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FORCE to intensify stir HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

Asserting that the parents will not keep quite till the demand for English as the medium of instruction is met by the government, the Forum for Rights of Children’s Education has threatened to intensify the ongoing agitation in the language the government understands.

“We are firm on our demand that English should be the medium of instruction in aided schools from the coming academic year. If not, the parents will intensify its agitation. We would not like to outline our strategy right now. But, certainly, we will further intensify our agitation in the language the government understands”, thundered FORCE Secretary Savio Lopes.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Lopes rejected re-

We are firm on our demand that English should be the medium of instruction in aided schools from the coming academic year. If not, the parents will intensify its agitation. We would not like to outline our strategy right now. But, certainly, we will further intensify our agitation in the language the government understands.

— FORCE Secretary Savio Lopes ports in certain quarters that it would be difficult to implement English as medium of instruction from the coming academic year for want of infrastructure. “Infrastructure is not a problem.

Let the government take the decision and parents will co-operate wholeheartedly in the implementation of the decision from this academic year”, Lopes asserted.

When his attention was drawn to the eight-day deadline

set by Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco to the government to meet the demands of the parents, Lopes said “we appreciate everyone and welcome the support for our demands”.

Cynthia D’Costa said that FORCE will not keep quite till our demand is met. “We reiterate our demand that parents be allowed to choose the medium of instruction for their children in aided primary schools, not only Konkani and Marathi and

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Cong ministers support parents’ demand: Alemao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

regional languages, but also English from the coming academic year 2011”, she asserted.

Saying that FORCE has never asked for Konkani or Marathi to be stopped in schools, she said the parents’ demand is not politically motivated, nor is it communal, adding “it is a genuine demand for a better future for our children”.

Asserting that the opposition to this demand has no substance, Cynthia said “They have all fully accepted the importance of English in the world of today.

And, they consulted neither educationists nor experts before they admitted their children to private English schools”.

And, she questioned: “Why must the choice be given only to the rich. Why deprive the poor of the same choice.

Are the rich scared that their

Saying that he would go all out in support of English as the medium of instruction at the primary level, PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao has said the Congress ministers and MLAs are trying their best to make English as the medium of instruction from the coming academic year.

When newsmen specifically asked him whether the government would implement English as the medium of instruction from June 6 this academic year, Alemao quipped “We are all trying to implement the decision”.

He denied that Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat is putting spokes in the demand for English as the medium of instruction, but declined to name the person who is influencing the

(Continued on page 8)

(Continued on page 8)

Churchill dares to prove fraud in PWD tenders

TIDES TODAY High Tide: 0004; 1334 Low Tide: 0642; 1923

Welcoming the complaint filed by his bete noire, MLA Mickky Pacheco with the Crime branch, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao on Wednesday dared anyone to prove that he has committed any fraud in the PWD tendering process and said a detailed inquiry into the allegations would prove his innocence.

The PWD minister also launched a scathing attack on the former Tourism Minister, saying the Benaulim MLA has no moral right to speak against

him and make baseless allegations to gain cheap publicity.

Explaining his position on the PWD tenders, Alemao said the circular was not issued by him after he assumed office, but was existing since 2001 to ensure good quality roads in the state.

“The then government came out with the circular to ensure quality and standard in the construction of roads. Where is the question of any fraud when the circular was issued to rule out contractors quoting amount below the tendered amount”, Alemao asked.

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The then government came out with the circular to ensure quality and standard in the construction of roads. Where is the question of any fraud when the circular was issued to rule out contractors quoting amount below the tendered amount.

He said the circular signifies the policy of the government and has been followed since 2001 to ensure quality of the roads. “Certainly, I was not the PWD Minister in 2001”, he

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HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

added.

The PWD minister recalled that a perusal of the Assembly proceedings would show that he was showered with praises by both the ruling and Opposi-

tion MLAs for the work undertaken by the department. “This is election time and I don’t blame the Opposition for making noise against the government”, he said.

Questioning outbursts by the former Tourism Minister against him on the issue, Alemao said Pacheco has no moral right to speak against him. “In future, I will not reply to any accusations made by Pacheco. The people know Pacheco’s qualities. I need not talk on him”, he said.

On Pacheco’s statement that (Continued on page 8)

I don’t support smear campaign politics, Sonia tells Hazare PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

GOA TO CALICUT (KOZHIKODE)

Responding to Anna Hazare’s complaint against her “colleagues”, Congress President via Sonia Gandhi Wednesday asTHALASSERY, KANNUR, KASARAGODsured him that she does not support “politics of smear GOA - MANGALORE - GOA campaign” and she was strongly Dep:. At 2:00 Pm. From Panjim committed to the institution of Lokpal. m MAPUSA : 1.30 PM. Fro 4th Writing to Hazare, the ChairApril 1 PANJIM : 2.00 PM. 011 person of National Advisory MARGAO : 3.00 PM. 2 Council (NAC) said she believes there is “urgent necessity” to combat graft and corruption and he should not “doubt my commitment in the fight for probity in public life”.

She pointed out that the Lokpal bill is very much part of the agenda of the NAC and a Working Group has been formed to

evolve broad principles for discussion and approval in the next meeting of the Council on April 28.

“As for the statements appearing in the media, let me assure you that I do not support nor encourage the politics of smear campaigns,” Gandhi said in her

letter to Hazare.

She was replying to Hazare’s letter sent on Monday in which the social activist said a “smear” campaign had been launched against civil society members of the joint drafting committee on Lokpal Bill and asked her to advise her “colleagues” not to try to derail the process of drafting of law.

He particularly complained against an unnamed minister, who is part of the 10-member joint drafting committee and a party General Secretary, believed to be Digvijay Singh who has been attacking his campaign.

“Let me reiterate what I wrote to you earlier, that I believe there is an urgent necessity to combat graft and corruption,” Gandhi told Hazare.

2G: executives of Unitech, Swan and Rcom sent to jail PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

Five corporate honchos, including Unitech’s Sanjay Chandra and Reliance ADAG’s Gautam Doshi, were Wednesday arrested and sent to jail after a Delhi court dismissed their bail plea saying they may tamper with evidence and even flee to avoid prosecution in the “highest magnitude” 2G spectrum allocation scam.

However, hours after special CBI Judge O P Saini accepted CBI’s plea that they can also influence the witnesses, they challenged the rejection of bail in the Delhi High Court which is likely to hear them tomorrow.

The decision to move the High Court assumes significance

as the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the progress of the case, had made it clear that no other court in the country will entertain any application or petition relating to the 2G case other than the apex court.

Besides Unitech Wireless (Tamil Nadu) Ltd Managing Director Sanjay Chandra and Group MD of Reliance ADAG Gautam Doshi, the court also rejected the bail plea of co-promoter of Swan Telecom Vinod Goenka and Reliance ADAG’s Surender Pipara and Hari Nair.

“A bare perusal of the facts of the case and the allegations in the chargesheet make it out a case of the highest magnitude and gravity and there is enough incriminating material on record

against the accused.”

The court also dealt with the arguments of defence lawyers that they be granted bail “ipso facto” (by default) as they were not arrested during the probe.

“I am satisfied that in a case of this magnitude, non-arrest of the accused by the police (CBI) is of no consequence and bail is to be considered as per the facts and circumstances of the case,” the special judge, appointed exclusively to deal with the 2G case, said.

“In such cases, the non-arrest of the accused by the police/CBI and issuance of the summons by the court for their appearance are not of much consequence,” Special CBI Judge O P Saini, in his 42-page order, said.

Vasan: Development not at cost of Kharewado locals

An all-party delegation led by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat met Union Minister for Shipping G K Vasan in New Delhi on Wednesday and presented a memorandum on Kharewado issue.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 20

Union Minister for Shipping G K Vasan on Wednesday claimed that development should not be carried out at the cost of displacing people, as the Central government has committed to safeguard the interests of the people.

Vasan was addressing an allparty delegation at the meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

The all-party delegation included Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza, Tourism Minister Nilkant Halarnkar, BJP MLAs Milind Naik and Francis D’Souza, Transport Minister Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavlikar, Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava and MPT

Chairman P Mara Pandiyan.

Speaking to Herald, Mormugao BJP MLA Milind Naik informed that Vasan had assured the delegation that the Port cannot be developed by displacing the local people, as they have a direct and indirect role to play in the development of Port.

“Vasan has said that the Central government is for the people and displacing them would not be in the interest of the government,” Naik informed.

Naik further informed that the State government has minutely explained the present turmoil at Kharewado over MPT’s expansion plan and its claim on jurisdiction.

“The State government presented a memorandum to the minister explaining in detail (Continued on page 8)

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GOA, THURSDAY, 21 APRIL, 2011

Women’s group to submit memo to Prez for action against Dum… n The dialogues in this film are like a wound in our hearts. When they speak of women in Goa, it includes all women. We urge the statelevel committee formed to have a look at the movie and ban it if found outrageous.

-- Swati Kerkar

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

A newly formed women’s group “Goenchea Ostoreancho Awaz” has raised its voice against the soon to be released movie ‘Dum Maro Dum’ claiming that the movie was a symptom of a much deeper rot being propagated by the government.

The Awaz, which is the women’s wing of the Goenchea Rakhonndarancho Awaz, has

also taken offence to the Tourism Department’s promos picturing women in bikinis along the beaches.

They have promised to submit a memorandum to the President Pratibha Patil listing out their grievances against the movie and calling for action.

“The dialogues in this film are like a wound in our hearts.

When they speak of women in Goa, it includes all women. We urge the state-level committee formed to have a look at the movie and ban it if found outrageous,” Swati Kerkar the leader of the group said.

“Wherever we go outside

Goa, people look at us as if we roam about on the beaches wearing bikinis. Even in the markets within Goa, people directly ask us, whether we are prostitutes or where prostitutes are available. Not only us but even senior ladies face this problem.

Goans are fun-loving and will not hesitate to enjoy themselves. This does not mean they are ‘available’,” another woman Loretti Pinto from Siridao said.

The group wants the government to proactively work for the changing of this reputation the state.

“The government is not doing anything about this. This is a tragedy of our beautiful state.

There is so much you can promote, the history the culture, the beaches the hills. Why do we have to promote rave parties, drugs and prostitution?

That is available all over the world not only in Goa,” Judith Almeida from Verna said.

“We don’t want Goa to be promoted as Thailand,” Almeida said.

While the group stopped short of asking for a ban, saying they’ve not seen the movie yet they have promised to monitor movies in the future as well as keep tabs on agencies offering escort services.

“We will wait for the committee to take a decision on the movie before deciding our future course of action,” Kerkar said.

“In the future we will also confront newspaper managements on publishing of advertisements of these escort services as well as the agencies,” she added.

Undertrial consumes CCP writes to NGPDA, calls for solving tablets, rushed Panjim issues to Hospicio HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

The undertrial Kevin under observation at the Hospicio hospital.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

An under trial was rushed to Hospicio hospital on Wednesday afternoon after reportedly consuming tablets while being escorted to a Margao court from Sada Jail.

The undertrial Kevin Agnelo is presently being kept under observation at the Hospital and was attended to by doctors.

Sources in the know said the under trial was being escorted

to Margao from the Sada Jail to attend court hearing in connection with a theft case when suddenly he complained of uneasiness.

He was immediately rushed to the Hospicio hospital. Though there were reports that the under trial reportedly consumed tablets, sources said the under trial had recently underwent a hernia operation.

The Margao police said they have not received any intimation about the incident.

The Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) Mayor has shot off a letter to the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) questioning the ‘unsustainable development’ that is taking place in the city.

The mayor has sought that both the CCP and the NGPDA “need to put their heads together and see how we can solve issues and plan for the future of Panjim.

The letter addressed to both the Chairman as well as the Member Secretary of the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) has called for “a seminar involving corporators of the city, concerned MLAs, planners, architects, interested citizens, engineers and other persons in respective fields, along with departments like the PWD, electricity, etc as soon as possible to prepare a master plan for the city for sustainable development”.

It cites a similar seminar that was held in 1997 at the International Centre, Goa. “I recall that in the year 1997, the PDA had organised a seminar for planning of the city of Panjim at the International Centre Goa, but unfor-

Work on retaining wall stayed at Merces

tunately nothing materialised from the deliberations, for whatever reasons.

The Mayor has cited reasons like the vexed problem of parking among others to back his demand for such a seminar.

“You are well aware, as planners for development of this city, that the infrastructure within the city has been stretched to its limits. Panjim suffers from serious traffic/parking as well as garbage problems. These are issues that need our serious attention. Incidentally approvals are being granted for development by the planning authority based on the minimum parking requirement as per the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations 2010, the parking requirements of which are the same as the PDA regulations 2000,” the letter reads.

He has also called for the revision of the PDA regulations with regard to parking and other infrastructure and suitable amendments made in order to cater to the present requirement.

A copy of the letter has also been sent to Panjim ML A Manohar Parrikar, Taleigao MLA Atanasio Monserrate and Santa Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes.

RIVER SAL STINKS OF SEWAGE Navelim locals serve 15-day ultimatum on govt

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MERCES, APRIL 20

The stop work notice issued by Merces Panchayat pasted on a wooden plank.

Photo by Manuel Vaz

Merces Panchayat, on Wednesday, issued stop work notices to the parties involved in the construction of a retaining wall near the Morombi-O-Pequeno Lake.

It may be recalled that the villagers at the recent gram sabha had demanded that the panchayat immediately issue notices to stop the construction work since the parties had failed to take approvals from the panchayat.

The villagers had also alleged that the construction is done in an unplanned manner and had expressed fears that it would lead to flooding of the nearby areas in the monsoon as the water flow from the lake would be blocked.

Sarpanch Deepika Shirgaonkar, Deputy Sarpanch Yatin Palekar and other panchas were personally present when the notice was served to the contractor undertaking the construction.

However, the contractor refused to accept the notice and

The ruptured pipeline carrying naphtha of Zuari Indian Oil Tanking at the entrance of Zuari Agro Chemical Industries Ltd. Photo by M Prabhav

Zuarinagar mishap: JCB driver held HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 20

Verna Police on Wednesday arrested JCB driver Manhindra Yadav (23), who was reportedly operating the excavating machine when the fire broke out at Zuarinagar-Sancoale on Monday.

According to Verna Police PI Jivba Dalvi, the driver was not aware that naphtha pipeline was running underground, where he was undertaking excavation work.

“However, when the fire broke out, the driver fled from the site, sustaining minor burn injuries,” said PI Dalvi.

Meanwhile, though Mormugao Deputy Collector Levinson Martins is investigating into the incident, it is widely being acknowledged that the incident was due to human negligence.

However, when a couple of

reporters visited the site on Wednesday, it was revealed that the driver, who was undertaking the excavation work, was not informed that pipeline is running underground, where he was undertaking excavation work of laying gas pipeline.

When the contractor along with company officials was undertaking repair work of the pipe on Wednesday, it was observed that nearly a 4-inch sized hole was visible on around 15inch diameter naphtha pipeline that is running underground, which is covered barely 1-mtr inside the ground.

When the incident took place, the JCB driver was executing the drilling work to excavate stones for laying the gas pipeline. It appears that the driver was ignorant that a naphtha pipeline was running underground.

Apparently, laying of gas

pipeline is going on, while the existing naphtha pipeline is running, crossing it right at the entrance gate of Zuari Agro Chemical Industries Ltd. Workers of the contracting company, who are undertaking the work of laying underground gas pipeline, informed that they were not informed that naphtha pipeline is crossing the present excavation site.

The said that they were given to understand that pipeline is running parallel to the site, where laying of gas pipeline work is going on.

Refuting the claims of the workers, a top ZACIL official claimed that when the workers were executing the work, the site plan was given to the contractor and was informed that naphtha pipeline is running, crossing where the excavation work is going on.

Set up control rooms in collectorate by May 30: DM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

Residents of Navelim take a close look at the contaminated River Sal at Sinquetim on Wednesday.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

What was feared all along by residents and environmentalists has come true. River Sal – the lifeline of Salcete — is stinking with sewage waters, particularly on the river course between the sewage treatment plant and Sinquetim.

With the authorities turning a blind eye to the water contamination, affected residents of River Sal basin has served a 15-day ultimatum on the government to either come up with a schedule and action plan or face their wrath.

Agitated residents, who assembled at the banks of the river at Sinquetim has threatened to plug the nullah carrying sewage waste at the Kudchadkar hospital if the government fails to

wake up for slumber and addresses the burning issue.

What has raised concern amongst the residents is the fact that contaminated waters from the River Sal has entered the water bodies in Navelim village through the nullahs.

Says Avertano Furtado: We are fed up with the reluctance of the authorities to do their jobs, such as checking the leakages and running the STP plant at full capacity. Instead of solving our problems, the government is using our sufferings as an excuse to rob some of our brothers of three lakh sq mts of fertile paddy fields under the guise of a buffer zone for the sewage treatment plant. This is indeed a cruel joke on all Goans”.

Furtado was critical of the

PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao for doing nothing to solve the issue. “Alemao had drawn up plans to transport people over River Sal at Sinquetim via a bridge. But, he has no plan to address discharge of raw sewage into the river”, he said, while demanding that Alemao should take a close look at the functioning of the STP plant.

Local resident George Barreto said though the capacity of the STP is 7.5 MLD, the plant receives only around 2.5 MLD. “This shows that the remaining sewage generated in Margao ends in the river. This is an unimaginable situation and stinks of gross negligence on behalf of the authorities”, he said and warned that the residents will not take things lying

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

down any longer.

Says social activist Sidharth Karapurkar: “Residents of the villages located in the floodplains of River Sal had been dependent on the river since generations. Being the lifeline of Salcete, River Sal has been the source of life to all residents, who have been dependent on it for fishing, agriculture and salt production. Over the last few years, discharge of raw sewage from Margao city and surrounding areas, besides garbage from hotels has left the river polluted beyond limits”.

Navelim panchayat member Shubert Furtado said the residents are determined to force the government to work out a plan of action to save the river from further destruction.

also refused to stop the work stating that the panchayat has no powers to order him to do so. He also stated that he would stop the work only after the PWD authorities direct him to do so.

The panchayat authorities later pasted the notice on the wooden plank used in the construction work.

When contacted, Executive Engineer S S Tirodkar said that he was not aware why the panchayat had served the notice to the PWD and said that he is not in a position to comment on the issue since he has just returned from Delhi.

However, when apprised of the situation, Tirodkar assured to discuss the issue with his higher authorities and work towards an amicable solution.

He also informed that normally the PWD does not take permission from the panchayat when undertaking major works in any village. “However, all permissions are obtained from TCP department and PDA,” he added.

Panchayat authorities came at the firing line of the district authorities for their lethargic approach to disaster management, even as the District Magistrate, South on Wednesday issued directions to officials to set up the control rooms in the collectorate and taluka headquarters

by May 30.

Instructions were also issued to the authorities to cap road digging activities in the district

by April 30, with further directions to the PWD to ensure proper soling of roads excavated for cable laying work.

At a meeting with various government agencies on the monsoon preparedness in South Goa district, the District Magistrate briefed the stakeholders on the need to prepare action plan by each of the departments relating to floods and cyclones.

Expressing his unhappiness over the sluggish approach of the Panchayat authorities to disaster management, Naik warned of action against the panchayat

secretaries if found negligent in their duties.

Reminding the Panchayat authorities that they have to respond to disasters at the village level, Naik issued directions to the officials to file FIR against the panchayats not responding in mitigating disasters. “The district management authority has received wholehearted cooperation from various agencies, except the panchayat authorities”, he told the stake holders.

Briefing representatives of various departments, Mamlatdar in the Collectors incharge of disaster management Ashutosh Apte said every department is mandated to prepare an action plan to meet disasters. Saying that Goa is prone to monsoons disasters, particularly floods and cyclones, besides landslides, Apte underlined the need for every department to put their respective plan in place.

Instructions were issued to the municipalities and panchayats to get the drains desilted by May end, adding that the local bodies need no longer approach

the mamlatdars for cutting of tree branches hanging precariously on the roads.

Coast Guard asked to probe tar ball menace HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 20

Mormugao Deputy Collector Levinson Martins has asked Indian Coast Guard Goa to inquire into the tar ball menace that hit coastlines across Salcete belt on Monday.

In a letter to DIG Coast Guard, Martins has requested to enquire into the matter to find out whether any ship or vessel was involved in discharging oil into the ocean, leading to tar ball menace.

“As appearance of tar balls along the coast of Goa seems to be a regular phenomenon, its sources need be traced as Goa being the tourist state where large number tourists visit beaches for recreational activity,” he said.

One crushed to death at Vasco HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 20

A person was crushed to death by a goods train at Vasco Railway wagon yard on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Vasco Railway Police, a person, in mid-fifties, was trying to cross the railway tracks from underneath the stationed train. However, while he was crossing, the train suddenly started moving and he was crushed to death.

Police further informed that the deceased appears to be south Indian considering his attire, besides no other identification marks were found on the body.

Vasco Railway Police have registered the case of unnatural death and has preserved his body for identification at TB Hospital at St Inez, Panjim.

Order in Mickky case reserved HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

Curtains came down on the trial of the Junior Engineer assault case allegedly involving former To u r i s m M i n i s t e r M i c k k y Pacheco.

After hearing arguments, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao has reserved his order to April 27.

The prosecution has examined eight witnesses in support of its case against the Benaulim MLA. On the other hand, Pacheco has vehemently denied the incident and has blamed certain ministers from South Goa for their hand behind the incident in order to tarnish his image.

In this case, Junior Engineer Kapil Natekar had complained to the police that the Benaulim MLA had slapped him at the Betalbatim office of the former Minister while discharging his duties.

Pacheco was later booked by the police for assaulting a government official while on official duty.

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Now, private bus operators resort to fast unto death HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

The private bus operators on Wednesday again resorted to arm-twisting tactics by beginning flash fast unto death before the office of Director of Transport at Junta House.

The agitators also claimed that some of the operators from Panjim pulled out their buses from the route.

The bus operators’ action came after they could not succeed in convincing Director of Transport Arun Desai to ‘revoke suspension of the temporary permits.’

The frustrated bus operators initially had verbal arguments amongst themselves and later decided not to move from Junta House premises, till their demands are met.

All Goa Private Bus Operators Association (AGPBOA) general Secretary Sudip Tamankar

claimed that the operators are going on indefinite hunger strike again. This time, he said, the demand is to revoke the suspension of temporary permits of the bus operators.

Few private bus operators were off the road on last Friday pressing for their various demands. The Transport Department, which had warned the bus operators much before the strike, had cancelled 50 temporary permits and issued show cause notices to almost 400 bus operators.

Earlier, the Transport Director refused to bow down to the demands of the private bus owners, whose temporary permits are cancelled by Regional Transport Authority (RTA) for participating in the strike.

The delegation of private bus owners led by Tamankar had to return empty-handed after meeting the director.

Desai made it clear that the temporary permits are issued

by RTAs and they have the right to cancel it in case any bus operator violates the rules.

“The issue needs to be raised before the RTA not me, as I am not the concerned authority,” he said.

Desai said that respective assistant directors are representatives on the RTAs and they have the right.

“I can’t interfere in their job,” the director, who had returned from Planning Commission’s meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, said.

The bus operators had claimed that the ADTs were reluctant to revoke the suspension of temporary permits.

Some of the operators pleaded that they have huge loans on their shoulders, which could not be repaid, if permits are not issued.

Desai said that in case of show cause notices, the bus operators will have to reply to the notice and only after that the appropriate action would be taken.

Desai said he required a joint meeting can be called between ADTs and bus operators.

The bus operators, who had gathered below Junta House in the city, found themselves groping in darkness after director refused to entertain their issues.

Police force headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Deu Banavlikar, was also present at the Junta House to avoid any kind of untoward situation.

Initially, buses in Panjim stopped plying but the DySP led by strong police force forced the bus owners to start the bus services at Panjim bus stand.

Transport Department finally have faulted and snubbed media as ‘sold to the government.’

All Goa Private Bus Owners Association (AGPBOA) General Secretary Sudip Tamankar had heated arguments with the photo journalists and other media persons in Transport Director’s office and subsequently below the Junta House on Wednesday.

The Goa Union of Journalists along with Photo Journalist Association, later filed police compliant against Tamankar and others for assaulting and abusing media persons.

In a complaint before Panjim Police Station, the association has strongly condemned the attack on media and has asked police to take serious action against Tamankar and members.

“Members of both the associations including other mediapersons had gone to cover up the demonstration of AGPBOA at Directorate of Transport office. Some of our members noticed that Tamankar pushed

upon the door of director’s cabin forcibly and thereafter while covering the incident the members of AGPBOA assaulted and abused media people and threatened with dire consequences,” the complaint reads.

Earlier, Tamankar was apparently disturbed as director of transport refused to entertain their demands and he had to return back red-faced from the cabin.

He was also upset with media write-ups, which had contradicted his claim that department has bowed down to their demands.

In an unprovoked verbal attack, Tamankar used abusive language against photojournalists and later said that the press photographs clicked about the agitating bus operators were being sold out rightly.

Few of the association members also charged towards the mediapersons, who had gathered to cover the un-announced meeting of bus operators with the Transport

Director.

The journalists later protested against the behaviour of the bus operators, who, in past, have been threatening about the strikes only through media conferences.

Some of the mediapersons also raised suspicion on the hunger strike by Tamankar as even after three days of fasting, he was well-fit to give bytes before the camera.

In a joint statement by Goa Union of Journalists and Photo Journalists Association, Goa, both the organizations have condemned the unprovoked attack by bus operators.

GUJ President Prakash Kamat has said that the bus operators’ unruly behaviour is actually disturbing and the media associations will take up the case with respective editors. “Media will boycott the association,” he said.

Kamat said that the bus operators’ act is an assault on freedom of media, who were covering the event.

16 held for threatening transport director HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

Panjim police today arrested 16 arrogant private bus operators, who had threatened journalists and Director of Transport and tried to halt the bus service from Panjim bus stand.

Police Inspector Ramesh Gaonkar said that the few of the bus operators who had resorted to strike below Junta House led

by All Goa Private Bus Owners Association General Secretary Sudip Tamankar were placed under preventive arrest.

Two AGPBOA office bearers who went to Panjim bus stand and tried to stop the buses from plying were also arrested by team of police led by deputy Superintendent of Police Deu Banavlikar.

Police had swung into action as the protesters had tried to block Transport Director Arun Desai earlier and even threatened journalists.

Meanwhile, the operators who always relied on the media to vent their anger towards the

North ZP members threaten to file contempt plea in HC HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

The North Goa Zilla Parishad members have threatened to file a contempt petition in the Bombay High Court at Goa, against the State Government for failing to keep its promise of devolving powers to the ZPs. “In January last year the State Government has sworn in an affidavit before the High Court that it would devolve powers and it had also formed a committee to look into the matter. This was based on a writ petition filed by the previous set of elected representatives,” Michael Lobo, ZP member from Saligao said.

“Today more than one year has passed since the affidavit was given, but till date there has been no devolution of powers. The committee chaired by Aleixo Sequeira has not met even once. They are just dillydallying till the (upcoming assembly) elections,” Lobo told the Herald.

At their meeting held today at the secretariat, the members also unanimously resolved to return the Rs 7 crore allotted to them by the government for various development works.

“Last year they had allotted

n In January last year the State Government has sworn in an affidavit before the High Court that it would devolve powers and it had also formed a committee to look into the matter. This was based on a writ petition filed by the previous set of elected representatives.

-- ZP member Rs 7 crore and this year too they are allotting the same amount.

This is Goa’s Golden Jubilee year and they have received a special package from the Central Government, yet the amount allotted to us has remained the same,” Lobo said.

“We have now resolved to return those Rs 7 crore to the government unless they increase our allotment,” Lobo said hinting that it was an insult to the ZP members to keep their allotment the same.

The meeting was also addressed by North Goa MP Shrip a d N a i k , w h o a s ke d t h e members to send proposals up to Rs 20 lakh for grants under the MPLAD scheme.

The ZP members also promised to call on the Panchayati Raj Minister in Delhi, seeking that the Central Government intervene and ensure the devolu-

D B Road drainage work leaves internal lanes congested HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

The internal lanes of Panjim city remained congested with the traffic for entire day today.

The drainage work which is being undertaken on the D B Bandodkar Road, the main traffic artery of the city, forced diversion of traffic via internal lanes.

The day was marked with the frequent traffic jams at vital locations like St Inez junction.

People, including the pedestrians were seen struggling as the entire St Inez stretch, right from government quarters till Caculo Island, which remained congested with heavy traffic flow.

The effect was also seen on 18 June Road.

Vehicles were literally moving at a snail’s pace. The situation worsened during peak hours, when the traffic police on duty were also seen struggling to handle the traffic.

The traffic was diverted near Magsons and also near Chowgule’s True Value showroom, Miramar. The vehicles leading to Miramar had to take the internal route via Magsons, Agriculture Department and join at Miramar near Dempo College.

Officials said that the work will take couple of days due to which the traffic will be diverted.

tion of powers.

“With the help of the North Goa MP we will seek an appointment with the minister and brief him about how the situation is here,” Lobo said.

FOUNDATION STONE FOR P’YAT GHAR

Rachol manch threatens dharna on April 24 HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

The Rachol Rakhon Manch has threatened to stage a dharna and agitation on April 24 to protest against the foundation stone laying ceremony for the proposed Panchayat Ghar in the village.

In a representation to district RDA Project Director, Y B Tawde, the Manch demanded to know how the foundation stone laying ceremony has been fixed on April 24 when work on the project is not awarded to any agency so far.

‘By all means, we are going to stage an agitation and dharna on April 24 to block the foundation ceremony”, the Manch warned.

The Manch has further requested the DRDA Project Director to conduct a joint inspection with the Village Panchayat of Rachol and the Manch, drawing attention of the RDA officials that administrative approval and expenditure sanction is granted on an alternate acquired land for the construction of the Panchayat

Ghar, library etc for Rs 58.29 lakh.

The Rachol Rakhon Manch has been opposing the location of the Panchayat Ghar, demanding that the ghar be constructed on the acquired land admeasuring 5000 sq mts. On the other

hand, Sarpanch Joseph Vas has proposed construction of the Panchayat ghar on a gifted land admeasuring 222 sq mts.

“We all agree that the Panchayat requires its own premises, but it doesn’t mean that

the construction can be carried out in an illegal way. In fact, the present sarpanch ahs not taken the people into confidence with respect to the construction of the Panchayat ghar”, the manch said.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Musical play at Don Bosco PANJIM (HNB): Don Bosco Oratory, as part of its annual summer function will perform a musical play ‘La Bamba’ on the life of Ritchie Valens at Don Bosco, Panjim on May 21.

The programme will be organised in aid of Margaret Bosco Bal Sadan (MBBS), a shelter home for Young at Risk (children in need of care and protection).

Those youngsters who are interested in being part of the play in dancing, singing or acting may contact on dbopanjim@gmail.com or message or call on 9923246308 (Nathan) or 9921448023 (Fr Ralin).

Special Lenten play on air

PANJIM (HND): All India Radio will broadcast a special Lenten play on April 22 at 10 pm on A Channel. The name of the play is ‘Jezu Soddvondar’, written by Xavier De Moira and presented

by Our Lady of Lourdes Choir, Moira. The cast of the play are Fr Nevel Gracias as Jesus Christ, Livia Menezes as Maria, Custodio Cabral as Juze. Other cast include Wilbur Carnerio, Manuel Dias, Xavier de Moira, Roy Menezes, Divina Dias, Ezilda Fernandes, Glenis Mendonza and Dorothy Viegas. Musician Agnelo Dias and Jesmine Lewis on Violin; Roy Menezes on Clarinet; Moteti Jestemani Molleant and Rodon Sodtali sung by Ezilda Fernandes, Livia Menezes, Dorothy Viegas, Glenis Mendonza, Custodio Cabral and Xavier de Moira. Veronica sung by Divina Dias.

Easter celebrations at Cidade

PANJIM (HND): In celebration of Easter, Doçaria at Cidade de Goa will unveil exciting and extensive repertoire of cakes and conventional Easter fare such as eggs in white and chocolates with marshmallow fillings, to name a few, in specially packed Doçaria cake boxes and other pastries from April 21 till Easter Sunday.

Café Azul will be organise Easter lunch on April 24. Children and families can revel in Easter celebrations with table magic and games, along with a complimentary swim in the pool overlooking the ocean. Café Azul will also host Easter Egg displays.

Doçaria is open round the clock and Café Azul will be open from 12.30 pm to 4 pm for Easter lunch on April 24. For more information call Cidade de Goa on 2454545.

International Earth day

PANJIM (HND): The Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa) in collaboration with the National centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Vasco, will celebrate the International Earth Day on April 22. The programme will begin at 4.30 pm with drawing, poster and quiz competition for students below 18 years. At 6.30 pm, Suhas Shetye of NCAOR will deliver a lecture on ‘Climate change’ followed by a talk on ‘Snake Protocol’ by Nirmal Kulkarni. The programme will end with prize distribution and sky observation. An exhibition on earth related topics will be on display at the venue.

Cookery, bakery classes

PANJIM (HND): A comprehensive course on low fat bakery and cookery classes will be conducted by Fatima Moniz in Margao on April 25. The course includes cakes with decoration, desserts (hot & cold), pies, tarts (sweet & savoury), breads, cookies, souffles, mousses and veg/non-veg dishes. The cuisine will be Portuguese, Goan, Continental, Italian and Indian. Eggless cooking will also be taught. Classes will also be conducted for working people after 4.30 pm.

Guidelines issued for tackling leopard attack HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

The Ministry of Environment and Forests on Monday issued guidelines for human-leopard conflict management.

Even as forest officials here in the State are yet to receive a copy of the guidelines they are upbeat at the prospect.

The first of its kind booklet, released yesterday is a result of more than two thousand attacks all over the country in the past 10 years, most taking place not in deep forests but in villages and semi-urban areas.

“Incidences of leopards ‘straying’ into settlements causing human causalities, and the retaliatory killing of leopards by the public have been on the rise.

The efficacy of capture and translocation of leopards from conflict areas as a mitigation measure is increasingly being questioned. This has necessitated the need for having broad policy guidelines and management options to effectively deal

with this gradually intensifying problem,” the guideline reads.

Goa too has a large share of leopard attacks.

The guidelines recommend formation of Emergency Response teams and also of primary response teams where the emergency team takes time to arrive.

“Immediate response is crucial to manage all conflict situations. A trained Emergency Response (ER) team consisting of an officer not below the rank of Assistant Conservator of Forests, one qualified veterinarian, and a minimum of five trained support staff may be formed in the identified conflict area. Each Forest Division should have a well trained operational ER team,” it says.

Interestingly, the guidelines suggest that leopards even if sighted in the vicinity of human habitation should be left alone, unless they attack humans.

“Mere sighting of a leopard in the vicinity of human habita-

tions does not necessarily mean that the animal has strayed from a forest and needs to be captured. Arbitrary removal of leopards could lead to increased conflict. The space vacated by a captured animal will soon be occupied by another leopard,” the guidelines said.

“The overall aim should focus on a participatory approach, ensuring support of local communities and other stakeholders for conservation and management of wildlife,” it reads It also has firm guidelines for the media.

“Media should contribute to diffusing the tense situation surrounding conflict with objective reporting aimed at highlighting the measures to mitigate conflict. Reporting mainly aggressive encounters with leopards can erode local people’s tolerance and worsen the situation by forcing the Forest Department to unnecessarily trap the wild animal due to public pressure,” it says.

GAIL team meets Collector over Zuari fire A delegation of Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) called on the District Collector, South G P Naik in connection with the Zuarinagar incident.

The District Collector told the GAIL officials that he has ordered an inquiry into the incident and is expecting a report from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mormugao Levinson Martins by Thursday.

Naik questioned the officials whether they had intimated any agency before undertaking the work of excavation with heavy machinery at Zuarinagar resulting in the explosion in the naphtha pipeline. “The matter is very serious. I will go as per the report compiled by the inquiry officer”, Naik told the delegation.

The District Collector said the district administration has viewed the matter very seriously and will take action against the culprits as per law. In fact, Naik has categorically said that the administration will not spare anyone found guilty in the incident.

Educational aid

PANJIM (HND): Applications are invited from teachers for the grant of financial assistance for professional education of their children. Prescribed forms and guidelines are available in respective ADEI'S offices and zones of all Talukas. Duly filled forms should be submitted in duplicate to the Directorate of Education, Panjim, through the head of the Institution, and in case of government primary/middle school teachers through the respective taluka ADEI'S. Last date for submission of application for the year 200910 is June 10 and for the year 2010-11 is July 3.

One of the retired teachers of GHS Sadolxem felicitated by educationist Pandurang Nadkarni and SSA BRC Coordinator Canacona Kamlakar Mhalshi.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

CANACONA (HC): Government High School Sadolxem and its PTA recently felicitated three of its teachers who had retired due to superannuation during the academic year.

In a specially organised function in the school premises at Sadolxem, headmaster (retd) Ulhas Pai Bhatikar (a State awardee teacher), teachers Mortu Pai Khot and Shabaji Naik who retired on superannuation during the current academic year were felicitated.

Educationist Pandurang Nadkarni and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Canacona Block Resource Centre Coordinator Kamlakar Mhalshi felicitated the three retirees.

Speaking on the occasion, Nadkanri lauded the contributions of the retired teachers for their valueless sacrifices in teaching the students.

“The satisfaction of giving one’s best to the pupils in building and shaping their lives is the topmost reward a retired teacher can reap at his/her ripe age,” said Nadkarni.

Mhalshi, a retired teacher, said: “Education has no boundary and teachers even though they are retired will always remain as an asset to the society. It is only a matter, as to how best the society can drive benefits of the retired teachers.”

GHS Sadolxem PTA Chairman Deepak Naik and Headmaster Sudesh Naik also spoke on the occasion.

Lodovina is Sao Mathias sarpanch

Veneration

PANJIM (HND): Parishioners of Varca will hold its annual traditional veneration of the Miraculous image on Good Friday April 22 evening. Thereafter on Holy Saturday April 23, there will be station of the cross at 7 am.

Sanitary Inspector of Urban Health Centre, Panjim, Deepak Kankonkar along with Anti-Larva Team and health workers inspect the areas in the Ward in response to the request made by Corporator of Ward 24, Diksha Devanand Mayenkar of CCP. The officers collected polluted water samples and also collected blood samples for testing in the laboratory.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MERCES, APRIL 20

Understanding Technology

O

Retiring teachers felicitated

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

Postpone gram sabha: Chimbel Catholics

n April 14th, 1945, during the Second World War, it was a malfunctioning toilet that defeated a German submarine.

The U-1206 was merrily sailing on its way out of Kristiansand, Norway, as part of the 11th Flotilla. Comfortably cruising at a depth of roughly 200 feet, all hell broke loose when the commander, Kapitänleutnant Karl-Adolf Schlitt, decided to answer the call of nature. The submarine was a late-war Type VIIC, commissioned in March 1944. It carried a new type of toilet designed for use at greater depths.

S H O RT TA K E S

Toilet Troubles What went wrong Buggy technology wasn’t born with computers – and these German-engineered toilets were no exception. Schlitt had trouble operating it. When he called an engineer for help, the man opened the wrong valve, allowing seawater to enter the boat. When the water reached the batteries located beneath the toilet, the boat began filling with chlorine gas, forcing Schlitt to order U-1206 surfaced. Unfortunately for the Germans, the boat was only 10 miles off the Scottish coast, and it was quickly spotted by the British.

Breath of fresh air During their effort to air their Uboat an aircraft appeared and attacked, killing four men on deck and damaging the boat so badly that it was unable to dive. Schlitt, seeing the game was up, gave the order to abandon and scuttle.

It was an ignominious end to Schlitt’s only combat patrol of the war as a commander — although, less than a month later, most of his U-boat comrades had joined him in captivity, as World War II came to an end in Europe.

As for U-1206, its wreck lay undisturbed until the mid-1970s, when workers laying an underwater oil pipeline came across the hulk sprawled on the seabed at 230 feet.

Some Catholic leaders from Chimbel have demanded that the gram sabha, scheduled for Easter Sunday, be postponed so that the Catholics are not inconvenienced from attending the meet.

Lourdes Conception and Paul Fernandes, in separate applications to the panchayat, have reasoned that Easter being an important festival for the Catholics, they would be unable to participate at the meet since they would be busy celebrating with their families.

They have also urged that the panchayat postpone the meet to the next month so that the Catholics are able to put forth their grievances and suggestions.

Stating that budget is an important issue which involves planning for the entire year, Paul castigated the panchayat authorities for forcing them to attend the gram sabha on an important festival like Easter.

However, Sarpanch Chan-

GFDC recommends intercropping of cashew, medicinal plants HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

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drakant Kunkolkar reiterated that the panchayat will go ahead with the gram sabha since the budget has to be approved before the end of April.

He also informed that the applications of Lourdes and Paul will be taken up at the panchayat meeting on April 21, where the suggestions of the panchas would be taken into consideration.

When contacted, Tiswadi BDO Gaunekar laid the blame on the panchayat for its failure to hold the gram sabha on previous Sundays of April.

Agreeing that injustice has been done to the Catholics, he informed that they can approach the Director of Panchayat with their grievances since he is the appellate authority to decide on disputes over gram sabhas.

“As a BDO, I do not have any say in the matter. My role is limited to fixing gram sabhas in case the panchayats fail to hold the same in the scheduled months,” he concluded.

Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) is attempting to make cashew cultivation a more lucrative enterprise by introducing intercropping in the form of medicinal plants.

GFDC Managing Director Richard D’Souza said that the Corporation is aiming to introduce medical plants between the cashew plantations, which are auctioned to various self help groups (SHG) and individuals.

The intercropping is expected to help the bidders earn more from their plantations.

The Forest Department has leased out 9,000 hectares of cashew plantation land and 362 hectares of rubber plantation to GFDC, which is further auctioned to various SHG and individuals across the State.

GFDC has 179 SHGs, who

have taken on lease the area on five-year basis along with several other individuals, who have to win the annual bids.

D’Souza said that inter cropping has been identified as the way to earn more from the existing resources. “The medical plants can be grown between two cashew trees,” he said adding that the proposal is still at preliminary stage.

Though, the weather conditions affected the production in its early stage, the corporation has witnessed growth in the revenue. The department earned Rs 1.18 crores for the year 2010 as against Rs 1.06 crores, 2009.

D’Souza said that the revenue soared as cashew nuts fetched better price. “As against the price of Rs 55 per kg, the price of cashew nuts for last year was around Rs 85 per kg,” he said.

Newly elected Sarpanch of VP Sao Mathias Lodovina Ataide along with Deputy Sarpanch Tulsidas Kundaikar, panch members Asha Pai, Ramdas Bhomkar, Manuel Furtado, Jerry D’Souza.

PANJIM (HND): Lodovina Ataide was elected unopposed as sarpanch of Sao Mathias Panchayat, Divar, on Wednesday. Mrs Ataide’s name was proposed by Deputy Sarpanch Tulisdas Kundaikar and seconded by panch Jerry D’Souza. The election was conducted under the supervision of Returning Officer Swapnil Nageshkar and Observer V S Naik Gaunekar. Village Secretary Mahesh Naik assisted. After getting elected, Lodovina assured that she would do her best to complete whatever development which has been felt with the help of local MLA Pandurang Madkaikar and panch members. Panch Jerry D’Souza thanked local MLA Madkaikar for always co-operating with the village panchayat in the development of the village.

Rane visits Honda, Pissurlem

PANJIM (HND): Speaker Pratapsing Rane visited Honda and Pissurlem Panchayats on Tuesday and gave a patient hearing to the problems of people regarding electricity, water supply, agriculture, education and roads. He instructed the government officials to take note of the problems and address them at the earliest.

After listening to people’s grievances, Rane said that he is seized with the problems faced by the people and disclosed his intention to visit each panchayat within the jurisdiction of Poriem constituency to see for himself the difficulties and redress them accordingly.

Rane informed that Government has sanctioned 1000 free toilets for the public in Poriem area which will soon be distributed equally to each panchayat.

Archbishop’s House on holiday PANJIM (HND): The Offices at the Archbishop’s House, Altinho, Panjim, will remain closed for the public from April 21 to 23 on account of the Holy Week services. The same offices will be open for the public till 1 pm during the month of May.

Medical camp held at Zuarinagar

PANJIM (HND): On the occasion of anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and on the eve of Port Annual Day, a free Medical Camp was organised by Mormugao Port Trust with its hospital staff recently at Sharada Mandir School, Zorit Zuarinagar, Sancoale, Goa, for the benefits of downtrodden patients, residing in and around the locality.

This medical camp is part of MPT’s corporate social responsibility programme and has been initiated by Chairman P Mara Pandiyan, IAS. The medical facilities to the needy patients were provided free of cost in the disciplines of Gynaec, Paediatric, Dermatology, ENT and Dental under the guidance of Dr DP Kudalkar, Chief Medical Officer, MPT. Free blood test facilities for the needy patient were also provided and medicines to the patients were distributed free. A team consisting of well qualified Doctors in the disciplines of Gynaec, Paediatric, Dermatology, ENT and Dental and other para-medical staff of MPT hospital were deputed to carry out the medical check up of the needy patients reporting for the camp.

In this medical camp, total 271 patients from all ages and groups, who reported to avail medical facilities in different disciplines, were given the same free of cost.

POWER SHUTDOWN APRIL 21 ASSONORA: From 9 am to 2 pm at Assonora bus stand, Ganeshnagar, St Clara and surrounding areas.

PONDA: From 7 am to 11 pm at Tyresoles, Ganganagar, 6TTR, Khadapandh, Angarki, Ghapur, Ambegal, Pattantaly, Khadapabandh, Almeida High School area and Rani Construction.

APRIL 23

ASSONORA: From 9 am to 2 pm at Kailasnagar, Moitem.

PONDA: From 9 am to 2 pm at Tisk, Pansule, Dhushire, Sainagar, Pilyem and surrounding areas.

MADKAI: From 9 am to 2 pm at 33 KV Madkai S/s and HT Consumers at Madkai.

APRIL 25

NERUL: From 9 am to 5 pm at Betim, Vollant, Verem, Nerul Moica Waddo, Volwaddo, Navy Campus and surrounding areas.

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Sancoale objects to gas pipeline after Zuari fire HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 20

The project of laying the 100km gas pipeline between GokakKarnataka and Goa may be in final stages, but the Sancaole Panchayat seems to have hit the panic button after the fire incident at Zuari industry.

The Sancoale Panchayat has stated that the gas pipeline should not pass through residential areas.

Sancoale Acting Sarpanch Ramakant Borkar stated that the panchayat has objected to the laying of gas pipeline along the residential areas.

Zuari Indian Oil Tanking and Zuari Agro Chemical Ltd are located in Zuarinagar-Sancoale, as Monday’s incident triggered

panic among residents of Zuarinagar.

Speaking to reporters, Borkar said two months ago, the panchayat during a monthly meeting had resolved not to issue NOC to the Zuari industry to lay gas pipeline from residential area.

However, despite panchayat’s objection, the work is going on in full swing from the residential and private areas. The panchayat has suggested that the pipeline should be either taken along national highway or from the river side.

“We are not against development, but it should not happen at the cost of people. Zuari industry should work out a solution and ensure that pipeline is taken from an isolated area,”

said Borkar.

The 100-km long gas pipeline between Gokak and Goa would be ready by 2012 and give impetus to the industries relying on gas as their prime raw material.

Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) will tap the Dabhol (Maharashtra) and Bangalore pipeline at Gokak supplying gas to Goa. GAIL has envisaged this project costing Rs 400 crore and the work is in full swing for the last few months, while it’s on completion at ZIL. The pipeline would supply gas to firms like ZIL, Reliance Power Plant and expected to supply gas to Binani Glass and others, who will pay for the facility.

Lecture on role of Lokayukta HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

The International Centre, Goa will be hold a public lecture by Former Justice of Supreme Court of India Justice N Santosh Hegde on ‘Role of Lokayukta in Good governance’ on April 25 at 6 pm at its premises, Dona Paula.

Justice Hegde is the present Lokayukta of Karnataka and Hon Member of Jan Lokpal Bill Drafting Committee. For details, contact Programme Manager ICG, Arjun Halarnkar on 9765404391/ 2452805-10 or email: prog@incentgoa.com

Urus Sharif on April 23 BICHOLIM (HC): The Urus Sharif of Hazrat Adul Shah Baba will be held on April 23 at 9 pm.

The Qawali programme will start at 10 pm in which there will be competition between Zafar Sabri and Firdose Banu.

Socorro Sarpanch faces no-trust HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, APRIL 20

A no-confidence motion has been moved against Socorro Sarpanch Sheetal Arolkar and Deputy Sarpanch Sanjay Pednekar.

Six Panchas Sarvesh Naik, Sonia Halarnkar, John Paul Valles, Kirti Asnodkar, Pratima Narvekar and Ditosa Lobo have submitted a notice of no-confidence motion to Block Development Officer Mapusa against the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch on Wednesday.

The signatories have accused the sarpanch of encouraging illegal constructions in the village and do not take the panch members into confidence while taking decisions on developmental issues.

I t m a y b e re c a l l e d t h a t

Belgaum-Goa road work via Chorla stopped HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, APRIL 20

The woes on the ongoing work along the Belgaum-Goa road via Chorla seems to have been far from over, as the contractor has once again stopped the work on grounds of non-availability of stones and other materials.

However, after the stringent warning issued by the residents of Kankumbi, authorities have now taken the matter seriously and are expected to recommence the work soon.

It may be recalled that villagers from Kankumbi and neighbouring villages had stalled the work on the controversial Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project in March, forcing the Karnataka authorities to restart the work on the Chorla road.

The villagers have alleged that the contractor and the officials of the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) are observing unwarranted

Sarpanch Arolkar was elected unopposed as sarpanch in November 2010.

Interestingly, none of the sarpanchas so far elected have been able to complete one year in office due to internal bickering of the panch members.

A resident of Socorro speaking to Herald under condition of anonymity said that the villagers are now fed up with the functioning of the panchayat.

“No sarpanch is allowed to function properly. Due to constant change of sarpanch and deputy sarpanch, the development works of the villages get affected,” said the resident.

“The panch members appear to be more interested in filling their coffers rather than carrying out development of the village,” added the resident angrily.

Chicalim dy sarpanch’s birthday today HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Chicalim Deputy Sarpanch Mary Mascarenhas will be celebrating her birthday on Thursday.

Speaking on the eve of her birthday, Ms Mascarenhas said that she had taken up many developmental works in the village in general and her ward in particular.

She said that so far Rs 25 lakh has been spent in her ward for hot-mixing, gutter repair and construction of drainages.

A vehicle trying to negotiate a turn on the incomplete section of the Chorla Road near Jamboti.

lethargy due to the vested interests of some politicians in the region.

The villagers have warned KRDCL divisional engineer Rajshekhar Mestri of dire consequences in case the authority

does not force the contractor to restart the work so as to get it completed before the commencement of monsoon.

“In case the authorities fail in completing the work on the road immediately, we would

once again stall the ongoing work on the Kalsa-Bhandura project,” the villagers warned.

Yielding to the pressure, KRDCL authorities have called a meeting of the officials to expedite the matter and take up

Photo by Louis Rodrigues

the work on the road to complete it before rainy season this year.

A delegation of social activists guided by Kiran Gavade from Kankumbi is pursuing the matter.

Zuari bridge closure

The Zuari Bridge will be closed for vehicular traffic on May 1 from 6 am to 9 am for taking deck levels. Public will have to use the alternative route via Borim Bridge.

PANJIM (HND):

Street-vendor accuses Canacona municipality of harassment HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 20

A sugarcane juice extractor has accused Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) of confiscating his juice-extracting machine by singling him out for the second time in last one month over hordes of other roadside vendors dotting the municipal area.

Shaba Gaonkar, who runs his juice-extracting business in municipal area for the last 12 years, claimed that his juiceextracting machine was confiscated by the civic body for the second time on Tuesday in the last one month.

“Some how the municipal people are behind me singling me out for no reason, even as

I regularly pay daily ‘sopo’. I annually pay to a Devalaya in whose property I operate my small business alongside the NH-17,” informed Gaonkar, who used to operate his juiceextracting machine opposite Deputy Collector’s office, Chaudi.

Gaonkar further claimed that his movable kiosk holding the

machine was confiscated by the civic body last month, but released after his pleadings, has now again confiscated it on Tuesday.

“This is my bread and butter for the survival of my family.

They had not given any reason for the confiscation, but one of the civic staff asked me to solve my problems with the

Anti-corruption drive underway in Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

The anti-corruption drive by volunteers of city-based activists got underway in the Commercial capital on Wednesday, with the activists visiting the district Collectorate and the Margao Municipality with the message against corruption.

The activists fanned to the various sections in the district Collectorate, including the office of the district Collector, G P Naik and pasted stickers against corruption. The district Collector welcomed the activists in his chamber and complimented them for taking up the drive against corruption.

Led by BJP youth leader and

An anti-corruption activist puts an anti-corruption badge on Additional Collector, South Y B Tawde in the district Collectorate on Wednesday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

Dr Venkatesh Hegde of the Art of Living, the activists moved around the collectorate spreading the message against corruption amongst the staff and employees.

The volunteers later descended at the Margao Municipal Council and conducted a similar drive by pasting the messages on the walls.

Raiturcar said the activists will take up the government offices housed in the Osia complex, Old market in the round two of their drive against corruption.

Dr Hegde told newsmen that the drive will awaken the masses on the need to say no to corruption and help save the society from corruption.

The meaning of Maundy Thursday

By FR IvO DA CONCEIçãO SOuzA

T

he Holy Triduum is the greatest event for the Christian community, since it is the celebration of the Paschal Mystery: Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. On Maundy Thursday, we commemorate the Priesthood, instituted on the foundation of the commandment of Love (cf. Jn 13:35). Jesus gave the meaning of his life and ministry by washing the feet of his disciples. This was a parable in action (parabolic action).

Foot washing is a symbol of self-sacrificing humility to be imitated by his disciples (cf. Jn 13:14-17). Its primar y and deeper meaning is that of a symbol of his salvific death. Without it, a disciple loses his heritage; (s)he cannot share in his being and ministry (ekhein meros means “to share with, be a partner with", v.8). “Portion” (meros in Greek, or heleq in Hebrew) was the God-given heritage of Israel. Each of the tribes, except Levi, was to have its ‘share’ in the Promised Land, and this was its heritage from God (Nb 18:20; Dt 12:12; 14:27). When the

SERVICE OF THE PEOPLE: A priest washes the feet of the faithful on Maundy Thursday to commemorate Jesus' washing the feet of his disciples. Photo by Savio Dias

hopes of Israel turned to an afterlife, the ‘share’ or ‘heritage’ of God's people was pictured in heavenly terms (Rv 20:6; 21:8; 22:19).

Foot washing is also a sign of hospitality and love (for example, disciples to the Rabbi, see vv.13-14; cf.Lk 12:37). It was done when a guest entered the

house, not during the course of a meal. The Passover ritual prescribed a washing of the hands after the second cup, but there is no evidence that Jesus' action was a variant upon that custom.

This is a prophetic action (like the cursing of the fig tree), received from tradition and interpreted by Johannine circle.

Jesus gave the commandment of Love (Jn 13:34: “I am giving you a new commandment: Love one another, as I have loved you, so you too must love one another"). It recurs frequently in the Farewell Speech (six or seven times) and in the Johannine epistles (18 times). From the Latin "mandatum" (commandment) we get the name Maundy Thursday. Jerome (Ad Galat.III 6:10; MPL 26:433) relates the story that in John's old age his message was reduced to this: "My little children, love one another" (combination from phrases in 33 and 34).

In the context of the "hour", Jesus' demonstrable love includes the laying down of his life and taking it up again (see the meaning of Agapan – love selflessly, cf.filia and eros). His love is a source and model for our love. It is a "new commandment" (cf.Lk 22:20; Jr 31:31-34; Dt 7:6-8; cf.1 Jn 2:7-8). The same theme is unmotivated, directed to men who are sinners and unworthy of love. It is an appeal to humanity to live in brotherhood, to shun what divides us and foster what unites us.

council,” he said.

“However, till now I am unaware of any problems with the council and whom I had to approach to solve those unknown problems,” reasoned Gaonkar.

Meanwhile, Gaonkar has filed an application with CMC during March end after the first confiscation to issue him temporary permission to operate his business in the municipal jurisdiction, but till now he claims to have not received any reply to his request.

Interestingly, Gaonkar is the paternal uncle of CMC Deputy Chairperson Sandesh Gaonkar, who incidentally operates the same business even before he became a councilor in the last

municipal elections. He now occupies a prime spot at Chaudi.

Locals informed that Sandesh Gaonkar, who previously used to operate the sugarcane juice-extracting machine opposite the municipal building, has now shifted his base opposite KTC bus stand, where he first established it during the annual church feast in January.

OHERALDO

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALDO Vol No CXI No: 110 Goa, Thursday, 21 April, 2011

Citizenship and ‘Bilhete’ blues

Cricket, lovely cricket

BCCi must inculcate able management, dialogue, checks and counter-checks, and not get misled, says erVeLL MeneZeS

C

ontroversies about whether Goans holding a ‘Bilhete de Identidade’ (BI), more popularly known as a ‘Portuguese passport’, can contest elections to panchayats or the legislative assembly are not confined to Carmona, where panch Jerson Figueredo – facing a disqualification petition – is claiming that his ‘Overseas Citizenship of India’ (OCI) makes him a dual passport holder and gives him the right to vote and stand for election.

Not true.

Indian law does not allow dual citizenship. In fact, Section 9(1) of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, expressly provides that any citizen of India who by naturalisation or registration acquires the citizenship of another country shall cease to be a citizen of India. Moreover, Section 16 (1) (a) of the Representation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, clearly states that a person shall be disqualified for registration in the electoral roll if (s)he is not a citizen of India.

Section 10 of the Goa Panchayati Raj Act says that a person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for being a member of the Panchayat if (s)he is disqualified by any law for election to the state legislature. Section 13 of the Act says the electoral roll of the legislative assembly in force for the ward of the Panchayat is the list of voters for the Panchayat.

Every single provision of every law is clear that a citizen of a foreign country can neither vote nor contest elections for any constitutional representative body in India.

As for Mr Figueredo’s claim that he is an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), the Citizenship Act states clearly that persons registered as OCI are not conferred any voting rights or the right to stand for elections. The OCI only gives them a multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to enter India; exemption from reporting to the police; and parity with NRIs in the financial, economic and educational fields, except in acquisition of agricultural property.

This applies not only to Mr Figueredo, but to all those holding a ‘Bilhete de Identidade de Cidadão Nacional’ (BI – translated as ‘National Citizen Identity Card’) issued by the Government of Portugal through its Consulate General in Goa. The BI is the national identity card of Portugal. To apply for a BI, an individual needs to provide proof of Portuguese citizenship. From 1 January 2001, it is mandatory for every Portuguese citizen over the age of 10 to have a BI. The cards must be renewed every five years from date of issue (and every 10 years after the holder turns 30), and can be renewed within six months from the expiry date.

There must be dozens of BI holders who are panchas.

In at least one other case – in Goa Velha – a complaint has been filed against a panchayat member who allegedly holds a BI. If you hold a BI, you are a Portuguese citizen.

This means that automatically, you are no longer a citizen of India, and need a visa, a PIO card or an OCI card to legally live in this country. What is more, it means you can neither vote in nor contest elections to panchayats, the legislative assembly or parliament.

T

OPINION

Red or green?

he 10th century Tambdi Surla temple is enclosed in a quadrangle paved with traditional laterite stones.

It is a sylvan setting that soothes the soul and exudes spirituality. To surround it by a lawn – which is neither traditional nor culturally appropriate – will simply ruin it. It’s best the ASI leaves it well alone.

T

he euphoria of our World Cup victory is still in the air and what a glorious achievement it is, after 28 long years. Not surprisingly, it was cricket fever that gripped the nation, kids in the streets playing the game as though there was no tomorrow. My grand-nephew was out in the sun for hours together as though he couldn’t wait to get into the Indian cricket team.

All credit to Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his astute leadership. It is the first time this writer has seen such a well-knit Indian team, one for all and all for one virtually as post-victory scenes amply indicated. Gary Kirsten too deserves as much credit for the hard work he put in. A quiet worker, he was embarrassed by the adulation showered on him. How different it is from the teams of yesteryear, when there was a big divide between the juniors and seniors.

It was at its lowest in the 1950s and the grapevine has it that Vijay Manjrekar’s (father of Sanjay Manjrekar) knee injury was the result of being hit on it with a bat by medium pacer Surendra Nath. But our worthy journos did not have the guts to write about it.

No, things have not changed with time, there were always good and bad journalists, like the curate’s egg. There were hockey reporters who would have their supply of booze sent to their houses. How could they then write against the Establishment ?

As I’ve said before, and repeat again for effect, there’s a four letter word that best describes them, it begins and ends with the same alphabet.

Got it ?

Speaking of wealth in sports it is a common phenomenon, be it cricket in India of football the world over. When folks with humble beginnings come into money it is the money that controls them.

Take the case of the Brazilian star Ronaldinho or the English Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne to name just two. And our own Vinod Kambli, schoolboy colleague of Sachin Tendulkar. In fact, it is referred to as “the Kambli effect,” the way his life was turned upside down and inside out by success.

They need counselling.

In that respect Tendulkar and Dhoni have done admirably to maintain their balance and simplicity.

It is a sure mark of character and greatness.

Now that we have won, everyone and his brother is jumping on the bandwagon for a piece of the pie. Money is coming to them from all sides and why not. They deserve it, even if it will

Minding Our BuSineSS spoil some. But why exempt them from taxes? Is that Sharad Pawar’s bounty? We all know his dubious dealings (Lavassa land deal for one) and spreading his tentacles far and wide to involve his relatives.

Even anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has sought his removal from the Group of Ministers (GOP) he is dealing with. What a snub in the face!

The money that cricket generates today is unbelievable. In 1956, I paid Rs 12 for a five-day ticket to see India play against the Australians at the Brabourne Stadium Today you pay Rs 6,000 for a one-day ticket.

That the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) is a filthy rich is the natural corollary. And it seems to be distributing the moolah lavishly.

Another moot point is these cricket commentators. It all seems to have begun in India in the radio era when A F S. “Bobby” Talyarkhan was much appreciated for doing it all single-handed.

Facts of Life

It also happened in countries like England and Australia with men like John Arlott, A G “Johnny” Moyes and Co. We were brought up on these personalities who exercised brevity and wit in equal measure.

But you no longer require them on TV which is a visual medium. We are seeing the game and a few expert comments are tolerable.

Today, we make fetish of it, giving former Test cricketers a new lease of life. The first Little Master S M Gavaskar, who scored 36 runs in 60 overs in a memorable one-dayer, now waxes eloquent on everything under the sun and some things over it.

He is a psychologist, counsellor, advisor all rolled in one, and sprays verbal diarrhoea.

From a pair of commentators now, we have three, the more the merrier it seems, when there’s moolah to go around.

Like my old colleague and no-nonsense sports

reporter G K Menon was saying the other day “what was Ravi Shastri doing out there in the middle during the toss?” and adds that the toss was something sacred between two captains in the old days.

When the Australians came down to India in1969, Menon was involved in a fracas with captain Bill Lawry. “I told him his fortune,” he went on record later.

But today TV has found its way into every nook and cranny. What about the before, during and post match analysis.

Just an excuse to air advertisements. Why is it that when a wicket scarcely falls, bang comes in an ad?

Let us first get the right share of the action before turning on the ads. Like in newspapers and other fields, it is commerce that is calling the shots. News and the finer points of the game go out of the window.

Not surprisingly, the toss at Mumbai was a mess. Match Referee Jeff Crowe said he did not hear the call. What was he doing then?

Also, all these commentators like Gavaskar and Shastri are said to be on the payroll of the BCCI. How can they then be critical of the ruling body? How they got the Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi to ‘kowtow’ right to the day he fell out of favour.

And they are sure to do the same to the next IPL chief. We are living in an age of ‘chamchagiri’ which is sad indeed.

The folks in power must respect independent thinking and those who will call a spade a spade. Only then do we get the right feedback.

A glorious example of this was how Indira Gandhi was misled by her inner coterie during the Emergency and therefore went for the elections in 1977. The outcome is now history.

In the same manner, the governing body of cricket must take measures to prevent this.

Able management, dialogue and checks and counter-checks are the need of the hour.

We must not rest on our laurels soon after scoring a goal, because at that time, the the team is most vulnerable.

Enjoy, no doubt and what a joy it was to see Tendulkar being carried on the shoulders by the team. But also guard against complacency.

Or else cricket, lovely cricket, will be turned into cricket, lousy cricket, in a blink of an eye.

MT hands

I

f you have never been unemployed, you do not have the foggiest idea what it is like. Just as you do not know what toothache is, until you have one.

There are a lot of people out there without work at the moment - some without jobs some on strike. They are all around us. Unemployment is rampant. What it is like to be out of work? Well, imagine your day without the 8-10 hours of being away from home. What do you do all day and night? Of course, there is always something to do around the house - those things that you were always going to get to, but after some time, you have done all those things. And then what? You can’t go on watching television all day, you know you will go to pot. And it takes only a little time to read the daily even when you scan all the sections.

The humiliation of it! It is not your fault that you are jobless.

You begin to feel like a loser, something you have never been in all your life, when you can’t catch up. The strike, retrenchment, is not your fault. You are just the victim. Hard economic times are not your fault.

By Marc de Souza

You are going through a hard time. You wander from room to room at times, disoriented, unable to cope with the quiet. You see an endless stream of bleak, boring days. You ask, “How can I face it?” You are embarrassed in front of your children, the relatives and neighbours. You know some of them are saying, “anybody can get some sort of work if they want to”. You go out to get another job. There are no other jobs. It’s going to be a long, long time before, if ever you get a job. The cost of living goes up and up. It costs more to educate your children in school. More to buy fish, meat, vegetables and other daily necessities. Where will it all come from? If your wife is working, that is another turning of the screw. What kind of a man you are, you think that your wife can get work and you cannot? Everyone seems to ignore you. Nobody has the time to listen to you because they suspect you might ask them to float a loan. Times are such - each one for himself and God for all!

Nevertheless, you want to talk to your neighbour, but words don’t come out. You want to tell him you are strapped for money

and are ashamed to be a man at times like these. But you stammer and leave it at that, feeling the world is a nasty, noisy, dirty and unrewarding place. The money gets tight. And tighter. It runs out fast. The going is rough. Then what? The bills keep coming in telephone, water, milkman, bread man, just as if you have had that pay-packet every month.

The electricity bill is so big, it looks more like an offer for your flat. How do you pay them? At this stage, you know what it means to be powerless, helpless, and voiceless. The anxiety and the depression sets in. The stress. There is serious threat of suicide, being on the edge all the time very stressful. Relationship with the family falls apart.

There is nobody to talk about the pain you are feeling. You feel sorry for yourself and have to take it out on somebody. So you take it out on those closest to you, those you love the most. You lash out, something you have not done before.

No, unless you have been unemployed and gone through bad times, you have no concept of what it is to be without a regular job.

Letters to the Editor Erroneous misconception Dr Satendra Desai, by email I want to point out the wrong notion mentioned in the article ‘Is Society giving the mentally ill a chance?’ by your reporter Christina Viegas (Herald, 17 April) as regards electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Either she is wrongly informed or psychiatric and is reading Freudian books of the 19th century in modern times.

The Union Health Ministry is to give final shape to the proposed Mental Health Care Bill, 2010 has decided to ban ECT. And in a 2010 review of placebo controlled studies, Bentall and Read’s conclusions are as follows: “Given the strong evidence of persistent and, for some, permanent brain dysfunction, primarily evi-

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

21 April 1911 Sea journeys to Bombay

It is reported that the steamship ‘Tukarama’ of India Shipping Co. Ltd., for the benefit of the Goan community has been undertaking sea journeys thrice a week to port of Bombay.

Pyrotechnics usage

The Governor General of Goa has determined that the use of pyrotechnics during festivities, should be restricted only to coastal littoral zone while the Province may exercise its predilection.

Landslide kills labourer

A heart wrenching occurrence took place at the hillock of Santa Cruz whereby a labourer working at that quarry was killed due to unexpected land slide.

Prison administration

The Newspapers from Calcutta states that the Burmese govt has an efficient system of Prison Administration which is more humane and modern.

denced in the form of retrograde and anterograde amnesia, and the evidence of a slight but significant increased risk of death, the cost-benefit analysis for ECT is so poor that its use cannot be scientifically justified.”

Please read the article about ECT on thefollowing internet site: http://www.aadet.com/article/electroconvulsive_therapy. After reading the article, the psychiatrist may never give ECT again.

Why does the government want to ban ECT? Because more and more evidence is against ECT (though earlier evidence do suggest beneficial effect), but most studies were not carried out in strict scientific manners. In India, it is given to each and every patients just to make money. So please keep abreast with latest developments. This will help patients.

Efficient police Cecil Pinto, Aldona Earlier this week, my friend’s wife had the scare of her life when she was woken up by sounds at 4am to find a burglar in the house. She managed to scare him away, but was naturally very shaken by the incident, as was my friend. We went the next day to the Aldona police outpost to register a a complaint. The Outpost in-Charge one Jhadav, I think he is a Head Constable, was very courteous and understanding in his dealings. He guided us in how to word the complaint. He then accompanied us to the site along with an assistant and did some investigation. Jhadav also gave us valuable advice on keeping the premises secure.

That night, he made sure there was police patrolling in the area which continues till date, every night. Jhadav has taken personal interest in the matter and has been making enquiries. We have no doubt he will apprehend the culprit.

We are quick to blame police and government officials who are unhelpful and inefficient. But here is a police man who was quick to respond and instil a sense of security.

No spitting S Kamat, Alto Betim Tuberculosis (TB) has been on the rise all over the country and more so in Mumbai.

Letter of the Day

Where is the train?

Greg Cardoz, Chandor

It is a acknowledged fact that bridges across rivers, and the likes of these takes months and years to complete. However, I am at a loss to understand why an already sanctioned train should take months to come on the rails.

The direct train from Vasco to Nagapattinam which was recently introduced and will leave the port town once in the week, hasn’t commenced as yet.

The summer holidays are here and time is running out. People are anxious to go on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Vailankanni church in Tamil Nadu along with their children. But where is the train? Our Ministers and South Goa MP have taken credit for this but people and railway officials are perplexed as no exact date is available for the arrival of the new queen. If the ministers can airdash in the middle of the night to Dubai, why can’t they air dash to Delhi or to Mamata Banerjee’s residence and come back by the same train?

This would make a lot of sense. For this unique gesture, a lot of people will remember them with their crucial votes at election time.

The disease is now more resistant to the current range of antibiotics and thus is becoming more difficult to cure. Tuberculosis is transmitted through sputum.

In Goa, we see a lot of people who spit in the open, particularly near the market and bus stands.

A public awareness campaign to encourage people not to spit should be introduced.

Will our Health Department instil some civic sense in the minds of its citizens so that this unhealthy practice is stopped?

Clean and beautiful Goa Makarand Hiralikar, Pune I read your newspaper during my recent four-day vacation in Goa. I hail from Pune in Maharashtra and write this letter to highlight my experiences of the clean Goa that I visited. I stayed at the Old Anchor resort in Cavelossim.

The stark difference that I observed was the cleanliness and neatness of the public places in Goa. We stayed in Margao, Cavelossim beach and roamed around in public places like Cavelossim beach, its market, Margao, Mangueshi temple, Mardhol, Old Goa and Panjim. All the areas, the streets, the nooks and corners and back-

yards were very clean. I would like to commend all people of Goa for their nice social behaviour in keeping Goa so clean. Goa indeed has all the trappings of a European town with its neat winding roads, and clean compact buildings.

This escaped media’s eye Michael Vaz, Merces In a shocking incident, a young woman national level volleyball player, Arunima Sinha was flung out from a moving train near Bareilly, last Monday night, when she resisted the attempts of three men who tried to snatch her gold chain. In the process she lost one leg and is ailing in hospital.

In a unique gesture, when monetary relief from various quarters was assured, she made a solemn plea to donate the entire amount to her sports academy.

Sadly, it failed to catch the imagination of people and went unreported even in the media, except that of a popular TV channel.

Cheap political gimmick Mathew Oommen, Pune In spite of the fact that Rahul Gandhi is in Indian politics for few years, I don’t think he has fully understood the significance of

regional sentiments, political history or the social developments and process through which the present society of Kerala has evolved.

Kerala state has been were infested with landlordism, feudalistic high handedness and a suppressive land tenancy system. A comparatively younger politician like Rahul Gandhi should have been very cautious to criticise the Kerala Chief Minister on the basis of his age.

A national leader like Rahul Gandhi will do well, not bellow out cheap political gimmick prepared by lesser subordinates.

Nuclear risks to Goa Allwyn George, Carmona I had highlighted the risks posed to Goa due to the nuclear power plants at Kaiga and the one at Jaitapur in Ratnagiri.

Both these nuclear plants are like virtual time bombs on the borders of Goa. Any nuclear disaster in these plants would be extremely catastrophic to Goa due to the dangers of radiation. The agitation at Jaitapur by the locals against the nuclear power plant needs to be actively supported by Goans. The safety aspect at Kaiga is also questionable.

There is no disaster management plan in place. Any accident at these sites will make Goans sitting ducks in our very homes and victims of radiation.

Gearing up for monsoon Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco When the skies opened up recently and showers lashed the state it was evident that we were far from ready for the inevitable monsoons which are roughly 45 days away.

The showers resulted in flooding in many parts of the state as well as uprooting of trees and innumerable power failures at many places.

It is time that the concerned authorities speed up the pre-monsoon works like clearing the gutters, trimming the trees and also undertake the maintenance work by the electricity dep.

In addition, there is a need to combat spread of diseases like malaria, chikungunya and dengue.

Paths of Wisdom Washing of the Feet Jesus knew that the Father had given him complete power; He knew that he had come from God and was going to God. So, he rose from the table, took off his outer garment, and tied a towel round his waist.

Then, he poured some water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel round his waist.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to them, “Are you going to wash my feet, Lord?”

Jesus answered him, “You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later.”

Peter declared, “Never at any time will you wash my feet!” “If I do not wash your feet,” Jesus answered, “you will no longer be my disciple.”

Simon Peter answered, “Lord, do not wash only my feet, then! Wash my hands and head, too!”

Jesus said, “Anyone who has had a bath is completely clean and does not have to wash himself, except for his feet.

All of you are clean – all except one.”

(Jesus already knew who was going to betray him; that is why he said, “All of you, except one, are clean”) After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on and returned to his place at the table.

“Do you understand what I have just done to you?” he asked.

“You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am.

I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You then, should wash one another’s feet.

I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you. I am telling you the truth: no slave is greater than his master, and no messenger is greater than the one who sent him.

(John 13; 1-16)

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OHERALDO

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INDIA

Pg 7 GOA, THURSDAY 21, APRIL 2011

Sonia says Left siphoned off AP govt demands inquiry into of Pawan Hans funds, made WB bankrupt maintenance n Alleging PTI SHANTIPUR/SALAR/NALHATI, APRIL 20

Congress President Sonia Gandhi today took on the Left Front government alleging that it remained in power for 34 years banking on its sole claim that it was the messiah of the poor, while it was bankrupting the state by siphoning off central funds.

“Riding on the claim that they are sympathisers of the poor, the Left has been ruling the state for the last 34 years doing absolutely nothing for them and the backward people,” Gandhi told an election meeting in Shantipur in Nadia district after hitting the campaign trail for the second time in West Bengal.

Gandhi, at another meeting at Salar in Murshidabad, alleged that West Bengal was “siphoning off funds the Centre has given to the state,” for other purposes and so the state remained backward.

“In the last 34 years, crores of rupees have been given to West Bengal by the Centre for development, but the state re-

Church supports Lokpal Bill: Bishop PTI BANGALORE, APRIL 20

Coming out against corruption, the Karnataka Region Catholics Bishop Council today said the Church welcomed the proposed Lok Pal Bill and expressed the hope that it would cover all sections of people.

“While welcoming the Lok Pal Bill, we hope it will cover all situations, all people,” Archbishop of Bangalore and Council president Bernard Moras said.

Such a bill would help infuse confidence and build trust among the people, he said during a press meet organised to give out the message of Good Friday and Easter to the people.

He said the Church stood for justice, for anti-corruption, and condemns bribe. “The Bible condemns any bribe because it is intrinsically evil, it is immoral... specially so as it goes against the interest of the poor, the downtrodden, who are the ones who suffer,” he said.

“The church therefore has a duty to join hands with all those concerned working for anti-corruption,” he said referring to Anna Hazare, who is leading a campaign for a strong anti-graft legislation.

“The church supports the movement of civil right leaders,” he said, adding that corruption needs to be eliminated and such anti-graft movement cannot be carried out by just one person but needs the coordinated efforts of all.

mains backward. Where have central funds gone? The Left Front is responsible for this.

“I am sorry to say that during the 34-year rule of the Left Front, West Bengal’s debt burden has grown to Rs two lakh crore and it has turned into a bankrupt state,” she claimed.

Attacking the state government for worsening law and order, Gandhi alleged that the common people were feeling insecure in the state.

“This government has duped the people with hollow promises all these 34 years. Don’t trust the Left Front any more and it should be taught a lesson this time,” he said.

Gandhi, at the election meeting at Salar ignored the presence of party MP Adhir Chowdhury who is backing four rebel Congress candidates in the district, and urged the voters to support the Congress-Trinamool Congress alliance candidates.

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is an MP from the district, in a clear message to Chowdhury, also

called for ensuring the victory of all the 22 Congress candidates from there.

Earlier, Gandhi addressed another rally at Nalhati in Birbhum district in support of Pranab Mukherjee’s son Abhijit, where she claimed that West Bengal had been taken on a road to destruction under Left rule and assured that the Congress-Trinamool alliance was determined to rid the state of “misrule”.

The Congress chief alleged that the Left Front government was totally apathetic to the plight of the poor in the state where “no BPL card was given”.

She alleged that the welfare of farmers had stopped being important in the eyes of the government and violence against women was on the rise.

Gandhi had also campaigned in north Bengal on April 15 where she had stressed that Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee was with the Congress and the alliance would strive to free the state from Left “misrule”.

PTI ITANAGAR, APRIL 20

A day after 17 persons were killed after a Pawan Hans Mi17 helicopter crashed while landing in Tawang, the Arunachal Pradesh government today demanded an inquiry into the maintenance of the choppers.

The Pawan Hans Mi17 chopper crashed yesterday killing 17 people on board including three crew members, but its pilot and five others survived with serious burn injuries.

The injured persons were flown to Guwahati today by helicopter, from where two of them have been referred to Delhi.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has blamed Pawan Hans Helicopter Services Limited (PHHL) for the crash.

PHHS operates five helicopters across Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura and daily GuwahatiTawang services for the past nine years.

Alleging negligence by the Pawan Hans authority, the state government in a letter to the Union Ministry of Civil

negligence by the Pawan Hans authority, the state government sought an inquiry on maintenance and mandatory inspections as per DGCA guidelines.

Aviation sought an inquiry on maintenance and mandatory inspections as per Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines.

“Despite repeated written complaint to the Pawan Hans Chairman-cum-Chief Managing Director R K Tyagi and General Manager (Marketing) and incharge of North East Sanjoy Kumar to replace the 15-yearold choppers being pressed into service in the state since 1995, the authority remained unmoved,” Civil Aviation Commissioner Hage Khoda said.

Khoda had written to Tyagi on January 18 last year com-

India successfully launches There can’t be two satellites after GSLV failures Indias: SC PTI SRIHARIKOTA (AP), APRIL 20

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

In a morale-boosting success for its space programme after two consecutive GSLV setbacks, India today put into orbit its sophisticated remote sensing satellite Resourcesat-2 and two micro satellites carried onboard its workhorse PSLV-C16 rocket from here.

In a textbook launch, ISRO’s trusted PSLV in its 18th flight hurled the three satellites into an 822-km polar sun synchronous orbit a little over 18 minutes after lift-off in clear skies from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, 90 kms north of Chennai.

The 17th consecutive successful launch by the PSLV demonstrated India’s capabilities yet again in the lucrative global commercial launch market.

A beaming ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan described the mission as a ‘grand success’.

“I am extremely happy to announce that the PSLV-C16 Resourcesat-2 mission is successful,” he told scientists at the Mission Control Centre as they broke into cheer after anxious moments, particularly in the backdrop of the two successive GSLV failures last year.

The homegrown GSLV F06 carrying communication satellite GSAT-5P exploded mid-air less than a minute after lift-off when the destruct command was issued as the rocket veered from its flight path in December.

GSLV-D3 mission carrying GSAT4 also failed in April 2010.

Radhakrishnan said the launch of two foreign satellites showed international recognition of the PSLV’s reliability.

The 1,206 kg Resourcesat-2

Expressing serious concern over the growing instances of starvation deaths in the country, the Supreme Court today said there cannot be “two Indias” divided between the elite and the poor.

A bench of justices Dalveer Bhandari and Deepak Verma also asked the Planning Commission to explain its rational behind limiting the number of below poverty line (BPL) people in a state to 36 per cent of its population.

“You can’t have two Indias.

What is this stark contradiction in our whole approach in eradication of malnutrition.

You say you are a powerful country but at the same time, starvation deaths are taking place in various parts of the country. It (malnutrition) must be totally eliminated and eradicated,” the bench told additional solicitor General Mohan Parasaran.

The apex court wondered what was the logic in the government claiming that there were adequate food grains in the country when thousands of people are dying on account of starvation.

The bench made the scathing obser vations as Parasaran sought to explain that the government was determined to reduce the malnutrition problem and streamline the Public Distribution System and that malnutrition is coming down.

“What do you mean by coming down? It must be eradicated,” the bench remarked.

The apex court cited newspaper reports that the country was witnessing bumper crops

PSLV C-16 mission during its launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday.

with a space life of five years replaces Resourcesat-1 launched in 2003 and would provide data with enhanced multispectral and spatial coverage on natural resources through three cameras with enhanced imaging capabilities.

The Rs 140-crore satellite would help assess the health of crops, monitor deforestation and water levels in reservoirs and lakes and facilitate a variety of applications including disaster management.

It would also help in catering to the national and global data

needs to address multiple aspects of natural resource inventory and monitoring in areas including agriculture, water resources, rural development and bio-resources.

Resourscesat-2 co-passenger Youthsat, weighing 92 kg, is a joint Indo-Russian nano satellite meant for stellar and atmospheric studies.

The launch of the third satellite, 106-kg X-sat, an image applications spacecraft built by Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, is the first by ISRO for the city-state.

Strong measures needed to deal with piracy: Defence Ministry PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

Fishermen show victory sign on their arrival at the Kalupur railway station in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, following their release by the Pakistani authorities.

Not ruling out “strong measures” to deal with Somali pirates, the Defence Ministry today said all steps would be taken to safeguard the ships transiting in piracy-hit areas of Indian Ocean region.

“I think as a deterrent that is one thing (military option) we have to definitely consider. We also have to take some strong measures, to make sure that these incidents are not repeated,” Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju said here.

He was talking to media persons after inaugurating a daylong seminar on ‘Self Reliance in Defence and Security Markets

through Innovation and Indigenisation’, organised by Indian Chambers of Commerce (ICC).

On likely solutions against piracy, Raju said, “Along with safeguarding the passage of ships, we have to work on a long term solution in containing piracy and making the sea lanes of communication safer.”

“We also have to keep in view that the international community has a responsibility in trying to find a solution to original root of the problem which is the instability in Somalia,” he said.

Applauding the Indian Navy’s efforts in the region, he stressed upon the need for preventive measures to safeguard the merchant vessels sailing in the area.

Was slightly nervous performing the ‘mutton’ number: Taaha PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

The new item boy in B-town, Taaha Shah, who will be seen gyrating to the latest ‘mutton’ song in Y-Films’ fresh offering ‘Luv Ka The End’ says he did not have any apprehensions doing the dance number but felt slightly nervous.

Taaha will be seen in a ‘ghagra-choli’ for the ‘mutton’ item song giving a tough fight to Malaika Arora Khan and Katrina Kaif, who performed sizzling numbers ‘Munni Badnam Hui’

plaining about poor performance of PHHL and requesting him to deploy two new Mi17 choppers in place of existing ones with one back-up to avoid service breaks.

“I wrote to the CMD on August 10 last year immediately after the death of a cabin crew member Dhananjay Roy on August 6 after he fell off a similar chopper while flying from Namsai to Tezu on routine passenger ser vice and demanded suitable steps to improve safety standards,” he said.

Khoda said, the Pawan Hans authority despite pleas failed to give a copy of the inquiry report of the DGCA in the Namsai incident.

Home minister Tako Dabi criticised Pawan Hans for operating ‘non-airworthy’ helicopters to and from Tawang, a popular tourist destination.

“This is playing with the lives of people who pay to fly,” he said.

The PHHL which started service from 1995 has two Mi172 24-seater and an 8-seater heli-

and ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’ in their films recently.

“When I was asked to do this item song I had no apprehensions about the song...as I had no other option. I think while getting ready for the shot for the first time I was nervous but after that when I wore the costume… got into the whole feel.

I was fine and impressed by myself,” Taaha told PTI. The lyrics of the song - ‘Mera Jism Jism Mera Badan Badan Main Hoon Taja Mutton Mutton..’ have been penned by

Taaha Shah

Amitabh Bhattacharya of ‘Emotional Atyachar’ from ‘Dev D’.

When asked how the transition from man to woman was, Taaha said, “The item boy performance is a revolution. We are trying to do something different.

We usually call girls chicks and babes, now with such a song girls will become bolder and call guys as ‘mutton’. It was a different experience all together for me. I think everyone will enjoy this.”

“It took me two hours to put on the make up. Wearing ghagra choli was easy and comfortable.

I think for me the transition from woman to man again was more difficult,” Taaha said.

Directed by Bumpy, ‘Luv Ka The End’, an anti-romantic-comedy, stars newbies Shraddha Kapoor and Taaha in lead roles.

The film will be the first production of Y-Films, a subsidiary of Yash Raj Films.

The first film to be releasing under the banner of Y-Films ‘Luv Ka The End’ is headed by Ashish Patil, former head of youth music channel MTV in India and will release on May 6.

and the godowns were overflowing with grains.

“No doubt it is a very happy situation for all of us but if people don’t get the benefit, what is the use?” the bench asked.

The bench made the critical remarks while dealing with a PIL filed by Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) complaining about large scale corruption and irregularities in the PDS mechanism of the country.

Questioning the plan panel rational in fixing 36 percent as the percentage of BPL families in the country, the bench said, “It is astonishing as to how you can fix 36 per cent people in the BPL category in 2011 by relying on the 1991 census data.”

MDLR Airlines pilot arrested for procuring fake licence PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

A pilot of now defunct MDLR Airlines was arrested here for allegedly procuring pilot licence using forged marksheets taking the total number of people arrested in such cases to 15.

Swarn Singh Talwar, a resident of Gurgaon, was apprehended yesterday following a complaint filed by airline regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ashok Chand, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), said.

Talwar had allegedly procured Air Transport Pilot Licence using forged marksheets with the help of one Pradeep Tyagi, also a pilot who was earlier arrested.

With the arrest of Talwar, police have arrested a total of seven pilots for procuring commercial pilot licence or Air Trans-

APPOINTMENTS

port Pilot Licence by allegedly submitting fake marksheets.

A total of 15 people, including three DGCA officials, have been arrested in Delhi and Jaipur since March seven after the fake pilot scam was unearthed by the DGCA. “Talwar met Tyagi at Delhi Flying Club. Tyagi assured him that on payment of Rs 50,000 he would obtain for him an ATPL licence. Tyagi got prepared a forged result card from Lalit Jain and Pankaj Jain, who were also arrested earlier.

“Then he submitted the same to DGCA along with other relevant documents,” Chand said.

APPOINTMENTS

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AHWR undergoes design changes PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has envisaged an additional new role for the design of the much awaited 300 MW Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) to increase proliferation resistance, safety and security characteristics and attract international utilities.

Scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) have worked out a new fissile fuel combination for AHWR involving 20 per cent low enriched uranium (LEU)-thorium fuel instead of plutonium-thorium as planned earlier.

This change will again delay the setting up of this technology demonstration plant, some scientists said while others say this will be pursued in parallel and should be of considerable interest to international community, particularly in the wake of Japan's Fukushima accident.

The original plans conceived and made for the newly designed AHWR by former chairman Anil Kakodkar was to use plutoniumthorium combination to convert thorium to uranium-233 and had been even reviewed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Music of 'Luv Ka The End' launched PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Yash Raj's new youth film studio Y-Films' launched the music of their first movie 'Luv Ka The End', an anti-romantic-comedy starring newbies Shraddha Kapoor and Taaha Shah in lead roles.

The music was released at an event here yesterday at Yash Raj Films Studios. There are total five songs in the film including an interesting item number that is set to replace hit numbers like 'Munni' and 'Sheila'. "'Luv Ka The End' has an item number with a difference featuring the lead actor in drag and lyrics that include the word 'mutton'. 'Munni', 'Sheila' move on here comes 'mutton'. It is an amazing song with superb lyrics and music," Ashish Patil, former head of youth music channel MTV in India, who is heading YFilms, told reporters here.

The item song 'mutton' will see Taaha sporting an Indian look. The song is sung by Krishna Beura, known for his hit song 'Maula Mere Le Le Meri Jaan' from 'Chak De India'.

The music is given by Ram Sampath, who has earlier lend music to films like Akshay Kumar starrer 'Khakee', Aamir Khan Productions up-coming film 'Delly Belly' and others. While Amitabh Bhattacharya of 'Emotional Atyachar' fame from 'Dev D' has penned the song lyrics.

"The movies under the banner of Y-Films will be laser-focused on the universe of the young covering all genres thrillers, comedies, chick-flicks, capers with some really fresh music," Patil said.

Sonia alleges siphoning of central funds by LF Govt

OERC defends power tariff hike decision in High Court

Says common man insecure in West Bengal

The Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC), which recently decided to hike the power tariff in the state, has defended its proposal in the High Court claiming that it was done to safeguard the interest of the consumers and was necessary to ensure uninterrupted supply of power.

The OERC in March had proposed the tariff hike for 201112 that was to be effective from April one. The Orissa High Court, however, put an interim stay on collection of the hiked electricity dues.

Urging the High Court to reject the PIL and vacate the stay, OERC maintained that the High Court has limited jurisdiction to review the power tariff hike as proposed by the OERC which is a quasi legislative body.

The scope of judicial review under Article 226 of the Constitution in respect of tariff order was limited as has been held by the Supreme Court on several past orders, said an affidavit filed yesterday by OERC secretary P K Swain.

"Electricity being a technical subject and the Commission being an expert body, it duly considered relevant technical, financial and legal issues involved in fixation of tariff," the affidavit said.

In determining the tariff, the Commission acted as a statutory quasi-legislative body and had to balance interests of various stake-holders like licensees, consumers, generators, public authorities and government, it said.

PTI SALAR (WB), APRIL 20

Congress president Sonia Gandhi today alleged that the CPI(M)-led Left Front government was siphoning off central funds and had turned West Bengal into a bankrupt state.

"In the last 34 years, crores of rupees have been given to West Bengal by the Centre for development, but the State remains backward. Where have central funds gone? Left Front is responsible for this," Gandhi told an election rally at Salar in Murshidabad district during a whirlwind tour of the state on the second leg of her campaign.

Gandhi alleged that West Bengal was "siphoning off funds the Centre has given to the state," for other purposes and the state remained backward.

"I am sorry to say that during the 34-year rule of the Left Front, West Bengal's debt burden has grown to Rs two lakh crore and it has turned into a bankrupt state," she alleged.

Attacking the state government for worsening the law and order, Gandhi alleged that common people were feeling insecure in the state.

"This government has duped the people with hollow promises all these 34 years. Don't trust the Left Front any more and it should be taught a lesson

Congress president Sonia Gandhi along with Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee at an election rally in Salar, Murshidabad on Wednesday

this time," she said.

Addressing the election meeting in the presence of party MP Adhir Chowdhury who is backing four rebel Congress candidates in the district, Gandhi urged the voters to support the

Congress-Trinamool Congress alliance candidates.

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is an MP from the district, in a clear message to Chowdhury, called for ensuring the victory of all

Migrants forced to be sex slaves in Mexico

Maya’s review meetings an eyewash: SP

Villamil, who has recorded a dozen cases of minors between 14 and 17 years old being forced into prostitution.

"They steal their innocence.

They hit them, mistreat them, humiliate and rape them," she said.

Witness accounts map out a route starting in the poor communities of Honduras, passing through Guatemala before crossing the border into Mexico.

The girls are then distributed among several dozen bars and brothels in Chiapas, which are each thought to employ between eight and 14 foreigners.

A 17-year-old Honduran who gave her name as Valeria ended up in Mexico after following that well-worn route. She said a woman in her village had promised her a free journey and a job in a restaurant in Mexico.

Claiming that review meetings being held by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati were an eyewash to divert attention of the people from poor law and order situation in the state, Samajwadi Party today demanded a white paper on results of these meetings.

"The review meetings being called by Mayawati are an eyewash to divert attention of people from law and order problem in the state. We demand a white paper from the government on result of these meetings, which have become picnic for officers posted in districts," SP leader Shivpal Singh Yadav told reporters.

He said that law and order was at it's worse and Government officers were being murdered due to prevailing corruption.

AFP TAPACHULA, APRIL 20

Locals call them "merchandise" and that is how criminal gangs treat the Central American youths they force into prostitution near Mexico's southern border with Guatemala.

Victims recount being tricked into making the dangerous journey across Central America in the hope of a better life before being stopped en route in southern Mexico and forced to work for nothing.

The Honduran consul in Mexico's southern Chiapas state, Patricia Villamil, alerted local authorities to several cases when she took on her job last November. When they failed to respond, she spoke out.

"They bring women from Honduras, preferably under 18," said

The single mother travelled with a friend and four other minors -- who are most in demand by pimps at the border.

Valeria eventually arrived at a sordid bar in Mexico where she forced herself to drink 17 beers to give her courage to face clients on her first night as a prostitute.

"I had to 'deal with it' every time a client wanted it. It was six or seven times almost every day. Once it was 12 times," she told AFP. The owner of the bar demanded 5,000 pesos (430 dollars) for the journey.

Another bar owner eventually paid the debt, but forced her to work for him in return.

After four months' of work, with up to 16-hour days, she has not yet received any money.

PTI LUCKNOW, APRIL 20

HC rejects former Bihar MLA's bail PTI PATNA, APRIL 20

Patna High Court today dismissed the application of former JD(U) MLA Vijay Kumar Shukla alias Munna Shukla for regular bail in connection with the former RJD minister Brij Bihari Prasad murder case.

A division bench of justices S K Sharma and Gopal Prasad rejected Shukla's application for bail.

Shukla and eight others have already been pronounced guilty of the murder by a local CBI court and is lodged in the highsecurity Beur jail here.

Prasad, who was Minister in the erstwhile Rabri Devi cabinet, was shot dead on the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences campus on June 23 ,2008.

The longer a man's fourth or ring finger is compared to his index finger, the more likely he is to be judged attractive by women, according to a study released Wednesday.

The results, published in the British Royal Society's journal Biological Sciences, unveil intricate links between foetal exposure of males to hormones, the development of certain physical traits, and what turns on the opposite sex.

It also adds to a growing body of research -- conducted under the banner of evolutionary psychology -- suggesting that the drivers of human behaviour are found, more than previously suspected, in "nature" rather than "nurture."

Earlier studies had already shown that the size ratio between the fourth and second fingers, especially of the right

Cops buy UAV to eye criminals PTI CHANDIGARH, APRIL 20

Aiming at keeping a hawk's eye on criminals and those planning to disrupt peace, Chandigarh Police have purchased an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, becoming the first police force in the country to possess such machine.

"We have procured the UAV for the first four months on trial basis. 'Golden Hawk' will be with the city police by midMay...DRDO officials have already demonstrated the machine at Sarangpur village on the city outskirts recently," Chandigarh IG P K Srivastava told reporters here today.

UAVs, equipped with a highpower small camera to record the activities on the ground, are mainly used by armies around the world for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes.

The remote control-operated machine is attached to a computer for keeping surveillance of a particular area. The device, which generally weighs three kg, flies approximately 100 m from ground for about half-an-hour. "'Golden Hawk' weighs 625 gm. Depending on its success, bigger UAVs will be procured later on for surveillance purposes," Srivastava, flanked by SSP Naunihal Singh and SP (traffic) HS Doon, said.

FROM PAGE 1 FORCE to intensify stir

children and their families will now face competition? Or is it that they are scared that they will loose control and their ill designs and misdeeds will be exposed”.

FORCE Convenor Premanand Naik said the handful of people opposing the movement for English are proclaiming from the rooftops that language and culture will be destroyed if the demand is accepted. “So only the poor and the less fortunate have to protect our culture. Do those who put their children in private English medium schools have no obligation to the state? Is the large proportion of our elected representatives anti-national”, Naik asked, adding “be it known, that they have precipitated the evolution of our movement from the first phase to the second”.

Cong ministers...

Indian fishermen show victory sign on their arrival at the Kalupur railway station in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, following their release by the Pakistani authorities.

Attractive men have long... ring fingers: study AFP PARIS, APRIL 20

the 22 Congress candidates from there.

Eighteen rebel Congress candidates, including four sitting MLAs, have already been suspended from the party in the state.

PTI CUTTACK, APRIL 20

The aim of the study was to understand what makes a man attractive and whether at least some of those qualities "were in part conditioned by the foetal environment.

For the visual test, the results were unambiguous. "The longer the ring finger compared to the index -- that is, the greater the exposure to testosterone -- the more attractive the face was rated. hand, is a reliable indicator of the extent a man was exposed to testosterone while still in the womb.

The bigger the gap between a longer ring finger and a shorter index, the greater the likely impact of the hormone.

For the new study, scientists led by Camille Ferdenzi of the University of Geneva designed an experiment to find out if women are drawn to the telltale

signs of high testosterone levels in men -- a symmetrical face, a deeper voice, a particular body odour -- who have this more "masculine" finger configuration.

More than 80 women university students between 18 and 34 looked at pictures of 49 similarly aged men, and were asked to evaluate them for masculinity and attractiveness.

Smaller groups of women lis-

tened to recordings of the male voices, and smelled samples of their body odour, taken from cotton pads worn under the arm for 24 hours.

"The aim was to understand what makes a man attractive," and whether at least some of those qualities "were in part conditioned by the foetal environment," Ferdenzi said in an interview.

For the visual test, the results were unambiguous. "The longer the ring finger compared to the index -- that is, the greater the exposure to testosterone -- the more attractive the face was rated," she said by phone.

"We also found that attractiveness and symmetry in the face are highly correlated."

Such a preference might have evolved to boost a female's chances of reproductive success through mating with a more virile partner, she said.

Chief Minister to come out open in favour of English. “The Chief Minister is supporting the demands of the parents”, he asserted.

When asked whether he would dislodge the government if his demand finds no favour with the party leaders, Alemao said “I will tell you what I would do at the right time”, and conveyed a clear cut message that he would go all out to get the demands of the parents fulfilled.

Alemao was highly critical of Arvind Bhatikar for saying that people are demanding English to become aaayas, butlers, cooks and drivers and lambasted Konkani writer Uday Bhembre for supporting Devnagiri script for Konkani when a large section were also demanding Roman script. “People like Bhembre, Pundalik Naik ditched the people fighting for Konkani. Roman script would have solved the problems being faced by the people now”, he said, adding that he is neither against Konkani or Marathi languages.

He claimed that the same people who had suppressed the Bahujan Samaj during the Portuguese era are now again active to keep the poor and downtrodden backward by denying them education in English.

Kharewado issue

about State government’s grievances, including four-lane highway alignment that is running up to Headland Sada,” said Naik.

He said that the minister has assured to take up the matter before the Union cabinet to resolve the issue and work out an amicable solution.

Churchill dares

he would send atleast 10 ministers home in the coming Assembly polls, Alemao said “I can understand Pacheco’s anxiety to become a leader, but he should know that leaders are made by the people”, adding that Pacheco should look after his own election and not that of other Ministers and MLA. “Who will remain in politics or will go home will be decided by the people and not by Pacheco”, he said, adding “the Benaulim MLA should know that his own party NCP had thrown him out of the Ministry because of his good qualities”.

He said the people of Goa know him very well and do not require a certificate from Pacheco, who is facing various criminal cases and inquiries. “People have brought me in politics. I have not come into politics by force.”

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TALK BUSINESS

Igenius Scholarships from Max NY Life PANJIM (HBD) -- Max New York Life Insurance, one of India’s leading life insurance companies, announced igenius 2011, a parent-child engagement initiative to support all-round child development.

In the inaugural year, the flagship program igenius scholarship attracted more than 10 lakh participants across 1,000 cities. igenius scholarship 2011, is aimed to become even bigger and is expected to generate greater participation. This year more than 1000 scholarships worth Rs 1 crore will be distributed. The igenius program will also be extended to underprivileged children.

The igenius scholarship program involves a robust multiple-level evaluation process that has been conceptualized in association with Derek O'Brien. Children from the 3rd to the 8th standards can participate in this program and win more than 1000 prizes worth Rs 1 crore. The scholarship has been divided into two categories – Junior (3rd to 5th standards) and Senior (6th to 8th standards). Winners in the junior and senior categories will receive scholarships of Rs 10 lakh each.

Max New York Life will also support deserving children from underprivileged section of the society to drive social inclusion.

“The core philosophy of life insurance is protection for the uncertain and unseen future. The future of children gets most impacted in case of any eventuality. This year igenius makes a small beginning towards social inclusion by supporting some of such less fortunate children who do not have family support to promote their all round development,” added Anisha Motwani.

A stakeholder engagement program will be initiated to drive active volunteering from employees, agent advisors, and customers of Max New York Life.

Canara HSBC OBC Life posts 82% growth PANJIM (HBD) -- Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited has recorded 82% growth in FY 201011 over the previous fiscal. The company is also one of the few private players that has posted positive growth in new business in the fiscal.

Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company garnered Rs 265 crore in March and closed FY 2010-11 with Rs 1532 crore in gross written premiums. The company issued over 1,11,000 policies in the fiscal. The company is now comfortably positioned amongst the top 10 private players in terms of weighted new business premium income in less than 3 years of operations.

Focusing exclusively on distributing through its shareholders and their associated companies, the company’s achievements testify the strength of the bancassurance model in efficiently reaching both urban and rural customers along with the corporate segment of the distributing banks.

Along with the growth in new business, Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company continued to maintain the highest 13-month persistency ratio amongst private players.

In the current fiscal, the company will continue to focus on expanding its product portfolio to support the customers of distributor banks. In addition, it seeks to retain its market-leading persistency record and will seek to provide further support for the rural and social markets.

Everonn, NSDC open skill development school PANJIM (HBD) -- In a major initiative towards vocational training, Everonn, the largest VSAT education network in the world, has joined hands with the National Skill Development Corporation’s (NSDC) mission with the launch of International Skills School to skill people from across nine key sectors to make them employable.

NSDC is a not-for-profit company set up by the Ministry of Finance as the first PPP initiative with the mandate to skill 150 million people by 2022 in 21 focus sectors. This is part of the government’s overall target to train 500 million people by 2022 to meet the global skills shortage.

Everonn’s wholly owned Skill development subsidiary, Everonn SKILL development Ltd has been mandated by NSDC to train 15 million people (10% of NSDC’s overall target of 150 million) by 2022. NSDC will invest 27% as equity in the wholly owned Skill development subsidiary of Everonn Education Ltd. i.e. Everonn Skill development Limited (ESDL) The total investment required for setting up 271 multi skill development centers all across the country would be Rs 153.76 crore. The NSDC will subscribe to 27% equity in Everonn Skill Development Ltd (ESDL) for Rs 14.15 crore.

In addition, the NSDC would also provide a loan of Rs 101.34 crore to ESDL. ESDL will be investing Rs 38.27 crores, as its contribution in the venture. ESDL will be training 15 million people over the next 12 years through these centres. The average course fee is expected to be approximately Rs. 9,000 per person with the course ranging from 30 days to six months in nine sectors - textile and apparel, retail, hospitality, automobile, healthcare, construction, IT and ITES, basic engineering, multimedia. This may translate into an overall revenue generating potential of approximately Rs. 14,250 crores over the next 12 years.

To begin with, the courses will be offered in the States likes Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The training will be imparted through brick and mortar as well as technology enabled delivery wherever necessary. ESDL & NSDC will assist the needy and deserving candidates in availing Bank Loan facility.

Tata Docomo kicks off new campaign PANJIM (HBD) -- Cutting through the clutter that the Indian telecom landscape finds itself in—with customers forced to jostle with confusing and complicated products, services and tariff plans — Tata Docomo is 'Doing the New' again, with the launch of its new brand campaign, aptly titled ‘Keep It Simple’.

The icing on the cake is the telling depiction of the simplicity in Tata Docomo's refreshing new campaign by none other than the Company’s new brand ambassador—Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor.

Tata Docomo will undertake various marketing initiatives with Ranbir Kapoor, including television commercials, print campaigns, outdoors and retail front displays.

Tata Docomo’s unique Keep It Simple campaign is in a form of a stand-up comedy show with many episodes, which will be aired during the course of this IPL season. It focuses largely on how Tata Docomo simplifies the telecom experience, and hence the consumer’s life, by providing differentiated products and services.

Each individual advertisement starts by illustrating a complexity in the category, and presents the Tata Docomo product and/or service as a means of simplifying things. Scheduled to go on air on 8 April 2011, this campaign is simple, captures the various moods of Ranbir—depicting those of Tata Docomo.

12th Plan to target 9-9.5% GDP: Montek PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

Raising doubts over feasibility of achieving 10 per cent average economic expansion in the 12th Plan (2012-17), Plan Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia today said the next plan would target GDP growth of 9 to 9.5 per cent in the next five years.

"If you ask me personally, I think setting target of 10 per cent (GDP growth) as an average for 12th Plan, is not feasible...it would be somewhere between 9 to 9.5 in next Plan period," he told reporters ahead of the meeting of the full

Planning Commission.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wants the Commission to aim at higher growth target for 10 per cent during the 12th Plan, as against 8.2 per cent estimated in the current plan.

"Our assessment is that the international situation is full of uncertainty...I feel that if we are looking at a five year period (2012-17), we can do much better than we did in 11th Plan. I don't think that there should be much difficulty setting a target of 9 per cent," he said.

A major area of focus would be on increasing agricultural productivity, he added.

"In the 10th Plan it (agricultural growth) was around 2 per cent, in the 11th Plan it looks as if it will be 3 per cent...it won't be 4 per cent that we had targeted. My view would be that in the 12th Plan we must make sure that we can get to 4 per cent," Ahluwalia said.

Briefing the media persons on focus of the full Planning Commission meeting tomorrow to be headed by the Prime Minister, Ahluwalia said, "We would be presenting key issues to the full panel and the approach to the 12th Plan may be ready in a month from now".

Among others, the meeting

will be attended by Planning Commission members and senior Cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Home Minister P Chidambaram.

"What we are presenting tomorrow is not the 12th Plan approach. We are actually working on that...The Approach Paper should be in a month or so," Ahluwalia said.

The 'Approach' paper lays broad outline of a Five Year Plan. About the thrust of the 12th Plan, he said, "One thing we have all agreed (internally at Plan panel) is that it (thrust of 12th Plan) will be faster, more

inclusive and sustainable growth".

He also said that special thrust will be on achieving more progress in health and education, besides improving the gender ratio.

Regarding the progress of the 11th Plan, he said, "The bottom line is that we have seen progress but not enough".

Although the Commission had pegged the economic growth rate at 9 per cent for the 11th Plan (2007-12), it was scaled down to 8.2 per cent in view of the impact of the global financial meltdown on the Indian economy.

Essar Steel posts record production PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Steel major, Essar Steel, today said that it has clocked its highest-ever monthly crude steel production at 3.8-lakh tonnes in March, up 24.04 per cent, as compared to 3.07-lakh tonnes in the year-ago period.

The company's finished steel production also rose 25.41 per cent at 3.97-lakh tonnes in March this year as against 3.17lakh tonnes in the year-ago period, a press release issued here stated.

Goa to face Cadbury crunch!

BHARATI PAWASKAR PANJIM, APRIL 20

Chocolate giant Cadbury India’s sales in Goa will be at standstill from tomorrow, April 21, affecting chocolate lovers who keep saying to each other every now and then – ‘kuch meetha ho jaye!’

There will be no billing of Cadbury products – meaning no orders from Goan distributors will go to the company for new stocks and the present stocks that are with the distributors will be held back and not distributed in the market.

The boycott has been called

by All Goa FMCG & Telecom Distributors Association, which is the apex body of 318 distributors of fast moving consumer goods in Goa. The move has been an-

Banks' credit grows 22% PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

Credit from banks in the country grew by over 22 per cent annually to Rs 40.76 lakh crore, suggesting an upswing in industrial activity.

According to latest data from the Reserve Bank, banks' credit stood at Rs 40.76 lakh crore as on April 8, as against Rs 33.37 lakh crore in the same period a year-ago.

At the same time, deposits grew by 16.77 per cent to Rs 54.75 lakh crore from Rs 46.88 lakh crore during the period under review.

The data shows that the huge discrepancy in the credit: deposit ratio continues to persist in the new fiscal as well.

The Reserve Bank had in December cautioned against the discrepancy and asked banks to initiate steps to bridge the gap.

nounced by association President B M Prabhudessai, over a penalty imposed on Sanvi Sales from South Goa over a “trifling issue”. The association has assailed arbitrary and unfair trade practices by multinationals that treat distributors with disrespect. The deadline issued by the association ended today (20 April).

“We will stop all billing from 21 April, until Cadbury reappoints Sanvi Sales,” Prabhudessai told Herald. Prabhudessai will send a letter to all retailers in Goa not to purchase Cadbury products directly from the company and to support the Association.

There are 6,000 retailers in Goa, out of which 4,500 sell Cadbury products. Cadbury does a business of around Rs1 crore in each 10-day billing cycle in Goa.

CKGS, DNATA tie for Dubai visa PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Cox and Kings Global Services (CKGS), a 100 per cent subsidiary of Cox and Kings Ltd, today said it has tied up with DNATA to form C&K Marhaba Dubai Visa (CNKMDV) to provide visa processing services to Dubai and Sharjah.

"This facilities will enable Indian travellers with a smoother and seamless visa formalities and immigration experience," CKGS CEO Sanjay Bhaduri told reporters here. DNATA is part of the Emirates Group.

Through CNKMDV, travellers can apply on-line and obtain the visa in three working days.

However, the decision to grant visa is the sole prerogative of DNRD also known as Dubai Immigration.

CNKMDV will process two types of visas — tourist and transit visas, while the former are valid for a maximum period of 30 days after entry and will

Books fully fabricated: I-T PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

In a rather candid disclosure, a top Income Tax official has admitted that the diamond trade has one of the highest prevalence of black money, with investigations revealing that books in the sector are "completely manufactured". "(In) certain areas like real estate or diamond trade there is a lot of circulation of black money...but in DIAMOND the case of diamond merchants, the books are completely manufactured," Director General of Income Tax (Investigations), B P Gaur, told reporters here late last evening.

In the case of the diamond trade, there may be a "complete mismatch" between what "is the real transaction and what is being shown in the books," which makes the job of the Department very difficult, he said.

"It requires very deep investigations to find out the truth," Gaur said.

Tracking the black money trail in the realty sector, also notorious for black money transactions, has, however, been easier for the I-T authorities as it has been able to collect evidence in different forms like computer hard disk drives of the assesses.

The DG was speaking in presence of the Central Board of Direct Taxes member, Prakash Chandra, after the un-

Models pose by a Bentley displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show in Shanghai on April 20, 2011. About 2,000 car and parts makers from 20 countries are participating in the Shanghai auto show, showcasing 75 new car models, 19 of them making their world premieres.

veiling of a reference book for I-T officials which explains the 'dos and dont's' while carrying out an assessment or investigation with sector-wise real-life cases as examples.

The Department's task is becoming increasingly harder in recent years, as frauds are becoming more and more sophisticated, Gaur said, adding it was vital not to allow fraudsters to take advantage of loopholes in the TRADE law.

On the presence of tax havens and strategies of the Department to deal with them, Chandra said the government will soon be posting 10 officers in "important countries" who will help in curtailing the menace.

"The officers have been shortlisted and some approvals are necessary (before they are posted)," he added.

When asked about the direct tax collection target for Mumbai region, which contributes a third to the direct tax kitty, Chandra declined to give an exact number but added that normally, the target was 20 per cent higher than the previous year.

Last fiscal, Mumbai achieved a direct tax collection of over Rs 1.50 lakh crore.

Among the sectors which are facing trouble, Chandra said the cement industry was going through a difficult patch, which is more "cyclical" in nature.

cost Rs 4,550, the latter is a 96hour-visa (transit visa) and will cost Rs 3,550.

"This service will be beneficial to business travellers, senior citizens, single parents with children, unaccompanied minors, first time travellers, group travellers and transit passengers. We plan to process about one lakh visas and sell the same number of Marhaba Services in the first year of operations," Bhaduri said.

Presently about 6.5 lakh people travel to Dubal every year and it is growing by 15 per cent annually, he said.

For this service, CNKMDV has set up offices in 11 cities across India with its headquar-

ters based in Mumbai with centres in Delhi, Amritsar, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

This tie-up also offers Marhaba Meet and Greet Services for Indian passengers arriving, departing and transiting through Dubai International Airport.

"The Marhaba facility will help travellers with assistance in the time-consuming immigration formalities and process of coordinating with the hotel and local sponsor in Dubai," CNKMDV Business head Anurag Arora said.

"The immigration clearance usually takes two hours on an

average peak hour. This will be reduced to just 10-15 minutes through the Mahahaba service," he said.

It starts with the basic Mahahaba service costing Rs 1,150 and goes up to Rs 1,900 diamond service.

It also provides additional services like, floral service on arrival or departure, limousine service for hotel pick up and drop back and sim card.

Meanwhile, Bhaduri said, CKGS has its corporate office in Mumbai (India) and have regional offices in Beijing, Dubai, London, Lagos and New Delhi and is in the process of establishing its offices in Washington DC and Moscow.

Need 4% growth in agro: PMEAC PTI CHENNAI, APRIL 20

With a normal monsoon predicted this year, the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) said there was a need to work on getting 4% growth in agriculture.

"Provided the monsoon is normal (this year), there is a need to work towards getting four per cent growth in agriculture and allied sectors", PMEAC chairman C Rangarajansaid.

On Tuesday the Earth Sciences Ministry had predicted the monsoon in the country as a whole to most likely be normal.

Biz10:Pg12 4/20/2011 11:23 PM Page 1

OHERALDO

Pg 10 Govt cannot ban exports with retrospective effect: HC

PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

In a significant order, the Bom-

BIZ

GOA, THURSDAY, 21 APRIL, 2011

bay High Court has held that the Union Government cannot

ban exports of any product with restrospective effect and further said that such restriction cannot be applied to concluded contracts where letters of credit were opened prior to the imposition of the ban.

The order was passed on a petition filed by Parag Milk Foods Pvt Ltd challenging the Government notification issued on February 18 this year, banning export of milk products to meet the demand in domestic market.

"We way of interim relief, we direct the respondents (Government) to permit Parag Milk Foods Pvt Ltd to export 414 metric tonnes of skimmed milk powder in accordance with the concluded contract supplied by irrevocable letters of credit issued on February 17 this year, a day before the ban was im-

SRS obtains Sebi nod for its iPO

posed," observed a bench headed by Chief Justice Mohit Shah.

The bench further ruled that in case the petitioners were not able to make any shipping arrangement for export of 414 metric tonnes of milk powder, it would be open to them to take necessary steps for extending the date of shipment and the letters of credit for this purpose.

The judges, however, said "We make it clear that it will be open for the Union of India to file further affidavit in reply if it finds that any of the letters of credit relied upon by the petitioner in this petition were actutally not opened prior to February 18 when the ban was imposed".

Petitioner's Counsel Prafulla Shah pleaded that Parag food products was not challenging the ban on exports of milk powder but was questioning the government move to impose it with retrospective effect, particularly when the company had entered into a contract and opened a letter of credit with a foreign buyer.

The petitioner argued that it had entered into two contracts for sale of milk powder to foreign buyer under the concluded contract opened by the latter (foreign buyer) and that the company was required to export metric tonnes of milk powder before April 25, 2011 and ship another quantity of 700 metric tonnes by June 15 this year.

PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

ONGC FPO by July: Ministry PTI KALOL (GUJARAT), APRIL 20

The over Rs 11,000 crore follow-on public offer (FPO) of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is likely to hit markets between June and July this year, a top central government official said here today.

"The ONGC's Rs 11,000 crore FPO is likely to hit the markets between first and second quater of this year say between June or July," Ministry of Oil and Petroleum Natural Gas (MoPNG) Secretary S Sundareshan told newsmen.

He was speaking on the sidelines of an event organized here to mark 50 years of celebrations of ONGC's Ahmedabad Asset in Gujarat.

The FPO was originally proposed to open around March

15 last year, but has been rescheduled.

"The Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) of the FPO is now scheduled to be filed with the market regulator SEBI somewhere in May," a ONGC official said.

The Government will be selling close to 5 per cent stake in ONGC, and post offer its stake holding would come down to 69.14 per cent from the current 74.14 per cent, he said.

"The sale of 427.77 million equity shares will fetch the gov-

PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Across-the-board buying pushed up the BSE Sensex by 349 points today to 19,470.98 on heavy capital inflows amid forecast of normal monsoon for this year and firm global markets.

Buying was so robust that all the 13 sectoral indices closed in the green as auto, IT, metal and banking segments made big gains.

Experts said investors chose to ignore a string of negatives like arrests of senior officials of telecom firms in 2G spectrum allocation scam, inflation and high oil prices. The BSE 30-share barometer resumed with upside gap at 19,274.21 and remained in the positive terrain throughout the session to settle at 19,470.98, a net rise of 349.15 points or 1.83 per cent over yesterday's close.

Aban Offshor, 668.5, 686.65, 667.3, 682.65 Abb Ltd., 816, 835.05, 815.95, 832.65 Abg Shipyard, 389.5, 398.6, 384.45, 396.1 Acc Limited, 1111, 1115.05, 1096, 1106.95 Adani Enterp, 640, 655, 628, 650.5 Aditya Birla, 900, 900, 886.35, 890.55 Allahabad Ba, 219.35, 222.5, 217.05, 218.65 Alstom Proje, 581.8, 613.5, 581, 610.3 Ambuja Cemen, 150.8, 155.2, 150.75, 154.4 Andhra Bank, 143.9, 145.9, 143.1, 145.05 Ashok Leylan, 53.1, 54.85, 52.4, 54.55 Asian Paints, 2599.95, 2620, 2555.15, 2568.8 Axis Bank Li, 1422, 1452.8, 1415, 1448 Bajaj Hindus, 79.5, 82.25, 79.5, 81.35 Bank Of Baro, 980.5, 989.95, 975, 985.9 Bank Of Indi, 486.85, 489.9, 478.9, 483.15 Beml Limited, 728.8, 730, 717.5, 723.05 Bharat Elect, 1834.95, 1865, 1834.95, 1860.8 Bharat Forge, 355.45, 360.5, 351.15, 356.95 Bharat Petro, 606, 619.9, 599.25, 617.65 Bharti Airte, 377.3, 386.5, 375.4, 380.55 Bhel, 2156.95, 2159.45, 2136.25, 2151.4 Bhushan Stee, 525, 526, 515.35, 519.35 Biocon Limit, 364.8, 372.5, 361.6, 371.4 Bombay Dyein, 389.8, 400, 389.8, 395.2

Bosch Limite, 6349, 6524.7, 6300, 6405.05 Brigade Ente, 95.2, 103.3, 95.2, 99.3 Cairn India, 345.7, 349.1, 345.7, 348.85 Canara Bank, 661.7, 665.25, 658.05, 661 Central Bank, 140.05, 144.9, 137, 144.15 Century Text, 365.85, 372.3, 363.5, 370.2 Cesc Ltd, 310.9, 313.5, 307.45, 310.6 Chambal Fert, 86, 87, 84.4, 85.4 Chennai Petr, 226.45, 229.6, 224.1, 224.85 Cipla Ltd, 319.2, 323.8, 316.2, 322.05 Colgate Palm, 880, 919, 878.1, 909.6 Container Co, 1290, 1290, 1192.6, 1199.95 Crompton Gre, 283, 287.4, 276.7, 281.1 Cummins Indi, 696, 711.9, 687.05, 709.25 Dabur India, 102.3, 103.5, 101.9, 102.95 Deccan Chron, 82.3, 84.45, 81.7, 82.85 Dish Tv Indi, 67, 68.65, 67, 68.1 Divi’s Labor, 688.85, 702, 686.35, 692.1 Dlf Limited, 238.15, 243.9, 236.55, 242.9 Dr. reddy’s, 1630.1, 1681.45, 1624.3, 1676.6 Edelweiss Ca, 38.5, 38.9, 36.6, 38.1 Educomp Solu, 464.85, 469, 456, 466.35 Eih Limited, 90.15, 90.7, 89.3, 89.95 Engineers In, 296.8, 298, 294.85, 295.45 Essar Oil Lt, 132.5, 139.8, 132.1, 138.5

Essar Shippi, 98.8, 103.25, 98.6, 103.25 Exide Indust, 141.8, 143.8, 140.5, 141.55 Federal Bank, 455.05, 457.35, 442, 447.9 Financial Te, 871.05, 881.7, 860.1, 869.55 Gail (india), 475, 480.8, 470.45, 478.8 Gammon India, 122.2, 122.2, 119.05, 120.15 Glaxosmithkl, 2125, 2132, 2093.2, 2114.15 Glenmark Pha, 296.75, 296.75, 291.5, 293.05 Gmr Infrastr, 40.5, 41.7, 40.45, 41.3 Godrej Indus, 184.3, 188.1, 184.25, 185.85 Grasim Indus, 2406, 2429.7, 2371.55, 2416.65 Great Offsho, 287, 293, 285.25, 287.85 Gtl Infra.Lt, 36.55, 37.1, 36.4, 36.7 Gujarat Mine, 143.8, 143.8, 139.5, 142.8 Gujarat N R, 56.05, 56.9, 55.6, 56.55 Gujarat Stat, 100.95, 101.1, 99.5, 100.45 Gvk Pow. & I, 27.45, 27.55, 26.7, 27.1 Hcl Technolo, 501.5, 526, 501.5, 522.85 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2360.55, 2389, 2348, 2371.95 Hdfc Ltd, 701.7, 716.65, 695, 715 Hero Honda M, 1722.9, 1749.7, 1701.1, 1742.6 Hindalco in, 206.35, 215.3, 206.25, 214.35 Hindustan Co, 37.5, 38.35, 37.5, 38.1 Hindustan Ma, 67.4, 67.9, 65.6, 66.1 Hindustan Pe, 375, 382.4, 371.55, 379.05

ernment in excess of Rs 11,000 crore," a ONGC official said.

Six merchant bankers-Bank of America Corp, Nomura Holdings, HSBC Holdings Plc, JM Financial Services, Citigroup Inc and Morgan Stanley-have already been appointed to manage the FPO.

Tata Power launches Green drive PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Tata Power Company (TPC), today launched a campaign titled 'My Mumbai, Green Mumbai' wherein it has partnered with leading consumer brands to offer energy-efficient products at large discounts under its demand side management (DSM) efforts which would help consumers save on costs by up to 50%.

TPC has partnered with manufacturers of energy-efficient appliances such as Havell's India for ceiling fans, OSRAM, a Siemens Company for T5 tube lights and Carrier India for ACs, a release issued here said.

"With the launch of this initiative we are confident that our efforts will not only benefit our customers in terms of significant reduction in their monthly bills but will also enable them to make Mumbai a greener city," the company's executive director (Operations), S Padmanabhan, said.

Interestingly, the company's rival Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) had last month launched a similar campaign titled 'Change for Mumbai' to distribute energy-efficient electrical appliances and gadgets to its consumers at discounted rates.

The release said that the energy-efficient appliances would help residential and industrial consumers save energy and cost by around 30-50%.

Sensex spurts 349 points

SRS Ltd, a company into cinema exhibition, food and beverages, retail and manufacturing and retailing of jewellery, said that it has obtained SEBI approval for its IPO. The company is now in the process of filing its RHP, it said in a press release issued here.

SRS Ltd will issue 35,000,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each, constituting 25.13 per cent of the post-issue share capital of the company.

The objective of the issue is to raise funds for setting up of cinemas, food courts and restaurants. The company also plans to set-up retail stores, jewellery manufacturing facility and jewellery retail stores, the release said.

Hindustan Un, 278.95, 284.6, 278, 284.1 Hindustan Zi, 145.85, 147.9, 144.8, 147.25 Housing Dev, 181.3, 185.35, 180.8, 184.15 Icici Bank L, 1103.7, 1113.9, 1095, 1112.35 Idea Cellula, 69.95, 69.95, 67.85, 68.3 Ifci Ltd, 56.3, 56.3, 53.3, 53.95 India Cement, 103.2, 103.25, 100.9, 101.55 India Infoli, 73, 73.8, 72.5, 73.3 Indiabulls F, 170.25, 177.35, 169.4, 176 Indiabulls R, 144.55, 152.65, 144.2, 149.6 Indian Bank, 236.9, 240.9, 233.55, 238.9 Indian Hotel, 87.9, 88.25, 86.05, 86.7 Indian Oil C, 332, 335.4, 330.05, 333.85 Indian Overs, 153.55, 156.7, 153.4, 155.65 Indus Dev Ba, 150.25, 152.05, 147.45, 149.8 Indusind Ban, 278.75, 281.8, 276.1, 279 Infosys Tech, 2919, 2927.9, 2891, 2907.3 Infra. dev., 159.65, 160.2, 156.25, 158.6 Ispat Indust, 23.3, 23.55, 22.85, 23 Itc Ltd, 188.75, 191.3, 187.5, 190.6 Ivrcl Infras, 87.8, 90.25, 87.8, 89.9 Jai Corp Lim, 184.4, 187.45, 180.1, 183.9 Jaiprakash A, 98.2, 101.25, 97.2, 100.85 Jet Airways, 488, 497.6, 481.3, 487.95 Jindal Saw L, 202.7, 207.25, 200.15, 206.35

BOARD MEETINGS Aditya Birla Money Hindustan Zinc Ram Kaashyap Honeywell Auto Raymond Chowgule Steam IL&FS Invest Mgrs RIL Coromandel Intl Jindal Steel Saurashtra Cem Dhruv Estates Mindtree TCS Nestle India Foseco India Noida Toll Zensar Tech Premier Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA ING MUTUAL FUND has launched ING Optimix Financial Planning Fund. It is an open ended fund of funds scheme and the NFO scheme NAV is set at Rs 10 per unit. The NFO will remain open from April 19, 2011 to May 3, 2011. The fund gives four plans/options as per the investors’ risk profile namely cautious, conservative, prudent and aggressive and each offering a different mix of asset classes. In addition, the fund can also take exposure in liquid funds, debt fund, equity funds and gold ETFs. The benchmark and its allocation patterns are set accordingly to replicate the risk profile plan. For instance, in cautious plan, allocation to Crisil Liquid Fund Index is 70 per cent and remaining in Crisil Bond Fund Index.

In case of conservative plan, 20 per cent is allocated to S&P CNX Nifty Index, 44 per cent to CRISIL Liquid Fund Index, 24 per cent to Crisil Bond Fund Index and 12 per cent to INR price of Gold.

The exit load in every plan varies, for instance, cautious plan has 0.50 per cent exit load if redeemed within and including 6 months from the date of allotment. In conservative plan, the load is 1 per cent if redeemed within and including 1 year from the date of allotment.

RELIGARE MUTUAL FUND has announced change in its key personnel. Anil Saxena has been appointed as an Associate Director on the Board of Religare Trustee Company Ltd with effect from April 5, 2011. He has around 18 years of experience in financial services industry. Also there has been change in the fund management team. Krishna Cheemalapati who has 13 years of experience in fixed income market has been designated as a fund manager for Religare Liquid Fund with effect from April 25, 2011. Dhimant Kothari has joined as a manager of fund management-equity in Religare Asset Management Company Ltd with effect from April 6, 2011. He has got more than 6 years of experience in mutual fund industry and equity research.

IPO CORNER

Paramount Printpackaging iPO closes April 25 PANJIM (HBD) -- Paramount Printpackaging Limited, a company operating fully automated manufacturing plant at Navi Mumbai, proposes to enter capital markets on April 20, 2011 with a public issue of 1,30,94,175 equity shares of Rs 10 each through a book building process.

The issue closes on April 25, 2011 and the price band has been fixed at Rs 32 to Rs 35 per equity share of Rs 10 each. The issue will constitute 49.04% of the fully diluted post issue paid-up capital of the company. The equity shares will be listed on the NSE and the BSE. Onelife Capital Advisors Limited is the Book Running Lead Manager to the issue and Sharepro Services (India) Pvt Ltd is the registrar to the issue. ICRA Ltd has graded the issue at 2/5.

The Paramount Printpackaging proposes to deploy the net proceeds of the Issue for setting up new facilities for manufacturing of high end duplex board cartons, shippers and printed corrugated boxes at Gujarat as well as augment its long term working capital requirements. The Gujarat project is expected to be completed in Q3 of FY 2011-12.

The company at present has the capacity to convert approximately 500 tons of paper board every month, which in terms of finished products works out to an average of 20 lakh cartons a day. It has diversified further by offering innovative packaging solutions to its clients. Paramount Printpackaging caters to over 100 clients in various sectors such as FMCG, pharma, electricals, auto ancillary and food and beverages. The proposed Gujarat plant will add high end duplex board carton capacity by 15 lakh cartons per day, along with 5 tonnes per day of shippers and 7 lakh tones per day of printed corrugated cartons.

The total income of the Paramount Printpackaging Ltd was Rs 46.94 crore and profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 1.65 crore for FY 200910. The total income for the first 9 months of FY 2010-11 ended 31st December 2010 was Rs 43.58 crore and PAT was Rs 1.71 crore.

Jindal Steel, 665, 685.25, 665, 676.75 Jsw Steel Li, 942, 975, 942, 970.15 Kotak Mahind, 446.25, 461.8, 443.55, 460.35 Lakshmi Mach, 2438.95, 2438.95, 2400, 2410.35 Lanco Infrat, 42, 42.75, 41.25, 41.9 Larsen & Tou, 1720.1, 1726.6, 1680.9, 1706.15 Lic Housing, 230, 233.1, 226.4, 230 Lupin Limite, 410, 418.8, 410, 417.05 Mahanagar Te, 48.5, 49, 47.5, 48.05 Mahindra & M, 734.9, 770, 733, 763.25 Maruti Suzuk, 1258, 1270.1, 1250.1, 1265 Max India Lt, 155, 162, 155, 158.5 Moser-baer (, 46.5, 46.5, 44.85, 45.75 Mrpl, 72.95, 73.5, 71.8, 72.45 Nagarjuna Fe, 32.25, 32.4, 31.25, 31.7 National Alu, 96.2, 96.45, 94.95, 95.95 Neyveli Lign, 113, 113.9, 112.15, 112.9 Ntpc Ltd, 184.8, 187.45, 184, 186.95 Oil And Natu, 290.6, 297.05, 290.6, 295.2 Omaxe Limite, 136, 137.75, 133.1, 134 Oriental Ban, 367.05, 372, 362, 367.95 Pantaloon Re, 265.8, 275, 265.25, 273.85 Parsvnath De, 45.45, 46.5, 45.1, 45.45 Petronet Lng, 133.25, 133.9, 129.1, 130.7 Power Fin Co, 244.85, 246, 235.9, 236.95

Power Grid C, 104.75, 104.75, 103.1, 104.25 Praj Industr, 76.5, 77.8, 76.1, 77.4 Punj Lloyd L, 74.2, 74.6, 71.75, 73.15 Punjab Natio, 1199, 1211.75, 1183.1, 1206.2 Rajesh Expor, 99, 101.7, 97.3, 99.8 Ranbaxy Labs, 458.6, 467.8, 458.6, 465.9 Rashtriya Ch, 87, 87.15, 85, 85.4 Reliance Cap, 609.15, 609.7, 586.2, 602.05 Reliance Com, 108.55, 109.45, 101.6, 105.8 Reliance Ene, 1097, 1111.1, 1097, 1104.54 Reliance Ind, 657.4, 665, 647.35, 655.65 Reliance Ind, 1016, 1030.5, 1008.2, 1025.9 Reliance Pow, 129.2, 130, 125.55, 128.8 Rolta India, 146, 148.95, 145.75, 147.9 Satyam Compu, 73.8, 75.05, 73.05, 73.95 Sesa Goa Ltd, 309.6, 311.95, 303.75, 308.45 Shipping Cor, 114.6, 115.45, 114.4, 114.75 Siemens Ltd, 838, 859.9, 835.5, 855.55 Sintex Indus, 168.3, 176.1, 164.6, 174.3 Sobha Develo, 300.05, 303.45, 295.15, 299.8 State Bank O, 2752.05, 2802, 2723.55, 2795.15 Steel Author, 171, 174.9, 169.85, 174.2 Sterlite Ind, 172, 175.1, 171.7, 174.75 Sun Pharmace, 445.15, 447, 439, 445.9 Sun Tv Netwo, 425.55, 429.6, 411.05, 422.85

Suzlon Energ, 55.4, 57.65, 54.65, 57.4 Tata Communi, 257.55, 261.45, 255.6, 258.75 Tata Consult, 1179.8, 1224, 1179.55, 1218.7 Tata Motors, 1214.7, 1255.55, 1214.1, 1251.75 Tata Power C, 1298.05, 1330.25, 1298.05, 1326.45 Tata Steel L, 616, 626.5, 615.8, 624.5 Tata Teleser, 17.5, 17.75, 17.1, 17.6 Tech Mahindr, 705.5, 726.8, 705.5, 723.8 The Ge Shpg., 281.05, 284, 276.3, 279.8 The Phoenix, 199.3, 202, 199.3, 200.7 Thermax Ltd, 656, 720, 656, 666.95 Titan Indust, 3950, 4076, 3950, 4057.5 Torrent Powe, 253.05, 254.45, 251, 251.7 Triveni Engg, 96.35, 105.3, 96.35, 104.8 Tv18 India L, 80.55, 82.3, 79.35, 81.85 Uco Bank, 119.35, 121.4, 117.2, 119.7 Ultratech Ce, 1023.1, 1048.8, 1007, 1019.35 Union Bank O, 338.95, 342.4, 331.5, 333.6 Unitech Ltd, 42.8, 43.9, 39.4, 40.45 United Phosp, 159, 162.85, 158.1, 160.25 Videocon Ind, 197.9, 197.9, 193.1, 195 Vijaya Bank, 90.9, 93.1, 90, 92.8 Voltas Ltd, 173.3, 177.5, 172.9, 173.5 Wipro Ltd, 452, 465.8, 452, 463.65 Yes Bank Lim, 326.6, 333.5, 324.15, 331.1 Zee Entertai, 135.8, 138, 132.7, 134

OHERALDO

Pg 13 GOA, THURSDAY 21 APRIL, 2011

Japan may ban entry around crippled N-plant PTI TOKYO/FUKUSHIMA, APRIL 20

Japan may for the first time designate as "off-limits" the 20-km evacuation zone around the tsunami-damaged Fukushima nuclear plant, amid concerns over radiation risks to residents who have been returning temporarily to collect their belongings.

Premier Naoto Kan, who is to visit Fukushima prefecture where the crippled plant is located as early as tomorrow, is expected to announce that his government would soon impose an order to prohibit people from entering the exclusion zone around the facility, government sources were quoted as saying

by Kyodo news agency today.

The government is considering designating the 20-km area

around the plant, which has already been covered by an evacuation directive after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, as off-limits within a week, the sources said.

The measure is aimed at enhancing government control of the area, where evacuees have been temporarily returning home on their own to collect belongings despite fears of radiation, which continues to leak from the crisis-hit Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Also, workers of the plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), engaged in efforts to stabilise the crisis-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, are at risk of depression or death from overwork, a doctor who

recently saw them was quoted as saying.

TEPCO said the level of highly radioactive water filling up one of the underground tunnels at the site has dropped by one centimetre, a day after the critical work to pump out the liquid was launched as part of efforts to restore key cooling functions of its troubled reactors That amounts to a reduction of 210 tonnes of the water in the tunnel, pumped out at a rate of 10 tonnes per hour, national broadcaster NHK said.

TEPCO is aiming to remove a total of 25,000 tonnes of the contaminated water out of the No.2 reactor turbine building basement and connecting tunnel to the nearby processing facility.

Krishna discusses bilateral ties with Nepal PTI KATHMANDU, APRIL 20

India today affirmed its commitment to Nepal's peace process and Constitution-drafting during talks between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Deputy Premier Bharat Mohan Adhikary that also covered bilateral economic cooperation.

Krishna, who is here on a three-day visit, and Adhikary, also Nepal's Finance Minister, discussed the entire gamut of Nepal–India relations during their talks here.

Issues like economic cooperation, trade and investment, Nepal's peace process and Constitution-drafting figured prominently during the meeting.

India renewed its commitment to Nepal's peace process and Constitution-drafting, Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai, who was also present during the talks, said.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand trade and investment, he said.

Oz teenager pleads guilty to killing Indian student PTI MELBOURNE, APRIL 20

A Jewish settler boy throws rocks at Palestinian protesters, not seen, during clashes over farming land between the Jewish settlement of Bracha and the nearby West Bank village of Burin, near Nablus.

850 killed in uprising, Mubarak ordered firing, says Panel PTI CAIRO, APRIL 20

The noose around Egypt's ousted ailing President Hosni Mubarak appeared to be tightening with a government fact finding mission, in damning strictures holding him responsible for use of live ammunition to break up three week long popular uprising in which it said 850 people were killed.

The report by a panel of judges today said the police forces fired directly at the protesters aiming for "head and chest" and later armoured vehicles were ordered to run them over and the authorisation for this brutal use of force could be traced ultimately to Mubarak himself.

The report made public put the death toll in the three week long uprising that toppled long serving Mubarak and electrified the region at least 850, more than twice that of previous official estimates banded about

by Mubarak associates.

With the judges pointing an

accusing finger at Mubarak himself, the toppled President, currently in detention in a military hospital after complaints of heart trouble could face execution or life in jail according to the state media.

Zakaria Shalash, head of the Cairo's Appeal's Court was quoted by official al-Ahram newspaper as saying that Mubarak may face execution after a trial, if he is found guilty of ordering killings of protesters during the January popular uprising.

The judge said, that such a trial could be last upto a year.

Mubarak and his two sons are facing investigations on charges of corruption and abuse of

power.

"Mubarak and his two sons Alaa and Gamal have been detained for 15 days for questioning on corruption and abuse of authority charges," official news agency MENA reported quoting a statement from the Justice Ministry.

"The fatalities were due to firing bullets at the head and chest", the report said adding that besides the killings they were huge number of eye injuries with hundreds of people filling hospitals and losing their sights.

The panel held Mubarak ultimately responsible for the killing of the protesters since his interior minister Habib el-Adly- currently being held in jail - had issued the orders to open fire.

Omar Marwan, the head of the commission said the report was based on accounts of 17,058 officials and eyewitnesses along with 800 video clops and pictures obtained from the individuals who were present at the protest.

The panel cites the attempt of the former president to pass on presidency to his son as one of the main reasons for the popular uprising besides corruption, oppression and poverty.

Mubarak's sons and his close aides are all locked up in Egypt's infamous Tora prison, south of the capital. The former Health and Labour ministers were questioned yesterday and the prosecutors even quizzed the former vice president Omar Suleiman about Mubarak's wealth and activities during the protest.

In other disclosures, the panel said security officials had colluded in orchestrating prison breaks to de-stabilise the country.

The judges however said that they could not conclusively identify the causes of the unexplained withdrawal of police from the streets in Cairo and elsewhere in the country in the wake of deadly clashes between security forces and protesters on January 28.

A 16-year-old boy today pleaded guilty to killing Indian student Nitin Garg, a crime which threatened Australia's ties with India.

The teenager, whose identity has not been revealed, appeared in Supreme court where he pleaded guilty to one count of murder and one count of attempted armed robbery in the killing of Garg.

21-year-old Garg, who migrated from Punjab, was fatally stabbed in the abdomen by assailants in Cruickshank Park in Melbourne's Yarraville while on his way to work in January last year. The teenager's friend was sentenced to 18 months probation last year after agreeing to testify against the murderer in a trial and pleading guilty to accessory to murder.

Yemeni police kill 3 ahead of talks AFP SANAA, APRIL 20

Three people were shot dead in Yemen today -- one a passerby -- as security forces opened fire to disperse protesters calling for the ouster of embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The latest killings came as a Yemeni government delegation was in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi for talks with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers to discuss an exit plan proposed by the oil-rich bloc.

In the Yemeni capital Sanaa, medics said two protesters was shot dead and hundreds more were wounded, mostly by tear gas, when security forces dispersed an anti-Saleh march.

Earlier, police killed one man and wounded several other people when they shot at antiregime demonstrators in the Wadi al-Qadi district of Taez, the second most-populated city of Yemen, south of Sanaa, according to witnesses.

"We have one dead, identified as NasserGahtan, and five wounded by live fire, as well as hundreds of people suffering from tear gas inhalation," said a doctor in Sanaa.

Over 50 killed in Nigeria violence PTI ABUJA, APRIL 20

Close on the heels of incumbent Goodluck Jonathan emerging victorious in Presidential polls in Nigeria, more than 50 people have been killed and thousands displaced in post-election riots in the country's Muslim-dominated north, witnesses said today.

People protesting the victory of Jonathan burnt homes, churches and police stations.

Anti-riot policemen and the military were deployed in the streets following rioting.

Riots broke out in the north after Jonathan, a Christian from the south was declared winner on Monday of a landmark vote that exposed regional tensions and led to the deadly rioting.

Jonathan secured 60.02 per cent of the vote and easily beat his northern rival, ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, who had only 30 per cent.

More than 50 people have been killed with many wounded in rioting in states of Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, Niger, Borno, Ji-

gawa, and Nasarawa, eyewitnesses and hospital sources told PTI. An estimated 25,000 have been displaced and some 375 wounded, according to the Red Cross.

24-hours curfew was imposed in Kaduna and Kano while limited restrictions of movement were enforced in the remaining states as Buhari's supporters took to the street violently protesting the results of the elections.

"I saw up to 30 bodies on the ground as I was returning from the market. But now, we have been forced to stay indoors and supplies have run out. We cannot get anything to eat," Zainab Audu, a resident of Kaduna said.

"The rioters burnt mosques, churches and houses. They killed people and it was difficult to sleep in the night because every now and then people banged on our door asking us to run out to avoid being caught in any possible inferno that may result from house burning," she added.

A woman holds a tea bag with the portrait of Kate Middleton on Wednesday in Hamburg, northern Germany. The tea speciality "Kate & William" depicts Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate on its bags and is being created at a Hamburg backyard. The Royal Wedding of William and Kate will take place on April 29 at Westminster Abbey in London.

Americans need not visit India for cheap health care: Obama PTI WASHINGTON, APRIL 20

With spiraling health care cost a cause of concern in America, US President Barack Obama today pushed for an affordable health care arguing that he would not like his countrymen to travel to countries like India and Mexico for cheaper treatment.

"My preference would be that you don't have to travel to Mexico or India to get cheap health care. I'd like you to be able to get it right here in the United States of America that's high quality," Obama said amidst applause at a community college in Virginia.

Obama was responding to a question from the audience on increasing health care cost in the US. "Before we went on the path of you can go somewhere else to get your health care, let's work to see if we can reduce the costs of health care here in the United States of America.

That's going to make a big difference," he said.

"And Medicare is a good place to start because Medicare is such a big purchaser that if we can start changing how the health care system works inside of Medicare, then the entire system changes. All the doctors, all the hospitals, they will all adapt to these best practices," Obama said.

"One of the things that we want to do as part of our health care reform package is let's start doing a better job of negotiating better prices for prescription drugs here in the United States so that you don't feel like you're getting cheated because you're paying 30 per cent more or 20 per cent more than prescription drugs in Canada or Mexico," he said.

Re-importation, he said, is a short-term solution that a lot of seniors are resorting to. "But why should drugs that are invented here in the United States end up being more expensive than another country?" he asked.

"Well, the reason is, is because drug companies can get away with it here and they can't get away with it there, and we should change some of those systems to make it cheaper for everybody here. But that's going to make a huge difference in terms of reducing our deficit," he noted.

Qaeda claims Syria arrests ‘opponent’ responsibility after TV interview upon General Abdo Khodr alfor Algeria Tellawi, his two children and his Syrian authorities arrested nephew, and killed them in cold attack AFP DAMASCUS, APRIL 20

AFP DUBAI, APRIL 20

Al-Qaeda's North Africa branch on Wednesday claimed an attack on an Algerian army barracks in which 14 soldiers were killed, US-based SITE monitoring service said.

Al- Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed "the successful invasion that was carried out ... on a military barracks of the Algerian army" on the night of April 15, a SITE translation of a statement posted on jihadist forums said.

"The Mujahedeen were able to take full control over the barracks after they killed and injured 30 apostates," the statement said.

It added that an attacker was killed, saying that "the mujahedeen made the reception for brother Rabie as a martyr."

opposition figure Mahmud Issa in the restive city of Homs, hours after the cabinet approved a bill to rescind emergency rule, a rights activist said today.

"A patrol of the political security services arrested (regime) opponent Mahmud Issa on Tuesday night in Homs after he gave an interview to Al-Jazeera television," said Rami Abdel Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

In his interview, Issa spoke of the death of General Abdo Khodr al-Tellawi in the region of Homs and, according to Abdel Rahman, said he knew who carried out his murder and asked authorities to investigate and arrest them.

The official SANA news agency said yesterday that "armed criminal gangs... came

blood" and "mutilated" their bodies.

The regime of embattled President Bashar al-Assad's has blamed "a r m e d c r i m i n a l gangs" for deadly violence since pro-reform demonstrations erupted across Syria in mid-March.

Yesterday, his government approved a bill to rescind a decades-old emergency law and agreed to abolish the state security court. The bill will now go before parliament, which is not due to meet until after May 2.

The cabinet also approved a bill regulating demonstrations, only hours after the interior minister imposed a total ban on political gatherings and after security forces fired on protesters in the central city of Homs, killing four.

Pg 14

SPORTS

GOA, Thursday, 21 April 2011

SC Davorlim enter semis HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 20

Sporting Club of Davorlim defeated Chicalim Youth Club 2-1 to march into the semi-finals of AllGoa Conceicao Colaco memorial inter-village football tournament organised by Shooting Stars Club of Colleavaddo at Assolna ground, on Wednesday. The teams were locked 1-1 at half time.

Davorlim were dominant throughout and had lion share of exchanges and drew first blood in the very second minute when striker Venson Figuereido bulged the net from close range.

Stung by the setback, Chicalim tried their best and levelled the score in the 25th

minute when striker Joel M picked the ball from his own half and out paced a couple of defenders and fired home.

Stunned by the equalizer, Davorlim created many forays in the rival territory but their efforts were nullified by rival defenders.

Crossing over, the teams showed greater urgency and went all out attacking, there was plenty of action at either goal.

Midway, Davorlim upped the tempo with spirited display from man-of-the-match striker Venson Figureido who tormented the rival defence with sporadic raids.

Midfielder Parryson Rebello struck the match-winner just before the final call.

Adarsh pip Calangute

Wilred Leisure down SM Taleigao

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, APRIL 20

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 20

Adarsh Yuvak Sangh defeated Calangute Association 2-1 in the inaugural match of 20th late V M Salgaocar Trophy inter-village football tournament organised

by Saligao Sporting Club at Saligao ground on Wednesday.

There was no score at half time.

Adarsh shot into the lead through Merwyn Britto. They doubled the lead through Siddesh Kesarkar.

Blake Haldankar reduced the margin for Calangute.

Wilred Leisure Sports Club, Curtorim came from behind to defeat Clube Sao Minguel de Taleigao 3-1 in GFA’s Second Division inter-district play-off at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday. The teams were tied 1-1 at half time.

Sao Minguel began in right earnest and held sway over their opponents during the first 20 minutes. They created many openings and unsettled their opponents with well orches-

trated raids.

Wilred Leisure took time to settle down and once they struck the rhythm, they called the shots against Taleigao’s citadel.

Wilred Leisure nearly found success early when striker Sertorio Monteiro muffed a sitter with only Teleigao goalkeeper Francis Fernandes at his mercy.

He shot wide after being fed by Peter Pereira inside the rival box.

At the other end, Sao Minguel nearly scored but Stalin Baptista’s rasping drive hit a rival’s

leg and went out.

Sao Minguel shot into the lead in the 20th minute when striker Wesceslau Rebello, who chested the ball well off a chip from Bobby Crasto and the former unleashed a snap shot beating Wilred’s keeper Muhamad Shaikh.

Stung by the setback, Wilred Leisure regrouped quickly and came close but midfielder Jameson Noronha’s snap shot missed the target narrowly.

Striker Sertorio atoned for his earlier miss, as he fired home

Francisco Sardinha, MP was unanimously elected president of Goa Masters Athletic Association at its general body meeting at T B Cunha hall on Saturday.

Pratapsingh Rane remains its life patron-in-chief.

V V Vernekar and Gurudas Natekar were elected senior vice-presidents.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, APRIL 20

Paresh Morje scored a second half, brace to give Goa Police Sports Club a 3-1 victory over Curtorim Gymkhana in GFA’s Second Division inter-zonal playoff. Police led by a solitary goal at the breather.

Eight minutes into the second half, in a desperate attempt to equalise, Curtorim’s Melvin Fernandes punched the ball over the Police goalkeeper and into the back of the net. The referee had to check with his assistant before booking the player.

Police seemed to take the fight to Curtorim, right from the kick off and their defence acted like a human shield, breaking down their opponent’s attacks.

Curtorim showed creativity

Other office bearers: Herculano Dourado (vice-president, J Robert (vice-president), Joao Rodrigues (vice-president), Jaya Kulkarni (vice-president). Anita Rodrigues (general secretary).

Costao Fernandes (jt secretary).

Joseph Aguiar (treasurer). Rosalia Barretto (assistant treasurer).

Members: Martin Pires, Satish Verencar, Sally Dias, Inacio Figuereido, Ana Juliet Abraham and S Kodoli.

AIFF may act tough on Sunil Chhetri

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, APFRIL 20

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken strong exception to Sunil Chhetri’s remarks against the National Federation on the issue of National team coach Bob Houghton on twitter.

Reacting strongly to Sunil’s tweet that, ‘It’ll be a shame if he has to leave,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said: “The AIFF is extremely perturbed and concerned that National team players

are making such unnecessary comments relating to AIFF’s functioning and on the issue of coach Bob Houghton as well.”

“The matter will certainly be discussed at AIFF’s next Executive Committee meeting and action may be taken, if necessary.”

On Tuesday, Sunil’s tweet read: “Thinking and analysing everything that Bob has done for us, in fact football in India, can't thank him enough! It ll be a shame if he has to leave and even worse, we charge him for racism. Havn’t seen a gentleman like him, leave behind the world class coaching and vast knowledge...sorry Bob!” Sunil was one among the seven players who had signed a memorandum accusing former team India manager Pradip Chowdhury, and was then issued a warning by the AIFF prior to the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year.

Das stressed, “The AIFF is also in the process of strengthening the Code of Conduct for the players as well as the officials and it would be implemented very soon.”

Leisure made repeated attacks at the rival goal and their efforts bore fruit in the 75th minute when striker Sertorio punished the rival keeper with a rasping volley off a pass from Nickson Castana.

The goal spurred Wilred Leisure to mount pressure on the rival citadel with substitute Xavier driving the last nail into Taleigao’s coffin.

Wilred Leisure could have won by a bigger margin had Nickson, Sertorio and Andrew not muffed easy sitters.

Police beat Curtorim Gym

Sardinha elected GMAA chief HEARLD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

after being put through a pass

by Andrew Colaco in the 43rd minute to put his team on equal terms.

Af ter resumption, Sao Minguel spurned the easiest chance of the day when striker Pramod Mardolkar muffed a sitter after being fed by Bobby.

Sao Minguel were denied a sure goal when substitute Diogo Dias’ smart header crashed at the horizontal bar much to the disappointment of Taleigao’s supporters.

After wake up calls, Wilred

at times, but did not have the pace to keep up with Police who have had the benefit of playing regular ninety minute matches over the last couple of months.

Right back Sudesh Naik crept forward to open the scoring for Goa Police with an outstanding strike as early as the eight minute.

In the 65th minute, Sudesh Kerkar played a neat through ball for Paresh Morje to pounce and double the lead for Police.

Thirteen minutes from time, Alvito Colaco bundled in the ball for Curtorim, after the Police defence failed to clear the danger.

Five minutes from the end, Police made the game safe when Paresh coolly rounded the Curtorim goalkeeper to slot home the winner.

Candolim bow out HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, APRIL 20

Mary Immaculate Girls High School, Panjim, winners of State level U-14 and U-17 yoga alongwith Hema Randhwa, PE teacher.

Chatur stars in Goa Velha win Jerry tricks for Orlim

l CDJ Ribandar rap officials following loss to Vasco HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, APRIL 20

A brace from Chatur Naik gave Goa Velha Sports Club a 3-0 victory over Paradise Sports Club in GFA’s U-18 Second Division at Batim ground on Wednesday.

Joy Gonsalves netted Goa Velha’s third in injury time.

At Tilak Maidan, Kalpesh Gadekar netted a hat-trick as Vasco routed CDJ Ribandar 6-2.

Jonathan Fonseca scored a

brace and Atish Mandrekar also netted for Vasco.

Rinson Pereira and Kunal Shetty were on target for Ribandar.

CDJ’s manager Alfred Fernandes charged referee Joaquim Crasto and assistant referee Ragunath Bhosave of not discharging their duties in an impartial manner, with the assistant referee failing to raise the flag twice as the Vasco players were

in an off-side position.

Alfred met both Blair Rodrigues as well as GFA Executive Committee member Lawrence Gomes at the ground to expresss total indignation at the standard of refereeing. “The youngsters feel cheated with biased refereeing and as such competent and efficient referees need to be appointed,” stressed Alfred who felt demoralised with the poor standard of supervision.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 20

A fine hat-trick by striker Jerry Fernandes enabled Orlim Sports Club to crush Salcete Football Club 50 in GFA’s U-18 Second Division at Orlim ground, on Wednesday.

Orlim led 2-0 at half time. Jaison D’Costa put his team upfront early.

Vivek Naik doubled the lead.

Jerry Fernandes single handedly demolished the rival cage and pumped three goals.

Tatvesh, Riddhi emerge U-11 State champs HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Margao lad Tatvesh Sawant drew in the 6th round and defeated Shane Braganza in the final round to clinch the boys title garnering 6.5 points out of 7 while Riddhi Pravin Zantye defeated overnight joint leader Aditee Prabhugaonkar in the penultimate round and settled for a draw playing the closed Sicilian against Urvi Bandeker in 18 moves to pocket 5.5 points in to claim the girls title in State U-11 chess tournament organised by Rotary Club of Margao in association with Goa Chess

The winners alongwith Adesh Karwardker, Sanjay Kavlekar, Ashesh Keni, Amrut Naik in Margao.

Association at Rotary hall, Margao, Sunday.

In the boys categor y, M

Bharath claimed the second place beating Nitish Belurkar.

He scored 6 points. The other

winners in the boys category: Nitish Belurkar 3rd place, 5.5 points, Raj Aryan Kuvelkar 4th with 5.5 points and Shane Braganza 5th with 5.0 points.

Aditee Prabhugaonkar defeated Swera Braganza in a long battle of Sicilian Sveshnikov lasting 50 moves to claim the 2nd spot. Urvi Bandeker came 3rd, Faziya Khan 4th and Aishwarya Thorat 5th.

Adesh Karwardker was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Ashesh Keni, president, GCA and other officials.

Calangute karate-do excel HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, APRIL 20

The Goa Karate-do Academy, Calangute affiliated to All-Goa Karate-Do Association, lived up to their reputation as the best dojo reigning supreme at the 1st All-Goa State karate championship at indoor stadium, Campal, Panjim, recently.

The State competition drew a tremendous response with 450 participants from different dojos and schools taking part in the

competition. The Calangute dojo led by Sensei Anthony Menezes emerged champs with a rich haul of 43 medals, 14 gold, 12 silver and 17 bronze medals.

Gold - Abieta Menezes, Shirisha Singurajula and Simran Batham (two gold each), Mrunali Kudalkar, Ryan Menezes, Andy Fernandes, Navin Nanoskar, Mahesh Shirodkar, Clandy Fernandes, Marina Fernandes and Croidin D’Cunha.

Silver – Pallavi Singarajula (two

silver), Poornima Shetty, Rakesh Singarajula, Sneydon Misquita, Natasha Gonsalves, Eustaquio Fernandes, Kim Braganza, Nahim Karkumiya, Mahesh Shirodkar, Marina Fernandes and Andrew Fernandes.

Bronze – Wendy Fernandes, Dharini Shetty and Gorretti Pinto (two bronze each), Gauresh Vengulkar, Lester Coutinho, Micailla Sequeira, Eustaquio Fernandes, Pritesh Arondekar, Sairaj Kudalkar, Clandy Fernandes, Madan

Kakule, Navin Nanoskar, Nahim Karkumya and Ryan Menezes.

Sensei Anthony Menezes, chief instructor of the Calangute karate-do academy stated that the tremendous response to the event was due to the State Sports Policy wherein participants are awarded grace marks.

SAG’s joint director coaching, Bruno Coutinho, inaugurated the event. Executive Director, SAG, V M Prabhudessai graced the closing ceremony.

The Goa Karate-do Academy medal winners alongwith sensei Anthony Menezes at Campal, Panjim, recently.

Saligao Sporting Club prevailed over Candolim Sports Club 6-5 via the sudden death to move into the semi-finals of Nerul Cup inter-village football tournament organised by United Club of Nerul at Dr Gustavo Monteiro

Stadium, Candolim, Wednesday.

In the penalties, Saligao Niazi Shaikh, S Clemente, Allan Gonsalves, Uday Naik, Purshottam Kavlekar and Johnny Menezes converted for Saligao while Samir Naik, Stanley D'Sliva, Joelif Simoes, Gaurish Shirodker and Sagar Bharkande found the mark for Candolim.

GOA DIARY

7-a-side soccer at Mashem

CANACONA (HC) -- Mashem Boys will organise their 7-a-side mini-lightning football tournament on May 1 at Babrem ground, Mashem. The winners will take home Rs 11,000 while the runners will have to be content with Rs 7,000. The last date to register is April 29. Details may be obtained from Cruz on 9822138511 or Glenit on 9823603990.

Cricket tourney at St Cruz

PANJIM (HSD) – M L Diamond Sports Club, Santa Cruz will organise their inter-ward cricket tournament at greenfield on April 24. The winners will be richer by Rs 3,000 while the runners-up will get Rs 2,000. Details may be obtained on 9225902072 or 9225906711.

3-a-side soccer at Ponda

PANJIM (HSD) -- Amigos de Ponda will organise their 24th AllGoa 3-a-side soccer tie-breaker tournament on April 24 at Mount Carmel chapel lawns, Ponda at 7 p.m. The winners will walk away with Rs 5,000 while the runners-up will get Rs 3,000. Spot entries will be accepted. Details may be obtained from Xavier Godinho on 9850477834 or Richard Caldeira on 9890555319.

Cricket tourney at Volroi

PANJIM (HSD) – Gajantlaxmi Cricketers, Volroi will organise their All-Goa floodlight cricket tournament from April 29 to May 1 at Mhavoo ground, Volroi. The winners will take home Rs 22,222 while the runners-up will have to be content with Rs 15,555.

The semi-finalists will get Rs 7,777 each. Details may be obtained from Gaurish on 9049444533 or Nandy on 9637505627.

Cricket tourney at Sapendra

PANJIM (HSD) – Mahadev Sports Club of Sapendra will organise their All-Goa cricket tournament on April 22 at Sripad ground, Sapendra. The winners and runners-up will get Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively. Details may be obtained from Prashant on 8007136152.

8-a-side soccer at Azosim

PANJIM (HSD) – St Mathew Boys of Azosim will organise their annual All-Goa 8-a-side open football tournament from April 23 onwards at Azosim ground. The winners will take home Rs 8,000 while the runners-up will have to be content with Rs 5,000.

Details may be obtained on 9764986613.

Cricket tourney at Collem

COLLEM (HC) -- Golden Sports and Cultural Club, Mollem will organise their All-Goa 12 overs tennis ball cricket tournament from April 27 to May 1 at Mollem village panchayat ground at 9 a.m. The winners and runners-up will pocket Rs 25,000 and Rs 15,000 respectively alongwith trophies. The semi-finalists will be awarded Rs 5,000. Only 16 entries will be accepted on firstcome-first-served basis. Details may be obtained from Gauresh Parkar on 9158849841 or Amar Pilgaonkar on 9423873699.

SPORTS

Pg 15

GOA, Thursday, 21 April 2011

WC winners United stalemate keeps title race alive wanted more cash AFP NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

India's World Cup-winning cricket team expected five times more cash than they received as a reward for their efforts from their governing body, a newspaper report said Wednesday.

India won the April 2 final, beating Sri Lanka at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium, in a result that unleashed more than a week of celebrations across the country.

After the stunning win, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awarded each member of the 15-man squad a bonus of 10 million rupees ($225,300).

But according to the Indian Express some players

of Edwin Van Der Sar, and Cheik Tiote smashed into those same gloves with a 25-yard drive just seconds later as the Magpies produced a pulsating spell.

It wasn't the start the league leaders had planned but they soon began to settle and Rooney broke free of marker Mike Williamson on the edge of the area only to lift his shot over both Krul and the crossbar on 19 minutes.

That frenetic opening gave way to a game of defensive containment, but it was Newcastle who finished the half the stronger of the sides.

Skipper Barton saw a 41stminute free-kick snaffled by Van Der Sar just inside his near post before Peter Lovenkrands headed wide when unmarked just eight yards out.

The second period began in much the same vein as the first and Ryan Giggs, like Lovenkrands just before the break, should have done better when heading wide of goal from an identical, close-range position.

Newcastle were being implored forward by a vociferous

requested 50 million rupees ($1,126,600) on the grounds that they deserved more.

"We are not greedy for the money," one anonymous player told the newspaper.

"But these (junior) players have made the BCCI rich and famous.

"There is no harm in asking for more especially since the Board will earn (millions) after India’s victory.

A player's life is very uncertain. Who knows what will happen next?"

The report stated that BCCI rejected the request.

However a string of state governments and private companies showered the team with plots of land, luxury houses and cash.

Manchester United’s English forward Wayne Rooney points at referee Lee Probert after Javier Hernandez was booked for yellow card in Newcastle.

AFP NEWCASTLE, APRIL 20

Manchester United failed to score at St James’ Park for the first time in 11 seasons as a goalless draw with Newcastle United kept alive the race for the Barclays Premier League title.

The Red Devils had the chance to move nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal with victory over Alan Pardew's midtable side.

But, with Sir Alex Ferguson serving the penultimate game of his five-match touchline ban, the visitors failed to bounce back from the disappointment of their weekend FA Cup semifinal defeat against rivals Man-

China whip India in Jr Davis Cup AGENCIES NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

23rd April 2011 NUVEM

L. I.

V.

E.

ARCHIES

India suffered a 0-3 drubbing at the hands of sixth seeds China to slump to their second consecutive defeat in the Junior Davis Cup Asia/Oceania qualifying round on Tuesday.

India, who went down 1-2 to Chinese Taipei in the first round robin match, will now fight to avoid relegation.

The home side, now placed third in Group D, play bottom placed Sri Lanka tomorrow to stay in the Asia-Oceania group.

Two teams from the group would qualify for the World Group.

In the first singles at Delhi Lawn Tennis Association here, India's number two Fatehdeep Singh went down to Ze-Yu Li 46, 3-6 in one hour and 35 minutes.

In the second singles, India's top player Sheikh Abdullah hung on for a while in the first set but was blown away by SiYu Liu in the second to lose 36, 0-6 in a one hour 15 minute match.

Garvit Batra and Fatehdeep Singh then lost to Ze-Yu Li and Zhi-Cheng Zhu in the inconsequential doubles 1-6, 2-6 in 55 minutes.

chester City.

Wayne Rooney was back from his two-match suspension for swearing down the lens of a TV camera, but it was another frustrating night for the England forward.

Kick off was delayed for a few seconds as Rooney's strike partner, Javier Hernandez, knelt on the halfway-line and completed his pre-match prayer routine. If the Mexican was praying for an early chance then he certainly got his wish.

After just 90 seconds Rooney broke down the left wing and delivered for what looked like a routine tap-in for Hernandez.

But Dutch goalkeeper Tim

Krul, in for the injured Steve Harper, read the unfolding danger and slid from his goal-line to smother at the feet of the frontman, much to the relief of the home crowd.

That relief, though, soon turned to excitement as the black and whites enjoyed a prolonged spell of attacking pressure.

First, Jonas Gutierrez danced by three red shirts before seeing a measured curler from 20 yards deflected wide off Nemanja Vidic.

Then, Shola Ameobi, stretching at the far post to connect with Joey Barton's deep centre, could only turn into the hands

Gayle picks IPL over West Indies AFP NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

West Indies opener Chris Gayle has chosen the lucrative Indian Premier League over his country, officials said Wednesday, prompting a damning reaction from his cricket board back home.

The attacking batsman will turn out for Royal Challengers Bangalore, owned by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, as a replacement for the injured Dirk Nannes.

Gayle had been under a treat-

ment programme run by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) after a strain suffered during the World Cup, but he signed up for the Bangalore outfit on Tuesday for the remainder of the IPL event.

Gayle had earlier refused a West Indies' central contract but was still in contention for games during Pakistan's tour, which starts on Thursday.

He was not bought at the IPL player auction in January because franchises feared he would be unavailable because the IPL clashed with the Pakistan tour.

"It's official now. The explosive Chris Gayle is now a part of the RC B s q u a d , " Mallya wrote on his Twitter page.

Pakistan will play one Twenty20, five ODIs and two Tests against We s t I n d i e s during their tour.

CSA dismisses IPL ‘missing funds’ claim

eng High Court, the cricket federation confirmed.

Nyoka was fired by the CSA board soon after Cricket South Africa (CSA) has refuted allegations he levelled the charges but was reinstated as the that funds amounting to more than one million president of the board on Friday after the court US dollars from the staging of the 2009 Indian found his dismissal unlawful and to be set aside.

Premier League tournament have disappeared Soon after the judgment was made, the federfrom its coffers. ation had announced that it CSA president Mtutuzeli n CSA president would appeal. The federation Nyoka had claimed that R68 reiterated that it had been Mtutuzeli Nyoka had million had disappeared from expected to provide funding claimed that R68 CSA funds and requested a to stadiums at certain costs million had probe into IPL bonuses worth on behalf of the IPL in a conR4.7 million that were paid duit capacity. disappeared from CSA to some CSA staffers.

"At the date of signing the funds and requested a CSA, in a statement on heads of agreement for the Tuesday, said that the money IPL, the anticipated stadium probe into IPL bonuses had been received from the running costs to be funded worth R4.7 million that Board of Control for Cricket via CSA was US $2.5 million. were paid to some CSA in India as the running cost "As per the agreement, of the Twenty20 league these costs were to be reimstaffers hosted by the country two bursed by the BCCI, thus no years back, media reported in Johannesburg on expense relating to the above was recorded in Wednesday. the books of CSA to the extent that the amounts "All cash relating to these costs were not in- were reimbursable and also stadium-related. cluded in the income statement of CSA as they However, any other expenses not in accordance were not part of CSA activities," CSA said. with the host agreement required that CSA wished "CSA merely acted as a conduit for BCCI. CSA acted to recover would need agreement by both CSA as a cash funding mechanism for the BCCI. These and BCCI. transfer ins and outs were recorded in an inter"The anticipated stadium cost well exceeded company account (not a suspense account)," it said. the agreed US $2.5 million and thus there were The claim of the "missing" funds had been further negotiations between CSA and the BCCI," made in an affidavit by Nyoka to the South Gaut- the federation emphasised.

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

home support and Lovenkrands saw a penalty appeal waved away just before the hour mark when he tumbled under the clumsy challenge of Anderson.

Stephen Ireland's last appearance at St.James' was his debut for Aston Villa back in August, United the 6-0 winners that day.

The 24-year-old, on loan at Newcastle from Villa, was on the touchline waiting to come on for his bow when Giggs missed the game's best chance, Patrice Evra sliding a left-wing cross into his path only for the former Wales international to scuff woefully wide from 10 yards.

Ireland had an opportunity of his own at the other end but volleyed inches wide from just outside the area.

The Reds pressed for a winner, introducing former Newcastle captain Michael Owen to a chorus of home boos, but they struggled to break down the home defence and Hernandez was booked for a stoppage-time dive when attempting to con referee Lee Probert into a late penalty.

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Pg16

United stalemate keeps title race alive Pg 15

AIFF may act tough on Sunil Chhetri Pg 14

GOA, THURSDAY, 21 APRIL, 2011

Kochi clinch thriller PTI KOLKATA, APRIL 20

Mumbai Indians bowler Munaf Patel (second left) celebrates with his teammates after he dismissed Pune Warriors batsman Yuvraj Singh at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.

MI carve hard-fought win PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Mumbai Indians carved out a hard-fought seven-wicket victory over Pune Warriors in a lowscoring IPL clash that went down to the last ball, at Wankhede Stadium here today.

Chasing a modest target after bowling out the opposition for 118 in 17.2 overs, Mumbai looked on course with Sachin Tendulkar (35 off 39 balls) and Ambati Rayudu (37 off 40) at the crease, but after their dismissals, the home team made heavy weather of the task before finally ending up with 124 for three in 20 overs.

Mumbai's Munaf Patel was declared man-of-the-match for returning impressive figures of three for right.

Requiring five off the last over, and then one off the last ball, Rohit Sharma (20 not out

off 18 balls)) hoisted left-arm spinner Murali Kartik over longoff for a six to complete the victory.

Sharma and Andrew Symonds (16 off 15 balls) put on an unfinished partnership of 35 runs to see Mumbai home for their third win in four outings.

After the early loss James Franklin, Tendulkar and Rayudu

added 74 runs in 12 overs for the second wicket to put the home team in sight of a comprehensive victory.

A flick boundary by Tendulkar off Shrikant Wagh early into his innings was an indication of the kind of form the batsman was in.

Rayudu blossomed in the company of his captain and

Pune Warriors: Jesse Ryder c Tendulkar b Ahmed 12, Tim Paine b Patel 2, Mithun Manhas c Rayudu b Ahmed 0, Robin Uthappa c Pollard b Murtaza 45, Yuvraj Singh c Rayudu b Patel 0, Mohnish Mishra c Sharma b Murtaza 12, Murali Kartik c Symonds b Malinga 11, Wayne Parnell b Franklin 9, Rahul Sharma c Murtaza b Patel 13, Shrikant Wagh c Symonds b Malinga 2, Alfonso Thomas not out 0.

Extras: 12. Total: 118 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-17, 3-17, 4-17, 5-52 6-87, 7-98 8-111, 9-118. Bowling: Murtaza 4-0-18-2, Malinga 4-0-28-2, Ahmed 3-1-13-2, Patel 2.2-0-8-3, Pollard 1-0-13-0, Franklin 3-0-32-1.

Mumbai Indians: James Franklin c Manhas b Wagh 6, Sachin Tendulkar c Thomas b Sharma 35, Ambati Rayudu c Sharma b Thomas 37, Rohit Sharma not out 20, Andrew Symonds not out 16. Extras: 10. Total: 124 for 3. Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-83, 3-89. Bowling: Thomas 4-0-16-1, Wagh 2-0-9-1, Kartik 40-29-0, Parnell 4-0-28-0, Sharma 3-0-14-1, Ryder 2-0-15-0, Yuvraj 1-0-5-0.

Man-of-the-match: M Patel.

drove Wayne Parnell through cover and then lofted the leftarm pacer over mid-wicket.

After six overs the score was 32 for one and the 50 came up in only 45 balls.

The duo's dismissals in quick succession affected the run rate for a while, but Sharma and Symonds stepped up the tempo in the nick of time.

Tendulkar was dismissed for the first time in four games, having come into this match following a brilliant 100 not out against Kochi on April 17, before Rayudu also departed six runs later.

Twenty runs were needed off the last 18 balls, before Symonds struck two fours in the first two balls off Wayne Parnell to bring down the required run-rate.

Thereafter Symonds and Sharma hung on to complete the task.

Lanka reject BCCI request on IPL PTI COLOMBO, APRIL 20

Sri Lanka today rejected the BCCI’s request to allow its star cricketers to play in the ongoing IPL till May 15, a move which could have a bearing in the relationship between the two cricket Boards.

All the 11 Sri Lankan players were earlier asked to return home

by May 5 to prepare for the tour of England and the Sri Lankan Board, despite requests from the

BCCI to extend the date, has decided to stick to its decision.

Though no meeting took place between the BCCI and SLC but Indian officials did speak to their Lankan counterparts on the matter and requested them to let their players play in the Twenty20 event at-least till May 15.

But Sports Minister Mahindanada Aluthgamage and the Cricket Board (SLC) have decided to ignore the Indian request.

A Sri Lankan Cricket source

said that Aluthgamage, Sri Lanka cricket officials and the national selection committee had lengthy deliberations on the matter yesterday.

Accordingly some 11 Sri Lankans including the star players Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena and the newly appointed Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan would have to abide by the Sri Lankan decision.

Aluthgamage has said that in-

terests of Sri Lankan cricket was his priority and they would be sending a polite explanation on the decision to the Indians.

Sri Lanka durected all IPL players to return in order to prepare for the tour of England which starts on May 10.

Former captain Sangakkara, now leading Deccan Chargers, said the players will have to abide by the decision but expressed hope that two boards would sort out the issue.

All eyes on Paul Valthaty

PTI MOHALI (Punjab), APRIL 20

With new batting hero Paul Valthaty in scorching form, hosts Kings XI Punjab may have a slight edge when they clash with a struggling Rajasthan Royals in their IPL clash here tomorrow.

The two sides have a contrasting story so far as Rajasthan have lost direction after making a fantastic start with two wins while the Punjab have shrugged off the opening match defeat to present themselves as a formidable side now.

The Punjab side is on a roll, having beaten heavyweights Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings, thanks to Valthaty, who is in red-hot form.

SPORTS Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

www.oheraldo.in

The revelation of Valthaty as an explosive opener has given the Punjab top-order a lot of strength and the big hitting batsman has caught all the attention with his sensational knocks against Chennai (120) and Chargers (75).

Rajasthan bowlers are already struggling and it will be quite a task for them to stop the marauding openers in Valthaty and new skipper Adam Gilchirst, who has also struck form with a half-centur y against Chargers.

Their last match was abandoned due to rain but Rajasthan are still standing second in the points table behind leaders Kolkata Knight Riders.

With two wins -- against Deccan Chargers and Delhi Dardevils -- and as many defeats -- both against Kolkata Knight Riders - and a no-result, Rajasthan have five points.

They need Shane Watson to fire as over-reliance on Johan Botha and Ross Taylor has only hurt their chances. Also the young Indian faces will also have to raise their hands as one more defeat would put the side under a lot of pressure.

Their captain and spin great Shane Warne not only has to contribute with the ball but have to use all his leadership skills to stop the winning wheel of Punjab.

Unlike Kings XI who have enjoyed quite a long gap after their last match on April 16, the Rajasthan have been travelling quite a lot and would be playing their fourth game tomorrow within a week's span.

Punjab too rely on their batting and the key for Rajasthan would be to polish off the toporder quickly as their middle-

Nadal makes winning return AFP BARCELONA, APRIL 20

Five-time champion Rafael Nadal was barely troubled in a 6-1, 61 thrashing of Spanish compatriot Daniel Gimeno-Traver as the top-seeded king of clay returned victorious to the Barcelona Open on Wednesday.

Nadal polished his record for the season to 25-4 just 72 hours after defeating compatriot David Ferrer for an historic seventh straight trophy in Monte Carlo.

Nadal needed 55 minutes to stroll into a third-round match against Colombian Santiago Giraldo, a winner against Albert Ramos 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. The top seed has only ever lost once in the tennis-mad Catalan capital, earning 25 wins along the way.

Weekend finalist Ferrer also began with a victory, easing past 6-2, 6-2 over Argentine Carlos Berlocq. Ferrer has reached the semi-finals or better in Barcelona in each of the last four years.

He has a solid 22-5 win-loss record for the season and will now face Victor Hanescu of Romania, who put out South African 14th seed Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-4.

order is yet to play and perform under pressure.

But in any way, Rajasthan would have to put up an improved batting show -- whether they bowl or bat first.

Today’s fixTures

Kings XI Punjab v.

Rajasthan Royals 8 p.m.

Ravindra Jadeja came up with a brilliant all-round display to help the resurgent Kochi Tuskers Kerala halt Kolkata Knight Riders three-match winning run with a narrow six-run victory in a lowscoring IPL clash here today.

Jadeja was the star for the Kochi team as he scored 29 from 18 balls to help his team post 132 for seven and then scalped two wickets as the Tuskers restricted the Knight Riders to 126 for nine at the Eden gardens here.

Put into bat, Kochi had a flying start, thanks to the in-form pair of Brendon McCullum and Mahela Jayawardene but the Knight Riders restricted them to 132 for seven with a fine bowling effort by Yusuf Pathan (3/20) and Shakib-Al-Hasan (3/28).

Defending the total, the Tuskers bowlers Jadeja (2/25), Rudra Pratap Singh (2/25) did a

tidy job and was supported well by their bowling colleagues as Kochi halted Kolkata's threematch winning run at the Eden Gardens here.

With 12 runs required from 26 balls, RP conceded 12 runs from his fourth and penultimate over of the match to bring the equation to 14 from the last one.

But with R Vinay Kumar (1/21) bowling his slower deliveries accurately, it proved to be an

uphill task in the end as the Tuskers notched their third straight victory.

Tuskers now joins Mumbai Indians and the Knight Riders with six points each but the hosts retained the pole position by means of net run-rate.

Chasing a modest 133, Knight Riders needed to play sensible cricket but the hosts made a mess of the seemingly low score getting themselves out one by one.

Kochi Tuskers Kerala: Brendon McCullum c Morgan b Shakib 23, Mahela Jayawardene lbw b Pathan 25, Parthiv Patel lbw b Pathan 9, Brad Hodge b Pathan 2, Ravindra Jadeja c Pathan b Lee 29, Kedar Jadhav b Shakib 12, Raiphi Gomez not out 10, RVinay Kumar b Shakib 11, Ramesh Powar not out 3. Extras: 8. Total: 132 for 7.

Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-51, 3-55, 4-65, 5-100, 6-105, 7-127.Bowling: Lee 4-0-33-1, Balaji 4-0-23-0, Abdulla 4-0-23-0, Shakib 4-0-28-3, Pathan 4-1-20-3.

Kolkata Knight Riders: M Bisla b Jadeja 16, J Kallis c Jadhav b Vinay 6, G Gambhir b Singh 3, Manoj Tiwary st Patel b Jadeja 46, E Morgan run out (Jayawardene) 10, Shakib Al Hasan b Singh 2,Y Pathan c Muralitharan b Powar 8, R Bhatia not out 10, B Lee c Jadhav b Muralitharan 1, I Abdulla run out 12, L Balaji not out 1. Extras: 11.

Total: 126 for 9. Fall of wickets: 24-1, 27-2, 37-3, 73-4, 86-5, 97-6, 101-7, 105-8, 124-9.Bowling: R P Singh 4-0-25-2, Vinay Kumar 4-0-21-1, Jadeja 4-0-25-2, Powar 4-0-29-1, M Muralitharan 4-0-18-1. Man-of-the-match: M Jayawardene.

Dilshan tonesAFPdown COLOMBO, APRIL 20

Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan said on Wednesday he had toned down his image so that he could focus on his new and challenging role as the captain of the side.

Dilshan, 34, has dyed his blond streaks back to black and removed his earring after selectors gave him the captaincy following the resignation of Kumar Sangakkara.

"Times have changed," grinned Dilshan when grilled by reporters as to why he has opted for a sober look.

"I pierced my ear, when my daughter cried when her ears were being pierced," he said during a brief two-day visit to Colombo from Indian Premier League duties.

"Now I don't see a need to wear the earring. The same with my hair. It was fashionable then for me, it's not so now," he said.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Do We truly follow Christ?

Nidleleak zagounk zata, zago asleleak koso zagoumcho?

- Anonymous

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email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - Jesus Christ

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS lationship beyond physical lust. They cannot comprehend the fact that a man and woman can love, nurture, respect and care for one another beyond how perverted minds work.

HERALD FEATURES We call ourselves Christians, yet we form barriers in every aspect of our lives. In Goa, we have s we embark into Holy the famous Goan-outsider saga. Yet, remember the incident at Samaria when Jesus asks a Week, Christians the Samaritan woman for a drink of water to quench his thirst. And this at a time, when the Jews world over get busy looked down on the Samaritans and on the female gender as well! Christ did not create any with prayers, holy barriers and instead worked on breaking barriers. services, penance, and much more. Unfortunately, maIt is most grating when people walk with long sober faces, literally begging to be asked, “Oh! jority of us like the Pharisees of You are fasting?” Then there are those who stand in groups in front of the crucifix, rattling of yore, get too caught up in rituals and prayers, especially alongside the roads. But, surprisingly, they keep vigil of every person or He had no servants yet they called him Master, no degrees car that passes by. These are the very types who would forcefully ask you, “Did you go for flaunting of piety that we forget the very essence of all that we do – Jesus Christ.

And in spite of not being questioned, they would babble every service they have yet they called him Teacher, no medicine yet they called him service?” been to and are the types who would know every prayer on the tips of their fingers. Yet, ask Christ is one powerful persona who virtually everyone has either heard of or read of or Healer, no army yet the Kings feared Him, He won no military them to say a prayer from the heart and they will be left with the greatest loss for words. No wonder the Lord said that we didn’t know how to pray and he taught us the most beautiful worshipped. The One who taught, saved and battles yet He conquered the world, He committed no crime prayer of all times; a prayer that transcends all religions and is universally said, ‘Our Father’! healed multitudes and was then crucified to save the souls of all mankind only to rise Coming to fasting! Before people start inquiring around about who is fasting, how she/he yet they crucified Him, He was buried in a tomb yet He lives is fasting, again three days after his death. Yet, he was when the fast will be broken etc, one should remember that heartfelt abstinence born amidst the poorest of poor and as a from all things sinful is what the Almighty is seeking. Jesus had said, “It is not what goes into today and forever. He is the Lord Jesus Christ grown man he was draped in a long flowing your body that makes you unclean. It is what comes out of your heart that makes you white robe tied at the waist with a rope, a red shoulder sash, sandals on his feet and with his walking staff, he lived in the unclean. Your bad thoughts come from your heart.” most simplistic manner. The way he gently caressed a sheep, or loving gathered children in his arms, to his anger when he The world is full of perennial sinners yet they hold up the Ten Commandments whipped the gamblers out of the synagogue to his deep respect for women who surrounded him and with an air of rigid self-righteousness. That brings us to one comrevered him to the most powerful words as he breathed his last, “Father forgive them mandment every self-righteous person likes to for they know not what they do!” – Christ is truly the loving Saviour! dangle over people’s heads: Do not commit adulTalking of Christ brings us to Christians. How easily we have fragmented into numerous tery. Here again, everything only boils down to groups – Catholics, Protestants, Pentecostals, Jehovah groups. Everyone first wants to the flesh. What about lustfully looking at another know whether you are a Catholic or a whatever else. But how many of us can truly call man or woman? As even looking lustfully is having ourselves Christians? Just true sincere followers of Christ – just good human beings! And committed adultery in one’s heart. And don’t the the truth is, to follow Jesus Christ you do not need a religion. Religions are created by other commandments matter? What about the cheathuman beings; Mahatma Gandhi aptly said, “God has no religion.” ing that people do in their everyday transactions in life? What about the killing people do when they How quick we are to constantly criticise someone or condemn someone; always perching kill someone’s soul or drive someone to suicide? high on a self-righteous pedestal. Yet, Christ always forgave and never judged anyone. For What about craving for your neighbour’s goods? On instance, how can we ever forget the incident where the sinful woman was brought to Jesus the flip side, there is the case of also genuinely falling by the Pharisees who asked the Lord to condemn her and stone her? And the Lord’s reply in love with someone you are not supposed to. ‘Not then, gives us goose flesh even today, “Whomsoever among you has never sinned may be supposed to’ according to the self-righteous society. the one to cast the first stone at her.” And to the woman he said, “I too won’t punish you.

Is this sin? Then why did the Creator create us with Go, but don’t sin again!” And yet today, we only have people heavy into character assassination these naturally flowing emotions? Because God is love of someone or the other. and the Creator meant for us to only love.

Look around and see the amount of pain and suffering women are subjected to in terms of No wonder Jesus gave us just two commandments to violence, abuse, torture, murders, rapes etc. Yet, the holy Lord respected and cared for women. follow. “Love the Lord your God and love your neighbour Akin to Prophet Muhammad, he propagated the rights of women even in those days. In Jesus’ as yourself.” If we follow these two commandments, we times, women went to the fields to work and were bread earners alongside being wives and inexorably are following the Ten Commandments. As why mothers. Look at our virgin Mother Mary, or the pure and unblemished Sita or Prophet Muhammad’s grandmother who would we steal, kill, rob, cheat or disrespect anyone, if brought him up for a period of time as he was an orphan – all were hardworking women. They nurtured and cared for their we love them like we love ourselves. children beyond what words can describe. They possessed virtues that we crave to see in women today.

So, this Holy Week, let us revere the Lord who is love, forgiveness, acceptance and everything that is genuinely good. Let Yet, over the centuries we have been indoctrinated to believe that Jesus’ disciples were only male. But every scripture talks of the faithful lot of women who followed him everywhere and rendered as much service as the chosen men. And the beauty us consider him our greatest idol and be true followers of Christ; true Christians. of it all – after his death, the first person Christ appeared to was Mary Magdalene. This lovely scene put on canvas by various artistes beautiful depicts how much the Saviour loved and cared for Mary and how much she loved, cared and revered him.

Yet, with us humans, our sinful world condemns a man-woman relationship as only sexual. They cannot put a man-woman re-

A

Brushing Up the Curb

Photo by Siddesh Mayenkar

The Beauty behind Broken Tiles

When in life you see something and it doesn’t make sense, take a step back and look at the bigger picture; you are bound to trace out hidden patterns, giving everything new meaning. Broken tile murals follow the same principle. Herald takes a look at the art which makes scrap into something attractive

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES hen construction sites are littered with broken pieces of tiles, instead of wondering where you can dump them, you could switch on your creative side and convert those tiles into pieces of art. With a little patience and creativity, you can have a masterpiece of your own. Artist Aadhi Vishal will be donning the garb of a guide and providing valuable inputs on turning waste into something worth cherishing in a workshop on Broken Tile Murals to be held at Sunapranata –The Centre for the Arts from May 2, 2011.

“It is a really nice feeling to make something out of the broken bits of tile which otherwise would be discarded,” says Aadhi, who has done many private murals for people around the state. “You can beautify the top of an old stool or table or a blank wall or any other surface using the broken tiles and it will become as good as new,” he says. The technique is simple and the materials readily available, it can be a cost effective way of bringing cheer and life into a dull room. “The only things you need are pieces of tile and the binding agent that is either araldite or grout, which is easily available in hardware stores,” he adds.

Grout is a more preferred binding agent to white cement because of its flexible quality. “Cement tends to crack when it dries up while grout, which is rubber based, doesn’t,” Aadhi advises.

W

Photo by Siddesh Mayenkar

Workers busy painting the pavement edges in Panjim, black and white, oblivious to speeding traffic and the scorching heat

“For the workshop we will be giving the participants a marine ply on which they will have to draw a design and based on that, they will have to fill it with different coloured tiles, for this workshop we will be using grout as a binding agent,” explains Aadhi who has been into this art since 2007.

Patience is the key necessity to any art, and for broken tile murals, you might need a whole lot of it. “You have to place the right coloured tile in the right place and then have to wait for the glue to dry, it takes about 6 hours for the grout to dry and in case of araldite it takes about 24 hours. The whole picture may take as long as five days to finish,” he explains.

The whole experience is a fun activity which can involve a lot of people.

Kids and parents can join hands to spend a day together in doing the whole mural. “You can make it colourful or maybe use only two colours or you can even use pieces of broken bangles or even ceramic pottery,” he concludes.

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Thursday, 21 Apr 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

A workshop in cold ceramics facilitated by Ramdas Gadekar, organised by Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho-Panjim will be held from April 25 to 30 from 2pm to 6 pm at Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho-Panjim. Call 2421311.

‘Fenny Fenny – Moods’, a photography contest is open for submission of photographs. It is organised

by Big Foot, Loutolim. Submission of photographs closes on April 25. Entries to be handed over to BM Web Studio, Near Torsanzor, Aquem, Margao or Supply’s India, Shop No 17, Rosary Apts, Miramar, Panjim or CYMK Academy of Photography, Pankar Bidg, Khorlim Sim, Mapusa or Big Foot, Loutolim. Call 9822151419, 9881533456, 9822581232 or 2777034.

‘Indradhanush’, a 3-day cultural festival, organised by the Ganga-Zuari Academy will be held from April 22 to 24.

There will be competitions in the areas of dance, singing, essay and drawing. Call 9822486204 or 9404434878.

A workshop in broken tile murals, facilitated by Aadhi Vishal, organised by Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts will be held from May 2 to 7 from 2pm to 7pm at Sunaparanta, Altinho-Panjim. E-mail info@sgcfa.org. Call 2421311.

‘Liberate your Spirit’ (2nd Edition), Part 2 of the 4-part series of worship concerts, organised by Goa ForGiving, Heritage Jazz and Konkani Rocks will be held on April 24 at the Holy Spirit Church Square, Margao.

COCO’JU, the Coconut and Cashew Fest ‘11, organised by Ancestral Goa, Big Foot, Lotoulim will be held from April 30 to May 2 from 9am to 5:30pm at Ancestral Goa, Big Foot, Lotoulim. Call 2777034.

‘Beyond Snake Wrangling’, a workshop to learn more about snakes, conducted

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email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

HOROSCOPE

by Herpactive will be held on April 23 and 24 at the Mhadei Research Center, Chorla Ghats, Mhadei. E-mail ophidian_nirmal@yahoo.co.in. Call 09822586918.

Special Summer Cooling Camp, organised by Wildtrek will be held on April 28 at Coorg, Madikeri, Kushalnagar and Dubare Elephant Island. Registration closes on April 20.

Call 9822123458 or 8796418565.

‘Role of Lok Yukta in Good Governance’, is the topic of the lecture to be delivered by Justice (Retd) N Santosh Hegde, former Justice Supreme Court on April 25 at 6 pm at the International Centre Goa. This is the first in a series of 12 lectures. It is organised by the International Centre Goa and V M Salgaocar and Brothers Ltd. Call 2452805, 2452808, 2452809 or 2452810.

Reunion-2011, a get-together of exstudents of the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim, organised by its the Alumni Association will be held on April 23 from 4pm onwards in the College. Call 9545521710.

‘The European Influence in Goa and the German contribution to the Indo-Portuguese Trade in the 16th – 18th Centuries’, a presentation by Luis de Assis Correia will be held on April 29 at 5:30pm at Fundação Oriente, Fontainhas-Panjim.

Call 2230728 or 2436108.

Summer Thrill, a summer camp for children which will include activities like dance, handicrafts, kitchengardening, snack-making, crabcatching, fishing, trekking, etc will be held from April 25 to 30 and May 12 to 21 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Varca.

Call 9960431362.

‘Mango Mania’, organised by Cidade de Goa will be held from April 20 to May 20 from 11am to 11pm at every restaurant of Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula.

Call 2454545.

Don't be overly cautious today.

Today is a day for action, not a 21 Mar - 19 Apr day for dithering. Today is all about action. You can make almost anything happen, as long as you light the fuse. It's a really good time to carry out old plans or to improvise new ones -- nobody can tell the difference!

Taurus Your charm will be your calling card today -- it will help you fit in 20 Apr - 20 May e v e r y w h e r e .

Keep your hand firmly on the brake as you race through the day to avoid any risky curves or near-collisions that come your way. It's a good time to take it slow and think every move through.

Continue your Gemini q u e s t f o r a deeper connection with someone close to 21 May - 20 Jun you. It's time for serious action -- and you need to be right in the middle of it all! Your great energy is perfect for making things happen, and you ought to be able to get people to see you're right.

Be wary of people who take their private problems and make them public 22 Jun - 23 Jul knowledge.

Take care of your own needs today -- and why not? You're just as important as anyone else, and you may find that your energy is better spent on personal projects than on other people's wish lists.

Someone else's boundless energy serves as an inspiration for you 24 Jul - 23 Aug to get stuff done!

Your fun-loving nature is out in force right now -- and the world had better watch out!

You may find that you shake things up no matter where you are, and the people around you are glad for the help.

Yo u w a n t t o rush ahead and get stuff done, but you can't.

23 Aug - 22 Sep You must wait for someone.

You need to listen to your inner pessimist today -- but remember to keep it more tightly leashed later on! For the time being, you really have bitten off more than you can chew, so drop something and move on.

Try to be as expressive as you can today - both physically 23 Sept - 22 Oct and verbally.

You need to explore more interesting territory today -- even if that just means getting to work in a different way or asking out someone you'd normally not think twice about. Take a risk!

Scorpio To shop more wisely, just remember all the money you've 23 Oct - 22 Nov wasted on impulse buys. It's a risk, but you're willing to gamble on a day like today. That willingness doesn't translate into luck of any kind (good or bad), but it might signal to someone that you are worth taking seriously.

Sagittarius Express your

Capricorn Be idealistic today. Denial is a wonderful place to visit 22 Dec - 20 Jan every once in a while. Your ideals are important right now and you might find that your righteous energy is helping you to make more interesting choices. In fact, you may find a new way to inspire your people.

Aquarius Check in with your closest friends today.

One of them 21 Jan - 19 Feb has important information.

Your social life is buzzing, and you need to make sure that you're in the thick of it all. Your friends might need some attention, but you can give it to them with ease.

Rescue a blabbermouth pal today. Use your wit to 20 Feb - 20 Mar lighten an awkward situation.

Your authority over employees, kids or anyone else may be called into question, but if you're firm (not harsh), you can keep things flowing smoothly until this rough patch passes you by.

Aries

Libra

admiration for someone in an unexpected way 23 Nov - 20 Dec t o d a y. Yo u r deep admiration for someone is likely coming back at you -- as long as you're willing to show off a little. It may feel awkward at first, but you should be able to make yourself better known.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? The silent thief of sight

akimbo Pronunciation uh-KIM-boh Function Adjective Meaning : with hand on hip and elbow bent outward Example Sentence As the thief was about to take off after stealing the lady’s purse, a tough guy blocked his way, arms akimbo; the thief was terrified.

LAFFS

Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage, permanently impacting vision in the affected eye(s) and progressing to complete blindness if untreated. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye. The nerve damage involves loss of retinal ganglion cells in a char-Image showing the change in vision in a person suffering from Glaucoma acteristic pattern. There are many different sub-types of glaucoma but they can all be considered a type of optic neuropathy. Raised intraocular pressure is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma. One person may develop nerve damage at a relatively low pressure, while another person may have high eye pressure for years and yet never develop damage. Untreated glaucoma leads to permanent damage of the optic nerve and resultant visual field loss, which can progress to blindness. Glaucoma has been nicknamed the ‘silent thief of sight’ because the loss of vision normally occurs gradually over a long period of time and is often only recognised when the disease is quite advanced. Once lost, this damaged visual field cannot be recovered.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“Men are not against you; they are merely for themselves.”

– Gene Fowler

DAILY GROOK CURD OCCURRED

by Francis Rodrigues i forgot indian dessert is rather bland for tea, even a dahi or yoghurt... it's just a curd to me!

SUN MOON TIDES

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

Tongue Twister Thursday 34° C | 24° C Dawn 05:55

To avoid paying the toll, Toby the troll crawled on top of the trawler

Clear

Sunrise 06:17

Sunset Dark 18:51 19:13

Moon rise 22:22 Moon set High 12:03

Low 06:39

08:54

14:10 Life Partner 17:30 Taqdeerwala 21:00 Veer 10:35 Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist 12:35 High School Musical 3 15:00 Hancock 17:00 The Cable Guy 19:00 Street Fighter 21:00 Edge of Darkness 23:30 Goldeneye

10:45 12:45 15:00 17:15 19:15 21:00 23:30

Two fathers and two sons each shoot a duck. No one has shot the same duck. Only three ducks have been shot. How?

TIDES High Low High 13:39 19:17 —

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

Missing in Action House of Wax Fast & Furious The Lazarus Project The Naked Gun He's Just Not That Into You Journey to the Center of the Earth

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

11:10 13:15 15:20 18:50

Pyaar Mein Twist One Man Army Love Story Chachi 420 Ladder 49

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Don’t pay the bill. With electricity cut, no usage, no wastage

21:00 Desperado 23:15 The Bounty Hunter

10:00 14:00 15:30 19:00 20:00 23:30

Dost IPL 4 H/ls 36 China Town IPL 4 Extraaa Innings Indian Premier League 4 IPL 4 Extraaa Innings

The Thirteenth Floor Resident Evil Chaos 200 Cigarettes

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00

09:45 Doodh Ka Karz

Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin Tridev Heyy Babyy Aankhen

14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00

Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Lapataganj FIR Ring Wrong Ring Mrs. Tendulkar Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Gutar Gu Gili Gili Gappa Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Mrs. Tendulkar Lapataganj

11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:22 13:44 14:06 14:28 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00

Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein

IDIOT BOX 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Navya Saath Nibhana Saathiya Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Mere Sapne Hamari Devrani Sapno Se Bhare Naina Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak? Navya Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Sasural Genda Phool Saath Nibhana Saathiya Behenein Navya Saath Nibhana Saathiya Sasural Genda Phool Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Navya Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 17:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30

11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30

Surya: The Super Cop Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Krishnaben Khakhrawala Saas Bina Sasural C.I.D C.I.D Classics Krishnaben Khakhrawala Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Surya: The Super Cop Saas Bina Sasural Kismat

Pavitra Rishta Chhoti Si Zindagi Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Choti Bahu Pavitra Rishta Sanskaar Laxmi Chhoti Si Zindagi

SUDOKU 839

Riddle Me This

15:00 15:30 16:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00

Ram Milaayi Jodi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Shabaash India Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Chhoti Si Zindagi Choti Bahu Jhansi Ki Rani Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Pavitra Rishta Ram Milaayi Jodi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Sanskaar Laxmi

Mrs. Tendulkar Lapataganj Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Mrs. Tendulkar Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta

17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 15:05 16:00 16:55 17:50 18:50 19:55 21:00 21:55

Most Daring Caught on Camera Leverage Criss Angel Mindfreak Fear Factor The Amazing Race Top 20 Countdown Criss Angel Mindfreak Fear Factor Most Daring Leverage Caught on Camera

22:50 Most Daring

11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00

Koffee With Karan Dexter The Bold and The Beautiful Friends Las Vegas The Good Guys Community Family Guy Dexter Las Vegas Koffee With Karan How I Met Your Mother The Simpsons Las Vegas Dexter

12:00 16:00 18:00 18:30 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30

Chhota Bheem Marathon Pokemon M.A.D Chhota Bheem Anpanman Breadman The Pink Panther Show Just for Laugh Gags Takeshi's Castle Just for Laugh Gags Bam Bam Bam Gir Pade Hum

11:30 15:30 16:30 17:00

Volvo China Open Sports Max Ace 2011 Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell 23:00 Score Tonight 23:30 Mobil 1 The Grid

11:30 15:30 17:30 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30 23:00

Asian Tour Barclays Premier League Football Crazy KIA X Games Asia 2010 Football Crazy Premier League World Sportscenter India Sportscenter Asia Bpl Express Sportscenter India Sportscenter Asia Goals!

12:00 La Liga 2010/11

14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:30 21:30 22:00 22:30

Serie A Show Real NBA European Tour Weekly Mobil 1 The Grid La Liga 2010/11 H/ls WWE: Raw FIFA: Futbol Mundial UEFA Champions League H/ls UEFA Europa League H/ls Mobil 1 The Grid Real NBA WWE: Raw

14:00 19:00 19:30 21:00 22:00 23:00

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Great Finishes India Glorious Programme ICC Cricket World Cup Cricket's Greatest Upsets KFC Twenty20 International

12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00

Nat Geo Amazing!

My Life Is a Zoo True Stories Mission Army Big, Bigger, Biggest Nat Geo Amazing!

07:00 Pilar Cares for Mother Earth 07:30 Kids Club 08:00 English News 09:00 International Students Day 09:30 Concert of Sacred Music 10:00 English News 11:00 When Christ Was Crucified 12:00 Jazz Gospel Concert 12:30 Grape Escapade 13:00 English News 14:00 Lorna Rocks 14:30 St Thomas Primary Annual Day 15:30 Pilar Cares for Mother Earth 16:00 English News 17:00 Varun 17:30 Kids Club 18:00 English News 19:00 Way of the Cross 20:00 English News 21:00 Immaculate Heart Of Mary 22:00 English News 23:00 Grape Escapade 23:30 Pilar Cares for Mother Earth 00:00 Varun Note: Subject to Change

Instructions for Sudoku 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

SUDOKU SOL 838

HERALD CROSSWORD - 839 Across 1- Island in the East China Sea; 6Passing notice; 10- Old Testament book; 14- ___ Irish Rose; 15- Dynamic beginning; 16- Canvas shelter used on camping trips; 17Collection of Hindu aphorisms; 18Side; 19- Black-and-white treat; 20Boris Godunov, for one; 21- Ritual; 23- Elected legislator; 25- Actress Mimieux; 26- Freight weight; 27Convoluted fold of the brain; 29Embankment; 32- Brush a horse; 33- Acid; 36- Mild oath; 37- Young salmon; 38- Anger; 39- Mazel ___; 40- Bottle; 41- Sums owing; 42Property claims; 43- Resinous deposit; 44- For a short time; 47Edging into six-footer country; 51Commandery; 54- A big fan of; 5520th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; 56- Hard to hold; 57- Bury; 58- "___ quam videri" (North Carolina's motto); 59- Torn clothing; 60Goddess of tillage; 61- Type of gun; 62- Bed support; 63- Eat away; Down 1- Poles for sails; 2- Mistreat; 3- Saturn's largest moon; 4- Having a notched edge; 5- Country bordered by Canada and Mexico; 6- Western; 7- Ale, e.g.; 8- Dies ___; 9- Nonsense; 10- Makes amends; 11- Reason for a raise; 12- ___ a time; 13- Fur scarf; 21- Against a proposition; 22- Egg; 24- Digit of the foot; 27- Vulgar; 28- Yellow of an egg; 29- Court call; 30- Feeling of self-importance; 31- 6th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; 32- Fed; 33Test area; 34- Cpl.'s superior; 35- ___ Moines; 37Railway ties; 38- Easy chair; 40- Abrading tool; 41Indian dish; 42- Fungus; 43- Put Down; 44- ___ski; 45- Take away by force; 46- "Siddhartha" au-

thor; 47- Rendezvous; 48- Opening; 49- Spirited horse; 50- Stallion, e.g.; 52- Blue hue; 53- Gymnast Korbut; 57- Bump off;

SOLUTION - 838

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Thursday, 21 Apr 2011

A Spectacular Virabhadra Performance on Last Day of Chaitrotsav

Photo by Samir Umarye

T

BY SAMIR UMARYE he famous dance of Virabhadra was performed at Vitthalapur Sanquelim in the wee hours of Tuesday, marking the conclusion of Chaitrotsav at the temple of Lord Vithal. Virabhadra is a dance performed in an entirely south Indan style. The main dancer, dressed up as Virabhadra, dances with a sword in each hand while two men dance at his side as a whole group supports them with dancing and musical slogans. The dholak and the tasha are used as accompaniments.

The legend goes that King Daksha wanted to get his daughter married but on the occasion he thought it awkward to invite Parvati – wife of Lord Shankar. Uninvited, Parvati still made it for the ceremony. Raja Daksha insulted her for coming without any invitation. Being insulted, Parvati jumped in the fire and sacrificed herself. Hearing this, Lord Shankar got so furious that he melted his hair on the ground and from it, created Virabhadra and ordered him to kill Raja Daksha.

It is believed that during the dance, avsaar (god’s spirit) enters the body of Virabhadra and he attempts to lie down on the ground. The people by his side try to hold him from doing so. Then they sprinkle coconut milk on his head and he finally comes to his senses.

This year the dance was performed by the Shirodkar family.

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Indradhanush A Bengali Cultural Offering to Goa HERALD FEAURES he Ganga-Zuari Academy is bringing the two cultures of Goa and Bengal together in the aptly titled programme ‘Indradhanush’ which means rainbow. With a splash of colours, flavours and sounds this three-day event is guaranteed to bring a Bengali feel to every Goan heart at the Mandovi Riviera from April 22 to April 24. “We want to spread a message of integration and unity through the amalgamation of these two cultures,” says Ajanta Burman, secretary of the Goa Bengal Academy.

The academy which was set up four years back, has been trying to bring the two cultures together through various programmes. “There are a lot of similarities between the two cultures and we want to bring that out,” says Ajanta.

Indradhanush has something for every Goan; for the culture lovers there are the dances and the folk music by the Baul group straight from Shanti Niketan in Bengal and a whole lot of handicrafts; for the foodies there are the food stalls with fish transported from Bengal, and those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the various Bengali sweets. For those who are intrigued by the intellectual offering of Bengal, there will be a whole lot of books and for the movie buffs, a bit of the Bengali cinema will be felt with the screening of ‘Abohmaan’.

This year, being the 150th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the Academy has decided to pay a tribute to the great man who promoted the confluence of thoughts. There will be a panel of discussion on the works and thoughts of Tagore.

There are a variety of other cultural events including an all-Goa dance and singing competition for the finalist who were chosen from prior auditions, and a spot-drawing competition on various days of the festival.

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Fun and Interactions at Green Walkathon Photos by Siddesh Mayenkar

GM, Pavithran Nambiar

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES ention the word ‘walkathon’ and children’s faces will glow with enthusiasm.

They will be all geared up with water, running shoes and very comfortable clothing. That is exactly what the scene was outside the Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar-Panjim which organised a Green Walkathon on April 20, 2011. The walk was organised as part of Marriott’s environmental awareness month celebrations which have held various activities in the month.

“We are having environmental awareness throughout the month. For Earth Hour, we switched off the lights of the hotel for an hour and invited guests for a cocktail party. We had tree plantation at the Caritas Institute and even conducted pollution checks for each of the hotel’s vehicles. But ‘walkathons’ are really my favourites as they are more fun and interactive, everyone of the community shares views and ideas. On another note, we are spending too much time in our cars instead of walking around as everyone is in a big hurry. Our lifestyle is becoming more sedentary and horrific lifestyle diseases are making their way in. Walkathons will keep us healthy and active and creates awareness about the environment,” says Pavithran Namibiar, General Manager, Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar-Panjim.

He adds, “This year, we have a better response with more hotel guests, clients, business clients, industrialists and staff members. We plan to make ‘walkathons’ a regular feature at the hotel.” The walk began at the Marriott lobby and headed towards the Goa Science Centre. It later returned to the lobby. While some enthusiastic walkers strolled ahead of their group, the children were seen happily hopping, skipping and jumping around. On arrival back to the hotel lobby, each participant was given a potted plant as a thank you gift.

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Joshua and Melisa

Mansi, Marika, Lucy and Roberata

Delphim Correia

Elizabeth, Mandit and Charmaine

Students thought Data Collection using Field Equipment HERALD FEATURES iving the students a hands-on experience of the process of data collection in the very lap of nature was the workshop on the ‘Introduction to Field Equipment’. The workshop, which was held at the Mhadei Research Centre, Chorla Ghats on April 16 and 17, 2011, taught 25 students from all over the state the various field techniques used in data collection.

Amidst a lot of discussions, tiger conservation films and practical work, the students learnt a lot about nature.

The workshop was conducted by resident herpetologist Nirmal Kulkarni and research assistant Krishna Gaonkar along with well known environmentalist and writer Rajendra Kerkar, provided their expertise and guidance to the participants.

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Explaining functioning of a camera trap to students

The youngest members observe through a head loupe

A student practices nature observation skills

Nature observation lecture by Nirmal Kulkarni

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Thursday 21 Apr 2011

Parenting

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YouTube to show British Royal Wedding Live

Haunted 3D to be dubbed in Spanish

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fter its Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English versions, Vikram Bhatt’s upcoming 3D horror movie Haunted 3D will now be dubbed in Spanish! Mithun Chakraborty’s son Mahakshay Chakraborty, better known as Mimoh, and Tia Bajpai play the main leads in it.

Bhatt decided to have a Spanish version following market research which suggested that there is a huge demand for horror films in the Spanish and Latin American belt. Though he had initially decided to work with Spanish subtitles, he realised it would be tough to manage them in a 3D film, said a source.

The director will fly to Toronto in May to choose the dubbing artistes for the Spanish version. “I want the voices in Spanish to match with the original voices of my actors,” said Bhatt.

The dubbed Spanish version will release two months after the Hindi release May 6.

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ideo-sharing website YouTube has announced that the British royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William will be shown live on the website’s live streaming channel. The live stream will focus on the April 29 wedding procession and the marriage ceremony at Westminster Abbey as well as the balcony kiss.

The official channel – www.youtube.com/theroyalchannel – will have live blog commentary of the event, and users can also upload video wishes for the couple on the site.

“This one is already heralded as the first of the internet age, where for the first time in thousands of years of royal history, the moment will be captured online and preserved forever,” YouTube said in its blog.

YouTube will provide the technical support for the broadcast and the footage will be provided by BBC. Live streaming service YouTube Live was launched on April 8.

Court battle with ex not over daughter: Halle Berry

Sonam opens up about Fellow Actresses

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n the world of Sonam Kapoor, all is well. Though from her generation there are other leading ladies like Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma and Sonakshi Sinha doing good for themselves, Sonam is unwilling to treat them as competition. According to her, all leading ladies in Bollywood can find their own place under the sun and it is irrelevant to pit them against each other.

“We all have been there for some time now and trying to do our best. Why create a sense of war amongst any of us? I don’t look at any kind of rivalry here. There is no point in comparing one with other here as eventually it is destiny that will help us move ahead,” says Sonam.

Over a period of time each of the four young actresses has seen a growth in their career. Though Sonam tasted success a little later with I Hate Luv Storys, she has eventually found herself in a relatively comfortable position with recent biggie Thank You to be followed by Mausam and Players.

“The good part is that all four of us are very different from each other. If you look at Deepika or Anushka, we are all poles apart,” Sonam gets candid here, “As for Sonakshi, I can’t even think of getting competitive with. After all she has been a very good friend of my sister. She has practically lived in my house. I have grown up with her.”

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ctress Halle Berry has finally spoken about her custody battle with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry to assure her fans that it is not as bad as the media has been reporting. Berry has reportedly backed out of a film and aimed at Aubry over his ‘lack of cooperation’, but she insists the court battle over the couple’s daughter Nahla is not what it seems.

“Our issues were never about fighting for her,” said the 44-year-old actress.

“We both know a child needs both her parents. But what I want to say about it is sometimes, as a couple, you reach an impasse. We need a court and a judge to help us work out some of the delicate issues...

I’m so happy we’ve arrived at that place, because, for her sake, this is the best way. We both love her more than life,” she added. On the romantic front, Halle made her first official appearance with Olivier Martinez at the Silver Rose Awards Gala in Los Angeles. According to reports, Berry who is dating the French actor for around six months finally confirmed their relationship by posing together on the red carpet at the Silver Rose Awards Gala in Los Angeles.

Near Infra-red Light can heal Damaged Vision

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Tourism

pplying gentle near-infra-red light can undo damage caused by exposure to bright light, which may end in vision loss otherwise.

Krisztina Valter of the Vision Centre and doctoral researcher Rizalyn Albarracin have successfully shown recovery of vision cells in

the retina following near-infra-red treatment after damage was sustained.

Albarracin said that a few minutes of exposing the retina to soft near-infra-red light a day for less than a week produced a remarkable recovery in damaged photoreceptors (vision cells) which ordinarily would have died.

“You only have one set of vision cells, so if you lose them, they can never be replaced. When they are damaged or stressed, they shut down and gradually die or kill themselves,” said Albarracin.

“You get a horrible ‘hot spot’ of dying cells in your retina, which gradually spreads out in a sort of domino effect until your vision is gone,” she explained.

Their advance has raised hopes for the development of a low-cost and painless treatment for damaged eyes, including dry macular degeneration (dry AMD) – the most common cause of blindness in developed countries.

“The dry form (of macular degeneration), for which there is still no cure, accounts for 80-90 per cent of cases,” said Valter of the Vision Centre and Australian National University.

“Our research shows clear evidence of recovery of vision cells from light damage, a good model for what happens in dry AMD. The retina looks really sick – but then it just bounces back. It’s almost a kind of a resurrection,” added Albarracin.

Happy People go for Candies

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appy people are more likely to eat candy bars and hopeful ones choose fruit. “Most of us are aware that we often fall victim to emotional eating, but how is it that we might choose unhealthy or healthy snacks when we’re feeling good?” write authors Karen Page Winterich of Pennsylvania State University and Kelly L Haws of Texas A&M University. They focused on the complicated relationship between positive emotions and food consumption.

To understand why someone would be more likely to choose a candy bar versus a piece of fruit, study authors teased out the difference between positive feelings that arise from thinking about the past or the present and hope, a more future-oriented emotion.

In the authors’ first study, hopeful participants consumed fewer M&Ms (specialty frozen foods) than people who experienced happiness.

In a second study, they found that consumers who were more focused on the past chose unhealthy snacks even if they felt hope.

In the third study, the researchers shifted the time frame of the positive emotion – having participants feel hopeful about the past or having them experience pride in the future.

“That is, if someone is anticipating feeling proud, she prefers fewer unhealthy snacks than someone experiencing pride.”

Finally, the authors compared future-focused positive emotions like hopefulness and anticipated pride to future focused negative emotions like fear and anticipated shame.

They found that the combination of positivity and future focus enhanced self-control.

“So the next time you’re feeling well, don’t focus too much on all the good things in the past. Instead, keep that positive glow and focus on your future, especially all the good things you imagine to come. Your waistline will thank you!” the authors conclude.

Ten Years in a Desk Job can double Bowel Cancer Risk!

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ere’s bad news for those who sit in front of a computer all day at work. A new study has suggested that spending 10 years or more in a desk job almost doubles the risk of bowel cancer, even if you regularly keep fit or go to the gym. The findings highlight the dangers of modern working patterns, where large numbers of employees are desk bound for hours at a time.

The research also backs up earlier studies which showed men who sit down most of the day at their jobs are 30 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than those with very active occupations.

Diets high in fat and red meat, as well as lack of exercise, are thought to be among the main risk factors.

But the latest study, by a team of experts at the University of Western Australia, show long periods of physical inactivity during the day could also be a major risk. The researchers spoke to 918 bowel cancer victims and compared their working patterns with 1,021 cancer-free volunteers.

They were quizzed on their job history, lifestyles and levels of physical activity.

The results showed employees who spent more than a decade in sedentary jobs were 94 per cent more likely to suffer a tumour in an area of the bowel known as the distal colon. This is a large part of the bowel which connects up with the rectum. Researchers also found sedentary working patterns increased the chances of cancer of the rectum by 44 per cent over a 10-year period.

They said their findings suggest no amount of leisure time activity can offset the harm done from long periods of sitting down on the job.

Courtesy: Agencies

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

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