6 Jan,2011 HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

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Goa’s Heartbeat: Rani hurt with talk Pg 4 about end of her career In BRIeF

Business: Banks to allow single ATM transaction Pg 12

(air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

Sports: Proteas set India daunting target Pg 16

MIGHTY MISHAP

Kishwar’s novel wins top UK award

A STONE’S THROW FROM MANDOVI

London-based Indian writer Kishwar Desai has won UK’s prestigious Costa First Novel Award 2010 for her book “Witness by Night”, which addresses issues like unwanted girl child, gender prejudice and bias and menwomen equality. “Kishwar Desai pulls off a remarkable trick, transplanting a country house murder to modern-day India in a book that is not afraid to tackle serious themes.” – (PTI)

Pakistani investigators on Wednesday probed the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind the killing of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer by his bodyguard as they arrested over 40 people, including 36 policemen. In Lahore, Taseer, 66, was laid to rest with full state honours at the Cavalry Ground graveyard, with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and other top leaders paying homage. – (PTI)

After over a month of quitting the Congress and Parliament, the 38-year-old Jagan Mohan Reddy, the son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy killed in a helicopter mishap in 2009, on Wednesday floated the YSR Party and sought its registration from the Election Commission. — (HC - Delhi)

TRS, TDP to boycott meet PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

40 held over Gov killing in Pak

Jagan floats YSR Party

Andhra braces for Telangana

A truck loaded with laterite stones loses control and dashes against a Wagon R and Innova on the Mandovi Bridge on Wednesday. The mishap, which involved three other vehicles, caused traffic chaos in Porvorim and Panjim for nearly four hours. (Report on Page 2). Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

MPT’s berth 11 My seniors also accept expansion plans bribes, reveals Gudlar shot down HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, JAN 5

The Environment Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Environment and Forest Ministry has shot down the Mormugao Port Trust’s proposal for expansion of its coal terminal at Berth No 11, seeking a separate proposal after a 2-year study on mechanisation of the existing facility.

It has also suggested a study to shift all coal handling facilities to other berths away from Vasco city, leaving Berth 11 exclusively for clean cargo as a permanent solution as also to avoid PIL (public interest litigations) in future. It also sought a study on impact of dredging and disposal of the dredged toxic material.

The EAC noted that the High Court’s permission on PILs is only for mechanisation of the existing coal handling practices without mentioning the volume and hence environment issues may be monitored for two years after mechanisation. A separate proposal may be submitted for expansion thereafter, keeping in view Vasco city’s vulnerability to adverse environmental conditions due to handling of the dusty cargo.

It also ordered public hearing as per provisions of Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and said the issues raised by the public should be addresses in the Environmental Management Plan.

FISHING JETTY: As regards, finalisation of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for construction of a fishing jetty at Katem Baina

sought by the Mormugao Port Trust, the committee recommended transfer of the proposal to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, wanting it to also examine the complaints against it. It said the Port Trust has to seek clearance under the CRZ Notification of 1991, with recommendations of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority.

POSTPONED: The committee also deferred CRZ clearance for construction of a bridge with approach road on River Sal at Village Benaulim Sinquetim on the request of the Goa PWD. Also postponed was decision on finalisation of ToR for proposed twin jetties with a common deck at village Cotombi, Bicholim Taluka in North Goa district, on the request of the project proponent.

The EAC pointed out that Vasco has been experiencing the coal dust pollution because of the coal handled by semi-mechanised means to the extent of 1.5 million tonnes.

It noted that the Goa State Pollution Control Board has suggested to the court the Berth No 11 will be used for berthing the vessels and it will be strengthened by constructing four covered storage domes to store 80,000 tonnes and entire handling operations mechanised, including screw-type unloaders to prevent pollution.

The committee expressed displeasure over the scanty way these terms have been proposed

In a fresh bout of troubles, Police Sub-Inspector Sunil Gudlar was shown claiming that his seniors are also accepting bribes, though he is not heard naming them.

The revelation comes in a fresh spy-cam video, which was a continuation to earlier tape that showed Gudlar selling drug packets to two girls of foreign national.

(Continued on page 10)

Reeling from a paper leak just at the start of the New Year, the Goa University on Wednesday constituted its second committee to investigate the matter further thoroughly and submit a report within a period of ten days starting from Wednesday.

Officiating Registrar M Shreedhara said the preliminary report of the first committee was placed before the Board of Evaluation on Wednesday in accordance with the provisions of the varsity’s Ordinance (OA-5.2.1) for further action into the issue.

The second committee, which

The tape also shows that the girls, whose nationalities are not yet known, asked Gudlar that his senior police officers

l

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On PAGe 2 Gudlar shunted following ‘extortion’ plaint PSI claims innocence Case handed over to Crime Branch

are against bribe. To this, Gudlar is shown replying that he was paying money to him every month and every year.

“He is a very smart guy (referring to his senior)…you show him the money and his mouth will be shut,” Gudlar says to the girls.

The video was reportedly shot four months back when SP Veenu Bansal was heading the Cell.

(Continued on page 10)

I-T sleuths raid Vishwajeet

I-T sleuths inspecting the office of Vishwajeet Rane.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

In a surprise development, Income Tax sleuths on Wednesday raided the office and factory belonging to Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane.

The raids were conducted

Full probe report of paper leakage in 10 days: GU HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

(Continued on page 10)

Don't worry! Even your questions are leaked. Here are all questions that press is going to ask you regarding leaked exam papers.

by the Karnataka circle of the I-T Department at Karapur Agro Pvt Ltd office at Miramar and the factory at Karapur, Bicholim.

There was no information available on the raids.

The officials in the I-T De-

partment in Panjim when contacted claimed they had no knowledge about the raids.

On the other hand, attempts to contact Rane for his comments proved futile while his office staff refused to make any comment.

Congress on Wednesday held several rounds of discussions with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and leaders from Telangana region on the eve of the release of the Justice Srikrishna Committee report on the emotive issue.

TRS, TDP and BJP have announced that they will skip the meeting convened by Home Minister P Chidambaram on January 6, to discuss the report, after which it will be made public.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi held consultations with Kiran Reddy for over an hour in the morning and is understood to have discussed the political situation and the likely fallout of the report.

“I also do not know what is in the report. Experts have gone into the issue (Telangana) in de-

tail. Let us wait for them to submit the report. Let us see what is in it before making comments,” he told reporters at the Andhra Bhawan here.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the two Congress leaders, who will represent the party in tomorrow’s meeting, that it is just to hand over Justice Srikrishna committee report to political parties and that they will get some time to give their opinion on the emotive issue.

Later, he also met with MPs and senior leaders from Telangana and got to know the situation in the region. Ahmed Patel, the Congress chief ’s political secretary, was also present at the meeting.

After the meeting, the leaders said the Congress High Command has always been sympathetic to the cause of a separate (Continued on page 10)

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GOA, THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2011

6 vehicles collide in freak mishap on Mandovi bridge Panjim-Porvorim traffic thrown off gear for four hours

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 5

Six vehicles were damaged in a freak mishap on the Mandovi Bridge on Wednesday evening, causing a massive traffic jam in Porvorim and Panjim for nearly four hours.

No one was injured seriously in the accident, which was triggered off when a stone-laden truck (GDY-4063) turned turtle near Mandovi Bridge.

According to Porvorim Police, the mishap occurred when the truck was proceeding from Mapusa towards Panjim along the Mandovi Bridge.

The brakes reportedly failed and the truck driver lost the control over the vehicle. The truck dashed against a Wagon R (GA-08-U-5150) and then against an Innova car (GA-03-T9060), which were also proceed-

Goa Board Secretary transferred HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

After serving for three years, D R Bhagat will formally hand over charge as Secretary of Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education to officer of the Directorate of Education Bhagirath G Shetye on Thursday and take over as Assistant Director of Education (Academic).

Shetye, who was holding charge as Assistant Director of Education in the DoE will take charge as Secretary of Goa Board from tomorrow. This interchange of positions was effected by an order on Tuesday. Bhagat will also hold additional charge as Assistant Director (Adult Education).

Indo-French naval exercise from Jan 7 HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 5

A joint Indo-French exercise ‘Varuna’ with the participation of Indian and French Naval ships and aircraft will take place from January 7 to 11 off Goa's coast.

The Indian Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier ‘Viraat’, frigates Godavari, Ganga and the submarine Shalki.

The French Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, destroyers Forbin and Tourville, the tanker Meuse and submarine Amethyste.

ing towards Panjim ahead of the truck.

Thereafter, three vehicles – a Santro car (GA-07-C-1720), Bolero jeep (GA-07-F-0875) and Hero Honda motorcycle (GA-07H-0397) – which was trailing the truck, dashed the truck and the Innova and Wagon R cars.

The Innova as well as the Wagon R car was badly damaged, while the other vehicles and the motorcycle suffered partial damages.

Due to the mishap, traffic proceeding towards Panjim during the peak hours came to a grinding halt.

A huge queue of vehicles proceeding towards Panjim had reached till the O’Coqueiro Junction.

A 108 Ambulance, howe v e r, m a n a g e d t o p a s s through the traffic jam at

A vehicle seen fallen on its side after colliding with a truck loaded with laterite stones on the Mandovi bridge.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Por vorim af ter it was escorted by a police jeep.

Traffic was also disrupted in Panjim, as huge queues of vehicles were seen along all major roads near the K TC bus stand.

Porvorim police rushed to the spot and with the help of crane removed the damaged vehicles and also the laterite stones strewn all over the road.

Police had a tough time in controlling the traffic. In the process, some passengers travelling by buses missed their connecting last buses leaving from Kadamba bus stand at Panjim.

Porvorim Police have registered the case against truck driver Damodar Naik for rash and negligent driving.

Hawaldar Ramchandra Sawant is investigating the case.

Gudlar shunted to Security following ‘extortion’ plaint HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

Embroiled in fresh controversy of allegedly selling narcotics to two women of foreign nationality, sources told Herald that police sub-inspector Sunil Gudlar was shunted from Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) following a complaint of demanding huge sum of money from a night club owner.

PSI Gudlar was transferred to Security in November 2010 after the night club owner complained to higher authorities alleging that Gudlar was demanding Rs 12-lakh from him.

“Sunil was summoned wherein he allegedly admitted of demanding money. He was thereafter shunted from ANC to Security,” police sources said on condition of anonymity.

Interestingly, no case has been filed on the issue yet. In the absence of a full-time ANC PI for over a year, the department was headed by Gudlar.

Police spokesperson Superintendent of Police Atmaram Deshpande feigned ignorance when contacted on the issue.

Home Minister Ravi Naik, in recent past, had said that ‘since

there is a competent PSI handling the charge, there was no immediate need to have police inspector there.’

Director General of Police B S Bassi had conceded that there is utter shortage of police inspectors because of which ANC is without a senior officer.

Interestingly, Gudlar’s lucky time ended when former SP ANC Veenu Bansal was transferred to Arunachal Pradesh from Goa. The PSI was transferred to Security and is yet to be relieved from the charge.

Deshpande told reporters today that Gudlar may be re-

PSI claims innocence Gudlar, who met his senior officers early Wednesday morning with a copy of the sting operation tape, claimed innocence.

“I met those girls but it is not true that I went there to strike a deal. Why will I demand for Rs 3000 when I refused an offer of Rs 50 lakh earlier? My team and I were on a mission to nab them as they are drug dealers,” Gudlar told reporters while the latter was waiting to take briefing from the police spokesperson on the issue.

The PSI said that he however did not mention about the mission in the station-diary. lieved of the charge either today or tomorrow. Ironically, even as the fresh revelations have come

as a major embarrassment to Goa Police, action is yet to be taken against Gudlar.

Cop selling drugs case handed over to Crime Branch HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

Even as the Crime Branch has failed exceptionally in solving the police-drug mafia nexus case handed over to them 10 months back, the Goa Police on Wednesday handed over yet another case of a police official selling drugs to two foreigners to the agency for a “thorough inquiry”.

A video-footage telecast on a local news channel showed former Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) police sub inspector Sunil Gudlar allegedly negotiating over a small packet (apparently Charas) with two women in a hotel room at an undisclosed destination.

The identity of the two women has not been revealed.

Addressing a press conference, police spokesperson SP Atmaram Deshpande told reporters that the headquarters decided to hand over the probe to Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Mangaldas Desai.

However, no action has been initiated against the PSI. Deshpande said that if the local channel or any other media can provide the police more clippings then further action can be initiated.

“Crime Branch will probe into the matter. The tapes show some kind of involvement of PSI Gudlar but all details will be taken into account during the inquiry,” he said.

Goa ANC earned bad reputation after its former inspector Ashish Shirodkar was named by Israeli drug peddler Yaniv Benaim alias Atala as his supplier of drugs. Following this expose

by Atala’s former girlfriend Lucky Amori Farmhouse, seven policemen were suspended and

Regularise Rumdamol temple in interest of peace: Locals HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

Residents and devotees of Shri Swami Samarth Temple, Rumdamol Housing Board on Tuesd a y u rg e d t h e Ru m d a m o l Panchayat body to regularize the construction of the temple in the interest of peace and harmony in the village.

In a memorandum submitted to the panchayat, the devotees requested the panchayat to regularize the Shri Swami Samarth Temple in view of the resolution unanimously adopted by the panchayat way back in 2008.

Terming the demolition notice issued by the panchayat as totally biased, arbitrary and discriminatory in nature, the devotees sought to know by action is being initiated only against the temple, when there are

many other illegal structures towards illegal structures.

On the construction of the religious structure in an open space, the devotees pointed out that even the Under Secretary, Revenue on September 24, 2008 had informed the Collector that the property surveyed under No 95/1 and 2 of Davorlim village is not a government land, but the property belongs to the Goa Housing Board, which is an autonomous body.

They said the Panchayat has deliberately not addressed notices, demolition notices to the President of Shri Swami Samarth Temple to deny him the reasonable opportunity to prove the legality of the Temple, thus violating the principles of natural justice and fair play.

Meanwhile, Temple President Jayesh Naik told newsmen this evening that the Panchayat body should immediately regularize the temple in the interest of peace and harmony.

Referring to the decision of the Deputy Director of Panchayats, South directing the Rumdamol Panchayat to hold the matter in abeyance, Naik said the government should come out with a clear policy to regularize the religious structure.

“The government should stop postponing the matter to a future date. Instead, it should solve the matter by regularizing the structure”, he demanded.Saying that the ball now lies in the court of the government, Jayesh said that the government has before them various options, including regularization of the religious structure.

He said the residents of the Housing Board locality are agitated over the decision of the Panchayat body to issue the demolition notice and warned that it will not take much time for the residents to demand dissolution of the Panchayat body.

Panchayat told to keep order in abeyance HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

In a twist to the controversy over the notice issued to the Shri Swami Samarth Temple at Rumdamol village, the South Goa Deputy Director of Panchayats on Wednesday directed the Panchayat body to keep the matter in abeyance till further orders.

In a letter, the deputy panchayat director, Pravin M S Barad restrained the Rumdamol sarpanch from taking further action in view of the Supreme Court ruling in regards to the religious structure.

While restraining the sarpanch from further acting in the matter, Barad said that this is a matter of state policy

Even after 2 years trial in swords seizure yet to begin HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

Justice delayed is justice denied, so goes the saying. Strange it may seem, but trial in the sensational Moti Dongor swords seizure case is yet to begin in the trial court – more than two years and half since the sensational seizure of the swords rocked the Commercial capital.

The Margao police had filed a chargesheet against the eight accused charging them for offenses under the Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code, but charges are yet to be framed against the accused till date.

Interestingly, every time the court fixes the date to pronounce order on framing of charges, one or the other accused remains absent, leaving the court with no option than to adjourn the matter and issue non-bailable warrant against the accused.

In fact, hearing on arguments before framing of charge was last heard on September 24 and the Judicial Magistrate had posted the matter for orders.

It’s more than three months now, but the order on the framing of charges is yet to be pronounced by the court for want of all the accused persons in the court room.

The case had come up for hearing before Judicial Magistrate First Class on Wednesday, with expectations that the Court would finally pronounce its order on framing of charges.

However, one of the accused, Bashir Shaikh – who is presently wanted in the Moti Dongor attack case – was found absent in the court room. His plea for exemption was dismissed and the

List of Accused Bashir Sheikh Mohammed Mainuddin Floyd Coutinho Jagdish Singh

Irfan Khachi Shaikh Aslam Farook Shaikh Jalil Shaikh Maqbool

Offenses Offences 120-B, 465, 468, 471, 153-A of IPC & Arms Act. court issued a warrant of arrest against Bashir, before the court adjourned the matter.

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

The police further said that in furtherance of the conspiracy, the accused with-

out license procured 17 swords and took the weapons to the house of accused Bashir and Jalil from Aquem in a Tata Indigo car belonging to accused No 5.

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

frame work.

Meanwhile, district Collector G P Naik told newsmen that the issue over the religious structure located at Rumdamol village is pending before state government and added that no one can taken action till the government takes a policy and file an affidavit before the Supreme Court.

“As per the Supreme Court directions, the district magistrates were directed to identify all such structures and place before the government for a policy decision. We have identified the structures and a policy decision is pending before the Cabinet”, Naik added.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and

GOA

ruling Rumdamol Panch member Ulhas Tuemkar said the panchayat will stop all procedures vis-à-vis the Shri Swami Samarth Temple as per the directions of the Deputy Director of Panchayats.

“We had earlier issued the demolition notice based on the directions of the Deputy Panchayat Director. The process will not be stopped forthwith”, he said adding that the Panchayat will not hurt the sentiments of any religious community.

Replying to a question, Tuemkar said the Panch members are ready to resign from the membership of the body if that helps to maintain peace and tranquility in the village.

arrested for corruption and conspiracy.

When questioned whether the fresh expose is linked to earlier police-drug mafia nexus, Deshpande replied that the inquiry will reveal facts. “It is premature to say whether the fresh revelations have any links with earlier nexus. The inquiry will reveal everything,” he said.

It has been learnt that the sting was carried out by an outside party some four months back, footage of which was shared with the local news channel.

Police have also not ruled out interrogation of former Superintendent of Police (ANC) Veenu Bansal in this case as Gudlar was working under his commands.

IPS officer Bansal was recently shunted to Arunachal Pradesh while Gudlar during the same period was transferred to Security. His relieving order is however not confirmed. Deshpande said that he was probably given relieving order from the ANC to join Security on Wednesday.

Ironically, Gudlar last year was awarded a certificate by Director General of Police B S Bassi for nabbing Israeli drug baron David Driham alias Dudu with several kilograms of narcotics in February 2010.

He had also arrested Shirodkar after his links with Atala was exposed by media in March 2010. The PSI recently charge sheeted Dudu before the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Court at Mapusa.

However, the Goa police’s move has raised eyebrows as it is an open secret that the Crime branch has messed up with the police-politician-drug mafia case.

SLP on Orlim project dismissed HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

The Attorney of the Fabrica da Igreja da Orlim has said the Supreme Court Tuesday has dismissed the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Meenakshi Financial consultants which has proposed to construct 66 flats and a swimming poll in the village of Orlim.

The Attorney said that the Supreme Court, while dismissing the SLP at the stage of admission, has directed Meenakshi to file a suit for appropriate reliefs. He said that Justice N A Britto of the Panjim bench of the Bombay High Court had earlier passed an order that there was no right of way from the Fabrica property to that of the builder’s property.

“The SC on January 4, 2011 has upheld the high court order and has dismissed the SLP filed

by Meenakshi Financial consultants”, the Attorney said.

Three caught dumping waste at Benaulim

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

After maintaining vigil for the last eight months, youth of Benaulim on Tuesday finally tasted success when they caught red handed three persons dumping sacks laden with vegetable and other waste along the road leading to St John the Baptista Church.

Since the waste has found its way into Benaulim from adjoining Colva village, Benaulim Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes has asked her Colva counterpart to immediately revoke the license of the establishment or threatened to bring the situation to the notice of the high court.

“Enough is enough. Either the Colva Panchayat should revoke the licence or I will bring the instance to the notice of the high court on January 19”, she warned.

Colva Sarpanch Angela Borges, who came to the site, had to face a barrage of questions from the youth, who de-

Sarpanchas of Benaulim and Colva look on as youth from Benaulim caught red handed three persons from Colva for dumping waste near the St John the Baptist Church, Benaulim. Photo by Savio Dias.

manded action against establishments dumping garbage in Benaulim near the St John the Baptista Church. Borges, however, said that the question of revocation of license of the establishment will be taken only after the matter is placed before the meeting of the Panchayat body.

Roque Fernandes told newsmen that it has been nearly eight

months since the vegetable waste was being continuously dumped along the road side, which has forced farmers to stop cultivation of their fields.

“Finally, we have caught red handed the persons involved in the waste dumping”, he said, even as the people made the three culprits to collect the waste and lift it away.

Colva creek discharges contaminated water again HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

Believe it or not, contaminated waters from the Colva creek have once again found its way into the sea on Wednesday: Courtesy, unscrupulous restaurant owners.

Labourers – believed to be engaged by unscrupulous business owner -- dug a trench connecting the creek waters to the sea, without realizing that the polluted waters would affect tourists swimming in the waters.

The situation once again brought to the fore rampant discharge of sewage and waste waters into the creek,

Labourers at work at Colva beach to dig up a trench connecting the creek waters to the sea.

Herald Photo

contaminating the waters.

If local activists are to be believed, the labourers were working on the beach since morning, quietly digging a trench. Work on the trench was stopped only after handful of workers, were questioned by the activists.

Secretary of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum, Judith Almeida cried foul over the pathetic situation and demanded to know the whereabouts of the Environment Minister and the Goa Pollution Control Board in tackling the pollution “The government should open its eye and see the pollution caused by the filth and sewage waters released in the

sea waters. This illegal way of tackling the pollution of the creek will lead us nowhere and will only drive away tourists from coming to Colva”, Ameida said.

“Since May last, we have been crying for some action by the authorities. The Goa Pollution Control Board has carried out the inspection, but nobody really seems to care for the environment “, she said, and sought to know whether there’s any governance worth its name is prevailing in Goa, with even big constructions coming up right near the beach in Colva with political patronage.

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Pg3 GOA, THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2011

CCP coffers empty, but ready to float tenders HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

The Corporations of the City of Panjim (CCP) is all set to float tenders for 58 works worth Rs 2.4 crore even as its coffers have dried up completely.

Calling this as an attempt on the part of some ruling corporators to “fool” Panjimites, Opposition members have raised questions about whether tendered works will be at all completed in a one-and-a-half month before present body completes its term.

The CCP elections are scheduled mid March.

The CCP Corporator Surendra Furtado, who is against of issuing any tenders at this late stage, said the Commissioner should not approve any tenders unless funds are made available and

Rs 10 lakh gutka seized at Bethora HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JAN 5

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on Wednesday evening seized Gutka worth over Rs 10 lakh from a house at Bethora-Ponda.

According to FDA Director Salim Veljee, Food Inspectors Abel Rodrigues and Shradha Khandeparkar raided the raided the residence of one Sudhakar Matkar at about 4 pm.

They seized Gutkha worth Rs 10.93 lakh, which was stocked in the basement. Matkar was reported detained in similar offense two years ago.

“Different types of Gutkha products that were seized include RMD, Kholhapuri, Savitri, Madhu Chapp Khaini, Society Gutkha,” informed Veljee.

“Gutkha is banned under Goa Public Health Act 2005. We have nabbed one of the main Gutkha supplier in the State and soon action will be taken against others involved in this illegal trade,” said Veljee.

“Since the last few months, we were monitoring Matkar’s movements and finally we managed to seize the Gutkha. Our action will definitely help to reduce Gutkha supply in the State,” he said.

nOpposition members have raised questions about whether tendered works will be at all completed in a one-and-a-half month before present body completes its term. raised question about whether works would be completed within so little time.

“If they (ruling corporators) have not been able to get developmental works done in the last five years, will they be able to do anything within a month

and a half?” questioned Furtado, It is reliably learnt that in a day or two the CCP will float tenders even though it has no funds left to take up more works.

When contacted however CCP Mayor, Carolina Po was tight lipped about fresh tenders.

On the other hand CCP Commissioner Elvis Gomes claimed that he had not received files pertaining to subject works.

Herald sources in the technical department confirmed that indeed tenders will be floated for 58 works even as CCP is yet to arrange required funds.

The Opposition Corporator Rupesh Haldankar alleged that this is a ploy on the part of some ruling corporators to earn commission so that they can fund their election expenditure.

Rachol villagers, including the priests and seminarians of the Rachol Seminary came out in the open on Wednesday to oppose tooth and nail the housing project comprising of row houses proposed near the 400year-old Seminary.

Villagers assembled in large numbers at a site inspection fixed by the panchayat this morning and conveyed a message loud and clear to the Sarpanch Joseph Vaz and the builder that they are opposed to the housing project.

The villagers maintained that the gram sabha had earlier passed a resolution stating that the people should be taken into confidence before taking any decision on housing projects.

Pointing out that the housing projects would only invite outsiders in the village, the villagers contended that the village lacks basic infrastructure, including garbage disposal.

Sarpanch Joseph Vaz told newsmen that the housing project may not be feasible and raised apprehensions that the

A Goa based NGO along with the state government has taken up cudgels to train children from Apna Ghar into vocational training, which will help them eke out living once they leave the shelter.

SCAN-India, Government Polytechnic, Altinho and Directorate of Women and Child Development has joined hands in this pioneering project which will cover 37 children spread over three months, who are lodged here.

Officials said that the children

gains.

“A complaint under Prevention of Corruption Act was made to both police officers of deliberately leaking the three sets which has been sent by three different examiners in the University Board of Examiners for wrongful and monetary gains and thereby causing a loss to the students of Goa Medical College,” reads and extract from the application.

The complainants alleged that while their case was not

Residents of Rachol opposing a proposed housing project during a site inspection fixed by the panchayat along with the builder.

Photo by Savio Dias

project might bring outsiders in the village. He said that he is willing to buy the property of the builder if that would solve the problem.

Panch Guilherme Oliveira said the people are firmly opposed to the housing project and cautioned that the villagers would not take thing lying down if the project is pushed down on the villagers.

Fr Victor Ferrao of the Rachol

Nearly 212-odd small shops and establishments located in about 5,000 sq meters area of municipal market, which is one of the congested shopping place in Vasco.

Recently, Mormugao Deputy Collector Levinson Martins, who also heads the disaster management of town, had complained to MMC and Vasco fire brigade to conduct joint inception of the dilapidated fire hydrant system.

The fire department in its report had stated that all six pillar post hydrant installed in the market area are in a dilapidated condition, as most of the hydrant pits are covered with con-

crete slabs and mud.

Since most of the shops occupied by the vendors are mostly covered with tarpaulins sheets and other plastics combustible materials, it is exposed to fire.

To make the scenario worst, electricity wire is passing through the plastic material and haphazardly connected to the shops. Some shops are storing kerosene and explosive without adequate fire protection measures.

If any eventuality occurs, there is no adequate is maintained for the fire fighting appliances to enter the market area.

Divisional Officer Rajendra Haldankar, who was present in the meeting, said they have suggested some corrective measures to the council.

“Now, the council has to ensure that most of the shops procure fire-fighting extinguishers, which are mandatory as per the Goa State Fire Force Act 1986,” he said.

PWD Assistant Engineer M A Kunju and electricity department assistant engineer G Pillai also gave suggestions to improve the fire safety scenario in municipal market after the inspection.

Apna Ghar children to get vocational training HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

North Goa District and Sessions Court today issued notices to Agassaim police inspector Vishwesh Karpe and North Goa Superintendent of Police Arvind Gawas to appear before it on January 10 in connection with a complaint on medical paper leak.

The notices were issued during the hearing of a petition filed by three social activists, who alleged that the police officers did not register an FIR on their complaint.

On Januar y 3, Kashinath Shetye, Ketan Govekar and Atish Mandrakar filed a complaint at Agassaim police station alleging that final year MBBS General Medicine I and II papers were deliberately leaked with the motive for wrongful and monitory

nThe complainants alleged that while their case was not registered, Karpe threatened them to withdraw the complaint.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

Vasco fire brigade official along with PWD, MMC and electricity department inspects fire hydrant system at municipal market in Vasco.

Photo by M Prabhav

Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chief Officer Gopal Parsekar on Wednesday assured to rectify the dilapidated fire hydrant system in municipal market in Vasco.

The chief officer has also assured to take remedial measures to avoid the risk of fire incidents in the municipal market as per the suggestion of Vasco fire brigade.

Parsekar had called a joint meeting of Vasco Fire Brigade, electricity department and PWD in his chamber on Wednesday to brief about the present status of Vasco market.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

Housing project at Rachol faces stiff opposition

MMC to put in place fire hydrant system

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 5

MBBS paper leak: PI, SP to appear in court

would be trained in electricals, artificial jewellery and party decorations. This is the first ever in-house training conducted for the welfare of Children in Apna Ghar.

V P Rao, Secretary, Directorate of Women and Child Development, formally inaugurated this course on Wednesday morning.

Director, Directorate of Women and Child Development, Sanjiv Gadkar, welcomed all the dignitaries and the participants and spoke on the initiatives made by the Department for the children of Apna Ghar.

Pastor Matthew Kurian, Chair-

person, Child Welfare Committee Inez Carvalho, and Child Welfare Committee Members Meenacshi Martins, spoke on the occasion.

Other dignitaries who were present included Aurolino Oliveira, Juvenile Justice Board Member Prachi Kandeparkar, the Superintendent cum Probation Officer Pramila Fernandes and Director of SCAN-India Audrey Pinto along SCAN- India with the team.

Interestingly, the function was compeered by a child from Apna Ghar and children presented flowers to the dignitaries.

seminary said the 14 row houses are proposed very close to the 400 year old seminary and feared that the serene and peaceful environment in the village may get vitiated once the housing project takes shape.

“For whom are these row houses. Can the locals afford to buy these houses”, Fr Ferrao demanded to know.

“The project site is very close to the seminary. This is a his-

Garment stall gutted at Vasco HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 5

Fire mishaps have continued in Vasco for the second time in 24 hours, when a garment stall was gutted at the market, destroying garments worth Rs 10,000 on Wednesday afternoon.

According to reports, the incident occurred few minutes after Vasco fire brigade along with the electricity department and PWD had finished inspection of the dilapidated fire hydrant system in Municipal market, located in the neighbourhood of Sunday market.

A garment stall on an open space of municipal market, known as the ‘Sunday market’, caught fire when some children of the stall owner were playing with matchstick.

Before the fire brigade personnel could reach the site, the stall owner along with other people managed to bring the situation under control. Fire brigade personnel also rushed to the site and used the extinguisher to douse off the fire completely.

torical area and the housing project would change the situation”, he said.

Fr Ferrao further said the carrying capacity of the village is very less, adding that the village has no proper road network, no garbage disposal facility, adding that the ground water in the area will be left contaminated as the project site is located on a higher plateau.

registered, Karpe threatened them to withdraw the complaint. In their application before the Court, the three complainants have suspected that police officers are acting in connivance with Examiners of the Goa University (GU) and the GMC doctors to gain illegal benefits.

The Court has meanwhile directed the police officers to file their reply by January 10 failing which the matter will be heard and determined in their absence.

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

Fresh dates for re-examination of the two papers have been scheduled on January 13 and 14 respectively

Panel after CCP poll date: Parrikar HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 5

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar has said he would declare his panel within a week, once the Election Commission declares date of election of CCP. Parrikar was speaking to media during the sideline of inauguration of Cortalim BJP Block office at Shimpal-Sancoale on Tuesday evening.

It may be recalled that Taleagao MLA Babush Monseratte had recently declared his panel for the ensuing CCP election.

“Let the EC declare date of election and most importantly let the wards that will be reserved be declared. Without knowing this, it will be unfair to declare panel,” stated Parrikar.

“Suppose, after the panel is declared, particular wards are reserved for women, then it would dishearten the aspiring candidates,” added Parrikar.

Without naming Monseratte, he alleged that he (Monseratte) might know internally which wards will be reserved. “Hence he has declared his panel or he might not care for the sentiments of the aspiring candidates,” added Parrikar. He said whoever may be in his panel, but his panel will be headed by former Mayor Ashok Naik.

Abolish Custodian Act, samiti appeals to Prez HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, JAN 5

People from Mayem and Mayem BhuVimochan Nagrik Kruti Samiti have urged President Pratibha Patil to abolish the Custodian Act and give them freedom from the Portuguese regime.

Addressing a press conference here, Mayem Bhuvimochan Nagrik Kruti Samiti President Kashinath Mayekar stated that since several years, they tried to solve the issue of custodian property in the village, but the State government failed to solve the issue.

“We have now decided to approach the Centre and seek help to resolve the issue. In view of this, we will visit Delhi in February and meet all top ministers, including the Prime Minister, President and the Central Law minister,” said Mayekar.

“Mayem is the village of the people, who are staying here, and it cannot be the property of the Portuguese,” claimed Mayekar.

“Four years after Goa became free, there came the custodian of Evacuee Act which stated that the Mayem land belongs to the

Portuguese and till date, people from Mayem are residing like slaves in their own land,” added Mayekar.

Mayekar further said in all other villages, the Mundkars have the rights but in Mayem the law is not applicable.

“We demand that all the Kul and Mundkars be given rights so that they can cultivate the land,” he said.

He also highlighted various instances, where people from Mayem are harassed and they do not have any rights.

“We do not get simple NOC from the panchayat or the government bodies and due of government’s apathy towards abolishing the Custodian Act, we cannot even avail of the schemes and benefits,” he claimed.

Mayekar came down heavily on the government and lamented that even after 50 years of liberation, the State government was unable to free the people from Mayem.Therefore, the Samiti has decided to take the matter to the Centre and has also urged President Patil, who is on the Goa visit, to look into the matter.

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Pg4 GOA, THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2011

S H O RT TA K E S Radhakrishna Vidyaleya shines

PANJIM (HND): Under the leadership of NCC officer O Raufkhan Pathan, Radhakrishna Vidyaleya, Bicholim won scores of awards in NCC annual training camp held recently at DulerMapusa organised by 1 Goa Batalion NCC, Panjim.

Some of the achievements of the school are best institution and best disciplined school award. The school also bagged first place in group firing, cross country, kit lay out, drill and marching and stood second in volleyball and cultural activities.

In individual events, Saparna Kudalkar won gold in firing competition, Abdul Bakkar Shaikh won silver and Amir Shaikh won bronze medal. Cadet Akash Jadhav won gold medal in individual cross country. Amir Shaikh and Suparna Kudalkar led the school NCC troop as seniors in the camp. School manager Gopal Morajkar and other management members appreciated the efforts of cadets and NCC officer Rauf Khan Pathan for bringing laurels to the school.

Portuguese courses

PANJIM (HND): Centre de Lingua Portuguesa/Instituto Camoes will offer intensive courses on Portuguese language and culture from January 10. The courses offered are, basic Portuguese language, level A1 (40 hours), basic Portuguese language, level A2 (40 hours), elementary Portuguese language, level B1 and level B2 (80 hours). The courses will be held from Monday to Friday from 6 pm to 8 pm in the premises of CLP/Instituto Camoes, AGVA House, 9/32, Dr Dada Vaidya, Panjim. For further information call 647737/2422237 or email: clpicgoa@yahoo.com.

Legal literacy camp held

SANGUEM (HC): The Taluka Legal Services Authority, Quepem, in association with South Goa Legal Services Cell, Margao, recently organised a Legal Literacy camp for the students of Guardian Angel Higher Secondary School, Curchorem, in the school campus.

The camp was addressed by Dr Anjali Dessai, who spoke on awareness on AIDS, Adv Victor Diniz on Human Rights and Adv Pavitra Naik on classes of people entitled for Free Legal Aid. Adv V G Naik also attended the camp and spoke on the occasion. The camp was co-ordinated by Rebecca Da Costa, while Minguel Mascarenhas proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Rangbhumi Din’ observed

CURCHOREM (HND): Sanguem-Quepem Patrakar Sangh is association with the department of Art and Culture organized the ‘Rangbhumi Din’ at Sarvodaya High School Hall, Curchorem.

Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar was the chief guest while Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar presided over the function. Film actress Prof. Prashanti Talpankar was the guest speaker. In her address, Talpankar appealed to parents to encourage their children to participate in the stage art which develops the personality of a person.

MLAs Satardekar and Kavlekar also spoke on the occasion.

Five senior artistes, including tabla player Premanand Kudvhadkar, musician Ranjit Kakodkar and actors Prakash Sanvordekar, Santosh Mirabagkar and Manisha Udaikar were felicitated on the occasion. Earlier, President of SanguemQuepem Patrakar Sangh Prahar Sanvordekar welcomed the gathering, while Pratixa Sanvordekar and Sarvanand Dessai compered the programme. Siddesh Samant later proposed the vote of thanks.

Aided school teachers not paid December salaries HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JAN 5

Contrary to government’s assurance of disbursing December salary packets before Christmas, teachers from some aided schools were forced to celebrate Christmas and New Year without salaries and are yet to receive it.

It may be recalled that government had assured to disburse salary packets for December before Christmas and accordingly staff in all government departments including government school teachers were fortunate enough to receive their salaries before Christmas festivities began.

Unfortunately, that is not the case with aided-school staff, which includes teachers and non-teaching staff, who also survives on government doles.

A source from an aided school in Canacona taluka informed Herald that instead of preparing to meet the deadline as assured by the government, there was no hurry shown by the concerned departments to disburse December salary before Christmas.

“Things moved normally like any other month and we had to

celebrate Christmas and New Year without our salary,” complained a teacher speaking on condition of anonymity.

“We were hoping that concerned authorities will at least act to disburse our pay before New Year, but even that has failed to materialize,” said another teacher.

When contacted, a headmaster of an aided school in Canacona said bills were submitted early to enable disbursement of December salary before Christmas, however, things did not move ahead as expected.

“We got a call from the Zonal office only on Tuesday to come for cheque collection, which means that it will take another two more days for actual disbursement of staff salary,” added the headmaster.

Aided school staff in the taluka feels there is nothing new in receiving their salaries only in past first week of the month and in many instances even in third week, but concerned departments, involved in processing their pay bills, were aware about the need to pay salaries at least before the New Year day,

if not before Christmas.

According to sources, pay bills submitted by aided schools moves right through the taluka’s ADEI office, South Zonal Education office and goes to Accounts Department, but not before validation by Education Department.

“The entire process gets repeated, but cuts up at Zone Education office (South), from where the cheque is collected for onward deposits in the concerned bank,” added sources.

“The bankers then take their own time for accounting the salaries into respective accounts of concerned school staff,” said sources.

One of the aided school teacher on high expectation of getting his salary to have a decent Christmas and New Year celebrations said: “It’s not only this time, but teaching and nonteaching staff at aided schools is always given step-motherly treatment by the government.”

“Now, we hope to get our salary at least before this week ends so as to pay the bills we incurred for the twin celebrations,” he added.

Rajendra is U P C O M I N G E V E N T S Gaondongrim Holy Eucharist for workers Sarpanch HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JAN 5

Rajendra Velip and Nalini Velip were unanimously elected as sarpanch and deputy sarpanch of Gaondogrim Panchayat on Wednesday.

Rajendra Velip, strongly backed by Congress, is back in the saddle as sarpanch for the second term.

It may be recalled that both the posts had fallen vacant after the duo having backing of BJP MLA Ramesh Tawadkar in anticipation of a no-confidence motion by majority panchas owing allegiance to Congress resigned from their posts.

As if submission of resignation letters by then sarpanch Vishant Gaonkar and his deputy Yeshwant Velip is not enough, five panchas in the nine-member panchayat led by Rajendra Velip filed no-confidence motion against the duo as rumours began to do round that resignation letters will be called back.

The re-election of Rajendra, who earlier enjoyed support of Congress stalwarts in the region including that of former minister Isidore Fernandes, paved way for his second innings in the panchayat affairs.

Mollem VP ward poll on Jan 30

PANJIM (HND): The Holy Eucharist would be celebrated for workers on January 7 at Mary Immaculate Church, Panjim at 1.15 pm. This mass will be organised by the Directorate of Government Printing Press. A priest will be available for confession from 12.30 pm onwards.

Retreat for protection

PANJIM (HND): On first Friday i.e. January 7, there will be a special retreat to ask blessings for the protection of all the people who are driving vehicles. The retreat will begin at 7.30 am with the Biblical Rosary asking for special blessings from the hands of Mother Mary for all the vehicle drivers of Goa, whether Hindus, Muslims or Catholics.

Ida Fernandes will lead the Rosary from 8.30 am to 9.30 am. Diogino D’Costa will preach the Word of God during which he will stress the value of life while driving the vehicles.

From 9.30 am to 10.30 am, Mario Fernandes and his music ministry will conduct the praise and worship ministry. From 10.30 am to 11 am, Fr Conceissao D’Silva, the Parish Priest of Carambolim will bless all types of vehicles on Carambolim Church ground. From 11 am to 12 noon, Agnes Fernandes will conduct the adoration with Fr Conceicao D’Silva and other team members of Jesus and Mary Ministry, Carambolim and special prayers will be said by Fr Conceicao D’Silva over all the vehicle drivers who are present for the healing service.

At 12 pm, Fr Pratap Naik will celebrate the Mass alongwith other Priests and preach the Word of God, stressing on the value of life while driving the vehicles.

Our Lady of Health feast

PANJIM (HND): The annual feast of Our Lady of Health will be celebrated at Reis Magos, Verem on January 7. The feast mass will be at 8 am. In front of Reis Magos Church, there is a beautiful vaulted monument built in remembrance of the Hospice and of the House of Catechumens once existing in that village. On the monument is placed the statue of Our Lady of Health which was venerated in the Chapel of the Hospice. The monument was erected in 1907 by well-known archaeologist of Goan Churches and monuments Ricardo Micael Teles, when a bubonic plague was spreading through Bardez.

Churchill Bros documentary

HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, JAN 5

The election to elect member o f Wa r d 1 ( r e s e r v e d f o r women) of Mollem Panchayat will take place on January 30 from 8 am to 5 pm.

The last date for receiving nomination paper is January 11, date for scrutiny of nomination papers is January 12 and the date of withdrawal of nomination paper is January 13. Counting of votes will take place on January 31.

It is learnt that the seat has been lying vacant since the last some months af ter panch Smita Gaonkar resigned from the post.

GOA

PANJIM (HND): ‘House of Churchill Brothers’, a documentary produced by Prudent Media and dedicated to Churchill Brothers’ father and mother late Braz Alemao and Eslinda Alemao showing the football achievement of Churchill Brothers team and family will be telecast on January 7 at 10.30 am and 8.30 pm and repeat telecast will be on January 9 at 3 pm and 7 pm.

Platinum Jubilee celebration

Elinio Colaco felicitated by Jagganath Shinde, President of All India Chemist and Druggist Association with Pharmashree Award for meritorious service rendered to pharma trade for last 25 year, at the recently held meeting of Chemists and Druggist Association of Goa. Also present are Albert D’Sa, Lyndon D’Silva and Mahesh Naik.

CME program focuses on diabetes

PANJIM (HND): Holy Cross High School, Bastora will begin its Platinum Jubilee year with an Eucharistic celebration at the school premises on January 8 at 4 pm. The main celebrant will be Fr Kyriel D’Souza, provincial superior, SFX Pilar, who is also an ex-student of the school. The guest of honour will be Sr Evelyn Monteiro, provincial superior – Sisters of the Cross, Pune.

GIRDA training program

PANJIM (HND): GIRDA in collaboration with PWD will organise a one-day state level training programme under National Rural Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance Programme on January 6 at International Centre-Goa, Dona Paula.

The participants will include Collectors, HoDs of Water Resources, Panchayats, social welfare, education, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, DRDAs, ZP members, superintending and executive engineers of PWD, etc.

Annual day

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HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 5

The Goa Medical College organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on the new concepts of Diabetes at the GMC recently.

The visiting faculty was Dr C S Yajnik, professor of medicine at B J Medical College, KEM Hospital, Pune and visiting professor to Peninsula Medical School Exeter, UK and University of California, USA. The programme was chaired

by Dr Edwin Gomes, Dr N G Dubhashi and Dr R G Wiseman Pinto.

Dr Yajnik delivered a lecture on intra uterine programming of adiposity and diabetes and spoke about the newer concepts of diabetes in India. He elaborated on the thin-fat Indian, nutrition and diabetes, fetal insulin, FTO gene for obesity, gucokinase mutation, birthweight and diabetes, developmental plasticity and fetal programming, childhood

‘Enlighten children on Goa’s history through museums’ HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 5

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obesity and insulin resistance, Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency in the causation of diabetes.

Dr Yajnik mentioned that gross nutritional deficiency leads to pregnancy loss and structural defects in the fetus, mild nutritional deficiency leads to growth retardation, and nutritional imbalance leads to altered physiology, adult pathology and this leads to heart diseases, diabetes and cancer.

He said Vitamin B12 and Folic acid must be given in adequate and appropriate doses to women at the time of their engagement and continued afterwards during pregnancy.

The CME was coordinated

by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto and Dr Edwin Gomes. Large number of doctors from GMC and the private sector and health services attended the scientific session. Goa Medical Council gave CME accreditation to the CME.

Highlighting the importance of museums, Chairman of Goa State Law Commission, Ramakant Khalap stressed on the need to enlighten the children about the histor y of Goa through the museums.

Khalap was speaking after inaugurating the Museum Week 2011 at the Goa State Museum Patto, Panjim, on Monday.

Further, Khalap said that children need to be acquainted with the various sculpture, idols and rare painting pre-

served and displayed in the museum which will help them to take inspiration from these artefacts. Khalap also said that conservation of such artefacts preserves various forms of art.

Secretary of Museum V P Rao stressed the need for upgradation of museum building. He said efforts are being made to make available adequate infrastructure in the museum.

MARG Trust chairperson Gurunath Kelekar also spoke. Director Radha Bhave welcomed the guests and Vini Naik proposed vote of thanks.

SANGUEM (HC): The annual day of Somnath Sports and Cultural Association Costi-Kalay will be celebrated in the premises of Shree Rakhandev Devasthan, Costi, on January 8 at 7 pm.

On the occasion, an All Goa Solo Dance competition will be organised and it will be held at Shree Rakhandev Devasthan, Costi. Cash prizes of Rs 3,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,000 will be awarded to the first three winners. Besides, five consolation prizes will also be awarded. The competition is open for all age groups. For details and entry form, contact Vinay Gaonkar on 9764630992.

Sky observation program

PANJIM (HND): The Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa) will organise a free public sky observation program for students and public at Mapusa, next to Bodgeshwar temple, on January 9 from 6.30 pm onwards, for viewing Jupiter, Moon and other celestial objects through telescopes.

Astro-kids club launch

PANJIM (HND): The Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa) will launch the fourth edition of its Astro-Kids Club on January 8 at a function at the Public Astronomical Observatory terrace at Junta House, Panjim, at 6.30 pm.

The club aims at promoting science and astronomy as a hobby among students of age group 9 to 15 years. Members can experience and learn from a host of activities such as workshops, film shows, picnics, photography, aeromodelling, camps, quizzes, treks, sky observations and much more. All activities are conducted free of cost for members. Registration will be open immediately after the inaugural function.

GVM ex-students meeting

PANJIM (HND): A meeting of ex-students of Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal (GVM), Ponda, will be held on January 7 to discuss about ex-students’ association and its participation in GVM centenary year celebration, at GVM’s Hall, Ponda, at 7 pm.

Agenda of this meeting is to form ex-student association and plan various activities during centenary year and on a regular basis thereafter. Ex-students of GVM’s educational institutions (schools, higher secondary and colleges) are urged to attend this meeting. For more details, contact Vinayak Nayak on 2313307 and Sripad Khedekar on 2312499.

Legislators Day

PANJIM (HND): The Legislators Day organised by Goa Legislators Forum will be held on January 11 at 9.45 am onwards at the PAC hall of the Goa legislative Assembly at Porvorim.

POWER SHUTDOWN JANUARY 6 PONDA: From 9 am to 1 pm. Areas affected are Kavle, Ramnathi, Paun, Talauli, Durbhat, Kaswada, Perigol.

JANUARY 7 PANJIM: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are PWD Office, Corina Bar, General Post Master office, Head Post office, 31st January Road, Herald office, Bharat Electricals, Lawande shop, old bus stand, JMP Dias, Vihar hotel, Space Deal, Petrol Pump, opp Space Deal and surrounding areas.

OHERALDO

Pg5

GOA

GOA, THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2011

MMC staff strike work, demand compensation to injured worker HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 5

Most of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) workers and staff went on a flash strike on Wednesday, to demand compensation to a daily wage worker who was injured in a mishap.

The striking workers were demanding suitable compensation and medical expenses to a tree cutter, Pranesh Naik, who was seriously injured when he accidentally fell off a tree near Vidyamandir, Vaddem, on Tuesday.

Hitting out at the workers for the "illegal strike", MMC Chairperson Suchita Shirodkar has said the workers had held the municipality to ransom.

Ward Councillor Sudesh Kolgaokar had rushed the victim to the hospital, while in the evening, MMC Chairperson Suchita Shirodkar along with Chief Officer Gopal Parsekar, municipal engineer had also visited Naik at GMC Hospital in Bambolim.

Shirodkar had rendered financial help of Rs 5,000 to Naik’s family.

To the surprise of chief officer and chairperson on Wednesday, most of the municipal workers went on a flash strike, leaving behind all the cleaning works of garbage and bringing the entire functioning of the council to a grinding halt till afternoon.

The strike was called off at about 2 pm.

The MMC workers under

Departmental store burgled at Khareband

Mormugao Municipal Council workers during a flash strike.

Photo by M Prabhav

‘Mormugao Municipal Employees Union’ had joined the strike assuming the council would not pay due compensation to the injured worker.

“We demand that the council bear the entire medical expenses of the victim. Besides, Naik should get a salary till he is fully recovered,” demanded Mormugao Municipal Employees Union President Vashudev Dhawade.

“Supposedly, he succumbs to injury, his kith or kin should be given an employment in MMC,” stated Dhawade.

When asked to justify the legitimacy of the flash strike, Dhawade said: "Earlier too, one worker was manhandled by some people and the council had assured that action would be taken against the accused.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 5

Unknown miscreants barged into a departmental store at the Khareband locality of the Commercial capital and decamped with cash and TV cameras worth Rs 70,000 A complaint to this effect was lodged with the Margao police.

The miscreants are believed to have effected entry into the premises by cutting open the grills.

The police are investigating.

Major Victor Zuzart has stated that the role of social organizations has changed over the years and they have now become the centers of social activities.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a programme ‘Aanand Melava’ organised by Women and Child Welfare Association in association with Lokacho Adhar at Guirim Panchayat Hall, Guirim.

“The endeavour of the social

Joao is Nagoa Sarpanch Joao Faria was elected unopposed as sarpanch of the sevenmember Nagoa Panchayat on Wednesday.

It may be recalled that the post had fallen vacant after sarpanch Domingos Dias was ousted in December when the newly elected Sarpanch Faria along with Deputy Sarpanch Antoneta Gabriel, Panch F Valadares and Alexina Fernandes moved a no-confidence against Dias.

As four panchas were firm to elect Faria as the new sarpanch, opposition did not field its candidate for the post of sarpanch.

BDO official Sachin Naik, who was present during the election, said election was peaceful and since Faria was the lone candidate in the fray, he was elected unopposed.

The newly carved Nuvem constituency comprises six panchayats, of which Pacheco claims to have the support of four panchayats, including the Nagoa Panchayat.

Mediclaim cover for staff of Quepem urban society HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

The Quepem Urban Co-operative Society has started the Quepem Urban Mediclaim for all the employees and management of the society covering the medical expenses to the tune of Rs 1.5 lakh.

Chairman of the Society, Prakash Velip further said the society has come out with a special gold loan scheme towards financing for the purchase of pure gold from MMTC. He said the society will open training institute under the subsidiary Quepem Urban Lok Seva Mandal to impart computer

training, mass communication and diploma course in journalism.

Saying that the share capital of the society is pegged at Rs 2.93 crore, Velip said the deposits has shot up to Rs 77 crore, while the society has sanctioned to the tune of Rs 56.64 crore as on December 31, 2010.

Replying to a question, Velip said the Society has set a vision to mobilize deposits worth Rs 200 crore by 2013. “The number of branches stood at 17, while the society has posted a profit of Rs 1.15 crore. The total business was pegged at Rs 133.70 crore”, he added.

Bishop Percy retires as Aux Bishop of Bombay HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, JAN 5

Bishop Perciv a l ( Pe rc y ) Joseph Fernandez on Tuesday retired as Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay.

In his pont i f i c a l a c t , Bishop Percival Pope Benedict Fernandez XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop Fernandez (75), on having reached the age limit.

Born in Mangalore on December 20, 1935, Bishop Fernandez was ordained priest of Bombay archdiocese at the age of 25 years on December 21, 1960.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, JAN 5

A 10-year-old boy from Housing Board, Sanquelim, had a lucky escape, after he managed to escape from the clutches of a kidnapper on Thursday.

According to reports, the incident occurred at about 4.30 pm when Std 4 student, Adwait Viju Maprayan, was on his way to tuition. After walking some distance from his house, he was stopped by a person, who suddenly covered the boy’s mouth with his hand and pulled him into the jeep.

Before Adwait could know what was happening, the kidnapper asked the jeep driver to speed the jeep. The boy tried to escape from the clutches of the kidnapper, but he was unable to do so.

The jeep directly went to Desai Nagar Sanquelim, where Adwait was kept in a room which was under construction.

However, to Adwait’s good luck, the kidnapper received a call on his mobile phone and the kidnapper went some distance away from the room.

Taking this opportunity, Adwait ran away from the room and hid in the bushes. After being relived that there is no one near the place, Adwait decided to walk further.

Being too young, Adwait at first did not understand the area, where he was kept, but after reaching the main road, he re-

Social organisations have donned new role: Major Victor

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 5

But till date, nothing has been done."

MMC Chairperson Suchita Shirodkar has hit out at the workers for the sudden strike and said the workers had held the municipality to ransom.

“If we were least concerned about the victim, I would not have waited till midnight at GMC Hospital. We have never said that we will not help the victim.

Some former councillors have instigated the workers against us to go on strike.”

“Strike is illegal and workers have taken the entire city for a ride,” she claimed.

Chief Officer Gopal Parsekar said striking workers have not even intimated nor served strike notice, as they have taken the entire city for ransom as per their whims and fancies.

Sanquelim boy escapes kidnapping bid

On March 13, 2001, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Bombay and Titular Bishop of Bulla.

He served as one of the Vicar Generals with special charge of the Religious in the Bombay archdiocese and was the secretary General of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of India.

B i s h o p Fe r n a n d e z a l s o worked at the prestigious St John's National Academy of Health Sciences in Bangalore, first as the Administrative Officer of its Medical College (1978 to 1984), and then after completing his Management Studies in the USA, from 1985 to 2000 as the Director and Chief Executive of the Institution.

organization should be to promote art and culture, as also to tap the raw and hidden talents among the youths and provide them a platform to showcase their talents,” said Zuzart.

Zuzart further said that the social organization should work for the welfare of the society and the upliftment of the downtrodden.

“Such types of programme are necessary to bring together people from all strata of society,” added Zuzart.

Lokacho Adhar President Trojan D’Mello congratulated the children for participating in the singing competition and the women for participating in the sweet dish making contest

and making the event successful.

“Everybody can’t win the competition. Hence, those who do not succeed in getting the prize should not get demoralized, but should continue to participate in such contests with more determination. Participation in the competition is more important than winning,” said D’Mello.

Earlier, Women and Child Welfare Association Convenor Zelia Zuzart in her welcome speech highlighted the details of the work done by the Association during the course of last five years and thanked D’Mello for providing unstinted support to their Association for organizing such events.

called the place and reached home at about 7 pm.

OHERALDO

Pg6

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Feast of the Epiphany

Vol No CXI No: 006 Goa, Thursday, 6 January, 2011

Presidential photography

I

s it a crime to take photographs of the President of India? Why were three photo journalists summoned by the police on Wednesday for taking pictures of President Pratibha Patil holidaying on Benaulim beach? The photographs, taken on Tuesday afternoon, show Ms Patil sitting on a chair at the beach wearing a sari. They were published in a number of local newspapers in Goa on Wednesday.

The very same day, photographers Ganadeep Sheldenkar, Soiru Komarpant and Arvind Tengse were summoned by the Margao police, who recorded their statements on how and why they clicked these photographs. As it turned out, the pictures were taken from a considerable distance, using a powerful zoom lens.

Was any crime committed? If so, under which section of what law? If not, what was the reason behind summoning the photographers and recording their statements?

Police have been quoted as saying that the President’s security officer told them that this was a ‘private’ visit and that no photographers would be ‘allowed’ to take pictures.

Police say that accordingly, they instructed the lensmen to stay away from the President.

India is a country ruled by law. If photographers are to be forbidden from taking photographs of the President, it can only be by force of law. It cannot be because the President’s security officer feels in his personal ‘wisdom’ that taking pictures of the President on a private holiday is inappropriate.

Sources within the presidential entourage say officials were ‘embarrassed’ by the sight of a white couple in scanty beach wear near the President, and that the photos were ‘not in good taste’. But then, there were a large number of Indian tourists wearing modest clothing in the photos too.

Basically, it seems to be a story that is purely for public consumption. What is more likely to have upset the President’s security detail is the fact that the pictures show an obvious and embarrassing lack of security personnel around the President, and many tourists in unduly close proximity to her. Are Goa’s photographers being unnecessarily penalised for lapses by the President’s security apparatus?

In any case, where do these gentlemen get the idea that photographs of the President are ‘not allowed’? It is perfectly possible – maybe even understandable – that the President ‘did not like’ the way the photos appeared. But then, being a President is not the same as being a monarch or dictator that rules by whim.

India is a democracy. Here, people have rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India, which can be restricted or curtailed only by force of law. This includes photographers, in case all the President’s men are unaware of this. Unless the police can quote which section of what law the photographers broke in taking photographs of the President, they have grossly violated their fundamental constitutional right of freedom of expression.

Police & peddlers

T

he dust on the ‘police-drug peddler nexus’ is yet to completely die down. Yet, a local channel has telecast latest footage of what it says is former Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) Police Sub-Inspector Sunil Guddlar convincing two girls, both foreigners, to purchase ‘charas’, and allegedly selling drugs to them.

This PSI is the one who ‘cracked’ the previous police-peddler nexus case. PSI Guddlar was not only instrumental in arresting drug dealer David Driham alias Dudu with a cocktail of drugs, but he also nabbed PI Ashish Shirodkar after he was named

by Yaniv Benaim alias Atala as his supplier of drugs.

That is what makes this sting operation all the more important. Swift investigation and stiff action are called for.

An arduous task Babluis Pereira, Pomburpa This refers to the articles by Raul Fernandes “If we do not stop the rot now, we are damned” (Herald, 26 Dec) and “Elect right or face jungle law” (Herald, 2 Jan).

Seemingly, Raul’s concern for Goa and Goans is in calling for a people’s alliance to join hands with Herald to fight for their basic rights, to remove the rot in Goan politics, and to bring in an honest change of guard in the forthcoming election, coupled with good governance laws.

In this context, it reminds me of the past decades, during the time of founder-owner, the late A C Fernandes, when Herald was known for its distinctive brand of fearless

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

6 January 1911 Lavish dinner

His Excellency, the Governor of Goa offered in his Palace of Cabo, a lavish dinner to some Heads of Departments and other members of the Military Administration.

Franciscan sisters evicted

Were evicted from the City the Franciscan Sisters who were serving at the Military Hospital and who also were entrusted to run the Colleges of NS de Piedade and Seraphic Homes.

Protests raised against Decree

Took place in Lisbon a public meeting of the workers where protests were raised against the Decree of Regularisation of Strikes.

Adoption of principles

It is reported that in the Naval Forces is going to adopt the principles of lastingness in the senior positions and amongst the subalterns.

OPINION

O

The cuelim celebration is a spectacle of consolidation, both of history and tradition, says fReddY diAS

n 6 January, Catholic communities all over the world celebrate the feast of Epiphany; in commemoration of the successful journey of the Three Wise Men (Magi) from the East, who, under the guidance of a strange star, visited Baby Jesus in a cattleshed in Bethlehem. According to the Bible, it is the occasion when God revealed himself in human form, in the person of Jesus Christ to the world, through the three wise men, who reached the Infant Jesus with the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh – symbolising Kingship, God-head and suffering of Jesus respectively (Gospel of Mathew, Chapter 2). The feast of Epiphany marks the end of twelve days Christmas celebrations around the globe.

In Goa, Epiphany is celebrated as the ‘Feast of Three Kings’ at Reis Magos-Verem in Bardez, at Chandor in Salcete and at Cuelim-Cansaulim in Mormugao. The feast is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm at all these places. But as far as traditions, rituals, colour and glamour are concerned, the one at the mount of Cuelim exceeds them all. It is here that history and tradition consolidate and create a spectacle to behold.

It is a time of the year when mount Cuelim, that high point of folk destination, plays host to the local denizens and others, as the pretty Chapel on the Mount celebrates its annual feast. For the Catholics as well as people from various other faiths, it is a time to renew acquaintances with the Lady, who guards their little village. It was between the end of 16th and beginning of 17th century that the Franciscan Friars built a small oratory on top of the hill and dedicated it to Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies).

Traditions die hard in Goa. In pre-Portuguese era, Goa being an agricultural land, had an intricate and elaborate well-knit system of collective living known as ‘gaokarias’ (associations of residents of an area). A member of a ‘gaokaria’ was known as ‘gaokar’ and according to his profession, occupied a place in the hierarchy of the village affairs. Every village had a number of ‘vangodds’ (unions) where ‘gaokars’ were classified as per their profession.

The ‘gaokars’ were the owners of orchard lands and paddy fields, not individually, but as collective dominion. The ‘gaokar’ had several duties to per-

SouNd of SileNce form in the village hierarchy and in turn, was entitled to a free barber, free lighting of the way, if lost in the night, etc. The Portuguese tried to bring a lot of pressure to do away with these institutions, but were never successful.

As per traditions, Cansaulim, Arossim and Cuelim were agriculture based communities, who lived in peace and harmony due to slow manual labour, few needs and wants, and due to the effective functioning of the hierarchy of ‘vangodds’ of the ‘gaokarias’. For example, at Arossim, the life centered around the ‘Templo de Aros’ (Temple of Rice) before the 16th century. It was only in the 17th century that the Chapel of St Lawrence came into existence. The Catholic Church being the only known religious body in the 16th century, was located at Cansaulim and was known as ‘paroquia de Sao Tome’ (Parish of St. Thomas), but for administrative and spiritual needs, comprised of Cansaulim, Arossim and Cuelim.

The ‘gaokars’ of these villages were very active in those days and in recognition of their devotion to the Church, were allowed to offer their gifts to Infant Jesus on the occasion of Epiphany, but with a certain peculiarity – it was not the adults, but male children aged between seven and ten years; son or a grandson of a ‘gaokar’, who had received the ‘Holy Communion’.

Every year, the ‘gaokars’ choose one ‘vangodd’ in each of the three villages to offer gifts to Infant Jesus at the Chapel of Our Lady of Remedies on the mount of

Nature’s perfect medicine

Facts of Life

E

xercise is the fountain of youth! Wake up your life by walking.

It is a stress-free way to look better, and feel better. Studies in physiology show that exercise by the middle-aged and elderly, can turn back the clock 10 to 25 years.

You do not have to go a long way to find something, as good as exercise, as a fountain of youth. And you do not have to run marathons, to reap the benefits. Little more than rapid walking for thirty minutes at a time, three or four times a week, can provide ten years of rejuvenation.

You have to exercise regularly. It takes many weeks, even months, to reach peak conditioning. Try to maintain an exercise schedule.

Warm up first. The older you are, the more important it is, to prepare the body for exercise. A proper warm-up protects the heart, muscles and joints from injury.

Cool down afterwards. Never stop vigorous exercise abruptly.

Joy walk for a while.

Stepping out a day, can melt the pounds away and shed stressful worry. It certainly reduces stress. Active people know from experience, that after exercise, you feel less anxious and think more clearly.

Why this occurs is not completely understood, but walking is, after all, an action that uses almost all of the body’s bones and

journalism. The newspaper fearlessly fought and backed the anti-merger of Goa, during the 1967 Opinion poll.

Today, if Raul has come up with the ‘do or die’ spirit for the welfare of Goa and Goans, he should look back to the past Herald challenges and achievements, and step into his late father’s shoes to achieve his mission. The task is, however, arduous.

What Raul needs, besides him, is a fearless mighty pen editor.

Respond to Heraldcall Vishal D’Costa, Cuncolim Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Biharis have shown tremendous progress, in all fields, in the recently-concluded elections. They have shown the nation their wisdom and rejection towards corruption and scams, not only through words, but through actions.

Nitish Kumar went a step ahead, in which he detailed the assets of all his ministers in which he ranked the lowest. On the other hand, we have Goan public representatives and their siblings, owning mines, barges, mining trucks, mining heavy machinery, properties in Dubai and Malaysia, imported luxury cars, possibly gifted by some builders. Our MLAs have gathered wealth, beyond one’s imagination.

Goans need to rise up to the call of Herald and stem the rot.

Planning for a new plan Stephen Dias, Dona Paula The article ‘Was it worth it’ by Venita Coelho (Herald, 4 Jan) was a slap on the face of CM Digamber Kamat, who is still adamant and has not taken any action plan for the RP 2021, as desired by the people of Goa, inspite of several cries from the ‘aam admi.’

In 2011, the people of Goa should stand up for a new plan. They should opt for a change in government and choose sincere and freshly educated candidates for the forthcoming elections, irrespective of whichever party they belong to, so as to solve all the grievances for the betterment of the state of Goa.

Cuelim. And as January 6 is considered the day when the three Kings (Magi) guided by the star, walked to the manger where Jesus was born and offered their gifts, three young ‘gaokars’ of Cansaulim, Arossim and Cuelim in a romantic mood, take the chivalrous steps of climbing the hill, to offer their gifts like little kings. They are dressed accordingly with a crown adorned with gold trappings, gold bordered red coloured vest to cover the upper part of their body, and a wig of long hair.

They climb the hill on horse back by a band of musicians and flag bearers. (to intimidate evil spirits).

There are three separate pathways to reach the base of the hill, one for Cansaulim, one for Arossim and one for Cuelim and once they are there, the three young kings climb together to reach the chapel on the mount, in time for the concelebrated High Mass, at 1030am. There is nearly a stampede when the little Kings reach the top of the hill, with people kissing the Kings, their costumes, etc. Such is the faith of the people.

Soon after reaching the Chapel, each of the Kings places his crown at the altar. The crown of the Cuelim King is placed at the centre and that of Cansaulim and Arossim are placed on the right and left sides of Cuelim, respectively. During the High Mass, the boys are specially blessed by the Priest.

After the solemn mass, the three Kings, their relatives and friends descend the hill and assemble at the Church of St. Thomas in Cansaulim. Later,

each King is escorted back to his respective village by his relatives and fellow villagers, and after a thanksgiving litany at his house, the people are treated to a banquet. There is music, with a brass band in attendance, to make the celebrations complete.

From a small chapel feast, the occasion has grown into Goa’s widely attended celebration and a fair with social flavour, which cuts across religious boundaries. The stalls sell traditional Goan sweet meats of varied tastes, including the famous ‘kadyobodyo’ made of ginger, jaggery and a fair sprinkling of ‘til’ and coconut toffees, with little boys and girls tugging at your sleeves pleading to buy their candles and flower garlands.

Since the last few years, it has changed in different ways at the organisational as well as, social level.

The crowds are also different. Earlier, people from Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim and nearby areas formed a large part of the crowds thronging the fair at the Cuelim Chapel feast. However, nowadays, more cosmopolitan and more boisterous young people are present.

The aspirations of the crowds that throng the chapel have also changed over the years. The offerings of wax offered by thousands of pilgrims, once used to include limbs and other parts of the body, a symbol for better health, have also changed. Pilgrims who wished for better health in their prayers to the Virgin, now increasingly ask for more worldly goods like houses, cars, motorcycles and even happy marriages. These are reflected in the stalls which sell these wax offerings. Wax houses, cars and even a male and female couple signifying a happy marriage, now form a prominent share of the sale to pilgrims.

This ten-day festive occasion at the mount of Cuelim has a tremendous potential for tourism, being the high point of folk destination with the panoramic view from the hill, amid the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and the long line of beaches. All that the Tourism department could do is to develop this place by setting up certain infrastructure like adequate parking space for vehicles, electrification of the area and water supply system to start with, for the convenience of the regular pilgrims and tourists alike.

Cuelim needs to be promoted in a big way.

major muscles.

What makes a good walk? First and foremost, a good walk should be a pleasant sensory experience, be it in the countryside, a beach, or a jogging park, on the clear early morning roads, or anywhere you are comfortable.

The more your senses work with your feet, the more satisfying your walk will be. Birds chirping, water babbling, wind rustling the leaves, waves caressing the seashore and people happily talking, are the symphonic sounds of a good walk. I am reminded of the ‘hello’ man Doctor Fernando Jose Mascarenhas who, on his early morning walk, waving cheerfully, wishes everyone he meets!

For any exercise to increase long-term health benefits, it must be practiced with consistency over a lifetime. And this is where walking has a distinct advantage over other activities that may offer greater short-term training benefits. Walkers are rarely stopped by injuries, so common in other exercises. And walkers keep up their activity, year after year, simply because it is so pleasurable, realising that our bodies were made to hunt and fish, till the good earth, and travel on foot.

Today, millions of people are running, cycling, swimming and walking their way to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Millions wish

By Marc de Souza

they could, but do not know where to begin.

A sound pair of shoes is the first priority. Your shoes must support your feet in a forward movement and absorb the shock of each footfall. The most important things to look at are midsole and heel. As a general guide, the shoes should fit your foot at its widest point. Allow about half an inch between your big toe and the end of the shoe. Your heels should fit snugly.

Have you ever wondered about keeping your brain in shape?

Many neuro scientists and psychiatrists are adopting the concept of use-it-or-lose-it when it comes to our brains. Seniors should make an attempt to learn a new language, play the piano, and solve crossword puzzles. Try to stretch the brain in a dramatically different direction: juggling and so forth. Yes, brain exercise stops mental deterioration. Stretch and bend the mind in the hope it stays in shape longer.

At all times, avoid junk food and go in for whole foods. You ought to become more aware of a good, balanced diet, rich in natural unrefined and raw foods. Your body needs water: so drink plenty of fresh water to keep your system tuned up.

On my part, each day, I also say a special personal prayer, thanking my Creator for giving me the opportunity and health to do what I love most; knowing if I get stuck in bed, I am dead!

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

Leaked MBBS papers Agnelo F De Sousa, University of Adelaide, Australia I wish to comment about the “leaked examination papers” for the final MBBS examination. (Herald, 4 Jan). Your investigative reporter should be applauded. I am certain that steps will be taken to correct this problem, and offer the following solutions: 1. Each member of the Faculty should submit questions on the topics they have been involved with during the year which they would like to include in the examination.

These questions should be weighed with more emphasis given to questions, set by the professor.

2. On the day of the examination, a random selection of the questions is made an hour in the presence of the two student representatives and those who wish to witness the process.

3. The questions selected can be printed on the Faculty computer rather than sending it to an independent printing firm. As computers are known to fail, a standby printing system should be available. The printing should not take more than thirty minutes. A trial run should be held a week before the examination to tidy up any glitches with the selection of the questions and subsequent printing.

This is a simple method to avoid mistakes made in the past.

Sunburn ‘hole’ in pocket

Minimising road woes

Nelson Lopes Chinchinim

Michael Vaz, Merces

The Sunburn music festival in Goa made waves in the international arena in the order of ranking. It received international media coverage too. The entrance fee was a whopping Rs5,000 if booked in advance. On the day of the event, it touched an exorbitant Rs8,000. Naturally, the prying eyes of the indigenous population were kept at bay, and secrecy was guaranteed. How many can afford the luxury of enjoying pure music at this price? Participants aver that drugs of various choices were available, on a platter.

A rumour, very strong to be dismissed, was that some one made a killing with Rs150 lakhs, an astounding figure, indeed.

This comes against the backdrop of the active drug mafia in the state.

The success of the event will embolden the organisers to cover their tracks, in future, without leaving any trail. There is no doubt that music and drugs form a heady cocktail. If the event was for pure enjoyment that promotes music, it should be open and affordable.

The authorities need to be complimented for undertaking the task of painting the speed breakers, dividers, traffic islands etc. Unlike in the past, they have taken pains to block the traffic partially till the paint on the speed breakers dried up.

This has enhanced their visibility in the dark, which is a blessing for the vehicle drivers, especially the strangers, who would often bump on them, taken totally unaware of such obstructions.

Stray cattle have been a source of impediment regularly on the roads. Urgent steps should be taken to effect impounding of stray cattle.

The nuisance of street dogs also needs to be handled. May there be a united effort to free our roads from such man made problems.

Bring them to book Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco Kudos to your reporter, for her front page report in your newspaper (Herald, 4 Jan) on the matter of leaked papers, of

general medicine. This has come as a shock to the common man.

It has also left a deep scar on the reputation of the premier institute. Paper leaks in a medical institute, are a serious matter.

These institutes churn out medical professionals, whose main task is to look after the health of its citizens.

The Health Minister should take moral responsibility for the fiasco and order a high level enquiry into the matter. The people responsible for the malpractice should be brought to book so that such incidents are not repeated.

Incorrect justification Bernard Simoes, Dona Paula I write this in response to the article, ‘The principles of justice’ by Maneka Gandhi (Herald, 3 Jan). The Bible is not to be quoted selectively to justify one’s personal ideas about how Christianity is to be practiced.

The article is nothing, but an attempt to confuse people about what the Bible really says. The ignorance of the author is too plain. Contrary to what she says, this does not forbid eating of meat.

A little later, the author makes another ridiculous claim that since no meat was mentioned in the Biblical account of the Passover, Jesus never consumed it.

God’s revelation in the Old Testament to Noah after the latter got off from the Ark, when there was nothing to eat, is proof enough that it was fine to eat meat.

Advocates and doctors Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar The Bar Council of India prescribes a strict dress code for an advocate. An advocate must wear his bands or gown strictly only within the court premises and never on the streets. This rule seems to be regularly violated. In Mumbai, lawyers are even seen at Fort and Crawford markets donning their gowns.

All said and done, you do not become an advocate by merely wearing a gown. Or for that matter, one does not become a doctor by merely stringing the stethoscope around his neck.

C

Paths of Wisdom Meditation

oncentration and meditation are two different things. Control of the senses is a must. When mind begins to wander hither and thither, one must engage it. If mind does not have anything to do, it would roam the whole world. "By the time truth begins to wear sandals, untruth would go around the world and come." Similarly mind, if no work is assigned, would go round the world.

So, before sitting for meditation, one must assign some work to the mind.

What type of work? It has been a known fact that mind is a mad monkey. To make a monkey busy while he performs other feats, the street performer would plant a stick in the ground and ask the monkey to repeatedly go up and down the stick.

Similarly we must assign the job of a watchman to the mind near that part of forehead where eyebrows join. By constant practice, we can make the mind stay in one place. As one constantly breaths 'Soham', the breath gets controlled. This is the great power of Yoga.

There is no separate effort that one needs to make to arouse Kundalini.

When all the vital air remains outside, in search of food, Kundalini would rise.

Some base 'lamp' as the point of concentration.

This elucidates the principle of 'Unity in diversity' and 'Many in One'. This cannot be understood by all very easily and does not confer bliss very easily. We should construe three types of pictures – imaginary, mental or one based on feeling and actualisation. Meditation is beyond senses.

There is a border between concentration which is below senses and meditation which is beyond senses known as contemplation. Contemplation is said to be the second stage of intelligence.

Intelligence is said to be the essence of Satwa. It can be best illustrated with an example to make it clear to you.

(Sri Satya Saibaba)

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Pg7

OHERALDO

INDIA OPiniOnatED

Need for special provision under Art 371(A) of Constitution By ruI da gama

I

t is never too late for all Goans (including those who have permanently settled in Goa) to do something for the good of Goa, which has been blessed with scenic beauty, culture, hospitality, honesty of its people, and the contribution made by our small Goan community, nationally and internationally.

In the year 1961, Goa was liberated and joined the Republic of India. First, as a Union Territory and now as a state, Goa was never a part of the writing of the Constitution of India, whereas all other states under British India, as well as the princely states had a say in the drafting and writing of the Constitution of India. I was taken by my dad, the late Jose Da Gama to attend the first visit of late Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India to Goa, when I had just completed five years of age. Nehru, in no uncertain terms, committed a promise to the people of Goa that Goa would be for Goans and that all their rights would be protected. And one of the reasons which must have prompted Nehru to make this promise was because the United Nations General Assembly was about to, or by then, had passed a resolution condemning the invasion of Goa. This UN resolution has now been nullified by signing of a treaty by India, with the colonial rulers in Portugal.

It is a fact that the Portuguese were not the owners of Goa, but invaders themselves. And Goans have nothing to do with the Portuguese, who thought that it was their right to transfer the authority, without the consent of Goans. Whereas late Jawaharlal Nehru, rather than taking the consent of the people of Goa, broke his promise to Goans and imposed the Opinion Poll in the year 1967, to merge Goa into Maharashtra. Although, in the year 1967, along with other small boys, it faced the Opinion Poll and was physical beaten black or blue. However, this small contribution along with other Niz Goenkars helped to retain Goa’s identity by winning the Opinion Poll.

Even thereafter, late Nehru as the Prime Minister of India, did not take note of the aspirations of the people of Goa to make special provisions for us in the Constitution of India. Although, another two movements to preserve Goan identity brought us the language bill and statehood, but this was done in such a hurry, that no special provision were conferred on the State of Goa. Now Goa is a tiny state unlike other states of India, which are conspicuous with its large size and huge population. Goa already has a population of approximately fourteen lakh, with its relatively small size of land, the majority of it being agricultural and hilly areas. Besides, beyond five kilometres of radius from the Arabian sea, the land gets low lying and recedes to below sea level. This is classified as Low Lying Khazan Reclaimed Land. Let us ask ourselves as to how much more population can we settle in Goa, after making provision for the NRI Goans, who will return back to their native state of Goa, besides taking into account the next generation, which has to grow and live in Goa. Every year, Goa receives approximately thirty lakh tourists. After seeing life here in Goa, around five percent (one and half lakh people) feel like staying back or wish they can live in Goa. Many of them start looking out for properties through real estate agents, personal contact or internet, to purchase for investment, or build a second home, to live in Goa. Large sums of money is being poured into Goa for buying big size land in the name of projects, SEZs, to convert land which will bring influx of people into tiny Goa. We have to forsee by asking a question as to how many more lakhs of outside people we can accommodate in Goa. This should come about without displacing Goans from their own land. If we accommodate more and more people, such an event will bring black or white money into Goa from other states, and vice-versa. Goans, as result, will be wiped out.

India has a population of 1.2 billion whereas we, in Goa, are only 1.4 million. Even another one million people from India coming to settle in Goa, will wipe the Goans out. Even, as of now, there is a big threat to Goan identity, culture and ethnic background. Already, the Goan hospitality, which is important to tourism, is being diluted and is having a negative impact on growth of our children. We have to ensure that the ownership and transfer of land rests solely with Goans.

There are other reasons why “A Particular Community” has to be protected and preserved. Every family and generation of people grows under the protection of a community, with a particular social, ethnic and cultural background. Every family requires the backing of a community for their marriage relationships to work, children to grow in an healthy family environment, and a society based on moral values. And for this reason, India consists of many states carved out on the basis of ethnic and cultural background. These communities or states need to be preserved for social peace and harmony. Displacement of people from their original roots can bring about a disaster in the lives of people, like it has happened in the West, especially USA, Canada, Australia, etc. Communities of different ethnic background are citizens of the same country but do not get along with each other or have no desire to integrate into the culture of their new state/nation and therefore, form separate groups or associations. Marriages between people of different ethnic backgrounds are more difficult to workout, leading to breakup in marital relationships with disastrous suicidal effect on children.

We have collected evidence even from the so called hippie movement of the sixties/early seventies, which was due to the breakup in family relationship of people of different ethnic European backgrounds settled in the USA and Canada.

Therefore, the idea of a cosmopolitan state of Goa, will bring about a social disaster such as drugs, alcohol, gays, lesbians, other sexually perverted culture, violence, rapes, murders, thefts, mental breakdowns, etc. We have to preserve the identity of Goa, its cultural and ethnic background, as is being done in the state of Nagaland and Mizoram. The government of India should grant special provision for Goa on a priority basis. The future generation of Goans will curse us if we keep silent now. It is never too late.

There is a dire need to ask for Special Provisions under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India with our legitimate right to fulfil the promises made by late Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.

Govt to bring in Ordinance on corruption May set up Lokpal PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

Hemmed in by attacks on several scams, the government has decided to come out with an Ordinance that is most likely to set up a Lokpal to inquire into corruption charges against public servants, including the Prime Minister.

The government wants to bring the Ordinance before January 25 so that it BJP today said it would raise the pitch could become part of the against corruption in government in President's Address to the the wake of the Income Tax Tribunal's Nation, sources said, decision on the Bofors case and pass adding it could be done a special resolution on the issue at even as early as tomorrow its executive meeting in Guwahati.

"After the recent revelations by the at the Cabinet meeting.

The Ordinance will Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, the "draw heavily" from the Prime Minister and Congress PresiLokpal Bill that is being dent Sonia Gandhi are answerable to vetted by the Law Ministry the nation... We are going to intensify and provide for filing of our agitation against the government complaints of allegations on corruption," Leader of Opposition of corruption against the in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley told rePrime Minister, Ministers porters after a meeting of the BJP and MPs with the Lokpal, Core Group.-- (PTI) the sources said.

According to the Bill, the LokThe decision to bring the Orpal shall consist of a Chairperson dinance is in pursuance to Conwho is or has been a Chief Justice gress President Sonia Gandhi's or a judge of the Supreme Court. assertion at the AICC Plenary It will also have two members last month that corruption will who have either been the judges taken "head-on" without showof the Supreme Court or the ing any tolerance to it.

BJP set to intensify stir

Parties to discuss T-report today PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

Amid a boycott by TRS and BJP, Home Minister P Chidambaram will tomorrow meet leaders of political parties from Andhra Pradesh and present the contents of the Justice B N Srikrishna Committee report on Telangana after which it will be made public.

The meeting of eight recognized political parties in the state – Congress, TDP, PRP, TRS, MIM, CPI, CPI(M) and BJP – was called after the Committee, that went into the demands for a separate Telangana state and keeping Andhra Pradesh united, submitted its report to the Centre.

Chidambaram will give a copy of the report to representatives of political parties at the meeting and is also expected to discuss the contents of the voluminous report, which runs into almost 800 pages.

However, taking objection to

Bofors: CPI demands special probe PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

The CPI today demanded a special probe into the Bofors case at the earliest, saying the Income Tax tribunal's ruling had put the Congress leadership in the dock once again.

"Bofors is the first big political corruption case that rocked the country. The failure to find out and punish the guilty caused immense harm, and much larger corruption is continuing on gigantic scale," the party's Central Secretariat said in a statement while demanding special investigation into Bofors case in an expeditious manner.

"This (closure of the case) should not have been allowed.

The case should be pursued," it said, adding that the exposure of Bofors case put the Congress leadership "once again in the dock".

Mud facial for Taj in the offing PTI LUCKNOW, JAN 5

The Taj Mahal will look more bright and beautiful in days to come as the Archaeological Survey of India is planning to give it a cleansing mud facial.

The 17th century architectural marvel will be covered with a layer of the beautifying 'multani mitti' (fuller's earth) and once the mud flakes off, the structure will be washed with distilled water "We plan to give a mud facial to the main mausoleum building which will rid it of dust or any other impurities. A proposal has already been mooted in this regard," Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, chemical

Branch, MK Samadhiya told PTI. "We have already completed the beauty treatment of the Taj mosque which is adjacent to the main mausoleum successfully a

Chief Justices of the High Courts.

The government move comes at a time when it is under severe attack from the Opposition over various major scams like that involving 2G spectrum allocation and CWG.

few days back," Samadhiya said.

The DSA said the beauty treatment of the Taj Mahal began nearly five years back.

"At that time Mehman Khana which forms part of the Taj premises was taken up and some work was also done on the octagonal portion and arches," he said.

As a part of beautification exercise, multani-mitti, which is commonly used in beauty parlours, is applied on the walls of the structure.

"It is a scientific exercise as we have to maintain the Ph level as the semi-liquid mud paste to be applied on structure should neither be took acidic not too alkaline," Samadhiya said.

the Home Minister inviting two representatives from each political party, the TRS and BJP decided not to attend the meeting, saying it is a "deliberate attempt" to seek "divergent opinions" on the emotive issue.

APPOINTMENTS

GOA, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2011

Cold: Delhi schools shut till Jan 10

With an intense cold wave sweeping the city, Delhi government today ordered closure of all schools in the capital till January 10.

While several schools in the city are yet to reopen following the winter vacations, some schools had reopened this week.

Minister for Education in the Delhi government Arvinder Singh Lovely said the mandatory

order applies to both government and private schools.

He said the government will examine the situation at the end of this week.

"For now, the schools have to remain closed till January 10, and the education department will review the situation on that day to give further orders," Lovely said at a press conference. -- (PTI)

appointments

appointments

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10 GOA, THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2011

China plans to test first stealth fighter this month PTI TOKYO/WASHINGTON, JAN 5

China plans to begin test flight of its first J-20 stealth fighter as early as this month and plans to deploy them by 2017, a development which comes just days before a visit to Beijing by US Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

Beijing appears to have completed a prototype of the stealth fighter, which Chinese experts are comparing to the US F-22 fighter, reinforcing the country's rapid military build-up, Japanese newspaper Ashai Shimbun reported quoting Chinese military sources.

The fighter will be equipped with large missiles and could reach island of Guam, a US territory in the western pacific with the aerial refuelling, the paper said.

But the Japanese daily quoting US experts said China would take 10-15 years to develop technology on a per with that of the US F-22 Raptor.

Reports had earlier quoted Deputy Head of the Chinese Air Force Gen He Weirong as saying

that the nation's stealth fighter would be operational sometime between 2017-19.

So far, United States and China are among a handful of countries working on the next generation stealth fighters. India and Russia recently unveiled a new fighter as a rival to the American Raptor developed by Sukhoi.

The Indo-Russian fighter is still on the drawing board and would be fully developed by 2015.

The news of the Chinese going ahead with test flight of the stealth fighter comes as Gates is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Sunday.

Ahead of his visit, the US has said it is aware of the fact that China is in the process of making fifth generation fighter aircraft and that it is not concerned over the development.

The Pentagon has “no concerns” on the development of fifth generation fighter planes by China, its spokesman Col Dave Lapan told reporters.

“It is still unclear how far along they are in the process. There are questions about the engine, things of that

nature," Lapan said when asked about the pictures of such fighter planes appearing on various official and non-official Chinese websites.

“The photographs, published on several unofficial Chinese and foreign defence-related websites, appear to show a J20 prototype making a highspeed taxi test --- usually one of the last steps before an aircraft makes its first flight -- according to experts on aviation and China's military,” The Wall Street Journal' reported.

The daily said China has made rapid progress in developing a capability to produce advanced weapons, including unmanned aerial vehicles, after decades of importing and reverse engineering Russian arms.

The photographs throw a fresh spotlight on the sensitive issue of China's military modernisation just as Washington and Beijing try to improve relations following a series of public disputes in 2010, it said.

Captain to be relieved over videos Reuters HINGTON, JAN 5

The captain of a US Navy aircraft carrier was expected to be relieved of command after producing bawdy videos that featured slurs against homosexuals, simulated masturbation and toilet humor.

The navy was expected to announce its decision to relieve Capt. Owen Honors of the USS Enterprise later yesterday, military officials said days after images from the videos began popping up on the Internet and in television news reports.

The military officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, officials at the Navy's Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia, which was expected to make the formal announcement, were not available for comment.

Honors produced, starred in and circulated the videos aboard ship three or four years ago, when he was second in command of the nuclear-powered carrier. He was later promoted to command the USS Enterprise.

FROM PAGE 1

Andhra braces for Telangana Telangana and hoped that a new state will be formed.

Regional differences in the ruling Congress persisted with MP K Sambasiva Rao and MLA Uttam Kumar Reddy, who hail from coastal Andhra and Telangana regions respectively, meeting Mukherjee separately.

The two had represented the party during the previous meeting convened by the Centre on the statehood issue last year.

The Chief Minister also met with Mukherjee and Chidambaram and is believed to have deliberated on the Telangana report.

Andhra Pradesh is awaiting with bated breath for the release of the report, which is understood to have dwelled into the demands for a separate Telangana state as well as a united Andhra Pradesh.

During the meeting with Gandhi, the Chief Minister is believed to have briefed the Congress president about the elaborate security arrangements made by his government to thwart any violence.

Patel was also present at the meeting.

Violence had erupted last year in the Telangana region after the Centre decided to hold wide-ranging consultations with all stakeholders on the statehood demand.

The issue of Congress MPs and MLAs threatening to resign from their posts if the committee did not recommend a separate Telangana state is also believed to have come up for discussion.

However, Kiran Reddy refused to say what transpired at the meeting. “It is not proper for me to say what I discussed with my President,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, TRS rejected a fresh appeal from Chidambaram to attend tomorrow’s meeting of political parties on the Srikrishna report.

My seniors also accept bribes

The PSI is also seen on the tape flinging Rs 500 notes in the air.

“We believe in Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) notes. I want this,” he is heard saying as he shows the rupee notes to the girls.

Police have not ruled out interrogation of former ANC chief Bansal in this case as Gudlar was working under his commands.

IPS officer Bansal was recently shunted to Arunachal Pradesh while Gudlar during the same period was transferred to Security.

Gudlar’s lucky days came to an abrupt end after the SP’s transfer.

MPT’s berth 11 expansion

under the specific High Court orders, but felt they “would bring about almost a dust free coal handling system and the environmental impact would be minimal.”

NEW CONDITIONS: Some of the 10 new terms of reference (ToR) recommended by the EIA (environment impact assessment) are: — Hydrodynamic studies to ensure the proposed expansion does not impact significantly the shoreline abutting the project; — Dredging and disposal mechanism shall be included on the basis of modeling study; — A comprehensive EIA be prepared for the port as a whole, including the proposed expansion, and submitted to the ministryshowing construction phase and operational phase.

— In view of Vasco City being within the close proximity of the project, adequate measures in terms of green belt etc must be implemented and the situation must be continuously monitored to ensure no adverse impact on environment at all times to the city; — The EIA (environment impact assessment) to include water quality and character of the sediments, at least for toxic metals namely Antimony, Arsenic, Berilium, Cadmium, Chromium +6, Chromium total, Mercury and lead; and — In-depth study of impact of the dredging and disposal of the dredged material.

The committee wanted preparation of a detailed draft EIA as per these additional terms and submitted to the ministry.

Full probe report

will specifically carry out the investigation into the whole episode, consists of three deans namely Dr M Pinheiro (Faculty of Law) Prof Pradeep Naik (Faculty of Medicine) and Prof E DeSa (Faculty of Natural Sciences).

The leakage of two papers of General Medicine was exposed

by Herald after which the authorities moved in the matter confirming the mischief. Sources said the preliminary report just confirmed the leakage and had not pinpointed suspects.

The first committee had submitted its preliminary report to the Registrar on Tuesday after which both the leaked papers were declared null and avoid and fresh dates (January 13 and 14) were set for re-exam.

OHERALDO

Pg11

WORLD

GOA, THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2011

Slain Punjab governor laid to rest with full honours PTI LAHORE, JAN 5

P unjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, who was assassinated by his extremist bodyguard for opposing the controversial blasphemy law, was laid to rest with full state honours in this eastern Pakistani city today amid tight security.

Tasser,(66) who was gunned down at a posh market in the heart of Islamabad yesterday, was buried at the Cavalr y Ground graveyard here.

The funeral prayer at the Governor's House, scheduled for 1 pm local time, was delayed by almost an hour as several clerics reportedly refused to lead it following a call by an influential Islamic body.

Afzal Chishti, a leader of the ulema (clerics) wing of the ruling PPP led the ‘namaz-e-janaza' or funeral prayer.

The imam of Lahore's Shahi Masjid and the cleric of the mosque at Governor's House refused to lead the prayer, sources said.

The Jamaat-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan, a grouping of scholars, had yesterday asked clerics not

Pakistani paramilitary soldiers cordon of the area during the funeral prayer of late Punjab governor Salman Taseer in Lahore on Wednesday. Thousands of Pakistanis braved high security to attend the funeral of Punjab governor Salman Taseer, following the country's most high-profile assassination in three years. to lead Taseer's funeral prayer. advised leaders of PML-N, which Thousands of angry PPP workLeaders of the main opposition i s g o v e r n i n g t h e P u n j a b ers, who gathered at the Governor's House, shouted slogans PML-N and religious parties were province, not to attend the conspicuous by their absence funeral as many PPP workers against religious parties and the were upset by Taseer's assassi- PML-N. at the funeral.

Among the slogans were "Qatil Media reports said the PPP had nation.

Qatil, Nawaz Qatil, Shahbaz Qatil, Sanaullah Qatil" – a reference to senior PML-N leaders Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif and Rana Sanaullah – and “Taliban ka jo yaar hai, gaddar hai.” (A friend of the Taliban is a traitor).

The funeral prayer was attended

by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, federal ministers including Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar and Foreign Minister Shah Mahood Qureshi, leaders of other political parties and PPP workers.

President Asif Ali Zardari did not attend the funeral due to security reasons, PPP leaders said.

Many PPP workers, especially women, broke down and wept.

The workers tried to break the Prime Minister's security cordon to register their anger.

Following the funeral prayer, two army helicopters flew the governor's body and several of his family members to the Cavalry Ground graveyard.

His body was laid to rest with full state honours after being presented a salute by a Punjab

Police contingent.

The burial was attended by Taseer's close relatives and friends.

Taseer’s son Shehryar was consoled by friends as he broke down and wept as the black coffin was lowered into the grave.

Tight security arrangements were put in place across Lahore for the funeral following sporadic protests by PPP supporters in parts of Punjab province yesterday.

About 4,000 security personnel were deployed around the Governor's House and authorities used helicopters to conduct surveillance over the city.

As Taseer was gunned down by one of his guards from Punjab Police's Elite Force, all security arrangements were handed over to the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers, officials said.

“Security is on high alert in Lahore and across Punjab,” Lahore Commissioner Khusro Pervez told reporters.

The Pakistan government has announced a three-day period of mourning and scaled down events to mark PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's birth anniversary.

Murder reflects growing intolerance in society: Media PTI ISLAMABAD, JAN 5

Describing as “utter madness” the assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer by one of his guards who was angered by his opposition to blasphemy law, the Pakistani media today said it was a reflection of the growing “cancer of intolerance” in the society.

Taseer was an outspoken critic of the blasphemy law and “paid the ultimate price for his rejection of the cancer of intolerance that has aggressively eaten away at this country for over three decades,” the influential Dawn newspaper said in an editorial titled ‘The Cancer Within.’

The headline on the front page of the Dawn read ‘Blasphemy law claims another life’ while The Express Tribune simply

headlined its report: ‘Paying the price: Silenced.’

The Daily Times, which was owned and published by Taseer, described the governor's killing as “yet another high profile murder of a political figure” from the ruling PPP after former premier Benazir Bhutto. It raised questions in its editorial whether the assassin had acted alone.

Referring to Interior Minister Rehman Malik's statement that the assassin confessed to killing Taseer for criticizing the blasphemy law, the editorial said: “However, it would be premature to say that this indeed was the motive behind the assassin's act. This explanation sounds too pat.”

“If history is any guide, such minor operatives act as tools in

Plot to eliminate Afghan VP foiled AP KABUL, JAN 5

Two major attacks, a plot to assassinate the country's first vice president and a planned bombing near the president's palace, have been foiled by the Afghan intelligence services.

Latifullah Mashal, spokesman for the services, said authorities arrested five people who had been plotting a shooting and suicide bomb attack at the home of First Vice President Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim.

“They were arrested when they were very close to attacking,” Mashal told a news conference, adding that the five were members of the Haqqani network, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group based in neighbouring Pakistan.

He would not give an exact timing of the arrests or the planned attack, citing security reasons.

The other foiled attack was a planned car or suicide bombing near President Hamid Karzai's palace, Mashal said. The two suspects arrested in that case had been involved in rocket attacks against NATO and coalition forces in the past, he added.

Major attacks inside the Afghan capital have been rare in the past year. However, areas of Afghanistan once considered safe have become less secure as insurgents, squeezed by NATO operations focusing on militant strongholds in the south, have expanded their reach to other parts of the country.

the hands of their cloaked masterminds and are usually killed after the deed is done...”

“Only time will tell whether this was an individual act or someone orchestrated it to create political instability in the country at a time when the federal government is already teetering after losing its majority in parliament...,” said the editorial titled ‘A Foul Murder.’

The Express Tribune newspaper termed the assassination as “utter madness” and said: “...it was heartening to finally see someone speak with the voice of progressiveness and respect for human rights that the PPP had historically been associated with. And now it is revolting to see the same man done to death, so viciously, and that too by a member of his own police

guard...”

Taseer had angered religious groups and Islamic clerics when he openly spoke out for the repeal or amendment of the blasphemy law after a court in Punjab gave the death sentence to Asia Bibi, a 45-year-old Christian woman, for insulting Prophet Mohammed.

Despite criticism from hardliners, Taseer had also backed calls for Asia Bibi to be pardoned.

Noting that Taseer had been targeted by hardliners in recent days, the Dawn's editorial said: “The state stood silently by, ignoring the 'fatwas' and the threats to the Punjab governor.”

Though clerics announced bounties and rewards for the killing of blasphemers, “no one was prosecuted or punished,” the editorial said.

“It appears that in Pakistan if anyone decides to preface their arguments with the flag of Islam, however wrongly or cowardly, the state will stand by and advise 'tolerance' and 'understanding'.

But there can be no tolerance for intolerance, no understanding for that which is patently criminal,” it added.

The Express Tribune said in its editorial: “Also, lest we forget, since we all, especially in this country, tend to have very short memories, the blood of Salmaan Taseer is on all our hands. We, each one of us, are to blame for his assassination.

“And this is because, when he was being targeted by the extremists and the religious elements in our society, when some people came on television and hinted that Taseer was, in effect,

Shah of Iran’s youngest son commits suicide in Boston

Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi PTI WASHINGTON, JAN 5

The 44-year-old younger son of the late Shah of Iran committed suicide by shooting himself at his home in Boston, his family said triggering an outpour of mourning from Iranians emigres world over.

Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi was found dead inside his home in Boston, according to the city police and posting on his website by his elder brother and former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi “His Royal Highness Prince Ali Reza Pahlavi of Iran, son of the late Shah of Iran and Her Majesty Farah Pahlavi, passed away in the early hours of January 4th, in Boston. He is survived by his mother, Her Majesty

Farah Pahlavi, his older brother Reza, his sister Farahnaz, and his half-sister Shahnaz,” said the message posted on the website.

“Like millions of young Iranians, he too was deeply disturbed by all the ills fallen upon his beloved homeland, as well as carrying the burden of losing a father and a sister in his young life,” Reza Pahlavi wrote.

Born in Tehran on April 28th 1966, Ali Reza attended schools in Iran before travelling to the United States during the Iranian revolution in 1979.

He obtained a BA from Princeton University in 1984, a Masters Degree from Columbia University in 1992 and attended Harvard University in pursuit of a PhD in Ancient Iranian Studies.

“Ali Reza was intelligent, sensitive, loyal, and dedicated to Iranian civilisation, as well as to his family and friends. His counsel, wisdom and sense of humour will be profoundly missed and always cherished,” the website said.

Boston police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said that “preliminary investigation suggests that the bullet wound was self-

inflicted.”

Neighbours said Pahlavi was reserved and quiet, reported Boston Globe. He bought the five-story brick rowhouse in 2001, according to city records, and renovated it, the daily said.

Daniel Shannon, a doctor and scientist who lived across the street from Pahlavi, said he first met the prince in 1973 in his father's castle in Iran, where Shannon had gone with a small group of doctors and scientists to advise the shah, who wanted to build a medical science centre.

John Tirman, a professor of international affairs at MIT in Cambridge, said the Pahlavi family has not played a major role in Iranian politics since the family left Iran, partly because the family was reviled by many Iranians because of the ruthlessness of the shah's regime and the family's extravagant lifestyle while in power.

The late shah, Mohammad Reza, who left Iran following the 1979 revolution, moved with his family to the US and died the next year.

'wajibul qatl' (fit to be killed) we did nothing to stand up and support him.”

The News daily wrote in its editorial that Taseer died the way he lived – “controversially.”.

The situation is “awful,” the editorial said, adding “Taseer's death highlights just how grim it is, and how difficult it will be to change our country for the better. The challenges are already immense. They grow greater by the day. We have already lost our right to express opinion freely. Extremism holds us in a vice.”

“Will we ever be able to break free? That is the question we must ask before more bodies fall on our roads, staining them with blood that will perhaps never be fully washed away,” it said.

Reuters

Film producers and writers jumped into Hollywood’s Oscar race with their choices of 2010's best movies, including The Social Network, The Fighter and Black Swan, among others.

The Producers Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America, which represent their respective groups in the film and television industries, annually issue lists of best movies, and their picks are closely watched in the race for Oscars.

Joining the three movies above on the Producers Guild list were seven other films that have received praise from critics and industry groups. Those titles include The King's Speech, 127 Hours, Inception, The Kids Are All Right, The Town, Toy Story 3, and True Grit The writers divide their top 10 into two groups, best original screenplay and best adapted screenplay.

Boxing film The Fighter made the list of five movies that will vie for original screenplay, along with ballerina story Black Swan, family comedy The Kids Are All Right, and dramas Inception and "Please Give."

Facebook film Social Network, adventure 127 Hours, crime drama The Town, western True Grit and independent movie I Love You Phillip Morris made the group of five competing for best adapted screenplay.

Absent from the writer's list was "King's Speech," a drama about the stammering British King George VI that has made several best movie lists among critics.

Hollywood is counting the days until the February 27 Oscars, the industry's biggest movie awards held in Los Angeles and given out by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts

PTI ISLAMABAD, JAN 5

The Pakistani policeman, who gunned down Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, was removed from the Special Branch for being a “security risk” and had told several of his colleagues of his plan to kill the senior PPP leader for opposing the controversial blasphemy law, according to the media here.

Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri( 26) who laid down his weapon and surrendered moments after he shot and killed Taseer at the Kohsar Market here yesterday, had also been part of Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani's security detail on at least one occasion, the local media reported.

Qadri, who was shown smiling in photographs and video footage after the assassination, had told several of his colleagues in Punjab Police's Elite Force of his plan to kill the governor for opposing the blasphemy law, Geo News channel quoted unnamed sources as saying.

He had told his colleagues that if he killed the governor, he should be arrested alive as he would lay down his weapon after firing.

Qadri, who is from Rawalpindi, also told investigators that he had been removed from the Special Branch for being a “security risk,” the channel reported.

Qadri was not on the duty roster of policemen assigned to guard the governor till Monday night.

His name was included in the roster at his own request yes-

India’s UN ambassador to PTI WASHINGTON, JAN 5

Indian Ambassador to the United Nations Hardeep Singh Puri has been elected chairman of the all important Security Council Committee on Counter-terrorism and two other key committees of this 15-member body.

A formal announcement in this regard will be made today, sources told PTI after the conclusion of silent procedure during which there was no challenge to India being elected as chairman of these three important UNSC committees.

Elected for a two-year term, Puri would chair the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee. He replaces Ertugrul Apakan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkey, whose term expired on December 31, 2010.

Guided by Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), the Security Council Counter-terrorism Committee works to bolster the ability of United Nations member States to prevent terror acts both within their borders and across regions.

It was established in the wake

Film producers, writers make their picks in race for Oscars LOS ANGELES, JAN 5

Killer spoke about assasination plan to many colleagues

and Sciences.

Producers Guild and other industry honors can offer a guidepost for Oscar chances because many members of the PGA and WGA also belong to the Academy, whose members cast votes for the Oscars. Moreover, industry group and critics' lists also give a lift to movie theater ticket sales.

Documentaries, animation, TV The PGA also nominates films for best documentary, and those choices include Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer, about the former New York governor's hiring of prostitutes, Rwandan genocide tale Earth Made of Glass," as well as Inside Job that aims to explain the banking crisis.

Smash His Camera about celebrity-chasing photographer Ron Galella, The Tillman Story, that examines the death of US football star-turned soldier Pat Tillman in Afghanistan and Waiting for Superman, that details the failures of the US educational system, rounded out the documentary nominees.

The honor for best-produced animated movie puts Despicable Me, up against How To Train Your Dragon," and Toy Story 3.

of the September 11 terror attacks in the United States.

The Indian ambassador has been elected as chairman of the Working Group of the UN Security Council on individuals, groups or entities involved in or associated with terrorist activities and possible compensation for their victims, established by its resolution number 1566 of 2004.

terday morning, Interior Minister Rehman Malik told the media.

Following these revelations, the joint investigation team probing Taseer's killing arrested two officials, who had assigned Qadri to the governor's security detail and eight more personnel of the Elite Force, an anti-terrorism unit that guards several VIPs. Investigators also plan to question the officials who recruited Qadri in the Elite Force.

Qadri joined the Punjab Constabulary in 2003 and was deputed to an Elite Force platoon in 2008.

A police officer told the Dawn newspaper that Qadri had been assigned to Taseer's security detail during the governor's visits to Islamabad and had once been deployed to guard Prime Minister Gilani.

PPP leaders and the media raised questions about several other aspects of 66-year-old Taseer's killing.

Following reports that Qadri had emptied one magazine of his assault rifle and then calmly reloaded it and continued firing, PPP leader Farahnaz Ispahani questioned why the other policemen assigned to guard Taseer had not reacted during this timeframe.

“A time span of around 30 seconds, during which the assassin shot at the governor and dropped his weapon, saw zero activity by the rest of the guards,” The News daily said in a report.

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BIZ

Pg12

GOA, THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2011

RBI probing Manufacturers raise prices; Deora not in favour of add-on to inflation raising diesel, LPG prices Citi Bank fraud PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

Oil Minister Murli Deora today said his ministry is not in favour of raising diesel and domestic LPG prices as response to spurt in global crude oil prices, as the move will add to already high inflation rate.

"We are trying to see that we do not have to increase prices," he told reporters here.

Last week a meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was indefinitely postponed on Deora's insistence of not raising fuel prices just now.

"I don't think the EGoM should meet just now to decide on raising prices," Deora said today.

Others in the government have favoured raising fuel prices as a response to hardening of international crude oil rates to over USD 90 per barrel while Deora has preferred government subsidies to lessen burden on the common man.

Diesel has a weightage of 4.67 per cent in inflation, while LPG contributes 0.91

per cent. A hike now would further accelerate inflation, which is currently at 7.48 per cent.

Deora wants the government to make up for at least half of the Rs 72,812 crore revenue loss state-owned oil firms are likely to incur this fiscal on selling diesel, LPG and kerosene below cost.

The EGoM was originally scheduled to meet on December 22 but was deferred to December 30. The meeting was at the last moment deferred without a new date being given.

The panel was to meet to consider at least a Rs 2 per litre hike in diesel price and Rs 3040 per cylinder raise in LPG

rates.

Deora said the government would do everything possible to protect balance sheets of state-owned oil firms and insulate the common man from vagaries of international market.

"In 2008, when crude oil shot up to USD 147 per barrel, we insulated the common man and provided for Rs 103,000 crore from the budget to subsidise fuel," he said.

The under-recovery (or the revenue oil companies lose) on diesel today stands at Rs 6.99 per litre, sources said.

Besides diesel, the oil firms lose Rs 19.60 per litre on PDS kerosene sales and Rs 366.28 per 14.2-kg LPG cylinder.

The oil firms had last month raised petrol price by Rs 2.942.96 a litre but the hike was short of Rs 3.5 a litre desired increase to make retail prices at import parity.

The government had in June this year freed petrol prices, but the state firms, which control 98 per cent of the retail market, continue to informally consult the oil ministry before revising prices.

PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

The Reserve Bank is investigating the Rs 300 crore fraud in Citi Bank's Gurgaon branch, which saw diversion of depositors funds in stock markets.

"RBI is investing the matter (Citi Bank fraud)," a key Reserve Bank source said.

The fraud at the Citibank's Gurgaon branch, involving diversion of depositors money into the stock market, was uncovered last week.

Several high networth individuals (HNIs), including promoters of Hero Group, were lured by Citibank's Relationship Manager Shivraj Puri, the main accused in the scam, into investing funds on promise of high returns.

Victims of the fraud have complained to the police that their securities were encashed without their knowledge.

Sanjeev Aggarwal, managing director of Helion Advisors, had yesterday filed an FIR with the local police, alleging he was cheated of his life's savings of Rs 32.43 crore in the fraud.

Besides senior officials of the bank, Aggarwal named In-

n Several high networth individuals (HNIs), including promoters of Hero Group, were lured by Citibank's Relationship Manager Shivraj Puri, the main accused in the scam, into investing funds on promise of high returns. dian-born global CEO of the Citibank Vikram Pandit and Chairman William R Rhodes in the FIR that alleged criminal breach of trust, falsification of accounts, cheating and criminal conspiracy by the bank officials.

Citibank, however, dismissed allegations of involvement of its senior executives in the fraud.

Bajaj Allianz Banks to allow single ATM promotion campaign transaction for one PIN entry in coastal belt PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

Dilip Parulekar and Hitendra Sawant at Bajaj Allianz campaign.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JAN 5

The Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company is on a tie-up sphere with local politicians in the coastal belt of Calangute with an eye on business growth.

The Bajaj Allianz carried out its promotions in Nagoa-Arpora village by bonding its ties with Nagoa-Arpora Sarpanch Agnelo D’Souza, followed by another tie-up with Saligao Panchayat Member Eknath Oraskar in the presence of Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar and its Sales Manager Hitendra Sawant.

The promotion campaign was carried out during the festive season weeks of December to meet the investment

and insurable needs of the villagers of Nagoa-Arpora and Saligao.

The company has its two subsidiaries, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance (BALIC) and General Insurance (BAGIC) Co Ltd, situated at Panjim and Margao, catering to almost every need of investment and insurance with variety of its products and services to offer.

The company stands at respective position with over 57 million policies sold under BALIC and listed in ‘Top 50 service brand’ in the survey conducted on ‘most trusted companies’ by Economic Times Brand Equity and backed by market goodwill of Bajaj Auto Ltd.

Sensex ends 197 pts down PTI MUMBAI, JAN 5

The BSE benchmark Sensex registered its sharpest decline in four weeks today, plummeting by nearly 197 points as edgy investors offloaded interest rate-sensitive stocks amid fears of an impending rate hike by the RBI. The 30-share Sensex index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, which lost over 62 points in yesterday's session, closed 197.62 points lower at 20,301.10 today, recovering marginally from an intra-day low of 20,243.95.

In a similar fashion, the broad-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index fell by 66.55 points to 6,079.80 after dipping to a low of 6,062.35 during the course of trade.

Next time you go to a bank ATM, be ready to re-enter your PIN afresh for every transaction you wish to conduct, such as money withdrawal, balance enquiry and checking account details.

In order to check misuse of ATM cards by unauthorized people, RBI has asked banks to allow only one transaction at ATM machines for one entry of PIN (Personal Identification Number which acts like a password for ATM transactions).

The transactions that a bank customer can conduct through the ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), by inserting or swiping the card and entering the PIN, include withdrawal of money, deposits, fund transfer, bill payments, checking account details etc.

Previously, customers were allowed to conduct multiple transactions through the ATM by punching in their PIN only once in a single session.

However, the practice was vulnerable to misuse by unauthorised people, especially in case authorised customers forgot to collect their ATM card after conducting the transaction.

There have also been cases when some people tamper with the ATM machines in a way that a customer cannot collect the ATM card after conducting the transaction. Once the customer moves out of the ATM machine thinking that the withheld card needed to be collected from the bank, the fraudster goes into the ATM and withdraws money as previous session remains active with the PIN already punched in.

Having received several complaints about the vulnerabilities of the existing practice, RBI has asked the banks to make changes in their systems to allow only one transaction for every entry of the PIN. Although, RBI had asked all banks to follow these guidelines with effect from January 1,

2011, some of the banks are still in the process of updating their systems with the required changes. In the meantime, the banks have started communicating to their customers about the changes in the way ATM transactions are conducted.

In one such circular to its customers, private sector bank HDFC Bank said: "As per RBI guidelines, you will need to reenter your ATM PIN for every additional ATM transaction in a single session, with effect from 1st January, 2011".

"Please ensure you enter the correct ATM PIN for every transaction to avoid any inconvenience," the bank said.

ATMs have become a preferred mode of banking transactions for both customers and banks, due to the convenience and cost-saving factors. The volume of ATM transactions increased from 17,797 lakh aggregating to Rs 4,38,151 crore during 2007-08 to 23,530 lakh aggregating to Rs 6,16,456 crore during 2008-09, as per RBI.

Union Environment Ministry team visits Lavasa PTI PUNE, JAN 5

A Union Environment Ministry team today visited the Lavasa lake city near here to determine whether promoters of the project had committed any violation of environmental norms.

Aban Offshor, 826, 826.6, 788.25, 792.7 Abb Ltd., 809.2, 814.8, 791.95, 796.3 Abg Shipyard, 431, 431.65, 414.1, 416.7 Acc Limited, 1074.4, 1079.9, 1057.35, 1064.4 Adani Enterp, 645, 659.8, 641.45, 652.05 Aditya Birla, 845, 845, 829, 834.65 Allahabad Ba, 222, 222, 211.6, 212.25 Alstom Proje, 728.4, 746, 726.6, 730.8 Ambuja Cemen, 144.75, 145, 140, 140.85 Andhra Bank, 145.95, 145.95, 142.85, 143.25 Ashok Leylan, 67, 68.75, 65.2, 65.5 Asian Paints, 2880, 2895, 2830.25, 2880.5 Axis Bank Li, 1351, 1351, 1303, 1310.9 Bajaj Hindus, 122.25, 123.95, 119.75, 120.25 Bank Of Baro, 878, 883, 867.3, 875.35 Bank Of Indi, 439.8, 441.05, 435.95, 439.5 Beml Limited, 1025, 1031, 1004, 1006.65 Bharat Elect, 1745, 1768, 1741.25, 1758.3 Bharat Forge, 387.45, 389.6, 377.35, 379.75 Bharat Petro, 655, 662.1, 631, 632.55 Bharti Airte, 355, 356.05, 347.55, 349 Bhel, 2326, 2339.7, 2290.2, 2305.35 Bhushan Stee, 493.2, 493.65, 474.25, 477.45 Biocon Limit, 428, 428, 415.2, 417.5 Bombay Dyein, 527.8, 527.8, 517.25, 519.3 Bosch Limite, 6529.2, 6529.2, 6400.1, 6426.85

A report will be submitted to the Mumbai High court based on the findings of the five-member committee, which will be doing the environment impact assessment of the vast campus of the project, where the construction work has been stayed following

Brigade Ente, 116.2, 117.9, 113.1, 113.4 Cairn India, 339.55, 344.4, 339.55, 341.85 Canara Bank, 649, 649, 617.25, 620.05 Central Bank, 176.5, 176.5, 170.3, 171.35 Century Text, 440, 441, 429.1, 432.45 Cesc Ltd, 376.4, 381.5, 373.55, 378.5 Chambal Fert, 90.85, 91.5, 85.9, 86.8 Chennai Petr, 251.85, 254, 245.2, 246.55 Cipla Ltd, 378.8, 379.85, 373.4, 376.35 Colgate Palm, 872.25, 874.5, 850.15, 858.45 Container Co, 1255.15, 1272.8, 1206, 1252.95 Crompton Gre, 309.5, 311.3, 305.75, 306.7 Cummins Indi, 762.3, 773.7, 756.3, 763.6 Dabur India, 104, 105.1, 102.5, 103.15 Deccan Chron, 112.5, 113.9, 110.9, 111.4 Dish Tv Indi, 73, 73, 70.9, 71.35 Divi’s Labor, 660, 674.55, 656.1, 667.75 Dlf Limited, 290.05, 291, 280.6, 281.85 Dr. reddy’s, 1696, 1723.6, 1694, 1715.25 Edelweiss Ca, 47.05, 47.85, 46.4, 46.65 Educomp Solu, 543.8, 555.55, 538, 543.65 Eih Limited, 117.15, 117.3, 114.15, 114.6 Engineers In, 336.05, 341.9, 336, 338.1 Essar Oil Lt, 141.9, 141.9, 137.1, 139.25 Essar Shippi, 104.6, 110, 104.6, 106.1 Exide Indust, 172.9, 174.75, 166.05, 168.2

objections raised by the ministry.

The team is scheduled to inspect the site for three days from today and is accompanied

by Pune district collector Chandrakant Dalvi along with some Maharashtra forest department officials.

Federal Bank, 393, 393.45, 381, 381.35 Financial Te, 888, 894.9, 876.25, 878.9 Gail (india), 522, 531.9, 518.1, 528.8 Gammon India, 175.25, 179.8, 173.1, 174.7 Glaxosmithkl, 2360, 2392, 2352.1, 2381.75 Glenmark Pha, 365, 369.35, 360.15, 365.05 Gmr Infrastr, 47, 47.6, 46.3, 46.5 Godrej Indus, 199, 205.6, 196, 199.55 Grasim Indus, 2365, 2450, 2362, 2405.4 Great Offsho, 405, 420, 401.3, 406.9 Gtl Infra.Lt, 42.9, 44.1, 42.9, 43 Gujarat Mine, 137.1, 139.6, 135.5, 136.5 Gujarat N R, 72, 72.2, 68.2, 68.6 Gujarat Stat, 119.3, 120.1, 117.45, 118.9 Gvk Pow. & I, 41.25, 42.65, 41.15, 42.15 Hcl Technolo, 461, 475, 460, 472.35 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2349.7, 2349.7, 2297.5, 2308.2 Hdfc Ltd, 727.8, 727.8, 706.15, 708.1 Hero Honda M, 1983.7, 1983.7, 1895, 1903.4 Hindalco in, 243, 249.45, 242.1, 246.5 Hindustan Co, 47.6, 49.15, 47.1, 48.15 Hindustan Ma, 69, 69.5, 67.25, 67.5 Hindustan Pe, 394.6, 398.7, 389.65, 391.5 Hindustan Un, 320.7, 327.35, 317.25, 325.7 Hindustan Zi, 1368, 1368, 1324.2, 1356.5 Housing Dev, 189, 191.1, 184.5, 185.1

PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

Be it cars, tyres and CNG or consumer durables like refrigerators, washing machines or microwave ovens, manufacturers across different sectors have raised prices in the last 10 days, citing increase in raw material costs.

The hike in prices of these items has come about over and above milk, onion, garlic, and other vegetables which have become expensive in the past few weeks. Food inflation has crossed 14 per cent.

Though the government is hopeful of inflation coming down to six per cent by March, the latest price revision of the manufactured goods will exert more pressure on the overall inflation which was 7.48 per cent for November, analysts say.

In the wake of rising prices of steel and other raw materials, several consumer durable manufacturers like LG and Whirlpool have jacked up prices upto four per cent.

"Commodity prices are going up...this is a cause of concern on overall prices of the products," Whirlpool India

Hitachi acquires California-based Sierra Atlantic PTI HYDERABAD, JAN 5

Hitachi Consulting, a global business and IT strategies and solutions provider, today said that it has acquired Sierra Atlantic, a Newark, California -based offshore enterprise applications and outsourced product developer.

Sierra Atlantic has two development centres each at Hyderabad and Guangzhou, China.

No details of the transaction have yet been disclosed.

According to Hitachi, the move will bring expanded capabilities to Hitachi Consulting's Oracle business.

"Sierra Atlantic is extremely pleased to join a company with the outstanding calibre and deep expertise that Hitachi Consulting holds. With its global brand and rich corporate culture, Hitachi Consulting will make a great home for our employees," said Raju Reddy, Chairman and CEO of Sierra Atlantic in a statement.

"This very strategic acquisition will increase the depth and breadth of our solutions portfolio to further position Hitachi Consulting as a top-tier IT professional services company. Our companies share some very strong synergies because our industry focus and geographies are well-aligned.

Even more significantly, Sierra Atlantic brings very valuable strengths to the table that will allow us to provide our customers with global end-toend lifecycle support," said Phil Parr, President and CEO of Hitachi Consulting.

Icici Bank L, 1097.2, 1099, 1065, 1069.35 Idea Cellula, 70, 70.05, 68.7, 69.5 Ifci Ltd, 66.2, 66.45, 63.95, 64.3 India Cement, 112.1, 112.75, 109.3, 109.95 India Infoli, 83, 85.4, 81.05, 81.6 Indiabulls F, 174.95, 177.35, 165.6, 167.3 Indiabulls R, 133.1, 136.95, 132, 132.8 Indian Bank, 238, 240, 230.6, 231.65 Indian Hotel, 101.45, 101.55, 98.25, 98.65 Indian Oil C, 350, 355.45, 347.5, 349.5 Indian Overs, 144, 144.3, 139.5, 139.95 Indus Dev Ba, 162.95, 163, 157.4, 157.95 Indusind Ban, 255.75, 255.75, 245, 249.05 Infosys Tech, 3465, 3477, 3445.1, 3459.6 Infra. dev., 178.5, 178.85, 172.75, 173.35 Ispat Indust, 24, 24, 23.45, 23.55 Itc Ltd, 177.4, 180.2, 175.8, 179.8 Ivrcl Infras, 131.95, 132.9, 130.15, 130.6 Jai Corp Lim, 224.95, 225.65, 218.45, 219.5 Jaiprakash A, 108.75, 110.7, 106.95, 107.55 Jet Airways, 749.05, 770.6, 738.5, 744 Jindal Saw L, 194.9, 210.5, 194.9, 209 Jindal Steel, 728.2, 735.9, 722, 725.45 Jsw Steel Li, 1174.6, 1174.6, 1143.35, 1147.5 Kotak Mahind, 460, 464.85, 446, 448.9 Lakshmi Mach, 2432.4, 2478.8, 2415, 2421.3

Vice President (Corporate Affairs and Strategy) Shantanu Dasgupta had said.

For motorists driving CNG vehicles in the national capital, the new year began with increase in their fuel bill.

The Indraprastha Gas Limited has increased the CNG prices from Rs 27.75 to Rs 29 per kg.

Cars too became costlier.

While Tata Motors hiked prices upto Rs 30,000, other auto firms like Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai and General Motors have announced their intentions to follow suit. Some of the leading tyre-makers have also raised the price.

As regards food, onion prices after declining, have returned to Rs 45-60 per kg in different metro cities. Milk producers like Amul and Mother Dairy have raised the retail price by upto Rs 2 per litre.

Given the increase in prices of both edible and non-edible products, containing overall inflation, measured by the wholesale price index (WPI) remains a big challenge for the government and the Reserve Bank.

"Any complacency on the in-

flation front is unjustified because the food inflation may remain sticky. With higher government spending in the last quarter, demand may further go up and prevent the prices to come down," said Ficci Director General Rajiv Kumar.

The central government expenditure rose by 15 per cent during the first three quarters to Rs 6.90 lakh crore from Rs 6.21 lakh crore in the year-ago period.

The government expenditure for fiscal 2010-11 has been budgeted at around Rs 11 lakh crore. The expenditure in the last quarter of this fiscal may cross Rs four lakh crore at a time when there is a cash crunch in the economy.

Increasing prices of raw materials like coal and iron used in steel making has forced several companies to raise the product prices.

Companies like SAIL and JSW Steel have hiked their prices.

"We have increased prices across all product categories by 3 per cent on high input costs," a senior company official of SAIL had said.

Onion prices increase

by Rs 5-10/kg in Mumbai, Chennai PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

Retail prices of onion rose by Rs 5-10 per kg to Rs 55-60 in Mumbai and Chennai today, but remained unchanged at Rs 50-60/kg in Delhi and Kolkata due to sluggish supplies.

Meanwhile, wholesale price of onion in Delhi and Mumbai remained unchanged from yesterday's level at Rs 45/kg, while rates in Chennai fell by Rs 5/kg to Rs 55. But in Kolkata, prices rose marginally to Rs 55/kg today, up by Rs 3 from yesterday, according to the reports from these centres.

"Retail prices in metros are still ruling high as daily supplies in the wholesale markets are lower by 2,000-3,0000 tonnes as compared to last year," according to traders in Delhi's Azadpur wholesale market, Asia's biggest market for fruits and vegetables.

According to the data maintained by the National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF), the daily arrival of onion was only 5,336 tonnes in Delhi today, as compared to 8,000 tonnes in the same day last year.

In Mumbai's wholesale markets, the daily onion supplies fell to 6,400 tonnes from 8,000 tonnes, supplies in Chennai dipped to 4,200 tonnes from 6,000 tonnes, supplies in

Lanco Infrat, 65.3, 65.4, 61.7, 62.15 Larsen & Tou, 1982.1, 1998, 1915.2, 1928.5 Lic Housing, 190.5, 193.1, 187.3, 187.8 Lupin Limite, 491.8, 493.5, 484.05, 487.55 Mahanagar Te, 58.5, 58.5, 56.7, 56.95 Mahindra & M, 781.25, 789, 765.2, 771.05 Maruti Suzuk, 1428, 1435, 1406.35, 1412.45 Max India Lt, 153, 153, 147.9, 148.45 Maytas Infr., 188.5, 193.75, 186, 188.3 Moser-baer (, 62.5, 63.95, 61.8, 62.25 Mrpl, 77.5, 78.45, 75.35, 75.5 Nagarjuna Co, 148.9, 151, 145.2, 147.2 Nagarjuna Fe, 34.1, 34.6, 33.3, 33.5 National Alu, 403.4, 403.4, 388.65, 395.75 Neyveli Lign, 139.5, 142.4, 137, 138.75 Ntpc Ltd, 199.8, 200.95, 198, 199.5 Oil And Natu, 1288.9, 1288.9, 1258, 1266.15 Omaxe Limite, 149.2, 150.9, 147.5, 149.5 Oriental Ban, 394, 394, 377.75, 378.2 Pantaloon Re, 380.9, 380.9, 373.3, 374.15 Parsvnath De, 59.5, 60.45, 57.5, 58.5 Petronet Lng, 127.1, 127.1, 122.2, 122.55 Power Fin Co, 306, 309, 299.05, 301.3 Power Grid C, 98.4, 98.85, 97.7, 98.1 Praj Industr, 87.9, 88.5, 84.7, 86.6 Punj Lloyd L, 115.6, 117, 112.75, 113.5

Kolkata declined to 1,120 tonnes from 4,000 tonnes, the data showed.

Retail prices of onions had surged to Rs 70-85 per kg between December 20-21 in major cities across the country due to crop damage in Maharashtra caused by abnormal rainfall.

Maharashtra and Karnataka are the two major onion-producing states in the country, accounting for 40 per cent of the average annual output of 12 million tonnes.

The government had banned exports and removed import duty on onions to boost domestic supply and curb rising prices.

Private traders have already imported over 5,000 tonnes of onions via road through Amritsar.

Punjab Natio, 1217, 1223.6, 1191, 1205.5 Rajesh Expor, 131.6, 136.45, 129.05, 134.65 Ranbaxy Labs, 606.45, 609, 597.5, 604.2 Rashtriya Ch, 104, 105.7, 96.55, 97.7 Reliance Cap, 680, 680.05, 654.05, 656.1 Reliance Com, 145.5, 145.5, 139.4, 140.05 Reliance Ene, 1164, 1164, 1140, 1140 Reliance Ind, 733, 734.65, 715.5, 717.05 Reliance Ind, 1080, 1090, 1070, 1075.8 Reliance Pow, 158.15, 161.3, 157.5, 159.55 Rolta India, 160, 163.2, 158.6, 160 Satyam Compu, 72.3, 73.9, 70.8, 71.25 Sesa Goa Ltd, 335.85, 343.45, 332.25, 342 Shipping Cor, 136, 136.4, 133.3, 133.6 Siemens Ltd, 824.95, 834.4, 815.45, 824 Sintex Indus, 189.45, 189.85, 184.45, 185.25 Sobha Develo, 323.75, 323.75, 318.2, 319.7 State Bank O, 2735, 2736.4, 2682, 2693.2 Steel Author, 188.1, 188.4, 184.2, 185.55 Sterlite Ind, 193.3, 193.3, 188.05, 191.05 Sun Pharmace, 491.5, 500, 485.15, 488.05 Sun Tv Netwo, 530, 556.9, 530, 546 Suzlon Energ, 55.9, 56.2, 54.1, 54.45 Tata Communi, 265.2, 265.2, 259, 260 Tata Consult, 1145.25, 1165.9, 1141.75, 1158.95 Tata Motors, 1300, 1309.9, 1276, 1282.8

Tata Power C, 1378, 1407, 1369.1, 1400.9 Tata Steel L, 696.5, 696.65, 677.25, 680.95 Tata Teleser, 20.2, 20.25, 19.7, 19.75 Tech Mahindr, 748.8, 751.75, 726.3, 728.55 The Ge Shpg., 349, 352.3, 338.1, 341.1 The Phoenix, 219.2, 223.9, 219.2, 220 Thermax Ltd, 899, 899, 855.15, 865.3 Titan Indust, 3637, 3695, 3622.9, 3641.25 Torrent Powe, 275.1, 277.5, 270.15, 271.95 Triveni Engg, 116.5, 117.35, 113.1, 113.65 Tv18 India L, 72.25, 73, 71.5, 71.75 Uco Bank, 113.5, 113.55, 110.7, 111.1 Ultratech Ce, 1072.5, 1089.35, 1055, 1072.55 Union Bank O, 331, 332.6, 322.65, 324.25 Unitech Ltd, 65.8, 66.8, 64.35, 64.85 United Phosp, 166.05, 168.9, 162.5, 163.4 Videocon Ind, 221.45, 225.4, 218.1, 219.65 Vijaya Bank, 98.95, 98.95, 96.1, 96.55 Voltas Ltd, 222.95, 225.6, 219.05, 220.7 Wipro Ltd, 482.55, 490.8, 481, 485.65 Yes Bank Lim, 304.65, 304.65, 290.3, 291.3 Zee Entertai, 143.8, 143.8, 139.1, 140.4

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GOA, THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2011

Iran agrees to get payments from India in Rs; awaits RBI nod PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

Iran has agreed to receive payments for USD 12 billion worth of crude oil it sells to India in rupees but Reserve Bank of India is yet to agree to the proposal.

RBI had last month said that oil payments to Iran can no longer be settled using a longstanding clearing house system run by the central banks of nine nations -- including India and Iran -- dubbed the Asian Clearing Union (ACU).

"For January, we have an interim arrangement for paying Iran through a German bank. But for a permanent solution, we will need to look at currencies other than dollar and euro," a senior government official said.

At a meeting of central banks of India and Iran in Mumbai last week, the Persian Gulf nation agreed to accepting rupee payments but RBI so far has not agreed to it, he said.

The trade between India and Iran is heavily loaded in favour of Iran. As against exporting USD 12 billion worth of oil, Iran imports USD 1 billion worth of products from India.

"But if they are ready to receive payment in a State Bank of India account in Mumbai, it shouldn't matter to us what they did with that money. If they used the money to import more, that will be good for the country. And if they used it to invest in India, that will create more jobs," he said.

"Strangely, this proposition is not acceptable to RBI which had scrapped the well running ACU payment mechanism without consulting the oil companies or putting an alternate mechanism in place," the official said.

Payment in Chinese currency is also being considered.

Oil Minister Murli Deora today said a solution to the payment row would be found soon.

For January, SBI will route euro payments from its Frankfurt branch to the account of National Iranian Oil Co in the

Hamburg-based Europäisch-Iranische Handelsbank AG (EIH Bank).

India imports 12 million barrels of crude oil every month from Iran. Iran accounts for 12 per cent of India's supplies and is its second-largest supplier behind Saudi Arabia.

Using the new system, Indian Oil Corp will receive a shipload of oil from Iran on January 8. Another cargo is scheduled to reach Essar Oil's Vadinar Refinery in Gujarat on January 10 and a vessel load will reach MRPL's Mangalore Refinery a day or two later.

n At a meeting of central banks of India and Iran in Mumbai last week, the Persian Gulf nation agreed to accepting rupee payments but RBI so far has not agreed to it.

Iran wants Indian firms to open euro accounts with Iranian-owned EIH, which is also known as European-Iranian Trade Bank AG, but that may not be a permanent solution, as the US had imposed sanctions against the bank in September.

S delegation led by an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and comprising representatives from the RBI, SBI and oil companies will visit Tehran on January 14-16 to find a permanent solution to the issue.

Payment for Iranian crude in Japanese yen is also not possible as the US sanctions prohibit any freight payment for Iranian crude in Japanese currency.

The UAE dirham is also being considered as an alternative currency, but this also can not be a permanent solution, as the Middle East country strictly monitors payments routed to Iran and may block them under pressure from the US. Sources said the best option was to pay Iran in Indian rupees, or in Chinese currency. The payment option, as well as is-

sues like credit period, will be discussed at the Tehran meeting next week.

India imported 21.3 million tonnes of crude oil from Iran in 2009-10 and imports in 2010-11 are expected to amount to around 18 million tonnes, as Reliance Industries has totally stopped using crude oil from the Persian Gulf nation.

Iran currently gives IOC, which imports about 3 million tons of crude oil from the Persian Gulf nation, a credit period of 30 days. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), which imports 7.1 million tonnes crude, gets a 90 day credit period.

Essar Oil imports another 3 million tonnes.

At the meeting in Tehran next week, it will be discussed if NIOC is willing to extend these credit period even without RBI standing guarantee for the payments.

Refiners in India used the ACU, which settles payments in dollars and euros, to pay for oil purchases from Iran.

Regulations endorsed by the EU in October required deals involving Iran and the euro to be accompanied by a certificate outlining payment details for each and every transaction.

Under the ACU mechanism, payments for all trade deals between member countries are settled every two months, with individual transactions not accounted for separately.

MRPL is the biggest importer of Iranian crude oil with 7.1 million tonnes (about 4 million barrels a month) of contracted quantity. Mumbai-based Essar Oil imports roughly 3 million barrels per month (about 5 million tonnes a year) and IOC and Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) about 3 million tones each.

ACU, based in the Iranian capital Tehran, settles trade transactions from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Till 2008, payments under the ACU mechanism was done in US dollars but after United States imposed sanctions against Iran over its suspected nuclear programme, the currency shifted to Euro.

‘Titan One’ launched at Margao

No tax worse than inflation: Chidambaram PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 5

Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat inaugurating the Titan One at the Osia complex, SGPDA market, Margao. Proprietor Michael D’Costa and National sales manager S Natarajan are also seen.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 5

Titan Industries Ltd, India’s largest manufacturer and retailer of watches recently launched a new retail format “Titan One” at the Osia Complex, SGPDA market, Margao.

Spread across an area of 600 sq ft, the store houses all the three key watch brands of Titan Industries, namely Titan, Sonata and Fastrack. The store was inaugurated at the hands of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

Speaking on the occasion, National Sales Manager, Titan Watches, Natarajan said “Through Titan One, Titan focuses to strengthen its pres-

ence in tier three markets and in big cities where there is need and demand for retail store, but a medium or large format store may not fit in. This outlet is a pure watch store concept offering wide range of watches to choose from.

Around 1250 watches would be displayed which will include the latest collections like Titan Purple, Tycoon, Raga Aqua, Titan Edge, Sonata, Fastrack etc”.

He further added “We at Titan continuously endeavour to reach out to our customers through different retail formats across the country. Retain has always been our strength. With this new small format store, we

aim to get closer to our customers and simultaneously grow the watch market. We have designed this store understanding the need and requirement of our customers and we wish to extend a good shopping experience to them keeping up with the Titan standards”.

Besides showcasing the best of Titan, the store offers the reliability and guarantee that comes with every product from the Titan Industries stable. It has a well equipped watch care centre to take care of all after sales service needs of the customers with well trained and technically qualified service staff.

Concerned over high inflation, Union Home Minister P Chidamabaram today expressed doubt on whether the government had all instruments to check price rise.

"Inflation is high, food inflation is very high... we are not sure whether we have all the tools in hands to control food inflation," Chidambaram said at a function organised by Skoch Consultancy.

Chidambaram, who served as Finance Minister before moving to the Home Ministry in the previous UPA regime, said while there is a duty to maintain price stability, some administrative prices have to be corrected.

His remark came in the backdrop of an Empowered Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee postponing a meeting to hike fuel prices indefinitely on Oil Minister Murli Deora's insistence.

Chidambaram said there is no tax worse than inflation.

"If you have high income that is eaten by inflation," he added.

Food inflation rose to a 10week high of 14.44 per cent for the week ended December 18 on the back of a rise in onion prices by almost 40 per cent on an annual basis, touching Rs 75-80 per kg in the retail market.

Overall inflation was 7.48 per cent for the month of November 2010.

Air India ups fuel surcharge by up to Rs 200 PTI MUMBAI, JAN 5

In line with an up to Rs 200 hike in fuel surcharge on domestic travel by two private carriers, state-run Air India today increased the same across its domestic sectors by a similar amount.

Air India has raised fuel surcharge by Rs 100 for travel up to 750 km and Rs 200 for flights over 750 km, an Air India spokesperson told PTI here.

"The hike was necessitated following the steep spike in aviation fuel prices in the past few months," the spokesperson pointed out.

After the hike, the revised fuel surcharge stands at Rs 2,450 and Rs 3,300, respectively, the spokesperson said, adding the hike comes into force with immediate effect.

Last week, Jet Airways and Kingfisher had raised fuel surcharges by Rs 100 and Rs 200 on their domestic sectors effective from January 1 following a two per cent hike in jet fuel prices effected by oil marketing companies.

Oil marketing companies have been increasing ATF prices as the international crude price has already crossed USD 92 a barrel last week.

Last week's hike was second in two weeks as the oil companies had increased aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price by a hefty 3.6 per cent on December 15 too.

Following today's surcharge increase, travel to sectors such as Mumbai- Hyderabad, MumbaiAhmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram -Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram - Coimbatore will be dearer by Rs 100, whereas flyers on the MumbaiDelhi, Delhi-Hyderabad, DelhiKolkata, Mumbai-Bangalore and Mumbai-Kochi sectors will have to shell out Rs 200 more per ticket as these fall above 750 km distance.

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achutanandan today said agricultural and rural development banks should promote organic farming in a larger way, which would reduce use of chemical pesticides.

They should give priority and focus on supporting pesticidefree farming considering the food security of people and environment, Achuthanandan said here after releasing the State Credit Plan 2011-12 by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

"Farming techiniques which pose threat to the health and environment cause wide concerns. The cultivation modes without the use of chemical pesticides should be promoted.

There should also have attempts (from the side of banks)to help farmers to enhance agricultural output with

the support of advanced technologies," Achutanandan said.

Cash crops constituted 80 per cent of Kerala's agricultural output and organic farming and effective production of valueadded products should be encouraged in this sector, he said.

"Though Kerala has mae strides in overall growth rate, the state is yet to ensure food security. In the place of required 40 lakh tons of rice, the state produces only 6.36 lakh tons now. The state has not yet achieved self-sufficiency in the production of milk, egg, vegetables and fruits," the Chief Minister said.

NABARD's support was essential to achieve the targets of Food security Mission, set up by the state government to ensure food security, and to help farmers in this regard, he said.

The bank had also responsibility to support co-operative sector and the traditional industries like coir and handi-

craft, Achutanandan said.

NABARD has outlayed a total of Rs 58159 crores under the State Credit Plan 2011-12 for agricultural and rural development of Kerala. It is 16 per cent more than the previous year's Rs 50,122 crore in this regard.

K Jayakumar, Additional State Chief Secretary and state Agri Produciton Commissior, said banking system should be made friendly to bring the benefit of credit plans to the lower strata of the society.

"Banks should be friends of lower section of society and even an illiterate farmr should be able to walk into the bank confidently and ask for his credits," he said.

K C Shashidhar, Cheif General Manager, NABARD, Dr Prakash Bakshi, Executive Director, NABARD, S N A Jinnah, General Manager, NABARD, Suma Varma, Regional Director Reserve Bank of India (RBI) were also present at the function.

PTI MUMBAI, JAN 5

Pharma Major, Lupin Ltd today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Farmanguinhos, Brazil's largest PSU in health care for the supply of its 4 in 1 combination drug of Rifampicin, Isoniazide, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide for tuberculosis.

Lupin will supply the product for the next five years and also provide Farmanguinhos with the desired support for the set up of its local manufacturing in future, a company statement said here.

With this agreement between Lupin and Farmanguinhos in place, Farmanguinhos has entered into a commitment to produce and supply the 4 in 1 combination drug to the De-

Narulla Veljee along with Yasmin Theresa Veljee and others at the inaugural function held in Panjim.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 5

Narulla’s Shopping Centre was inaugurated on Wednesday by Yasmin Theresa Veljee amidst great aplomb, a landmark shopping precinct located at ‘Rani Pramila Arcade’, 18th June Road, the busiest commercial Avenue of Panjim, Capital of Goa. According to a press release, the Shopping Centre is owned by ‘Space Deal International’ promoted by Narulla Veljee.

The company is actively engaged in Real Estate and related projects in Goa and Mumbai.

The erstwhile “Gulf Super Market” was taken over by Space Deal with a vision to transform the premises by giving it an open-plan, plush, so-

Axis Bank launches online trading platform AxisDirect PTI MUMBAI, JAN 5

The third largest private sector lender Axis Bank today launched AxisDirect, an online trading platform, marking its foray into retail broking business.

AxisDirect, a product of Axis Securities and Sales, which is a 100 per cent subsidiary of the bank, will offer multiple options to the customers for trading in cash, derivatives, IPO segments on both the NSE and BSE, a statement from the bank said here.

Bank managing director and chief executive Shikha Sharma said, "a considerable amount of time has been invested in talking to customers, understanding the need-gaps and what we can do to bridge those gaps. We have tried to design and develop unique functionalities and make it easier for customers to invest in markets using AxisDirect. We've partnered with TCS to develop this platform."

TCS managing director and chief executive N Chandrasekaran said, "TCS is happy to partner with Axis in launching this online broking initiative. What we've been able to do is to bring together the collective knowledge of TCS and Axis Bank in the capital markets space as well as latest technologies to give a very unique experience to customers."

‘Rural development banks should Lupin signs strategic deal with Brazilian support organic farming’ firm Farmanguinhos PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN 5

Narulla’s Shopping Centre opened in Panjim

partment of Health (Brazil), which will result in substantial savings for the government, the release said.

The 4 in 1 combination reduces the pill burden on the patient drastically, particular as the treatment lasts for at least six months.

As per WHO, the treatment abandonment rate has fallen from 8 per cent to only 5 per cent due to this reduced pill burden provided by the combination drug. WHO estimates indicate that globally there are 9.2 million new cases each year resulting in 1.7 million deaths.

In Brazil alone, it is estimated that approximately 57 million people have already been infected by this disease with 83,000 new cases annually.

n A considerable amount of time has been invested in talking to customers, understanding the need-gaps and what we can do to bridge those gaps. We have tried to design and develop unique functionalities and make it easier for customers to invest in markets using AxisDirect.

We've partnered with TCS to develop this platform.

Axis Securities and Sales joint managing director Modan Saha said "AxisDirect aims to simplify a customer's trading experience.

The platform is designed to appeal to both experienced traders and beginners/new traders alike by offering them investment strategies in an integrated environment."

phisticated and outstanding appearance that will welcome branded retailers to set up upscale exhibit of lifestyle products and luxury merchandise.

Narulla Veljee says, “It is our customers needs that spur our everlasting desire to expand with quality and innovation in mind”.

The company feels proud to be promoting one of the most prestigious and modern shopping address on the 18th June Road, Panjim. The shopping centre has state of the art technological services, air conditioning, lighting, generator backed alternative power supply, marble floors, tempered clear glass frontage, surveillance systems, related safety and security features.

The modernization venture has been completed in a record 45 days as promised by the company in challenging circumstances compounded by busy traffic and other hindrances.

The project has been designed and managed from inception to completion by Architects Anand Kulkarni and Associates.

The project is now ready for business and space deal welcomes reputed brands, retail chains to set up their landmark base at the shopping centre.

Customers and shopoholics will soon experience the pleasure of taking home luxury goods and merchandise from reputed retail chains which will only add to the ever-increasing footfall on 18th June Road, Panjim.

Pg 14 GOA, Thursday, 6 January, 2011

Sirlim beat Guirdolim gfa u-16 HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JAN 5

Sirlim Sports Club came from behind to defeat Guirdolim Sports Club in GFA’s Under- 16 league at Assolna ground, on Wednesday. Sirlim were trailing 0-1 at half time.

Guirdolim enjoyed better ball possession and forged ahead as Jolan Marques bulged the net.

Sirlim came back strongly in the second half and Steven Fernandes equalised in the 55th minute. Seby Fernandes struck the match-winner in the 71st.

SPORTS

Signals jam Calangute gfa 1st division HERALD CORRRESPONDENT MARGAO,JAN 5

Corps of Signals had the best possible start in their GFA First Division League campaign with a fluent 3-1 win over Calangute Association at 3MTR ground, Navelim on Wednesday. The teams were tied 1-1 at the breather.

The highlight of the day was a splendid brace by midfielder Budi Bahadur.

Both teams displayed attacking football and kept their goalkeepers busy in the opening session. Signals slowly took over the reins and asserted the midfield supremacy with Budi Bahadur controlling play as he kept their forwards busy with a stream of passes.

Signals broke the deadlock in the 5th minute when play-

maker Budi Bahadur received a pass from the flank and punished the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.

Stung by the early setback, Calangute Association regrouped quickly and instantly took the fight to the rival camp and in the 15th minute striker Manuel Crasto neutralized the lead with a stiff grounder.

Spurred by the equalizer, Calangute Association piled on the pressure and created many openings but their captain Sahdab Shaikh was the culprit as he alone spurned two easy chances in a one-to-one situation.

Crossing over, Signals put up a better display with Pankaj Gurkha coming close but he faltered in an one-to-one situation as he shot wide.

Midway in the second ses-

sion, Calangute Association nearly scored but striker Shadab Shaikh’s feeble push went into the safe hands of Signals goalkeeper Nibn Koshy. Calangute Assocation missed a golden opportunity to wrap up the match as Pedro Gonsalves failed to beat the rival goalkeeper.

Veteran striker Surajit Mondal, who came from the bench, beat the rival goalkeeper with a deft placement after he picked up a ball from Budi Bahadur through a pass from the flank to make it 2-1.

Budi Bahadur who played a stellar role for his team drove the last nail into the Calangute coffin off a pass from Pankaj Gurkha in the 90th minute. Earlier, Calangute Association suffered a jolt when Naresh Diukar was ejected by referee for abusive language.

tana completed his brace as he punted the ball to the far corner of the net.

With this win, Wilred collected six points from two matches while Maina suffered their first defeat and have no points.

At Cuncolim ground, Curtorim Gymkhana blanked Fr Agnel Youth Club 2-0. Curtorim Gymkhana were leading 1-0 at half time.

Curtorim went into the lead in the 15th minute when Sony Colaco fired home with a fierce shot after he was fed by Agnelo Coalco. Curtorim tormented the rival defence with well orchestrated raids but inept shooting by their forwards prevented them from increasing their tally.

At the other hand, Fr Agnel Youth Club had moments of glory but their forward were erratic.

Curtorim Gymkhana continued to enjoy the lion share of exchanges and created forays into the rival territory but striker Roy Albuquerqe’s try hit the crossbar. Tony Dias scored the insurance goal in the 70th minute after Mariano Rebello’s rasping

shot deflected from the rival goalkeeper and off the rebound, Tony Dias headed in much to the cheers of Curtorim supporters.

Castana’s brace helps Wilred beat Maina HERALD CIRRESPONDENT MARGAO, JAN 5

A fine brace by Nickson Castana helped Wilred Leisure Sports Club, Curtorim to register a comfortable 3-0 win over Maina Sports Club in a GFA Second Division League at Curtorim ground, on Wednesday. There was no score at half time.

Wilred were a transformed side with their forwards and midfielders working in tandem to put the rival citadel under tremendous pressure. They were rewarded in the 51st minute when Joe Gomes slotted past the rival goalkeeper off a pass from Agnelo Martins. The goal boosted the morale of Wilred and they attacked the rival goal repeatedly and found further success when Nickson Castana beat the rival goalkeeper with a deft placement.

Maina, who lost the momentum in the second half looked disjointed with their forwards seldom troubling the rival defence.

The Maina citadel fell in the 68th minute when Nickson Cas-

Mother of Mercy in finals mukund cricket HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JAN 5

Mother of Mercy High School, Vasco will meet Mata High School, Vasco in the finals of 12th Mukund Trikhnand memorial inter-school cricket tournament organised by Margao Cricket Club at Dr Rajendra Prasad Stadium here on January 6.

In the second semi-final, Mata Secondary beat New Educational Institute, Curchorem on Wednesday.

Batting first, New Educational were all out in 25 overs. Abhinav Marathe topscored with 39. He was well supported by S Borkar (28) and Sushil Saroj (28). For Mata Secondary, Sushil Saroj was the most successful bowler scalping 3 for 19. Dilip Tirodkar claimed 2 for 20.

In reply, Mata Secondary achieved the target scoring 115 for 3 in 20 overs. Dilip Tirodkar’s swashbuckling 45 helped his team to reach the target. For New Educational, Subham Naik andVedant Naik shared two wickets.

Brief score: New Educational Institute, Curchorem: 114 all out in 25 overs (Abhinav Marathe 39, S. Borkar 28, Sushil Saroj 28. Sushil Saroj 3-19, Dilip Tirodkar 2-20, Raja Chavan 133, Shubham Naik 1-19) beat Mata Secondary School 115 for 3 in 20 overs (Dilip Tirodkar 45, Rishabh Panajikar 14, Anil Saroj not out 14, Nachiket Degvekar 12, Manish Sharma not out 12. Damodar Bhat 130, Shubham Naik 1-14, Vedant Naik 1-14).

Bhatikar Model High School, Margao, recorded a fluent 68run win over Shenvi High School, Rawanfond Dayanand Narvekar inter-school cricket tournament (Salcete Zone) at SAG practice ground, Fatorda.

Brief score: Bhatikar Model HS 144 for 6 in 20 overs (Yogesh Yadav 10, Rohit Naik 24, G. M. Vivek 36, Pawan Khandeparkar 14. Sunil Patil 2-21, Vishnu Resu 1-28, Babloo 2-26) beat Shenvi HS 76 all out in 14.4 overs (Sunil Patil 10, Vinod Resu 17. Sanket Morajkar 2-10, Pawan Kumar 210, Ashish 4-11, Yogesh Yadav and Heramb 1 each).

GFA 1st Division: Raia SC v.

Margao SC, Raia ground, 4 p.m.

Romeo memorial football: Navelim Sporting v. Dicarpale SC, St Cruz village playground, 4.15 p.m.

GFA U-16: Clube Athletico De Parra v. St Domnic Savio SC, Duler Stadium, Mapusa; BAFF v. Saligao Sporting Club, Bicholim ground, 4 p.m.

GFA U-14: Portais Sporting Club v. Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim, Don Bosco ground; Fr Agnelo Youth Center, Pilar v.

Jawahar Club, Pilar ground; Ave Maria Athletic and Welfare Association v. Sarzora SC, Rosary ground; Orlim SC v. Young Strikers Club, Orlim ground; Wilred Leisure SC v. Guardian Angel SC, Curtorim ground; Betalbatim Sporting Club v. Verna SC, Betalbatim ground. Kick off at 4 p.m.

Pg 15

SPORTS

GOA, Thursday, 6 January, 2011

United extend lead after Stoke victory Roddick advances AGENCIES LONDON, JAN 5

Manchester United's Mexican forward Javier Hernández (left) scores the opening goal at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday.

GUSA wallop Sanquelim lJesus

stars for Don Bosco Oratory

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, JAN 5

An incredible Goa United Sports Academy demolished FC Sanquelim 29-0 in GFA’s U-16 league at Municipal ground, Sanquelim on Wednesday. Goa United led 13-0 at the lemon break.

Sonu and Agnelo scored a massive eight goals each. Aliston netted six, Allwyn five, Devendra struck twice and Dale and Daud one each.

At Morjim ground, Anjuna Gymkhana overcame ABC Sports Club, Arambol 13-1. Paresh Vaigankar scored a hat-trick, while Viraj, Anoop Gadekar and

Brant stars in St Alex’s win HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 5

A solitary goal by Brant Fernandes in the 25th minute against Rosary HSS, Navelim earned St Alex HSS, Curtorim a ticket in the finals of U-19 HSS football tournament organised by DSYA at Cuncolim ground.

Rosary’s made a good start but failed to convert. After the 10th minute the match entirely belonged to St Alex.

St Alex will meet St Xavier’s HSS, Mapusa at the State championship.

Saligao Utd up HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 5

Saligao United moved into the second round of Romeo Memorial Cup football defeating Merces Club 2-0 in the inaugural match at Santa Cruz village school ground, Wednesday.

Saligao scored both goals in the second half.

MLA Victoria Fernandes declared the tournament open.

Aidan Cardoza netted a brace.

Aniket Babolkar, Nilesh Salgaonkar, Sagar and Satguru were also on target.

Jesus Estrocio found the back of the net five times as Don Bosco Oratory muscled their way past Santo Estevam Sports Club 13-0 in GFA’s U-16 soccer at Don Bosco ground, Panjim on Wednesday.

Ahan Philitos scored a wonderful hat-trick. Pariston Mendonca netted a brace, while Jesus D’Souza, Joseph Pereira and Anish Fernandes got their names on the scoresheet for Don Bosco.

At Taleigao ground, Yogendra Thappa netted a hat-trick as

Dempo Sports Club Juniors enjoyed an 8-2 victor y over Piedade Youth Association. Neri Alphonso and Sanford Rodrigues scored a brace each and Brian Fernandes rounded off the goal bonanza. Suraj Chari and Sohail Pereira found the back of the net for Piedade.

In a round-up of the other U16 matches, Salcete Football Club defeated Cana Benaulim 60, Guardian Angel Sports Club got the better of Rossman Cruz Nagoa SC 4-2, Sirlim Sports Club overcame Guirdolim Club 2-1 and Dicarpale Sports Club beat Sarzora Sports Club 2-0.

Mundivel SC top MAPUSA (HSR) -- Mundivel Sports Club finished top of GFA’s 2nd Division Mormugao Zone after they defeated Vaddem Sports Club 6-1 at Tilak Maidan on Wednesday.

Mundivel, who finished with 16 points from 6 matches qualified for the play-offs along with second place Mangor Sports Club who finished on 15 points. Cortalim Sporting Club finished third with 10 points, Benfica Youth Club were

4th having collected 8 points and CAC Cansaulim collected 6 points.

Vaddem finished sixth with 5 points while Young Humorists Club were bottom having lost all their matches.

In a GFA U-14 encounter, Vasco Sports Club Juniors defeated Cortalim Gymkhana 5-1 at Cansaulim ground.

In a GFA 1st Division match p on Tuesday, Simon Borges netted a brace as MPT overcame Salcete FC 2-1 at Tilak Maidan.

Verna edge out Arlem MARGAO (HC) -- Verna Sports Club prevailed over Arlem Youth Association 4-3 via the tie-breaker to romp into the semi-finals of Arlem Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Arlem Youth Association at Raia pan-

chayat ground, on Wednesday.

In the tie-breaker, Anthony Rego, Vizal Rego, John Dias and Danny Dias were on target for the winners while Franky Gomes,Wilson Dias, Mario Dias converted for Arlem.

Shanta Durga win MAPUSA (HSR) -- Shanta Durga, Pirna reigned supreme as they won both the boys and girls U-19 Bardez zone tennikoit games organized by DSYA at Peddem complex on Wednesday.

St Theresa HS Candolim finished as runners-up in both the boys and girls tournament. In a first round U-19 Bardez zone, Govt HS Pernem defeated St Xavier’s HS Mapusa by 42 runs.

Manchester United went three points clear at the top of the English Premier League table after a 2-1 win over Stoke on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Fulham climbed out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 victory at home to West Bromwich Albion while Birmingham also exited the bottom three following a 2-1 win away to Blackpool.

Javier Hernandez, who scored United's winner in a 2-1 win away to West Brom last time out, broke the deadlock in the 27th minute at Old Trafford with a stylish flick behind his legs from Nani's cross.

However, Stoke were level five minutes after half-time when Dean Whitehead scored their first goal at Old Trafford since 1980 after rising unmarked to head in Tuncay's cross.

But just after the hour mark United, the only unbeaten side in English football's top flight this season, regained the lead thanks to Nani's sublime leftfooted curler from 20 yards out.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made several changes to his side with some, such as Wayne Rooney's ankle problem, injury-induced and he was delighted by the way his new-look team performed against the Pot-

EPL Man Utd ................2 Fulham ................3 Blackpool ............1 ters.

"I made some changes tonight just to keep the squad motivated and also to give them game time because January is going to be a big month for us," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"You've got to have faith and trust in the players and they've earned that trust because I see them every day in training, I see the games they have played, and they've never let me down."

Ferguson was especially pleased by the performance of Hernandez, saying he didn't mind having a selection dilemma when Rooney was fit again.

"That's the kind of problem you want and, over the years, the strikers I've had have always given me that problem. If Chico (Hernandez) keep sticking the ball in the net, it does give you a problem."

Second-placed Manchester City will go level on points again with United, who presently have a game in hand, if they beat Arsenal on Wednesday.

Victory for the Gunners, currently third, would see them leapfrog City and leave Arsenal two points behind United.

GOA DIARY Cricket trainers course

PANJIM (HSD) – The National Cricket Academy will conduct level O trainers course from South and Central Zones from January 30 to February 2 at Goa Cricket Academy, Porvorim. The QR required for trainers are Bachelor of Physical Education Degree, physically fit and capable of undertaking strenuous workouts with players and below 40 years. Dr. Kinjal Suratwala, Head Sports and Science and Coach Education, NCA will coordinate the course. The last date for submitting entries is January 15. Details may be obtained on 6514595.

Anti-doping seminar

PANJIM (HSD) – The BCCI will conduct antidoping code seminar for cricketers in Goa on January 11 at Hotel Orion, Porvorim at 8.30 p.m.

U-22 and U-25 Ranji State team players have been asked to attend the seminar.

Details may be obtained from Tracy Fernandes on 6514595.

State judo at PES

PANJIM (HSD) – The Goa Judo Association under the aegis of SAG and PES HSS, Farmagudi will organise the State Judo Championship on January 8 and 9 at PES HSS. The championship will be conducted for sub-juniors, juniors, senior boys and girls in all weight categories.

Sub-junior boys and girls and junior boys may report on January 8. Junior girls, senior boys and girls may report on January 9 at 9 a.m. Participants have been asked to report alongwith their judoka identity cards.

Meanwhile, the senior boys and girls judo teams will participate in Senior National Judo Championship in Mumbai and they will be selected at the State championship on January 9 from 9 a.m. The inauguration of the championship and the prize distribution will be done at the hands of Home Minister, Ravi Naik.

Inter-HSS cricket

PANJIM (HSD) – The Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association in collaboration with Govt. Higher Secondary School, Khandola, Marcela will organise their 7th Goa State U-19 Inter-Higher Secondary School Tennis Ball Cricket Championships for boys and girls on January 12 at Govt.

Higher Secondary campus ground, Khandola,

Stoke ......................1 West Brom ............0 Birmingham ..........2 Fulham scored on the stroke of half-time when Simon Davies's long-range shot went through the hands of fumbling former England goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The hosts doubled their lead at Craven Cottage when United States midfielder Clint Dempsey headed in Davies's corner in the 56th minute.

And nine minutes later a Davies corner also led to Fulham's third goal, with Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland heading home on this occasion.

Albion's fifth defeat in a row meant they were just two points above the relegation zone.

Birmingham left it late to beat Blackpool, Scott Dann netting in the 89th minute after Roger Johnson's nod-down from Jean Beausejour's centre.

Alexander Hleb opened the scoring for Birmingham in the 24th minute at Bloomfield Road after intercepting a pass out of defence by the Tangerines' Stephen Crainey.

Blackpool though were level when former Birmingham forward DJ Campbell volleyed home in the 68th minute.

Marcela.

The championship has been recognised by SAG and participants will be eligible to the facilities provided under Goa Sports Policy. Players born on or after 1/1/1992 are eligible.

Winners will be awarded trophies, medals, mementos and certificates. Matches will be on knock-out basis and limited overs (8 overs).

Teams may comprise 12 players (9–a-side).

Entries may be submitted to Deepak Gaonkar, Higher Secondary School, Khandola, Marcela, (9270492825); Haresh Parsekar, SAG tennis ball cricket coach, Kumbharjua, (9881720047); Deepali Raikar, Presentation Convent High School, Margao (9422430088) and Nilesh Naik, Campal on 9421139232.

The last date for submitting entries on school letterhead is January 11 by 4 p.m.

Girls basketball camps

PANJIM -- Following players have been selected as probables for sub-junior and youth girls for national basketball championship, according to Goa Basketball Association.

Sub-junior girls: Rhea Rebello, Couceicao Fernandes, Franzila Rodrigues, Leandrin Rodrigues, Gayle Gomes, Kinski Fernandes, Kim Pereira, Charmaine Fernandes, Nikita Braganza, Jesida Fernandes, Yola Carvalho, Freya Pereira, Shari D’Costa, Junica Fernandes, Jasiel Fernandes, Dona Carvalho, Rachel Raposa, Ankita Rai. Youth girls: Swizel D’Silva, Hannah Abreo, Rutvi Virdikar, Prunella Cardoso, Sherlaine Fernandes, Josipa Dias, Laxmi Prabhu, Piola Mendes, Stancy Luis, Anjali Hasotikar, Sandra Joao, Damca Cardozo, Stefny Cardozo, Abigail Fernandes, Cherifa Pereira, Swidha Jaqdhav, Nany Sousa, Bernice Rodrigues.

They have been asked to report on January 9 at 9 a.m. to C F Vaz, GBA president at Fatima Convent High School, Margao.

Financial help for refs

PANJIM (HSD) – In order to provide financial assistance to some old football referees, the Goa Football Referees Association (GFRA) will stage a Konkani drama “futtleli boxi” by Mario Menezes on January 8 at Kala Academy AC Auditorium, Panjim at 3.30 p.m.

The first news bulletin will be released by Benjamin Silva, GFA Executive Committee member and chairman, referees and assistant referees committee in the presence of Nicholas Fernandes.

Details may be obtained from Gregory Estrocio, secretary.

Super response for girls cricket camp at Chicalim HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 5

The one-month cricket coaching camp for girls in Vasco ended on an enthusiastic note on Wednesday with an overwhelming response from girls. It was organised by Goa Cricket Association women’s president,

lGCA

hails Kishori lPermanent coach appointed

Kishori Haldankar at Chicalim ground.

Surprised over the number of participants, GCA secretary, Prasad Fatarpekar complimented Kishori for organising

the camp successfully and announced that henceforth coach Shailesh Naik, who had trained the girls would be a permanent coach from GCA to train the girls at Chicalim ground.

Prasad said that such coaching camps would motivate the girls to take up the sporting activity seriously.

He urged the parents to back up their girls to take up cricket

seriously as there is lots of money to offer the players, who can make a career later on.

GC A Executive Member, Sharad Chopdekar, athletic coach Sudesh Luzekar, Reliance

PRO, Prashant Haldankar, coach Shilesh Naik were present at the valedictory function.

The 105 girls were given participation certificates by GCA. Kishori Haldankar welcomed.

Anuradha Redkar compered.

The girls from Vasco and surrounding areas, who successfully underwent the one-month cricket coaching camp organised by GCA women president, Kishori Haldankar at Chicalim ground alongwith GCA secretary Prasad Fatarpekar, GCA Executive Member Sharad Chopdekar, athletic coach Sudesh Luzekar, Reliance PRO Prashant Haldankar, coach Shilesh Naik.

Photo: M Prabhav

brisbane international he pledged to donate $100 for every ace he serves at the BrisAGENCIES BRISBANE, JAN 5 bane tournament.

Roddick will next face fifthDefending champion Andy Roddick advanced to the quarterfi- seeded Marcos Baghdatis in the nals of the Brisbane International quarterfinals. The Cypriot beat on Wednesday, serving 15 aces Lukasz Kubot of Poland 6-2, 6-2.

Also, 2010 runner-up Radek to beat Alexandr Dolgopolov of Stepanek of the Czech Republic Ukraine 6-4, 6-1.

The second-seeded Roddick beat fourth-seeded American controlled the match with his Mardy Fish 6-2, 6-1.

In the women’s tournament, powerful serve, landing 71 percent of his first serves and win- crowd favorite Jelena Dokic of ning 87 percent of those points. Australia dropped 10 straight His barrage of aces helped games in a 6-0, 6-1 loss to Anvictims of devastating flooding drea Petkovic of Germany, a setin Australia’s Queensland and back ahead of the Australian New South Wales states after Open.

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GOA, THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY, 2011

Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

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Proteas set India daunting target PTI CAPE TOWN, JAN 5

Jacques Kallis defied a painful rib injury to complete a remarkable century in both innings as South Africa recovered from early jitters to set India a daunting target of 340 to win the Test series-decider here today.

The experienced Kallis, who scored 161 in the first innings, played the saviour again with a gritty unbeaten 109 to not only pull the home team out of the pits but also virtually take the game away from India.

The hosts South African Jacques Kallis raises his bat after scoring a century on the fourth day of the third and final Test at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, on Wednesday.

Bevan to coach Kings XI PTI CHANDIGARH, JAN 5

Kings XI Punjab today appointed former Australian ODI specialist Michael Bevan as the coach for the upcoming IPL season IV. 40-year-old Bevan, inarguably one of the best finishers in limited overs during the 90's represented Australia in 232 ODIs with a staggering average close to 54 and 6912 runs with six centuries and 46 fifties.He has been part of the victorious World Cup winning Australian side on two occasions having played in three World Cup finals --- 1996, 1999 and 2003.

Incidentally, Bevan was also a part of the rebel Indian Cricket League where he represented Chennai Superstars.

Expectedly, Bevan seemed ecstatic about his new role.

"I have been following IPL since season-I, and now thanks to my new role as coach of Kings XI Punjab, I am part of this enthralling cricket tournament. I love this game and I am quite excited to coach a team that is driven by the same passion," he was quoted as saying in a media release issued by the franchise.

SPORTS

United extend lead after Stoke victory Pg 15

Signals jam Calangute Pg 14

recovered from a precarious 64 for four to score 341 all out in the last ball of an absorbing penultimate day at Newlands. Offspinner Harbhajan Singh was the pick of Indian bowlers with figures of seven for 120 -- after returning wicketless in the first innings -but the visiting side seamers were a bit disappointing.

India began the day in dramatic fashion with Harbhajan claiming two wickets in quick succession in the morning but the visitors' bowling lost the fizz, allowing the Proteas to

wriggle out to safety.

It was the brilliance of Kallis which held the innings together as he endured the pain to achieve the 'double'. He was involved 103 partnership for the seventh wicket with Mark Boucher Boucher (55) which was largely responsible for the turnaround.

With just one day left in the game, India have been left with the daunting task of chasing a stiff target on a fifth day track to entertain any hopes of a historic series triumph on South African soil.

It will be interesting to see

Alastair Cook continued to plunder the Australian bowling today, becoming the most prolific English runscorer in an Ashes series in eight decades and guiding the visitors into a series-winning position in the fifth Test.

The 26-year- old opener scored 189 and shared a 154run sixth-wicket partnership with Ian Bell, who survived a dropped catch and a controversial umpire overrule before notching his first test century against Australia and helping

England reach 488-7 at stumps on the third day, a first-innings lead of 208.

England has an unbeatable 21 lead and needs only a draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground to claim its first test series victory in Australia since 1987.

PTI CHENNAI, JAN 5

Slovenia's Blaz Kavcic today set up a quarter-final clash with top seed Tomas Berdych at the Chennai Open after putting paid to the aspirations of American Robert Kendrick with a clinical 6-2 6-2 win.

Kavcic, who upset fifth seed Jeremy Chardy of France in his first round match yesterday, converted four of the five break points as Kendrick had little else to show but for a booming forehand.

Kendrick failed to exploit Kavcic's weak backhand – his racquet clattered against the court

l

Bopanna-Qureshi make it to last eight

whenever the Slovenian attempted a backhand clearance -- but Berdych might not be so kind in their meeting in the next tie.

Top seed Berdych of Czechoslovakia had beaten Croatian Ivan Dodig 6-2 6-4 earlier in the day to enter the last eight of the event.

After a disappointing second day, where Indian interest in singles ended, Wednesday offered home fans something to cheer about as Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi safely

Cook had some contentious moments on 46 and 99, both against left-arm spinner Michael Beer, but passed 5,000 career runs and lifted his series tally to 776 runs at an average of 127 with another commanding innings.

The 26-year-old Cook scored

Australia 1st innings: 208 (M Johnson 53) England 1st innings: (overnight 167-3) A Strauss b Hilfenhaus 60, A Cook c Hussey b Watson 189, J Trott b Johnson 0, K Pietersen c Beer b Johnson 36, J Anderson b Siddle 7, P Collingwood c Hilfenhaus b Beer 13, I Bell c Clarke b Johnson 115, M Prior not out 54, T Bresnan not out 0. Extras: 14.

Total: 488 for 7. Fall of wickets: 1-98 2-99 3-165 4-181 5-226 6-380 7-487. Bowling: Hilfenhaus 29-5-104-1 (w-1), Johnson 26-3-97-3 (w-2), Siddle 26-5-98-1 (nb-1, w-1), Watson 20-7-49-1 (nb-2, w1), Beer 29-2-85-1 (nb-1), S. Smith 10-0-48-0, M. Hussey 1-0-2-0.

an unbeaten 235 in the first Test and has only been out five times in the series. He surpassed Herbert Sutcliffe - who scored 734 in the 1924-25 series in Australia - as England's second-highest scorer in an Ashes series. Only the great Wally Hammond has scored more for England in a series, accumulating 905 in 1928-29 at average of 113.

Australia's Sir Donald Bradman holds the record with his 974 runs in 1930 series in England.

Cook was out soon after the tea interval, caught by Mike Hussey off Shane Watson's bowling to make the England total 380-6.

moved into the last eight of

Federer labours into quarters REUTERS DOHA, JAN 5

Roger Federer produced a nofrills display against compatriot Marco Chiudinelli to reach the Qatar Open quarter-finals today.

After thrilling the crowd yesterday with one of his ''between the legs'' trick shots, the Swiss world number two laboured to a 7-6 75 victory in one hour 48 minutes.

Top seed Rafael Nadal is in action later against Slovakia's Lucas Lacko. Third seed Jo Wilfried Tsonga of France, making his comeback from injury, moved into the quarter-finals with a 6-2 6-4 defeat of Ukraine's Sergei Bubka.

IPL-IV will be 10-team, 74-match affair PTI MUMBAI, JAN 5

With Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab being cleared to take part in the January 8-9 Indian Premier League players' auction in Bangalore by the Bombay High Court, the fourth season of the cash-rich Twenty20 league in April-May will be a 10-team event.

"The court has given a verdict.

How can we stop them?" said

Cricket Board sources when contacted after the IPL's Governing Council meeting today.

This means IPL IV would comprise 10 teams, including the two new franchises, Kochi and Pune.

Sources also said that the format would be the same as was announced in September before the Board decided to terminate the contracts of RR and KXIP for non-compliance of terms which

South Africa 1st innings: 362 all out India 1st innings: 364 all out South Africa 2 n d innings: (Ovenight 52/2) Graeme Smith lbw b Harbhajan 29, Alviro Petersen lbw b Harbhajan 22, Paul Harris lbw b Harbhajan 0, Hashim Amla b Harbhajan 2, Jacques Kallis not out 109, Ab de Villiers b Khan 13, Ashwell Prince c Sreesanth b Ishant 22, Mark Boucher lbw b Tendulkar 55, Dale Steyn c sub (Vijay) b Harbhajan 32, Morne Morkel c Sreesanth b Harbhajan 28, Lonwabo Tsotsobe c Sehwag b Harbhajan 8. Extras: 21. Total: 341 all out. Fall of wicket: 1-50, 2-52, 3-53, 4-64, 5-98, 6-130, 7-233, 8-287, 9-333. Bowling: Zaheer Khan 20-2-64-1, S Sreesanth 24-3-79-0, Ishant Sharma 18-1-62-1, Harbhajan Singh 38-1-120-7, Sachin Tendulkar 2-0-9-1.

Berdych faces Kavcic in quarters

England in commanding position AP SYDNEY, JAN 5

whether India go for the target or play for a draw tomorrow.

Much will depend on the start they get tomorrow from the flamboyant Virender Sehwag who has not been exactly on fire in this series.

Pacer S Sreesanth was fined 10 per cent of his match fee for breaching ICC Code of Conduct by kicking boundary ropes after his two LBW appeals were turned down by umpires. As Sreesanth accepted the decision without contest, there was no need for a hearing, an ICC statement said.

was challenged in the court by the two franchises.

As per the decisions taken by the Governing Council on September 5, the forthcoming season will have 70 league matches plus four play-off matches with each team having the same number of ties (14 of which 7 home and 7 away) as in the previous editions.

The teams would be divided into two groups of five each.

Each team would play the other four teams in its group twice home and away; four of the five teams in the other group once home or away; one of the five teams in the other group twice home and away. The groups will be decided by a random draw.

Similarly, which team would play the other from the other group twice (home and away) or once (home or away) would also

be decided by a random draw.

A revised structure for playoffs was also charted out in September to reward consistency of performance in the league stages.

The revised format is: Playoff match A: 1st vs 2nd; Play-off match B : 3rd vs 4th; Play-off match C: winner of match B vs loser of match A. Final: winner of match A vs winner of match C.

the Chennai Open. The second seeds scored a comfortable 6-3, 7-6 (3) win over the Argentine-Brazilian combine of Eduardo Scwanck and Marcos Daniel.

The 'Indo-Pak Express' will next play the Dutch-American duo of Robin Hasse and David Martin, the latter having accounted for Asian Games gold medallists Somdev Devvarman and Sanam Singh in their opener.

The win helped the Indo-Pak Express remain on track to face the 'Indian Express' (Leander

Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi in what is the most eagerly anticipated match ever since the draw was held.

Meanwhile, the American duo of Rajeev Ram and Scott Lipsky and Thai twins Sonchat and Sonchai Ratiwatana also advanced to the quarter-finals.

Ram and Lipsky breezed past the American-Dutch pair of Dustin Brown and Rogier Wassen, winning 6-1, 6-2, while the Ratiwatana brothers overcame stiff resistance from Britain's Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins to win 7-6(7), 6-1.

Tendulkar, Sehwag in ICC’s greatest ODI team AGENCIES DOHA, JAN 5

S a c h i n Te n d u l ka r w a s o n Wednesday named along with opening partner Virender Sehwag in ICC's all-time greatest ODI team, picked through an online poll by fans from across the world to mark the 40th anniversary of one-day internationals.

1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev is included in the team as the lone all-rounder, but the retired Sourav Ganguly failed to make the grade.

The first-ever ODI was played between Australia and England on January 5, 1971 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The momentous 438th game between South Africa and Australia in Johannesburg in 2006, when the Proteas chased down 434, was voted the best ODI yet by fans.

The ICC asked fans from across the world to select a dream team from a shortlist of 48 players, and pick their favourite game from a choice of 10 memorable matches.

The All-Time ODI Dream Team

Opening batsmen: Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (both India) Middle order: Brian Lara, Viv Richards (both West Indies) and Ricky Ponting (Australia), All-rounder: Kapil Dev (India), Wicketkeeper: Adam Gilchrist (Australia), Spinner: Muttiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka), Fast bowlers: Wasim Akram (Pakistan), Glenn McGrath (Australia) and Allan Donald (South Africa, 12th man: Michael Bevan (Australia) -- he received the most number of votes without getting enough to make the would-be starting 11.