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O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, tuesday, august 17, 2010

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India: Kangana may star in Hindi remake of Marathi film Pg9

Business: Inflation down to single-digit at 9.97% Pg 13

Cabinet split puts off MPs pay hike PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.

—George Eliot.

IN BRIEF SBI, ICICI up loan rates Top lenders SBI and ICICI today hiked their lending rates by 50 basis points, which will make existing home, auto and commercial loans expensive.

The decision by the country two largest lenders comes on top of an increase in the cost of funds on account of the RBI’s strong inflation control measures. (Details on Pg 12)

BlackBerry allows security agencies access PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

The BlackBerry mobile phone maker Research In Motion (RIM) has agreed to provide security agencies partial access to its messenger services by September 1 and would complete the project by the end of the year.

The move by the RIM comes barely within five days after the government conveyed in no uncertain terms to RIM asking them to come up with a technical solution to the issue of interception of its services by August 31 or shut down its shop.

However, the Canada-based firm said some more discussions were required for giving access to BlackBerry Enterprise Services (BES), official sources said.

Sources said the RIM, which has a subscriber base of nearly one million in India, made this offer to the government in order to end the logjam by agreeing to blink on the issue of providing access to its special services.

Initially, the BlackBerry had agreed to provide manual details to law enforcement agencies and the same would be made available by the year-end, the sources said.

Members of Parliament (MPs) will have to wait for a hike in their salaries and allowances as a decision on a proposed threefold increase was deferred today by the Union Cabinet because of differences among its members.

Against the backdrop of strong demands by the MPs, the issue was discussed at the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Due to this deferment, the bill in this regard is unlikely to be tabled in parliament during the current session.

The issue is expected to resonate in parliament tomorrow with the proponents of pay hike across parties threatening to raise it strongly.

At the cabinet meeting, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni and Overseas Minister Vayalar Ravi opposed the move, on the ground that it would be improper to raise the salaries and allowances of the MPs at the moment as inflation is already high and people are facing difficulties, sources said.

Ravi was the most vocal opponent of the move and Chidambaram and Soni supported him.

The dissenting ministers also referred to the farmers’ suicide and allegations of corruption in Commonwealth Games while

P Chidambaram, Ambika Soni and Vayalar Ravi opposed the move, on the ground that it would be improper to raise the salaries and allowances of the MPs at the moment as inflation is already high and people are facing difficulties. making the point that hiking the salaries of MPs in these circumstances would be seen in a bad light, sources said.

However, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, whose ministry has cleared the proposal, supported the pay hike. As leader of the Lok Sabha, he favoured the increase in salaries to reflect the sentiments of its members, the sources said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who has mooted the proposal, also spoke in support of the hike.

Others who supported the move were Human Resources Development Minister Kapil

Karnad threatens to quit jubilee council HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

Barely a day after the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat announced setting up of Golden Jubilee Development Council, a member of the council has threatened to withdraw from it for attacks on an artist by a Hindu group.

Actor Girish Karnad, who was named as one of the members of the council – which is to be headed by renowned scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar— has expressed shock over the attack on Jose Pereira’s exhibition recently.

“Let me say how deeply shocked I am to hear of the attacks by self-styled standard-

bearers of Hindu culture on the works of Jose Pereira, a scholar and artist of eminence,” Karnad said in a letter to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti protested against an exhibition at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research (XCHR) which has on

display some epiphanies of Hindu gods by Jose Pereira.

The groups have continued a sustained campaign branding the paintings “obscene and nude pictures” of Hindu gods. Following the protests the paintings were withdrawn.

“I am horrified that private vigilante groups should be permitted to take the law into their hands while the State stands mute and the police express inability to protect the exhibition of his work,” he continued.

“I would like to withdraw my name from the high level committee which you were kind enough to invite me to serve on since this is not the culture (Continued on page 10)

Sibal and Commerce Minister Anand Sharma.

Sibal said the situation warranted a hike in salaries of MPs considering increase in prices of everything.

MPs currently get Rs 16,000 per month as salary and there have been demands for raising it to over Rs 80,000, the wages a secretary to the government gets.

This much hike was disfavoured and the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry suggested an increase to Rs 50,000.

Besides the base salary, an MP gets a daily allowance of Rs 1000 for each day when Parliament is in session or a sitting of a house committee is scheduled. A member is also allowed for a constituency allowance of Rs 20,000 per month and office expense allowance of another Rs 20,000 each month.

These apart, he is also entitled to a certain number of air journeys, AC first class train travel, rent free flat or hostel accommodation through out the term of his house.

The recommendation to increase MPs’ salary was made taking into account consumer price index and the wage index for skilled urban labour.

A Parliamentary Standing Committee headed by Congress MP from Chhattishgarh Charandas Mahant had made a recommendation to fix MPs salary at Rs 80,001, Re one more than that of a secretary.

CWC debates situation in Kashmir PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

As alliance partner Omar Abdullah battles unrest in Kashmir, the Congress Working Committee today discussed the “worrisome” situation in the valley.

With Home Minister P Chidambaram briefing it on the situation, the CWC called for a “balanced” approach of dialogue and action and expressed concern over the recent spate of violence in the Kashmir Valley.

The concern of the Congress leadership over the situation could be gauged from the fact that Chidambaram was specially called to the meeting despite not being a CWC member.

Chidambaram is understood to have told the meeting that the situation in the Valley is “worrisome”.

Vedanta in oil business with Cairn PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

London-listed mining group Vedanta Resources today entered the oil business by clinching a United States dollars 9.6 billion deal for a 60 per cent stake in Cairn India, the owner of India’s largest oilfield.

Vedanta Resources and its group firm Sesa Goa will acquire 40 per cent stake from Edinburgh-based Cairn Energy PLC for USD 6.65 billion and make an open for to acquire another 20 per cent from Cairn India’s other stockholders, Vedanta Resources Chairman Anil Agarwal

told Press Trust of India (PTI) over phone.

Cairn Energy, the parent firm of Cairn India, will make up for any shortfall in the open offer, he said. “This deal will give us the world-class Rajasthan oilfields.”

Vedanta will pay Cairn Energy Rs 405 per share, a 32 per cent premium to Cairn India’s average closing price, over 90 days.

This includes a Rs 50 per share non-compete premium to Cairn Energy PLC for not entering into oil and gas business in India, Pakistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

The open offer will, however,

be made at Rs 355 (offer price minus the non-compete fee).

The process will take about three months to complete, Cairn Energy Finance Director Jann Brown said.

The acquisition will give Vedanta access to the Mangala oilfield, which is currently producing 125,000 barrels per day but has potential to go up to 150,000 bpd (7.5 million tons a year).

The Rajasthan block, where Cairn India has 70 per cent interest, has the potential to go up to 240,000 bpd or equivalent to the 12 million tons per annum output from Oil and Natural Gas

Corporation (ONGC) prime Mumbai High fields.

Vedanta’s deal will be contingent on government approval, as Cairn’s three producing oil and gas assets, including the Rajasthan fields and seven exploration blocks, either have explicit provisions for seeking prior approval before transfer of interest or gives pre-emption, or the right of first refusal (ROFR), to partners like ONGC. “Whatever approvals are required, we will take it. We are a law abiding company and will do what is required in the law,” Agarwal said.

Scientists create red blood cells PTI LONDON, AUG 16

British scientists have created human red blood cells from spare embryonic stem cells, a major breakthrough they claim could soon pave the way for production of synthetic ‘O-negative’ blood for medical transfusions.

The red blood cells have been produced from stem cells from spare IVF embryos as part of a three-billion-pound project to develop an alternative source of O-negative blood, the universal donor group which can be transfused into people without fear of rejection, The Inde-

The scientists used more than a 100 spare embryos left over from treatment at fertility clinics to establish several embryonic stem cell “lines”. A line, RC7, was transformed into blood stem cells before being converted into red cells containing oxygen-carrying haemoglobin. pendent reported.

In their research, the scientists used more than a 100 spare embryos left over from treatment at fertility clinics to establish several embryonic stem cell “lines”. A line, RC-7, was trans-

formed into blood stem cells before being converted into red cells containing oxygen-carrying haemoglobin.

Prof Marc Turner, the Director of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service in Edinburgh

and leader of the project, said that synthetic blood made on an industrial scale would overcome the problem of blood shortages and risk of transmitting new infections between donors and recipients. “We’ve proved the principle that from these embryonic stem cell lines we can generate red blood cells.”

“At the end of this three-year period we would envisage generating up to one unit (a pint) of red cells from embryonic stem cells at clinical grade which fulfil all the in vitro characteristics of red cells,” Prof Turner was quoted as saying.

pRiCe Rs. 3.00 (air surcharge Rs. 1.50) pages 18

Sports: Lankans leave Viru stranded at 99 Pg 18

Jet with 131 breaks into 3 pieces

No setback area puts a spoke on road widening

BY SURAJ NANDREKAR PANJIM, AUG 16

Intending to put things in place and actually doing it are two different things all together.

As per the recent announcement made by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in the legislative assembly, the State Revenue Department has issued circular to the all sub–divisional magistrates, collectors and principal chief engineer (PCE) Public Works Department (PWD) to strictly monitor the encroachments along national highways – NH17 and NH4A, and other roads.

H o w e v e r, o n e w o n d e r whether the government is actually serious in tackling the issue of growing number of structures along national highways and other roads as it has failed to mention in the circular the setback area to be maintained on either side of the roads.

The department circular states, “It has been desired by the government that all the SDMs are required to see that no new structures should come up within the road widening area of national highways(NHs) a n d m a j o r d i s t r i c t ro a d s (MDRs).”

“The SDMs are directed to ensure that they should keep vigil to see that no new structures crop within the area of the road widening of NHs and MDRs,” the circular states without mentioning the area of road widening.

Further, the circular directs all the SDMs to submit monthly reports in this regard to the secretaries of chief minister and

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Government issues circular asking all the SDMs to monitor constructions along NHs, MDRs, SHs, VRs. Fails to mention the fixed setback area to be followed.

Officials say the implementation could put govt into legal tangle.

PWD has moved file for fixing setback area 2 years ago but government is dilly dallying on approving it.

the chief secretary by the 10th of every month.

Similarly, the circular has directed the PCE to give suitable instructions to all SDMs under his control to see that no new structures crop up.

However, the top officials in the PWD have raised apprehensions on the circular.

“This circular will create more problems than solve them,” said one official adding “It will create more legal problems. How can we stop construction unless there is anything concrete in writing or a decision on setback area.”

The officials stated that the government has made no mention of the right of way (ROW) or the setback to be followed in the circular.

(Continued on page 10)

AP BOGOTA (Colombia), AUG 16

A Boeing 737 jetliner with 131 passengers aboard crashed on landing and broke into three pieces at a Colombian island in the Caribbean early today. The region’s governor said it was a miracle that only one person died.

Colombian Air Force Col David Barrero said officials were investigating reports the plane had been hit by lightning before crashing at 1:49 a m (1219 IST) while landing at San Andres Island, a resort island of 78,000 people about 190 kilometres east of the Nicaraguan coast.

San Andres Governor Pedro Gallardo said 125 passengers and six crew members had been aboard, but the only person killed was Amar Fernandez de Barreto (65). At least five people were reported injured.

“It was a miracle and we have to give thanks to God,” the governor said.

Barrero, commander of the Caribbean Air Group, said by telephone from San Andres “The skill of the pilot kept the plane from colliding with the airport.”

Barrero said the 7,545-foot (2,300-metre) runway had been closed because parts of the plane were still scattered across it.

The Aires jet had left the Colombian capital of Bogota at about midnight.

The way we are managing our government, we would have successfully organized Commonwealth games.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 2

GOA, TUESDAY, 17 AUGUST, 2010

MUCB directors’ poll These lamps ‘glow’ even in daylight! illegal: petitioners HERALD REPORTER VASCO, AUG 16

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, AUG 16

A petition has been filed against the newly elected directors of Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank of Goa Ltd. Shareholders Yeshwant Gaundalkar and Apa Teli have filed a petition before Registrar of Cooperative Societies Goa, Panjim, praying that the election of Ramakant Khalap, Tulio de Souza, Gurudas Natekar, Michael Carrasco, Ramesh Pankar, Jagdish Shet Verlekar, Mangaldas Naik, Ashwin Khalap and Babuso Hadfadker, who were elected unopposed directors of the bank be declared as illegal, null and void and set aside.

They have also requested the registrar that the directors be removed and a Board of Administrators be appointed to manage the affairs and business of Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank of Goa Ltd or alternatively to direct the Bank to hold fresh election in terms of the procedure.

It may be recalled that the

election of members to Board of Directors of Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank was scheduled to be held on July 18, 2010.

The Returning Officer was authorised to receive nominations on July 16.

Accordingly, Gaudalkar and Teli filed their nominations to contest the elections within prescribed time. However, their nominations were rejected by Returning Office R N Dessai.

Gaudalkar and Teli also stated that the Returning officer rejected 13 out of 22 nominations received without any scrutiny and declared the Directors elected to the Board of Directors of the Bank.

“Our nominations have been illegally rejected with a view to declare the Directors as elected to the Board without going through the process of election by voting method,” stated the petition.

“The ‘elected’ directors were aware that they may not succeed in a fair election and with the assistance of the Returning Officer,

got the rejected nominations of the members aspiring to contest the election at the threshold itself, so as to have ‘no opposition’,” alleged the petitioners.

Petitioners have stated that by illegal, unfair and improper rejection of their nominations they have been deprived illegally of the right to contest the elections.

“The Returning Officer did not give any reasons for rejecting our nominations and other aspiring candidates. We therefore feel that the entire election was stage-managed by the Directors in collusion with the Returning officer,” added the petitioners.

“The election was ‘managed’ and the entire process of issuing nominations, etc, was false. The Returning Officer has acted in a biased manner and has not conducted the election process in a fair, transparent and fair manner. The procedure of election as prescribed has not been followed by the Returning Officer,” stated the petitioners.

Kudchirem students boycott classes

Classroom in the verandah at Government High School, KudchiremBicholim.

Photo by Vishnat Vaze HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, AUG 16

About 200 students of Government High School, Kudchirem-Bicholim,on Monday boycotted their classes to protest against the government’s failure to appoint the required number of teachers.

The students are also protesting against the dilapidated condition of the school building and lack of other amenities. The students have decided to continue with the agitation till their demands are fulfilled.

It is learnt that the examination for the English paper was not held, as there is no English teacher.

The Government High School is facing acute problems, as the students do not have their own school building, due to which classes are conducted in the premises of primary school building, strength of the teachers to teach about 200 students from Std V to X is also low and the school has no Mathematics, History and English teachers.

The examination for the English subject was also not held,

Now, police website has section on women, kids’ issues HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

A string of serious offences against women and children apparently compelled Goa Police to induct a new section on ‘Information on Women & Children Issue’ on its official website.

After a negative publicity Goa earned with recent incidents including attacks on foreign women and the drug nexus expose, at the international stage, the Government is on a damage control mission.

The latest update on Goa Police website reels out a list of 31 registered Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) along with its address and contact numbers.

When contacted the police spokesperson Superintendent of (Special Branch) Police Atmaram Deshpande, said that the new section is purely for information purpose.

“There are incidents of domestic violence, child trafficking and other related offences… the new section will enable people to inform the matter to respective NGOs… We also rope in the NGO depending on the case type,” said the officer.

Goa has been extensively debated on issues such as death of British teenager Scarlet Keeling Eden, rape of a German minor, unsolved death of Russian tourist Elena Sukhonova, police-drug nexus, etc.

Expressing anguish over deteriorating image and spate of crimes, one may recount, the then tourism minister Mickky Pacheco on December 12, 2009 remarked that Goa may soon be dubbed ‘rape capital’ of the country.

State Government roped in the young Bollywood actress Prachi Desai to promote the brand image of the tourism state of Goa. The actress was recently featured in movie Once Upon A Time In Mumbai and Rock On. The website, last updated on August 3, 2010 also includes important guidelines on identification of terrorists. It informs that a suspected terrorist can be identified wearing clothes unsuited for the season besides other parameters alerting to be cautious. With fast approaching tourist season, the website also displays emergency numbers.

Activist wants probe into police action HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 16

Accusing the police for what he termed as dictatorial attitude, social activist, Anthony D’Silva has demanded a probe into the police action of detaining him at the police station and preventing him from participating at the Independence Day celebrations at the District Collectorate here on Sunday.

Briefing newsmen, D’Silva said he was peacefully sitting near the Collectorate with placards having messages for the Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat and the PWD Minister on the plastic menace.

as there is no teacher to teach English. There are only nine teachers in the school, who are striving hard to make the students learn, however, the adjustment becomes difficult.

“The Education Department was informed about the existing state of affairs time and again, but in vain, due to which students were compelled to take this step,” said PTA President Sawlo Gaonkar.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, who was informed about the issue by the school PTA, has assured to bring the matter with the Director of Education. At present, there are 15 students studying in SSC, who are likely to face acute problems before facing their examination.

It is learnt that the students have to go to Government High School, Kerim, which is 15 kms from Kudchirem, to attend computer classes, which are not conducted in the school due to leakage of water into classroom.

Some classes are also conducted in the adjacent old house to accommodate the students.

Students and parents have strongly demanded the Education Department to look into the matter at the earliest to safeguard their future.

Missing girls: Colva police investigating HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 16

The Colva police are investigating into the sudden disappearance of two young girls from Benaulim and Mobor since Saturday.

Acting Colva Police station incharge, PI Santosh Desai said the two girls – one aged 21 and the other 25 years — went missing from Saturday. He said the two girls were working in a showroom at Mobor-Cavelossim.

Preliminary investigations by the police through call details revealed that the location of the one of the girl was shown at Sindhudurg.

This morning, a group of residents of Benaulim came to the Margao police station to find out the progress into the police inquiry into the missing girls.

The police are investigating into the case.

2 works at Madel approved: Damu HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 16

Fatorda ML A Damu Naik has claimed that he has managed to get approval for the desilting of the Madel nullah, besides road hotmixing works costing Rs 1.5 crore in this Margao Municipal ward.

Incidentally, PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao has said that he has approved the file for the two works at Madel due to constant follow-up done by GPCC General Secretary Vijay Sardessai.

The Fatorda MLA pointed out that work on the desilting of the Madel nullah will be soon be tendered at a cost of Rs 91 lakh. “The work was pending due to various hurdles, and by some vested elements who are out to take political mileage without doing anything”, Naik said.

At a time when Chief Minister Digambar Kamat is busy improving power deficit scenario in the State by requesting Union Minister for Power Sushil Kumar Shinde for more power, errant electricity staff in Vasco are least concerned to save power.

The newly constructed St Jacinto Island Bridge is decorated with 68,250 watt sodium vapour lamps and another 10,800 watt power focus tube below the arch of the bridge.

With nearly one-third of the 68 sodium vapour lamps and few sodium vapour lamps kept on in daylight from Friday night till 4.30 pm on Saturday shows the attitude of the electricity staff, as no one is concerned to put off these high power lamps.

According to some bar owners and residents of the area, nearly one-third of the lamps

Trio rescued from drowning HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, AUG 16

Three tourists were rescued from drowning in the sea off Calangute during the weekend.

According to reports, Aditya Pappu (35) from Hyderabad, S V Raju (41) and Raju Shikaripur (41), both from Karnataka, were rescued by Drishti Surf Life Team of Uday Paryekar, Ganesh Pednekar, Nagesh Dholage, Siddesh Dhargalkar and Anil Gaonkar.

All the tourists had ventured into rough seas at Calangute despite warnings by Drishti lifeguards and were pulled in by heavy under water currents. The Drishti Surf Life team rushed to their rescue and saved them from drowning.

Health workers scan Khareband for H1N1 cases HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 16

House-to-house surveillance got underway in the Commercial Capital on Monday, with health workers scanning the Khareband looking out of cases of fever in the locality in the wake of H1N1 flu.

Four teams attached to the Margao Urban Health Centre, each consisting of four workers, fanned out to the nook and corner of Khareband this morning to unearth any case of flu amongst the residents.

Incidentally, out of the 312 persons screened in the locality, only around 11 had ordinary fever and were taking treatment, informed Margao Urban Health officer, Dr Geeta Kakodkar.

The screening and surveillance was carried out by Krishna Panchwadkar along with health workers as per the guidelines issues by the district Collector, South. “Guidelines were issued to the health workers to find out fever cases in the Khareband area. Besides the fact that only 11 ordinary cases of fever were detected in the locality, it was heartening to note that people were well aware of H1N1 and its symptoms”, he added.

Panchwadkar said that Khareband was selected as the first ward for the surveillance work due to reports that fever cases have been detected from the locality.

He said the ongoing drive will continue as per the Collector’s directions, adding that the health workers have also laid stress on schools and slums as part of the awareness drive on H1N1. “The health team have conveyed to the residents to immediately report any case of fever or cold either to the Margao Urban Health centre or Hospicio Hospital”, he added.

The health workers also cleaned the area by getting rid of breeding sites, by opening vessels and utensils with the cooperation of the residents.

After the drive, Dr Kakodkar filed a compliance report with Ashutosh Apte, Mamlatdar in the District Collectorate, South.

She said the health workers would concentrate on the Gogol area in the next two-days to not only screen the residents, but to spread awareness on flu and fever.

High watt sodium lamps shining along the newly constructed St Jacinto Island Bridge, Chicalim.

Photo by M Prabhav

were kept on for nearly 24 hours on Saturday.

It is learnt that the concerned staff, who look after illumination of the bridge lamps, failed to put off the lamps.

When the bridge was newly inaugurated, almost all lamps were shining throughout the night, but electricity official realized that it would be a mere waste of power to keep lamps on throughout the night and hence decided to illuminate few lamps on either side of the bridge for certain period.

According to electricity department, these lamps have to be illuminated by 6.30 or 7 pm depending up on the darkness and it have to be put off by 11.30 pm.

Efforts to contact officials of Electricity Department, Division XI, Mormugao, proved futile, as no one was available for comment.

CCP to put shop sealing drive on hold for 15 days HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

The Corporation of the City of Panjim today decided to put on hold its drive of sealing the shops, which have been closed for years together, for next 15 days.

The special meeting of the CCP, chaired by Mayor Carolina Po to discuss market issues, felt that since some people have started producing the documents they should be given more time.

“The members felt the shopkeepers should be given opportunity to prove their possession since some people have already shown documents and started opening their shops,” CCP Commissioner Elvis Gomes told Herald.

Some of the shops in the new

market complex were closed for years together and the CCP had started sealing the shops.

The corporation had asked the owners to prove possession of these shops by presenting related authentic documents including the allotment letter issued by the GSIDC, code number and identity card provided by the CCP. These lessees were also required to keep their shops open from this month, as per the CCP direction.

The meeting also decided to start collecting the rent from the shopkeepers at the rate of Rs 195 per sq metre from April 2009.

“Some shopkeepers have started paying the rent @ Rs 30 per sq mt. Since we have finalised the rent at Rs 195 per

sq mt the members decided to calculate the balance amount and start collecting the rent,” Gomes said.

As per CCP report 458 shops and stalls and 446 vegetable and flower vendors have occupied space in the market. And there are 100-odd shops which are either closed down or are not functioning.

The CCP has not collected the rent for last four to five years and sources informed that the corporation has been paying the electricity and water rent for the new market complex since past 4 to 5 years, and the collective arrears of the shopkeepers and vendors pertaining to their electricity bills have reached a whopping Rs 50 lakh, while the water bill dues stand at Rs 15 lakh.

MMC’s RFP fate on Sonsodo consultant hangs in balance HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 16

The fate of the Request For Proposal (RFP) floated by the Margao Municipal to engage consultant to monitor the work of installation of waste processing and disposal facility at Sonsodo hangs in balance.

Neither the civic body has opened the bids received from reputed consultants nor has convened a meeting of the High-Powered Committee headed by Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat to decide on the consultant.

The entire episode has got an added twist after the civic body abruptly called off the prebid meeting with the consultants after realization dawned that Hyderabad-based Ramky Enviro Engineering was one of the bidders for the RFP. It may be recalled that Ramky had lost the bid to Goa-based

Fomento to treat the existing waste and set up the waste processing facility at Sonsodo.

Sources in the know said the powers that be are worried over the fate of the entire Sonsodo project if Ramky bags the consultancy contract due to the bitter rivalry between the Hyderabad-based company and Fomento in the run up to the opening of the tender for the installation of the waste processing facility at the dumping site.

Inquiries have revealed that the Margao Municipal Council has suddenly lost interest in pursuing the RFP to engage the consultant to monitor the works at Sonsodo.

When contacted, MMC Chief Officer Y B Tawde said that he has asked the municipal engineer to arrange a meeting of the High-Powered Committee meeting to take a decision on

Religious ceremony of Vasco Saptah ends

the Request For Proposal to appoint a consultant.

He, however, had no answer when asked whether the High-Powered Committee can dictate terms to the civic body when the issue of floating tenders and RFPs lies in the domain of the municipality.

Incidentally, Herald understands that one of the four bidders, Ahmedabad-based P U Asnani has raised queries and objections to certain provisions mentioned in the RFP. MMC officials have no idea whether Asnani’s objections would be accepted or overruled by the civic body. Incid e n t a l l y, t h e M a r g a o municipality had handpicked Asnani to evaluate the technical and financial bids received from both Fomento and Ramky without inviting Expression of Interest.

The CCP also decided to form a committee, which will include opposition corporators to study the issue of transfer of shops in the new market complex.

Gomes said the committee will be headed by the Mayor Carolina Po and comprise ruling corporators Rudresh Chodankar, Bento Loreno, Mangaldas Dessai and opposition corporators Menino da Cruz and Rupesh Halarnkar.

Meanwhile, the opposition corporators have demanded that the nomination of co-opted corporator Daya Karapurkar should be cancelled.

“Karapurkar has been involved in several scams and frauds in the CCP and we have submitted a memorandum to the mayor and commissioner that his nomination be cancelled,” a BJP corporator said.

Missing fisherman’s body found HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, AUG 16

The body of the missing fisherman was found along the Candolim-Sinquerim seashore on Monday.

It may be recalled that on Sunday morning, two fishermen drowned, while two others swam to safety, after their motorboat capsized near the stranded vessel River Princess at Candolim.

Sanjay Harmalkar (29) and Sadanand Kandolkar (64), both from Tinto Vaddo, Nerul, drowned due to heavy underwater currents. Gopal Krishna Kandolkar (43) of Nerul and Bholaram Das, residing at Keri, swam to safety, while Kandolkar’s body was traced.

The body of Sanjay Harmalkar (29) from Nerul was traced on Monday. On being alerted by locals, Calangute Police took possession of the body and handed it over to the relatives of the deceased for final rites.

Convicted tourist’s fly moved Russian govt, says lawyer HERALD REPROTER PANJIM, AUG 16

Devotees of Lord Damodar proceed to immerse the Sreefal to conclude the one-and-half day religious ceremony at Vasco.

Photo by M Prabhav HERALD REPORTER VASCO, AUG 16

The religious ceremony of the Vasco Saptah came to an end with the immersion of Sreefal at Khariwado Beach, Vasco, on Monday.

Damodar Narvekar, whose forefathers were bestowed with the privilege to immerse Sreefal, performed the rituals of immersing Sreefal to mark the end of one-and-half day religious ceremony of Vasco Saptah.

Damodar Narvekar carried the Sreefal, while devotees danced their way to the Vasco beach singing holy songs. Later, the group danced at the main junction near Vasco railway station and later proceeded towards the beach to immerse Sreefal.

At the beach, Damodar

Narvekar along with other devotees immersed the Sreefal.

The devotees came out of the water chanting “Gopalkhala Godzala, Gopalane Godkela Amcha Vithoba Gharashi Ala”.

Later, a copper tumbler filled with sea water was given as holy water to the faithful.

Later, the devotees chanting “Gopalkala Godzala, Gopalane Godkela, Amcha Vitobha Gharashiala” danced all the way back to the temple.

The Bhajan Mandal was seen singing Bhajans and Kirtans, while the group which went to immerse Sreefal was seen dancing inside the temple amid chanting of hymns and bhajans, followed by arti and distributing of Prasad by breaking last year’s Sreefal.

Family members of the Russian tourist, who has been sentenced to one-year imprisonment over the expiry of his visa, have moved Russian government seeking justice, Advocate Vikram Varma said.

Aleksandr Solomein did not prolong his Indian visa, which expired on April 25, 2010. He was arrested for overstaying on May 29 when he approached police informing his visa status.

In a matter of 21-days, Solomein was convicted and sentenced by the Judicial Magistrate First Class at Mapusa for overstaying.

“He voluntarily walked into the police station requesting to get the exit permission.…He admitted of delaying his stay unintentionally as he faced financial and personal crunches.,” said the advocate.

The father of two teens, Solomein was charged under section 7 (3) (iii) of the Foreigners Order, 1948 read with Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946.

The anxious Russian family is determined to follow up the matter for Russia and Goa share a good relationship.

“To the best of my knowledge, Russia is a time tested friend and ally of India. In matters of an inadvertent overstay of Indians in Russia, they are provided assistance not only by the Indian Embassy in Moscow, but also by the Russian Authorities,” said Varma.

In the judgement copy dated June 19, Solomein represented by his lawyer R Wadekar pleaded guilty and wished not to argue. He filed a formal application for leniency. “…the accused had no intention to overstay in India, but due to some financial and personal difficulties, he could not leave India even after the expiry of the visa. She stated that the accused is ready and willing to leave India immediately,” read extracts of the judgement copy.

Whereas, the prosecution led by Public Prosecutor Santamaria termed this as “an offence against the nation.”

The court before unveiling the verdict directed Goa Police to make necessary arrangements to deport the accused from India after the completion of his sentence of imprisonment.

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Land acquisition at Cutbona sans Goa to have its first ITM this Oct Rise in arrival of specific purpose haunts officials HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

The Cutbona fishing jetty.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 16

The process to acquire land admeasuring 30,000 square metres at Cutbona Jetty sans any specific “public purpose” has come to haunt the authorities.

For, this is perhaps the first time the government has published Section 6 of the Land Acquisition Act without making

clear the purpose behind acquiring the land at the Cutbona Jetty.

Ask the Land Acquisition Officer, Deputy Collector, Margao for the lapse and he pushed the blame on the acquiring department, ie the Fisheries Department for not specifying the public purpose.

Land Acquisition officials pointed out that the office re-

ceived the proposal for land acquisition of 30,000 square metres of land at the Cutbona Jetty sans the public purpose.

“Since no public purpose was mentioned in the land acquisition proposal, the land acquisition office notified the proposal minus the public purpose”, remarked an official.

Incidentally, even the Fisheries Department appears con-

fused over the exact purpose for which the land is being acquired. Fisheries Minister, Joaquim Alemao is on record saying the land is being acquired for the purpose of setting up a fish meal plant.

Sources in the know, however, pointed out that fisheries officials have told the land acquisition office that the land will be used for the purpose of extension of the existing fishing jetty at Cutbona.

In fact, when Herald contacted Fisheries Minister, Joaquim Alemao over the fact that the land acquisition notification is silent on the public purpose, he categorically stated that the land in question is being acquired for the purpose of a fish meal project.

Says Velim Civic and Consumer Forum Convenor, Ramona Almeida: “We have given 15-day deadline to the Velim Panchayat to convene a meeting with the Land Acquisition Officer and the Director of Fisheries on the issue”.

In fact, at the Sunday meeting held at Velim, villagers have unanimously resolved to take to the streets if the government fails to come up with the “public purpose” as they charged the Fisheries Department for trying to bulldoze the fish meal project despite opposition from the local populace.

Can Goa which has emerged as a prime destination for the corporate industry and commercial establishments to host conferences, seminars, exhibitions and business networking also turn out to be a forum to boost tourism related business?

With this objective in mind and also to advance State’s tourism industry, Goa will have its first International Travel Mart (ITM) in October this year.

Nikhil Dessai, Managing Director of Goa Tourism & Development Corporation (GTDC) told a press conference on Monday here, a four day ITM beginning on October 14, will have buyer-sellers interactions, interactive penal discussions, seminars addressed by key speakers from the industry et al but it will also be an opportunity for Goa to enhance its stake in the tourism business.

Sheldon Satwan, Editor of Travel Biz Monitor, said Goa lags far behind on domestic tourist arrival – it is ranked 19 and ITM should be looked at as an investment opportunity.

To a question about bad publicity Goa has received in the last two years, he said, all tourist hotspots have received bad publicity from time-to-time.

However what’s important is — what you do to counter it, he

Use Sada to dispose Herpetologist, team ‘capture’ waste, not as landfill preying predator in Chorla site: HC to MMC

This is the second report of a green vine snake feeding on a shieldtail snake in the Northern Western Ghats of India.

The first report was from Maharashtra by herpetologist and curator of the Bombay Natural History Society a few years ago.

Interestingly, the green vine snake is a partially arboreal species of snake while the large scaled shieldtail is an inoffensive burrowing forest species, which are endemic of the Western Ghats.

The green vine snake is uncommonly seen on ground and feeds mainly on lizards, frogs and small birds. It is a mild venomous snake and the venom is capable of paralyzing small prey.

There is a lacuna of knowledge about shieldtail species whose ecology and habitat preference is lest known merely from a few observations and hence the current observations of predator-prey relationships with a partially arboreal species are considered important by researchers.

The incident was recorded at 630 metres above sea level in secondary forest vegetation.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

The Bombay High Court at Goa today ordered the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) not to carry out a landfill site at Sada, while allowing them to go ahead with their garbage disposal process.

The Division Bench comprising of Justice A S Oka and Justice F M Reis further directed MMC to go into the inspection report conducted by Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and take necessary action as and when needed.

The court directives came after Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) pointed out that the landfill site at Headland-Sada is in gross violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 1991. And accordingly inspection was carried out by GCZMA. GCZMA in its report cleared that the said place is not suitable to carry out a landfill site; however, MMC can go ahead with the garbage disposal process at the said place.

MMC has constructed treatment plant at Headland Sada in 14,000 sq mt area, which was allotted to them by the State government.

The court has said that MMC can go ahead with the existing process of garbage disposal at the allotted area till further directives.

Meanwhile, MMC told court that they had never opted for permission from GCZMA for setting up of landfill site at Sada.

MPT had stated before the court that the patients, doctors and staff of MPT Hospital are unable to even breathe due to the continuous entry of smoke and fumes into the hospital. The nearby MPT residential colony and the Customs Colony are equally badly affected.

Since many years now, MPT has been making attempts to persuade the MMC and the district authorities to relocate the garbage dump and composting unit away from the MPT hospital and the residential areas.

Meanwhile, lawyer representing MMC brought to the court’s notice that every hospital should have a landfill site so as the MPT hospital.

“If the hospital is having a landfill site then it too must be in violation of CRZ or they must be illegally dumping it,” he stated.

As such, the Division Bench directed MMC to file a fresh application over the issue.

Cash stolen Rare instance of green vine snake eating a shieldtail snake.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

A rare instance of a green vine snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) preying upon a large scaled shieldtail

(Uropeltis macrolepis macrolepis) was recorded by herpetologist Nirmal Kulkarni and his team in the Chorla Ghat forests on Sunday.

Govt told to file affidavit over affairs at Asilo HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

The Bombay High Court at Goa today directed the State Government to file an affidavit, over the affairs of Asilo Hospital in Mapusa, within next four weeks.

Amicus curiae Saresh Lotlikar said that the court has ap-

pointed Advocate Rayan Menezes as a consultant to inspect the machineries installed at the hospital.

The Division Bench comprising of Justice A S Oka and Justice F M Reis today has asked government to file a detail report on when the doctors and

nurses were appointed and where have been they posted.

Report on recruitment of staff for the hospital is also sought by court.

The court was hearing a petition by Prakash Sardessai which has been pending since the last three years. The petition

has raised the issue of quality of public health care and conditions of the government-run health institutions.

Goa Government has been also directed to shift trauma and ICU in the old building on immediate basis till the new building gets a facelift.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, AUG 16

Cash of Rs 99,000 was stolen from Goa Bagayatdar, Shiroda unit, on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

In his complaint, Goa Bagayatdar’s MD Ulhas Umarye told Ponda Police that the theft came to light on Sunday morning, when the employees came to open the store.

The shutter was found bend and the locker from the store was broke open and cash of Rs 99,399 missing. A police dog squad and fingerprint experts were pressed into service, but in vain. PSI Sanjay Dalvi is investigating the case.

FITs, says Swapnil HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

Though there has been drop in the arrival of charter tourists during last three years it should not worry stakeholders in the tourism industry. For change in the trend of tourists arrival witnessed during last two promises higher returns.

So, if there has been decline in the arrival of charter tourists — the number of arrival of Free Independent Travellers (FITs) has gone up. Two years ago, the proportion of arrival of charter tourists versus FIT tourists was 80:20 and last season it was 50:50, told Swapnil Naik, Director of Tourism during a press conference on Monday here, which was held to brief about International Tourism Mart (ITM) scheduled to be held in Goa mid–October.

He “said this trend is important to Goa,” as it means expansion in the spectrum of tourism — there has been tourists inflow from Iran, Kazakhstan and Poland.

The Tourism Department expects increase in tourists inflow once it is develops hinterland tourism which is expected to take shape in the next one-and-a-half year.

CHARTER TOURISTS ARRIVAL IN LAST 3 SEASONS YEAR —————— Oct 07 — May 08 — Oct 08 — May 09 — Oct 09 — May 10 —

NO Of TOuRiSTS 175951 145428 137790

said.

The GTDC and Tourism Department with support from India Tourism Goa, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) are organising the ITM wherein various State and international tourism boards, trade associations, resorts, airlines and leisure operators and tour operators, corporate travel planners and allied industries have displayed keen interest participation.

Bookings for approximately 150 stalls are well underway with special deals and discount on offer, including corporate and early discounts, said GTDC Chairman.

Also present were Swapnil Naik, Director of Tourism Department, Gaurish Dhond, Chairman TTAG, Ralph D’Souza, Chairman Tourism Committee expressed confidence that ITM will help tourism industry. The official website www.itmgao.com was launched today.

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GOA, TUESDAY, 17 AUGUST, 2010

S H O RT TA K e S Library Day organised

State celebrates 64th Independence Day CAnACOnA

SAnGUeM

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

The winners and runners up with the management and staff of Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim.

PANJIM(HND): The Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim observed Library Day recently. To mark the occasion, World Cup football quiz competition was organized.

Mariano Dias, the winning coach of last years Santosh Trophy was the chief guest in the presence of the Manager Rev Father Joe Feniandes, Principal Victoria De Souza and Vice-Principal Anthony Alvares, Oswaldo Da Costa, Treasurer of Goa Referees Association was the guest of honour.

The prize winners of the contest were Oliver D'Souza and Jason Fernandes from XI Commerce D. Runners up: Carlos Noronha and Royden Dias from XII Commerce D. Librarian Caraciol Rodrigues was the quiz master. Earlier, teacher Kirti Shet welcomed the guests; Mariano Dias delivered a speech. Alison D'Silva and Osburn Vaz compered the programme, while teacher Beryl Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks. The teachers who co-ordinated the programme are Lara Loiola Pereira, Kirti Shet and Beryl Rodrigues.

Medical camp organised

Nation’s 64th Independence Day was celebrated all over Canacona taluka on Sunday.

The main government-sponsored function was held at taluka’s Deputy Collector’s office Complex, Chaudi, where Deputy Collector Deepak Dessai did the honours of unfurling the national tricolour in the presence of Canacona MLA Vijay Paikhot and others.

After unfurling the national flag, Dessai said: “People, as part of their duty of national integration, remember patriotism only on August 15 and January 26. Every citizen should feel nationalism every day and not only on these two days.”

“We should not leave everything for government officers to achieve, but as responsible citizens, every one of us should do our bit as our contribution to the nation,” said the deputy collector.

He also mentioned the burning garbage issue in his speech on the occasion.

In his speech, Canacona MLA Vijay Poikhot indirectly sought to blame the government for spineless development in the country.

Deputy Collector Deepak Dessai speaks after unfurling the national flag speaks.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

“We say development is done, but infrastructure like roads, buildings gets destroyed before time, putting extra pressure on country’s economy. It is not true to say that country’s economy as compared to other countries has improved over the years, infact country’s economic values have been degraded with many countries of the world.”

Speaking further on natural resources, Poikhot said: “Because of indiscriminate mining, Goa is on the verge of extinction now.”

Poinguinim ZP Daya Pagi, Canacona Municipal Council

Chairperson Shamsunder Dessai, Councillor Santosh Tubki, Canacona Mamlatdar and Joint Mamlatdar and other officers from Canacona were present on the occasion.

Different variety cultural programmes were presented by students of St Teresa of Jesus High School, Katiyani Baneshwari High School, Shri Mallikarjun Vidyalaya, GPS-Chaudi, Anganwadi (Palolem) and Government Higher Secondary.

All the schools in the taluka also held flag hoisting on Sunday morning.

GOA SHIPyARD LIMITeD HERALD NEWS DESK

Patients examined at the Bone Marrow Detection (BMD) camp at Dr Ajit Kamat Hospital.

PANJIM(HND): Bone Marrow Detection (BMD) camp was held recently at Dr Ajit Kamat Hospital under the able guidance of Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Shekhar D Shirwaikar.

According to a press release, a total of 178 patients who were diagnosed as having Osteoporosis for a minimum period of six months were treated with Zoldronic acid injections and calcium supplementations.

At the 3rd BMD camp it was found that 140 patients diagnosed initially with osteoporosis had marked improvement in their condition after having attended three consecutive BMD camps and having received treatment therein. Ten patients who had already developed deformities of the knee joint due to severe osteoporosis will now require surgery.

Those patients who cannot bear the cost of surgery will be operated free of cost. The remaining 38 patients have been called for the next BMD after starting the calcium and zoldronic acid treatment, adds the press release.

Occupational therapy for IPHP patients held recently in coordination with Printing and Stationary Department. Also present are Director of Printing and Stationary, N D Agarwal and Dr V N Jindal, dean of GMC.

Bahusaheb remembered

MARCEL (HC): Rich tributes were paid to former chief minister Bahusaheb Bandodkar on his death anniversary on Thursday.

Home Minister Ravi Naik, Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar and Priol MLA Deepak Dhavlikar along with their supporters garlanded the statue of Bahusaheb Bandodkar at FarmagudiPonda.

Incidentally, both the ministers preferred to pay homage to the former chief minister separately.

Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar urged the youth to follow principles of Bahusaheb Bandodkar.

“In order to go ahead, one must follow principles of Bahusaheb Bandodkar, who was the leader of masses. I urge youth to stay united and help our State’s progress,” said the transport minister. Home Minister Ravi Naik expressed concern over today’s political scenario and urged the people to be cautious.

“Our politicians should have followed Bahusaheb’s footsteps, but I don’t think this is happening. Sometimes I feel politicians misguide youth and are not at all interested in the welfare of the society,” said Naik.

Samraat Club gathering

MAYEM(HC): Samraat Club International President Guruprasad Shinkre has stressed the need for members of broad-minded nature, who wishes to help downtrodden sections of community.

He was addressing the gathering during his official visit to Samraat Club Bicholim recently.

Avdhoot Salatri, Samrat Club Bicholim President Nishant Chanekar, Secretary Dattaram Shetye, Gopla Morajkar, Mukund Popkar and Suresh Khanolkar were on the occasion.

On the occasion, artist Uttam Kudaskar from Bicholim and some students from Bicholim vicinity were felicitated by Shinkre for their outstanding services in the fields of art and education.

Earlier, Nishant Chanekar welcomed and introduced the guests, Praveen Sawant compered the function, while, Dattarm Shetye proposed the vote of thanks.

The 63rd anniversary of Independence was celebrated at Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) with patriotic fervour. Rear Admiral (retd) Vineet Bakhshi VSM, Chairman and Managing Director unfurled the National Flag at the GSL campus, which was synchronized with the singing of National Anthem and Guard of Honour by the CISF personnel. The function was preceded by Patriotic songs in Hindi, Konkani and Marathi composed and presented by GSL Serenade group, lending a patriotic atmosphere.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman and Managing Director spoke of the sacrifices that our Freedom Fighters had made and their desire to be the masters of their own destiny which eventually made us independent. He lauded each and every employee of GSL for the wholehearted cooperation and team spirit displayed by them, which resulted in the increased pro-

Ex-MLA criticises authorities over garbage menace in St Cruz HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 16

V ictor Gonsalves, ex ML A strongly condemns and criticizes the negligence of the local authorities and elected representatives for not taking up seriously the issue of garbage problem at Santa Cruz.

In a press note issued here, Gonsalves says that the garbage which is strewn all around has created a health hazard and the people have to bear the foul smell emanating from it. The monsoon has aggravated the problem for the villagers who travel in the village who have to bear the menace of garbage.

The press release states further that Victor Gonsalves has requested the villagers of Santa Cruz for unity to fight the menace and urged for the need of the Health Department to intervene immediately inorder to protect the people of Santa Cruz against any possible viral infections and skin diseases, adds the press release.

Rear Admiral (retd) Vineet Bakhshi VSM, Chairman and Managing Director inspecting the guard of honour.

ductivity and quality of work.

‘Good values’ and ‘Shiksha’ one could make a difference to future generations, he added.

Asserting that successive managements and employees had built an outstanding brand image to design and build quality ships, RAdm V Bakhshi called upon the employees to rededicate themselves for continued improvement of the Shipyard..

On the occasion, GSL employ-

ees were awarded with special commendation and commendation certificates for outstanding performance in their respective areas of work, while 266 meritorious students received scholarship awards from the hands of Mr Bakshi. Besides, quality circle awards, safety week celebration awards, safe driving awards, best turnout awards and public sector awards were also presented on the occasion.

Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Our Lady of Piety Primary School, Uguem-Sanguem, on Sunday.

Fr Agapito D’Cunha, headmaster and Chaplain of Our Lady of Piety Chapel Uguem unfurled the tricolour in the presence of students, teachers and a large number of villagers.

Speaking at the function, Fr D’Cunha recalled the past glories of the school, which was initially started as a Portuguese teaching school, before Pilar Fathers took over it and transformed the school into English teaching school.

“The school has been in existence since prior to liberation and many villagers who have studied in this school now occupy respectable posts and positions in the society,” claimed Fr D’Cunha.

Fr D’Cunha also apprised the villagers of the need for sending their children to the nearby school not only to keep the school running, but in the best interest of the children.

He claimed that by sending the children to distance schools, not only affects the health of the students, but also their studies and distance involved in traveling to the distant schools puts an extra pressure on the children at a young age.

Moreover, Fr D’Cunha pointed out that the school building recently constructed by the villagers would be of no use if the parents continue to send their wards to city schools.

Earlier, school student Ashleen Gomes spoke on the importance of Independence Day celebrations, while Tazmeen Shaikh compered the function. The function ended with songs presented by the students.

MAPUSA HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Minister for Tourism Nilkanth Halarnkar unfurled the national flag on the occasion of the 64th India’s Independence Day celebrations at a function organized at Mapusa, on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion Nilkanth Halarnkar recalled the sacrifices of Martyrs and known and unknown freedom fighters who struggled against colonial British rule for the India’s Independence and told the youths to draw inspiration from the freedom struggle and channelise their energies for development to take the State and nation to greater heights of progress and prosperity.

Halarnkar further said, due to the sacrifices and relentless efforts of the freedom fighters, today we taste the fruits of freedom and have progressed in all fields of human endeavour. Halarnkar appealed to the people to remain united and cooperate with the Government efforts to accelerate overall development of the State.

Halarnkar inspected the Guard of Honour on the occasion.

The Tourism Minister was received by Dasharath Redkar, Dy Collector at the venue. Gajanan Lotlikar compered the function.

Contacto Goa on RTP PANJIM(HND):

Contacto Goa, the 58th episode will be broadcast on RTP international – India, Portugal and other places on Tuesday, August 17 in India between 1:10 pm and 7:10 pm and Portugal between 8:45 am and 2:15 pm and on Wednesday, August 18 in India at 6:30 am and Portugal at 2:00 am.

Timetable for other countries will be available online: www.rtp.pt.

Resort Rio opened at Baga HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, AUG 16

Resort Rio, a 5 star deluxe luxury resort, was inaugurated at Baga on the eve of India’s 64th Independence Day on Saturday.

Minister for Tourism Nilkant Halarnkar inaugurated the resort in the presence of Directors Anup Shah and Lucindo Faria and their hotel team led by General Manager Terrence Nunes, beside a host of dignitaries.

Resort Rio is designed by the team of Shahbuddin Kanikar (contractor and interior designer), Raghu Nath Dhume(project manager) and Siddarth Naik (architect).

The Resort offers a variety of dinning comforts with Pickled Mango - a multi-cuisine restaurant serving culinary delights from around the world, Mamma Mia-Pizzeria and Restorante Italiano with its own Italian Chef, Jalsa - a pure vegetarian kitchen serving Gujrati, Rajasthani and South Indian cuisines, Aagor - a speciality Goan and sea food shack serving grilled sea food

Resort Rio at Baga.

and other local delicacies, Cafe Rio - is the 24x7 cafe shop and Bar Terrazzo - an exclusive elegant well-stocked bar.

Addressing the gathering, Anup Shah explained the reality of the dream project Resort Rio through his business partner Lucindo Faria and his friend Peter Fernandes.

Shah made a fervent plea to Minister for Tourism Halarnkar to look into the road drawback of the star resort in the interest of all.

Congratulating the Manage-

HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, AUG 16

Goa State AIDS Control Society Assistant director Umakant Sawant inaugurates Red Ribbon Club at Valpoi. Photo by Ashraf Khan

of promoting voluntary non-remunerated blood donation among youth. Sawant urged active participation of the youth to attain RRC’s goal.

“Activities of the RRC must be youth-oriented, innovative and interactive, which should generate active participation

HERALD NEWS DESK

Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, Senior Judge of Goa bench of Bombay High Court unfurled the National Flag at the High Court at Altinho to mark the 64th Independence day celebrations.

Justice Oka later reviewed the parade presented by the Goa Police.

Those present on the occasion were Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava, Law Secretary P V Kamat, Justice N A Britto, Justice F M Reis, former chief justice of Gujarat High Court Justice G D Kamat, Former Advocate General Adv Atmaram Nadkarni, Advocate General Adv Subodh Kantak, Registrar of the High Court I K Jain, former MP and senior lawyer Adv Amrut Kansar and others.

OLD GOA HERALD CORRESPONDENT

As part of Independence Day celebrations, Ribandar Yuvak Manch organized a ‘Run for Peace Health and Unity Rally’ for the people of Ribandar on Sunday morning.

More than hundred people participated in the rally, which started at Ribandar, Patto area, and proceeded towards Ribandar-Sao Pedro area and back.

Speaking on the occasion, Ribandar Yuvak Manch President Rupesh Halarnkar said “Ribandar Yuvak Manch will try to organize various activities to inculcate talents in the Youth of Ribandar and Independence Day was one such day, where every youth of Ribandar was getting involved in youth activities.” Association Secretary Nandesh Kambli compered the programme.

Govt plans for bravery awards: CM HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 16

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said Goa Government will constitute bravery awards from December 19, 2010.

Chief Minister was speaking after unfurling National Flag on the occasion of State level function of Independence Day near Old Secretariat in the city on Sunday.

Speaker Pratapsingh Rane, Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, MP Shripad Naik, MP Francisco Sardinha, Asha Kamat, Chairperson of Bal Bhavan, Vijayadevi Rane, Mayor of Panaji Carolina Po, MLAs, Secretaries to Government, free-

dom fighters, prominent citizens and large number of students were present on the occasion.

Speaking further Chief Minister paid rich tributes to the memory of freedom fighters who fought for the freedom of the country under the leadership of Mahatma. Kamat also paid tributes to Goa’s first Chief Minister late D B Bandodkar.

Kamat said, the Government has constituted a committee under the leadership of Raghunath Mashelkar to prepare a ‘Vision document’ for Goa, which will be a road map for the state for the next 25 years.

Dr Dayanand Rao compered the function.

CM backtracked on promise, claim NH4A Action Committee

GSACS objective to educate youth on HIV: Sawant Goa State AIDS Control Society Assistant Director Umakant Sawant recently inaugurated Red Ribbon Club (RRC) at Government Higher Secondary School, Valpoi.

Dr Saroj Salelkar, Dilip Dhargalker, GHSS Valpoi Principal V K Samant and staff were present at the function.

After inaugurating the Red Ribbon Club, Sawant said RRC aims at harnessing the potential of the youth by equipping them with correct information on HIV and AIDS prevention.

“Our target is to reach out to most vulnerable youth community. Our objective is to spread message on positive health behaviour and reduce new HIV infection among them by raising their risk perception through awareness on AIDS,” he said.

He also emphasized the need

HIGH COURT

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

and at the same time should provide them with healthy environment,” said Sawant.

Dr Saroj Salelkar highlighted the preventive measures of AIDS. “Students must be more aware on this issue and help to promote message of preventing this dreadful disease,” she said.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

ment of Resort Rio, Halarnkar promised every help in the interest of tourism-related business.

The Resort Rio Management also divulged its plans of investing on its work force and employing 95% Goans in their hotel industry.

Resort Rio Director Lucindo Faria and General Manager Terrence Nunes also spoke on the occasion. Anjali Kamat introduced the chief guest, while Allan Pinto compered the function.

Forms invited for posts of data enumerators HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 16

Fishery Survey of India, Mormugao has invited applications for two posts of data enumerators on contract basis for the period up to March 31, 2012 to operate a centrally-sponsored scheme namely ‘Strengthening of Database and Information Networking for Fisheries Sector’.

To be eligible for the post, the candidate should be upto 25 years of age, should be a graduate in zoology/fisheries science from a recognized university, should be familiar with the local language and place of posting will be Mormugao.

Applications in the prescribed format with copies of certificates should reach the Zonal Director, Fishery Survey of India, opposite Microwave Station, Mormugao on or before August 24.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 16

The NH4A Action Committee has come to know in a recent TV interview that the CM has gone back on his promise and stated that Corlim residents have agreed for road widening which is absolutely incorrect. Corlim gram sabha has passed a resolution on July 25 that no NH4A should pass through the Corlim village.

According to a press release, the members of the National Highway Diversion Action Committee met the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who is the chairman of the house committee of National Highway NH4A at his residence recently and handed him a memorandum requesting that National Highway NH4A be made to pass through the hinterland instead of the present route which passes through thickly populated areas comprising of Chimbel, Old Goa, Corlim, Bhoma, Ponda Usgao and Morlem route.

The Chief Minister assured the delegation that the NH4A would not pass through Corlim and other places.

The press release further states that the residents of Corlim would like to express again our solidarity and unity with all other groups from Chimbel, Bhoma, Old Goa, Ponda, Usgao under the NH4A Diversion Action Committee.

power ShutDown AUG 17

TORDA: Between 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Britania House, Gopal Nagar Torda, Ramachowado, Torda and surrounding areas. Between 2 am to 5.30 pm. Areas affected are Britona, Virlosa, Haliwada, RND Slipway, Malim, tourist complex, ice factory, Malim and surrounding areas.

AUG 18

SANGOLDA: Between 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Shantadurga temple, Green hill, Sangolda, 20 point programme Sangolda, Alua Sangolda and surrounding areas.

BETIM: Between 2 am to 5.30 pm. Areas affected are Teen Building, Mona Nagar, Shantadurga temple, Parel Nagar, Ramnagar, Gurudwara, Betim, RND workshop, Betim and surrounding areas.

weAther report Max Temp: 30.60C Min Temp: 23.60C Humidity: 83% Rainfall past 24 hrs: 008.4 mm Seasonal Total: 2498.1 mm Forecast: Occassional spells of rain or thunder shower would occur in some areas.

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Bus stands, properties help fill the dwindling KTCL coffers maximum amount was obtained in form of rents (Rs 4.8 crores).

Among all the bus stands, Panjim bus stand was the highest revenue earning resources in last three years. The KTCL was able to fetch Rs 3.81 crore for the said financial years.

However, the corporation had to also spend the highest amount of money on its maintenance. In last three years, KTCL had spent almost Rs 83 lakhs on its repairs.

Rather than the capital city, KTCL has managed to earn a good proportion of revenue from Margao (68 lakhs), Canacona (38 lakhs), Bicholim (30 lakhs) and Mapusa (10 lakhs) bus stands.

At the same time, KTCL had to make expenditure of Rs 65 lakhs (2006-07), Rs 87 lakhs (2007-08) and Rs 99 lakhs

(2008-09) for the maintenance and repairs of all the ten bus stands. The expenditure also includes electricity and water charges.

For the year 2006-07, KTCL spent around Rs 96 lakhs on security services on the bus stands. However, there was no expenditure on security in the last two years.

The corporation has been under severe financial crisis and with the implementation of sixth pay commission the situation had worsen, which has increased the burden of Rs one crore as additional liability on salary.

The KTCL has a fleet of 392 buses and around 1,900 workers. After initial struggle, the corporation was able to witness hike in its revenue by almost 20 percent for the month of May and June.

‘Independent India was dream of every Indian’

NGO to move HC if Majorda beach not cleared of plastic

BY SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, AUG 16

Existing resources like bus stands and properties seems to be a major revenue earner for the loss making Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL), which has netted Rs 7.32 crore from them in last three years.

As per the official information available from corporation’s office, it has spent Rs three crores for the maintenance of these resources.

The government statistics reveals that since 2006 to 2009, KTCL has earned income of Rs 7.32 crores from all the ten bus stands in form of rents, parking fees, stand fees, hoarding rents and toilet fees.

In 2006-07, the corporation had earned Rs 1.98 crores, in 2007-08 Rs 2.48 crores and in 2008-09 Rs 2.84 crores. The

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, AUG 16

Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said ‘Independent India’ was the dream of each and every Indian, who lived under the British rule.

He was addressing the gathering at Reis Magos on the occasion of Independence Day. “Freedom fighters faced several tortures, hardships and exploitations to earn freedom.

We should pay homage and express gratitude to millions of men and women, who participated in the freedom movement. It is now the duty of the younger generation to preserve this freedom,” said Fernandes.

“Mahatma Gandhiji emphasized the need to observe human values in conducting the affairs of the country so that we have a just and equitable society. Unless and until poverty and illiteracy are abolished, we cannot claim to have earned freedom in the real sense of the term,” he said.

He further said the future of India rests on the shoulders of the younger generation and hence it is the duty of the parents and teachers to inculcate the spirit of patriotism and sense of discipline in the students so that they become ideal citizens of the country.

ZP member Jayesh Salgaonkar said India achieved freedom because of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.

“However, during the course of last 63 years we have strayed from the Gandhian Philosophy and his path of development. Corruption, violence and immorality have become regular features today. The students should strive hard to fulfill the aspirations of Gandhi,” said Salgaonkar.

On the occasion, Agnelo Fernandes felicitated students from Reis Magos, who secured distinction at SSC and Higher Secondary examination of Goa Board held in March/April 2010.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 16

The Green Goa Foundation has threatened to move the high court if the authorities fails to remove the plastic bags from the Majorda beach within 10 days.

Foundation Chairman Raison Almeida, in his representation to the district Collector, Member Secretary GCZMA and the Director of Tourism, said that thousands of plastic empty bags stuffed with sand were found dumped on the beach.

Upon his inquiries, Almeida said the work was carried out by some contractors for a beach resort.

According to him, the plastic bags have now scattered all over a large area, giving an ugly appearance to the beach.

Expressing concern over the ecological crimes, he said it is difficult to believe that such open defiance of law could be carried out in a public place without the knowledge or connivance of the authorities.

Freedom fighter Shamrao turns 100 on Aug 18 HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 16

Veteran freedom fighter, Communist leader and thinker Shamrao Madkaikar will be completing 100 years on August 18.

He will be publicly felicitated at his residence, behind Rosary College, Navelim at 9 am on Wednesday by freedom fighters, friends and well wishers.

Madkiakar had actively participated in the 1942 Quit India Movement, Goa Freedom struggle led by Dr Rammanohar Lohia in 1946 and the Goa Liberation movement from 1954 onward.

He organized the freedom movement in Goa in associa-

tion with other freedom fighters and was imprisoned for many years by the Portuguese.

Well know for his outspoken and fearless nature, Madkaikar worked throughout this life for carrying forward a number of national and social causes.

“Freedom and labour welfare are even today dear to his heart and has struggled relentlessly for upholding he rights of the labour class in Goa. He fought against the Gold Control Act enacted by the Government of India and succeeded in the removal of this black Act, which led many goldsmiths to commit suicide”, stated Organising Committee member, Prasana Utagi.

G Prakash is commanding officer of INS Mandovi HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

Indian Navy Captain G Prakash took over as Commanding Officer of INS Mandovi, on Monday.

Prior to taking over the charge, the officer has commanded Indian Navy’s first training

squadron of four ships at Kochi.

Following the ceremonial official parade, the CO inspected Guard of honour. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1985 after graduating from the National defense Academy at Pune. Captain Prakash is a specialist in Aviation and Anti Submarine Warfare.

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K’taka blames Kerala for delay in Madani’s arrest Parliament adjourned over farmer’s protest in UP PTI KOLLAM (KER), AUG 16

As uncertainty about the arrest or surrender of PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madani continued, Karnataka Government today charged the Kerala Government with not extending co-operation to facilitate his arrest in the Bangalore blasts case in which he is listed as an accused.

While two senior officials from Bangalore police arrived here this morning, fuelling speculation that the arrest was

imminent, the suspense continued unresolved as the day wore on with the state authorities remaining tight-lipped on how the situation was going to be tackled.

A medical team from a private hospital examined Madani, who is feverish, and said they were awaiting the report of the blood tests to decide whether he should be shifted to the hospital or not.

Putting the blame for the delay in the matter on Kerala, Karnataka Home Minister V S

Acharya told a Malayalam television channel that the expected co-operation from the state did not come.

"We are requesting the Kerala Government. Things are not happening. If the co-operation is not coming we will have to think of some other option", Acharya said.

Joint Police Commissioner, Bangalore, Alok Kumar and DCP Omkarayya, who held discussions with district SP Harshitha Attalluri, were learnt to have made it clear that Kar-

nataka was keen to avoid any further delay in the arrest or surrender as the deadline for producing him in the court in Bangalore was fast approaching.

Though the PDP leaders signalled in the morning that their leader might surrender by the afternoon, they later declined to give any firm indication on when that would happen.

A six-member team of senior doctors were called in from a nearby private hospital and an

ambulance was also brought to Madani's camp, creating the impression that he would be moved to the hospital where he would surrender to the police.

After the examination, the doctors said for time being he was not going to be taken to the hospital and they were waiting to get the blood test results.

The situation around Madani's camp at Anwarassery continued to be under tight control of the police.

PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

Parliament was rocked today over farmers' protest against land acquisition in Uttar Pradesh with several non-BSP parties seeking to corner the Mayawati government over the police action that left three dead.

The Lok Sabha adjourned for the day without transacting any business, while the Rajya Sabha took up Question Hour and later witnessed two quick adjournments following uproar over the issue.

BJP, SP, RLD, Shiv Sena and JD-U members stormed the well in the Lok Sabha as soon as the House assembled for the day while Congress members threatened to follow suit in protest against the Mayawati government.

Though Question Hour was conducted in the Rajya Sabha

after an assurance from the Chair that the matter could be raised later, the issue generated heat during the Zero Hour and the House witnessed two adjournments before lunch.

When the House assembled at 2 PM, Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan adjourned it for the day after BJP members trooped into the well demanding an immediate statement from the government on the issue.

BJP members raised slogans even as members belonging to BSP, which is in power in Uttar Pradesh, said they were ready for a discussion.

It was similar story in the Lok Sabha which adjourned till 1400 hours after papers were laid and Minister of State for Home Ajay Maken introduced a Bill seeking amendment to the Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003.

Farooq makes light of shoe throwing incident PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

Making light of yesterday's incident in Srinagar in which a shoe was flung towards his son, J and K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today said it was "wonderful" that he has joined the elite club of former US President George Bush, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and other leaders.

"He has joined an elite club of former US President George Bush, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zadari and a few others with the reward of shoe. It is a wonderful thing," he quipped when reporters sought his comments outside Parliament House on yesterday's incident.

A suspended police head constable had thrown a shoe towards Omar during the Independence Day function in Srinagar but missed him.

Following the security scare, 15 policemen including four officers were suspended.

Omar is the latest victim of "shoe protest" which all started when an Iraqi journalist at a press conference in Baghdad during his visit to Iraq in De-

cember 2008 flung a shoe at Bush who ducked in time.

Zardari too faced a similar incident in the UK. An unhappy Pakistani threw a shoe at Zardari during a rally in Birmingham early this month. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram have also been the targets of such protests.

Like all the previous shoe protests which have captured the imagination of people, the footwear flung at Omar during the Independence Day function by a suspended police head constable today too missed the 'target' and the protester ended up being taken into the custody by the police.

Farooq said Sunday's incident showed the security apparatus is "useless".

Asked if the incident reflected a sense of disillusionment in the state, he said, "We have to fight out the situation that exists. We can't run away."

He said Jammu and Kashmir is part of India and he did not support the calls for its separation from the country. "Either you stay with us or sink with us," he said.

'Kisano par atyachar band karo (stop atrocities against farmers)', shouted angry Opposition members, including Varun Gandhi (BJP), and did not allow the Chair to take up any business.

BSP leader Dara Singh Chauhan attempted in vain to put forward the Uttar Pradesh government's position. He could not be heard in the din.

The farmers have been holding demonstrations for nearly three weeks near Aligarh demanding compensation at the rate paid to Noida and Greater Noida farmers.

The protests turned violent over the past two days with three persons being killed in police firing.

The 165 km-long eight-lane expressway connecting Noida to Agra is aimed at reducing driving time between New Delhi and Agra drastically.

Former MP Pappu Yadav arrested UNI PURNIA, AUG 16

Sleuths of CBI today arrested former MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav from Gurgaon area of New Delhi in connection with murder of the then CPI(M) MLA Ajit Sarkar.

Deputy Inspector General (Purnia range) Amit Kumar here said a local team was sent to the national capital on a tip-off that Mr Yadav was getting treatment at a private hospital near Gurgaon.

Raid was conducted at the hospital by the CBI team, leading to the arrest of Mr Yadav, he added. ''The former MP was wanted since long in connection with murder of the then MLA Ajit Sarkar after cancellation of the bail by the apex court which was earlier granted by Patna High Court,'' he said.

All Police Superintendents across the country had been informed earlier for tracking Mr Yadav, who was evading arrest even after cancellation of the bail granted to him in connection with the case. It may be recalled here that a local court of Patna had awarded life sentence to Mr Yadav in connection with Ajit Sarkar murder case.

Army jawan, Amarnath yatra resumes 3 others hurt after 2-days suspension in Rajouri to security reasons and bad gunbattle weather conditions due to PTI JAMMU, AUG 16

PTI JAMMU, AUG 16

An Army jawan was killed and three others, including a major injured, in the gunbattle between militants and security forces in Rajouri district which entered the third day today.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Rajouri, R K Jalla told PTI that a fierce gunbattle was going in the Shara Wali forest belt in Thanamnadi tehsil of the district.

Additional forces have been rushed to the area and the cordon strengthened to prevent the militants from fleeing. In the gunbattle, an Army jawan was killed and three others including a major were injured, he said.

After remaining suspended for two days due to security reasons and bad weather conditions, the annual Amarnath yatra today resumed from here with a new batch leaving for the holy cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas.

The batch of 875 pilgrims, comprising 514 men, 145 women, 8 children and 208 sadhus, left in a cavalcade of 24 vehicles from the base camp of Bhagwati Nagar here around 10:25 hours, police officials said.

With today's batch, as many as 86,072 pilgrims from different parts of the country had left from here for onward journey to pay obeisance at the 3,880 metre high cave shrine in the Valley.

The yatra remained suspended for last two days due

heavy rains in the Valley.

This is the sixth time that the pilgrimage was halted since its commencement on June 30.

Over 4.50 lakh pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at the cave shrine.

Meanwhile, Buddha Amarnath yatra in Poonch district was today suspended from Jammu due to bad weather, officials said.

No new batch was allowed to leave from Jammu to Buddha Amarnath Shrine Mandi hills of Poonch district from here due to inclement weather conditions and heavy rains enroute, they said.

The yatra, which started on Friday, has been suspended for the first time. As many as 4,000 pilgrims have left for the shrine till now.

Most domestic violence cases in Mizoram go unreported PTI AIZAWL, AUG 16

Sixty-year-old Thangbawihi, resident of Tuirial Airfield village, near here, was stabbed by her 63-year-old husband on the night of July eight during a heated argument and succumbed to her injuries a few days later at a hospital.

The incident was termed by the police as an extreme case of domestic violence, but incidents of this nature, though on a lesser scale, have been frequently reported from the strictly conservative patriarchal society of Mizoram.

Though the state CID (Crime Branch) said only 16 cases of domestic violence had been registered in the period between 2007 and 2009, social workers believed the number could be much higher since majority of the incidents had not been re-

ported.

Data collected by the National Family Health Survey in 2005-6 said an average 22 per cent of wives in Mizoram suffered at the hands of their husbands, while the national average was 37 per cent.

Angela Ch Ralte, secretary of the Aizawl-based NGO 'Centre for Peace and Development', says that many women just do not report cases of physical abuse by their husbands for not being aware of the existence of a law against domestic violence.

This was endorsed by Lalthansangi, counsellor of the 'Centre for Peace and Development', who has been helping victims of domestic violence and sexual harassment.

“The victims are from different sections of society, including the poor, middle class and

government employees, and most of them have husbands who are given to drinking excesses,'' she said.

Lalthansangi says while a high percentage of domestic violence perpetrated by husbands against wives are physical, all categories of domestic violence - economic, emotional, sexual and others - are inter-related.

A senior psychiatrist Dr John M Ralte says that while domestic violence is extremely traumatic for the victims and also for the children, only a few of them had approached psychiatrists for clinical treatment.

The officer of the state health department says that he was not approached by such victims when he was working in the civil hospital, Aizawl ‘most probably due to lack of awareness’.

OHERALDO

OPINION

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O HERALD O

Protect and Preserve Our Land

Vol No CX No: 208 Goa, Tuesday 17 August, 2010

Independence Day

O

n the eve of Independence Day, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao proclaimed his own freedom. Speaking in a function at Navelim, he categorically said that he will contest the coming Assembly election from Navelim even if the Congress denies him a ticket. At another function in Fatorda, he called upon his close comrade-in-arms, GPCC General Secretary Vijay Sardessai, to get ready to contest on two tickets – the party ticket and what he called the “people’s ticket”.

This is obviously Churchill’s new catchphrase. At both Navelim and Fatorda, the PWD Minister went on and on about the running on the “people’s ticket”, in the event the Congress denies him or any of his family members a Congress ticket.

According to Churchill, what is important in politics is the people and not the ticket: “I have no problem if someone comes to Navelim, because there is the Congress ticket and the people’s ticket. One should have two tickets if one aspires to contest the polls…” he asserted.

The immediate provocation for Churchill’s histrionics, obviously, was former Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro’s recent announcement that if Congress President Sonia Gandhi asked him, he would contest the next Assembly election, either from Navelim or Fatorda. Churchill even criticised Luizinho for claiming credit for the new direct Vasco-Nagapattinam special trains for Vailankanni pilgrims, saying they had been introduced only because of the recent completion of a broad gauge line to Nagapattinam.

This is not the first time that Churchill has threatened to leave the Congress if he does not get his demands. Months earlier, he announced that his daughter Valanka would contest the election from Benaulim, regardless of whether or not she got the Congress ticket. He reiterated this on Independence Day, when he kick-started Valanka’s election campaign by opening her office in Benaulim. Valanka too asserted that she would contest the coming Assembly polls from Benaulim with “people’s support” irrespective of the Congress party’s decision on the ticket.

There is a clear discernable pattern in Churchill’s dalliance with the Congress. A year or two before the election, he starts expressing open dissatisfaction with the party. The friction gets noticeably worse. Then, about six months before the poll, some of Churchill’s supporters get together and form a party; or identify a suitably moribund party that they can take over. About a month or so before the election, Churchill resigns from the Congress and takes leadership of this new party. He exploit the people’s dissatisfaction with the Congress to gain their sympathy. Then, after he gets elected − about a year into the new government’s term in office − he negotiates a sweetheart deal with the Congress that includes an extremely lucrative ministry for him, and merges his party into the Congress.

Churchill, of course, sees things quite differently. He said on Sunday that local party leaders had been “acting as thorns” and “forcing me to leave the party in the past”. Be that as it may, the fact is that every time he leaves the Congress, he swears before the people on everything that is holy that he will “never” return to the Congress. And, without fail, every time, he has broken his promise.

Are events now going to once more follow this familiar path? It appears that they will, unless the Congress High Command buckles at his threats and gives in to this blackmail.

The point is that Churchill is now able to call the shots because he has the most lucrative portfolio in the cabinet, and expects to build a huge war chest by the time the election comes around in two years. It is for the Congress to assert itself and act now in this matter, to firmly restore party discipline. Otherwise, events will inexorably follow the pre-determined path.

C

Goa must not give land to central government agencies being privatised, says MATANhY SAlDhANA

hief Minister Digambar Kamat should take immediate steps to prevent large tracts of land from being transferred to private corporations in future, whereby neither the government nor the people of Goa will benefit in any way, even as some individuals with vested interests will end up having the last laugh.

In the name of national interest and with the best intentions of the state at heart and mind, the Government of Goa had handed over land to central government agencies like the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC). The Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), on the other hand, took over land that was occupied by the erstwhile colonial Portuguese regime.

In the case of MPT, instead of working in consonance with the state government in the best interest of Goans and the country, it has been functioning as a state within a state, paying scant regard to the laws and rules of this state. Believe it or not, the MPT does not even bother to take the mandatory permissions and licenses from the state authorities when it has to put up constructions. Over and above this, it has the sheer audacity to object to acquisition of land at Velsao for traditional fishermen, on the grounds that the area concerned comes within what they claim is their ‘jurisdiction’. The strange thing is that in fact, the government is fully seized of this matter.

It has even been debated at length ad nauseam in the august Legislative Assembly.

However, what is of much greater significance here is the fact that the MPT is on its way to be corporatised, as has already been done with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai. If this happens, then the huge tracts of land already in MPT’s possession will pass on to a private corporation thereby denying Goans and even the state government of any control over it. Worse, the enormous tracts of land and sea area that the MPT claims as its ‘jurisdiction’ will now become the fief of the private corporate entity. Therefore, the state government needs to act immediately

We The PeoPle to ensure that the MPT retains only as much land as is required for its operations.

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) also has a large tract of land in its possession near Betul, which was apparently given to it on lease by the state government. But, under the disinvestment policy of the Government of India, the ONGC is slowly being turned into a private entity. In such a situation, the large tracts of land that were given to the Government of India undertaking will end up being in the possession of a private corporation, which once again is not in the interest of Goa and Goans.

The Navy, too, continues to be on an acquisition spree. The State government is always under pressure to give in to their demand, in the name

of national interest. However, when the Navy keeps poking spokes in any activity aimed at the State’s benefit, like the expansion of the Dabolim airport (it is pertinent to note that Dabolim was not a military facility but a civilian airport initially), it is time for the government to begin some hard bargaining with the Navy too, in the interest of its citizens.

The adamant attitude of the Navy is visible to the naked eye at Dabolim already, where the divider along the four lane highway has had to be reduced significantly, as the Naval authorities would not permit the demolition of a compound wall of a grocery store.

The Navy apparently has now cast its eyes upon the two islands of Mormugao and wants more land at Bimbvel beach. The state government

would do well not to bow down to this demand of the Navy, as these islands can well be developed as a base for the offshore casinos that bring in revenue to the state’s coffers. Besides, the Government of Goa has already given the Anjediv Island to the Navy, without asking for any compensation.

All said and done, Goa is a small state (in fact, it is the country’s smallest state in terms of area).

Given our size and the rate at which our population is increasing, we cannot afford to take up a philanthropic attitude in dishing out land to anybody and everybody who seeks it. Therefore, I earnestly the Chief Minister that he should go through any request for land with a fine-tooth comb and, at the same time if possible, review earlier decisions to ensure that only the quantum of required land is retained by these central government agencies.

Permit me to cite the example of Zuari Industries. In the name of industrialisation, they were given large tracts of land in the late ’60s and early ’70s. In fact, they have so much excess land that they have now set up an engineering college campus by using the same land that was given to them to set up their industrial plant. If the same land was to be provided for the engineering college now, the state would have earned some significant revenue. Strangely, no seats are reserved for Goan students in this prestigious college. The obvious question that comes up when one sees the situation is; what benefit do Goa and Goans get from such ventures?

It is in the light of all the above cases that I make this humble request to the Chief Minister, the other Ministers and the MLAs of all parties in the Legislative Assembly. Let us not repeat the mistakes made by us earlier; rather, let us try to rectify them if we can. And, in the future, let us instead be not only judicious but even miserly, while giving our land to any agency.

(The author is a social activist and a former Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa)

Crab in the Basket

The Accidental Activist

O

scar Rebello is a good doctor; highly respected and successful in his profession, and even more respected for all that he has done outside of it. He has the goodwill of the people of Goa, and their faith. And so, of course, it becomes really important to tear him down. To destroy an organisation, you have to first destroy the individuals of the highest worth within it.

From the day the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) took to the streets and proved that it could wield people power, there have been endless efforts to tear it down, both from outside and from within.

Members have had not only to struggle with keeping the movement going, but also with being regularly attacked. It is interesting to see that the most vicious rumours have been aimed at the individuals who we most prize.

Oscar and ‘cash transactions’? That’s a laugh. Except that tired of giving everything he has to the cause and repeatedly being pilloried, Oscar isn’t laughing. He’s hurt and sick of the thankless job of being an activist. He’s not the only one.

Dean D’Cruz put his office, his people, and his experience at the beck and call of the GBA. Just the paper and printing bills alone came to over a lakh of rupees, but never once did Dean hesitate to give whatever resources we needed. For that, he got labelled as a ‘part of the building lobby’. A man who lost clients by the dozen when he stood up against RP2012, who in public forums has taken on builders and spoken out fearlessly, was tagged a building lobby sympathiser. Such is the ability of those who want to believe the worst that this rumour still persists, in the face of

all logic and all facts.

Ritu Prasad was at the receiving end of absurd allegations that she was a BJP sympathiser. I guess that charge would have been hard to press against someone with a surname like Rebello or Pinto, so poor Prasad got to be the fall girl.

Patricia Pinto, on her part, slogged to try and get the RP2021 to be a planning document that would preserve and not destroy. For all her efforts, she got a barrage of abuse on how she had gone about it the wrong way. Recently, she was appointed to the committee to revise the TCP Act. But then, another so called activist circulated an email that crudely questioned her abilities.

Patricia resigned from the committee. And we lost someone who would have been a true people’s representative; who would have fought to include provisions that would have served Goa well.

Please observe that the rumours serve their purpose. Worthy people become disillusioned, feel hurt and step back. And so we lose our best fighters, our most upright citizens, our real strengths.

Those who would have served us well, are forced out of the fight.

Isn’t it time the people of Goa stopped helping these rumour mongers? Must you believe the worst of those who have served you so long and so well? ‘Ego hassles’? ‘Cash transactions’? ‘Part of the building lobby’? ‘Conflict of interest’? ‘In-fighting in the GBA’? ‘Political agendas’? ‘GBA members themselves are saying this’? Come on. If you refuse to step forward to fight the fight, at least have the decency to give your support to those who do – and that includes giving them your trust and not gossiping.

By Venita Coelho Even more insidious is the new rumour that is being circulated to undermine the GBA – that the organisation is nothing at all without Oscar. I am sure there are many in Goa who wish this to be true but, thank God for the future of Goa, it is not.

This rumour insults the rest of the members, who may not have chosen to have as high a profile, but have slogged for years. As the dead weight slowly drifted away, it came down to a handful of people to keep the GBA going. And they have.

In the last year alone, the GBA started an initiative to teach people how to do socio-economic planning by organising workshops at Nachinola and Padi, and releasing a special booklet that simplifies such planning. It led a procession to the TCP office and then to the Chief Minister’s bungalow – a move that forced the CM to dust off RP2021.

This was followed by several morchas to the CM’s house, meetings with the Chief Town Planner, endless visits to the TCP Department, and non stop insistence that the Regional Plan had to be notified.

It put its weight behind several agitations against mega projects in the South.

And, in the last few months, it has worked out rules and regulations and a strategy that will allow it to open up to new members and new energies. The GBA is alive and well and working. Want final proof? The rumours won’t stop. As long as the GBA is an active force and a threat, you will continue to hear the worst about it.

But it is up to you to stop believing it, Goa. It is your belief in these rumours that does the most damage. Stop proving the ‘crab in the basket’ adage true.

Letters to the Editor Independence from what?

Deadly road

Antonio Lobo, Mapusa

Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

That is the question that the posters carried by protestors on 15 August at Margao asked.

Fellow Goans, let us ponder the question seriously, after taking the trouble of informing ourselves in all respects. My congratulations to Anthony Da Silva, the Goenchea Xetkararancho Ekvott and others for having had the courage to protest on a day when very few in Goa would have dared. However, it seems that this is the only way that may get Goans somewhere.

Young 21-year-old Nimesh Kholkar was the latest casualty of the treacherous RibandarPanjim road. The stretch from the Goa Institute of Management (GIM) to Panjim is in a pathetic state, with countless potholes.

Repairs over the years have been sub-standard. PWD Minister Churchill Alemao recently visited Ribandar and saw for himself the awful state of the road.

Reckless speeding and overtaking by buses, especially on the Ribandar-Panjim causeway, has cost precious lives. Overtaking is officially prohibited here, yet the authorities continue to turn a blind eye. How many more lives will have to be lost before they awaken… only after one of their own family members becomes a victim?

One more Alemao?

Arwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi I am sure that the people of Goa know by now what the actual achievements of the Alemaos are for Goa (not for themselves).

For, they will decide if we really need still another MLA from the family, based on the performance of Churchill and Joaquim.

100 Years Ago PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

17 August 1910 A good move

The appointment of the Council for the State’s Decentralisation is providing the right impetus to hold a conference of the Press in this state of Goa.

Bills Pending

It is reported that the Naval Minister is still holding in his hands various contentious Bills to be tabled in Parliament, one of them being the Reorganisation of Military Services, while another is on civil administration in overseas colonies.

Painter Murdered

In Old Goa, in the vicinity of the Church of Milagres, a painter from Ribandar contracted to undertake painting work at the Se Cathedral, was found brutally murdered by someone for unknown motives.

Cleanliness first Glestone Fernandes, Cuncolim Savio Coutinho’s idea of beautifying a certain part of Margao could be put on hold. What he really needs to do is clean the city of garbage and dog faeces. Fish vendors still have liberty to do business at the old fish market and various locations around the city. Local buses, with the blessings of the traffic police, crawl and stop at will. Well, Senor Savio, beauty and development is no good without cleanliness.

Getting things right Rodney de Souza, Assagao Since 1961, there has been grave distortion of facts and names in Goa. It is often said that Goa was under Portuguese rule for 451 years. This is wrong. Only a part of Goa – the ‘Velhas Conquistas’ comprising present-day Tiswadi, Bardez, Salcete and Mormugao, was under the Portuguese from 1510 / 1543 to 1961. The rest of Goa, ‘Novas Conquistas’, was under Portuguese rule only from 1685/1778; for a period of 183 to 276 years.

The oldest institution of Goa, the ‘Comunidade’ must be written with a single ‘m’ and not a double ‘m’, as is often done.

The name of the village to the north east of Panjim is Penha de França and not Penha de France, as often misquoted. Despite

Letter of the Day

Ravi didn’t feign illness

Dr Francisco Colaço, Margao

I hold no brief for Home Minister Ravi Naik. Many may also look for ulterior motives in my letter. But after gathering facts about Mr Naik’s illness (from first-hand sources) it is clear that all those who assumed that Ravi was ‘feigning’ illness to avoid the brunt of the assault by the Opposition and some of his own coalition MLAs in the Assembly, were wrong.

Mr Naik suffered from severe pain in the upper abdomen and lower chest. As his symptoms were unrelenting, he flew to Mumbai. To compound matters, there was a confusing array of diagnoses. Different doctors prescribed different lines of treatment.

One misleading diagnosis even said he should immediately go for a second openheart bypass surgery!

Weak and frail, Ravi then travelled from Mumbai to Bangalore. Here, Dr Vivek Jawali, the surgeon who had performed bypass surgery on Mr Naik three years ago, performed meticulous tests and reassured him that all was well with his heart. Dr Jawali identified Mr Naik’s problem as being caused by his gall bladder, which was then removed just in time by a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery for gall bladder removal), and the Home Minister’s health was restored to normal within 48 hours.

That is how he could fly back to Goa from Bangalore and attend the Legislative Assembly on the last few days. knowledgeable writers explaining that ‘Soçegado’ or ‘Susegad’ means contended or ‘take it easy’, it is deliberately used to describe laziness.

Distortion, whether wilful or due to ignorance, must be resisted. If we continue to tolerate these distortions, very soon we will even cease to be called Goans. Are we prepared to be called ‘Goanese’ or ‘Goawallahs’?

SEZs and villagers Augusto Monteiro, Loutolim In the news report, ‘50% NIT quota assured for Goans: CM’ (Herald, 14 Aug), the part about denotification of SEZs is misleading.

The villagers of Loutolim, Verna and other adjoining villages have voiced their concern in Gram Sabhas about their unwillingness to accept SEZs in their villages.

The matter was before the High Court, the hearing was on a day-to-day basis and ended on Thursday 12 August. A date has been fixed for submission of written arguments and the Court’s verdict is expected thereafter.

The government is quite aware of this.

So the statement of the Chief Minister about denotification of SEZs is misleading and politically motivated. If there is a will, there is a way. Why keep citizens in suspended political animation?

I call upon my fellow villagers to stay united, for the fight is not yet over.

Parent’s plight Glency D’Sa, by email It is shocking to see that even after some of the private unaided schools charge exorbitant fees (Rs7,000-16,000) from parents, our children do not get a quality environment in school. Children were complaining that they were made to sit three on a bench during the 1st midterm exams held recently. Owing to lack of space, some of them were shifted to the office, staff room and even library to answer their exams!

When we are paying such high fees, why can’t the children get the required facilities?

Some schools in Margao do not have even a playground. The whole day children are made to sit within the four walls of congested classrooms, in which the children

are unable to even move.

We send our children to these schools in the hope that they will get the best of education, but it is now clear that these schools just take fees, and are not concerned about the child’s future. I would kindly request that the Education Department makes surprise visits to these schools in Margao.

Vasco ‘underground’ Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the newly erected electric poles along Swatantra Path in Vasco, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza said that the underground electricity cabling in Vasco will be completed by the next Saptah festival (Herald, 13 August).

If Vasco is to get underground cabling next year, what was the need to put up new overhead electric lines this year?

Couldn’t we wait for just one more year and replace the old wires by underground cables? Isn’t this wasteful expenditure?

That wasn’t me Irineu Santana Dias, Margao With due respect to Maria Dias’ outrage (‘Teachers’ response, Herald, 16 August), I would like to clarify that I have not written the letter ‘Tough teachers’ (Herald, 13 August). Someone has impersonated me in a letter sent to the editor by email. Please note that I have nothing to do with the letter in question.

H1N1 Flu danger Errol D’Souza, Porvorim The second wave of H1N1 Flu is doing the rounds; 14 cases have been detected in Goa. But many Goans seem to be least bothered. They cough, sneeze and spit openly in public places. The new Panjim market is red with paan spit in every corner.

I feel ashamed that I have to reprimand my friends on this issue. I hope the media will create greater awareness on H1N1 Flu, in the interest of the general public. After all, prevention is better than cure.

Paths of Wisdom A Mother’s Role Lord Krishna visited Queen Gandhari to console her after the battle of Kurukshetra . She accused Him: “Though You are God, how could You be so partial. You supported the Pandavas, but could not save at least one son out of the hundred sons I bore.” Krishna replied: “Sister, I am not responsible for the death of your children. You are responsible.” Gandhari replied: “Krishna how can You be so hard hearted to accuse me thus?” Krishna replied: “Sister, you gave birth to a hundred sons, but did you ever cast your loving glance on at least one of them? You chose to remain blindfolded. You could not see for yourself how your sons were faring. Your sons are indeed the most unfortunate ones, because they could not enjoy their mother’s tender care and affectionate glance.

How could they grow into disciplined, dutiful and righteous heroes? A mother is the first teacher and preacher”.

“Just think for yourself about this the situation and compare it with that of Queen Kunti. Kuntî, from the moment of her husba n d ’ s d e a t h , brought up her sons with great care and affection. She was with them both in the palace and in the house of wax as well. The Pandavas would never do anything without the blessings of their mother. They could earn My grace not because of their individual talents but because of Kunti’s constant prayer to Me: ‘Oh Krishna! You alone should protect them.’ Those who are not fortunate enough to enjoy the loving glance of their mother, cannot earn the divine vision, nor can they win the love of God.” Thus Lord Krishna enlightened Queen Gandhari on the role of the mother.

(Source : Chinna Katha)

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INDIA

GOA, TUESDAY, 17 AUGUST, 2010

opinionated Army Chief oversees relief work Underdevelopment in the Garb of Development

By Walter D’Souza

I

ndependence!’ ‘Independence!’ ‘Independence!’. It seems to be very funny that these words are used freely by politicians, whereas the very same words do not hold water for the people of Mopa and surrounding villages, where the international airport is on the verge of becoming a reality. To these people, it spells death.

What is freedom? Does it not include freedom of speech and freedom of having a right to livelihood? That is why the talk of independence seems to have become an empty slogan to the villagers of Mopa. When they protest against Mopa airport, why does the government pays no heed to them?

Why do the MLA’s behave like inactive bystanding spectators?

Why do they deny their basic rights and livelihood? Why do none of the MLAs lend a listening ear to their cry?

Such an attitude gives credence to the narrative that our MLAs and their cronies have a big share in the huge booty from the project. This is why they perhaps cannot identify with their people’s aspirations. This government is not of the ordinary ‘aam admi’, but of the rich ‘khaas admi’!

Is the government not robbing the natural resources of the people of Mopa? Like the capitalists, is the government not guilty of trading on the natural habitat of the people?

The conversion of agricultural land into an airport will certainly bring huge dividends to the government, but at the cost of displacing the simple people of Mopa and surrounding areas, by alienating them from their traditional livelihoods.

How sustainable is this conversion of the natural source of livelihood into a Babu culture of the bureaucratic-driven revenue-leaking source of jobs to the locals? How much revenue will stay for the people of Mopa who, at present, are the masters of their own destiny while they practice agriculture in their own lands? Will it not amount to surrender of this autonomy and embracement of a slavery that comes in the garb of an airport?

What jobs will the airport offer the poor, unskilled and uneducated people of Mopa? The argument that the airport will develop the people is false propaganda. It offers nothing less than death and destruction for the people of Mopa.

This propaganda of development has invented the underdevelopment of the village of Mopa. The people of the place will simply carry the weight of so-called development that will only leave them behind, as the blind march of so-called progress will crush them by displacing them from their source of livelihood.

If the government is serious and is genuinely interested in the well-being of the people, why does it impose a mode of development where the people cannot become equal partners?

Will not the lack of skills and expertise of the aviation industry become a divide that cannot be bridged by the people in any discernible near future? By the time they become fit enough to overcome the divide, will they be not left behind by those who already have grabbed the lion’s share of the cake?

The underdevelopment engineered by the government in the grab of development exposes the hypocrisy of the so called ‘aam admi’ government. The development that leaves behind the local ‘aam admi’ is indeed clearly anti-people and is rightly resisted by the people.

If the government really wants to develop the village of Mopa and its surroundings, why does it not promote horticulture, agriculture, handicrafts etc, which would benefit locals? If the Government is true to its claims, why can’t it develop the people by helping the poor agricultural tenants to become owners of their lands?

It is glaringly clear that the airport does not come to develop the people but to prey on their land resources. The lands of the poor farmers have become the raw material that will be churned out into an airport, only to increase the profit margins of those hungry predators.

It is even more amazing how the Opposition, which roars like a lion on every other issue in the Assembly, chooses to remains a silent lamb when it comes to the Mopa airport?

The silence of the Opposition is indeed disturbing. Equally disturbing is the double-speak of a certain pro-Dabolim MLA who had won his seat purely by politicising the Mopa airport issue.

All these leaders seem to have joined the league and ranks of the hungry predators. It is unfortunate that our Chief Minister and the 40 thieves are busy plotting underdevelopment in the guise of development. Why can’t our politicians, both ruling and opposition, take a leaf from book of Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, who drove away underdevelopment that came to colonise Singur under the guise of the industrial plant of Tata Nano?

Goans refuse to be fooled by this seductive propaganda of development. The architects of underdevelopment who hide their vicious plot under the cover of development are finally exposed. We refuse to accept their pseudo-development and re-claim our right to say NO! (The author is a seminarian at the Rachol Seminary)

Kangana may star in Hindi remake of Marathi movie PTI MUMBAI, AUG 16

The Hindi remake of 'Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho', being helmed by Mahesh Manjrekar may see national award winning actress Kangana Ranuat paired opposite Salman Khan.

"I have asked Kangana for the film which is a remake of the Marathi movie, 'Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho'," Salman told PTI. The Hindi version too will be helmed by Manjrekar and may star Salman and Kangana in pivotal roles.

The original movie, which was released in 2009, dealt with physical, mental and psychological pressures on school children.

The movie is about parents belief that a child's intellect is only reflected in their marksheets and focuses on a fatherson relationship in this context.

"I have suggested a few changes here and there. Since it is a remake, the film needs to be larger than life… so we are still working on the project," Salman said.

Soon after Kangana's appearance as a guest on Salman's re-

in cloudburst-hit areas

PTI LEH, AUG 16

With about 6,000 Army personnel involved in rescue and relief operations here following the cloudburst and flash floods, Chief of Army Staff General V K Singh today paid a visit to oversee the progress.

General Singh arrived by a special aircraft from New Delhi and visited a relief camp atop a hill run by his force.

The relief camp has been set up near the worst hit Choglamsar area, where a number of people are still feared to be buried under slush that rolled down the hills following the cloudburst on the intervening night of Aug 5 and 6.

The phenomenon has claimed over 200 lives so far.

Interacting with the survivors, General Singh assured the people of all help and cooperation by the Army.

When the sarpanch of the village informed him that the cloudburst and subsequent flash floods that brought slush and boulders had blocked the 'nallah' (drain) running along the village, General Singh asked his officers to get the Army Engineers Corps working on it.

The General also visited the Military Hospital, where he interacted with the patients, both civilian and Armymen who had sustained injuries during the calamity or during rescue operations.

He was later given a detailed brief-

Rahul's visit, a healing touch for Leh victims!

PTI LEH, AUG 16

Rahul Gandhi's whirlwind visit to Leh today won many a heart with some of the survivors of the devastating flash floods banking on his trip to provide the much needed healing touch.

Dressed in his trademark white 'kurta pyjama', the 40-year-old Congress leader during his fivehour visit tried to pep up the spirits of people recovering from the trauma and empathised with them.

Rahul's visit came a day before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's trip here and ten days after the natural disaster had struck this picturesque place.

He visited various relief centres set up by the Army, ITBP and Border Roads Organisation and made an instant connect, especially with the youngsters.

"I am very happy that he came here and spoke to us. I believe that he will help us as promised," said Jigmat Yangcham, a first year psychology student of Leizer Joldan Memorial College said.

Asked whether she felt happy about meeting Rahul the politician or Rahul as a person she said "both".

Yangcham, who was crying when she first spoke to Rahul was all smiles by the time he left.

Rahul spent at least 45 minutes at the relief camp that he visited talking to a large number of people present. He shook hands and freely put his arms around the shoulders of others.

He sat on the plain dusty ground and listened to the villagers pouring their hearts out. He went under the barricades to visit a tent set up for the victims.

At times, he could be seen having an intense conversation with children. He even spoke in English to a child and patted his head when the child said he wants to be a teacher when he grows up.

Sporting a stubble, Rahul enthralled them with his plain speaking and rapport building skills.

"He is just like any of us. Remove the security and he looks like any other regular person," said Taki, a Taxi driver who waited for over an hour to catch a glimpse of the Congress leader.

While Rahul shied away from the media, repeated requests for a quick interaction was met with only a smile. ing of the relief operations by Lt General S K Singh, General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps at the headquarters here.

Gen Singh also carried out an

aerial survey of the calamity affected areas before flying out to Srinagar.

Nearly 10 Armymen have been killed in the cloudburst at

Leh and other areas of the region while 33 personnel, swept away in flash floods that struck a camp near Siachen glacier, are yet to be traced.

Farooq critical of security around son Omar PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

Rapid Action Force personnel at Tengpora bypass in Srinagar on Monday where demonstrators were

Navy to conduct coastal security exercise cover DELHI BUREAU AUG 16

KOCHI, AUG 16 Going one step further in strengthening the security of the Indian coastline, the Navy is planning to carry out the first-ever coastal security exercise covering the entire west coast of the country.

The Naval headquarters is yet to take a final decision on the timing of the exercise, designed to test the security of the entire west coast - from the Indo-Pak border to the Kerala coast.

Initially, there were plans to conduct the major exercise after the third edition of Triton series of exercises to be conducted in October-November 2010.

Now, the Naval headquarters is actively considering another possibility of conducting the exercise along with Triton III. However, a final decision on the mode of conducting, timing and other related factors is yet to be taken.

“It would be a massive exer-

cise covering the entire west coast - starting from the Gujarat coast, going through the coastline of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala along with the Lakshadweep Islands. The exercise will have the participation of both the Western and Southern Naval Commands, the Coast Guard districts in Gujarat, Mumbai, Kerala along with the local police and other coastal agencies. The Air Force and the Army will also take part in the massive security workout. It will be a first-of-its-kind security drill in the country,” said top sources.

Considering the massive nature of the exercise, which involves four states and two JOCs (Joint Operation Centre) and many other agencies, the exercise would be a major affair.

“The Naval headquarters is considering different possibilities on how to conduct the exercise.

A joint team of officials from the Southern and Western Naval Commands would be formed to

conduct the exercise,” sources said.

Discussions are currently on to assess the positive and negative aspects of conducting the exercise along with Triton III. The issue of having an exercise immediately after another is also being discussed.

If the exercise is being conducted along with Triton III in October-November 2010, it would be given a different name.

However, if it’s going to be a completely different exercise from Triton, it would be conducted sometime in the beginning of 2011.

Agencies like Fisheries, Ports, Customs, Harbour Engineering, Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation; Directorate-General of Lighthouses and Light Ships along with Kadalora Jagrata Samitis will take part in the exercise.

The concept is to check the efficiency of the existing measures and to plug the probable holes in security.

Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today was critical of the security apparatus in the wake of the incident of a shoe being flung at his son and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The incident showed the security apparatus is "nalayak" (useless), he told reporters outside Parliament House.

A suspended police head constable had thrown a shoe at Omar during the Independence Day function in Srinagar yesterday following which 15 policemen including four officers were suspended.

Farooq Abdullah, at the same time, sought to take the incident in his stride, saying his son had joined an elite club.

LS adjourns till noon over farmers protests in UP PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

BJP and SP members today stalled the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha protesting land acquisition from farmers in Uttar Pradesh in which three persons were killed.

Barely minutes after it met for the day, the House was adjourned for an hour by Speaker Meira Kumar.

SP and BJP members rushed to the well raising slogans against the killing of three persons in Mathura and Aligarh during protests over land acquisition for Yamuna Expressway.

The Speaker took up the listed questions, but nothing could be heard in the din.

Kumar tried to bring the House to order but with the members unrelenting, she adjourned the House till noon.

The farmers have been holding demonstrations for nearly three weeks near Aligarh demanding compensation at the rate paid to Noida and Greater Noida farmers.

The golden era of Hollywood comes to India PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

ality show 'Dus Ka Dum' in July last year, the actor on his blog had praised Kangana for her simplicity and acting skills.

During the show, Salman also expressed his desire to work with Kangana.

Shedding her serious onscreen image, Kangana is trying her hands at comedy. The actress has two-comedy films releasing this year, Anees Bazmee's 'No Problem' and Anand Rai's 'Tanu Weds Manu'.

The images of Marilyn Monroe with her blowing skirt, James Dean walking through the rain drenched streets of Times Square puffing a cigarette and Clark Gable in a pensive mood during the shooting of 'Misfits', are all part of Hollywood lore.

And now these images from the archives of Magnum, which captured some of the biggest icons in tinseltown in 'behind the scenes' moments, are on display in the capital in an exhibition to celebrates 100 years of Hollywood.

They are part of a 10-day-long exhibition 'At the Movies-Magnum ke Tasveer'.

The photographs from 1940 to 2000 give glimpses of Hollywood's golden age and its biggest icons, be it Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman in a contemplative mood on the set of 'The Arch of Triumph' in 1946 or Hol-

lywood pin-up Brigitte Bardot posing defiantly for the cameras during the filming of French film 'La bride sur le cou' in 1960.

The collection is from the archives of Magnum Photos, a photographic cooperative founded by noted French photographer Henri Cartier Bresson, Swedish photographer Robert Capa, George Rodger and David Seymour.

Indian cinema legend Satyajit Ray is also part of this exhibition, who was photographed by Marc Riboud during the shooting of his 1956 film 'Aparajito'.

Other photographs include American actor Gary Cooper by Capa, Paul Newman's 2000 photograph by Bruce Davidson, Elizabeth Taylor during the shooting of 1959 film 'Suddenly Last Summer' by Burt Glinn, David Hurn's photographs of Italian filmmaker Roberto Rossellini and Sophia Lauren, Dennis Stock's iconic image of James Dean

walking the street at Times Square and Elliott Erwitt's Marilyn Monroe.

Magnum's archive represent the history of cinema with it's photographers working on fim sets and capturing behind-the-scenes moments by photographing film directors, actors and actresses on and off the camera for over 60 years.

The exhibition inaugurated by yesteryear's film star Sharmila Tagore were brought to India

by Tasveer art gallery and jewellery brand Ganjam.

"It is great to have these Hollywood icons in India.

They are not only about Hollywood but we have also included images from French, Iran and Indian cinema. We are planning to take it to different cities including Kolkata, Mumbai and Ahmedabad," Abhishek Poddar of Tasveer said.

PM's remarks breach of parliamentary privilege: Rudy PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

The BJP today attacked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for "overlooking" Parliament on the Commonwealth Games controversy while making a statement outside it on the issue, saying it was "clearly a breach of privilege".

BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap

Suresh Kalmadi given overriding powers to a Committee of Secretaries, headed by Cabinet Secretary, to supervise preparations for the October event.

Rudy said, "This is clearly a breach of Parliament as the session is in progress now and the Prime Minister has overlooked Parliament to make his statements outside it."

n Prime Minister had "been silent" on the issue of corruption in CWG when his party and other opposition raised it for 15 days in Parliament and had held a meeting to make his statement.

Rudy told reporters here that the Prime Minister had "been silent" on the issue of corruption in CWG when his party and other opposition raised it for 15 days in Parliament and had held a meeting to make his statement.

The Prime Minister, who chaired a meeting to review preparations for the Games on Saturday, had while clipping the wings of organising committee

Rudy said besides the Opposition parties, including the BJP, which had raised the issue and criticised what was going on in the name of CWG, some Congress members too had done so.

"Instead of taking Parliament into confidence, the Prime Minister preferred to make comments outside Parliament and given statements on the issue," he said.

Rajouri encounter ends, another militant, Army jawan killed PTI JAMMU, AUG 16

The nearly 50-hour-long encounter between militants and security forces in Rajouri district ended today in which a Lashkare-Toiba militant and an Army jawan were killed and three others, including a major, injured.

A total of three LeT militants, believed to be involved in the attack on a bus in Rajouri last week, have been killed in the encounter which started when security forces launched a search operation in Shara Wali forest belt in the district on Saturday, Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajouri, R K Jalla told PTI. The deceased Army jawan has been identified as Sepoy S K

Singha, while the injured have been identified as Major Susheel Mahapatra of 38 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Police official Iftikhar Malik and civilian Abdul Razak.

The LeT militant killed today has been identified as Zargar.

Two LeT militants were killed and constable Nasir Ahmed was injured in the gunbattle in the area yesterday. The militants were identified as Sajjad Kashmiri and Abu Qamran.

The slain militants were believed to be part of a group involved in the attack on a passenger bus at Der-Ki-Gali area in the district on Wednesday last in which two civilians were killed and 18 others, including two jawans, injured.

VHP: Madani is habitual terrorist PTI KOCHI, AUG 16

Describing PDP leader, Abdul Nasser Madani, an accused in the 2008 Bangalore blast case, as a 'habitual terrorist', Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President, Ashok Singal, today said those not allowing him to be arrested 'want to perpetrate terrorism'.

'Madani is a habitual terrorist and those not allowing him to be arrested. What do they want?.

They want terrorism to perpetrate', Singal told reporters at the sidelines of a function here.

More and more problems are being created in the country as terrorists are being allowed to have a free hand, he said.

Kerala Chief minister, V S Achutanandan had said separatistism was a great problem in the country. 'Madani is a terrorist.

They are trying to save these

people. Why? Only because they are vote hungry.... More and more problems are being created in the country as they are allowing terrorists to have a free hand in the country', he alleged.

Referring to the Afzal Guru, who was convicted of conspiracy in the Deceber 2001 attack on Parliament and was sentenced to death in 2004, Singal said the sentence was yet to be carried out. 'they (government) was succumbing to the greed of muslim votes. This greed of muslim votes will take the country to dogs'.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Kerala Chief Minister Achutanandan are 'pampering those people who are engaged in separtist and terrorist activities. Same is happening in Kashmir. They want to give autonomy to Kashmir, which belongs to the whole country', he said.

appointments

HE RA LD

Pg10

GOA,•TUESDAY,•17 AUGUST, 2010

Cash for Palestinians needed to support peace: Norway Reuters RAMALLAH, West Bank, Aug 16

The Palestinian Authority's budget is in the red and donors should make good on pledges to fill the gap, said Norway's foreign minister, who chairs a donor group that backs the Palestinian government.

Jonas Gahr Stoere also said he was optimistic face-to-face Palestinian-Israeli talks would resume soon, restarting the peace process his countr y helped to launch 17 years ago.

''If these negotiations get going now, I think that should be at the same time a message to donors – and I would in particular address donors in the Arab world, the Gulf world – to seize this opportunity,'' he told Reuters in an interview in Ramallah late yesterday. ''According to the accounts we run, the budget support to Prime Minister (Salam) Fayyad's government is running into the red, and that is high-risk,'' Stoere said. ''The day will come that the Palestinians can do without donors.... But that moment is not now.''

He described the gap between donor pledges and actual contributions as ''important'' but declined to give figures.

Fayyad's Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority has projected a budget shortfall of 1.2 billion dollar for this fiscal year, or 16 percent of the territories' GDP. Any donor failure to make good on pledges would derail efforts ''to boost the growth of the Palestinian economy'', Stoere said. ''I hope that by September we are able to demonstrate that

the budget support is according to expectations.''

Donor aid for Fayyad's government has helped drive economic growth in the West Bank, which Stoere put at 10 percent.

Support for the Palestinians is vital to what Stoere described as a ''bottom-up'' approach to settling the six-decade-old Palestinian-Israeli conflict through building ''accountable and transparent Palestinians institutions''.

He described the negotiation process which the United States is trying to revive through the launch of direct talks as the topdown part of the equation.

Norway played a vital role in launching the diplomatic process by hosting secret IsraeliPalestinian negotiations that produced the Oslo Accords, an interim peace deal, in 1993. ''When you analyse it, it's going to be very complicated.

Both parties have internal complications. But when I speak to the (Israeli) prime minister, I speak to the (Palestinian) president, my sense is that the alternative is worse,'' he said.

Musharraf not to visit Pak for his party launch

Work on new uranium plant to begin in early 2011: Iran AFP TEHRAN, AUG 16

Iran is to start building its third uranium enrichment plant in early 2011, a top official said, defying world powers which have slapped new sanctions on Tehran for pursuing the sensitive nuclear work.

Iran's atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi, cited on state television late yesterday, said the search for sites for 10 new enrichment facilities "is in its final stages.

"The construction of one of these will begin by the end of the (current Iranian) year (to March 2011) or the start of next year, inshallah (God willing)."

Iran is already enriching uranium at its main plant in the central city of Natanz and is building a second enrichment facility inside a mountain at Fordo, southwest of Tehran.

The country's hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced the planned construction of 10 new enrichment plants late in 2009 after Tehran was censured by the UN atomic watchdog over building the Fordo facility.

PTI ISLAMABAD, AUG 16

Fo r m e r P re s i d e n t Pe r v e z Musharraf, currently living in London on a self-imposed exile, will not visit Pakistan for the launch of his All Pakistan Muslim League party in September as decided earlier, according to a media report on Monday.

Sources close to the former military ruler were quoted by the Daily Times as saying that Musharraf had decided to steer his party from London and that he would not come to Pakistan during this year because of "some formidable challenges and serious risks he would be exposed to here".

The moves come a week after the Sindh High Court declared him a proclaimed offender following his non-appearance before it despite several notices.

The sources told the newspaper that a core team of legal and political experts is finalising the manifesto of the newly formed APML and the party will be launched after Eid-ul-Fitr in

Thailand lifts emergency rule in 3 more provinces Reuters BANGKOK, AUG 16

Thailand lifted a state of emergency in three provinces today but kept the controversial security law in place in seven others, including Bangkok, where it said the situation remained volatile.

The emergency decree has been in place since April, giving security forces broad power to deal with anti-government protests that spiralled into the worst political violence in modern Thai history and left 91 people dead and nearly 2,000 wounded.

Security and government officials have continually warned of potential unrest in Bangkok and some provinces as reason to keep the decree in place, despite pressure from rights groups, businesses and tour operators to revoke it. ''While there are still rumblings in these provinces, the

premier views that existing law is enough to maintain order there,'' Panitan Wattanayagorn, deputy secretary-general to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, told Reuters after a cabinet meeting.

The intractable, five-year crisis in Southeast Asia's secondbiggest economy has eased off since May 19, when troops engaged in six days of bloody confrontations forcibly dispersed thousands of ''red shirt'' protesters demanding new elections.

The Thai stock market is up 17 per cent this year at a twoyear high, despite large foreign selling during the unrest, while the government and economists have forecast growth of up to 8 per cent this year.

Foreign inflows helped lift the baht to a 28-month high last week and consumer confidence rose sharply in July, showing the effects of the political violence were short-lived.

However, reconciliation among powerful groups remains elusive and many Thais expect tensions to resurface in future.

The provinces where the decree were lifted included one in the northeast and two popular tourist destinations in the north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Tourism accounts for six percent of Thailand's economy and employs 1.8 million people directly.

The state of emergency bans political gatherings of more than five people and gives the government powers to impose curfew and censor media and detain suspects without charge for 30 days.

Areas still under emergency rule are three provinces in the northeast, deemed hotbeds of anti-government activism, as well as Bangkok and its surrounding areas, which would allow security forces to block would-be demonstrators from entering the city.

Philippines keen to restart talks with Muslim rebels Reuters MANILA, AUG 16

The new Philippine government is optimistic of securing a lasting peace with Muslim separatists, and its chief negotiator said on Monday a review of the process was almost complete and talks could resume in the near future.

Marvic Leonen also said he was not unduly concerned by reports the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was building up its strength in case of a breakdown in negotiations. ''The MILF is a military force, and of course it is understandable for them to say they are training their fighters,'' he told foreign correspondents, adding the Philippine military was also modernising its equipment.

The MILF, the country's largest Muslim guerrilla group, has been fighting for a separate homeland in southern Mindanao island for the past four decades. More than 120,000 people have died and 2 million displaced in the

rebellion.

Philippine governments and the MILF have been in stop-start negotiations since 1997, but an acceptable political deal remain elusive.

Leonen said the review ordered by President Benigno Aquino III was not aimed at restarting the peace process from scratch, but to give the new team an understanding of what had been achieved in trying to end the insurgency. ''Nine years under a different administration; you cannot just expect a two-month old government to simply take the driver's seat immediately after that nine years,'' said Leonen.

He indicated international parties would remain involved in the peace process, but did not provide details. Malaysia has facilitated talks since 2001 and the rebels want them to stay on in that role.

The government has said it

was keen for talks to restart after the holy month of Ramadan, and Leonen noted that while it had named some of its panel, the MILF had not yet named any of its team.

‘Osama probably hiding in Pak mountains’ PTI WASHINGTON, AUG 16

Al- Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden, the world's most wanted terrorist, is probably hiding in the remote mountainous regions of Pakistan, but no one knows where he actually is, a top US General has said.

"I think he remains an iconic figure, and I think capturing or killing Osama bin Laden is still a very, very important task for all of those who are engaged in counter terrorism around the world," General David Petraeus Commander of US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan told NBC television's "Meet the Press" when asked about the Osama's whereabouts.

"I don't think anyone knows where Osama bin Laden is. The fact that it took him four weeks to get a congratulatory message out, or a message of condolence in, say, in the course of the last year or so when we've seen these, indicates, literally, how far buried he is probably in the very, very most remote and mountainous regions," he said.

In the interview, that was recorded in Kabul on Friday and aired in the US yesterday, Petraeus said that there is unlikely to be any possibility of peace talks with Mullah Omar – the Taliban leader.

China lacks the power to block planned US naval exercises near

its shores, but those drills risk deepening distrust of Washington and bolstering pressure for a stronger

cause Musharraf had some close friends and fans in Dallas and these people want to run a party chapter there and play an active role in Pakistani politics through their financial, moral and political support to the APML, the sources said.

The APML was founded in Karachi earlier this year and the party was registered in all provinces of Pakistan by Saif Ali Khan and Maj Gen (retired) Rashid Quraishi, two of Musharraf's closest aides.

It was named after the historical All India Muslim League, which is credited with winning independence for Pakistan.

The party has chapters in Britain, the US, Canada and the UAE. Musharraf, who resigned as President in 2008 to avoid impeachment by the Pakistan People's Party-led government, has been living outside the country since last year.

He left Pakistan after a slew of legal and police cases were filed against him.

Afghan cops seize 17 tonnes of explosive material Reuters KABUL, AUG 16

Afghan police have seized nearly 17 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a key component in roadside bombs that are one of the main weapons used by insurgents against Afghan and foreign troops, a government official said on Monday.

While the discovery of caches of materials used to make bombs is not unusual, this was the largest find of its kind since the chemical was banned earlier this year.

Home-made roadside bombs are among the most effective weapons used by the Taliban and other insurgents. Independent monitoring website iCasualties.org estimates roadside bombs, or improvised explosive devices, have accounted for about 60 percent of fatalities among foreign troops over the past three years.

The total number of foreign troops killed in Afghanistan since the Taliban were ousted in 2001 topped 2,000 at the weekend. June was the worst month of the conflict for foreign forces, with 102 killed.

The cache was uncovered on Sunday by Afghan border police who found 16,819 kg of the material in southern Kandahar province, the heartland of the

Taliban and a focal point of the insurgency, Interior Ministry spokesman Zemarai Bashary said.

He said four suspects were arrested, including two Pakistani nationals.

The seizure was the biggest of its kind since President Hamid Karzai banned the use, production, storage or sale of ammonium nitrate – commonly used as fertiliser – early this year.

The use of ammonium nitrate in roadside bombs has spread as a resurgent Taliban moved out of the strongholds in the south and east in recent years, especially into the once-calm north where pockets of resistance have sprung up.

Finding and clearing such bombs is one of the most painstaking and time-consuming tasks for foreign and Afghan troops, with bombs often cleverly hidden on dirt tracks, dry river beds or even under tarmac roads.

Civilians are also oftem victims of such bombs.

A UN report last week said civilian casualties had risen 31 percent in the first six months of this year compared with same period last year, including 1,271 killed. Of those, the Taliban and other insurgents were blamed for 76 percent of casualties.

Cow slaughter:Yeddyurappa slams JDS for opposing ban

From Page 1

BANGALORE, AUG 16

Karnad threatens to quit

PTI

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today slammed JDS supremo H D Devegowda and the Congress for opposing the Bill banning cow slaughter and expressed confidence on getting President Pratibha Patil's approval on the issue.

"It was the dream of Mahatma Gandhi to ban cow slaughter. It is already in force in seven-eight states. Supreme Court has also upheld (ban on cow-slaughter)", he told reporters here.

"The minorities are not opposed to the ban on cow slaughter", he said.

Yeddyurappa alleged Devegowda and the Congress were opposing the Bill only to "please minorities" and flayed them for going against the "beliefs" of the majority Hindus.

He said he has explained to the President about the bill and was confident that she will give her assent.

On Congress' recent 'Bellary Chalo' Padayatra over illegal mining and the public meeting held in the mine-rich town, Yeddyurappa said sarcastically that the Congress high-command was happy with state leaders "for coming out of slumber".

US drill bolsters case for stronger China military Reuters BEIJING, AUG 16

London, Pakistan, Dubai and the US. Some of Musharraf's aides had recently announced that he would return to Pakistan later this year to lead the APML. Over the past few days, Musharraf has been seen in an advertisement aired on Pakistani news channels in which he announced a donation of Rs 1 crore for victims of the unprecedented floods in Pakistan.

Musharraf said the amount will be handed over to APML officials so that it could be used in a transparent manner to help flood victims.

Asked about the requirement of an APML office in Dubai, the sources said the Middle Eastern city and London were political hubs for exiled or self-exiled Pakistani politicians and other personalities to meet their supporters.

The APML office in Dubai will be a special venue for Musharraf to meet his fans, they said.

A decision was made to set up a party office in the US be-

Chinese military, a Chinese admiral said on Monday.

Rear Admiral Yang Yi, a senior researcher at the National Defence University in Beijing, told Reuters that China was also ''concerned'' about joint exercises this week between thousands o f U S a n d S o u t h Ko re a n troops.

Those mainly land-based exercises could ''inflame'' neighbouring North Korea and fuel regional tensions, said Yang.

However, China sees a much more direct threat in Pentagon plans for a new joint naval exercises with ally South Korea that would send a US aircraft carrier into the Yellow Sea, between China and the Korean peninsula, he said.

The Pentagon has not given a date for these exercises, which Yang said would be provocatively close to north China's political and economic heartland. ''If the United States does

enter the Yellow Sea, China can't possibly use military force to block it. That could risk a military clash, and that would be unwise for China and the United States,'' Yang said in the telephone interview. ''But if the United States insists on going ahead with this, that will be dropping a stone on its own foot. It will damage long-term relations between China and the US. Yang's comments, along with a volley of commentaries in China's main military newspaper, including one written by him, suggest friction over the naval exercises will continue to unsettle ties, while falling short of confrontation at sea. ''How will China's military strategic planners view this?

When the United States prepares to use military might to threaten China's national interests, what can we do? We must enhance our military strength,'' Yang said.

of Liberation I had hoped to celebrate,” Karnad said.

Kamat, in his Independence Day address, had said that Goa will be guided to the pinnacle of glory in the next 25 years by following the road map prepared by the Golden Jubilee Development Council.

The chief minister further elaborated on Goa Vision 2035, the vision document being prepared by the government for Goa to prepare a road map for 25 years ahead.

When contacted by Herald Kamat said he has no knowledge of the issue.

“I am in Hyderabad for some work and as such I have no knowledge of any such letter,” Kamat said in a telephonic conversation.

No setback area...

Recently, bowing to representations and the protests, the chief minister announced that the RoW would be kept at 45 meters wherever possible while widening the NH17 and NH4A, and it would be restricted to 35 m in densely populated areas.

What is interesting to note here is that the PWD has moved a file pertaining to fixing of setback area but the government has been dilly dallying on the matter.

“The file was moved two years ago to fix the setback as per High Court order but for one reason or the other the file keeps on coming back from the secretariat,” officials stated.

The PWD has proposed that the setback for village roads be maintained 10 meters and RoW be seven meters.

For MDRs, the PWD wants setbacks and RoW of 18 and 15 meters respectively while for State highways it is proposed to be fixed at 23 and 15 meters respectively.

“For the national highways the decision on setback and ROWs has to be taken by government and the NHAI but we have proposed 45 and 40 meters respectively,” the officials said.

When contacted by Herald PWD Chief Engineer J N Chimulkar preferred to keep mum on the issue.

“We have moved the file to the government on finalizing the setback and awaiting their reply,” he said.

On the circular, he said, “We are awaiting replies from the government on some queries.”

It may be recalled Herald had reported that the government was granting permissions for buildings along highway despite the PWD’s refusal, by taking an undertaking from the builders.

Many of these people who had given an undertaking to demolish their structures if NH17 is widened are now refusing to do so and have started an agitation against the project.

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Pak still considering Indian aid offer for flood victims PTI ISLAMABAD, AUG 16

Pakistan on Tuesday said it is considering India's offer of USD five million as aid for its flood victims but a decision has been delayed as there is "sensitivity" involved in the relationship with India.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said his Indian counterpart S M Krishna offered the aid during a telephone conversation on Friday.

"Yes, they have offered assistance to Pakistan and they have asked the government of Pakistan to prioritise what kind of assistance we require," he said.

"In line with the conversation that I've had with Mr Krishna, I've informed the leadership about the details and the leadership is giving it consideration," he told a news conference at the Foreign Office.

Qureshi was responding to a question on whether Pakistan had accepted the aid offered by India.

In response to another question on why Pakistan has accepted aid from other countries but is yet to decide on India's offer, he said the kind of relationship with India and the "sensitivity" involved is "different".

Qureshi kept the door open for the possibility of accepting the Indian offer at a later stage.

Noting that "the matter has not ended," he said Pakistan will need a long-drawn strategy as the floods were still causing devastation.

After the ongoing relief operations, the rehabilitation and reconstruction process will continue for about two years, he said.

Qureshi said Krishna had called him to "condole on the loss of life that had taken place, to sympathise with the people of Pakistan and express solidarity in this hour of grief with Pakistan".

Earlier, diplomatic sources told PTI that "no decision" had been made as yet on India's offer of aid.

Asked about the matter, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said: "We appreciate this offer made by India. It has been conveyed to the relevant authorities".

He did not give details.

Krishna described the offer of aid as a "gesture of solidarity with the people of Pakistan in their hour of need".

The floods triggered by unusually heavy monsoon rains have killed over 1,700 people and affected 20 million. It has also destroyed millions of acres of crop land and washed away key roads, bridges and communication infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Daily Times newspaper quoted its sources as saying that Pakistan might accept the Indian aid if it is routed through the United Nations.

Pakistan had accepted aid from India when a devastating earthquake struck the Kashmir region in 2005.

India had then sent three consignments of relief materials in military aircraft.

Health risks ahead for flooded Pak Reuters ISLAMABAD, AUG 16

The worst floods in decades in Pakistan have left millions without clean water, food and homes.

The UN has reported the first case of cholera and warned of other imminent waterborne diseases, including typhoid fever, shigellosis and hepatitis A and E, and vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Aid agencies, like Save the Children, have already seen cases pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria.

Below are key facts of some of these diseases: CHOLERA Cholera is an acute disease that causes watery diarrhea and severe dehydration and can kill within hours if left untreated.

Up to 80 per cent of cases can be successfully treated with oral rehydration salts. Safe water and sanitation is critical in reducing the impact of cholera and other waterborne diseases. Vaccina-

Donkeys come to the rescue in Pak floods Reuters KOZA SIRAI, Pakistan, AUG 16

Millions of dollars may have been donated for Pakistan's flood victims, but on the ground authorities are having to use donkeys to slowly transport supplies to cut off mountain villages.

Logistical nightmares, shortages of helicopters to access remote areas and more rains that triggered landslides have forced authorities and aid agencies to take desperate measures.

Reaching remote villages tucked between mountains is one of the most daunting challenges. In scenic Shahpur valley, where Koza Sirai is located, some 150,000 people are in urgent need of food and medical supplies, officials say.

With an area roughly the size of Italy affected by floods, government and foreign aid has been slow in coming and the United Nations has warned of a second wave of deaths among the sick and hungry if help does not arrive.

As urgent appeals for international aid are made, policemen guide 30 donkeys strapped with flour, rice, cooking oil and sugar along narrow, muddy tracks and mountain terrain to villages.

Pakistan's powerful military,

Pakistani soldiers assist a man to load supplies onto a donkey at a village in Karora, located in Pakistan's northwestern Swat Valley on Sunday.

which has raised its profile with rescue and relief efforts in the flood catastrophe, is overseeing such operations, which take four hours each way.

Local officials are managing the donkey missions. That may not have inspired confidence in the government, which has drawn heavy criticism for its perceived slow respone to the crisis.

TIRED BEAST OF BURDEN ''If you're a relative of someone who is influential, you will get more food no matter how big or small your family is,'' said teacher Mohammad Niaz at a food distribution centre.

Swollen by torrential monsoon rains, major rivers have flooded Pakistan's mountain valleys and fertile plains, killing up to 1,600 people and leaving two

Chinese Communist party demands reforms in Tibetan monasteries PTI BEIJING, AUG 16

A fresh purge appeared to be in the offing in Tibet with a top leader of the Communist Party of China calling for reforms in Buddhist monasteries by appointing monks and nuns who are "politically reliable".

In a move that could be aimed at weeding out pro-Dalai Lama elements in the clergy, Du Qinglin, head of the United Front Work Department of the Party's Central Committee, also demanded that "greater, concerted and solid efforts" must be made to implement democratic management in the monasteries.

"Concerted and solid efforts must be made to implement democratic management in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries," Du was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua news agency, in what appeared to be a fresh effort to strengthen government's hold on Tibet's influential religious centres in the politically sensitive Himalayan province.

"Competent Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns who are politically reliable, extraordinarily learned and widely respected

should be selected to monastery management committees through thorough democratic consultation," he said.

As per the prevailing rules, the posts of all the top monks known as Lamas have to be made with the approval of the Chinese government.

Du, also vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks of sweeping changes in the powerful clergy in Tibet during a two-day conference on democratic management of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries at Xigaze in Tibet Autonomous Region, which began yesterday.

His remarks were timed even as another powerful Communist Party leader He Guoqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo undertook a tour of the politically sensitive province visiting the Potala Palace, which was the seat of the Dalai Lamas.

Tibet's provincial capital Lhasa witnessed large scale riots in 2008 before the Beijing Olympics in which large numbers of Tibetan mainly monks were killed.

The riots were directed

against non-Tibetans in which several monks reported to have taken part. Chinese government blamed the Dalai Lama for instigating the riots, which he has denied.

Du said that in implementing monastery democratic management, the lawful rights of monasteries, orderly religious activities of monks and nuns, and normal religious practise of believers must be ensured.

Monasteries play a very vital role in Tibet where Buddhism and Monks or heads of various sects of the religion wields spiritual and political influence over the masses.

Many of the top monks of Tibet including the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head, who fled to India in 1959 were selected through the complex process when they were children and then graduated through these institutions.

The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, regarded as the second spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism sent a congratulatory message to the conference which was attended by some 150 people from Tibetan Buddhist circles and relative governmental organisations.

million homeless.

The villages, part of the greater Swat valley, were cut off for four days after the floods washed away houses, markets and crops.

Officials say the donkeys have hauled over 20 tonnes of supplies along the route to Shahpur since August 3.

Before the floods, the government promised to pour hun-

China to sign pact with IAEA on nuke safety PTI BEIJING, AUG 16

China is set to ink an agreement with the UN atomic watchdog to firm up cooperation in training and nuclear safety in East Asia and the world during the ongoing visit of its chief Yukiya Amano, in the backdrop of its plans to construct two new nuclear reactors in Pakistan.

It is not clear, however, whether the agreement would make any reference to the proposed two new nuclear reactors China wants to construct for Pakistan.

China and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will boost cooperation in personnel training and nuclear safety in East Asia and across the world, according to a draft of the agreement, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.

The agreement with IAEA is significant as China has been maintaining consistently that its cooperation with Pakistan concerning the civil nuclear technology is for peaceful purposes and being carried out under the safeguards and supervision of the IAEA.

Director Cameron spents b’day underwater Reuters MOSCOW, AUG 16

''Titanic'' director James Cameron spent his birthday underwater.

Cameron, who turned 56 on Monday, dove beneath the surface of the world's deepest lake in a submersible he used to film the wreck of the Titanic, the Foundation for the Preservation of Lake Baikal said.

Cameron boarded the Mir-1 submersible and spent a few hours in Lake Baikal's waters, the Russian-based group said.

The Mir-1, less than 8 metres (26 feet) long, is one of two submersibles Cameron used to film the Titanic in preparation for the 1997 blockbuster. Russia used the vessel

in 2007 to plant a Russian flag on the sea floor near the North Pole.

Today, it was piloted

by Anatoly Sagalevich, the director of the technical council of the preservation foundation, who invited Cameron on his first visit to Lake Baikal and gave him a hardy ''hydronaut's'' watch.

The sickle-shaped lake in Siberia, some 5,000 km (3,000 miles) east of Moscow, is the world's oldest and deepest lake, according to UNESCO, which lists it as a World Heritage Site. It holds

one-fifth of the world's unfrozen fresh water.

Ecologists say the 25 million-year-old lake – which reaches a depth of 1,637 metres – harbours 1,500 plant and animal species, including a unique freshwater seal.

The two Mir craft have been used to explore the lake since 2008.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who last winter signed a controversial order allowing a paper mill environmentalists say pollutes the lake to reopen, dove to the bottom of Baikal in 2008 and declared the lake clean.

Cameron, an avid deep-sea diver, has said his initial motive in proposing to make Titanic was the hope of filming the famous wreck on the floor of the North Atlantic.

dreds of millions of dollars into Swat to rebuild infrastructure, schools and hospitals damaged in the war against Taliban insurgents there, in order to win over the public.

Now the economic damages of the flood disaster may force the government to hold back or cut into that strategic spending.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has urged the international community to provide Pakistan with helicopters, boats and hovercrafts to help relief efforts.

Only a quarter of the 459 million dollar aid needed for initial relief has arrived, according to the United Nations.

Getting food distributed by donkeys is in some ways a luxury because the programme is so small. Hundreds of thousands of villagers make the journey on their own. The sick and wounded are carried on people's shoulders on a charpoy, a frame strung with light ropes.

Military officials say many villages are still inaccessible.

tion for cholera can be considered, but a two-dose protocol will be very challenging logistically.

TYPHOID FEVER A bacterial disease caused by Salmonella typhi, it is transmitted through ingesting of food or drink contaminated by the faeces or urine of infected people. Symptoms are high fever, malaise, headache, constipation or diarrhoea, rose-coloured spots on the chest, and enlarged spleen and liver. It can be treated with antibiotics but resistance to common antimicrobials is widespread. Healthy carriers must not handle food.

HEPATITIS A and E Hepatitis A and E virus is shed in feces of infected people and they are acquired by ingesting faeces-contaminated food or water and is spread under unsanitary conditions. There is no treatment and therapy can only be supportive and aimed at maintaining comfort and ensuring proper nutrition.

MALARIA AND DENGUE These mosquito-borne diseases proliferate in floods because of a sudden increase in vector breeding sites. Early treatment is critical for malaria, which endangers particularly children and pregnant women because of their weaker immune systems. The best available treatment is artemisinin-based combination therapy. Unlike malaria, there is no treatment

for dengue, so early diagnosis and careful clinical management will be critical to save lives.

LEPTOSPIROSIS The bacteria leptospira spp. is found in a variety of both wild and domestic animals, including rodents, insectivores, dogs, cattle, pigs and horses.

Outbreaks happen due to crowding together of rodents and humans, and people become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or by contact with a urine-contaminated environment, such as surface water, soil and plants. The bacteria gains entry through cuts and abrasions in the skin and through mucous membranes of

the eyes, nose and mouth.

OHERALDO

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Life insurance continues to remain robust AGENCIES NEW DELHI, AUG 16

Life insurance industry continues to bring out strong numbers even as companies gear up to face the challenge posed by the new norms.

Dispelling any fears that the new IRDA regulations might have on the growth of the Life Insurance industry, the sector seems all geared up to embrace the new norms that are set to take effect from September 1, 2010. Despite the uncertainty that prevailed due to the controversy on regulations of ULIP’s, companies have continued to produce numbers indicative of the strong connect with the grass root investors.

New business premium for the period April-June 2010 increased by 76.76% y-o-y from Rs. 14,466 last fiscal to Rs. 25,571 crs this year. New business premium for linked products increased by 101% to Rs. 13,941 cr. from Rs. 6,935 crs.

Correspondingly new business non-linked premium increased by 54.42% to Rs.11,630 cr from Rs. 7,531 crore.

Single-linked premiums showed a significant growth of over 220% with premium collections going up to Rs 7,945 crore as against Rs 2,479 crore in the last fiscal. The premium collected for single non-linked business grew by 23.5% to Rs. 4,773 crore as against Rs. 2,479 crore last year.

Unit linked renewal premiums have grown significantly to Rs 55,492 crores from Rs 8,825 crore from FY 2006-07 to FY 2009-10, a CAGR of 58.35%.

For the period Apr-Jun 2010 the unit linked renewal premium of private life insurers have grown by 12.40% to Rs 7,945 crore as against Rs 7,047 crore last fiscal. This can be mainly attributed to the uncertainty that prevailed due to the ULIP controversy, prompting policyholders to defer there payments.

Total renewal premium of the industry was however flat due to stagnation in renewal premiums of traditional policies where LIC is a dominant player. However, with the new regulations about to come into

effect, the industry is ready to put the uncertainty behind it and get back on the high growth path of renewal premiums with higher focus on persistency.

Total premium of the industry grew by 24% to Rs 58,508 crore as against Rs 47,173 crore in previous year.

Significantly, in Q1 the commission also has come down to 5.81% from 6.72% level that prevailed in March 2010 due to capping of charges introduced by the regulator last year. However the full year’s impact will be felt in the current year and commissions will further come down with the new regulations coming into force from 1st September 2010.

Total infrastructure investment of the industry till June 2010 stood at Rs 1,42,283 crore as compared to Rs. 1,19,248 in the corresponding year, a growth of 19% YoY. The total AUM of life companies as of 30th June 2010 stood at Rs. 13,50,803 crore, up 39 % from last year figure of Rs. 9,69,381 crore.

PTI HYDERABAD, AUG 16

Ybrant Digital, the end-to-end provider of digital marketing solutions, today announced the signing of the stock purchase agreement to acquire Lycos Inc, the leading brand of search based internet properties and services, from Daum Communications of Korea.

Lycos consistently averages 12-15 million monthly unique visitors in the US, and is a top 25 Internet destination worldwide, reaching nearly 60 million unique visitors globally.

The Lycos network of sites and services includes Lycos.com, Tripod, Angelfire, Gamesville, and HotBot.together. "Brand Lycos needs no introduction, we are excited to bring in the Lycos properties into our fold," Chairman and CEO, Ybrant Digital, Suresh Reddy said.

"The quality of content and tools offered by Lycos has always attracted the best of the consumers across the world. Our goal is to combine the benefits of Ybrant's global network with what Lycos has to offer in creating a compelling global destination for our advertising clients worldwide.

Govt in talks with RIM The Government is in dialogue with service providers and Research in Motion (RIM) - the maker of Blackberry device, to find out a solution for interception and monitoring of its services,the Lok Sabha was informed today. .

Security agencies are unable to intercept and monitor a few Blackberry services namely messenger, chat and enterprise email services in readable format because of complex encrypted comminication, Information and Technology Minister A Raja said in a written reply.

The Government has formulated the policy regarding encrypted cominication through internet. As per policy's Clause 2.2(vii), the licensee shall ensure that bulk encryption is not deployed by ISPs. Further, individuals/Groups/ Organisations are permitted to use encryption up to 40-bit key length without obtaining permission from the licensor.

MUMBAI, AUG 16

A government panel today opposed a bauxite mining project in the ecologically sensitive Niyamgiri Hills in Orissa by Vedanta Group, which said it would not start operations till it gets "100 per cent clearance".

Reacting to the panel report, Vedanta Resources Chairman Anil Agarwal said, "We are law abiding people. We will not start mining at all until and unless we get 100 per cent clearance from the authorities concerned."

"We have to keep patience in India... We are cooperating 100 per cent in all their (government) queries," Agarwal added.

Commenting on the report by the panel, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said, "A final decision in the matter will be taken after the Forest Advisory Council (FAC) takes a view on the committee's findings on August 20."

The committee also slammed the Orissa government for recommending the

PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

Godrej to sell Ambipur license to P&G FMCG player Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) is likely to give up the license to sell the airfreshener brand 'Ambipur' in India to global major P&G in the next 2-3 months, a top company official said today.

GCPL, which holds the licensing right for Ambipur in India till 2012, is looking to bring the air-freshener brand of the recently acquired Indonesian firm Megasari to India.

"Talks are on and we might sell

PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

Tribals to get 26% share from mining profits: Govt

UNI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

PTI

Panel opposes mining in Niyamgiri Hills

Ybrant Digital acquires Lycos Inc

our licence to P&G in the next 2-3 months. We are currently catering predominantly to the auto sector and that too mainly cars. Its contribution to our total revenues is insignificant," GCPL's Managing Director, A Mahendran, told PTI here.

Ambipur is the air-care brand of GCPL's subsidiary Godrej Sara Lee, in which GCPL had bought 51 per cent stake this year for about Rs 800-crore and rechristened it as Godrej Household Products Limited (GHPL). It has an annual turnover of Rs 1,100-crore.

Sensex down by over 100 points PTI MUMBAI, AUG 16

Profit-booking across sectors saw the BSE benchmark Sensex shedding over 100 points today, with metal and realty counters the worst-hit. Wholesale price-based inflation falling to single digits at 9.97 per cent in July failed to bolster the investor sentiment, marketmen said.

In lacklustre trading, the 30-share index of the Bombay Stock Exchange was trapped in a very narrow range, veering in and out of positive terrain for most of the day. But towards the end of the session, hectic profit-booking emerged on mixed cues from European bourses.

While the insecticide segment with brands like 'Good Night' contributes 80 per cent to the total sales, air-freshener and shoe-care (Kiwi shoe polish brand) forms the rest.

"The air-freshener category is very small in India. It contributes a very insignificant amount to our total sales and hence it won't affect us for some time," Mahendran said, adding that the company is looking at launching Megasari's air-freshener in the country in the near future.

"We might bring into India

Aban Offshor, 833.4, 835, 808.1, 812.05 Abb Ltd., 782.7, 788, 771.6, 775.05 Abg Shipyard, 248, 252.1, 243, 244.15 Acc Limited, 848, 854.6, 830.3, 833.75 Adani Enterp, 629, 642.7, 619, 625.8 Aditya Birla, 825, 828.4, 801.4, 803.8 Allahabad Ba, 212, 220.35, 209.55, 217.8 Alstom Proje, 739, 749.8, 721, 727.9 Ambuja Cemen, 116.7, 117, 113.65, 113.9 Andhra Bank, 152, 158.5, 151.5, 157.5 Ashok Leylan, 71.8, 72.15, 70.6, 71 Asian Paints, 2650, 2684, 2633, 2641.05 Axis Bank Li, 1330.5, 1346.7, 1323.6, 1336.6 Bajaj Hindus, 118, 125, 118, 122.95 Bank Of Baro, 766.6, 790.95, 766.6, 785.25 Bank Of Indi, 462.9, 467.7, 459.1, 464.35 Beml Limited, 1015, 1018, 1005.35, 1009.9 Bharat Elect, 1735, 1745, 1723.05, 1735.95 Bharat Forge, 342.1, 354.9, 340.8, 346.2 Bharat Petro, 677, 680, 651.85, 658.35 Bharti Airte, 318, 321.15, 312.7, 318.75 Bhel, 2496, 2510.1, 2453.3, 2468.85 Bhushan Stee, 1605, 1708.7, 1605, 1672.6 Biocon Limit, 344.8, 346.5, 329.35, 330.9

Megasari's air-freshener brand.

However, nothing has been finalised as we have only recently acquired Megasari and it will take about 6-months to one-year for integration. We will take any decision only after that," Mahendran said.

The company had in April this year completed the acquisition of insecticide manufacturer Megasari Makmur Group, a market leader in Indonesia.

Its insectide category has 30 per cent marketshare whereas the air-care brand forms 15 per cent.

Bombay Dyein, 665, 692.5, 654.7, 674.05 Bosch Limite, 5847.95, 5900, 5718, 5864 Brigade Ente, 134.3, 137.7, 134.3, 135.1 Cairn India, 360, 368.05, 331.85, 332.85 Canara Bank, 505.5, 511, 493.25, 504.55 Central Bank, 188.4, 192.8, 186.5, 189 Century Text, 501.8, 509.2, 487.3, 491.75 Cesc Ltd, 399.7, 399.7, 386.35, 388.5 Chambal Fert, 67.25, 69, 66.6, 68.35 Chennai Petr, 280, 281.9, 275.8, 276.5 Cipla Ltd, 316, 317.95, 302.5, 304 Colgate Palm, 847, 854.1, 838, 843.65 Container Co, 1353, 1390, 1352, 1356.1 Crompton Gre, 288, 295.1, 285.25, 289.65 Cummins Indi, 678, 718, 675, 715.1 Dabur India, 200.25, 203, 198.3, 201.25 Deccan Chron, 136.5, 137, 132.8, 133.8 Dish Tv Indi, 49.15, 51.9, 49.15, 51.6 Divi’s Labor, 754, 754.9, 725.55, 733.2 Dlf Limited, 322.5, 328.4, 316.65, 320.35 Dr. reddy’s, 1395, 1395, 1333.3, 1354.5 Edelweiss Ca, 55.6, 56.45, 54.2, 54.8 Educomp Solu, 588, 595, 575.1, 579

Government has given an assurance in the Rajya Sabha that tribals would be given 26 per cent share from mining profits and full justice would be done to them if mining activities take place in their area.

A Group of Ministers (GoM) has been constituted in June for considering the draft Mines and Minerals Bill, 2010, Mines Minister B K Handique said during Question Hour.

He said the bill would ensure that issues relating to ecological balance are kept in mind while carrying out mining activities, mainly in tribal areas.

"Justice would be done to tribal population, though the matter is still with the GoM. Tribals would be given share from mining profits. We have earmarked 26 per cent share from mining profits for them," the minister said.

He said the draft bill has been prepared on the basis of policy directions in the National Mineral Policy, 2008, and Hoda Committee recommendations after consultations with the stakeholders.

Major issues laid down in the policy include making the regulatory mechanism more conducive to technology and investment flows, ensuring transparency in the concession process, and strengthening the role of Geological Survey of India and Indian Bureau of Mines.

Eih Limited, 132, 136.9, 131.7, 135.25 Engineers In, 326.05, 334.75, 321, 323.45 Essar Oil Lt, 132, 132.4, 128.75, 129.5 Essar Shippi, 110, 112.5, 103.25, 104.4 Exide Indust, 144, 144.25, 140.8, 141.2 Federal Bank, 333.5, 339.85, 330, 337.05 Financial Te, 1322.3, 1330, 1300.55, 1320 Gail (india), 454, 456.95, 448.25, 452.15 Gammon India, 206, 216, 196, 197.1 Glaxosmithkl, 1962.15, 2005, 1942, 1945.05 Glenmark Pha, 267, 274.45, 267, 268.25 Gmr Infrastr, 61.75, 62.5, 60.2, 61.2 Godrej Indus, 200.25, 204.4, 196.55, 198.8 Grasim Indus, 1876, 1977.7, 1876, 1967.95 Great Offsho, 410, 411.25, 401.75, 404.45 Gtl Infra.Lt, 46.15, 46.8, 45.45, 46.1 Gujarat Mine, 123.5, 124.3, 120.3, 121.5 Gujarat N R, 59.2, 59.2, 57.6, 57.85 Gujarat Stat, 110.8, 112.5, 110.25, 111.4 Gvk Pow. & I, 42.4, 42.65, 42, 42.05 Hcl Technolo, 412.1, 415.5, 397.55, 401.3 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2078.4, 2126.9, 2070.4, 2084 Hdfc Ltd, 3000, 3019.4, 2956.1, 2973.9

Hero Honda M, 1870.1, 1912, 1870.1, 1891.85 Hindalco in, 166.25, 169, 162.1, 164.65 Hindustan Co, 72.7, 72.7, 69.5, 69.95 Hindustan Ma, 75.6, 76.15, 73.2, 73.55 Hindustan Pe, 488.5, 495.75, 475.25, 481.8 Hindustan Un, 266.9, 271.95, 266.35, 269.9 Hindustan Zi, 1134.95, 1134.95, 1080.15, 1087.3 Housing Dev, 285.5, 288.75, 275.2, 279.65 Icici Bank L, 977, 981, 953.1, 957.1 Idea Cellula, 72.75, 74.9, 71.65, 72.1 Ifci Ltd, 61.2, 61.9, 60.05, 61 India Cement, 105.8, 106.4, 104.5, 105.15 India Infoli, 100, 100.9, 98, 99.3 Indiabulls F, 161.5, 162.95, 156.1, 157.65 Indiabulls R, 196.85, 200, 188.55, 196.55 Indian Bank, 245.95, 249.45, 238.25, 242.7 Indian Hotel, 102.6, 105.35, 102.6, 103.95 Indian Oil C, 379.6, 384.9, 376, 381.45 Indian Overs, 130.6, 132.8, 128.7, 129.6 Indus Dev Ba, 120.5, 125.2, 120.5, 123.95 Indusind Ban, 224, 225, 218.55, 220

project.

The panel, appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to assess the environmental impact of mining in the Niyamgiri Hills, said mining would deprive the two primitive tribal groups in the region -- the Dongaria Kondh and Kutia Kondh -- of their rights.

"This committee is of the firm view that allowing mining in the proposed mining lease (PML) area by depriving two primitive tribal groups of their rights... in order to benefit a private company would shake the faith of the tribals in the law of the land," said the N C Saxena Committee in its report.

The committee said that the two tribes are notified by the government as 'Primitive Tribal Groups' and eligible for special protection.

It also added, "The entire Niyamgiri Hills will suffer major ecological damage if mining is allowed in the proposed mining lease area."

Coming down heavily on the Orissa government, the com-

mittee said, "The Orissa government is not likely to implement the Forest Rights Act in a fair and impartial manner as far as the PML area is concerned.

It has gone to the extent of forwarding false certificates and may do so again in future.

Vedanta Group firm Sterlite Industries has entered into an agreement with state-owned Orissa Mining Corporation for mining bauxite in the Niyamgiri Hills, which is venerable to the local tribal population. As per the agreement, OMC will mine bauxite and give it to the Vedanta Group firm for feeding its alumina refinery at Lanjigarh, which is being expanded at a cost of about Rs 6,000 crore.

The committee also accused the Vedanta Group of increasing the capacity of its proposed alumina refinery in Kalahandi district of Orissa from 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 6 Mtpa "without obtaining environmental clearance" under the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA).

GDP poised to grow by 9.2 pc in FY 11, says CMIE PTI MUMBAI, AUG 16

The Indian economy is poised to return to the nine per cent growth trajectory in FY 11, the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) said in its monthly review here.

"The boom in economic activities is likely to continue in the remaining three-quarters of FY 11. As a result, we project a 9.2 per cent growth in real GDP in fiscal 2010-11," the CMIE report said.

Between FY 06 and FY 08, the economy clocked an above nine per cent growth. The global liquidity crisis had derailed the growth to 6.7 per cent in FY 09 and 7.4 per cent in FY 10.

However, during the quarter ended March 2010, the economy grew by an impressive 8.6 per cent, thanks to a spurt in growth in the manufacturing sector at 16.3 per cent, mining and quarrying at 14 per cent and trade, hotel, transport and communication at 12.4 per cent.

SBI raises lending, fixed deposit rates PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

In line with the industry trend, State Bank of India today raised its benchmark lending rate by 50 basis points and deposit rates by up to 150 basis points.

While the increase in the benchmark prime lending rate to 12.25 per cent will make existing home, auto and corporate loans from the country's biggest lender dearer, the hike in deposit rates will ensure better returns for deposit-holders.

The decision comes days after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed hope that lenders will not raise their interest rates in response to the RBI's monetary tightening measures last month.

"The bank has revised the benchmark prime lending rate upwards by 50 basis points from 11.75 per cent to 12.25 per cent effective from August

17," SBI said a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

However, for new borrowers, the base rate, which became effective from July 1 this year, stands at 7.5 per cent.

The base rate is the minimum lending rate below which loans cannot be offered.

As far as the revision in fixed deposit rates is concerned, SBI increased the interest rate by 150 basis points (1.5 per cent) to 4 per cent for term deposits of 15-45 days' tenor. The deposit rate increase is the maximum in this slab.

For fixed deposits with a tenor between 181 days and less than one year, the new interest rate will be 6 per cent against the existing 5.25 per cent, while 555-day fixed deposits will attract an interest rate of 7.25 per cent, an increase of 125 basis points.

The interest rate on term deposits of between 3 to 5 years'

tenor will go up by 75 basis points to 7.25 per cent from tomorrow, while interest on the 5-8 years' maturity slab has been increased by 25 bps to 7.50 per cent. Shares of SBI closed at Rs 2,820.25, down 1.02 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Meanwhile, the bank also announced the launch of a floating fixed deposit product linked to base rates with effect from September 6, 2010.

"The bank announced launching of floating rate term deposit products linked to the 'Base Rate' effective from September 6, 2010," the bank said in a filing.

This innovative deposit product will not carry a fixed rate, unlike the existing fixed deposit product. The interest rate would change in tandem with the base rate, as and when a revision in the benchmark rate takes place.

APL plans global expansion PTI MUMBAI, AUG 16

Country's leading manufacturer of corn starch and starch-based products, Anil Products Limited, (APL) has recorded a 121 per cent jump in its profit at Rs 8.82-crore in the quarter ended June 30, 2010.

The company had posted a net profit of Rs 3.9-crore in the year-ago period.

The total income of the Ahmedabad-based firm stood at Rs 106-crore in the first quarter of this fiscal, up 40 per cent as against the Rs 85-crore in the corresponding period a Infosys Tech, 2760, 2778, 2750, 2761.9 Infra. dev., 182, 183.75, 180, 181.25 Ispat Indust, 17.85, 17.95, 17.65, 17.7 Itc Ltd, 157.6, 159, 156, 158.25 Ivrcl Infras, 165, 165, 160, 161.05 Jai Corp Lim, 291.5, 305.9, 287.5, 293.55 Jaiprakash A, 120.1, 120.2, 117.35, 117.75 Jet Airways, 645, 728.6, 645, 714.8 Jindal Saw L, 205.75, 208.9, 200.4, 204.2 Jindal Steel, 660, 669.85, 653.75, 663.7 Jsw Steel Li, 1118.5, 1130.4, 1101.25, 1106.4 Kotak Mahind, 832, 845.9, 824.8, 829.7 Lakshmi Mach, 2030, 2044.4, 2016.1, 2020.6 Lanco Infrat, 68.95, 71.8, 68, 70.1 Larsen & Tou, 1792, 1832, 1782.1, 1789.9 Lic Housing, 1230, 1306.55, 1226.5, 1288.6 Lupin Limite, 1835.1, 1848, 1803, 1807.3 Mahanagar Te, 65.5, 65.75, 64.05, 64.2 Mahindra & M, 628, 635.45, 618.1, 625.2 Maruti Suzuk, 1249, 1271.8, 1245, 1256.55 Max India Lt, 154.65, 156.65, 150.1, 152 Maytas Infr., 222, 229.9, 220.05, 221.25

year-ago.

APL, that makes products such as dextrose monohydrate, anhydrous dextrose and corn syrup used in textile, food, paper, pharma and other industries in India, is also looking at overseas expansion.

"We are looking at expanding our global footprint by opening dedicated offices in the Middle-East and European countries this fiscal. This will allow us to work more closely with our foreign customers and help us gain marketshare in these regions," Sheth said.

Moser-baer (, 62.8, 63.9, 61.45, 62.55 Mrpl, 81.95, 82.5, 79, 79.5 Nagarjuna Co, 161.8, 163.4, 159.15, 160.55 Nagarjuna Fe, 30.2, 31.1, 30.15, 30.85 National Alu, 444.9, 447.2, 422, 424.7 Neyveli Lign, 166.4, 167.65, 162.5, 163.55 Ntpc Ltd, 196, 197.75, 195.25, 196.4 Oil And Natu, 1275, 1282.6, 1261.05, 1270.45 Omaxe Limite, 132.5, 132.8, 129.1, 130.85 Oriental Ban, 421.9, 433.9, 414.8, 430.45 Pantaloon Re, 467.4, 474.9, 459.05, 464.45 Parsvnath De, 138.3, 143.95, 137, 138.7 Petronet Lng, 106, 106.5, 101.6, 102.2 Power Fin Co, 330.3, 340, 328.1, 338.95 Power Grid C, 102.4, 107.5, 102.4, 105.3 Praj Industr, 77.7, 80.4, 76.15, 79.55 Punj Lloyd L, 117.5, 118.5, 115.15, 115.7 Punjab Natio, 1142, 1180, 1133, 1170.85 Rajesh Expor, 98.9, 101, 98.8, 99 Ranbaxy Labs, 444, 448.5, 436.1, 447.3 Rashtriya Ch, 82.1, 82.6, 81, 81.8 Rel. nat. re, 38.55, 38.9, 37.7, 37.8 Reliance Cap, 763.7, 766.6, 745, 747.6

BOARD MEETINGS Educomp Solutions Limited Fertilizers And Chemicals Travancore Limited Mawana Sugars Limited

Reliance Com, 166.95, 166.95, 159.7, 163.65 Reliance Ene, 1017, 1030, 1010, 1016.94 Reliance Ind, 918.3, 927, 878.8, 888.3 Reliance Ind, 980, 991.9, 975, 976.9 Reliance Pow, 155.6, 156.4, 151.75, 152.5 Rolta India, 169, 171, 167.5, 168.7 Satyam Compu, 86.4, 86.5, 83.25, 83.55 Sesa Goa Ltd, 350, 356, 319.7, 322 Shipping Cor, 164.1, 166, 161.4, 162.25 Siemens Ltd, 698, 709.8, 690.55, 707 Sintex Indus, 368.15, 382.8, 368.15, 375.35 Sobha Develo, 372.95, 381.35, 362.5, 367.65 State Bank O, 2847, 2854.6, 2809.55, 2821.4 Steel Author, 192, 193.7, 189.6, 190.4 Sterlite Ind, 161.5, 165.7, 159, 160.15 Sun Pharmace, 1755.1, 1765, 1705, 1715.9 Sun Tv Netwo, 510, 514.7, 485.6, 488.05 Suzlon Energ, 55.2, 55.35, 50.65, 52.35 Tata Communi, 332, 334.4, 320.35, 322.85 Tata Consult, 857, 862.55, 848.8, 854.1 Tata Motors, 1016.85, 1022.65, 992.7,

1001.35 Tata Power C, 1324, 1324, 1311.25, 1315.1 Tata Steel L, 528.15, 536.85, 515, 517.8 Tata Teleser, 24.05, 25.4, 24.05, 24.75 Tech Mahindr, 713, 718.65, 701.2, 708.15 The Ge Shpg., 307.9, 312.6, 300.05, 303.15 The Phoenix, 250, 254.1, 242.15, 243.65 Thermax Ltd, 749.9, 749.9, 742.25, 744.7 Titan Indust, 3001, 3078.9, 2980.5, 3004.1 Torrent Powe, 343.35, 343.35, 336.6, 338.1 Triveni Engg, 102, 105.35, 101.3, 102.25 Tv18 India L, 82.25, 82.7, 80, 80.9 Uco Bank, 103, 108.4, 102.6, 107.7 Ultratech Ce, 905.9, 905.9, 885.1, 897.25 Union Bank O, 335.9, 341, 334.55, 339.8 Unitech Ltd, 88, 89.75, 85.7, 86.25 United Phosp, 189.9, 192.3, 187, 188.45 Videocon Ind, 235.45, 238.4, 233, 234.1 Vijaya Bank, 77.7, 78.85, 76.35, 78.3 Voltas Ltd, 209, 209.3, 203.1, 204.75 Wipro Ltd, 413.2, 419, 410, 414.15 Yes Bank Lim, 320, 325, 315.2, 318.65 Zee Entertai, 302.4, 304, 294.05, 294.65

OHERALDO

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GOA, TUESDAY, 17 AUGUST, 2010

Remove cap on work visa programme: US think tank PTI WASHINGTON, AUG 16

Slamming the critics of H-1B, a US think-tank and corporate America have suggested removal of Congressional cap on this popular work visa programme and allow markets to determine number of skilled foreign workers eligible to work in the country.

"The best policy for the United States is one that sides with freedom and innovation, not restriction. It is a policy where the H-1B cap is either eliminated or set high enough that we can let the market decide on the number of new skilled foreign nationals who work in America each year," a report said.

The 81-page report titled "Regaining America's Competitive Advantage: Making our Immigration System Work" has been jointly prepared by US Chamber of Commerce, which is the top

representative body of the American businesses, American Council on International Personnel, an eminent think-tank.

US President Barack Obama on Friday signed into law a new 'Border Security Bill' proposing a steep hike in some categories of H-1B and L-1 visa fees which is expected to badly hurt Indian IT firms which may have to shell out an additional $250 million annually for the next five years.

"The best policy would ease the way for employers to sponsor high skilled individuals for green cards by exempting from labour certification and current employment-based immigrant quotas many who now languish in 6 to 20 year queues," the report said.

"Allowing top talent who graduate from US universities to gain a green card directly will help US employers retain the world's leading future in-

novators," the report said.

The report has come out with some very interesting finding about H-1B visa programme, according to which popular foreign work visa has been a key factor in US' competitiveness and its economic growth.

Who is in a better position to determine which employees are most likely to make Apple, Amazon or other US companies successful? Is it critics of immigration, government bureaucrats, or the companies themselves?" the report said.

Findings of this report show that leading US companies cite the role played by highly educated foreign nationals in the success of the organisation.

Noting that the critics argue US has too much talent entry of high skilled foreign nationals should be blocked, the report says real immigration-related problem is that many talented people

have not been able to stay in US after graduation because of low quotas for H-1B visas and employment-based green cards.

"H-1B visas are a large source of scholarship money for US students, with H-1B training and scholarship fees levied on each petition (and renewal) having funded more than 53,000 math and science college scholarships for US students through the National Science Foundation," it said.

"There is little evidence high skilled foreign nationals on H1B visas are in general paid less than their American counterparts," the report said.

The report said critics who insist H-1B professionals are hired to "save money" fail to note that in addition to legal requirement to pay H-1B visa holders higher than prevailing or actual wage paid to US workers, employers must pay significant legal and government fees.

Siemens bags 10 m euro SAIL order PTI MUMBAI, AUG 16

German engineering major Siemens today said it has bagged a 10-million euro order from Steel Authority of India (SAIL) to supply an RH vacuum degassing plant to the Rourkela Steel plant.

The Erlangen, Germanybased Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, a division of Siemens AG, will help the steel major to open a new plant by the middle of 2012, which help it produce high-quality steel grades up to cold-rolled nonoriented types.

Under the agreement, Siemens will design, configure, construct, as well as supervise installation of the RH plant and the associated auxiliary installations.

This order is important as it re-starts the relationship between Siemens VAI and Rourkela Steel in bringing about further technological enhancement in special grade steel production.

ICICI launches India’s first fully online plan PTI MUMBAI, AUG 16

Life insurer, ICICI Prudential, today launched the country's first fully online term insurance plan which will reduce costs and bring more transparency.

The product--christened iProtect--is 30 per cent cheaper than the company's conventional term products as the dependency on intermediaries who sell it and administrative costs go down, ICICI Prudential's Executive Vice-President, Madhivanan Balakrishnan, told reporters here.

Inside a specified age limit, a person can log-on to the site, fill up necessary details and pay online through credit card or net banking, he said. The policy cover gets activated instantly in such cases.

The insurer is primarily targeting Internet-savvy people in

the age group of 35-45 and is betting big on a surge in ecommerce space in the country, which witnessed a 43 per cent growth last year.

"Portals dedicated to travel and rail bookings have shown that if the site is convenient and easy to use, you can get good business. In insurance, we also have a conducive regulatory environment," Balakrishnan said.

In 2009-10, ICICI collected Rs 72.10-crore in premium through online payment while 53 per cent of policy servicing work was done online, he added.

ICICI Prudential has insured over 6-million lives, of which 14 per cent are the traditional term products. Not being savings-inducing products, these policies contribute around0.30.4 per cent of premium, Balakrishnan said.

The Ministry of Railways has decided to accept credit cards issued by banks with laminated photograph as proof of identity for travelling on e-tickets.

The new provision has come into effect from August 6, 2010. The bank credit card is in

Wockhardt launches newsletter PTI RAJKOT, AUG 16

City based N M Virani Wockhardt hospital has launched a monthly news letter called "The Expert" for the doctors of the region with an aim to improve the quality of clinical care and share complicated cases.

"The idea is to share the experience of dealing with unusual cases and performing rare surgeries with the larger medical fraternity so that there can be an exchange of views or opinions on the same" Chief Operating Officer (COO) Wockhardt hospitals (Gujarat), Deepak Venugopal said.

The news letter will make clinical knowledge available to doctors in rural areas and help them gain access to the latest medical procedures and techniques and assist them in taking more informed decisions while treating their patients, he said.

The motive of the launching of the news letter is only to share knowledge among doctors to benefit the people of the region by improving the quality of clinical care, he said.

addition to the existing seven proofs of identity for undertaking journey on e-tickets.

Voter Identity Card, passport, PAN Card, driving license, photo identity card issued by Central/State Government, student identity card with photograph issued by recognised School/College for their students and Nationalised Bank

Inflation for July slid back in single-digit to 9.97 per cent after a gap of five months, on account of moderating food and non-food prices, raising hopes that it would decline further in the coming months.

The inflation based on wholesale prices had entered double digits in February and declined 0.58 per cent last month, from 10.55 per cent in June, as the prices of potatoes, onions and cement moderated.

Buoyed by the decline, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed the hope that the drop in prices would continue, while Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said inflation would reach 6 per cent by December.

"Of course, it (inflation) will moderate", Mukherjee told reporters.

He pointed out that besides seasonal factors and the base effect, the monetary policy steps taken by the Reserve Bank were having impact on inflation.

"Policy rates had some impact but there are also base factors", the Minister said.

Besides, he added, seasonal factors in food items like fruits, vegetables and milk were also helping moderate the rate of price rise.

Meanwhile, Ahluwalia said that although July inflation at 9.7 per cent was "still too high ... I am glad that it is down below the double digit range...

It will go to 6 per cent by December".

Referring to supply side

UNI BANGALORE, AUG 16

Passbook with photograph have been used as ID proof while travelling in train.

Ministry of Railways has asked all Zonal Railways to issue necessary instruction to all ticket checking staff so as to educate them about this modified provision and to avoid inconvenience to the passengers.

SKS Microfin lists at over 5 % premium PTI MUMBAI, AUG 16

India's leading microfinance firm, SKS Microfinance, made a decent debut on the Bombay Stock Exchange at Rs 1.036, up 5.17 per cent over its issue price.

The firm, that lends credit to rural poor especially women, has raised around Rs 1,650crore through its IPO which was oversubscribed 13.6-times.

"We have got a huge response from the investing community.

It (IPO) was oversubscribed 13.6 times on the bourses and this gives us a lot of confidence. This will also allow other such firms to hit the capital market in the near future," SKS' Chief Financial Officer, D Dilli Raj, told PTI here today. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the firm debuted at Rs 1,040, up over five per cent over its issue price of Rs 985.

The company had given a 50 per cent discount to the retail investors. While the HNI segment was subscribed 18 times, the QIB was subscribed 20 times and retail 2.8 times.

The proceeds would be used to expand the company's net-

Forest Act not applicable for Posco project: Orissa

PTI BHUBANESWAR, AUG 16

Defending its stand on Posco project, the Orissa government has claimed before the Centre that the Forest Right Act, 2006, does not apply to the land earmarked to house the proposed mega steel plant near Paradip, officials said.

The state government's view was intimated to H C Chaudhary, assistant inspector general of forests under the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), who on August 5 had issued a direction to the state's forest and environment department to stop project-related works at the proposed site for Posco.

"The FRA, 2006 is not applicable to the land identified for Posco project because neither any tribal family resides in the area nor any other traditional forest dweller (OTFD) has been staying there for more than 75 years," the state government's response said.

PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

‘Inflation to go down further’

PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed confidence that inflation would come down further even as the rate of price rise after a gap of five months came down in single digit at 9.97 per cent in July.

"Of course, it will moderate," he told reporters, when asked about the possibility of inflation sliding further in coming months. problems, he said, "the monsoon as a whole, except in some part of the country, has been very good. We don't see supply side problem in agricultural commodities."

The inflation has come down mainly on account of year-onyear decline in prices of essential items like potato (-44 per cent), vegetables (-14.50 per cent), cement (-8.36), onion (6.85 per cent) and edible oil (0.34 per cent) in July.

"The drop in (wholesale price) index was lower than our

expectation. We believe that overall inflation will be moderate in both August and September and food inflation and manufacturing figures will remain subdued due to seasonality", Axis Bank chief economist Saugata Roy said.

For the year as a whole, he said, "the WPI will be in the range of 7-8 per cent and the probability is more on the lower side... may be around 7.1 per cent or 7.2 per cent."

As regards the monetary policy, Roy said, the RBI would continue with tightening of the money supply to tame the inflationary pressure.

"However, we cannot be certain if the RBI will go for any more hike in the short term lending and borrowing rates in its September mid-quarterly review, although the chances are high", he added.

The RBI has raised several times its short-term lending (repo) and borrowing (reverserepo) rates in the recent months to check rising inflation.

Ahluwalia said, "We are not out of the range where inflation is not a problem... but it is now moving in the right direction."

Meanwhile, inflation for May has been revised upwards to 11.14 per cent from the provisional number of 10.16 per cent. Inflation had entered the double digits in February when it climbed to 10.06 per cent, as per the final figures.

Rising prices have become a politically sensitive issue, with opposition parties raising the issue within and outside Parliament.

KPCL to invest Rs 43,000 cr to generate 8000 MW of power

Credit card can be used as ID proof for E-ticket travellers

UNI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

Inflation down to single-digit at 9.97%

Stating that under the Act tribals residing on forest land or OTFDs inhabiting on a forest patch for over 75 years can make claim rights over the land, the state government pointed out that no such situation exists in the three gram panchayat areas.

The area earmarked to house the Rs 51,000 crore project, was declared as forest land barely 49 years ago, the state government wrote in its letter to Chaudhary.

G r a m p a n c h a y a t s l i ke G a d a Ku j a n g , N u a g a o n and Dhinkia earlier be-

longed to Burdhawan Est a t e , w h i c h w a s m e rg e d w i t h Ku j a n g t e h s i l i n 1952.

"Nine years later in 1961, two villages like Jatadhar and Bhuyanpal under Gada Kujang gram panchayat were givenforest status while Dhinkia and Nuagaon got the same status in 1997," the letter pointed out.

Therefore, revenue minister S N Patro argued that when the area was not declared as forest land 50 years ago, people living there could not make claim to be inhabitants of forests for over 75 years.

"The state government has not violated rules under FRA, 2006," Patro claimed.

Basing on the report of the N C Saxena Committee that visited the proposed plant site villages, the Centre had issued directions to stop all project related activities in the area.

work by adding more branches and acquiring new members as well as increasing its disbursements, Dilli Raj said.

He, however, did not wish to give any forward-looking statement as the company was in a silent period of 40 days. Asked whether the company is looking at overseas expansion, Dilli Raj said," that is an opportunity, however, we have no firm plans as yet."

There is a landmark opportunity of USD 50-billion for the sector in India. It also sends out a key message that we have connected the public sector with the micro finance industry (MFI)," Dilli Raj said.

The firm's disbursements for the last fiscal stood at Rs 7,500crore and its loan-book has grown at a CAGR of 162 per cent over the last 5-years.

Its PAT has witnessed an annual growth of 233 per cent during the same period.

The Hyderabad-based firm founded by Vikram Akula in 2003, which had fixed its IPO price-band at between Rs 850985 per share, hit 1,110 per share in the opening hours of trading.

Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) will invest Rs 43,000 crore to generate an additional 8000 MW of power in the next four years, KPCL Managing Director S M Jaamdar said today.

Speaking at the induction ceremony for the newly recruited Engineers here, he said at present the total generation

by KPCL was 6000 MW, and as the demand was increasing, it was proposed to increase the generation to 14,000 MW in the next four years.

He said the company had earned Rs 711 crore profit in the year 2009-10 and it was targeted to make it Rs 3000 crore in the next five years.

Energy Department Principal

Secretary Shamim Banu, in her address, said KPCL proposes to raise the required Rs 43,000 crore through Rs 8000 equity and borrowing.

He said bids for the most ambitious gas based power project at Bidadi with 1400 MW capacity would be opened in the evening today. Nine companies, including six foreign, had applied for the contact.

Jaamdar said the clearance for the proposed 2100 MW Tadadi project was in advance stages. First stage of environmental clearance has already been received. This project would be the eighth of its kind in the world. There would no terminal or Pipeline drawn.

The ship with 2 lakh tons of gas would arrive every week

and it would be downloaded and power would generated.

By middle of May, next year the project may take off.

He said the recruitment of engineers was being done after a gap of eight years and it was proposed to recruit 13,000 by next four years.

Karnataka Energy Regulatory Commission (KERC) Chairman M R Sreenivasa Murthy said new engineers need to update their knowledge as technology was developing very fast.

He said in the country, power availability was 700 units per head. By 2012, it was proposed to be increased to 1000 units per head. In Europe and North America the per capita availability was 12,000 units.

Government fixes ethanol price at Rs 27 a litre

Yes Bank completes fund-raising PTI

MUMBAI, AUG 16

PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

Private sector Yes Bank today said it has completed a fundraising of Rs 665-crore and would use the proceeds to fuel its growth.

The bank raised Rs 225-crore of Perpetual Tier I capital through a private placement issue of unsecured, non-convertible sub-ordinated bonds in the nature of promissory notes.

The issue was over-subscribed by leading public sector banks, pension funds and corporates, a press release issued here stated.

Another Rs 440-crore of Upper Tier II sub-ordinated debt was raised from the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), the bank said.

This placement has a tenor of 15-years. LIC's total holding of Yes Bank's sub-ordinated debt (Upper and Lower Tier II) aggregates to Rs 1,110-crore in addition to their consolidated equity holding of 3.06 per cent in the bank, the release said.

The government today fixed an interim price of Rs 27 a litre for sugarcane-extracted ethanol for doping in petrol, but a final rate will be set after an expert group gives its recommendation.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an interim price of ethanol to Rs 27 per litre from existing price of Rs 21.50 per litre for five per cent mandatory blending with petrol.

"Government intends to implement the programme early and this will be possible with a fixed price initially and thereafter dynamic formula based pricing recommended by the Expert Committee," a government release said.

A committee, headed by Planning Commission member Saumitra Chaudhuri, would determine the formula for deciding the future pricing of ethanol.

The Ethanol Blending Pro-

gramme (EBP) "would become sustainable with the dynamic pricing formula which will ensure that there is no adverse impact on oil or the sugar industry," the statement said.

Following the announcement, shares of sugar companies rallied over six per cent on the stock exchanges. On the Bombay Stock Exchange, Bajaj Hindusthan gained 6.11 per cent, Simbhaoli Sugars was up 5 per cent and Shree Renuka moved up 3.4 per cent.

Last month a Group of Ministers (GoM) had reaffirmed Rs 27 per litre price for ethanol to be paid by the oil marketing companies to the sugar companies.

The chemical industry and oil marketing companies had demanded a much lower price in line with prevailing domestic price of around Rs 18 per litre.

In October 2007, the Cabinet had made mandatory five per cent ethanol blending across the country sans Jammu & Kashmir, North East and island

territories. However, the Petroleum Ministry had not been able to implement the decision of mandatory doping of 5 per cent ethanol in petrol due to non-availability of the product from producers.

In March, the government had constituted the GoM to resolve differences over mixing of ethanol in petrol.

The Chemical Ministry was objecting to the use of ethanol for petrol-blending, saying the price of molasses they use for manufacturing liqour had gone up.

Both ethanol and alcohol are made from molasses and the sugar industry has estimated a production of 160 crore litres in 2009-10.

A price increase was supposed to lure the producers into selling ethanol to oil firms, but the Chemical and Fertiliser Ministry protested saying petrol-doping programme will impinge upon the demand of potable liquor sector and chemical makers.

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Pg14 GOA’S HEARTBEAT Spreading Goan Culture Changing Trends through Village Fest of Gospel Music Pitth aslear nitth na, mitth “ aslear pitth na - Anonymous

“

“

we heal the earth, we “When heal ourselves - David Orr

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Tuesday, 17 Aug, 2010

How many days in voluntary work would you give your village? The villagers of Salvador do Mundor say plenty, in their preparation for ‘Patoianchem Fest’, to be held on August 22 in the Paitona Chapel courtyard in the green village of Salvador do Mundo. Herald informs

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES oluntary, Eco-Friendly, Community Fest says the header, in bold text, on the poster informing of Salvador do Mundo’s ‘Patoianchem Fest’. The even bolder and larger font saying ‘Live Music…’, ‘Traditional Goan Food’ and ‘Rain Games of Goa…’ meets the eye, lower on the poster.

The poster carries a potent message to the Goan people, one that, presently in the village of Salvador do Mundo, will not stop at words, but be put to action with this upcoming fest.

“When people keep in mind these three things, good will follow,” says Mario Fernandes, head organiser. He says, “To begin with, the fest will have no chief guest, everyone is important here, everyone has pitched in. There will be no prizes, no use of plastic, no spitting, no smoking and no sponsors.” Certainly! Voluntary work is taking care of everything that a sponsor would.

Musicians will entertain the audience with traditional Konkani music played live on traditional instruments. There will be rain of games of Goa. Games like katodieo, koindabal, godde, gontamni to name some. Authentic Goan food like sanna, pudde, patoieo, xacuti and pez, all cooked by the villagers will be ser ved. The games, the music and the food have all been given thought. Families have been assigned tasks that will also involve children and teenagers. “Kids are being trained on musical instruments, being taught to cook Goan food and will participate in the games as

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well,” Mario says. We learn this while the planning of the fest is ongoing.

It has been hard getting volunteers he laments, but not impossible. “Once they see it being done in other villages, they feel capable. It’s all a mentality, that has to be broken,” Mario says firmly.

Here, he takes us to how it all began. Nine years ago when he came down from the UK, he noticed that the Goan youth has little to no time for local activities. Nine years saw no change.

With a busy schedule involving family or friends, work or school, and just about enough time for leisurely activities much premium wasn’t given to local activities. Deciding to act upon it, he tried the concept at a 15 day summer camp in April 2008 at a school. It worked, much to the delight of the students and their parents. From here, he has taken it to a other villages in Goa, Pomburpa being one. He plans on bringing it to every village in the tiny state, for them to have the knowledge of their local culture.

The prime reason behind these fests is the passing of the Goan culture to the next generation. As Goa entered the 21st century her identity is constantly being challenged, and not just external challenges but internal as well. Culture is carried forward by the young in the very things they do. As the number of Goa’s young who value culture and follow tradition religiously is gradually diminishing, fests like these are the need of the hour. Besides it is also helping generate employment for talent in the performing arts. “Musicians and tiatrists are performing professionally on the Konkani stage,” he says. These fests are surely a platform.

With the voluntary aspect of the fest Mario has sought to bring about a selfless community spirit to the village. “You don’t need big funds or an external body that manages the activities that go into setting up of a festival,” he says, “Just give in a few days and a little bit of effort to your village and watch the results.” The concept is also seeking to extend feelings of harmony, love and self-belief to its participants. “If one can go ahead and make it happen by making contributions in their back yards, their belief in the community doubles,” he states. The fervour built around this fest goes along the lines of religious events that villages collectively take part in, notices Mario. Religion is impetus to that kind of fervour. With this fest however difficult it has been so far, religion aside; momentum is building in preparation for it.

Mario works towards strengthening the cultural fabric of the village because that is where culture, custom and tradition lie, and by its very nature, make Goa unique.

St Augustine of Hippo said, “He who sings, prays twice.” Today’s youngsters are getting more absorbed into Gospel music and are now praising God through their songs. Herald takes a peek into the changing trends of Gospel music

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES few years ago, Gospel music was one of the genres that youngsters would not willingly give a second listen to. They would have rock, hip-hop and pop songs on their playlist but gospel music would be given a second thought. But now the trend is changing as youngsters are taking to feelgood, praising the Lord songs rather than the senseless lyrics of hip-hop songs. With Gospel music getting a new feel with catchy beats and singalong lyrics, youngsters are filling up venues of such events more than their parents.

Fr Ubaldo Fernandes, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Amboli, Quepem recently released his Video CD titled ‘Hanv Tuzo Mog Kortam – I Love You’. The album features Gospel readings explained by the priest followed

by Gospel songs. “I got a good response for the album. God has given me the gift of singing and I preach His gospel through music. I prayed a lot and then I got the title for the album. The songs speak of the creation of the world, God being our watchman and the life of Mother Mary. The youth played an important role in promoting the music. They are our future and they look very optimistic about the music,” says Fr Ubaldo.

Brother Joel Lasrado, a preacher at the Divine Retreat Centre in Kerala for the last 17 years is also influenced by youngsters. He has released three albums till date, ‘Somiak Dinvasuia’ and ‘Vorto Amcho Dev’ in Konkani and ‘Eyes on Jesus’ in English. He has featured singers from Goan bands like the Big City Band, Sky High and Lynx in his devotional album. He says, “I noticed that teenagers and youngsters would participate in hymns that were sung live for retreats and they really liked it. Gospel music has changed and the beat is faster as compared to how it was before. There is a great response for the albums too. More youth are coming forward to sing and play musical instruments for the Lord’s Praise. The response has been so tremendous that we are planning to come out with another album by next year.”

Emmanuel Antao from Chandor is a regular singer for retreats in Potta and has featured in two albums with Brother Joel. “I have been

A

Reese and Rudd share Great Chemistry

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Step back and get an objective view of a tough situation. Don't make a s s u m p t i o n s . Yo u (21 Mar – 19 Apr) should be able to turn your great energy into a great evening -- or day-long activity, for that matter. It's best if you focus on the creative or cultural aspects of your surroundings.

No one is perfect, so don't fall for the illusion others are putting forth today. You're trying (23 Sep – 22 Oct) harder than ever to explore new intellectual territory, and your mental energy is zipping right along. You may break new ground in some field that means quite a lot to you!

Following instructions is good, but today you should come up with rules of your own. Don't (20 Apr – 20 May) trust your first impulse today -- you need to dig more deeply if you want to get to the heart of the matter. It's likely that the situation really is too good to be true, so move forward slowly, if at all.

Things will go much more smoothly if you lay out the groundwork. Do your research! Your instincts (23 Oct – 21 Nov) are quite sharp right now -- so trust them, even when they tell you to do nutty things! You should be able to make some serious progress if you let yourself act on impulse.

Today holds a lot of firsts, although you may not recognize them all until tomorrow. Go easy on (21 May – 21 Jun) your people today -- they aren't ready for a verbal onslaught, and are sure to resist if you come across as preachy. You need to make sure that they know what needs to be done, but remind them gently.

Inspiration will strike when you don't expect it, so stay busy and distracted today. You've got (22 Nov – 21 Dec) just what it takes to get moving quickly today, and you should find that your amazing energy is perfect for today's big business. See if you can push yourself a little harder -- you can take it!

Solidify all your plans today. An invisible deadline is looming -- so get prepared. You've got a (22 Jun – 22 Jul) bigger problem than you realize -- but it's one that should be remedied by time. You need to get others to look at things the same way you do, and that might take some serious diplomacy.

It's one thing to want a change, it's another to initiate it. Make new choices. You may feel (22 Dec – 19 Jan) somewhat despairing over today's news, but if you stick with the plan, you are sure to do quite well for yourself. Your tenacity is one of your most important assets today!

You have more control than you realize. Today you should take the floor and shine. You don't have (23 Jul – 22 Aug) time for the jibber-jabber -- so let your people know that they need to leave their petty problems at the door today. It's a good time for you to tackle something really big and meaty (not a sandwich).

You have the insight and energy to do something about the things that hold you back. You're feeling (20 Jan – 18 Feb) pretty well connected today -- with good reason! Your network is making life easier for you in many ways, and you may find that you're introducing people to each other at a prodigious rate.

Things are rushed today, so there's no time for hesitation. Act quickly and surely. You are in (23 Aug – 22 Sep) the middle of a tense situation, but that just means you get to be the hero when a wisecrack or keen observation cuts through the difficulties and brings a deep sense of relief to the room.

What the rest of the world thinks about you is not important -- especially today. Your good (19 Feb – 20 Mar) advice goes unheeded today, unfortunately -- in fact, you may as well reserve it for a better time. This is especially true in the workplace, where cowboy bosses are out of control.

singing Gospel music for the past eight years. I studied in Don Bosco Boarding School and Gospel music has highly influenced me since that time. There is a lot of demand for Gospel music.

The music has a slight beat of rock to it too, this attracts youngsters.”

Armando Gonsalves from Heritage Jazz, besides bringing down Jazz musicians, also brought Mumbai based Gospel band, Yeshua to Goa during the Carnival season. “The crowd was fantastic and even though there were other carnival festivities happening, youngsters flocked to attend a Gospel band show.”

Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas from the Saligao Seminary is very motivating and has followed the trend very carefully. Influential in the Divine Mercy Band, he says, “There is a huge difference in an individual once they start listening to Gospel music as it touches their soul. It is an inspiration of the Holy Spirit and they respond to God’s love through their talents of singing and playing music. Once they hear the song again and again, the Holy Spirit comes into them. Many youngsters are getting drawn towards the genre. At the age of 12-14, parents motivate their children and by age 19-20, youngsters themselves take part to get close to God. There are two stages of participating in music, the first stage being their love for God and the other when they get fed up of worldly music and turn to the deeper meaning of Gospel music.”

Cuckoo Sequeira has been a young musical prodigy and has been awarded the National Award for Music and Limca Book of Records but has recently shifted into Gospel music. Cuckoo says, “It is God’s call and once you get motivated to sing His praise, the feeling is totally different as one feels God’s presence while performing. I have formed a 11-member band called Musiqca comprising all youth and we are working towards our own album. I urge parents to be more encouraging and to allow their children to participate in more church choirs and retreats.”

So the next time you see a few songs in your friend’s music player titled ‘Praise the Lord’ or ‘Argam Tuka Somia’, do take a listen, you might just love it.

S

o, How Do You Know when you have a great movie on your hands? You look up and see Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson and the legendary Jack Nicholson all sharing the big screen. Yep, the Oscar winners and the former bat mitzvah star have teamed up for ‘How Do You Know’.

This may seem like your typical rom-com – a woman ponders her love life and gets caught between two desirable men, Rudd and the always hilarious Owen Wilson, but don't let that fool you! The chemistry between Rudd and Witherspoon infuses even the most clichéd scene with irresistible charm and appeal.

And with a third Oscar winner at the helm, James L Brooks who has delivered wonders like ‘Terms of Endearment’, ‘As Good As It Gets’, ‘How Do You Know’ could take a well-worn formula but still stand out.

The romantic comedy pivots on the love triangle between professional softball player Lisa Jorgenson (Reese Witherspoon), corporate executive George Madison (Rudd), and major-league pitcher Matty (Owen Wilson).

Lisa, facing a difficult transition in her life, seeks a distraction and jumps into a relationship with the self-centred Matty.

Later, she meets Madison, who too is looking for a distraction, because he is facing financial ruin and a federal investigation on account of deals made by a company owned by his father (Jack Nicholson).

Asking the question ‘what if the best thing happened on the worst day of your life?’ the film is scheduled to be released on December 17, 2010.

I would like to wear something green for my wedding: Katrina

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ll you Queen Kat fans need not get panicky, Katrina Kaif has no plans of getting married anytime soon, but she has already decided the colour of her wedding outfit. The actress, who walked the ramp at the inaugural of the India International Jewellery Week to showcase the Nakshatra bridal collection, will go green on her D-day.

“At the moment I don't know when I'll marry. I had once said 2012, but for that too I have two years to go. Such things are not planned. You never know what's in store for you, but whenever it happens, I would love to wear something in green,” Katrina told reporters.

“I don't know why, but I have this thing in my mind,” added the 26-year-old.

Garbed in a peach ruffled lehenga with a jewel encrusted

top by Neeta Lulla, the actress sported a chunky diamond set that was based on the traditional sevenstone floral cluster design.

Being at the jewellery event, Katrina said that jewellery given to her is very special.

“Jewellery is something that becomes all the more special when it is gifted. My favourite piece of jewellery is a pendant that was gifted to me. It has a religious symbol on it, something from the Quran. That piece is very special to me.”

On the work front, the actresses is rumoured to have enchanted Aditya Chopra who has taken a keen interest in her and is giving her loads of career advice; she is also the top candidate for a couple of his upcoming ventures after giving him a hit in ‘New York’.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Education

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Tuesday, 17 Aug, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘Rain or Shine Konkani Rocks’, organised by Heritage Jazz will take place on August 20, World Goa Day, at 6pm at the Gonsalves Mansion, Campal, Panjim. Call 2228010.

The Lambert Mascarenhes Award, the Felicio Cardozo Award and the Cyril D’Cunha Photojournalist Award will be handed over to deserving working journalists for their works that have been published from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2010. Registration closes on August 25. Call 9822179125 or 9822175940.

The final work of ‘People’s Canvas’, organised by Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts will be held on August 17 from 11am to 7 pm at the Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim.

Call 2421311.

The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall, first book reading-cum-discussion, organised by the International Centre Goa will be held on August 17 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Call 9765404391 or 245280510.

A trek to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Mollem, organised by the UWA will take place on August 22. Call 9423886358 or 9420178820.

‘Save the Girl Child’ will be the theme for the state level inter-college street play competition organised by the Directorate of Health as part of the implementation of the Pre-conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique Act on September 21 and 22 at the Maquinez Palace, Panjim.

A Science Film Festival, organised

by Goa Science Centre, Miramar is being held till September 5 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm at the Goa Science Centre, Miramar. Call 2463426.

Preliminary rounds for ‘Vem Cantar – The Portuguese Song Contest 2010’, organised by the Heritage Cell

cantilever

K

HERALD FEATURES onkani music reached its peak with Lorna and Chris Perry’s songs, so much so that the names became synonymous with Konkani music. To revive the old charm of the music, Heritage Jazz, in association with the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) and the GHRSSIDC, is getting the Goan singer to perform on the occasion of World Goa Day on August 20, 2010 at the Gonsalves Mansion, Campal.

The programme, named ‘Rain or Shine – Konkani Rocks’, has been planned as a multi-layered entertainment programme with music, tiatr, arts and food, everything Goan.

“Lorna will be performing with her seven-member ensemble, along with a tiatr titled, ‘Tthikann’,” said Armando Gonsalves, CEO of Heritage Jazz, while

“Too little liberty brings stagnation and too much brings chaos.”

– Bertrand Russell DAILY GROOK SOUL CONSOLE

by Francis Rodrigues soldiers in death lying feet to feet, at the last breath their soles meet!

Fashion

INGS email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

T

HERALD FEATURES he Ribandar river belt was flocked with people from all over Goa, carrying their fishing rods heading for the 11th All Goa Fishing Contest on August 15, 2010. The contest organised by the Fishing Lovers of Ribandar, to celebrate the feast of Assumption of Our Lady.

“The response was overwhelming; we had to cut off the participation to 10, because of lack of space,” said Michael Fernandes. The contest was judged upon the weight of the fish caught along with the time taken to catch it.

The winners of the fishing contest were Santano Lobes form Rivona, who had a good 40 minutes wait before catching the biggest fish, foll o w e d b y Pa r e s h Pisurlekar from Ribandar and Cruz Fernandes from Ribandar.

The contest, which started at noon, was followed by a food festival and a football match, which was organised by the Jolly

J

ose Pereira, an employee of the PWD, hoists India’s national flag on the occasion of India’s 64th Independence Day at Junta House, Panjim, in the presence of colleague Rajendra Naik. A resident of Taleigao, Pereira diligently cycles his way to Junta House on the mornings of Independence Day, Republic Day and Liberation Day to hoist the flag. He has been partaking in this task for the last 28 years and also lowers the flag in the late evenings of these national holidays.

August 15 also saw the participation of students from city schools. The young ones began a procession from the Panjim Church and completed it at the Azad Maidan.

WIZARD OF ID

11:00 Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega 12:30 Comedy Ka Daily Soap 13:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Aahat 14:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 15:00 C.I.D 19:30 Godh Bharaai 20:00 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Comedy Ka Daily Soap 21:30 Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega

09:40 Kill Switch 11:40 Independence Day 14:30 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 16:55 The Faculty 19:00 New in Town 21:00 Behind Enemy Lines 23:10 The Sixth Sense

08:15 Amaanat 11:55 Maa Beti 15:55 Hum To Mohabbat Karega 20:00 Bal Ganesh 22:40 Deewana Mastana

09:30 Agar Tum Na Hote 12:30 Yakeen 16:00 Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai 20:00 Yahaan 09:45 Foxfire 12:00 Universal Soldier 13:45 Death Race 16:15 Fracture 18:45 TMZ 19:15 Amusement 20:00 American Ninja 2: The Confrontation 22:45 10,000 BC

09:25 The Karate Kid 11:55 Alex and Emma

13:50 A Good Woman 15:45 My Life 18:35 Dark Blue 21:00 The Benchwarmers 22:55 Turistas

12:00 Ek Aur Himmatwala 16:00 Aaj Ke Angaarey 20:00 Golmaal: Fun Unlimited 23:25 Commando: The Force

08:00 The Gentleman 12:00 Maa Durga Divya Haathi 16:00 Aulad Ke Dushman 20:00 Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

18:30 Papad Pol 19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Papad Pol 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta ..

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 22:00 Lapataganj 22:30 FIR

10:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum

Pg15

(Right) Santano Lobes, the winner enjoying a fishing day out

Photos by Herald Features

10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

11:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

14:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 FIR 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

16:30 Papad Pol 17:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale

Parenting

boys of Ribandar and was played between the New Challengers and the Portois Sports Club.

Years of Dedication to One’s Motherland

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 631 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

10:30 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 11:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 14:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 15:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 15:30 Choti Bahu 16:00 Pavitra Rishta 16:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 17:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 17:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 18:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 18:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 19:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 22:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini

Tourism

addressing the press.

Tomazinho Cardozo, representing TAG, said that he was in full support of the event. “I thank Armando for giving a platform to Konkani music and drama,” said Cardozo while appreciating the fact that with this event, tiatr will be taken to a wider audience, thus giving it a boost.

Nikhil Desai, MD of GHRSSIDC added that there will be stalls with crafts, thus giving Goan handicraft a wider platform. “Since it is about everything Goan, we decided to include the crafts also,” he said.

The celebrations will include a food festival with Goan delicacies on the platter. “Our basic aim is to take the authentic Goan culture to the world,” said Gonsalves. Since the concert will be held in the peak of the monsoons, in the open air, the first 100 entries will be gifted tri-coloured umbrellas, in keeping with the celebration of the day.

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HERALD FEATURES he All Goa YMCA Charcoal and Pencil Drawing competition received a participation of 105 entries from a crosssection of age groups. The competition levitated around a not-so-common art medium, charcoal, along with pencil. It was a black and white display of creativity.

The complete works of the participants will be on display at the YMCA premises in Campal, Panjim till August 17, 2010 and the prizes will be announced fifteen days after the date of the competition.

GARFIELD

10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Chhote Ustaad: Do Deshon Ki Ek Awaaz : Highlights 15:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Tere Liye 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

Travel

Locals hooked by Fishing Contest

Quaint Shades and Hues of Charcoal and Pencil

Funny Quote

Pronunciation kan-tl-ee-ver Function Noun Meaning 1: a beam or structural framework fixed at one end & free at the other 2: a wing or tailplane of an aircraft that has no external bracing Example Sentence Ann’s balcony, built on a cantilever slab, overlooked the sea.

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

Lorna to perform on World Goa Day

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 632

of the Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim and the Fundacao Oriente will be held on September 11 from 5pm onwards at the Clube Harmonia de Margao, Margao and on September 12 at 5pm at Clube Vasco de Gama, Panjim. Call 2736864, 2701584, 2701564 or 2714546.

‘Sanvsor Bhonvtim Yontram’ and ‘Soponio Natt Kuleachi’ books by Father Antonio Francisco Sousa and James Fernandes, respectively, will be released on August 20 at 5pm at Hotel Nanutel, Margao. It is being held by the Dalgado Konknni Academy to commemorate the inclusion of Konknni in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution. Call 9881810832 or 9923412182.

‘Forms of Expression’, the interschool elocution competition, organised by the Mushtifund Middle School, Mala-Panjim will be held on August 17 from 9am to 1pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 9923652465 or 9764598157.

The V M Salgaocar Award Presentation which is presented to top rankers from the SSC and ICSE Board exams held in Goa, April 2010, will take place on August 18 at 5pm at the Grand Ballroom, Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar, Panjim. It is organised by the V M Salgaocar Foundation.

Call 2463333, 6656033, 6656130 or 6656713 Raksha Bandhan Special classes will be held where one can learn to create paper quilling, punchcraft or parchment rakhi. It will be held at the Hobby Centre. Call 9881696445.

‘Beyond Sight’, a photo exhibition by the visually impaired, organised by Heritage Jazz will take place on August 20 at 4pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. It will remain open for public viewing till September 22 from 10am to 7.30pm at the same venue. Call 2228010 or 2420452.

Information Technology

10:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 11:00 Geet 11:30 India's Magic Star 13:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 13:30 Geet 14:00 Dill Mill Gayye 14:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 15:00 Geet 15:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 16:00 Dill Mill Gayye 16:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 17:00 Geet 17:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 18:00 Dill Mill Gayye 18:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye

20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Dill Mill Gayye

11:00 Fear Factor 12:00 Top Chef Masters 13:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 14:00 Top Chef : Restaurant Wars 15:00 E Buzz 15:30 Slamball 17:00 Guinness World Records 18:00 Fear Factor 19:00 E Buzz 19:30 Total Wipeout

21:00 So You Think You Can Dance 22:00 Keith Barry: The Escape

10:30 How I Met Your Mother 11:00 Moment of Truth 12:00 V.I.P 13:00 MasterChef Australia 14:00 Criminal Minds 15:00 Ugly Betty 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 Friends 17:00 Criminal Minds 18:00 V.I.P 19:00 Glee 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 MasterChef Australia 22:00 Criminal Minds

10:30 Rogers Masters H/ls 11:30 Cincinnati: Western & Southern Financial Group Masters 13:00 Asian Tour Golf Show 14:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 16:00 Motorsports : Petronas 16:30 Engine Block 2010 17:00 2010 DTM : Valencia 18:00 TNA Impact 20:00 Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2010 : Magazine: Round 8 20:30 Golf Focus 2010 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 TNA Impact 23:30 Cincinnati: Western & Southern Financial Group Masters

10:00 Fina Aquatics World

10:30 Hitz 11:00 Winter X Games 13 12:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Manchester United vs. Newcastle United 14:00 MLB Regular Season 2010 : Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees 17:00 The Monday Night Verdict 18:00 Barclays Premier League Express : Manchester United vs. Newcastle United 19:00 Barclays Premier League 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Champions League Twenty20 2009 H/ls : League Stage: Trinidad & Tobago vs. New South Wales Blues 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia 23:00 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash H/ls : South Australia vs.

Victoria

07:30 HCN Smash Hits ten-sports 08:00 News 09:30 English Sri Lanka Triangular Se09:00 ries inKonkani 2010 H/lsNews : 3rd ODI: India 10:00 vs. SriMarathi Lanka News 11:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 11:30 Konkani SongsMagazine World Hockey 12:00 HCN Smash Hits 12:30 12:00 Dudhsagar ATP 1000 Masters : Final: 13:00 English News Rogers Masters 14:00 Konkani Movie 15:30 15:00 Sangeet Sri Lanka Triangular Se16:00 HitsODI: India ries inHCN 2010Smash H/ls : 3rd 16:30 vs. SriKonkani Lanka Songs 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Palkachim 17:00Konkani WWE: After Burn Noketram 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 18:00 English Motorsport Mundial 20:00 News 21:00 Straight Talk 18:30 English Moto GPNews H/ls : Cardion Ab 22:00 GrandCarrier Prix Cesky Republiky 23:00 Guidance 23:30 Juke Box 19:30 Subject WWE: After Burn Note: to Change

Troika of Musical Talent enrapture Audience HERALD FEATURES ri Nation Trio, a classical music concert featuring three girls, each from a different nation, enraptured audiences last Friday. The Kala Academy’s Dinanath Mangueshkar Kala Mandir Auditorium was packed beyond its capacity, so much so that there were a few standing and enjoying the musical display.

Linlin Fan from China, Sabine Ehlscheidt from Germany and Sanya Myla Cotta from Goa, India combined their talents to give a splendid musical performance.

The solo performances told us plenty; the musician’s personality, passion and dedication towards their art were just a few qualities revealed. Chopin’s ‘Scherzo No 1’ saw a stork figured Linlin dressed in a long, fish silver skirt and a black top, give a riveting performance that held the audience through it all.

Schubert’s ‘Sonata in a minor D 821’ saw Sabine on violin coming together with Linlin at the piano.

The two musicians were in complete tandem and gave a soulful rendition that had plenty of change in tempo, all with a smooth transition.

Like every other performance, Sanya, who lightly swayed to the music, dispelled plenty of rhythmic energy to the audience. The sombre feel of J Martinon’s ‘Sonatine No 5’ for solo violin was only enhanced with her splendid rendition of the piece. All of the three musicians made their instruments speak.

Most of the classical pieces chosen were of composers - J Brahms, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Martinon – primarily from the Romantic era of classical music.

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HERALD CROSSWORD - 632 Across 1- Applaud; 5- Ova; 9Choose; 14- Hot rock; 15Run-down quarter; 16- Word with panel or energy; 17Take ___ from me; 18- Ballet skirt; 19- Device with 88 keys; 20- Follower; 22Small, sassy woman; 24Follows orders; 26- Bind; 27Supple; 30- Salt of tartaric acid; 35- Colorado resort; 36- Seine feeder; 37- Reddish-brown gem; 38- Land in la mer; 39- Prior; 42- Manipulate; 43- Gather, harvest; 45- Pro follower; 46- Make amends; 48- Stand astride; 50- Frank; 51- Digit of the foot; 52- Honeybee; 54Roof item; 58- Whenever; 62- Make watertight; 63- Depression in a surface; 65Part of Q.E.D.; 66- Aristocratic; 67- Siouan speaker; 68- Hindu music; 69- Composition; 70- E-mail command; 71- Agitated state; Down 1- Dressed; 2- After the bell; 3Tel ___; 4- Indian baby; 5Prize; 6- Sticky; 7- Kind of reaction; 8- Brown-bag stuff; 9Lively intelligence; 10- Tarries; 11- Airline to Tel Aviv; 12- Bamboo stem; 13- Horse's gait; 21Steak order; 23- ___ Grows in Brooklyn; 25- Pompous; 27Dens; 28- Atoll unit; 29-

Chucked weapon; 31SOLUTION - 631 Bhutan's continent; 32Brother of Moses; 33Triple; 34- Gardening tool; 36- Like some history; 40"As You Like It" forest; 41Coming down; 44Kneecap; 47- Seesaws; 49- Ass; 50- Habitual; 53Babbled; 54- Skin disorder; 55- Greek temple; 56Baths; 57- Bustles; 59OPEC member; 60- Biblical trio; 61- Coup d'___; 64- Hot time in Paris;

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SPORTS GOA, Tuesday, 17 August, 2010

Nagoa squeeze past UC Nerul HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, AUG 16

Nagoa Sporting Club got the better of United Club of Nerul 6-5 via the tie-breaker after both teams were involved in an exciting 2-all draw in the inaugural match of All-Goa Inter-Village Mahabank Platinum Jubilee Trophy soccer tournament organised by Adarsh Yuvak Sangh at Calangute Association ground, Calangute on Monday.

Dominating the initial proceedings, Nagoa shot into the lead in the 15th minute through

Lawrence Rodrigues. Goaded by the success, Nagoa mounted pressure and doubled the lead in the 20th minute through Shaish Palyekar.

Down by two goals, Nerul tried their best to bounce back into the game but a goal eluded them.

Changing over, Nerul kept mounting on pressure and succeeded in reducing the margin with five minutes remaining through Agnelo Lobo.

With time running out, Agnelo once again scored to bring

his team on level terms and take the match into the tiebreaker.

Nagoa kept their nerves to prevail over Nerul 4-3 in the tiebreaker. Venancio Gonsalves, Stanley Coutinho, Gaurish Naik and Lawrence Rodrigues converted for Nagoa while John Vaz, Benit D'souza and Alex were on target for Nerul.

Earlier, the tournament was kicked off by Prakash Shinde, asst. general manager, Bank of Maharashtra in the presence of a large number of spectators.

Domnic tricks for Colvale HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, AUG 16

Prakash Shinde kicks off the All-Goa Inter-Village Mahabank Platinum Jubilee Trophy soccer tournament organised by Adarsh Yuvak Sangh at Calangute Association ground, Calangute on Monday.

St Xavier’s HS ahead HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, AUG 16

St Xavier’s High School, Mapusa defeated DM Kushe 2-0 in the final of inter-school badminton tournament organised by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Monday.

Xaviers defeated SFX Siolim Higher Secondary School and Shiv Bhumika Higher Secondary

School in the earlier rounds to qualify for the final.

Vaibhav Kalangutkar, Riddhi Naik, Nikita Miranda, Sonali Gaunder and Ankita Azgaonkar made up the victorious Xaviers team.

R i t h a V i s h w a ka r m a , T. Sivakami, Murial Pereira, Pooja Vernekar, and Sharda Bangar were

part of the DM Kushe line-up.

Meanwhile on the first day of the inter-school football at Peddem complex, DM Kushae HSS, Assagao defeated SFX Siolim HSS by a solitary goal scored by Abhijit Salgaokar.

St Thomas HSS, Aldona defeated Kamleshwar HSS, Korgao 3-0. Arun Reddy scored a brace while Jason Viegas also scored for Aldona.

Domnic Fernandes bagged a hattrick as Youth Sports Club of Colvale defeated Eagle SC 3-1 in GFA’s Third Division at Tivim ground on Monday. Colvale led 2-1 at the breather.

I n t r i c a t e p a s s i n g f ro m Colvale’s right winger Domnic Fernandes and central midfielder Philino Ratos allowed Colvale to enjoy greater territorial advantage and create plenty of goal scoring chances throughout the 90 minutes.

Eagle battled hard, but there was no communication between the players especially the de-

fence which put them on the back foot for most of the match.

If it was not for the reflexes of goalkeeper Virendra Majik the score would have been a lot more in Colvale’s favour.

In the 9th minute, the Eagle’s defence failed to clear their lines leaving Domnic Fernandes to intercept the ball and punt past the Eagle custodian to give Colvale the lead.

Six minutes later, Eagle equalised through Jan Rodrigues who scored a free kick from 23 yards out, the ball deflecting off the post on its way in.

Domnic was on the scoresheet again in the 24th for Colvale, slipping the ball past

the Eagle goalkeeper who had strayed outside his 18-yard box in an attempt to clear the ball but came off second best.

After the lemon break Colvale did not sit back. The coach gave the team ten minutes before making his first change. Deep Govekar came in for Azdam Fernandes. This was followed by switching Anthony Xavier for Milton Lobo. To counteract the changes, Eagle themselves brought in Vency Bosco for Girish Parab.

In the 72nd minute, Domnic proceded into the rival box and blasted into the bottom corner to secure the points for Colvale and notch up his hat-trick.

Copelabhat (Quepem) triumph HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, AUG 16

Third Division football: BAFF v. Sirsaim SWC, Tivim ground; Dando Boys Club v. St. Sebastian SC, Dando ground, Benaulim; Holy Cross SC Arambol v. Siolim Sodiem SCA Siolim ground. Kick off 4 p.m.

MahaBank Platinum soccer trophy:Nerul Sports Club v. Clube Sao Minguel Taleigao, Calangute Association ground, 4.30 p.m.

1st All-Goa 9-a-side Reis Magos Panchayat Cup soccer: Sangolda Lightning v. Sai Avatar SC Anjuna, Verem Panchayat ground, 4.45 p.m.

Catherine Viegas memorial soccer: Fatima Boys, Baida v.

D r a m a p u r B o y s , c h u rc h ground, Chinchinim, 4.30 p.m.

Subroto soccer semis: Infant Jesus HS, Colva v. Mae Dos Pobres HS, Nuvem, 8.30 a.m.; Rosary HSS, Navelim v. Fr. Agnel HSS, Verna, 9.45 a.m; Manora ground, Raia.

Ward No.6 Copelabhat of Quepem Municipal Council won the 7- a-side Alex and Alex memorial football Quepem Municipal ward- wise tournament organiSed by Deumol Boys at Deumol ground.

In the exciting final, Ward No.6 defeated Ward No.9 (Condy) via the tie-breaker 43 as during regular time the match ended in a goalless draw.

Copelabhat were awarded Rs.10,000 while Condy were awarded Rs.7,000.

Piedade Fernandes and Ivo Fernandes of Ward No.6 were awarded best goalkeeper and best defender prizes respectively. Lario Colaco of Ward No.9 was declared best player of final.

Chandrakant Kavlekar, MLA and IDC Chairman was the chief guest. QMC Chairperson, Lydia D’Costa and Subhash Fall Dessai were the guests of honour who awarded the prizes.

Quepem Ward No 6 alongwith Chandrakant Kavlekar, Lydia D’Costa, Subhash Fall Dessai, Camilo Simoes.

Photo: John Fernandes

Jharkhand style: A goat as trophy for winners

The Jharkhand youth with the trophy – goat.

BY FEROZ FERNANDES PILAR, AUG 16

Can you believe this! A goat as a reward for the winner of a football match? Yes, two football matches were played at Pilar on I-Day and the winners took goats as their trophies for the Khasi Cup. In Sadri, the local language of the Jharkhand people, Khasi means goat.

Over 1000 youth from Jharkhand gathered at Pilar school ground to play an orally pre-set contest of a football match. The youth from Jharkhand working in Pilar emerged winners defeating the Jharkhand youth

from Mapusa with a 2-1score.

Twenty-one-year old Sanjay Kullu scored the winning goal for Pilar team.

In the other match, Kundaim defeated Odxel 4-0 to take a goat home as a winning prize.

With no shoes and no jerseys to identify the opponents, the Jharkhand youth managed to pull things together to come to a joyful finale of the Independence Day. For over a decade the Jharkhand youth are gathering to play hockey and football matches in various parts of Goa. The trophies for these matches may be goats, pigs and poultry, stated

Bharat Gop, a resident of Jharkhand who is working in Pilar for the last 15 years.

There were two more hockey matches which were not played.

The prize was a pig each from both the contests. These teams did not turn up as there was another tournament organised by the youth of Jharkhand in Vasco.

In Sadri, pig means banda and when the trophy is a pig it is called Banda Cup. Call the Jharkhand youth anything. This piece of writing will surely not be read by Jharkhandis working in Goa but it is a honour that they do a lot of work for us in the State.

The captain of CRCC team, receiving the trophy and Rs 30,000 award from Sports Minister, Babu Azgaonkar after the finals of Chinchinim-Deussua Panchayat Cup 2010 football tournament organised by Clube Recreativo e Cultural de Chinchinim at Chinchinim church ground on Sunday in the presence of Water Resources and Forest Minister, Fillip Neri Rodrigues, Sarpanch Olwin Antao. Photo: Naveedanjum Mujawar

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SPORTS GOA, Tuesday, 17 August, 2010

Clijsters fights back for Cincinnati title REUTERS MASON (Ohio), AUG 16

Kim Clijsters survived three match points before a rain break then produced a remarkable comeback after the weather cleared to beat Maria Sharapova 2-6 7-6 6-2 and win the Cincinnati Open.

Sharapova had three championship points at 5-3 in the second set before rain left her stranded at deuce, two points from victory, and ending up having 74 minutes to ponder the missed chances before play resumed yesterday.

Belgian Clijsters emerged from the break a different player, and steamrolled the Russian in the third set after winning the second set tiebreak from 3-0 down.

YCL Lazor champs in Quitula League HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 16

YCL Lazor beat Koimavaddo 10 in the finals of Quitula Youth 7-a-side Quitula League, Quitula on Sunday. Norbert Fernandes scored the match winner.

Premanand Parab, Quitula panch, was the chief quest and gave away the prizes.The tournament was sponsored by William Fernandes of Nachinola/Qatar and was organised by Steven Correia of Qatar Airways.

Mary to lead

NEW DELHI (PTI) --Four-time champion and Khel Ratna awardee M C Mary Kom will spearhead the 10-woman strong Indian challenge in the 6th AIBA World Women's Boxing Championship in Barbados next month.

''I think it certainly gave her time to relax, and more than the conditions themselves, I think it was about just maybe her going in and having a chance to think about what she needs to do differently,'' said Sharapova, who took a medical time-out in the third set to treat a heel injury. ''She came out and started playing really good tennis.''

After holding serve following the rain-break, 27-year-old Clijsters broke Sharapova before holding again to take the game into a tiebreak.

She clawed her way back from the 3-0 deficit to take the tiebreak 7-4, and broke Sharapova in the third game of the final set when the Russian double-faulted.

The Belgian failed to win on three title points, but held her nerve in the end to secure a 350,000 dollar prize and her 38th WTA win.

The victory, watched by her daughter Jade, was her fourth since returning to the sport after a two-year maternity break.

Clijsters returned to the tour at this event a year ago and went on to win the US Open, the Brisbane International and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. ''You can't start a match when you come out of the locker room like that, you can't start it at 00. You have to be ready to go and you have to get yourself a little bit pumped up and fired up. That's what I tried to do,'' she said.

Mae dos Pobres, Fr Agnel in semis HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO AUG 16

Fr Agnel Multipurpose Higher Secondary, Verna, Rosary Higher Secondary, Navelim, Mae dos Pobres High School, Nuvem stormed into the semi-finals of Salcete Taluka Under-17 Subroto Mukherjee inter-school football tournament organised by Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at Government ground, Manora-Raia on Monday.

Fr Agnel scored a fluent 2-0 win over Cuncolim United Higher Secondary. All goals came in the first half.

Fr Agnel scored after striker Royston Fernandes’ rasping right footer crashed on the post and

the rebound went to Filpert Crasto who tapped it in. They doubled the lead when striker Royston Fernandes punished the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.

Crossing over, Cuncolim United put up a tough show but their efforts proved futile as Fr Agnel’ s Jose Vaz and Elvis Fernandes were stubborn.

Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim failed to turn up against Mae dos Pobres High School.

Rosary Higher Secondary, Navelim had to sweat out to beat Fr Basilio Andrade Higher Secondary,Majorda 1-0 .

The all-important goal was scored by Placinho Fernandes.

Candolim oust Milagres HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 16

Candolim Sports Club defeated Milagres Sports Club 3-1 to enter the quarter-finals of 1st All-Goa 9-a-side Reis Magos Panchayat Cup soccer organised by

Verem Boys at Verem Panchayat ground, on Monday.

At the breather Candolim were leading by a solitary goal.

Sameer Naik curled his free kick in, which left the rival keeper rooted to the ground in

GOA DIARY

4-a-side football at Siolim

PANJIM (HSD) – The first All-Goa 4x4 boys one-day 4-a side football tournament organised by Tasca Tropa Siolim, will be held on August 22 at 10.30 a.m. at Bibiano stadium, Bancar Vaddo, Tropa-Sodiem Siolim, near Holy Cross Chapel. Spot entries will be accepted. Rs.10,000 plus trophy and jersey set (winners), Rs. 7000 plus trophy and jersey set (runners-up) and individual prizes for best player, best forward, youngest player, best defender will be awarded. Details may be obtained from Roque Fernandes on 9822481071/9158157709; Baptist Fernandes on 9822166725; Bernard on 9822171452.

the 20th minute.

On resumption Roy Das pumped in two more goals.

In the closing stages, Anup Govekar scored the consolation goal for Milagres from the penalty spot.

Rossi to join Ducati from Yamaha

AGENCIES MILAN, AUG 16

MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi will switch to Ducati from Yamaha for next season, delighting millions of his bike-mad compatriots who have yearned to see the sporting great finally race for the Italian team.

Rossi, arguably Italy's most famous sports personality thanks to his extraordinary skill and madcap antics, has won his seven top class world championships with Japanese teams. " We a re d e l i g h t e d t h a t Valentino Rossi will be with us from 2011. He is a paragon of excellence in the world of motorcycling," Ducati Motor Holding president Gabriele Del Torchio said in a statement.

The 31-year-old Rossi, a winner of nine motorcycling world titles in all, sparked rumours of a departure from Yamaha by entering the last year of his contract without a new deal.

He also said it was awkward being team mate with current championship leader Jorge Lorenzo given they were both so strong.

A vacancy at Ducati arose after Australia's Casey Stoner said last month he would be leaving for Honda next year.

Europe’s clubs turn to Brazil, Argentina AP NEUCHATEL, AUG 16

A study of Europe’s top clubs says Argentine footballers are catching up with Brazilians as the favored foreigners to sign.

The Professional Football Players Observatory says that Brazil still had the most players with top-tier clubs in Europe’s five highest-ranked leagues, but its lead over Argentina was 139120 last season. The gap had been 60.

France sent 106 players to English, German, Italian and Spanish top divisions.

The Swiss-based report says clubs employed 42.6 percent of players from abroad. England’s Premier League was almost 60 percent foreign.

Arsenal gave 93.3 percent of playing time to non-English players, edging European champion Inter Milan.

Athletic Bilbao fielded only Spanish players.

Tsaunami Boys emerge champs

Kabaddi tourney at Mollem

COLLEM (HC) – The SAG will organise kabaddi tournaments for U-16 boys and girls of Sanvordem constituency under PYKKA on August 17 at Mollem VP ground from 9 a.m. Teams from Dharbandora, Sancorda, Dabal Kirlapal, Mollem, Collem, Kale, Sancordem can participate. Block level winners will get Rs 20,000, Rs 12,000 and Rs 4000. Participants must be resident of the rural area and bonafide student.

Inter-school marathon

PANJIM (HSD) – The Goa Pradesh Youth Congress will organise an all-Goa inter-school marathon race on the occasion of 66th birth anniversary of late PM Rajiv Gandhi. The run for peace will start at 7 a.m. from Cortalim Junction for U-17 boys as well as Pilar Junction for U-12 boys and U-17 girls and proceed to Rajiv Gandhi Memorial at GMC complex, Bambolim. Rs 3000 and gold medal (winners), Rs 2000 and silver medal (runners-up), Rs 1000 and bronze medal for 3rd place will be awarded besides a special trophy to the school winning the highest number of medals.

Entries from HS and HSS students may be submitted upto August 19 at Congress House, D B Bandodkar Marg, near Hotel Mandovi, Panjim. Details may be obtained from Janardan Bhandari on 9881619999 or Jitesh Kamat on 9370868989 or Shrish Naik on 9326139445 or Xavier Fialho on 9822155070 or Sunil Painginkar on 9822160016.

Areal panchayat cup soccer

MARGAO (HC) - Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club will organise their 29th Sao Jose de Areal Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament on September 11 at Padribhat ground, Sao Jose de Areal. Ambelim Sports Club will meet Fr Agnel Youth Club, Paroda in the inaugural match. Rs 20,00 and Rs 15,000 will be awarded.

Real pushing Werder to sell Ozil AGENCIES MADRID, AUG 16

Spanish giants Real Madrid plan to make a new offer to Werder Bremen for German World Cup sensation Mesut Ozil after an earlier bid was rejected, Spanish sports newspapers said Monday.

Real, under new coach Jose Mourinho, plan to offer 14 million euros for the 21-year-old midfielder, five million more than previously, the daily Marca reported.

Another sports daily, AS, said "the idea is to reach a figure of between the 10 million offered

by Real and the 16 (million) which the German team is demanding."

Werder sports director Klaus Allofs said on Friday that the club had rejected an offer from Real as "unacceptable".

Financial details of that bid were not disclosed but German media reported that a 16-million-euro price tag had been placed on Ozil whose contract with Werder expires in June 2011.

Ozil has also been the recent target of clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

The player, who joined Bremen in January 2008 for 4.25 million euros, impressed during the World Cup this summer in which Germany finished third.

Ozil himself told the two Spanish sports papers that he

could move to Real this season.

The deadline for any such transfer could be Wednesday, when Bremen takes on Italy's Sampdoria in the Champions League. If Ozil plays, he would be ineligible to take the field for Real in the same competition.

Since taking over at the Spanish club last month, Mourinho has already recruited Spanish midfielders Sergio Canales and Pedro Leon, German midfielder Sami Khedira and Argentine striker Angel Di Maria.

Real, who finished second in the Liga last season behind champions Barcelona, opens the new season with a match at Real Mallorca on August 29.

Milan nominates 5 for UEFA award AP NYON (Switzerland), AUG 16

European champion Inter Milan has five players named on a 12man shortlist to be UEFA’s Club Footballer of the Year.

Nominations announced on Monday from Inter include Netherlands playmaker Wesley Sneijder and Argentina striker Diego Milito, who scored both goals in the 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

The German champions are represented by Netherlands winger Arjen Robben.

Barcelona -- which was eliminated by Inter in the semi-finals --has four contenders, including Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who won the award last year.

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is included after helping Lyon reach the semifinals. Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is the only candidate from England after no Premier

League club advanced beyond the quarter-finals.

Nominations were chosen by 16 coaches whose teams reached the knockout rounds of the Champions League last season.

Their votes have also created a three-player shortlist for each of four positional categories.

Results are to be announced on August 26 in Monaco, when the draw for this season’s group stage is made.

Nominees: Goalkeeper of the

Ponting wants Hauritz for India tour UNI MELBOURNE, AUG 16

Australian captain Ricky Ponting today asserted that off-spinner Nathan Hauritz will be a part of the Australian Test squad for the upcoming Indian tour and the Ashes series.

Hauritz missed Australia's recent series against Pakistan in England due to a foot injury, but has resumed running ahead of October's two-Test series against India in Mohali and Bangalore. ''I've spoken a bit to Nathan over the last couple of weeks.” ''He has started running again which is a good sign, without pain in his foot. He started bowling again last week,'' Ponting told 'AAP'. ''I will be doing a lot of work with him over the next few weeks.

I'll be facing a lot of him considering we've got (Graeme) Swann and Harbhajan (Singh) to confront over the next few months. Is he a lock-in? I think so. What he's done over the last 12 or 18

months as our number one spin- in the two Tests that he played ner has been of the highest qual- in the UK. We saw towards the ity. With him back to full fitness end of the Headingley Test his I think he'll get himself back into ability with the bat and also his the side again.” willingness to be aggressive with ''Is he a lock-in? I think so,'' the ball. That's not an easy thing he added. to do for a young Hauritz will leg-spinner to probably team maintain that agup with young gression.” leg-spinning all''He's a work in rounder Steven progress but the Smith, who made more games that his debut in the he can play is obtwo-Test series viously going to against Pakistan be better for him in England. and he'll learn all Smith claimed the time. With three wickets Shane Watson in a n d s c o re d a our side it gives Nathan Hauritz half-century durus the flexibility ing the Headinto be able to gley Test, and Ponting stated look at playing two spinners,'' that the 21-year-old's develop- Ponting said. ment during the England tour Australian tearaway pacer has brought into contention for Shaun Tait is determined to stick a place in the Ashes squad. to the shortest version of the ''Steven came along really well game, and has ruled himself out

Floyd wins double crown HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 16

Floyd Simoes won a double crown in All-Goa BPS Major Ranking Badminton tournament organised by BPS Sports Club at SAG multipurpose hall, Fatorda on Sunday.

Floyd made short work of Sunny Sawant 21-15, 21-19 to emerge champions in men’s singles. Floyd later teamed up with Navneet to record an easy win over Vishal and Arush 21-11, 2118 to wrap up the men’s doubles event.

Anura Prabhudessai put up a stellar performance as she outplayed Emiiliya Silveira 21-9,

21-7 to clinch the under-13 girls title. Dhru Angle beat Tejan Fallary 21-18, 21-10 to retain the under-13 boys singles crown.

Rahul Chandrashekar put up stupendous performance in beating Chinmay Kamat l4-21, 21-17, 21-18 to win the under16 boys singles title. Sharmad Maherjern defeated Chinmay Kamat 21- 5, 21-19 to claim the under-19 boys singles crown.

Anusha Kavelkar was in top form as she won the ladies event beating Anura Prabhudessai 2111, 20-22.

Results: Under-13 girls: Anura Prabhudessai bt. Emiliya Silveira 21-9, 21-7. U-13 boys: Dhruv

Angle bt.Tejan Fallary 21-18, 2116.

U-16 boys: Chinmay Kamat lost to Rahul Chandrashekar 1421, 21-17, 21-18. U-19 boys: Sharmad Maherjern bt. Chinmay Kamat 21-5, 21-19. Ladies singles: Anushka Kovelkar bt.

Anura Prabhudesai 21-11, 2022, 21-15. Men singles: Floyd Araujo bt. Sunny Sawant 2115, 21-19. Men doubles: Floyd and Navneet bt. Vishal and Ankush 21-11, 21-18. Veterans singles ( 45 and above): Roopchand H. bt. T. Sawant 21-13, 2116. Veterans doubles P. K. Gupta and T. Sawant lost to Santosh and Dr. Borkar 21-19, 21-17.

HERALD CORRESPODNENT CANACONA, AUG 16

Tsaunami Boys beats Maratha Warriors 2-0 to win the first oneday football tournament organised by St.Teresa of Jesus, Chaudi Parish Youth at Devabhag ground on Sunday.

Tsaunami Boys won Rs.4000 while Maratha had to be content with Rs.2000. In all, 15 teams participated.

The semis had to be decided via the tie-breaker. Tsaunami Boys defeated Palolem, Maratha Warriors beat Palolem B. Chaudi church parish priest, Fr. Manuel Fernandes was the chief guest. Simon Rebello and Joe Barretto were the guests of honour and gave away the prizes. Assistant priest, Fr. Agnel Dias led Chaudi Parish Youth in organising the first one-day tournament.

Sirlim prevail over Sarzora

MARGAO (HC) --Sirlim Sports Club A defeated Sarzora Sports Club 2-1 to move into the quarter-finals of Catherine Viegas memorial football tournament organised by Union of Chinchinim Villagers at church ground, Chinchinim on Monday.

The teams were tied 1-1 at half time.

Sarzora went into the lead when striker Jolex Fernandes found success beating Sirlim Sports Club goalkeeper hands down.

Sirlim hit back and veteran striker Domnick Noronha put

them on equal terms after receiving a through pass from Atley.

Crossing over, Sirlim camped in the rival territory with Domnic Noronha being a thorn in the rival defence. He scored the second off a pass from Anthony.

GFA fines Varca SC HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 16

Varca Sports Club have been fined Rs 5000 by GFA for illegally conducting the finals of the allGoa football tournamentfor Alvernaz Alemao Trophy under floodlights at Varca.

Laxmiprasad were fined Rs 2000 for late submission of entry forms for Second Division.

Meanwhile, a sub-committee comprising Elvis Gomes, Vinod Parkoot, Savio Messias, Alvaro Pinho to shortlist candidates for the post of full time paid secretary, stated Tonito Botelho, GFA spokesman. He disclosed that out of 31 applications, four or five names will be finalised and the appointment could take place either on September 1 or October 1.

of this year's Ashes.

Tait asserted that he would not return for the Ashes series even if asked by the selectors. ''I don't think they would ask me to play anyway.” ''You have got to put some performances on the board playing four-day cricket before you can just walk into a Test side,'' he said.

The 27-year-old played three one-dayers during Australia's recent visit to England, which prompted captain Ricky Ponting to ask him to consider playing in ODIs and Tests.

Tait, however, turned down the offer. ' He just mentioned it quickly but nothing was really talked about,'' Tait told reporters. ''I think I have made it quite clear what I'm doing.” ''Obviously you get through a couple of one-day games and a few people get excited I suppose and there is talk about it,'' he added.

6 Goans in India throwball HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, AUG 16

For the first time in history of Goa, six throwball players (2 boys and 4 girls) have been selected to represent India at Asian Youth Championship to be held in Colombo from August 23-25.

Abdul Sadic Beg of ATAG, has been appointed coach of the national team due to his performance at the recently concluded sub-junior national championship at Valpoi.

The players left today for a 4-day coaching camp in Bangalore.

Carmona down Cavelossim YA HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 16

The Goa players who have been selected for India team for Asian Youth Throwball Championship in Colombo. Sitting (r to l) - Jalalodin Shaikh, Priya Sinha, Neha Kudtarkar, Vaibhavi Kalangutkar, Neekita Samant and Mozam Khan. Standing Abdul Sadic Beig (coach), Faiyaz Beig, Nasir Khan, Arshad Shaikh S. M. Hanif Vishwajit Rane (Health Minister and president ATAG), Ashok J. Porob, Akhtar Shah , A.R.Khan.

Fr. Manuel Fernandes giving away a prize at Deumol on Sunday.

Photo: Kathy Pereira

Year: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).

Defender of the Year: Lucio (Inter Milan), Maicon (Inter Milan), Gerard Pique (Barcelona).

Midfielder of the Year: Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan).

Forward of the Year: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

State level PYKKA TT winners - Aldona, runners-up Calangute and 3rd place Priol.

Carmona Sports Club registered their second victory when they defeated Cavelossim Youth Association, Mobor 2-0 in Salcete Zone Group B GFA’s Third Division League at St John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim on Monday. Carmona were leading 1-0 at the breather.

Carmona outplayed their opponents with an enterprising soccer especially in the opening session. Cavelossim were on the backfoot throughout.

Carmona surged ahead when Columban Noronha bulged the net following a goalkeeping error by Denzil.

Crossing over, Carmona doubled the lead when Patrick Dias’ snap shot went in.

Cavelossim tried their best to reduce the margin but could get past Mohammed Shaikh under the Carmona bar.

In a Group E encounter at Verna ground, Verna Sports Club trounced St Rock’s Youth Club, Calata-Majorda -0. Verna led 20 at the breather.

Verna were rewarded when Wilson Fernandes put them into the lead in the 16th minute.

Richard Dias increased the tally in the 40th minute when his stiff shot gave no chance to the rival goalkeeper.

Xavier Pereira made it 3-0 in favour of Verna in the 58th minute while Matassio Abranches rounded off the tally in the 86th minute.

Pg 18:Layout 1 8/17/2010 12:02 AM Page 1

SPORTS

Clijsters fights back for Cincinnati title Pg 17

Jharkhand style: A goat as trophy for winners Pg 16

GOA, TUESDAY, 17 AUGUST, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

Sehwag, bowlers shine in India’s win Praveen Kumar removes Upul Tharanga with the first ball of the match at Dambulla on Monday.

Virender Sehwag goes on the attack against Lanka at Dambulla on Monday.

PTI DAMBULLA (SRI LANKA), AUG 16

Sri Lanka prevented Virender Sehwag (99 not out) from scoring a century but could not stop him from steering India to a comfortable six-wicket win in the cricket tri-series here today.

India needed just five runs to chase down the 171-run target and Sehwag just one run to get his hundred when Lankan spinner Suraj Randiv came in to bowl 35th over of the Indian innings.

The off-spinner gave four byes in the first ball, which kept a little low, bowled two dot balls, and then bowled a big no-ball, which Sehwag smashed out of ground.

Since it was a no-ball, no runs

were added to Sehwag's score and he remained not out on 99.

It looked a deliberate no-ball since Randiv's back foot was where bowlers normally have their front foot while bowling.

Sehwag though had no complaints as when match ended he said, "Bowlers try to do that when batsmen are on 99. Fair enough."

The win, which was set up by the bowlers, brought India's triseries campaign back on track as they had suffered a huge 200run loss in the opening match against New Zealand.

India's pacers and spinners rose to occasion and exploited the helpful conditions to bundle out Sri Lanka for a paltry 170

after Kumar Sangakkara elected to bat.

Sehwag was the hero of Indian chase as he batted through the innings in his terrific 99-run knock, which was a mix of control and aggression.

Sehwag's knock was a responsible one as it came in a tricky situation and under challenging circumstances.

India's top-order had collapsed at the beginning and Suresh Rania (21) also threw his wicket after getting his eye in but Sehwag held the Indian innings together and in company of M S Dhoni (23) steered his side to win.

Sehwag's 99 came off 100 balls with 11 fours and two sixes

and Dhoni also supported him well with his 38-ball knock and had two fours.

India lost Dinesh Karthik (10), Virat Kohli (0) and Rohit Sharma (0) in quick succession early in the innings.

Skipper Kumar Sangakkara's decision to bat backfired as Indian bowlers were all over the hosts right from the first ball when Upul Tharanga was cleaned bowled by Praveen Kumar.

Had Suraj Randiv (43) and Nuwan Kulasekara (22) not played defiant knocks down the order, the hosts innings would have been wearing a more miserable look.

They put up a 39-run stand,

Wrestler Pooja Dhanda wins silver youth olympics AGENCIES SINGAPORE, AUG 16

Woman wrestler Pooja Dhanda won India's first medal at the Youth Olympic Games while shuttlers Sai Praneeth and HS Prannoy kept themselves in contention after the second day in the inaugural event in Singa-

pore.

After beating three opponents without conceding a point, Pooja lost 1-3 to Baatarzorig Battsetseg of Mongolia in the final and had to settle for a silver in the 60kg freestyle category.

The Indian beat American Burkert Jenna Rose (3-0), local wrestler Puteri Erna Natasha (4-

0) and Ahmed Dzhanan of Bulgaria (3-0) in Group A en route to the final.

In badminton, Sai Praneeth beat Asher Richarson of New Zealand 21-12, 21-12 before notching an identical win over Cuba Mario of Persia in the boys' singles to place second in Pool H. After a resounding first day,

H S Prannoy continued his rampaging form and thrashed Phetphanom Keophiachan of Laos 21-11, 21-12 to top pool C. In tennis, junior Australian Open champion and sixth seed Yuki Bhambri made a wining start, beating German Kevin Krawietz 6-3, 6-0 to set up a second round clash with Huang Llang-Chi.

highest of Lankan innings, for the eighth wicket to help Sri Lanka go past the 150-mark.

Tillakaratane Dilshan (45) was

Sri Lanka: U Tharanga b Kumar 0, T Dilshan c Rohit b Ojha 45, K Sangakkara c Ojha b Nehra 2, M Jayawardene lbw b Kumar 4, T Samaraweera c Jadeja b Ishant 7, A Mathews lbw b Jadeja 15, C Kapugedera b Jadeja 10, S Randiv c Raina b Ojha 43, N Kulasekara c Dhoni b Ishant 22, L Malinga st Dhoni b Ojha 5, D Fernando not out 6. Extras: 11. Total: 170 all out. Fall of wickets: 0-1, 14-2, 23-3, 44-4, 82-5, 836, 103-7, 142-8, 158-9, 170-10. Bowling: P Kumar 8-2-202, A Nehra 9-0-39-1, Ishant Sharma 9-1-32-2, P Ojha 9.1-0-36-3, R Jadeja 10-2-34-2, V Sehwag 1-0-5-0.

India: D Karthik c Kulasekara b Mathews 10, V Sehwag not out 99, V Kohli c Sangakkara b Fernando 0, Rohit Sharma lbw b Mathews 0, S Raina c Tharanga b Fernando 21, MS Dhoni not out 23. Extras: 18.

Total: 171 for 4. Fall of wickets: 30-1, 31-2, 32-3, 91-4. Bowling: L Malinga 7-0-34-0, N Kulasekara 5-0-23-0, A Mathews 7-1-32-2, D Fernando 8-0-33-2, S Randiv 7.3-0-38-0.

Man-of-the-match: V Sehwag.

Murray beats Fedex to clinch title AGENCIES TORONTO, AUG 16

Andy Murray clinched his first title of 2010 with a straightsset victory over Roger Federer in the Toronto Masters final.

The defending champion prevailed 7-5 7-5 after outlasting the former world number one in a match which was severely disrupted by two lengthy rain delays.

When the weather relented it

Players injury not due to overwork: BCCI l Says we are not forcing fatigued cricketers to play PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

The Cricket Board today strongly denied receiving any complaint from Indian cricketers about a cramped calendar and said the growing list of injuries was not because of overwork.

"I have not received any letter from any player.

Mr (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni has written no letter to me. I have not seen what he has said in the press conference and before making a comment I have to see what he has said," BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said.Asked if the growing injury list of the Indian players was because of being overworked, Srinivasan said, "If some one falls down

and gets injured that doesn't mean (they are overworked)", he said.

Srinivasan was responding to recent reports that the Indian players had sent an SOS to the Board, requesting it to cut down on the matches and do away with meaningless series.

Even skipper Dhoni had recently talked about the workload on his bowlers in a press conference.

However, BCCI Media and Finance Committee chairman Rajiv Shukla Board said the Board was not forcing any player to play in case of fatigue or injury.

"If any player is feeling tired or fatigued or if he feels that he would not be able perform due to some illness

then he must inform the selector," Shukla told reporters outside the Parliament.

"BCCI policy is very clear. We will give the player rest. We are not forcing any player to participate in the series," Shukla asserted.

He denied that the BCCI has received such a letter and rejected reports that the players are unhappy with the scheduling.

"We have not received any letter from any player saying that players are unhappy or complained about the schedule is absolutely wrong. There is no truth in it," he said.

"The international calender is like that. But still we are working it out," he added.

IPL teams cleared Rahman unveils theme song l Promises to go beyond ‘Waka Waka’ of irregularities AGENCIES NEW DELHI, AUG 16

The government on Monday clarified that accounting regulator ICAI hasn't reported any irregularity in the account books of some Indian Premier League teams.

"The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has

n The Institute of

Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has not reported any irregularities in the accounts and violations of auditing norms by some Indian Premier League (IPL) teams -- Salman Khurshid

not reported any irregularities in the accounts and violations of auditing norms by some Indian Premier League (IPL) teams," Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid told the

Rajya Sabha.

The ICAI had begun scrutinising financial statements of the eight functional teams for possible violation of auditing norms, following the controversy relating to sweat equity in the Kochi team to a friend of the then Union Minister Shashi Tharoor.

PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 16

It will be another 10 days before the Commonwealth Games theme song is officially launched but Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman today promised it would be worth the wait as his ‘Yaaro India Bula Liya’ would be unlike anything that has happened before.

Rahman said the song would go beyond Shakira's chart-buster for this year's soccer World Cup ‘Waka Waka’.

Rahman said the launch of the song will have to wait some more because he is still giving some final touches.

"I have been working on the song for the past six months. It is in my voice with a chorus and I promise that it will be a big part of the celebration and will be unlike anything that has happened before in India," the celebrated musician told reporters.

Rahman, however, refused to give details about the song beyond the opening line ‘Yaaro India Bula Liya', saying it would be better if it is launched properly.

"I can't reveal much because I

have to tweak the lyrics a bit and add some sound elements. But the song is about India, about energy, winning and not giving up. We want the crowd to sing along with us at the opening ceremony. It is

simple but not simplistic," he said.

When asked whether the song will manage to overshadow Shakira's popular football World C u p a n t h e m ‘ Wa k a Waka’, Rahman said it is ‘exactly no’ ‘Waka Waka’.

Top British athletes pull out of CWG UNI LONDON, AUG 16

The long list of star athletes pulling out of this year's Commonwealth Games has grown longer with England's world heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis and 800m world championship bronze-medallist Jenny Meadows withdrawing from the October 3-14 multi-sports event in New Delhi.

Ennis, the women's world and European heptathlon champion, has not revealed the reason for pulling out of the controversy marred event, while Meadows has been dogged by an Achilles

the only top-order batsman who showed stomach for fight but fell while going for an extravagant shot when situation demanded patience.

The Pace trio of Kumar (2/20), Ishant Sharma (2/32) and Ashish Nehra (1/39) blew away the host top-order to start the devastation of the Lankan innings.

The spinners -- Pragyan Ojha (3/36) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/34) -- joined the party and broke the back of the Lankan innings with lethal blows.

In an ominous start for home side, Opener Tharanga and his teammates were shell shocked when a swinging first ball of the match by Praveen Kumar uprooted the stumps.

The heavy conditions were ideal for bowling and Indian pacers rose to the occasion.

Soon skipper Kumar Sangakkara (2) fell to Nehra and Mahela Jayawardene (4) became second victim of Kumar.

Lanky Ishant Sharma got his first wicket in Thilan Samaraweera (7) and Lankan innings was in complete disarray.

They never recovered from the early shocks and Ojha and Jadeja kept the pressure by taking wickets.

Dilshan was batting beautifully from the other end but lost patience and top-edged to Rohit Sharma off Ojha.

Jadeja struck twice by removing Chamara Kapugedara and Angelo Mathews to puncture all Lankan hopes.

injury, this season, which forced her to opt out.

But England are still expected to field a strong squad with World and European triple jump champion Phillips Idowu, Olympic 400 metres champion Christine Ohuruogu, double European champion Mo Farah, European 110m hurdles gold medallist Andy Turner, and 100m World Championship silver medallist Mark Lewis-Francis among the probables.

Idowu and Ohuruogu are also defending Commonwealth champions and will be eager to defend their crowns.

was Murray who forced the issue, his new-found aggressive approach paying dividends against a strangely subdued Federer.

The win improves Murray's record against the Swiss ace to seven wins from their 12 meetings and also gives him an element of revenge after he was comprehensively beaten in the final of the Australian Open earlier this year.

Pg 18

Lankans leave Sehwag stranded at 99, kick up controversy PTI DAMBULLA, AUG 16

In a shocking display of unsportsmanship, Sri Lanka spinner Suraj Randiv bowled a deliberate no-ball to leave Virender Sehwag stranded on 99 in a cricket tri-series match here tonight.

The scores were tied at 170 and Sehwag was just one short of his 13th One Day hundred when Randiv, who has not bowled a no ball in the Test or ODI series this season, bowled a no ball which was hit by the swashbuckling opener for a six. The six however did not count because the no ball amounted to India's winning run.

Without realising that, Sehwag raised his arms in the air in celebration only to be told that the score board would show him not out at 99.

India comprehensively won the match comfortably by six wickets but the conduct of the Sri Lankan team caused upset in the Indian camp.

Minutes later, a livid Sehwag told journalists that Sri Lanka has a record of doing such things and he pointed out that they had left Sachin Tendulkar stranded at 99 with

Somdev qualifies

mason masters AGENCIES MASON, AUG 16

Somdev Devvarman qualified for singles main draw of the ATP Western and Southern Financial Group Masters after making short work of local wild card Tim Smyczek in straight sets.

The unseeded Indian won the second and final round 6-3, 6-2 to qualify for his second successive Masters event.

By making the main draw, Somdev has already pocketed 25 ranking points.

similar tactics in Cuttack.

Sehwag said that Randiv had not bowled a single no ball earlier and asked "How can he bowl one at this point."

"It was clear that the Lankan team did not want him to get his 100," the opener said.

Sri Lankan captain Kumara Sangakkara appeared to take the episode lightly but later on said he would talk to Randiv.

"He is not that kind of a cricketer. If some members of the team have coaxed him I will take it up strongly," he said.

"This is not the spirit of cricket," he acknowledged.

Fo r m e r I n d i a C a p t a i n Sourav Ganguly speaking to a TV channel said that this was not the first time Sri Lanka had done such a thing.

They had done the same to him in a Test match at Kandy in 2002 where he was left stranded on 98, he said.

"That happens in Cricket.

Bowlers try to do that when batsmen are on 99. They try to bowl wides or no balls.

They do not want cricketers to score century. But that is fair enough," Sehwag said.

"I think he(Randiv) has done it deliberately," he added.