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O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, thursDaY, julY 1, 2010

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Goa’s Heartbeat: Aniston eager to become a mother Pg 14 IN BRIEF 15 Naxalites possibly killed Around 15 Naxalites were possibly killed when CRPF personnel retaliated during the Maoist ambush in a remote area of Chhattisgarh. – (PTI)

India: Government justifies Pg 9 hike in fuel prices

Princess may stay put for another 3 years!

SURAJ NANDREKAR PANJIM, JUNE 30

Despite the State Government’s efforts, it will take at least three years for the complete removal of M V River Princess, which ran aground off Candolim beach 10 years ago.

Not only time, the removal of the vessel which has already caused enough damage to the beach will cost the State around Rs 125 cr.

Sources told Herald that the bidders have asked for time ranging from nine months to three years to remove the ship.

After unsuccessful bids by Jaisu Shipping Company to tow away the vessel, the State Government early this year decided to float new tenders with only one option of cutting it into pieces.

In all, 12 companies had submitted their bids for the removal the ill-fated vessel which included Jaisu, Salgaocar Mining Company and Madgavkar Salvage besides two foreign companies Titan Salvage and Smith International from Singapore.

Out of these, two have been short-listed -- Madgavkar Salvage and Titan Salvage — Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik told Herald.

He said the tender is expected to be allotted in the next meeting of the State Disaster Management Committee scheduled for Friday.

Giving further details, Naik said the companies have asked

Forgery case against former CoP, 2 others HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JUNE 30

Calangute police have registered an offense against the then Captain of Ports and others on charges of forgery.

Acting on a complaint by one Khemlo Sawant of Betalwada(Continued on page 10)

Suitors for the Princess Options

Quote (in cr)

Estimated time

nil

9 mths

MADGAVKAR SALVAGE 1. Upto water level

(to keep scrap)

2. Upto ground level 3. 2 mt below sea bed 4. Remove entire vessel 5. Remove vessel completely and replenish the beach TITAN SALVAGE 1. Remove entire vessel (no beach replenishment and Govt to take care of scrap) for time from nine months to three years for removing the ship.

“Even after the tenders are awarded, work will begin only in October due to monsoons

25 45 98 125

1 yr 2 yrs 3 yrs 3 yrs

125 cr

3 yrs

and even if you consider the nine-month period it will take one year from now to cut the vessel”, he stated adding “the complete removal will need minimum three years”.

The director, however, did not speak about the financial details of the bids stating “it is still to be checked by the State Disaster Management Committee”.

Sources in the department told Herald that the Singaporebased Titan Salvage had quoted Rs 125 crore for the removal of the ship, with a time period of three years.

“The only hitch in this bid is that the company will cut the vessel and hand over the scrap to the Government”, sources added.

The other company Madgavkar Salvage has given five different options.

Anil Madgavkar of Madgavkar Salvage told Herald he had presented five options to the Government with different rates and time required.

“The first option is to remove the ship upto water level for which we would not charge the Government but will keep the scrap for us; the second is to cut the vessel upto ground level which will cost Rs 25 cr; the third is to cut the ship upto two meters inside the sea bed, costing Rs 45 crore; the fourth is to remove the ship completely for Rs 98 crore and the fifth is to remove the ship completely and replenish the beach at a cost of Rs 125 crore”, he said.

Madgavkar said it is now for the Government to decide on the options stating that the complete removal will take a minimum of three years.

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

Sports: Federer stunned; Nadal in semis Pg 13

Tainted registrar suspended HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

Registrar of Co-operative Societies P K Pattidar who was allegedly caught red-handed accepting a bribe on Tuesday was suspended today pending inquiry.

The Director Vigilance Arun Desai speaking to Herald said the file regarding the suspension of the officer was moved by him along with the report.

The decision of suspension was left to the disciplinary committee.

When questioned if Pattidar could be taken into police custody, the director stated that the decision on the arrest solely lies on the Superintendent of ACB. “Under the prevention of Corruption Act the SP is the complainant and if he deems right, he can arrest the officer”, Desai stated adding, the Vigilance has already searched the premises and other places for gathering evidence.

The senior scale officer, who also holds additional charge as Director of Animal Husbandry, was allegedly trapped by the ACB yesterday while taking a bribe of Rs 15,000 from a contractor for release of his payment. Officials also raided the registrar’s house in a bid to get an account of his assets.

ACB Superintendent Bosco George told Herald that since the amount was small it was my decision not to arrest him. If at all it was in lakhs I could have arrested him, he said.

He, however, refused to say anything on the findings so far.

Air tickets to be costlier from today PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

Domestic and international air fares will rise by Rs 103 and Rs 515 respectively with a Government notification to bring air travel into the service tax ambit coming into effect from tomorrow.

Government had proposed in the 2010-11 Budget that 10 per cent ser vice tax be charged on air travel aiming at raising Rs 600 crore and Rs 1,000 crore annually.

It had proposed to expand the scope of air transport services to attract service tax to include domestic and international journeys in any class.

However, airline crew travelling on duty and UN staff are exempted from paying this service tax.

The notification, issued by the Department of Revenue over a week ago, said that for domestic travel, “10 per cent of the gross value of ticket or Rs 100 per journey, whichever is less” would be charged from passengers travelling in any class — business or economy.

For international journey, it

Lashkar behind 6 coastal panchayats face J&K trouble: PC HC rap on CRZ violations PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

Firmly backing the State Government in dealing with the violence in the Kashmir valley, the Centre on Wednesday said that anti-national forces that were fomenting trouble were clearly l i n ke d t o Pa k i s t a n - b a s e d Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation in the Valley which has witnessed stone-pelting and attacks on security forces for the past six days during which five persons have lost their lives when fired upon by security personnel. Home minister, Defence Minister and officials were present.

The Centre’s approach to the situation is two-pronged, the security forces should exercise maximum restraint but people should not violate the curfew wherever it has been imposed.

“We will support the State Government in restoring the law and order situation. I hope the situation will come under control in the next few days”, Chidambaram told a media briefing.

Asked who was the anti-national elements involved in the trouble, the home minister said the “anti-national elements are

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

clearly linked to LeT which is active in Sopore area”.

Two militants belonging to LeT were killed in an operation in the Sopore area few days ago, he pointed out.

The meeting appreciated the statement of chief minister Omar Abdullah yesterday appealing for calm and asking people not to allow their children to violate the law.

“The chief minister’s statement has been reasonable, clear and firm. We have instructed the para-military forces to exercise maximum restraint in dealing with stone-pelters and also asked the chief minister and his ministers to visit the disturbed areas,” Chidambaram said.

Referring to the annual Amarnath pilgrimage that commences tomorrow, the home minister said that the Government was committed to providing full protection to the pilgrims.

The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday admonished six coastal village panchayats stating it will initiate contempt of court proceedings against them if its order of June 14 is not complied before the next date of hearing.

The coastal panchayats of Anjuna, Velsao-Pale, Betalbatim, Benaulim, Varca, and Cavellosim were reprimanded by the High Court for their failure to file affidavits in the terms of the Court order of June 14. The Court was hearing a suo motto writ petition on CRZ violations.

BJP gears up for all India July 5 bandh HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

The Goa unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party today pledged support to the all India bandh on July 5 called to protest against price hike in the oil prices and to press for roll back in the price hike.

Announcing this at a press conference on Wednesday here, Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar maintained that they are not opposed to the decontrol of oil prices, but don’t want any kind of artificial increase in taxation or unlimited taxation.

He also suggested that the State Government can surely share some burden by lessening impact of price hike by Rs 2-3.

Recent price hike will further heighten inflationary pressure as rise in oil prices always have cumulative effect, he said pointing out that further increase in the prices of vegetables and other products will be felt twothree weeks later.

While BJP will protest on Monday throughout the country against the price hike, the All Goa Bus Owners Association (AGBOA) will agitate by keeping the buses off the road demanding rise in bus fare.

Interestingly, BJP will call for support of the bus owners association for their bandh.

A Division Bench of Justice A S Oka and Justice F M Reis on June 14 had directed all coastal panchayats (twenty-six) to file affidavits on structures that were demolished; proceedings pending before the director of panchayats; cases where there is an order of remand passed by the director of panchayats and further steps taken by the pan-

chayat.

They were also directed to set out parameters for action and if applications had been made for providing demolition squad and if the applications were not acted upon.

Advocate General Subodh Kantak was directed to take instructions regarding pendency of proceedings before the director of panchayats and submit a chart before this Court indicating the position of pending matters.

When the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday morning it was revealed that some six panchayats had not complied (Continued on page 10)

would be “10 per cent of the gross value of the ticket or Rs 500 per journey, whichever is less, for passengers embarking in India for an international journey in economy class.”

A service tax of little over 12 per cent is already imposed on foreign travel by business or first class since the past several years.

Air travellers would be exempted from paying this tax while embarking on a journey originating or terminating in an airport located in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura and Bagdogra in West Bengal.

They would also be exempted for journeys originating in Jammu and Kashmir from the airports of Srinagar, Leh and Jammu.

The move to impose the tax in this year’s budget was opposed by all Indian carriers as well as the global airlines body.

International Air Transport Association sought a roll back, describing it as “unacceptable” and “counter-productive”.

Caste may be included in Census Notwithstanding divisions in the Cabinet, Government is likely to give a green signal for inclusion of caste in Census.

Just his suggestion sir! Like in football, can we have substitutes for ministers who are tainted...

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Political war breaks out between Churchill, Luizinho supporters

Fatorda residents protest against waste dump at Chandrawado

PWD minister refuses to accept Piexote as Navelim block Cong chief me. I have told Shirodkar to recognise Raicar as the Block President within 15 days or It’s testing time for the Conelse I will form committees gress leadership as a politacross Goa”, he reiterated. ical war broke out between Asked to elaborate on his PWD Minister, Churchill Aleplans to appoint committees mao group and supporters across Goa, Alemao said he of Congress Working Comhas no plans to quit or mittee (CWC) member and weaken the Congress if his former ML A Luizinho demand is not met, but hasFaleiro to control the Navetened to add that he is free lim Congress Block Comto have his own committees mittee and threatens to spill in all the Assembly conout in the party fora. stituencies.

W ith Faleiro’s close Conceicao Piexote Incidentally, Raicar was apaide Conceicao Piexote elected as the Navelim block Congress pointed the block President of the Navelim chief, a furious Alemao has told GPCC block by Shirodkar by dissolving the elected President Subhash Shirodkar not to recog- committee headed by Piexote last year. The nise the new group headed by Piexote GPCC President had effected the changes and has warned to appoint his own com- after Alemao bitterly complained of the mittees in the Assembly constituencies rival faction led by CWC member Luizinho across Goa if his request is not met within Faleiro calling the shots in the party fora even as he had defeated Faleiro in Navelim 15 days.

Refusing to accept Piexote as the new constituency.

Apart from the traditional Churchill-Luizblock President, Churchill has told the GPCC president to recognise the block Committee inho rivalry, there’s no love lost between Alemao and Piexote as the latter during his headed by his close aide Lionel Raicar.

“I have told the GPCC President to previous tenure as the Navelim Block Conrecognise Raicar and his team as the real gress President had turned out Alemao’s block Congress Committee. I have set a bitter critic.

Meanwhile, Piexote has claimed that he 15-day deadline on the party president to effect the changes or will go ahead in has been declared elected unopposed as appointing Churchill-backed committees the Navelim Block Congress Committee by in all the constituencies”, the PWD Min- Congress Returning Officer Shaikh Shabir at a meeting held at Davorlim Panchayat ister warned.

“How can Piexote be elected as the block hall. Of the 28 booth Presidents and 28 delpresident, when there exists a Committee egates, 53 representatives were present for headed by Raicar. This is not acceptable to the meeting, he said.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 30

Martino Rocha and Sunil Mane have been elected as vice-Presidents, while Chaya K Phade the block treasurer.

Another close Luizinho aide and Navelim Panch Schubert Furtado have been elected on the district committee along with Evaristo Soares, Leena F D’Costa, Sucorina Pereira and Kasim Sab Singergaon. Nancy C Estibeiro has been elected as the PCC member.

For Piexote, this is his third term as block president and comes against the backdrop of his unceremonious removal as the Navelim Block Congress president at the party President at the behest of Alemao.

GPCC chief declines to comment on developments HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 30

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Subhash Shirodkar has declined to comment on the developments in the Navelim Congress block and threats by the PWD Minister Churchill Alemao to constitute his own block committees across Goa. When Herald contacted Shirodkar this evening, the GPCC President only said “I will let you know on the Navelim issue after few days”.

He, however, replied in the positive when asked whether the PWD Minister has spoken to him on the Navelim Block Congress Committee. But, maintained that he let the media know on the issue after few days time.

Govt school being run in a temple at Betim HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 30

A school is considered a ‘temple of learning’, but this school is, quite literally, being run in a temple at Betim for nearly half a century.

Despite tall claims by the government to provide better education, a government primary school is being run at the Shantadurga temple at DevulwadaBetim for the last 48 years.

Presently, 32 students are studying in the primary school and two teachers have been appointed by the government to conduct classes from Std 1 to 4. There are neither fans in the school nor the toilet facility for the teachers and students.

In 1992, there were 92 students in the school. Due to unhygienic conditions prevailing around the school, the parents are reluctant to send their children to the school. Instead the parents prefer to send their children to schools in Porvorim or Panjim.

Therefore, the number of students declined gradually and in 2010, only 32 students are left

Students taught in a temple at Betim.

on the roll.

Being a temple, there is a constant flow of people.

When devotees enter the temple to pay respects to the deity, the students get distracted and are unable to concentrate on their studies.

Teachers also get distracted and find it difficult to teach

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

the students.

When this scribe visited the temple/school, it was noticed that the sweeper was cleaning the floor when the students were being taught.

A parent speaking to Herald under the condition of anonymity said he was not interested in sending his son to

MMC cracks whip against absenteeism, holds back salary HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 30

The Margao Municipal Council has cracked a whip against absenteeism by holding back the salaries of as many as six Civic employees, including two UDCs and four workers.

Civic officials said the two UDCs have been told to submit a medical certificate from the Goa Medical College and hospital before their salaries are released by the Municipality.

When contacted, MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho said the two UDCs had failed to report on duty for some days without applying for leave. He said the

two employees later submitted a medical certificate which was not acceptable by the Civic body.

As far as the four workers are concerned, the Chairperson said they were drafted for election work in the District Collectorate, but did not report for duty in the Municipality after the work.

“As such, the Municipality has held back payment of the salaries of these six employees pending their explanations and submission of medical certificates”, Coutinho said.

Of the two UDCs, one is attached to the Accounts section, while the other is working in the Taxation section.

The action, perhaps, the first time in recent times, is reported to have not gone down well with a section of workers, who has sought to know how the Municipality can withheld the entire month’s salary when they were absence for some days.

The Margao Civic body had been trying to set up a mechanism to ensure that employees report for work and leave the office on time. The bio-metric finger scan reader was one such instance, which was abandoned by the Civic body within days of its implementation following protests and objections from the employees.

the primary school.

“Since I have to leave for my work early in the morning, I am unable to spare time to drop my son, if admitted in school at far-off places. The teachers are doing their job properly, but the students can’t concentrate on the studies,” he said.

“The students instead of paying attention to what teachers teach, they look at the people entering the temple,” added the parent.

When contacted, Reis Magos Deputy Sarpanch Francis Colaco said in the gram sabha held on May 16, a resolution was adopted by the villagers that the panchayat should look out for a piece of land for the construction of government primary school building.

“Accordingly, the panchayat has started approaching the people who can donate land for construction of the school building. There is a persistent request from the residents to shift the school in a good building,” said Colaco.

Sonsodo rape accused remanded HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 30

The accused arrested in the Sonsodo rape case has been remanded to seven days police custody by the local Magistrate’s court on Wednesday.

Margao police said the accused Prashant Tari is required for further interrogations in police custody as part of investigations in the rape case.

The accused was identified by the victim girl on Tuesday.

Planning official paints grim picture of India Says just 12% youth has access to higher education HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

A senior Planning Commission member today said that while India aims to be an economic superpower in near future banking on the largest youth manpower it has got, only 12.4 per cent young population has access to higher education.

“In the age group of 18 to 23, only 12.4 per cent have access to higher education. The average is 24 per cent globally and average for developing countries is 18 per cent,” Dr Narendra Jadhav, member planning commission and noted economist, said.

He said that it should not be a surprise if average touches 25 per cent by the end of next five year plan. “12.4 per cent does not augur well for the country which wants to be economic superpower,” the economist commented.

Dr Jadhav was delivering a lecture on ‘reforms in higher education in retrospect and

prospect’ as a part of 26th foundation day of Goa University at Kala Academy.

Goa Governor Dr S S Sidhu, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Speaker of legislative Assembly Pratapsingh Rane, Vice Chancellor Dr Dilip Deobagkar, Goa University’s founder vice chancellor Sheikh Ali and others were present on the dais.

Stressing that improvement in higher education sector is key to uphold double digit growth, Dr Jadhav said that India may need 12,00 to 15,00 universities in next 10 years.

He pointed out ironical situation in country’s rural area as far as higher education is concerned.

“Less than two per cent women from scheduled tribe community residing in rural areas have access to higher education,” the former economic advisor to Reserve Bank of India, said.

“Though India has the highest educational power in the world next to United States and China,

it has several limitations,” he added.

Giving the statistics, Dr Jadhav said India is blessed with 70 per cent people below age of 35 years. As per census in 200607, 225 million people were between age group of 10 to 19, the number will now grow to 240 million.

“India will have largest ever cohort of young people transiting from young to adolescence that will offer India advantage for next 25 years,” he stated.

“If we don’t reform our higher education, than there is no trivial risk of facing demographic nightmare”, he stated.

Dr Jadhav alleged that the adequacy of higher education in India is questionable. “If we don’t have reform in higher education system than we can’t sustain double digit growth,” he said.

The author of several books on economy said that quality of higher education is also a very serious issue. “Curriculum in the

universities is out of date and teachers are out of sync,” he commented.

He alleged that faculties are not aware about advances in their subject. “Research output is not growing quantitatively and qualitatively,” Dr Jadhav added.

“In last 16 years NAAC has accredited only 20 per cent of universities.”

He advocated various systemic changes including collapsing all the regulators in one system. “The formation of National Commission on Higher Education Reforms (NCHER) is step in this direction,” he said.

Dr Jadhav said that NCHER would be a reality by March 2011. “It will bring in major changes. Accreditation would be mandatory for all the colleges,” he added.

He said that the foreign education provider’s bill will encourage foreign universities to come to India.

Residents point towards the commercial waste dumped along road side near the Arlem junction.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 30

Residents of Fatorda under the banner of Fatorda Residents Welfare Association on Wednesday protested against the dumping of commercial waste at Chandrawado near the Arlem road junction along the Eastern bypass.

Led by Association President Joseph Silva, the residents claimed that tons of waste is dumped and burnt at the site by a some unscrupulous commercial establishments, thereby posing health hazard to the locals.

He demanded an immediate stop to the illegal activity or warned of an agitation at the site. The residents had invited Traffic

Attempt to murder case bail pleas rejected HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 30

The South Goa Sessions court on Wednesday rejected the bail applications of the three persons arrested in connection with the offense of attempt to murder a bar owner at Maina Curtorim last week.

In the meantime, the Maina Curtorim police has booked another offense against the trio for the assault on one Remegio and damage to the maruti van.

Maina Curtorim PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the trio have been booked for wrongful restrain, assault and damaged to the car owned by Remegio.

The incident had occurred at Santimol Raia on the same night after the three accused assaulted the bar owner at Maina.

The police are investigating.

Cell incharge, PI Prabodh Shirwaikar and Margao Municipal Chairperson Savio Coutinho to take a look at the nonbiodegradable waste at the road junction.

Silva said waste is dumped on the road causing nuisance to the vehicles and public alike despite complaints to the Margao Municipal sanitary inspector.

“No action is being taken by the Margao Municipal authorities, since the road is partly acquired by the garbage and becomes very difficult for the vehicle to move on the busy road”, he added.

Silva warned the Margao Municipal authorities and the MMC Chairperson to take the matter very seriously and initiate legal action on the commercial establishment to

Expressing surprise over his appointment as the new State Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza has vowed to rebuild the party and strengthen it further in the State at the grass-root level.

Speaking to Herald on the sidelines of the inaugural function of HP Gas Rasoi Ghar at New Vaddem on Wednesday, D’Souza said he was surprised over his appointment and it could be due to his working ability and the potential to take the party to further heights, which could have worked to appoint him as the new party president.

“It is a big responsibility for me. The Central party supremo Sharad Pawar and others have faith in me and they know my working capability, due to which they have given me such a big responsibility,” added D’Souza.

Listing his priority being party president, he said he would put his efforts to reunite party workers and bring them back into party fold to strengthen the party further.

He said he would collectively work to strengthen the party and take it to the grass-root level.

When asked whether the

stop waste dumping on the public road.

The residents also asked the Traffic police to stop parking of vehicles on both sides of the road.

Margao Municipal Chairperson Savio Coutinho assured the residents that the Civic body would serve notices on the commercial establishments to stop forthwith waste dumping at the site.

He said that waste is also being burnt at the site by the commercial establishments making it difficult for the Civic workers to lift the waste.

He said the Civic body would crack a whip against the establishments for dumping non-biodegradable waste along the road side.

Govt proposed forming society for private bus industry: Dhavalikar HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

State Transport Department has said that they had proposed forming of a society for private bus industry which would benefit them immense financially.

“If the society is formed around 24,000 people would be benefited. There are 6,000 people working as conductors, cleaners and drivers on various private buses, if we consider four of their family members, everyone will be benefited,” Transport Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar said.

Dhavalikar’s reaction came after, private bus operators in the State alleged that the government is not willing to form a society for private bus industry. The operators had condemned Dhavalikar for being insensitive towards their issue.

They have also demanded sacking him from ministerial post.

New State NCP chief vows to rebuild party HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JUNE 30

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

party was passing through a difficult phase in the wake of former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco’s resignation, he shot back saying that the party has never been in a difficult phase, especially after the Pacheco’s resignation.

“The party has taken high moral ground in asking Pacheco to tender his resignation and he gracefully accepted the party decision. His episode won’t have any impact on party image,” added D’Souza.

When asked about feuds between the ruling coalition Congress-NCP as to how he would tackle if such a situation resurfaces again, he said: “Coalition government is like a family. You point out which family is without any dispute. We have to resolve our issues across the table with love and affection,” said D’Souza.

When asked whether he will be able give justice to his ministry and party when he has been given the responsibility of two high profile posts, he said: “Obviously there will be some pressure, when party high command has decided that I’ll be able to do my job efficiently, then there are no two opinions on it,” added D’Souza.

He said he is prepared to handle the pressure because he

“If the society is formed around 24,000 people would be benefited. There are 6,000 people working as conductors, cleaners and drivers on various private buses, if we consider four of their family members, everyone will be benefited.”

Transport Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar However, Dhavalikar alleged that the private bus operators are not ready to take up the suggestion of forming a society.

“Through the society, we can provide them facilities like insurance of Rs 5 lakh, provident fund and other security avenues.

However, they themselves are not ready to form a society,” he said.

The minister said that it’s just not only the person who works but also those who are dependent on him would be benefited.

“The society can help their children get their higher education financed,” he said.

The former Public Works Department minister said that during his stint as PWD minister, such a society was formed, which is currently covering 2,000 people.

Dhavalikar said that he is ready to provide office space for association at various Kadamba bus stands where they can set up their computerised office and maintain a log of bus movement.

Colva p’yat in fix over HC order banning new multi-dwelling units HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 30

The Colva Village Panchayat finds itself in a tight spot over disposal of solid waste and discharge of sewage waste in water bodies.

Under the scanner of the High Court on solid waste disposal, the Panchayat has decided to ask its legal counsel to find out the High Court order banning issuance of construction licenses for multi-dwelling units in the village in view of its failure to put garbage disposal mechanism in place.

The issue figured at the Panchayat meeting, wherein members sought to know the exact nature of the High Court directions whether the ban applies to all multi-dwelling units or only to a certain category of units.

Panchayat secretary said the panchayat members have decided to approach the Panchayat lawyer and find out the gist of the High Court order vis-à-vis licenses to multi-dwelling units.

Replying to a question, the Panchayat secretary has said the Panchayat has identified as many as five sites to set up garbage compositing units. “The Panchayat has not only identified

the compositing sites, but has tendered and issued the work order to the contractor to set up the units”, the secretary added.

Saying objections had come from one of the parties for the location of a compositing site, the Panchayat secretary said the Panchayat will take a decision whether to shift the composting pit or not.

In this respect, the Panchayat will soon hold an awareness program in the village with the help and assistance of environmentalist. “The Panchayat intends to use the services of an environmentalist to bring about awareness and educate the villagers on garbage disposal”, he added.

Meanwhile, all matters relating to the discharge of sewage waste in the Colva creek was placed before the Panchayat meeting held yesterday.

Despite directions from the Goa State Pollution Control Board, the Panchayat had issued show cause notices on the hotels and restaurants on the discharge of sewage waste in the Colva creek, but local NGOs has again complained of sewage disposal into the water nullah leading to the creek.

Court to pronounce orders in Margao blast case today HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 30

The South Goa Sessions court will pronounce on July 1 orders on the framing of criminal charges against the accused involved in the Margao bomb blast case.

The court will also pass orders on the bail applications moved by the accused persons on Thursday.

While the prosecution has prayed to the Court to frame charges against the accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Substances Act, for waging

war against the State, besides Criminal Conspiracy, the accused has pleaded that they be discharged from the case for want of any evidence.

The accused persons Vinay Talekar, Vinayak Patil, Dhananjay Ashthekar and Dilip Mangaonkar had submitted there’s no evidence against them to charge them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Substances Act or for waging a war against the state.

During the argument before framing of charge, the defense lawyer, Adv Sanjiv

Punalekar had pleaded that the accused be enlarged on bail in the even the court deems it fit to frame charges against them.

The prosecution led by Special Public Prosecutor, S B Faria had opposed the bail applications of the three accused Vinay Talekar, Vinayak Patil and Dilip Mangaonkar.

Moreover, Faria had prayed to the court to frame the criminal charges against the accused persons saying there’s prima facie evidence made out by the National Investigations Agency against the accused.

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GOA, THURSDAY, 1 JULY, 2010

Literature, political economy posts to be established in GU: CM HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Wednesday said that two chairs would be established in the Goa University in the name of two of State’s recognised legends – B B Borkar and Dayanand Bandodkar.

The State government is celebrating birth centenary of both the Goans, who brought pride to the State through their individual fields.

“I will like to cooperate and initiate all support to Goa University in establishing two chairs – a permanent chair in memory of Bakibab Borkar in literature and a research chair in the name of Goa’s first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar in political economy,” Kamat said.

The chief minister was addressing 26th foundation day function of Goa University in presence of Goa Governor Dr S S Sidhu, Speaker of Legislative Assembly Pratapsing Rane, Planning Commission member Dr Narendra Jadhav, Vice Chancellor Dr Dilip Deobagkar, Founder V C Sheikh Ali and others.

Kamat quoting a survey by India Today magazine, Goa has been ranked as 35th amongst the 50 universities of the country.

He said that Goa government will give more importance to education sector to

further improve the rating at least to 10th amongst the 50 universities.

Complimenting the GU, Kamat said that the institution has catered to all section of the society and has helped people in education system to climb up the ladder.

Goa Governor and Chancellor of the University, Dr Sidhu said that we must keep in view that the changing global scenario would continue to exert considerable influence on the shape of higher education and universities in this country would be called upon to impart knowledge to the younger generation in the years to come.

“What is equally important is value based education that would take care of national integrity and social justice,” he said.

The Governor said that the students should be good human beings to begin with and they have to be groomed to be so. “Such an approach would help attain our national commitment for inclusive growth and wellbeing of all the citizens. It is therefore important to interact continuously with captains of industry, experts and scientists so as to imbibe fresh and innovative ideas in accomplishing the goal,” he said.

Earlier, Goa University VC Deobagkar announced the starting of three new courses – five-year integrated “I will like to cooperate and initiate all support to Goa University in establish- oceanography program, hotel management and tourism course ing two chairs – a permanent chair in and MBA program. memory of Bakibab Borkar in literature “We will also start programmes to empower large sections of peoand a research chair in the name of ple with desire courses of arts Goa’s first chief minister Dayanand and social science at the beginBandodkar in political economy.” ning,” he added.

- Chief Minister Digambar Kamat Silver Jubilee awards were conferred on Sushmita Vast (Best “The scenario is such that those in charge Sports Woman), Shadab Shaikh (Best Sportsof higher education would have to con- man), Rosary College of Arts and Commerce stantly conduct reappraisals of the quality (Best Sports College), Dr Rekha Gaonkar of education by updating knowledge,” he (Best Teacher), Dr B A Gomes (Best Principal), added.

Parvatibai Chowgule College (Best College).

Dr Sidhu struck a note of caution pointing The first VC Shaikh Ali and first registrar out that security of a job is the end-all of S K Gandhi were also felicitated on this oceducational pursuits is a limited vision. casion.

‘Decision to reduce VAT on petroleum products soon’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Wednesday said that the decision on reducing Value Added Tax on petroleum products would be taken within a week.

“I have asked the commissioner of Commercial Taxes Department to examine every possibility of reducing VAT on petroleum products,” Kamat told reporters at the sidelines of The Navhind Times ex-NCC achievers award 2010.

“The decision would be taken within a week,” he added.

Kamat said that the commissioner would also examine the situation in other States over reduction as there is uniformity in VAT between various other States.

“Last time, when prices were hiked we had tried our best to give some reduction and accordingly we had reduced the VAT,” he confirmed.

Earlier this week, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had protested against hike in petroleum products and had demanded to reduce the tax on the said products.

MPT for mechanised terminal to curb coal dust pollution HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JUNE 30

In another four years, coal dust pollution from the manually handled Berths No 10 and 11 located towards Vasco city could be a thing of past, as Berth No 10 will make way for logistic cargo handling and while Berth No 11 will be developed into a fully mechanised manner as per the Goa State Pollution Control Board norms.

Speaking to Herald, MPT Chairman Praveen Agarwal said coal dust pollution would come to a grinding halt after development of mechanised coal terminal at Berth No 11, which would be in a covered dome, and the conveyor belt as proposed terminal is designed by US-base consultant.

Development of new coal terminal at an estimated cost of Rs 425 crore at Berth No 11 on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis will accommodate the present manual handling coal and coke from Berths No 10 and 11.

The manual handling of coal on these berths had generated a lot of heat in the past for violating pollution control norms.

However, it will be a respite to the people of port town.

Development of Berth No 11 on PPP basis would be the third coal terminal in Mormugao Port.

In 2005, ABG had developed mechanised coal handling facil-

The proposed new coal terminal at Berth No 11 that accommodate the manual coal handling from Berths No 10 and 11.

Photo by M Prabhav

ity at Berth No 5A and 6A, while Berth No 7 would be developed

by M/s Adani Port as concession agreement has already been signed with the port and berth would in operation by March 2013.

“With modern facility, not a speck of coal dust will arise during the operation, while retrieval of coal from ship would take

place in a covered conveyor belt with bucket unloading and the entire coal stack would not be exposed to rain or wind,” said Agarwal.

“The entire mechanised coal terminal at Berth No 11 would be painted in white to inspire the confidence of people to themselves to judge the coal dust pollution level,” informed

KBS to oppose diverting NH4A route through Carambolim fields HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, JUNE 30

Residents of Carambolim have formed the Karmali Bachav Samiti to oppose Corlim Citizens Civil and Consumer Forum’s (CCCCF) demand to divert the NH4A from Old Goa through the fields of Carambolim.

It may be recalled that in a bid to save about 40 houses, which would be demolished if the NH4A is widened, CCCCF members had suggested that authorities should instead divert the highway from Old Goa through the fields of Carambolim and Corlim, before connecting it towards the highway at the Banastarim Bridge.

The KBS at the meeting has also decided to take a protest rally to the concerned politician and Forum members, if needed, to stop the move.

Speaking on the occasion, Carambolim Sarpanch Balchandra Usgoankar said: “We condemn the comments of diverting the NH4A route through the fields of Carambolim, which were made by some politicians, who were present at the Forum’s meeting recently.”

He also asked the locals not to allow both the politicians to step in Carambolim village. He questioned whether Carambolim villagers had not given any votes to both the politicians during the elections.

“Being Carambolim sarpanch, I along with my villagers warn the concerned politicians and

Agarwal.

“With development of coal terminal on approximate area of 75,000 sq mtrs, the present handling capacity would be enhance from 1.5 tonnes to 4 million tonnes to cater the need of power and steel industries in the region,” added Agarwal.

“The coal will be dispatched from rail and road and the proj-

Plaint filed against CCP corporator in market scam HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

Members of Karmali Bachav Samiti at a meeting in Carambolim panchayat hall.

Photo by Kanzil Rodrigues

those trying to divert the route towards Carambolim, not to do so or else we will demonstrate in front of their houses,” warned the sarpanch.

“I do understand about the NH4A problems, which residents of Corlim will have to face. Our support will always be there for them in asking the State government to minimise the width from 60 mtrs to 30 mtrs, but do not divert the road through the fields of Carambolim at any cost,” stated Usgaonkar.

In his speech, social worker Rajesh Naik said: “We all are opposing Forum’s move to divert the highway route through Carambolim fields, as farmers in Carambolim have already lost some fields earlier due to the Konkan Railway, which has passed through the Carambolim fields.”

“If NH4A passes through Carambolim fields, it will take

away most of the village fields, which are being cultivated and then there will be nothing left for the farmers,” added Naik.

“We also know that we need a national highway, but not at the cost of local farmers fields on which they depend. We do support the feelings of Corlim villagers and we will support them to put forth their demands of curtailing the width from 45 mtrs to 30 mtrs,” he said.

“But at no cost will we support the Forum’s move to bypass the highway through the fields of Carambolim,” said the social worker.

Cumbarjua ZP member Dhaku Madkaikar, Chorao ZP member Vrunda Rajesh Naik, former ZP member Nilesh Shirodkar, former Carambolim sarpanch Sunil Naik and other dignitaries were present at the meeting.

ect has been taken up as per the directive of Goa State Pollution Control Board and High Court guidelines,” he said.

“Once the coal terminal at Berth No 11 is ready, the operation of coal and coke handling from Berth No 10 will be shifted to the new terminal, while Berth No 10 will be utilised for containers and logistic industries, which is badly needed in Goa,” said Agarwal.

When asked whether mechanised terminal will curb coal dust, washed off in sea during monsoon, he said: “There is no doubt about it, the covered domed-shape terminal will not be exposed to rain or winds to stack coal,” said Agarwal.

When asked whether the development of new terminal on PPP basis would affect trade of Mormugao Port User Association, which comprises transporters, stevedores, ship chandlers, shipping agent and Barge Owner Association, etc, he said PPP based terminal does not take away the basic characters of the terminal, which is common users base.

“It will always remain as common-user terminal, the only difference is that it is developed, constructed and managed by a private entity, while common users and consumers will tend to benefit from the terminal,” he assured.

The Corporation of the City of Panjim and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporators have filed a police complaint against a ruling corporator in a market scam.

In the complaint filed before Panjim police station on Tuesday, BJP corporators have said that Daya Karapurkar along with some other people was demolishing a wall of the existing shop number 334 in Panjim market.

The complaint by corporator Rupesh Halarnkar says that Karapurkar and others were putting a shelter converting one shop into two.

The issue was brought to the notice on Monday when Halarnkar received a call informing him about the conversion of

shop into two by Karapurkar. BJP corporators had gheraoed Mayor Caroline Po demanding immediate action against Karapurkar.

The corporators who cornered Po said that police complaint should be filed by CCP against the ruling corporator Karapurkar for his illegal act.

Two days after BJP’s protests, CCP officially filed complaint against the corporator with Panjim police on Wednesday.

CCP commissioner Elvis Gomes lodged the complaint stating that the corporator damaged public property. The corporator is also accused of forgery.

Confirming about the complaint, CCP official said that when the matter was brought to the notice of commissioner today, he immediately registered a police complaint.

Police arrest five in assault on rag pickers HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

Panjim police on Wednesday arrested five accused in connection with the assault on rag pickers, who were beaten up at the sorting station in St Inez and Campal, last week.

Police stated that accused – L axman Kumbhari, Kalesh Ranangi, Ramesh Pujari, Maruti Amigol and Sajjad Sheikh, all in their twenties were arrested under Section 387 and 323 of IPC read with 34.

All the accused are from Caranzalem and St Inez and

were allegedly involved in beating up a group of rag pickers who refused to cough up extortion money to them. All accused have been remanded to two days police custody.

The arrest came after Corporation of the City of Panjim lodged a police complaint on Tuesday against an unknown group.

The garbage lifting contractor had stopped the work after the assault. CCP on Tuesday had assured police protection following which the garbage was cleared from the city.

NCC taught me how to be disciplined, patriotic: Kamat HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was nostalgic on Wednesday when he remembered his school days of how he used to dress up in National Cadet Corps (NCC) uniform and cycle his way to school.

“Those were the days, when I felt proud in the uniform. I knew people were looking at me. I was soldier of the nation,” Kamat said.

However, he lamented that today NCC students are ashamed of wearing uniform.

“They carry uniforms in bags and wear them only in school premises. They feel humiliated to wear and move around in the society,” Kamat said.

Chief Minister felt proud of being an NCC student during his school days. “NCC taught me how to be disciplined and patriotic. I am very much thankful to NCC,” he maintained.

Kamat was addressing ‘The Navhind Times Ex-NCC Achievers Award 2010’, gathering organised by State Ex-Cadets NCC Association (SENA) in association with ‘The Navhind Times’.

Kamat believes that there is need of making NCC compulsory for the students in the State.

“Going on field makes us tough and discipline and this is exactly what today’s youth need,” he said.

He urged parents to encourage their children to be part of NCC, which will make every single child a good patriotic citizen.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Pratapsing Rane was awarded with The Navhind Times Ex-NCC Achievers Award 2010 for his achievements in public life.

Talking on the occasion, he said that youth of today need lot of training, education and guidance to win over all the curses of society like poverty, illiteracy,

global warming and terrorism.

“This will help in taking the country on a great height. People now, look at India as country of intellectuals and the pride must be continued,” he said.

Apart from Rane, the awards were also given in the field of police personnel, sports, literature, civil service and law.

In the field of police personnel Flinton D’Souza, chief secretar y officer in Dempo Company and Superintendent of Police, South Allen D’Sa were awarded. While director of Women and Child Commission Sanjiv Gadkar (civil service), practicing lawyer Ajit Singh Rane (law) and John Aguiar (literature) were also honoured.

Special guest of the function, commissioner of NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro urged youth to join field of Army and civil service, which gives prestige for

serving nation.

“There is need to create awareness among youth to be a military person and serve the nation. If you think that the salary is low, then as per the sixth pay commission, the starting salary of a commissioned officer in the Armed Force is Rs 35,000 and goes upto Rs 1 lakh,” he said.

For this, he said that NCC should be compulsory for atleast two years at the school level.

Faleiro pointed out that in the last budget speech, chief minister had announced setting up of administrative training institute in the State.

“I feel, along with setting up of institution, scholarship may be awarded by the government to the deserving candidates to prepare themselves for the centre civil service examination at reputed coaching centers like Delhi and Mumbai,” he stated.

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GOA, THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010

S H O rt ta K e S Anti-Drug Day at Bicholim

Ex-Calangute sarpanch flays social activists HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JUNE 30

NCC cadets of Shri Shantadurga High School, Bicholim, stage anti-drug rally in Bicholim town.

Photo by Vishant Vaze

MAYEM(HC): The NCC Cadets of 1 Goa Girls bn and NCC unit of Shri Shanatadurga High School, Bicholim, recently observed International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by organizing a rally in Bicholim town.

On the occasion, the students raised slogans to create awareness among the people. A talk was also organized for the students, which was addressed by Dr Dayanand Rao, chief guest for the function.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Rao explained in detail the use and abuse of drugs and acquainted the children with illeffects of drugs abuse. He stressed on the theme of the day ‘Think health and not the drugs’. He also interacted with the students and answered their queries.

Other dignitaries present included Headmaster Suresh Ghatwal, senior teacher Meghana Patki and ANO third officer Yasmin Shetye. Cadet Vaibhavi Salgaonkar also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, the welcome song was presented by Cadets Veena Karmalkar, Urvi Phadke, Saile Panjikar, Ankita Naik, Priyanka Parab, Padmaja Gawade and Vanita Sawant.

Cadet Diksha Kudaskar compered the function, while Cadet Yogini Lamgaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.

Books distributed to needy

Former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira has condemned some social activists for their alleged involvement in the illegal trade at various places in Calangute, especially in Gaura Vaddo, the ward he represents as the panch.

“The raided discotheque in Gaura Vaddo belongs to Abeline Menezes. It is a great concern that we succumb to such type of business activities, as social activists or politicians, which does not augur well for villagers or Calangute village,” Sequeira told Herald.

“If we as political leaders or social activists indulge or encourage illegal activities, what are the ordinary citizens supposed to do,” he questioned.

“On behalf of the Calangute panchayat, I condemn the action of the ZP member in renting out the place for a discotheque, thereby facilitating illegal activities like prostitution in the premises under the guise of business,” said Sequeira.

“I have been pointing about the illegal activities at the discotheque for a long time, but police failed to initiate any action, perhaps due to political nexus,” he added.

“Nevertheless, I congratulate PI Nolasco Raposo and his team for the delayed action and rescuing girls working at the discotheque,” said Sequeira.

Sequeira made a fervent plea to the concerned authorities to

immediately swing into action and book the culprits involved in such activities.

When contacted, Anthony Menezes refuted the allegations made by Sequeira and said he was surprised with the allegation of Sequeira against the Menezes family for encouraging prostitution.

illegal trade “In fact, I was at the forefront in carrying out drives against prostitution in Calangute and on the beaches rounding up innumerable persons involved in such activities, which I believe Sequeira is aware of,” said Menezes.

“Nevertheless, we have never entered into a contract or so to run a discotheque. One person has been operating the pub for the last few years and has been specifically warned not to indulge in any such illegal activities in the premises which does not hold good for the society,” he added.

“Operating a pub or discotheque does not necessarily mean you are into prostitution business,” opined Menezes.

“Considering the tourist destination, we need a night life full of fun and frolic and there is nothing wrong in entertainment through pubs or discotheques. There are authorities like

police to take care of the illegalities who should keep a strict vigil,” said Menezes.

“If Sequeira feels night clubs or other entertainments are harmful to the society or the village why has he permitted a casino at a hotel in Calangute or massage parlours despite objections from the villagers,” he questioned.

When contacted Sequeira on the allegation of license for the Casino, Sequeira said the hotel had obtained required permissions through the government.

“We had given the license to generate revenue for the local body or else the hotel management would have got it done through the Directorate of Panchayat denying revenue for the local body. We have not given any permissions for massage parlours as alleged by Menezes,” stated Sequeira.

Meanwhile, Shamile Beauty Parlour, Candolim, owner Mahalaxmi Mishra has alleged police harassment to her staff time and again despite holding valid identity documents of her staff.

“Five of my girls were rounded up by the police despite showing government-approved identity cards,” said Mishra.

Mishra further stated that due to harassment by the police, she fitted spy cameras so that police can verify the activities as and when required inside the beauty parlour, but even then the police harassment has continued.

Alcohol major killer than drugs, says Dr Dhume HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 30

MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho, GPYC Vice President Adv Pratima Coutinho and founder of Nano Nagale Open School for the marginalised children at Sirvodem, Margao.

PANJIM(HND): The Late Hugo Coutinho Memorial Trust held its annual distribution of note books to poor and needy students. over 250 students from different schools namely, Rosary High school and Perpetual Convent, Navelim; Adarsha H S, T B Cunha HS, Govt School Sirvodem, Nano Nagale Open School, Damodar Vidyalya,Margao and others.

The trust President and Chairperson of Margao Municipal Council Savio Coutinho informed that the Trust has been distributing note books and uniforms to poor and needy students for the last 10 years. He was following the footsteps of his father Late Hugo, who had been doing charity work as a member of Society of St Vincent de Paul, Coutinho added.

Adv Pratima Coutinho speaking to the students, appealed to them to work hard in their studies as education is a must for overall development of every citizen.

Curchorem SSC students feted CURCHOREM(HC): SES Society, Curchorem, recently felicitated its SSC students for their achievement at the SSC exams at a function in SES School premises, Curchorem.

The felicitation programme was sponsored by the SES vice president. Dr Radhakrishnan was the chief guest for the function. Headmistress Archana Kudchadkar, Assistant Headmistress Mrunalini Kudchadkar, Yeshwant Laad and Durganand Savordekar were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the programme began with a welcome song presented by students of the school followed by welcome address by Headmistress Kudchadkar.

In his address, Dr Radhakrishnan reminisced nostalgically the fireless efforts of the founding members of the school to start the school in 1963. Stressing on the importance of good health, Dr Radhakrishnan advised the students to make the best use of the amenities available to them to acquire knowledge.

He also appreciated the efforts put in by the students and teachers to achieve 100% results at the SSC examination in 2009-10. Later, the students who secured distinction were awarded Rs 1,100 each, Rs 1,000 (first class), Rs 750 (second class) and Rs 500 each to other students. Mrunalini Kudchadkar proposed the vote of thanks.

Anti-Drugs day held

COLLEM(HC): Gomantak Vidyalaya, Piliem-Dharbandoda, recently observed International Day against Drug Abuse in the school hall.

Speaking on anti-drugs day, Science teacher Manjusha Naik explained how drugs are obtained and method of distribution in the country. She also explained the effect of consuming drugs on the health of younger generation.

In his speech, Ajit Kerkar said the awareness drive should be launched by the students and NGOs.

Scheme for construction of hostel for OBC students HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 29

Directorate of Social Welfare is implementing a scheme for construction/Expansion of hostels for OBC Boys and Girls studying in middle schools/ Higher Secondary Schools and Universities. The assistance for construction/expansion is provided by the Government to the eligible schools, colleges, Universities and Non Government Organisations respectively.

Interested parties may submit their proposal to the Director, Directorate of Social Welfare, 18th June Road, Panjim.

For further details, please contact the Assistant Director (SC/OBC Welfare) of Directorate of Social Welfare, 18th June Road, Panjim, in person or on telephone no.2232257/2223784 on any working duty during office hours.

Senior Psychiatrist of Drug Detoxification Centre, KhorlimMapusa, Dr Rajesh Dhume has stated that alcohol is among the most commonly used drugs in the State.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the programme organized by Excise Department of Goa Government in association with D M’s College of Commerce, Arts and Science in its premises at Assagao to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

“Alcohol kills 6.5 times more youth than all other illicit drugs combined. Alcohol affects each and every organ of the body and hence one should stay away from the alcohol,” said Dr Dhume.

Dr Dhume further said youth takes to drugs because of peer pressure. Youth, who drink alcohol, are likely to use other drugs also in the course of time.

“In most of the road accidents that place in Goa, it has been observed that it has occurred due to drunken driving. Alcoholic problems are highest among youth adult in the age group 18-29. Alcohol affects women more seriously than men,” said Dr Dhume.

Dr Rajesh Dhume addresses the gathering at Assagao.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Dr Dhume said about 15-25% of the population of Goa has addictive problems. The stuff that is being used by the drug addicts are Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine and Opiates.

“Cigarettes are considered to be gateway for other drugs. Girls should be cautious while taking drinks containing ‘date rape drugs’ at rave parties. Always say ‘No’ to drugs,” stated Dr Dhume.

In his welcome address, D M’s College of Commerce, Arts and Science Vice Principal M R Patil said educational institutions and especially the youth play an im-

portant role in spreading educative messages to the society.

“Drugs have become a social evil which plagues younger generation of Goa today. To create awareness among youth about the ill-effects of drug, this programme has been organized by the College,” said Patil.

Excise inspectors Raman Phatarpekar and Atamaram Naik also spoke on the occasion.

Excise Inspector Mahesh Korgaonker compered the programme, while student of D M’s college Akhil Diukar proposed the vote of thanks.

Peahen spotted in Galgibaga residential area

PFI protests hike in petroleum products

PFI members during a demonstration in front of taluka headquarters in Ponda. Photo by Amresh Parab HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 30

Popular Front of India (PFI) on Monday staged a demonstration outside Ponda taluka administration building at Tisk-Ponda condemning the recent hike in petroleum products.

The PFI members raised slogans condemning UPA government’s decision to raise prices of petroleum products and demanded to withdraw the hike.

Later, the members met

Importance given to homoeopathy, ayurveda: CM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 30

Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has said the government is giving utmost importance to the development of alternative medicines homoeopathy and ayurveda in the State.

He was speaking after inaugurating an exhibition on Homeopathy organised by the Shri Kamaxidevi Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Shiroda at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

After going round the exhibition and interaction with the students, the Chief Minister said that alternative medicine is gaining importance in the country with people slowly moving towards homoeopathic and ayurvedic medicines from normal treatment “We believe that alternative medicine is gaining importance in our country. Slowly, people are moving from normal treatment to ayurvedic and homoeopathic medicines. The only difference is that we must have faith in the treatment by alternative medicines. I have seen many chronic cases being treated by alternative medicines, after people had lost their faith in normal medicines”, he added.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 30

The peacocks dances, witnessed earlier in the deep forests, are witnessed nowadays in resident’s courtyards at Kolsar-Galgibaga, Canacona.

A peahen was spotted by one Anil Naik deep inside a residential locality at Kolsar-Galgibaga, where according to Naik, many such female and even male peacocks come on errands.

Naik further informed that nowadays increased flock of peacocks is seen in residential localities then yesteryears, where people while wending through thick woods used to witness the most admired colourful birds.

According to forest sources, snakes entering into residential areas have also increased simultaneously, which has co-relation as to the peacocks sightings in residential areas.

A forest source informed that peacocks normally considers snakes as its regular prey and follows the movements of most snakes. Hence, sighting of peacocks in residential areas signifies that snakes too have sneaked in such areas.

Incidentally, the first rains is also considered as a mating season for peacocks and people who normally goes to their hinterland fields and other cultiva-

Goa Chitra goes beyond the walls of the museum to define Goan and encouraging people to participate and be proud of their rich ancestry. Victor Hugo Gomes the curator of Goa Chitra museum says “It is so easy to demonstrate a lifestyle to tourist that visit the state and speak about the way of a Goan life.

But to become part of a community and share with them their heritage is a special occasion for all.”

Mr Gomes speaks on the occasion of the launch of his extended tours – the heritage trails. These heritage trails are initiated more for the younger generations who were unable to connect to their roots because of industrialization and changes in a way of life.

Mr Gomes further comments, “I want Goan’s and especially the children and youth to connect with the indigenous people of this land; maybe from them we shall learn a few lessons on how to preserve and be kind to this earth and the natural surroundings that houses all of us.” This trail is not only about enjoying yourself but it gives one the opportunity to discover hinterland Goa and its people in a special way.

The first heritage trail was to

tion hillocks often informs that crowning peacocks were sighted during these days amid thick vegetations.

It is said that the male peacock normally spreads the feather crown over its body to attract female peacock, giving

an invitation for mating.

Motorists driving along Dumane’s internal road, besides on Karmalghat, also informs of peacock crossing over the road of both varieties that male with spread-out crown and female dancing its way.

Interview with Narvekar on HCN HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 30

Goa’s news and entertainment channel HCN will telecast Juino De Souza in an exclusive interview with Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar about government functioning and development of Goa, which will be telecast on July 1 at 11 am and repeat telecast will be at 4 pm.

citizens to help the government to solve the problems faced by the people.

“This sudden rise will not only affect common man, but will also affect prices of essential commodities. This will further add to the problems of the common man,” said PFI, Goa, President Sayed Iftiyaz.

“The most affected will be the poor people and we demand that the government should immediately roll back the hike,” said Iftiyaz.

‘Giants Group Valpoi working for downtrodden’

Valpoi Giants group members along with the students (beneficiaries).

Photo by Ashraf Khan HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, JUNE 30

Giants Group, Valpoi, past president and WRD Assistant engineer Arun Naik said their association is putting in efforts for the upliftment of downtrodden and needy students by providing them financial help.

Naik was speaking at the function organised by Giants Group of Valpoi at Valpoi to provide financial assistance to the girl students, who have good academic result and need financial backup to avail further studies.

The financial help was also given to families, which are orphan of both the parents to construct a house at Thane-Sattari.

Speaking further, Naik said their association is basically working for social and cultural

activities and helping deserving and needy people. He urged the beneficiaries to work hard and achieve their aim without fearing of any economic hurdle.

“Our group is always here to help you in future,” he added.

He appealed to the social activists to bring to their notice about such needy persons and students so their association can be of great help to them.

Phoenix Socio-Cultural Association, Valpoi, President Abdulla Khan said: “On behalf of Valpoi people, I am thankful to the Giants group members, especially Naik, who has taken efforts in helping local needy students.”

Kiran Narvekar welcomed the guests, while Giants Group President Shailesh Pokle proposed the vote of thanks.

Goa Chitra launches first heritage trail

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 30

A peahen spotted at Kolsar-Galgibaga, Canacona.

Photo by Anil Naik

deputy collector Ponda and submitted a memorandum requesting him to convey their message to the Prime Minister.

In a memorandum, PFI demanded immediate roll back in fuel prices and that the government should frame a policy to safeguard the common man from increasing prices of essential commodities.

The PFI also demanded subsidy on bus travel for aam admi and invite NGOs and concerned

Ambe Ghatt waterfalls

Netravali conducted on June 27 starting at Goa Chitra.

A group of 25 enthusiasts of all ages and different professions drove through to the Ambe Ghatt waterfalls and proceeded to spent time with the Dhangar community of Gauli waddo in Vichundrem. The children and their parents had the opportunity to participate one to one with these indigenous people and watched in fascination intricate rope weaving of kombyo tree fibre.

Saving the best for last of course was a thirteen kilometre drive and trek through the once submerged villages of Curdi, Curpem, Potrem.

Sometime in the early 80’s these villages were evacuated of about 15000 people to accommodate

the Selaulim dam water reservoir that quenches the thirst of most of Goa. Pa re n t s w i t h t h e i r k i d s trekked through the reminiscence with Victor Gomes while discovering and tracing out the market place, the police station, the rice mill, the temples, the wells, a traditional distillery, a dumti, old road side crosses, half submerged tulsi vrindavans, a deepasthamba etc that showed remarkable workmanship of our ancestors, says a press release.

This trails are going to be a regular feature of Goa Chitra in association with well known photographer Pantaleao Fernandes.

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Govt plans policy to revive dairy farming HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 30

The State Government has decided to come out with a policy for breeding of cattle and buffaloes with a renewed hope to revive dairy farming in the State and to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production. A draft policy has been published in the Official Gazette and is open for public scrutiny.

The policy aims to produce economically viable milch animals in large numbers and to conserve and improve local dairy animals through cross breeding. It also intends to have genetic improvement of the cattle and buffalo population for increasing milk production.

Goa has not been able to have substantial increase in milk production because majority of the bovine population is non-descript, which is smaller in size, low yielding, having long intercalving period and with irregular breeding habits.

As a result, these animals are uneconomical and most of the

owners leave them stray on the roadside.

It’s per day requirement of milk is about 3 lakh litres for its local population however fifty per cent of its supply come from outside the State.

The main objective of the policy is to achieve self-sufficiency even as past attempt to increase milk production has not helped much. However, the policy attains importance because the State does not have homogeneous breeding policy for cattle and buffaloes.

According to the Animal Husbandry Department there is no recognised breed of cattle in the State and majority of the cattle population is non-descript.

More importantly, the State does not have any specific breeding policy for cattle and buffaloes though artificial insemination facilities are available to the farmers.

As per the 2007 census bovine livestock population of the State is 1,06,663 out of which cattle population is

Insurance office caught disposing waste in Canacona

The office waste such as papers, registers, books, etc, of LIC office set to fire in Chaudi town near ADEI office.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 30

A local insurance office was caught in the wrong act of disposing office waste in the centre of Chaudi town, thereby polluting the area with fire and smoke from Saturday.

According to sources, since Saturday morning people visiting Chaudi town were surprised to see fire and smoke emanating alongside the NH-17 at the centre of Chaudi town in front of Canacona ADEI office.

As it was raining heavily on Saturday, people had to face more smoke pollution and burning smell then actual fire. The smoke continued through Saturday night, as more and more office wastage like old registers, books and other fellers of LIC of India continued to find its way to the roadside from nearby LIC office even on Sunday.

When this scribe questioned one of the LIC staff, who was seen dumping huge bundles of office waste on Sunday, the man after confirming he was the staff of LIC, Canacona branch, sought to blame Canacona Municipal Council for not collecting their office waste as usual from the office, due to which they were forced to resort to such acts.

“CMC used to collect waste from our office, but this time no one turned up despite asking them. So we had to resort to destroy it here,” said the staff, who was unaware of the inconvenience and pollution it causes in the town of a busy location.

Even cattle were seen feasting on the waste even as fire continued till late Sunday evening, while passersby and even vehicles were seen crossing the road with great caution and care from the raging fire.

Drunk truck driver loses control; plunges into valley at Priol

The truck that plunged into the valley at Conem-Priol.

Photo by Amresh Parab HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 30

A 40-year-old roadside cucumber seller along the NH-4A was injured, after driver of the sandladen truck lost control over the vehicle and plunged into the valley at Conem-Priol on Sunday evening.

According to Ponda police, the incident occurred at about 3.15 pm when the truck (GA-08U-5456) was proceeding towards Ponda. On reaching Conem-Priol, truck driver Franky

Fernandes (35), who was drunk, lost control over the vehicle.

The truck after going off the road knocked down one cucumber seller Shalini Gawas and plunged in the valley. Luckily, a tree stopped the truck from going dip into the valley.

Gawas was rushed to ID Hospital at Ponda, from where she was shifted to GMC Hospital in Bambolim.

The truck driver, who escaped unhurt, was later arrested by Ponda police.

70,547 and buffaloes population is 36,116.

Of this, breed-able cattle and buffalo population is – cross breed cows 11153, non-descript (ND) cows – 22265 and ND buffaloes 21800.

Presently, there are about 11153 cross bred cows, which are good yielder and regular breeders and contribute to a great extent, says the department.

However, it has been found that cross breed cows purchased from neighbouring States are not performing well under local conditions due to problem of adaptability and this could be one of the reasons why milk production has not increased on expected lines.

Bowing to pressure, Waste by factories contaminating Sancoale school wells, claim Candolim residents begins admissions HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JUNE 30

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, JUNE 30

Bowing to pressure from the authorities, the management of Shantadurga Higher Secondary School, Sancoale, began admission to STD XI Arts.

According to a teacher of the school, 10 students have enrolled since the admission began on Tuesday.

The teacher alleged that students who approach the school office have been turned back saying that there were no admissions to Std XI Arts.

“When we (teachers) are approached by the students, we tell them that admissions are open and ensure that they are admitted,” the teacher told Her-

ald who feared that they could be harassed in terms on facilities in the school.

It may be recalled that the school management has resisted moves to admit students to Std XI Arts on the grounds that there was no premises available.

However, following pressure from the students and their parents the matter was taken up with the higher authorities who after inspecting and identifying the premises directed the school management to admit the students.

But despite the directives from the authorities including Director of Education Dr Celsa Pinto, the school management started def ying the orders prompting the students to lead a delegation with their MLA Mauvin Godinho to Education Minister Babush Monserrate.

What has surprised many is the ineffectiveness of the authorities to the defiance of the school management in blatantly disobeying the orders of the Education Department.

Eye camp organised at Bicholim HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, JUNE 30

About 100 persons from Bicholim recently benefited from the free eye check-up camp held at Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) hall, Bicholim.

The camp was organised in association with the Vivekanand Eye Centre, Kankawli, run by Lions Naab Community Eye Care Centre, Miraj-Maharastra, Help Age India and BMC. Speaking on the occasion, hospital Manager R S Vankhande said their eye care centre has operated about 250 patients from Goa. “The Help Age India bears entire financial burden of the operation and the patients are given free specs and medicines,” said Vankhande.

Residents of Orda-Candolim have complained that a number of wells in the area have been contaminated, prompting authorities to send water samples for tests.

According to sources, the alleged contamination has been reported in the areas of Saipem, Orda in Candolim and residents suspect that this could be due to discharge of waste by the fac-

tories in the area or garbage dumping activities.

A number of residents of Orda got a foul smell in their wells and immediately stopped consuming water. They also alerted panchayat authorities about the matter.

It may be recalled that residents of Saipem had also gone through the problem last year while the Goa Pollution Board authorities acted swiftly to arrest the contamination of wells in that area.

When contacted, Candolim

Sarpanch Anand Shettigar said he was unaware of any contamination of wells recently. “However, I was aware of contamination of wells a few months ago which was brought to the notice of concerned authorities,” said Shettigar.

When contacted, Candolim Primary Health Centre Health Officer Dr Sachin Govekar said: “Upon receiving complaints from the residents, we have taken samples of four wells for testing and the results are awaited.”

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HC asks AIIMS to cancel admission of ‘false undertaking’ PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

The Delhi High Court today directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) to cancel the admission of those candidates who have furnished false undertakings and were selected in counsellings conducted by AIIMS for post graduation courses for 2010.

Directing AIIMS to verify the undertakings furnished by the candidates, Justice Mool Chand Garg asked the Director General of Medical Education(DGME) of Union of India to provide AIIMS by tomorrow the list of names of such candidates who obtained seats from outside after clearing the All India PG Entrance Examination(AIPGE) 2010 and again appeared in the counselling conducted by AIIMS for the institute.

The court order came after Ashish Bhagat, the counsel for one Varun Aggarwal, contended the premier institute did not follow the norms prescribed

nThe court order came after Ashish Bhagat, the counsel for one Varun Aggarwal, contended the premier institute did not follow the norms prescribed under AIIMS Act while selecting the candidates for post graduation course. under AIIMS Act while selecting the candidates for post graduation course.

The lawyer argued some candidates who obtained seats somewhere else under various state quota were also selected in the counselling conducted by AIIMS after furnishing undertakings, which was violative of

AIIMS rules.

As per the norms, the candidates who accepted the offer outside were to be debarred from appearing for counselling in AIIMS, the counsel contended.

He further submitted that according to rules, four candidates per seat were to be called for counselling but AIIMS arbitrarily took a decision and called eight candidates per seat for the counsellings conducted on June 11 and 18.

"Some lower ranked candidates were selected due to faulty selection procedure and eligible candidates were deprived of admission," the lawyer added.

Supporting the petitioner's stand, the Centre's counsel Atul Nanda submitted government has been objecting to the selection procedure adopted by AIIMS, as a result of which several seats go waste after the candidates leave their previous seats.

Rathore, pension witheld in full PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

After being stripped of his police medal, SPS Rathore's pension has been withheld completely in another blow to the disgraced exDGP of Haryana jailed for molesting minor girl Ruchika Girhotra.

"Pension of Rathore, a retired IPS officer of the 1965 batch, has been withheld in full on permanent basis," a Home Ministry spokesman said here today while announcing the Government decision in this regard.

68-year-old Rathore, currently serving an 18-month jail term in Chandigarh since May 25 after his punishment was enhanced by a sessions court from a sixmonth jail term, has moved a review petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and also sought bail on medical grounds.

The decision for a 100 per cent cut in his pension was taken in view of Rathore's conviction

by Chief Judicial Magistrate Chandigarh on December 21 last year in the Ruchika molestation case, he said.

HC waiting for SC decision on 2002 blasts case PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 30

The Bombay High Court has deferred by a month the hearing on a bunch of petitions seeking release of two accused held under POTA for their alleged complicity in the 2002-03 bomb blasts in the metropolis.

The matter was deferred by a bench headed by Justice B H Marlapalle on June 28 on the ground that the High Court would prefer to wait until Supreme Court vacates its stay on the trial.

If the Supreme Court does not decide by July 31 then the High Court would consider passing appropriate orders on these petitions.

The Supreme Court had granted stay on the trial after accused moved the apex court challenging clubbing of cases in the trial.

In the petition before High Court, accused Anwar Ali Javid Ali has sought release on the ground that prosecution had not produced evidence against him.

The blasts between December 2002 and March 2003 at suburban Vile Parle, Mumbai

Central and Mulund had killed ten persons and injured over 50 people.

Ali's lawyer Sushan Kunjuraman pleaded that the prosecution had on three occasions admitted in its replies to bail petitions that there was no evidence against the accused.

Kunjuraman said the prosecution had argued before the trial court that there was no evidence to suggest that Ali and Saquib were involved in the blasts.

The prosecution had given them a clean chit by naming two other accused who had made bombs and planted them in targeted spots, he argued.

In another petition, Abdul Hamid Nachan, the father of coaccused Saquib Nachan, has urged for seeking his son's release on the same ground.

Saquib's father said he was over 80 years and old and infirm.

At this age he had to bear the tag of being father of a terrorist.

He pleaded it was he who made Saquib surrender to prove his innocence and yet he had to bear the suffering caused by his son's incarceration.

Cops to question model’s ex-beau PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 30

Activists of CPI (M) and Forward Bloc staging a demonstration to protest against hike in fuel prices, in Chennai on Wednesday.

SHRC asks police to be sensitive towards people PTI PATNA, JUNE 30

Overburdened with petitions by the people alleging misbehaviour and partisan conduct by policemen, the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) today asked the police authorities, particularly those in rural police stations, to be sensitive towards people.

The SHRC has been getting a large number of petitions from the people against policemen, mostly posted in rural police stations, alleging misbehaviour and partisan attitude of the men in uniform, SHRC member Justice (Rtd) Rajendra Prasad told reporters here.

Most of the complaints raised serious question marks about the policemen's credibility with the people complaining of misbehaviour by the cops, neglect of their genuine complaints or disposal of their grievances in a partisan manner, he said.

The SHRC held a three-day workshop for

the 70 police station in-charges of Patna district, which ended today, in which the policemen were reminded about the need to be sensitive towards the complaints of the people living in their jurisdiction, Prasad said.

The policemen were also told about the Protection of the Human Rights Act which must be respected by them as well, the SHRC member said.

Prasad rued the fact that most of the cops attending the workshop were ignorant about the Protection of Human Rights Act and admitted the same before the SHRC members.

Similar workshops will be held by the police station-level police officials of other districts in future, he said.

While chastising the subordinate police officials for their apathy in handing out a fair treatment to the people, the SHRC member also heard out their grievances like lack

of adequate infrastructure and manpower and overwork as the reasons for their occasional irrational conduct, Prasad said.

The SHRC asked the policemen to air their genuine problems so that the matter could be taken up with the higher authorities or even the state government, he said.

The SHRC member further said that the commission had the power to examine constraints and difficulties of the policemen at the lower level and make recommendations to the state government to take up corrective measures to tone up the infrastructure and manpower for the police.

With the impartiality of policemen being a serious concern in Bihar, Prasad urged the media to play an effective role in spreading awareness among the people about their human rights and availability of various institutions to effectively deal with the cases of human rights violations.

Punit Malhotra is Chattisgarh CM discusses anti-naxal scared but confident strategies PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 30

PTI RAIPUR, JUNE 30

A day after 26 CRPF personnel were killed in a Naxal ambush in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district, Chief Minister Raman Singh today called an emergency meeting to discuss anti-Naxal strategies.

The meeting, apart from reviewing yesterday's deadly attack, discussed strategies to modernise police forces and equip them with better tools to fight the outlaws, State officials said.

The meeting, which lasted for an hour and a half, was attended

by Union Home Ministry and senior State officials including State Home Minister Nanki Ram Kanwar, Chief Secretary P J Ummain, State DGP Vishwaranjan, CRPF chief Vikram Shrivastav, and senior Union Home Ministry official B M Nair.

Additional Director General of Police Ramnivas said Chhattisgarh police and paramilitary forces were jointly tackling the Naxal menace in the State.

He said that around 15 Nax-

nThe meeting, apart from reviewing yesterday's deadly attack, discussed strategies to modernise police forces and equip them with better tools to fight the outlaws, State officials said. alites were possibly killed when security personnel retaliated yesterday during the attack, as blood marks and signs of bodies being dragged were seen on the massacre site.

A large number of heavily-armed Maoists, perched on a hilltop, had opened fire with automatic weapons on a 63-member security contingent.

Punit Malhotra who is debuting as director with 'I hate Luv Storys' releasing this week says he is very scared but confident about his labour of love. "I am very scared but confident since there has been good pre-release response. I hope the audience is too happy," Punit told reporters at the launch of a mobile game on the film.

He said the mobile game launched by UTV Indiagames has been conceptualised from situations taken from the film. "It is like an interactive trailer and will incite people to watch the film. We are not giving away the plot," Punit said.

He said shelf life of mobile game based on Bollywood movie is same as that of the film itself.

Punit said with visual elements and character animations, the game takes participants into a virtual world of Jay and Simran where they have to step into the shoes of Jay (Imran) and interact with Sonam and Sameer Dattani (Raj).

Samir Bangara, COO UTV Indiagames said 3G connection will boost the mobile gaming and video market and added the games market will touch Rs 1000 crore in the next few years.

"Currently, Bollywood content is just 15 per cent of the gaming market. We want to strengthen it and bring in games which are thematic to the movie," Bangara added.

Actor Imran Khan who was also present at the press conference with co-star Sonam Kapoor said those who consider love as a game have a high risk of injury.

Imran said his character in IHLS does not believe in love. He described himself as a mobile games freak and said that launching mobile games to promote a film has been devised to reach the target audience of youth since IHLS is a young, fun-film.

With both her previous films 'Saawariya' and 'Delhi 6' not doing well at the Box Office, Sonam said she is hoping for the best from IHLS.

After grilling stock analysist Gautam Vora for over six hours, police probing the death of fashion model Viveka Babajee are preparing to question ten more persons, including her former boyfriend who is a businessman.

“We have prepared a list of 10 persons whom we would question in near future and record their statement. Businessman Kartik Jobanputra, her ex-boyfriend, will be among those who would be called in for questioning," said a police official probing the model's death case.

The official said they were yet to record the statements of Viveka's family members as they were still in the process of completing final rites. “The family is not in the city,” the official added.

37-year-old Viveka, former Miss Mauritius, was found hanging from the ceiling at her Continental Towers flat in suburban Bandra on June 25.

According to police, Viveka and Jobanputra were in a relationship till mid-2009. Kartik and Viveka had floated an event management company which was doing well till differences cropped up between the couple.

“Viveka and Kartik parted ways professionally during December last year," the official added.

A local court had yesterday restrained the police from arresting Viveka's 'boyfriend' Gautam on the charge of abetment to suicide without giving him a 72-hour prior notice.

Gautam was questioned on two occasions, but, according to police, the answers given by him were “not satisfactory and convincing”.

A day before her suicide, Viveka had consumed a lot of alcohol, continuously smoked and also seemed deeply disturbed over personal and financial problems, police had said quoting Gautam.

‘Selling garage as

flats is dangerous’ PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

The Supreme Court today said it would set a dangerous trend if the claim is accepted that garages earmarked for parking can be sold as separate flats.

“If the argument is to be accepted, it may set a dangerous trend. Somebody would purchase a flat another will buy a garage, a third person may go for a shop,” a bench of Justices R M Lodha and A K Patnaik said but at the same time clarified that these were "tentative observations".

The bench said it would examine whether promoters builders can sell garages constructed in the stilted ground floor for parking as separate flats, instead of providing it as a free common area.

The apex court further pointed out that parking was a major problem even in a city like Delhi where people today are forced to park their vehicles on roadside.

The apex court was dealing with an SLP filed by Mumbaibased real estate bulder Nahalchand Laloochand Private Limited challenging a Bombay High Court judgement that a garage was an appurtenant (belonging)

and part of the common area belonging to the flat owners and hence cannot be sold as an independent flat.

In this case, the promoters had constructed 56 residential flats christened Panchali Apartments in Mumbai spread over seven floors and 28 parking garages in the stilted ground floor.

According to the promoters, they entered into individual agreements for sale of flats/shops/open/stilted parking places with various purchasers.

It was claimed that the purchasers, all of whom were members of Panchali Co-Operative Housing Society, executed undertakings that they are not entitled to claim a right to the stilted parking places as common areas. However, the petition alleged that in violation of the undertakings, individual members of the soc ety broke open the locks of the garages and forcibly occupied it on the argument that they were entitled to use it for parking as it constituted the common area of the apartment.

A trial court and the Bombay High Court both dismissed the plea of the promoters against the flat owners.

Ticket issuance delay leads to chaos PTI KOZHIKODE, JUNE 30

A chaotic situation prevailed at the busy railway station here as glasspanes of the recently inaugurated ticket-cum-reservation counter were smashed in a scuffle involving a passenger and railway employee today.

Irked over undue delay in issuing tickets during peak morning hours, a passenger standing in the queue had a heated exchange with the employee at the counter after he reportedly closed it soon after the Ernaku-

lam bound Executive Express from Kannur reached here around 0630 hours.

In the scuffle that followed, the railway employee is said to have exchanged blows with the passenger and in the melee the glasspanes of the ticket counter were smashed,injuring the passenger identified as Ishaq, railway sources said.

The Railway Police has registered a case against the staff member for alleged misbehaviour with the passenger.

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O HERALD O

Money in Sports

Vol No CX No: 168 Goa, Thursday 1 July, 2010

T

Yours, mine and ours

he draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2010, which proposes to replace the existing law that has existed since 1957, has some welcome and much-needed features to check the scourge of illegal mining, ensure that the industry is less destructive of the environment, and includes all stakeholders in the profits produced. The problem is, it is still a draft, and will undergo several revisions before it is finally presented to Parliament. However, as it stands at present, it appears as if the government has learnt some lessons from the ongoing Maoist insurgency in mineralrich tribal areas, the agitations in Singur and Nandigram and the movement against SEZs in Goa and other parts of the country.

Admittedly, the proposed law is an attempt to bring to fruition the National Mineral Policy, 1993, which sought to encourage private investment, especially foreign direct investment (FDI), and to bring in state-of-the-art technology in the mineral sector. However, it has taken the objections of the affected communities into consideration as well. In the background of the growing global demand for metals and minerals and the country’s accelerated growth rate, it seeks the rapid development of the mining sector by attracting global investment.

Many of its provisions are based on the report of the Anwarul Hoda Committee, constituted by the Planning Commission and on the subsequent New Mining Policy (NMP) 2008. What makes it different is that it not only provides for optimum utilisation of the country’s mineral resources, but also for improving the lives of the people living in the mining areas.

Drafted in an inclusive manner by consulting all stakeholders, including state governments, industries, central ministries, civil rights groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the proposed Act has gone through six drafts, the latest of which was released on 3 June.

It envisages the setting up of a National Mining Tribunal to resolve disputes swiftly, gives additional powers to the Indian Bureau of Mines, including regulating mining plans and enforcing mine closures, and empowers the central government to enforce disclosure of information by mining companies.

In areas where mineral deposits are known and require little prospecting or exploration – like Goa – the proposed Act aims to maximise returns to the state by awarding mining leases by auction. It provides for stringent measures to prevent illegal mining. It empowers the state governments to detect, prevent and prosecute cases of illegal mining, set up special courts to try such cases and even to declare those convicted as ineligible for any further grant of mining concessions.

But it is the social content of the draft legislation that comes as a complete surprise. It guarantees an assured annuity to the local population that loses land up to 26 per cent of the profits earned by the miner, as well as resettlement and rehabilitation of the local population through employment and skill enhancement programmes. In tribal areas, it requires compulsory consultation with the gram sabha or zilla panchayat before notification of the area for grant of concessions. It proposes that tribal cooperatives get preference in concessions for small deposits.

The draft Act also lays emphasis on sustainable development.

Among various provisions to enforce the principles of sustainable development and conservation of minerals, it provides for restoration of mining land to cultivability on closure of a mine.

It is now for all the various groups that have been fighting the fallout of bad mining practices to push for retention of all the social clauses in this draft, as the legislation is likely to go through several changes before being presented to Parliament.

One can be sure that sections within the mining industry will be most displeased with many of the above provisions, and will activate their lobbies in New Delhi to have them removed or, at very least, heavily watered down, in the months to come. They must not be allowed to succeed.

All the world’s an ad hoarding, unfortunately, even sports, rues ERVELL E. MENEZES

M

oney makes the mare go, they say. And that is not only true in horse-racing but in all sports and life in general. Ever since sponsorships and promos came into sports, the purity of the game took a beating. And today, ‘all the world’s an ad hoarding’ with due apologies to the Bard of Avon.

The current Soccer World Cup and the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) are glaring examples of this. In the World Cup the Jabulani ball is a clear case of the pressure exerted by the sponsors.

Since Adidas are sponsoring the tournament, they seem to have got their way. The sad part of it all, is that it has dealt a severe blow to soccer.

The ball tends to fly and is hard to control. Hence there are fewer goals and goals are what makes the game more exciting But why introduce a new ball at the expense of the game? It is believed the ball was given to all teams a month before the World Cup, but Germany is said to have received it six months earlier.

This is the first time both last year’s finalists are out in the first round. Is it a coincidence? Or is it by design? In today’s world of match-fixing anything is possible. As for the refereeing, it has been very poor, to say the least. Red cards are dished out without sufficient reason and not given when they deserve to be.

FIFA has been unduly lenient to the host nation, and allowing the vuvuzelas to blast uninterruptedly is most annoying. For starters, it was a bit of novelty, but not for long. The African music, however, was more welcome. And for all the lenience, South Africa were out in the first round.

It could well have been a case of poetic justice.

Today sport is big money and folks get into this field mainly to reap a rich harvest. Whatever happened to playing for the love of the game? It inculcates team spirit. Of course all this change goes by the name of progress or else one could cite the example of a Bombay club hockey player Nobel Vaz who went on to become the first Indian CEO of Alitalia. What did he attribute his success to? Playing hockey and the team work he learnt in the process. He loves to talk about the buying power of the rupee in the 1960s.

The IPL is even bigger a mess. But the can of worms have been opened and what a variety of

Minding our business them are seen crawling out. It all started with the spat between Lalit Modi and Shashi Taroor.

So layer by layer of an onion, Modi has exposed himself to much criticism. Former Indian cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi had the guts to openly condemn it. He even objected to Modi giving away the prizes. “Who is he?” he quipped. But not our venerable trio of ex-captains, the Nawab of Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri who are all said to be on the payroll of the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI). What a crying shame!

The trouble with the IPL is that Modi was given the freedom to do what he wanted- and for twoand-a-half years without being questioned. Competent he is, no doubt, but when one has a criminal record in the United States of America, it should have called for greater vigilance. The

charges against him are endless.

His son-in-law Gaurav Burman of Global Cricket Ventures, India has the digital and mobile rights for the Champions Trophy until 2017. His sisterin-law’s husband Suresh Chellaram, who is based in Nigeria, holds most of the shares of Rajasthan Royals a fact that was not known when the franchises were auctioned. Money-laundering could well have been one of his motives. But finally, it was his arrogance that got him in trouble. He had treaded on too many corns.

But what are politicians like Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel doing in the fold? Pawar’s daughter, MP Supriya Sule at first denied any involvement in the IPL, but two days later admitted that she inherited shares through her father-in-law. It could be that she has a bad memory like the late Jagjivan Ram who forgot to file his income tax

returns.

But no one was bothered about these details.

Everyone was having a ball. The cricketers earned big money, even those who had retired from Test cricket like Mathew Hayden and Shane Warne.

The only silver lining is that it brought into the limelight some exciting new Indian talent. As for the partying after the game, it is said to have gone on into the early hours of the morning.

What’s more the janata (read those who had money to burn) were willing to pay Rs one crore to attend it. Why, at the team owners’ meeting liquor baron and Page 3 celebrity Vijay Mallya wanted the parties to continue but was rightly snubbed by Shankar Manohar.

After a-month- and a half of IPL was it surprising that the Indian players were stale and tired and injured? Little wonder they exited early in the Twenty-20 World Cup although captain M.S. Dhoni tried to play it down. Are we not worried about national prestige? Or is it okay to just become money-making (not run-getting) machines?

To revert back to advertisements, it really makes one sick to see them coming virtually out of one’s ears. The person who came up with the idea of putting an advertisement on the opposite side screen should be given a Padma Shree. What an idea sir! But the advertisements in between the game can be exasperating. In soccer, at least in a live game, each half cannot be interrupted. In the repeat telecasts, they are done. As for cricket, they did not interrupt an over in the beginning.

Not today, they shove them in between balls of a fast bowler and any interruption. Why, at the end of the game they do not allow the viewer to see the rejoicing scenes. Bang comes an advertisement with the same old faces…it makes one puke with disgust.

Which brings me to my pet peeve - Sania Mirza, a creation of the press. She’s a Page 3 person now, not a tennis star. Yet, the other day she was above Saina Nehwal in the newspapers even though the write up was only a preview to Wimbledon (which she lost in the first round, saying “I was rusty”) whereas her Hyderabadi badminton counterpart Saina Nehwal had won a tournament and climbed to No 3 spot. What news sense this?

Or do they go by celebrity status?

Wine, Women And Song

Those were the days

T

o make a good cup of tea, my mother told me, you should warm the pot first and have water boiling. I am confident in Iraq and Iran, my favourite postings, where I consumed tiny cups and cups of delicious ‘Isthikan Chai’, they do just that. If any reader could tell me how a pure, bubbly Fenny is made - one that brings tears to the eyes as the liquor bites the taste buds with gentle persuasion and smoothes out soon - I would credit that reader for showing me love like a mother’s. A couple of my village cashew trees get loaded with red ripened cashew apples tantalizing the eye and teasing the palate. I should think from the juice I could extract a reasonable amount of Fenny! It’s just a pipedream and there it hangs!

Ever since the water in the jugs at Cana blushed with excitement in the presence of the Vinedresser, wine from saucy grapes that have soaked up the sunshine has been favoured as the beverage of choice at a meal among Christians.

Believe me, it is not high-brow or pretentious to admit you enjoy Beethoven - praising Beethoven is not the same thing as praising Fenny as a thirst-quencher. Of all the great masters, Beethoven is the most thrilling to hear with an untrained ear, without feeling that you need to know something esoteric before you can appreciate whatever is going on. Grooving on Beethoven

is a grass-roots experience - you just have to let the music roll over you like the waves at the Miramar seashore.

Every symphony has its share of throwaway notes, lost chords and tunes that go around in circle. The music continues to make progress, sometimes toward a surprising conclusion, though that all your are conscious of hearing may be cacophony that gives you a headache.

Despite the apparent chaos coming out of the instruments competing in a cat-and-dog fight, or the runaway crescendos in which the clefs, if possible, have been trebled, everything proceeds according to a preconceived plan though the critics may be staking out claims to take murderous swipes at the composer. Actually, nothing in the symphony should surprise you as much as it delights you, once you become aware of the originality of the composer’s mind.

Take the modest choir in attendance for the Nossa Senhora de Fuga, Cunchelim Church feast. Tears welled in my eyes twice and the third time, the banks burst out. I admired the accomplishment of the local village talent, performed in pure humility. I could tell it deserved respect and I was left incandescent by the afterglow of the sentimental Konkani hymns who broke the hearts of everyone present at the High Mass, What with Fr. Bernardo Cota, the Parish

By Marc de Souza

Priest being at the helm! The parishioners are riding on a crest of musical energy!

Creation, as a divine symphony in which God’s love is revealed is unmistakably on course, though the present century is tragic.

Isn’t it clear that neither war, politics, science, power plays nor riches can save us? Only love can save us; and how else could Christ save us if he weren’t the Son of the Living God of Love?

When you compose a masterpiece the art is to conceal art; and all the apparent loss is gain. The look of weakness is a risk you take, for strength, seemingly dissipated, becomes more powerful in the end. As in music, the life-breath of religion is paradox. It is in giving that we receive, and it’s in dying that we are born to eternal life. The instrument that was used in the murder of Jesus Christ has become the gateway to the kingdom of love.

Why would I write of symphony unless I had wine, women and songs on my mind. As the Bible says, a woman can be Martha, who is practical and has a prosy soul like a business text; and, if she wants to, can become a lawyer who will write the tax laws. Or she can be Mary, with a soul self-made from poetry , music, the glow on the wine and the divine fire, and is destined to become a saint like Teresa of Avi1a .

Letters to the Editor

Saina’s golden feat

The whole nation salutes her triumph.

Michael Vaz, Merces

Anti-Goans

Our international badminton star Saina Nehwal has clinched a unique hat-trick. She has won the Indonesian Open Super Series Trophy at Jakarta. Prior to this she won the Indian Open Grand Prix at Chennai and the Open Super Series Tournament at Singapore, making three consecutive wins within three weeks, including 15 matches in a row. What an incredible record!

The star Indian shuttler, who is ranked No: 3 in the world, may rise to the second spot. Her next two targets are the World Championship and the Commonwealth Games. If she continues her winning streak, there is ever reason to hope for the best.

100 Years Ago PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

1 July 1910

Suzerainty Renounced The King of Siam renounced in favour of England, the suzerainty over Kilantem, Trigana and Kedah.

New Medicine

An American physicist affirmed that all the methods so far undertaken towards disinfection are ineffective. He thus devised a mixture of Formalin with Carbonic Acid for better results.

Leper Shelter At Khandiva Bukhat, some miles away from Poona, a new shelter for the lepers was inaugurated.

Outsider Workforce While undertaking the works at the Port of Mormugao, outsiders are being employed as if there is no workforce here in Goa.

Cedrick Fernandes, Margao A few months back in Maharashtra, a regional outfit attacked non-Maharashtrians.

But we Goans are hospitable and welcome every one. But anyone, whether resident/non-resident, registered/unregistered, who is against maintaining the identity of Goa is ‘anti-Goan’.

Every now and than our leaders boast about “waiting for the high command”. Are these leaders illiterate that they cannot take a decision on what is good and bad concerning the interests of Goa and Goans at large?

It is difficult to identify a true Goan because sometimes even the devil comes in the form of an angel. So voters must be alert and elect legislators who are not only concerned about welfare and development, but particularly to maintain the identity of Goa and Goans.

Refused torn notes Blasco Fernandes, Verem I recently visited the Syndicate Bank, Betim branch, to exchange two torn bank notes.

I was surprised when the cashier bluntly told me that they do not accept such notes, and advised me to approach the State Bank of India (SBI) for replacement.

I then approached the branch manager.

His reasoning was that the procedure involved was tedious and complicated. I thought his explanation was unconvincing.

It appears that many nationalised banks consider this mandatory service to customers as a burden, and shirk their responsibilities by diverting gullible customers to the SBI. The Reserve Bank should issue instructions that managers of nationalised bank branches that refuse to exchange torn / soiled notes should be penalised.

Labyrinth Remains

Kabrastan & BJP

At the mines of Knoa, in the centre of Crete, were found the remains of the Labyrinth which was the residence of Minotaur slain by Theseus.

The news report titled ‘Only BJP can help resolve Kabrastan imbroglio: Shaikh’ (Herald, June 28) rightly points out that the present

Tabrez Mahamad, Davorlim

Letter of the Day

Institutionalising children?

Smitha Bhandare Kamat, Panjim

At times I wonder when we will grow up and stop aping the West. Take the case of extending school hours. We forget that it not unusual in the West to have career-centred rather than child-centred families. There, it is very convenient to dump kids in wellequipped schools for the better part of the day.

But many of our schools fail to provide even the bare basics such as clean drinking water, ventilation, hygienic toilets, etc. In the West, long school hours and students being cloistered together leads to seniors bullying, ragging and, occasionally, even sexually abusing their juniors.

Why on earth do we follow a ‘cut and paste’ policy? Can anyone guarantee that longer school hours will create brighter, smarter or more intelligent kids? Let’s work out schemes that are socio-economically and culturally suitable to us.

As a parent, I would not want my child growing up with strangers. I would prefer that (s)he is nurtured by family warmth, ethics and love, so that (s)he grows up to be a balanced, responsible citizen, not an institutionalised nervous wreck. HRD should not mean ‘human ruin department’. Wake up. government has failed miserably in implementing the resolution passed by the Goa Legislative Assembly way back in 1999. Our beloved chief minister knows very well that it is only the Kabrastan issue with which he can gamble with the Muslim vote bank, and he wants to stretch it for as long as possible.

The current government has no option but to implement the resolution, and any attempt to bully the Muslim community will be in vain. But Shaikh Jina’s claim that only the BJP can solve the Kabrastan imbroglio is false and totally baseless. History has witnessed what ‘good’ the BJP has done for Muslims as well as others.

Admin football J M de Almeida, Alto Porvorim It is rather surprising that the Goa Government has no policy regarding the transfers and postings of its officers. Recently, a number of officers were transferred from one office to another. Within a fortnight of their taking charge of their new postings, they were again re-transferred, either to their old posts or shunted to some other posts.

It’s like football!

Some officers are given additional charge where a regular incumbent is required for the smooth transaction of official business.

In the process, the public suffers, as nothing moves in the absence of a regular incumbent, and people have to make umpteen trips to get their work done.

In the past, postings were for a minimum period of two years at all levels. This healthy policy has been dumped into oblivion by the present-day government with utter disregard for the welfare of the ‘aam admi‘.

England denied Errol D’Souza, Porvorim As a strong loyal England fan, I was completely heartbroken when Frank Lampard’s sensational goal was disallowed by the Uruguayan referee. The video replay clearly showed the ball bouncing inside the goal line.

Why don’t FIFA officials rely on hi-tech digital video replays to make the final call, just like in cricket matches? FIFA’s slogan says ‘fair play’. It needs to first practice what it preaches.

Why Mickky?

Vincent Rego, Dubai Why is there is a loud clamour and public outcry, because Nadia’s partner is a public face? Just consider Mickky as an ordinary

person with whom Nadia was friendly. Would there be any media coverage in this case?

I am not too indulgent towards Mickky nor criticising the NGOs for raking up this issue. But why are these NGOs and women’s organisations involved, when the deceased’s near and dear one’s are least bothered to find out the truth about whether it was suicide or whatever?

Instead of wasting time and energy in this silly matter, the NGOs should come out in large numbers along with other Goans to fight real and burning issues like the destruction of Goa, illegal construction, hill cutting, selling land to non-Goans, corruption and so on.

Convenient scandals Soter D’Souza, Socorro We empathise with the sentiments expressed in the letter to Editor ‘Justice or Publicity stunt?’ by Nita do Rosario Gomes (Herald, 3 June). There will be several Nitas to whom justice has not been delivered and hardly any women groups or political parties would be interested in taking up their cause.

It is just that there is no political honey and money in such cases.

When politicians gang up to eliminate those who are politically inconvenient to their exploits, anything and everything related to that person could be sensationalised. Just like in Nita’s issue, there could be several Nadias who have been given a quiet burial or cremation.

That is how Goan society has reacted for the last 49 years after Liberation; agendas dictated by a coterie of exploiters that blow hot and cold, depending on which side their fortunes swing. There is always an ever ready audience that can be charged emotionally and fail to see reason.

Have we forgotten how the high profile sex racket of Miramar, with politicians flashing CDs on college girls being exploited, conveniently went under cover?

Letters should be 150 words or less in length, and should have the writer’s name, address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for size and readability, and to delete any personal attacks or libellous /objectionable matter.

Paths of Wisdom

Parable of fish and net

This world is like a fishing-net. Men are the fish, and God, whose maya has created this world, is the fisherman.

When the fish are entangled in the net, some of them try to tear through its meshes in order to get their liberation.

They are like the men striving after liberation. But by no means all of them escape. Only a few jump out of the net with a loud splash, and then people say, ‘Ah! There goes a big one!’ In like manner, three or four men attain liberation.

Again, some fish are so careful by nature that they are never caught in the net; some beings of the ever perfect class, like Narada, are never entangled in the meshes of worldliness. Most of the fish are trapped; but they are not conscious of the net and of their imminent death.

No sooner are they entangled than they run headlong, net and all, trying to hide themselves in the mud. They don’t make the least effort to get free.

On the contrary, they go deeper and deeper into the mud. These fish are like the bound men. They are still inside the net, but they think they are quite safe there.

A bound creature is immersed in worldliness, in ‘woman and gold’, having gone deep into the mire of degradation.

But still he believes he is quite happy and secure. The liberated, and the seekers after liberation, look on the world as a deep well. They do not enjoy it.

(Courtesy : Krishna.com)

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HE RA LD

Pg9

GOA, THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010

opinionated Government justifies hike in fuel prices Why are people forced to protest?

By Joaquim Correia-Afonso

I

sn’t India a democracy, and a vibrant one at that? If the government is for the people, why is it that the people have to protest, almost on a daily basis, against the government’s anti-people policies? Whence the anti-democratic treatment?

There appears to be a difference of opinion about what constitutes “development”. For some ministers, the construction of mega housing projects in rural areas is “rural development”.

The concept of human development is defined in the United Nations Human Development Report. An excerpt: “Development is about expanding the choices people have to lead lives that they value… Fundamental to enlarging these choices is building human capabilities…” When ministers and other politicians talk of development, they read the U.N. report as “Fundamental to enlarging these choices is building… “Yes. Building mega housing projects, building mega bank accounts…

However, for the aam admi (I mean, the common man, not the admi who force-ripens the aam), for the common man, development consists in the provision of proper infrastructure – roads in good condition, uninterrupted electricity and water supply, accessibility to remote villages, health centres and subcentres (not “sub-health” centres) The National Highway 17, with a width of about 25 to 30 metres in the neighbouring States, is to be widened to 45 metres and even to 60 metres, in the “narrow” State of Goa. Is it meant to serve as a corridor between Maharashtra and Karnataka? The highway is being aligned through populated areas, destroying people’s houses and commercial establishments, putting hundreds of residents to loss. For whose benefit? Not the people’s. The people are, therefore, forced to protest.

Noisily. Roaring. Not squealing.

Whatever happened to the plan of diverting the highway through fields? Affected by the law of diminishing returns, apparently.

Lately we had the notification for land acquisition for the proposed expansion of NH 17. The notification was published in the Central Official Gazette on April 5, 2010, with a time limit of 21 days for the aggrieved people to file objections.

However, the notification was published in the local newspapers, in an apparently false pretence of giving wide publicity, only on June 16, well after the end of the time limit. Is the Union Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways afraid, or is it that the State government is afraid, of public objections? Was this a concerted move to preclude the possibility of objections from the aggrieved parties? After all, protecting the interests of Goans does not seem to be the concern of the Congress government and party.

To add insult to injury, the supposedly only site plan “available” for inspection by the concerned parties was not made available to the affected people. It was, of course, available for the minister.

Continuing, the same highway, passing through Chinchinim, it could be diverted by constructing a by-pass. According to local leaders, it would be cheaper and avoid the demolition of houses. But the authorities are bent on going against the people’s interests, they have smelt some mega-bucks to be derived from a proposed fly-over, estimated to cost some Rs 70 crore of public money.

The same anti-people policy is being enforced for the construction of the National Highway 4A (NH-4A). It is planned to pass through populated areas, causing a lot of destruction.

Local people are not taken into confidence while planning.

People want that it should be diverted from the present route.

So they rise in protest. Roaring. Not squealing.

Again, the government wants to acquire people’s land for construction of an access road for a mega housing project in Orlim. Here also they want to fly over people’s wishes to satisfy a builder and get the benefit of megabucks. And people are forced to protest. Noisily. Roaring. Not squealing.

More. A minority community requires land for their burial ground. The legislative Assembly had resolved more than 10 years ago to acquire land at a place acceptable to the community.

The government dilly-dallied and now wants to acquire land at another place not acceptable to the community. The reason? Any smell of mega-bucks? The community protests. The local villagers protest. Protests. Protests. Protests. Why These anti-people projects, that force people to protest?

The government of Kerala was given an award for being the first State in the Country to devolve powers to the grass root democratic institutions – the village panchayats and zilla panchayats. Goa must have qualified for the prize.

Why are our legislators averse to the devolution of powers? Isn’t such devolution mandated by the nation’s Constitution? Again, the people’s representatives in village and Zilla panchayats are forced to protest, in order to get their rightful powers. Why? With a forked tongue, the panchayat minister also talks about the need for strengthening panchayati raj institutions “so that they can play a crucial role in accelerating the pace of development at grass root level”. By “development” probably, he means construction of mega housing projects?

There is rampant illegal mining, destroying waterways, plantations, paddy fields, causing dust pollution and creating a health hazard.

Rampant destruction of the environment – illegal hill cutting, illegal filling of low lying lands, illegal “reclamation” of salt pans, destruction of mangroves and decimation of forests.

It is reported that the Centre has asked all State governments to constitute a high-level committee to crack down on illegal mining.

Come, meet, tea. By a stroke of the pen, any mine that is “illegal” will probably turn into “is legal”.

Goans do not have a negative outlook. They are not against development. I have said this before. They are not against development by way of provision of better roads, regular electricity and water supply, better infrastructure.

The opposition is to the mega destruction of Goa in the name of development and to the anti-people policies in place of real development.

Says opposition being a hypocrite in its criticism PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

With opposition parties calling for a nationwide strike against the hike in fuel prices, Oil Minister Murli Deora today justified the decision, saying the increase translated to less than Re 1 per day on domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and 26-27 paisa a day on kerosene.

“No benefit will accrue with this kind of adventurism. We want people and opposition parties to understand the compulsions under which we took this decision and what impact it will have on people,” Deora told reporters here.

Describing claims made by critics of the June 25 decision as “exaggeration”, he said the Rs 35 increase in the price of LPG cylinders translated into an additional burden of less than a rupee per day, considering a bottle of domestic gas lasts 3035 days.

The Rs 3 a litre hike in kerosene translated into an additional burden of 26-27 paisa

per day.

“We have kept the burden on the poor man the minimal. The talk of the hike breaking the back of the poor and common man is nothing but exaggeration. The facts are before you,” he said.

BJP and Left parties have separately given a call for a nationwide strike on July 5 against the fuel price hike.

Deora refused to answer questions on a rollback, saying, “I do not know anything (on that).”

Alongside the hike in LPG and kerosene rates, the prices of petrol were freed from government control, leading to an increase in the rates by Rs 3.50 per litre in Delhi from June 26.

Diesel prices were also deregulated, but the rates increased

by Rs 2 per litre only, in preparation for an eventual freeing of prices.

“The NDA government raised price of PDS kerosene from Rs 2.52 per litre in January, 1998, to Rs 9 per litre in March, 2002.

This hike was 258 per cent, even though crude oil prices rose by just 147 per cent during the period,” he said.

The Congress-led UPA government did not increase kerosene prices for the past six years, despite the price of crude oil (the raw material for making petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene) more than doubling from USD 36 a barrel in May, 2004, to USD 78.

“We raised kerosene rates by Rs 3 per litre against the required increase of Rs 18.07 per litre,” he said. “We have ensured that the poor are not unnecessarily burdened.”

“We will continue to subsidise LPG and kerosene, which are the common man's cooking fuels. Even after last week's price increase, kerosene price is Rs 15.07 per litre below cost and LPG is under-priced by Rs 226.90 per cylinder,” he said.

The United Front government, of which the Left parties, TDP and Samajwadi Party were constituents, in November,

1997, notified full deregulation of the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene by 2002.

According to this schedule, the rates of kerosene and LPG should have been at least double the revised price of Rs 12.32 per litre and Rs 345.35 per cylinder respectively.

Deora said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had yesterday stated that the government had taken care that the poorest sections of society are not impacted and so, kerosene and LPG prices would continue to be regulated.

“We want support of the people and the opposition (on the issue of fuel price hike),” he said.

“The increase in kerosene price will also help stop adulteration and diversion of PDS kerosene to the open market.”

The pre-hike price of Rs 9.32 per litre made kerosene lucrative for adulteration in fuels like diesel as also diversion in open market.

The NDA government, he said, had in April, 2002, freed

petrol and diesel prices from government control, with the rates being revised twice a month based on international prices.

“We have freed price of petrol, a fuel that is used in cars.

Diesel prices will be eventually freed, but the government reserves the right to intervene in case of sharp spike or excessive volatility in global prices,” he said.

“What we did was bare necessity. We were compelled to do so because oil PSUs were faced with Rs 74,300 crore under recoveries (revenue loss on fuel sales this fiscal)," he said.

"The opposition is being a hypocrite in its criticism.

Even after the hike, oil PSUs would be saddled with Rs 53,000 crore of under-recoveries. "Petrol price has increased only 53 per cent and diesel 85 per cent since May, 2004, despite crude oil prices rising by 111 per cent,” he said.

Four arrested for embezzling funds of SSA PTI LUCKNOW, JUNE 30

Four persons were arrested for allegedly embezzling Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan funds to the tune of several lakhs of rupees in Maharajganj district, police said here today.

Sanjay Khanna, an assistant accountant, Manoj Jaiswal, Shailendra Singh and Rishi Soni were arrested on charge of transferring money from SSA fund to two different societies through forged cheques.

Police said Basic Shiksha Adhikari (Maharajganj) Ram Huzoor Prasad had informed in March that Rs 98.6 lakh and Rs 83.45 lakh were transferred to Carrier Educational and Welfare Society Lucknow and Amit Education Society Balrampur, respectively.

A case was lodged against SSA accountant Yashwant Singh and assistant finance and accounts officer Om Prakash Singh in this regard.

During investigation names of Khanna and three others cropped up after which they were arrested, police said.

MP to start judicial probe on Bhopal gas tragedy PTI BHOPAL, JUNE 30

- Securty personnel stand guard at a street as the security was beefed up in the entire Bhaderwah town on Wednesday, after the bandh call given by Anjnuman Islamia to protest the killing of eleven youths in Kashmir

Authorities bring more areas in S Kashmir under curfew PTI SRINAGAR, JUNE 30

To curb spread of violence, authorities today brought under curfew more areas in south Kashmir, where three youths were killed when CRPF allegedly opened fire during clashes with protestors.

With overnight protests in many areas of south Kashmir, curfew was clamped in Bijbehara, Pahalgam and Pulwama districts this morning. Curfew is also being strictly enforced in Sopore, Baramulla, Anantnag and seven police stations areas of Srinagar, police said.

Additional contingents of paramilitary and police units have been deployed to ensure effective enforcement of curfew, they said.

Although no fresh incident was reported from any area in the valley so far, police described the situation as tense.

Three persons were killed and two others injured as CRPF per-

sonnel allegedly opened fire at a group of stone pelting protestors in Anantnag, 55 kms from here, yesterday. However, locals alleged that CRPF personnel barged into houses and shops while chasing the stone pelting protestors and shot the victims from close range inside a house and a bakery shop.

While two persons died on the spot, the third succumbed on way to hospital, the police said.

The protestors went on the rampage after the incident and set ablaze three ambulances, three State Road Transport Corporation trucks and a police post resulting in injuries to 30 others including ten policemen.

With the killing of three more teenagers in Anantnag, the number of youths who have died in firing allegedly by security forces during the past six days has gone up to eight.

A total of 11 people have been killed in firing incidents

involving security forces in the past three week.

Life continues to remained disrupted in Srinagar city and other parts of the valley in response to a strike called by separatists.

Shops and business markets, government offices and educational institutions were closed and transport was off the roads, officials said.

While most of the leaders and activists of hardline faction of Hurriyat, including its chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, have been arrested, the moderate faction of Hurriyat leaders have been placed under house arrest since June 28.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah last evening made an appeal for peace vowing to ensure return of normalcy soon and slammed anti-national and vested interests for instigating violence.

He also said that “wherever curfew has been imposed it will be enforced strictly. The cycle of violence has to stop”.

A judicial commission of inquiry will be constituted to go into all aspects of the Bhopal gas tragedy, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced today.

The terms of reference of the commission and the name of the retired High Court judge, who will head it will be decided soon, he told reporters here.

The one-man commission will be asked to submit its report within a time frame, Chouhan said.

Meanwhile,Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said he was “disappointed” that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not discuss the extradition issue of Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson and compensation for Bhopal gas disaster victims with

Minister

detained for flouting ban PTI KATHMANDU, JUNE 30

Nagaland Home Minister Imkong Inchen was briefly detained by the Nepalese police at the airport here today for flouting a currency ban, in an embarrassment for India.

Inchen, on a private visit here with his family was found carrying Rs 900,000 in cash with him, with most of the notes of 1000 and 500 denomination, which are banned, police said.

Possession of high denomination currency notes is a penal offence in Nepal and the offenders can face jail terms up to five years or hefty fines. The minister told the police that he was not aware of the ban.

The minister missed his Jet Air ways flight and official sources said he would return to the Indian capital in the afternoon as police did not press charges against him. Inchen was detained for questioning when he arrived at the airport at 0900 hours to catch a flight to Delhi after attending a marriage function in Kathmandu.

Cong not a factor in Bihar polls: JD(U) chief PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

Congress is “not a factor” in the assembly polls in Bihar as the situation in the State is vastly different from that in Uttar Pradesh, which had seen the revival of the ruling party at the Centre, Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav claimed today.

Yadav, who is also the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) convenor, was upbeat over the prospects of the JD(U)- BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) alliance, which was shaken by the recent row between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Gujarat counterpart Narendra Modi over flood relief advertisements.

He said the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) combine was its main rival in Bihar.

“Congress is not a factor in Bihar. The situation in Bihar is vastly different from that in Uttar Pradesh. Our contest will be with the RJD-LJP combine,” Yadav said in an interview to Press Trust of India.

He was responding to questions on whether he feels there

could be a resurgence of Congress in Bihar, which, after breaking off from RJD, has decided to go solo in the elections there.

Yadav exuded confidence that the JD(U)-BJP government led

by Nitish Kumar will come to power after the elections because “the government has fulfilled most of the promises it made to the people and brought about considerable change in the law and order situation and on the development front there.”

When pointed out that the RJD-LJP combine bagged eight seats in by-elections for 18 assembly seats in the state in September last year while JD(U) could get only three and BJP just two seats, Yadav said, “There is a huge difference in general election and by-elections.”

“We lost in the by-elections because of wrong selection of candidates. It was not because RJD and LJP emerged stronger.

We will ensure that the mistakes in ticket distribution are not repeated this time,” he said.

The elections were seen as a

mini-referendum for the Nitish Kumar government ahead of the State assembly polls.

RJD, which ruled Bihar for 15 consecutive years from 1990, was defeated in the 2005 assembly elections by BJP and JDU. In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, RJD is the second largest party with 56 seats. The ruling parties JDU and BJP have 81 and 54 seats respectively. Ramvilas Paswan-led LJP has 12 seats and Congress 10.

Asked whether sees a possibility of Lalu Prasad coming back to power with the support of Paswan's party, Yadav said, “People know Lalu. They have seen his rule.”

Yadav also dismissed suggestions that the recent row between the alliance partners in Bihar could have an impact on the voting pattern in the state.

“This will not impact on votes. This is the desire of the people of Bihar that this alliance should continue. The incident that happened was unfortunate but, at the same time, it underlined the necessity of the alliance,” Yadav said.

Asked about Congress' remark that the NDA has become a “Naturally Dissolving Alliance”, Yadav Yadav shot back saying, “In UPA (United Progressive Alliance), Congress has just three allies Dravida Munetra Kazagham (DMK), Nationalist Congress Party and Trinamool Congress and they too differ on a number of issues.”

The JD(U) chief said no caste carnage or communal riot took place in the State in the last five years and there was a check on goondaism, which had become a “hallmark” of the State during previous governments.

To a question on whether Bihar government's earlier move to bring Bataidari (sharecropper) Bill, which was later withdrawn, alienated the land owning classes in the State, Yadav said, “An issue is unnecessarily being made out it, when there is no such move.”

Yadav also sounded confident of getting upper caste votes, saying the government has worked for all and has done nothing, which could antagonise any caste or community.

US President Barack Obama.

“It was expected that the prime minister would discus the Bhopal gas tragedy with Obama but he did not do so,” Chouhan told reporters here.

Singh met Obama on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Toronto.

Chouhan said it was insufficient for Singh to say that efforts would be made for the extradition of Anderson.

“I want to ask Singh who will make these efforts, when they would be made and what would be the process for them,” he said adding that he was “extremely disappointed” with the approach of the Centre towards the Bhopal gas disaster.

The 89-year-old former UCC chief was declared an absconder in the case by a Bhopal court.

The BJP leader said he had written a letter to the PM drawing his attention to discrepancies in the recommendations made by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on the Gas tragedy.

It was not correct on the part of the GoM to recommend compensation and relief for only 40,000 gas victims. The recommendations do not do any justice, he said.

Chouhan said not declaring the remaining 20 wards of Bhopal also as gas-hit was inappropriate.

The State government will take all possible steps for getting these 20 wards declared as gas hit besides ensuring adequate compensation, relief, social, economic and medical rehabilitation of the gas victims, he added.

Aide, siblings barred from George’s house PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

The ongoing tussle between veteran Socialist leader George Fernandes' estranged wife Leila Kabir and his brothers Richard and Michael led to a uproarious scene today outside the leader's official residence in the capital.

Both brothers accompanied

by Fernandes' close aide Jaya Jaitley had come to the 3-Krishna Menon Marg residence to collect books, furniture and paintings which they claimed belonged to them.

However, they were stopped by police from entering the residence as the caretaker of the house S D Singh objected to their entry.

Expressing displeasure over the caretaker's move, Jaitley said, “These people are defaming the legacy of Fernandes who

never closed his doors to anybody.”

She said she had come to collect some paintings and furnitures with the nod of Leila Kabir but was stopped from going inside.

Jaitley at the same time acknowledged that Fernandes' wife did not agree to her claims on the furniture.

Singh, however, said he has no objection in Jaitley coming inside but she should not be accompanied by the brothers who have been recently allowed by the court to meet Fernandes, who is presently staying in Panchsheel Park with Kabir, on certain conditions.

The brothers Richard and Michael said they had come to the capital in connection with the case that is pending in Delhi High Court regarding their access to Fernandes.

appointments

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Nepal PM resigns amid pressure from Maoists PTI KATHMANDU, JUNE 30

Nepal's embattled Prime Minister Madhav Kumar today announced his resignation in a TV address to the nation to seek an end to the political impasse as he succumbed to intense pressure from the opposition Maoists to make way for a "consensus" national government.

"I tender my resignation for the sake of consensus and to pave way for ending the ongoing political stalemate," he said while announcing his resignation.

The Maoists have been demanding his resignation for months and the formation a new national government led by them.

The Prime Minister, who resigned from the post after 13 months in power, said that he still commands majority in the

parliament with the support from 22 political parties.

"I believe that the Maoists will now fulfill their commitment to complete the peace process after my resignation," the 57-year-old prime minister said in a televised address to the nation.

He was hinting that the Maoists should return the seized property, dissolve their paramilitary organisation the Young Communist League and agree to manage their combatants as per the three point agreement they inked with the major coalition partners on May 28 while extending the term of the Constituent Assembly.

The Prime Minister had also agreed to resign at the earliest under three point agreement.

In his address to the nation the PM has complained that he has not received cooperation from the Maoists which hin-

dered in the peace process.

He also mentioned about the Maoists' continued blockade of the Parliament, street movement and non-cooperation. He held mainly the Maoists responsible for failing to draft the constitution on time and completing the peace process.

He also pointed out that the Maoists combatants need to be integrated and rehabilitated within the next three months in order to complete the peace process.

The Prime Minister also underlined the need for forging cooperation and collaboration among all political parties saying that without this the peace process could not be completed and the task of writing the constitution could not be accomplished.

The Prime Minister's resignation comes at a time when the Maoists have warned to obstruct the budget session of the Parliament that would begin on July 5.

The government was planning to announce the budget for the new fiscal year by midJuly.

Prior to announcing the resignation the Prime Minister had held consultation with the top leaders of the ruling alliance at his residence at Baluwatar this afternoon.

Pg 10 Imran challenges US drone attacks PTI ISLAMABAD, JUNE 30

Pakistan cricketer-turnedpolitician Imran Khan today filed a petition in the Supreme Court asking it to declare US drone attacks inside the country as illegal and unconstitutional.

Khan filed the petition through advocate Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui under article 184(3) of the constitution, under which the apex court is empowered to take action to enforce the fundamental rights of citizens.

The government and several top officials, including the Defence Secretary, the Secretary of the cabinet division, Interior Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Home Secretaries of all provinces, were made respondents in the case.

"It is further prayed that respondents may be called upon to explain that under which authority of law they are allowing/facilitating operation of drones from the soil of Pakistan for attacks inside its territory," the petition said.

In his petition, Khan asked the court to declare as illegal and unconstitutional all acts that take away the fundamental rights of citizens, the provision of facilities and logistics to any foreign country, any alliance for mass destruction due to drone attacks inside Pakistani territory.

Pakistan trashes Musharraf's formula on Kashmir PTI ISLAMABAD, JUNE 30

The Pakistan government has trashed former President Pervez Musharraf's four-point formula to resolve Kashmir issue, saying it was "his thinking" which did not have the endorsement of Parliament or Cabinet and suggested a fresh approach to address the vexed problem.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who will be meeting External Affairs Minister S M Krishna here on July 15, said the two countries should build on progress made in any area and look at ways to make progress where it has not been done.

"We will not like to ignore anything. We will not like to ignore any development or any positive development that has taken place between India and Pakistan," he told PTI in an interview here.

He was responding when asked to comment on India's emphasis that there was a need to "reaffirm" the progress made through "complex negotiations and dialogue through patient and unsung effort" whether in the composite dialogue or back channel diplomacy.

ISI links with Taliban would not be surprising: Petraeus

"Any issue, whether it is Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, Water, any issue where progress can be made, should be made.

Where it hasn't been made, we should look at ways and means how to make progress. Where progress has been made, let us build on it further," Qureshi said in a wide-ranging interaction.

Musharraf in December 2006 to resolve Kashmir issue, he said, "The four-point formula that Gen Musharraf made then was his thinking. It was being done through quiet back-channel diplomacy."

The formula envisaged softening of Line of Control (LoC), self-governance, phased withdrawal of troops from entire Jammu and Kashmir and joint supervision by India and Pakistan.

"We are a democracy, Parliament has to own them, Parliament has to endorse them, Cabinet has to discuss them," the Foreign Minister said, adding these proposals were "neither discussed by Cabinet, nor endorsed by Parliament.

So, as democrats, there are certain Parliamentary procedures that we have to fulfill."

Gen David Petraeus, in Washington to testify before the Senate armed services committee hearing to take control of forces in Afghanistan.

PTI WASHINGTON, JUNE 30

A top US General has said that it would not be surprising if Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI have links with Islamist extremist groups, who have set up a safe haven in the country's restive tribal region.

Gen David Petraeus, who has been picked up by President Barack Obama to replace Gen Stanley McChrystal as the new Commander of the US-led forces in Afghanistan, said that it is necessary to figure out if they (ISI) are working with the Taliban to support them or to recruit sources in the Taliban.

"The question is what the character of those links is and what the activities are behind them," he said responding to a question from Senator John McCain at his confirmation hearing before

‘India, Pak should build on progress made in any area’ PTI ISLAMABAD, JUNE 30

India and Pakistan should build on any "positive development" in any issue including Kashmir and look at ways to make progress where it has not been achieved, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said.

He, however, trashed former President Pervez Musharraf's four-point formula for resolving the Kashmir issue, saying it was "his thinking" which did not have the endorsement of Parliament or Cabinet.

"We will not like to ignore anything. We will not like to ignore any development or any positive development that has taken place between India and Pakistan," Qureshi told PTI in an interview here.

He was responding when asked to comment on India's emphasis that there was a need to "reaffirm" the progress made through "complex negotiations and dialogue through patient and

DR Congo marks 50 years of independence AFP KINSHASA, JUNE 30

The Democratic Republic of Congo marks 50 years of independence with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the Belgian king among a host of world leaders attending the celebrations.

the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday.

"Let's remember that we funded the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to build these organisations when they were the Mujahideen and helping to expel the Soviets from Afghanistan. And so certainly residual links would not be a surprise," Petraeus told US lawmakers.

"Well, again, what we have to always figure out with Pakistan center is, are they working with the Taliban to support the Taliban or to recruit sources in the Taliban," Petraeus said.

"And that's the difficulty, frankly, in trying to assess what the ISI is doing in some of their activities in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, in contacts with the Haqqani network, or the Afghan Taliban," he said.

A highlight will be a large military parade in the capital where President Joseph Kabila will be joined by the UN chief, King Albert II from former colonial power Belgium, three other monarchs and 18 heads of government.

unsung effort" whether in the composite dialogue or back channel diplomacy.

"Any issue, whether it is Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wa t e r, a n y i s s u e w h e r e progress can be made, should be made. Where it hasn't been made, we should look at ways and means how to make progress. Where progress has been made, let u s b u i l d o n i t f u r t h e r, " Qureshi said in a wide-ranging interaction.

He will be having talks with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna here on July 15 to discuss ways to reduce trust deficit and improve ties.

Asked whether his government endorses the fourpoint formula floated by Musharraf in December 2006 to resolve Kashmir issue, the Foreign Minister said, "The four-point formula that Gen Musharraf made then was his thinking. It was being done through quiet back-channel diplomacy."

FROM PAGE 1 Coastal panchayats with court orders.

The matter was adjourned until July 15 with a warning that erring panchayats should file their affidavits by the next hearing.

Forgery case

Amona in Bicholim, Calangute police have registered an offense against then Captain of Ports Elvis Gomes, A m o n a S a r p a n c h Pa re s h Phadte and one C D Chitnis on charges of fraudulently signing a forged plan pertaining to an iron ore conveyor belt system close to the jetty of the company.

Sawant has alleged that Chitnis submitted the forged plan as a genuine one in the office of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, Saligao. This was in reply to the show cause notice dated November 16, 2009, issued to the company by the member secretary of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority in connection with an illegal construction of Hopper and Belt system for iron ore loading close to the company jetty in Amona. Calangute police is investigating the case.

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Pak may extradite Baradar, top Taliban leaders PTI ISLAMABAD, JUNE 30

Pakistan has indicated it may extradite Mullah Baradar and other top Afghan militant commanders to Afghanistan as part of its efforts to help President Hamid Karzai reach a negotiated settlement with the Taliban, according to a media report today.

“We are working with Afghanistan’s government to come up with a mutually acceptable arrangement for Mullah Baradar’s extradition,” a security official was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

Afghanistan recently made a renewed call for the extradition of Baradar and other Taliban commanders detained in Pakistan earlier this year.

Though Pakistan has cold-shouldered such extradition requests from Kabul in the past, it is expected to positively respond to the fresh plea because of an “assured role in the possible endgame in the Afghan imbroglio and narrowing of bilateral mistrust following changes in Afghanistan’s in-

telligence set-up and interior ministry”, the report said.

There is also no legal hurdle in Baradar’s extradition as of now. A challenge to his extradition was thrown out by the Lahore High Court in May. The planned extradition could form part of efforts by Pakistan to help the Afghan government broker a peace deal with insurgents, an official said.

Karzai’s spokesman Hamid Elmi referred to the matter in a radio interview and the interior ministers of the two countries have held talks on the issue.

“They are ready to solve this issue and hand (Baradar) over to Afghanistan,” Elmi said.

Baradar, the number two man in the Afghan Taliban, was nabbed during a joint operation by Pakistani and American intelligence operatives in Karachi in February.

His arrest was described as a major coup in counter-insurgency collaboration by the two sides.

Afghanistan had sharply reacted to the arrest, saying it could scuttle Karzai’s efforts for peace talks with Taliban.

Analysts believe that Baradar, on being extradited to Afghanistan, might facilitate the Karzai government’s efforts to reach out to “reconcilable Taliban leaders” because of his extensive contacts in the militant network.

They said the extraditions will be consistent with the Pakistan government’s policy of ensuring that the reconciliation process was “Afghan-led” and in accordance with the aspirations of Afghanistan’s government and people.

After a grand jirga in Kabul endorsed Karzai’s plans for peace talks with Taliban factions, Pakistan has intensified its efforts to encourage Afghan militant leaders to make peace.

Pakistan is also involved in facilitating contacts between the Afghan government and the Haqqani militant network based in North Waziristan.

Quake strikes Mexico

REUTERS MEXICO CITY, JUNE 30

A strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico early today, shaking buildings as far away as Mexico City and sending people into the streets in their pajamas.

The US Geological Survey said the quake was centred 41 km northeast of Pinotepa Nacional in Oaxaca state. The temblor awoke residents in Mexico City nearly 470 km to the north, but civil protection officials in the city had no initial reports of casualties. ‘’I felt it like I almost always do. People came running out of the building,’’ said Pedro Salazar, 42, a security guard at a fourstory historic apartment building in Mexico City.

Search helicopters whirred over the capital and police sirens were heard, but power and phone connections were working in the city center.

China sends 6th naval flotilla to Gulf of Aden PTI BEIJING, JUNE 30

China today dispatched its sixth Naval flotilla to Gulf of Aden whose top priority would be to rescue 19 Chinese sailors aboard an India-bound ship hijacked by Somali pirates.

The flotilla left as officials here said the 19 sailors aboard the hijacked ship were safe.

Li Jingzhong, spokesman of the Shanghai Dingheng Shipping Co which owns the ship said the company was able to contact the captain of the hijacked ship on Monday.

“The captain told us the crew was all safe. But we have not heard from them again since. It seems the pirates may have unplugged the telephone on board, and we haven’t been able to reach them,” Li told the official China Daily.

“Our company will try our best to ensure the safe release of the Chinese sailors onboard,” Li said.

A view of the space-themed amusement facility where six people were killed and at least 10 others injured in a Tuesday accident at the amusement park Overseas Chinese Town East (OCT East) in Shenzhen in south China’s Guangdong province 30 June 2010. The park was closed after that.

‘Killer Surgeon’ may face class action suit in Oz PTI MELBOURNE, JUNE 30

Indian born surgeon Jayant Patel, convicted of manslaughter by a court in Brisbane appears headed for more trouble as now his former patients have threatened to move a class action suit against him.

Sixty-year-old Patel, dubbed ‘Dr Death’ by media here is in jail awaiting the court’s verdict handing him his sentence tomorrow.

Patel was found guilty of criminal negligence causing the deaths of three patients during his tenure as surgeon in Queensland Bundaberd Base Hospital between 2003 and 2005. He was also found guilty of causing grievous body harm to a fourth man.

Patel, has denied all charges and his legal team is preparing to launch an appeal against his

conviction.

Now, Ian Fleming, a founder of patient support group of the Dr Patel’s former patients, said talks were under way about a class action against the former surgeon and others.

Queensland State MP Rob Messenger said he has also held discussions with a barrister about launching a class action by patients. “ We ’ r e l o o k i n g a t t h e prospect of a group class action against a number of different entities, first and foremost will be Queensland Health, the medical board, and Patel himself,” the member for Burnett said, Australian news agency AAP reported.

Fleming, one of the former patients said one of his own bowel operation was botched

by Patel in 2003. He said hundreds of patients had been af-

fected by Patel’s actions and many were supportive of a class action.

“Patel operated on over 1000 patients and many of those suffered as a result of his actions”.

The Doctor who has also been described as ‘Killer Surgeon’ by the media spent last night in Brisbane jail and was transferred to a Correctional Centre in the Brisbane suburbs this morning.

The charge against the Doctor carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in Queensland.

The fury over the Indian surgeon’s alleged botched surgeries continued to mount with local MPs demanding that the government’s role in the scandal be scrutinised to find out why such lapses were allowed to carry on for years.

Aquino says ready to die to bring justice to Philippines REUTERS MANILA, JUNE 30

Once a reluctant candidate, new Philippine President Benigno Aquino III proudly embraced the legacy of his parents today and said he was ready to lay down his life to bring justice and prosperity to his impoverished country.

Aquino, a 50-year-old bachelor known as Noynoy, swept to victory last month after his late entry into the presidential race, relying heavily on his well-respected family name and its reputation for probity. ‘’I never expected to reach this far, that I will take my oath before you as your president. I never dreamed to be the symbol of hope and to inherit the problems of our nation,’’ Aquino said in Filipino on Wednesday after he was sworn in as president.

He won the presidential election with the widest margin since democracy was restored by his mother, Corazon, in 1986. Now he needs to show more political know-how than a lackluster 12-year record as a legislator would suggest.

Aquino has been defined by his parents throughout his political life — his namesake father Benigno was an opposition senator assassinated during the rule of Ferdinand Marcos. His mother took up the cause and won office during the People Power revolution that drove Marcos from power in 1986.

The push for the Aquinos’ only son to run took off after hundreds of thousands poured onto Manila’s streets for Cory’s funeral last August.

After some consideration, including a prayer retreat in a nunnery, Noynoy took up his parent’s mantle. ‘’My father fought the dictatorship and laid down his life so we can gain back our democracy.

My mother offered her life to nurture that democracy,’’ Aquino told an adoring crowd. ‘’I will lay down my life to ensure our democracy will benefit everyone. My family has shed blood and is ready to do this again if necessary.’’

Aquino is dating local councillor Shalani Soledad but has said he would be married to his job as president and set aside plans to have his own family.

Political savvy is important in the Philippines, where party allegiances are fluid and unwieldy coalitions are built across the spectrum. Aquino’s low-key personality has raised doubts about whether he can impose his will.

But his platform of anti-corruption and greater transparency in government quickly won him the support of Filipinos tired of corruption associated with the government of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the most unpopular leader since Marcos. ‘’The first step is to have incorruptible and honest leaders. This will start with me. I will strive to be a good example. I will never waste the trust you have given me,’’ Aquino said.

Aquino, a chain smoker who has resisted calls to quit the habit, enjoys support among business for his market-friendly policies and was applauded for vowing to investigate Arroyo.

He is setting up a ‘’Truth Commission’’ to probe allegations of corruption, poll fraud and rights abuses against Arroyo, who has denied any wrongdoing, and her administration.

Still carrying shrapnel in his neck from an attack in one of the many coup attempts during his mother’s presidency, Aquino says popular support will give him the necessary authority. ‘’I was ambushed in 1987. I’m living a second life. I believe this is a role that I have to play,’’ he told Reuters in February.

30 injured in Bangla clashes REUTERS DHAKA, JUNE 30

At least 30 people were injured in clashes today between Bangladesh police and supporters of the country’s biggest Islamic political party whose leaders were arrested on charges of hurting Muslim religious sentiments.

Witnesses said the clashes occurred in Brahmanbaria district, some 150 km (93 miles) east of the capital Dhaka and home to many supporters of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, who had taken to the streets to protest their leaders’ arrest yesterday.

Jamaat is a political ally of the opposition Nationalist Party led by former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Police had arrested the three men after another religious group, the Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, filed a court case in March against them, saying they had compared the Jamaat party chief with Prophet Mohammad.

In Islam, Mohammad is beyond comparison.

Police named the arrested leaders as Jamaat chief Moulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, his deputy Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid and another key party leader Moulana Delwar Hossain Saidee.

Jamaat said around 25 other party members were detained overnight in various districts.

Metropolitan Magistrate Mehedi Hasan Talukder approved the arrests as the accused had failed to comply with a summons to appear in court to hear the charges against them.

The men were held in police custody and are likely to appear in court yesterday, police said.

Many Bangladeshis accuse Jamaat of collaborating with the Pakistani army during the 1971 war of independence.

1 dies, units shut after UK refinery fire REUTERS LONDON, JUNE 30

Total said today one person had died following a fire and explosion at its Lindsey refinery in Britain and that it had shut units.

The fire broke out at around noon yesterday at one crude distillation unit at the refinery, which has the capacity to p ro c e s s a b o u t 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 223,000 barrels of crude oil per day. ‘’It is with deep regret that Total Lindsey Oil Refinery can confirm that there has been a fatality following the fire and explosion at 11:57 hours yesterday,’’ Total said in a statement. ‘’All affected process units at the refinery are shut down and safely isolated. All other units remain operational,’’ it said, without specifying which units had been shut.

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India needs more entrepreneurs: Desai HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 30

India needs to churn out more entrepreneurs if it wants to grow at a faster pace of 10 percent, says Ashank Desai, one of the key authors of India's IT success story.

'History shows that countries which have not encouraged entrepreneurship have a slower growth rate,' Desai, founder of Mastek and a former president of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) said. He said the country needed a change in mindset if it had to grow at a faster pace.

It needed entrepreneurs who are capable of expanding their organisations.

'In India, entreprenuership and risk-taking is looked down upon. This needs to change, if India needs to grow.' And enterprising entrepreneurs needed to make the world its market and not India alone, he said.

When Indian entrepreneurship was unshackled after the 1990s, Desai was one of those who grasped the opportunity and used it to build enterprises that put India on the world map.

He said less than 30 years ago, it was difficult to sell India

TALK BUSINESS

ICAI Goa branch, I-T Dept, hold meet on TDS

Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Simar Singh Negi addressing the gathering.

Also seen are Manoj Joshi, Additional CIT, CA Ashish Prabhu Verlekar, chairman Goa Branch of WIRC of ICAI, CA S B Zaware, Central Council Member of ICAI and CA Virendra Prabhudesai, Secretary Goa Branch.

PANJIM (HBD) -- Goa Branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India organised an interactive meet with the Income Tax Department to discuss TDS related issues faced by the Tax deductees and tax deductors in Goa, recently.

Chairman of the Goa Branch, CA Ashish Prabhu Verlekar gave the inaugural address. The meeting was addressed by Commisioner of Income Tax, Simar Singh Negi and Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Manoj Joshi.

ACIT J D Jayanti gave a presentation on TDS related issues. ACIT Sunder Rajan was also present on the occasion along with ITO Hanumantappa. Central Council Member from ICAI, New Delhi, CA S B Zaware gave important suggestions to readdress the issues faced by the tax department and tax assessees. CA Virendra Prabhudesai proposed the vote of thanks.

TALK BUSINESS

Yamaha unveils YBR 110 PANJIM (HBD) -India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd unveiled its new motorcycle, YBR 110 (pronounced as YBR One ten) in the Indian market. YBR 110 is targeted at the middle income class people who want to have a stylish and comfortable commuter bike.

YBR 110 has electric start, air cooled 4-stroke SOHC engine which provides excellent low end torque for everyday riding. The bike has 4 speed slick gearbox with perfectly spaced gear ratios that provides optimum torque throughout the rpm range and ensures stress-free riding in congested conditions without requiring frequent gear changes.

The bike has a stylish and brighter multi-reflector headlight for better visibility in night and its wind tunnel aerodynamic silhouette designed cowl has character lines that convey a sense of sharpness. YBR 110 has modern fit and finish with easy reading instrument console including a fuel meter. Sharp graphics and grab rail add to the overall sporty style and character of the bike.

YBR 110 is priced at Rs 41,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and will be available in 3 colors - Black, Red and Black & Red.

RIL, financial shares push Sensex up by 167 pts PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 30

The BSE benchmark Sensex today recouped early losses to end the day higher by 167 points after a firm opening in European bourses buoyed the sentiment.

The 30-share index closed at 17,700.90, up 166.81 points, or 0.95 per cent, after RIL and financial stocks rallied at the fag-end of trading. The National Stock Exchange’s wide-based 50-share Nifty Index added 1.07 per cent to finish at 5,312.50 points.

Reliance Industries (RIL) ended up close to 2 per cent amid reports that the petrochemicals giant is close to signing a JV deal with US-based private equity and hedge fund giant DE Shaw.

to the developed world, which thought people still commuted on elephant backs through dusty congested streets.

'It was very difficult to sell India back then. When I had gone to Singapore, I was asked, 'You sell software? I thought you traveled on elephants back there'.'

Recounting the struggles endured by early IT players in India, Desai said to build a business in the 1980s in a new industry, new market and an environment where business was not trusted, was 'tough'.

In fact, the word 'tough' was an understatement as far as the fledgling IT industry was concerned, he added.

'The IT market was small.

There was no export and the domestic market was limited.

Our business model was largely based on IT solutions.'

Now, with its cumulative worth pegged at $50 billion in 2010, the Indian IT industry has given India a whole new identity in a very short span of time, said the Goa-born Desai, an alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology (Mumbai) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahemadabad.

'This figure should put things in perspective. Nasscom was then worth $50 million annually. Now we are worth $50 billion,' he said.

Shivratna forays into hospitality HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 30

Real estate player—Shivratna Group ventured in hospitality business with its’ first project Ratnasagar Beach Resort, which is an eco-friendly hospitality venture located on Bhatye beach, Ratnagiri.

Shivratna Group also has ambitious plans to open five more beach resorts in Konkan and Goa by 2013 with an investment of more than Rs 70 crore.

With an investment of close to Rs 10 crore, this property is spread across 3 km on the beach side with more than 30 log houses. “We have recycled all by-products left after construction of the property and have thus generated near to zero waste. Currently it is a 30 room property which we will extend to 60 rooms and will make it a five star deluxe property,” Goutam Dasgupta, group GM, Shivratna Group said.

The 5-star business hotel in Kolhapur will be a 80-100 room property on which work will begin post monsoon this year.

The restaurant chain coming from Shivratna Group’s stable will be introduced initially in Pune with two outlets serving continental cuisine and this chain will slowly expand to whole of Maharashtra and then later nationally.

Fuel price hike justified: Deora PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

With Opposition parties calling for a nationwide strike against the hike in fuel prices, Oil Minister Murli Deora today justified the decision, saying the increase translated to less than Re 1 per day on domestic LPG and 26-27 paisa a day on kerosene.

"No benefit will accrue with this kind of adventurism. We want people and Opposition parties to understand the compulsions under which we took this decision and what impact it will have on people," Deora told reporters here.

Describing claims made by critics of the June 25 decision as "exaggeration", he said the Rs 35 increase in the price of LPG cylinders translated into an additional burden of less than a rupee per day, considering a bottle of domestic gas lasts 30-35 days.

The Rs 3 a litre hike in kerosene translated into an additional burden of 26-27 paisa per day.

"We have kept the burden on the poor man the minimal. The talk of the hike breaking the back of the poor and common man is nothing but exaggeration. The facts are before you," he said.

BJP and Left parties have separately given a call for a nationwide strike on July 5 against the fuel price hike.

Deora refused to answer questions on a rollback, saying, "I do not know anything (on

Meet on SILS to be held at Apollo Victor Hospitals HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 30

A 3-day program between July 1 and 3 on Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) will be conducted at Apollo Victor Hospital, Margao.

4 faculties from various parts of the country to train laparoscopic surgeons in SILS will be involved. 30 select senior laparoscopic surgeons from

across the country will be participating in the workshop.

Department of Minimal Access Surgery at Apollo Victor Hospital headed by Dr Rajkumar Palaniappan is one of the few centers to start this technology as early as it was introduced in to our country in the last week of July 2009. He also has the distinction performing India’s first single incision total

hysterectomy, fundoplication, cardiomyotomy, gastrojejunostomy & incisional hernia.

This will be an opportunity for Goa to host a national SILS training workshop, and will be first of its kind in the state.

This also will be very useful training program for laparoscopic surgeons to exercise their skills in the new emerging field of surgery.

Int rates to rise by 0.50% over 6-months: Parekh PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 30

Interest rates in the system are likely to harden by at least 0.50 per cent over the next sixmonths due to tight liquidity conditions and upward inflationary pressure, a leading financial sector expert said.

"Interest rates have already started hardening--rates are likely to harden by at least 0.50 per cent over the next sixmonths considering the present liquidity scenario and upward inflationary pressure," HDFC's Chairman, Deepak Parekh, told reporters on the Aban Offshor, 818.1, 848.9, 812.4, 842.45 Abb Ltd., 861, 869.9, 856.05, 862.9 Abg Shipyard, 257, 265.8, 255, 261.3 Acc Limited, 863.6, 880, 840.5, 878.1 Adani Enterp, 534.05, 545.95, 534.05, 538.75 Aditya Birla, 745, 763, 738.1, 759.45 Allahabad Ba, 157.05, 163, 157.05, 162.25 Alstom Proje, 647.95, 678, 645, 671.55 Ambuja Cemen, 110.05, 115.65, 110.05, 114.9 Andhra Bank, 131, 132.4, 128.65, 129.9 Ashok Leylan, 63.75, 64.25, 62.8, 63.65 Asian Paints, 2370, 2388, 2295.05, 2301.8 Axis Bank Li, 1225, 1245.95, 1222.1, 1242.4 Bajaj Hindus, 116, 118.35, 115, 116.95 Bank Of Baro, 702, 707, 693.25, 701.85 Bank Of Indi, 342, 353.9, 336, 349.5 Beml Limited, 998, 1006.4, 985.1, 1000.6 Bharat Elect, 1709.7, 1758, 1700.25, 1737.45 Bharat Forge, 281.05, 292.6, 280.05, 289.4 Bharat Petro, 629, 672.5, 625.4, 662.75 Bharti Airte, 264.05, 265.5, 260.55, 262.8

sidelines of HDFC Bank's annual general meeting (AGM) here today.

To a query, Parekh said that while a rate hike is likely during the RBI's July policy review, the Reserve Bank would have to hike its rates in a gradual and calibrated manner given the current tight liquidity conditions in the system.

On the current liquidity crunch, the HDFC Chief said that it was on account of certain cash outgo due to tax and 3G payments but the liquidity position is likely to improve by end-July.

Bhel, 2402.2, 2470, 2402.2, 2459.7 Bhushan Stee, 1375, 1422, 1362, 1415.2 Biocon Limit, 316, 326.8, 316, 325.45 Bombay Dyein, 482, 493, 480.25, 482.25 Bosch Limite, 5459, 5492.5, 5351.55, 5372.95 Brigade Ente, 134.55, 137.25, 133.15, 134.55 Cairn India, 297, 305.25, 296.65, 303.75 Canara Bank, 438.1, 453.8, 435.3, 448.75 Central Bank, 141, 141.8, 140.2, 141.05 Century Text, 450, 464.2, 450, 460.95 Cesc Ltd, 372.05, 378.9, 372.05, 375.9 Chambal Fert, 64, 66.7, 64, 66.3 Chennai Petr, 257, 257.6, 250.05, 252.4 Cipla Ltd, 338, 341.7, 334.35, 338.5 Colgate Palm, 833, 847.9, 833, 837.15 Container Co, 1331.2, 1355, 1328, 1350 Crompton Gre, 261, 262, 255.2, 257.8 Cummins Indi, 590, 600.75, 589, 597.25 Dabur India, 204.4, 211.2, 204.4, 210.6 Deccan Chron, 121.5, 124, 120.2, 123.5 Dish Tv Indi, 44.75, 49.05, 44.55, 47.4 Divi’s Labor, 772, 777.1, 763, 773.45

"But it (liquidity crunch) is likely to ease by end-July as the Government starts spending," Parekh said.

The new regime of base rates to come into effect from tomorrow will help transparency in bank lendings, he said, adding that it would also help give a push to the commercial paper (CP) market."

"Corporates can opt for the CP route to meet their shortterm fund requirements. Overall, the new base rate system will help to improve transparency in the lending process," Parekh said.

Dlf Limited, 282, 289.75, 280, 288.65 Dr. reddy’s, 1461.25, 1484.95, 1437.35, 1451.25 Edelweiss Ca, 475, 490.95, 471.1, 484.7 Educomp Solu, 530, 538.75, 530, 532.55 Eih Limited, 120.15, 121.75, 119.55, 120.2 Engineers In, 310.05, 321.65, 310.05, 312.8 Essar Oil Lt, 138.5, 142.8, 134, 141.05 Essar Shippi, 87.5, 88.55, 85.8, 86.7 Exide Indust, 128, 132.5, 128, 131.75 Federal Bank, 310.95, 319.05, 310, 317.25 Financial Te, 1315.05, 1342, 1315.05, 1337.5 Gail (india), 470, 475.45, 463.25, 467.3 Gammon India, 212.5, 220.5, 212, 217.8 Glaxosmithkl, 2220, 2230, 2165, 2183.95 Glenmark Pha, 272, 273.5, 266.6, 270.4 Gmr Infrastr, 58.25, 59.95, 57.9, 59.5 Godrej Indus, 166.15, 169, 166, 167.65 Grasim Indus, 1795, 1843, 1755, 1827.65 Great Offsho, 435, 446, 434.05, 442.9 Gtl Infra.Lt, 47, 48.1, 46.55, 47.2 Gujarat Mine, 126.9, 130.75, 126.1, 128.35 Gujarat N R, 62.5, 64.9, 61.6, 64.1

Gujarat Stat, 100.45, 102.9, 100.2, 102.3 Gvk Pow. & I, 43, 44.6, 43, 44.25 Hcl Technolo, 358.9, 366.5, 355.6, 364.15 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1895, 1938.9, 1879, 1919 Hdfc Ltd, 2885, 2958.7, 2870.6, 2944.2 Hero Honda M, 2042.5, 2070, 2022.1, 2048.55 Hindalco in, 143, 144.95, 140.75, 144.5 Hindustan Co, 115.2, 121, 114.2, 119.65 Hindustan Ma, 69.1, 71.7, 69, 70.65 Hindustan Pe, 434, 479, 431.25, 469.5 Hindustan Un, 263.75, 269, 261.3, 267.55 Hindustan Zi, 957, 974, 953, 969.45 Housing Dev, 240.05, 250.9, 240.05, 249.9 Icici Bank L, 836.1, 864.35, 834.25, 861.7 Idea Cellula, 57.2, 59.9, 56.4, 59.35 Ifci Ltd, 52.9, 57.2, 52.9, 56.95 India Cement, 105.35, 108.3, 101.9, 107.85 India Infoli, 97.5, 98.5, 96.3, 96.85 Indiabulls F, 140.1, 143.8, 139.3, 142.3 Indiabulls R, 155.7, 158.4, 153, 157.65 Indian Bank, 217, 228, 215.05, 225.95 Indian Hotel, 102, 105.9, 102, 104.9 Indian Oil C, 393, 407.9, 390, 403.1

that)."

Alongside the hike in LPG and kerosene rates, the prices of petrol were freed from government control, leading to an increase in the rates by Rs 3.50 per litre in Delhi from June 26.

Diesel prices were also deregulated, but the rates increased

by Rs 2 per litre only, in preparation for an eventual freeing of prices.

"The NDA government raised price of PDS kerosene from Rs 2.52 per litre in January, 1998, to Rs 9 per litre in March, 2002.

This hike was 258 per cent, even though crude oil prices rose by just 147 per cent during the period," he said.

The Congress-led UPA government did not increase kerosene prices for the past six years, despite the price of crude oil (the raw material for making petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene) more than doubling from USD 36 a barrel in May, 2004, to USD 78.

"We raised kerosene rates by Rs 3 per litre against the required increase of Rs 18.07 per litre," he said. "We have ensured that the poor are not unnecessarily burdened."

"We will continue to subsidise LPG and kerosene, which are the common man's cooking fuels. Even after last week's price increase, kerosene price is Rs 15.07 per litre below cost and LPG is under-priced by Rs 226.90 per cylinder," he said.

The United Front government, of which the Left parties, TDP and Samajwadi Party were

IndusInd to finance Tata dealers PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 30

IndusInd Bank and Tata Motors have entered into an agreement whereby IndusInd Bank will provide channel finance facilities to Tata Motors’ dealers.

The dealers of Tata Motors will now have access to ready upstream finance from IndusInd Bank to meet their working capital requirements in addition to the existing retail finance arrangements, a press release stated.

IndusInd Bank ranks in the top retail financiers for Tata Motors commercial vehicle segment today. This tie-up is a part of the strategic focus of IndusInd Bank in developing the supply-chain business.

Tata Motors' Commercial Vehicle Business Unit's Vice-President (Sales & Marketing), R Ramakrishnan, said that Tata Motors commercial vehicle has a good share of business in the retail asset funding through IndusInd Bank and going forward, we want to leverage this tie-up to garner even more business in the retail loan segment. We would also like to provide our channel partners with inventory funding from IndusInd Bank at reasonable and competitive rates."

Indian Overs, 102.95, 104.9, 102.5, 104.1 Indus Dev Ba, 116.2, 119.8, 115.6, 119.15 Indusind Ban, 196.4, 207, 196.4, 205.25 Infosys Tech, 2778, 2808.65, 2732, 2791 Infra. dev., 170, 181.7, 170, 179.2 Ispat Indust, 17.85, 18.05, 17.6, 18 Itc Ltd, 293, 306.2, 293, 305.45 Ivrcl Infras, 182.6, 188.9, 182.25, 187.85 Jai Corp Lim, 249.95, 252.5, 245.1, 249.05 Jaiprakash A, 126.05, 128.8, 125.1, 128.55 Jet Airways, 528, 535.45, 525, 529.7 Jindal Saw L, 197, 202.25, 197, 201.4 Jindal Steel, 622, 626.85, 611.15, 624.5 Jsw Steel Li, 1040, 1065, 1033.3, 1061.45 Kotak Mahind, 744, 773.4, 744, 770.95 Lakshmi Mach, 2060, 2099.9, 2040, 2070.25 Lanco Infrat, 66.55, 67.35, 65.7, 67 Larsen & Tou, 1780, 1817, 1776.2, 1808.95 Lic Housing, 989, 1008.5, 982.65, 997.7 Lupin Limite, 1902.5, 1974, 1902.5, 1967.85 Mahanagar Te, 64, 66.9, 63.5, 66.35 Mahindra & M, 609, 632.95, 609, 627.35 Maruti Suzuk, 1370, 1433.95, 1370, 1423.75 Max India Lt, 165.5, 165.5, 151.6, 153.75

constituents, in November, 1997, notified full deregulation of the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene by 2002.

According to this schedule, the rates of kerosene and LPG should have been at least double the revised price of Rs 12.32 per litre and Rs 345.35 per cylinder respectively.

Deora said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had yesterday stated that the government had taken care that the poorest sections of society are not impacted and so, kerosene and LPG prices would continue to be regulated.

"We want support of the people and the Opposition (on the issue of fuel price hike)," he said. "The increase in kerosene price will also help stop adulteration and diversion of PDS kerosene to open market."

The pre-hike price of Rs 9.32 per litre made kerosene lucrative for adulteration in fuels like diesel as also diversion in open market.

The NDA government, he

said, had in April, 2002, freed petrol and diesel prices from government control, with the rates being revised twice a month based on international prices.

"We have freed price of petrol, a fuel that is used in cars. Diesel prices will be eventually freed, but the government reserves the right to intervene in case of sharp spike or excessive volatility in global prices," he said.

"What we did was bare necessity. We were compelled to do so because oil PSUs were faced with Rs 74,300 crore under recoveries (revenue loss on fuel sales this fiscal)," he said.

"The opposition is being a hypocrite in its criticism."

BOARD MEETINGS Hanung Toys Nexxoft Info Suashish Diam ICSA India SARK Sys Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA IDFC MUTUAL FUND has announced change in fundamental features of IDFC Liquidity Manager Fund. The following are the proposed changes.

Revised Name of the Scheme: IDFC Ultra Short Term Fund Type of Scheme: Open ended income scheme.

Load Structure: Entry load charge will be nil for the scheme. Exit load charge will be 1% of the NAV if investors who redeem/switch out such investments within 90 days from the date of subscription applying First in First Out basis, (including investments through SIP/STP).

Minimum Application Amount: Minimum of Rs 5000 and in multiples of Re 1.

Unit holders who do not wish to hold units in view of the aforesaid change may exit the scheme from June 30, 2010 to July 29, 2010 without any exit load, at the relevant applicable NAV. All transaction request received on / after July 30, 2010, will be subject to changes.

AXIS MUTUAL FUND has launched a new fund named as Axis Triple Advantage Fund, an open ended hybrid fund. The NFO price for the scheme is Rs 10 per unit.

The new issue will be open for subscription from June 30, 2010 and close on July 29, 2010.

The minimum application amount is Rs 5,000 and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter.

The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription (minimum target) amount of Rs 10 million under the scheme during the NFO period.

Entry load charge will not be applicable for the scheme. An exit load charge of 1% is payable if units are redeemed / switched - out within 1 year from the date of allotment.

The scheme performance would be benchmarked against a customized composite benchmark comprising of S&P CNX Nifty, CRISIL Composite Bond Fund Index and INR Price of Gold.

The scheme will be managed by Chandresh Nigam and Ninad Deshpande.

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON MUTUAL FUND has approved July 5, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option of Templeton India Income Opportunities Fund. The face value of per unit is Rs 10.

The quantum of the dividend will be Rs 0.075 per unit for Individuals & HUF and Rs 0.069 per unit for others. All the investors registered in the dividend plan whose names appear on the register of unitholders on the record date shall be eligible for receiving the dividend. The investors in the dividend re-investment option will be allotted units for the dividend amount at the NAV of 6 July 2010.

Templeton India Income Opportunities Fund seeks to provide regular income and capital appreciation by investing in fixed income securities across the yield curve.

UTI MUTUAL FUND has approved July 5, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option of UTI Fixed Income Interval Fund - Series II Quarterly Interval Plan VII. The face value of per unit is Rs 10. The quantum of dividend will be 100% of distributable surplus as on the record date.

Maytas Infr., 209.55, 213.9, 206.4, 212.85 Moser-baer (, 66.5, 69.25, 66, 68.6 Mrpl, 72.6, 76.35, 72.6, 75.7 Nagarjuna Co, 185, 189.75, 183.1, 188.45 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.4, 32.2, 31.25, 32.05 National Alu, 424.6, 434.7, 420.1, 425.7 Neyveli Lign, 154.5, 157.45, 153.6, 156.15 Ntpc Ltd, 195.1, 200.4, 195.1, 199.6 Oil And Natu, 1289.95, 1327.05, 1289.95, 1320.8 Omaxe Limite, 94, 94.8, 93.55, 94.45 Oriental Ban, 316.1, 328.25, 316.1, 326.25 Pantaloon Re, 414, 417.5, 405.25, 415.15 Parsvnath De, 122.1, 124.2, 122, 123.65 Petronet Lng, 77.15, 78.25, 77.15, 77.65 Power Fin Co, 295.2, 302.85, 293.3, 300.15 Power Grid C, 102, 104.5, 101.6, 104.1 Praj Industr, 80.95, 82.35, 80.15, 81.9 Punj Lloyd L, 133.25, 136.8, 132.55, 136.15 Punjab Natio, 1040, 1053.7, 1037, 1048.95 Rajesh Expor, 83, 84, 81.55, 83.05 Ranbaxy Labs, 447, 461.5, 445, 460.4 Rashtriya Ch, 81.9, 83.4, 81.25, 82.7 Rel. nat. re, 63.5, 66.3, 63.1, 65.95

Reliance Cap, 747.95, 765, 745.25, 762.75 Reliance Com, 191, 199.4, 188.25, 198.3 Reliance Ene, 910, 923.9, 900, 900 Reliance Ind, 971.1, 992.45, 965.5, 980.3 Reliance Ind, 1060, 1093.95, 1057.5, 1089.85 Reliance Pow, 168, 171.9, 167, 171.4 Rolta India, 166.2, 168.9, 164.5, 167.95 Satyam Compu, 90.1, 91.9, 90, 91.15 Sesa Goa Ltd, 350, 354.95, 345.1, 352.65 Shipping Cor, 160.5, 161.6, 157.1, 157.8 Siemens Ltd, 730, 738.8, 721.5, 736.7 Sintex Indus, 311.5, 325, 311, 323.2 Sobha Develo, 285.55, 290, 285.1, 289.15 State Bank O, 2279.8, 2312, 2275, 2302 Steel Author, 190, 193.5, 189.2, 192.7 Sterlite Ind, 166, 170.5, 164.2, 169.9 Sun Pharmace, 1765, 1799, 1742, 1785.1 Sun Tv Netwo, 418.95, 439.9, 415.5, 437 Suzlon Energ, 56.55, 58.1, 56.5, 57.9 Tata Communi, 257.1, 263.6, 257.1, 262.3 Tata Consult, 755, 759.9, 741.25, 751 Tata Motors, 760.25, 781.85, 758.8, 778.5 Tata Power C, 1298, 1315.5, 1291, 1308.35

Tata Steel L, 470.1, 487.45, 470.1, 485.65 Tata Tea Ltd, 120, 123.8, 113.5, 121.55 Tata Teleser, 21.55, 22.4, 21.25, 22.3 Tech Mahindr, 730.2, 747.7, 730.2, 734.2 The Ge Shpg., 290.1, 294, 290.1, 292.8 The Phoenix, 208, 223.9, 208, 218.25 Thermax Ltd, 720, 765.5, 706, 755 Titan Indust, 2341, 2385, 2323.1, 2370.25 Torrent Powe, 330.55, 336.25, 330, 332.45 Triveni Engg, 98.4, 102.45, 98.4, 101.95 Tv18 India L, 91.3, 97.45, 91.3, 96.55 Uco Bank, 76, 77.95, 76, 77.45 Ultratech Ce, 881, 883, 862, 879.3 Union Bank O, 310, 312.5, 307.15, 311.05 Unitech Ltd, 72.5, 74.7, 70.2, 74.35 United Phosp, 189.8, 189.8, 180.2, 184.05 Videocon Ind, 206.3, 214.9, 205.3, 213.65 Vijaya Bank, 63, 64.95, 63, 64.55 Voltas Ltd, 194.5, 199, 194.4, 198.55 Wipro Ltd, 380, 387.65, 380, 384.5 Yes Bank Lim, 263, 270.2, 262, 269.3 Zee Entertai, 289.6, 308.4, 288.5, 304.85

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SPORTS GOA, Thursday, 1 July, 2010

Super Berdych stuns Federer REUTERS LONDON, JUNE 30

Crisp-hitting Czech Tomas Berdych claimed the biggest win of his career on Wednesday when he stunned six-times champion Roger Federer 6-4, 36, 6-1 6-4 in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.

Federer was simply outplayed by his 24-year-old opponent, who consigned the Swiss maestro to his earliest defeat at the All England Club since 2002 and became the first Czech to reach the semifinals since Ivan Lendl in 1990.

“It’s amazing to play in this stadium, such a great player Roger is, it’s amazing,” said the 12th-seeded Berdych after the two-hour, 35 minute contest.

“Toughest game of my career to serve out, I’m very happy.”

From the moment Berdych claimed the opening point with a rapier-like forehand winner the centre court crowd could sense a classic contest was in the offing. He made the first breakthrough of the match in

the seventh game when a Federer backhand drifted long to give the Czech a 4-3 lead. Another stray backhand from the Swiss gave Berdych the opening set after 34 minutes.

The Berdych forehand was really starting to fire but the sixtimes champion took an early break in the second to go 2-0 up, and Federer unleashed a mighty ‘come on!’ when he levelled the match.

Berdych stepped up another gear in the third, a sumptuous half volley helping him to a break for a 2-0 lead which he celebrated with a little jig of delight.

The winners were beginning to fly off the slick Czech’s racket, and another murderous backhand that dashed off the baseline gave Berdych a second break for a 5-1 lead and a service bomb wrapped up the set a game later.

Berdych showed real nerve recovering from 0-40 at 2-3 in the fourth, a deficit not helped by two double faults, and he punched his fist towards his en-

St Michael Boys up HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JUNE 30

St Michael Boys, Orlim registered a narrow 3-2 win over Guardian Angel, Sanvordem to march into the semi-finals of Gumboots Boys football tournament organised by Gumboots Boys of Orlim at church ground, Orlim on Wednesday. They led 2-1 at half time.

St Michael Boys started the opening session on a whirlwind fashion with Maclino putting them in front.

Stung by the early reverse, Guardian Angel made several attempts at the rival citadel but the Orlim defenders were equal to the task as they kept the Guardian Angel attackers at bay.

Guardian Angel fought gallantly and levelled the score

through Victor who slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.

St Michael Boys regrouped quickly and took the fight to the rival camp and were rewarded when Denzil made it 21 with a stiff grounder.

Guardian Angel started the second session on an aggressive note, called the shots against the rivals and found the equaliser soon after resumption when Victor punted the ball to the far corner of the net.

With time running out, St Michael Boys made their last ditch effort which paid dividend with Desmond Fernandes unleashing a beautiful snap shot which caught the rival goalkeeper napping.

l

Nadal in semis

tourage as he put away the game-winning smash.

Then came the crucial turning point, a wonderful running forehand from Berdych had Federer stretching for a volley which drifted wide and the Czech broke for a 4-3 lead, shaking his fist to his corner as he bounced backwards towards his chair.

Berdych showed signs of nerves when serving for the match, giving Federer a break point but he kept himself together, punching away a forehand and pointing to his corner in disbelief as he sealed his third career win over the Swiss.

Berdych will play Serbian third seed Novak Djokovic for a place in Sunday’s final.

Novak Djokovic advanced to

the semi-finals for the second time by beating unseeded Yenhsun Lu 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Rafael Nadal beat Robin Soderling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 61 to move into the semi-finals.

He will meet the winners of the quarter-final match between Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murry.

Spaniard Nadal, who also saw off Soderling’s challenge in the French Open final earlier this month, squandered his first match point but then sealed victory with a forehand down the line.

Serena and Venus Williams’ stranglehold of women’s doubles was ended on Wednesday when the American sisters were knocked out in the quarter-finals

by Vera Zvonareva and Elena Vesnina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Navelim advance HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JUNE 30

Navelim Sporting Club beat Our Lady of Gloria Sports Club, Raia 5-3 via the tie-breaker to storm into the quarter-finals of 34th Cana Benaulim inter-village football tournament organised

by Cana Benaulim Sporting Association at St John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim on Wednesday. They led 1-0 at the break.

Navelim Sporting Club were a dominant lot in the opening session going ahead in the 20th minute when Sidney Colaco bulged the net after he received a through pass from Richard Costa.

Gloria Sports Club tried their best to neutralize the lead but failed to find success due to tight marking by the Navelim Sporting Club defenders.

Our Lady of Gloria came back strongly after the change of ends

with their midfielders and forwards working in tandem. They created many forays into the rival area and were rewarded in the 38th minute when Allister Fernandes punished the Navelim Sporting goalkeeper with a snap shot off a pass from Vellito D’Cruz.

Stunned by the equalizer, Navelim Sporting Club retaliated. Striker Jaison Pereira had two clear chances but he shot wide.

In the dying minutes, Our Lady of Gloria Sports Club came close to scoring but Anthony Fernandes shot wide from handshaking distance.

In the tie-breaker Richard Costa, Sanford Cardozo, Jaison Pereira and Jonathon Faleiro were on target for Navelim Sporting Club while Vellito D’Cruz and D. Oliveira converted for Our Lady of Gloria Sports Club.

Nat school winners felicitation today HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 30

Outstanding sportspersons who have bagged medals at 55th National School Games will be felicitated and Rs 8.50 lakh presented to schools which secured the winners and runnersup places at State level high school and secondary schools meets (2009-10) by Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at a special felicitation function on its 37th anniversary on July 1at Dinanath Mangueshkar Auditorium, Kala Academy, here at 3.30 p.m.

Dr Susana de Sousa, director of sports and youth affairs stated that Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, Sports Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar will be attending the function Those eligible for the awards have been asked to contact B.S. Malaj, asst. director (physical education) at 2.30 p.m. at Kala Academy, Panjim.

Following are the awardees: Swimming and diving: Talasha Prabhu, Genevene A. D'Costa, Sammer Noronha, Abhijit A.J, Aalhad Chati. Narasihulhu (diving coach), Deepak Cheetri (diving coach), Keshav Naik (swimming coach), P. Dillon (swimming coach) and Sunil Mandrekar (general manager).

Athletics: Arantxa Mascarenhas, Tallulah Braganza. Coaches Vrunda Vernekar and Shashi Kumar, Monica Coutinho (manager) and N.V. Kurade (general manager).

Judo: Sabajeeth Nishad, Sabaji Naik, Neha Jadhav. Coaches Deepak Netardekar and Vishant Alekar, manager, Bhavani Swami, general manager, Avita Bandodkar.

Boxing: Hajrat Mulla, Keith Baltazer George. Coaches - Santosh Birmule and Chitambaram Naik. Manager - Ajit Dessai.

Taekwondo: Shivnath G. Chavan, Laxmi A. Sabar, Ajaykumar Jay Sing, Salome Pereira, Laishram Dingku, Alrisha Fernandes, Alfreeda M. Menezes, Alistair T. Silver Souza, Kannaiya G. Khataukar, L. Deepak Singh, Sandeep Sing Reswal, Siya S. Malekar, Sanida Fernandas, Pandurang L. Chavan, Rajankumar Thakur, Marolif Fernandes, Abhishek Kallur, Mahendra Ananthu, Sagar G. Palconda, Pradnya Joshi, Lysha E. Fernandes, Shirin J. Noronha and Glennville Da Costa. Coaches: Theophil Lowe, Deepak Rivonkar and Reshma Rane. Umesh Dicholkar (manager) and Gurudas Bandodkar (general manager).

Football: Haston D'Costa, Stephen Medeira, Lester Russell Souza, Nagesh Naik, Jos Joaquim Vaz, Albino Giovanni Gomes, Chavan Billu Ganu, Newton Azavedo, Sandesh S. Madkhokar, Charlez Cardoz, Mazhar Ali, Justino A Fernandes, Bharat

B. Thapa, Rosario Deartone Dias, Vikharam Singh, David D'Costa, Shekar Marothi Deepi and Chukwudi Chukwuma. M.M. Muttawali (coach), Devraj Tari (manager).

Baseball (U-17 boys): Sunny Gaude, Vishal Kumar Singh, Shubham Tari, Ashish Gaude, Manguesh Gaude, Sanil Naik, Sunil Pagi, Manjunath Gaonkar, Sushant Kerkar, Omkar Chart, Nikhil Gaude, Shreyash Naik, Ravichandra Bhandivadder, Nirjay Gaude, Jagnath Gaonkar and Dipesh Jalmi. Siddesh Naik (coach), Yogesh Parab (manager).

Baseball (U-17 girls): Saili Gaude, Alisha Naik, Chitra P. Gaude, Ankita Gaude, Neha Bhomkar, Vanita Parsekar, Sharshu R.H.V, Nikita Gaude, Prachi Prabhugaonkar, Mamata M.Dessai, Sheral D'Mello, Mayuri Gaude, Divya Upadhay, Leena Kundaikar, Anjali Borkar and Anuja Mudkaikar. Kailash Gaonkar (coach), Kavita Avati (manager).

Baseball (U-14 girls): Gaude Chetna Fondu, Gaude Nikita Mahadev, Bibeebalkash Dambal, Kayum M. Sheikh, Ankita Gaude, Devata U. Naik, Suverna T. Ghadi, Shruti Satish Naik, Velingkar Siddhi Shyam, Gaude Samiksha K, Jalmi Ankita Papan, Gaude Ritu Poput, Timiya D. G a u d e , P r i y a n ka P. Ve l i p , Priyanka Yessop Gaude and Madkaikar Ankita Putu. Shobha Tupsundar (manager), Dezy Dias (coach).

Baseball (U-14 boys): Naik Dinesh S, Laxmikant B. Gaude, Gaude A Sheshikant, Satyam V. Desai, Gaonkar Akshay Suresh, R h u s h a b h a J N a i k , Ta n a y Tukaram Akarkar, Gaonkar Sandesh, Hillary C. Vaz, Vedmore V. Vaz, Udhav U. Mulgaonkar, Naik Ashish Dayanand, Khandeparkar B Khushali, Gaude Vikrant Vinayak, Akshay Anand Gaonkar and Subhash S. G a o n ka r. S w a p n i l P h a d t e (coach), Dipti Gaude (manager).

Baseball (U-19 girls): Kundaikar Leena Paresh, Naik Vinita Prakash, Chari Arti Gulab, Padkar Gauri Sukto, Vaishali L. Kholkar, Aishvarya D. Kamat, Disha Ganesh Kerkar, Gaude Heera Poku, Reena D Narvekar, Oshine Shashiender, Savidha J. Gaonkar, Valencia Estibeiro and Sandhya Vithal Jalmi. Dilip Naik (coach), Nilesh Prabhudesai (manager).

Baseball (U-19 boys): Gautam Rarndas Naik, Hemang Mahesh Kamat, Sinha Prakash Kumar, Sudir Ganesh Laxman, Satarkar Vinesh Krishna, Sarang Shriram Vittal, Sahil Sugandh Vaigankar, Amey Kashinath Shetye, Devanand P. Palyekar, Vomanesh Prakash Naik, Naik Borkar Anish Anand, Naik Gouraksh Prakash and Gaude Jayesh Jivottam.

Hanumant Naik (coach), Dinesh Desai (manager).

Tennis cricket (U-1\9 boys): Rahul S. Bhosle, Diptaraj Tukaram Gaude, Aditya Phadte, Sarvesh Nagesh Gavde, Prashant P. Fadte, Suyash S. Govekar, Atish Sawant, Rupesh S. Asgaonkar, Atish G Madkaikar, Nutan Naik, Paresh Vinayak Phadte and Rahul Satarker.

Nillesh Naik (coach), Deepak Gaonkar (manager).

Tennis cricket (U-19 girls): Mali Priyanka, Manjusha P Dhuri, Gawade Dhanashree, Kimaya D. Falkar, Radhika G. Gujar, Dixita H. Naik, Melissa Fatima Dias, Selvi Suresh Pradhan, Nisha Suraj Patel, Pranita N Kor gaonkar, Sneha S. Naik and Riya S. Jalmi. Nilesh Parsekar (coach), Gauri Kundaikar (manager

My contract renewed till 2013: Houghton PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 30

The controversy surrounding India football coach Bob Houghton 's resignation is finally over with the Briton himself today announcing that he has struck a deal with the AIFF to continue till 2013.

"I have signed a contract till 2013," Houghton, who had threatened to resign in May after he learnt that the AIFF was looking for a new coach after the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar, said at a press conference here on the eve of national team's departure for a two-month training tour of Portugal.

Houghton is not new to controversy, including the latest resignation drama which hit the headlines two months back, and today also he hit out at the clubs for hampering in the development of Indian football.

Bob at first expressed satisfaction that the clubs have allowed the players to prepare exclusively for the Asian Cup. But later, he practically laid the blame for National team's poor world ranking to the club bosses.

“The important thing to be

Rs 25 lakh for Saina AGENCIES HYDEREBAD, JUNE 30

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, K. Rosaiah on Wednesday announced a cash award of Rs.25 lakh to badminton champion Saina Nehwal for winning three international titles in-a-row and being ranked world number three.

34th Cana Benaulim soccer quarters: St Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva v. Betalbatim Sporting Club, St john Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim, 4.45 p.m.

Gumboots soccer semis: Mad Max, Taleigao v. Sao Jose De Areal, church ground, Orlim, 4.30 p.m.

done in India of course is to develop the young players as without it, we can’t get to the World Cup. Logically speaking, I believe 2018 seems a realistic target for us,” Bob stated.

“If you set 2018 World Cup as your target with the hope of making it into the final 10 for which the qualification begins only in 2015 with this team, this could give us the best possible chance,” highlighted the Englishman One of the reasons for the sorry state of affairs, Houghton felt, was the composition of the AIFF Executive Committee which has club presidents as its members.

"The Executive Committee has presidents of big clubs as members. So, for example, when I want I-League players not to play in the local leagues, these members don't agree. Ultimately, they take decisions and have voting rights," said the experienced coach.

"I have had several confrontational meeting with the club officials in these four years. I ask them how is that your clubs are

more than 100 years old but India are languishing below 130 in FIFA rankings," Houghton, who took over as coach in June 2006, said.

"I was in Qatar during the Asian Cup draw ceremony and the stadia there were fabulous with all the state-of-the-art facilities. In India we don't have anything. Take the case of Delhi.

Ambedkar Stadium is a good venue for the National team but where are the training grounds?

During the Nehru Cup last year, the teams had to train at school grounds," he said.

Houghton and 28 national players are leaving at wee hours tomorrow for Portugal.

Our Sports Reporter adds from Panjim: The Indian team will leave for Thailand after the completion of the camp to play international friendly on September 4.

Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi will be holding five international friendly matches. The Indian team will play its first friendly match at Delhi on September 8, followed by second on September 15. The team will then

play two other international friendly matches on September 22 and 29. Delhi will host the last friendly match between November 12 -18.

The senior team will also be having ten days camp in the Gulf from November 1 to 11, while the last and final camp before the team leave to participate for the Asian Cup will be held from November 20 to January 7 in the Gulf.

The team: Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, Subhashish Roy Chaoudhary and Arindam Bhattacharya.

Defenders: I Surkumar Singh, N.S.Manju, Samir Naik, Mahesh Gawli, Gouramangi Singh, Anwar, Govin Singh, Deepak Mondal and N.Mohanraj.

Midfielders: Steven Dias, Climax Lawrence,N P Pradeep, Anthony Pereira, Rakesh Masih, Lukram James Singh, Rennedy Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Syed Rahim Nabi, Clifford Miranda, Jagpreet Singh and Baldeep Singh.

Strikers: Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri, Abhishek Yadav, Mohammed Rafi, Sushil Kumar Singh and Baljit Sahni.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Journeying into Goa’s Heritage

greatest healing therapy is “The friendship and love - Hubert Humphrey

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futle mhunn ixeob “ Dolle budlo? - Anonymous

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Work in groups more often. You'll get things done and have a good time doing it! Pay extra (21 Mar – 19 Apr) attention to your dreams today -- even those that pass by you in broad daylight! You may be tapped into a deeper part of your subconscious than usual, and that can bring all sorts of truths to light.

Understanding others is admirable, but be sure you understand yourself first. You've got (23 Sep – 22 Oct) to make sure that you're paying attention to the small stuff today -- otherwise, you might lose your sense of perspective. Life is sweetest when it's right in front of you!

There's a button pusher who thinks you're an easy target. Don't let them get to you. You can hardly (20 Apr – 20 May) believe your luck -- you've managed to get together with someone who thinks just like you do! It may be at work or in love, but you can tell that the two of you can go far together.

A suggestion of a radical change indicates there's trouble beneath the surface. You need to get (23 Oct – 21 Nov) out and play a little more -- after all, if you can't have fun on a day like today, when can you?

It's a really good time for you to show others you know how to kick back.

You could be influenced by peer pressure today -- be sure to hold on to your ideals. Lots of folks (21 May – 21 Jun) see you as creative, but they don't know the half of it. Down deep, you have a connection to forces you can't quite understand - and on days like today, they are trying to tell you something!

It will be difficult to keep an open mind, but overcoming stereotypes is essential. You need to do (22 Nov – 21 Dec) something big and showy today -- something that is sure to make a splash! Your odd energy is just right for breaking down barriers and opening up brand-new opportunities.

While you're emotional, they're aloof -- it's just a coping mechanism. Be patient. You are feeling (22 Jun – 22 Jul) much closer than usual to coworkers or neighbors -- or even strangers on the train! Your interpersonal energy is just right for making new connections and working together.

It's time for a fashion tweak -- a small change here or there to keep things fresh. Your heart(22 Dec – 19 Jan) strings are sometimes well protected, but for now, you're pretty much open to all comers. It's a really good time for you to volunteer or to otherwise make your altruistic side more organized.

Let go of a little bit of your power -- cling too tightly and you'll lose all of it. It's a good idea to (23 Jul – 22 Aug) watch what you say today -- but despite your bast efforts, it's still likely that someone close to you explodes under very little provocation. You can handle the fallout!

Share your vision for the future -- people need to see your optimistic side, too. You're not an island (20 Jan – 18 Feb) today -- as much as you might like to be! It's a really good time for you to step up and make sure that you're taking part in whatever your partner has asked of you.

Take advantage of technology to find a new, smarter way to reorganize your stuff. You need (23 Aug – 22 Sep) to be extra careful when it comes to tiny details -- you never know when they're going to shift and change before your eyes. It's one of those days when our natural gifts need supplements.

You have too many thoughts to have a real opinion. Wait and sort things out later. Your as(19 Feb – 20 Mar) sistance is essential for some big community or work project -- even if the principals don't yet realize it! You may want to step up and offer your services before they start to look elsewhere.

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Doctors are an essential part of our lives, especially in today’s health conscious world.

Today being a day dedicated the doctors all over the country, Herald takes a closer look at the role of doctors

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES ational Doctor’s Day being celebrated on July1 in memory of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, who incidentally, was born as well as died on the same day, at the age of 80. This Bharat Ratna awardee was a highly respected physician and a renowned freedom fighter.

Times as contrasting as illness, births and deaths are when we think of doctors. Doctors have been a part of our day-to-day life, an integral part that too, with the increasing amount of stress in today’s world and the increasing awareness about good health. “Doctors have been an important aspect of society, not only in today’s world, but since the very beginning. In fact, in the previous years, doctors were considered gods,” says Samantha from Margao.

“Doctors play an important role in our lives because, when we are not well, we run to a doctor. We are not qualified to diagnose ourselves and to prescribe the right medications, we have to eventually go to them to have ourselves treated,” says Philomena Menezes from Panjim.

Earlier we had family doctors, general physicians who looked after all our medical needs. They were so trusted that if anything went wrong, the people would rush to them. “Some of these doctors were so trusted that people used to just see them and get well,” says Philomena.

Although the idea of the family doctor has become uncommon with the emergence of the various specialists in the medical field, there still are some who go to the same doctors to seek their advice on various sicknesses.

Doctors are often considered miraculous and their treatments are often in-

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Parenting

The Selfless Lives of Doctors

ory and When it comes to hist e ca n th e be au ty of G oa , on tiv e va ex pe ct so m et hi ng in no es. This from Victor Hugo Gom nised a time round, he has orga ls to the Heritage Trail that trave vi si tin g hi nt er la nd s of G oa ; es an d un ex po se d co m m un iti e cultures of our tiny stat

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Thursday, 1 July, 2010

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES hen one talks about Goa, it is always the hyped coastal areas, the night life and the swaying palm trees that get most of the attention. Seldom speak about the other treasures this place holds. The villages of Goa, where most of our true wealth lie, seem to just get overlooked, being considered more as prospective mining spots than anything else.

But if you afford a closer look, you will realise that they are beautiful pockets of nature with people striving to keep their ancestral occupations and rich history alive. Their way of living is different from the chaotic city hustle and bustle. The villagers live in calm and serene surroundings but they too have to deal with problems caused by man-made interference. To give a glimpse into the other side of Goa, Victor Hugo Gomes, Curator of Goa Chitra, organised a day-long trail that travelled from Benaulim to the villages of Maina Curtorim, Macazana, Chandor, Rivona, Kolumb, Vichundrem and Neturlim, finally ending at the evacuated villages of Curdi, Curpem and Potrem in Sanguem Taluka.

The first heritage trail was conducted on June 27 with 25 participants of different age groups sharing the same zeal to learn about their Goan heritage. Victor Hugo Gomes says, “This is just the first heritage trail, we plan to organise one every month to different places in Goa. It is a very different experience to visit a museum and to actually visit a place filled with history. The aim of organising a heritage trail is that Goans spend a lot of money to see different places so why not visit the hinterlands of Goa itself. Secondly, I have been to each of these places myself because of the museum and I used to take my friends along so it is a different experience when the younger generations learn about its history through visits.

I want Goans especially children and the youth to connect with the indigenous people of this land. Maybe we shall learn a few lessons from them on how to preserve and be kind to this earth and the natural surroundings that houses all of us.” Victor adds, “In future, I would include trials to the Gods of the Jungles focusing on the rituals and practices and will also cover cities like Panjim and Margao by night.”

The first stop of this trail was in Revona where they began their journey into village life. The next stop was the Sati Stones found in Kolumbh. Surprising but true, history has it that Sati used to be practised in this remote village. Dr Savia Viegas, well known historian and writer who participated in the trail, further elaborated that a woman who dies burning herself on her husband’s funeral pyre was considered virtuous, and was believed to directly go to heaven by

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this act. Every sati stone pictorially depicts the reference about the reasons for her husband’s death and other details.

The trail continued to Ambe Ghatt waterfall. “Certain places come to life in the monsoons and one of those places is Ambe Ghatt with its clear gushing water. We also spent some time with the Dhangar community of Gauli waddo in Vichundrem,” says Victor.

Participants got a peek into the lives of the Dhangar community with villagers eager to show their way of living like rope making techniques that make rope long-lasting when used for various purposes like construction of houses. The group was lucky enough to meet Daku Jemu Varak, the only surviving maker and player of ‘surpava’, an upright flute made from bamboo and reed; that was used to attract and gather the animals after grazing. Further now, the trail stopped at the bubble lake locally known as ‘Budbudeanchem Tollem’ in Neturlim. This is a unique lake where if you make a loud sound like a clap, bubbles start coming up from the bottom of the water bed.

Saving the most interesting part of the trail for last, the trail visited the once existing villages of Curdi, Curpem and Potrem. 15,000 people were evacuated to accommodate the Selaulim Dam water reservoir that irrigates Goan soil and quenches the thirst of thousands.

This site still has the remains of the villages like old mud roads, market place, police station, the temples, wells, a traditional distillery, crosses and half submerged Tulsi vrindavans suggesting a typical village life bustling with sights and sounds. Now, 28 years since the dam was built, the same place bears a haunted look.

Another problem that is now faced by the nearby villages is mining as silt of the mine is gradually affecting the water. Dr Savia Viegas says, “This heritage trail is a journey into our heritage but also an eye opener where one gets to see the part of Goa which is never exposed. Beyond the hyped Goa lies the pristine vegetation in the villages. But mining is doing more damage than damage control. The landscape is become like a bomb zone which looks like the womb of Goa is left open. It is time we stare at present Goa in its face and know in which way the apocalypse is heading and vocalise our problems.”

valuable to us but we patients very rarely go back to the doctor and thank the doctor for his services. “It is very rare that we go back to a doctor and express our gratitude,” says Samantha. “Some patients do come back and say thank you for they have been cured, this is the best thing any doctor can receive,” says Dr Lenny Da Costa. “There are times when my patients have come back to thank me with fruits and other eatables. Sometimes when there is any festival in their house they come with sweets, as a token of their gratitude,” says Dr Vivienne Rodrigues. But the very fact that the patient is well is the greatest reward to a doctor.

It is an unopposed fact that doctors are a part of every person’s healthy living.

But very rarely do we realise that they are humans too, humans with families behind them. “A doctor’s family has to adjust around the doctor’s schedules and appointments,” says Nita Noronha e Costa, who comes from a family of doctors. “There are times when the doctors are not well themselves and they have to go out and treat patients and keep up their appointments,” says Nita.

When asked about calls at ungodly hours, Dr Lenny laughs, saying, “My phone is on throughout the time and patients call up; whether we are eating or at home, we have to take the calls.” Some doctors go on for hours without food or rest, sometimes even neglecting their own health. “We as doctors have a responsibility towards a patient and we have to go and cure them whenever they need us; we cannot keep a patient waiting even if we are not keeping well ourselves,” adds the good doctor.

Football, Retro and More Here’s your weekly take on what’s up on Goa’s music front; the week that was and the week to come

BY CLARON MAZARELLO any who remember the song ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Annie Lenox and the Eurythymics back in the eighties will probably understand how music became electronic.

While this particular song has been considered one of the most remixed songs of the last century as far as electronic music is concerned, it’s original version with its boom boom type beats just like the house music of today is what some would call retro; although it originally comes under the genre of pop. Currently however, while genres like rock, pop, jazz et al are sing-along, the electronic music genre apparently focuses mainly on dance-alongs.

Being always in style, retro seems to be getting exploited

by Lava Lounge every Friday with its ‘retro nites’ – this time with live music from Cliff and Elvis Lobo, besides DJs Anish Sood and Claudio. Fridays, of late, seem to be more in vogue that Saturdays. The ‘Soccer Party’ at Pearl Oceanique at Colva with many DJs joining the spectator sports seems to continue. After being heard in Goa as a host on a private radio channel, Rohit Barker

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Aniston Eager to become a Mother A

fter a failed marriage and a couple of link ups, Jennifer Aniston has finally made up her mind to become a mommy. In fact, she’s taken her dreams of having a baby one step further and is consulting a life coach for help and advice to make her dream come true.

The former ‘Friends’ star has reportedly been having appointments with life strategist Suzannah Galland to help her make the decision in her life and to tell her the ways of being a mother.

And the first option, according to Suzannah, is ‘adoption’.

“So many of my clients walk around with big holes in their hearts because they don’t have families. Many of them think that because they can’t have a family the traditional way, it won’t ever happen to them; they don’t consider other viable means, firstly, adoption,” said Suzannah, whose client list includes names like Demi Moore, Naomi Campbell, etc.

She added: “There are so many children who don’t have parents, or anyone to love them, and so many women who would make amazing mothers. It’s a matter of making them see that there is still a part of themselves that can make motherhood happen.”

The strategist claims she has been working with Aniston, 41, who divorced husband Brad Pitt in 2005, following a five-year marriage and has remained largely single since then, to help her “process her feelings”.

The ‘Bounty Hunter’ star has been craving for motherhood since long and she expressed her desire of having a baby in a recent interview, where she claimed to want a child “as soon as possible.”

who played alongside DJ Tuhin Mehta last Thursday at Riviera de Goa was a much needed respite from the usual numbers that get played.

Amidst progressive house remixes released of late is ‘Another chance’ (Passenger 10 mix) by Pilgrim.

Then there’s also Chicane & Hed Kandi's 'No ordinary morning' - a lovely old track that apparently made DJ Ajit cry about ten years ago that’s lined up on Ajit’s Facebook page with links – yet another source to some dance music this 2010.

Getting newer sounds further down south, again on alternating Fridays will be the great-voiced Joanne Fernandes (exKingfisher Voice of Goa) jazzing it up with Elvis Lobo accompanying her on his acoustic guitar at Boomerang, Colva and then again playing alongside Noel de Gama and Cliff de Souza on Tuesdays and Thursdays respectively at Cape Town with its huge roadside screen.

Singers from all over will probably make a beeline to DTR to witness the finals of the Karaoke singing contest this July 3 even as Funky Heads, an entertainment company is having polls for the best Goan DJ around ending July 10, beginning today.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Thursday, 1 July, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

A Konkani Compering Workshop, organised by the Dalgado Konknni Akademi will take place on July 4 from 10:30am to 1pm at the Tiatr Academy of Goa, Campal, Panjim.

Call 9881810832.

A CME programme on colorectal cancer, organised by the Medical Education Cell of the Goa Medical College, Bambolim will be on July 2 at 3pm at the GMC library. Call 2458727, 2458724, 2458728 or 2458722.

‘World of Books’, a 1-day workshop on books, organised by the Kala Academy, Panjim will be held on July 4 from 10:30am onwards at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

Free Sanskrit speaking classes, conducted by Siddharth Seva Pratishthan will be held from July 1 to 12 from 6pm to 7:30pm. Call 9260039334, 9270159090 or 9762471782.

A Biodiversity Awareness Workshop Programme, organised by the Department of Botany and Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) will take place on July 3 at the Goa University. Call 2221345, 2221346, 2221347, 2451576, 2451376, 2456031, 2456108, 2456480 or 2221375.

A nursing course, offered by the Dasya Institute of Home Nursing and Geriatrics will begin on July 1 from 9am to 12 pm. E-mail dasya@gmail.com. Call 6524684 or 2411908.

‘Understanding myself and others’, a discourse, will take place on July 1 at 6pm at the Jesuit House, Panjim.

Call 9850123667 or 2223495.

All Goa Inter-School Elocution Competition For Environmental Awareness, organised by Radio Mirchi 98.3FM will be held from July 1 to 7 across Panjim, Margao, Vasco,

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Goa wins Second Place at All India DanceSport Federation HERALD FEATURES he team selected by the Goa Dancesport Association won second place at the 4th All India DanceSport championship held on June 27, 2010 at New Delhi.

Goa won three gold and one silver medal and the national level event. The competition had 60 couples from 11 states in India. The team was accompanied by the Manager Maxie Correia and coached by Dr Martin and Flossy.

Dr Martin/Flossy won the gold medal for standard 5 dance category (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz and Quick Step), Jason/Aishwarya won gold medal for standard 3 dance category (Waltz, Tango and Viennese Waltz) and Bhavin/Dr Xiyan won gold medal for 1 dance category (Waltz) while Jeethan/Dr Berthaline won silver medal in Latin.

The team for the Asian Games will be declared later by the selection committee.

Dancesport, a new form of competitive sports, is gaining popularity all over the country and participation is growing every passing year in all the age groups. The Goa Dancesport Association an affiliate of the All India DanceSport Association has been taking part in this National event for the last two years.

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– Kent Nichols & Douglas Sarine

DAILY GROOK WORSHIP QUIP

by Francis Rodrigues wise mahatama gandhi, of the navy did quip, "for soldiers at sea work is....war ship!"

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 592 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

Sangodd Celebrations at Ribander maintain Tradition

Photos by Herald Features

HERALD FEATURES he feast of St Peter was recently celebrated in the coastal village of Ribandar with the statue of St Peter being carried by the parishioners from the Church of Our Lady of Health.

The statue was placed on the beautifully decorated boat waiting at the banks of the river, from where it was set afloat in the water. Amidst music and song, the boat went around the water and headed to the St Peter’s Chapel, a little away from the Church, as they went about blessing the waters.

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GARFIELD

SOUTH POLE

10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Tere Liye 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

10:30 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 11:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 11:30 Boogie Woogie Kids spcl 12:30 Indian Idol : Extra 13:00 Godh Bharaai 13:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 14:00 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 14:30 C.I.D 15:30 C.I.D Classics 17:30 Indian Idol 19:30 Godh Bharaai 20:00 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Boogie Woogie Kids spcl 22:00 Indian Idol : Extra 22:30 Aahat

10:00 Laagi Tujhse Lagan 10:30 Aise Karo Naa Vidaa 11:00 Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam 11:30 Uttaran 12:00 Laagi Tujhse Lagan 12:30 Balika Vadhu 13:00 Kitchen Champion 14:00 Aise Karo Naa Vidaa 14:30 Agnipareeksha Jeevan Ki. 15:00 Na Aana Iss Des Laado 15:30 Uttaran 16:00 Kitchen Champion 17:00 Na Aana Iss Des Laado 17:30 Laagi Tujhse Lagan 18:00 Aise Karo Naa Vidaa 18:30 Uttaran 19:00 Bhagya Vidhata 19:30 Thoda Hai Bas Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai 20:00 Balika Vadhu 20:30 Bairi Piya 21:00 Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam 21:30 Laagi Tujhse Lagan 22:00 Uttaran 22:30 Na Aana Iss Des Laado

12:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

14:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

16:30 Papad Pol 17:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 17:30 Gutar Gu

Parenting

T

“Here's a tip to avoid death by celebrity: First off, get a life. They can't touch you if you're out doing something interesting.”

Meaning 1 : a place of burial; tomb 2 : a receptacle for religious relics especially in an altar Example Sentence The eerie silence in the street surprised Joe; the place was as quiet as a sepulchre.

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES he skill of compering is one that is quite coveted. Everyone would love to be out there, with a mike in their hands, catchy lines on their lips, giving an event its sub-titles. Presently, most major events compere in English and the local language is used for lesser-known events, with exceptions though. In its efforts to raise the status of Konkani among its very own people, the Dalgado Konkani Akademi, Panjim is organising a free Konkani Compering Workshop on July 4 from 10:30am to 1pm. It will be held at the Tiatr Academy of Goa, Campal, Panjim.

The one-day workshop will have two sections to it: one will train the participants to compere for a formal function and the other for an informal one. The organisers have selected Dr Ajay Vadya, noted and much sought-after Konkani compere and dramatist to head the former and Xavier Fernandes, an experienced compere for weddings, the latter.

A few months ago at the book release of the late professor at the Goa University, Professor Olivinho Gomes’ book ‘Konkani Literature in Roman Script – A Brief History’, the president of the Dalgado Konknni Akademi, Premanand Lotlikar had promised Goans that the Akademi would organise events and competitions for the sustenance and growth of the language. The Akademi is surely sticking to it word.

In addition to this first timer, the Akademi will be releasing a booklet of invitations in Konkani, for all occasions. The organisers have stated that the response to such workshops and events is great. They have envisioned an increase.

Funny Quote

Pronunciation SEP-ul-ker Function Noun

CURR

Information Technology

DKA to organise Free Konkani Compering Workshop

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 593

and Mapusa. Call 6656666. Log on to www.radiomirchi.com.

A workshop on How To Maintain And Protect Computers/Laptops From Viruses will be held by the Detroit Institute, Panjim on July 1 and 2. Call 9822131835.

A reproductive child health programme will be held on July 2 at 10:30am at the conference hall, Directorate of Health Services, Campal.

Call 2225976 or 2225538.

The July Quiz of the Sunday Evening Quiz Contest will take place on July 4 at 5pm at the Corporation of the City of Panjim, Panjim. Visit www.seqc.blogspot.com.

A Konkani literary contest in the Roman script, organised by the Goan Review Art Foundation (GRAF) isopenforregistrationtil July31.Call2630139.

Vedic maths classes will begin shortly in Calangute. Call 9822134831.

A part time Konkani course in the Roman script, conducted by the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), Porvorim will be held from July 12 to August 11 every Monday and Thursday between 9:45am to 12:45pm at Chicalim, Vasco. Call 2415864 or 2415857.

The 1st meet of the music society will be held on July 4 at 4pm at Chicalim, Vasco. Call 9673237501.

A workshop on Kitchen Gardening, The Organic Way, organised

by Goa Chitra, Vardaan Bookstore and Ecoshop will be held on July 4 from 10am to 4pm at the Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim. Call 9527463684.

Vishwakamat Travels will be celebrating 25 years on July 2 at the Sungrace Gardens, Ponda. There will be a variety of entertainment programmes. Call 9822126654.

Education

08:55 Snow Dogs 10:55 Mad Money 13:00 New Fist of Fury 14:45 Face/off 17:20 Airheads 19:15 Meet the Spartans 21:00 My Best Friend's Girl 23:00 Goldeneye

08:00 Looney Tunes 10:00 Kingpin 12:15 Appaloosa 14:45 Quarantine 16:30 Coming to America 19:00 TMZ 19:30 Thor : Hammer Of The Gods 21:00 Blue Crush 23:15 Wild Things 2

08:00 Arjun Pandit 11:50 Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaye 16:10 Kachche Dhaage 20:00 Farishtay

09:30 Parwana 12:30 Malamaal Weekly 16:00 Pratighat 20:00 Sarkar

08:10 2 Days in the Valley 10:15 The Assignment 12:15 So Close 14:30 Adaptation.

16:45 Off the Black 18:40 An American Werewolf in Paris 21:00 Balls of Fury 23:05 American Pie

12:00 Aag 16:00 Humse Badhkar Kaun 20:00 Hadh Kar Di Aapne 23:10 Junoon

10:00 Reign of Fire 12:15 In Studio 12:30 Guthy Renker 13:00 Dead Poets Society 16:00 A Woman in Winter 18:30 Raging Bull 21:00 Duets

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta..

18:30 Papad Pol .

19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Papad Pol .

20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 22:00 Lapataganj 22:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai 23:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta..

10:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum

11:00 Star One Horror Nights 12:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 12:30 Dill Mill Gayye 13:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 13:30 Geet 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 15:00 Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. 17:30 Laughter Dons 18:30 Star One Horror Nights 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Dill Mill Gayye

11:00 CSI: NY : It happened to me 12:00 Cyril: Simply Magic : Kuala Lumpur 13:00 Whacked Out Sports 14:00 Wipeout 15:00 Whacked Out Sports 15:30 Slamball 17:00 The Amazing Race : He Made Me Look Like Alice Cooper (china) 18:00 Leverage 19:00 Wipeout 20:00 Scare Tactics 21:00 Sports Crash 22:00 Destination Truth

10:00 30 Rock 10:30 The Simpsons 11:00 America's Got Talent 12:00 Friends 12:30 White Collar 13:30 Glee 14:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

15:00 Desperate Housewives 16:30 Friends 17:00 White Collar 18:00 Glee 19:00 30 Rock 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 America's Got Talent 21:00 Friends 21:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

22:00 White Collar

09:00 2010 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships 14:00 Asian Tour 2010 H/ls 15:00 Wimbledon H/ls : Day 9 16:00 Ace 2010 16:30 2010 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships 23:30 FIA Wtcc 2010

09:00 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa: Slovenia vs.

England 11:00 Global Football 11:30 Indonesian Open : Day 1 15:00 2010 FIFA World Cup Matchday H/ls 16:00 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa: USA vs. Algeria 18:00 2010 FIFA World Cup Matchday H/ls 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia

21:00 2010 FIFA World Cup Matchday H/ls 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia 23:00 2010 FIFA World Cup Matchday H/ls

09:30 Zimbabwe Triangular ODI 11:30 2010 South Africa Tour to West Indies H/ls : 4th ODI 15:30 Moto GP H/ls : TT Assen 16:30 Race It 17:00 WWE: Raw 19:00 2010 South Africa Tour to West Indies H/ls 21:00 Motorsport Mundial 21:30 Race It 22:00 Mobil 1 The Grid

07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 In Conversation with 11:30 Fusion Concert 12:00 Talking Talkies 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Sao Joao 2010 15:00 Kids Club 15:30 Fusion Concert 16:00 In Conversation with 16:30 Flavors 17:00 Khell Tiatr 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Khell Tiatr 22:00 English News 23:00 Straight Talk 00:00 Fusion Concert 00:30 Flavors 01:00 Art of living 01:30 Survandana 02:00 Kids Club Note: Subject to change

HERALD CROSSWORD - 593 Across 1- Aromatic plant; 5- Roman goddess of the hearth; 10- Highpitched tone; 14- A dish with many ingredients; 15- Music hall; 16- Conductor Klemperer; 17Bread spread; 18- Woody vine; 19- Hindu princess; 20- Salmon that has spawned; 21- Republic in N South America; 23- Flightless bird; 25- Brillo rival; 26- Bronchiol; 31- Sound of a horse; 35Also; 36- Exaggeratedly masculine; 38- Sorrow; 40- Budget rival; 42- Turkish palace; 44- Bright star; 45- Coffee choice; 47Roman general; 49- ___ Lingus; 50- Strikes out; 52- Disparage; 54- According to; 56- Actress Thurman; 57- Foods of the gods; 62- Mariners can sail on seven of these; 66- Zeno's home; 67Pong maker; 68- Spouse; 69Leg or arm; 70- Israeli desert; 71Arguing; 72- Siouan speaker; 73Uneven; 74- Sleeps briefly; Down 1- Captain ___; 2- Fashion mag; 3Monetary unit of Cambodia; 4Baby's sock; 5- Twisting of the intestine; 6- Actress McClurg; 7- Actor Penn; 8- Melodies; 9- River in N South America; 10- Drill a hole; 11Bibliography abbr.; 12- Gas burner or Sicilian volcano; 13- Hawaiian food; 22- Not new; 24- Crowd; 26Not much; 27- Adored; 28- Communication medium; 29- Salt Lake City hoopsters; 30- Rub vigorously; 32- Electrically charged atom; 33-

Brag; 34- Wretched hut; 37SOLUTION - 592 Patriot Nathan; 39- Describes a gently cooked steak; 41- Gal of song; 43- Illusory; 46- Extreme reverence; 48- Direct a gun; 51- Everett of "Citizen Kane"; 53- Dutch navigator; 55- Fall bloomer; 57- Came down to earth; 58- Office note; 59- Small child; 60- Othello villain; 61- Ancient Athens's Temple of ___; 63- I could ___ horse!; 64- Take ___ from me; 65- Goes down; 66- "Hold On Tight" band;

Pg16

GOA, Thursday, July 1, 2010

‘I am not responsible for team’s misbehaviour’ AP PARIS, JUNE 30

Lawmakers taking part in a closed-door hearing about France’s World Cup fiasco said Wednesday that coach Raymond Domenech refused to take any responsibility for his team’s misbehavior and offered no real explanation for their debacle.

Lawmakers said Domenech, who is retiring, tried to pin blame on the media during the parliamentary hearing. Prominent lawmaker Jean-Francois Cope said his testimony “wasn’t very dignified.”

Many had kinder words for French Football Federation president, Jean-Pierre Escalettes, who plans to resign this week, and who also testified at the hearing held by the National As-

sembly’s Commission on Culture and Education.

The hearing went ahead despite a warning from FIFA about French government meddling in soccer affairs. FIFA President, Sepp Blatter said the country’s national team risks suspension from global soccer if President, Nicolas Sarkozy or political leaders interfere in the running of the federation.

Lawmakers retorted that it wasn’t Blatter’s place to tell them how to do their jobs.

“It isn’t FIFA’s role to threaten French lawmakers, we’re in a democracy and parliamentarians have the right to hear anyone they want,” said lawmaker Eric Ciotti.

“This isn’t just about football, it’s about France; it’s our honour that’s at stake,” added lawmaker

Jacques Remiller.

Remiller said the whole hearing was “disappointing and not convincing at all.”

“There will have to be more resignations at the federation, because the problems are deeply, deeply rooted,” he said.

The France team, which won the 1998 World Cup and was runner-up four years ago, lost twice and drew once to finish last in its group. Even worse, players went on strike at training after forward Nicolas Anelka was sent home for insulting Domenech.

Then Domenech added yet more dismay by refusing to shake hands with rival coach Carlos Alberto Parreira after France’s 2-1 loss to host South Africa.

FAN PICS A Portugal supporter holds a scarf prior to the match.

Loew hopes young Germans ride wave of success AFP ERASMIA, JUNE 30

Coach Joachim Loew hopes Germany will ride the wave of youthful confidence from their 4-1 hammering of England to take them past Argentina in Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal.

Many of his young side have only recently graduated from Germany's Under-21 team which won last June's European Championships, and while his team has an average age of just under 25 years, they are eager to take on Diego Maradona's Argentina.

"There is a very positive feeling in the team. We have gained a lot of confidence from the victory against England," said Loew ahead of Saturday's clash in Cape Town.

"A lot of the younger players became European Under-21 champions and it has given them a lot of confidence for a tournament like this."

Loew said Germany will fly to C a p e To w n o n T h u r s d a y evening, rather than the day before the game, to give their players more time to adjust to their surroundings.

Germany beat Argentina 4-2 on penalties when the teams met at the same stage of the last World Cup, but Loew has yet to nominate the five players who could take spot-kicks this time.

"We have already practiced penalties, each player took two," said Loew.

"But you can never recreate the pressure or the nervous tension.

Argentina ‘disrespecftul’: Schweinsteiger AFP ERASMIA, JUNE 30

Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has opened a World Cup war of words ahead of Saturday's quarter-final with Argentina by branding Diego Maradona's side 'disrespectful'.

"I find that the behaviour of the Argentinians on the pitch, how they gesticulate and how they try to influence the referee, is disrespectful", said the Bayern Munich midfielder on Wednesday.

Schweinsteiger was in the Germany team which beat Argentina 4-2 on penalties at Berlin's Olympic Stadium in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup when the hosts went on to finish third at the World Cup. But he clearly remembers the ugly scenes immediately after the shoot-out with players and officials from both sides clashing on the pitch.

The Argentinians reacted angrily after German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann saved Esteban Cambiasso's spot-kick to confirm victory.

"We all still remember sitting watching the penalties," said Germany's vice-captain Schweinsteiger who came off in the second-half of that match.

"What I remember most is what happened after the game, this brawl which had been triggered by the Argentinians."

After their impressive 4-1 win over England in the Round of 16, Schweinsteiger says Germany can win Saturday's quarter-final in Cape Town, but most not be intimidated by the Argentinians.

"We have the key to this match, if we play like we did against England, we can win," said Schweinsteiger.

"Most importantly, we will not be intimidated or respond to their provocations. I hope the referee will be watching the game closely.

"We have seen during the (Round of 16) match between Argentina and Mexico, what can happen.

"You could see that the Argentinian fans had gathered together in the stadium without having the proper ticket, it shows their character and mentality.

Fans of the Spanish football team kiss after victory.

Spain supporters jubiliates after win.

Portugal supporters seen dejected after their team lost to Spain.

Pg17

GOA, Thursday, 1 July, 2010

Villa rallies behind Torres AGENCIES CAPE TOWN, JUNE 30

Spanish goal hero David Villa has rallied behind Fernando Torres after his strike partner turned in another disappointing World Cup performance in the European champions' 1-0 win over Portugal on Tuesday.

Torres has looked well short of his best after returning from knee surgery days before the tournament and Spain's passage into the last eight, where they will face Paraguay, was only secured after he was replaced in the second half by burly Basque striker Fernando Llorente.

Llorente succeeded in sowing chaos among the Portugal de-

fence where Torres had failed and was involved in the move that led to Villa scoring the second-half goal that gave Spain a 1-0 victory over their European neighbours.

"We know what state his knee was in a month ago and I don't agree with those who say that Fernando Torres's performances have been below par," Villa told reporters at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium.

"The only blame you can pin on him in the opening stages (of the World Cup) is that he hasn't scored," he added. "His desire to be with the team has been

spectacular."

Coach Vicente del Bosque has kept faith with Torres, de-

Torres

ploying him in attack with Villa from the start in Spain's last three matches in South

Villa

Africa after bringing him on as a substitute against Switzerland in their opening Group H game.

The Liverpool striker has yet to repay that faith with a goal and Llorente's impressive contribution on Tuesday could prompt Del Bosque to reconsider his tactics.

Del Bosque told a news conference after the Portugal match that he had withdrawn Torres because the striker was tired.

"More than a tactical change, it was about bringing on a player who was fresh," he said. "Llorente brought that physical vitality to the team."

The coach also had warm praise for Villa, who netted his fourth goal of the tournament and is now just two short of Raul's national scoring record of 44.

"Apart from the goal he scored, you have to recognise the enormous amount of work he did for the team," Del Bosque said.

"He is used to playing up front but today he helped out in defence in a way that left me feeling very pleased."

Spain play their quarterfinal against Paraguay at Joh a n n e s b u rg ' s E l l i s Pa r k Stadium on Saturday and the w i n n e r s w i l l t a ke o n A r gentina or Germany for a place in the final.

Riquelme pledges to run naked if Paraguay wins WC

We won’t underestimate Paraguay: Spain coach AFP CAPE TOWN, JUNE 30

(top) A Portugal fan drive his Fiat car in Margao prior the match against Spain on Tuesday. (bottom) A Portugal G-8 group comprising Peter, Eddy, Babazin, Po, Erasmo, Raymond, Anthony and Paul cheer their team in Panjim on Tuesday.

Photos: Rozario Estibeiro

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque insists his team will not be underestimating Paraguay after beating Portugal 1-0 to set up a quarter-final clash with the South Americans.

The European champions had a second-half David Villa strike to thank for their victory on Tuesday and Del Bosque was happy with what he saw.

"The match was extremely intense," he said. "It was quite even in the first half, but we always controlled the game and in the second half we were better than them.

"We had greater depth but it was difficult game and our rivals were extremely solid."

Villa pounced in the 63rd minute, chipping a rebound over goalkeeper Eduardo after his first shot was saved, to keep his team on track for their first ever World Cup title.

If they beat Paraguay on Saturday then Argentina or Germany await them in the semi-finals, although Del Bosque is only looking ahead one match at a time.

"We shall not underestimate Paraguay and prepare for them with great respect," he said of a

team who won a dramatic penalty shoot-out 5-3 against Japan after their last 16 in Pretoria finished scoreless.

"They have very good defenders but also attackers. We must

be fully focused to win that match.

"We know how difficult it is to be victorious, we can't take anything for granted. We must

be hugely respectful of our next opponents."

Barcelona's Villa, who now has four goals in South Africa, refused to see Spain as clear favourites against the Paraguayans, who are in their first ever World Cup quarterfinal.

"I am very happy tonight, although there are two favourites for the quarters. However, I am confident we can come through," he said.

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso warned his teammates not to get carried away by their progress into the last eight.

"It's still a long way from the semi-finals. We know we must not get ahead of ourselves and that we have to concentrate on our next match against Paraguay."

But Alonso said he was happy with the way his side prodded away at the stubborn Portugal defence until Villa provided the crucial second-half breakthrough.

"It was important to get past this stage against such a good side like Portugal. We showed great patience and didn't panic. The goal came and we dominated the rest of the match."

Thai police arrest 1,000 gamblers AFP BANGKOK, JUNE 30

More than 1,000 punters in the Thai capital have been arrested in a crackdown on illegal gambling during the World Cup, police said Wednesday.

Bangkok's force has arrested 56 bookmakers or their associates and 1,156 gamblers who have made bets totalling 3.4 mil-

lion baht (105,000 dollars).

Thai courts have so far handed jail sentences ranging from one to six months to 24 gamblers, although most of the sentences have been suspended, the police statement said.

Most forms of gambling are outlawed in the kingdom but it remains popular, despite the threat of a 1,000 baht fine or

Asia’s World Cup over, but stature reaffirmed AFP CAPE TOWN, JUNE 30

Asia's World Cup may be over with Japan's agonising elimination in a penalty shoot-out, but the Asian Football Confederation teams did enough to reaffirm the region's growing stature.

Two out of four made the last 16, compared to just one out of five from Africa, and they did it in historical fashion with neither South Korea or Japan ever going beyond the group phase on foreign soil before.

Japan came into the tournament under a dark cloud after losing four games in a row, but they left with their dignity restored after beating Denmark 31 and Cameroon 1-0, and only narrowly losing 1-0 to the Netherlands.

It put them into the knockout rounds and they were unlucky to fall 5-3 on penalties to Paraguay on Tuesday after the game ended in a scoreless draw.

They awoke to headlines full

of praise on Wednesday.

"Surprised the world; endured a gruelling 120 minutes," the Asahi Shimbun said, while the top-selling Yomiuri Shimbun declared that their "bravery will be remembered".

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan hailed the side's performance.

"They showed the world the real strength of Japanese football by working as a team," Kan said. "I applaud them for their brave battles."

South Korea won similar plaudits for their exploits, which tempted millions of people onto the streets of Seoul and other major Korean cities to watch their games live on big screen televisions.

They came into the tournament among an elite group of just six nations to have qualified for seven World Cups in a row, along with Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy and Spain.

But unlike the rest, before South Africa they could only

M A N O F T H E M AT C H

Xavi Heranandez of Spain, a midfielder who believes in playing attractive and attacking football

boast of one win on foreign soil - a 2-1 victory over Togo in 2006.

They added to that here with an opening 2-0 victory over Greece, before crashing 4-1 to Argentina and then drawing 22 with Nigeria.

But squandered chances saw them lose 2-1 to Uruguay to draw a curtain on their campaign.

Despite failing in their mission to make the semi-finals, coach Huh Jung-Moo had nothing but praise for his players.

"My players did their best. We have the capability, but we have seen here that we have areas to improve on," he said.

"It would have been a lot better if we had played with a bit more confidence, but I feel hopeful for the future of South Korean football. The players are improving, our game is getting better."

While they shined, Australia, who made the last 16 in Germany 2006, flopped and with coach Pim Verbeek departing a shake up of the old guard is expected.

The Socceroos' campaign got off to a disastrous start when they were routed 4-0 by the Germans and had influential midfielder Tim Cahill sent off.

They kept themselves in mathematical contention for the knockout phase when they drew

1-1 with Ghana and produced their best performance with a pulsating 2-1 victory over the higher-ranked Serbia.

But they ultimately lost out on a place in the last 16 on goal difference.

Captain Lucas Neill admitted their naivete in losing to Germany, but insisted they did themselves proud in the way they recovered.

"The way we conducted ourselves in the next two games is something we can really be proud of," Neill said. "Unfortunately, it wasn't enough."

North Korea, at their first World Cup in 44 years, were the one team truly out of their depth.

They put up an impressive performance in a 2-1 defeat to Brazil but were routed 7-0 by Portugal and 3-0 by the Ivory Coast.

Coach Kim Jong-Hun called it a learning experience, but the fate of the team remains uncertain as they returned to their impoverished communist homeland on Wednesday stony-faced.

jail term of up to one year for having a flutter on the tournament, which began on June 11 in South Africa.

Thai police have set up special centres around the country to stamp out World Cup gambling, which the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimates will top 37.0 billion baht this year.

Yellow cloud hangs over Netherlands, Brazil AFP PORT ELIZABETH, JUNE 30

Kaka is one of a cluster of players treading a yellow card tightrope in Friday's World Cup quarterfinal between The Netherlands and Brazil.

The Real Madrid playmaker is joined by Luis Fabiano, Juan and Felipe Melo in the group of Brazilians who will miss a potential semi-final against Uruguay or Ghana if he picks up a booking in Friday's game.

The Dutch are in an even more precarious position with no fewer than seven of their side in danger of missing the semi-final should they prevail.

On the plus side FIFA has announced that for the semi-finals any bookings received in the first group round, last 16 or quarter-finals, will be cancelled.

AGENCIES CAPE TOWN, JUNE 30

Paraguayan lingerie model Larissa Riquelme has pledged to run naked "with my body painted with the colours of Paraguay" if her country wins the World Cup in South Africa.

Riquelme's pledge came after Paraguay continued their success at the World Cup on Tuesday, Sport24 reports.

They beat Japan on penalties at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria to advance to the tournament's quarterfinals, where they will face Spain on Saturday.

The 24-year-old is not the first person to promise to streak in the event of a World Cup win.

Earlier, Argentina coach Diego Maradona had issued a similar guarantee.

pg18:Layout 1 6/30/2010 11:11 PM Page 1

GOA, THURSDAY, 1 JULY, 2010

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www.oheraldo.in

Goal drought hits superstars TOP SCORERS Higuain (ARG) 4 Villa (ESP) 4 Vittek (SVK) 4 Donovan (USA) 3 Gyan (GHA) 3 Luis Fabiano (BRA) 3 Muller (GER) 3 Suarez (URU) 3 AFP JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 30

Superstars have failed to deliver goals at the World Cup with Kaka, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney managing just one between them.

And that came softly to Ronaldo three minutes from fulltime in Cape Town as Portugal tore hapless North Korea to shreds in the most one-sided match of the tournament.

Rooney flew home with his disgraced England team-mates after failing to score in four matches and maintaining a sad record of never netting at the showcase of international football.Brazil midfielder Kaka came

Cristiano Ronaldo

Kaka

Lionel Messi

Wayne Rooney

to South Africa after months of thigh-injury concerns and instead of celebrating his goals was sent off against the Ivory Coast.

A rg e n t i n a c o a c h D i e g o Maradona has jumped to the defence of Messi, who has done just about everything except score as his team stormed into the last eight with a 10-goal haul.

"As soon as Messi gets the ball they want to kick him. It is a scandal," complained 1986

World Cup winner Maradona who knows a thing or two about rough treatment from his own playing days.

Rooney and Ronaldo have been the biggest disappointments with Portugal also out of contention after losing an Iberian derby against Spain in Cape Town to a David Villa goal.

"I feel a broken man, disconsolate, frustrated and an unimaginable sadness," confessed the Portuguese captain after a match in which his con-

tinuous appeals for free kicks were ignored.

Ronaldo showed little of the menace Real Madrid valued at 94 million euros when they lured him from Manchester United with his once lethal free kicks barely troubling Spain.

He also offered little encouragement to team-mates after they fell behind and appeared so engrossed in his personal miser y that lifting sinking morale was not a priority.

But Ronaldo was not conced-

ing a millimetre in post-match comments: "I know I am the captain of Portugal and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities," he snapped.

Veteran England goalkeeper David James sprang to the defence of Rooney, who cut a forlorn figure throughout his stay in Africa and made virtually no impact on the second round clash with arch rivals Germany.

"You have to credit the opposition. Teams like Germany knew

Nigeria President suspends team AP ABUJA, JUNE 30

The President of Nigeria has suspended the National soccer team from international competition for two years, upto 2012, after its poor showing at the World Cup. The announcement by President Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesman on Wednesday also follows corruption allegations which surrounded the team in the run-up to the tournament.

Spokesman Ima Niboro said all funds directed toward the Nigeria Football Federation would be examined and “all those found wanting will be sanctioned.”

N i b o ro g a v e n o o t h e r specifics about the investigation, other than saying Jonathan’s decision came after reading a report submitted by the presidential soccer task force.

Federation spokesman, Ademola Olajire told The Associated Press that he had no information about the suspension. “We have not been directed,” Olajire said. “We have no letter” from the President.

The Nigerian Football Federation’s executive committee had earlier offered an apology to the government and “all football loving Nigerians” for the early exit.

Nigeria got eliminated from the World Cup after the group stage, having earned just one point - in a 2-2 draw with South

Korea in its last game. Nigeria lost to Argentina 1-0 in its Group B opener and fell to Greece 21 in a game turned by the firsthalf expulsion of midfielder Sani Kaita.

The team, nicknamed the Super Eagles by loyal supporters and the Super Chickens by critics, faced almost countrywide derision after finishing third in the African Cup of Nations earlier in the year.

Nigeria fired coach Shaibu Amodu in February and later hired Swedish coach Lars Lagerback to take charge, but with only about four months before the World Cup. Local newspapers questioned Lagerback’s selection and made allegations about endemic bribery in the programme. The football federation also had to pay a reported $125,000 contract to cancel its reservations at the Hampshire Hotel north of Durban in South Africa. Nigerian officials apparently complained the three-star hotel was noisy, mosquito-infested and unsafe.

Analysts and watchdog groups say Nigeria, an oil-rich country of 150 million people, has one of the world’s most corrupt governments.

The Super Eagles haven’t won a World Cup match since 1998. The Nigerians went out with two losses and a draw in 2002 and did not qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Queiroz admits Spain were better

AFRICAN•HOPE: Ghana players run during a training session near Rustenburg on Wednesday.

AFP CAPE TOWN, JUNE 30

France chief faces Parliament REUTERS PARIS, JUNE 30

French Football Federation president, Jean-Pierre Escalettes had felt helpless against a player revolt at the World Cup that led to him handing in his resignation, he said on Wednesday.

Escalettes, who quit on Monday in the wake of France’s shambolic World Cup showing, told a Parliamentary Commission he could do nothing to stop the players boycotting a training session in support of expelled striker Nicolas Anelka.

The 75-year-old official told the Commission about the incident at Knysna in South Africa’s Western Cape, and how he had

tried to convince the players sitting in the team coach that refusing to train was not a good idea.

Escalettes and outgoing Fr a n c e c o a c h R a y m o n d Domenech, who also appeared at Wednesday’s hearing, told the Commission they had tried their best to reason with the rebellious players.

“He (Escalettes) told us that in the coach they (Escalettes and Domenech) had used every conceivable argument in vain,” Commission member Lionel Tardy told reporters after Wednesday’s hearing, that took place behind closed doors.

“Escalettes told us they faced

a wall (of opposition), something he had never experienced in over 50 years of experience in football, and they could not make it fall,” he added. “For him, something was broken that day.”

Escalettes faced criticism for failing to prevent the squad’s implosion but also for having always supported Domenech, whose traumatic six-year tenure ended with France’s elimination.

Domenech, whose lack of authority and vision were exposed at the World Cup, told the Commission that French sports daily L’Equipe had contributed to the team’s collapse by printing Anelka’s crude insults on its front page.

typically ambitious long-range free-kick and his next dead-ball effort, from all of 37 metres, forced a save from club-mate Iker Casillas.

But the number seven cut a subdued figure in the second half as Spain tightened their grip on the match and

peared to be confused by Queiroz consistently changing tactics and the game finished without Ronaldo once getting the fans out of their seats.

To make matters worse, he was forced to deny that he insulted his coach.

Ronaldo stalked off refusing to answer questions after the match save to remark to a TV crew: "How can I explain it (the defeat). Ask the question of Carlos Queiroz."

Ronaldo, who ended up trophyl e s s a t Re a l Madrid last season after his transfer from Manchester United, was roundly criticised at home for that and for not assuming his responsibilities as the national captain.

"When I said put the question to the coach, it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference," explained Ronaldo, the 2008 World Footballer of the Year.

"I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am a human being, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone.

"I know that I am the captain, and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities."

Ronaldo blamed for Portugal exit

AFP CAPE TOWN, JUNE 30

Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo confessed to being a broken man on Wednesday after his side's crushing 1-0 World Cup defeat to Iberian rivals Spain.

The 25-year-old Real Madrid star said he felt a deep sadness at their exit at the hands of the European champions, who progressed to a quarter-final meeting with Paraguay thanks to David Villa's fourth goal of the tournament.

"I feel a broken man, completely disconsolate, frustrated and an unimaginable sadness," the 94 millioneuro man said in a statement.

Ronaldo was roundly blamed by the Portuguese media for the defeat.

"Ronaldo played one of his worst matches ever for the national side," commented Correio da Manha.

Publico took the same dim point of view of the superstar's displays.

"Ronaldo missed out completely on this World Cup. (Jose) Mourinho (the new Real Madrid coach) said that Portugal would not win this World Cup even if Ronaldo was going at 1000 kilometres an hour," it said in an

editorial.

"But he (Ronaldo) did not even get near the speed of a cruise ship."

Ronaldo arrived in South Africa vowing to confirm his status as one of the game's most enduring talents, but he once again failed to produce his club form at country level at a major championships.

Sporadically decisive in the group phase, when he scored once in a 7-0

thrashing of North Korea, Ronaldo was unable to exert any kind of influence as the 2006 semi-finalists succumbed to Spain's fabled passing carousel.

Having played on the left against North Korea and as a lone central forward in the 00 draw with Brazil, the world's most expensive player began Tuesday's game on the right.

His first involvement saw him horribly mis-control a kick-out from Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo and his first dribble down the flank ended with a foul by Carles Puyol that went unpunished, much to the Real Madrid star's dis-

pleasure.

The skipper registered Portugal's first shot on target with a

how good Wayne was and did all they could to stop him," said the senior citizen of the Three Lions squad.

"Wayne was not given freedom and there were times when he had to come deep in order to pick up the ball and I always say that if he has to do that then he is not getting any joy up front."

Brazil coach Dunga wants goals from Kaka not yellow and red cards with another caution against Chile placing him in danger of a further suspension with the quarter-finals kicking off Friday.

"The technical footballers are being punished at this World Cup and those who commit fouls are not," moaned 1994 World Cup-winning captain and midfield 'enforcer' Dunga.

Germany are worried Messi will finally rediscover a scoring touch that drives La Liga rivals of Barcelona to despair when the countries renew one of the great World Cup rivalries Saturday.

"There is no way one footballer can keep him at bay for the full 90 minutes. It will be a team effort and we may have to put several players on him," confessed midfielder Sami Khedira.

was left even more isolated when coach Carlos Queiroz withdrew strapping target man Hugo Almeida in the 58th minute.

Ro n a l d o a p -

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz admitted Tuesday that arch-rivals Spain were the better team and deserved to stay in the World Cup, but said his players did themselves proud.

The European champions won a tight round of 16 contest 1-0, leaving Portugal facing another four years before getting another crack at winning the World Cup for the first time in their history.

"Spain won with merit," said Queiroz. "But I would also like to underscore the fact that Portugal played with a great degree of dignity and ambition and I believe the fans have justifiable reason to be proud of the way the team has played."

Portugal indeed played a clever game, defending well before launching counter-attacks. But ultimately the statistics speak for themselves, with Spain plundering 19 shots to Portugal's nine.

Spain also had far more possession, something Queiroz admitted was the difference between the two sides.

"It was an extremely difficult game but Spain moved the ball very well and had more possession and any team that does that can control the game better," he said.

"We did have opportunities to score but unfortuantely we were not able to do so, hence allowing Spain to win 1-0.

"We could have scored at certain critical moments, but Spain's victory is justified."

Portugal leave the tournament having conceeded just one goal, but it was costly one with David Villa doing the damage.

Queiroz said they would learn from the experience.

"We wanted to do well and when we compete at this level, if we manage to obtain second or third, it is not satisfactory," he said.

"We always have as our main goal to win. We also want to have an honourable performance to dignify Portuguese football.

"I wanted us to be able to leave the field with our heads held high, and I think we accomplished this."

Quarter-finals

July 2 19.30 Netherlands v. Brazil July 3 00.00 Uruguay v. Ghana

Iran minister rejoices at US, England, France defeats AFP TEHRAN, JUNE 30

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has said the United States, England and France deserved to be eliminated in the World Cup for imposing nuclear sanctions on Tehran, newspapers reported.

"In this World Cup you see a meaningful correlation between politics and diplomacy and football," Mottaki was quoted as saying by Tehran Emrouz newspaper.

"Those who played a key role in new sanctions against Iran such as America, England and France were eliminated in the early stages and some countries that were somehow involved in sanctions did not get into higher rounds," he said.

Iranians are fervent foot-

ball enthusiasts but their national team did not qualify for this year's World Cup. In a US-led move the UN Security Council this month adopted a fourth set of sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear programme, which world powers fear is masking a covert weapons drive despite Iran's denial.

France went down in the group stages, while England and the United States were eliminated in the last 16 knock-out round.

Iran played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany but failed to make it to the second round. The media grilled football officials for months over the team's poor performance.

Iran's best game in its three appearances in the World Cup was in 1998, when they beat the US team 2-1.

FIFA confident of beating age cheats AP JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 30

FIFA says it is beating the problem of countries trying to cheat at international youth tournaments by fielding overage players.

FIFA development director, Thierry Regenass said Wednesday that world football’s governing body has shown “a real commitment” to tackling the issue, including scanning players’ wrists to help determine their true age.

“We will see this problem reduce in the future,” Regenass said.

Age cheating has long been suspected in Africa, whose countries’ record in under-17 tournaments is traditionally better than at the World Cup. Last year, Niger was disqualified at the African Under-17 championship after it was revealed to have fielded a player aged 22 in group-stage matches.

Regenass said the incident became “a national scandal” in Niger and the football federation’s ruling executive had to resign.

FIFA then ordered magnetic imaging scans performed on players selected at random from the 24 nations who competed at the 2009 Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

Doctors can tell with 99 percent certainty that a person is at least 17-years-old if wrist

bones have fully fused together.

At some competitions, up to one-third of players had seemed older than 17, FIFA chief medical officer, Jiri Dvorak said.

Dvorak said FIFA’s reaction to suspected age cheating with fast, cheap scans was “pretty good and it is improving.”

“Now we have cleaned up (the problem) even without legal consequences and punishment, just by prevention and education,” Dvorak said.

FIFA accepted that some countries which do not manage a national register of births found it difficult to date players’ exact age.

Regenass said FIFA helped by giving federations the means to operate a national database which would accurately track players as young as eight from their first registration with a club or training academy.