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Sports: Oz aggressive talk old stuff — Dhoni Pg 16

Business: Iron ore exports to decline, says Sesa Goa Pg 9

Goa’s Heartbeat: I’m not scared of item numbers — Sonakshi Pg 4

Forest Dept under fire over mining violations

Common sense is instinct, and enough of it is genius.

— H W Shaw

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

Children pose after getting their faces painted with the Indian tricolours in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

India will play against Australia in their cricket cup quarter finals match on Thursday in Ahmedabad.

Manmohan takes on Oppn Says Advani thinks being PM was his birthright PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 23

TIDES TODAY High Tide: 0110; 1442 Low Tide: 0752; 2019

(air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was at his acerbic best in the Lok Sabha today as he took on the BJP veteran L K Advani to demolish the Opposition attack on him in the cash-for-votes scam.

Singh also sought to floor Sushma Swaraj through a couplet in a tit-for-tat after the Leader of the Opposition recited Ghalib’s composition to send home the message that it was time for the Prime Minister to take responsibility.

Amid thumping of desks, the Prime Minister smilingly but devastatingly said that Advani has not forgiven him for becoming the Prime Minister.

“The main Opposition party,

right from the year 2004, has adopted the attitude that we are a usurper.

Advaniji believes that being Prime Minister was his birthright and therefore, he has never forgiven me”, Singh said leaving the Treasury benches in splits.

“All I can say to Advaniji is that people of India have voted us to power in free and fair elections. Please wait for another three-and-a-half years,” he said.

Singh’s uncharacteristic remarks also drew a broad smile from Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

The Prime Minister chose to use the delicate Urdu couplet of Iqbal to reply to Swaraj’s criticism of his leadership.

“Mana ki tere deed ke kaabil nahi hoon main, tu mera shauk dekh, mera intezar dekh (I admit that I am not worth your attention but appreciate my interest and my patience),” Singh said leaving Swaraj without any defence.

He was responding to Swaraj’s Urdu couplet — “Na idhar udhar ki tu baat kar, ye bata ki kaafila kyun luta. Hamein rahjano se gila nahi, teri rahbari ka sawal hai (don’t talk about this and that, tell us why the caravan was looted. We have no complaint with the passersby, it is a question of your leadership)”.

“It’s rape of Goa”, said Speaker Pratapsing Rane while bringing to the attention of Assembly how unchecked mining activity is razing down hills and green cover as the House discussed violations by mining companies during Question Hour on Wednesday.

The State has lost large forest cover during last four years due to mining – out of the one lakh trees that were permitted to be

cut in last four years, 58940 trees were cut for mining purpose.

The Forest Minister Filipe Nery Rodrigues came under fire from all quarters for failure of its Department to strictly check mining companies violating permissions.

Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot sought to know whether trees are being planted vis-à-vis the number that were cut. However, the Forest Minister was unable to provide a satisfactory answer.

Colva cops accused of theft ` 4.22 lakh, $2000, £3000 missing from car HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 23

The Colva police have come in the eye of a storm after one Sean Demont complained to the police higher ups that policemen attached to the station were allegedly involved in theft of cash and other items from his car.

Senior police officers, however, said the complaint appears to be factually incorrect, but directed Colva police station incharge, PI Tushar Vernekar to conduct a detailed probe into the episode.

In his complaint, Demont alleged that policemen attached to Colva police station lifted Rs 4.22 lakh, besides 2000 US dollars, 3000 pounds and a camera worth Rs 50,000 from his car parked outside his residence at Benaulim.

He claimed that he returned

to his place of residence at Lotus Hermitage after his vehicle met with an accident at 11 pm on the road to Benaulim beach.

“Within 15 minutes, five policemen came and took me to the station before referring me to Hospicio for a medical examination”, he said.

Incidentally, Demont says that when he was being taken from his residence to the Hospital, two policemen, who were standing near his car, took the vehicle key from him and sat inside.

Claiming that money stacked in the car was taken by the police without issuing any receipt, Demont has asked Superintendent of Police, South to return his money immediately.

Demont’s lawyer, Adv Bairon Rodrigues said the money was seized by the police without (Continued on page 8)

Leader of the Opposition, Manohar Parrikar who joined the debate pointed out the ridiculous answer given by the deputy conservator of forest supporting mining in forest areas saying it boosts GDP growth.

“The forest officer should have opposed mining”, Khot said stating there were other departments to worry about the GDP growth.

The Forest Department (Continued on page 8)

Elizabeth Taylor no more PTI LOS ANGELES, MARCH 23

Elizabeth Taylor, the actress who became a legend with her heady mix of beauty, a jetset lifestyle and outspoken activism, died here today following heart failure. She was 79.

The three-time Oscar winner, passed away peacefully today in Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, surrounded by her four children, reported CNN online.

“Elizabeth Taylor died peacefully in Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles,” said the statement released by her publicist Sally.

GOA

OHERALDO

Pg 2

GOA, THURSDAY, 24 MARCH, 2011

PWD comes under heavy fire in Assembly

Damu demands inquiry into PWD functioning

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

BJP legislator Damu Naik today demanded special inquiry by agencies like CBI into the functioning of Public Works Department (PWD), which is plagued with financial misappropriation and corruption.

“There is immense corruption in the department. The common man who pays the t a xe s w a n t s t o know how his money is being spent,” Naik quipped speaking on the cut motion on the floor of the house.

“The agencies can be either CBI or CID. But there is need to check the functioning of PWD,” he demanded.

The BJP legislator took Public Works Department Minister Churchill Alemao head-on in the House tabling a letter by Navelim Block Congress Committee, which had alleged

CoRRUPTIoN large-scale scam in the department.

“I am not saying this. BJP is not saying this. Your own Navelim Block Congress is accusing you of a scam. They say that the department is corrupt,” Naik said showing the letter.

Without naming anyone, Naik said that a Bangalorebased doctor acting as a commission agent frequents Goa and strikes deals related to

PWD. “He stays in five star hotels and returns with bags containing crores of rupees,” he said.

Naik offered to quit from the politics, if PWD Minister Churchill Alemao proves that he had notified the distribution of tanks scheme, prior to the actual distribution.

“I will quit the politics, if you prove that notification existed on March 17 when the issue was raised in the assembly,” the BJP legislator said adding that Alemao was going around on Tuesday getting signature of Chief Secretary on the note to formulate the scheme.

Alemao, last week had claimed before the State Legislative Assembly that he has already notified the scheme related to distribution of water tanks. He had further assured to table on the floor of the House.

Porvorim thirsty: Daya officers demanding bribes: Mickky

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar today alleged that the Public Works Department (PWD) was giving step motherly treatment to Porvorim constituency which is kept thirsty in absence of proper water supply for last three months.

Pointing out to the PWD Minister’s earlier reply tabled on the floor of the house over distribution of water to the constituency, Narvekar said that the water supply was improper even during the festive season leaving the locals high and dry.

Goa to survey ST population: Filipe Neri HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

Goa will soon have an exclusive survey of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) population in the state, Tribal Welfare Department Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues told the state legislative assembly on Wednesday.

Replying on the floor of the House during demands for grants, Rodrigues said that unless there is comprehensive survey of the ST population, it will be difficult to implement various schemes under the department.

“We will go ahead with the authentic and exclusive ST population survey in the state,” Rodrigues said. He said that there are two existing surveys one done in 2003 by the Backward Commission and another conducted during the census operations.

“We are not sure which sur-

vey we should consider,” Rodrigues stated adding that survey by backward commission was objected by few people.

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, supporting the cut motion, earlier had said that 2003 survey was conducted

‘Tourism panel on PPP projects to be formed during session’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

All party committee will be constituted before the Session of Goa Assembly ends, on April 8, to examine the giant Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects which the government intends to take up for development of tourism.

Tourism Minister Nilkant Halarnkar made the statement on floor of the House during “Question Hour” on Wednesday when Saligao ML A, Dilip Parulekar questioned him about PPP projects which his department has initiated.

The tourism minister explained that due to stiff competition from countries such as Sri Lanka it is imperative that Goa upgrades its infrastructure.

The properties bought by the tourism department some years ago but handed over to Goa Tourism Development Corpora-

tion (GTDC) in 2003 for infrastructure development, have remained un-utilized till date.

“Vision set by the preceding governments to set-up tourist facilities at those places was not fulfilled,” said Halarnkar. Currently, five PPP projects are under consideration of GTDC Ltd. The projects have been approved by PPP Appraisal Committee headed by the chief secretary however, cabinet is yet to decide on it, he told the House.

Property area of 52006 sq mts was acquired in Baga in 1976 by the tourism department but later transferred to GTDC. Currently, the property is idle.

The Government has now proposed to develop this area in a planned manner.

This will include beautification of area, creating parking facilities, and other amenities w i t h c h a n g i n g ro o m s f o r

tourists, and also a five star environmentally friendly hotel outside the CRZ area.

However, Saligao MLA said Baga has become congested and today it hardly has any parking space left.

Instead of building a five star hotel, the government should focus on building parking lot and other facilities for tourists, he said.

The Tourism Minister assured the House that projects will be carried forward only if found beneficial to the State. Other PPP project is Britonna Riverside resort. Here, the government has proposed to build marina facility with a attached hotel.

The government wants to have water theme park with residential facilities at Mayem lake.

Besides, upgradation of Vasco Residency is also on cards and a theme park or a conventional centre at Kesarval spring.

Overloaded trucks: Transport dept to act against mining firms HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

Transport Department has decided to initiate action against the mining firms after several trucks were found to be overloaded with ore in South Goa on Wednesday.

Director Arun Desai told Herald that the department will prepare a list of mine owners, whose ore was being transported by the trucks, which were found to be overloading.

“Inspite of warning, the overloading has continued. The state mining department would be asked to take necessary action against these firms on immediate bases,” Desai said.

He also said that they will place the list of erring mine owners before the High Court citing violations of court orders.

Quoting High Court directives, Desai said, “The mining companies have been directed to have their own weighbridges at the point of loading itself and no truck bearing ore would be permitted to the leave the premises unless its weight is measured.”

After much protest on trucks overloaded with ore, the Trans-

nDirector Arun Desai told Herald that the department will prepare a list of mine owners, whose ore was being transported by the trucks, which were found to be overloading. port Department has swung in action. The transport department, last month, had started extensive exercise across the state against overloading of trucks in mining belt.

The drive, however, had received strong objection in South Goa. The truck owners had objected to the government’s move to remove additional

plank.

The issue was later resolved with Chief Minister’s intervention. The truck owners had assured to abide by High Court directives.

Despite the assurance, the violations continued forcing the department to book 51 trucks, laden with ore for violations, of which 46 were booked for overloading.

“The action was taken after sever complaints by locals from Zhambavlim were raised before the department,” Desai said adding that police protection would be also sought.

Since last one month, the department has registered around 500-odd cases of violations.

The Court in its directives had said that if any truck engaged in the transportation of ore is found violating any of the measures three times in a year, the permit of the truck will be suspended.

As per the regulations for the mineral ore transportation in the state of Goa, the Court has ordered, that the trucks loaded at dispatched point shall carry ore only to the extent of permitted capacity that is 10.5 tonnes for six wheelers.

just to ascertain the percentage of ST population in the state.

“The survey was done in order to reserve jobs for the population. It had to be done quickly,” the former chief minister said conceding that the figures in it may not be accurate.

ST Corporation Chairman and Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar suggested that the proper survey is required to know the exact percentage of ST population.

He claimed that the Census operation officials were asking for the ST certificate during the enumeration.

“Many of the ST families does not have the certificate and hence their name might not figure in the Census operation’s survey,” he said requesting the government not to insist for such certificates.

The former minister said that the Porvorim people are agitated and will take on the street, if water supply is not restored to the required level. “Government is unfair to the people,” he alleged.

Alleging that his constituency was being ignored, Narvekar said that in last one year, not a single work proposed in Aldona under PWD has been passed.

“I had written a letter to PWD Minister in April, 2010 for development of Aldona constituency, with more emphasis on repairs of roads,” MLA said.

“Even after one year, the proposal has not granted government approval,” he alleged.

Narvekar said that there is immense corruption in the department with contractors being asked to contact PWD officers even after contract is awarded to them.

Narvekar pointing to the CAG report said that PWD has spent Rs 3 crore only on the various tendering processes while the actual works are not executed.

Can the State Government claim share in mining produce of a mining company that uses government forest area for mining?

Why not? Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday told Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues that Forest Department should demand share in the produce of a mining company where government forest is diverted for mining.

Parrikar said the government has the right to claim because ownership of the forest land though permitted to be diverted for mining, remains with the government.

Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco today alleged that the officers of Public Works Department (PWD) were snapping water connections of five star hotels in South Goa to earn bribes from them.

Speaking on the Cut Motion on the demands for grants, Pacheco said that the water connection of the hotels like Ramada, Baywatch and Oceanic Hotel were cut off by the officers, without any reason.

The former tourism minister said that the connections are restored only after bribes are paid to the concerned engineers.

“Bribe in form of Rs 10,000 per dwelling is demanded from the builders and occupants to give water connection to the new flats and houses,” Pacheco alleged.

Accusing PWD Minister Churchill Alemao dragging the political rivalry with him to the low level, Pacheco today told the State Legislative Assembly that files related to repair of

roads in his constituency are kept pending for years together for no reason.

“I got the files approved about repairs of the roads in his constituency through Chief Minister when Alemao was on tour,” the NCP legislator said adding that even then the works are not being executed by the department.

The political rivalry between Alemao and Pacheco was evident on the floor of the house when latter taunted former several times during his speech.

“I don’t want to speak about the percentage charged on the works because minister (Alemao) himself in past has said that even a grave digger does not do work without commission,” he said.

Speaking on the demands of grants for water resources department, Pacheco sought minister Philip Nery Rodrigues’ attention towards washing away of the stones put up to stop the soil erosion at Betalbhatim beach, last year.

He claimed that the stones got washed off during monsoons which is now creating nuisance for traditional ramponkars.

“The fishing nets get entangled to these stones and they are damaged,” Pacheco said adding a proper retaining wall need to be constructed here.

He also diverted the attention of the Minister towards three major creeks in Utorda, Majorda Colva, which need to be desilted.

Assault at MLA’s office: Parrikar threatens to paralyse Assembly

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar today warned that the opposition benches will not allow to run the session on Thursday, if police fails to arrest accused involved in assaulting a person sitting in Sanguem legislator’s office.

Parrikar, who was reportedly disturbed over the incident, told the assembly that some truck drivers came to the office of Sanguem MLA Vasudeo Meng Gaonkar’s and assaulted the person.

“Police were refusing to accept the complaint. I called them now and told them that I will not allow the assembly to run tomorrow (Thursday), if accused involved in assault are not arrested,” the leader of Opposition said.

Govt can have share in forest land given for mining: Oppn HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

HERALD REPROTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

Currently, what is paid by the user mining company is only value of destruction of the forest property on diverted forest land.

The contribution of the mining company is deposited as Compensator y Afforestation Fund (C AF).

However, the government receives nothing even though mining company extract mining ore from the government forest land, pointed out Opposition Leader.

However, the Forest Minister who appeared appalled at the suggestion made by Opposition Leader was non-committal saying the Act has to be amended.

Sounding much emotional, Parrikar also said that he will not like to be the part of the assembly, which protects activities like illegal mining at the cost of forest.

“What are we leaving for the next generation? The next generations will curse us. I don’t want to be part of the assembly

which does not think of welfare of the people,” Parrikar uttered during his half an hour long speech on the demands of grant.

Parrikar said that Rodrigues has a major role to stop the illegal mining.

“Your department’s main target is water resource management. As a department, you have miserably failed to protect water resources from onslaught of mining,” he commented.

Rodrigues, who is also a forest minister, was at the receiving end for allowing several thousand trees to be cut to allow the mining.

“The six inch top soil in the forest which is very rich takes hundreds of years to be formed.

But we take hardly 24 hours to give permission to cut the trees,” Parrikar quipped.

“I understand your compulsion to sign on the files (for tree cutting). I can read between the lines. I know you were under some compulsion. But history will write that it was Filip Neri Rodrigues, who signed the files in one day,” Parrikar said.

The leader of opposition said that he remembered `Avatar’ movie when he visited the hill at Cauvrem.

“Whatever is shown in the movie is exactly replicated at Cauvrem. They have cut so many trees. The tree logs are so thick that they could not be transported from there. Those logs are dumped in the mining,” Parrikar said.

The leader of opposition said that he is not against the mining but whatever we mine it has to be in sustainable way.

6 new bridges proposed HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

Public Works Department Minister Churchill Alemao on Wednesday proposed new six bridges in the state, few of which are connecting islands to the mainland.

Alemao said that the bridges are at Arpora-Baga, Ambe-Dullai in Sanvordem constituency across Khandepar river, Sanvoiverem-Cotambi on Mandovi River, Divar Island, Dauji-Tolto in Cumbharuja and across River Ragada in Sanvordem.

Speaking during the demands for grants on the floor of the House, Alemao said that government is trying its best to reduce the number of houses that would be affected due to foursix laning of existing national highway.

“I had taken lead and my government has perceived the matter with the central government and the ministry

nAlemao said that the bridges are at ArporaBaga, Ambe-Dullai in Sanvordem constituency across Khandepar river, Sanvoiverem-Cotambi on Mandovi River, Divar Island, DaujiTolto in Cumbharuja and across River Ragada in Sanvordem. of road transport and highways has agreed to take up the work of 4 /6lanning of the existing national highway in the state of Goa on priority and with 45 metres right of way on entire NH17, except certain stretches with 60 metres already acquired land on Margao bypass,” he said.

Alemao added that the relax-

ation of right of way to 35 metres in thickly built up areas of Porvorim and Corlim has been requested which has been agreed to.

“In case of NH4A, the state government’s suggestion to accommodate widening with PWD required land at Khandepar, Ponda and Cundaim has been agreed,” the minister said.

Under the National highway expansion, the new bridges at Colvale, Mandovi Zuari, Talpona, Galjibag and Mashem will be taken up.

Alemao said that the resurvey of alignment reduced the number of affected structures on NH 17 and NH 4A to nearly 230 and 136 numbers respectively.

“The efforts of reduction of number of affected structures and area of acquisition, is an indication of benefits being transferred to the people of Goa,” he claimed.

Filipe Neri assures action in cashew destruction To amend Tree Preservation Act HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

The Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues has assured to take action against those involved in destroying cashew plantation of Goa Forest Development Corporation Ltd, (GFDC) in Paddy village of Sanguem taluka.

The Forest Minister was caught on the wrong foot when Chairman of GFDC Pratap Gawas disclosed that Corporation has suffered a loss of about 40-45 lakhs because its cashew plantations has been destroyed due to mining activity.

He also named the company “Magnum” which he said was granted permission for diversion of forest land for mining purpose, has been responsible for

loss of cashew plantation.

The House discussed violations by mining companies during “Question Hour” on Wednesday.

Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik who first raised the question pointing out how Rivona village which is known to be agriculture village, is facing destruction due to heightened mining activity.

In addition to exiting mining permission permissions, four more mines have been granted Environmental Clearance (EC) by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) in Rivona Village.

This covers about 200 hector area of forest land which will be diverted for mining.

The issue of how non-mining entities find it difficult to get

permission for diversion of forest land also came for discussion with Speaker Pratapsing Rane pointed out about pending irrigation project. He said the government project has not been able to get permission from MoEF even as alternate land has been made available.

Aldona ML A Dayanand Narvekar pointed another case involving a sports project of the government wherein they had to wait for almost two years before they got the permission and only after alternate land was made available.

Intervening at this point the Chief Minister told the House that Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) has been already issued direction to take action.

‘Political pressure delaying Tillari project’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

Water Resources minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues on Wednesday said that the political pressures are posing a problem for completion of Tillari Irrigation Project in the state.

Replying to the allegations made by opposition benches, Rodrigues said that the work is taking time because it involves land acquisition procedure.

“There are many difficulties in acquiring land which is required to construct the canal.

You have to invite suggestions and objections, which takes time,” he said adding that even there is intense political pressure to change the canal alignment.

Rodrigues said that the entire project will be completed by 2012 provided government gives more funds to execute the work.He said that the amount

sanctioned for the project is very less.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar said that maximum expenditure of the state government for irrigation purpose is spent on Tillari Project.

“Of the total Rs 400 crores, Rs 372 crores is spent on Tillari project,” he said adding that other irrigation projects are completely neglected due to lack of finances.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

The Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues told Goa Assembly on Wednesday that he will move an amendment to the Tree Preservation Act, to enhance penalty and fine imposed under the Act. The forest minister made the statement during Question Hour on Wednesday upon suggestion from MLAs who pointed out that minimal fine imposed as per provision in the Act, is no deterrent to the violators.

Suggestion came as Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar questioned Forest Minister about lax attitude of his department in keeping check on mining violators.

As informed to the House -- 34 cases of illegal tree cutting directly or indirectly related to mining were noted by the Forest Department during last four years.

Parrikar said the forest department has been magnanimous in allowing diversion of forest land for mining yet mining companies indulge in illegally cutting trees.

During last four years 58940 trees were cut for mining.

“If common man is found guilty of violation he is put behind bars but mining companies go scot-free.” said Parrikar The forest minister however said it is difficult to keep check on violations as it happens mostly in private forest areas.

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar suggested that fine has to be in proportion to value of the tree fell and also suggested to amend the Act to maximize fine and also to make provision in the Act, so that person held guilty faces imprisonment.

The Forest Minister immediately agreed to bring in amendment to the Act.

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Pg3 GOA, THURSDAY, 24 MARCH, 2011

Diversion of forest land for mining to be put on hold: Filipe Neri HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues assured the State Legislative assembly that all the proposals to divert the forest land for mining purpose would be put on hold and the officers would be instructed not to process any such proposals Cornered by Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar and Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar over diversion of forest land for mining, Rodrigues said that the officers would be strictly told not to send any such proposal to the government till state forest policy is formed.

Parrikar had pointed out that despite assurance from the minister on the floor of the house last year, Deputy Conservator of Forest (South) M K Shambu had processed the file for diversion of the land.

He said that the minister should give strict instructions to the officers, who are all out to sale the forest land to mine owners.

nCornered by Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar and Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar over diversion of forest land for mining, Rodrigues said that the officers would be strictly told not to send any such proposal to the government till state forest policy is formed.

“Orientation of the forest officers is needed to be done and they should be taught that their job is not to promote mines in the state,” Parrikar quipped.

Responding to the questions, Rodrigues said that the state government remains firm on its commitment of not allowing the diversions.

“We have taken the conscious

decision not to divert the forest land,” he said.

The minister added that the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat himself has announced that there will be no new mining leases or renewal of leases till state Mining Policy is finalized.

Intervening in the debate, Speaker of Legislative Assembly Pratapsingh Rane said that the minister has the role to play to stop the lot of illegal mining happening in the state.

Claiming that all the members of legislative assembly were quiet emotional while speaking about the forest issues, Rodrigues said that he will take views of all the members into consideration while forming the Forest Policy.

He said that the National Wildlife Board to recommend measures to stop the nuisance of wild animals encroaching into human habitation.

Rodrigues said that all the plantations destroyed due to wildlife menace would be compensated.

Judicial vicar threatened HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

After the judgment in a bitter divorce battle went in favour of his wife, the ex-husband abused and threatened the Judicial Vicar who decided the case, following which a criminal case had to be filed.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Deu Benaulikar told reporters that Rosario Oliveira, Judicial Vicar Archdiocese of Goa and Daman at Archbishop’s palace conducted trials in the divorce matter of Merces resident, Sidney Filipe Martines and his wife between June 2010 and March 20, 2011.

“The verdict went in favour of Sidney’s wife after which the husband turned violent and abused the Judicial Vicar in foul language. He also threatened the judicial officer of his life,” Benaulikar said.

The accused has been booked undervarious sections of IPC. I n t h e Ro m a n C a t h o l i c Church, a judicial vicar is an officer of the diocese who has ordinary power to judge cases in the diocesan ecclesiastical court.

Jilted lover held for setting room ablaze HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 23

In a shocking incident, a 24year-old jilted lover allegedly set ablaze a room and injured three persons at Mount Mary, Verna in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Verna Police has arrested Ratnakar Laxman Dubdali from Pirni-Verna in this connection.

According to police, one Gariba Ishwar Andrap (23) from Orissa along with his wife and Ratnakar's lover were residing in a rented room at the 20-point programme at Mount Mary, Verna. The rooms are mostly rented out to migrant workers employed at the Verna Industrial Estate.

Police said accused Ratnakar, in an inebriated condition, carried kerosene and cotton along with him in a bid to set the woman on fire.

Though it was an attempt to kill his lover, she escaped with minor burn injuries, while Gariba Ishwar Andra, who had given shelter to the girl as she is from their native place in Orissa, sustained nearly 90 per

Verna PI Jivba Dalvi along with other police staff takes the accused, Ratnakar Laxman Dubdali, to Verna Police station.

Photo by M Prabhav

cent burn injuries. Gariba’s wife escaped with minor burn injuries on her leg.

“The accused was friendly with the girl, who was staying with Gariba Ishwar Andra, as she is from the same village in Orissa,” informed Verna PI Jivba Dalvi.

The victim along with his wife and the girl were in deep sleep when the accused poured kerosene from the window of

the rented room and set it ablaze by throwing the burning cotton and fled from the site.

“Andra was sleeping first in a row close to the window, from where kerosene was poured, while the next victim was his wife and third was the girl.

When the accused set the room on fire, Andra was engulfed in fire,” said PI Dalvi.

“Andra’s wife and the girl got

alerted immediately after the room was engulfed in the fire and rescued themselves. Andra sustained grievous burn injuries,” added PI Dalvi.

He further said that after verifying the facts, it was revealed that accused Dubdali has committed the crime.

“Verna Police laid the trap and detained the accused in Cortalim, who later confessed to the crime,” informed PI Dalvi.

Police further informed that the accused was married about five years ago. However, within five months of their marriage his wife left him due to a strained relationship.

The accused was apparently friendly with the girl, as the accused had promised his family that he would marry her. However, when the girl refused to marry him, he took the drastic step to set her on fire.

Police said that burn injuries were visible on Dubdali’s hands. The accused was arrested under Sections 436, 307 IPC, while the girl has been reported missing after the incident.

No-trust against Raia sarpanch falls flat HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 23

In a sudden turn of events, giving a new twist to the no trust motion against Raia Sarpanch Savio Gomes, Salcete BDO Uday Prabhudesai has said the notice of no trust motion ser ved against the Sarpanch cannot be considered for discussion after the withdrawal of signature by one of the signatories to the motion.

The opposition group in the Panchayat body, however, cried foul over the BDO’s decision and urged the BDO to proceed with the no confidence motion on the floor of the Panchayat, saying there is no provision in law

to stop motion of no confidence.

The ruling group headed by beleaguered Sarpanch Savio Gomes appeared a confident lot today after a signatory and deputy Sarpanch Inacio Pinheiro withdrew his signature from the motion notice and extended his support to the Sarpanch.

Moments after Pinheiro withdrew his signature by submitting a written letter to the BDO office, BDO Prabhudesai immediately informed the Panchayat members that the motion cannot be considered for discussion on grounds that the motion proposed against the Sarpanch has no majority.

The BDO’s notice invited the

ire of the opposition group led by former Sarpanch Nazareth Gomes. In his reply to the notice, Nazareth drew attention of the BDO, that the notice has no substance and called for its immediate withdrawal saying there are sufficient members in support of the no confidence motion. “Your office should proceed with the no confidence as the proper way is to determine the no confidence motion on the floor or by votes”, Nazareth said, adding “we still have a majority of six members in our favour and the letter appears to be made by politically motivated opponents”.

Nazareth further said no prej-

New outfit opposes English as medium of instruction HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

After thousands of parents gathered in the city demanding English as the medium of instruction in primary schools, a new outfit - Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) on Wednesday demanded that the existing medium of instruction in the State’s mother tongue should not be changed.

BBSM has launched a crusade opposing English in the primary schools with convener Shashikala Kakodkar threatening to hit the streets campaigning against making English as the medium of instruction.

The association has called for a meeting on March 25 at Gomantak Maratha Samaj Hall, which will be attended by nearly

Tivim local robbed HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 23

A resident of Tivim was robbed off her gold chain worth Rs 10,000 on Tuesday at about 8 pm. In a complaint, Rosa Fernandes told Mapusa Police that while she along with her family members was walking alongside the road, some persons on a motorcycle wearing helmet snatched a gold chain from her neck. Police is investigating.

500 representatives.

“The BBSM has resolved to launch massive statewide agitation to put an end to the attempts made by vested interest towards cultural annihilation of Goa and de-linking Goa from national mainstream,” Kakodkar, also a former chief minister said.

On Monday, Nearly 15,000 parents under the banner ‘Forum for Rights of Children’s Education’ converged at Azad Maidan demanding that grants must be offered to primary schools offering English as the medium of instruction.

Elected representatives including Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate, Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho, Churchill Alemao, Jose Philip D’Souza, Francisco ‘Mickky ’

Pacheco, Agnelo Fernandes, A l e i xo S i l v e i r a , Re g i n a l d Lourenco and others had joined the rally supporting that English has become a link language in real sense.

The BBMS has condemned their participation. Highlighting the importance of regional languages, Kakodkar stated that they will pressurize the government that all pre-primary and primary education be imparted only in the mother tongue or any Indian language.

As a part of the movement for the protection of local languages, BBMS will give a representation to the Governor, Chief Minister and other ministers and all elected representatives appealing to make their stand clear on the issue.

udice will be caused to the BDO office if the no confidence motion is put to test on the floor or by votes, adding there is no provision in law to stop the motion of no confidence.

No Trust motion notice was served by the six Panch members, including deputy Sarpanch Pinheiro accusing the sarpanch for not taking the members into confidence, not taking up development in the wards and not implementing the gram sabha resolutions.

Besides Pinheiro, the motion was signed by former Sarpanch Nazareth Gomes, Judas Quadros, Rumaldo Gonsalves, Esmeralda Gomes and Menino Fernandes.

‘Water woes of Porvorim, Mapusa to be solved soon’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

The water shortage faced by the people of Porvorim and Mapusa would be solved by April 2011 with the augmentation of water treatment plant at Assnora, Public Works Department Minister Churchill Alemao said.

Alemao said that the rise in the requirement of drinking water in the state has led to the situation of water shortage in few parts of the state.

“We have best water supp l y i n f r a s t r u c t u re i n t h e country but the increasing pressure has left us with the shortage,” he said.

The minister further added that government is well aware about the shortage and is working on various measures to tide over it.

Alemao said that the water supply projects are further augmented with additional capacities.

He claimed that the augmen-

The three-day old pen down strike that partially crippled State government functioning has been temporarily suspended. The suspension was announced on Wednesday evening by the Goa Government Employees Association (GGEA) in a meeting after Government’s assurance to resolve their grievances.

GGEA President Mangaldas Shetkar said that they have temporarily held back their strike after Chief Minister Digambar Kamat assured on the floor of the House to resolve their demands.

“The chief minister told on the floor of the House to resolve our demands after receiving report from the law secretary. Until then, we have held back our strike. We have requested all our striking employees to re-

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 23

Investigations by the Margao police in the sensational Moti Dongor swords seizure case came to the fore on Wednesday after theJMFC, Margao discharged five of the eight accused for want of evidence.

Finally pronouncing his order – nearly six months after final arguments were heard in the case in September 2010, JMFC Devidas Kerkar ordered framing of criminal charges only against three accused Bashir Shaikh, Jagdish Singh and Mohammed Mainuddin, while discharging Floyd Coutinho, Sheikh Jalil, Shaikh Maqbool, Irfan Kachi and Shaikh Faroq for absence of any evidence against them.

The court has also issued a proclamation for declaring accused Mohammed Mainuddi as a proclaimed absconder for his repeated absence in the court.

Adv Rajiv Gomes told newsmen after the court order that the JMFC has discharged five of the eight accused for want of any evidence against them.

The prosecution informed that the court had ordered framing of charges against Shaikh Bashir, Jagdish Singh and Mohammed Mainuddin under section 120-B, 465, 468, 471 and 153-A of IPC. The trio will also be tried under the provisions of the Arms Act. The Moti Dongor swords seizure case had hit the headlines more than two years ago when the Margao police effected seizure of 17 swords from an abandoned truck at Moti Dongor.

In this case, the Margao police had charged the accused for hatching a conspiracy prior to July 3, 2008 by allegedly forging the Voter Identify Card with the photograph of accused No 2 in the name of Amin Shakh and used the document as genuine with a fraudulent intention to purchase a truck bearing No GA 01 W 5785.

sume work from Thursday,” Shetkar told Herald.

Kamat had said that the striking employees had no moral right to strike work, as Government had given all benefits they are entitled to.

GGEA had announced indefinite pen down strike from Mond a y p re s s i n g f o r v a r i o u s demands including parity in pay scales.

Shetkar was quoted saying that the employees are determined to strike work despite State government invoking Essential Services Management Act (ESMA).

During the strike period, Government appointed five gazetted officers to inspect the departments.

Goa has around 50,000 government employees and GGEA has been recognized as a majority union amongst the workmen.

Saligao Communidade panel takes charge HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 23

The new committee of Saligao Communidade headed by President Eric Remedios finally took the charge of office on Wednesday.

Eric Remedios took charge of the office in the presence of Calangute Police and Bardez Mamlatdar Gourish Shankwalkar.

It may be recalled that the committee was allegedly not given the chance to take charge by the old committee on several occasions during the last three months, despite directions from the president of communidade and the deputy collector.

Since the old committee failed to abide by the order, Administrator of North Zone Communidades Sabaji Shetye

decided to act tough and advised the new committee to take charge of office on Wednesday.

Shetye simultaneously directed Calangute PI Manjunath Dessai to depute a police team at the communidade office at Saligao to prevent any law and order problem.

Shetye had also requested B a rd e z D e p u t y C o l l e c t o r Dashrath Redkar to take neces-

who are staying at the higher levels or at the tail end of the water supply network.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar said that the water supply situation in entire North Goa and part of South Goa is precarious.

The former chief minister said that there is lack of coordination between three departments – water supply, irrigation and electricity, which results in the shortage of water.

He warned that the water supply department will fall short of raw water as Tillari Irrigation project will be closed for maintenance in March-April.

Parrikar said that the water supply and PWD should be separated from each other.

The leader of opposition, pointing out to the decreasing billing amount in Mapusa, said that the water supplies to these areas are on decrease.

3 charged, 5 acquitted in swords seizure case

Strike put on hold HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

tation of supply by additional 10 MLD each at Dabos and Canacona are ready and will be commissioned soon.

“10 MLD capacity at Mhaisal dam will be commissioned by 2014,” the minister said adding that the facility at Ganjem in Ponda taluka will also be in place soon.

Alemao said that this year, the focus is on making awareness about judicious use of water.

“We will be running media campaign through print and electronic mediums educating people on the judicious use of water,” the minister said.

Referring to the allegations on him about the scheme providing tanks, the minister said that the proper scheme has been formulated.

“I will place the notification before the House within two days,” he assured.

The minister said that the scheme is envisaged to provide drinking water for the people

sary steps to ensure law and order.

The new committee on Wednesday in the presence of Calangute Police, Bardez Mamlatdar Gourish Shankwalkar, Saligao Communidade Escrivao Mandrekar and staff of North Zone Communidade broke open the lock of Saligao Communidade office and entered the office and took the charge.

The police further said that in furtherance of the conspiracy, the accused without license procured 17 swords and took the weapons to the house of accused Bashir and Jalil from Aquem in a Tata Indigo car belonging to accused No 5.

The police case is that the accused sharpened the swords using a grinder at the house of Bashir and concealed the same in the truck GA 01 W 5785 and later carried the swords in an Hyundai Accent car to Housing Board, Davorlim on June 27, 2008 in the aftermath of communal tension between Hindus

and Muslims with the intent to use them for unlawful purpose promoting enmity between different groups by using criminal force on grounds of religion, prejudicial to the maintenance of communal harmony between the two communities.

Incidentally, the Margao police took more than a year to file the charge sheet against the accused person on account of the huge delay by the government to grant sanction to prosecute the accused persons under section 153-A of the IPC for promoting communal tensions between the communities.

RTI activist accuses IT official of cheating HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

A Right to Information (RTI) activist has accused a senior officer with the Information & Technology Department of cheating and corruption.

Rajesh Amonkar, a resident of Porvorim, has registered a complaint with the Vigilance Department against Pravin Volvotakar, Dy Director (Technical) Department of Information & Technology of indulging in ‘illegal and immoral acts.’

In the complaint, Amonkar said that before being appointeded in the IT department, Volvotakar, a former lecturer, violated the rules and ordinances of Goa University.

“Between August 2003 and June 2006, Volvotakar was a fulltime lecturer in computer science in Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics and simultaneously he took a part-time job in a private company in addition to the full time job, thereby violating GU rules and ordinances,” Amonkar said.

The complainant further stated that Volvotakar deceived the Goa Public Service Commission to get appointed in the IT department.

He alleged that despite well qualified candidates with full time experience, Volvotakar was appointed in the IT. “After joining the post of dy director, he purchased assets worth lakhs of rupees without informing the department and thus violating the CCS conduct rules,” he stated in the complaint letter, copies of which have been submitted to the chief secretary, IT secretary and GPSC chairman.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Tech-Twister’ 11 at Shiroda

PANJIM (HND): Tech-Twister’ 11, a national level technical event organised by Shree Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering and Information Technology (SRIEIT), Shiroda, will be held on March 24 and 25 at the college campus. Events to be held are: Proyecto - hardware and software projects; Technica - technical marketing; Contraptions - on the spot model making; Aelegory - science fiction writing; Medula - quiz, debate and paper presentation.

This is one of many platforms given to the students from various technical institutes of Goa and neighboring states to showcase their talent.

Lenten play at Margao

PANJIM (HND): St Sebastian Church, Aquem-Alto, Margao is presenting Fr Nevel Gracias’ 36th tiatr and 15th consecutive Lenten play based on the life, faith and mission of Blessed Joseph Vaz, titled ‘Mhojea Somia ani Mhojea Deva’.

The play is presented in aid of the construction of the parochial house for the parish.

Tickets for the show are available at the venue Ravindra Bhavan, Joao Pai Tiatrist hall and the show is slated for 3.30 pm on March 26.

Celebrate Liberation Day as ‘Svatantryapurti Divas’: MP

State film festival in Konkani

on our land for, there was no Mahatma Gandhi in Goa, he said.

Besides, Goa was under Portuguese Rule while rest of the part of the country was under British regime which collapsed under Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent non-cooperation movement, he said.

Naik said, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was kind and gracious enough to say that India’s freedom became complete only when Goa was liberated. In a letter written by him to late Chandrakant Keni, a Goan writer, on December 20, 1961, Nehruji said “It may be said that with the freedom of Goa, India herself is more free. Thus far India’s

The government has notified Goa State Film Festival Regulations 2011 under which Goa State Film Festival will be organised. The dates to hold the 5th Goa State Film Festival are being finalized and dates to receive the entries for the film festival will be announced soon.

The Goa State Film Festival will be held in the Official Language to encourage the Goan writers and artists. The award money has been increased to Rs 3 lakhs for the best film and Rs 1 lakh for the second prize.

Similarly, in non-feature film section awards will be Rs 1 lakh each for best fiction and nonfiction films.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 23

MP Shantaram Naik has demanded that December 29, which is Goa’s Liberation Day, should be celebrated at national level as ‘Svatantryapurti Divas’ as it is with Goa’s liberation only that India’s freedom was complete.

Making a special mention in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Naik said that when India was liberated on August 15, 1947, the territories of Goa, Daman and Diu were under Portuguese rule.

We could see the dawn of freedom in the country except

freedom was incomplete.”

When Nehruji visited Goa in May 1963, he repeated his views that it is with Goa’s freedom only that India’s freedom was complete and, rightfully so. How could anyone say that India has achieved freedom when a part of it, however small it may be, was under foreign domination, Naik has said in his special mention.

Goa has entered this year in the 50th year of its independence and programmes and functions are arranged by the State Government on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee year, to be held throughout the year, Naik said.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 23

Musical band contest

PANJIM (HND): The Radio Mirchi Sound Check in association with the American Centre, Mumbai brings a multi-language musical band and orchestra competition for the youth.

It kicks off today, March 24, a three day event that will showcase the best in talent that Goa has to offer, with a galore of artistes who will be hitting it out to be the best. Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM has received an overwhelming response to this show, which will be held at Hotel Fidalgo on March 24, 25 and 26 from 5 pm onwards.

Radio Mirchi 98.3FM has been consistent with its initiative to bring out the originality in local talent and this will form a major part of the judging criteria for the competing bands, thus giving us an insight on some home made production.

Also, as part of the event, some of Goa’s best musicians will perform including Varun Carvalho, Sharon Mazarello, Khabir Moraes, Allan Vaz, the enlightening Geet Shakun, Mukesh Ghatwal, Madhumita Mahatme, Rajiv Singbal and many more.

IMA Tiswadi meeting

PANJIM (HND): The monthly meeting of the IMA Tiswadi branch will be held on March 25 at Hotel Orion, Porvorim from 8 pm onwards. The guest speaker is eminent neurosurgeon Prof Dr. A K Purohit, Professor and Head, Department of Neurosurgery, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. Dr Purohit will be speaking on ‘Results of youth’s lifestyle on his/her health and future’. The Goa Medical Council has allotted one credit hour to the programme. All doctors of IMA Tiswadi are requested to attend.

World TB Day

PANJIM (HND): World TB Day function will be observed on March 24 at 10 am at the Goa Chamber of Commerce Hall, Panjim. Health Minister will be the chief guest. The theme for this year’s function is ‘On the move against tuberculosis - transforming the fight towards elimination’.

Lithuania

S H O RT TA K E S National Safety Week held

Factory inspector Salkar interacts with Sesa employees after the training session.

PANJIM (HND): The 40th National Safety Day with theme ‘Establish and Maintain Preventive Safety and Health Culture’ was celebrated at pig iron division and met coke division of Sesa Goa Ltd. Addressing the gathering, business manger of pig iron division N L Vhatte reiterated that safety at home or at factory is very important for Sesa employees and also assured that management is always committed to support safety and environmental initiatives.

Manager safety Mahesh Mahajan read out managing director P K Mukherjee’s message after imparting safety oath to the employees.

Factory inspector Salkar delivered lecture on ‘Electrical Hazards and Electrical Safety in Industry’ with case studies compilation. A comprehensive program on working at heights safety was conducted by Karam Safety and Kakode Trading Ltd.

Diamond jubilee celebrated Chief Minister Digambar Kamat with the newly elected councillors of City Corporation of Panaji when the latter called on him at Altinho-Panjim recently. Also present are Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao, Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate and ex-MLA Isidore Fernandes.

Hot-mixing of most roads completed: Mayem MLA HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MARCH 23

Mayem MLA Anant Shet has stated that repair and hot mixing of most of the roads in Mayem constituency has been completed since the last four years.

He was addressing the gathering during the inauguration of hot mixing of a road from Bicholim to Tikhazan Junction, Mayem, at a cost of Rs 3 crore.

Speaking further, MLA Shet said most of the schemes meant

for the welfare of poor and downtrodden sections of community are implemented.

“Follow-up work was made urgently due to deteriorating conditions of the roads day-byday and so far work of about Rs 50 crore has been completed,” claimed Shet.

Sarpanch Nilkanth Nagvekar, Tulshidas Chodankar, Suhasini Kinalkar, Barkelo Kinalkar and engineer Vellaudin were also present on the occasion.

Around the World Fun Facts about Countries in Europe (Part 4):

GOA

also considered the national language of the Grand Duchy; it is the mother tongue or "language of the heart" for nearly all Luxembourgers.

• We could call Lithuania the land of storks. Every year there are around 15,000 pairs of white storks raising their young, in an area of 65,000 square kilometres. Lithuanians have also kept up the quaint tradition of saying that storks bring babies, and so are not surprised if a child claims that his brother or sister was brought by a stork

Malta

• The Maltese Archipelago consists of Malta (the main island), Gozo, Comino and the uninhabited islet of Filfla. The islands are located right at the centre of the Mediterranean sea, south of Sicily.

Moldova

• Moldova declared its independence from the USSR on 27 August 1991. In December, Mircea Snegur was elected the first president of the new nation. Moldova's new constitution was adopted on 28 July 1994, replacing the old Soviet constitution of 1979. The Agrarian Democratic Party, composed largely of former Communist officials, won a majority of seats in the new parliament elected the same year.

Luxembourg

• Three languages are recognised as official in Luxembourg: French, German, and Luxembourgish, a Franconian language of the Moselle region very similar to the local German dialect spoken in the neighbouring part of Germany, except that it includes more borrowings from French.

So in principle Luxembourgish is a High German dialect with the status of a national language. Apart from being one of the three official languages, Luxembourgish is

Monaco

Macedonia

• The Republic of Macedonia has 53 natural or artificial lakes. The largest is Lake Ohrid, which, lying at an altitude of 693 meters, occupies an area of 349 square kilometers, 118.9 of which belong to Albania.

Lake Ohrid has a maximum depth of 286 meters. Lake Prespa covers 274 square kilometers (49.4 of which belong to Albania and 47.8 to Greece) and is 54 meters deep.

Contact Us:

• Monaco is the second smallest nation in the world, and the second most densely populated. It borders France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on its fourth.

Roughly the same size as New York’s Central Park (1.95 sq kilometers or 0.75 square miles), the city of Monaco and the Principality are essentially the same thing.

Netherlands

• Orange-coloured carrots appeared in Netherlands in the 16th century. Before that carrots were white, yellow, black, purple or red. Orange carrots are said to have been bred in honour of the House of Orange, who led the Dutch revolt against Spain and later became the Dutch Royal family. Orange is still the official colour of the Netherlands and a sign of patriotism.

Comments or queries? Bouquets or brickbats? Talk to us!

Email Junior Herald at junior@herald-goa.com or join our Facebook fan page.

Our readers are invited to rave, rant, chat or even contribute. No message will go unanswered!

Kurtarkar Medical Stores to organise programmes HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MARCH 23

Kurtarkar Medical Stores, Ponda, h a s p l a n n e d v a r i o u s p ro grammes throughout the year to commemorate its silver jubilee.

In a press note, the inaugural function to mark the silver jubilee celebration was held in Ponda.

On the occasion, chief guest Dr Madhusudan Joshi highlighted the need to adopt good pharmacy practices and provide professional services to patients while dispensing on the counter.

“During his lecture, he spoke in detail of different aspects of good pharmacy practice. He stressed the need of co-operation between doctors and pharmacists for safe use of medicines.

He also stressed on the need for patient counselling, the use, precautions and side effects of the drug prescribed to the patient while dispensing the medicines,” states the press note.

World Health Organization has from time-to-time published reports of misuse of drugs in India and in this context, he appealed to all present for the betterment of the healthcare of society to stop all the illegal activities going around.

“Though the standard of pharmacy education and pharmacy practice is better in Goa compared to other parts of India, but many rules and regulations pertaining to drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 are not being adhered to,” said Dr joshi while delivering inaugural

speech.

For good pharmacy practice and dispensing, correct prescription is the first step and he appealed all the doctors to generate good and correct prescription.

“A good prescription should contain patient’s name and address, date, quantity and strength of medicine, dose along with doctor’s stamp and signature.”

“As per Drugs and Cosmetics rule, once prescription is dispensed it can’t be dispensed again until and unless it is directed by the doctor. As per Rule 65 (11) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, pharmacists should put dispensed stamp once he dispenses the prescription to avoid misuse of the prescription medicine,” said Dr Joshi.

Prominent doctors and pharmacists from Ponda were present for the function.

During the discussions, Dr Rajendra Dev (president IMA Goa), Dr Nutan Dev, Dr Poornima Usgaonker (president IMA Ponda), Dr Rajdatta Timble, Dr M Mohandas, Dr Anil Gaunekar, Batu Andrade and Agostinho Menezes took active part.

Raj Vaidya of Hindu Pharmacy gave details of the programmes undertaken in Goa for good pharmacy practice.

Ratnadeep Kurtarkar (proprietor of Kurtarkar Medical Stores) welcomed the gathering,. Moreshwar Kamat compered the function, while Nutan Kurtarkar proposed the vote of thanks.

PANJIM (HND): St Clara’s High School, Assonora completed 60 years of service in the field of education and co-curricular activities. The school has catered for the educational needs of Assonora and surrounding villages like Sirsaim, Shirgao, Mulgao, Sal, Advalpal, Kasarpal and Dodamarg.

The school organised a few interschool competitions like one day invitational football festival, English elocution competition and patriotic singing.

SAG Executive Director VM Prabhudessai was the chief guest of bi-annual sports meet.

Notice to mariners

PANJIM (HND): Captain of Ports Department has notified that M/s Madgavkar Salvage have commenced the work of the removal of wreck of barge Noor-IV PNJ-137 at geographical position latitude 150 29. 60’ north and longitude 730 43. 96’ east (approximately).

Madgavkar Salvage have mobilized their crane barge Sal-Vij alongwith Sal-Vij-1, PNJ-217 and Marine Salvager, PNJ-271 at the said site. Therefore, all owners/masters of the barges, passengers launches, ferry boats, tindels of fishing trawlers and operators of the mechanized and non mechanized crafts, including the tourist boats, cruise boats, etc plying at the above area are hereby advised to keep a sharp lookout, go slow and if necessary stop at safe distance so as not to cause any hindrance during the salvage operation.

Road hot-mixing inaugurated

COLLEM (HC): Arjun Salgaonkar, son of Sanvordem MLA Anil Salgaonkar, recently inaugurated the hot-mixing work of the 2-km stretch of road at Shivade-Dharbandoda.

Others present at the function included Dabal Sarpanch Rama Gaonkar and Dharbandoda Sarpanch Anand Gaonkar.

In his speech, Arjun Salgaonkar said proper roads are a basic need of the villagers and it should be provided by the government.

It is learnt that the cost of hot mixing the road at ShivadeDharbandoda is estimated at Rs 80 lakh.

Pythons rescued

Emphasis laid on importance of culture in one’s life HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 23

Joint Director of SCERT Geeta Kale has stated that culture is an important part of life.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of the three-day training programme conducted by Center for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi, at District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) at Porvorim on Monday.

“Culture is that invisible bond, which ties the people of a community together. The art, literature, language and religion of a community represent the community’s culture,” said Kale.

“Culture manifests itself through the lifestyle of the individuals of a community. It is the duty of the teacher to impress upon the students the importance of culture in the lives of human beings and the need to preserve it. The students should get cultural facilities in school,” she added.

Kale said teachers should make the teaching interesting for the students with the use

of teaching aids. “Bored students won’t remember much of the lessons. Learners will remember subject better and take more interest in it if it has applicable contextual meaning,” said Kale.

“The teacher should unearth the hidden talents in the students and motivate them to pursue their career in the fields of their liking,” informed Kale.

Guest of honour Vice Principal of DIET Govind Hawaldar said the culture of a community gives its people a character of their own. Culture shapes the personality of a community.

“The language that a community speaks, the art forms it hosts, its staple food, its customs, traditions and festivities comprise the community’s culture. The way Shigmo festival is being celebrated by the people of Canacona is different from that of the people of Pernem,” explained Hawaldar.

“The cultural values differ from region-to-region. It is important that the cultural values are preserved by one and all,” added Hawaldar.

The Calangute Animal activist with the 10 ft python.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

CALANGUTE (HC): The Calangute animal activist recently rescued four large pythons in the backyard of Anjuna-Caisua Sarpanch Lavino Rebello.

On noticing the pythons, Sarpanch Rebello called animal activist from Calangute Mario Fernandes for help. Fernandes and his assistant Sagar rushed to the site and laid a trap for the pythons.

The animal activists initially found it difficult to get hold of the four pythons that had mingled among themselves. The four pythons were rescued and later released.

POWER SHUTDOWN MARCH 24 PONDA: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Dhume, Perigol, Galshire, Ramnathi, Kavle, Paun, Bandore, Shantadurga.

MARCH 25 PANJIM: From 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Café Real, Neurekar Chambers, Goa Chamber of Commerce, Consumers along Jose Falcon Road and nearby surrounding areas.

PILERNE: From 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are Pilerne Industrial Estate, Saipem, Maina, Pilerne, Volwado, Nerul, Betim, Verem, Naikawado and surrounding areas.

PILAR: From 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Café Real, Neurekar Chambers, Goa Chamber of Commerce, Consumer along Jose Falcon Road and nearby surrounding areas.

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GOA

GOA, THURSDAY, 24 MARCH, 2011

Belgaum-Vengurla traffic comes to halt as MES agitates

The agitating MES workers and farmers on the Belgaum-Vengurla road.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, MARCH 23

Traffic along the Belgaum-Vengurla highway came to a standstill for over two hours on Wednesday afternoon, after members of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) staged a ‘Rasta Roko’ putting forth various demands.

Apart from some other demands, the agitating farmers under the banner MES have strongly opposed the DabholGoa gas pipeline.

The ‘Road Blockade’ agitation

by MES on Wednesday morning crippled traffic along the Vengurla road, causing some inconvenience to vehicles proceeding

towards Belgaum from Goa and Sindhudurg via Amboli.

Many vehicles were left stranded for over two hours.

However, some traffic was diverted via Uchgaon-Gojaga route, putting the commuters to a lot of inconvenience.

The agitating farmers have urged the authorities to stop indiscriminate acquisition of farmers lands for various purposes, including the acquisition

by GAIL India which is in the process of acquiring the land to implement gas line to Goa. GAIL (India) Ltd, the nation’s biggest natural gas distributor, has proposed extending its planned Dabhol-Bangalore gas

Photo by Louis Rodrigues

pipeline to Goa to meet fuel needs of the country’s hottest tourist destination.

MES leaders also strongly condemned Karnataka government for forcing Kannada language and culture on Marathi-speaking people of border areas.

“Since the matter is in Supreme Court, Karnataka government must stop the oppression of Marathi-speaking people in the name of development of Belgaum,” said former MLA Manohar Kadolkar.

DySP Ashwini assisted by CPIs Vishwanath Kulkarni, Mucchandi, PSI Dheeraj Shinde and others were in control of the situation.

Ex-sarpanchas, panchas make case for pension

GOACAN launches awareness fortnight for water consumers

HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, MARCH 23

Former sarpanchas and panchayat members of various panchayats in Sanguem taluka led by ex-sarpanch of Netravali Bhiku Kalmo have called on Chief Minister Digambar Kamat for recognition of their services to the society of Goa. In a representation made to the chief minister, Kalmo and others have called for pension benefits as is otherwise paid by the government to the other strata of the society from public fund.

The representation further states that since the time of inception of Panchayat Raj in Goa, the sarpanchas and other panchayat members have served the local bodies without any remuneration as no demand was made to that effect with respect to payment of remuneration.

In their representation, the ex-sarpanchas have called for payment of pension of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per month. The representation was signed by over 40 panchayat members from various panchayats in Sanguem taluka.

The copy of the representation has also been forwarded to the Minister for Panchayats for information and necessary action in the matter.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, MARCH 23

GOACAN volunteers highlight water related challenges faced by consumers on Tuesday.

Photo by Santosh Mirjkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 23

GOACAN on Tuesday launched its water consumer’s Right Awareness Fortnight with a call to the Goa government to set up a task force to address the issues of water security keeping in the mind the growth of tourism, mining, population influx and urbanization.

Armed with colourful flags and placards, volunteers highlighted the various water related challenges faced by consumers.

GOACAN Convenor Roland Martins said the volunteers will

Both legs crippled senior citizen Laximikant Kamat occupies the wheel chair provided by Lions Club of Canacona.

Photo by Kathy Pereira HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 23

Lions Club of Canacona donated a wheelchair to a senior citizen from Bhatpal-Canacona, whose legs have been crippled since the two years.

Laximikant Kamat (62) reportedly had a fall some six years ago hurting both his legs, restricting his movements to a great extent.

“Till two years ago, he found difficult to walk at all, as both his legs got seriously crippled,” informed his neighbour, Caitano

Fernandes, who incidentally is a member of Lions Club of Canacona.

“Due to his needy status, he could not take the best of available treatments, as a result he could no longer walk or move freely even within precincts of four walls of his house and was virtually seen tucked to one corner of his dwelling. His wife physically moves him along for all his needs,” informed Fernandes.

According to Lions Club of Canacona President Motesinho

Rs 15 cr development undertaken in Colvale, says Sarpanch HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 23

Development works to the tune of Rs 15 crore have been done in the jurisdiction of Colvale Panchayat during the course of last three years.

Speaking to Herald, Colvale Sarpanch Asha Chodankar stated that development that has taken place in Colvale is due to the initiative take by Tivim MLA Nilkant Halarnkar.

“Development works includes construction, widening and hot mixing of roads, renovation of crematorium, construction of gutters and protection walls, development of ground, electrification of Ram Mandir, etc,” claimed Chodankar.

“Colvale residents are facing a c u t e s h o r t a g e o f w a t e r.

Halarnkar used his good office to get sanctioned two overhead water tanks in Colvale at an estimated cost of Rs 1.38 crore.

Once these overhead tanks are constructed, there would be improvement in the supply of water in Colvale,” added the sarpanch.

“Besides, development of ground at Koniwada-Colvale is in progress. The government has sanctioned Rs 8 crore for the development of this ground.

Once the work of this ground is completed the long felt need of the youth will be fulfilled,”

added Chodankar.

Chodankar said so far an amount of Rs 1.65 crore have been spent on hot mixing of roads in Colvale.

“Similarly, over Rs 1.50 core has been spent on construction, widening and repairs of internal

roads in Colvale. Further, repair of footpath at Chicalim has been done by spending Rs 83.04 lakh and for the construction of compound wall at Kalyawada, an amount of Rs 35.78 lakh has been spent,” informed Chodankar.

Colvale local accused of assault HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 23

A resident of Colvale has been accused of assaulting his cousin and his wife at Colvale.

In a complaint, Kulbushan Korgaonkar from Colvale told Mapusa Police that the accused entered his house in his absence and started damaging utensils.

“Later, the accused assaulted my father Anant Korgaonkar (60) and mother Archana (55) with chair, slaps, blows, fists, kicks,

etc. While leaving the house, he broke a glass and cut himself,” stated the complainant.

When the complainant, Kulbushan Korgaonkar, who had gone for work, got the news about the incident rushed to his residence and found the house in a state of mess and his father and mother injured.

Mapusa Police have booked an offence against the accused, who is absconding. Head Constable Pednekar and PSI Vijay Rane are investigating the case.

Mayem VP to elect new sarpanch MAYEM (HC): The 11-member Mayem Vaiginim Panchayat will elect its new sarpanch on April 1.

It may be recalled that the sarpancha’s post had fallen vacant after sarpanch Nilkanth Nagvekar tendered his resignation some 10 days ago. However, the Directorate of Panchayat ac-

cepted the resignation recently.

Interestingly, Nagvekar resigned from the post much before his agreed time period allotted to him and 6 months were left for him to complete his tenure.

Due to instability, five sarpanchas have occupied the chair within a period of four years.

take up the water security issue with the respective Chief Engineers of the PWD and WRD so that required data is collated for the task force.

While distributing information slips, the volunteers encouraged consumers to use the PWD water helpline 2420069 and 2420070 which is accessible from 8 am to 8 pm on all working days to report water supply related complaints of shortages, low pressure, excess billing, non receipt of bills and leakages from water tanks and pipelines.

Women urged to keep honing their skills

Wheelchair donated to Canacona local Fernandes, on knowing about the facts, the Club decided to provide a wheel chair to Laximikant Kamat and it was provided to him by Lions (324-D2) District Chairperson for SightFirst Dr Celso Fernandes on Saturday afternoon.

“The wheel chair has been sponsored for the club by two lion members, Mario Fernandes and Simon Rebello,” informed Club Secretary Ulhas Phaldessai.

Incidentally, Kamat and his wife are staying alone in their house and do not have other source of income except for the monthly DSS pension of Rs 1,000.

Lion members Vishwas Dessai, Valerian Viegas, club Treasurer Lawrence Barretto, Caitano Fernandes, Mario Fernandes and Tony Martins were some of the Canacona Lions present during the visit to Kamat’s house to deliver the wheel chair.

Dr Celso Fernandes was accompanied by Margao club member Motilal Vernekar.

Meanwhile, Kamat who is an ardent fan of cricket game, has been provided with a new TV set by some of his close wellwishers to watch matches of the ongoing ICC World Cup.

Chairman of Overseas Employment Agency of Goa, Department of NRI Affairs, Vice Admiral John C De Silva (Retd) addresses the gathering at Porvorim.

Photo by Anil Shankwalker HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 23

Chairman of Overseas Employment Agency of Goa, Department of NRI Affairs, Vice Admiral John C De Silva (Retd) has called upon the women to keep developing their skills and keep learning all along.

He was speaking at the vale-

dictory function of the tailoring course, which was organized by Overseas Employment Agency of Goa, Department of NRI Affairs, in collaboration with Dr Graciano Rebeiro De Santana Center for Empowerment, Caritas Goa at Porvorim on Wednesday.

Speaking further, De Silva

Narvekar assures to develop Porvorim ground HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 23

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar has stated that PWD will develop the ground near Maruti Temple at Housing Board Colony, Porvorim, at the cost of about Rs 1 crore.

He was recently speaking at the meeting convened by Penhade-Franca Panchayat in Community Hall near Maruti Temple, Alto-Betim.

“There was a demand of the residents of Penha-de-Franca that they need a good ground for playing football and conducting various tournaments. Housing Board has agreed for the development of this ground,” said Narvekar.

Narvekar further informed that PWD will construct a footpath from Azad Bhavan to Housing Board Colony and drains costing Rs 90 lakh.

“The work of providing hot mix carpet to various roads in Porvorim has been tendered.

There is a proposal to widen the road from market complex junction towards Vidhyaprabhodini School at Porvorim, the estimated cost of which is about Rs 11 lakh,” he said.

Narvekar said underground electricity cables will be laid from Tivim Sub-station to Porvorim and once the project is completed, the power fluctuation problem being faced by the residents of Porvorim will be eliminated.

Residents of Britona brought to the notice of Narvekar they are not getting water supply regularly due to which they are facing a lot of hardships. Some residents alleged that PWD is demanding money to the extent of Rs 10,000 for releasing new water connection to the residential building.

“To get the water problem

Woman seriously hurt in suicide bid

n Penha-de-Franca residents have demanded that they need a good ground for playing football and conducting various tournaments. Housing Board has agreed for the development of this ground --- Dayanand Narvekar solved, the only solution now remains is that all the residents of Porvorim and surrounding villages will have to get together and take a morcha to the Legislative complex during the ensuing assembly sessions to impress upon the government the gravity of water problem,” stated Narvekar.

urged the women, who were undergoing tailoring course at the institute that the certificates secured by them will have value only when they prove their skills and talents.

“Women have equal rights, where ever you are in the country,” he added.

Goa Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan President Nelly Rodrigues, Secretary Carmelina Franco, Overseas Employment Agency of Goa Manager Christopher Ribeiro, Sr Mafaldina Pires, Sr Valladares and others were present on the occasion.

N e l l y Ro d r i g u e s a n d Carmelina Franco also spoke on the occasion.

On the occasion, students who completed tailoring course were given certificates by the dignitaries.

Earlier, Sr Mafaldina Pires welcomed the gathering, De Silva and other dignitaries lighted the traditional lamp. Linda Dowling compered the function, while Christopher Ribeiro proposed the vote of thanks.

One killed in mishap HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 23

An unidentified pedestrian was knocked down to death by a speeding car near the Panjim-Dona Paula by-pass road, on Tuesday afternoon.

According to eye-witnesses, a white car driven by an unknown person ran over the pedestrian and fled away.

The victim was immediately rushed to Goa Medical College and Hospital by 108 Ambulance but he succumbed within few hours after his admission. The police are clueless as the identity of both – victim and accused driver is not known. A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered.

“Our volunteers further encouraged the active functioning of the PWD promoted village water and sanitation committee at the panchayat level so that the consumers can formulate localized action plans. The volunteers also mooted the use of water testing kit provided to every panchayat by the PWD at the recently concluded taluka level workshops on surveillance & monitoring of drinking water quality”, Martins added.

He said the volunteers have resolved to take up for discussion at the forthcoming April meeting of the gram sabha, the scope and purpose of the Goa Ground Water Regulation Act 2002 & Rules 2003 in tackling illegal bore wells, excessive extraction of water and controlling contamination.

A 24-year-old woman from Jambavalim-Mollem was seriously injured, after she allegedly attempted suicide by setting herself ablaze at her residence on Wednesday morning.

According to Collem Police, Sushila Uttam Gaonkar, who sustained about 90 per cent burn injuries reportedly poured kerosene on her body and set herself ablaze at about 6.30 am.

During the incident, she was alone in the house. It is learnt that the woman was mentally unsound.

After getting the information from the locals, doctor from 108 ambulance Shamrao Dhavankatte rushed to the spot along with his assistant Jeevanand Shetkar and shifted her to ID Hospital in Ponda, from where she was referred to GMC Hospital in Bambolim.

VP bye-poll on April 10 HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MARCH 23

The bye-election to Ward 6 of Ona-Maulingem-Kudchirem Panchayat will be held on April 10.

According to Bicholim Mamlatdar Pramod Bhat, four candidates, Radhika Raghlo Gaonkar, Rajashri Rajendra Gaonkar, Savitri Shahu Gaonkar and Sudha Ranganath Umarye, are in the fray.

OHERALDO

Pg 6

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O Vol No CXI No: 082 Goa, Thursday, 24 March, 2011

Confessions of a Chief Minister

V

ery few chief ministers are forthcoming about weaknesses in their administrations. Traditionally, it is the task of the opposition to levy charges against the ruling government, and the latter to defend itself. But Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, it seems, is not cut in a traditional mould. Maybe that is the real secret of his success at staying in the saddle for three-and-a-half years in a Goa where no chief minister has served a full five-year term for the last two decades. Mr Kamat, of course, gives the credit to God. But we all know that He only helps those who help themselves!

It was a shocking admission. The Chief Minister told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that none of the police officials in Goa are willing to join the Vigilance Department.

He said whenever there is a vigilance case registered against any officer, there is tremendous pressure on the investigating officer or on the Chief Minister [or both?] to let him off.

He was narrating his lament to the very people who appear to be the chief culprits responsible for this state of affairs.

“Several times, legislators call me asking for another chance to the officer against whom a case is registered,” Mr Kamat candidly said. Pointing out that officers say they are willing to work “anywhere else”, Mr Kamat ended with a laconic: “This is a reality.”

While it is a good thing that this state has a Chief Minister who is so candid and forthcoming about the “reality” in his government, can one fatalistically accept that this is the state of affairs and nothing can change it? Never. As Chief Minister, it is Mr Kamat’s job to find a solution.

One, of course, stares him in the face. It is the Lokayukta Bill, which is to be withdrawn in this session, since it allegedly suffers from some “legal infirmities”. Mr Kamat has made some vague assurances that after making some changes, he will re-introduce it in the Assembly. However, it fails to inspire much confidence, because he has not given any timeframe for tabling a new Lokayukta Bill.

With a Lok Ayukta – an anti-corruption watchdog at the state level authorised to investigate public servants accused of maladministration and graft – in place, Mr Kamat need no longer worry about pressures from MLAs on vigilance inquiries.

Why not make sure that the new Bill is in place by the time of the next Legislative Assembly session?

The other and altogether simpler solution is to build a consensus among legislators that there will be no interference in matters like this. This has been done at a different level in Mumbai, where politicians of all hues have been warned against trying to interfere in cases of traffic violations, enabling the city’s traffic police to go about their jobs with much greater efficiency and confidence. But in a Goa where such a consensus cannot even be built about traffic violations cases, is it possible for vigilance cases?

F

No rollbacks?

inance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has agreed to abolish the 5 per cent ‘misery tax’ on hospitals and nursing homes, and to make concessions to readymade garment manufacturers angry over a proposed 10 per cent excise levy.

What about the imposition of Service Tax on hotels and restaurants already burdened with VAT? Can the same business be taxed both for goods and services? And the 300 per cent increase in export tax on low grade iron ore fines? Who fights for Goa’s businesses?

Unjustified strike Augusto Monteiro, Loutolim The strike by government employees is uncalled for. Government employees are the only lot among citizens who are better paid, and have all the facilities that a common citizen cannot expect.

What happens to citizens who work in the unorganised sector, labourers, the less fortunate and those in industry? It would be more appropriate, instead of resorting to strike, to adopt unique protests like they do in Japan, without disturbing daily routine work.

Utilise Ravindra Bhavan Augustus Alphonso, Vasco As per Adelmo Fernandes’ letter ‘Restore Tilak Maidan’ (Herald, 21 March), Tilak

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

24 March 1911 Portuguese polls

Minister for Foreign Affairs Bernardino Machado, in a press reception, stated that the Elections for the Parliamentary Board would be held on the 28th of the current month.

Stamp halved

The Republican government decided to utilise 40,000 revenue stamps of 2 Reis value, to be cut diagonally with a surcharge of 1 Real on each side, cancelling the earlier primitive tax.

Acting Archbishop

In the absence of the Patriarch of the Indies, the Provisional and General Vicar Canon Pedro Remigio das Merces Barreto was entrusted to officiate in his place.

Early monsoon?

There is a report that it is raining copiously over Ceylon, which indicates that the oncoming Monsoon is on its way.

OPINION

Congress losing the plot?

Mr Clean and his Teflon Team are suddenly facing a tsunami of corruption charges, says erVeLL e MeneZeS

T

he Congress Party’s sins of omission and commission are surely on the rise with each passing day. There is the WikiLeaks issue of cash-for-votes, the recent Congress-DMK break-up and then make-up, and the question of seat sharing with Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress to take on the Communists in West Bengal.

Rejecting allegations that his previous government bought support of MPs to survive a confidence vote in 2008 as suggested by a US Embassy cable exposed by WikiLeaks, Manmohan Singh told Parliament that neither his government nor the Congress broke any law during the trust vote.

He said the Opposition gave “dignity to speculative, unverified and ‘unverifiable’ communications” after the bribery allegations were investigated by a Parliamentary committee that concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the charges.

But the Bharata Janata Party (BJP) has another side to the story; that the Prime Minister’s statement was “completely at variance with the truth”.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley says: “[It] flies in the face of what the majority of the members of the (Parliamentary) committee had said… there cannot be a more clear contradiction between the Prime Minister’s statement and the committee’s report.” So whom do we believe? It is an almost accepted fact that votes are bought, and it looks like the Congress is just quibbling with words (using the letter of the law, not the spirit), trying to buy time as well as credibility.

The next issue is the recent Congress-DMK break-up and subsequent make-up. It is bad politics and scarcely what is needed on the eve of Assembly elections, halfway through the Budget session. But after these fire-fighting operations, the Congress is trying to project a more positive image – that is that it has emerged stronger and extracted more seats in the sharing arrangement.

In reality, this episode is yet another display of the Congress’s fundamental discomfort with regional parties and allies. The party may have gained in the short term, but in the long run it exposes its vulnerability in today’s era of coalition politics. That ‘big bully’ image is not too easy to shed.

As a senior Congressman from Tamil Nadu put it: “We are facing anti-incumbency, the charge of family rule, as well as the 2G Spectrum scandal.

MinDing Our BuSineSS DMK cadres are already angry with the treatment meted out to A Raja. Now, the perception is that the Congress has played Big Brother, and this always works badly in states like Tamil Nadu.” The patch-up with the DMK will surely mean restoring the Congress’s prestige, but will that make as much of a difference in terms of votes when it counts?

One must also remember that Tamil Nadu is alternatively ruled by the DMK and the AIADMK, and it looks time for the latter to take over the reins of power. In fact AIADMK leader J Jayalitha is getting ready for the ballot by having a biography of herself published in May. This one-time Tamil actress and follower of matinee idol M G Ramachandran has easily stepped into his shoes and has, over the decades, made a mark for herself and built a cult of her own with life-size cut outs to make her presence felt.

Talking about alliances, it is interesting how

Facts of life

Delight in Animals

I

n the village where I was born and spent my childhood before I was packed off to Bombay for schooling at Saint Stanislaus, Bandra, most of my time was spent in getting to know animals.

I was hooked on to them. Truly, you can use memories only if you have them.

When I was five or six, it was a pair of bulbuls. Later, it was a squirrel, which I carried in my shirt pocket. Then came rabbits, white mice, pigeons and others.

If I live to be 90, I would still greet the mornings with praise like prayer; it would be because I knew animals. “They are very close”, said Saint Francis, to the paternal heart of God. I think they must be. By instinct, an animal puts infinite trust in life.

I watch Kelly, our cat, greet the new day each morning. He always begins with the ritual stretching – left front paw, right front paw, now both hind legs, now a long bend of the back... aaah! A brisk shake, the big green eyes open wide, the ears perked up, his tail twitching with excitement. Here is joy in every moment and awareness of the electric excitement of the earth and all that is in it.

When he sleeps, he circles around a bit and settles down for his

Maidan at Vasco should not be misused for music shows and birthday bashes. In the near future, there will be a suitable place for that, at the Vasco Ravindra Bhavan on the Baina beachfront. Social functions must be held in Ravindra Bhavan, which will generate good revenue for its upkeep, and avoid this costly project turning into a white elephant.

I suggest that Ravindra Bhavan must also have a swimming pool (Speaker Rane also said it), as there is no swimming pool in Vasco.

Watering road medians Avinash Sonawane, Porvorim It appears that the suggestion in my letter ‘Infectious inhalation’ (Herald, 27 Jan) of using a suction device to clean roads before repairs, has been taken positively by the CCP. Another issue is of early morning (rush hour) watering of the plants on road medians with a water tanker. The large tanker hose uses too much of scarce water. A sprinkler will stretch the same water for two days. Second, large tankers block the middle of the road, causing traffic jams.

Instead, a large diesel luggage autorickshaw will cause less traffic congestion, and also save money.

Tiatrists & politicians Willie Severes, Majorda Our tiatrist brothers and sisters have been criticising politicians in their songs and dramas. It is good to see their commitment to the state.

But, as a fan of tiatr, it is disappointing to see corrupt politicians invited as chief guests by our tiatrists. A chief guest should be a man or woman with a good reputation and respect. I request tiatrists to either stop singing songs criticising Goan politicos or stop inviting politicians to preside over tiatrs.

Ban ‘Dum Maro Dum’

the Congress has, in contrast with Tamil Nadu, chosen to eat humble pie in the tie-up with Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, where the CPI(M)-led Left Front finally faces the prospect of ouster after 33 long years in power.

After waiting for 18 days, Ms Banerjee announced TMC candidates for 228 seats, leaving 64 for the Congress. “I would have waited for eternity but for the limitation of time,” she said, implying that if the Congress did not name its nominees in a hurry, she would gladly fill their seats with her contenders. After dilly-dallying till Sonia Gandhi returned from abroad, the Congress settled for 65 seats – a token increase of one – plus an exchange of one seat for another.

Does this mean that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a fair chance of making a comeback? I personally do not think so, for with leaders like L K Advani still around, it is too much to expect

the leopard to change its spots. But a senior journalist felt the time is right. He said that the BJP has learnt its lesson, and will not politicise religion again. “Hinduism is a way of life, not a religion,” he cited the famous cliché. “But that was after Advani came along and made it Advani-ism,” I retorted. But he still disagreed, and thought it was time to give the BJP another chance.

To come inevitably to our own little paradise of a state; the usual shadow-boxing in the State Assembly came to the limelight when two Manohars almost went head to head. But instead of the usual suspects, let us deal with the land and the ‘sea-change’ it is undergoing. One Lawrence Fernandes wrote ‘This is not my Goa’ (OPinionatED, Herald, 10 March). It struck me as utterly strange that his friend came back to Goa after 50 years and, like a modern-day Rip Van Winkle, expected to find his ancestral home intact.

I think it is a hypothetical case, exaggerated for effect. No, I am not criticising a fellow writer.

But did the man concerned have no contact with family, relatives or friends to know what was happening? If so, he surely deserved what he got.

This typical PLO (Portuguese left-over) finally saw the light as his last words amply indicate: “Whoever has gone to Portugal has lost his land.”

Just before writing this piece, a friend called me about a report in ‘The Times of India’ (ToI) that has painted a ‘promised land’ image of Goa. “Every second person owns a vehicle, as against the Indian average of 12 per 100.” It went on: “Goa is the place to live,” or words to that effect.

There was also something about a pension for senior citizens, but that I dismissed as another Digambar Kamat promise… the ones he rarely keeps.

Statistics are like a bikini; they hide more than they reveal. Does every second Goan actually own a car? Unlikely. The number of Goans settling abroad is considerable, to say the least; ask NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro.

I’ve long stopped reading the ToI, because it’s the leader in sacrificing news for ads and promos. May be it wants to market Goa as ‘D’ Destination. Don’t you see the supplements, shopping mall ads, paid features, etc, that it will generate? Enough to rake in moolah for years; even decades.

usual cat-nap. He curls up in a ball, puts one paw over top of his head and turns himself over to God. All animals give themselves wholeheartedly to the joy of being.

Just as children react simply to the world about them, before reason steps in to complicate their lives.

An animal does not know what brotherhood means, but when it hears the call ‘Help’, it answers instinctively. If a wild dog is shot, others come tumbling out, not giving a hang for gunfire, and haul their fallen fellow underground.

Many hunters have seen elephants, disregarding danger, lift a wounded comrade to its feet with their tusks and, supported by one member of the herd on each side, helping it walk into the forest depths.

If animals can be said to have a philosophy, it is as simple as this: Nature says, “I give you the glory of the senses and of awareness, and the splendour of earth, surrender yourself to these things.” They do not know worry.

Recently, I took my grandson to the village. We spied a bird's nest on the front porch. I lifted Daniel up to look into the nest.

Practice what you preach

Savio Corban, Cansaulim

How many children of our ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats attend Konkani or Marathi medium schools? My gut feeling says none.

Our IIT-ian Leader of the Opposition quotes from UNESCO that primary education needs to be in the mother tongue. Even the Devil quotes from the Bible, but with ulterior motives.

If I am not mistaken, nine of the 12 ministers are from South Goa. Five are from Salcette, which includes the Chief Minister and our Robin Hood Churchill. Then why can’t they amend this diabolical doctrine of the 1990 PDF government, when Shashikala Kakodkar was Education Minister? If Salcete could save Goa from her father’s fancy of merger with Maharashtra, then can’t Saxttikar ministers save our children’s futures?

Our so-called ‘aam admi’ government should save our ‘aam admi’ children’s future and not play vote bank politics. Otherwise, only Judgement Day can save us.

Valanka’s Benaulim Arwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi I understand that Valanka’s supporters (Churchill’s privileged people) are pushing to get her a Congress ticket. I too will join this campaign if Valanka can get her father to: (1) Adhere to his promise of stopping Mopa (made before becoming PWD Minister).

(2) Publicly stopping support for Raheja’s projects at Carmona.

(3) Pressurise the government to remove dubious additions to the Regional Plan, like eco-sensitive zones.

(4) Stop support for illegal/indiscriminate mining (5) Get the Congress to fulfill its promise of Special Status for Goa.

Nizamuddin Khan, Vasco

Viva Monica!

The movie ‘Dum Maro Dum’ should be banned. It shows Goa as a place for sex and drugs. It will affect Goa’s tourism in-

I refer to ‘Gilu’s Xaxti Masala – Here comes Monica’ (Herald, 19 March). Elections are

Nilima Majumdar, Porvorim

No eggs yet, but some grass and feathers waiting. He was excited.

“Did your dad ever lift you up to see inside a bird's nest?” he asked. I could not answer.

In the kitchen, always filled with the aroma of food, I found a tin can. Crouched in the bottom was a young mouse, not much bigger than a bumblebee. It stared up with eyes like polished seeds. Daniel had a sweet in his pocket. He placed it on his palm beside the limp mouse. The smell acted as a stimulant. It flung itself upon the sweet, ate voraciously, and was almost instantly restored to health.

As we departed, I had a good final look, as I always do, at the old dusty house, unoccupied for years. My sisters and I did not just spend time there. We spent a lifetime, season after season.

And though I always loved to be with the family, some of my most special times were when I was by myself, stationed between Iraq and Iran, safe and secure because of their love and prayers.

Someday, Daniel's son or daughter will ask him: “Did your daddy (or granddaddy) ever lift you up to see inside a bird's nest?” I am glad he will have an answer.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

dustry, and induce a very bad impression of Goa among tourists.

The Censor Board and the Government of Goa should take necessary action to stop the screening of this movie, and not just sit idle and watch it.

By Marc de Souza

fast approaching, and it is natural that political claimants stake their claims well in time. Monica Dias’s pitch for the Fatorda seat is completely logical.

She has been at the forefront in the political and social arena for 30 long years; a three-time Councillor and Chief of the Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress. She has been denied a ticket many times, thanks to Congress internecine politics.

If the Congress is committed to 33 per cent reservation for women, how can it have just one woman in an Assembly of 40; isn’t it a shame? Monica Dias represents women and should be a Congress candidate.

Freedom to learn Agnel Crasto, Panjim Unnecessary controversies are created by interested parties regarding medium of instruction. India is a democratic country.

The Constitution clearly gives freedom of education to all. Each state is linguistic; Marathi for Maharashtra, Gujarati for Gujarat, Konkani for Goa, etc.

English is an international language. Our children must learn English so that they can communicate with the rest of the world.

Our children must know Hindi, our national language, so they can travel to any part of

this country.

Demands made by interested parties are not practical; they are subjective, prejudicial and destructive to our children. Let the children and the parents have the option to choose what they want to learn, without coercion or compulsion.

Paths of Wisdom

Parrikar’s nonsense Ashley J Fernandes, Margao Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar says that the government should consult a ‘few people’ including experts, before taking any decision on the medium of instruction in Goa schools. Parrikar should stop using himself as an example; this decision cannot be based on the success of a few individuals.

Let me remind him that MLAs are not elected by a ‘few people’, but by the Goan masses. So leave the choice to the parents and stop interfering.

Subsidising Miners?

Rajendra Kakodkar, Curchorem The Goan mining industry consumes 60 crore litres of diesel every year. Today Brent Crude is around $115 barrel and the underrecoveries of the oil marketing companies (HPCL, BPCL, etc) have mounted to Rs25 per litre. This means the subsidy on diesel enjoyed by wealthy miners is Rs1,500 crore per year!

Trusts: Family empires S N D Poojary, Panjim One of the easiest ways of grabbing government land and resources is to form a ‘Trust’. A typical trust is floated by a political family. To make it impressive, a few wellknown persons are roped in as trustees.

But most of the trustees are from the family, and they are trustees for life; the trust becomes the personal fiefdom of the family.

Many politicians in India have built educational empires through this route. Their proximity to power makes it easy to obtain clearances. There is a need to amend the Indian Trusts Act (1882) and the Charitable and Religious Trusts Act (1920) to plug loopholes that enable unscrupulous trustees to manipulate the system.

Truth and the Cabbage

By Kalidas Sawkar The boy said: “My father says this is not the truth he meant. He knows truth is truth. Its size does not matter. He wants to know what ‘Eternal Truth’ is.” The teacher took him to the garden and picked up a cabbage. “With this, you will understand Eternal Truth.”

The boy took the cabbage and peeled off its outer leaf. Under it was another.

He peeled and threw it away, and continued peeling leaves and throwing them away. The teacher kept smiling. In time, all the leaves were peeled. The boy had only the hard stalk left in his hand.

The teacher asked: “Now what do you have to say?” “Teacher, is this the Eternal Truth?” the boy asked.

The teacher swept his hand over the strewn cabbage leaves. “All this is the Eternal Truth, in whose quest you came to me. Every time you threw a leaf away, you cast aside the Truth of the Moment, imagining Eternal Truth to be something dramatically different from everyday truth.”

“My child, ‘Eternal Truth’ is the description of every second that we ignore anticipating the holy moment when something hallowed will appear and introduce itself to us. In doing so, we spurn every moment and the opportunity that comes riding on it. The end is the hard reality of the moments we have not exploited, which shall not return. The earlier leaves were the youthful part of this hard stalk, too.”

In simple words, live every moment fully. Do not wait for holy enlightenment.

(Source: Kaliyug ki Kahanian)

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INDIA

GOA, THURSDAY •24 MARCH, 2011

opinionated MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION - I

Medium of instruction: Myths and facts

T

BY DR PRATAP NAIK, SJ

he Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2010) defines ‘mother tongue’ as “the language that you first learn to speak when you are a child”. In Linguistics, the term mother tongue is not used. Since mother tongue is a misleading concept, linguists prefer to use the term first language.

In Goa, pseudo-intellectuals-cum-educationists, proponents of Konkani in the Devanagari script and a handful of people who claim their birth of upper caste origin, are vociferously advocating the myths they have created around mother tongue, medium of instruction and culture.

Let us try to understand why they have created these myths.

Myths are efficient and convenient tools to suppress and oppress others, especially people who have no voice. The proponents of these myths do not want the marginalised common people and the minority communities of Goa to excel in life.

To excel in life, the quality of education is really essential.

In the 21st century in India, quality of education is associated with English. If grants are given to English medium primary schools, children of common people of Goa have an equal opportunity to excel and even supersede students of upper caste origin.

The proponents of myths cannot tolerate the reality that their progeny will be pushed down from a pedestal of caste hegemony, linguistic and cultural domains. Therefore, they want to continue to dominate the common masses and minority communities with their creative myths. Liars of myths have a creative mind. However they themselves do not believe in the myths they have created!

Let us analyse some of their myths. Myth number one is that the primary education has to be in the mother tongue of the child. Proponents of this myth themselves never studied in their mother tongue! They studied either in Marathi or English. Even their children and grandchildren are the products of either Marathi or English medium of education. They preach to others what they do not practice themselves!

In Goa the vast majority of locals understand Konknni. It is the official language of the State. In this context, Konknni should have been the medium of instruction throughout Goa. But as on 30 September 2008, in Goa there are 936 Marathi medium primary schools, of which 888 belong to the government and 48 are run by the private Hindu managements. There are only 207 Konknni medium primary schools, of which 140 belong to private managements and 67 are run by the government. Of the 140 Konknni medium primary schools, 128 are run by the Catholic community and only six by the Hindu community!

The proponents of these myths have no courage to say that in Goa, Konknni alone should be given the first priority as the medium of instruction. In the name of mother tongue, they have perpetuated and want to further perpetuate Marathi medium schools in Goa! Taking into consideration the quality of Konknni textbooks, methods of teaching and the competence of teachers, it is far better to study either in English or in any medium except Konknni. Taking into consideration the Konknni textbooks produced for Std V onwards, one should totally discourage our children to opt for Konknni in the Devanagari script as a subject.

Myth number two is that the mother tongue is best suited for primary education. If this is true, how do we explain the fact that millions of people in the world who have not studied in their mother tongue have excelled in their careers? It is true that if the dominant language of the household or the region is used as the medium of instruction, children will learn faster and better.

In Goa, in many houses English is spoken as the household language. Day by day, the number of such families increases.

In this context, proponents of education in the mother tongue should not oppose English, as it is the mother tongue of a section of the people of Goa, and they have the right to demand English as the medium of instruction for their children.

The medium of instruction in any language, including English, is no 100 per cent guarantee that children will do well in studies. The quality of textbooks, teaching methods, adequate training and ongoing training of teachers, availability of reference books, school environment and many other related factors contribute to the child’s success at learning. Teaching and learning is not restricted to medium of instruction alone, or to the school compound.

Myth number three is that education at the primary level in the mother tongue cultivates a love for one’s own language, culture and nation. All over India, day by day, the demand for English medium schools is increasing. Are the people who demand English education for their children any less patriotic than the hypocrites who created these myths for their selfish motives?

Let us admit the fact that today in India, a good command over the English language is absolutely necessary for academic and technical advancement, and for better job opportunities.

Since independence, Indian official languages have not succeeded in uniting us as Indians. Each language community is proud of its linguistic and territorial identity. But English alone has succeeded in uniting us as Indians. If English is abolished or reduced from India, we will not exist as a successful country!

Those who oppose English as the medium of instruction could rightly be called anti-children, anti-common people and antiIndian!

Myth number four is that studying in the Konknni medium will help children to learn Hindi. This is far from the truth. In Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and other states of India, many locals study in their native languages with their respective scripts, and yet they do learn Hindi. In Goa, those who want to learn Hindi will learn it irrespective of Konknni.

If we admit that basic education is the right of every child, then we must also admit that choosing the medium of instruction is also the right of the child. If we want students from Goa to shine in the academic circles of India, at present the only option is quality education through the English medium.

Let us not mix up the language of the heart – our household language – with the language of the mind and learning, namely English. Those who care for children and support the rights of children should openly support the demand of their parents to give grants to English medium primary schools.

Tehelka expose rocks Parliament FROM OUR BUREAU NEW DELHI, MARCH 23

Tehelka’s fresh exposure of “truth behind one of biggest scandals” involving MPs being offered cash for votes, rocked both houses of Parliament here on Wednesday.

Interrupting Arun Jaitley, leader of opposition, who had initiated debate in the Rajya Sabha on WikiLeak cables on the cash-for-votes scam, Congress MP Jayanti Natrajan started fireworks by informing the House that the Tehelka on its website has brought to light a fresh expose that could “bring shame to opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).”

Earlier, the day in the parliament began with a united opposition mounting an attack on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the cash-for-votes scam wondering as to how he could wash his hands of the matter as he had headed the government in 2008 and was the "biggest beneficiary" of the trust vote. Sushma Swaraj, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha made a scathing attack on Singh telling him that as head of the government he should take responsibility instead of making others scapegoat for the omissions and commissions of his regime.

"It is the habit of the Prime Minister to blame others. If it is price rise then (Agriculture Minister) Sharad Pawar is responsible, if it is 2G then (former Telecom Minister) A Raja is responsible and if it

n Congress MP Jayanti Natrajan started fireworks by informing the House that the Tehelka on its website has brought to light a fresh expose that could “bring shame to opposition BJP.” is Commonwealth Games then Suresh) Kalmadi is to blame," she said.

But by afternoon, opposition had lost much of the sting as Tehelka expose provided ammunition to treasury benches, so much so that BJP cancelled its daily press briefing in the Parliament House building to avoid questions.

Even a usually timid and soft-spoken parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal went aggressive and challenged BJP to come clean on the 2008 sting operation conducted by a television news channel over horse-trading for the trust vote. He said Tehelka has now proved that it was a deliberate trap laid out by top BJP leaders.

Participating in the short duration debate in Rajya Sabha, Home Minister P. Chidambaram without naming BJP said that according to allegations another political party was looking for buyers

After 'Munni' and 'Sheila' its time for 'Sheetal' to sizzle.

'Sabki Pyaari Sheetal Bhabi', an item song from the upcoming Hindi film, 'Sheetalbhabi.com', promises to rival chart-toppers `Munni Badnaam Hui' and 'Sheila Ki Jawani' in popularity.

The sexy and raunchy `Munni Badnaam Hui' (Dabangg) and 'Sheila Ki Jawani' (Tees Maar Khan), featuring Malaika Arora Khan and Katrina Kaif, respectively, were the top two item songs of 2010.

Produced and Directed by C M Jain, 'Sheetalbhabi.com' is inspired by the banned

suggested that some MPs were bribed during the 2008 trust vote.

"Assanage is author of WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks by definition are only leaks. When we have said we do not like to dignify WikiLeaks by a response, we will obviously not like to dignify Assanage with response on his comments," Party spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan said in response to questions. Trashing WikiLeaks as "unverified and unverifiable leaks", she said, "However, the BJP sought to raise it to the level of Indian Parliament, to an issue of national level.

The opposition party has thereby sullied the integrity of our Parliament by raising the issue on the floor of the House for purely politically expedient reasons."

The Congress spokesperson also accused the BJP of "double speak" and "dereliction of duty".

"BJP and other opposition parties have once again stalled proceedings of the House. They have not allowed the important Finance Bill to be taken up for discussion and walked out. It shows complete dereliction of duty of the opposition party."

"The hypocrisy and double speak of BJP stood exposed in the matter. They do not hesitate to attack the Prime Minister of India on the basis of supposed allegations but they remain silent when the role of their leaders is exposed," Natarajan said.

Billionaire Buffett bowled over by Indian hospitality PTI BANGALORE, MARCH 23

Actors Abhishek Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut and Sarah Jane Dias during a promotional event of their upcoming film 'Game' in Bangalore on Wednesday.

Indian hospitality today received a strong endorsement from the world's third richest man, Warren Buffett, who said he was treated much better here than back in the US. "I am just overwhelmed by the welcome I have received from the moment we got here.

They treat me much better in India than they do in the United States," said the Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at a brief meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa early this morning.

"I want to transport all this...

I believe in free trade," he said in a lighter vein.

"We had a great dinner last night... I met some very interesting people, had a great conversation. I couldn't feel more welcome and more delighted to be here," said Buffet, who is stay-

ing at Taj West End during his visit to the country.

"This is my first trip to India and the first foot I placed on Indian soil was in Bangalore... and it won't be the last," said the 80-year-old billionaire.

"When I come back, I will be 100 in 2030," he joked, but quickly added that he planned to come back much before that and was hopeful of seeing business expand here by then.

"We want to be where the action is and the action is here," Buffett, who yesterday admitted to having made a late entry into India, said.

Buffett, who viewed a short presentation on investment opportunities in Karnataka and the Global Investors meet held in 2010, said he was impressed by the speed of implementation of the MoUs signed during the Investors Meet.

BHOPAL TRAGEDY

Delhi court allows CBI to extradite Anderson PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 23

A Delhi court today allowed the CBI to seek extradition of Union Carbide Corporation chairman Warren Anderson, an accused in the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, from the United States.

"Considering the entire facts in its holistic perspective and sentiments of the disaster-hit people, I deem it appropriate and in the interest of justice that he be extradited," Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vinod Yadav said.

"There is no bar in law in seeking extradition of Warren Anderson from the US authorities.

Request of the CBI is allowed," he said.

Anderson, 90, never faced trial in connection with the world's worst industrial disaster over 26 years ago and was declared a proclaimed offender by the court of Bhopal chief judicial magistrate in 1992 after he jumped bail, which he had secured on December 7, 1984 following his arrest.

Yadav, in his order, noted, "The chronology of steps taken by the CBI from 1992 till July 2010 in the case reveals that the CBI was not sleeping over the matter and was conscious about its duties to bring Warren Anderson to book."

Though, the court allowed the plea of the CBI, it wanted to know from the investigating agency as to why it had not taken recourse under the Extradition Act after an extradition treaty between the United

n"Considering the entire facts in its holistic perspective and sentiments of the disaster-hit people, I deem it appropriate and in the interest of justice that he be extradited."

-- Chief Metropolitan Magistrate

porn site Savita Bhabi.

It stars Heena Rehman as 'Sheetal', who shared screen space with Sohail Khan in 'I Am Proud To Be an Indian', and Jatin Grewal will play her husband. Grewal had starred in Prakash Jha's film 'Rahul' in 2001.

"There is an item song based on the title of the film featuring Heena and other actors.

We are sure the song will be a hit... it is very catchy. After 'Munni' and 'Sheila' we will rock with 'Sheetal'," Mahendra Dhariwal, Creative Producer of the film, told PTI in an interview.

The lyrics of the song go as - 'Sabhi Pyari Sheetal Bhabi, Ishq Pyar Ki Chabi Sheetal Bhabi...Sexy Sexy Sexy Sheetal Bhabi...Sab

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States and India came into existence on September 14, 1999.

"We cannot open the case as per the whims and fancies of the CBI," the CMM said during the course of the proceedings.

While pressing for the extradition of Anderson, the CBI said that there was enough material implicating the then UCC Chairman in the case.

"The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bhopal had passed a detailed order in June 2010 which is conclusive material implicating Anderson in the matter," the agency said.

It also argued that there was no delay on its part in approaching the US authorities for Anderson's extradition.

The CBI emphasised that the management of the UCC was well aware about the defects in the plant at Bhopal but did not take any remedial action.

After ‘Munni’ and ‘Sheila’ it’s ‘Sheetal’ PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 23

for their MPs for the so-called sting operation.

"This was deliberate attempt to destabilise a sitting government," he said adding that the UPA government enjoys the total confidence of the people "whatever sting operations (are done), whatever engineered."

As Jayanti Natrajan took pot-shots on Arun Jaitley, he accused Congress party of resorting to a “cover up” operation through “friendly investigative journalists”.

Attempting to blunt the opposition BJP's attack, Bansal alleged that BJP leaders had outsourced the sting operation conducted by the news channel. He said Tehelka has exposed the machination how the entire operation was done with the blessing of top BJP leaders with the intention to discredit the UPA government. He said the news website has made it clear that it was not the Congress or the Samajwadi Party that were actively in search for MPs to buy in to the 2008 Indo-US nuclear deal trust vote.

Outside Parliament House, Congress party demanded an apology from the main opposition alleging it had lowered the institution's dignity by raising "unverified leaks" in the House.

Congress also dismissed the statement of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assanage that Indian leaders were trying to mislead the public by challenging the authenticity of US diplomatic cables, which

Ke Mann Ko Bhae Sheetal Bhabi'. " Item songs have become a trend in Bollywood. They are a formula to lure the audience and contribute in making a film hit.

The item songs ensure good opening at the box office," Dharival said.

Dharival, who was worked on films like Sunny Deol starrer 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' (2002), Mithun Chakraborty's 'Hatyara' (1998) and Sanjay Dutt-Saif Ali Khan starrer 'Nehle Pe Dehla' (2007), had thought of sultry actress Bipasha Basu for the item song, but later decided on Heena.

"I am happy with way the song has come out. I am sure the song will bring in good reviews for Heena."

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GOA, THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

ED conducts searches at premises of Ali’s aides in capital PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 23

The Enforcement Directorate today conducted searches at a few locations in the national capital in connection with its probe against Pune-based stud farm owner Hassan Ali Khan, who is facing charges of money laundering and huge tax evasion.

Sources said the agency carried out searches to assist the main probe conducted by Mumbai ED in order to obtain and gather "material evidence" from Khan's associates here.

A past associate of Khan, hailing from Bihar, was searched in South Delhi and some documents were seized by ED officials.

A few more searches were carried out by ED at other locations here, the sources said.

Some financial transactions and links of Khan's passport have been traced in the national capital, they said.

Earlier in the day, the ED had conducted searches at the premises of Khan's Chartered Accountant Sunil Shinde in Pune.

Khan has been arrested by the ED on charges of stashing away huge amount of black

money in banks abroad.

The 53-year-old businessman is also facing a Rs 70,000-crore tax demand notice from the Income Tax Department.

Meanwhile, After Enforcement Directorate, under fire from the Supreme Court for its shoddy handling of black money cases, sent notice to the UBS on the USD 8-billion money laundering issue involving Hasan Ali Khan, the Swiss banking powerhouse today said it is fully cooperating with the authorities.

"UBS is doing everything within its powers to facilitate the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). We have assisted the ED on a voluntary basis and have provided information to them," the bank said in a release here.

"As a responsible corporate citizen, UBS will continue to cooperate fully with the ED and Indian regulators (on the Hasan Ali Khan probe). UBS follows the strict banking confidentiality laws of Switzerland, (but) as a truly global entity, it seeks to comply with the laws and regulations in each country in which it operates," the statement concluded.

UK unveils major changes in student visa system PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 23

In what could be a setback to many Indian students aspiring to study in Britain, the UK Government has announced a major overhaul of the student visa system, tightening the entrance criteria and the post-study work route.

There will be restrictions on work placements on courses provided by non-university sponsors, Chris Dix, Regional Director, UK Border Agency today told reporters here, maintaining that new rules are to prevent abuse of the student visa route by unscrupulous agents.

Apart from ending the current system where graduates are able to do jobs of any level including unskilled work or no job at all for two years, the visa changes also include provision for work for students only from publicly funded universities and educational colleges while the remaining students would not have the right to do so.

"In future, they (graduates) will have to secure a skilled job with a tier-two sponsor," Dix said.

Apart from ending the current system where graduates are able to do jobs of any level including unskilled work or no job at all for two years, the visa changes also include provision for work for students only from publicly funded universities and educational colleges while the remaining students would not have the right to do so.

Explaining further, he said that graduates will have to get jobs that are of their level and also with firms that are registered with the authorities to hire overseas employment.

As per figures given by the High Commission, 41,350 student visas were issued from here in 2010 while the figure was around 57,000 in 2009 and about 27,000 in 2008.

According to officials, UK is expecting a drop of about 60,000 to 70,000 global student visas being issued by it.

"The changes announced yesterday (in London) will protect the interests of high quality Indian students wishing to study in the UK. These changes are

however bad news for all those students, institutions and unscrupulous agents who have tried to abuse the student visa route," Dix said.

The changes will be introduced in stages over the next 12 months, he said.

The level of English speaking has also been raised from the current requirement of B1 level to an upper intermediate (B2) level for degree courses.

Moreover, UK Border Agency staff can refuse entry to students who cannot speak English without an interpreter and who, therefore, do not meet the required minimum standards, he said.

Also, only post-graduate students at universities for longer duration than 12 months and

government-sponsored students will be able to bring their dependents. At the moment, all students of long courses are able to bring dependants.

Another major change that could affect Indian students is that all educational institutions in UK that want to be sponsors will have to become Highly Trusted Sponsors by April 2012 and become accredited by statutory education inspection bodies by the end of 2012.

The current system does not require this and has allowed too many poor quality colleges to become sponsors, Dix said.

Other changes include the limit on the overall time that can be spent on a student visa in the UK -- three years at levels below degree, as now, and five years at degree level and above. At present there is no limit for study at or above degree level.

Dix however said only "logical moves" by a student pursuing one degree course and wanting to do another at the same level will be allowed.

Though yet not finalised, the student funding norms would also be tightened.

Elizabeth Taylor: Health Ministry to the grand dame initiate universal access to TB care of Hollywood PTI LOS ANGELES, MARCH 23

Her great beauty and grand lifestyle peppered with scandals created more twists and turns in Elizabeth Taylor's life than any Hollywood blockbuster could ever portray.

Taylor, a three-time Oscar winner, lived passionately and remained true to her larger-than-life persona to the very end, mirroring the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, whom she brought to life onscreen with Richard Burton in 1963.

Her life had enough dramas to occupy several lives — including her eight marriages (two to Burton) and seven divorces, four children, many grandchildren and more than 60 hospitalisations/operations and various trips to rehab centres.

A true representative of the swinging sixties, she was both a product and victim of a life of excess. She lived her life to the extremes and in the process went on to break many hearts and some marriages in Hollywood.

Her love affair with Burton will go down in history for being one of the most scandalous relationships. She married and divorced him twice but as she was to confess later, he was the love of her life.

The grand dame of Hollywood appeared in more than 50 films, won Oscars for her performances in 1960's 'Butterfield 8' and 1966's 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' and a third in 1993 for her humanitarian work.

Taylor was hospitalised for the last two months at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

She first disclosed her diagnosis

of congestive heart failure in November 2004 on Twitter, which she used to keep her fans abreast of her daily routines.

She had the spirit of a fighter and once famously remarked: "People must think, 'My God, she's still alive?' But there's some resilience in me that makes me keep fighting. It's the damnedest thing — I just keep coming back."

Taylor's Hollywood career began at an early age and her beauty and mystique ensured that spotlights never left her alone even in her darkest moments.

Taylor was born in the UK in 1932 to art dealer father and a stage actress mother.

She spent the first seven years of her life in London. Her family moved to Los Angeles in 1939 and a Chance screen test taken at the suggestion of a family friend launched her acting career.

She signed a contract with Universal Studios and her first film 'There's One Born Every Minute', was released in 1942.

She was first nominated for an Oscar for her role of a southern belle in 1957's 'Raintree County', won her second nomination the very next year for her performance in the 'Cat On a Hot Tin Roof'. Her third nomination came for 1959 film 'Suddenly, Last Summer'.

Taylor finally won an Oscar for her role in 1960's 'Butterfield 8', where she played a call-girl in love with a married man.

However, her finest role was to come with 1966's 'Who's Afraid of V irginia Woolf?, which brought her a second Oscar. She played a free-spirited, loud mouth, academician's wife Martha in the movie.

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 23

Bearing the burden of one-fifth of global TB cases, India is all set to revise its National Tuberculosis Control Programme with a new objective of universal access to quality TB care.

Under universal access, all TB patients in the community, including vulnerable and marginalised persons, will have access to early, good quality diagnosis and treatment services.

The intermediate target is to detect 90 per cent of all TB cases and successfully treat 90 per cent of them by 2015, a senior health ministry official said.

The new objective of universal access will be marked by the launch of a new DOTS logo that will be in use from World TB Day tomorrow, he said.

This logo is a progression from the previous DOTS logo with the slogan (DOTS: "Sure Cure for TB"). This message has been given a logical extension and will now have a new slogan of "DOTS: Pura Course, Pakka Ilaaj" to mark the emphasis on completion of full course of treatment.

"The new slogan signifies a response to the emerging challenges regarding tuberculosis and its manifestations in the form of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) and co-infection with HIV," he said.

The visual element in the old logo has been retained as it had already successfully established a connect with communities.

The RNTCP is being implemented following the WHO-recommended Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) strategy that provides a sure

cure for tuberculosis with 6-8 months course and is available free of cost to patients in the entire country.

India's DOTS programme is the largest in the world in terms of patients initiated on treatment, placing on an average of more than 1,25,000 patients on treatment every month.

Since its inception, the RNTCP has initiated over 12.8 million TB patients on treatment, thus saving more than 2.3 million lives.

The programme has started responding to new challenges like TB-HIV and MDR-TB. TB-HIV collaborative services were initiated in the year 2000. Currently, the entire country is implementing TB-HIV collaborative services.

The programme has initiated treatment of MDR TB since 2007 and is currently being implemented in 12 states. RNTCP has prioritised MDR-TB treatment services and these will be available in the entire country by end-2011.

The diagnosis of MDR-TB is a laboratory based diagnosis to be conducted at specialised accredited laboratories.

The programme is committed to develop 43 such laboratories across the country. Till date, 25 such accredited laboratories have been established for diagnosis of MDR-TB. According to WHO statistics, although the total number of people with the disease has steadily declined in the past decade, there are five million people with TB in the region – a third of the global burden – and more than 3 million are added every year.

FROM PAGE 1 Ajmer dargah blast co-accused gets bail Forest Dept under fire PTI JAIPUR, MARCH 23

The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday granted bail to the co-accused in Ajmer dargah bomb blast, which led to the death of three persons in 2007.

A single-judge bench of the High Court granted bail to Chandrashekher on the condition of furnishing bond and surety of Rs 2 lakh in total.

Chandrasheker, a resident of Indore was arrested near his home town on May 1 last year following police surveillance of his mobile numbers which showed his close association with other accused in the blasts.

In all, eight mobile handsets were purchased for the blasts and some SIM cards were procured by the accused giving fake identities, prosecution sources said.

The SIMs were found operational on the mobile handsets used by Chandrashker for some time, and this period coincided with the time the blasts took place.

It was alleged by the prosecution that Chandrasheker is a perpetrator of the offence and actively aided the extremists to bomb the dargah on October 11, 2007.

He destroyed certain mobiles used in the entire incident.

It was argued by Basant Chabba, the counsel for the accused, that the petitioner has been chargsheeted for shielding the offenders by destroying the evidence. However, he argued that the accusations need yet to be proved by trial.

received 620 applications for licences to cut trees during current financial year, of which 482 applications were accepted. Seven of these applications sought license to cut trees in mining areas.

At this point Parrikar pointed out that mining activities in forest land had led to destruction of wildlife habitat which was why wild animals ventured into human habitats.

The Forest Minister assured the House that he will see that mining companies fully comply with conditions and will thoroughly check vi olations.

He also reminded the House of its assurance given during last session that no fresh permission for diversion of forest land will be considered until a Forest Policy is released.

Colva cops...

conducting any panchanama and demanded that the cash and other items be returned to his client.

When contacted, DySP Umesh Gaonkar said the vehicle was involved in an accident causing grievous injuries to two persons, who are convalescing in hospital. “Preliminary inquiry revealed the police had gone to Demont’s residence since there was an accident complaint against him.

The complaint filed by him does not appear to be genuine. It needs to be verified in detail”, DySP Gaonkar said, adding that PI Tushar Vernekar has been instructed to conduct a detailed probe.

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BIZ

Pg9

GOA, THURSDAY, 24 MARCH•2010

Global Offshore bags Rs 194 crore contract

World economy recovering:Buffett AFP

n The economy of America, United States and others around the world are improving month-by-month.

--•Warren Buffett

NEW DELHI, MARCH 23

US billionaire investor Warren Buffett said on Wednesday that the global economic recovery is steadily taking hold, even if is not as fast as people would like.

“The economy of America, United States and others around the world are improving month-by-month,” America's most famous investor, the so-called "Oracle of Omaha", said during his first visit to India.

"It might not be quite as fast as everybody would like but it is happening," the chairman of investment giant Berkshire Hathaway told India's CNBCTV18 in an interview.

Buffett is in India to join Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in

seeking to persuade India's super-rich to part with some of their wealth as part of the "Giving Pledge" drive launched by the tycoons last year.

Gates and Buffett, who dined with Chinese billionaires on a similar mission last September, were to meet wealthy Indians on Thursday in New Delhi.

Buffett, known for his stock picking acumen, added global economies will only be "slightly

affected" by the deadly earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

He said the Japanese disaster will set Japan "back for a while, but it won't set them back for years. They will come back."

He praised fast-growing India, a country of 1.2 billion people, as a "dream market."

"The number of people, the buying power that they are gaining, the ability to produce things, everything is getting

better every day," he said. "I look forward to doing more business in India."

Buffett, 80, who has yet to name a successor for Berkshire Hathaway, added that the $200 billion investment company had "a clear succession plan".

"If I die at night, the board of directors has somebody. It is going to happen some night and the next morning, they know who will be in charge."

He dodged questions about whether Indian-born Ajit Jain, head of Berkshire's reinsurance operations, might succeed him as chief executive, but heaped praise on him “as someone with incredible talent”.

Jain has long been mentioned as a contender to succeed Buffett.

PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 23

Bill Gates and Melinda Gates, play with a child while reviewing the philanthropic works, being carried out by their Foundation, at Jamsaut village in Danapur subdivision on Wednesday.

Global Offshore Services, a leading offshore vessels services provider, today said it has bagged a contract for fouryears in Brazil worth Rs 194.5crore.

The company was formerly known as Garware Offshore Services Limited.

The company's large platform supply vessel (PSV), MC Beaucephalus, owned by its subsidiary, Global Offshore Services BV, will be deployed in Brazilian waters for an approximate value of Rs 48.6-crore per annum, a press release issued here stated.

Iron ore exports to decline, says Sesa Goa HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 23

Iron ore exports from India, the world's third-largest supplier of the steelmaking material, will be less than 100 million tonnes in the next fiscal year starting April if prices stay at current levels, a top executive at Sesa Goa said on Wednesday.

India usually exports about half of its annual iron ore out-

put of around 200 million tonnes, most of them going to China.

“Iron ore exports from India will be less than 100 million tonnes if prices stay at current levels,” PK Mukherjee, managing director of Sesa Goa, told reporters at an industry conference.

Spot iron ore prices have fallen 14% since hitting record highs in mid-February as thin

steel demand in top consumer China slowed buying by Chinese steel mills.

Worries that demand from disaster-hit Japan may also slow in the near term before a reconstruction-led rebound has also weighed on iron ore prices.

Iron ore prices surged more than 40% in 2010 on booming demand from China, prodding global producers in Brazil and Australia to boost output.

But India's iron ore exports fell for a seventh straight month in January because of a ban on shipments from Karnataka and exports are seen falling further due to a fourfold rise in export tax.India's iron ore exports are likely to fall 35% to about 58 million tonnes in the next fiscal year due to the curbs and the increase in taxes, RK Sharma, secretary-general of the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries, said earlier this month.

M&E industry to touch Rs 1,275-billion by 2015 PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 23

Sesa Goa Ltd was conferred the ‘ICC Sustainability Vision Award’ for excellence in environment sustainability during the national summit on India Sustainability Vision & Future organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Delhi recently.

The award was received by Mr. P.K. Mukherjee, Managing Director, Sesa Goa Ltd at the hands of Mr.Jagannath Pahadia, Governor of Haryana.

The Indian media and entertainment industry, which is expected to clock a 13 per cent growth by end-this year, will touch Rs 1,275-billion by 2015 due to positive sentiment and growing media consumption, a FICCI-KPMG report said.

"In 2010, the Indian media and entertainment (M&E) industry registered a growth of 11 per cent over 2009 and touched Rs 652-billion, The industry is estimated to achieve

a growth rate of 13 per cent in 2011 and a CAGR of 14 per cent by 2015,” the report released at FICCI Frames 2011 here said.

Overall for the M&E industry, 2010 was a year of great dynamism with growth across all sectors other than film. Advertising spends grew by 17 per cent to Rs 266-billion and accounted for 41 per cent of overall industry size.

While television and print continued to dominate the M&E industry, sectors such as

gaming, digital advertising and animation VFX grew at a faster rate and show tremendous potential in the coming years, it said.

Backed by growth in advertising and subscription revenues, the television industry grew by 15.5 per cent in 2010 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16 per cent to touch Rs 630-billion by 2015.

Television is expected to account for almost half of the Indian M&E industry revenues and more than twice the size of

print, the second largest media sector.

However, with better content, increase in multiplexes, investment in research and continued cost corrections, the film industry is estimated to grow from Rs 83-billion to Rs 132-billion by 2015," the report said.

Overall print industry will see a CAGR of 10 per cent to touch Rs 310-billion in fiveyears and regional print is expected to grow at a higher rate of 12 percent.

Global Offshore Services' Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Aditya Garware, said, “We are delighted to have this contract which will give a boost to our growth. With our continuous efforts on seamless and quality services to our customers, we expect to maintain the growth momentum going forward.”

Global Offshore's total fleetsize stands at 13 vessels, the release said.

“The current deployment of the vessel in Brazilian waters further strengthens our commitment towards increasing our presence in new geographical markets,” Garware said.

Kamat Group may merge Goa hotels HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 23

Mumbai-based Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd (KHIL) is to merge hotels owned by the promoter group companies in Goa and Murud with itself. Kurian Chandy, chief financial officer, KHIL, confirmed the development saying a board meeting to this effect will be held on March 26, 2010, to decide which companies will be considered for this merger exercise.

Industry sources said that the KHIL management wants to bring in the profit-making businesses onto the books, thereby strengthening the KHIL balance sheet.

Hotels in Silvassa, Bhubaneshwar, etc, will eventually be brought onto KHIL books. These are properties where expansion is currently going on and may have debt on their books. Once the properties become debt-free, they will be merged with KHIL. The company also operates around 34 restaurants in Maharashtra, Orissa and Rajasthan.

Zuari acquiring land for urea plant Hyundai rolls out its upgraded Accent Goa plant conversion to gas by 2012 HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 23

Fertiliser-maker Zuari Industries Ltd today said it is in the process of acquiring land to set up a Rs 5,000 crore gas-based urea plant in Karnataka with an annual capacity of 1.3 million tonnes a year.

“The company has got approval from the Karnataka government to go ahead with the project. We have started the process of acquiring land in Belgaum district,” Zuari Industries Executive Vice Chairman H S Bawa told reporters on the sidelines of a press conference in New Delhi.

“The project is estimated at Rs 5,000 crore,” and it will will be built in Belgaum district, bordering Maharashtra and Goa, which has a gas pipeline running through it, he said.

We have got approval from the Karnataka government to go ahead with the project. We have started the process of acquiring land in Belgaum district.

--- HS•Bawa Natural gas is a feedstock for fertiliser plants.

The plant will be built near the Dabhol-Bangalore gas pipeline project, which is expected to complete by 201213, he added.

Bawa was here at a ceremony to reposition 21 group

companies, including Zuari Industries, led by industrialist Saroj Poddar, under an unified banner -- Adventz.

The Belgaum plant will be commissioned by 2015-16 after the government's new fertiliser investment policy comes into force, he said, hoping the policy will be constructive and it will be investor-friendly.

Apart from Belgaum, Zuari Industries is also looking at land acquisition near Karwar, in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka, for building a phosphate and customised fertiliser plant at an estimated investment of Rs 700 crore, he noted.

Regarding the conversion of its Goa fertiliser plant from naptha to a gas unit, Bawa said, “By 2012, we are hopeful that the plant will be converted to a gas-based unit with the use of

imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) initially”.

As and when the domestic gas becomes available, the unit will switch over to gas, he added.

Presently, the Goa plant has the capacity to produce 8,00,000 tonnes of phosphate a year. After the revamp, the capacity would rise to one million tonnes a year.The country imported 16.17 million tonnes fertilisers in April-November this fiscal, almost equal to the total import of 16.38 million tonnes during the entire 200910.

India meets 85 per cent of its urea requirement through indigenous production, but is largely dependent on imports for meeting the phosphorus and potassium requirement, either as finished fertilisers or

PTI

CHENNAI, MARCH 23

The country's second largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motors today announced the launch of its upgraded midsize sedan 'Accent Executive 2011 edition'.

The exteriors of the new edition Accent Executive comes with a chrome finish front grille.

The body coloured sideline molding is equipped with chrome inserts. Besides, the car also has a new chrome garnish over licence plate, a Hyundai Motor India statement said.

“The Accent 2011 edition comes with elegant styling which makes it more sophisticated and desirable. It is our continuous effort to gauge changing customer preferences and keep introducing new fea-

tures in our products. We are confident that with the new styling the Accent 2011 edition will become even more popular”, Hyundai Motor India Director Sales and Marketing Arvind Saxena said.

The new edition Accent Executive is priced at Rs 5.01 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), it

Ex-Intel executive says he tipped Rajaratnam PTI NEW YORK, MARCH 23

Rajiv Goel, a former Indian American Intel executive, has said that he passed secret tips to his “friend” Raj Rajaratnam, the main accused in the largest insider trading case to hit US courts in decades.

Testifying in the case in a court here yesterday Goel said, “Rajaratnam and I were very good friends.”

He said that he began to pass on company information to Rajaratnam, Galleon Group founder, from 2005.

“He was a good man to me,” he told the jury.

“I was a good pal…so I gave him the information.”

Goel is the second key witness after Anil Kumar, a former McKinsey director, who has finished testifying on behalf of the government.

Both men have pleaded guilty.

The 53-year-old Sri Lankanborn billionaire allegedly paid Goel six figure amounts for the information.

In 2005, Goel said, he received USD 100,000 to buy a house and then a year later 500,000 for a family matter.

Rajaratnam and I were very good friends.The former Intel executive also said that he earned more than USD 700,000 after Rajaratnam took control of his brokerage account.

Goel, 52, and Rajaratnam met at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1980s.

Kumar also went to Wharton during the same time.

The former Intel executive also said that he earned more than USD 700,000 after Rajaratnam took control of his brokerage account.

Goel, 52, and Rajaratnam met at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1980s.

Kumar also went to Wharton during the same time.

On Monday, the prosecution played a secretly recorded phone conversation on March 19, 2008 in which Goel told Rajaratnam, that Intel was plan-

ning to make a USD 1 billion investment in a new joint venture with Clearwire.

Rajaratnam allegedly purchased 125,800 shares of Clearwire on March 24, 2008, based on inside information.

Rajaratnam is accused of making more than USD 45m by illegally trading on insider information.

His lawyers say that Rajaratnam conducted his business based on information that was already in the public domain and through research.

Out of the 26 people arrested in this case, 19 have pleaded guilty. Rajaratnam, however, denies any wrongdoing.

He was arrested in October 2009, and has been freed on bail of USD 100m. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

It also emerged yesterday that Lloyd Blankfein, chairman of Goldman Sachs Group Inc, will also be called as a witness in the case to testify about Rajat Gupta, former Goldman Sachs board member, who is also accused of passing insider information to Rajaratnam.

Gupta denies wrongdoing

and has sued US regulators in the same federal court as the Rajaratnam trial.

The government lawyers, however, don't want Rajaratnam's lawyer to ask Blankfein about his bank'soperations during the 2008 financial meltdown or for any matter that is being investigated by the Justice Department.

“This court should preclude the defendant from suggesting to the jury through questions or otherwise that Goldman Sachs or Blankfein was responsible for the 2008 financial crisis,” Preet Bharara, US attorney for New York’s Southern District, wrote in a letter to Judge Richard Holwell.

“Whether Goldman Sachs played any role in that crisis is wholly irrelevant to Blankfeins testimony about Gupta," it said.

In the letter, the government expressed concern that the defence may rake up the issue of existing legal proceedings against Goldman Sachs to argue that Blankfein isn't a credible witness.

“But this claim is totally unfounded and would threaten confusion of the issues," the letter said.

said.

The Accent launched in 1999 is also available with alternate fuel options such as CNG and LPG. The Korean car maker has sold over 3 lakh units in the overseas market.

Currently, Hyundai Motor India exports its cars to over 115 countries. At their Sriperumbudur facility near Chennai, it manufactures seven models -- the Santro, i10 and i20, Accent, Verna

APPOINTMENTS

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Pg10 GOA, THURSDAY• 24 MARCH, 2011

Goa Carbon to consider 2010-11 dividend Herald Business desk Panjim, marcH 23

A meeting of the board of directors of Goa Carbon Ltd will be held on April 9, 2011 to consider and approve audited financial results of the company consisting of balance sheet, profit & loss account

and cash flow statements for the 12 months period ending on March 31, 2011, as also to recommend dividend on equity shares for the said period, if any.

The board will also fix the date, time and place for convening the annual general

meeting of the company and to decide closure of share transfer books and register of members.

The board will consider and take on record audited financial results for the 12 months period ending on March 31, 2011.

BIZ

CAG raps Punjab, Haryana for not meeting power capacities PTi cHandiGarH, marcH 23

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has found Punjab and Haryana “miserably” failing in achieving new power generation capacity targets, leading to high cost of power purchase during 200510.

The CAG in its latest report found Haryana adding just 970.71 mw of power from all sources, including thermal, hydro, non-conventional as against planned addition of 3,720.71 MW during 2005-10, resulting into "massive" shortfall of 2,750 mw.

The new power capacity accounted for just 26 per cent of planned capacities in the power starved State.

Similarly, Punjab could only add new power generation capacity of 937 mw, against target of 1,772 mw of capacity, facing shortfall of 825 MW during the same period.

Significantly, against the meagre addition of new capacities, the peak demand for power in Haryana and Punjab during 2005-10 zoomed to 1,800 mw and 2,078 mw, respectively, forcing the power utilities to load shedding and power purchase, the report said.

The CAG, while pulling up the Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd, said had the State added capacity addition targets, the power buying via shortterm arrangements and Unscheduled Interchange (UI) could have been considerably controlled.

Pointing out that both States failed in maintaining pace in energy capacity addition with growing demand, CAG said the huge deficit between demand and power supply forced both States to resort to short-term purchase, which was costlier than own generation cost and more than the actual realization of revenue.

The inadequate capacity addition was attributed to the delay in commencement of new power generating units coming up in Yamunanagar,

Hisar and Faridabad in Haryana.

Haryana alone in 2009-10 had planned to add new capacity of 2,775 mw but faltered on the same by adding just 59 mw, the report said.

In case of Punjab, low capacity addition was ascribed to failure of the state electricity board in providing escrow cover to developer of Goindwal thermal project, delay in investment decision over Shahpur kandi project, among other reasons, CAG said.

In the wake of widening gap between power supply and demand, Haryana bought power through short-term agreement at a cost of Rs 3.24 per unit in 2005-06, which progressively shot up to Rs 6.20 per unit in 2009-10.

The CAG, while pulling up the Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd, said had the State added capacity addition targets, the power buying via short-term arrangements and

Unscheduled Interchange (UI) could have been considerably controlled.

In case of Punjab, CAG said, "Punjab State Electricity Board resorted to unplanned power purchase through short-term and panic measures at exorbitant cost, at an average rate of Rs 5.38 per unit when its average revenue realisation was Rs 3.46 per unit.”

The CAG said the decision of the board buying power in the form of over drawl from grid and short-term purchase led to an avoidable expenditure of Rs 4,322.98 crore during 2005-10.

In the performance audit, CAG also rapped power utilities of both States for having employees in excess of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) norms during 2005-10 and spending extra expenditure of Rs 247.68 crore on salaries in Haryana and Rs 437.76 crore in Punjab.

Club City food court at Caculo Mall Herald Business desk Panjim, marcH 23

Club City Hospitality, a multi specialty court management and family entertainment company has announced its associ-

ation with Caculo Cars Pvt Ltd for the launch of a food court at the Caculo Mall in Panjim.

There are 15 food brands under the company’s umbrella.

Sonya Chowdhry Grover, Director, Franchise India Brands said, “We are proud to launch Club City food court in association with Caculo Cars Pvt Ltd, keeping in view our strategy behind maintaining our position is the multi-national and multi-brand franchise organisation with a commitment to

quality and service. We make sure that all our activities are specialised and are value driven. Be it our staff, suppliers or our customers, maintaining a courteous and righteous relationship is extremely essential for us.”

Club City has an aggressive expansion plan to be a complete family destination. The strategy is to expand the operations by launching and managing food courts and unit outlets across India in the most prime locations.

T M ( t l m g g m g w m s s m a r

Sensex regains 18 k level TThe BSE Sensex regained the 18,000 level after a week, closing 218 points up today, led by blue chips and funds buying at lower levels across sectors like realty, banking and pharma amid stable markets globally.

Besides, marketmen said that the sentiment turned positive after legendary investor Warren Buffett, on maiden visit to India, indicated big investments in the country's financial services and consumer goods sectors.

Also, government decision to lower taxes from the levels proposed in the Union Budget added to the positive mood.

The 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange barometer initially showed some weakness but it rebound to settle the day at 18,206.16, a net rise of 217.86 points or 1.21 per cent.

Aban Offshor, 562, 571.9, 562, 569.75 Abb Ltd., 742.05, 753, 723.6, 748.7 Abg Shipyard, 359, 363.9, 356.5, 359.15 Acc Limited, 1020, 1042, 1020, 1036.8 Adani Enterp, 600, 602.1, 597.05, 599.75 Aditya Birla, 770, 779, 767.15, 775.95 Allahabad Ba, 205, 213.2, 205, 211.65 Alstom Proje, 532, 534.95, 527.25, 531.1 Ambuja Cemen, 131.05, 133.5, 131.05, 132.85 Andhra Bank, 142.85, 143.9, 141, 141.45 Ashok Leylan, 52.5, 53.9, 52, 53.45 Asian Paints, 2507.9, 2555, 2507.9, 2545.75 Axis Bank Li, 1295, 1317.5, 1291.35, 1315.4 Bajaj Hindus, 72, 73.25, 71.25, 71.75 Bank Of Baro, 886, 903, 886, 899.1 Bank Of Indi, 447.25, 453, 444.75, 449.95 Beml Limited, 669.9, 687.5, 664.95, 679.95 Bharat Elect, 1657, 1670.1, 1645, 1667.35 Bharat Forge, 328.7, 335.3, 326, 334.3 Bharat Petro, 563.4, 574, 557.2, 572.3 Bharti Airte, 326.2, 331.55, 325.25, 330.6 Bhel, 1948, 1999, 1943, 1994.3

Bhushan Stee, 436.55, 440.85, 433, 438.05 Biocon Limit, 329.95, 336.65, 328, 329.8 Bombay Dyein, 356.7, 362, 356.2, 359.25 Bosch Limite, 5985, 6000, 5951.5, 5970.45 Brigade Ente, 88.5, 89.55, 88.1, 88.5 Cairn India, 354.9, 355.95, 351.05, 354.5 Canara Bank, 605.3, 613.45, 603.6, 606.25 Central Bank, 135, 136.75, 132.6, 133.45 Century Text, 317.8, 325.45, 316.2, 324.4 Cesc Ltd, 301.45, 308.15, 301.05, 306.25 Chambal Fert, 68.85, 69.9, 68.5, 69.55 Chennai Petr, 202.5, 204.85, 200, 202.55 Cipla Ltd, 293, 306, 292.8, 303.95 Colgate Palm, 815, 823.25, 810.65, 820.05 Container Co, 1160, 1174.95, 1148, 1156 Crompton Gre, 265.65, 268.5, 263.3, 266.35 Cummins Indi, 635.65, 655.9, 635.65, 651.05 Dabur India, 96, 99.9, 95.5, 96.65 Deccan Chron, 67.5, 79.65, 67.5, 78.4 Dish Tv Indi, 62, 64.5, 61.65, 63.4 Divi’s Labor, 637, 637.95, 623.2, 632.9 Dlf Limited, 227.1, 235.65, 227.1, 234.65 Dr. reddy’s, 1530, 1564, 1530, 1556.85

Edelweiss Ca, 37.6, 39.4, 36.8, 38.7 Educomp Solu, 413.5, 421.85, 412.5, 416.15 Eih Limited, 80.75, 81.4, 80.4, 80.85 Engineers In, 301, 313.85, 300, 308.9 Essar Oil Lt, 119, 122, 118.5, 121.25 Essar Shippi, 87.9, 88.2, 86.5, 87.05 Exide Indust, 132.15, 134.2, 131.8, 133.9 Federal Bank, 372.05, 389.9, 371, 382.6 Financial Te, 775, 775, 761.2, 764.65 Gail (india), 455.85, 468, 454, 466.5 Gammon India, 113.4, 113.4, 108.5, 110.55 Glaxosmithkl, 2025.1, 2040, 2015.05, 2024.75 Glenmark Pha, 272, 281.95, 272, 280.2 Gmr Infrastr, 37, 37.55, 36.8, 37.35 Godrej Indus, 166.35, 172.9, 166.3, 171.65 Grasim Indus, 2455, 2506.5, 2430, 2460.1 Great Offsho, 244.25, 247.9, 240.25, 243.05 Gtl Infra.Lt, 36.8, 37.2, 36.45, 36.7 Gujarat Mine, 137.5, 137.9, 135.3, 136.2 Gujarat N R, 53, 53, 51.4, 52.1 Gujarat Stat, 99.9, 102, 98.3, 100.8 Gvk Pow. & I, 24.25, 24.65, 24.15, 24.25

Hcl Technolo, 451.85, 457.8, 450.2, 454.45 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2150, 2181.9, 2145.05, 2164.2 Hdfc Ltd, 637.85, 643.9, 633.75, 640.2 Hero Honda M, 1446, 1464.95, 1443.2, 1450.35 Hindalco in, 191.3, 197.05, 190.55, 196.35 Hindustan Co, 35.2, 36.7, 35.05, 36.1 Hindustan Ma, 54.25, 60.85, 54.25, 59.8 Hindustan Pe, 335.55, 337.75, 332.3, 334.4 Hindustan Un, 267.4, 271.7, 267.1, 269.65 Hindustan Zi, 126.8, 130.45, 126.6, 129.6 Housing Dev, 153, 158.8, 151.95, 158.05 Icici Bank L, 1001.7, 1043.65, 999.25, 1040.9 Idea Cellula, 61.95, 62.5, 60.75, 61.65 Ifci Ltd, 51.85, 53.2, 51.5, 53 India Cement, 91.7, 93.15, 91.15, 92.5 India Infoli, 70.2, 71.3, 68.2, 70 Indiabulls F, 145.35, 150.25, 145.1, 149.4 Indiabulls R, 107, 114.15, 105.45, 113.85 Indian Bank, 218.9, 220.7, 216.15, 217.4 Indian Hotel, 77.65, 79.45, 77.65, 79.25 Indian Oil C, 295, 303.35, 295, 302.15

Indian Overs, 143, 143.95, 142.75, 143.5 Indus Dev Ba, 133.3, 135.2, 132.5, 134.75 Indusind Ban, 244.9, 255.9, 244.9, 253.8 Infosys Tech, 2934.75, 2998.8, 2927, 2993.35 Infra. dev., 144, 149, 144, 148.55 Ispat Indust, 21.6, 22, 21.6, 21.85 Itc Ltd, 170, 172.45, 169.15, 171.95 Ivrcl Infras, 72.95, 74.8, 72.6, 74.15 Jai Corp Lim, 157.45, 159, 155.5, 157.95 Jaiprakash A, 84.5, 88.1, 84.25, 87.75 Jet Airways, 441.35, 446, 437.55, 439.7 Jindal Saw L, 182, 187.6, 182, 185.6 Jindal Steel, 661.2, 670.55, 654.05, 656.85 Jsw Steel Li, 858.5, 906.2, 858.5, 902.4 Kotak Mahind, 420.2, 434.5, 420.2, 432.7 Lakshmi Mach, 2160, 2171, 2150, 2156.05 Lanco Infrat, 38.95, 39.05, 37.95, 38.15 Larsen & Tou, 1522.7, 1539.6, 1516.35, 1530.65 Lic Housing, 196.8, 199.05, 195.65, 196.65 Lupin Limite, 407.95, 418, 407.2, 415.3 Mahanagar Te, 43.85, 45.1, 43.85, 44.65 Mahindra & M, 655.5, 655.5, 640.95, 646.1 Maruti Suzuk, 1170, 1181, 1157.1, 1175.95

Max India Lt, 142.7, 145.1, 141.7, 142.9 Moser­baer (, 40.6, 41.75, 40.35, 41.45 Mrpl, 60.75, 62.15, 59.5, 61.75 Nagarjuna Fe, 26, 26.5, 25.95, 26.4 National Alu, 104, 105, 102.75, 102.95 Neyveli Lign, 103.9, 103.9, 99, 102.3 Ntpc Ltd, 174.9, 175.95, 173.15, 175.1 Oil And Natu, 271.45, 273.9, 269.4, 272.65 Omaxe Limite, 131.95, 133.9, 129.1, 130.25 Oriental Ban, 364.95, 368.15, 360.2, 363.5 Pantaloon Re, 241.2, 264.6, 241.2, 262.55 Parsvnath De, 37.75, 38.8, 37.55, 37.95 Petronet Lng, 117.2, 122.55, 117.2, 121.75 Power Fin Co, 220.5, 229.3, 220.2, 228.2 Power Grid C, 97.35, 98.35, 97.1, 97.45 Praj Industr, 70.2, 71.7, 70.2, 70.85 Punj Lloyd L, 61.2, 62.4, 61.15, 62.05 Punjab Natio, 1087.5, 1114.9, 1084.8, 1110.35 Rajesh Expor, 115.15, 115.6, 111.5, 111.85 Ranbaxy Labs, 439, 443.35, 437.5, 440.2 Rashtriya Ch, 76.1, 77.5, 75.65, 76.55 Reliance Cap, 571.3, 579.85, 562.3, 571

Reliance Com, 103.5, 105.7, 103.3, 104.75 Reliance Ene, 1050.1, 1090, 1050.1, 1058.3 Reliance Ind, 624.8, 631.35, 622, 624.9 Reliance Ind, 999.85, 1016.65, 995.8, 1013.25 Reliance Pow, 119.4, 122.9, 118.75, 122.45 Rolta India, 135.8, 136.5, 133.55, 135.9 Satyam Compu, 70.5, 70.5, 66.5, 67.05 Sesa Goa Ltd, 264, 275.65, 263.25, 275 Shipping Cor, 106, 107.6, 105.55, 106.95 Siemens Ltd, 877.4, 879.75, 873.05, 875.3 Sintex Indus, 137.95, 143.65, 137.9, 142.8 Sobha Develo, 257.1, 265.85, 257.1, 264.45 State Bank O, 2617.9, 2648, 2595, 2642.65 Steel Author, 162.9, 166, 162, 163.35 Sterlite Ind, 162.15, 166, 162.15, 165.7 Sun Pharmace, 453, 457.5, 450, 456.25 Sun Tv Netwo, 433, 454, 427, 445.35 Suzlon Energ, 45.5, 46, 44.75, 45.8 Tata Communi, 205.4, 247.6, 190, 245.8 Tata Consult, 1071, 1071, 1057.25, 1064.35 Tata Motors, 1131.55, 1144.7, 1126.05, 1136.9

Tata Power C, 1242, 1259.9, 1240.1, 1255.85 Tata Steel L, 604.85, 611.8, 603.9, 610.4 Tata Teleser, 14.8, 15.1, 14.75, 15 Tech Mahindr, 700.3, 714.85, 690, 710.7 The Ge Shpg., 252, 258.85, 252, 257.8 The Phoenix, 182.95, 184, 178, 181.9 Thermax Ltd, 569, 586.15, 569, 581.9 Titan Indust, 3451.9, 3482, 3440.1, 3461.3 Torrent Powe, 242, 244.9, 238.05, 243 Triveni Engg, 98.25, 99.1, 96.4, 96.9 Tv18 India L, 73.6, 74.75, 70.35, 71.5 Uco Bank, 102, 103.4, 101.25, 102.55 Ultratech Ce, 1018, 1030.95, 1017, 1021.55 Union Bank O, 330, 331.95, 324, 326.3 Unitech Ltd, 36.45, 37.1, 35.9, 36.95 United Phosp, 140.9, 144.6, 139.25, 142.05 Videocon Ind, 186.9, 187, 182.05, 183.05 Vijaya Bank, 72.5, 73.6, 72.05, 73 Voltas Ltd, 156.6, 162.65, 155.1, 161.95 Wipro Ltd, 434.4, 439.9, 432, 436.6 Yes Bank Lim, 279.45, 286.8, 277.1, 286 Zee Entertai, 121.4, 123.15, 119, 119.9

OHERALDO

Pg 13 GOA, THURSDAY, 24 MARCH, 2011

Gaddafi defiant as fresh explosions rock Tripoli PTI TRIPOLI/WASHINGTON, MARCH 23

A defiant Muammar Gaddafi today vowed to crush the "unjust aggression" mounted by western

powers as fresh explosions rocked Tripoli and coalition forces set their eyes on halting Libyan tanks advancing towards rebel strongholds of Misurata,

Ajdabiya and Zintan.

"I am here. I am here. I am here," the 68-year-old Libyan leader shouted from a balcony to supporters who cheered him, asserting "we will not surrender".

The state TV said the Libyan ruler was speaking from his Bab Al-Aziziya residential compound, where a three-storey building housing his command and control centre was flattened by a cruise missile on Sunday night.

Making his first public appearance since the launch of coalition air strikes on his forces last Saturday, Gaddafi pledged victory and said he was ready to die as a "martyr" in Libya.

"In the short term, we'll beat them, in the long term, we'll beat them," thundered Gaddafi, who slammed the West, calling

the attack an "unjust aggression" and giving no signs of yielding to international pressure to give up his 41-year rule of the oilrich north African nation.

Two explosions were heard in Tripoli which came under attack by the coalition forces for the fifth day.

Reports reaching the Libyan capital said at least 17 people were killed in Misurata in fierce fighting between Gaddafi's forces and the rebels. Rebels claimed that more that 50 people including children were killed in the heavy shelling by government troops.

Intense fighting also raged for the town of Zintan where outgunned rebel forces were rep e a t e d l y t h ro w n b a c k b y Gaddafi's forces.

A clip of .50 calibre bullets hangs off a US army vehicle at FOB Wilson in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan on Wednesday. Around 140,000 foreign troops are deployed in Afghanistan within the UN-mandated, NATO-led, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the US-led coalition Operation Enduring Freedom, which overthrew the Taliban in late 2001.

Bahrain situation at ‘very Yemen Parliament approves dangerous stage’, says FM sweeping state of emergency AFP ISTANBUL, MARCH 23

The situation in Bahrain is at a "very dangerous stage" Bahrain Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa told Turkish TV channel NTV today.

"What is happening in Bahrain is now at a very dangerous stage. There is stability but, we are absolutely afraid of the division between religious communities," Al-Khalifa told in an interview with over-voice translation.

Al-Khalifa said Turkey and Bahrain should have a common

policy on the division between religious communities in the Islamic world.

The Bahraini foreign minister visited pre-dominantly Muslim Turkey to discuss the unrest in his country.

"We should discuss with our Turkish allies about a common stance for these divisions and conflicts between religious communities," he said.

Bahrain, which is ruled by the Sunni Al-Khalifa royal family, has been rocked by Shiite-led demonstrations.

"In the whole region we

should have a strategic agreement on how we would proceed in this transformation process," he said, referring to the uprisings in the Arab world.

Last month, Bahrain's Crown Prince Sheikh Salman offered to start an open dialogue over issues that instigated the month-long protests in central Manama.

But the Shiite-led opposition says it refuses to be coerced into talks, demanding a "correct" environment for negotiations aimed at solving political issues in the Gulf state.

High radiation levels make Tokyo water unsafe for babies PTI TOKYO/FUKUSHIMA, MARCH 23

High levels of radioactive iodine were detected in Tokyo's tap water prompting government today to declare it unsafe for infants, as rising smoke from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant forced another evacuation of Japanese workers battling to restore its cooling functions.

Amid mounting concerns over food safety due to radiation leaks from the nuclear plant, Premier Naoto Kan warned people against consuming leafy vege t a b l e s s u c h a s b ro c c o l i , cabbage, cauliflower and spinach harvested in Fukushima in Japan's northeast rocked by the March 11 magnitude-9 quake and tsunami that left over 24,000 people dead or unaccounted for.

His warning came a day after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it would ban imports of dairy products and vegetables from areas near the crisis-hit Fukushima power plant, citing "radionuclide contamination."

The measure will cover milk, milk products, fresh vegetables and fruit from Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, the FDA said, adding the US would not allow imports unless they are confirmed safe.

In Tokyo, the metropolitan government said radioactive iodine exceeding the limit for infants' intake was detected in

water at a purification plant, apparently due to the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima plant after the March 11 quake that is estimated to cost up to USD 309 billion, in what is being seen as the most expensive natural disaster in the world.

It said 210 becquerels of radioactive iodine were detected per litre of water against the limit of 100 becquerels at a water purification plant yesterday in the Kanamachi district of Katsushika Ward, Kyodo reported.

But the amount of the radioactive substance detected at the purification plant is lower than the 300-becquerel limit for people other than infants, it said.

In a survey of its three purification plants, the metropolitan government also detected 32 becquerels of the substance at a plant in Hamura in western Tokyo. However, the substance was not detected at another plant in Asaka, Saitama prefecture.

Tokyo authorities said infants in the central 23 wards, plus 5 adjacent cities, should refrain from drinking tap water, national broadcaster NHK reported.

In Fukushima, 240 kms from Tokyo, the work to restore power and key cooling functions at the nuclear plant was disrupted again today after rising black smoke forced workers to evacuate.

Gilani: Wars not solution to Indo-Pak problems PTI ISLAMABAD, MARCH 23

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani today said wars are not a solution to the problems between India and Pakistan and hoped that their upcoming talks would help reduce the trust deficit and build a solid foundation for taking the peace process forward.

"Wars are not a solution, talks are the only way forward between Pakistan and India," Gilani told a visiting Indian peace delegation led by veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar.

He said his government would like to continue working with its Indian counterpart to "resolve all outstanding issues peacefully in just manner."

Gilani said it was "his earnest hope" that upcoming talks "would serve to reduce the trust deficit and create a solid foundation for taking the process forward."

He emphasised the need for an "uninterrupted as well as uninterruptible dialogue process to focus on contentious issues

and on promotion of trade, economic, intelligence-sharing, sports and cultural cooperation."

Gilani also called for increased people-to-people contacts and exchange of parliamentary delegations. The first priority of the PPP-led government is development of the well-being of the people of Pakistan, for which peace and stability in the country are critical, he said.

"Pakistan hence wishes to have friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations with India," he said.

Gilani said that "he had personally invested in the peace process, given his ancestral and family's long-standing historical contributions to the joint Indian war of liberation and India-Pakistan friendship."

Gilani's remarks came days ahead of a meeting of the Home and Interior Secretaries of India and Pakistan in New Delhi on March 28 to mark the formal resumption of the peace process that was stalled in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The plant's operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said it learnt at around 4:20 pm local time that black smoke was seen rising at the No. 3 reactor building, leading to evacuation of workers from the four troubled reactors, but said about an hour later that it was receding.

All six reactors of the plant were reconnected to external power last night and workers scrambled to check each piece of equipment like data measuring instruments and feed-water pumps, before transmitting power to them.

PTI DUBAI, MARCH 23

A showdown between the embattled US-backed President and the opposition, escalated in Yemen today as the country's parliament dominated by

supporters of Ali Abdullah Saleh approved a sweeping state of emergency giving him new powers to quash a popular uprising.

The new month long emergency law suspended the strife

torn nation's constitution, allows media censorship, bars street protests and give security agencies overriding powers to arrests and detain suspects without judicial process.

Pg 14 GOA, Thursday, 24 March 2011

India subdue Pakistan

afc challenge cup AGENCIES NEE DELHI, MARCH 23

India defeated arch rivals Pakistan 3-1 in their second Group B match of AFC Challenge Cup 2012 qualifying round at MBPJ Stadium, Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur Wednesday.

The win helped India to garner six points from two matches.

India had earlier beaten Chinese Taipei 3-0 convincingly on Monday.

The teams started the match on a cautious note, but it was India, who had few shots at the goal through Anwar and Jeje Lalpekhulua in the first 15minutes.

It was Pakistan who took the lead against the run of play in

the 32nd minute. Moving up on the right flank Pakistan’s striker Arif Mehmood low right footer near the sidelines hit the ground and took uneven bounce beating India custodian Subrata Pal all ends up.

At the breather, India were down by a goal and Sunil Chhetri’s attempt a minute into the second half saw the ball hitting the woodwork. India almost got the equaliser in the 65th minute but Sunil Chhetri’s attempt was just off target.

The constant pressure from the Indian strikers finally paved the way as in-form Jeje found the equaliser in the 67th minute.

Syed Rahim Nabi laid the ball through left flank to Jeje, who with ease placed his right footer to the far post to bring India back on level terms.

Afghanistan rout Bhutan AGENCIES NEW DELHI, March 23

A brilliant hat-trick by Mohammad Sediq Walizada helped Afghanistan to trounce Bhutan 3-0 in a pre-qualifying play-off of AFC Challenge Cup 2012 at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurgaon on Wednesday.

In a one-sided encounter, Afghanistan were off to a dream start when Mohammed Sediq drew first blood in the 2nd minute. It was no stopping for Afghanistan as they wasted no time in adding another goal before the break. Mohammed Sediq received a pass from the centre and dodged past two Bhutanese defenders to place his left footer with ease in the 35th minute.

Bhutan had no answer to the Afghanistan onslaught and found themselves trailing throughout the match. On the other hand, Afghanistan could have increased the scoreline, but failed to convert a couple of chances that came their way.

Sediq notched his hat-trick to seal the deal in favour of Afghanistan in style scoring the third goal in the 80th minute as Afghanistan strengthened their chances to book a place in the qualifying round.

Bhutan will now have an uphill task and are in do-or-die situation to overcome the strong Afghanistan in the return leg match scheduled to be held on March 25.

Cash award for women’s footballers AGENCIES NEW DELHI, MARCH 23

AIFF announced a cash reward of Rs.50, 000 per member for the women’s team which won the gold medal in South Asian

Games held in Bangladesh from January 29 to February 8 and for winning the 1st SAFF Women’s Football Championship held in Bangladesh from December 12 to 23.

India 3 Pakistan 1 With the game heading to a draw, Steven Dias’ wonder freekick from the top of the 18yard-box saw India in front for the first time in the match at the stroke of final whistle. Jeje was brought down just outside the box and off the resultant free-kick, specialist Steven Dias’ curling right footer saw Pakistan custodian Amir Gul stranded on the goalline.

Jeje then, confirmed India’s victory scoring his second and his side’s third goal in the injury time (90+4’) as India successfully registered their second win on the trot.

Trailing by a goal, Pakistan went all out in search of the

equaliser, which backfired as a quick counter-attack saw Chettri and Jeje combing to score the third goal. Sunil Chhetri lobbed the ball from the centre line to Jeje, who beat the Pakistan custodian to make it 3-1 for India.

Indian team coach, Bob Houghton was all praise for his team, which showed a great character. He said, “The result tells that we dominated the match.

The team has always shown great character to come back and always carry a fighting spirit.’’

Bob rued the missed chances today and said, “We missed easy chances. Also, we hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions.

We should also have had two penalties.”

India will now play Turkmenistan in the last and final group league match on March 25.

SPORTS

Jeje and Shilton celebrate India’s victory in Kuala Lumpur.

Davorlim lift Nagoa Panchayat Cup

Davorlim Sports Club and Union of Chinchinim Villagers players alongwith Mickky Pacheco, MLA, Fr Avinash Rebello, Bruno Coutinho, Wilfred D'Sa and Sachin at Nagoa ground.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 23

Davorlim Sports Club sweated it out to defeat Union of Chinchinim Villagers 4-3 via the tiebreaker in the presence of a huge Sunday crowd at Nagoa

Village Panchayat Cup soccer finals organised by Pax of Nagoa at Nagoa ground on Sunday.

There was no score at half time.

The teams ran out of ideas whenever chances came their way and the forwards had to be

blamed for all the misses.

After the change of ends, the teams looked set to break the deadlock, but again, the forwards did not show improvement in shooting.

In the penalties, Romeo Co-

laco, Venson Figueredo, Jose Colaco and Joaquim scored for Davorlim while Tunard Fernandes, Franky Oliveiro and Mario Rebello netted for Chinchinim.

Following individual prizes were awarded: Man-of-the-

match: Tunard Fernandes (Chinchinim). Best midfielder: Jose Colaco (Davorlim). Best defender: Domnick Rebello (Chinchinim). Best team: CAC Cansaulim. Best goalkeeper: Joaquim Figueredo (Davorlim).

Player of the tournament: Venson Figueredo (Davorlim). Best forward: Alex Dias (Carmona SC).

The winners were richer by Rs 20,000 and the trophy while the runners-up had to be content with Rs 15,000 and a trophy.

Mickky Pacheco, MLA, was the chief guest. Fr Avinash Rebello, parish priest, was the g u e s t o f h o n o u r. B r u n o Coutinho, Arjuna Awardee, Wilfred D’Sa, ZP member, Joao Francis Faria and other panchas were special invitees.

A portrait of Fr Bruno Diniz, founder of the club was garlanded by Bruno.

Savio Pinto, club secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.

Gabby Fernandes compered.

Sesa FA edge out Penha de Franca HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, MARCH 23

Substitute Umang Naik struck in the 89th minute to give Sesa Football Academy a 1-0 win over Penha de Franca in GFA’s Second Division League at Duler Stadium here on Wednesday.

In a very physical duel, seven players were booked. Nevil Miranda, Morison Almeida, Paresh Korgaonkar and Mario Lobo were the four booked for Sesa.

Mangesh Kankonkar, Boris Rodrigues and Russel Fernandes

were the three Penha players booked.

Sesa lost their goalkeeper Jerson Pereira early in the second half and had to be replaced

by Johnson Fernandes. New Sesa mentor Terry Phelan came down from the stands at half time to add his inputs to the team talk.

Penha did not look like the team that won their first two matches comfortably. Some players seemed to be not fully focused, which cost them as victory would have meant they

would have qualified for the play-offs.

Penha’s Russel Fernandes tested the rival goalkeeper early on with a 35 yard free kick but it was easily gathered.

Sesa had an opportunity themselves at the other end, but Ransel D’Souza shot over.

Just before the change of ends, Sesa’s Umesh Harijan saw his attempt palmed away for a corner.

In the 69th minute, the Sesa replacement goalkeeper was tested by a powerful Francisco

Fernandes free kick and he pulled off a delightful instinctive save to deny him.

In the last minute, the ball was played long by Sesa to the left flank, where Raymond Rodrigues did well to claw the ball back on the volley to the edge of the box. Umang took the ball in his stride and dispatched it wonderfully past the Penha custodian.

Penha lead group B with six points from three matches while Sesa move to second with five points from three games.

The Goa U-13 boys football team which is participating in AIFF U-13 boys festival in TN - Sam Noronha, Clarence Furtado, Fernando Araujo, Shawn Noronha, Veegan Ferrao, Aaron Vaz, Stephen Alvares, Mceugene Fernandes, Mark D’Cruz, Jovan Dias, Aaron Rodrigues, Shayan Rodrigues, Audrich Barretto, Carlton Rebello, Cahlil Gomes, Dylan Lourenco alongwith coach and manager Remy Colaco, Anthony Fernandes and Soccoro Vaz.

Don Bosco squeeze past Betalbatim HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MARCH 23

Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda downed Betalbatim Sporting Club 2-0 to enter the quarterfinals of All-Goa SWC Cup intervillage football tournament organised by Social Welfare Club of Zaino at Zaino ground, Velim on Wednesday. Don Bosco led 1-0 at half time.

Don Bosco dominated right from the start and repeatedly attacked the rival citadel.

Betalbatim enjoyed the lion share of exchanges and created

many forays into the rival territory and broke the deadlock midway when midfielder Francis Andrade fired home from close range. The goal helped Don Bosco to mount pressure on the rival citadel and missed a couple of scoring chances due to inept shooting by their forwards.

On the other hand, Betalbatim had scoring chances but their forwards messed up easy chances in ideal positions.

GCA coaching camp for girls HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 23

SWC Cup soccer: CRC, Chinchinim v. Sao Miguel de Taleigao, Zaino ground, Velim, 4.45 p.m.

Goa Velha Super soccer: Barretto Boys, Cortalim v. St Anthony SC, Marna-Siolim, Goa Velha ground, 4.45 p.m.

Crossing over, Betalbatim tried their best but failed to get past the rival rearguard as their rival defenders were alert in thwarting their attempts.

Betalbatim doubled the lead when midfielder Francis bulges the net with a rasping shot to complete his brace.

Stunned by the double blows, Betalbatim regrouped quickly and called the shots against the rival citadel but all in vain.

The Goa Cricket Association will conduct their 3-week coaching camp for girls above 12 years at various centre from April 1 to 20. The camp will be followed by inter-centre matches. Later, the girls will be shortlisted for

a residential camp at GCA. State players may also report. The centres include Mapusa, Vasco, Margao, Sanvordem, Panjim and Porvorim. Details may be obtained from Anuja on 9823089875 (North) or Santoshi on 9923903595 (North and South).

Fatima Convent High School, Margao winners of U-14 and U-17 girls State Level taekwondo tournaments organised by DSYA. Standing (l to r): Sanida Fernandes (gold), Shruti Naik (silver), Charmaine Mendonca (gold), Mallika Fernandes (gold), Swizel D’Silva (silver) and Larissa D’Silva (bronze). Sitting (l to r): Damaciana Fernandes (PE teacher), Salome Pereira (gold), Sr Regina Greta AC (principal), Samara Pereira (gold), Reshma Rane (taekwondo coach), Althea Andrade (silver) and Nina Coutinho (PE teacher).

St Clara’s High School, Assonora, 3rd place winners of State Level U-17 girls handball organised by DSYA alongwith Sr Margaret D’Sousa (headmistress), Roland Pereira (supervisor) and Raj Gawas (coach-cum-PE teacher).

www.oheraldo.in

Pg15

GOA, THURSDAY, 24 MARCH, 2011

Ponting future murky as ACA lashes axing talk AFP SYDNEY, MARCH 23

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting's future was thrown into doubt Wednesday with a report claiming he is set to quit while the Australian Cricketers' Association slammed talk he could be axed as "gutless".

His captaincy was called into question on Tuesday when an unnamed Cricket Australia official told the Sydney Morning Herald there was stiff opposition at boardroom level to him staying in the job.

The official, however, stressed that his position as a player was not in jeopardy.

But Britain's Daily Mail on Wednesday reported that Ponting plans to retire from international cricket altogether at

Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting warms up with teammates during a training session at Sardar Patel stadium, Motera in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Ponting rejects retirement talk PTI AHMEDABAD, MARCH 23

Embattled he might be, but Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting today rejected reports that he is planning to retire after his team's World Cup campaign, saying that he has not given a thought to the idea.

A London-based newspaper today claimed that the 36-year-old batsman, who is struggling for runs in the ongoing

event, would end his career after his team's campaign and look for a county stint in England.

But Ponting rejected the speculation ahead of the quarterfinal clash against India here tomorrow.

"I've never ever thought about retirement or where the finish line might be," Ponting said.

"I've been trying to prepare myself as best I can as a player and lead the team

as well as possible. For some reason, these retirement things keep popping up all the time. As we all know, you probably shouldn't always believe everything you read in the newspaper," he was quoted as saying by 'ESPNCricinfo'.

Ponting's future is under a cloud due to the batting slump and Australia's decline both in Tests and ODIs. The media Down Under is, in fact, abuzz with speculation that the feisty right-hander could

even be sacked if the team fails to lift its fifth World Cup title.

But the man in question remained unfazed.

"It looks like every few weeks now I'm having to answer that question. I'm enjoying it as much as ever. We've got a big game coming up against India that I'm looking forward to, and more importantly I'm looking forward to getting out there and performing well as a player," he said.

I still remain fastest: Akhtar Angry Lorgat blasts campaign.

"Pakistan winning the World Cup is far more important that reaching personal goals. For me, nation comes first. That's the way I have been. So I will accept any team decision," he maintained.

"There will be no sadness if I don't play. I have had my time and it was my determination to play this World Cup, which I have done. I was good enough to play for Pakistan again," he added.

The Rawalpindi Express, who has decided to end his international cricket career after the ongoing World Cup, expressed his desire to be born as a cricketer again.

"I want to be born as a cricketer again. I am a true Pakistani who is honest and with a clear conscience. Even if I have pain in my bones, I will love to bowl fast once again," he said.

According to team officials, although Akhtar has been sidelined since his poor performance against New Zealand, he remains upbeat in spite of the snub from the team management.

"He (Shoaib) is behaving really well. He knows that our aim is to win the World Cup and that he doesn't have a role in the current combination. He is very supportive and is giving the youngsters his advise and guidance," said a team official.

AGENCIES DHAKA, MARCH 23

Pakistan's fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who desires to reach the 250-ODI wicket landmark before retiring from international cricket at the end of the ICC World Cup 2011, has said that he cannot do much if he does not get picked for remaining tournament matches, but is content that he still remains the fastest bowler in the mega event.

Akhtar needs three more wickets to reach the 250-mark in One-day Internationals, but more than reaching that personal milestone, he wants one more chance to bow out in a blaze of glory.

But he seems to have lost favour with the team management, including skipper Shahid Afridi, after conceding 28 runs in a single over in the World Cup league match against New Zealand on March 8.

"I wanted to make way for the juniors, so even if I don't get my 250th wicket it is fine.

It will be dream to reach that landmark, but if I don't get picked, there is not much I can do. I still remain the fastest bowler in this World Cup," The News quoted Akhtar, as saying.

He said he will accept the team management's decision if it opts not to give him any more role in Pakistan's World Cup

Khapreswar Boys champions

‘match-fix’ claims

sponsible for affecting the integrity of the media.

"It is also patently false of the reporter to claim that the ICC ever suggested to it that the match was corrupted. The ICC confirms that, in terms of its policy, at no stage did anyone from the ICC speak to the journalist on this topic.

AFP AHMEDABAD, MARCH 23

International Cricket Council chief Haroon Lorgat on Wednesday blasted media allegations that the World Cup match between Australia and Zimbabwe was under investigation for match-fixing.

The Times of India claimed on Tuesday that the February 21 match in Ahmedabad was being probed by the ICC's anticorruption body.

"The article...can only be described as fictional," said Lorgat.

"We do not comment on the activities of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) and for good reason.

"However, after several misleading and downright false stories appearing in recent weeks it is time for us to show our displeasure and expose those re-

Carlsen proves equal to Anand AGENCIES MONACO, MARCH 23

The captain of Khapreswar Boys receiving the winners trophy from Ramakant Borkar in the presence of Bhojraj Naik, Tulsidas Naik, panch Jemina and Roquozino Vales at Sancoale on Monday.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 23

Khapreswar Boys of Sada Vasco won the all-Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament organised

by Friends Group of Sancoale recently.

Mangor Hill Boys of Vasco

emerged runners-up.

Khapreswar were richer by Rs 14,444. Sandeep Dabholkar was declared man- of-thematch.

Ramakant Borkar, acting Sarpanch of Sancoale was the chief guest and gave away the

prizes.

Ramakant congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting the tournament for the last five years. Bhojraj Naik, Tulsidas Naik, Jemina and Roquozinho Vales were present.

World Champion Viswanathan Anand beat Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the blindfold game but lost the rapid game to draw the mini-match 1-1 in the ninth round of Amber blindfold and rapid chess tournament.

Anand came up with some fine manoeuvres to get an early lead against Carlsen, the youngest ever world number one according to FIDE charts, but could not keep the momentum ticking in the return rapid game as the Norwegian struck back with black to level scores.

Meanwhile, Levon Aronian of Armenia defeated Vladimir Kramnik of Russia 1.5-0.5 to increase his lead by a full point over Carlsen.

With just two rounds and four more games to go in this 227000 Euros prize money tournament, Aronian has a massive 13 points in his kitty while Carlsen has 12 - a huge 2.5 points ahead of Anand.

the end of World Cup in India and finish his career at an English county.

"Sportsmail has learnt that the Australia captain, aiming to lead his side to a fourth World Cup triumph, is fed up trying to prove he should carry on into his 38th year," the paper said on its website.

"Ponting, Australia's most successful skipper, plans to bow out by lifting the World Cup a week on Saturday, but has been forced to admit that he will have to quit before he is fired by Cricket Australia.

"He will resign if his side are defeated by India in Thursday's quarter-final in Ahmedabad or when their quest for the biggest honour in one-day cricket is over," it added.

Earlier, Australian Cricketers' Association chief Paul Marsh

lashed out at talk that Ponting could be axed.

He was not impressed with the anonymous comments, particularly coming on the eve of their crucial quarter-final in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

"Firstly, if a senior official is going to make such inflammatory comments about our national captain, and one of this country's greatest-ever players, how about having the guts to at least put your name to them," he told the Herald.

"Secondly, the team is days away from one of its biggest games in recent memory and now they have to deal with the speculation and discussion surrounding these irresponsible comments.

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Oz aggressive talk old stuff: Dhoni Sehwag doubtful PTI AHMEDABAD, MARCH 23

Uncertainty remained on the availability of dashing opener Virender Sehwag for India's make-or-break World Cup quarterfinal match against defending champions Australia here tom o r r o w, s k i p p e r Mahendra Singh Dhoni said today.

"We will take a call on Virender Sehwag late this evening or tomorrow morning before the start of the game. All the others are fit and available for selection," Dhoni said at the matcheve media conference at the Sardar Patel stadium in Motera Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli listen to captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni during a training session at Sardar Patel stadium, Motera in Ahmedabad.

TODAY’S QUARTER-FINAL

India v.

Australia 2.30 p.m.

PTI

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 23 Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today hit back at the Australians for talking about playing aggressive cricket with shotpitched stuff in the World Cup quarter-final, saying his side will not be flustered by such tactics as they have beaten them even in their own den in the past.

Dhoni said the talks of Australian aggression were not new to his team and they will play the "Indian way" which had seen his side beat them in their own backyard.

"We would play the Indian way, playing normal cricket. People have been talking much about

the short-pitched balls, but this is nothing new to us. Australia have good fast bowlers, but not to forget we have won Test matches in Perth and Durban (considered to possess the fastest tracks in world cricket)," Dhoni told reporters at the match-eve press conference here.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting had asked his players to play in "Australian way" of unbridled aggression in the make-or-break quarter-final tomorrow while fast bowler Mitchell Johnson said they would bombard Indian batsmen with short-pitched deliveries.

Dhoni also refused to see tomorrow's match as a final before the final as has been done by Australian coach Tim Nielsen.

"It's an important game for us. I won't give it any category as a pre-final or something. You have to win it irrespective of

the opposition. The mental element is very important. At the same time you have to rely on your skills because ultimately it has to reflect on the field. Mentally you have to be in a very good frame of mind to execute your plans," he said.

The Indian skipper said his side can ill-afford a batting collapse, which they had encountered in league matches, against a strong side like Australia and they need to slow down in the batting powerplay to bat out the full quota of 50 overs if too many wickets are falling at that stage.

"In all the games we wanted to accelerate and that is one of the main reasons why we lost a number of wickets (in a heap).

The way out is while you need to accelerate to get as many runs as possible, once you have lost those 2-3 wickets you need to curb your instinct and bat 50

overs. Instead of aiming to get 40 runs (in this phase) you should look to get 20-25 runs which could really count at the end of the game," said Dhoni.

"Our batting has been good, especially the top order which means lower order has batted when the team was looking to accelerate. We have not been able to capitalize in the slog overs and second (batting) Power Play as well at the same time. Hopefully in the next game we would be able to accumulate more runs," Dhoni said.

Dhoni ruled out the possibility of playing all his three front-line spinners Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin and Piyush Chawla, as advised by former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram.

"That will be very tough," he said.

Dhoni requested the media not to put extra pressure on Sachin Tendulkar, who is one

century short of completing a century of centuries in international cricket.

"We had lot of trouble when he was one short of his 50th Test century. I would request you to leave him alone and have the discussion (on the expected feat) after the match (after he achieves the landmark)," he said.

He conceded that the Indian players are always under pressure to perform.

"When you are part of the Indian cricket team, irrespective of being a bowler or a batsman you are under pressure. You can't think too much about it. I always say think of it as an added responsibility", he said.

"It's the bowler who is under more pressure than the batsman. If you had batted first and scored over 300 runs it's the bowler who will have to defend it," Dhoni said.

PTI MIRPUR, MARCH 23

hugely-lopsided quarterfinal clash at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.

Chasing just 113 to win, Mohammad Hafeez (61) and Kamran Akmal (47) toyed with the West Indies attack and stitched a 125-ball 113-run opening partnership to wrap up the match very easily and move into the semi-finals after a gap of 12 years.

The 1992 champions Pakistan will now face the winner of the second quarterfinal between India and Australia at Ahmedabad in the semi-finals.

Everything went right for Pakistan today, which also happens to be their national day, as Afridi's men didn't put a foot wrong after West Indies skipper Darren Sammy won the toss and sent them to field.

Hafeez's two early wickets pushed West Indies on the backfoot right at the start of their innings and then Afridi picked four for 30 to dismiss two-time champions West Indies for their third lowest World Cup total.

Hafeez also shone with the bat and provided a blistering start to Pakistan's run chase, clubbing a couple of fours off Kemar Roach in the very first over.

Hafeez picked up another

boundary in the second over off Ravi Rampaul after his opening partner Kamran Akmal sent him across the rope in the second delivery.

Kamran blasted Roach for another four in the next over when his uppish cut kissed Kieron Pollard's fingers at point before racing to the boundar y. The wicketkeeper-batsman picked up another four off the pacer in his next over.

Spinner Devendra Bishoo and skipper Darren Sammy tried to put the break and bowled two maiden overs but Hafeez blasted a couple of fours off the former in his second over to take Pakistan across the 50-mark in eight overs.

Hafeez didn't relent a bit and kept punishing the bowlers with utter disdain. He clipped one off the pad and then lifted one over midwicket, before sending Bishoo across the point boundary to race towards his half-century.

In the 17th over, Hafeez picked up another four off Rampaul to notch up the eighth halfcentury of his career off just 55 balls and then took Pakistan across the 100-mark in the 20th over.

Kamran too matched his partner shot by shot and remained unbeaten on 47 with the help of seven fours.

here.

Sehwag, who lit up the tournament with a breathtaking 175 against Bangladesh in the opening match at Mirpur on February

19, missed India's last Group B tie against the West Indies at Chennai on March 20 after aggravating his old knee problem during the course of the tournament.

He played last against South Africa at Nagpur on March 12, scoring a half century.

Dhoni said the Indian team would certainly miss Sehwag if he is unable to play tomorrow against the world's topranked ODI outfit.

"It's really good to have Virender Sehwag opening the innings. He can play an aggressive game. He can change the course of the game in the first five overs, give the team the kind of momentum that is needed," said Dhoni.

Wankhede chosen for Sachin special: Lorgat ICC chief Haroon Lorgat defended the decision to stage the World Cup final in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, saying it would provide the perfect setting for the city's favourite son Sachin Tendulkar to script a "fairytale" ending.

Choosing the arena for the finale raised a few eyebrows amid growing frustration for shortage of tickets as the 33,442-seater stadium has the second lowest capacity out of the eight Indian venues hosting matches during the six-week tournament.

While Kolkata's revamped Eden Gardens could hold almost 60,000 fans, Delhi's Feroz Shah

Kotla and Ahmedabad's Sardar Patel grounds have around 50,000 seats but all of them were overlooked for the April 2 final.

"You know you have got choices to make," International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Lorgat told reporters on Wednesday.

"Can you imagine a (more) fairytale ending with Sachin Tendulkar getting a hundred in the final and India winning at the Wankhede which is his home ground?

"And no matter what the number (of seats), we do not have sufficient tickets."

Fans, seeking tickets, have regularly clashed with baton-

wielding police in the subcontinent bringing the tournament on the verge of being a publicrelations disaster.

The violence forced the organisers to shelve plans of selling some tickets for the final through box offices.

Lorgat said the organisers simply did not have the means to satisfy the ticketing demands of a cricket-loving country that boasts a billion plus population.

"Attendances have been phenomenal. We expect that from the quarter-final stages every single seat in the house will be sold," Lorgat said.

"It's an unfortunate reality that it's a finite sum of tickets and there is huge demand for it."

Earlier, West Indies skipper Darren Sammy's decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired badly as they were reduced to 16 for three by the sixth over, with the dangerous Chris Gayle back in the pavilion.

Spearhead Gul gave Pakistan a dream start when he had Gayle caught at mid-off by none other than the skipper himself.

If losing Gayle so early was not bad enough, West Indies were dealt another body blow

as the left-hander's opening partner, Devon Smith, was trapped in front by Hafeez.

Hafeez was at the thick of things again when he had Darren Bravo caught plumb in front.

PTI MIRPUR, MARCH 23

against New Zealand and Australia and he did well. Today, we backed Hafeez and he pulled it off with the ball," the Pakistan skipper said.

Afridi refused to think about his side's next opponent, which could be either India or Australia, saying, "We think game by game.

All we can do is to work hard."

Hafeez was declared the manof-the-match for his all-round show.

"I really worked hard over the last couple of days and it worked for me. The coach told me a couple of days back that I would bowl with the new ball, and I tried it at the nets. I just kept them on line and length today, and it worked. My batting form came back at the right time and I hope to carry it on," he said West Indies skipper Darren

Sammy said his side's flop show with the bat, especially their inability to handle spin cost them dear.

"Definitely not enough runs on the board . We didn't counter the bowling well, and fell well short. We lost wickets in clusters to spin throughout the tournament, and today was no exception," he said.

Sammy, however, said his side would go with a lot of positives from the tournament.

"Some bright spots -- a number of people under the age of 27 -- (Kemar) Roach, (Ravi)Rampaul, (Devendra) Bishoo and a few youngsters who should be around for the next World Cup, so we should prepare for that.

Bishoo has done excellently for Guyana and is one of the positives," he said.

Cup and hoped that the good show would help the country.

"We went through ups and downs. I think that gave us belief. It is hurting us that there's no cricket in Pakistan but I think it will be great if we do even better now."

Talking about playing the semi-final in Mohali, Younis said they have no security concerns about playing in India and were not thinking about the opponents at this moment.

Winner of India and Australia match will clash with Pakistan in the semi-final.

"Hopefully (we'll) get another comfortable win. We have to hold nerve, come out on top but the pressure won't just be on us. I am not really fussed with the opponents in the semifinal. We will watch the game tomorrow closely. We have 6-7 days and by then we will have a new strategy.�

"We won't get crowd support like here or Sri Lanka but some people might cross the border to see us play. We have to play wherever the tournament takes us. We are not concerned by security," he said.

REUTERS AHMEDABAD, MARCH 23

Pak spin blows Windies, in semis Captain Shahid Afridi scalped four wickets and Mohammad Hafeez excelled with an allround display as Pakistan spanked a spineless West Indies by 10 wickets to storm in the semi-final of the cricket World Cup here today.

Pakistan bundled out the Caribbeans for a paltry 112 in just 43.3 overs and then overhauled the target with 29.1 overs to spare in a

Win gift for people back home on Pak Day: Afridi

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi dedicated today's comprehensive win over the West Indies in the quarter-finals of the World Cup to the people back home on the occasion of the National Day. "This is a great gift we gave to the nation on Pakistan Day. We tried to stick to our plans and the boys have done a great job doing that. Kamran (Akmal) and (Mohammad) Hafeez did really well," Afridi said after the match.

Afridi yet again impressed with the ball scalping four wickets for just 30 runs.

"Personally I just tried to maintain line and length. These were great conditions for spin if you landed it on the length.

We had tried (Abdul) Rehman

Pressure got best out of us: Waqar PTI MIRPUR, MARCH 23

West Indies: D Smith lbw b M Hafeez 7, C Gayle c S Afridi b U Gul 8, R Sarwanc U Akmal b S Afridi 24, D Bravo lbw b M Hafeez 0, S Chanderpaul not out 44, K Pollard c K Akmal b S Afridi 1, D Thomas lbw b S Afridi 0, D Sammy lbw b S Ajmal 1, D Bishoo b S Ajmal 0, K Roach c Y Khan b A Razzaq 16, R Rampaul b S Afridi 0. Extras: 11. Total: 112 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-16, 3-16, 4-58, 5-69, 669, 7-71, 8-71, 9-111. Bowling: Umar Gul 7-1-13-1, Mohammad Hafeez 10-3-16-2, Wahab Riaz 6-0-29-0, Shahid Afridi 9.3-1-30-4, Saeed Ajmal 8-1-18-2, Abdul Razzaq 3-1-4-1.

Pakistan: Kamran Akmal not out 47, Mohammad Hafeez not out 61.

Extras: 5. Total: 113 for no loss. Bowling: K Roach 5.5-0-39-0, R Rampaul 5-1-28-0, D Bishoo 5-1-24-0, D Sammy 5-1-18-0. Man-of-the-Match: M Hafeez.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis today said the pressure to perform actually helped his side play to their potential as they qualified for the World Cup semi-finals with a resounding win over a hapless West Indies.

Pakistan recorded a comprehensive 10-wicket win over the Caribbean side to enter the semi-finals of the World Cup after 12 years.

"It was a pressure game with a lot of talk around the team but that actually gave us the boost. After we got (Chris) Gayle out, it gave us confidence. I think the pressure got the best out of us," Younis told reporters at the post-match press conference.

The coach said the tough days that his side had to go through before the tournament made them determined to do well at World

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Thursday, 24 Mar 2011

That One Elusive Milestone

Vagache mixer kolo khellta -Anonymous

Arguably the world’s best cricketer ever, Sachin Tendulkar waits at the periphery of successfully completing his mission: the sweet victory of the World Cup to crown his illustrious cricketing career. But will he win that prestigious crown?

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES ndia won the world cup way back in 1983; even before I could ever figure out why 13 men foolishly battled for one cricket ball. But when you are born to a proficient sportsperson who captains his Railways team at the taluka and state level and excels at it, it is but natural to be in the middle of a whole lot of sporty stuff.

Telecast of various sports was the main entertainment from our tube. And donning cricket pads and daringly whacking the ball for cracking sixers, or putting on our loafers and dribbling around with a football or hockey stick; and all this with enthusiastic members from both genders in our quaint Railway colony, was an integral part of growing up.

The natural manner in which sports became a compulsion in our young lives and the constant exposure to sports on television, also took its toll on my heart. So, when you happen to fall in love with that charming six-footer on screen and gawk at his broad frame and handsome smile as he strikes the ball for 6,6,6,6,6,6 in just one over; even if it happened to be a Ranji Trophy match, you realise you are part of a love story that knows no boundaries. It was on the pitch of this passion that I got glued to watching cricket that invariably I ended up learning every nuance of the game. I mean, you do not watch match after match, seeing your ‘Champion of Champions’ bowling maidens over and not get clean bowled yourself and more importantly get thoroughly educated on the game.

That was also the start of an important privilege for any cricket lover – seeing the debut of arguably the world’s best cricketer ever, Sachin Tendulkar. Watching this cricketing genius is like learning cricket in poetry form. But one sad fact: Having started his World Cup career in 1992, Sachin has played in a good whopping six World Cups, including the present one vis-à-vis many players who have not lasted for more than one WC tournament. And he was the vital contributor in virtually all the WC tournaments, but that very important milestone has deluded him.

And this great master batsman has broken virtually every record in the game, but how unfortunate that this one title has eluded him. And this often happened because our boys could not get their act together at the crucial moments! And what is more, any cricket lover will vouch that this true gentleman of the game has always put the interests of the team above any personal interest. Otherwise, he would have converted hoardes of his 50s too to 100s and had even more mammoth records to boast of, though presently, he is already the best with 99 international centuries. In fact, he sharply stands out among the Mumbai men for always playing for the country first, a very selfless attitude akin to our Punjab lads or Bangalore boys who play for the team than for personal records.

There are experts who vouch that this is one cricketer who plays every game with the earnestness of playing in a debut game. He is clearly driven for the present tournament and has worked really hard despite his 37 years; an age considered a veteran in the game of cricket. But will our men in blue contribute in giving Tendulkar that one very important crown before he bids goodbye to

I

the game? Will they be able to charge into the remaining three games like going for battle and will they lift cricket’s most prestigious trophy? Will they be able to rein in the courage and temperament that our Indian greats possessed during the 1983 World Cup tournament?

Because winning that prestigious crown will not just make us World Champs once again, but it will clearly complete Tendulkar’s mission of his passion.

And for this we surely need a united team spirit!

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Ta l e n t w i n s g a m e s , b u t teamwork and intelligence wins championships - Michael Jordan

Australia to lose Forty-five Animal Species in Twenty Years

U

Tendulkar is the first sportsperson to be conferred a rank by the prestigious IAF and the first personality with no aviation background to receive the honour

Ashraf Pandiyal, Treasurer, SAG: “We can definitely win the Cup if we play like we did against West Indies.

The team’s morale has become very high, I personally feel the key to winning the Cup is to beat Australia; then on we will eventually go on to win the Cup.”

Chetan Desai, “India has veryEx secretary, CAG: winning the C good chances of need to improv up but we really then no one cane in our slog overs; is geared up an beat us. Our team this Cup to Sacd they want to give hin. They have home ground ad the have bowlers w vantage and we well consistentho have performed We can make it ly over the years. .”

p to 45 native animal species in Western Australia will die within 20 years if no action is taken for their conservation, stated a study. Species such as the s p o t t e d t re e m o n i t o r, golden bandicoot, scalytailed possum, monjon rock wallaby and the western chestnut mouse were in grave danger.

The study on the Kimberley region – titled ‘Priority Threat Management to Protect Kimberley Wildlife’ – was released by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Xinhua reported.

The report said that at present, $20.2 million a year is spent on conservation efforts in Kimberley, home to many threatened species.

However, even if that money was spent properly, the region would still lose some 31 native animals, it said, calling for an immediate cash injection of $96 million to save the creatures from extinction.

“This investment is of great value,” said Hugh Possingham, one of the six co-authors of the report. “We can save some of Australia’s most iconic mammals and birds at a cost of only about $1 million per species per year.”

(Courtesy: IANS)

Dayanand Narverkar, president, CAG: “I’ll be very frank, Indians have still not picked up to their level of performance. Only three are playing – Yuvraj, Gambir and Sachin; the rest are sitting like silent ducks. When a great side like India does not last out their 50 overs and collapse in the manner they did, I think they have a very blank future with regards to winning the Cup. I think it would be Pakistan, South Africa or Bangladesh. Unfortunately, only Sachin is doing great like always.”

Immortal through his Works Capturing moments of the life and works of late photojournalist Sushant Naik, Sushant Forever, a committee named after him, recently released ‘Eternal’ a book of Sushant’s photographs. Herald speaks to Sunil Naik, Sushant’s father, about the loving memories he shared with his son

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES orothea Lange, American documentary photographer and photojournalist, once said “Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” The same applied to Sushant Naik, a photojournalist from Goa who captured moments with his camera that made viewers smile and most of the time, sit up and think. On his birth anniversary in March, ‘Eternal’, a book of photographs

by Sushant Naik was released. The young photographer’s life was cut short by an accident on December 3, 2007. The book was released by Manohar Parrikar, Leader of the Opposition and a close friend of the family.

A great photographer with a keen eye for detail, Sushant’s photographs always spotted the right scenes. Starting young as a phototjournalist, his photographs were like a window to the real world. Often his photographs informed the public about civic issues while mostly his personality shone through his passion for Goa and the Goan lifestyle. Within a short span of five years, he had captured every aspect of a Goan life like the monsoons, the hot summer months and even the drills by the armed forces.

Every small detail told a story through his frame.

A photojournalist for Navaprabha, Goa Doot and Navhind Times, one interesting aspect of Sushant’s life was that he was a brilliant drummer and was trained under Paul from

D

A final salute to the country’s Tri-colour – The last photograph clicked by Sushant Naik

the Syndicate Band. But instead of picking drumsticks, he took to photo journalism by following his father Sunil’s footsteps. Sunil, still very active in photojournalism, says, “In the initial stages I used to advise Sushant about what angles to take to click a photograph but he learnt it so well that his clicks were picture perfect. He was a photojournalist for Goa Doot for five years. I liked his news sense and he was always upset about the civic issues. He was very particular about the tri colour and could not stand wrong representation of the flag. In fact, the last photograph he had clicked was of the flag that had remained hoisted till the evening at the District Magistrate office. He went and complained about the flag, gave the photograph to the newspaper and was returning home on that tragic night.”

He further adds, “Sushant was very fond of clicking photographs from a very young age. He would accompany me to newspaper offices and he knew about the photographs that have to be clicked for a publication. When he started working, he would advise me on camera angles and would often say, ‘Baba, you must try this angle, it looks good on the screen. You must check other news channels’.”

Sushma Naik, Sushant’s mother, says, “Our aim of releasing the book is to motivate young photographers in Goa. The book has more than a hundred photographs and has a preface by senior journalists Pramod Khandeparkar and Frederick Noronha, singer Remo Fernandes and noted writer Nandkumar Kamat. The design for the book is done

by Rajeev Shinde.”

The book is available at Broadway stores and Varsha Book Stall in Panjim.

Some of Sushant’s photographs on Page 3...

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Thursday, 24 Mar 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

The 2nd Popular Tiatr Festival 2010 cum Competition, organised by Tiatr Academy of Goa is underway till March 24 at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘TVS Apache Mirchi Sound Check’, a band and orchestra music competition for the youth, by the youth, organised by Radio Mirchi 98.3FM and American Centre, Mumbai will be held on March 24, 25 and 26 at Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim. Call 6656666.

Goa College of Architecture is organising an exhibition at the Art Gallery, Kala Academy on March 24 and March 25 A 5-day workshop in shell craft jewellery, organised Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts will be held from April 4 to 8 from 3pm to 6 pm at Sunaparanta, Altinho-Panjim. Registration closes on March 24. Call 2421311.

Friday Balcao will be held on March 25 at the Goa Desc Resource Centre, No 11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa. The topic of discussion will be on Water Quality in the towns and cities of Goa. ‘Preventive aspects of Diseases related old-age’, a talk by Dr Devaki Thatte Dalvi is organised by the International Centre Goa (ICG) and Manipal Hospital Goa on March 25 at 5:30pm at International Centre Goa. Workshop on the Benefits of Special Category Status organised

by Asha Family Responsibilities & Rights Association will be held on March 26 from 4pm to 6pm at Asha Centre Hall, Sweet Home Building, Mapusa, Goa. Call 2256445, 9822166876 or email: trustasha@yahoo.co.in ‘...Son?’ a story by Heta Pandit will be presented to commemorate the World Theatre Day, on March 27 at 7 pm in the courtyard of the Arts centre at Altinho. Abhivyaktee in

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HOROSCOPE collaboration with Sunaparanta (Goa Centre for the Arts) will be presenting the story in English.

Seminar on Media & Human Development will be held at the International Centre Goa on March 26 and March 27, from 9:30am to 5pm. Call: 9765404391, 2452805-10 Right to Information workshop organised by Asha Family Responsibilities & Rights Association will be held on March 27 from 9:15am to 11am, at St. Andrews Church Hall, Vasco, Goa. Call 2256445, 9822166876 or email: trustasha@yahoo.co.in A day at Bat Island, organised by Wildtrek Adventures will be held on March 27. Call 9822123458, 9822155805 or 8796418565.

A One Day State Level Research Scholars Meet organised by the research and consultancy cell of Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s college, Assagao will be held on March 31 in the college. Call: MR Patil 9420979228 or email: mrpatil@yahoo.com.

‘Capture the Sights, Colors and Revelry of Carnival 2011 Photography Contest’, organised by Goan Shutterbugs is open for registration till March 31. Visit www.goanshutterbugs.com to download entry forms. Call 9822151419.

A painting exhibition by Francis De Souza is underway at Gallery Attic in Panjim. Call 2420929, 2257743 or 2257690.

Indradhanush, a 3-day cultural festival, organised by the Ganga-Zuari Academy will be held from April 22 to 24.

There will be competitions in the areas of dance, singing, essay and drawing. Hurry up for registration before 31 March. Call: 9822486204 / 9404434878.

The annual summer camp for children, organised by Wildtrek Adventures will be held on April 7, 8 and 9 at the periphery of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

Call 9822123458, 9822155805 or 2710650.

It's time to get off the sidelines and back into the action.

21 Mar - 19 Apr Your destiny a w a i t s ! Tr y something new today -- from a new restaurant to a new way of looking at spirituality.

Your fiery energy helps you find something that is sure to be just right for you -- until the next time you shift.

Taurus Be wary of making any big financial gambles today. Chances 20 Apr - 20 May are, they won't pay off. Little signals are coming your way today from all around -- but it's your subconscious that's getting the message. That could mean you have to wait until tonight to get the info you need.

If you try, you'll Gemini be successful - but perhaps not in the way you expected.

21 May - 20 Jun You're not usually one for sticking to dogma, but everyone has a weakness -- and you might run up against yours today. It may be time for you to cast off an old belief that doesn't work for you anymore.

When someone uses flattery to persuade you t o d a y, d o n ' t abandon com22 Jun - 23 Jul mon sense. Your sense of duty is strong right now, and you should be able to make a real difference with someone who is in need. Volunteering is one option, though you may want to take off on your own like a superhero.

Be humble when someone sings your praises -- your pride could be 24 Jul - 23 Aug misunderstood.

Your fiery, vital energy is flaring up and ready for some serious action! No matter where you find yourself, you should be able to make the most of your situation and have fun at the same time.

Diplomacy is important right now. A friend has some good ad23 Aug - 22 Sep vice for you.

You've got to let the situation guide you -- otherwise your preconceptions may get in the way. Once you see where things are going, you should be able to adjust your course to ensure that all works out well.

Step back from the social scene and listen to your inner 23 Sept - 22 Oct voice. Center yourself. Your intellectual side is having a romp today, and you ought to be able to take care of some big issues that have been on your mind lately. It's a great time to think big, so don't limit yourself.

Scorpio Be careful -- an impulse buy could lead to a bigger committhan 23 Oct - 22 Nov m e n t you're aware of.

Your deep, built-in skepticism kicks in today -- just in time -and keeps you from signing away your rights or your common sense. Step away from this deal until you feel better about it.

Sagittarius Your admiration

Capricorn Don't listen to the voices of doubt in your head. Perse22 Dec - 20 Jan vere. This plan will work.

You're moving along at a great pace without any real awareness of how you're doing it - which is how it should be.

Save the self-awareness for some other time, as you are really in the flow now.

Aquarius You have more time than you think today! Don't say no to inter21 Jan - 19 Feb esting opportunities. Someone new to your workplace or neighborhood turns out to be a real asset -- and might turn into a great friend soon enough. Keep your options open, and make sure you're as friendly as can be.

If someone starts playing the blame game t o d a y, y o u 20 Feb - 20 Mar need to stay on the sidelines.

Hold your tongue a bit today -- whatever you've got to say can wait until you find the most diplomatic way (and time) to say it. Someone close may take grave offense if you shoot off too soon.

Aries

Libra

for someone is going to be under scrutiny -- de23 Nov - 20 Dec fend her or him!

You know you can do this, and you might find that your energy is best spent on getting ready for what comes afterward instead of fretting about how things are going to go for you today.

WORD OF THE DAY

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? Is Ada Lovlace the world’s first computer programmer?

nebulous Pronunciation neb-yuh-luhs Function adjective Meaning 1: hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused 2: cloudy or cloudlike 3: of or resembling a nebula or nebulae; nebular Example Sentence John dozed off during yesterday’s meeting and hence today, he only had a nebulous recollection of its proceedings.

LAFFS

In 1842 Charles Babbage was invited to give a seminar at the University of Turin about his analytical engine. Luigi Menabrea, a young Italian engineer, wrote up Babbage’s lecture in French, and Babbage asked Lady Lovelace to translate this paper into English and also augment the notes she had added to the translation.

Lovelace spent most of a year doing this. In 1953, over 100 years after her death, Lovelace’s notes on Babbage’s Analytical Engine were republished.

The engine has now been recognised as an early model for a computer and Lovelace’s notes as a description of a computer and software, hence portraying her in popular culture as the ‘World’s First Computer Programmer’. Lovelace broke ground as a woman in a mostly man's world of math and science. In her honour, March 24 is known as Ada Lovelace Day, an international day of blogging to recognise the achievements of females in technology and science. Ada – a high-level Pascal-based programming language has also been named after her.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“Zoo: An excellent place to study the habits of human beings.”

– Evan Esar DAILY GROOK BET DUET

by Francis Rodrigues marrying a gambler isn't such a curse, a guy you'll prefer for bettor or worse!

SUN MOON TIDES

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

Tongue Twister We're real rear wheels Thursday 33° C | 23° C Dawn 06:15

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise 06:37

Sunset Dark 18:46 19:08

Moon rise 23:39 High 01:11

Low 07:49

Moon set

TIDES High Low 14:46 20:14

High —

17:30 Sapoot 21:00 Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi A Better Way to Die Pineapple Express National Treasure The Cable Guy Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time 21:00 Rob-B-Hood 23:30 The Longest Yard

09:45 12:00 14:15 16:45 18:15 21:00 22:45

Inkheart Two Brothers Body of Lies Night of the Scarecrow The Lovely Bones Anaconda 3: Offspring Anacondas Trail of Blood

11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

11:35 13:35 16:05 18:55

Robbery Kala Sona Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam Spy Hard

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Neither. Sawdust

21:00 Keeping Mum 11:15 Legion

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 23:50

Ganga Ki Saugand Daata Yaarana Sanyasi Disco Dancer

The Foreigner Spider-Man Shadows of Time Beverly Hills Ninja

08:00 Veeraana 12:00 Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyon 16:00 Insaniyat Ke Dushman 20:00 Qahar

07:00 Hari Puttar 09:15 Saugandh 13:00 Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaye

16:00 16:30 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Ring Wrong Ring Mrs. Tendulkar Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Mrs. Tendulkar Gili Gili Gappa Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Mrs. Tendulkar Lapataganj FIR

12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein

IDIOT BOX 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Tere Liye Saath Nibhana Saathiya Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Mere Sapne Hamari Devrani Sapno Se Bhare Naina Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak? Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Sasural Genda Phool Saath Nibhana Saathiya Behenein Sabki Laadli Bebo Saath Nibhana Saathiya Sasural Genda Phool Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Liye Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

10:30 12:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30

12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00

C.I.D C.I.D C.I.D Krishnaben Khakhrawala Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Maa Exchange Saas Bina Sasural Kismat

Apno ke liye Geeta ka Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Choti Bahu Pavitra Rishta Sanskaar Laxmi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Preet Se Bandhi Yeh Dori...

Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Choti Bahu Jhansi Ki Rani

SUDOKU 815

A white dove flew down by the castle. Along came a king and picked it up handless, ate it up toothless, and carried it away wingless.

10:11

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

09:35 11:40 14:00 16:35 18:35

Riddle Me This

17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dil Se Diya Vachan Choti Bahu Jhansi Ki Rani Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Pavitra Rishta Ram Milaayi Jodi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Sanskaar Laxmi

11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30

Mrs. Tendulkar Lapataganj Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Mrs. Tendulkar Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Lapataganj FIR

19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 2:00 22:30

11:35 12:25 13:20 14:15 15:10 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

Most Daring Masters of Illusion House Got to Dance The Amazing Race Top 20 Countdown Got to Dance Fear Factor Most Daring House Masters of Illusion

11:00 Koffee With Karan

12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00

Dexter The Bold and The Beautiful Friends Las Vegas The Good Guys Community The Simpsons Dexter Las Vegas Koffee With Karan How I Met Your Mother Modern Family Las Vegas Dexter

10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 16:00 18:00 18:30 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Takeshi's Castle Chhota Bheem Mr. Bean: The Animated Chhota Bheem Marathon Pokemon M.A.D Chhota Bheem Anpanman Breadman Just for Laugh Gags Just for Laugh Gags Takeshi's Castle Takeshi's Castle Mr. Bean The Pink Panther Show

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 13:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 23:15 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls

10:30 11:30 15:30 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30

Tokyo Marathon 2011 H/ls Indonesian PGA Ch’ship Global Football Squash World Cup 2011 Goals!

Football Crazy Bpl Express Football Crazy Premier League World The Immortals Sportscenter Asia Indonesian PGA Ch’ship H/ls Football Crazy Premier League World

10:30 Modern Pentathlon 11:30 ATP 1000 Masters 2011 H/ls

12:30 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 23:00

NBA 2010/11 Motorsport Mundial European Tour Weekly Serie A Show La Liga 2010/11 H/ls WWE: Raw Real NBA European Tour Weekly European Tour WWE: Raw

11:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 13:00 Cricket Extra 14:30 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 22:15 Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc 23:15 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Express H/ls

13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00

World's Deadliest Animals Drugs Inc Mission Army Fight Science Nat Geo Amazing!

Dangerous Encounters I Didn't Know That Nat Geo Wild

07:00Rthymic Breathing 07:30Kids Club 08:00English News 09:00 Snaden Shawn Dance Jhalak 09:30Namah 10:00English News 11:00 Immaculate Heart of Mary 12:00Classical Music 12:30Grape Escapade 13:00English News 14:00Tiny Tots 14:30Angos Musical Show 15:00Success Mantra 15:30Dudhsagar 16:00English News 17:00Rthymic Breathing 17:30Kids Club 18:00English News 19:00Divine Hymns 19:30Namah 20:00English News 21:00 Mapusa Dance Competition 21:30Jazz Gospel 22:00English News 23:00Classical Music 23:30Dudhsagar Note: Subject to change

Instructions for Sudoku 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

SUDOKU SOL 814

HERALD CROSSWORD - 815 Across 1- Dash lengths; 4- Rubs out; 8Napkin fabric; 14- Call on; 15Acting part; 16- Go by; 17MSNBC rival; 18- "___ Brockovich"; 19- Against; 20- Scientific study of the planets; 23- Describes a gently cooked steak; 24- Diamond flaw?; 25- Nabokov novel; 28- Flat; 30- Chief Indian officer; 33- Reduce to a system; 36- Ecclesiastical rule; 40Alway; 41- Satisfies; 42- Collapse of the lungs; 45- Young hare; 46- Vigorous; 51- Marseilles Mrs.; 52- ___ lift?; 55- To ___ (perfectly); 56- Pool where animals drink; 59- Hopple; 62Horne solo; 63- Domestic animal; 64- Capital of Eritrea; 65Authenticating mark; 66- ___ bin ein Berliner; 67- Finger; 68- Sea eagle; 69- Broke bread; Down 1- Steep bank under a rampart; 2- Monthly; 3Nissan model; 4- Black-and-white treat; 5Counterfeit; 6- Aviator; 7- Spanish Mister; 8Dignified conduct; 9- Sleep like ___; 10- Numerous; 11- Appropriate; 12- Georgia, once: Abbr.; 13- New Zealand parrot; 21- Cartoon Chihuahua; 22- Runners-up; 25- Mine entrance; 26- Stun; 27- Ancient Athens's Temple of ___; 29- "Lou Grant" star; 31- Ezio Pinza, for one; 32- 7th letter of the Greek alphabet; 34Small sofa; 35- Beverage commonly drunk in England; 36- Still; 37- Up and ___!; 38- Actress Campbell; 39- Cheer for Manolete; 43- Middle; 44- Shah, e.g.; 47- Exclamation of contempt; 48- System of social perfection; 49- Choose; 50- Prepare to eat, in a way; 53- Clear the

board; 54- More urgent; 56- Come again?; 57Ethereal; 58- Strong wind; 59- Bit; 60- Conductor ___-Pekka Salonen; 61- HBO alternative;

SOLUTION - 814

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Thursday, 24 Mar 2011

Perk up your Weekend with a Trip to Pequeno Island

Photographs taken by late Sushant Naik over the years

Pg3

Musical Band and Orchestra Competition begins Today

P

HERALD FEATURES eople bored of going through the same routine of work and home daily oft find it had to even plan out a short holiday or trip away from the daily rigour. Well, helping such people and anyone else interested in an adventure are groups such as Wildtrek Adventures who are organising Bat Mania – a trip to one of the quietest islands of Goa, Pequeno Island also known as Bat Island. The trip to this uninhabited island will take place on Sunday March 27, 2011.

“This is the first time Wildtrek Adventures is organising a trip to the Bat Island.

Anyone who wants to see the island and enjoy the experience can join the trek.

Children below the age of 15 are advised to be accompanied by someone.

Pick up from Mapusa will be at 6:30am; Panaji at 7:15am and finally at Cortalim junction at 8am. The day will be spent with activities such as swimming, snorkelling, photography and even fishing. I advise trekkers to carry a hat or cap. Water and lunch will be provided by the organisers,” says Sanjeev Sardessai, a member of the adventure group.

The journey from Vasco to the island will be by boat and the group will return back by 4:30pm. Pequeno Island is just over a kilometre from Baina beach, Vasco. The island will be a great treat for those seeking adventures and comprises a small rocky beach and a small stretch of green. The island provides a very interesting stopover along the Goan coast and can be reached by a 30-minute ride into the sea.

Parenting

HERALD FEATURES he Radio Mirchi Sound Check in association with the American Centre, Mumbai is organising a multi-language musical band and orchestra competition for the youth, by the youth and to the youth. Commencing today, March 24, 2011, the three-day event will showcase the best in talent that Goa has to offer, with a galore of artistes who will be hitting it out to be the best.

The radio channel received an overwhelming response to this show and with things now beginning to heat up, the competition is set to begin with a sizzle. The accompanying music festival will be on at Hotel Fidalgo till March 26, 5pm onwards.

Some of Goa’s best musicians will also be performing as part of the event. These include Varun Carvalho, Sharon Mazarello, Khabir Moraes, Allan Vaz, Mukesh Ghatwal, and many more…

T

Allan Vaz

Varun Carvalho

Madhumita Mahatme

Shakuntala

Khabir Moraes

Mukesh Ghatwal

Eternal – Storytelling through photographs

The passion behind a stoic yet patriotic calling – Sushant captures the emotions on the faces of cadets during a drill

Finding divinity in the eyes of Lord Ganesh

“If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God ” - Gilbert K Chesterton

g A photo reflectin Tri-colour

g love for the

Sushant’s undyin

buckets remain empty – Water water everywhere, and yet our er problem wat Sushant highlights Goa’s constant

Is our tomorrow also he ading towards the dumps?

Goa’s eternal procession…the numbers will only increase

2nd Popular Tiatr Festival 2010 cum Competition - Day VIII Devan Ghoddlem, Munxean Moddlem

R “N E V I E W

BY RON FIDELIS o, I am not willing to believe that my husband is having an affair,” say many wives but this very line inevitably sows the first seeds of doubt in their minds. And once this has happened, all hell breaks loose. The arguments for and against the characters in this love triangle are actually well placed in dialogue and hence up there for all to see. While some may disagree, loud dialogues got delivered at the behest of the director who felt that the volume was indeed necessary to make the required impact and make it look real. While styles of presentation and direction will definitely differ from each director and playwright to the other, Devan Ghoddlem, Munxean Moddlem showcased veteran tiatrist Menino de Bandar’s inimitable style of writing and direction.

Comedian Jesus and Menino claimed after the show ended that much of the comedy in this play which did not relate with the main plot was cut off. Apparently this was done to fit into a scheme of things as prescribed by the tiatr format of the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) wherein a general reference is made that the comedy needs to be imbibed within the play. This move by TAG however was done especially to discourage tiatrists from plainly enacting internet jokes and skits and still calling this style of presentation a traditional tiatr which is where the substandard and lethargic attitude of playwrights was clearly getting exposed in public.

With philosophical sayings, one countering the other between the characters, the other woman, who is also married, is however manipulated by the husband of Antonette de Calangute only for money – a ploy that his character keeps secretly away from all – until the local village priest intervenes and opens the eyes of this lady. She gets back to her husband who is willing to forgive her. Comedian Jesus’ character here plays the devil’s advocate with just that right touch of humour by reprimanding this husband for going abroad and leaving his wife on a lonesome note – only for the inevitable to happen next.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Tari playing this two-timing husband however also shows his confused side. When one plays a love game with more than one woman, it is indeed confusing enough to say the least. So with fiery dialogues between the love triangle characters as well as comedian Jesus playing the cheating wife’s brother-in-law, the energetic Jane plays his girlfriend so-to-speak. Both hold the comedy fort for this tiatr. Minus the first scene that basically introduces the characters, every other scene ends in a climax.

In the songs, while an adult comedy song was sung by Jane and T Britton with metaphors that amused, decked with some great looking coats, confident child artist Cielo Noronha pleasantly surprised us all with his songs revealing some startling facts – written and hopefully well researched by his dad, Jeppy Noronha. Cielo sang about awareness of cleanliness of well water in present day Goa, thus making an impact. A quartet about a builder resolving to make provisions for garbage and septic waste while constructing in future and also taking the responsibility of restricting the people of his present construction from doing so because he did not make provision here was also reassuring. Sheikh Amir’s mimicry of Mickey Pacheco, Alfred Rose and M Boyer’s duo and yet another old song sung in a male and then female voice as well was undoubtedly also entertaining.

However, with some cutting edge clash dialogues, right reactions from characters and a little bit of volume, this tiatr had everyone glued to their seats till the very last dialogue that thankfully was far less sermonising than usual.

Melroy on keys, Glemmer on drums and Kenan on bass provided the background music together with brass musicians Santan de Vasco and Cruz de Sanvordem supporting the music for the kantarams.

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Thursday, 24 Mar 2011

Big B wants More Work with Jaya

Tourism

Parenting

Pg4

Mel B snubs Victoria Beckham on Twitter

A

fter facing the camera with his wife Jaya after a decade, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is convinced he wants to do a lot more work with her. The power couple shot for an ad campaign for jewellery brand Tanishq in Mumbai recently.

“Back from Tanishq shoot with Jaya… loved it… relaxed, well controlled atmosphere… wife seemed happy and comfortable! Must get her in front of the cameras with me, she is such a natural! More films perhaps with her in roles commensurate with our age,” Amitabh posted on his Twitter page.

Amitabh, 68, and Jaya, 62, were last seen playing husband and wife in Karan Johar’s superhit family saga Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham in 2001.

Amitabh also shared his experience of the shoot on his blog. “Was a joy today to be in the company of Jaya on set, as we worked together after a gap of almost 10 years. The same studio, Filmistan, the same floor #3 and the same director of photography, Kiran Deohans – as was for our film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Just sheer coincidence! And selling… what women like best, diamonds,” he posted.

P

regnant Melanie Brown has hinted at a new feud between her and former bandmate Victoria Beckham after failing to thank her in a message on her Twitter page. Scary Spice, who this week announced she is expecting her third child, thanked the rest of her former bandmates for their support on her official page – but failed to mention Beckham.

“Ahh big thanks to my spice girls mel c, geri and emma for all the baby well wishes! Love you! Xxxxx,” the musician tweeted.

She later added: “I love and support all my spice girls, always have!!!”

But she still stopped short of mentioning Beckham by name. The omission suggests that Beckham, who is also pregnant, has not been in touch with Mel B to congratulate her on her first child with husband Stephen Belafonte.

I’m not scared of item numbers: Sonakshi

Keira Knightley prefers Masculine Fragrances

A

ctress Sonakshi Sinha wants to prove that she is truly Dabangg when it comes to her profession.

Brushing aside rumours that she wants to refrain from doing item numbers, the actress came out saying that she is not scared of doing them. The 23-year-old, who has shown her dancing expertise on stage at various awards shows earlier this year, revealed that she has no problems in joining the lines of Katrina Kaif, Malaika Arora Khan and Mallika Sherawat by doing an item number. But she has to be comfortable in doing so.

“I’m not scared of doing item numbers. For me, when I did stage shows, I was wearing what I was comfortable in and the moves that I was doing were also what I was comfortable doing; so all depends on comfort. If I’m comfortable what is offered to me, then I might just take it up. I’m not averse to it,” said Sonakshi.

Sonakshi has laid down various rules for herself. She has been maintaining that she won’t be doing any kissing scenes in films and also won’t sport a bikini on screen ever. Yet the budding actress has been getting plum Bollywood offers. After her debut film Dabangg with Salman Khan, the actress will be seen in Joker with Akshay Kumar and is also a part of Race 2.

A

ctress Keira Knightley says she preferred wearing masculine fragrance before discovering Coco Mademoiselle from Chanel. “Before Coco Mademoiselle I wore men’s fragrances. I didn’t want something light and flowery – I’m not that kind of girl,” she said. “One of the things I love about it is that although it’s extremely feminine, it gives me this feeling of power.”

The 25-year-old actress is the face of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle perfume and has shot a commercial for it, directed by Joe Wright.

Keira admits the advertisement made her feel like a “superwoman”, stated reports. “It’s the first perfume I tried and thought, ‘Yes, that fits.’ It’s the mixture of strength and subtlety. It doesn’t overpower but it makes you feel you can stand up straight and that’s important to me,” said Keira.

In the aforementioned three-minute ad for Coco Mademoiselle, Keira evokes a different kind of reaction from viewers by baring it all in a sultry story line which has been described as seductive and provocative yet appealing and artistic.

3:23pm – The Time when Dieting fails

A One-night Stand could give you a Heart Attack!

A

myth that a midnight snack spells doom for people on a diet has finally been broken.

Experts say temptation for food is maximum during mid-afternoon – at around 3:23pm. Researchers for the Atkins Diet in Britain surveyed 1,250 people on diet to know why their plan failed.

They found out that a majority – 62 per cent – broke their diets mid-afternoon, compared to 16 per cent in the morning and 22 per cent late at night. More than half – 56 per cent – blamed stress, 26 per cent blamed boredom at work and eight per cent said colleagues bringing treats to office made them give up their ‘good intentions’.

“We asked people if they could recall the time of day when they had previously ditched their diet. We soon discovered that mid-afternoon, more specifically between 3pm and 3:30pm, was the most precarious time for the majority of slimmers,” nutritionist Linda O'Byrne said.

“We were then able to work out the mean time of failure and it came up as precisely 3:23pm.” According to the Atkins Diet, people are advised to start with a healthy breakfast, followed by a high protein lunch such as chicken with complex carbohydrates like vegetables and healthy fats from avocado or nuts.

H

aving a fling or one-night stand can increase the risk of a heart attack, according to a new study. Researchers from the Tufts Medical Centre and Harvard School of Public Health have found that occasional sexual activity is much more likely to cause a heart attack than regular sex. The short-term risk of having a heart attack increases almost threefold among those who rarely make love.

Those who have sex more often reduce the risk of it causing a heart attack – which means happily married couples could have the advantage.

A review of 14 studies of heart attacks found the heart is under strain during any form of ‘episodic’ physical activity – something an individual only does rarely.

Overall, there is a 3.5 times higher risk of such activity triggering a heart attack. The risk after ‘episodic’ sexual activity – the kind associated with affairs and onenight stands – is 2.7 times higher. But the more active an individual is, either sexually or physically, the lower the risk falls, said the researchers.

The relative risk of heart attack caused by a burst of activity falls by around 45 per cent for each additional time a person indulges in it a week.

The risk of sudden cardiac death also falls by 30 per cent. eople from all over the world shot videos against iconic landThe researchers stress that the marks while reading different fragments of ‘Don Quixote’. number of heart attacks actually These have been now uploaded on YouTube as a complete caused by sex will be low. novel.

Like any physical activity, sex A total of 4,308 YouTube users from around the world sent videos can increase the heart rate and of different fragments of Miguel de Cervantes’ knightly tale, of which blood pressure, which means the Spain’s Royal Academy of the Spanish Language chose 2,149. heart has to work harder. As a reJapan’s Mount Fuji and Argentine and Mexican people dressed as sult, sex carries the same risk of the characters, Sancho Panza and Don Quixote, were also part of the triggering heart trouble as equally scenes edited into the final production. energetic forms of physical activJose Manuel Blecua, director of the academy, said: “There are no better ity. arms for championing Spanish on the web than Quixote and Sancho.”

The higher risk during activity is The project had begun on September 30 last year to promote the use of then offset by a lower ‘everyday’ Spanish on the internet. “This is Quixote seen anew,” Blecua said. “The inbackground risk for people who are ternet is a wonderful way to disseminate the language and linguistic refitter because they are more active. sources, as well as the work done by researchers of the language.”

Courtesy: Agencies

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