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Petroleum pilferage racket busted at Alto-Dabolim HERALD REPORTER VASCO, AUG 23

The more corrupt the state, the more laws.

— Tacitus

Govt ‘open’ to N-bill changes PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

Faced with attack from Right and Left for some changes in the Nuclear Liability Bill, Government tonight expressed readiness for any “reasonable modification” in it as it started reaching out to the Opposition parties for support which seemed unlikely in the present form.

Minister of State in the PMO Prithviraj Chavan, who met Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, sought to justify the amendments that have attracted criticism but said the Government has an “open mind” on the changes and would be ready to accept any “concrete suggestions”.

EVM ‘thief’ arrested AGENCIES MUMBAI, AUG 23

A Hyderabad-based `whistleblower’ who claimed that Electronic Voting Machines used in elections are faulty and can be tampered with, was arrested by the MRA Marg police on Saturday.

The arrested accused has been identified as Hari Krishna Prasad Murli Mohan Waimuru (42), who runs a company called Netcom India Private Limited in Hyderabad, is stuck in a legal battle with the Election Commission over his claim. The matter is still pending in a (Continued on page 2)

Verna police on Monday busted a major petroleum pilferage racket near a hotel at AltoDabolim in Vasco.

It is learnt that the racket had been in operation since the last few years, but the Zuari Indian Oil Tanking Ltd (ZIOTL) was made aware of the pilferage only about 20 days ago when some unknown people informed them.

A 2-metre deep tapping connection was made to the underground pipeline that runs from Photo by M Prabhav the Mormugao Port to the oil depot at ZIOTL in Zuarinagar- Oil company workers dig nearly 2 metres deep to remove the tapping connection, an ‘L’ shaped reducer pipe connected to the main pipeline.

Sancoale.

The 20-inch diameter pipeline age occurs when oil is siphoned said police. that supplies petroleum prod- off from the tapping connecVerna Police Inspector Jivba ucts such as petrol, diesel, naph- tion”, claimed a police official. Dalvi informed that after ZIOTL tha and kerosene had nearly one “A tapping hole of nearly one lodged the complaint, they deinch diameter hole which was inch, made on a pipeline of over tected the pilferage and traced connected with an L-shaped re- 20-inch diameter, does not affect the tapping line connected to ducer pipe. the pressure measurement when the pipeline laid alongside the An oil company worker had fuel is siphoned off ”, added the NH-17B at Alto-Dabolim. to dig nearly 2 mtrs deep to re- police official.

“It is not yet known since move the tapping connection.

“Basic methodology to check when the pilferage has been “It appears that the tapping oil pilferage is pressure meas- going on. But since the last 20 connection was carried out with urement. When fuel is released days, the pipeline was empty as meticufrom ships, the pressure there was no consignment sup(Continued on page 2)measured should match plied from the port to the oil l o u s planning to ensure that no leak- when it reaches the oil depot”, depot”, said PI Dalvi.

MPs bargain, get Rs 10,000 more PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

After a hefty hike in salary and allowances last week, Members of Parliament today got another bonanza when the Union Cabinet today agreed to a further raise in their monthly allowances by Rs 10,000.

The Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, decided to increase the office and constituency allowances of MPs by Rs 5000 each per month.

The decision came against the backdrop of lawmakers expressing unhappiness over the increase proposed by the Cabinet last week.

Their unhappiness arose from the rejection of the demand that the Government accept the proposal of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to hike their salaries from Rs 16,000 to Rs 80,000.

The MPs want their salar y pegged at Rs.80,001, one rupee more than the salary of a Secretary in the Government.

The Government had pegged the MPs’ salary at Rs 50,000 per month. Besides, it had hiked the office and constituency allowances from Rs 20,000 per month each to Rs 40,000 per month each.

Now, the constituency and office allowance of MPs would be Rs 45,000 each per month, Government sources said.

The Lok Sabha had witnessed uproar last week by RJD, SP and JD-U members over Government’s decision with agitated members of these parties dubbing it as an insult to Parliament.

BJP, RJD, SP and JD-U leaders

MPs FLY HIGHER

Rs 50,000 basic salary, Rs 45,000 office expenses, Rs 45,000 constituency allowance.

Interest-free loan for personal vehicle hiked to Rs four lakh.

Road mileage rate for vehicles used by MPs hiked from Rs 13 to Rs 16 per km.

Spouse can travel any number of times in first class or executive class.

Pension benefits hiked from Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000 per month. had a meeting with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday over the issue after which the Government had assured them to take appropriate steps.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee moved the proposal for a hike in constituency and office allowances by Rs 5,000 each which was immediately approved by the Cabinet. These allowances are exempt from Government taxes.

After stalling Parliament proceedings over the issue and even conducting a ‘mock’ Parliament on Friday, leaders of political parties had a meeting with Mukherjee on Saturday where it was decided to take their concerns on board.

The modus operandi…

A 2-metre deep tapping connection was made to the 20-inch diameter underground pipeline that runs from the Mormugao Port to the oil depot at ZIOTL in Zuarinagar-Sancoale.

This was connected with an L-shaped reducer pipe which had a one-inch diameter hole.

PI Dalvi is confident that police will crack the case shortly.

It is learnt that a car, which used to remain parked at the place where the tapping connection was detected with the motive of hiding the pilferage, is yet to be traced. Tyre marks of a tanker in the compound area, where connection was detected, were also clearly visible.

(Continued on page 2)

ON PAGE 3

Panic at Alto-Dabolim

The Government today extended sops worth Rs 1,052 crore to exporters, particularly for the labour-intensive textile, handicrafts and leather sectors, to help them see through the fragile economic recovery globally.

“We are not yet out of the woods,” Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said while extending the schemes like DEPB, under which taxes are reimbursed to exporters, subsidised interest and sops for import of capital goods.

Releasing the annual supplement to the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14, he said the revenue implication of these measures would be Rs 1,052 crore.

The Government made it clear that the popular Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) scheme, which has been in vogue for over a decade, is being

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A 12-hour hostage stand-off on a hijacked Philippine bus ended in bloodshed today, with officials saying at least seven Chinese tourists were dead along with the disgruntled ex-policeman who seized their vehicle in a bid to get his job back.

At least six captives survived, four of whom were seen crawling out the back door of the bus after Philippine police stormed it today evening when the hostage-taker started shooting at the 15 Chinese tourists inside, said police Senior Superintendent Nelson Yabut.

He said the hostage-taker was killed with a sniper shot to the head after he wounded a police sharpshooter.

Police and ambulances were lined up next to the vehicle in the pouring rain after the standoff ended. Local hospitals reported seven bodies of hostages were brought in.

(Detailed report on page 11)

Smarting under bad publicity over a ragging incident last week, a three-member committee of the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim will probe into what exactly happened at the Boys Hostel in room No 10.

Nine senior MBBS students were expelled from the hostel after they were caught ragging seven of their juniors. “We will have a committee of three senior professors who will probe the incident and report back to the anti-ragging committee”, said Dr V N Jindal, Dean, GMC. Jindal said the committee was formed today and it has been asked to submit the report on the incident in the next seven days.

The ragging incident came to light after a senior professor was on the rounds of the hostel.

He sounded the dean after which the students were expelled from the hostel and later arrested by the Agassaim police.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

AP MANILA, AUG 23

KNOT OF SISTERLY LOVE: A girl ties Rakhi to her brother on the eve of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ in Panjim. This festival, which is widely celebrated across India, is uniquely symbolic of the bonds of love, affection and mutual trust between sisters and brothers. Photo by Rozario Estibeiro.

Atala gives cops the slip HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

Has the alleged Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benahim alias Atala succeeded in giving police a miss? Or did the police allow him to slip away?

Atala, who is considered to be the main link in the policepolitician-drug nexus case has gone missing for almost two months and the police have no clue of his whereabouts.

Duty Entitlement Pass Book scheme extended till June 30, 2011.

Zero-duty Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme extended to March 31, 2012.

Steps to reduce transaction cost of exports too announced.

extended for the last time.

“Recognising the fragile recovery and the prevailing uncertainties (in the global markets), I have been able to obtain extension of DEPB one last time for a further period of six months till June 30, 2011”, Sharma said.

Experts said drawing the curtains on the DEPB scheme was inevitable as it was considered incompatible with the global trade rules under WTO. However, Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar indicated to

The seven promoters of Special Economic Zone (SEZs) who were allotted land by the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) have demanded damages of over Rs 1500 cr from the Goa Government a top official has said.

Addressing a press conference here today after chairing the Board meeting, GIDC Chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar stated that all the seven SEZ promoters have approached the court claiming huge compensation.

“All seven promoters have moved the Court demanding more than Rs 1500 crore in compensation, damages and losses for being unable to set up shop”, Kavlekar said.

The chairman who is also the Quepem legislator, stated that till the Government decided not to scrap SEZs in the State, the GIDC had received an approximate amount of Rs 50 crore from the seven promoters as payment (in instalment) for the 32 lakh square

meters of land.

The Rs 1500 cr compensation works out to 30 times the amount paid collectively by the seven promoters to the GIDC for acquiring 32 lakh sq mts of land, where the seven SEZs were proposed to be set up.

The seven SEZ promoters are Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd, Cipla group, Peninsular Pharma Research Ltd, Paradigm Logistic & Distributors, Planetview Mercantile Pvt Ltd, Inox Mercentile Pvt Ltd and M/s Maxgrow.

“The compensation and damages claimed by the promoters are unimaginable for the GIDC. Just because they have asked for such money does not mean we will give it to them”, Kavlekar said adding “we can at the most return whatever amount we had received from the promoters”.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat last week said that he had demanded with the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma to denotify three SEZs in the State.

Three-member panel to probe GMC ragging

BOOSTER DOSE l

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

Philippines hostage siege ends, 8 dead

The Israeli, was released on bail in June by the NDPS court on condition that he would

reporters that the Ministry might formulate an alternative scheme.

A number of additional products from sectors like engineering, leather, textiles and jute have also been added to the existing two per cent interest subvention scheme. Handloom, handicrafts, carpet and the SMEs have been getting this facility, which will now be available till March 31, 2011.

As regards the prospect of the current fiscal, the minister said: “We are on course to

not leave the State or the country.

Confirming that they did not have any clue where Atala was since he was released on bail, Superintendent of Police (CB) Chandrakant Salgaonkar said since Atala failed to report at the Crime Branch office the police team went to track him at the address furnished but was found missing.

(Continued on page 2)

Govt extends stimulus to boost exports PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

SEZ promoters move court, claim Rs 1,500 cr

achieving export target (USD 200 billion) for 2010-11”. Exports in the previous fiscal totalled USD 178.6 billion in the midst of the global economic crisis, which affected demand in the developed world.

The Government also extended the zero-duty Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme by one year to March 31, 2012. The scheme, which was announced in August last year, was to expire on March 31, 2011.

Steps to reduce transaction cost of exports too were announced in the policy. At present, transaction costs are estimated at 7-8 per cent of the exports value.

India Inc and exporters body today expressed satisfaction over the steps taken by the government in wake of the global demand slowdown and domestic resource constraints.

Goa seems to be a haven for them too. I strongly suspect a politician-police-beggers nexus!

OHERALDO

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GOA, TUESDAY, 24 AUGUST, 2010

Hike pension to retired seafarers, MP tells NUSI

South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha discussing with the retired seafarers on their demand for a hike in the monthly pension.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 23

S o u t h G o a M P Fr a n c i s c o Sardinha has told the general secretary of National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) Abdulgani Serang on Monday to effect an immediate hike in the exgratia relief paid to the retired seafarers of the merchant navy.

Sardinha even assured the NUSI general secretary that he will use his good offices in Delhi to take up the cause of the retired seafarers and urged Abdulgani to fix a meeting with concerned ministers and officials in the national capital.

Speaking telephonically to Abdulgani after a delegation of retired seafarers called on him in the district Collectorate here on Monday morning, Sardinha said grave injustice is being meted out to the retired seafarers and their widows by paying them a monthly dole of Rs 200.

He told Abdulgani in clear terms

that seven senior citizens are paid a monthly dole of Rs 1000 in Goa and wondered why NUSI cannot afford to look after its seafarers after retirement. “It is high time you do something.

Don’t you agree that one even cannot buy fish for Rs 200 now”, he told Abdulgani over telephone and urged the NUSI general secretary to take interest in the issue and fix up a meeting with the concerned officials in Delhi.

The MP reminded Abdulgani that even a peon receives pension after retirement and demanded to know why the retired seafarers are being left in the lurch during retirement.

President of the Retired Goan Seafarers Association, Afron Dias told newsmen that the seafarers are being paid a pittance by NUSI and demanded a raise in the monthly pension.

He said NUSI has vast resources at its disposal due to

contributions made by shipping companies for the welfare of the seafarers and demanded that portion of the funds be spent on the welfare of retired seafarers.

Another seamen demanded to know the status of the funds in the Provident Fund and said the department of welfare, which comes under Director General, Shipping should seriously consider the demands of the retired seafarers.

The retired seafarers recalled that PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao had called a meeting of the seafarers with Abdulgani at the NUSI Maritime Academy three years wherein promises were made to hike the monthly pension to Rs 1000-1500. He, however, lamented that its nearly three years since the meeting raised hopes of a hike in the montly dole, but retired seafarers continues to receive Rs 200 per month.

‘O Maria’ film mahurat held at Majorda

Adv Uday Bhembre at the mahurat of Konkani film O Maria at Majorda.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 23

The mahurat of Konkani film O Maria was held at Majorda on Monday at the hands of noted Konkani writer, Uday Bhembre in the presence of film director Rajendra Talak, MLA Damu Naik and others.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Damu underlined the need to have a Film Development Corporation in the state to provide the much required infrastructure and facilities for budding film makers.

Complimenting director Rajendra Talak for his new venture, the MLA said Talak has been taking forward the Goan culture without looking into the returns on his investment in producing Konkani films. “Unlike films in other languages, there’s no market for Konkani films. Producing

films in Konkani language is not a viable proposition. People should come in large numbers to watch Konkani films”, he added.

Talka said O Maria film is centered on the prevailing conditions in Goa and on Goan identity. “The film sends a wake up call to Goans to save the state from going Mumbai and other cities”, he added.

Talak said the film will be premiered at this year’s IFFI festival, adding “if not, the film will be released on December 19 coinciding with the Golden Jubilee year of Goa’s Liberation movement”.

Saying that he is feeling bad that things are going from bad to worse in the state, Talak said illegal mining is going on unhindered and called for planned development of the state taking

MORE OBITUARIES ON PAGE 10

Photo by Sidharth Mehta

into account the needs for the next 50 years.

Saying that Goans would love watching O Maria, Talak said the cast comprises mostly of Goans barring Shenaz Patel and includes two prominent personalities of the Goan Tiatr stage Roseferns and John D’Silva.

Increase in grants for VPs, ZPs HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

Village Panchayats (VPs) and Zilla Panchayats (ZPs) always complain about not receiving enough finds for developmental works. However, under the 13th Finance Commission (13th FC) they will have no chance to complain since there has been manifold increase in grant to Panchayat Raj Institution (PRI).

Grant will be released under two components -- a basic grant and a performance grant during next five years and, not in lump sum as in the past.

The PRIs under 13TH FC for the period 2010-2015 will receive 90.2 crore comprising basic grant Rs 59 crore and performance grant Rs 31.2 crore, told Menino D’Souza, Director of Panchayat to Herald on Monday.

The quantum of increase in grant under 13th FC has been huge as compared to total grant Rs 18 crore released under 12 th FC for a period 2005-2010.

The ZPs are entitled for 30 per cent of the total grant whereas share of VPs is 70 per cent.

A first instalment of Rs 4.2 crore was distributed among VP and ZPs. However, the State will be entitle to claim performance grant only after it fulfils eight conditions laid down for drawl of funds under 13 th FC, said D’Souza.Performance conditions include adoption of accounting framework and certification pattern consistent with the model accounting system etc.

Woman found dead in well HERALD REPORTER VASCO, AUG 23

A 60-year-old woman from Maimollem-Vasco was found dead in a well in her neighbourhood at Maimollem on Monday afternoon.

Vasco Police has identified the deceased as Vanita V Kamat, a former employee of Goa Sahakar Bhandar, Vasco.

It is learnt from the local people that she fell in the well at about 2.30 pm, while locals noticed it at about 5 pm and informed Vasco Police and Vasco Fire Brigade. Vasco Fire Brigade fished out the body and handed it over to Vasco Police.

Incidentally, Goa Sahakar Bhandar employees, who were conducting the annual ritual of Lord Shree Satyanarayan at Vasco, were shocked on hearing the news. A number of workers of the Sahakar Bhandar left the celebrations midway and rushed to Kamat’s house.

Kamat is survived by two married daughters and she was residing with her granddaughter at her residence at Maimollem.

Vasco Police have registered a case of unnatural death and is investigating the case.

Water pipe found releasing waste into river Mandovi HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, AUG 23

Officials of Pollution Control Board (PCB) on Monday evening found waste water being discharged through a pipe into the Mandovi River close to the Banastarim Bridge.

PCB officials, led by junior environmentalist Shailesh Vaigankar, visited the site after this correspondent informed Environment Minister Alexio Sequiera that a pipeline was discharging waste water into the Mandovi River near the Bansastarim Bridge.

The environment minister has instructed PCB officials to conduct site inspection and give him the report over the matter at the earliest.

Speaking to Herald, Vaigankar said they conducted the inspection on a complaint regarding a pipe, which had been illegally put by some persons.

“It is confirmed that there is a pipe illegally discharging waste water into the Mandovi River.

We will investigate into the matter and find out from where the pipe has come. It does not look

HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, AUG 23

Waste water flows through a pipe into the Mandovi River near the Banastarim Bridge.

Photo by Kanzil Rodrigues

like a one day job and if any one found guilty, strict action will be taken against those violating PCB rules,” said Vaigankar.

It may be noted that a pharmaceutical company lies close to the site but it has reportedly closed down operations for months. At the other end lies an ice factory, further from the river end.

Corlim Sarpanch Sisto Fernandes along with Secretary

Basilio Pires and panchayat staff also visited the site during inspection and stated that the panchayat would file a complaint with PCB. Later, to trace the pipeline from where it has come, the PCB officials also conducted an inspection at the pharmaceutical company and held talks with the factory manager in this connection.

Maiden direct train to Vailankani takes off

‘Churchill cannot take credit’

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 23

They prayed for all those instrumental in making the first direct train to Vailankani, as hundreds of pilgrims left for Nagapatinam by the special train on Monday evening to participate in the novenas of the feast of Our Lady of Vailankani.

The young, old and children boarded the Vasco-Nagapatinam Express as the train chugged at the Margao railway station at 8.15 pm. Smiles were writ large on the faces of the pilgrims as their long-standing dream to have a direct train finally materialized, as they profusely thanked the political class responsible to make the dreams of thousands of Goans a reality.

“I thank the people responsible for successfully taking up with the centre to have a direct train to Nagapatinam. We are travelling in this train because it is direct and passengers need not change trains during the journey”, remarked Perry D’Silva.

The passengers thanked Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, MP Francisco sardinha and Luizinho Faleiro for finally realizing the dreams of the Goan pilgrims.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 23

South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha wishing bon voyage to pilgrims to Vailankani.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

Some of the pilgrims said the government should ensure that the train becomes an annual feature during the festive period at Vailankani.

South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha was at the railway station to bid bon voyage to the hundreds of pilgrims. “This was a long pending demand of Goans to have a direct train.

Thousands of Catholics going to Vailankani to attend the nove-

Shigao school PTA threatens protest rally

nas and the feast annually had to undergo the ordeal of changing trains. This direct train will give a big relief to the pilgrims”, he added.

Referring to a suggestion made by the pilgrims to ensure that the train leaves Nagapatinam on its return journey on September 8, the South Goa MP assured to immediately take up the matter with the Union Railway Minister.

South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha has said that PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao certainly cannot claim credit for the direct train between Goa and Nagapatinam to ferry Goan pilgrims to Vailankani.

“I had demanded a direct train last time. Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik was there. Even CWC member Luizinho Faleiro tried his best. We have succeeded in achieving the dream of Goans”, he said.

When his attention was drawn at Churchill’s statement that he is responsible for the direct train, Sardinha categorically said “I don’t think, Churchill is responsible, he might have take up in the issue in the past.

The three Goan MPs can take responsibility for the direct train, but surely not others”.

And, the South Goa MP on a parting note said that Churchill certain cannot take credit as an ex-MP for the direct train when the CM and the 3 Goan MPs have taken up the matter in Delhi with the centre.

The PTA members of Government Primary School, at Velipwada-Shigao in Collem have threatened a protest rally at the ADEI Office in Sangeum, if the education department fails to depute one teacher in the school within five days.

In a press note, the PTA members stated that a teacher was transferred by the education department, thereby leaving the school to be run by one teacher since the last one-and-half months.

The PTA members along with Ward Panchayat Member Jaideo Velip and Naresh Shigaonkar had met ADEI Sanguem and had submitted a memorandum demanding appointment of teacher in the school.

The concerned ADEI had assured to appoint a teacher within a week, but the department is yet to appoint a teacher in the place of the transferred teacher.

Irked with the department over the non-appointment of a teacher in the school, the parents have decided to stage a protest rally at ADEI Sanguem on August 26 from 9.30 am.

The PTA chairman has urged all the parents, PTA members, residents of Shigao and NGOs to join the protest rally.

The PTA chairman also stated that if ADEI office and education department fails to appoint a teacher within few days, it will also be decided to confront the assistant education director.

AP student arrested for drugs HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 23

The Colva police on Monday evening arrested a 19-year old student of Andhra Pradesh under the NDPS Act for possessing 10 grams of ganja.

Colva PSI Anand Shirodkar informed that accused Javed Mohammed was nabbed by local residents at the Colva beach when they noticed him in possession of the drugs.

He said after the accused was handed over to the police, a search conducted on his person revealed that he was carrying 10 gram of Ganja.

Replying to a question, PSI Shirodkar said the accused would be interrogated to find out the source of the drugs.

Damu confident of winning Fatorda seat for third time

FROM PAGE 1

muharat of the Konkani film `O Maria’.

Hitting out at certain Congress leaders without taking their names, Naik said there may be people who are trying to get elected, but he will never allow any illegal activities in Fatorda, including land filling, concrete jungle, illegal cutting of hills to prepare football grounds, extortion et al.

“The people of Fatorda have faith in me and I have immense trust in my voters. I have taken up development works to the tune of Rs 16-17 crore, but others are trying to take credit for my work”, he asserted.

Despite repeated efforts, ZIOTL officials declined to comment.

An officer from the Accounts Section of ZIOTL said they have informed Verna police about the pilferage and asked the media to get in touch with the police, since the ZIOTL does not have a public relations officer.

Verna police has registered an offence against unknown persons under Sections 379, 285 and Section 23 of Petroleum Act 1934 and is investigating the case.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 23

Unfazed by the political developments in the Congress camp, BJP MLA Damu Naik has exuded confidence of retaining the Fatorda seat for the third time in a row.

Commenting on the presence of Congress stalwarts in Fatorda constituency on Sunday, Naik said that Fatorda is an educated constituency. “I need not tell anything. The people will vote as per their conscience as they know that I am working for the welfare of Goa and Goans”, he said during an interaction with newsmen on the sidelines of the

MP wants separate PF Tribunal for South India HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik has demanded a separate Provident Fund Tribunal for South India since taking justice to the door--steps of the people is the government’s motto.

In a special mention in Rajya Sabha, Naik said a Bench of Employees Provident Fund Appellate Tribunal be constituted either at Mumbai, Goa or Banglore to cover, Bangalore, Mangalore, Gulbarga, Goa, Nagpur, Raipur etc.

He said that the Appellate Tribunal under Provident Fund Act holds its sittings only at one place in India ie at Delhi.

“This causes immense hardships to the concerned people, considering the time and money involved in attending the tribunal in Delhi. The Presiding officer, occasionally, also holds sittings in Goa, Mumbai and Bangalore and the last seating in Goa took place almost a year back,” he stated.

Alternatively, Mr Naik suggested that, there can be one permanent presiding officer seating in Delhi and the other a mobile presiding officer presiding over the camp in various parts of South India on rotation.

Replying to a question, Naik said in a democracy anyone has the right to contest the polls, but hastened to add that defeated candidates should not indulge in illegalities.

“There are some people who are known as Illegal Masters, but let me say their mastery over illegalities cannot continue for too long”, he added.

Naik had been twice elected as ML A from Fatorda constituency, with the Congress maintaining that the BJP flag has been flying high in the constituency due differences in the party camp and the spilt in the security vote.

49 cases of H1N1 since Jan HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

Suggesting that there is also another alternative, Mr Naik said, since Industrial Tribunals are already established under Industrial Tribunal Act, the same may be designated as Employees Provident Fund Appellate Tribunals, which will result in every State getting an appellate tribunal under Provident Fund Act. “Ministry of Labour should undertake an exercise in this matter and take appropriate steps in consultation with all the stake holders,” he said Pending the decision, sittings of the Delhi Tribunal in South India, including Goa, should resume and there should not be a disproportionate gaps between one sitting and the other, Mr Naik suggested.

The Directorate of Health Services on Monday said it has geared up its surveillance machinery to detect and treat H1N1 cases, even as the total count since January this year reached 49 after nine more cases were confirmed positive for the disease.

State Epidemiologist Dr Jose D’Sa said report of 31 swabs received today morning from the National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi, confirmed nine more cases. However, he mentioned, all the nine patients were receiving the necessary anti-viral treatment and have recovered fully, he stated.

The nine cases were from Salcete (5), Tiswadi, Mormugao, Canacona and Quepem (one each). With this latest count of 49, Salcete continues to be the highest in H1NI cases with figures of 20 since the beginning of the year, followed by Tiswadi (10), Mormugao (8), Quepem (3), Ponda (3), Bardez (2), Sanguem (2) and Canacona (1).

Dr D’Sa said medicines are being made available at the health centres wherever cases have been reported.

All the health officers are organizing workshops in every block to create awareness about the disease, he stated.

Racket busted

Atala gives cops the slip “We were told that he had checked out on July 4 from Angel Resorts, Porvorim and thereafter we don’t know where he is”, Salgaonkar said.

The alleged drug dealer was arrested in March this year after his former girlfriend, Lucky Farmhouse, posted a video on youtube.com wherein he confessed about his links with policemen.

Seven policemen including Inspector Ashish Shirodkar were arrested.

Salgaonkar has said that they will be writing to the Court informing that he is missing.

When contacted, the workers at the hotel disclosed that Atala checked out on July 4.

The Digambar Kamat-led Government came in for severe criticism during the recent monsoon session of the Goa legislative Assembly for refusing to hand over the police-drug mafia case to the CBI. The Opposition BJP had demanded the case be handed over to the CBI as the name of Home Minister’s son had cropped up.

However, both the chief minister and the home minister stood their ground and refused a CBI probe saying the police were doing a professional job.

Incidentally, apart from BJP, the NCP too mounted pressure on the Government demanding a CBI probe into the case.

It may be recalled that Atala was deported in 2006 for overstaying and despite that he managed to evade the cops, returned to Goa and carried on the drug business.

EVM ‘thief’ arrested

Hyderabad court. Waimuru was arrested from Hyderabad in connection with the theft of an EMV machine that was stolen from the collector’s office in Mumbai.

According to the police, in April this year, the collector’s office in city had filed a complaint that EVM serial number E-131812 was stolen from Old Custom House in Fort.

Investigating officer S Vani of the MRA Marg police said that on April 28 this year, a news channel telecasted a sting operation in Hyderabad wherein Waimuru had given a demonstration of the EVM machine, claiming that it can be tampered with. Foreign experts also participated in the show.

Waimuru said that votes and results can be tampered with.

According to him, any political party can take advantage of this.

Waimuru brought an EVM machine on the show.

“The serial number of the said machine was displayed on TV. A machine with the same serial number was stolen from the Old Custom House godown,’’ said an official from MRA Marg police station.

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South VP election petitions Petrol pilferage sparks ‘stayed’ before tribunal panic in Alto-Dabolim HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 23

Is the Additional President of Administrative Tribunal competent to hear panchayat election petitions from South Goa? Even as the high court is seized of the matter and a debate rages on the legal question, hearing of all panchayat election petitions from South Goa district have come to a halt before the Administrative Tribunal.

In fact, it’s nearly 10 months now, that Panchayat election petitions before the Administrative Tribunal have come to a stand still since the high court on October 1 last year stayed a Tribunal order passed by an Additional President declaring null and void the election of Colva Panch Anthony Fernandes from the membership of the panchayat body.

The high court had stayed the Tribunal order disqualifying the Colva Panch member on grounds that Rules (3) of the Goa Panchayat Raj (Election Petition Au-

thority) Rules, 1997 authorises the President of the Administrative Tribunal to hear election petitions and decide the same after conducting trial as per the laid down procedure.

Inquiries with the Administrative Tribunal revealed that hearings of the panchayat election petitions from South Goa have not been taken up in view of the high court order and the fact that the high court is yet to vacate the stay and dispose off the petition.

Sources said the Law department is also aware of the situation, but is apparently waiting for the final order from the high court on the issue.

Incidentally, the post of Additional President of the Administrative Tribunal was created by the Goa Administrative Tribunal (Amendment) Act, 2001,

by Amending Section 3 of the Goa Administrative Tribunal Act, 1965.

The Amendment states that “the Tribunal shall consist of a

President and an Additional President, both of whom shall be appointed by the state government. Both the President and the Additional President shall have co-extensive powers and concurrent jurisdiction to deal with cases filed in the Tribunal.

The Additional President shall decide such cases as are made over to him by the President”.

Incidentally, Colva Panch member, Anthony Fernandes, whose disqualification was stayed by the high court on the question whether the Additional President of the Administrative Tribunal can hear elections petitions is still not entitled to vote or draw remuneration from the Panchayat body.

The high court, while staying the Administrative Tribunal order disqualifying him, had ordered that the Panch members should not exercise his voting right or draw remuneration till the final disposal of the petition.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, AUG 23

The oil pilferage racket busted at Alto-Dabolim on Monday is yet another grim reminder of various instances of oil adulteration rackets and illegal oil storage yards being exposed in the taluka.

Panic gripped residents of Alto-Dabolim on Monday after news spread that a pilferage tapping connection was found to the pipeline that supplies inflammable fuel, naphtha and petrol.

“We are lucky that an incident like the one at the IOC eight years ago did not occur with the pilferage at Alto-Dabolim,” s a i d U m e s h Pa t i l o f A l t o Dabolim.

“If any negligence had to occur when oil was being siphoned off, it would have led to a major tragedy, as pipeline supplies highly combustible petroleum products

KTC urges relaxation of notification Heavy buses banned entering Margao, Panjim cities

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

As the district administration has began implementation of its notification banning big Kadamba buses from plying into Margao and Panjim cities, the Corporation has urged the district administration to review the notification.

Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL), Managing Director Vanancio Furtado today confirmed that a letter has been already forwarded to the North Goa District Administration asking for the withdrawal of the notification.

“We have already written to collector urging him to withdraw the notification and allow the big buses enter capital city.

We will also be writing a similar

letter to South Goa collector,” Furtado said.

North Goa collector in the notification had banned Kadamba buses from plying into the city post after 8.30 am whereas the notification by South Goa collector insists that the buses will terminate near Ana Fonte spring and take a turn around back to bus stand.

Though the sudden decision

has earned ire of section of passengers, the district administration officers says that the move is aimed at decongesting the traffic which is chock a block during morning office hours when several thousand vehicles enter these two important cities – Panjim and Margao.

“The notifications are entirely aiming to decongest the traffic mess in these cities,” a district administration officer said. KTCL managing director, however, says that such an act is likely to cause inconvenience to the passengers as the private buses are overloaded during morning hours.

Such a drastic move by the administration is also likely to affect the revenue earning of the KTCL, which has seen a rise in its revenue for last two months after it was hit

Municipal polls throw up demand for caste certificate HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 23

Caste status has suddenly become a catch word for many a candidates having an eye on the forthcoming Municipal polls.

In fact, it’s not uncommon to find probable candidates flaunting their caste status, with the government reserving seats for OBC and STs in the coming civic polls.

And, if officials are to be believed, there’s already a beeline before the Deputy Collectors for the much-sought after caste certificate, mandatory for a candidate contesting from a reserved seat.

Though the government is yet to notify the reserved wards, suspense continues amongst the probable candidates. But, that has not prevented many a can-

didate to get back to their community leaders to get letters, indicating that he or she belongs to a particular caste or community.

Inquiries with the Deputy Collector, Margao has revealed that some of the prospective candidates, including sitting Margao Municipal Councilors have already obtained the caste certificate, to ensure they are not left in the lurch at the eleventh hour.

That’s not all. Given the intense political rivalry at the ward level in the run up to the polls, the office of the deputy Collector, Margao has even received an application under the Right to Information Act seeking information about the caste certificate issued to a particular candidate.

“Everyday, my office receives so many applications for a caste certificate. Many of the applicants also comprises of the prospective candidates”, remarked Deputy Collector, Johnson Fernandes.

Incidentally, the Deputy Collector’s office is flooded with queries on the criteria vis-à-vis caste certificate. For instance, there was a query whether a women’s caste status changes after her marriage and it was informed that the women retains her original caste despite marriage.

This question came to the fore after a prospective woman candidate sought to know her caste status after her marriage, as she anticipated reservation of her ward for OBC candidate.

PP seeks time in German rape case HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

Public Prosecutor in the German minor rape case has sought time till September 15 to convince victim’s mother to get the victim for deposition.

The case has received a major set back after 14-year-old girl’s German mother earlier this month told court that the victim will not depose before the Goa Children’s Court and she does not want to continue with the case.

The mother, who had accused Education minister Babush Monserratte’s son, Rohit of sexually abusing her daughter, in a letter to the Court as well as to through an email to the Calangute Police station had said that she has no intention to pursue the case against Rohit Monserratte.

“I have no intention to pursue the case against Rohit Monserratte as my daughter does not remember anything and will not depose in the matter,” the mail reads.

Accordingly, court had given last opportunity to the PP Poonam Bharne to convince the victim to depose in the court today. However, PP failed to convince the victim mother.

In February, 2010, Court had recorded the s t a t e m e n t o f the German mother, who had accused 21-year- old Rohit, of raping her daughter in 2008.

Rohit was booked under Goa Children's act and various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) for rape and sending lewd SMSs to the minor girl.

Rohit had deposed before the police on November 1, 2008 and went into hiding.

However, on November 4, he

surrendered himself before the Calangute police station.

He was later granted bail by the Children’s Court.

by financial crisis.

Meanwhile, South district administration has decided to get a formal resolution from the MMC to continue with the current arrangement of terminating buses near Nanutel Hotel.

MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho said that they have received the letter from collector seeking a resolution.

“The letter would be placed before the council in the next meeting and appropriate decision would be taken,” he said.

However, the chairperson refused to state whether council will ban the entry of buses or support them.

Sources stated that the massive traffic jams near Margao municipal junction had resulted in this notification.

like petrol and naphtha,” added Patil.

Patil recalled the blasts in port town due to the pilferage racket on July 12, 2002, that left the entire port town in panic.

Adds Hemant Dessai of Alto-Dabolim: “We are convinced that it’s a well-organised racket and if any negligence had to occur when oil was being siphoned off, then certainly it would have lead to a major disaster.”

Sancoale Panchas Girish Pillai and Dalvi, who were present at the site, suspect that running such a racket without involvement of officials seems to be difficult.

“Police needs to investigate all the possible angles,” they demanded.

It may be recalled that when the first major oil pilferage racket was busted in 2002 at

the IOC depot, the company had occurred an estimated loss of nearly Rs 10 crore.

However, such incidents are nothing new in Mormugao taluka that lifeline of Goa in terms of fuel supply.

Three months ago, the Central Bureau of Investigation had conducted raids on illegal oil storage yards and oil adulteration rackets were busted at Sancoale area and nearly 80 barrels of petroleum products were seized, besides other chemicals and equipments.

Similarly, last year oil company officials had detained two petroleum tankers when they were found suspiciously moving near Alto-Dabolim residential area.

Later, it was found that both the tankers had tampered with the company seal to siphon off the oil and case was registered against the tanker owners.

Two convicted for adulteration HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

The Bombay High Court at Goa convicted two businessmen from Mapusa for adulteration of food products.

Justice N A Britto passing its order sentenced the accused Selvon Athisavem and Mannuel Athisavem of Mani Mark Sweet to undergo three months simple imprisonment under the Prevention of food Adulteration Act 1954. The Court has also imposed a fine of Rs 2500 each on them.

The Court in its order has also directed the accused to undergo 15 days imprisonment for the offence of Misbranding of roasted peanuts.

The sample of roasted

peanuts was drawn in the year 2004 by the Food Inspector Iva Fernandes of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and the sample was found to contain added synthetic colour.

Apart from that, the packages of roasted peanut were also not labeled as required under Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1955.

As such the samples were declared as adulterated by FDA.

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s H o Rt tA K e s Blood donation camp held

Speaker ridicules MLAs performance in Assembly HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, AUG 23

Lions Club of Calangute President Padma Kumar Nair donates blood at the camp. Photo by Thomas Fernandes

CALANGUTE(HC): Lions Club of Calangute in collaboration with Calangute Association recently organised a blood donation camp at Calangute Association Hall, Calangute.

Dr Vijay Desai led the medical team, while Padma Kumar Nair and Alex Fernandes represented Lions Club of Calangute and Calangute Association respectively.

Over 100 people of different walks of life donated their blood. Among those present at the blood donation camp were Flavia Mascarenhas, Durgesh Parulaker, Filipe Dias and Eknath Salkar.

Gymnasium opened at Colva

Mickky Pacheco, ex-Tourism Minister seen addressing the gathering after inaugurating the gymnasium. Also present are Rev Fr Diago Fernandes, Fr Luis Pinto, Sarpanch Angela Borges, Suzie Fernandes, Pedro Crasto, Menino Fernandes, Carlos and Treza Lourenco.

PANJIM(HND): Mickky Pacheco, ex-Tourism Minister and MLA of Benaulim constituency inaugurated the gymnasium with latest equipments brought for the villagers of Colva by ZP Member, Nelly Rodrigues.

The blessing cum prayer service of the gym was conducted

by Rev Fr Diago Fernandes, Parish Priest in the presence of Asst Priest of Colva, Rev Fr Luis Pinto Lourenco, guest of honour Nelly Rodrigues, Sarpanch Angela Borges, Panch Members Suzie Fernandes, Pedro Crasto, Maggie Goes and social worker Menino Fernandes.

President of Lions Club Alexander Fernandes, Jaycees Franky Sequeira and others were also present.

At the outset gold medalist and gym instructor Carlos Lourenco welcomed the gathering and thanked Nelly Rodrigues for the gym equipments. Chief guest Mickky Pacheco was all praises for Parish Priest, Rev Fr Diago Fernandes and ZP Member Nelly Rodrigues. He promised the Parish Priest and Colva Villagers that he would soon beautify the church area and thanked the people of Colva for always standing by him.

There was a demonstration by the body builders and a thrilling display. Thereza Lourenco proposed the vote of thanks while Rene Mesquita compered the programme.

President of D B Bandokar Memorial Sounstha, Calangute, Filipe Dias, Acting Sarpanch of V P Calangute, Sneha Salgaonkar, former Dy Sarpanch Anamaria C D’Souza, Secretary of the Sounstha Eknath Nagvenkar, Panch of V P Calangute Alex Fernandes and social workers paying homage to the first Chief Minister of Goa Late D B Bandokar on his 37th Death Anniversary at Calangute.

Lions observe Vanamahotsav

Lions Region Chairman P Walsun seen planting a coconut sapling at Govt Primary School, St Cruz. Also present are Mala Lions President Barnabe Sapeco, Headmistress Anuradha Kadam, Ezilda Sapeco, Anand Jadhav, Rajendra Patel, Shyamsunder Kerkar, Manuel Daniel, Antonia Dias, Sailesh Joshi, James Vaz along with the students and teaching staff.

PANJIM(HND): Lions Club Of Mala Fontainhas, Panjim observed Vanamahotsav by organizing a tree plantation drive at Government Primary School, Deolwada, St Cruz. Coconut saplings and other fruit bearing trees were planted on the occasion in the school campus. Region Chairperson P Walsun was the chief guest. All the school children along with the teachers and Lion members of Mala Lions participated in the tree plantation programme.

Lions President Barnabe Sapeco urged the students to grow more tress as they are the need of the hour as a number of trees are being recklessly cut down.

The Headmistress of the School Anuradha Kadam spoke on the occasion.

Prominent Lions members present on the occasion were Vipin Makwana, Shyamsunder Kerkar, Ezilda Sapeco, Falguni Joshi, Rajendra Patel , Maruti Kamu, Manuel Daniel, Antonia Dias, Jostna Patel, Sailesh Joshi and Nandukumar Acharya.

Speaker Pratapsingh Rane has ridiculed MLAs performance in the Assembly saying members themselves don't know what they are talking during the Assembly Sessions.

Rane was speaking during the induction ceremony for the first year students of Goa Engineering College (GEC), FarmagudiPonda.

Rane, while commenting on the acoustic system in GEC, which he claimed was not proper and could not understand what was said during the function.

Rane said though in Assembly, there is good acoustic but sometimes members themselves don't know what they are taking about.

"I couldn't hear what was said.

The ex-professors and alumni speeches were interesting and I could hardly hear due to bad acoustic here in the Gym hall.

The GEC needs an auditorium with good acoustic system," he said.

"We in Assembly have good acoustic and can hear the members clearly, but sometimes members themselves do not know what they talking," said Rane.

"Getting degrees or diplomas is not everything, as acquisition

Speaker Pratapsingh Rane felicitates Goa Engineering College Farmagudi-Ponda retired teacher Dr J P Bhat. Photo by Amresh Parab

of knowledge is a life-long process. Students must keep themselves abreast over technological advances," added Rane.

Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar said: "Sometimes, students join engineering course only due to their parents, some join as they don't get admission in desired institutions. However, students should not give up, but utilise this opportunity to shape their future. Students should be determined while pursing their studies."

Director NITK Suratkal and Director NIT Goa Prof Sandeep Sancheti delivered key note address on 'Engineering Education in India'.

On the occasion, retired professors of GEC, Dr J P Bhat (Math-

ematics) and D N Habbu (Physics) were felicitated.

GEC's alumni for their contribution to the public service and professional achievement were also felicitated, including Prof and Director General, NICMAR, Dr Mangesh Korgaonkar, retired chief engineer PWD Vinay Kamat, Director Science and Technology and Joint Secretary (Finance) Michael D'Souza and Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik.

Also present on the occasion were GEC Principal Prof Vivek Kamat, Chief Engineer Water Resource and President GEC Alimni Sandeep Nadkarni, Vice Chairman Governing Council GEC Magiuriesh Pai Raikar and student advisor GEC Prof Sebestain Mesquita.

Now, grievances redress, monitoring system is online HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 23

Directorate of Public Grievances, Government of Goa has envisioned launching of Goa Public Grievances Redress and Monitoring System (GPGRAMS) for the State of Goa with a view to achieve a uniform and systematic approach towards monitoring of procedures by adopting a comprehensive classification and standardization of grievance and redress action across the Government Organization.

According to a press release, the system is available online on the website www.grievances.goa.gov.in where citizens can register their grievances and check progress of redress from anywhere and anytime (24x7) using Internet. The facility can also be availed through the Citizen Service Centre (CSCs)/Lok Seva Kendras (LSKs) which are set up across the state on payment of nominal fee.

Website allows Departments to receive, process and monitor the grievances and is made flexible enough to be extended down below to the sub offices as per the requirement of the Departments for online speedy and effective redress of grievances.

Sanguem, Quepem farmers hit by damaged areca nut plantations HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, AUG 23

Areca nut farmers from Sanguem and Quepem region are sore over the huge losses they have to suffer due to severe damage caused to areca nut plantations.

According to areca nut farmers, the losses are caused due to falling in large numbers of premature areca nuts from the trees reportedly due to fungal infection.

Meng Vasssu Gaonkar of Bhati-Sanguem said since the last many days, a large number of raw areca nuts have started falling from the trees, thereby causing huge losses to farmers.

The raw areca nuts are falling despite all possible efforts being made by farmers to avoid premature falling of areca nuts.

While last year, there were some cases of premature falling of areca nuts, but the same had been on a very low trend with farmers suffering losses to the tune of about 15 per cent. This had happened somewhere during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

However, this year the losses are to the tune of about 70-80 per cent. With huge falling of raw areca nuts, nothing has remained to the trees and farmers

A large number of areca nuts lie on the ground given the fungal infection.

Photo by Alfred Fernandes

are left a disappointed lot due to huge losses.

Gaonkar informed that it is almost impossible to walk in the areca nut plantation given the large number of raw areca nuts that fall on the ground on daily basis.

Another prominent farmer from Rivona Harshad Prabhudessai told Herald that the losses are basically suffered due to incessant rains that lashed the taluka since the last many days.

Speaking further, Prabhudes-

sai said losses are also suffered by the areca nut farmers due to substantial decrease in areca nut rates.

“While last year, the market rate per areca nut was about Rs 70 per kg, this year the rates have come down to Rs 60 to Rs 62 per kg,” he informed.

Incidentally, the raw areca nut which is presently fallen at premature stage does not command any demand in the local market and may fetch the farmers a rate of about Rs 20 to Rs

Use God-given talent to lead good life: Bishop HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, AUG 23

Stating that God has given different talents to different people, Bishop of Port Blair Alex Dias said each one has to identify the talent God has given and develop it to lead a good life.

Bishop Dias was speaking at Assagao after blessing the Agnel Vocational Training Institute.

“Ashram Fathers and Society of Pilar deserves appreciation for opening an Agnel Vocational Training Institute at Assagao, thereby providing an opportunity to local youth to upgrade their technical skills,” said Bishop Dias.

“The youth should take the benefit of the institute and get trained themselves in the field they like to earn their livelihood and flourish in life,” said Bishop Dias.

Bishop Dias further said Assagao has produced many great personalities and now Assagao has become an educational hub.

“Nothing succeeds without God’s blessings. Hence everyone should continue to pray that the project of Agnel Technical Education may thrive and flourish in the years to come,” added Bishop Dias.

In his welcome speech, Regional Superior of Goa and Maharashtra Fr Saturnino Almeida said Agnel Vocational Training Institute will provide short-term courses in Refrigeration, Bakery, Computer Hardware, etc.

Bishop of Port Blair Alex Dias addresses the gathering at Assagao.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

“During the course of next two years, a full-fledged Engineering college specialized in Tool and Die Design offering both degree and diploma courses will be set up in this complex,” added Fr Almeida.

“The project cost of this engineering college is Rs 19 crore.

The Central and State governments have agreed to offer grant of Rs 9 crore and Rs 6 crore respectively for the project. In the second phase, Catering College (Rs 8 crore) offering four-year degree course will be set up,

followed by Entrepreneurship Center (Rs 1 crore),” said Fr Almeida.

Assagao Sarpanch Pradeep Naik, Assagao Communidade President Noel D’Souza and former president of Assagao Communidade Rodney D’Souza also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, Sarpanch Naik inaugurated the Agnel Vocational Training Institute. Tushar Sawant compered the function, while General Manager Projects J M Noronha proposed the vote of thanks.

Body found at Benaulim HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 23

The Colva police on Sunday recovered the body of a native of Jharkhand which was found floating at Tolleaband-Benaulim.

The police provided the name of the deceased as Sukhdev. His body has been shifted to the Hospicio mortuary for post mortem examination. Replying to a question, the Colva police ruled out any foul play in the death the migrant labourer. Further investigations are in progress.

22 per kg.

Prabhudessai informed that last year, Agriculture Minister Vishwajit Rane had reportedly paid compensation to the farmers from Sanquelim, Bicholim and Valpoi region for the losses suffered by them, but no compensation amount was paid to the farmers in other regions, including Sanguem and Quepem talukas.

Prabhudessai has urged the agriculture minister to consider the demand for payment of compensation from other taluaks as well just as he had paid to farmers from Sanquelim, Valpoi and Bicholim region last year.

“The fungal infection has not only affected the areca nut cultivation, but has also affected black pepper,” added Prabhudessai.

“The total crop has failed and there has been no yield as far as black pepper is concerned,” claimed Prabhudessai.

Incidentally, though the losses suffered by the falling of raw areca nuts could be reduced substantially by covering the areca nut shoots on the trees with plastic cover. The same cannot be followed with ease by the farmers given the height of the areca nut trees and the cost involved in procuring the plastic covers.

upcoming events Inter-school competition

PANJIM(HND): Joseph Afonso Memorial Trust, Betalbatim will be holding their 14th annual felicitation on September 5 at 10 am of Goa Board Rankers in SSCE and HSSCE, residents in Betalbatim, at Dr Jose Cota Memorial Hall, Opp. Betalbatim Church.

The programme is held every year in memory of Joseph Afonso, an outstanding educationist and an excellent Sarpanch of this village, rewards meritorious SSCE and HSSCE students.

The felicitation programme, is preceded by an inter-school competition which provides a platform for leading Goan schools to showcase their talents.

Schools desirous of participating should submit their entries

by August 30. For entry forms, rules and other details contact Jose Pereira 9822166996, Franklin Fernandes 9822104181 or Xavier Cota 9850101376.

Blood donation camp

PANJIM(HND): August 25 being the death anniversary of unknown freedom fighter, Prof Carlos da Cruz from Chandor, the Cavorim-Chandor Panchayat will conduct a Blood donation camp in his honor, under the able guidance of Sarpanch Derrick Braganza Pereira in the panchayat hall from 8:30 am to 12 pm.

The Parish Priest, Rev Fr Saude Pereira has kindly consented to be the chief guest.

According to a press release, on August 25, channels like HCN and Goa 365 will telecast the film ‘Unknown Greatest Freedom Fighter, Prof Carlos da Cruz.’

YHAI trek

PANJIM(HND): Youth Hostel Association of India – Porvorim unit will be organizing a one-day trek to Tambdi Surla on August 29. A special bus will leave from Hotel RICHI, Patto near Ambedkar Garden, Panjim at 8 am. Interested persons can register their names with Ashok Gadag on 9423888820 or Baburao Desai on 9823050159.

Investor awareness

PANJIM(HND): UTI Mutual has launched an investor education initiative across India branded as 'Swatantra - your journey to financial freedom' and would travel to 100 cities in 100 days across the country.

As part of the awareness the ‘knowledge caravan’ which is travelling across the country would move on August 24 through Kundaim, Ponda city, Borim, Fatorda, Curtorim, Navelim, Aquem and Margao.

On August 25, the caravan will be in Cansaulim, Velsao, Zuarinagar, Vasco, Sada, Chicalim, Cortalim, Verna and reach Margao at about 5 pm.

On August 26 the caravan would travel through Nuvem, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Orlim, Cavelossim, Chinchinim and Cuncolim.

In the evening the caravan would be flagged off towards Dharwad to continue and spread the message of investor education. Investor awareness programs have been scheduled for the benefit of investors in South Goa, and will be held at Hotel Woodlands, Margao on August 25 at 5.30 pm.

Bonderam coupons draw held HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 23

The St Mathias Sports Club held the draw of Bonderam 2010 donation coupons on the occasion of traditional Bonderam festival on Saturday.

The first prize coupon number is 7991 while the consolation prizes numbers are 0256, 9258.

Winners should contact social secretary Maxcy Vaz on 9822874978.

Inter-school patriotic contest organised

Students briefed on importance of trees HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, AUG 23

Zonal Agriculture Officer Rajesh Dessai has advised school students from Canacona taluka to understand the importance of trees in human lives and the need to live in close rapport with the nature.

Dessai was recently speaking as a resource person at Vanamahotsava celebration at Shri Mallikarjun High School, Canacona, organized by the institution’s Science Club.

“Observing Vanamohatsava has not remained restricted to limitations of cities and towns alone like previous years, but it has spread to rural areas with huge magnitude which in yesteryears have seen severe deforestation. Better trees mean better crop yields, better living conditions and better pasture lands for cattle,” said ZAO Dessai.

Speaking as the chief, guest Canacona SDFO and Assistant Conservator of Forests Ramesh Gauns Dessai called on the students to bring to the focus of the people around, the national importance of planting more and more trees and remaining tree conscious.

Over a hundred different variety including medicinal, ornamental plants, fruit-bearing trees were planted in the botanical garden within the school complex, besides distributing few to the students to plant the trees at home. The convenor of the function Ashok Kumar Dessai also spoke on the occasion.

Vikas Dessai welcomed the gathering, School Headmaster P T Rane proposed the vote of thanks and Manoj Naikgaunkar compered the function.

Our Lady of Perpetual Succor Primary School receiving the award.

Others present are (L-R) Umesh Tari, Raghuvir Parsekar, Durgakumar Navte, Aparna Bhoj Naik and Bhojraj Naik.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, AUG 23

The 4th All Goa inter-school patriotic competition was organized

by Jagannath Shet Kala Saunstha, Cortalim on the eve of Independence Day at Manguesh Maharudra Hall, Cortalim.

In the Secondary School category, the first place was bagged

by Vademnagar High School, Vadem. 2nd place by Keshav Smriti High School, Dabolim, 3rd place by Deepvihar High School, Sada, consolation prizes were won by Regina Mundi High School, Chicalim and Blessed Joseph Vaz High School, Sancoale.

In the Primary School category, first place was bagged by Our Lady of Perpetual Succor Primary School, second place by Deepvihar Primary School and third place by Government Primary School, Cortalim.

Sancoale Zilla Panchayat member Aparna Bhojraj Naik was the chief guest, Cortalim sarpanch Anthony Miranda presided over the function, whereas Sancoale panch Bhojraj Naik and President of Kuttal Gramastha Sangh, Prabhakar Salgaonkar were the guests of honour. Altogether, 10 schools participated.

President of Jagannath Shet Kala Sanstha welcomed and highlighted the objectives of organizing this contest.

All the guests appreciated the efforts of organizers for inculcating patriotism in the minds of students’ community. Prizes were distributed at the hands of dignitaries.

Durgakumar Navte and Raghuvir Parsekar judged the contest.

Sunayana Shet compered the show, while Umesh Tari proposed the vote of thanks.

WEATHER REPORT Max Temp: 29.80C Min Temp: 23.50C Humidity: 84% Rainfall past 24 hrs: 000.2 mm Seasonal Total: 2667.8 mm Forecast: Occassional spells of rain or thunder shower would occur in some areas.

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GOA, TUESDAY, 24 AUGUST, 2010

‘Communidade AHVS without full-time director South staff strike threat baseless’ for over a year HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

The State Government attributes shortage in milk production to factors such as urbanisation of villages, increase in mining activities in rural areas, shortage of labour with youth preferring white colours jobs but it has failed to looks at its own failings -- neglect of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS).

In the last one year or so the department has been functioning without a full time director and currently, it has none. Even after two months of the suspension of P K Patidar, who was also holding additional charge, the government has not appointed a full time director. The Director of Social Welfare Sanjeev Gadkar who was given additional charge, is currently on leave, told one officer who did not wish to be named.

Applications for subsidy are pending and likely to be unattended until head of the department is appointed.

Four posts which fell vacant some months back (two deputy directors and two assistant directors) have not been filled. Also, eight posts of veterinary doctors are vacant," informed the officer.

When this reporter visited the department, on Friday to get information on Kamdhenu Scheme and increase in milk production, she couldn't any information as officer in-charge was not available. He was out on official tour.

Non-availability of responsible officers who are actually responsible for implementing various schemes of the department, is putting farmers to convenience.

"Farmers come here for assistance but there is hardly anybody to respond to their queries, "he said.

Singapore job racket busted HERALD CORRESPONDENT MUMBAI, AUG 23

Two people, believed to have cheated 40 job aspirants of Rs1.5 lakh each by promising them jobs in a Singapore-based private management firm after advertising in Goa newspapers, were recently arrested by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Crime Branch. According to a report in 'DNA', the duo was identified as Pankaj Kishorebhai Mistry (alias Prashant Kumar, alias Paresh Bhatia) and Shekhar Lakshmikant Sharma (alias Rishi, alias Saifuddin Wajid Shaikh).

EOW officials recovered Rs3 lakh in cash, 18 passports, mobile phones, laptops and some incriminating documents from them. The cops are now on the lookout for one of their associates identified as Vijay Kashyap, alias Gamauddin Shaikh.

Police said the duo floated a bogus company called Arpita Trade Link earlier this year, with an address at Charkop, Andheri.

They put advertisements in leading newspapers in Goa stating that recruitments were in progress for a Singapore-based management firm known as MPM Management. The ads said that if selected, applicants would get an attractive salary and perks.

Several aspirants approached the duo. After carrying out medical tests, they took Rs1.5 lakh from

each applicant as commission and processing fee, and for visas. But once they got the money, they shut down their company. The total amount collected was Rs 60 lakh, but police suspect that the fraud could go high as Rs 1.5 crore.

Inspection carried out at Rawanfond nullah MARGAO, AUG 23 (HR)

Surveyors of the Inspectorate of Land records inspected the Rawanfond water nullah on Monday following allegations that the water channel has been encroached upon by a builder.

The surveyor carried out the work after the Margao Municipal Council had sent notices to the builder alleging encroachments in the water nullha by the building construction.

Margao Municipal Chairperson Savio Coutinho said the Rawanfond nullah once drained out the monsoon water to the River Sal, but the encroachment of the water channel caused floods this year.

The issue had figured at the last meeting of the Margao Municipal Council when former Chairperson Kamlini Painginkar claimed that the nullah has been encroached upon by a builder. She had demanded immediate action against the builder and removal of the encroachment from the water channel.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, AUG 23

Criticising the reported move by the staff of Administration of Communidades, South Zone, to strike work due to non-payment of salaries, Santana Menezes, a shareholder of various communidades has claimed that the correct version of their grievances has not been highlighted.

In a press note, Menezes stated that the staff had not stated the cause and reason behind non-payment of salaries.

“They have voiced that their services are utilized for government work like election duty, census duty, agricultural survey work, EPIC drive and work at the Collector’s office but they have not told that all these years, funds for their salaries were utilized from the coffers of the Communidades collected by the Administrator as Derrama,” Menezes claimed.

Menezes also claimed that

due to wrong financial handling of many Communidades and collection of derrama beyond those Communidades’ financial capacity, the Communidades have been unable to pay dividends to their shareholders.

“They have failed to inform that Communidades are independent bodies subject to tutelage (Guardianship) of the government and that its employees are entitled to salaries as per financial health of Communidades and that application of fifth pay and sixth pay scales is an Administrative blunder,” informed Menezes and added that the staff had been recruited through the backdoor with political patronage, flouting the recruitment provisions in the Code and subsequent amendments.

Menezes also regretted that much of the records placed in the Administration archives have been destroyed due to carelessness of the Administration archivist.

OHERALDO

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GOA, TUESDAY, 24 AUGUST, •2010

Pg7 Army officer seeks changes in report PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

After getting partial relief from the Armed Forces Tribunal on his role in the Kargil war, Brigadier Devindar Singh has filed a petition seeking changes in the Kargil Review Committee report to absolve him and his unit of the “blame” for allowing Pakistani intrusion in 1999.

“The factual misrepresentation of the Kargil Review Committee should be corrected as it is falsely depicting 70 Brigade as responsible for the Drass sector from April-end towards detection of intrusion in May 1999 and thereby standing liable for intrusion-related blame,” Singh has contended in his plea. Asking for corrections in the report, he has contended that his formation 70 Brigade had entered the sector in May 1999 only and had “never assumed” the responsibility of the Line of Control (LoC) along with Pakistan there.

In his plea, Singh stated that he was "highly apprehensive" of the committee's report as he and his unit's “honour and military reputation” were getting affected by it.

The Kargil Review Committee had tabled its report about the factors leading to the shortwar in 1999 and its recommendations for tightening the security and intelligence apparatus in Parliament on February 23, 2000.

The army has also filed a review petition against the tribunal order in May, which held that three paragraphs in the official war records must be rewritten to correctly reflect the role played by the then Batalik-based 70 Infantry Brigade commander Devinder Singh, who has since retired.

Mother Teresa centenary year celebrations on PTI BARUIPUR (WB), AUG 23

The official celebration to commemorate the birth centenary of Mother Teresa today began here at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the world's first cathedral to be codedicated to the Mother.

Bishop of Baruipur Salvadore Lobo led a Mass marking the beginning of the year-long celebration in the Baruipur diocese in South 24 Parganas district.

In his homily, the bishop said the Mass was central to Mother Teresa's life who would attend it every morning before going out to work.

The bishop called upon the worshippers to be channels of peace as the Mother herself exhorted the Missionaries of Charity nuns to be.

“Each one of you can be ambassadors of peace and stop violence in a world that is riddled with so much conflict and violence,” the bishop said.

The mass was concelebrated by 14 other priests from various dioceses.

Bishop Lobo, who knew Mother Teresa since 1968, had also headed the diocesan enquir y team set up for the Mother's beatification.

Orissa swine flu toll rises PTI BHUBANESWAR, AUG 23

One more person succumbed to swine flu at a private hospital here today taking the death toll due to the H1N1 virus to 10 in Orissa this year.

The victim, an elderly woman from Bargarh district, was admitted to Kalinga Hospital here yesterday in a critical condition, hospital sources said.

The woman, who was treated elsewhere for the last 10 days, was brought here after her condition deteriorated.

Out of the 176 swab samples examined since July this year, 62 have tested positive to H1N1 virus, they said.

Some swine flu patients are currently under treatment in hospitals.

The State government has already launched an awareness campaign through advertisements in newspapers and television channels regarding the disease.

Steps have also been taken to ensure adequate supply of Tamiflu and vaccines as preventive measures.

OHERALDO

OPINION

Pg8

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

A dream derailed

Vol No CX No: 214 Goa, Tuesday 24 August, 2010

O

How reliable are EVMs?

n 28 July, 42-year-old Hari Prasad Murli Mohan Vehmur, managing director of Hyderabad-based technology firm NetIndia, appeared on a television channel and ‘demonstrated’ how the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in India’s elections can be tampered with. He did this on behalf of Verifiability, Transparency and Accountability (VeTA), an election NGO. The Election Commission of India (EC), which has been claiming that EVMs are tamper-proof, invited VeTA and NetIndia to demonstrate that EVMs can be tampered with under the actual conditions in which they are used. The demo was fixed at the ECI office in New Delhi at 3 pm on Tuesday 10 August.

But mysteriously, it was cancelled by the EC, without giving any reason.

Then, police from Mumbai went to Hyderabad and took a statement from Prasad about the EVM that he used for the demo. On Saturday, they detained him in Hyderabad and brought him to Mumbai, where he was formally arrested on Sunday for the alleged ‘theft’ of the EVM he was using for his demonstrations. He has been booked under Sections 454 (lurking trespass), 457 (house breaking by night) and 380 (theft in dwelling house) of the IPC, and remanded to police custody till 26 August.

The EVM he allegedly ‘stole’ was the subject of a study by Prasad himself, University of Michigan Professor of Computer Science Alex Halderman and Dutch security expert Rop Gonggrijp of the Netherlands. The three had co-authored a paper on the security aspects of EVMs, which was to be presented at a security conference in Chicago next month. Is the purpose of Hari Prasad’s arrest to scuttle it?

The Mumbai police cannot prove that Prasad broke into Mumbai’s Old Customs House – where EVMs are stored – in the dead of night and stole the EVM, because he didn’t. But they will succeed in harassing him. His ‘crime’, if he has committed one, is that he will not tell the cops who gave him the EVM that he used for his demo.

This is a deeply disturbing development for India’s democracy.

People trying to find vulnerabilities in EVMs should be encouraged, not silenced through police action. It is all the more shameful coming from India’s Election Commission.

Prasad and his associates demonstrated that EVMs could be rigged by replacing the master unit’s display with a socalled ‘dishonest display’ operated by a microcontroller and a Bluetooth chip. The display, which tells how many votes each candidate has received, can then be manipulated using a Bluetooth mobile phone in the counting centre. They also showed that an electronic clip could be attached directly to the chips in the EVM and rewrite the votes stored on them. This ‘electronic booth capture’ was undetectable, they said, and could be done while EVMs were stored between voting and counting, as the seals used on EVMs – which are made of paper, sealing wax and string – can be easily tampered to open the machines.

Instead of encouraging Hari Prasad to find weaknesses in India’s EVMs, so that it can further improve their reliability, it is astonishing that the EC takes such a dim view of it. In an era where companies actually pay ethical hackers to find security flaws in their systems, why are the EC and government behaving like ostriches and doing the exact opposite?

Prasad and his colleagues are not the only ones questioning the ‘tamper-proof ’ nature of India’s EVMs. Three mainstream political parties wrote to the EC in April expressing concerns about the reliability of EVMs and urging the commission to organise an all-party meeting. But the EC ignored them. Then it backed out of VeTA’s challenge, while the government jailed the man who was to do the demo. Doesn’t this make the entire exercise appear like a cover-up? Do the EC and the government have something to hide?

Cansaulim Anti-Socials Arwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi It appears that the builders, their agents and their political backers are frustrated by the efforts of the Cansaulim villagers to stop their monstrous mega-projects. Their attitude at the recent Village Gram Sabha is evidence of this; even respected villagers were roughed up.

These anti-Goans are out for illegitimate income through the degradation of Goa, its identity and demographics. Do we allow them to have their way, or will we Goans unite to get rid of these destructive elements?

Both missed the message Fr Saturnino Dias, Old Goa Averthanus D’Souza and Angelo Alvares ‘Missing the point’ and ‘Points of view’ (Her-

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

24 August 1910

Saraswat meet

Took place at Belgaum, a meeting of the Gaud Saraswat Brahma Parishad, the institution which is promoting the interests of all Saraswat Brahmins.

‘Goans are selfish’

Describing the Goan populace and its institutions, Dr Wolfgang da Silva said that the petty and selfish spirit of the sons of the soil is discerned in their dayto-day affairs.

National Congress meets

Under the Chairmanship of the King of Portugal took place the inaugural session of the National Congress at the august Hall of the Portuguese Geographical Society in Lisbon.

Railway loan

It is reported that the remaining balance from the Portuguese Indian budget, if it exceeds 100 Contos, will be used to pay the interest accumulated for laying the Mormugao Railway Line.

I

The Konkan railway, touted as a ‘national project’, is now a national disaster, says anTHonY J SIMoES

n 1990, when the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) was registered with the Registrar of Companies, a lot of people in the Konkan were thrilled that one of their pressing needs would soon be fulfilled. They were promised a railroad from Roha to Mangalore by 1994. The rail travel distance between Mumbai and Kerala would be reduced by about 1,000 km, as compared to the existing route. Districts like Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannda, which were hitherto untouched by railways and isolated, would now be connected, by a quantum leap, to the mainstream.

The KRC’s advertising and public relations machinery went into top gear to manipulate the media. They spared no expense to generate media hype. Soon, they had the media eating and drinking out of their hands. Superlatives were all over the place: ‘Dream come true’, ‘National Project’, ‘Wonder of the World’, ‘Engineering Marvel’…

The print media was soon flooded with articles about 120 trains per day operating on the KRC tracks at 160 kmph. There would be no level crossings, only grade separators (overbridges and underbridges), to run high-speed of trains with total safety for road traffic and pedestrians.

We were all regaled with grandiose stories and statistics, to confirm the Konkan Railway’s ‘engineering marvel’ credentials. For example, the Panvel Nadi viaduct would be supported on 64metre-high piers – as high as the Kutub Minar.

The 6.5km-long Karbudhe Tunnel, when completed, would be the longest tunnel in Asia! And all this would be done in four years, at a low cost of just Rs1,042 crore.

At this point in time, there were many knowledgeable people who expressed serious doubts about the economic viability and environmental impact of the KR, given the alignment chosen to suit the design parameters. Even the safety of the railroad would be suspect, because of the unstable terrain on the alignment chosen by the KRC. People like V M Pai Panandikar, Dr Kesavan Nair, Dr Nandakumar Kamat, Dr Claude Alvares and Dr Madhav Gadgil predicted a monumental disaster was in the making, but they were shouted down by a well-oiled mercenary media machinery mobilised by the KRC.

Goan off-TracK In fact, in Goa, they hired the services of a fulltime media consultant; a senior Goan journalist was tasked with the job of wining, dining, gifting and herding media persons into publicising KRC press statements. No matter how bizarre and unrealistic their claims, critics of the KR were variously labelled as Luddite, anti-national, anti-development, communal and corrupt agents of the truck and bus lobbies.

The Konkan Railway was ‘commissioned’ on 26 January 1998, amid much fanfare and media hype. The media, in their ‘enthusiasm’, forgot to mention that the inaugural ceremony was delayed by five hours because the inaugural train got derailed at the entrance to a tunnel!

Today, all the dire predictions of the naysayers have come true. Instead of Rs1,042 crore, the cost has run up to about Rs11,000 crore. Cumulative losses are eight times the original equity, and they have been subsidised to the tune of Rs350 crore per year for the last 12 years. This subsidy, combined with overcharging passengers by a staggering 40 per cent, is what keeps the KRC’s damaged nose above water.

Bugged by Bugs

The Doctor is IN

O

ver the years we have been hearing about supercomputers, supermen, supernova, superstars (Bollywood), supermarkets, supersonic jets, et al. But of late, a super bug is creating ripples in India and abroad. Patients afflicted by this bug have a dim chance of recovery, as it brings about multi-organ failure .The European scientists were quick enough to name the strain after India’s capital, New Delhi. The bug NDM1 (New Delhi Metalo beta lactamase; a sister concern of H1N1?) is the latest impossible-totreat bacterium in this powerful world of superbugs. It can destroy even Carbapenums, the antibiotics-of-last-resort available at present.

Naming a disease or a bug after a city or a country (especially poor or third-world) is not a new phenomenon. We have a plethora of diseases named down the ages after places. For instance, we have Ebola Haemorragic Fever (Sudan), African Sleeping Syndrome, Bornholm disease, Lyme disease (Connecticut, USA), Brooklyn eye, Aides Egyptii… to name a few. Even westerners who get a bad stomach when they visit India call it the ‘Delhi Belly’ syndrome.

But can their Indian counterparts dare to talk about a ‘London Abdomen’ when in England?

Coming back to the point, bugs are ubiquitous to say the least.

They are omnipotent and omnipresent. ‘Bug’ is a loosely used term

ald, 18 August) ‘missed’ the message of my article and letter. If this was deliberate, it proves their blindness to what Averthanus defensively called ‘imagined grievances’; if it was unintentional, it questions their ability to grasp the message.

They can keep diverting the attention from the message to whatever they ‘imagine’, but I will not entertain any further correspondence on this, because it benefits nobody and the Church may become the victim.

Averthanus should not resort to ‘propriety’ and prudence to conceal sins of omission and commission, and condone them with the cliché that the ‘pilgrim Church consists of sinners’. If I did not respect ‘propriety’ and prudence, the ‘blind advocates’ would have to hide; their hand in trying to paralyse the Church’s growth in Goa would be exposed.

Football factoids Dr Jawaharlal Henriques, Siolim A Goan plays for Goa and a Keralite for Kerala, immaterial for which Club he plays. However, a Brazilian played for Portugal after he had met with the criterion laid down by FIFA. My resolution of 18 July at the Annual General Meeting meets this criterion. I should have proposed a fourth clause that players from villages that do not have a team be allowed to play for any village in the Inter-Village Tournament.

I have been associated with the Goa Football Association (GFA) for 40 years and during this period, Antonio Botelho, Fr Adolfo Viegas, Alberto Colaco and Savio Messias have guided the destiny of Goan football with great distinction to make GFA a body that is to be emulated, according to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The controversy about artificial turf should be resolved in a sporting manner; Tilak Maidan and Duler Stadium should have this facility.

Conflict of interest Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar In Writ Petition 365/2010 before the Bombay High Court at Goa filed by Govind Nagvenkar and Amit Shukla, where the State of Goa and the Corporation of the City of Panjim are also parties, Advocate General Subodh

Instead of running 120 trains per day, they are now running 120 trains per week. There are dozens of level crossings against their promise of none. Instead of trains hurtling at 160 kmph, we have average speeds of less than 80 kmph. In any case, the KRC has laid a ‘B’ class permanent way, instead of ‘A’ class as required by the Indian Railway Engineering Code (IREC) for running trains at 160 kmph.

Recently, the KRC introduced a special new service between Mumbai CST and Madgaon stations, with a minimum number of stops along the way. Even though the inaugural train averaged only 66 kmph, the KRC PRO got the media to call this train a ‘super-fast train’!

Every year since 1998, the train services have been disrupted between June and September. As it is, the timetables are changed for the monsoon and nearly two hours extra of running time is added between Goa and Mumbai. Despite this, trains are delayed by up to 10 hours, and services regularly get disrupted/stopped for days, sometimes even for weeks. There have been over 600 rock falls and formation/cutting collapses since

the KR’s ‘commissioning’.

As for financial juggling and creative accounting, the less said the better. Three years ago, the KR’s debt was Rs5,642 crore, against an equity of just Rs803 crore. So the KRC took the Rs2,687 crore unsecured component of the debt and turned it into equity. This means the original shareholders – the Indian Railways and the state governments of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala – now own only 25 per cent of the equity, compared to 100 per cent earlier.

This project was taken-up on a Build-OperateTransfer (BOT) basis, with the ‘Build’ phase from 1990 to 1994, the ‘Operate’ phase from 1994 to 2004 and the ‘Transfer’ – handing over a financial asset to the Chairman of the Railway Board to be incorporated into the Indian Railways network, thereafter.

But today, the Indian Railways is not willing to touch the Konkan Railway with a bargepole.

Financially, the KR is an unmitigated disaster.

Nearly 13 years after its ‘commissioning’, it is losing Rs1.5 crore per day, with no hope of a turnaround, since its debt-equity ratio has already crossed 9:1. The Konkan Railway is a financial black hole.

Every so often, the KRC feeds the media with a red herring about doubling the track, which is impossible. All the 92 tunnels and 179 major bridges are built to accommodate only one track.

How can they be widened? Especially long tunnels like Karbudhe (6.5km), Nathuwadi (4.4km) and Barcem (3.4km); long bridges like Sharavati (2km) and Zuari (nearly 1 km); and the Panvel Nadi Viaduct which is 67 metres above the hillside and connects tunnels at both ends, cannot be widened without enormous expenditure.

I was amazed to read Edgar Ribeiro and Charles Correia’s suggestion in RP2021 that the KR track be doubled. Edgar Ribeiro should know better; his was the main affidavit opposing the KR alignment at the Justice Oza Commission hearings.

Does he have a short memory or is he trying to take us for a ride?

This ‘dream’ has become a nightmare. This ‘national project’ is now a national disaster. This ‘wonder of the world’ is now a blunder of the world. Who is responsible for this fiasco?

to describe any microbial agent like bacteria, virus, fungus, etc, or even a disease-carrying vector. In fact, we are surrounded by millions of different kinds of such bugs. They have been around much before the human race. By Darwin’s evolutionary process, we have become immune to most of them. And there are other, more real bugs; like the household bed bugs that drive us crazy at night, and the bugs affecting crops that give farmers sleepless nights.

Sometimes the word bug is used routinely in other fields to indicate its disastrous effects. A computer bug, for example can completely derange the programmes and can eat up your files.

The cancer bug spread its tentacles like a crab (the symbolism creates the name).

When money, power and fame goes to a person’s head and makes them arrogant, they are said to be afflicted by the ‘superego’ bug. A mental bug drives one crazy and schizophrenic, and requires psychiatric treatment. Planting bugs in cars or rooms, or bugging a telephone is a handy tool for detective agencies and the Crime Branch to expose criminals or solve a mystery. Scientists and astronomers are always in search of bugs in outer space, so that they can find life beyond Earth.

Since we are talking about different types of bugs, another

Dr Pradeep V Kamat mega-bug which has bogged us down is the corruption bug. It is a super-bug that seems to have absolutely no cure and is eating up the vitals of our country inside out, and killing our timehonoured traditions. In our country, it is found almost everywhere and it is spreading at a very rapid pace.

All the other bugs mentioned above can be overpowered. Computer bugs can be tackled by installing the latest antivirus software.

Modern pesticides against insect bugs can save millions of tonnes of foodgrains, vegetables and fruits. Nowadays, one doesn’t find bed bugs so commonly. There are newer lines of treatments for cancer. The DOT treatment for TB has brought about a sea change over previous strategies for tackling this disease. We still have weapons to kill bacteria, virus and fungi, developed over a period of time. Antibiotic therapy saves millions of lives each day. Vaccines have prevented so many diseases, and brought about the global eradication of some, like Smallpox.

There have been so many discoveries in the recent past in the field of bacteriology and pharmacology. Even the superbug NDM1 is susceptible to two types of antibiotics and, one day, research by scientists will create a breakthrough to tackle antibiotic resistance, just as they did with Swine Flu. But a remedy for this powerful and lethal ‘corruption super bug’ is nowhere in sight…

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

No freedom to insult

Niranjan Chodankar, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti

We would like to clarify views expressed in the following articles: ‘Goa’s Michelangelo and his detractors’ by Dr Subodh Kerkar. (Herald Mirror,1 August), ‘Sanatan as Art Critic’

by Frederick Noronha (Herald, 4 August), ‘Goan Artists decry HJS protest’ (Herald, 8 August) and ‘Banish the Extremist Groups’ (Sunday Mail, Herald, 8 August).

The criticism levelled against the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) over its protest against the nude and derogatory paintings of Hindu Gods by Dr Jose Pereira is not correct. It gives a wrong impression to the readers about HJS. The HJS has objected to only those paintings by Dr Jose Pereira of the Hindu Gods that hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.

Picture No 1: Shiva the Dance Connoisseur (Rasika Shiva): Lord Shiva is watching the dance of two nude women. So is Lord Vishnu and two associates. Dr Pereira claims he has drawn this picture after seeing the art in the Thanjavar temple.

Picture No 2: Shiva, Seductive Beggar (Bhikshantana Shiva): Lord Shiva, cursed on account of murdering a Brahmin, is seducing the nude wives of the sages of the hermitage, who are looking at him with lust. The painter claims it is based on Shlokas written by Umapati Shivacharya.

Picture No 3: Krsna, Embodier of Eros (Krsna Murtimaniva Srngara): After Lord Shiva reduced Kaamdev to ashes, Lord Krishna assumes the role of Kaamdev. Lord Krishna is in erotic play with five nude Gopis. D Pereira claims this picture is inspired from Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, and based on the art in the Padmapurana.

In reality, the paintings of Dr Jose Pereira are from his imagination; his perverse mindset misinterpreting the shlokas. Lord Krishna was just eight years old when he was in Gokul. The references given are just to misguide Hindus.

Instead of painting Hindu Deities in this way, why didn’t Dr Pereira paint Jesus Christ or Mother Mary in the nude? There are many examples of cruelty towards women in the Bible. Dr Pereira could have painted these pictures to make people aware about his own religion.

His action is intentional and with malice. In Goa, Christians and Hindus live in harmony. On account of Dr Pereira’s paintings, these relations can turn sour. Is not Dr Pereira inviting an unwanted issue?

Artists always boast about freedom. We all know that there is a provision in the Constitution for freedom of expression. It is not absolute, but coupled with the sense of responsibility, of not offending the sentiments of others. Through this letter, I hope we have clarified the misconceptions created in the minds of the readers and the damage done on account of this.

Kantak is appearing for one of the respondents, Primeslots Events Private Ltd. It is gross professional misconduct and rank conflict of interest that the Advocate General appears for a private contractor in a matter where the State of Goa is also a party.

Unsung heroines Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata Kudos to Prashanti Talpankar for the article

‘Every mother is a working mother’ (Herald, 21 August). A home maker has a hell of a task. If she falls ill for a single day, the equilibrium of the family goes haywire, and those members who boast of performing ‘productive’ work find themselves completely at sea. But for this ‘unproductive’ lot, the productivity of the society will drastically reduce. I pay my humble tribute to these unsung heroines.

Can Goa be saved?

Frankie Rodriguez, New York A beautiful gem called Goa, which every Goan once felt proud of, is fighting for survival; to maintain its identity. Yet, other than a few writers and columnists, we continue living in a laid-back culture where we eat, drink and sit in groups to gossip.

We inherited this culture from the Portuguese, and remain faithful to it. It best suits our lifestyle, which has allowed our so-called leaders to take advantage.

Two sayings: “The strength of a country lies in its people,” and “A government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Most of us have failed to understand that we, the people, choose our leaders; it is not the leaders that decide the fate of the state.

Gandhiji said: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If we want to see a change in Goa, then we need to be the change first, and elect the right people. Let us be the change for Goa.

Get tough on ragging Wenzel D’Mello, Mapusa The recent ragging incident of seven junior students of the Goa Medical College (GMC) must be condemned. The Supreme Court has made ragging a punishable offence, but continuing incidents throughout the country means that this law is not enforced.

During admission to colleges / institutions, it should be made mandator y that parents/guardians and students sign an undertaking that students will refrain from ragging, failing which (s)he may be expelled from the college and have to pay a hefty fine of, say, Rs5 lakh, so that this menace is curbed.

Kamat controls HJS? Julius Carvalho, Dubai Girish Karnad seems to have withdrawn his resignation out of respect for the CM’s chair, rather than on his assurance that in future, freedom of artists will be safeguarded. Goans are well aware that Digambar Kamat has never kept his word.

On what ground can the CM assure Karnad that the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) will not continue its hooligan activities? Is the HJS controlled by Digambar Kamat?

Paths of Wisdom Like attracts like

The great law ‘Like attracts like,’ is ever operating. This is a great cosmic law.

This is a law in Nature. This law operates in the thought world also. People of similar thoughts are attracted towards each other. That is the reason why the maxims run as follows: “Birds of the same feather flock together. A man is known by the company he keeps.” A poet is drawn towards another poet; a singer to another singer. A philosopher likes a philosopher. A vagabond likes a vagabond. The mind has got a ‘drawing power’. You are continually attracting towards you, from both the seen and the unseen sides of life-forces, thoughts, influences and conditions most akin to those of your own thoughts and lives.

In the realm of thought, people of similar thoughts are attracted to one another. We are all living, in a vast ocean of thought; and the atmosphere around us is continually filled with the thought-forces that are being continually sent or that are continually going out in the form of thought-waves. We are all affected in some way by these thought-forces consciously or unconsciously, be they negative or positive ones, as we are open to outside influences which determine what influences shall enter into the domain of our thoughts and hence into our lives.

Carry any kind of thought you please about with you. And, so long as you retain it, no matter how you roam over land or sea, you will unceasingly attract to yourself, knowingly or inadvertently, exactly and only what corresponds to your own dominant quality of thought.

Thoughts are your private property and you can regulate them to suit your taste entirely by steadily recognizing your ability to do so. It is only you who determines the order of thought you entertain and consequently the order of influences you attract and are not mere willowy creatures of circumstances, unless indeed you choose to be.

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GOA,•TUESDAY•24 AUGUST, 2010

opinionated Talk to the Maoists

By S Kamat

I

n India, we need to learn how to manage and resolve conflicts. It is implicit in a democracy that everyone, though expected to align with the same opinion, will not agree.

Differences by virtue of the human psyche will always remain.

It is important to recognise these conflicts as such and have a mechanism to address them.

The enduring age-old divide is between the rich and the poor.

This cannot be negated since by ability, by birth, by nefarious design, a person could be rich, and not necessarily at the cost of the poor. But the poor and the rich have this adversarial stance that they are against each other. Nothing much can be done about this, but what we can do in a democracy is that it can be moderated, conditioned and cushioned, so that it does not affect the performance of the constituents of our society.

The manner in which to do this is to ensure that the ‘poor’ get the basic inputs of sustenance like food, clothing and shelter, famously called in India as ‘roti, kapda aur makaan’. If this is done, then the fact that the rich are getting richer will not be perceived with as much resentment, that it is at the cost of exploitation of the poor.

But what happens in our country is the actual opposite. Battle lines are drawn, and the rich and the poor confront each other.

The poor are stripped of their food, clothing and shelter for some project or factory or the other, which the rich and the powerful conceive to benefit themselves. This accentuates and deepens the divide between the rich and the poor.

It is not that the poor are not paid for the land or whatever is taken away from them. But these handouts are but a pittance, and the poors’ livelihood is snatched away by making promises which are mostly not kept as the project goes along.

Similarly, there are other conflicts like that in Kashmir, born of a belief and a desire to be different. This country and all its governments down the years, even though of different shades, have not been able to address this effectively for the last six decades.

Then there are issues of tribals, where their beliefs, practices and livelihood – dependent on forest tracts – are suddenly uprooted for an assumed concern for the environment and wildlife by the government and powerful lobbies. These poor tribals are left witless and completely shattered.

Through these methods the government sows conflict, where certain communities are blamed for the real or imagined faults of others. In certain other cases, the government itself in another part of the country creates a similar problem with a larger and more grievous impact on society. The aggrieved people get confused about the government’s intent and ask the question – is this government really ours? Is this the government that we elected? Are they working for our good?

In the genesis of these questions lies the root of another burning problem that we have in India presently – that of the Maoists. Controlling a fifth of the districts of India, across five states, the Maoists have a Red Swathe which extends from the south-east of India through its central part, into eastern India and then into Nepal. Its spread has come about because of the passivity of successive governments both at the Centre and in the affected states, and a lack of a concerted approach to solve the problem of the aggrieved and affected people.

With the level of alienation experienced by this country’s tribals, it is no surprise that the ranks of the Maoists have been swelling and their courage to cause mayhem increasing. Thus we have Lalgarh, Salboni, Dantewada – brought into the fore of the public mind by the Maoists to add to the place lore of Naxalbari derived from the Naxalite movement of the 60s and the 70s.

Even with the ability of the Maoists to show their influence by stopping two Rajdhani trains out of Orissa, derailing a Jnaneshwari Express and time and again calling bandhs in the Red Swathe that are hugely successful, we have our Union Home Secretary and Union Home Minister continue to talk about the Maoists in confrontational terms and looking at the problem in the narrow context of law and order.

To use an analogy, their approach is like coming up from the back of an elephant hidden from their view except for the tail, which is visible, and thinking that it must be a large mouse on a shelf! One would think that our senior bureaucrats and ministers have more imagination than that. In fact, by their very antagonistic statements, they are creating more alienation with the Maoists and closing the doors for a dialogue.

I do not write this in support of the Maoists, but to suggest that deep rooted problems need more innovative thinking to arrive at solutions, and that we should never, ever shut the door firmly on dialogue. Dialogue is essential to resolve deep rooted misunderstandings and conflicts of perception, which are at the root of the Maoist problem.

That is where the offer of Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee as a mediator needs to be accepted. Whatever faults the lady may have, if she has the access and the acceptability to bring the Maoists to the negotiating table, it should be welcomed forthwith. She should not be derided by the CPI(M), which has clearly been unable to get a handle on the Maoist problem and exercise any modicum of control over it for more than a decade now.

The Maoists on their part through Kishenji, have responded to the PM and President’s messages on Independence Day to come for talks and named a number of persons who could be mediators among whom Mamata Banerjee’s name also figures.

This is the time to catch the bull by the horns and start talking, so that the Maoist problem is at least diffused and does not get the impetus become another Kashmir-like sore in India’s side.

The fact that the Maoists target our youth – both tribals and educated city and village dwellers – and lead them astray should be the single most important issue on which we should try to resolve the Maoist problem, through dialogue.

Educational Tribunals Bill gets official nod PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

A mechanism to provide for speedy resolution of disputes in institutions of higher education was cleared by the Union cabinet here today.

A meeting of the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave its nod to the Educational Tribunals Bill2010 which seeks to set up a two-tier structure of Educational Tribunals at the national and State level to adjudicate on the entire gamut of disputes that arise in the higher education system, sources said.

The tribunals will act as forums for fast-track and speedy resolution of issues in institutions in order to build an effective system of checks and balances in higher education.

The State tribunals will adjudicate matters concerning teachers, employees and students of institutions in the respective States.

The national tribunal would deal with all matters concerning regulatory bodies in higher education and also matters involving institutes located in two or more States.

The bill also provides for imprisonment up to three years or fine of Rs 10 lakh or with both to those who fails to comply with the orders of the State or the national educational tribunals.

The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha earlier, was referred to the concerned Parliamentary Standing committee for its scrutiny.

Sources said that the bill is likely to be considered and passed in this session.

The passage of this bill was important to take up other educational reforms bills like Prohibition of Unfair Practices in Technical, Medical Educational Institutions and Universities Bill, 2010 and National Accreditation Authority Bill.

A youth dives into the waters of the river Yamuna from a partially submerged cycle-rickshaw kept on the banks of River Yamuna in New Delhi, India on Tuesday According to media reports hundreds of people were evacuated from low-lying areas in Delhi as the Yamuna flowed above the danger mark for the third consecutive day and the fear of floods loomed large over the city.

Several rivers flowing above danger mark in UP UNI LUCKNOW, AUG 23

The farmers of Uttar Pradesh are reeling under flood condition in most parts of the state, while several rivers are flowing above the danger mark.

Almost all the main rivers of the state, including Ganga, Sharda, Ghaghra, Saryu and others, aare flowing above the danger mark and erosion has become the main problem for the farmers.

The weather department has forecast severe rains in next two days in the state. According to official sources, the Ganga river is flowing 31 cm above the danger mark in Narora, while Ghaghra is flowing 53 cm above at Elgin Bridge, 70 cm above the mark in Barabanki, 64 cm in Ayodhya and 11 cm above the danger mark in Turtipar.

Sharda river is flowing 43 cm above the danger mark in Paliyakalan.

At least 32 villages are surrounded by flood in Mahasi and Kaisarganj in Bahraich district while 73 villages are surrounded by flood in Majha in Basti dis-

Afzal's mercy plea yet to reach prez UNI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

The file containing the mercy petition of 2001 parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru, who is facing death sentence in the case, is yet to reach President Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

The president's secretariat has revealed this information in response to an RTI application filed by a journalist Aman Sharma.

The mercy petition was forwarded to the Union home ministry by Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Tejendra Khanna in June this year with the recommendation that the plea may be rejected and the terrorist should be hanged till death.

According to the president's secretariat, Afzal's file has not reached Raisina Hill.The Delhi government sat on the file for five years from 2006, inspite of 16 reminders sent by the Union home ministry.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had told media that the file was kept pending under the instructions of then Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil. Current turmoil in Kashmir valley is also proving a blessing in disguise for Afzal, who is a Kashmiri.

trict.

The flood has adversely affected 125 villages of Tarabganj and Colonelganj in Gonda.

Adampur Revli dam has witnessed erosion of 50 meter due to the flow of the Ghaghra. Villagers of 40 villages of Colonelganj Tehsil have been sent to the safe places by the administration.

A report from Barabanki said more than 60 villages are adversely affected due to the flood in Ghaghra river. Villagers have switched to safer places. The most dangerous erosion of Ghaghra has been witnessed in Barabanki. This erosion of the banks has left farmers in a landless situation. The farmers, who have scores of acres of farms, have been deprived of land due to the flood and erosion.

As per a report from Balrampur, a district adjacent to neighbouring country Nepal, at least 30 villages are facing the disaster of flood in the Rapti river. Villagers of Tiwaridih, Majgawan, Pyordah and Bankatwa are facing flood and switching to safer places.

The level of Rapti is being increased with the speed of one centimeter per hour.

A report from Sidhharthnagar said more than 12 villages are adversely affected by flood as Budhi Rapti and Ghoghi rivers have crossed the danger mark.

The crops in thousands acre have been destroyed in the flood. The State government and local administration have made the security arrangements in the flood affected areas, including boats and motor boats.

PAC has been deployed in the areas for relief and rescue operations.

The Metereological Department has said that monsoon has been active over the State.

Heavy to very heavy rains occurred at few places in Gorakhpur division and at isolated places in Lucknow division.

Rather heavy to very heavy rain occurred at isolated places in Bareilly and Moradabad divisions. Heavy rain occurred at isolated places in Kanpur division, moderate rain occurred in the remaining divisions of State.

CPI(M) flays changes in nuke bill PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

Berating the new changes in the Nuclear Liability Bill brought by the government, the CPI(M) today said it was not in national interest and asked all parties to oppose it.

Party politburo member and Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat said the government has gone against the recommendations of the standing committee that went into the bill for the third time.

“Definitely, it is not in national interest... the latest amendment goes against the recommendations of the standing committee of parliament," she said.

The CPI(M) leader alleged that the new amendments would only help and protect foreign suppliers.

“As far as national interest is concerned, we certainly request and think all parties should move against the amendments,” she said.

One of the 18 amendments cleared by the Union Cabinet suggests that an accident in a nuclear plant should have occurred as a consequence of an act done with an “intent” if an operator has to claim damages from the supplier.

PTI

Several archaeological materials excavated from various sites in Thailand have been found to be “stunningly” similar to ones found in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh throwing light on trade with South East Asian countries centuries ago, a senior archaeologist said.

Many materials including seals used by kings, beads, and pottery with brahmi inscriptions were of Indian origin and these could be assigned to secondthird century AD, D.Dayalan, superintending archaeologist, Temple Research Project, New

Delhi, told PTI. “Quite interesting among the findings is a gold plaque with brahmi letters.The letter found on the plaque like "ti" (in looped form) is found only in (excavated materials) Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

The plaque belonged to a shipman (naaviga which later became navigator) Brahaspathi Sarma,name common only to South India. This was found in the ruins of a Buddhist temple in the northern district of Wellesley (Thailand).This also proved that India had trade with the country centuries ago, he said.

Similarly the triangle head is a standard symbol found on the bull type and elephant type coins of Satvahana Rulers at Nevesa and Sannati (Thailand).The same symbols were found in Sangam coins with others such as Triangular Geometric design. A seal found near Arikamedu (in Tamil Nadu) also had depiction of this symbol, he said.

Many seals had similar Brahmi letters to those excavated in areas like in South India.In addition to seals and coins, rouletted wares of Indian origin were also found.

Contacts between India and

PTI SILIGURI, AUG 23

A case has been filed against Nicol Tamang, the prime accused in the murder of All India Gorkha League president Madan Tamang, after he escaped from CID custody in Pintail village near here even as efforts were on to trace him.

“Nicol is yet to be found. All police stations in Darjeeling district have been alerted so that Nicol cannot escape to Nepal,” Darjeeling Superintendent of Police Devendra Pratap Singh told PTI. He said CID officer Aniruddha Chatterjee and constable Arabindo Kumbhokar, who were in charge of his custody at a house used by the CID in Pintail village have been suspended.

A case has been filed against Nicol, a close aide of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha president Bimal Gurung and a central committee member of the party, at the Pradhanagar police station, he said.

Bharati Tamang, president of the All India Gorkha League alleged that the escape of Nicol

Elderly citizens get help to write their will PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

Here is good news for senior citizens who are struggling to write their will and searching for a safe place to keep it.

An NGO working for the older citizens has launched a scheme to provide legal assistance to them to write their will and keep it in safe hands.

“It has been seen that when family members and relatives of old people came to know of their will details, they make it a bone of contention. This leads to family quarrels and tension in their lives leading to discomforts in many ways,” says Himanshu Rath, founder of Agewell Foundation who has launched the initiative.

“Senior citizens always fear about safety of their will as it may fall in unwanted hands.

Many opt for bank lockers or their solicitors to keep them safe which costs them a lot for longer periods.

And in absence of assurance of safety, older persons prefer not to write any will causing family feud later,” says Rath.

The helplinne run by Agewell for older persons was flooded with inquries related to making

a will and its safety.

“So we thought to launch our initiative in this regard,” says Rath.

There are legal advisors to help senior citizens in making the will and a lifetime fee of Rs 1500 will be charged. The draft can be downloaded either from the NGO's website or its available through post also.

Sealed envelopes with the final document can be deposited with Agewell Foundation for safe custody by willmaker in person in presence of 2 witnesses. It will be handed over to the desired person either after the demise of the will maker or whenever he wants.

The will-maker can ask for his document for making changes as and when required in the presence of the two witnesses.

Archaelogical findings show trade links with S.E Asian countries TIRUCHIRAPPALLI (TN),AUG23

Tamang killer yet to be found

South East Asian countries have a long history with many dimensions such as commercial, religious and cultural."Touch Stone(Perumpatham Kal) in Temple Museum of Watkhlong Thom is ancient authentic epigraphical evidence..."

Similarly, in India, excavation at Kottapattinam (in Tamil Nadu) located on the East coast yielded many shreds of celadon produced from the Si Sachanarai Kilns of Thailand. The bowls had carved decorations and the Lotus pattern,was the most common. Large glazed and unglazed jars similar to those in Thailand were also found in Tamil Nadu

and Andhra Pradesh, he said.

Such impressive designs were also found in materials excavated in Orissa,Dayalan said.

“X-ray difraction analysis” of roulette wares (in Vietnam and Indonesia) also revealed that they had their origin from India..throwing light on trade with these countries.

Tiles used mostly in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, popularly known as Chola tiles (for roofs), were found in Thailand and Malaysia. “The L shaped tiles are found in Thanjavur district even today,” he said.

Carnelian beads and semi precious stones-both semi-fin-

ished and fully finished-from India were also unearthed in Thailand.

Sculptures of Hindu gods and Goddesses found exhibited ‘unmistakable affinity' to South Indian sculptures.

The only difference was that sculptures had been made from tuffaceous sandstone from volcanic ash.The names of gods and goddesses also were similar.The findings also established that Indians were among the navigators and traders who had close cultural and commercial relations with many of the South East Asian countries, he added.

A locker has been taken in a bank where all the documents will be kept.

Satish Jain, a former bankemployee, says he is relieved after making his will and assured of its safety.

“I have toiled hard my whole life to earn some property. I have made my will and I am done with my final responsibility. My children will see my will after I am gone and will stay happy and in peace,” he says.

Experts say that its most advisable for senior citizens to make a will.

“A person earns through out his life and its important that his property is inherited by the people he wants to give it to,” says Delhi-based lawyer Sanjeev Singh.

“It also helps in keeping peace in the family. Once a will has been made, senior citizens should get it registered as well so that a parallel record is available with the government," he adds.

was a conspiracy by the West Bengal government.

Bharati, who took took over as the AIGL chief after the killing of her husband, Madan Tamang, on May 21 in Darjeeling town, alleged that the State government had a hand in Nicol's escape.

She said she had written to Union Home Minister P Chidamabaram in this regard.

GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri has alleged that the police had tortured and killed Nicol in custody.

The GJM is observing a bandh since yesterday demanding that Nicol be produced in court. Nicol escaped on the pretext of going to the toilet.

He was arrested on August 15 from the Kazali Bustee, 47 km from Darjeeling town and had been kept at the Pradhannagar police station.

He had been taken from the police station to Pintail village by the CID for questioning when he escaped.

Nicol's mobile phone had been found near the body of Madan Tamang.

Case relating to priest adjourned UNI KANCHEEPURAM, AUG 23

A local court adjourned the case relating to a priest who was allegedly involved in immoral activities within the precincts of a temple he was working to September 22 even as the proceedings were transferred to the District Court.

When the case came up for hearing, Judicial Magistrate Sudha adjourned the case to September 22.

Earlier, when Magistrate Sudha asked Devanathan if the charges against him were true, The priest was allegedly involved in immoral activities with women in the precincts of a temple here.

He surrendered before a magistrate after evading the police dragnet for nearly a month last year. He had allegedly recorded his “immoral acts” on his mobile phone.

Police said the priest's activities came to light when he gave his phone to a service shop for repair after it developed some snag.

appointments

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Egypt bars officials from travel over art theft REUTERS CAIRO, AUG 23

Egypt's general prosecutor has blocked nine Culture Ministry officials from travel as part of an inquiry into the theft of a Van Gogh painting worth an estimated 55 million dollar, a stateowned newspaper said today.

The painting, known as ''Poppy Flower'' according to an Arabic statement, was stolen on Saturday from Cairo's Mahmoud Khalil Museum, home to one of the West Asia finest collections of 19th- and 20th-century art.

Fine arts specialist Ezz el-Din Naguib, speaking in a programme on state television, said the painting had also been stolen in the late 1970s but was recovered 10 years later.

An early investigation at the museum showed ''flagrant shortcomings'' in security with only 7 of 43 security cameras functioning properly, the state daily al-Ahram reported, without giving further details.

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WORLD GOA, TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010

Manila hostage crisis ends in death of tourists AGENCIES MANILA, AUG 23

At least seven hostages appear to have survived the 10-hour hijacking of a bus Monday, and the hostage-taker died of a gunshot wound to the head, witnesses at the scene said.

The hostage-taker, identified as Rolando Mendoza and armed with an automatic rifle, had said, via a handwritten note, that a ''big deal'' would happen after 3 p m 1230 hrs IST. Police said at least two hostages were killed on the bus, which was hijacked in the Philippines Monday.

There were 15 hostages on the bus when police stormed it.

Nine hostages and the driver had been released earlier.

Police boarded the gunmancontrolled bus about 40 minutes after the driver left and said the hostage-taker had killed all those remaining on board, CNN's Anna Coren reported. The police retreated immediately, possibly after firing a shot into the bus, pictures from the scene showed.

Earlier, a police assault team charged the bus, breaking the windows with an axe, Coren said.

Immigration policy won’t close doors on Indians: UK PTI LONDON, AUG 23

The UK has no plans to erect barriers or close doors on Indian business but it wants to deliver controlled immigration with a faster and fairer system as part of its new policy.

This is what Immigration Minister Damian Green will tell Indian entrepreneurs during his three-day visit to the country commencing today.

The minister will meet education sector and senior business representatives to take forward dialogue as part of the broader consultation process on the UK's immigration policy.

During his time in Delhi, the Minister will meet Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs; Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce and industry; Mullapally Ramachandran, Minister of state at the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Preneet Kaur, Minister of State at the External Affairs Ministry.

Green will also visit Chandigarh where he will thank the Punjab Govt for its cooperation with the UK on migration.

He will meet Shivraj Patil, Governor of Punjab; Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal; and P S Gill, Director General of Police, Punjab.

Ahead of his visit, Green said: "When Prime Minister David Cameron came to India at the end of last month, he came with a clear purpose - to take the UKIndia relationship to a new level, to make it 'stronger, wider, deeper'. This ambition was warmly welcomed by our Indian counterparts and friends.

"As Britain's Minister for Immigration, I recognise that I have a key role in taking this new enterprise forward. I look forward to using my visit to explain the changes under way in the UK's immigration system and the reasons for them."

Police start charging the bus in Manila, after a former police officer took hostage a group of tourists.

The hostage taker had threatened "more drastic measures" if police approached him, Manila police official Leocadio Santiago said.

Coren said those freed from the bus included a mother and her three children, a man with diabetes, and two photographers.

Three people were able to

walk off the bus under their own power after the standoff ended, Coren said. It was unclear whether they were hostages.

Mendoza was demanding his job back, police told CNN. He wrote his demand on a board and displayed it in the bus' windshield, the police official said.

"We are optimistic that he will

big wrong decision."

Mendoza was dismissed a year ago for misconduct unbecoming a police officer, he said.

However, CNN affiliate ABS CBN said he was fired for extortion. The police have not confirmed the report.

Six hostages from Hong Kong, China -- three women and three children -- were released, Marg a re j o s a i d . Po l i c e c h i e f Magtibay later said that three additional hostages had been released. At least one is a Philippines national, not a tourist, he said.

Police and the Philippines Red Cross assessed the hostages who were freed, sending some back to their hotels and continuing to interview others, Red Cross Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang told CNN. Lau said the company has informed family members of the hostages about the situation.

Santiago said Mendoza's family members had also been speaking with him.

"As an individual, his responses so far have been very reasonable and very psychologically stable," he said.

Protest in Pak flood relief camp after beef served to Hindus PTI ISLAMABAD, AUG 23

Hundreds of minority Hindus rendered homeless by the devastating floods in Pakistan were served beef by authorities at a relief camp in Karachi, triggering protest from the community members.

The Hindus belonging to the Baagri and Waghari nomadic tribes, who numbered around 600, are among 4,000 flood victims of different faiths living in

the relief camp in Lyari area.

"We are Hindus and consumption of beef is prohibited in our religion but we were given beef, which is unacceptable," Mohan Baagri, a Hindu living at the camp, told the local media.

Several women with traditional tattoos on their faces and wearing 'lehengas' left the camp with their children and demanded that they be shifted somewhere else. Following the protest, officials of the Minority

Affairs Ministry of Sindh province rushed to the camp and intervened to resolve the issue.

"It was a misunderstanding.

The food was for the residents of the camp but the authorities were not aware of their faith.

However, we have made the arrangements and they will now be given rations so they can cook their own food," said Dara Kazi, personal assistant to provincial Minority Affairs Minister Mohan Mal Kohistani.

Officials were visiting other camps to see if Hindus or other minorities were living in them so that similar problems could be avoided, Kazi said.

"If minorities are found in other camps, we will provide them food according to their beliefs," he said.

Javaid Sabagatullah Mahar, incharge of the camp where beef was served, said that some flood victims had protested and that it happened because of a mis-

understanding.

"The food was brought for the people living in the camp and we were not aware of the issue but when they protested, we resolved the issue and now they are being given rations," said Mahar.

Baagris and Wagharis are believed to have migrated to Sindh from areas along the Waghari river in Maharashtra during a severe drought that occurred at the time of the British Raj.

PTI DHAKA, AUG 23

In a landmark ruling, Bangladesh's High Court has directed the government to ensure that women are not forced to wear burqa or any other religious dress in educational institutions or offices.

A two-member bench comprising judges AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik and Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain issued the suo motu order yesterday after taking note of a newspaper report that principal of a women government college in north-western Natore had asked students to come to the institute wearing veils, according to court officials.

The newspaper had reported that principal Mozammel Haque, who joined the college two months ago, stopped cultural activities and sports at the institute and restricted entry of girl students without burqa.

The court also ordered personal appearance of the principal before it on August 26 to explain his actions and simultaneously asked the government to ensure that cultural activities

and sports in the educational institutions are not restricted in any manner.

The government was also directed to take immediate actions against the principal.

The order came four months after another bench of the High Court issued a similar ruling barring educational institutions from forcing woman teachers to wear veils or cover heads against their will.

"It is their (women's) personal choice if they wear veils or cover their heads," the court comprising judges Syed Mahmud Hossain and Justice Syeda Afsar Jahan had said in the ruling in April and asked the Education Ministry to ensure enforcement of the order.

The verdict had come on a public interest litigation suit filed by a rights group, months after a government education official insulted a school headmistress over the dress she was wearing at a meeting at northwestern Kurigram.

The court at that time also ordered transfer of sub-district education official Arif Ahmed to a different place as a punitive action.

Trapped Chile miners alive but long rescue ahead REUTERS COPIAPO, CHILE, AUG 23

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stands on the Chengjiang Bridge to inspect floodwater of the barrier lake as machines dredge the channel of the Bailongjiang River in landslide-hit Zhouqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Gansu Province.

China evacuates 2.54 lakh from flood hit areas PTI BEIJING, AUG 23

About 2.54 lakh residents have been safely evacuated in northeast China's Liaoning Province bordering North Korea as the water level of a major river rose following torrential rains, the state media reported today.

The hundreds of thousands of residents, mostly in Dandong City, were relocated in less than 24 hours from late Saturday to Sunday, provincial flood control authorities said.

Among those rescued was a 23-year-old woman who gave birth to a healthy baby just hours after she was air-lifted out of the flood zone, the official Xinhua reported today.

Reports from North Korea also said several thousands of people were evacuated from cities and villages on its side of the border.

No new casualties were reported till today. Earlier, the authorities had said that four people were killed and one re-

True Blood stars tie the knot REUTERS LOS ANGELES, AUG 23

Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer – the stars of TV vampire series ''True Blood'' -- have married in Malibu a year after announcing their engagement, US celebrity magazines reported.

Paquin, 28, and British actor Moyer, 40, married at a private home in the southern California beach enclave in a sunset ceremony on Saturday attended by several of their ''True Blood'' costars, Us Weekly and People magazines said yesterday.

Paquin, who won an Oscar at the age of 11 for her supporting role in the 1993 movie ''The Piano,'' plays psychic waitress Sookie Stackhouse in the HBO TV show to Moyer's vampire Bill Compton.

The gap-toothed actress, who was born in Canada and raised in New Zealand, made headlines in April by declaring she was bisexual as part of a campaign for gay rights.

The couple met on the ''True Blood'' set and have said their first kiss took place on-screen.

Moyer, who has two children from previous relationships, said in the July issue of Playboy that trust was the key to their relationship.

eventually realize that what he is doing is against the law and he will submit to the authorities," Magtibay told CNN. Mendoza was wearing his uniform and carrying a rifle when he flagged down the tourist bus and asked for a ride, police spokesman Erwin Margarejo told reporters.

A tour guide for Hong Thai

Travel tried to stop him from boarding the bus, the company's general manager told reporters.

"The gunman said he wanted to have a free lift. Then the tour guide stopped him," general manager Susanna Lau said.

"Eventually the gunman got on the coach and then asked the driver to lock the door."

Lau said the gunman did not threaten people on the bus.

The hostages were calm but confused, Margarejo said.

Around 2 pm (2 am ET), ANC showed images of signs posted on the bus windshield saying, "Big deal will start after 3 pm today" and "3 pm today dead lock."

But two hours later, there were no outward signs that the situation had changed.

Police cordoned off the area around the bus as they tried to negotiate, and sharpshooters were stationed nearby. Food was delivered to the hostages still on board.

ANC showed passengers peeking out from behind curtains of the parked bus and a sign posted on the bus door saying, "Big mistake to correct a

Bangla HC bans forced burqa

mains missing following floods in Dandong, a border city facing Sin'uiju City in North Korea.

Heavy rainfalls that began Thursday have swelled the Yalu River, which marks the border of China and North Korea. On Saturday night, the water level at one monitoring station in Dandong rose to 2.35 meters above the warning line, the highest in a decade and the second highest since records began being kept in 1934.

However, water levels began

Bus accident kills 22 in Pakistan PTI LAHORE, AUG 23

''We trust each other so implicitly that there's never anything hurtful; it always comes from a loving place. It's not as though people I've been with

before haven't been loving, but with Anna it's just about pure trust, on camera and off. I have never trusted anybody like I trust Anna,'' he told Playboy.

At least 22 people were killed and several others were reported missing when flood waters swept away a bus in Pakistan's central P unjab province today.

The Peshawar-bound bus turned turtle when it was hit by strong torrents of water in Rajanpur district of Punjab.

Officials said 22 people were killed while 15 were rescued.

A search had been launched for others who were missing, they said.

"The road was closed near Khad Buzdar village due to the danger of water torrents from nearby hills. But the driver ignored the warning and drove on," a rescue official said. He said the death toll could rise.

Last week, over two dozen people were killed in the floodhit Muzaffargarh district of Punjab when a tractor trolley carrying 40 displaced people was swept away by flood waters.

The devastating floods sweeping Pakistan have killed over 1,700 people and affected 20 million.

to dip late yesterday as rains stopped, though provincial authorities warned that the danger has not yet passed.

Workers are racing to build sand bag flood barriers along part of the river where the water has overflowed. Over two thousand soldiers and crews have been mobilized to rescue stranded residents.

About 70 vehicles, 38 speed boats and six helicopters were used in the rescue operations, local officials said.

Thirty-three Chilean miners trapped deep underground for 17 days sent a message to the surface, saying they were all still alive, but experts said it would take months to dig them out.

President Sebastian Pinera said the paper message was tied to a perforation drill that rescuers used to bore through to the area near an underground shelter, where the miners took refuge after the August 5 collapse at the small gold and copper mine in the far north. ''The 33 of us in the shelter are well,'' read the message written with red paint on the piece of paper that Pinera held up on television. Pinera has vowed a major overhaul of the mining regulator in the world's No.1 copper producer.

The yesterday's accident has put a spotlight on mine safety in Chile, though accidents are rare at major mines and the incident is not seen having a significant impact on the country's output.

Rescuers lowered a television camera down the bore-hole, and some of the miners looked into the lens. Some were barechested because of the heat in

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera shows a note reading "we are fine in the shelter, the 33 of us" from the 33 miners trapped in a copper mine near Copiapo in north Chile.

the mine, and officials said they looked in better-than-expected condition.

As night fell, elated relatives of the trapped miners gathered with rescue workers around bonfires for a barbecue, celebrating with traditional live music and dance as a cold fog enveloped the mine head.

In the capital of Santiago, around 200 people gathered at the main plaza, waving flags to celebrate the news. Drivers honked their horns and diners applauded in restaurants. ''It will take months'' to get them out, the beaming president said at the mine head. ''It

Afghan NSA: Pakistan harbouring terrorists PTI WASHINGTON, AUG 23

Accusing Pakistan of harbouring Taliban and al-Qaeda militants, a top Afghan official today said the global community is committing a blunder by embracing it as a strategic partner despite the fact that terrorism emanating from the region is affecting India, UK and others.

"Unfortunately, the militaryintelligence establishment of one of our neighbours still regards Afghanistan as its sphere of influence," Rangin Dadfar Spanta, National Security Advisor of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, said in an op-ed in 'The Washington Post'.

Spanta, who had also served as the country's foreign minister, said that Pakistan, while faced with a growing domestic terrorist threat, "continues to provide sanctuary and support to the (Taliban's) Quetta Shura, the Haqqani network, the Hekmatyar group and al-Qaeda."

"And while the documents recently disclosed by WikiLeaks contained information that was neither new nor surprising, they did make public further evidence

of the close relations among the Taliban, al-Qaeda and Pakistani intelligence," he said.

The international community is present in Afghanistan to dismantle these international terrorist networks, Spanta said.

"Yet the focus on this fundamental task has progressively eroded and has been compounded by another strategic failure: the mistaken embrace of 'strategic partners' who have, in fact, been nurturing terrorism."

The Afghan National Security Advisor said undoubtedly the absence of transparency in contracts and the presence of private security companies clearly connected to certain officials -- contributing ultimately to the privatisation of security and thus insecurity in Afghanistan -- are matters of grave concern.

"But the international terrorist presence in the region is not entrenched solely because of Afghan corruption. Britain, Spain, Turkey, China, Germany and India have all been victims not of Afghan corruption but of international terrorism -- ema-

nating from the region," he said.

"It is my firm conviction that securing our people, districts and towns from terrorists; institutionalising the rule of law; and fighting corruption are necessary steps toward building a strong and responsive state," Spanta said.

However, he said that this is not enough. "No domestic measure will fully address the threat of international terrorism, its global totalitarian ideology or its regional support networks.

Dismantling the terrorist infrastructure is a central component of our anti-terror strategy, and this requires confronting the state that still sees terrorism as a strategic asset and foreign policy tool."

Spanta said global efforts to counter terrorism will not succeed until and unless there is clarity on who are friends and foes.

"How can we persuade Afghans, or the parents of young soldiers from coalition countries, to support a war where our 'partners' are involved in killing their sons and daughters?

will take time, but it doesn't matter how long it takes to have a happy ending.''

The miners are 4.5 miles (7 km) inside the winding mine and about 2,300 feet (700 metres) vertically underground.

They are inside a mine shaft shelter the size of a small apartment.

Authorities said they had limited amounts of food, and doctors advised sending down glucose, enriched mineral water and medicines as well as other foods. Health officials estimated the miners may have lost about 17.5 to 20 pounds (8 to 9 kg) each.

Iran to mass produce assault boats AP TEHRAN, AUG 23

State TV says Iran has inaugurated production lines for two types of assault boats. The defense minister describes them as a boost to the country's navy.

Monday's report says one of the boats — dubbed Zolfaghar, after a famed sword — has been equipped with cruise missiles.

The second, Seraj or Light, is a high-speed patrol boat with a fiberglass body.

OHERALDO

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BIZ

Pg12

GOA, TUESDAY, 24 AUGUST, 2010

Exporters, industry pleased with sops PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

Up against weak recovery in major markets, exporters and the industry today welcomed incentives worth Rs 1,052 crore, stating the steps in the annual review of the Foreign Trade Policy will help India achieve the export target of USD 200 billion this fiscal. In order to give immediate relief,a bonus incentive (over and above the present benefits) of two per cent has been announced by Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma to sectors like handicrafts, handloom, silk carpets, leather and leather manufacturers, sports goods, toys and select bicycle parts.

The extra sops are two per cent of the export value. "We are happy that the sectors which were not doing well have been considered.

Extension of the Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) Scheme and interest subvention are welcome," President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) ) A Sakthivel said. However, extension of DEPB up to June 30, is for the last time.

In the annual supplement of the 2009-2014 FTP, government today extended fiscal incentives worth Rs 1,052 crore to exporters, particularly for the labour-intensive textile, handicrafts and leather sectors, to make them competitive in the markets of the developed nations witnessing a weak recovery after the 2008 recession. FICCI President Rajan Bharti Mittal said, "I hope with all these incentives we should be able to achieve the target of USD 200 billion".

However, given the uneven recovery in the world econ-

omy, export performance needs to be closely monitored, he said. While the country''s merchandise exports have grown by 31 per cent in the first quarter, USD 178.6 billion shipments in 2009-10 showed 3.5 per cent decline over the previous fiscal because of the global economic woes.

"Special focus to the labourintensive sectors is most welcome. The focus on reducing transaction is very critical and therefore a laudable step," CII Director General Chandrajeet Banerjee said.

The leather exporters are particularly pleased with the policy review. "Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma stepped in at the time when it needed the most.

A very positive step towards inclusive growth," Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports Habib Hussain, said.

TRADE POLICY - HIGHLIGHTS

d Govt confident of USD 200 billion exports this fiscal d Zero duty Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) schemeextended by one year to March 31, 2012; more products added d Duty Entitlement Passbook (DEPB) scheme extended by six months till June 30, 2011 d Number of additional products from sectors like leather, engineering, textiles, jute added to 2 per cent interestsubvention scheme d Additional benefit of 2 per cent bonus for 135 products under Focus Product Scheme d 1% Status Holder Incentive Scheme (SHIS) for technology up-gradation extended till 201112; more products added in the scheme d Benefits under Market Linked Focus Product Scheme to garment exports to EU extended till

March, 2011 d Barmer (handicrafts), Bhiwandi (textiles) and Agra (leather goods) declared Towns of Export Excellence d Steps announced to reduce transaction cost of exports d Leather sector allowed to re-export of unsold imported raw hides and skins and semifinished leather from public bonded warehouses, without export duty d List of items allowed for duty-free import of gems and jewellery sector expanded d Scrips issued under Served From India Scheme (for services sector) can be used for payment of duty on import of vehicles d Instant tea and CSNL Cardinol included for five per cent duty benefit under VKGUY.

TALK BUSINESS

RiddiSiddhi Bullions to launch coins PANJIM (HBD) -- RiddiSiddhi Bullions Ltd (RSBL) India’s leading bullion company plans to broaden their horizons by launching smaller denominations of Gold Coins of 0.9999 purity at the India International Gold Convention 2010 on August 28 at Varca.

India International Gold Convention (IIGC) is a unique and elite annual conference concentrating on the bullion industry with precise focus on the present industry expectations. IIGC is an eagerly awaited conference with participation from all across the industry.

The other key industry players participating at the event include Stewart Murray, CEO, London Bullion Market Association; Paul Walker, CEO, GFMS Limited; George Ng, director, head-Asia, CME Group; Kevin Day, head- business development, DGCX; S K Jindal, chairman, Jindal Group of Cos; Rajan Venkatesh, MD-India, Bank of Nova Scotia; Rajesh Khosla, managing director, MMTC PAMP (India); The USP of RSBL coins is that it is of 0.9999 purity, which is the highest in the market and with tamper proof packaging. The coins would be available in 1gm, 2gms, 4gms, 5gms, 8gms, 10gms, 20gms and 50gms. These coins can be sourced on the E-trading platform which is similar to RSBL SPOT. The prices on spot are comparable to international or other prices existing in the market. The benefits of this trading platform is that there are no account opening charges, trading commissions or terminal usage charges; thus making it very beneficial for the jeweler’s (wholesale and retail) and manufacturers of gold and silver items, who can source their supplies directly from the company at competitive prices. The coins will be available on Real time pricing basis.

RSBL is also in the process of tying-up with various banks for the distribution of coins and coins to strengthen their network.

Sensex ends flat PTI MUMBAI, AUG 23

Ignoring the government’s helping hand for exporters, the BSE benchmark Sensex today ended flat as investors remained cautious amid weak Asian cues.

The 30-share barometer of the Bombay Stock Exchange ended the day at 18,409.35, marginally higher by 7.53 points, or 0.04 per cent. The index stayed in a narrow trading range and was unable to find any specific direction.

In a choppy session, the National Stock Exchange’s wide- based 50-share Nifty index closed 0.23 per cent up at 5,543.50 points.

The higher opening of European markets also failed to boost the local bourses in major way.

India invites Singapore investors PTI SINGAPORE, AUG 23

Singapore-based investors have a strategic role to play in the Mumbai-Delhi Industrial Corridor development, especially the city state''s experience in providing urban solutions and skill development education, Indian High Commissioner T C A Raghavan said. "Singapore investors can focus on providing water treatment technologies, urban development solutions and skill manpower development," he said at the launch of a marketing forum on the 2011 Gujarat Global Investors Summit, called ''Vibrant Gujarat''.

The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor is a mega infrastructure project of around USD 90 billion, covering an overall length of 1,483 km between the National Capital and the business capital of India, Mumbai. Raghavan said the key to maintaining Indias double-digit growth over the next decade would be infrastructure development, which would include ports and airports.

Infrastructure development, in various public and private partnership forms, was taking off in India compared with China where most of it has been completed, Raghavan said. "This would mean more investment opportunities in India," he added.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat state started a series marketing meetings in Singapore to build up its summit delegate and corporation participation for the summit to be held Jan 12-13, 2011. A 10-member delegation led by Industries Commissioner of Gujarat govt, B B Swain is in Singapore for a three-day marketing campaign.

New maritime policy to attract investments soon PTI MUMBAI, AUG 23

With a view to attract more investments into the maritime sector, the Shipping Ministry plans to introduce a new maritime policy expected to be finalised in the next one month which will replace the existing National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP).

The new plan will have a 10year validity beginning this year (2010) and extending up to 2020.

"We are planning to launch a new maritime policy to attract investment from private players in the maritime sector. The new policy (expected to be ready in one month) will replace the National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP), whose validity is till 2012," Shipping Secretary, K Mohandas, told PTI here.

The new plan will include a policy framework for stimula-

Corn-based ethanol fuel could help reduce vehicular emissions in China but high production costs and large population have hindered its growth in the country, say experts.

China launched a pilot project in 2004 to produce ethanol fuel in an effort to cut emissions from vehicles that depend on traditional fuels like petrol, and advance the development of new energy.

But to make one tonne of ethanol fuel three tonnes of corns is needed, costing 8,000 yuan (about $1,170), while cost of petrol is much less, said Zhang Yafei, an analyst with Cinda Securities Co. Moreover, converting corn into ethanol fuel would threaten China's food security, especially when it is hit by natAban Offshor, 832, 841.6, 818.3, 821.2 Abb Ltd., 774.1, 785.5, 772, 778.45 Abg Shipyard, 241, 247.75, 241, 244.15 Acc Limited, 871.05, 882, 868.3, 874.8 Adani Enterp, 645, 661, 642, 653.95 Aditya Birla, 798, 839, 798, 832.25 Allahabad Ba, 211, 218.5, 208.6, 216.6 Alstom Proje, 745, 764, 734.3, 750.25 Ambuja Cemen, 122.9, 124.9, 121.55, 121.9 Andhra Bank, 160.6, 162.9, 158.55, 160.1 Ashok Leylan, 69.9, 70.35, 68.35, 68.75 Asian Paints, 2778, 2818, 2750.1, 2758.35 Axis Bank Li, 1367, 1385.7, 1360.4, 1381.25 Bajaj Hindus, 125, 127.85, 124.55, 126 Bank Of Baro, 825, 840, 825, 831.7 Bank Of Indi, 459.25, 465.9, 455.3, 463.5 Beml Limited, 1031.9, 1031.9, 1016.1, 1021.15 Bharat Elect, 1753, 1783.95, 1725, 1731.4 Bharat Forge, 352, 354.8, 346.6, 353 Bharat Petro, 702, 781.5, 700.1, 776.05 Bharti Airte, 312, 320.2, 310.6, 317.35 Bhel, 2491, 2520, 2450, 2509.8 Bhushan Stee, 1830, 1885, 1820.5, 1865.5

ural disasters, said professor Li Xinhua of Shenyang Agricultural University, People's Daily reported Sunday.

Droughts and floods have also raised concerns about grain supplies and stoked the debate whether China should allow production of ethanol from corn, Li said.

With 20 percent of the world's population and just seven percent of the world's farmlands, China is facing increasing pressure to feed its 1.3 billion people, as industrialisation and urbanisation gradually nibbling away the cultivatable areas.

'I think the time for massive production of corn ethanol will only arrive when China's corn output doubles,' Li said.

His comments came after China's largest association of private petroleum firms urged the top economic plan-

Biocon Limit, 352.1, 356.5, 349.05, 353.8 Bombay Dyein, 649, 671.45, 646, 652.55 Bosch Limite, 5960, 6080, 5910, 5989.4 Brigade Ente, 145, 151.9, 141, 146.75 Cairn India, 343, 344.6, 339.7, 343.55 Canara Bank, 529.65, 533, 526.25, 529.8 Central Bank, 186.7, 187.45, 183.65, 185.85 Century Text, 517, 525.4, 513, 518.45 Cesc Ltd, 406, 409.4, 399.1, 401.3 Chambal Fert, 71.55, 72.6, 70.25, 72.3 Chennai Petr, 268.85, 270, 262.1, 265.5 Cipla Ltd, 310, 319.45, 310, 317.4 Colgate Palm, 830, 835, 815, 818.4 Container Co, 1368.4, 1374.9, 1317, 1328.05 Crompton Gre, 286.5, 290.3, 285.7, 287.2 Cummins Indi, 714.2, 714.6, 696.25, 702.55 Dabur India, 208.5, 208.9, 206, 207.15 Deccan Chron, 139.25, 140.4, 137.55, 137.9 Dish Tv Indi, 50.1, 51.6, 49.5, 51.15 Divi’s Labor, 746.15, 757, 744.3, 746.1 Dlf Limited, 331.15, 336.75, 328.5, 330.2 Dr. reddy’s, 1328.1, 1342, 1321, 1330.6 Edelweiss Ca, 53.1, 56.25, 53.1, 54.85 Educomp Solu, 574, 586.6, 571.2, 581.65

built under the PPP mode as well other maritime infrastructure development plans.

Besides, the Government of India (GoI) has finalised a model request for qualification, request for proposal and model concession agreement to ensure uniformity and transparency in bidding process to attract and encourage more private sector investment in the port sector.

As at March 31, 50 projects have been completed under the National Maritime Development Program in the port sector at a cost of Rs 5,717.28crore. In addition, 74 projects are under progress envisaging an investment of Rs 18,502.68crore, he said.

Out of the total investment of Rs 55,804.00-crore in the port sector, a major portion of investment is envisaged to come from the private sector, Mohandas said.

PTI LONDON, AUG 23

The UK has no plans to erect barriers or close doors on Indian business but it wants to deliver controlled immigration with a faster and fairer system as part of its new policy. This is what Immigration Minister Damian Green will tell Indian entrepreneurs during his threeday visit to the country commencing today.

The minister will meet education sector and senior business representatives to take forward dialogue as part of the broader consultation process on the UK''s immigration policy.

During his time in Delhi, the Minister will meet Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs; Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce and industry; Mullapally Ramachandran, Minister of state at the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Preneet Kaur, Minister of State at the External Affairs Ministry.

M&M in pact to buy SsangYong Motor PTI MUMBAI, AUG 23

Auto major Mahindra & Mahindra today said it has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in beleaguered South Korean vehicle maker SsangYong Motor Company. In a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) said that it has "signed a memorandum of understanding with SsangYong Motor to acquire a majority stake in the South Korean SUV maker.

"The agreement will be followed by a detailed due dili-

Food security stalls China's quest for energy AGENCY BEIJING, AUG 23

tion of capacity expansion as well as growth of the maritime sector and supplementary projects for ports development from other infrastructure ministries like the National Highway Authority of India, roads, railways, inland waterways, dredging mechanisation and modernisation plan of major ports and non-major ports, among others, Mohandas said.

The Ministry of Shipping has constituted a sub-group and core working group for preparation of the policy, he said.

The new plan will also focus on coastal shipping which has an immense business potential, he said.

"Coastal shipping would be another focus area in the policy, where we can expect more investment from other countries," Mohandas said, adding, the plan would also specify the number of new ports to be

‘Immigration policy not barrier’

ner National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to halt the ethanol project.

Zhao Youshan, president of Petroleum Flow Committee of China General Chamber of Commerce, said such projects should be blamed for corn price hikes seen during first half of the year.

'On one hand, some regions face a decline in grain output.

On the other hand, demand from ethanol fuel producing companies boosted corn prices,' Zhao said.

'Perhaps use of non-grain feedstock for ethanol plants will be the solution to China's dilemma in developing renewable energy,' said Li. China is world's key corn producer and consumer and its annual production and consumption exceed 150 million tonnes.

Eih Limited, 137.3, 141.7, 137.05, 140.5 Engineers In, 332, 332.7, 325.55, 328.25 Essar Oil Lt, 132, 134.65, 131.3, 133.6 Essar Shippi, 102, 103, 99, 100.6 Exide Indust, 147, 153.6, 146.1, 152.8 Federal Bank, 357, 357.2, 351.7, 354.45 Financial Te, 1413, 1445, 1407.5, 1419.25 Gail (india), 468, 470, 463.05, 465.5 Gammon India, 216.5, 221.5, 210.8, 213.25 Glaxosmithkl, 2039.8, 2039.8, 1951.15, 1971.8 Glenmark Pha, 284.8, 295.9, 282.5, 292.8 Gmr Infrastr, 63.05, 63.7, 62.1, 62.55 Godrej Indus, 208.7, 212.2, 207, 209.7 Grasim Indus, 2095, 2140, 2074, 2085.45 Great Offsho, 402, 405.6, 395.1, 398.1 Gtl Infra.Lt, 45.6, 46.1, 45.5, 45.7 Gujarat Mine, 124.5, 126.5, 123.65, 125.95 Gujarat N R, 60.25, 60.6, 58.35, 58.7 Gujarat Stat, 116.7, 119.7, 115.2, 117.85 Gvk Pow. & I, 45.55, 47.95, 45.4, 47.6 Hcl Technolo, 409.05, 412.15, 405.2, 409.1 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2212.85, 2228, 2183, 2196.6 Hdfc Ltd, 638, 644.95, 627.6, 629.6

Hero Honda M, 1920.65, 1928.9, 1916.3, 1924.4 Hindalco in, 176, 178.95, 173.8, 175.55 Hindustan Co, 64.2, 66.1, 62, 65.3 Hindustan Ma, 75.7, 78, 75, 76.2 Hindustan Pe, 514.45, 545.3, 511.55, 537.8 Hindustan Un, 268, 270.85, 266.8, 268.85 Hindustan Zi, 1106.55, 1132.2, 1106.55, 1125.8 Housing Dev, 295.5, 300, 292.25, 296.9 Icici Bank L, 993.5, 1016.7, 985, 1011.5 Idea Cellula, 68.3, 71.8, 68.3, 70.6 Ifci Ltd, 62.6, 62.85, 61.95, 62.15 India Cement, 111, 111.8, 109.75, 110.65 India Infoli, 103.8, 104.85, 102.25, 102.95 Indiabulls F, 151, 152.35, 148, 148.55 Indiabulls R, 191, 192.8, 190.05, 190.8 Indian Bank, 255.7, 255.7, 241.15, 253.3 Indian Hotel, 108, 109.7, 106.25, 108.8 Indian Oil C, 394, 413.9, 392.2, 404.35 Indian Overs, 137, 137, 133.25, 134.25 Indus Dev Ba, 132, 132.9, 131.25, 131.95 Indusind Ban, 223, 229, 222.3, 227.6 Infosys Tech, 2772, 2810, 2761.3, 2803.15

gence process and finalisation of definitive agreements, the filing added.

"We are committed to leveraging SsangYong''s strong competencies in R&D and technology by investing in a new SYMC product portfolio which will help us gain momentum in global markets," M&M Automotive and Farm Sector President Pawan Goenka said.

He further said, "India is a rapidly growing SUV market and will create new growth avenues for SsangYong. The synergies between both the

brands, which share a similar heritage will make us a combine force to reckon with in the global utility vehicle space.

"Rothschild and Samsung Securities are advising M&M on the deal. On August 12, M&M was chosen as the preferred bidder by SsangYong Motor.

The company had said that deal is likely to be finalised by November this year but did not disclose the financials involved. SsangYong Motor, which has SUV models like 'Rexton', 'Kyron' and 'Actyon' and sedan 'Chairman', has been undergoing a court-led restruc-

L&T bags Rs 1,195 cr worth orders

Barclays unveils microfin initiative PTI MUMBAI, AUG 23

PTI MUMBAI, AUG 23

Engineering major Larsen & Toubro today said it has received two orders worth Rs 1,195 crore from state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for construction related works.

The company will set up an additional processing unit at the gas processing complexes of ONGC at Hazira and Uran, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The scope of work includes project management, construction and engineering related works and handing over the new processing units to the owner, the filing added. The USD 9.8-billion construction giant has already established onshore gas processing complexes for Reliance Industries at Kakinada and Cairn Energy at Barmer.

Infra. dev., 189.7, 189.7, 187.25, 188.5 Ispat Indust, 18, 19.6, 17.8, 19.3 Itc Ltd, 162, 162.7, 159.1, 159.5 Ivrcl Infras, 165.5, 165.95, 162.05, 162.85 Jai Corp Lim, 293, 299.35, 290.1, 292.95 Jaiprakash A, 124, 124.5, 120.55, 120.95 Jet Airways, 824, 834.45, 814.5, 822.95 Jindal Saw L, 208.8, 210.95, 207.7, 209.35 Jindal Steel, 691, 712, 690.55, 709.75 Jsw Steel Li, 1143.4, 1163.9, 1138.1, 1160.15 Kotak Mahind, 861.3, 873.7, 860, 868.35 Lakshmi Mach, 2174, 2212, 2160, 2173.35 Lanco Infrat, 69.7, 74.25, 69.65, 73.8 Larsen & Tou, 1870, 1886.5, 1849, 1878.4 Lic Housing, 1235.95, 1274.8, 1231, 1260.65 Lupin Limite, 1864, 1886.4, 1860, 1874.6 Mahanagar Te, 63.9, 66.85, 63.9, 65.55 Mahindra & M, 625, 634.5, 620.05, 624.15 Maruti Suzuk, 1240.4, 1252.75, 1236, 1245.1 Max India Lt, 153.95, 154.1, 151.5, 152.55 Maytas Infr., 215.6, 217, 212.1, 213.4

Barclays Bank India today launched a Rs 5.46-crore microfinance initiative in partnership with two NGOs, Care International and Plan International, as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Tagged 'banking on change,' this savings-led microfinance programme is being carried out by the leading British bank in 11 countries spanning Asia, Africa and South America, with a total budget of Rs 70 crore.

The India-leg of the programme involves a payout of Rs 5.46 cr over the next three years to Care International and

turing from 2009 after suffering heavily due to the downturn in auto industry.

China's SAIC Motor Corp owns 10 per cent in the troubled automaker and about 70 per cent is held by creditors, led by state-owned Korea Development Bank. M&M currently has two manufacturing facilities in South Korea and has an employee strength of 4,800 people.

The company has 138 dealers in its home country, while 1,300 dealers are located across 98 nations. It sold 35,000 units in 2009.

Plan International, the bank said.

Barclays Corporate India MD Karan Bhagat said, "India is a fast maturing market with microfinance institutions spreading rapidly to reach out to the lower income strata.”

BOARD MEETINGS Best & Crompton Simplex Realty Mukesh Strips Super Forgings Ikab Securities TRC Fin Serv Venus Remedies Laser Dot Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA TATA MUTUAL FUND has approved August 27, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under the Dividend Trigger Option A (5%) and Dividend Trigger Option B (10%) of Tata Equity P/E Fund.

The face value of per unit is Rs 10. The quantum of dividend will be Rs 1.50 per unit for Dividend Trigger Option A and Dividend Trigger Option B, respectively as on the record date.

Moser-baer (, 67.5, 68, 66.3, 66.9 Mrpl, 80.6, 83.15, 79.75, 82.3 Nagarjuna Co, 165.05, 166.5, 160.2, 162.95 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.5, 32.1, 31.4, 31.8 National Alu, 400, 408.55, 400, 402.45 Neyveli Lign, 170.6, 175, 167.8, 174.3 Ntpc Ltd, 193.6, 195.1, 192.8, 194.2 Oil And Natu, 1254.3, 1297, 1252, 1283.15 Omaxe Limite, 130.15, 133, 127.05, 128.85 Oriental Ban, 440, 448, 435, 438.8 Pantaloon Re, 475.05, 488.85, 470.05, 485.8 Parsvnath De, 141.05, 142.4, 139.55, 140.25 Petronet Lng, 110.25, 119.5, 109.6, 114.9 Power Fin Co, 331.55, 345.7, 331.55, 341.45 Power Grid C, 103.7, 104.9, 102.3, 104.35 Praj Industr, 80.7, 81, 80.1, 80.3 Punj Lloyd L, 115.85, 116.75, 115.25, 115.7 Punjab Natio, 1187, 1210, 1181, 1200.75 Rajesh Expor, 99.35, 101.15, 98.05, 99.5 Ranbaxy Labs, 498.4, 498.4, 489, 490.1 Rashtriya Ch, 83.35, 84.15, 82.6, 83.35

Rel. nat. re, 37.85, 38.5, 37.85, 38.25 Reliance Cap, 786.75, 793, 777, 788.7 Reliance Com, 164, 165.4, 162.9, 164 Reliance Ene, 1035.5, 1130, 1035.5, 1072.8 Reliance Ind, 910.6, 916.8, 898, 901.05 Reliance Ind, 992.05, 992.05, 975.6, 976.9 Reliance Pow, 154.25, 155.7, 153.5, 154.4 Rolta India, 173.3, 175.8, 171.2, 175.25 Satyam Compu, 84.6, 85.75, 84.1, 84.7 Sesa Goa Ltd, 330, 332.75, 326, 327.45 Shipping Cor, 163, 166.5, 163, 164.85 Siemens Ltd, 708, 720.9, 703, 713.7 Sintex Indus, 368.5, 369.95, 363.05, 365.45 Sobha Develo, 388, 390.25, 379.1, 382.15 State Bank O, 2790, 2842.5, 2770.5, 2823.25 Steel Author, 191.7, 193, 190.5, 191.55 Sterlite Ind, 160, 161.4, 157.8, 158.55 Sun Pharmace, 1800, 1857, 1762.8, 1785.95 Sun Tv Netwo, 489, 502.8, 476.05, 479.55 Suzlon Energ, 49.5, 50.85, 49, 50.25 Tata Communi, 345.9, 348, 337.25, 339.65 Tata Consult, 860, 875.45, 857.05, 870.4

Tata Motors, 1019.85, 1026.2, 1006, 1015.35 Tata Power C, 1300, 1307.9, 1279, 1289.35 Tata Steel L, 520, 526.8, 519.65, 521.55 Tata Teleser, 24.3, 25, 23.75, 24.9 Tech Mahindr, 711, 714.8, 709.2, 713.6 The Ge Shpg., 306, 311.85, 305.5, 306.35 The Phoenix, 244, 251, 244, 245.95 Thermax Ltd, 771.9, 771.9, 760, 763.25 Titan Indust, 2889.65, 3055, 2869, 3031.3 Torrent Powe, 340, 343, 336.55, 339.95 Triveni Engg, 105.45, 106.75, 104.05, 104.6 Tv18 India L, 88.9, 90.9, 88.65, 90.45 Uco Bank, 113.8, 114.2, 111.25, 113.05 Ultratech Ce, 953.7, 953.7, 925.25, 936.9 Union Bank O, 362, 362.85, 353.55, 354.85 Unitech Ltd, 85.5, 86.7, 84.45, 86.1 United Phosp, 196.4, 196.4, 192.5, 192.85 Videocon Ind, 246, 265.2, 244, 263.9 Vijaya Bank, 84, 84.75, 83, 83.75 Voltas Ltd, 205.5, 206.5, 203.8, 204.9 Wipro Ltd, 414, 415.7, 411.75, 412.95 Yes Bank Lim, 331.35, 337, 328.05, 332.85 Zee Entertai, 302, 304.75, 300.9, 303.25

OHERALDO

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BIZ

GOA, TUESDAY, 24 AUGUST, 2010

ONGC-OIL-GAIL may bid for Cairn too PTI NEW DELHI, AUG 23

State-owned ONGC, OIL and GAIL may make a joint bid to counter Vedanta Resources' USD 8.48 billion offer for majority stake in Cairn India, and have already got USD 10 billion in loan commitments from international banks for the move.

Oil Ministry is believed to be uncomfortable with billionaire Anil Agarwal-owned Vedanta Group buying 51-60 per cent of Cairn India for USD 8.48 to USD 9.6 billion and has asked Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), Oil India (OIL) and GAIL to cobble up a joint bid to rival the London-listed miner.

The three firms have held informal talks on the joint bid even as the ministry is looking at legal options to deny Vedanta the approval necessary for conclusion of its deal with UK's Cairn Energy Plc, which holds 62.37% stake in Cairn India, sources familiar with the development said today.

"Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and UBS, the only three leading bankers who are not in conflict with the Vedanta-Cairn

Energy deal, may be advising ONGC on the counter-bid," a source said. ONGC is the leader of the consortium with at least 50% share. OIL and GAIL will each be 20-25% partners.

ONGC has got informal commitments for funding up to USD 10 billion for the takeover bid, another source said, adding that the ONGC-OIL-GAIL consortium may make a bid at more than the Rs 405 a share offered by Vedanta.

Industry observers, however, took a dim view of the state owned firms taking ownership of Cairn India as it would not add to energy security of the country because the oilfields are already in India and producing and perhaps may not be able to add any value beyond what has already been created.

Value would have been added only if the PSUs had used the money to acquire oil property abroad, they feel.

The message such a move would send to investors is that you can invest in India but cannot take money out, they said, adding that this would not augur well just when the next

bidding for oil and gas blocks under the New Exploration Licensing Policy is round the corner.

Oil Ministry, a source said, was against Vedanta acquiring Cairn's stake because it was a non-oil company. "They are operating under the presumption that Cairn India's skill sets are in London whereas the fact is that it is Cairn Energy which has leveraged on E&P skills of Cairn India. They got qualified for the Iraqi bid round only on capabilities of Cairn India."

Sources said the ministry feels it holds the trump card on Vedanta-Cairn deal because it feels government approval is must. On the other hand, Cairn Energy fells the Vedanta deal is a corporate transfer and not sale of stake in an oil field that would have triggered need for regulatory approvals.

Cairn Energy could have sold its shareholding in the stock market and government could not have done anything, a source said, adding that Cairn India as a company continues to exist and only its shareholding is changing.

Greaves Cotton plans new plant

Tata Global may foray into food biz

PTI MUMBAI, AUG 23

AGENCY KOLKATA, AUG 23

Greaves Cotton, one of India's leading engineering companies, is setting up a state-of-the-art greenfield plant in Shendra, an industrial area of Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

The initial investment in the plant of Rs 60-crore will go up to Rs 100 crore in stages and the plant will have a capacity of 80,000 engines per annum which will eventually be scaledup to meet industry demands, a press release issued here today stated.

This unit will manufacture both single and twin cylinder engines, meeting all contemporary emission norms, which will be primarily supplied to existing as well as new three-andfour-wheeled small commercial vehicles manufacturers.

These vehicles are normally owner-driven and generate immense potential for self-employment, the release said.

With an annual production of over 3-lakh engines, Greaves Cotton is among the world’s largest manufacturers of single cylinder diesel engines.

Tata Global Beverages (TGB), previously known as Tata Tea, may diversify into food business, Tata group chairman Ratan Tata said here Monday.

'Change in name (has been) done to reflect change in business of the company, which going forward would be more and more beverages and eventually and possibly into food,' Tata said while addressing shareholders at the company's Annual General Meeting.

The company is looking at a $5 billion sales revenue and 15 percent Earnings Before Interest and Tax (BIT) by 2015, TGB's chief executive officer Peter Unsworth said.

The company is looking at growing in the core tea market in the ongoing financial year (2010-11) and build scale in the US and Russia.

Amnesty scheme for Corp citizens HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, AUG 23

Government of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs has launched two amnesty schemes for the benefit of the corporate citizens.

The aim of these schemes is to tackle the problems related to defunct companies, and companies which are active but have not filed their returns. The Ministry has offered 75% discount in cases where the companies are ready to file

all their pending documents.

This is an opportunity for the corporate citizens to avail amnesty provided by the Ministry.

The Registrar of Companies Goa, Daman and Diu has issued show cause notices to companies for non filing of annual return and balance sheets.

These comprise more than 10,000 notices. These companies are found to have defaulted under sections 162, 168, 210 and 220 of the Com-

panies Act, 1956.

These companies have been asked to file their returns on or before August 31, 2010. In case of default of public companies, the directors will be disqualified from becoming a director in any company henceforth.

The office of Registrar of Companies Goa, Daman and Diu is also in the process of identifying those companies which have not filed their annual returns and balance

LVB applies for HFC licence, plans a QIP in Q3 PTI MUMBAI, AUG 23

South-based Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) will be starting a new subsidiary exclusively devoted to housing finance and plans a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) by end-2010 to raise finance for it.

"We have applied to the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) for a licence to start the housing finance company (HFC)," LVB's Chairman, S Narayan, told reporters here today.

Presently, the private lender is looking at a QIP issue and a part of the funds raised will be put into the HFC, LVB's newlyappointed managing director and chief executive officer, P R Somasundaram, said, adding that the lender plans to appoint merchant bankers for the issue in two weeks.

A senior official from LVB, which has made a slew of top management appointments recently, said the QIP issue will be done by the third-quarter of this fiscal.

It had earlier received shareholder approval to raise capital

Chinese locomotive Co in India AGENCY BEIJING, AUG 23

China's Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Company Limited (ZELC), one of the country's biggest locomotive makers, has earned over $700 million from contracts with India, Malaysia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. In June this year it signed a contract to supply subway trains to India.

ZELC, a subsidiary of China South Locomotive & Rolling (CSR), also signed a $590-million contract with Malaysia to supply inter-city trains, which will run on the north-south line of Kuala Lumpur, the city's busiest shuttle line, People's Daily reported Sunday.

In addition, 114 subway maintenance vehicles were sold to Singapore in June 2009, while Saudi Arabia had placed an order to purchase locomotives in July.

These successes helped it earn $760 million in overseas trade and establish as a global brand.

Its world-class technologies in product design and manufacture helped it to do brisk business.

by issue of fresh equity shares up to 40 per cent of its existing base through routes like depository receipts, follow-on offer or QIP. At face value, it will see a fresh infusion of Rs 39-crore.

LVB has a "very limited" presence in home-lending currently with a loan-book of Rs 200crore but is carving out a separate company as the industry prospects are very good, Somasundaram said.

The HFC, which will start with a capital of Rs 70-crore, will be headquartered in Delhi and have its registered office at Bangalore, LVB's Executive Director, Rajat Baldhi, said.

The bank, which registered a marginal increase in net profit to Rs 23.38-crore in the June quarter, is targeting to grow its overall business by 30 per cent in FY 11 and maintain net interest margins at the 3.6 per cent levels, Somasundaram said.

Somasundaram attributed the high incidence of loans turning bad on the bleak global scenario and clarified LVB did not have any sector-concen-

trated non-performing assets.

"We plan to bring our NPA to one per cent (from around 3 per cent) in FY 11," he said.

The bank will not be able to meet RBI's norms on making provisions of 70 per cent of gross NPAs by the deadline of September 30 and the bank is currently in informal talks with the apex bank to extend the time-frame.

Meanwhile, LVB today raised its deposit rates by 0.25 per cent for its 599-day term deposits, Executive Director K S R Anjaneyulu, said.

Going forward, LVB will be targeting to grow the cheaper CASA (current and savings account) deposits and also focus on earning non-interest income by distributing financial products through its 274 branches, he said.

LVB has applied for opening 43 new branches, including 21 in non-south Indian states.

The 84-year-old bank has also got approval to give ESOPs to its employees and would be hiring 500 more personnel this fiscal, Somasundaram said.

sheets for the last five years.

Under section 433 of the Companies Act, 1956 companies not filing their Annual Returns and Balance Sheets are liable to be closed by the High Court.

Further details in this regard are available on the Ministry's website www.mca.gov.in.

The Registrar informed that these schemes are open upto August 31, 2010.

All concerned are may avail the benefits offered under this scheme.

Govt claims on-shore income tax

Enterprising British youngsters are utilising their school holidays to gain first-hand knowledge of the impact of globalisation. At least 30 are learning Indian business processes at leading multinational companies, acquiring basic knowledge of Indian culture as lodgers with Indian families and familiarising themselves with the education environment at schools in India.

They are part of 100 British high school students, new college graduates and youth representatives who are using a six-week break to study the process and understand the scale and speed of transformation of emerging economies in India, China and Brazil under the (British) Prime Minister's Global Fellowship programme.

The 30 students who are located at facilities in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore arrived in the country July 17.

The Indian unit of British publishing giant Pearson India has been hosting two British students at Dorling Kindersley

(DK) India, a part of Penguin Books division, since Aug 16.

The students are learning the rudiments of Indian publishing trade like researching stories, gathering facts, photographs and publishing management, according to Aparna Sharma, managing director of Dorling Kindersley and the programme mentor.

The fellowship programme, an annual exchange, aims to create a better understanding of what it takes to sustain economic growth and competitiveness, as well as skills needed to compete for jobs in a global labour market, Pearson India president Khozem Merchant said.

'The students try to appreciate the global environment we live in and the inter-connectiveness of the economy. It teaches pre-university students what a global society is in countries like India and China and explore the dynamics of the economies. Pearson has a global operation and the fellows can learn what it is to actually work in a globalised organisation in an economy like India,' Merchant said.

PTI MUMBAI, AUG 23

Carzonrent (India) has earmarked a Rs 500 crore investment for its pan-India expansion and is eyeing a 55 per cent market share in the radio taxi service business by end-next fiscal (FY 12), a top company official said.

The company provides its services under the brand EasyCabs.

"We want to add more taxis to our fleet to become a major player in the radio taxi service business by FY 12. We are eyeing a 55 per cent market share in this segment and plan to invest around Rs 500-crore for the same," the company's chief operating officer, Vikas Marwah, told reporters here today.

Now, a maths formula to help get cheapest flights AGENCY LONDON, AUG 23

Japanese economists have come up with a formula that will help you bag the cheapest holiday flights. It is simple - buy tickets exactly eight weeks in advance and book in the afternoon.

The mind-boggling maths formula 'A = gUG + min(k - g, (1 - g)(1 - r)' has been prepared

by Makoto Watanabe and Marc Moller and published in the latest edition of The Economic Journal.

Japanese economists said that to get the most for your money, book exactly eight weeks in advance and buy the tickets in the afternoon.

Daily Mail reported that when we book our flight weeks ahead, we have to account for

the possibility of unforeseen events which make our trip impossible.

In order to make consumers take their chances, airlines have to offer advance purchase discounts. As a consequence, ticket prices increase as the travel date approaches.

If buying tickets more than eight weeks ahead look like the best option, it could, however, mean that the consumer risks having to pay to alter booking if the plans change.

But, if one leaves it for later, there's an increased risk that prices may go up or the flight could be fully booked.

Regarding booking the ticket in the afternoon, economists explained that business travellers, who are less concerned about price, tend to book trips

Authorities have claimed tax on income earned by outsourcers from sending staff to work with clients abroad, or on-shore software development.

The claim runs into billions of rupees and about 10 companies have been sent notices in the last one month. It did not name any company, and the paper quoted the chief financial officer at a software firm as saying it was a technical issue and companies would appeal the notice, it was reported.

Companies that have engaged in such activities under a separate subsidiary will not be impacted, the official said.

Indian outsourcers currently pay no tax on the income they earn through the on-shore software development. The tax department also wants software firms to reduce the expenses incurred in foreign exchange, in the form of per day allowance for employees sent abroad, from the total export revenue, the paper said.

'The fellows who are in their late teens will find their work places more profoundly globalised than they are now after completing their education,' Merchant said.

The six-week programme includes two weeks of language and cultural immersion course, two weeks in an education environment learning about the local education system, aspirations of Indian peers and Indian family life in general and two weeks as guests of a global company to gain an understanding of the impact of globalisation and the increasing role of the emerging economies, he said.

A spokesperson for Pearson India said the global fellows act as reporters on what they have witnessed and raise awareness of the need to innovate and compete in order to ensure that Britain has a leading role in the rapidly changing global knowledge and skills economy.

'They become engaged and articulate members in a network of young people with a personal understanding of global citizenship,' the spokesperson said.

from the office earlier in the day.

They suggested that holidaymakers will book at home later on.

The report states: 'The purchase of airline and theatre tickets are both examples where individual demand uncertainty and rationing risks interfere.

'However, there is empirical evidence which shows that airline ticket prices typically increase over time while theatre tickets are often sold at a discount on the day. When we purchase our theatre ticket last minute, there exists the possibility that the event has sold out. In order to make consumers bear this risk, theatres implement a clearance sale by offering last-minute discounts.'

Anger-release service for netizens

REUTERS NEW DELHI, AUG 23

UK students study emerging economies in India AGENCY NEW DELHI, AUG 23

Carzonrent on Rs 500 cr expansion

AGENCY BEIJING, AUG 23

More than 400 online stores in China are providing 'anger-release' service to their customers who wish to get rid of their mental stress caused by family matters, studies and pressure at work places.

According to online shopping website Taobao, such stores have become popular among young netizens who are ready to pay the shop owners for listening to their secrets and tolerating their scoldings.

'I was inspired by my female friends who like to confide their troubles about family, study and work. I prefer to call my store a 'recycle station' for pressure and annoyance,' said Wang Ping, a female owner of an anger-release store in Shanghai.

Depending on the price, the customers are allowed to complain against any one as a way of releasing anger or stress.

Customers pay with a debit or credit card and shop owners guarantee anonymity.

Biocon sees 15% growth in 2 yrs REUTERS MUMBAI, AUG 23

India's top listed biotechnology firm Biocon Ltd expects revenue growth of 15 percent over the next two years each, while seeking partnerships with global drugmakers for experimental drugs, its finance chief said.

Biocon plans to grow its revenue in the fiscal years ending March 2011 and 2012 through strong sales of insulin in emerging markets, cholesterol lowering statins and immunosuppresants, Murali Krishnan K N, Biocon's president-group finance, told Reuters in an interview on Monday.

Beyond 2012, he expects even higher revenue growth.

For the year ended March 2010, Biocon's revenue was 24.05 billion rupees ($516 million).

Shares in Biocon have surged 27 percent this year, boosted largely by reports the world's top drug maker Pfizer was in talks to buy a stake in or partner with Biocon for its experimental new drug for diabetes, oral insulin, or other drugs.

"At this point of time, it is

purely speculative," Krishnan said, adding that the company was in talks with several global drug firms for various business opportunities on drug research and development.

He said there was a lot of interest from international firms to partner with Bangalorebased Biocon, which was set up

by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw in 1978.

Shaw set up Biocon in her garage in Bangalore after getting a master's brewing degree in Australia.

Biocon last year struck a deal with U.S. drug maker Mylan to develop and sell multiple generic biotech medicines for the global market. It also has a long-term research deal with Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Western drug companies, battling slowing sales in home markets, are looking at various avenues of boosting sales and cutting costs that include inking drug supply deals, research tie-ups and acquisitions in emerging markets.

REVENUE GROWTH "For two years, it is going to be small molecules and insulin in the emerging markets that will give us the approximate 15 per-

cent growth," Krishnan said.

"Thereafter it should be more than this number, because the regulated markets will have opened up and the biosimilar MAbs will also give us some kind of revenue," he said, referring to monoclonal antibodies that are a class of antibodies produced by one type of cell.

Biocon expects to launch a generic insulin in Europe by fiscal year 2013, he said.

The firm will invest three to five billion rupees ($64 million$107 million) over the next three years to set up plants that would supply generic biotechnology drugs to Europe and the United States, Krishnan said.

Biocon, which has cash of about 3 billion rupees, will fund this expansion through bank loan and internal accruals, he added.

Biocon shares ended up nearly 1 percent in Monday trade on the Bomay Stock Exchange, after scaling a more than 6-year high of 355.80 rupees in final trades, in a flattish Mumbai market.

DRUG TRIALS Biocon's oral insulin is going

through late-stage trials in India, the results for which are expected only by December, he said. Biocon would only consider outlicensing the molecule after those results.

"There is no point in doing it today. In the midst of where we are today, we lose out on the opportunity of having moved to the final stage trials," Krishnan said.

"Also, Biocon can afford the cost of moving from phase II to phase III in India," Krishnan said referring to mid-stage and final stage clinical trails respectively.

The company's other experimental new drug for the treatment of psoriasis is undergoing late-stage trials in India.

Biocon, which has been planning to list its research services unit Syngene but had put it off due to poor market conditions earlier, does not see that happening in the current fiscal year, Krishnan said.

"We don't need the money today, probably by end of next fiscal, we will embark on new projects and opportunities, then we will have to go for more expansion," Krishnan said.

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Education

Information Technology

Entertainment

“

Relationships

Devak pavta given by Nature “ Peleak korta tem “ A brother is a- friend - Anonymous Jean Baptiste Legouve

Fashion

“

Lifestyle

A pharmaceutical businessman turned lawyer, Juino De Souza has been a face almost every Goan has seen, and now, he is set to enter another sphere of public opinion with his book ‘The Goan Voice of Reason’, to be released soon

Tourism

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Tuesday, 24 Aug, 2010

The Voice of a Goan

Travel

Parenting

Pg14

Of Your Own Flesh and Blood Love Him or Hate Him, your brother is with you for life.

On the special occasion of ‘Raksha Bandhan’, Herald travels down the sentimental route for the want of a brother

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES he love for the land and the sight of its perishing culture and social scene has evoked one concerned citizen, Juino De Souza’s heart and mind. Having been seen debating about issues that plague Goa on his television show with HCN, Juino is all set to release his first book, a compilation of the various articles he has been writing to provoke thinking in the Goan minds. ‘The Goan Voice of Reason’ is a work that speaks of the issues Goa has faced and spans over the past decade.

What is the book, ‘The Goan Voice of Reason’, about?

The book is about my take on the various issues that have plagued the Goan soil over recent years, covering various spheres of life – law and order, governance, political, social education and other issues. The book is a compilation of the numerous articles I have written and published in the newspapers since the year 2002.

What motivated you to write the book?

When you write articles in the papers, very often after the readers read the article, it stirs up their thinking but then they go back to their way of life and these articles are forgotten. But when they are complied into a book, these articles are always at the disposal of the reader and available to him to read at his leisure, and for further reference. I am really glad that some of my articles have led to reforms in the governance, and am hoping that the book will further awaken the sensibility of the public and facilitate these reforms.

What do you aim to achieve with this book?

It is said that democracy lies in the heart of the people and when it dies, no constitution, no law, no court, no government can bring it back to life. With this book I want to make people aware of the fact that there is still hope, that things could be better. But this is not possible if the public is not aware of what is happening in the state. This is my attempt at urging people to take an active part in the governance and fight against the different ills in the state.

You have written on diverse topics, how did you gather all your information for the book?

Reading is one thing that has helped my work; I have kept myself abreast with all that is happening in the state. I burned the midnight oil and researched into the depths of the various issues I have written about. I have questioned the system at every opportunity, tried to find loopholes in every law and policy to get so much information.

What did you learn about Goa while working on the book?

While working on my articles and living in Goa, I noticed that people have a taste for material things rather than things that really matter. The people are pretty suspicious and argumentative; very often you find that they are against their own fellow Goans and are not like the other communities, who stay together in harmony.

People are out to get fast money nowadays; no one wants to go through the tough path to success. The love for Goa is on a decline.

Any future plans?

Now that I have published my first book, I want to write about my memories of Goa, as I was growing up, from the time of pre-liberation how the people had a love for the soil and how things have changed now. It will be a book about life before and after the coming of electricity, telephones and other lifestyle changes.

T

You're building a stronger foundation for everything you believe in. Keep going! Try to make the (23 Sep – 22 Oct) world a little brighter today -- smile more, spruce up your space (or someone else's) and just generally look for ways to make people happy. You've got the right attitude for sure!

Someone shows a new willingness to grow up.

Their maturity will create peace. It's a good day for (20 Apr – 20 May) crazy schemes -- you know you've got a few tucked away!

You may not be able to get many others on board, but once you start seeing some success, they should join up.

Look around you for signs that you're on the right track -- gain confidence today. You're get(23 Oct – 21 Nov) ting some weird, dreamy -- but powerful -- energy today, and you might just need to let it have its way with you rather than trying to control it. Things may get a lot weirder soon!

Practice conservation in all areas of your life today: romantic, social and fiscal. You need to (21 May – 21 Jun) make sure that your creative energy gets the first shot at any projects you have lined up -the same boring approach just doesn't work this time! It may be the right day for a big shift.

From time to time, making a sacrifice will get you further. What can you spare? You need to look (22 Nov – 21 Dec) around you and figure out how to apply today's big lessons to your own life. It's one of those days when your energy is a little dispersed, but you can still make a difference.

You will find the circle of people you trust to be widening today. Include all. Try to reach (22 Jun – 22 Jul) out today -- you've definitely got the right kind of energy for helping and making a real difference. A good friend or a total stranger might need you to step up and say something.

Planning will get you halfway to completion.

Put in extra time on research today. Your own (22 Dec – 19 Jan) comfort and good energy help you make the right impression on the right people today -- so go ahead and push yourself a little!

You can afford to make a few gaffes in order to keep your momentum.

You have reached a finish line today -- but don't rest too long on your laurels. Are you an artist (23 Jul – 22 Aug) -- or do you just want to try your hand at something new?

Today is perfect for exploring your creative side in earnest, even if you haven't sketched a face in years.

A new beginning is just around the corner, and you can sense it. Be optimistic. You may find (20 Jan – 18 Feb) yourself getting sidetracked by all sorts of weird people or thoughts today -- so don't worry too much about getting all your work done. You may encounter a new idea that works well for you.

Spend your day with focused, determined ene r g y. W r a p u p a n y unfinished projects. Any(23 Aug – 22 Sep) thing and everything is possible right now -- and you need to be sure that you're keeping up with it all! Change isn't such a bad thing, especially when you can predict it and adapt.

It's okay to ignore the outside world. Look inward for the inspiration you need. You should (19 Feb – 20 Mar) do whatever it takes to push yourself into a new direction -- growth really becomes you right now! Your fierce energy makes it easier than ever for you to transform yourself.

T

I learn that a brother is an interesting meshing of heart, soul and the mystical cords of memory.

He is that hard rock who will stand by you and protect you, with a gentle heart full of love.

True, as we grow up and the spouses come into our lives, many changes come about, most often very unpleasant and selfish ones. But, it is comforting to know that there is someone out there always, who is family. Having sisters of my own, I know that sibling relationships run deep, even though very often it seems like they barely skim the surface of my life.

Some of us might have the greatest bonding with our siblings while others might harbour bitter feelings, but there is no denying that deep down in our hearts we know how precious our siblings are to us.

It is with them that we truly share a comfort zone and this is exactly what makes us take them for granted. Brothers and sisters share a unique bond of love, friendship and camaraderie. We might be separated by distance or family politics but deep down we are aware that we are always connected by love.

SACRED BOND Chat around with youngsters and you learn that many girls tie ‘rakhi’ for men who pursue them but they are disinterested. There have also been cases of girls tying ‘rakhis’ for friends but unfortunately the bond grows in the wrong manner. They develop un-sisterly or unbrotherly feelings for each other. So, it is imperative to understand this is an important auspicious occasion of expression of pure sibling love.

On ‘Raksha Bandhan’, it would do good to remember an excellent dialogue from Raj Kapoor’s ‘Prem Rog’ where Rishi Kapoor asks, “Why is it that in our country a man-woman’s relationship should only revolve around the ‘mangalsutra’ or the ‘rakhi’?”

Leave relationships for what they are; you don’t need to put a name to every bond that you build in life.

So, if you don’t have genuine brotherly feelings for a man, it is meaningless to tie a ‘rakhi’ for him. It becomes a mockery!

Hanks, Bullock to star in Post 9/11 Film?

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E What is holding you back right now? Today you will get closer to the answer.

You direct all of your en(21 Mar – 19 Apr) ergy toward a friend or family member in trouble today -but you don't mind in the least! It's just one of those things we all do for each other, and it feels good.

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES he super-hit Hindi oldie ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ of the 1970s still evokes strong emotions of love between brother and sister till date. Who can forget a suave Zeenat Aman donning the character of a hippie girl on drugs torn by a sad past imposed on her by estranged parents, crooning to the peppy yet soulful, ‘Dum Maro Dum, Mit Jayeh Gham’? Or the charming number, ‘‘Phoolon ka taaron ka sabka kehnaa hai, Ek hazaaron mein Meri behnaa hai, Saari umar hamein sang rehnaa hai’, sung by Dev Anand playing her separated brother as he attempts to connect with her by trying to revive the tender moments of their childhood?

Today, when Indian women all over the country and globe tie ‘rakhi’ for their brothers, it is such a solemn moment. It signifies a brother’s solid promise to protect his sister at any cost. It does leave me wistful as unfortunately, the only relationship I have never had with a man, is that of a brother.

Yes, there were the handful for who I gleefully tied ‘rakhi’, with great enthusiasm in younger days, but in my heart I knew it was never the same as having one’s own flesh and blood. Worse, there were those that ran the opposite direction when I approached them with a ‘rakhi’.

The firm warning was, “We are good friends, that’s it.”

It doesn’t matter how one gets a brother, I thought. My heart chose him as my brother while others had God give them brothers. But I sadly realised it was never the same. I couldn’t live under one roof, wear his best sweater and get away in a tearing hurry before I was caught. I could never have a striking resemblance to him and I could never kick him on his butt when he broke my fragile collections. Yesterday, I had connected with those little boys in the young men but today, I don’t even know whether those little boys still remain in the grown men.

Life’s many circumstances invariably tore us apart, but with one’s own flesh and blood, you are bound together for life. When I look around I can see and understand that my friends have their brothers from the dawn of their personal lives and will have them to the inevitable dusk. My friends even joke that they never grow old for their brothers. They know each other as they always were, they still share private family jokes and remember family feuds and secrets, family grief and joys. Happily they quip, “With brothers, it is like living outside the touch of time.”

O

scar-winners Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock’s name is being considered for a feature version of post 9/11 novel ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’. Warner Bros and Paramount have reportedly made the offers to Bullock and Hanks for the movie but the studios are yet to begin formal negotiations on the project.

Based on Jonathan Safran Foer novel and set in 2003, the story centres on a 9-year-old boy who finds a key in a vase that belongs to his father, who perished in the September 11 terrorist attacks, and searches to find the lock that goes with it. Foer’s was one of the first American novels to incorporate the September 11 events into the plot.

Scott Rudin is producing the film and has been developing it since 2005, when ‘Extremely Loud…’ was published. Eric Roth has adapted the novel and Stephen Daldry has been roped in to direct the picture.

If Bullock, who has had a difficult year following her divorce with Jesse James, signs the movie, it would be her first project since her Oscar-winning role in ‘The Blind Side’. Hanks will next be seen opposite Julia Roberts in comedy drama ‘Larry Crowne’, which has also been directed and produced by him.

Warner and Par, who previously co-produced F Scott Fitzgerald’s adaptation ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, are yet to finalise who will handle the domestic and overseas release of the film.

Bipasha gets cosy with South Star Rana

A

bhishek Bachchan, after the ‘Raavan’ debacle, is now keeping his fingers crossed for the next flick named ‘Dum Maro Dum’ which features him opposite the Bengali bombshell Bipasha Basu. The film also stars Aditya Pancholi after quite a while. Helmed by Rohan Sippy, the film is rumoured to have its share of steamy scenes.

Rana Daggubatti, the actor from the South shares some of his onscreen intimate moments with the sultry Bipasha as he cites, “I was most comfortable doing it. Bipasha and I got along from day one. By the time we came to the intimate scene, we were friends and very comfortable with one another as co-stars.”

He also talks of the great camaraderie he shared with his co-stars Abhishek and the rest. Besides, this is his first Hindi film and he is more than happy having got a big banner. “I’m very lucky to have got along well with all my co-stars in my first Hindi film. It was a different world for me. Not that I am not familiar with Hindi films and stars. Our home production has been active in Hindi for decades. But I was never looked on as a South-Indian star by my co-stars in ‘Dum Maro Dum’,” he adds.

Apart from this film, Rana will also be doing director Puri Jagannath’s Hindi film. In case you didn’t know, Puri was the director of ‘Pokiri’ on which the super hit ‘Wanted’ was based.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Tuesday, 24 Aug, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

The first Mhadei herpetology camp in the Chorla Ghats, organised by Herpactive will be held from August 25 to 27.

E-mail ophidian_nirmal@yahoo.co.on.

Founder’s Day, in honour of the birth anniversary its founder Vishwasrao Chowgule will be celebrated by the Smt Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science on August 25 in the college premises. Call 2759504 or 2759231.

Matoli and Dekhava Competitions, organised by the Department of Art and Culture are being held at the district level. The Matoli competition is open to individual participations, while the Dekhava competitions are open only to Sarvojanik Ganeshotsav Mandals. Call 2438103.

‘Pather Panchali’ will be the film screened at Temenos: The Film Study Circle on August 26 at 5:30pm at Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhas, Panjim.

Visit www.gallerygitanjali.com. E-mail gallerygitanjali@gmail.com. Call 9823572035 or 9423316395.

A trek to Hirvem-Valpoi, organised by the Youth Forum of YMCA, Panjim will be held on August 29. E-mail ymcagoa@gmail.com. Call 2227112.

‘Sound, Music and Lyrics’, will be the topic of discussion at the sixth session of the film appreciation course ‘Imago: The Language of Film’ to be held on August 27 at 5.30pm at Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhas, Panjim.

Visit www.gallerygitanjali.com. Call 9823572035 Interactive Session on Psychological Health with Dr Vasumath Prabhu is organised by the International Centre Goa in association with the Manipal Hospital on August 27 at 6 pm.

The session is open to all Learn to create 3D Decoupage cards on August 29 at 3:30pm at Hobby Centre. Call Evita on 9881696445 to register by August 27.

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

tattoo

Funny Quote

Pronunciation ta-TOO Function Noun Meaning 1: rapid, rhythmic drumming 2: a sound giving notice to soldiers 3: indelible patterns made on skin by puncturing and inserting inks Example Sentence Phil displayed his impatience by drumming a tattoo on the table.

SUDOKU 637

‘Evolving a neighbourhood citizen’s response to Crime in Goa,’ will be the topic of discussion for Friday Balcao on August 27 from 4pm to 6pm. at Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11, Liberty Apartments, Feira Alta, Mapusa.

Unison 2010 presented by Jason and Sylvia Dance Academy will be staged at National Institute of Oceanography, AC Auditorium, Dona Paula, on 28th August 2010 from 5:45 pm onwards.

Learn to do Water-colour Landscape in three hours. Artists attending the workshop are Ravi Naik, Uday Kumar and Manjunath Wali from Humpi. The workshop will be held on August 28. Participants should bring two handmade papers, water colour box and brushes. For details contact: Harshada Kerkar – 9881255587 or Arjun Halarnkar – 9765404391 (Workshop will also be held at Harshada’s Art Gallery, Opp. Hotel Marriot, Campal – Panaji Goa on August 29 and 30) Short Film Screening and workshop will be conducted by Cyrus Dastur, founder of Shamiana. The workshop will be organised by The International Centre Goa (ICG) and Shamiana – The Short Film Club on August 28. For registrations, contact Arjun Halarnkar, Programme Manager, ICG at 9765404391 Half-day workshop for Children on Tales Canvas, a monthly workshop by The Pageturners – children’s book club will be conducted

by Jugneeta Sudan. Organised by The International Centre Goa and Broadway Book Centre, the workshop will be conducted on August 29.

Goa,1556 launches its latest book, ‘Into the Diaspora Wilderness’ by Selma Carvalho on August 29 at 11 am at the Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, Goa.

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Pg15

Get ready to Wiggle and Waggle the Mexican Way

A

HERALD FEATURES re you ready to churn out a succulent cocktail with the lick, shoot and suck drink? Especially when the original is available at a competitive cost? Yes, it is time to jiggle and joggle as here is an opportunity for you youngsters to try your skills at shaking up some luscious cocktails. Starting today, the All Goa Toroloco Tequila Cocktail competition is open to cocktail enthusiasts; both to experienced bartenders and amateurs as well. There will be two chosen winners (one each from South Goa and North Goa) every week who will receive a Toroloco t-shirt. From within these weekly winners, 10 winners, the best cocktail makers will be chosen when the competition culminates in November.

The ten lucky winners will get an exciting Toroloco hamper.

This exciting competition will be judged by none other than cocktail maestro, Shawn D’ Souza. So, what is the expert looking for? “Originality, creativity, taste and visual

appeal,” says Shawn. He continues, “It will be interesting to see how the participants use the local liquers, fresh fruits etc to enhance the taste of the tequila; how it feels in the mouth, whether too harsh, a long tail etc. And yes, how cost-effective she/he can get. Because ultimately it should be something that one can churn up any time, anywhere.”

The purpose of the cocktail competition is to spotlight on the versatility of tequila as a cocktail base as well as encourage bartenders of resorts and amateur cocktail enthusiasts to concoct their own signature cocktails.

Details regarding the criteria for the cocktails to be sent can be procured from Kavitha on 2262922, 2253377 and on 2407030/71. So, get ready to make people lick, shoot and suck!

Konkani’s Inclusion in 8th Schedule of Constitution recognised with Book Release

HERALD FEATURES o commemorate the inclusion of Konkani in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) organised a book release function on August 20, 2010 at Hotel Nanutel, Margao. The second edition of ‘Sonvsara Bhonvtim Yontram’, a book on science by late Fr Antonio Francisco Sousa, and ‘Sopon’, a series of 10 plays by James Fernandes are the two literary books released at the function, which was largely attended by the people.

The Chief Guest for the day was senior most Konknni activist Antonio da Piedade Morais, who congratulated James Fernandes on the occasion, and requested the gathering to preserve Konkani, the symbol of Goan identity. He also commended DKA for working for the development of Konkani in Roman script.

Though DKA is working for the development of Konkani in Roman script, it feels the same was for Devnagari. “We want the development of Konkani in both the scripts equally well,” said Premanand A Lotlikar, President of DKA. DKA Secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes spoke on the book ‘Sonvsara Bhonvtim Yontram’ and Sanjay Talwadkar spoke on ‘Sopon’.

At the end of the function, a part of ‘Kidd’ play, which is included in the book ‘Sopon’ was also staged.

T

“I don't have a girlfriend.

But I do know a woman who'd be mad at me for saying that.”

– Mitch Hedberg

The Fusion of Art and Music

DAILY GROOK TIME CRIME

by Francis Rodrigues three midnite robbers climb big ben in fun, only two survived as the clock struck one!

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES ast Friday saw the coming together of two neighbouring colleges, the Goa College of Arts and the Goa College of Music, both perched upon the Altinho Hill, Panjim. This collaboration resulted in the student-organised 'Malhar Darshan', a cultural programme held recently in the foyer of the Goa University (GU) campus, Taleigao which saw the fusion of art and music.

To a colourful imagination, the setting softly resembled a Maharaja's leisure room. On the main stage sat five musicians - one each on vocals, harmonium, table and two sitars - all dressed in white and producing a continuous flow of monsoon ragas, while sculptors on either side vigorously went at their clay, beautifully in tune with the music. Further on, three other works of art were in the making, two medium sized canvases were each getting filled in with colour singularly by students and the larger one had a handful of art students jointly working on it. Compared to the surrounding light, the one's that shone

L

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 636 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

on the working artists were strong and only enhanced their arts.

The single artists and sculptors weren't distracted by the medium-sized crowd or the fact that there was plenty of movement among them, so much was their fervour. The artists working together relied on plenty of movement for their work to be complete. Dressed in clothes as colourful as the colours on their palette, which lay on a table that they went back and forth to dip their brushes in, it was something else watching them huddle up over the corner of the canvas trying to perfect a shade or consult their art teacher, who observed from the background.

It was an explosion of emotion and a mishmash of expression that filled the air with positive, creative energy that was well received by the art-inclined, appreciative audience comprising art students and teachers.

As the programme came to an end, the working artists rounded up their works and a general excitement swept through the crowd, who scrambled to take photos and glances.

GARFIELD

WIZARD OF ID

21:00 Warriors of Heaven and Earth 23:30 Cradle 2 the Grave 10:00 Tere Liye 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Chhote Ustaad 15:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Tere Liye 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

13:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega 14:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 15:00 CID Top 50 Cases 16:30 CID Top 50 Cases 16:30 C.I.D. Khatarnak Mujrim 19:30 Godh Bharaai 20:00 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Comedy Ka Daily Soap 21:30 Entertainment Ke Liye 22:30 Aahat

10:00 Choti Bahu 10:30 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 11:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 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 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 15:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 15:30 Choti Bahu 16:00 Pavitra Rishta 16:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 17:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 17:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 18:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 18:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 19:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 22:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini

11:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

14:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 FIR 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

16:30 Papad Pol 17:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma

10:10 What's the Worst That Could Happen?

12:10 Armageddon 15:00 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 17:20 The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice 19:15 Strange Wilderness 21:00 Con Air 23:15 Aliens

09:45 Scooby-Doo 12:00 Batman Begins 15:30 Collateral Damage 17:45 The Making of : He's Just Not That Into You 18:30 The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2

11:50 Scary Movie 3 13:40 Phoenix 15:50 Death and the Maiden 18:25 Point Break 21:00 Game 6 22:55 Wild Things

11:30 Yes Boss 15:40 Daag: The Fire 20:00 Welcome

09:30 Rishi 12:30 Kala Sona 16:00 One Man Army 20:00 Guru

09:55 Laws of Attraction

12:00 Iqbal 15:30 Raksha Bandhan 16:00 Dance Dance 20:00 Hadh Kar Di Aapne 23:10 Ram Avtaar

12:00 Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge 16:00 Loha 20:00 Nagin

E N T E R TA I N M E N T Allahabadwale 17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

18:30 Papad Pol 19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Papad Pol 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta ….

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 22:00 Lapataganj

10:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum

10:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 11:00 Geet 11:30 India's Magic Star 13:00 Geet 13:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 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 17:30 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 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Dill Mill Gayye

14:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 15:00 Guinness World Records 15:30 Slamball 17:00 Guinness World Records 18:00 Charmed 19:00 E Buzz 19:30 Total Wipeout 21:00 So You Think You Can Dance : Vegas Callback Pt 1 22:00 Masters of Illusion

10:30 How I Met Your Mother 11:00 Moment of Truth 12:00 V.I.P 13:00 MasterChef Australia 14:00 Criminal Minds 15:00 Ugly Betty 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 Friends 17:00 Criminal Minds 18:00 V.I.P 19:00 Glee 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 MasterChef Australia 22:00 Miss Universe 2010

10:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Stoke City vs.

Tottenham Hotspur 12:00 Cincinnati: Western & Southern Financial Group Masters H/ls 13:00 Asian Touring Car : Rounds 3 & 4 14:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : West Ham United vs. Bolton Wanderers 16:00 FIM Motocross World Championship 2010:Races 17:00 2010 DTM : Eurospeedway Lausitz 18:00 TNA Impact 20:00 Hitz 20:30 Golf Focus 2010 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 TNA Impact

10:00 PBA Experience Showdown 11:00 Winter X Games Classix 12:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Manchester City

vs. Liverpool 14:00 MLB Regular Season 2010 : New York Yankees vs.

Toronto Blue Jays 17:00 The Monday Night Verdict 18:00 Bpl Express : Manchester City vs. Liverpool 19:00 Barclays Premier League 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Champions League Twenty20 2009 H/ls:Cape Cobras vs. Otago Volts 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia

13:30 2009 US Open Tennis H/ls 14:30 The Inside Story 15:00 Sri Lanka Triangular Series in 2010 H/ls 17:00 WWE: After Burn 18:00 UEFA Champions League H/ls 19:00 Sri Lanka Triangular Series

07:30 HCN Smash Hits 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 11:30 Sanz Sangodachi 12:00 HCN Smash Hits 12:30 Konkani Songs 13:00 English News 14:00 Konkani Movie 15:30 Naad Abhisheki Part 1 16:00 HCN Smash Hits 16:30 Sanz Sangodachi 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Straight Talk 22:00 English News 23:00 Frame Box Animation 23:30 Konkani Songs Note: Subject to Change

HERALD CROSSWORD - 637 Across 1- Big bash; 5- In reserve; 10Facile; 14- Bakery fixture; 15Make less tense; 16- Switch ending; 17- Letterman rival; 18Begin; 19- Hero; 20- Former French currency; 22- Loyal, staunch, and sturdy; 24- Meditator; 27- Deli side; 28- First public performance; 32- Domesticates; 36- Dusk, to Donne; 37- Juke; 39- Muse of lyric poetry; 40- Ladies of Sp.; 42- Is aware of; 44- Mimic; 45Be silent, musically; 47- AKA; 49- Deserter; 50- Available; 51Bitterness of nature; 53- Threehanded card game; 56- I could ___ horse!; 57- Person who practices deception under an assumed identity; 61- Chou ___; 65- Horse color; 66- Plait; 69- Sardine containers; 70- Bird of prey; 71- Digression; 72- Actress Chase; 73- Dog-powered snow vehicle; 74- Warble; 75Remain; Down 1- Ball game; 2- Affirm solemnly; 3- Actress Olin; 4- Assumed name; 5- Surgery sites, briefly; 6After taxes; 7- Now ___ me down...; 8- Feels for; 9- Laud; 10State in the E United States; 11"___ Brockovich"; 12- Stupid person; 13- Swank; 21- Haircut; 23Spouse; 25- Nerd; 26- One of Chekhov's "Three Sisters"; 28Basil-based sauce; 29- Aired again; 30- Make into law; 31- ___

Parenting

Gay; 33- Start of something SOLUTION - 636 big?; 34- Actor Hawke; 35Like a smokestack; 38More than once; 41- Weathered; 43- Franklin D.'s mother; 46- Toll rds.; 48- Locale; 52- Predaceous insect; 54- Cornered; 55- Trunk; 57Bothers; 58- Drudge; 59Crown of the head; 60- Sudden assault; 62- Rhythmic swing; 63- "Diana" singer; 64- Brit's exclamation; 67Chemical ending; 68- Singer Shannon;

Pg16

SPORTS GOA, Tuesday, 24 August, 2010

Adarsh move into last eight HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, AUG 23

Hosts Adarsh Yuvak Sangh scored a hard fought solitary goal victory over Peddem Bom Vagator to move into the quarter-finals of All-Goa inter-village Mahabank Platinum Jubilee trophy soccer tournament sponsored by Bank of Maharashtra at Calangute Association ground, here on Monday.

Both teams began on a promising note but their forwards failed to find the net on a couple of occasions.

Stanley and Rajesh worked h a rd f o r Pe d d e m w h i l e Sandesh and Paresh excelled for Adarsh.

Adarsh scored the all-important goal in the 55th minute through Mauvin Britto. The score was goalless at half time.

Anslem stars for Sirsaim; Siolim win gfa 3rd div

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, AUG 23

A brace from Anslem D’Souza was not enough to stop Sirsaim Welfare Club overcoming St. Christopher Sports Club, Tivim 4-2 in GFA’s 3rd Division at St. Christopher ground, Tivim on Monday. The score was 1-1 at the lemon break.

The match was a close encounter until the 64th minute; when St Christopher goalkeeper Ramesh Kurtadkar was sent off for handling the ball outside the box and this enabled Sirsaim to score two in the last ten minutes.

In the 10th minute, against the run of play, St Christopher’s Anslem D’Souza half-volleyed the ball to put them one up. A long clearance from Sirsaim goalkeeper, Worrel D’souza eventually reached the feet of

Durga sail into quarters

Floyd Fernandes who delicately edged the ball past the St Christopher custodian to bring Sirsaim level in the 26th minute.

Just before half time, Sirsaim had a goal disallowed as the ball

had gone out of play on the wing. The referee had initially awarded the goal to Shane Temudo but backtracked his decision after seeing his assistant who was on his blindside waving

his flag firmly up.

In the 62nd, Sirsaim’s Shane Temudo smashed home a cross from the right side which was superbly delivered in by teammate Kenny Dias.

Verna rout PY Nuvem HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 23

Striker Vigal Rego struck a brace as Verna Sports Club thrashed Parish Youth, Nuvem 4-0 in GFA Third Division league at Verna ground, on Monday.

Verna led 2-0 at half time.

Verna dominated the match and their defence was compact with promising players in their ranks.

Verna finally broke the deadlock when Wilson Fernandes beat the rival goalkeeper with a blistering right footer.

At the other end, Nuvem struggled and were on the backfoot as they could not make a noteworthy move that hardly troubled the rival defence.

Verna doubled the lead when Anthony Rego put the ball to the far corner of the net after

picking up a ball from his own half.

The second half belonged to Verna as they tormented the rival citadel with sharp raids. Vigal Rego made it 3-0 in favour of Verna in the 47th minute. Vigal hammered the final nail into Parish Youth’s coffin with a neat placement and also registered his brace.

At St John Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, Cavelossim Youth Association fought gallantly to beat United Boys of Dando, Colva 2-1. There was no score at half time. After a barren first half, United Club went into the lead in the 60th minute when Colax Vaz bulged the net.

Stung by the setback, Cavelossim neutralised the lead through Alex Rodrigues in the 85th minute. Shridhar Dable struck the match-winner in the 89th minute.

Within a minute, St Christopher got their equaliser through Anslem, who shot into the near post from close range in a packed 6-yard box.

In the 64th, Jayson D’Souza came in as a replacement goalkeeper at the expense of Panna D’Souza, after Ramesh saw red.

Jayson pulled in some impressive saves, much to the delight of his bench. Eventually Sirsaim broke through, when Sameer Sawant intercepted a loose ball in the box and finished into an empty net.

In the last minute, Mahesh Kambli punted in to make it 42 for Sirsaim.

In another match at St Anthony's church ground, Siolim, Football Club of Siolim defeated Cunchelim Sports Club 2-0. Melroy netted in the 37th and Sonu Halmanker scored two minutes before the end.

Wesley records double crowns ’trick

catherine viegas soccer HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 23

Durga Sports Club came from behind to defeat Fatima Boys, Baida 3-2 and enter the quarter-finals of Catherine Viegas memorial football tournament organised by Union of Chinchinim Villagers at church ground, Chinchinim on Monday.

Durga were trailing 0-1 at half time.

Fatima enjoyed a slight edge over their opponents in the opening session and created many moves to unsettle the rival defence. They were rewarded midway in the first half when Agnelo Rebello punished the rival goalkeeper with a rasping shot.

Stung by the setback, Durga tried their best and went all-out in search of the equalizer but their efforts proved futile as rival defenders stood tall in foiling their attempts with neat tackles.

Crossing over, Durga were a transformed side and displayed some attacking football with their forwards repeatedly raiding the rival citadel. Their persistent raids found success when Jollis Rebeiro slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.

Stunned by the equaliser, Baida went into the attack with Lourecinho Rebello firing home.

Unfazed about the lead, Durga regrouped quickly and Faisal Martins restored parity.

With the match heading for tie-breaker, Durga struck the match-winner when Kargil Martins unleashed a booming shot that gave no chance to the rival goalkeeper.

The finalists at BPS Club’s All-Goa Major Ranking TT Championship alonngwith Francisco Sardinha, MP, Ashok Mahambre, Audhut Kare, Santosh George.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, AUG 23

Eight-year-old Wesley do Rosario from Margao stole the limelight when he recorded his third straight double crown, winning two titles

at BPS Club’s All-Goa Major Ranking Table Tennis Tournament at BPS Club, Margao on Saturday.

The twin victories at BPS, were Wesley’s third successive all-Goa double titles, the earlier

Cana Benaulim in semis reis magos panchayat cup HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 23

Cana Benaulim booked their place into the semi-finals of the 1st All-Goa 9-a-side Reis Magos Panchayat Cup soccer organised by Verem Boys, with a narrow 7-6 win via the tie-breaker over Candolim Sports Club at Verem Panchayat ground on Mon-

day.

The teams were locked in a 1-1 draw at the end of the 70minute duel.

While Benaulim forged ahead in the 18th minute off a curling free kick by Laximikant, it was in the closing stage that Candolim surprised their opponents with the equaliser.

A long throw in by veteran Patrick Gonsalves was superbly finished by Jolief Simoes, to take the match into the penalty

Palolem win Canacona title HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, AUG 23

Cocktail and Dreams Palolem United won the 7-a-side Canacona taluka one-day football tournament organized by Maxem Boys on Sunday. In the finals, Palolem defeated Unique Boys, Agonda 2-0. Cavin Lobo scored both goals for Palolem United.

In all, 24 teams participated.

Palolem were richer by Rs. 6,000 while Unique Boys had to be content with Rs. 3,000. Earlier, in the semis, Palolem defeated Agonda Boys 3-2 via the tie-breaker while Unique Boys trounced Challenger Boys of Pedem-Loliem 3-2 via the tie-breaker.

Cedri and Savio of Palolem were awarded the best player and best goalkeeper of the tournament prizes respectively while Nirankar Hostel Boys bagged the best disciplined team award.

Daya Pagui, ZP member, Fr. Simon Fernandes, parish priest of Galgibaga church gave away the prizes. Cruz Fernandes welcomed and proposed the vote of thanks.

being at LESA and Mangueshi.

The Std III student of Loyola High School, Margao, thus recorded a hat-trick of double victories, which is a feat.

The young, promising player

shoot-out.

Benaulim proved to be better shooters in the tie-breaker as Santana Fernandes, Paulin D’Silva, Stevenson Fernandes, Rody Fernandes, Nelson Fernandes and Laximikant Kurade shot on target.

Shankar Palyekar, Stanley D’Silva, Jolief Simoes, Rody Fernandes and Jose Lopes scored for Candolim.

Roy Das’ penalty hit the Benaulim upright.

Goa’s outstanding wicket-keeper batsman. Keenan Vaz of Fatorda has done Goa proud with his selection for the review camp for National Cricket Academy (NCA) under-19 in the 18-member probables, to be held in Bangalore from September 16–30.

Eighteen-year-old Keenan, who is a right hand middle order batsman and wicket-keeper, studying in SY BA, has played for Goa in Moin-ud-Dowlah Trophy, Vinoo Mankad cricket Tournament, C K Naidu Tournament, Kuch Behar Cricket Tournament

Mauxi, Morle VP win HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, AUG 23

Mauxi beat Morle 19-0 in boys final while Morle beat Keri 1918 in the girls event Of Sattari level kabaddi tournament under OPYKKA organised by Sports Authority of Goa at municipal ground, Valpoi.

Thane-Dongurli defeated Poriem 41-13 points to secure the 3rd place. Mauxi and ThaneDongurli secured the 3rd and 4th places respectively.

Manovikas, Snows up u-14 subroto soccer HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 23

Daya Pagui and Fr. Simon Fernandes giving away the cash prize to the captain of Cocktails and Dreams Palolem United, Cedric Travasso.

Our Lady of Snows High School, Raia and Manovikas English Medium School, Margao recorded victories in the Salcete Ta l u ka U n d e r - 1 4 S u b ro t o Mukherjee inter-school football tournament organised at Government ground, Manora, Raia on Monday.

Snows scored an emphatic 5-0 win over Holy Spirit High School, Margao. Leading by a goal at the lemon break, Savio Gomes scored a hat-trick while Franoy Fernandes and Maurice Fernandes accounted one each.

Manovikas defeated Mae Dos Pobres HS, Nuvem 3-1. Chanil Gomes scored a brace for M a n o v i ka s w h i l e W y r n e r Carneiro added his name in the scorer’s list. Samson Pereira reduced the margin for the losers.

Keenan for NCA review camp

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BANGALORE, AUG 23

lifted the mini-cadet boys title beating Varun Gangodkar in straight sets and then went on to annex the cadet boys crown beating Abner Cunha also in straight sets.

and donned colours for Salgaocar in Goa P ro f e s s i o n a l League in 200910 season, is the lone Goan among the 18 selected for the review camp.

Keenan was named man-ofthe match in a T20 match against Goa Sports Academy last season with his highest

score of 120 being against P a n j i m Gymkhana in D B Bandodkar Trophy. In the threeday matches, the young talented player who has been identified

by NCA as outstanding potential, scored 74, 63, 82 and 56 against Sar vo daya, Chowgule and Dempo respectively and ac-

counted for 10 dismissals.

Keenan, whose dream is to be groomed into an international player, first donned colours for the State in Goa U13 in Coca Cola Trophy in Bangalore in 2002 and thereafter in 2003, 2004, 2005. In 2006, he rose to become the vice-captain of Goa team in U-15 Polly Umrigar Trophy where he claimed eight dismissals.

Keenan’s outstanding showing caught the attention of U15 Zonal Cricket Academy in 2008 and 2009 and subsequently played for U-19 South Zone in inter-zonal matches.

3rd Div football: Holy Cross SC, Arambol v. Tropa Sports & Culural Association, Siolim ground, 4 p.m.

Santa Cruz Parish Youth harvest tournament: Tiebreaker, Tug-of-war, coconut breaking contests, Santa Cruz church square, 3 p.m.

3-a-side Merces tie-breaker soccer: Near St. Caetano chapel, Merces, 11 a.m.

Exhibition soccer: St. A g o s t i n h o V I I A v. S t .

Agostinho VII B, St. Agostinho ground, 10 a.m.

1st All Goa 9-a-side Reis Magos Panchayat Cup soccer quarters: Mandopa, Navelim v. Sangolda Lightning, Verem panchayat gound, 4.45 p.m.

Catherine Viegas memorial football tournament: Sucaldem Youth Club v. Sirlim S p o r t s C l u b ‘A’ , C h u rc h ground, Chinchinim, 4.30 p.m.

Joao Francisco Pacheco memorial soccer semis: Parish Youth, Nuvem v. St. Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva, Betalbatim Sporting Complex, 4.30 p.m.

Chicalim contests: Coconut breaking, 3 p.m. 3-a-side football tie-breaker, 10 a.m. Chicalim.

37th All-Goa Ana Pegado memorial coconut breaking contest organised by Stars of Saleria, near Nossa Senhora de Bom Parto Chapel, Goa Velha, 3 p.m.

15th all- Goa coconut breaking contest organised

by Socio Cultural Club of Loutulim, Loutulim church ground, 3.45 p.m.

SPORTS

Pg17

GOA, Tuesday, 24 August, 2010

India series necessary before Ashes: Ponting

AGENCIES COOLUM, AUG 23

With all the usual hype of the forthcoming Ashes series with England, Australia skipper Ricky Ponting and V ice- Captain Michael Clarke are careful not to diminish the importance of a two-Test series in India.

"We have to make sure we don't get too Ashes-focused,"

Ponting said on Monday at a team camp north of Brisbane.

Australia plays on the subcontinent in Mohali beginning on October 1 and Bangalore from October 9, along with three limited-overs matches later in the month at Kochi, Vishakapatnam and Goa. "It's important to beat them, a rivalry is a rivalry, and they are the No 1 team in the world," Ponting added. "You have to judge yourself by them."

Clarke also said it was important that his side stay focused on the India series.

"I know it's the old cliche, but my experience from test cricket is as soon as you take your eye off the ball, that rusty gate comes back and hits you in the face," Clarke said.

"I think it's really crucial ... playing India anywhere in the world is very tough, let alone playing them in their own conditions."

Ponting admitted there has been animosity between the sides in the past.

"They've got a few prickly characters that have sort of got under our skin a little bit, but we have to get over all that stuff," he said. "When things like that happen, it makes everyone else just want to beat them, there is more motivation. But

really, it's all buried, done and dusted."

Ponting said any security concerns over playing in India will be handled by Cricket Australia and its staff.

"We will rely on what the experts have to say and trust their judgment," Ponting said, adding that a pre-tour visit will be conducted by security staff to check out hotels and venues.

The Commonwealth Games will be held in New Delhi from October 3-14. There have been heightened security concerns in India since terror attacks in 2008 left 166 people dead in Mumbai.

Clarke has mostly pleasant recollections of India, particularly Bangalore, where he played his first test for Australia on October 6, 2004.

"Good memories ... scored 151," Clarke said. "Not bad, I'll take it."

Clarke went on to play a major part in his team's 2-1 series victory, Australia's first in India in over 30 years.

He remembers Bangalore as "one of the loudest places" he has toured.

"We had a one-day match there and Ricky (Ponting) was five meters away, screaming at the top of his lungs," Clarke said.

"I couldn't hear a word he was saying."

Men’s, mixed doubles pairs win in Paris PTI PARIS, AUG 23

Aditi Mutatkar became a first round casualty but Indian men's and mixed doubles pairs kept the tri-colour fluttering as India wrapped up a mixed day at the World Badminton Championships here today.

Ninth seeds mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju struggled past English combo of Chris Adcock and Gabriella White 21-6, 1421, 21-8 to enter the second round.

In men's doubles category, 15th seeded pair of Rupesh Kumar and Sanave Thomas thrashed Nigerian pair of Ola Fagbemi and Jinkan Ifraimu 2118, 21-10 to advance to the next round.

However, it was end of road for Mutatkar in the women's singles after she lost 12-21 16-21 to 10th seed Eriko Hirose of Japan in a 32-minute match.

Atwal wins Wyndham Championship, earns back PGA card

Pankaj fails to defend title PTI PUNE, AUG 23

India ace cueist Pankaj Advani today failed to defend his IBSF Billiards title in the Point format, going down 0-6 to nine-time world champion England's Mike Russell in a one-sided final here.

Russell produced an impeccable display of cue control and dipping to beat the seven-time world champion Indian 151-129, 151-00, 151-29, 150-20, 151-09, 151-125.

PTI GREENSBORO (USA), AUG 23

Arjun Atwal scripted history by becoming the first Indian golfer to clinch a US PGA Tour title as he lifted the Wyndham Championship trophy here, capping a remarkable turnaround of fortunes.

Atwal, who had a three-shot lead going into the final round, returned a steady three-under 67 to clinch the title by a stroke with a total of 20-under 260.

The Indian took home USD 918,000 for his effort yesterday.

But more importantly, the victory at Sedgefield Country Club earned him his status on the PGA Tour for the remainder of this year and the next two years as well after he lost his playing card a few weeks ago.

Atwal's compatriot Jeev Milkha Singh also signed off on a positive note, carding a fourunder 66 for a share of the 18th spot with a total of 14-under 266. The Chandigarh golfer's card was studded with six birdies against a lone double bogey.

American David Toms fired a sixunder 64 to take the second spot at 19-under on the leaderboard.

The Orlando-based Atwal became the first Monday-qualifier to win on the PGA Tour in 24 years. Fred Wadsworth was the last to achieve such a feat at the 1986 Southern Open.

I am so glad, I was very nervous, the most nervous I have been in all my life," the 37-yearold pro, who has titles on the Asian, European and the Nationwide Tour under his belt, said

after the nervy final round.

In a steady performance, Atwal picked up strokes on the third and fourth holes to be twounder at the turn.

On his way back, he added another two birdies on the 14th and 16th but a bogey on the 12th prevented him from going 21-under, something that his friend and practice partner Tiger Woods had asked him to aim for the night before the final round in a text message.

Rosary College Navelim triumph HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 23

Rosary College, Navelim won the inter-college power lifting Championship 2010-11 organised by Goa University at SAG indoor hall, Campal. Fr. Agnel College, Pilar won the runnersup position while Sumit Naik of PES College won the Goa University Strongest Man title.

Results: 56 kg group: Felton Barretto of Fr. Agnel (307.5), Ashish Shirodkar of Shree Mira Mar Residency, winners of GTDC tie-breaker alongwith A T Fernandes, D B Sawant, Sanjay V P Chodnekar, Laxmikant Vaigankar, Deepak Narvekar, Sandeep Gawas, Chandrkaant Kandolkar.

Mira Mar Residency tops HERALD SPORTS DESK PANAJI, AUG 23

Mira Mar Residency beat Calangute Annexee 2-0 in the finals of GTDC’s tie-breaker football tournament at Britona.

In all, l2 teams from GTDC establishments - Calangute Annexee, Mapusa Residency, Head Office, Vasco Residency, Britona River Side, Mayem Lake View and Mira Mar Residency participated.

Valente Fernandes was awarded the best shooter award while Pradeep received the best goalkeeper prize.

The guests at the prize distribution ceremony were A.T. Fernandes, general manager – tours and cruises; D.B. Sawant, general manager- finance; Sanjay V.P. Chodnekar, deputy general manager marketing; Laxmikant Vaigankar, deputy general manager-hotels; Deepak Narvekar, public relations officer; Sandeep Gawas, manager-workshop and Chandrakant Kandolkar, senior manager-administration.

The tournament was inaugurated by A.T Fernandes in t h e p re s e n c e o f D e e p a k Narvekar, and Sandeep Gawas.

Jose Gonsalves and Jouquim Menezes compered the function.

St Xavier’s pip Govt Sanquelim HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, AUG 23

A second half penalty conversion

by Lesten Martins was enough to give St Xavier’s, Mapusa the title as they defeated Government HSS, Sanquelim 1-0 in the inter-school football final organised by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Monday.

Xavier’s HSS had recently won the inter-school chess and badminton and were looking to continue their winning streak.

Sanquelim whose entire team was made up of the new Sesa recruits had breezed past their

opponents in the previous rounds and were the clear favourites.

Xavier’s started the brighter of the two teams. From the start Sanquelim resorted to physical tactics picking up needless bookings before half time.

Midway into the second half, Francis Coutinho was brought down by Estevan Mendes and Lesten Martins converted the penalty for Xavier’s. To add to Sanquelim’s problems, Estevan Mendes picked up his second yellow with ten minutes to go, reducing them to ten men.

Goa’s victory in vain HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, AUG 23

Despite defeating Tamil Nadu 2-1, the Goa girls crashed out of the 7th Sub-Junior Nationals at Forestry academy ground, Haldwani, Utttarakhand after losing out to Bihar on an inferior goal difference.

Bihar defeated Tripura 5-0 earlier in the day which meant Goa needed to win by a six- goal margin. Although Goa tried in vain, it was not to be. The only consolation was that Ansiva Vaz, Simone Lalwani and Velanie Fernandes have been selected for the India U-16 camp to be held in Gujarat.

Bihar topped the group with

seven points. Goa also finished on seven points in second place.

Tamil Nadu was third with three and Tripura lost all their matches in fourth.

Bethany Remedios scored a free kick in the 24th to give Goa the lead. Seven minutes after the breather Ansiva Vaz scored off a pass from Velanie Fernandes. Tamil Nadu managed to pull a goal back in the 57th.

Goa coach Deggie Cardozo stated, “The girls are disappointed not to have qualified after not losing any of the matches, but they played well.”

Xavier’s hung on to record a famous victory.

Xavier’s coach Colin Vaz put the victory down to discipline.

“The Xavier’s team showed discipline and played systematically.”

The Xavier’s girls also won the girls final 3-0 against St Theresa HSS. Sonali Gavander scored a brace. Desiree Pereira also netted.

Zonal organiser Nita Pednekar distributed the certificates. Sesa Football Academy coaches Clifford Chukwuma, Anthony D’Souza and Agostinho Dias were present.

Sunshine, Friends win HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, AUG 23

Hosts Sunshine Sports Club, Carambolim defeated Prince of Carambolim XI 5-0 in a one- sided match of 1st Sunshine League Cup 2010 football tournament at Carambolim Panchayat ground.

Diniz D’Costa (1), Narayan Hadkonkar (2) and Shabir Shaikh (2) scored for Sunshine.

In another match, Friends SC defeated strong contenders RSC, Carambolim 1-0. Nithesh Mistry’s free kick was converted

by Gourish Vaigankar.

GAA office-bearers

GOA DIARY

3-a-side tie-breaker at Chicalim

PANAJI (HSD) – The Chicalim Youth Club will organise their traditional 3-a-side tie-breaker soccer tournament on August 24 at 10 a.m. near the Post Office at Naquelim, Chicalim. Rs 3333 (winners), Rs 2222 (runners-up) will be awarded. Limited entries will be accepted. Details may be obtained on 9822731650 and 9822120807.

Coconut breaking at Chicalim

PANAJI (HSD) – The Chicalim Youth Club will organise their traditional coconut breaking contest at Chicalim on August 24 at 3 p.m. near the Chicalim church. Rs 4444 (winners), Rs 3333 (runner-up) will be awarded. Limited entries will be accepted.

Details may be obtained on 9822731650 and 9822120807.

Coconuts will be provided by the organisers.

CAC Cansaulim selections

PANJIM (HSD) – Players interested in Cansaulim Arossim Cuelim Sports and Social Club’s selection for Second Division matches whave been asked to contact Rupert Rodrigues on 9923480062 or Dilip Barreto on 9822144447 or write to poolpoint@rediffmail.com

Mario

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 23

Francisco Sardinha, MP, Mario Moraes and Paresh Kamat were unanimously elected as president, general secretary and treasurer respectively of Goa Athletic Association for 2010– 14 at the general body meeting at TB Cunha hall, Panjim.

The other office-bearers - Senior vice-president Gurudas Natekar. Vice-presidents Sa-

Paresh

hadev Mandrekar, Avita Bandodkar, Shripad Kundaiker, Sharad Chopdekar, Anita Rodrigues and D.K.Sawant. Joint secretary Chetan Kavlekar. Assistant treasurer Namdev Chopdekar.

Executive members Juliet Abraham, Joao Rodrigues, P.V.Bhorgave, Allwyn D’Costa, Anthony D’Souza, Rohidas Kadam, Savio W. Coutinho, Joseph Aguiar, Oscar Gracias and Gurudas Sawant.

Damodar (285), Jayesh Mayekar of Govt. College, Pernem (280).

60 kg group: Shivraj Mangueshkar of Fr. Agnel (340), Kalpesh Kamat of V. M. Salgaoncar (310), Siddesh Kauthankar of MES (290).

67.5 kg group: Gorakh Rajadhyax of G R Kare (332.5), Siddhant Naik of St. Xavier's (330), Saurabh Dhuri of PCCE (325).

75 kg group: Sumit Naik of PES (460), Pelvio D'Costa of Rosary (430), Vishal Mandrekar

Narrow win for Curtorim Gym

joao francisco soccer HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 23

Curtorim Gymkhana registered a hard fought 7- 6 win over Enfermos Sports Club, Navelim via the tie-breaker to sail into the semi-finals of Joao Francisco Pacheco memorial inter-village football tournament organised

by Betalbatim Sporting Club at Betalbatim Sports Complex, on Monday. Curtorim were leading 1-0 at the breather.

Enfermos enjoyed the lion share of exchanges and ball possession but it was Curtorim who took the lead through Roy Alburquere in the opening session when he slammed past the rival goalkeeper with a booming shot.

Enfermos had a couple of chances but their forwards either shot straight into the safe hands of the rival keeper or shot wide from an ideal position.

Presentation, Bhatikar move up u-14 school badminton

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, AUG 23

Bhatikar Model English High School, Margao and Presentation Convent High School, Margao emerged champions in Under-14 boys and girls sections respectively in Salcete Taluka inter-school badminton tournament at SAG multipurpose hall, Fatorda.

In the boys section, Bhatikar defeated Manovikas English Medium school, Margao 2-1. Presentation beat Manovikas by an identical margin in girls.

Boys - Sanath Kamat bt. Jeff Cruz 21-2, 21-0, Tejan Falari lost to Druv Angle 14-21, 9-21, Sanath Kamat & Tejan Falari bt.

Druv Angle & Jeff Cruz 21-10, 21-8). Girls - Emelia Silveira bt.

Simran Desai 21-7, 21-6, Marishka Santimano bt. Laxmi Raiturkar 7-21, 6-21, Emelia Silveira &Marishka Santimano bt.

Laxmi Raiturkar & Simran Desai 21-16, 21-14.

Crossing over, Enfermos put up an improved display and fired well measured shots against the rival citadel but could not find success due to inept shooting by their forwards.

Midway in the second session, Enfermos went all-out and equalised through Vikas Dale.

In the penalty shoot-out, S a v i o Fe r n a n d e s , Ro y A l burqueqe, Joao Fernandes, Luis Castana, Sertorio Monteiro and Nelson Fernandes were on target for the winners while Chandrakant Naik, Vikas Dale, Jaison Pereira, Senvi Pires and Domnick Cabral converted for Enfermos.

of V M Salgaoncar (387.5).

82.5 kg group: Deepak Fernandes of Shree Damodar (450), Varad Mardolkar of V M Salgaoncar (410), Mandar Prabhugaonkar of Shree Damodar (355).

90 kg group: Abhishek Lotlikar of Rosary (415), Rayhan Khan of MDC (400), Ashwin Gaonkar of V M Salgaoncar (320).

100 kg group: Cliford Fernandes of Caculo (385), Parikshit Sawant of V. M. Salgaoncar (382.5), Hasan

YSC in finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANAJI, AUG 23

YSC, Mankem defeated OM Sai, Vazangal 2-0 to enter the finals of Panchwadi inter-ward soccer organised by Panchwadi FC on Sunday. There was no score in the first half.

Substitute Allan D'souza scored an optimistic goal to give YSC a 1-0 lead and a little later they consolidated their position through Planton Fernandes.

In the other semi-final, hosts Panchwadi FC registered a hard fought 1-0 win over St. Anthony, Amblai.

The lone goal came in the first half when Remy slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.

The finals will be played on Sunday, August 29.

Shaikh of MES (370).

110 kg group: Eric Coelho of PG (432.5) Aniket Shirodkar of Govt. College, Margao (370), Viraj Pandit of DMC (355).

Above 110 kg group: Prasad Babu Naik of Rosary (355), Ganesh Shetye of DMC (315), Gautam Mudgal of V. M. Salgaoncar (305).

V M Prabhudesai, Executive Director of Sports Authority of Goa was the chief guest and awarded medals and trophies.

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SPORTS GOA, TUESDAY, 24 AUGUST, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

Keenan for NCA review camp Pg 16

Atwal wins Wyndham Championship, earns back PGA card Pg 17

Pg 18

Fedex lays hands on Cincinnati l Ends seven-month title drought REUTERS MASON, AUG 23

Roger Federer ended a seven-month title drought with a 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 win over American Mardy Fish i n

the Cincinnati Masters final to send a timely reminder of his class just a week before the US Open.

Federer captured his 63rd title in his 90th final and his victory was his fourth at Cincinnati since his first win in the tournament in 2005.

But having failed to win a title since his record 16th grand slam win at the Australian Open in January, a run which included defeat to Andy Murray in the final at

Toronto last week, the Swiss needed this boost. ''I've been playing well the last couple weeks, and today was just another proof that I'm playing really well,'' he told reporters. ''It's nice knowing that the hard work already in the off season after Wimbledon paid off right away. I know it's not all (about) work from there but I've been committed to this sport for many years. I think when you do that and give yourself chances over and over again, you'll break through by winning tournaments again. ''I came close a couple times earlier in the season. Should have won Halle, I felt. Could have won Madrid, but things didn't really work my way. ''I was maybe playing a little bit too passive. Now I'm taking it more to the opponents again. I'm happy that that's the right game plan right now,'' he added.

Fish enhanced his growing reputation as a threat on the hard court with a display that bodes well for his chances at Flushing Meadows and his recent run, including wins at Newport and Atlanta, takes him up to 21st in the world.

There was nothing to choose between the pair in a tight opening set which Fish won on a tiebreak but the momentum shifted in the second set when Federer, facing defeat, raised

Somdev back in top-100 in singles rankings AGENCIES NEW DELHI, AUG 23

Somdev Devvarman regained his place in the top-100 in the men's singles tennis rankings after jumping four places to 99.

Somdev's first round appearance at the Cincinnati Masters following a successful qualifying campaign earned him 35 points and helped his cause.

Somdev rose to his career best 96 early this month but his stay in top-100 was shortlived as he got out of the elite bracket following a poor show

a t t h e Wa s h i n g t o n AT P event.

A semi-final appearance at the ATP Challenger event in Uzbekistan helped Vishnu Vardhan take a huge jump of 58 places to 335, the second best ranking in the singles for India after Somdev.

In the doubles ranking, Mahesh Bhupathi gained a place to seventh after ending runners-up at the Cincinnati Masters along with Max Mirnyi.

Leander Paes (6) and Rohan Bopanna (33) were static.

his game a notch to run out a 7-1 winner in another tiebreak.

Fish maintained his focus on continued to serve and return well but Federer produced the first break of the match to go 5-4 up and then kept serve to win.

Andre Agassi, in Miami eight years ago, remains the only American to have beaten Federer in the 15 finals where he has taken on a US player.

The latest triumph came after just three hours and 25 minutes of tennis in the tournament before the final, thanks to a first round bye, a retirement by his second round opponent and a third round walkover.

But it was not fitness that proved the difference Sunday for Federer, wearing his pink shirt for the final time. ''He's a true champion, the greatest of all time,'' said Fish on court.

While there has been much talk of Federer being in decline, his confidence would indicate he has plenty left to give yet. ''I thought today was just a really close match that went my way. I had huge belief that I was going to win today from the first point until the end.

That sometimes can make a bit of a difference,'' said the world number two. ''I was positive all the way through because I felt I was playing well, even though I lost the first set.�

Durgesh wins silver at YOG PTI SINGAPORE, AUG 23

India's Durgesh Kumar Pal clinched the silver with a personal best timing of 50.81sec in the 400m Hurdles but his compatriots disappointed on the ninth day of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games here today.

The 17-year-old, who started his athletic career in 2005 in Pune before graduating from middle distance to 400m, came close to beat Lara Norge Sotomayor but failed in the end as the Cuban clocked 50.69sec to win the gold.

India now have six medals in their kitty, including five silvers and a bronze. Also boxer Shiva Thapa had assured himself of a silver after reaching the finals of 60kg boys category.

Bhupathi-Mirnyi lose in final REUTERS MASON, AUG 23

Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi suffered their third defeat in an ATP Masters series final this season, losing the summit clash of the Cincinnati event 3-6, 4-6 to second seeds Mike and Bob Bryan.

The defeat means that Bhupathi and Belarusian Mirnyi will have to wait for their first title together since Rome event in 2004.

Bhupathi and Mirnyi had lost the Miami Masters final to Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy and Monte-Carlo final to Nenad Zimonjic and Daniel Nestor.

The fourth seeds were up 2-0 in the opening set but Bryan brothers fought back strongly to win the next

five games to securing a one-set lead.

The Americans then broke the second-set deadlock in the seventh game with a break of Bhupathi's serve and went on to claim victory and their eight title of the season in just under an hour.

Bhupathi and Mirnyi split US$ 69,250 and earned 600 ranking points each for ending runners-up.