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Business: Rs. 3.50 hike in petrol, Sports: Paes-Dlouhy cruise Goa’s Heartbeat: Heigl wants Pg 13 into French Open finals Pg 18 to adopt baby from Haiti Pg 14 diesel prices on cards IN BRIEF 70 lakh to appear for rly exam Railways will hold the largestever combined examinations beginning Sunday with about 70 lakh candidates appearing across the country against 40,000 posts. -- (PTI)

Jairam nominated to RS PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 3

Scotching speculation, Congress today renominated Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh, where a section of party leaders had opposed his candidature from the state.

With filing of nominations to close tomorrow, Congress also announced candidature of three other sitting members from the State — J D Seelam, V Hanumantha Rao and Nedurumalli Janardhana Reddy.

The fifth sitting member from Andhra, Girish Sanghi, has apparently been dropped as the party can win only four seats going by its current strength of 156 MLAs in the 294-member Assembly. All the five are retiring from the Upper House next month.

Intense lobbying was on in the ruling Congress for the seats.

While all the retiring Congress members were aspirants for renomination, some others like former Union minister Renuka Choudary and Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas were also staking their claims.

State land records go online HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 3

Goa today became the first State in the country to commission Online Updation and Integrated Land Records System (OUILRS).

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in the presence of Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza and Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar commissioned OUILRS at the conference Hall, Secretariat, Porvorim.

Briefing about the new system Mihir Vardhan, Director, Settlement and Land Records, said the new system introduced will facilitate efficient and effective management of land records, streamlining the administration of government lands and proving useful data for planning and development activities.

This means when conversion takes place, it would reflect on the survey plan and also in Form I & XIV. This will also facilitate online land acquisition which was not possible in the past, he said.

This online update of land acquisition will stop double acquisition and double payment of compensation, he pointed out.

WhAT IS oNLINE UpdATIoN? l

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Updation happens as land records — survey plans and Form I & XIV continuously undergo changes.

Changes occur by way of partition, amalgamation, conversion, re-survey and in the case of land acquisition, there is change in ownership.

Changes on survey plans take place at the offices of ISLR at Mapusa, Panjim, M a r g a o , Va s c o a n d Quepem.

Changes in the record of rights take place at all the taluka level mamlatdar offices as they are the mutation certifying authorities.

People can now view land record of any part of the State online.

A copy of the survey plan can be obtained instantly by making payment. Payment gateway would be in place by next month.

Connectivity will facilitate online update on Survey plans (Continued on page 2)

Man duped of Rs 5 lakh in SMS racket HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 3

The temptation to earn a quick buck proved costly for a man from Ponda, when he fell victim to the SMS racket and was duped of a staggering Rs 5.23 lakh.

According to Ponda police, one M Kavlekar had received an SMS a month ago that stated that he had won a jackpot of 1.5 million pounds.

Kavlekar couldn’t believe his luck and then contacted the number provided in the SMS, little knowing that it was a racket.

The complainant first deposited Rs 10,500 in the bank account after he was contacted to claim the alleged winning amount.

However, the money deposit saga continued over a period of one month and the complainant ended up depositing a total of Rs 5.23 lakh in seven accounts of the same bank.

(Continued on page 2)

The arrival of Cyclone Phet in the Arabian Sea has delayed the monsoon rains in Goa. However, the Met department expects a normal monsoon with more than 98 per cent showers.

Indian Meteorological Observatory in-charge K V Singh said that the monsoon arrival in Goa

has been delayed due to the depression in the Arabian Sea. “We were expecting showers in Goa before the actual season as it had already set in Kerala on May 31. Now after this low pressure belt, the monsoon currents have begun to develop along Karnataka and Goa,” Singh said.

“Monsoon may advance to Goa by Saturday,” he added.

PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 3

A top army official was today facing allegations of misconduct with an officer’s wife which were being investigated but the army said he has not been asked to resign.

Fifty-nine-year-old Lt General A K Nanda, Engineer-in-Chief, has been accused by the wife of a junior officer of molesting her during a trip to Israel last month.

Reacting to reports of Nanda’s alleged involvement in miscon-

The Met department had earlier predicted that the southwest monsoon for Goa would arrive by first week of June.

Meanwhile, he said that the department is expecting a normal monsoon this year. “Looking at the circumstances, we predict a normal monsoon, which will benefit the agriculture sector,” Singh stated.

Nadia’s hubby will have to wait for anticipatory bail HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 3

Blame it on the sudden transfer of the case to the Crime Branch or otherwise, hearing on the anticipatory bail application filed

by Winston Barretto, husband of deceased Nadia Torrado, was adjourned to June 14 by the South Goa Session Court on Thursday.

When the bail application came up for hearing before Additional Sessions Judge, Desmond D’Costa, the prosecution sought time to file its reply to the bail plea, even though the Investigating Officers of both the Maina Curtorim and Margao police stations were present in the court.

Adv Srikant Naik maintained that he was not aware whether the matter has been handed over to the Crime Branch as reported by the media and wanted the prosecution to throw light on the subject.

It was only after Crime Branch officer, PI Sunita Sawant made her presence felt that it was officially clear that the case has been handed over to the Crime Branch.

Judge D’Costa later adjourned the hearing to June 14.

Winston Barretto had filed the bail application fearing arrest by the police in connection with the death of his wife.

Adv Srikant Naik, who appeared for Winston, later told newsmen that neither the Crime Branch nor the investigating officers of both Margao and Maina Curtorim police stations have stated any reason for seeking long time to file the reply.

He apprehended that during this period, the police might (Continued on page 2)

Crime Branch officer PI Sunita Sawant along with IO Raju Raut Desai in the South Goa Sessions Court in connection with the Nadia Torrado case.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

Crime Branch summons family members HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 3

A day after taking over the investigations, the Crime Branch has summoned the family members of late Nadia Torrado for recording of statements in connection with the case.

Sources said the Crime Branch has sum m o n e d Nadia’s mother Sonia, two brothers Rommel and Cunard and her husband Winston Barretto.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 3

TRIANGULAR NEXUS

The CID Crime Branch is yet to crack the case of the alleged police-drug dealers nexus even as it admitted before High Court that some police personnel as well some journalists received haftas to allow free flow of drugs in the State.

The investigating officer produced the statement of the accused David alias Dudu recorded on February 25, 2010. David alias Dudu is stated to have told the PSI Gudlar that during his stay in Goa he developed relations with police personnel.

“While staying in Goa, I developed good relations with Ashish Shirodkar, Police Inspector earlier PI ANC and other policemen like Sandeep Parab alias Kamin, Hussein Sheikh, Shahish Pokle and Sanjay Parab. They have been working in different departments of police like in ANC, Crime Branch and I used to pay money to them and in

I developed good relations with Police Inspector Ashish Shirodkar and other policemen. I used to pay money to them and in return I used to get protection from them. I used to pay Rupees Forty to Fifty Thousand every month to the ANC. l In 2005-2006, some journalists started writing against me. I sought help of Sandeep Parab and he got in touch with a reporter by name Vilas; he paid money to some journalists regularly. l Later reports about me stopped appearing in the newspapers.

— Dudu’s statement to police l

return I used to get protection from them. They used to visit me very frequently. They used to catch the drug dealers, mostly foreigners and release them if

good money was paid to them.

I used to pay Rupees Forty to Fifty Thousand every month to the ANC.” In his further statement to police on February 26, 2010 he revealed that he made friends with journalists.

“In the years 2005-2006, some journalists of news papers started writing against me. This caused a lot of irritation and trouble for me for continuing to stay in Goa. At that time I sought help of Sandeep Parab alias Kamin. He got in touch with a news reporter by name Vilas (surname I do not remember). They contacted some journalists and told me later that they had been taken care of.”

“Later the media reports about me were reported less in the news papers. From that time onwards I maintained good relations with some journalists by paying them protection money regularly. This money was paid (Continued on page 2)

Lt Gen accused of molestation

Cyclone Phet delays rains HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 3

‘Police, journos were paid to cover up drug deals’

They have been asked to report at the Crime branch office at 10 am on Friday.

Nadia’s brothers and husband have already given a statement before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Margao that they suspect no foul play in her death. In fact, the family has all along been maintaining that Nadia’s death is not suicidal but accidental after she mistakenly consumed the poisonous substance.

duct, Army spokesman said “there are some allegations”.

“Preliminary investigations show that there are a number of loopholes in the account of allegations. Further investigations are in progress.

“It is also clarified that Lt Gen A K Nanda has neither resigned nor been asked to put in his resignation. He is holding the appointment of Engineer-in-Chief,” the spokesman said in a statement.

Nanda and his team had gone to Israel along with their families

DGCA to get more powers PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 3

Government is considering giving more powers to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and mulling setting up of an independent safety board to separate the role of an aviation regulator and investigator.

The Government move comes with aviation safety back in focus after the Mangalore air crash on May 22 in which 158 persons were killed and a few incidents involving flights in the recent weeks.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told reporters today government is considering establishing an independent safety board on the lines of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in a bid to separate the role of a regulator and an investigator.

on an official trip during which the alleged incident took place.

The woman, wife of a Colonel-rank officer, is said to have complained to the Army Chief ’s wife Bharti Singh, the President of the Army Wives Welfare Association, who put it up before Gen V K Singh.

Nanda had taken over as Engineer-in-Chief about a year ago.

He had earlier served as the Director General of the Border Roads Organisation.

Nanda was not available for comments.

May I know why am I exactly summoned for? Extortions, bigamy, assualts, rapes, molestations, corruption charges...

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GOA, FRIDAY, 4 JUNE, 2010

Ponda civic chief defends garbage dumping at Bethora Says opposition is unnecessary

One hurt in Porvorim mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 3

A 20-year-old native of Rajasthan was injured, after the motorcycle which he was riding collided against a Maruti car near the District Institution of Education and Training (DIET) at Porvorim on Thursday at about 3 pm.

According to Porvorim police, the accident occurred when Jebra Aram, who was riding his motorcycle (GA-03-A-3163) towards Panjim, lost control over the vehicle and collided against the rear of the Maruti car (GA07-C-2974), which was proceeding from DIET towards the Math to go to Mapusa.

Aram had sustained grievous injuries and was moved to the GMC Hospitals at Bambolim.

Disaster management meet held in Quepem Ponda Municipal Council Chairperson Pradip Naik along with Deputy Chairperson Vincent and Municipal Engineer Paresh.

Photo by Amresh Parab HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 3

Despite objections from locals in the area, the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) has been disposing off its garbage in Bethora with police protection.

Speaking to media during an inspection of the ongoing work of the proposed garbage site at Kerai-Khandepar, PMC Chairperson Pradip Naik said the property owner does not have any complaints and will utilize the disposed garbage as manure in his plantation.

“It is an unnecessary opposition, as no one is getting affected and the disposed garbage will turn into manure,” said Naik.

“The property owner himself has given the consent to dispose garbage in the property. I do not understand why there is op-

position from few selected people. Property owner has willingly accepted our garbage as he wants to convert it into manure and use it for plantations,” said Naik.

“Af ter few people from Bethora stopped PMC truck from disposing garbage, we have now sought police protection. We are not creating any problem to the villagers but instead few vested interests are causing problems,” claimed PMC Chairperson Naik.

“We are not just dumping waste, but it is methodically buried and will turn into manure after few days. People should understand this and cooperate with us, as garbage has become a problem all over the State and not only in Ponda city,” added Naik.

“The compound wall for our garbage treatment plant is nearing completion. We are serious about setting up a garbage treatment plant and I think it will be a classic example as no other treatment plants have succeeded in the State,” stated Naik.

PMC Municipal Engineer III Paresh Pal said the consultants to the garbage project will submit their project report this week and based on that a garbage project will be set up.

“Their deadline is June 10.

They have already communicated to us and will come with the project report in a couple of days. Based on their project report, we will begin the process to set up a garbage treatment plant,” said Pal.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, JUNE 3

Deputy Collector Agnelo Fernandes on Wednesday convened a monsoon disaster management meeting to tackle any undue incident during monsoon in Quepem taluka.

The meeting was attended by Curchorem PI Banudas Dessai and Quepem PI Sudesh Narvekar, Quepem Mamlatdar Sudin Natu, BDO Manuel Barretto, Quepem Municipal Council CO Prashant Shirodkar and officials from fire service, PWD, Electricity department, ZAO and health officer.

Deputy Collector Fernandes informed that there will be a control room at Quepem Mamlatdar’s office and another at Sanguem Mamlatdar’s office, which would function round the clock from Thursday. The Quepem control room can be contacted on 2662228 and Sanguem control room on 2604232.

Ponda Traffic Cell begins inspection of vehicles HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 3

As part of annual pre-monsoon drive conducted by Goa Traffic Cell all over the State, the Ponda Traffic Cell began inspecting vehicles for its roadworthiness.

Vehicles are being checked for worn-out tyres, functioning of the wipers, headlights, tail lights, break lights and condition of the mud flaps. Vehicles failing in such a test were fined.

According to Ponda Traffic Cell, the drive will continue and is aimed at reducing mishaps.

Ponda Traffic Cell PI Salim Shaik informed that good tyres, lights and wipers are of utmost importance, especially during rains, and can avoid accidents.

“Worn-out tyres will easily skid the vehicle off the road and will result in an accident. Windscreen wipers are also very important for a better view of the road in rains, as visibility is reduced,” said PI Shaik.

“Besides, headlights, tail lights, break lights and even mud flaps are very essential,” added PI Shaik.

“We have fined vehicles that have failed in such tests. We are also concentrating on commer-

Police personnel check a windscreen wiper and headlights of a bus at Curti-Ponda.

Photo by Amresh Parab

PRE-MONSOON CHECK

cial vehicles like buses and goods carrier vehicles.

Majority of the time in a day these vehicles are on road and

MMC slabs go missing !

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 3

Where are the 10,000 municipal slabs which once covered the city drains? The Margao Municipal Council has posed this question to the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation as the GSIDC headed

by Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has embarked upon covering the existing drains with pavers in the Commercial capital.

While the GSIDC has claimed there existed only 3225 slabs at places where the Corporation took up work of constructing pavements, the Civic body has begged to differ with the claim. In fact, MMC Chief Officer in a letter to the Agency has claimed that there once existed around 10,000 slabs covering the drains, which have now been covered with pavers.

“We do not agree to the claim there were only 3000 slabs at place within phase I and 225 slabs in phase II”, MMC Chief

Officer Y B Tawde has told GSIDC Consulting Engineer.

Tawde further told the GSIDC official that the agency has not taken prior NOC from the Council before commencement of works in the city.

The MMC Chief Officer further said that even de-silting of drains was not undertaken prior to providing of pavers a s t h e a g e n c y e xe c u t e d works without the consent of the Council.

Saying that weep holes have been either provided at higher levels or have not been cleared, thus obstructing the flow of rain water into the drains, the MMC has warned that the Council will be compelled to recover costs fro the GSIDC in the event of any problems during the monsoons.

Incidentally, the Council has also refused to issue any blanket NOC ex-post facto on grounds that the Civic body has no knowledge of actual quantities of work executed by the agency.

can risk life of other road users.

Tyres, windscreen wipers, head-

lights need to be in good condition or else can lead to mishaps,” said PI Shaik.

PCB inspects Raheja’s property at Carmona HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 3

The Goa State Pollution Control Board has inspected the Rahejas property at Carmona village following complaints lodged by local activists over the laying of the pipeline connecting the property to the River Sal. A team of officials from the Pollution Control Board inspected the pipeline as local activists have claimed that the line may be used to not only drain out surface water, but also sewage into the River Sal. The inspection comes in the wake of complaints received from locals opposing the development of the Raheja property on grounds that it would only invite hordes of outsiders to settle in the village.

Carmona Panch Orlando Da Silva has said the pollution control board officials have inspected the site and the report is awaited. He said the locals had complained over the laying of the line, connecting the huge property to the River Sal as there

were apprehensions that it might be used to discharge waste waters in the river.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e Pa n c h member has said that contrary to the impression in some quarters, the villagers of Carmona are opposed to the mega housing project proposed in the village.

He said villagers are opposed to the project as they would be outnumbered by the outsiders in their own homeland. Replying to a question, Orlando said that he had supported a housing project with 70 plots in the same property during his previous tenure as a Panch member as that would have benefited the locals.

“The Mumbai-based real estate developer is now sub-dividing the property into 15 plots of land admeasuring 2000 square meters and above. Will this benefit the local villagers”, he asked and reiterated his demand that Rajeha’s sub-divide the huge property into small plotsof 350 square meters and sell the same to the local villagers.

BJP again demands HSRP re-tender HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 3

Citing a Supreme Court judgment, the BJP on Thursday once again demanded that the government must float fresh tenders for issuance of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP).

Addressing a press conference on Thursday at his chamber in the Assembly Complex, Porvorim, Leader of Opposition

Manohar Parrikar made the demand that government should call off its contract with Shimnit Utsch due to alleged irregularities in award of the contract and call for new bids.

Referring to the apex court case of West Bengal, he said, on evaluation of the bids it was found that the lowest bid per HSRP unit for a vehicle was Rs 469 while offer made by Shimnit was about Rs 1200.

The supreme court had observed in its ruling on May 12 that “Such a huge difference in the rate per HSRP unit shows that the action of the State Government in doing away with the conditions of experience in foreign countries and prescribed turnover from such business has been in larger public interest without compromising on safety,

security and quality or sustainable capacity, “ In view of this judgment, Parrikar has been demanding that government should float fresh tenders.

“I have documentary evidence against officials and politicians to prove their involvement in manipulation of award of HSRP contract to Shimnit Utsch , “ Parrikar charged reiterating his demand.

Updation of computerized maps to be completed by December

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 3

The resurvey for updating the existing computerized maps which were prepared during post liberation revenue survey will be completed

by December 2010.

Whereas the work of notifying all resurveyed maps will be completed most probably by June 30, 2011, said Mihir Vardhan, Director, Settlement and Land Records while launch of online updation and integrated land records system on Thursday here.

The work of resurvey was commissioned in March 2004, with Tiswadi taluka but was temporarily suspend for some period due to technical reasons.

The work was however resumed in May 2008 and till date, the survey work has been completed in the talukas of Tiswadi, Bardez, Pernem, Mormugao, Ponda and Bicholim.

The work is in progress conducted in Salcete, Sanguem, Sattari, Quepem and Canacona.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat presenting the Form XV Document at the inaugural function of Online Updation and Intergrated Land Records System at Porvorim on Thursday. Also present are Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar and others.

The Directorate of Settlement and Land Records has finished the work of preparation of updated maps for Tiswadi and the process of inviting public objections from interested parties has also been completed. The resurveyed maps will shortly be no-

tified on completion of certain technical issues, said Vardhan.

The resurvey work in Bardez taluka is likely to be ready in a few more months, he adds.

Demarcation of Cumeri plots: The entire work of cumeri survey is likely to be completed by

the end of December 2010.

Presently, the survey work is ongoing in the villages of Sattari and Canacona.

There are total 4116 cumeri cases out of which 2960 cases are in North Goa and 1156 cases are in South Goa.

wildlife sanctuaries in State to go hi-tech SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, JUNE 3

W ireless wielding armed guards zooming on two wheelers and at times on four wheelers, chasing away poachers will be a reality in Goa’s wild. The state forest department ambitious Rs 12 crore project is expected to turn a new page in the life of ill equipped forest guards.

The current emergency wireless system restricted to few wildlife sanctuaries will now be covering entire state with control rooms for each division.

Also, new two wheelers and four wheelers would be provided to the officers and lower rank staff under the plan which is been funded by Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme.

“CAMPA has funded us Rs 12 crore as a first installment under which the forest department has prepared an annual plan for the state. The wireless connection across the state is one part of this mega project, which amounts to Rs 40 lakh,” a senior forest official told Her-

Matka flourishing in Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 3

Who says Matka survives only because of men folk? Women too are not far behind and they contribute to the success of flourishing matka agents in most areas.

Apart from the matka booths, flourishing all over, there are still mobile matka booths visiting places to collect bids. For instance, at Canacona Municipal Council’s (CMC) fish market at Chaudi, matka bookies regularly visit and collect matka bets issuing booking slips for the business deal.

However, that is not the only service-at-door available to fisherwomen at their business den from matka agents, as the same agent also visits them to pay their winning amount.

Sources informed that matka agent collects over Rs 2,000 on a lower average regularly for single Kalyan bets daily (played in the afternoons and results known on same evening). Besides, the evening collection for Bombay matka (result known at midnight or next day) from Canacona fish market.

As fish selling trade subsides in the later part of afternoon, the matka agent steps in the CMC market to collect bids from most of the interested fisherwomen. Sources further informed that matka bets is so much flourishing in Canacona taluka that even during lean period when betting was suspended in rest of the State two months ago, bets were accepted in large scale all over Canacona taluka without much problem.

ald.

“At present only Bondla wildlife sanctuary is having wireless connection but its only limited to the sanctuary. Apart from this, under Development of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries scheme, Molem and Cotigao wildlife sanctuaries will be soon connected with wireless network, which will be later frequented with state wide wireless connection,” official added.

The forest department has already approach Motorola Mobile Service, which will be conducting state survey soon.

CAMPA, a body appointed by the Union Ministry for Environment and Forest, which was mandated by Supreme Court judgment in 2002, to collect compensation money from projects that divert forestland for non-forest use, was formed in Goa in 2009.

However, since 2002 the state forest department has been depositing money of Net Present Value (NPV) and compensation for afforestation with the central government, which now amounts to Rs 120 crore

that will be fully utilized for the forest purpose.

The recovered NPV is at the rate of Rs 5.8 lakh per hectare to Rs 9.2 lakh per hectare depending upon the quantity and density of forest land diverted.

Rs 12 crore annual project also includes afforestation of 150 hectares across the state, which will amount to Rs 50-60 lakh.

“In both the divisions (North and South) 75 hectares government forest areas, which are degraded, will be afforested with only indigenous species,” official informed.

“The degradation can be attributed to natural calamities as well to human activities. The main aim is to enrich these pockets,” official said.

Apart from these two main projects, the annual plan also includes soil and water conservation, nursery plantation, wildlife management and development of sanctuaries.

Under CAMPA, the Goa government had formed three different committees- Governing Committee headed by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Star-

ring Committee led by Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava and the Executive Committee chaired by additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr Shashi Kumar.

The ambitious plan, which was prepared by the executive committee, was cleared by the starring committee in April, 2010.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report tabled during the Assembly session in March, 2010 had pointed out that the state forest department has loss interest of Rs 2.81 crore due to delay in recovery of NPV of forest land.

“The NPV of forest land amounting to Rs 21.61 crore for extension of mining leases granted to eleven companies were recovered after a delay of 22 months. The department delayed the issue of demand notices by almost 22 months and collected the above amount in October 2007 towards NPV on all those eleven mining leases, extended from June to December 2004. Thus leading to loss of interest,” the report said.

FROM PAGE 1 Police, journos were paid on my behalf to them by Sandeep Parab alias Kamin,” he claimed in his statement to the police.

While the accused levelled serious allegations against policemen as well as some journalists, it is now clear that the Crime Branch has not gone to the bottom of the case as pointed out by the High Court while granting the suspended police inspector

conditional bail.

That Crime Branch has failed to build a strong case against the accused is indicted from the statement of the Public Prosecutor that till date no evidence has been collected about disproportionate assets held by the applicant.

“It appears that the State is unwilling to hand over the investigations to an independent

agency like the CBI because more skeletons may tumble out from the cupboard of the Police drug dealers nexus,” Justice N A Britto pointed out in his order.

“Although, the allegations are very serious the case does not appear to have been seriously investigated at all,” observed Justice Britto while granting bail to the applicant.

of land acquired by the government and instant mutation by the mamlatdars in the record of rights by way of Rule 9 of the new mutation Rules.

Digital crop survey: The department has launched digital

crop survey which had not been carried out for the last sixteen years. Around 200 talatis have been trained to conduct digital survey through Netbook PC while earlier data was collected manually, said Vardhan.

This will include collecting information about area under crop, type of crop, dry land and wet land etc. For 2010, Kharif crop survey data collection and processing will be done digitally through Netbook PC.

State land records go online

Nadia’s hubby will have to wait ...

manufacture and fabricate certain things to nail down his client, but hastened that justice will finally prevail. “No reasons have been cited by the police for seeking long time to file the reply to the bail plea. We have no hesitation on this point. Let them take as much time as possible because truth will finally prevail,” Adv Naik said.

He reiterated his charge that

the police have been harassing him ever since he returned to Goa from Chennai with the body of his wife Nadia. “The police have been harassing him and his mother in law. When Winston was at Hospicio at the time of the second post mortem examination, the police barged into his house and forcibly took away his laptop and mobile,” Adv Naik charged.

“Why the police are after the blood of my client? There ought to be prima facie evidence about the involvement of my client (in the death of Nadia). We have no problem if the police issues summons to appear before the investigating officer for investigations, but certainly cannot barge into the house and lift the laptop and mobile phone,” Adv Naik asserted.

Man duped of Rs 5 lakh ...

Police further said when Kavlekar realized that he was taken for a ride, he filed a complaint against two women, Priya and Sunita. In his complaint, Kavlekar has also mentioned the

contact numbers through which he contacted the two women.

Ponda police PSI Nikhil Palekar is investigating the case further.

It may be recalled that in May last year, one Laxman Damle (39)

of Kasarpal-Bicholim was duped of Rs 1.7 lakh. In another similar incident, a person from CorlimTiswadi also fell prey to a similar prank after he was duped over Rs 85,000.

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GOA, FRIDAY, 4 JUNE, 2010

Crime Branch back in Salcete for Nadia probe HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 3

The Crime branch is back in Salcete – this time to probe into the mysterious death of the woman from Loutolim, Nadia Torrado.

For the sleuths of the Crime branch, however, this assignment is not something new, having taken charge of investigations into as many as three cases relating to the Colva police station – the Casino extortion case allegedly involving the Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco, the Calvert case and the Russian woman rape case allegedly involving John Fernandes.

Sleuths of the investigating agency made their presence felt in the South Goa district Court concerning the Nadia Torrado death case, hours after taking over investigations in the mysterious death of the Loutolim woman.

For the crime branch, this is the fourth time in recent times that they have been called upon to probe into criminal cases, beginning with the casino extortion case. The Crime branch,

however, is yet to cap investigations and file a chargesheet in this case.

Another case where the Crime branch was called upon to investigate was the infamous Russian woman rape case allegedly involving John Fernandes after Tourism Minister raised doubts over the investigations by the Colva police over allegations made by the Russian woman.

Investigations into the case, which hogged the limelight, after the Tourism Minister accused the local police for trying to shield accused John, stands completed with the Crime branch filing a charge sheet in the court of law.

Coincidentally, Crime branch officer, PI Sunita Sawant was seen in the district and Sessions court on Thursday not only because of the Nadia Torrado case, but also due to the scheduled hearing of the John case.

The third case which is still being investigated by the Crime branch pertains to Calvert following the release of the controversial Konkani CD Dogui Bodmas. The storm kicked up

by the CD left the government with no option than to hand over the case to the Crime branch.

Incidentally, while Crime Branch sleuths might be bracing up to do repeated rounds of Salcete in connection with the Nadia Torrado case – with the police department saying the woman died in suspicious circumstances – the local police have heaved a sigh of relief over the transfer of the case to the Crime branch.

Says a Police officer from Salcete: “There’s finally a big relief for all of us working in the Margao police sub division. The Nadia case was transferred to the Crime branch at the right time before the second summons was to go to the Tourism Minister”.

Meanwhile, the Maina Curtorim police has handed over the case papers concerning the case to the Crime branch late last night. PI Raju Raut Dessai has handed over the case papers to the Crime branch.He was believed to be closeted with the Crime branch sleuths later in the day.

Parrikar for CBI or IPS officer to probe Nadia’s death HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 3

Amid rumors that Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco will be dropped from the cabinet, the Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar has demanded that either the investigation into death of Nadia Torrado be handed over to CBI or senior IPS officer be appointed to take over the case.

Severely criticizing Chief Minister Digambar Kamat for his alleged “inaction” at a press conference on Thursday held at the Assembly Complex in Porvorim,

Bardez Mamlatdar denies issuing bogus ration cards HERALD CORREsPOnDEnT PORVORIM, JUNE 3

Bardez Mamlatdar Gaurish Shankhwalker has refuted allegations of the Pilerne Citizens Forum (PCF) that 92 ration cards issued in Pilerne-Marra village are bogus and maintained that the mamlatdar’s office had followed procedures while issuing ration cards.

Commenting on the issue of a ration card to Nitin Mistry, the mamlatdar clarified that Mistry had cancelled his ration card in Mumbai and had applied for a new ration card in Goa. “After receipt of the report from Talathi, he was issued a new ration card in 2008,” he said.

“The ration card of the Rajpurohit family was renewed in 2007 based on the old ration card and a notarized copy of

Police nab man from ten-rupee note gang HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 3

A loaded mini truck lost its balance on the Old Patto bridge; Panjim and fell on its side on Thursday afternoon.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

3 houses burgled HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 3

Unknown miscreants burgled three residential houses – two in Guirdolim and one in Khareband -- decamping with gold ornaments, cash and other items worth nearly Rs 2.5 lakh.

PSI Navlesh Desai of the Maina Curtorim police informed that the miscreants first burgled the house of one Shenvi and later targeted a neighbouring house.He said that the miscreants decamped with gold ornaments from both the houses, mostly comprising of bangles, finger rings and a bracelet.

Meanwhile, the Margao police are investigating into the complaint lodged by Asif Sheikh that unknown miscreants burgled into his flat at Khareband and decamped with gold ornaments, cash of Rs 17,000 and wrist watches. The incident took place when he was out of the flat from June 1.

CM inspects Sonsodo garbage site HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 3

In view of the fast approaching monsoons, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat visited Sonsodo on Thursday morning to take stock of the work carried out by Fomento at the site.

Accompanied byMMCChairperson Savio Coutinho, Chief Officer Y B Tawde and Fomento CEO Shridar Kamat, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing works at the site early Thursday morning.

It is learnt that the Chief Minster had no complaint on the ongoing work and is believed to have stated that Fomento would put all the things in place as per their commitment.

The Chief Minister is also believed to have inquired on the status of Concession agreement between the MMC and Fomento. Sources said the MMC Chairperson drew attention of the CM that Fomento is yet to return back to the Civic body the draft the concession agreement for ratification by the Council.

Fomento CEO Shridar Kamat explained to the Chief Minister the progress of work at the site, including the work on covering the site with tarpaulin and the drainage work. The CEO also told the CM that the plant and machinery will soon arrive at the site and work on the treatment plant would begin soon after monsoons.

Powar allays fears on admissions to higher secondaries HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 3

Deputy Director of Education Anil Powar on Thursday assured all students, including those who have passed the Secondary School Certificate exam after being awarded ATKT (allowed to keep term) in one and two subjects would get admissions to Higher Secondary schools.

This year 586 students were awarded ATKT in two subjects for the first time provided they scored an aggregate 40% in the remaining passed subjects. Another 427 were awarded ATKT in one subject thus taking the total of such students to 1,013.

Powar said as and when requests come from higher secondary schools for additional divisions or for increasing student capacity in each stream the

Education Department will take note and do the needful. There are total 76 higher secondary schools in Goa, he stated.

The Deputy Director said requests have started pouring in and after June 7 the day when HS schools begin things will be very clear. “So far requests for additional divisions have come from PES Higher Secondary, Ponda, Canacona Government HS and permission for additional students in each stream has come from Tukoba HS, Curchorem and Deep Vihar HS, Vasco,” he informed.

Powar said some of the HSS have not finalised their list. “We are expecting more such requests to come but in the end I can only assure all the students will be accommodated in the higher secondary schools,” he mentioned.

Parrikar said chief minister should order separate enquiry since the tourism minister has himself made the demand for judicial probe.

‘If the minister in the government doesn’t trust home ministry, how will common people trust police, “pointed out Parrikar.

The Tourism Minister in a letter to the chief minister on June 2, has complaint of harassment meted out to him and Nadia family’s by police.

“I wish to inform you that following such a weird and biased behaviour of the police authorities it is,

The Panjim police have nabbed a man using ten-rupee notes as bait to divert attention of car drivers, especially women, and then steal valuables from inside.

Over the last three days policemen in civilian clothes were deployed in places like Miramar, Dona Paula and KTC Bus Stand after several incidents of car thefts were reported.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer Deu Banavlikar said around four incidents of car thefts were reported from Miramar, Dona Paula (Jetty) and 18th June Road over the last three days and this had kept the police on toes.

Banavlikar said finally late Wednesday evening three constables and one Home Guard who were deployed on the 18th June Road saw one Jagan Krishna Gawda, 37, a native of Karnataka, trying to divert attention of a woman driver using ten-rupee notes and steal valuables from her car.

The SDPO said the police found ten-rupee notes in one of the trouser pockets of Jagan after he was caught. Apart from using ten-rupee notes as bait he also used to break open cars and steal valuables from inside.

He said the accused, who has been remanded to seven days police custody, had confessed he had woman members operating with him and they specifically targeted woman drivers.

the Leave and License Agreement produced by the Rajpurohit family, which they had entered into with the house owner,” added the mamlatdar.

“In the Leave and License agreement, one House No 105 has been mentioned and not two house numbers as claimed by the PCF,” he said.

“With regard to other 90 ration cards, the PCF has not mentioned the names of the ration card holders and hence I am unable to comment on their claims,” said Shankhwalker.

He further informed that he has not received any complaint from anybody regarding the issuance of bogus cards in Pilerne.

“The PCF should have verified the facts with the Mam a l a t d a r ’ s o f f i c e b e f o re approaching the media,” said Shankhwalker.

but natural, that I lose my faith on the uprightness of the police force,” he alleged asking the chief minister to institute a judicial inquiry by a retired high court judge to investigate impartially the death of his good friend.

Calling Kamat as “boneless , spineless and rudderless, “ Leader of the Opposition further said most of the ministers of Kamat are linked with some scam or the other.

Excise scam, drug scam, HSRP scam, rape scam, mining scam et al, have come to light yet there has been no action, he

said.

AbsEnTEE MinisTERs : Claiming most of the ministers of Kamat government are not available in their offices due to their frequent tours --nationally and internationally, Parrikar said, he said, would complaint to the Governor about this behaviour of ministers who have been disappearing without intimating the Governor and the chief minister.

He said, a minister should inform his government before leaving the State but this is normally not done and some times chief minister him-

self doesn’t know whereabouts of his ministers.

While he said a minister is eligible to take a break, in case of some ministers the frequency of their foreign tours is more than the others.

Official absence of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane was calculated to be 40 per cent whereas that of chief minister Kamat 27 per cent, he said.

The Opposition Leader along with other BJP leaders is expected to meet Governor on this issue somewhere early next week.

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S H O RT TA K E S GSACS blood donation

Tribunal okays polls to Mallikarjun Devasthan HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 3

CRF Goa Project Manager Sanjay Naik donates blood in the presence of doctors and other dignitaries.

CURCHOREM(HC): The Goa State Aids Control Society (GSACS) organized a month long programme of blood donation on the occasion of voluntary World Blood Donors Day in GSACS office.

The programme was inaugurated by GSACS Project Director Dr Pradeep Padwal in the presence of Laad, Newton Fernandes (finance officer), Dr Vijayraj Dessai (medical officer), technician Thomas, Quality Manager Suchitra and Dr Umakant Sawant.

Others doctors of blood bank were also present on the occasion. Over 25 people donated the blood.

Pratisthapana Day at Ponda

Administrative Tribunal, Goa, has declared elections of the managing committee of Shree Mallikarjun Devasthan, Gaondongrim, which was elected in a subsequent meeting following cancellation of the trouble marred first scheduled election process, as null and void.

In a judgment order passed in an appeal filed by one Amarnath Dessai of Gaondongrim against the election of the managing committee of Shree Mallikarjun Devasthan in the meeting held on February 21, the Administrative Tribunal first went through pros and cons of holding such an election scheduled earlier, but could not be completed due to civic problems, before deciding on the veracity of holding it on a fresh date.

“The appeal is allowed. The elections of the Managing Committee of Shree Mallikarjun Devasthan, the Respondent No 9, held on 21.2.2010 are declared as null and void,” states the order.

It may be recalled that on February 14, unrest broke near Shree Mallikarjun Temple, Gaondongrim, where election meeting was underway to elect a new managing committee for 2010-

GBEA to hold dharna today HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

The President of Shree Saunsthan Mahalaxmi, Dr A G K Dhakankar felicitating the the Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar. Also present are Secretary, Prakash V S Sangaonkar, Treasurer, Rajeev Kamat Helekar and Attorney, Prakash Bandare.

PANJIM(HND): The Annual Pratisthapana Day of Goddess Mahalaxmi was recently held at Shree Mahalaxmi Saunsthan, Bandora – Ponda, amidst pooja, kirthan programme and other functions.

On this auspicious occasion, the leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar was felicitated for his contribution to the State and also to the community.

Parrikar, in his acceptance speech while thanking the Saunsthan, stressed the need of good sanskars for the upbringing of children. He further advised the temple committee to takeup projects which will not only benefit the devotees but also people living in the surrounding areas.

The function was held in the presence of the Minister for Transport, Sudin Dhavalikar. The President of Mahalaxmi Saunsthan, Dr A G K Dhakankar welcomed, while the Secretary, Prakash V S Sangaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.

GSU BoDs elected

PANJIM(HND): Elections to the Board of Directors of The Goa State Union, Panjim was held recently. However, on the day of election, election was conducted only for two posts in Salary Earners Category, as other 10 posts for various other categories were declared un-opposed.

The following are the new Board of Directors elected under the leadership of Ramchandra Govind Naik Mule for the term of 2010-2015.

The newly elected Board of Directors and their constituencies are Ramchandra Govind Naik Mule (Seva Society), Raju Krishna Naik (Seva Society), Prabhakar Gauns (Seva Society), Sakha Nanda Malik (Seva Society), Vijaykant Vithoba Gaonkar and Vijaykumar Shankarrao Patil (Dairy Society), Narayan V Mandrekar (Consumer Society), Dr Datta Hari Bhat and Damodar Betu Naik (Salary Earners Society), Shrikant P Naik (Urban Coop Credit Society), Umesh B Shirodkar (Apex Urban Banks) and Ravindra Audienkar (Others).

Breakthrough for MBA aspirants at Suryadatta HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

Pune has been well known for the salubrious climate both for higher education and also IT and other fast growing industries apart from having a sophisticated Auto engineering base.

According to a press release, in Pune one of the most well known Management Institute is Suryadatta.

Education plays a very important role in life and when it comes to MBA, the right institution to obtain the PGDM makes a lot of difference. The persons who intend to achieve career goals always opt for Pune based institutions like Suryadatta, which has a carved a niche position in education sector.

Pune is known as Oxford of East and has the best educational facilities in India. It has been the Auto Capital and has grown as a major IT development center.

The growing hospitality and ITES sectors in Pune also provide the best job opportunities.

Suryadatta Institutes are amongst the top B-Schools in India and are ranked “A’ category BSchool in India for consecutive 6 years. Also Ranked amongst Top 50 B-Schools by Outlook (Sept’07), Top 10 B-Schools in Maharashtra

by Business World, in the year 2009.

Suryadatta prepares students for a successful corporate career The campus and the education-simulating ambience are

very important for students’ development, hence Suryadatta has developed a strikingly modern campus specifically designed to create unique proeducation environment in strategically located in Pune.

Other facilities such as canteen, indoor games, gym, aerobics hall, cafeteria, conference rooms GD & PI hall are available in the campus. Campus has wifi connectivity for students where the students and faculty remain connected anytime.

Suryadatta Institute of Business Management & Technology (SIBMT) & Suryadatta Institute of Management & Mass Communication (SIMMC), are approved by AICTE, Ministry of HRD Govt. of India., and offers High Value Added courses with Advanced Curriculum in fast growing sectors.

Participants should confirm on 098814 90036 / 094220 83909 / 09881259845 to appear for GD/PI to be held in Goa at Hotel Manvins, Municipal Garden/ Church Square, Panjim.

GD/PI will also be conducted at Admission Office at Pune.

SMS your name for GD/PI on 09422083909, 09881259845, 098814 90036, 097679 64334 or e-mail your details for appearing for GD / PI to simmc @ s u r y a d a t t a . o rg / s i b m t @suryadatta. org. For career guidance, contact: 098814 90036, adds the press release.

Goa Bank Employees Association has decided to hold a demonstration in front of Goa Urban Co¬operative Bank Head Office at Panjim on June 4 at 5 pm, to demand revocation of mass transfer orders issued to lady employees to victimize them for participating in the five day strike to demand wage rise from 2003.

The Association has decided to hold similar demonstrations in front of bank branches all over the State.

According to a press release, the executive committee meeting of the Association held at Panjim recently unanimously resolved that the management of Goa Urban Co-operative Bank should immediately extend the Basic Pay and Dearness Allowance of nationalized banks to the their employees as per settlement in the Bank dated June 27, 2001.

The Association also resolved that the management of the bank should immediately revoke the mass transfer of lady employees done by the bank.

The Association has resolved to take all legal steps as well as organizational steps to ensure that the management stops harassing and exploiting them.

The Association has extended full support to the call for indefinite strike given by Goa Urban Cooperative Bank Employees Union w.e.f.

August 1, 2010 in support of their demand of early settlement of their Charter of Demands pending since 2003, adds the press release.

12 along with several other Devalayas all over the State.

With few Mahajans revolting in the meeting, it was alleged that Shree Mallikarjun Devalaya, Gaondongrim, President Amarnath Dessai was assaulted despite presence of police force led by than Canacona PI Suraj Halarnkar, leading to non-completion of the election process.

Later, with the intervention of Canacona Mamlatdar, who incidentally is also the administrator of Devalaya, a new committee was elected in a subsequent meeting held on February 21.

Even as Article 38 and 40 of Devasthan Regulations contemplate ordinary and extra-ordinary meeting sessions, authority to order the same rests with the managing committee or administrator, as the case may be by following certain procedures, the role played by observer one S N Bhat, where he reported having directed members of Shree Mallikarjun Devalaya to appear before the Administrator of Devalayas on February 16 has been questioned by the Tribunal.

“There is no provision in the Devasthan regulations empowering the person sent as observer to give such a direction to members,” stated the Tribunal.

The Tribunal observed that fixing day February 21 by Administrator for elections for managing committee of Shri Mallikarjun Devalaya is bad in law, as it was fixed on the report of the observer and without publication of notice in neither government gazette nor displaying it on temple door as required by law.

The appeal was filed against Fachdo alias Ashok B Velip, Janu Velip, Vithoba Gaonkar, Pravin N Dessai, Barkelo P Velip, Prabhakar Y Gaonkar, Ashok A Velip, Nagesh P Velip (all residents of Gaondongrim), Shri Mallikarjun Devasthan, Gaondongrim, and The Administrator/Mamlatdar, Canacona.

In the elections held on February 21, which are declared as null and void by Administrative Tribunal, Ashok Velip was elected president of Shri Mallikarjun Devalaya, while Janu Velip, Vithoba Gaonkar and Adv Praveen Naik Dessai were appointed as secretary, treasurer and attorney respectively.

Sources informed that Velip community members who reportedly outnumber Dessai Community as Mahajans of Shri Mallikarjun Devalaya, Gaondongrim, are over the years attempting to wrest control of the temple affairs in the village.

The Government of Goa has geared up its machinery to meet any incidence of natural calamity arising on the onset of monsoons. The Deputy Collectors and Mamlatdars in all the talukas have been asked to prepare action plan for Disaster Management in their areas so also to set up natural calamity Control rooms at taluka headquarters which would be open 24 hours for service.

In line with the guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority, the Incident Command System amongst the line Departments for Disaster Management Emergency has also been prepared.

According to a press release, the Chief Officers of all Municipalities, Block Development Off i c e r s , Wa t e r Re s o u r c e s Department have already been cleaning and clearing drains while the Director of Panchayats has been asked to identify the landslide prone areas and ensure proper drainage of rain water.

A special attention has been given to the areas where flash floods were occurred last year particularly in Canacona where special steps were initiated to avoid any major loss in case of any calamity during this rainy season.

The District Administration has set up Control Rooms which will

upcOMing EvEnTS

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

PANJIM(HND): Indian Medical Association(IMA) Margao branch in association with Goa State IMA will be organizing the annual state level MIMA CME on June 5 at Nanu Beach Resort, Betalbatim from 3 pm onwards. The CME will comprise of 3 lectures on the theme ‘Anaesthesia and Critical Care.’ The distinguished speakers will be from Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Dr J V Divatia, chief of critical care at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai will deliver the late Dr Ramesh Sanzgiri Memorial Oration lecture entitled ‘Intensive Care Unit Admission: When, Why and What next?.” This will be followed by a lecture on ‘pain relief in labour: different options’ by Dr Sunil Pandya from Hyderabad. To conclude, Dr Mayur Patel, from Mumbai will present ‘ICU clinical pearls.’

Interested doctors can contact the organizing secretary Dr Govind Desai on 9637889501 for details and registration.

The IPA Provedoria is a charitable institution under the control of Government of Goa, which Provides various service to the poor and weaker sections of Goan society. One of the services provided is shelter to children.

The centre at Goa Velha caters to the girl child of the following categories: Orphans and abandoned children without parents having no near relations to look after them. Children in single parent families such as where the husband has died or children have to be looked after by the mother due to long imprisonment of husband or vice-versa.

Children whose parents are unable to take care due to sickness.

A child having both parents but where the family atmosphere is not conducive to the proper development of the child due to divorce or desertion or drunkenness or extreme poverty of the parents.

This Centre has a capacity to house around 40 children, where food, shelter, clothing, medical facilities are provided.

In case of children other than orphans, the parent or guardian of the child may be required to contribute for he maintenance according to the financial position of the family.

Govt extending financial help to weaker sections: CM

IMA to organise CME

Blood donation camp

PANJIM(HND): Lions Club of Chinchinim in collaboration with Parish Youth Association of Chinchinim will organize blood donation camp on June 6 from 9 am to 12 noon at Dr Nagzarkar’s hospital, Chinchinim.

Lion Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Minister for Water Resources has consented to inaugurate the camp.

The Club and Youth Association members request the villagers of Chinchinim to come forward to donate blood.

Children’s Film Festival

PANJIM(HND): Entertainment Society of Goa will be organizing a Children's Film Festival on June 5 and 6. The festival's inaugural ceremony will take place on June 5 and 6 at 3 pm at the Maquinez Palace, Panjim. Simultaneous screenings are being held at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

As part of the festival, various student toppers and achievers will be felicitated.

CMEs at GMC

PANJIM(HND): The Medical Education Cell of Goa Medical College, Bambolim will be organising two CME ( Continuing Medical Education) Programmes in the GMC library auditorium The first CME programme will be held on June 11 at 3 pm where Dr Mahesh Gaitonde Assistant Professor, Division of Urology and Co- Director Endourology, Laproscopic and Robotic Surgery Fellowship Programme, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA will speak on the topic ‘kidney sparing management of renal tumors - making a case to save the nephrons.

Dr Mahesh Gaitonde is an Alumini of Goa Medical College.

The second CME programme will be held on June 18 at 3 pm. Dr Francisco Colaco, Consultant Echocardiographer will speak on left atrium- the fascinating heart chamber. Dr Colaco also an alumni of Escola Medical Cirurgica de Goa will also conduct a workshop in Echocardiography on June 18 at 10 am at GMC. These CMEs are coordinated by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto and Dr V N Jindal and open to all doctors. The Goa Medical Council has given CME accreditation to both the CMEs, says a press release.

Seminary Year at Pilar

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat distributing cheques to the beneficiaries of ‘Ashray Adhar Scheme’ of Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Ltd, at function held at Panjim.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat disbursed cheques amounting to Rs 40 lakh to about 95 beneficiaries for house repairs under 'Ashray Adhar’ scheme of Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Ltd (GSSTFDC) at a function held in the city on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat congratulated the Corporation

and its Board Members for extending benefits to weaker sections of society. The Government is extending financial help to the weaker sections to raise their living standards.

Speaking further Kamat said, the Government's Bal Rath Yojana has benefited the students from weaker sections of the society. The government is considering the implementation of this scheme to Government schools in villages, he added.

Chairman of the Corporation,

Govt gears up machinery to tackle monsoon fury HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

IPA Provedoria’s efforts to help girl child

function for all seven days in a week and are open for all 24 hours.

The control rooms are opened in the district headquarters as well as taluka headquarters.

The South Goa District Administration has implemented a unique computer system designed by NIC which is a web based application developed to report daily natural calamity the details on rain, floods, houses damaged and crop loss by the taluka level offices on daily basis are being collected. It has features such as reporting daily natural calamity details in specific proforma by the Government and generate daily reports, making available contact details of the offices and officials involved in Disaster Management, making available letters, circulars and instructions to the officials, making available Disaster Management Plan and integration of this system with SMS. The South Goa Collectorate has drafted a detail District Disaster Management plan, off site emergency management plan and the flood management plan to meet any eventuality in the natural calamity.

The Disaster Management Act 2005 has also provision to establish two types of fund. Response Fund and Mitigation of Disaster Fund besides, the District Administration has also powers to appoint Geologist to assist to assess the administra-

tion on all vulnerability of certain land for flooding very often.

The Government of Goa has also set up control rooms at the Secretariat, Porvorim which will function for 24 hours including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

The control rooms will have to give immediate and quick response and organize necessary relief measures for the people in distress. There will be special officers posted in the control room to meet any eventuality.

The North Goa Collector Mihir Vardan is also initiating similar measures, in North Goa, adds the press release.

Dhaku Madkaikar welcomed the gathering and requested the government to give communidade land to ST families in Goa for construction of houses.

Luis Alex Cardoz, Director was also present on the occasion. Anthony D'Souza, Managing Director also spoke on the occasion.

Prakash Velip, one of the Director of Corporation compered the function, while Naresh Gaude, Vice Chairman proposed the vote of thanks.

M Suresh takes charge as Commissioner of Customs HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

M Suresh has taken over the charge of Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise and Service

Agonda Sarpanch polls on June 7 HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 3

Agonda will get a new sarpanch on Monday, as the panchayat is reported to have received a communiqué from the Director of Panchayat to elect the sarpanch

by June 7.

It may be recalled that at present Deputy Sarpanch Gulshan Guru Bandekar is holding the charge of sarpanch, after Jovi Fernandes resigned from the post citing personal reasons.

According to reliable sources, the panchayat is already in receipt of a communiqué from Director of Panchayat to elect a new sarpanch to the Agonda panchayat by June 7.

Tax, Goa recently.

He is a Group 'A' Officer of 1977 batch, IRS (Indian Revenue Services - Customs and Central Excise). He has held important posts such as Additional Director - Director General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), South Zone, Additional Director General - Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), Delhi Zonal unit and Commissioner - Central Excise, Madurai and Bhubneshwar.

He has received All India Samman Award in 1998 and Presid e n t ' s a w a rd i n 2 0 0 0 f o r specially distinguished service and devotion to duty, says a press release

PANJIM(HND): Pilar Theological College will be organising the inauguration of the Seminary Year 2010-11 on June 11.

The Eucharist celebration will be presided over by Archbishop Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao. Conferral of Ministries of Lector and Acolyte will be held at 4 pm. The inaugural lecture by Fr Kyriel D’Souza, sfx on ‘Priest – A Steward of Community’ will be held at 5:30 pm. Fr Jacob Theckanath (ex.Sec FABC-OE) will be the moderator. The function will be followed by dinner at 7 pm, says a press release.

Debate on DD

PANJIM(HND): Doordarshan will telecast on June 4 between 6 pm to 8 pm a debate on ‘the bright and dark side of activism in Goa.’ Power Minister, Alexio Sequeira, MLAs Francisco D Souza and Deepak Dhavalikar, ex Saligao MLA Dr Wilfred De Souza, ex Pernem MLA Jeetendra Deshprabhu, ex-Cortalim MLA Mathany Saldanha will participate in the debate. Juino De Souza will host the debate. The programme is produced

by Cypriano Lopes, Programme Executive Doordarshan, says a press release.

Dr Mahale Asmitai award to Shetgaonkar HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

Asmitai Pratishthan has chosen Laxmikant Shetgaonkar for Dr Kashinath Mahale Asmitai Award of 2010. This award will be presented to Shetgaonkar for his exceptional achievement in bringing honour to Konkani language and culture in the sphere of cinema. ‘Paltadcho Munis’ a Konkani film directed by him won Critics’ Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and the film was invited to prestigious international film festivals like Hong Kong, Cairo, Mumbai, etc.

Asmitai Pratishthan is a public charitable trust dedicated to the service of Konkani language, literature and culture.

One of its activities is to present Dr Kashinath Mahale Asmitai Award for meritorious service to Konkani language, literature or culture in any sphere of life.

According to a press release, Shetgaonkar, even at young age, has struggled hard in the field of theatre and cinema and has shown exceptional talent in the field of art films. He studied theatre in Goa and as a teacheractor at the National School of Drama in New Delhi, he was exposed to international cinema which captivated him. He then ventured to direct art films. His

short film ‘A Seaside Story’ received national awards and he, as a director, received the Golden Conch for best fiction at Mumbai International Film Festival. He has also produced documentaries on sensitive local issues. ‘Paltadcho Munis’ had

the honour of being the opening film in the Indian Panorama section at the 2009 IFFI. Mr Shetgaonkar has been honoured by the Government of Goa for his achievements. He has also received awards and honours from several other institutions.

Dr Mahale Asmitai Award carries a cash prize of Rs10,000, a memento and a shawl. The award will be presented to Shetgaonkar at a special function to be held on June 8 at 5: 30 pm at the conference hall of Rabindra Bhavan at Margao.

POWER SHUTDOWN JUNE 4 MAPUSA: Between 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Bodgini, Navtara Hotel, Parra, Agnimorod, Parra tower, Jakni waddo, Arradi, Verla, Canca, Brittowado, Saliswado, Lingabhat, Lobowado, Fondacwaddo, Freitaswado and surrounding areas.

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GOA, fridAy, 4 june, 2010

ICAR to use green foliage Tourism season over, but temporary for growing organic rice structures in Canacona still stand tall HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 3

The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), Old Goa, has been experimenting to grow organic rice by using green foliage as an alternate for chemical fertilisers.

If their experiment bears fruit it would mean farmers can cultivate paddy without relying on chemical fertilisers but at the same also double their profitability.

“Any kind of organic product enjoys niche market and even if farmers are not able to attain certification for their rice cultivated organically, they will still be able to command fairly high price,” says a scientist at ICAR. Any organic product has to have certification from a recognised organisation before it can be marketed or fit to be exported as an organic product.

The ICAR has started organic rice cultivation by using local weeds in lieu of chemical fer-

tilisers.

Eupatorium, commonly known as Congress weed is an untenable lot and known to have no use. But ICAR scientists have found that it can be effectively used as manure.

Used in equal proportion along with green leaf manure (glyricidea) ten-fifteen days before transplanting of rice, it’s effect is equivalent to application of fertiliser.

However, ICAR wants fourfive years more years before it makes it claim that weeds can be used in place of fertilisers for organic cultivation of rice.

“We want to have thorough study and experiment with different varieties of paddy before we go public with our results, “said the scientist.

Cultivation in Khazan land: The ICAR has also been studying how best Khazan land can be used for paddy cultivation by stabilising salinity level.

About 18000 hectors of area is covered by khazan land in

the State where local varieties of paddy namely Korgut and Azgo are grown.

With minimal or absolutely zero usage of chemical fertilisers in khazan land –taste of rice is unique and as result, it is highly in demand.

ICAR scientists are now experimenting to maintain salinity of khazan land at certain level through integrated nutrient management by application of organic manures along with regular fertilisers. Cow dung, green manure are being used in the test conducted at Ribandar and Chodan areas, said the scientist.

Two new varieties of rice such as CSR -27 and Vikash that are considered to be salt tolerant, were tested and found to be giving more output as compared to Korgut and Azgo.

Korgut and Azgo give yield less than two ton per hector where as new varieties give yield about 4 ton per hector.

Construction of Betim govt school shows no sign of completion HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 3

The construction of four rooms of Government High School at Alto Betim is going on at a snail pace.

It may be recalled that the construction work, which was started in April 2009, was expected to be completed within six months, but the work is yet to be completed by PWD. Since the existing space in Government High School was insufficient for conducting all the classes, the school for the last five years was conducting classes of Std VI and VII in the building of State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT), which is opposite to the school.

The students and teachers have to cross the road to proceed to the SCERT building, which creates a lot of inconvenience for them. Hence, the Directorate of Education recommended construction of additional four rooms for Government High School so that all the classes are conducted in one building.

However, since the construction of four rooms is yet to be completed, this year too the school will have to conduct the

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 3

Having May gone-by, 2009-10 tourism season officially came to an end, but will all the temporary structures permitted by local bodies go as per one of the prime conditions that the temporary licensed structures should restore beach shores back to its normal self?

Serious doubts are being raised locally in several quarters and if one consider the beeline structures dotting Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) beaches, people’s suspicions seems to be not all-together hollow, with many already having stopped tourism trade have preferred to simply cover their temporary structures rather than demolish them totally under the license conditions.

They say suspicion is not because of concerned authorities’ incapability, but rather questions arise whether local strong politicians, eyeing the municipal elections soon after the monsoons, will actually allow the authorities to act on such defaulters.

If sources are to be believed,

DTE receives 2,453 forms for professional degree courses HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 3

Construction of four rooms in progress at Government High School, Alto Betim.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

two classes in the SCERT building.

Since there is heavy vehicular traffic on the road opposite the school, Government High School in July 2008 had written a letter to PWD chief engineer to lay speed breaker on the road proceeding towards District Institute of Education and Training, but no action has been taken yet.

Speaking to Herald, Government High School Headmaster Sheilesh Zingade said last year, three students met with acci-

dents while crossing the road to attend their classes in the SCERT building.

“When accident occurs, the teachers are impelled to leave their work and take the students to the nearest medical dispensary or the hospital depending upon the gravity of injuries,” said Zingade.

“It is for this reason, school and parents had sent several letters to the PWD and the deputy collector to lay speed breaker near the school, but in vain,” added Zingade.

Adapt to environment-friendly technology, industries urged

The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Porvorim, has received 2,453 applications for professional degree courses.

Out of 1,136 seats, 100 seats are for MBBS course, BDS (40), BHMS (50), BArch (30), BPharm Sc (126) and the remaining 790 seats for engineering degree courses. Last year, the DTE had received 2,254 applications.

Speaking to Herald, Assistant Director Neena Naik said the eligibility list of the applicants will be finalised by June 18 and the provisional merit list will be released by June 24.

“The admission for degrees courses will begin from June 28,” said Naik.

The fees for professional degree courses 2010-11 have been revised upward by government institutions. The total fees for Medicine/Dentistry course has been raised to Rs 21,300 which includes admission fee of Rs 700, tuition fee (per semester) Rs 17,500, institutional fee Rs 1,600 and development fee (per semester) Rs 1,500.

Similarly, the fees for engineering degree and Arch/Pharmacy courses have been revised to Rs 12,100 and Rs 12,200 respectively.

Retired teacher wins education award HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JUNE 3

Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginald Lourenco inaugurates national awareness workshop on ‘Energy Efficiency Improvement in Steel Re-Rolling Mill’.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JUNE 3

Advising industries to adapt environment-friendly technology, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginald Lourenco has highlighted the need for such technology especially for the State.

He was addressing a workshop organized by the Project Management Cell of UNDP/GEF – Project (Steel), Ministry of Steel, at Bogmalo Beach Resort.

Officials, entrepreneurs, consultants and equipment manufacturer from the steel sector had come together during the one-day national awareness workshop on ‘Removal of barriers to Energy Efficiency Improvement in Steel Re-rolling Mill Sector’.

The aim of the project is to increase end use Energy Efficiency of the Steel Re-rolling Mill (SRRM) sector and to re-

duce associated emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and related pollutant levels.

In his address, UNDP official Dr S N Srinivas outlined the framework of the project.

The Project (Steel), Project Management Cell (PMC) Govind Mishra presented the progress of the project and informed the house about significant milestone achieved by PMC. The project has been commissioned jointly by UNDP, the implementation agency for Global Environment Facility (GEF) in India and the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, as the National Executing Agency.

Delegates from steel sector made a presentation on various aspects of energy conservation and it was concluded that upto 41 per cent of fuel could be saved in reheating furnaces by adopting

better technology and operating standards.

The topics presented technological interventions like pulverized coal firing system, Oxy fuel fire system, Water Immulsion Technology in Furnace Oil, Biomass Gasification System, etc.

Officials, entrepreneurs, consultants and equipment manufacturers from the steel sector have felt that drastic action on implementation of energy conservation measures are required in the steel re-rolling mills sector not only for the survival of the industry, but also critical to meeting voluntary energy intensity mitigation target offered by India in Copenhagen Summit.

G Madan, Manjunath, Mahendra, Shail Khurana, Ravi Deka, S K Atri, Sharma, Naveen Goyal and Deepak Zade made presentations at the workshop.

Budan Shaikh

Budan Shaikh, a retired teacher from Vasco, was recently conferred with the Mahatma Fule Talent Research National Award in the field of education.

The award was conferred

by Mahatma Fule Talent Research Academy, Nagpur, Maharastra.

Shaikh, who is known in the field of education and social work with his dedicated service to dalits, poor and needy people in Vasco, was earlier awarded with a number of awards by the State government and Non-government Organizations.

Expressing gratitude at receiving the award, Shaikh said the award has increased his responsibility to work in the society and he desires to create awareness about education and its importance among the poor children.

municipal elections in the State are reportedly scheduled in the last week of October, the period considered as commencement of new tourism season in the State.

The temporary licenses issued by CMC for various shacks, restaurants, huts, kiosks, etc, has up to June 15 (as grace period) to restore their respective lands, where temporary structures are erected.

If sources are to be believed, in previous years, 80% of the temporary structures used to go before May ends, but this is not the case during this season.

This year, with less than 14 days to go, only few have gone for actual dismantling and demolitions, but several temporarily permitted structures on Palolem, Patnem and Colomb beaches are reportedly closed and covered so as to protect it from rains.

Sources informed that the general feeling is: “No one will come to bother or force us to demolish our temporary structures, as we don’t think any politician will risk permitting

the municipal authorities to act strictly this year, as the elections are near.”

An outstation businessman engaged locally in tourism trade said: “We expect to avoid expenses of dismantling this year and assembling for the coming season of the structures we erected on rented places to carry our tourism trade. Besides, we expect to be ready even before time when the next tourism season commences.”

A local speaking on condition of anonymity said: “Neither sitting councilors nor aspiring candidates and their respective agents will prefer to hurt any of their voters by allowing civic authorities to have their way in tackling illegalities by demolishing any standing temporary structures beyond the grace period.”

When asked for his comments over the general perception residents are suspecting, CMC Chairperson Shamsunder Dessai asked: “How it is possible.”

“The council has permitted temporary structures to carry tourism trade and once the li-

BITS Pilani to host ‘NACLIN 2010’ HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JUNE 3

The four-day 13th National Convention on Knowledge, Library and Information Networking ‘NACLIN 2010’ will be conducted at BITS Pilani K K Birla, Goa Campus, from June 15.

The convention will be organized in association with the Developing Library Network (DELNET), which has its headquarters in Delhi. The theme of the convention is ‘Revitalizing Libraries in a Global Village High End Technologies and Resource Management’.

The convention will discuss various aspects of modernizing libraries including Digital Resources, Library Consortia, Open Access, Web Ontology, Library Networking, International Standards, Digital Preservation, Archiving, Copyright and IPR, International Cooperation, Modernising Library Education Curriculum, etc.

The four-day convention will be presented by experts from Library and Information Sci-

ence, Knowledge Management, Information Management, Information Technology, Media and Content Management.

Participants will include people from various parts of India and abroad. The first two days of the conference will have tutorials on ‘Institutional Repositories’ and ‘Open Source Library Management Software’.

All India Council for Technical Education acting Chairman Prof S S Mantha will inaugurate the convention.

BITS Pilani Vice Chancellor Prof L K Maheshwari, BITS Pilani, Goa Campus, Director Prof K E Raman, Director, Dr H K Kaul of DELNET and others will attend the convention. This is for the first time that the conference of its kind, which extensively deals with the modernization of libraries, is being held in Goa. For more details of convention, visit www.naclin.org. or Anuradha, Librarian, BITS Pilani, K K Birla, Goa Campus.

Law students agitated over move to increase subjects PANJIM (HND): Agitated over the sudden decision of increasing the number of subjects in the final year from 8 to l4, a delegation of students from G R Kare College of Law and V M Salgaonkar College of Law submitted a memorandum to the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Goa University.

The students have threatened not to take admission till the issue is resolved. The affected students have also decided to follow up the matter from the beginning of next

week onwards.

The sudden decision of the Goa University has spread panic among hundreds of students who have entered the final year of this course. The college administration as well as the University kept silent on this issue and made it known to the students only at the time of admission.

The delegation of affected students was led by Siddhi Usgaonkar and also comprised of Iron Santimano, Krishna Dessai, Sonia Dessai and Anisa Vaz.

cense period is over these structures should go. Besides, it is not the concerned councilors or politicians, but the authorities should act against any such defaulters,” said Dessai.

“There is no way that politicians or any councilor can have upper hand in dictating administration on pros and cons of such illegality, except that the land should be restored back to normal self once the license period is over,” Dessai told Herald.

First Aid course at Chandor MARGAO (HR): Ganv Bhavancho Ekvott, in collaboration with St John’s Ambulance Association will conduct a course on First Aid at St Joseph’s Educational Institute, Chandor over a period of three days.

The course will commence at 9 am on June 6 and subsequent classes will be held on June 12 with the exams being conducted on June 20. A nominal fee of Rs 500 per participant will be charged by GBE to cover its costs. Those interested in participating may contact GBE President Rui da Silva, General Secretary Julio D’Silva or Project Manager Darwin Cardozo.

HE RA LD GOA, FRIDAY, 4 JUNE, 2010

Pg7 2009 arms seizure case: Samad’s bail plea opposed PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 3

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Thursday o p p o sed the bail p l ea o f Abdul Samad Bhatkal, arrested in the 2009 illegal arms seizure case.

Samad, who has been sent to 14-day judicial custody, had approached the sessions court seeking bail in connection with the arms case on the grounds that there were no serious allegations against him.

He is also a suspect in the February 13 Pune blast case.

The ATS, which arrested Samad on May 25 from Mangalore airport, has opposed the plea stating that the investigation in the arms case was still on and releasing Samad on bail would not be safe.

According to ATS, Samad is a close aide of gangster Chota Shakeel and had supplied firearms to three other persons, who were arrested in August last year.

"The remaining three accused in the arms case are out on bail. So, on grounds of parity even Samad should be granted bail. Moreover, if his name had figured in the case last year itself, why did ATS wait for a year before arresting him. He has been falsely implicated," Samad's lawyer Mubin Solkar said.

Court would hear arguments on the bail plea on June 9.

Soon after his arrest, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had said that Samad was a prime suspect in the German Bakery blast that left 17 persons dead.

However, ATS has till now not booked Samad in the Pune blast case.

Prayer meet to condole Shekhawat’s death HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, JUNE 3

Former Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who died at 87 last month, was remembered at a condolence meeting with "Bhajans" at his residence at 31, Aurangzeb Road that he occupied after completing his tenure as the vice-president.

Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who succeeded him, as also Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, BJP stalwart Lal Krishna Advani, BJP president Nitin Gadkari, union minister Fa ro o q A b d u l l a h , f o r m e r Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala and Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit were among those who attended the prayer meeting.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje and former union minister Digvijay Singh were at the gate receiving all.

Two civilian officers of Air Force arrested HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, JUNE 3

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two civilian engineers of the Indian Air Force working at Nashik on the charge of taking a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a contractor to clear his running bill payments.

On the complaint of the contractor that an assistant garrison engineer and a junior engineer were demanding bribe of Rs 70,000, the CBI laid the trap and caught both red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from him at Nashik.

In another case, the CBI arrested an assistant commissioner and an inspector of the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), Vapi (Gujarat) for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a factory owner as illegal gratification to dispose off notice for non-deposit of the provident fund money.

The owner complained to the CBI when the duo frequently called him to the inspector's office and demanded irrelevant records on his refusal to pay the bribe of Rs 75,000 they sought.

The CBI laid the trap and caught red-handed the inspector taking the bribe of Rs 30,000 on behalf of himself and the assistant commissioner at a Dadra resort in Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

OHERALDO

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OPINION

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Goa’s Coastline Struggles To Survive

Vol No CX No: 144 Goa, Friday 4 June, 2010

Impartiality of investigations

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Visionless governments in Goa have allowed the destruction of our beautiful state writes DR. Joe D’SoUSA

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e have not learnt any lessons from the story of the camel in the Arab tent. Migrants, agencies like the Army and Navy as well as the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) are taking over Goa. Ravi Naik’s blunder – showing pseudo-patriotism by gifting Anjadiv island for the Seabird Naval Base project and getting absolutely nothing in a return for Goans except insults from the army installations in the heart of Panjim city should not be repeated in the case of MPT’s controversial expansion programme.

The MPT authorities are destroying Goa’s coastal ecology, environment and economy in the garb of sectoral pseudo-development that is against the interests of the future generation of Goans. Goa’s politicians must not fall prey to the wiles of MPT Chairman Praveen Agarwal, who’s interest is solely to acquire ‘port-prosperity’.

At an annual press meet in April last, I had requested Praveen Agarwal for all the environment impact assessment reports of his ambitious expansion projects. He readily agreed and directed his subordinates to hand them over within a week. Two months down the line, nothing seems to be forthcoming. My fears that the MPT is planning an ambitious destruction of the Goan coastline and its beaches without taking into account the long term interest of Goa and Goans are becoming a reality.

The expansion of the port by 12 lakh sq metres for additional facilities for bulk cargo handling, ship building facilities, marina, dry docks, graving docks, cruise terminals, ferry terminals and mooring dolphins, would only encourage massive unskilled migration into Goa. Successive governments in Goa have failed to realise that the more MPT is allowed to grow, less and less of our beaches will survive. Studies telecast by NDTV a few months ago have clearly depicted that the expansion of ports leads to erosion of beaches and ‘accretion of sand’ in rocky shores around these man made structures.

This will adversely affect Goa’s beach tourism.

Haphazard mining is already destroying Goa’s ecology and economy. It is making Goa a waterdeficient state, as mining in Goa is below the water table. MPT accelerates this destruction of Goa by acting as the catalyst responsible for exporting 40 million tonnes of iron ore each year.

far as Arambol in the North and Poinguinim in the South. Skin cancers and other physiological ailments, owing to the growth in tar balls that result from surreptitious release of spent fuel and lubricants by ships in the MPT command area should be our concern.

It is high time that the local government constitutes a committee of environmentalists, scientists and alert citizenry to inspect the MPT’s new plans and alert the government if they are detrimental to the coastal ecology and the sustainability of our economy. It is more than likely that the changing face of the Mormugao Port as it expands will have adverse consequences on our marine ecosystem.

Over the last few years, the MPT has quietly built three giant ‘mooring dolphins’ in Goan waters off the port berths, to handle increasing cargo and ship berthing. These man-made structures further extend MPT’s activities, both inland and into the sea.

To taunt the state government, Praveen Agarwal has raised the issue of the grounded ship River Princess, which has been slowly eroding a part of the beach at Sinquerim. But, if the MPT’s Baina Bay project is implemented, it would instantly concretise the entire Baina Beach, which would completely vanish in a stroke. Besides, it would destroy the beautiful Pequeno Island, which should be a nature reserve, adversely affect the sea current flow, cause massive erosion, alter the denudation and deposition patterns along our coasts and, with time, force many more of our beautiful beaches to be washed away and vanish.

The Goa government seems likely to allow the MPT’s mindless expansion through the tacit blessings of a few individuals at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). Through default, the NIO may seem to bless the ambitious MPT expansion, preparing the short term environmental assessment reports that allow funds, fees and freebies to a handful of individuals. That one Capt Mehta – notoriously known to cause the wanton destruction of mangroves exposed by Herald recently – is tacitly involved with certain individuals from the surveyors group of NIO responsible for mapping of the Goan coastline HTL project is a closely guarded secret. This is worthy of investigation

by Goan environmentalists.

Would Goans care to listen and act?

hen police personnel charged with the solemn duty of stopping the trade in deadly narcotics are themselves accused of being drug dealers that recycle seized illegal substances, it is a case that merits special attention. But the completely lackadaisical stance taken by the Goa Police in the case of Police Inspector Ashish Shirodkar, who on Wednesday obtained bail from the High Court, indicates that a cover-up is in progress rather than an investigation.

In fact, media reports say that during the course of the hearing, the honourable Justices of the High Court of Bombay at Goa questioned the state government’s unwillingness to hand over the probe into the police-drug dealer nexus to an independent investigating agency like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)!

A police inspector, a sub-inspector, a head constable and four police constables are in the dock here, and an investigation is supposedly in progress into their dealings with drug peddlers.

This investigation is being conducted by a deputy superintendent of police (DySP) from the state’s Crime Branch. We are asked to RitiCAl onCeRnS believe that it will be impartial, thorough and fair.

This reduces the Earth’s water holding capacity, opment of our society.

It could have been so, if the Crime Branch and the other as iron ores aquifers retain and supply water in Goa is used by Israeli defence personnel for branches of the Goa Police were two watertight compartments. the form of fresh water springs and streams. rest and relaxation (R&R) after a strenuous mandaBut that is not so. Personnel in the Crime Branch have no special The ambitious growth plans of handling larger tory stint in the Army. MPT now wants to create qualifications, training or status. The posts are completely and quantities of coke from the present 5.61 million port facilities for the docking of American ships, freely interchangeable with other departments. Personnel can tonnes would steadily make Goa into a ‘black so US military personnel can get R&R. From the be and are frequently and regularly transferred between police state’ full of coke dust and tar balls. Presently, Philippines, Thailand and even Okinawa in Japan, station duties, administrative duties, Crime Branch duties as only Vasco-ites are shouting themselves hoarse we know what sex-starved US military personnel well as ‘punishment postings’ like training duties or reserve about the respiratory problems caused by coal have done to their culture and morality. Praveen police duties. How, then, is the Crime Branch in any way qualified dust. The four- or six-laning of Goa’s roads with Agarwal is a non-Goan. He cares two hoots about easy access to the MPT would allow dissemination what happens to Goa and Goans, once hordes of to conduct an ‘impartial’ investigation in this matter? On the of coal and coke dust across the length and breath US soldiers come to Goa for R&R. contrary, there is a potential ‘conflict of interest’ involved. of Goa. What former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar The sluggish and quixotic course of the ongoing investigation MPT’s expansion plans are likely to destroy sought to destroy in Baina, Praveen Agarwal seeks seems to suggest that the entire objective is to ensure that it fragile areas, massive displacement of population, to bring back. MPT alone would benefit. Baina fails. The way the Crime Branch arrested alleged drug dealer affecting Goa’s demography, as well as cause mas- would be forever closed to Goans, except those Atala first and the police personnel only later has damaged the sive dust and air and sea pollution, affecting who would like to pimp and prostitute before strength of the prosecution. Now, unless one of them agrees to tourist activities along the northern and southern cash-rich, sex-starved visitors; thanks to the turn approver, it may be impossible to establish the nexus. Evicoast, as many beaches in Goa are in the MPT’s squinted vision of Praveen Agarwal. Little wonder dence regarding disproportionate assets also seems to have close proximity. that he failed to send me the EIA reports of his been bungled. There are gross discrepancies in the recorded Why do we do not have knowledgeable people port expansion plans! dates on which certain vital events in the case are supposed to with vision in charge of Goa’s environment? The In the garb of employment and development, have taken place. Last, vital evidence is being ignored. Under Goa Pollution Control Board (GPCB) doesn’t see visionless governments in Goa in quick succession the circumstances, whether the police have any intention of acas its mandate to understand or nip in the bud have allowed the destruction of our beautiful tually prosecuting and punishing the alleged cops-cum-drug MPT’s deleterious plans, which is work for its state and its naïve inhabitants. The polluted waters dealers and their accomplices remains open to question. own sectoral gain, but against the holistic devel- of the Mormugao Port are steadily spreading as It appears neither the Goa government nor the Goa Police are eager to punish policemen who, allegedly, stole drugs from the FRom the heARt seized stocks of narcotics and then sold them to drug dealers.

There are already loud whispers about the proximity of the son

By Auriel Ribeiro Sa of a senior minister with drug dealers. These suspicions will now get much stronger. But what echoes in the back of the omeone asked a famous conductor of a great symphony or- janitors, deliverymen all serve the purpose of second fiddles. They So it is time we salute the second fiddles in our homes, our mind is a warning, long ago, by Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes, chestra which instrument he considered the most difficult to weave their invisible selves into the tapestry of every day routine; place of work and in the public arena. Smile and say a Good that unless swift corrective action was taken, the Goa government play. The conductor thought a moment, and then said: “Second without them, the CEOs and Managers would be stumped. Every Morning or Namaste to your peon or janitor today. Learn the name could earn a reputation of being run by ‘pimps and peddlers’. fiddle. I can get plenty of violinists. But to find one who can play time the workers’ union decides to go on strike, management gets of your garbage collector. Visit your maid at her home some day Could it soon come true? second fiddle with enthusiasm – that’s a problem. And if we have into a tizzy. Each unproductive day costs big bucks. So you see, soon. Give your postman a glass of cool water or sherbet as you

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Playing Second Fiddle

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Above the law?

t seems that following his being summoned to give his statement in the suspicious death of Nadia Torrado, Tourism Minister Francisco ‘Mickky’ Pacheco has complained to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat that there is a ‘witch hunt’ against him.

But the death is deeply suspicious. That Nadia mistook Ratol for toothpaste and mistakenly ‘consumed’ it, defies logic.

Ministers are not above the law, and questioning a minister at a decent hour in a police station simply cannot be called ‘harassment’. The minister’s demand for a ‘judicial inquiry’ would conveniently bury the case for years. Instead, let the cops get on with the job.

Save lives first Lasdun D’Souza, Nachinola I fully agree and support the article written

by Joseph Pereira ‘Clinic first’ (Herald, May 27). I would like to add a few lines. There is indeed an urgent need of a full-fledged clinic in Diwar. Diwarkars are having a tough time as in the case of any medical emergencies they have to face many hurdles such as crossing the ferry and going to the respective hospitals in Panjim and other areas. On the site, doctors should be provided to the clinic to attend to the people incase of any medical emergencies. The local MLA and the Diwar Sarpanch should co-ordinate with the people of Diwar instead of playing their own dirty game of politics.

The prime target should be a full-fledged clinic in Diwar and maybe later, the fish

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

4 June, 1910 l

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It is reported that there is discord at Nova Goa between the Pensioners of Santa Casa de Misericordia for having had reduced their subsidies.

We have received some complaints from the inhabitants of “Novas Conquistas” against the vendors contracted to sell, first of all due to availability of below standard raw meat and secondly due to arrogance of the vendors with the customers.

The works of repairing the road of “Nag Zor” at Bicholim has been completed.

The Legislative session held recently at Lisbon was like a game of “Bricka-Brac” with no benefits to the Nation.

At D. Amelia Avenue in Lisbon, a massive rally of the Republican Party took place with the main orators being all the Democrats.

no second fiddles, we have no harmony.”

In every home, office or public place where a group of people get together to create something new, there are people who are called to play ‘second fiddle’.

Take the home arena for instance. The wheels of the house run smooth because of a wife or mother . Harmony in the home can be rightfully attributed to her patient humble service. Although she may sometimes nag her husband within the four walls of their humble abode, you will rarely hear her speak against him when they are at a party or any such public gathering. She will grab every opportunity to praise him to the skies and will accept his condescending remarks with the grace of a well-seasoned martyr.

A good wife knows how to create harmony by playing the second fiddle to the hilt.

We see the same scene at the work place. The workers, peons,

Letter of the Day

The next ‘Sonsodo’!

A fishy NGO

G Fernandes, Cuncolim

Margao bus stand ignored Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

Margao happens to be the commercial capital of Goa. It is the administrative headquarters of South Goa and also happens to be the home constituency of the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. But the Margao bus stand is in a pathetic condition. The flooring as well as the roofing of the bus stand is in a deplorable state. Garbage is collected and kept in makeshift compartments at the bus stand. The few benches that are available for the people to sit are in a pitiable condition.

Thousands of commuters converge at this busy bus stand. With the commissioning of the District Hospital, which lies a few hundred meters away, the number of people at the bus stand will increase manifold. Several inter-state buses also make a halt at this stand. The pathetic condition of the bus stand gives a poor picture of the State of Goa to the visitors and tourists. When we can have ultra-modern bus stands at places like Shiroda and Cuncolim, why is the Margao bus stand also not modernized by the government?

our second fiddles at the workplace create the much-needed harmony, after all.

Happy is the second fiddle, then, who knows he’s a second fiddle and accepts his role with enthusiasm, taking the cue from his conductor and creating harmony in the Orchestra of Life. He has the best quality that God looks for in his creation – Humility!

He works, not for fame or money, but out of an inner desire to be one with his group.

To take them to greater heights. And when the stage is lit and the leaders strut the ramp to take their bows, the ‘second fiddle’ sits in the corner of the stage, manning the curtains.

For him, there is not much gain except his pay packet, but, because of him, everyone profits and there is prosperity all round.

Take him out of the equation and what have you? Utter chaos!

Only Noise!

enquire about his work.

The municipal workers are busy digging trenches to combat the ensuing monsoons. Stop and show genuine interest in their work and supply them with hydrating fluids as they slog in the scorching summer sun. Don’t wait for annual festivals to give them that much-awaited ‘Bakshish’.

Lastly, don’t forget to acknowledge your wife’s contribution in making your home a heaven on earth. Treat her to a special outing, just you and her, and shower her with daily doses of love and appreciation. Help her complete her tiring and tiresome chores quickly so the two of you can spend some ‘We’ time together.

And if you are a second fiddle, play your piece with enthusiasm; create soulful music for your Creator. And if you feel no enthusiasm right now, motivate yourself by fine-tuning your strings. For without you, there is no harmony. If music be the food of love, play on.

Letters to the Editor

market. Life is more precious than anything else. Hence, we need to save and protect it.

Cuncolim could soon be Goa’s next ‘Sonsodo’ like the one in Margao, thanks to Cuncolim civic body. Just 200 meters from the muncipal hall, near the market, some tyre repair shops have been dumping old tyres in large quantity in an open space where once children played, a few meters away construction waste has been dumped by truck loads, down the road the canal has been littered with solid waste. Authorities care little about the menace and so do the people with their ‘who cares’ attitude.

The Cuncolim civic body under the guidance of the honourable minister for urban development has done little to catch the culprits. Cuncolim with its fancy bus stand, a grand market and cemented roads has its backyard littered with waste, which is a crime against environment and nature and unless the authority along with police step in to take action, the open grounds near the market will continue to be a dumpyard.

C

Peter Braganza,Vasco-da-Gama

In Herald’s June 3 edition, it was reported that Tara Kerkar, President of Savera led a delegation of some ladies to the CM’s residence demanding probe into Nadia’s death.

However, most of the ladies who formed part of the delegation appeared to be outsiders and on inquiry I learnt that they were paid to shout and raise slogans.

Now, the imminent questions that need to be raised are: Who is this Tara Kerkar?

What is her background, what work her NGO is doing and who are the members of this organisation?

Is there any accountability about the work carried out by such NGOs? Or do they just pick cases which are connected to politicos and later vanish after extracting some crores from them.

It is sad to see some NGOs like ‘Voice of Villagers’, ‘GBA’ who takes serious issues like environment, health, etc don’t get any support from government and police. And here is Savera, one letter to the CM and all the police are in Nadia’s house. Maybe, Tara should give some tips to other NGOs how to make the government and police listen to them.

‘White poison’ Eugine Augustine, Marcela Nature has provided all mammals with breast milk to suckle its species. Is it not therefore common sense that cow’s milk is meant for the offspring of cows and not for humans? If a grown up cow was offered milk it would sniff it and say “No, thank you. I would rather have grass.” No animal drinks milk once they are weaned. For humans however, the cow takes over. Have you ever seen a zebra nursing a giraffe, or a dog nursing a horse? But humans are doing just that.

Search Google for ‘white poison’ and you will get scores of Research Articles on the harmful effects of dairy products. World over, the tobacco, liquor, pharmaceutical, chemical and dairy industries are all controlled by the powerful lobby consisting of the mafia, mighty politicians and often with the connivance of the FDA. Nobody can touch them even though these industries are known killers.

Goa: a banana republic Praxy Fernandes, Sankhali

“We were better under British rule,” wrote 82-year-old S J Chughani, president of the Mumbai Freedom Fighters Sabha, in recent letters to the State and Central governments.

Freedom fighters from Goa should echo similar sentiments that we were definitely better off under the Portuguese rule. Even though I was not born during the Portuguese rule here in Goa, from what my elders have mentioned to me I feel the future of the Goan generation has been ruined by the freedom fighters by liberating us.

This I say with conviction and challenge anyone to prove me wrong because today Goa is almost like a banana republic; there is lawlessness and the police have become slaves of money power; greed and lust to make money at any cost have overtaken their senses. There is absolutely no law and order today in Goa, the local Goan populace is left to fend for him against the onslaughts from all the greedy monsters who are exploiting the situation to the best of their advantage.

What more can be said when we read in the papers that the CM of Goa wants someone to officially notify him of incidents happening even right under his nose and even if notified he does not want to comment, the ministers and politicians involved in criminal activities always feel a hidden hand behind any of their exposures and even go to the extent of blaming each other leave alone blaming us locals and calling us names.

When all sundries are reported in the media, where is the necessity for official notification and how come these same politicians make use of the media or is it only when it suits them and they can reap the benefits. Rightly the Hon’ble High Court has observed the state government is scared of all the skeletons tumbling out of the closet, so everyone involved in the administration and law and order is trying to save each other.

I want to ask the Goan freedom fighters if they experience any semblance of law, order and morality prevailing here in our land today and why not they come to the streets again to free us from all these greedy, lusty, self-centric lawless political sharks with criminal and tyrannical minds, I will readily join you in the battle right in the forefront.

Make time for Goa Madonna, Colva Sunday the 30th of May has completely erased the pretty serene picture of Goa that I had etched in my mind. Somewhere along the way while it has always been about me, my life, my family, my house, my friends; I seem to have missed out on the bigger picture, ‘Goa’. The heaven that makes ‘Me’ possible.

The Sunday trip took us through the southern talukas of Quepem and Sanguem where mining is at its best and our worst. With a lot of mining activities near the famous Selaulim dam, our source of water is being exposed to toxic mining wastes in large quantities, which has most surely already found its way into the food chain of those using this water.

But what is most disturbing is the change in the quality of life of the people who live in these places. They face issues such as depleting water resources, polluted air, indiscriminate felling of trees and loss of their native fauna. This scene is diametrically opposite to the one I had in mind of fresh flowing streams, clear crisp air and vegetation all around. There is so much more I could tell you about but as they say ‘Seeing is believing’. So make a little time for Goa and pay her a visit. She’s not doing too well.

Paths of Wisdom None will be Wronged

By Samir Khan “[O Muhammad!] Tell them: ‘I only warn you by the Revelation.’ But the deaf do not hear the cry when they are warned. Were only the slightest whiff from your Lord’s punishment to touch them, they would cry out: ‘Woe to us; we were indeed wrong-doers.’ We shall set up just scales on the Day of Resurrection so that none will be wronged in the least. (We shall bring forth the acts of everyone), even if it be the weight of a grain of mustard-seed. We shall suffice as reckoners.”

(Al-Qur’ân – 21:45-47) This verse refers to God’s punishment which the unrighteous sarcastically requested should strike them soon. While the verses 21:46-47 talk of the Day of Resurrection, when everyone will be awakened and asked about the deeds they had done while on earth.

There will be a Balance or Just Scales to weigh people’s deeds, good or bad.

It is however difficult to say what the exact form and nature of the Balance will be. This much, however, is certain: that it will weigh good and bad deeds and thereby indicate precisely the moral worth of every person. It will ascertain how good or bad a person had been.

God, therefore, uses a familiar word – balance – to explain this purpose for evaluation will be similar to the act of weighing in a balance.

Another interpretation is that since a balance weighs things quite precisely and indicates the difference between the weight of one thing and another, so God’s just balance will also evaluate man’s record of life, definitely pronouncing what was predominant in it – whether goodness or evil.

The balance is just to ensure that no injustice will be done to anyone and no act whether the weight of a grain of mustard-seed could escape.

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

HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald & Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com — For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com — For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Herald represent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.

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INDIA GOA, FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2010

OpINIONATeD

To catch a drug dealer By wendy PereIra

T

he Hon High Court of Bombay at Panjim, while hearing a bail petition in the case of active connivance by public servants with alleged drug Israeli dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala, recently observed that it is desirable that the investigation of the sensitive case alleging a criminal nexus between the drug mafia and those entrusted the sacred duty by the state to prevent drug trade, should be entrusted to an independent investigating agency like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This well meaning observation – based on the principle that justice must not only be done but also seen to be done – has been opposed by the Government of Goa or, more accurately, a certain politician who wields real power in Goa. The innocence or guilt of the accused public servants and alleged drug dealers is not the subject of this article. The investigation or, rather, non-investigation of certain vital aspects of the case and the reasons for it is. Ostensibly this very powerful politician, who has a proclivity for claiming that no drug trade exists in Goa (motivated, perhaps, by the defensive parental instinct to protect the business interests of his beloved son) even walked out of a meeting convened by the chief minister on 27 May 2010, when a majority of officials agreed that the case should be handed over to the CBI. The ostensible chief of the Goa government then toed the line of his powerful cabinet colleague. The case has now been assigned to an officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police of the Goa Police Crime Branch. Possibly, at a much later stage, the government may finally concede to the wisdom of the Hon High Court and hand over the investigation to the CBI. However, by then it will be much too late. The past record of investigations carried out by the Goa Police of cases involving the powerful, wealthy and politicians – especially where this particular politician and/or his son have been alleged to have been involved – has been dubious at best, except for ensuring that no credible evidence is left for the CBI when the case is finally handed over.

The infamous rape and murder of a minor foreigner that propelled Goa to international infamy just over two years ago is an apt example. Let us not forget that the rank of the investigating officer is no guarantee against flagrant dereliction of investigative duty as best evidenced by the deliberate ineptness displayed by an even higher ranking police officer, in another recent case involving a minor and a prominent politician’s son. Without any prejudice to the competence of the designated investigating officer, but rather based on impartiality free from departmental bias and in favour of abundant caution, it is urged that the investigation be carried out by an independent agency.

In this case this is all the more crucial because of the claim of existence of video evidence that conclusively proves the culpability and mafia nexus of the son of the very person who controls the police department. Suspiciously enough, the investigating officer has desisted till date from securing the evidence claimed to be possessed by Atala’s ex-girlfriend, something which should have been done immediately to ensure that the accused does not compromise its accessibility first. It is essential that all this video evidence be secured by the investigating agency forthwith. In addition to placing it before the court for judicial deliberation, it should also be made available in the public domain so that people may know of the extent of involvement or otherwise of the head of a so-called Goa Army (etymologically similar to Muthalik’s organisation) in the drug trade which, according to IPRB reports, is a major source of funding for terrorists and other anti-national elements threatening India and our peace loving state.

It is necessary that the people of Goa unite in their demand that proper investigations be carried out in this case, which can only be assuredly impartial if done by the CBI. The recent seizure of ‘charas’ at Bicholim and, some time ago at a prominent college, is just the tip of the iceberg. It is imperative to bring these criminal drug dealers to book if we want to protect our future generations from the scourge of drug addiction, which threatens every youngster in our state.

It is necessary that justice should be done and that the courts must ensure that the guilty are brought to book, no matter how high and mighty their father may be. Any politician who impedes impartial investigations must also be hauled up.

It remains to be seen whether Majesty of Rule of Law will be upheld or the officials in khakhi will pander as usual to their political boss, once again saving his criminal progeny by their intentional ineptitude in investigation.

Have guts to take on IAS, IPS babus?, SC asks Govt PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 3

The Supreme Court today ticked off the Centre for frequently filing appeals challenging issues relating to class IV employees but not having the "guts" to take on IAS/IPS officers over such issues.

"Why do you come to us frequently against labourers, kalasis and chaprasis. Do you have the guts to take on IAS/ IPS officers? You keeping filing petitions against class IV employees but not against IAS/IPS officers.

That's because you don't have the

guts," a bench of Justices B S Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar remarked.

The apex court passed the observation while dismissing the Centre's appeal challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court direction to appoint Jarnail Singh as a labourer in the Ministry of Defence.

According to Wasim Ahmed Quadri, the Centre's counsel, though Singh was selected after an interview, he could not be appointed to the post for want of sanction as it was "time barred."

the post.

The High Court noted that Singh was entitled for appointment as the selection process was conducted through the employment exchange.

Aggrieved, the Centre appealed in the apex court.

The apex court while upholding the high court's direction said the "question of law" on the issue would, however, be kept open.

In other words, the direction for appointment has been made on the facts of the present case but not as a general ruling.

Arundhati backs Maoists, dares anyone to arrest her PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 3

Criticism for romanticising Naxalism notwithstanding, Booker Prize winning author Arundhati Roy has justified the armed resistance by Maoists and dared the authorities to arrest her for supporting their cause.

While claiming that she does not support violence, the 48year-old author-activist feels that the Naxal movement could be nothing but an armed struggle as the Gandhian way would not have been successful in the present context.

"The Naxal movement could be nothing but an armed struggle. I am not supporting violence. But I am also completely against contemptuous atrocities-based political analysis," she said delivering a lecture on 'The

War on People' organised by the Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights here late last night.

"It ought to be an armed movement. Gandhian way of opposition needs an audience, which is absent here. People have debated long before choosing this form of struggle," Roy, who had saluted the "people of Dantewada" after 76 CRPF and police personnel were mowed down by Moists in the deadliest attack targeting security forces, said.

"I am on this side of line. I do not care...pick me up put me in jail," she asserted.

While terming the naxalite violence as a corollary to the battle between the tribals and corporate houses to gain control over natural resources like minerals, water and forests, she

said, "While 99 per cent of Maoists are tribals, 99 per cent of tribals are not Maoists."

"What the government calls Maoists corridor, is in fact MoUist corridor. You have an MoU on every mountain, river...MoUs signed by biggest corporations in the world who are waiting to gain hold of the resources," Roy said.

Explaining the economics behind iron ore mining, Arundhati quoting from Lokayukta's report said, while the government earns Rs 24 per tonne, the mining company gets Rs 5,000.

"Here we have the poorest, most malnourished waging a war against the corporates supported by all the institutions of world's biggest democracy. To a large extent, they have won in stopping the mighty corporates in their tracks," she said.

Upbeat Mamata now wants early WB Assembly polls PTI KOLKATA, JUNE 3

Buoyed by her party's massive victory in the just-concluded Kolkata civic polls, Mamata Banerjee today said she would request the Election Commission to consider holding Assembly elections in West Bengal along with Bihar and other states due in October.

"I am not in favour of imposition of President's rule or dismissal of the state government.

I will prefer an early election. I will request EC to consider holding Assembly election along with Bihar and some other states due in October," she told a press conference here.

She said election in the state could be held six months before the scheduled date and any such decision lay within the jurisdiction of the EC. Banerjee said she would not have called for advancing the poll if there had been a "functioning government".

"If there is no government, who will take care? Today there

was a cyclone in Rampurhat, but there were no proper arrangement. Disaster management has failed as it happened during the Stephen Court fire in the city," she said.

"No file is moving in the Writers Buildings. If there is a terrorist attack, what will happen?

So many Maoist movements are going on. The government must be strong. I am saying this from the security point of view," she said.

Asked about CPI-M's statement that Assembly election would be held in scheduled

time, she said, "They {CPI-M} have no morality and no accountability to the people. They continue to cling on to power by force. They are in power for 34 years in this way."

Alleging that the CPI-M had never resigned bowing to people's verdict remaining in power only through "rigging", Banerjee said the mandate in the civic poll was clearly for her party.

"There is no hung board. Trinamool has won in 50 municipalities and will form boards in 50. Congress has got seven municipalities and supported us in six," she said.

Even in Murshidabad, a stronghold of the Congress, TC has had made inroads, and so also in Memary in Burdwan district, a CPI-M pocket borough, the Trinamool Congress chief said.

"The people's verdict says if necessary, you fight your own way, but change has to be ushered in. Already it is too late and people can't wait any longer," she said.

Residents fill their containers with drinking water from a water tanker provided by the state-run Delhi Jal (water) Board, in the Okhla industrial area in New Delhi on Thursday. Residents in the area said that they have been depending on water tankers for water for more than a decade due to low water pressure from water pipelines provided by the Government.

Pak visit will help eliminate trust deficit: Krishna PTI WASHINGTON, JUNE 3

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna feels his planned visit to Pakistan next month will help eliminate the "trust deficit" between the two neighbours.

Krishna, who is here to cochair the Indo-US Strategic Dialogue, said India was trying to build bridges with Pakistan.

"We are trying to build bridges with Pakistan also.. We are hoping to to eliminate the trust deficit," he told reporters at a reception hosted by Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar in his honour.

"High level visits are a very important part of trying to do that," he said.

Krishna would visit Islamabad on July 15 to hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

India had put the Composite Dialogue process with Pakistan on hold since the Mumbai attacks. In April, the countries decided to resume dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers and Foreign Secretaries.

Rathore's bail plea deferred

Solar missiles recovered first time in 20 yrs PTI SRINAGAR, JUNE 3

For the first time in 20 years, police have recovered two solaractivated missiles, capable of hitting their target within four kilometers, in Kupwara district, police said today.

The recovery was made on Tuesday near Lolab, 120 kms from here, where the missiles were fitted on a tree in the forest to target a nearby security installation, a police spokesman said.

He said it is for the first time in 20 years that solar missiles have been recovered in the valley.

The weapon weighs about 4 kg, which is even lighter than an AK 47 rifle, and is about four feet in length, he said.

Terming the solar-activated missile as a highly sophisticated weapon, the spokesman said militants can plant it, fix the range of the target and flee from the spot.

"The missile gets activated by sunlight to hit the target. It is four feet long and can hit the target within 3 to 4 km radius," he said.

He said the missiles recovered bear imprints in Chinese and Russian languages, suggesting the countries of their manufacture.

Police suspect Lashkar-e-Taiba militants led by their Commander Abdullah Uni had fitted these missiles in the area, he said, adding investigations are on.

The counsel submitted that Singh was considered to the post on March 10, 1990, by the ministry, though the

last date for appointment as per the rules was May 25, 1989.

Quadri submitted that the final appointment was subject to the condition that it would get the requisite sanction from the government. As the sanction could not be accorded, as it was time barred, he was not appointed.

Singh challenged the decision before the Central Administrative Tribunal, which ruled in favour of the Centre, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the government to appoint Singh to

PTI CHANDIGARH, JUNE 3

A girl protects herself from the dust that enveloped Delhi on Thursday.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today deferred till tomorrow pronouncement of its verdict on the bail plea of disgraced former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore, who is undergoing an 18-month prison term for molesting 14-year- old Ruchika Girhotra 20 years ago.

Vacation Judge Justice Ajay Tewari, who had reserved his order for today, has deferred his verdict till tomorrow, the court's reader said. No reason was given for postponement of the verdict

by another day.

Justice Tewari before going for tea break this morning had said, "I am not sure I will pronounce the orders today. I will do my best."

Sixty-eight-year-old Rathore's wife counsel Abha, her sister Neerja, CBI counsel Ajay Kaushik, Anand Parkash and Madhu Parkash (parents of Aradhana, the complainant in the case), S C Girhotra, Ruchika's father and a battery of mediapersons were among those who were waiting in the court since morning for the judgement.

Lotteries a bane or blessing in disguise?

PTI KOCHI, JUNE 3

The first state to start the lottery in India and have a separate department for it, Kerala has witnessed a boom in the lottery business but there are mixed reactions to it, with some dubbing it as gambling and others an opportunity to fulfil their dreams.

Started in 1967, Kerala State lotteries has not made any loss since then when total sales revenue was Rs 20 lakh which zoomed to Rs 237 crore in 2005-06, Lottery department sources said.

Profit has grown substantially to reach Rs 56 crore from a meagre Rs 14 lakh, they said.

"Turnover from lotteries was Rs 625.74 crore in 2009-10 and during 2010-11 fiscal the target has been fixed at Rs 695 crore," Lotteries Director in-charge, Teresa told PTI.

The profit during 2009-10 was Rs 115 crore, she said.

But all these figures do not impress Father Paul Thelekat, spokeperson of the Catholic Church in Kerala. He feels lotteries are an "unethical way of making money".

Lotteries make people rich overnight and some find it very difficult to wisely invest the money, he said.

"The problem with lotteries is that it is no more fun but a serious addiction to individuals.

Gambling addiction is like alcoholism and sheer availability of lotteries ensures that some people, who would otherwise never discover their weakness, will be sucked into its grip," he said, adding such people let "fate" de-

cide their future.

Winning a lottery came as a blessing in disguise for 35-year-old Abaas, a headload worker, who was planning to sell his house to pay off debts. Lady luck smiled on him as he won Rs 40 lakh and Rs 50 sovereigns of gold in the Kerala government lottery draw held on May 27.

Abbas, who used to earn between Rs 20002500 a month, said he used to buy at least one lottery ticket a week without fail.

Radhabai, who won Rs 10 lakh through a government lottery, said she was building her dream home with the prize money, while Shaiju, an autorickshaw driver, who won Rs 20 lakh, said he

bought land and got his sister married off.

K K Babu, who won Rs 9 lakh lottery in 1990, said he bought an autorickshaw and was doing well and got married to the girl he loved.

However, for 25-year-old Nadira of nearby Aluva, who married the man she loved seven years ago overcoming religious barriers, her husband winning a lottery proved to be the beginning of all her troubles.

She was thrown out of her house along with her two children as her husband felt it was time to hunt for another bride younger than her and took to drinking and refused to go for work. When Nadira asked him to go for work, she was thrashed and shown the door.

"His aim is to find a younger bride for himself," relatives of Nadira, who have filed a case against him, said.

US expertise for unique varsities soon: Sibal PTI WASHINGTON, JUNE 3

American universities are keen to offer their expertise in setting up of some of the innovation universities in India and one such collaboration would be announced during President Barak Obama's visit to New Delhi later this year.

The issue was discussed at a meeting between HRD Minister Kapil Sibal and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton here today.

The prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology could partner with the government for setting up an innovation university in energy sector, sources said and added that further talks would be held with MIT on the matter.

Sibal told Clinton that India will set up 14 innovation universities which will concentrate on specific areas.

Seeking for collaboration between institutions, Sibal recalled how India and the US had come together to establish world class institutions like IIT-Kanpur 50 years ago.

Though the nature of cooperation is different, there is great opportunity for the two countries to work together to create centres of excellence, he said.

Sibal said the two sides could partner in setting some of these Universities, one of which could be announced during Obama's India visit.

The HRD minister also took up

with Clinton the matter of setting up an India-US Education Council which will work for furthering bilateral relations in education between the two countries.

During his meeting, Sibal discussed wide-ranging issues relating to bilateral cooperation in the field of education.

The council will have academics, entrepreneurs and government representatives as members and it will coordinate the moving forward of ties in education sector.

The areas of collaboration that the two sides are looking at include research, distant education, vocational education, skill development, exchange of faculty, models of public private partnership and also expertise for the setting up of universities.

The two leaders also discussed the use of ICT in enhancing the Teaching-learning capabilities, research collaboration Biosciences, nano-sciences and other spheres.

APPOINTMENTS

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GOA, FRIDAY, 4 JUNE, 2010

Pop princess Minogue tweets, love life rosy Reuters SYDNEY, JUNE 3

Pop princess Kylie Minogue has used her twitter page to dismiss reports her relationship with Spanish model Andres Velencoso Segura is on the rocks. ''Wowza...love life rumors have gone mad!!!! ....please pay no attention peeps. My birthday

w a s m a g i c a l w i t h AV a n d friends!!,'' Minogue tweeted. (http://twitter.com/kylieminogue) A British newspaper this week reported that Segura had walked out on Minogue after an argument over whether he was being supportive ahead of the launch of singer's new album, Aphrodite.

WORLD

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GOA, FRIDAY, 4 JUNE, 2010

India pushes for expansion of permanent seats in UNSC UNI UNITED NATIONS, JUNE 3

India, which is seeking a permanent berth in the UN Security Council, has said that expansion of only non-permanent seats does not constitute reform of the world body and demanded that membership be increased in both categories.

In a closed-door meeting at the UN headquarters convened to discuss the negotiating text for the Security Council reform, India also pointed out that a vast majority of countries were in favour of expanding the current size of the world body's top organ from 15 to the mid20s.

"There cannot be any reform without expansion in both the categories of membership," Hardeep Singh Puri, India's envoy to the UN, said last night.

"Equally, expansion only in the non-permanent category or any of its other variants does not constitute reform and is merely the perpetuation of the current inefficiency by the same ineffective means in vogue since 1963," he said.

India along with Japan, Ger-

many, South Africa and Brazil is seeking permanent membership of the Security Council.

Puri's remarks came a day after a top US official said India would play a "central part" in the Security Council reform process but stopped short of publicly endorsing the country's bid for a permanent seat.

"We're open to expansion of permanent membership of the Council and we believe that India's going to have a central part to play in the consideration that's going to come of that reform of the UN Security Council," Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns said.

During the inaugural discussions on the UN reform, Zahir Tanin, Afghanistan's permanent representative to the UN, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the process asked member states to submit proposals that can be worked into a negotiating text, which will be the basis for future discussions.

In 2009, member states of the UN had finally abandoned the 'Open Ended Working Group' (OEWG) on the issue that had dragged on for 15 years

without yielding any substantive results. In March last year, the old talks were replaced by the new "inter-governmental negotiations."

At the meeting in the UN headquarters, India also underlined the need for equitable geographical distribution.

"India supports a Charterbased distribution of seats that addresses the lack of representation of African, Latin American and Caribbean countries and the lack of adequate representation of Asian countries in the permanent membership," Puri said.

This year, India is also running for a non-permanent seat of the Council for which elections will be held in October.

Puri and his team have been canvassing for the spot for the past three years.

Earlier this year, Kazakhstan's withdrew from the electoral race leaving India with a clean slate for 2010-11.

To win, India needs two-thirds of the General Assembly vote, which adds up to about 128 counties saying 'yes' to New Delhi's presence in the Security Council.

UN investigator calls for halt to CIA drone killings REUTERS GENEVA, JUNE 3

A United Nations investigator called for a halt to CIA-directed drone strikes on suspected Islamic militants, warning that killings ordered far from the battlefield could lead to a ''Playstation'' mentality.

Philip Alston, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, said yesterday missile strikes could be justified only when it was impossible to capture insurgents alive instead and only if they were carried out by regular US armed forces operating with proper oversight and respect for the rules of war.

The Central Intelligence Agency's use of unmanned Preda t o r o r Re a p e r d ro n e s i n Afghanistan and Pakistan against al Qaeda and Taliban suspects had led to the death of ''many hundreds,'' including innocent civilians, he said in a 29-page report. ''Intelligence agencies, which by definition are determined to remain unaccountable except to their own paymasters, have no place in running programs that kill people in other countries,'' Alston said.

The world does not know when and where the CIA is authorized to kill, its criteria for choosing targets, whether they are lawful killings, and how it

Powerful Cyclone Phet takes aim at Oman REUTERS MUSCAT, JUNE 3

Tropical Cyclone Phet roared toward the coast of Oman to and was expected to make landfall tomorrow before heading toward the oil-exporting Gulf Arab state's LNG facilities.

But Phet, a Category 4 storm with winds of over 130 miles per hour, was forecast to weaken before hitting Oman's southeast coast, according to storm risk forecasts shown on website www.tropicalstormrisk.com.

Oman state television said the government had ordered police and the air force to evacuate people from areas of eastern Oman, where waves were 8 metres high.

National carrier Oman Air said it had cancelled two flights so that aircraft could evacuate people from Masirah island off the east coast.

Phet will hit the coast as a weaker Category 1 storm and move inland as a tropical storm before re-emerging over the north Indian Ocean and barrelling on toward Pakistan, Tropical Storm Risk said.

The cyclone will steer east of the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, used by ships carrying 17 million Barrels Per Day (BPD) of oil, 40 per cent of all seaborne oil, and may disrupt shipping moving from the Gulf toward the Indian Ocean.

Phet initially had been forecast to become a Category 5 storm, the most powerful category with winds of over 156 mph.

Most Omani oil exports move from Mina al-Fahal port near the capital Muscat. Operations at Oman LNG, the liquefied natural gas export facility, were so far unaffected as of late yesterday, Nasser al-Kindy, head of Oman LNG corporate communications, told Reuters.

follows up when civilians are illegally killed, said Alston, an independent expert who will present his report to the UN Human Rights Council today.

The CIA disputed the investigator's conclusion. ''Without discussing or confirming any specific action or program, this agency's operations unfold within a framework of law and close government oversight. The accountability's real, and it would be wrong for anyone to suggest otherwise,'' a CIA spokesman said.

The United States is among the Geneva forum's 47 members.

Under President Barack Obama, the CIA has stepped up its drone strikes in the tribal zone of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan, targeting not only high-level al Qaeda and Taliban targets but largely unknown foot soldiers as well.

Following a directive first issued by former President George W. Bush and continued

by Obama, the CIA has widened the ''target set'' for drone strikes in Pakistan, Reuters reported last month.

Al Qaeda's third-in-command, Sheikh Sa'id al-Masri, is believed to have been killed in May in a US missile strike in Pakistan, US officials said earlier this week.

The United States is believed to control the fleet of drones from CIA headquarters in Virginia, coordinating with civilian pilots near hidden airfields in Afghanistan and Pakistan who fly the drones remotely, according to Alston, an Australian who teaches at New York University School of Law. ''PLAYSTATION MENTALITY'' ''Because operators are based thousands of miles away from the battlefield, and undertake operations entirely through computer screens and remote audio-feed, there is a risk of developing a 'Playstation' mentality to killing,'' he said, referring to the popular Sony <6758.T> video game console.

Turkish charity chief tells of carnage, chaos on ship REUTERS ISTANBUL, JUNE 3

The head of a Turkish charity that

organised the aid flotilla stormed

by Israeli forces said activists had rushed some of the soldiers and snatched their weapons, but had thrown them overboard.

Bulent Yildirim, chairman of the Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH), gave a harrowing account of events on board the Mavi Maramara after

the Israeli commando stormed the ship on Monday in an operation that resulted in at least nine people being killed.

Yildirim, who was on board the vessel, said some of the ac-

tivists grabbed guns off 10 soldiers in self-defence. ''Yes, we took their guns. It would be self defence even if we fired their guns,'' Yildirim said, adding that people shouted

to them not to use the weapons. ''We told our friends on board: ''We will die, become martyrs, but never let us be shown... as the ones who used guns,'' Yildirim said on Thursday.

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BIZ

GOA, FRIDAY, 4 JUNE, 2010

ONGC, OIL given freedom to price natural gas

TALK BUSINESS

PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 3

LIC senior divisional manager, Goa region, A K Madhankar awarding Narayan Verlekar of Panjim--1 branch on being No 1 Chief Life Insurance Advisor (CLIA) for the financial year 2009-10 in the presence of manager marketing B Majhi, manager sales A J Pacheco, senior branch manager, H N Aradhya and other officials.

Vijaya Bank to distribute United India products PANJIM (HBD) -- Vijaya Bank and United India Insurance Company today signed a MoU for distributing the latter's general insurance products at the Bangalore-based lender's branches.

Vijaya Bank chairman and managing director Albert Tauro and United India Insurance Company Ltd chairman and managing director G Srinivasan inked the MoU at a function held here.

The non-life insurance products of United India Insurance Company will be marketed through Vijaya Bank's 1,160 branches, Tauro said.

The bank, which achieved Rs 1 lakh crore business in 2009-10, is on course to achieve the current year's target of Rs 1.26 lakh crore, he said.

Srinivasan said the penetration of general insurance was just 0.6 per cent of the country's GDP, which was very low.

United India Insurance, which did Rs 5,239 crore worth of business last year, aims at breaching the Rs 6,000 crore mark this year, he said.

Canara HSBC OBC Life plans expansion PANJIM (HBD) -- Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited – a joint venture between Canara Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce, and HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings Limited, has entered into a strategic distribution tie-up with HSBC InvestDirect.

HSBC InvestDirect provides a wide range of services such as security broking, depository services, investment advisory, distribution of financial products, and securities related financing to its customers.

HSBC InvestDirect currently has a strong network of 77 branches which will help Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company reach out to more than 1.3 lakh customers with need-based life insurance solutions.

This is in addition to the existing customer base of 48 million of the three distribution partners – Canara Bank, HSBC and Oriental Bank of Commerce and 4.6 million customers of two Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) – Pragathi Gramin Bank and Shreyas Gramin Bank.

In a significant development, the government has given national oil firms ONGC and OIL freedom to price any additional natural gas produced from blocks given to them on nomination basis at market rates. So far, all gas -- current and future -- produced from blocks given to Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) was priced at government-controlled rates, called APM. The Petroleum Ministry, in an order dated May 31, has now made a distinction between existing producing fields and new ones in the nomination blocks.

"ONGC and OIL would have the freedom to sell any production from new fields in their nominated blocks at non-APM rates," the order said. Even the price of APM gas from June 1 has been more than doubled to USD 4.2 per million British

thermal units, at par with the rate at which Reliance Industries sells gas from its eastern offshore KG-D6 fields.

"It has been decided that the price of APM natural gas produced by national oil companies (NOCs) be fixed at USD 4.2 per mmBtu less royalty. Hence, the APM price inclusive of royalty (to customers) would be USD 4.2 per mmBtu," the order said.

APM gas prior to June 1 was sold at Rs 3,200 per thousand cubic metres or USD 1.79 per mmBtu. For customers in the North-East, the net consumer price would be 60 per cent of the new rate, ie, USD 2.52 per mmBtu. "The difference would be paid to ONGC and OIL through government budget." The government has also made a significant departure from the previous practice of pricing natural gas in rupees and has now decided to price it in US

dollars.

"The price (of USD 4.2 per mmBtu) would be converted to Rs per thousand cubic metres (mscm) at the RBI reference exchange rate of the month previous to the month during which supply of APM gas is made. The price in Rs per mscm would be adjusted every month on the basis of RBI reference exchange rate," the order said.

This rate would be excluding cess, transportation charge, marketing margin/service charge and taxes. "As regards existing producing fields, the production of ONGC and OIL from these, including any additional production, would be considered as APM gas and sold at APM rate," the order said.

The order said the government has also decided that company marketing the APM gas, GAIL India Ltd, has been allowed to charge a marketing margin of Rs 200 per mscm.

AGENCIES DUBAI, JUNE 3

Trade between the UAE and India increased by nearly 70 percent during 2008-09, showing the growing importance of ties between the two countries, a top envoy has said.

'Bilateral trade (non-oil) between India and the UAE was worth $48.3bn in 2008-09, an increase of 65.8 percent over the previous year, which shows the growing importance of relations between our two nations, UAE Ambassador to

India Mohamed Sultan Al Owais said.

'Increasing transportation links between India and the UAE can only help strengthen the economic and commercial ties between us,' he said Wednesday at the launch of the 'flydubai' low cost airline's thrice weekly flight to Lucknow.

'It is important for both the UAE and India that we increase the number of safe, affordable, quality air travel options that connect our

countries,' he said, adding that flydubai 'is an excellent airline, committed to the highest standards of safety, training and maintenance.'

'I am confident flydubai will provide an excellent service to the people travelling between Dubai and Lucknow and we look forward to the airline being able to expand services to other Indian cities in the future,' the UAE ambassador noted.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, the flydubai CEO who flew on board

The BSE benchmark Sensex today spurted by 280 points to regain the 17,000-level on good buying support which, analysts said, are likely to continue for a few more sessions on the back of firming global stocks.

Rising for the second day in succession, the Bombay Stock Exchange’s 30-share index ended 1.68 per cent up or 280.49 points at 17,022.33. The last time the Sensex closed above the 17,000 mark was on May 13.

The National Stock Exchange’s 50-share Nifty closed up 1.81 per cent at 5,110.5.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) said it would invest Rs 530 crore this fiscal on expansion and setting up a plant in Rajasthan. "We plan to invest Rs 530 crore for various expansion plans, which includes setting up our second factory at Rajasthan by next year, with a production capacity of six lakh vehicles," HMSI Group VP T Kawatsu said at the launch of ''Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler'' here.

"With this, our total capacity will increase to 22 lakh," he said. Kawatsu said the company was also targeting production of 15.5 lakh vehicles in 2010-11.

"This would enable us to attain a growth rate of 18 per cent in the same period compared to last year's growth," he added. He said the company also planned to launch new vehicles in the coming years, which would help increase their market share.

the inaugural flight, said: 'After much anticipation, we are thrilled to make our first entry into India with the start of flights to Lucknow.'

The new service, FZ433, will operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Dubai at 8.30 pm and arriving in Lucknow at 1.50 am the following day. The return flight, FZ434, will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Lucknow at 2.35 am and arriving in Dubai at 5.20 am.

Refractory supplier Vesuvius India Ltd is planning to commission its Kolkata project by December which will double its plant capacity, an official said.

The expansion plan of the Kolkata plant, conceived in 2004, got delayed due to slump in steel industry.

The company now has the capacity to produce 526,000 pieces and 96,500 tonnes of refractories per year. It supplies steel makers like JSW Ltd, Steel Authority of India Ltd, Essar Steel and Rastriya Ispat Nigam Ltd for their expansion projects, the company's MD Tanmay Kumar Ganguly said.

'There is enough cash surplus in the company and the investment required for our expansion project will come internally,' company chairman S K Gupta said while addressing the shareholders at the AGM of the company.

PANJIM (HBD) -- Fujitsu Consulting India, the consulting and services arm of the $50-billion Fujitsu group, announced the appointment of Anuj Kumar as the new vice president – human resource of India operations.

In this role Kumar is responsible for spearheading the human resource programs in the organisation including human capital development and talent acquisition.

Prior to his current role, he has worked with leading IT companies including CSC, Globallogic, Keane and HCL. He spearheaded the Employee Centricity Initiative at CSC, Globallogic and Keane.

As a result of his outstanding contributions, all three companies got featured in Best Employer Studies during his tenure.

A GROUP Aban Offshor, 710, 712, 691, 695.45 Abb Ltd., 852, 863, 830, 859.35 Abg Shipyard, 253, 257.5, 251.55, 253.65 Acc Limited, 835, 849.5, 832.55, 841.5 Adani Enterp, 545.05, 551, 541.05, 550.2 Aditya Birla, 723, 730.6, 714.2, 723.25 Allahabad Ba, 164, 164.2, 161, 161.8 Alstom Proje, 590.15, 615.8, 590.15, 604.95 Ambuja Cemen, 112.45, 115, 110.7, 114.2 Andhra Bank, 131.95, 140.9, 129.65, 138.95 Ashok Leylan, 61.9, 64.7, 61.65, 64.3 Asian Paints, 2131.5, 2131.5, 2091.05, 2114.9 Axis Bank Li, 1211, 1248, 1211, 1242.3 Bajaj Hindus, 109, 110.5, 107.25, 108.65 Bank Of Baro, 717, 742.05, 715.55, 738.4 Bank Of Indi, 330.25, 338.1, 329.25, 332.7 Beml Limited, 980, 1008.7, 971, 994 Bharat Elect, 1725.3, 1728, 1702, 1709.2 Bharat Forge, 263.8, 270.8, 262.7, 269 Bharat Petro, 578, 589.4, 578, 579.9 Bharti Airte, 272.4, 277, 271.4, 273.45

Bhel, 2347, 2347, 2331.6, 2343.3 Bhushan Stee, 1325, 1349.4, 1317.5, 1327.9 Biocon Limit, 290, 294.95, 289.95, 293.25 Bombay Dyein, 516, 518.8, 507.4, 510.5 Bosch Limite, 4950, 4999, 4933.05, 4975.25 Brigade Ente, 138.9, 141, 136.6, 139.25 Cairn India, 293.1, 296, 290.5, 291.65 Canara Bank, 412.9, 417.8, 408, 416.45 Central Bank, 147, 149.75, 145.65, 147.6 Century Text, 450.45, 452.5, 445.4, 448.55 Cesc Ltd, 371.25, 382, 371.25, 374.9 Chambal Fert, 61.9, 62.75, 60.9, 62.05 Chennai Petr, 251, 256.2, 250.5, 252.4 Cipla Ltd, 326, 327.45, 322, 323.9 Colgate Palm, 805, 823.5, 800, 803.35 Container Co, 1330, 1347.6, 1303, 1319.55 Crompton Gre, 244.45, 251.75, 242, 249.4 Cummins Indi, 559.9, 560, 551.1, 552.8 Dabur India, 186.9, 188.5, 184.55, 186.9 Deccan Chron, 127, 130.6, 125.4, 128.25 Dish Tv Indi, 38.65, 39.05, 38.25, 38.65 Divi’s Labor, 757.8, 758.15, 741.1, 745.7 Dlf Limited, 277, 280, 275.4, 278.35

Dr. reddy’s, 1410, 1424, 1387.05, 1395.35 Edelweiss Ca, 424, 429, 413, 416 Educomp Solu, 561.2, 565, 541.05, 544.25 Eih Limited, 116, 117.1, 115.55, 116.5 Engineers In, 344.4, 346.8, 327, 328.2 Essar Oil Lt, 123, 124.4, 123, 123.5 Essar Shippi, 82.9, 84.85, 82, 83.1 Exide Indust, 120.7, 122.9, 119.7, 121.15 Federal Bank, 335.75, 341.4, 330.6, 334.25 Financial Te, 1363, 1377.5, 1325.4, 1332.35 Gail (india), 458.9, 466.5, 456.05, 461.65 Gammon India, 205.1, 207.65, 199, 201.5 Glaxosmithkl, 2135, 2135, 2055.3, 2080.45 Glenmark Pha, 271.3, 272.9, 261.65, 264.55 Gmr Infrastr, 57.7, 58.3, 57.35, 57.6 Godrej Indus, 151, 151.5, 149.45, 150.05 Grasim Indus, 1790, 1813.85, 1765, 1789.55 Great Offsho, 453.9, 462.5, 445.25, 453.5 Gtl Infra.Lt, 36.5, 37.8, 36.5, 37.25 Gujarat Mine, 126, 126.5, 123.2, 123.7 Gujarat N R, 61.45, 62, 60.55, 60.75 Gujarat Stat, 100, 101.25, 98.5, 98.9 Gvk Pow. & I, 43.5, 43.6, 42.2, 43.45

Hcl Technolo, 384, 397.4, 374.2, 378.6 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1864.1, 1910, 1864.1, 1905.6 Hdfc Ltd, 2731.55, 2758, 2724.4, 2735.2 Hero Honda M, 1995, 2049, 1975, 1979.45 Hindalco in, 145, 147.5, 144.25, 145.95 Hindustan Co, 111.5, 118.8, 110.6, 117.55 Hindustan Ma, 72.25, 73.7, 71.5, 71.95 Hindustan Pe, 368, 369, 363, 363.6 Hindustan Un, 238.1, 250.5, 238.1, 247.05 Hindustan Zi, 946, 980, 946, 972.6 Housing Dev, 230, 235, 229, 230.9 Icici Bank L, 851.4, 859.05, 848.2, 854.1 Idea Cellula, 54.95, 57.9, 53.8, 55.7 Ifci Ltd, 54.5, 55.1, 53.85, 54.5 India Cement, 110, 110.5, 108.2, 110.05 India Infoli, 95, 97, 93.65, 96.2 Indiabulls F, 141.8, 146.8, 140, 141.85 Indiabulls R, 156, 161.8, 155.1, 159.45 Indian Bank, 227.75, 231, 226.55, 229.1 Indian Hotel, 102.4, 103.3, 101, 101.45 Indian Oil C, 356.6, 358.9, 350.95, 352.05 Indian Overs, 89.5, 90.25, 89, 89.7 Indus Dev Ba, 112.9, 113.5, 111.85, 112.95

Indusind Ban, 188.4, 190.7, 185.15, 187.15 Infosys Tech, 2660, 2705.8, 2660, 2698 Infra. dev., 157.55, 163.4, 157.55, 162.45 Ispat Indust, 17.7, 17.75, 17.45, 17.55 Itc Ltd, 283, 286.85, 282.5, 285.5 Ivrcl Infras, 176, 178.25, 173.4, 177.05 Jai Corp Lim, 229.6, 234, 228.7, 229.5 Jaiprakash A, 122, 123.4, 121.1, 122.1 Jet Airways, 503, 507, 490.1, 492.55 Jindal Saw L, 192, 194.85, 190.5, 191.3 Jindal Steel, 637.4, 641.75, 631.5, 635 Jsw Steel Li, 1070, 1095, 1065, 1070.15 Kotak Mahind, 762, 773.45, 755.6, 759.55 Lakshmi Mach, 1812, 1844, 1812, 1819.4 Lanco Infrat, 63.8, 65.75, 63.1, 64 Larsen & Tou, 1631.55, 1670, 1631.55, 1666.75 Lic Housing, 952.7, 974.5, 946, 969 Lupin Limite, 1870, 1870, 1841, 1845.2 Mahanagar Te, 55.5, 57.05, 55.4, 56.05 Mahindra & M, 585, 589, 576.65, 582.95 Maruti Suzuk, 1288, 1310, 1287, 1296.8 Max India Lt, 161.5, 165, 161.5, 162.5 Maytas Infr., 203, 205, 197.3, 198.7

IBM in 10-yr pact with ElectraCard PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 3

AGENCY KOLKATA, JUNE 3

Fujitsu Consulting India appoints Kumar as VP-HR

PTI

PTI CHENNAI, JUNE 3

Vesuvius to double plant capacity

PANJIM (HBD) -- Cidade de Goa’s Doçaria the 24 hour coffee shop will be screening of all the football matches from June 11 to July 11, 2010 during FIFA World Cup 2010 along with a special menu and assorted beverages.

A large screen with the sea facing Doçaria as the backdrop awaits all sports lovers from 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm and 11.30 pm 1.30 am. Also predict the 2 finalists, top scorer of FIFA World Cup 2010 and FIFA World Cup Winner 2010 to win surprises.

MUMBAI, JUNE 3

HSMI plans Rs 530 cr expansion

India-UAE trade up 70%: Envoy

2010 FIFA WC screenings at Cidade de Goa

All-round buying pushes Sensex up 280 points

Pg12

IBM said that it has signed a 10year multi-million dollar agreement with ElectraCard Services (ECS) for providing business continuity services. The agreement will facilitate operational expertise and solution capability for ECS's disaster recovery infrastructure, IBM said.

As part of the agreement, IBM will manage ECS infrastructure at the disaster recovery site, located at the tech giant's data point in Bangalore as well as its primary IT centre in Mumbai, making it one of the largest-managed resiliency service deals in India. IBM will enable ECS to align its IT initiatives, such as risk management, with the latter's continued business requirements while reducing capital expenditure, the company said.

ElectraCard Services provides business-critical applications and third-party processing services for credit and payment management globally.

"With ECS''s growing business requirements, it has become crucial for us to merge our high dependency on IT with business goals in the current business context.

BOARD MEETINGS Celebrity Fash Moldtek Tech Shreejal Info Hindalco Inds Moldtkpack Turbotech Engr KPIT Cummins Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA FIDELITY MUTUAL FUND has launched a new fund named as Fidelity Fixed Maturity Plan - Series II - Plan B, a close ended income scheme.

The NFO price for the scheme is Rs 10 per unit. The new issue opens and closes subscription on June 3, 2010. The duration of the scheme is 95 days from the date of allotment. The scheme offers two options namely growth and dividend option.

The minimum application amount is Rs 5,000. The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription (minimum target) amount of Rs 10 million under the scheme during the NFO period.

Entry and exit load charge will be nil for the scheme. Benchmark Index for the scheme is CRISIL Liquid Fund Index. The scheme will be managed by Shriram Ramanathan and Mahesh Chhabria.

UTI MUTUAL FUND has approved June 8, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option of UTI Fixed Income Interval Fund - Monthly Interval Plan - II. The face value of per unit is Rs 10.

The quantum of dividend will be 100% of distributable surplus as on the record date.

RELIANCE MUTUAL FUND has announced the revision of exit load structure for Reliance Floating Rate Fund - Short Term Plan. The changes will be effective from June 3, 2010.

Accordingly if the units are redeemed within 1 month from the date of allotment of units the exit load charge is 0.25%. If the units are redeemed after 1 month from the date of allotment of units the exit load charge is nil.

SBI MUTUAL FUND has announced that units of SBI PSU Fund, an open ended equity scheme shall be available for purchase / redemptions through Mutual Fund Services System (MFSS) of NSE and BSE Stock Exchange Platform for Allotment and Repurchase of Mutual Funds (BSE StAR MF System) of BSE. Investors can subscribe to the units of the scheme until the closure of the new fund offer (NFO) ie June 14, 2010 during the NFO and purchase / redeem from July12, 2010 on an ongoing basis.

TAURUS MUTUAL FUND announced the launch of Taurus Nifty Index Fund, an open-ended index linked equity scheme. The NFO opens on June 4 and closes on June 10.

The Fund is expected to garner Rs 25-crore from the new fund offer. The total size of the index fund is Rs 1,100 crore, Naqvi said.

While investors may continue to hold a large portion of their investments in actively managed equity funds, from a diversification perspective, their equity funds portfolio may have 15-20 per cent exposure to index funds.

As the Indian growth story continues, the Taurus Mutual Fund is bullish on sectors like banking and pharmaceuticals and midcap stocks, Taurus Mutual Funds' vice- president, Sadanand Shetty, said.

The fund is overweight on FMCG and telecom sectors, Shetty said.

Moser-baer (, 61, 63.25, 61, 62 Mrpl, 68.25, 69.4, 68.25, 68.85 Nagarjuna Co, 178.2, 188.85, 178.2, 186 Nagarjuna Fe, 30.2, 30.3, 29.75, 29.95 National Alu, 432, 434.9, 420, 423.45 Neyveli Lign, 150, 151.75, 148.6, 149.45 Ntpc Ltd, 200, 203, 199.5, 202.3 Oil And Natu, 1188, 1215, 1188, 1211.05 Omaxe Limite, 95, 95.5, 93.5, 94.2 Oriental Ban, 327, 335.25, 327, 330.5 Pantaloon Re, 419.75, 427.9, 416.7, 421.05 Parsvnath De, 125, 125.95, 122.55, 123.55 Petronet Lng, 84.2, 84.9, 83.4, 83.85 Power Fin Co, 293, 294.1, 289.4, 291.35 Power Grid C, 104.9, 105.95, 104.4, 105.6 Praj Industr, 79, 79.25, 77.95, 78.7 Punj Lloyd L, 118, 119, 115.5, 117.75 Punjab Natio, 998, 1018, 994.4, 1004.8 Rajesh Expor, 91.7, 92.5, 89.65, 90.05 Ranbaxy Labs, 432.65, 437.95, 429.2, 431.55 Rashtriya Ch, 82, 82.65, 80.5, 81.25 Rel. nat. re, 54.9, 55.35, 53.3, 54.2 Reliance Cap, 655, 678.5, 653.5, 673.05

Reliance Com, 156, 165.9, 156, 164.8 Reliance Ene, 906.99, 906.99, 890, 900.99 Reliance Ind, 772, 781.95, 768.35, 771 Reliance Ind, 1019.9, 1038, 1019.9, 1030.8 Reliance Pow, 158, 163.3, 157, 161.6 Rolta India, 165.5, 168.2, 165, 166 Satyam Compu, 83.1, 90.2, 83.1, 89.45 Sesa Goa Ltd, 378.2, 387.6, 375.5, 381.6 Shipping Cor, 162.7, 164.95, 162, 162.95 Siemens Ltd, 693, 698, 689, 693.35 Sintex Indus, 285, 292.2, 283.15, 289.75 Sobha Develo, 287.75, 294.5, 285.15, 286.15 State Bank O, 2265.05, 2305.95, 2265.05, 2287.3 Steel Author, 204, 206.8, 201.8, 202.6 Sterlite Ind, 647.4, 658.5, 645, 651.75 Sun Pharmace, 1691, 1714.35, 1691, 1702.9 Sun Tv Netwo, 403.7, 407.4, 402.05, 403.15 Suzlon Energ, 55, 55.8, 54.6, 55.3 Tata Communi, 247.9, 252.8, 242.1, 244.9 Tata Consult, 760, 769, 745.1, 765.45 Tata Motors, 755, 772, 755, 767.25

Tata Power C, 1250, 1278.35, 1241.2, 1244.65 Tata Steel L, 490.1, 494.7, 483.25, 485.8 Tata Tea Ltd, 1081.9, 1098.6, 1079, 1088.45 Tata Teleser, 20.5, 20.9, 20, 20.5 Tech Mahindr, 685, 718.9, 675, 714.7 The Ge Shpg., 296.5, 307, 296.5, 303.1 The Phoenix, 200, 201, 195.3, 196.7 Thermax Ltd, 697.55, 698.95, 682.35, 685.4 Titan Indust, 2223.85, 2247, 2211.05, 2220.05 Torrent Powe, 325.9, 333.8, 325, 328.2 Triveni Engg, 96.65, 96.65, 93.55, 94.15 Tv18 India L, 85.3, 86.65, 82.4, 82.85 Uco Bank, 80, 81.1, 79.5, 79.8 Ultratech Ce, 968.5, 968.5, 936, 946.05 Union Bank O, 296.05, 322.7, 291.65, 315.75 Unitech Ltd, 71.5, 72.85, 71.25, 71.65 United Phosp, 180.5, 185, 179.05, 181.1 Videocon Ind, 204.45, 206.6, 202, 202.85 Vijaya Bank, 61.65, 61.8, 60.55, 61 Voltas Ltd, 184.8, 186.8, 183.95, 185.15 Wipro Ltd, 656, 663.8, 653.45, 655.6 Yes Bank Lim, 285, 297.25, 283.55, 295.25 Zee Entertai, 280, 293, 277.1, 291.9

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BIZ

GOA, FRIDAY, 4 JUNE, 2010

Rs 3.50 hike in petrol, diesel prices on cards PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 3

The Government may, from next week, find it easier to decontrol petrol and diesel prices as softening global rates would require fuel costs to be raised by just Rs 3.50 a litre for the purpose. An Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM), headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, is scheduled to meet on June 7 to consider a Kirit Parikh Committee report that calls for the freeing of petrol and diesel prices from governmental control, besides steep hikes in LPG and kerosene rates to cut fuel subsidy.

"Earlier, there were doubts if the government would actually free auto fuel prices -- particularly that of diesel -- as the hike required to make them at par with international rates was over Rs 6 per litre. But the fall in global oil prices has made the task easier," an Oil Ministry official said.

The EGoM will have to raise the price of petrol by Rs 3.35 per litre and that of diesel by Rs 3.49 a litre to free them from government control. Petrol in Delhi currently costs Rs 47.93 a litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 38.10.

International crude oil prices have shaved off over USD 10 per barrel to bring them down to USD 72-74 a barrel. "The hike needed to free auto fuel prices till last week was Rs 6.07 a litre in petrol and Rs 6.38 a

litre in diesel.

Raising prices, particularly that of diesel by such an amount in one go, was considered politically difficult," he said. "Things have, however, changed now," the offical added.

The revenue loss that stateowned Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum incurred on fuel sales came down to Rs 203 crore per day, from Rs 255 crore a day till last week. They currently sell petrol at a loss of Rs 3.35 a litre, while that for diesel is Rs 3.49, Rs 18.82 for PDS kerosene and Rs 261.90 for every 14.2-kg LPG cylinder.

The official said the EGoM may not agree with the Parikh committee''s recommendation of raising the kerosene price by Rs 6 per litre and LPG rates by Rs 100 per cylinder. "To my mind, a Rs 20-25 per cylinder increase in LPG price may be approved," he added.

Besides Mukherjee, the EGoM on fuel prices also includes Oil Minister Murli Deora, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Chemical and Fertiliser Minister M K Alagiri, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, Road Transport Minister Kamal Nath and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia. State retailers are projected to lose Rs 72,300 crore in revenue this fiscal if fuel prices do not change.

According to the terms of

LAUNCH PAD

Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unicorn Dazzler

CHENNAI (PTI) -- Leading two wheeler manufacturer Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, the 100 per cent subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Japan, today launched its CB Unicorn Dazzler bike in the city.

Priced at Rs 64,890 ex-showroom Chennai, the bike has a floating side cowl, 110/180 wide rear tyre and half chain case.

Other features include two-tone seat new design mirror, handlebar weights, 3D emblem, digital meter and front and rear disc brakes.

Powered by a 150 cc reformed engine, the bike delivers 14 BHP power.

The vehicle promises a mileage of 60 kmpl, has alloy wheels and claims to offer the best combination of pick-up and mileage in the segment.

Nokiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4 cheap phones, bicycle charger HELSINKI (PTI) -- Nokia unveiled on Thursday four new cheap phone models, and a first bicycle charger from the world's top cellphone maker, aiming to protect its dominant market share on emerging markets.

Nokia controls more than 50 percent of phone sales in India and Africa, and has a strong position on most other emerging markets.

"Tens of millions of these products will be sold, but competition is intensifying as Chinese vendors aggressively target the ultra low cost segment," said Ben Wood, director of research at CCS Insight.

"With all the focus on its smartphone woes it is easy to forget that Nokia is a power house in entry level products."

Nokia has struggled to keep up with rivals like Apple and RIM in the high-end of the market, and its ailing smartphone offering has hurt the stock price over the last few months.

The four new simple phone models sales prices, excluding possible operators subsidies and local taxes, range from 30 euros ($36.9) to 45 euros.

Two of the new phones, including the cheapest 30 euro model, will enable usage of two different SIM cards -- helping sharing a phone between family members or friends.

Nokia introduced also its first bicycle charger, targeting especially consumers with limited access to electricity, and it will go on sale for roughly 15 euros price, depending on market, later this year, said a company spokesman.

Mercedes Benz drives into city bus segment CHENNAI (AGENCY) -- Mercedes Benz India, which ventured into the long distance luxury bus segment, will soon get into the city bus market, a top company official said Thursday.

'We are looking at city bus segment with low foot boards.

There will be price difference between the long distance luxury buses and the buses to be supplied for city transport. The price will be competitive,' Wilfried Aulbur, MD of the Germany-based Daimler group's Indian subsidiary, said.

Mercedes Benz will be competing with Volvo that has made inroads into the city transport segment with its air conditioned buses.

Aulbur expects the company to log double digit growth this calendar year in the luxury bus segment.

'We have sold 43 luxury coaches, two and three axles put together, till date,' he said, declining to share the current year's target.

In India, Mercedes Benz sells two and three axle luxury coaches.

'The two axle is priced at Rs 74 lakh and the three axle is Rs 92 lakh,' Aulbur said.

Aulbur was here to hand over the keys of two buses to citybased tour operator Parveen Travels.

'On a single shift basis we can assemble 1,200 luxury bus chassis and engines, both imported, at our Pune plant. We expect the 1,000 units per annum market to grow 15-20 percent over the next 10 years,' he added.

Asked about the possibility of sourcing engines from a group company that is setting up a truck plant near here, he said: 'There is a possibility. But I cannot comment anything now.'

According to Srinivas Chilukuri, general manager, the Daimler group commands 13 percent market share in the 250,000 units per annum eight tonne gross vehicle weight (GVW) bus segment globally, followed by India's Ashok Leyland.

The company is investing Rs 200 crore across the country in upgrading the infrastructure of its dealers and service stations, Aulbur said.

reference (ToR), the EGoM is to consider a pricing policy for petrol and diesel, including decontrol, he said, adding that it also has to decide on ways to bridge the deficit between the imported rate and retail price of LPG and kerosene.

Ashiana Housing net up 29% NEW DELHI: Realty firm Ashiana Housing reported a 29% increase in net profit at Rs 36.8 crore in 2009-10 fiscal. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 28.4 crore in the previous fiscal. Total income grew by 16% at Rs 121 crore in the last fiscal against Rs 104 crore in 2008-09 fiscal.

Mittal commends Indian economy PTI BANGALORE, JUNE 3

Steel giant ArcelorMittal's chairman and CEO Lakshmi N Mittal today commended the Indian economy for achieving 7.4 per cent growth rate in 2009-10 fiscal amid the global economic slowdown.

Speaking at the Global Investors' Meet, organised by the Karnataka government, he said as he travels around the world, visiting the company's operations in about 60 countries, he is seeing signs of improvement everywhere.

"However, it is clear that economic recovery is not happening at the universal pace,"

DishTV to up rural presence PTI AHMEDABAD, JUNE 3

Dishtv plans to revamp its marketing strategies to increase network in the rural areas of the country in the coming three months, company's VP (sales) Navid Rashid, said.

"We already have 7.3 million customers across the country and currently have a market share of 34% in the direct-tohome television business in India," Rashid said.

"Though we are presently the leader in rural markets in term of sale, in the coming three months we plan to increase our penetration in the rural market, with increased network of sales and service centres which would reach upto the block level in every state," he said.

Rashid said that the company would also revamp the marketing strategies to cater to the rural markets indifferent states of the country.

With Dishtv's HD service which is branded as 'Tru HD' the viewer would get sharper picture quality, theatre like stereophonic sound which would enhance the viewing experience.

Mittal said. "Two distinct trends are emerging. That of developed countries, which are travelling in the slow lane, while the developing countries are on the speedy lane. This for me is the most interesting economic trend to be reinforced by the crisis."

The rise of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) countries, rapidly industrialising countries and other developing economies are reshaping the global economy. "The high growth rate in these economies has been one of the most transformational change in the past two years."

He said strong domestic de-

mand has proved to be far more reliable input for growth in developing economies and "we have countries which have successfully maintained growth rate. India is a great example of this".

India's economy grew by a better than estimated 7.4 per cent in 2009-10 on the back of double digit expansion in manufacturing sector and not so dismal showing by farm sector.

In fact, the economy grew by a robust 8.6 per cent in the fourth quarter, fuelled by 16.3 per cent expansion in manufacturing sector.

China, the only large country with higher growth rate than

India, witnessed 11.9 per cent growth in the same quarter, while the fragile recovery in most countries, particularly Europe, is under threat from a sovereign debt crisis.

Mittal said he sees tremendous potential of developing economies that include India.

ArcelorMittal, meanwhile, signed an MoU with the Karnataka government to set up a Rs 30,000 crore steel project in the state.

"Karnataka to me is an investment destination with a strong tradition of fruitful investment through its quality educated and skilled manpower," Mittal said.

Tata Nano set to drive into Taiwan AGENCY TAIPEI, JUNE 3

Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car made by India's Tata Motors, is set to drive in to Taiwan, a manufacturing hub of iPods and green technologies, later this year.

Theodore Huang, chairman of Taiwan's TECO group, is upbeat about the prospects of the Tata Nano in the Taiwan market, but says it may have to be modified to suit the island's high environmental standards.

Huang, who visited New Delhi in January and went on a test drive in a spanking new Tata Nao, said he was impressed by the small car and found the ride 'comfortable and satisfactory'. It accelerates smoothly and can exceed speed of 100 km per hour, he said.

Huang's company is interested in becoming Tata Motors'

agent in Taiwan and selling the Nano car in the prosperous island, the world's 17th largest economy that has identified India as a focus market.

The prospects of Tata Nano in the Taiwan market are bright, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, director-general of India-Taipei Association that serves as India's consular office in the Taiwanese capital, said.

Taiwan, the self-ruled democratic island claimed by China, boasts of $17,000 per capita income, but has a burgeoning middle class that is stuck to scooters and want now to move on to economy cars.

Rawat said he met Huang a while ago and found him excited by Tata Nano. Due to space constraints and environmental considerations, Tata Nano may just be the car this aspiring class is looking for, he said.

Tagged as the 'people's

car', the basic Nano model costs around $2,500. Tata Motors is eying a global market and planning a new model for the European market to satisfy its stringent emission standards.

Huang, however, feels that price alone would not guarantee Nano's success in Taiwan and made it clear that the TECO Group, better known for its industrial motors and home appliances, will only sell the car if its specifications conform to Taiwan's regulations and requirements.

TECO has provided Tata Motors with Taiwan's automobile safety requirements as a reference and is waiting for the results of the Indian carmaker's assessment.

'If the cars cannot be customized in India for Taiwan's market, they will have to be modified in Taiwan after being delivered,' said Huang.

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Harmony of Three Boosts for Goa’s Three Important Livestock Farming ultry, An ongoing po airy piggery and d hort development s term training programme, the conducted by Animal Department of d Husbandry an nces Veterinary Scie is is on during th ont, fr month. On this ut more Herald finds o about these e state industries in th

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES oultry, piggery and dairy farming are all part of livestock farming, which is a major economy for rural parts of the state. Information collected from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Goa says that the three categories of livestock farming are undoubtedly doing pretty well. While dairy and poultry’s biggest threat to a healthy business is imports from other states, the piggery industry doesn’t view that as a concern as Goan pork meat sells fast; Goa being a Catholic dominated area.

Though steady profits lie in this business, other laments of these farmers are constant and should be taken seriously. Amongst them are the increasing price of feed, especially poultry feed and the maintenance of chattel. Others include a decrease in labour, leading to the increase in the present labour charges. Animal feed is a major concern among livestock farmers. While pig feed consisting of mainly kitchen waste besides waste from various eateries is rupees cheaper, chicken feed cannot be acquired from the state and has to be imported from outside as Goa does not produce sufficient chicken feed. This feed which is costly in nature is a spoke in the wheel of profits for poultry farmers.

This is created because land availability is gradually diminishing due to a proliferation of builders that engulf agricultural land into a sea of concrete, residential or commercial structures. As it is also affecting agriculture, animal feed that is obtained from agricultural waste has also lessened.

The training programme, held by the Department at the Farmer’s Training Centre, Curti, Ponda will provide assistance to these farmers. As this profession is updated by science on a fairly regular basis, for a consistent profit, farmers need these updates. These sessions focus on spreading knowledge on the latest technology to the farmers. It will also discuss the scope of this profession today and the business opportunity it has in the state and convey information on the providing of financial assistance like loans, informs the Director of the Department. The strength of these sessions cross 150 and comprise eager farmers, a few unemployed youth as well as lay persons.

Unemployed youth are one major sector that the profession has to tap into.

All said, this business is looking up. Young people living in rural areas looking to start a small scale business should consider livestock farming. The schemes

P

are abundant, there is scope for experimentation with livestock for better produce and it is a profession close to Mother Earth. “We expect the number of livestock farmers to increase in the state and can see the youth too getting employment through this profession. We do provide a number of beneficial schemes for which the farmers have to come forward and avail of,” says the Director, an invariable opportunity for the young and ambitious. The Goan markets are definitely on their side as consumption of the three produces are above average and bring in healthy gain.

Scaffolding the above statement are the various schemes put forth by the Department for lay persons to take up livestock farming. “A household belonging to any member of the general public with sufficient space for livestock can avail of these schemes by going in for a poultry and piggery backyard farm,” suggests the Director.

A certificate provided at the end of the training sessions holds value at the setting up stage of a livestock farmer making a start in the industry, although one can go ahead and begin even without it.

Suggestions to deal with the sectors’ current issues are subsidised poultry feed, an involvement of the unemployed youth in various sectors of the industry and providing of animal medicine on a consistent basis. Orientations, like the aforementioned should match the pace of the constant change taking place in these industries. This will not only equip farmers with a protective shield against the daggers of competition but also give them effective know-how that will act as tools to improve their business, besides creating awareness on the latest to hit the industry.

Dates of the Programme June 3 and 9 – Piggery Training Programme June 21 and 24 – Poultry Training Programme June 9 – Dairy Development Programme For more information visit the Farmers Training Centre, Curti, Ponda or call the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences on 2437244

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Watch your frustration level today. Inconsiderate people will test your patience. Communica(21 Mar – 19 Apr) tion is difficult today -even with those you know best. It's hard to speak clearly when thoughts and feelings are all over the place, so resign yourself to a couple of days of confusion.

Rely on your flexibility to get you through the day.

Unexpected issues will pop up. When it's time (23 Sep – 22 Oct) for volunteering, you need to take a bold step backward and let someone else take the heat.

You've got enough going on, and there's no need to compound it with added responsibilities.

Too many like-minded friends will make you complacent. Seek different ideas today. Your as(20 Apr – 20 May) sistance is essential to a friend or coworker who needs to make a big deal today. You should be able to suss it all out and get them what they need in no time flat!

Make sure they're appreciative.

A good day like this doesn't come along often.

Savor everyone's smiles and giggles. What is re(23 Oct – 21 Nov) ally going on with your boss and that other colleague? Your hunches are always interesting, even if they're not always spot on, so follow up and see what comes of it all.

If you've been dreaming about change, today is the day to start making it happen. You are feel(21 May – 21 Jun) ing somewhat more frustrated than usual, but that's not the end of the world. In fact, you may also find that you're better able to see through some small, petty problems that just don't matter.

Losing an important document may seem like the end of the world, but it's not. Try shuffling (22 Nov – 21 Dec) things around a little today, even if you risk losing important papers or other key elements of your working life. A shift in perspective is vital to making any progress.

Your mind will have a partly cloudy day today.

Don't do any detail-oriented tasks! Avoid any (22 Jun – 22 Jul) work that is too detailoriented right now -- your mind is better suited for the big picture! If you can't get involved in planning, then maybe you can cultivate new customers.

Talking isn't going to get you anywhere today.

Think of other ways to communicate. Try to (22 Dec – 19 Jan) reach out to that new person in your life in a new way.

You haven't settled into crystallized forms of communication yet, which sacrifice flexibility for clarity. Stretch yourself!

A blunt comment triggers an emotional reaction -don't feel guilty. You were right. Even your best (23 Jul – 22 Aug) friend might not make much sense to you today -- so you need to take what they say with a grain of salt. See if you can get them to write out what they're trying to convey.

You've never followed the masses, so why start now? Strike out on your own. Your ability to con(20 Jan – 18 Feb) nect with people is strong today -- as long as you are reaching out to big groups. If you can deal with working an audience, that is likely for the best, so take to the stage!

Other people's poor organizational skills will throw a wrench into the works today. You're the (23 Aug – 22 Sep) master of organization, or at least that's what it says on your business card. Today that pays off for you in a big way, as those around you are all freaking out over stuff that you know cold.

Money can't make you happy, but it can make you feel better. Treat yourself today. Though (19 Feb – 20 Mar) you're tempted to rush out to save the world today, make sure you save at least a little time to take care of yourself. If you're starting to succumb to stress, what's going to happen to all your friends?

Every artist has ideas and principles which are put on canvas individually.

But what happens when three artists, from different backgrounds, different countries, in fact different continents come together to work on one canvas?

The answer is the Indomia Project

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES group of three artists splashing paint on a single canvas, simultaneously, may sound confusing but this chaotic union of three different individuals brought together by their common love for art actually created a masterpiece beyond compare. The artists came from different countries, besides different backgrounds; the Indian, Srinivas M, his wife Peruvian Enith and the Belgian, Dirk Thienpont were brought together by art and fate. “On my fifth visit to India, I met Srinivas and Enith at an art material shop in Mumbai in December 2008. We began talking, and soon after, they invited me to Goa, where they have their studio,” recounted Dirk about how the trio first met. “Once when we were having our discussion about life and art, we just happened to start painting together on one canvas,” says Srinivas.

This led to some more experimentation.

“But this time we decided to do that without any rules. Of course we used to have a casual discussion but the paintings would go with the flow,” says Srinivas. “That is the way the Indomia Project was born,” adds Dirk.

It is a known fact that artists have their own unique style of painting and prefer working in solitude, so it’s refreshing to meet this trio. “We have had so many confusing moments; each time we paint we have a confrontation. It is such a chaos at times, when you paint something and the other one comes and splashes his colours over it, it is very annoying but then you have to be patient and see what the other two will do to your work,” says Srinivas.

Dirk laughs when you ask him about his experience working with Srinivas and Enith.

“Conflicts in this sense are beautiful when you create a work of art; we have to just let

A

Heigl wants to adopt baby from Haiti K

Two Epics retold this Season W

atherine Heigl has announced that she wishes to adopt a baby from earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

The ‘Knocked Up’ star became a first-time mother last September, when she and her husband Josh Kelly adopted daughter Naleigh from Korea.

“I can’t imagine my life without Naleigh or not being her mother,” Heigl says.

The past six months have been life-altering, Heigl says, but “I still laugh at the same things and get angry at the same things. I’m a sappy mom now. I didn’t think I would be. I thought I’d be a cool mom who keeps everything in perspective.” And now she plans to expand her family.

Heigl says that being a mum has made her so happy that she wants to bring another child into the family – and she’s considering heading to Haiti to help the youngsters who lost their parents in January’s devastating tremor.

“We would like to have a second child – adopted or biological. We are not ruling it out.

Just look at Haiti. They’re so many parent-less children.

It breaks my heart. I want to help,” the actress was quoted saying.

ith their tales of passion and power, vendetta and virtue, devotion and deception, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata have provided inspiration to filmmakers down the ages. And they do so again with Prakash Jha and Mani Ratnam ready with a modern retelling of the two Indian epics. While Jha’s ‘Raajneeti’ is inspired by the Mahabharata, Ratnam’s ‘Raavan’ is said to be loosely based on the Ramayana. Apart from their huge starcast, big budgets and share of controversies, both the movies have been in the news for their story base.

The Mahabharata is about family feuds, the struggle of virtue against vice and a dynastic struggle for the throne. Set in a modern political milieu, ‘Raajneeti’, releasing today, too is a yarn about family politics, exploitation of relationships and the political war to attain supreme power. Rumours were rife that Katrina Kaif ’s character in the movie had an uncanny resemblance to Congress Party chief Sonia Gandhi. But director Jha dismissed the speculation and said: “There is so much hullabaloo about the character being played by Katrina (Kaif), but I want say here that her role has no connection with Sonia Gandhi... the character Katrina represents is one of the characters of the Mahabharata.”

‘Raajneeti’, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of Indian politics, features an ensemble line-up, including the likes of Nana Patekar and Naseeruddin Shah, who embody Lord Krishna and Bhishmapitamah respectively.

Ajay Devgn represents Karna and plays Manoj Bajpai’s loyal friend who would do anything for him.

“I am playing Virendra Pratap Singh. My role is almost like Duryodhana in the Mahabharata,” said Manoj. Model-turnedactor Arjun Rampal’s character is inspired by Bhim. ‘Raajneeti’ will be followed by ‘Raavan’, which releases June 18. It is loosely inspired by the Ramayana. If reports are to be believed, Abhishek Bachchan’s character Beera in the action thriller recalls Raavan, the demon king, and Aishwarya Rai’s Ragini is inspired from Sita.

Tamil superstar Vikram, who makes his Bollywood debut with the movie, portrays a modern day Rama, Nikhil Dwivedi is the contemporary Lakshman and Govinda plays Lord Rama’s devotee Hanuman, who helps the hero in crossing hurdles and finding his wife. Ratnam, however, claims his film will have a new twist as it doesn’t follow the plot of the epic. As in the movie, Abhishek kidnaps Aishwarya who is married to Vikram; as the story progresses, the lady reportedly develops a soft corner for her abductor.

go of all our inhibitions. In all open communications there can be conflicts, so with lines, shapes, colours and intuitive moves, we come out of every conflict by artistic communication,” says Dirk.

As far as colours are concerned, they choose their own colours at the beginning and work accordingly, then they try balancing their colours. “We normally pick out our colours, I choose white, Enith red, and Dirk black,” says Srinivas.

Srinivas brings out a good point, saying, “There is no place for your ego when you work with other artists; your ego goes for a toss,” says Srinivas.

“If you can’t let my ego go, I believe you never can paint with three artists on the same canvas and create something interesting and unique” says Dirk. “The paintings are each characterised by a combined effort and yet we can see each individual’s contribution on the canvas, you can point out and say here’s me, here’s Srinivas and here’s Dirk,” says Enith.

“This was a direct way of discovering each others personality and exploring our own artistic borders, as a communication form by art and paint,” elucidates Dirk. “Every time we get together, it is a growing experience, we have evolved together. Earlier it was difficult and complicated, but as you work together can grow into working together and giving each other freedom to do what he or she wants to do,” says Enith.

Dirk gives his experience a larger philosophical perspective: “It’s a very unique chance to see, feel and experience that three different countries, or continents rather, have their own influences on our paintings. It is something different and that makes it unique and special for me. I think, maybe, it would be a good idea for all world leaders. They should be made to paint together, maybe then there would be a little more peace.” laughs Dirk.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Friday, 4 June, 2010

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A poultry, piggery and dairy development short term training programme, conducted by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Patto, Panjim will be held on June 21 to 24, June 3 and June 9, respectively. Visit Farmers Training Centre, Curti, Ponda. Call 2437244.

‘Children’s Film Festival’, organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa will take place on June 5 and 6 from 3pm onwards at the Maquinez Palace, Panjim. It is free and open to all. Call 2428111 or 2428115.

‘Many Species. The Planet. One Future’, an event will be held on June 5, World Environment Day, from 10am to 6pm at the National Institution of Oceanography, Dona Paula. It is organised by the Centre fro Environment Education. Call 2450281, 2450235, 2450228 and 2456700.

A workshop for tiatr script writers and lyricists will take place on June 7 from 10am onwards at the Tiatr Academy Conference Hall, Campal, Panaji. Registration closes on June 4, 2010. Call 2230738 or 2230739.

‘Paltadcho Munis’ or ‘The Man Beyond the Bridge’ is being screened till June 7 at 6pm and 8pm at the Maquinez Palace, Panjim and on June 5 and 6 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Call 2428111, 2428113, 2428115 and 2653083.

‘Road Safety Awareness Program’ organised by the Traffic Wardens of Chorao and the Traffic Cell, Panjim is being held till June 4 from 5pm to 7pm at the Ribandar ferry wharf.

‘Climate Change and Biodiversity – Citizens Responsibilities in mitigating the Adverse Impacts’, a panel discussion, one of the events as part of the day-long event schedule organised by the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) will take place on June 5, World Environment Day, from 10am to 6pm at the NIO, Dona Paula. Call

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

retable

Funny Quote

“Get all the fools on your side and you can be elected to anything.”

– Frank Dane

Pronunciation ree-tey-buhl Function Noun Meaning : a decorative structure raised above an altar at the back, often including a shelf, as for the cross, ceremonial candlesticks and other ornaments

SUDOKU 570

2450281, 2450235, 2450228 and 2456700.

The World Quizzing Championships, organised by the International Quizzing Association and the Sunday Evening Quiz Club will be held on June 5 at 3.30pm at the CCP Hall, CCP Building, Panjim. Registration closes on June 4. E-mail rajivdsilva@gmail.com.

An awareness meeting for flat owners, organised by GOACAN will take place on June 6 from 10am to 1pm at the Almeida High School, Ponda. E-mail goacan@gmail.com. Write to Goacan, Post Box 187, Margao, Goa, 403601.

Live musical concert, organised by Father Peter Cardozo and the Sonata Music School, Margao and the All Goa Youth Fusion Concert Committee will take place on June 6 at 10:30am. Tickets are available at Furtados, Pedro Fernandes Musical Instruments and Vibes, all in Margao.

Football trials for selection of players for the 3rd Division Team, U-20’s Team and U-16’s Team of the Chicalim Youth Club will be held on June 5 at 4.30pm at the Chicalim Panchayat Ground, Chicalim. Call 9822120807.

‘Media and Terrorism in South Asia’, an international seminar, organised by Forum for Media Professionals and the International Centre Goa will take place from June 4 to 6 at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. The inauguration to the seminar will take place on June 3 at 6:30pm. Call 2452805 to 2452810.

Free embroidery, needle work, cutting and tailoring 1-year courses, organised by the Commissioner fro Labour and Employment as part of labour welfare activity begins on June 7. Registration closes on June 4. Visit the nearest Labour Welfare Centre.

The 4th Annual Musical Concert and prize distribution ceremony, held by Linda’s Ebony and Ivory Academy, Margao will take place on June 5 at 4:30pm at the Grace Church Hall, Margao.

DAILY GROOK SEE BANSHEE

by Francis Rodrigues ghost-buster bold, im wary of a hoax, 'besides the cold ...icy dead folks!

10:00 Crime Patrol 10:30 Indian Idol 13:30 C.I.D 16:00 C.I.D Classics 19:00 Comedy Circus Ke Superstars 20:00 Mahi Way 21:00 Seven 22:00 C.I.D 23:00 Aahat 23:30 Comedy Circus Ke Superstars

09:30 Jhansi Ki Rani

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D

Awareness Campaign in Polytechnic Centres HERALD FEATURES arious Polytechnic colleges across the state celebrated an Awareness Week to give a better understanding of the various subjects to new students before they join colleges. Several school children were given orientation about the subjects both engineering and non-engineering offered by the colleges. The Government Polytechnic centres that celebrated the week were Panjim, Curchorem, Bicholim, Agnel Polytechnic, Verna and the Institute of Ship Building Technology, Vasco. The week was celebrated from May 31 to June 4, 2010.

Austin Rodrigues, lecturer for Civil Engineering at Panjim Polytechnic explained, “The students are not aware of the various subjects related to technical education at the director’s level that are offered by government polytechnic colleges in Goa. Through this awareness programme we give them a brief presentation of the three year diploma subjects which are engineering subjects like Civil engineering, Mechanical engineering, Computer engineering, Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Fabrication, Electronic-Instrumentation engineering and non-engineering subjects like Garment Technology and Modern Office Practices.

We also explain the admission cut offs and answer the questions posed by the students.”

Honour thy Associates

V

SOUTH POLE

10:00 Maniben.com 10:15 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

11:15 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Mrs. and Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Maniben.com 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta….

14:30 Mrs. and Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 15:00 Office Office 15:30 Gutar Gu 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

18:00 Gutar Gu 18:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mrs. and Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Sri Adi Manav 20:30 Gutar Gu 21:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

23:00 Gutar Gu

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

Filmy Bonanza for Children

GARFIELD

10:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Zara Nachke Dikha 18:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

CURR

Information Technology

HERALD FEATURES rawing the curtains to the summer holidays with aplomb, the Entertainment Society of Goa is organising the ‘Children’s Film Festival’ on June 5 and 6, 2010 from 3pm onwards at Maquinez Palace, Panjim. The two-day film festival will feature five internationally acclaimed films, namely ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’, ‘Krish Trish and Baltiboy’, ‘Pangaa Gang’, ‘Nokpokliba’ and ‘Madagascar’.

The inaugural function of the film festival will include a felicitation programme for Mhabaleshwar Sail, the story writer of the award winning Konkani film, ‘Paltadacho Munis’ and Nilesh Naik, the Rangoli maestro who earned an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for his creative rangoli art, in the presence of the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava.

Films screened on the first day of the film festival will be ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’, a film directed by Steven Spielberg followed by ‘Krish, Trish & Baltiboy’, a tale of Krish a monkey, Trish a cat and Baltiboy a donkey, who are three minstrels who take you on an exotic journey to the land of Indian Folk tales and folk music.

The second day of the festival, June 6, will showcase three films from 1pm onwards, beginning with ‘Pangaa Gang’, a film, directed by Pankaj Sharma, set in a place called Shantivan. The story follows the adventures of four kids with extraordinary powers as they set out to defend their homeland from unwelcome intruders. ‘Nokpokliba’ is based on a folk tale from Nagaland. It’s the story about Nokpokliba, a magician, who brings justice to his people through his magic. At 3pm, ‘Madagascar’, an entertaining animated film by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath will be screened.

Manoj Shrivastav, CEO of ESG, says, “Our aim is to connect children with cinema. It’s our attempt to connect the younger crowd with animation. The film festival will include films from both national and international animation, so that children can compare the two.”

Children at the venue will be treated to fun activities like face painting, balloon sculpting and magic shows. Entry is free.

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 569 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

10:00 Choti Bahu 10:30 Keshav Pandit 12:00 Dance India Dance L'il masters Lime Light 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Dance India Dance 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Kahani Ab Tak 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:00 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Dance India Dance L'il 23:00 Pavitra Rishta 23:30 Jhansi Ki Rani

Education

09:45 Strange Wilderness 11:30 Rob-B-Hood 14:00 Scream 16:10 Honey I Shrunk the Kids 18:05 The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 21:00 Remember the Titans 23:15 Street Kings

08:00 Love Marriage 11:40 Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani 15:40 Daag: The Fire 20:00 Kurukshetra 23:30 Jaan Se Pyara

09:30 Janani 12:30 James 16:00 Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa 20:00 Ab Tak Chhappan 09:15 Julia 12:00 The Dark Knight 15:00 Taking Chance 16:45 The Addams Family 18:45 TMZ 19:15 Spring Breakdown 21:00 Rollerball 23:00 The Dark Knight

10:30 Sexy Beast 12:20 K-PAX 14:40 Stranger than Fiction

10:00 Dill Mill Gayye 10:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 11:00 Star One Horror Nights 12:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 12:30 Dill Mill Gayye 13:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 13:30 Geet 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 15:00 Laughter Special 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh

11:00 Fear Factor : Bowling For Beetles 12:00 Top Chef 13:00 Ghost Adventure 14:00 Sports Crash 15:00 Whacked Out Sports 15:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 So You Think You Can Dance : Top 12 Compete 20:00 Top Chef

A

Tiatr Review

‘Fattlean Poi’ – A Touching Tale about the Ill-treatment of Daughters-in-law D

HERALD FEATURES eliberately targeting someone when one could be in the same shoes is a futile exercise. Instead of blindly criticising and humiliating others for no fault of theirs, it is better to turn back and contemplate on one’s own past life as it could be an eye-opener. This is the message conveyed

by Mario Menezes in his drama ‘Fattlean Poi’.

Daryl (Victor), a seafarer, is madly in love with an orphaned girl Riza (Agnes), but his elder brother Nixon (Mario de Vasco), who is a police inspector, objects to that existing relationship as he considers Riza to be of loose character.

Nixon convinces his younger brother and informs him that his mom will oppose his choice, but Daryl is determined to settle with Riza before he proceeds on his second trip. Despite all objections, Daryl ties the knot with Riza and immediately proceeds on his trip, leaving his wife in the care of his parents and other relatives.

Although Daryl’s dad Daniel (Mario Menezes) treats Riza as his own daughter, his mom Janetra (Rosy Alvares) along with Nixon harass her to the maximum. Janetra also makes plans to get rid of her daughter-in-law with the help of Travasso (Lawry Travasso), a local goon.

But fate favours Riza and Travasso changes his plan of murdering her.

Thereafter, the daughter-in-law is tortured by her cruel mother-in-law in every possible way by burdening her with all sorts of household chores.

News about Daryl’s death knocks at the door unexpectedly and Riza is once again targeted by Janetra. Considering Riza to be a bad omen, the mother-in-law decides to drive her daughter-in-law away. At this juncture, Daniel reminds Janetra about her past wherein she too had become a widow when her husband’s death in a mishap. He recalls how he thereafter

16:55 Drowning Mona 18:55 Hush 21:00 Before the Devil Knows You're Dead 23:25 How to go out on a date in Queens

12:30 Kaal 16:00 Hasti 20:00 Yaarana 23:20 Sarkar

08:00 Kundan 12:00 Main Tera Dushman 16:00 Naseeb Apna

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Dill Mill Gayye 23:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum

HERALD FEATURES ssociate Appreciation Week 2010 was observed enthusiastically at the Goa Marriott Resort, with its Associates participating in different activities. Going by the remarks of many long-term associates, this year was touted to have witnessed the finest AAW in many years. A fine balance between work and fun was successfully achieved in a week-long celebration where associates enjoyed themselves and were honored for their contributions as well. Activities included Department Decoration, Theme Luncheons and Singing and Dance Competitions. Associates selflessly participated in a Blood Donation Drive in large numbers. A special party for the orphaned children of Tivim-based NGO Caritas was also organised at the resort.

21:00 Sony Style TV Magazine 21:30 E Buzz 22:00 The Pursuit of Happyness

09:30 Friends 10:00 30 Rock 10:30 The Simpsons 11:00 American Idol 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 90210 : Clark Raving Mad 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 15:30 30 Rock 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 Friends

17:00 Castle 18:00 90210 : Clark Raving Mad 19:00 30 Rock 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Friends 20:30 Rendezvous with Simi Garewal : Hrithik Roshan 21:00 America's Got Talent 22:00 90210

09:00 Roland Garros 2010 : Womens Singles: Semi Final & Mixed Doubles 11:00 TNA Sikander 12:00 Gp2 Series 2010 14:00 FIA F1 World Championship Highlights 2010 15:30 Roland Garros 2010 H/ls 16:30 Roland Garros 2010 : Semi Final: Mens Singles 21:30 Roger Federer - Spirit of a Champion : The Champion 22:00 FIM Motocross World Championship 2010 H/ls 23:00 Score Tonight 23:30 Engine Block 2010

09:30 FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 South Africa:Semifinal 2: Brazil vs. South Africa 11:30 FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 South Africa 14:00 FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 South Africa : Final: USA vs. Brazil 16:00 FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 South Africa : South Africa vs. Iraq 18:00 Premier League World 18:30 The Contenders : England 19:00 Sportscenter Express : South Africa 19:30 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee : Semifinal

22:30 Sportscenter India 23:00 Sportscenter Asia

09:30 Zimbabwe Triangular ODI Zimbabwe vs. India 11:30 Motorsport Mundial 12:00 2010 South Africa Tour to West Indies H/ls : 5th ODI 14:00 Zimbabwe Triangular ODI Zimbabwe vs. India 16:00 ICC Cricket Show 16:30 Winning Post 17:00 WWE: Smackdown 19:00 Epsom Oaks 21:00 2010 South Africa Tour to West Indies H/ls : 5th ODI 23:00 WWE: Smackdown

07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Summer Festival 11:30 Talking Talkies 12:00 Konkani Songs 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Ramdev Baba 14:30 Summer T10 15:00 Interview with Vivek Pathien 15:30 Fashion Show 16:00 Straight Talk 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Konkani Duet 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Konkani Songs 21:30 HCN Smash Hits 22:00 English News 23:00 Interview with Vivek Pathien 23:30 Ankur- Special Childrens Programme 00:00 Konkani Songs Note: Subject to change

HERALD FEATURES

accepted her as his wife in order to safeguard her image in society.

But Janetra stands firm to her decision and drives Riza out of her house. Once on the streets, where does Riza go? Who comes to her aid? Does her misfortune come to an end there?

Each of the artistes on stage has played their role well, with apt dialogue delivery. The stage décor was appropriate, with light effects and background music enriching the show.

Comic interludes by Balchao (Ben Evangelisto) and his desi wife Elema (Joana) brought in pills of laughter among the audience.

Some of the songs, especially ‘Nagoinaka’ by Rosy Alvares, ‘Kola damun dovrinaka’ by Victor, ‘Jezuchi Xikvonn’ by Agnes had a powerful message for the viewers. A tribute to late comedian Edison by Rosy Alvares and Lawry Travasso was also well accepted.

Overall, a wonderful drama worth a watch as the director has made efforts to dwell on a simple subject with several twists and turns.

HERALD CROSSWORD - 570 Across 1- Lineage; 6- One of the Simpsons; 10- San ___, Italy; 14- Legend maker; 15- Hostelries; 16- Inter ___; 17- Renaissance fiddle; 18- Ooze; 19- Ho Chi ___; 20- Scottish trousers; 22- Financial combination of Japan; 24- Total; 26- Indonesian cigarette; 27- Arabian Nights hero; 31- Bass, e.g.; 32- Continue a subscription; 33- Short journey; 36- So there!; 39- French 101 verb; 40- Force upon; 41- Architect Saarinen; 42- Broke bread; 43- Earth; 44- Pending; 45Bleat of a sheep; 46- Cotton fabric; 48- Vitality; 51- Break off; 52- Chung or Rather, e.g.; 54- Area with coin-operated games; 59- Hammett hound; 60- Switch ending; 62- Large wave caused by tidal flow; 63Observed; 64- Queue after Q; 65- Long-winded speech; 66Mandlikova of tennis; 67- 365 days; 68- Pop pieces; Down 1- Sharp bristle; 2- Bakery worker; 3- Bumpkin; 4- Corner; 5- Finetoothed blade; 6- Fleur-de-___; 7Don Juan's mother; 8- Move stealthily; 9- One who seeks advancement; 10- Branched; 11Best of a group; 12- Capital of Belarus; 13- Island of Hawaii; 21Prefix meaning "beneath"; 23Waist band; 25- One of superior rank; 27- Calculus calculation; 28Riga resident; 29- Memo heading;

30- Apian; 34- Atmosphere; SOLUTION - 569 35- Grammarian's topic; 368th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; 37- Horne solo; 38Actor Ian; 40- Plumy; 41Chang's twin; 43- Apply powder to oneself; 44- Disrobe; 45- Tropical fruit; 47- Actress Balin; 48- Old Testament book; 49- Consumed; 50Stallion, e.g.; 52- Money; 53- Roster; 55- Crime boss; 56- Not "fer"; 57- Remnant; 58- Electric fish; 61- Belonging to us;

SPORTS

GOA, Friday, 4 June, 2010

Pg16

Geet stages brilliant recovery HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

Eight times world champion, Geet Sethi, who suffered a 0-3 defeat at the hands of another world champion and Asian Games double gold medalist, Ashok Shandilya, in the morning session later consolidated his position in the league table registering three successive wins against Rupesh Shah, B Bhaskar and Sourav Kothari in the 2nd Billiards Selection Tournament for Asian Games at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Mira Mar on Thursday.

Alok Kumar, ranked 7th, posted a commendable win against seven-times world champion Pankaj Advani 3-2 with the help of two century breaks in

World champion, Geet Sethi cues the ball at 2nd Billiards Selection Tournament at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Mira Mar on Thursday.

the first and third games in a best of five hundred points up format.

At the end of the day, the championship remains wide open as none of the players

went home with an all-win record.

Other results: Pankaj Advani bt Sourav Kothari: 3-1, 100-0; 79-100; 100-3; 100-13; Alok Kumar bt Dhruv Sitwala: 3-1, 63-100; 100-34; 100-34; 100-18; Ashok Shandilya bt Geet Sethi: 3-0, 104-35; 101-92; 10005; B Bhaskar bt R.Shah: 3-2, 101-27; 67-101(101); 100(100)0; 30-100(80);100-49; Geet Sethi bt B Bhaskar: 3-1, 100-0; 10037; 18-100; 100-0; Rupesh Shah bt Devendra Joshi: 3-2, 2-100; 100-0; 67-100; 100-37; 100-30; A. Kumar bt P Advani: 3-2, 101(101)-05; 21-101; 105(105)22; 59-100; 100-12; Geet Sethi bt Sourav Kothari: 3-1, 100(74)-33; 102(67)-43; 57100; 100(91)-53.

Merces Villagers, winners of Diogo Vaz veterans football tournament at Don Bosco ground, Panjim on Thursday alongwith Peter Vaz, Elvis Gomes, Tony Dias. They beat Bardez Veterans 1-0 in the finals, with Francis Dias scoring the precious match-winner.

Chicalim YC soccer trials

PANJIM (HSD) -- Chicalim Youth Club will conduct soccer selection trials for U-20 and U16, third division teams on June 5, at Chicalim Panchayat ground, at 4.30 p.m. Those interested may contact coach Raymond Carvalho at the venue.

Vailankani enter semis fr chico cup HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JUNE 3

Vailankani Sports Club, Arambol trounced Siolim Sodiem Sports and Cultural Association 4-1 to enter the semi-finals of Fr. Chico Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Candolim

Sports Club and sponsored by Bayside Properties Private Limited at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim on Thursday.

Arambol took the lead in the 4th minute through Kewal Fernandes off a defensive lapse.

Down by a goal, Siolim fought back and restored parity through Prestonio Fernandes in the 27th

minute.

Changing over, Arambol fought back and once again took the lead through Jason Fernandes in the 19th minute. Jason made it 3-1 in the 22nd minute to make the issue safe for Arambol. Gaspar Rodrigues rounded off the tally in the dying minutes.

The participants at GFA youth development programme alongwith GFA zonal head Arnaldo Costa, coaches Joaquim Gunja, Gracy D’Costa, Damiana Gomendes, Joao Fernandes, support staff, Peter Cardoso, Savolo Naik and John Rodrigues at Curtorim ground. In all, 80 children participated.

Aquatics team for Nationals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

Following swimmers and divers who have been selected to represent the State for the 37th Junior National Aquatic Championship to be held from July 7 to 11 and 27th Sub-Junior National Aquatic Championship to be held from July 12 to 15 in Bangalore organised by Karnataka Swimming Association

have been asked to contact their respective coaches for the camp.

Junior team: Talasha Prabhu, Sunanda Chaudhary, Akshada Godinho, Poorva Cardozo, Kaustubh Natekar, Akash Fulkar, Ramakant Alias, Sahil S. Naik, Damodar P. Karekar, Rajat Sirsat, Marc Rebeiro, Nihal Chico, Yash Nagvenkar, Clarissa D’Souza, Akshita Naik and Michelle Rodrigues.

Diving team: Genevie D’Costa, Sameer Noronha, Judith Saldanha, Abhijeet A.J., Allah Chetti, Shivsagar Pillai and Noela Pereira. Sub-junior team: Raunak Pai, Ashwin Mascarenhas, Aby Jose, Joao Estrocio, Nitya Halarnkar, Magdalena Pereira, Aavani Prabhu, Yash Gaunekar, Xavier D’Souza, Suman Patil, Akshata Karapurkar and Nora Vales.

by Enfermos Sports Club at Rosary ground, Navelim on Thursday.

Raia opened the scoring in the 10th minute t h ro u g h D o n Fe r n a n d e s .

C h a n g i n g o v e r, M a j o r d a equalised in the dying m i n u t e s t h ro u g h A g n e l o

Fernandes.

In the ensuing tie-breaker, Lenson D'Costa, Sadik Ahmed, Preston Rodrigues, Remedious Barretto and Agnelo Fernandes were on target for Majorda while Gloria Cardozo, Don Fernandes, Valito Cruz, Oilex Oliveira and Andrew Vaz scored for Raia.

St Rock breeze past Manora

georgia trophy HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

St Rock’s Majorda edged past Youth of Manora, Raia 6-5 via the tie-breaker to enter the finals of Atlanta Georgia Trophy All-Goa inter-village football tournament organised

Sai Avtar storm into finals sai avtar soccer HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 3

Sai Avtar Sports Club Anjuna entered the finals of Sai Avtar Super Soccer, with a 7-6 tie-

breaker win over Milagres Sports Club, at Anjuna Gymkhana ground, Tembi, on Thursday. The teams were locked 1-1 at full time.

In the 10th minute Krishna scored from a goal mouth melee for Milagres.

HC Arpora enter last four PANJIM (HSD) - Holiday Club Arporra entered the semi-finals of Pramodini Dattaram Palyekar Soccer, with

a 4-3 tie-breaker win over Candolim Sports Club, at St. Anthony ’s church ground, Siolim, on Thursday.

Minutes later, Anjuna’s Ligorio Noronha equalised off Rajesh Shirodkar.

In the tie-breaker, Stanley Sequeira, Christopher D’Souza, Saprem Diukar, Gautam Diukar, Ligorio Noronha and Rajesh Shirodkar scored for Anjuna, while Wilber Menezes, Shailesh Misken, Milin Rane, Navnath Bugde and Madhu Salgaokar were on target for Milagres.

Fr. Chico Cup soccer quarters: Milagres SC v. UC Nerul, Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.30 p.m.

Mardolsoccer:NerulSCv.Sequeirim, Mayem, Mardol ground, 4.45 p.m.

Romeo memorial soccer: Cujira v. 2nd Bairo, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz ground, 5 p.m.

All-Goa volleyball: Goa Police v. Shantadurga, 8p.m; Da Cruz v.

Hauxi, Odxel court, Taleigao 9 p.m.

St. Anthony soccer semis:Dam Doom Boys, Valpoi v. St. Anthony Youth, Goa Velha Firguembhat , Goa Velha, 5 p.m.

SPORTS

GOA, Friday, 4 June, 2010

Brazil on song but worry over Cesar Paraguay too strong for Greece REUTERS LONDON, JUNE 3

Capello to stay with England until 2012 AGENCIES RUSTENBURG, JUNE 3

Fabio Capello will remain as England coach until 2012, the Football Association (FA) said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Italian, poised to lead England to this month's World Cup in South Africa, had been linked in Italian and British newspapers with the vacant manager's job at Inter Milan.

The 63-year-old Capello has signed an amended contract which removed a break clause option.

"We're very pleased to have Fabio's commitment for another two years and it's good that we have been able to resolve this before the team flies to South Africa," Club England Chairman Dave Richards said.

Inter Milan are looking for a new coach following Jose Mourinho's departure for Real Madrid and the Champions League winners' president Massimo Moratti said this week he would be pleased if Capello was available after the World Cup. "I always wanted to stay until the end of my contract," Capello said. "In South Africa we are totally focussed on the World Cup." The former Juventus, AC Milan and AS Roma coach has transformed England since taking charge after they failed to qualify for Euro 2008, winning 18 of 24 games.

He is preparing the team for the World Cup which starts in South Africa on June 11. England play the United States on June 12 and also face Slovenia and Algeria in Group C.

Brazil gave a glimpse of the Latin American flair they will bring to the World Cup in South Africa with a 3-0 warm-up win over Zimbabwe, a victory tempered by an injury to goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

While Brazil enjoyed a rapturous reception at the 60,000 capacity national stadium in Zimbabwe's capital Harare, FIFA president Sepp Blatter was attending the official handingover of the showpiece Soccer City stadium near Soweto, venue for the World Cup's opening match on June 11 and final on July 11.

Blatter marked the occasion by calling former South Africa president Nelson Mandela ''the most charismatic humanist alive''.

The Swiss head of soccer's governing body also described the 90,000-capacity stadium as a magnificent flagship for Africa. ''The right legacy for this event will be 'let's celebrate Africa's humanity','' Blatter said yesterday.

Brazil, who will attempt to win the World Cup for the sixth time, were given a decent workout by Zimbabwe, ranked a lowly 110th in the world.

Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano scored for Dunga's side

although the coach would have been concerned by the sight of keeper Julio Cesar being substituted in the 26th minute.

Brazil doctor Jose Luis Runco said the Inter Milan keeper had been taken off as a precaution after hurting his back.

Serbia again looked bereft of ideas as they followed up last weekend's 1-0 defeat by fellow World Cup finalists New Zealand with a tepid 0-0 draw against Poland.

Coach Radomir Antic rested defensive stalwart Nemanja Vidic and the back four looked all at sea in the opening 30 minutes, only two superb saves by reserve goalkeeper Bojan Isailovic keeping Serbia on level terms.

Goals from Enrique Vera and Lucas Barrios gave Paraguay a 2-0 win over Greece in a warmup match between the two World Cup-bound sides.

With the deadline for naming 23-man squads for the finals now passed, Italy coach Marcello Lippi was mulling over taking midfielder Andrea Cossu as a 24th man if Mauro Camoranesi's knee injury does not improve.

Camoranesi was included in the world champions' 23-man squad but can be replaced before the first match. European champions Spain, fancied by many to win a first World Cup, plan to give midfielder Cesc Fabregas a run-out in a warm-up against South Korea on Thursday.

Kaka (centre) of Brazil fights for the ball against Zimbabwe's players during a friendly soccer match in Harare on Wednesday.

Nelson Mandela to Group H squads attend opening match REUTERS PRETORIA, JUNE 3

AGENCIES PRETORIA, JUNE 3

Makhenkesi Stofile, the Minister of Sport and Recreation, has revealed to the media that, contrary to earlier media reports, Nelson Mandela will be at Soccer City next Friday for the World Cup opening ceremony.

Despite his frail health, 91-yearold Mandela will brave the chilly Highveld winter to attend the opening festivities.

Stofile said the former State President and Nobel Prize laureate had asked for four tickets from the board of the 2010 World Cup, that the request has been honoured and that Madiba is going to get his tickets.

Mandela will attend the opening match between Bafana Bafana and Mexico as well as the final scheduled for July 11 at Soccer City Stadium.

The former president retired from public life in 2004. But he made a surprise appearance last year at a rally before the National election.

Mandela has strong links to sports in South Africa after he famously appeared at the 1995 rugby World Cup final wearing the green and gold jersey of the Springboks, the country's National rugby team.

Billions across Asia to watch World Cup l

Indian viewership to be double that of 2006 event

AFP SINGAPORE, JUNE 3

Billions of people around the world are expected to watch the World Cup at some point during the tournament with media operators in Asia eyeing record audiences.

Such is the massive interest in a sport that is played in virtually every country on the planet that FIFA has forecast at least as many people will tune into the month-long extravaganza as in Germany four years ago.

This doesn't take into account the millions more watching on streaming over the internet or on mobile devices, where live goal alerts, match updates and even live games will keep fans abreast of the action wherever they are.

And in a first this year, some games will be broadcast in 3D, with South Korea's SBS carrying action in this format along with ESPN in the United States and

Sogecable in Spain.

According to sportcal.com, FIFA expects television revenues of 2.5 billion US dollars, out of 3.5 billion dollars in total commercial revenues generated from the tournament.

While many fans watching will be in Europe, where football is akin to a religion, huge numbers will be glued to their sets in Asia, which is home to some 60 percent of the world's population .

China Central Television won the rights to broadcast free-toair all 64 matches, making it the main avenue for the country's 1.3 billion people to view the event.

The station reaches up to 97 percent of China's population, with some estimates saying a cumulative 900 million watched the 2006 tournament, which explains why it is seen as the sport's top future growth market.

The official China Daily said the station paid two billion yuan

As the countdown nears with eight days to go for the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, Goan boys seem to be caught up with the fever during their outing on Keri beach, Pernem.

Photo: Bliven Estrocio

(292 million US) for the rights.

India is another huge emerging market, and despite cricket being the number one sport the World Cup will be followed closely.

All matches are being shown live on the pan-Asian ESPN-Star network, which bid 40 million dollars to secure the rights for South Asia.

The coverage will include commentary in both English and Hindi, with officials estimating 125 million Indians will be watching.

"We are proud to have the rights for World Cup football and I am sure it will be one of the most watched events across India," said ESPN-Star managing director Manu Sawhney.

"Come June, India will be gripped by football fever like the rest of the world."

Free-to-air station SBS has the television, online and radio rights in Australia and is believed to have already attracted its biggest crop of advertising dollars in its 30-year history for the programming.

The deals are commercial in confidence, but The Australian newspaper reported sponsorship amounted to an estimated 20 million Australian dollars (16 million US).

"Demand has been excellent," SBS corporate communications manager Jane McMillan told AFP. "All packages were sold well in advance of the tournament."

With big viewer numbers expected, a premium is being charged for advertising.

In China, Sichuan-based alcohol producer Langjiu Group is reportedly forking out 4.88

million dollars for the exclusive titling rights to the World Cup's top scoring list.

Other brand advertisers splurging billions of yuan for air-time include China Mobile, Nike, sportswear maker Deerway and Tsingtao Beer, state media said.

In Japan, the Japan Consortium, a syndicate including pubic broadcaster NHK and private Japanese networks, hold the rights.

According to the Asahi Shimbun, the Consortium paid as much as 17 billion yen (190 million dollars) for the honour.

Japanese advertising giant Dentsu is the sole agent to sell marketing, including spot commercials.

"Generally speaking, the World Cup and the Olympics dominate sporting events with the World Athletics Championships trailing a little behind them. Corporate clients are greatly interested in them," a Densu sport marketing official said.

"As a matter of course, the World Cup provides content with the highest value for corporate brand awareness. In this sense, we recognise it as 'killer content' which doesn't seem to decline."

ESPN Star Sports said that 95% of its ad inventory is already sold out. While Vodafone, Airtel DTH, Samsung, Nokia and Hero Honda are the TV sponsors, the real marketing action around the FIFA has been limited to the tournament's global sponsors.

Viewership in India is expected to be a little more than double the 55 million mark seen in the last World Cup in 2006.

Collated Group H 23-man squads for the June 11-July 11 World Cup in South Africa.

SPAIN

Coach: Vicente del Bosque.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).

Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona).

Forwards: Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Valencia), Pedro (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).

SWITZERLAND

Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg), Johnny Leoni (FC Zurich), Marco Woelfli (Young Boys Berne).

Defenders: Mario Eggimann (Hanover 96), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal), Ludovic Magnin (FC Zurich), Steve Von Bergen (Hertha Berlin), Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria).

Midfielders: Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Valon Behrami (West Ham United), Gelson Fernandes (St Etienne), Benjamin Huggel (FC Basel), Marco Padalino (Sampdoria), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Goklan Inler (Udinese).

Forwards: Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexander Frei (FC Basel), Blaise Nkufo (Twente Enschede), Hakan Yakin (FC Luzern), Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Basel), Albert Bunjako (Nuremberg).

Pg17 How should France line-up?

AGENCIES JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 3

The countdown is firmly on.

There are eight days until the World Cup begins, with South Africa tussling with Mexico in the opening game before France meet Uruguay only a matter of hours later.

Les Bleus are strong favourites to progress from Group A, but their route to the finals was by no means smooth and it would be somewhat naive to suggest they will stroll to the knock-out stages, so how does Raymond Domenech need to align his side to get the best from them?

Firstly, it must be considered that there are some fixed components in this system, namely Domenech’s presence as coach and the 23 players he has selected to take part in the competition.

After turning his side out in a dire 4-2-3-1 system against even the smallest of minnows in the qualifying campaign, ‘Dom’ chose the warm-up friendlies as the time to finally switch to a more offensively-minded 4-3-3 formation, which has been a system that many pundits, including myself, have advocated previously.

A 2-1 win over Costa Rica and a 1-1 tie in Tunisia have not been without their problems, however. Aside from starting both games slowly - surely a mental issue rather than a tactical one - there have been times of uncertainty in defence. Worse still, the rearguard has been hit by another calf problem sustained

by William Gallas, France’s first pick centre-back.

If fit, Gallas will start alongside Eric Abidal in the middle of the defence, especially since Marc Planus now has an injury niggle.

The other option is Sebastien Squillaci, who, as a regular central defender at club level, should be given a more prominent role. Squillaci may at least get a chance to shine in the final friendly against China on Friday.

The other defensive roles are nailed on. Hugo Lloris is now firmly France’s No.1, while Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra will feature as full-backs.

In the centre of the park, there are finally signs of a balance being struck. Jeremy Toulalan is a competent enough holding midfielder to perform a solo destructive role

against all but the elite should his two comrades in the middle three work sufficiently hard, and his steady displays at the heart of the team should be considered a foundation to the offence.

Yoann Gourcuff, meanwhile, appears to have rediscovered his confidence and form, orchestrating the play superbly in each of the two warm-up games to date, revelling in the additional space he has been granted.

Florent Malouda, arguably the best Frenchman at club level this season, has looked something of a misfit. Perhaps due to the Chelsea man’s sumptuous club form, he has been rather pigeonholed into a role in the middle three. For all his endeavour, he has flitted in and out of the two most recent games, clearly missing his regular role on the left hand side of the attack, which Franck Ribery has filled impressively after a disappointing campaign with Bayern Munich.

Even if Malouda’s club form deserved to carry him past Ribery in Les Bleus’ pecking order before the Costa Rica match, the former Olympique de Marseille man has cemented his spot in the starting XI since.

As for the central midfield role, surely Abou Diaby would be a smarter option?

A similar story can be told in attack, where Nicolas Anelka hasn’t looked comfortable playing as a centre forward in an offensive three. The Chelsea man has too often dropped deep to look for the ball, leaving his wingers with nothing to hit in the middle.

France’s ideal would be a penalty box poacher who simply wants to feed off scraps in the centre, both on the deck and in the air.

Domenech does have options in the form of Djibril Cisse, who has been scoring freely this season for Panathinaikos, making him the squad’s only in-form goal-getter, and Andre-Pierre Gignac, who has struggled to live up to the prolific reputation he earned for himself at Toulouse last term. Both should get their chance against China, even though it will be a harrowing experience for Cisse, who broke his leg against the same opposition on the eve of the 2006 World Cup, and Domenech should be open-minded about the possibility of Anelka.

SA coach Parreira fears no opponents

HONDURAS

Coach: Reinaldo Rueda Goalkeepers: Noel Valladares, Donis Escober (both Olimpia), Ricardo Canales (Motagua).

Defenders: Sergio Mendoza, Emilio Izaguirre (both Motagua), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Greentown), Osman Chavez (Platense), Johnny Palacios, Boniek Garcia (both Olimpia), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan Athletic), Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht).

Midfielders: Danilo Turcios, Ramon Nunez (both Olimpia), Hendry Thomas (Wigan Athletic), Edgard Alvarez (Bari), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino).

Forwards: Walter Martinez (Marathon), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), David Suazo (Genoa).

CHILE

Coach: Marcelo Bielsa Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Universidad de Chile), Luis Marin (Union Espanola).

Defenders: Pablo Contreras (PAOK Athens), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Gonzalo Jara (West Bromwich Albion), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo), Carlos Carmona (Reggina), Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Matias Fernandez (Sporting), Jorge Valdivia (Al Ain).

Forwards: Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Juan Beausejour (America), Fabian Orellana (Xeres), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza).

Spain's national soccer player Fernando Torres (front) gestures in front of his team mate David Villa during a training session in the western Austrian town of Schruns on Wednesday.

AGENCIES JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 3

Bafana Bafana head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has affirmed his team fear nobody ahead of the World Cup. "We are ready to face any team. We don't have to fear anybody.

We have to respect everybody, but no fear," said the Brazilian at a press conference.

"We are ready to make the country proud and we appreciate all the support from you… we need a lot of noise. The vuvuzela is our 12th player…. the best statement came from Bryan Robson when we played Thailand and he said 'They make so much noise I cannot communicate to the team' and I said he didn't see nothing.

It is going to be bigger in Soccer City, that helps us a lot. The goal is to go as far as we can in the World Cup," Parreira said.

"When the ball moves anything can happen and we are ready.

The team has shown that they are improving," said Parreira of Bafana's recent friendlies.

"I'm happy, because everybody has been playing for the team.

The shape is there, the identity is there, we keep the ball on the ground and we are scoring the goals. We are ready for the World Cup," Parreira declared.

Bafana play against Denmark on Saturday at the Lucas 'Masterpieces' Moripe Stadium.

SPORTS

Geet stages brilliant recovery Pg 16

Nelson Mandela to attend opening match Pg 17

GOA, FRIDAY, 4 JUNE, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

Openers’ poor form a worry for team: Raina

Cyrus, Riya ahead

PANJIM (HSD) -- Top seeds Cyrus Pereira and Riya Sawant were leading in the boys and girls sections respectively at the end of the first day of All-Goa U13 State Chess Selection trials organised by Lions Club of Ponda under the auspices of Goa Chess Association at Wagle High School, Mangeshi. Results -boys: Cyrus Pereira bt Aston Dias, Abhinav Sawant lost to Alfredo Menezes, Akhilesh Rai bt Coleridge Fernandes, Shane Braganza lost to Rohan Ahuja, Rishubh Naik bt K. Tushar, Shaunak Kuncolienkar lost to Ritviz Parab, Vaibhav Pednekar lost to Shubham Sawaikar, Vikas Gupta lost to Snehil Shetty. In the boys category, Cyrus, Alfredo, Akhilesh, Rohan, Rishubh, Ritviz, Shubham and Snehil are leading with 3 points after the third round. Girls: Riddhi Zantye lost to Riya Sawant, Gauri Hadkonkar bt Sachi Bandodkar, Sonali Kerkar drew with Aditee Prabhugaonkar, Swera Braganza bt Athira Dias, Aishwarya Thorat drew with Sayani Kerkar, Bhagyashree Naik bt Trutiya Talaulikar Deepika Giridhar lost to Vidula Dempo, Urvi Bandekar lost to Apurva Naik. In the girls category, Riya, Gauri, Swera, Bhagyashree and Vidula are leading with 2 points after the second round.

Goa meet Assam

MAPUSA (HSR) -- Goa will play Assam on June 11 in U-19 Junior National Football Championship in Kolkata. Goa will meet Uttar Pradesh on June 13 and will lock horns with Punjab on June 15.

For the second year running, Mario Aguiar has been appointed as manager and will be joined by coach Lino Pereira and physio Akash Chopra.

Speaking to Herald, Mario said: "Last year, Goa won the Santosh Trophy and the U-21 Nationals, this year it will be great if we could score a hat-trick.”

Included in the squad is Brandon Fernandes.

PTI HARARE, JUNE 3

Indian skipper Suresh Raina today blamed the batsmen in general and the openers in particular for the team's back-toback defeat against Zimbabwe in the ongoing tri-series here.

"We didn't bat well. We are not getting good partnerships from the openers. They didn't get runs in last two games. Over all we did not bat well," a disappointed Raina said after the match.

"We should have probably scored 260-270. We have to learn from our mistakes and perform well in the next game. Zimbabwe bowled really well," he added.

This defeat have jeopardised India's chances to reach the final of the tri-series.

The visitors will face Sri Lanka in a do-ordie battle on Saturday.

"It is an important game for us. Sri Lanka have a very good side and we will have to play really good cricket.

Let's hope we play well," Raina said.

Zimbabwe players in jubilant mood as they celebrate seven wickets victory.

PTI HARARE, JUNE 3

A listless India received their second mauling in a week at the hands of hosts Zimbabwe, who crushed them by seven wickets in the ongoing cricket tri-series here today.

In a shock repeat of the tournament opener, India dished out yet another pathetic display in all three departments of the game to suffer a crushing defeat with 11.4 overs to spare that seriously jeopardised their chances of reaching the June 9 final.

Put into bat, India's famed line-up came out with a shoddy display to crawl to a below-par 194 for nine in 50 overs. Things, in fact, could have been worse but for Ravindra Jadeja's gritty 72-ball 51 down the order.

India needed to bowl out of their skin to defend the paltry total but Zimbabwe cashed in on a steady start and cruised to 197 for three in 38.2 overs to humble their opponents. This

AGENCIES

JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 3

FIFA secretary general, Jerome Valcke has responded to a few critical World Cup issues just over a week before the tournament.

At a media briefing late on Tuesday after the Local Organising Committee had sat down in their final Board of Directors meeting before the start of the tournament, Valcke expressed FIFA’s satisfaction with the fact that the percentage ticket sales for the 2010 World Cup has surpassed that of Germany 2006 and it is edging closer towards the 100 per cent mark.

"We are getting closer and closer to the best World Cup ever in terms of ticketing, which was USA in 1994. It is an amaz-

was also India's first back-toback defeat against the minnows.

For Zimbabwe, Brendan Taylor (74) and Hamilton Masakadza (66) scored bulk of the runs with their 128-run opening partnership in 26.3 overs as the hosts bagged five points, including a bonus, from the match.

They now have nine points from three matches that brightened their chance for a place in the final.

India now must beat Sri Lanka on Saturday and then wait for the outcome of the islanders' match against Zimbabwe on Monday for a place in the final.

Needing less than five runs an over, Zimababwe made a slow but steady start with Masakzada and Taylor shunning risk in the first half hour before stepping up the tempo once they settled down.

Taylor, who played some ex-

India: Dinesh Karthik c Taibu b Lamb 33, Murali Vijay st Taibu b Lamb 21, Virat Kohli c Taibu b Utseya 18, Rohit Sharma run out 13, Suresh Raina run out 3, Ravindra Jadeja c Masakadza b Blignaut 51,Yousuf Pathan lbw b Price 15, Amit Mishra c Coventry b Cremer 0, Ashok Dinda c Taylor b Lamb 16, Pragyan Ojha not out 7, Umesh Yadav not out 3. Extras: 14. Total: 194for 9. Fall of wickets: 1-58, 2-63, 3-86, 4-92, 5-95, 6-127, 7-128, 8176, 9-190. Bowling: Andy Blignaut 10-1-22-1, Ray Price 10-0-37-1, Greg Lamb 10-0-45-3, Prosper Utseya 10-0-41-1, Graeme Cremer 1-0-42-1.

Zimbabwe innings (target 195 runs from 50 overs): Hamilton Masakadza c Kohli b Jadeja 66, Brendan Taylor c Vijay b Ojha 74, Charles Coventry c Pathan b Jadeja 20, Elton Chigumbura not out 16, Tatenda Taibu not out 13. Extras: 8. Total: 197 for 3. Overs: 38.2.Fall of wickets: 1-128, 2-161 (Masakadza, 31.4 ov), 3-170. Bowling: Ashok Dinda 8.2-0-54-0, Pragyan Ojha 10-0-35-1, Umesh Yadav 4-0-20-0, Amit Mishra 9-0-56-0, Ravindra Jadeja 7-0-27-2. Man-of-the-Match: B Taylor

ing result that we have in South Africa… we never expected this," said Valcke at the press conference.

Approximately 2.9 million tickets were put on sale for this year ’s World Cup. Valcke, though, admitted that with such a big number of ticket sales, the biggest challenge at the stadiums will be the traffic, describing it as a nightmare.

"It is a nightmare. We must start this World Cup with a full stadium. For the opening ceremony it will start at 14:00 but people must be at the stadium by at least 13:00. It is amazing how late South Africans arrive at matches and we are hoping they will change this and arrive early," he said.

Valcke also took a swipe at

critics of the Adidas Jabulani ball. The ball has come under heavy criticism from players of a number of the 32 teams to participate in the World Cup. The latest was Brazil striker Luis Fabiano, who has described the ball as "weird" and Valcke pulled no punches in his response.

"It’s a ball used which has been used by a number of teams for months since the ball was put on the market by Adidas.

It’s Brazil who say that because they are afraid that they will not make it and it’ll be due to the ball. If Brazil win the World Cup playing with this ball it won’t be a problem anymore! The teams are going to play with this ball and good luck to Brazil," Valcke added.

quisite shots including a six off Umesh Yadav, reached his fifty in the 17th over off 59 balls with a single off Jadeja.

India could break the Zimbabwean opening stand in only the 27th over with Ojha removing Taylor who holed out to long-off fielder Murali Vijay but not before taking the home side to the threshold of victory.

A f t e r Ta y l o r w a s o u t , Masakzada took upon himself the responsibility of maintaining the momentum. Once he reached to his fifty, Masakzada hoisted Amit Mishra for two successive sixes in the 30th over to raise the 150 of Zimbabwe innings.

Masakzada was out in the 32nd over of the bowling of Jadeja with Virat Kohli taking a stunning catch. Jadeja (2/27) got his second wicket in the form of Charles Coventry (20) before captain Elton Chigumbura (16 not out) and Tatenda Taidu (13 not out) took Zimbabwe home comfortably.

Liverpool part company with Benitez REUTERS LONDON, JUNE 3

Liverpool parted company with manager Rafa Benitez on Thursday to end the Spaniard's six-year roller-coaster reign at Anfield.

The Premier League club's board signalled the 50-year-old's departure when it approved a pay-off, reported by media to be around 3.0 million pounds, despite agreeing a five-year contract in March last year.

According to the terms of that deal Benitez would have been entitled to a severance package of around 16.0 million pounds but Liverpool, burdened by debt and financially impoverished, would have struggled to pay him off in full.

England team arrives in South Africa

England arrived in South Africa on Thursday morning hoping a favourable first-round draw can be the catalyst for a serious World Cup challenge.

Cool, clear conditions greeted some of the most watched performers in the global televised football arena when they landed at Johannesburg international airport with manager Fabio Capello.

"I hope the World Cup will be a big success for South Africa and also for my team. Thank you. It is good to be here," the Italian told reporters on the airport tarmac.

Live broadcasts of virtually all Premiership matches mean the stars of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are more recognisable to many South Africans than domestic equivalents.

A recent survey here revealed England would be the second most popular team after Brazil among local supporters should the National side fail to go all the way in the June 11-July 11 tournament.

Tight security surrounded the grey-suited England stars as they followed Australia,

His Zimbabwean counterpart Elton Chigumbura attributed the victory to the splendid bowling spell of Andy Blignaut and the opening partnership of Hamilton Masakadza and Brendon Taylor who forged 128

runs in 26.3 overs.

"It's a good comeback after the last game. Our bowlers bowled well, especially (Andy) Blignaut. His 10 overs for around 22 runs was outstanding. All the rest of the bowlers also bowled well," Chigumbura said.

"We wanted the openers to give us a good start and they did. The opening partnership set the foundation and after that it was going to be easy to go after the bonus point," he added.

Notching up his second successive Man of the Match award against India, opener Brendon Taylor said while he was happy with his effort, consistency remains a problem for him.

"I am very happy with this performance after our dismal effort against Sri Lanka.

Batting with Hamilton, I am always relaxed.

He is a powerful hitter. For some reason I was ahead of him today. Consistency has been my biggest problem. If I can get another good knock, I would be happy," he said.

India stunned again Paes-Dlouhy cruise into

Record tickets sales expected

AP JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 3

Pg 18

Brazil, Argentina, Denmark, United States, North Korea and Nigeria in reaching the first African country to host the World Cup. Once immigration formalities had been completed at a temporary arrival facility, England headed by luxury coach for Rustenburg, a town two hours' drive west of Johannesburg in the heart of a platinum-rich area.

It is there at the 45,000-ca-

pacity Royal Bafokeng Stadium on June 12 that England launch their Group C campaign against the USA, shock victors 60 years ago in the sole previous World Cup clash between the countries.

Unexpected qualifiers Algeria will be the second and possibly weakest first round opponents at Cape Town Stadium six days later followed by another coastal setting for the game

with Slovenia on June 23 in Port Elizabeth.

While pundits harbour mixed views on how far Wayne Rooneyinspired England can go, there is unanimity that not coming first on the group table would be a massive setback.

As winners England would probably meet and defeat Australia, Ghana or Serbia for a place among the last eight where they exited the last two

The England soccer team Manager Fabio Capello shakes hands with King Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, the monarch of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, as the team arrives at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus, in Rustenburg, South Africa on Thursday.

World Cup tournaments - but finishing second means bogey team Germany loom large.

Since overcoming Germany 4-2 after extra time in London to win their only World Cup 44 years ago, England have experienced constant heartache against the decades-old rivals.

Capello confirmed this week he will lead his 'Lions' in the Euro 2012 qualifiers after media speculation linked him with recently crowned European champions Inter Milan as a replacement for new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.

The Italian has transformed England from a team that failed to even reach the Euro 2008 championship under Steve McClaren into 11-2 third favourites behind Spain and Brazil for the world title.

Many of the McClaren-era team remains, including central defenders Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard and leading scorer Rooney.

But the rules are vastly different under Capello, who has never tolerated the celebritydriven distractions that helped undermine some previous England campaigns.

French Open finals

PTI PARIS, JUNE 3

Leander Paes and his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy are just one step away from winning backto-back French Open men's doubles title after they stormed into the final with a straight set victory over Julian Knowle and Andy Ram here today.

The third seeded Indo-Czech duo defeated their 10th seeded opponents Knowle of Austria and Ram of Israel 6-4 6-2 in a lop-sided semi-final match which lasted 75 minutes at Roland Garros.

If Paes and Dlouhy win the summit match against second seeded duo of Daniel Nestor of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia, it would be the fourth French Open men's doubles title for the Indian.

Paes has already won the title in 1999 and 2001 (both with Mahesh Bhupathi) and then with Dlouhy in 2009.

With already six men's doubles and five mixed doubles Grand Slam crowns in his pocket, Paes, if he wins the final this time, will become the Indian

with most Grand Slam triumphs with 12 titles -- one more than his estranged partner Bhupathi.

Paes and Cara Black, who won the Australian Open mixed doubles Grand Slam title early this year, however, are already out of the French Open after losing their match in the quarter-finals here.

Paes and Dlouhy made a rollicking start breaking their opponents' serve in the first game and then held their own to surge 2-0 ahead.

The defending champions then broke Knowle-Ram in the seventh game to go 5-2 up and wrapped up the first set 6-4 in 37 minutes.

A set up, Paes and Dlouhy, however, did not show any complacency and won five points in a row by breaking their opponents in the first, third and fifth games to go 5-0 up in the second set.

Knowle and Ram made a lastditch fightback and narrowed the gap to 5-2 but it was too little and too late as Paes and Dlouhy won the second set 6-2 in 38 minutes to pocket the match comfortably.

In another semi-final, Nestor and Zimonjic beat Wesley Moodie of South Africa and Dick Norman of Belgium 6-0 6-3.

Clash of first-time Slam finalists l Schiavone to meet Stosur

Francesca Schiavone AP PARIS, JUNE 3

Go figure: The women’s French Open final will be between a clay-kissing Italian and a giantkilling Australian.

Francesca Schiavone will play Samantha Stosur on Saturday, the latest surprise in a week full of them at Roland Garros. Both are first-time Grand Slam finalists.

“We’re both out here to enjoy it,” Stosur said.

Schiavone became the first Italian woman to reach a major final Thursday when opponent Elena Dementieva unexpectedly retired with a left calf injury after losing the first set 7-6 (3).

Stosur then became the first Australian woman in 30 years to reach a Grand Slam final by drubbing former No. 1 Jelena Jankovic 6-1, 6-2.

The No. 7-seeded Stosur won with the same big serve and booming forehand that helped her upset four-time French Open champion Justine Henin and 12time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams this week.

The two semi-finals lasted barely two hours between them, and the first match ended abruptly. After Dementieva lost

the first set, she walked up to Schiavone, who was sitting in her changeover chair, and extended a hand in concession.

“For the moment, I don’t understand what’s going on,” Schiavone said.

The Italian then fell to her knees to kiss the court in a reprise of her quarterfinal celebration and rose with a claycaked grin.

How did the clay taste?

“It was good,” Schiavone said. “So good.”

The 29-year-old Schiavone had never previously advanced beyond the quarter-finals in a Grand Slam.

The women’s final will be the fifth at a major tournament in the Open era between two firsttime Grand Slam finalists.

In the men’s semi-finals on Friday, four-time champion Rafael Nadal plays journeyman Jurgen Melzer, who never advanced beyond the third round in his previous 31 major tournaments. Another first-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, Tomas Berdych, faces last year’s runner-up, Robin Soderling.

Samantha Stosur