28 dEC,2010,HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

PG 1_Layout 1 12/28/2010 12:19 AM Page 1

O HERALD O

Goa’s Heartbeat: Big B reveals Karan’s plans for K3G sequel Pg 4 iN BrieF Fog continues to disrupt air traffic Thousands of passengers faced a harrowing time on Monday as thick fog continued to wreak havoc at the IGI airport badly affecting schedules of over 200 flights.

Around 30 domestic and international flights were diverted, 25 others were cancelled and over 150 flights were delayed by upto six hours. — (PTI) (Detailed report on Page 7)

PM offers to appear before PAC PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 27

Injecting a new element in Opposition-Government standoff, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday wrote to Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee offering to appear before it on the 2G spectrum scam and the BJP leader, who heads the committee, has not ruled out accepting it.

Following up on his public statement last week at the Congress Plenary, Singh sent a letter to PAC Chairman Murli Manohar Joshi said he was willing to appear before the PAC should the Committee choose to seek clarifications from him “though I believe there is no precedent of the Prime Minister appearing before a PAC”.

Joshi, the BJP veteran who does not seem to be very enthusiastic about the campaign for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the issue, appeared not disinclined to accept the Prime Minister’s offer.

If the PAC accepts the offer, it will be the first time a Prime Minister would be appearing before the Committee, which has MPs from both the Houses belonging to parties of the ruling coalition and the opposition.

The 22-member Committee has 10 MPs belonging to Congress and DMK of the UPA coalition, while the rest are from SP and BSP.

Business: Onion prices steady; farmers reap prematurely Pg 13

(air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

Sports: Dravid registers 200th Test catch Pg 16

NatioN put oN terror alert

Cong slams door on Mickky Says move would be problematic for govt

PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 27

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 27

Bowing to intense pressure generated by the dissident group within the party, the Congress on Monday decided against inducting Benaulim legislator Mickky Pacheco into the State cabinet.

The NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had asked Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to induct Mickky into the cabinet by dropping Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza.

Following this, a group was formed within the Congress, led by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, to oppose the move.

Congress General Secretary B K Hariprasad, who arrived in Goa on Sunday, met the dissident group on Monday and felt their demands cannot be ignored as Congress has a thin majority in the State.

“We have a thin majority here and induction of Mickky would be problematic for the government. The dissidents want the status quo to be maintained,” Hariprasad said at a

Ahead of the New Year, the Home Ministry has sounded a country-wide terror alert, especially for Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Goa and Bangalore, after getting intelligence inputs that Pakistanbased group Lashkar-e-Taiba was planning to strike.

The Centre asked all the States to tighten security by deploying additional forces in all sensitive locations to prevent any terror attack.

The police of Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Goa and Bangalore have been put on high alert and specific instructions have been issued for taking all possible steps to foil any attempt by LeT terrorists to disturb peace, official sources said.

The intelligence inputs suggested that LeT teams have already entered Mumbai and Ahmedabad and may strike at any time. The inputs also suggested that the terrorists may try to target one of the properties of the Taj group of hotels in Mumbai.

The software hub Bangalore and tourists paradise Goa are also high on list of terrorists.

Security forces have already launched “house-to-house” searches in some specific areas in Mumbai. Additional forces have been deployed in all sensitive and crowded places, including markets, religious places, bus and railway stations.

Mumbai and Ahmedabad had faced several terrorist attacks in the past including the November 26, 2008 strike in the commercial capital and September 25, 2002 attack on the Akshardham temple in the Gujarat capital.

AICC General Secretary and in-charge of Goa, B K Hariprasad discussing the latest political scenario and organisational matters with GPCC President Subhash Shirodkar along with GPCC members and office bearers at Congress House, Panjim on Monday.

press conference at the Chief Minister’s residence after meeting several of the ‘dissidents’.

Further, Hariprasad continued that the Congress is of the firm opinion that “as far as possible try to keep people with

serious charges out of cabinet.”

“Pacheco has charges of murdering a woman against him.

It will be difficult for Congress to have him inducted, till he is cleared off the charges,” Hariprasad said.

“The government here is weak. It will be a tough job to induct Mickky,” the general secretary in-charge of Goa said, adding that he would convey the sentiments of the (Continued on page 11)

Follow coalition dharma: NCP Mickky: Who is Hariprasad?

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 27

Reacting strongly to the Congress leader B K Hariprasad’s comments, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has said that it is firm on its decision to induct Mickky Pacheco into the cabinet and asked the Congress to follow the coalition dharma.

“Whatever the NCP High Command has conveyed to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat

is a well-thought decision,” NCP State unit President Surendra Sirsat told Herald.

He further said “Digambar Kamat is leading a coalition government in the State and the Congress should follow coalition dharma.”

“The NCP has two ministerial berths and it is our decision who should be inducted for the two posts.” Sirsat said adding (Continued on page 11)

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

Apparently taken aback by AICC observer’s statement against his induction in the Cabinet, former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco sought to know who is Hariprasad to decide on his return to the Kamat Ministry.

“Who is Hariprasad to take this decision. Is he the NCP leader. I don’t understand what

is happening now”, Mickky asked and recalled that he has been given a nod by the NCP leaders for his induction in the Cabinet.

Reminding the Congress leaders that he had quit the Ministry as per the NCP’s instruction following the false allegations made in the Nadia’s death case, Mickky said “I have full trust in the NCP leadership.

(Continued on page 11)

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Hurriyat paid Rs 400 for J&K stone-pelting PTI SOPORE, DEC 27

A man, arrested during the recent unrest in Kashmir Valley, has told his interrogators that the hardline Hurriyat Conference had paid Rs 400 to each youth to indulge in stone-pelting during Friday protests in Sopore, a top police officers said on Monday.

The stone-pelting was sponsored by the Syed Ali Shah Geelani faction to create law and order problem in Sopore, Abdul Latief Lone, detained under the Public Safety Act, told Police, according to DIG (North Kashmir) Munir Khan.

During questioning, Lone, a resident of Radbugh in Kupwara district, revealed each youth was paid Rs 400 on every Friday to resort to stone-pelting, the DIG told reporters.

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Two days after a case of forgery, manipulation and cheating was registered against Dayanand Narvekar and four others including wife Sushma and son Ganeshraj, the Goa Cricket Association president spewed venom and dared Dr Shekar Salkar to prove the charges.

Narvekar, addressing the media at GCA stadium Alto Porvorim on Monday, stated that he would place the facts of the case, wherein Dr Salkar alleged that there were different birth certificates with different birth dates of his son and that they were registered very late, before the affiliated clubs at the special general body meeting to be called next month. “I will place my resignation with the clubs, who will decide to accept or reject it,” Narvekar claimed.

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Pg2 GOA, TUESDAY, 28 DECEMBER, 2010

‘Wake up Goa police and smell the coffee’ VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, DEC 27

Goa police seems to be unfazed by fears of possible terrorist attack in the State even as tourist season is at its highest and the entire west coast on alert following intelligence report on suspected terrorist activity in the western part of the country.

While manhunt has begun in neighbouring Maharashtra, Goa’s borders remain porous with lax security checks in place.

Almost, all the vehicles go unchecked at these crucial points.

Herald’s visit to Patradevi and Dodamarg check-posts this weekend (December 25-26) revealed that everything is not well at these check posts, from where the militants can easily sneak in after heavy patrolling in the coastal belt.

The dire situation is similar to the one in December 2008 when Herald exposed major security lapse while the country was on high alert after Mumbai terror attack.

On December 25, 2010 after 4 pm, when this reporter reached Dodamarg, the shocking scene was to see Goa police outpost remained unmanned.

The vehicles including trucks and busses plied between the two states of Goa and Maharashtra without being checked.

Even the police barricades did not have a single police guard.

A constable was ‘susegad’ reading a newspaper in the checkpost office.

The Christmas evening went off peacefully with Goans celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and Goa police too enjoying their day-break.

On the next day, when this reporter crossed North Goa’s major check post Patradevi at about 9:22 am to look at the security arrangements, the scene was no different to Dodamarg.

All interstate buses, trucks, outstation vehicles with registration numbers of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and others crossed the checkpost sans any searches.

The reporter watched the situation for an hour again to witness that the barricades were not only for name sake, the menin-khaki were also coolly letting the vehicles pass.

The walk along the stretch saw only one personnel at the check-post and that stoppage board (pole on the road to stop the entry of vehicles for check-

ing) remains open paving way to criminals to speedily drive their vehicle into the State.

Although the police were lax in checking the vehicles, they were quick enough to react when this reporter clicked a couple of photographs.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Shrivastava and police spokesperson Atmaram Deshpande had recently confirmed intense security vigilance in the State, which ironically was not seen at these check-posts.

Nearly 50 local and outstation vehicles crossed these check posts during this reporter’s stay period but all of these vehicles were let off without being c h e c ke d . T h i s s h o w s t h e “heightened security” by the State police.

As the year comes to an end, the security in Goa is stepped up and Central Para-military forces are also called in to assist Goa police.

But security cannot be at the highest, if the police department and officers sitting in their ACcabins take the past incidents seriously, whether it was Margao blast or Mumbai terror attack.

Goa is hardly 550-kms from Mumbai and entry through marine is also possible.

Rs 10 is all that you pay to evade border post checking!

VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, DEC 27

Just a ten rupee note is what you want to smuggle liquor in and out of Goa, thanks to the Excise personnel on check posts at Dodamarg and Patradevi.

In a shocking finding, this reporter on visit to Dodamarg and one of major check-posts Patradevi in North Goa on December 25-26 saw excise officials being bribed by inter-state and truck drivers to evade checking.

At Patradevi, this reporter took two trips and saw that the drivers would stop their vehicles near the check-post, get down from the vehicle and pay ten rupee notes at the ‘excise check-post counter’.

This reporter also walked through the area and found that drivers would pay amount as little as Rs 10 to Rs 50 at the counter and just drive-off without getting their vehicles checked. The counter had a

person who would collect the money and store it in their treasure box.

It was also seen that while others were in uniform, there was one man in civil clothes who at times would approach the halted-vehicle, have conversion and collect the money.

But there were also occasions when trucks were being checked, but that seemed only for name sake. The trucks would not be checked thoroughly.

While at Dodamarg, the excise-team would show a carea-damn attitude and let off the vehicles without being checked. The vehicles would be stopped and a checking official would go closer to the driver.

But it was not clearly seen whether they were taking bribe, as also the reporter was stopped from taking photographs. When this reporter raised the camera to shoot a picture, a panicky excise official rushed to stop from doing it.

“Photo kitak gheta (why are you clicking pictures),” asked an excise official to this reporter. However when the reporter rebelled that there was no board prohibiting anyone from clicking pictures, the personnel asked to meet his ‘saheb’ who was inside the office.

Interestingly, the team also sent a man behind this reporter to chase till a few meters away to ensure that no photograph was clicked.

Excise Commissioner P S Reddy, when contacted, refused to speak clear on the issue.

“Study the Excise rules…there are certain rules to carry out checking of a vehicle,” was his reply.

It may be recalled that Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar made a noise in the recent Assembly Session that liquors were being smuggled from the State and raising apprehensions that the money was used to fund terror outfits.

Truckers’ bandh total

Representatives of the Temple Committees from South Goa served eight-day deadline on the government to solve the temple burglaries or face a stir, including a highway blockade.

The ultimatum was communicated to the South Goa district Collector G P Naik when a delegation of Temple Committee representatives led by BJP MLA Damu Naik called on him in the district Collectorate on Monday evening.

Demanding to know the police action to resolve the spate of burglaries in the Temples across South Goa in recent times, the representatives sought the intervention of the district Collector in the desecration and thefts in the Temples to immediately solve all the Temple theft case or threatened to take the law and order in their

own hands.

They told the Collector that the devotees as well as the people from the district have obser ved restraint and have obeyed the law. “The people of South Goa are loosing their patience. This will only lead to widespread unrest against the authorities as well as the present regime”, they warned.

The agitated representatives said that political interference in the law and order machinery only makes the police force inactive. It looks as if Temple thefts and desecrations have become a routine for long-serving South Goa officials. Callous utterances from senior government officials further aggravates the issues resulting in anger in the minds of the devotees, while boosting the morale of the anti-social elements”, the memorandum added.

Saying that suggestion for the

appointment of security guards in the Temple premises is not a solution to the problem as there is no fear in the law and order machinery. “Security guards will have no concrete effect in stopping the desecration and thefts in the Temples”, he added.

Saying that Temple thefts have made mockery of the law and order situation, the memorandum said that this only exposes the callous approach of the authorities to the serious issue. “The police when approached deal with the thefts in a casual manner. The investigations have led to nowhere.

None of the Temple thefts have been conclusively decided or probed thus leaving wide scope for the thieves and desecrators to operate freely in Goa, especially in and around Margao city in the constituency of Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat”, the memo added.

The bandh observed by truck owners was total in the twin towns of Curchorem and Sanvordem on Monday.

President of the South Goa Progressive Truck Owners' Association (SGPTOA) Prakash Raut Dessai and his team were seen moving all over the two towns to ensure that no truck was plying on the road.

The Bandh was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported during the day.

Some trucks carrying laterite and other stones were stopped by truck owners near Dr Ambedkar Chowk late in the evening.

Meanwhile, transport contractor Subhash Phal Dessai from Quepem circulated sheets quoting his hiked rates of ore transport.

The SGPTOA had declared its support to the indefinite Bandh called by All Goa Truck Owners Association from Monday, to protest against the rate of ore transportation.

Dessai had earlier stated that most mining companies were yet to increase the rate of transporting ore. It was also informed that a meeting has been fixed with the Director of Transport on December 28 to find a solution to the problem.

5 acquitted of murder charge HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

The South Goa Sessions court on Monday acquitted all the five persons who were charged by the Collem Police for the murder of a woman at Anmod Ghat last year for want of evidence.

The prosecution case was that the accused on the intervening night of May 4-5 at Anmod Ghat, Molem, hatched a criminal conspiracy and allegedly killed the Kavita by strangulating her neck with cloth as a ligature material in a Sumo jeep belonging to a native of Belgaum.

The police has subsequently attached the cloth used as a ligature and the Sumo.

The police had attributed the motive of the crime to the fact that the victim was the second wife of Mahadev Pammar and was killed by the accused to get rid of her.

After acquitting the accused, the Court later passed an order to set free the accused if not required in any other offense.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

The Director General of Police Bhim Sen Basi along with SP, South Allan De Sa made his presence felt at Quittol village on Monday, even as the police are verifying into the visit by two motorcycle borne youths to the temple a day prior to the incident.

Margao Sub-divisional police officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar told Herald that the police is verifying the visit of two mo-

can trigger law and order problem: DM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

torcycle borne youths to the temple a day prior to the burglary. He appealed to the people to help and assist the police to nab the culprits if they come across any person as per the description given in the sketch.

Replying to a question, he said an organized gang appears involved in the burglaries as evident by the thefts that have taken place at the Chandreshwar Temple at Paroda.

He said the police will also

interrogate the contractor involved in the construction activity in and around the Temple site since his work force comprised of labourers from Jharkhand and Bihar. “Even the non-Goan workers engaged in the activity of fish drying on the Plateau have been verified”, he said adding that “the police have also asked the cell phone companies to provide details of telephone calls made from the Temple area on Saturday night”.

South Goa District Magistrate, G P Naik said that the spate of temple thefts can come as a big setback to the government and trigger a major law and order situation in the district.

While sympathizing with the sentiments of the representatives of Temple Committees from South Goa, Naik said that the thefts, if uncontrolled, would turn out a setback to the government.

The district Collector assured the agitated representatives that he would immediately convey their sentiments to the government for appropriate action.

Responding to the plea by a representative for compensation to the theft-hit Temples, Naik said he would communicate the suggestion to the government as it involves a policy decision.He told the representatives that he would compile a detailed report on the situation after receiving the factual report from the district Superintendent of Police. The report would be dispatched to the government for further action”, he added.

ing a press conference on Monday evening.

Providing statistics on burglaries at religious places, Arlekar said: "In the last 15 months, nearly 60 burglaries have been reported in the State and religious valuables worth Rs 1 crore has gone missing from these religious places."

"Forget about the common man, now even gods and goddesses are scared of growing thefts and burglaries in the

State," said Arlekar.

"Why is the state police so inefficient in solving the cases?

Till date, hardly any cases have been resolved. On the contrary, burglaries have been on the rise everyday," he said.

"Home Minister Ravi Naik and his police department are responsible for the growing thefts at religious places, as none of them are serious in curbing such incidents," said Arlekar.

Warning that the BJP would

launch an agitation to highlight the issue, he said: "The BJP will launch a mass agitation if such incidents are not curbed."

He also came down heavily on Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, accusing him of trying to save his post following the constant political turmoil within the ruling coalition partners.

"Kamat is busy making trips to Delhi and religious places to save his chair," said Arlekar.

DGP, SP visit Quittol temple

Even gods are scared of growing thefts: BJP HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 27

The BJP has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Ravi Naik after accusing him of being inefficient in curbing growing burglaries at the religious places in the State.

"Growing burglaries at religious places in the State suggest the inefficiency of the government and the police department," said BJP spokesman Rajendra Arlekar, while address-

GLIMPSES OF SUNBURN FESTIVAL

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, DEC 27

Temple panels give deadline to govt, want burglaries solved within 8 days HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

GOA

Mickky favours dissolution of Assembly, fresh elections HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

Keeping his fingers crossed over his induction in the Digambar Kamat Ministry after the visit of AICC observer B Hariprasad, former Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco has asserted the Congress leaders should go for dissolution of the Assembly and call for fresh elections for a clean mandate from the people of Goa. “May God put in the heads of the Congress leaders to dissolve the Assembly, impose President’s rule and hold fresh polls”, Pacheco said, while exuding confidence that the NCP would romp home with a comfortable majority in the Assembly to form the next government.

Reacting to Hariprasad’s statement that he cannot be inducted in the Kamat Ministry, Mickky said the NCP is all geared

One held in hit and run case at Varca HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

The Colva police on Monday arrested one Frank Anthony Rodrigues, a resident of Mullem in Quepem taluka in connection with the hit and run case that claimed the life of Filipe Luis at Varca on Saturday and released on bail this evening.

He said that Frank was driving the Ford vehicle which was allegedly involved in the accident at Varca in the wee hours of Saturday.

He said the vehicle is registered in the name of one Ina Barretto, a resident of Cavelossim.

When it was pointed out over allegations that the site panchanama was not carried out properly with drawings on the road, DySP Gaonkar said that if anyone has any doubts or suspicions over the incident, they are free to bring the same to his notice for the purpose of further investigations. Replying to a question, he said the police investigations had revealed that it was a Ford vehicle as the vehicle mirror was found at the spot.

Incidentally, information on the arrest of the driver was not forthcoming from the Colva police nor from the Investigating officer, PSI Gawade. In fact, when Herald contacted PSI Gawde for information, he said the police has arrested the driver, but said he did not remember the driver’s name since he was out of the police station.

up to field candidates in all the 40 Assembly seats and have the capability enough to win around 23-24 seats.

Saying that no one can take away the Nuvem seat from him in the coming hustings, Mickky said that the people of Nuvem constituency are strongly behind him.

“So overwhelming has been the support of the people of

Nuvem to my candidature, that I will campaign in other constituencies to drum up support for the NCP candidates”, he said.

When asked whether the Goa unit of the NCP is heading for a split in the Legislative and organizational wings, Pacheco said these are issued to be decided and commented by the experts in the party set up.

“These are all technical issues that will be decided by the party leadership”, he added. “ Those who have made statements against the Alliance government are immature politicians. These people are not mature politicians”, he said, adding that the dissolution of the House, imposition of President’s Rule followed by fresh polls is the only option for the Congress leaders for violating the coalition dharma.

I’ve saved Cong from committing mistake: Churchill HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 27

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, who led the successful campaign against inducting Mickk y Pacheco into the State cabinet, claimed he has saved Congress from “committing a big mistake”.

“I have full faith in the Congress High Command and I am glad I have saved Congress from committing a big mist a ke , ” C h u rc h i l l t o l d re porters here.

Churchill stoutly refuted reports that he along with nine other legislators had threatened to pull down the government if it went ahead with inducting Mickky into the cabinet.

“I had only said that I will resign as a minister. I would have remained in the party. I have full faith in the party,” he added.

Over 380 workers served lockout notice at Verna Industrial Estate HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 27

A dispute between the management and workers over increment in salaries took an abrupt turn when the company pasted a lockout notice on Monday, stunning 380-odd workers of five different units attached to the company at Verna industrial estate.

The 380-odd workers, operators, assistants and supervisors, of Orchid Biomedical Systems, Coral Clynical Systems, Qualpro Diagnostics, Tulip Diagnostics and Zephry Biomedicals have been demanding increment of Rs 4200 from the company, were shocked on Monday morning, when they turned back from units after a lockout notice was pasted at the entrance of the five units.

In a notice published in a local daily, the management had stated that in accordance with provision of Section 23 of the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947, the company had issued a notice to workers, operators, assistants and supervisors of the lockout from December 27 and stated 17 reasons for the lockout notice.

The notice stated that negotiations between the management and union had earlier failed and workers had gone on

nThere are companies in Verna Industrial Estate where workers, who had joined eight years ago are drawing a salary of over Rs 12,000 salary, whereas we have been working since the last 16 year with a salary of Rs 9000.

-- Pramod Naik

a tool down strike on December 21, 2010 and had prevented contract workers from entering the units.

'The workers are not allowing contract workers to enter the factory premises and they are also not doing any work in the factory. They further threaten officers, managers, executive and others willing to work in the factory. Under such circumstances for the overall interest of the company, it is beyond the control of the management to continue any such situation within the factory and there decided to declare a lockout from December 27,' the notice stated.

Said a worker, Suhash Malik: "We have been demanding an increment of Rs 4200 as most of workers have been working for last 16 years with marginal salaries and the management is not willing to resolve the issue."

He said the management was willing to give one-third of the total demanded increment an-

nually so that it would cover the entire amount of Rs 4200 within three years.

"However, this was not acceptable to workers as they wanted a one-time settlement of the entire amount within a single year," said Malik.

Another worker, Rumaldo Coutinho, justified their demands saying: "With zooming inflation we cannot afford to work with the salaries provided by the management."

"There are companies in Verna Industrial Estate where workers, who had joined eight years ago are drawing a salary of over Rs 12,000 salary, whereas we have been working since the last 16 year with a salary of Rs 9000," complained Pramod Naik.

He alleged that while the company had pasted a lockout notice under the provision of Industrial Dispute Act, the company had hired contract workers and work was going in full swing in all five units.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, TUESDAY, 28 DECEMBER, 2010

‘Closure’ of road leading to Tito’s infuriates locals HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 27

Traffic along the main CalanguteBaga road came to a halt for nearly three hours on Monday evening following a road blockade agitation by locals.

Locals were protesting the closure of the Tito's lane for public use and no vehicle was allowed throughout the day and night by the police, except to those issued passes.

Angry locals who had gathered at the entry point to the Tito's lane with placards "Open the Tito's lane as it is killing their business, etc" were infuriated on seeing a VIP car (MH-12-02-1) being allowed entry to the Tito's lane by Goa Police.

This led to a minor altercation with the police leading to blockade of the main road, hampering traffic along the route.

The road blockade continued for nearly three hours along the main road leading to Baga and Calangute, with hundreds of tourist and other vehicles stranded on the either sides of the road.

The blockade was such that no vehicle could make their way out or reach to their desired destination. Traffic along the Anjuna-Arpora-Calangute road was also badly affected due to the road blockade at CalanguteBaga.

Speaking to media, John Lobo said: "We have decided to protest the closure of the Tito's lane for the general use of the public by the Goa Police, which

Agitators block traffic for nearly three hours at Calangute-Baga.

has been hampering our business activity."

"The police have been stopping our vehicles from entering the Tito's lane even during the day hours and when we went to call on the Superintendent of Police (North), we were refused an entry. We, therefore had no option than to press for our demand of opening the Tito's lane for general public," he added.

Lobo also went on record saying that the SP (North) Arvind Gawas had flatly refused to entertain their protest.

"He (Gawas) asked us to go ahead with our "rasta roko" and manage the roads ourselves as he was withdrawing the police

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

force along the roads," claimed Lobo.

Another local, Marcelino Fernandes said: "Our vehicles have been stopped by the police at the entry point of Tito's lane, but a vehicle of another State was permitted entry without a valid pass."

Calangute Sarpanch Alex Fernandes rushed to the site along with former sarpanchas Joseph Sequeira and Laxman Porob Palyekar and former deputy sarpanch Ana Marie D'souza.

"There is no notification on the closure of the Tito's lane for the public nor have we been informed anything of the panchayat road," said Fernandes.

Added Sequeira: "Why is only Tito's lane, which, in fact, is a panchayat road, closed to the public? Has the road leading to the venue of a mega festival in Candolim been closed to the public?"

The stalemate continued for nearly three hours. Following a discussion between a police team, led by PI Manjunath Dessai and PI Uday Parab, and the villagers, it was decided to close the entry point to Tito's lane only after 6 pm, thereby leaving it open during the day.

Local Panch Albert Fernandes was also present at the entry point of the Tito's lane along with locals of Sauntavaddo, Calangute.

Is Club Cubana operating in violation of laws?

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 27

The villagers of Arpora are up in arms over the re-opening of night club “Club Cubana” at Arpora, which opened recently after shutting down four years following court orders.

The villagers claim that the club is operating in violation of laws.

They have even filed a police complaint against the club for violating sound rules.

Police officials confirmed they have registered a case against the manager of the night club following a complaint from the villagers that the club was playing loud music beyond the permissible time limit.

Police said that the club owners had got permission to play music from concerned authorities only between 8pm and 10pm.

However, the club continued to play

loud music well beyond 11.15 pm, they stated.

The complained is filed by the Arpora panch member Cleophus Fernandes along with several other villagers.

“The club is flouting all laws and playing music beyond stipulated time without permission,” Fernandes told Herald adding “besides noise pollution it is also creating traffic congestion on the narrow road as large number of tourist flock this place at night.”

Fernandes said the club is operating in violation of the court orders.

“Foreign nationals own and operate the club on agricultural land, which is sad as they are running the business without paying any taxes to our government,” he said adding “I wonder how foreign nationals are given excise licences.”

Further, he also pointed out that the club is next to crematorium and we ask the government to maintain the sanctity of the crematorium.

Another villager, who did not want to be named, said “the club is creating fraud on all Goans, hand in hand with bureaucrats. It is open against the court orders.”

“It is high time the officials take stringent action against the club. The club owners are not paying any taxes be it VAT or Entertainment,” he said.

Rider dies in mishap HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

In a tragic accident, a two-wheeler rider, Anthony John Viegas (47) died in a road accident in the city here on Monday evening.

Margao PSI Girendra Naik said the accident occurred when the rider lost control and fell on the road side.

He said the rider landed on a stone, killing him on the spot.

The Margao police are investigating.

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s h o rt ta K e s Crib presented by Bicholim cops

Indian culture is blend of art, religion and philosophy: Sudin HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, DEC 27

Crib made by Bicholim Police and Home Guards at Bicholim police station.

Photo by Samir Umarye

BICHOLIM(HC): DySP Bossuet D’Silva said Bicholim Police celebrate almost every festival, irrespective of religion, and all are always enthusiastic about it.

“It also gives the police personnel opportunity to show their talents and even they participate in it, whether it is celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali or Christmas,” added DySP D’Silva.

It may be recalled that Bicholim Police have been making crib since the last year and even this year, the crib made by the police and the Home Guards of Bicholim attracts attention of those who come to the police station.

‘Bio-Fest’ held at Nuvem PANJIM(HC): The Faculty of Life Sciences (Botany, Zoology and Biotechnology) at Carmel College, Nuvem, observed the International Year of Biodiversity (2010) by organizing a twoday 'Bio-Fest' in association with the Forest Department, South Goa Division.

Various off-stage and on stage competitions included the slogan contest, clay modelling and domesticated Biodiversity (Pets and Potted plants) Show.

On the concluding day, Principal Dr Sr M Aradhana A.C. welcomed the gathering emphasizing the concept of Biodiversity conservation and its significance for the continued sustenance of life on earth.

South Goa Deputy Conservator of Forests Francis Araujo was the chief guest for the occasion, during which a fancy dress competition depicting biodiversity in mythology and dance competitions were staged.

In his address, Araujo called upon the youngsters to be the crusaders for a Greener Planet.

Cash prizes and certificates were given to winners of various competitions. Lubnaz Nagarchi later proposed the vote of thanks.

The two-day Bio-Fest succeeded in creating awareness of Biodiversity and its conservation among the youngsters, states a press note issued by the college.

Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said ‘Kirtan’ is a part of Indian culture and it has got spiritual and philosophical base.

He was speaking as the chief guest at Kirtan Mahotstave organized by Sree Mauli Devastan, Nadora, in association with Sreeram Sanskrit Mandal, Colvale, at Nadora-Bardez recently.

“It is important that such programmes are organized in every village so that today’s younger generation is made aware of the significance of ‘Kirtan’,” said Dhavalikar.

Dhavalikar further said that there is a harmonious blending of art, religion and philosophy in the Indian culture. “They are beautifully interwoven in the fabric of Indian way of life and thought. There is need of teaching the younger generation the importance of Indian culture and values of life,” said Dhavalikar.

Tourism Minister Nilkant Halarnkar stated that modern youth are getting attracted towards the western style of living and western culture.

Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar inaugurates Kirtan Mahotstava at Nadora.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

“Involvement of youth is therefore essential in such Kirtan Mahotsavs, so that they develop interest in Indian culture and realize the need to preserve it for posterity,” said Halarnkar.

Chief Speaker Pramod Ganapule said Kirtan is a blend of music and drama and it inculcate the feeling of ‘Bhakti’ in the hearts of listeners and inspires them towards holy living.

“Hence, Kirtan Mahotsav can be used as a tool to spread the

cultures values among the people,” said Ganpule.

Earlier, Dhavalikar inaugurated the Kirtan Mahotsav. Later, noted ‘Kirtankar’ from Pune Vausdevabuva Burse presented Kirtan.

ZP member Diana Braganza, Nadora Sarpanch A Gawas, Devastan President Jairam Gawas and Sreeram Sanskrutic Mandal President Chandrashekar Chari were present on the occasion.

BJP legislators including Manohar Parrikar and Shripad Naik call on Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao to extend Christmas greetings.

Sanguem councillors begin work in right earnest HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, DEC 27

The newly elected councilors to Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) is talking business and have begun working in that direction.

Though it is barely about two months since new councilors took charge of the council, a definite change can be seen in the municipal market and at the entrance to Sanguem bus stand.

The entrance to Sanguem bus stand, which had a dull look over the years, now stands brightened with the painting of both the arch’s on either side of the town.

The newly elected councilors also got the asbestos sheets covering the municipal stalls at the Sanguem bus stand replaced with new asbestos sheets.

The asbestos sheets which were put at the time of con-

Successful surgery at NUSI Wockhardt Hospital HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 27

Rama Acharya, 71yrs, a resident of Karwar, successfully underwent a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) for three blocked arteries of the heart recently at NUSI Wockhardt hospital. He had suffered two heart attacks, diabetes and his blood group was AB+ve, a rare blood group.

A team of doctors performed this operation with the latest technique of Off pump Beating Heart CABG by which the surgery is performed on a beating heart.

He had a very quick recovery and has now been discharged.

Wockhardt Hospitals has made noteworthy contributions in the areas of medical superspecialties like Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics and Joint replacement, Urology and Nephrology, Minimal Access Surgery and Women Care and the same is now been replicated at NUSI Wockhardt Hospitals.

Ocean SPA brings ‘R’ factor to Margao Foodalicious

Types of Cheese

Cheese is usually categorized into four types: soft, semi-soft, semihard and hard. The designation refers to the amount of moisture in the cheese, which directly affects its texture.

Soft cheese includes cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, brie, bleu, roquefort, mozzarella, meunster and similar cheeses. These cheeses generally pair well with fruit or meats, or can be used as breakfast cheeses in an omelette or as pasta fillings. They are usually mildly flavored and very high in moisture.

American, Colby, co-jack and similar cheeses are in the semi-soft category. These are slightly stronger in flavor and cover a wide range of uses. Co-jack cheese, a blend of Colby and Monterey jack, is one of the most popular. This

allows the sharper flavor of Colby to be combined with the milder jack cheese, and also melts better than plain Colby. Grilled cheese sandwiches often use American cheese, and Mexican cheeses such as Asadero and Quesa Fresca are becoming more popular.

Semi-hard cheese has an even bolder flavor than semi-soft, and is often paired with fruit, used on cheese trays and eaten with crackers. Cheeses in this category include cheddar, provolone, gouda, Jarlsberg and others. Cheese in this category may come in a smoked variety. Smoked cheddar and gouda are very common. Milder cheddar, gouda and Jarlsberg all melt well, and may be used in casseroles or as stuffing for chicken breasts or pork chops.

Hard cheeses include parmesan, romano, asiago, Swiss, Gruyere and others. Parmesan and romano are most familiar as the grated powder used to top spaghetti, but they are also used as accompaniments for fruit, wine, nuts and other appetizer items. Swiss is a popular sandwich cheese and melts well, unlike some other hard cheeses.

1 You want to provide a vari-

ety for your guests, based on the type, appearance, and flavor of the cheese that you select.

2 Plan your cheese selection.

Generally, you will want to choose 3 to 5 cheeses to serve on a cheese board or platter.

There are many ways to select cheeses to include on your plate.

You can to select cheese by texture - for example, a soft, a hard, and a blue; or by type (within the same texture family).

3 Find a good store to buy

cheese. A good store should allow you to sample the cheese before you buy. A rule of thumb is to purchase about 2 oz. of each type of cheese per person. If you plan on serving other foods, along with the cheese board, then you may

Contact Us:

struction of the municipal stalls had worn out and broken at many places. As the asbestos sheets were providing shelter to the visitors to the Sanguem

market, the council took the immediate step of replacing all the worn out and damaged asbestos sheets with the new ones.

upcoming events Salvation Ministry retreats PANJIM (HND): Bro Anil of Salvation Ministry will conduct retreats according to the following schedule: on January 2 at Junta House 6th Floor, Swami Vivekananda Hall from 3 pm to 6.30 pm; on January 5 at Emerald Lawns, Parra, from 10.30 am to 6 pm; and on January 7 at B M Hall Borada, Margao from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Free bus service will be available from Aldona bus stand to Parra via Nachinola and Moira and, from Old Goa at Gandhi circle via Sao Pedro, Ribandar, Panjim and Porvorim. For further information on transport call 9823055659. Salvation Ministry services can be watched on Rophe TV daily from 6 pm to 6.30 pm and on Saturdays from 9.30 pm to 10 pm.

Singing programme MAYEM(HC): Star Gymkhana, Velguem-Bicholim, will organise a special singing programme of star singers from the famous ‘Little Champs’ at Srimati High School, Velguem, on December 31. The programme is being organized to mark Club’s anniversary day and also to commemorate Bhausaheb Bandodkar birth centenary.

Addressing a press conference, here, Club President Dinesh Sahastrbuddhe said about 3,000 spectators are expected for the show.

Singers Prathamesh Laghate, Mugdha Vaishyapayan, Mrunmayi Tirodkar and Praveen Gaonkar will participate.

Anil Vernekar, Babuso Gaonkar, Vishnu Velgekar and Santosh Bhamaikar were present for the press conference.

Anniversary celebration MAYEM(HC): Sudhanagar Vikas Mandal at Bordem-Bicholim will organize the 19th anniversary celebration of Sri Maruti Pratishthapana at the Maruti temple premises on December 28.

The programme includes Ramnamjap and Dasbodh programe from 6 am to 8.30 am, Abhishek, Pooja, Arha and Aarti from 9 am to 12. 30 pm, Bhajan from 4 pm to 5.30 pm, cooking contest at 5.30 pm, dress, dance and prize distribution at 7 pm, followed by singing programme 'Manthan Swara'.

Barbeque at Cidade de Goa

How to Set Up a Cheese Platter

Cheese boards can add a fabulous touch to your next cocktail party or serve as a refreshing course during dinner.

Read the tips below to learn how to select cheeses to serve as a party appetizer or dinner course.

Sanguem Municipal stalls with new asbestos sheets.

Photo by Alfred Fernandes

PANJIM (HND): Fire and Ice Barbeque will be held by the beach side at Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula, on December 28 with a variety of local and international grills to be had with excellent wines and other beverages. Band Soul Express and DJ Vernon will rock the night that promise other entertainment such as African acrobats. For more information and reservation call 2454545 ext 5801, or visit www.cidadedegoa.com. choose to buy less cheese. Purchase cheese close to the date of the event; the fresher the cheese, the better the experience. cheese out to allow 4 itSetto the approach room temper-

ature before serving. Hard cheeses should be pre-cut or presliced. Flat breads, toast, sliced baguettes, crackers, or rye bread can be served along with the cheese. Fresh or dried fruits, such as apples, figs, pears, grapes, and dates, also make good company for the cheese.

Lightly toasted nuts and honey are also popular accompaniments for cheese. Serve cheese on a cheese board or platter that is large enough to allow space between each type of cheese. Remove wrappers from the cheese, but leave the rind in place. Serve each cheese with its own knife.

Softer cheeses require a wider blade for spreading.

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

Email Junior Herald at junior@herald-goa.com or join our Facebook fan page. Our readers are invited to rave, rant, chat or even contribute. No message will go unanswered!

Former MP Ramakant Angle cuts the ribbon to inaugurate Ocean Spa and Salon in Colva in the presence of the Proprietors Rajeev Sharma and Amit Sharma .

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 27

Margao is all set for the ‘R’ factor – relax, rejuvenate and refresh – with the launch of Ocean SPA, which combines exotic treatment, professional caring services and high quality products for an exception salon and spa experience.

The new holistic medicated spa concept, inaugurated by former MP Ramakant Angle rec e n t l y, o f f e r s a l l h e a l i n g therapeutic treatments in a luxurious hygienic ambiance.

Skilled and courteous staff use treatments that blend traditional with state-of-the-art for holistic well being of body and spirit.

Guests have myriad treatments to choose from, including European Swedish massage, aroma therapy massage, Ja-

vanese mandi lulur, chocolate treatment and the Kerala Ayurveda massage among others. Its USP, the Ocean signature body treatment, combines a wine body scrub followed by an aroma wax massage.

From scrubs and body polishes to foot relaxology and back soother massages in the Ocean Relaxation Lounge, Ocean Spa has all at affordable prices. Special treatments include organic facials, ocean hand and foot spa treatments, haircuts, styling, colouring, highlighting, hair bonding, straightening, perming, deep conditioning, dandruff treatment, hair-fall treatment and more.

Spa also has five exclusively designed private massage rooms, each equipped with its own shower and steam room.

‘Stand united against corrupt governance’ HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, DEC 27

Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar has urged people to stand united against corrupt governance of the State government.

He was addressing the gathering during a symposium organized

by Lions Club of Bicholim in association with Baba Sawaikar Service Centre (BSSC) Bicholim at BSSC Bicholim on December 19.

Kerkar further said corruption is the only root cause of rise in suicide cases, addictions, destruction of natural flora and fauna and inability of politicians in Goa and to avoid this there is a need to control the existing situation.

Bicholim MLA MLA Rajesh Patnekar stressed the need to protect natural heritage of Goa. Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar, Kashinath Mayekar, Ramnath Desai, Ramchandra Garde, Kanta Patnekar, Dr Shekhar Salkar, Ramakant Shetye and Deu Pal were present on the occasion.

Earlier, Ramakant Shetye welcomed the gathering, Dattaram Shetye and Chandrakant Gawas introduced the guests, while Deu Pal compered the function.

Folk arts and craft festival at KA

PANJIM (HND): Folk festival (Lokotsav-2011), expo of folk arts and handicrafts from all over India will be inaugurated on January 4 at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy at 6.30 pm, thereafter the festival will be open till January 13 from 10 am to 9.30 pm. Cultural programmes will be held from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm during festival days.

Nearly 500 folk artists and craftsman from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, including Goa, will take part in Lokotsav-2011.

More than 200 stalls will exhibit handicraft items which includes bandhani, kathputali, lac bangals, leather bags, chappals, khadi, kotha and silk materials, handmade garments, carpets, glass wear, clay art, furniture, wooden toys, block print, applique work as well as goan crafts. Visitors can also get a taste of the traditional food of Rajasthan and other states.

This folk festival is organised organised annually by Directorate of Art and Culture in collaboration with West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, Kala Academy, and Sports Authority of Goa.

Liquor shops bordering K’taka to be closed on Dec 29 HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 27

The Government has directed that all premises for the sale of liquor located within 5 km of border areas of Village Panchayat Mollem in Sanguem (within 5 km from the Excise Check Post Mollem), Village Panchayat Loliem Pollem in Canacona (within 5 km from the Excise Check Post Pollem) and Village Panchayat Kerim in Sattari (within 5 kms from the Ex-

cise Check Post Kerim), will be closed on December 29 in view of elections for Zilla Panchayat and Taluka Panchayat in the border districts of Uttara Kannada and Belgaum of Karnataka.

However, the Government has permitted transportation of three quart bottles of Indian made foreign liquor other than beer and six bottles of beer for any person including his family; three quart bottles of country liquor for any person including his family.

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Tourism Director claims Goa promotion trip a success HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 27

G o a To u r i s m D e p a r t m e n t claimed its promotional trip to Japan a success, for the travel and trade industry have contemplated about adding Goa to the travel itinerary of Japanese traveler.

“There has been keen interest expressed by the travel and trade fraternity in Japan about adding Goa to the travel itinerary of the Japanese traveler,” Tourism Director Swapnil Naik said.

A state delegation led by Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar and Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik visited three key cities of Japan namely, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya to showcase Goa as an ideal destination for the urban Japanese tourist.

The department intends to organize a familiarization trip in association with Government of India for a delegation of the

best travel agents from Japan, to acquaint them properly with the great offerings of Goa. “We are trying to attract tourists of all age groups from Japan. However the focus will be on the young travelers,” Naik said Interestingly, Japan has already been granted a visa-onarrival facility by the Indian government. “Goa is looking forward to tapping into this opportunity,” he added.

The trade show across the three cities saw the presence of over 150 representatives from some of the best travel agencies in Japan including the top travel publications, channels and trade magazines. Representatives of Air India and Kingfisher too attended the event.

Regional Director (East Asia), India Tourism M Sadana said that their further step involves a familiarization trip to Goa for representatives of the travel industry in Japan.

The minister said that they have invited Japanese traveler to Goa to relax and rejuvenate.

“The people of Japan are known for their hard working attitude, work ethics and zeal to succeed. We have invited them to come to Goa to relax and rejuvenate. We will certainly extend all the necessary assistance to make our guests’ travel and stay an enjoyable experience,” Halarnkar said.

A number of issues were debated and discussed during interactions with the travel agents in order to better understand the view points of the representatives of the two countries including ways to increase flow of Japanese tourists to Goa. Some of the suggestions included training local guides in the Japanese language and better flight connectivity, especially since Japanese tourists are known to generally travel in groups.

Is Amonkar vying for Mormugao Congress ticket?

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 27

Banners depicting GPYC President Sankalp Amonkar may be aimed at greeting people for Christmas and New Year, but rumours are rife that Amonkar could also be showcasing himself as a potential candidate for the next assembly polls.

As many as 25 banners of Amonkar posing with youth leader Rahul Gandhi have been hung within 4-km stretch from Headland Sada to PWD Sewerage Plan at Katem Baina of Mormugao constituency, which consists of eight wards of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC).

The banners haver sparked off speculation that Amonkar is planning to contest as Congress candidate in Mormugao constituency and challenge present BJP legislator Milind Naik.

Incidentally, former MMC chairpersons Nitin Chopdekar

A man walks past the poster of Goa Pradesh Youth Congress Leader Sankalp Amonkar greeting the people of Mormugao consistency on Christmas and new year.

Photo by M Prabhav

and Shekhar Khadapkar as well as newly elected councillor Jerry Fernandes have also displayed banners wishing their voters.

I am working on directives of state leaders, who asked me to prepare for the next assembly election," justified Amonkar.

"Banners are one of the many ways to wish people. Besides, I have also commenced door-to-

door campaigns, corner meetings, forming of self-help groups, organizing sports and other cultural activities," Amonkar added.

"Being the GPYC president, I have built the organization in 40 consistencies and hence I could not earlier give much time in Mormugao constituency," he said.

Silk, cotton expo at Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

The 13-day exquisite handwoven silk and cotton exhibition organized by Co-Optex got underway at the Harmonia, Margao on Monday.

The exhibition is open for the public between 10 am to 8 pm on all days including holidays and Sundays.

The exhibition offers and exclusive collection of silk sarees woven in the traditional centres of Tamil Nadu and offers wide range of design, colour combinations specially created to meet the taste of customers.

General manager of Co-Optex Uttuman told newsmen that the customerScan avail 30 per cent discount as announced by the government of Tamil Nadu.

He said that Co-optex has recently developed “Thanga Gopuram Silk Saree”, a silk saree woven in five different style of weaving to give varying look when it is worn. Similarly, he said Co-optex has also developed “Sangaman Silk Sarees”, where one side of the saree is enriched with pure Zari ornamentation and another side with silk outlook. “This saree can be worn both ways. This is an unique blend of traditional and modern weaving technique”, he added.

A customer inaugurating the Co-optex exhibition at Clube Harmonia on Monday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

Awardee Remmie Colaco, Josephine Costa, Prince Jacob, Mario Menezes, Baby Shenaiya Pereira, Joana Fernandes, Humbert Fernandes, Costy Rodrigues, Kamlakant Chari, Maestro Agnelo Dias, along with chief guest Suresh Metha India’s Commissioner to New Zealand, Dr Lily sequeira, Roseferns, President Santan Viegas, Secretary Peter Figueiredo, at the 4th Dr Jack de Sequeira Memorial Awards at Black Box, Kala Academy, organised by Konkani Songit Somajik Kala Kendr. Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

P’yat’s NoC to ship repair project irks Kundaim panel HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, DEC 27

The Kundaim Nagrik Kruti Sammitti (KNKS) on Monday took strong objection to the Kundaim panchayat's plan of issuing a provisional No-Objection Certificate to a proposed ship repair project at Mauzo-wado in Kundaim.

It may be recalled that villagers along with the KNKS during a recent gram-sabha had opposed the proposed project.

Mounting pressure from villagers had also forced some panchayat members, who had earlier supported the project, to voice their objections.

When the KNKS learnt that the panchayat was planning to issue an NOC to the project, Sammitti members along with Mauzo-wado villagers confronted Sarpanch Gopi Naik in the matter.

Incidentally, the sarpanch, who is reportedly in favour of the project, has now assured villagers that he would not allow this project.

Two of the seven panch members, Devidas Gaude and Usha Naik, have opposed the panchayat's move to issue the provisional NOC to the project.

Devidas Gaude is a panch from Mauzo-wado, the land identified for the proposed project.

Even though the sarpanch has assured that the panchayat will not issue any permission to the proposed ship repair project, the KNKS and locals are taking no chances.

"We are against the project and in no way will we allow it.

The project is being given a back-door entry and I don't understand why the panchayat is trying to go against the demands of villagers," said KNKS President Ritesh Narvekar.

"During the last gram sabha when villagers objected to the proposed project, all panch members had supported and had even signed the resolution opposing the proposed ship repair project

at Mauzo-wado," said Narvekar.

"I don't understand why the panchayat body is favouring this project. It could be due to some pressure or for self interest." "we will personally meet all panchayat members who have signed in favour of the project and we will demand an explanation. If they are still not willing to cooperate we will approach the Directorate of Panchayats to seek justice," he added.

4 9539419 8 3 3 8 99298225

On the other hand, Sarpanch Gopi Naik claimed the project would benefit the villagers.

"This project will provide employment opportunities to locals and we can take in writing from the company if the villagers want.

But since villagers don't want the project here, we will stand by the wishes of the people," Naik said.

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Congress function at Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 27

The South Goa district Congress Committee will hold the concluding function of the 125th year celebration of Congress Foundation on December 28 at Jaganath Hall, Margao at 3.30 pm.

Prominent Congressmen will be felicitated on the occasion.

The meeting will be organized by GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, CWC member Luizinho Faleiro, MPs Francisco Sardinha and Shantaram Naik, M K Shaikh and Vishnu Wagh.

District President Subhash Faldesai has appealed to all Congressmen to attend the function, which will be attended by Congress Ministers and MLAs.

Sampadaads

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O HERALD O

The adversities of it all

Vol No CX No: 325 Goa, Tuesday, 28 December, 2010

No restrictions on RTI please!

T

he Union Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which comes directly under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), proposes to restrict applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to just one topic, with a 250word limit. The department says that at present, RTI applications are misused to harass public authorities and settle personal or professional scores.

There must be cases of misuse of the RTI Act. The very fact that most RTI applications are from government servants, about service issues, suggests this. But does the DoPT have any scientific study to back its claim about misuse of RTI? Otherwise, there is insufficient ground for changing the rules.

The department’s officials say that multiple applications, some of which run into several pages, make it difficult for officials to respond to RTI requests effectively and promptly.

It tends to clog the system and hurts genuine applicants.

Vexatious and mischievous RTI applications are bound to be there. But are they in numbers large enough to cause a genuine problem? Do the authorities have any firm evidence to show that they are flooded by requests running into thousands of words, bringing the work of government departments to a grinding halt?

The RTI Act is the strongest weapon available to the ‘aam admi’ to fight corruption and enforce transparency. Properly implemented, it holds the promise of giving the ordinary citizen the power to fight this country’s greatest scourge – corruption. It has empowered the people and sent shivers down the spines of dishonest bureaucrats and politicians.

Any changes in rules, therefore, should be in the direction of expanding RTI rights, not limiting them.

Any word limit prescribed for RTI application is arbitrary, capricious and illogical. Why 250 words; has the department done any studies to determine that most people will be able to frame their queries within that word limit? Why only one question at a time? Information can be sought and given very efficiently on several related topics, especially if one question follows logically from another. This will be more convenient for both, the applicant and the authorities.

These proposals have already drawn widespread criticism.

All they do is to make it clear that those who wield political and official power are very wary of RTI. For, they have made constant attempts, ever since the RTI law was passed, to restrict its scope. Just last year, they tried to make a provision to reject ‘frivolous and vexatious’ applications. There was also a proposal to keep ‘file notings’ outside the Act’s purview.

Both were dropped after widespread opposition. We have little doubt that if civil society stands up against this latest move, it too will pass away.

Forgery most foul

G

oa prides itself on not fielding overage players in its state teams. It was the first state to introduce scientific bone density tests to weed out overage players in championships. Now, that boast is under threat, because Goa Cricket Association (GCA) stalwart Dr Shekhar Salkar has filed a case against his GCA President Dayanand Narvekar and others alleging forgery of the birth certificate of Mr Narvekar’s son Ganeshraj.

Dr Salkar says that under RTI, he has several birth certificates of Ganeshraj showing different dates of birth. This enabled him to play thrice in the Polly Umrigar cricket tournament, from 2005 to 2008, when, as per the rules a player can play only twice. Fraudulently changing his name enabled Ganeshraj to play a third time, says Dr Salkar.

If the charges are true, they must be pursued vigorously.

Else, it could shatter the state’s reputation in the sports arena.

Thank you Raul Carlos Fernandes, by email Hats off to Raul Fernandes! You have hit the nail on the head with very strong force.

I appreciate your concern for Goa and Goans. You have brought to light the true colour of the so called freedom fighters whose children are now in the European countries, reaping greener pastures, having obtained Portuguese passports.

This bring to my mind a news item that appeared in Herald some years ago, appealing financial aid to one freedom fighter ailing in Portugal. He needed money to meet his treatment cost. Had he been a true freedom fighter he would have remained in Goa till his end.

How long are we going to be under the yoke of ‘freedom fighters’ pension’? Is it going to be forever? It would be nice if someone could publish the names of those, drawing freedom fighter pension, with their dates of birth, so that we know how old these persons are today, after fifty years of liberation. Goa was liberated by the Indian defence forces in 1961 under Operation Vijay, and not a single freedom fighter lost life or limb on 19 December 1961.

Volatile Goan politics Michael Vaz, Merces Unlike the rest of India that attained freedom from the British yoke in 1947, we were inducted into the Indian union more than 14 years later, after the liberation from the Portuguese rule. One is tempted to believe then that our foray into politics could be blissfully brief compared to the rest.

Nonetheless that has not prevented us from being politically boisterous. In fact none can disprove that the Goan politics is one of the most volatile and unpredictable in Indian democracy. In our state, it has become a perennial issue forging groups and trying to topple the democratically elected government time and again.

There are periodical upheavals in the ruling alliance, even defying the party high command with the sole intention of furthering ones own interest. Such instability in the government leads to poor governance, thereby dampening any progress and de-

OPINION

A

in today’s times when things are turning bad to worse, how can Goa survive, asks CaeTano de aBreU

famous poet once said – ‘to whom the bells toll? / they toll for thee’, which I can conjure as Goa’s present state of affairs – poignant to enumerate and simultaneously byzantine to redress. In other words, Goa’s state of affairs is sorriest among them all. It derives no pleasure to simplify about the vagaries daunting us. It only acerbates the question laid bare before one and all, which I, being the first amongst the equals, dare to address (sic).

If I can recall, Goa in the early Sixties, was presumed to be a virtual paradise on earth. I am not banking on pre-annexation days as I was extremely young to dab in forlorn memories of yore. Although in contemporary circumstances the same people, who vexed the colonial powers, are invoking their names in earnest by castigating the local governance with expletives and what not. I may or may not hold any rights for Portuguese citizenship but I feel that being a Goan is paramount to total ecstasy which I can never ever compromise by opting for some foreign nationality, even if it is my birthright. The same people, who are claiming for Portuguese citizenship and dishonourably queuing at the Portuguese Consulate, are still launching ‘morchas’ and tirades against the erstwhile regime. In my sane mind I find the same process as pathetic and hypocritical.

It is like insulting the same food-platter where one has relished but very conveniently discarded the same.

However, amidst the raging controversy laced with adulations, the Portuguese Government is still extending that facility to the citizens of Goa born just before the end of 1961. They are committed to abide by their rules.

Can thie ever happen in India, for the Indians still believe that they are the conquerors and the conjurers of the kingdoms, take for instance the case of Kashmiris who are still fighting for their rights of individuality and self-governance?

Whatever the matter be, let me elaborate about the adversities that are clouding the ‘aam admi’ psyche, which is in total contrast of what was promised, what is implemented and finally what was delivered. The politicos might accuse my deportment and saner behaviour as being that of suffering ‘Infantile disorder’ which I must clarify that 1 am not substituting mass politics with militarism. Neither am I contemplating to build a genuine revolutionary proletariat for the sake of anybody. That’s not my cup of tea!

View From my PanVddo Progress and Development are two chapters in the ambit of mankind. Nevertheless progress sans equality with the development is like swimming against the tides without any protection against the fury of the nature which can be inferred to the adamant approach of the government towards the same people who brought them to power and are left at the present sucking thumbs with Government in all of its majestical glory are walloping with the spoils of war and just, barely just, pretending to listen to the litany of the sins and atrocities Impugned upon the poor innocent whose only mistake was to elect their governmental representatives in the General Assembly of things which has already been devised to loot people or rather make hay while the sun shines regardless of their paranoia.

This can be inferred to the adamant approach of the government towards the same people who brought them to power and are left sucking thumbs. The government is pretending to listen

Que Sera, Sera…

Musings of the Mind

T

he end of something is always the beginning of another thing. It’s a moment of turmoil. The end is near. It’s year end. Year is nearing an end.

But it’s a new beginning, too. Let us look back with gratitude and look ahead with hope and optimism. Let us turn the page of the calendar for the last time on 31 December. Let us welcome the New Year with hope in our hearts.

The week is action packed. New calendars, diaries and gifts have exchanged hands. Smiles, handshakes, greetings, letters, emails and SMSs have poured in, bringing life into our otherwise dull lives. It’s a kind of rejuvenation, of the mind, of the soul.

Reliving the past, we step into the future. The last day of the year brings fore in us, some mixed feelings. Sad memories of those who left us forever in the year bring tears to our eyes. Things that went wrong sour our minds. We feel unhappy. We feel dejected.

We feel cheated.

But that’s not all! The bygone year has bestowed on us so many favours, too. It has showered happiness. Life has been kind and generous. Has it not given us what we always adored? It has

velopment, putting the people into inconvenience. It is high time that our elected representatives learn to mould themselves and place the welfare of the state above their personal interests.

Ushering in the New Year Irineu Gonsalves, Verna In a couple of days from now we will be ushering in a new year. Our politicians were in the news for all the wrong reasons. In fact the year 2010 should go down as a year where the politicians were at their best for foul-mouthing each other. As representatives of the people, they should take new year resolutions of giving a holiday to foul mouthing each other and playing dirty politics in pulling each other’s legs.

Let us all shed the crab mentality which has been Goans’ forte. Let our elected representatives resolve to devote their time to work for the people’s welfare and convey to them that they are in their service. This will be the biggest New Year’s gift to the people of Goa. We, as people should also resolve to elect deserving candidates in the next hustings.

Effective policing Augustus Alphonso, Vasco/Kuwait The endless spate of robberies in Goa particularly at various places of worship, are intolerable and disgraceful. Sincerely, these burglars need to be traced and arrested by all means. Our Home Minister says our Police force is limited but they are doing a good job. Well, this much is true, but they must be aided with devices that can help them function effectively. There is an urgent need to install burglar alarms at vulnerable places. This alarming rate of burglaries must be brought down! We not only require more policemen but essentially, we need better and effective policing!

Liberation of Goa Marcos Alemao, by email It is wrong assertion of some of our elected representatives, including the Chief Minister that the so called freedom fighters took pain to liberate Goa. The Indian Army were responsible for the liberation of Goa as

to the litany of the sins. Atrocities are impugned upon the poor innocent whose only mistake was to elect their governmental representatives in the General Assembly. This has been devised to loot people.

If we go on contemplating about the happenings in India, we might as well think about our own bleak future, blatantly glaring unashamedly at us. We are just helpless on any given eventuality which is a sad state of affairs plaguing mercilessly our conscience.

However, we should be grateful for small mercies. So far we do not have the Maoist menace rotting our innards. But if the government is vociferous about implementing the law as per its whims and fancies, a rebellion may occur which might be a deterrent for our democratic set up.

And we are very far if the present circumstances ushers the dominating role and the future remains uncertain, while the past is totally eradicated.

The vested interests are not taking any cognizance

over the malfeasances practiced.

Goa in 50s could hold credit only for three compulsory listed things – agriculture, overall development and mining. I must emphasise that industries were not a part of that exalted list as it was practically worth no mention. However in the contemporary circumstances, with people displaying their mettle to abjure and object the mining industry, grand scale housing development is eradicating their cultural ethos.

People around the so called ‘Mining Belt’ are crying hoarse for the trucks laden with ore are traversing recklessly around their villages imperilling life and limbs and yet the Government is humming ‘Dumb Piper’ which I can surmise that the Government and its lackeys for sure got high stakes in mining industry or else how they can ignore the genuine plight of the people? Vedanta, another ever-powerful Mining lobby who purchased the mining interests of Sesa Goa, literally means the end of Vedas, which I do not know if at all it also means the end of Goa. As in regards to mega-projects supported by our own PWD Minister Churchill Alemao vehement to include the region of Karwar into Goa to add further chaos to the already existing one, bigger isn’t necessarily better as our cities and our villages were designed only to accommodate Goan population and as such those projects should be shunted if at all not shunned. It can be expressed that Goa does not contain megapopulation thus what is primarily required is a less-populated habitat and open spaces where eco-friendliness is apparent to live life in comfortable bliss. However that does not happen to be the case as the ‘outsiders’ are descending on Goa with suitcases replete with money which is rendering Goans as unproductive individuals with ample time in their hands and nothing else to do never realising that by now Goans, in general, have mind of their own and cannot be cajoled to part with what is dutifully theirs.

About the agriculture the less said is better as Goa is filled with mud to make way for those housing projects to accommodate these outsiders, while they have totally monopolised the vegetable market giving Goans no say in the matter. Thus my moot question remains how can Goa survive if adversities are running amok?

touched our lives in more that one ways. It has allowed us to breathe in the freshness of flowers and touch the softness of the winds. The colours of nature have added beauty to our minds and enriched our souls. The trails of fragrant memories bring back joy that lit our faces. How can we forget all that?

While we lock the past in a time capsule and look forward to the future in the galaxy, we are anxious and enthusiastic. With what gift would the New Year surprise me? Would it sing for me the song of my heart? Or would it sing a happy song that ends with a melancholy note? Like the one in Que sera sera…? It’s a mixture of feelings our mind is experiencing. We are anxious to live and relive our lives, over and over, again and again, no matter how it turns out to be. Whatever will be, will be…

Let us concentrate on something. What are we on this Earth?

What is our existence? What should we be doing? If we try to find answers to these questions, we understand that our existence on this Earth bears meaning. Life has a meaning. Let us find out this meaning and live a fruitful life thereafter. The quest for knowledge is vast and unending. Let us walk our way to knowledge. May

By Bharati Pawaskar

thoughts and actions that translate into good deeds take the front row while jealousy, rivalry and pride can relax in the back seat!

Let me share a thought with you that someone has shared with me. Let this one thought be a chain of thoughts that passes through the minds of those who await 2011 with hope and anxiety. Just concentrate on this sentence. ‘To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.’ When God takes something from our grasp, He’s not punishing us, but merely opening our hands to receive something better. ‘The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.’

There comes a point in our life when we realise: who matters, who never did, who won’t anymore... and who always will…So, let us not worry about people from our past, there’s a reason why they didn’t make it to our future!

Let us not cry over what didn’t happen last year, let us make it happen this year! Let us find a reason to live and a cause to die!

Let us bid goodbye to the year that is just ending and welcome the one that is going to begin... Three cheers to the year 2011!

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

A timely suggestion!

Jose Maria Miranda, Margao

The Editor-in-Chief Raul Fernandes’ article ‘If we do not stop the rot now, we are damned’ (Herald, 26 Dec) is certainly worth being reflected upon, if we really love Goa and still wish to preserve what is left of it. Herald has certainly been the voice of Goa and this can be the only reason why it is the largest circulated daily in Goa. It has played its role in echoing the sentiments of the people. Herald has been in the forefront of many movements in Goa. It is time now for all of us to join hands with this newspaper to bring about the changes that are much needed to save our beautiful land.

We are already lamenting that our elders did not raise their voices at the appropriate time to safeguard some rights for us Goans in this land of ours and we rightly hold them responsible for the situation we are in today. But let us not dwell on the past.

Our attitudes and our silence now are far worse. Today, there is still time to save what is left, if we shed our proverbial apathy and crab mentality. Tomorrow may be too late. A third force is the need of the hour. We cannot be too ambitious. While it would be desirable for us to reject them all, it is certainly too much to expect. We have ourselves made them too powerful, allowing them to loot our coffers and enrich themselves at the cost of our land that it is next to impossible to defeat them with their money power. But we can concentrate on 5 or 6 constituencies and make a difference. Getting a good candidate to contest is even a bigger task than getting an upright one. However, if he or she is assured of support from all over Goa, perhaps we may find some. If we want people to reject old faces, we need to give them a choice. We know it is difficult for anyone to take the lead. Let Herald do it by convening a meeting of Lovers of Goa to decide the future course of action. Time is running out.

It is do or die for Goa. per direction of late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (Herald 20 Dec). The Chief Minister of Goa has hiked the pension of freedom fighters. He should have ascertain the ages first of those who called themselves freedom fighters. The so called freedom fighters were only shouting Jai Hind, Jai Hind when they were caught by the Portuguese soldiers for their wrong doings at the borders of Goa.

such genuine bold statements of modern liberal leaders like Rahul Gandhi. India’s internal unity is indeed a must to fight terror. Without that, we cannot and should never think of fighting any form of terror in our country. The Congress should therefore stop wearing bangles, but should stand firm and learn to expose and fight all forms of terror, including ‘Hindutva-terror’ for the betterment of this country.

Rahul Gandhi is right

Special to Regular

Jerry Fernandes, Saligao

Robert Castellino, Calangute

I salute India’s dynamic modern Congress Leader, Rahul Gandhi for describing the activities of Hindu radical groups as more dangerous for India than all the activities of groups like ‘Laskar e Toiba’ of Pakistan through the recent infamous Wikileaks tapes. I feel the Congress and other parties should come in their senses and support

To clear the heavy festive season rush, the Konkan Railway together with the Central Railway introduced one fully air-conditioned train on the Mumbai-Madgaon-Mumbai route. This route sees heavy air traffic with exorbitant fares. The railways would do well to convert the ‘special’ into a regular train as many of the fliers would opt for

the much cheaper rail option. Unfortunately, the present scenario is that it is virtually impossible to get a confirmed AC ticket at short notice, anytime during the year, except during the monsoon season.

Open a website AC Menezes, Chinchinim Undoubtedly, an accurate assessment of the rot we are deeply mired in. Raul Fernandes is in an excellent position to do something about it. Could Mr Fernandes please open a website called www.chorichori.com where victims of extortion could register their complaints anonymously if they wish to do so? The persistent accusations could then be subjected to investigative journalism.

One Time Tax S Kamat, Alto Betim Jairam Ramesh took on the SUV owners who operate on diesel and thus avail the subsidy that the government gives on this fuel aimed at farmers and our commercial transport sector and called them criminal.

He even suggested that they should pay the full price of diesel which works out to some Rs6 increase per litre on the present price. This stand is very correct and should be implemented immediately. Where it is difficult to charge this differential price at the pump or dispensing level, it should be recovered as a one-time charge on new SUV owners when they buy these vehicles and similarly as an endorsement on the RTO papers for older vehicles without which they would not be allowed to buy fuel. The one-time charge can be easily computed based on the total kilometres over the life of the SUV and remaining kilometres for older SUV’s and the mileage that the SUV gives. There should be no complaint on this from SUV owners for this since firstly they can afford it and secondly, they will be able to hold their head high in society for the fact that they are in no way subsidized by government for their lifestyle. In fact similar one time charge should be levied on all diesel cars with engine capacities exceeding 1500cc such that the diesel subsidy becomes inoperative for this segment also.

Paths of Wisdom Absolute Brahma Jagadguru Shri Adi Shankaracharya, the greatest exponent of the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, is an ever shining star on the sky of Indian philosophy.

The existence of Vedic Dharma in India today is due to Shankara. The forces opposed to Vedic religion were more numerous and powerful at the time of Shankara than they are today. Still, single-handed, within a very short time, Shankara overpowered them all and restored the Vedic Dharma and Advaita Vedanta to its pristine purity in the land pure knowledge and spirituality.

Shankaracharya occupies a very important position in the history of Indian philosophy.

The doctrine of advaita vedanta as expounded by Shankara can be summed up in half a verse: “Brahma Satyam Jagan Mithya Jivo Brahmaiva Na Aparah” — Brahma (the Absolute) is alone real; this world is unreal; and the Jiva or the individual soul is non-different from Brahman.

This is the quintessence of his philosophy.

According to Shri Shankara, whatever is, is Brahman. Brahman itself is absolutely homogeneous. All difference and plurality are illusory.

Brahma (the Absolute) is alone real; this world is unreal; and the Jiva or the individual soul is non-different from Brahman. The Atma is self-evident (Svatahsiddha). It is not established by extraneous proofs. It is not possible to deny the Atman, because it is the very essence of the one who denies it.

Brahman is not an object, as it is Adrisya, beyond the reach of senses, mind or intellect. It is not another. It is all-full, infinite, changeless, self-existent, selfdelight, self-knowledge and self-bliss. It is Svarupa, essence. It is the essence of the knower. It is the Seer (Drashta), Transcendent (Turiya) and Silent Witness (Sakshi). It is always the Witnessing Subject.

It can never become an object as it is beyond the reach of the senses. Brahman is non-dual, one without a second it.

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

HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junior@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald; junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com — For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com — For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. 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.

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OHERALDO

INDIA

oPinionated Telangana MPs on fast Soli Sorabjee – An unusual personality

By ARUn R UPPonI

The very great legal visionary and the world class constitutional jurist, human rights expert and academician, Soli Jehangir Sorabjee, is one of the most brilliant legal brains of our country today, commanding salute from millions of people.

He turned 80 on 9 March 2010 and his birthday celebrations were held in Delhi on 9 March 2010 and in Mumbai on 13 March 2010 at Blue Sea Hotel, Worli sea face at 8:30pm in the presence of a large gathering and in a sweet western musical atmosphere. The dinner party was excellent.

Although a reputed phrase says that ‘the sky is the limit’, the astronauts have proved that it is possible to land on the moon. Similarly, in the legal field too, the far-famed Jurist Soli J Sorabjee has obtained remarkable results in his unending and unequalled legal contribution, meant for our democracy, to prosper, protect and to shield it and over and above, protecting guaranteed fundamental rights of the people, by means of winning toughest high profile constitutional cases.

This is by virtue of his wide appearances in the SC and in various HCs, against the arbitrary laws of the autocrats. In 1999, he successfully represented India in the World court, before 15 judges, against Pakistan in the internationally famed ‘Aircraft shooting case’.

Such was the extraordinary talent of jurist Sorabjee, that it attracted international attention and paved the entry of his superior legal work in the legal history books. Moreover, his hugely admirable noble legal professional work, propelled his reputation to rise to unparalleled heights, but also convinced the NDA government to confer upon him the prestigious second highest civilian award like ‘Padma Vibhushan,’ which is a lifetime achievement, one must proudly say. He had generously donated Rs2.5 lakhs to the families of the martyr soldiers in the Kargil war in 1999.

This legal icon has already proved his mettle and is fully enjoying unimpeachable integrity and unquestionable prestige.

He is a visiting professor in India and abroad. His welldeserved rich lectures, in the National Law School Universities and in outstanding foreign universities, are legendary. He was conferred Doctorate (Doctor of laws LLD) by the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research University of Law, Hyderabad in July 2006. He was offered a prestigious ‘Ford Foundation Chair’ by the National Law School University of India, Bangalore in 2004.

It is worth mentioning here, that one gets huge regalement regarding his eminently prepared meritorious articles, published in various popular National newspapers. His profound ideas are illustrated in specific topics of which he has received praises by national and international jurists and the Judges of the superior courts. It may also be remembered that when he held topmost constitutional post of Attorney-General of India for three years, when the DF and NDA governments were in power, he received a lot of praise from the Indian Presidents and Chief Justices of India, for his marvellous performance, and valuable advice and also his skilful appearances in the SC, to upheld the rule of law and the Constitution.

Secondly, his close association with so many international organisations, besides holding membership with International Association of Constitutional Lawyers and attending seminars all over the world as a special invitee, is in appreciation of is unending and brilliant services.

The SC has honoured him with the exalted title of ‘Champion of the Democracy’, while a reputed organisation has bestowed upon him the title of ‘Great Jurist of India’ in a well-attended seminar in Delhi, and a third title for fighting illegal President’s rules was given to him by the ‘Hindustan Times’.

The judicial history proudly says that the landmark verdicts of the SC, in the puzzling constitutional cases, on the basis of Sorabjee’s hefty thinking, was contained in his commendable arguments, velvety advocacy and un-canning talent, are not only worth remembering, but are also admired internationally.

Law journals are full of his argued cases and the SC had sought his able assistance, whenever there was involvement of knotty constitutional questions, in the cases of minorities, judges’ appointments, etc.

In 2006, the NPA Government appointed Sorabjee to head a committee on ‘Reforms of Police Act’. The eminently prepared report enabled the police to see the light even at the end of the tunnel. Sorabjee has been an asset to the country and to its democracy, for championing the freedom of speech and expression, and for supporting independence of judiciary.

For his huge achievement in the Human Rights field, he was appointed personal envoy to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, for East Timor in 1999.

Demand withdrawal of cases on students PTI HYDERABAD, DEC 27

Congress MPs from the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh today began a fast demanding withdrawal of police cases registered against all students and said they were not satisfied with the lifting of only 600 "minor cases".

Eleven Congress MPs and 20 legislators started fasting at Gunpark in front of the state Assembly, rejecting the appeal made by Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy last night, asking the Parliamentarians not to undertake the proposed fast.

"This is not a protest against our own government. The students are not hardcore criminals.

One year has passed since we are making this demand. This is a self-infliction to bring moral pressure on our government," Congress Rajya Sabha member K Keshavrao said.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the withdrawal of about 600 minor cases against the students, Keshavrao demanded that all cases be withdrawn.

He denied that the MPs are indulging in "political posturing" by undertaking a fast.

Keshavrao also demanded the withdrawal of the central paramilitary forces deployed in Telangana.

When asked if their fast has the blessings of Sonia Gandhi, another Congress MP Sarve

Satyanarayana said, "We have the blessings of Sonia Gandhi for every good thing."

On a query about their threat of resignations, Keshavrao said they will tender resignation to Sonia Gandhi for pursuing the demands for introduction of a bill in Parliament for the formation of separate Telangana.

Meanwhile, Telangana JAC convenor M Kondandaram visited the MPs to express solidarity.

Jana Reddy, who was Home Minister before 2004, said he would strive for withdrawal of the police cases against students by continuing to impress upon the Chief Minister about the matter.

GOA, TUESDAY, 28 DECEMBER, 2010

Telangana report on Tuesday?

HERALD BUREAU NEW DELHI, DEC 27

The Centre is in a tizzy over an imminent release of the 5-member Justice (retd) B N Srikrishna committee report on carving a separate Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, three days ahead of the promised submission to the Home Ministry on December 31 at 5 PM. Speculation became rife here on Monday about the report's release as the 69-year old former Supreme Court judge Srikrishna sought an appointment of the committee with Home Minister P Chidambaram at noon on Tuesday and convened a Press conference later at 4.30 PM to interact with the national media in the Ambedkar Hall of Andhra

APPOINTMENTS

THE TRUE FACE OF SHIV SENA: Shiv Sena workers vandalising Mayor’s office after removal of Dadoji Kondadev statue from Lal Mahal, in Pune on Monday. Dadoji was considered to be the mentor of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

25 Pak Hindu families seek political asylum in India PTI ISLAMABAD, DEC 27

Over 25 Pakistani Hindu families in Balochistan have sought political asylum in India citing growing cases of kidnapping for ransom and target killing of members the minority community in the restive province.

"As many as 27 Hindu families from Balochistan have sent applications to the Indian embassy for asylum in India," a top official at the Federal Ministry of Human Rights was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper today.

Hindus had been living in Balochistan for centuries, but in recent weeks several members of the minority community had been kidnapped or mur-

dered, forcing them to seek asylum in India, Regional Director for the Federal Ministry of Human Rights Saeed Ahmed Khan said.

"It is a matter of great concern and urged the government to take immediate measures to improve the law and order situation," Khan told a seminar titled "Provincial Conference on Balochistan Crisis" in Quetta.

According to statistics of the Ministry of Human Rights, violation of human rights has been committed at a large scale in Balochistan and people are being abducted for ransom.

Baloch youths had become frustrated because they had been denied rights and their national identity had not been

recognised, National Party's vice president Ishaq Baloch said, adding arrest and disappearance of youths had damaged efforts to secure peace in the province.

Hazara Democratic Party chairman Abdul Khaliq Hazara blamed "hidden hands" for the poor law and order situation in the province. He said over 100 groups involved in kidnappings for ransom were operating in Balochistan.

Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party's provincial president Usman Khan Kakar said Pakistan would get stability, peace and prosperity if the centre recognised the identity and languages of all nationalities in the country.

Dal lake partially frozen PTI SRINAGAR, DEC 27

Parts of world famous Dal Lake here were frozen today as the city witnessed the coldest night of the season with the mercury plunging to 6.6 degrees Celsius below the freezing point.

Dal Lake and many other water bodies in the Valley were partially frozen due to intense cold wave conditions over the past three weeks, official sources said.

The lake was completely frozen twice in the last 50 years -- in 1986 and 1964. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Kashmir was minus 14.4 deg C on January 31, 1893.

The minimum temperature recorded in the city today was the coldest of this winter, breaking the record of minus 6.2 deg C on December 21, a MeT official said.

Fog disrupts schedules of over 200 flights PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 27

All India Gurjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti President, Ramvi Singh Bidhuri (Ex-MLA) with his supporters at an indefinite dharna outside Chief Minister Asokh Gehlot’s office demanding five per cent reservation for Gujjar community on Monday in Jaipur.

Gujjar strike continues, activists block more roads PTI JAIPUR, DEC 27

Gujjars, on a war path over the reservation issue, laid siege to more roads, highways and rail routes and enforced shutdowns in some cities as the stand-off between the community and the Rajasthan government persisted for the 8th day today.

No further talks between Gujjars, demanding five per cent quota in jobs and educational institutions, and the Ashok Gehlot administration were held today to break the impasse.

Yesterday, the first round of talks at Pilukapura, the epicentre

of the stir, some 11-km from Bayana in Bharatpur district, were deadlocked with Gujjars unrelenting on their quota demand.

Around 200 protesters today jammed the Jaipur-Ajmer highway at Mangaliawas in Ajmer district throwing road traffic haywire.

Late last night, some protesters set ablaze a truck near Kotputli town on the Jaipur-Delhi highway, police said adding no one was injured.

Besides the Dausa-Bharatpur highway, agitators continued to squat on Karauli-Hindaun, Mahaveerji-Karauli, Mahua-Hindaun

Bhawan, the state government guest house here.

Messages went out to the Media that the full bench of the Srikrishna Committee, which includes Prof. Ranbir Singh, Dr Abusaleh Shariff, Ms Ravinder Kaur and member-secretary Vinod K Duggal, a former home secretary, would like an interaction with the media.

The government is totally non-plus, unable to find out what Justice Srikrishna wants to do by meeting the Press as it may trigger an immediate law and order problem in Andhra Pradesh even if he does not release the report on Tuesday but responds to tricky questions, particularly when Andhra Pradesh is already on the boil over past one week in expectation of the committee report.

and Gangapur-Lalsot roads in the state, police said.

Hundreds of Gujjars continued to stage sit-ins on tracks in Bharatpur, Dausa and Tonk districts affecting rail traffic. They also disturbed movement of trains in Sawaimadhopur.

State roadways buses and other vehicles could not enter Bharatpur and Ajmer cities due to blockade on the highways, police said.

Partial shutdowns, in support of Gujjar demands, were observed in Ajmer, Chittorgarh, Jhalwar and some other towns, reports said.

Thousands of passengers faced a harrowing time today as thick fog continued to wreak havoc at the IGI airport badly affecting schedules of over 200 flights.

Around 30 domestic and international flights were diverted, 25 others, including five international, were cancelled and over 150 flights were delayed by up to six hours, an airport official said.

Due to inclement weather conditions here, Air France flight to Paris, Air India flight to Kabul, Kuwait Airways flight to Kuwait City and Jet flight from Dubai and Kuwait Airways flight from Kuwaiti capital were cancelled.

Jet has also cancelled its flights to New York and Newark from Brussels due to bad weather conditions in the US. But it is operating its flight on Delhi-Brussels and MumbaiBrussels sectors.

Air India flight (AI-101) to New York, which took- off from here yesterday, was diverted to Washington due to snow storm in eastern part of the US and heavy snow at New York airport.

"The flight will operate to New York as soon as runway at JFK will open. Also flight AI 144 from Newark to Mumbai of 26th December has also been struck at Newark due to heavy snow on the runway," an Air India spokeperson said.

Fliers had a tough time for

the third consecutive day at the international airport today.

Many were seen running from airport help desk to the airline counters to get the status of their flights.

"I had to attend marriage of my nephew in the US on December 30, but my flight has been cancelled today. I don't know how I will attend the ceremony," R K Chadda, who was arguing with the helpdesk person at the IGI airport, lamented.

The airline is not giving us

any update or promising a seat in the flight, he alleged.

According to airport sources, most of the flights coming from European countries are bringing in smaller aircraft, which have less capacity, due to which their is acute shortage of seats. Fog started to envelope the airport around 7.30 pm yesterday and gradually became dense. The runway visibility hovered bet w e e n 5 0 t o 1 7 5 m e t re s through the night, resulting in disruptions in flight operations.

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UK charges nine with terror offence agencies LONDON, DeC 27

Nine men are due to appear in court in London today charged with conspiracy to cause explosions and other terrorism offences.

They are among 12 men arrested a week ago in raids by counter-terrorism police from forces in London, Cardiff, Stokeon-Trent and Birmingham. Two men from Cardiff and one from London have since been re-

leased without charge, West Midlands police said.

The remaining nine will appear at City of Westminster magistrates court this morning. They are charged with conspiring to cause an explosion or explosions in the UK "of a nature likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property" between 1 October and 20 November this year.

They are also accused of engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism between 1 October and 20 December, including downloading and researching materials and methods, carrying out reconnaissance and agreeing potential targets, and igniting and testing incendiary material.

Those charged from Cardiff are Gurukanth Desai, 28, Omar Sharif Latif, 26, and Abdul Malik, 24, London residents Mo hammed Moksudur Rahman Chowdhury, 20, and Shah Mohammed Lutfar Rahman, 28, are charged.

Also charged are Stoke-onTrent residents Nazam Hussain, 25, Usman Khan, 19, Mohibur Rahman, 26, and Abul Bosher Mohammed Shahjahan, 26.

Sue Hemming, the head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) counter-terrorism division, said: "Lawyers from the CPS counter-terrorism division have been working with the police on this case from an early stage and were on hand to give advice while the men were interviewed.

"I have reviewed the evidence provided to me by the West Midlands counter-terrorism unit and I am satisfied there is sufficient for a realistic prospect of conviction, and it is in the public interest that these men should be charged with these offences."

Last week's raids came after several months of surveillance and monitoring by police and MI5 officers.

N Korean soldiers boast of Yeonpyeong Island attack agencies SeOUL, DeC 27

North Korean soldiers bragged on state-run television about their heroics during the attack on South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island last month that killed four people.

Marking the 19th anniversary last week of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's appointment as supreme military commander, four soldiers who appeared to have taken part in the shelling are seen describing the Nov. 23 attack.

"We cheered and congratulated our victory as we saw pillars of fire lighting up from our bombardments," Kim Chul Nam says.

P yongyang alleges that South Korea fired first into its

Airports in the UK could have to shell out millions of pounds in fines in case of any repeat of the disruption following the total halt at Heathrow due to the freezing weather condition recently.

Thousands of people had to abandon plans for their Christmas holidays when the airport closed down with the runways under six inches of snow.

Demanding new powers for Civil Aviation Authority, transport secretary, Philip Hammond said it was unfair that BAA – which runs Britain's busiest airport faced no liability for punishment from the Civil Aviation Authority. He added that passenger satisfaction and performance need to be given greater weight.

Meanwhile, a new bill to grant additional powers to the authority to impose fines is said to be underway.

According to sources, transport authorities knew that Heathrow neither had the equipment nor manpower to cope with the situation.

Hammond has pledged a toughening of legislation following the closure of Heathrow which left 2,000 passengers stranded in cold terminal buildings in the heaviest snowfall since 1981.

Saying that he understood why British Airways had cancelled all its flights on Saturday 18 December ahead of the closure of Heathrow by BAA, the airport operator, he expressed indignation that the reopening of the airport had been inordinately delayed.

He added that the flight schedules should have been cut

by BAA on 18 December to avoid

stitute for National Security Strategy in Seoul released a report warning that North Korea could next year carry out an invasion of Yeonpyeong and other islands in the Yellow Sea. The report said that a competition for leadership within the military to show loyalty for Kim Jong Il could embolden the North, which is also expected to conduct a third nuclear test. In recent days, North Korea has threatened to launch a "sacred" nuclear war against the South.

Tension on the divided peninsula has been rising since North Korea unleashed nearly 200 shells on Yeonpyeong Island, killing two South Korean marines and two civilians.

He said South Korea's military “must respond relentlessly when they come under attack.”

Lee urged South Koreans to be more united on national security because North Korea tries to take advantage of any divisions in public opinions in the South.

“There can be no difference between you and me when it comes to national security because our lives and the survival of the nation depend on it,” he said. “They always have their eyes open to take advantage of any opportunity if they detect any divisiveness in our minds and thoughts.”

South Korea has staged a series of military drills – including one on Yeonpyeong Island on Dec. 20 – in a show of force against the North since its Nov. 23 artillery bombardment. The South also has threatened airstrikes if hit again, ordered more troops on front-line islands and is pushing for up-

graded rules of engagement to allow for a more forceful response to future provocations.

North Korea, for its part, has also kept up rhetoric around last Friday's 19th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's appointment as the North's supreme military commander. Mr. Kim's military chief threatened last week to launch a “sacred” nuclear war against the South.

The North's main newspaper issued a warning Monday that South Korea's recent exercises are “reckless military provocation” that could lead to the South to face a self-destruction.

“There is limit in our patience,” said the Redoing Sinmun commentary carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

On Friday, North Korean soldiers appeared on a state TV program and bragged of participating in the artillery barrage on Yeonpyeong — the country's first attacks on a civilian area since the 1950-53 War.

South vows retaliation if attacked again agencies SeOUL, DeC 27

South Korea's president vowed a relentless retaliation against North Korea if provoked again, saying Monday he is not afraid of a war with the communist North.

The two Koreas have ramped up their rhetoric since North Korea shelled front-line Yeonpyeong Island near the tense western sea border last month, killing four South Koreans. Both sides accuse each other of provoking first.

On Monday, President Lee Myung-bak used much of his regular radio address to vow to get tougher with any new provocation by North Korea.

“We have now been awakened to the realization that war can be prevented and peace assured only when such provocations are met with a strong response,” Lee said.

“Fear of war is never helpful in preventing war.”

UK mulling to fine airports for service failure agencies LONDON, DeC 27

territory during a routine military drill. Seoul, however, maintains that its artillery guns were aimed southwest, away from North Korea.

On Monday, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak called on his people not to fear a war with the North. In his biweekly radio address, he said fear was "never helpful in preventing war. If we are firmly determined to brave any risks, we can fend off any emerging threats."

"We have now been awakened to the realization that war can be prevented and peace assured only when such provocations are met with a strong response," he said.

Lee's comments came a day after the government-run In-

the congestion caused by the heavy snow.

The transport secretary who was speaking to the Sunday Times told the newspaper that it was wrong that the Spanish conglomerate owned BAA could face no fines under current rules for their mistakes and that there should be an economic penalty for service failure. He added that greater weight needed to be given to performance and passenger passenger satisfaction.

Currently the rules allow, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to only impose financial penalties for failures such as passenger queues at security checks, lack of seating, and poor cleanliness. The maximum annual penalty is 7 per cent of airport charges, amounting to a potential total of £63 million.

Hammond indicated that he was ready to bring in an economic regulation bill, which will set a new set of duties for the CAA's economic regulation of airports, and empower the regulator to intervene on ineffective operation of an airport. The regulations would allow stripping of licence to run an airport.

Hammond told the newspaper that "Because airports are ultimately strategic infrastructures, we probably need to have as a very last resort some powers to intervene in a way we don't have at the moment, except where safety and security are concerned” We have got the vehicle in the airport regulation bill to take those powers."

He added that he became aware of the CAA's limited powers with the closing of Heathrow over the weekend of 19-20 December.

21 terrorists killed in US drone strikes agencies ISLAMABAD, DeC 27

At least 21 terrorists have been killed in two US drone strikes launched Monday in Pakistan's northwest tribal area of North Waziristan, reported local media.

According to the local Urdu TV channel ARY, the latest strike was launched in Monday afternoon, during which two missiles were fired at a vehicle of carrying militants in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, leaving 15 terrorists killed.

Prior to this, on Monday morning, the US drones fired four missiles at two vehicles in the same area, killing six terrorists on board.

FROM PAGE 1 Cong slams door on Mickky dissidents to the High Command.

Asked whether the dissident group threatened to pull down government, Hariprasad said “they did not say they would walk out but conveyed their sentiments that inducting Mickky would be dangerous.”

When pointed out that the Kamat cabinet has several other tainted ministers, he said, “I have come here for one purpose and that is Mickky’s induction. If there are other such cases we will see.”

“The charges against the ministers are of two natures – political and serious nature. Although both are of criminal nature, the one with serious nature will not be spared,” he said suggesting that murder charge is one of serious nature.

The crisis in the Congress-led coalition government was precipitated after according to NCP officials here, Sharad Pawar insisted on the inclusion of the controversial legislator in the cabinet.

Mickky, has a string of criminal cases against him ranging from culpable homicide, bigamy, assault and extortion. Mickky has also been suspected of illegal trafficking and money laundering by the US government’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, which has formally asked the Central government to probe him.

The current coalition cabinet comprises of 12 ministers, nine from the Congress, two from the NCP and one from a regional party.

Follow coalition dharma: NCP

“…we are firm on Mickky being inducted into the cabinet”.

He, however, was also quick to add that he would wait for the NCP High Command’s decision on the matter.

“Hariprasad has stated that he will discuss the issue with NCP High Command and we are waiting for the outcome of that meeting.

We will wait for the directives from our party High Command,” he said.

Who is Hariprasad?

My party symbol is clock. I am not bothered what Hariprasad says on my induction in the Ministry”.

The Benaulim MLA said he has nothing to fear as long as the NCP leadership is strongly behind him, adding that Hariprasad’s statement does not make any difference to him.

“I will wait for my leaders to take the next step. I will listen only to NCP leaders like Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel. They are my bosses and not Hariprasad.

I have full faith in my leaders”, he asserted.

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Civil Aviation Ministry recommends Rs 2k cr equity in AI PTI MUMBAI, DEC 27

The Civil Aviation Ministry has recommended an equity infusion of Rs 2,000 crore in Air India in the next financial year after the beleagured national carrier gets Rs 1,200 crore soon.

"Equity infusion of Rs 1,200 crore in Air India is expected in

a few days... We have asked from the government further equity infusion of Rs 2,000 crore to be provided in the coming year's budget," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told reporters on the sidelines of a function to induct the first seaplane by Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited.

He said he was hopeful of

the government looking at the proposal "objectively" and added "anyway, the Group of Ministers is seized of the matter. It is the commitment of the government to help it (Air India) out and ensure that the national carrier is in good health".

Maintaining that Air India should live up to the people's expectations at a time when competition was the name of the game, he said "I would like to see it performing better.

Some parameters have been met but a lot more needs to be done".

Pointing out that RBI was working on the airline's proposal to restructure its debt, he said "the exercise will help Air India reduce the interest on loans and also enable moratorium on the repayment of loans". The exercise is likely to be completed by January-end.

Responding to a question on the handling of the fog situation by the Delhi and other airports in the country, Patel said

it was being handled in the best possible manner.

"We have been able to handle the situation compared to the situation in Europe where there was utter chaos (due to heavy snowfall)," Patel said.

The Minister said all operations under category-IIIB in-

strument landing system, that allows an aircraft to take-off in a visibility of 50 metres, were being carried out as per the standard norms "applied anywhere in the world".

"The criticism of the preparedness to deal with the fog is unwarranted. All Indian car-

riers are operating within the safety parameters. Indian carriers and pilots are CAT-III B compliant in large numbers," Patel said.

Nowhere in the world can any operation take place when the visibility drops below 50 meters, he said in reply to questions.

KEC International wins orders worth Rs 1,018-cr PTI MUMBAI, DEC 27

KEC International today said the company has won Rs 1,018-crore transmission lines construction and various supply and civil orders.

"We are happy to see continuous order flow from our most of the business segments. This quarter has been very good for our order book. With these orders, our total order intake for the quarter reaches to approximately Rs 2,400 crore," KEC International MD and CEO Ramesh Chandak said in a statement here.

In the transmission segment,

the firm has secured three orders for 765 kV transmission lines construction from Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (RRVPN, India), Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL, India) and Eskom (South Africa), it said.

The Rs 313-crore RRVPN order is for construction of 765 kV transmission lines between Baran to Jaipur on turnkey basis. The PGCIL order value of Rs 130 crore is for the supply and construction of 765 kV single circuit transmission lines between Odissa's Angul to Jharsuguda.

The Eskom's Rs 90-crore order is for construction of 765

kV transmission line between Gamma to Kappa on turnkey basis in South Africa.

KEC International is a global leader in power transmission EPC business and leading Infrastructure EPC company.

In addition, KEC's whollyowned subsidiary SAE Towers has secured Rs 246 crore supply orders in the Americas.

These transmission tower orders worth Rs 208 crore are from the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and transmission line related hardwares orders from Brazil worth Rs 38 crore, the statement said.

In the railway segment, the company has secured various orders for civil works from Indian Railways worth Rs 97 crore. In the cable segment, KEC International has secured supply orders for telecom cables, low tension, high tension and extra high voltage power cables from various customers worth Rs 135 crore.

With these new orders and execution up to last month, the company's total order book stands at its highest ever, Rs 7,400 crore.

KF launches 5 domestic flights AGENCY MUMBAI, DEC 27

Kingfisher Airlines Monday launched five new flights on its domestic network.

The new flights would connect Mumbai with Jabalpur, Belgaum and Indore, while the other two flight services would connect Jabalpur and Indore and Belgaum and Mumbai.

'These flights are open for sale from today. The flights to Belgaum will commence from January 10, 2011 while the flights from Mumbai to Jabalpur and Indore will commence from January 24, 2011,' said Manoj Chacko, executive vice president - commercial, Kingfisher Airlines Limited.

According to him, the flights service to Belgaum, Jabalpur and Indore would allow better connectivity between these cities and major Indian and International destinations.

BOARD MEETINGS Net 4 India Prudential Sug Tata Coffee Source: Indiainfoline.com

CSR DEEDS

Sesa Goa runners up for ‘Best CSR Practice’

From left to right are Nilesh Zore, Leena Verenkar, Basavraj Biradar, Dr Dolli and the dignitaries.

PANJIM (HBD) -- Sesa Goa bagged the runners up award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practice at the 6th Social and Corporate Governance Awards 2010, outrunning twenty seven shortlisted candidates.

The Award was held at the International Conventional Hall, Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai. Sesa Goa won the runners up award for its Alternate Livelihood project (ALOP)-Karnataka which is aimed at improving the socio - economic conditions of the rural communities in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Sesa Goa team consisting of Leena Verenkar, manager-Environment, Nilesh Zore, Sr officer-CSR, Biradar, Sr officer-CSR and Dr Dolli, Project Coordinator, presented short presentations on best practices in CSR across Sesa Group and Alternate Livelihood Opportunity Project in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Other winning companies include Tata Steel, Polaris, Blue Dart, Max India Foundation, PNB, Mahindra & Mahindra, Steria Foundation, Yes Bank and IBM. A total of 126 companies took part out of which only 27 entries were shortlisted.

Sensex sheds 45 points PTI MUMBAI, DEC 27

Hectic selling in blue chips like Sterlite Industries and RIL, and weak opening of European bourses saw stock markets reversing early gains, with the BSE benchmark Sensex plunging nearly 45 points. After maintaining last session's winning momentum in the early trade, the Bombay Stock Exchange bellwether Sensex slipped 44.73 points or 0.22 per cent to settle at 20,028.93.

The National Stock Exchange's wide based Nifty too saw a similar trend and finished the day at 5,998.10, down 0.22 per cent or 13.50 points from the previous close. Marketmen attributed the weakness in the street to thin trading by the FIIs in view of the holiday season and lack of clear direction towards the year-end.

Aban Offshor, 743.65, 754, 735, 741.05 Abb Ltd., 808, 814.5, 801.3, 804.55 Abg Shipyard, 414.2, 416.3, 401.25, 403.4 Acc Limited, 1071, 1090.9, 1071, 1081.3 Adani Enterp, 619.75, 629.3, 616, 619.3 Aditya Birla, 840, 845.1, 819.15, 823.65 Allahabad Ba, 216.5, 218.75, 213.6, 215.9 Alstom Proje, 679.4, 703.45, 666.6, 685.6 Ambuja Cemen, 141, 145.25, 140.25, 144.15 Andhra Bank, 151, 151.75, 148.25, 149.1 Ashok Leylan, 62.75, 63.15, 61.9, 62.15 Asian Paints, 2866.5, 2899.6, 2823, 2839.7 Axis Bank Li, 1329.4, 1330, 1310.1, 1316.6 Bajaj Hindus, 118.6, 122.75, 118.5, 119.85 Bank Of Baro, 886.5, 898, 882.1, 885.8 Bank Of Indi, 444, 445.15, 432.5, 435.2 Beml Limited, 999, 999.55, 975.1, 979.55 Bharat Elect, 1757.9, 1758.8, 1721.25, 1728.05 Bharat Forge, 375, 376.95, 369.3, 370.9 Bharat Petro, 672.5, 674.8, 662.1, 666.4 Bharti Airte, 349, 352.05, 341.1, 341.9 Bhel, 2288.95, 2312.85, 2285, 2291.4

Bhushan Stee, 465.75, 465.8, 453.65, 456.05 Biocon Limit, 411.4, 416, 408.35, 411.85 Bombay Dyein, 492.8, 514.85, 491.95, 508.2 Bosch Limite, 6210, 6239, 6165, 6205.35 Brigade Ente, 110.05, 113, 108.3, 109.3 Cairn India, 330.35, 333.6, 328.6, 332 Canara Bank, 657, 661.9, 646.3, 650.75 Central Bank, 176, 177.1, 172.45, 173.05 Century Text, 417.05, 422.45, 414.4, 416.2 Cesc Ltd, 375, 377, 367.15, 368.85 Chambal Fert, 85.95, 86.45, 84.6, 85.15 Chennai Petr, 247, 250, 244.65, 249 Cipla Ltd, 364, 371.9, 363.85, 370.1 Colgate Palm, 861.8, 863, 850, 851.15 Container Co, 1267.95, 1267.95, 1223, 1241.5 Crompton Gre, 311, 315.3, 307.1, 309.45 Cummins Indi, 754.9, 759.8, 742, 748.15 Dabur India, 98.85, 100.9, 98.85, 100.45 Deccan Chron, 106.75, 107.5, 105.5, 106.1 Dish Tv Indi, 65.9, 68.4, 65.25, 67.85 Divi’s Labor, 641, 646, 638.1, 641.5 Dlf Limited, 285.65, 288.9, 282.75, 284.65 Dr. reddy’s, 1676, 1733.5, 1676, 1694.15

Edelweiss Ca, 46, 46.7, 45.45, 45.55 Educomp Solu, 524, 527.8, 519, 522.15 Eih Limited, 114, 116.8, 114, 114.4 Engineers In, 330, 332.05, 329.5, 331.1 Essar Oil Lt, 137.25, 138.3, 133.05, 134.5 Essar Shippi, 107.4, 109.95, 107.4, 109.95 Exide Indust, 164, 165.45, 163.5, 164.9 Federal Bank, 395, 397.45, 392, 394.05 Financial Te, 890, 897.25, 871.6, 876.35 Gail (india), 512.9, 517, 507.1, 509.65 Gammon India, 165, 181.95, 165, 176.2 Glaxosmithkl, 2225, 2254.4, 2211, 2226.9 Glenmark Pha, 356, 357.5, 351.75, 353.4 Gmr Infrastr, 45.15, 45.95, 44.65, 45.1 Godrej Indus, 184, 185, 180.1, 180.55 Grasim Indus, 2286.9, 2315, 2286.05, 2297.65 Great Offsho, 363.55, 368.5, 361, 362.95 Gtl Infra.Lt, 42.75, 42.9, 40.6, 42.55 Gujarat Mine, 132.35, 133.35, 131.15, 132.55 Gujarat N R, 59.4, 59.8, 58.1, 58.5 Gujarat Stat, 117, 117.5, 115.4, 116.5 Gvk Pow. & I, 41, 41.25, 40.5, 40.65 Hcl Technolo, 457.7, 457.7, 450.8, 452.6 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2219, 2230, 2197.1, 2213.7 Hdfc Ltd, 700, 703.9, 693.75, 696.05

Hero Honda M, 1920, 1950, 1920, 1937.85 Hindalco in, 239, 241.25, 235.8, 237.65 Hindustan Co, 44.5, 45.9, 44.5, 44.95 Hindustan Ma, 66.95, 67.8, 65.55, 66 Hindustan Pe, 400.25, 404.45, 393.15, 399 Hindustan Un, 294.3, 297, 294.3, 296.25 Hindustan Zi, 1279, 1295.45, 1261.25, 1269.35 Housing Dev, 192, 193.8, 188.1, 188.75 Icici Bank L, 1118.25, 1136, 1118.25, 1125.55 Idea Cellula, 70.8, 70.8, 67.5, 67.7 Ifci Ltd, 65, 65, 63.5, 63.7 India Cement, 105, 106.5, 105, 106 India Infoli, 83.55, 84.3, 78.4, 79.25 Indiabulls F, 171.35, 173.35, 166.3, 167.8 Indiabulls R, 130.5, 131.65, 125.5, 126.15 Indian Bank, 257.2, 257.2, 249.85, 251.5 Indian Hotel, 94.85, 95.4, 94.3, 94.7 Indian Oil C, 360, 360.05, 352.25, 354.3 Indian Overs, 144.25, 144.65, 141.4, 142.15 Indus Dev Ba, 164.5, 165.3, 161.5, 162.05 Indusind Ban, 252.25, 253.35, 250.1, 251.95

Infosys Tech, 3357, 3391.8, 3357, 3376.9 Infra. dev., 176.7, 177.5, 174.1, 175 Ispat Indust, 23.6, 23.7, 22.65, 23.05 Itc Ltd, 169.75, 171.25, 169.05, 169.75 Ivrcl Infras, 127.6, 129.9, 126.55, 128.15 Jai Corp Lim, 215.5, 220.3, 213.55, 214.1 Jaiprakash A, 102.3, 104.15, 101.65, 102 Jet Airways, 705, 719.6, 705, 709.45 Jindal Saw L, 176.2, 182.35, 176.2, 181.45 Jindal Steel, 702.8, 705.9, 691.1, 696.1 Jsw Steel Li, 1171.05, 1185, 1150.25, 1156.2 Kotak Mahind, 451.5, 454.7, 444.15, 447.45 Lakshmi Mach, 2315, 2394.4, 2315, 2348.25 Lanco Infrat, 63, 63, 62, 62.25 Larsen & Tou, 1963.7, 1986, 1942.6, 1950 Lic Housing, 947.7, 955.6, 934.9, 939 Lupin Limite, 451, 460.4, 451, 454.25 Mahanagar Te, 53.7, 54.3, 52.8, 53.15 Mahindra & M, 760.2, 766.9, 756, 760.15 Maruti Suzuk, 1398, 1407.8, 1386.7, 1394.35 Max India Lt, 142.4, 142.8, 139.35, 140 Maytas Infr., 178.1, 180, 176.2, 177.15 Moser-baer (, 56, 58.2, 55.7, 57.35

Mrpl, 72.9, 73, 71.65, 71.85 Nagarjuna Co, 143.1, 144.25, 139.8, 140.3 Nagarjuna Fe, 32.55, 32.75, 31.8, 31.9 National Alu, 383, 384.9, 376.1, 380.55 Neyveli Lign, 133.6, 133.6, 129.65, 130.2 Ntpc Ltd, 199, 199.7, 196.55, 197 Oil And Natu, 1297.9, 1305, 1295.05, 1299.55 Omaxe Limite, 146.2, 149, 145.05, 146.75 Oriental Ban, 412.1, 415.75, 400.2, 405.1 Pantaloon Re, 366.95, 366.95, 346.6, 348.85 Parsvnath De, 52.6, 53.1, 51.5, 51.95 Petronet Lng, 126, 127.75, 124.1, 124.85 Power Fin Co, 320.5, 325, 318, 319.7 Power Grid C, 97.5, 97.8, 96.35, 96.7 Praj Industr, 72.7, 81.1, 72.4, 79.4 Punj Lloyd L, 106.4, 109.5, 106.3, 107.75 Punjab Natio, 1218, 1228, 1200.2, 1207.7 Rajesh Expor, 118.15, 124, 115.05, 121.1 Ranbaxy Labs, 573, 580.7, 570.1, 574.85 Rashtriya Ch, 96.7, 98.5, 95.35, 95.9 Reliance Cap, 657, 660.75, 640.15, 642.35 Reliance Com, 142.75, 142.95, 136.25, 137

Reliance Ene, 1113.1, 1140, 1102.5, 1123.68 Reliance Ind, 709.95, 721.7, 697.1, 700.95 Reliance Ind, 1058.3, 1068.8, 1051.15, 1055.25 Reliance Pow, 155, 155.5, 152.1, 152.45 Rolta India, 155.1, 156.4, 151.1, 151.6 Satyam Compu, 66.5, 68.4, 66.5, 67 Sesa Goa Ltd, 317, 322.5, 316.4, 320.05 Shipping Cor, 132.45, 133.3, 130.7, 131.15 Siemens Ltd, 814.9, 821.6, 807.2, 811.7 Sintex Indus, 181, 181.95, 178, 180.1 Sobha Develo, 325.8, 329.7, 312.1, 318.65 State Bank O, 2764.5, 2771.35, 2745.6, 2751.2 Steel Author, 185.5, 186.65, 177, 177.35 Sterlite Ind, 185.7, 186.4, 178.55, 179.3 Sun Pharmace, 474, 484.75, 474, 478.35 Sun Tv Netwo, 524.8, 533.6, 524, 525.05 Suzlon Energ, 51.35, 52.75, 50.2, 50.7 Tata Communi, 251.85, 251.85, 245.55, 247.3 Tata Consult, 1145, 1159.45, 1138.2, 1141.2 Tata Motors, 1304, 1320.9, 1292.85,

1301.1 Tata Power C, 1300, 1323, 1300, 1311.9 Tata Steel L, 672.15, 678, 661.55, 662.55 Tata Teleser, 19.65, 19.75, 19.1, 19.15 Tech Mahindr, 692, 703, 685.5, 694.05 The Ge Shpg., 332, 333, 327.05, 330.15 The Phoenix, 219, 225.6, 219, 224.3 Thermax Ltd, 843.4, 850, 835.05, 838.2 Titan Indust, 3494.95, 3535, 3463.55, 3478.55 Torrent Powe, 261.4, 269.8, 260.15, 266.15 Triveni Engg, 112.85, 114.5, 110.35, 111.4 Tv18 India L, 70, 70.8, 68.35, 68.6 Uco Bank, 116.45, 116.7, 112.5, 113.05 Ultratech Ce, 1050, 1060.15, 1036, 1054.6 Union Bank O, 325.05, 327.1, 324, 325.95 Unitech Ltd, 63.2, 63.9, 61.4, 61.8 United Phosp, 160, 161.9, 156.8, 158.35 Videocon Ind, 219.95, 220.8, 215.25, 216.6 Vijaya Bank, 98.55, 99.75, 98, 98.55 Voltas Ltd, 221.8, 221.95, 217.85, 219.35 Wipro Ltd, 480.1, 486.7, 480.1, 485.1 Yes Bank Lim, 309.9, 310.9, 303.25,

OHERALDO

Biz13_Layout 1 12/27/2010 9:00 PM Page 1

BIZ

Pg13

GOA, TUESDAY, 28 DECEMBER, 2010

TRAI may postpone pesky call guidelines PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 27

Mobile subscribers may have to wait for some more time to get relief from unsolicited calls and SMSes, as telecom regulator TRAI is likely to postpone the January deadline to bring an end to such calls to February 1.

On December 1, 2010, the TRAI had come out with guidelines on unsolicited telemarketing calls and SMSes, to be implemented from January 1, 2011.

According to TRAI sources, the telecom operators will delay the implementation by a month time because of certain security concerns.

Now the registration of the telemarketers and subscribers will start from January 15.

According to industry sources, the telecom operators need time to meet contractual obligations with various telemarketing companies for which they require atleast three to four months and that is the reason they are seeking more time to implement TRAI guidelines on pesky calls.

"We have approached TRAI to give telecom operators some more time to comply with the necessary security concerns and also that they can

set-up their infrastructure to filter the calls in order to stop unsolicited telemarketing calls," GSM mobile operators'' association COAI Director General chairman Rajan S Mathew said.

The major operators in the country includes, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Tata Tele Services

and Idea Cellular.

However, industry sources added, telecom operators have approached TRAI and Department of Telecom (DoT) to seek up to four months extension in order to set-up proper infrastructure that can be put in place to stop the telemarketing calls.

"It is unlikely that telecom operators will meet the January 1 deadline, as it needs time to put in place infrastructure so

TALK BUSINESS

Ocean SPA opens

Former MP Ramakant Angle cutting the ribbon to inaugurate Ocean Spa and Salon in Colva, as owners Rajeev Sharma and Amit Sharma look on.

PANJIM (HBD) -- The launch of Ocean Spa offers Margao another option to relax, rejuvenate and refresh with exotic treatment, professional caring services and quality products.

The holistic medicated spa concept, inaugurated by former M P Ramakant Angle offers all healing therapeutic treatments in a luxurious hygienic ambiance.

Owners Rajeev and Amit Sharma welcomed the guests and invited them to have a look around the spa. The décor, created by interior designer Priya Jain, enhances the soothing and relaxing atmosphere of the area.

Available are European Swedish massage, Aroma Therapy massage, Javanese mandi lulur, Chocolate treatment and the Kerala Ayurveda massage among others. Its USP is the Ocean signature body treatment, combining a wine body scrub followed by an aroma wax massage. Also available are organic facials, Ocean hand and foot spa treatments, haircuts, styling, colouring, highlighting, hair bonding, straightening, perming, deep conditioning, dandruff treatment and hair-fall treatment apart from standard services like bleach, waxing and threading facilities.

Customers can also opt to avail of their treatments in one of the five private massage rooms, each equipped with its own shower and steam room.

that you can filter the calls and stop pesky calls. The operators are asking one to four months time in order to comply with TRAI’s guidelines," AUSPI Secretary General S C Khanna said.

Earlier, Trai in its guidelines had said a hefty penalty of up to Rs 2.50 lakh will be imposed for violation of the telemarketing guidelines, which could be followed by blocking repeat offenders'' connections.

A different set of numbers starting with ''70'' will be issued to telemarketers so that any unregistered subscribers can identify commercial calls and decide whether to accept or reject them.

Unlike the previous guidelines, which only provided for a ''Do Not Call'' Registry, the regulations issued today give customers different options to avoid unsolicited calls.

The subscriber can now choose to be listed under the "fully blocked" category -which is akin to the ''Do Not Call'' Registry -- or the "partially blocked" category, in that case he/she will only receive SMSes in the categories chosen by him/her.

Tata buys stake in 2 footwear Cos PTI MUMBAI, DEC 27

Tata International Ltd (TIL), the trading arm for Tata entities, today said it has acquired 76 % stake each in Bachi Shoes India Pvt Ltd (BSIPL) and Euro Shoe Components Pvt Ltd (ESCPL).

Based in South India, BSIPL is India's largest manufacturer of children's footwear, which it supplies to several international brands across Europe.

ESCPL is a manufacturer of footwear soles. The Bachi family will continue to hold the residual stake and will work closely with TIL to manage and grow this business.

Insurance biz undergoes sea change in 2010 PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 27

Tata Teleservices Limited, regional chief operating officer, TPS Walia, attends the Tata Photon Plus launch -USB device for High speed internet access - during a press conference in Amritsar on Monday. Walia said that Tata Photon plus is an important step in providing customers with high-speed internet access which will enable them to experience the super-fast speed at very affordable prices.

Hindustan Dorr-Oliver, citybased infra major IVRCL Group Company today said it bagged an order worth Rs 135 crore for their mineral and water division.

The company in a statement

PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 27

Lured by high prices, farmers in many producing regions, particularly in Gujarat, started digging out onion prematurely, even as the retail cost of the kitchen staple stayed unchanged at Rs 40-50 a kg.

Onion had shot up to Rs 7080 a kg in the last fortnight, prompting government to take urgent action including a ban on exports and abolition of import duty, while many state governments facilitated sale of onion at a concessional price.

However, high prices of tomato and garlic were a cause for concern with a top agriculture ministry official saying there was no rationale for it,

even though one could appreciate the spurt in onion on account of the damage to the crops due to rain.

Prices of tomato and garlic continued to remain high at Rs 40-60/kg and Rs 250-300/kg, respectively, in the metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

While Delhi administration sold onion at Rs 40 a kg through Mother Dairy outlets, the neighboring UP announced it will open 25 outlets in Lucknow for sale of the vegetable at Rs 22-24 per kg.

In Delhi's Azadpur mandi, Asia's biggest wholesale fruits and vegetables market, onion was selling unchanged from yesterday's level of Rs 10-37.5

said it bagged an order worth Rs 63 crore from heavy water Board, GOI towards designing, engineering and manufacturing at the Department of Atomic Energy at their Kalpakam facility and the completion period of the project is 16 months.

Another order worth Rs 36.5 crore is for complete ETP plant for the first ever Aromatic complex from ONGC-Mangalore Petrochemicals Ltd. The order is for complete Effluent Treatment plant of capacity 200 cum/hr for the Atomic SEZ.

ING Vysya Bank, Angel Broking sign MoU PANJIM (HBD) -- ING Vysya Bank Ltd and Angel Broking Ltd, announced a strategic tie-up to offer ING Vysya Bank customers a ‘three–in–one account’ that enables a seamless investment experience by integrating the ING Savings Account, ING Demat Account and Angel Trading Account on a single platform.

The solution named “ING Fortuna Trade” is powered by industry renowned research and dealing support of Angel Broking Ltd. The central theme of the solution is making it easy for ING customers to manage the three accounts across with a single online interface.

The platform allows the customer to lien mark funds in the ING savings account toward Angel trading account; block and unblock shares between the ING demat account and Angel trading account; finally trade instantly.

If the customer does not use the funds for trading, they remain in the savings account and the lien mark is automatically released.

The solution can be customized to meet needs of customers across the spectrum. ING Vysya Bank customers have the choice across online trading, mobile trading and also dealing facility through the phone.

The customer can opt of one or more of the following segments: equities, futures and options, exchange traded currency derivatives and commodities, on a single platform. The platform also allows access to multiple exchanges, namely BSE, NSE, NCDX, MCX, and MCX-SX. For HNI customers, the solution is customized with a dedicated dealer, access to privilege reports and priority servicing.

Star Princess range from Tara Jewellers PANJIM (HBD) -- Tara Jewellers have launched an exclusively designed collection of cocktail rings under its Star princess collection.

The highlight of the jewellery is the original center diamond composite head which is made up of princess center and 4 trillion diamonds forming a radiant star. All diamonds are carefully picked to make a perfectly matched star.

Vikram Raizada said, “The Star princess collection is an ideal indication of the fact that variation in diamond jewellery is creating a huge fashion statement amongst women today, no longer does one need an occasion to wear cocktail rings.’’

Women have realized that wearing one piece of outstanding jewellery has more impact than several such pieces. So despite of the fact that ‘regular’ rings have been around forever, cocktail rings are adding oomph to jewellery boxes.

tee.

After the promulgation of the Ordinance, IRDA tightened the norms for these schemes by increasing the lock-in period and raising the risk cover to make a significant distinction between ULIPs and mutual fund products.

At the same time, dealer commission rates were reduced and disclosure norms tightened to ensure greater transparency of ULIP schemes. As a result, the product became more investor-friendly.

The lock-in period for all ULIPs was increased from three years to five years, including top-up premiums, thereby making them long-term financial instruments which primarily provide risk protection. In contrast, ULIPs were earlier more like an investment product.

IRDA also directed insurers to evenly distribute charges on ULIPs during the lock-in period to ensure that high front-ending of expenses was eliminated.

Onion prices steady; farmers reap prematurely

Hindustan Dorr bags order PTI HYDERABAD, DEC 27

The insurance industry will remember 2010 as an eventful year in which insurance regulator IRDA came out on top in a turf war with market watchdog SEBI over the regulation of Unit-Linked Insurance Products, with the end result of such schemes becoming investor-friendly.

Sweeping regulatory changes with regard to ULIPs have already set the tone for the New Year.

"2011 will be a year of transition and adaptation for the life insurance industry. After having witnessed the changes in the financial market, consumer sentiments and regulatory changes, going ahead life insurance will need to focus on and be sold as a long-term contractual savings and protection tool," Max New York Life Insurance MD Rajesh Sud said.

In April, 2010, a spat between the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA)

over regulation of ULIPs -which are hybrid insurance products in which a portion of the investor's premium is invested in equity -- led to the metamorphosis of such products.

To end the acrimony between the two regulators, the government issued an ULIP Ordinance on June 18 as capital markets regulator SEBI and insurance watchdog IRDA could not resolve their dispute over which of them was empowered to regulate such products.

Thereafter, the Securities and Insurance Laws (Amendment) and Validation Bill, 2010, was passed by Parliament to address the issues of jurisdiction between the financial sector watchdogs.

The Bill enabled the establishment of a joint body under the chairmanship of the Finance Minister and with representation from the four financial sector regulators and the Finance Ministry. As per the Bill, the Reserve Bank Governor would be vicechairman of the joint commit-

A vendor arranges round-shaped fruit at a market in suburban Manila on Monday. Some Filipinos believe that displaying 12 different round-shaped fruits - one representing each month of the year - at home before New Year's Day welcomes prosperity.

a kg depending on the quality.

Talking about quality, Azadpur-based Onion Merchants Association General Secretary Rajendra Sharma said that "some onion farmers in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, in their greed to cash-in on the rising prices of the root vegetable, are uprooting the crop almost a month in advance, which is ruining quality of the produce."

Sources in the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), Bhavnagar, confirmed that some farmers had arrived in the market yard with their premature onion harvest, but the officials rejected their produce.

"We are meticulously check-

‘Price stability must be main aim of RBI’ PTI CHANDIGARH, DEC 27

Prime Minister's economic panel chairman C Rangarajan today said price stability must be the prime objective of the central banks in developing countries, a comment comes amidst fears of high inflation derailing economic growth prospects.

Rangarajan, the chairman of Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, also said that interventions by monetary authorities to stabilise exchange rates should be exceptional cases.

"Central banks need to be transparent and explicit with respect to their objectives ... among various objectives such as price stability, growth and financial stability, the dominant objective for central banks particularly in developing countries must be price stability," he said while speaking on the topic of ''Contours of Central Banking: Have They Changed'' at the 93rd Annual Conference of Indian Economic Association here.

ing the quality of onions before buying them from farmers," APMC Bhavnagar chairman Jitendra Singh Chudasama said.

There was, however, a spurt in wholesale rates of onion in Lasalgaon in Maharashtra, but the same did not result in higher retail rates.

Agri cooperative Nafed,

NCCF (National Consumers Cooperative Federation) and Kendriya Bhandar, which along with Mother Dairy, were selling onion at Rs 40 a kg since December 20 when the rates of the vegetable had zoomed to Rs 70-80 in the national capital, lowered the price today by Rs 5 per kg to Rs 35 a kg.

Mother Dairy, however, continued to sell onion from its 300 outlets in Delhi at the old rate of Rs 40 a kg.

"We are concentrating more on quality of onion made available to customers than on rates. Onions are being sent out to outlets only after proper sorting," Mother Dairy Chief Operating Officer Sunil Bansal said.

Sony eyes 54% sales spike PTI MUMBAI, DEC 27

Leading durables players Sony India today said it has set a 54 per cent growth in revenue this fiscal on the back of a 46 per cent spike in first half sales crore driven by a robust performance during Diwali.

"We aim to clock a turnover of Rs 5,700 crore for the current fiscal, which would be an increase of 54 per cent over FY09. In the first half, we have already seen 46 per cent growth at Rs 2,600 crore over Rs 1,600 core in the April-September period of last fiscal," Sony India MD Masaru Tamagawa said here today in a release.

Last fiscal, Sony had a turnover of Rs 3,700 crore.

To achieve this growth target, Tamagawa said, Sony will be planning an aggressive marketing campaign during the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. The first half growth was driven by the flagship Bravia range of LCD television sets,

which saw a healthy 65 per cent growth, the Vaio botebooks clocked a whopping 160 per cent growth and digital imaging products saw a growth of 20 per cent during the period.

Buoyed by robust sales Tamagawa said, "India is amongst the top 10 priority markets for Sony. We eagerly look forward to expand our operations here.

Relentless commitment to quality, continuous dedication to customer satisfaction and unparalleled standards of service is what differentiates us from countless competitors and reflects the true image of all that is Sony. At Sony, we aim to attain No 1 position in terms of market share, brand value and customer satisfaction in the Indian market."

All key categories have achieved aggressive growth with Bravia registering 65 per cent growth, VAIO growing by 160 per cent and digital imaging (Cyber-shot & Handycam) by 20 per cent during the first half of this fiscal.

Phones turn up smart and smarter in 2010

PTI MUMBAI, DEC 27

The field of technology in the year 2010 was quite exciting and eventful especially in the segment of mobile phones, which returned as status symbols in India in its latest avatar - the smartphones.

The new generation devices was picked up by not just the wealthy or the forever-experimenting geeks but also became a must-have productivity tool for business executives and young professionals as well.

Led by a sharp drop in prices, the rise of social networking phenomenon, the need to stay connected while being on the move, aggressive marketing by handset manufacturers as well as peer pressure, smartphones became the hottest gizmo this year.

All other sought-after gadgets like portable music players, digital cameras, radios, gaming and navigation devices were left behind in the race as smartphones offered the ultimate

convergence solution for all needs and moods of the consumer.

Mobile phones ceased to remain mere telephonic devices as it started meaning different things to different people and playing myriad roles in their lives.

"It is like a mobile computer and a one-stop solution for all my communication requirements. And the best part is that it also doubles up as a complete entertainment device," says 28-year-old engineer Abhijeet Singh, who opened up his wallet for an i-Phone earlier this year.

Mumbai-based Singh is one among the multitude of Indians who are now checking e-mails, editing documents, operating Twitter and Facebook, clicking high-resolution pictures, getting road directions through GPS navigation system and watching YouTube videos besides being available for online chats - all from the handiness of their smartphones.

Those who could only dream of buying expensive phones were rescued by a number of 'desi' and Chinese brands that were selling smartphones for even less than Rs 4,000.

"I have always wanted an i-Phone but buying it at the price of Rs 30,000 plus is way beyond my budget.

Nowadays cheaper handsets also look very trendy and smart besides sporting a good number of features," says, Rajiv Bansal, a businessman who recently bought a Micromax set.

According to industry figures, the smartphone market in India had expanded to around 7 to 7.5 million handsets in 2010 growing 30 per cent yearon-year.

In the next five years, smartphones are expected to have 25 per cent share in the overall mobile phone market which has around 600 million connections.

Globally it is estimated that

there are nearly 500 million smartphone owners, predicted to go up to 1 billion by 2013.

Following the lead of Apple and RIM (Research in Motion),

the makers of the the iconic iPhone and the executive-class Blackberry, a number of handset manufacturers quickly made a beeline for the lucrative smartphone market in the country in 2010.

While the market leader

Nokia found it difficult to control its declining sale figures, sleek models from other players like Samsung, HTC, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and Dell turned out to be the cynosure of all eyes.

To give the ever-increasing popularity of Google's Android software platform a competition, Samsung launched its cheaper 'bada' operating system with a vision of "providing a smartphone for everyone."

However, owning a Blackberry, which provides exclusive instant messenger and encrypted mail delivery services via a dedicated server, and the application-rich iPhone retained their cult status.

Next year Apple is scheduled to release its iPhone 5, which is expected to come with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), enhancing the phone's functionality as a wallet.

But even before many Indian

consumers could update their basic handset, technology took another leap toward the end of this year with the introduction of giant smartphones, labelled as tablets.

Apple's much-hyped iPad will be available for the consumer segment in India next year while Dell's 5-inch tablet PC and Samsung's 7-inch Galaxy Tab have already created a flutter among gadget freaks.

Samsung is so bullish in this new segment that it is predicting a million users for tablets in 2011 in the country.

With more than 500 million active mobile phone users, industry experts have estimated that the next generation of Internet users would be connecting via phone and not their desktop computers.

As 3G services are set to roll out early 2011, the smartphone phenomenon is all set up for an upsurge, marking the evolution of a new era in telecommunications and information management.

Pg 14

SPORTS

GOA, Tuesday, 28 December, 2010

Dempo too good for Goa Velha HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 27

A brace each by Clifton Gonsalves and Joe Rodrigues allowed Dempo Sports Club to open up a 3-point lead at the top of the table as they defeated Goa Velha Sports Club 4-1 in GFA’s Kingfisher Pro-League at Duler stadium, here on Monday.

The match was goalless at the interval.

Midway into the second half, Goa Velha goalkeeper Agnelo Noronha and Dempo’s Jessel Carneiro horrifically collided outside the box which resulted in both players being replaced through injuries. Agnelo was booked for the challenge.

Position and speed were the vital elements of Dempo’s success as they swept aside their opponents who were less prepared physically and tactically.

Mickey Fernandes was particularly outstanding at the heart of the midfield with his strong tackling and pinpoint passing.

Goa Velha managed to contain Dempo until half time, but seemed to lose concentration early in the second half which allowed Dempo to score four goals in the space of 13 minutes. They were clearly missing their young, strong tackling defender Gary D’Mello for this encounter.

Dempo started brightly and

Big wins for Brasil FA, Cortalim HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 27

Shelton Fernandes and Sharad Nepal netted a brace each to give Brasil Futebol Academia a 7-0 victory over Piedade Youth 1association in GFA’s U-16 league at Divar ground on Monday. Brasil led 2-0 at the breather.

Binatone S Singh, Saish Kavlekar and Sahil Tavora were

also on target for Brasil.

At Morjim ground, Dunes Sports Club and Goa United Sports Academy drew goalless.

In GFA’s U-14 league, Vasco Sports Club Juniors hammered Dabolim Youth Sports Club 19-0.

At Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Cortalim Sporting Club defeated Benfica Youth Club 7-2 in GFA’s Second Division.

had Goa Velha on the backfoot with efforts from Samson Fernandes, Godwin Franco and Mickey Fernandes, but their shots lacked the cutting edge to poise any real danger.

Coming to the end of the first half it was Goa Velha who should have been in front, but Clyde Dias and Alber Gonsalves failed to find the necessary composure as their efforts were just wide of the post.

At half time Dempo brought in Joe Rodrigues in place of Cavin Lobo in the forward line and Nicolau Borges replaced Aiken Dias on the wing. The changes clearly showed Dempo’s attacking ambitions.

In the opening exchanges Nicolau produced a majestic last ditch block to deny Goa Velha’s Josten Lourenco from scoring.

Dempo took the lead in 56th minute when Johnny D’Cruz played a through ball for Clifton Gonsalves and he rolled the ball across goal for Joe Rodrigues to score.

Three minutes later Johnny crossed from the right and Godwin Franco helped the ball on, before Clifton dispatched into the back of the net.

In the 62nd minute Joe crossed from the right and Clifton slammed home his second.

Four minutes later Clifton re-

paid the favour, as he unselfishly passed to Joe to score his second and Dempos’ fourth of the match.

Six minutes from the end Goa Velha’s Randell Dias cross was beautifully controlled by Trevor Dias and Substitute Elvis Lopes smashed the ball against the crossbar and into the net to give Goa Velha something to cheer about.

Dempo have now collected 25 points from 12 outings, while Goa Velha stay on five p o i n t s f ro m 1 2 m a t c h e s .

Dempo’s two remaining matches are against title contenders Churchill Brothers and Sporting Clube de Goa.

Cuncolim meet Navelim in final HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, DEC 27

Cuncolim will meet Navelim in the finals of 1st All-Goa Invitational Lalit Suri Football Cup2010 at Devabhag ground on Wednesday. They led 1-0 at the break.

In the second semi-final today, Cuncolim XI outplayed Assolda Boys 2-1.

Assolda Boys goalkeeper Mohamed was outwitted by a volley from Cuncolim’s Mickey boots.

Twenty minutes into the second half Cuncolim increased their lead to 2-0 through Jackson, after the goalkeeper made a blunder racing out and missing the ball completely.

Assolda Boys bounced back late into the match to score a

solo effort goal by Vickey in the closing stages.

Assolda Boys’ Vickey was adjudged man-of-the-match.

Chandor up HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 27

Chandor Sports Club defeated Curtorim Gymkhana 1-0 in the pre-quarter finals of Loutulm Panchayat Cup soccer organised

by Socio Cultural Club of Loutulim at Montir ground, Loutulim on Sunday. Sammy scored in the 45th minute.

GFA 2nd division: CAC Cansaulim v. Mangor Sports Club, Tilak Maidan, vasco, 4 p.m.

GFA U-16: ABC Sports Club, Arambol v. FC Sanquelim, Morjim ground; BAFF v. United Club of Nerul, Bicholim ground, ground; Saligao Sporting Club v. St Domnic Savio SC, Duler stadium, Mapusa.

Kick off 4 p.m.

GFA U-14: Chicalim YC v.

Salgaocar Sports Club (Jrs), Cansaulim ground. Don Bosco Orator y v. Portais Sporting Club, D Bosco school ground, Panjim. Kick off 4 p.m.

Loutulm Panchayat Cup soccer quarters: Chandor Sports Club v. Fr. Agnel SC, Paroda; Montir ground, Loutulim, 4.30 p.m.

Fr. Agnelo Youth inter-village football: Union of Chin c hin im v. D a v o r l im Sports Club, panchayat ground, Avedem, Paroda, 4.30 p.m.

GPL T20: Sar vodaya v.

Macvec Fabricators, 9.30 a.m.; GSA v. Al Fatah, 2 p.m., G C A s t a d i u m , A l t o Po r vorim.

Lawson is Kochi’s coach, says source PTI MUMBAI, DEC 28

Contrary to news reports, former Australian fast bowler and exPakistan team coach Geoff Lawson has already been named as the coach the new Kochi IPL franchise in the T20 League’s 2011 edition.

“We have already informed the Cricket Board (which owns IPL) that Lawson will be the coach. The details of his contract are being worked out,” a Kochi franchise source told PTI today.

The source was not willing to discuss anything further on franchise Kochi Cricket Pvt. Ltd or the upcoming IPL players’ auction at Bangalore on January 8 and 9.

Telaulim-Navelim

Pg 15

SPORTS

GOA, Tuesday, 28 December, 2010

GCA stops work on Tivim cricket stadium HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 27

The GCA today gave an undertaking to the High Court that it would forthwith cease all work that it had recently commenced relating to the international cricket stadium at Tivim till further notice.

The undertaking was given b y G C A s e c re t a r y, P r a s a d Vinayak Phatarpekar, during hearings of an urgent PIL filed

by Goa Foundation before Justice A.P. Lawande, Vacation Judge.

Within minutes of the undertaking being given to the Court, all heavy machinery at the site of the proposed sta-

dium was withdrawn by the association. Earlier, five excavators and some trucks had been at work for nearly a week making preparations for the cricket pitch within the proposed stadium.

The Goa Foundation challenged commencement of work on the stadium site without GCA having obtained mandatory environment clearance. The GCA in its affidavit admitted that it also did not have panchayat license for its operations which, according to the estimation of PWD, was in the region of Rs.40 lakh.

The EIA notification of September 2006 does not permit

l Goa Foundation files fresh PIL

even land preparation work at any site until project authorities have obtained an environment clearance order.

On being told that the Forest Department had granted permissions to fell 125 trees at the site, the Court directed the department be made a party to the petition.

The Court fixed the matter for December 31 for further orders.

It will be recalled that the Goa Foundation and several villagers from Tivim had filed a PIL challenging the permissions granted for felling of a forest at the pro-

posed site. The petitioners had also challenged the project on the ground that it had not procured mandatory environment clearance.

During the course of those proceedings, GCA filed two affidavits in which it stated that it had already got in touch with a party in Mumbai to assist it with the processing of environment clearance. It also gave an undertaking, which the Court accepted, that it would not commence work on the project till it had all the mandatory statutory clearances.

Media reports in the middle of December, however, reported the president of the GCA saying work had commenced on Phase I of the project in view of the fact that there were no more objections from the villagers to the stadium project.

Large scale felling of trees was carried out on December 11 and 12 despite Goa Foundation sending a notice to the Forest Department authorities that the permission should be suspended in view of the fact that the project did not have environment clearance.

Meanwhile, GCA president explained that the ongoing work

was to remove the weeds and that it was pertaining only to the ground, which was being dug for about two to three feet.

“We have stopped it immediately. The work of the stadium has not begun and no tenders have been issued,” stated Narvekar.

Narvekar stated that there are two areas earmarked for the stadium , one of 90,000 square metres and the other of 44,000 square metres which is a forest area. “We had started the ground work for almost a week now. And we have not cut any trees from the area earmarked as forest areas,” remarked Narvekar.

Dempo stun GSA, Salgaocar win HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 27

Recipients of Dr Jack de Sequeira award for excellence in sports in 2010 - (back row) Tonito Botelho (Dr Pedro Adao Cabral trophy for grassroots and youth development in football), Ranti Martins (Dempo SC, best team, 4 times National I-League and Super Cup champs with Asia Champions League participation), international Talasha S Prabhu (best sportswoman), National supercross and motocross champ Allan Sequeira (best sportsman), Armando Colaco (best coach of the decade) alongwith (front row) Peter Figuiredo, Rosefern, Admiral (redt) Suresh Mehta, India’s High Commissionner in New Zealand, Dr Lily Sequeira, Santan Viegas, president, Konkani Songit Somajik Kala Kendr, the organisers after the felicitation function at Black Box, Kala Academy, Panjim on Monday.

Photo Rozario Estibeiro

Rosary clash with Damodar in finals MARGAO (HC) -- Rosary High School, Navelim will meet Damodar High School,Margao in the finals of Salcete Taluka Under-16 Dilip Sardessai memorial inter-school cricket tournament organized by Goa Cricket Association at SAG Sports Complex, Fatorda on December 28.

In the semi-finals, Rosary High School, Navelim beat Our Lady of

Rosary HS, Fatorda by 20 runs.

Batting first, Rosary scored 91 for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. Rohit (20) topscored for Rosary. He was well supported by Mohsin Dessai (19) and Hussain (10) . For OL Rosary, Shaharukh and Salman claimed two wickets each.

In reply, OL Rosary were bundled out for 71 in 16.1 overs.

Babush (15) and Mukesh (13)

Traditional

were the main contributors. For Rosary, Yogesh was the wrecker scalping 3 for 14.

Brief score: Rosary HS, Navelim 91 for 6 in 20 overs. Shaharukh 2-13, Salman 2-17, Sarvanan, Raju and Mukesh 1 each) beat Our Lady of Rosary HS, Fatorda - 71 all out in 16.1 overs (Mukesh 13, Sarvanan 11, Babush 15 runs. Yogesh 3-14, Altaf 2-5, Dhawal, Rohit and Hussain 1 each).

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Man-of-the match Dhiraj Narvekar receiving the award.

between Ilya Naroo and Ghadi and fourth wicket partnership between Santosh Upadhya and Vipin of 28 for seventh wicket.

It was Santosh Upadhye who scalped four wickets for 12 with Ilyas providing good support with 2 for 18.

Al Fatah’s Rahul keni and Dhuri put on 30 runs for the second wicket.

Dempo 134 for 7. Chandrakant Ghadi 45 (7 fours). Sayyed Bhadi 3-16, Yagesh Chodankara and Sher Bahdur Yadav 2 each.

Al Fatah CC 82 for 10. Saeed Shaikh 23, Sahil Dhuri 20. Santosh Upadhya 4-12, Ilyas Naroo 2-18.

GPL set for exciting semis PERFECT YORKER

By SUDHIN KAMAT

T

PRESENTS

New Year’s EVE BALL

OPEN AIR DANCE

It was a day of upsets as Dempo beat GSA and Salgaocar defeated Al Fatah in GPL T20 at GCA stadium, Alto Porvorim on Monday.

It was Dhiraj Narvekar, who with a majestic 55 studded with four fours and two sixes and Suraj Dhongre with a well made 40 with three fours and one six, with their fourth wicket partnership yielding 53 runs that paved the victory for Salgaocar.

Sagun Kamat put up a brave front with well compiled 57 which had six fours and two sixes.

Sagun and Tushar Narvekar with a stand of 33 runs for the first wicket, looked as if they would get past the Salgaocar total, but it was not so, despite a 42-run partnership between Regan Pinto and Sagun Kamat. Advait Katkar claimed three and Shadab Jakati 2 wickets.

Salgaocar 136 for 7. Dhiraj Narvekar 55 (4 fours, 2 sixes), Suraj Dhongre 40 (3 fours, 1 six).

Ryan D’Sousa 2-20.

GSA 123 for 8. Sagun Kamat 57 (6 fours, 2 sixes). Advait Katkar 3-25, Shadab Jakati 2-24.

Dempo owe their victory to Chandrakant Ghadi 45 with seven fours, a sound first wicket partnership of 25 between Rohanm Beklara and Ghadi to start with and then 44-run wicket partnership

he Goa Cricket Association must have already ordered new calculators as the GPL is all set to go to the wire.

At least two teams for the semis may be decided by the quotient. Till yesterday, everyone thought that GSA and Al Fatah have already made it to the semis, but cricket is a funny game. Day 4 saw GSA lose to Salgaocar and Dempo beat Al Fatah thus making it obvious that all six franchisees are still

in the race for the last four spot.

In the first match, after winning the toss, GSA put Salgaocar into bat. The GSA bowlers proved to skipper Aditya that he was spot on regarding the decision. Damodar Lotlikar, Reagan Pinto, Ryan D’Souza restricted Salgaocar till the 12th over to a meagre 74, but the arrival of Dhiraj Narvekar took the advantage away from GSA as Dhiraj played some calculated strokes to collect runs at will and scored a half century.

Set to chase the target of 136 in 20 overs, GSA again had a dream start as Sagun Kamat and Tushar Narvekar scored at a rapid pace. Sagun scored his 50 in the 14th over and then was stumped out. For GSA the wickets then fell at regular interval, and in the end GSA fell short by 12 runs.

In the afternoon, Dempo CC with lot of pressure to win the match to remain in contention managed to stun Al Fatah, who like GSA were thinking to seal

their place in the semis. Dempo batting first posted 135, a total they will be proud of after losing quick wickets. At one stage, Dempo were 80 for 6 in 14 overs but in the end managed to post 135 on board, a total quite good enough to give a fight.

Al Fatah with a good batting line up messed it all up as they were struggling at 49 for 5 in 10 overs. It was just a matter of time before Dempo bowlers who bowled brilliantly got them all out and won the match by 30-odd runs.

Dhiraj Narvekar of Salgaocar in the morning and Santosh of Dempo in the afternoon match were adjudged "man-of-the match" .

Swapnil Asnodkar did not play for Dempo todays.

Tomorrow’s match in which GSA take on Al Fatah will decide who goes into semis without the quotient coming into play as both teams have two wins and one loss each.

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The Goa handball squad which will participate in 25th Senior National Handball Championship.

Handball squad HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 27

Anant Sawal will lead the 16-member Goa handball squad for 25th Senior National Handball Championship to be held in Indore from December 28 to January 2.

The team - Valenton Fernandes, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dayton Fernandes, Azharuddin Shah, Ansqar Fernandes, Henr y Rocha,Sansui D’Silva, Prayag Simepurshkar, Swapnil Shirodkar, Ramesh Vohnalli, Roger Fernandes, Freddy Coutinho, Ritesh Parsekar, Jose Colaco. Vinay Sambari and Devendra Dessai will accompany the team as coach and manager respectively.

10-man Spurs down Villa

BIRMINGHAM (AFP) - Rafael Van der Vaart was the scourge of Aston Villa yet again as he marked his return from injury with two goals to hand 10-man Tottenham a deserved 2-1 victory on Sunday.

Rafael who netted both of Tottenham's goals in the October win over Villa, scored in each half.

Ponting fined after on-field row AGENCIES MELBOURNE, DEC 27

Australia captain Ricky Ponting was fined 40 per cent of his match fee after his frustration over a TV referral decision boiled over into an ugly row with umpire Aleem Dar on the second day of the fourth Ashes Test on Monday.

"Ricky's actions as captain of his country were unacceptable.

A captain is expected to set the example and not get involved in a prolonged discussion with the on-field umpires and question their decision," match referee Ranjan Madugalle said.

"While pleading guilty to the charge, Ricky understood that the discussion went far too long.

He apologised for his action and

stated that he has nothing but respect for the umpires and his on-field actions were not intended to show disrespect to Aleem Dar or Tony Hill."

Siddle declined to comment on the incident.

"It's just cricket," he said, refusing to elaborate when asked if the incident had stemmed from frustration from long spells in the field for little reward.

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GOA, TUESDAY, 28 DECEMBER, 2010

SPORTS

GCA stops work on Tivim cricket stadium Pg 15

Dempo too good for Goa Velha Pg 14

Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

www.oheraldo.in

Test heads for a tight finish PTI DURBAN, DEC 27

Spinner Harbhajan Singh and pace spearhead Zaheer Khan plotted a dramatic South African collapse to give India a vital 74-run lead in a topsy-turvy second cricket Test which seemed headed for a nailbiting finish here today.

After being dismissed for 205 in the first innings, the Indians turned the game on its head by bundling out the hosts for a paltry 131 in 37.2 overs with Harbhajan Singh (4/10) and Zaheer (3/36) being the chief wreckers.

The Indians found themselves in a mess in the second innings as they were struggling at 92 for four at close on an eventful second day which saw as many as 18 wickets fall. Virender Sehwag (32), Rahul Dravid (2) and Sachin Tendulkar (6) are among

the batsmen dismissed.

V V S Laxman and Cheteshwar Pujara were batting on 23 and 10 respectively with the visitors having taken an overall lead of 166 runs with six second innings wickets intact in the must-win game.

It turned out to be a bizarre day at the Kingsmead as fortune fluctuated from one team to the other till the very end. With wickets tumbling like nine pins, India's first innings lead of 74 runs could play a big role.

With three full days left in the match, a result is certain.

Earlier, Dale Steyn (6/50) and Morne Morkel (2/68) took two wickets each in the morning as India, after resuming at the overnight score of 183 for six, lost their remaining four wickets for the addition of only 22 runs to the total in 10 overs.

India 1st Innings (Overnight 183/6): M S Dhoni c Petersen b Steyn 35, Harbhajan Singh c de Villiers b Steyn 21, Zaheer Khan c Boucher b Morkel 0, Ishant Sharma not out 1, S Sreesanth c Boucher b Morkel 0. Extras: 9. Total: 205 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-48, 3-79, 4-117, 5-130, 6-156, 7-190, 8-193, 9-205. Bowling: D Steyn 19-6-50-6, M Morkel 19-1-3-68-2, L Tsotsobe 113-40-2, J Kallis 8-2-18-0, P Harris 8-1-26-0.

South Africa 1st innings: A Petersen b Khan 24, G Smith c Dhoni b Khan 9, H Amla lbw b H Singh 33, J Kallis run out 10, AB de Villiers c Dhoni b Sreesanth 0, A Prince b Khan 13, M Boucher not out 16, D Steyn c Dravid b H Singh 1, P Harris c Pujara b H Singh 0, M Morkel c H Singh b Sharma 10, L Tsotsobe c Vijay b H Singh 0. Extras: 15. Total: 131 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-46, 3-67, 474, 5-96, 6-100, 7-103, 8-103, 9-127. Bowling: Z Khan 13-2-36-3, S Sreesanth 8-0-41-1, I Sharma 9-2-42-1, Harbhajan Singh 7.2-2-10-4.

India 2nd innings: Virender Sehwag c Boucher b Tsotsobe 32, Murali Vijay c Amla b Morkel 9, Rahul Dravid c Boucher b Tsotsobe 2, Sachin Tendulkar c De Villiers b Steyn 6, V V S Laxman batting 23, Cheteshwar Pujara batting 10. Extras: 10. Total: 92 for 4. Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-44, 3-48, 4-56. Bowling: Steyn 7-1-27-1, Morkel 7-1-17-1, Tsotsobe 6.5-2-16-2, Kallis 6-1-18-0, Harris 4-1-8-0.

Narvekar seeks clubs verdict on Salkar’s plea for resignation

Dravid registers 200th Test catch PTI DURBAN, DEC 27

Indian middle-order batsman Rahul Dravid today achieved a rare milestone in his career when he took his 200th catch in Test matches to stay on top of the list in the five-day format of the game.

Dravid achieved the feat when he brilliantly caught Dale Steyn today. Dravid now tops the list.

Former Australia opener Mark Waugh is at the second spot with 181 catches from 128 Tests, followed by Australia skipper Ricky Ponting (174), former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming (171) and West Indian batting great Brian Lara (164).

England lead by 346 AFP MELBOURNE, DEC 27

Jonathan Trott posted his third century in five Ashes Tests to propel England closer to a series victory in the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today.

Trott helped swell the lead to 346 runs after the tourists batted out the entire second day

to take full advantage of Australia's record lowest total of 98 in 133 years of Ashes Tests at the famous ground.

At the close, England were 444 for five with Trott defiant on 141 and Matt Prior on 75 in a ground record unbroken sixthwicket stand of 158 to kill off the Australians' hopes of salvaging the Test.

No conspiracy; let police investigate into birth certificate controversy HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 27

“I will explain the facts of the case to all the affiliated clubs at the special general body meeting of Goa Cricket Association (GCA) to be called within a month or so, and I will abide by their decision, even if that means I should resign, following the allegations levelled by Dr Shekar Salkar as well as the FIR lodged by him with the Mapusa Police,” thundered Dayanand Narvekar on Monday. “ D r S a l ka r h a s l e v e l l e d charges against me, Sushma Narvekar, Ganeshraj alias Anish Narvekar, Dr Ravindra Chodancar and P R Borkar alleging forgery, cheating, manipulation.

The FIR has also been registered.

It is now for Dr Salkar to prove the same and substantiate with proper documents. Let the investigations go on,” remarked Narvekar at the press briefing at GCA premises, Alto Porvorim.

Narvekar also expressed surprise that the Police registered the case only after he had criticised two ministers openly.

“I am sure that the charges cannot hold ground and that this will be proved during the course of investigations since the FIR has already been registered. As far as I am concerned, my son Ganeshraj was born on 28-2-1993 in Porvorim. The live birth record was sent late by Dr Chodankar, who is at fault, and as such I followed the procedure of filing an affidavit with the Mamlatdar and accordingly registered the birth late in Pilerne Panchayat. I have not done it deliberately,” charged Narvekar.

“There are nearly 30,000 or more cases in Goa wherein the births have been registered late and most of these are related to pension cases. So, Dr Salkar will

have also to persecute all these persons alongwith their parents, using the same yardstick,” explained Narvekar, adding that he had also followed the same procedure which is in vogue.

Narvekar evaded the question as to why his wife had filed another application and given a new birth date. “She will give her say to Police when the investigations start,” was his prompt reply, pointing out that he was holding the media briefing only because Dr Salkar had sought his resignation from GCA presidentship and that he was also a politician.

As far as the date of birth shown by GCA in the player’s form sent to BCCI, Narvekar deflected the issue saying that it was the then secretary, Chetan Dessai who was at fault and that he was in no way responsible for the correspondence as it was the prerogative of the secretary.

“The BCCI fined GCA Rs 5,000 for the lapse, wherein Ganeshraj played in three consecutive seasons in U-15 Polly Umrigar tournament. The third time, the player’s name appeared as Anish N. Chetan was punished for the lapse and was removed from the post of secretary. It is an internal matter between BCCI and GCA and Sections 420 and others of IPC or any other sections under Cr PC are not applicable,” argued Narvekar. The matter has long been setlled, he said.

“Moreover, no club has complained about the same at all.”

“Dragging Ganeshraj alias Anish, a young and promising player who recently gave up his studies after Std XII (first class) to devote for cricket, smacks of character assassination. When my son was born or for that matter when his birth was registered although late, neither my son, nor I had dreamt that he would become a cricket player one day.

So, where is the case for conspiracy?” Narvekar stressed.

“I am very upset with the charge. It has disturbed my frame of mind. If young children are charged with conspiracy, then tomorrow the politicians, Ministers and MLAs could also be charged likewise. We hear the stories of drugs distribution and sales by police and such cases could be labelled as conspiracy involving the police, the Home Minister, the DGP and so on?. It is very, very dangerous, as only bomb blasts, serial killings amount to conspiracy. Consequently, the Police should be very careful to invoke the conspiracy section in this case. I am warning them and the Police should think very seriously before implicating unnecessarily innocent people,” voiced Narvekar.

“I am innocent. It is for the Police to get the truth. I am warning them that Section 120 cannot be invoked in the case. Merely filing FIR does not mean it is chargesheet. Dr Salkar is creating a mountain out of a mole hill.

When I talk with my affiliated

Dayanand Narvekar attends to a call before addressing the media at Porvorim on Monday.

Photo Jovito Lopes

clubs, I will tell them that I have the resignation ready and that the clubs will have to decide on the issue. I will go by their verdict,” remarked Narvekar adding that it is part of a democratic process.

Narvekar disclosed that Dr Salkar was being vindictive only because he was expelled for six years from GCA at the general body meeting somewhere in 2001/02 alongwith his club, Bicholim Cricket Club. The action against Dr Salkar was taken as he had indulged in mudslinging and working against GCA interests and me personally,” Narvekar said.

“It was just a year ago, that MLA Patnekar approached GCA for lifting the Bicholim CC suspension since the players were the sufferers, and we lifted it for the sake of players,” stated Narvekar.

“It was some six months back that Dr Salkar raised the issue of Ganeshraj’s birth certificate.

Why did he take so long to file the complaint,” Narvekar questioned. “It was in 2001 that the ticketgate incident erupted over the alleged duplication of tickets. Immediately, a series of meetings were called by Dr Salkar with the then BJP Government with one meeting being held even with MP Shripad Naik. One option was that I should hand over the charge to Dr Salkar, then a managing committee member, or to Prashant Joshi or to any Minister in the Government. The GCA members did not agree to the proposal of transferring the mantle of leadership since it was the Government that had filed the FIR in Margao wherein the officebearers of GCA were being implicated,” said Narvekar.

“At one time, it was suggested that the presidentship should be vested in Dattaraj Salgaocar, former president. However, since the case was filed and bail granted wherein I could not attend the office for a month, Dr Salkar tried to move a resolution to remove me from GCA and Prashant Joshi was named as acting president.

They tried to oust me but did not succeed. It is only after a resolution was passed at the general body meeting that I was asked to continue,” Narvekar said.

The continuation of Narvekar as president will solely depend on the clubs, who have all through and through supported him. There are no two views about it.

Asian Cup: Rafi left out AGENCIES MUMBAI, DEC 27

Promising striker Mohammed Rafi got the axe as India on Monday announced a 23-member squad, to be captained by Bhaichung Bhutia, for the Asian Cup football tournament starting on January 7 in Doha, Qatar.

Rafi, who was named the best player of 2009-10 I-League, was laid low for a while due to injury in October, before the Indian players left for Dubai, but later played in the international friendly matches last month.

Out of the eight players left out of the squad from the 31 who were in the camp, three -- Dempo left back Sameer Naik, Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya and Dempo winger Anthony Pereira -- are injured.

The other five left out players were Churchill Brothers striker

Rafi, midfielder James Lukram and defender N Mohanraj -- both from Mohun Bagan, East Bengal striker Baljit Sahni and JCT midfielder Jagpreet Singh.

AIFF XI goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was retained. The Indian team will reach Doha on January 6 and will play Australia in their Group C opening match on January 10.

The Squad: Goalkeepers: Subrata Pal, Subhasish Roy Choudhury, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Defenders: Surkumar Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Anwar, Mahesh Gawli, Syed Rahim Nabi, Deepak Mondal, N S Manju, Rakesh Masih and Govin Singh. Midfielders: Steven Dias, N P Pradeep, Climax Lawrence, Clifford Miranda, Renedy Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Baldeep Singh.

Strikers: Bhaichung Bhutia (Capt), Sunil Chhetri, Abhishek Yadav and Sushil Kumar Singh.

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