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India: Dentist can apply stitches, SC rules Pg 7

Sports: Kirsten extracts best out Pg 16 of players — Dhoni IN BRIEF 80 migrants feared drowned off Yemen As many as 80 African migrants, mostly Ethiopians, were feared drowned after two boats capsized off the coast of south Yemen, the interior ministry said on Monday. — (AFP)

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Goa’s Heartbeat: Priyanka refutes her engagement to Shahid Pg 4

Herald’s startling report on Monday of leaks in MBBS papers was a bitter pill to swallow for Goa Medical College.

The top brass was left red-faced as 14 questions of the General Medicine-II matched the leaked paper set that Herald is in possession of. Now, it’s time to hunt for the skeletons…

MBBS PAPERS CANCELLED Leaked questions match paper; exam to continue VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, JAN 3

Confirming that medicine papers of the final year MBBS have been leaked out, Goa University (GU) on Monday morning cancelled the examination to the two papers – General MedicineI and General Medicine-II papers – at Goa Medical College (GMC).

Herald had exposed that General Medicine-I and General Medicine-II papers were leaked to the around 100 students prior to the exam that HERALD began on January 1.

After consulting GU ViceChancellor (VC) Deelip Deobagkar, GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal immediately announced the cancellation of General MedicineII paper minutes before students could appear for the examination. General Medicine-I, which has already been answered by the students on Saturday, also stands cancelled.

GU has formed a high-level inquiry committee after GMC authorities briefed the former about the leakage.

“We have formed a threemember committee to initiate a formal inquiry. The committee is asked to submit its primary report in 48 hours so that we can take prima-facie action. A detailed inquiry is in progress,”

VC Deobagkar told Herald.

This has been the first case of paper leakage reported in Asia’s oldest medical institute.

“It is unfortunate and a bad way to start a New Year,” he said.

To a question on whether it was an administrative system lapse, Deobagkar said that the paper setting system is foolproof and universal. In the same breath, he said that the entire system will be reviewed considering the leakage.

The inquiry comIMPACT m i t t e e w i l l a n nounce the next date for re-examination of both these papers on Tuesday.

Earlier, at about 8:48 am, GMC authorities called this reporter to reveal the leaked papers to them so as it could be compared to actual papers. The reporter was shown the ‘sealed’ question paper set of General MedicineII to-be opened at the examination hall in the presence of two student witnesses.

At about 9:40 am, Dean Dr Jindal, senior examiners Dr Jagdish Kakodkar and Dr Dubhashi cross-checked the ‘leaked question paper’ with the original set and found that 14 out of 16 questions matched.

The handwritten leaked paper which was in the possession of

Few leaked Few leaked questions of General Medicine-I questions of General (Short notes and short answers of 10 marks each)

Interferons Nystagmus l Mx of Rheumatoid arthritis l Mx of 14 days fever l GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) l Dysphnoea l Coronary angiography l Becker’s muscular dystrophy l Peripheral neuropathy l Tropical sprue l ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) l Chorea l l

Herald, on request has been handed over to the GMC for inquiry. Though, copies of both leaked question paper sets are still maintained by Herald.

“We were taken aback on reading the news report about the paper leakage. We cross-

Medicine-II

(Short notes and short answers of 10 marks each)

Utricaria Schizophrenia l Obsessive compulsive neurosis l Stevens Jhonson Syndrome l Approach to pediatric hematuria l Causes of cushing syndrome l Pulmonary hypertension l Barbiturate poisoning l Status asthmaticus l Amino glycoside l Relapsing fever l l

checked the questions and found 14 out of 16 questions matching…The exams are cancelled. The re-examination date will be announced soon,” Dr Jindal told Herald before rushing to meet Deobagkar at about 10:15 am.

Govt’s decision on Adarsh likely today

Reliable GMC sources told this reporter that the three sets of questions for General Medicine I and II were dictated to a group of 50 students by a faculty member prior to the exam.

These students were then asked to pass on the questions to remaining batch of 50 students.

“The trend of correcting papers in front of respective students has been abandoned since few years ago. Then, marks could be given on courtesy but the new rule was an issue among some of them. To retain the higher passing percentage of GMC, the students are now dictated questions from the original question paper sets,” said the source.

It has however not been revealed on record as to who dictated the questions to the students. Dr Jindal said that GU in its inquiry will look into every aspect.

It has been learnt that a twomember team from General Medicine which comprised of one lady doctor was appointed as examiners for this year’s exam. When asked, Dr Jindal refused to name the examiners from General Medicine department.

As per the Centre guidelines,

President arrives

The Environment Ministry is expected to take a final decision on the controversial Adarsh Housing Society in Mumbai on January 4 when the extension given to it on a show-cause notice comes to an end, asking why its 31storey building at defence land in Colaba should not be demolished for allegedly violating green rules. – (PTI)

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

WARM WELCOME: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat welcoming President Pratibha Patil at the Naval Enclave of the Dabolim Airport on Monday.

GBA does post-mortem of notified regional plans Says policies ill-defined; calls for change HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 3

Goa Bachao Abhiyan on Monday claimed the draft Regional Plan 2021 showed 89 active mines whereas the current notified plan shows 129 making it very clear that 40 mining leases have been released during the last three years.

The GBA addressed a press conference in the city on Monday to bring to the fore the discrepancies in the notified plans of Pernem and Canacona and to point out how the Government had deviated from the promises in the policy document.

The briefing pointed out in Khola, Canacona, there was shown a bauxite mine which was not marked in the draft RP or the maps sent in by the village panchayat.

Claiming several discrepancies, the media was taken through a power point presentation pointing out the same.

While the old issues like notifying eco-sensitive zones and FAR status remain, the GBA brought out new issues before the media persons.

Speaking on the mining issue, GBA said the release of 40 mining leases during the last three years was in deep contravention

of the draft RP-21 which clearly indicates phasing out of mining in the interests of the health of the State.

Claiming arbitrary policy decisions, it maintained the village map of Virnoda as submitted in the draft had increased in area manifold in the final taluka plan, now including parts adjoining Pernem village. It is not clear whether the included areas will fall under the jurisdiction of the V irnoda Panchayat or the Pernem Municipality, it stated.

The GBA said it was shocking to see Cotigao, which is largely a wildlife sanctuary area, has the highest projected population growth in the Canacona taluka (from 3,075 to 7140, i.e. a projected increase of 4,065).

“How is this possible when all the remaining villages are showing either a decrease in population or marginal increase of less than a 1,000?” it questioned.

Pointing to the large scale insertions, the Abhiyan said Mandrem has large settlement zone added belonging to Maha Seer Hotels & Resorts Private Ltd and others in Survey Nos 210 to 215 which is not shown in notified draft plan or village (Continued on page 11)

President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil arrived in Goa from New Delhi on Monday on a four-day visit.

The President was given a warm reception by Governor Dr S S Sidhu, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Speaker Pratapsing Rane, Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava, DGP Bhim Sain Bassi, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai, Commandant 2STC Brigadier K S Chauhan, Secretary (Protocol) S Kumarswami, Collector South Goa G P Naik among a host of dignitaries.

After the reception at the (Continued on page 11)

three external and one internal examiner prepare three sets of questions each, which is later handed over to the moderator who blends all and makes it into three sets.

These are then sent to GU for printing to an undisclosed printing press. The GU officials randomly pick up one set which then comes back to GMC in a sealed envelop in the form of question papers for students.

The sealed envelop as mentioned earlier is opened in front of students and signatures of two ‘witness’ students are taken minutes before the exam starts.

While the two papers are cancelled, GMC Dean said it would continue with the remaining papers which include one paper of Pediatric, two papers of Surgery and Aesthetic medicine each.

Second year MBBS, final year MBBS part I and part II students are appearing for the slated exams.

Bofors ghost returns PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 3

The Bofors ghost returned to haunt the Congress party with an income tax tribunal saying that kickbacks of Rs 41 crore were paid to late Win Chaddha and Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi in the Howitzer gun deal and that they are liable to pay tax in India on such income. “....inaction in this regard may lead to a non-existent undesirable and detrimental notion that India is a soft state and one can meddle with its tax laws with impunity,” the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) said in its 98-page order.

The Tribunal gave this order while dismissing an appeal by Win Chaddha’s son against Income Tax Department’s claim of Rs 52 crore and Rs 85 lakh from his father for the (Continued on page 11)

INSIDE

GOA: Complaint filed against three examiners ... Page 2 EDIT: Anatomy of a leak ... Page 6

Hello! CBI will have to come up with a new story or else people will get fed up of our movies.

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Pg2

GOA, TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2011

AXE MAY HAVE AN EFFECT

Rumdamol VP deadline on temple structures expires tomorrow HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 3

In a development that might heighten tensions in the communally sensitive Rumdamol Housing Board area, the village panchayat of Rumdamol has issued a notice on the management of Swami Samarth Temple to raze down the illegal structures housing the temple within 15 days.

The Panchayat body has warned that it will be forced to demolish the structures with the help of a demolish squad if the management fails to act as per the directions.

The notice issued on December 21 by the BJP-controlled Panchayat body was pasted at prominent places on the Temple premises and the 15-day deadline served on the Temple management expires on Januar y 5. “I, Sarpanch, VP Rumdamol-Davorlim hereby direct you to demolish/remove the said illegal construction of pucca shed of Swami Samarth along with all other structures erected in survey No 95/1 & 95/2 of village Davorlim within 15 days from the receipt of the notice, failing which panchayat shall demolish the same by taking assistance of the demolition squad and charges for demolition shall be recovered from you as land revenue which you please note”, the demolition notice pasted on the temple premises stated.

The panchayat referred to the letter issued to the temple dated April 8, 2008 directing the stoppage of further work on the structure in the open space and the notice issued to the committee to show cause why action should not be taken against the structure.

Rumdamol Deputy Sarpanch Damu Naik said that the notice issued to the temple structure is based on the directions from the Deputy Director of Panchayats.

What is interesting to note is that the ruling Rumdamol Panchayat body headed by Sharifa Bi is controlled by the BJP. In fact, the Sarpanch is the sister of a prominent BJP leader Shaikh Jina, but the demolition notice was issued

The Shri Swami Samarth Temple at Rumdamol Housing Board.

by the Deputy Sarpanch Damu Naik, the acting Sarpanch in the absence of Bi. Incidentally, the Panchayat has claimed having received a letter from the Deputy Director of Panchayats, South on December 17, 2009 calling for appropriate action against the illegal construction.

As per the site inspection report compiled by the Salcete Block Development Office, the concerned persons erected pucca structure of Shri Swami Samarth covered with RCC roofing and that the front part is erected on GI poles with GI sheet roofing on a metal framework, having cement flooring and with laterite stone work.

Besides, the report stated that the “Sabha Graha” with pucca stage constructed by the side of the main temple.

Interestingly, the Panchayat notice of demolition again speaks of a letter received from the Deputy Director of Panchayats, directing to take action against the illegal construction in survey no 95/1 & 95/2, finally prompting the panchayat body to take a decision at the monthly meeting dated December 7 to issue the notice of demolition on the temple committee.

Acting Sarpanch speaks

Rumdamol deputy Sarpanch Damu Naik said no one wants the temple to be razed down, but said the Panchayat has is-

sued the notice following a letter from the Deputy Director of Panchayats A strong supporter of the BJP, Naik, however, said that the Panchayat members decided to issue the notice as they faced the risk of disqualification for disobeying the directions issued by the Deputy Director of Panchayats. “No one is against the Temple. Hindus and Muslims in the Rumdamol Housing Board are united and have no differences amongst them”, he added.

“I belong to the Hindu community. I can say no one wants the demolition of the temple.

But, the panchayat had to issue the notice because of directions from the Deputy Director of Panchayats”, he added.

Comment of Temple President

President of Shri Swami Samarth Temple, Jayesh Naik has denied that the temple built by the devotees is illegal, saying that worship was going on at the place much before the structure was built by the devotees.

“There is no question of any illegality. It is a fact that devotees were worshipping at the place over the years. The people have now only erected a structure”, he said.

Clarifying that the temple was in no way responsible for

Waste treatment plant at Sonsodo in June?

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 3

Hazard a guess when exactly the waste treatment plant at Sonsodo would finally become a reality.

Well, Fomento has initially planned to set up the plant and machinery at the dumping site by March 31, 2011. But, inordinate delay to ink the concession agreement between Fomento and the Margao Municipal Council will now push the deadline by a couple of months.

If Fomento Green Chief Executive Officer, Sridhar Kamat is to be believed, he would require minimum six months to put in place the plant and machinery to treat waste at the site. This means if the civic body and Fomento finally ink the agreement in January, the plant and machinery at Sonsodo will finally become a reality around June.

But, Sridhar said that all out efforts would be made by the company to ensure that the plant and machinery is ready at the site before the onset of monsoons. “The task of setting up the plant is not easy. The entire area at the dumping site will be covered with a shed. This will definitely consume time”, Kamat said, but hastened to add that all out efforts would be made to ensure the plant and shed takes shape at Sonsodo before

Youth held for assaulting woman HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, JAN 3

Valpoi police on Monday arrested a 25-year-old youth from Thane-Pali on charges of assaulting and attempt to murder a 22year-old woman from Thane.

According to Valpoi Police, Sanjay Gaonker has been remanded to five days police custody.

It may be recalled that on Wednesday evening, Valpoi police had registered a complaint against Sanjay Gaonker on charges of pelting stones on Shakuntala Ainker and seriously injuring her head. She was admitted to GMC Hospital in Bambolim.

the onset of monsoons.

Fomento had moved in at Sonsodo before the onset of monsoons and had to carry out covering of the dump yard with tarpaulin to prevent leachate water from flowing into the water nullah.

The entire work was put in place by spending a few lakh of rupees.

Kamat said the draft concession agreement will be returned back to the Margao civic body in a day or two with minor changes in the draft.

“There are no major changes, but only minor corrections here and there”, he said.

Sources in the civic body said the draft concession agreement will be studied again before the same is placed before the Council for ratification by the city fathers.

A section of the city fathers in private say that the Chief Officer Prasanna Acharya should invite the municipal legal counsel involved in clearing the draft for the Council meeting and explain the legal aspects of the concession agreement.

“Most of the city fathers are lay people without legal backgrounds. The presence of legal counsels will help clarify many a question on the concession agreement, specially the controversial Net Present Value which may force the civic body to pay Rs 12-odd crore to Fomento over a period of 25 years”, remarked a city father.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

fomenting communal tensions in the Housing Board, Naik on the contrary said that no tension has taken place in the Housing Board in the last two years.

He blamed anti-Hindu elements for initiating the process to demolish the temple structure and added that the temple committee would not seek any stay from the court.

Pointing out to the illegal structures mushrooming at the migrant inhabited Moti Dongor, Naik demanded to know why the authorities are dragging their feet to raze a single illegal structure atop the hillock.

Cops maintain close watch

The Maina Curtorim police are maintaining a close vigil at the Housing Board area as the 15day period set by the Panchayat to raze down the temple expires on January 5.

Maina Curtorim Police Station incharge, PI Sidhant Shirodkar said he has briefed his higher-ups on the emerging situation in the locality. “Right now there is no law and order problem in the locality. The panchayat has issued the demolition notice and they have so far no approached the police for any protection”, PI Shirodkar added.

He, however, said the police are not taking any chances and is maintaining a close watch on the developments in the sensitive housing Board.

3 accused in Moti Dongor case move court HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 3

The three accused arrested in the Moti Dongor attack case have moved the South Goa Sessions Court for bail, even as the minor boy arrested by the police in the case was released on Monday.

The bail applications will come up for hearing before the court on Tuesday evening, as the court has sought reply from the Margao police to the bail applications.

The three accused have been in custody for the last six days after they were remanded to police custody by a local court.

The Margao police have arrested the trio under Section 307 of the IPC for attempt to murder Maqbool and others atop the hillock.

However, the remaining four accused, including main accused Bashir Sheikh, are still absconding.

The police are investigating.

Complaint filed against 3 examiners HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 3

Social activist Kashinath Shetye today filed a complaint against three examiners in connection with MBBS question paper leak at Goa Medical College (GMC).

Shetye, Ketan Govekar and Atish Mandrekar in their complaint letter at Agassaim Police Station alleged that the papers were deliberately leaked with the motive for wrongful and monetary gains.

“The examination papers of final year MBBS paper I and paper II (Medicine) have been deliberately leaked all three sets which have been set by three different examiners in the university of board of examiners for wrongful and monetary gains and thereby causing loss to the students of GMC,” reads the complaint letter.

GMC in consultation with Goa University had to cancel General Medicine I and II papers after each of all three sets of question papers were allegedly found to be leaked.

While General Medicine II paper scheduled for Monday morning was cancelled minutes before the exam, General Medicine I which was already answered on Saturday also stands cancelled.

GU has set up a three member committee to inquiry into the leakage. “…This has caused a loss to the students,” the complaint letter further reads, a copy of which is furnished to the North Goa Superintendent of Police.

The complainants have requested to register the case under Sections 406, 409, 420, 120B and also under Section 34 and under Sections of Prevention of Corruption Act 13 (1) D and 13 (1) C and initiate inquiry into the complaint.

Inspector Vishwesh Karpe told Herald that they have initiated preliminary inquiry into the matter.

Bus bays across highways only after expansion: Sudin HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 3

Transport Department today said that they will have bus bays across the highways only after highway expansion is executed in the state.

“We have plans to construct bus bays on the highways so that the bus stops don’t pave hindrance to the traffic. But we can do it only after highway is expanded,” Transport Minister Ramkrishna Dhavlikar said.

The minister pointed out that there are several unauthorised bus stops across the National Highways which lead to traffic mess. “Hence widening of NH is a must…with the widening we would be in a better position to construct bus bays,” he added.

Dhavlikar urged people not to oppose to NH widening without any prior reason. “The problem is with alignment…people took NH widening in a negative way…there are positive sides,” he stated.

He was talking at the inaugural function of ‘Road Safety Week’ organised by the Directorate of Transport. The week flagged off with a theme, ‘Road Safety is a Mission, Not Intermission’.

The theme has been suggested by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and it hopes to drive home road safety issues.

The minister stressed on the urgency of road safety awareness among road users including pedestrians and school children.

“As the number of accidents amongst the youth is on rise, there is need to educate children about road safety measures right from the school level,” he said.

Earlier, GOACAN convenor Ronald Martins suggested various measures like improvement in public transport system, making optimum use of

public transport routes, improvement in management of traffic systems, improving road infrastructure and undertaking road traffic safety awareness programmes in schools, as well at public forums.

He highly criticised public for creating unauthorised bus stops and lying idle the actual ones.

“Rather than waiting at the bus stops, people are always in a hurry, stand on the road to flag down buses, which then becomes a commonplace to either pick or drop passenger further delaying the entire journey,” he said.

Martins also pointed out to the number of vehicles on the road, which are increasing at a much faster pace than the State’s population. “We have hardly 280 traffic police to control over 8 lakh vehicles,” he stated.

He also requested government to make sure that maximum number of students avail the benefit of Road Petrol Safety Scheme, which is currently initiated in 31 schools covering 500 students.

“Traffic Warden Scheme also needs to be encouraged. The scheme needs to cover people within school staff or parent who will monitor the traffic in and around school areas,” he added saying that Road Safety and Traffic Management Committee needs to be formulated at village level, who will prepare traffic management plans for their locality.

Martins also demanded formation of State Road Safety Council and District Road Safety Council on immediate basis.

Transport Director Arun Desai, Deputy Director Ashok Bhosle, KTCL MD Venancio Furtado, private bus operators, taxi, motorcycle operators and school children were also present.

Commotion at Benaulim over waste disposal

WRD staff among 8 vaccinated after dog bite HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 3

Beware, stray dogs on the prowl in the Commercial Capital. The next time you think of visiting the Water Resources Department at Gogol for some official work, beware of the stray dogs.

For, Monday saw a stay dog biting as many as eight persons, including employees of the Water Resources Department, besides people staying in the government quarters.

The victims include 2-3 women employees, creating a fear psychosis amongst the residents over their safety of their children.

A resident of the government quarters informed that it is not safe for the children to move out in the locality because of the stray dogs. “At any given time, one may find around 1520 dogs straying in the locality, posing a risk to the residents and visitors to the department for official work”, he said.

Incidentally, the government quarters at Pajifond too faces the problem of stray dogs, with complaints galore of strays damaging seat covers of two-wheelers parked in the locality.

Those who became victims of the stray dog were taken to the Hospital for vaccination, but the bigger question of stray dog menace continues to haunt the citizens of the commercial capital.

Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes with a person who was made to clear waste dumped at Tolleaband-Benaulim on Monday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 3

Commotion prevailed at Tolleaband-Benaulim on Monday afternoon after local youth assembled to protest against dumping of restaurant waste in the lake.

What has agitated the local youth is that the Tolleaband area – the favourite waste dumping ground for unscrupulous contractors and citizens — was cleared of waste on Sunday evening, but were surprised to find gunny bag laden with garbage in the lake and along the road side.

Local youth Roque Fernandes who called up Benaulim Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes and others to the spot, later investigated the matter by making rounds of the beach shacks, only to realize later that the waste came from a restaurant leased out by a local doctor.

There was a verbal duel between the youth and the doctor, who has sublet his place for the restaurant, causing commotion. But, Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes and other local youth did not let the doctor and his workers let go scot free and made the workers to clean up the roadside and the lake of the waste.

“The entire area at Tolleaband was cleared of waste by the youth on Sunday evening. But, when I headed towards Margao this morning, I found waste dumped again in the lake and the roadside.

This is not acceptable to the local residents. The patience of the local youth is running out”, she warned.

Roque Fernandes said it is really shocking and shameful that even a doctor is allegedly involved in dumping waste in the lake and along the roadside. “This has to stop immediately. The doctor even came charging on the youth after we detected that the waste came from the restaurant”, he added.

Incidentally, the district and the police authorities are turning a blind eye to the problem of waste dumping along the Tolleaband lake-PeddaSt John the Baptist Church road by unscrupulous elements.

In fact, the Benaulim Sarpanch had drawn attention of the district Collector, South G P Naik to crack a whip against the elements, but in vain.

Incidentally, the local youth led by Roque had been at the receiving end of the Colva police on more than one occasion for lending a helping hand in identifying the culprits involved in garbage dumping.

4 buffaloes killed in Cuncolim mishap

Cases taken up on priority Teacher killed in Guddemol basis, says GSCW HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 3

accident

Goa State Commission for Women (GSCW) today said that certain cases need immediate priority, which is the reason why few other cases remain pending.

“We go by proper procedure. It is a judiciary proceeding…but there are also cases which require urgent attention such as the incident of a woman who was allegedly beaten up by the police at Bicholim on Sunday,” GSCW chairperson Ezilda Sapeco said referring to statements on delay in inquiries.

The commission received 222 cases in 2010 of which 30-odd cases reached logical conclusion.

“In almost all cases, we visit the spot in person apart from counselling aggrieved parties in the commission office. We have to send notices, summons, record statements and execute other actions to solve a case…Each case has to be paid special attention and we make it a point to bring these cases to logical conclusion,” she said.

The commission refrained itself from probing Nadia Torrado’s death which kept making headlines after alleged involvement of the former tourism minister Francisco Pacheco.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 3

There’s no let up in the spate of road accidents this year.

Monday saw a 45-year teacher being killed in a tragic accident at Guddemol near Balli this morning.

Cuncolim police said the deceased teacher Babuso Thulo Velip, a resident of Koddem in Barcem village was proceeding on his Vespa scooter when he was knocked down by a fourwheeler. He died on the spot.

The Cuncolim has registered a case of rash and negligent driving.

GOA

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 3

Buffaloes that were mowed down by a speeding vehicle on the NH-17 at Cuncolim on Monday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

An unknown speeding vehicle mowed down as many as four buffaloes on the National Highway No 17 at Cuncolim on Monday.

The buffaloes were found dead on the road over a distance of 10-15 metres and are believed to have been killed after being run over by the speeding vehicle in the wee hours today.

Cuncolim police said the accident might have occurred at around 6.30 am after the vehicle hit the cattle and sped away. An accident case has been registered by the police.

The carcasses of the animals were later buried alongside the highway in the adjoining fields.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2011

Worker crushed to death in Sancoale shipyard Colleagues set crane ablaze, driver held HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 3

Agitated workers of a private shipyard went on rampage, after one of their colleagues was crushed to death under the wheels of a crane mounted with heavy vehicles in Pinky Shipyard, ZorintoSancoale, on Monday morning.

According to reports, Raju Chauhan (24) from Jharkhand was crushed to death under the wheels of the crane, which was allegedly driven in a reckless manner by driver Dinesh Yadav (25) of Azamghar-UP. Raju was working as a rigger in the company under a contractor from Surat-Gujarat.

The workers got agitated after they learnt that the shipyard office allegedly wanted to hush up the case by shifting Raju’s body before police could arrive at the site. Irked with the move, hundreds of workers set the crane on fire and brought the work to a grinding halt in the shipyard for the entire day.

Nearly 500-odd workers alleged that the company office tried to hush up the case by shifting Raju’s body.

The crane, which was set ablaze by the agitated workers.

Photo by M Prabhav

Rajeshkumar Choudhari, a worker, who was present when the accident occurred, said the deceased was wearing safety shoes. “The speeding crane driver failed to sight the deceased and Raju was crushed to death,” said Choudhari.

“The crane driver was busy listening to music on his mobile phone and was driving in a negligent manner,” added Choudhari.

An agitated worker set the

crane on fire and completely stopped the work claiming that Raju would not get any due compensation as his body was shifted before police could arrive at the site and panchanama not being done.

Workers further claimed that the deceased might not get the compensation, as earlier also similar things have been witnessed by few labourers.

“How person could be alive when his brain is smashed and

Uguem villagers blame doctors for boy’s death HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, JAN 3

V illagers from Chiraband, Uguem-Sanguem, along with local Panch Anil Zangale have charged the doctors at Government Primary Health Centre Sanguem for negligence, which allegedly led to the death of a 17-year-old boy from the village due to pneumonia.

Giving details of the circumstances leading to the untimely death of Navesh Zore, Zangale said Navesh was taken to Sanguem PHC by his parents on December 25 complaining of high fever.

“Navesh was earlier taken to a private doctor for medical treatment on December 24, but as the same was of no use, Navesh’s parents took him to the Sanguem PHC on December 25,” stated Zangale.

“The doctors at Sanguem PHC after examining the patient gave him the dose for fever and also took his blood sample. On December 26, Navesh was taken to the Sanguem PHC for the second time as he continued suff e r i n g f r o m h i g h f e v e r, particularly in the evening hours,” added Zangale.

“The doctors however allegedly shouted at Navesh’s parents for getting him back to the PHC. The doctors reportedly told Navesh’s parents that the fever will subside within a couple of days and that no fever subsides within a matter of a day,” he said.

Navesh Zore

n Giving details of the circumstances leading to the untimely death of Navesh Zore, Zangale said Navesh was taken to Sanguem PHC by his parents on December 25 complaining of high fever.

“Navesh was once again taken to the Sanguem PHC for high fever on December 27 at 2 pm, but this time the doctors referred Navesh to Hospicio in Margao after keeping him at the Sanguem PHC for about three hours,” added Zangale.

“The doctors at Hospicio Margao referred Navesh to GMC Hospital in Bambolim, where

Goa sitting on a gold mine, says researcher HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 3

Goa can be a next destination for gold mines with umpteen reserves being tapped inside the 15 percent of state’s total area, a researcher said today.

Goa University’s Assistant Professor Department of Botany has claimed that during his research, he has discovered secondary gold along the State’s Sanvordem rock formation which runs from Pernem-Panjim and extends upto Salcete.

“In the area of one lakh hectares there will be area of 20,000 to 40,000 hectares which is gold bearing,” Dr Nandkumar Kamat told reporters.

He said that the gold deposits can be to the tune of 6000 MT maximum or minimum 3000 MT with an estimated market value of Rs 600 billion to Rs 1200 billion. “The gold deposits are located somewhere 65 metres down the earth on Sanvordem rock formation,” Dr Kamat said.

Dr Kamat said that this is first such discovery in Asia with the confirmed presence of bacterioform gold, which is an important breakthrough in geomicrobiological and scientific studies.

The researcher has already submitted a confidential report to Chief Minister Digambar

n “In the area of one lakh hectares there will be area of 20,000 to 40,000 hectares which is gold bearing.”

-- Dr Kamat Kamat seeking to have moratorium in North Goa on excavations below 60 metres depth or below sea level.

In his letter to the chief minister on December 30, 2010, Kamat has insisted that a technical committee be formed for carrying out systematic geoprospecting and geochemical studies by drilling and analyzing deep subsurface core samples and create an atlas of gold deposits in Goa. Dr Kamat, who claims that this is the fist report of microbiogenesis of gold under lateritic strata, said that Goa has a huge laterite stone presence.

“Presence of laterite stone is very significant from the gold point of view,” he said.

“No mining (of gold) should be permitted till full geochemical prospecting is over,” Kamat added saying that land use policy to be proactive to lock in subsurface gold as strategic mineral reserve.

Navesh was admitted in the ICU for seven days battling for his life. However, despite all the treatment, Navesh could not recover from the disease and breathed his last in GMC Hospital early Sunday morning.”

Zangale lambasted at the doctors working at the Sanguem PHC. “ The doctors at the Sanguem PHC are not fit to work as doctors and needs to be punished for their alleged negligence act,” he stated.

“If doctors at Sanguem PHC were to examine the patient with care and diligence, Navesh would have been survived,” claimed Zangale.

When contacted, Sanguem PHC Health Officer Dr Anil Kakodkar denied of the doctors at Sanguem PHC to have been negligent.

Dr Kakodkar claimed that the blood sample of Navesh taken at Sanguem PHC had turned out negative for any malaria fever.

company rushed him to the hospital,” asked an agitated worker S K Gaikwad.

Defending the action of company office to shift Raju’s body, Pinky Shipyard Officer Garggi said: “Considering the aspect that he could be alive, we shifted the deceased in company ambulance to the hospital, but he was dead.”

Pinky Shipyard General Manager Capt I F Fernandes said: “The deceased will get due compensation as his Provident Fund, ESI and Insurance is covered.

However, its lot more dependent on the contractor, as the deceased was contract labourer.”

The Fire Brigade rushed to the shipyard to douse the blazing crane. A large number of police personnel from Verna Police also rushed to the site to bring the situation under control, as workers went on rampage when some company officials took the gate pass of the deceased.

“We arrested crane driver Dinesh Yadav under Sections 279, 304 (a) of IPC and have registered an offence against the workers, who set the crane on fire,” said PI Jivba Dalvi.

HC issues show-cause notice to PI HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 3

Bombay High Court at Goa has issued show-cause notice to police inspector Salim Shaikh as to why he should not be punished for disobeying lower court’s order that asked him to file a charge sheet in an assault case.

Advocate Ranjit Satarkar said that the single bench Judge N A Britto issued the show cause notice to the PI on December 29, 2010. JMFC in an order on February 16, 2006 directed PI Shaikh to file a chargesheet against accused-men who had blackened the face of Head of Microbiology Department of Goa University Dr Joe D’Souza. The accused had also assaulted the HoD in the university premise. “In spite of the order, the inspector did not file the charge sheet for a period of one year and 10 months despite receiving legal notice to file it in the court. He did it only after the contempt notice…” Satarkar said in his press note.

PI Shaikh was earlier convicted by the High Court and punished with penalty of Rs 15,000 for violation of human rights by parading two accused in handcuffs in Panjim and Taleigao village. He along with another PI was punished for the offence and the State was asked to conduct disciplinary action against both inspectors.

...SMC chief demands thorough probe HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, JAN 3

Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) Chairperson Sanjay Raikar has demanded thorough inquiry into the death of Navesh Zore (17) from Chiraband-Uguem, who died due to pneumonia at GMC Hospital in Bambolim on Sunday morning.

Councillor Deepak Marathe and former member of Dhangar Samaj and Uguem Panch Anil Zangale were present along with Raikar during a press conference at Sanguem on Monday.

Navesh is allegedly claimed to have died due to the negligence of doctors at Government Primary Health Centre Sanguem, as the doctors failed in diagnosing the disease on his admission to the Sanguem PHC. Chairperson Raikar criticized the doctors working at Sanguem PHC for their indifferent attitude towards the patients and called for an immediate surprise visit of Chief Minister and Health Minister to Sanguem PHC. Incidentally, when Raikar tried to contact the Health Officer at Sanguem PHC over the phone at

6.30 pm, none of the staff members on duty attended to the call.

Moreover, when Raikar visited the PHC and sought the mobile number of the Health Officer, the staff refused to give the number.

Raikar sought to know from the staff members as to why they are not giving the number, but they could not give a positive reply. Raikar along with Deepak Marathe and Zangale claimed the existence of the PHC at Sanguem to be not doing any good to the citizens.

“On the contrary, precious lives are lost allegedly due to negligent attitude of the doctors working at the Sanguem PHC,” they alleged.

“This is not the first of such incident to have taken place at Sanguem PHC. Some years ago, the citizens had damaged the hospital premises after a youth had lost life at Sanguem PHC,” added Marathe.

Raikar threatened to lead an agitation to the PHC if the government fails in acting tough against the doctor working at the Sanguem PHC.

4 Alto Betim theft accused confess to more crimes HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 3

The four accused who were arrested in a theft case at Alto Betim have admitted their involvements in more thefts.

It may be recalled that the accused, Umesh Gopal Reddy, Geeta Umesh Reddy, Santosh Bhasker Reddy and Sunder Pradeep Reddy, were arrested

by Porvorim police on December 28 on charges of committing theft of gold and silver ornaments worth Rs 1.24 lakh at the residence of Manohar Korgaonker. They were later remanded to judicial custody.

Police Sub Inspector Dinesh Gadekar said the four accused are the members of same family and are natives of Udupi-Karnataka.

“Earlier, they had given the residential addresses as that of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to misguide the po-

lice,” he said.

“On interrogation, the accused have confessed that they had committed thefts at the residence of Gajanan Pedneker (State Bank of India Colony, Socorro) - Rs 42,000, Arif Mohammad (PDA Colony, Porvorim) – Rs 1.25 lakh and at the residence of Rekha Naik (Pilerne) – Rs 98,000,” informed PSI Gadekar.

“Police have succeeded in recovering cash of Rs 27,000 and

the gold ornaments in melted condition from the accused,” added PSI Gadekar.

Gadekar further informed that police from Udupi, who had arrived in Goa on Monday, have stated that the gang is also involved in thefts in Udupi region.

“As soon as the investigation is over and goods are recovered, the four accused will be handed over to Udupi Police,” said PSI Gadekar.

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Pg4 GOA, TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2011

S H O RT TA K E S Restricted water supply

PANJIM (HND): Due to pipeline leakage at Naiknagar, Bordem in Bicholim, there will be restricted water supply to the areas of Bicholim, Mayem, Chodan and Bardez on January 4 and 5.

Union Minister Salman Kurshid being greeted by Saifulla Khan, minority cell president, alongwith Milan Burman, Damodar Bhatkar and general secretary Arthur Sequeira, during his arrival at the Congress House, in Panjim recently.

Oxemberg free shirt offer

PANJIM (HND): Oxemberg, the men’s apparel brand has launched an attractive offer ‘Buy any 2 garments and get one shirt worth Rs 599 free’, valid till January 7. The collection to choose from is a mix of clothes for work, party or for relaxation consisting of elegant formal, semi-formal and hyper-styled occasion wear. The offer is valid at all Oxemberg outlets.

Inaugural postponed

PANJIM (HND): Due to unavoidable circumstances, the inaugural function of International Arbitration Centre Goa, scheduled to be held on January 4 has been postponed. The next date for inaugural function will be announced shortly.

Supriya, Suphal win quiz

Quiz winners Supriya Kankumbikar and Suphal Dholye with Prof Cosma Fernandes, Vice Principal Dr Maria Rodrigues, Principal Dr RV Hajirnis and Prof Satyawan Naik.

PANJIM (HND): Supriya Kancumbekar and Suphal Dholye, students of Department of Konkani, MES College, Zuarinagar, won the inter higher secondary and collegiate Konkani quiz competition organised by GVM’s SNJA Higher Secondary School, Farmagudi, Ponda, on the topic ‘Bakibab Borkar and Ravindra Kelekar’.

Sancoale gears up for historical event Students urged to To celebrate 3rd death centenary of Bl Joseph Vaz accept failure and forge ahead HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, JAN 3

With festivities in many parts of the State coming to an end, Sancoale however is gearing to commemorate one of the greatest day in its history.

On January 16, Sancoalkars will mark the 300th death anniversary of one of Asia’s greatest 17th century missionary and Patron of the Archdioceses of Goa and Daman Blessed Joseph Vaz. Thousands of devotees from Goa, India and abroad and pilgrimages are expected to participate.

The novenas will begin at the Sancoale Sanctuary on January 7 with masses at 6 am, 7.30 am, 9 am, 4 pm and 6 pm.

A Retreat will be conducted on January 10 (Monday) from 10 am to 3 pm. Since Blessed Joseph Vaz was a staunch devotee of Blessed Virgin, this day is specifically dedicated to Mother Mary. Childless couples will be prayed over for the gift of a child.

Sunday masses on January 9 will be at 6 am, 7.30 am, 9 am and evening masses at 4 pm and 6 pm. The 9 am mass however

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, JAN 3

Work underway for the celebrations of 300th death anniversary of Blessed Joseph Vaz. Photo by Alvaro Colaco

will be dedicated for the sick.

The sick are expected to be present by 8.30 am.

A day of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held on January 13 from 10 am to 3.30 pm. (A day of prayer and fasting).

A Night Vigil will also be conducted on January 13 from 10 pm to 5.30 am to pray for the much needed Miracle through the intercession of Blessed Joseph Vaz.

Sanguem school holds gathering HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, JAN 3

Miracles High School, Sanguem, recently organised its annual gathering in the school premises.

A large number of parents, students and people from Sanguem attended the gathering in which students displayed their cultural talents.

Fr Kyriel D’Souza, chairman of Xaverian Educational Society and Provincial of Goa Province was the chief guest.

In his speech, Fr D’Souza appreciated the theme ‘Save the Mother Earth’ and spoke about the environment.

“Time has come to learn and live in the harmony with nature.

If human persists in subjugating nature, then the latter will continue it’s equal and opposite reaction and the so-called nature calamities,” said Fr D’Souza.

“Thus, effective steps should

be taken by the schools. If you want peace, work for justice, if you want to cultivate love for mother earth, protect creations,” added Fr D’Souza.

Earlier, the programme started with a prayer dance under the guidance of teacher Anjali Raut Dessai, followed by escorting of the chief guest and Parish Priest of Sanguem Fr Patrick Luis.

Miracles High School PTA Chairman Santano Gomes, Fr Agapito D’Cunha, dean of Sanguem Deanery were also present. Miracles High School Headmaster Fr Michael Rebello read the report.

Earlier, Fr John C D’Souza, manager of Miracles High School and Director of St Francis Xavier Sadan, Sanguem, welcomed the guests. Valerie Noronha and Celina Pires compered the programme, while Damiaw D’Costa proposed the vote of thanks.

On January 16, the feast day, masses will be at 5 am, 6 am. 7 am, 8 am. The concelebrated feast mass will be at 10 am followed by procession and Mass at the Paternal House of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Sancoale at 12 noon.

Born on April 21, 1651, in Sancoale-Goa, to Goan parents, Blessed Joseph Vaz died in Kandy, Sri Lanka on January 16, 1711, after more than 20 years of laborious service in the island nation and needs one more Mir-

acle to attain sainthood.

Apart of the festivity, the Sanctuar y will also stage four Konkani dramas. On January 16, ‘Bhurgim Tim … Bavlim Nhoi’,

by Roseferns, January 17 – ‘Futtleli Boxi’ by Mario Menezes, January 18 – ‘Novo Dis Udetanam’ by Comedian Domnic and ‘Goychem Noketr—Padre Juze Vaz’ by Fr Romualdo Robin Rodrigues. The dramas will start at 7.30 pm in the Sanctuary premises.

programme.

Principal Dr R V Hajinnis welcomed the gathering. Local co - ordinator of this pro gramme and Head of Konkani department Prof Satyawan Naik introduced and gave information about this pro gramme. Dr Maria Rodrigues proposed vote of thanks. Prof Reshma Kamat compered the function.

The Healing Art of Reiki ble of happy healthy.

being and

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you.

Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki.

In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki

Contact Us:

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!

izing the exhibition and its activities.

Lecturer incharge of the Students Council Dr Daisy John presented the report of activities 2010-11.

Students Council General Secretary Kreislyn Silveira later proposed the vote of thanks. A Ramya compered the pro gramme.

The three-day event featured the multi-disciplinar y pro grammes of BSc in Home Science, by way of informative visual display in the core areas of Food, Nutrition & Dietetics, Textiles & Clothing Human, Development and Community Resource Management with fun-filled learning activities and handouts in each area and sale of food and textile items crafted by the students.

Three workshops were held for Higher Secondary School students on Goal Setting, Batik and Nutrition Facts made Fun. Lecture sessions for visitors and general public were conducted on ‘Reproductive Health of Women’ by Dr Dayanand Rao of Goa Medical College, ‘Management of Lifestyle Diseases’

by Dr Hemangini Shah of Goa Medical College, ‘Exercise for Good Health’ by Dr Jagdish Kakodkar of Goa Medical College, ‘Traditional Indian Textiles And Costumes’ by Charlotte Facho, Lecturer at Goa College of Home Science and ‘Wash Care of Fabrics’ by Suvarnagowri Y, lecturer at Goa College of Home Science.

Various competitions were also held for Higher Secondary School students. There was also a Book Exhibit by Broadway Publishers and stall by World Wide Fund - for Nature, India.

UPCOMING EVENTS Dempo’s Biz Quest 2011

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

Health and Wellness

Chairman of Law Commission of Goa Ramakant Khalap has advised students to accept failure as it prepares them to face challenges in life.

Khalap was addressing a gathering at the inaugural function of Aarambh, a three-day event organised by the Students Council of the Goa College of Home Science at the college premises.

“Never be afraid of failure” said Khalap and told students to utilize each day to the fullest. He advised students to plan and organise their education and career for successful life.

Viva Goa Chief Editor Kedar Dhume, who was the guest of honour, urged students to use common sense as it is required to take the step forward in life.

His address was interspersed with his experience as a student and entrepreneur.

Principal Rajal K Shinkre welcomed the gathering and briefly outlined the objective of organ-

‘Students can answer civil services exam in Konkani’

Director of Official Language Gopalkrishna Padgaonkar inaugurates the workshop on civil services examination. Also present are vice Principal Dr Maria Rodrigues, Principal Dr RV Hajirnis, Naguesh Sardessai and Prof Satyawan Naik.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capa-

GOA

Director of Official Language Gopalkrishna Padgaonkar said that students can become IAS/IPS officers by choosing local language Konkani.

He was speaking at a one-day workshop in MES College, Zuarinagar, conducted to facilitate the Goan students to appear in civil services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi. The workshop was held by the Directorate of Official Language in collaboration with Department of Konkani, of MES College.

Speaking further, Padgaonkar said that Goan students are talented, but they do not have proper information, awareness and guidance regarding this examination. “Therefore the Directorate of Official Language has decided to conduct such workshops across all Talukas to guide the Goan students to appear and pass this examination,” he added.

64 students participated in the day long workshop which was conducted by Prof Naguesh Sardessai, who is appointed by the Directorate of Official language as the resource person as well as co-ordinator of the

Siddesh crowned ‘Jai Kissan Idol’

PANJIM (HND): S S Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, Altinho, Panjim, will hold an all Goa inter-collegiate business quiz competition ‘Dempo Biz Quest 2011’ on January 6 at 8.30 am to commemorate the Founder’s Day of the institution, of late Shrinivassa Sinai Dempo. Quiz enthusiasts from professional and non-professional colleges can take part in the quiz.

The quiz will be conducted by Harshvardhan Bhatkuly. Winners will receive trophies and cash prizes of Rs 10000, 6000, 3000, 2000 respectively. For further details call Vishal Rane on 9822299952.

Workshop on special status

PANJIM (HND): The International Centre-Goa and Asha Family Responsibilities & Rights Association will conduct a workshop on ‘Special Provision & Status for Goa’, along with former tourism minister Matanhy Saldanha, on January 8, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the International Centre, Dona Paula.

Public is invited to participate in the interactive session. A report of the workshop will be compiled and forwarded to the State government and the Centre. For details contact: International Centre on 2452805-10 / 9765404391 / 9822166876 or email: trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

Br Anil’s retreat

PANJIM (HND): Bro Anil of Salvation Ministry will conduct retreat on January 5 on healing, prophecy, word of knowledge and deliverance at Emerald Lawns Parra, from 10.30 am to 6 pm.

Free bus service will be available. For further information on transport, call 9823055659 and for other details call on 9226387098. 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.

Our Lady of Belem feast

PANJIM (HND): The annual feast of Our Lady of Belem (Bethlehem) at Bambolim will be celebrated on January 9. The fama was held on December 30 at 6 pm and the novenas were held regularly from December 31 with rosary at 6.15 pm followed by litany, mass and salve regularly.

On the feast day, i.e. on January 9, the lower mass will be held at 7.30 am and the solemn mass (Feast mass) will be held at 9.30 am. The main celebrant will be Fr Polly Lobo, spiritual director of major seminary of Rachol. In the evening, a Konkani tiatr will be staged as usual at the Church Square.

Social worker and businessman Vilas Dessai hand over the trophy to Jai Kissan Idol Siddhesh Dulapkar.

Photo by Alfred Fernandes HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, JAN 3

Siddhesh Dulapkar from Shiroda was recently crowned ‘Jai Kissan Idol’ at the first All Goa Hindi Songs Singing Competition organised by Jai Kissan Sports and Cultural Club, Kalay-Sanguem.

The second prize was won by Prasad Dabade from Canacona, while Manguesh Navlo from Kalay secured third prize. Purshottam Mirabagkar, Bomo Shelke and Samarth Naik were awarded consolation prizes.

In all, 30 participants took part in the competition.

The prizes were distributed to the winners by social worker and businessman Vilas Dessai.

Speaking at the prize distribution function, Dessai complemented the president and members of Jai Kissan Sports and Cultural Club for organising the competition in the village.

“Kalay village has already

made inroads in the field of sports, particularly in Cricket and the very conduct of cultural activities at All Goa level will bring more laurels to the village,” claimed Dessai.

Dessai, who is also the executive member of Goa Cricket Association, announced plans to conduct cricket coaching camps for youth from Sanguem region (boys and girls) at Government Sports Complex, Sanguem, by January end.

“Two coaches will be requisitioned to train the local youth and the coaching sessions will be held in the evenings,” informed Dessai.

Earlier, Savitri Kavlekar and ZP Member Rashmi Lambor inaugurated the competition in the presence of Kalay Sarpanch Santosh Gaonkar, Vilas Dessai, Mani Lambor, Govind Gaonkar, Bablo Gaonkar and V ishal Gaonkar.

Homoeopathic meet

PANJIM (HND): The Homoeopathic Medical Association of India (Goa Branch) will hold its meeting on January 9, from 9.30 am to 11 am at ‘Homoeopathy First’ conference room, above Tato restaurant at Margao.

Singing competition

PANJIM (HND): Margao Front will organise its first all Goa Hindi, Konkani, Marathi and English singing competition on January 26 on the eve of Republic Day at Ana-Fonta Garden, Margao at 3.30 pm.

Participants have to sing minimum two songs from above mentioned category (one from each category) for the title of ‘Legend 2011’. The entry forms for this singing competition are available at Café Tato and Talaulikar Electricals, Margao and at Café Bhosle and Talaulikar Electrical, Panjim.

Audition/preliminary round for the above competition will be held on January 16 at Mapusa (North Goa) and Margao (South Goa). The prizes for this competition are: 1st prize: Rs 11,111 and trophy, 2nd prize: Rs 7777 and trophy, 3rd prize: Rs 5555 and trophy, 1st consolation prize: Rs 1111, 2nd consolation: Rs 1111 and 3rd consolation of Rs 1111.

Special prize for the youngest and most senior singer is Rs 555 each. The judges decision will be the final. All musical instruments will be provided by the organizers. For more details, call Pallavi on 9604926655 or Abijeet on 9270599995.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg5 GOA, TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2011

Schemes in offing Tiatr artistes urged to bring innovations in tiatr to boost traditional occupations: CM HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said that his government is preparing special schemes to promote traditional occupations of the sons of the soil. “Steps have already been initiated to prepare schemes for the welfare of weaker section such as Padeli, Chanekar and Poder on the lines of schemes implemented for vegetable, flower and coconut vendors,” he informed and appealed to the educated unemployed youth to avail the schemes for their benefit.

Kamat was speaking after inaugurating a two- day ‘Ekta Utsav 2011’ at Paddi in Quepem, recently.

The programme was organi s e d b y E k t a Yu v a S a n g h Quepem in association with Directorate of Art and Culture, Department of Information and

Publicity and Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Kamat also informed that efforts are being made to compensate all the affected farmers under Shetkari Adhar Yojana whose paddy and other crops were damaged due to torrential rains.

MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar said that he will strive for the all-round development of Quepem and its surrounding areas.

Director of Information and Publicity Menino Peres appealed to the NGOs to hold awareness camps at taluka level to inform the needy and poor of the government schemes.

The inaugural function was followed by presentation of cultural programme by the children. A fancy dress competition was also held on the occasion.

Renowned theatre personality Vijay Kenkre said that if tiatr artistes wish to create a niche for themselves in the field of tiatr, they will have to drift away from the conventional formula and present something which is different from others on the tiatr stage.

Kenkre was delivering a lec-

ture on ‘New Trends in Modern Theatre’ on the occasion of birth anniversary of the creator of tiatr, Lucasinho Ribeiro, at the Black Box, Kala Academy, Panjim.

Dwelling minutely on various theatres, such as Indian theatre, European theatre, American theatre, etc, Kenkre placed before the tiatr artistes numerous unusual happenings that have taken place in the recent past

8 rescued from drowning Eight persons were rescued from drowning off Calangute-Candolim coast by the Drishti Surf Life Team.

At Candolim beach, four tourists from Maharashtra were saved from drowning by lifeguards Shashikant Jadhav, Sunil Matonkar and Vivek Gaonkar.

The four tourists were identified as Dadasaheb Ramdas Giri, Vinod Srikant Sawant, Pravin Baburao Godkar and Dinnesh Pawar.

At Anjuna, Bianca Mendonsa

(23) and Regoy Sanul (28) from Mapusa were saved from drowning by lifeguards Pratap Kerkar and Gaurish Majik.

At Calangute, one Vicky Kothari (21) from Mumbai who had suffered minor bruises was rushed to PHC Candolim for medical attention by the Drishti Team.

At Patnem, Sanket Kumar (19) of Haryana was rescued by Drishti lifeguard Samir Patil.

According to Drishti reports, Sanket did not pay heed to the requests of the Drishti team to move to safer swim zone.

Locals fear unplanned development will spell doom for Saligao

Youth urged to commit towards welfare activities

Narrow road leading to a commercial business set up at Saligao.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JAN 3

Saligao residents have claimed that unplanned development and misrepresented construction licences will spell doom for Saligao village.

In a press statement, the residents have highlighted the unplanned developments in the village by the local panchayat.

The residents alleged that the panchayat has been issuing construction licenses by misrepresenting facts.

Citing an example, the villagers stated that a Delhi-based builder has been granted permission to renovate an old house, which in reality is huge commercial project, a 18 rooms resort/hotel with swimming pool in the close vicinity of Mater Dei School.

“The hill is also being cut with the help of a dozer,” they stated.

“Another classic case is the renovation of an old building at Pequene Morod/Goltem Vaddo, Saligao, where a Medical Centre is being set up under the guise

of old house renovation,” they said.

“The Centre is being set up in the busy residential locality where motorable width of the road is hardly 2.5 mtrs. The width is such that at any point of time, no two four-wheeler vehicles can move along and in case of emergencies at the Medical Centre, chances of moving out an Ambulance is bleak.”

“Work however continues despite objection to the project by the locals,” they stated.

“A huge project is already in place next to Salmona Spring, which is also done under the guise of old house renovation.”

“We have no objection to the development of village provided proper infrastructure is put in place before approving such huge projects under the guise of old house renovations,” they stated.

The villagers are already suffering in terms of power and water supply, besides the narrow roads, and to bring a huge commercial project in the residential

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JAN 3

area will prove disastrous for the villagers.

“How can we just sit and close our eyes over what is happening in our village,” they questioned.

When contacted, Saligao Sarpanch Lucas Remedious in the presence of Panchayat Secretary R S Palni said: “Plans and approvals for the project near Mater Dei School came directly from the TCP and other government departments which we had to approve.”

When asked about the letter to be sent to the builder as per the gram sabha resolution and if the project is a commercial or residential one, Remedious and Palni said: “We have sent a letter to the builder in the matter highlighting the demands of the villagers, but are yet to receive any reply from him.”

On hill cutting being carried out by the builder, Palni said they are unaware whether the builder has the permission for hill cutting.

With regard to Medical Centre at Saligao, Remedious said there is no objection whatsoever from the residents, but a few are opposing the project with selfish interest.

When reminded of the narrow roads leading to the Medical Centre, he said: “We are going to have a new road leading to the Medical Centre soon. All approvals, etc, for the road have been obtained.”

Remedious however admitted that the villagers need a Medical Centre to take care of medical needs.

Sarpanch Remedious and Secretary Palni however had no concrete reply to the query as to why projects are being approved under renovations of old houses.

‘Adoption is best option to secure future of orphans’ HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

Dy Director of CARA Dr J Pati said that adoption of orphans and abandoned child is a best option for the future of the child.

Dr Pati was speaking at a twoday State orientation pro gramme on Adoption and Non-Institution Care organised by the Directorate of Women and Child Development, at Seminar hall of Secretariat, Porvorim, recently.

Dr J Pati who gave the outline of the two-day workshop, spoke on the adoption guidelines of CARA and other laws prevalent on adoption. He also spoke on promoting and improving noninstitutional care for children.

Labour Secretary D C Sahoo said that even if one child gets a family by adoption it would

be a great achievement as a family is the best place than any other care.

Chairperson of State Commission for Protection of Child Right, Ameera Kazi expressed that adoption entitles a child to all the rights as that of a biological child by which the future of the child is secured.

Speaking on ‘An overall view of adoption in Goa’, Director of Women and Child Development Sanjiv M Gadkar emphasised the need for a single legislation on adoption applicable to all, including the Personal Laws so that all adoptions are monitored and procedures are standardized.

Asha Trust-Mumbai Director Bal Sunil Arora gave a presentation on the concept of adoption and management of

adoption home including Quality Child Care (QCC).

Dr Nilima Mehta spoke on the Juvenile Justice System and child protection and adoption issue.

She also spoke on how to start an adoption agency.

The State orientation was attended by 54 participants including members of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Child Welfare Committee, representative of the three adoption agencies in the state – Caritas-Panjim, Matruchaya-Ponda and Missionary of Charity-Panjim. NGOs working in the field of welfare of children such as CRG, SCAN, Jan Ugai, Childline, Nitya Seva Niketan, El Shaddai, Apna Ghar Superintendent and Protective Home-Merces also attended the programme.

Recommendations invited for Jamnalal Bajaj Awards HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation annually gives three awards called the ‘Jamnalal Bajaj Awards’ to individuals for their outstanding contribution in the fields of constructive social work, application of science and technology for rural development and development and welfare of women and children.

The foundation also gives a

separate international award to individuals holding a foreign passport and nationality for the promotion of Gandhian values outside India. The Foundation invites recommendations for these awards for the year 2011. Each award carries a cash of Rs 5 lakhs, a trophy and a citation.

Recommendations should be sent either in English or in Hindi.

Last date for receiving the recommendations is February 28

and for the international awards is March 31. Self nominations for any of these awards will not be entertained.

For details concerning rules and regulations, write to the Secretary, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Bajaj Bhawan, 2nd floor, 226, Nariman point, Jamnalal Bajaj Marg, Mumbai 400 021, website: www.jamnalalbajajfoundation.org. There is no prescribed form for submitting recommendations.

in the theatre. “Modern theatre is over 150 years old and hence many dramatic analysts refer today’s theatre as post modern and sometimes post-post modern” disclosed Kenkre.

He further informed that in the Marathi drama, the spoken word has been replaced by the visuals. “A play is not mere entertainment but it also makes people realize that there is more to it,” he said and added that the combination of language and visuals makes any presentation perfect.

Speaking further, Kenkre said that in this 21st century the drama is going to experience new trends as the writers as well as directors of today are engrossed with innovations and

inclined to place before the audience something that is always not conventional.

“Although there is risk in such attempts, particularly in the commercial drama, very few commercial artistes take such risks.

That vacuum is filled by parallel drama which is presented by amateurs and artistes interested in doing things differently on the drama stage,” he informed.

Stating that tiatr in Goa has wide following and hence it is commercially viable, Kenkre advised tiatr artistes to bring out literature about tiatr and see that it reaches the government authorities not only in the state but at the national level. “Such attempts will definitely help Goan tiatr to get

recognition at the national level,” he added.

Anil Kumar, Joe Rose, Mario Menezes, Cosme Fernandes and others posed numerous questions to Kenkre, which were replied to their satisfaction.

Earlier TAG President Tomazinho Cardozo welcomed, Dr Ajay Vaidya introduced the speaker and TAG vice-President Roseferns proposed the vote of thanks.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

Panchayat Minister Manohar Azgaonkar called upon the youth to keep themselves away from social evils which ruin life and strive to devote their time and labour in welfare activities which will help to maintain the health of the society.

Azgaonkar was speaking at the concluding function of a camp on capacity building of youth club leaders organised recently by the Nehru Yuva Kendra in association with Sai Life Care and Rashtrioli Art Cultural Mandal at Alorna.

The four-day residential camp was meant to enlighten the youth about their innate potential and make them aware of their social and national responsibilities. The camp was attended by 35 students from senior and junior colleges from Alorna and surrounding villages.

Azgaonkar appreciated the youth for their eagerness to attain knowledge and develop their personality. He also complimented Nehru Yuva Kendra for organising the camp.

Penha VP to collect taxes PORVORIM (HC): The Penhade-Franca Panchayat will collect House Tax and other taxes on January 8 and 9 from 10 am to 1 pm in the panchyat Library located in Community Hall, near Hanuman Temple, Alto Betim.

In a press note, Sarpanch Eknath Narvekar has requested all the residents of Journalist Colony, Pundalik Nagar, Kranti Nagar, Housing Board Colony and surrounding areas within the jurisdiction of Penha-deFranca Panchayat to make the payments of their respective house tax and other taxes.

Sandeep Ads 2501875

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O HERALD O

Of rich men and erstwhile thieves

Vol No CXI No: 004 Goa, Tuesday, 4 January, 2011

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Anatomy of a leak

o ‘Herald’ was right, even though all the attempts of our reporters to contact Goa Medical College (GMC) Dean Dr V Jindal, Medical Superintendent Dr Rajan Kunkolienkar and Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane were futile as all three refused to answer any of the numerous phone calls made, nor replied to repeated text messages till late on Sunday night. Finally, we had to go ahead with the story despite no official comment.

But then, the truth refuses to lie down only because officialdom begins to behave like the three monkeys that neither want to hear, see nor speak any evil. On Monday, Goa University cancelled the MBBS exam scheduled to be held at GMC, when it became clear that the General Medicine - I and General Medicine - II question papers had been leaked. The authorities cross-checked the leaked paper with the actual paper, and found that 14 out of 16 questions matched.

GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal broke his ‘maun vrat’ of the night before to say that the exam was cancelled and would be rescheduled. He also said that a new set of papers will be prepared for the re-examination. Goa University Vice Chancellor Deelip Deobagkar said that the university had instituted a three-member committee to probe into the paper leakage. The VC also called for a report within 48 hours, so that he could take prima-facie action. The GMC is to file a police complaint against ‘unknown persons’.

However, some people are saying that the culprits are not really unknown. On Monday morning, a group of social activists – Ketan Govekar, Kashinath Shetye and Atish Mandrekar – filed a police complaint in a letter to the Agassaim Police Station against three examiners, alleging the leakage was for wrongful gain. The complaint has called for prompt police action, and calls upon the police to file a first information report (FIR) under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Students of Fourth Year MBBS had already answered General Medicine - I on Saturday, while General Medicine - II was cancelled minutes before students could answer the paper on Monday. ‘Herald’ had obtained all three sets of question papers, of which one is chosen for the examination at the Goa University, minutes before the exam starts. In the case of Saturday’s paper, the second set of 16 questions matched the question set answered by the medicine students. The question now is whether the ‘Paediatrics’ paper, to be answered on Wednesday, has also been leaked.

Paper leaks are a very serious matter. It not only shows how rotten the system is in the college, but seriously penalises good students, placing dishonest slackers at an advantage. For long now, there has been an apprehension that there was something seriously wrong in the upper echelons of the Goa Medical College. This confirms it. What is called for – apart from swiftly identifying and appropriately punishing the culprits involved in this exam paper leak – is a spring cleaning of GMC. This is a job for Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane. If he wanted any proof that there is something rotten at the top in GMC, he has now got it. What remains is to see whether he has the stomach to take on well-entrenched vested interests that are making a mockery of medical education in Goa and simultaneously making a very large number of dishonest bucks.

Should this scandal die a quiet and unsung death, let us bid goodbye to the reputation of this college, its top officials, the university that awards its degrees and the minister at the top of the whole pile. Instead, let us make an example of the culprits. That is best for all concerned.

Maneka, be wise

Vishal D’Costa, Cuncolim The article ‘The principles of justice’ by Maneka Gandhi (Herald, 3 Jan) makes no sense. Every individual and the faith followers of different religions have the right either to be veggie or non-vegetarian. Please do not misapply verses from the Bible to prove your point.

Onion prices

Ramdas Naik, Corlim For me, the fact that the BJP could sell onions to the public at Rs 5/- below the prices fixed by the government and cooperative federations, was proof that the BJP is supported by hoarders. These

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

4 January 1911 Inauguration of Parliament

Today is the day for the inauguration of a new Colonial Parliament.

Federal Council to meet

Bern reports that the Federal Council decided to convene the International Congress in order to decide about the amendments over the Gregorian calendar.

Public request

It is reported that due to Exposition held earlier, the St. Anthony's High School closed its academic term a bit earlier somewhere by the end of September and will be opened on 3rd of January at the request from the Public.

Lottery tickets unsold

The first three numbers of the Lottery conducted during the Christmas time by the Santa Casa de Misericordia remained with the emitting authorities who could not dispose of all the tickets.

OPINION

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our lingo is replete with ‘Dharmas’ of some and ‘Karmas’ of millions, says antHony SiMoeS

t Jerome once said, “If you see a rich man, you can be sure he is a thief or his father was a thief.” This does not apply to India, though. In India, thievery, chicanery, fraud, scams, cheating, misappropriation of funds and all kinds of financial skulduggery runs in families. Its not just ‘he is a thief or his father was a thief.’ In India, it goes on, ‘father, son, grandson, grandfather, great grandfather, and great grandson… right across generations.

It is quite probable that these ‘qualities’ are genetically transmitted from one generation to the next. There could be a corruption gene somewhere waiting to be found by some geneticist.

Or a latent behavioural form, waiting to be triggered off by circumstances, environment, ideology of socio-cultural frameworks or some combination of two or more.

Unfortunately, we have belief-systems in place, which not only encourage, but also reinforce such exploitative behaviour. So some believe that such hierarchies are divinely ordained and have to be endured and accepted as a given norm. Or that it is someone’s ‘Dharma’ to accumulate wealth, at any cost, by using any means – fair or foul – and it is the ‘Karma’ of millions, to become victims, and suffer the consequences of someone else’s greed. Even at the cost of their own need.

This kind of fatalism is enshrined in our language.

For example: ‘dhanay, dhanay peh khanay vale ka naam likha hai’; or; ‘koi pasina ka roti khatey hai, aur koi taqdeer ka roti khatey hai.’

In the mid nineties, I was interviewed in Goa

by Hamish McDonald who was then working for the Far Eastern Economic Review, and was based in Hong Kong. He had heard of the techno-economic, social, environmental and financial fiasco that was the Konkan Railway, which was still under construction. I was surprised at the amount of information, he had on the Konkan Railway, based on which he was convinced that this abortion of a railroad, was going to be one of India’s bigger scams of the 20th century.

Hamish McDonald was convinced that the Indian media was being manipulated by the KRC’s public relations machinery, to take everyone for a massive ride, on an unfinished railroad. So, he knew for a fact, that the KR dream would be a nightmare. He knew that what was being presented as a national project, was heading for the

PolitiCally inCorreCt dubious distinction of becoming a national disaster. He saw clearly that this ‘wonder of the world’ was going to be one big ‘blunder of the world.’

Subsequent events, since the so-called ‘commissioning’ of the KR in January 1998, have vindicated his belief. Today, the KR is an unmitigated techno-economic, financial, social and environmental disaster that is costing the national exchequer Rs one crore per day, for the last 13 years. This will continue in perpetuity, in spite of all the KRC’s creative accounting, based on fraud.

I was able to give him details of the fraudulent technical and financial tricks used by the fraudsters E Sreedharan, B Rajaram, Ambi Krishnaswamy Somnathan and S V Salelkar to pull the wool, over the eyes of the nation. That is why today, we have what is, at best, only an excuse for a railroad.

Hamish McDonald, for the last few years is based in Sydney, Australia – his home country – and works for the Sydney Morning Herald. He has written 2 books in recent times that chronicle the rise of India’s first financial family – the Ambanis. The first book was called ‘The Polyester Prince.’ The second one is called ‘Ambani and Sons.’ These 2 books are about the meteoric rise of the Ambani family in which Hamish McDonald brilliantly traces the rapid growth of the family fortunes. He has provided clear historical records as proof of St Jerome’s stated connection, between rich men and thieves.

Was it worth it?

Accidental Activist

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tanding in the hot sun with a cranky baby on my hip, explaining the regional plan at a corner meeting, I remember wondering whether it was worth it. I was not the only one putting in sweat and hard work. Members of the GBA spent months trying to get villages to understand the issues at stake. We were amazed at the response. In my own village, after dozens of corner meetings, endless phone calls, detailed mapping of the village area, even the panchayat understood the importance of our efforts. Our villagers filled in questionnaires and overwhelmingly voted for a VP3 status. The final plan we filed with the TCP was backed by a Gram Sabha resolution for every single suggestion. And yet after all the time and effort, was it worth it? And those tough concepts you struggled with? And all those who convinced you to do the right thing?

The answer is ‘yes’. But, this final RP2021 is not the plan that we hoped for. Nothing will stop us from putting pressure on the government to give us what we want. Launching an agitation to scrap this plan, would be disastrous. That’s what all pressure lobbies would love. If this plan goes, then they get to continue with the RP2001 – with all its umpteen loopholes and its lax rules.

Now that elections are round the corner, the plan could be scuttled

traders had a few scruples, which is why they could help the BJP get political mileage. It is a well known fact that onion prices are now artificially inflated because of hoarding, rather than a shortage in the market.

Digvijay Singh syndrome?

S N D Poojary, Miramar

Pranab Mukherjee appears to be heading for trouble. He has voiced his opposition on the PM appearing before the Joint Accounts Committee of Parliament.

He could have done this by personally informing the PM of his considered opinion, or he could have expressed his view, at a cabinet meeting. Instead, he chose a public platform to air his sublime thought. The Congress Party has been accusing all and sundry of running down the office of PM. Now the senior most member of the cabinet has undermined the PM’s position. Is this part of a larger malady that afflicts this government, when some speaks in different voices, when confronted with a serious problem?

Sounds like a Digvijay Singh syndrome?

Wake up, Congress Stallone Souza, Canacona

It is a good sign and a calculated move of Babush Monserrate to contest from Panjim constituency. The Catholic community played a major role to defeat the Congress candidate whenever they select a Hindu candidate on a Congress ticket.

This happened at least four times in a row.

The same thing is happening in the Fatorda constituency. I hope the Congress will wakes up on this matter. Or else the saffron party will grab the Panjim and Fatorda constituencies during election.

Goa and tourism

Allwyn George, Carmona Tourists are attracted to Goa, being the land of sun, sand and surf. It benefits only those involved in the hospitality industry, while Goans are confined to operating tourist taxis and beach shacks.

Today, the names Reliance and Ambanis have become bywords for bribery, corruption, cheating, scams, frauds, misappropriation of funds and every other conceivable and inconceivable form of financial impropriety and skulduggery. Dhirubhai Ambani’s corrupting actions during the licence-permit raj, have fostered a culture of corruption in our bureaucrat-technocrat-politician nexus, that is unprecedented. If someone were to write a demonology of people in India’s high places, then surely Dhirubhai would be unchallenged for the role of Satan.

Unfortunately, for all their ‘education’ at home and abroad, the two sons of Satan have carried on with the ‘good work’ begun by the father.

Even to the extent of stealing the country’s natural (gas) resources, and then fighting over it, as if they were dividing their inheritance of the family silver, gold and other ill-gotten wealth. The worst part of this drama is that their pre-selected audiences applaud every loot and theft. They have even claimed that this kind of ‘development’ adds to the public weal. Constantly pointing to the millions of shareholders, who have benefited from the grand larceny of the promoters. And all this loot is carried out in cahoots with the state machinery, headed by economists who act as pimps for the IMF/WB/Washington nexus.

The ‘troika’ of P Chidambaram, Manmohan Singh and Montek Singh Ahluwalia are the trojan horses of the first world and the IMF/WB nexus.

Their job is to facilitate the plunder of state resources by the Ambanis, Agarwals, Tatas, and

others of their ilk. This ‘troika’ of unpaid pimps do this for their self-aggrandisement and out of their greed for power. And like all weak humans, as soon as they got the drug of power in their hands, it addled their brains. They have been ably assisted by the Bandit Baron of Baramati who has used them as a cover for looting and feathering his own nest. BCCI and Lavasa are only the tip of the iceberg. Then, there are the Rajas, Kalmadis, Chavans, Deshmukhs and others who run their own scams, using the ‘troika’ for cover.

This kind of arrangement makes the ‘troika’ an accessory before, during, and after the frauds, no matter what their claims of honesty, integrity and financial propriety might be. In the meantime, ‘Helen’ quietly exercises her power between 7 Racecourse Road and 10 Janpath. Gaddi ke peche kaun hai?

For the last couple of years, the Chinese have been saying that they find it difficult to invest and do business in India because of the high levels of corruption. So what do we do about it?

Symbolism!!! On the day Wen Jiabao landed in India, the CBI carried out massive raids on Raja, all over the place. The CBI was all over Raja like a rash. So in one swoop, we insulted the intelligence, perspicacity and the business acumen of our Chinese visitor. What a diplomatic coup! Are you listening, Nirupama Rao? We complained about our adverse balance of trade with China. How Chinese imports are hurting Indian jobs – especially in manufacturing. So, why are we exporting 60% of our iron ore to China? Why don’t we produce more steel from our iron ore? When Reliance built their 60 MTPA oil refinery at Jamnagar, they had 4,000 Chinese workers on site. Did we not have any Indian companies that could engineer, procure and construct the Jamnagar refinery? Especially since tens of thousands of Indian workers lost their jobs in the Middle East, because of the recession/financial meltdown?

Lastly, we have Mukesh Ambani going around saying that over the next 2 decades, he would like to see India produce another dozen Mukesh Ambanis. To this I say, “No thank you Mukesh!

The one we have, is one too many!!!”

As the father of our nation said, “The earth can produce enough to meet everyone’s need. It cannot meet everyone’s greed.” Certainly not that of Mukesh clones!

after elections, as well. We need to knock the RP2021, into shape, quickly. If this is a people’s plan, then the government has no business ignoring the desires of the people, as expressed through their questionnaires and their legally valid responses. The government has a duty, both moral and legal, to listen to people’s wishes. As we study the plan, here is what is emerging: There are large scale insertions of areas that did not feature in the Draft RP2021. Paliem and Mandrem have settlement areas suddenly appearing. Karasvorem has an industrial area that has appeared, Korgao has an industrial estate added on the riverside.

There are flaws between maps and the final notified RP2021 document. Parsem and Caslem-Amberim are marked VP1 in the map and VP2 in the document.

The giant loophole left by amendment 16 and 16A remains – and is clearly demonstrated in this plan. Dhargalim is the site of the sports city – passed under this amendment. But it is not shown in the final plan. If shown, it would come over a mapped eco zone.

The draft plan showed 89 mining leases and suggested their phasing out. The final plan gives mining a big bonus as mining leases has jumped to 129 – and the suggestions to the contrary, have vanished.

Goa's best friends

Pragyana,(German), Arambol

I was delighted to read your editorial “Visa mess” (Herald, 31 Dec) where you said that long-time travellers are ‘Goa's best friends.’

Unfortunately, the Goan government's strategy for the last decade has been to drive them out and instead, encourage short-term tourists. Only travellers coming to Goa over and over again, and often staying the whole winter season, are capable of understanding Goa, with all its flaws and failures.

I had suggested setting up of garbage burning facilities (incinerators) in a letter, which appeared in your newspaper, two years ago, as a solution to Goa's garbage problem. Sadly, nothing is being done.

In Arambol’s beaches, garbage bins are almost non-existent. And if the panchayats did collect the garbage, they then would not know where to put it. Garbage is strewn everywhere and western tourists do not like dirt, garbage and smell of burning plastic. They never return, for obvious reasons. The solution is easy. Why doesn’t your government take any action?

Use horn sparingly Willie Severes, Majorda

In advances countries, drivers do not generally use the horn, but those in our country have developed a habit of using the horn, whether it is needed or not.

They find this very convenient as everyone wants to get through in his own way, regardless of consequences. This is done even in areas such as schools, hospitals and courts that are designated as ‘NoHorn’ zones.

Unnecessary blowing of horns can make

All ODP areas come under the PDA authority. But this final plan introduces areas that are ‘non PDA ODP’. In that case, what authority will they come under? Nowhere is this clarified.

We were told that VP status was linked to projected population growth. Virodna’s population is projected to decrease – and they have been given VP1 status. Cotigao area which is largely a wildlife sanctuary, is inexplicably projected to double its population.

The more we study the plan, the more such irregularities and contradictions emerge. It’s time to hold someone responsible.

This is only one, viz., – the chairman of the Draft Committee, The chairman of the SLC, the minister for the TCP department – our Chief Minister. Across this festive season, CM had plenty of time to celebrate – and none whatsoever, to meet the GBA despite requests. The GBA had a list of errors, insertions and vague areas it wanted explanations for. It is easy to duck an organisation, but not so easy to dodge the people. The CM must explain the sudden surprises in the final RP2021. Why is this plan not the plan we spent time and effort responding to? What happened to all the work, we put in? Where is the transparency, you promised? Where is the people’s participation? Where is the plan we want, Mr Chief Minister?

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

The tourism pie is consumed by big fish in the trade.

Migrants and drug peddlers have used tourism for their own gain. Tourism has taken a heavy toll on the common man.

Prices of eatables, land and housing have become unaffordable due to demand of local resources, by the tourism sector.

The prime catch from fishing trawlers is first diverted to cater to the needs of tourists, while the common man is given secondary importance. While real estate prices shows a slump elsewhere, its prices have skyrocketed in Goa, thanks to the holiday home factor. Is tourism a boon for Goa?

By Venita Coelho

drivers nervous, which can lead to fatal accidents. Traffic Police must advise drivers to use the horn sparingly, and fine those who violate the rule.

Just eyewash Savia Alfonso, by email The PWD Minister convened a meeting between NHAI and PWD officials regarding the review of NH17 alignment for the next week. This is just eyewash to fool the people. The NH17 is planned to save the mega houses and demolish the poor and vulnerable people's houses.

The beneficiary of this NH17 will be the CM and the MLAs. What can the people of Goa expect from our corrupt CM and PWD minister? The Goan people are not against NH17 road widening or building bridges, but are against the cancer of corruption in the Congress government. They should not turn Goa into another Maoist state.

FFs: Mother Goa beckons Gustavo S Godinho, Nagoa-Verna It is high time that the Goan freedom fighters start raising their voice for the right and just causes. They cannot sleep at home and enjoy pensions.

Today’s newspapers are focused on the destruction of Goa by different institutions of the state. Goa government has failed to bring the state’s crime rate under control, which is increasing at an alarming rate. Today the Chief Minister’s so called aam admi is not safe in his own state. Robberies at night were common, but today, day light robberies have become the order of the day.

I feel a freedom fighter never retires from work, and they believe in sacrificing even their life for love of their mother land.

Don’t you feel your mother land needs your help to protect her from the goons of Goan politics? Goa needs the right people today to do the right things.

Tree lovers agenda Michael Vaz, Merces The importance of trees and green surroundings for fresh and clean environment needs a little emphasis.

Indiscriminate felling of trees is a serious societal violation. But while planning any additional infrastructure for development, it is inevitable to cut down some trees.

In this context, the recent show put forth by some people opposing the cutting of a couple of trees to put up a footpath in the city is deplorable. The footpath is needed for people to move freely without obstructing the traffic. Likewise the state of the art cricket stadium to be put by GCA met with stiff opposition, from some quarters, arguing that some 125 trees will have to be felled.

While this is unavoidable, the need of the hour is to emphasise on planting more trees whenever some trees are pulled down. This could be the New Year’s agenda for all tree lovers.

Goa’s fear psychosis Arwin Mesquita, UAE There is a serious fear psychosis in many areas of Goa, where the common man appears to be very fearful of powerful political individuals/families. Many times, opinions are not raised by the common man or no action taken against these

Paths of Wisdom The three best things

A king used to ask three questions of all people who came to him. The first question was: 1. Who is the best of persons?

The second was: 2. what is the best time and the third, 3. what is the best of all actions? The king was very anxious to know the answers.

One day, he went to the forest and was moving about the hills and plains. He saw an 'âs'ram' and wanted to take some rest there. By the time the king reached the âs'ram, a sadhu was watering some plants. The sadhu saw that the king was rather tired, stopped watering the plants, ran up to the king and gave him some fruits and cool water.

At that time, an individual wounded all over the body was brought to the âs'ram by another sadhu. As soon as the sadhu saw this, he went to the individual, cleaned all his wounds and gave him some herbs, which could cure the wounds. The king wanted to express his gratitude. The sadhu blessed the king but the king was still troubled by his three questions and wanted to see if the sadhu could enlighten him.

The sadhu stated that the answers to the three questions were contained in the actions which the king had witnessed in the âs'ram. The sadhu said that when the king came to the âs'ram he was watering the plants and that was his duty. At that time, on seeing the king, the sadhu had given up his duty and come to the king and gave him water and fruit. This was in accordance with correct traditions, as the king was his guest. While relieving the king of his thirst and suffering, another injured individual had come to the âs'ram and therefore the sadhu had given up the duty of serving the king and went to the other individual and began serving him.

(Source : Chinna Katha) highly corrupt politicians, because of this fear psychosis. So, these anti-Goan politicians do as they wish in ‘liberated’ Goa.

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OHERALDO

INDIA OPiniOnatED

New insights, new realisations

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By colIn savIo coelho

osh, would you believe it! Our CM has finally realised the root problem that plagues Goa. No, it is not corruption, it is not bad roads, and it is not inefficient ministers and officers. Lo and behold, it is our ‘land’!

We must congratulate our CM who has finally decided to introspect a little. Land is our problem and the misuse of our precious land is not the solution. How are we going to go about preserving our land Mr CM? This is a question we are all asking you and we hope you are not still ‘examining the matter’! What we need to say is that peoples’ participation in this process is of utmost importance. We have trusted you and your ministers with our land and so far you have made a mess of it all. We cannot afford this trend to become a dangerous fad. We need to step in and ask you what exactly you have in mind. Do we really need golf courses and do we need to use our precious land to satisfy tourists? Remember Mr CM, you now need to be part of the solution or else you are going to be part of the problem. Also remember that the solution must be with the consent of the people. Nobody has given you and your ministers and the MLAs the right to act alone as far as our land goes.

There has been more news from the lips of the CM. He has resolved to achieve cent percent literacy and electrification

by Liberation Day next year. Well, those are surely setting high standards and let us hope he can get even half-way there.

That would be an achievement in itself. And if the ideal is reached, then we must say that that would be the first positive achievement of the chief minister. I am sure many would join me in wishing him all the best in this endeavour.

But analysing the facts on paper, electrification in this sense would mean just having electrical connections in every household or would it mean having continuous power supply in every household? This would be a million dollar question. Right now most households are surviving with invertors and I do not comprehend how the poor families could accommodate this phenomenon.

Literacy is always the bone of contention. We have had Goemkars excelling in various fields, but not many from Goa. Most of them went out of this paradise to shine. Why can’t the education system in Goa improve? Would it not be advisable in this age and time to consider English medium as the medium of instruction at the primary level? Konkani should be made a compulsory subject in this case. I have personally experienced how difficult it was for my children to jump from Konkani medium to English medium in Std V. There will be many political compulsions and also many pressures from private institutions who charge those exorbitant fees. But will the CM show guts to, at least, ‘examine the matter’?

What has happened over the years is that the MLAs, both ruling and opposition, have built a lot of distrust amongst their constituents and Goans in general. It is but natural that every project would now be opposed and every move watched with suspicion. In fact it would be best to oppose these projects and wait until they can be shown to be good projects before reconsidering the opposition. For us we have only our ‘mankulem Goem’ and not much more. We need to be very careful about how we utilise this precious space.

With the call for other Konkani speaking areas to be merged with Goa coming out strongly from some quarters, it would surely ruffle some feathers. But could it be that or CM would be a happy man inside? My ‘little birdie’ has again informed me that he does have his roots in Karwar. So, it could be that he is silent because of political compulsions but he must be really happy within! But as far as this move goes, what does the ‘aam admi Goemkar’ think of it? This has been rejected once before with the call for Vishal Gomantak finding no favour with Goans. I remember how our famous Tiatr comedians late Jacinto Vaz and Late M Boyer, in those good old days, took up this issue at their shows and convinced us it was a ‘wagh’ coming to destroy Goa. First it was the merger with Maharashtra that was conclusively rejected at the opinion poll. Now talk to this merger… This should not have come up again.

Recently, the prolific writer Valmiki Faleiro released a very precious book. It is one that could inspire many a youngster and it also conclusively ensures that the legacy of Goans in the armed forces is engraved in history, forever. 'Patriotism in Action', a book about Goans in India's defence services, brings out the best of Goan contribution to the country. For me, this is one of the best literary works ever written in Goa in recent times. But there is one point in the book that is worth noting and which our dear CM and his cabinet colleagues should also note down and maybe highlight with a highlighting pen, as one to be acted upon post-haste. “The defence forces are much safer than the Goan roads…!”

Goan roads are not about four-lane highways. How can those highways happen when the internal roads are a mess? With the drastic increase in traffic, the roads are a death-trap. The government has done precious little to right this menace. We have lost many a precious life on the road and we will continue to do so unnecessarily. I suppose we will see some change when a minister’s kin becomes a victim of some tragedy on the roads of Goa. Until then, my dear fellow Goemkar, we will have to wait patiently. About corruption, the lesser said, the better!

Besides people in the government, this is something we really need to ponder over too. As parents, we must also be open to the idea of our children joining the forces. I think the Goans listed in the book are enough inspiration to our youngsters who have any such aspirations.

Goa is a paradise on earth, so they say. I don’t believe in the talk that makes the rounds, “Goa is gone.” Goa is ours and will always be ours. What we need is to decide what we want for our Goa and let those in power know what it is we really want.

We do have some NGOs who are sincerely trying to do something for Goa but we also have some groups who are in this for some personal or political gain. We need to decipher one from the other and keep miles away from the latter. I have heard that some NGOs take up causes, take them to a feverish level and then they and the cause just disappears into thin air.

Every coalition government will have political compulsions.

But every citizen of the Goan society does have social, economical and traditional compulsions as well. Land is involved in all three aspects. We need to preserve our land and ensure that our generations to come have a healthy atmosphere to grow up in. We need to dictate terms and not really be dictated by the powers that be in the government.

Think out of the box, PM tells scientists PTI CHENNAI, JAN 3

Asking scientists to think out of the box for advancements in the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced 2012-13 as the 'Year of Science' to unleash the energies of young scientists and attract more people towards research streams.

Singh also asked scientists to devise mechanisms to forge alliances with scientists of Indianorigin serving abroad and who look forward to return to their homeland to pursue their interests.

"Science is ageless, but our scientists must be younger," he said inaugurating the 98th Indian Science Congress at the SRM University campus here.

Singh announced that the year 2012-13, the centenary of the Indian Science Congress, would be designated at the 'Year of Science in India'.

The Prime Minister called for concerted efforts to build and motivate a new generation of scientific talent and noted that over 3.5 lakh students in the age group of 10-27 have been awarded scholarships to pursue studies in science.

"I sincerely hope the Year of

Dentist can apply stitches, SC rules PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 3

The Supreme Court today held that even a dentist can apply stitches in emergency cases and upheld the bail granted to Dr Raneef who treated an assailant of a Kerala's college teacher whose palm was chopped off for alleged blasphemy against Islam.

"The respondent, being a doctor, was under the Hippocratic oath (oath stating obligations and proper conduct of doctors) to attempt to heal a patient. Just as it is the duty of a lawyer to defend an accused, so it is the duty of a doctor to heal.

Even a dentist can apply stitches in an emergency....

"Prima facie, we are of the opinion that the only offence that can be levelled against the respondent is that under Section 202 IPC that is, of omitting to give information of the crime to the police and this offence has also to be proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Section 202 is a bailable offence," a bench of Justices Markandeya Katju and Gyan Sudha Mishra said in a judgement.

The apex court passed the judgement dismissing Kerala government's appeal challenging the bail granted to Dr Raneef by the High Court as according to the prosecution he was part of the conspiracy and moreover, as a dentist, he is not entitled to apply stitches on one of the assailants.

Raneef, a dentist in Ernakulam district, is accused in crime no 704 of 2010 of Muvattupuzha Police Station for offences under various provisions of the I.P.C., the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the gruesome palm-chopping case.

On July 4, 2010 at about 8 a.m seven assailants assaulted Prof T J Jacob of Newman College, Thodupuzha, and chopped off his right palm for setting a question paper in the internal examination of B.Com which allegedly was blasphemous.

Science is ageless, but our scientists must be younger They must "think big" and "out of the box" for scientific advancement and innovations in the country -- Manmohan Singh Science in India will unleash the energies of our young scientists and inspire a new generation of Indians to enter the world of science, cross new horizons and explore new possibilities," he said.

He urged Indian scientists to "think big" and "out of the box" for scientific advancement and

innovations in the country.

"The time has come for Indian scientists to think big, think out of the box.The time has come to produce Ramans and Ramanujans as we usher in the decade of innovation," he said.

Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal pointed out that last year nearly one third of research papers emanating from the country were from the university system.

"This is commendable because India's growth rate in scientific publications averages around 12 per cent per annum, during the last three years, as compared to the global growth rate of about four per cent.

Thus, our initiatives for rejuvenation of research in universities seem to be bearing positive results," he said.

Recalling his visits abroad, the Prime Minister said he had come across young scientists from India who express their desire to return.

"Whenever I travel abroad I meet bright young people from India doing good science who tell me they look forward to the day they can continue their work back home in India," he said.

GOA, TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2011

5 JeM ultras convicted in POTA case PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 3

Five terrorists, including two brothers, belonging to banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), were today convicted by a Delhi court for waging war against the country and being involved in terror activities.

The court is likely to pronounce the quantum of sentence against the five on January six.

Additional Session Judge R K Gauba relied on the confessional statements of the accused, besides noting that they "hobnobbed" with each other, and two of them went to Pakistan and stayed illegally to get training for the purpose.

The court pronounced Noor Mohammad Tantre, Pervaiz Ahmed Mir, Faroz Ahmed Bhat and brothers Atiq-uz-Zama and Raees-uz-Zama, guilty also under stringent anti-terror law Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).

"The circumstances are of a conclusive and definite nature and tend to point towards the guilt of each of the five accused, consistent only with hypothesis of the guilt totally excluding the possibility of their innocence," the court said.

Database of lakhs of criminals will now be a click away for Gujarat police, as the State Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS), Gandhinagar here has taken up an ambitious project to link up all the police stations across the state, in what is being considered as the watershed project in crime detection.

The pet project of the Home department being implemented for the first time in the country in Gujarat has been launched in Ahmedabad in the first phase and will be

implemented in other parts of the state by next year-end, DFS officials said.

"The database of criminals will be a click away for police officials of the state, once this project is complete," Deputy Director of DFS M S Daihya told PTI. "Through this project police will save a lot of crucial time in obtaining criminal background of the offender, it will be of great help in detection of new crime and also help in updating our data of new criminals online," Daihya said.

"We have started installing 'live scan device' in police sta-

tions of Ahmedabad city. This device can scan the finger prints of the criminal caught by the police and transmit it to our server here online where we have stored the database of over four lakh criminals," he said.

"In a few minutes, our server will revert and provide detailed criminal background of the person to the police official," Daihya said.

"If a crime is committed, be it homicide or theft or any other kind of crime, DFS officials go to the spot and collect details including fingerprints.

Once the fingerprints are fed

PTI MUMBAI, JAN 3

Former IAS officer Subhash Lalla, who allegedly had a role in the Adarsh Housing muddle, today resigned as a member of Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission to become the first bureaucrat to be consumed by the scam.

Lalla, whose kin owns a flat in the Adarsh Housing Society in South Mumbai, met Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan at Raj Bhavan this morning and submitted his resignation from the post.

"The Governor has accepted Lalla's resignation," Raj Bhavan spokesperson said.

Lalla, who was secretary in the Chief Minister's Office when the Adarsh Housing Society file was being processed in Mantralaya (state secretariat), is the first bureaucrat to resign for his alleged involvement in the Adarsh scam.

Vilasrao Deshmukh was the chief minister at that time.

Ashok Chavan was to forced to quit as Chief Minister in November last year after it was revealed that his kin including late mother-in-law, owned flats in the upscale Adarsh society.

Lalla, in his resignation letter,

Nitish not as rich as his ministers PTI PATNA, JAN 3

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lags far behind his ministerial colleagues in his wealth, details of which were made public today.

Details of the assets of 30 Bihar ministers, including Kumar's were uploaded in the government websites as a step towards ending corruption and promised by the chief minister.

Kumar's moveable assets include Rs 31,760 in cash, Rs 57,770 in bank account, a Santro car of 2003 model, an old TV set, an old airconditioner, a

K’taka Speaker urges Oppn to cooperate PTI BANGALORE, JAN 3

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah today urged opposition Congress and JDS to cooperate with him in ensuring smooth conduct of proceedings of the session commencing January 6 as the threat of disruption of the session looms large.

The session should be used for debating issues of public importance and public money should not be wasted, he told reporters "I will appeal to the Opposition parties to help in smooth conduct of business at the January 6 meeting after Governor H R Bhardwaj addresses the joint sitting of both houses.

fridge, a cooler and cows worth Rs 1.67 lakh.

The list of his assets also included a computer worth Rs 34,475, a treadmill of Rs 35,000 and a house in Sansad Vihar in New Delhi presently valued at Rs 40 lakh. He has a loan of Rs 1.93 lakh from the secretariat branch of State Bank of India.

Kumar's son Nishant owns Rs 1,769 in cash, a bank deposit of around Rs 41 lakh, Rs 13.93 lakh in post office schemes, jewellery worth Rs 9.20 lakh and agricultural land worth Rs 31.34 lakh at Kalyanbigha, besides a building

in Kankerbagh in Patna. He is also the owner of a residential/commercial building at Kalyanbigha worth Rs 1.31 lakh and in Bakhtiyarpur worth Rs 8.27 lakh.

Deputy Chief Minister S K

Modi has around Rs 26,000 cash, Rs 10.56 lakh deposit in banks, Rs 1.83 lakh in bonds-shares, LIC/NSC worth Rs 1.89 lakh, jewellery worth Rs 1.52 lakh, a Maruti Swift besides other property worth Rs 5.26 lakh.

He and his wife have jointly invested Rs 14.49 lakh in a house at Ghaziabad and Rs 36.7 lakh in another house at Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh.

Modi has a loan of Rs 40 lakh from ICICI Bank in New Delhi, besides a government debt of Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 10.70 lakh from his relatives.

said he had resigned to maintain dignity of the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission.

He said the resignation is voluntary to avoid further embarrassment to the Government or to himself and there is no feeling of guilt or wrongdoing associated with the decision.

He said his name had been "unfortunately" and "unfairly" linked to the Adarsh scam.

Lalla maintained that he had no role or financial involvement in the purchase of flats in the Society.

Partial solar eclipse today

The New Year begins with a partial solar eclipse that can be seen tomorrow from the northern part of the country besides from Europe, the Arabian peninsula, North Africa and Western Asia.

The partial solar eclipse will begin at 12:10:11 IST and end at 16:30:54 IST, R C Kapoor, retired Prof of Indian Astro Physics, told PTI. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun.

APPOINTMENTS

Gujjars reject govt offer PTI JAIPUR, JAN 3

Agitating Gujjar leaders today rejected a government offer to give immunity to a law on reservation to them from judicial review as the talks between the two sides failed to end the deadlock over the quota issue.

Both the sides said they will meet again tomorrow for the fifth round of parleys after the Gujjars insisted that the government should bring in a fresh legislation for providing the community five per cent reservation in state jobs.

A committee of ministers said the Gujjar team was in agreement with government's proposals on a majority of issues to end the 15-day impasse but no consensus

could be achieved on the five per cent reservation demand.

The government proposed to the agitators its readiness to include an act on the issue under the IX Schedule of the constitution to exempt it from judicial review but the Gujjars turned down the offer demanding passing of a new bill in the legislative assembly to accord five per cent reservation to Gujjar, Gadia Lohar, Banjara and Rebari communities.

The Rajasthan High Court had on December 22 stayed the operation of the act and directed the state government to undertake a quantifiable data collection exercise within one year to justify the quota for members of the community.

"The meeting was held in cordial manner. Out of around 12

points, both the sides were able to reach a consensus on around nine points leaving behind the issue of five per cent," state Home Minister Shanti Dhariwal, member of the committee told reporters after the meeting.

"We have asked them that the government would get the reservation act included in IX Schedule of the Constitution," he said.

"Now we are going to brief Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on the meeting and the next round of talks would take place tomorrow. The delegation will also apprise their community about the outcome of the meeting," he said.

Dhariwal said the government assured the leaders that the pending cases of government jobs to the kin of those killed during previous stirs, pension to the disabled and compensation to the injured will be looked into.

APPOINTMENTS

An activist from the Paramedical Contract Employess Union, Punjab gestures next to police officers during a march towards the residence of Punjab State Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla in Amritsar.

The demonstrators are seeking the regularization of PCEUP contract employees by authorities.

Now, criminal database a click away for Gujarat police PTI AHMEDABAD, JAN 3

AdArsh: top officer quits

to our server we will be able to know who are involved in the crime if he is a repeat offender," DFS Director of finger prints S M Joshi said.

"After we made available criminal backgrounds of offenders in digitised format, we have solved about 200 cases by pointing out to police in a very short time that such and such person or persons were involved in that particular incidence of crime," Joshi said.

The other great advantage of this project will be our database of criminals will be constantly updated as first

time offenders caught by the police will get recorded automatically when police will send fingerprints of those arrested by them online. We will seek the details of the person if he is proved guilty and update it on our server, Joshi said.

Till now, all these processes were conducted manually and fingerprints were sent to DFS by post to which they used to reply and send the criminal background by post to police stations, he said.

"The earlier process used to consume a lot of time, and by the time the police used to re-

ceive information on who were involved in the crime, offenders would have escaped.

In case of those arrested, they used to be released on bail as the police would not be able to prosecute them well due to time lost in receiving their background," Joshi said.

"This project will revolutionise detection of crime in the state," he believes.

We have linked up 12 police stations of Ahmedabad so far and provided them live scan device. All the 36 police stations of the city will be covered by the month end, Joshi said.

A well reputed Goan company The Tonia Group of industries requires

MANAGER STORES

Candidate should be graduate with experience. Retired Government servants/bank employees may also apply. Job location: Mapusa.

DRIVERS

Vacancies for drivers for light pick up vans. Job location: one for Mapusa and one for Margao. Candidates should have valid driving license.

Walk in interviews on 6th & 7th January 2011 between 10.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs. Those who cannot make it may email to john_jabalpur@yahoo.in or call for an appointment. Salaries with ability and experience.

ALSO REQUIRED

Godowns in and around Mapusa having area of approximately 100-150 sq.mtrs.

The Tonia Group

Raicho Ambo, Raia, Salcete, Goa-403720.

Ph:-0832-2740186/87/89

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Pg10 GOA, TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2011

MONTH’S MIND

ALVARO MASCARENHAS There will be a Eucharistic celebration for the soul of our beloved Alvaro at St.Inez church, today the 4th of January 2011 at 4.30 pm, followed by the blessing of the grave.

We, the bereaved family of Alvaro, wish to express our deepest gratitude to Bishop Emeritus Rev. Raul Gonsalves, Fr. Tony Salema and all the priests who con-celebrated the funeral mass, the choir, all the friends and relatives who rendered assistance, offered masses, paid tributes, sent condolence messages, attended the funeral mass and shared in our grief.

May God bless each and every one of you. goanrites@gmail.com 9822122003 / 9822136397

0BITUARIES

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Pg11

WORLD

GOA, TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2011

Australian floods submerge Gilani meets PML-N, PML-Q leaders to towns, coal exports hit REUTERS GRACEMERE, (Australia), JAN 3

Military aircraft ferried supplies to an Australian town slowly sinking beneath swollen rivers today, as record flooding in the country's northeast severed roads and ports, curtailing coal exports and devastating farmland.

Floods submerged the Capricorn Highway, the major traffic artery through Queensland state, and poured into homes in the sinking town of Rockhampton, sending furniture and refrigerators cascading down torrents of floodwater.

Rockhampton, a community of 77,000 just off the Pacific coast and 600 km north of the state capital Brisbane, was accessible mainly by emergency services boats.

Rescue workers escorted stranded patients out of hospitals, police ordered reluctant residents to leave their homes, and electricity company teams made their way up to abandoned homes to ensure power was switched off.

Snakes slithered their way

across the waterlogged highway a few km outside the devastated town.

Resident Reg Wilson said police gave him little choice but to leave his home.

“A policeman came along in a car with a gun on his hip who said `You be out of here by five o'clock or else’,” he said.

“When a man with a gun talks to you like that, you get out.”

Flooding covering a vast area has caused more than A1 billion dollar (980 million dollar) in damage, forced some 200,000 residents from their homes and hit commodity exports that are a mainstay of the Australian economy.

Coal is Australia's number one export earner, accounting for 55 billion dollars of export revenue each year.

“This is a major natural disaster and recovery will take a significant amount of time,” Prime Minister Julia Gillard said while announcing financial aid for flood victims.

“The extent of flooding being experienced by Queensland is unprecedented and requires a

national and united response.”

One person has died so far in what state Treasurer Andrew Fraser called a “disaster of biblical proportions”.

The floods were triggered by cooling “La Nina” ocean currents that produced monsoon rains over the western Pacific and southeast Asia on the heels of months of downpours.

Queensland's interior, normally a vast outback of cattle properties, farms and mines, is now an inland sea, dotted with the roofs of flooded homes and islands crowded with stranded livestock.

The state's emergency coordinator, Police Deputy Commissioner Ian Stewart, told reporters flood waters in Rockhampton stood 9 metres above normal early today.

“Today we'll see re-supply of Rockhampton by military aircraft taking supplies into (nearby) Mackay and then road transporting them down to Rockhampton,” he said. “That will continue until such time as the road is cut.”

Contd from page 1

Bofors ghost returns

assessment years 1987-88 and 1988-89.

In the order, the Tribunal details the denials by gun maker Bofors about existence of middlemen in the 1986 deal valued at Rs 1,437 crore and the efforts by Quattrocchi and Chaddha to open a series of accounts to transfer funds in an attempt to obliterate the money trail.

Holding that Bofors should have reduced the commissions paid from the contract price, the Tribunal observed that government had to pay excess amount of about Rs 41 crore, which was passed to Chaddha and Quattrocchi against the terms of contract.

Quattrocchi was known to be close to the Gandhi family and tribunal’s observations in the Bofors episode may have come at an inopportune time for the Congress and the government it heads as they are already battling various allegations of corruption. He left India in 1993 even as a CBI case was filed on kickbacks in the deal.

The order mentions that a commission of Rs 32.66 crore was transferred to M/s Svenska Inc, Panama, which was traced to Chaddha, and was credited in an account of Swiss Bank Corporation, Geneva.

Similarly, Rs 8.57 crore was transferred to A E Services Limited, c/o Mayo Associates SA, Geneva, which was opened only a fortnight earlier on August 20, 1986.

It emerged that despite Indian government’s insistence not to appoint or pay any agent, Bofors entered into a fresh consultancy agreement with A E Services of UK at the behest of Quattrocchi. “ This amount of SEK (Swedish Kroner) 50,463,966 works out to be exactly 3 per cent of the amount of advance paid by the government of India to Bofors and was, thus, perfectly in accordance with the terms set out in the A E Services Limited-Bofors agreement dated November 15, 1985,” the order said.

The two-member bench comprising R C Sharma and R P Tolani held that both Win Chaddha and entities through which money was transferred as commission to Quattrocchi were liable to pay tax in India.

“In our view the department should have carefully examined the issues about their taxability and their having permanent establishment in India and appropriate proceedings should have been undertaken to assess and recover taxes.

“We may point out there exists a serious issue apropos Bofors for not having deducted withholding tax i.e. TDS, from such payments to the assesses/Svenska, AE Services, Quattrocchi.

“In our view, to enforce the rule of law, these

steps were desirable to bring all the relevant income tax violations to the logical end by the income tax department. Inaction in this regard may lead to a non-existent undesirable and detrimental notion that India is a soft state and one can meddle with its tax laws with impunity,” the tribunal said in its 98-page order.

President arrives

Naval Enclave of the Dabolim Airport, the President of India proceeded to the Raj Bhavan. The President will be in the State till January 6.

Dr Devisingh Shekhawat, spouse of the President, Jyoti Rathore, daughter of the President, Miss Vedika Rathore, grand daughter of the President are accompanying her on the tour.

During her stay in Goa, the President will visit a South Goa beach on January 4. Governor Dr Sidhu will host a dinner in honour of the President on January 5. She will leave Goa for Pune on January 6, at 5.10 pm.

Notified

RPs

plans submitted.

It observed that the rationalisation of FAR (floor area ratio) does not follow any clear guidelines, with wildly varying population projections not following any logic. For example, Virnoda has a projected decrease in population from 948 to 729, yet it has been given VP1 status along with increased settlement area, it claimed. Cotigao with its 4,075 increase has been given VP2 status, it added.

The GBA has now demanded with the Government to follow its obligation of having people’s participation and clearly spell out the guidelines for finalisation of plan. It has called for removal of faulty and ill-defined policies that have sprung up in the final notification and keep the plan open for 30 days prior to notification.

The Abhiyan pointed out that the RP 2021 process had begun with a modicum of transparency with the Task Force on RP 21 and the uploading of the village maps on the Goa Government website. However, now the links to the village plans have been deleted and the Pernem taluka plan is no longer available at the TCP’s Mapusa office, so designated in the Official Gazette of 25 November, 2010, it maintained.

It said while the SLC (state-level committee) was formed by an internal order for technical assistance to the Government, the constitution of the committee and its mandate were not notified in the Official Gazette like the Task Force on RP21 or other committees.

bail out govt

PTI LAHORE, JAN 3

In a desperate move to shore up support for his tottering government, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani today met top leaders of the two opposition PML-N and PLM-Q parties, as clamour mounted for his resignation.

The attempts to reach out to the dominant opposition party, the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N and its rival PML-Q, came in the wake of its key ally MQM withdrawing support, a development that threatens to bring down the PPPled government.

But, despite Gilani's efforts to reach out to the two largest opposition parties in parliament, there were no indications that either the PML-N or the PML-Q would back the government, which is at least 12 members short of a majority in the 342-member National Assembly.

The PPP-led coalition was

plunged into crisis after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement withdrew its support last night.

The MQM, which has 25 lawmakers and was the second largest party in the coalition, had played a key role in propping up the government.

Gilani first met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the younger brother of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, and appreciated the PML-N's decision not to support any move to derail the government.

An insider in the PML-N told PTI that Gilani sought an assurance from Sharif that his party's 91 parliamentarians would vote for the PPP in case a no-confidence motion is tabled in the National Assembly or lower house of parliament.

The insider said Sharif did not make any promise in this regard and told Gilani that the PML-N would discuss the matter in a meeting of its central executive committee to be held tomorrow.

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GOA, TUESDAY, 4 DECEMBER, 2010

India rejects Abbot lab’s patent application for HIV drug PTI MUMBAI, JAN 3

India has rejected a drug patent application of a US multi-national pharma company, paving way for easy access to an important life-saving medication for HIV patients across the globe.

The decision to reject the patent application on the important combination drug, Lopinavir/Ritonavir filed by Abbot Laboratories was given by the Indian patent office here during the weekend and it is a major victory to millions of HIV-positive patients around the globe, according to NGOs working with affected patients.

The Indian patent office has put a halt to the multi-national Abbott Laboratories patenting and said it was not an invention.

"India, the world's leading

Sensex gains 52 points PTI MUMBAI, JAN 3

Kicking off the New Year on an optimistic note, BSE bellwether Sensex today recorded a 7-week high, although it trimmed early gains to settle 52 points up, with smart buying in HDFC Bank and Tata Steel amid firm cues from global peers. Investors were upbeat on the first trading session of 2011 on hopes that strong economic growth will reflect good corporate earnings in the third quarter, ending December,2010. Companies are slated to announce Q3 results this month.

After maintaining the strong gaining momentum of the last three trading sessions, the Bombay Stock Exchange sensitive index slipped from its intra-day high of 20,664.80 on profit-booking. It finished with a modest gain of 51.96 points or 0.25 per cent at 20,561.05 -- the level last seen on November 11, 2010.

supplier of affordable medicines, can now supply this drug to patients across the globe who are desperately waiting for treatment. This combination drug is considered to be the frontline of defense for HIV positive patients who have failed to stay healthy with the first round of medicines available currently," Tahir M Amin, Director of Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge (I-MAK), one of those who initiated legal action against the US company told PTI today in a communication from New York.

"This ground-breaking victory for patients sets an important precedent to stop pharmaceutical companies from gaming the patent system, marking a new era of hope for millions of HIV people across the world," Amin said.

I-MAK was one of the opponents from US and others were Indian pharma companies like Cipla (Mumbai), Matrix Laboratories (Secunderabad) and Okasa Pharmaceuticals (Mumbai).

This particular drug is critical to HIV patients who are failing first line treatment. However, not only has Abbott (the applicant for the patent) refused to license the drug, it is also refusing to match the lowest generic price when it comes to selling

Aban Offshor, 820, 831.4, 810.95, 813.95 Abb Ltd., 795.85, 813.6, 795.85, 811.2 Abg Shipyard, 425, 430.5, 422.75, 426.15 Acc Limited, 1078, 1084.4, 1065, 1074.4 Adani Enterp, 655, 659.8, 645, 648.75 Aditya Birla, 840.15, 846.9, 834.05, 836.75 Allahabad Ba, 227.85, 231.35, 227.5, 230.1 Alstom Proje, 690, 709, 689.5, 700.8 Ambuja Cemen, 143.2, 145.9, 142.15, 142.95 Andhra Bank, 151, 152.25, 149.75, 150 Ashok Leylan, 64.5, 67.15, 64.5, 66.9 Asian Paints, 2898, 2937.4, 2860.05, 2874.55 Axis Bank Li, 1365, 1372, 1342.3, 1367.65 Bajaj Hindus, 120, 121.2, 119.5, 120.4 Bank Of Baro, 897.2, 906.95, 887.15, 892.3 Bank Of Indi, 445.1, 459.3, 445, 451.1 Beml Limited, 1039.95, 1052.6, 1025, 1028.2 Bharat Elect, 1790, 1795, 1751, 1754.05 Bharat Forge, 380, 382.1, 377.1, 379.9 Bharat Petro, 662, 669.9, 655.8, 659.95 Bharti Airte, 360.9, 365, 354.75, 359.35 Bhel, 2325, 2349.45, 2303.6, 2343.8 Bhushan Stee, 476.4, 495.8, 476.35,

in countries like India, Brazil and China.

Abbott is also practising patent abuse as its has filed a number of applications in India covering various forms of the two drugs-Lopinavir and Ritonavir.

By doing so they are attempting to extend their monopoly for as long as possible under the guise of innovation and to keep at bay competition from Indian companies. Many of the patent applications cover the same technology with little modifications (in some cases none at all), but no therapeutic enhancement, Amin said.

The impact of the case is tremendous. There are over 33 million people living with HIV today and of these nearly 15 million require access to HIV drugs, he said.

Cost-savings generated over a three-year period by introducing generic Lopinavir/Ritonavir to 43 low and middle-income

491.15 Biocon Limit, 425.95, 427.4, 423.65, 425 Bombay Dyein, 525.85, 534.35, 525.85, 530.1 Bosch Limite, 6305, 6774.95, 6295, 6666.55 Brigade Ente, 114.4, 117, 114.2, 115.75 Cairn India, 333.5, 336.25, 333.5, 335.95 Canara Bank, 663.2, 671.7, 660.2, 662.35 Central Bank, 184.2, 185.3, 181.65, 182.35 Century Text, 432, 439.95, 430.2, 438.2 Cesc Ltd, 365.8, 370.95, 365.8, 368.45 Chambal Fert, 90.45, 91.8, 89.85, 91 Chennai Petr, 247.7, 252.5, 247.45, 251.35 Cipla Ltd, 370.9, 376.5, 367.55, 372.5 Colgate Palm, 871.05, 874, 861, 869.1 Container Co, 1270.05, 1283.95, 1256, 1263.1 Crompton Gre, 311.15, 313.5, 309.9, 310.7 Cummins Indi, 805.3, 805.3, 771, 773.7 Dabur India, 101.5, 101.6, 100.3, 100.6 Deccan Chron, 110, 113, 109.75, 111.8 Dish Tv Indi, 72, 73.3, 71.1, 71.55 Divi’s Labor, 644.95, 658.05, 644.95, 652.55 Dlf Limited, 295, 298.5, 293.85, 295.6

countries would be sufficient to start 1,30,000 new patients on HIV treatment who currently lack access. That is 1,30,000 lives that could be saved from opening up the market for this drug alone.

Cheaper generic versions of this drug are ready to reach patients in India and across the world. Most recently, the Clinton Health Access Initiative has negotiated a price of USD 440 per patient, per year for generic versions of this drug from four suppliers, he said.

Enabling competition amongst Indian suppliers has been demonstrated to consistently drive down prices on HIV medicines, from USD 10,000 per patient per year in 2000, to as little as USD 79 today.

This affordable pricing by generic suppliers in India is in stark contrast to the unaffordable pricing by Abbott Laboratories on HIV drugs across the world over the last decade.

Dr. reddy’s, 1671, 1686, 1664, 1670.5 Edelweiss Ca, 47.5, 49, 46.55, 48.1 Educomp Solu, 532.9, 548.8, 532.9, 543.35 Eih Limited, 115.1, 116.4, 114.6, 115.5 Engineers In, 334.35, 344, 330, 342.25 Essar Oil Lt, 138.5, 142, 138.25, 140.6 Essar Shippi, 110, 110, 107.5, 108.65 Exide Indust, 168, 169, 165.25, 166.35 Federal Bank, 400, 408.4, 400, 404.15 Financial Te, 903, 909.95, 885.65, 890.6 Gail (india), 512.05, 517.65, 512.05, 515.05 Gammon India, 176, 177.7, 172.3, 175.35 Glaxosmithkl, 2344.4, 2397, 2330.2, 2342.6 Glenmark Pha, 363.9, 369.9, 355.95, 357.25 Gmr Infrastr, 46.5, 47.35, 46.15, 47.05 Godrej Indus, 191.2, 205.45, 191.2, 203.7 Grasim Indus, 2342.7, 2375, 2340.05, 2356.05 Great Offsho, 392, 398, 390.5, 395.4 Gtl Infra.Lt, 43, 43.3, 42.9, 43.1 Gujarat Mine, 140.7, 142.2, 139.35, 140.25 Gujarat N R, 65.55, 69.8, 65.5, 69.35 Gujarat Stat, 119.2, 120.25, 117.3, 117.7 Gvk Pow. & I, 41, 41.9, 40.85, 41.45

Hcl Technolo, 460, 460, 451.25, 454.15 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2370, 2399.65, 2350.4, 2390.5 Hdfc Ltd, 737.9, 737.9, 724, 728.2 Hero Honda M, 2014, 2020, 1958.3, 1986.6 Hindalco in, 248, 249.75, 245.4, 246.1 Hindustan Co, 49.5, 49.75, 48.5, 48.65 Hindustan Ma, 70, 71.5, 69.15, 69.65 Hindustan Pe, 392.5, 400.4, 391.2, 396.15 Hindustan Un, 310.05, 315.9, 310, 313.15 Hindustan Zi, 1372.1, 1406, 1367.1, 1380.7 Housing Dev, 195.2, 197.85, 193.65, 194.25 Icici Bank L, 1154, 1158.4, 1138.95, 1144.85 Idea Cellula, 69.8, 71.9, 69.8, 70.8 Ifci Ltd, 68, 68.5, 66.6, 66.85 India Cement, 109, 109.9, 108.2, 109.35 India Infoli, 83.25, 84, 81.8, 82.45 Indiabulls F, 175.8, 184.5, 175.25, 177.3 Indiabulls R, 139.9, 140.55, 137, 137.5 Indian Bank, 248.05, 254.35, 247, 247.7 Indian Hotel, 97, 101.65, 96.8, 100.95 Indian Oil C, 344, 354.7, 344, 353.6 Indian Overs, 148, 150.2, 146.65, 147.25 Indus Dev Ba, 166.2, 168.25, 165.7, 166.05

SMEs present Rs 50K-cr biz opportunity for banks: Crisil PTI MUMBAI, JAN 3

The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector offers an additional Rs 50,000-crore business opportunity for banks, says a study.

A Crisil study on the funding patterns of 2,000 SMEs reveals that there is scope for banks to increase their lending to this sector by a whopping Rs 50,000 crore indicating that this sector has been under-banked all these years.

"We believe SMEs will continue to drive economic growth, and present a significant business opportunity for banks.

Banks will derive commercial benefits from lending to SMEs. Access to bank funds will help SMEs grow and prosper, and, in the process, favourably impact industrial output, and employment and wealth creation," Crisil Ratings director Ramraj Pai said here today.

Indusind Ban, 265.9, 269.85, 264, 264.65 Infosys Tech, 3444, 3469.7, 3427.7, 3458.35 Infra. dev., 184.05, 185.65, 181.5, 182.1 Ispat Indust, 23.6, 24.2, 23.35, 23.85 Itc Ltd, 175.95, 175.95, 173.9, 174.8 Ivrcl Infras, 129.9, 134.45, 129.2, 133.9 Jai Corp Lim, 223.1, 229, 223.1, 224.95 Jaiprakash A, 107, 109.2, 106.85, 108.55 Jet Airways, 764, 776.95, 758.65, 762.05 Jindal Saw L, 183.1, 189.9, 183, 188.85 Jindal Steel, 722.9, 722.9, 713.2, 718.45 Jsw Steel Li, 1195.4, 1213.8, 1180.45, 1191.1 Kotak Mahind, 457.9, 459.95, 455.9, 457.1 Lakshmi Mach, 2453, 2499, 2441, 2454.55 Lanco Infrat, 64.1, 65.95, 63.55, 65.6 Larsen & Tou, 1985.35, 1993.3, 1970, 1980.5 Lic Housing, 196.4, 198.25, 195.5, 196.35 Lupin Limite, 486, 491.9, 483.55, 486.6 Mahanagar Te, 54.3, 58.1, 54.05, 57.45 Mahindra & M, 794.75, 801.7, 784.2, 787.55 Maruti Suzuk, 1430, 1450, 1418.5, 1426.05 Max India Lt, 147.4, 150.7, 146.5, 149.25

"The funding opportunity is greater for smaller SMEs where turnover is less than Rs five crore.

Also, bank branches in urban areas have greater scope than their counterparts in the semi-urban and rural areas to increase funding support to SMEs," he said.

The study estimates that the domestic banks funded on an average only around 60 per cent of the incremental working capital requirement between FY07 and FY09. This is as against the common banking practice to finance up to 75 per cent of an entity's working capital requirement, forcing SMEs to cough up the rest of the money on their own.

Hence, "there is a significant business opportunity for banks in the form of incremental SME funding, which is currently not being exploited. Increased funding by the banking sector can assist the SMEs to grow their businesses faster," says the report.

Maytas Infr., 182, 186.05, 176.15, 185.3 Moser-baer (, 63, 63.3, 62.2, 62.4 Mrpl, 74, 75.8, 74, 75.25 Nagarjuna Co, 142.35, 152.9, 141.4, 151.85 Nagarjuna Fe, 34.5, 34.95, 33.95, 34.65 National Alu, 396, 398.1, 391, 392 Neyveli Lign, 134, 138, 133.5, 137.35 Ntpc Ltd, 201.4, 202.5, 197.55, 198.45 Oil And Natu, 1304, 1304, 1290.15, 1292.8 Omaxe Limite, 145, 152.8, 145, 148.6 Oriental Ban, 409.7, 411.5, 401.75, 402.9 Pantaloon Re, 370, 379.5, 367, 373.65 Parsvnath De, 58.3, 61.3, 56.3, 58.65 Petronet Lng, 126.1, 127.5, 124.7, 125.4 Power Fin Co, 314.35, 314.35, 305.75, 307.05 Power Grid C, 98.45, 98.75, 97.85, 98.3 Praj Industr, 84.75, 85.85, 83.6, 84.15 Punj Lloyd L, 112.45, 116.9, 112.45, 116.15 Punjab Natio, 1235, 1237, 1220, 1222.75 Rajesh Expor, 132.9, 134.9, 131, 133.05 Ranbaxy Labs, 602.25, 605, 596.65, 601.4 Rashtriya Ch, 102.85, 103.95, 102, 103.15 Reliance Cap, 673.9, 687.5, 671.35, 682.5 Reliance Com, 147.4, 150, 146.5, 148.25

KEC bags 3 orders UNI MUMBAI, JAN 3

KEC International has bagged three new substation orders to the tune of Rs 980 crore from Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC) and Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL). These two orders, received from KEGOC, are for the execution, including rehabilitation of total 38 substations spread across the North East and South of Kazakhstan.

Reliance Ene, 1199, 1199, 1140, 1150 Reliance Ind, 726, 742.5, 718.05, 728.5 Reliance Ind, 1065, 1066.5, 1052.6, 1055.6 Reliance Pow, 158.25, 161, 158.25, 159 Rolta India, 155.8, 160.2, 155, 158.9 Satyam Compu, 66.9, 68.3, 66.4, 67.05 Sesa Goa Ltd, 333.4, 341.75, 331.5, 340.1 Shipping Cor, 131.5, 132.85, 131.05, 132.25 Siemens Ltd, 821, 832.8, 820.4, 829.75 Sintex Indus, 182.35, 188.4, 182.35, 185.3 Sobha Develo, 329.65, 329.65, 325.3, 327.85 State Bank O, 2832.7, 2852, 2815.15, 2822.1 Steel Author, 183.5, 188.4, 183.5, 187.95 Sterlite Ind, 189.9, 194.2, 188, 192.25 Sun Pharmace, 495, 495, 484.95, 487.3 Sun Tv Netwo, 526, 544, 525.3, 539.65 Suzlon Energ, 55.1, 55.3, 54.05, 54.2 Tata Communi, 260, 266.5, 254.9, 265 Tata Consult, 1167, 1176.95, 1154.55, 1158.05 Tata Motors, 1327.7, 1335, 1301.2, 1308.45 Tata Power C, 1384, 1384, 1368, 1374.75

Tata Steel L, 685.2, 707.5, 685.1, 704.05 Tata Teleser, 19.4, 20.15, 19.1, 19.95 Tech Mahindr, 710.5, 719.95, 705.05, 711.65 The Ge Shpg., 346, 348.5, 342.1, 344.65 The Phoenix, 221, 225.45, 217.25, 219.25 Thermax Ltd, 879.9, 895, 864.1, 885.3 Titan Indust, 3617, 3717.7, 3617, 3686.85 Torrent Powe, 276, 281, 275.15, 276.2 Triveni Engg, 110.95, 113.55, 110.55, 112.65 Tv18 India L, 71.3, 73.3, 71.15, 72.2 Uco Bank, 117.15, 118.3, 116.75, 117.05 Ultratech Ce, 1085, 1098.6, 1080.05, 1087.7 Union Bank O, 351.4, 353, 340.85, 341.5 Unitech Ltd, 66.4, 67.5, 65.35, 66.6 United Phosp, 173, 175.75, 168.35, 169.1 Videocon Ind, 216.1, 220.25, 215.2, 218.5 Vijaya Bank, 102.8, 103.5, 101.3, 101.75 Voltas Ltd, 219, 226.4, 218, 225.65 Wipro Ltd, 496.8, 496.8, 482.3, 483.05 Yes Bank Lim, 315, 316.95, 314.3, 315.55 Zee Entertai, 148.85, 148.85, 143, 144.55

BIZ

Pg13

GOA, TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2011

Exports up 26.5 pc in Nov; UID to now replace likely to touch USD 220 bn PF A/c number PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 3

Helped by a demand pick-up in the western economies, India's exports grew by 26.5 per cent year-on-year to USD 18.8 billion in November, raising expectations of exports going well beyond the target of USD 200 billion in the current fiscal.

In November 2009, exports stood at USD 14.9 billion.

During April-November 2010, the outbound shipments increased by 26.7 per cent to USD 140.2 billion compared to USD 110.6 billion in the yearago period.

Imports too rose by 11.2 per cent in November to USD 27.7 billion, leaving a trade gap of USD 8.9 billion, according to the data released by the Commerce Ministry today.

Imports during the first eight months of this fiscal stood at USD 221.9 billion, an increase on 23.9 per cent, over USD 179 billion in the corresponding period last year. During the period, the trade deficit stood at USD 81.6 billion and is expected to be in the range of USD 120-125 billion.

The country's apex exporters body FIEO said that the exports may touch USD 220 billion, sharing the optimism of the Commerce Ministry. A senior

official has projected the country's exports in the range of USD 210-215 billion.

"Exports may reach the new milestone of USD 220 billion this fiscal," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ramu Deora said.

Ficci's Director General Rajiv Kumar said, "I suppose touching USD 215 billion would be possible as there are four months to go and we can export goods worth USD 75 billion. I think it should be achievable."

He said pick up in the US market would boost demand which is already high in Asia.

The government had fixed an export target of USD 200 billion during 2010-11. In 200910, the exports had declined by 4.7 per cent to USD 176.5 billion under the impact of global slowdown.

However, widening of trade gap has raised concerns.

"The continuous increase in the trade deficit is a worrying issue. The government should devise a strategy to reduce the trade deficit," Deora said.

According to Kumar, hardening of crude oil prices has led to the increase in trade deficit.

"I think the country's trade deficit will be larger than before. Increasing trade deficit is a cause of concern...I think the

Reliance Capital enters commodity futures exchange business UNI MUMBAI, JAN 3

Reliance Capital subsidiary, Reliance Exchangenext Limited (R Next), has acquired 26 per cent stake in Indian Commodities Exchange Limited (ICEX) from Indiabulls Financial Services limited, paving way for its entry into the commodity Futures exchange business. The announcement was made by Mr Rajnikant Patel, President & CEO, R Next, here today.

R Next has already received necessary regulatory approvals for completing this transfer and being an anchor investor in ICEX.

''We see a huge potential in the commodity market space.

With this, we plan to develop an integrated and transparent national electronic commodity market place.

ICEX has pedigreed investors and we look forward to working with them for taking ICEX to next level of growth'', said Mr Patel, who has been inducted as a whole time director in ICEX. R Next has already set up national commodity spot exchange through its wholly-owned subsidiary - Reliance Spot Exchange (RSX).

hardening crude oil prices have increased the imports bill," he said.

According to the Commerce Ministry data, oil imports during November 2010 increased by 2.31 per cent to USD 7.7 billion compared to USD 7.5 billion in the corresponding period last year. During AprilNovember 2010-11, oil imports rose by 21.4 per cent to USD 64.8 billion from USD 53.4 billion in the year ago period.

Non-oil imports during the month grew by 15 per cent to USD 20.07 billion from USD 17.44 billion in November 2009.

During the first eight months of this fiscal, non-oil imports too went up by 25 per cent to USD 157.11 billion from USD 125.64 billion in the same period last fiscal.

Exports sectors, which performed well during April-November period, include engineering goods, petroleum and refinery items and cotton yarn.

PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 3

The retirement fund manager EPFO plans to replace PF account number with unique identification number, a move which will help in speedy transfer of subscribers' funds in case of job change and allow them to track their accounts online.

At present when a subscriber changes job, it takes months to transfer provident fund money from one account to another, as the records are required to be transferred from one office to the other.

Under these circumstances, a large number of subscribers often withdraw the entire money in their account and go for a fresh account with the new employer.

The replacement of PF account number with the UID number will be done after inter-connecting all regional and sub offices of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) by March 2012.

"We are in the process of dig-

itizing and inter-connecting all our offices. We are planning to use unique identification number as the subscribers account number after that," Labour Secretary P C Chaturvedi told PTI. He said, "Besides expediting the transfer of funds from one office to another, it would help reducing the number of withdrawals. Moreover, every subscribers would be able to track his account online."

EPFO has set a target of digitalizing the entire data in its regional and sub office by March this year in the first phase. In second phase all offices would be inter-connected.

Digitalization and use of UID as PF A/c number would also facilitate the subscriber to apply for transfer and withdrawal online.

In a pilot study conducted at EPFO's Karnal office, it was found that over 30.2 per cent of subscribers withdraw their PF within a year of joining service while 54.3 per cent do so by the end of the second year.

Equal distribution of central taxes not feasible: Sharad PTI JALANDHAR, JAN 3

Disagreeing with NDA ally Shiromani Akali Dal’s suggestion for equal share to states in central taxes, JD(U) today said that its distribution should continue on the basis of population.

JD(U) President Sharad Yadav told PTI over phone, “Distribution of taxes from the Central government on the basis of population is just. How can anyone demand a change in this law saying that Bihar gets more share?”

Yesterday, SAD president and Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal had urged the Centre to distribute central taxes equally among the states.

Stressing the consumerist nature of Bihar, Yadav remarked most of the products consumed there are manufactured outside the state. Hence, it is obvious that Bihar pays a huge amount in taxes.

“Bihar has been badly hit after the state was divided.

The Centre is biased against us and thus, we have been demanding a special status for Bihar.

Supply shortage pushes onion PTI LUCKNOW, JAN 3

After a brief lull, onion price has once again started soaring in the local vegetable market, due to supply shortage for the bulb vegetable.

"Onion price, which had dropped to Rs 30-Rs 35 per kg last week... is now being sold at Rs 45-Rs 50 per kg, depending upon its quality," said an officebearer of the city vegetable market association. He said the price rise was mainly due to short supply of the onion in the market.

"Supply from Nasik, which is

the biggest supplier of onion, is very limited, as transportation has been affected due to foggy condition. Besides, our local supply is inadequate," he said.

Earlier, the district administration in its effort to control prcies and provide onion at cheaper rates to the consumers, had opened 36 fair price outlets in the city.

The price at these retail outlets has been fixed at Rs 20-24 per kg for grade-A onions, Rs 16-19 per kg for the grade-B onions and RS 9-15 per kg for C grade quality.

Intense cold wave to boost wheat yield in Punjab, Haryana: Experts PTI CHANDIGARH, JAN 3

Intense cold weather conditions, prevailing in north India, are conducive and favourable for wheat crop grown in key areas of Punjab and Haryana, as it would help in raising crop’s yield, according to wheat experts.

“The current weather conditions are quite favourable for wheat crop, as the chilly conditions will help in development of tillering, which will ultimately boost the crop yield,” Punjab Agricultural University, Wheat Section Head, Indu Sharma told PTI today.

Wheat experts said cold wave conditions result in promotion of tillering or multiplication of crop shoots. “With the multiplication of shoots,

the crop will have more number of ears and the field will look densely packed, which means, the farmers will get more grains from the crop,” experts said.

Moreover, extremely low temperature also restrains the pest attack on the wheat crop, they pointed out.

Mercury in Punjab and Haryana has been hovering 5 to 7 degrees below normal, Met office said.

Experts said humidity level in northern region had increased, following the rains lashing most of the parts of northern region a few days ago.

“We found yellowing of wheat crop in some parts of Punjab including Ropar, Nawanshahar because of low humidity

and low temperature. But after the recent rains, relative humidity level increased, which will prevent yellowing of wheat crop,” she said.

The impact of climate conditions on wheat crop assumes significance, as warm winters have turned out to be a major impediment in wheat productivity in Punjab and Haryana that contribute 60 per cent of their output to the central pool.

So far, Punjab has been unable to match the high wheat yield of 46.96 quintals per hectare achieved in 1999-2000 because of variation in weather conditions. State’s wheat yield declined from 45.63 quintals a hectare in 2000-01 to 41.79 quintals a hectare in 2005-06.

Enhancement of Opportunities for Higher Education

Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi Chief Minister Government of Tamil Nadu

Smt. Sonia Gandhi Chairperson UPA

Dr. Manmohan Singh Hon’ble Prime Minister of India

Shri Kapil Sibal Union Minister (HRD) Government of India

Dr. D. Purandeswari Union Minister of State (HRD) Government of India

Shri Kapil Sibal

Hon’ble Union Minister of Human Resource Development Government of India will lay the Foundation Stone of

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM) TIRUCHIRAPPALLI on Tuesday, the 4th January, 2011 At Village Suriyur, District Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu in the presence of Dr. D. Purandeswari, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (HRD), Govt. of India Dr. K. Ponmudy, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Tamil Nadu Thiru K. N. Nehru, Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Govt. of Tamil Nadu Thiru N. Selvaraj, Hon’ble Minister for Forests, Govt. of Tamil Nadu

Short term Executive Programme Classes at IIM- Tiruchirappalli will commence from the current year 2010-2011

Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India

davp 21201/13/0038/1011

OHERALDO

Biz13:Layout 1 1/3/2011 11:56 PM Page 1

Pg 14 GOA, Tuesday, 4 January, 2011

SPORTS

Odafe’s 5-goal blitz sinks AIFF R E S U LT S Churchill 6 AIFF 0 Man-of-the match: Odafe (Churchill) Chirag 0 JCT 0 Man-of-the Match: Lal Kamal Bhowmik (Chirag).

HAL 0 Salgaocar 1 Man-of-the Match:Luciano Sabrosa (Salgaocar) Air India 0 Pune 0 Man-of-the Match: Lamine tamba (Pune) HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JAN 3

A five-goal blitz including a hattrick by man-of-the match, Nigerian striker Odafe Okolie fashioned Churchill Brothers’ fluent 6-0 win over All India Football Federation (AIFF) XI in a seventh round match of I-

League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Monday. Churchill led 2-0 at half time.

Churchill, egged on by their supporters enjoyed total domination in both attack as well as defence against the youngsters who found it pretty tough to contain rampaging Odafe.

AIFF proved to be novices against Churchill Bros’ style of play.

Churchill came very close to surging ahead early in the game when Denzil Franco found his colleague Kayne Vincent inside the rival penalty box but the last named’s try was well blocked

by AIFF goalkeeper Jagroop Singh. Later, Churchill nearly scored in the 20th minute when

striker Odafe Okolie broke the rival defence and his shot slipped off the hands of AIFF goalkeeper Jagroop Singh hands. Lurking New Zealander striker Kayne Vincent’s try hit the crossbar.

Odafe fired Churchill ahead in the 26th minute after he hoodwinked a couple of rival defenders off a pass from ZakeerMundampara.

At the other end, AIFF who were struggling to match the rival’s pace, came close to levelling the score but striker Malsawm Fela faltered at the crucial moment af ter receiving a through pass from Jeje Lalpekula.

Churchill doubled the lead in the 36th minute through Odafe.

On receiving a through pass from Kayne Vincent, the Nigerian beat his marker and also the goalkeeper to give his team a 2-0 cushion.

Churchill started the second half in a rousing fashion with Odafe and Binesh Balan taking pot shots at the goal. Odafe struck the third time in the 65th minute to complete his hat-trick as his snap shot beat AIFF goalkeeper Jagoop Singh.

The goalkeeper failed to an-

ticipate Binesh Balan’s cross from the right flank and Odafe made no mistake in placing the ball.

In the 69th minute, hardworking midfielder Zakeer Mundampara added his name on the scorers list netting his

game, the Goans took advantage poor bench strength of their opponents and after initial teething problem in adjusting to the ground condition succeeded in adding three more points to their kitty taking the tally to 15 to remain behind East Bengal, leading the table with 18 points.

HAL, who started the league on a rousing note with two wins, has only seven points in its tally having drawn one game and lost the remaining four.

The Goans could have surged ahead further, but for HAL custodian P Pramod who scuttled

their efforts by superbly blocking on more than two occasions.

The visitors brought in as many as three substitutes including Nigerian striker Ekene Ikenwa in an attempt to increase the goal tally but their efforts went in vain.

Salgaocar foreign coach Karim Bencherifa, at a post match conference, said that ''we achieved our aim of adding three points as it was crucial after having lost two previous matches.''

He said that the condition of the ground was not up to the mark not only for Salgaocar but

also for HAL. ''However, at the end of the match we won. Boys performed well. Sobrosa is an asset to the team."

Hosts brought in three substitutes in an attempt to bring an equaliser but could not achieve their aim due to poor finishing though the ball was in their control right from the beginning.

Striker Murali, who addressed the press after the match, attributed the loss to the absence of striker Xavier Vijay Kumar, James Singh and Vijesh Kumar who were in the injury list.

However, Vijesh who entered the field as substitute to skipper Rajendra Prasad in the second half he could not change the fortune in favour of his team.

Referee Shaji Kurian of Kerala did not hesitate to show yellow card to HAL custodian Pramod for obstructing an attempt by Luciano and to striker Bangkok Namenakpam for obstructing Francis Fernandes.

Salgaocar forward Anthony Barnosa was shown yellow card for delay tactics adopted in the middle of the game.

AGENCIES KOLKATA, JAN 3

services of Elijah Junior who was injured in the match against Dempo, Chirag United lacked firepower up front with Joshimar Da Silva Martins missing his regular partner.

Brought in place of Junior, Branco Cardozo partnered Joshimar up front, but the two did not have the desired coordination as Chirag missed many chances against.

Early into the start, Denson Devadas squandered an easy

chance after he failed to head home a Lalkamal Bhowmick freekick in the third minute.

Chirag’s midfield sparkled in patches, but Joshimar and Branco were either late to respond or lacked in application.

Their best opportunity came in the 27th minute from a curling Lalkamal freekick, but Branco missed an open net as he was replaced by Mohammad Rafique after the break.

In an equally lacklustre second half, Chirag players failed to convert the half chances.

Durand Cup hero, Rafique, who scored the matchwinner in the final against the same opponents, after being brought in the second half, had a few chances but lacked finishing skill.

In a 63rd-minute move, Rafique, from the right flank, delivered a cross but Gouranga Biswas muffed it.

Churchill’s captain Odafe slices past AIFF’s Lalrozama Fenai at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Monday.

Photo Third Eye

team’s fourth goal after he picked up a pass from Odafe.

Churchill scored again in the 81st minute when Odafe’s well executed free kick beat A I F F g o a l ke e p e r J a g ro o p Singh.

Odafe drove the last nail into

AIFF coffin in the 86th minute when he converted the spot kick after Binesh Balan was brought down by Deepak Devran.

This win helped Churchill Bros to move up to 13 points from seven encounters while AIFF remain on seven.

Injury-marred HAL surrender to Salgaocar UNI BANGALORE, JAN 3

Injury marred Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club (HASC) surrendered to Salgaocar Sports Club 0-1 in the seventh round of I-League tie here today.

The solitary goal was a header

by Francis Fernandes who superbly headed a pass given by the skipper and Japan midfielder Luciano Sobrosa in the 10th minute. Luciano was awarded man-of-the-match with prize money of Rs 5,000.

Though the hosts had control over the ball through out the

AI-Pune FC match ends in drab draw PTI KOLHAPUR, JAN 3

Hosts Air India's search for their first win of the season continued as their round seven I-League match against Pune FC ended in a goalless draw at the Shahu Maharaj Ground here today.

Pune FC's Lamine Tamba was named the man of the match.

Air India are lying at the bottom of the points table having scored just seven points from four games, while the visitors have amassed eight points from the same number of games.

FIXTURES Dempo v. ONGC Viva Kerala v. M Bagan Mumbai FC v. E Bengal

I-League: Dempo v. ONGC, Nehru stadium, Fatorda-Margao, 3.45 p.m.

GFA 1st Division: Salcete Football Club v. Mormugao Port Trust, Tilak Maidan, Vasco, 4 p.m.

GFA U-16: Sai STC v. Brasil Futebol Accademia, Ponda ground; Dempo Sports Club (Juniors) v. Piedade Youth Association, University ground, 4 p.m.

GFA U-14: BAFF v. St Christopher SC, Bicholim ground; Goa United SA v. Dunes SC, Poriat ground, 4 p.m.

25th Arlem Trophy intervillage football: Parish Youth, Nuvem v. Fr Agnel Youth Club, Pa ro d a , Ra i a p a n c h a y a t ground, 4.30 p.m.

Chandor Seamen soccer: Union of Chinchinim Villagers v. Chicalim Youth Club, Chandor ground, 4.30 p.m.

JCT hold Chirag in goalless affair

Chirag United missed chances aplenty as they were held to a goalless draw by an equally unimpressive JCT in a round seven I-League match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Thursday.

Chirag now have 10 points from seven outings, while JCT are on five points from as many matches.

With the frontline missing the

Dempo confident against newcomers ONGC HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JAN 3

Defending champions Dempo Sports Club are confident that they can turn things around when they meet promoted ONGC in a seventh round match of AIFF’s 4th I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Tuesday at 3.45 p.m.

Dempo have evolved as a force to reckon with for chief coach Armando Colaco. They are the fittest side in the league and thrive in a free flowing soccer. However, the midfield comprising Nigerian Ogba Kalu, Peter Carvalho, Nicoleau Borges and Brazilian Roberto Mendes da Silva which has been their forte, has shown poor constituency. Their performance has wavered from brilliant to mediocre. The same is the case with the defence. They have lost

their enthusiasm in the last few home encounters. But their captain Ranty Martins has the capability to turn things around.

Prolific striker Martins has not been in great form of late and is eager to get back into his groove.

How the ONGC back line copes with Ranty Martins’ threat might well decide the fate of the match. Add to that, the playmaking skills of Roberto Mendes da Silva and promising striker Joaquim Abranches and you have strong Dempo side on paper.

Dempo have nine points from six encounters and are determined to adopt a positive approach and go all out for a win to grab full three points on offer.

Armando Colaco is determined that his team puts a good performance and tries their best

Agnelo tricks for Wilred HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JAN 3

A splendid hat-trick by Agnelo Martins helped Wilred Leisure Sports Club to crush Navelim Sporting Club 4-1 and sail into the quarter-finals of Chandor Seamen inter-village football tournament organised by Chandor Club at Chandor ground, on Monday. Wildred led 3-0 at half time.

Wilred dominated the proceedings and never allowed their rivals to struck rhythm.

Striker Agnelo Martins who was a thorn in the rival defence single-handedly demolished the

rival defence as he struck thrice.

Crossing over, it was again Wilred who dominated the proceedings with striker Sertorio Monteiro inflating their tally soon after resumption. Navelim reduced the margin through Donald.

to maintain their dominance.

“The boys have worked hard this season, but injuries to key players have affected our progress in the league,” said Colaco. The players need to give their best and perform well against new entrants.

“We have to focus on winning three points. I am not willing to take ONGC lightly. They are a good team and have a bunch of talented players in their ranks and we need to play well. I have asked the boys to enjoy their time on the field,” Colaco said.

ONGC coach Subrtata Bhattacharya, who resigned as coach of Mumbai Football Club recently is well aware of the defending champions’ ball controlling ability. He put his boys through training sessions on Monday here. “I have great

respect for Dempo. They have the quality balance and are a very set side and my boys need to give their best and perform exceptionally well against Dempo. We have to fight for a point. Dempo are the overwhelming favourites with inform players, home advantage and maturity, but we will be no pushovers,” said former Vasco Club coach Bhattacharya.

Bhattacharya is confident that his strikers Baba Tunde and Opera will provide the punch in the attack. He also believes that their midfielders will work in tandem with forwards to put the rival defence under pressure.

ONGC expect goalkeeper Rajat Ghosh Dastidar to produce stellar performance under the bar.

They will, however, miss the services of Ravindran, due to double bookings.

Don Bosco Oratory up

MARGAO (HC) -- Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda beat Davorlim Sports Club 1-0 to enter the semi-finals of 25th Arlem Trophy inter-village football tournament organised by Arlem Youth Association at Raia panchayat ground on Monday.

The all-important goal came in

the first half through M Falcao.

After resumption, Davorlim tried their level best to neutralise the lead but they failed to get past the rival goalkeeper.

Don Bosco Oratory had scoring chances but their forwards squandered them.

Stating that it is the first time that such a festival is being held in North Karnataka, Abhay said that it will incur an expenditure of Rs 30 lakh. “We have approached the Karnataka Government for financial help.

However, it has shown no interest thus far,” he added.

Abhay said that the motive behind holding a press conference in Goa was to get wide publicity in the local press, which in turn can attract kite flying enthusiasts and tourists visiting Goa to make the festival a grand success.

V K Rao, one of the first competitive kite flyer in India, informed that a length of a kite can range from as small as 3 cms to over 40 feet. “As for the design, it depends on the choice of the team, which could range

from dragons to eagles, etc,” he added.

Highlighting on the special feature of the festival, Rao said that enthusiasts will have an opportunity to witness night kite flying, wherein the participants will illuminate their kites using lamps, candles or other electrical devices.

When questioned how the points are awarded at competitions, Rao said that it depends on the design, control and other aspects. On the material used for making kites, he said that fabric material is used, which is not available in India and has to be imported from foreign countries.

T TAG president Gaurish Dhond and MLA Mahadev Naik also spoke. Chaitanya Kulkarni compered.

International kite flying in Belgaum HERALD CORRESPONDENT MERCES, JAN 3

An international kite flying festival will be held in Belgaum on January 16 and 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, an initiative which has been taken by Belgaum MLA Abhay Patil.

Abhay informed that 15 National teams and 5 international teams will participate in the festival, which will be however of non-competitive nature. He said that the aim is to revive the tradition of kite flying in the region and also to expose local talent to the finer aspects of kite flying.

“Coaching camps will be held for school students, wherein the captains of each team will guide them on the basics of kite flying,” he informed at a press conference in Panjim on Monday.

SPORTS

Pg15

Al Fatah clinch nail-biting GPL T20 final

Man-of-the series Sher Bahadur Yadav (Al Fatah) receiving the prize from Amrish.

Man-of-the match Gajanand Azgaoncar (Al Fatah) receiving the prize from Shrinivas Dempo and Dayanand Narvekar.

Al Fatah team with Shrinivas Dempo, Dayanand Narvekar at Alto Porvorim on Monday.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 3

Al Fatah beat Dempo Cricket Club by three wickets to emerge champions in GPL T20 at GCA stadium, Alto Porvorim on Monday. They won Rs 3 lakh. Dempo

Cricket at Vasco

PANJIM (HSD) – The Jetty Cricket Club, Vasco will organise their 10th all-Goa Jetty Trophy cricket tournament (20 overs) from January 23 to 30 at MPT ground, Vasco. The winners will pocket Rs. 20,000 and a trophy while the runners-up will be awarded Rs. 15,000 alongwith a trophy.

Individual prizes will be awarded to best player, best batsman and best bowler of the tournament.

Teams and players playing in GCA’s Goa Professional League are not eligible. Entries may be submitted to the organisers by January 8. Details may be obtained from Subhash Salgaonkar (9823624372), Francis Fernandes (9823104096) and Gajanan Mahale (9423322300).

had to be content with Rs 2 lakh.

Dempo did not have a perfect start losing the first two wickets for just 14 runs on the board. It was Swapnil Asnodkar and Keenan Vaz who put on 49 runs for the third wicket when Swap-

nil departed after scoring 32 with five hits to the fence. Ilyas Naroo and Keenan put on 12 runs for the next wicket, but it was Keenan and Madhu Kamat who accounted for 44 runs for the fifth wicket stand which gave

Dempo a good total.

Harshad gadekar and Vipin Chauhan tried their level best putting on 24 wickets for the eighth wicket.

Sher Bahadur Yadav scalped three wickets while Sayyed

Baddi took 2 for 17.

It was not a very perfect start for Al Fatah although Sachin Sardessai and Saheel Dhuri were involved in a 21-run stand for the first wicket.

Sher Bahadur Yadav was in-

Sheru, Gaja’s classy innings win title for Al Fatah PERFECT YORKER

By SUDHIN KAMAT

A

ll roads led to Academy ground Porvorim today, the reason being the title clash between Panjim-based Dempo and Margao -based PVG Warriors also known as Al Fatah. Dempo, who were almost out of the tournament after their fourth match, suddenly sprang a surprise reaching the semis riding on the Swapnil Asnodkar’s knock of 89 off 38 balls. Remember Dempo had to score 142, the target set by Sarvodaya, in just 12 overs. Swapnil had other

ideas and scored the target in just 10.3 overs to take Dempo to a unbelievable last four spot. From here Dempo went on to win the semis as well and stormed into their firstever final of a major tournament.

In the finals after winning the toss, the obvious choice of Dempo batting first was conveyed to the Al Fatah captain Sahil Dhuri.

Dempo lost quick wickets and were reeling at 23 for 2 in 4 overs but the in-form Swapnil

Asnodkar, Keenan Vaz and Madhu Kamat saw to it that Dempo posted a total that PVG Warriors would find hard to chase.

152 on the GCA Academy wicket by saw premature celebrations in Dempo camp, and why not? It was the total Dempo could easily defend with their quality of bowlers.

Al Fatah, with enough pressure of chasing such a big target saw some early fireworks and wickets as well. At one time they were 54 for 4 need-

Zamir Carol – man behind Al Fatah HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 3

Cricket is a passion for him since his childhood days, although he hasn’t excelled at the highest level of cricket to build his cricketing profile. Yet, he is widely appreciated for building a team and shaping it as Goa’s topmost one.

The one man, who is behind the success of PVG Warrior Margao - Al-Fatah Cricket Club is its general secretary Zamir Carol.

He often says that cricket is a passion for him as he is associated with this game since his childhood.

Banking heavily on his squad, Zamir was patiently watching

strumental in Al Fatah consolidating their innings with a well made 50 studded with four fours and two sixes. He was also involved in three important partnerships – 29 with Srinivas Phade for fifth wicket, 27 with

Ashish Shirodkar for the sixth and 38 with Gajanand Azgaonkar for the seventh.

For his sterling performance, Sher Bahadur Yadav was declared man-of-the series. He claimed Rs 20,000.

Harshad Gadekar did most of the damage claiming three for 32 while Yashwant Raikar captured one for 21.

Gajanand Azgaonkar of Dempo won the man-of-the match prize of Rs 10,000.

Dempo: 151 for 8 in 20 overs (Rajesh Ghodge 5, Swapnil Asnodkar 32, Chandrakant Ghadi 0, Keenan Vaz 43, Ilyas Naroo 9, Madhu Kamat 24, Shailesh Misquin 2, Vipin Chauhan 14, Harshad Gadekar not out 12, Yashwant Raikar not out 0. Extras 10. Saheel Dhuri 1-40, Sher Bahadur Yadav 3-35, Sayyed Baddi 217.

Al Fatah 153 for 7 in 19.4 overs: Sachin Sardessai 14, Saheel Dhuri 11, Saeed Shaikh 7, Rahul Keni 1, Shrinivas Phadte 9, Sher Bahadur Yadav 50, Ashish Shirodkar 9, Gajanan Azgaonkar 39 not out, Yogesh Chodankar 5 not out. Extras 8. Dinesh Naik 2-27, Harshad Gadekar 3-32, Yashwant Raikar 1-21.

Shrinivas V Dempo, chairman of Dempo Group of Companies and GFA president was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.

from the corner of the dressing room when his team snatched a scintillating win against Dempo Cricket Club in the final of Goa Professional League (GPL) at Porvorim on Monday.

From associate club to champion of second edition of GPL, Carol has put in great effort in building the team and garnering much needed financial assistance from corporates like Prashana V Ghodge and H Y Bouy.

The club commenced its journey a decade ago, while in 2005, Al Fatah played in GCA’s official tournament at MPT ground when they emerged champions and thereafter it was no looking

Zamir Carol

back for them.

“After emerging champion in associates’ club, the team was

promoted to Third Division and during their debut they won the title and were promoted to Second and then to First and Premier League and now we are the proud GPL champions,” said Al Fatah vice-president, Vaman Chodankar.

“Zamir is the key man in building a fabulous team, as he takes care of each and very player and makes sure that the players are not deprived any facilities,” said Chodankar.

If Churchill Alemao would be remembered for bringing foreign players in Goa, then Zamir is the first person to bring outstation Ranji players for his then club Vasco Cricket Club in Pre-

mier Division almost a decade ago.

An excited Zamir while talking to Herald said that playing in GPL was not an easy task considering the financial aspect. He tanked Prashana V Ghodge and H Y Bouy for being the main strength behind the team.

Scoring 150-plus runs on Provorim ground in GPL is rare.

It is rightly said that cricket is a funny game and no one could predict till the last ball was delivered as the youthful Al Fatah made an impossible target possible with sensational batting from the most expensive player of GPL Sher Bhadur Yadav and perfect finish from Gajanand Azgaonkar.

ing, 98 runs off 14 overs.

When Sher Bahadur and Gajanand Azgaonkar were at the crease, the Dempo bowlers were under pressure as the duo would gather ones and twos and occasional boundary to inch close to the target.

After the departure of Sher Bahadur, Dempo were back in form and applied lot of pressure with their brillint fielding. Gajanand, however, heaved a Sachin Tendulkar type shot off Shailesh Misquin

to the long off boundry for a six. By this time the Warriors had almost achieved their run-rate to inch closer to the title. Needing nine off the last over, it was Gajanand again clearing the long off boundary for a six to fetch the title of "GPL2 champions".

What a match, was on the lips of each and everyone present on the ground. The costliest player of GPL2, Sher Bahadur Yadav, was rightfully adjudged man-ofthe series.

GOA, Tuesday, 4 January, 2011

Jiten stars for Parra; Nerul rout St Domnic HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, JAN 3

A magnificant hat-trick from Jiten Koli helped Clube Athletic de Parra hammer Saligao Sporting Club 12-0 in GFA’s U-16 league at Duler stadium on Monday. Parra led 4-0 at the interval.

Glen Fernandes, Jan Mejay Tomar, May Shawn D’souza, and Joel Da Costa all netted a brace each while Raju Rathod was also on target for Parra.

At Calvim ground, United Club of Nerul trounced St Domnic Savio SC 7-0. Bahadur Kumar scored a hat-trick, while Anson D’Souza, Sashant Gadekar, Rudresh and Siraj also got their names on the scoresheet.

Nachinola win HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, JAN 3

Nachinola defeated Friends XI Sports Club, Vaddem 5-4 via the tie-breaker in a festival match to celebrate the Nachinola feast recently at Nachinola ground.

The score was 1-1 at full time.

Oswald gave Nachinola the lead in the 40th, after a great through ball from Noel Fernandes.

Friends equalized through Charlton Sequeira in the 56th.

Nachinola goalkeeper Brahamanand was booked by referee Jayendra Nagvekar for rough play, but went on to save a vital penalty for Nachinola in the tie-breaker.

Oswald, Noel, Ivan, Pele, and Tony scored from the spot for Nachinola.

Nachinola were richer by Rs.5000. Savio Cardoza was awarded the best goalkeeper prize, Rosten Sequeira was adjudged the best midfielder.

Ex-sarpanch of Nachinola, Freddy Fernandes was the chief guest.

Areal up VP Taleigao emerge HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club defeated Assolda Sports Club 10 to sail into the quarter-finals of Fr. Agnelo Youth Inter-village Football Tournament organized

by Fr. Agnelo Youth Sports Club, Cotombi, Paroda, at panchayat ground, Avedem, Paroda.

Sao Jose de Areal broke the deadlock in the closing minutes of the opening session when Mauvin D’Costa punished the rival goalkeeper with a stiff grounder.

In the second half, Assolda raised their attack but their efforts went in vain due to strong defense of the rivals.

badminton champs

Portais Sporting hammer Fr Agnelo YC; Oratory win HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, JAN 3

The winners at All-Goa Open Chess Tournament held conducted by Bambolim Chess Club in collaboration with Goa Chess Association

Anurag Mhamal wins Bambolim chess HEERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

Anurag Mhamal won the All-Goa Open Chess Tournament held conducted by Bambolim Chess Club in collaboration with Goa Chess Association at Santa Cruz church hall.

In all, 142 including 30 rated players participated.

Sarvanad Shirodkar was the

chief guest and Dr Jadhav the guest of honour. Also present were Ashesh Keni, president GCA, Arvind Mhamal, secretary GCA, Sivaswamy, secretary BCC. Total cash prizes and trophies worth Rs 20,000 were given.

Prize Winners: 1.Mhamal Anurag, 2. Cruz Wilson, 3.

Pinge Shubam, 4. Ahuja Rohan,

5. Cyrus Pereira, 6. Hoble Swapnil, 7. Menenzes Alfredo, 8. Rai Akhilesh, 9.Naik Vasant, 10. Peroz Brendon.

U-13: 1.Gopalan Deepak, 2.

Audi Ameya.

U-11: 1.Belurkar Nitish, 2. Kuvelkar Rajaryan.

U-9: 1. M. Barath, 2.Kalai Tushar, 3. Braganza Swera.

U-7: 1. Porob Vraj, 2. Kawade

Madhu Mandrekar found the back of the net four times as Portais Sporting Club eased to a 10-1 victory over Fr Agnelo Youth Centre, Pilar in GFA’s U14 soccer at Batim ground on Monday. Portais led 5-1 at the breather.

Madhu opened the scoring in the 15th and within a minute Prajot Mondal netted to double the lead. Madhu added his second moments later, to put Portais in a commanding position.

Madhu scored again in the 24th before Salu Santos added

the fifth. Chandan Gawas pulled a goal back for Fr Agnelo in the 31st.

After the change of ends, Portais continued to dominate.

Karan Shirodkar, Devendra Mudgaonkar, Joseph Fernandes all scored and Madhu and Prajot added to their tally to ensure Portais start 2011 on a winning note.

At Don Bosco ground, Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim defeated Brasil Futebol Accademia 4-1.

Don Bosco led 2-0 at the break.

Akaraj Martins claimed a hattrick and Dale Britto scored the other goal for Don Bosco.

Mainak Chakraborthy, Eeshaan Vernekar and Yash Salgaonkar alongwith Prakash Naik (deputy sarpanch), Jennifer Monserrate (sarpanch), Peter Martins (secretary), Agnelo Fernandes (panch member) and Celvin Fernandes (kridashree).

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 3

V.P. Taleigao emerged State badminton champions defeating Village Panchayat Madkai 2-0 at SAG badminton court Campal. The team left today for Fategarh Sahib (Punjab) to participate in all-India PYKKA badminton tournament. Sarpanch Jennifer Monserrate addressed

the team members and wished them luck.

The team has been trained

by SAG coach Roy Athaide. The members of the team are Eeshaan Vernekar, Pranav Silimkhan (Mushtifund HS, Panjim), Ya s h S a l g a o n ka r, M a i n a k Chakraborthy (Peoples HS) and Chinmay Kamat (Rosary HS, Mira Mar).

Aditya, 3. Yakkundi Darshan.

Consolation prizes: 1.Chopdekar Gunjal, 2. Shetty Sahil, 3.Mendonca Leon.

Meanwhile, entries for AllGoa Open Chess tournament on January 8 and 9 at Shanta Durga Temple, Santa Cruz may be given to Sanjay Kavlekar, Amogh Namshikar, Prasanna Swamy.

Royals, Kings XI furnish bank guarantee to BCCI PTI MUMBAI, JAN 3

Indian Premier League franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Kings X1 Punjab, today filed separate affidavits in the Bombay High Court affirming they had complied with the condition of furnishing bank guarantees to the Cricket Board.

The High court had earlier stayed the termination of contract of Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals with

BCCI. However, in case of Kings XI the dispute would be referred to a new arbitrator as former Supreme Court judge B N Srikrishna had recused himself from the case.

While staying the termination of contracts of these two IPL franchises, the court had asked them to furnish bank guarantees to BCCI for making up losses that the Board and its players might suffer in case the

arbitrator's award goes against them.

Kings XI was asked to furnish bank guarantee of USD 18 million for the players which it might pick up in the IPL January 8-9 player auction in Bangalore, and of USD 3.5 million for the BCCI. Rajasthan Royals were asked to submit USD 2.83 million as guarantee to the BCCI for the contract and USD 18 million as bank guarantee for the play-

ers.

Both informed the High Court today that this had been complied with.

BCCI had terminated the contracts of the two IPL franchises, alleging that they had breached the agreement by changing its shareholding pattern without its consent.

The aggrieved parties moved the High Court which allowed them to solve the dispute through arbitration.

The Goa team for 48th National Skating Championship to be held in Vizag from January 6 alongwith SAG’s ED V M Prabhudesai, Naveen Acharya, SAG’s assistant secretary, Subhash Naik, president, All-Goa Roller Skating Association, coach Prakash Naik.

pg 16:Layout 1 1/4/2011 12:25 AM Page 1

Pg16

Al Fatah clinch nail-biting GPL T20 final Pg 15

Odafe’s 5-goal blitz sinks AIFF Pg 14

GOA, TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2011 www.oheraldo.in

India respond to Kallis’ brilliance

Sachin Tendulkar and teammate Gautam Gambhir take a quick break during day 2 of the third Test at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Monday.

PTI CAPE TOWN, JAN 3

India restored the balance in the series deciding third and final cricket Test with a spirited batting response after South Africa relied on Jacques Kallis' brilliant 161 to post 362 in their first innings here today.

The experienced Kallis notched up his 39th Test ton and teamed up with tailenders to guide South Africa beyond the 350-run mark after they were down 283 for eight at one stage.

The day clearly belonged to Kallis who defied a rib injury to score his second ton of the series and join Australia captain Ricky Ponting as the second highest century-getter in Test cricket.

Temperamental pacer S Sreesanth was the chief wrecker for India scalping five South African wickets for 114 runs while Zaheer Khan gave him able company with figures of three for 89.

In reply, Gautam Gambhir (65) and Sachin Tendulkar (49) put

India on course with a fitting reply as the visitors reached 142 for two at close on the second day of the match at the Newlands track which appeared to have eased out considerably.

After bundling out South Africa, the Indians were in for early trouble as they lost Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid inside the first 30 runs.

But Gambhir and Tendulkar held fort and rebuilded the Indian innings with an unbeaten 114-run third wicket stand to end the day trailing South Africa by 220 runs with eight wickets still in hand.

Luck also favoured India and Gambhir in the day as the lefthander was let off twice in the slip cordon.

Earlier, resuming at the overnight score of 232 for four, the South Africans relied on the brilliance of Kallis and a stout resistance from the last two batsmen to post a competitive total on board.

India started positively with the dashing Sehwag hitting Morne Morkel for two boundaries in the second over.

But Sehwag's aggression was shortlived as he again fell early, giving the South Africans the much-needed breakthrough.

After smacking Dale Steyn for a boundary in the previous delivery, lack of feet movement again did Sehwag in as he went for a half-hearted drive in the next only to find Smith in midoff, who dived forward to take the catch inches from the ground.

Dravid, who joined the action after Sehwag's dismissal, tried to play cautiously against the South Africans speedsters to ensure that there were no further

setbacks, but that was only for a while.

Ironically, it was a dropped chance off Gambhir which led to Dravid being run out to leave India at a precarious 28 for two.

Gambhir tried to punch a Tsotsobe delivery off the back foot, got a thick outside edge but was dropped at gully. A B de Villiers, who was fielding at slips, ran for the ball and dislodged the stumps at the striker's end with a direct hit to run out Dravid, who was attempting to take a single.

Both Dravid and Gambhir never looked comfortable in taking the singles and finally a misunderstanding brought an end to their brief association.

Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar then tried to rebuild the Indian innings by not taking any undue risks. Although both the batsmen faced a few anxious moments with edges through the slips early in their innings, they gradually settled down to unleash a few delightful strokes.

Tendulkar was a trifle lucky to survive a confident lbw appeal off spinner Paul Harris. The champion batsman responded by spanking the bowler to the extra cover boundary two balls later.

Both the batsmen mixed caution with aggression to resurrect the Indian innings after the visitors were in for early trouble.

After being let off early in the innings, Gambhir grew in confidence with every passing delivery and notched up his 15th half century with a four of Tsotsobe in the 27th over.

During the fag end of the day, Gambhir got another reprieve when he was dropped by AB de Villers in the second slip off Tsotsobe.

South Africa 1st innings: (overnight 232/4) Alviro Petersen c Dhoni b Sharma 21, Graeme Smith lbw b Khan 6, Hashim Amla c Pujara b Sreesanth 59, Jacques Kallis c Dhoni b Khan 161, AB de Villiers c Dhoni b Sreesanth 26, Ashwell Prince b Sreesanth 47, Mark Boucher c Dhoni b Sreesanth 0, Dale Steyn c Pujara b Khan 0, Morne Morkel c Dhoni b Sreesanth 8, Paul Harris c Pujara b Sharma 7, Lonwabo Tsotsobe not out 8. Extras: 19.

Total: 362 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-34, 3-106, 4-164, 5262, 6-262, 7-272, 8-283, 9-310. Bowling: Zaheer Khan 29.5-6-89-3, S Sreesanth 29-0-114-5, Ishant Sharma 27-6-77-2, Harbhajan Singh 27-3-75-0.

India 1st innings: G Gambhir not out 65, V Sehwag c Smith b Steyn 13, R Dravid run out (De Villiers) 5, S Tendulkar not out 49. Extras: 10. Total: 142 for 2. Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-28. Bowling: Steyn 13-4-31-1, Morkel 14-3-46-0, Tsotsobe 12-3-28-0, Harris 11-2-29-0.

Momentum is still with us: Kallis

PTI CAPE TOWN, JAN 3

India's Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar might have re-

stored the balance in the match with their spirited batting but injured South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis feels the momentum is still in the home team's favour in the ongoing third and final Test here.

Kallis, who has injured his ribcage during the brilliant 161run knock will not take the field tomorrow a he did today but will bat in the second innings if needed.

"I think it (momentum) is still in our favor. We have runs on the board and that gives us advantage," said the right-hander.

Kallis, who was missed by his team in the slip cordon today, said the home team fielders need to pull up their socks after

Gambhir was dropped twice behind the stumps. "(Lonwabo) Tsotsobe was unlucky as few catches were dropped off his bowling. We have to catch whatever comes our way tomorrow. If we can knock off 2 or 3 quick wickets on day three we can put their batting under real pressure.”

"I think along with fast bowlers Paul Harris will play an important role. Generally, at Newlands the ball does something especially in the morning. So the first hour is important," he said.

He also complemented the Indian bowlers for their superb show.

"They (Indian bowlers) bowled well throughout. They were bowling in right areas and that

Kirsten extracts best out of players: Dhoni AGENCIES JOHANNESBURG, JAN 3

Gary Kirsten has the uncanny ability to extract the best out of the players in pressure situations and India will sorely miss him if he does not renew his contract with the Cricket Board after the World Cup starting next month, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.

"We fought back after losing the first Test (in Centurion) Gary's contribution to this cannot be overlooked. He understands the pressure of international cricket and knows how to get the best out of every player, even when there is incredible pressure on the side," Dhoni said.

"It will be very difficult to replace (Gary Kirsten) and we are going to miss him incredibly,"

he was quoted as saying.

Dhoni had said before the start of the Test series against South Africa that the distance from his family might prevent Kirsten from renewing his contract once it runs out after the World Cup and money part would not keep him in India.

"Both Kirsten's sons -- Joshua is a growing kid right now and James is a young kid too -- which means Gary wants to spend time with his family. That will be the most crucial thing apart from the money aspect," Dhoni had said.

There has been a lot of speculation that Kirsten will agree to take the place of Corrie van Zyl, the current South Africa coach, who will in all likelyhood return to his permanent post as head coach of CSA’s High Per-

formance Centre at the end of the World Cup. Kirsten joined India after the Australian tour in 2007-08 and under him India climbed to number one position in the world, losing just one Test series.

India are also going into the World Cup beginning next month in the sub-continent as one of the favourites.

Cilic’s hat-trick hopes dashed PTI CHENNAI, JAN 3

Defending Champion Marin Cilic’s hopes of a hat-trick of title were dashed as the second seed was ousted by rising Japanese star Kei Nihikori in the inaugural match of the Aircel Chennai Open ATP tennis tournament here tonight.

Hard hitting ground stroke player Nishikori played a waiting game to repeat his last year US Open first round victory over

higher-ranked Cilic with a 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2 win in 155 minutes on the centre court.

The youngest player of the tournament at 21, Nishikori, ranked 98 on ATP, started on a stormy note though losing the first set to Cilic, ranked 14, who won the title in the last two years.

In yet another first round match of the 32-main draw, German Bjorn Phau, ranked 102, was in his elements to score a straight set 6-2,6-2 win in 74

minutes over 105th ranked Simone Bolelli of Italy on the side court.

American Robert Kendrick (ranked 114) had to exert himself to dispose of a fighting Denis Gremelmayr of Germany, ranked 121, 7-6 (1), 6-4 in 77 minutes.

In the other singles matches, France's Stephazne Robert was businesslike in his 6-4 6-4 win in 71 minutes over Andreas Haider-Maurer of Austria.

made all the difference. They asked us questions all through our innings. Our bowlers have to do the same thing. They have to hit the ball in right areas," said Kallis, who is expected to miss the first two ODI's of the fivematch series as his expected recovery time is around two weeks.

Kallis also said even though it seemed the Newlands track has eased out considerably, it still has some something on offer for the bowlers.

"It (the pitch) eased out a bit because of sun coming down heavily but I believe there is still enough for the bowlers in this wicket. Odd ball is taking off from good length. So I think our bowlers can do the job for us," he said.

Rain wobbles Australia REUTERS SYDNEY, JAN 3

Debutant Usman Khawaja briefly lit up a gloomy first day of the fifth Ashes Test today but Australia’s batting frailties and rain returned later in the day to leave the hosts wobbling on 134-4 at the close of play.

Despite all hopes of regaining the Ashes from England having gone, Australia could still square the series with a morale boosting victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) this week.

Khawaja, the first Muslim to play for Australia, opened his first test innings with a stunning salvo but ended it for 37 runs with a looping top-edged sweep off Graeme Swann which Jonathan Trott gathered at square leg just as the rain returned.

Mike Hussey, so often Australia’s saviour in this series, was still at the crease on 12 runs with Brad Haddin about to join him when play was stopped for the day.

Australia 1st innings: S Watson c Strauss b Bresnan 45, P Hughes c Collingwood b Tremlett 31, U Khawaja c Bresnan b Swann 37, M Clarke c Anderson b Bresnan 4 M Hussey batting 12. Extras: 5.

Total: 134 for 4. Fall of wickets: 551, 105-2, 3-113, 4-134. Bowling: Anderson 20-5-34-0, Tremlett 166-40-1, Bresnan 16-5-47-2, Swann 5-3-6-1, Collingwood 2-1-3-0.

Gambhir went after a Tsotsobe's good-length delivery outside off stump and got a thick

edge which flew fast to De Villiers who failed to latch on to the chance in the second slip.

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