19 MARCH 2011 HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

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Panjim I March, 19, 2011 I Postal Reg. No. Goa 101 I Price Rs. 3.00 I Air Surcharge Rs 2 I Pages 16+8

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CM sacrifices Dabolim at altar of politics Babush blinks, Kamat bypassed Governor’s suggestion not to denotify land for parking Earmarked alternate land which belongs to Navy n Asks AAI to acquire land in Sancoale, 3 kms away n n

SUraJ nanDreKar PANJIM, MARCH 18: After Herald’s expose, last Sunday of how Chief Minister Digambar Kamat threw propriety to the winds by denotifying 36,800 square metres of land adjoining the Dabolim airport back to a

tiDeS toDaY High Tide: 1024; 2238 Low Tide: 0429; 1623

private owner Bernard Costa, more secrets of this dirty deal are tumbling out.

Clearly influenced by Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza and backed by Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho, the Kamat-led team announced that 70,000 square metres of alternate land would now be acquired for parking as part of the expansion plan. This land, airport officials confirm is a defence

land and there is no guarantee that this would be available.

So from a situation of easily available prime land which was returned to an influential private individual, for considerations that clearly are not above board, the government has no land. At least not in hand.

What is more, even the head of the state Governor S S Sidhu had advised the

Chief Minister against denotifying this land, only to be told by Digambar Kamat that the political compulsions of having Jose Philip and Godinho on his side were heavy.

Moreover, in the meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on February 14 when the denotification decision was made, the PWD was directed to initiate action to acquire vacant land (70,000 sq mt pointed by Mauvin & Jose)

Herald Pic

decision now TEAM HERALD PANJIM, MARCH 18: The gov-

Defence lanD for private lanD? This area now earmarked for parking belongs to the defence. under emergency clause of Land Acquisition Act. Officials speaking to this

paper on condition of anonymity wondered if the >Continued on pg 10

ernment will take policy decision on medium of instruction before end of this session, the House was told on Friday.

Education Minister Babush Monserrate made the statement during “Zero Hour” in Goa Assembly, on Friday.

He said the government is seized of the matter of >Continued on pg 10

Parrikar backs mother tongue TEAM HERALD PANJIM, MARCH 18: Making his stand clear on the medium of instruction, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar has supported the primary education in the mother tongue.

Quoting the guidelines >Continued on pg 10

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xaxti gilu’s xaxti masala Raising the Brar The new AICC General Secretary in charge of Goa, Jagmeet Brar is a close friend of Luizinho Faleiro.

Since then, worried Faleiro’s detractors, sensing a possible change in power equations, have not lost a single opportunity to find out Brar’s political background. It is an open secret that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, the Alemao Brothers and their aides enjoyed a close rapport with Brar’s predecessor Hariprasad, in the political scheme of things.

The anti-Luizinho brigade is now working the phones and have a man called Sudhakar Reddy on their speed dials. Reddy, a congress secretary is Brar’s understudy and knows all about him. So the Alemao’s are getting “Reddy” to have long chat sessions with him.

Quit Pro Quo Why did the two NCP “rebel” Ministers – Jose Philip D’Souza and Nilkhant Halarnkar suddenly make peace with the party leadership.

This had all to do with the exit of Hariparsad. It is an open secret that Hariprasad opposed the re-induction of Mickky Pacheco into the Kamat cabinet. And, it is an open secret that the G-10 group had Hari’s blessings when they threatened to revolt if Pacheco was re-inducted into the Ministry.

But, with Hari no more an incharge of Goa Congress, things came a full circle for the two rebel Ministry.

The duo had to face the ire of party leadership after the famous dinner meeting with Congress bigwigs at the residence of Congress general secretary Vijay Sardessai. Well, if sources are to be believed, a plan was hatched by the well wishers of the two Ministers from Salcete – again in Fatorda – to ensure that both Jose Philip and Nilkant continue to hold their ministerial positions and at the same time soothe the ruffled ego of the NCP supremo. So the resignations were nothing more than a drama knowing well that they would score during the “Pawar” play and be asked by their boss to continue being ministers.

Here comes Monica The GPCC General Secretary Vijay Sardesai loves old Hindi film songs. But he may not quite like the popular number from the classic film Caravan, “Monica Oh My Darling”. The Pradesh Mahila Congress Chief Monica Dias has made a strong pitch for the Fatorda Congress ticket for which Vijay is a strong claimant.

Vijay knows that Monica is no novice in Fatorda politics, having been three time Councilor and a ticket aspirant for many years.

Monica has another trump card up her sleeve. She has said that all other aspirants for the ticket - Vijay Sardessai, Luis Alex Cardozo, Girish Chodankar and M K Shaikh have lost elections in the past. For that matter, so has heavyweight Luizinho Faleiro.

Englishman Churchill When demands in support of English as the medium of instruction came to the fore in Salcete’s countryside, Congressmen admitted in private that the issue would put the party in an awkward situation in an election year.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has tried to wriggle out of the situation by repeatedly saying nothing would be implemented without taking the stakeholders into confidence.

But, his Ministerial colleagues and party MLAs, especially from Salcete, know for sure that they can ill afford to take a stand contrary to the popular demand.

So, when a delegation of anxious parents called on the PWD Minister at Varca, Alemao extended his all out support to the movement.

That’s not all. The Varca strongman conveyed a message loud and clear to the parents that he would not hesitate to dislodge the Digambar Kamat government if the demand does not find favour with the ruling dispensation. For Alemao, the issue may have come as a blessing in disguise, more so when he is keeping his options open on the question of contesting the coming Assembly polls on the Congress ticket.

Mickky enters Nuvem - panch by panch That former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco has firmly set his eyes on Nuvem constituency and is bracing to cross swords against Congress heavyweight Alexio Sequeira is an open secret.

That explains his anxiety to establish his hold over the Panchayat bodies falling in Nuvem constituency.

He had his men presiding over the Panchayat affairs in Betalbatim, Majorda, Nuem and now established his foothold over Loutolim as well by ousting the former Sarpanch – a close aide of his bete noire and Power Minister Alexio Sequeira.

Remember that the flamboyant Benaulim MLA went all out to capture the Zilla Panchayat seats coming under Nuvem constituency.

Many would tend to question whether this would have any bearing on the Assembly polls. But, this appears Pacheco’s ways of testing the political waters before taking the big plunge. This was how he had exactly gone about before crossing swords against the Varca strongman Churchill Alemao in Benaulim nearly a decade ago and succeeded.

(Xaxti Masala is a weekly offering of anecdotes and chats from our beloved Salcete.)

Our workers at Sonsodo had come across biomedical waste mixed with bio-degradable garbage. Under the MSW rules, bio-medical waste cannot find its way at garbage sites. Our workers are facing a health hazard, posed by untreated used syringes -- Sridhar Kamat

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Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

We fail to understand why the promise made to hike the monthly ex-gratia relief has not been fulfilled till date. Our seamen brethren would have lived a dignified life with happiness if the monthly assistance was increased to minimum Rs 1500 -- Ifrona Dias

A medical disaster bomb ticks at Sonsodo Hazardous bio medical waste continues to be duped at Sonsodo on a daily basis, throwing caution and the waste management rules to the winds. Fomento Green, which is handling the waste segregation and construction of the Sonsodo plant is not supposed to accept any medical waste and will hopefully put its foot down soon. Meanwhile the MMC still continues to allow bio medical waste from clinics and hospitals to be sent to Sonodo. Guilherme Almeida reports

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or a daily labourer sorting out pieces of garbage in the ever growing and over growing Sonsodo waste management site, picking up pieces of broken syringes and other medical equipment, blood soaked cotton and other medical trash is a daily occurrence.

This is here where the needle meets the fish bone and pricks one more hole in the hazy belief that all the fifty odd tonnes of garbage that is dumped at Sonsodo on a daily basis, is according to the all important Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling Rules) 2000.

In the absence of any mechanism for the collection and scientific disposal, tonnes of bio-medical waste from the 300-odd hospitals, nursing homes and clinics dotting the city, finds its way in the garbage bins every day.

Neither the Margao Municipal Council nor agencies such as the Goa State Pollution Control Board have put a system in place to tackle the waste.

Otherwise, just consider this: It’s now more than three months since

Santosh Mirajkar

The bio-medical waste that is regularly finding its way at the Sonsodo dumping yard. the Margao civic body issued a public notice to the establishments generating bio-medical waste to stop disposing off the waste within the municipal jurisdiction with immediate effect.

Three months down the line and the disposal of bio-medical waste in the municipal bins has not stopped

till date. In fact, if one goes by the correspondence from Fomento Green and Waste Management Services Ltd, responsible for segregating and disposing off the existing garbage and constructing a waste management plant, to the Margao civic body, it’s abundantly clear that bio-medical waste continues to find

its way in the bins and then to Sonsodo.

Neither has the Margao civic body initiated action against the unscrupulous establishment owners nor has the civic body the wherewithal to maintain vigil against the erring establishments.

Says MMC Chief Officer, Prasanna

Acharya: “We have to ensure that no bio-medical waste generated by any hospital, nursing home, clinic, dispensary, veterinary institutions, animal houses, pathological laboratories, blood bank is disposed off either in bins or anywhere else except according to the Bio-Medical Waste (management and handling) Rules, 1998 & MSW (management and handling) Rules, 2000”.

He however says that the disposal of bio-medical waste does not come within the ambit of the MMC and passes it on to the Goa State Pollution Control Board to deal with the issue. But he warns “I want to make clear to the owners that stern action will be initiated against those units responsible for disposing off the untreated waste in the bins”, he warned.

The CEO of Fomento Green Sridhar Kamat says: “Our workers at Sonsodo had come across biomedical waste mixed with biodegradable garbage. Under the MSW rules, bio-medical waste cannot find its way at garbage sites.

Our workers are facing a health hazard, posed by untreated used syringes”.

STILL AT SEA, AFTER A LIFE ON SEA For the better part of their working lives, they rode the waves. Now retired seamen and their families are negotiating the labyrinths in the corridors of power to increase their miserly pension from two hundred rupees a month to just fifteen hundred. Guilherme Almeida reports

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hese retired seamen and the widows of seamen have been knocking the doors of all and sundry over the last two years. They have been pleading and petitioning with everyone -- right from Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to the MLAs and MPs and the management of National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) in support of their one-point just demand – to enhance the monthly ex-gratia monetary assistance of Rs 200 to a modest amount of Rs 1500 per month to live a dignified life after retirement.

It was exactly four years ago, that NUSI general secretary Abdulgani Y Serang promised the retired seafarers and widows at the NUSI Maritime Academy, Assolna to suitably increase the monthly ex-gratia monetary assistance. Much water has flown down the River Sal since then and the promised hike in the assistance made by the NUSI chief stands unfulfilled till date.

Since then, the retired seamen and widows under the banner of Goan Retired Seamen Welfare Association had been waging a sustained campaign across Salcete’s countryside and beyond for

the fulfillment of their genuine demands.

Says Ifrona Dias, President of Goan Retired Seafarers Welfare Association: “We fail to understand why the promise made to hike the monthly exgratia relief has not been fulfilled till date. Our seamen brethren would have lived a dignified life with happiness if the monthly assistance was increased to minimum Rs 1500”.

Even this meager amount of Rs 200 is not disbursed to the retired seamen and the widows on a monthly basis. If the retired seafarers are to be believed, the monetary assistance is disbursed to them once every six months.

The issue had its echo in Parliament during the ongoing budget session when Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik drew attention of the House to the meager post retirement paid to the retired seafarers and widows. That’s not all. A delegation of the Goan Retired Seamen Welfare Association along with South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha called on Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan with a request to enhance the monetary assistance to a minimum Rs 1500 per month.

Says MP Sardinha: “After the meeting with the Union

A delegation of Goan Retired Seafarers Welfare Association Ifrona Dias and Melson Luis with South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha when they called on Union Shipping Minister, G K Vasan to discuss the pensionbenefits for retired seamen and widows. n Long standing demand of retired seamen and their families to raise ex gratia amount paid to retired seamen and their families from Rs 200 to Rs 1500. n NUSI General Secretary had promised monetary assistance four years ago. n NUSI and the Seafarer’s Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) state that the other should be held responsible for not enhancing the ex-gratia amount. n Both Congress MP’s Fransisco Sardinha and Shantaram Naik have raised the issue in parliament and with the union shipping minister.

Shipping Minister, I am hopeful that some solution would be worked out vis-à-vis the pension for the retired seafarers. The existing monthly relief of Rs 200 is unacceptable”.

Moved by the plight of the seafarers, the Council for Social Justice and Peace has now stepped in to lend a helping hand to the suffering seamen. “The situation is unjust and hence unacceptable.

All efforts must be made to ensure that these retired men

get reasonable benefits of their hard toil at sea, away from their families”, remarked CSJP Executive Secretary, Fr Maverick Fernandes in his communication to the Parish Priests, Archdiocese of Goa on the issue.

Says Peter Crasto, secretary of the retired seafarers Association: “When the seamen were active in service, they helped to earn foreign exchange for our country and boosted the country’s foreign

exchange reserves. Our Indian seafarers had worked actively at the risk of their lives during world wars, during Iran-Iraq war and the conflict in Sri Lanka.

Asks Augustine Fernandes, Association treasurer: “Doesn’t the retired seamen and widows deserve a substantial increase in the monthly assistance to live a decent life. Even the Goa government pays its senior citizens Rs 1000 per month under the DSS schem”.

Enhancement was promised in 1998 Incumbent NUSI general Abdulgani Serang had been pushing the blame on the management committee of the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) for not enhancing the ex-gratia relief since 1991.

A LOAD OFF THEIR BACKS Many Goan Traditional Occupations (GTO’s) are under threat and in the fiftieth year of Goa’s liberation Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has recognized one such community, bhadels. They have long been silent foot soldiers, carrying loads to and from shops and other places. The one time compensation of Rs 25,000 for their honesty and integrity has not come a day too soon.

TEAM HERALD reports Coincidentally, it was Chief heir honesty, integrity Chief Minister has anand trustworthiness nounced a one-time compen- Minister Digambar Kamat has finally received sation package of Rs 25,000 who had presided over a due recognition from the gov- for each of the bhadels – function to recognize the ernment. At long last, the whose numbers have been services and virtues of the Bhadels (women load carri- on the decline over the years. bhadels over a decade ago at Herald had highlighted the the initiative of freedom ers) – part and parcel of the business activity in the state’s plight of these bhadels a fighter Gurunath Kelekar commercial capital – has month ago, having toiled and convenor of women’s been recognized by the hard over the decades in the rights NGO Auda Viegas.

Says Auda Viegas: “I conDigambar Kamat govern- state’s commercial hub, ment for the virtues of hon- many of whom have retired gratulate the government for long ago without any social thinking about the bhadels esty and integrity. community. The bhadels cerIn his budget speech, the security benefits.

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But, the Diwali message of Serang’s predecessor, late Dr Leo Barnes in NUSI letter dated November 1998 clearly states that two important benefits, namely pension and family medical assistance are under consideration.

In fact, Dr Barnes in his message had categorically stated that seamen will start getting pension amounting to Rs 1000-1500 per month.

Dr Leo’s successor and incumbent NUSI general secretary, Serang says that NUSI had been consistently demanded with SWFS for an enhancement of the monthly ex-gratia monetary assistance and their families on grounds that the amount has not been increased since 1991.

But, president of Goan Retired Seafarers Welfare Association Ifrona Dias begged to differ. “NUSI has done nothing to solve their problem of increasing the monthly exgratia relief for the last 11 years. The Union now says a Task Force has been appointed to discuss the demand with the National Shipping Board. Why was the Task Force not constituted 11 years ago when the Union was very well aware of the plight of the seafarers”, Dias questioned.

Santosh Mirajkar

A group of bhadels taking an afternoon siesta at the New Market area of the commercial capital. tainly deserves praise and financial package. They have toiled hard over the years and faced adversities”.

Freedom fighter Gurunath Kelekar echoed similar sentiments: “I am extremely happy that the government has recognized the bhadels. I

have no doubt that not only the bhadels, but even the business community will also be happy when they come to know about the government’s financial package for this community”.

Kelekar made it quite clear that the government is not just

recognizing the hard work and toil of the bhadels, but the recognition is more for their honesty and integrity. “These bhadels are Niz Goenkars, the original Goans. The virtues of sincerity, trustworthiness needs to be emulated from the bhadels”, he added.

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Bill on crematorium this session: Govt HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 18 : Goa government will introduce a Bill during the ongoing state Legislative Assembly session on the public crematorium for each and every community across the state.

The Assembly today unanimously passed the resolution tabled by Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar demanding legal provision for proper burial grounds and crematorium to each and every community within the reasonable distance.

Speaking on the floor of the house, Kamat said that people from certain communities are demanding such

public spaces as there are often issues regarding crematorium or burial grounds.

“We will introduce Bill in this regard in the ongoing assembly session,” Kamat assured. The Chief Minister also assured that the issue of electric crematorium will also be examined by the state government.

Introducing the resolution, Parrikar had demanded that electric crematorium be set up as many people are conscious about environment.

The leader of opposition said that electric crematorium can be set up in Panjim, if there is opposition in other parts of the state.

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Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

Mickky Pacheco alleged a South Goa panch was being protected by police after he was involved in death of a girl at AquemBaixo. The accused was booked under the same sections that of his after her father complained, but he was not arrested.

We will introduce Bill on public crematorium in the ongoing assembly session. also the issue of electric crematorium will also be examined by the state government.

-- Chief Minister Digambar Kamat

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a detail survey identifying number of bogus beneficiaries will be carried out before renewing the scheme. More then one lakh people have benefited through this scheme till now.

-- Chief Minister Digambar Kamat

Land acquisition policy in final stages, says CM HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 18 : Chief Minister Digambar Kamat told Goa Assembly on Friday that the government was on the verge of finalising policy for land acquisition and under which it would consider giving jobs to persons affected by land acquisition.

The Chief Minister made the statement after Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar pointed out that jobs were promised to locals when land was acquired for building Mapusa district hospital.

“The locals had opposed the land acquisition being it a play ground but gave in after they were promised jobs in the hospital,” said opposition leader when the issue came up before House during Question Hour on Friday.

“I had promised jobs o locals when land was acquired during my regime however subsequent government did

not bother to keep the promise,” he said.

The original question was raised by Fatorda MLA Damu Naik pertaining to South Goa District Hospital.

Earlier, responding to a query raised by Fatorda MLA Damu Naik, the Chief Minister had informed the House that he has promised to give jobs to farmers’ families whose land was acquired for building hospital.

Upon which Parrikar as well as Narvekar urged the chief minister similar benefit be extended to people affected in Mapusa.

They felt that similar yardstick be applied when government buys land from public for projects.

Earlier Chief Minister told the House that the hospital will be completed by the end of this year. While initial value of work order was Rs 92 crore , it has increased to Rs 192 crore.

He also clarified that the government has not taken

any decision to operate it on Public Private Project (PPP) mode.

Mapusa District Hospital: The Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said he would work out modalities upon consulting with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to start new district hospital in Mapusa as Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar warned the government that they will not allow Mapusa hospital to run on PPP mode.

Parrikar questioned the purpose of having PPP mode for Mapusa when more than half of the staff had been recruited Currently, seven types of services are offered in old Asilo hospital, Parrikar said as he demanded that the government should immediately shift these facilities in the new hospital.

The Opposition Leader urged the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to visit the old hospital to see pathetic condition of the hospital.

PANJIM, MARCH 18: Agriculture Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday said seven to eight more outlets for selling locally grown vegetables will be opened by April 30 even as he acknowledged that Goa State Horticulture Corporation (GSHC) Ltd, has not done enough in promoting local vegetable production in the State.

He made the statement while replying to a question tabled by Canacona MLA, Vijay Pai Khot during Question Hour on Friday.

Canacona MLA highlighted that GSHC Ltd, buys very little vegetables from local vegetable farmers and also there are no enough outlets catering local farmers.

Since 2009-2010 GSHC has been purchasing vegetables from farmers at Tonca Caranzalem whereas two centers were specially

Suspend MD, demands Parrikar HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 18: The Opposition today came down heavily on the Goa State Horticulture Corporation (GSHC) Ltd, alleging corruption in purchase of vegetables.

Raising the issue during “Question Hour” on Friday, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar demanded that managing director of GSHC be suspended.

He said GSHC charged 21 per cent more on its sale of vegetables even as it received subsidy of 53 per cent on purchases in the last two years.

Quoting figures from the written reply submitted by Agriculture Minister Vishwajit Rane, Parrikar pointed out a difference of Rs 1.5 crore, in purchases and sale of onions. He sought to know where the difference has gone.

Referring to the Chief Minister’s statement in the House earlier, wherein he was reported to have said onion was sold at Rs 25 per kg when onion prices escalated, Opposition Leader pointed out that during that period GSHC figures indicate that sale price was high.

Quoting figures from minister’s reply, Opposition Leader sought to know whether the Goa assembly is being taken for a ride and demanded action against the concerned officer.

Mickky blasts police for harassing tourists

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 18 : Tongue lashing the state government on the floor of the House, former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco said that tourists are worried to visit Goa as they are harassed by the police.

Pacheco said that Indian domestic tourists and foreigners are afraid to visit Goa because of the harassment meted out to them by the state police.

The former tourism minister, participating in the discussion on the general budget, accused tourism department of not providing basic amenities on the beaches.

“The beaches are shabby.

They are littered with the garbage. Moreover, there are no basic facilities like roads, taps, showers and changing rooms on the beaches,”

Pacheco said.

Benaulim MLA said that the number of tourists arriving in the statewillgodownfurther, if government does not fix these problems. “I don’t know where the tourism will head now,” he commented.

Recalling the trauma he faced after being indicted in Nadia Torrado death case, Pacheco alleged a South Goa based panch member was being protected by police after he was involved in death of a girl at AquemBaixo.

“The girl committed suicide by hanging herself. The accused was booked under the same sections that of mine after her father complained to the police. But he was not arrested by police bowing to the pressures of his godfather,” the former tourism minister said.

Pacheco had spent 16 days in police and judicial custody after being arrested in Torrado death case.

He said that there will be law and order issue in South Goa, if police continues dilly dallying on arrest of the accused.

Pacheco, who has moved a notice to the speaker seeking time to deliberate in the house on crucial issue of Right To Education (RTE), said that Konkani and Marathi as medium of instruction will hinder the employment opportunities for the youths in the state.

“Goan youths are getting the edge outside state in jobs because of their English speaking skills. We will be stemming their job prospects outside Goa,” he said clarifying that he is not against Marathi or Konkani languages.

The budget placed by the Chief Minister has completely neglected declining milk and fish production in the state,” Mandrekar said adding that there has been no provision towards enhancing the productivity of these two commodities.

Are pictures lying?

Rosario Estibeiro

‘Revision of DSSY doles after scrutiny’ HERALD REPORTER

Picture tHiS: Even as legislators go in sleep mode during the budget speech, here is Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar going on a 'shooting' spree before taking a break on Thursday.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 18: The Transport minister Ramakrisna Dhavlikar believes even pictures lie.

No wonder he took objection to photos published in the Herald on Friday, which portrayed boredom of MLAs and ministers as Chief Minister Digambar

GSHC has not done enough to promote local vegetables: Rane HERALD REPORTER

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Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

PANJIM, MARCH 18: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today assured the house that the revision of the remuneration paid to the beneficiaries under Dayanand Samajik Suraksha Yojna (DSSY) would be done only after survey identifying bogus beneficiaries is over.

Kamat said a detail survey identifying number of bogus beneficiaries will be carried out before renewing the scheme.

“More then one lakh people have benefited through this scheme till now,” Kamat said.

Kamat was replying to a private member resolution over hike in DSSY pension moved by Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza.

“The DSSY pension should be doubled from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 along with Kala Sanman and artist’s pension,” the resolution reads.

D’Souza also demanded

that there should be an inbuilt mechanism for automatic increase in pension after every three years considering the inflation and rise of price index.

Even after chief minister’s assurance, D’Souza refused to withdraw the resolution.

The opposition benches sought division of house after it was noticed that majority of legislators from ruling benches were not in their seat.

The speaker allowed division after ringing the bell calling the members in the house.

The resolution was still defeated by 15 versus 14 votes although two legislators Mickky Pacheco and Dayanand Narvekar stood up in favour of the resolution.

Earlier, the house also passed the resolution over upgradation of Bicholim police station building on priority basis, which was moved

by Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar.

Kamat made his lengthy budget speech. He claimed that he was not sleeping -just resting, closing his eyes so also may be other MLAs were seen in poor light.

“It was not right on the part of the newspaper to publish such pictures,” he told the House as he made his point after “Question Hour” on Friday with a

hope that Speaker Pratapsing Rane reprimands the Newspaper photographer.

But alas! The Speaker advised the members to be careful and sit properly in the House.

“I have got installed two screens in the House showing you, so take care how to sit,” said Rane as he rebuffed Transport Minister.

State PSUs lose Rs 200 cr

Arrest mine owners involved in illegal mining : Narvekar

HERALD REPORTER

open in September 2010 for the purpose, Minister told the House. However, he also pointed out that response to its schemes has not been good.

But Opposition MLAs including Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar pointed out that the problem lies with GSHC and not with farmers. The GSHC is already running a scheme where in it offers subsidy of Rs 40000 per hecter for farmers growing vegetables.

The Opposition MLAs also wondered why the vegetable production has not increased in correspondence to introduction of the scheme.

Canacona MLA insisted that the scheme has to be properly implemented which he said, is not happening now. The CM in its budget speech on Thursday had announced a fresh scheme targeting women and self-help-groups, who will receive subsidy of 80000 for two hectares.

PANJIM, MARCH 18: Even though Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are playing a major role in Goa’s economy, it has incurred losses to the tune of Rs 200 crore, approximately due to various deficiencies.

The latest report of the Comptroller and Auditor General Report tabled on the floor of the House of the Legislative Assembly for the year ending March 2010, reveals that even as the investments (capital and long term loans) in 17 PSUs was Rs 527.56 crore, it has incurred losses to the tune of Rs 200.67 crore.

“The State PSU losses were controllable with better management. This there was tremendous scope to improve the functioning and minimize/eliminate loses,” CAG says.

It has even advised that the PSUs can discharge their role effectively only if they are financially self reliant.

Milk, fish neglected in Budget: MLA

Budget has not taken into account ground reality, feels Parrikar

HERALD REPORTER

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 18 : Mandrem MLA Dayanand Mandrekar accused state governmentoffailingtoaddress issues of dwindling milk and fish production in the state in the recently placed budget.

“The budget placed by the Chief Minister has completely neglected declining milk and fish production in the state,” Mandrekar said adding that there has been no provision towards enhancing the productivity of these two commodities.

BJP legislator was talking while participating in the discussion on general budget. The MLA pointed out that as per the available statistics; the total milk production has decreased by almost 20,000 litres in last five years while fisheries saw a drop of 15.8 percent.

PANJIM, MARCH 18: Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar said that the growth projected in the recent state budget is largely in the tertiary sector, is leading Goa to a dark hole.

Discussing on the general budget on the floor of the house, Parrikar said that budget has a ‘feel good factor’ as it is filled with ‘good concepts.’ “But it has not taken into consideration the ground reality that the growth is only in the tertiary and mining sectors,” he said.

“Tertiary sector comprises of financial institutes, insurance companies, hotel industry, construction and building activity,” he said adding that there is 20 percent growth in this sector.

HERALD REPORTER

protected although they are mining in the forest areas.

“If they are involved in ilPANJIM, MARCH 18 : legal mining, why is that Aldona MLA Dayanand none of them are arNarvekar demanded arrested? Rs 1000 crore worth rest of the mine owners, illegal mining who are inexists but no volved in the mining effect! one is arillegal mining Almost 60 percent of mines are below rested,” he activity in the water table. If the state government pointed out. state. wants, it can stop these mines immediIn his speech, Participatately,” Dayanand Narvekar said.

Narvekar furing in the disther said that cussion on the general budget, Narvekar the union budget, there was the state government should said that if state govern- immediate reaction by the bring accountability bill which will put a deadline for ment wants, it can stop 60 mine owners.

“But the actual thing is the file movement in the per cent of the mines that state government is sub- government offices. within a day.

“I had requested to bring “Almost 60 percent of sidizing the mining industhe bill of accountability. All mines are below water table. try,” he alleged.

“The company like Sesa the files will be cleared If state government wants, it can stop these mines imme- Goa has Rs 6980 crore within stipulated time,” he turnover from their mining said adding that the accountdiately,” Narvekar said.

In his 40-minute-long activity in Goa. Why should ability starts right from the speech, Narvekar termed they be bothered with the 15 top.

“If minister does not clear Congress-led government as percent hike in the export ‘government for the mine duty?” Narvekar ques- file within seven days, fine of Rs owners and by the mine tioned.

Pointing out to the reply 1,000 per day should be owners.’

“I cannot say this govern- on the floor of the house, he imposed on the minister,” ment is of the mine owners said that 19 mine owners are Narvekar demanded.

This growth comes at the cost of destruction, Parrikar quipped.

Analyzing the financial

because there are people like me who are fighting against illegal mines in the assembly,” he quipped.

Narvekar said that when export duty was increased in

“We had asked the question in the session but they have not been able to give us name of the lowest bidder,”

budget tirade Making allegations in the process to appoint consultant for Mopa Greenfield airport, the leader of opposition pointed out that for last six months, the state government has not been able to reveal who is the lowest bidder. parameters, Parrikar said that the loan liability has crossed the danger mark. He said that in last five years, the loan liability has gone upto Rs 6,650 crore.

Making allegations in the process to appoint consultant for Mopa Greenfield airport, the leader of opposition pointed out that for last six months, the state government has not been able to reveal who is the lowest bidder.

he said.

Parrikar also criticized state government for failing to declare its land acquisition policy, which was supposed to be out by December.

“I have cutting of the newspapers in which government had said that the policy would be announced

by December and later in January,” he said.

The former chief minister claimed that the budget is error-ridden.

“They claim that 1,000 ha land was brought under horticulture but if you look at replies tabled today, they are still purchasing the vegetables from outside the state in large number,” he said.

“With 1,000 ha land under cultivation, Rs 15 crores worth vegetables should have been grown,” he observed. “The milk production which was 1.87 thousand litres earlier has now come down to 1.27 lakh thousand litres daily,” he said.

Parrikar said that the agricultural growth is directly related to the mining industry.

“Mining is killing agriculture. Excessive mining should be capped. 30 million metric tones is our capacity… we are exporting 45 million metric tones,” he said.

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goa

CAG pulls up government for inefficient handling of PDS HERALD REPORTER

records were not maintained to ensure proper monitoring of sugar distribution.

The audit scrutiny also reveals that in Ponda taluka itself, five retailers were supplied 16,480 liters of kerosene per month as against the entitlement of 14,128 liters per month based on the number of cards attached. The Civil Supplies department though failed to give reasons for the excess supply of 2,352 litres per month.

Coming to bad quality of foodgrains, in the beneficiaries’ survey conducted by Audit jointly with the Food & Drugs department, it was found that 26 percent beneficiaries complained of poor quality of foodgrains.

“Improper maintenance of records for issue of ration cards and stock of blank ration cards have come to fore as Rs 27-lakh collected by Talathis in 2008 against the issue of new ration cards are not remitted to the government account,” CAG adds.

“

If North Goa people have voted for the government then why there is no representation to them? Is this South Goa leaders’ government?

— Dayanand Narvekar

Russian rape case: accused moves for bail HERALD REPORTER

Santosh Mirajkar

MARGAO, MARCH 18: The

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report has come down heavily on the State Government on inefficient handling of Public Distribution System (PDS).

The audit report tabled in the legislative assembly for the year ending March 2010 highlights the delay in distribution of food grains, short supply of open market rice, irregularities in distribution of kerosene and even non-testing of quality of food grains.

The CAG report says that due to procedural lapses by the Civil Supplies department, cardholders were delayed in receiving food grains.

The scrutiny revealed that since payments to FCI were made much late, talukas was unable to issue permits to Fair Price Shops who were hence unable to lift the food grains in time.

“The government had admitted the delay after which

Mandur health centre will be upgraded: Rane

2 Manipur youths S Goa leaders make up most of Cabinet: Narvekar die in mishap

HERALD REPORTER

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 18: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane today assured the state Assembly that the department will send the proposal for renovate and upgrade the rural health centre at Mandur by Monday, next week.

Replying to the private member resolution moved

by St Andre legislator Fransisco Silveira, Rane said that the upgradation of hospitals and health centers are taken up in phases.

“I consider this (Mandur health centre) as a part of GMC,” the Health Minister said adding that Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation has been asked to take up the work.

The resolution was withdrawn after the Health Minister assurance on the floor of the house. Rane said that Government of India has assured to provide Rs 50 crore under National Health Mission (NHM) for the upgradtion of health facilities in Goa.

PANJIM, MARCH 18: Senior Congress legislator Dayanand Narvekar today alleged that state government has harbouring a regional bias by giving more priority to South Goa than the North counterpart.

“There is no regional representation in the cabinet.

There are 8 ministers from South Goa while only three are from North,” Narvekar said on the floor of the House participating in the general discussion on budget.

Aldona MLA criticizing the state government’s functioning questioned why preferential treatment is given to South Goa when even North Goans have voted for the government during last election.

“If North Goa people have voted for the government then why there is no representation to them? Is this South Goa leaders’ government?” Narvekar, who had

There is no regional representation in the cabinet. There are 8 ministers from South Goa while only three are from North -- Narvekar to step down from the cabinet in 2008, said.

Narvekar said that there are several Congress leaders like Agnelo Fernandes, Victoria Fernandes, Pandurang Madkaikar and others who are eligible to get inducted in the state cabinet.

He claimed that with such bias, entire development process gets affected.

Demanding that there should be ban on the government jobs in the year 2012, Narvekar demanded that all the recruitments should be done by Goa Public Service Commission (GPSC).

Former Law Minister said that maximum jobs are gifted to the people from

Areal locals force VP to postpone inspection of housing project HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 18: Residents of Sao Jose de Areal village stormed into the village Panchayat on Friday and stopped the proposed inspection of the mega housing project of Om Sai Developers scheduled this morning.

Residents marched to the Panchayat ghar in a morcha to question acting Sarpanch Vincy Mascarenhas why the panchayat has fixed inspection of the housing complex without intimating the inspection committee constituted by the gram sabha.

They demanded postponement of the inspection and place the matter before the gram sabha meeting scheduled on Sunday.

A villager Freddy

Travasso charged the Panchayat body for trying to hold the inspection of the housing project without the knowledge of the residents.

He said the villagers have been opposing the project on account of a host of glaring irregularities, including the fact that the area in question falls within the command area of the Selaulim irrigation project.

Travasso said the residents have been opposing the project compromising of 180 flats and four bungalows.

The Acting Sarpanch informed that the inspection fixed today has been postponed bowing to the wishes of the villagers, who demanded that the inspection should be done along with the inspection committee.

Meanwhile, the Sao Jose

de Areal Villagers Union has asked the village Panchayat and the Town and Country Planning department to revoke all licenses issued to Om Sai developers for construction of residential complex at Nessai.

In a notice, the Union maintained that the construction has been allegedly done in an area falling under the command area of the Selaulim Irrigation project as per letter dated May 17, 2006 issued by the Superintending Engineer, Margao to Additional Collector-II, South.

Quoting relevant provisions of Goa Command Development Act, 1997, the Union said that the project does not have the approval of the CAD Board therefore illegal.

The CAG report says that due to procedural lapses by the Civil Supplies department, cardholders were delayed in receiving food grains.

Curtorim police bust betting racket, arrest two

payments were made well in advance from September 2010 so that quota could reach cardholders in time,” CAG says.

In an alleged scam, the CAG pointed out that the department in October 2007 roped in Goa Co-operative Marketing and Supply Federation Limited (GCMSFL) to supply rice to people above poverty level (APL).

However, the GCMSFL failed to provide the prescribed quota, depriving more than one-lakh beneficiaries from availing the benefit. Action however could not be taken against the corporation for short supply as the government had not entered into any agreement.

Similarly, the Government did not enter into any agreement with the agency supplying and distributing sugar, as a result of which 2,027 cardholders from Salcete and Sanguem talukas were deprived of sugar under the PDS between 2005 and 2010. So also,

PANJIM, MARCH 18 : The

Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

accused in the Russian women rape case, John Fernandes has moved the South Goa Sessions court for bail.

His lawyer Adv Amit Palyekar moved the bail application before the court of Additional Sessions Judge, Vijaya Pol on Friday on grounds that the examination of the victim girl and her Russian female friend stands completed.

Moreover, Adv Palyekar pointed out in the bail plea that the Supreme Court directions to dispose off the trial within six months has expired on March 17, and hence prayed for bail to his client.

Hearing on the bail plea will come up before the Sessions court on March 24.

Adv Palyekar said the victim girl and her female friend has been examined by the court, adding that only the investigation officers now remain to be examined by the court.

The raiding police team along with the accused arrested in gambling at Rumdamol.

Gorakhal raided the flat and HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 18: Maina Curtorim police swooped down on a flat at RumdamolDavorlim housing board on Friday evening and busted a betting syndicate accepting bets vis-à-vis the ongoing World Cup cricket matches.

Acting on a tip off that bets are accepted over the phone, a team of Maina Curtorim Police station incharge, PI Sidhant Shirodkar, PSIs Paresh Naik and Suraj Samant and policemen Krishna, Damu Gawde and

HERALD REPORTER South Goa. “Educated Goan youths are not getting the jobs but those who come with the political favours do get it,” he said.

“Government giving payment to unemployed is good thing but at the same time it should give proper employment to the youths,” Narvekar said pointing out the scheme announced in the latest state budget.

He demanded that the state government should stop subsidizing higher education to the creamy layer.

“Why is government still subsidizing professional education? See that right from 12th standard creamy layer people should pay for the education,” Narvekar added.

MARGAO, MARCH 18: A tragic accident involving a Dio scooter and a truck on the NH-17 at Karmal ghat on Friday evening left two youngsters from Manipur dead.

The accident occurred at around 6.30 pm when the duo travelling on a Dio scooter were heading towards Margao when the two-wheeler collided with an oncoming Rajasthan registered truck.

Cuncolim PSI Gautam informed that while the pillion rider died on the spot, the rider succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital.

Replying to a question, he said the Cuncolim police have registered a case of unnatural death following the

arrested two persons Deepak Mehta and Imtiaz Kiledar under the Goa Gambling Act. The team also seized five mobile phones, cash of Rs 11,380, a TV set, BSNL modem, keyboard and CPU. PI Shirodkar said the accused used to accept bets via a website. The duo operated from a rented apartment.

They have been arrested under sections 3 & 4 of the Goa Gambling Act and for criminal conspiracy under section 120-B of the IPC. The police are investigating.

death of the two youngsters, aged between 19-20 years.

PSI Gautam said the duo had come from Canacona and were headed towards Margao. They were reportedly working as security personnel, he added. The police were awaiting the relatives of the two deceased persons to complete the formalities. Further investigations are on.

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WEEKENDEDIT

Stopping messing with Goa’s parents

T

he time has come and come now to stop language protagonists from deciding the faith of our children. The issue of which medium of instruction should be imparted to our children, as they grow up to face the world, should rest with parents and parents alone. Have the custodians of Konkani assumed the roles of fathers and mothers of thousands of children, who are at the crossroads of confusion, with Konkani the medium of instruction till class four and then the switch to English?

The inherent and false insecurities of language protagonists should not jeopardise careers and futures. Is Konkani preserved and protected in a nice silver casing and covered with mothballs for posterity, if students are forced to learn it till class four?

Parents in the year 2011 are looking for their children to grow up and compete in a real world. They are looking to their children competing in exams, responding to interviews, applying to colleges around the country and abroad and then embarking on professional careers. And all this happens in English and the whole country realizes this.

Keep this simple and leave it to the parents. Parents who save money and make sacrifices. Allow them to chose one medium of instruction and go with it from class one to ten with Konkani as a compulsory language. And it will be no surprise what that choice will be – English. Just check these facts from schools in Margao. In the Fatima school the strength of the students in class is 117 and goes up to 163 in class five. So there are 46 extra seats in class five. In the Loyola school, the strength in class four goes up from 100 to 189 in class five – an increase of 89 seats. These additional seats, according to the management of both schools are filled by students from expensive English medium schools like Manovikas and Vidya Vikas Academy etc.

So this is the reality check. Parents enroll their students in expense private English medium schools to avoid forcing them to learn Konkani till class four and then transfer them to cheaper aided schools like Fatima and Loyola in class five when the medium of instruction is English. There is a clear writing on the wall, on the blackboard, on text books and everywhere else. English is the preferred medium of instruction with no offence or affect to the mother tongue which will continue to be taught and preserved.

Underlying all this is a tinge of hypocrisy as well. Politicians across Goa have not even spared education as a tool for political mileage, rising up in support of the mother tongue when it suits the only to become English babus when delegations from Parent Teacher Associations threaten mass agitations. Most politicians, especially the ones from Salcette, including those who have raised the banner of Konkani as a medium of instruction have allowed their children to study in posh all-English schools. They have all made these choices as parents. If they have done so as parents, why are playing with the futures of children of countless other parents?

It is this ‘otherisation’ which is despicable. Politicians keep their children out of the debate by sending them to a private universe of education, untouched by their political compulsions, leaving other humble fathers and mothers in a take it or leave it situation.

There are countless stories of children of drivers, guards, domestic helps who save up money to give their children English education. It’s a choice they make. Why should that choice not be given to them?Let us also make no mistake that the government is making conciliatory noises and getting pushed to taking a decision favouring the PTAs and even the sections of the church because this is election year and this is a huge emotive issue. You can arguably play around by not giving power or water or have a shoddy public distribution system, you can take kickbacks for government projects, but try playing with a parent who sees his child’s future getting stymied year after year and you are in trouble. This trouble will come to the doorstep of every minister and MLA and will refuse to go away till you give them the only compensation they crave, for the troubles inflicted on them – choice.

Don’t give them this and they will make another choice. To throw this government out.

Most politicians, especially the ones from Salcette, including those who have raised the banner of Konkani as a medium of instruction have allowed their children to study in posh all-English schools.

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Vol. No CXI No. 077 I Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

It’s rather unfortunate that until now, except for Parra, none of the panchayats, have availed of these schemes. The annual fund budgeted for the purpose therefore goes unutilized.

– Patricia Pinto

PEOPLE’SEDIT

BUSINESSINCORPORATED

Credit Rating for SMEs

T

he Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) occupy an important position in any developing economy. The SME sector is the backbone of Indian economy in terms of generating employment opportunities, boosting exports, attaining widespread growth and making innovative value additions to the manufacturing and services sector. Fast changing global economic scenario has thrown up many opportunities and challenges to Small and Medium Enterprises in India.

For the SME sector, credit ratings can provide an important impetus in raising standards through better financial discipline, disclosure and governance practices.

Feedback from larger enterprises show that managements feel credit ratings provide value that goes well beyond the credit rating symbol. In the SME sector too, ratings can be an important feedback tool for managements. A rating exercise can help SMEs understand better what initiatives they need to take to improve their operating and financial positions.

As a step in this direction, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India has introduced a Credit Rating Subsidy Scheme for the SMEs. The Scheme is implemented through National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and a subsidy upto a maximum

atul P naik of 75per cent of the fee charged by the rating agency, subject to a certain ceiling, is reimbursed under the scheme. The Small Scale units are at liberty to select any of the rating agencies empanelled under the rating scheme with NSIC. With the Government exploring ways to facilitate easier credit to Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs too should make some effort so that they are able to get loans easily without running from pillar to post. And one such initiative which they can take up is getting themselves rated.

In spite of all the advantages and efforts from the Ministry of MSME, very few SMEs go for credit rating. It is perhaps lack of awareness or fear on the part of SMEs to reveal and share reliable financial and operational information of their business with the credit rating agency. Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) in collaboration with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and SME Rating Agency of India Ltd., (SMERA) has conducted workshops on credit rating for the benefit of SMEs in Goa. Around 60 SMEs have been covered in these workshops.

So undertaking credit and performance rating from a reputed and accredited independent rating agency, is energy rightly spent.

SMEs should do away with the fear that they may not get a good rating and come out and be counted. They need to understand that with a rating, bank and other financial organizations will be more comfortable while dealing with them and it will also reduce the interest rates payable by a couple of points.

SMEs also need to look from the point of view of the bank. For banks, lending to a rated SME would reduce their capital charge as against lending to an unrated SME. In addition, banks need to have a benchmark to compare their own credit assessment.

So credit rating seems to be the only possible route. And what’s more, 75 per cent of the cost as subsidy through the National Small Industries Corporation is being given by the government for getting a credit rating for the first time. The Government of Goa have announced in the 2011 budget, a subsidy scheme for obtaining credit rating to SMEs. So let us hope that more and more SMEs go for credit rating now.

Atul P Naik hails from a business family of textile merchants from Margao. He is the CEO of Precitech Components, Honda and the immediate past President of Goa State Industries Association (GSIA)

CHAKACHAK

Talking Garbage

L

ast month I was introduced to a lady living in a village close to Panjim. “Patricia enjoys talking garbage” said my friend. The lady laughed “Me too,” she said and went on to add, “people have absolutely no civic sense. They chuck their garbage out on the streets. Why can’t they be like me? I collect all my waste in a plastic bag and everyday on my way to work I put it in the Panjim bins”. “But, wait a minute , Panjim is a bin free city.” I said, and all garbage bins have been removed. “No yaar, not the big garbage bins,” she said, “I use those coloured litter bins fixed on poles along the streets”.

It’s no wonder that Sachin Ambe, head of the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) Waste Management Cell, decided to remove all the litter bins from the streets of Panjim. In fact, it’s only after Mandi Watson, Destination Manager of Thomas Cook mentioned at one of our Chaka Chak Goa presentations, that tourists walking along Panjim streets were facing a problem disposing of their litter like wrappers, tissues etc, I requested Mr Ambe to consider reinstalling the litter bins.

Patricia Pinto I explained to the lady that Panjim’s litter bins are not meant for household garbage but only small litter and her waste ought to be collected by her panchayat. “But what do I do if they do not bother to collect our garbage?” She said.

I immediately gave her my cell number, asked her to arrange for a meeting with her sarpanch and get back at the earliest. I’m still waiting for her call.

The Chaka Chak Goa team is working towards putting a system of waste collection in place in every village, through the Garbage Management Committee set up by the local panchayat. This Committee is required to be formed under the Goa Non-biodegradable Garbage (Control)Act, 1996, which comprises citizens, panch members, Sanitary Inspector and the local MLA as ex-officio member.

We explain to the committee, the system that can be put in place by availing

of the schemes offered by the Government, as well as the rules in force on plastic waste.

It’s rather unfortunate that until now, except for Parra, none of the panchayats, have availed of these schemes. The annual fund budgeted for the purpose therefore goes unutilized.

Since the launching of our campaign on January 26, 2011, we have interacted with various Panchayats, and the results have been encouraging from the Village Panchayats of Socorro, Merces and St Cruz. Arch K D Sadhale, Viswas Korgaonkar and Clinton Vaz are working tirelessly in areas around Ponda, Pernem and South Goa. It was encouraging to receive a call last Monday from an active garbage committee member of Chorao Village Panchayat, who has set her mind to free the beautiful island of Chorao from garbage litter. She has already spoken to her sarpanch who seemed very positive and is calling for a garbage management committee meeting very shortly.

The good news is that, it’s not only me who is talking garbage, but of late many others are also using the G word.

The Jaitapur nuclear plant Joaquim correia-afonso

T

he supposedly people-friendly Congress government at the centre is moving ahead with plans to build the world’s largest nuclear power project on an earthquake hotspot, putting millions of Indians at risk. Jaitapur, near Ratnagiri in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, where the project will come up, is said to be located bang in a seismic zone susceptible to very strong seismic activity.

The Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh says that the Centre was open to putting additional environmental safeguards in place to protect the proposed nuclear reactors in Jaitapur. Didn’t Japan, a technologically advanced country, put sufficient safeguards in place to prevent a catastrophe?

There were 92 earthquakes in 20 years in Jaitapur, which is an average of over four per year. According to scientists, the ground there is unstable.

There is no guarantee that the government’s safeguards will protect the people and the ecologically sensitive Konkan coast from a nuclear disaster.

One of the residents of a village 20 Km from Jaitapur remembers that the earth shook and the road outside his house just vanished, forming a gorge. What if the earth shakes again and the ground below the nuclear plant caves in?

Even with the additional safeguards that will be put in place, will the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant withstand the impact of large natural disasters, such as tsunamis and earthquakes? The proposed energy park is particularly dangerous as the gigantic nuclear development will rely on a brand new type of mega-reactor that has not been approved for use anywhere in the world. The plant would, moreover, be an environmental disaster, destroying one of India’s greatest natural landscapes, destroying the habitats of tigers, elephants and thousands of other species.

Isn’t the government being irresponsible and insensitive to the interests of the local people by persisting with the project, despite knowing very well the problems that it may create, the ecological destruction that it will bring about, as against its advantages? Why should this controversial project continue? Why not give it up?

Even an advanced country like Germany has already decided to decommission almost half of its nuclear plants, reversing a controversial decision to expand its nuclear programme. Isn’t it time for India to make the same decision? Or are there some kickbacks that prevent kicking out the project?

WEEKEND INBOX Self oriented budget The budget proposed by the Finance Minister not other than Chief Minister is self oriented and not growth oriented. A huge amount of commission awaits the Chief Minister and the Education Minister through the proposed scheme of supply of laptops to students of Std XI. The cost of petrol and diesel has already reached the highest peak under the Congress government at the Centre and the 2 per cent increase of the existing cost of petrol and diesel by the Goa Finance Minister is too much for the common man. The budget speech of the Chief Minister was boring, as evidenced in the pictures of sleeping MLAs and ministers during the budget session.

(Herald, 18 Mar).

Marcos Alemao, by email

Panjim is getting cleaner We can already see Panjim getting cleaner, the gutters in the city are being cleaned…and on enquiry, the supervisor said they will be going all around. Dropping of the alleged scamsters was a huge step towards cleaning up Panjim. The heat generated by prominent citizens of Panjim has made elected leaders conscious of the fact that that corruption will not to be tolerated.

The very news of induction of Ms. Patricia with no strings of interference attached, is making us breathe easier. I am sure most of us citizens will rush to her call and participate in the clean-up process. Babush has promised clean

governance, and a clean city. We all look forward to this. Transparency in the functioning of the CCP, with regular updates on the website of the decisions, and works proposed and carried out, will make things cleaner. We also pray that politics and politicians will become clear, because that is where conscience ultimately leads all to, some day.

Raj Vaidya, Panaji

Tipping the scales This writer is teaching at the +2 level for the past 21 years.

Is English an unknown or foreign language to Goa? Is English not the language used for all purposes in the entire country? Is Konkani equipped with the vocabulary to explain even simple concepts in mathematics and science? Can

a student is who is suddenly introduced to English medium as late as in the 5th standard, attain command over good English which is required to enable him to study in higher classes?

Now if the RTE is adopted then constitutionally under the Grant in Aid Code a school with any medium of instruction should be entitled for full government aid.

Anthony Alvares, Navelim

LOO misses the bus With the CCP elections going the Babush way, it is now time for the winds of change to sweep Goa’s capital city, Panjim. On his election rally, Babush clearly and cleverly chanted his slogan…

Chalo Panjim and with the CCP results now out, political pundits have retorted

that the doors to Panjim are now open for change.

My heart goes out to the Leader of Opposition (LOO), Manohar Parrikar that despite floating ‘fly by night’ NGOs and roping in people of credit and repute, he didn’t manage to get a stronghold in his very own constituency.

But at the eve of every election, Parrikar targets the casinos…one wonders whether it is an extortion gimmick or a pressure tactic. After the elections, casinos can breathe easy.

Parrikar is well known to be putting his foot in his mouth every time as he praises his opponents now and would not hesitate to denounce them later.

The LOO has also gone soft on the non-performing and corrupt Kamat government and the one who had expressed apprehensions on Naxalites in

Goa in the past, has stopped short on commenting on illegal mines.

I think the time is come for Parrikar to seek political asylum away from Goa. Cedric Da Costa, Margao

Revamp Goa’s education system Referring to “English medium issue comes knocking” (Herald, 17 March) it is time our politicians realise that one needs to study in English like every where else. Besides, the curriculum must include the study of Portuguese, and law. The performance at the tenth standard will enable the students to gain entry at the college level (XI and XII) for Arts, Science or Commerce.

Anthony Fernandes, Mapusa

F or l et ter s to the e di tor co nta ct us at edi tor weeken d@her al d- go a. com Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001.

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goa SNAPSHOT CRG wants judges reinstated Panjim: Children’s Rights in Goa in a press release says in spite of the unanimous demand of the Bar Association of Goa and the resolution passed at public meetings attended by respected citizens from all over Goa demanding the withdrawal of the suspension of judges Anuja Prabhudesai and Desmond D’Costa, no positive action has been taken to date.

The press release further states, what do we tell our children? – that conscientious and honest professionals are rewarded with ‘suspensions’? A child watching the news about Judge Desmond’s suspension asks “did this uncle do something wrong?” his mother has a tough time explaining that such bad things can happen to good people – she has an even tougher time explaining that upright judges can be treated unjustly. CRG urges the powers that be to stop making a mockery of our justice system and to immediately reinstate Judge Desmond D’Costa and Judge Anuja Prabhudesai, adds the press release.

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao felicitated at the hands of Governor S S Sidhu for his immense contribution in the development of sports in the state.

Lenten drama at Sanguem

Panjim: Sacred Heart of Jesus Art and Cultural group of Vaddem, Sanguem will be presenting its first Lenten drama ‘Mogan Seva Korunk’ in collaboration with Tiatr Academy of Goa, directed by Parish Priest Fr Tadeo D’Silva, SFX and written by Rozario Leitao, which will be staged on March 20 at 7 pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus, Vaddem, Sanguem.

Interview at GU Panjim: A walk–in-interview will be held on March 25 at 2.30 pm in the Department of Physics, Goa University, for the post of temporary Research Assistant, to work on research project titled “Non-Invasive Glucometer (Phase II)” funded by ICMR. The candidates should be M.Sc in Electronics/BE Electronics with minimum 55% marks.

Homage paid to victims of Japan quake HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MARCEL, MARCH 18: Shree Parwadeshwar Maharaj and Shree Bahu Maharaj along with their disciples at the Bethora Muth in Ponda paid homage to the people killed in the natural disaster in Japan.

Shree Parwadeshwar Maharaj said all should pray to those victims and for the souls who have departed in the Japan earthquake and tsunami waves.

A prayer was said and candles were lit in memory of those departed and for early recovery of the injured.

“We have progressed in every field, but controlling earthquake or Tsunami is beyond our reach. We are assembled here to pray for those who have suffered in this natural calamity in Japan. I hope our prayers will give strength to the people of Japan,” said Shree Parwadeshwar Maharaj while addressing the condolence meeting.

Parwadeshwar Maharaj was concerned over growing use of nuclear power and urged people to seriously think over it.

He said that nuclear radiations now posed danger to human life in Japan. “We created nuclear energy. It has got both negative as well positive aspects, the time has come for thinkers to seriously deliberate on this issue,” said Shree Parwadeshwar Maharaj.

Ekvott to perform in India: Faleiro “O Despertar da India”(The Rise of India). It has been published in Portuguese and Spanish languages. Its English edition will be published soon, Faleiro added.

CANACONA, MARCH 18: With Shigmo festival around the corner, elders in Canacona taluka feel that the traditional celebration has now become a subdued affair.

Traditional Shigmo festivities are presently observed all over the State in a long-established manner and they have their own customary practices.

While Pagis (ordinarily known as fishermen community) have their own set of customs, it’s no different with Velips-Gaonkars, Komarpant, Bandekars, Dessai’s and other smaller sects, who too have their own individual roots of celebrations and separate ‘mands’ to observe traditional Shigmo festival.

But in most sects, festivities which are almost interrelated with other groups and going through certain individual rituals are now concerned about the poor participation or lack of knowledge of folk dances practiced by respective community members.

In few localities of Canacona taluka, the customary Shigmo observation by few sects taking out ‘Mel’ has ordinarily commenced beginning last week, while for others the house-to-house visits by drums beating and other traditionally instruments playing groups has commenced as late as this

“

Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro briefing the media on ‘Ekvott’ a group of Goan artistes based in Portugal.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 18: Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro said that the office of Commissioner NRI Affairs has invited ‘Ekvott’ a group of Goan artistes based in Portugal formed more than two decades ago to visit India in the month of June next and perform in association with the Indian Centre for Cultural relations.

Faleiro said, the group consists of about 20 Musicians, singers and dancers. They will perform in Panjim on June 3, Margao on June 4, Bangalore on June 7, Mumbai on June 9 and Delhi on June 11.

Elaborating further to the media at Porvorim, Faleiro

said, the purpose of this group is to make traditional music and dance of Goa such as Dekhni, Dulpod, Dhalo and Mando know to wider audiences and to motivate young generation of Goans born abroad to identify themselves with their ancestral roots and culture.

Faleiro also introduced Prof Euginio Viassa Monteiro a Goan settled in Lisbon. He is the President of Portugal – India Friendship Society in Lisbon and is Head of the Department at the Portuguese Business School. Prof Monteiro is an eminent economist who has written extensively on economic developments and authored several articles, essays and books in Portugal and Spain. His latest book is

Disaster panel constituted Panjim: Government of Goa has constituted the State Executive Committee consisting under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The Committee will be headed by Chief Secretary as Chairperson, Ex-Officio, Secretary (Public Work Department), Secretary (Transport) and Sec-

Thursday.

Incidentally, most of the groups have religious overtones as part of the traditional Shigmo celebrations, partly culminating with ‘Kovul’ given by ‘Avtar-Purush’ who have previously started their journey from religious important places.

However, observing less participation of group members especially missing the enthusiasm among by local youths and lacking of knowledge for performances of folk plays in house courtyards, the elders in individual sects are a worried lot.

retary (Finance) are Members Ex-Officio, Secretary (Revenue) is the Member Secretary, Ex-Officio of the Committee.

The Government has also established the State Disaster Response Fund under the Disaster Management Act.

appointments

All should pray for those victims and for the souls who have departed in the Japan earthquake and tsunami waves.

--- Parwadeshwar Maharaj

NRI can register in electoral roll HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 18: By an amendment to Representation of the People Act, 1950, which has come into effect w.e.f. February 10, 2011, an Indian Citizen who is not residing at his/her place of ordinary residence in India owing to employment, education or otherwise, and has not ac-

AppoIntmEnts

Elders feel Shigmo has lost charm in Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Ekvott consists of about 20 Musicians, singers and dancers. They will perform in Panjim on June 3, Margao on June 4, Bangalore on June 7, Mumbai on June 9 and Delhi on June 11.

-- Eduardo Faleiro

Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

quired citizenship of any other country and who is not included in the electoral roll, is entitled to have his/her name registered in the electoral roll of the constituency of residence

as mentioned in the passport.

Goans who have completed 18 years of age as of on January 1, 2011 can register their names after completing the formalities.

AppoIntmEnts

8

“ biznews

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www.oheraldo.in

SNAPSHOT Infy concerned on IT investment

BANGALORE: IT major Infosys expressed concerns that indirect impact of the Japan nuclear crisis and the unrest in the Middle-East could hit the IT industry.

"Indirect impact is what we all need to think about... demand for oil will increase ...oil prices could go up again. There are concerns over inflation. There are also concerns over disruption of economic activity, a lot of components for the electronic industry, automotive industry all originate from Japan," Infosys CEO Kris Gopalakrishnan said.

He further added that the concern is over whether the "economic activity will come down, GDP growth will come down, which means investments will come down, which could have an impact on the IT industry".

caG pulls up SEBI, IrDa NEW DELHI: Government auditor CAG has rapped five regulators, including SEBI, IRDA and PNGRB, for keeping their surplus funds worth over Rs 2,142 crore collected through fee and penalty outside the Government accounts.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its report has pulled up Securities and Exchange Board of India, Insurance regulatory and Development Authority, Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA), Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board for "contravention of constitutional provision".

Textile merchants sore over tax CUTTACK: Textile merchants of Cuttack city are upset over alleged arm-twisting tactics of sales tax officials who are imposing hefty penalties over non payment of non-existent taxes while importing sarees and cloth materials from outside the State.

The textile merchants claim that sarees and cloth materials do not come under the erstwhile sales tax or the current value added tax (VAT) purview as they are exempted from taxes as per the Goods of Special Importance Act-1957.

"Orissa government is forcing textile merchants to obtain VAT licenses and both registered and unregistered merchants are asked to pay four per cent VAT. And when some merchants refuse to pay taxes citing the relief they have got by the strength of the Act of 1957, they are charged with penalties ranging from five to seven percent," Cuttack Textile Merchant Association secretary Susil Kumar Choudhury said in a press conference.

No compulsion on areva: NpcIL CHENNAI: Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) has said it was under "no compulsion" to sign an agreement with France power major Areva SA for purchase of reactors, insisting that it will buy at terms which are clear and technically acceptable to it.

State-owned NPCIL and Areva had in December last year signed two agreements comprising -- general framework agreement and an early works agreement-- for construction of two of Areva's Evolutionary Power Reactors of 1,650 megawatts each in Maharashtra.

Sensex down 271 points Mumbai, March 18: The BSE Sensex fell 271 points today to close below the 18,000 mark as investors sold stocks, including blue-chip Reliance Industries, over concerns that surging oil prices will stoke inflation and lead to higher interest rates.

The Sensex, dipped 271.06 points to close at 17,878.81 after touching the day's low of 17,849.53, with investors selling oil and gas, auto, realty and banking stocks.

The gauge had lost 208.82 Points yesterday after the RBI increased key rates for the eighth time since last March, and revised upwards inflation forecast to 8 per cent

Lanco will get marginal revenues from Australia's Griffin Coal in this fiscal. It is expected to have significant portion of revenues from the next fiscal.

Suresh Kumar

Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

Tata Motors will hike prices of passenger vehicles from April 1, while Maruti and Hyundai are also mulling a hike.

-- Tata Motors

BOARDROOM

From callow to Kallows

Sachin Ambadoskar

An international Engineering Services Provider with offices located in Goa and in USA, Kallows provides a wide array of contract software engineering services, either onsite or outsourced. Actively developing products for the rapidly growing mobile health marketplace, Kallows is the brain child of young Goan entrepreneur Gajanan Nagarsekar, who shares his experiences with Bharati Pawaskar n Kallows seems like an unusual name. Is there a story behind it?

Callow means young and inexperienced. To sound unique my partner Kevin Greger, who is based in America, and I used K in place of C. And so we have Kallows. It is a trademark registered in the USA. We started in August 2007 in Goa and registered it as a private limited company. Around December 2007 we had it registered in Delaware and are operating from Milwaukee. n You are still a student and an owner of an international company. How does this go together?

After my BE and then MTech in Biomedical Engineering from MIT, I am presently pursuing my PhD at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee with an Electrical Engineering Major and Business Minor. My research is focused on Compressed Sensing in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

I met Kevin Greger at GE Healthcare in Waukehsa

when I was visiting on official work during my tenure at Wipro GE Healthcare in Bangalore – this was for about two months in the third quarter of 2006. Kevin impressed me with his multiple talents and his strong engineering skills. I invited him to Goa. He was studying part-time to be a Patent Attorney and wanted a break. He came to Goa in March 2007 and the idea for Kallows was born.

really big but when we had to hire employees we realised that software services in Goa was a very small market for us to keep the ball rolling.

So in November 2007, Kevin took up consulting with GE Healthcare in Waukesha through Kallows.

Meanwhile I got a job as a researcher at University of California at San Diego. So, we worked out a way to get enough money to do product

KaLLowS projEcTS n Photo Plethysmograph and Pulse Oximeter n Accelerometers/Motion sensors for Fitness and Patient Monitoring n ECG/EKG development, including revolutionary fabric electrodes n Bluetooth wireless bio-sensors for Heart Rate Monitoring n Android applications supporting collection and display of bio-sensor data n You started small and today you’re in a league of your own. How did it happen?

I had some basic startup capital of one lakh rupees and Kevin pitched in as well, so money wise we were not

development and pay our employees. n What kind of work are you into now?

We initially started as a software consulting company specialising in firmware or embedded systems program-

SKY IS THE LIMIT: Gajanan Nagarsekar ming. So our first projects were with NIO at Goa, then GE Healthcare in US. Our product development started on a Motorola smartphone, which was Linux OS based and needed J2ME programming. We realised that the market was moving to Android (OS by Google), so we put over one year of work onto the new platform and made sure we had everything correct. This is where we learnt a lot and hence we are ahead of the game now. Our products are segmented into major categories – Fitness and Diagnostic Monitoring. n Have you clients in Goa? We have completed projects for NIO in Goa, GE Healthcare in US, Presentations and lectures at DlinkGoa, PCCE and VLSI Goa chapter, where the venue was

Goa University. n What are Kallows’ future plans?

We are trying to start field tests for our Diagnostic Monitors by August 2011 and plan to get a fitness product in the market by June 2011. But there is still a lot of work to be done. Also we have the regional collegiate competition coming our way in April hence we will try to do our best. n Comment on future of IT in India and across the globe.

Information is vast and cannot be learnt once; hence one will have to update itself with the latest technologies.

The Internet is the biggest resource, hence I feel small start-ups like Kallows will make a big difference in innovations for the new world.

In India, I feel the curricu-

Reduce stamp duty to limit black money: PM New Delhi, March 18: In order to check flow of black money into real estate sector, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said stamp duty needs to be reduced, a step that realty players welcomed, stating it will bring in more transparency.

"I think as far as black money in real estate is conAban Offshor, 595.75, 600.9, 578, 581.7 Abb Ltd., 742, 754.25, 735, 749.4 Abg Shipyard, 353, 358, 347, 350.25 Acc Limited, 1027, 1034, 1017.8, 1021.1 Adani Enterp, 600.05, 611, 594.4, 600.55 Aditya Birla, 770.45, 772.95, 758.35, 763.55 Allahabad Ba, 211.35, 211.35, 205.85, 207.4 Alstom Proje, 535, 543, 520, 528.7 Ambuja Cemen, 132.55, 134.25, 131.05, 132.45 Andhra Bank, 138.1, 141.35, 136.85, 138.55 Ashok Leylan, 53.1, 53.75, 51.6, 52 Asian Paints, 2588, 2605.05, 2501, 2546.3 Axis Bank Li, 1298, 1300, 1261.1, 1269.2 Bajaj Hindus, 71, 71, 68.3, 68.6 Bank Of Baro, 892.2, 911.8, 891.5, 895.6 Bank Of Indi, 453.4, 453.9, 432.1, 435.55 Beml Limited, 660.15, 679.85, 652.4, 660.05 Bharat Elect, 1668.7, 1668.7, 1620, 1656.7 Bharat Forge, 332, 332, 320.1, 325.2 Bharat Petro, 562.5, 567.9, 555, 558.85 Bharti Airte, 321.9, 323.8, 317.5, 318.65 Bhel, 1969.9, 1976, 1913.3, 1921.5 Bhushan Stee, 441.95, 446.5, 434, 438.6 Biocon Limit, 337.7, 337.7, 323.75, 326.85 Bombay Dyein, 358.4, 363.35, 350.5, 353.1

cerned, unfortunately that is a reality and one way out of this would be to lower the stamp duties," Singh said at the India Today Conclave here.

Replying to a poser on black money transactions in the real estate sector, the Prime Minister said stamp duties in the country are a

Bosch Limite, 6049, 6049, 5925.15, 5956.05 Brigade Ente, 91, 93.9, 89.1, 90.75 Cairn India, 350.4, 351.1, 345, 345.95 Canara Bank, 629, 633.8, 603.1, 608.2 Central Bank, 145, 146.6, 141.6, 142.5 Century Text, 319.65, 322.8, 314, 315.55 Cesc Ltd, 311.5, 315.8, 301, 303.55 Chambal Fert, 70.4, 70.6, 68.5, 68.85 Chennai Petr, 204.05, 206.85, 196.2, 197 Cipla Ltd, 301.5, 301.85, 289.75, 293.05 Colgate Palm, 844.75, 845.25, 820, 824.35 Container Co, 1216, 1253.85, 1152.25, 1187.35 Crompton Gre, 272, 274.1, 262.25, 264.05 Cummins Indi, 663.05, 667.95, 642.15, 647.9 Dabur India, 97, 97.65, 96.1, 97 Deccan Chron, 68.9, 69.95, 65.6, 66.35 Dish Tv Indi, 62.2, 62.5, 61.2, 61.8 Divi’s Labor, 618.05, 628.7, 618.05, 621.15 Dlf Limited, 224.4, 224.4, 219.05, 219.95 Dr. reddy’s, 1532, 1545, 1490, 1493.75 Edelweiss Ca, 38.7, 39.4, 36.6, 37.1 Educomp Solu, 417, 417.4, 407.5, 410.1 Eih Limited, 82.5, 83.8, 80.6, 81.05 Engineers In, 300, 320, 300, 306.9 Essar Oil Lt, 121.5, 122.05, 118, 118.5

cHEcKS & BaLaNcES Stamp duties in the country are a "big obstacle with regard to transactions in real estate. I think as far as black money in real estate is concerned, unfortunately that is a reality and one way out of this would be to lower the stamp duties. "big obstacle to cleaning the

Essar Shippi, 90, 91.8, 87.5, 88.25 Exide Indust, 138.4, 141.35, 129.3, 130.85 Federal Bank, 370, 377.75, 357.9, 372.85 Financial Te, 772.2, 777, 741.25, 754.05 Gail (india), 453.8, 455, 445.3, 447.9 Gammon India, 112.7, 112.7, 103.5, 105.75 Glaxosmithkl, 2100.05, 2119.95, 2005.35, 2039.8 Glenmark Pha, 269.4, 273.65, 269.4, 272.65 Gmr Infrastr, 38.05, 38.8, 36.55, 37.05 Godrej Indus, 168.85, 168.85, 163.35, 164.65 Grasim Indus, 2440, 2470, 2412.05, 2435.05 Great Offsho, 244, 247, 233, 235.75 Gtl Infra.Lt, 37.25, 37.5, 36.5, 36.65 Gujarat Mine, 128, 132.8, 127.25, 129.65 Gujarat N R, 50, 50.7, 49, 49.55 Gujarat Stat, 101.3, 101.3, 96.65, 98.05 Gvk Pow. & I, 25.1, 25.15, 24.35, 24.45 Hcl Technolo, 460.2, 463.8, 445.55, 450.3 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2180, 2196.2, 2142.1, 2149.3 Hdfc Ltd, 642.1, 643.2, 617.35, 620.3 Hero Honda M, 1510.05, 1528.7, 1458.6, 1473.5 Hindalco in, 199.45, 201.65, 196.1, 196.8 Hindustan Co, 35.5, 35.5, 34.25, 34.45 Hindustan Ma, 59.6, 60.55, 58.8, 59.05

mess with regard to transac-

Hindustan Pe, 334.95, 335.45, 326.7, 332.25 Hindustan Un, 272.1, 272.1, 267.6, 269 Hindustan Zi, 129.55, 130.85, 125.1, 126.15 Housing Dev, 160.3, 161.7, 154.5, 155.5 Icici Bank L, 1013.55, 1022, 1000.05, 1002.55 Idea Cellula, 62, 62.7, 60.35, 60.65 Ifci Ltd, 53.45, 53.45, 51.7, 51.85 India Cement, 92.5, 93.45, 90.6, 91.65 India Infoli, 71.2, 71.2, 68.25, 68.9 Indiabulls F, 149.45, 149.95, 141.7, 143.75 Indiabulls R, 111, 111.75, 106.75, 107.55 Indian Bank, 219.1, 222, 210.6, 211.4 Indian Hotel, 78.2, 78.45, 77, 77.25 Indian Oil C, 304.95, 304.95, 298.25, 303.5 Indian Overs, 144.3, 144.3, 141.3, 142.25 Indus Dev Ba, 136.8, 136.9, 132.6, 132.95 Indusind Ban, 245.95, 248.45, 242.5, 243.25 Infosys Tech, 2980.15, 2994.8, 2932.6, 2941.1 Infra. dev., 146.3, 146.3, 142.7, 143.5 Ispat Indust, 22.5, 22.5, 21.7, 21.85 Itc Ltd, 169.6, 169.85, 165.6, 167.95 Ivrcl Infras, 73.3, 73.9, 71.3, 71.85 Jai Corp Lim, 161.4, 161.4, 155, 156.65 Jaiprakash A, 83.4, 83.5, 81.5, 82.3 Jet Airways, 466.1, 470, 453.35, 457.45

tions in real estate.

"So that's one way, in which we can work towards a system whereby black money would be less of a menace in transactions relating to real estate."

The Prime Minister's statement has been welcomed by private players in the sector, saying it will help cleanse illegal funding.

Jindal Saw L, 188.65, 191.65, 185.5, 186.1 Jindal Steel, 657, 660, 646.35, 649.8 Jsw Steel Li, 905, 908.8, 886.6, 894.75 Kotak Mahind, 432.9, 432.9, 420.05, 422.65 Lakshmi Mach, 2178.8, 2178.8, 2075, 2087.65 Lanco Infrat, 36.2, 36.5, 35.55, 35.85 Larsen & Tou, 1531.3, 1539.1, 1510, 1516.2 Lic Housing, 200, 201.4, 192.55, 193.5 Lupin Limite, 396, 396.6, 389.4, 392.35 Mahanagar Te, 45.2, 45.5, 43.7, 44.05 Mahindra & M, 658, 662.95, 624.6, 631.1 Maruti Suzuk, 1183.7, 1201, 1147.1, 1156.2 Max India Lt, 145, 146.35, 143.3, 144.05 Moser-baer (, 40.85, 40.85, 39.25, 39.55 Mrpl, 62, 62.55, 58.65, 59.3 Nagarjuna Fe, 26.55, 26.85, 25.75, 25.9 National Alu, 104.05, 111, 102.1, 108.45 Neyveli Lign, 101.6, 101.6, 99, 99.45 Ntpc Ltd, 176.9, 177, 173.65, 174.25 Oil And Natu, 275.65, 275.9, 268.1, 270.15 Omaxe Limite, 131.25, 132.7, 130, 130.7 Oriental Ban, 366.9, 374, 361.6, 367.2 Pantaloon Re, 249.25, 251, 236.2, 239.15 Parsvnath De, 38.9, 38.95, 36.6, 37.7 Petronet Lng, 117.5, 119.45, 116.05, 118

lum for software has to become more intensive at the engineering level. More hands-on projects, infrastructure and most importantly research has to be the key to improve innovation and development and here I do not mean by join a MNC but work at the academic and small IT startup level.

We have to change our image from a service stand point to a more design approach and innovate using this new age technology training is a must to achieve this, be it by self of by school.

As for the globe, the stronger IT companies are ahead of the game because of the market share and liquid assets – that is changing due to the new technologies and the open source concept. It would be interesting to watch the future.

Lanco eyes revenue Hyderabad, March 18: Leading infrastructure company Lanco Infratech, which acquired Australia's Griffin Coal for 730 million AUD (about Rs 3,400 crore) expects full-fledged revenues to flow in from the coal asset from the next fiscal, a top executive said.

Power Fin Co, 236.9, 237.9, 228.7, 230.45 Power Grid C, 98.5, 99, 97.6, 97.95 Praj Industr, 72.25, 72.8, 70.35, 70.6 Punj Lloyd L, 63.1, 63.2, 61.25, 61.65 Punjab Natio, 1100, 1105.9, 1082, 1089.05 Rajesh Expor, 118, 119, 116.2, 117.1 Ranbaxy Labs, 470, 475.6, 465, 468.85 Rashtriya Ch, 77.8, 78.15, 76, 76.3 Reliance Cap, 589, 593.4, 573.65, 576.15 Reliance Com, 107.75, 108.25, 103.9, 104.6 Reliance Ene, 1040.2, 1089.9, 1040.2, 1067.1 Reliance Ind, 651, 651, 622.55, 626.1 Reliance Ind, 1035, 1035, 986.6, 993 Reliance Pow, 125.95, 126.25, 120.65, 121.35 Rolta India, 137.75, 138.4, 134.6, 135 Satyam Compu, 67.6, 68.2, 66.85, 67.2 Sesa Goa Ltd, 262.9, 264.9, 258.6, 259.75 Shipping Cor, 107.8, 108.45, 105.65, 106.15 Siemens Ltd, 874.8, 874.8, 868, 869.15 Sintex Indus, 144.6, 146.85, 142.5, 143.45 Sobha Develo, 260.05, 260.75, 253, 255.95 State Bank O, 2636, 2642, 2580, 2590.25 Steel Author, 160.5, 162.75, 155.05, 156.55 Sterlite Ind, 160.95, 161.75, 158, 158.35 Sun Pharmace, 438.9, 439.5, 430.5, 434.7

Sun Tv Netwo, 438.9, 448.55, 432.1, 440.3 Suzlon Energ, 46.1, 46.3, 45.1, 45.35 Tata Communi, 211.95, 222.9, 205.8, 217.05 Tata Consult, 1093.5, 1109, 1076.1, 1082.75 Tata Motors, 1153, 1153, 1113, 1117.45 Tata Power C, 1239, 1240, 1217.9, 1228.45 Tata Steel L, 599.05, 603.45, 593.1, 597.15 Tata Teleser, 15, 15.05, 14.65, 14.8 Tech Mahindr, 732.75, 739.8, 699.4, 704.85 The Ge Shpg., 259.4, 261, 250.7, 256.75 The Phoenix, 179, 180, 170.35, 177.55 Thermax Ltd, 583, 592.5, 572, 574.25 Titan Indust, 3588.95, 3599, 3449, 3461.95 Torrent Powe, 226.5, 249.7, 226.45, 246.85 Triveni Engg, 98.9, 98.9, 95.45, 96.55 Tv18 India L, 74.3, 75, 73.25, 73.8 Uco Bank, 101.2, 101.35, 99, 99.75 Union Bank O, 336.05, 340, 331.15, 332.8 Unitech Ltd, 38.4, 38.4, 36.9, 37.05 United Phosp, 138, 138, 133.85, 136 Videocon Ind, 185.5, 185.5, 178.1, 182.3 Vijaya Bank, 73.95, 74.2, 72.05, 72.3 Voltas Ltd, 161.15, 161.9, 156.9, 157.65 Wipro Ltd, 444, 446.3, 434.45, 439.9 Yes Bank Lim, 278.8, 282.35, 273.2, 274.25 Zee Entertai, 120, 121.7, 117.9, 118.9

9

Goa I Saturday March 19, 2011

www.oheraldo.in

If the technology being introduced by the car manufacturers is so radical, we are ready to undergo training and even pay for it — Sanjay Satardekar

bizlife

Once I perfect a product, I set up a standard procedure and make sure it’s followed. This ensures that no matter where you go, be it Mapusa, Panjim or our other stores, our products — Savio Monteiro taste the same

‘PART’ TIME PROBLEM …FULL TIME HEADACHE It was simpler then – problem with your car? Take it to the nearest garage. But lately, the tide has turned in favour of the car dealer.

Soon, that neighbourhood car fixer might be a thing of the past.

Soon, your life will be governed by the brand of car that you own.

Kirth George lifts the hood and finds some serious problems.

jkar Santosh Mira

Sachin Ambadoskar

MOTORHEADS: (above) a roadside mechanic works on an engine (left) Rosemund and his prize Fiat Premier Padmini

R

osemond D’Costa’s pride and joy is the white Fiat that he remembers bouncing about in as a young kid.

At the time, it was owned by a friend of his father’s and that car always had a special place in his heart.

He eventually managed to coax his father’s friend to give it to him and then proceeded to touch it up and give it that old school charm. “I have memories of going to school in that car. I remember that it had leather upholstery then, which was quite unusual,” says Rosemond. But little moments like these may soon fade to dust.

Old car owners are realizing that parts for their prized possessions are not so easy to come by. To compound their woes, getting a competent mechanic is getting even more difficult.

Old car owners and new car owners alike are facing a few problems when it comes to taking care of their cars.

The era of being restricted to driving Ambassadors or Fiats is over.

People are now spoilt for choice and fierce competition amongst car Herald Pics

INFOCUS

Cost of ownership over the life-span of an entry-level car.

Cost of car ................................................ 30% Cost of Fuel .............................................. 40% Cost of Maintenance ................................ 30% Cost of ownership .................................. 100% the most they ask for the chassis number or engine number, feed it into their system and the spare part is sold across the counter,” said Oliver Coutinho of Service Inn in Margao. Apparently, Maruti and Tata are the only two companies that allow counter sales for spares. “Big brands here like Mercedes, BMW,

okay taking your car to the road-side mechanic when cars had carburetted engines, but not now.

Having your car serviced outside may end up costing the customer more,” she pointed out.

But, as many point out, that is the choice the dealers and car manufacturers need to leave to the customer and many

GENERATION NEXT

After spending almost a decade honing his skills as a pastry chef, he came back down and started a chocolate revolution. Kurt Bento partakes of a tasting session, with Executive Chef, The Chocolate Man’s Production, Savio Monteiro

T

Research in lotion LIQUID EXPERIMENTS: Lab technicians quality testing sunscreen give much importance to sunscreens unlike the Europeans or Americans. Is sunscreen a fad restricted to foreigners or should it be in an Indian’s wardrobe too?

Since the summer has begun, I’m pretty sure that all my friends use sunscreen. Who says that Indians don’t give importance to sunscreens?

Everybody has become health conscious nowadays, especially after knowing that too much exposure to sunlight can sometimes cause skin cancer. And even if we keep that aside, aesthetic

EXPERT OPINION

garages feel that they are competent enough to deal with new technologies. “If the technology being introduced by the car manufacturers is so radical, we are ready to undergo training and even pay for it,” asserted Sanjay Satardekar of Satardekar Industries, an automobile engineer and owner of a workshop in Vasco.

The number of people capable of buying cars increases with every year and given the scarcity of workshops in the vast expanse of Goa, the question is, will dealers be able to handle the increase in work? “There will come a time, when customers are left completely to the mercy of the dealers. Servicing a Ford Ikon costs the customer Rs 750 at our workshop. The dealers charge Rs 2500. How can these cab drivers, for instance, earn a living if dealers force them to go to service their vehicles with them,” Satardekar asked Having a car now is not that easy, parts are not available in the open market, some places charge for fitting parts along with the price of the spare even if they’re not doing the work. Its seems like the nexus has the monopoly. Oliver sums it up nicely. “Many good mechanics have already shut shop after dealers have restricted supply of parts. I hope the government looks into the matter and do something to prevent a monopoly in this trade.”

Haute Chocolate

His product hits the beach every day. It’s known and used internationally and made right here in our backyard of Verna. For Dr Raj Grover, Chairman of Grovemark Methods, making a sun screen lotion in Goa was the most natural thing to do. Ajay Thakur meets the man who loves getting on your skin

n Why is Care Plus the most visible brand of your company?

The Care Plus brand is one of the most widely used sunscreens in Goa. Goa being a prime tourist destination in India has resulted in giving Care Plus brand a worldwide recognition. We have customers overseas who have used it and now demand our products be sent to them. It has become a globally trusted brand. And since it’s associated with the Grovemark name, trust on our other products automatically builds up. n Indians usually don’t

manufacturers has made the customer king. In some ways.

The manufacturerdealer nexus even throw in a few freebies as bait.

You bite, and the nexus holds you hostage for the rest of your car’s life.

They do not let you buy spares nor service your car elsewhere.

“On so many occasions I have ordered parts from abroad for imported cars or told a friend to bring some parts for me from other countries. At

Toyota, Honda, Ford, Volkswagen, Skoda, Mahindra and Mahindra and Hyundai do not sell spares across the counter.

This is absolutely unethical,” asserted Oliver..

The explanation the nexus gives is that the mechanics not working with them are not competent. And, about why the spares are not sold across the counter, in some cases, they call it company policy and other cases it is to protect the customer. Tejasri Pai of Chowgule Industries, dealers for Maruti, says, “With latest technologies being introduced, it becomes difficult for mechanics outside the system to keep abreast of the changes and hence the quality of service, if not done at authorized dealers suffers. It was

appeal is always desired.

And our sunscreens just do that. n How was the Care Plus Range born?

What places it apart from other products of the same?

We saw the need for it.

Living here in Goa with so many European and American tourists flocking our beaches, we sensed the market for sunscreen.

We had the qualifications, the resource, capital and above all the passion to provide them with an affordable non-allergic product. Besides, none of the contemporary sunscreen in the market

exhibits these qualities.

Our sunscreens range from SPF 2 to SPF 40, to cater to all skin types. In addition we provide ‘after sun care’ products, for complete skin protection, successful in 99 per cent of cases. n Who are your competitors in the local (Indian) market and who in the global market? How does your product stand against them?

I would say Lakme in India has proved itself by launching a variety of products in the market and Nivea, Garnier and Banana Boat internation-

ally, as they have a larger crowd to cater to We have the best research and development facilities in our newly expanded plant here in Verna, Goa. And having a GMP and WHO certification, adds to our credentials. n Where do you see Grovemark branching out in terms of products, areas of operation and in core business in the future?

Our company already has Asia office in Goa and Europe office in London, and is fast expanding.

And as far as branching out is concerned, we already have a wide spectrum of products and more in the pipeline. We provide solutions to an amazingly wide variety of skin problems, each personalized to the individual requirement. We have also ventured to the field of natural cosmetics with using up to 95 per cent natural active from Ecocert thus doing our best to satisfy all the customer’s demands.

he cacao bean is a marvelous thing. It turns into chocolate, somewhere down the line and, in many cases; it makes people’s dreams come true. Take Savio Monteiro, for example.

There he was, an IHM Goa alumnus, with work experience at five star resorts in Goa, cruise liners, various other hotels and restaurants in Australia, England and the Channel Islands, dreaming about starting a cocoa factory in South America. Fate had other plans and in May 2009, The Chocolate Man’s Production was born, in Goa. “Logistically and financially, it was not easy to set up something in South America. So I decided to come back to Goa and do something here,” says Savio. Armed with an EDC loan and a little bit of personal capital as well as some from his parents, he set forth to bring the food of the gods to the mere mortals of Goa. In less than two years, Savio now has two cake shops called Theobroma Cacao (the botanical name for cocoa) in Mapusa and Panjim and one lifestyle lounge in Candolim called Guanaja, named after a region in Honduras that produces the best cocoa beans. Recently, Savio also opened up his first franchised outlet in Calangute.

But with success, there needs to be tough quality control and a good business sense. Judging by the growth spurt over

Herald Pics

THE CHOCOLATE MAN: Savio whipping up décor for his cakes

the last 21 months, the latter is moving along steadily. Quality control is a constant challenge and Savio takes it heads on. He explains, “Once I perfect a product, I set up a standard procedure and make sure it’s followed for better quality control.

This ensures that no matter where you go, be it Mapusa, Panjim or our other stores, our products taste the same.”

Sourcing local produce is another way Savio helps keeps the costs down. “I look for reliable suppliers, especially ones that have good quality produce. If I have to import some ingredients, the cost would increase

exponentially. with local produce I can translate some of the cost to the customer.”

Savio spends days and sometimes weeks perfecting new products. He also manages to introduce at least three new products every month, doing away with some slow moving offerings. Now, he’s even moving towards health products – breads, muesli bars and even healthy chocolates..

As an entrepreneur, Savio seems to have come a long way and still has even more to go.

His heart though, still remains in Goa and possibly, that little cocoa factory in South America.

10

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news

“

UNESCO has said that the primary education has to be in the mother tongue.

Mother tongue is the language of native and not the language which mother speaks.

- Manohar Parrikar

FROM PAGE 1

CM sacrifices Dabolim at altar of politics Navy would hand over land for parking when it has refused to part with land for a parallel taxiway.

It may be recalled that the government had acquired a total area of 62,750 sq mt from survey 8/1 (36,800 sq mt), 9/1 (20,050 sq mt), and 162/1 (5900 sq mt) Dabolim under section 6 of Land Acquisition Act, 1894 vide notification no 23/15/2009-RD dated 02/06/2010 for expansion of Dabolim

“

airport for parking.

However, a meeting Valentine’s day decided to de-notify the land 8/1 from acquisition, which is co-owned by one Bernard D’Costa.

The minutes of that meeting states that the de-notification of one land of D’Costas was subject to he giving an NOC for the acquisition of the other land (9/1). But this too was not unconditional.

Costa wrote another letter to the Chief Minister a day later asking for another settlement land.

“I do not want any monetary compensation for the acquisition of survey 9/1 but would request the government, if possible, to grant alternate settlement property admeasuring 20020 sq mt, in the same radius” the letter by Costa states.

Watch this space for what happened to this request and more on how largesse to one individual has put the expansion plan of Goa’s main functional airport in jeopardy.

Park at Sancoale, fly from Dabolim When the airport officials pointed to the chief minister, Jose Philip D’Souza and Mauvin Godinho that the alternate land for parking identified after giving back Costas land belonged to the defence forces, the Chief Minister and Revenue Minister paid no heed.

But later they realised the navy will not grant an NOC for acquiring this land, they asked the Airport Authority of India to acquire some land in Sancoale, 3 kilometres away!

“I recommend acquisition”- Land Acquisition Officer

“The present acquisition for expansion of Dabolim airport is necessary since there is no sufficient space for parking vehicles and the said acquisition is required for smooth flow

Goa I Saturday, 19 March 2011

The parents prefer English medium of education for their children so that they can compete in the world. It has to be parents’ choice.

- Mauvin Godinho

and the same is in the interest of the public purpose. I recommend the land acquisition in survey 8/1 and 9/1,” said special land acquisition officer M K Vasta in his report on acquisition of land. Clearly more powerful political forces didn’t quite agree with him.

Govt had agreed to acquire Survey 8/1 In a meeting with the Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel, on May 12, 2006, in Parliament House, New Delhi on expansion of Dabolim airport, the government itself had given an assurance to acquire the 8/1 property for parking purpose.

The minutes of that meeting which is in possession of Herald state, “The State government will make available for shifting Airport Housing colony. It would make available lands for parking between Railway line and the Highway.

(Which is 8/1).

Babush blinks, decision now

concerns raised by parents and will come out with a policy decision after consulting all stake holders before end of the session.

The Education Minister was speaking in response to the topic raised by Cortalim MLA and Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho.

Addressing the concerns of parents who are worried as Right to Education Act envisages that the medium of instruction from Standard I-VIII has to be in “mother tongue” – Godinho said even poor parents want to send their children to English medium schools.

He further said, the government should not force medium of education on children and its policy to promote education in mother tongue in the State has not worked.

“The parents prefer English medium of education for their children so that they can compete in the world,” he said pointing out that the government should also give grants to English medium schools.

“It has to be parents’ choice,” he said demanding that the government should extend grants to even English medium schools.

Parrikar backs mother tongue

of UNESCO, Parrikar said that Konkani and Marathi schools would be finished, if grant-in-aid is given to English schools.

“We can’t play to the gallery,” Parrikar said referring to Zero Hour mention by Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho on the medium of instruction issue.

Participating in the debate on the general budget, Parrikar said that United Nations themselves has resolved that primary education has to be done in the mother tongue.

“The resolution is adopted by United Nations… Not by BJP,” he said conceding that his stand against English medium might make him lose some goodwill.

He feared that the Konkani language will be reduced to mere dialect in next two generations, if English is allowed to be medium of instruction. “In three generations, the Konkani language will be finished,” Parrikar said.

The leader of opposition said that Marathi language will survive as it is protected in Maharashtra.

“UNESCO has said that the primary education has to be in the mother tongue. Mother tongue is the language of native and not the language which mother speaks,” he clarified.

Narrating his personal experience, Parrikar said that he learnt in Marathi medium school till seventh standard.

“When I went for IIT, I was not able to talk proper English.

Now I can speak English fluently. This is only because of my habit to read,” the leader of opposition said.

Speaking about the budget placed on the floor of the House, Parrikar lauded few of the concepts proposed in it.

But he said that it lacks thrust in education.

He said that there is no push for the education and development in the primary education level seems to have come to a halt.

Gaddafi announces cease-fire PTI CAIRO/WASHINGTON, MARCH 18: Buckling under global pressure, Muammar Gaddafi on Friday announced a ceasefire and halted all military operations, hours after the UN authorised a no-fly zone over Libya and US and allies readied plans for a military action which France said could come "within hours".

"We have declared a ceasefire. We have halted all military operations to protect civilians in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution," Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa said in a live broadcast over state-run television.

Koussa said the ceasefire "will take the country back to safety".

“

india SNAPSHOT

Fans gift skirts to Deepika

CAG raps defence ministry PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 18: Gov-

MUMBAI (AGENCIES): Deepika Padukone gets fan mail delivered to her house on a daily basis. Most of it consists of soft toys, chocolates and greeting cards from fans professing their love for her. Not this time!

When the leggy lass returned home from her Aarakshan shoot in Bhopal, she was shocked to see the nine skirts lined up in her mail!

A source reveals, "Usually her fan mail is kept in a separate room. So whenever she comes back from outdoor shoots, she personally sits and reads through each one. There are times when she's replied to her fan's letters as well. But nothing could prepare her for the nine skirts!"

The length of the skirts vary. "Some are extremely long, while others are short. She feels these are reactions to her Dum Maaro Dum item number.

While some fans might have liked her sexy look, there are others who want her covered up. The lyrics in the song also refer to the skirt (Aaj mere liye chair khich raha hai, kal meri skirt khichega. Khichega ki nahi?).

Deepika reacts, "I've just come home. It has just hit me! It's all because of Dum Maaro Dum."

ernment Auditor CAG today rapped the Defence Ministry for "persistent large savings" in budgetary allocations and their "surrendering", saying this indicated "poor planning" for procurement projects and "lack of an internal control system".

In its latest report, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) also pulled up the Ministry for excess expenditure under certain heads without budgetary provisions for them.

"The persistent trend of large savings is indicative of over-estimation of requirement of funds or poor planning ," it said.

“

We want an alliance with Trinamool Congress in West Bengal but further discussion is required.

We want some more discussion and for that more time is required.

-- Janardhan Dwivedi

Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

The despatches quoted by Wikileaks are speculative and unverified cables.

No one from Congress or government engaged in any unlawful act. Government rejects the bribery allegations ab-- Manmohan solutely and firmly.

Wikileaks rocks House again, PM rejects bribery charge PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 18: Parliament

was today rocked for the second day notwithstanding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's categorical rejection of allegations of bribery to MPs in the 2008 trust vote and confrontation escalated with Congress and opposition planning privilege moves against each other.

Singh, who made a statement in both the Houses of Parliament in the aftermath of Wikileaks report of bribes used to win the trust vote, continued to remain the opposition target.

The opposition, which had demanded a statement from the Prime Minister, was not satisfied with it and forced several adjournments with the Houses not in a position to transact any business.

The main opposition BJP threatened to move a privilege notice against Prime Minister maintaining that he had made "incorrect" statement when the Kishore Chandra Deo committee, which had

gone into the bribery allegations in 2008, had talked about exchange of money during the vote.

The Congress was planning to pay back in kind with some MPs toying with the idea of moving a breach of privilege against Sushma Swaraj, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha on the charge of defying the Speaker Meira Kumar.

After telling the "India Today" conclave that he had not authorised nor was he involved in any purchase of MPs to survive in power, Singh made a statement in Parliament attacking the opposition for lending "dignity" to "purported" correspondence between the US Embassy here and State Department in Washington.

He said the opposition was raising "old charges that have been debated, discussed and rejected by the people of India."

The Prime Minister also sought to question the authenticity of the diplomatic despatches quoted by Wikileaks dubbing them "speculative and unverified" cables.

He asserted that no one from Congress or government engaged in any "unlawful act".

"An issue was raised that the offence of bribery was committed in India. Government rejects the allegations absolutely and firmly," he said.

Singh said "the government cannot confirm the veracity, content or even the existence of such communication."

To press his contention, he said those who have been named by the Wikileaks have "stoutly rejected" the charges.

These allegations of bribery were investigated by a committee of the 14th Lok Sabha which concluded that there was insufficient evidence to draw any conclusion.

India to manufacture ‘AK-47'

TIRUCHIRAPPALLI(PTI): The Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli (OFT) here is to come out with 'Trichy Assault Rifle', which would be of the standard of AK-47 range of weapons, a top official claimed today.

Talking to reporters on 'OFT Day' here, A K Prabhakar General Manager, OFT, said the rifle would be "totally indigenous" and when comissioned to the forces, it would be the "pride of the country".

The rifle would be christened as Trichy Assault Rifle, Prabhakar said. "Our customers both in army and para military forces have accepted (it) for trial runs and it is 7.62mm calibre with about 400 metre range.

It is fitted with night vision, telescopic view, foldable butt and it is totally an output of Research and Development of OFT in this city", he said.

Jaya corruption case adjourned

BANGALORE(PTI): The Karnataka High Court today granted 25 days time to furnish the correct translation of the statements of all the witnesses in the disproportionate asset case filed against former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Justice Keshav Narayan gave the direction to this effect when the criminal petition filed by Jayalalithaa challenging the three orders of the Special Court on the translation of the statements of all the 259 witnesses in the case came up for hearing before him.

Justice Narayan granted 15 days time to the defence to point out "mistakes" in the translated statements of the witnesses and another 10 days time to the interpreter to file the correct version of the witnesses' statements before the court -- in all, 25 days.

10-years action plan for Uttarakhand

DEHRA DUN (PTI): Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva today said she has suggested to Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank to prepare a ten-year action plan for meeting the future challenges facing the state.

"During a meeting, I asked Chief Minister (Nishank) that the government should identify the challenges of future and prepare an action plan on that basis for the next one decade," Alva told reporters at Rajbhavan here.

She said electricity generation, employment creation and migration will be among the major challenges in future and they should be kept in mind while making plans for the state.

Behura’s bail plea rejected in 2G scam PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 18: A Delhi court today dismissed the bail plea of former Telecom Secretary Siddharath Behura, arrested for his alleged role in 2G spectrum allocation scam, saying that instead of objecting to the wrong doings of others, he "participated in that".

"Behura was Secretary in the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and as such, he was the highest ranking official of the department. He did not object to the wrong doings of others, instead he participated in that," Special CBI Judge O P Saini said.

The court refused bail to Behura observing that he is an influential person and might tamper with the evidence or influence witnesses.

"I find merit in the submission of CBI's prosecutor that if the accused is released on bail, he may tamper with the evidence or witnesses may not come forward to give statements, more so, when no one, including top corporates, came forward to complain against his illegal acts," it said.

Behura, arrested by CBI on February 2 along with former Telecom Minister A Raja and Raja's former Personal Secretary R K Chandolia, is at present in Tihar jail under

US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer speaks with a student in traditional clothing during a visit to a school on the outskirts of Srinagar on Friday, part of a two-day official visit to the Himalayan region.

Black money: ED questions business, bank executives PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 18 The Enforcement Directorate today questioned senior executives of business and banking firms in connection with its probe against Punebased stud farm owner Hassan Ali Khan who has been arrested for alleged charges of money laundering.

The ED will also question Khan, facing close to Rs 70,000 crore tax demand notice from the Income-Tax Department, with regard to his past trips to various countries and his business dealings within the country, sources said.

Information on Khan's properties in the country and abroad, both in his name or 'benami', are also being sought, they said.

The multi-disciplinary team of officials from Income Tax department, the ED, the Economic Offences Wing of Maharashtra Police and RBI have also prepared a list of "required updated information" to be sought from various business associates and firms in connection with the probe.

According to the sources, the multi-disciplinary team will also question Khan's associates Kashi Nath Tapuriah and Philip AnandRaj and others to obtain fresh information to probe money laundering charges.

The ED has already asked the Home Ministry to study the charges against Khan relating to national security.

Two Bengalis aim for Mt Everest

PTI KOLKATA, MARCH 18:

Two seasoned mountaineers of West Bengal have set their eyes at the top of the world, launching their expedition to the Mt Everest next month.

The two and some other members of Bhadrakali Padatik Mountaineering Club in association with Angan Chaariye would endeavour to reach the Mt Everest through its south ridge in Nepal Himalayas, leader of the expedition Dipankar Ghosh said.

It has been planned that Ghosh, who has been climbing Himalayan peaks since 1992, and Rajib Bhattacharya, with over 12 years of mountaineering experience to his credit, would try to reach the peak while other members of the team would be at the base camp.

"It is not financially possible for us to have more than two people climbing the Everest. For two climbers, we have to shell out Rs 10 lakh to the Nepal government as royalty," said 45-year-old Ghosh, when asked why they were taking only two persons for the summit.

Ghosh, by profession a computer stationary supplier, said the total budget of the expedition is Rs 30 lakh.

Asked about how they were arranging the funds, Ghosh said they have asked for donations from the state government, various corporate houses and individuals.

"While private donations are coming, we have not heard yet from the government or the corporate houses. However, we are hopeful," he said.

When pressed further, both the climbers, who are bachelors, said they have taken hefty loans, besides selling off assets.

Trinamool unilaterally announces candidate list PTI KOLKATA, MARCH 18:

Dictating terms to Congress, Trinamool Congress today unilaterally announced its list of 228 candidates for the election to 294-member West Bengal Assembly and set a Monday deadline for Congress to accept the 64 seats allotted to it.

Stung by Trinamool's action, Congress said it would decide whether to contest the 64 seats its ally allotted to it or all the 294 assembly seats in the state.

Adopting a take-it-orleave-it stand and brushing aside Congress' plea for more time to finalize a seat-sharing deal, TC chief Mamata

Banerjee said "we will be happy if Congress fields its candidates in 64 constituencies after seat adjustment.

Else, we will announce our candidates in those seats by Monday."

Announcing the candidates' list, Banerjee told a press conference that she released the list after her discussions with Congress central leadership till last night "and what was agreed upon there".

Criticising the Congress buying time for the seat sharing deal, the Railway Minister said "there is hardly any time left. We have to now go for affidavits and other poll formalities. We have to ensure that nomination forms

Jail for drunken driving on Holi!

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 18: You may land in jail on the day of 'Holi' if you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol in the capital.

This is the warning Delhi Traffic Police has issued for Holi revellers this weekend.

Announcing the traffic arrangements made for Sunday, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg said those found driving under the influence of alcohol are liable to be arrested and their vehicle impounded besides imposing a fine.

"About 400 Traffic special checking teams will be stationed across Delhi to check

drunken driving. Special checking teams with alcometers and speedometer will be deployed at major intersections. Drunken driving is now punishable with a jail term and suspension of driving license besides fines," Garg said.

This year till March 15, a total of 3,388 drivers were prosecuted for drunken driving, out of which 560 drivers have been awarded jail term.

Driving licenses of 603 motorists have been suspended.

He said Traffic Police has made elaborate traffic arrangements to ensure safety of motorists on roads and check the incidents of drunken driving, over speeding and dangerous driving.

reach our candidates in remote areas".

The Trinamool supremo said she had waited for long "and whenever the Congress high command desired, we have responded and attended talks".

However, in Delhi, Congress spokesman Janardhan Dwivedi told reporters that his party had sought more time to firm up seat- sharing agreement with Trinamool in West Bengal.

"We want an alliance with Trinamool Congress in West Bengal but further discussion is required. We want some more discussion and for that more time is required," Dwivedi said.

The TC did not allocate any

of the 11 seats in Kolkata, including the contentious Kolkata Port seat, to Congress.

Congress has been claiming the Kolkata Port seat arguing that it has a sitting candidate in Kavitirtha which has been renamed Kolkata

Port after delimitation.

Dwivedi said "there are different categories (of seats).

Some seats are good, some are not good. Some constituencies are considered very good or not good like that. So, actually some more discussions are required."

This Week on Lok Sabha TV ASATO MAA SADGAMAYA

March 19 to 25, 2011

LIVE PROGRAMMES

TELECAST OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LOK SABHA Monday to Friday, 11 am onwards

Healthy India Saturday, March 19, 6 pm

Topic: Be Safe on Holi Dateline

Agenda Monday to Friday, 10 am

Saturday, March 19, 8 pm

Sansadnama Monday to Friday, 1.30 pm

Thursday, March 24, 10 pm

Lok Manch Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 7 pm Public Forum Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 7 pm

OTHER PROGRAMMES Insight Weekend Saturday, March 19, 1.30 pm Dipti Dubey uncovers the lost art of Dastangoi Legal Point Saturday, March 19, 2 pm

Topic: Income Tax

Vishesh Sunday , March 20, 7 pm Women’s Safety and Delhi

Asmita

Topic: Hriday Rog Aur Jivan Shaili Anchor: Sameena Weekend Classic Film

Saturday, March 19, 9 pm Sunday, March 20, 2 pm

MUTHINA HAARA Director: S. V. Rajendra Singh 1990 / 162 minutes / Colour / Kannada / English Subtitles Cast: Suhasini, Vishnuvardhan & others National Award for the Best Feature Film in Kannada, 1991 Uninterrupted Viewing Film Courtesy NFDC

Log on to http://164.100.24.209/lstv/dailyschedule.aspx for the full schedule

davp 31102/11/0051/1011

11 www.oheraldo.in

12 www.oheraldo.in

world

“

The European Council has called on Col Gaddafi to relinquish power immediately and urged Libya to rapidly embark on an orderly transition to democracy through broad-based dialogue.

-- Catherine Ashton

“

Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

Tony and I have been married 31 years and known each other more like 35 – and even after 35 years he still excites me in all possible -- Cherie Blair ways.

UN SC votes to impose no-fly zone over Libya PTI UNITED NATIONS, MARCH 18: UN Security Council today passed a resolution approving a no-fly zone over Libya and authorising "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in the strife-torn African country as the Western forces started planning for concerted efforts to ensure its implementation.

Ten of the 15-member body voted in favour of the resolution which also calls for an immediate ceasefire in Libya. Five nations -- China, Russia and non-permanent members India, Germany and Brazil -- abstained from voting.

Soon after the passage of resolution, US President Barack Obama called up his French counterpart Nocolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss on the enforcement of the UNSC resolution in Gaddafi-ruled Libya.

"The leaders agreed that Libya must immediately comply with all terms of the resolution and that violence against the civilian population of Libya must cease... (they) agreed to coordinate closely on next steps and to continue working with Arab and other international partners to ensure the enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions

29 protesters killed in Yemen

AGENCIES SANAA, MARCH 18: Death

Prayers of thanks in Benghazi AFP BENGHAZI, MARCH 18: Overjoyed locals gathered in the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi on Friday to perform weekly prayers and celebrate a long-awaited United Nations vote approving a no-fly zone.

Women wearing headscarves swept the streets leading to the square, which sits in front of the city's courthouse, preparing a space for the faithful to take part in the weekly Friday prayer.

Dozens of men, some wearing traditional jackets draped with white fabric pinned at the shoulder, milled around the square, greeting friends and neighbours and discussing the previous night's events.

As news of the UN vote broke on Thursday night, celebratory gunfire and cries of "God is greater" rang from the loudspeakers of mosques.

The celebrations lasted until shortly before dawn, and the crowd in the courthouse square was thin early in the morning as many residents slept off the long night of festivities. on Libya," the White House said in a statement.

The resolution also widens previous sanctions by imposing asset freezes for seven more of Gaddafi's supporters and five more entities including state-owned Libyan companies.

The sanctions included an arms embargo, an asset freeze and travel ban on Gaddafi and his loyalists, and a referral to the Haguebased International Criminal Court.

After the passage of the resolution, which excludes "a foreign occupation force of

any form on any part of Libyan territory," European Union asked Gaddafi to relinquish power immediately and rapidly embark on an orderly transition to democracy through broad-based dialogue.

"The European Council has called on Col Gaddafi to relinquish power immediately and urged Libya to rapidly embark on an orderly transition to democracy through broadbased dialogue," president of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said.

Japanese soldiers pray for victiims found in debris after the current tsunami and earthquake in Minamisanriku, Prefecture, on Friday.

Japan battles nuclear, humanitarian crisis AFP TOKYO, MARCH 18: Japan battled a nuclear and humanitarian crisis Friday, with engineers working to restore power to a stricken power plant in what the UN's top atomic expert said was a "race against time".

Half a million people made homeless when the huge tsunami razed Japan's northeast coast were suffering in appalling conditions, struggling to stay warm in freezing temperatures and with scant supplies of food and fuel.

The number confirmed dead from the earthquake and subsequent tsunami on March 11 hit 6,539, making it Japan's worst natural catastrophe since the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, which killed over 142,000 people.

A moment of silence was

observed at 2:46 pm, exactly one week after the 9.0-magnitude quake struck.

At one emergency shelter in the town of Yamada in ravaged Iwate prefecture hun-

YukiYa amano’s concerns The crisis at the Fukushima nuclear facility is a very grave and serious accident and that the International Atomic Energy Agency would begin its own monitoring of radiation levels in the capital, even as Global concerns remain focused on the crippled Fukushima No 1 plant. dreds of elderly survivors quietly stood and bowed their heads. Many of them wore face masks and overcoats.

Some wiped away tears.

Global concerns remained focused on the crippled Fukushima No. 1 plant, with radiation fears trigger-

Tony still excites me, boasts Cherie Blair

Loving family: Cherie and Tony Blair with their youngest son, Leo, who was conceived while Blair was in office.

AGENCIES LONDON, MARCH 18: Discretion has never been her strong suit. But Cherie Blair set a new low yesterday when she told how her husband ‘still excites me, in all possible ways’.

She had been asked how the couple spend their time

ing an exodus of foreign nationals, particularly after Britain, France and others advised their citizens to leave Tokyo.

International Atomic En-

together when the former prime minister returns from his frequent money-spinning trips abroad.

Mrs Blair giggled and told her interviewer: ‘Tony and I have been married 31 years and known each other more like 35 – and even after 35 years he still excites me in all possible ways.’

The Blairs have a long track record of boasting about their love life. Mr Blair, 57, once claimed he could make love ‘at least’ five times a night.

Last year he was nominated for a ‘bad sex’ literary award for a passage in his autobiography in which he recounted how his wife had ‘strengthened’ him on the eve of his bid for the Labour leadership in 1994.

He wrote: ‘I needed that love Cherie gave me, selfishly. I devoured it to give me strength. I was an animal following my instinct, knowing I would need every ounce of emotional power to cope with what lay ahead.’

In the past, the couple have also claimed to be members of the Mile High Club.

ergy Agency chief Yukiya Amano said the crisis at the nuclear facility was a "very grave and serious accident" and that the agency would begin its own monitoring of radiation levels in the capital.

Japan's own nuclear agency hiked the accident

level to five from four on the international 0-7 scale of gravity for atomic accidents, an admission the crisis had at least equalled the US Three Mile Island accident in 1979.

Amano emphasised that Japan must reach out for help, after criticism authorities had not issued information fast enough and fears that a larger radiation leak might contaminate the 12million-strong capital.

"It is important that the international community, including the IAEA, handles this jointly," he said in Tokyo, adding that measuring radiation in the capital would "contribute to reassuring the Japanese public".

Japan has said radiation levels from the plant pose no health threat outside a 20kilometre exclusion zone.

toll from the police shooting against anti-government protesters outside Sanaa University in the Yemeni capital on Friday rose to 29, including a child, according to eyewitnesses.

The casualties happened when police in plainclothes opened fire at tens of thousands of anti-government protesters outside Sanaa University, witnesses said.

"The child was hit by a bullet in his head," an eyewitness named Twific alYaziday told Xinhua, adding that there were more than 20 others were wounded in heads and necks.

A total of more than 100 protesters were injured. The death toll may rise further, said al-Yaziday, who are at the hospital outside Sanaa University, citing doctors' reports.

Six kidnapped in Afghanistan AFP MAZAR-I-SHARIF, MARCH 18: A team of three Pakistanis and three Afghans who were working on a road building project in northern Afghanistan have been kidnapped, a local official said Friday. The five construction engineers and their Afghan driver were abducted as they travelled by convoy in the relatively peaceful north of the country late Thursday, the local director of public works told AFP. The six been kidnapped wer three Pak engineers, two Afghan engineers and also their driver.

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sports SNAPSHOT Bopanna-Qureshi lose in semis INDIAN WELLS: The Indo-Pak express of Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi suffered an upset 6-3, 3-6 (8-10) defeat at the hands of Belgian Xavier Malisse and Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in the men's doubles semi-finals to bow out of the BNP Paribas ATP Tour 1000 tournament in Indian Wells on Thursday.

Caroline, Sharapova, Nadal in semis INDIAN WELLS: Top seed Caroline Wozniacki, whose opponent pulled out with a painful injury, eased into the Indian Wells semi-finals where she was joined by Maria Sharapova on Thursday.

Wozniacki, of Denmark, was ahead 3-0 when Victoria Azarenka packed it in after taking a lengthy medical timeout to receive treatment for an injury to the left side of her hip.

Wozniacki moves on to play three-time grand slam champion Sharapova who defeated China's Peng Shuai 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in a two-hour, 22-minute marathon quarter-final.

World number one Rafael Nadal reached the semifinalswith a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (9/7) win over hard-serving Ivo Karlovic on Thursday.

United set for Chelsea clash NYON: English giants Manchester United and Chelsea are set to clash in the Champions League quarter-finals after being drawn in a rematch of their 2008 European final here on Friday.

Holders Inter Milan will meet Schalke 04, tournament favourites Barcelona play Shakhtar Donetsk and Tottenham face Real Madrid.

Saina avenges defeat to Eriko SWITZERLAND: Saina Nehwal avenged her All-England quarter-final defeat to Eriko Hirose with a thrilling three-game victory 21-15, 17-21, 21-11 over the Japanese in the second round of the Wilson Swiss Open Super Series in Switzerland.

Liverpool, Ajax dumped out PARIS: Liverpool and Ajax Amsterdam, who have won the European Cup nine times between them, failed to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League after making embarrassing exits from the competition on Thursday.

Liverpool were held to a goalless draw at home in their last 16 second leg by modest Portuguese side Braga, who have never even won a domestic league title, and went out 1-0 on aggregate.

Ajax were outclassed 3-0 in Russia by Spartak Moscow for a 4-0 aggregate defeat in Europe's second string competition.

Other results: PSG 1 draw Benfica 1; Manchester City 1 beat Dynamo Kiev 0, Zenit St-Petersburg 2 beat FC Twente 0; Spartak Moscow 3 beat Ajax 0; FC Porto 2 beat CSKA Moscow 1; PSV Eindhoven 1 beat Rangers 0; Villarreal 2 beat Bayer Leverkusen 1; Liverpool 0 draw Sporting Braga 0.

Anand jumps to 2nd spot MONACO: World Champion Viswanathan Anand jumped to the joint second spot after signing peace with Sergey Karjakin of Russia in the fifth round of the 20th and final edition of Amber Blindfold and Rapid chess tournament in Monaco.

Anand, who had three victories in the first four rounds was stopped by a determined Karjakin.

After stunning top seed Karan Rastogi on Thursday, sixth seed Yuki Bhambri turned giant-killer, scalping No 4 Gero Kretschmer of Germany in straight sets, to storm into the final of the CCI-ITF US$15,000 Men's Futures tennis tournament at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai on Friday.

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Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

Akhtar has taken a right decision to quit. He could have announced it after the WC, but I don't think the timing is wrong and it won't affect our team -- Shahid Afridi

Lanka win Smith confident of victory PTI

AFP Mumbai, March 18: Veteran spinner Muttiah Muralitharan shrugged off a worrying injury scare to take four wickets as Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 112 runs in their World Cup Group A clash on Friday.

Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara had earlier led from the front, hitting a fine 111 as his team posted 265-9 before Muralitharan worked his magic to send the Black Caps crashing to 153 all out after 35 overs.

Muralitharan injured his left hamstring when he dived in vain to prevent being run out when Sri Lanka batted.

He left the field early when New Zealand started their reply, but returned with devastating

effect to have Kane Williamson stumped when the batsman was undone by a doosra.

He then had skipper Ross Taylor, who had been dropped on nought, lbw for 33 to leave the Black Caps reeling on 93 for 5.

Muralitharan then took a third wicket when he caught Scott Styris (6) off his own bowling Tillakaratne Dilshan got rid of Nathan McCullum for 1157 to break his sequence before Muralitharan had James Franklin caught by Dilshan at short extra cover for 20 to claim his fourth wicket.

Spinner Ajantha Mendis took two wickets with seamer Lasith Malinga wrapping up the win by clean bowling Hamish Bennett with the last ball of the 35th over.

scoreboArd Sri Lanka: U Tharanga run out 3, T Dilshan c Oram b Southee 3, K Sangakkara b N McCullum 111, M Jayawardene lbw b Southee 66, A Mathews not out 41, T Samaraweera c B.McCullum b Styris 5, C Silva c and b N McCullum 3, N Kulasekara c Guptill b Southee 1, L Malinga c B. McCullum b Oram 6, M Muralitharan run out 7, A Mendis not out 0. Extras: 19. Total: 265 for 9. Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-19, 3-164, 4-210, 5219, 6-224, 7-232, 8-239, 9-260. Bowling: Southee 10-0-63-3, Oram 10-1-57-1, Bennett 4.1-0-16-0, Ryder 3.5-0-18-0, Franklin 3-0-11-0, Styris 8-0-44-1, N.McCullum 10-0-48-2, Williamson 1-0-4-0.

New Zealand: M Guptill lbw b Kulasekara 13, B McCullum c Jayawardene b Mathews 14, J Ryder c Sangakkara b Mendis 19, R Taylor lbw b Muralitharan 33, K Williamson st Sangakkara b Muralitharan 5, S Styris c & b Muralitharan 6, J Franklin c Dilshan b Muralitharan 20, N McCullum c Jayawardene b Dilshan 4, J Oram not out 20, T Southee lbw b Mendis 8, H Bennett b Malinga 0. Extras: 11. Total: 153 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-33, 3-82, 4-88, 5-93, 6-102, 7-115, 8-129, 9-144, 10153. Bowling: Malinga 5-0-38-1, Kulasekara 7-0-19-1, Mathews 3-019-1, Mendis 6-0-24-2, Dilshan 6-0-24-1, Muralitharan 8-0-25-4.

Man-of-the-match: K Sangakkara

Mirpur, March 18: South African captain Graeme Smith today cautioned Bangladesh not to expect another upset win in the World Cup when the two sides meet in their last Group B match tomorrow though he refused to see it as a revenge game for their loss against the same opponents

Akhtar to be picked if needed: Afridi PTI Colombo, March 18: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi today said he has a surprise plan in place to tame defending champions Australia but refused to say whether retiring pacer Shoaib Akhtar would be a part of the side for tomorrow's final Group A match here or the remainder of the World Cup. Afridi also rejected suggestions that Akhtar's announcement of retiring after the World Cup would affect the team in any way.

"He (Akhtar) has taken a right decision. He could have announced it after the World Cup, but I don't think the timing is wrong and it won't affect our team," Afridi said here.

Akhtar fastest bowler I ever faced: Ponting

PTI FIXTURES Saturday Tottenham v. West Ham Aston Villa v. Wolves Blackburn v. Blackpool Man United v. Bolton Stoke City v. Newcastle Bromwich v. Arsenal Wigan v. Birmingham Everton v. Fulham Sunday Sunderland v. Liverpool Chelsea v. Man City

Colombo, March 18: Australian captain Ricky Ponting today hailed retiring Pakistani tearaway pacer Shoaib Akhtar as an outstanding cricketer and the fastest bowler he has ever faced.

"Congratulations to him for being an outstanding cricketer," Ponting said of Akhtar who yesterday announced his retirement from

international cricket after the ongoing World Cup. "I had some great duels with Shoaib over the years. To this day I always said he is the fastest bowler I have faced in international cricket," said Ponting of Akhtar, who broke the 100mph barrier in 2003.

Ponting said particularly he remembered a fierce spell from Akhtar at Perth in 1999.

four years ago.

Bangladesh had shocked England in an earlier match before beating the Netherlands in their last league tie to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive, but Smith bluntly said that the Tigers should not expect an upset tomorrow.

The Proteas' lone defeat in 13 ODIs against Bangladesh came during the 2007 World

Cup in the Caribbean when the Tigers beat them by 67 runs in Providence, Guyana.

"We are more street-smart now when we play teams from the sub-continent. We have a better understanding of how to go about it. They are a team that likes to play on the frontfoot. We will plan well for them," Smith said at the pre-match press conference.

TODAY’S MATCHES South Africa v. Bangladesh 9.00 a.m.

Australia v.

Pakistan 2.30 p.m.

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India women’s team gave a thumping start to its 2012 London Olympics Women’s Football Tournament qualifiers campaign on Friday trouncing Bangladesh 3-0 in Group B at the Bangabandhu Stadium, Dhaka.

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Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

We have not beaten a big side for some time but we are confident of upstaging India in their last league match -- West Indies coach Ottis Gibson

MORE DRAMAS Margao jubilant after ON PAGE IV beating Cavelossim

l GFA sleeping over protest lodged against Cavelossim l First Division champs official announcement awaited

HERALD CORRESPONDENT Margao, March 18: The outpouring of emotions with a mixture of despair and joy was overwhelming after debutants Margao Sports Club scored a 2-1 win over Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim in their concluding clash of GFA’s First Division League at Cuncolim ground, on Friday. The teams were tied 1-1 at half time.

Both teams played meticulously to regain the top spot and midfielder Perryson Rebello struck the match-winner in the second half.

Margao scored in the 17th minute when midfielder Rollin picked up the ball from his teammate and unleashed a snap shot that deflected off a rival defender and beat Cavelossim goal-

keeper Flyod Colaco.

Four minutes later was all it took for midfielder Joston Pereira, whose header brushed the rival defenders off a flag kick taken by Vitorino to put his team on level terms.

Margao struck the matchwinner in the 56th minute when midfielder Parryson, after picking up the ball from his own half outpaced rival defenders and beat the rival keeper with a stiff shot.

With 29 points from 14 matches, Margao Sports Club looks to have `unofficially’ topped the League and qualified for the Goa Professional League as the GFA is sleeping over the protest lodged against Cavelossim following their match against Corps of Signals which Signals lost 1-2 on March 2. Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim have 31 points, including the victory against Corps of Signals which is

disputed.

Corps of Signals had lodged a protest against Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, citing that the former fielded an ineligible player who had a double booking (yellow) in his name.

Cavelossim is learnt to have accepted their fault.

However, the GFA is yet to give its verdict on the protest, with the match having been played long back on March 2. It is rather intriguing that the protest could not be decided by GFA for such a long period when it looks to be a clear cut case.

On the surface, the protest looks to be a straight forward case as a player with two yellows cannot play the next match. If this is the case, then Cavelossim would lose three points with the total then coming to 28 points which would be one less than Margao, who will then be officially declared winners.

However, there is a hitch in the process as, according to the rules of the competition, the yellow cards need to be marked on the reverse of the players I-Cards. With the cards being laminated, there is no case for jotting down the punishment on the card.

Margao coach Joaquim Crasto heaved a sigh of relief after the match and had a reason to smile. He was pleased with his team’s showing on Friday.

“Everything worked as we had planned. The result was quite expected as my boys have the potential to beat the best in business and I attribute today’s victory to teamwork,” Crasto said.

“I congratulate coach Joaquim Crasto and every member of the team for the commitment and dedication they displayed throughout the league,” Luis Alex Cardozo, president, Margao Sports Club said after the match.

GFA members Schubert Furtado, Anthony Pango and Benjamin D’Silva were present.

Salcete Zonal secretary, Schubert when contacted, confirmed that no decision was given by GFA on the protest lodged by Signals.

Consequently, officially, it could not be declared who the champions are.

In another match, Calangute Association beat MPT 3-2.

Shadabi stole the limelight scoring a hat-trick. Joe Colaco scored a brace for MPT.

All-India Wilred Leisure volleyball finals: ONGC v.

BPCL, Kochi /IOB, Chennai, St Alex church court, Curtorim, 8.30 p.m.

1st State men hockey finals: Calangute XI v.

Quepem Crusaders; Margao United v. Bastora XI, Don Bosco Oratory ground, 4 p.m.

All-Goa bodybuilding championship: Fit4ever Gym, Britona, 6.30 p.m.

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The hockey scenario in Goa will definitely flourish with the amount of lovers it has, but sad to say, the only thing that Goan hockey lacks, is poor facilities. There is not a single turf in Goa and therefore many boys do not get a chance to showcase their talent -- Association for Control of Hockey in Goa (ACHG)

Photo: Third Eye

Mapusa, March 18: Domnic Fernandes found the equaliser in the 70th minute to ensure Peddem Bomm Sports Club avoid another defeat as they drew 1-1 with Milagres Sports Club in GFA’s Second Division League at Duler Stadium here on Friday. Milagres led 1-0 at the breather.

Peddem Bomm thought they found the winner in the 87th minute when Leston Martins’ shot bounced off the crossbar, but it was too close to tell whether the ball

had actually crossed the line, so the referee waved play on.

Milagres created better chances in the first half. Their strike force made up of Joalan Fernandes and Waldron linked up well, with good support from the midfield.

The turning point came for Bomm after they introduced young Leston Martins for the final half. He was electric on the left flank and it was his pass that set up the equaliser.

Milagres had a great opportunity to score when Norvin Pontis flicked the ball

Quennie triumphs at Horse Race

HERALD CORRESPONDENT Margao, March 18: ‘Quennie,’ formerly owned by Vijay Mallya, won the firstever Horse Race organised in Goa by Anastasia Mendes, wife of birthday boy, Jerome Mendes at Benaulim on Friday.

Quennie won Rs 10,000.

The three-horse race was rendered into a two-horse event as the jockey on Tiger stumbled. Quennie galloped

away to the top spot and Raja finished second.

In the seven-horse race, Jockey 4 emerged champion and pocketed Rs 7,000 while Jockey 5 and Jockey 2 did not collect second and third prizes respectively citing foul play.

Earlier, birthday boy Jerome Mendes along with his wife, Anastasia Mendes were accorded a warm and affectionate welcome at Leonoras Beach Shack, Be-

naulim. Both came on a camel with a brass band in attendance.

The birthday cake was cut

by Jerome in the presence of a large gathering.

Jerome, a leading NRI, said the main aim in organizing the race was to bring memories of old, golden days back. “I was a great gambler in Nairobi and used to bet on horse bookies. My eventual father-in-law discouraged her daughter from marrying

me citing that I was a gambler. However, in due course of time, things changed and I alongwith with my fatherin-law used to go for horse races and enjoy them,” remarked Jerome.

Jerome disclosed that her second daughter, Cheryl lost money on horse race betting and then was forced to borrow money from her mother.

She was lucky to win a huge sum of money the second time enabling her to buy

gold ornaments of her choice.

“Goa was a trade port for horses in the past. So, I wanted to recall those beautiful days. However, we could not have races on the beach due to lack of permission. But I was determined to have the race and it was held nearby,” Jerome said.

Many people thronged the venue including foreign tourists.

green signal in 2008. There was a time when we could not even acquire a full 16player squad. Fortunately, today we have made good progress as there is plenty of talent, whereby we can also send two teams to the Nationals,” Sigmund added.

“When the first Goa U-21 hockey team brought in laurels winning the finals in Pune, it took many by surprise. It was here that Goa’s love for hockey came to the fore and many youngsters got better opportunities in the game, one of them being Majorda’s Navin Mendes,

who today is a budding hockey goalkeeper.”

“The hockey scenario in Goa will definitely flourish with the amount of lovers it has, but sad to say, the only thing that Goan hockey lacks is poor facilities. There is not a single turf in Goa and therefore many boys do not get a chance to showcase their talent in the game at the National level,” Sigmund said.

“Being granted an astroturf surface is the need of the hour and we are hopeful our pleas will be heard as it has been a long three years since we had first made requests

to the central committee. It would surely be of good use if two turfs could be laid in the State, one in the North and the other in the South, as youngsters from even remote areas need to get access. The North turf could be laid at Bandodkar ground, Campal, Panjim or even Mapusa would make a good venue while the South turf could be laid outside the main Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao,” Sigmund said.

“The cost of laying an astroturf is skyrocketing with only the surface costing a whooping Rs 2 crore, exclusive of other maintenance charges and so on. ACHG at one point of time had built ties with BITS Pilani, Zuari-

nagar to come up with their own astroturf surface that could be used by its students as well as by the State. The reason why the deal came up was mainly because BITS has also tied up with the GCA and the GFA in connection to its cricket and football grounds respectively. However, nothing has materialised out of the deal yet for ACHG,” Sigmund added.

Back to the present tournament, the event is being self-financed by the members of ACHG itself while the trophy will be known as Dominick J Lobo Rolling Trophy.

Goa needs astro turf for hockey HERALD SPORTS DESK Panjim, March 18: “Hockey in Goa has scope, talent and most importantly people with passion and love for the game, not only here in Goa but also among Goans in different parts of the world,” stated Sigmund de Sousa, president, Association for Control of Hockey in Goa (ACHG) at a press conference at T B Cunha hall, here on Friday.

“The ACHG is registered with the Registrar of Societies in Goa, and mainly deals with men’s hockey in the State, being granted the

An OnGC spike being blocked by Haryana players in the semi-finals of 3rd all-India Wilred Leisure volleyball tournament at St Alex court, Curtorim on Friday. ONGC won 25-21, 25-20, 25-18. They will meet the winners of the other semifinal between IOB Chennai and BPCL Kochi which was still in progress at the time of going to the press. The finals will be played on Saturday at 8.30 p.m.

Sodiem Siolim ahead HERALD CORRESPONDENT Calangute, March 18: A fine brace by Rakesh Vaigankar helped Sodiem Siolim Sports and Cultural Association defeat Guirdolim Sports Club 2-0 to move into the quarter-finals of Novino

Gold Cup inter-village football tournament organised

by Candolim Sports Club at Dr Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim on Friday.

Rakesh scored the first goal for Sodeim off Anthony in the 10th minute and doubled the lead in the 20th.

2nd Division matches postponed

Panjim -- The following GFA Second Division League (Bardez Zone) matches have been postponed according to GFA. Penha de Franca v.

Sesa Football Academy (Juniors) from March 19 to

March 21. Peddem Bomm Sports Club v. St Savio Sports Club, Calangute from March 24 to March 25. Milagres Sports Club v. Penha de Franca Sports Club from March 23 to March 26.

Football has always been close to the hearts of all Goans, with Dempo, Churchill and Salgaocar having excelled at National and international levels.

-- Digambar Kamat, Goa CM

Peddem Bomm hold Milagres HERALD SPORTS REPORTER

The hOrse rACe, the first-ever in Goa, in progress near Leonoras Beach Shack on the occasion of birthday of Jerome Mendes at Benaulim Beach on Friday.

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Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

on for Joalan to volley, but the Peddem custodian did well to deny him.

Deep into injury time of the first half, Milagres took the lead after Waldron collected a pass and slotted neatly past the rival custodian.

After the change of ends, Bomm started to move with more urgency. In the 70th minute, Leston played in a deep cross which eluded the entire Milagres defence, before Domnic Fernandes ran in to slice home the equaliser.

With time running out, both teams were in a desperate search of the winner. Alister Lobo hit the bar from a distance for Milagres. At the other end, Leston came close with a shot that came down of the crossbar.

Right at the death, Maurice Carvalho nearly

snatched the winner for Bomm but he slid in just a second too late.

Milagres have now col-

lected two points from two matches while Bomm have their first point after the same number of games.

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BCCI today rubbished reports that Chairman of selec­ tor K Srikkanth and Dhoni were involved in a heated debate over team selection during a meeting in Chen­ nai. Media reports had claimed that Srikkanth met Dhoni to talk about the playing XI and the two ex­ changed heated words due to difference of opinion.

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Goa I Saturday 19, March 2011

We are very proud of our record in World Cups, there's no doubt about that. Whether it's WC or the Champions Trophy, we get really excited to be part of them.

-- Ricky Ponting

Sachin eyes ton of tons in group finale AFP

Sachin stretches during a training session at The M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

Ireland win

PTI Kolkata, March 18: Paul Stirling's swashbuckling century helped Ireland beat the Netherlands by six wickets and end their campaign in the ongoing World Cup on a winning note, at the Eden Gardens here today.

This was the second time in the tournament that Ireland managed to chase down target in excess of 300.

Stirling's 177-run partnership -- their highest in the tournament -- with skipper

William Porterfield laid the foundation for the chase as the Irish dished out a clinical display with the bat to romp home in 47.4 overs after electing to field first.

Stirling struck a breezy 72ball 101, which was studded with 14 boundaries and two sixes, while Porterfield's 68 came off 93 balls, and included 10 fours.

Niall O'Brien struck a quickfire 57 not out with seven fours, while Gary Wilson took just 21 balls to score 27 in a 46run fourth-wicket stand.

Kevin provided the finishing touches with some big hits as he remained unbeaten on 15 from nine balls.

Earlier, Doeschate hit a delightful 106 from 108 balls while skipper Peter Borren extended fine support with an 82-ball 84 as their 121-run partnership helped the Netherlands recover from a sloppy start to post a challenging 306.

scoreboArd Netherlands: E Szwarczynski c N O'Brien b Johnston 1, W Barresi lbw b Stirling 44, T Cooper c Porterfield b Rankin 5, R ten Doeschate c Mooney b Stirling 106, A Kervezee c K. O'Brien b Mooney 12, P Borren c Porterfield b Mooney 84, A Buurman run out 26, M Bukhari run out 11, P Seelaar run out 0, A Raja run out 0, B Loots not out 0. Extras: 17. Total: 306 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-12, 3-53, 4-113, 5-234, 6-287, 7-305, 8-305, 9-305, 10-306. Bowling: Rankin 9-0-74-1, Johnston 10-1-50-1, Mooney 10-0-59-2, Dockrell 3.4-0-15-0, Stirling 100-51-2, Cusack 2.2-0-15-0, K. O'Brien 5-0-33-0.

Ireland: W Porterfield c Buurman b Cooper 68, P Stirling c Kervezee b Seelaar 101, E Joyce c Buurman b Cooper 28, N O'Brian not out 57, G Wilson c Buurman b ten Doeschate 27, K O'Brien not out 15.

Extras: 11. Total: 307 for 4. Fall of wickets: 1-177, 2-179, 3-233, 4279. Bowling: Bukhari 7-0-42-0, Raja 8-1-44-0, Loots 2-0-29-0, ten Doeschate 9-1-58-1, Seelaar 9.4-1-55-1, Borren 5-0-38-0, Cooper 7-1-31-2.

Man-of-the-match: P Stirling.

Chennai, March 18: Sachin Tendulkar can complete another landmark on Sunday by hitting his 100th international hundred as India tackle West Indies in the World Cup's final group match.

Both sides have yet to make sure of their quarterfinal places, although the qualifying picture from Group B will become a lot clearer after South Africa, who are already through, face hopefuls Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.

As well as the qualification picture, most of the 38,000 fans at the Chidambaram Stadium will be anticipating Tendulkar's 100th international hundred.

The India star moved to 99 centuries (51 in Tests and 48 in one-day internationals) with a majestic innings of 111 in his side's previous group match against South Africa.

However, even a 'Sachin special' was not enough to prevent a three-wicket defeat by South Africa where India, on a belting batting pitch in Nagpur, contrived to lose their last nine wickets for just 29 runs as they slumped from 267 for one to 296 all out. "When

you hit those big shots, you tend to forget that you are playing for the country and not for the crowd," India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.

Meanwhile a day after skipping practice due to a knee injury, opener Virender Sehwag was today back at the nets ahead of the crucial match against the West Indies.

In a session that lasted three and a half hour, Dhoni

sweated it out at the M A Chidambaram Stadium after two days of practice at the IIT-Chemplast ground.

The Indian team members, including Sehwag -said to be nursing a knee injury -- had batting, bowling and catching practice in hot and humid conditions.

Sehwag had swelling in his knee after the game against South Africa in Nagpur, where he did not field

for a long time.

Before taking to the nets, the team members had a warm-up session inside the ground playing football.

Sachin came out last to

bat in the nets alongwith Sehwag. Tendulkar practiced at the nets for nearly one and a half hour after the other players left. He concentrated on playing spin asking the

net bowlers to do the job.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

There is so much one can do with light: Kevan Shaw

Hatantlo sonso soddun divcho koso?

-Anonymous

Travel

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email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own - Ben Sweetland

The International Architectural Lighting Workshop 2011 brought a host of light design experts from around the globe to Goa. One among the activities conducted as part of the workshop was lighting up public spaces in the city of Panjim. Lighting up the Kala Academy pier is Kevan Shaw and team. Herald learns about the man and his work

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES he Kala Academy pier is a favourite spot among the people of the city. The extended walk on the wooden frames right down to the large, rectangular pier is what most look forward to, come late evenings. As dusk takes over, silhouettes begin to appear against the backdrop of the setting sun and nightfall sees these figures gradually glide away. Oh but only if they stayed would they not only witness the wharf under the moonlight but also have before them the beautiful view of Reis Magos and the soothing brush of the night’s breeze. Now they can, amidst a brightly lit up wharf that reflects into the river Mandovi.

Kevan Shaw, international light designer, down in Goa should be credited for this feat, along with his team.

One part of the on-going International Architectural Lighting Workshop 2011 was to aesthetically light up six public spaces in the capital city. Each space was worked on by a team comprising Goan students along with an international lighting designer as the head.

Down in Goa for the workshop, the light designer brought a new possibility of night activity at the pier. His composition of light along the entire pier transformed it from a dark and detached area to one that welcomes you with its radiance. Along the sides of the floor of the wooden stretch were a row of bright lights that opened up to the pier which held an assortment of colourful buckets and mugs upturned over lit bulbs. The starting point of the ramp and pier had poles that were lit from beneath. These poles were wrapped in cotton cloth that was cut out in a decorative pattern. Collectively, the ambience was dreamy and larger-than-life, the air smelled sweeter and the entire area shone in brilliance.

What first got you interested in light design?

My father was a stained glass artist who spoke extensively of his work and shared plenty of his knowledge. Holidays saw us in France visiting cathedrals with stained glass work and him studying it. The light aspect of this work initially got me interested. This interest took form when I got involved with theatre and band lighting at uni-

T

versity …and what happened next?

From there I took the position of roadie for a band and worked with them until their vehicle burnt out.

They could afford money for either one – me or the vehicle. They chose the vehicle (chuckles). But I did learn a lot about rock n roll lighting. TV and video projects were to follow. In 1989, I set up my own firm, Kevan Shaw Lighting Design in my home town of Edinburgh. My role is that of Design Director.

Being quite the alternative profession, tell us the experience of working in this line.

Light design itself is a relatively new profession, beginning in the 1960s. To me it is exciting. Every project brings with it new people, new technology, new ideas, all to create a whole new output. The thing with this kind of work is that, once you are in, you don’t really want to leave. It is that engaging, not only for the work it involves but for the effect it has on people.

What is the most exciting part of being a part of this profession?

Its possibilities. There is so much one can do with light. Outside or inside, small spaces or big, with everything remaining the same, light can change the way we perceive this otherwise familiar space. Also, it takes me places. Projects have taken me to America, Singapore, the Middle East and parts of Europe. ...and what would you say are the challenges?

One of the biggest challenges of this profession is lighting control. Lighting control has become complicated over time. If one can constantly manage it and make it understandable to the viewer, then a challenge has been surpassed.

Technological trends in light design have to be picked up too, but not so much that they become the most important element.

From Traditional to Sexy – Holi Clothes get Stylish Makeover

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earing old white clothes on Holi is passé. With people becoming increasingly fashion conscious, hot pants, backless blouses and off-shoulder tops in vibrant colours have taken a front seat.

“Yes, there has been a drastic change in the people’s perception towards Holi, especially the younger generation. They want to have fun but not at the cost of losing the glamour quotient,” says Delhi-based designer Riddhima Chauhan.

“Bollywood plays a major role in inspiring these youngsters to go for the trendy way and what could be a better option than showing the sexy curves in figure-hugging dresses,” she adds. Holi songs in movies like ‘Mohabbatein’, ‘Waqt - Race Against Time’ and ‘Action Replayy’ started this trend where Kim Sharma-Shamita Shetty, Priyanka Chopra and Neha Dhupia respectively brought a revolution in the dress code for Holi. Style divas are constantly spotted in body-hugging short dresses to skin hugging tights and transparent fabrics at Holi parties and adding glamour to the celebration of colours.

“Light coloured tunics matched with multi-coloured pajamis or ankle length trousers, with chiffon dupattas, are some of the trends which are in vogue. Not only young girls but also married women are trying to get away from their traditional look; so the demand for saris with halter neck and backless blouses has increased,” informs Delhi-based designer Meera Gupta.

Mumbai-based designer Digvijay Singh says: “It is one

festival that youngsters look forward to and they leave no stones unturned to flaunt their best side.” He also felt that people don’t mind showing skin on Holi. “Skin show is something not too many mind on this occasion. No matter what you wear, eventually you will get drenched,” he adds.

Raj Kumar from Mathura, a place known for its grand Holi celebrations, states: “Holi is a traditional affair here.

Women dress up in Rajasthani ‘lehengacholi’ and contrary to the belief that white is an obvious choice for the day, women prefer colourful clothes. The women who come to play ‘Lath Maar Holi’ from Barsana wear bright and vibrant colours.”

And what about the traditional whites?

Mumbai-based designer duo Nidhi-Divya Gambhir says: “We prefer going the traditional way but with our own contemporary twist to it. Stick to whites, play around the sheer factors... It’s traditional, fun and yet sexy.”

(Courtesy: IANS)

Genetics is ‘Top of the Pops’ in Science Research

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enetics is still the hottest area of scientific research, a decade on from the mapping of the human genome, despite slow progress in translating discoveries into new medical treatments. A survey found seven of the top 13 researchers in 2010 worked in genetics, with Eric Lander of the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT the world’s “hottest” researcher.

Lander’s work covered genetic mapping and human disease, including lung cancer.

The annual survey looks at research across different scientific disciplines and uses the Web of Science database to see which papers published in the last two years are cited the most by other scientists.

Ten years after the first full sequence of the human genome was published, early expectations of rapid breakthroughs in fighting disease have proved misplaced. But academic interest has not slackened, and scientists remain hopeful that the tsunami of information unlocked by genomics, or the study of genetic sequences, will eventually yield big dividends.

One early success, in fact, came just on Wednesday, with US approval for Human Genome Sciences Inc’s lupus drug Benlysta, the first drug derived from genomics to win marketing clearance. It has been a long haul, however. Human Genome’s partner on Benlysta, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, first invested in the US biotech company way back in 1993.

Outside the field of genetics, Andre Geim at the University of Manchester made a third consecutive appearance on Science Watch hot list, this time in his capacity as a Nobel Laureate. Geim shared the Nobel physics prize with his colleague Konstantin Novoselov last October for their work on graphene.

(Courtesy: Reuters)

Tourism Related Musical Restrictions Tourism is one among the major moneyearners for the Goan population.

Its activities, obviously involve musical entertainment, which ironically the government in Goa has strange laws against

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BY CLARON MAZARELLO arties in Goa surely rock, especially when one see a variety of people from different nationalities all grooving to the same music,” says musician Noel da Gama. Here he points out the binding factor in all cases, pure music and dance. After all, as they say, music can break all barriers. However, this is not how the law sees it apparently.

After national television coverage, the Hill Top Record Label launch party was mercilessly stopped. The organisers had to refund their money to the disappointed music fans present at the venue last Sunday. However, the ire here need not be directed towards the police who are merely doing their job and following orders. In fact, the police actually deserve our sympathy for being made to do a task that would inevitably get them brickbats from the public, who seem to take things at face value.

Quite a percentage of the Goan population is involved in tourism activities. A large ratio of the state’s revenue comes in through this industry. With this as the backdrop, event organisers losing face and, of course, lakhs, due to events being stopped is definitely not the direction in which we want to go. Something needs to be done for this cause. But this means a change in the system, or rather the sound law, to be more specific. This needs

three specific government bodies at the central level to meet and do the needful. Having said that however, by the time this takes place, we would inevitably be met with sheer disappointment when an event that many worked nights on end for, is simply asked to close down.

It begins with music and after awhile, “Ladies and gentleman, the police are here and they have asked us to stop the party,” This statement was used by Eskimo in his psy-trance track. It continues much to the amusement of the many revellers who go through this real life effect courtesy this music artist’s perception and our sound restrictions in the state.

Sounds a lot like a ‘tiatrist’ taking a dig at Goa’s current affairs, in their ‘cantarams’, doesn’t it?

So while ignorance is bliss and being blissful is a way of life these days, what has incidentally been recognised in these times of bliss are the creative inputs of one of India’s finest guitarists – Elvis Lobo who has recently been nominated for the Indian Music Awards. Constituted to recognise music other than Bollywood created by Indian musicians including genres like jazz and rock, things do seem to be looking up for more talented musicians like Elvis in Goa. As for the music scene, it is like a CD skipping at the same spot, till someone takes it out once and for all.

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info ‘nf’un zone

Saturday, 19 Mar 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘Right to Information’ is the subject of the workshop, organised by Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association (AFRRA) will be held on March 20 from 4pm to 6pm at Holy Trinity Community Hall, Nagoa-Arpora, Bardez. E-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in. Call 2256445 or 9822166876.

‘Lights in Goa’, International Architecture Lighting Workshop is underway till March 19 at the Kala Academy, Panjim.

Call 2234477.

‘Capture the Sights, Colors and Revelry of Carnival 2011 Photography Contest’, organised

by Goan Shutterbugs is open for registration till March 31. Visit www.goanshutterbugs.com to download entry forms. Call 9822151419.

‘When I Open My Eyes’, an art exhibition by Maria Fernanda and Eduardo Souto is underway till March 21 at Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

‘Special Status for Goa under Article 371’, will be the subject of a discussion organised by Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association and Village Groups of Goa to be held on March 19 from 3.30pm to 6pm at Grace Church Complex Hall, Margao. Em a i l trustasha@yahoo.co.in. Call 9822166876 or 9822102131.

Morning group cycling rides, organised by Goa Cycling Club will be held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 6.50am. The meeting point is Cafe Coffee Day, Miramar.

Call 8888862462.

Language courses in Hindi, Konkani and Sanskrit, organised by Communicare, the Centre for languages is holding a new batch for adults for Beginners levels during this month at Dona Paula. E-mail communica_mundus@yahoo.co.in.

Call 2456156 or 9561715525.

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email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

HOROSCOPE ‘Mareparyant Fashi’, a Marathi film with the theme capital punishment vs human rights, will be released on March 18 at 6.30pm at INOX, Panjim.

A Preparatory Course for students of Portuguese, organised by the Goa Association of Teachers of Portuguese will be held for std 10 students and std 8 and 9 from March 25 to May 6 and from April 15 to May 15, respectively. The courses will be held at the Institute Camoes, Panjim. Call 9011838139 or 9822483778.

A day at Bat Island, organised by Wildtrek Adventures will be held on March 27. Call 9822123458, 9822155805 or 8796418565.

The Book Reading Workshop will feature Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. It will be held on March 18 from 5 pm to 7 pm at International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. The resource persons are Daniel Driscoll and Jugneeta Sudan. Call 9765404391.

‘TVS Apache Mirchi Sound Check’, a band and orchestra music competition for the youth, by the youth, organised by Radio Mirchi 98.3FM and American Centre, Mumbai will be held on March 24, 25 and 26 at Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim. Registration closes on March 22.

Visit w w w. r a d i o m i r c h i . c o m . C a l l 6656666.

A painting exhibition by Francis D’Silva is underway at Gallery Attic in Panjim. Call 2420929, 2257743 or 2257690.

‘Planting an Organic Summer Kitchen Garden’, will be the theme of the workshop organised by International Centre Goa will be held on March 19 from 2.30pm to 6.30pm at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Call 8087000708, 2451360 or 9765404391.

‘Inshallah Football’ is the movie that will be screened on March 20 at 7.30pm at Art Chamber, Calangute. Call 2277144.

Turn off your aggressive energies, because you need to let 21 Mar - 19 Apr u p a n d b e more mellow.

Now is the perfect time to get started on something big -maybe something that needs a lawyer! You could be launching a new business or asking for new responsibilities at work, but go for it soon.

Taurus Don't continue expanding into new territory, just stay who and 20 Apr - 20 May where you are now. You're having fun today, no matter what is on your plate. You may find that you can plow through budgets or boring meetings with an attitude that gets your people to see the lighter side.

One solid push Gemini in a desired direction will put you far over the finish line now.

21 May - 20 Jun You're feeling a little more energetic than usual -- but it could be too much for some of your people. Try not to overwhelm them with details or plans, and let them set the tone of the day.

Yo u w i l l g e t proof that your suggestions and ideas are starting to take root! Ex22 Jun - 23 Jul pect a few bumps in the road today. That doesn't mean you need to stay home to avoid troubles, just that you should budget more time and energy (and possibly money) to deal with their hassles.

Yo u ' r e o n a launching pad now, so focus your energy on getting off the 24 Jul - 23 Aug ground. Focus your energy on other people today -- they need you more than they can say. It's a good time for you to check in with older relatives, distant friends and old colleagues who might have info for you.

If you want your new project to succeed, ask for help. It's 23 Aug - 22 Sep okay to need someone. You find yourself deep in discussion with someone unexpected today -- and almost certainly find that you share some important beliefs or values. Explore them deeply and learn even more.

An upcoming event or trip will be part of the day's entertain23 Sept - 22 Oct ment. Share your plans. Your social life needs a boost -- so get out there! You've got exactly the right kind of energy to really take off and make a difference with someone who's teetering on the fence about something.

Scorpio Your problems are molehills, so stop treating them like moun23 Oct - 22 Nov tains, and move on. You need to fully engage your people today -- the back and forth of deep conversation should shake out some really hot ideas. You need to make sure that you are somehow recording it all, though!

Sagittarius A big elimina-

Capricorn A fierce blame game erupts - get some distance from the 22 Dec - 20 Jan d r a m a a n d avoid conflict.

You're working too hard! It might very well be that it's mandatory, but you know that sooner or later -- preferably sooner -- you are going to need to take a break. Plan for socializing!

Aquarius You've accomplished a lot.

Now's the time to sit back and 21 Jan - 19 Feb pat yourself on the back. You're dealing with some personal troubles that might be blossoming into something much bigger -- but the good news is that you can handle them with ease. You just need to face up to them, that's all.

People you love are on different time tables from you 20 Feb - 20 Mar -- wait for them to catch up.

Tackle that debt! If you're totally free of all debt, then take the day off to celebrate, but if not, you need to buckle down and use your mental energy to make a plan or get the help you need.

Aries

Libra

tion is needed now, but don't throw the baby 23 Nov - 20 Dec o u t w i t h t h e bathwater. People are looking up to you today, even more so than usual. It's a good time for you to take a second look at what kind of advice you're giving and make sure that you're really helping out.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? Function of the spleen

collop Pronunciation KAW-lup Function Noun Meaning 1: a small portion of food or a slice, especially of meat 2: a roll of fat flesh Example Sentence Andy finished work early and treated himself to a generous helping of grilled collops of chicken with fries on the side.

LAFFS

The spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrate animals with important roles in regard to red blood cells and the immune system. In humans, it is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood in case of hemorrhagic shock while also recycling iron. It synthesises antibodies in its white pulp and removes antibody-coated bacteria along with antibody-coated blood cells by way of blood and lymph node circulation.

The spleen is purple and grey. Recently, it has been found to contain in its reserve half of the body’s monocytes within the red pulp which promotes tissue healing. It is one of the centres of activity of the reticuloendothelial system and can be considered analogous to a large lymph node, as its absence leads to a predisposition toward certain infections.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“I was the kid next door’s imaginary friend.”

– Emo Philips

DAILY GROOK AYE AND NAY

by Francis Rodrigues donkeys being ass-men aye, aye they do bray, yet on the other hand horses always...neigh!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister People pledging plenty of pennies Saturday 31° C | 21° C Dawn 06:19

Clear

Sunrise 06:41

Moon rise 18:27

Sunset Dark 18:46 19:07 Moon set

TIDES High Low High Low — 03:33 09:37 15:43

High 22:05

05:56

21:00 Sivaji: The Boss

George of the Jungle G-force The Living Daylights Licence to Kill Law Abiding Citizen Prince of Persia Black Hawk Down

09:15 11:15 12:30 14:30 16:15 18:30 21:00 23:00

Monsters vs. Aliens Spartacus Shorts The Hangover American Pie Two Brothers The King of Fighters Spartacus

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

09:45 12:05 14:15 16:15 18:55

Which is correct to say, ‘The yolk of the egg are white?’ or ‘The yolk of the egg is white?’

Full Moon

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

09:30 11:30 13:25 16:05 18:45 21:00 23:25

Dangerous Minds Woodstock Villa No Entry Darna Zaroori Hai Bad Company

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Computer keyboard

21:00 P.S. I Love You 23:40 Death Defying Acts

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 23:35

Chandni Sooryavansham Dushmani: The Target Chak De! India Stealth

The Hoax The Rundown Jesse Stone The Condemned Second in Command

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00

11:15 Kisse Pyaar Karoon 14:30 Daaye Ya Baaye 17:30 Welcome

Jannat Viewers Choice Mr. India Shaan

14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

10:00 Balika Vadhu 12:00 Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai 15:00 Umang 18:30 Dabangg 20:30 Dekh Video Dekh 21:00 Guinness World Records 22:00 Wanted High Alert

IDIOT BOX 10:30 13:00 15:30 16:30 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30 23:30

10:30 11:30 12:30 14:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Saath Nibhana Saathiya Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal : Ab Tak Ka Safar Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Holi Ke Rang Sajjan Ke Sang Love U Zindagi Sasural Genda Phool Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla Pyar Mein Twist Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla Holi Ke Rang Sajjan Ke Sang

The Unforgettable Tour Jubilee Comedy Circus Jubilee Comedy Circus Jubilee Comedy Circus C.I.D Adaalat Jubilee Comedy Circus C.I.D Khotey Sikkey

SUDOKU 811

Riddle Me This

09:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 11:00 Dance India Dance Doubles 12:30 Sanskaar Laxmi 14:30 Choti Bahu 17:30 Judaai 21:30 Dance India Dance Doubles 23:00 Dance India Dance Doubles Lime Light 23:30 Kahani Ab Tak

10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 14:30 Mrs. Tendulkar 15:00 Gili Gili Gappa 15:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta

Chashma 16:00 Mrs. Tendulkar 16:30 Papad Pol 17:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 17:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 18:00 Gutar Gu 18:30 Mrs. Tendulkar 19:00 Papad Pol 19:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 20:00 Malegoan Ka Chintoo 20:30 Gutar Gu 21:00 Ring Wrong Ring 22:30 Gili Gili Gappa

10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Geet

23:00 Anhoniyon Ka Andhera

10:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00

20:00 21:00 22:00

House Top Chef World Records Smashed Masters of Illusion Wipeout Guinness World Records Smashed Top Chef Wipeout Guinness World Records Smashed Masters of Illusion Top Chef The Haunting

10:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Castle Castle The Good Guys The Walking Dead

17:00 18:00 19:00

10:00 11:00 12:00 14:00 19:00

The Looney Tunes Show Chhota Bheem Hanuman Chhota Bheem Marathon The New Adventures of Hanuman 20:00 Mr. Bean The Animated Series Marathon 22:00 Takeshi's Castle

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 13:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

09:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 16:45 Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc 17:45 Primetime Premier League 18:10 Barclays Premier League 20:15 Primetime Premier League 20:25 Barclays Premier League 22:30 Primetime Premier League 22:55 Barclays Premier League 10:00 12:00 14:00 14:30 15:30 17:30 21:30 23:30

ATP 1000 Masters 2011 ATP 1000 Masters 2011 ICC Cricket World WWE: Superstars WWE: Smackdown European Tour 2011 Moto GP 2011 ATP 1000 Masters 2011

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 12:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 13:00 Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc 14:30 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 22:15 Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc

10:00 Traveller Band 12:00 Endurance Traveller 13:00 Great Romances of the

Twentieth Century 13:30 Great Romances of the Twentieth Century 14:00 Traveller Band 15:00 Endurance Traveller 16:00 Paul Merton in India 17:00 Science & Tech 18:00 Greatest Sports Legends 19:00 Great Achievers 20:00 India Investigates 21:00 Paul Merton in Europe 22:00 Ghost Stories 22:30 Ghost Stories

10:00 A Traveller's Guide to the Planets 11:00 I Didn't Know That 11:30 I Didn't Know That 12:00 Lion Ranger 13:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

14:00 The Decade 15:00 Predator CSI 16:00 Mega Builds 17:00 Savannah 17:30 Savannah 18:00 Mission Army 19:00 Nat Geo Specials 20:00 Megastructures 21:00 World's Deadliest Animals 22:00 The Known Universe

07:30Kids Club 08:00English News 09:00 In Search of feathered Birds 09:30Science Day 10:00English News 11:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 11:30 Fairyland 12:00 Flavors 12:30Grape Escapade 13:00 English News 14:00 Mapusa Dance Competition 14:30Clown Fiesta 15:00My Campus Rocks 15:30Amazing Fusion of Dance 16:00English News 17:00Science Day 17:30Kids Club 18:00English News 19:00Catechist Programme at Merces 20:00 English News 21:00 In Search of feathered Birds 21:30Konkani Musical Show 22:00 English News 23:00 Grape Escapade 23:30Science Day Note: Subject to change

Instructions for Sudoku 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

SUDOKU SOL 810

HERALD CROSSWORD - 811 Across 1- Antiquing agent; 5- Commercials; 8- Area with coin-operated games; 14- Hoar; 15- "Seinfeld" uncle; 16- Objects from everyday life; 17- Brazil's largest city; 19- Become visible; 20- Intermix; 22- Vane dir.; 23- Inscribed pillar; 24- Paint oil; 26- Curved like a bow; 29- Sugar suffix; 32- Fold; 33- "______ by any other name…"; 37- At the same time; 40- Bother; 41- Perch; 42- Single unit; 43- Sieves; 45- Female black grouse; 48- Deride; 53Actor Linden; 54- Geyser in Yellowstone National Park; 58- Fly; 60- Hand clapping; 61- Cytokinin occurring in corn; 62- Long March leader; 63- Aha!; 64- Inful; 51- Melts together; 52- Navy, e.g.; 55vertebrate creature; 65- Hesitant sounds; 66Celebrity; 56- On ___ with; 57- Wall St. debuts; Hotbed; 59- Broke bread; Down 1- Bears the ictus; 2- Huge; 3- Chew the SOLUTION - 810 scenery; 4- Drive away; 5- Grad; 6- Sandwich shop; 7- Before long; 8- Decorative ivy; 9- Penitent; 10- Bottle lid; 11- Coeur d'___; 12"Cheers" waitress; 13- Having auricular protuberances; 18- 100 square meters; 21Chowhound; 25- Shrivelled, without moisture; 26- Cockpit abbr.; 27- Hindmost part; 28- Boat often made of birchbark, canvas, or fiberglass; 29- South American tuber; 30- Junior; 31- German article; 32- Afflicted with psychosis; 34"Hollywood Squares" win; 35- Sky light; 36Compass pt.; 38- Prying; 39- Beast of burden; 44- Give in; 45- Muslim soldier; 46- Lustrous black; 47- Inventor Howe; 48- Letters on a Cardinal's cap; 49- Series of metal rings; 50- Help-

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Saturday, 19 Mar 2011

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Winners of State Art Exhibition announced

K

HERALD FEATURES ala Academy has declared the results of the 36th State Art Exhibition of Students Category.

Viparna Vaingankar was awarded the first prize in painting and graphic prints while Sagar Gaude and Siddesh Chari secured first prize in applied art and graphic design and sculpture respectively.

In painting and graphic prints, Shailesh Dabholkar won the second prize while Diptesh D S Vernekar came in third.

In applied art and graphic design, Wendy Rodrigues secured second prize whereas the third prize was awarded to Vibhav Kamat. Merit certificates were awarded to Elish Clemente, Liza Correira and Vatsala Kamat Shankhwalkar.

In the sculpture category, Andre D’Souza and Shivanand Sawant secured second and third place respectively.

The Late Ravoji V Gaunekar Memorial Prize sponsored by Goa Hindu Association was awarded to Madathil H Rajan while the Artist to Artist Award sponsored by eminent Goan artist Prafulla Dahanukar was won by Vaishnavi B K Shankhwalkar. The Late Hanumant B Neugi Memorial Prize was awarded to Pritesh Naik.

In all three categories, 199 works were received. The competition was judged by D V Navelkar, Sadguru Chendvankar and Wilson D’Souza and all artworks were kept on display in a recently concluded exhibition at the Kala Academy Art Gallery.

Viparna Yassudev Vaigankar

Pritesh Kamlakant Naik

Shailesh Vaikunt Dabholkar

Hrishikesh Rajan

Diptet Dilip Vernekar

Goa hits Bull’s Eye as a Film Destination HERALD FEATURES ights, Camera, Action! Its action time in Goa, nineteen film shoots go on simultaneously in Goa at various places as the business booms. Goa is being promoted as an exotic shooting destination and there has been a major increase in the number of shoots in the recent past.

Insisting on capturing the scenic locales of this quaint state, top notch directors and actors are in the state from Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and even Assam shooting their films. This increase in film shoots clearly delineates an upward rise in the graph of revenue generated in the state and these shoots continue during the monsoons too.

A proper infrastructure to provide services, and other related facilities, technical and creative talent banks, and post-production back-up to encourage commercial films, television and video filming in Goa makes Film Goa the Entertainment Society’s one-stop business centre.

Says Antonio (Tony) Costa, Line Producer: “ESG has been doing a commendable job in the area of promotion of films and allied services in Goa. While projecting location Goa, ESG has also addressed many problems which were preventing big films from being shot in Goa. As a line producer in Goa, I have seen this positive trend as being the reason for an increase of film shootings here, a source of revenue and a means of direct and indirect employment.”

Sandeep Kotecha, line producer comments, “On an average, daily three shoots are carried out in Goa, hence requirement for junior artiste is quiet high.”

Another line producer, Shiva Baba Naik says, “The volume of business is growing tenfold but the extortion is also increasing at the same pace from various local authorities.

The people of Goa should realise that the Goa Government is generating huge revenue because of the shoots.” The line producers were of the opinion that the industry has reached 90 crores and is perhaps even touching 100 crores, therefore this industry requires special focus and handling.

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Actor: Rani Mukerjee, Project: Dabur Vatika Commercial (above) Actor: Telegu actress Priyamani, Project: Untitled (right)

Actors: Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor, Project: Players

A Meeting of Different Cultures

HERALD FEATURES he Cross Cultural Synergies – Don Bosco College International Meet was recently organised at Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim.

The meet commenced with a reading from the Holy Quran.

Students from various countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and Eritrea gave performances depicting their culture, cuisine and information of their country. The students from Afghanistan also performed a dance called ‘Atan’, a patriotic group song and a fashion show.

The meet was attended by Prof Dr B F Rodrigues, Foreign Students’ Advisor at the Goa University, Fr Wilfred Fernandes, Administrator of Don Bosco College and Dr Marie Raj, Principal of Don Bosco College.

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, Project: Ishq

y and Nitya Menon

rs Hitin Redd Actors: Telegu acto

MOVIE REVIEW

World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles

Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez Director: Jonathan Liebesman Rating: efore beginning, we should keep a moment of silence for all the brick and mortar that made the ultimate sacrifice for Battle Los Angeles. Sob. Let us not forget the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air either. The pyrotechnics are patriotic, sizable, and clearly the star of this film, so don’t let the tight shots of Aaron Eckhart’s chiselled jaw and cleft chin fool you.

The film, directed by Jonathan Liebesman, is very much in the tradition of those old World War II films with rickety fighter planes engaged in long skirmishes that you can’t follow all that well except you know a few good men are trying to save the day. Chris Bertolini’s script is totally predictable from the first few moments when Eckhart’s Marine staff sergeant signs his discharge papers only to have them put on hold. It’s not really about acting either, though Eckhart does his best to play the hero, lead his little band of brothers (and a sister), save some civilians, including kids in case the stakes weren’t high enough, while delivering stagy lines in a teeth-clenching growl.

Over time, South African director Liebesman’s blood lust has progressed, from 2006’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning through The Killing Room in 2009. But honestly, the film belongs as much to visual effects supervisor Everett Burrell as anyone else.

Battle Los Angeles is all about the boom-boom as the city is reduced to rubble; burning, broken, blackened bits. So if that is what you are in the mood for, that is what the film delivers, endlessly… but in that cheesycampy way that can make a bad film good fun. The long shots are better and for a while it can be fun to watch things get blown up and burned. But at some point as another one bites the dust, you realise it

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doesn’t matter much whether it’s one of theirs or ours and you can’t help but wish there had been a lot more heart in this Marine’s story.

Ong Bak 3: The Final Battle Cast: Tony Jaa Director: Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai Rating: ith Ong Bak 3: The Final Battle, Thai martial arts hero Tony Jaa has taken his muscular and ‘balletic’ brand of soar-and-stomp fighting to a heavyhanded extreme. Gone is the scrappy, brutal wit of the original – nothing more than an unfettered showcase for Jaa’s talents – and in its place is more of the overwrought myth making that sunk Ong Bak 2: The Beginning.

We’re back in ancient Thailand, where rebel villager Tien (Jaa) is battered and left for dead by a vicious warlord, who isn’t nearly as big a threat as the mystical warrior known as Demon Crow (a hammy Dan Chupong in eyeliner and ghostly makeup). But before Tien can save his village, he must heal with the Buddha, which is when the spiritually minded Jaa all but turns the film into a leaden, montage-laden promo for karmic betterment.

It’s enough to make an action fan feel guilty for hungrily anticipating the next violent showdown. Of course, the end does bring plenty of bloody mayhem, slow-mo body blows and Jaa’s special brand of elephant-assisted acrobatics, but it’s too little too late when the rest of Ong Bak 3 is such a holistic slog.

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Courtesy www.rottentomatoes.com

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Saturday, 19 Mar 2011

Parenting

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I could have been a footballer: Ranbir

Fans gift Skirts to Deepika

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e won over both the masses and the critics with his good looks and acting chops but while growing up, Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor had his heart set on being a football player.

He let that dream go but the 28-year-old actor is now campaigning to make sports a part of school curriculums across the country with the Fit India Movement, a campaign launched by NDTV in collaboration with Nirmal Lifestyle.

“I loved football, but I did not have anybody to guide me about making it a career. If Indian children have the coaches and the facilities that are available abroad, we will be world champions,” said Kapoor who is the brand ambassador of the campaign.

The actor was in Delhi to launch the first phase of the campaign called Marks For Sports and shared the stage with ace shooter Gagan Narang, billiards champion Pankaj Advani, Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, boxing champion Vijender Singh and former cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

“It all begins at the school level and Marks for Sports is a campaign that will help discover the talent that our children have and sports teaches you so much.

Other than making you fit, it teaches you discipline, motivation and team spirit,” said the actor who entered the venue on a bicycle.

eepika Padukone gets fan mail delivered to her house on a daily basis. Most of it consists of soft toys, chocolates and greeting cards from fans professing their love for her. But not this time!

When the leggy lass returned home from her Aarakshan shoot in Bhopal, she was shocked to see the nine skirts lined up in her mail!

A source reveals, “Usually her fan mail is kept in a separate room. So whenever she comes back from outdoor shoots, she personally sits and reads through each one. There are times when she’s replied to her fan’s letters as well. But nothing could prepare her for the nine skirts!”

The length of the skirts vary. “Some are extremely long, while others are short. She feels these are reactions to her Dum Maaro Dum item number. While some fans might have liked her sexy look, there are others who want her covered up. The lyrics in the song also refer to the skirt (Aaj mere liye chair khich raha hai, kal meri skirt khichega. Khichega ki nahi?). Deepika reacts, “I’ve just come home. It has just hit me!

It’s all because of Dum Maaro Dum.”

Radcliffe opens about Secret Girlfriend

Shakira asks Brazil President to back Kids’ Projects

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arry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe has confirmed rumours he has a secret girlfriend and admits they are now faced with spending months apart because of her new job. Last year, the 21-yearold was said to be dating Olive Uniacke, daughter of Harry Potter producer David Heyman, but he had refused to confirm the rumours.

Though the actor has refused to name his girlfriend, but reveals she is based in Britain and has been spending a lot of time with him. But they are set to be separated when she starts a new job.

“She is here with me as much as she can be. She’s about to start a new job in not too long, though, so I won’t see her for a few months,” he said.

Asked whether the unnamed girl is an actress, he said: “No! God, no,” and insists he is keeping her identity secret “not so much for my sake as for hers.”

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olombian singer Shakira met Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to seek support for a social work organisation started by her and other artistes from Spain and Latin America. “It was a very positive meeting,” and the president was “very enthusiastic” about the work of the Alas Foundation, Shakira said.

The singer is one of the sponsors of the organisation – whose name ‘alas’ means ‘wings’ in Spanish. The foundation focuses on projects benefiting children under six.

“It’s a blessing, for the first time for Brazil to have a female president, since there’s nobody like a woman to understand the problems of childhood,” Shakira said.

The singer gave Rousseff an autographed guitar for having it auctioned to finance social projects. Shakira’s Brazilian leg of her Pop Music Festival tour will conclude in Sao Paulo, where she is scheduled to perform before a crowd of about 70,000.

Exerting Self-control could lead to Aggressive Disposition

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Smartphones’ Group Messaging Apps to connect Real Friends

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ou might love swapping status updates and photos with hundreds of acquaintances online, but the latest trend in social media is about linking your closest relationships. A new category of smartphone applications can now be downloaded to your smartphone, and you can exchange texts, photos and voice messages with potentially dozens of friends and family members in one fell swoop.

“This just takes the idea that if I want to communicate with a certain number of people about an idea, the message gets there,” said Mike Melanson, a writer for the new media blog ReadWriteWeb. “On Facebook, I can post a status update and say “I’m going to this party” or “I’m going swimming, anyone wants to come?” and Facebook sends it to any number of people. ...Maybe they respond, maybe they don’t. It’s not really communication at that point,” he added.

With group chat apps, the users can limit the conversation to those they really want to participate and be sure that their message gets across.

The top group apps include GroupMe which is one of the most buzzed-about leaders of the pack, described as a ‘private chat room for any phone’; Beluga, another top contender that lets users set up ‘pods’ of people for private messaging; and Hurricane Party which is exclusively meant for party people as it lets users connect with groups of friends for the purpose of scouting out and starting get-togethers.

Kik, which is available for Android phones, iPhones and iPods, lets users share messages and photos with group members around the world.

new study has found that people who make an effort to exert self-control are attracted to aggressive art and public policy appeals. They also don’t appreciate messages that nag them to control their behaviour. “We set out to examine whether exerting self-control can indeed lead to a wide range of angry behaviours and preferences subsequently, even in situations where such behaviours are quite subtle,” said authors David Gal (Northwestern University) and Wendy Liu (University of California San Diego).

The researchers found that people who exerted self-control were more likely to prefer angerthemed movies, were more interested in looking at angry facial expressions, were more persuaded by anger-framed appeals, and expressed more irritation at a message that used controlling language to convince them to change their exercise habits. In one study, people who choose an apple instead of a chocolate bar were more likely to choose movies with anger and revenge themes than milder movies. In another study, participants who exerted financial restraint by choosing a gift certificate for groceries over one for a spa service showed more interest in looking at angry faces rather than at fearful ones. In a third experiment, dieters had more favourable opinions toward a public policy message that used an anger-framed appeal than they did toward a sad message.

“Public policy makers need to be more aware of the potential negative emotions resulting from encouraging the public to exert more self control in daily choices,” the authors said. “Instead behavioural interventions might rely on a broader range of methods to foster positive behaviours toward long-term goals.”

Encourage Kids to be Active during Leisure Time

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ne way of prompting physical activity among children is to promote them during leisure time, tailored to the specific gender. Researchers found children’s perceptions of what constituted play included both physically active and sedentary behaviours.

Rowan Brockman from the University of Bristol Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, who led the study, said: “Contemporary children do engage in active play and value both the physical and social benefits it provides.”

Playing with your kids “improves their mental health”. “This suggests that some children, at least, do not prefer to spend all their time watching TV or on computer,” Brockman added.

However, while boys prefer “having a kick about” or riding bikes, girls are less likely to have an equivalent specific physical activity, stated reports.

Additionally, boys appear to have greater freedom to roam in their active play than girls. Boys are more likely to play with neighbourhood friends but girls are more often restricted to playing with family members.

Courtesy Agencies Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

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