256445 or 9822166876.

‘Road to Sangam’ and ‘Blood and Iron’ will be screened on March 16 and 17, respectively, by the Cine Magic movie club at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

‘Special Status for Goa under Article 371’, will be the subject of a discussion organised by Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association and Village Groups of Goa to be held on March 19 from 3.30pm to 6pm at Grace Church Complex Hall, Margao.

E-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

Call 9822166876 or 9822102131.

‘Unfolding of a Dream’,

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HOROSCOPE a live art installation by Subodh Kerkar is underway till March 17 at Vagator Beach, Vagator. Visit www.subodhkerkar.com. E-mail kerkarart@gmail.com or subodhkerkar@satyam.net.in. Call 2276017 or 2276509.

A 5-day workshop in shell craft jewellery, organised Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts will be held from April 4 to 8 from 3pm to 6 pm at Sunaparanta, Altinho-Panjim. Registration closes on March 24.

Call 2421311.

‘YEF Business Plan Competition 2011’ a business plan competition organise by the Young Entrepreneurs Forum (YEF) of GCCI will be held on March 12. Call 2782877/ 79.

The 2nd Popular Tiatr Festival 2010 cum Competition, organised by Tiatr Academy of Goa is underway till March 24 at the Kala Academy, Panjim.

Call 2420452.

A workshop with Bondo in an endeavour to boost the resurgence of acoustic instruments among young talent, organised by the Department of Art and Culture and the Entertainment Society of Goa will be held on April 24 at the INOX Courtyard, Panjim. Call 9822383929.

A series of lectures and workshops on counselling, personality development and marriage, organised by St Mary’s Counselling Centre, Mapusa will take place from April 4 to May 2 at various places in Goa. Registration closes on March 20.

Call 2255131, 9923499875 or 9420686306.

A free musical meet, for music lovers and performers – professional as well as amateur, organised by Soiree - A Music Society will be held on March 19 at 5pm at Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho-Panjim. Call 9673237501 or 2421311.

Morning group cycling rides, organised

by Goa Cycling Club will be held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 6.50am.

The meeting point is Cafe Coffee Day, Miramar.

Solidify any tentative plans now if you can.

Schedules will 21 Mar - 19 Apr be getting tight s o o n . Yo u r emotional state is building toward something big and wonderful, so make sure that you have all the room you need to freak out in the best of all possible ways! Life gets better all day long.

Taurus Stay active and open and you'll trigger many amusing and 20 Apr - 20 May compelling encounters. Expect power struggles today -- though not with the most obvious candidates. Teens, colleagues and bad neighbors should all be relatively meek, but someone you count on makes a move.

In a contest or Gemini game try to let your competitiveness take a back seat to 21 May - 20 Jun kindness. Your big brain is super-charged today, and you can match wits with almost anyone on almost any topic -- even if you are improvising some of your facts! Just keep it fun and breezy.

Any obstacles that will appear now will really just be old fears popping up 22 Jun - 23 Jul again. Think ahead -- you can't just live in the moment today, as enticing as that may be. Your energy is better spent on planning and other projects that consider the long-term more than immediate returns.

Your ideas can give a stale situation a new freshness, so don't be shy.

24 Jul - 23 Aug Speak up! You can stand up to almost anyone today, especially when you know you're right. It's a good time for you to say hello to anyone new who can help you in whatever struggle you can see is coming up.

Sort out your priorities now.

Tackle the things that are holding 23 Aug - 22 Sep you back first.

Open yourself up to new possibilities -- now more than ever. You may resist reflexively, but your willingness to try new things is much more likely to be rewarded on a day like today.

The limits you're working under will rankle you now, but 23 Sept - 22 Oct they'll be gone soon. If you get drawn down into the tiny details today, you're sure to get mired for longer than you want. It's one of those days that demands focus -- but you need to focus on what's really important.

Scorpio Avoid spending time on your personal worries now. Distract 23 Oct - 22 Nov yourself with work. Be careful with how you present yourself today -- it's too easy for you to shoot your mouth off about how great you are to someone who is counting on discretion or humility. Follow their lead.

Sagittarius A new clarity is

Capricorn Anticipation can be unbearable, but you still need to 22 Dec - 20 Jan let things take their course.

People are clamoring for attention from all sides today, and it's all you can do to keep your head clear. You may need to make some tough choices, but that's something you're quite good at!

Aquarius It's a great time to coast and just absorb life and enjoy the 21 Jan - 19 Feb people around you. Today is perfect for playing around with your routines and systems for getting things done -- you can learn more than usual from experimentation. See if you can get your people to pitch in!

You need to get back in touch with an old friend or 20 Feb - 20 Mar c o w o r k e r .

Send them an email. Too much drama? Take a break! You need to step back from anything that feels too stressful or overwrought, even if it seems like you're abandoning the situation. Maybe you need to do just that.

Aries

Libra

coming to you soon -- be sure to think things 23 Nov - 20 Dec through very s l o w l y. Yo u r good mood is infectious, so go out of your way to hang around with others today -- especially those you need on your side. If they associate you with the good times, they are sure to stick around!

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? What is a nuclear meltdown?

mephitic Pronunciation muh-fit-ik Function Adjective Meaning 1: offensive to smell 2: noxious; pestilential; poisonous Example Sentence As adorable as they may seem, the skunk has got to be one of the most mephitic animals under the sun.

LAFFS

A nuclear meltdown is an informal term for a severe nuclear reactor accident that results in core damage from overheating. The term is not officially defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency or by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A meltdown occurs when a severe failure of a nuclear power plant system prevents proper cooling of the reactor core, to the extent that the nuclear fuel assemblies overheat and melt, either partially or completely. A meltdown is considered very serious because of the potential that radioactive materials could be released into the environment. A core meltdown will also Chernobyl nuclear reactor after disaster render the reactor unstable until it is repaired. The Chernobyl disaster was a nuclear accident that occurred on April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Ukrainian SSR (now Ukraine). It is considered the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, and it is the only one classified as a level 7 event on the International Nuclear Event Scale.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“The older I grow the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.”

– H L Mencken DAILY GROOK LAX SEX

by Francis Rodrigues big sleeping-bags today great for camping packs, make a roll in the hay, a case for group sacks!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Wednesday 32° C | 23° C Dawn 06:21

Clear

Sunrise 06:43

Moon rise 15:25 High —

Low 01:53

I wish to wash my Irish wristwatch

Sunset Dark 18:45 19:07 Moon set

03:34

TIDES High Low 07:19 13:52

High 20:47

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

21:00 Rollerball 23:00 Jackie Chan's Who Am I? 11:00 12:50 14:40 16:50 18:55 21:00 23:10

10:00 12:00 14:30 16:45 18:30

Serious Moonlight Crank 2: High Voltage The Terminator Drag Me to Hell Max Payne House of Fury A View to a Kill

Evil Never Dies Robocop 2 Practical Magic Terror Trap Boomerang

09:55 14:15 17:30 21:00

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

10:05 12:25 14:45 16:50

10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 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 Maayke Se Bandhi Dor 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

12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30

11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30

If a rooster laid a brown egg and a white egg, what kind of chicks would hatch?

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Turkey

18:50 The Death and Life of Bobby Z 21:00 Red Cliff

Suryavanshi Hote Hote Pyaar Ho Gaya Badal Dus

Tirchhi Topiwale Abhimanyu Patthar Aur Payal Malamaal Weekly Déjà Vu

Gigli Underworld Underworld: Evolution Tsui Hark's Vampire Hunters

Kismat Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Krishnaben Khakhrawala Saas Bina Sasural C.I.D C.I.D Classics Krishnaben Khakhrawala Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Maa Exchange Saas Bina Sasural Kismat

Dil Se Diya Vachan Pavitra Rishta Apno ke liye Geeta ka Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Choti Bahu Pavitra Rishta Sanskaar Laxmi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini

SUDOKU 808

Riddle Me This

12:00 Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai 16:00 Majboor 20:00 Tezaab 23:45 Sadak

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00

Aaj Ka Daur Saudagar Mahanayak Waqt: The Race Against Time

14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00

Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Lapataganj FIR Ring Wrong Ring Mrs. Tendulkar Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Mrs. Tendulkar Ring Wrong Ring Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Mrs. Tendulkar Lapataganj FIR

Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

IDIOT BOX 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

12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30

Ram Milaayi Jodi Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Choti Bahu Jhansi Ki Rani Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dil Se Diya Vachan Choti Bahu Jhansi Ki Rani Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Pavitra Rishta Ram Milaayi Jodi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Sanskaar Laxmi

Lapataganj Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Mrs. Tendulkar Papad Pol

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

Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

12:25 13:20 14:15 15:10 16:05 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00

Top Chef House Got to Dance Fear Factor The Amazing Race Asia Criss Angel Mindfreak Got to Dance Fear Factor Guinness World Records Smashed

21:00 House 22:00 Masters of Illusion

12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00

Dexter The Bold and The Beautiful Friends Las Vegas Detroit 187 Community The Simpsons Dexter Las Vegas Koffee With Karan How I Met Your Mother Modern Family Las Vegas Dexter

10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 16:00 18:00 18:30 19:30 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30

Takeshi's Castle Chhota Bheem Mr. Bean: The Animated Chhota Bheem Marathon Pokemon M.A.D Chhota Bheem Anpanman Breadman Just for Laugh Gags Takeshi's Castle Mr. Bean The Pink Panther Show

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls : Group Round: India vs.

South Africa 22:15 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

12:55 AFC Champions League 15:00 Uca/uda College Cheerleading C’ships 16:00 Barclays Premier League 18:00 Uca/uda College Cheerleading C’ships 19:00 Global Football 19:30 Uda National Dance Team Championships 20:00 The Immortals 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Uca National High School Cheerleading C’ship 22:00 Women's Tournament of Champions

10:30 14:30 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 20:30 21:00 21:30

UEFA Champions League Italian Serie A World Hockey Magazine WWE: Bottom Line Real NBA NBA Full Throttle FIFA: Futbol Mundial FIM X Trial World Championship 2010/11 22:30 WWE: Bottom Line

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 14:30 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 22:15 Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc

13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00

Weird & Wonderful Hotels Caught in the Act Paranatural Planet Mechanics Nat Geo Amazing!

Planet Carnivore I Didn't Know That Lion Ranger World's Toughest Fixes

07:30 Kids Club 08:00 English News 09:00 Bengali Folk Dance 09:30 Success Mantra 10:00 English News 11:00 Jazz Gospel Concert 11:30 Trendsetter 12:00 Flavors 12:30 HCN Fine Tuners 13:00 English News 14:00 Konkani Movie 15:00 Netravali Trekking 15:30 Health Watch 16:00 English News 17:00 Bhakti Sangeet 17:30 Kids Club 18:00 English News 19:00 Argam Diumia 19:30 Jazz Gospel Concert 20:00 English News 21:00 Classical Music 21:30 Trendsetter 22:00 English News 23:00 Art of Living 23:30 Success Mantra 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 807

HERALD CROSSWORD - 808 Across 1- Halts; 6- Drive-___; 10- Early bird?; 13- Equipped; 14- Fleece; 15- Editor Wintour; 16- Toothed wheels; 17- North Carolina college; 18- Collar fastener; 19- Island of Hawaii; 20- Bedridden; 22- Sampled; 24- Close-fitting dress; 28Sock pattern; 31- Bandleader Shaw; 32- Salk's conquest; 34Long-sleeved linen vestment; 36- All there; 37- Aurora's counterpart; 38Twisted; 41- Fam. member; 42Contest, ethnicity; 44- SASE, e.g.; 45- Ancient region of Asia Minor; 47- Examines closely; 49- Riding; 51- Flog; 53- Gloss; 56- Shelf support; 59- Very, in Versailles; 61Ship's small boat; 64- Greek fertility goddess, flightless bird; 65- Wash lightly; 66- Area of 4840 square yards; 67- Fruit-filled pie; 68- Writer Loos; 69- Mystery writer Josephine; 70- Sea eagle; 71- Discharge; Down 1- Starch used in puddings; 2- Pay for; 3- Brando's birthplace; 4- Scrutiny; 5- Radical '60s org.; 6- Like a professor's jacket; 7- Grasp; 8- It's got you covered; 9- Arm bones; 10- Med. specialty; 11Bearded grazer; 12- Move about recklessly; 15Late bloomers; 20- Depart; 21- Doo-wop syllable; 23- Math course; 25- Pong maker; 26- Fungal infection; 27- Back part of the foot; 29- Coniferous tree; 30- Building add-on; 32- Fish illegally; 33Academy award; 35- Capital of Lebanon; 37- Formerly, formerly; 39- Gasteyer of "Saturday Night Live"; 40- Crash wherever convenient; 43- Make possible; 46- Bedroom mosquito protection; 48Georgia, once: Abbr.; 50- Soap ingredient; 52Poker Flat chronicler; 54- Bert's buddy; 55- Reposes; 57- Blacken; 58- "Ol' Man River" composer;

60- Chair; 61- Sun ___-sen; 62- "___ Ventura" was played by Jim Carrey; 63- Like some humor; 65Actress Charlotte;

SOLUTION - 807

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Wednesday, 16 Mar 2011

HERALD FEATURES he Entertainment Society of Goa has always tried to promote the film culture among the Goan people, especially the youth. Keeping this goal in mind, the ESG had set up a film appreciation course during International Film Festival of India, 2010 which gave intensive training to a bunch of youth, helping them to understand the nuances of film making and how to critically appreciate a film.

The film appreciation course was conducted by Gayatri and Salil Konkar and a group of 12 young jury members was selected.

Putting their teaching into practice, the panel put their heads

Director Nila Madhab Panda

The panel of young jury members together to choose from the wide range of films screened, one film that had a great impact on their young minds. The film ‘I Am Kalam’ was chosen as that film.

The director of the film, Nila Madhab Panda, along with the representative of the Smile Foundation and associate producer, Jitendra Mishra were felicitated at the hands of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and the Speaker of Goa Assembly, Pratapsing Rane.

Panda shared his delight that the film has gained widespread recognition. “I am really glad that the film based on the issue of right to education has been accepted by the audience, wining nine international awards and giving a boost to true independent cinema. There is a need for more films like these that inspire the privileged masses.”

Speaking at the event, Manoj Srivastava, CEO of ESG, said, “Through this course, young people have been trained as film critics in Goa.” Also seen at the event were ministers Filipe Neri Rodrigues and Vishnu Vagh and Goa Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava.

Gayatri Konkar and Salil Konkar

Associate producer Mishra

A Mixed Bag of Art at Four Women Artists and a Cartoonist

Entries invited for Band and Orchestra Music Competition HERALD FEATURES adio Mirchi 98.3FM and American Centre, Mumbai present `TVS Apache Mirchi Sound Check’, a band and orchestra music competition for the youth on March 18, 19 and 26, 5pm to 10pm at Mermaid Garden, Panjim.

Presenting the event in a fun packaged, high voltage format with on-air and on-ground promotion all across Goa, the competition aims at encouraging and promoting talent in the multi-language musical genre by inviting the participation of Goan amateur bands and orchestras to compete.

Held over three days in a series of onground competitions, the best among the rest will win handsome cash prizes and trophies. The competition criteria will compulsorily include one original song in a repertoire of 4 songs per band/orchestra with 30 minutes performance time.

Those interested can can collect the registration forms from Radio Mirchi office, Panjim or Kala TVS branch, St Inez. Last date for submission is March 17, 2011.

Pg3

Photos By: Rozario Estibeiro

I am Kalam wins at Young Jury Award T

Parenting

HERALD FEATURES woman’s artistic talent knows no bounds and celebrating this very gift was cartoonist Alexyz who chose the perfect day, Women’s Day, to do so with the art exhibition, titled, ‘Four Women Artists and a Cartoonist’.

The exhibition, which is open to the public till March 17, 2011 at the Gallery Attic, Panjim, showcases the prowess of some talented women in the sphere of art, be it music or the fine arts.

The exhibition consists of works by three Mumbai-based artists, Arti Jatar, Shradha Iyer and Shefali Shah – all students of painter Anand Mohan Naik, and the sole Goan artist Loretti Pinto accompanied by the works of cartoonist Alexyz, which were based on the theme of womanhood. Alexyz also unveiled the cartoon of the C-Tag, the first women quartet of Goa consisting of Celina, Teresa, Anita and Gorette. The quartet also performed some Konkani numbers.

The exhibition was inaugurated by art collector Saishta Thapar, who also entertained the gathering by crooning one of Lorna’s numbers ‘Sopon’.

A

R

Rajendra Usapkar

The four women artists and the cartoonist – Loretti Pinto, Shradha Iyer, Alexyz, Shefali Shah and Arti Jatar

A Bouquet of Local Flowers

Alexyz unveils the portrait of C-Tag

Saishta Thapar and Alezy groove to the C-Tag music

Photos by JoeGoaUK

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Wednesday, 16 Mar 2011

Parenting

Pg4

So what if I play Kamal Haasan’s wife: Sonakshi

S

he debuted with much older Salman Khan in Dabangg and Sonakshi Sinha will be seen as the wife of Kamal Haasan, who is 33 years her senior, in Tamil-Telugu director Selvaraghavan’s film and says once an actor is in front of the camera, age should not matter.

“Yes, I’m playing Kamal Haasan’s wife in Selvaraghavan’s film. Why should that be a problem,” asked the confident newcomer Sonakshi, who is just 23.

“Once you are in front of the camera, your age should not matter. I never felt like a child while working with Salman Khan (who is 45) in Dabangg and now with Akshay Kumar in Joker. I will be respectful but an equal on the sets with Kamal Haasan,” she added.

And no, Kamal Haasan and Sonakshi are not doing an Anthony Hopkins and Julianne Moore routine from Hannibal.

“I don’t where the speculation started from. No, this film is a complete original. When I heard the script, I was blown away. I’d be very stupid to turn it down, just because the hero, a legend in his lifetime, is much older than me.

Aren’t we over these trivial matters? I’ve been acknowledged for being different from my female colleagues. Let me enjoy this difference,” she said.

Long Hair too much of a Tangle for SRK!

S

hah Rukh Khan couldn’t wait to get rid of his long hair as soon as the shooting of Farhan Akhtar’s film Don 2 finished.

The superstar grew his hair for the prison sequences that were shot in Malaysia. But taking care of the hair was certainly no easy task, SRK revealed.

“When I used to get up in the morning, I used to feel there were a lot of others sleeping with me. It used to take two people to shampoo my hair and believe me, I didn’t feel pampered at all,” Shah Rukh Khan said while revealing his long-hair woes.

But he’s got something positive from the whole experience of keeping and taking care of long hair – respect for girls who manage to keep long hair for years.

“I think girls are wonderful, for they are able to keep long hair for years and years. It’s great. I had to maintain long hair for my look in Don 2 and that was the first thing I wanted to get rid of after I finished shooting for the movie,” said Shah Rukh at the launch of Nokia’s latest smart phone E7.

Don 2 has him doing a lot of stunts and will release by the end of this year. It will be SRK’s second release besides Ra.One.

Tyra Banks learning Management at Harvard

Is Law back with Ex-flame Cole?

T

here is a buzz in the air that actor Jude Law is now dating Lily Cole. This comes on the heels of the fact that Jude Law and Sienna Miller had called it quits for the second time in February. There is also a strong rumour that on her part, Sienna Miller is not sitting around mopping over heartbreak. On the contrary she is said to be going out with Joe Armstrong who is working with her in Flare Path. Despite this, she still insists that she is single.

This is not the first time around that Jude Law and Lily Cole are said to be dating. They had hooked up 3 years ago and rumour mills went into a overdrive when they were seen enjoying each other’s company at The Box. The celebrity nightclub is well known for its high profile guests which fall in the league of Prince Harry, model Kate Moss and actress Emma Watson, who recently bid goodbye to college so that she could concentrate on acting full time.

According to a witness, “Jude and Lily were at a table kissing and being very flirtatious. It was clear they were comfortable with each other.”

S

upermodel-turned-TV host Tyra Banks has revealed that she has been attending the prestigious Harvard Business School since 2010. “In order for my company to grow and be the best, and to reach these women and serve them, I needed the best. So I went to the best,” said the 37-year-old.

Banks is enrolled in the Harvard Owner/President Management Program, which allows busy entrepreneurs to spend just three weeks on campus a year for three years, and pay around 31,000 dollars in annual tuition.

“It’s pretty exclusive. It’s quite expensive. But, I feel like it is worth it. I feel like it is so, so worth it,” she said.

Meanwhile, Banks admitted some are sceptical about her Ivy League education. “I get mixed reactions. There are little facial expressions… The chin goes back, like, ‘Really?’” she adds.

New Study uncovers how Male Puberty begins

Statistical Methods can help avoid Counterfeit Goods on Internet

S

tatisticians say that consumers should know the true perils of purchasing artwork or luxury goods on the internet. Currently the operators of internet auction sites are not required to guarantee the authenticity of items listed.

The new study shows that statistical methods used previously in evaluating the accuracy of medical screening tests can be successfully applied to assess the misrepresentation of items offered for sale on internet auction sites.

The results also indicate that the laws on misrepresentation of items for sale on the internet need to be strengthened to provide further protection of the public, claims lead author Professor of Statistics and Economics, Joseph L Gastwirth, of George Washington University.

In the study, the accuracy of the descriptions of artwork by Henry Moore offered on eBay were examined over a period of eighteen months. Two expert evaluators classified the artworks independently, with a third evaluator collecting the data and sending it to them separately. Adapting an established statistical method used to evaluate the accuracy of classifications in medicine and social science, the authors were able to estimate the percentage of artworks, which were misrepresented.

“This method should be useful in assessing the reliability of descriptions of works by other artists, as well as some luxury goods,” said Professor Gastwirth. “It may also prove useful in the application of statistics in legal

M

onash University researchers have shed light on a new understanding of how male puberty begins. The key to their findings lies with a protein known as SMAD3 and the rate at which it is produced.

Researchers, Kate Loveland and Catherine Itman from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences have discovered through laboratory testing that half as much SMAD3 protein results in faster maturation than the norm, and an inability to create SMAD3 results in abnormal responses to testosterone.

“SMAD3 is a protein that translates signals from the environment outside the cell to the nucleus, where it switches genes on or off.

We have been investigating how SMAD3 influences the growth of testis cells and their ability to respond to testosterone,” said Itman.

Puberty begins when the body starts to produce large amounts of the hormone testosterone. Early, or precocious, puberty involves the onset of puberty before eight years of age and affects around 1 in 10,000 boys.

Testosterone acts through specialised cells in the testis called Sertoli cells. Before puberty, Sertoli cells multiply, allowing the testis to grow. At puberty, Sertoli cells must stop growing so they can support sperm precursor cells to develop into sperm.

The researchers have been investigating how Sertoli cells switch from a multiplying state to a mature state. “We have discovered that this is not an ‘on-off ’ switch. Rather, it is the amount of the SMAD3 protein in the Sertoli cell that is different in the immature, multiplying Sertoli cell compared to the mature, adult cell,” said the researchers.

The research identified that it is the amount of SMAD3 present that controls Sertoli cell activity prior to, or after, puberty. When SMAD3 levels are reduced, sperm develop earlier. When SMAD3 is absent, Sertoli cells take longer to respond to testosterone.

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

cases concerning infringement, as it can be used as a first step in determining the percentage of goods of a certain type that are counterfeit.”

Depressed Dads quick to spank Babies

N

ew dads who feel down are much more likely to spank their kids than dads in good spirits, said US researchers. They found 40 per cent of depressed men said they had spanked their kids in the last month, compared to only 13 per cent of men without symptoms.

“This finding is particularly concerning given that children were only 1 year of age in our study,” Dr R. Neal Davis, of Intermountain Healthcare in Murray, Utah, and colleagues. At that age, they add, spanking is more likely to cause injuries, and children probably won’t understand why they are being hurt.

The study is based on interviews with more than 1,700 new fathers from 20 large cities in the US. “There has been other research showing that moms who are depressed are more likely to spank their kids, but this is the first time it has been shown for dads,” said Elizabeth Gershoff, an expert in child development and family relationships at the University of Texas at Austin.

Gershoff, who wasn’t involved in the study, added that it might make sense for mothers to keep an eye on their partner if he is depressed and offer to take care of the kids if things get hectic.

“Parents who are depressed have very short fuses,” she said. “They have much less tolerance when their children misbehave.”

Earlier studies have hinted – but not proven – that spanking may leave a psychological mark on toddlers, prompting aggression and other problems years later. Many psychologists recommend time-outs and other types of nonphysical punishment instead, and both the American Academy of Paediatrics and the American Psychological Association discourage spanking.

Courtesy Agencies Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 6658512, 6658500, 2224202, 2228083. Fax: 2222475. Email: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com.