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The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, Wednesday, september 22, 2010

World: Hilton pleads guilty to cocaine possession Pg 11

Business: SENSEX SCALES 20K Foreign investors fuel rally Pg 12

priCe rs. 3.00 (air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 18

Sports: Anderson poses nude Pg 18 for gay magazine

CWG bridge collapses PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 21

Central team visits J&K migrant camps Differences cropped up in the all-party delegation over parleys with separatists with BJP distancing itself from it even as national leaders visited Jammu to hear views of migrant groups of the region and understand the plight of displaced pandits. – (PTI)

Govt seeks to hijack Goa’s heritage PRAJAL SAKHARDANDE PANJIM, SEPT 21

The heritage of our beautiful State is in deep peril. The Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2010 has placed the 51-odd heritage sites and monuments under the purview of the Goa State Archaeology Dept in a highly vulnerable situation.

The Amendment of Section 2 of the existing Goa, Daman and Diu Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, which was passed in 1978 by the Shashikala Kakodkar-led Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Pa r t y (MGP) (Continued on page 2)

Under attack over preparations and cleanliness, Government today faced further embarrassment when an under-construction foot over-bridge collapsed injuring 27 people outside the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, the main venue for the mega event.

The collapse of the 95-metre long hanging bridge was the second such incident since yesterday when a canopy erected at the stadium fell, injuring an Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police and another policeman.

The bridge, which was intended to be a showpiece and connect the parking lot of the stadium with other side of the street in Lodhi Road area in South Delhi, caved in at around 3.10 pm when construction

‘Venue filthy, unlivable’ PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 21

Barely 12 days to go for the Commonwealth Games, the organisers came under scathing attack from their international bosses who called the Athletes’ Village “filthy and unlivable” and bluntly told them to sort out the mess within 24 hours.

Embarrassed organisers, Scene at the collapse of an under construction pedestran bridge, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

work was underway.

Twenty-seven labourers were injured, five of them seriously, in the incident that occurred outside the stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies

of the Games would be held.

The bridge was being built along with another over-bridge at the cost of Rs 10.5 crore by Chandigarh-based company PNR Infra, Delhi Government sources

Dead end for forensic lab?

SURAJ NANDREKAR PANJIM, SEPT 21

The Central Government has turned down the Goa Police’s proposal to start the forensic laboratory on public private partnership mode.

The forensic laboratory was meant to expedite police investigations in the State, but this ambitious Rs 2 crore project set up in Verna four years ago has virtually been abandoned.

Inaugurated on February 22, 2008, the Forensic Science Laboratory is in a deplorable condition.

Unable to start or manage the project on their own, the Goa Inspector General of Police Sundari Nanda had proposed to

start the laboratory on PPP mode which did not find any favour with the Central Home Ministry.

The Centre observed that the forensic laboratory deals with sensitive investigations and handing it over to any private

Dr S N Murthy, who was especially roped in by the Goa Police as consultant for the forensic laboratory has resigned and returned to Andhra Pradesh over the Government’s failure to renew his contract on time.

party could prove dangerous, sources in the State Government told Herald.

“Goa Police had selected Truth Laboratories, a non-governmental organization”, sources told Herald.

Inquiries revealed that Truth Labs provides legally valid expert services by accredited experts to individuals and institutions directly without the need to come through the Police or Courts.

The sources said that the starting of the laboratory will be a big advantage to the Goa Police as it will save time and money and will also help in analyzing and producing evidence

(Continued on page 2)

(Continued on page 2)

Consultant quits HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

(Continued on page 2)

told PTI. The firm has been blacklisted, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said as she ordered a probe by a two-member committee which will file its report within a fortnight.

Yeddy drops 3, to induct 6 ministers PTI BANGALORE, SEPT 21

Setting the stage for tomorrow’s expansion and reshuffle of his ministry, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today sacked three ministers, ignoring suicide threat by one of them.

In the much-awaited reshuffle, Yeddyurappa would induct six ministers, going ahead with his resolve to restructure the 28-month old BJP Ministry, the first ever in the south.

Ministers Goolihatti Shekar, Shivanagouda Naik and Aravind Limbavali were shown the door

by Yeddyurappa.

Casinos game to withdraw plea HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

Casino operators today expressed their willingness to withdraw the petition filed before Bombay High Court at Goa contesting State Cabinet’s earlier decision to shift them to the Aguada Bay. The lawyers representing casino operators told the High Court Bench that they will make up their mind on the issue only after getting a copy of Cabinet decision, which was taken last week.

The Division Bench gave the liberty to withdraw the petitions, whoever wants to do it.

“Whoever wants to continue with the petition, they can do it”, said the Bench comprising Justice D G Karnik and Justice F M Reis.

The court has given the casino operators time till tomorrow to make up their mind or else hearing on the petition would continue from Monday.

Atmaram Nadkarni, representing one of the casinos requested the Court to grant another day, as the Company would hold a (Continued on page 2)

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l Opposition to off-shore

casinos getting louder

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2010

BJP to announce Valpoi candidate on Saturday HERALD CORRSEPONDENT VALPOI, SEPT 21

BJP Spokesperson Govind Parvatkar on Tuesday stated that BJP has short-listed three candidates for Valpoi bye election and the final candidate would be announced by Saturday.

Parvatkar was addressing the press conference at the residence of former Valpoi MLA Narhari Haldankar in the presence of Haldankar, Santosh Haldankar, Mangaldas Gawas (North Goa BJP secretary), D Gaonkar, Narayan Gawas (Valpoi unit BJP president) and Sakaram Gaonkar.

“The three short-listed candidates are Narhari Haldankar, Narayan Gawas (Valpoi unit BJP president) and Santosh Haldankar and the final candidate would be announced by Saturday,” he said.

Speaking further, Parvatkar criticized Valpoi MLA Vishwajeet Rane for boasting and claiming that Rs 200 crore works have been taken up in Valpoi constituency.

“Most of the works are incomplete. Projects like bus stand and market complex, the works

Acharya makes comeback as MMC CO HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 21

There is disquiet in the corridors of the Margao Municipal Council. For, the government has brought back Prasanna Acharya as the Chief Officer -- who had earned the wrath of the ruling Councilors a couple of months ago after he had charged some councilors of extorting money from builders.

Ruling Councilors in private expressed surprise over the government decision to replace incumbent Chief Officer Y B Tawde with Acharya when all appeared well in the Civic administration.

What has added salt to injury, Councilors say is that Acharya had accused unnamed Councilors for extorting money from builders – a charge that had paved the way for his transfer from the Civic body in April last.

In fact, there was no love lost between Acharya and the Councilors when they had demanded filing of a petition in the high court to direct Acharya to disclose the names of the Councilors involved in corruption and extortion.

When contacted, MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho said he has no idea over Tawde’s replacement with Acharya, saying it is the prerogative of the government to appoint any official as the Chief Officer. “I have no idea over the government’s move. And, I have no comment to offer”, he said.

Stolen hero stone was 13th Century masterpiece

Panchayat blames politicos for illegal activities in Merces

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MERCES, SEPT 21

Goa Government Employees’ Association has called off its proposed indefinite pen-down tool-down strike scheduled to commence from Wednesday on learning that the Government will not be in a position to take a decision on its demands in view of the Election Code of Conduct in force from Tuesday.

President GGEA M L Shetkar said an emergency meeting of the working committee today evening resolved unanimously not to strike in view of the notification of the Election Commission of India declaring Assembly by-elections to Valpoi constituency.

The GGEA has claimed Secretary General Administration Kumar Swamy and Law Secretary Pramod Kamat, on directives from the CM, assured its delegation the Government was positive on the demands. The two told the delegation the Government will not be in a position to spell out any policy decision during the Code of Conduct, it stated.

It further said the CM in a telephonic discussion expressed his desire to settle the demands of GGEA as early as possible.

Mangroves are destroyed, khazan land and other low-lying areas are filled, illegal activities continue to go on unabated in Merces VP jurisdiction and that too despite the fact that the panchayat authorities have already served notices to the offenders.

This only goes to show that the offenders are least bothered about the notices, and helpless panchayat authorities now allege the strong backing of politicians behind mushrooming of illegal activities in the village.

The allegations were levelled when representatives of NGOs visited the panchayat to formally bring to the notice of the authorities about unabated land filling activities going on in the village.

The NGOs included Village Groups of Goa represented by John Philip Pereira, Heritage Action Group represented by Prajal

Goa gets two attack patrol boats

Flying Squads were announced with much fanfare by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat who announced that the people would now be able to lodge complaint over the phone to the Flying Squads who will immediately visit the site and book the culprits.

However, as time has passed, the Flying Squads seem to have forgotten their purpose, and forget about looking into a complaint over the phone, they now do not even care to entertain the activists who wish to meet them personally and convey

of which are yet to start, and only foundation stones are laid,” claimed Parvatkar.

Parvatkar said the BJP would fight the Valpoi bye election on the issue of failure of the Congress government on all fronts.

“Issues in Sattari including land problems and illegal mining have not been solved though promised by Congress in the last election,” said Parvatkar.

“Burning issues like corruption will be exposed by BJP and will win the confidence of Valpoi voters,” he said.

Parvatkar jokingly said that he knew that Vishwajeet Rane will contest from Valpoi. “But at the last moment, we cannot say on which party ticket he will contest, like the last election drama.”

Haldankar alleged that many illegal trees have been cut down in Valpoi in the name of beautification work.

Interestingly, Vishwajeet Rane in his election campaign at various places in Valpoi constituency stated that he will fight the election on three issues, development, employment and women empowerment.

He claimed that he provided 1,600 jobs to the youth from Sattari taluka and Rs 200 crore development works have been undertaken, for which tenders have been passed.

“Some works have been completed and some are underway.

For beautification project (Rs 24 crore), Valpoi bus stand (Rs 8.5 crore), Guleli, Sarvorde and Nanora water treatment plant (Rs 18 crore), Valpoi market complex (Rs 6 crore), Bhom Padeli lift irrigation (Rs 14.5 crore), Padeli Guleli bridge (Rs 21 crore) and Valpoi Municipal Council building (Rs 10 crore).

Besides, Rs 50 crore for the new hospital at Valpoi and hot mixing of the road at Nagargao, Sarvorde and Guleli (Rs 45 crore).

During his ongoing election campaign, Rane warned the BJP stating that BJP should not criticise him unless they verify the development works undertaken in Valpoi and advised the BJP to either approach him to know the details of development works done in Valpoi or get the information through the Right to Information Act.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 21

Two Water Jet Propelled Fast Attack Crafts(WJFAC) are being inducted into the Indian Navy here on Wednesday.

INS Cankarso and INS Kondul, fifth and the sixth in a series of WJFACs of the Indian Navy, are named after islands off Goa and Nicobar.

They have a displacement of 325 tonnes and reach a speed

of 35 knots.

Each has a complement of four officers and 45 sailors.

The two vessels were recently

commissioned into the Naval fleet at Visakhaptnam.

The new vessels are used mainly for search and rescue operations, patrol duties, detection and destruction of small and fast-moving craft, policing the coast, anti-smuggling and fisheries protection operations.

Commodore Ajay K Chhabra, Naval Officer in Charge(Goa) will welcome the ships to Goa.

Sakhardande and Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott represented

by Bismarck D’Souza.

The NGOs brought to the notice of the panchayat that such illegal activities would prove detrimental, not only for Merces but also for Panjim city as filling of low-lying areas would result in flooding of both these places, in the future, and urged the panchayat to initiate action to save mangroves and khazan land from destruction.

The NGOs also highlighted how mangroves are being systematically destroyed to make way for shanties and warned that if immediate action is not taken, these areas would resemble slums like those in Mumbai.

However, the NGOs were in for a surprise when panchayat authorities themselves expressed helplessness and divulged that despite serving notices to those indulging in illegal activities and informing the

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

The city fast track court today sentenced six rioters for attempted murder of policemen and related offenses in 2007 while discharging two others from the same offenses.

The six convicts identified as Shammire Kutty (24), Vinod Pillai (21), Vijay Kumar Pillai (22), Rajesh Pillai (23), Fakruddin Kanju (23) and Anil Jacob (28), all hailing from Kerala are sentenced to four and half years simple imprisonment.

Recalling back to the incident on January 6, 2007, two police constables Suraj Khandekar and Balchandra Gurav who escorted accused Anil to Goa Dental College at Bambolim in a Tata Sumo jeep were attacked by armed assailants.

On their way back to the jail, accused Shammire and Vinod hurled chilly power on the police and assaulted them with a

nThe prosecution examined 37 witnesses and charged the accused of forming unlawful assembly, attempting murder of policemen and escaping Anil from the lawful custody. The Judge was convinced with the testimony showing involvement of the accused in the conspiracy.

sword.

The accused including Anil tried escaping but the jeep met with a self-accident. However, Sunil Singh (21) who was monitoring the situation took Anil on his motorbike and fled.

The prosecution examined 37 witnesses and charged the accused of forming unlawful assembly, attempting murder of policemen and escaping Anil from the lawful custody.

The Judge was convinced with the testimony showing involvement of the accused in the conspiracy. “They must be punished adequately. The punishment should not be excessive or lenient,” said the court.

All six have been sentenced for each of the offenses, which the Court ordered would run concurrently. Each of them is directed to pay a total fine of Rs 3100, and in failure to make the payment they are asked to undergo further imprisonment of

Savita Bhabhi comes to Goa! Tourism officials not amused

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT PANJIM, SEPT 21

India's only cartoon porn star Savita Bhabhi has come to Goa, but the state government is not happy.

Banned by the Indian government, the ‘Savita Bhabhi’web cartoons show the adventures of the sari-clad seductress Savita, who is the first face of Indian porn art.

The latest edition of the ‘Savita Bhabhi’ cartoons has the much-married but serially unfaithful protagonist visiting a Goa beach resort with female

friends, but ending up in a series of sexual encounters with resort owners, masseurs and others.

But, reports the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), the state Tourism Department is not at all pleased with the 29-yearold Savita Bhabhi's visit to Goa. “We will have to go after these sites… We will examine legal options to go after the people who are behind this,” said Managing Director of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Nikhil Desai, who is doing his utmost to ensure

that Goa puts its best foot forward for the International Tourism Mart (ITM) it is hosting next month.

The original website displaying the cartoons was banned by the Indian government for promoting pornography, though the ban was later overturned in court.

Savita Patel, the protagonist, looks like a regular Indian woman, but is trapped in a loveless marriage and is always open to new sexual experiences. The series describes her various sexual exploits.

T h e t h re e - p a r t S a v i t a Bhabhi's Goa adventures is available on the website for a price, and each part carries a provocative strap line. 'Beautiful beaches, sexy swimsuits, one hot bhabhi' says the first, while the third says: ‘What happens when two hot girls fight for one lucky guy?’

But, says Desai, these vulgar projections of Goa won't dent its image much, as: “People who visit these sites are perverts. People who want a clean holiday will not go by these websites.”

Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) Atmaram Deshpande says the police cyber cell is being created to go after such websites.

“We are keeping track of such websites, but most of them are operated from abroad,” he says. The ‘Savita Bhabhi’ website is based in Brooklyn, New York.

higher authorities to take action, it has not yielded any result.

In fact, Panch Girish Uskaikar informed that such illegal activities are being conducted in collusion with politicians, which ultimately allows the offenders to undermine the powers of the panchayat.

When questioned whether the panchayat itself does not have powers to immediately stop the illegal activities, Girish said to do so they have to follow a lengthy process, but informed that the most they can do is to inform authorities like the police or the TCP, which they have already done.

When contacted, Sarpanch Deepika Shirgaonkar was not forthcoming with the satisfactory replies and asked Deputy Sarpanch Yatin Palekar to reply to the queries of Herald.

When questioned, Palekar reiterated that the offenders undertaking illegal activities in the

village are bolstered by the fact that politicians have thrown their weight behind them and this allows the offenders to take the panchayat for granted.

Outlining the idea behind the illegal land filling of khazan land, John Pereira of Village Groups of Goa said that this is being done to show that it is not a mangrove area, which will ultimately help them in converting the land.

“It is a prime land since it is very close to the highway and has high commercial value,” he said and suspected that the comunidade committee is hand in gloves with the politicians to grab the land.

Pereira further said they would request the managing committee of the comunidade to act on the illegalities, failing which they would ask the Administrator of Comunidade central zone to initiate action against the committee.

Activists get lukewarm response from North Flying Squad chief HERALD CORRESPONDENT MERCES, SEPT 21

their grievances.

Such a thing happened when John Philip Pereira of Village Groups of Goa, Prajal Sakhardande of Heritage Action Group and Bismarck D’Souza of Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott went to the office of the deputy collector (district recovery officer) Francisco X L Ferrao, who is also in charge of the North Goa flying squad, to urge him to act against illegal land filling activities being undertaken in Merces.

However, instead of entertaining them, Ferrao asked the activists to first take prior appointment before barging into

6 rioters sentenced by fast track court

PRAJAL SAKHARDANDE PANJIM, SEPT 21

The theft of an ancient herostone (viragal) from the Nagve village of Sattari taluka was a priceless 13th Century masterpiece of the Kadamba era. History researcher, archaeologist and my student Varad Sabnis, who wrote a dissertation on the hero stones of Goa, conducted a detailed study of this ancient viragal of Nagve and dated it to the Kadamba era circa 12 to 13 century AD. The viragal, Goa's connection with the socio-cultural and political past of the Kadamba era, went missing from Nagve. This was reported by Sanket Naik of the Itihas Sanshodhan Mandal.

The missing relic was of immense heritage value, and might have attracted antique smugglers. There is an organised antique smuggling racket in Goa, which needs to be tracked down and busted.

If the government takes no action to trace the culprits involved in the antique theft at Nagve, it will set a precedent and send a clear signal to antique smugglers that the authorities don’t care. This will encourage further crime.

All unnotified sculptures and antiquities are now in grave danger. It is time the government acts and puts an end to the loss of antiques from our state. Viragals are rare and unique treasures of our heroic past.

The police and concerned authorities need to act on apriority basis and track down the culprits involved in this heinous crime.

GGEA calls off stir citing election code

three months.

Accused Sunil is still at large against whom proceedings under section 299 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is underway in the same Court.

Two other female accused Fida Mussa Fazal (24) of Karnataka and Seja Joseph (29) of Kerala, were acquitted from the charges of attempted murder.

They are nonetheless convicted and sentenced to one year SI for being a party to the conspiracy to escape accused Anil form the lawful custody.

The accused women are further directed to pay a sum of Rs 500 each to the Court.

Yet another person Umesh Naik (22) of Karnataka who was implicated of providing the vehicle to the accused men was acquitted. The Court observed that the vehicle was given on rent to earn commission and that his involvement in the conspiracy was not proved.

Two held after court warrant HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 21

The Maina Curtorim police arrested two persons following a warrant of arrest issued against them by the court.

They were later remanded to Judicial custody by the court. As news of the arrests spread in the city, a large number of citizens, who claimed to be victims of money swindling by the duo rushed to the Maina Curtorim police station around noon.

They contended that the duo owed them money after securing a deposit of lakhs of rupees on the promise of giving an ice cream agency. However, they claimed that neither the ice cream agency was provided by the duo nor the money returned back, with the cheques issued by the accused returning back as dishonoured.

In fact, the victims claimed that the amount taken by the accused by way of deposits might be running into around Rs two crore and demanded action against the duo under the law.

A day after Ramakant Angle quit office, Kishore Narvekar was on Tuesday elected Chairman of the Madgaum Urban Cooperative Bank.

In the elections held on Tuesday, Kishore was elected unopposed after the Presiding officer Suresh Phadte received his lone nomination paper for the post left vacant with the resignation of Ramakhant Angle.

formed that they were forced to personally meet him since no action has been taken from the day they had complained in writing on June 28, till the current day.

They also informed that fresh land fillings are being undertaken in the village and they wanted to bring it to his notice.

Promising that he would take necessary action in the matter, Ferrao again urged the activists to give a written complaint to him in this regard, and also informed that in the earlier case he has already served notice to Rego.

FROM PAGE 1 ‘Venue filthy, unlivable’

while promising to sort out all the glitches within the deadline, came out with a bizarre defence that the issue of cleanliness was a matter of difference in perception.

Concerned over the unhygienic conditions at the Games Village, Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell shot off a letter to Cabinet Secretary asking him to take immediate steps to fix the deficiencies in the residential zone of the Village, which he said has “shocked” advance parties from New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Ireland.

Casinos game to withdraw plea board of directors meeting on withdrawal decision.

Advocate Surendra Desai, representing another casino operator, said that they are waiting for the Government order which rolls back its earlier decision to move the vessels to Aguada Bay. The matter will now be next heard on Thursday. Goa Cabinet last week had decided to relocate the vessels within Mandovi river basin. While three were supposed to be anchored towards Ribandar, two each were supposed to occupy Mandovi banks at Betim and Panaji respectively.

The Cabinet in February 2009 had decided to shift all seven casino vessels away from Mandovi river after protests from civil groups. However, the casino management contested the decision at the High Court.

Govt seeks to hijack Goa’s heritage

government, is the main cause for concern.

For Clause (7), the following clause has been substituted: “(7) maintains, with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions includes the renovation, re-erection, re-construction, fencing, covering in, etc…” The amended clause permits, among other things, “re-erection” and “reconstruction” of historical heritage monuments.

This is highly objectionable. Re-erection and re-construction pre-supposes demolition. This can deface the history and heritage character of a monument. Nowhere on Earth is such a clause found in any Act pertaining to heritage sites, antiquities, archaeological sites and monuments. The amendment also throws the field open to private vested interests, hotel lobbies and such other agencies to prey upon our valuable and priceless heritage for profiteering; it allows the Government to authorise any kind of body to “re-erect” or “re-construct” any monument.

This will keep the field open to all manner of hucksters to take over heritage sites by greasing the palms of ministers and government officials, modify them as they like, and even knock them down and “re-construct” them.

We will then have nothing to show our future generations by way of the history and heritage of Goa. Tourists, both domestic and foreign, want to see the original heritage character, history and culture of the places that they visit. It is very important to preserve our history and heritage and all the 51 monuments and sites in their original form, without any “re-construction” and/or “re-erection”.

The worst thing about this scurrilous amendment is that it is deemed to have come into force on March 1, 2007. Quite apart from the fact that this is blatantly unconstitutional, as it comes into force with retrospective effect, is it designed to lend legality to some crooked deals that we know nothing about? Goans, watch out. This might be another RP2011 in the making!

Dead end for forensic lab?

in court. “Right now controversial cases are being referred to Mumbai or Hyderabad laboratories, which takes time and expenditure”, sources revealed. Presently, the forensic lab building is being used to lodge CISF, IRB and other paramilitary forces whenever they are called in the State for special tasks like during election or International Film festival of India for security purposes. The building, which is in a dilapidated condition, also houses the Bomb disposal Squad of Goa Police.

When contacted Goa Police spokesperson SP Atmaram Deshpande told Herald he did not know anything regarding the issue. “I have no knowledge of the PPP proposal or the Centre turning down the same”, he said.

Consultant quits

Murthy was roped in early this year to get started the Verna Forensic Laboratory, which is yet to function four years after completion of the building. Sources in the Home department said that Murthy was unhappy with the Goa police and the Government’s attitude towards the project.

Murthy, an expert in the field, had set up the forensic laboratory in Arunachal Pradesh and holding the charge as additional joint director before superannuation.

Sources also told this paper that the government failed to renew his contact on time, which had expired in June.

When contacted SP A V Deshpande stated that Murthy left since his contract was over. “All that I know is his contract was over. You can get more details from the Crime Branch”, he said.

Madgaum coop bank gets new chairman HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 21

his office and also told them to give a written complaint, instead of complaining orally.

The protests of the activists that Flying Squads are supposed to act immediately, also did not find favour with the deputy collector, who made them to wait outside his office and wait till they are called for.

Ultimately, when the activists were called by the deputy collector Ferrao he informed that a Flying Squad on its own does not has the power to act on illegal land fillings and that they have to act in co-ordination with other departments.

The activists, however, in-

Kishore’s nomination was proposed by Ramakhant Angle and seconded by Amresh Naik.

Angle, who has presided over the affairs of the bank for nearly 20 years as chairman, told newsmen that he has quit officer on person grounds because of his business commitments.

Incidentally, this is the first time in the 38-year history of the Bank that a Director hailing from North Goa has been elected as the Chairman.

MORE OBITUARIES ON PAGE 10

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Opposition to off-shore casinos getting louder

Local fishermen express resentment HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, SEPT 21

The fishing community from Reis Magos and Penha-de-Franca has raised its voice in opposition to the State government’s move to allow casinos to operate from the Mandovi River.

Speaking to Herald, fishermen Vasudev Madkaikar and Sanjay Chodankar from Reis Magos said their livelihood depend upon the shell fish and mussels they get at the river bank.

“The small fishermen catch fish with the help of fishing nets.

The feeder boats of the casinos that operate in the Mandovi River create noise and vibrations due to which the fish run from the shore and fishermen do not get any catch,” they claimed.

“Further, due to pollution, the soil will be spoilt and production of shell fish and mussels will diminish. The fishermen community will be affected badly if casinos are allowed to operate in the Mandovi River,” said the fishermen.

Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar said since Reis Magos now comes under Saligao constituency, he had raised the issue in the Assembly sessions. “Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had assured the House that casinos will be shifted to deep sea. It is therefore not fair on the part of the government to reverse the

Plans for another casino!

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

Aam Aurat Admi Against Gambling has claimed besides river Mandovi,plans were now afoot to allow a casino adjoining river Zuari at Quelossim-Cortalim by Utopia Properties that has already run an advertising campaign on its website.

Condemning the Government’s recent decision allowing off-shore casinos at alternate locations in river Mandovi, AAAAG ridiculed, “The Government is seeking legitimacy from the court to anchor these casinos in the river so as to pave way for many more in rivers of State.”

It chided further, “This is the same Government that earlier claimed to be with the people’s sentiments and has now openly stated interests of casino owners too have to be protected.”

A A A AG has once again strongly criticised the casino policy of the Government stating the meaning of the word “offshore” is not defined. It has demanded with the Government to adhere to the definition of offshore as in the maritime law and shift all the casinos into the sea outside State limits.

Differences with DFF sorted out: CM Says MoU has been finalised HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today said that the differences with the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) have been sorted out and the Memorandum of Understanding for the forthcoming International Film Festival of India has been finalized.

Speaking to Herald, after meeting the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni, Kamat said that he put forth the matter with the minister, who acceded to the demands.

“Whatever differences were there with regards to organisation of IFFI and the programmes, I put before Ms Soni, who was kind enough to accept all our demands,” Kamat said.

He added that Soni was of the view that there should not be any differences between ESG and the DFF. “The minister wants to see a picture being created that both ESG and the DFF are working together for IFFI,” Kamat stated.

The chief minister also said that following the assurance by Ms Soni the MoU for the Forthcom-

One rescued at Varca HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 21

Life guards at the Varca beach rescued a native of Mumbai after he went out for swimming despite the beaches being closed for swimming as per government directives.

Shailesh Kejadiwal (37) ventured out for swimming in front of the Varca Tower and was soon in distress due to the underwater current. Life guard Nandesh Girap, who was patrolling the beach immediately swam with a rescue board and secured the victim.

Simultaneously, life guard Sarvesh Govekar launched the jet ski and reached the spot and shifted the victim to the shore safely.

ing IFFI was also finalised.

Further, he said, in a bid to make the inaugural ceremony for the IFFI a grand function the ministry has decided to appoint a committee under the I & B secretary.

“The committee will prepare a list of the guests to be invited for the inaugural function,” he said.

Recently, Kamat had told reporters that the Union ministry snubbed the Goa government by virtually pushing out the state authorities from the organizational scheme of things for this year's IFFI.

decision,” he said.

“The government is bound to honour the commitment made to the House. If the casinos are allowed to operate from Reis Magos, then it will create problems of traffic congestion, pollution and above all the fishing community will perish,” said Parulekar.

“The BJP will certainly not keep quiet and will launch agitation to compel the government to drive the casinos from the Mandovi River,” added Parulekar.

It may be recalled that the residents of Reis Magos had staged two dharnas, one each at Betim near ferry wharf on June 4, 2008, and Verem market on June 28, 2008, to impress upon the government to shift the casinos from the Mandovi River, but in vain.

Reis Magos Citizens Forum, Verem, President Laxmikant Mapsekar stated that they have been corresponding with the government with regard to the casino issue since 2008.

“On April 25, 2008, we had written a letter to the chief minister requesting him not to issue licenses to casinos to operate from Reis Magos village, as it will not only create traffic congestion on the road, but will also affect the livelihood of the f i s h i n g c o m m u n i t y, ” s a i d

The National Union of Seafarers of India has said that the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) has constituted a Task Force to look into the long pending demand of retired seafarers for a hike in the monthly Exgratia assistance.

“The Committee of Management of the SWFS has formed a Task Force which will look into the matter, ways and means to increase the inflow of funds in the SWFS, which will in turn increase the assistance amount”, NUSI general secretary Abdulgani Y Serang told PWD Minister Churchill Alemao.

In a letter to the PWD Minister, the NUSI general secretary pointed out that Alemaohas

SURAJ NANDREKAR PANJIM, SEPT 21

A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has siphoned off government funds, showing it as expenditure on salaries of nonexistent persons, according to the Goa State Aids Control Society (GSACS), which has derecognised the NGO. The central funds were meant to be used in a targeted area for curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Sources in GSACS told Herald that NGO Desterro Eves Mahila Mandal, Mapusa, had siphoned off funds to the tune of Rs 4 lakh.

The NGO was given a targeted intervention project in Mapusa of educating 850 female sex workers about HIV/AIDS. “There was a complaint to the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) that the funds meant for the Targeted Intervention Project was being misused. Following this, NACO directed GSACS to investigate the matter,” sources said.

GSACS set up an internal committee, whose investigations concluded that the NGO was guilty of misappropriating funds, sources stated.

The committee found that the NGO had shown an expenditure of nearly Rs4 lakh towards payment of salaries to workers who were actually never in existence.

“We have recovered around Rs 3.07 lakh from the NACO,”

The Bharatiya Janata Party has opposed the Corporation of the City of Panaji move to introduce pay parking in the city saying the corporation should first ensure the use of existing parking places available in the city, which are currently not in use.

The CCP yesterday announced the introduction of pay parking in the city beginning with 18th June Road, market area and Dona Paula jetty.

The Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar who also represents Panjim constituency while addressing a press conference along with BJP supported corporators said CCP is criminally responsible for pay parking problem in the city.

“Remove the bottlenecks to relieve the city of congestion -open up the parking places,“ he demanded while leveling charges of corruption against CCP corporators in the ruling.

“They are attempting to implement pay parking without following proper legal formulation, “ he said adding Panjim unit of the BJP, their corporators and he in the capacity as MLA

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 21

been consistently raising the issue about the increase of Rs 200 monetar y assistance presently given to retired seafarers or their widows. “Based on our interaction, NUSI has been demanding from the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) that the amount of Rs 200 should be raised. The Committee of Management of the SWFS did not agree to the increase as it is short of funds”, Abdulgani said.

Armed with Abdulgani’s letter, the PWD Minister on Tuesday came down heavily on South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, accusing him for fooling the seafarers and their families on the pretext of solving their long pending demands. “Sardinha cannot do anything with the de-

the sources stated.

However, GSACS has not lodged any complaint against the NGO with the police. Project Director Dr Pradeep Padwal said: “We have taken necessary action and recovered the amount,” adding, “ we did not have much problem to recover the money.”

GSACS annually gets Rs 7 crore from NACO, out of which Rs2.5 crore is used for Targeted Intervention Projects.

“We have 18 NGOs (excluding Desterro) working on Targeted Intervention Projects, which cover high risk groups like sex workers, their clients, truck drivers, etc,” he said.

Wants existing places to be used first

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 22

Most corrupt corporator named

Leveling charges of corruption against CCP corporators who are in majority, Opposition Leader, Manohar Parrikar said, not just a few apples are rotten but the whole tree is, while referring to level of corruption in city corporation.

He was speaking at a press conference on Tuesday here.

He said people should send corrupt corporators home and election is an opportunity to throw out corrupt corporators. The CCP will go for elections in February/March 2011.

But when asked to name the corrupt corporators, he only named Daya Karapurkar as the most corrupt. On being repeatedly questioned about the role of other corporators, he said, “others names will be revealed at the right time.”

Saying pay parking problem is the creation of CCP, he further said, the CCP has not done anything for the city.

of Panjim, is totally opposed to pay parking in the city without opening existing parking lots.

He further pointed out a couple structures in the city where he said, parking is blocked even though parking plots were shown in the PDA plans of those structures.

Case in point he said, Tamba House on MG Road where provision for parking was shown in the PDA plan but parking cannot be done there due to inaccessibility to the parking lot, he said adding there are many such cases.

The CCP officer who gave occupancy certificate to the building should be held accountable, he said.

Blaming CCP Mayor Carolina Po for the chaos in the corporation, he also said, CCP has not spent anything on works for the city nevertheless, its officers have tried to put spokes in the works carried out by State Infrastructure Development (GSIDC) and PWD for Panjim city.

Not a single road is maintained by the CCP though it receives maintenance money, he said.

Joaquim stands by striking employees, to boycott NUSI Wockhardt opening Expressing solidarity with the striking NUSI hospital employees, Cuncolim MLA and Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao on Tuesday declared that he would boycott inauguration of the NUSI Wockhardt hospital at Panzorconne-Cuncolim on Wednesday.

After visiting the striking employees sitting outside the NUSI hospital on Tuesday, Alemao said that he would boycott the hospital inauguration scheduled tomorrow.

The MLA said he has sought the intervention of the Chief

nGSACS has not lodged any complaint against the NGO with the police. Project Director Dr Pradeep Padwal said: “We have taken necessary action and recovered the amount,” adding, “we did not have much problem to recover the money.”

BJP opposes pay parking in Panjim

Minister to settle the year-long labour dispute between the employees and NUSI management, adding that he would support the striking employees till their demands are met.

Task force to look into retired seafarers woes HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 21

Mapsekar.

“A separate letter was also sent to the Captain of Ports Panjim on November 25, 2008, informing him that the noise p o l l u t i o n c re a t e d b y t h e casino ships stationed in Mandovi River has disturbed peace and ecology of Reis Magos village,” he added.

However, he said that they did not receive any reply from the government, but now the time has come for them to intensify their agitation and exhibit their power if the government does not shift the casinos to deep sea.

Pe n h a - d e - Fr a n c a C o n sumer Forum Convenor Agnel Pereira said government’s move to permit casino to function from the Mandovi River will not only create environmental problems, but business activities of the traditional fishermen will also be affected adversely.

“We have already taken up the issue with the Parish Priest of Penha-de-Franca Church, who has expressed unhappiness over the decision of the government.

The residents of Penha-deFranca will come on the street if the government does not reconsider its decision and direct the casino vessels to operate from the deep sea,” said Pereira.

NGO derecognised for siphoning government funds

mands of Seamen. I was doing the correspondence with NUSI and Abdulgani for a hike in the ex-gratia relief. Sardinha is only coming to take mileage like he did with the direct GoaVailankani train”, he asserted.

When newsmen pointed out that he has not done anything to get the ex-gratia relief hike since his meeting with the seafarers in 2007, Alemao shot back saying that the NUSI general secretary would not have written a letter to him if he had not taken interest in the demand of the seafarers. “Unlike Sardinha, I am a seamen and understands the problems of the seafarers. I had even raised the issue of seamen in Parliament during my tenure as MP”, he told newsmen...

Alemao recalled that when NUSI hospital took shape at Panzorconne, he was not the MLA of Cuncolim, but added that agreement clearly shows that the hospital is required to provide jobs for the locals and discount for the seamen. “I am for the hospital project, but the workers are kept out by the management. First, there should be a settlement of the demands of the workers, otherwise the agitation would continue”, he said and vowed to support the striking employees till their demands are settled.

He allayed apprehensions of any law and order situa-

tion at the hospital venue on Wednesday, adding that that the ongoing agitation by the striking employees will be peaceful and there should be no occasion for any law and order problem.

Activist Oscar Martins told newsmen that the striking employees have mooted an offer to the NUSI management last night and is awaiting positive response from the management.

He also demanded reservation of jobs in the management category in the hospital for Goans and the people of Cuncolim

Furtado rubbishes pay-parking HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

CCP Corporator Surendra Furtado on Tuesday decried the corporation’s plan to burden Panjimites by way of parking toll and called for clarity in the procedure adopted in awarding the pay-parking contract.

Furtado has augured, “The Government has failed to provide efficient and prompt public transport system. Therefore, it is morally wrong to burden the taxpayer by levying parking fees.”

Not too comfortable with the idea, the CCP corporator who has been very vocal about problems affecting the city voiced apprehensions on the parking fees going to the right coffers.

Past records have shown how these collections have ended in private pockets, he stated.

He said the whole concept looking at the current scenario was ridiculous because in a city like Panjim government offices, shops and banks are scattered as a result of which motorists will have to pay parking toll at every halt.

Hajis to pay Rs16,000 HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, SEPT 21

The Union Cabinet has approved Goa and Bhopal as new embarkation points for Haj 2010.

This year, approximately 1.70 lakh pilgrims from India will go for Haj, of which 1.25 lakh will go through the Haj Committee.

Air travel arrangements for these 1.25 lakh pilgrims will be made by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and they will be carried from 21 embarkation points through chartered flights. Goa and Bhopal have been added as new embarkation points this year.

Each pilgrim will pay Rs 16,000 plus airport charges. The balance cost will be borne by the government.

Ravi Shankar to preside over advance meditation course HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is arriving in Goa on September 24 on a four-day visit where in he would preside over Advance Meditation Course at Nanu Beach Resorts in Betalbatim.

A four-day programme is orgranised by Goa Chapter of Art of Living Foundation, not-forprofit educational and humanitarian NGO, that has presence in 140 countries.

Briefing about the pro gramme at a press conference on Tuesday here Pravas Naik, Apex member, stated that on September 24 evening Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will hold advance meditation

course whereas on 25th evening between 5 pm and 8 pm he will address Mahasatsang at Colva beach.

On September 26, he will attend Yuvashakti in Margao organized by Sri Sri Institute of Management Studies, Margao.

Apex member Dr Venkatesh Hegde informed about activities of Art of Living.

The organization is engaged in various initiatives that uplift humanity and enhance the quality of life.

The goal of the organization is to bring peace at the level of the individual, society, nation and the world as a whole.

It’s areas of work covers conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all, campaigns against female foeticide and child labour and environment sustainability.

OHERALDO

GOA

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2010

S H o Rt ta K e S Women wellness camp held

Locals feel betrayed, want company to honour promises HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 21

A women being examined at wellness camp organised by Vrundavan Mother and Child Hospital, Santa-Cruz at Agacaim.

PANJIM(HND): Vrundavan Mother and Child Hospital, SantaCruz organized a free women wellness camp at St Lawrence School, Agacaim recently. The camp was conducted by Dr Anjali Kamat, Dr Sachin Narvekar, Dr Vinamrata Irraker and Dr Boradevi Hungund. Consultation was provided for infertility.

Gynaecological problems was discussed as well as cancer screening was also conducted. A number of women were given free medicines, says a press release.

Dental camp organised

Locals in and around BetulCanaguinim are planning an agitation to protest against a company's failure to honour its promises on job employment avenues to the local youth.

According to locals, while the work on the prestigious petroleum company project began 25 years ago, agitating locals were given assurances that maximum job benefits would be extended to the local youth from and surrounding the locality.

Locals now claimed that after the project finally became operational in 1997, some locals were indeed employed in different capacities, but all are engaged on contract basis and are paid nominal daily wages prevailing at different point of time without any actual benefits from the company.

According to Khola Bachao Abhiyan President Precopio Fernandes, staff working with the company in house-keeping and hospitality, caterers, etc, for the last 14 years in different capacities like technicians, laundrymen, labourers, gardeners, pumpmen, electricians and plumbers are paid daily wages of Rs 150.

“The worst is that every three years, the contactor is changed, while there is neither provision

Dr Amita Kenkre along with Dentists from Goa Dental College and Sarpanch Prathibha Shirodkar, Headmaster Fr Santow, Panchas Sylvester, Rita and other members of the child committee.

Recruitment of postal assistants

An unusual butterfly displaying a cobra head on its feathers was photographed by an enthusiast at the residential garden of Gouresh Phadte at Veroda-Cuncolim.

The Department of Posts will recruit 18 postal assistants in Goa Division. Out of the total 18 vacancies, 11 vacancies are reserved for OC category, 2 vacancies for SC, 2 vacancies for ST and 3 vacancies are for OBCs. Prospectus containing the eligibility conditions such as age, qualification, etc, recruitment procedure, prescribed application form and details about number of vacancies to be filled in, the officer to whom applications are to be addressed can be obtained from Panjim HO and Margao HO on payment of Rs 100 by cash at the concerned post office counter.

Application duly completed along with attested copies of certificates should be submitted to Sr. Superintendent of Post offices, Goa Division, Mapusa, 403507, on or before October 5 by registered post or speed post.

Applications sent by other means will not be considered. Applications received after the due date will be rejected and no correspondence will be entertained.

PANJIM(HND): A Dental camp was held at St Francis Xavier's High School, Siolim for primary section. In all, 250 students were examined by the Dentists from Goa Dental College led

by Dr Amita Kenkre. Sarpanch Prathibha Shirodkar, Headmaster Fr Santow, Panchas Sylvester, Rita and other members of the child committee were also present. The students were handed a tooth brush and tooth paste sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive. Gregory D'souza welcomed and proposed the vote of thanks.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 21

of provident fund nor any medical assistance to the contract employees,” claimed Fernandes.

Sources informed that about 80 such people, who have been working for the last 14 years in the company at Betul, hails from surrounding areas like Canaguinim, Betul, Naqueri, Nuem (Khola), Velim, etc.

Fernandes, who claimed to have extended his Abhiyan’s support to the workers cause, informed that when locals were agitating against the project in

betul / Canaguinim 1985, assurances were given to local populace of giving preference to locals for the jobs faculty.

“But this trick was used by the agency now keeping all the engaged local people as mere daily wage workers,” said Fernandes.

After putting up so many youthful years, some of whom are married and have families to support, where they will go to earn their livelihood is a big question mark with the company continuing to keep them enrolled under a contractor, who pays only nominal wages, after netting huge charges from the company.

“We heard that substantial fund is sanctioned by the company for passing it on to the needy locals, but even that has failed to reach any of the villagers in these localities,” he informed.

“This is the reason why people loses faith in any projects brought in by the government.

People tend to express oppositions against it. Now, the locals have decided to renew their agitation against the company project till all the local contractual workers are absorbed by the company.”

Locals also alleged that not a single politician till date found it right to take up the cause of locally employed youth from these areas.

It may be recalled that residents of Canaguinim, Naqueri, Betul, Nuem (Khola) and surrounding areas had launched several agitations in the past, including the one to oppose an upcoming Golf Course, Naqueri mining, Quittol Food park, revivals of mining activities at Nuem (Khola).

Stating that all the surrounding people have pledged to come together under such circumstances, Fernandes said several youth from neighbouring areas like Nuem-Khola are also employed on contractual basis at the company.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, SEPT 22

Cracking down on illegal sand extraction activities in Pernem taluka, the Directorate of Mines and Geology has banned sand extraction and stacking of sand within 2 kms upstream of the Tirakhol River from the Querim ferry wharf.

Director of Mines and Geology Arvind Loliyekar sent the order in this regard to the Pernem deputy collector.

A group of residents had filed a complaint on May 24 regarding the large-scale sand extraction and nuisance in the area.

A team of officials from the Directorate of Mines and Geology later inspected the area on July 22.

The issue was also highlighted by Mandrem ML A Laxmikant Parsekar in the Assembly, who stated that sand extraction had posed a threat

After covering 3,975 km in Gujarat on foot and planting 1,300 saplings along the way, he is now going to embark on a speed bike rally. D Muniappan, 36, will start this new adventure rally from Goa passing through the now flood affected Leh to touch base at Khardungla Pass. The motto of this adventure endeavour is to urge people to protect environment.

The rally will be flagged off from Campal grounds by Suzan D’Souza, director of Sports and Youth Affairs on September 22, at 4.30 pm.

The rally titled as “Harmony Motorcycle Messenger Rally” will see 12 men participating in the 6,500 kilometer rally covering 11 States and 63 districts. The participants will plant over 1000 tress along the rally route.

The rally at Campal will begin with five men led by D Muniappan who will be later joined by seven others – four in Maharashtra and three in Gujarat.

Starting at Goa the rally will

to the environment, while sand extraction activities has caused a nuisance to locals in the area.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had assured to take action in the matter.

In his order, Loliyekar pointed out that sand extraction is being carried out in Querim, Paliem and Korgao villages of Pernem taluka.

The directorate had earlier issued permission to a few extractors, but realised that many others were illegally extracting sand without any permission from the department.

During an inspection, officials

found out that sand was being stacked in Survey 111 of Querim village. A number of huts had also sprung up on the same land and around the ferry wharf.

Incidentally, the property under Survey No 111 belongs to the fisheries department.

The department has now asked the Pernem deputy collector to collect information on the illegal sand extraction activities as well as the hutments that have sprung up in the area.

The deputy collector has been asked to submit a compliance report in this regard within 15 days.

House owners directed to furnish info on tenants to police HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 21

HDFC Canacona Branch Manager Errol De Andrade and staffer Videsh Timble hand over the TVS Wego scooter to HDFC two-wheeler loan beneficiary, Sattar Khan.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 21

The four-month-old HDFC Bank branch at Canacona delivered two TVS Wego scooters in the taluka to bring festival smiles on the faces of two different community beneficiaries.

The two loan beneficiaries of the HDFC Bank’s tie-up with TVS, the two-wheeler manufacturing company, helped Sattar Rashid Khan and Vasant Shrirang Lolayekar, both from Canacona, to purchase two-wheeler Wego, which the bank delivered on

time for celebration of Ramzan (Eid) and Ganeshotshav last week.

Khan, who got his two wheeler on time for last Saturday’s Eid celebrations, was the first to get the delivery on Thursday, the last working day in that week.

Later in the day, Lolayekar, who was looking for a new vehicle before Ganesh Chaturthi, also became the next satisfied customer of HDFC Bank to take the delivery of his two-wheeler Vego scooter.

Speaking at the delivery function, HDFC Canacona Branch Manager Errol De Andrade said the bank offers 3% less in the normal interest rate for the loan applicants who have account with the bank.

De Andrade informed that in a short span, Canacona branch which commenced in May this year, already has over 125 customers with a turnover of over Rs 5 crore. “ The bank also provides locker facilities to its customers,” informed De Andrade.

Ganesh festivities ends in Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 21

D Muniappan planting saplings in the State as part of his adventure rally througout the nation.

Applications are invited for two Research Fellowships under University Grants Commission Scheme ‘Research Fellowships in Sciences for Meritorious (RFSMS)’ to carry out research leading to PhD in Marine Science.

Candidates with 55 per cent marks at MSc in Marine Science; Oceanography; Physical Oceanography; Marine Chemistry; Marine Biology; Marine Geology; Environmental Science; Life Sciences; Physics; Mathematics, Chemistry; Geology or equivalent are eligible.

Preference will be given to NET/SET qualified candidates.

The positions are temporary for one year, extendable to another year on the basis of satisfactory performance. Date of the interview will be communicated to the eligible candidates.

No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.

Application with bio-data and attested copies of marks sheet should reach on or before September 24, 2010, to the Head, Dept of Marine Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao. Students who have appeared for MSc final examination are eligible to apply.

n The issue was also highlighted by Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar in the Assembly, who stated that sand extraction had posed a threat to the environment, while sand extraction activities has caused a nuisance to locals in the area.

flagged off today

proceed towards Maharashtra covering other states that include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi finally making it to Leh. Enumerating his rationale for participating in the rally Muniappan a resident of Anand's Chikodra village said: "We are all facing problems caused due to global warming. The least a common man can do is to plant trees. Like other rallies, even during the bike rally I plan to plant 1,100 saplings along with locals."

Muniappan, in the last five years, has planted 25,000 saplings across the country. "The reason for taking up different and difficult route to promote tree plantation is to reach out to masses. When I decided to walk across the state, there was no one to accompany me. But, I went ahead and was happy to motivate thousands of people to plant and preserve trees," shared Muniappan.

The rally is sponsored by Tamil People Welfare Society and Suzan D’Souza, director of Sports and Youth Affairs.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

Director of mines bans sand extraction near Tirakhol river

Adventure rally to be HDFC Canacona branch delivers scooters to two beneficiaries HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

GU research fellowship

The nine-day Ganesh festivities came to an end with the immersion of Sarvajanik Ganesh idols in Canacona on Sunday.

Ganesh idol worshipped by Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Char Rasta, was taken in a procession to Palolem beach late Sunday evening. Fireworks dis-

play was organized at Char Rasta.

Earlier, the draw for the donation coupons brought out by Char Rasta committee was held in the presence of Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar, Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) Chairperson Shyamsunder Dessai and Councillor Ranghanath Naikgaunkar.

Interestingly, this year, the donation coupon carried two

cars and three motorcycles, besides five consolation prizes.

Sources informed that due to previous incidents of conflict of interests while taking Ganesh immersion processions of these three different Sarvajanik Ganesh idols on a single day and that too on the same route, these arrangements has been worked out since the last two years.

District Magistrate, South Goa District, Margao has ordered that no landlords/tenants/ owner/person of any house/ property which falls under the territorial jurisdiction of South Goa District shall not let/sublet/rent out any accommodation to any person unless and until or he/she has furnished the particulars of the tenants to the Police Station-In Charge of the concerned area. Similarly all the persons who intend to take accommodation on rent or otherwise also shall inform in writi n g i n t h i s re g a rd t o t h e In-charge of Police Station of the area in whose jurisdiction the premises fall.

Also, the person dealing in property business shall also inform in writing to the Police Station-In charge of the nearest Police Station about the particulars of other tenants/purchases.

Any person contravening this order shall be punishable under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code.

The Supdt of Police, South Goa Margao, the SDPO of Margao, Quepem, Mormugao and the Police Inspector/SHO’s of the respective Police Stations are ordered to file FIR on behalf of the State in the Court if any person found contravening the above order which shall be punishable under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code.

This order has come into force with effect from September 17, 2010 and will remain in operation for a period of 60 days (both days inclusive) unless withdrawn earlier, says a press release.

Sancoale confraria discusses problems of church property HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, SEPT 21

The Confraria of Our Lady of Health Church, Sancoale, on Sunday discussed various problems pertaining to the church property.

Initiating the discussion at the meeting, the newly elected President Philip Fernandes explained in detail the issues concerning the property and the steps initiated by the committee in tackling them.

Fernandes informed the members that issues that were tabled were limited to the extent from what they had seen from the inspection of the properties after they took charge.

Fernandes also informed that some inhabitants on the church land who were found doing unauthorised activities on the church land were summoned for the meeting.

Later, these inhabitants were informed of their activity which the committee took exception of and were directed to abide with the orders of the committee to which they agreed.

Some were accused of selling

well water by tankers, giving part of their dwelling house on rent to tenants, throwing waste and encroaching on the area beyond what was demarcated for them, mundkar purchases applications etc.

The members (general body) also took exception to the threat made to the committee president when he had gone to serve encroachers/mundkars notices.

The members who were present in large numbers authorised the committee to take whatever steps necessary to protect the interest of the church land without being bias.

Attorney Simon Carvalho also explained in detail the options before the committee in tackling various issues.

He also suggested that a fulltime property supervisor being appointed to keep a watch on the church properties to which the members agreed.

Treasurer Lawrence Fernandes explained the financial aspects of the Confraria. Parish Priest Fr Martin Dourado was also present at the meeting.

upComing eventS Lecture at Instituto Camoes PANJIM(HND): Instituto Camoes will be organizing a lecture-cum-cinema presented by Dr Fatima Velez de Castro from the Centre for Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning, University of Coimbra, on September 22 at 6 pm.

For information contact CLP/ IC-Goa, AGVA HOUSE, 9/32 Dr. Dada Vaidya Road, Panaji-403001GOA (Tel: 6647737).

Br Michael’s retreat today PANJIM(HND): Br Michael Fernandes of Karuna Sadan Ministry will be conducting a retreat at Emerald Lawns, Parra on September 22 at 1 pm, says a press release.

Friday Balcao PANJIM(HND): Friday Balcao, the fortnightly discussion event will be held on September 24 at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No 11, Liberty Apartments, Feira Alta, Mapusa and will focus on the need for a people powered movement to tackle climate change, says a press release.

Drawing contest at Miramar PANJIM(HND): Disha Charitable Trust, School and Vocational Centre for mentally challenged children will be organising their 10th All Goa Drawing and Painting competition 201011 on September 25 at the Club Tennis de Gasper Dias Hall, Miramar, Panjim. Around 400 mentally challenged children from all such schools in Goa will be participating. Sudin Dhavlikar, Minister of Social Welfare has consented to be the chief guest on the occasion.

Blood donation camp PANJIM(HND): Blood donation camp will be held on September 26 at VP Uccasaim Paliem-Punola Panchayat hall, organised by the United Cultural Association, Paliem-Uccasaim, from 9.30 am to 12.30 noon. Interested donors should contact Baban on 9923536598 and Karishma on 9764744436.

Work for welfare of State: Parrikar HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 21

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar said Goans who are known for their wisdom should devote and act for the development of the State. They should think positively for further progress of the state.

Parrikar was speaking after felicitating a well known senior stage artist from Sanquelim Dattaram Narvekar at a function organized at Sanquelim by Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal on Monday. A shawl, Sriphal and portrait of Shree Gajanan were offered to Narvekar.

Parrikar complimented the members of Shri Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav for organizing several activities throughout the year and also for managing an educational institution under the banner of Shri Sarvajanik

Ganeshotsav Mandal.

Doctors from the vicinity of Sanquelim namely Dr Milind Naik, Dr Rohan Desai, Dr Purushottam Shetye and Dr Prathamesh Karpe were honored at the hands of Parrikar. Others who were felicitated include Sarvangi Desai (Dance), Lakshay Garg(Sports) and Rupam Sankhwalkar(Sports).

Anand Naik, Chairperson of Sanquelim Municipal Council spoke on the occasion.

Shantaram Kanekar, President of Sanquelim Sarvanajik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Rakesh Fulari, President of Utsav Samiti, Abhijit Mandgaonkar, Secretary were present on the occasion.

Individual prizes were also given to the participants who excelled in other competitions organized by the Mandal during the utsav.

POWER SHUTDOWN WEDNESDAY CARAMBOLIM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are entire Corlim village, entire Carambolim village, Pether, Zorichembhat, Central Govt. Employees, KRC Station Carambolim and vicinity of CARAMBOLIM. THuRSDAY OLD GOA: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Dotorbhat, Edmar building, SFX residency, House of Bom Jesus, Market, Dhauji and Vicinity of Old Goa.

WEATHER REPORT Max Temp: 30.80C Min Temp: 22.80C Humidity: 74% Seasonal Total: 3272.4 mm Forecast: Occassional spells of rain.

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GOA

GOA, wedneSdAy, 22 SePteMber, 2010

Tussle between beach, private More than half of State VPs shacks at Palolem gets murky struggling to earn decent income HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

If Beach Shacks (BS) guarantee lucrative income during tourist season so also shacks in the private properties but the clash of interest between Beach Shack Owners and Private Shack Owners at Palolem beach is set to spoil the game for one of the parties, this season.

Normally, the number of shacks allowed on the private properties that are adjacent to the beach area is more than the number of shacks permitted on the beach and, apparently, this has been the cause of discord between both the shack owners at Palolem beach.

In fact, voice against beach shacks has grown louder in the last two years; litigations are filed complaining of CRZ violations.

Every season someone or the other goes to High Court complaining against beach

shacks and this season, it is Vikash Bhagat, a private shack owner from Palolem who has petitioned High Court alleging that beach shacks on Palolem beach are blocking access to the beach.

The Court stayed the allotment of beach shacks for this beach for three weeks.

Speaking to Herald, Cruz Cardozo, President of Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS), said during last few years every season, somebody or the other has gone to Court making allegations against beach shacks. “This is happening with the blessing of the hotel lobby as it stands to earn more profit if there are no beach shacks,” he charged.

Dhananjay Dessai, a shack owner from Palolem along with other owners Vishu Fernandes and Krupesh Bhagat however complained that shacks in the private properties block access to the beach as no setbacks are maintained while allotting

shacks on private properties.

“On the stretch of 1800 meters of the Palolem beach about eight shacks are allotted whereas on the stretch of 800 meters in the private properties more than seventy hotels are allowed permissions,” says Dessai.

The Tourism Department is the authority to allot beach shacks and the allotment is done as per its Beach Shack Policy whereas permissions for shacks in the private properties are granted by a panchayat or municipality of the respective area.

The role of Tourism Department is limited to granting NOCs to shacks in the private properties, Dessai was informed when he approached the department some two weeks ago complaining against beach shacks in the private properties, however, he is confident that they will prove their case in the court.

Now, Canacona Congress to take up issue of neglected CHC HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 21

After Canacona Health Welfare Committee’s (CHWC) efforts failed to bring desired improvements at Community Health Centre (CHC) Chaudi, now it is the turn of Canacona Congress Block to throw its hat into one of the long-pending demands of Canconcars.

On Tuesday, Canacona Block Congress President Elvis Fernandes along with GPCC member Sanju Naik and Block Executive member Simon Rebello visited CHC and met Acting Health Officer Dr Sujata Prabhugaonkar. They were also accompanied by CHWC President Diogo D’Silva.

The Congressmen sought to know from the health officer what actual improvements have taken place in the CHC, after Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane assured to fulfill various needs of the hospital after Canconcars met them at Collectorate office, Margao, on June 27.

The Canacona Congress team, who were part of that team at Margao, agreed that no notable improvements have taken place in the hospital functioning after initially showing high hopes and things actually began to move as per the directions issued by Kamat and Rane, but didn’t progressed any further.

In one of the inputs, Health Officer Dr Prabhugaonkar informed that the Gynecologist is on leave and when asked by CHWC President D’Silva, it was

Canacona Congress Block President Elvis Fernandes led team meets acting HO of CHC Canacona.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

informed that ophthalmic has reported for duty and is available in the concerned OPD. But when the team found the Ophthalmic Cell locked from outside, with no one knowing about the staff ’ whereabouts, it was also found with wireless operator (WO) posted to check medical staff movements that the Ophthalmic has reported for duty in the morning.

The Congress team also expressed shock to see that the wireless operator posted to keep an eye on truant playing medical staff, is simply an ineffective procedure.

The policemen (WO) maintaining the register informed that his role is to note the timings of the staff reporting for duty and duty-off and once reported he is unaware as to what the staff does.

Interestingly, the Congress team was told that doctors reporting for duty initially signed the register maintained by WO,

but now refuses to sign it.

Wireless Operator (Police) was posted immediately as one of the several measures proposed in the June 27 Margao meeting with Kamat and Rane.

Later, addressing press persons, Canacona Block President Elvis Fernandes said: “Previously, we have supported CHWC, who are rightly demanding improvements in health facilities at CHC, but we had to sadly accept that indeed no significant progress was brought in. Now as Congressmen, we will take up the issue and today’s visit is just to take first hand information.”

He further informed that the Congress block will meet to decide future course of action.

“Former Canacona ministers Isidore Fernandes and Sanjay Bandekar will also be invited to discuss and decide on this burning issue. We will also discuss whether to invite health minister or chief minister or both to visit the CHC,” said Fernandes.

Bicholim residents voice concern over overflowing septic tank HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, SEPT 21

People from market area have strongly voiced their concern over an open septic tank near the Bicholim fish market.

The septic tank near the Bicholim fish market is totally filled, due to which it is overflowing since the last several months. Earlier, when it was brought to the notice of Bicholim Municipal Council, the

authorities had issued a notice to the concerned person after which a patch up work was done on the septic tank.

As the tank is close to the fish market, the people who visit the market have to bear the foul smell. The problem is even serious for people staying close to the area.

“The water is overflowing, giving foul smell and it becomes unbearable to live

here,” a resident told Herald on the condition of anonymity.

“The BMC has also turned nelson’s eye over the issue,” added the resident.

The water from the tank directly goes into the gutter causing further possibility of health problems in the city. As the tank lies close to the fish market, the people have also demanded the health department to look into the matter.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 21

Some Village Panchayats (VPs) have done exceptionally well in increasing their annual income but some 109 VPs out of the 189 have not crossed the mark of 15 lakh.

Mostly, VPs in the coastal belt, semi-urban areas and mining belt have grown richer and their dependence on the government for grant-in-aid has reduced considerably.

But there are many more VPs that are still dependent on grant-in-aid from the department of panchayats for their survival.

Speaking to Herald Menino D’Souza, Director of Panchayats, said some panchayats are able to increase their revenue collection through licence fees, octroi, tax on buildings however, VPs in the rural areas do not have much scope for tax col-

lection other than collection of house tax.

No wonder, most VPs in Mormugao Block that has nine VPs are quite rich with Verna VP topping the list with annual income of Rs 2.17 crore but VPs in Canacona and Pernem taluka are not so lucky.

In Canacona, of the seven VPs, only the VP of LoliemPolem is doing well with annual income of Rs 41.88 lakh however, annual income of the remaining VPs exception to Agonda VP, is less than Rs 5 lakh.

Almost all VP under Ponda taluka are doing well. Here only four VPs are really very poor with annual income of less than Rs 5 lakh.

While annual income of thirteen of its nineteen VPs in Tiswadi taluka is less than Rs 15 lakh it has some of the richest VPs in the State.

This include Taleigao (Rs

11-day Ganesh festivities come to end in Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 21

Curtains came down on the 11 day Ganesh festivities in the Commercial Capital on Tuesday evening.

The idols of Lord Ganesh of the Margao Police station, New Market and BSNL were immersed late this evening, as thousands of people came out of their homes to participate in the festivities.

Police personnel danced to the tunes of music as the procession moved at a snail’s pace from the heart of the city to Khareband for immersion, throwing the city traffic out of gear.

At the Margao police station, the Margao police felicitated three citizens for helping and assisting the men-inuniform for detecting three major cases in recent times.

Margao Sub-divisional police officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar felicitated the alert security men Roshan Singh, who foiled a daring attempt by two Mumbai-based criminals to effect entry into a jewellery shop in

Margao police gives guard of honour as the idol of Lord Ganesh was taken out from the police station for immersion on Tuesday evening.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

the New Market area last week.

Showering praises on the security personnel, DySP Gaonkar said the felicitation of Roshan Singh would send a right signal to the community of security men that the society will not hesitate to recognize their services for the society.

Another citizen who was felicitated at the hands of the po-

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 21

The 11-day Ganesh festivities came to an end with the immersion of Sarvajanik Ganesh idol of Canacona Police station on Tuesday.

The Sarvajanik Ganesh idol of Canacona Police station was taken in a procession amid the dancing to the beats of a specially arranged DJ through Chaudi streets on Tuesday evening.

Hordes of devotees lined up on the streets to take blessings of lord Ganesha and accepted the Prasad handed over from the carrier holding the huge Ganesh idol taken to Palolem beach for immersion.

Fireworks were lighted throughout the procession street, as it invited several people from the localities, while some highway motorists too made halts to watch the fireworks and seek blessings.

Interestingly, policemen dressed in a pink dress code (pink coloured T-shirt) were seen leading the procession,

Security personnel guard the bus at Conem in Veling-Priol.

Photo by Amresh Parab HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, SEPT 21

A stationed tourist bus, supposedly belonging to a starred

Garbage set on fire in front of Central Cafe, Sanguem.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, SEPT 21

Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) seems to have taken the garbage issue lightly, as several places are seen littered with garbage over the past many days.

Sanguem market and the lane in front of Central Café,

lice was Shaikh Abdul Kadar, who was instrumental in overpowering the murder accused Abhijit Patil while stabbing a young girl to death.

The third citizen was won accolades from the police was John Gonsalves, who helped the police to track down on the kidnappers in the recent kidnapping case.

Canacona, too, bids adieu to 11-day Ganesh dancing to the music, while Ganesh idol followed.

Canacona PI Raju Raut Dessai was also seen wearing pink coloured T-shirt moving close to the idol carrier, while few policemen seen in police uniform tried to maintain traffic discipline, as the idol was taken on the main street (NH17) of Canacona.

Incidentally, this is the third Sarvajanik Ganesh idol taken through the municipal streets in the last three days.

On Sunday, Ganesh idol worshipped by Char-Rasta Ganeshotshav Mandal was taken in a procession and immersed at Palolem, while on Tuesday, it was the turn of Chaudi Ganeshotsav Mandal.

Due to previous unsavory incidents, all the three sarvajanik Ganesh mandals are allotted three different days for taking their idols for immersions, so as to avoid incidents of concerns due to using the same street at the same time.

Sarvajanik Ganesh idols worshipped at Agonda, Khola,

Tourist bus stationed Garbage burnt in Sanguem as at Conem poses SMC fails to collect waste threat to motorists hotel from South Goa, along the NH-4A at Conem, about 7 kms from Ponda, is posing danger to the motorists.

It is learnt that due to engine failure, the luxury bus was kept along the route. However, over 10 days have passed but the bus has not been shifted from the place. A security guard has been deployed to man the bus.

However, the bus which is on the edge of the road is posing danger to the motorists.

According to the security guard, the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic and had identified major fault in the engine. The repair work will be undertaken soon, but over 10 days have passed, the bus is not even shifted from the dangerous spot.

1.82 crore), Corlim (Rs 58.22lakhs), Old Goa (Rs1.09 crore), Curca-Bambolim (Rs 45.43 lakhs).

However, one of the weakest panchayats is in Bicholim taluka.

The annual income of Naroa VP is only Rs 95, 684 whereas most other VPs in this taluka has high annual income.

This include VPs of Pilgao (Rs 37.95 lakh), Amona (Rs 42.15 lakh) Navelim (Rs 44.61lakh), Latembarcem (Rs 30 lakh), Surla (Rs 32.88 lakh), Mayem – Vainguinim (Rs 37.72 lakh), Cudnem (Rs 31.46), Pale-Cothambi (Rs 68.47 lakhs) and Velguem (Rs 30.23 lakhs).

Talukas of Salcete and Bardez also have good number of VPs with annual income level below Rs 15 lakhs. Also, all eleven VPs in Quepem taluka are poor with annual income level below Rs 5 lakh.

Sanguem, are the prominent places. Given the non-collection of garbage by SMC on regular basis, shop owners allegedly set the garbage on fire at the end of the day.

Citizens and visitors to the Sanguem town claim the burning of garbage to be a health hazard and urged SMC to treat

Photo by Alfred Fernandes

the garbage systematically.

The smoke and smell generated from burning of the garbage can cause serious health problems to the passerbys and the shopkeepers having their shops in the vicinity of the areas, where garbage is dumped on regular basis.

Gaondongrim, Cotigao, Poinguinim and Loliem are also immersed on Tuesday, the 11th day of Ganesh festivities.

Police chided on failure to act against dy Director of Transport HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 21

President of Jai Damodar Association Mahesh Nayak has accused the police for failing to initiate action against a deputy Director of Transport for registering vehicles with fake residence certificates.

Briefing newsmen, Nayak said that corruption has reached a high in the Transport department with unscrupulous officers allegedly taking bribes for even passing of vehicles.

Saying that he had exposed the corrupt practices of a deputy Director of Transport, Nayak, however, lamented that

no action is forthcoming from the Transport department nor the police against the corrupt officers.

He sought to know why the police are dilly dallying in initiating action against the deputy director of Transport for registering vehicles with fake residential certificates. “I once again demand that the police initiate action against the deputy Director of transport. If the officer is allowed to go scot free, then even terror elements will register vehicles with fake residence certificates, posing danger to the nation and state”, Nayak added.

TV serials have helped spread Hindi, says MP HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 21

Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik has said that Hindi Movies and, in recent times TV serials have played an important role in the spread of Hindi language in the country.

Naik, who was the Chief Guest at the Hindi Diwas Celebrations organized by Gomantak Rashtrabhasha Vidyapith, Margao, and Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji, at Ravindra Bhawan Hall, Margao, said that it is on 14th September 1949, the Constituent Assembly, which was doing the exercise of drafting the Constitution, took the decision that Hindi should be the Official Language of the country. Since then, 14th September is being celebrated as Hindi Diwas throughout the country”, he added.

The MP said opposition to the use of Hindi which existed in some southern states like Tamil Nadu does not exist today, and that more and more people in Tamil Nadu show interest for learning Hindi.

“Members of Christian Community in Goa, who initially found difficulty in grasping the language, are now seen speaking practical Hindi, without any problem”, he added.

Naik further said that al-

though he has been writing through newspapers in English, Konkani and Marathi, yet, his first write-up was in Hindi language in a school magazine in 1959. “I normally speak in English in the Rajya Sabha but, whenever I have to take a dig at the opposition, I prefer to use Hindi language”, he said.

OHERALDO

OPINION

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O HERALD O

Torch bearers in a dark world

Vol No CX No: 238 Goa, Wednesday 22 September, 2010

The challenges before CWG

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unday’s shooting in Delhi, in which two Taiwanese tourists were shot at and injured by two assailants on a motorcycle, must be taken far more seriously than it is right now by the Delhi Police. It may seem like a small incident, but it seems to be carefully calculated; not to cause mass casualties or catastrophic damage, but to create a fear psychosis in both athletes and tourists coming for the Commonwealth Games.

The objective of any terrorist group targeting the CWG would be not just to embarrass the government, but to erode public confidence in the abilities of the Indian security agencies, to create panic among foreigners, and to build the impression that security for major sports events in India is as bad as in Pakistan.

This does not require spectacular acts of terrorism that cause mass casualties like big bomb blasts or the 26/11 siege in Mumbai. A series of small incidents with limited casualties is quite sufficient to show the Indian security agencies in a poor light and destroy whatever limited confidence the foreigners have in their ability to provide effective security.

A few more attacks similar to Sunday’s would have a ripple effect, resulting in outgoing flights from India going full, as the morale of participating teams and tourists plunges. It is therefore vital to ensure that there is no repetition of such acts.

But terrorism is not the only threat the Games face. The day of judgment for the Ayodhya dispute approaches on Friday. The Sangh Parivar has begun heating up the atmosphere and fanning rabid communal sentiments for a Ram temple once again. If the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute once more takes centre stage, it will drag the country back two decades.

Let us not forget that it was the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 that was followed by savage anti-Muslim riots all over the country, but especially in Mumbai. It was in retaliation for these riots that the 1993 serial bomb blasts took place in Mumbai. In that sense, the origin of bombblast terrorism in India can actually be traced to the Babri Masjid demolition.

Now, the issue is back again, to haunt us all. To make matters worse, hundreds of Muslim youth are languishing in jails all over the country, some on completely baseless suspicion. On the other hand, not a single BJP leader involved in the Babri Masjid demolition is in jail. The people of UP as well as the country may have rejected the Babri Masjid brand of politics in the last two Lok Sabha elections. Let us hope that they will not be swayed by the fallout of the Court’s judgment this time.

Proof of nexus?

T

o no one’s great surprise, Goa’s offshore casino operators told the High Court yesterday that they were “reconsidering” the petitions they had filed against the state government. This clearly shows that the recent Cabinet decision not to shift casino vessels away from the Mandovi river is a complete surrender to the casino owners’ demands.

It is no less than a conspiracy to present the High Court with a fait accompli ‘out of court settlement’.

In February 2009, the Cabinet decided to shift all offshore casino ships to the outer anchorage in the Aguada Bay after protests from civil groups and the opposition party, the BJP. Last week, it reversed this decision and decided to relocate the casinos on the hinterland side of the Mandovi bridges, taking the casino cancer further inland.

If anyone needed further ‘proof ’ of the nexus between the offshore casino operators and the government, it is this, it is this, it is this.

Whipping up emotions S N D Poojary, Miramar The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court is scheduled to pronounce its judgment on the Ayodhya dispute on 24th of this month. Some news channels, especially the English channels, have gone into hype creation mode. There seems to be competition among the channels to increase the decibel level to improve their ratings. There are talk shows, interviews with ordinary citizens, telecast on the history of the dispute, and views of various parties.

If hype was not created, no one would have been bothered till judgment is delivered. Ayodhya is a sensitive issue, and therefore, it is desirable that maximum restraint is exercised by everyone, more so by the media. These channels are, in fact,

100 Years Ago

christians must not be indifferent to politics but participate in political life says iBonio d’SoUZa

I

n the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called upon his followers to be the salt and light to the world around them. Our world today is in darkness. Every day we hear of international terrorism, arms race, burgeoning violence in society, economic exploitation of the poor, hunger, disease, man-made environmental disasters, and so on. We have a mission to fulfil, a responsibility to make our country, and the world, a better place by preserving all that is good as given to us through God’s word. We are to be people not to make others proud of us, but who think and put the “kingdom of God” first. That is what being “salt” and “light” is all about. However, we can only do this if we are prepared. Jesus challenges us to be the salt and light – to influence the world, and to be seen to be doing so. These are his words: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:13-16).

School closed

The Directorate of Education ordered the closure of a School at the Vila de Margao which was functioning from the Chapel’s premises of the now extinct Military Battalion.

Railway Conference

On the 19th of the last month concluded the VIII International Conference on Railways which took place at Berne.

Glass houses in US

One Construction Engineer asserted that in the near future most of the houses in the United States will be absolutely enhanced with glass.

British Govt purchases plot

The British Government of India purchased a plot of land for Rupees twenty five thousand to shift the City of Dehra Ghazi Khan which lies about 7 miles from the present location.

Religion and Society and drink” (Jn 7:37). Salt is used to thaw ice on roads: so it can have the effect of warming hearts that have hardened against the word of God – over time the saltiness of Christians can bring people to know Jesus Christ. Salt is used to prevent decay and putrefaction. The Bible clearly states that the world we live is decaying because of sin. Christians are to be moral disinfectants in the world where work standards are low, constantly changing, or non-existent. Salt was used in Old Testament times as a cleansing agent. Apparently, newborn infants were washed in brine.

Christians have a cleansing effect on the entire world as they bring to the world the water of life, who is Jesus Christ, the Lord. Salt was used to heal wounds and, when applied, brought a biting sting. The Christian tells the message of judgment and the grace of God to all men, and men react, for vulnerable parts of their lives have been touched by the message of Christ. When men respond to Christ, God heals the wounds of sin. We are to remember that when there is no reaction to the message of Christ we are preaching, the true salt is lacking.

The Salt was also employed in Biblical times as a neutraliser in the soil. Farmers cast salt on

By beginning with you, Jesus emphasises to the disciples that they both have the calling and the responsibility to be influencers in the world.

Salt is used for seasoning so as to bring out the taste in food. Christians bring flavour and meaning to life in our pleasure-crazed culture, people are finding life dull and boring. No worldly pleasure can satisfy this. Christians reveal to the world that life without Christ is tasteless and unsatisfying. The real meaning to life is in Christ.

Salt makes people thirsty

As Christians we seek to create a thirst in people’s lives that can only be satisfied by Jesus, who said “if any one is thirsty, let him come to me

Goan abroad

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whipping up emotions ahead of the judgment.

Review Direct Tax Code Elliot Menezes, Chinchinim What is the whole idea of the Direct Tax Code? Tax the NRIs and then use the money to pay the salary for the parliamentarians?

They want to justify the increment received by increasing the tax burden on common people.

Is this is what we get in return for remitting money into the country? We would rather pay tax in the country which employs us. At least, they offer better living conditions. The longer an NRI lives in India, the more he spends, and more revenue is obtained.

What all NRIs should do is to ask all his kith and kin to vote against any party which supports such moves. If we include all kith and kin, we would be a force to reckon with.

This in reply to the letter by Santosh Bale ‘BJP & criticism’ (Herald, 9 Sept). I think Santosh is unaware of the entire situation.

Who killed the Hindu saints in Orissa? Were they Christians? Rather, it is the Maoists who killed the VHP leader and put the blame on Christians.

It should be noted that Christians never did any forceful conversion. There is something spiritual about the Christian religion, and that’s why people of other faiths embrace this religion.

In-justice delivery system?

Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar The revelation by former Union Law Minister Shanti Bhushan that eight of the 16 Chief Justices of India were corrupt is very disturbing and a matter of great concern.

That judges were recently caught copying only reinforces the need for stringent procedures in their selection. The manner in which High court judges are currently picked is not acceptable. The process lacks any transparency and is shrouded in secrecy.

The degradation of the judicial system cannot be allowed. Otherwise, we will have

the ground to stimulate growth. Christians are neutralisers against sin and Satan, and through proclaiming of Christ, there is spiritual fruit for God.

Salt which loses its saltiness is useless

Jesus’ teaching is challenging. There is little room for those who are Christians, but have lost their saltiness, or their “edge”. Without the testimony of lives lived out with integrity and consistency with the principles that Christians claim to follow, the testimony of our lips is useless.

But be clear. This does not require us to be perfect: knowing our sinfulness, and knowing our need to confess it and be cleansed of it is a vital part of the Christian gospel. Then as verse 16 says, “let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”.

You are like light for the world

As “salt”, Christians are to counteract the power of sin. As “light”, we are to illuminate or make visible. Our lives are to be an on-going witness to the reality of Christ’s presence in our lives.

When we love others as ourselves, and we do good without growing weary, we are shining

The Bible proclaims that the world is in a state of gross darkness, and an honest evaluation of the world would prove that this is true. Man, today, thinks himself so enlightened because of the knowledge he has attained. The tragedy of our times has been that we have concentrated solely upon one aspect of knowledge. Our knowledge has been of mechanical things, scientific things and knowledge of life in a biological sense.

But man’s knowledge of the real factors that make life, has not increased at all. Naturally man cannot apply the knowledge he has to the spiritual realm, and the spiritual side of man is the all important part of man. Why the gross darkness?

The Bible says the problem is sin and that men love darkness rather than light (John 3:19).

Christian disciples are called to rise and shine.

Christians are to be the torch bearers in a dark world. One should not try to hide the light which God has lit in our lives. Rather, we should shine so that others may see our good deeds and praise God. Shining does not mean self-propaganda, self-publicity, self-glorification, but bearing fruit in our life, bringing life and light to others. It is about our deeds in society – in politics, in culture and in social life. Christians are not to be indifferent to politics but must actively participate in the political life of their country. It matters very much which political party rules and which party policies are implemented.

The Bible does not give us a programme for political action, but it gives us a picture of God and His purposes for His creation. In the Beatitudes we see a God who comforts those who mourn, a God who satisfies the needs of the poor and the hungry. To be a light is to follow this God, struggling to bring about social justice in our society, to safeguard human rights and to work for peace and reconciliation.

the icy, icy eye of the yennarai

reat aunt Priscilla passed away in January. For 30 years, her sorpotel and bebinca had been the talk of New York. Goencars that is. My parrot Cocky and she shared a special bond cemented by the dried sunflower seeds and jackfruit sattam that great aunt spoiled Cocky with. We sprinkled a few on Priscilla’s grave.

Late one fall night, I was woken by an animated conversation.

The phone rang. I clicked the speaker phone, only to hear this exhilarating exchange between Cocky and a rum character who appeared to be a bank official.

Official: Bhobe spicking, I amma calling from Goa. Who amma spicking to?

Cocky: Listen Bobby you fag, its midnight in Yonkers, kindly get lost!

Official: Oh, so sorree modom, but it is tan o’ clock in Gova, all banks is opening ten o’ clock here. I amma head clerk Bhobe. I amma not smoking; no fag, yaar...

Cocky: Which part of midnight do you not understand – are you deaf, jackass?

Official: Sorreee modom, I Bhobe, not Jacques. Are you Priscilla Silva, modom?

Cocky: Listen duh-brain, what exactly do you want with Priscilla?

Official: Priscilla modom is having Yennarrai account with our Icyicy-eye bunk.

Cocky: Icy-icy-eye bunk…? Oh you mean NRI account in the bank…

Sheesh!

K K Swami, Panjim

22 September 1910

Don’t hide your light:

You are the salt of the earth

Don’t blame Christians PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

lights. It is important, however, to know that it is not our light, but the reflection of the light of the world, Jesus Christ Himself, that people will see in us…

Official: Dot is wot I aama saying, Priscilla modom, your having yennarrai account.

Cocky: Listen fleabag, I am NOT Priscilla! What do you want with her, Bhobe?

Official: She is a owing fifteen hundred rupees, and monthly balance is climbing!

Cocky: Sorry old fruity, nothing I can do... Priscilla’s dead!

Official: You are Priscilla’s dad? Meet to glad you, sir. I must says you haves the high-pitch voice.

Cocky: You frickin’ bobo – Priscilla is dead, gone to heaven… finished… kabbar… bhair poddlem!

Official: But our money, modom… fifteen hundred rupees still owing...

Cocky: You’re disturbing us at the other side of midnight for fifteen frickin’ hundred rupees…?

Official: What to do, Modom, otherwise we have to turn her case over to death collector now…

Cocky: It’s debt-collector, frog-face! Anyway good luck with that, I mean debt!

Official: Already we are contacted Interpole, since Priscilla modom is yennarai.

Cocky: And what will Interpol do when they find out that she’s dead?

Official: Maybe shend FBI or CIA to trace out our money…

Cocky: Do the FBI and/or the CIA have branches in heaven?

Official: Excuse me, modom, but what did you say?

Welcome move

Soter D’Souza, Socorro

At long last, the Goa Department of Transport has taken steps to nail the mischief of bus operators. The bus operators, whether state or inter state, do not deserve any public sympathy. The inhuman travel conditions of the commuters in Goa’s public buses are pathetic, with women and the aged being the most affected.

Bus conductors and drivers must be educated on basic public relation skills and made to understand that they are not transporting cattle but humans. Bus fares get repeatedly hiked with various promises by the operators like issuing of tickets and wearing of uniforms by the crew. But this is all forgotten within a couple of days and then demanding a ticket only invites abuses from the bus conductor.

Buses endlessly linger on at the bus stands. Reckless driving of buses in a bid to compete with other buses for passengers is another threat to life and limb of commuters. It is time that all this nonsense is immediately ended and commuters be allowed to travel with dignity.

Seafarers pension woes Vishal D`Costa, Cuncolim The NUSI retired seafarers in Goa plan to protest against the allotted Rs 200 per month pension in front of the NUSI Wockhardt hospital. This is a justifiable protest, as they deserve a monthly pension of at least Rs 1,000. Goans must support this just cause. The suffering seafarers deserve justice and better facilities.

Though the consultation fee at the hospital is Rs 350 and the retired seafarer pay Rs 175 per consultation, my experience shows that the doctors act as managers, and are more concerned about the hospital’s profit, than providing service to the patient. The patient’s woes must be taken into consideration. The retired seaman has to think twice before getting admitted at the hospital. NUSI needs to do a rethink on the seafarer’s pension.

Ban the advertisement Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco There is a television advertisement of a reputed company manufacturing suiting ma-

Cocky: Arre, did you not hear clearly – Priscilla Silva is dead… expired?

Official: Then, Modom, its better you speak to my manager.

[The ICICI branch-manager arrives on the phone.]

Cocky: Listen manager saib or babu, or whatever they call you.

Priscilla Silva is dead. She died with zero balance!

Manager: But account was never closed, late fees and charges are still applying!

Cocky: So you want her family or estate to pay you, you little Judas?

Manager: …Unless you can fax us her death certificate…?

Cocky: How about you fax me her debt certificate first?

Manager: Sorry madam, you are confusing the matter even more…!

Cocky: Hey, why don’t you just go on billing her. She’s dead; she don’t care …

Manager: Well, the late fees and charges will still apply….

Cocky: Maybe you would like her new billing address... saar?

Manager: Verry good idea – kindly give it to me, madam!

Cocky: Elmwood Resting Place, West Sand Lake, New York 12196.

Manager: But that sounds like it‘s a... cemetery!

Cocky: What to do? We don’t have a kabrastan here either…

The popat always knows.

[If you just arrived: Langoti ‘Long’ John Silva is a globetrotting Goencar, always accompanied by his wise-cracking parrot Cocky]

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

the Kodas, the Laloos, Mulayams and the Mayawatis taking over India’s (in) justice delivery system.

By Francis Rodrigues

terial. The ad depicts a gentleman dressed in a suit, who visits his father in an old age home. The father is in tears due to loneliness. The man comes to celebrate his father’s birthday and orders for a cake while showing him a clipping of his family on his portable computer. It seems to convey the message that it is all right to put your ageing parents in an old-age home.

This is, in fact, a very inhuman act as old people have to live a lonely life despite having grown up children. Ironically, the company uses the catch-phrase “Feels Like Heaven” to promote its product. The fact is that life could be a living hell for senior citizens who live in old age homes and have to spend the twilight years of their lives in loneliness. The inhumane advertisement needs to be banned

Goan cowards Julius Carvalho, Dubai-UAE A few days back, a Goan friend of mine from the Sultanate of Oman suggested to me that it is of no use fighting to save Goa at this juncture from destruction, crime, corruption, injustice and its identity. His views were that due to increase in population, we Goans should accept non-Goans who desire to settle in Goa. His contention was that Goans should

concentrate on themselves and their families.

Many Goans are selfish and coward and are not concerned of the destruction of Goa taking place, in the name of development. They are not concerned about escalating prices.

The Goa government forcefully takes away land of our villagers, our neighbours and fellow Goans on the pretext of development. Goans remain cowardly silent and do not protest.

It is never too late for those Goan cowards to shy away from their selfish interests and save Goa for our future generations.

Managing plastic waste Michael Vaz, Merces Quite often we hear of vigilant people raising their voices against the menace of plastic, which has been rightly projected as the bane of our times. Publlic awareness against indiscriminate plastic usage, is commendable.

In the past, plastic bags were confiscated from shopkeepers and directives were issued. They ceased to exist momentarily, only to resurface after a brief lull.

Are plastic bags the only cause of this nuisance? Many items like cereals, pulses, sugar etc is packed in plastic containers, since it is convenient to do so. Plastic recycling plants are to be set up for its efficient reusage. The need of the hour is to find a tangible solution to the plastic scourge than mere talk. Plastic is expedient. It is high time that we learn to manage plastic waste.

Which one?

Francis A Soares, Santa Cruz Is it the law makers or the law breakers that should be held responsible for the sorry state of affairs in our state? Most of us will agree that the former are the culprits.

It is strange that those who commit illegal activities, frauds, scams, crimes go Scot free. These are the people who have all the money to hire the best lawyer in the country, and find the loopholes in the judicial system. That explains the reason why cases keep piling up and proper justice is never served.

Paths of Wisdom

Crossing the Water

By Sri Ramakrishna A farmer’s daughter was entrusted duties to carry fresh milk to customers in various villages. One of her customers was a priest. To reach his house, the milkmaid had to cross a good-sized stream. People crossed it by a ferry raft, for a small fee.

One day the priest, who performed worship daily with the offering to God of fresh milk, and finding that it arrived very late, scolded the poor woman.

“What can I do?” she said, “I start out early from my house, but I have to wait a long time for the boatman to come.”

Then the priest said (pretending to be serious), “What! People have even walked across the ocean by repeating the name of God, and you can’t cross this little river?” This milkmaid took him very seriously. From then on she brought the priest’s milk punctually every morning. He became curious about it and asked her how it was that she was never late anymore.

“I cross the river repeating the name of the Lord,” she replied, “just as you told me to do, without waiting for the ferry.” The priest didn’t believe her, and asked, “Can you show me this, and how you cross the river on foot?” So they went together to the water and the milkmaid began to walk over it.

Looking back, the woman saw that the priest had started to follow her and was floundering in the water.

“Sir!” she cried, “You are uttering the name of God, yet all the while you are holding up your clothes from getting wet. That is not trusting in God!”

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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OHERALDO

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GOA, WEDNESDAY , 22 SEPTEMBER 2010

Ayodhya title suit litigants want peace after verdict Court disposes off plea seeking opinion polls ban

PTI LUCKNOW, SEPT 21

Notwithstanding their counter claims, the litigants connected with the Ayodhya title suits have said they want peace in the aftermath of the ruling and accuse vested interests of creating unnecessary hype in the run up to the verdict.

“Whatever judgement comes on the 60-year-old dispute over the Ayodhya title suits, there should be peace and tranquillity as no problem in the world can be resolved through violence and riots”, the litigants said.

“We are awaiting the verdict of the court and whatever it be, we want peace”, Mahant Bhaskar Das of the Nirmohi Akhara of Ayodhya, one of the litigants of the title suit, told PTI. The option to approach the higher courts is always open to any party unhappy with the verdict, he said.

“Though the administration has stepped up security in Ayodhya, causing immense hardships to the pilgrims, I can say for sure that the twin temple towns of Faizabad and Ayodhya would remain peaceful,” Das said.

“The flow of pilgrims has trickled down ever since the security hype has been created, even though both the factions here want peace”, he said.

Similar is the refrain of 90year-old Mohammad Hashim Ansari, whose ill-health and advanced age will not allow him to travel to Lucknow on the day when the verdict in the case in which he had been involved

PTI LUCKNOW, SEPT 21

The Allahabad High Court today disposed of a PIL seeking directions for prohibiting all debates and opinion polls through SMS in the media on the Ayodhya title suits verdict slated to be pronounced on September 24.

Disposing of the PIL, the bench comprising Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court F I Rebello and Justice Pradeep Kant observed that free speech is the

Husaini Tigers, an organisation against religious politics, distributing white flowers for maintenance of peace in Uttar Pradesh ahead of September 24 Ayodhya title suit verdict, in Lucknow on Tuesday.

PTI PATNA, SEPT 21

Media, both print and electronic, would be kept away from the High Court compound here on the day of pronouncement of the verdict on the Ayodhya title suits on September 24 and photocopies of the judgement would be made available at the district collectorate.

On the directions of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, the district admin-

istration, Lucknow, is making arrangements for briefing the media on the verdict on the Ayodhya title suits of the special full bench on September 24 in the collectorate compound, District Magistrate, Anil Kumar Sagar told PTI. The arrangements for briefing the media at the collectorate compound are being made on the directions of the court, he said.

This step has been taken in

order to avoid unnecessary crowding in the court compound on the day.

There is also a proposal to only allow the presence of the counsels and the parties concerned in the court room where the three-judge bench would pronounce the judgement.

Sources in the court said that the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, F I Rebello has issued necessary directives to the Lucknow administration in this regard.

An alert has been sounded across Bihar ahead of the September 24 verdict on the Ayodhya title case by the Allahabad High Court.

“We have sounded an alert in Bihar, particularly in sensitive pockets to prevent any untoward incident in view of the verdict,” Director General of Police Neelmani told PTI here.

Superintendents of police as well as other officials to intensify vigil.“Sensitive areas have been identified where static deployment of policemen will be ensured,” the DGP said.

since decades will be announced.

“We have been waiting for the past 60 years for this day

and we want that this dispute should end in Lucknow”, Ansari said, adding no opportunity should be provided to commu-

nal forces to exploit the situation at any cost.

“Musalman gam aur khushi ka izhar sadak par na karey..

.issey kewal unka hi nuksaan hoga" (Muslims should ensure that they do not react to the verdict whether it is in favour

Media to be kept at bay on Sept 24 PTI LUCKNOW, SEPT 21

11 people injured in collision

11 people, were today injured when a jeep in which they were

Alert in Bihar

travelling collided with a van near Umren area in Alwar (PTI).

right of every citizen.

The PIL was filed by local lawyer Prince Lenin on September 18 seeking directions for prohibiting all debates and opinion poll through SMS in the media on the verdict of Ayodhya title suits.

During the hearing, a letter was presented by the Union of India on behalf of the the National Broadcasting Association setting guidelines for the media. or against on the roads as it would be harmful for them only),” Ansari, who is also a litigant in the original suit, appealed to the community.

“Such a reaction would give communal forces a chance to jump in and exploit the situation,” he said.

Trilok Nath Pandey, who is also involved in the case, said unnecessary hype is being created over the upcoming verdict.

The verdict would have no effect on the everyday life of common people as none of the parties concerned has stated that the verdict would not be acceptable to them, Pandey said Zafaryab Jilani of the Sunni Central Waqf Board said maintaining communal harmony is important and there should not be any expression of resentment in public by any of the parties concerned. “Whichever party is aggrieved and not satisfied with the verdict can approach the Supreme Court,” he said.

No easy fixes to boundary tiff with China, says foreign secy

Curfew on in violence-hit Mendhar town

“The reality is that India and China have worked hard over the last two decades to deepen dialogue and bilateral relations in a number of fields. Peace and tranquility have prevailed in the India-China border areas despite the unsettled boundary question,” Rao said, delivering the Harish Mahindra memorial lecture at Harvard.

India's relationship with China should not be seen as being only competitive but needs to be handled in a rationale and “coolheaded” manner, she said.

“Relationship with China, our large neighbour, has to be transacted in a very rationale, coolheaded and hard-nosed, not hard-lined (manner). Being hardnosed is not (being) hard-lined.

We can deal with this relationship. There is increasing confi-

JAMMU, SEPT 21

PTI BOSTON, SEPT 21

India and China have "vast differences" over the boundary issue which cannot be resolved in short duration with “easy fixes”, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has said, while asserting that it is not a “primary obstacle” in normalisation of bilateral ties.

Rao said the path of confrontation would not ease the “vast differences” India and China have on the issue.

“The complicated history of the outstanding boundary question entails that discussions to resolve it cannot be of short duration with easy fixes,” she said.

She said that both countries have not allowed the border issue to become a “primary obstacle” in terms of normalization of relations.

dence. This is the new India which is not hyperventilating in a way that introduces irrationality into our actions,” Rao said. “ The question asked is whether our relationship with China will be one dominated by increasing competition for influence and for resources as our economic needs grow. I believe the proposition should not be exaggerated in a way that it overshadows all attempts to rationalise the relationship between India and China.”

She said the Sino-India relations need not be seen as “being only competitive.”

“As our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said, India and China will continue to grow simultaneously and our policies will have to cater to this emerging reality.”

Big B teams up with Anil, Sanjay and Ajay for most expensive film

PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 21

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has teamed up with Raj Kumar Santoshi for multistarrer 'Power' which is being touted as the most expensive film ever produced in the Indian film industry.

Giving him company are Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan. The mahurat of the film, produced by Firoz A Nadiadwala, will be held tomorrow in a suburban five star hotel.

Big B had shot Aladin’, Paa, Rann and Shoebite in 2008-09 and recently won the National Award for his performance of a 12-year-old progeria hit child in Paa'.

Following his illness in October 2008 due to which he

was hospitalised, the megastar's acting assignments had taken a backseat. After recuperating, he had hosted season three of reality show Big Boss'and recently shot for a Malayalam movie 'Kandahar' where he will be seen in a special appearance.

Sources close to the film said 'A' list action directors and stunt co-ordinators from Hollywood have been confirmed for the mega-budget project.

According to them, action and stunt directors who have worked on movies like James Bond', Casino Royale, Bourne Identity series, Spiderman and Swordfish and visual effectsteam which worked on 2012'would be part of the technical team.

PTI

Curfew remained in force in violence-hit Mendhar town of Poonch district for the seventh day today, while it was lifted in Poonch border town after the situation improved.

Cur few was imposed in Mendhar town last week after three persons were killed in police firing to quell a mob trying to set ablaze a missionary school while protesting the alleged desecration of a holy book in the US. In Poonch, curfew was imposed after arson and violent protests against the alleged desecration last week.

APPOINTMENTS

Meeting separatists was not a collective decision: Sushma PTI SRINAGAR, SEPT 21

Indicating her reservations at some members of the all-party delegation meeting separatists, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj today said this was not part of the team's “mandate” and suggested the decision was not a collective one.

“That was their own decision, not that of the delegation. If some want to go, how can we stop them?. They went but our decision was not to go. So we didn't go,” Sushma said.

Sushma made these remarks when asked by newsmen for her response to discussions three groups from the all-party team had with the separatist leaders

after some members went out of their way visiting their homes yesterday.

Three teams of the delegation met Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, leaders of the hardline and moderate Hurriyat groups respectively at their homes and JKLF chief Yasin Malik at his office in full media glare.

Sushma also said there was no question of division in the delegation on the issue of meeting the separatists.

“Some of the people in the delegation expressed the desire to meet them(separatists). Anyone can go individually. No one can stop them,” the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.

APPOINTMENTS

OHerALdO = =

OBITUARIES

GOA, wednesdAy, 22 september, 2010

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OBITUARY ON PAGE 2

US says China has ‘important role’ in S Asia PTI WASHINGTON, SEPT 21

Shrugging off India's concerns, the US has underscored China's "important role" in South Asia, even as it said that New Delhi had a stake in East Asia.

It was "unimaginable" that Beijing would not be involved in this strategically significant part of the world that includes countries like India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg said at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars.

At the same time, he said: "Just as we talk about South Asia with China, we talk about East Asia with India. That's an important part of our dialogue.

"We just had a very, very productive meeting chaired on our side by Assistant Secretary (of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt) Campbell with the Indian counterparts".

"We engage with them on issues like N Korea and the like because we think of the importance that India plays," Steinberg said.

On China, he said Beijing has an "important role" in South Asia.

"It's a neighbour of South Asia.

And it's unimaginable that China would not be involved," he said in response to a question after delivering a speech on 'Impact of US-China Relations in Asia'.

Obama’s approval rating dips in India PTI WASHINGTON, SEPT 21

Ahead of President Barack Obama's visit to India, the approval rating of US leadership has fallen to its lowest since 2008 in the country where the decisions of his administration to hike visa fee for professionals and outsourcing have grabbed the headlines.

The approval rating of the US leadership has dropped by 13 per cent – from 31 per cent in 2008 to 18 per cent in 2010, the latest Gallup Poll said yesterday.

At the same time, the approval rating of the US leadership has shown sign of marked improvement, in the aftermath of the USD 7.5 billion KerryLugar-Berman bill and massive flood relief work, in Pakistan where the approval rating has almost doubled from 10 per cent in 2008 to 18 percent in 2010.

Stepping up his campaign against outsourcing, Obama recently asserted his administration would offer tax benefits only to those firms which will create jobs in the country, a move that may hit Indian IT firms in a big way.

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2010

UN foresees dramatic cuts in poverty AGENCIES WASHINGtON, Sept 21

A decade ago, world leaders at the United Nations signed off on eight goals aimed at transforming the lives of the world's least fortunate - including cutting extreme poverty in half by 2015. Many Americans were skeptical; in a poll, only 8 percent thought that was possible. this week, as nations gather to assess the goals, the United Nations countered the skeptics with an announcement: the world is actually on track to halve the percentage of people on the lowest rung of the economic ladder. even with the brutal global recession, the ranks of the world's desperately poor are likely to shrink to 15 percent of the population by 2015, less than half of the original 42 percent, said a recent U.N. report.

the World Bank, in a separate analysis, said the objective appears "well within reach."

Despite the achievement, not everyone is celebrating.

Because of the economic crisis and jumps in food and fuel prices, "the momentum has been derailed" toward even deeper cuts in poverty, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, of the International Monetary Fund, said Monday at the opening session of a summit on the Millennium Development Goals, as the U.N. benchmarks are known.

Several of the original eight goals will probably not be met, including slashing the maternal and child mortality rate worldwide. Moreover, the progress on poverty comes with caveats: the absolute number of poor will shrink less than the percentage figure, because of population growth. Many note that

the decline in poverty is due in large part to changes in a few big countries - in particular, China.

Still, development experts say that there are numerous underreported success stories in other countries, even in Africa. While the economic growth drove the reductions in poverty, the ambitious U.N. goals prompted a greater flow of international aid, and got some poor countries to adopt better policies, experts say.

"What is not often understood is how many countries there are that have been making real progress," said Mark Suzman, policy director at the Global Development program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. For example, he said, nine African nations have already succeeded in halving their rate of extreme poverty

Protests against Swedish far-right election gains

since 1990, the baseline for the UN targets. the U.N. goals are aimed at the dirt-poor, a different level of misery than what's measured in the United States. the U.S. census sets the poverty level at $22,000 a year for a family of four. the U.N. goal, in contrast, targeted people living on less than $1 a day (later raised to $1.25 to reflect inflation). Many of them live in mud huts and shanty towns, with little access to flush toilets, medicine or high school.

How have so many people managed to get out of poverty?

China, with 1.3 billion people, has had the biggest impact.

About 60 percent of its massive population lived in extreme poverty in 1990; because of promarket overhauls, that figure had plummeted to 16 percent by 2005, according to UN figures.

NATO copter crash breaks Afghan war toll record AFP KABUL, Sept 21

The spontaneous protests were organised through social networking sites.

AFP StOCKHOLM, Sept 21

thousands of people have staged a protest in Sweden's capital, Stockholm, against the election to parliament of 20 members of a far-right party. they waved banners and shouted slogans criticising the Sweden Democrats, who oppose immigration and have been accused of racism and intolerance.

Its 5.7% of the vote came at the expense of the centre-right Alliance of prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt.

He has said he will seek the support of the Green party for his new government. the Green party is allied with the centre-left Social Democrats. the Greens' co-chairwoman, Maria Wetterstrand, earlier said the opposition bloc - which won 157 of the 349 seats in parliament - was united.

A crowd of 6,000 protesters, according to local police, took part in the demonstration in Stockholm on Monday, shouting

"No to racism!" there was another, smaller demonstration in Gothenburg. the BBC's Damien McGuinness in Stockholm says the protests started within hours of the news that the Sweden Democrats, had won 20 seats in national elections.

On Monday morning, a few hundred people gathered in front of government buildings in the city to express their disgust that what they describe as a racist political party now sits in parliament, our correspondent says.

By the evening, thousands had joined them, filling entire blocks of the city centre, he adds.

"It is very important to show that the big majority of the Swedish population is against the right-wing extremists like the Sweden Democrats," one of the participants, per Branevig, told the AFp news agency.

Reports say the spontaneous demonstration was organised mainly through social network-

Hilton pleads guilty to cocaine possession

ing sites such as Facebook and by word of mouth. earlier, prime Minister Reinfeldt said he would turn to the Green party to help counter the Sweden Democrats' influence, and that he had time to form a coalition government before parliament opens on 4 October.

Reinfeldt's Alliance won 49.3% of the vote in Sunday's election, the first non-left-wing government to reelected in nearly a century.

But with 172 seats, he fell short of a majority in the 349seat parliament.

"We have obviously had a lot of questions on how this electoral result would be managed," Reinfeldt told reporters. "there is no need to use words like chaos."

"My intention is to use the upcoming period to work through the challenges for Sweden. A clear presentation of the government needs to be made available by the beginning of October," he added.

Vatican bank investigated for money laundering AFP ROMe, Sept 21

AGENCIES LAS VeGAS, Sept 21

Hollywood socialite paris Hilton pleaded guilty to cocaine possession and obstructing an officer in a Las Vegas court on Monday, according to media reports.

Hilton, 29, admitted that cocaine found in her purse after a traffic stop last month was hers and that she lied about it.

"I said that the purse wasn't mine to the officer, your honor," she said to the judge.

the celebrity heiress must complete a drug abuse program, pay a 2,000 U.S. dollar fine and serve 200 hours of community service.

Besides, she was also given a one-year suspended sentence and warned that any new arrests in Las Vegas would result in her going to jail. the plea agreement does not require Hilton to be assigned a probation officer, meaning she won't have to report to anyone.

Italian prosecutors launched an investigation into the Vatican bank's top executives on tuesday for allegedly violating money laundering legislation, triggering a sharp rebuttal by the Vatican. prosecutors seized 23 million euros (30 million dollars) belonging to the the Istituto per le Opere di Religione (IOR) and opened an inquiry against chairman ettore Gotti tedeschi and chief executive paolo Cipriani. the Vatican Secretariat of State said in a statement it was "perplexed and astonished" at the investigation by the Rome prosecutor's office.

Both executives are accused of violating legislation passed in 2007 that requires banks to disclose information on financial operations. the Vatican said the information was already in the hands of the Bank of Italy and that similar operations to the ones under investigation have regularly taken place with other Italian banks. "the Holy See's authorities' evident willingness to be fully transparent regarding IOR's financial operations is well known," the Vatican added. the funds were seized temporarily from IOR's deposits in another Italian bank, Credito Artigiano, according to the ANSA news agency.

A helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan killed nine NAtO troops today in one of the deadliest incidents of the war, taking the overall death toll for foreign forces to an annual record. "the cause of the crash is under investigation," the NAtOled International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said. "there are no reports of enemy fire in the area."

Another NAtO soldier was injured, along with an Afghan soldier and a US civilian, ISAF said, but it did not identify the nationalities of the dead troops and did not give further details on where the crash took place. the incident brings to 529 the number of foreign troops killed this year, according to an AFp tally based on the count kept by icasualties.org, surpassing the previous record of 521 deaths in 2009.

A total of 2,097 coalition troops have now died since the US-led invasion of 2001 which ousted the hardline Islamist taliban regime and set off a brutal insurgency. the US Marines and US Army dominate the foreign forces concentrated in hotspots of the southern provinces of Kandahar and Helmand. After only nine months, 2010 has now become the deadlist year of the long war, with the extra deployment of international forces to nearly 150,000 drawing more battlefield engagements, and leading to a spike in casualties.

June was the deadliest month of the war for coalition troops, with 103 fatalities, according to an AFp count based on the independent icasualties.org figures. ten foreign troops, mostly American, were killed in a wave of attacks across the country on June 22.

Japan counsels against ‘extreme nationalism’ in row with China

18 dead in Pakistan violence

AGENCIES tOKYO, Sept 21

AGENCIES ISLAMABAD, Sept 21

eighteen people were killed in Karachi since Sunday in what police are calling politically motivated target killings. twelve people were also wounded in the political infighting in the southern pakistan city, Rafiq Gul, a Karachi police official said tuesday. police say the violence is connected to last week's killing of a prominent politician. politician Imran Farooq of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) was killed thursday in London, a spokesman for his party said. the MQM, one of the largest parties in pakistan, is part of president Asif Ali Zardari's ruling coalition.

Japan today warned that a deepening row over its detention of a Chinese fishing boat captain should not be allowed to fuel "extreme nationalism" on either side. the remarks follow Beijing's abrupt suspension of high-level contacts. China announced the measure in protest at Japan's decision to extend its detention of trawler captain Zhan Qixiong, whose ship collided with two Japanese coastguard vessels a fortnight ago near the Senkakus, a group of uninhabited islands claimed by both countries.

"What is most important is that government officials in Japan, China and other countries try not to fuel narrow-minded, extreme nationalism," Japan's

chief cabinet secretary, Yoshito Sengoku, told reporters.

"For the peace and development of east Asia and the Asiapacific, we want to use all available means of communication to ask that this be resolved without the situation escalating."

Sengoku said there were no plans for the prime minister, Naoto Kan, to discuss the crisis with the Chinese premier, Wen Jiabao, on the sidelines of the UN general assembly.

China's foreign ministry said a meeting between the two leaders would be inappropriate. "this matter has already seriously damaged China-Japan relations," Jiang Yu, a ministry spokeswoman, told reporters. "the key to solving this problem is in Japan's hands." the US voiced concern at the

prospect of a prolonged estrangement between China and Japan, which are engaged in long-standing disputes over the islands as well as drilling rights in oil and gas fields in the east China Sea. A US state department spokesman, Mark toner, said Washington expected the row to be "resolved through appropriate diplomatic means".

Japan's refusal to release Zhan has fuelled anti-Japanese sentiment among Chinese internet users and led to cultural exchanges being called off.

Chinese travel agencies have cancelled package tours to Japan, affecting thousands of tourists, while a youth association withdrew an invitation to 1,000 Japanese youngsters to attend the World expo in Shanghai.

Another UK minister opposes migrants cap PTI LONDON, Sept 21

As companies abandon expansion plans due to tight immigration limits placed on hiring Indian and other non-eU professionals, ministers in the UK's David Cameron government are mounting pressure to revise the policy. placing the annual limit on non-eU professionals is a key coalition promise as part of its objective to reduce net immigration into Britain. the promise, however, has been much criticised by companies and Business Secretary Vince Cable.

Now Chris Huhne, energy Secretary, has added his voice to the chorus against the annual limit.

Stating that the cap was a source of concern, he added that he would hold urgent meetings with Home Secretar y theresa May and Immigration Minister Damian Green to relay

his fears.

After hearing about problems that led to General electric being unable to implement a wind turbine factory worth 100 million pounds due to its inability to recruit the right skills from within the eU, Hunhe said it was "absolutely essential" that companies are able to recruit people with the right skills.

He told the Independent: "I have been personally lobbied by some major investors, pointing out the problems that face them if we have an inflexible immigration cap. that was a point made to me very forcefully

by Ge. they are about to be, I hope, a very significant investor...

"One of the issues they raised was whether they were going to be able to get key skills in and out of the country, given our commitment to an immigration cap."

Huhne is the second Liberal Democrat cabinet minister to

speak out against the cap, after Vince Cable warned it would be "very damaging to the UK economy".

He added: "I think when most people consider immigration, what they want is for us to be extremely tough on people who do not have skills to offer the country. But where there are very high-level skills that are needed to make the economy work and be competitive, I think we need to be flexible enough to welcome those people in."

Huhne, however, said the coalition government was committed to the common minimum agenda agreed between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives after the May 6 general election.

"A deal is a deal. We agreed in the coalition agreement to have a cap. the question is how the cap is applied, and whether the cap going to be on the people my constituents actually want to see controlled," he said.

Last week, Cable said the cap was leading to companies moving jobs overseas because they are unable to hire key personnel.

He said: "A lot of damage is being done to British industry. I've got a file full of examples. this is not just people whingeing."

Cable said he was committed to the coalition's plan for a permanent immigration cap but wanted to see it applied flexibly.

Complaints had been received from investment banking, engineering and pharmaceutical sectors.

Cable said: "I am not known of as the best friend of investment bankers, but you know they are quite an important source of economic activity.

"I was talking to people in the city and there were two investment banks that recruit hundreds of people from the non-eU area, Indians and Americans. they were allowed only 30-40 (visas). they have moved some operations to Hong Kong."

Dogs make waves at surfing competition: Two dogs wipe out during the annual Surf City Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach in California.

Israel rejects offer to join UN atomic agency AFP VIeNNA, Sept 21

It is against Israel's interests to join a global anti-nuclear arms treaty and the UN atomic watchdog is overstepping its mandate in demanding it to do so, the country’s nuclear chief said on tuesday.

Arab states have tabled a resolution at the International Atomic energy Agency annual conference in Vienna for Israel to fore swear nuclear weapons and sign up to the nuclear Non-proliferation treaty (Npt).

"Israel is not the only member state ... that has exercised its sovereign right not to accede to the Npt due to its national security considerations," Israel's Atomic energy Commission chief Shaul Chorev said.

"Yet Israel is the only state that has been

singled out, and is called upon to take a decision which is against its best national interests," he told the conference.

"Indeed, the advancement of states' accessions to international treaties does not fall within the mandate of the (IAeA)," he said. the Jewish state is the only Middle east power believed to possess nuclear weapons.

Chorev said the resolution tabled by the Arab states was part of a "political campaign to defame the state of Israel".

It was "incompatible with basic principles and norms of international law and does not fall within the mandate of the agency as defined in its statute," he said.

"Moreover, this resolution ... ignores the adverse reality in the Middle east region,"

Chorev said.

He said that Middle east states such as Iran, Syria, Libya and Iraq under Saddam Hussein -- all signatories to the Npt -- had "grossly violated their treaty obligations". "these four cases make it absolutely clear that the Npt is unable to adequately address the security challenges in the Middle east region where the treaty has been most abused," Chorev said. "the serious threat to the Npt and the non-proliferation regime is posed from within by those states that pursue nuclear weapons under the cover of their Npt membership." the Arab states' resolution, which has been tabled every year for the past few years, is expected to be debated on thursday.

Somali PM resigns AGENCIES MOGADISHU, Sept 21

Somali prime Minister Omar Abdelrashid Ali Sharmarkeh on tuesday announced his resignation following months of growing rift with the Somali president.

In a joint press conference, with president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, prime Minister Sharmarkeh, said he made his decision to avert collapsed of the federal institutions of Somali government and defuse further differences within the government.

Woman charged for dumping cat in garbage bin AP LONDON, Sept 21

A British woman captured on video camera dumping a cat into a garbage bin has been formally charged.

Mary elizabeth Bale, 45, has been charged with “causing unnecessary suffering to a cat and of not providing the animal with a suitable environment,” the Royal Society for the protection of Animals said in a statement. the cat, Lola, was trapped in the garbage bin for 15 hours before being rescued by its owners.

“Ms Bale was witnessed on CCtV footage stroking a cat, then looking around and picking the cat up by the scruff of its neck before putting it in a wheelie bin, shutting the lid and walking away from the scene,” the RSpCA said. “At no point did she return.” the video outraged people around the world. It took a few days for Bale to apologize after saying initially, “It’s just a cat.”

Bale is scheduled to appear in court in Coventry, central england, on October 19.

Cat dumper: I cannot explain why I did this AP LONDON, Sept 21

the woman who earned the wrath of a nation after she was caught on camera dumping a neighbourhood cat in a wheelie bin has apologised for her actions.

In a statement released to British media, Mary Bale, a 45-year-old bank worker from the english town of Coventry, said: "I want to take this opportunity to apologise profusely for the upset and distress that my actions have caused.

"I cannot explain why I did this, it is completely out of character and I certainly did not intend to cause any distress to Lola or her owners.

"It was a split second of misjudgement that has got completely out of control.

"I am due to meet with the RSpCA and police to discuss this matter further and will co-operate fully with their investigations.

"I wish to reiterate that I am profoundly sorry for my actions and wish to resolve this matter to everyone's satisfaction as soon as possible."

Ms Bale was captured on CCtV on Saturday night stroking tabby Lola before looking around her to check no one was watching, dumping the cat in the bin, shutting the lid and calmly walking away.

Lola's owners Darryl Mann and

Stephanie Andrews-Mann posted the footage online in a bid to catch the culprit and it went viral.

Ms Bale was soon identified and police guarded her house after she received death threats.

A Facebook group called "Death to Mary Bale" was removed by administrators yesterday as it contravened the site's terms of use, reported BBC News.

Meanwhile, the Sun website has created a game for people to get their own back on Ms Bale in a legal way. Whack-cat-woman features Ms Bale's head popping out of green wheelie bins. Clicking the mouse on her head slams the lid down.

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2010

SENSEX SCALES 20K

Kotak Mahindra ups interest rates on term deposits

Foreign investors fuel rally PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 21

Upbeat foreign investors on Tuesday pushed the stock market benchmark Sensex above the 20,000 points-mark for the first time in 32 months, as they bet on companies that are driving the India growth story.

The barometer closed 95.45 points, or 0.48 per cent, up at 20,001.55 – its best closing since January 15, 2008, when the index ended at 20,251.09 points.

Similarly, the 50-share National Stock Exchange benchmark Nifty breached the psychological 6,000 mark and ended at 6,009.05, up 28.6 points, or 0.48 per cent.

Some brokers, however, feel that a short-term correction may be round the corner, but would nonetheless provide good investment opportunities.

Happy with the market milestone, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters in New Delhi: “We all know that the Sensex is always a little bit unpre-

dictable. (But) I am happy that for the first time after January 2008, it has crossed 20,000.”

Analysts said the rally in Indian market is propelled by strong inflows from overseas fund houses, which have made a net investment of over Rs 71,000 crore in local stocks so far in this year.

“Sensex gushing past 20,000 mark, stands testimony to the attractiveness of India as a preferred investment destination. With Indian economy structurally well placed for an 8 to 9 per cent GDP growth over a long period, domestic equities are in a structural bull run,” Angel Broking CMD Dinesh Thakkar said.

Today’s close marked the third straight session of gains.

Significantly, the Sensex has completed its journey from 17,971 points on August 31 to 20,000 in just 15 trading days.

Today’s gain was fuelled by a smart gain in blue-chips like L&T, HDFC, HDFC Bank, TCS, Infosys and BHEL.

Infosys rose 0.9 per cent, TCS 2.5 per cent and Wipro 2.7 per cent. Equity analysts said IT stocks rose after IBM Corp announced a USD 1.7 billion takeover.

L&T zoomed 2 per cent, Cipla 1.92 per cent and BHEL 1.73 per cent. With a net gain of 2.93 per cent, Tata Power was the best performer in the Sensex pack.

In the BSE-30 pack, 16 stocks ended with gain, while rest 14 closed in the red.

Even in the broader market, 2,123 stocks declined against 883 advances.

Reliance Industries Ltd, which holds the maximum weight in the Sensex, acted as a drag, closing 0.60 per cent lower at Rs 1,033.5.

ITC plunged 2.58 per cent and led the losers' pack. Other major losers include Jaiprakash Associates 1.52 per cent, DLF 1.38 per cent and Hindalco 1.22 per cent.

Asian stocks rose after US homebuilder Lennar Corp posted better-than-estimated profit, boosting optimism in the economic recovery worldwide.

Manipur NABARD may be shifted to another state PTI IMPHAL, SEPT 21

Manipur regional branch of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) may be shifted to another state due to ‘undue pressure on its officials by unwanted elements,’ said a spokesman of the federation of NGOs on Tuesday.

Federation advisor Amu Kamei told media persons that NABARD has been pro-

viding crores of rupees as funds or loans to over 30 NGOs for taking up various developmental activities in the state.

Shifting of the NABARD branch to other state or city, particularly to Guwahati, would be a great loss to Manipur as it also works closely with government departments like fisheries, horticulture and agriculture.

Kamei said a officer-in-charge of

NABARD was transferred to Patna for allegedly not giving into the demands of local NGOs and sanctioning some projects without fulfilling the formalities.

Likewise, many other officers were transferred and now only a few were working in the Manipur office, Kamei said and urged all sections of the people, including militants not to disturb the working of NABARD.

CPT gets nod to develop dry port PTI CHENNAI, SEPT 21

The Centre has approved a proposal by Chennai Port Trust (CPT) to develop an integrated dry port and multi-model logistics hub at a cost of Rs 380 crore at Mappedu village near here.

Union shipping minister G K Vasan told reporters here that the proposal was planned as Chennai port had space constrains. The project would come under public private partnership, he said.

The land for the project had been taken on a 99-year lease from Tamil Nadu government, he said.

He said the port was also planning development of additional berth facilities for export of automobiles besides a ro-ro (roll on/roll off) multipurpose berth.

PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 21

Within a week of the Reserve Bank hiking its key rates, private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank (KBM) on Tuesday increased interest rates on its term deposits by 0.25 per cent.

The hike in the rate is applicable to deposits having maturity of over a year and is with immediate effect, the bank said in a release.

In order to check inflationary concerns, the RBI had on September 16 raised its short-term lending rate (the repo rate) by 0.25 per cent to 6 per cent and borrowing rate (reverse repo) by 0.50 per cent to 5 per cent.

After the hike, bankers had opined there will be a hike in deposit rates in the near term which will in turn create pressure to hike lending rates as well.

KMB is the first lender to upwardly revise its deposit rates since the RBI’s mid-quarter review last week.

Under the revised rate structure, deposits having a maturity of over one year but till 389 days will fetch an interest of 7.25 per cent per annum while those between five years and ten years attract an interest of 7.75 per cent, the release said.

Delta Corp raising Rs 285 cr PANJIM (HBD): Goa casino operator Delta Corp is raising Rs 285.48 crore through issue of equity convertible warrants to a group of unnamed investors. The company that was originally a textile firm had over the last two years undergone a business restructuring whereby it has become a hospitality and real estate player by demerging its textile business to Arrow Textiles.

The largest shareholder of Delta Corp is Zia Jaydev Mody (one of the top corporate lawyers of the country and daughter of Soli Sorabjee) who is married to Jaydev Mody who in turn is related to the Piramals and has been engaged in real estate sector.

The company proposes to issue warrants at Rs 51 per share, a sharp discount to the

current market price of Rs 70.

However, the proposed issue is in line with recent price as the scrip has shot up 76% over the last one month.

The company’s board has also approved further allotment of securities worth Rs 39.45 crore to ICICI Venture as a pre-emption right under the terms of the Investment Agreement signed in February 2008. ICICI Venture has a pre-emption right in respect of any fresh issuance of securities, to subscribe such further securities so as to maintain its shareholding in Delta Corp.

ICICI Venture bought 14.99% in Delta(then Arrow Webtex) for Rs 82 crore at a price of Rs 40.5 per share. Its holding has since then whittled down to 12.15% due to subsequent issues.

BSE commences mobile-based trading PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 21

The Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd (BSE), India’s oldest stock exchange launched mobile-based trading on Tuesday through its 33 leading brokers, a senior Exchange official said.

“We have started providing user-friendly mobile-based trading from today. The top 33 brokers of BSE commenced mobile trading for their clients,” BSE’s Managing Director & CEO, Madhu Kannan told reporters here.

Leading BSE stock brokers namely, Angel Broking, Motilal Oswal Securities, Marwadi Shares & Finance, BCB Brokerage, Asika Stock Broking, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services,

Zuri to offload 20% stake to private equity players KOLKATA (Agencies): Zuri Group Global, whose businesses span across three continents with interests in hospitality, floriculture, real estate and green energy, is planning to offload at least 20 per cent stake to private equity (PE) players, a top company official said on Tuesday.

“We are planning to offload 20 per cent stake. We are in talks with two PE players,” Abhishek Kamani, director, told reporters.

The group is restructuring its hospitality business into three luxury collections- platinum, lifestyle and comfort- to gain more foothold in the Indian hospitality market.

Zuri Group Global has four hotels in India – two properties in Goa, one each in Kumarakom (Kerala) and Bangalore (Karnataka).

SMC Global Securities, ICICI Securities, India Infoline, Kotak Securities, Standard Chartered STCI Capital Markets are among those who started providing mobile based trading facility to its clients.

The mobile trading service will be extended to all the investors through its 900 active brokers soon. Mobile trading is essentially an extension of internet based trading.

Kannan said the security on mobile trading will be same as on internet trading. Brokers will have full control of the risk parameters since orders submitted by client on his mobile will be sent via the broker's servers to the exchange.

Geojit BNP Paribas launched its online trading platform via mobile, a revolutionary new investment platform in the Indian capital market.

Speaking at the launch function here, Geojit BNPP Managing Director, C J George, said while it has already integrated FLIP (The Financial Internet Platform) into its bouquet of products, with mobile trading clients would be able to stay in touch with the market and invest, trade from anywhere – home, while travelling, office at a very low monthly cost.

Geojit’s customers would benefit immensely as they would have the capability to ‘trade in their palm’. Fifteen years ago, stock exchanges were far away and the mobile trading brings the exchange in your hand’, he said.

Among the significant features of the mobile trading are simple, easy and attractive user interface, customizable Market Watch, secure connection (HTTPS), ability to provide details for stocks, market to market, orders, trades, margin and holding, easy access to market news and research tops through interactive messages, ease in placing instant buy/sell orders and cancellation of outstanding orders etc.

CORNER

Ashoka Buildcon sets price band at Rs 297-324 PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 21

Real estate developer Ashoka Buildcon Ltd has fixed a price band of Rs 297 and Rs 324 a share for its Rs 225 crore Initial Public Offer (IPO).

The subscriptions to the IPO will begin on September 24. The issue will close on September 28.

“The company intends to raise Rs 225 crore through an Initial Public Offer (IPO) mainly to retire debt and buy equipment to faster execution projects,” Ashoka Buildcon’s Chairman, Ashok Katariya told reporters here.

The road-focused infrastructure firm intends to use Rs 25 crore from the net proceeds for the purchase of capital equipment to meet the requirements of its various projects, Katariya said.

The company currently operate in 21 BOT road projects and its revenues from these BOT projects represented 20.31 per cent of its income from operations for fical 2010.

It has completed 17 of its 26 projects and it was pre-qualified for 23 other projects.

The Equity Shares are proposed to be listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd (BSE).

Enam Securities and IDFC Capital are the lead managers to the offer, while Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors is the co-lead manager.

GIREM to focus on sustainable development and management PANJIM (HBD): Key strategists, urban planners, industry experts, and top bureaucrats are converging at Goa to brainstorm on how to deal with the myriad issues that confront urban planning ‘POWER THE FUTURE’, is the focal theme of the third edition of GIREM, Global Initiative for Restructur-

Sensex scales 20K PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 21

Upbeat foreign investors on Tuesday pushed the stock market benchmark Sensex above the 20,000 points-mark for the first time in 32 months, as they bet on firms that are driving the India growth story.

The barometer closed 95.45 points, or 0.48 per cent, up at 20,001.55 – its best closing since January 15, 2008, when the index ended at 20,251.09 points.

Similarly, the 50-share National Stock Exchange benchmark Nifty breached the psychological 6,000 mark and ended at 6,009.05, up 28.6 points, or 0.48 per cent.

Some brokers, however, feel that a short-term correction may be round the corner, but would nonetheless provide good investment opportunities.

Aban Offshor, 840, 845, 826.1, 834.8 Abb Ltd., 860.05, 866.8, 848, 856.85 Abg Shipyard, 241.95, 243.45, 237.15, 238.4 Acc Limited, 1020, 1030, 1009.1, 1016.5 Adani Enterp, 690.5, 710.7, 674, 684.75 Aditya Birla, 904, 904, 872.05, 877.85 Allahabad Ba, 234, 234.9, 226.85, 228.45 Alstom Proje, 764, 769.85, 748.45, 754.05 Ambuja Cemen, 145.9, 149.2, 142.5, 146.6 Andhra Bank, 167.5, 168.4, 163, 163.9 Ashok Leylan, 76.35, 76.7, 74.55, 75.15 Asian Paints, 2825.25, 2873.55, 2800, 2816.1 Axis Bank Li, 1550.5, 1582.55, 1525.15, 1530.75 Bajaj Hindus, 132.6, 135, 128.3, 130.15 Bank Of Baro, 883, 889.5, 865.6, 870.3 Bank Of Indi, 502.9, 502.9, 491, 495.3 Beml Limited, 1165.05, 1175, 1135, 1141.1 Bharat Elect, 1840, 1849.95, 1769.1, 1791.9 Bharat Forge, 365.15, 365.15, 357.75, 360.4 Bharat Petro, 817.9, 818, 789.2, 793.95 Bharti Airte, 366.1, 370.85, 363.05, 365.55 Bhel, 2450.05, 2496.3, 2447.45, 2479.35

ing Environment and Management, the flagship Urban Development and Real Estate Conference to be held in Goa at the Zuri White Sands, Varca, from September 23 to 25, 2010.

Key strategists, urban planners, industry experts, and top bureaucrats are converging at

Bhushan Stee, 430, 439.7, 418, 422.15 Biocon Limit, 356, 357.65, 348.1, 351.4 Bombay Dyein, 645.8, 671.25, 640, 665.4 Bosch Limite, 6325, 6329, 6211.1, 6279.05 Brigade Ente, 154.4, 158.2, 149, 153.5 Cairn India, 343.75, 345.9, 340.1, 342.55 Canara Bank, 576, 581.4, 555, 561.45 Central Bank, 205.05, 205.95, 195.55, 196.95 Century Text, 518.6, 519, 501.5, 505.45 Cesc Ltd, 418, 421, 406.2, 408.55 Chambal Fert, 73.65, 74.65, 72, 72.25 Chennai Petr, 254.15, 255, 250.05, 252.85 Cipla Ltd, 318, 323.4, 315.5, 321.6 Colgate Palm, 862, 869.8, 838, 859.1 Container Co, 1305, 1335, 1305, 1324.45 Crompton Gre, 312, 313, 306.2, 309.5 Cummins Indi, 750.1, 768.8, 735, 750.1 Dabur India, 109.35, 112.2, 108.25, 109.35 Deccan Chron, 138.1, 138.7, 133, 134.75 Dish Tv Indi, 57.25, 57.7, 54.85, 55.3 Divi’s Labor, 725, 736, 706, 708.1 Dlf Limited, 366, 367.3, 355.6, 358.7 Dr. reddy’s, 1483.8, 1498.8, 1436.2, 1490.9

Goa to brainstorm on how to deal with the myriad issues that confront urban planning.

About 400 delegates from across the globe will be attending the third Summit of GIREM. “With the percentile growth of population in rural and urban areas during the decade (2001-2011) estimated

Edelweiss Ca, 55, 55.4, 53.1, 54.35 Educomp Solu, 605.1, 620, 595, 618.45 Eih Limited, 141.25, 145, 138, 138.55 Engineers In, 351.1, 360, 346.5, 353.55 Essar Oil Lt, 135.1, 137.4, 132.1, 136.25 Essar Shippi, 116.6, 117.95, 113.85, 114.45 Exide Indust, 159, 160.4, 155.3, 156.85 Federal Bank, 375, 377.15, 366.6, 371.65 Financial Te, 1414.75, 1414.75, 1366.3, 1386.6 Gail (india), 485, 485.8, 472.35, 479.65 Gammon India, 215.25, 217, 211.05, 213.05 Glaxosmithkl, 2040, 2078, 1982.05, 2070.25 Glenmark Pha, 288.5, 292.75, 284.1, 286.35 Gmr Infrastr, 59.3, 59.3, 57.9, 58.1 Godrej Indus, 230.45, 232, 223.1, 225.45 Grasim Indus, 2250, 2262, 2221, 2231 Great Offsho, 392, 392, 383, 384.1 Gtl Infra.Lt, 46.7, 47.45, 46.25, 46.75 Gujarat Mine, 143.6, 144.4, 134.35, 135.6 Gujarat N R, 64.85, 65.7, 61.5, 61.95 Gujarat Stat, 110.5, 110.8, 107, 108.35 Gvk Pow. & I, 48, 49.5, 48, 48.15 Hcl Technolo, 423, 430, 416, 428.3

Hdfc Bank Lt, 2455.1, 2494.6, 2455.1, 2470.75 Hdfc Ltd, 705, 735.65, 705, 721.6 Hero Honda M, 1826, 1869, 1780.2, 1809.05 Hindalco in, 193.95, 195.15, 189.3, 191.6 Hindustan Co, 64.2, 64.55, 62.3, 62.8 Hindustan Ma, 76.5, 77.75, 75.05, 75.7 Hindustan Pe, 555, 555, 537.35, 540.1 Hindustan Un, 294, 300, 289.1, 294.95 Hindustan Zi, 1097, 1109.7, 1067.05, 1070.7 Housing Dev, 283, 284.7, 276.25, 278.7 Icici Bank L, 1128, 1132.8, 1105.05, 1127.15 Idea Cellula, 77, 77.3, 75.55, 76.15 Ifci Ltd, 62.5, 63.7, 60.75, 63.05 India Cement, 120, 120.45, 114.05, 118.65 India Infoli, 110, 113.4, 108.65, 111.05 Indiabulls F, 146.2, 148.5, 145.5, 146.9 Indiabulls R, 188, 188, 182, 184.95 Indian Bank, 270.05, 273.75, 267, 268.6 Indian Hotel, 107, 107.2, 104.05, 104.35 Indian Oil C, 450, 450, 436.1, 438.35 Indian Overs, 142, 143, 137.6, 138.7 Indus Dev Ba, 144.4, 144.6, 139.8, 141.35 Indusind Ban, 270.95, 273.9, 264, 265.85

at 17.9 and 31.2 per cent respectively, urban India is faced with gargantuan issues – pressure on housing and industrial requirements; civic infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage, drainage etc.

These pressing issues need immediate and long-term sustainable solutions and all the Infosys Tech, 3015, 3065, 2996.6, 3059.15 Infra. dev., 196, 196.05, 191.15, 193.55 Ispat Indust, 24.3, 24.55, 22.55, 23.4 Itc Ltd, 177.85, 179.3, 171.4, 172.65 Ivrcl Infras, 160.3, 166, 159.6, 165.2 Jai Corp Lim, 271.55, 271.55, 262.25, 263.65 Jaiprakash A, 125.5, 125.75, 122.25, 123.4 Jet Airways, 763.9, 788, 762, 772.85 Jindal Saw L, 209.6, 210.45, 203.25, 207.15 Jindal Steel, 714.5, 720, 702, 703.7 Jsw Steel Li, 1291, 1300.05, 1250.55, 1269.5 Kotak Mahind, 477, 496.4, 476.05, 488.15 Lakshmi Mach, 2422, 2459.6, 2401, 2412.25 Lanco Infrat, 69.8, 69.9, 66.6, 67.35 Larsen & Tou, 2007, 2075, 2002.35, 2039.9 Lic Housing, 1336, 1345, 1308.55, 1321.05 Lupin Limite, 391.5, 391.5, 381.1, 386.5 Mahanagar Te, 65.45, 65.9, 63.55, 63.7 Mahindra & M, 690, 706.45, 680, 685.3 Maruti Suzuk, 1400.05, 1417.9, 1387.1, 1413.1 Max India Lt, 176, 176.2, 167.35, 169.65

stake-holders understand that they cannot be discussed and dealt in silos, hence GIREM. It is an initiative to bring different key players together in the pursuit of planned and sustainable urban development,” said Shyam Sundar S Pani, President – GIREM & ED Triple Tree.

Maytas Infr., 215, 217, 206.35, 210.5 Moser-baer (, 68.45, 68.6, 66.1, 66.6 Mrpl, 80.25, 81.95, 79.4, 80.35 Nagarjuna Co, 160.9, 162, 158.95, 159.7 Nagarjuna Fe, 32, 32.25, 31.05, 31.15 National Alu, 414.5, 414.5, 404.05, 407.45 Neyveli Lign, 160, 161.3, 157.6, 158.9 Ntpc Ltd, 206.45, 209.45, 204.6, 208 Oil And Natu, 1406, 1416, 1397.35, 1403.85 Omaxe Limite, 137.15, 142.9, 136, 140.95 Oriental Ban, 461.95, 463.7, 440.15, 444.25 Pantaloon Re, 505, 505.8, 483, 488.2 Parsvnath De, 141.5, 141.5, 138.1, 138.8 Petronet Lng, 110.95, 111.45, 107, 108.9 Power Fin Co, 353.1, 357, 340, 342.7 Power Grid C, 106.55, 107, 105.3, 105.65 Praj Industr, 78.1, 78.4, 76.6, 76.9 Punj Lloyd L, 124.55, 124.55, 119, 120.3 Punjab Natio, 1292.4, 1307.5, 1269, 1271.4 Rajesh Expor, 100.2, 103.5, 96.3, 99.55 Ranbaxy Labs, 530.4, 566.4, 530.4, 561.9 Rashtriya Ch, 85.05, 85.3, 83.5, 83.7 Rel. nat. re, 40.7, 41.1, 40, 40.3 Reliance Cap, 829.5, 845, 828.3, 836.45

Reliance Com, 176, 176.75, 171.2, 173.4 Reliance Ene, 1130, 1180, 1130, 1162.9 Reliance Ind, 906.8, 912.4, 883.6, 888 Reliance Ind, 1042, 1048.5, 1025.05, 1035.15 Reliance Pow, 163.9, 164.8, 160.15, 161.5 Rolta India, 169.3, 176.9, 169, 174.5 Satyam Compu, 93, 98.65, 92.7, 95.2 Sesa Goa Ltd, 337.5, 342.8, 336.1, 338.8 Shipping Cor, 165.75, 165.75, 162.1, 163.4 Siemens Ltd, 765.8, 784, 760, 780 Sintex Indus, 361.5, 368.9, 354.55, 356.6 Sobha Develo, 384, 385, 371.75, 374.2 State Bank O, 3115, 3129, 3085.7, 3098.75 Steel Author, 206, 206.9, 203.3, 205.6 Sterlite Ind, 172.75, 173.5, 170, 172.25 Sun Pharmace, 1869.9, 1947, 1860.05, 1930.75 Sun Tv Netwo, 520.5, 525, 510.4, 513.3 Suzlon Energ, 57, 57.9, 54.95, 55.25 Tata Communi, 337, 337.9, 326.5, 327.9 Tata Consult, 912, 958, 910.3, 953.95 Tata Motors, 1058, 1085, 1051.4, 1080.6 Tata Power C, 1268.2, 1310, 1260.6,

1304.65 Tata Steel L, 620.2, 623.75, 610.5, 615.35 Tata Teleser, 23.75, 23.75, 23.15, 23.25 Tech Mahindr, 720, 740.7, 717.1, 727.75 The Ge Shpg., 314, 315.9, 307.5, 311.4 The Phoenix, 259, 259.25, 250, 250.6 Thermax Ltd, 803.9, 806.5, 772, 796.35 Titan Indust, 3199, 3215, 3147.15, 3158.3 Torrent Powe, 336.1, 336.1, 329.25, 330.9 Triveni Engg, 108.8, 109, 105.05, 105.95 Tv18 India L, 93.1, 94.65, 90.85, 91.75 Uco Bank, 118.8, 119.25, 115.7, 116.8 Ultratech Ce, 1065.65, 1093.35, 1062.15, 1067.9 Union Bank O, 385.7, 393.2, 380.9, 385.55 Unitech Ltd, 88.8, 89, 85, 86.05 United Phosp, 186.8, 189.3, 183.55, 186.8 Videocon Ind, 267.3, 268, 259.95, 261.55 Vijaya Bank, 84.65, 85.05, 82.5, 82.75 Voltas Ltd, 238.05, 239.75, 230.5, 232.6 Wipro Ltd, 422, 437.4, 422, 435.3 Yes Bank Lim, 333, 338.45, 328.25, 329.2 Zee Entertai, 292.8, 298.5, 291.75, 293.55

OHERALDO

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2010

India in the running for Russia’s Arctic oil ReuTeRs MOSCOW, SEPT 21

Russia’s Natural Resources Minister Yuri Trutnev said on Tuesday that India’s ONGC was the only foreign oil company to place a bid for Russia’s giant Arctic Trebs and Titov oil deposits.

“The deposits are classified as strategic, and so it is up to a government commission to decide whether ONGC can participate alone, but I doubt that will be the case. I would be surprised,” Trutnev told reporters.

On Monday, Nord Imperial, the Russian subsidiary of ONGC, India’s state-run oil and gas company, submitted its bid application for the fields to Rosnedra, the government agency responsible for subsoil

AI finalising appointments to key positions

licences.

Trutnev confirmed that oil firms LUKOIL, Russia’s No 2 oil producer, TNK-BP, half-controlled by BP, Gazprom Neft, Surgutneftegaz, and mid-sized firm Bashneft also placed bids.

The Trebs and Titov deposits, the largest unallotted hydrocarbon fields remaining in state reserves, holding an estimated 200 million tonnes of oil reserves, will be sold at a government auction on December 2.

Rosneft, the country’s largest oil producer, did not bid, but the firm’s new President, Eduard Khudaynatov, said it would consider joining the project if a potential partner wins the bid, Platts reported.

“We have proposals from

partners to join them if they win the tender,” Khudaynatov said following meetings in China with government officials and the China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC).

Khudaynatov did not say which of the six bidders was a potential partner, but previous reports have named ONGC. Last month, sources in ONGC and Rosneft told Russian business daily Vedomosti that ONGC proposed a joint bid for the oil fields to Rosneft.

In March, the Russian government said it would consider allowing ONGC to enter the running for development rights of the Trebs and Titov fields, as the country was looking to double trade with India to $20 billion by 2015.

PTI CHENNAI, SEPT 21

Cash-strapped Air India is in the process of finalising appointments to three key managerial positions which would put an extra annual burden of about Rs 3.5 crore annually, sources said.

The appointments are for the posts of the Chief Operating Officer of Air India Express, Chief Training Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Air India.

The sources said the CEO of the airline’s low-cost arm and the CTO would be paid eight times the salary of the CMD and 10 times that of the functional directors as they are being hired on a package of Rs 1.9 crore and Rs 1.20 crore.

The CIO is understood to have been offered a package of Rs 45 lakh annually.

With a meeting of the Air India Board slated on September 28, the management is expected to seek approval on the appointments of Capt Pawan Arora as Air India Express COO, Stefan Sukumar and Kamaljit Rattan as Chief Training Officer and Chief Information Officer respectively, the sources said.

Looking to boost farming sector growth by more than four per cent, Indian Council of Agricultural Research has chalked out a massive Rs 2300 crore programme on various projects, including research.

“Now every state is coming up well in the agricultural sector, with many touching close to about 2.8 per cent.

However our annual target agricultural growth rate is about four per cent”, ICAR Director General Dr S Ayyappan told PTI. These initiatives include gearing up to meet new challenges in climate change, Public-Private partnership projects and programmes to make more people take to agriculture as a livelihood.

“We are working deeply in all aspects in the country on climate change”, he said.

The Public-Private Partnership initiative will benefit both sectors, besides the farmers. “More emphasis on innovation and interaction between the two sectors may result in more synergy among them”, he said.

To lure more people to take up agriculture as livelihood, various initiatives like farmers’ training and capacity building

for more innovative agricultural practices have been chalked out. “We are also trying to bring them to higher stage by identifying innovators in each district and giving them awards at the national level”, he said.

“Besides ICAR also conducts awareness campaigns among students on the agricultural sector that has good prospects so they will take up studies related to agriculture”, Ayyappan said.

Ayyappan, who was here to attend a function organised by Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, said every project or product initiated by ICAR has been formulated after consultation with state governments to be region specific. “We are also customising region-specific products”, he said.

ICAR officials said the latest e-linkage facility is expected to help Krishi Vigyan Kendras develop fruitful partnerships between subject matter specialists of KVKs and researchers, extensionists and farmers to share and upscale appropriate technologies, best practices and innovative ideas or experiences among stakeholders.

KVK is a district level Farm Science Center set up by ICAR

Kerala asks Centre to ban Sikkim, Bhutan lotteries Kerala government has asked Centre to take stringent action including a ban on Sikkim and Bhutan paper lotteries in the state in the wake of clear cut evidences that promoters of these lotteries were violating rules.

State government has submitted to Centre a fresh memorandum with all details of violation of rules by the promoters and expect an early action on the matter, State Finance Minister T M Thomas Issac told reporters here on Tuesday.

During an examination by state officials of commercial taxes department in co-operation with their counterparts in Tamil Nadu at Mahalekshmi Offset Printers, Shivakasi,

PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 21

UK’s Cairn Energy Plc on Tuesday said it will seek shareholder nod for sale of majority stake in its Indian arm, Cairn India, to London-listed Vedanta Resources Plc for up to $ 8.48 billion on October 7.

“The General Meeting (of the shareholders) will be held at Edinburgh on October 7, 2010, at 1400 hours (local time),” the company said in a notice for the extraordinary general meeting (EGM).

Cairn Energy is selling between 40 and 51 per cent of its 62.38 per cent stake in Cairn India to billionaire Anil Agarwal-run Vedanta Resources group for up to $ 8.48 billion.

Mimicking Australian mining firm BHP Billiton Ltd’s strategy of diversifying into oil, Cairn India will give Vedanta access to the nation’s biggest onshore oilfield.

Cairn India, currently, produces 125,000 barrels of crude oil per day (6.25 million tonnes a year) from Mangala oilfield in Rajasthan and has stated that the output could rise to 150,000 bpd (7.5 million tonnes).

The entire Rajasthan block, which is estimated to hold 6.5 billion barrels of in-place oil reserves, can produce up to 240,000 bpd, equivalent to 12 million tonnes a year of peak output from State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) prime Mumbai High fields in the western offshore.

Cairn Energy Plc chief executive Bill Gammell had last week stated that the deal hinges upon completion of an open offer by the Vedanta Group to minority shareholders of Cairn India.

Vedanta Resources Group is yet to get market regulator SEBI’s approval for an open offer to acquire up to a 20 per cent stake from minority shareholders at a price of Rs 355 a share, Rs 50 less than what it is paying Cairn Energy for a majority stake.

Ambitious Rs 2300 cr programme to boost farming sector growth

PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 21

PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, SEPT 21

Shareholder meet on Cairn India stake sale in Oct

where the lotteries were printed, it was found that the press did not have the ‘security press’ recognition either by Reserve Bank of India or Indian Banker’s Association, Issac said.

As per the Centre Lottery Act, other state lotteries have to be printed in a ‘security press’ status press, he pointed out.

Kerala government had already informed the Centre about the various irregularities being committed by the promoters and the memorandum submitted on last week was the latest, he said and alleged that ‘Centre is reluctant to take action and is helping lottery mafia'.

Following the row over the operation of other state lotteries, the state government had stopped accepting advance taxes from the promoters,

which in effect, had curtailed the draw of both Sikkim and Bhutan in the state for the last few weeks.

On the report that illegal sale of lotteries of Sikkim was going on in parts of state, Issac said raids were conducted at 619 centres, but nothing incriminating were found, he said.

However, criminal case has been registered against an agent for selling lottery that has been withdrawn at Kozhikode, he said.

Issac, who recently held an open debate over the issue with Congress, MLA, V D Sateeshan, said he would be launching an interactive web titled ‘counterpoint’ with focus on lottery issue. ‘Let people give their views on the matter’, he said.

for speedy transfer of technology to fields, whose aim is to reduce time lag between generation of technology at research institutes and transfer it to fields to increase production and income from agriculture and allied sectors on a sustained basis.

ICAR has played a pioneering role in ushering in the Green Revolution and subsequent developments in agriculture through its R&D, helping quadruple foodgrain production, horticultural crops and milk by six times, fish by nine times and eggs by 27 times since 1950-51.

ICAR is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

Exchanges to soon launch options in currency derivatives: SEBI he said it was undergoing ‘tremendous transformation’.

Stock exchanges in the country The entry load ban was introwill be launching options in duced from August 1, 2009 to currency derivatives very soon, July 21, 2010. ‘Everyone talks Securities and Exchange Board of the Rs 10,000 crore erosion of India (SEBI) Chairman, C B between during the entry load Bhave, on Tuesday. ban’, he said.

The Reserve Bank of India The SEBI Chairman said Rs (RBI) and SEBI have given in 63,000 crore was collected by principle clearance to launch the mutual fund industry duroptions in curing this period. rency derivatives, The truth is some Exchanges have Bhave said. of the distributors ‘Exchanges have applied to SEBI have adjusted to applied to us and and a decision is the new environwe are expecting excepted on actument. The mutual to take a decision fund industry on ally allowing exon actually allowits own cannot ing exchanges to changes to launch collect Rs 63,000 launch options in options in curcrore in equity in currency deriva- rency derivatives existing schemes. tives very soon’, very soon.

The asset manageBhave said adment company dressing a seminar needs to adjust to on ‘Investor Protection and this and make efforts.

Market Development’ here.

The profits of the Asset ManIntroduction of currency de- agement Companies (AMC) put rivatives in stock exchanges together had gone up by three was a subject pending for long. times during 2009-10 comWe were able to evolve a joint pared to 2008-09. The profits regulatory mechanism. We will of the AMC which was Rs 243 go step by step. Initially futures crore in 2008-09, touched Rs was introduced, then Rupee- 870 crore in 2009-10. This was Dollar, Rupee-Pound and an opportunity for the AMCs to Rupee-Euro was introduced’, adjust to the new environment, he said. he said.

On the mutual fund industry, Some AMCs are training PTI KOCHI, SEPT 21

AI finalising appointments to key positions MUMBAI (PTI): Cash-strapped Air India is in the process of finalising appointments to three key managerial positions which would put an extra annual burden of about Rs 3.5 crore annually, sources said. The appointments are for the posts of the Chief Operating Officer of Air India Express, Chief Training Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Air India.

their personnel to adjust to the new environment, some are not, he said adding unfortunately some wasted lot of time trying to scuttle this move.

The investors have Rs 1200 crore extra in the hands in one year when the industry is saying their collections are down.

In earlier years, money used to be collected in newly launched schemes, now money is being collected in existing schemes, he said adding existing schemes are gathering weight compared to new schemes. So new schemes launches have come down.

In retail applications, 18-20 per cent persons apply through ASBA. This percentage will increase and there is need for investor education in this area. We are talking to merchant bankers on the glitches in the system. We need to improve.

‘We want to collect sufficient data on ASBAR to see how much money investors have saved by way of interest’.

In the IPO scam, SEBI could recover Rs 28 crore from intermediataries and entities those who had unlawfully made and it was restored to the investors.

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Wednesday, 22 Sept, 2010

Different Faces of Ganesh

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Parenting

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Photos by Chiquitita de Sousa

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BY THE PATHFINDER s you sit across from the lovely legend, Lorna, you immediately find a sense of calm wash over you. Though many perceive a person like her to be a proud public figure that one cannot approach or talk to, proving to be just the opposite, the quintessential quality of Lorna is her down to earth persona, coupled with humility and simplicity that instantly sets you at ease. It just takes a moment to get to know her and realise that she is as amicable as your best friend!

The power and passion that Lorna brings to the stage has long since been admired, applauded and talked about. But where does it come from? Lorna admits, “The emotion and fire that is in me comes from all that I have gone through in my life. I feel the words before I sing the song and that’s why I am able to make people dance, smile and, just as easily, cry. The knowledge of that ability touches and humbles me to no end.”

The glorious musical journey of Goa’s nightingale began years ago. Taking us back in time, a nostalgic Lorna says, “I love singing and have loved it for as long as I can remember! I first started singing when I was just 15 years old and my public debut was at the Bandra Fair with Raymond Albuquerque and his quintet and it was news of this performance that went to Chris Perry and made him come and meet me at my house. I always told my mother that if I ever sang professionally, it would only be with Chris Perry. And imagine my surprise and elation when my mother called me at the office where I worked and said, ‘Your dream has come true!

Chris Perry is coming to meet and audition you!’. I was ecstatic! Chris Perry himself said later, ‘My dream is fulfilled. I have found the singer I was looking for’ and he gave me the phrase, ‘A star is born in Saligao’. From there it just took off. My first contract was in Calcutta and we rehearsed for it for nine months in Bombay.”

Notably, Chris Perry is a touchy topic for Lorna, as it’s one that has been speculated, gossiped and rumoured about for years on end. But she puts it quite simply when she says, “Chris was my mentor. While God gave me the voice and the talent, he moulded and made me and for that, I am indebted to him. Together, we made melodious music and huge hits and that was all thanks to him and his creativity.”

As she talks about her music, I am tempted to ask Lorna which, out of all her songs, is her favourite. And I am taken by surprise as she tears up and replies, “‘Sopon’. Till today, my eyes well up when I sing or talk about it. It is the story of a bride to be and that is the one thing that never happened for me. I am fond of all my

at spreading awareness on keeping Marcel clean and green. We have also distributed containers to the mandals and urge visitors to make use of them and not throw trash on the road. We want this festival to be clean and hope people visiting this place will cooperate with us.”

Commemorating the tenth year, the Sai Kala

Mandal, Tariwada Marcel has made Dashavatari Ganesh using coloured wax. Incidentally, this was the first mandal to begin with such replicas and was subsequently emulated by other mandals.

Among the other groups, Mallinanth Sports and Cultural Club has worked with metal plates whereas Vithal Sanskrutik Mandal, Bazarwada Marcel has used parts of the arecanut tree. In an eye-catching display, the Navelkar Bandhu Marcel has made an attractive replica of peacocks.

In Kumbharjua, the Kumbharjua Ganeshotsav Mandal has enacted a scene wherein Lord Ganesh is performing a classical dance, with the entire movement being controlled mechanically. On the other hand, the Thapneshwar Sankrutik Mandal, Kumbharjua has erected a scene in the Kumbharjua River wherein Lord Ganesh is depicted seated in a canoe.

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Ignoring the external world is a good idea now.

Pay attention to your inner voice. You need to (21 Mar – 19 Apr) reach out and help your friends who are in need -- and there may be quite a few of them! You probably won't get too much done of your own business, but you should have plenty of time tomorrow.

Your energy may be unpredictable today, so hang on and have some coffee on hand! Your flex(23 Sep – 22 Oct) ibility is rarely in question, but you may forget just how much you can stretch on a day like today.

Weird, stressful events may carry your mind off into some bad place, but you can squeeze back out.

Business problems suddenly disappear today -and the road ahead is clear and sunny! Your (20 Apr – 20 May) mental energy is great for understanding problem people today, so make sure that you've got the time and the wherewithal to hang out with them. It may be unpleasant at first, but not for long.

Everything is going fine on its own, so take time by yourself to recharge and relax. Art is on your (23 Oct – 21 Nov) mind in a big way today, and you should make sure that you're either creating it or experiencing it.

Your great energy is perfect for making life more beautiful for those around you.

If something's bothering you, let it go. Fighting yourself is not worth the stress. A fluke occur(21 May – 21 Jun) rence today affects how your colleagues see you -- and not for the better. There's good news, though: You can overcome this and end up looking much better than you did before!

Progress may be slow, but it's happening -- even if it doesn't feel like it t o d a y. O p p o r t u n i t y (22 Nov – 21 Dec) knocks, and you're ready for it -- right? You should certainly find a door opening soon, and it may be that you're on the road to a new career or romantic entanglement by tonight.

As things slow down, it's time to conserve, hibernate and get ready for next time. You're feeling (22 Jun – 22 Jul) pretty great about your schedule today, even if it's got things like dentist appointments or job interviews cluttering up the fun. Your good emotional energy makes it all worthwhile.

If some spots open up in your social calendar, try to keep 'em blank for you-time! Your social en(22 Dec – 19 Jan) ergy needs a workout - and you've got the right people approaching! Make sure that you're really reaching out and forging new connections, as people are ready for almost anything.

You do not have to be an expert at everything!

Just get familiar with key concepts. Things just (23 Jul – 22 Aug) aren't all that clear today, but you can ride out this period of social stress if you focus on your own issues or try not to worry too much about what people really mean when they're cryptic.

The time's right to put new ideas to work. Get a partner in on it if you have to.

You may be shaking your (20 Jan – 18 Feb) head all the way through, but you can't help but get involved when a friend needs help. They brought it upon themselves, but you are the only one who can pull them out.

Look for some of your hard-held opinions to be challenged today. Start new opinions. Do you (19 Feb – 20 Mar) need to reinvent yourself? Now is the best possible time for just that. Your emotional energy is stable, which gives you a great base to build on. Things can get a lot better if you want!

You reach a major milestone today, whether you realize it or not. Celebrate anyway! You've got (23 Aug – 22 Sep) too many tasks to complete today -- which can lead to terrible stress if you don't resolve to push some of it off 'til tomorrow or some other day. Do what you can and worry tomorrow.

Tourism

People across the world know the name Lorna. They know her face, her style and her songs. But only a select few actually know Lorna. Here’s a glimpse of the lady behind the legend as she gets ready for her big evening...

Photos by Amresh Parab

T

Travel

Lorna…The Person behind the Legend

For a decade, Marcel and surrounding areas have been drawing people from all across the state to witness their unique Ganesh festivities. As the festive spirit keeps building towards a crescendo for the final day for immersion, Herald features the exclusivity of the festivities at Marcel

BY AMRESH PARAB he highlight of Marcel’s Ganesh celebrations are the huge Ganesh idols made of different types of materials. This year too, the idols on display are awe inspiring with some of the Ganesh ‘mandals’ and artist coming out with environment friendly messages.

Kala Yuvak Sangh from St Estevam this year worked on the theme, saving natural resources and preserving the environment.

They created embossed replicas of Ashtavinayaka on rock. The area was also developed with artificial springs to provide a natural feeling.

“This is the third year we are doing Ganesh replicas for public viewing and this year we thought of making something different. We chose a place slightly away from our earlier location. Another reason for this was to avoid traffic jams,” said Ramanand Chodankar, President, Kala Uvak Sangh, St Estevem.

He further said, “We have, in a way, developed this area with an idea to pass a massage to save our natural water bodies and protect the environment. We have created an artificial spring and tried to give it a natural look. Also, as many have still not visited Ashtavinayak in Pune, we thought of making Ashtavinayak replicas. Eight of the different replicas of Lord Ganesh have been embossed on the rock.”

In line with them, the Marcel Kala Premee too have worked to spread the message to keep Marcel clean. They have made a replica of Ganesh on the concept of Shigmotsava. According to artist Kirtikumar Prabhu, “Our concept is totally dedicated to the people involved in the cultural field. The theme this year is Shigmotsava. Apart from this we have also printed hoardings that will be displayed on strategic locations aimed

Fashion

other songs too because every song was written for me and had a meaning behind it.”

In an attempt to change the subject, I ask Lorna about her thoughts on her being termed the Queen of Konkani music and she smiles and says, “I feel blessed to be able to take Konkani to the world and doing Konkani music has taken me around the world. People say that it is me who has kept the language and culture of Goa alive and that the Government should do something to recognise the fact. I feel very touched and am happy to know that I affect people in such a manner.” She continues, “I stopped performing in 1973 for personal reasons. But after a lot of pushing and persuasion from my mother and Ronnie Monsorate, I made a comeback in 1995 with ‘Hello Lorna’. I hadn’t even hummed a tune in that gap but the comeback was fantastic! I was taken to and from the venue in a police van because people were almost attacking me in an attempt to prove their love for me. They all wanted to touch me, bless me, come in contact with me. I got on stage and all I could see was a bed of heads. It was a very emotional time for me.”

Since then, Lorna has travelled the world. From Paris, Canada, London, Portugal and the Middle East to Mangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune, she has done it all. But no matter where she goes, it is Goa that she holds closest to her heart. Lorna quips, “Goa is the most passionate place I’ve performed in and I always long to come back here.”

So as she shifts focus to Goa, I quiz her on her thoughts about her show, Konkani Rocks Goa! Celebrating Lorna and more, which takes place today, at 6:30pm, at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Lorna states, “Something tells me that the show will be a super duper hit. After the last show I did in Campal, this is going to be bigger, better and grander! I’ll admit that I am a little nervous but once I get on stage, I will be a different person. Also the fact that they are celebrating me gives me a high.” Lorna is quick to throw light on the talent that she will be sharing the stage with when she says, “There is lots of untapped talent in Goa that needs to be brought out. The youngsters need to be bold, practise hard and make optimum use of their God given talents.”

Katrina turns Pakeezah in ‘Tees Maar Khan’

A

fter completing a raunchy number Sheela Ki Jawaani, Katrina Kaif is all set to go for a Meena Kumari style makeover for a special qawalli number in ‘Tees Maar Khan’.

The actress, who plays a wannabe item girl in the Farah Khan directed movie, will be accompanied by Salman Khan and co-star Akshay Kumar in the song. Salman is making a special appearance in the song.

Katrina will be seen as grace personified a la Meena Kumari form ‘Pakeezah’, says the director. “Katrina would be seen in an altogether different avatar in this qawalli. While Akshay and Salman can be expected to have a lot of fun with this track, it belongs to Katrina as she would surprise the audience,” Farah said.

“Katrina’s look has been modelled on Pakeezah though I don’t wish to spoil the fun by disclosing more than that as of n o w, ” s a i d F a r a h , adding that the ‘qawalli’

will have a quintessential Mumbaiyya appeal with a ‘masala mix’ feel to it.

It is Farah’s third film after ‘Main Hoon Naa’ and ‘Om Shanti Om’, both of which starred her best friend Shah Rukh Khan.

Farah says the film will be complete after the song.

In fact quite some emphasis is being put on the way Katrina would make an entry in the song. With the first half of the song being dominated by Salman and Akshay, the young woman would arrive in the middle of the qawalli and would join the boys in all the fun right till the end.

“Do you remember Yeh Ishq Ishq Hai Ishq Ishq, the qawalli from ‘Barsaat Ki Raat’ which was created 50 years back? It still sounds so fresh. The qawalli in ‘Tees Maar Khan’, though not exactly like that, is on the same lines,” Farah said.

Asked whether Akshay was okay with the idea of introducing Salman Khan in the song, Farah said, “When I shared the idea with Akshay, he was game for it. He had a big smile on his face when I said that the song would feature the two of them along with Katrina.”

Katrina has already impressed with her moves in songs like Zara Zara Touch Me and Khwab Dekhe Jhoothe Moothe (Race), Main Tera Dhadkan Teri (Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani), Paisa Paisa (De Dana Dan) and Teri Ore (Singh Is Kinng).

Hayden Panettiere to play Murderer Amanda Knox

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he story of US student Amanda Knox, who murdered her British housemate Meredith Kercher in 2007, is to be turned into a film.

‘Heroes’ actress Hayden Panettiere is to play Knox, who was sentenced to 26 years in jail in December for murder and sexual violence. Her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito was jailed for 25 years. But mystery still surrounds the events in Perugia, Italy.

The film will be shown on US TV channel Lifetime next year. The script is being written by Wendy Battles, who has worked on episodes of ‘CSI New York’ and ‘Law and Order’.

The pair committed the killing with small-time drug dealer Rudy Guede, who was jailed for 16 years. All three have maintained their innocence and have appealed against their

convictions.

But judges who convicted Knox and Sollecito said the pair went to the house with Guede and took part in a sex attack that ended with Miss Kercher’s throat being cut with a sixinch kitchen knife. Knox and Sollecito then staged a fake breakin to make it look as though Miss Kercher was killed by an intruder, the judges concluded.

Her body was found in a pool of blood.

Knox’s odd behaviour after the body was found also aroused suspicions -– she was reported to have performed a cartwheel and done the splits while waiting to be questioned by police.

Panettiere, 21, rose to global fame as indestructible cheerleader Claire Bennett in the hit TV show ‘Heroes’ and also has a number of films to her credit.

Lifestyle

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

CURR

Wednesday, 22 Sept, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

36th Tiatr Competition, organised

by Kala Academy, Panjim is on at the Kala Academy. Call 2420452.

Maha Satsang with Sri Sri Ravishankar will be held at Colva Beach on September 25.

‘Save the Girl Child’ will be the theme for the state level inter-college street play competition organised by the Directorate of Health as part of the implementation of the Pre-conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique Act on September 22 at the Maquinez Palace, Panjim.

An inter-school drawing and photography competition will be organised by Big Foot, Loutolim. The competition is in two categories; for Std V-VII the theme is Ganesh for prosperity and for VIII-X the theme is Ganesh festival celebrates unity and love. Registration closes on September 22. The winners will be announced at the Bal Mela at Big Foot in the month of November. Call 2777034.

The All Goa Toroloco Tequila Cocktail Competition is on for bartenders, both experienced and amateurs. Call 2262922, 2253377 or 2407030-71.

‘Loco About Choco’, the chocolate festival, organised by Goa Marriott Resort, Campal, Panjim is being held till September 26 at AZ U R and the Cake Shop, Goa Marriott Resort.

Call 246 3333.

The 3rd All India Annual Art Competition and Exhibition 2010, organized by Bhikuram Jain Foundation, New Delhi is open for entries. Registration closes on November 30. The exhibition and the award presentation ceremony will be held on February 12, 2011. Call the Kala Academy, Panjim on 2420452.

The 10th Goa State (under-16) interschool Tennis Ball Cricket Championship for boys and girls and the

quaggy

T

HERALD FEATURES o increase the Konkani readership, and simultaneously to instil in youth the love of Konkani, Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) recently organised a Konkani story reading competition in Birondem, Valpoi. Seventeen youngsters participated in the story reading competition with great zeal and enthusiasm.

“The writers of Konkani in Romi script were requesting DKA to increase the readership of Konkani in Romi script, but nobody was suggesting how to go about. At this juncture, DKA chalked out a special programme in view of increasing the readership of Konkani in Romi script among the youth. DKA came out with an idea of organising this story telling competition for the youth in villages.

The story books are provided by DKA to the participants,

Travel

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Parenting

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and they have to read the whole book, out of which they are told to read any one story at the competition spot,” explained Mr Premanand A Lotlikar, president of DKA in his speech during the inaugural function. The story reading competition held in Birondem is the first one of this kind.

Mr Lotlikar also said that DKA has toyed with the idea of holding story competitions in remote villages like Dabal, Morjim, Sanguem, Canacona in the months to come.

Miss Liba Pereira bagged the first prize for the story ‘Guddarth Moronn’. The second prize was bagged by Miss Princila Andrade for the story ‘Sopnantlo Fuddar’ and third prize was secured by Anderson Andrade for the story ‘Noxibantlem Chukona’. Besides the winners, all the participants were awarded consolation prize certificates.

A Scrumptious Street Food Fare at Cidade HERALD FEATURES magine walking down the beach shore for a nice stroll. The salty wind in your face and the tempting aromas from nearby street food stalls are bound to beckon you towards them. Giving in, you gorge down some of the treats and before you know it, you catch a bug and are down for a while. As there’s widespread fear of falling sick in the monsoons, and hence making street food from outdoor stalls a no-no, the Cidade de Goa has come up with an innovative treat. A food festival that serves numerous street food specialities, cooked to excellence and served hygienically.

The festival features authentic Goan, Indian and even Mediterranean dishes, both vegetarian and non vegetarian, all served with artistry that makes the treat even more tempting. Beverages too include street drinks like Nimbu Shikanji and Rooh Afza. The festival includes chaats like Pani Puri, Sev Puri, Mumbai Bhel and Tawa Aloo

I

DAILY GROOK BIKE GRIPE

by Francis Rodrigues a bike will complain like when mine broke, it twisted the frame and the wheel spoke!

Chaat which can be eaten along with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, aloo chaat and dahi aloo.

The bite size pav makes it easier to relish the finger-licking chicken cafreal, prawn balchao, pav bhajji and rassa omelette and one can even enjoy a bhutta at the especially organised stalls at Café Azul. The Mediterranean dishes that found their way into the menu are Chicken Shawarma and Felafal that go well with Hummus with pita bread. The steamed Chicken and Vegetable Momos also make great bites and don’t forget to try the Vegetable Kathi Roll and Gosht Dum Biryani.

A meal just could not be complete without dessert and treats like Mutka Kulfi and Rabdi Phaluda are a perfect way to end the feast. The Street Food Fare at Café Azul, Cidade de Goa is open till September 26, for dinner from 7:30 pm and on weekends for lunch too from 1pm onwards.

Photos by Sandhya Gadekar

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 661 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

WIZARD OF ID

11:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi

Fashion

“My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.”

– Mitch Hedberg

Function Adjective Meaning 1: marshy; boggy 2: soft or flabby Example Sentence After the first month of the rains, the wooded area behind the cabin turns into a quaggy mess.

12:30 Aahat 13:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Entertainment Ke Liye...

15:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 15:30 C.I.D 19:30 Mahi Way 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Comedy Ka Daily Soap 21:30 Entertainment Ke Liye

Entertainment

First Konkani Story reading Competition held at Birondem

Funny Quote

Pronunciation KWAG-ee

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 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 15:00 Kaali: Ek Agnipariksha 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Tere Liye 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye

EN

PEN T HAP

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 662

7th State (under-19) inter-higher secondary school championship for boys and girls, organised by the Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association and the Sports Authority of Goa will take place from October 3 to 5 at Vasco and Campal, Panjim.

The State Level Youth Festival 2010, organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs will be held to select young persons for the National Youth Festival 2011. The North District Level Youth Festival will be held on September 30 and October 1 at Gomantak Maratha Samaj Hall, Panjim. The South District Youth Festival will be held on October 7 and 8 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Registration closes on September 27 at 5pm. Visit www.dsya.go.gov.in to download application forms or collect them from the office of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Campal. Panjim.

Call 2463197.

The Ninth Daniel Pearl World Music Day Tribute Concert, organised by the American Center, Mumbai will be held on September 23 at 7pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Hipnotribe and The Mavyns will be giving performances. Call 2420451, 2420456 or 6656565.

Workshop on the Art of Writing Haiku by Kala Ramesh, a well known Haiku poet will be held on October 22 and 23 at 10am to 1pm or 3pm to 6pm at Sunaparata – Goa Centre for the Arts.

Ninth session of the film appreciation course ‘Imago: The Language of Film’, will be held at Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhas on Friday September 24 at 5:30pm. This session will look at how the film director orchestrates the various cinematic elements of screenplay, acting, cinematography, editing, production design and music. For more information call 9423316395 / 9823572035 /9823253361

Information Technology

11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 14:30 Ram Milayee Jodi 15:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 15:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 16:00 Pavitra Rishta 16:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 17:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 17:30 Ram Milayee Jodi 18:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 18:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 19:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 19:30 Ram Milayee Jodi 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 22:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 22:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan

11:00 Lapataganj 11:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:00 Gutar Gu 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta ..

14:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 FIR 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

16:30 Papad Pol 17:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 17:30 Malegoan Ka Chintoo 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

18:30 Papad Pol 19:00 Gutar Gu 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale

09:25 Pulse 11:15 Sweet Home Alabama 13:25 Babylon A.D. 15:15 The Terminator 17:25 Disaster Movie 19:15 Strange Wilderness 21:00 The Recruit 23:15 Max Payne

08:15 Lost & Found 10:15 Buddy 12:00 My Blueberry Nights 14:00 Duplicity 16:30 Into the Storm 18:30 TMZ 19:00 See Spot Run 21:00 The Dark Knight

36th Tiatr Competition 2010-11 - Day I

MONTRI

R E V I E W

08:00 Tum Bin 12:10 Dil Hai Betaab 16:25 Yeh Hai Jalwa 20:00 Raja Hindustani

BY RON FIDELIS ince its birth in 1974, the one thing that the Tiatr Competition assures is ‘potential’. The first play this year yesterday, was ‘Montri’, written by Salvador Fernandes who wrote ‘Zolmanchi Nixanni’ in 1978 apart from six more previously at this annual competition. Apart from Kanny and Sharmila (who regaled everyone with their typical comedy in a ‘shashti’ accent), all else were new-comers from the Konkani Kala Mogi, Carambolim-Tiswadi troupe. Also directed by the playwright, this tiatr seemed to get a lot of whistles and cat calls when certain characters made their entry. This of course, only went to show that they had ample support from their fellow villagers in the audience who kept up the confidence of these artists with their claps after every scene, ‘cantar’ and even dialogues. The plot that showcased suspense, a dream sequence, some melodious ‘cantos’, as well as elements of comedy, tragedy and a little bit of action too had Vishant Shirodkar giving out light effects.

The play that begins with an attempt-to-rape scene goes into a voice-over next, that reveals this girl’s fate with the police investigations and the court verdict thereafter. Unwilling to settle down with her now, her boyfriend, the son of a ‘montri’, is shown to be a daddy’s boy. But he is incidentally also haunted by his mother who keeps coming in his dreams and asking him to find out the truth about her death. As expected, as soon as the name of the play was revealed, not only in the play, but also in song, the ‘montris’ are criticised. However, the life of this ‘montri’, plagued with evil deeds, has a secret that the plot only reveals in the last scene when his life of crime finally catches up with him. The plot had parallel stories running between the girl’s poor family, the boy’s rich family and that of the inspector who tries to set things right even at the cost of almost losing his life to the minister’s cronies. The words, “To munxeachem moll korta ani nit-ui tachea vatten assa,” that define the minister’s clout in this tiatr, finally meet a fitting moral end in the moral of this play.

S

15:00 The Cooler 16:55 An American Werewolf in Paris 19:00 Love in the Time of Money 21:00 Alex and Emma 23:10 K-PA

09:30 Tehzeeb 12:30 Pratighat 16:00 Love Story 20:00 Khosla Ka Ghosla

12:00 Dil 16:00 Rajaji 20:00 Beta

09:00 Open Season 10:50 Breach 13:00 Men in Black II

08:00 Trimurti 12:00 Parivaar 16:00 Insan 20:00 Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 20:00 Papad Pol 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta..

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 22:00 Lapataganj 22:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai

12:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 12:30 Mano Ya Na Mano 13:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 13:30 Geet 14:00 Dill Mill Gayye 14:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 15:00 Geet

15:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 16:00 Dill Mill Gayye 16:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 17:00 Geet 18:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 18:00 Dill Mill Gayye 18:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Sarabhai vs Sarabhai 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet

12:00 Masters of Illusion 13:00 So You Think You Can Dance

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

15:00 Fear Factor 17:00 Masters of Illusion 18:00 Charmed 19:00 Fear Factor 20:00 Whacked Out Sports 21:00 Breaking The Magician's Code

12:00 How I Met Your Mother 12:30 The Simpsons 13:00 MasterChef Australia 14:00 Friends 14:30 The Simpsons 15:00 Ugly Betty 16:00 How I Met Your Mother 16:30 The Simpsons

17:00 Bones 18:00 MasterChef Australia 19:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Best of Koffee with Karan 21:00 MasterChef Australia 21:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

22:00 Bones

10:30 FIA Wtcc 2010 H/ls 11:00 FIM Motocross World Championship 2010 H/ls 11:30 Golf Focus 2010 12:00 International Women's Open 13:30 Hitz 13:55 TNA Impact 15:55 AFC Champions League 2010 : Quarter Final Leg 2 18:00 Game 18:30 Glitch 19:00 Score Tonight 19:30 Nike Football Locker Room 20:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 20:30 World of Gymnastics 20:50 Champions League T

10:00 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Trinidad & Tobago 2010 12:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Sunderland vs.

Arsenal 14:00 MLB Regular Season 2010 : Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees 17:00 Barclays Premier League 18:00 Pakistan Tour of England 2010 H/ls : 4th ODI 18:58 Pakistan Tour of England 2010 : 5th ODI

10:00 Liga BBVA Show 2010/11 10:30 2010 FIBAWorld Championship

12:30 2010 FIBA World Championship : Quarter Final: Winner 63 vs. Winner 64 14:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 15:00 Italian Serie A : Cesena vs. Lecce 17:00 WWE: Bottom Line 18:00 WWE: Specials : Hall of Fame 21:00 La Liga H/ls 22:00 Football League Show 22:30 WWE: Bottom Line

11:00 Nat Geo Wild 12:00 Cheating Death : Bull Riding 13:00 Inside Mumbai Terror Attacks 14:00 True Stories : Ambushed 15:00 Big : Ultimate Vegas Casino 16:00 Monkey Thieves - Taxi Raid 16:30 The Apartment Job 17:00 Most Amazing Moments 18:00 Megastructures

08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Health Watch 11:30 Konkani Songs 12:00 Talking Talkies 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Disha Final 15:00 Juke Box 15:30 Talent Time 16:00 Fashion Show 16:30 Flavors 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Concert of Classical Music 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Dance Goa Dance 22:00 English News 23:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 23:30 HCN Smash Hits 00:00 Konkani Songs Note: Subject to Change

To many, the word amateur comes to mind the moment one sees an actor trying to use hand expressions for each word in his dialogues. However, although professional singers Ave D’Souza and Rosario de Benaulim sang their best, versatile child artist Hashvaine Fernandes was confidence personified as he belted out a trio, a duet with Micha and a solo called scientist. “Boro muntta,” were comments in the audiences one could hear when he rendered his songs, while for singer Camillo Joao, the comments were, ‘boro tavo assa.” Agnelo Dias and his boys did their bit with their band and everyone else, as said above showed much potential as tiatrists of the future.

With Shri Ganaraj Sangeet Sanskritic Mandal from Quitula performing ‘Faleam Konnem Poilam’ today at this competition packed with 21 tiatr entries, things from here can only get better.

HERALD CROSSWORD - 662 Across 1- Of sedate character; 6Queue after Q; 10- Gilpin of "Frasier"; 14- Connected series of rooms; 15- British nobleman; 16- Goneril's father; 17- Aired again; 18- Ashtabula's lake; 19- Rice-shaped pasta; 20- Dyspepsia; 23Japanese mat; 27- Consumers; 28- Dry and waterless; 29- Merchant; 34Delineated by area; 36- Love, Italian-style; 37- By way of; 40- Iranian range; 43- 100 square meters; 44- Excursions; 45- Approvals; 46- Part of the foot; 48- Thick cord; 49Bahamanian island; 53Grunts; 55- Form of depression; 60- Calf-length skirt; 61Bang-up; 62- Stickum; 67- Antiquing agent; 68- Tent stick; 69- Gardening tool; 70- Emperor of Rome 54-68; 71- The ___ the limit!; 72- Lustful deity; Down 1- Georgia, once: Abbr.; 2- Calendar abbr.; 3- Atmosphere; 4- Give ___ rest; 5- Fabric of jeans; 6Hollow grass; 7- Delhi wrap; 8Math course; 9- Peter Fonda title role; 10- Schemes; 11- Causing goose bumps; 12- Sharp-edged instrument; 13- Golf clubs; 21- It may be picked; 22- Pledge; 23Shallow ornamental bowl; 24Bellowing; 25- Shade; 26- Purim month; 30- Small branch; 31Less than lively; 32- Drench; 33-

Directional ending; 35SOLUTION - 661 Emulsion; 37- Shield; 38- All thumbs; 39- Donkeys; 41Junior; 42- Dynamic beginning; 47- Trident-shaped letter; 49- Capital of Jordan; 50- Light grayish brown; 51Tree of the birch family; 52Capital of Egypt; 54- Scruffs; 56- Hats; 57- Captain ___; 58- Just; 59- Bottom of the barrel; 63- Nabokov novel; 64- Cpl.'s superior; 65- Mystery writer Josephine; 66Be human;

SPORTS

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GOA, Wednesday, 22 September, 2010

Marina, Mae dos Pobres ahead HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 21

Marina English High School, Verna, Mae dos Pobres High School, Nuvem and St Rita ‘s High School, Maina, Curtorim recorded victories in Salcete Taluka under-17 inter-school football tournament organised by Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at Government ground, Manora, Raia on Tuesday.

Marina routed Regina Martyrum High School, Assolna 30. Stany Braganza, Roger Braganza and Mellister Gomes were the goal getters.

St Rita’s pipped St Jude High School, Betalbatim 1-0. The allimportant goal came in the second half through Josley Costa.

Mae dos Pobres made short work of Auxilium Convent High School, Benaulim 3-0 after leading 2-0 at half time. Wellington Baretto put Nuvem into the lead.

Anthony Pereira doubled the l e a d w h i l e M y ro n B o rg e s rounded off the tally.

Churchill Bros too good for Viva Kerala HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 21

Churchill Brothers scored an easy 4-0 win against Viva Kerala in 32nd Federation Cup at Tilak Maidan, here on Tuesday. They led 1-0 at the break.

Odafa Onyeka Okolie scored a brace while former Vasco star striker Koko Sakibo and new signing Iranian Rouhollah Samieinia scored the other goals.

Churchill scored a big win but

there was no class in their play.

Koko Sakibo scored the opener in the 39th but thereafter Churchill looked llike struggling. Viva Kerala felt that Koko was off-side.

Odafa doubled the lead in the 57th minute when he was brought down by Viva skipper Bello Rasaq in the box and Odafa scored with ease.

Eight minutes later, off a free kick from Khan Thank Paite, Odafa struck a power-packed

shot.

The fourth goal in the 75th minute was an impressive one as it resulted from a coordinated effort. Koko put Rouhollah Samieinia and the last named sent in a power packed shot.

Earlier, Kerala’s K Kulthungan missed to score.

“It’s a good start. But we need to raise our game with coordinated moves,” said Churchill coach Vincent Subramaniam.

sanga crossed from right flank and Denson did the rest.

Sesa had a chance in the 3 4 t h b u t Ra k s h a k N a i k ’ s header brushed off the pole off a free kick by Shishuram C. Later in the 65th minute Shishuram’s ground shot went abegging.

Sesa’s Don Bosco missed a header off Inacio Colaco.

“We had a good game. Only

if our strikers had shown some accuracy, the result would have been different,” said coach Clifford Chukwuma.

Chirag coach Subrata Bhattacharya was happy with the result. However, he was not satisfied with the performance as he missed four frontline players.

“It’s just the start of the season. We will gradually shape up better,” stated Bhattacharya.

“The absence of our key players, who are on National duty for Asian Cup is being felt,” Subramaniam added.

“We had hardly any practice season, as we begun our

preparations barely 10 days back,” said Viva Kerala coach A M Sreedharan. He lashed out at the referee for his blunder in allowing the first goal.

Chirag United pip Sesa FA HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 21

Sesa Football Academy lost 0-1 to Chirag United Sport Club in 32nd Federation Cup football championship at Tilak Maidan, here on Tuesday.

Sesa have themselves to blame as they wasted at least four scoring chances.

The gem of a goal for Chirag came from Denson Devadas in the 19th minute when Jerry Zir-

Churchill Brother’s striker Koko Sakibo heading the ball, with Viva Kerala skipper Bello Rasaq nearby at Tilak Maidan, Vasco on Tuesday.

Photo: M Prabhav

Nauxim, Bhagwati Ranti tricks for Dempo; JCT stunned share spoils HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA SEPT 21

Nauxim Sports club and Bhagwati Sports club played out a 22 draw in GFA’s Third Division at Santa Cruz ground on Tuesday. The match was goalless at the lemon break.

Joytesh Palkar scored first for Bhagwati in the 53rd, only to see Dattaraj Kunkolkar equalize at the other end five minutes later.

Nauxim got their noses in front in the 75th through Vinal Kunkolkar. Bhagwati were not going down without a fight and found the equaliser two minutes later through Sunil Pereira.

In another match at Taleigao ground, Paradise Sports Club defeated Aivao United Football Club 2-1.

KVS taekwondo

VA S C O ( H R ) - - Ke n d r i y a Vidyalaya No 1, Vasco will host the 5-day 41st National Sport Meet Taekwondo (boys), at Kendriay Vidyalaya campus, Vernapuri, Vasco from Wednesday.

Dr Susana de Sousa, DSYA director will be the chief guest and Senior Education Officer INS Hansa and nominee chairman of VMC KV No 1, Capt Senthil Kumar will be the guest of honor.

The president of Goa Taekwondo association Adv Raju Mangeshkar will be the special guest.

Dempo 5 HAL 1 E Bengal 3 India XI 1

ONGC 2 Pune FC 0 Air India 1 JCT 0

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 21

I-League champions, Dempo SC came from behind to resister an emphatic 5-2 victory over ONGC in their opening Federation Cup Group C league match at Guru Nanak Stadium on Tuesday.

Ranti Martins scored a fluent hat-trick before Babatunde bagged a brace for the Oilmen.

Beto and Joaquim Abranches were the other scorers for Dempo.

ONGC took a surprise lead in the 17th through Babtunde, while Beto restored parity in the

33rd minute.

Babatunde was again in the thick of action as he netted in his second goal in the 41st.

Dempo retaliated strongly in the second half with Ranti Martins finding the back of the net thrice. Ranti, first brought his side back on level terms in the 56th, while he put his side in front for the first time converting from the spot in the 75th.

There was no stopping to the Dempo’s Nigerian striker as he completed his hat-trick three minutes later, before Abranches completed the rout in the 89th minute.

HAL, Bangalore produced the first biggest upset as they rallied home to a 1-0 victory over Pune FC in a Group A encounter at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.

Abdulla Hamza scored the

winner in the 17th minute.

Defending champions, East Bengal gave a perfect start to

their campaign scoring a comfortable 3-1 victory against Air India in another Group A match.

Tolgay Ozbey scored a brace for the reigning champions, while Robin Singh added another one for the Kolkata giants before Vijith Shetty scored a consolation goal down the wire for the Airmen.

India XI edged past JCT by a solitary goal to register their first win at Guru Nanak Stadium.

After a pale first half Malswmfela scored the winner for the India XI from a goalmouth melee in the 76th minute.

India XI successfully held to their one goal advantage to move second in the Group C points tally with three points.

Tomorrow, Salgaocar will meet Mumbai.

Pax of Nagoa meet

PANJIM (HSD) -- The general body meeting of Pax of Nagoa Sports Club will be held on Sunday, October 3 at 10.30 a.m at the club house. Members including those of youth wing have been asked to attend the same as very important matters will be taken up.

Third Division soccer: Sinquerim SC, Mayem v. Quitula SC Quitula ground; Vagator Parish Youth v. Nagoa Sporting Club, Chapora ground; St Sebastian Club of Aquem v. Chandor Club, Sao Jose de Areal ground; Socio Cultural Club Loutolim v. Arlem YA, Loutolim ground; S & W Club of Zaino v. Canacona Sports Academy, Cuncolim ground; Panjim Footballers v. Aivao YC, Taleigao ground; Sateri SC v.

Cabesa Sports & Cult Assn, Santa Cruz ground. Kick off 4.15 p.m.

Goa University inter-college women football finals: Rosary’s v. Carmel’s, 9.30 a.m. Men - St. Xavier’s v. Fr. Agnel, 2.30 p.m, University ground, Taleigao.

St Joseph Festival soccer: Parish Youth, Nuvem v United Club of Benaulim, Dramapur ground, 4.30 p.m.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who is also the president of Swimming Federation of India visiting Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Complex, Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday. He was impressed with the world class facilities. He was received by Virender Nanavati, Secretary, Khajan Singh Tokas and Roque Dias, Deputy Director General (sports) Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games.

Roque Dias, looking after the import of sports equipments explained that all the equipments imported were of best quality in world including under water sound system for synchronised swimming from France, anti-waves swimming lanes floats with aluminum storage reel used for Beijing Olympics from Sweden; electronic starting blocks from Switzerland, trampoline from Germany and duraflex diving boards from USA.

BAFF draw with St Christopher HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 21

Vishnu Mandraker netted his seventh goal of the campaign to earn BAFF a vital equalizer as they drew 1-1 with St Christopher Sports Club in GFA’s Third Division at St Christopher ground, Tivim on Tuesday. The score was goalless at the breather.

As the original match had been abandoned after 17 minutes due to heavy rain, only the remaining 73 minutes had to be played.

Before the match kicked off, BAFF launched a protest as two players playing for the opposi-

tion were not playing in the initial match. As a result, the Match Commissioner asked the St Christopher bench to make two substitutions in order to let the new players play.

Bernard Ferrao came in for Vincent Rodrigues and Hudson Peters came in for Harrephomg Zinmick.

BAFF could have had at least half a dozen goals, if not for their woeful finishing in front of the goal.

In the 83rd minute, against the run of play, Alex Fernandes popped up to give St Christopher the lead as the opposition

was caught watching.

BAFF’s reply came four minutes later through the boots of Vishnu.

With a round left to play BAFF lead the group with 11 points but hot on their heels are FC de Sanqulim and YS Colvale who both have nine points each.

In another match at Chapora ground, Chapora Yuvak Sangh drew 2-2 with Arpora Sporting Club. Dattaraj Mulwankar scored a brace for Chapora with a goal in each half, while Rajeskh Pombersaker hit a first half brace for Arpora.

Manora Youth crush Shiroda HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 21

Youth of Manora crushed Shiroda Youth Club 5-1 in GFA’s Third Division league at Camurlim ground on Tuesday. They led 2-0 at lemon break.

Youth of Manora went into the lead in the 15th minute when striker Mario D’Souza’s snap shot caught the rival defence and goalkeeper napping.

Manora increased the lead in the 36th minute through veteran Striker Pele Xavier whose pile drive gave no chance to the rival

goalkeeper.

Manora’s Mario D’Souza scored with a rasping drive from hand-shaking distance in the 64th minute. Five minutes later Mario punished the rival goalkeeper with a deft placement.

Anthony Dias made it 5-0 in the 75th minute when his stiff shot beat the rival goalkeeper.

Shiroda managed to score the consolation goal through Monzil Pereira in the dying minute.

At Padribhat ground, Sao Jose de Areal, Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club thumped Macasana

Welfare Club 6-0. Areal were leading 1-0 at the breather.

Areal rocked the rival citadel in the 17th minute when Ashlon Pereira beat the rival goalkeeper with a deft placement.

The Macazana citadel fell in the 46th minute when Marvin Costa bulged the net from handshaking distance. In the 53rd minute Marvin completed his brace. Aggie Antao struck twice in 54th and 64th minutes.

Mario Barreto added salt to the Macazana wounds by putting his name on the scoreboard.

Infant Jesus, Rosary in finals HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 21

Infant Jesus High School, Colva will meet Our Lady of Rosary High School, Fatorda in the final of Salcete Taluka Under-14 interschool football tournament organised by Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at Government ground, Manora, Raia on Thursday.

Infant Jesus thrashed St Joseph Educational Institute, Chandor 4-1. They led 3-0 at half time.

The highlight of the day was a brilliant brace by Sneeden Rodrigues. Jesmon Baretto consolidated their position by slamming past the rival goalkeeper with a pot shot.

Crossing over, Infant Jesus’

Dylan Lourenco added his name on the scorers list while Maison Fernandes reduced the margin.

Our Lady of Rosary High School, Fatorda beat St Anthony’s High School, Majorda 1-0. The all-important goal came in the second session when Jesmol Soares unleashed a stiff shot which crashed into the far corner of the net.

Pg17

SPORTS GOA, Wednesday, 22 September, 2010

Md Sporting sack Nayeem lI

Sania loses to Bychkova Wenger admits tashkent open

was betrayed,‘stabbed from behind’: coach n Coaching is not magic. You need some time to build a team. I needed minimum three years to achieve better results. The business of changing coaches should be changed.

Look at Goa. -- Syed Nayeemuddin referring to Armando Colaco’s tenure at Dempo SC AGENCIES KOLKATA, SEPT 21

Mohammadan Sporting on Monday removed their Dronacharya awardee coach Syed Nayeemuddin after the club's shock exit from Federation Cup qualifiers.

Top officials of the Mohammadan Sporting including union Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed is currently in a meeting to decide on their next coach.

"It's best to part way with the coach, following our pathetic shows," a club official said.

"Players were getting frustrated with his methods. He still lives in the past and swears by it. He has no idea about modern coaching methods. Worse, he is not ready to upgrade himself," he said.

Mohammadan Sporting have been relegated to the Second Division in the I-League and failed to make the cut for the Federation cup losing to Oil India 3-1 in the qualifiers in Silchar on September 15.

Earlier, Mohammadan Sporting were humiliated 0-5 by East Bengal in a Calcutta Football League Premier Division match.

Frustrated with Nayeemuddin's methods, some of the players had reportedly claimed that he had no idea about modern coaching methods and was not ready to upgrade himself.

Meanwhile, lashing out at his detractors after being removed as Mohammedan Sporting coach, Dronacharya awardee Syed Nayeemuddin said he was

betrayed and stabbed from behind.

The former India coach was fired post the second division ILeague club's failure to go past the Federation Cup qualifiers. "I have been betrayed from all quarters. I have been stabbed from behind," Nayeemuddin said.

Expressing his disappointment over Sporting goalkeeping coach Humayun's conduct, Nayeemuddin said, "Nobody knew about him. I brought him here, made him the goalkeeping coach. But he went against me, said many things behind my back. I'm really disappointed with the way things have folded."

Urging the Kolkata clubs to follow the Goan model, Nayeemuddin said clubs should stop firing coaches after a few bad results.

"Coaching is not magic. You need some time to build a team.

I needed minimum three years to achieve better results. The business of changing coaches should be changed. Look at Goa," he said referring to Armando Colaco’s tenure at Dempo Sports Club.

"Look at Odafe, he went from here and look where he is now.

I am a born fighter. I don't know what future has in store for me.

How can you erect a building without a strong base," he asked.

AGENCIES TASHKENT, SEPT 21

India's Sania Mirza went down fighting to Russian Ekaterina Bychkova in the first round of the Tashkent Open at the Olympic Tennis Centre in Uzbekistan, on

Goa win; India U-19 beaten Romeo to design sunglasses for kids AGENCIES LONDON, SEPT 21

Move over Victoria Beckham, a new fashion star is on the rise and it's none other than Romeo Beckham, her son.

At just eight-years, the lad has signed his first commercial deal - to design sunglasses for kids, and will be called RB. The young entrepreneur has even roped in some of his celebrity buddies -including Suri Cruise, Leni (son of Heidi Klum and Seal), and TV chef Gordon Ramsay's brood.

"Romeo has a real eye for fashion. He has strong opinions on what works and what doesn't, and has been badgering David and Victoria for months about designing his own sunglasses," The Mirror quoted a source as saying.

"Both Victoria and David are delighted," the source added.

DM, Damodar, Don Bosco triumph HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 21

DM’s College, Assagao won the inter-college swimming championship for men while Shree Damodar College, Margao and Don Bosco College, Panjim were declared joint winners in women section at Campal on Tuesday.

Results (men): 100 m breast stroke I. Vishal Vernekar of PCCE (1:28.70), II. Tanmay Talak of GES (1:32.02), III. Aaron Gracias of PCCE (1:31.22).

100 m butterfly: Sahil Naik of Caculo College (1:17.00), Vishal Vernekar of GEC (1:25.24), Varun

Chico of PCCE (1:39.22).

100 m back stroke: Charlton Va z o f C h o w g u l e C o l l e g e (1:14.31), Ankit Desai of PCCE (1:15.59), Sahil Naik of Caculo College (1:31.34).

100 m free style: Kaustubh N a t e ka r o f D M ’ s C o l l e g e (1:03.38), Charlton Vaz of Chowgule College (1:05.25), A n i r u d h L o t l i ka r o f P C C E (1:05.94).

200 m free style: Kaustubh N a t e ka r o f D M ’ s C o l l e g e (2:31.89), Anirudh Lotlikar of PCCE (2:37.97), Varun Chico of PCCE (2:51.65).

Team championship: winner:

DM’s College, Assagao. Runnersup: Padre Conceissao College of Engineering, Verna.

Results (women): 50 m back stroke: Sushmeeta Vast of Shree Damodar College (45.91), Sweta Marathe of GEC (54.15), Maria Michelle Da Costa of GMC (55.84).

50 m breast stroke: Sushmeeta Vast of Shree Damodar College (49.87), Maria Michelle Da Costa of GMC (55.33), Sweta Marathe of GEC (55.71).

50 m free style: Afra Shaikh of Don Bosco College (32.67), Grelisa Azavedo of Chowgule College (45.54), Gianna Barreto

PCCE basketeers top

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 21

Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), Verna proved their might coming from down under after a shaky start to beat Dempo College 52-41 in an elec-

of PCCE (57.40).

100 m free style: Afra Shaikh of Don Bosco College (1:16.22), Raisa Prazeres of PCCE (2:09.01), Gianna Barreto of PCCE (2:30.40).

Team championship: joint winners: Shree Damodar College, Margao and Don Bosco College, Panjim.

Carlos Fernandes, Curator of Central Library, Panjim was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.Milton L Fernandes, asst. director of physical education and sports, Goa University presided over.

Fr Agnel meet Xavier’s

trifying final to claim the AllGoa DBO inter-college basketball title at Don Bosco Oratory stadium today.

From the initial whistle, Dempo were spirited to subdue the southerners and took a good

eight point lead. PCCE managed to reduce the lead to just five points at half time. Once again it was the turn of Ashish Bhupal (6) with a quick combination with his compatriots Aditya Hosangadi (4) and Shielton Messias (4) that saw the tables turning over on Dempo. They took the lead for the first time in the third by a good seven points.

PCCE did well to keep Dempo scoring to just seven points, while scoring 19 in the third quarter. Even though the anxious supporters cheered their teammates with thundering vuvuzelas, there was no turning back for PCCE cagers.

The lead got stronger for PCCE. Ashish Bhupal (19) and Aditya Hosangadi (12) did the bulk of scoring for PCCE. Abraham Menezes (14) and Sidney Missier (10) played well for Dempo.

In a repeat of last year’s final, Fr Agnel College, Pilar will lock horns with St Xavier’s College, Mapusa in the inter-college football organised by Goa University at university ground, Taleigao on Wednesday at 2.30 p.m. Fr Agnel triumphed in last year’s final.

Xavier’s qualified for the final after overcoming Chowgule in the semi-final by a solitary goal scored in the first half by Synter Pereira.

Fr Agnel were taken the distance in the other semi-final as they drew with DMC College, Mapusa 2-2 before defeating them 3-2 in the tie-breaker.

Fr Agnel coach, Agnel Dias was a basketball player of high distinction in his younger days and this has helped him in his coaching methods, “I incorporate basketball drills to improve the speed and passing of my team which has worked well for us on the counter-attack.”

School, Tivim in the tie-breaker 5-4, the scorers being Dravin Mandrekar, Latesh Mandrekar, Alrich D’Souza, Dion Pinto and Gajanan Mandrekar.

In the quarter-final they defeated St Anthony High School, Guirim 6-5 also via the tie-

breaker. The scorers were Alrich D’souza, Dion Pinto, Myron Fernandes, Shalom Rebello and Gajanan Mandrekar.

In the semi-final Chubby Cheeks defeated Assagao Union High School 2-0 the scorers being Shalom Rebello and

Latesh Mandrekar.

In the finals they defeated Holy Cross, Siolim 4-2 via the tie- breaker after the teams were locked goalless. The scorers were Latesh Mandrekar, Dion Pinto, Alrich D’Souza and Myron Fernandes.

PCCE, Verna, winners of DBO inter-college basketball tournament alongwith Fr Paul D’Souza, Rector and Vice-Provincial of Panjim Province.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 21

Chubby Cheeks win Bardez title HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 21

Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School won the Bardez Taluka tittle in the Subroto Mukerjee U-14 boys football tournament.

They beat St Ann’s High

Tuesday.

Bychkova, ranked 175 in the world, scraped past 125th ranked Sania 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in a two-hour seven minute battle to make it to the second round where she takes on the top seed Alexandra Dulgheru.

Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School, Bardez Taluka champs. Standing (l tor) Mario Thinock, Gajanan Mandrekar, Roswell Fernandes, Sanad Wadkar, Paul Fernandes, Prateek Saterdekar, Tanish Naik, Zaki Khan, Tahir Kazi ,Myron Fernandes. Sitting Latesh Mandrekar (captain), A g n e l a B a r r e t t o ( P E t e a c h e r ) , S e l e n a Po D ’ S o u z a ( H M ) , A l ex T h o m e A l va r e s ( c o a c h ) , C a j e t a n Va z ( P E t e a c h e r ) .

Squating Alrich D’Souza, Carl Fernandes, Dravin Mandrekar, Dion Pinto, Shalom Rebello, Kishan Arondekar and Hencel D’Costa.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 21

Goa defeated Haryana 1-0 in 56th National School Games under-19 boys football championship at Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

India U-19 women’s team

failed to give a perfect start to their AFC U-19 Women's Championship 2011 qualifiers going down to Iran 4-2 in their opening match at Kamalpur Stadium, Dhaka.

India will take on Jordan on September 22.

The Goa team which participated in 2nd National sub-junior, junior, senior speedball championship under Sport Speedball Association recognized by International Speedball Federation. Standing Chester D’Sousa (silver), Caffecia Fernandes (silver), Mukul Singh (silver), Valerie Britto (gold), Vaibhavi Chodankar (silver), Sweta Naik (silver).

Kneeling Josseb Fernandes (bronze), Sharfraj Mandal (silver). Sitting Paulo A K Fernandes (coach).

FA REUTERS charge LONDON, SEPT 21

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted an FA improper conduct charge and will serve a onematch touchline ban when his team play at Tottenham Hotspur in a League Cup tie today.

The 60-year-old Frenchman accepted the standard sanction of a one match ban and an 8,000 pounds (12,500 dollar) fine, the FA said in a statement on their website (www.thefa.com) today. ''The ban will be served with immediate effect,'' the statement confirmed.

pg18:Layout 1 9/22/2010 12:33 AM Page 1

SPORTS Bangalore in semis

Pg18

Md Sporting sack Nayeem Pg 17

Churchill Bros too good for Viva Kerala Pg 16

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

l

Kolhi, White shine for Royal Challengers

Virat Kohli hits through the offside at Johannesburg on Tuesday.

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 21

Finally, Virat Kohli's second blitzkrieg in a row, supported

by Cameron White, helped Bangalore end up on the winning side and prevent absolute dominance of the South African

teams, as they edged out the Highveld Lions by 6 wickets on Tuesday to book a place in the semifinals.

Some lusty blows by Frylinck in the last over took Lions to a competitive target of 159 in 20 overs. Alviro Peterson top scored

with 45 while Vinay picked up 2 wickets for 23 runs for Bangalore.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Lions openers got off to a confident start before Jonathan Vandiar (11 off 11) knicked the ball down the

England players’ strike averted l

Riaz, Trott come to blows

past Trott during the session when the England batsman reportedly taunted him.

A strike by the England team, which was unwilling "How much are you going to make from the to play a scandal-prone Pakistan, was averted at bookies today?" Trott reportedly asked Riaz. the last minute even as Pakistani fast bowler An enraged Riaz responded by making a comWahab Riaz and England batsman Jonathan Trott ment about Trott's family. The two players then grabbed each other by the throat amid continuing threw their batting pads at each other before tension over match-fixing allegations. grabbing each other by the throat in full public England selectors were preparing to choose view. a second team if the main eleven had refused to The squabbling pair had to be separated Engplay in yesterday's fourth ODI against Pakistan land batting coach Graham Gooch, who pushed at the Lord's but such a possibility was averted Trott away and put an arm around Riaz. at the last minute, the British media reported Match referee Jeff Crowe summoned both today. the players to the MCC offices along with EngBut what could not be averted was the sim- land coach Andy Flower and his Pakistani counmering tensions terpart Waqar between the two Younis. sides coming to The proceedAFP surface during a ings inside alLONDON, SEPT 21 net session be- Pakistan beat England by 38 runs to level their one-day interna- most delayed fore the match. tional series at 2-2 at Lord's here in a match the hosts had thought the outside.

Riaz, who was about giving up on as the 'fixing' row escalated.

The dramatic questioned by The opening batsman's mood would not have been improved f a c e - o f f b e the Scotland Yard by the way England, chasing 266, to win, lost a trio of wickets tween the two for his alleged in- for 14 runs to slump from the commanding position of 113 players undervolvement in the without loss to 127 for three. lines the tenspot-fixing scan- Fast bowler Umar Gul, one of the world's best under floodlights, sions that have d a l t h a t h a s took four for 32 in 8.1 overs after Saeed Ajmal again tormented developed bemarred Pakistan's England, the off-spinner finishing with two for 31. tween the two tour, was walking sides.

PTI LONDON, SEPT 21

Pakistan level series

Australia’s world champion discus thrower pulls out PTI SYDNEY, SEPT 21

Australia's world champion discus thrower Dani Samuels today pulled out of the controversy-marred Delhi Commonwealth Games citing health and security concerns.

The 22-year-old decided to opt out of the event following a gun attack on two tourists near Jama Masjid in Delhi on Sunday and the recent outbreak of dengue fever in the Capital.

Meanwhile, Olympic 400 metres champion Christine Ohuruogu withdrew from England's team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi with a thigh injury in the latest blow to the crisis-stricken event on Tuesday.

Anderson poses nude AGENCIES LONDON, SEPT 21

England cricketer James Anderson has become the first professional player to feature on the cover page of gay magazine Attitude.

Good-looking Anderson posed nude for October's issue of the magazine and insisted that there was no homophobia in the game.

"There's a perception of lots of committees and old men being quite prim and proper, but I think the game is moving with the times. From my point of view, I think doing this could be fantastic for cricket. Hopefully this will attract a new sort of fan," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

"If there are any gay cricketers, they should feel confident enough to come out, because I don't think there is homophobia in cricket. Cricket fans are generally there to watch the game and support their team," he added, further co-relating the cricket and gay men involvement in the game.

keeper's throat on the bowling of Vinay Kumar.

Richard Cameron followed Vandiar soon back to pavillion as he was out on the very next ball without troubling the scorers.

Captain Alviro Petersen and middle order batsman Vaughn van Jaarsveld's then palyed some superb shots all around the park in their partnership of 54 off just 26 balls before Vaughn was run out following a mix-up with skipper.

Alviro Petersen (45 off 29) led from the front scoring at a staggering pace but his counterpart Anil Kumble got the better of him just when Bangalore needed, raising hopes of restricing Lions under 170.

Neil McKenzie then brought his experience ionto play with a 39 run innings but even that could not take Lions to score of around 175 that they would have hoped to get after electing to bat first.

Steyn and du Preez bowled right at the batsmen's toes to stop them from playing the big shots in the death overs that helped in restricting Lions to just 159/6.

New Zealand Chef de Mission for the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Dave Currie, today said the event may be called off if the concerns regarding the Athletes Village are not addressed at the earliest.

Currie, who is in Delhi as part of an advanced party, raised serious concerns regarding the residential zone of the Games Village, saying the October 314 mega-event faces the risk of cancellation if the living conditions are not improved before the arrival of the first batch of athletes on Thursday.

"There are some realities, I guess, that if the village is not ready and athletes can't come

then obviously the implications of that are it is not going to happen. If the village isn't ready, the athletes can't arrive," Currie was quoted as saying by the New Zealand media.

"It's not our decision. We're not saying we're not coming the country's not coming. What we're saying is they've got a real challenge with the village and they need to take urgent attention to address it," he added.

The ill-preparedness of the Games Village has even irked the Commonwealth Games Federation with its President Michael Fennell shooting off a letter to Indian Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar, asking him to take immediate steps to address the issue.

Sachin unhappy with fresh IPL player auction AGENCIES MUMBAI, SEPT 21

Sachin Tendulkar, the Mumbai Indians captain, has expressed his disappointment at the prospect of his team being broken up ahead of the IPL player auction in November. Tendulkar said the Mumbai franchise had worked hard to build its team and it was "tough to accept" that the composition had to change.

"I feel it is about building teams, not breaking teams," Tendulkar said. "We have really worked hard to build this team and have got together brilliantly. In the third year we held a couple of camps, which had nothing to do with cricket. It was just about getting together and building team spirit.

"Right from the management and the owners, Mr and Mrs Ambani, they have all put in a lot of effort along with the players, and then you realise that the team has to change. It's

tough to accept that."

The Mumbai Indians were the first IPL side to be eliminated from the Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa and have probably played their last competitive game together. Under the new IPL regulations, each of the eight franchises that participated in the 2010 season can retain up to four players, only three of whom can be Indians. All the other international capped players, as well as those who have played 75% of their side's IPL matches in 2010, will be part of the auction.

"I don't know, it's not my job to figure what's right or wrong, but I feel if a player is happy to play for a particular team, it's good he stays with that team," Tendulkar said, when asked if he was happy with the retention formula. "There's some sort of identity with that team. We have a huge following now and it's also an attachment with a particular team."

Chennai in a do-or-die battle against Warriors

PTI JOHANNESBURG, SEPT 21

PTI PORT ELIZABETH, SEPT 21

Ramnaresh Sarwan's gallant halfcentury went in vain as Guyana suffered a 15-run defeat against South Australia in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament here today.

Sarwan hit eight boundaries and two sixes in his 46-ball 70 to lead a Guyana fightback after they were set an imposing target of 192 by South Australia at the New Wanderers stadium, here.

But the right-hand batsman didn't get enough support at the other end. Barring Richard Ramdeen (35) and Steven Jacobs (32) and Lennox Cush (12), none of the other batsmen were able to reach double figures as Guyana succumbed to their fourth defeat.

Earlier, Callum Ferguson smashed a 37-ball 55 and Cameron Borgas blasted a 36ball 48 to power South Australia to a challenging 191 after being put into bat.

For South Australia, Daniel Harris scalped three for 33 to lead the pack of wicket-takers.

Daniel Christian took two wickets, while Jake Haberfield and Aaron O'Brien chipped in with one each.

Jolted out of their comfort zone by their super-over loss against Victoria Bushrangers, Chennai Super Kings face a do-or-die battle when they take on unbeaten Warriors in the Champions League Twenty20 Group A match here tomorrow.

Chennai notched up two easy wins -- against Central Districts and Wayamba XI -- in their first two matches before losing to Victoria Bushrangers in the Super Over and they now need nothing less than a win in their last group match tomorrow to make it to the semifinals.

Warriors, on six points after winning all their three matches, would also want to register a win though they may sneak into the last four in case of a narrow loss tomorrow.

With a net run rate of plus 0.975 as against plus 0.366 of Victoria, who also have six points from four matches, Warriors can make it to the semifinals in case of a narrow loss and in that case Victoria will be out of the tournament.

In terms of net run rate, Chennai, on four points now, are sit-

TODAY’S MATCH Wayamba Elevens v.

Central Stags, 5 p.m.

Chennai Super Kings v.

Warriors, 9 p.m.

ting pretty at plus 2.567 courtesy the 57-run and 97-run wins over Central Districts and Wayamba XI. With opener Matthew Hayden struggling, Suresh Raina would be the key batsman for Chennai. But captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni also has Murali Vijay, who scored 73 in the last match, to bank on besides Subramaniam Badrinath and Anirudha Srikkant, who are also in fine touch in the tournament.

In the bowling department, Ravichandran Ashwin has been consistent with seven wickets in his kitty from three matches though he will have to quickly forget the 23 runs he conceded in the Super Over against Vic-

Pak-Australia ‘I can’t sleep because Lord’s Test fixed I fear for my life’ AGENCIES LONDON, SEPT 21

The scandal-prone Pakistan team's alleged involvement in match-fixing seems to be getting bigger in proportion as reports on Tuesday claimed that their 150-run loss against Australia at Lord's in July is under investigation by the International Cricket Council.

A report in the Sydney Morning Herald claimed that ICC is investigating on the possibility of match-fixing in the first of the two-match Test series at Lord's from July 13.

The latest allegation of fixing in a Test match between Australia and Pakistan is a heavy blow after claims that January's Sydney Test between the two sides was also fixed.

"The ICC is investigating the possibility that there are two separate groups of corrupt Pakistani cricketers who are aligned to different illegal book-

‘CWG may be called off’ PTI WELLINGTON, SEPT 21

S Australia win despite Sarwan’s knock

The Kiwi Chef de Mission said it was ‘extremely disappointing’ to see the condition of the Village's residential zone, which was was still under construction.

"The opening ceremony is on October 3 and the games are due on the 4th so there is a bit of time between now and then.

But what it requires is a concentration of mind and energy to get it ready," Currie said.

"It's pretty grim really and certainly disappointing when you consider the amount of time they've had to get the village ready for athletes to arrive," he added.

The buildup to the Delhi Games has been marred by corruption controversies and problems related to construction and security concerns.

makers.

"Cricket Australia has not been informed that the Lord's Test in July is also under ICC investigation, but that is standard practice under the anticorruption unit's secretive investigative methods," the report claimed.

"The ICC has an independent process, and Cricket Australia has put a lot of faith in the ICC's expertise and the processes of that expertise," an unnamed CA spokesman was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

It is the second recent Test match at the spiritual home of cricket to come under scrutiny for alleged corruption by Pakistani players, after a British tabloid News of the World blew the whistle in the fourth Test against England which, in fact, opened the worst ever crisis in cricket.

PM summons Delhi Governor AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 21

Amidst complaints by some countries about the "substandard" and "filthy" conditions in the Commonwealth Games Village, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has stepped in again to put in order the arrangements for the Oct 3-14 mega event.

The prime minister summoned Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Tejinder Khanna Tuesday and directed him to personally oversee the clean-up and refurbishment of the apartments to house athletes and officials, a senior official told reporters.

The Lt. Governor will be submitting a day-to-day status report to the prime minster, the official said.

AGENCIES KARACHI, SEPT 21

The former girlfriend of Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, actress Veena Malik, has said that she has received death threats after speaking out about the match-fixing scandal.

Veena revealed that she received a terrifying email after handing evidence of Asif's dealings with an Indian bookie to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"Don't talk to the media, keep your mouth shut, bitch. I'll kill you, watch what I do," The Sun quoted the email, as saying.

The 27-yearold also said that a man had visited her two weeks ago to threaten her.

"I can't sleep at night because I fear for my life.

But if I have to die, I will die.

I'm not scared of threats. I warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about match-fixing eight months ago, but I was ignored. Now people have to speak out," Veena said.

Asif is one of three Pakistan players to be suspended and sent home amid allegations of "spot-fixing" by bowling deliberate 'no -balls' during last month's Lord's Test against England.

Earlier, Veena had launched a scathing attack on the 27-yearold pacer accusing him of being a 'serial matchfixer'.

Ve e n a r e vealed that before the Pakistan team flew to Australia last year, Asif had made a sudden visit to Bangkok to meet certain bookies.

Stray dog found on athlete's bed AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 21

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has presented photo evidence of a stray dog jumping on a bed in the Games Village. The CGF now wants all stray dogs to be removed from the Village site.

CNN-IBN has access to the details of the meeting between the delegates and the organisers of the Commonwealth Games, where the delegates raised questions about the unfinished projects of the Games Village.

Delegates from England

and Scotland say they saw workers sleeping on beds meant for players A Canadian delegate has said the external parts of the towers were full of "rubbish" and exposed wires posed a risk.

While, delegates from England and Scotland say they saw workers sleeping on beds which are meant for players.

But the Organising committee of the Games does not seem too worried. They held a news conference on Tuesday evening and claimed there were no major concerns.

toria Bushrangers.

Pacer Doug Bollinger and spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan can also stepped in when the chips are down.

On the other hand, the South African champion side are high on confidence after their three victories on the trot under the able leadership of Davey Jacob.

Both batting and bowling looked solid so far in the tournament. In batting, besides Jacob, Ashwell Prince and veteran Mark Bouncher have been the main contributers.

Juan Theron has been the pick of bowlers with six wickets from three games. Makhaya Ntini, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Nicky Boje and Johan Botha have also come up with some exceptional performances.

Meanwhile, Wayamba XI take on Central Districts in an inconsequential match at the same venue earlier in the day tomorrow.

With no chance of making it to the semifinals after losing all their earlier three matches, each of the two sides would look to salvage some pride and bow out of the tournament with a win.

Reporter claims bringing explosives into venue PTI MELBOURNE, SEPT 21

An Australian TV channel has claimed that its crew got past security personnel and entered the Commonwealth Games village with crude explosives bought in New Delhi a few days ago, raising questions over safety at the event venues.

Channel 7 journalist Mike Duffy claimed that he walked into one of the Games venues with a case of explosive which could have triggered explosions if fitted with a detonator.

The video footage put up in a website called 3news.co.nz showed Duffy secretly filming the purchase of the case from the boot of a car in New Delhi.

The video also showed how Duffy was even given a demonstration by the vendors.

"If I need to blow up this car, all I need further is a detonator and explosive," the vendor told Duffy in the video.

Duffy claimed that he was easily able to buy the items, including ammonium nitrate and explosives used for mining, in New Delhi, which is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Games from October 3 to 14.

"We found that without too much trouble one can purchase these explosives and equipment on the streets of New Delhi. At the mining areas, they sell it almost alongside groceries," he said in the news footage in the website.

On Sunday, two Taiwanese nationals were injured when two motor-cycle borne attackers fired at a bus carrying foreign tourists outside Jama Masjid, raising fresh concerns about security in the wake of the Delhi Games.