26 FEB,2011 HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

saturday

Panjim I February, 26, 2011 I Postal Reg. No. Goa 101 I Price Rs. 3.00 I Air Surcharge Rs 2 I Pages 16+8

visit us at: www.oheraldo.in

wEEkEnd

THe VoICe oF Goa -- SInCe 1900

worLd

CHINA CALLS FOR RENEwED FIgHT AgAINST DALAI LAMA >> P12

goa

gOvT wILL STICk TO PwD, NHAI INSPECTION REPORT: CM >> P3

sports SEHwAg SuRvIvES INJuRy SCARE >> P15

Cipriano Case - Hidden TruTHs - parT 1 In a two-part Weekend series, Herald takes you behind the scenes to reveal so far undisclosed or partly disclosed aspects of the Cipriano Fernandes murder case, on the basis of documents unearthed.

Home Minister played SIT card to delay action against Panjim cops

TEAM HERALD Panjim: The Home Minister, it clearly appears, stepped in to delay action against police officers of the Panjim police station, accused of murdering Cipriano Fernandes, as early as February 4, even before the formal FIR was registered against officers on duty on January 7 and 8, by the Crime branch on February 9.

According to documents containing internal notings of the Home Department available with the Herald, the Home Department was following a simple and clear course of action following the submission of the report of SDM Shabaji Shetye.

The Under Secretary Home, in his summary note dated February 3, 2011 mentioned “The SDM opined that it may be appropriate to

initiate relevant offences against all the police personnel on duty and investigate the matter meticulously. In the above circumstances, government has replied that it will initiate action against the concerned police officials”.

The note then mentions “The DGP may be informed to initiate necessary action against the concerned police officials”.

This note then went up the hierarchy chain for approval and was approved by the Special Secretary, the Chief Secretary (who is the Home Secretary) before landing at Home Minister Ravi Naik’s desk on February 4.

The Home Minister meanwhile had just adopted a different line of thinking in the assembly on February 4 and this is what he mentioned in >Continued on pg 10

The extract from the letter appointing Sandesh Chodankar and Braz Menezes on the same day.

(Right) A note signed by the Home Minister saying that action against guilty officials will be taken after the SIT report.

No passenger fare hike in Mamata’s Rail Budget Weekly Vasco-Valankani Express to be introduced HiGHLiGHTs

PTI NEw DELHI, FEB 25: For the third successive year, the Railway Budget spared passengers of any increase in fares and proposed no hike in freight rates while introducing 56 new trains, including nine non-stop Duronto trains and three Shatabdis.

Presenting her third budget in UPA-II in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a slew of concessions including reducing the eligibility age of

BIZLIFE

P9

Better policies, not paisa

l

l

l

l

No hike in passenger fare and freight rates.

56 new Express Trains, 3 new Shatabdis and 9 Duronto trains to be introduced.

A new portal for e-ticketing to be launched shortly.

Booking charges will be cheaper with a charge of only Rs 10 for AC classes and Rs 5 for others.

senior women citizens from 60 to 58 years and the fare concession for men above 60

from 30 to 40 per cent.

Apparently with an eye on the coming assembly polls in

West Bengal, where she is projected as the Chief Minister candidate of CongressTrinamool combine, she came out with a number of projects for the state, including a metro coach factory in Singur, Rail Industrial Park in Jelligham, an integrated suburban network for Kolkata and 34 new services for the Kolkata metro.

Her announcements for the state evoked protests from members including those from Bihar, UP and Kerala, but she appealed to

them to be patient for her other announcements.

The Minister also extended the concession for physically-challenged persons and Kirti and Shaurya Chakra awardees to travel in Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains, besides extending facility of card passes to parents of unmarried posthumous Paramvir Chakra and Ashok Chakra gallantry award winners.

In the budget for 2011-12, she also proposed to induct >Continued on pg 10

Candlelight march to press for cops arrest HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 25: Civil society groups and concerned citizens would be holding a candlelight procession in the capital city on Saturday evening to protest against the police hush ups in the Cipriano Fernandes custodial killing.

Addressing a press conference, key witness in the case Kenneth Silveira said that the aim to hold a candlelight march from Azad Maidan to chief minister’s official residence at Altinho is to demand immediate arrest of >Continued on pg 10

2

“

www.oheraldo.in

goa SNAPSHOT

Juvenile escapes from ‘Apna Ghar’

OLD GOA: One juvenile managed to escape, while two others were caught when the trio made an attempt to flee from the protective home ‘Apna Ghar’ at Merces on Friday afternoon.

According to reports, all the three juveniles were taken to the court inside the Apna Ghar premises.

After the court proceedings, while the trio was being taken inside the Apna Ghar, all the three juveniles tried to run away.

One juvenile managed to escape, while two others were caught by the Apna Ghar staff.

The 16-year-old juvenile, who managed to escaped, was sent to the Apna Ghar in connection with conflict with law from Margao Police station.

The superintendent of Apna Ghar immediately informed the Old Goa Police officials about the incident. Police officials have sent wireless message to all the police stations in the State.

Man nabbed for slaughtering bull in Gandhi Market MARGAO: The Margao police on Friday morning arrested one Madarsaab Beppari for illegal slaughtering of an animal in the Gandhi Market.

The accused was later released on bail later in the evening.

Acting on a tip off, the police swooped down on the illegal slaughter house and nabbed the accused person. Police said the accused was in the process of slaughtering the animal he was nabbed and later arrested. The Margao police are investigating.

CM thanks Mamata on weekly train to Vailankanni MARGAO: Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat on Friday thanked Union Railway Minister, Mamata Banerjee for announcing a weekly train to Vailankanni from Goa. Kamat expressed gratitude to the Railway Minister on behalf of the Christian community in particular and Goans in general for the kind gesture.

“I along with the PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao had placed the proposal for a direct train to Vailankanni from Goa for the benefit of thousands of people visiting the pilgrimage centre every year.

I am happy that our request has been accepted by the Union Railway Minister”, Kamat said.

3 hurt in tanker mishap at Chicalim VASCO: Three persons were seriously injured, after a tanker knocked down two motorcycles near Annad Residency, Chicalim, on Friday night.

According to Vasco Police, the incident occurred when inebriated tanker (GA-01-Z-2715) driver Anil Kumar knocked down Splendor motorcycle (GA08-L-1870).

Motorcycle rider Narendar Singh (48) from VaddemVasco and his wife pillion rider Indu Singh (42) sustained critical injuries.The tanker further went on to knock down Yamaha FZ motorcycle (GA-06-C4126), which was coming from the opposite direction, injuring Joseph Costa (23) from Margao.

The roads are lined with cars, some of them parked erratically and the residents here don’t have peace of mind. There have to be alternate arrangements so that the people here don’t get inconvenienced.

— Kabir Pinto Makhija

“

Bad local governance finally makes the young contest CCP elections and raise the red flags of garbage, sewage, parking and others. Hopefully this new leadership will do what it should improve the state of Panjim. Bindiya Chari meets the young ones

Panjim’s GenX walks the talk A

young sitar playing mom, a transport business man, a civil engineer and a member of a young boys club. These and other men and women in their late twenties and early thirties are the Gen Now, getting ready to be “city fathers”. From their bylanes, they have decided to catapault themselves and play a role on the larger canvas. Irrespective of whether they win, their presence lends a breath of fresh air So what made them get into politics They come out with list of long pending problems and the issues which have been left unattended in their respective wards.

A 32-year-old Kabir Pinto Makhija who is contesting from Ward XI on Taleigao MLA, Babush Monserrate’s panel, draws attention to a genuine parking problem faced by the residents of Campal especially, when there are a plethora of events at Kala Academy.

“The roads are lined with cars, some of them parked erratically and the residents here don’t have peace of mind. There have to be some alternate arrangements so that the people here don’t get inconvenienced,” says Makhija who studied to be a civil engineer and has a diploma in business management.

He has been active member of citizen groups – Campal Residents Association/Panjim Citizens Action Committee; Campal Miramar Residents Association has been pursing the problem of erratic parking in

Shweta Lotlikar

Kabir Pinto Makhija his area for quite some time now.

For a 31-year-old Shweta Lotlikar politics is an entirely new game. She felt compelled to contest as her Ward VII, was completely neglected by the previous corporator.

“I have came here to stay in 2007 after my marriage but I have seen no improvements being made here,” she pointed showing photos of thoroughly eroded and potholed roads in here area.

She also plans to have helpline forward to help residents to address their civic problems. Shewta, a mother of two-year-old-boy has studied commerce and is also a professional sitar player. “I used to participate in concerts before my son was born,” says Shweta as she prepares for a new role in politics.

A 30-year-old Raju Mar-

Raju Martins tins who is NCP supported candidate from Ward II, too feels utter neglect of their ward, is main reason he has jumped into election. Also, he wants to protect interest of people in his ward II which has high concentration of ST population.

Martins, who has small transport business of his own, pointed out that garbage and sewage problems in his ward has not been looked into at all, as he shows open gutters in his ward.

26-year-old Prajot Vaigankar, who is a graduate and has business of his own, says he is contesting because people in his wards and Taleigao MLA wanted him to contest. He is contesting from Ward XVII and quite aware of different problems in his ward.

Ask him about his big plans for the city. He says he

Gajanan Kale

Mahesh Chandekar believes in action rather than talking big. “I’ll do and show.”

29-year-old Gajanan Kale, contesting from Ward XXI, feels entering politics will give him an edge to reduce unemployment. He is an active member of Young Boys of Altinho which has forty members. The organization takes up social issues.

On the other hand his rival, a 26-year-old Mahesh Chandekar, who works in a private firm, says he has been drawn into politics by his urge to do some work for his ward. “There was absolutely no work done in my ward by the outgoing corporator,” complains Chandekar, who feels unemployment level is high in his ward and something has to be done about it.

Fresh faces and fresh minds will hopefully lead to fresh ideas and projects.

BaTTlE For PaNjIM: wards 4 & 20 In a little more than two weeks, Panjim will come together to vote for a panel of corporators that will have made many a promise, to clean up garbage, de-silt certain stinking nullahs and take care of traffic in the city. Today, we focus on ward four and ward twenty, both of which need serious work.

Ward 4: A matter of prestige for Po Ward 20: Small ward, big issues SHWETA KAMAT BINDIYA CHARI PANJIM, FEB 26: CCP ward four has something synonymous with people living in certain wards in St Inez — the stink emanating from the nullah. The ward comprises of areas like Cambrabhat is similar to the St Inez nullah.

Both nullahs are neglected by CCP. For the 2011 polls, the stinking nullah clogged with plastic waste is a major issue.

And interestingly, none other than current CCP Mayor Caroline Po is contesting from this ward. Po, a Babush confidant, is contesting on the education minister’s panel, while Prabhakar Dongrikar is on the BJP-backed panel.

“The nullah, which was perennial source of water, has turned into a dumping ground.

Everything is dumped into it. The stink emanating from it is unbear-

PANJIM, FEB 25: Though

The nullah at Cambrabhat. Photo by Sanchin Ambdoskar able,” says Dongrikar, stating that plastic waste has further aggravated the issue.

The ward has 1697 votes and Levino Anthony Pereira is the sitting corporator here.

“Po may have a lot of explaining and justification to do when she campaigns for votes here. She has been at the helm of affairs but did nothing for the city and this ward,” says a senior citizen from the ward. All is not bad though.

The sitting corporator Levino has carried out several developmental initiatives here, including beautification of the St Francis Chapel.

He says that works to the tune of 50 lakhs were executed in the ward, which includes road maintenance, drains, beautification of open spaces in different residential colonies, footpath construction and water pipelines. The locals here state that although the roads are maintained, the narrow lanes lead to traffic congestion. There is an urgent need to widen the roads, of course without affecting the residents. For the Babush panel, ward four is a prestige issue, as the voters here will decide fate of Caroline Po.

Ward 20 with a voter population of 848 appears small, the problems faced by the people are really big, which have remained unaddressed for years.

This ward of the CCP, located on Altinho slope and has some beautiful houses, is also congested with dingy houses with absolutely no sanitary facilities.

“I have been here living for years, but we still haven’t got permission to build a toilet,” says an agonized 70-year-old resident of the area.

It’s just not the old houses on the slope which lacks sanitary facilities, but one of the dilapidated buildings in the area, Maruti Housing Society, is

bogged down with sewage problems too. Built somewhere in 1981, the sewage network of the building has broken down at many places and there has been no efforts made to repair the network.

“We have complained about broken sewage pipelines so many times but they are hardly bothered,” says a resident of the building who did not want to be identified.

Residents have learnt to put up with their unhealthy living conditions as they have no hope of finding accommodation elsewhere.

Another resident, who stays at the foot of Altinho, where a gutter flows down from the hill and has been left open at some places before it ends up in the

Ourem creek, says the stink of the gutter is unbearable.

“Sometimes, the stink emanating from the gutter is so unbearable that you just can’t breathe,” she complains bitterly.

While residents of the ward feel that sanitary conditions have to be given priority, as it poses a health hazard, the corporator Advocate Avinash Bhonsle, who is recontesting from this ward, says the satellite market project, which is coming up in Mala, is a bigger threat.

He believes this PPP project needs to be opposed tooth and nail.

According to him, illegal construction on the hill is another major problem, which has put existence of the Altinho in danger.

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

The prisoners were taking undue advantage of medical facilities to flee. I defend the action of the police that availability of medical facilities within jails will resolve the possibilities of fleeing.

— Atmaram Deshpande

92 candidates in fray for 30 wards HEALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 25: After the last day of withdrawal of nominations today, a total 92 candidates were left in the fray, who will fight it out for 30 wards of the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP).

The CCP polls are scheduled for March 13.

“Total sixty nominations were withdrawn on the last day of withdrawals,” informed assistant returning officer Shabaji Shetye while speaking to Herald.

There were no major withdrawals on the final day and after the withdrawal of nominations, the picture has become clear about the tussle between various candidates.

There will be straight fight in eight wards of the CCP whereas fifteen wards are set to have triangular fight.

The wards which will have straight fight include ward IV, ward V, ward VII, ward XII, ward XV, ward

XXII, ward XXVII, XXVIII and ward XXV. Ward II has highest number of candidates with six candidates trying their luck.

The fight is likely to be more fierce in ward II, which has two brothers clashing against each besides other four candidates.

The symbols to all candidates would be floated on Saturday, February 26, officials said.

There is a tripartite fight for gaining supremacy in the CCP between the panels floated by Babush Monserrate, Manohar Parrikar and the Nationalist Congress Party.

Babush is looking to regain power in Panjim as he considers this as a semi-final for him after making his intentions clear to contest from Panjim for the assembly polls to be held next year.

Parrikar on the other hand has called this as final for him.

Eight undertrials have escaped from judicial custody from two jails in Goa in seven months. In the latest escape in Tuesday when noted criminal Michael Fernandes jumped off an escort bus, senior prison officials read about it in the next day’s papers. Not only do jails lack infrastructure, the authorities also lack a structure of coordination. Vibha Verma reports

GOA’S JAIL BIRDS ARE FREE BIRDS

E

scaped jailbirds from Goa may as well come out with a manual of innovative ways of escaping from judicial custody. In the past seven months, about eight of them from the Central Jail Aguada and the Sada Sub Jail have either escaped from the jail premises or during a visit to a medical centre on during travel to or from a court hearing.

The escape plans range from throwing chilly powder on the faces of jail officials, digging a hole in the toilet or just running away from the Goa Medical College.

The latest in the honour roll of judicial custody breakers Michael Fernandes, simply jumped off an escort vehicle, jumped on a waiting motorcycle and fled. Highly places sources stated that prison authorities were informed three hours after the escape. Police later claimed that ‘they tried searching for Michael before informing the authorities.’

Michael is no ordinary criminal. There are 22 serious charges against him including a murder in Karnataka. In addition he is supposed to have confessed of being offered a supari to reportedly assassinate the Home Ministers son Roy Naik.

However, even post some of these incidents, there’s been a virtual communication breakdown between the police and prison authorities.

Shockingly a senior prison official said that they came to know about the details of Michael’s escape next day, that too through newspapers. “It was the duty of Escort Cell to immediately inform Inspector General of Prison (IGP), as escape is a serious matter,” he said.

Last month, noted criminal Ralph Fernandes escaped from the Goa Medical College and Hospital in the day-light right under the nose of the guarding policemen.

Prisons officials had sought a detailed report from the Superintendent of (Training) Police on whether Ralph was traced or not and whether any action was taken against the responsible Escort team. But there has been no reply till date.

About a year ago, a gang of three prisoners Hitler Rosario, double convicts, Seby Ferrao and Abhijit Babasaheb, both undertrials escaped from the sub jail by digging a hole in the toilet.

Four jail officials were however suspended. In yet another embarrassment, two wanted criminals escaped from the Central Jail by spilling chilly powder on the jail guards. The Sub Divisional Magistrate, Vasco, Levinson Martins and additional collector Prasanna Acharya in their report after Hitler’s escape had suggested three-tier security for sub jail at Sada.

Police spokesperson Atmaram Deshpande said recently that the prisoners were taking undue advantage of medical referral facilities to flee from the jail.

3

“

www.oheraldo.in

goa

It is total injustice and unfair to the students aspiring for MDS courses due to the last minute decision for cancellation and derecognition of seats without prior notice to the students. Our career is at stake — Dental students

HIGHWAY EXPANSION PROJECT

Govt will stick to PWD, NHAI inspection report, asserts CM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 25: In an interesting development vis-àvis highway expansion project, Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has asserted that the State Government has made amply clear to the Union Ministry of Surface Transport that it would be difficult to move ahead with the highway project in Goa if the recommendations of the House Committee are not accepted by the Centre.

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao went a step further and said the Goa government will not start the land acquisition proceedings unless the Centre agrees to the recommendations of the House Committee.

Briefing newsmen after returning from Delhi, Kamat asserted that the government will stick to the inspection report carried out by the PWD and NHAI and not by the survey conducted by

Wilbur Smith.

He said the government has impressed upon the new Union Minister for Surface Transport C P Joshi that unless his Ministry agrees to

remind him of the assurances given by his predecessor Kamal Nath to Goa and Goans on minimizing damage in the State,” he said.

“We have briefed Joshi

making his point clear Government has impressed upon the new Union Minister for Surface Transport C P Joshi that unless his Ministry agrees to the House Committee recommendations and the joint inspection report of the NHAI and PWD, things will be difficult visà-vis the highway expansion project. the House Committee recommendations and the joint inspection report of the NHAI and PWD, things will be difficult vis-à-vis the highway expansion project.

He said both he and the PWD Minister have requested Joshi to exempt all Light Motor Vehicles from payment of toll fees. “We called on the new Union Surface Minister to brief him on the project and

about our requirements and the House Committee’s view and recommendations on various issues, including saving houses, road diversions, construction of flyovers and elevated roads, toll issue which will have to be taken into account while finalizing the alignment”, Kamat said.

Saying there’s a new set up in the Union Ministry of Surface Ministry; Kamat said the

new Union Minister has been requested to accept the recommendations of the House Committee without which it would be difficult for his government to move forward.

“Joshi gave us a patient hearing and has sought all details on the highway expansion project in Goa. He has assured to get back within 810 days”, he said.

On the toll issue, Kamat said law exempts 3-wheelers and 2wheelers from the payment of toll, adding the Centre has been requested to exempt all light motor vehicles registered in Goa from toll charges.

He said Wilbur Smith survey did not take all factors into consideration before finalizing the alignment and added that the joint inspection report compiled by the NHAI and PWD gives a complete insight into the number of houses coming within the road alignment, the diversions required, flyovers et al.

Churchill calls for ban on Ratol sale HERALD REPORTER ister Churchill Alemao on Friday has called for a ban on the sale of Ratol in the State.

Concerned about the rising Ratol death cases amongst minor children, Alemao said that he has spoken to the Chief Minister on the issue and has impressed him and other MLAs to bring a ban on the sale of Ratol.

He said the government would soon take a decision on the matter as the poisonous substance has claimed the lives of many children in recent times.

“The statistics are alarming. After the wide publicity given to the death of Nadia Torrado, Ratol has claimed the lives of many young children in the last one year.

This is a disturbing trend amongst the youth. I have suggested a ban on the sale of Ratol across the State”, he asserted.

Telaulim-Varca bridge thrown open for public Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

MARGAO, FEB 25 : One of the three dream bridges of PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao – the Telaulim-Varca bridge -was thrown open for traffic with much fanfare on Friday, with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat publicly declaring his government’s firm support to the Navelim MLA’s development plans for the constituency.

Both the Chief Minister and the PWD Minister vowed to complete the remaining two bridges, including the controversial Sinquetim-Benaulim Bridge, with Kamat asserting that no one would succeed in stopping work on the bridge.

“Churchill Alemao is the leader of the masses. He has fulfilled his election promise of completing one of the bridges. Nobody will succeed in stopping the remaining two bridges as they are meant for the people inhabiting on either side of the River Sal”, the Chief Minister said, while urging the people of Navelim to continue their love and affection towards the PWD Minister. The Chief Minister asked the contractor to

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat inaugurating the Telaulim-Varca bridge in the presence of PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao, Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao, GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar and others. complete the AssolnaCavelossim Bridge by the year end.

In his address, the PWD Minister expressed his resolve to complete the Assolna-Cavelossim and Sinquetim-Benaulim bridges. Saying he is indebted to the people of Telaulim and Varca for supporting the bridge, Alemao lashed out at his rival and former Chief Minister, Luizinho Faleiro for putting spokes in the wheels of de-

velopment in Navelim constituency.

The PWD Minister also came down heavily on NGOs for raking up various issues at the behest of the former Chief Minister.

Making a humble appeal to the Chief Minister to keep away vested interests out to put hurdles in the development work, Alemao sought cooperation and support to complete the development works.

Goa Pradesh Congress

Committee President Subhash Shirodkar said that work on all the three bridges will be completed by the government. Saying that Churchill has support in almost every constituency, Shirodkar said the party needs Alemao to win the coming Assembly polls with 27-28 seats on its own.

Referring to the water tank controversy, the GPCC president told the PWD Minister to continue with the

Cong hatched conspiracy against me: Parrikar

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 25: Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar today charged the Congress of hatching a conspiracy against him by asking the Central Bureau of Investigation to investigate into the alleged irregulari-

ties in developing infrastructure for IFFI 2004.

Interacting with reporters, at his secretariat chamber, a relieved Parrikar said “I always knew that nothing would come out of the investigation as I have done nothing wrong.”

“The good news is that I can now go and watch movies at Inox, as I had decided not to visit the place until I am absolved of all charges,” he stated.

Terming the charges made against him as farce, Parrikar said, “the case was first handed over to CBI in 2005 after a cabinet decision without naming anyone in the

case, it was a general investigation. However the CBI was on the verge of closing the case due to lack of evidence the very next year.” “…but the Congress leaders, including General Secretary Margaret Alva did not want the case to be closed just ahead of the assembly elections in 2007 as it would be embarrassing for them to close it ahead of elections,” he said.

“Therefore they connived and worked out a conspiracy and asked Mauvin Godinho to file an FIR in Panjim Police Station in my name and then handed it over to the CBI,” he said adding

that the case filed by Godinho was purely on the basis of CAG report.

“Godinho cited the CAG report as evidence in his case but one must know that CAG never mentions my name it only makes observations. Only criminal investigation can name any person of swindling money.”

“Now if you see the CAG itself has dropped 14 out of 21 paras they had made in the report,” he said.

Taking a dig at the CBI for dragging the case so long, he said, “The CBI is also hand in glove with the Congress in this conspiracy.”

work and set 50,000 tanks as the target for distribution to the common man.

Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao cautioned Churchill not to fall in the trap laid by his opponents. “They want you to leave the party. That’s why they are writing letters to the high command”, he said, adding that the party needs the PWD Minister to win the coming polls with clear cut majority on its own.

The function was preceded by a rally which culminated to the venue, which later played host to an entertainment program.

Valanka Alemao, Adv Mike Mehta, ZP Maria Rebello, Telaulim acting sarpanch Steven Goes were amongst others who spoke on the occasion.

The Congress leaders, including Margaret Alva did not want the case to be closed just ahead of the assembly elections in 2007 as it would be embarrassing for them to close it ahead of elections — Manohar Parrikar

Solution to Power Dept software soon: IT official HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, FEB 25:PWD Min-

Churchill has fulfilled his poll promise: Kamat HERALD REPORTER

“

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

PANJIM, FEB 25: The Information Technology Department official has said that power department

software issue will be resolved soon.

Talking to Herald, Director of Information Technology Pravin Chandelkar said that the issue of controversial soft-

ware will be resolved soon.

“We are in process of resolving it. Talks are been held with the officials from software firm. We will come out with a solution,” he said.

4

“

www.herald-goa.com

amchi

xaxti SNAPSHOT AGm of GidC employees union PANJIM: The annual general meeting of GDDIDC (Goa-IDC) Employees’ Union will be held on February 26 at TB Cunha Memorial Hall, near Azad Maidan, Panjim, at 10.30 am. All the members working in Goa-IDC at Goa, Daman and Diu can attend the meeting.

Tourism impact workshop PANJIM: Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association (AFRRA) will conduct a workshop on ‘Effects of Promoting Obscenity and Sexuality for Tourism’on February 26 at Institute Piedade Hall II, next to SBI, DB Marg, Panjim, from 3.30 pm to 6 pm. Registration is free. A report on the interactive workshop will be forwarded to the Government of Goa. For details call 2256445/ 9822166876 or email trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

mega lok Adalat PANJIM: Mega Lok Adalat is scheduled to be held in the Court premises of the Civil Judge Senior Division and Chief Judicial Magistrate, Panjim on February 27 from 10 am onwards to take up the civil cases and cases u/s 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act, pending in Tiswadi taluka, for settlement.

Advocates and concerned parties whose cases have been referred to the said Lok Adalat can attend the same.

Free medical camp PANJIM: Rotary Club of Panaji and IMA Tiswadi in association Merces Village Panchayat will organise a medical and eye check up camp on February 27 at Merces Church Hall, from 9 am to 1 pm.

During the camp free blood sugar test will be done and free medicines given to the needy. The camp is open to all.

inter-religious dialogue PANJIM: The Committee for the Apostolate of InterReligious dialogue in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman will organise a seminar on ‘inter-religious dialogue in the mission of the Church’ on February 26 and 27, at Pilar Retreat Centre. Three lay Catholic faithful from every Deanery of the Archdiocese have been invited to participate in this seminar.

The Church sees inter-religious dialogue as an important apostolate to promote peace and harmony among people of different faiths. Hence, the purpose of this seminar is to form lay-leaders who eventually would promote inter-religious dialogue in their respective parishes and deaneries, says a press release.

National Science day PANJIM: The Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa) will celebrate the National Science Day on February 28 at the Public Astronomical Observatory, 7th floor, Junta House, Panjim, at 6.30 pm.

The function is open to all.

dog show in Panjim PANJIM: 23rd All Breed Championship Dog Show organised by Kennel Association of Goa is underway at the Fire & Emergency Services Grounds, St Inez, Panjim, and will be held till February 26. For details call Steve on 9890993687 or Girish on 9822581861.

Talk on ‘Pharmacovigilance’ PANJIM: The Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Goa State Branch will organise a talk on Pharmacovigilance by Prof & HOD, Pharmacology, KEM Hospital Mumbai, Dr Urmila Thatte, on February 26 at Goa College of Pharmacy, Panjim, at 4.30 pm.

The talk is open for all Doctors, Pharmacists & Nurses, and students of Pharmacy, Medicine and Nursing.

Pharmacovigilance is a science of detection, prevention, reporting and assessment of ADRs (Adverse Drug Reactions) to medicines and medicine devices.

Programme on legal aid PANJIM: The Legal Aid Society of GR Kare College of Law will organise a one-day programme on ‘Entitlement of Legal Aid to Poor & Needy” on February 26 in the College Auditorium at 10 am.

Justice A P Lavande and Justice Filomeno M Reis, Judges of Bombay High Court, Goa Bench would speak on the legal aid ‘Judicial Approach’ and on ‘Effectiveness of Legal Aid in India’, respectively.

Member of District Legal Services Authority, Adv Bernard Souza would address the students on, ‘Effectiveness of Legal Aid through the instrumentality of Law Students’.

President of V V M, Ramnath G Kare would preside over the function.

Borkar’s Travelogue release PANJIM: The travelogue of Kashmir valley titled ‘Krisham’ written by eminent writer and editor of Bimb monthly, Dilip Borkar, will be released of February 27 at ‘Dharma-Laxmi’, St Lourence at the end of new bypass road at Agassaim at 5 pm.

The book will be released by President GPCC, Subhash Shirodkar, and Commissioner of Goa State Election Commission Dr M Modassir. Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Media, Sandesh Prabhudesai, will speak on the book.

The land in question belongs to the Sociedade Agricola. They have granted NOC for acquisition of land. The CMC had passed the Resolution in the year 2003 for acquiring the land and had given administrative approval in the year 2004.

- Joaquim Alemao

“

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

This is totally unacceptable. How can the TCP department go against its own decision and conditions laid down at the time of issuing provision and NOC to the real estate builder - Orlando D’Silva

Gandhigiri helps Desai to stall govt’s plan on land acquisition in Cuncolim Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao decision to scrap the Administrative building project and the land acquisition proceedings in Cuncolim has stirred a hornet’s nest in political circles. If Alemao’s instructions are executed by the Cuncolim Municipal Council, then it would be the second time in the last one decade that the land acquisition proceedings would be dropped on political considerations. Guilherme Almeida reports.

Santosh Mirajkar CUNCOLIM: After knocking the doors of the Judiciary – right from the High Court to the Supreme Court -- Gandhigiri seems to have saved Vishnu Bikaro Desai his field admeasuring 8825 sq mts from acquisition by the government for the proposed Administrative building in Cuncolim.

Vishno’s decision to go on an indefinite hunger strike along with his family members earlier this month literally brought local MLA and Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao to his knees, forcing the local MLA to issue instructions to the Cuncolim Municipal Council to scrap the project and the land acquisition proceedings.

But, the entire episode has brought to the fore the politics behind the acquisition and the indecisiveness of the authorities and the political lot vis-à-vis the land acquisition proceedings spanning over 7-8 years.

If statistics are to be believed, proceedings to acquire the land in question got underway after the then BJP ruled Council headed by Urmila Tulaskar resolved to acquire the land way back in 2003. Surprisingly, the land acquisition proceedings were allowed to lapse after the Congress assumed power in the state and when Vishnu knocked the doors of the Urban Development Minister.

Incidentally, when everyone thought that Vishnu has won the final battle, the land acquisition proceedings were revived once again – this time with the support of Joaquim Alemao. This prompted a beleaguered Vishu to seek the support of farmers and NGOs before approaching the High court and the Apex Court with pleas to save his

Joaquim had backed project earlier

Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao with the farmer Vishnu Bikaro Desai and his wife after calling off the hunger strike.

CMC spends lakhs to fight court battle If the Cuncolim Civic body finally decides to scrap the project and the land acquisition proceedings as per the instructions of the Urban Development Minister, lakhs of rupees spent by the Council to defend the land acquisition would go in vain. Though the CMC Chief Officer Shivaji Desai could not disclose the exact amount spent so far towards the land acquisition, sources said the Civic body might have spent nothing less than Rs five lakhs to defend the case in the Apex Court.

Land Acquisition Award is finalised Inquiries with the Land Acquisition Office has revealed that the award is almost finalized and the file has gone to the District Collector for a final nod.

An official said the land acquisition award is finalized and will be published no sooner the Collector accords his green signal. Officials were surprised to know the latest stand of the Urban Development Minister when land acquisition office has lmost completed the ground work to acquire the land for the Cuncolim Municipal council – the second time in the last one decade.

land from acquisition.

What is surprising to note is that days before Joaquim publicly announced scrapping of the land acquisition proceedings, the newlyelected Cuncolim Municipal Council had confirmed its support to the construction of administrative building cum parking complex in the land admeasuring 8825 sq mts after taking over the reigns in November last year.

A resolution adopted by the Council dated Dec 2, 2010 which was proposed by Chairperson Devendra Desai and seconded by Laxman Naik speaks on the determination of the Civic body to construct the building. “Since now, there are no legal hurdles as the acquisition is approved by the SC, this council resoles to construct the administrative building as per the draft plan outlay of the project for the benefit of the public and to request Goa State Urban Development Agency to execute the project”, the resolution states.

If the Cuncolim Municipal Council was indecisive all throughout in acquiring the land in question, local MLA and Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao was no better either.

While Alemao has publicly directed the Cuncolim Civic body to scrap the project and the land acquisition proceedings, the Urban Development Minister had lent his full backing to the project.

A note put up by the Alemao dated May 5, 2008 clearly states that no further action was necessary on Vishnu’s representation to the Chief Minister since the project was in public interest.

Alemao further went on to say in his note “the land in question belongs to the Sociedade Agricola. They have granted NOC for acquisition of land. The Cuncolim Municipal Council had passed the Resolution in the year 2003 for acquiring the land and had given administrative approval in the year 2004. Section 4 is already notified. There is no objection from the general public. The acquiring department has already deposiied Rs 4.51 lakh on January 15 as the 100 per cent cost of the land. This land is required due to overcrowding, lack of space for free movement and parking facilities. The KTC bus stand and football ground are very close. Market is just half a kilometer away. This is a very ideal project where people and citizens of Cuncolim will have easy acess to the government offices houses in this complex”.

Close aide questions project scrapping In what could turn out a major embarrassment to the Urban Development Minister, his close aide Mario Moraes has threatened to file contempt of court proceedings and file a disqualification petition against the “puppet” Cuncolim Municipal Council if they succumb to “blackmailing” tactics and go ahead to overrule the past resolutions dated 2002 and 2010 for acquisition of the land for the proposed project.

Terming the proposed decision of the Council to see whether the acquired land could be dropped at this final stage, Moraes, who is the president of the Cuncolim Citizens Forum, wondered what is the justification for the doing the same when the centrally located land is urgently required for public use to bring all government offices under one roof.

Condemning the decision of the CMC to surrender to the dictates of one family at the cost of the overwhelming majority of Cuncolim citizens, he warned the Civic body not to play with the public sentiments and causing loss amounting to lakhs of rupees to the treasury.

Are govt laws applicable to aam admi not to Raheja’s?

Santosh Mirajkar

Guilherme AlmeidA MARGAO: Condition No 24 of the provisional NOC issued by the Town and Country Planning Department for the sub-division of Mumbaibased Ms Raheja’s property at Carmona village clearly speaks of one major condition --- that any secondary development in the property will be permitted only after acquiring and development of the approach road of 10 meters.

That’s not all. If this condition was not enough, the final NOC issued by the Town Planning department on July 15, 2010 again categorically stated that any secondary development will be permitted only after acquiring and development of road of 10 meters and shall be governed as per rules in force.

If activists from across Goa marched to the residence of Chief Minister on Thursday, their one-point agenda was simple: They wanted the Chief Minister to show the existence of the 10-meter road from the main road to Raheja property before granting license for the con-

All eyes on TCP

The narrow road linking the main road to the Raheja property is the bone of contention between the government and the activists opposing the mega housing project at Carmona. struction of 15 bungalows on the sprawling property.

For, the Town and Country Planning Board headed by the Chief Minister has taken a decision to grant construction license to the Raheja’s on condition that the 10-meter road is put in place at the time of granting occupancy certificate for the bungalows.

“This is totally unacceptable. How can the Town and Country Planning department go against its own decision and conditions laid down at the time of issuing provision and final NOC to the real estate builder”, cried Orlando Da Silva.

Saying that the property is question is around 80,000-

odd sq mts, Orlando sought to know whether a less than five meter existing road will suffice when the rules speaks of a 10 meter road vis-à-vis mega housing projects.

Interestingly, Kamat says the Town Planning Board took the decision to insist on the 10-meter road to Raheja property at the time of issuance of occupancy certificate since the builder has asked for permission only to build 15 bungalows. “The minutes of the Town Planning Board are being finalized. But, I want to ask a question: Can one deny someone of the right to build the bungalows just because the road in question is not existing”, Kamat asked.

The three-year long battle between the villagers of Carmona and Ms K Raheja Universal Ltd has finally reached a decisive stage.

Proposal mooted by the Mumbai-based real estate developer for construction of bungalows on the sprawling land is hanging in balance.

Though the proposal earlier did not find favour with the Town and Country Planning department for want of a 10-meter approach road to the property, senior TCP officials are presently scrutinizing Raheja’s construction file once again based on the note put up by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao that the PWD would acquire land for the expansion of the approach road to 10 meters.

Sources in the know said the TCP officials are seized with two pertinent questions, one whether approval can be granted without the 10-meter road in place and

secondly whether the project can still be passed based on Churchill’s note for acquisition of the land for road expansion.

Villagers maintained that land acquisition for the proposed road has not yet commenced and wondered whether the TCP can approve the file without the acquisition of the land for the proposed road widening.

Incidentally, while Rahejas and the villagers are eagerly waiting for the TCP’s decision on the construction plan, it is not out of place to mention here that the TCP had made it amply clear to Raheja’s and the Carmona village Panchayat that any secondary development will be permitted only after acquiring and development of a 10 meter access road.

In fact, this was one of the conditions imposed by the Town and Country Planning while approving final NOC for the real estate developer for the sub division

of plots.

Says Panch member and activist, Orlando Da Silva: “The conditions make it categorically clear that TCP cannot approve secondary development on the land without the 10 meter road.

This condition was imposed by the TCP and the planning body cannot set it aside”.

Carmona villagers have been waging a battle against the Mumbai-based real estate developer since the last three years when Raheja first approached the village Panchayat seeking permission for the construction of 612-odd residential apartments – giving birth to the agitation against mega housing projects across the state.

The proposal was later scrapped by the developer, but not before anti-mega housing activists led by Orlando Da Silva and others coming at the receiving end of persons close to the establishment.

5

“

www.oheraldo.in

goa SNAPSHOT

PANJIM, FEB 25: The Public

Animal lover insured BICHOLIM: Lions Club of Bicholim recently insured animal lover Amrut Singh from Bicholim to the tune of Rs 10 lakh for his selfless dedication in protecting environment and wild animals.

The decision to insure Singh was made by local journalist V Vaze, who took the initiative and approached the club members to reward Singh in the form of insurance who has been striving hard for saving environment, wild animals and reptiles since his childhood. The unique programme of issuing an insurance certificate was organized during the 41st charter night celebration of Lions International Bicholim at Hirabai Zantye Memorial Hall Bicholim on February 23 in the presence of Lion Club District Governor Nitin Maganlal.

On the occasion, Lions Club Bicholim President Dr Shekhar Salkar, Gurudas Kadkade, Dr Dinesh Amonkar, Ramakant Shetye, Dr Medha Salkar, Suresh Zantye and Umesh Zantye were present on the occasion. Maganlal appreciated the unique type of social service undertaken by Lions Club of Bicholim.

Environment study trail CURCHOREM: The Curchorem I Super School Complex led by Smt C T N Higher Secondary School recently conducted an environment study trail at Sanvari Waterfall at Neturlim Wildlife Sanctuary.

The activity was organised under the 12-point programme of the school complex scheme of Directorate of Education. In all, 49 students and teachers from seven member-schools participated in the trail.

Environment educationalist M N Prabhu was the chief resource person and he was assisted by Suhas Madgaonkar.

Students trekked for about 5 kms from Neturlim to the waterfall, catching a glimpse of village life, agriculture, horticulture, farming, natural springs, water valley’s and jungles.

The group also visited Datta caves, Budbudi lake and the rock carving at Kolamb-Rivona.

Superintendent Goa Division of Archeological Survey of India Dr Shivananda and former director Dr Prakash Chandra Shirodkar addressed the students.

PWD water supply contaminated, claim Calangute locals HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, FEB 25: Residents of Naikka VaddoCalangute are yet again faced with the problem of polluted water running through the taps.

According to the residents, the incident of contaminated water running through taps was reported during the first week of February and was brought to the notice of the concerned PWD officials.

However, the PWD officials took their own time to find a way out and bring an end to the contaminated water problems. It is now almost over 15 days that the residents are unable to use the water running through their taps and the contamination water issue is posing a threat to lives of the residents, informed the residents.

Speaking to Herald, a local, Severina, who has been hard hit due to contaminated water said: “We have been receiving contaminated water which emanates foul odour for the last 15 days and despite our best efforts, the PWD officials are reluctant to act in the matter which con-

cerns the health of the residents.”

When contacted, In-charge at PWD office Calangute, Joseph D’Souza said: “We have decided to change the pipeline and are in the process of laying a new pipeline to get rid of the contaminated water problems of the residents and it will be sorted out in a day or two.” He asked to get in touch with Junior Engineer Shivgal for further details.

However, efforts to contact JE Shivgal did not materialize as his cell was left unattended or was answered by another person saying the JE is busy.

Speaking to Herald, Assistant Engineer Prakash Surlikar admitted that he was aware of the contaminated water to the consumers of Naikka Vaddo and said the same is being looked into.

When queried why PWD took so long to address the contaminated water problem of the Naikka Vaddo residents and if any water tanker supply arrangement has been made to temporarily take care of the water woes of the residents, Surlikar did not reply.

“

We have been receiving contaminated water which emanates foul odour for the last 15 days and despite our best efforts, the PWD officials are reluctant to act in the matter.

-- Calangute Resident

Regulate legal mines, says PAC HERALD REPORTER

ARS Chief Amrut Singh receives insurance certificate.

We have asked the department to implement regulations taking into consideration High Court order.

– Manohar Parrikar

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

Accounts Committee (PAC) today directed the Department of Mines and Geology to regulate all the legal mines operating in the State.

Disclosing this at a press conference, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, who is the chairman of PAC, said the legal mines are not regulated by the Mines Department for various reasons best known to them.

“We have asked the department to implement regulations taking into consideration High Court order. They are temporarily directed to implement this through executive order or through a notification,” Parrikar said adding “regulating legal mines will automatically help them to keep a tab on illegal mining”.

Parrikar said the PAC has taken a strong cognizance of most of the truck drivers not having driving licences “The PAC has directed the authorities to enforce law. Overloading of mining trucks and drivers without licence are two major issues,” he said adding “the RTOs are asked to keep a tab on this”.

“The mining trucks have become murder vehicles in the State,” he said.

Referring to the traffic congestion in mining areas Parrikar said, “There are about 15,000 trucks plying in five and seven-metre roads in Sanguem, Sanvordem and Rivona areas,” he said.

We have asked the DGP to appoint a DySP specially to keep a check on illegalities in transportation.

“There are 9 mines in Rivona alone and we have directed the authorities to keep a watch in these areas,” Parrikar said.

He attributed the increase in number of trucks to the ban on ore export in Karnataka.

“The trucks have increased in these areas as Karnataka has put a ban on export of mining and they are jobless there and hence you see all the trucks here,” he said.

He said the PAC also discussed the loss of royalty to government during 2002-05.

“During 2002–05 period, the government lost a royalty of on the mining export of 1 cr tonnes. The PAC has asked for accounts from the Mines Department, they are unable to explain this,” he stated.

Merces locals face problem of low water pressure Manuel Vaz

Temba-Vaddy locals put forth their grievances to the Merces panchayat authorities, when the latter visited the area to take stock of the water scarcity situation.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MERCES, FEB 25: To collect their quota of water, the residents of Temba-Vaddy in Merces had to burn the midnight oil for several months, as water dripped from the taps only in the midnight from 12 am to 4 am.

And to make matters worse, if one household received water the adjoining household had to go without water.

Now, after waiting for all these months in the hope that the situation would improve, the Temba locals finally put their foot down and took their grievances to the local MLA and the Merces panchayat on Thursday.

And, when the panchayat authorities made their presence felt in the area, on Friday, the residents, who gathered in large numbers, let out their anguish as they put forth their grievances to them.

Later, speaking to Herald, the locals informed that the problem started in the area, around seven months ago, when a business house began the operation of a call centre at its premises, apart from running a showroom and an-

other facility.

“While the population of Temba area is around 400, the workers at this business house number over 1,500,” the locals added and chided the PWD officials for giving water connection to the said business house on the same pipeline that is supplying water to the Tembal locals.

“Apart from this, the pipeline is connected to a hotel and a residential colony,” the locals further added.

But, when asked to disclose their names, the locals refused as they feared that the names appearing in the report could be singled out.

When contacted, JE Borkar informed that the problem was brought to their notice only on Friday and before that the PWD never received any complaint regarding low water pressure or otherwise.

“We have only received complaint regarding nonavailability of water only on Friday,” Borkar added and informed that currently his workers are busy in finding the cause of low pressure in the area while exuding confidence that the problem would be solved at the earliest.

“Lack of proper supervision has helped the illegal

mining business to flourish in the State,” he said.

6

“ opinion WEEKENDEDIT

The Goa police breeds frustration

I

f the people of Goa are frustrated with the Goa police, the Goa police too is frustrated with itself,or should be. The left arm doesn’t know what the right is doing. The Indian Reserve battalion, like any paramilitary force uses buses with large windows to allow for a free and quick movement of its staff during urgent action. The jail authorities need a vehicle with radically different windows- small wire mesh ones so that criminals cannot escape.

But what does some careless official who handles vehicle allotment do. Hand over two IRB buses for criminal escort duty to the Sada jail, which is an open invitation to criminals to “Go jump!”

As always, it’s the small picture which is grasped. First, there was a hapless disbelief when Michael Fernandes jumped out of the van and fled on Tuesday even though escaping from jail is a monthly affair. About eight prisoners have escaped in seven months. Then, it took three hours for the escort cell to even inform the prison authorities.

Suspending policemen of lower ranks is a knee jerk shoddy response to a police system, which is in a state of absolute collapse.

SP Training DK Sawant, who heads the Escort cell, had asked the government to sanction a new escort vehicle to transport undertrials a few months ago. There has been no response to this sanction. Has there been any check on why Sawant’s request has been pending? And if so, the reasons for the delay in sanction?

If the ground level efficiency and execution of the police force is sub standard, the administration of the police force, done by officers of higher ranks is directly proportional.

Police stations do not have jeeps for men to travel. It does not have weapons for men to fire. It does not have escort vehicle for undertrials to be shifted. It does not have strong jails to prevent criminals from digging tunnels.

Can a force which works with such severe handicaps be expected to deliver? It is shameful that policemen go to pick up people in private jeeps driven by private citizens, like they did when they went to pick up Cipriano Fernandes.

We are in a situation where policemen are rich but policing is poor. Police inspectors have fancy personal cars with money gotten out of rampant corruption, but the department can’t even give them vehicles for professional use.

Does the Home Minister even remember when was the last time the force bought new modern weapons or a new fleet of vehicles? Does he remember a single meeting in the recent past where he has discussed plans to have medical facilities inside the jail premises so that under trials do not go for ice cream outings on the pretext of medical attention.

If the home department needs to crack the whip, it should begin by cracking it on its senior most leadership. And then get down to work. Rather than wait for committees and commissions, it should identify its immediate priorities and divide them into urgent projects. Once that is done, it should draw up a team of credible officers and set deadlines for them. For instance a prisons reform project could be broken into a mini project of preventing undertrial escapes. This should cover aspects of prison infrastructure including video conference facilities with courts.

Similarly, police reform is a huge task. Instead a mini project of upgrading vehicles and weapons set to a deadline should be undertaken and completed.

Let us understand, suspending a constable is not a sign of extracting accountability. It’s only an admission of a prima facie lapse. Punishing these men will not cleanse the rot in the system.

Has a DIG, IG or a DGP ever been suspended? Has a Home Minister ever lost his job?

The Goa police commits a rape of accountability almost on a daily basis. Policemen charged with murder are not arrested and a PSI caught on camera trying to sell drugs is not arrested either.

The mess is so deep that you do not know where to start.

Therefore, the only way out is to see the problem in parts and try and achieve small solutions. The whole mountain of this mess is insurmountable.

“

Vol. No CXI No. 057 I Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

www.oheraldo.in

If the ground level efficiency and execution of the police force is sub standard, the administration of the police force, done by officers of higher ranks is directly proportional.

– Edit

I was actually planning to write, my own assessment of life in Goa. On going through the writings, of Jose Inacio de Loyola, I felt there was no need to.

History repeats itself

W

e live in a mystifying regime teeming with trickery, fraud, hypocrisy and dishonesty. At the caprice of the passions or of emotions, or at the whims of that half dozen of characters who have taken over the reins of the future of Goa, reputations are made and unmade, foot stamping is quelled with an impudence that sends shivers down one’s spine. Those who bend to the tyranny of the impositions are commended, even proclaimed, as worthy lads; while others who maintaining their self respect, resist the incredible exigencies of those who command, are shooed away.

The honest intelligentsia, rather than reacting effectively to the intolerant dictatorship that dictates the law in Goa, converting white to black and overturning social stability, prefer in a gesture of resigned defeat to sit back with arms crossed and watch the shameful spectacle unfold. And as they establish their law – their predominant arrogance in full view – the administration gains courage, capturing all and establishing their brutal despotism everywhere, through threats and bribery.

Pick any village at nightfall and you will be witness to a large gathering at the entrance of every tavern. They drink and they gamble. Farmhands returning from the fields, pour half, if not more, of their already meager wages into the tavern. The number of alcoholics in each village is frightening and a survey of

radharao F GraCias them would be both intriguing and enlightening.

The Archdiocese of Goa is living on appearances. Its religiosity is a mask. We have many churches, where many feasts and high masses are celebrated. We have many priests, an abundance of monsignors and of baccalaureates in the sacred theology. Our religiosity is a mere buff, our beliefs superficial. All are Catholics, but very few are Christians.

We desire to see the worship in our churches purified of all the vulgarity – ear splitting music, fireworks, décor of hideous gentile fashion – that which robs it of all its grandeur and spirituality.

Preachers who would take to the pulpit must be led by the fervour of setting afire the faith of the listeners and not by pride of exhibiting their oratorical abilities.

Faith is augmented neither by shindigs in the church halls nor by ostentatious processions with canons, monsignors and baccalaureates in Sacred Theology.

Periodically, the press rouses from its slumber. A newspaper will occasionally raise its voice to make half a dozen points, which are forgotten as fast as they are read, somewhere one terrified soul will raise his hand to the heavens

PEOPLE’SEDIT and let out a shout of alarm, the echo of which quickly fades, and just as quickly, everything returns to a sepulchral silence.

What you have just read, you would agree (except for apologists of those wielding power, political or ecclesiastical) most appropriately sums up Goa, as it is now. None of it is written by me. (I would not be able to write so succinctly) None of it has been written now.

The first two paras are from the essay “Frankly Speaking” dated October 6, 1926; the third from “Mushrooming Taverns” dated October 17, 1926; the fourth and fifth from “Missionaries” dated June 16, 1937 and the last from “This cannot continue” dated May 19, 1937. I have extracted the same verbatim, from the writings, of perhaps the greatest Goan patriot, of the twentieth century, late Jose Inacio de Loyola, as translated

by Alexandre Moniz Barbosa, from the book “Passionate and Unrestrained”.

I was actually planning to write, my own assessment of life in Goa. On going through the writings, of late Loyola, I felt there was no need to. What he had written then holds true almost a century later. Nothing has changed in Goa. It seems nothing ever will.

Radharao F Gracias is a branded political chanakya, who deftly juggles his role of lawyer, politician and schemer. But above all, he is one of the shrewdest political brains in the state

Spare a thought

I

was driving in a Tata vehicle, close to Hyderabad when the fan belt broke. The road side mechanic organised the belt and fan bearing which was needed from the dealer in Hyderabad. Soon I was on the road again.

Today, barring Tata or Maruti, if you are driving almost any other brand, you would hate to be in the situation described above. If ND Naik tried to ensure every Tata vehicle was serviced at their works, they would need a lot space, so Tata has thriving spares counters to reduce the load. Maruti too, has ample spare part dealers.

The trend with any vehicle owner is to do the free services at the dealer but post that find a friendly neighbourhood mechanic. Usually these are people who have trained at the dealership and are now on their own. The service is usually personalised, convenient and above all reasonably priced.

The best way for dealerships to compete with small shops would have been to improve the service levels so that at the end of the service experience the customer feels he has got VFM (value for money). What actually happens is nothing short of a restrictive trade practice, with or without the knowledge of the manufacturer.

Blaise CosTaBir Try buying a damaged tail light for a brand mentioned above from the authorised dealer. They will tell you that they do not sell spares but they will fit it if you bring the car. If you argue they will insist it is company policy or that the parts are sophisticated, that it needs special equipment etc. Is that a choice that has to be made by a customer or not?

Buying from authorised dealers is necessary because otherwise a customer has no protection from fake parts. The fact that in every dealership you will notice posters extorting customers to buy genuine parts means there is a thriving racket in fakes.

As a customer you seem to be caught between the proverbial devil and the deep blue sea. It will be sometime before consumer courts, competition commission or manufacturers wake up.

The alternative is to put your request for spares in writing and enclose the payment. Let the dealership respond

– Radharao F Gracias

saying that a particular spare is not available or that for your new car the spares have been phased out. That reply you can take to the consumer forum or the press. Admission of non availability of spares will make other potential customers wary.

Dealers should figure out that this is a short term measure that will bring more harm than good to the trade in the long run. They should take a leaf out of the book of their counterparts in the two wheeler business. Goa Institute of Vocational Education (GIVE) conducted Scooter Mechanic courses for unemployed youth in the hinterland areas.

The big three – Hero Honda, TVS and Bajaj each donated a new two wheeler for training purposes and the local dealers allowed the trainees to work at their dealership to gain experience.

The advantage was the fact that it generated better trained people to service the two wheelers in the Goan hinterland.

If we do not act now, the smaller independent repair guys will be out of business and then guess what will happen to the cost of services at dealerships, they will go thru the roof in the absence of competition. Competition Commission of India are you clued in?

Primary Education in Church Schools Tomazinho Cardozo

D

algado Konknni Akademi (DKA) is an institution working for the promotion and development of Konkani in Roman script. With the aim of propagating Konkani language irrespective of scripts, DKA organized a Konkani Literary and Cultural Conference. In the keynote address I stated that the primary education in Konkani has not progressed a bit during the last almost 20 years. The church of Goa which does all its religious activities in Konkani in Roman script throughout the 365 days of the year is teaching Konkani in Devnagori scripts.

Due to the teaching of Konkani in Devnagori script, the number of students in the primary schools run by the church has drastically declined.

Thus the future of primary education in church managed schools is very bleak. If the same policy – Konkani in Devnagori script as the medium of instruction, continues, then the primary schools run by the church will have no students in times to come. This means that Konkani medium primary schools run by the Church will have to be closed. This state will adversely affect the Catholic education that is being provided by the Church. Hence in order to save Catholic education in Goa, the medium of instruction in the primary schools should be English with one compulsory subject in Konkani.

Although this statement of mine was widely applauded by the audience at DMK Auditorium, Kala Academy, a priest, Fr Mousinho de Ateide ridiculed my statement and commented on my profession as a headmaster.

As my profession is attacked by non other than a person of God, I am compelled to bring to the notice of the readers few aspects of my headmastership in different schools. Diocesan Society of Education is a witness to the work I have put in different schools where excellent results were achieved including 100 per cent results in the SSC examinations organized by the SSC Board besides providing ample opportunities to the students to develop their physical, emotional and spiritual abilities. However, I wonder whether defaming me as a headmaster befits a priest of the stature of Fr Mousinho de Ataide.

As I have stated earlier, if the schools run by the Church do not change their policy of primary education and do not impart primary education in English, the schools are bound to face disaster. The Catholic education imparted by the Church will be the greatest loser.

WEEKEND INBOX Bridge over troubled waters Much water has flowed down the River Sal since the issue of the two bridges, one at Telaulim and the other at Sinquetim has been a subject of controversy. Finally the Telaulim bridge has become a reality.

The Telaulim bridge will not only be a boon to the villagers of Navelim but to all and sundry from places as far as Cavelossim, Carmona, and even Margao etc. In fact it would be wise suggestion to increase its popularity and immediate utility that there should be a Kadamba bus route established from the Margao Kadamba Bus stand to Mobor at Cavelossim via Margao Holy Spirit Church, Navelim Church, Telaulim Bridge, Carmona etc.

This will help the villagers as well as outstation commuters on the Konkan railway avail of these facilities at an economical cost, instead of relying on costly private or taxi transportation. Are the aam admi oriented legislators listening! CM Digamber Kamat and PWD minister Churchill Alemao need to be congratulated over this great achievement. Truly it was a bridge across troubled waters which has finally turned out to be a reality.

Francis Rodrigues, Navelim

Politics, the mind game There are no friends and foes in politics. The friends become foes and the foes become friends after election, when

the party is in power. My personal experience tells me that those who supported a politician whole-heartily during election are dishonoured after it is over, while those opposed are honoured with great pomp. For example, a Roman Catholic priest was the greatest opponent of a South Goa politician during the last Assembly election when he contested on a Save Goa ticket.

It is surprising that the politician forgot his staunch opponent during election, and thereafter attended his birthday celebrations. He also lavished praise on him. This is real politics.

Marcos Alemao, via email

Sorry Bob It came as a huge surprised when the AIFF executive committee decided to

sack national football coach Bob Houghton. It is sad to know that Bob Houghton will no more be the coach of the national team which played in the Asian cup after a gap of 27 years and won several tournaments. Perhaps the AIFF committee realised how tough it is to have a good coach in the side. The AIFF has committed a big blunder, which will have a negative effect on the team.

Ashlon A Fernandes, Nuvem

Personal benefit tops his agenda Have Goans finally seen the true colours of the so-called Goan politician, who along with his other anti-Goan actions is well known for the below.

1) Got into politics by deceitfully using the Konkani movement. What is the state of Konkani today? (2) Falsely formed the Save Goa party, so as to bargain for control in government (3) Made some noise on anti-Mopa, in order to secure the lucrative PWD ministry and then fell silent after he got what he wanted.

This politician is now trying to sell Carmona to the Rahejas and trying to get his kin into politics, so that he and his family can sell more of Goa for personal benefits.

Arwin Mesquita, UAE

DGP must go The Goa police never cease to amaze us with its startling new revelations and exposes that occur on a regular basis.

First, it was Ashish Shirodkar and his dope-crazy amigos; next came Gudlar’s grotesque tale of woe. Next in line was the gruesome death of Cipriano in police custody and the pathetic cover-up attempt. We now learn about the fancy “escort” service being provided to hardcore criminals by guardians of law. A recent goof-up was the escape of dreaded gangster Michael Fernandes.

Throughout the entire sombre saga of events, the top honcho of the Goa Police, the DGP, has remained a mute spectator.

His uneasy silence has revealed his role of a collaborator with the rogue elements in his department. If news reports are to be believed, it appears that DGP Bassi is simply waiting to be unceremoniously shunted out. The sooner that happens, the better it is for the state.

Lovell G Pinto, USA

F or l et ter s to the e di tor co nta ct us at edi tor weeken d@her al d- go a. com Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001.

Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Sujay Gupta (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 6558510 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editorweekend@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements.

Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Herald represent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.

7 www.oheraldo.in

“

india

Strictly speaking, companies can increase price (of petrol) but it in view of the volatility in the international market, it is good for everyone to wait for EGoM to decide --- Jaipal Reddy

“

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

No increase in passenger fares and freight rates in the Railway budget presented today, might be seen as an expectation of no significant increase in excise duties in the coming Union budget --- CARE Ratings

Govt pegs growth at 9%, to give priority in curbing inflation PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 25: Inflation will remain a priority for the government which projected over 9 per cent economic growth in the next fiscal even as downside risks emerge from rising oil prices due to turmoil in the Middle-East.

The Economic Survey 2010-11, tabled in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, said tight monetary policies would have to stay to curb inflation and mitigate global risks such as rising food and commodity prices and debt problems in the European nations.

Ahead of the general Budget, the Survey made out a case for gradual exit of stimulus provided to the industry

to combat the impact of the global financial crisis in 200809.

Insisting that the inflation is clearly the “dominant” concern, the Survey said “current growth and inflation trend warrant persistence with an anti-inflationary monetary stance”. Consolidation of fiscal deficit would also be essential to check the price rise, it added.

“Inflation is a matter of great concern, no doubt. Just one year ago in February 2010 food inflation was as high as 20.2 per cent...though it is high but it has come down in January...still it is an area of concern and we shall have to work on it, particularly in the context of global economic crisis,” Mukherjee told re-

porters after tabling the Survey.

The Survey, considered a report card on the economy, listed rising international oil prices and sovereign debt problems in the Euro zone and the political turmoil in the Middle-East as the downside risks for the Indian economy.

Higher current account deficit due to impact of fragile global recovery on Indian exports and increasing domestic consumption was listed as an area of concern.

“The problem may be further aggravated by the rising international oil prices,” it added.

For the current fiscal, the Survey said, the economy would grow by 8.6 per cent,

up from 8 per cent a year ago. “It is expected that the growth will breach the 9 per cent mark in 2011-12”, reaching the pre-crisis levels.

The Survey also suggested a set of reforms, including streamlining of land acquisition and environmental clearance norms, to expedite infrastructure projects, a crucial driver of growth.

Besides, it also pitched for opening of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multibrand retail starting with metro cities. “FDI in retail may help bring in technical knowhow to set up efficient supply chains which could act as models of development,” the Survey.

It also pressed for reforms

‘EGoM to take call on raising petrol, diesel prices’ PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 25: With global crude oil prices climbing to their highest level in two-and-a-half years, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy today said a ministerial panel will take a call on raising petrol and diesel prices.

“There is volatility in the international market. I wish to take the matter to the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) after the Budget is presented,” he told reporters here.

International crude oil prices have topped USD 110 per barrel, widening the gap between the domestic retail selling price and cost of production.

“Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who heads the EGoM, is at present busy with Budget. The matter will be considered by EGoM whenever he gives time (for the meeting),” he said.

The Petroleum Ministry is pinning

PTI MUMBAI, FEB 25: CARE Ratings today said it expects no significant increase in excise duties in the coming Union budget.

“No increase in passenger fares and freight rates in the Railway budget presented today, might be seen as an expectation of no significant increase in excise duties in the coming Union budget,” the rating agency said in a statement.

This also means that the government is keen on controlling inflation and has deferred any hike in rail charges, it said. The Union budget will be presented in Parliament on Monday.

In its Railway budget analysis, CARE Ratings said that the railway transport is vital for economic development. With highest ever allocation of Rs 57,630 crore, the budget looks optimistic on moving towards building of a strong railroad infrastructure.

The budget provides significant opportunities for private investment with 85 proposals for public-private partnership plans. Overall infrastructure investment will receive a boost, it observed. The unchanged passenger fares and freight rates looks attractive for the common man but raises a question as to how is the government going to service the borrowing.

ally.

The ministry is hoping Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in his Budget for 2010-11, to be presented on Monday, will abolish customs duty on crude oil and cut excise on petrol and diesel to avoid a further increase in retail prices.

It wants customs or import duty on crude oil to be reduced to zero from 5 per cent at present.

Also it wants the customs duty on diesel slashed to 2.5 per cent from 7.5 per cent at present, along with a reduction in the specific excise duty imposed on the most-consumed fuel in the country.

“Eliminating customs duty on crude and correspondingly bringing down duty on finished products would reduce the under-recoveries (revenue loss on selling fuel below cost) that are compensated by the government,” an official said.

LOK SABHA TV ASATO MAA SADGAMAYA

HIGHLIGHTS OF PROGRAMMES February 26 to March 4, 2011 LIVE PROGRAMMES

PRESENTATION OF GENERAL BUDGET-2011-12 Monday, February 28, 11 am Exclusive to Lok Sabha TV

M. K. Venu, managing editor Financial Express in conversation with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Following presentation of General Budget

Monday, February 28

TELECAST OF LOK SABHA PROCEEDINGS Monday to Friday, 11 am onwords Agenda Monday to Friday, 10 am Sansadnama Monday to Friday, 1.30 pm Lok Manch

Monday, Wednsday & Friday, 7 pm Public Forum Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 7 pm

OTHER PROGRAMMES Insight Weekend Saturday, February 26, 1.30 pm

Kumar Sanjay finds out the problems of assimilation faced by India’s De-notified Tribes Dateline Saturday, February 26, 8 pm House Highlights

Monday to Friday, 9 pm Asmita Thursday,March 3, 10 pm

Topic: Nabaligh Ladkiyon Ki Suraksha Anchor: Sameena

Weekend Classic Film

Saturday, February 26, 9 pm Sunday, February 27, 2 pm

davp 31102/11/0048/1011

Budget may not tinker too much with duty rates: CARE

hopes on customs and excise duty cut in the Union Budget to avoid hiking petrol and diesel prices.

Petrol, whose pricing was freed from government control in June last year, is being sold at a discount of Rs 2.25 per litre to its imported cost.

On diesel, state-owned Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum lose Rs 10.74 a litre. Besides, they lose Rs 21.60 per litre on kerosene and Rs 356.07 per 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder.

The three firms are currently losing Rs 430 crore per day and at current rates are projected to end the fiscal with Rs 76,559 crore revenue loss.

“Strictly speaking, companies can increase price (of petrol) but it in view of the volatility in the international market, it is good for everyone to wait for EGoM to decide,” Reddy said indicating that the state-run oil firms would not raise rates unilater-

Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak Director: Mansoor Khan 1988 / 163 minutes / Colour /Hindi Cast: Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla, Dalip Tahil Alok Nath & others National Award for the Best Film, 1988 Uninterrupted Viewing Film Courtesy NFDC

Log on to http://164.100.24.209/lstv/dailyschedule.aspx for the full schedule

in banking and insurance sector.

The Survey suggested private participation in social sectors such as health and education in the form of pub-

lic-social-private-partnership to supplement the government efforts.

India, the Survey said, needs a policy to bring another round of multifaceted

reforms for the industrial sector to have a sustained double-digit output growth in the medium to long term.

In the short-term, the sector is likely to grow at moder-

ate but sustainable rate.

However, increasing cost of financing and slowdown in foreign equity inflows in the current financial year are causes for concern.

8

“ biznews

“

www.oheraldo.in

SNAPSHOT good budget, says Pranab NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee complimented Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for presenting a "good budget" despite difficult situation arising out of increased wage burden.

"She has to work in very difficult situation and on the whole it is a good budget," Mukherjee said.

He said the Railways has recommended a dividend of 6 per cent to the general exchequer despite facing resource constraint due to salary hike recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission.

Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) this year will be Rs 20,000 crore for various projects the Railways Minister has announced, he said.

Budget to woo WB voters: RJd LUCKNOW: Terming the budget by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee as an attempt to ‘woo’ the voters of West Bengal, Rashtriya Janta Dal today accused her of ruining the ministry.

"This is an election budget by Mamata Banerjee and an attempt to woo voters of West Bengal.

Through this budget the minister tried to fulfil her ambitions in West Bengal," RJD state president Ashok Singh said.

"When Lalu was minister then if the income of Railways was Rs 100, the expenditure was only Rs 75. Situation has changed now ..Now expenditure is Rs 114 and income is only Rs 10," he said.

Meanwhile SP and BJP claimed that the Railways budget has ignored Uttar Pradesh.

Mamata hijacked rail ministry: Jaya CHENNAI: AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa today charged Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee with hijacking the Ministry to "serve local political ends" and alleged that she had presented the Railway budget keeping the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls in mind.

"Mamata Banerjee has predictably presented the budget keeping elections in her home state in mind. She has announced major projects for Nandigram and Singur where she had launched a successful political battle some years ago," Jayalalithaa said in a statement here.

Indian Railways, the world’s 2nd largest public sector employer, expects surplus of revenue over expenditure to rise by over 28 per cent to over Rs 5,258 crore next fiscal on the back of higher traffic receipts.

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

The Rs 57,360-crore earmarked in the annual plan for 2011-12 is the highest ever investment made in a single year for the Railways.

BOARDROOM

The construction baron Sachin Ambadoskar

Joe Mathias, MD, Mathias Construction, is at the helm of construction of designer villas and spacious apartments in Goa. Bharati Pawaskar talks to the experienced man who has been plying his trade since 1977 n Let’s begin with the controversy pertaining to Ocean Park project. What’s the story there?

The development of Ocean Park project started about a year ago. Yes, to a certain extent, there was a controversy, regarding the ownership title. The Police Department and the Vigilance Department conducted a thorough investigation and after verifying the title, the decision has finally come our way through the court. Ocean Park gets a clean chit. We started selling the apartments from January this year and some have already been sold. n Is the construction business facing difficult times in Goa? All businesses are facing a crunch. In Goa, the need of the hour is infrastructure such as water supply, electricity etc. Lack of infrastructure is the root cause of unrest in our industry, I feel. n What are your expectations from the Union Budget?

We are expecting a lot.

First and foremost, a proper

FACT FILE n The information regarding the complaint filed by

Nelson Cabral regarding the property bearing Survey No 249 / 1-A at Dona Paula, Taleigao

The allegations made against me by Mr Nelson Cabral in the complaint dated 30-10-2008, filed by him before the DYSP CID / Crime Branch Dona Paula, are false and baseless. Upon his complaint, the crime branch as well as the Director of Vigilance under instructions of Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, carried out a thorough investigation.

From the investigations conducted in the case, it was revealed that an area of approximately 89045 sq mts in the property bearing survey that an area of approximately 75,000 sq mts was allotted to the National Institute of Oceanography in the year 1971 for the construction of staff quarters.

The honourable District and Sessions judge at Panjim has taken a decision that the complaint filed by Mr Nelson Cabral by its Order dated 18.03.2010 (copy enclosed) There is no dispute as regards to his complaint pertaining to the balance area of 83163 sq mts in the property now bearing Survey No 249 / 1-A, in which my residential project is located… housing policy needs to be adopted to cut down the cost prices. This would help the middle and lower classes to get the maximum benefits at affordable rates. n Is there anything that the government can do for construction industry?

Yes, of course. The government should work towards releasing additional land for residential/settlement purposes – to reduce land prices and provide homes for the aam admi.

The prices of land and built up area has sky rocketed due

BuILdIng EMPIRE: Joe Mathias planing another project. to unavailability of land and extra demand for housing.

The continuous demand for accommodation with no new land to construct is to be blamed for the high prices of housing in Goa. As developers we are handicapped. n There seems to be a fluctuating trend in the housing sector, any reasons for this?

The ups and downs in real estate are a normal phenomenon, as in other business or industries. Real estate is an expensive and long term investment and we have to be prepared to cope with and handle such eventualities. n Why are homes expensive today?

Today, affordable houses

are a rare find and the reason is that land prices have shot up, the construction cost is high and the raw materials are up too. Eventually, the end product houses or bungalows are priced high.

For the last 3 years, the cost of construction materials for housing such as steel, cement etc have risen up by 50 to 75 per cent. As a consequence, the prices of villas, apartments and houses have shot up. n We hear NRIs and NRGs prefer eco-friendly homes. Do you construct such houses?

There are plans to build eco-friendly houses that stay close to nature. The builder’s community is seriously pur-

suing the idea of creating eco-friendly houses with help from government authorities, especially the Ministry of Environment and Forests which encourages such projects. n What are your future plans with Mathias Construction?

We plan to put up a proposal to the government to make land available for providing affordable low cost housing for the common man. For instance, one BHK flat could end up costing just 8 to 9 lakhs or two BHK 12 to 15 lakhs, provided the government gives us land at a very reasonable rate with infrastructure, similar to plots in industrial estates.

Rail Budget 'jugglery' of accounts: Oppn PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 25

An railway porter watches the budget speech on a big screen projection at Sealdaha station in Kolkata, on Friday.

Sensex up 68 points PTI MUMBAI, FEB 25

The BSE index Sensex arrested 3-day falling trend today, gaining over 68 points at 17,700.91, as investors bought bluechips at lower levels, amid Economic Survey projecting strong GPP growth and easing concerns over oil prices.

Stock markets were bolstered by a firm tend in the Asian region and higher openings in Europe as crude oil prices eased, after the producing countries said they would boost output in case the Middle East turmoil hits supplies.

The Opposition today described Mamata Banerjee's Rail Budget as "jugglery" of accounts, saying the finances and performance of the department were in a "mess" and the exercise would push Aban Offshor, 534.1, 552, 520.9, 543.95 Abb Ltd., 679.5, 689, 663, 679.75 Abg Shipyard, 355.05, 358.2, 334.35, 344.35 Acc Limited, 1000, 1004.8, 976.05, 994 Adani Enterp, 587.55, 600, 552.2, 595.35 Aditya Birla, 747.65, 764.7, 747.65, 758.8 Allahabad Ba, 190, 199, 182.85, 197.5 Alstom Proje, 511.15, 522, 503.1, 515.15 Ambuja Cemen, 123.9, 125.4, 121.9, 124.35 Andhra Bank, 143.75, 143.8, 134.05, 136.5 Ashok Leylan, 46.55, 47.8, 45.9, 46.9 Asian Paints, 2405, 2470, 2395.3, 2406.5 Axis Bank Li, 1205.9, 1244, 1193.75, 1232.5 Bajaj Hindus, 69, 70.2, 65.7, 66.7 Bank Of Baro, 847.85, 878, 837.85, 870.05 Bank Of Indi, 425, 443.75, 415.4, 436.9 Beml Limited, 640, 663.9, 601, 613.5 Bharat Elect, 1738.05, 1738.05, 1665.25, 1682.55 Bharat Forge, 309, 311.4, 301.35, 303.95 Bharat Petro, 546.8, 554, 530.4, 539.1 Bharti Airte, 330, 332.8, 324.55, 329.75 Bhel, 2025, 2025, 1961, 1973.45 Bhushan Stee, 382, 382, 365, 373.45 Biocon Limit, 310, 314.9, 301.4, 305.35 Bombay Dyein, 325, 327.4, 310, 319.7

the Railways into bankruptcy.

The two major opposition parties - BJP and CPI(M) used similar adjectives to take the Railway Minister to task for presenting a budget which was a "fraudulent exercise" that was "sympto-

Bosch Limite, 5986.05, 6050, 5986.05, 6003.15 Brigade Ente, 95, 96.25, 94.05, 95.45 Cairn India, 332, 334.4, 326.4, 329.9 Canara Bank, 574, 594.4, 572.8, 588.65 Central Bank, 147, 148.85, 143.7, 146.85 Century Text, 310, 315, 302.6, 308.2 Cesc Ltd, 288, 298, 284.3, 295.05 Chambal Fert, 71.1, 73.25, 65.6, 68.2 Chennai Petr, 189, 191.5, 184, 185.5 Cipla Ltd, 301.9, 307, 299.05, 301.65 Colgate Palm, 809, 818.8, 801, 807 Container Co, 1100, 1136.5, 1095.2, 1120.15 Crompton Gre, 245, 247.7, 240, 243 Cummins Indi, 642, 667.9, 635.25, 654.9 Dabur India, 98.6, 99.8, 96, 98.95 Deccan Chron, 64, 64.4, 56.95, 61.15 Dish Tv Indi, 57.3, 59.2, 55.75, 58.15 Divi’s Labor, 609.7, 618, 591, 597.4 Dlf Limited, 216.45, 217.95, 208.5, 212.6 Dr. reddy’s, 1520, 1548.85, 1506.35, 1527.4 Edelweiss Ca, 36.1, 36.8, 34.7, 35.15 Educomp Solu, 493, 502.4, 480.9, 495.55 Eih Limited, 80, 85.2, 80, 80.55 Engineers In, 292, 292, 281.3, 287.55 Essar Oil Lt, 102.1, 104.5, 100, 103.25

matic of the dismal state of this government".

The BJP said the Rail Budget's "larger approach is to do nothing. It has run out of ideas. The Railways' finances and performance are in a mess ... There appears to be a jugglery of accounts in

Essar Shippi, 73.9, 75.9, 70.05, 70.7 Exide Indust, 132.5, 135.4, 131.1, 134.05 Federal Bank, 340.5, 346.6, 326.2, 334.6 Financial Te, 789.5, 808.65, 771.35, 786.25 Gail (india), 438, 443.2, 431.3, 437.5 Gammon India, 116, 118, 112.95, 115 Glaxosmithkl, 2200, 2260, 2175, 2221.35 Glenmark Pha, 284.75, 287.55, 271.5, 278.75 Gmr Infrastr, 39.2, 40.45, 38.55, 39.95 Godrej Indus, 160.05, 166.35, 158.4, 164.65 Grasim Indus, 2245, 2268.85, 2226.25, 2248.9 Great Offsho, 229.85, 233.95, 221.05, 229.3 Gtl Infra.Lt, 37.15, 37.75, 36.1, 36.5 Gujarat Mine, 113.9, 113.95, 107, 110.5 Gujarat N R, 42.2, 42.9, 41, 42.2 Gujarat Stat, 92.5, 94, 90.05, 91.05 Gvk Pow. & I, 25.5, 26.75, 25, 25.8 Hcl Technolo, 442, 448.6, 434.4, 445.9 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2087, 2087, 2018, 2042.15 Hdfc Ltd, 624.85, 631.2, 611.4, 623.6 Hero Honda M, 1508.7, 1512, 1451.05, 1500.55 Hindalco in, 208.55, 209, 194.5, 200.05 Hindustan Co, 32.65, 34.95, 32.65, 33.65 Hindustan Ma, 62, 63, 58.5, 60.8 Hindustan Pe, 314.8, 321.45, 307.6, 312.35

order to ensure that a profit is projected".

The CPI(M) Politburo said it was "a fraudulent exercise aimed at window dressing the pathetic state of railway finances and announcing sundry projects, which will never take off the

Hindustan Un, 277.75, 281.9, 272, 280.3 Hindustan Zi, 1275, 1289, 1226.65, 1264.35 Housing Dev, 146, 153.5, 144.1, 151.1 Icici Bank L, 969.4, 996.55, 966.2, 986.25 Idea Cellula, 58.25, 59.6, 57.5, 58.4 Ifci Ltd, 49.1, 50.8, 47.9, 50.3 India Cement, 88, 90.9, 85, 87.75 India Infoli, 73.35, 74.9, 71.35, 73.45 Indiabulls F, 143.1, 144.8, 134.5, 140.05 Indiabulls R, 104.4, 105.25, 99.2, 104.25 Indian Bank, 204.65, 207.8, 202, 203.6 Indian Hotel, 80.55, 85, 78.1, 79.25 Indian Oil C, 299.75, 303, 290.1, 293.05 Indian Overs, 126.1, 128.25, 124, 127.1 Indus Dev Ba, 129.95, 144, 126.55, 129.8 Indusind Ban, 237.85, 237.85, 213, 215.6 Infosys Tech, 3023.2, 3042.65, 2966, 3007.3 Infra. dev., 133.45, 139.65, 131.7, 138.05 Ispat Indust, 22, 22.5, 21.8, 22.15 Itc Ltd, 152.7, 156.9, 151.5, 156.3 Ivrcl Infras, 65.8, 69.7, 64.7, 68.55 Jai Corp Lim, 166.85, 172.95, 155.5, 160.6 Jaiprakash A, 79.7, 81.1, 77, 79.75 Jet Airways, 400, 426, 395.5, 419.1 Jindal Saw L, 209, 209, 191.15, 200.15

ground. The Railways are actually facing a financial crisis".

The figures clearly showed that Railways' "own resources are going to deteriorate further even as it draws more resources from the general budget and in-

Jindal Steel, 641.8, 652.6, 617.75, 646.2 Jsw Steel Li, 867, 878, 840, 864.3 Kotak Mahind, 402, 409.9, 388.7, 404 Lakshmi Mach, 2052, 2074.8, 1961.2, 2013.7 Lanco Infrat, 36.9, 37.9, 35.9, 37.15 Larsen & Tou, 1538.45, 1546, 1480.3, 1513.95 Lic Housing, 181, 186, 180.05, 184.7 Lupin Limite, 390, 395.9, 363.1, 373.85 Mahanagar Te, 40.8, 41, 38.9, 40.45 Mahindra & M, 626.35, 627, 587.2, 595.2 Maruti Suzuk, 1183, 1183, 1144.6, 1168.65 Max India Lt, 139, 141.9, 137, 140.55 Moser-baer (, 38.2, 39.5, 38.2, 38.95 Mrpl, 56.5, 58, 55.5, 56.75 Nagarjuna Co, 98.2, 101, 95.15, 98.6 Nagarjuna Fe, 27.1, 27.85, 25.8, 26.9 National Alu, 435, 444.5, 426, 440.15 Neyveli Lign, 95.5, 97.5, 93.3, 95.05 Ntpc Ltd, 171.25, 173.4, 168.3, 169.85 Oil And Natu, 266.95, 268.7, 260.1, 262.1 Omaxe Limite, 132.95, 133.3, 129.5, 130.4 Oriental Ban, 318.95, 323.4, 310.3, 316.55 Pantaloon Re, 269, 283.8, 260.5, 277.55 Parsvnath De, 29, 30.5, 28, 29.2 Petronet Lng, 108.7, 112.55, 106.5, 109.2

crease its indebtedness, ruining its financial health further in the long-term", the Left party said.

"Announcements of projects without any specific plan outlay or time schedule amounts to a farce,” they added.

Power Fin Co, 242, 249.9, 237, 247.55 Power Grid C, 98.55, 99.85, 96.45, 99.2 Praj Industr, 65.55, 66.2, 62, 64.15 Punj Lloyd L, 60, 62.5, 58.3, 61.75 Punjab Natio, 1042, 1075, 1026, 1061.6 Rajesh Expor, 129.4, 130.25, 123, 125 Ranbaxy Labs, 450, 453.9, 441.75, 449.15 Rashtriya Ch, 81.35, 82.15, 76, 79.1 Reliance Cap, 446.7, 461, 433.1, 454.3 Reliance Com, 93.2, 94.25, 85.1, 87.45 Reliance Ene, 1021.01, 1247, 938, 1077.68 Reliance Ind, 640, 662, 597.25, 624.4 Reliance Ind, 980.7, 982.25, 954.55, 966.25 Reliance Pow, 113, 113.4, 106, 109.1 Rolta India, 135, 140.95, 131.1, 140.05 Satyam Compu, 60.5, 62.45, 60.3, 62.1 Sesa Goa Ltd, 286, 286, 271.25, 282.5 Shipping Cor, 100, 100.65, 98.2, 99.75 Siemens Ltd, 844.9, 846, 837, 839.35 Sintex Indus, 142, 147.4, 139.05, 146.4 Sobha Develo, 242, 250.5, 235, 246.9 State Bank O, 2550, 2619.8, 2533.8, 2582.65 Steel Author, 154.55, 156.2, 151.85, 154 Sterlite Ind, 164.45, 164.45, 158.25, 159.2 Sun Pharmace, 412.85, 421, 410, 417.55

Sun Tv Netwo, 387, 399, 382.1, 395.55 Suzlon Energ, 45.85, 47, 45.1, 46.2 Tata Communi, 207, 230, 207, 211.75 Tata Consult, 1105.3, 1117, 1088.25, 1110.05 Tata Power C, 1185.3, 1191.15, 1152, 1172.6 Tata Steel L, 608.1, 611.4, 591.2, 606.85 Tata Teleser, 14.65, 15.05, 14.5, 14.75 Tech Mahindr, 655, 666.95, 635.2, 641.65 The Ge Shpg., 246.9, 248.85, 242, 246.35 The Phoenix, 168, 182.45, 165, 176 Thermax Ltd, 611.85, 611.9, 586, 599.7 Titan Indust, 3285, 3363.9, 3273.6, 3343.35 Triveni Engg, 84.25, 88.4, 83.95, 87.4 Tv18 India L, 71.85, 73.9, 70.85, 72.2 Uco Bank, 98, 98.35, 91.8, 96.6 Ultratech Ce, 952.6, 982.45, 952.6, 959.2 Union Bank O, 310, 319, 304.4, 315.2 Unitech Ltd, 34.6, 35.25, 30.7, 33.3 United Phosp, 128.8, 131.5, 127.5, 130.05 Videocon Ind, 192, 193.6, 183.55, 187.55 Vijaya Bank, 77.3, 77.8, 73.6, 75.25 Voltas Ltd, 159.95, 162.9, 156.2, 159.05 Wipro Ltd, 432.75, 435.7, 423.1, 433.05 Yes Bank Lim, 256.3, 261.2, 241.55, 255.35 Zee Entertai, 117, 118.15, 114.25, 117.6

9

Goa I Saturday February 26, 2011

www.oheraldo.in

Most of the salaried people have very little or no exposure to equities at all. Equities are the best bet to beat inflation in the longer run.

— Suraj Betkikar

bizlife

Due to the delays in visa issues, the flights are coming in at less than full capacity. If this carries on, the number of flights will be definitely reduced in future. Currently, there is a fall of 30 per cent from Western Europe — Ralph de Souza

On the eve of the Union Budget, KIRTH GEORGE, looks at two industries in Goa which contribute the maximum to the State and the Centre and gets their wish list. He came back with a common answer. Give us clear policies, not more money

BETTER POLICIES, NOT PAISA

p u e p a h s , p u e s a e , p u n a Clear the mess, ease visa procedures, e l C rationalise taxes, build infrastructure. Yet again,

W

e do not know about India, but Goa is truly “Incredible”. It has managed a unique stink operation that has forced a Finnish charter to call off its operations.

The charter, Friidsresor, has pulled out of Goa, because, hold your breath and literally so, of garbage strewn all over the place. Adding to the stink is the absence of a stateof-the-art sewage pipe line in the coastal areas.

Unless Goa cleans up it will be hit where it hurts – Tourism. The message is clear – to make the tourist stay and pay, give him a clean house. Secondly, to make him come in the first place, ease cumbersome visa procedures, especially in the UK. To ensure that the sector can make a Goan holiday cheaper, the industry has called for a tax rationalisation. Currently, an industry which touches the lives of 85 per cent of those living here, 65 per cent of its revenue goes towards Central and State taxes.

Bonnie D’Souza, an office-bearer and ex-TTAG president, says, “Today we are competing with South East Asian countries, for international as well as domestic tourists.

Taxation there is rela-

the tourism industry in Goa hands out its mantra for revival, hoping the policy makers will finally take note.

TOURIST ARRIVALS OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS ARE AS BELOW: (IN LAKHS) YEAR DOMESTIC FOREIGN 2005 19.65 3.368 2006 20.98 3.804 2007 22.08 3.884 2008 20.20 3.51 2009 21.27 3.76 2010 22.01 4.41 (Average growth rate Foreign tourists- 5.71% Domestic Tourists- 2.54%)

Annual income (in rupees) of domestic tourists Percentage distribution Up to 1 Lakh 20.82 1-2 Lakh 33.90 2-5 Lakh 29.94 5-10 Lakh 6.87 10 Lakh 4.80 NA/DK 3.67 All 100.00

tively negligible. Unlike us, their governments supported the tourism industry during recession.”

Inspite of these roadblocks, foreign tourists did come and spend. Tourism Minister, Nilkanth Halarnkar informed the assembly in the last session that 912 million dollars was earned in 200910 as foreign exchange from tourism.

Swapnil Naik, Director Tourism, Government of Goa says, “Apart from the 360 degrees campaign we are proactively pitching Goa as a holiday destination to the European

countries, Scandinavia, Russia, Japan and the CIS countries, focusing on the young traveler.”

A pressing issue that needs attention is the visa on arrival. “With the new visa policy, visitors from the Scandinavian markets have fallen drastically by at least 65 per cent, in three years. One of the principle reason cited was the problem of obtaining visas quickly and the issue of short term visas to tourists,” says Ralph de Souza, spokesperson for TTAG. “Due to the delays in visa issues, the flights are

coming in at less than full capacity. If this carries on, the number of flights will be definitely reduced in future. Currently, there is a fall of 30 per cent from Western Europe,” de Souza adds “Today, it is not about numbers of tourist arrivals, but the per capita spend of the tourists that we are interested in. A plan for a marina on the Mandovi for example, is a step in the right direction. But, going by what has happened with the sewage treatment solution on the beach belt, I don’t know when the marina will actually come up,” he added.

The industry feels that tourism dependent states should be called and made stake holders of a clear national policy. In short, a policy that will be implemented.

WISH LIST n Ease visa procedures n Manage garbage, build new sewage pipelines to international standards. n Build infrastructure, provide activity to attract high-spending tourists. n Rationalise taxation to give industry level playing ground to compete with other destinations, both local as well as international.

Contribution Return MINING is a six letter bad word. It also happens to be an industry which contributes 50 per cent of Goa’s revenue. On the eve of yet another budget, the industry which has just contributed about Rs 750 crore towards royalty this year, asks for no favours. Just concurrence to build infrastructure to reduce pollution

F

or an industry that is the favourite whipping boy of just about everybody in Goa, the industry contributes at the very least, a staggering 45 per cent to Goa’s economy. Some industry estimates suggest that it could be even higher than 50 per cent, by modest estimates.

Last year, Goa earned revenue of close to Rs 2300 crore. Estimates for the mining industry this year indicate contribution to the state government of more than Rs 1000 crore (see table). In addition to that, a Stamp Duty, for renewal of mining lease which are due to expire this year, is expected to bring in a one-time Rs 300 crores.

Moreover almost two and half times this amount (about Rs 2500 crores) goes to the central government. The return margins in mining though are diminishing as the ore extracted from Goa is of low Fe content.

On an average, 40 per cent of the price of ore goes into taxes central and local taxes.

Another 50 percent goes towards mining cost, logistics, social costs, land rights and NPV to forest.

So what mining companies claim they are left

Taxes Payouts (2010-11 estimates) (In Rs crore) To State Government Royalty paid 750 Barge Tax 16 Road Tax 16 Road Infrastructure cess 60 VAT, CST 60 Others (Minor Port, Panchayats, Deadrent, Surface, rent) 105 Total To Central Government Export Duty Corporate Tax Major Port Charges (Mormugao) Total with is a mere 10 per cent.

“In effect, for every 100 rupees that we earn, we are left with ten rupees.

And we are willing to further use those ten rupees for every hundred towards infrastructure.

All we need is the government to facilitate and give concurrence”, says a senior industry captain.

The irony, the industry feels, is that it fully agrees that ore transportation through congested roads of small towns in Sanguem and Quepem cause intense pollution and health hazards.

However, the government neither ploughs back the revenue that mining generates to-

Dear Pranab babu, save us our yearly tax

Budget day and the area that interests all is the announcements on personal finance and taxation. The big hope, is raising IT rate slabs and increasing the limits for investments under 80C. Kirth George taps the pre budget pulse

M

r and Mrs Fernandes, aged 38 and 35 respectively, from Porvorim are hoping the personal income tax slabs are raised in the upcoming budget.

Mrs Fernandes, working as an agent in the insurance sector, has an annual income of about 7.5 lakh and her husband who works for a private equity firm in Mumbai, draws close to Rs 13 lakh annually.

If the Finance Minister grants their wish, Mrs Fernandes would save an additional Rs 25,000, while Mr Fernandes

would save Rs 44,000.

“With the additional amount we will take a much needed holiday with the kids,” says Mrs Fernandes.

Suraj Betkikar, a Certified Financial Planner and partner at Margao-based Milestone Financial Consultants is hoping that along with the raising the I-T rate slabs, the Finance Minister increases section 80C limits as well.

“The number of instruments eligible under section 80C have increased considerably.

However the limit is still 1 lakh.

The limit should be increased to at least 2 lakh,” says Betkikar.

“Pranab Mukherjee should also look to increase the limit for benefit under infrastructure bonds from the current Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000,” he adds.

He went on to say that the proposal for ELSS (Tax Saving Mutual Fund Schemes) to drop tax saving mutual funds from the 80C umbrella, should be rejected.

“Most of the salaried people have very little or no exposure to equities at all. Equities are the

best bet to beat inflation in the longer run,” he opines.

He also hoped that the TDS amount on bank deposits is increased from 10,000 currently to 25,000. He felt that the proposed Dividend Distribution tax for equity mutual fund investments also should not be implemented.

Many personal investors also felt that the short term capital gains tax on equity investment should be reduced from 15 per cent to 10 per cent.

Meanwhile, Rajat

Bhattacharya, senior manager in a nationalised bank says “The age limit to qualify as senior citizen under the I-T Act should be brought down from 65 to 60. Generally, the retirement age is 60.

Retired people will be able to avail the benefits of higher threshold in IT tax slabs immediately after their retirement,” he revealed.

The bottom line is clear. Taking into consideration inflation and ever increasing cost of living, the government should look to give some relief to middle class.

Tax slabs wishlist for male assesses 2,00,000 2,00,000 - 7,00,000 7,00,000 - 10,00,000 10,00,000 + for women assesses 2,40,000 2,40,000 - 7,00,000 7,00,000 - 10,00,000 10,00,000 + for senior citizens 2,50,000 2,50,000 - 7,00,000 7,00,000 - 10,00,000 10,00,000 +

1007 315 2000 188 2503

wards infrastructure nor does it allow the industry to build it on its own.

For instance, two mining companies Sesa Goa and Fomento Resources have decided to fund

WISH LIST n Concurrence to build infrastructure n Immediate clarity on the Mining Policy. n A percentage of the taxes paid to Central government for infrastructure development in Goa n The Regional Plan needs to take into account the valid leases which are 340 in number.

Rs 250 crore, for the much needed bypass for alternate transportation of mining trucks from Guddemol to the Capxem jetty. Francisco Lume Pereira, Director, Fomento, says, “The government should at least give its concurrence to us to build infrastructure like roads by facilitating the land acquisition” “Firstly, we need better and wider roads as an immediate solution. Bumpy roads result in ore spillage and dust pollution, apart from making it unsafe for other motorists.

In the second phase we need more planned and permanent solutions like the proposed mining corridors in North and South Goa,” says Glenn Kalavampara, Secretary, Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association.

Our waterways too need attention. “The state government should approach the Planning Commission for a special grant for development of our waterways, ports and jetties.

Also, if an unloading jetty is built there could be big potential for coal imports as well as container movement,” he adds. A long wish list with one wish. Urgent action.

Tax Slabs for Male Assesses (less than 65 years) Slab (Rs.)

Tax (Rs.)

less than 1,60,000

Nil

1,60,000 to 5,00,000

(TI – 1,60,000) * 10%

5,00,000 to 8,00,000

34,000 + (TI – 5,00,000) * 20%

Greater than 8,00,000

94,000 + (TI – 8,00,000) * 30%

Tax Slab for Women Assesses (Less than 65 years) Slab (Rs.)

Tax (Rs.)

less than 1,90,000

Nil

1,90,000 to 5,00,000

(TI – 1,90,000) * 10%

5,00,000 to 8,00,000

31,000 + (TI – 5,00,000) * 20%

Greater than 8,00,000

91,000 + (TI – 8,00,000) * 30%

Tax Slab for Senior Citizens (Aged above 65 years) Slab (Rs.)

Tax (Rs.)

less than 2,40,000

Nil

2,40,000 to 5,00,000

(TI – 2,40,000) * 10%

5,00,000 to 8,00,000

26,000 + (TI – 5,00,000) * 20%

Greater than 8,00,000

86,000 + (TI – 8,00,000) * 30%

10

“

www.oheraldo.in

india

Mughal-e-Azam is the mother of all films and such iconic classics cannot be remade. ‘Ma ka remake nahi hota’ (Mothers cannot be remade). Some movies cannot be touched and this is one of them.

-- Shah Rukh

SC declines restraint on Aarushi murder coverage PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 25: Observing it was an important tool of democracy, the Supreme Court on Friday declined to initiate any fresh contempt action against the media for extensively reporting on Aarushi Talwar murder case.

A bench of justices Altamas Kabir and Cyriac Joseph, however, hoped the media would exercise certain restraint and self-regulation in reporting such incidents.

“We expect the media to exercise restraint and self-regulation. Punishing the media will not solve the problem.

The media is an important tool of democracy. Let us see what kind of selfrestraint they will observe.

“It is a matter that needs to be examined at length,” Justice Kabir speaking for the bench said.

The apex court made the remarks while rejecting the plea of petitioner and advocate Surat Singh who sought initiation of contempt proceedings against “India Today” magazine for reporting minute details of the Aarushi murder case.

Singh submitted the magazine was reporting explicit details of the deceased despite the apex court’s earlier order on July 22, 2008, asking the media not to pre-judge the issue.

On May 16, 2008 Aarushi Talwar, daughter of a dentist couple, and the family’s domestic help Hemaraj were found murdered in the Talwars’ house in Jalvayu Vihar in Noida.

The apex court, while declining to entertain Singh’s plea, however, transferred to itself a similar writ petition filed in the Delhi High Court seeking certain guidelines for media in report-

ing pending criminal matters as they affect the rights of the victims and accused.

The bench posted both the petitions for final hearing to April 19.

During the earlier hearing, the bench had favoured the idea of evolving certain norms for coverage of criminal cases by the media in order to protect the right to privacy and reputation of affected persons.

Singh’s PIL had claimed the extensive media coverage of the killings had badly damaged the reputation of Aarushi’s parents Rajesh and Nupur Talwar and sought restrictions on the media from reporting such cases.

The advocate suggested certain norms should be evolved, both for the media and the police, for broadcasting and sharing of information between them.

7 cops injured as agitators turn violent in AP PTI HYDERABAD, FEB 25: Seven policemen, including a DSP, were injured as a group of agitators protesting the setting up of a power plant attacked the cops with iron rods, logs and by throwing stones even as police fired rubber bullets to disperse the violent mob in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Friday.

“Seven police personnel, including DSP AVL Prasanna Kumar of Kasibugga town, suffered injuries when over 200 villagers attacked them with logs, iron rods and indulged in heavy stone pelting at a police party which tried to remove the agitators from the dharna camps near an under construction power

plant,” Srikakulam District Superintendent of Police KVV Gopala Rao told PTI. The agitators including local village leaders, who have been protesting for past six months against the setting up of a power plant at Kakarapalli being constructed by East Coast Energy Pvt Ltd, were preventing and disrupting vehicular movement in and around Kakarapalli of Santhabommali mandal in the district for past one month, Rao said.

The agitators were opposing the thermal power plant saying it would pollute the environment in their area and blocked the routes towards the under construction plant, he said adding that following the agitation construction works of the power project came to a halt.

Double PG medical seats, appoint teachers: PIL PTI MUMBAI, FEB 25: The Bombay High Court has asked the Medical Council of India (MCI) to file a reply to a petition filed by Peoples Health Organisation (PHO) seeking a direction to double the number of seats for post graduate medical courses, improve infrastructure in hospitals and fill up vacancies of teachers.

MCI had yesterday sought time to file a reply following which a bench headed by Chief Justice Mohit Shah allowed the respondent to file an affidavit by March 24.

The Court also asked the state government to inform on March 24 its action plan to improve the infrastructure in hospitals and fill up vacancies of teachers.

Arguing in person, Dr I S Gilada, Secretary of PHO, urged that the admission process for post graduate medical courses for this year had already commenced and hence the PIL should be

heard expeditiously and the matter be kept high on board on the next date of hearing.

Besides MCI, the other respondents are Maharashtra government and the Centre.

Highlighting the shortage of medical post graduate seats due to alleged gross negligence of the union and state governments, the PIL alleged that failure to improve hospital infrastructure and fill up vacancies of teachers had fuelled the crisis further.

There have been cases of suicides committed by young and frustrated doctors who failed to secure admission in post graduate courses, the PIL said.

The PIL alleged that the “haphazard” policy of the Government and “retrogade” stand of MCI had resulted in shortage of post graduate seats since 2001.

The MCI had become a den of corruption and its President had been arrested by CBI for corrupt practises, the PIL said.

“

Goa I Saturday 26,February 2011

I am offering this roadmap on behalf of the Kashmiris so that the notion that Kashmiris have nothing to offer ends, to the Government through interlocutors.

– Hilal Ahmad War

FROM PAGE 1 Candlelight march the police officials responsible for Cipriano’s murder.

“We are fighting to eliminate the rot from the system… black sheep should be cleared out. Not just the policemen but the medical fraternity who tried to cover up the case should also be arrested,” he told reporters.

The witness, who is given police protection, alleged that the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) granted bail to a ‘dead person’.

“As per the RTI information and my personal presence in the Panjim police station, Cipriano was already dead on January 8. He (Cipriano) was treated like an animal in the police station… moreover, how can the SDM grant bail to a dead person?” he said in the presence of another case witness, Grenville.

The two witnesses claimed to have seen Panjim police kicking Cipriano in the police station.

Cipriano, 38, was arrested on January 7 after his lady friend complained against him for threatening her. He was rushed to Goa Medical College and Hospital on January 8 where he died the next morning.

Police claimed that he suffered from fits and vomited alcohol.

Shooting further allegations, Kenneth said that suspended police inspector Sandesh Chodankar has been involved in corruption.

The witnesses are hoping to get support from the political parties in the candlelight march even as they claim that party leaders have assured them their support.

Three police officials including Chodankar, sub inspector Radesh Ramnathkar and head constable Sandip Shirvaikar were suspended for administrative lapses whereas a final report is still to be submitted.

Crime Branch has though registered a case of murder and destruction of evidences against unknown policemen on duty January 7-8, there has been no arrest.

Home Minister played SIT card his note on the very same day. “I have announced in the legislative assembly that SIT headed by Om Prakash Kurtarkar will be constituted and action against the officials will be taken after the submission of the SIT report”.

This begs the question. Why was there a need to hand over the case to SIT when the Home Department including the Chief Secretary was of the opinion that the DGP should spearhead and initiate action. Senior officials, including those in the police admitted that giving the case to SIT was not mandatory since the DGP does not necessarily require a Special Investigation Team to inquire into a matter which has been looked into by a magistrate. Any follow up investigation and action, including arrests could have been done under the supervision of the DGP and his force.

The protective hand of Ravi Naik did not end here. The Crime branch through Sunita Sawant registered a formal FIR against unnamed police officers and then suddenly drafted in Vasco PI Braz Menezes as the investigative agency.

It is learnt that Braz Menezes will work under the supervision of the SIT. The choice of Braz Menezes, a close friend of Panjim PI Sandesh Chodankar is shocking and could be aimed to protect him. Braz Menezes and Sandesh Chodankar were appointed as police sub inspectors on the same day August 2, 1991 vide the same appointment order (see copy of order).

Human rights activist Jowett D’Souza on whose complaint the JMFC is inquiring into the case has petitioned the Chief Secretary not to initiate the case to him.

No passenger fare hike 16,000 ex-servicemen in the Railways by March.

The budget proposes the highest-ever plan outlay of Rs 57,630 crore for 2011-12. The gross budgetary support has been projected at Rs 20,000 crore, diesel cess Rs 1,041 crore, internal resources Rs 14,219 crore and market borrowing at Rs 20,954 crore.

The budget estimates for 2011-12 projects a freight loading of 993 million tonnes and a passenger growth of 6.4 per cent.

Gross traffic receipts has been estimated at Rs 1,06,239 crore, exceeding the Rs 1 lakh crore mark for the first time, despite pressure on finances on account of Pay Commission payout.

Ordinary working expenses have been assessed at Rs 73,650 crore and appropriation to depreciation reserve fund pegged at Rs 7,000 crore.

Provision of Rs 6,735 crore has been made for dividend payment and the excess for Railways for the new fiscal has been projected at Rs 5,258 crore, with an operating ratio of 98.1 per cent.

On the financial performance for the current year, the budget disclosed that disruption of train movement resulted in a loss of Rs 1,500 crore and Rs 2,000 crore due to the ban on export of iron ore.

Gross traffic receipts have been fixed at Rs 94,840 crore, which is higher by Rs 75 crore over budget estimates.

The new Duronto expresses will run between AllahabadMumbai, Pune-Ahmedabad, Sealdah-Puri, SecunderabadVishakhapatnam, Madurai-Chennai, ChennaiThiruvananthapuram, Mumbai Central- New Delhi, Nizamuddin-Ajmer and Shalimar-Patna.

Air-conditioned double-decker services are proposed to be introduced on Jaipur-Delhi and Ahmedabad-Mumbai routes.

The three new Shatabdi services will run between PuneSecunderabad, Jaipur-Agra and Ludhiana-Delhi. While Vasco-Valankani (Weekly) is proposed to be introduced this year.

11

www.oheraldo.in

world

“

I am the most experienced in running a country in Taiwan. I am the only vice president who has served (the maximum) eight years.

-- Annette Lu

“

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

These are very, very dark days for New Zealand and yet we hope for "a bit of luck to try and find a few people that may still have survived this earthquake and are still trapped in those buildings.

--PM John Key

SNAPSHOT

Libya on edge as Kadhafi forces fight back in west

BAGHDAD: Security forces used water cannons and tear gas to disperse thousands of angry protesters in Baghdad on Friday as a "Day of Rage" across Iraq left nine people dead in clashes with police. Around 5,000 demonstrators thronged Baghdad's Tahrir Square, with crowds of them angrily throwing stones, shoes and plastic bottles at riot police and soldiers blocking off a bridge connecting the rally site to Baghdad's heavily-fortified Green Zone, home to the US embassy and parliament.

The protest was the biggest of 17 separate demonstrations across the country, some sparking clashes that left more than 100 people wounded.

AFP

Nine killed on Iraq Day of Rage

Ireland votes under bailout cloud DUBLIN: Irish voters looked certain Friday to oust their government in a general election dominated by the collapse of a once-booming economy and the widely hated international bailout that followed. The eurozone country's traditional party of government, Fianna Fail, is expected to crash to defeat, making the Irish government the first to fall victim to the eurozone debt crisis. "They're getting a good kicking, and they deserve it," said Brendan Buckley, a 47-year-old civil servant, at a polling station in north Dublin. "I give them a lot of blame for what happened, as well as the international recession. Their tactics and policies have been atrocious. They are getting their comeuppance now."

Taiwan’s Lu aims to be first woman Prez

BENGHAZI, FEB 25: Libya was on edge on Friday as forces loyal to Moamer Kadhafi's crumbling regime staged a bloody fightback in western towns near Tripoli and the east declared itself free of his iron-fisted rule.

Outraged Western governments scrambled to craft a collective response to the crisis in the oil-rich North African state, including possible sanctions against Kadhafi's remaining loyalists and a freeze on assets they are believed to have salted away abroad.

But governments were constrained by fears of reprisals against nationals still stranded amid what escaping expatriates described as hellish scenes as evacuation efforts dragged on on

Anti-Moammar Kadhafi protesters shout slogans during a protest in Benghazi on Friday. the 11th day of the crisis.

In Az-Zawiyah, west of Tripoli, 23 people were killed and 44 wounded on Thursday when regime loyalists mounted a ferocious rearguard action against protesters in the key oil refinery town, Libya's Quryna paper reported.

Dark days in New Zealand as quake toll reaches 113

"The wounded cannot reach the hospitals because of shots being fired in all directions," said the paper, based in the opposition-held eastern city of Benghazi quoting its correspondent in Az-Zawiyah.

Heavy fighting was also reported in Libya's third city

HK whiz kid tops in world maths test

AFP

AFP HONG KONG, FEB 25: A 16CHRISTCHURCH, FEB 25:

AFP TAIPEI, FEB 25: Taiwan's former vice-president Annette Lu, often vilified by China when she was in office, has declared her bid to run in the 2012 presidential election, a report said Friday.

"I am the most experienced in running a country in Taiwan. I am the only vice president who has served (the maximum) eight years," she said in an interview with Apple Daily.

Lu is expected to formally announce her candidacy and that she will join the primary of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at a rally on Monday, the report said.

Lu, 67, was deputy to president Chen Shui-bian during his two terms from 2000 to 2008, during which Taiwan's ties with China hit rock bottom under Chen's policies promoting the island's independence.

New Zealand warned frantic relatives to brace for the worst Friday as toiling rescuers failed to find any more survivors after a devastating earthquake left at least 113 dead.

As rain hampered the painstaking search of the wreckage in Christchurch's city centre, Foreign Minister Murray McCully admitted: "The rescue focus is drawing towards a conclusion."

"We're getting to the end of that period in which you can still have hope," he said, two days after the last survivors were pulled from underneath the rubble.

Police said 113 bodies were lying in a temporary morgue, and there were 228 still listed as missing after Tuesday's earthquake laid waste to central Christchurch and some of its suburbs.

The city's iconic cathedral lost its spire, office blocks folded like packs of cards and entire streets lost their shop frontages in the 6.3magnitude tremor, which came after another destructive quake hit last September.

"These are very, very dark days for New Zealand," said Prime Minister John Key, holding out hope for "a bit of

The iconic Time Ball Station stands destroyed following the earthquake in Lyttelton on the outskirts of Christchurch. luck to try and find a few people that may still have survived this earthquake and are still trapped in those buildings".

But experts have warned the chances of anyone being alive in the ruins are slim, and with 90% of the city already combed, Christchurch mayor Bob Parker said the outlook was bleak.

"We have to steel ourselves for (the death toll) to rise substantially over the next 24 to 48 hours," he said. "It's not

going to be pleasant news for people over the next couple of days."

Rescuers have ruled out finding survivors at Christchurch's landmark cathedral, where up to 22 people could be buried.

They also do not believe anyone remains alive under the collapsed CTV building, which housed a TV station and a busy language school for foreign students, and where as many as 120 people may have perished.

year-old Hong Kong student has notched up the highest mark in an international maths test, his secondary school said Friday, despite barely studying for an exam he claimed "wasn't very difficult".

Anthony Leung sat the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams last June, when he was 15, and learned this week he had bested thousands of other students.

"It was quite a shock. I was very surprised and certainly happy," Leung told local paper The South China Morning Post.

"My parents were happy, a little surprised but, like me, they don't quite believe it," he added.

A school spokeswoman told AFP Leung had received a certificate from the Cambridge University saying he had the world's highest mark in IGCSE maths.

The test, designed for 14 to 16-year-olds and given at schools that teach an international curriculum, was divided into three papers, including one exam that had to be completed without a calculator, the report said.

The papers covered statistics, trigonometry and geometry, among other topics.

Images show Syria FBI nabs Saudi student for plotting to attack Bush’s home wanted nukes: Israel AFP

PTI BOSTON, FEB 25: A 20-yearold Saudi student has been arrested and charged by the FBI for plotting to build bombs and carry out terrorist attacks in the US, targetting nuclear power plants and residence of former President George Bush.

Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, a Saudi citizen and Texas resident, attempted to "use a weapon of mass destruction" and researched online on how to construct an improvised explosive device using several chemicals.

According to the criminal complaint unsealed on Thursday, Aldawsari conducted research on potential terror targets in the US including hydroelectric dams,

Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari nuclear power plants and the Dallas address for former President Bush.

Aldawsari had acquired most of the ingredients and equipment necessary to construct the explosive devices.

He is expected to appear in federal court later today.

He came to the US in 2008 on a student visa and is enrolled at South Plains College near Lubbock, Texas.

He faces a maximum sen-

tence of life in prison and a USD 250,000 fine if convicted of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.

One of the e-mails he sent to himself had the subject line 'Targets' and contained names and home addresses of three American citizens who had previously served in the US military and had been stationed for a time at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

In another e-mail titled 'Nice Targets 01', Aldawsari allegedly sent himself the names of 12 reservoir dams in Colorado and California while one e-mail titled 'Tyrant's House' had the Dallas address of Bush.

Aldawsari intended to use infant dolls to conceal explosives and plotted to target a nightclub with an explosive.

JERUSALEM, FEB 25: New satellite images released by a US research institute show Syria "tried to become a nuclear power," a senior Israeli official said on Friday.

Amos Gilad, director of political military affairs at the defence ministry, told army radio that the new images released by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) proved Syria was seeking nuclear weapons.

The photos posted on the ISIS website on Thursday appear to show Syrian efforts to conceal a site allegedly linked to a facility which Israel bombed in 2007 and where UN inspectors have been investigating suspicions of nuclear work.

The pictures show heightened activity and the pouring of a concrete foundation around the second site near Marj as-Sultan, outside Damascus, shortly after the May 2008 request for inspections by the UN watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Gilad said the new images show "Syria has not succeeded in relaunching its nuclear programme," but suggested they also showed new activity that could be an attempt to build new weapons development sites.

Syria has denied that the site bombed by Israel in 2007 was a nuclear facility, and President Bashar al-Assad told the Wall Street Journal last month that his country had not pursued a nuclear programme.

Misrata, to the east of capital.

In Zouara, further west towards the Tunisian border, fleeing Egyptian workers said the town was in the control of civilian militias after fierce fighting on Wednesday evening.

Addressing his divided nation on Thursday for the sec-

ond time in three days, Kadhafi, 68, accused residents of Az-Zawiyah of siding with Al-Qaeda. "It is obvious now that this issue is run by AlQaeda," he said, addressing the town's elders.

In marked contrast to a 75minute address from a podium outside his Tripoli home on Tuesday, Kadhafi spoke by telephone from an undisclosed location for barely 20 minutes.

His decision not to make an on-screen appearance raised questions about his whereabouts and the extent of his remaining power base, which has been hit by a new defection -- that of his cousin and close aide Kadhaf alDam, who quit "all his official functions," Egypt's official MENA news agency said.

In Paris, protesters calling themselves the "children of the

APPOINTMENTS

revolution" occupied the Libyan embassy and hoisted the old national flag from before Kadhafi's 1969 coup, the latest in a string of foreign missions to fall from his control.

Tripoli streets were largely deserted and shops closed on the Muslim day of rest.

The UN's World Food Programme warned Libya's food distribution system was "at risk of collapsing", in an oil-producing country which is heavily dependent on imports that have largely come to a halt. Libya's second city of Benghazi, where the unprecedented protests against Kadhafi's fourdecade rule first erupted, was firmly in the hands of his opponents, an AFP correspondent said.

APPOINTMENTS

12

www.oheraldo.in

world

Davis insists on immunity PTI LAHORE, FEB 25: US national Raymond Davis, an alleged CIA contractor who was arrested for gunning down two men here, today insisted he acted in self defence and had diplomatic immunity during a hearing into murder charges against him at a Pakistani court,

which adjourned the trial till March 3.

Prosecution lawyer Abdus Samad told the media outside the heavily-guarded Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the trial is being conducted behind closed doors for security reasons, that 37-year-old Davis is expected to be formally indicted at the next hearing.

No counsel represented Davis during today's proceedings and Additional District and Sessions Judge Yousuf Aujla advised him to select a lawyer to defend him before the next hearing, Samad said.

"All documents and the challan (charge sheet) were presented to Davis by the court. He (Davis) said he does not understand Urdu so he was given an English version of the documents," Samad said.

"After being given the documents, he refused to receive them," he said. Davis informed the judge that he had shot and killed the two men in self defence and that he had diplomatic immunity.

“

“

The homeless -- this is a problem but unfortunately we do not have the right to shoot them. It seems that these people like this. Although they create many unpleasant problems for everyone else.

-- Mayor Anatoly Mikhalev

Assange: Swedish investigators under pressure

BEIJING, FEB 25: A senior Chinese

STOCKHOLM,

FEB

25:

Swedish prosecutors face a hard task of "proving" rape claims against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in a climate of mistrust against them, the Swedish Dagens Nyheter newspaper said Friday.

"Once he (Assange) is here (in Sweden), the prosecutor Marianne Ny must expect a thorough examination of the investigation and of the Swedish justice system", which Assange's defence lawyers sought to discredit before the British courts, the newspaper writes.

"The police and the prosecution service will have to act more intelligently than they have done" to date, it said, suggesting that investigators use "a working tape recorder when questioning" Assange.

Judge Howard Riddle ruled Thursday that Assange can be extradited to Sweden to face rape charges.

The Australian former computer hacker strongly denies the claims, insisting the extradition attempt is politically motivated and stems from WikiLeaks' release of thousands of classified US cables.

The fight against the Dalai Lama clique must be continued and deepened. But the initiatives used to ensure stability should be circumspectly deployed and the issues related to Tibetan Buddhism must be handled well.

-- Jia Qinglin

China calls for renewed fight against Dalai Lama AGENCIES

AFP

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

leader says Beijing should launch a fresh struggle against the influence of the Dalai Lama in Tibet.

The comments were made by Jia Qinglin, who sits on the standing committee of the Chinese Communist Party's powerful politburo.

He said China also needed to raise the living standards of Tibetan people.

The call comes nearly three years after riots and unrest in Tibetan areas which China blamed on the Dalai Lama.

Jia made the comments at a two-day meeting to discuss developments in

Tibet and in other provinces where Tibetans live.

The attendance of China's public security minister, Meng Jianzhu, suggests Beijing's control in Tibet was a major issue.

"The fight against the Dalai Lama clique must be continued and deepened," the state-run news agency Xinhua quote Mr Jia as saying.

But he added that initiatives used to ensure stability should be "circumspectly deployed".

He said that issues related to Tibetan Buddhism must be "handled well", perhaps an acknowledgement that a heavy-handed crackdown on religion could prove counterproductive.

The Chinese authorities have long vilified the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism who fled the region more than 50 years ago.

He now lives in exile in India, but his influence in Tibet is still immense which is why China continues to attack him.

This is, though, only one part of Beijing's strategy to secure control over Tibet, which it claims has been part of China for centuries.

It is also been spending millions of dollars improving the living standards of people there.

Just this week, it said the number of Tibetans living in absolute poverty had nearly halved in five years.

Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos (second left) with former Senator Butch Aquino reenacts his famous jump during the 25th anniversary riots of the 1986 People Power Revolution in Edsa, Quezon City, east of Manila, Philippines, on Friday amid the wave of popular uprisings in the Middle East. The Philippines was praised worldwide in 1986, when the so-called bloodless revolution that deposed the 20-year dictatorial regime of Marcos in the Philippines.

Russian mayor: Sorry, we can’t shoot the homeless AFP MOSCOW, FEB 25: The mayor of a major city in Siberia sparked outrage in Russia on Friday after expressing regret in an official meeting that the authorities did not have the power to shoot the homeless.

Anatoly Mikhalev, mayor of the city of Chita, told members of the local parliament without apparent irony that the homeless were a major problem for everyone and it was unfortunate they

could not be shot.

As state television rounded on Mikhalev for comments that provided a nasty echo of the arbitrary executions of the Stalin era, he tried to explain away the scandal Friday by saying the remarks were a "bad joke."

"The homeless -- this is a problem but unfortunately we do not have the right to shoot them," Mikhalev told members of the local parliament on Thursday in comments later broadcast on

state television.

Implying that homelessness was a lifestyle choice, he added: "We have signed up to rights conventions and everyone chooses the kind of life that they want.”

"And it seems that these people like this. Although they create many unpleasant problems for everyone else," he added.

Mikhalev was slammed by the Kremlin's human rights envoy Vladimir Lukin who said he was appalled such remarks could be made by a

Consulate for legal help; while the fate of the three others is not known as they preferred to go through their own independent lawyers.

The Indian Consulate in San Francisco worked with the South Asian Bar Association (SABA) in this regard.

"We have now asked ICE to take off the Notice to Appear (NTA), because as long as these notices are out deportation proceedings can be held against you," she said, adding that the next step for them would be the NTA to be removed which ICE said is a procedural matter, but will due soon.

"ICE has committed that they would no longer be issuing NTAs. They are not sending people to the houses of the students. They are taking to them on phone," Thomas said.

AFP

man who rules a city of 300,000 people.

"This is a person who has not heard about what a human being is, about what human rights are and does not know what cannot be said about the rights of citizens," he told state television.

The mayor sought to douse the growing fire by issuing a statement: "I confess the comments about shooting (the homeless) were a bad joke," he said, quoted by his press service.

"I apologise to those who

took them literally."

The homeless -- known in Russian by the ugly acronym BOMZh (people Without a Defined Place of Residence) -- face appalling conditions in Russia amid a harsh climate and social indifference.

Mikhalev’s press service said that in Chita alone -where temperatures regularly plunge to minus 30 degrees Celsius in winter -there are 3,000 homeless and just one hostel with 120 places.

The Christian Dior fashion house declined to comment to AFP. Gibraltar-born Galliano, 50, took over the creative helm at Dior in 1996.

He would have been focused this week on preparing his fall-winter collections for Christian Dior and his own label during next week's Paris Fashion Week.

The moustachioed designer has styled himself publicly as a neo-modern Edwardian dandy, assuming rock star poses at the end of his shows.

But backstage he is rather shy and more interested in discussing the technical aspects of his creations.

Galliano, born to a British plumber father and a Spanish mother, has been billed as one of the most influential designers of our time.

He attended London's renowned Saint Martin's College of Art and Design, where his 1984 graduation show called "Les Incroyables" was themed on the 1789 French revolution.

He moved to Paris in 1993.

His often spectacular shows are inspired by history and his own travels around the world.

Four more Indians Designer Galliano arrested free from radio tags in Paris for anti-Semitism

PTI

WASHINGTON, FEB 25: The US Immigration and Custom Enforcement today removed radio tags of four more Indian students of the now shut-down Tri Valley University in California.

So far radio tags of 11 of the 18 Indian students have been removed.

These students were radio tagged in California after Tri Valley University was shut down in January on charges of massive visa fraud.

Susmita Gongulee Thomas, the Consul General, Indian Consulate San Francisco, hoped that the total number of Indian students which radio tags have been moved could touch 15 later today.

All these 15 students had sought the help of the Indian

PARIS, FEB 25: French police briefly detained British fashion designer John Galliano in Paris on Thursday evening for alleged assault and making anti-Semitic remarks, a police source told AFP on Friday.

The detention in Paris' fashionable Marais district came after Dior's chief designer allegedly verbally accosted a couple seated on a cafe terrace.

"For the moment we don't know what led him to address the couple," the police source said. "We don't yet know if they knew each other or not."

Police detained him and he was found to have been drinking alcohol. The designer was released pending charges being filed.

13

www.oheraldo.in

sports

West Indies today suffered a huge setback with allrounder Dwayne Bravo ruled out of the World Cup because of a knee injury that he suffered during their opening Group A match against South Africa. Trying to stop a deliver in his follow through, Bravo had collapsed and was visually seen to be in pain.

Lanka look for first WC win against Pak key role on tomorrow's game.

Playing at home conditions and in front of a sell-out crowd, it would be a perfect setting for Kumar Sangakkara's men to make amends of their woeful World Cup record against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced that the reserved tickets were sold out two months before the game.

The non-reserved tickets were put on sale a week before the game and finished within a couple of hours.

Malinga is the only change the Sri Lankans are expected to do with the fast bowler coming in for either Nuwan Kulasekara or Thisara Perera.

"He was feeling a bit stiff ahead of the Canada game.

We have a long World Cup campaign and didn’t want to take a risk.

Sri Lankan Cricketers warm up during a training session.

PTi Colombo, Feb 25: Sri Lanka would look to carry on their winning momentum from their opening match and seek their first World Cup victory against Pakistan when the two teams meet here tomorrow.

The two teams have played six World Cup matches from 1975 to 1992 and all of them have been won by Pakistan.

With paceman Lasith Ma-

linga set to return for tomorrow's Group A match at the R Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka would fancy to make amends of their awful record against Pakistan.

Both teams recorded thumping wins against Associate Members in their opening games in Hambantota.

While Sri Lanka won by a massive 210 runs against Canada, Pakistan beat Kenya by 205 runs.

"It's time for us to change that I suppose. If we do the

basic things right, we have a great chance for tomorrow," Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said.

Since 1992, Sri Lanka have won the World Cup (in 1996) and they have become a much better side since then.

The last time Sri Lanka met Pakistan in an ODI was during the Asia Cup in Dambulla and the hosts had won on that occasion also.

Malinga on that occasion picked up a five wicket haul and he's expected to play a

Conspiracy behind match shift: Dalmiya Agencies Kolkata, Feb 25: Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Jagmohan Dalmiya on Thursday accused the ICC of conspiring against him when the world body shifted the India–England World Cup match from Eden Gardens.

"A great injustice had been done to CAB. While other stadia in the subcontinent were given time, we were not allowed to extend the period for the renovation work up to February 7," Dalmiya told reporters in Kolkata.

Asked whether shifting of the World Cup match was a "cricketing and political conspiracy" against him, the former ICC president countered "if this is not a conspiracy then

what can be a conspiracy?"

"It was not cricket," he said. jagmohan dalmiyaReferring to his stint at the helm of ICC, Dalmiya said, "I was the President when the 1999 World Cup took place in England. I was also the BCCI President when the 2003 World Cup took place....(And this time) on behalf of the CAB I had assured that we would assist the ICC for any exercise and the CAB would be prepared to pay for all the additional expenses for the same.

"But the CAB's earnest request fell on deaf ears despite the fact that the scheduled India vs England match on February 27 was still 20 days away whereas other stadia in the subcontinent were allotted time for completion," he claimed.

Federer-Djokovic final in Dubai Agencies

FIXTURES SaturDay

aston Villa v. Blackburn Everton v. Sunderland Newcastle v. Bolton Wigan v. Manunited Wolves v. Blackpool SuNDay West Ham v. Liverpool Manchester City v. Fulham MoNDay Stoke v. West Bromwich

Dubai, Feb 25 : Four-time champion Roger Federer and two-time reigning titlist Novak Djokovic will square off in Saturday's marquee finale at the $2.233 million Dubai Tennis Championships.

The top-seeded Federer handled unseeded former top-10 French star Richard Gasquet 6-2, 7-5 in Friday's semifinals, while the secondseeded Djokovic was leading Tomas Berdych 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 4-2 when the big Czech decided to retire at Dubai Tennis Stadium. Berdych gave way

to a quad injury on Day 5.

Federer easily topped Gasquet in 1 hour, 13 minutes with the help of four service breaks, compared to only one for the talented Frenchman.

In the womens section, Caroline Wozniacki blitzed Marion Bartoli in straight sets to storm into the final of the WTA Qatar Open.

Caroline came up with a commanding display to post a 6-1, 6-1 win and stay on course for a second title inside seven days, following her victory in the Dubai Open last Sunday.

Europa League: Liverpool in last 16 AFP Paris, Feb 25: An 86thminute header from Dirk Kuyt earned Liverpool a narrow 1-0 win over Sparta Prague on Thursday, on a night when all three British clubs in action reached the last 16.

Rangers, beaten finalists in 2008, needed an equaliser at the death to prevail at Sporting Lisbon, while Manchester City's expensively assembled squad eased past Greek representatives Aris.

Other results: Spartak Moscow 1 draw FC Basel 1; PSV Eindhoven 3 beat Lille 1;

Bayer Leverkusen 2 beat Metalist Kharkiv 0; Villarreal 2 beat Napoli 1; Ajax 2 beat Anderlecht 0; Sporting Braga 2 beat Lech Poznan 0; Dynamo Kiev 4 beat Besiktas 0; FC Twente 2 draw Rubin Kazan 2; Benfica 2 beat Vfb Stuttgart 0; Paris Saint-Germain 0 draw BATE Borisov 0.

He’s should be okay for tomorrow once the physio clears him," Sangakkara said.

Pakistan, the 1992 champions, are expected to stick to an unchanged side that thrashed Kenya by 205 runs.

"Tomorrow's game is important for us. In this tournament, momentum is important. Sri Lanka in their home ground are very good and it's very difficult to beat them. But we have played and trained and I am hopeful we can beat them," Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said.

For Pakistan, they would look to improve on their starts both in batting and bowling.

"If the openers give us a good platform then we have in-form batsmen like Misbah-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Younis Khan and Umar Akmal," said Afridi.

“

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

It's time for us to change I suppose. If we do the basic things right, we have a great chance for tomorrow -- Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara

India officials apologise to fans AFP Bangalore, Feb 25: Indian cricket chiefs apologised to thousands of fans left shortchanged by the World Cup's deepening ticket chaos on Friday while firing a broadside at the sport's international rulers.

Tournament director Ratnakar Shetty, who is also the

chief administrative officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), admitted fans had been let down.

However, he said contractual obligations had complicated ticket distribution.

"We are sorry the fans have been let down," said Shetty. "We understand their sentiments but we can't do much."

14

www.oheraldo.in

sports SNAPSHOT Angela for China trials HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM: International Angela Rajan Naik, gold medalist at the recently concluded 5th Commonwealth Taekwondo Championship will represent India at 2012 London Olympic Games international referee selection and training camp organised by World Taekwondo Federation from March 2 to 5 in Gaungzhou, China.

Angela is the first lady in the history of taekwondo in India to be invited for the selection.

The face of sports is ever-changing and in three years time, it will undergo a dramatic change. So be prepared for change. Change your ideas. Look at the evolution of Olympic Games.

-- Dr Jose Pedro Lopes

Gold for Elangoan Panjim, Feb 25: Goa’s Elangoan Kannan won a gold medal in weightlifitng 77 kg weight category in snatch 123 kgs at the 24th National Games in Jharkhand recently.

New coach for Raia Sporting HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO: Having put up a dismal show at the ongoing GFA First Division League, Raia Sporting Club roped in former coach Umer Muttawali after asking current coach Savio Vaz to step down.

Swimming contest at Ribandar HERALD SPOPRTE DESK PANJIM: Shiny People will organise their All-Goa U10 and U-15 boys and girls swimming competition at Mandovi open water, Ribandar on February 27 at 4 p.m. Details may be obtained on 9921612843 or 9763815981.

U-13 football trials HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM: The GFA will conduct selection trials for State team that will participate in U-13 boys festival in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu at Nehru outside ground, Fatorda, Margao on February 26 at 3 p.m. and at Don Bosco ground, Panjim on February 28, at 3 p.m. Boys born between January 1998 and December 2000 may report to Anthony Fernandes and Socorro Vaz.

3-a-side soccer at Orlim HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM: Valanka Boys of Orlim will organise their 1st All-Goa 3-a-side soccer tie-breaker near St Michael Church, Orlim on March 4 at 6 p.m. The winners and runners-up will take home Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively.

GFA First Division: Margao SC v. Corps of Signals, Navelim ground, 4 p.m.

St Caetano soccer: Mix Friends, Merces v. Paradise SC, Alua ground, 5 p.m.

Nagoa Panchayat Cup soccer: Saligao United v. AA de Majorda, Nagoa panchayat ground, 4.30 p.m.

Laxmi and Subha soccer quarter-finals: Cuncolim Union v. Candolim SC, Nerul ground, 4.30 p.m.

4-a-side soccer: Don Bosco ground, Odxel, 6.30 p.m.

St Rock super soccer: Davorlim Sporting v. Parish Youth, Nuvem, St Rock ground, 4 p.m.

Aldona Cup soccer: Mandopa Sporting v. FC Siolim, Quitula ground, 4.45 p.m.

State men hockey league: Calangute XI v. Ponda Engineering College, 3 p.m.; Gudi Rainbow Warriors v.

Margao United, 4 p.m., Don Bosco Oratory ground.

Photo: Jovito Lopes

By JOVITO LOPES

S

port must be at the service of the harmonious development of man with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the defence of human dignity. If aiming at anything less than that, we would be failing in our responsibilities, declared Dr Antonio Sabido Costa, Portugal’s Consul General in Goa. Addressing the B P Ed students of Don Bosco College after Dr Jose Pedro Lopes and Dr Jose Carlos Ribeiro of Portugal’s Porto University were engaged in lively, interactive sessions on the ever-changing sports scenario and the Olympics movement down the ages, Dr Antonio said, “Sport, more that mere physical exercise, must exalt and combine in a balanced whole, the qualities of body, will and mind and promote a way of

Tie-breaker at Guirim PANJIM:Rasta Boys, Guirim will organise their 2nd All-Goa soccer tie-breaker on February 26 at Old Traford ground, Guirim Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 will be awarded. Details from Jonathan Fernandes on 9923635015 or 8698957904.

Although commonly called the theory of relativity, there are actually two theories that both occasionally fall under the same designator. One is the theory of special relativity and the theory of general relativity. Both were devised by the famous physicist Albert Einstein between 1905 and 1915.

Definition

Special relativity is a scientific theory describing how matter moves through time and space. When it was first published, special relativity caused a revolution in the physics community, and made us look at the universe in a new light. Special relativity is one of the most well-confirmed physics theories of all time, and its predictions have been verified to more than twenty decimal places of accuracy.

Four dimensions

Special relativity abandons the notions of “absolute space” and “absolute time” developed by Newton.

Under special relativity, there is no such thing as a single universal time; rather, time is different for every observer. There is also no single universal measure of space; a single ruler can be longer or shorter depending on who measures it. Finally, special relativity unifies the concepts of space and time into a single four-dimensional structure called “spacetime.”

Objects relative to observers

According to special relativity, if an object is moving at high speed relative to you, the object will appear to behave strangely. Its mass will increase,

life based on the joy of effort, the educational values of good example and respect for universal ethical principles as stated in Olympic Charter.”

Recalling Juvenal’s famous saying “mens sano in corpore sano” (a healthy mind in a healthy body), the Portuguese diplomat reminded that the mind and body are equally important, which should be equally developed.

Juvenal’s motto is part of his answer to the question of what people should desire in life, the answer consisting of a long list of things like, “Ask for a brave soul that lacks the fear of death; which places the length of life last among nature’s blessings; which is able to beat whatever kind of sufferings; that does not know anger; lusts for nothing and believes the hardships and hard labours are better than the satisfactions, feasts and feather bed of an Eastern King. It ends by stat-

so that it becomes harder and harder to accelerate as it approaches the speed of light. It will appear to shrink in its direction of motion, becoming more and more distorted as it travels faster. The object's time will also become distorted; if there is a clock on the object, it will appear to tick more slowly. These effects happen to every object, but they only become noticeable once objects approach the speed of light.

Nothing faster than speed of light

Special relativity prohibits any object from traveling faster than the speed of light. If an object appears to go faster than lightspeed for one observer, it must be possible to find an observer who sees the object traveling backwards in time. As an object's velocity approaches that of light, its mass and kinetic energy go to infinity. Even information may not travel faster than light, as this would allow messages to be sent backwards in time as well.

Dr Antonio Sabido Costa , Portugal’s Consul General in Goa, addressing the students of B P Ed department of Don Bosco College, Panjim, in the presence of Porto University’s Dr Jose Pedro Sarmento de Rebocho Lopes, Dr Jose Carlos Ribeiro, Dr Marie Raj, principal, Don Bosco College, Panjim, Fr Wilfred Fernandes administrator, Don Bosco, Panjim and manager, Don Bosco College, Panjim. ing, “for certain, the one footpath of a tranquil life lies through virtues.”

Dr Antonio praised the collaboration between the two prestigious institutions, Don Bosco College and Porto University in the field of physical education and sports sciences, which is now entering the fifth fruitful year.

Dr Jose Pedro Lopes highlighted that sport has the

power to change lives from low to top levels quickly, like it has happened in case of Pele, Maradona, Messi, Cristinao Ronaldo and several others. “Be prepared for change,” he remarked and stressed that sport’s objective in improving the quality of life and its effective role in cardiovascular problems, diabetes, obesity, cancer and its need for special people is

gaining more and more, world wide acceptance.

Fr Wilfred Fernandes, administrator, Don Bosco Panjim, agreed with the Portuguese delegates that the face of sports is everchanging and that in three years time, it will undergo a dramatic change, for the only constant is change.

Dr Marie Rak, D Bosco College principal, welcomed.

Dempo rally, overcome JCT HERALD SPORTS DESK Panjim, Feb 25: Dempo came from behind to beat JCT 2-1 in a round XVI encounter of I-League at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurgaon on Friday.

Gurtej Singh’s opener was cancelled out by Ranty Martins with Roberto Mendes

Goa bag bronze in football

Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity The two basic rules of special relativity are that the laws of physics are the same regardless of absolute velocity, and that the speed of light is constant for all observers. That means, if you are in a closed box moving at constant velocity, special relativity predicts that no experiment you do inside the box can tell you how fast the box is moving. Likewise, the speed of light will remain the same for an observer inside the box, even if the box itself is moving at a large fraction of the speed of light.

Regular physical exercise is an important component of healthy life style, having been associated with increase in life expectancy.

-- José Carlos Ribeiro

Use sports power, change lives: Portuguese expert

Physics Postulates

“

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

Panjim, Feb 25 : The Goa football team deputed by SAG claimed a bronze medal at the 34th National Games beating Services 3-1 in Ranchi. Kevin Lobo, Joel Sequeira and Joy Ferrao netted a goal each.

Earlier, Goa were beaten by Bengal 0-1 in the semis.

Dr Susana de Sousa, director of sports and youth affairs, who witnessed the match hailed the boys for their spirited display.

Silva netting the winner down the wire for Dempo.

JCT took the surprise lead in the 13th minute from a goalkeeping error by Subhashish Roy Chowdhury, who failed to clear the ball, on which alert Gurtej made no mistake to put his side in front.

Dempo retaliated and it was once again their captain

Ranty Martins, who brought his side back into the match levelling in the 29th minute following a goal mouth melee. Dempo definitely looked the better side after clinching the equaliser but failed to add any more goals to their tally at half time which read 1-1.

Roberto Mendes Silva

St Sebastian Boys win Panjim, Feb 25 : St Sebastian Boys, Murida scored a solitary goal victory over Guirdolim Sports Club in Nagoa Village Panchayat Cup soccer organised by Pax of Nagoa Sports Club at

Nagoa ground on Friday.

The all-important goal was netted by Minguel Barretto in the 35th minute.

Agnelo Dias of Guirdolim was booked for his reckless tackle.

Panjim, Feb 25 : St Rock Youth Club, Calata-Majorda got the better of CAC Cansaulim 5-4 via the tiebreaker to move into the quarter-finals of 22nd St

Rock Super soccer in memory of Nazario Dias organised by St Rock Youth Club, Calata-Majorda at St Rock ground on Friday. There was no score at full time.

St Rock YC advance

Churchill face injury-hit Bagan HERALD SPORTS DESK Panjim, Feb 25: Mohun Bagan will meet Churchill Brothers tomorrow in a round XVI tie of I-League at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.

Churchill Brothers are currently in the 3rd position with 29 points, 2 points behind East Bengal and 5 points behind league leaders Salgaocar. Mohun Bagan on the other hand are on sixth with 21 points.

In the first leg, Churchill Brothers beat Mohun Bagan 20 in Goa. Odafa Onyeka Okolie who scored both the goals in that match is still doubtful for the return leg. If Odafa fails to make it in the starting XI, Kayne Vincent and Jerry Boima will pair up upfront.

Goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya’s shoulder injury will also bar him from taking part in tomorrow’s key encounter. Steven Dias inclusion has helped Churchill Brothers a lot and he will be the key player for them along with Kayne Vincent who has already scored

eight goals. Odafa-less Churchill did not have any problem in scoring as they have defeated Chirag United and JCT 5-3 and 3-1 respectively.

Churchill Brothers coach, Vincent Subramaniam said, "We will play for three points but will have to be careful. In the first leg, I feel we were lucky to get full points as Mohun Bagan really played well against us and dominated the match for most part."

Mohun Bagan will miss many players in tomorrow's match. Anwar Ali, Jose Barreto, Manish Maithani, Souvik Chakraborty, Surkumar Singh, Sk. Azim are all injured, while Ishfaq Ahmed is out due to one match automatic suspension. N. Mohanraj took looks doubtful for the tie. Subhash Bhowmick will take the final decision whether Mohanraj will play in left back position or he will opt for Dhanarajan after assessing the situation tomorrow morning.

In the absence of Anwar Ali, it will be either Sagram

Mandi or Rakesh Masih who will join Deepak Mandal in the central defence.

Muritala Ali and Chidi Edeh will be the two strikers in the team. In the last match, both of them failed to convert some easy chances and thus Mohun Bagan lost two points against HAL and the match ended 1-1.

In fact, Mohun Bagan have failed to win their last four matches against Air India, East Bengal, Pune FC and HAL; all the matches have ended in draws.

Technical Director, Subhash Bhowmick said, "We will miss many key players in tomorrow's match but we have got substitutes and will try our level best to get full points from tomorrow's match, but in the last few matches we have been missing very easy chances to score. Hopefully, our conversion will be better tomorrow."

In absence of so many key players of Mohun Bagan, Churchill Brothers are clear favourites for tomorrow's match.

(Beto) notched the winning goal in the closing minutes (87’) and Dempo garnered three crucial away points to take their tally to 28 points from 15 matches, while JCT remained on 14 having played one more match.

Beto was rightly adjudged man-of-the match for his impressive performance today.

ONGC for better show against Salgaocar HERALD CORRESPONDENT Margao, Feb 25: Debutants Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) Mumbai are hoping for a better performance from their away match when they take on an upbeat Salgaocar Sports Club in the 4th I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday. They came to Goa with a single point agenda of retaining their spot in ILeague.

ONGC have 11 points from 15 matches and coach Subrata Bhattacharya will be hoping that his strikers find the scoring boots.

The Mumbai outfit is keen to snatch a point. “We don’t want to lose this match. We will be happy with a win but if not, at least a draw,” Bhattacharya told Herald on Friday.

Being experienced campaigners, Bhattacharya is aware of the fact and is cautious. Salgaocar proved their worth in this year’s League by staying at the top.

“It is their home match and I have been involved in the periphery of the relegation zone and we need at least a point to get the momentum going in order to avoid the drop,” said the ONGC coach. “We have been playing well but tend to lose focus and momentum. The players require to stay focused throughout. I have full respect for Salgaocar’s coach Karim Bencherifa. He transformed a bunch of talented players into a cohesive unit,” concluded Bhattacharya.

15

www.oheraldo.in

sports

Indian cricketers have appealed to the country's demanding media to halt their endless demands for interviews ahead of Sunday's clash with England. BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan requested media members to refrain from constantly contacting the members of the Indian team on phone/SMS for interviews.

Aussies overcome Kiwis PTI Nagpur, Feb 25: Defending champions Australia dished out a clinical display to outplay Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand and notch up a comprehensive sevenwicket victory with 16 overs to spare, in a group A game of the World Cup here today.

With a modest target of 207 to chase, Australian openers Shane Watson (62, 61 balls, 6x4, 1x6) and Brad Haddin (55, 50 balls, 8x4) sent the Kiwi bowlers on a leatherhunt during an opening partnership of 131 in only 18 overs.

This was after the Aussie pacers, led by Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait, produced a hostile spell of fast bowling to decimate the opposition in only 45.1 overs at the Vidarbha Cricket Association ground.

Both Tait (3/35 in 7 overs) and Johnson (4/33 in 9.1 overs) bowled with pace and accuracy which made lives difficult for the opposition batsmen.

The New Zealand team, still disturbed due to the tragedy back home, never looked like competing in the first place. Their bowlers, especially Hamish Bennett,

scoreboArd New Zealand: M Guptill b Watson 10, B McCullum c Krejza b Tait 16, J Ryder c Haddin b Johnson 25, R Taylor b Tait 7, J Franklin c Haddin b Johnson 0, S Styris c Haddin b Tait 0, J How lbw b Smith 22, N McCullum lbw b Johnson 52, D Vettori c Haddin b Lee 44, T Southee c Ponting b Johnson 6, H Bennett not out 0. Extras: 24. Total: 206 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-40, 3-66, 4-66, 5-67, 6-73, 7-121, 8-175, 9-206, 10206. Bowling: Lee 8-2-29-1; Tait 7-0-35-3; Johnson 9.1-3-33-4; Watson 3-1-9-1; Krejza 9-0-47-0; Smith 9-0-44-1.

Australia: S Watson b Bennett 62, B Haddin c Franklin b Bennett 55, R Ponting st B McCullum b Southee 12, M Clarke not out 24, C White not out 22. Extras: 32. Total: 207 for 3. Fall of wickets: 1-133, 2-136, 3-167.

Bowling: Southee 10-2-45-1; Vettori 7-0-39-0; Bennett 7-0-63-2; N McCullum 3-0-22-0; Ryder 5-0-24-0; Franklin 2-0-11-0.

Man of the match: M Johnson

Bangladesh defeat Ireland AFP Dhaka, Feb 25: Bangladesh stung flat-footed Ireland to resurrect their World Cup campaign with a 27-run victory in front of some 25,000 boisterous home fans on Friday.

Bangladesh, bowled out for 205 after taking first strike in the day-night match, hit back to dismiss the leading non-Test nation for 178 in 45 overs at the packed Sher-e-Bangla stadium.

Former captain Mohammad Ashraful, who scored just one run, turned an unlikely hero with the ball by claiming two top-order wickets with his part-time off-spin.

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan also picked up two wickets with left-arm spin before

seamer Shafiul Islam polished off the tail in quick time with 4-21 from eight overs.

Bangladesh, who had lost their first match to India last week, lapped up the pressure in a game they had to win to stay in contention for the quarter-finals from Group B. But the co-hosts, who play all their league matches at home, must still beat the Netherlands and at least one of the established teams among England, South Africa and the West Indies.

The win helped Bangladesh avenge two successive defeats by Ireland in major events, having lost during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean and again in the 2009 World Twenty20 in England.

Mitchell Johnson bowls a delivery in Nagpur on Friday.

Sehwag survives injury scare PTI Bangalore, Feb 25: Opener Virender Sehwag today survived an injury scare after being hit on his ribs by a

local fast bowler during the Indian cricket team's practice session ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup clash against England on Sunday.

Sehwag was one of the first to take strike at the nets at the National Cricket Academy and his batting session was cut short when a rising delivery from a local boy hit him on the left rib cage.

He was taken to the dressing room immediately but fortunately for India, nothing serious was found. He later went to the gymnasium and also joined back the training session.

Team Manager Ranjib Biswal spoke to media and cleared the air about Sehwag's injury "He is fit to play. There was no need to even go for scans," Biswal told reporters.

Before the batting and bowling session, the Indian cricketers played football for about 45 minutes.

scoreboArd Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal c Porterfield b Botha 44, Imrul Kayes st N. O'Brien b Mooney 12, Junaid Siddique run out 3, Mushfiqur Rahim c White b Dockrell 36, Shakib Al Hasan c and b Botha 16, Raqibul Hasan run out 38, Mohammad Ashraful c White b Dockrell 1, Naeem Islam c Dockrell b Johnston 29, Shafiul Islam lbw b Botha 2, Abdur Razzak b Johnston 11, Rubel Hossain not out 2. Extras: 11. Total: 205 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-61, 3-68, 4-86, 5-147, 6-151, 7-159, 8-170, 9-193, 10-205. Bowling: Rankin 9-0-62-0, Johnston 8.2-0-40-2, Mooney 7-025-1, Botha 9-1-32-3, Dockrell 10-2-23-2, Stirling 4-0-13-0, K. O'Brien 2-0-8-0.

Ireland: W Porterfield c Raqibul b Shakib 20, P Stirling st Rahim b Razzak 9, E Joyce c and b Ashraful 16, N O'Brien c Tamim b Shakib 38, A White b Ashraful 10, K O'Brien c sub (Shuvo) b Shafiul 37, A Botha b Shafiul 22, J Mooney b Naeem 0, T Johnston lbw b Shafiul 6, G Dockrell not out 4, B Rankin c Siddique b Shafiul 3. Extras: 13. Total: 178 all out.

Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-36, 3-75, 4-93, 5-110, 6-151, 7-164, 8-168, 9171, 10-178. Bowling: Shafiul 8-1-21-4, Razzak 8-0-30-1, Naeem 9-136-1, Shakib 8-0-28-2, Ashraful 9-0-42-2, Rubel 3-0-12-0.

Man of the match: T Iqbal

Injured Bollinger to return home Nagpur, Feb 25: Defending champions Australia suffered a setback with pacer Doug Bollinger being ruled out of the ongoing World Cup due to an ankle injury.

The left-arm pacer, who is set to fly home to seek opinions of specialists, felt discomfort in his left ankle during the team's first warm-up game against India and although it improved for the opening match, the problem intensified when the team arrived in Nagpur for today's tie against Kiwis. (PTI)

sprayed all over the place as Watson and Haddin took them to cleaners.

Haddin's innings was a contrast to his painstaking 29 against Zimbabwe on Monday as he blasted his way to a half century in only 39 balls. This was the wicketkeeper batsman's 12th half century in 78th ODI. Watson, who started off slowly after getting reprieve due to Umpires Review (Tim Southee was the bowler), got into the act and literally toyed with slower bowlers like Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum.

Watson produced some

typical slogs with great effect on the way to his 21st fifty.

By the time, Haddin holed out in the deep off Hamish Bennett, and Watson played on, the writing was on the wall for New Zealand.

Ponting (12) again failed to deliver but victory was just a formality then.

Earlier, Nathan McCullum stood tall amidst the ruins with a fighting half century.

Courtesy Nathan's (52, 76 balls, 3x4) rearguard action, New Zealand were able to cross the 200-run mark after Aussie bowlers blew away the top-six within 17 overs with 73 on board.

“

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

England will have to put up a vastly improved bowling performance, especially in the death overs, to thwart India in their encounter on Sunday -- Stuart Broad

16

www.oheraldo.in

Goa I Saturday 26, February 2011

Lifestyle

Relationships

Saturday, 26 Feb 2011

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

Education

Information Technology

Entertainment

Fashion

Travel

GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Uncle Pai will live on…

In Every Heart

Visvas futtlo, sangat tuttlo, dusman zata ubo - Anonymous

Tourism

Parenting

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

I put all my genius into my life; I put only my talent into my works - Oscar Wilde

Legendary storyteller, Anant V Pai, who presented the first original Indian brand of comics, ‘Amar Chitra Katha’, featuring all that was native to the sub-continent's culture and traditions, is no more. But from 1967, millions of Indians have grown up devouring his words of wisdom and his works are still greatly treasured even among the present generations.

Herald gets nostalgic…

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES hen I interviewed Uncle Pai for the very first time, about six years ago, the first qualities that reached out and arrested me was his vivaciousness, youthfulness and his zest for life.

Seeing my toddler daughter with me, he quickly gave her a set of colours and drawing books to keep her occupied while we chatted. And all through our chinwag, he constantly observed my little girl’s scribbling, which he termed as “her creative expressions” and the fondness with which he kept involving her in our conversation and the manner in which he spoke about the hunger for knowledge that children had, promptly made me understand that Uncle Pai was one physically elderly gentleman but with a very, very young heart. Just like his immortal stories! And this connect that he had with children was perhaps what made him such a legendary storyteller.

At the cost of sounding clannish, I must admit, the fact that he is Indian makes me even prouder as what Uncle Pai has done in popularising Indian culture through comics, indeed revolutionised the way Indians started perceiving comics. Speak to any yesteryear kid who are the parents of today and virtually everyone has read Uncle Pai’s comics with great passion. Even the present generation loves his works as he kept with the times in accepting modern forms of media, when reading habits started dwindling, and he scripted and produced video movies. Presently, after news of his death spread, social networking sites are flooded with tweets in his memory.

He is as much a part of my childhood as my education at school. Maybe even more! Because it was with a burning passion that I devoured every one of his books whereas studies was something that was imposed on us. What is highly commendable is the quality of Uncle Pai’s storytelling. It transcended religions with comics on Jesus Christ, Hindu gods, Buddha, Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, Akbar the Great and many more. His storytelling was seeped with Indian tradition and culture.

As for love and longing, his storytelling took this beautiful emotion to a different level – like Kunti just looking at the Sun God with love and longing and she conceives his child – amazing, such passion gives

W

one gooseflesh, isn’t it? Or Mirabai dedicating her whole life to Lord Krishna. Or King Kusha’s rock solid love for the ungrateful princess Prabhavati – the times he plays the flute in the great royal kitchens during the moonlit nights or doing utility jobs like washing the horses and feeding them just to be close to the palace to glimpse his sweetheart etc – such sublime, and clean love, isn’t it? Beyond the mortal flesh!

Those were heartwarming moments that made us fall in love with love itself.

Then there were stories of visionaries, of great intellectuals with good wit, biographies of great leaders, bravehearts and so much more. And we owe Uncle Pai for teaching us the Ramayana and Mahabharatha through his comics. How well he enlightened us of the various Hindu gods and their avatars. Can we ever forget the first time we read of the intriguing Lord Shiva? The way he traps the free-spirited, carefree Ganga in his locks or the violent manner in which he danced the earth-shaking ‘Shiv Tandav’ when his love throws herself in the fire gave us shivers. Such was the impact of Uncle Pai’s storytelling!

As for comic relief, with just one page of Supandi, Uncle Pai did the job that often, entire comic movies, could not do. With Tinkle, he gave us lovable characters like Supandi and Kalia.

Over the years, this lovable Uncle, often considered as the ‘grandmother of storytelling’, received several awards and his contribution to the comic world was forever etched into history books when he was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award at India’s first-ever comic convention held in New Delhi from February 19-20.

Today, he is no more, and it is no exaggeration to say that many of us have shed heartfelt tears at his loss but the unanimous belief according to everyone spoken to is that his spirit is still present within each one of us and he will forever be remembered. As for his works, they will continue to be treasured.

In fact, there are some who have woken up to the realisation that they want to cherish those childhood memories and so are going to pick up the entire ‘Amar Chitra Collection’ at a discounted cost of Rs 10,046. I, for one, will surely do! Uncle Pai, you will continue to live within each one of us and our children and grandchildren!

AKBAR

THE GR

EAT

Marriage Trends among Young are changing

T

Advocating an Education beyond Academics

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES hank you for the Music’, a musical concert presented

by Namah, the new academy of music arts and Hindi, will feature one of the state’s talented choirs, Goa Institute of Management Choir. The choir is formed at the Goa Institute of Management campus at Sanquelim by Professor Christo Fernandes and the students of the institute.

The Goa Institute of Management was started in 1993 by Padma Shri Fr Romuald D’Souza. Director of GIM Peter D’Lima encouraged the formation of a choir within the institute and also supported the cause by building an auditorium and amphitheatre in the campus. “The director has been very helpful in allowing the choir to blossom,” says Prof Christo.

The GIM choir comprises 24 students pursuing MBA degrees at the campus. Under the guidance of Christo Fernandes, their music teacher who is also the professor of Organisational Behaviour, the choir has earned themselves a distinction at the Level 2 international exam certification in choir singing by the Thames Valley University in London.

Doing the balancing act between studies and the choir practices, Abhimanyu Sukhwal, a first year student of a diploma in Management, says, “Professor Christo is our ideal; he is so

‘T

From a full fledged state-of-the-art business college to a Level 2 international exam certification in choir singing, Goa Institute of Management, Sanquelim is surely making a mark.

Its choir will now be performing at a musical concert to be held this Monday. Herald speaks to the choir about their formation and the quick development of a 24-member choir consistent and we are constantly encouraged by his work of travelling all the way to Sanquelim to train us. I cut down on leisure activities and instead spend time with the choir. Academics are important and we cannot spend study time on the choir. It is like a crash course from what we learn in our books.”

The musical event will include performances of ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Call to Freedom’, ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ and ‘Pal Pal Pal’. Two songs ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ and ‘Call to Freedom’ will be sung in four different voices, alto, soprano, tenor and bass, by the GIM choir. The concert will be held on February 28, 2011 at 6:30pm onwards at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao and will also feature Brazilian music performance by Maxie Miranda, Alcatrazz, Antara Majumdar, Debjani Ghosh and the Namah Chorale.

rends are changing in the great Indian wedding bazaar. Gone is the rebelliousness of the 1980s and the 1990s, when the young and carefree defied parents to follow their heart to the altar. In place is a thread of reason and unanimity with family over choice of lifemates, says Anupam Mittal, CEO of the country’s largest matrimonial site shaadi.com. “I remember there was this big rebellious streak in the eighties when kids wanted to marry outside the family and community. While the families wanted to choose, children wanted to follow their hearts,” said Mittal.

But in the last few years, eligible youngsters and their families are not at loggerheads over weddings any more. “The trend among the young and eligible is ‘I would like to exercise my choice as long as my parents are happy’. The realisation that ultimately it is also as much the family’s choice as those tying the knot is dawning. People are waking up to the fact that marriage is much more than simply falling in love,” Mittal said.

One noticeable pattern is of inter-religious weddings where, from what I have seen, the couples are very happy, along with their families. The matches are fixed with more maturity of thought and reason. Also, nearly 30 years ago, the emphasis in matchmaking for a girl was a well-settled man. The man’s family looked for an ‘innocent’ girl. Nearly 12 years ago, it changed a bit. The emphasis was on height and physicality. Innocence was replaced by good family background - good upbringing.”

In the last seven years, the requirement has completely changed, he added. “Compatibility has become more important. Compatibility includes chemistry and broader interests, which means shared interests, doing the same things, hailing from similar family backgrounds, spending time in the same countries and understanding each other,” he said. Also, increased education and greater awareness about bonding had brought about the change in mindset. “Affluence can be detrimental. It can often lead to incompatibility. However, certain other things have remained unchanged. Like, religion and community are still key to matchmaking, especially among Indian Brahmins. The Indian matchmaking market shows a very interesting mix of old and new values,” Mittal said.

(Courtesy: IANS)

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

Education

GOA’S

Information Technology

Entertainment

info ‘nf’un zone

Saturday, 26 Feb 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘What is your Shooting Format’, a free workshop on cinematography, organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa will be held on February 26 from 11am to 1pm and 2m to 4pm at Maquinez Palace Auditorium, Panjim. E-mail milindjoshi@iffigoa.org. Call 2428111, 2428113 or 2428115.

‘BavarIndia’, a photography exhibition

by Peter Müller and Walter Hoffmann is underway till February 26 at Kerkar Art Complex, Calangute. It is presented by Dhoomimal Gallery, New Delhi and the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Goa. 11th Saraswat Food Cultural Festival, organised by Goa Saraswat Samaj is underway till February 27 at the Panjim gymkhana, Panjim.

‘WizBiz 2011’, 11th Corporate Quiz, organised by Goa Institute of Management will be held on February 26 at the Goa Institute of Management campus, Sanquelim. Call 2366700.

The State Art Exhibition in the Student and Artist Category, organised by Kala Academy will be held from March 10 to 14 and January 25 to 29 at the Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Panjim. The prospectus for the former will be available from February 28, while the latter are currently available at the Academy itself. Call 2421311.

Gandhi Shilp Crafts Bazaar organised GHRSSIDC is underway till February 27 at GTDC grounds, Baga.

There will be a variety of entertainment programmes held daily from 7pm to 9pm.

Call 2224478 or 2225328.

‘Chhota Scientist’, a state level science competition for students of Std VI to VIII on February 26, organised by Shiroda Higher Secondary Institute, Shiroda and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Goa will take

Fashion

Travel

Tourism

Parenting

Pg2

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

HOROSCOPE place on February 26 at the Old GMC, Panjim. Registration is open. Call 9890505069.

‘Effects of promoting obscenity and sexuality for tourism’, a workshop organised by Asha Human Rights Association (AFRRA) will be held on February 26 from 3.30pm to 6pm at Institute Piedade Hall II, Panjim. Email trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

Call 2256445 or 9822166876.

The Children Painting Exhibition organised by the Kala Academy is underway till February 27 between 10am to 7pm at the Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Panjim.

Call 2420452.

Budget talks on the budget provisions, by chartered accountants and experts in direct and indirect taxation, organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Chartered Accounts - Goa Chapter will be held on March 1 at 6pm at the Surendrababu Timblo Hall, Narayan Rajaram Bandekar Bhavan, Panjim. Registration is open. Call 2424252.

‘Annual Music Concert’, by the students of the Sonata Music School, Margao will be held on February 27 at 10am at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

Call 2653083.

‘Purple Noon (Plein Soleil)’, the movie will be screened on February 28 at 6.30pm at Sunaparanta -Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim.

Call 2421311.

‘Thank you for the Music’, organised by the Namah Chorale Group will be held on February 28 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. It will feature a host of Goan musical talents. Call 2653083.

Portuguese short films will be screened on February 26 at 5pm at the Smt Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Margao. It is organised by the Centre for Portuguese Language and Culture of the College. Call 2759062, 2759504 and 2759231.

In the interest of keeping the peace, maintain a neutral point 21 Mar - 19 Apr of view on issues. Don't worry about what might or might not happen today -- you can get through this. Even if things look impossible, your optimistic spirit should see you through, as long as you can believe.

Taurus Things in your life are calming down so take the opportunity to be 20 Apr - 20 May unproductive.

Yo u f e e l t h e pleasures of the flesh more intensely than usual, so eat well, exercise and try to get outside -- even if the weather is terrible. It's a good day to feel things and to let yourself enjoy.

You will find it Gemini rewarding to connect with people and give a little bit of 21 May - 20 Jun yourself. You can usually navigate the social waters with ease, but others are much harder to map out today. That's okay, as long as you've got some personal projects you can putter with in the meantime.

What you've waited for is here -- there is no need to look for something 22 Jun - 23 Jul better. You can regain your balance today, but it may take more time than you'd expect. It's still worth it, because it's hard to keep moving forward if you're afraid you're going to stumble.

You are feeling emotionally strong, and you can keep your priorities 24 Jul - 23 Aug straight. You need to avoid the temptation to over-share about whatever is new and awesome in your life. Maybe you've found a new way to trick yourself into going to the gym, but nobody else needs to know.

If group dynamics are getting fuzzy today, it's a good time 23 Aug - 22 Sep for you to take c h a r g e . Yo u need to get some serious feedback -- not just criticism, but creative inspiration. Your good energy means you can seek out the right people and get them to give you honest, positive advice.

Don't take detours. Keep your eyes on the prize and 23 Sept - 22 Oct keep on going down the road!

You need to be extra careful today, though it's not exactly Friday the 13th. You're just tripping over weird energy patterns that can make life a little more challenging than it usually is.

Scorpio Today you've got the intensity to stay focused without 23 Oct - 22 Nov l o s i n g y o u r cool. You're the spark that sets off creative wildfires today, so make sure that you're surrounded by the right kind of fuel. It's a good day to assemble a team and get to work on something new.

Sagittarius If you're not up

Capricorn Inspiration will be humming all around you, coming from 22 Dec - 20 Jan some unexpected sources.

Your energy levels never seem to dip down far below their maximum today, no matter how much you get done. This is the perfect time to plow through all that busy work that has to get finished soon.

Aquarius Separate out the good aspects from the bad aspects, your 21 Jan - 19 Feb a n d choices will be clear. You're feeling exhausted right now, and while that can sometimes be a great feeling when you're resting after a big accomplishment, this time it seems to have come from nowhere. Take care of yourself!

Cutting out excessive things today means you will have 20 Feb - 20 Mar m u c h m o r e money tomorrow. You need to find some way to help your people today, even if it involves some kind of crazy Rube Goldberg scheme that nobody understands but you. Things should settle down quite soon!

Aries

Libra

to proving yourself, people will cut you 23 Nov - 20 Dec s o m e s l a c k .

To d a y i s a l l about doing things yourself.

Try not to go out for lunch -your own sandwich (or leftover chicken salad) tastes better because you know exactly how it got made, and with what.

WORD OF THE DAY

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? Seven islands of Bombay

cartographer Pronunciation kahr-TAH-gruh-fer Function Noun Meaning : one that makes maps Example Sentence Allan felt that thanks to his work as a cartographer, he had memorised almost every inch of certain places.

LAFFS

The Mumbai we know today is one of the most bustling metros of India but once upon a time, this city didn’t even exist! The seven islands of Bombay was an archipelago of islands that were over the span of five centuries connected to form the area of the modern city of Mumbai, formerly called Bombay. The seven islands were gradually physically united through land reclamation projects. The original archipelago was composed of Isle of Bombay, Colaba, Old Woman’s Island (Little Colaba), Mahim, Mazagaon, Parel and Worli.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.”

– Evan Esar DAILY GROOK SPORTS SHORTS

by Francis Rodrigues around a tennis court if girls get the hots, the key to that sport is just...drop shots!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Saturday 32° C | 21° C Dawn 06:33

Clear

Sunrise 06:55

Sunset Dark 18:42 19:03

Moon rise 01:48 High 04:02

Low 11:25

Singing Sammy sung songs about sinking sand

Moon set 13:16

TIDES High Low 19:12 —

17:30 Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!

21:00 Do Dooni Chaar Rain Man Platoon Fame Alice in Wonderland Hancock The Day the Earth Stood Still

11:00 Spartacus 12:00 Journey to the Center of the Earth 14:00 The Tale of Despereaux 16:00 Underworld 18:00 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 21:00 Zombieland 23:00 Spartacus

11:30 15:00 18:30 19:00 22:30

What can you make that cannot be seen?

High —

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

11:10 13:55 16:25 18:45 21:00 23:05

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Buy a map

16:15 18:40 21:00 22:50

Partition Crash I Can't Think Straight Spider-Man

Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa Tum Se Achcha Kaun Hai B-Town-Buzz Malamaal Weekly Runaway Bride 12:30 16:00 20:00 23:10

Golmaal: Fun Unlimited Dushmani: The Target 3 Idiots Terminator 3

09:00 NBA Regular Season 12:20 Legion 14:25 Jesse Stone

20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

09:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom Team Challenge 09:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom Team Challenge 10:00 Wanted High Alert 11:00 Anhoniyon Ka Andhera

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00

08:00 Money Hai Toh Honey Hai 12:00 Viewers Choice 16:00 Bhai 20:00 Hum Aapke Hain Kaun...

09:10 Police Officer 13:15 Chalte Chalte

15:00 16:00 17:00 19:00 20:00

Reaper Reaper Got to Dance Breaking The Magician's Code India's Minute to Win It Got to Dance Breaking The Magician's Code Top 20 Countdown India's Minute to Win It

IDIOT BOX 10:00 10:30 12:30 13:00 15:30 16:30 17:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30

Sasural Genda Phool Saath Nibhana Saathiya Saath Nibhana Saathiya Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Mughal-E-Azam Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Love U Zindagi Mast Mast Salman Wife Bina Life Pyar Mein Twist Diwali Dillon Ki

10:00 11:30 14:00 17:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Khotey Sikkey Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Don No. 1 C.I.D Saas Bina Sasural Adaalat Jubilee Comedy Circus C.I.D Khotey Sikkey

SUDOKU 793

Riddle Me This

10:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 11:00 Dance India Dance Doubles 12:30 Choti Bahu 14:30 Sanskaar Laxmi 16:00 Sanskaar Laxmi 16:30 Hum Saath Saath Hain 20:30 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Dance India Dance Doubles

10:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 16:00 Mrs. Tendulkar 18:00 Gili Gili Gappa 19:00 Papad Pol 19:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 20:00 Malegoan Ka Chintoo

20:30 Gutar Gu 21:00 Ring Wrong Ring 22:30 Gili Gili Gappa

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

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

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 Geet

21:00 Got to Dance 22:00 Pet Sematary II

10:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

American Idol Two And A Half Men The Simpsons Friends Friends Koffee With Karan Masterchef US Koffee With Karan Detroit 187 The Good Guys Walking Dead

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:30 15:30 16:00

The Looney Tunes Show Chhota Bheem Bheem vs Aliens Marathon Kumbh Karan Marathon

19:00 The New Adventures of Hanuman 20:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated 22:00 Takeshi's Castle

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup H/ls 13:00 ICC Cricket World Cup

10:30 The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 13:30 Sportscenter Week In Review 14:00 Premier League Preview 14:30 Sportscenter Weekend 14:32 ICC World Cup H/ls 15:30 The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 18:30 Sportscenter Weekend 18:32 Premier League Preview 19:00 Scorecast Saturday 19:30 Primetime Premier League 20:25 Barclays Premier League 22:30 Full Time 11:00 NBA 15:00 UEFA Champions League H/ls 16:00 WWE: Superstars 17:00 WWE: Smackdown 19:00 Speed 19:30 WWE: Superstars 20:30 ATP World Tour

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:30 22:15

ICC Cricket World Cup The Contenders ICC Cricket World Cup Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc ICC Cricket World Cup Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc

10:00 Traveller Band : David Rocco's Dolce Vita 11:00 Traveller Band : Dhani Tackles the Globe 15:30 Traveller Band : Market Values - Bangkok 16:00 International Terrorism Since 1945 16:30 International Terrorism Since 1945

17:00 Science & Tech : Prehistoric Park: Part 5 18:00 Deadliest Warrior : Aztec Jaguar vs. Zande Warrior 19:00 It Happens only in India 20:00 The Oscars Special : Tom Cruise 21:00 Paul Merton in Europe 22:00 Action Weekends : Deadliest Warrior 23:00 India Investigates : The Nithari Case

11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

I Didn't Know That Great Migrations Nat Geo Amazing!

Megacities True Stories Big, Bigger, Biggest Nat Geo Specials Jailed Abroad Nat Geo Extreme Megacities Dangerous Encounters Space Special

07:00 Concert of Classical Music 07:30 Sunset Symphony 08:00 English News 09:00 Kids Club 09:30 Angos Musica Show 10:00 English News 11:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 11:30 Pilar Care for Mother Earth 12:00 Flavors 12:30 Sanz Sangoddachi 13:00 English News 14:00 Sunset Symphony 14:30 St Thomas Annual Day 15:30 Grape Escapade 16:00 English News 17:00 Amche Bakibab 17:30 Pilar Care for Mother Earth 18:00 English News 19:00 Angos Musical Show 19:30 Jazz Gospel Concert 20:00 English News 21:00 Amazing Fusion of Dance Beats 21:30 Talking Talkies 22:00 English News 23:00 Clown Fiesta 23:30 Rhythmic breathing 00:00 Sanz Sangoddachi 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 792

HERALD CROSSWORD - 793 Across 1- Forms; 7- British rule in India; 10- Asian sea; 14- Black gum; 15- Euro forerunner; 16- Curse; 17- Deer horn; 18- ___ Mahal; 19- ___ boy!; 20- Intermission; 23- Writer Jong; 26- ___ kwon do; 27- Ages; 28- Lawless character; 29- "You've got mail" co.; 30- "Treasure Island" monogram; 31- Large sea wave; 33Block up; 34- Big ___; 37- Hi___ monitor; 38- Part of RSVP; 39- Gasteyer of "Saturday Night Live"; 40- Trident-shaped letter; 41- Broke bread; 42- Compass dir.; 43- Finback; 45- Aurora's counterpart; 46- Fish appendage; 47- Exhort; 48- Muscat native; 51- DC bigwig; 52Wined and dined; 53- Motley; 56- Calculus calculation; 57- Gangster's gun; 58- Sea off Greece; 62- Kind of cod; 63- Afflict; 64- Supports for a lever; 65- De-intensify; 66Boring; 67- Irritating; Down 1- RR stop; 2- Attila, e.g.; 3- Appropriate; 4Large web-footed bird; 5- Actress Verdugo; 6Category; 7- Posterior; 8- Without ___ in the world; 9- Fetish; 10- Lets up; 11- Rate; 12Composer Bruckner; 13- Inclines; 21- Prima ballerina; 22- Of the center of the hand; 23More; 24- Adjust to zero; 25- Busy; 29- Not quite right; 30- Babbled; 32- Pardon; 33- Boldness; 34- Sudden burst; 35- Grammarian's topic; 36- Angered; 44- Regal; 45- Hire; 46Suitably; 48- Toothbrush brand; 49- "West Side Story" song; 50- Cause; 51- Flight of steps; 52Finely ground meal of grain; 54- Mild oath; 55-

Present; 59- Here, to Henri; 60- Prince Valiant's son; 61- Henpeck;

SOLUTION - 792

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

Education

GOA’S

h

Information Technology

Entertainment

e n in p p a h ’ n ot ‘

g

Fashion

Travel

Tourism

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Saturday, 26 Feb 2011

Parenting

Pg3

Curtorim Carnival Float to swell with Tradition HERALD FEATURES he morning of the carnival is welcomed with the sound of drum beats and Alvarado music in Curtorim and its surrounding villages. Bringing in this carnival cheer is the Curtorim Cultural Committee (CCC). They organise the Festival of Curtorkars, with a Carnival Float Parade, every year. The Committee was set up with the aim of promoting cultural events all through the year. It generates funds entirely from local donations and the selling of lottery coupons.

This year as part of its fifth anniversary celebrations, the CCC has lined up a host of events, competitions and performances from March 6 to 8. There will be singing and dancing talent search competitions for Curtorkars. And apart from this, Curtorim will also host, for the first time, an All Goa Singing Competition and Jive Dancing Competition. The auditions for the same will be held on February 27 at the St Alex Church Hall and the Panchayat Hall, both in Curtorim. A Curtorim Food Festival has also been planned. The competitions organised for it will be flower decoration, ice carving and fruit display/arrangements with an emphasis on authentic Goan food. On March 8, the carnival float parade will be held from the Maina Church Ground and will lead to the Curtorim Market Square at 3pm.

What stands out about this entire event is the fact that the floats are all traditional in nature and involves local participation. There is a complete absence of any commercial floats.

T

It’s all about the Shoes...

India, Germany, Politics and More

Dr Felix Schmidt

F

Photos by Rozario Estibeiro

Professor Clemens Herbert Jergenmeyer

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES amily, friends, cheer and chatter is exactly the description of what the evening was all about at ‘The Haystack’, the seasonal store at Arpora which hosted a reunion of shoe designer and proprietor of the very chic and quirky shoe designs Janota, Edwin Pinto.

Being inspired by the hippie culture of the 70s and the Soul creator: Edwin markway of life evident from ing the feet of Francis de his eccentric designs, Souza for a new pair of Edwin invited one of the oldest followers of shoes the hippie traditions in Goa, Francis De Souza to be the chief guest for the evening.

Apart from the meeting up of family and friends and the ultra casual ambience, the reunion had something different on the platter. “I have just decided to have a reunion with old friends and my family. I like to do things differently and even today we will be doing something different,” said Edwin.

And right enough, the main attraction of the evening was getting a chance to have a firsthand experience in seeing Edwin and his artisans work and make a pair of shoes for the chief guest. With intricate designs and cutwork the group literally brought their heads together and set to work, it was fascinating to see the skilled hands at work with tools, leather and patience.

The guests were also treated with some foot tapping music

by Elvis Lobo at the guitar and William De Souza, with his innovative music with vessels and later with Anslem playing the guitar and singing some jazz tunes while the designers, Edwin, Prasoon, Lino and Alister were busy at what they do best, making shoes. The shoe enthusiasts could get an eyeful of the various designs on display, in vibrant colours and out-of-the-box designs in both fabric and leather.

Brothers in arms: Edwin and Alan (right)

Colin Curry

Feeling the music: Anselm and his guitar

T

he International Centre Goa played host to a lecture by the German Professor Clemens Herbert Jergenmeyer. The lecture, titled ‘Political System of Germany and India: A Comparison’ saw a niche group of very enthusiastic persons. The lecture was very comprehensive and interactive and saw an interesting exchange of opinions and views on the subject.

Post lecture-cum-interaction, the guests and invitees dined under a beautiful, starry-night sky. As always, Director of ICG, Nandini Sahai and the manager, Arjun Harlankar ensured the programme was a success and that the guests were well taken care of.

Harshada Kerkar

The woman behind the man: Aurea Pinto, Edwin’ s mother (left)

Kornelia Santoro (right)

Cutting a base: Munna working on a shoe

MOVIE REVIEW

Tanu Weds Manu

Cast: R Madhavan, Kangana Ranaut, Jimmy Shergill Director: Aanand L Rai Rating: anu Weds Manu is another romantic comedy with a shaadi back-drop starring Madhavan and Kangana Ranaut in the lead. The film looks like a typical simple-boy-meets-wild-girl formula film. Tanu Trivedi (Ranaut) smokes, drinks, mouths expletives and does everything that is rebellious enough to put people off. Her friend and philosopher Payal tries to be the voice of reason by giving an occasional dose of advice. Enter Dr Manu Sharma, an NRI on a mission to India – find a bride. That when Tanu meets Manu (yawn!)

Even though Manu takes to the bad girl instantaneously, she rejects the man. What’s more, Tanu uses her wild ways to squiggle out of an arranged marriage with Manu so she could run back into her boyfriend (Shergill).

With a marriage in the background providing a perfect place for Tanu’s second chance meeting with Manu, the movie traces the relationship between the girl and the NRI. Surely, perfect material for sentimental romances with ‘comedy ka tadka’.

Madhavan will win your heart as a sweet lovable NRI doctor Manu who has the misfortune of falling in love with a brat. Hiding his heartbreak and disappointment behind a smile, Madhavan fits into the role of a goody goody NRI like a glove.

Kangana’s dialogue delivery puts you off and she lacks the spunk and spark to play the free bird that she is in the movie. In fact, Swara Bhaskar, who plays Payal, holds the fort as the Bihari girl who is marrying a sardarji (Eijaz Khan) who also happens to be Manu’s best friend.

Third best among the lot is Manu’s best friend Deepak Dobriyal, who delivers witty lines with an expressive face. Jimmy Shergill as Kangana’s ruffian boyfriend is wasted, so is Ravi Kishen as his sidekick.

Overall, watch Tanu Weds Manu for Madhavan and his chemistry with Deepak.

T

Satrangee Parachute

Cast: Jackie Shroff, Rupali Ganguly, Kay Kay Menon Director: Vineet Khetrapal Rating: hen you set out for a kiddo movie, you know what to expect — children as major characters, an uncomplicated storyline, fantasy fiction, to name a few things. But Satrangee Parachute takes your expectations to a new low, for it is unfit for any age group.

The film is too knotty for kids to comprehend, too wimpy for adults’ interest, and too unglamourous and sex-less to hold the attention of those in between.

The film is set in the scenic town of Nainital, and director Khetrapal narrates the story of Pappu (Siddhartha Sanghani), a gifted little boy who wants to run away from home to explore Mumbai shehar.

His best friend Kuhu (Rajvi Suchak) is visually impaired and has a dream — to fly in a parachute. So our dear boy talks his friends into it and the gang flees to Mumbai to buy a parachute leaving the parents distraught. Up to this point, the film introduces no complications whatsoever. But impracticality shows its ugly face when the kids’ trip to Mumbai coincides with a potential terror attack. Pappu overhears a terrorist say on the telephone ‘bacche parachute se utar gaye hain’ and the kids follow him and his horde in the hope that they would help them buy parachutes.

When intercepted by an anti-terrorism squad officer, played briefly but impeccably by Menon, the kids spill out the story and, quite predictably, the 26/11-like terror attempt is foiled.

If the bachcha party lacks characteristic badmashi, then the adult cast looks totally confused. Both Jackie Shroff and Kay Kay Menon are clueless cops, while fine actors like Sanjay Mishra and Zakir Hussain haven’t much to do.

The quaint cinematography of Soumik Haldar weaves magic, capturing the essence of Nainital while the lucid plot, minus the terrorism part of course, reminds you of bedtime stories from books that contained big, fascinating pictures.

Overall, Satrangee Parachute is sadly colourless and boring.

Courtesy www.cinecurry.com

W

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

Education

Information Technology

t r en ’ n ‘ m a l g

GOA’S

Entertainment

ds

Fashion

Travel

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Saturday, 26 Feb 2011

S­ py­Thriller­Azaan shoots­in­Six­ Countries­in­70­Days

P

Anthony Hopkins turns­Composer

S

ir Anthony Hopkins is set to make his debut as a composer in Britain, when he unveils a new composition at a classical concert this summer. The Silence of the Lambs star will present a brand new piece written for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) as well as several of his original scores at a show in Cardiff, Wales.

“I am immensely happy to be working with the CBSO to bring my compositions to Britain for the first time,” said the veteran actor.

“There are themes and passages in these pieces that have been several decades in the making and to bring them all vividly to life with one of the great symphony orchestras of the world is absolutely thrilling.”

He will also appear onstage to discuss his song writing techniques with concert producer Tommy Pearson.

Sir Anthony’s concert will be held at St David’s Hall in Cardiff on July 24.

My­character­is­heart­of Drive Angry:­Amber­Heard

H

ollywood actress Amber Heard is playing the female lead in 3-D movie Drive Angry opposite Nicholas Cage. She says her character of a cowboy-boot-wearing and gun-carrying waitress is the heart of the action drama.

“I’ve certainly never read a character like this,” said the Texasborn actress, whose character is called Piper in the movie. She has acted in movies like All The Boys Love Mandy Lane and Stepfather.

“Piper is a cowboy-boot-wearing, potty-mouthed, gun-carrying, Charger-driving small town diner waitress with a heart of gold,” the actress said in an interaction made available on e-mail.

“Piper is not stereotypical and she would punch you in the mouth if you said she was. She’s not afraid to fire a gun or stand up for what she believes. She is the heart of this movie,” the actress said.

The film is about escaped criminal John Milton (Nicolas Cage), who deserted his only daughter when she was a teenager.

Now he will move heaven and earth to rescue his infant granddaughter from a bloodthirsty cult intent on sacrificing her under the next full moon.

With only three days left to find them, he takes the help of Piper, a beautiful waitress with a hot car and a mean right hook.

The movie was shot in 3-D, using the Paradise FX system, the same technology used to make My Bloody Valentine 3-D.

A

n Italian study has suggested that living in a cooler home and getting a decent night’s sleep could help rein in the obesity epidemic. A research team, led by Simona Bo at the University of Turin in Italy, found the odds of a person becoming obese declined by 30 per cent for each hour of sleep they managed.

Meanwhile, those who liked living in a toasty hot house were twice as likely to become obese as those who kept their homes no warmer than 20C. These findings held true even when factors such as physical activity level and TV watching were taken into account. The study followed more than a thousand middle-aged adults over six years.

Dr Bo and her colleagues, said: “Relatively unexplored contributors to the obesity and diabetes epidemics may include sleep restriction, increased house temperature, television watching, consumption of restaurant meals, use of air-conditioning and use of anti-depressant drugs.”

David Allison at the University of Alabama at Birmingham said a cooler indoor temperature could affect your weight as the body burns more calories when it has to work to maintain a stable temperature.

Scalp Cooling Cap may­prevent­­­ Chemotherapy-induced­Hair Loss ake Forest University Baptist Medical Centre will conduct a feasibility study to test the use of a scalp cooling device that breast cancer patients will wear while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. This will be part of the first significant study of the medical device in the United States.

The FDA has given approval for an investigational device exemption (IDE) feasibility study to be conducted at Wake Forest Baptist and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). A total of 20 patients with stage one breast cancer will be involved – 10 at Wake Forest Baptist and 10 at UCSF. The study will test the safety and tolerability of the patented DigniCap scalp cooling system, which is worn by patients during chemotherapy treatment to prevent hair loss.

Susan Melin, principal investigator for the study, said data from several large international studies involving almost 1,000 chemotherapy patients indicate the device is safe to use and does prevent hair loss.

“Preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss by using the scalp cooling cap may relieve severe psychological and emotional stress and improve the patient’s quality of life,” Melin said The DigniCap system, developed by the Swedish company Dignitana, features a tight-fitting silicone cap that is placed directly on the head and an outer neoprene cap that insulates and secures the inner one. The cap is connected to a cooling and control unit with touch screen controls. A coolant circulates throughout the inner silicone layer and the cap is designed to deliver consistent cooling to all areas of the scalp.

When a cap is applied to the head, the temperature of the scalp is lowered and blood vessels surrounding the hair roots contract, resulting in a significant reduction of cytotoxins to the follicle.

Reduced blood flow leaves a smaller amount of chemotherapy available for uptake in the cells and the decreased temperature results in less absorption of and reduced effects from chemotherapy. These factors together reduce the risk of hair loss.

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

Pg4

ushtiie Shakti, lead actor of Mahi Way, is one lucky girl. While most female actors are under constant pressure to look svelte, Shakti has been asked to stay overweight. The 30-year-old is under a three-year contract with the show’s producer, Yash Raj Films, to stay plump as the show’s second season is around the corner. “I have one more year to go,” she says.

“How many women would not want to be in my shoes? To not feel guilty for being overweight? And I am to be paid for it.” A source from the channel informs that unlike the last time when Mahi chose not to go with the guy she desired, this time there will be a love angle too. Shakti reveals that she has “never had an issue dating the hottest men” in real life.

Tired of being stereotyped as a fat girl in serials like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kkusum, Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi and nine films, Pushtiie had given up acting for almost six years when she travelled extensively around India.

“Had it not been for my mother who wanted me to give acting another chance, I would have been exploring the Himalayas today,” says Shakti.

The actor is also set to make her debut in films with Yash Raj’s untitled project starring Shraddha Kapoor. She says, “I play a sensible yet aggressive character.”

S

W

Parenting

Pushtiie paid­to­be­Overweight

hooting in exotic foreign locales is not new for Bollywood, but here comes a spy thriller that is spread over as many as six countries and also shoots with the local cast and crew to get the flavour right at each location.

Director Prashant Chadha’s Azaan is being shot in Poland, the Czech Republic, Morocco, Germany, Thailand and India in a 70-day schedule. He is planning to wrap up shooting in foreign locales by March-end.

“The technical crew, except for the cameraman, is hired from the city we are shooting. The process of shooting was not that tedious because we spent a lot of time in pre-production. Shooting in five-six countries is not an easy job but it is because of our preparation that we are able to wrap our shooting in stipulated time and in a given budget,” said Chadha, speaking from Hong Kong.

To accomplish his plans, the director didn’t mind shooting in the freezing cold of Poland and the seething heat of Morocco one after the other. Though the prime cast of the film has Indian actors Sachiin Joshi, Aarya Babbar, Dilip Tahil, Sachin Khedekar and Aly Khan, Chadha also roped in locals from each region he shoots in to add international flavour to his film. “We did casting from each country we shot in.

That makes the plot more authentic,” he said. The director is planning to release Azaan by June end.

Home­Temperature­and­Sleep Loss­linked­to­Obesity

Tourism

Is­Sex Addiction a­Disease or­just­a­Convenient­Excuse?

A

s sex scandals become more rampant, experts struggle to understand – is the craving for sex really a disorder or simply a convenient excuse to wriggle out of trouble? The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is debating whether sex addiction should be added to its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

The proposed definition of sexual addiction by APA says you have an illness if you spend so much time pursuing intercourse or masturbation as to interfere with your job or other important activities. But the definition is vague in that it doesn’t specify when it becomes too much or at what point do partners in a healthy relationship become too focused on sex? And what constitutes too little sex. According to Robert Weiss, who runs the Sexual Recovery Institute, the most seriously affected patients must enter a facility where they have no access to porn or sex workers.

They start individual and group therapy that is, ideally, grounded in a cognitive-behavioural model designed to help them find rewarding activities other than sex — and consider the consequences of, say, looking at porn at work. But Weiss admits there is no simple way to teach sex addicts how to have healthy romantic relationships. “Almost all US treatment programs tell the client to abstain, without consideration of what the client is motivated to do,” writes A Thomas Horvath, a past director of the addiction bureau of the American Psychological Association and the author of ‘Sex, Drugs, Gambling and Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions’.

Even science has been at a loss to explain this puzzling disease. A person’s sexuality is a complex amalgam that involves your brain’s hormonal system, its frontal-lobe reward system and its limbic system, which controls mood. Because genes regulate these neural pathways, sexuality may be heritable, but the environment around you is just as important in determining how those genes are expressed. Those with a certain variant of the DRD4 gene were more likely to report having had one-night stands and adulterous affairs. The DRD4 gene helps control how much dopamine is released when you have sex.

But desire isn’t just tied to hormones – it’s our social need to be with another person too – which is more emotional than hormonal, which is where science fails.Despite the fact that many institutes recognise the need for treating sex addiction, they are still trying to develop standards of care for hypersexual conditions.

Courtesy Agencies

Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 6658512, 6658500, 2224202, 2228083. Fax: 2222475. Email: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com.