21April 10 HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

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Sports: Sehwag ruled out of World T20 Pg 18

IN BRIEF Maoists attack 4 CRPF camps Maoists tonight opened fire on four separate CRPF camps in quick succession in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, triggering gunbattles but there was no immediate report of casualties. About 300 to 400 Naxalites carried out the attacks on the camps, where the paramilitary personnel and policemen were resting, at Chintangufa, where 75 CRPF men and a policeman were killed in the worst Maoist strike two weeks ago, Kanker Lanka, Potampalli and Bheji, sources said. The CRPF and the policemen retaliated, sparking intermittent gunbattles with the Maoists. Chhattisgarh ADG of police Ram Niwas told PTI that the ultras fired from a distance, which was responded to by the CRPF and the police. – (PTI)

Business: SEBI seeks more info on FII investment structure Pg 13

BCCI has Modi’s wicket in sight PTI NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Beleaguered Lalit Modi appears to have lost the backing of BCCI heavyweight Sarad Pawar and may be out as IPL commissioner when the Governing Council meets in Mumbai on April 26.

Amid mounting pressure from detractors within and outside BCCI to ease him out, indications emerged that Modi may have to quit the post as members are likely to ask him to voluntarily give up the position given the raging controversy that now surrounds the financing of the hugely popular league.

Modi, who is at the centre of a storm following his comments on Kochi franchise that cost the job of Union Minister Shashi Tharoor, however, put up a brave face parrying demands for his resignation.

After crucial discussions with F i n a n c e M i n i s t e r, P r a n a b Mukherjee and Home Minister P Chidambaram, BCCI heavy weight Sharad Pawar today called incumbent president

Our (BCCI) total approach in the Governing Council will be that they take collective, unanimous decisions, and give future direction to Indian cricket.

— Sharad Pawar Shashank Manohar and discussed the current IPL mess in the wake of allegations and counter-allegations regarding the funding of the hugely pop-

Two foreign carriers restart Europe flights PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

Air France and Lufthansa today operated flights from India to Paris and Munich today after a six-day disruption caused by volcanic ash from Iceland but services to other European destinations remained suspended.

Hopes for an early resumption of flights by Indian carriers to London faded this evening with British authorities ruling out opening of Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

There was no word from authorities in Brussels and Frankfurt for resumption of flights to the two cities. Indian carriers mainly operate flights to London, Frankfurt and Brussels in Europe.

Air France and Lufthansa became the first airlines to resume services to Europe from India today.

An Air France flight from Delhi left for Amsterdam, instead of Paris, in the wee hours, carrying only those passengers who were willing to go to the Dutch capital instead of Paris and take alternative modes of transport to their final destinations.

Lufthansa’s morning DelhiMunich flight left as per schedule and the German carrier announced that all other flights out of Delhi, Mumbai would be operated on time. Munich airport opened for limited operation today, a statement by the airlines said.

The German carrier said it had resumed long distance flights out of Germany today, including all flights to India.

Lufthansa flights arriving at their Indian destinations today would return to Germany tonight.

ular cash-rich event and the bidding process.

“Our (BCCI) total approach in the Governing Council will be they will take collective, unanimous decisions, and give future direction to Indian cricket,” Pawar told reporters after Manohar flew in from Nagpur and discussed the “entire IPL situation”.

Asked whether Modi would accept the Governing Council decision, he said, “Don’t forget Mr Modi is also a vice president of the BCCI and our total approach and past experience, we always take collective and unanimous decision where everyone is party to, including Lalit Modi.”

Pawar said Manohar suggested that Modi should call the Governing Council meeting on April 26 and that he was confident of BCCI President giving leadership to Indian cricket.

Manohar, who was handpicked by Pawar to succeed him as BCCI President, is believed to have agreed that Modi should make his exit in the current situation.

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

Goa’s Heartbeat: John to help save India’s big cats Pg 14

Sonia puts Goa issue on hold till May 7 HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

People scramble to get drinking water from a tanker in a slum area in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Good news for students RBI hikes rates in bid ATKT for failing in two subjects

to check inflation

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Students of Std X failing in two subjects at the Board exam will now be Allowed To Keep Terms (ATKT) and continue their studies in Std XI. The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has decided to implement this decision from this year, a move that will bring cheer to many students who feel they haven’t done well in the 2009-10 Board exam.

The ATK T proposal was moved by Education Minister Babush Monserrate last year.

Even though the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education had approved it last year itself the same could not be implemented due to the time factor.

Chairman of Goa Board Merwyn D’Souza said the Board will issue circulars which will be sent to all high schools informing

The RBI today hiked key short term rates and banks’ cash reserve requirement by 25 basis points each to rein in inflation, but lenders said interest rates on commercial and personal loans won’t go up immediately.

But today’s hike — the second policy action in a month — will lead to gradual rise in interest rates as banks will see Rs 12,500 crore squeezed out from their system following the 25 basis points hike in CRR, lenders said.

Besides, the apex bank hiked repo and reverse repo (the rates at which it lends to and borrows short-term funds from banks) by 25 basis points each to 5.25 per cent and 3.75 per cent, respectively. These rates were hiked by an identical margin on March 19.

While Finance Minister

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

them that the decision will be implemented from this academic year.

D’Souza mentioned as per the ATKT rule the students failing in two subjects at SSC will be able to take admission to Std XI but will have to clear the subjects either in the supplementary examination or the March Board exam. In case if he/she fails to clear the subjects in both the exams his/her Std XI result

The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Education on Tuesday said there was no ambiguity in the allotment of the six marks for flawed questions of Mathematics paper of Std X. Chairman of Goa Board Merwyn D’Souza said the three chief moderators at the three correction centres have been issued written communication directing them to direct the correction teachers to assess the 100 marks Mathematics paper for 94 marks leaving aside the six marks which will be allotted by the Board for all the students who have appeared for the paper.

Parents had raised a cry that

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Pranab Mukherjee said: “These policies should have a gentle impact in tightening money in the economy and should dampen further inflationary pressures”, RBI committed itself to more policy steps to control inflation without choking the economy.

The central bank said it expects the economy to grow by 8 per cent in FY’11 — lower than the government’s 8.5 per cent projection — and inflation to ease to 5.5 per cent by this fiscal end.

Wholesale prices-based inflation stood at 9.90 per cent in March this year, fuelled by high food prices.

The Reserve Bank also did not rule out further tightening of monetary policy before the next review, slated for July 27, saying this depends on monsoon, crude prices and demand pressures.

‘Doc’ robs patient at Hospicio HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

In a daring daylight theft, a miscreant posing as a doctor robbed a lady patient of her mangalsutra worth Rs 55,000 at the Hospicio hospital on Tuesday evening.

Savita Rama Velip, who was admitted in the maternity ward for delivery, was just taken to a room adjacent the ward, little realising that she would be relieved of her gold.

The incident left the Hospicio authorities baffled, more so when the hospital is being closely watched and monitored

Savita Velip with her husband and neighbour. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar.

by a huge army of security personnel.

Margao police rushed to the hospital this evening after receiving a complaint from the woman’s husband about the

shocking incident.

The victim’s husband, Rama Velip told Herald that the incident occurred after his wife, who was on the bed, was called in the adjoining room after ask-

Bachchans eyeing summer home in Aldona?

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, APRIL 20

The quiet village of Aldona is slowly turning into a popular destination for high-profile personalities that include actors, writers and models.

And, the latest buzz that has excited residents is the possibility that the village could have Bollywood’s most famous couple – Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan – as its new residents.

Aldona is already home to popular fashion model Ujwala Raut and award-winning author Amitav Ghosh, as they own houses in the village.

A few days ago, Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan had reportedly visited Aldona to look out for a house and the news spread like wildfire in the village as well as in cyberspace.

“It is believed that Bollywood’s glam couple, Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan, are

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has put on hold any decision on changes in the Goa Government until May 7.

Goa affairs incharge General Secretary B K Hariprasad, who was to meet her last week to convey demands of the Group of 7, told Herald that the leadership is fully pre-occupied with the ongoing Parliament session and as such any State issues will be taken up only after it ends on May 7.

Party sources said Sonia Gandhi is devoting most of her time either in the Lok Sabha or in her Parliament House office as she is worried about the way the Opposition is creating problems for the Government.

Her particular concern is over the cut motion notices given by the Opposition parties as any such notice succeeding amounts to the Government losing moral right to continue.

Such notices, however, become null and void if the demands of various ministries are bunched together and a “guillotine” is applied to pass all demands in the Union Budget without further discussion.

house hunting in Goa, and they have zeroed in on Aldona where a bungalow belonging to a Kashmiri has caught the family’s eye.

It’s of Portuguese architecture and has a swimming pool attached,” was a message posted on the Aldona-net groups by humour writer Cecil Pinto, who hails from Aldona.

“Amitabh and Abhishek, who is shooting in Canacona for Dum Maro Dum, went around the

house last week. Abhishek is understood to have fallen in love with Goa after working on his second film there and would be keen to have a summer home in the picturesque State,” Pinto added.

While some excited residents claimed to have spotted the Bachchans, others already began speculating on the money that would be trading hands for the house in the village Incidentally, Bollywood star Nana Patekar also has plans to settle down in Aldona.

“I have decided to settle down in Aldona because of the serene and quiet atmosphere of the village and the good people residing there. I will be happy to reside in the village if the people accept me as an ‘Aldonkar’,” said Patekar in November 2009, while addressing a gathering at the Shri Ganesh Sadashiv Nar vekar Smruti Sangeet Sammelan in the prem-

ises of Bhagvati temple, Aldona.

However, some have already begun to raise concerns over the impact on the village, with the possible arrival of the Bachchans and other famous personalities in Aldona.

“Unfortunately, the Bachchans are very particular about privacy which means high walls around the bungalow as in their Juhu homes. It will also mean large crowds around the area hanging around for a look at them when the news goes out that one of them is in. This creates traffic problems in Juhu. In Bandra, if Salman is on the road or at home, the streets are totally clogged with people in a variety of vehicles hoping for a view of him, and large crowds around his home hoping to see him and have him wave at them.

God Bless the people of Aldona,” stated Louise Fernandez, in another post on Aldona-net.

ing the relatives to go out of the ward. “The unknown person posing as doctor then told the nurse to get some papers and later gave an injection to his wife, before snatching the mangalsutra”, he said.

An agitated Rama Velip demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident and lamented that no doctor or nurse came to him to inquire about the incident.

“What is the use of security if they cannot protect even the patients”, he wondered and demanded that the police nab the (Continued on page 10)

Sir!! is this your permanent address? C/o Goa Medical College, Casualty ward-17, bed-03, Bambolim-Goa

Pg2

HE RA LD

GOA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL, 2010

MMC effects changes, dispatches draft Concession Agreement to Fomento HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

The Margao Municipal Council on Monday dispatched the draft Concession Agreement to Fomento’s for comments after effecting changes in the draft, including inserting a provision that the company submits a bank guarantee of Rs 2 crore.

The Civic body has asked Fomento to return back the draft agreement to the Civic body at the earliest so that the draft is placed before the Councilors for ratification.

MMC Chief Savio Coutinho said the ball is now in the court of Fomento to return

BSNL staff strike work, oppose privatisation

MARGAO (HR): BSNL employees under the banner of BSNL Employees Union on Tuesday went on a strike in support of the host of demands, including their opposition to disinvestment and privatisation.

The employees shouted slogans outside the main building in Margao this morning and opposed retrenchment and the Voluntary Retirement scheme for the scheme.

While demanding immediate procurement of mobile lines, the employees said no to outsourcing and further demanded revision of pension of the BSNL retirees.

back the draft concession agreement at the earliest so that the same is ratified by the Councilors. “The Civic body had forwarded the draft concession agreement to the Municipal Lawyer, Adv Padiyar to go through the provisions and make necessary changes to protect the interests of the Civic body.

Since the draft is received by the Civic body, the same has been forwarded to Fomento for their comments”, he said.

Besides inserting the provision of bank guarantee of Rs 2 crore, the Civic body is believed to have maintained that the company cannot mortgage the land in question at Sonsodo when the agreement is in force.

The draft Concession agreement has been a major bone of contention between the ruling Margao Civic body and the Fomento, with the company insisting that the Civic body first sign the agreement before initiating work at the Sonsodo dumping site.

The MMC Chairperson, on the other hand, insisted that Fomento take up the work of segregation and screening of the existing waste at the dumping site given the fast approaching monsoons and the time required by the Civic body to ratify the agreement after being vetted by the Municipal lawyer.

Don’t get misguided on reports of Dabolim airport closure: Churchill HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao has made an appeal to the people not to get misguided by reports that the Dabolim airport would be closed down in the event of Mopa becoming a reality.

He was addressing a function at Varca Tuesday evening after laying the foundation stone for the Rs 1 crore school building.

Referring to a report by the Navelim Civic and Consumer Forum that the Dabolim airport would be closed down, Alemao said the report has no basis and reminded the Forum members that the decision to close down the Dabolim airport was taken

10 years ago.

“But, for the intervention of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Central government has sanctioned Rs 500 crore for the upgradation of the Dabolim airport. I had quit as an MP on Dabolim airport. Don’t get misguided by such reports”, he said.

The PWD Minister used the occasion to make an humble plea to the Sarpanchas and other elected representatives to implement the National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme by providing employment to the people. “Let the people earn Rs 150 per day by working in the fields. Bring more and more peo-

GSPCB probes into sewage discharge by resort at Colva HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

Officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board on Tuesday returned back to Colva, this time to probe into the discharge of sewage by a beach resort.

Acting on a complaint lodge by local NGOs, the Pollution Control Board officials descended at the premises of the beach resort this afternoon to ascertain allegations that the STP plant installed inside the premises is non-functioning and that the sewage is directly released in the waters.

The two -member GSPCB team personally verified the STP and found that it has been nonfunctioning since the last three days. The team also took in account the waste being dumped in the backyard of the resort and was told by the employees that the waste is burnt periodically in the absence of any disposal facility set by the local authorities.

Incidentally, the Pollution Control Board team was told by the locals that the practice of setting the waste on fire is being resorted to by many establishments to do away with the tones of waste generated by the es-

ple under the NREG scheme”, he said and sought the cooperation of the people of Varca to implement many a scheme for the benefit of the villagers.

Claiming that he has ushered in the development of Navelim constituency after getting elected as the MLA, Alemao came down heavily on former MLA Luizinho Faleiro for working behind the scene to sabotage the development works, including his dream bridges at Sinquem, Telaulim and Cavelossim. “The Former MLA instigate some persons to oppose and taken the matter even to the courts, but did not succeed. All the three bridges will soon become a reality”, he added.

tablishments.

The team has asked the hotel management to submit the documents in a bid to find out where they are disposing off their waste on a daily basis.

Local activist Judith Almeida demanded that the government agencies coordinate and put a system in place for the welfare of the people. She has vowed

to seek the assistance of the Goa Pollution Control Board to inspect the hotel establishments and approach the court to enforce the rules in force.

The Colva Civic and Consumer Forum has requested the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to act against the illegal mode of discharge of waste and the illegal structures.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

More than six months after the Corporation of the City of Panaji moved the proposal, the pay parking scheme still hangs in balance.

“The recent reminder sent by us was last week...we even had meetings over the proposal in January,” an official said.

However, District Collector Mihir Vardhan feigned ignorance over the issue.

“I think there is a pay parking proposal before us but I will have to check the present position,” Vardhan told Herald.

Meanwhile, last month, Vardhan had said that they have not received any such proposal.

While CCP says that the proposal was sent in November.

CCP in their special meeting in October, last year had proposed to introduce pay parking system in and around the city municipal market as well as along the Heliodoro Salgado Road, in front of the Navtara Hotel, in front of the Navhind Bhavan and on either sides of the Dempo House.

As part of this project, the Corporation has started collecting parking fees in basement of the new municipal market and below Dempo House from January 1.

Aussie woman rape Crime Branch sleuths gather more evidence HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 20

GSPCB officials at a resort at Colva probing into the discharge of sewage in the open.

Photo by Sidharth Mehta

CCP’s pay parking plan still hangs in balance

Crime Branch sleuths descended in Canacona on Tuesday to investigate into the alleged rape of a 25-year-old Australian woman.

It is learnt that SP (Crime) Mangaldas Dessai, DySP Chandrakant Salgaonkar and PI Sunita Sawant visited the place of offence at Palolem to gather more evidence in the alleged rape complaint lodged by the Australian woman against Obi Okoroafor (25), a Nigerian national on Saturday night.

The rape complaint was lodged on Sunday morning, after the duo had allegedly passed Saturday night in partying together, first at a starred hotel, then at a beachside restaurant, before spending the night in a rented beach hut at Palolem.

On Monday, Canacona police obtained 14 days police custody for the accused, before the case was handed over to Crime Branch of Goa Police for further investigation.

Sources informed that the investigating team visited the beach hut allegedly used by the accused and victim on the fateful Saturday night.

Later, the top crime brass were reportedly sighted at Canacona police station engaged in examining some witnesses, including some people who had reportedly seen the accused and victim together at different point of time.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the alleged rape victim recorded her confessional statement under Section 165 of CrPC. According to sources, confessional statement of another Australian woman, reportedly a friend of the rape victim, was also recorded in the local court.

Fire incident: hotel staff held

MARGAO (HR): The Margao police has formally arrested the waiter from a city-hotel-cum-restaurant in connection with the fire incident at Nizami’s family shoppe.

Margao PI Santosh Desai said that the 52-year-old native of Mumbai has been arrested for committing mischief by fire with the help of a candle.

During interrogation, he said the accused has allegedly confessed having put fire to the readymade garment shop. The exact motive behind setting the shop on fire is being ascertained, he said.

Govt to shift defunct Convention Centre to ‘central Goa’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

The Goa government has decided to shift the now defunct mega Convention Centre from Dona Paula to ‘central Goa’ even as the Centre has sanction Rs 12 crore for setting up Institute of Hotel Management.

Government of India has sanctioned Rs 12 crore through the department of tourism for IHM which is scheduled to be set up

at Farmagudi. It will be close to the existing accommodation facility of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) at Farmagudi.

The government plan was to make the new IHM more localcentric.

For many years, Goa has one IHM which is located in Porvorim along NH17. IHM, Goa was first established as a "Food Craft Institute" and was later upgraded as a full fledged In-

stitute under the auspices of Government of India, Ministry of Tourism and is under the umbrella of National Council for Hotel Management & Catering.

In a survey conducted among IHM students from all over India, it was found that IHM Mumbai was the most sought after, followed by IHM Goa (Porvorim).

Dr Modassir also stated that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for a mini-convention hall. It is

learnt that the mini-convention centre will come up at Campal.

Sources said that the government had to give up its plans for setting up the mega convention centre at Dona Paula. There was major spat between the government and Goa University over the land issue with the latter insisting that it belongs to the university. A top company was to set up the convention centre on PPP model but as the

project was caught in a legal tangle, the company opted out.

The government is in the process of handing the land back to the Goa University. More than the management side, the teachers had taken up the issue in a big way.

Now, it seems that the government intends to have the proposed mega convention centre in ‘central Goa’ which could be near to the highway probably between Panjim and Verna.

Mormugao educational institutes Benaulim RO dismisses vow support in tackling ragging plaint against Mickky HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 20

Welcoming the Supreme Court’s directives to curb ragging in educational institutions, heads of educational institutions in Mormugao taluka have assured full support to the district administration in tackling the menace from the next academic year.

Mormugao Deputy Collector Levinson Martins on Tuesday morning interacted with various educational institutes in Mormugao taluka, which was attended by principals, headmasters, education officials, DySP Mahesh Gaonkar and South Goa Anti Ragging Committee (SGARC) member Melvyn Misquita.

During the meeting, the heads of educational institutions were asked to form an anti-ragging committee and an anti-ragging squad comprising different stakeholders from the society – police, local media, non-government organisations, non teaching staff, senior and junior

students and non-administrative staff from educational institutes.

Mormugao Education Society Bachelor of Business Administration Co-coordinator Lilita Joshi said it is a good initiative on the part of SGARC that would certainly help to curb ragging menace in the State.

“Comparative to other states in the country, Goa is fortunate that number of ragging incidents is under control. After forming such committees, instances of ragging can be further minimised,” said Joshi.

“We are certainly looking forward to ensure that the guidelines of Raghavan Committee report are implemented to ensure that ragging is stopped in college campus in the State,” added Joshi.

Mormugao Deputy Collector Levinson Martins highlighted some of the recommendations of the Supreme Court’s directives to the State governments and called upon heads of institutions to ensure that their re-

spective anti-ragging committees are activated in letter and in spirit.

Detailing the genesis of the SGARC, Misquita informed that the Supreme Court had accepted the Raghavan Committee report and had asked all states last year to implement the report, besides setting up committees at the various levels to curb ragging in educational institutions.

He said the purpose of setting up anti-ragging committees in educational institutions was to provide a holistic solution to the problem. “The idea is to involve different stakeholders in tackling the menace of ragging in education institutions,” he said.

Misquita informed that the SGARC had conducted similar meetings in Salcete and Canacona talukas, while another meeting would be convened in Curchorem on April 22 for heads of educational institutions in the talukas of Quepem and Sanguem.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

The Returning Officer for the Benaulim Assembly constituency Sanjeev Desai has dismissed the complaint lodged by Colva Panch Calvert Gonsalves against Tourism Minister, Mickk y Pacheco for want of jurisdiction to hear the petition.

Calvert had complained to the Returning Officer that Pacheco had allegedly filed inaccurate affidavit relating to his educational qualifications during the 2005 Assembly by-polls and the 2007 Assembly polls.

In his judgment, the Returning Officer said he is dismissing the complaint for want of jurisdiction. In this context, Desai has relied on the Judgement of the Allahabad High Court in Dr Subramaniam Swami versus the Election Commission of Indian and Sonia Gandhi which had stated that the Returning Officer ceases to function after the declaration of the election result.

Moreover, the Returning Officer has observed that the complainant had filed the complaint

three years and five months after the 2005 Assembly bye-polls and one year and five months after the 2007 Assembly polls.

Calvert had filed the complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer in October 2008 stating that the Benaulim MLA and Tourism Minister had allegedly filed inaccurate and false affidavits relating to his educational qualifications in the 2005 byepolls and 2007 Assembly polls.

He had alleged that Pacheco had stated his educational qualification as Xth pass in the 2005 bye-polls and VII pass in the 2007 Assembly polls.

In his preliminary reply filed to the complaint, the Tourism Minister had categorically stated that the RO has no jurisdiction to hear the complaint, adding that even if the affidavit filed before the election authorities is inaccurate, it does not amount any major offense.

Pacheco’s Personal Assistant, Lyndon Monteiro told newsmen that the RO has upheld the contention of the Tourism Minister for want of jurisdiction.

Govt ‘unhappy’ on GU accorded Grade B HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

Goa government has taken a serious note of Goa University being accorded B Grade by National Assessment Accreditation Council (NAAC) recently.

Getting B grade from NAAC when universities in backward states like Bihar have got B+, has definitely not gone well in the echelons of power.

It has been a matter of discussion among the academic class in the government.

Taking cognizance of the scenario, Secretary (Education) Dr M M Modassir has written a ‘confidential’ letter to the Chief Minister on the issue, sources in the government said. Dr Modassir however, declined to comment on the issue.

The sources told this paper that the Secretary (Education) has suggested that the government has to seek an explanation from the Goa University authorities on the latest rating given

by NAAC. Two Goa colleges have got ‘A’ rating while five have been accorded B+.

The Goa University authorities seem to have gone on the defensive.

Registrar of the university Dr Mohan Sangodkar however, does like the comparison saying university is different from the colleges. The parameters for their ratings is also different.

And he reportedly also made a point that the Goa university has also contributed to the colleges getting a higher rating from NAAC.

One gets life rap for murder HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

Holding him guilty of murder, the District Sessions Court North Goa sentenced one 29-year-old Dattaram alias Premanand Bhikaji Gawas to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000.

The Sessions Judge Nutan Sardessai also held accused guilty under Section 392 (robbery) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sentenced him to five years imprisonment and fine of Rs 5000. In the event, he can’t pay the fine amount he will have to undergo additional imprisonment for two months.

If he fails to pay the fine amount of Rs 10000, he will have to undergo additional imprisonment for six months.

According to the prosecution, the accused murdered Darshana Gawas by strangulating her with intention of committing robbery.

She was killed at a rivulet near her house in Chandel Village in Pernem where she had gone to wash clothes on the morning of October 18, 2007. The accused then escaped with her gold ornaments – gold mangalsutra and two bangles.

The accused was arrested on December 10, 2007 from BedshiDodamarg and gold ornaments were recovered from his house at Kumbharwada in Chandel.

Police Inspector Nelson Albuquerque then attached to Pernem Police Station conducted the investigation.

The State was represented by Public prosecutor Subhash Dessai.

Conviction: The Sessions Court has convicted one Digambar alias Prakash Khorjuvenkar from Badem, Assgao under Section 304 (part II) (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code.

He has been sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for five years and pay fine Rs 10,000 or in default, to undergo additional imprisonment for six months.

As per the charge sheet filed on May 3, 2008 at around 3.30 pm the accused assaulted a 51year-old Manguesh Morajkar with knife causing injuries to his neck that led to excessively bleeding and consequently, his death.

The prosecution examined twenty-three witnesses in support of the case.

Sources said that the government is concerned about the situation as it is funding the university to the tune of Rs 15 crore per annum. It is learnt that Education Minister Babush Monserrate has also expressed concern over the B rating of Goa University.

The chief minister, sources said, is examining the matter and is likely to seek an explanation from the university authorities.

The Governor Dr SS Sidhu is also expected to be consulted as he is the Chancellor of the Goa university.

Incidentally, some years ago Dr Modassir had submitted a detailed report on its finances and several recommendations had been made to put things in order.

SP asked to examine cases of suspended police officials HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

Deputy Inspector General of Police Ravindra Yadav has asked the Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) to examine cases of all police officials suspended for their nexus with those in the illegal narcotic drugs trade.

The DIG’s instructions come in the wake of bad publicity the Goa police has been receiving after the startling revelations by a wanted drug pin about the nefarious existence of policedrug cartel nexus.

Sources said the examination may lead to the dismissal of anyone found having any kind of link with drug peddlers or big timers in the industry. More so, the axe may fall on suspended cop Sanjay Parab, who is evading arrest.

Five policemen, including PI Ashish Shirodkar, were arrested for their alleged links with drug traders. Parab against whom a non-bailable warrant is issued is the sixth man wanted in the case.

Miscreants set ablaze hut at Saligao HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, APRIL 20

Property worth Rs 50,000 was destroyed, after a hut was set ablaze by some miscreants in the paddy field at Saligao on Tuesday afternoon.

According to reports, the hut belonged to one Rohidas Kerkar.

However, it was a lucky escape for two cows, which are usually tied in the hut. “The fire would have charred them to death.

There was no scope in controlling the engulfing fire due to the blazing sun,” said Kerkar.

On noticing the fire, the locals informed Mapusa Fire Station and Calangute Police.

The fire brigade rushed to the site and put off the fire. However, the fire personnel could do little to minimise the damages to the hut and save the crop. The estimated loss is put up at Rs 50,000.

The hut owner lost all the paddy crops, chillies, groundnuts, wooden material, etc, due

The hut that was set on fire by miscreants at Saligao.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

to the fire.

Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar and Saligao Sarpanch Bholanath Ghadi Sankhalkar rushed to the site and took stock of the situation.

Calangute Police team led by PI Nolasco Raposo along with a large number of people was at the site.

Speaking to Herald, Kerkar said he had left the hut exactly at 1.45 pm for lunch at his residence and while he was having his lunch, he got the news that his hut has been engulfed in fire. The fire was deliberately put and ruled out the possibility of fire by accident.

GSHC plans new tech for ripening bananas HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

For quite sometime now, Goa has been witnessing artificial ripening of bananas posing health hazard to the consumer.

Hopefully this will be thing of the past, to a great extent, as the Goa State Horticultural Corporation has plans to set up state-of-the-art ripening facility.

“Yes, we have plans to set up ripening chambers”, managing director of the Corporation Orlando Rodrigues told Herald.

Sources said the project report is ready and that the proposal would be placed before the meeting of Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Health educators have found that artificial ripening of fruits is bad for health. Fruits are stored in closed rooms with Calcium carbide. As calcium carbide emits acetylene, it heats up the room triggering the ripening process.

But this method can lead to health problems – it can cause stomach problems and lead to other allergic reactions as well.

According to a study, ripening is generally triggered by ethyl-

ene (a plant hormone which starts off the enzyme conversion process). The fruit softens and becomes sweet and edible and the colour of the fruit also changes.

The corporation is planning to provide facilities for ripening bananas in a healthy manner using ethylene gas similar to the naturally occurring plant hormone. Ripening is carried out by circulating controlled quantities of ethylene gas in the ripening chambers, Rodrigues explained. The temperature, air circulation, humidity, and gas concentration are closely monitored and the automated system monitors conditions constantly and makes sure that there is only the optimum amount of gas in the chamber.

This system, according to sources, ensures that the fruit ripens evenly from the core out.

Ripening of the fruit this way will give it a much longer shelf life.

During Ganesh Chaturthi festival in the last two years, there were incidents of artificially ripening bananas by the crude

method with the use of chemicals posing danger to consumers’ health. Foods & Drugs Administration (FDA) had booked two cases.

Bharat Natyam at Ravindra Bhavan

MARGAO (HR): Ravindra Bhavan, Margao is organising a Bharat Natyam performance by noted artist Pradnya Agasthi of Chidvilasini, Pune on April 21 at 7 pm at Pai Tiatrist Joao Agustinho Fernandes auditorium at Ravindra Bhavan.

This performance is a part of the Bakibab centenary year celebrations being commemorated in the memory of great Goan poet Bakibab Borkar.

The dance performance is named as Nachu Shabdachiye Rangi and is an attempt to interpret the creative process of Bakibab’s poetry through the dance form of Bharat Natyam.

The duration of the program is about 90 minutes. The performance is based on the Konkani and Marathi lyrics of Bakibab.

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‘Ineffective’ fire hydrants fail mock drill test Govt signs agreement with HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

The fire hydrants installed at the New Market area has once again let down fire fighting operations as the fire services held a mock drill in the market area to ascertain and analyse the preparedness of various agencies to combat fire in the Commercial Capital.

Fire officials called for laying a dedicated line from the main Selaulim line passing through the city to connect the fire hydrants and ensure water pressure in the pipeline at all times.

The fire services choose the stationary-cum-transport office, which was gutted in a major fire a week ago, to test the efficacy of the agencies. While fire tenders from Verna, Ponda, Curc h o re m , b e s i d e s M a rg a o responded the calls, the fire hydrant simply failed to lend a helping hand in the fire fighting operations.

When scary citizens asked the fire services to check up the reliability of fire hydrant, the water pressure was found so low that connecting the hose to the hydrant was dropped altogether.

The mock drill was conducted following all round criticism over the delays by the fire services

Fire fighters engage themselves in a mock drill at new market, Margao.

in recent times to attend to fire calls.

As per the plan, fire tenders were requisitioned from Ponda, Verna, Curchorem besides Margao to find out the time taken by the vehicles to reach the Commercial Capital.

The Mamlatdar in the South Goa Collectorate Ashutosh Apte

said the drill was held to assess and analyse the response time of the fire services and other agencies and to overcome the shortcomings.

Assistant Fire Divisional Officer, Prakash Parab said that the operation was successful, but lamented that the fire hydrant installed in the Market area has

again proved to be of no use for want of water pressure.

He said the fire services will analyse the time taken by the

outstation fire tenders to reach the fire calls in the Commercial capital and suggest remedial measures.

Commenting on the failure of the fire hydrant, Parab said unless the hydrants are connected to a dedicated water pipeline, the situation will not improve. “Only a dedicated water pipeline can ensure round-the-clock water pressure in the pipeline. The fire services had made a recommendation to this effect a decade ago, but in vain”, he lamented.

If Parab is to be believed, around 3.5 kilogram water pressure is required to effectively fight fire on a ground floor, adding that 5-6 kg of water pressure requires to be maintained to fight fire on a first or second floor of a building.

Analysis of the response of the fire tenders revealed that the Ponda fire tender took 30 minutes to reach the fire accident spot, while the tender from Verna reached within 15 minutes.

NIT for Goa center

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

Goa government has signed an agreement with National Institute of Technology (NIT) for setting up Goa NIT even as classes, though temporarily, will begin in the forthcoming academic year in Farmagudi.

Goa is gearing up to start NIT classes in a few months from now with the expertise provided by NIT Surathkal (Karnataka).

The Goa branch of NIT Suratkal will have its classes in Farmagudi. Faculty will be from NIT Suratkal and from Goa College of Engineering.

Three disciplines which will be taught at the NIT include Electrical/Electronics, Electronic & Communication engineering and Computer Science/engineering.

Secretary (Education) Dr M M Modassir confirmed that the

GBA calls on Yadhuvanshi to pursue pending issues HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

A delegation of the executive committee of Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) on Tuesday called on the Raajiv Yadhuvanshi, the Secretary for Town & Country Planning (TCP), Forest besides being Secretary to Chief Minister, for a follow-up meeting to pursue pending issues like violation of TCP rules, guidelines of Draft RP 2021 for illegal hill cutting on steep slopes and filling of cultivable paddy fields, water bodies, mangroves, etc.

The GBA made it clear that it wants a time-line with a spe-

cific plan of action to make the RP 2021 final draft ready by September, 2010. The TCP Dept has already defaulted on finalisation of just the first two taluka plans which were semiready way back on March 4, 2010 ...as there are no guidelines for finalisation and staff is in the process of being hired/paid for services. The first two taluka plans are now due on April 30, 2010... and only Canacona Plan is anywhere close to finalisation, sources said.

GBA stressed the need to identify the authority who will take action in case of violations

of TCP rules, including on weekends and Government holidays.

A Flying Squad under the Revenue Dept has been proposed on April 16, 2010, by the TCP Board which is headed by the TCP minister (chief minister in the instant case).

GBA also called a public commitment on the amendments to Goa TCP Act to bring it in consonance with Article 243 of the Constitution of India and dove-tailing it with the Goa Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 and updated Goa Municipality Act, currently stuck in 1968.

Help Them To Smile Again (Hettsa) For us, caring for financially poor patients is as important as achieving Excellence in Dentistry. During the last eight years, our self-funded Community Assistance Project “Hettsa” (started in the year 2001) has already provided free and subsidized cost dental treatment to over 10,000 poor patients.

We would like to celebrate our newest achievement in Dentistry by doing a little more...

We will be shortly commencing the Phase 2 of our Project “Hettsa”. We have tied up with Faith Works (India) and Society of St. Vincent De Paul to provide Free Mobile Dental, Medical and Eye treatment for the needy patients in the villages around Margao.

agreement has been signed between Goa government and NIT Suratkal paving the way for setting up of Goa NIT. The process for locating the site for setting up the prestigious institution is in the final stages.

The Site Selection Panel of ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) will visit Goa soon, Dr Modassir who has been pursuing the project intensely said.

The entire cost of setting up Goa NIT will be borne by MHRD. Goa’s contribution will be in the form of land.

Goa is likely to get 50 % reservation. But Goa is clubbed with union territories like Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar haveli, and Lakshadweep. The state government is trying to exclude itself from this group

so that it gets the full 50 % reservation. If it fails, it will be reduced to 35 %.

Goa NIT is among the ten new NITS sanctioned by the Central government across the country.

According to an order of the Union HRD ministry, the new NITs will be mentored by the existing NITs for the first three years and NIT at Surathkal, by virtue of its proximity to Goa, is the mentor.

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S H O RT TA K E S ‘Mind Matters’ released

35 cos, 69 directors being prosecuted, RS told HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Dr Avinash Kamat Dhakankar and Mrs Dhakankar releasing the newsletter ‘Mind Matters’ at Pilar.

PANJIM(HND): The latest edition of the newsletter ‘Mind Matters’ was released at the hands of Dr Avinash Kamat Dhakankar at a function held at Pilar recently. Mind Matters is a free newsletter on mind and brain health brought out by Goan psychiatrist Dr Melvin Chagas Silva and his team.

Speaking at the release function, Dr Avinash Kamat Dhakankar who is the director of the Dhakankar Hospital at Pilar hailed the publication of Mind Matters as a significant milestone for mental health awareness in the state. Dr Dhakankar went on to describe the increasing incidence of depression and anxiety disorders in people. He also stressed the impact of mental disorders on the body giving the example of how depression and anxiety disorders can increase the risk of a heart attack.

The function was well attended. For information contact Mind Matters team at A6 Solson's Abode, Behnd Sidarudh Temple, Coqueiro Circle Porvorim or email at newsletter_mindmatters@yahoo.com.

Priti Gaonkar and Sanmesh Bale crowned Miss Tiny Tots and Master Tiny Tots at the farewell function held recently for the students of Std IV at Ideal Education Society, Tiny Tots Nursery, KG and Primary school, Quepem.

Prize distribution function

Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes distributing prizes to students on the annual day function of Rose Garden Primary School held recently at Kala Academy Panjim.

PANJIM(HND): The MLA and Chairman of EDC Ltd and Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said education is vital for the development of every child.

Mr Fernandes was speaking as the chief guest at annual day and prize distribution ceremony of Rose Garden Primary School held recently at Kala Academy Panjim.

Speaking further, Mr Fernandes said discipline is essential in school as well at home. Every child should be educated, he added.

He congratulated the teachers and principal of Rose Garden Primary School for their good job done and appreciated the work done by the Management.

The Principal S G Chodanker, PTA Vice Chairman T K Bahuleyan and Suzi Miranda -PTA Treasurer were present.

Later, meritorious students were given prizes by Fernandes.

Janavi S Govekar was awarded Gold Medal for being topper in mathematics in state level competition organised by the University of New South Wales (UMSW), Australia. Yugant Sagar Naik Wadavlikar was awarded the prize as the All-Rounder Student of the Year.

Principal S G Chodanker also spoke on the occasion about the progress of the school. T K Bahuleyan- vice chairman PTA spoke on behalf of PTA about the excellent performance of the school in all activities. Apurva Chodanker welcomed the the gathering and compered the function. Suzi Miranda proposed the vote of thanks.

Chodankar elected chief

PANJIM(HND): Shital Kalidas Chodanker was unanimously re-elected President of Shree Shantadurga Pilernakarin Saunsthan-Betim for the 3rd time consecutively for the year 20102013 at the Annual General Meeting held recently at Saunshthan Hall, Betim under the chairmanship of the senior trustee of Saunshthan Shri Sharad Naik.

The following managing committee was elected unopposed: Vice President: Anand Bhonsle, General Secretary: Gopichand Alornekar, Jt Secretary: Dattaram Chodankar, Treasurer: Balkrishna Volvoikar, Members: Vishwambar Chodankar, Prakash Chodankar, Suresh Volvoikar, Dulba Volvoikar, Chandrakant Lolienkar, Avinash Fadte, Shivram Bhonsle, Arun Potnis, Ambu Kavlekar, Ganesh Parab and Anand Gurav.

Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Shri Salman Khurshid informed Shantaram Naik, in the Rajya Sabha today in a written reply that Registrar of Companies, Goa has filed prosecution against 35 companies and its 69 Directors of non-filing of Balance Sheets and Annual Returns under Section 220 and 162 of the Companies Act, 1956.

The Minister further informed Mr Naik that violation of mandatory legal provisions

by Directors of such Companies have come to the notice of the Registrar of Companies. In case of 129 companies, it is found that they have failed to file Balance Sheets and Annual Returns with the Office of Registrar of Companies, Goa. Daman and Diu. He further informed Mr. Naik

that in case of one public company it is found that it has failed to comply with the provisions of section 165 of the Companies Act, 1956 and has not submitted Statutory Report with the office of Registrar of Companies, Goa. Mr. Khurshid further informed Mr. Naik that in all 484 companies were registered in Goa in the 2007-2008, 344 in the year 2008-2009 and 286 in the year 2009-2010.

Explaining the procedure for incorporation companies by foreign nationals/NRIs, minister said that promoters have to apply for name of the company by way of filing form 1A furnishing the names of addresses of promoters/directors. After getting the name approved from the Registrar of Companies, promoters are required to prepare registration documents like Form 1 Form 18, Form 32, Mem-

orandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA) If the foreigner promoters intend to incorporate the company without visiting India, then they have to sign the MOA, AOA before the Notary in the country of their origin and subsequently to be apostatised by the Indian Embassy situated in that country of the origin as per the Hague Apostille Convention 1961, he said.

The Minister further informed Mr. Naik that if the foreigner directors are visiting Indian, they have to write the foreign address and Indian address, description and occupation in the MOA, AOA in presence of witness in terms of Section 15 and 30 of the Companies Act, 1956 and also to submit copies of the passport and visa and also, if required, in original for verification.

MLA vows priority to development in Fatorda HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 20

Fatorda MLA Damu Naik has said he has accorded utmost priority for development in his constituency.

Speaking after commissioning hot mixing works worth Rs 50 lakh, Naik said all these works were continuously followed by him, right from the stage of securing administrative and financial sanction. “I will give utmost priority for all development work in Fatorda constituency”, Naik said, adding “The educated class can check with the authorities or can avail the information under RTI to know who has done the work”.

He said the defeated candidate of Fatorda constituency is allegedly busy in patronising illegal construction such as Balwadi, toilet etc.

3 mining trucks involved in 2 separate mishaps

Chairman of Law Commission Ramakant Khalap congratulated the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat for his proposal to provide employment to school dropouts and others unable to find gainful employment in public sector through creation of a Special Security Force.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Khalap suggested that the proposed security force be created through a Corporation as proposed by the Government of Maharashtra.

Khalap has further proposed that the Special Security Force should not only be a Forum for providing employment but should also be an institution to upgrade skills and qualifications of the recruits in security and guard duties, traffic management, unarmed combat and simultaneous weakened and vocational classes for skill improvement and for attaining higher qualifications through the existing schools, colleges, I I Ts, as well as through open schools and distance education

Calangute residents killed in separate mishaps HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, APRIL 20

Two residents from Calangute died in separate road mishaps at Calangute and Nagoa-Arpora on Monday.

According to reports, Nilesh Arlekar (35) of Naikka Vaddo, who was walking along the road, was knocked down by a Honda Activa at Madda Vaddo-Calangute on Monday at about 11.15 pm.

Arlekar was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to injuries. Calangute Police has arrested one suspect from Manipur. He was later released on bail. PSI Harish Gauns is investigating the case.

In another accident at NagoaArpora, Nascimento Miranda (75) of Naikka Vaddo, who was riding Aviator scooter (GA-03-J-2482), was knocked down by a speeding tipper truck (GDS-6022) on Monday at about 11.45 pm.

Truck driver Subhash Naik (32) of Mayem-Bicholim was arrested and later released on bail.

Retreat at Parra, Verna

PANJIM(HND): Bro Johnson Sequeira will be conducting retreats on April 26 and 27 at Emerald Lawns, Parra and at Blue Berry, Verna on April 28 and 29. For free bus service contact Br Willy on tel: 9823055659.

Bl Joseph Vaz mass

PANJIM(HND): A solemn Mass will be held on April 21 at the Sanctuary of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Sancoale at 4.30 pm to commemorate the 359th Birth Anniversary of Blessed Joseph Vaz, the Apostle of Kanara and Sri Lanka and the Patron of Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. The devotees of Blessed are cordially invited to participate in the Eucharistic celebration.

In the evening there will be a drama “Chol Ia London” produced and directed by Roseferns at 7 pm in the courtyard of the Sanctuary.

PANJIM(HND): Fr Abraham Painumkal S J, a Jesuit priest and counsellor, will deliver a discourse on “4 Steps To Wisdom” on April 22 at 6 pm at Jesuit House, Panjim. It is open to all and free. Fr Abraham is available for counselling at Jesuit House Panjim. For details call tel: 9850123667/2223495.

Special First Aid course

PANJIM(HND): The Indian Red Cross Society is a health related organization concerned with the health of the common man. Indian Red Cross conducts the ‘First Aid Courses’ for the benefits of citizens, employees of corporations, corporates, employees of government departments and hospitality industry.

The society will be organizing such courses on April 26 and 27 at its AC conference hall on 18th June Road, Panjim.

This course has specially been arranged on request from various individuals. If any individual is interested to undergo this First Aid Training course, they may enroll their names either by person or by telephone to the Administrative Officer, Indian Red Cross Society, Panjim on phone no 2224601 or on cell no 9850454655 during office hours.

Confidence building camp

Bollywood actors Arshad Warsi, Tushaar Kapoor and Kunal Khemu at Gawin’s restaurant, Verna. Also present are Galibh, Rosevelt and Gawin Valadares, proprietor of Gawin’s restaurant. The Bollywood actors are currently down in Goa shooting for Golmaal series- Golmaal 3, directed by Rohit Shetty and is being currently shot at various locales around the State.

Photo by Cedric Da Costa

Special Security Force should upgrade skills of recruits: Khalap HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Divine Mercy retreat

PANJIM(HND): Divine Mercy Mission service will be conducting a prayer service on April 22 at Terry’s Marvel, near Peddem ground, Mapusa, between 2 pm to 5.30 pm. Free transport will be provided from Panjim/Mapusa KTC bus stand at 1.30 pm. Contact on 9823055659.

There will also be a prayer service on April 23 at Big Fun Hall, near Gandhi circle, above Canara Bank, Old Goa, between 2 pm to 5.30 pm. Free transport will be provided from Mapusa, Porvorim, Panjim, Ribandar, Neura, Carambolim, St Estevam, Cumbharjua, Marcel. Contact on 9823055659.

Come and experience God’s power, deliverance and healing through God’s divine Word. For details contact 9923530556 or 9850987331.

Discourse by Fr Abraham

HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, APRIL 20

The rash movement of mining traffic in Quepem continues to torment residents in the taluka, as three mining trucks were involved in two separate mishaps in Tilamol and at Quepem market on Monday.

A mining truck (GA-08-T-5399) dashed against a Maruti car (GA08-A-6877) at Quepem market, while in the second incident a mining truck dashed against another mining truck at Tilamol.

Residents have complained that overloading and excessive speeding of mining trucks continues unabated and the spillage of ore has caused severe hardship to motorists.

They have also alleged that many policemen, RTO officials and traffic cops posted at Quepem have a direct interest in mining, as they have some relatives involved in truck operations.

upcOminG EvEnTS

Institutions like the Yehwantrao Chavan Open University, Indira Gandhi National Open University.

Khalap proposed diversion of funds meant for schemes like NRGEA to the corpus of the proposed Corporation and ensure jobs to every needy person in the State.

Khalap has stated that he is especially happy because the proposed Security Force will be able to replace private agencies in the field who normally recruit non-Goan youngsters leaving the local youth to uncertain job prospects, which leads to several undesired vocations like

drug peddling, matka touting, and other nefarious deeds.

Khalap also suggested that the government may begin with two battalions of 1000 recruits each one for North and another South Goa and to ensure that the recruitment is evenly spread throughout Goa. This force should preferably be headed by a high-ranking police officer like the IGP, SPs, Dy SPs, PIs and ASIs should be given the charge of battalions.

Platoons and sections in that order suggested Mr Khalap and felt that association of Police personnel will give credibility to the force.

CM to open bridge in Valpoi HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will inaugurate the bridge connecting Velus and Dhabos in Valpoi on April 22 in the distinguished presence of the Speaker Pratapsingh Raoji Rane, Minister for Health, Vishwajit Rane, MLA of St Andre constituency and vicechairman, GSIDC, Francisco Silveira, Gulbar Bi Khan, Chairperson, Valpoi Municipal Council, Unjiesh Gulelkar, vice-chairperson, Valpoi Municipal Council and others.

According to a press release, the bridge caters the needs of students, villagers and other commuters to cross the river.

Students get exposure to skill development at Sanguem HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, APRIL 20

Our L ady of Piety School, Collem-Sanguem, under the guidance of its Headmaster Fr Pio Furtado conducted a six-day long summer camp for the school students.

During the course of the six days long programme, the students hailing from the remote areas were exposed to variety of programmes including Yoga, how to sing and dance, games, talk on good manners, snake awareness, flower making, PowerPoint presentation, practice of Raag and Bhakti Git, poetr y presentation, stor y writing, science exhibition, Kathak dance and bead work.

The camp was attended by 48 students.

In addition in the evening hours talks were also held on various topics relating to health care, environment and social responsibilities by experts in the fields.

The camp was appreciated by students, teachers and parents alike as it was for the first time that the students were given such a wide exposure to programmes relating to the development of skills and their talents.

Speaking to Herald, Fr Pio Furtado said last year the school had conducted a similar camp for three days, but this year the camp was held for six days and it was held with the motto ‘We are Human and Superior to all

School students make bags at the camp site.

Photo by Alfred Fernandes

other creations’.

Incidentally, it was for the first time in the village that the school students were exposed to programmes as that of science exhibition, star gazing organised by Goa Science Centre in the school compound and snake awareness by Animal Rescue Centre, where students were made aware of the various types of snakes living in the surrounding areas.

The students attended the programme with great zeal and were highly thankful to the school authorities, particularly Fr Furtdao for exposing them to various programmes.

On the concluding day, Provincial Superior of Pilar Society Fr Kyriel D’Souza was the chief guest for the function, while Adv A Fernandes was the guest of honour. Our Lady of Piety School, Collem, Manager

Fr Thomas Gonsalves, Fr Alex Luis and Adv John Fernandes were the special invitees.

Speaking at the function, Fr D’Souza appreciated the efforts put forth by Fr Furtado and his team in organising such a event in the school premises and appraised the students and the parents of the idea the Pilar Fathers had in opening the school in the remote villages.

Fr D’Souza also spoke on the urgent need of better human relationship among the people and for clean environment.

Fr Furtado in his speech thanked all those who rendered their help and support in the conduct of the programme.

Teacher Suranga read the report of the activities conducted during the six-day camp. The camp concluded with a variety of entertainment programme presented by the students.

PANJIM(HND): Prepare for life the smart way……Smart Edge Learning and Development Solutions presents a confidence building camp this summer from April 22 to 28, this is the first of its kind in the state of Goa. The camp will be conducted for the 8 and 9 Standard Students. The timings will be from 9 am to 1 pm.

The topics that will be covered are Communication, Decision Making / Goal Setting and Mind Mapping. The training will be a mix of team games, exercises and role plays. For details call on 2421618 / 9822124291 or email us on smartedge.goa@gmail.com. Limited seats available, rush to enroll.

Skill development programme for S Goa youth organised HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

A two-month skill development programme organized by the Department of Agriculture in association with Sesa Goa and the Vishwanath Gude Memorial Trust concluded recently with the valediction of 17 youth from villages of South Goa at the Dept of Agriculture's Kalay farm.

According to a press release, the programme was conducted to impart enhanced skills to school dropouts in contemporary methods of coconut-harvesting, budding and grafting techniques, manuring, mushroom cultivation, vegetable cultivation practices and packaging, handling of agricultural machinery and their maintenance and multiplication of ornamental plants. Harvesting of coconuts is on the decline due to reduced availability of coconut-tree climbers and youth taking up other lucrative employment. To obviate this the Agriculture Department tied-up with Sesa Goa Ltd, which as a part of it's CSR initiatives, provided each trainee with a kit of agricultural tools

consisting of coconut-tree climbing device, a pruning secateur, a budding and grafting knife, all worth Rs 2500 per set. The Agricultural Department also paid a stipend of Rs 3000 to each of the trainees who attended the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Agriculture Department Satish Tendulkar advised the youth to take advantage of such programmes which the department also aims to introduce many more programmes in the future.

He also invited them to give their suggestion on what other kind of programmes are needed and that the department would certainly cater to them. Mahesh Patil, GM-HSEC of Sesa Goa who distributed the kits to the students told them that the importance of agriculture can never be underestimated and the youth must combine adoption of improved techniques such as the coconut tree-climbing device with an entrepreneurial approach such as self-help groups to achieve economic sustenance, adds the press release.

POWER SHUTDOWN APRIL 21 DONA PAULA: Between 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are La citadel Colony, Alto Nagalli, Chowgule Bungalow and surrounding areas.

CORLIM: Between 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Dotorbhat, ICAR, SFX residency and vicinity of Old Goa. TALEIGAO: Between 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Kevenem, Noble Shelter complex and surrounding areas.

PANJIM(HND): Between 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are La Campal colony and surrounding areas.

APRIL 22 MIRAMAR: Between 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Sangrila Apartment, St Mary’s colony and surrounding areas.

APRIL 24 MIRAMAR: Between 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Dhempe college, Salgaonkar Law college, Flower Queen apartment, Darshan apartment, Bobby apartment, Sand dunes, Foodland, Miramar residency, Crystal apartment, PWD Sewage pump near Salgaonkar college.

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Canacona locals express fear over drilling of bore wells HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 20

Residents in some residential areas in Canacona taluka have expressed concern over their house wells, as bore wells are being drilled in parts of the taluka reportedly as part of a Central government’s plan to track the dwindling fortunes of groundwater in the country.

It is learnt that work on drilling of bore wells is underway at villages in Cotigao and Poinguinim in Canacona taluka.

Even though it could not be confirmed, sources informed that Ground Water Board, a Central government agency, is undertaking drilling of about 60 observatory bore wells in the entire State, as part of its illustrious plan to monitor the behavioural aspect of ground water in lieu of earth warming characteristics.

When contacted, local Water Resources Department (WRD) office feigned ignorance of any such projects being taken up by the department and further informed that if at all it’s underway, WRD’s Hydrology Section at Margao should be aware of it.

However, further enquiries came as blank with sources claiming that WRD’s Hydrology Section was also unaware about the bore walls being drilled at Canacona, except providing information that similar observatory bore wells are indeed maintained by WRD’s

Under the National Maritime Development Programme, a total of 12 projects are envisaged for Mormugao Port at a cost of Rs 808 crore, Union Minister of Shipping informed MP Shantaram Naik in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

The National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP) has become operational and covers all projects which are under implementation as on April 1, 2005 or are likely to start till March 31, 2012, the Minister said.

“Under NMDP, the projects relating to constructions of berths, mechanization, upgradation of equipments, deepening of channels and projects related to port connectivity, etc are taken up to modernise port infrastructure in India to benchmark the performance of ports to international standards,” Vasan informed Naik.

In another written reply to Naik, Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Sisir Kumar Adhikari informed that an amount of Rs 243.90 lakh was released to the Goa gov-

Bore well constructed at Dabel and Welwada in Poinguinim.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

Hydrology section in some parts of the State.

Interestingly, fibre pipes are being used in construction of bore wells, which are reportedly drilled at a depth of over 70 mtrs, as against the previous usages of GI pipes and depths between 40 and 50 mtrs, informed sources.

The reason for more depth is however attributed to dwindling level of ground water, while usage of fibre pipes is to avoid corrosion of GI pipes underground after certain period of time.

“Some officials may at regular intervals visit these bore wells and collect water samples as part of observatory procedure,” said the source.

However, sources informed

ernment for computerisation of land records and out of this Rs 240.83 lakh have already been utilised by the State upto December 31, 2009.

The State has reported to have completed computerisation of Record of Rights (RORs), as well as computerization of cadastral plans, Naik was informed.

Giving information of the relevant scheme, Adhikari informed Naik that a centrally sponsored scheme of Computerization of Land Records (CLR) was started by the Central government in the year 1988-89 and upto 2007-2008.

The scheme provided funding support to the States and UTs. The essential features of the scheme were computerization of land records and Records of Rights (RORs), digitization of cadastral maps, updating of land records, and training and capacity building of concerned officials and functionaries, Adhikari said and added that the scheme was merged, enhanced and a comprehensive scheme of National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP) was launched in the year 2008-09.

Corlim Sarpanch survives no trust HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, APRIL 20

Corlim Sarpanch Sisto Fernandes on Tuesday survived a noconfidence motion moved against him by the four panchas in the seven-member panchayat.

Only three Panchas Naresh Naik, Honu Shamba Dhulapkar and Usha Kuttikar were present at the special meeting called at the panchayat office on Tuesday evening.

Tiswadi Block Development Officer V S Gaunekar was the observer for the meeting, while Naresh Naik was the presiding officer in the presence of Panchayat Secretary Basilio Pires.

Surprisingly, Deputy Sarpanch Fidelis Pereira, who had also signed the motion against the sarpanch remained absent from the meeting.

Speaking to Herald, Gaunekar said though the motion was passed, the sarpanch was occupying the sarpanch’s post as the no-confidence motion did not had the majority of votes to oust Fernandes from the sarpanch’s post as four members remained absent from the meeting.

It may be recalled that recently the five-month old ruling group of Corlim Panchayat led

by Sarpanch Fernandes was served with a no-confidence motion notice, which was signed by Deputy Sarpanch Fidelis Pereira, Panchas Honu Dhulapkar, Usha Kuttikar and Naresh Naik.

The signatories to the motion had accused the sarpanch of his failure to take them into

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, APRIL 20

The forest department has filed charges against five accused, Ganesh Yeso Majik, Nagesh Rama Majik, Suryakant Ganesh Majik, Ankush Rama Majik and Bhiva alias Pinto Vaman Gaus in the tiger killing case at KeriSattari.

The eight-page charge sheet was filed before the Valpoi JMFC on April 15.

“During the course of investigation, it was revealed that the accused used a weapon (gun) in the crime. The charge

Projects worth Rs 808 cr in pipeline for Mormugao Port HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Chargesheet filed against five in tiger killing case

confidence while undertaking developmental works of the panchayat or while taking certain decisions in panchayat matters.

When asked to one of the Panch Naresh Naik why one of their Panch Fidelis Pereira who had signed the motion papers remained absent from the meeting, Naik said though it was a collective decision of all the four panchas to bring a noconfidence motion against the sarpanch, he is unaware why Fidelis did not attend the meeting.

“May be she was unable to come or might have got a good offer from someone not to attend the special meeting,” said Naik.

that residents have become apprehensive about the steep depth of bore wells presently pieced in their areas.

According to locals, this exercise could prove detrimental to the existence of various house wells and even surrounding localities, eating out on the source of groundwater from their respective wells.

“With difficulty, we are managing to meet our consumption demands from our wells, but if for any reasons, freshly constructed bore wells in our village could well cut our wells supply, then we will again have to go begging for waters,” informed a resident from Gaondongrim.

After the government’s ambitious scheme ‘Pani-Adva, Pani Jeerva’, the appearance of several bhandaras in Poinguinim, Loliem, Cotigao and Gaondongrim villages have contributed immensely to revive groundwater fortunes, also reportedly increasing well waters in houses and cultivable areas (Kulagars).

Shirgao Jatra commences HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, APRIL 20

The famous Lairai Jatra at Shirgao began on Monday with a variety of religious rituals, cultural and entertainment programme.

Thousands of special devotees of Goddess Lairai, known as Dhonds, walked through the embers that emerged out of Homkund at late night.

The place was crowded right from Monday afternoon as a large number of devotees along with the dhonds were seen thronging towards Shirgao to attend the festival.

The dhonds after taking a final holy bath danced near Homkund encircling it and later walked through the embers, which was witnessed by thousands of villagers.

The police made elaborate arrangements. Sweets and toys shopkeepers made brisk business. The festival will continue for five days with a Kalash procession of Goddess Lairai by the temple priest.

sheet was framed based on the information collected during the investigation,” Deputy Conservator of Forest G T Kumar told Herald in his office at Ponda on Tuesday.

“Two of the accused, Ganesh Yeso Majik and Nagesh Rama Majik, have been charged under Section 9 of Wildlife Protection Act, amounting to killing. The charge sheet has also named Ganesh Yesso Majik to be the gun handler, who fired a gun shot, thereby killing the tiger,” added Kumar.

“Killing a tiger attracts a maximum of eight years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh,” said Kumar.

All the five accused have been charged with willfully destroying the evidence and using weapon without license.

The tiger killing case came to light in April last year. The first sample report from the

Wildlife Institute of India was negative, however the second report proved otherwise.

“The second report confirmed that the fur recovered from the site was that of a tiger,” said Kumar.

Along with environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar, the charge sheet has named another 14 as witnesses. Kerkar has been kept out of abetment charges, as earlier he was booked as abettor for not divulging the information related to the case.

“All the accused are not poachers and there is no particular story how they killed the tiger. One gun was recovered and the photograph hints at two gun shots on the tiger’s body,” DCF G T Kumar said Assistant Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, Mapusa, Anil Shetgaonkar was the investigating officer in the case.

OHERALDO

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OPINION

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

The Horror of Drugs

Vol No CX No: 104 Goa, Wednesday 21 April, 2010

T

Nothing legal about it?

here is already a howl of protests going out over the Goa government’s talk of taking action against illegal religious structures on public property in the State. Whatever twists and turns this issue takes, the Goa government approach will be closely watched. It is essential for the State to be fair-minded, just and treat all equally in whatever decision is taken.

Chief minister Digambar Kamat has sought a re-survey of the illegal religious structures. Earlier, news reports highlighted that even pre-historic art in remote Goa had been listed among the “illegal religious structures”. Loutolim MLA and minister Aleixo Sequeira has raised the issue of the Verna church getting the “illegal” tag. Likewise, the controversial Hindu Janjagruti Samiti has protested over the issue, and even seen it as a suspected design to target Hindu temples.

There may be problems with certain aspects of the exercise so far. But it would not make sense to reject it in toto, just because of the problem areas. Likewise, to make use of the above examples as an excuse to discredit the entire exercise would be wholly unfair and uncalled for.

This is an issue involving religious sentiments. Nobody would like their shrine to be tagged as “illegal”. Yet, the other side of the story is that places of worship have sprouted all over the place, with impugnity and immunity, and without a care to whom the land in question belongs. So far, the attitude has been that no one can question the location of a place of worship, as long as the devotees in question have the support of whoever is the ruler of the day.

At the same time, not everyone has been treated fairly. In the heady mix of religion and politics—varied interests gain from such a cocktail—some are more equal than others.

The most obvious case in recent years has been the persistent tackling of Muslim places of worship, first through sections of the media, and then ultimately in riots as was the case in Curchorem-Sanvordem just a few years ago.

Goa has had a contentious history when it comes to places of worship. As fate would have it, Goa’s colonial rulers reached here far earlier than in most parts of Asia, and brought with them a medieval mindset when it came to religious bigotry.

But the Portuguese were surely not the only rulers of Goa to target “rival” places of worship, and this happened earlier on in history too.

What is worse is that post-colonial politicians have also sought to give the bitterness of the past a new lease of life, and seek to create new battles. This is no fight over religion, but to gain electoral (and other) benefits in current times. Taking things a step further, the misdeeds of the colonial ruler was also blamed on their co-religionists of another century and quite another ethnicity.

Genuinely religious people tend to be rather tolerance of each other’s views. It is the cynical tiny segment which seeks to use religion for political goals who have mischief on their mind, and can cause incalculable harm.

In recent times, politicians have gone ahead with a religious shrine-building spree, in many parts of Goa. This is a worthy investment, as it yields good returns by way of votes. Even more cynical, or interesting—depending on how one sees it— is to see how politicians of one religion have built shrines for devotes of another religion. They’ve done so, knowing fully well that such actions could help them sometimes get that tiny margin which can make all the difference between victory and defeat in Goa’s tiny constituencies.

At the same time, priests and religious trusts have been accused of replacing old scenic shrines with garish new ones, probably because they tend to personally benefit from dealings with donations and contractors. Even the Goa Heritage Action Group has voiced its dismay over this trend.

Put both together, it is no surprise that illegal shrines have been on the rise. The State would do well to act with firmness and fairness, without letting this become another excuse for stoking up communal sentiments.

D

Social standards dictate which drug dependencies are considered most suitable writes Michael Jose X. Ferreira

rug addiction as we face it “is a state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by repeated consumption of drugs”. If we are to cope with the evils of drugs which has penetrated into our society, a clear understanding of the many factors involved are thanks to our Police Force, for not establishing a unit to deal with the use and trafficking of drugs. We in Goa always lag behind in deal with such eventualities.

Drug use is the accepted norm for millions of people today. Regular or occasional consumption of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine can result in mood changes, damage the liver and brain and lead to organic disorder. But even without the liver and brain damage, excessive dependence on certain drugs is considered a behavioural disorder.

As drug abuse increase, the secret drug trade is pushing these persons in different forms throughout the world under rare names. Various nations and their governments, religious institutions and even the United Nations and the Commonwealth are trying their best to get rid of this menace. Without universal co-operation their efforts are bound to fail.

In India where the situation is not so bad compared to the other parts of the world, we must heed the international appeals which appear in the columns of media, wherein help is sought from us all “to help’ the Police to arrest the trend” Starting with Mirangi and Marijuana, Hashish or Pep-pills, like Dexedrine and Mandrex are in use over here, as hard drugs, namely, Heroine and cocaine are expensive, but still marketed. To a larger extent, social standards dictate which drug dependencies are considered most suitable to suit ones’ purse. Others such as Cannabis, opium etc. are also popular and adventurous, experimenting youths are attracted to them for “Kicks” as they can derive psychological dependency and physical addiction. Psychological dependency can somehow help one to feel better, relieve tension or otherwise satisfy psychological needs, whereas in physical addiction, a physical need develops the physiology of the body and one can become agitated, depressed and miserable if the drug is withdrawn. Only another additional dose can save the situation.

To find out whether a person is taking drugs, we must look out for certain signs and symptoms such as: 1. An appearance of intoxication with no smell of alcohol.

Destructive Desires 2. Staggering, sweating, drowsiness, palpitation, etc.

3. The tendency of sitting at considerable time just peering into space as if one is in wilderness.

4. Laughing excessively at things which are offensive to others but may be only funny to himself or herself.

5. Staying out later than usual and evading answers when questioned about companions and places visited.

6. Avid reading about drugs or thins connected with drugs.

7. Loss of appetite, interest in life and carefree attitude.

8. An increase in appetite and wild raid on place where food is kept.

9. Loss or gain in weight depending on the consumption of food.

10. Fluctuation on the width of the pupils when not affected by intensity of light.

Drug Addicts have no friends but only temporary acquaintances, as they only live or exist for one thing only, i.e. “DRUGS”. When they do not obtain drugs, the addicts get terribly sick and are prepared to forget about their dignity and respect and can even forget that they are human

Goan Abroad

beings. In fact the addicts are no better than mad dogs and gradually turn into criminals, lunatics, beggars, and dropouts from the human society. Drugs are abused when taken for pleasure or to escape from reality or to change mental moods deliberately.

Entry into the dark or bright world of drug addicts is very easy as the very first puff opens the wide gates into this world and then everything seems to continue automatically. Every person first thinks that he or she will not get addicted to this menace. This over -confidence is the main cause that leads to someone’s ruin. Many youngster are lured into this death trap – initially they are provided free drugs and once they cannot do without it, they have to pay for it even by begging, borrowing or stealing. Obviously, this vicious circle begins with hash and then continues with hard drugs until one is its slave. Remember, a base of any drug can unbalance an otherwise normal body or mind. Its abuse can automatically cause illness, insanity and possibly death, eventually.

If we honestly realize the full impact of drug addiction on addicts, we can try our best to stop the dreadful sufferings of addicts by awareness

of facts through our media - by organizing film shows, dramas, lectures, etc. The ill-effects of drugs on people could also be demonstrated by displaying posters with pictures, as each picture is worth a 1000 words. The visual effects of a suffering drug addict are painful to the viewers and one can feel as if they themselves are going through this ordeal. Therefore, for menace to be eradicated at its source, the responsibility lies on the nation, on parents, teachers, welfare societies, religious institutions, police, judiciary, other law enforcing and enacting authorities.

Production of drugs can also be stopped both by large scale governmental action or banning its cultivation, circulation, and sale by enacting appropriate legislation even by sentencing the perpetrators of this crime to capital punishment.

What is of utmost importance in this respect is to create an awareness, especially amongst the youth that “Drugs means Death” They should be made to take a walk at Drug Centres where drug addicts go for their “fixes” and at Drug Rehabilitation centres and see for themselves more positively the deadly sufferings one could imagine.

One must listen to the testimonies of these drug addicts for whom drugs are their life. Their conversation means nothing to us but we have to learn to understand the way they describe their hallucinations – all the things they see when they have had a “fix”. They can harm or kill themselves or others by running wild or by jumping out of windows, etc. They can run away from rehabilitation centres and make it a tough task for those who search for them. Their attendants have to be more tolerant and vigilant in order to understand and deal with this unusual human behaviour. We should never harbour a judgemental sceptical attitude toward drug addicts, as one day we ourselves could be affected i.e. if someone close to us becomes a drug addict. So, take the advice and HELP THE POLICE TO HELP YOU. This illicit drug trade embraces the whole world with its powerful barons exercising their might with their multimillion earnings so as to defeat the norms of justice. It is indeed very sad that these barons do not realise the exasperating effects their trade is having on their fellow human beings where households are destroyed beyond comprehension. It is indeed a great disaster to have amongst us, these barons and their agents who do not think about the welfare of the human race.

Heat and Miss!

T

he Blackberry under my pillow trilled deafeningly, then again.

“Hah..lloo?” came a screech. On the night-stand, Cocky swore.

“Son of a gun!” I yelled “Three a.m,! Who’s this......?!”

“Hah..lloo?” again the deep voice, “Two wicks, man, two wicks!”

“Idiot!” I screamed, “This is not a candle-shop! Now get lost!”

“This is the editor of the Daily, Goa!” he thundered, “And for two weeks your “Goan Abroad” column has not reached us!”

“Idiot!” I cried again, “You know what’s the time in New York?”

“That,” snapped the editor cheekily, “Is neither here nor there!”

“Not so!” burst Cocky, “We’re really here and you...are there!”

The popat always knows. “Folks scream for your blood!” said Editor, “Are you underground?” “Strange talk, “ I said, “for an egghead! You into the anda-world?” “Word on the street,” said the Editor, “Is you’re now a hit-man target!”

“Egg’ad!” I went sarcastically, “Shall I wear bulletproof andawear?” “You don’t anda-stand!” said the Editor, “You have been maligning folks, left right and centre! Now D-company has taken

out a supari!” My blood ran cold. D-company was not an XL-ladies bra business, but a vast and deadly underworld mob. This was no time for jokes. “But,” I stammered, “Aren’t they only into extortion and secrets?” “You must mean cigarettes!” quipped Cocky, “And the only secrets we’re into are Victoria’s Secrets.....so....we can give them the slip!”

The parrot was being decidedly flippant, whilst my life was in the balance. Mind going numb with crooked thoughts, I couldn’t think straight. Time to get more info from the errant editor of Daily. “Isn’t a supari an assassination?” I cried, “What info do you have?” “When are you coming to Goa?” slyly asked the Editor, “I’ve had feelers from D-company’s hit-man, thru a little bird in our office...” “A stool-pigeon, no doubt!” spat Cocky, “To kill is easier in Goa!” “Perhaps,” said the Editor, “But they’ve offered you two morons a quick exit, no letter-bombs, or mines or giving a fellow knee-cap!” “Didn’t you mean felo...ny cap?” spat Cocky, “I ain’t afraid of a hit! So why don’t you spill the assassin’s name so

By Francis Rodrigues we can go after him?” “Yeah,” I said, “We prefer poison, so...we can invite him for a meal!” “What the assassinate!” said Cocky, “Could be the paper’s headline! And we can then escape through the window with the help of police!”

“Idiot!” I guffawed, “To escape, you don’t need police, but....pulleys! But if he’s hospitalized, these same cops can make a...cardiac arrest!” From the sublime to the ridiculous. Then it struck me, like a bullet! “We could even make a gangsta movie about the supari!”

I grinned. “With a Goan tragedy queen, we could call it ‘Ten Killers of Heroine!” “Haha hoho, I got that!” laughed the Editor, “Ten kilos of heroin!” “But what about the supari theme?” I cried, “The crux of the film idea is to expose their assassination plot, so it fails! We need to make a blockbuster hit with a clever title about a supari that flops because of this gangsta miss who so kindly takes the heat for us!” “What sorta title?” snapped the tired Editor.

“Heat and Miss!” cackled Cocky and we squealed in delight.

The popat always knows.

Letters to the Editor Keep religion to yourself Caetano J Goes, London I have been reading comments made on religion, and I for once feel this should not be discussed or written about. Religion is a sensitive issue, and by all means this should not be discussed or written about.

It would be better if we practice the teachings of the Bible, Koran and other religious scriptures.

Can Samir Khan explain why are suicide bombings taking places in Afganistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Indonesia, Yemen, Kenya, India and Britain? Who is behind this? Why are they killing their own brethrens? These very suicide bombers call the West as infidels’. In Gulf and African countries specially Dafur, why are innocent people being killed and who is behind the killings? Prior to the Afghan war what were

100 Years Ago

the Afghan warlords doing? Were they not killing their own people? How many people did Sadam Hussain kill?

In England you will find some demonstrators accusing the British soldiers as murderers. But the same people who call British soldiers as murderers are on welfare benefits and the contributors to these funds are those soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan, Iraq etc. They enjoy the blood money of dead soldiers without working for a living.

In Goa the spirit of all the festivals be it Christmas, Divali, and Id were held in peace, joy and happiness. I for once always enjoyed going to my Hindu and Muslim friends for the very best of food pastries during these festivals. So, today what we need is spiritualism, which brings peace to mankind in a big way this should be inculcated into our offspring so that we can live with one another in peace. So, lets keep religion to the confines of our churches, mosques and temple and not bring it to the streets.

Embrace innovation PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

21 April, 1910  Recalcitrant hot weather is prevailing over the entire state right from early morning to late night with the sky being overcast with dense clouds throughout the day.  It is reported that some Jesuit Priests are contemplating the purchase of a house from Mr. Bernardo Lorena to install an English medium College.

The confreres of the Church of Piedade are holding a Mass in for the soul of the departed Bishop of Daman. 

 A devastating fire destroyed an important part of Kolbrozes (Australia) with 200 habitations and placed 600 families in utter despondency.  The Government is going to implement the published decree which states that the unfortunate victims of the bubonic plague should be interred.

Inacio D’Silva, Arpora

Letter of the Day

Act on footpath encroachments

A.S.Prabhu, Moira

Over the years, almost all the municipalities in Goa have one identical problem which is of perennial nature and which has not been addressed to equitably by the respective municipalities.

All the areas under municipal jurisdiction are congested with no respite and the municipalities and their field staff have turned a Nelson’s eye to all public grievances.

The footpaths outside the shops meant for pedestrians have been encroached by shop owners. The situation is the same all over Goa and as there was a hue and cry over the encroachments on footpaths, the Bombay High Court at Goa some years ago passed an order mandating all municipalities to clear the footpaths and report back to the court of the action taken. There was swift action. However, it did not last and today we are back to square one.

This reference is particularly to the Mapusa municipality. The situation is still the same and keeps worsening by the day. A section of shopkeepers who were affected by the hawkers served an ultimatum to the municipality to either mend the situation or face the music. Immediately, the municipality convened a meeting of all concerned at Sirsat Hall. The next day, municipal authorities with its workers swung into action and cleared the footpaths, pathways and the hawkers too.

The other side of the drama also exposed how the hawkers were eating into the business of established shops. The municipal workers were so ruthless that merchandise worth several lakhs of rupees was confiscated without any accountability. The market looked neat and clean, but only for 3 days. In this picture, the municipal inspectors play a shabby role with no concern to the rule of law. Are we a law-abiding nation or are we living in a ‘jungle raj’?

Today, you are measured by the amount you make during the term. There is a strong nexus between the municipality and builders and the common man is left in the lurch. Even constructions are haphazard and any councilor winning an election is set to make a fortune. I appeal to all councilors cutting across party affiliations to sit together and endeavor to rectify the situation for posterity.

Technology & service innovations in the world are moving at an extraordinarily fast pace. Innovations and inventions have driven economies of countries like US and Japan & made them pioneers in next generation technology and services. All major companies seek innovative personnel to improve efficiency and productivity. Goans too, must be encouraged to innovate and must strive to become solution experts.

Our youth have adequate potential and can become innovators and entrepreneurs on the world stage too. An innovative mindset must begin at home and in school, where children should be encouraged in innovative thinking. Currently, our youth lack the awareness of what they can achieve and the motivation to take up innovation. We must encourage them to become solution providers and not just service providers.

Thus, motivating them to become the inventors of tomorrow.

Zuarinagar is incredible! The government deserves to be listed in the 'Guinness Book of World Records' for simply ignoring a million or billion plastic bags that can be clearly seen all about near the slums while passing through the Highway 17B. Sincerely, if the government can be so careless about its image, it should rename Zuarinagar as Plastic Nagar. This will make some sense out of the stupidity!

Plastic-Nagar not Zuari-Nagar?

Dangerous coconut tree

Augustus Alphonso, Vasco

Pravin U. Sardessai, Adpai

The sight of plastic bags scattered all over

A bent coconut tree over the live electrical

wires has been existing at Chicalim-Agapur in Ponda taluka. The situation seems to be very dangerous for the lives of innocent pedestrians and travelers too. In case this tree collapses, it will definitely cause damage to life and property. With the monsoons fast approaching, there is every possibility of the coconut tree collapsing over live wires during the strong winds, thereby causing destructive effects. With a view to assure safe conditions and timely protection to valuable human lives, it would be appropriate for the local village panchayats to take up the lead in cutting down this dangerous coconut tree in consultation

with the concerned landlord. Safety needs to be assured in this regard at all costs.

The panchayats needs to take up this important matter in hand at once for necessary relief on a permanent basis.

Kudos to Herald team John Rebello, Bahrain / Old Goa What a relief, I should say, now that we can read Herald online through your epaper.

Now this makes my day, to flip through the pages and read all news as if I am at my very home in Goa. Congratulations to the Herald team, for bringing e-paper to us Goans who are far from our homeland, and yet are kept informed about what's happening back home.

Paths of Wisdom The Elephant and the Blind Men

O

nce upon a time, there lived six blind men in a village. One day the villagers told them, “Hey, there is an elephant in the village today.”

They had no idea what an elephant is. They decided, “Even though we would not be able to see it, let us go and feel it anyway.” All of them went where the elephant was. Everyone of them touched the elephant. “Hey, the elephant is a pil-

Unfortunate comments Michael Vaz, Merces Jairam Ramesh, the Union Minister for Environment and Forests has shot himself on the foot by making reckless comments on the convocation gown, during the convocation ceremony of Indian Institute of Forest Management in Bhopal, dubbing it as a barbaric colonial relic depicting the medieval vicars and Popes.

Wearing of the gown is part of the tradition at any convocation ceremony. Though it is an inheritance of the British times, it is a genuine symbolic gesture to acclaim that the students have graduated in a particular faculty and that they are special and worthy of honour. Apart from anything else it is respect for education itself and the tradition should continue irrespective of the tantrums thrown by the Minister in public.

What is important to note is that, if the minister was finding the weather unbearable with mercury soaring, there was no need for him to disrobe in public, especially in front of the eminent people on the dais, the distinguished faculty and students.

Worst still, likening the gown to the attire worn by the vicars and Popes, he has for no reason tried to arouse religious sentiments contemptuously. The cassock worn by the clergy has neither similarity nor relevance with the gown donned at the convocation.

lar,” said the first man who touched his leg. “Oh, no! it is like a rope,” said the second man who touched the tail.

“Oh, no! it is like a thick branch of a tree,” said the third man who touched the trunk of the elephant. “It is like a big hand fan” said the fourth man who touched the ear of the elephant. “It is like a huge wall,” said the fifth man who touched the belly of the elephant. “It is like a solid pipe,” Said the sixth man who touched the tusk of the elephant.

They began to argue about the elephant and everyone of them insisted that he was right. It looked like they were getting agitated. A wise man was passing by and he saw this. He stopped and asked them, “What is the matter?”

They said, “We cannot agree to what the elephant is like.” Each one of them told what he thought the elephant was like. The wise man calmly explained to them, “All of you are right. The reason every one of you is telling it differently because each one of you touched a different part of the elephant. So, actually the elephant has all those features.

Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

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oPinionated Are we “Comfort Women” and “Comfort Men” ?

By Dr Sabina Martins

S

ome days back, I got a call from the American Centre, stating that in the month of April, tentatively, American navy personnel would be coming to Goa. These men would like to do some social service such as painting offices of NGO’s. I was asked whether the organizations I belonged to would like to use their services.

“Why should the American navy men want to do work for local NGO’s” I asked? “To build good will” I was told.

One often hears of gross human rights violations, where soldiers call the shots, all over the world, whether it is Iraq or Afghanistan. So, perhaps this was an image building exercise.

Rapes are common where soldiers are called in, in the name of insurgency, terrorism or naxalism.

But why should the American soldiers come to Goa? The answer came from the Murmugao Port Trust Chairman in the local newspapers ‘for Rest and Recreation’. The port which is a Central government undertaking is all set to provide infrastructural facilities so that the American navy ships can berth.

Recreation for soldiers sounded warning bells. It brought back horror stories that I had heard at the UN World Conference from Fillipino women, who were used as “comfort women” by soldiers. In Goa too, there was an incident of sailors running amuck in Vasco, molesting women for ‘recreation’.

They come in slowly and surely, like they did in the Philippines . Felicidade lived to tell her story.

One day in 1943, three truckloads of Japanese soldiers visited Felicidade's class. Her Japanese teacher had organised a programme in which students performed songs and dances for the visiting soldiers. Felicidade, then only 14, was had to sing. The following day, her teacher told the class that the soldiers were so impressed with the students' performances that they wanted to reward them. Felicidade was identified as one who was to be given an award, and later that day two soldiers arrived to fetch her. Thinking that there might be other students there, Felicidade went along. But when she got there, she did not see any of her school friends. She was worried and asked to leave. They told her that her gift was coming.

A few hours later, five Japanese soldiers arrived. Three of them were in uniform and two in civilian clothes. One of them jumped onto her, catching her by the arms and forcing her down onto the ground. Then they took turns to rape her. She was raped continuously for 3 days and was sent home when she fell ill. Her parents hid her, as her elder sister too was taken and had died in the”comfort homes”.

Sexual slavery with official patronage is now an engine to drive economic growth. Goa has become the victim state. The economic model is coming in piece meal so that we do not see the entire picture and revolt.

The Government of India in collaboration with the Government of Goa have charted out for Goa to be ”Comfort Women” and “Comfort Men” to fill their coffers.

Is it surprising then, that there is a beeline to set up casinos in Goa and the slashing of casino fees? Or,the move to start online gambling?

Is it surprising then, to see the open advertisements of female escort services, offering all kinds of pleasure by local, Indian and foreign women? Or, the foreign women being brought in city hotels to sing and dance in bare minimum clothing to be ogled at? Or, the increasing number of massage parlours in Goa Is it surprising then that the Tourism department is promoting wine festivals even on Republic day or permitting alcohol sale outside licensed liquor outlets? Or, the Fests that bring in thousands at a time to party with no restrictions on addictive substances.

Is it surprising then, on a website, a five star residential complex with a Casino is being advertised by Utopia properties in Quelossim, Cortalim, in the mangroves, lining Zuari river.

The advertisement claims that this residential complex is surrounded by water and that there will be yachts and luxury boats to enter this area.

This is yet another blatant violation of eco sensitive zone where construction is not permitted. Yet another mega project, which will adversely affect the demography and identity of the place. Yet another gated community, where locals who predominantly belong to the Schedule Tribe will be alienated from their own land.

In the name of Development for the common people, local resources are being usurped to cater to the pleasures of the rich, with the promise that the benefits of development will trickle down. Verna Industrial Estate came up on part of the land belonging to the tribals. What finally trickled down to them were hundred odd menial jobs, which they would have got anyway, anywhere in Goa without parting with their land.

Casino in this tribal dominated area will sponge on the locals, to provide comfort women and comfort men. Is this the kind of development we envisage for the youth of our state?

Organizations, which are called at the police stations while recording statement of victims of trafficking, prostitution and other sexual exploitation, are privy to stories and stories of cheating, of false promises of employment and violence.

The situation is getting grim, so much so that there is an UN aided anti trafficking unit set up in the state.

We do understand why every body is ostensibly on a “good will” mission to Goa. The casino industry is doing it, sponsoring local festivals, football matches, advertisements in media, and freebies for policy influencing people which finally got them reduction of casino fees and tenders for online gambling.

The politicians, the businessman, the black marketers, the racketeers, the rich and the famous are all on good will mission, so that they can buy our fields, hills, forests, river banks, islands for cheap and convert the good will into mining leases and construction licenses.

The National and the International media are also on a good will mission telling the world how beautiful and ‘hospitable” our land of Comfort men and Comfort women is, with lots of dope, dances and dudes.

While, on ground common people are getting more and more uncomfortable and restless by the day. A huge rampage is taking place at a galloping speed. More and more people are being pushed to the periphery of development, collecting crumbs.

Determination of the course of development for Goa has been taken away from the common people. All issues, whether it is land, livelihoods, environment, identity, inequalities, gender, quality of life have a common refrain “Development for whom?

The people of Goa have just two choices. Either we go all out, notching up our struggles manifold to save Goa for its common people or remain content with being Comfort men and Comfort women for the rest of the world.

'Operation Monkey' fails in Orissa PTI KENDRAPARA (Orissa), APRIL 20

Experts from Orissa's forest department have returned empty handed after having failed to trap a rogue monkey that has virtually held hostage the people of urban localities here in Kendrapara district.

For almost a fortnight, the

monkey has attacked and injured about 50 persons in Chatarapatna and other colonies here, virtually forcing residents to stay indoors.

The witty animal got the better of the officials yesterday who sweated out for over six hours under the scorching heat in their attempt to catch the monkey alive.

PM should give reasons for accepting resignation: BJP

Tharoor urges PM to get charges against him probed

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

entire House including the Opposition, which had earlier trained its guns on him.

The 54-year Congress MP from Thiruvananthpuram, who joined politics just a year ago, said though he is new to Indian politics, "I have a long record of public service unblemished by the slightest taint of financial irregularity."

Making the statement from his seat in the eighth row of the treasury benches where Rahul Gandhi was sitting, he said that in view of the political controversy surrounding his involvement in the IPL, "I have no desire to be an embarrassment to the government".

Tharoor said he has requested the Prime Minister to have the charges against him "thoroughly investigated."

He maintained that his departure at this stage "will allow the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues to focus on the great

Maintaining that the Shashi Tharoor episode was far from over, BJP today said it would "compel" the Prime Minister to explain the reasons for accepting his resignation as a Union Minister and also reveal the contents of the inquiry which led to the decision.

"Shashi Tharoor has already made a statement in the Lok Sabha. We will see whether he comes up with an explanation today. If something comes out of his explanation, we will compel the Prime Minister to explain the reasons under which his resignation was accepted," BJP deputy leader in Rajya Sabha S S Ahluwalia told reporters.

He was asked whether BJP would allow Tharoor to speak in the House today if he comes up with an explanation.

The BJP took the decision to continue to rake up the issue of resignation of Tharoor from the Union Council of Ministers

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

Declaring that he had done "nothing improper or unethical", Shashi Tharoor today said he quit the union council of ministers to avoid embarrassment to the government in view of the ongoing IPL controversy and wanted charges against him to be "thoroughly investigated".

In a statement in the Lok Sabha, he said he was "deeply wounded by the fanciful and malicious charges" against him.

"My conscience is clear and I know that I have done nothing improper or unethical, let alone illegal," he said adding his resignation was "in the highest moral traditions of our democratic system."

He said, "I have led an unblemished life of personal integrity and probity and it is important to me that my name is cleared". His statement was heard in rapt attention by the

challenges facing our nation".

Observing that it was a "great privilege" to serve the government and the Congress party, he said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi, were "two of the finest public servants our country has ever had".

Both the leaders were not present in the House. Leader of the Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee was present.

Several union ministers, including P Chidambaram, Vilasrao Deshmukh and Ambika Soni and several other Congress MPs were seen greeting him after the statement.

"Today marks a new beginning for me," the former Minister of State for External Affairs said and added he was grateful for the support and encouragement given by the people of Kerala and his well-wishers for reposing faith in him.

US heaps praise on India's NREGA PTI WASHINGTON, APRIL 20

India's National Rural Employment Generation Scheme has come in for praise from the US, which said the key innovation has been "successful" beyond the expectations of almost everyone and worth emulating.

The Obama Administration, which is keenly awaiting a briefing on the UPA government's flagship scheme from Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, said there are lessons that are transferable to other countries at low and middle income levels.

Kharge will give an overview of NREGA at the first ever meet of G-20 labour ministers here convened at the instance of President Barack Obama. The meeting is beginning later today.

Top officials from the US Department of Labour, organizers

of the event, said the innovative 100-day rural employment guarantee scheme has been successful beyond the expectations of almost every one.

"India has learnt and has refined the strategy. So there is a great deal of anticipation to hear from Minister Kharge about these policies, how they have worked, and are there lessons that are transferable to other countries at low and middle income levels," Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs Sandra Polaski told foreign journalists. "The employment minister from India, who is attending the conference, has been asked to speak about that as one of the key innovations that India has made, a policy which has been challenging to implement but at the end of the day very successful. I think successful beyond the expectations of almost everyone," Polaski told

reporters.

Labour and employment ministers from top 20 economies of the world are scheduled to attend the conference.

Recommendations of the conference would be submitted to the next G-20 Summit meeting in Toronto later this year.

"This meeting, as you know, comes at a time of tremendous challenge for workers in the G20 countries. The prompt actions of many of our governments last year prevented a true global depression. The ILO, estimates that 20 million jobs were saved or created by collective stimulus plans and our social safety nets in 2009 and 2010," US Labour Secretary Hilda Solis said.

The unemployment rates were still high, unacceptable in the US and across the globe, she said, adding there was the need for creating more jobs.

Mobile phone recovered from Nalini's cell PTI VELLORE (TN), APRIL 20

Jail authorities at the high security Vellore prison today said they have recovered a cellphone from Nalini, a life convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, during a "routine check".

"A routine check was conducted this morning under jail Superintendent Rajalakshmi and officials recovered the mobile phone from Nalini," Director General (Prisons) ADGP K R Shyamsunder said.

The phone was "active" at the time when it was being recovered and authorities are going into the details of call records, he said.

After further investigation jail authorities would decide on action against her with regard to "violation of prison rules", Shyamsunder said.

Lawyers’ behaviour ‘Dialogue only way to remove Indo-Pak in court angers HC PTI NAGPUR, APRIL 20

The High Court has expressed displeasure on the "unruly behaviour" of a section of lawyers who violated the rules to celebrate the victory of their candidates in the High Court Bar Association (HCBA).

A section of lawyers allegedly burst crackers in the silent zone and opened beer bottles in an open defiance of rules in the High Court premises after the results of HCBA were declared on Friday.

This has apparently miffed both the administrative and legal fraternity. In a suo moto action, Senior Administrative Judge of the Bombay High Court here, Justice Dileep Sinha convened a high level meeting yesterday, when the court opened after the week end and directed Registrar to conduct a summary enquiry into the matter to find

out whether any official of the High Court was directly or indirectly involved in the incident.

Justice Sinha expressed "shock" over the incident and emphasised that the "dignity and majesty" of the institution must be maintained.

The meeting was attended by outgoing HCBA President Anand Jaiswal, incumbent President Anil Mardikar, Government pleader Nitin Sambre, Joint Commissioner of Police, Kanak Ratnam and Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police, A B Pote.

Advocates Jaiswal and Mardikar, both regretted the incident and submitted apology letters.

They informed about the formation of a committee to enquire into the incident taking appropriate action against those guilty, a release from HC registrar A P Kurhekar said last night.

misunderstanding’ PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

Asserting that talks were the only way to remove "misconceptions" between India and Pakistan, a federal minister from that country today made a strong pitch for the resumption of composite dialogue, suspended after the Mumbai terror attacks.

Firdous Ashiq Awan, Pakistani Minister for Population Welfare, said "there is only one way to clear misconception, misunderstanding and trust-deficit and that is dialogue."

She maintained that her visit here was aimed at improving the relations and also the "image perception" of Pakistan which has taken a beating after the 26/11 terror strikes.

Speaking at an ASSOCHAM meet, Awan said the two countries should immediately resume

Ramesh seeks bridging of trust deficit on climate PTI WASHINGTON, APRIL 20

Minister for Environment Jairam Ramesh has sought a bridging of the "trust deficit" on climate negotiations, suggesting that a beginning of disbursement of the promised USD 10 billion aid to developing countries could help reduce the sharp differences.

Addressing the 6th Major Economies Forum meeting on Climate Change, Ramesh said though the Copenhagen Accord is undoubtedly an important step forward, but it cannot be a separate track for negotiation.

"I have repeatedly said that the areas of agreement reflected in the Accord must be used to bring consensus in the on-going two-track negotiating process which is the only process that has legitimacy.

"Gordian knot-cutting can well be plurilateral but ultimately negotiations must be multilateral and carried out in good faith," Ramesh said in his well received address to the conference through video.

The Minister could not travel to the US because of the disrup-

tion in European air route due to Icelandic volcanic eruption.

Heads of several of the participating countries could not attend the meeting because of this.

India was represented by the Deputy Ambassador to the UN Manjeev Puri.

Laying out a road map for reducing the "trust deficit," between the two blocs on climate negotiations, Ramesh said there must be some visible triggers that get activated very soon to ensure that Cancun does not repeat Copenhagen.

"One such trigger is the beginning of actual disbursement of the USD 10 billion promised by the developed countries for this year for vulnerable economies, small island states and LDCs," he observed.

"Another trigger could be an agreement on REDD/REDD+ provided it looks at all potential countries uniformly and does not limit itself only to forestbasin countries.

Finalising the architecture of technology cooperation is yet another confidence-building measure, he said.

He said all these elements should be a part of a multilateral

package in two tracks that should be delivered in Cancun later this year.

Arguing that equity is the cornerstone of any international agreement that will be accepted by developing countries, Ramesh said the Copenhagen Accord sets a global goal and this will determine a certain global carbon budget.

"The implications of this budget for the carbon budgets of individual countries need to be analysed in detail and it has to be guaranteed as part of any international agreement that development goals of economic growth are not jeopardized by such budgets," he said.

He said the global objective of restricting temperature rise to two degrees Celsius by 2050 from mid-19th century levels must be firmly embedded in a demonstrably equitable access to atmospheric space with adequate finance and technology available to all developing countries.

Ra m e s h s a i d t h e M a j o r Economies need to better understand the mantra of "internationally legally-binding agreement" which some developed countries keep chanting.

the composite dialogue from the point it was suspended.

The composite dialogue process was suspended after the November 26, 2008 attacks with India pressing for dismantling of terror infrastructure by Pakistan.

Claiming that her country was also a victim of terror, the minister said the two nations should come together to defeat the common enemy -- terrorism.

Emphasising that strong trade ties between India and Pakistan will benefit both countries, she also suggested that her country could serve as a gateway for Indian goods to Central Asian nations.

at its parliamentary party meet-

ing this morning.

aPPointMents

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL, 2010

Pg10 Cuba impatient for change: Cardinal REUTERS HAVANA, APRIL 20

The leader of Cuba's Catholic Church said Cubans were impatient for change to get the country out of what he called a ''very difficult situation'' in an unusually blunt interview published.

Cardinal Jaime Ortega told church publication Palabra Nueva (New Word) there was a national consensus that the government should ''make the necessary changes quickly'' to end ''economic and social difficulties'' on the communist-led island. ''Its delay produces impatience and unease in the people,'' he said yesterday. ''Our country is in a very difficult situation, certainly the most difficult we have lived in this 21st century,'' said Ortega, whose public statements are generally cautious.

Cuba is still suffering the effects of three hurricanes that struck in 2008 and of the global financial crisis that so depleted the island's cash reserves that the government stopped paying bills to many foreign suppliers.

President Raul Castro, who took over from ailing older brother Fidel Castro in February 2008, has been criticized for not doing enough to modernizeCuba'sstate-dominatedeconomy.

He has said changes must be made carefully to ensure the survival of Cuban socialism after his generation is gone. Ortega, 73, said the longstanding US trade embargo against Cuba also affects the island, as do ''the limitations of the type of socialism practiced here.''

Re l a t i o n s b e t w e e n t h e Catholic Church and Cuba's communist government were highly contentious in the years following the 1959 revolution, but improved since the 1998 visit of Pope John Paul II. Ortega said the church believes Cuba should release its estimated 200 political prisoners and called for the United States and Cuba to do more to improve relations.

FROM PAGE 1 Good news ...

will be reserved till he/she clears the subjects, he informed.

Monserrate had formulated the ATKT proposal for Std X and XII students and had favoured its implementation from last year itself. The minister’s proposal was based on a similar demand which was under consideration of the Maharashtra Government at the time.

The Education Minister had said the number of students failing in two subjects at the Std X and XII levels was significant and many of them abandoned their studies from thereon.

6 marks...

there was a printing mistake in one of the questions (6d) resulting in many students trying to figure out what it actually meant. They had complained question 7b wasn’t part of the syllabus and many students had wasted their time solving it.

A total of 17,843 students appeared for the SSC exam in 23 centres across the State from March 30 to April 10 results of which will be declared likely by May end as usual.

‘Doc’ robs...

culprits involved in the incident.

Her neighbour who was present at her bedside, disclosed that the doctor came to Savita with his apron in hand and requested the patient to come to the adjoining room, before decamping with her mangalsutra after administering an injection.

When contacted, Margao Police station incharge, PI Santosh Desai said the police would register a case against an unknown person for committing theft.

Further investigations are on.

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL, 2010

‘Action against Mushy on Bhutto murder after concrete evidence’ PTI ISLAMABAD, APRIL 20

As a UN panel blamed the then Musharraf regime for failing to provide effective security to slain ex-premier Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan government has said it will take action against the former military ruler after concrete evidence is obtained in the matter.

"We welcome the UN (commission's) report because it is independent and transparent.

The people already knew what the commission has pointed out," Interior Minister Rehman Malik told reporters.

"It is the people's wish that the killers of (Bhutto) should be arrested. This is also our endeavour and it will be done," he said yesterday.

The independent UN commission that probed the facts and circumstances of Bhutto's assassination has indicted the Musharraf regime for "failing" to provide effective security to her despite numerous threats to her life.

It also found several faults with the probe by Pakistani authorities into Bhutto's assassination in a gun-and-suicide attack on December 27, 2007.

Malik said a Pakistani investigation team would further probe Bhutto's assassination in the light of the UN commission's report.

The panel clearly mentioned in its report that Musharraf's government and security institutions were unsuccessful in

providing security to Bhutto, he said.

The minister said action will be taken against Musharraf after concrete evidence is obtained with regard to the UN panel's findings.

Malik also blamed the former government of Punjab province for failing to provide adequate security to Bhutto.

Blaming the Pakistan People's Party for not providing security to Bhutto is irrelevant because it is the responsibility of the government and not party workers, he contended.

The UN panel's report accused intelligence agencies and some officials of hampering its investigation into Bhutto's assassination.

It also raised questions about Malik's role in providing security to Bhutto.

Meanwhile, a media report quoted sources in the PPP as saying that an FIR would be registered by the party against Musharraf, seven civil and police officials who have been removed from their posts and some PPP leaders who were held responsible for Bhutto's security.

The PPP's top leadership had decided during a meeting on Saturday to take legal action in the light of the UN report. The meeting was chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari.

Six police and civil officials who were responsible for protecting Bhutto or involved in the probe into her assassination were removed from active duty.

The government also termi-

nated the contractual employment of former Interior Ministry spokesman Brig (Retd) Javed Iqbal Cheema.

Cheema, who was holding the

post of Director General of Civil Defence, had claimed that Bhutto had died after hitting her head on a lever in her bulletproof vehicle.

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL, 2010

RBI pegs FY11 growth at 8% PtI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

The Reserve Bank was today optimistic about the economy expanding by 8 per cent this fiscal, despite tightening of the monetary policy.

"The Indian economy is firmly on the recovery path... the baseline projection of real GDP growth for 2010-11 is placed at 8 per cent with an upside bias," the apex bank said in its monetary policy statement for FY'11 today.

GDP growth for FY'10 was seen at 7.2-7.5 per cent.

The RBI's optimism about an eight per cent growth in FY' 11 is based on the fact that India's exports have been growing and industrial sector recovery has become more broad-based.

"Exports have been expanding since October 2009, a trend that is expected to continue," it said.

Similarly, industrial sector recovery is increasingly becoming broad-based "and is expected to take a firmer hold going forward on the back of rising domestic and external demand," the apex bank said.

The corporate sector has also recorded an improved profitability which is reflective of the improved performance of the industrial sector, it said.

"Service sector activities have shown buoyancy, especially during the latter half of 2009-10 and leading indicators of various sectors such as tourist arrivals, commercial vehicles production and traffic at major ports show a significant improvement," the Reserve Bank said.

Besides, a sustained increase in bank credit and in the financial resources raised by the commercial sector from non-bank sources also suggest that the economic recovery is gaining momentum, the RBI said.

NITTIN JOHARI, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, BHUSHAN STEEL "It (rate hike) is not substantial and therefore will definitely have no impact on our business. But we will have to see how it impacts the interest rates. We expect another rate hike of 25 bps in three months."

SANTOSH SINGHI, CFO, AMTEK AUTO LTD "Now the borrowing rates for banks will increase. So you can expect interest rates to rise by around half a percent. But from our experience, the hikes really are not affecting the auto industry.

The trend over the past one year or so is that consumers are not changing their buying decisions because of a modest change in rates.

If you are buying a car, it will not affect your decision if the interest is half a percent higher. There is a huge demand coming in the market, that really won't change."

HK PRESS, VICE-CHAIRMAN, GODREJ INDUSTRIES "The rise in rates by 25 basis point was expected. It will increase costs and reduce consumption. It wont be some thing drastic or dramatic but demand will get affected and that is not good for our industry".

ROHTAS GOEL, CMD, OMAXE LTD "I don't think there would be any impact on real estate sector, as the bankers will not be passing (the rate increase) on to the customer or developers. Two, developers are not asking any lending from the banks, rather they are already retiring their debts."

RBI for asset securitisation ReuteRs MUMBAI, APRIL 20

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed new rules for securitisation for assets which require lenders to hold on to loans for a minimum period and retain a portion of the loan till maturity, it said.

Banks seek to benefit from their loans by pooling and selling them to investors, called securitisation, which passes on credit risk from the bank to the investors.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said assets such as car and home loans with repayments due for up to 24 months should be held by the bank for at least nine months before selling them. The loans, which allow for a one-time full repayment, will need to stay on the bank's books for at least 12 months, it added.

Loans with a pending maturity of more than two years, which also carry a one-time repayment clause are not eligible for securitisation, the central bank said.

HeRALD BusINess DesK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Dr H A C Prasad, senior economic advisor, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India gave a talk as part of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s (GCCI’s) Knowledge Series.

Dr Prasad was accompanied

by J S Kochher and Sunil Saran, both additional economic advisors in the Ministry of Finance.

Dr Prasad speaking on the Indian economy said that India effectively weathered the global recession. He said that in fact it is India and China that

took the lead in reversing the global recession and even IMF acknowledges this and that the Indian Government has to be credited for managing its economy very well. He said that GDP is expected to grow at about 8.5 per cent in this fiscal year and that probably will be reaching the 9% mark in 201112.

Dr Prasad said that though India has withstood a very difficult situation in exports also and seems to have recovered, we need to watch out, as demand for exports could be a result of fiscal stimulus pumped in by the governments of other

Markets unperturbed by rate hike, Sensex up 60 pts PtI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today snapped the five-day losing streak to close 60 points higher as investors found comfort in a less-than -expected hike in key policy rates by the RBI. Markets soared over 159.41 points soon after the Reserve Bank announced its policy for 2010-11. The 30-share BSE index, however, pared some of the gains to settle at 17,460.58 points, a climb of 59.90 points or 0.34 per cent.

The 50-share Nifty index of the National Stock Exchange gained 0.60 per cent to 5,234.70 points.

RBI measures will cool inflation, says FM PtI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

The rate hike by the Reserve Bank will gently tighten money supply and help moderate inflation -- which is hovering close to 10 per cent, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today.

He, however, also felt that inflation has peaked and would begin falling and be lower than the 5.5 per cent projected by RBI for this fiscal.

"These policies should have a gentle impact in tightening money in the economy and should dampen further inflationary pressures," he told reporters here.

The central bank today hiked key short-term lending and borrowing rates (repo and reverse repo) and CRR, the portion of money banks park with it, by 25 basis points each.

These moves are aimed at tempering demand for loans and would, in turn, check consumer spending.

ARVIND PARAKH, DIRECTOR, JINDAL STAINLESS "Overall, we are expecting interest rates to gradually move up.

But the advantage on bigger larger corporates is that we are borrowing in dollars also where the US dollar LIBOR is not expected to move up significantly, so on a blended basis – both rupee and dollar, the average cost is not going to make material impact."

PRAVEEN SOOD, CFO, HCC LTD "(The hike) is more or less expected and discounted by the market. So I don't think it's going to have any impact, at least for the next two to three months, because there is ample liquidity in the market. For the infrastructure industry, I think bankers still want to finance it, and there would not be any impact".

SARANG WADHAWAN, MD, HOUSING DEV & INFRA LTD "I think it is a correct amount of pricing that the RBI has done. I think to bridge or to curtail inflation, (increase of) 25 basis points on all three (Repo, reverse and CRR) was needed, and RBI has lived upto the expectation."

VENU SRINIVASAN, CHAIRMAN, TVS MOTOR CO "I think they have been quite careful, RBI is being calibrated in their approach so that they don't affect the growth. At the same time they are trying to manage inflation. The CRR going up was a bit unexpected, but it is still within comfortable limits. It is a carefully modulated exercise.

"I think commodity prices such as steel, rubber are driven by global demand and therefore am not certain to what extent those

Stimulus rollback to test India, says Dr Prasad

countries. It remains to be seen what would happen if this stimulus was withdrawn.

Dr Prasad said that the Indian economy had taken off after the first phase of reforms ushered in under Dr Manmohan Singh in 1991 and that a second set of reforms is now required to take the economy to the next higher level. Revamping non-technical education at the University level, rationalization of taxes in the shipping sector and rationalization of customs duty exemptions are some of the measures that need to be taken soon.

Aban Offshor, 1204, 1223, 1193.1, 1213 Abb Ltd., 852, 865, 850, 859.8 Abg Shipyard, 254, 255.2, 245.6, 247.25 Acc Limited, 935, 935, 920, 922.35 Adani Enterp, 499.15, 527, 492.05, 522.45 Aditya Birla, 810, 843.35, 808, 838.65 Allahabad Ba, 160.9, 167.8, 160.9, 163.45 Alstom Proje, 607.1, 620, 607.1, 617.7 Ambuja Cemen, 118.8, 120.2, 115.8, 118.95 Andhra Bank, 115.4, 118.5, 113.5, 117.15 Ansal Prop &, 79.3, 82.9, 76.15, 82.5 Ashok Leylan, 54.5, 56.1, 54.1, 55.8 Asian Paints, 2057, 2099.8, 2045.15, 2081.75 Axis Bank Li, 1160, 1195, 1160, 1187 Bajaj Hindus, 132.55, 134.7, 132.55, 133.8 Bank Of Baro, 640, 644.5, 630.55, 638.75 Bank Of Indi, 355.3, 367.7, 355.3, 364.4 Beml Limited, 1039.95, 1049, 1026, 1038.55 Bharat Elect, 1891, 1914.5, 1876, 1898.7 Bharat Forge, 276.7, 281.8, 274.4, 276.15 Bharat Petro, 504.7, 507, 495.7, 501.05 Bharti Airte, 309, 309, 302.5, 304.5 Bhel, 2478, 2516.9, 2463, 2497.45

Pg12

The hike is part of the steady exit from the easy money policy that the RBI unveiled in the wake of the global financial meltdown in 2008. RBI began rolling back monetary stimulus in January when it hiked CRR to 5.75 per cent and later in March, it hiked repo and reverse repo by 0.25 percentage points each.

"If nothing untoward happens on the weather front, my belief is that overall inflation has peaked and should be on downward trajectory from now on," Mukherjee said.

Wholesale prices-based inflation was 9.90 per cent in March and is largely fed by food inflation, which is around 17 per cent. Food prices are on a high due to supply side constraints.

"My own belief based on analysis done in my ministry is that inflation is now on downward trajectory and in 2010-11 will be less than 5.5 per cent may get contained".

VINOD JUNEJA, MD, BINANI CEMENT LTD "Definitely, this is going to hit the economic growth. When we are looking at a growth of 18-20 percent in manufacturing sector, the cost of borrowing will now go up."

"And for industry sector, the expansion we are doing and the projects we have planned, we have to re-work the entire viability (of these projects)."

"We have some estimates and now there will be cost increase.

Hence, we will have to re-work our profitability model.

VIRENDRA D MHAISKAR, CMD, IRB INFRA DEVELOPERS LTD The central bank on Tuesday allowed banks to treat toll collection rights of infrastructure firms as tangible assets while lending to them.

"This is a very positive development... It would go a long way for the sector to raise funds for infra projects.

A S MEHTA, DIRECTOR-MARKETING, JK TYRE & INDUSTRIES "I would say that 25-basis point increase was in the offing and was expected. I think that when banks have deposits and when credit offtake is there banks can afford not to increase rates at this point of time.

From RBI's point of view, this increase in rates would be enough, especially if there is a softening in food-led inflation.

However, a price increase is necessary for tyre makers if rubber prices stay at such high levels".

TCS plans to hire 38,000

Novartis Q1 EPS beats forecast ReuteRs ZURICH, APRIL 20

Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG stuck to its 2010 goals as it posted forecast-beating quarterly figures after govts bought up its flu vaccine during the swine flu pandemic.

Earnings per share rose to $1.29, beating the average estimate of $1.11. Novartis said it still expects group sales to grow at a mid-single-digit percentage rate in constant currencies this year, while sales at its pharma division are seen growing at a mid- to high single-digit rate.

Novartis has agreed to buy a majority stake of Alcon from Nestle SA.

Bhushan Stee, 1784, 1798.45, 1762.25, 1785.6 Biocon Limit, 302.4, 304.7, 297.9, 302.2 Bombay Dyein, 583.7, 615.9, 575.1, 610.95 Bosch Limite, 4879.95, 4917.95, 4855, 4886.85 Brigade Ente, 143.5, 148.7, 143.05, 145.35 Cairn India, 298.9, 302.8, 298, 299.7 Canara Bank, 390.9, 406.85, 390, 402 Central Bank, 152, 155.95, 151.5, 153.8 Century Text, 522, 532.5, 518.25, 527.85 Cesc Ltd, 389, 397, 389, 394.65 Chambal Fert, 60.8, 62.35, 60.8, 61.75 Chennai Petr, 281, 286.5, 279.85, 283.95 Cipla Ltd, 335, 335.75, 327.4, 329.05 Colgate Palm, 727, 729.5, 718.1, 723.7 Container Co, 1346, 1414.9, 1330, 1401.95 Crompton Gre, 265.15, 268.6, 262, 266.35 Cummins Indi, 527, 537.8, 520, 529.65 Dabur India, 175.05, 176.5, 173, 175.35 Deccan Chron, 157, 157.05, 154.3, 155 Dish Tv Indi, 37.05, 37.3, 36.55, 36.8 Divi’s Labor, 688, 704, 684.9, 697.65 Dlf Limited, 317, 328.7, 313.5, 325.9

and in fact closer to four per cent with an upward bias," Mukherjee said.

The measures complement well the policies of the Finance Ministry aimed at controlling inflation and promoting sustainable growth, he said.

The RBI projected the economy to grow 8 per cent this fiscal.

"The well balanced measures which involves raising the repo rate, reverse repo rate and CRR by 25 bps each reflect a mature and balanced view of the needs of our economy and I fully endorse the measures," Mukherjee said.

India has now bounced back with growth seemingly back on track and inflation, though high, on a clear downward trend, he said.

"Hence I believe that it is time to move back towards 'neutral' policy rates that is rates should prevail when an economy is stable and on track," he said.

PtI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Tata group company and IT major, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), plans to hire about 38,000 personnel in order to improve efficiencies and generate better returns, a top company official said.

"We are hiring a total of around 38,000 people out of which 20,000 would be trainees and 10,000 laterals," TCS' Global HR Head and VicePresident, Ajoy Mukherjee said.

"In FY 10, we have been through an entire business cycle where controlled hiring in the first two-quarters gave way to rapid recruitment in the last two-quarters. We have made

Dr. reddy’s, 1204, 1204.9, 1158.3, 1163.45 Edelweiss Ca, 427, 435.95, 427, 429.1 Educomp Solu, 714.9, 717, 703.2, 707.65 Eih Limited, 127.1, 128, 123.5, 124.25 Engineers In, 2370, 2460, 2365.2, 2435.7 Essar Oil Lt, 143.9, 145.15, 141.55, 143.5 Essar Shippi, 96.7, 98.35, 94.15, 94.7 Exide Indust, 119.15, 120, 117.6, 118.35 Federal Bank, 282, 284, 278.65, 280.75 Financial Te, 1562, 1589.85, 1561, 1583.45 Gail (india), 409, 434.9, 409, 425.45 Gammon India, 227, 227.1, 222.1, 225.25 Glaxosmithkl, 1859, 1869, 1843.2, 1863.05 Glenmark Pha, 274, 274, 270.2, 273.1 Gmr Infrastr, 60.5, 62.15, 59.8, 60.6 Godrej Indus, 158.5, 161.35, 158.5, 159.65 Grasim Indus, 2810, 2837, 2785.2, 2810.85 Great Offsho, 415.2, 431.35, 414.05, 418.55 Gtl Infra.Lt, 42.65, 42.9, 42.3, 42.65 Gujarat Mine, 140.95, 142.65, 139.65, 141.55 Gujarat N R, 85.2, 87.3, 84.1, 85.1 Gujarat Stat, 89.25, 94, 89.25, 93.35 Gvk Pow. & I, 44.5, 45.45, 44.5, 44.9

Hcl Technolo, 352, 353.5, 343.5, 345.35 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1929, 1956.95, 1929, 1944.55 Hdfc Ltd, 2700, 2716.8, 2665.25, 2702.85 Hero Honda M, 1905, 1940, 1845, 1852.55 Hindalco in, 178.9, 182.25, 178.25, 181.7 Hindustan Co, 132, 135.4, 131.05, 134.5 Hindustan Ma, 80, 84.4, 78.9, 83.25 Hindustan Pe, 302.8, 306.95, 299.1, 300.3 Hindustan Un, 226.5, 228.6, 224, 227.8 Hindustan Zi, 1219, 1233.95, 1211, 1223.45 Housing Dev, 290, 297, 287.55, 292.15 Icici Bank L, 922, 945, 920, 933 Idea Cellula, 66.65, 68.5, 66.05, 67.35 Ifci Ltd, 50.6, 51.5, 50.3, 50.9 India Cement, 132.5, 136.95, 132.5, 136.05 India Infoli, 110.7, 113, 110, 112.45 Indiabulls F, 135.25, 140.9, 134, 136.15 Indiabulls R, 165, 170.9, 162.3, 168.75 Indian Bank, 180.2, 191.45, 180.2, 188 Indian Hotel, 106.1, 108.15, 106, 107.05 Indian Oil C, 281.5, 284.95, 280.55, 281.25 Indian Overs, 93.55, 96.3, 92.9, 95.8 Indus Dev Ba, 118.2, 122.5, 118.2, 121.35 Indusind Ban, 183, 185.95, 179.65, 184.15

20,000 campus offers for FY 11," Mukherjee said, adding that the company added 16,668 employees in 2009-10, resulting into a total strength of 1,60,429 employees.

TCS has also filed for new 600-700 H1B visas this year mainly due to business again coming back from countries such as the US, Latin America and Europe, he said.

The company also plans to recruit over 3,000 people on onsite in countries like Brazil, Uruguay, China and in Latin America, among others. Besides, in certain countries such as China, Brazil and Poland, the company plans to hire locals, he said.

Infosys Tech, 2765.5, 2789.95, 2720, 2727.3 Infra. dev., 162.5, 171.2, 159, 169.4 Ispat Indust, 19.75, 20.5, 19.6, 20.4 Itc Ltd, 266.5, 266.7, 261, 263.2 Ivrcl Infras, 170.6, 176.5, 168.5, 175.3 Jai Corp Lim, 268.4, 274.9, 266, 271.35 Jaiprakash A, 147, 150.6, 146.6, 147.3 Jet Airways, 503.2, 519.8, 496.05, 515.55 Jindal Saw L, 215.9, 219.2, 213.15, 214.4 Jindal Steel, 718, 727.45, 714.25, 720.3 Jsw Steel Li, 1228.1, 1252, 1219, 1224.7 Kotak Mahind, 730, 740, 723.2, 731.3 Lakshmi Mach, 1999, 2018.85, 1975.1, 1983.6 Lanco Infrat, 56, 57.75, 55.3, 57.3 Larsen & Tou, 1575, 1604.05, 1566.5, 1588.9 Lic Housing, 855, 888.4, 853.55, 880.4 Lupin Limite, 1658.9, 1685, 1654.6, 1671.8 Mahanagar Te, 72.25, 73.25, 72.1, 72.95 Mahindra & M, 512, 519.2, 503.5, 510.85 Maruti Suzuk, 1340, 1366.05, 1332, 1352.35 Max India Lt, 185.95, 191.95, 184, 190.1 Maytas Infr., 188.1, 201, 187.65, 198.9 Moser-baer (, 74.9, 75.75, 74.2, 75.15

No immediate hike in lending rates: bankers PtI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Home, auto and consumer loan rates are unlikely to move up in the near future despite a 0.25 per cent hike in RBI's key-rates, with bankers today assuring that they would not make the loans dearer anytime soon as liquidity is sufficient.

Chiefs of top banks including State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Union Bank and Bank of Baroda told reporters shortly after the RBI's policy announcement that none of them are contemplating any hike in lending rates in the near term.

"Whatever has been done (in the policy) has reduced the supply. So definitely there is an upward bias in rates. As (credit) demand increase, there will be a demand-supply gap, then there is a possibility of interest rates going up," SBI Chairman, O P Bhatt said.

According to Bhatt, the RBI, through its rate action, has signalled its concern on the runaway inflation, which is

Mrpl, 77.5, 78.4, 76.65, 77.5 Nagarjuna Co, 168.25, 180.8, 167.5, 177.95 Nagarjuna Fe, 30.7, 31.3, 30.55, 31.1 National Alu, 399.9, 411, 395.1, 409.9 Neyveli Lign, 148, 149.65, 146.7, 147.35 Ntpc Ltd, 206.5, 208.5, 204.55, 205.5 Oil And Natu, 1014, 1020, 1000.65, 1002.5 Omaxe Limite, 93.5, 94.9, 92.5, 93.55 Oriental Ban, 320, 326.4, 318.8, 322.3 Pantaloon Re, 412, 416.85, 410.1, 413.3 Parsvnath De, 122, 125.7, 120.5, 124.15 Petronet Lng, 83.1, 83.6, 82, 82.25 Power Fin Co, 256, 268.9, 256, 265.2 Power Grid C, 107.5, 108.85, 106.55, 107.95 Praj Industr, 84.6, 87.15, 84.35, 86.5 Punj Lloyd L, 164.5, 167.75, 164.2, 165.1 Punjab Natio, 997, 1008, 985.6, 992.05 Rajesh Expor, 125.2, 129.3, 124.85, 125.75 Ranbaxy Labs, 449.95, 451.8, 441.1, 443.2 Rashtriya Ch, 77.9, 79.65, 77.5, 78.9 Rel. nat. re, 62.2, 63.2, 62.2, 62.7 Reliance Cap, 736, 744.5, 732, 734.1 Reliance Com, 167.5, 170.75, 166.55, 167.55

hovering near double-digit reflecting the ballooning food and fuel prices in the country.

Shifting its policy focus from the growth to inflation, Reserve Bank today hiked its repo, reverse repo rates (overnight lending and borrowing rates of banks) and Cash Reserve Ratio (portion of deposits banks keep with RBI) by 0.25% each.

India's largest private sector lender, ICICI Bank's Chief, Chanda Kochhar shared a similar view saying, "During the year, I do see the lending rates going up but I don't see any immediate impact on rates."

These comments assume significance as millions of common borrowers were worried that an expected tighteningcould make their borrowings dearer.

BOARD MEETINGS Aries Agro Hindustan Zinc Assam Petro stC Nestle India transchem Can Fin Homes Pan electronics tVs Motor essar sec united spirits Piramal Health Zee News HCL tech Polaris soft

Source: Indiainfoline.com

Reliance Ene, 900, 915, 890, 891.86 Reliance Ind, 849, 861.1, 842.3, 846.75 Reliance Ind, 1069.85, 1079.75, 1054.35, 1063.2 Reliance Pow, 155, 156.8, 154.15, 155.25 Rolta India, 186.05, 187.5, 182.5, 186.3 Satyam Compu, 91.8, 93, 91.8, 92.5 Sesa Goa Ltd, 465, 467.85, 455.1, 456.2 Shipping Cor, 159.05, 161.45, 158.65, 160.35 Siemens Ltd, 708, 718.45, 698.4, 701.05 Sintex Indus, 316.5, 320.75, 309.6, 310.9 Sobha Develo, 313.4, 328, 310, 324.5 State Bank O, 2042.4, 2106.6, 2021, 2098.35 Steel Author, 222.5, 226.1, 219.25, 219.95 Sterlite Ind, 815, 828.75, 808.65, 811.95 Sun Pharmace, 1777.7, 1814.7, 1745.6, 1800 Sun Tv Netwo, 418.5, 423.5, 416.3, 420.25 Suzlon Energ, 70.4, 72.75, 70, 72 Tata Communi, 280, 281.45, 274.5, 275.5 Tata Consult, 825, 832.65, 787, 789.5 Tata Motors, 777, 798.85, 777, 792.35

Tata Power C, 1315, 1333.7, 1291.1, 1312.7 Tata Steel L, 673, 685, 665.5, 670.85 Tata Tea Ltd, 1000, 1004.2, 988.2, 995.25 Tata Teleser, 23.85, 24, 23.75, 23.95 Tech Mahindr, 830, 833.3, 821.1, 822.1 The Ge Shpg., 315, 335, 314.7, 333.8 The Phoenix, 211.1, 218, 208.5, 209.8 Thermax Ltd, 709, 713, 702.15, 710.8 Titan Indust, 2060, 2067.8, 2036.6, 2049.7 Torrent Powe, 297.1, 306, 296.05, 304.95 Triveni Engg, 118, 120.45, 116.45, 119.2 Tv18 India L, 82, 83.75, 81.2, 83.35 Uco Bank, 60, 60.95, 59.7, 60.65 Ultratech Ce, 1100, 1119, 1090.15, 1104.9 Union Bank O, 305, 307.4, 304.25, 305.9 Unitech Ltd, 80.3, 83.9, 78.85, 83.55 United Phosp, 145.2, 147.25, 143.6, 144.4 Videocon Ind, 236, 239.95, 235.7, 237.3 Vijaya Bank, 48.8, 49.85, 48.6, 49.65 Voltas Ltd, 182.45, 186.4, 180.6, 185.55 Welspun Guj, 265, 268.9, 263.25, 266.25 Wipro Ltd, 707, 714.4, 692.35, 695.65 Yes Bank Lim, 254.1, 258.95, 251.6, 256.55 Zee Entertai, 304.1, 307.75, 292.25, 295

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL, 2010

SEBI seeks more info on FII investment structure PtI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has directed foreign institutional investors (FIIs) to disclose more information about their investment structure in India.

"It is not about FIIs investment, it is about what struc-

tures FIIs have for their investments in India," SEBI chairman, C B Bhave, told reporters on the sidelines of a FICCI-organised capital markets conference here today.

SEBI had earlier asked FIIs which are registered on or before April 7, to declare whether they are a multi-class share vehicle (MCV) or not, and that

Y-Fi range of denim-wear

HeRALD BusINess DesK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited’s LawmanPg3 has launched a lifestyle brand Y-Fi. Y-Fi stitch is a designer stitch developed by LawmanPg3 brand with 60 warp by 60 weft, stitched 60 counts in 60 seconds.

The innovative stitch adds a new design element to the denim-wear.

Experimenting with various needles, threads, and sewing machines emerged the macho-looking Y-fi Stitch.

Vikas Jain, director, KKCL says "Mostly designers work on the fabric, cuts, looks, adding designs and other ornamental motifs to enhance the appeal of jeans. Making a stitch fashionable! This is an innovation."

The Y-Fi collection is available in a dozen styles, in shades of blue, green and grey in Y fit (basically low-waist, straight and slim) washes, embellishments.

they are not structured as protected cell companies (PCCs) or segregated portfolio companies (SPCs).

"We are currently looking at an expansionary phase of the markets. However, it is for us to be facilitators in this process and in our hands to ensure that such growth is in an orderly and efficient manner," Bhave said.

The country needs to cut several transaction costs to grow its capital markets, he said, adding while volumes are large, ticket-size of transactions remains small, which puts increased pressure on costs.

Bhave pointed out that the market regulator is also evaluating ways to cut brokerage costs related to the transaction of securities in the markets.

"There are three types of transaction costs---brokerage, taxes and impact cost. While we are most efficient in terms of impact costs, there is still a lot more that needs to be done in terms of brokerage costs," Bhave said.

Rail damage hits NMDC ore supplies ReuteRs RAIPUR, APRIL 20

Iron ore supplies from India's largest miner, NMDC Ltd, have stopped from a key state after suspected Maoists rebels damaged rail tracks, government officials said on Tuesday.

A freight train carrying 4,000 tonnes of iron ore from staterun NMDC's mine in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh in central India derailed on Monday following sabotage of tracks, they said.

"It is not confirmed who removed clips from rail tracks that led to the derailment but it seems to be an act of Maoists," P Sundarraj, a senior police official said.

Railway officials said the track could be reopened by Wednesday.

S P Himanshu, assistant general manager at NMDC, said the disruption has halted 56,000 tonnes of iron ore the company shipped each day on the sector.

NMDC has two mining complexes in Bailadila sector that produced 77% of the company's total output of 28.52 million tonnes in 2008/09.

India booms, social welfare struggles ReuteRs MADHOUN, APRIL 20

The government is spending billions of dollars on welfare schemes, and plans even more this year. But that is news to Poona, whose daughter may soon die from that stain on India's growth story -- malnutrition.

Poona, who married at 14 and breaks quarry stones for a living, shielded her daughter's sunken face from a harsh summer sun with her blue sari. She does not know Urmila's weight, but the whimpering 18-month child looked more like a new born baby.

"She eats nothing," said Poona, a lower caste woman from a northern Indian tribal community in Uttar Pradesh. "I feel scared of losing my child."

Since helping the Congress party win re-election last year, welfare has fast become the government's knee-jerk answer to policy dilemmas as it tries to ease food inflation, help growth trickle down to the poor, and win hearts and minds in a Maoist insurgency, many experts say.

But these often corruptionridden and badly-run programmes may add to deficit spending and hinder India from

following rival China by broadening an economic boom to transform millions of its population from poverty to well-fed middle class consumers.

In Madhoun village, a mobile phone tower stood near. But, while symbols of modernity seep in, welfare lags. Villagers complain no officials come here, and that upper castes siphon off pre-school porridge meals to fatten their buffalo.

Sonia Gandhi, Congress party head, has drafted a food bill to give each poor family 35 kg of grains a month, as the government provisionally upped its estimate of the poverty rate from 27.5 percent to 37.2 percent of the 1.2 billion plus population.

It also comes after Congress introduced a "revolutionary" programme to ensure 100 days of jobs for villagers each year.

But these schemes' foundation stones may be built on sand, many experts say, threatening India's ability to narrow a yawning income gap that may endanger its economic success story despite Congress promises of "inclusive growth" since its 2004 election.

GROWtH NOt eVeNLY sPReAD Welfare programmes can help

millions in a country that has a third of the world's poor. Some schemes work well in states like Tamil Nadu which has a tradition of better governance.

But ridden by graft and often ill-conceived, welfare may have become an easy populist tool that is a second best solution to government reluctance to embrace difficult policies, like freeing up agriculture to markets -- that may make deeper inroads.

Sonia Gandhi's assassinated husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, famously said that out of every rupee spent on welfare, only 15 percent reached recipients.

"There are areas where these schemes certainly work," said political analyst Mahesh Rangarajan. "They are blunt instruments. It is easier to hand out a kilo of rice than reform agriculture."

India's growth is slow at lifting poverty, in contrast to China where child malnutrition, a key poverty indicator, is at 7 percent.

Malnutrition in India has fallen only six percentage points, to roughly 46 percent, since economic reforms began in 1991. GDP per capita boomed by 50 percent during

the same period.

"There has been no improvement here," said Shreevai, a social worker in Bahuri, a cluster of villages near Lalitpur. "We want to be like the rest of India, but we don't have the income."

India ranked 65th out of 84 countries in the Global Hunger Index of 2009, below countries including North Korea and Zimbabwe -- hindering India's ambitions to channel its demographic dividend to fuel its global economic ambitions.

"I've never seen a country with such fast economic growth with such pathetic levels of nutrition," said Lawrence Haddad, director of the UKbased Institute of Development Studies.

It is a stain that riles many in Congress after hopes its reelection would see it take on difficult issues like agricultural reform needed to boost incomes and productivity in the countryside where still half the population lives.

It has sparked pressure for more welfare after Congress won several elections helped by promises of cheap food as expectation of improved infrastructure and broader economic dissipate.

Sports

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Health

Art

Culture

Environment

GOA’S HEARTBEAT Wednesday, 21 April, 2010

Women: Then and Now Times may have changed but we should not forget that women have always wanted and still want to do the best they can…

Education

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Sometimes you have to dry clean your dry cleaning and hand-wash your hand-washables. You (21 Mar – 19 Apr) need to vent this morning, but once you do, you need to make sure that you're free for all the crazy activities that are sure to fill your afternoon and evening. Have fun with it all!

Go out with some good buddies you haven't seen for a while. You miss them! Your head is full of (23 Sep – 22 Oct) conflicting ideas and opinions early today, which isn't much fun -- but the afternoon brings a new clarity. You may want to get your people to try for consensus one last time.

If you ask somebody for something, chances are you'll get whatever you want. You hit it off with (20 Apr – 20 May) someone early today, and might feel comfortable confiding in them. Things might get a little weird later on, as egos start to leak into your personal business to change the equation.

If you've got such a good sense of where things stand (and you do), do something. Try to get as (23 Oct – 21 Nov) much done as possible this morning -- especially heavy discussions or brainstorming sessions, which should go quite well. Ego conflicts are almost certain to arise later in the day.

You might get your hands on something you won't want to let go of. Be generous. Your typical gen(21 May – 21 Jun) erosity is nowhere to be found early today, but don't despair - things start to re-balance early this afternoon. Your social energy comes back with a vengeance, making it easy to mend wounds.

Opposites attract -- if you're feeling uneasy, be patient. It will bring out the best. You need to find (22 Nov – 21 Dec) a new depth -- it's not so hard, really. Your probing mind is on the hunt for ideas and world views that can enrich your current goals, and you should be happy with what you find.

Don't worry, the spotlight will be shining directly on you by the time the sun sets! Start some(22 Jun – 22 Jul) thing new -- or do something over -- this morning, and it should go quite well for you. Keep pushing through the afternoon, as you want to make things bigger, bolder and better then!

Sometimes the world seems all smoke and mirrors. Open the window and clear the air!

(22 Dec – 19 Jan) Someone (maybe you) busts out with a new idea this morning that fully deserves investigation.

Watch out for differences of opinion later in the day, though, as they can turn ugly fast.

Well, aren't you shinier than a bright new penny!

And worth a whole lot more! You may need to (23 Jul – 22 Aug) let go of some small measure of control early in the day -- but you are sure to be glad you did by this evening! Your amazing surge in energy is a direct consequence of your letting go.

How's the health of your gums? Have you been flossing? Brushing regularly? You may find it re(20 Jan – 18 Feb) warding to putter around the house early today -- you can clear up some big messes or otherwise make life a little cozier. Later on, a major discovery changes your mood for the better.

Somebody new in your life is a mighty bright light.

Why don't you give them a kiss? It's a strange day (23 Aug – 22 Sep) -- you start out much more social than usual, while you end up wanting to curl up in bed on your own for a while. Sometimes life gives you ups and downs, and you handle them well.

People really like you.

You really like people.

What could be better?

Telling them! Make the (19 Feb – 20 Mar) most of the burst of creative energy that shows up early today -- you need to deal with someone close by the end of the day, and they are unlikely to appreciate any nonstandard answers.

Fashion

Travel

Tourism

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Parenting

Pg14

The Ever Enigmatic MJ Lives On…

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES ust think of the undisputed ‘King of Pop’, Michael Jackson and you invariably feel like walking over the moon. He was a singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, choreographer, published poet, businessman, philanthropist and record producer – all in all, a power-mansion of talent and the most successful entertainer of all time. His passing away came as the most dreadful news to music fans the world over. Women and men, girls and boys wept and grieved for the icon they loved so much. His very demeanour was absolutely mystifying, his moonwalk made us want to walk over the moon, his infectious voice where he belted out numbers like ‘Billy Jean’, ‘Beat It’, ‘Bad’, ‘Smooth Criminal’, ‘Black or White’ and many more pierced our very souls and touched millions and his dancing mesmerised dancing legends and baffled professors of physics as he created sheer magic with his grooves in rhythmic precision to just about any number – you wondered whether he was made of rubber. His heartfelt humanitarian efforts only enhanced his profound impact on every lover of music and dance. He remains a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, where no one can come even close.

So, getting intimated about a tribute to be held for this legend comes as an exciting opportunity for all his diehard fans to experience his magic.

Amidst energetic rehearsals, Daisy Fernandes from ‘Simply Ballroom – The Western Dance Academy’ enlightens, “We have been preparing for this concert from last November. A lot of practice is going into this programme in terms of the songs, choreography, music, everything.”

And how did this programme come about?

The lady enlightens, “My 13 year old boy, Neil is a die-hard fan of Michael Jackson. He is constantly singing Jackson’s songs and dancing to his numbers. So, we thought up this idea. Besides, we decided to give part of the proceeds towards charity.”

Interestingly, the talented young lad along with this father, Mick Fernandes has choreographed the dances for the musical evening.

Some of the numbers that the kids will dance to are none other than, ‘Black or White’, ‘Thriller, ‘Bad’, ‘Beat it’ and ‘Dangerous’.

Probe into the kind of impact that this music legend has had on our Goans and it is heartening to hear the talented dancer Jason from the Jason and Sylvia duo state, “It is safe to say almost

J

Goan wins Gold in Hospitality

Jennifer Garner enjoys Kid-friendly Birthday

H

Entertainment

Fear not for the future, weep not khait “for “ Jiv aslear bhik- magon the past - Percy Bysshe Shelley Anonymous

I

BY NAFISA OLIVEIRA n a country like India, there is often a mixed feeling of being a woman. We have goddesses as well as the traditional notion that women are to be kept at home and protected. We have women empowerment on one side and double standards of the society on the other. Although women have felt pressured because of these ideas, it has not stopped them from striving to achieve their dreams.

Shraddha Phadke says that women today definitely make use of the opportunities present.

She herself wants to pursue her Masters in Fashion Designing and aspires to be an apparel merchandiser. Besides this, she is also doing a course in French because according to her, in addition getting a job, at times women simply wish to educate themselves. But in order to achieve all this, support from the family is a must. This is not only in monetary terms but also in terms of encouragement and guidance. Civona Gomes who is presently doing her MBBS says that thanks to the support of her family she is able to do what she wants: “They totally understand that this is my ambition and they’re proud that I’m going to be a doctor. There’s no pressure about marriage like there would have been during my parent’s time.”

Raisa Mergulhao and Sarah Fernandes are two young women who have plans of working with children. The former wants to start a school for kids in a remote village, saying that she dislikes seeing children begging on the road and disapproves of child labour. She wishes that children should get all round education and be taught basic things that would help them move forward in life. Sarah on the other hand wishes to pursue her Masters in Social Work and would like to work with women as well. She feels that women today are capable of achieving and entering into areas based solely on their merit.

“Women today are empowered, they want to be educated and there are more and more opportunities being presented to them. Therefore the drive to be educated and the available educational opportunities go hand in hand,” says Rajal Shinkre, the principal of Goa College of Home Science. She goes on to say that such may not be the case in many rural areas of India, where societal pressure on women still exists and they are often denied education and prevented from working outside their homes. But in the urban areas, women have successfully maintained a fine balance between work and home and managed their dual responsibilities despite the inevitable pressure. For some women, learning is a continuous process and it has no end. Dr Suvarna Fonseca e Antao is one such example. She carried on with studying even after her marriage and throughout her working years. According to her, learning is so much a part of her and she makes the time to attend workshops and take courses. However, this depends on every woman’s interest and it may vary according to the priorities of different women.

Finally, it is not that women wish to compete with men through availing the opportunities present today. It is no battle of the sexes. They each have their role in society and are constructed in such a manner so as to suit them. Most women are comfortable with who they are. Education and job opportunities are only a way of achieving a higher stage of self actualisation. Most people believe that despite the presence of a subtle gender bias, rather than being complacent in the position thrust on them, women have proved that they are capable of much more. Women ought to dream big and keep striving to achieve them. As the tennis player Martina Navratilova said, “I think the key is for women not to set any limits.”

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Lifestyle

ollywood star Jennifer Garner’s star-studded birthday party was a child-friendly low-key afternoon affair instead of a wild Hollywood night bash.

The ‘Valentine’s Day’ star, who just turned 38, decided to mark the occasion with an afternoon party at her Los Angeles home, inviting celebrity friends such as Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire and their kids.

“Jen wanted everyone to feel like they could bring their kids, so she didn’t want to have it at night. Even though there were a bunch of celebs there, it didn’t feel like a Hollywood party at all. It just seemed like some friends getting together to celebrate a birthday,” said a source.

Garner, who has two daughters, four-year-old Violet and 15-month-old Seraphina with husband actor Ben Affleck, wanted a toned down gathering so that guests could turn up in casual attire with their families.

The ‘Spiderman’ star, who brought along his three year-old daughter Ruby, looked “all messy” and was “wearing a T-shirt and jeans”, while Witherspoon wore shorts, sneakers and a straw hat and had “hardly a stitch of make-up on”.

‘Juno’ actor Jason Bateman also attended the party with his three-year-old daughter Francesca, who quickly ran off to play with Garner’s daughter.

He continues to be simply superb, fabulously fantastic, irresistibly intriguing as he continues to live in our groovy moves, our tapping feet, our ev er y so ng an d mo st importantly in our very hearts.

He is th e on e an d on ly ph en om en on , Mi ch ae l Jackson. ‘Simply Ballroom: The Western Dance Academy’ will pay tribute to this legend on April 22 at MPT Auditorium, Sayantara from 6 pm onwards

every music and dance lover the world over has at some stage or the other either copied MJ or imitated him or was inspired by him, whatever! The fact remains that he made and continues to make a huge impact in the music and dance arena.

I use many of his styles when I do free style dancing. I have conducted so many classes and we always use his numbers. And people always want to learn to dance to his numbers.”

He continues, “I mean, just look at the way he reached out to people all over the world and united them through his music.

Every song had an important message. What a wealthy man he was! There was no need on his part to care for humanity, yet he did. All this despite the rotten childhood he had. Any other human being would have broken down and given up. But he went on to become the legend he is today.”

Aptly Jason concludes, “There can never be any other like him.”

What can we say? This is it! The legend continues to live on…

Ninteen-year-old Akshay Vinayak Hede was recently handed over the National Council’s Gold Medal Certificate of Excellence for standing first in a sixmonth national level diploma course. The Herald got chatting with Akshay

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES look at this win as a step closer to my ambition – a food and beverage manager,” says Akshay confidently, who bagged the first place in a national level Craft Food and Beverage Service diploma examination held by the Institute of Hotel Management, Porvorim. This is his first major victory in the area of his extreme passion – hospitality, but not his only; he has participated and won at national level go-karting championships with his brother. Go-karting is a huge part of Akshay’s life, – second to the service industry. Akshay lives in Margao and upon completion of his 12th decided to

“I

be a part of the aforementioned course.

The course definitely helped Akshay so he states. “It was service at your max - thoroughly detailed and well presented,” he explains, “and it has done me a whole lot of good, prepared me for the current course and will help in the future too,” he adds.

Currently pursuing a three year degree course in Bachelor of Science (food and beverages) at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Hyderabad he views this time away from home as an opportunity of growth.

“It’s a great experience, you grow from a boy to a man,” he chortles, adding, “the atmosphere is such that it helps you prepare yourself for the real world.” Which is out there and inevitable!

John Abraham to help save India’s Big Cats W

ildlife filmmaker Mike Pandey, who has joined hands with actor John Abraham for his upcoming film ‘The Return of the Tiger’ feels the Bollywood star will act as a catalyst to save the endangered species.

Pandey, known for his conservation work with films like ‘Shores of Silence – Whale sharks in India’ and ‘Vanishing Giants’ on elephants is co-producing the 90-minute documentary with Abraham to carry the tiger conservation appeal to the people of India.

“The film asks one question, where are they disappearing. John, being a youth icon will be able to get 60 percent of the population through his appeal. I have chosen him after five years of working together for elephants in Maharashtra. He is a catalyst to ensure in saving the tiger,” said Pandey.

But doesn’t star power often take attention away from the central issue?

“He will be in the film for brief moments; it’s not like selling cola. We are working for something really powerful and I am trying to create a new storytelling format. I need to show how a tiger reacts to the presence of man, how it understands compassion and love. He will narrate it halfway and maybe I will narrate the rest of it,” said Pandey.

The downward spiralling number of tigers in the country came to the centre stage recently after a mobile service provider launched a campaign to save the big cat.

From the blogging world to the world of cricket and fashion and even megastar Amitabh Bachchan joining the movement, now everybody is chanting the mantra to save our national animal. But does it really make a difference?

“Enthusiasm is positive and everybody getting aware is good. The next step should be to translate it into ground action at grass root level. The government has been trying really hard for so long, so where have we gone wrong is the question? The hype is great but we have to get into a collaborative effort to make a difference,” feels Pandey.

‘The Return of the Tiger’ will be used as a tool to sensitise communities and citizens through road shows, TV shows and screenings in schools and colleges.

As part of the endeavour, Austrian jazz musician Harri Stojka and his band performed in the capital recently to raise awareness for the issue.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Wednesday, 21 April, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘Remembering Michael Jackson’, organised by ‘Simply Ballroom: The Western Dance Academy’ will take place on April 22 at the Mormagao Port Trust Auditorium, Sayantara from 6 pm onwards. Call 9822150348 or 9923323611.

The Kala Academy Annual Day will take place at the Kala Academy, Panjim on April 23 at 5:30pm. Call 2420452.

‘My Mother My World’, the finals of the International Art and Craft Contest 2009, organised by Pidilite Industries Limited will be held at Hotel Kenilworth, Beach Resort and Spa, Utorda on April 21. Call 6698888 and 2755555.

A communication aides training programme, ‘Tell Me More’ for children with language impairments will be held in the month of May. The last date to register is April 27. Call 65137489. Email reachus@sethu.in.

An art exhibition titled ‘Spanish Eyes’,

by Spanish artist, Matildalamora will open on April 24 at 7:30pm at the Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhas,Panjim. It will remain open to the public till April 30. Call 09823572035.

A tribute to Goan writer, the late Violet Dias Lannoy will be held through a public reading programme that will take place at the Kala Academy, Panjim on April 23 at 6pm. Call 2420452.

Spoken-Konkani Learning Class’, organised by the Ganga-Zuari Academy and the NIO Staff Club will begin on April 25 every Monday, Friday and Sunday at the Community Center, NIO Colony, Dona Paula. Call 9890606240 or 9422414311.

The Pinhole Photography Contest 2010 exhibition will be held on April 25, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day at the Art Chamber, Calangute. It

scapegrace

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES usic and dance fascinates every person, it is not only a form of entertainment but also a form of expression. But behind this form of expression goes a lot of studying, training and practice, a student of music may have to spend years mastering the instrument of his choice. To facilitate the music abilities of the young in Goa, the Kala Academy school of Music and dance has regular classes in the various forms of art, and to showcase the talent of its students and to felicitate their best students, it is organising its annual day cum prize distribution function on April 22 and 23.

The annual day will feature Indian Music and dance on April 22, with the students of the Kala Academy performing the classical Indian Vocal and instrumental compositions titled ‘Patmanjiri’ organised by Pandit Dinkar Panishkar. The Patmanjiri, divided into 5 parts and will be preformed by the students, the Bihag by Deepak Prabhudesai; Bihagada by Taha Aziz; Marubihag by Depak

M

Function Noun Meaning : a reckless, unprincipled person; a rascal; a scoundrel Example Sentence Roy wasn’t made shareholder in the family business because he was a scapegrace who could never save a penny.

know how to take care of children. Most of them will have a husband some day.”

– Franklin P Jones DAILY GROOK DEFT LEFT

by Francis Rodrigues folks tease a maladroit, but lefties are alright!

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PEN T HAP

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INGS email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

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Mistry; Pat Bihag by Pandurang Raul; Nand by Gauri Bhat.

The musical presentation will be followed by a Kathak dance performance titled ‘Kathak Dadara’ performed by Apeksha Kamat and Tejaswini Lawande, the students under the guidance of Chandan Singh.

The second day will be focused on the Western classical music abilities of the students of the Kala Academy, “the western classical music will feature solo performances, ensembles and choral singing,” says Teresa Figueirado, the acting director of the western classical section of the Kala Academy. The programme will feature guitar ensemble, cello ensemble, string ensemble, clarinet ensemble, brass ensemble and a piano duet by Fatima Rodrigues and Ingrid de Noronha, and Nathan Fernandes and Cassandra Moraes, the students of the Kala Academy.

The solo performances will feature the piano solo performance by Aditya D’Costa, Carolyn Nunes and Gisela Pereira; a guitar solo performance by Delroy Martins; a keyboard solo performances by Michelle do Rosario and Reanne Mendes; and a saxophone solo performance by Ashley Fernandes.

Photos By Samir Umarye

Photos by Samson Dias

BY RYAN AND RUSSEL D’COSTA HERALD FEATURES n the occasion of the Feast of our Lady of Miracles, the Milagres Fete 2010 was organised at St Jerome Church in Mapusa. The feast begin with devotees attending in large masses for the Holy Mass followed by the catholic ritual of devotees pouring oil on the statue of Our Lady of Milagres as a part of it’s ancient customs.

The evening witnessed the Milagres Fete 2010 with a host of cultural programmes and

O

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 532 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

GARFIELD

spot prizes. The cultural fete was held consecutively for 3 days and concluded late evening on 21st night.

Day 1 of the fete opened with a programme for the local masses bringing out a wide range of talents of the local crowd followed by the band ‘Open Highway’ paying some rocking numbers that got the people into a cheery mood.

The music kept going with one-man band specialist Manual Succor taking over. Comedian Leslie and Bonny had the crowd in splits with their acts of humour.

The 2nd day comprised one-man band specialist Alvito Merces, Sonia and group and much more. Day three concluded on a high note with the band Venture keeping up with the tempo of the fete followed by Seby on the wings.

BY SAMIR UMARYE HERALD CORRESPONDENT he famous five-day ‘zatra’ of Shirgao which attracts not only Goan devotees but also foreign tourists is underway at Bicholim. The main attraction of the ‘zatra’ are the 25,000 ‘dhonds’ (special devotees of the Goddess Lairai) who walks through ember. They comprise of members from Goa and the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharastra. The ‘zatra’ began this Monday and will continue for the next four days where the ‘Kalash’ of the Goddess will be taken to every house in Shirgao.

This year witnessed several foreign tourists drawn to this small village, perhaps with a curiosity over the ‘dhonds’. “We have heard about this festival and read about it in the newspapers.

The excitement pulled us here,” a foreigner said, who was amazed with the huge crowd that the festival attracted.

On the initial day the Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, health minister, Vishwajeet Rane, Bicholim MLA, Rajesh Patnekar and several other ministers paid homage to the Goddess Lairai.

T

Pomburpa Spring Summer Camp a Success!

Photos by Herald Features

HERALD FEATURES he third Pomburpa Spring Summer Camp was a great success with a large response from students as well as the locals. The camp was organised by the Parish of the Mother of God Church and St Elizabeth High School. During the seven-day camp, the participants witnessed a variety of programmes. Experts in the fields of biodiversity, garbage management, food adulteration, nature and home grown organic vegetables and fruits guided the participants and highlighted the importance of each of the items.

The camp, which was absolutely free to the participants, had the locals supporting the programme enthusiastically. The students were also taught glass painting, papier-mâché and other art techniques which could be a full time profession.

On the final day, a fruit and flower festival was organised with the locals displaying a variety of fruits and vegetables grown in and around Pomburpa. The initiative of Fr Santana Carvalho, Mario Fernandes from Salvador Do Mundo and a host of locals from the Serula communidade has helped revive the once forgotten Pomburpa Springs known for its water having therapeutic benefits.

T

SOUTH POLE

10:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 10:30 Sasural Genda Phool 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Behenein 18:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 18:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 19:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo

11:00 Crime Patrol 11:30 Godh Bharaai 12:00 C.I.D : Guinness Book Record 12:30 C.I.D 13:00 C.I.D Classics 14:30 Namak Halaal 19:00 Godh Bharaai 20:00 Pyaar Ka Bandhan 20:30 Jeet Jayenge Hum 21:00 Sukh By Chance 21:30 Crime Patrol

10:00 Choti Bahu

10:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 11:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya 11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Do Saheliyaan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Do Saheliyaan 15:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya 15:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:00 Do Saheliyaan 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya 22:00 12/24 Karol Bagh

10:00 Maniben.com 10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

11:15 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Lapataganj 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Maniben.com 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

14:30 Lapataganj 15:00 FIR 15:30 Jugni Chali Jalandar 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

16:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 17:00 Gutar Gu 17:30 Lapataganj 18:00 FIR 18:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta ….

19:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 19:30 Lapataganj 20:00 Maniben.com 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

Parenting

Sister Festivities of Milagres Fest and Shirgao ‘Zatra’

Funny Quote “ All women should

Pronunciation SKAYP-grayss

CURR

Information Technology

Kala Academy all set for Annual Celebrations

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 533

will be open to the public till May 10.

Other events like workshops, lectures, photography quiz will run alongside the exhibition. Call 2277144.

A pottery workshop by Geeta Sahu will take place at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula on May 1 and 2. Call 9765404391, 9975702588 or 2452805-10.

A3-day residential training camp, ‘AURA of Success’, conducted by the Global Academy of Meta Mind Management (GAMMA) from April 23 to 25 at Miramar, Panjim. Call 9096938269. E-mail amey.hegde@gmail.com. Visit www.metamindmanagement.com.

A communication aides training .

An art exhibition titled ‘Spanish Eyes’,

by Spanish artist, Matildalamora will open on April 24 at 7:30pm at the Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhas,Panjim. It will remain open to the public till April 30. Call 09823572035.

Art exhibition, ‘Groupe de Cinque’ featuring five Goan artistes will be on display till April 22 between 10am to 7:30pm. Call 2420452.

Summer vacation art workshops for children above the ages of seven will be held at from April 21 to May 15 at the Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. It will be facilitated by Harshada Kerkar, Assavri Kulkarni, Crisologo Furtado, Crisologo Furtado, P Madhavan, Srinivas Mangepudi and Enith Perez. Call 2421311.

‘Goan Brew – High Spirits and Healing’, the Feni festival will take place on August 25. Call 9822151419, 9881533456 or 9822581232.

A one-day multi-lingual literary festival for the youth will take place at the Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim on April 25. It is organised by the Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim.

Call 2224143.

Education

08:15 Ever After: A Cinderella Story 10:45 Rogue 12:40 Original Sin 14:55 Armour of God II 17:05 Wargames: The Dead Code 19:05 Chaos Theory 21:00 Hart's War 23:30 Flubber

08:30 Felon 10:30 Fired Up! 12:00 The Last Mimzy 14:00 Definitely, Maybe 16:15 TMZ 16:45 The 11th Hour 18:45 Beethoven 21:00 Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day 23:00 Patriot Games

12:00 Masti 15:40 Jaan 20:00 Ek Aur Qayamat 23:15 Hum Hain Kamaal Ke

18:55 Off the Black 21:00 Running Scared 23:15 Basic

09:30 99.9 FM Nothing is 100% 12:30 Phool 16:00 Dhoop 20:00 Sarkar 23:00 Terror in the Deep

12:00 Mr. Natwarlal 15:30 Karan Arjun 19:00 IPL 3 Extraaa Innings 20:00 IPL 3: Mumbai Indians vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore 23:30 IPL 3 Extraaa Innings

10:45 Some Voices 12:50 A Chinese Tall Story 14:55 Lucky Break 17:05 Love in the Time of Money

08:00 Virodhi 12:00 Naseeb Apna Apna 16:00 Main Khiladi Tu Anari 20:00 Tirangaa

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Jugni Chali Jalandar 22:00 Lapataganj 22:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai

10:00 Dill Mill Gayye 10:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 11:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 11:30 Geet 12:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 12:30 Dill Mill Gayye 13:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 13:30 Geet 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum

15:00 Dill Mill Gayye 15:30 Geet 16:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 16:30 Ssshhh.....Phir Koi Hai 17:30 Geet 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet

11:00 Csi 12:00 Cyril: Simply Magic 13:00 So You Think You Can Dance 15:00 Video Zonkers 17:00 Slamball 17:30 Mondo Magic Singapore

18:00 Life on Mars 19:00 Breaking The Magician's Code 20:00 Video Zonkers 21:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 22:00 Wipeout Australia

10:00 Psych 11:00 Koffee with Karan 12:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 12:30 Prison Break 13:30 Desperate Housewives 14:30 Two and a Half Men 15:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 15:30 Psych 16:30 Friends

17:00 Prison Break 18:00 Koffee with Karan 19:00 Friends 19:30 Two and a Half Men 20:00 Psych 21:00 Friends 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Prison Break

10:30 FIA F1 World Championship Raceday 2010 11:15 FIA F1 World Championship 2010 Main Race 13:15 FIA F1 World Championship Chequered Flag 2010 14:00 Engine Block 2010 14:30 Behind the Baseline 15:00 Asian Tour 2010 H/ls 16:00 Golf Focus 2010 16:30 Hitz 09/10 17:00 Game 17:30 Glitch 18:00 TNA Ppv : Lockdown 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 Nike Football Locker Room 22:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 22:30 Simply the Best

23:00 Hitz 09/10 23:30 Planet Speed 2009/10

11:30 UEFA Champions League : Inter Milan vs. Barcelona 13:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 14:00 Football League Show 14:30 FIFA: Futbol Mundial 15:00 UEFA Champions League 2009/10 : Semi Final: Inter Milan vs. Barcelona 17:00 WWE: Bottom Line 18:00 Goalfest 18:30 UEFA Europa League H/ls : Quarter Final: 2nd Leg 19:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 20:00 FIFA: Futbol Mundial 21:30 UEFA Champions League 2009/10 : Semi Final: Inter Milan vs. Barcelona

07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Divine Sitar 11:30 Fantasia El Shaddai 12:00 French Rock Band 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Disha Final 09:00 ICC World T20 2007 11:00 PBA Experience Showdown 15:00 Konkani Tiatr Festival 15:30 Divine Sitar 12:00 Barclays Premier League 16:00 Health Watch 14:00 PBA Tour 16:30 Flavors 15:30 Simply the Best 17:00 Kids Club 16:00 European Individual 17:30 Goa Wonderful Destination Badminton Champ 2010 18:00 Konkani News 17:00 NBA Fastbreak 19:00 Marathi News 17:30 NBA Action 20:00 English News 18:00 X Games Classix 21:00 Face -2- Face 19:00 Football Focus with John 21:30 Konkani Duet 20:00 Sportscenter India 22:00 English News 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 23:00 Interview with Rahul Roy 21:00 Barclays Premier League 23:30 Vem cantar 22:00 Sportscenter India 00:00 Talking Talkies 22:30 Sportscenter Asia Note: Subject to change

HERALD CROSSWORD - 533 Across 1- Dog-powered snow vehicle; 5- Paroxysmal pain; 10- Hammett hound; 14- Israeli dance; 15- Concert venue; 16- Celestial body; 17- Collar type; 18Standard for comparison; 19Harbor; 20- Hungarian composer; 22- high-spirited horse; 24- Othello villain; 27- A wedding cake may have three of these; 28- Dangerous catch; 32- You ___ mouthful!; 35Vane dir.; 36- Aquarium fish; 38- Single things; 40- Aha!; 42Verticil; 44- Big bash; 45Woman's one-piece undergarment; 47- Mother of Isaac; 49Where some vets served; 50Spanish river; 52- Computerized information storage; 54Zeno's home; 56- Shrivelled, without moisture; 57- Objects of personal adornment; 60- Start of something big?; 64- Hindu mother goddess; 65- Property claims; 68- Dollop; 69- Employs; 70- Lauder of cosmetics; 71- Taylor of "Mystic Pizza"; 72- French 101 verb; 73- Prevail; 74- Blunted blade; Down 1- Author Silverstein; 2- Monetary unit of Lesotho; 3- Archer of myth; 4- Gdansk; 5- Engine part; 6Guadalajara gold; 7- Moon of Jupiter; 8- Inactive; 9- Seaport in N France; 10- Intending; 11- Portico; 12- Small mountain lake; 13- Illustrative craft; 21- Diplomacy; 23Boyfriend; 25- Increased in size; 26- Vows; 28- Grow together; 29Atlas feature; 30- ___ lift?; 31- Of

great breadth; 33- Roman SOLUTION - 532 goddess of the moon; 34Collection of maps; 37- Hand woven wall hanging; 39- Ditto; 41- Sideways; 43- After the bell; 46- Christmas; 48- Injure; 51- Monger; 53- Compact hound; 55- Come up; 57Joke; 58- At any time; 59Abominable snowman; 61- A good one gets you there in a hurry; 62- Acting part; 63Off-Broadway theater award; 64- Expected; 66- Bit of film, to a photog; 67- DC bigwig;

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SPORTS

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GOA, Wednesday, 21 April, 2010

Adarsh pip St Anthony’s Sahil puts Sarvodaya on top HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Holders Adarsh Yuvak Sangh, Saligao registered a 1-0 win over St. Anthony’s Sports Club Colva,

to move into the quarter-finals of Colormax Imperial Rolling trophy soccer tournament, organized by United Club Nerul, at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro sta-

dium, on Tuesday.

In the 10th minute an attempt

by Adarsh’s Ajay Diwadkar was brilliantly saved by Colva goalkeeper Dolio Andrade.

The all-important goal came in the 61st minute when Siddesh Kaisarkar made no mistake to send a perfect placement.

l Sherbahadur rattles Chowgule

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL, 20

Goa Sports Academy scored 266 for 8 against Sarvodaya Sports Club on the first day’s play of Goa Premier League cricket tournament at Porvorim ground, on Tuesday.

GSA winning the toss and electing to bat, were propelled by Sahil Dhuri who topscored with 79, followed by Rohan 53, Damodar Lot-

likar 42, Gajanand Azgaonkar 41, Pawaskar 12. For Sarvodaya, Robin D’Souza claimed 3 for 60, Rohan Dessai 2 for 42 and Adwait Khatkar 2 for 38.

In another match at Dr Rajendra Prasad stadium, Margao, Chowgule Cricket Club were skittled out for 142 in 44.4 overs

by Salgaocar Sports Club.

Chowgule’s saving grace was Santosh Shinde’s defiant 52

while Vaibhav Naik contributed 34. For Salgaocar, Sherbahadur Yadav claimed 4 for 40, Vidhyadhar Kamat 2 for 24 and Vishal Singh 2 for 27.

In reply, Salgaocar were 131 for 1 in 43 overs. Hemant Shetgaokar was unbeaten on 60, followed by Sagun Kamat 59, Vivek Kolambkar 1 not out, scored for Salgaocar. For Chowgule, Amogh Desai claimed 1 for 6.

Cuncolim enter last four HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 20

Cuncolim Union trounced Union of Chinchinim Villagers 3-1 to storm into the semi-finals of AllGoa Eslinda Alemao memorial inter-village football tournament organised by Sporting Club of Davorlim at Davorlim ground,

on Tuesday. Cuncolim led 1-0 at half time.

Cuncolim broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Rosario Carvalho’s attempt from the edge of the box beat the rival goalkeeper.

Changing over, Rosario struck again for Cuncolim after

receiving a well measured through pass from Franky Pereira. Chinchinim tried their best to reduce the margin but failed to get past the rival defence.

Franky Pereira rounded off the tally for Cuncolim in the dying minutes.

Hockey kit for Navelim students HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 20 Goans Hockey distributed 20 hockey sticks and goalkeeper kit to Perpetual Succour Convent, Rosary High School and Rosary Higher Secondary at Rosary ground, Navelim recently.

The kit was handed over to the students by Savio Alemao,

Vasco meet Sesa FA HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, APRIL 20

Vasco Sports Club kicks off their 2nd Division I-League campaign against Sesa Football Academy on April 30, at KSFA stadium, Bangalore.

Vasco manager Gavin Araujo speaking to Herald said: "We have played Sesa four times this season and won three and drew the other, so we are confident of playing against them."

This season Vasco won the Police Cup in February apart from winning an outstation tournament in Kerala. Vasco will be going into the tournament without Sachin Gawas who is on the injured list.

Schedule of Vasco: April 30 v.

Sesa Football Academy. May 5 v. ONGC. May 9 v. NISA, Manipur.

May 13 v.HAL, Bangalore. May 16 v. Malabar United. May 20 v.

O i l I n d i a . M a y 2 4 v. M o hammedan Sporting Club.

Bhakti draws with Pogorelov HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 20

Goa’s Bhakti Kulkarni finished the Bangkok Open Chess tournament on a positive note when she drew with Ukrainian GM Ruslan Pogorelov in the ninth and final round and also obtained an extra norm of International Woman Master in Bangkok on Tuesday.

Savio Alemao distributing hockey kit to students of Perpetual Succour Convent, Navelim, in the presence of Navelim Sarpanch Paul Pereira, Farrel Furtado and camp co-ordinators Benny Viegas, Nafisa Almeida and Redento D’Souza.

son of PWD Minister Churchill Alemao.

The camp was conducted by coaches, Alexender Remedios and Victor Albuquerque who were assisted by Melchoir Alemao and Volociano Dourado.

Goans Hockey general secretary Farrel Furtado e Gracias

said: “600 hockey sticks and 30 goalkeeper kit were given to the students. A hockey camp will be conducted for students of Valpoi in May.” Farrel further disclosed that Goans Hockey will soon conduct an All-Goa hockey tournament in memory of Eslinda Alemao.

Mahindra face resurgent Bagan

i-league preview UNI KOLKATA, APRIL 20

Mahindra United has a chance to advance close to leaders Dempo Sports Club when they clash with the Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in the 22nd round of the ONGC Indian League here tomorrow.

The Mumbai outfit slipped four points behind Dempo’s 41 from twenty-one plays after 12 defeat to Shillong Lajong FC, a first-timer in the Indian soccer premier league game but still have five points advantage of t h i rd p l a c e d a n d h o l d e r s Churchill Brothers, who have a match in hand.

On the other hand, former champion Mohun Bagan after a series of failure in the second leg of the 14-team competition came alive in the previous game with 4-0 win at Air India and revived hope for doing better in the tournament.

Mohun Bagan now have 29 points from 20 games and are placed on fifth behind Chirag United's 31 from 21 matches.

Goa Premier League cricket (2nd day): Goa Sports Academy v. Sarvodaya SC, Porvorim ground; Salgaocar SC v. Chowgule SC, MCC ground; Dempo CC v. Al-Fatah CC, BITS Pilani ground, 9.30 a.m.

Salgaocar Trophy soccer (semis): Navelim Villagers v.

Nerul Sports Club, Saligao Sporting ground, 4.45 p.m.

Coca Cola Cup soccer: Taleigao v. Aivao YC, 4 p.m; Aivao YC v. CDJ Ribandar, 4.45 p.m; CDJ Ribandar v. Taleigao, 5.30 p.m, Santa Cruz ground.

Colormax Imperial Rolling trophy soccer: SAI Avtaar Anjuna v. Arpora Sporting Club, Dr Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.45 p.m.

Jaidev Gopal Kanekar memorial soccer: Milagres SC v.

St. Sebastian SC Fatorda, Sanquelim ground, 4.45 p.m.

Sodiem Siolim super soccer: St Savio, Calangute v. Saligao United, St Anthony’s church ground, Siolim, 4.30 p.m.

Alvernaz and Lalush Alemao memorial soccer: Carmona SC v. Darvorlim SC, Varca ground, 4.45 p.m.

Eslinda Alemao memorial soccer: Verna Sports Club v.

Sao Jose de Areal, Davorlim ground, 4.30 p.m.

Cayman cup soccer: Cuncolim Union v. St Anthony’s Sports Club, Assolda, Curtorim ground, 4.30 p.m.

GOA DIARY Soccer camp at Assolna

PANJIM (HSD) – The Lions Club of AVC will organise a 15-day soccer camp for students of AVC schools in the 12-16 age group, at SAG ground, Assolna. The camp will be under the supervision of FIFA referee Benjamin Silva. Those interested may contact Lions Club of AVC.

Learn to swim at Peddem

PANJIM (HSD) – The Sports Authority of Goa will conduct its 2nd summer vacation ‘learn to swim classes’ from April 27 to May 16 at Peddem swimming pool complex, Mapusa. Morning session: 7 to 8 a.m (gents/children), 8 to 9 a.m (ladies/children), 9 to 10 a.m (children). Evening session: 3.30 to 4.30 p.m (children), 4.30 to 5.30 p.m (children), 5.30 to 6.30 p.m (mixed batch for gents and ladies). Those interested may contact the reception or phone: 2257981.

Frank Pires soccer at Siridao

PANJIM (HSD) – The All-Goa inter-village football tournament in memory of Frank Pires organised by Siridao Sports Club will be held on April 25, near church ground, Siridao. The winners and runners-up will receive Rs 15,000 plus rolling trophy and Rs 10,000 respectively. Details may be obtained from Assumcao Afonso on 9881844707 or Edwin D’Mello on 9764539647.

Mount Carmel festival soccer

PANJIM (HSD) – The 2nd All-Goa Mount Carmel festival volleyball tournament organised by St Cruz Gymkhana, Ponda will be held from April 26 to May 2 at municipality court, Ponda. The winners and runners-up will receive Rs 10,000 and Rs 7,000 respectively, besides other prizes. Details may be obtained from Minguel Fernandes on 3206826.

Salgaocar veterans soccer

MARGAO (HC) --Holders Salgaocar Veterans will cross swords with Verna Veterans in the inaugural match of 10th All-Goa Veterans Salgaocar memorial football tournament organised by Prime Sports, Benaulim at Nagoa panchayat ground, on April 24.

Bardez Veterans, Customs and Central Excise, Benaulim Veterans, Margao Veterans, United Citizens Fatorda and Navelim Veterans will be participating.

The U-16 tournament will also be conducted simultaneously with Salgoacar SC, Dempo SC, Orlim SC and Wilred Leisure, fighting for top honours.

Nagoa Sarpanch Domingos Dias will be the chief guest for the inaugural match while Caitu D'Silva will be the guest of honour.

HE RA LD

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GOA, Wednesday, 21 April, 2010

Liverpool stroll past West Ham

Narain eyeing 2011 Indian GP AGENCIES NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

India's first formula-one driver Narain Karthikeyan expressed his desire to participate in the inaugural 2011 Indian Grand Prix 'if he gets a good team.'

It would be nice to participate in the Grand Prix, provided he got a good team, he said replying to felicitations by local chapters of CII and Young Indians on being conferred Padmashree.

Tracing his journey from Formula-four to Formula one races, the Coimbatore-born Karthikeyan, who drove for Jordan in 2005, said "I have still many milestones to reach and records to be set. My ambition to succeed is as strong as the day I started my carrier."

On being awarded Padmashree, the 33-year old racer said he was honoured and humbled to receive the award. It was for the first time that government has recognised the motorsport.

"It is a proud moment not only for me, but the entire motorsport," he said.

Sotiros Kyrgiakos of Liverpool scores his team's third goal on Monday.

premier league AGENCIES ANFIELD, APRIL 20

Liverpool enjoyed a leisurely 30 stroll past a lifeless West Ham United at Anfield on Monday, ideal preparation before their marathon journey to Spain for this week's Europa League semifinal against Atletico Madrid.

First-half goals by Yossi Benayoun and David Ngog gave the home side the initiative before an own goal on the hour from Hammers keeper Robert Green helped lift Liverpool into

sixth place in the Premier League on 59 points.

They trail fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand and have four matches left to play, by five points.

Realistically though Liverpool's only hope of adding some cheer to a torrid season after early exits in the Champions League and FA Cup lie in Thursday's semi-final, firstleg match in the Spanish capital.

The ash spewed from a volcano in Iceland has closed down

airspace in Europe for much of the last week and Liverpool must make their way to Madrid by more time-consuming means.

West Ham barely registered a shot and allowed Liverpool, particularly captain Steven Gerrard, to dictate the game at their leisure.

Gerrard created Liverpool's opener when his cross was guided goalwards by Benayoun on 19 minutes, the Israeli deflecting thw ball home with his chest.

Ngog's neat finish from Maxi Rodriguez's centre ten

minutes later might have been saved by Green, whose hesitancy from another Gerrard centre just before the hour mark allowed defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos to poke goalwards only for the ball to hit the far post and cannon in of Green's leg.

West Ham lacked the intensity of a side haunted by the shadow of relegation, and with just three matches remaining they must improve to beat the drop.

"I think everyone's got a soft spot for West Ham. Hopefully they can stay up," Liverpool de-

fender Jamie Carragher told ESPN after the match, his views echoed by former Hammer Benayoun.

"I didn't celebrate because I still have feelings for this club and I really hope they will stay up," he said.

The London club are three points above the relegation zone in 17th and will be nervous observers on Wednesday when Hull welcome Aston Villa hoping to take advantage of their game in hand and draw level on points with the east London club.

Messi better than me: Ronaldo

AGENCIES MADRID, APRIL 20

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that Barcelona's Lionel Messi is currently better than him.

However, Ronaldo also put Messi's prolific form down to the quality of the rest of Barcelona's squad.

When asked by La Stampa whether he thought Messi was better, Ronaldo said: ""Maybe, yes. But honestly, Barcelona are playing in a fantastic way. They have won the last five or six trophies and are top of La Liga."

"Messi was great last year and he is great this year too, but the team is helping him. And now he knows his team-mates better."

But the ever-confident Ronaldo did not shy from talking about his own game either.

"I think I am always at a top level. If Madrid risks not winning anything, it doesn't mean I am playing badly. I am always working hard every day to improve myself."

"I think Real Madrid can do it in the league. It's my first year here and we can give more as a group, but I cannot complain individually."

The Portuguese refused to give an outright answer when asked whether Jose Mourinho would replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Bernabeu in the summer.

"Ah, it's a question everyone is talking about. Many names have been mentioned. I know Mourinho well and I can say he is a fantastic coach."

"For now my coach is Manuel Pellegrini though and I am happy with this."

Mourinho did get his countryman's vote of confidence for the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona though.

"It will be a tough match between two teams who are playing really well. The best will win. I expect Mourinho to use a top tactic and beat Barcelona," opined Ronaldo.

Commonwealth, Asian Games medals on Sania’s agenda PTI HYDERABAD, APRIL 20

Newly-wed tennis star Sania Mirza said she will try to remain injury-free and her target will be to win medals in the Commonwealth and Asian Games later this year.

Having turned a new chapter in her life after marrying Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, Sania said tennis remained on top her agenda and she is focussing to do well in the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, followed by the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

"Commonwealth Games and Asian Games are coming up and those are my priority this year.

I would like to be fit and healthy for these events," Sania told PTI in an interview, along with Shoaib.

"I'm especially eager for the Commonwealth Games because it is in India and it's also going to be my first Commonwealth Games," said the tennis ace.

Looking ahead, Sania said she had not set herself any target as far as ranking was concerned and just wants to stay away from injuries.

"I don't have a target. I never had a target. I think the main target should be healthy and injury-free, which is very difficult in our sport. Still, I will try and

play as long as I can and try and get a medal in Commonwealth and Asian Games. I don't have a number in my head (about rankings)," Sania said.

Post-marriage, Sania and Shoaib would settle in Dubai and she dismissed suggestions that shifting base would affect her career.

"Dubai is not so far, it is almost like living in Delhi. It is only three hours' away. I know a lot of people, tennis courts and tennis coaches. That's not an issue at all to get practice and everything.

"We don't spend much time at home any way. I am travelling, he is travelling. Even before marriage, I used to travel 35 weeks a year. When we are at

home, we are usually taking (time) off. Professionally, it is not going to affect anything," she explained.

Sania was also of the view that marriage had brought happiness in her life and it also came at an opportune time.

"It's (marriage) a part of life, it's a phase of life. I think it will add to all the happiness. It's very a positive thing in a person's life," she said.

"I think it is the best time to get married for both of us.

He has some time off and I am also nursing my wrist injury.

We both had time. After that, we are going back to practising in a couple of weeks and get back to our routine," she said.

Wimbledon champions to earn record $1.54m each AP ENGLAND, APRIL 20

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles titles at this year’s Wimbledon tennis tournament will each earn a record $1.54 million.

The All England Club said Tuesday it has increased the winners’ prize money by 150,000 pounds ($231,348) to help offset the decrease in the value of the British pound against the dollar and euro.

The increase means that the men’s prize money has doubled over the past 10 years.

“We need to offer prize money that is commensurate with the tournament and competitive in the market,” All England Club chairman Tim Phillips said. “It shows the championships are successful and I think it shows we care about the players.”

Total prize money will be 13.725 million pounds ($21.1 million), an increase of 9.4 percent from last year.

Income for 2010 may dip slightly with the daily capacity down from 40,000 spectators

to 37,500 because of the construction of a larger No. 2 Court.

“This is pretty marginal,” All England Club chief executive Ian Ritchie said. “There’ll be a small drop in the numbers.”

Organizers have also adapted the sliding roof over Centre Court to allow it to be deployed at each end to shade spectators from strong sunlight.

The roof, designed to avoid the backlog of matches that have affected previous rainy tournaments, debuted last year and was used to facilitate a late finish for a fourth-round match between Andy Murray and

Stanislas Wawrinka.

“It was clearly a huge success last year,” Ritchie said. “Last year was a classic example of that was what the roof was designed to do and it delivered a match that might otherwise have not taken place.

“We’ve always seen it as an insurance.”

But organizers remain insistent that they do not have plans to start regular night matches.

The June 21-July 4 championships take place while many sports fans will be focused on the soccer World Cup in South Africa, which runs June 11-July 11.

The All England Club has no plans to show matches on big screens around the championships.

“This is a tennis tournament,” Phillips said. “If you want to watch football, you can go to South Africa or watch it on television.”

But Ritchie said things could change.

“There is no plan to show football but we’re not going to say ‘never,”’ he said.

Shoaib gets back his passport PTI HYDERABAD, APRIL 20

Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik today got back his passport following an Andhra Pradesh High Court order, a fortnight after it was taken away by police in connection with a cheating case registered against him by his now divorced wife Ayesha Siddiqui.

Shoaib's counsel Javed Razack was handed over the passport and two booklets after the counsel moved an application before an additional chief metropolitan magistrate along with an order copy of the High Court directing it to return the passport.

The magistrate initially sought Razack's identity proof and after submission of the same allowed the petition for issuance of the passport.

Shoaib Malik is now free to travel outside India or anywhere in India, Razack told reporters.

The case against Shoaib will be closed in due process of time as it involves legal process, the counsel said, adding there was no need for his client to make in person appearance before the court for closure of the case.

Guimaraes coach Sergio to take over at Sporting REUTERS LISBON, APRIL 20

Vitoria Guimaraes coach Paulo Sergio is to take charge of Portuguese Premier League rivals Sporting next season.

The 42-year-old Sergio has signed a two-year contract to replace Carlos Carvalhal as coach, the club said on their website today.

Sergio managed a Premier League club for the first time last season, guiding Pacos de Ferreira to 10th place.

He joined Guimaraes in October and has lifted the side from near the bottom of the table to fifth posi tion.

Sporting announced last month that Carvalhal would be leaving at the end of the season.

He joined in November after Paulo Bento resigned following a poor start to the campaign.

The Lisbon team are fourth in the league, 26 points adrift of leaders Benfica.

Pak to officially declare Sania-Shoaib brand ambassador

The minister had attended the widely-publicised marriage Indian tennis sensation Sania in Hyderabad.

Mirza and her cricketer husband She said Sania-Shoaib marShoaib Malik riage has helped will be declared n Sania-Shoaib in melting the brand ambassa"glacier" created marriage has dor of Pakistan's between India helped in melting Population Wela n d Pa k i s t a n fare Ministr y after the Mumbai the "glacier" when the terror attacks in created between newly-wed cou2008.

India and ple reach the When asked if neighbouring she would like Pakistan after the country.

Sania to play for Mumbai terror Pakistan has Pakistan, the visattacks in 2008. announced that iting minister the two "super-- Firdous Ashiq Awan said, "It is up to stars" would be Sania". its ambassador Post-marriage, to help the country control ris- Sania and Shoaib are expected ing population. to settle in Dubai.

"When they (Sania-Shoaib) In an interview to PTI, Sania reach Pakistan...they will be has said tennis remained on designated brand ambassador top of her agenda and she is at an official function," Pak- focusing on doing well in the istan's Population Welfare Min- October 3-14 Commonwealth ister Firdous Ashiq Awan told Games in Delhi, followed by reporters at an ASSOCHAM the Asian Games in Guangzhou, meet here.

China.

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

Nadal slams calendar after withdrawing Rested Ribery from Barcelona ready to face Lyon REUTERS BERLIN, APRIL 20

Bayern Munich's gentle treatment of Franck Ribery will see him fit for tomorrow's clash against a Lyon side which had to take to the road for their first appearance in a Champions League semi-final.

Frenchman Ribery was taken off midway through the second half in their 7-0 thrashing of Hanover 96 on Saturday to conserve energy ahead of the Bavarians' first Champions League semi-final since winning the title in 2001. ''I believe he will be ready to play,'' Van Gaal told reporters. ''I protected him a bit because he has had some stiff muscles.''

Van Gaal, who has steered the Bundesliga leaders to the German Cup final and is on track for an unprecedented treble for a German team, can also count on striker Miroslav Klose after he overcame a stomach virus that kept him out of Saturday's Bundesliga match.

Experienced midfielder Mark van Bommel and defender Holger Badstuber will not be available for the first leg on Wednesday due to a suspension.

Lyon, playing their first ever Champions League semi, had to borrow 10 mini vans from their academy to travel to Munich as their flight plans were scuppered by the cloud of ash spewing out of an Icelandic volcano and drifting across Europe.

They were on their way to Stuttgart on Monday, spending the night there and then driving on to Munich on Tuesday morning. ''Coach trips remind me of when I was young in Brazil,'' joked Brazil defender Cris, the Lyon captain. ''It's difficult for everybody but we have to accept it,'' he told reporters. ''We're feeling good, we're about to play our first semi-final.

What we need to do is forget about the trip to focus on our match. We'll be ready.''

Cameroon midfielder Jean Makoun (groin) and defenders Jean-Alain Boumsong (calf) and Mathieu Bodmer (thigh) are sidelined with injuries.

While they have no suspended players, seven could be missing for the return leg if they p i c k u p a y e l l o w c a rd o n Wednesday, including Cris and playmaker Miralem Pjanic.

tournament. But this year after the victory in Monte Carlo my Rafael Nadal once again hit out body has called for me to rest. at the crammed ATP calendar It is particularly painful... beand blamed the "poor" schedul- cause I regard this as my home ing for his decicompetition," he s i o n n o t t o n I have said on added. defend his Nadal was in repeated occasions b r e a t h t a k i n g Barcelona Open title this week. form as he disthat the tennis The Spaniard, calendar, especially m i s s e d D a v i s who has in the Cup team mate this part of the past called the Fernando Vercalendar "crazy" claycourt season, is dasco 6-0, 6-1 in and "overfinal of the poorly thought out the loaded", was Monte Carlo and not playing in Open on Sunday, disappointed not to play on Barcelona, I feel, is a but the effort home soil but to have consequence of this looks after enduring a taken a heavy -- Nadal toll on his trouyear of injuries, he felt he had blesome knees. no choice but to In the past, the take a break to preserve his world number three has often body for the French Open. pushed his body to the limit by "I have said on repeated oc- playing on the energy sapping casions that the tennis calendar, clay for three or four weeks in a especially this part of the clay- row. But after being forced to court season, is poorly thought miss the entire grasscourt season out and not playing in Barcelona, in 2009 to nurse his stricken I feel, is a consequence of this," knees, Nadal has opted to take the former world number one a more cautious approach. said in a statement posted on In the run up to Roland Garthe tournament website. ros, which begins on May 23, "It's very tough not to play in he is expected to play in Masters Barcelona, more than any other events in Rome and Madrid.

AGENCIES BARCELONA, APRIL 20

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Liverpool stroll past West Ham Pg. 17

Mahindra face resurgent bagan Pg. 16

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL, 2010

www.oherald.in

In BrIef NBA to train Indian players, coaches National Basketball Association (NBA) of US will train players and coaches from India as part of a pact entered into with India's basketball federation. "We have formulated a joint strategy by joining hands with Basketball Federation of India (BFI) for the development of the game in India and also for providing training to the coaches through foreign trainers," Director of NBA's Basketball Operations, India, Tory Justice told reporters in Indore on Tuesday.

Sehwag out of World T20, Vijay named replacement

IT to probe IPL’s betting link too

as his replacement, while naming Gautam Gambhir the new vice captain. "Virender Sehwag has sustained a shoulder injury and has been advised rest for three-four weeks. He has therefore been ruled out of the ICC World T20," BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement.

"The ICC's Technical Committee has permitted a replacement for him. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has accordingly picked Murali Vijay," he added.

Incidentally, Sehwag had been injured in the 2009 edition of the T20 World Cup as well when he travelled to England with the squad but did not play a game.

The swashbuckling opener has been rather subdued in the ongoing Indian Premier League where his team Delhi Daredevils could not reach the semifinals.

Sehwag did play the Daredevils' last IPL match against Deccan Chargers on Sunday but his contribution with the bat was a mere eight before Chaminda Vaas removed him.

The Income Tax Department may seek help of police and intelligence agencies to nail down some Gujarat-based bookies, allegedly involved in betting on cricket matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a source close to the development said.

"An investigation is already on to track down prominent bookies closely associated with the IPL betting syndicate," an IT source told PTI here today.

"If needed, we will seek the assistance of the Mumbai Police and other intelligence agencies to find them. So far, however, no official communication has been made in this regard," he said.

The sum involved in betting is believed to be running into thousands of crores and much of this money is understood to be coming in from the Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat, the source said.

Avoid trial by media: Shilpa Rajasthan Royals team coowner Shilpa Shetty today warned against ''trial by media'' of people involved in the ongoing investigation of the IPL by government officials. ''The media should not jump the gun in either passing a verdict or in supporting anyone. I feel the whole thing has been overpoliticised. Let the law take its course,'' the actress said.

Anand in Sofia after 40-hr journey World champion Viswanathan Anand and his wife Aruna Anand has reached Sofia, the Bulgarian capital after a 40-hour road journey from Germany as flights were cancelled due to the volcanic ash floating across European airspace. According to PTI, the 40-year-old world champion hoped the organisers would accept their reasonable request of postponement of the game by three days.

Lumb in England performance squad Hampshire batsman Michael Lumb has been named in the England Performance Squad for this year's internationals, the England and Wales Cricket Board said.Lumb, a member of England's squad for the World Twenty20 which starts on April 30 in West Indies, was the only uncapped player included among the 27-man squad. ''The England Performance Squad is designed to allow the selectors to monitor the development of international players and better prepare them for the demands of the international game,'' England national selector Geoff Miller said. in a statement.

Newcastle clinch 2nd Div title Newcastle United, already assured of a place back in the Premier League next season, clinched the Championship (Second Division) title on Monday with a 2-0 win at Plymouth Argyle. First-half goals from Andy Carroll and Wayne Routledge gave Newcastle, relegated from the top flight last season, the win which secured the crown with two games left to cap a dominant season which has seen them lose four times and accrue 98 points. The victory also consigned Plymouth to relegation and a place in League One next season.

Kaur is India hockey captain Ace forward Surinder Kaur has been made the Indian Women's Hockey Team captain for five-match test series against New Zealand scheduled next month.

Apart from Kaur, Hockey India also announced the names of 21 other players here yesterday who would take part in the competition to be played between May 11 to 22 at Palmerston North, Wellington in New Zealand. The series will be played as a part of preparations for the upcoming World Cup to be held in Argentina.

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

India's Twenty20 World Cup campaign suffered a body blow today with hard-hitting opener Virender Sehwag being ruled out of the tournament because of a shoulder injury.

The selectors named in-form Tamil Nadu batsman Murali Vijay

2011 WC prize-money raised AGENCIES DUBAI, APRIL 20

The International Cricket Council on Tuesday raised the prizemoney for the 2011 World Cup, to be held in the Indian subcontinent, to a whopping US $10 million in order to underline the importance of its flagship tournament.

"The ICC Board agreed to set the prize money for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to be held in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at a record USD 10 million in order to reflect the importance of the ICC's flagship competition," read a statement from the governing body after the conclusion of its two-day meeting in Dubai on Tuesday.

The new amount is exactly double the US $five million, which was on offer in the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

The ICC is also implementing "extensive security plans" for the 2011 World Cup.

Goa Board guidelines on Sports Policy HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 20

The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has sent guidelines that determine the allotment of Sports Policy marks to students (Std V to XII) from this academic year onwards for the approval of the Government.

Chairman of Goa Board Merwyn D’Souza said the guidelines cover around eight to ten points that cover the basic framework under which marks will be allotted to students who participate in sports meets at Taluka, District, State, Zonal, National and International levels.

D’Souza said circulars containing the latest notification of the State Government have been sent by the Goa Board and the Directorate of Education to all secondary and higher secondary schools informing them

White ball may be used in day-night Tests: ICC REUTERS LONDON, APRIL 20

White balls may be used when day-night Test matches are introduced, according to International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager of cricket Dave Richardson.

A pink ball has been trialled in England, Australia and West Indies which would enable test players to wear white clothing under floodlit conditions with white sightscreens. The traditional red ball is difficult to see properly under lights.

White balls are used successfully in day-night one-day matches but the players wear coloured clothing and black sightscreens are employed.

Clothes and sightscreens have always been white in test cricket. ''Anecdotal evidence at the moment is probably if we can

find a white form that retains its colour or remains clean for longer that will probably be the best option,'' Richardson told Reuters be telephone from the ICC's Dubai headquarters.

Richardson said he thought a suitable ball, whether coloured or white, would be ready in time for next year's English season.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat told Reuters today a switch to coloured clothing for test cricket would have to be carefully considered. ''It is a debate that we would love to engage in because I am not totally sure of removing the white clothing in Test cricket,'' he said. ''There's a part of me that still wants to keep that. We need to apply our minds very carefully if we are going to change some fundamentals.''

Players’ chief slams security after blasts REUTERS MELBOURNE, APRIL 20

Bomb blasts that wounded 14 people outside a cricket venue in Bangalore were not s u r p r i s i n g a n d re f l e c t e d poorly on India's capacity to co-host the 2011 World Cup, according to players' union head Tim May. ''Obviously we were disappointed, but to a certain degree not surprised that there was an incident during the Indian Premier League,'' May, chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations, told Reuters today. ''It appears that the actual security arrangements were not of the level to counter this par-

In contrast, Chennai Super Kings batsman Vijay has been in tremendous form in the IPL and the highlight was his breathtaking 56-ball 127 against Rajasthan Royals.

Meanwhile, the ICC today announced that the event technical committee of the ICC World Twenty20 2010 has approved replacement of players in the India and Pakistan squads for the tournament, which runs from 30 April to 16 May in the West Indies.

Murali Vijay has replaced India opener Virender Sehwag while Mohammad Sami and Abdur Rehman have replaced Umar Gul and Yasir Arafat in the Pakistan squad.

The confirmations were conveyed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on behalf of the event technical committee on today.

The three players were declared unfit by their respective boards.

As a result of this, the BCCI and PCB chose to seek to get them replaced for the entire event.

PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

ticular risk. That disappoints us significantly.''

May said sources within the Indian Premier League had described security arrangements

by Bangalore authorities as ''a shambles'' despite assurances of safety. ''The Bangalore police do not come out of this particular exercise looking too good,'' May added. ''It reflects poorly on the Indian Premier League, it reflects poorly on the Indian Premier League security consultants.” ''And it reflects poorly on Indian cricket, to tell you the truth and puts a lot of doubt in the minds of players with regards to the World Cup.''

Dayanand Narvekar, MLA, releasing the camp diary brought out on the occasion of the inaugural ceremony of 11th Annual Summer Coaching Camp organised by DSYA at Peddem, Mapusa on Sunday, in the presence of Gurudas Bandodkar, APEO, Dr Susana de Souza, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Fr David, Principal, St Anthony’s HS, Duler, R N Tari, assistant director (sports), SK Aldonkar, APEO and Sunil Mandrekar, APEO.

about the basic criteria of allotment of marks but there are other factors that have to be considered during the actual distribution.

The chairman said not all sports events in the State or outside are covered under the sports policy. For example a student may participate in a village-l evel or taluka level tournament and feel that he is eligible for marks. Marks will be allotted for only those sports events recognised by the Sports Authority of Goa and Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

The latest notification sent to schools states, “The determination as to which are the official international championships will be made based on the recommendations of international sports federations and recognised national sports federations

for ‘international participation’ representing the count r y. T h i s w i l l b e countersigned by the SAG.”

It states further, “As regards national-level participation, it will be confined to such national championship as recognised by the recognised respective national sports federation and recognised state sports association to be countersigned by SAG.” Secondly, D’Souza said the students participating in sports events recognised by SAG or Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs will have to produce their participating or winning certificates as proof. “If a student has earned both gold and silver medals marks will be allotted marks for highest level of achievement (i.e marks earned for winning gold),” he cleared.

Pg 18

Humdinger on cards as MI take on RCB in first semis

PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 20

Having made the last four stage for the first time in three attempts, Mumbai Indians (MI) will be banking on skipper Sachin Tendulkar's sensational form and home advantage against last year's finalist Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the first IPL semi-final here tomorrow.

The Mumbai team not only has an extra advantage in home support but also a leader in Tendulkar, who has been in prime form in the tournament and leads the run-getters chart.

Tendulkar, by and large, has been the fulcrum around which the Mumbai batting has revolved. With 561 runs with five half centuries and a strike rate in excess of 136, the master batsman has led the team from the front.

Mumbai would again be depending on the start provided by orange cap-holder Tendulkar. They rested some key players, including their captain, for the inconsequential last league fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders last night and promptly slid to a huge defeat.

Tendulkar, however, has lacked a good opening partner with veteran Sri Lankan Sanath

Jayasuriya lacking confidence and Shikhar Dhawan being inconsistent.

Ryan McLaren was tried out against Bangalore and the experiment clicked with the all-rounder making 40 and Mumbai would be tempted to try it out again tomorrow.

Mumbai youngsters have, by and large, provided good support with the duo of Saurabh Tiwary and Ambati Rayudu accumulating over 360 runs so far in the tournament.

South African J P Duminy -after being drafted into the side in the last few matches -and Kieron Pollard has been a key figure in the Mumbai middle order and to add to it feisty Harbhajan Singh has proved more than handy with the long handle.

If batting has been their cor-

nerstone, the all-round effort in the bowling and fielding department has been the highlight of their successful IPL III campaign.

Harbhajan (15 wickets), Zaheer Khan (14) and deathbowling specialist Lasith Malinga (13) have done superbly both in terms of penetration as well as in economy while Pollard (11) too has chipped in nicely.

The fielding too has been brilliant, thanks mainly to the efforts put in by South Africa great Jonty Rhodes, who is the fielding coach of the outfit.

Bangalore, on the other hand, has slight edge in terms of experience with their array of battle-hardened international veterans in captain Anil Kumble, tournament's secondmost run-getter Jacques Kallis and veteran Rahul Dravid.