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Sports: Messi, Xavi, Iniesta on Ballon d’Or shortlist Pg 15 50 killed as Taliban strike Two suicide bombers disguised as policemen targeted a gathering of tribesmen and pro-government elders killing at least 50 people and injuring 120 others today in Pakistan’s unruly northwest. — (PTI)

Business: France looking to invest Euro 10b Pg 13

(air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

Goa’s Heartbeat: My dream role Pg 4 is Kajol’s part in DDLJ

China stopped bid to slap sanctions on JuD, Saeed PTI WASHINGTON, DEC 6

At Islamabad’s behest, China blocked efforts in the United Nations Security Council to slap sanctions against JuD and its leader Hafiz Saeed which were operating against India from Pakistan, according to information contained in a secret American diplomatic cable.

A State Department cable signed off by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released by WikiLeaks also suggests that the Jamaat-ud-Dawa continues to operate and raise funds and it was unclear what steps the Pakistan government has taken to freeze its assets to implement UN sanctions.

According to the cable dated August 10, 2009, originating from Clinton, a United States request to list Hafiz Saeed on a sanctions list was put on hold before the Mumbai terror attack that India blames on the JuD founder.

“Prior to the (Mumbai terrorist attacks) attacks, our request to list (Jamaat-ud-Dawa) JuD and (Hafiz Muhammed) Saeed were placed on hold by China at the

Prior to the (Mumbai terrorist attacks) attacks, our request to list (Jamaat-udDawa) JuD and (Hafiz Muhammed) Saeed were placed on hold

by China at the behest of Pakistan. behest of Pakistan,” the cable marked secret and addressed to the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Permanent Mission of the US to the UN, said.

China in its capacity as permanent member of the UN Security Council has the veto power and nothing can be approved by this 15-member high-powered body of the United Nations with-

Minister suggests azadi to Kashmir

out the consent of Beijing.

US diplomats at both the US missions were instructed to issues a demarche to Pakistan about continued activities of JuD and Saeed inside Pakistan and also to inform Pakistani officials that the US would oppose any move to delist JuD and Saeed from Al Qaeda and Taliban at the Sanctions Committeelist of UN Security Council.

Clinton wrote a secret communique addressed to her top officials about her decision to veto against the application or request to delist JuD and Saeed from the Al Qaeda and Taliban sanctions committee.

Legal representatives of JuD and Saeed in their “de-listing petition” communication to the UNSC claimed that “there are no grounds for placing Saeed and JUD on the Consolidated List and the material relied upon is incorrect and baseless”.

“We are aware that LeT and JUD share many senior leaders, including Hafiz Saeed, who according to information available to the USG, as of 2009 continued to control LeT and issue guidance to LeT members,” it said.

PTI JAMMU, DEC 6

Mines in Orissa, K’taka vital to US PTI WASHINGTON, DEC 6

Two little known chromite mines in Orissa and Karnataka, besides a factory in Gujarat that manufactures critical chemotherapy drugs are among global “key infrastructures” which could pose a danger to America’s national security if

they come under terrorist attack, a secret US cable released

by WikiLeaks has revealed.

The classified State Department cable dated February 18, 2009 asks its diplomatic posts to update a secret list of key infrastructures across the globe which are vital to America’s national security interests and

CTP raises hands on saving sensitive zones HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

In what will raise the ire of village groups and other social organisations, Chief Town Planner Morad Ahmed reportedly clarified to a local TV news channel on Monday that the criteria of eco-sensitive zones applied only to Pernem and Canacona, plans of which are notified.

Admitting that 80 per cent of land mass of the State was earmarked as eco-sensitive zone (Eco-I and Eco-II), Ahmed expressed helplessness and stated the eco criteria will not apply to the rest of the 11 talukas till their surface utilisation plans were notified.

The chief town planner was on record to state for the re-

needs to be protected from any terrorist attacks.

The secret list includes only three infrastructure projects from India. “Orissa (chromite mines) and Karnataka (chromite mines) Generamedix Gujurat: Chemotherapy agents, including florouracil and methotrexate,” the cable said.

Navy pilot escapes major mishap HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 6

maining nine talukas the RP 2001 will be in force till the plans for these areas were notified. As a result, any person can go ahead with land conversions and even construction bef o re t h e t a l u ka p l a n s a re notified, he stated further.

However, Ahmed, went on to state the VP-1 and VP-2 status declared recently would apply to the whole of the State as the villages were listed in the report of Regional Plan.

He said Eco-I and Eco-II zones were neither listed nor mapped as per survey numbers in the general report. “This means constructions could be allowed by the Town and Country Planning Department in the areas marked

An Indian Navy MiG-29K fighter escaped a major mishap, when all five tyres burst after the pilot applied emergency brakes while landing at Dabolim runway on Monday at 3.15 pm.

Navy officials claimed the pilot was safe and did not make any effort to eject from the aircraft, after he assessed the situation and condition of the plane.

“During a routine sortie on Monday afternoon, the pilot encountered a technical snag in the hydraulic system of aircraft.

While landing, he applied an emergency brake due to which the tyres burst,” said navy public

(Continued on page 10)

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Runners dressed as Santa Claus take part in the 2010 Santa Dash in Liverpool, north-west England. The annual race saw thousands of competitors run the 5km course through the streets of the city centre.

NIA nails two accused in Margao blasts case at the hillock at Ponda, which finally culminated into the commission of a terrorist act on October 16 by way of explosion and planting of improvised explosive devices in Margao and Sancoale.

The forensic report received from the deputy government examiner of GEQD, Hyderabad has proved forgery on the part of accused Vinayak Patil relating to the signature of Sonia Gaonkar for the purchase of a SIM card of Vodafone used for the commission of crime relating to terrorist activities, the NIA has submitted to the Sessions Court Margao.

The NIA has claimed that the CFSL opinion dated May 31,

The NIA further said that accused Prashant Ashtekar in connivance with another accused removed the hard disk of the computer kept in the rented room of his accused brother Dhananjay Ashtekar at Kolhapur, Maharashtra and destroyed the same.

In the supplementary charge sheet filed in the Margao bomb blast case, the NIA said Ashtekar had destroyed the hard disk with the intention that the same may not be seized by the police as they were aware that Dhananjay Ashtekar had modified the circuit diagrams downloaded from the Internet for the purpose of

(Continued on page 10)

(Continued on page 10)

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 6

The National Investigation Agency has said that accused Prashant Juvekar had actively participated in the preparation and conduct of the test blasts

Signature forged to buy SIM card HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 6

15 to 20 pc of industrial plots unutilized HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

Contrary to the scene that the land is scarce in Goa’s industrial estates, almost 15 to 20 per cent of the plots allotted to various industrial units are lying unutilized, officials said today.

Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), President Shekhar Sardessai said that association is carrying out a study about the vacant plots in the various industrial estates.

“We are conducting scientific study using Google imaging. But

as per our current approximation, 15 to 20 per cent of the plots allotted in various industrial estates are unutilized,” Sardessai told media persons today afternoon.

He said GSIA will be out with proper statistics in next 10 days.

The State government has recently created a task force with GSIA as its member, with a mandate to identify such unutilized and underutilized plots in various industrial estates.

The task force is also mandated to review the existing

methodology for allotment of plots and can suggest necessary changes.

Sardessai said that while such massive land is unused, there are several entrepreneurs on the list of state-run Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), who are waiting to set up their business and are held back due to non-availability of the plots.

The president alleged that GSIDC is not following a judicious policy while allotting the plots.

“GSIDC’s allotment policy is

not fair and transparent and several allotment of plots have been done without following all the rules,” Sardessai said adding that there is need to bring in transparency and fair play in allocation of plots in industrial estates.

“Merit alone should be the basis of the allocation,” the president added.

GSIA has strongly recommended creation of an empowered screening committee, which will decide these merits based on a set criterion.

New UK immigration curbs effective today PTI LONDON, DEC 6

New curbs on immigration to the United Kingdom will come into force from tomorrow under which the government plans to reduce the inflow by 100,000, a move likely to adversely impact Indians seeking to migrate to Britain.

Under the new regime, the Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition has introduced an annual limit of 21,700 for those coming into the UK under the skilled and highly skilled routes 20,700 under the skilled route and 1,000 under the new ‘exceptional talent’ route.

The curbs, which is set to come into force tomorrow, seeks to ensure that visas are

issued to only those wanting to study for a degree and eliminating bogus students.

Those allowed in will also have to demonstrate a better command of English than is required at present and will face tighter rules on working or bringing in family members, according to a report in The Daily

Telegraph.

The proposals are contained in a review of the student visa regime as part of the government’s drive to stop abuse of the system and to help meet its wider pledge of bringing net migration down to the “tens of thousands”.

Government has raised the

minimum salary for those coming through the intra-company transfer route to 40,000 pounds for more than 12 months.

Figures published last month showed that one in five foreigners who came to study in 2004 was still in Britain five years later.

The review will focus on the tens of thousands of students who come to Britain each year to follow courses below degree level, such as A-levels, vocational courses and even GCSEs. Some 130,000 such students arrived from outside the European Union last year, almost half the near 280,000 total given student visas.

Of those, more than 90,000 attended private colleges.

A Jammu and Kashmir minister belonging to the Congress has stoked a controversy by suggesting that Kashmir be granted “azadi”, remarks that embarassed his party which termed them as his personal view.

Addressing a rally at Bani in Kathua district, Congress Minister for Health and Horticulture Sham Lal Sharma had raised the demand for making Jammu a separate State, giving Union territory status to Ladakh and granting “azadi” to Kashmir.

“Give freedom to Kashmir, that’s more beneficial. Give separate statehood status to Jammu and make Ladakh a union territory. If this State has to be developed, this is the only solution”, Sharma said in the presence of Pradesh Congress Committee chief Saifuddin Soz. His remarks drew a sharp attack from the state Bharatiya Janata Party which alleged they are “tantamount to treason” and demanded his dismissal from the government and arrest.

In damage-control mode, Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi described Sharma’s remarks as his “personal view” and said the party’s stand “is very clear—autonomy within theframework of the Constitution”.

The remarks by Sham Lal Sharma had made Soz and his senior party leaders uneasy at the rally. In fact, Soz had tried to initiate damage control and expressed his party’s resolve to keep all the three regions of the State united to ensure equal and balanced development.

“We are all answerable to All India Congress Committee President Sonia Gandhi and what we say here be considered as the Congress word and we must speak along the party’s line”, Soz said.

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Gaondongrem Communidade blames VP for promoting illegalities on its land HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, DEC 6

The Gaondongrem Communidade has complained against the village panchayat and two other residents, accusing them of issuing fabricated NOCs and assisting in an illegal construction of a bar and a Pan-bidi gada on communidade land.

In the first case, Gaondongrim Communidade President Chandrashekar G Dessai has complained against former Gaondongrim Sarpanch Ashok Bhiva Velip for allegedly issuing an illegal and fabricated NOC to a resident of Ziltawadi in Gaondongrim to establish a Pan-Bidi Gada on communidade land.

In a complaint to the Director

Lifeguards’ strike has not affected work, says Dristhi HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 6

The Dristhi Surf Life rescue work unaffected despite a strike by 85 lifeguards.

In a press note, the Dristhi Surf Life stated that about 85 lifeguards were misguided by a few elements to strike work from Baga to Miramar.

"The lifeguards demanded suspension/removal of some senior lifeguards which has not been accepted by the Management," the press note stated.

"This demand was raised because of a physical altercation among lifeguards at a get together after work hours at 1.30 am. Hence, the company does not accept any responsibility of the same."

"The second demand was for higher wages. Their third demand was for reduced work hours. The management has requested the lifeguards to immediately resume work which they have agreed to," the press note stated.

The lifeguarding services were not affected because other personnel covered the beaches and in fact, one person was rescued at Calangute.

Sunil Bihari (32) of Amrawati, who was swimming in a noswim zone at Calangute, was rescued by Lifeguards Sakaram Bandekar, Kaustubh Zirpe and Santosh Tandsel while he was in distress.

Sunil was rescued in an unconscious state and was rushed to the PHC at Candolim for medical attention in a 108 Ambulance.

‘Early exams will give HSSC students edge’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

Secretary of the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education D R Bhagat said with the new Board exam schedule starting from March 7, students of Std XII will get at least 15 to 20 days time to prepare for national entrance exams like IIT-JEE, AIEEE, BITSET, etc.

Bhagat said the exams were earlier scheduled to start from March 12. The new time table has been prepared taking the demand of the students and some of the parents for giving their wards more days to prepare for the national entrance exams.

He said the Science stream exams are ending much earlier so these students will get more days to study for the exams which open the gates for admissions to the best engineering colleges across the country.

Some of the parents of the students had approached the CM with a representation to prepone the exams. They had contended that Goa was the only state where students answering Std XII exams hardly got on an average 10 days time to prepare for national exams.

The parents further observed Goan students were denied the opportunity to compete with the best on account of the late examination schedule of the Board.

The exam for Science stream begins of March 7 with Chemistry, followed by Physics on March 9 after which there is a one-day break. March 11 is the day for Biology, Computer Science and Geology and March 12 for languages – Marathi and English.

Accountancy, History and Mathematics (Arts and Science) will be held on March 14, followed by Geography on March 15 and Business Studies and Psychology on March 16.

of Panchayat, Dessai alleged that the former sarpanch misused his powers and issued the NOC to the resident to start a Pan-Bidi Gada and to obtain loan-cum-subsidy from Rural Development Agency (RDA) on communidade land without knowledge and permission from the Communidade.

Dessai further alleged that the resident has erected an illegal construction on communidade land in the property and matter is pending for action.

It is further alleged that former sarpanch Ashok Velip had issued bogus house numbers, unauthorized and illegal license/ NOC for repairing of houses and also to construct new houses on communidade

land at Karvem, Talem and Ziltawadi of Gaondogrim village violating all rules and regulations of Panchayat act.

The copies are also marked to the minister of panchayat and Administrator of Communidade, South-Goa, Margao.

Addressing another letter to the Chief Secretar y, Chandrashekar G Dessai has filed a complaint against a resident of Ziltawadi for obtaining a bar license in communidade land by producing bogus documents in collusion with village panchayat.

It is mentioned that the then sarpanch ignored verification of land rights, even overlooked BDO's condition to confirm title documents and went on to

issue reconstruction license to the resident.

The former sarpanch then allegedly went ahead to issue 'NOC' to open a bar and restaurant in the premises barely 18 days after issuance of reconstruction of Katcha House, all in the communidade land.

The communidade president alleged that despite having no rights in the property, the resident got the license for the bar and restaurant from the excise department in the residential Katcha House and that too, on communidade property.

Copies of the complaint have been marked to the chief minister, home minister and revenue minister for information and appropriate action.

Churchill favours memorial for Konkani’s first martyr HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 6

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao has come out in open support of the demand to erect a memorial of the first martyr of Konkani language movement Floriano Vaz at Fatorda, even as the chief minister Digambar Kamat refused to speak his mind on the matter.

At the convention of Scheduled Tribes held at Curtorim, GPCC general secretary Vijay Sardessai made a forceful demand to the Congress-led government to erect a befitting memorial of Floriano Vaz, who fell victim to the police bullets close to his house at Gogol-Fatorda at the height of the Konkani agitation.

Sardessai maintained that it

was due to the sacrifice made

by Floriano Vaz that Konkani was recognised as the official language of the state, followed

by Goa attaining statehood.

The demand immediately found favour with PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, who said that the government should take steps to ensure that a memorial is erected at Fatorda.

Incidentally, the Chief Minister, who spoke at the ST convention, refused to speak his mind out on the matter. During his brief speech, Kamat responded to the demand for providing jobs to the land losers, but was silent on the erection of Floriano’s memorial in Fatorda.

Sources in the know disclosed that the move to erect Floriano’s

memorial was made last year by Sardessai and his supporters when a demand was put forth to erect the memorial at the traffic junction at Munj Vihar, which is close to the residence of the deceased.

However, the proposal was put on the backburner as some party leaders were apprehensive that the issue would only kick up a row and might have a political fall out in Margao as well represented by the Chief Minister in the Legislative assembly.

This section of the Congress leaders are of the opinion that instead of erecting the memorial at the traffic junction, a befitting memorial can be built at or near Floriano’s residence to avert any controversy.

Teenager rapes minor girl

Tourists come in caravans to skip high cost of accommodation

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 6

In a shocking incident, a minor boy of 14 years allegedly raped a 8-year old girl in the remote village of Barcem in Quepem taluka.

Acting swiftly on a complaint lodged by the girl’s mother, Cuncolim Police station incharge PI Nelson Albuquerque registered a case of rape against the youngster before arresting him on late Monday night. Both the accused and the victim girl were later sent for medical examination to the Goa medical college and hospital, Bambolim.

PI Albuquerque said the boy has been arrested for rape and under the Goa Children’s Act and will be sent to the Apna Ghar.

The incident came to light when the mother took the girl to the Canacona hospital after the victim complained of bleeding. Medical examination of the girl revealed that she sustained an abrasion on the outer part of her private party and reported the matter to the Canacona police.

The matter was finally reported to the Cuncolim police this evening since the incident occurred in Barcem village coming under the jurisdiction of the Cuncolim police station.

Initially, the Cuncolim police found themselves in a dilemma how to proceed with the case as the parents said they did not suspect rape of their daughter.

Not taking any chances, PI Albuquerque invited NGO headed

by Auda Viegas to interrogate the girl and the parents.

It was only at around 10.20 pm that the boy, who was brought to the police station, allegedly told the police that he had sexually abused the girl.

Caravans parked at Agonda.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, OCT 6

In a novel approach to bypass the peak hotel rates along the coast during the season, tourists have begun bringing in their own accommodation.

Caravans have returned to the Agonda shore and are seen occupying the vacant space along the southernmost part of the beach.

"Travellers along with their caravans have started to arrive in large numbers, mostly come from European countries," informed a resident from the locality.

At present, over a dozen car-

Photo by Kathy Pereira

avans are seen in the area, with families occupying the seafront locations. And if locals are to be believed, another dozen caravans are expected in the next few days.

During the tourism season last year, over 40 such caravans were seen stationed during the Christmas week. Many caravans were seen prominently hoisting their respective country flags, almost resembling a township of foreign tourists.

Explained a source: "Since, the vacant land belongs to an a b a n d o n e d s t a r re d h o t e l (presently manned by security guards of the court appointed

arbitrator), the place is easily accessible. Many caravans camp over here for long durations which could range for months together."

Locals, however, complain that the caravans generate huge garbage in the area.

"All sorts of waste are regularly thrown in the nearby rivulet. By January-February, the rivulet is saturated with human waste, they claimed.

This issue was also raised before the panchayat and residents had suggested that the Agonda panchayat levy fees to the caravan for using public space during their vacation.

When contacted, panchayat sources, however, remained mum in the matter and claimed that no concrete resolution was pressed for by members in the gram sabha.

Panchayat sources pointed out that the site is guarded by security personnel appointed by a court.

Locals have alleged that the security guards stand to earn revenue by permitting caravans on the site.

Some have suggested that security guards charge about Rs 500 per week, depending on the duration of the stay and the location.

Germans take land route to reach Goa, relive history when they were escorted by police squad until they crossed their border. “We did not have dramatic encounters but it was quite an interesting experience soon as we entered Iranian border,” he reiterated.

So also, they were asked to produce their visas even though the family travelled sans visas from Germany to Iran.

Melves family expressed amusement as they witnessed a change soon after entering Iranian country as not a single woman was figured on the streets.

“It was dramatic on the Iranian borders as we did not see a single woman on the streets, and if we did see, they all wore burkhas,” Niels, a teacher by profession, said adding that the Iranians expressed apathy over the crisis they are facing.

His wife Anka compared Pakistan is a much safer place for women than Iran. “It is not a nice place to be in Iran. We felt liberated in Pakistan. The best thing of Iran is when you get out of that place,” she stated.

The round travel was however not easy, as the family had to abide by diverse traffic rules in every country and vehicle drivers. “I prefer Indian roads to Iran. Iranian drivers are killers on the streets,” he quipped.

Niels, who started the adventure more than a decade ago, smirked that when his son was

born in Margao, he had to pay fine for “bringing him illegally.”

He said, “Florian was born in Margao and we had to pay a fine of Rs 3000 because his arrival was illegal. So my wife flew to Germany, arranged a passport and visa and returned back with documents,” he laughed.

Asked on what could be the motive for such an adventure, he replied that it was to know the open world and that his children should get accustomed to things around the globe.

To a question on his experience while in neighbouring countries of Pakistan and India, Neils opined that Pakistan is a peace loving country and that he aims to build bridges between the two countries via his journey.

“Not all Pakistanis are terrorists and violent. Certain population in India and Pakistan are tutored that they are enemies of each other. India is a vast and a united nation,” he said.

Recalling further he said his daughter without any fear played with bearded-men who almost looked like Talibans.

Niels was accidentally roped into the Indo-German Friendship Society, Goa (IGFSG) because of his innovative activity. The society has planned week-long celebrations which will include discussions, seminars, workshops on issues of India-Germany interests and entertainment sessions.

Pandiyan takes charge of MPT, Firewood shortage adds to Vasco assures to resolve all issues family’s woes to perform final rites

Medical store burgled in Navelim

Benaulim locals collect waste, dump near VP HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 6

In an attempt to expose the Benaulim Panchayat on the failure on the garbage front, residents along with members of the Benaulim Village Action Committee (BVAC) on Monday collected tons of waste from the village and dumped the gunny bags near the Panchayat ghar for disposal.

The citizens conveyed a message loud and clear to the Panchayat that today ’s waste collection drive has proved that the so called garbage collection system started by the Panchayat body is a farce.

Convenor of the Benaulim Civic and Consumer Forum Ciriaco Barretto said that garbage is not just a problem in the village, but a big menace.

He said the panchayat had made tall claims in an affidavit filed in the high court that it has hired labourers for garbage collection and sought to know why the waste has been lying along the roadsides all these

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 6

P Mara Pandiyan, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1984 batch from Kerala, officially took charge as chairman of Mormugao Port Trust on Monday, with a commitment to resolve all issues with the state government and other stakeholders in the port.

"We will speak the language of development for the port, Goa and ultimately in the larger interest of the nation," said Pandiyan, while addressing a press conference on Monday.

"We are here not to create any problem. We will have close coordination with all people and take all problems to logical con-

Waste collected by Benaulim citizens dumped near the Panchayat ghar for disposal by the Panchayat body. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

days without collection. “The Panchayat had made tall claims in an affidavit filed in the high court that the garbage management system is in place and that it has hired labourers to collect and dispose off the waste. Information under the RTI shows the opposite and proves that everything is false”, Barretto said, adding that despite the claims that waste has been piling up in the village

clusion. I believe that every problem has a solution," said Pandiyan.

Pandiyan's comments come in P Mara Pandiyan the backdrop of a controversy regarding the port's expansion plans and its claim over jurisdiction of a portion of rivers around the port.

Pandiyan said he would meet Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and chief secretary to resolve issues between the state government and port.

Replying to a question, he said that garbage has been increasing day by day and that the youth have made it a point to prove the Panchayat about the situation. “The youth have brought the garbage to the Panchayat to show the actual situation in the village. The Panchayat says that everything is under control, but this is the actual situation”, he added.

BVAC leader Seby Fernandes

"Once the issue is understood, the port is quite confident that they would resolve it and there should not be any problem," he said.

Pandiyan said though he has got preliminary feedback from his colleagues, he needed some time to understand the issue minutely.

"The development of infrastructure is very important.

While any developing port has to take various aspects into consideration, those projects that have already been started should not be stopped. If there are any projects delayed, we need to understand and resolve those factors leading to the delay," he said.

Rs 46 lakh sanctioned for Ganesh idol artisans HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

Around 503 Ganesh idol artisans were sanctioned Rs 46 lakh under Handicraft Corporation scheme, last week.

However, Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation’s (GHRSSIDC) has failed to implement its revised scheme, this year due to state government’s lethargy.

As per the revised scheme, the government was supposed to pay Rs 100 each to maximum 250 idols.

GHRSSIDC official said the appraisal committee headed by

Sameer Salgaoncar, which met last week, has sanctioned Rs 46.50 lakhs to 503 Ganesh idol artisans.

“Around 530 artisans had applied for subsidy. However 28 applications were rejected as they failed to fit as per our guidelines,” official said.

As per the scheme, each artisan would be paid Rs 100 each for maximum 150 idols.

The subsidy is aimed to promote clay idols and shun idols carved out from plaster of Paris (PoP).

Pernem (143) and Bicholim (120) are the two talukas from where the maximum numbers

of artisan have applied for the subsidy. They are followed by Ponda (70), Sattari (55), Bardez (52) and Canacona (26).

The official said that the sanctioned amount is ten percent more than the last year. Last year the corporation paid Rs 41 lakhs to the artisans as against Rs 36 lakhs in 2008.

“Rs 50 lakhs budget had been announced by the state government as a subsidy to the artisans for 2010,” official said adding that if government now decides to revise the scheme, then the corporation will have to pay additional around Rs 25 lakhs, from its own coffers.

said the Panchayat has filed an allegedly false affidavit in the high court by saying the body has constructed a composting unit. “We have collected the waste from just one side of the road. This is just to show to the Panchayat the real garbage situation in Benaulim”, he said and demanded to know the location of the composting unit.

Seby sought to know why the deputy Sarpanch Stanley Fernandes has not come to the panchayat today and warned that the situation would go out of hand if things are controlled now.

Panchayat secretary Deepak Shet said the Panchayat has appointed a contractor to clear the waste from the village, but admitted that the lone labourer is not adequate to meet the requirements.

Meanwhile, acting Sarpanch Stanley Fernandes said that the contractor appointed by the Panchayat body will be told to dispose the waste.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 6

The right to conduct the final rite is now at stake, given the acute shortage of firewood in Vasco.

In one such instance, Raghuvir Vengurlekar and his family had to run from pillar to post to arrange firewood to conduct the final rites for Raghuvir's mother recently.

The shortage was such that Vengurlekar was forced to buy carpentry sticks worth Rs 3,000 to perform the final rites. "My family members had to return empty handed from all three timber merchants in Vasco, as none of them had firewood for the final rites," lamented Vengurlekar.

It is learnt that the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) earlier used to stack firewood in the crematorium and would sell it

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

The German tourist who has left a mark of travelling countries via land route, reached Goa today morning to mark the arrival of first hippie of German origin on the beach of Anjuna, in the 60s.

Niels Melves (50) along with his wife Anka and two children – Maya and Florian arrived in Vox Wagen VW Bulli - cargo-passenger van that Hippies then drove to reach Goa via road.

The family will lead the symbolic motorcade drive from Panjim to Anjuna on December 8 as a part of 3rd Indo-German Cultural week in Goa. During an interaction with journalists, Niels said that he used the old-traditional route to reach Goa, which Hippie Germans explored during their times.

“The route is the same to reach Goa…We want to tell people there is a land route that connects Goa-India to Germany,” he said.

The family started their journey on July 3, 2010 from Hamburg and crossed various European and Asian countries to reach Goa via Wagah border. “ We c o u l d n o t g o t o Afghanistan for reasons known to all. But we will go there when situations are peaceful,” he added.

The adventurers recalled their experience in Iran and Pakistan

at subsidized rates. The practice, however, stopped since the past few years, making it difficult for bereaved families to arrange firewood to conduct the final rites.

"Given the difficulty that we had to undergo, I request the MMC to provide firewood in the crematorium as part of its social obligation, especially since it is difficult for people in Vasco to procure firewood," said Vengurlekar.

When contacted, three firewood merchants in and around Vasco city claimed that the short supply is due to high demand of firewood in industrial area.

"This has increased the price of firewood and most merchants are reluctant to supply firewood for domestic purposes as it is not viable, explained a source.

Speaking to Herald, timber

merchant Malini Nageshkar said: "Since the last 20 days, we have not received any supply as our supplier was not issued a pass by the forest department."

"Moreover, the demand for firewood in the industrial area is high and this has increased the price of firewood."

Voicing similar views, another timber merchant, Krishna Sanbhag, said he has stopped storing firewood since the last one-and-half year as most firewood is supplied to the industrial area.

"Most of the domestic industries consumes bulk amount of firewood to heat the boilers," he explained. He said much of the firewood is supplied from Ponda and Sawantwadi and getting firewood from these places adds to the transport charges.

In-laws deny role in Reshma’s death HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

The in-laws of Reshma Korgaonkar, who died after hanging herself in November, have rubbished allegations of harassing the woman to death.

Reshma’s husband Sagar Korgaonkar said that two days prior to her death, Reshma confessed to him of being mentally disturbed because of her younger sibling.

“My wife about two days before she committed suicide had told me that she is mentally too much disturbed because her sis-

ter Nilima Amarkar is blaming her saying that all her marriage proposals are broken because she (Reshma) does not conceive and have a child,” Sagar wrote to the Bardez Deputy Collector on December 2.

Thirty-year old Reshma was married to Sagar at Saligao for six years, allegedly ended her life by hanging herself in the bedroom on November 24.

Calangute police had stated that they had recovered suicide note which claimed that ‘she was upset as she could not conceive and hence she decided to die.’

The family members refuse to buy this contention and said that she was killed as she was harassed because she could conceive.

Sagar, who has a ‘security agency’ and taxi driving business, said that Reshma was undergoing several Ayurvedic and other medical treatments to conceive a child. He has moreover confirmed that the suicide note is Reshma’s handwriting.

As the death occurred within seven years of her marriage, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) is probing her death.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 6

Burglars struck a medical store at Navelim last night, decamping with cash of Rs 1.8 lakh.

Margao police said the miscreants effected entry into the Jayendra medical stores by bending the shutters.

In another incident, unknown miscreants effected entry into a stationery shop at Comba last night and decamped with cash of Rs 10,500.

The Margao police is investigating into both the case.

Goods stolen from Candolim house HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 6

Burglars broke into a house in Candolim and stole goods worth Rs 80,000 on Sunday night.

According to Calangute Police, burglars entered the flat of Duranya Lokhandwala at XimerCandolim through the bathroom window and stole a Sony camera, four gold biscuits, gold earrings, a gold chain, a pendant and a white gold ring with a blue stone, all valued at Rs 80,000.

PSI Narayan Chimulkar is investigating the matter.

OHERALDO

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GOA, TUESDAY, 7 DECEMBER, 2010

GSIA blames lack of policy, political wrangling for poor industrial growth HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) has said that the lack of policy and several factors related to current political wrangling has plagued the industrial scenario in the state.

“The industrial scenario in Goa is not conducive today. We are not able to leverage the advantage that Goa can attract high tech industrial sector,” Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), President Shekhar Sardessai said.

Briefing media persons today, Sardessai alleged that there are no asserts that can mark Goa as industrial sector. “We are laddered by baggers of past,” he said.

The president stated that current political wrangling has resulted into land scarcity along with lack of power facility.

“There is serious threat to Industrial sector in the state. Goa is losing its share of prosperity,” he alleged.

GSIA feels that in the absence of industrial policy, several key issues are affecting the industrial development in Goa, especially in the Medium and Small Scale Micro Entrepreneurs (MSSME) sector.

Sardessai claimed that Goa State Industrial Development Corporation’s (GSIDC) allotment policy is not fair and transparent, huge pieces of land are blocked in the name of SEZ and several plots are unutilized in the industrial estates.

“The current power scenario is the state is abysmal. We still have a gap of nearly

Favours well planned SEZs HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

Goa State Industrial Association (GSIA) today said that few carefully designed SEZs would have fuelled the growth of Medium and Small Scale Micro Entrepreneurs (MSSME) sector in Goa. “A few good SEZs would have created vast opportunities in the field of industrial development,” Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), President Shekhar Sardessai said.

However, he said haphazard allocation of land to SEZs without creating a well defined policy and strategy has created a monster out of SEZ. “Government should rapidly repossess this land and divide the land into small and medium plots,” he said adding that learning from what happened with SEZ allotments; government should ensure that there is a well defined objective in rational while reallocating this land.

When asked, Sardessai said government need to think on before taking any step on what they want to see Goa as far as industrial sector is concerned. “We do not need industries which bring in large number of migrants but we need to create employment opportunities to our own youths,” he said.

50 MW in peak times and the projected power requirement in 2020-21 is expected to be 1500MW,” Sardessai said.

He alleged that ban on electricity connections beyond a threshold has seriously dented development of industries.

“Currently, there are many industries which have been set up and are awaiting power connections. At the same time there are few which are waiting approval of their load demands,” Sardessai stated.

In-order to tackle the growing demand, GSIA has demanded setting up of at least two gas based power plants in Goa. GSIA stressed that government should immediately mandate creation of a task force involving all stake holders to come out with a progressive industrial policy.

“This has to be a serious and focused exercise, done by experts. Government only needs to define the objective and then leave it to the experts to carve out the policy and guidelines for its implementation,” he said.

“Goa has failed in providing employment to its own youth. Every year, huge number of students pass out as engineers but we don’t have employment to offer them. Hence they move out of Goa,” the president said pointing out that government need to realize that MSME sector is the key economic transformation factor of emerging market economies.

Goa has around 4,200 industrial units and 90 per cent of which are either medium or small scale industries.

State lags in providing facilities for Alzheimer’s patients HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

Though Goa tops in providing healthcare to its citizens, the state is yet to rise to the challenge of Alzheimer's disease and building long term facilities in terms of sustainable support system.

The department of neurology at Goa Medical College provides the diagnostic and medical services for people with dementia whereas, for the last eight years Dementia Society of Goa (DSG) is working to create awareness about Alzheimer.

Apparently, what is missing is the support system and dedicated medical facilities for people afflicted with Alzheimer’s.

Dr Amit Dias, Coordinator, Medical and Scientific Advisory Panel for the Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India say 4000 people are afflicted with dementia in Goa. Study conducted by them in North Goa has shown that 2.9 per cent of people above the age of 60 years and 12.5 per cent above the age of 80 years had dementia.

States of Kerala and Karnataka have taken initiatives in building long term facilities for Alzheimer’s patients and Goa Government also need to follow suit, pointed out Dr Dias.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and contributes to almost 60 per cent of the cases. This is followed by vascular dementia.

Though demographic aging is part of the normal developmental cycle for all countries Dr Dias emphasizes the need to develop long term services to cater to the changing needs.

“It will be scary if we have a large proportion of people above the age of 60 years and not have any services for them.

We need to add life to years and not just years to life,” says Dr Dias.

Apparently, ignorance about the disease should be cause for worry. “Slow progressive deterioration in memory is the first sign of the disease but it is often neglected as normal signs of ageing,” he says.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease usually becomes apparent by the age of 60 years.

There is a need for more’ memory clinics’ to make the diagnosis of dementia, he says.

Sangath, an NGO has started a service for people with dementia in South Goa and intend to start memory clubs and support groups in South Goa. DSG has also developed a programme, for home based non pharmacological interventions

Margao cops foil private bus Handicraft artisans to come operators’ hunger strike under medical insurance cover SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, DEC 6

Private bus operators sitting on a hunger strike infront of the district Collectorate building before they were cleared from the area by the Margao police.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 6

Margao police on Monday foiled the proposed hunger strike by the private bus operators infront of the deputy Collector’s office.

But the row over the ban on short route buses from entering the old bus stand got a new twist, with Deputy Collector and Margao RTA Chairman Johnson Fernandes saying the old bus stand would be closed down if the private bus operators favour closure of the stand.

In fact, Fernandes told a delegation of All Goa Private Bus Operators Association led by President Vishal Desai and general secretary Sudip Tamankar that he would call a meeting of the RTA either on December 8 or 9 to discuss the permanent closure of the old bus stand.

The RTA Chairman clarified that the old bus stand opposite the Margao police headquarters was denotified years ago and

the authorities will not hesitate to close down the bus stand – presently used by short distance route buses – if the private bus operators favour the closure.

When asked to clarify on his threat to close down the old bus stand, Johnson said the demand for the closure of the old bus stand has come from the All Goa Private Bus Owners Association. “In the statutory notice ser ved on the Chief Secretary, the Association has contended that the Chief Minister and the RTA Chairman had promised to close the old bus stand for all the route buses and the place would be used for parking. The Association had further contended in the statutory notice that except the 45 buses heading to Davorlim, Housing Board and Mandop, other buses are using the old bus stand. This clearly indicates that the bus owners Association is in favour of the closure of the

old bus stand”, Johnson added.

Incidentally, Johnson’s stand that the RTA would meet later this week to decide on the question of old bus stand closure saw no change in the stand of the bus operators. In fact, Association general secretary Sudip Tamankar told the RTA Chairman that the bus owners would not withdraw the statutory notice served on the government on resorting to an indefinite hunger strike and keep the buses off the road after the third day of the strike.

This morning, when the bus operators sat on the hunger strike infront of the district Collectorate building, the Margao police came on the scene and told the operators to vacate the place immediately.

PI Santosh Desai, who followed suit, told the bus operators to meet the deputy Collector instead of restoring to the indefinite strike.

NGO files PIL over pathetic state of Apna Ghar HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

NGO SCAN in its Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Bombay High Court at Goa has alleged that despite assurances by Advocate General (AG), the pathetic living conditions at Apna Ghar have not improved.

The petitioners in their affidavit on November 25 mentioned that kitchen, toilets, urinals and wash basins are in terrible and pathetic conditions.

“On our visits, it was further noticed that the electrical fixtures such as switch boards, wires are not repaired and are in dangerous state despite as-

surance from the AG and directions by the High Court on December 8,” the copy reads.

The matter which was reserved for final hearing on Monday was however adjourned as the affidavit reply of the NGO was missing from the High Court file. Emidio Pinho (child Protection Coordinator) appeared in person for the hearing.

The affairs of Apna Ghar came under scrutiny, few months ago, when High Court asked Principal Sessions Judge to submit an extensive report whether Apna Ghar required infrastructural facilities.

The double bench had con-

verted a letter by SCAN into PIL, which had cited information available under Right to Information regarding the juvenile institution.

The NGO had complained about the children from other States languishing in the Goa State custody for years without any inquiry or rehabilitation.

The State and the State appointed Child Welfare Committee were made respondents in the petition.

The letter also brought to the notice about various human rights violation to the children from other states admitted in the state-run Apna Ghar.

The handicraft artisans and their families from Goa will now be insured for their medical requirements by paying meagre premium under central government sponsored scheme.

Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana (RGSSBY), a scheme sponsored by the office of the Development Commission of Handicraft aims at financially enabling the artisans’ community to access to the best of healthcare facilities in the country.

“This scheme will cover the artisans family of four comprising self and any three out of spouse, dependent parents and children,” Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Dev e l o p m e n t C o r p o r a t i o n’ s (GHRSSIDC) Chairman Sameer Salgaoncar told Herald.

Over 900 registered handicraft artisans from the state will avail the benefit of medical insurance upto Rs 14,000 per year.

As part of the insurance, central government will be contributing Rs 650 or Rs 725 per annum and artisans will have to pay Rs 150 or Rs 75 per annum.

Salgaoncar said that all the craft persons whether male or female, between the age group of one day to 80 years will be eligible to be covered under RGSSBY. The scheme, which will be implemented in the state from January 2011, has already got approval from the GHRSSIDC Board of Directors, which met last week.

“The scheme has already got

Availing loans to become easier too HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 4

Getting loans from Nationalized Banks would be an easy affair for Goan artisans now with the introduction of credit cards for them.

Central government sponsored ‘Artisans Credit Card (ACC)’, will provide an adequate and timely assistance to artisans to meet their credit requirements both investment needs as well as working capital.

With ACC, all registered artisans would enjoy the credit limit upto Rs 2 lakhs each.

The scheme, which would be applicable in both rural and urban areas, will help in easy access of investment the approval. We will be working on its modules in association with Development Commission of Handicraft, Goa,” the Chairman said.

The scheme, which will be effective from the date of issue of guidelines of RGSSBY by the central government, will make sure that one artisan family receives the benefit of the scheme for three years.

Talking further about the scheme, Salgaoncar said that the scheme would be implemented under Handicraft Artisans Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HACWS) for a period

Now, copper wires aboard Princess go missing!

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 6

Two persons have alleged that copper wires worth Rs 6.2 crore have gone missing from the grounded 'MV River Princess'.

In a complaint to the Calangute police, Ketan Govekar of St Inez, Panjim and Kashinath Shetye of Ribandar have stated the incident has taken place subsequent to the inspection by various government departments like Tourism, GCRZMA, Navigation, Panchayat, Inland waterways and salvage companies.

Govekar and Shetye have alleged that the theft may have taken place in connivance with the original owners of the vessel, thereby causing losses to the government and the exchequer.

They have asked the

Calangute Police to take immediate cognizance of the complaint and file an FIR under Sections 378, 379, 461, 462, 120B and 34 and also under Sections of Prevention of Corruption Act and conduct a thorough inquiry in the matter.

A copy of the complaint has also been forwarded to the North Goa Superintendent of Police to initiate action in the matter if the Calangute Police fails to investigate the case.

When contacted, Anjuna Police Inspector Manjunath Dessai, who is also holding additional charge of the Calangute police, said he was not aware of any such complaint letter.

DySP P L Mapari was busy in a meeting and could not be contacted for comments in the matter.

loans for purchase of tools and equipments by way of Demand Loan/Term Loan with appropriate payment schedule.

“ACC will help artisans to obtain loan at low rate of interest from any nationalized banks across the country,” GHRSSIDC Chairman Sameer Salgaoncar said.

He informed that of the 900 registered artisans, over 700 artisans would be covered in the first phase.

“The artisans would be asked to renew their cards after every three years so that we can keep a record of how many artisans have actually availed the benefit of the card,” the Chairman stated. of five years.

“RGSSBY for the first two years i.e. for the year 2007-08 and 2008-09 will be implemented for all categories of handicraft artisans,” he said adding that on implementation of Health Insurance Scheme (HIS) of Ministry of Labour for BPL families, HACWS will be subsumed with HIS. “And RGSSBY shall be implemented for non BPL handicraft for the next three years, 200910, 2010-11 and 2011-2012 as per the central government guidelines,” Chairman stated.

for people with dementia which won the international award for best evidence based research this year.

(For more info contact Dr Amit Dias at 9822382842 & people in South Goa can contact Shezmin Jesani at 9920866819).

Tourist rescued CALANGUTE (HC): A tourist from Bangalore was rescued by the Drishti Surf Life Team on Saturday at Candolim.

According to reports, Wasim Ahmed (24) was in distress while swimming in the no-swim zone at Candolim and called for help.

Drishti Surf Life Team Lifeguard Madan Halankar rushed to his rescue and pulled him ashore.

OHERALDO

Goa

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GOA, TUESDAY, 7 DECEMBER, 2010

S H O RT TA K E S

Rag pickers, blessing in disguise for Agonda!

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CanaCona, oCT 6

Minister of Revenue Jose Phillip D’Souza receives the CSI National Award of Excellence in e- Governance from eminent scientist and Chairman of e-Governance Committee, Government of Maharashtra, Vijay Bhatkar, recently.

Also present are Collector of North Goa, Mihir Vardhan, Chairman of Goa Electronics Ltd (GEL), Mahendra Khandeparkar, Managing Director GEL, B S Borkar, Scientist C NIC , G H Subhash and CEO of GEL, Revati Majumdar.

Nakshatra Utsav organised SanGUEM(HC): ‘nakshatra Utsav’, a cultural programme for upcoming artistes, organized by Kala academy jointly in coordination with Samrat Club, Sanguem, was held in the premises of vithal Mandir, Sanguem recently.

Sanguem MLa vassudev Meng Gaonkar was the chief guest for the function, while Sanguem Municipal Council Chairperson Sanjay Raikar was the guest of honour.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Gaonkar complimented Kala academy for organizing the programme in Sanguem, which he said will go a long way in helping artistes from the remote areas showcase their talents.

“The villagers in the remote areas have many hidden talents in them, but are unable to showcase their talents for lack of proper platform. ‘nakshatra Utsav’, the programme organized

by Kala academy since the last 14 years have provided the youth sector from remote areas an opportunity to come out with their hidden talents,” claimed Gaonkar.

Chairperson Sanjay Raikar in his address assured all possible support and co-operation to the organizers for organizing the programme which shall largely benefit the upcoming artistes. on the occasion, the organizers felicitated Ramkrishna verlekar for being the first citizen from Sanguem taluka to participate in ‘nakshatra Utsav’ 14 years ago. a two minute silence was also observed on the occasion to pay tributes to the first President of Samrat Club Prakash nadkarni who expired recently.

The programme comprised variety cultural programme throughout the day with artistes performing to the tunes of different forms of music. The participants for the programme comprised renowned artists, which included Swarila Keshav Panshikar, Rima atmaram Gadkari, Charudatt Mahadev Gawas, Rohidas Malik, aditi Kundaikar, Suprita Manjunath and Divya Gopalan.

Prominent among those who attended the programme were Govind Kale, Dinkar Panshikar, Samrat Club President Bindiya vast and akshay Khandekar.

Red Ribbon Club at Curchorem CURCHoREM(HC): Goa State aiDS Control Society in collaboration with Government Polytechnic Curchorem recently inaugurated Red Ribbon Club at Government Polytechnic Curchorem under the guidance of College Principal ajit Gaonkar.

The resource persons for the programme were Sanjay naik along with youth consultant of Goa State aids Control Society (GSaCS) lecturer Shashikant Chari, Girish Shirodkar and Gangaram Lambor.

Sanjay naik briefed about various issues of Hiv/aiDS, its myth and misconceptions, stigma and discrimination and role of students in reversing the infection of Hiv/aiDS. The students asked various questions, which were answered by the resource persons. The College Principal appreciated the work of GSaCS and extended his full support for such type of activities.

Lecturer Girish Shirodkar welcomed the guests and students and also proposed the vote of thanks.

Aranke tops SRS comp quiz PanJiM(HnD): Kshitij aranke of Manovikas English Medium School, Margao has topped SRS nineteenth inter-school computer quiz organised recently by SRS Computer services, Ponda.

43 entries were received from 23 schools for the quiz organised annually to generate computer awareness amongst the school students.

The other winners are Marc Miranda, The Rosary HS, Miramar and Shubhankar Shah of Mahila and nutan English HS, Margao.

Consolation prizes were awarded to Sachin S amonkar of Mahila and nutan English HS, Yash Tatia of Manovikas English Medium School, Margao, Kapil vS amonker of vD & Sv Wagle HS, Mangeshi and Basavaraj P Munnoli, Loyola HS, Margao.

Prizes will be awarded during special 22nd anniversary celebration to be held on December 12.

Cake mixing held at Holiday Inn

The management, staff and guests participating in the cake mixing ceremony at Holiday Inn, Mobor.

HERALD NEWS DESK PanJiM, DEC 6

The annual cake mixing ceremony was initiated at Holiday inn, Mobor, auguring the festive season of Christmas and new Year.

The Director Food Production, Ranjeet with the guests and staff mixed an interesting array of fruits, nuts and spices,

which was then poured into a huge cauldron. Countless bottles of spirits and syrups were also poured into the mix in musical ambience of a traditional brass band playing by the pool side.

The Holiday inn celebrates this ritual to usher in the festive season of good tidings, happiness and lots of Christmas cakes.

as plastic and other waste increases by every passing day, rag-pickers seems to be the only option, where residents eagerly awaits their arrivals in their localities as the ultimate authority helping out in taking away the unusable material generated by them.

Contrary to what previously used to happen, the rag-pickers are awaited in most of the residential localities to unburden their areas from accumulation of unwanted usable hard or soft plastics, unusable iron/material pieces and non-working electronic items, which otherwise residents themselves have no idea of disposing it for good. i n t e re s t i n g l y, e v e n t h e tourism entrepreneurs takes the arrival of rag-pickers as a blessing in disguise and guide them to free their premises from unwanted items, which includes plastic bottles and metal cans. according to the locals, the only precaution, residents’ needs to take or are advised to take is to allow the rap-pickers to lift unwanted things within one’s eye-catching distance or else there is danger of missing some or even all the useful things.

With the rural garbage disposal scheme yet to pick-up in any of the villages, the coastal areas especially engaged in tourism activities finds it extremely difficult to dispose-off

HERALD NEWS DESK PanJiM, DEC 6

Rag pickers take account in polythelene bags along the Agonda road after hard days work.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

the days generated waste, as many follows unethical paths of disposing it along the isolated roadsides. Even village water bodies including rivers, rivulets and estuaries are turned into dump yards.

Former agonda sarpanch Jovi Fernandes said: “it’s been long enough that our proposal for land acquisition is pending with the government. But, since the process is time-consuming, the p a n c h a y a t e v e n i f m a ke s arrangements for door-to-door garbage collections, has no

place of its own to dump it.”

“Panchayat did made arrangement to collect garbage from door-to-door tourism-engaged establishments for the last two seasons, but faced difficulty in disposing it,” he said. agonda Panch Tipu Pagi said there were times when residents used to ask the rag-pickers to go away while entering in their areas.

“But since they helps in cleaning off unwanted plastics and other things, now people have started to show a favourable ap-

‘Improvement in all sections of society will help nation prosper’

Goa Dairy to implement 6th pay for employees HERALD CORRESPONDENT MaRCEL, DEC 6

The Goa Dairy Board of Directors has decided to implement 6th pay for its employees. it may be recalled that the employees had started agitation demanding 6th pay implementation and had threatened to strike the work.

Workers had also demanded to pay arrears from 2006, however the board decided to pay the arrears from January 2010 to october 2010, which will cost the Dairy Rs 1.20 crore.

Wo r ke r s u n i o n l e a d e r s w e re a l s o p re s e n t a t t h e meeting. The Dairy has 264 employees.

With sixth pay implementation, the Board of Directors has decided to discontinue ex-gratia, medical and canteen allowances to the employees.

The meeting also resolved that workers will work hard to increase dairy sales and concentrate on quality.

proach towards the breed,” he said.

“Residents are required to keep a constant eye whenever rag-pickers enters their areas or if you takes the chance of leaving them unwatched, they wrap up usable materials,” added Pagi. agonda Deputy Sarpanch Gulshan Guru Bandekar said: “it’s good that at least 20% of the unwanted waste is taken away by these rag-pickers, which otherwise people are dumping in the village water-bodies and isolated locations.”

VM Salgaocar College bags UNDP project HERALD NEWS DESK PanJiM, DEC 6

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PoRvoRiM, DEC 6

President of Lokmanya Co-operative Credit society, Belgaum, Kiran Thakur has stated that india can prosper at a faster pace if the lives of the poor can improve.

"This is possible if all sections of the society become educated and reasonably wealthy," he said.

He was speaking as chief guest at the function organized to felicitate former ML a Dharama Chodanker for receiving the Best Chairman of the Year award in the cooperative sector at the Saraswati Sabhagraha, Porvorim.

Thakur mentioned that the scope for cooperatives is phenomenal in india, provided quality service and quality products are provided to the people.

"To achieve this goal, the cooperative sector requires people who believe in quality. The cooperative sector in Goa needs leaders like Dharma Chodanker who can spearhead the cooperative movement," said Thakur.

Commenting that corruption has become a way of life in india,

Madkaikar urges Divadkars to benefit from govt schemes

President of Lokmanya Co-operative Credit society, Belgaum, Kiran Thakur felicitates Dharma Chodanker. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Thakur opined that votes are being literally sold for a price during elections.

"Under this circumstance, there is hardly any chance for sincere and honest persons to get elected," he said.

Rajeev Kala Mandir vice-President vishnu Wagh and Chairman of Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd Ramakant Khalap also spoke on the occa-

sion.

Replying to the felicitation, Chodanker attributed his success to the people who have helped him discharge his duties. nationalist Congress Party President Surendra Sirsat and vice President of the Mapusa Urban cooperative Bank Ltd. Gurudas natekar were also present at the function.

The research centre of vM Salgaocar College of Law has been selected by UnDP (United nations Development Programme) for the award of its research project on ‘access to justice law school based legal service clinics’. The college is the only institution in the country selected for this project. according to a press release issued here, the Principal Dr M Pinheiro and senior faculty Prof M R K Prasad had jointly submitted the project proposal on behalf of the research centre of the college. after short-listing they were asked to make a technical and financial presentation before the Government of india and United nations Development Pro gramme officials. Despite tough competition the college emerged the winner.

This is the first time that an institution from Goa is awarded the research project by UnDP, adds the press release.

Beautification work on Harvalem Waterfall begins HERALD NEWS DESK PanJiM, DEC 6

S p e a ke r P r a t a p s i n g R a n e launched the Harvalem Waterfall beautification project at Harvalem-Sanquelim recently, undertaken by the Department of Tourism at an estimated cost of Rs 75 lakhs. The project would include construction of new footsteps to enter the waterfall, beautification of the waterfall and Shri Rudreshwar Temple in the vicinity.

Pratap Gawas performed the bhumipoojan and other religious rituals while Tourism Minister nilkanth Halarnkar unveiled the plaque.

Rane appealed to the residents, Sanquelim Municipal Council and tourism department to maintain cleanliness and natural beauty of Harvalem waterfall. He directed the Tourism Department to complete the work within the stipulated time. He informed that Rudreshwar Temple is a historical site where people gather in large number for Shivratri.

Tourism Minister, Nilkanth Halarnkar unveils plaque to mark the opening beautification project at Harvalem waterfall in presence of Speaker, Pratapsingh Rane, Pale MLA, Pratap Gawas, Chairperson of Sanquelim Municipal Council, Anand Naik, Chairperson of Valpoi Municipal Council Umesh Gulelkar, Dy Director Tourism-Hanumant Parsekar and councilors of Sanquelim Municipal Council.

nilkanth Halarnkar assured his full cooperation for the development of different tourist sites in north Goa and asked the concerned MLas to forward their proposals.

MLa of Pale Pratap Gawas, applauded the Government for fulfilling this long-pending demand of Sanquelim residents

and said that similar developmental projects will be undertaken in Pale with the guidance of the Speaker. He also thanked the Tourism Minister for sanctioning the project.

PRo of GTDC, Deepak narvekar welcomed the gathering and later proposed the vote of thanks.

Free stalls for registered craftsmen at Lokotosav- 2011 HERALD NEWS DESK PanJiM, DEC 6

The Department of art and Culture, will organise the 12th national level art and crafts fair ‘Lokotosav – 11’ (Folk Festival) in collaboration with West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, Kala academy, and Sports authority of Goa from January 4, to January 13, 2011 for ten days at Darya Sangam,

Kala academy, Campal, Panjim.

This festival provides a platform to the traditional craft persons and folk artists from various parts of the country and the State to display and sell their art and crafts. about 250 craft persons and 200 performing artists from Goa and other states are invited to exhibits their art and craft in this festival. The stalls will be provided free of

cost to the crafts persons registered under the Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale industries Development Corporation, RDa, Handicrafts Marketing and Service Extension Centre, Goa .

The application forms are available at Department of art and Culture, Sharma Shakti Bhavan, 5th Floor, Patto, Panjim from December 7 and submit the filled forms to the department by December 18.

The MLa of Cumbarjua constituency Pandurang Madkaikar appealed to the common man of Divar to take full advantage of the vegetable vendors and other schemes available with the government under both the village panchayats.

Mr Madkaikar informed that he would always be available if any assistance was needed in terms of welfare of the people and development of the island.

He was speaking during the cheques distribution function held at Sao Matias Panchayat premises on Sunday in the presence of Janita Madkaikar, old Goa vP sarpanch; Sao Matias vP a c t i n g s a r p a n c h Tu l s i d a s Kundaikar and ward members.

Later, Madkaikar distributed the cheques to the vegetable vendors of Rs 5000 each.

Earlier, panch Jerry D’Souza welcomed Madkaikar and Mrs

Madkaikar and later proposed the vote of thanks.

Meanwhile, the village Panchayat of Sao Matias, Divar in their fortnight meeting passed a resolution requesting the government to send the ration quota in the first week of every month and not in the last week.

The resolution proposed by panch Jerry D’Souza stated that in the month of october, villagers had tough time as the ration supply such as rice, wheat received late and kerosene in november was also supplied by end of the month.

“The villagers had to make trips often to fair price shop as the supply was delayed,” it stated Further it requested the Civil Supplies Department and Minister for Civil Supplies Jose Philip D’Souza to look into the grievances of Sao Matias villagers as Christmas is approaching.

UPcOmiNg EvENTS Panjim Church feast PanJiM (HnD): Panjim Church will celebrate the feast of its Patroness, immaculate Conception on December 8 with Masses at 5.30 am, 6.30 am, and 7.30 am (all in Konkani), 8.30 am (English), 12.30 pm and 5.30 pm (offered by navhind Times staff); the Concelebrated Feast Mass will be celebrated at 9.30 am, says a press release.

Art of Living course PanJiM (HnD): The art of Living Part i course will be organised in Panjim at ‘Kamal’, adv neela navelkar’s Residence, near Taleigao Market from December 7 to 12 from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

The course helps to live stress free and peaceful life. Those wishing to participate may contact Sri Sri Shoppee, opp Hotel Delmon, Panjim on 9822104421/ 9422606420 for registration.

Meet at Quepem QUEPEM(HC): Those affected by the government's refusal to accept the Matriz document as a title document have been invited to attend a meet in the office of Xeldem ZP Rosario Fernandes at Quepem on December 6 at 4.30 pm.

The meeting will chalk out plans to stage an agitation before the government.

Awards for social service PanJiM (HnD): on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day on December 19, the State Government will give awards to the individual/organisation who have rendered commendable services in categories of - care of orphans and physically handicapped and award for the best run voluntary organization in the field of social welfare. The awards will consist of certificate of merit and samai/rolling trophy.

‘Strategic planning vital for Rotary Clubs growth’ HERALD NEWS DESK PanJiM, DEC 6

Strategic planning is the key to the Rotary Clubs movement in order to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programmes so that we can share its vision of a better world, disclosed Dr Jorson Fernandes, Rotary District 3170 Governor nominee for 2012 at the training workshop in Bangkok recently.

Strategic planning which is the overall planning that facilitates the good management of a process provides one with the big picture of what one is doing and where we are going so that there is clarity about what we actually want to achieve and how to go about achieving the goal, stated Dr Jorson.

Dr Jorson stressed that Rotarians are committed to imp ro v e t h e q u a l i t y o f l i f e , providing health care, clean water, food, education, and other essential needs primarily of the most vulnerable people with the major humanitarian programme being `PolioPlus’, which seeks to eradicate the polio virus worldwide.

Through its educational programmes, Rotary provides fund-

ing for students to study abroad each year. Grants are also awarded to university teachers to teach in developing countries and for exchanges of business and professional people, said Dr Jorson.

There is need for undertaking need based service projects so that the question of “what difference do Rotarians want to make in the community” is cleary understood. For that the planning process must be based on a real understanding of the environment.

For the smooth take off, a review of the district’s work and a review of the organisation’s internal functioning must be undertaken according to Rotarian Tom, vice-president, Rotary international who spoke on leadership.

POWER SHUT DOWN DEC 7

Rivona: From 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. areas affected are Rivona and Keri.

SioLiM : From 9.30 am to 4 pm. areas affected are Siolim PHC, ingrezwado, oxel, Madhlabhat, Marna Gudem, Dhando, vagali, Tarachi Bhat, Partawada, Bamanwada, Waddi Siolim, oxel and surrounding areas.

DEC 9

Dona Paula: From 9 am to 2 pm. areas affected are Machado Cove, Manipal Hospital, vagunium valley, odxel, Landscape shire and surrounding Dona Paula areas.

DEC 10

Taleigao: From 9 am to 2 pm. areas affected are Taleigao, Shankar Wadi, Durga wadi, odlem bhat, St paula, amaral Waddo, Fredrick Plastics, Taleigao Market areas and surrounding areas.

5

07 DECEMBER

President Republic of India

GOVERNOR OF GOA

PRIME MINISTER

MESSAGE

MESSAGE

MESSAGE

I am happy to learn that the Armed Forces Flag Day is being celebrated every year on December 7th.

Our Armed forces, over the years, have distinguished themselves in varous fields and the nation is proud of them. Armed Forces Flag Day is a reminder about the sacrifices made by the officers and men of the Forces in defence of our country. The occasion is an ideal opportunity to express our solidarity though liberal contributions to the Flag Day Fund.

By donating to the Fund and displaying Flags, the entire Nation expresses its support to the Armed Forces. Flag Day collections are intended for the welfare of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families.

On this occasion, I appeal to the people to contribute generously to the Flag Day Fund and wish the Flag Day Celebrations every success.

The Armed Forces Flag Day is an occasion for all of us to honour and salute the brave men and women of our Armed Forces for the sacrefices they make for the nation in times of peace and war. We are proud of the selfless dedication shown by our Armed Forces in meeting the many challenges that face the country. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude.

I appeal to all my fellow citizens to contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Through such a gesture, we will recognize the valiant deeds of our Armed Forces, both those who are in active service and those who have retired.

I convey my very best wishes to all members of our Armed Forces and their families and wish them great glory and happiness.

Manmohan Singh (Prime Minister)

Pratibha Devisingh Patil (President)

With Best Wishes from:

On the Armed Forces Flag Day – 7th December, 2010, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all the ranks of the Indian Armed Forces.

This is an occasion when we pay our homage to the sufferings and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces in protecting our Motherland from internal troubles and external aggressions, thereby preserving the territorial integrity and the unity of the country. In the past, our Armed Forces have rendered supreme service for the cause of the nation, with total devotion, loyalty and patriotic spirit and have thus, not only protected our frontiers but also brought laurels to the Nation. Needless to say, the Indian Armed Forces are among the best in the world. With their sterling qualities, vigilance and preparedness based on advanced scientific knowledge and technological devices, we can hope that they will be able to face any formidable challenges and ensure the safety and the security of our country and the people.

It is our moral as well as national responsibility to extend our support and assistance to the ex-servicemen and their families, which will give a big boost to the serving personnel to render still better service to the nation. I, therefore, on this occasion, appeal to my fellow citizens to generously contribute towards the welfare and rehabilitation of the ex-servicemen and their families.

S.S. Sidhu Governor

With Best Wishes from:

With Best Wishes from:

State Bank of India

ONGC

Asst. General Manager (Administration), M.G.Road, Post Box No. 12, Panaji, Goa-403 01 Telegram: “Remar” Code No. 7972 Phone No.: (0832) 2226091 to 94, 2227789 Fax: (0832) 22246, 2222318

SESA GOA LIMITED Sesa Ghor, 20, EDC Complex, Patto, Panaji, Goa - 403 001 Tel: +91-832-2460600

OBSERVANCE OF ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY

MESSAGE

CHIEF MINISTER GOA

The Armed Forces Flag Day is an occasion to remember the sacrifices made by our gallant soldiers. sailors and airmen, in defending the integrity and honour of our Nation. Many of them have made the supreme sacrifice during the operations on the battle field, sea and air, while combating insurgency, proxy war and militancy. The best way of expressing our solidarity and gratitude towards them would be to generously donate on the Armed Forces Flag Day. I, on the occasion extend my warm greeting to all ranks of the Armed Forces and their families and appeal to all citizens to contribute generously to the Flag Day fund.

Digambar Kamat (Chief Minister)

On the eve of The Armed Forces Flag Day we salute those Soldiers who sacrifice their lives for motherland

With Best Wishes from:

N RB

NRB Group®

Narayan Bandekar MINISTER FOR HOME GOA

MESSAGE The Armed Forces Flag Day is an occasion for the nation to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of our defence personnel. We acknowledge their innumerable sacrifices, and their selfless devotion in the service of the country.

On this day, we express our gratitude and appreciation through our contributions to the Flag Day Fund. These voluntary donations serve the welfare of the needy and infirm Ex-Servicemen and their dependents.

I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all the three services on the Armed Forces Flag Day. I urge all people to contribute generously in support of the worthy objectives of the Flag Day Fund.

Ravi S. Naik Minister For Home With Best Wishes from:

WE ARE EXTREMELY PROUD OF EACH & EVERY ONE OF YOU. KEEP BRAVE.

ZUARI INDUSTRIES LIMITED

1. Since 1949, 7th December, is observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day throughout the country to honour the martyrs and the men in uniform who valiantly fought on our borders to safeguard the country's honour. “It is the cause not merely death that makes the martyrs” once said Napolean Bonaparte.

There cannot be a nobler cause than laying down ones life for the country. At the same time our admiration for the martyrs should not mean that we have little time for the living heroes who they left behind to fend for themselves.

2. On this day, 7th December, we observe a two minutes silence at 11 a.m. as a mark of respect to honour the martyrs from the defence services and also to bring to the forefront our obligations towards disabled comrades, widows and dependents of the martyrs and those valiant soldiers.

3. During the course of achieving victories, in the various wars the nation has fought and in combating the ongoing crossborder terrorism and insurgency, our Armed Forces have lost and continue to lose valuable lives as well as leaving quite a few disabled. The trauma that the family suffers on demise of the head of the family is hard to fathom. Those of our men who are disabled require care and rehabilitation so that they do not become a burden on their family and can instead lead life of dignity. Further more, there are Ex-servicemen who suffer from serious diseases such as Cancer, Heart ailments and Joint Replacement etc and who cannot afford the high cost of treatment, hence, they too need our care and support.

4. The requirement of keeping our Armed Forces young necessitates the release of our service personnel at 35-40 years of age when they are still young, physically fit and have qualities of discipline, drive and leadership. Every year about 60,000 Defence personnel are compulsorily retired. Caring for these ex soldiers and their families is therefore a national responsibility.

5. Many brave and gallant heroes from the Armed Forces have laid down their lives in the service of the country. Ongoing counter-insurgency operations and Op Vijay in Kargil have also left many broken homes without a breadwinner. Flag Day brings to the forefront our obligations of looking after our disabled comrade-in-arms, widows and dependents of those who have sacrificed their lives for the country.

6. It is for these reasons, we observe the Flag Day. It is on this day that the service rendered by personnel of Army, Navy and

Role of Citizenry 1. Government measures at the Centre and State level alone are inadequate to provide support to the disabled, old ExService personnel, their families, war widows and orphaned children. It, therefore, becomes the collective responsibility of each citizen to make his/her unstinted and voluntary contribution towards providing care, support, rehabilitation and financial help to them.

2. Contribution from the public is received throughout the year. The fund is operated by Managing Committee, presided over by his Excellency, the Governor. Rajya Sainik Board is responsible for administration of Armed forces Flag Day Fund.

3. Contributions to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund are 100% exempted from Income Tax vide Department of Revenue, Central Board of Direct Taxes Notification (Income Tax) No.78/2007, Dated 26.03.2007 (F.No.197/08/2007ITA) Where there is darkness let us bring some light Where there is despair let us bring some hope Where there is suffering let us bring some healing

SECULARISM IN THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES Nearly sixty years ago, a few days after the passing away of the Father of our Nation, Lord Mountbatten gave an important message to the Armed Forces, when he said:'It is for the Armed Forces, more than any other organized unit in the country, both to set an example and to bring about the policy Mahatma Gandhi gave his life for: that of unified India without any communal buttress or ill feeling.

These words ring true even today. The Indian Armed Forces is a symbol and proud example of the unity of our great Country. It is a living example of National Integration. Each one of the proud Soldier, Sailor and Airman of India is willing to perform the supreme sacrifice for our Republic, without fear or favour, without any prejudice based on ethnic, religious, linguistic, regional or caste identity. They are Indians First and Indians Last.

In our most illustrious, battle hardened and highly decorated regiments like The Grenadiers, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, Rajputana Rifles, Sikh Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry, Kumaon Regiment, Assam Regiment, Naga Regiment, Gorkha Rifles and

Bringing plant potential to life Syngenta India Limited, Santa Monica Works, Corlim, Ilhas, Goa www.syngenta.com

DEMPO GROUP OF COMPANIES

Chowgule House, Mormugao Harbour, Goa

Air Force are remembered. It is the collective duty of every citizen of our country to ensure rehabilitation and welfare of the dependents of our brave martyrs and disabled personnel. The Flag Day gives us an opportunity to contribute most generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day fund.

7. For the above reasons, the Defence Committee of the Cabinet in 1949 decided that the Flag Day henceforth will be observed on 07 December each year throughout the country.

Armed Forces Flag Day is hence observed every year on 7th December. On this day the nation and its citizenry reinforce their solidarity and express their gratitude and appreciation towards our Armed Forces Personnel.

8. A concerted effort is made on this day to raise collections from the public. The significance of the Day is brought home through electronic and print media. In some places, Armed Forces formation and units also arrange variety of shows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programmes. Token Flags and Car Stickers in red, deep blue and light blue colours, representing the three Services are distributed to the public throughout the country by respective Rajya Sainik Boards.

Corporate Office: Dempo House, Campal, Panaji, Goa - 403 001. India.

Tel.: 91-832-2226281-86 / 2441300 Fax: 91-832-2225098/2228588 Web: htpp://www.dempos.com Email: mail@dempos.com

By Major (retd) Venugopal Nair Madras Regiment, Officers and Soldiers from all major religious communities co-exists peacefully. It is mandatory for all ranks to attend mandir/masjid/gurudwara parade and church services, thus inculcating religious tolerance and respect for all religions. You will find 'Sarva Dharma sthal' in most of our borders, high altitude areas and LOC in north and eastern frontiers. The sthal has deities and relics of all religions placed and worshiped together. No body is discriminated on communal lines, otherwise there would not have been Major Somnath Sharma or CQMH Abdul Hamid or Hav Joginder Singh or L/Nk Albert Ekka or Major Tarapore making supreme sacrifice for our Nation and awarded 'Paramvir Chakra', the highest gallantry award.

At a tine when the people of our country are being divided on the basis of caste, community, region and religion by anti national elements and divisive forces, the Armed Forces are probably the last left organization and the most shining example of 'unity in diversity'; It is the responsibility of each and every member of the Armed Forces to strengthen the value of secularism, apolitical outlook and professionalism which their worthy predecessors have so painstakingly natured.

Jai Hind !

Minister of Defence, India

MESSAGE I am glad to lear that the Armed Forces Flag Day is being observed on December 7 and a brochure is being brought out on the occasion.

Our Armed Forces have distinguished themselves with their dedication, valour, devotion to duty and professionalism in the face of various challenges.

The Armed Forces Flag Day is intended to honour the bravehearts and the martyrs, as well as salute the veterans and renew our solidarity with the Armed Forces personnel. The entire nation expresses its solidarity with the Armed Forces by donating to the Flag Day Fund and displaying flags. Flag Day collections are utilised for the welfare of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and widows.

On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day 2010, I appeal to all the people to contribute generously to the Flag Day Fund.

A. K. Antony Minister of Defence

CHIEF SECRETARY GOA

MESSAGE The Armed Forces Flag Day is intended to honour our valiant soldiers, to salute the veterans and to pay homage to those who laid down their lives in service for defending of our Motherland. Our Armed Forces rendered supreme services in time of national crises and natural calamities displaying exemplary courage, valour dedication and love for the nation.

I would urge the people on the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag Day to generously contribute to the cause of the serving personnel and the rehabilitation of the ex-servicemen and their dependents.

On the occasion, I extend my warm greetings and felicitation to all ranks of the Armed Forces and their families.

(S. K. SRIVASTAVA, IAS)

FOMENTO RESOURCES kaPaao-roSana baOMk

GOA SHIPYARD LIMITED

Corporation Bank

Shipbuildings, Ship Repairers and Engineers VASCO-DA-GAMA, GOA

Baart sarkar ka ]Vma A Govt. of India Enterprise

V.M. SALGAOCAR & BRO. PVT. LTD. Vasco-da-Gama, Goa

DEMPO - PLACING GOA ON THE WORLD MAP

Issued by: Department of Sainik Welfare, Goa

OHERALDO

OPINION

Pg6

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Sardar? Sultan? Sphinx?

Vol No CX No: 305 Goa, Tuesday, 7 December, 2010

Teens and their mobile mania

O

ver 65 per cent teenagers carry mobile phones to schools. A mobile phone has become a ‘must-have’ fashion statement among them. Over 85 per cent of urban teenagers own cell phones. These are the findings of a survey conducted by industry group Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). Despite restrictions on using mobile phones in school, more than two-thirds of teenagers use mobile phones in school premises, the Assocham survey found. The chamber surveyed about 2,500 school students and their parents in cities like Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune.

The survey expressed concern that teenagers in metropolitan cities are showing an increased dependence on mobile phones, which goes far beyond its functional capabilities. They have become a ‘must-have item’ and a fashion statement, with an aspirational peer pressure to acquire the latest gadget with the most bells and whistles. This, it said, was due to an increase in pocket money and the absence of parental monitoring.

Children use their mobile phones not only for talking but also for SMS, MMS, web surfing and online chatting.

Among the developing countries, India has seen a huge increase in the use of mobile telephones, which have been increasing exponentially. Mobile penetration is increasing at a rapid rate. For example, the country added 17.10 million subscribers in the month of September this year, equal to the entire population of the African island-country of Madagascar.

The total number of mobile users in India is estimated to be to be 687.71 million, more than twice the entire population of the United States of America.

The survey found that youngsters who excessively use mobile phones are more prone to abnormalities like disrupted sleep, stress and fatigue. It also expressed concern that overuse of mobile phones could cause addiction, and also expose teenagers to health hazards like smoking and drinking.

Most shocking of all, it said that over 90 per cent of parents said that they had bought mobile phones for their children so that the kids remain busy and do not disturb them. But over 50 per cent of parents said that cell phones play a vital role in communicating during emergencies. While 60 per cent of parents said that students should not be allowed to use mobiles in schools, 23 per cent said that youngsters should have an access to mobiles. To each his or her own, but let things not get to the point where, in Newcastle, England, detectives are hunting for a gang of pyjama-wearing girls who stalk the streets late at night to steal mobile phones and money. Newcastle Police have released footage of the three teenagers attacking an inebriated woman as she talked on her mobile phone. But they are yet to catch them.

Land acquisition policy

J

ust a few days ago, we published an article on this page by former Union Law Minister Ramakant Khalap, urging that the century-old Land Acquisition Act be changed, and a new land acquisition policy, based on one implemented in Haryana, be implemented in Goa. It is indeed gratifying to note that Mr Khalap’s article has been read in the right circles.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said that his government was committed to bring a total change in the land acquisition policy. He said that henceforth, land losers will not only receive compensation at market rates, but they will be provided jobs.

Too often, jobs are promised but not given, as we have seen with the Konkan Railway and other projects. A more easy-to-implement policy, like the one in Mr Khalap’s article, might work better.

Sprawling drug trade Michael Vaz, Merces Some local channels and dailies gave good coverage of the drug haul worth over Rs32 lakhs, that was confiscated by the Anjuna police, a couple of days ago. The fact that drug peddlers have been doing their rounds in Goa, only goes to prove that the illicit trade is rampant in the coastal belts.

It is customary on the part of the locals to blame outside elements for tarnishing Goa’s image. But let us be prudent to acknowledge the fact that the consignment has reached this place because of the thriving market patronised by youngsters and tourists.

With the state keen on developing

100 Years Ago

A

Moot question is, what was PM fiddling with, when scams came in thick and fast, asks antHony SiMoeS

bout 55 years ago, I had a teacher called Julie D’Costa. She was my English teacher and also our class teacher. For some strange reason, she looked upon us, her class pupils, as budding poets who only needed some prodding from her. She loved the poems of John Masefield.

So even today, I remember her every time I see a sailboat on the Mandovi.

A little while ago, I turned on the TV and saw for the umpteenth time, pandemonium in parliament over the call for a JPC to look into the 2G scam. As I hit the red button on the remote control, the camera shifted to the front row of the treasury benches. The picture went off the tube but in my mind’s eye, a picture lingered. Two pictures, really.

One was that of a white lady draped in a sari.

Like an Italian marble statue. Cold, motionless, emotionless, inscrutable; almost lifeless. So near and yet so far. And yet the lifeblood of her party.

The kingmaker with a conscience and an inner voice. Like still waters that run deep.

The other was that of a hirsute-faced turbaned potentate-like presence. Only the hint of a smile, like the Sphinx, showing through the facial hair.

That hint of a smile took me back to Julie D’Costa and her poetry. In those early years, we sometimes felt the need to counter Masefield, Longfellow, Wordsworth, Tennyson, Shelley, Browning and others of their ilk with our own irreverent poems like the one about the Sphinx.

The sexual urge of the camel Is far greater than anyone might think And at the height of the mating season He’d even fancy the Sphinx.

Now the posterior passage of the Sphinx Is blocked by the sands of the Nile Which accounts for the hump on the camel And the Sphinx’s inscrutable smile.

Our science teacher did his best to convince us that the camel’s hump was an adaptation for storing water during long journeys through waterless deserts. That the camel’s hump was not the result of the camel’s alleged amorous advances

Accidental Activist

tourism, there is a need to filter out the vices associated with the industry.

Wrong village Sabina Martins, Convenor, Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) The report titled ‘GBA gears up for showdown with govt on RP anomalies’ (Herald, 6 December) has misquoted me as saying that Carmona had asked for VP3 status but was put in ODP. It was the villagers of Cansaulim that expressed their objection and indignation about their village being put into ODP area when they had asked for VP3 status by a Gram Sabha resolution, to retain the character of the village.

Annand Madgaokar has been wrongly referred to as Anil Madgaokar.

The errors are regretted. – Editor

Establishing Homestead

The Provisionary Government is intending to criminalise all the strikes, abolish the confiscation of the instruments of work, and is intending to establish Homestead.

Decree on judges age limit

Is going to be decreed the maximum age limit for the Judges at Bar which is going to be between 73 to 75 years.

NCOs to be reinstated

A notification from the Armed Forces states that are going to be reinstated into active service all the active NCOs, irrespective on whose side they fought on.

Embezzlers face arrest

Are on the verge to be arrested the embezzlers who defrauded the Mint House.

Postal stamps on sale

Are on sale the postal stamps with rubric “The Republic” which on the first day only over 4 thousand were sold.

The CM in India’s states has administrative powers to appoint 100s of top district officers in various departments. Many individuals wish to forge a relationship with the CM and he in turn, along with the Law Minister, appoints government lawyers with whom he has strong connections. This increases the defunctness of the prosecution and is a mockery of law.

The prosecutors in the US are directly elected. As a result, they are independent from Governors and other officers. Their nexuses are weaker.

Absurd stipulations Colm Madden, Aldona My wife and I, both holding PIO status (my wife is from Kolkata) have lived in Goa for the past five years. Each Christmas, our daughter from the UK, her two sons and our grandsons, visit us for a holiday.

The visa process is becoming increasingly more complex, convoluted, difficult and frankly unreasonable. This process is frustrating and has sowed the seeds of negativity towards the country of half of my daughter’s origin.

The visa stipulations now require her to produce a utility bill between 24-30 months old. She doesn’t have two year old utility

i

of massive frauds (like Enron) have been rewarded with huge promotions and perks.

We have all heard and even seen the magician David Copperfield making the Statue of Liberty disappear before a live audience of powerful, eminent and knowledgeable people. Everyone makes a big deal about this trick. What about our Generals, Admirals and Marathi chief ministers making a 35 storey building out of a 6 storey one? Concrete evidence of nation building? Action taken? One resignation!!! Ashok Chavan.

I have often criticised Sirji Manmohanji for placing various fraudsters and scamsters in charge of enquiry committees of the same fraud. Or of promoting these rascals to higher and more prominent positions. I have often accused him of placing the foxes in charge of the chicken coop.

Maybe I misunderstood Manmohanji. He is probably working on the Akbar/Birbal principle of ‘you set a thief to catch a thief ’. Emperors are allowed to behave like this. This is for the benefit of people who have not heard any good Sardarji jokes lately.

The real tragedy for India though, unfolds on a regular basis in what can only be called a travesty of parliamentary proceedings. With shouting, throwing papers, paper weights, chairs and microphones at the speaker’s podium, fistcuffs and abuse. Often not allowing parliament to function for days together on some pretext or the other.

However, our parliamentarians never forget to collect their salaries and allowances even though parliament did not function due to their unruly and disruptive behaviour.

The country loses on another count which is entirely disastrous to our future well-being. The treasury and opposition benches spend most of their time trying to prove that the other is more corrupt and therefore, absolve themselves of any wrongdoing. This is the most dangerous aspect of parliamentary proceedings today. This dangerous downward slide on this most slippery slope of competitive corruption is eating into the vitals of our society and polity.

Who Changed our Regional Plan?

T

Socorro D’Souza, Fatorda

7 December 1910

P

he RP2021 was released and already, we have had several reams of newsprint telling us how wonderful it is. Congratulations and thanks have been handed out on all fronts. My question to all the journalists and opinion leaders who were so quick with their responses is this – have you even read the final RP2021 document? How are you so sure it is good news without taking any time at all to analyse it, and when the plans for the two talukas haven’t even been released? As the GBA starts the process of studying the final document, there seem to be several worrying issues.

The biggest issue is the ways in which the final plan deviates from the draft plan. The mandate of the state level committee set up to finalise the plan was simple. It was to take the existing draft plan, look at the village level plans that had come in, incorporate the suggestions made and produce a final plan. What they have done is to fling in some innovations of their own – which did not exist in the draft RP2021 and which they had no business in doing so. None of these innovations has been opened to the public for their feedback or been part of any sort of participatory process.

Most of these have not been adequately explained either.

The first is the abandoning of the VP3 category. This plan has repeatedly been trumpeted as having ‘people’s participation’ and a key cornerstone to that claim was that villages had been allowed to choose the VP status they would like. Why has the VP3 category been dropped? No proper explanation. How can a category that was part of a draft plan that had been notified (and so has legal

Mockery of law PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

towards the Sphinx. common godfather backed by his own Coming back to fairy godmother. Hence the Rs500,000 this latest crore tax benefits for the Robber Barons Emperor/Viceroy of in the last budget.

India, he has me inThese Robber Barons of ours have a trigued. The poker political, socio-economic and environface with the hint of mental ideology that places them only a smile reminds me slightly to the left of Genghis Khan. of the Sphinx. SecreTheir depredations and devastation intive. Certainly not beflicted on the land, water, air and forests witching like the of the country reminds me of the raids Mona Lisa variety. As of Ghazni, Ghor and Tamerlane at the if he knows that he start of the second millennium or thereheads a government abouts. At the start of this third milwhich is a comprolennium, history is repeating itself. mise between a funcExcept for the fact, that the aggression olitiCally nCoRReCt is internal rather than external. Instead tioning anarchy and a benevolent dictaof armies of mercenaries, elephants torship. With a lot of kleptocracy thrown in. Built and horses, we now have armies of lawyers, lobon a foundation of cronyism, casteism, credu- byists, PROs and accountants. Instead of tribute lousness and a casino culture. and colonisation, we have liberalisation, privatiHis behaviour in the face of so many financial sation and globalisation. frauds reminds me of the apocryphal story of What do we make of the ‘Ooh-Aah’ adulation Nero fiddling whilst Rome was burning. The fiddle by our politicians, elites and their lap-dog media had not yet been invented and so many historians persons during the Obama visit? What was the have implied that Nero was given to extended big deal about deals worth $10 billion creating bouts of masturbation. The moot question is: 50,000 jobs in America? In the last 35 months what was Manmohan fiddling with when scam since December 2007, over 10 million Americans after scam was being pulled off right under his have lost their jobs due to meltdown/recession. nose? Even by his cabinet colleagues over long So why that big song and dance about creating periods of time. And such mind boggling numbers 50,000 jobs which is just half of 1 percent of the from the CAG no less. Rs70,000 crore! Rs176,000 crore!! 10 million jobs lost due to greedy CEOs? And all T h e n I w o n d e r a b o u t h i s c l a s s i c a l the time, not a word about 50 million unemployed economist/World Bank background influencing Indians or about 250 million underemployed Inhis behaviour. His coziness with the American dians in India, that is Bharat. Have they been efeconomic system based on rapid economic fectively hidden behind the fig leaf of the Mahatma growth, in turn, based on laissez-faire practiced Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme?

by Robber Barons. Where the government uses What about the other fig leaf? When the Chapublic funds to cover private losses but allows vans, Rajas, Kalmadis, Deshmukhs… are asked private profits to stay ‘oh-so-private’! The Amer- to resign after pulling off massive frauds? Will icans had their Rockfellers, Carnegies, Vander- there be arrests, trials, prosecutions, imprisonbilts… Now we are being ripped off by our very ments…? Or just siphoning of funds for the party own Robber Barons. The Ambanis, Birlas, Tatas, coffers? Maybe even promotions. Manmohan has Mittals, Agarwals… With Manmohan as their created many such precedents where perpetrators

standing) be dropped? No explanation. When villages have expressly opted for VP3 how can this expression of people’s participation and be over ridden? No explanation. The question begs to be asked - participatory planning or a compromise with the building lobby? The final plan suddenly adds three new categories. Huge chunks of pink appear on the map marked as ‘zone plan’. There is no proper explanation of what a zone plan is. There is a second new category ‘Non PDA ODP areas’. Again, there is no precise explanation of what this is or under what rules and building categories will this fall into. The third and most suspicious category that has been added is Micro Industrial Development Zone. This sounds like it is meant to encourage small scale industries until you read the fine print. These will be governed by ‘a unique policy’. This one could go either way. It could actually be used to encourage small scale industry - or it could be a nice little loophole to bring the SEZs back under another name.

The draft plan was scathing about the effects of mining on Goa. It recommended that mining leases close to water bodies and other sensitive areas be phased out in three years. And that, all mining be phased out in five years. This has gone entirely missing in the final notified RP2021. Instead, we have two recommendations that sound suspiciously like they came from the mining lobby. The first is the recommendation that a new four lane ‘state highway’ be built through the sensitive ghat area. What exactly is a state highway? How is this different from the expressway that is already planned? And who will benefit the most from a highway that runs straight to the most densely mined areas? If the expressway is al-

Nonplussed with liberation!

Arwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi.

December 19 is celebrated as Goa’s Liberation Day. I no longer want to celebrate the latter; because with every passing day, it looks more like the liberation of Goa, from Goans; rather than from the Portuguese.

With due respect to all freedom fighters, I would really want to know, what really happened in 1961? With strong key factors on our side: (A) The United Nations behind Goa, stating self-determination (B) Goans being aware of constitutional provisions to states like Kashmir etc.

I really cannot digest the fact that Goans so easily agreed to accession, without any safeguards. Something seems to be missing!!

Apologies, if I missed out on something or I am not aware of certain facts, in which case, please, can some enlighten me?

True colours Marcos Alemao, by email The true colours of our Chief Minister have been exposed. That he ordered the Chief Officer of Margao to legalise the illegal structures under the jurisdiction of the Margao Municipality lends credence to this belief. (Herald, 4 Dec report) He has begun creating his vote bank by legalising the houses of migrants/others in his constituency. Apparently, he is sure that most of the people will not vote for him during the ensuing assembly election due to his misdeeds..

Horny lifeguard Peter Cyril Andrade, Vasco The lifeguards posted by ‘Drishti’ are doing a good job by rescuing people. One thing they fail to realise is that, one beach is different from the other. A fortnight ago at Hollant beach near Bogmalo, I saw two lifeguards on duty. I don’t know whether such a small and relatively safe beach requires two lifeguards. Soon they were

ready being bulldozed over people’s protests, why do we need another state highway?

The second is the push to add one more rail line. Sounds like good planning; until you learn that in response to an RTI, the Rail Vikas Nigam clarified that the line was part of a ‘port connectivity project’. Read ‘to transport iron ore.’

These are just some of the issues that are emerging. It took us months of intense study to understand the implications of the draft plan. It was overall a good plan which would have done much to preserve and protect – but now it stands changed. The implications of the changes in the final plan are yet to be understood – do they water down the draft plan? Radically alter it? Undermine its spirit? It is very premature to begin the celebrations. On the other hand, neither do we wish to throw out years of hard work, which have gone into getting a decent plan, by a knee jerk reaction of rejection. All the various business lobbies would love a stay order, which would allow them to continue with the rules that currently apply – outdated ones from RP2001.

Once again the original demands of the GBA sound more and more like good sense. Put the final plan in public domain for 30 days for us to give our feedback. Until the final issues are sorted, let the eco sensitive zones be marked and preserved immediately.

Let VP3 status stand for all the villages that opted for it until the entire plan is completed and notified to everyone’s satisfaction.

Throw all the new innovations in this plan, open for debate and discussion. Until the government does this – let’s not celebrate.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

bills in her possession, and therefore, may be unable to fulfill the requirements. In the process, she stands to forfeit over two thousand pounds worth of airline tickets along with the holiday they all look forward to.

Your paper recently reported an 80% drop in tourists to Bogmalo, but who’s surprised!

By Venita Coelho

joined by another, who came speeding on a jet ski from Velsao beach. This lifeguard behaved as though he was a cowboy and the mostly Goan swimmers were cattle.

He sped towards the swimmers and kept herding them to one side. This guard also came menacingly towards me on his ski and told me to stay in one area for crowd management. I suspect that his behaviour was due to the presence of females who comprised a majority of the crowd.

The Drishti services should keep a watch on rogue elements in their services and state authorities should verify whether they are paying for unnecessary number of lifeguards.

Juvenile delinquents Stephen Dias, Dona Paula The news on “Juvenile delinquency” has received wide coverage in all sections of the media. Juveniles are normally off after receiving a warning by law enforcing authorities, or sent to Apna Ghar. This is due to the fact that they keep on repeating criminal acts and gradually graduate to big time offences.

The police are helpless to deal with such delinquents and the law covers them on account of the age bar. They seem to have become so smart that they even carry with them their birth certificate, to avoid any arrest or being sent to jail.

In light of such circumstances, the

Supreme Court or Parliament should bring down the age bar of these delinquents to age 12, because nowadays, the children mature much early.

Church laid low Anthony J Fernandes, Saligao This is with reference to the news article entitled “Two held for illegal possession of drugs” (Herald, 4 Dec) whereby one of the drug peddlers was caught red handed by the cops for selling drugs in the parking lot of Mae de Deus Church .

It is hard to understand that criminal elements have started functioning near the beautiful church of Saligao, which is a tourist attraction due to its Gothic architecture. When Dr Wilfred was our MLA, all these things were under control and no untoward incidents like these have ever happened. Even the police were on their toes during his stint.

Dr Willie ensured that the church was illuminated and even placed tourist benches on the peripheries of the parking lot.

The lights have now stopped functioning and the benches are occupied by all sorts of people including gays. Recently, a couple was caught in a promiscuous position on one of the tourism benches. Will the Tourism authorities wake up and provide our church with a security guard?

Goa’s innocence stripped Raymond Travasso, Sao Jose de Areal This refers to the news item ‘Garbage, sex, drugs driving Germans away’ (Herald, 5 December 2010). Goa is slowly gaining notoriety as a centre for sex trade and drugs.

What really surprises me is that many Goans have a lukewarm approach towards cultural deterioration and have accepted this transition as a ‘normal’ part of change.

The crumbling value system, the adoption of an unhealthy lifestyle and the increasing sex-drug tourism has stripped Goa of its innocence. A culture reflects the values (good/bad) that are accepted by most members of a society. Goa has gained a reputation for slowly getting transformed into a immoral society. Therefore, it’s important to imbibe right values in our family as it is these values that build or destroy a society.

Paths of Wisdom

Twins Once upon a time, twin boys were conceived.

Weeks passed and the twins developed. As their awareness grew, they laughed for joy: “Isn’t it great that we were conceived? Isn’t it great to be alive? “ Together the twins explored their worlds. When they found their mother’s cord that gave them life, they sang for joy! “How great our mother’s love is, that she shares her own life with us!”

As weeks stretched into months, the twins noticed how much each was changing.

“What does it mean?” one asked.

“It means our stay in this world is drawing to an end.” said the other.

“But I don’t want to go,” said one. “I want to stay here always.”

“We have no choice,” said the other.

“But maybe there is life after birth.”

“But how can there be?” responded one. “We will shed our life cord and how can life be possible without it?

Besides, we have seen evidence that others were here before us, and none of them has returned to tell us there is life after birth. No, this is the end.

Maybe there is no mother after all.”

“But there has to be,” protested the other. “How else did we get here? How do we remain alive?”

“Have you ever seen our mother?” said one.

“Maybe she only lives in our minds.

Maybe we made her up because the idea made us feel good.”

So the last days in the womb were filled with deep questioning and fear.

Finally, the moment of birth arrived.

When the twins had passed from their world, they opened their eyes and cried for joy - for what they saw exceeded their fondest dreams.

That is birth ... and that is death.

(Source: Spiritual.com.au)

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France to set up first two Review acquisition of ‘fertile’ land: Selja N-reactors in M’rashtra PTI AMBALA, DEC 6

PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 6

France today became the first country to sign agreements to set up nuclear reactors in India, two years after the country’s nuclear isolation prompted by Pokhran tests in 1998 ended.

Five path-breaking agreements to establish first two of the six reactors in Jaitapur in Maharashtra at a cost of approx USD 25 billion were inked in the presence of visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who paved the way for that during their talks over dinner yesterday.

Besides, a General Framework Agreement for building the European Pressure Reactors, signed between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and French company Areva, the two sides also inked pacts for Early Works Agreement for implementation of EPR units at Jaitapur and confidentiality and Intellectual Property Rights.

However, operationalisation of the agreement will take some time as negotiations on technical issues like pricing are still underway.

“The framework agreement has been signed between Areva and NPCIL. There are issues with regard to other technical matters including pricing.

These are subject matter of negotiations,” Singh told reporters at a joint press conference with

Sarkozy.

Following India’s enactment of a civil nuclear liability legislation, both countries stand ready to further exchange views on this issue so as to ensure the appropriate framework for the sound development of their cooperation, a joint statement, issued after the meeting, said.

Noting the innovative, broad-based and dynamic nature of their partnership in the field of civil nuclear energy cooperation, France and India welcome the progress towards further strengthening cooperation between the two countries including in research and development and in setting up joint nuclear power projects, it said.

India and France also signed two agreements— one pertaining to co-production of films and other in the field of Earth System Sciences and Climate cooperation.

Singh and Sarkozy also decided to work for doubling bilateral trade to 12 billion Euros by 2012, much of which is expected to be propelled by enhanced cooperation in the fields of civil nuclear energy and civil aviation.

Singh and Sarkozy held extensive talks on a host of issues like enhancement of bilateral ties in a wide range of areas such as defence, counterterrorism, space, science and technology besides discussing the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

SC seeks Thomas’ explanation on continuance as CVC PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 6

After its stinging remarks, the Supreme Court today asked controversial bureaucrat P J Thomas to explain his continuance as Central Vigilance Commissioner despite facing a corruption case in a Kerala court.

The apex court, which examined the file relating to Thomas’ appointment as CVC, sought the explanation, issuing him notices on various petitions which contended that he did not fulfill the criteria for holding such an important and sensitive post.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia issued the notice also to the government on various petitions challenging the appointment of Thomas as CVC despite having been chargesheeted in Palmolein oil import case in Kerala.

Thomas, who was appointed as CVC on September 7 this year, was issued notices on petitions filed by NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation(CPIL) and some other eminent persons including former Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh against his appointment.

“We have gone through the file. We will keep the matter for final hearing,” the bench also comprising justices K S Radhakrishnan and Swatanter Kumar said while posting the matter for hearing on January 27.

“Let them file their affidavit,” the bench said, while also asking

them to complete the process of filing replies and counter replies and other written submissions by the next date of hearing.

Attorney General G E Vahanvati accepted the notice on behalf of the government but declined to accept it on behalf of Thomas.

“I cannot accept notice on behalf of Thomas,” the AG said when advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for CPIL suggested that the law officer can accept notices for all respondents.

The bench also said that it wants to keep the matter for final hearing immediately. The AG sought six weeks to file response to the notice.

Bhushan said that it was a serious matter about a crucial post and wanted the matter to be taken up earlier. He submitted that he will serve the notice to Thomas tomorrow itself.

The bench directed the apex court registry that the file relating to the appointment of CVC, which it had called for earlier, be returned to the government later during the day.

The petitions have contended that Thomas was considered for the crucial post despite objection from the Leader of the Opposition who was part of a high-power 3member panel for the appointment.

The petitioners argued that Thomas cannot not be consid-

Band Bajaa... most important film of my career: Anushka

PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 6

She made her much-talked about debut opposite the ‘badshah’ of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan, but it is her third and upcoming film ‘Band Baaja Baarat’ which is the most important movie in her career, says actress Anushka Sharma.

The actress who shot to instant fame with her role in the 2008 hit ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, says that she was a lot more involved in the making of her latest film.

“This is one film which I have thought about a lot. When compared to my first two films, there is too much of me out here, which only makes it further special and important. Right through it’s making, my mind was constantly occupied just with this film,” the 22-year-old

told PTI. Anushka plays Shruti, an enterprising wedding planner in the film which marks the debut of Ranveer Singh, who plays her partner Bittu.

“The entire experience of working on this film has gone so deep down in my psyche that I can anything about it now; I am so clear about every aspect of it,” said Anushka who is hoping to score a hat trick of hits with the film.

‘Band Baaja...’ is her third film with Yash Raj banner after her debut effort ‘Ran Ne Bana Di Jodi’ and more recently ‘Badmaash Company’.

“The very title ‘Band Bajaa Baaraat’ represents the whole energy and fervour of the film.

The film has a backdrop of wedding planners, the characters which are played by Ranveer and me. The film is also coming at just the right time this festive season,” said the actress who began her career as a ramp model.

Over the last few months, quite a few romcoms have hit the screen though they have all met with diverse results. ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ was the most successful of all, ‘Anjaana Anjaani’ proved to be an average affair, ‘Aisha’ came and went while ‘Break Ke Baad’ is currently struggling to find an audience.

‘Band Baaja..’, Anushka says has all the ingredients of a great romcom.

ered as a person of “impeccable integrity” as he was chargesheeted in the Palmolein import scam when he was Kerala’s Secretary in the state Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies and had secured bail from the local court.

The PILs said he also could not be appointed as CVC on account of “conflict of interest” as till recently he was serving as the Secretary in Telecom Ministry and there was allegation that he was involved in the “cover-up” of the 2G spectrum allocation scam, which, according to the petitioners, has caused a loss of Rs 70,000 crore to the exchequer.

The petitioners have sought the court’s direction to declare Thomas’ appointment as illegal contending that there was violation of Section 4 of the Central Vigilance Commission Act as the Prime Minister and the Home Minister insisted on his name despite objection by the Leader of the Opposition, which shows the government had decided in advance to appoint him.

“The Prime Minister and the Home Minister recommended the name of Thomas for selection despite the fact that the Leader of the Opposition objected to his name being selected. So, the L eader of Opposition was forced to record her dissent. Hence, her presence was rendered meaningless in the appointment,” the petition alleged.

Union Minister Selja has asked Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda to review the decision of the state government to acquire 1852 acres of “fertile” land of Panjokhra and other five villages close to Ambala City for setting up Industrial Model Township (IMT).

In a letter sent to the chief minister, Selja, who is Congress’ MP from Ambala and a known detractor of Hooda, said the land being acquired for IMT was “totally fertile and cultivated”.

She mentioned that around 350 deep and shallow tubewells were already installed on the acquired land. Canal water through Panjokhra minor was also available to farmers of this area, she said in the letter which was released to the media here today. Selja said farmers of these villages were “very upset and agitated” over this decision.

“Congress President Sonia Gandhi in a conference of the

Chief Ministers held at Nanital on September 25, 2009, had expressed her deep concern over the acquisition of fertile land for other purposes in the country. The Then Commerce Minister Kamal Nath had issued directions to various states in

this regard. The Supreme Court had also issued a guideline in this matter,” Selja, Tourism Minister, said in her letter.

The Union minister said in the letter that around 68 acres of land of village Panjokhra had already been acquired for setting

up a BSF regional headquarter.

Selja suggested in the letter that such projects should be set up on land which was not fertile and under cultivation.

Sufficient barren land is available in Naraingarh area close to these villages for this purpose,

APPOINTMENTS

the letter added.

The affected farmers, who have been served with notices that their land would be acquired, had also met Hooda at the residence of former MLA Nirmal Singh two days back in this regard.

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‘Rudd demanded strong stand against China’ PTI MELBOURNE, DEC 6

Australia's former premier Kevin Rudd had told the US that it should be ready to "deploy force" if attempts to integrate China do not yield results, secret cables released by WikiLeaks have disclosed, prompting an embarrassed Australia to insist that it continues to have strong ties with Beijing.

According to a secret cable written by a US diplomat, Rudd told US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last year that Australia and the US should work to integrate China into the international community but be prepared to "deploy force if everything goes wrong".

Rudd also said his vision for an Asia-Pacific Community was primarily an attempt to contain Chinese influence.

As the revelations surfaced, Australian government today stressed at its relationship with China will remain strong despite them.

According to 'The Australian', Attorney-General Robert McClelland today dubbed the new disclosures by WikiLeaks as "grossly irresponsible".

The opposition Coalition said it was troubled by the revelations, and called on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to clarif y whether she supported Rudd's comments.

While declining to comment on the specifics of the cable,

the first released by WikiLeaks in which Australia features prominently, McClelland insisted Australia's strong relationship with China would continue.

"We have a very strong relationship with the Chinese government and the people of China, a strong business relationship, strong diplomatic relationships, strong government-to-government relationships, and that arrangement will continue," he said.

"The Foreign Minister has not given dignity to the publication of this information by commenting on it," McClelland said.

"All I can do is reiterate is that we have (a strong relationship with China) at a number of levels, including law enforcement operation, including again when they have had emergencies to provide assistance," he said.

McClelland said the Australian Federal Police was investigating the release of the cable.

"It is grossly irresponsible of an organisation to even contemplate publishing such information. Free speech is one thing, we all respect that, but we also respect the freedom and rights of people to live without fear," he said.

He said it was "fair enough" that media outlets had published embarrassing material, but added "I would again just caution people to come back and really see what's going on here".

Artists make folding Taj Mahal replica PTI AHMEDABAD, DEC 6

A group of artisans from Dholka taluka here have built a replica of the world famous monument Taj Mahal to bring the magical experience of witnessing this architectural wonder in Gujarat itself.

The 51-feet high Taj Mahal replica has been erected behind the Dholka railway station near the artists’ workshop and has folding components which would enable the structure to be moved to different locations.

“In 2004, we had made a Taj Mahal out of thermocol which was highly appreciated by the people. The Governor of Gujarat had come to see the structure,”

team leader of the group of 54 artisans Ishtiyaq Ali told PTI. “After the thermocol structure, there was overwhelming response from people who asked us to built Taj Mahal replica that they could touch and feel just like the original one in Agra. So we decided to make a structure where one can walk through, touch the walls with intricate designs,” he said.

Ali said that they began building the Taj Mahal with help of iron, wood and PVC material two years ago. “We used the iron and wood because we wanted a structure which could be dismantled and transported to other location,” he added.

According to Ali, he and other members of his group had visited Taj Mahal in Agra seven times and photographed the monument from different angles, its various components and designs on the walls, which they used in building the structure here.

Another member of the team, Abdul Rahim said the replica of Taj Mahal would give a glimpse of the original masterpiece.

“There could be nothing like seeing the original Taj Mahal in Agra. But here we have tried to make the replica as close to the original monument so that people in the state could get a glimpse of what they would get to see in Agra,” Rahim said.

Israel extinguishes forest fire AGENCIES JERUSALEM, DEC 6

A fire that killed 41 people and ravaged big swaths of forest in northern Israel's Carmel region has been extinguished, police have said.

"All of the fires were officially extinguished as of midnight," Mickey Rosenfeld, a police spokesman, said on Monday morning.

Dozens of nations had sent fire-fighting equipment and helped in the effort to put out the four-day fire, which in addition to causing casualties, scorched 50 square kilometres of woodland, destroyed millions of

Indian kidney kingpin’s property seized

trees, and an estimated dozens of homes.

Israel has admitted it was woefully underprepared, and politicians have called for officials to resign for failing to quickly quell the fire.

Two teenagers from the village of Isfiya have been arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze "through negligence" by leaving behind burning embers after a family picnic.

Israeli media assessed the cost of the damage at about $550m, and the fire brigade said it would take several days to confirm evacuated areas were safe.

Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, pledged to compensate victims and rebuild the area "in the quickest possible way".

"I don't want delays. I don't want red tape. I want processes to be shortened and rapid solutions," he said after he was given a tour of the area in a Boeing 747 Supertanker, the world's largest water-bombing plane, leased from a private US company.

Most of those killed in the fire were prison officers whose bus was trapped by the flames as they were travelling to help evacuate a nearby jail.

Colombian landslide buries 50 homes

PTI MELBOURNE, DEC 6

Indian kidney racket kingpin Dr Amit Kumar, who allegedly made millions through his illegal clinics, had reportedly used his money to buy property in the north of Melbourne.

According to 'The Age' newspaper, Indian authorities said that Amit Kumar bought semirural plot in Sunbury in 2006.

They also believed it was bought to launder cash from his illegal transplant clinic and that his assets will now be commandeered by Australian authorities on behalf of the Indian government.

"We are in the process of attaching (seizing) Kumar's Australian assets," the paper quoted a source as saying.

Kumar's undeveloped lot at 5 Grand Ridge Way, which sits on the edge of a hilly housing development in Sunbury, is valued at around Australian dollars 600,000, it said, adding he also has a bank account and a mortgage in Australia.

Kumar, dubbed as 'Dr Horror', is believed to have visited the country before his arrest in 2008.

The doctor's illegal clinic duped poor labourers mostly from Uttar Pradesh into selling their kidneys which were then transplanted into foreign clients.

A soldier walks at the site where a landslide buried dozens of homes following weeks of drenching rains in Bello, northwestern Colombia.

AP BOGOTÁ, DEC 6

A landslide following weeks of drenching rains buried more than 50 homes in north-western Colombia, killing at least two people and likely leaving dozens trapped beneath mud and rubble, officials said Sunday.

Antioquia state emergency management director John Rendon said two bodies have been recovered and six injured people have been rescued after the

Bhitarkanika awaits winged visitors PTI KENDRAPARA, DEC 6

It is December and the lush green meadows and wetlands in Orissa’s idyllic Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary still wear a largely deserted look in the absence of winged guests from the northern hemisphere.

According to a rough estimate, only 15,000-odd birds have arrived in the Ramsar wetland site, though the coming weeks are poised to witness the arrival of more, Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, divisional forest off i c e r, Ra j n a g a r m a n g ro v e (wildlife) forest division says.

It was world-famous ornithologist Salim Ali who made a chance-discovery of the Bhitarkanika birds habitat while on a casual visit in 1981.

The rare species who throng the sanctuary are: Indian Skimmer, White Bellied Sea Eagle,

Bar Headed Geese, Brahminy Duck, Pied Avocet, Grey Pelican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Mangrove Pitta, Goliath Heron, Painted Stork, Spoon Bill, Great, Stone Plover and Grey Hornbill.

Among the species, the Indian Skimmer, Bar-headed Geese and Brahminy ducks are sighted in Bhitarkanika only. Chilka wetland do not play host to these rare Himalayan birds. Once the mercury dips in Himalayan and sub-Himalayan northern hemispheres, the birds make their way to wetlands, said Mohapatra.

Besides Bhitarkanika, the migratory birds also set up winter homes in surrounding villages where marshy meadows abound. The Forest Department has formed ecology development committees in some of the villages like Bagapatia, Raipatia, Satabhaya and Barunei. ‘’We have launched a campaign to sensitize the villagers so that birds are not disturbed by human interference,’’ Mahapatra said. The other birds exp e c t e d t o b e s i g h t e d a re Black-Tailed Godwit, Northern Pintail, Lesser Whistling Duck, Grey Plover, Egret Spotted Bills, Oriental Darter, White Belly Seagull and Black-Necked Stork.

Saroja Devi gets NTR Award PTI HYDERABAD, DEC 6

Yesteryear actress B Saroja Devi has been chosen for the prestigious N T Rama Rao National Film Award for 2009.

Noted director K Raghavendra Rao has been chosen for the B N Reddy National Film Award while media baron and film producer Ch Ramoji Rao has been chosen for the NagireddyChakrapani National Award instituted by the Andhra Pradesh.

Another producer K Raghava has been chosen for the Raghupati Venkaiah Award, the Telugu equivalent of Dada Saheb Phalke Award.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy will present the awards at a function here on December 12.

Born in Karnataka, 72-yearold Saroja Devi has acted in about 170 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi and won several honours at the state and the national level.

mudslide in the Medellin suburb of Bello.

“It was a mass landslide that buried more than 50 homes approximately and we are talking about 40 or 50 people possibly being underneath the rubble,” Mr. Rendon said.

Landslides are common in Colombia’s rugged Andes mountains, and rains have been especially heavy this year. The Red Cross attributes at least 176 deaths to the season’s rains.

Rendon said trained dogs were attempting to locate people beneath tons of sodden earth. Authorities are also trying to get heavy equipment to the scene.

Antioquia Governor Luis Alfredo Ramos said some families will be evacuated from homes in high-risk zones.

Colombia’s Red Cross is conducting a census of the area to determine the number of missing people.

FROM PAGE 1

CTP raises hands on saving sensitive zones

as eco-sensitive zones,” he said and added, “But as per VP-I and VP-II floor area ratios will be restricted to 80 and 60 respectively.”

The Pilerne Citizens Forum and Goa Bachao Abhiyan along with other village groups had taken pot-shots at some of the new provisions in the RPs for Pernem and Canacona. The GBA has been firm on the notification for eco-sensitive zones and VP-3 status (50 FAR) for villages. If what the chief town planner has said is true then the government will have to brace up for further agitations.

Navy pilot... relations officer M C Joshi.

Fire tenders of the navy along with a towing machine immediately swung into action after the incident and the single seater MiG was cleared from the runway within 15 minutes after the incident.

“Whenever an emergency brake is applied, it is expected that tyres get burst and this is not a major incident,” said Joshi.

However, this is the first incident involving the MiG fighters after they were formally inducted on February 19 this year, in the presence of Defence Minister A K Antony and Russian delegates.

The Indian Navy had inducted first four Russian-made Mig 29K combat jets for deployment on the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov on February 19.

The combat jets had arrived in the country in a knocked down condition on December 4, 2009 and were assembled in the State.

Russian pilots were initially flying the planes, while Indian Navy pilots were sent to the US for deck landing and other training.

The jets were purchased by the Indian Navy as part of a $1.5 billion deal signed with Russia in January 2004 for Admiral Gorshkov.

Of this, $740 million was meant for the aircraft and the balance for refitting the carrier.

NIA nails two accused in Margao blasts case IEDs used in the blast.

Investigations into the blast case further revealed that Juvekar, who was arrested on August 6, has revealed that he had actively particpated in the preparation and conduct of the test blasts along with Malgonda Patil, Yogesh Naik, Sarang Kulkarni, Dhananjay Ashtekar, Jaiprakash Anna, Vinay Talekar and Dilip Mangaonkar.

Copies of the supplementary chargesheet were handed over to the accused in the court today. Arguments before framing of charge will be heard in the Sessions Court on December 10. The bail application filed by Juvekar on grounds that he has been in custody for more than 90 days without extension sought by the NIA will also come up for hearing on December 10.

Signature forged to buy SIM card 2010 of Dr Sukhminder Kaur, Asisstant Director (Explosives) CFSL, Hyderabad has established that the wearing apparels of accused Vinayak Patil contained ingredients of explosives substances.

“This incriminating evidence thus establishes the commission of offenses punishable under sections 420, 468 and 471 of the Indian Penal Code on the part of accused Vinayak Patil and he is liable to be prosecuted for the same in addition to the offenses under 120B, sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and section 16, 18 and 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The NIA has further submitted for the South Goa Sessions Court that various CFSL reports have been received from Hyderabad which further corroborates the evidence collected against the accused persons, including the four accused already chargesheeted.

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Jailed Nobel winner’s supporters attack UN AGENCIES BEIJING, DEC 6

Friends and supporters of jailed Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo have levelled a broadside against the United Nations and its High Commissioner for Human Rights for declining an invitation to attend this week’s ceremony in Oslo, accusing it of caving in to pressure from China.

The attack comes at a time when Liu’s numerous friends and supporters inside China have come under increasing threat, surveillance and even house arrest to prevent them from attending the ceremony.

On Sunday, Yang Jianli, official representative of the prize winner’s wife, Liu Xia, accused UN High Commissioner Navanethem Pillay of abdicating her responsibilities and failing to stand up for human rights by turning down an invitation, citing prior commitments.

The attack on the UN follows a similar one last month by

human rights organizations around the world after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with senior Chinese leaders and failed to raise the issue of Liu’s imprisonment.

“The message,” said Yang, “that Secretary-General Ban and High Commissioner Pillay is sending to Liu Xiaobo and the countless other imprisoned dissidents in China and around the world is clear, simple and profoundly wrong: One cannot count on the United Nations because it will not be there for you.”

Yang, who is based in Boston and holds a doctorate from Harvard University, called Pillay’s decision not to attend “a clear and unequivocal abdication of her responsibilities as High Commissioner,” saying the UN charter specifically states “promoting and encouraging respect for human rights” is a vital part of the organization’s mandate.

“If they are unwilling or unable to do so, they should re-

sign,” Yang said.

The attack is certain to put an even brighter spotlight on this year’s award — one that will honour Liu despite intense pressure from Beijing on the awards committee and the Norwegian government not to honour him.

Yang’s friendship with Liu Xiaobo dates back to the days of the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, when Liu played a crucial role in persuading large numbers of students to withdraw from the protest peacefully, thereby saving lives.

Yang said he was especially disappointed in the UN because he himself had benefited from UN intervention when he had been previously jailed for five years.

“Knowing that the United Nations stood firmly with me and my fellow political prisoners gave us great hope and confidence that the world had not forgotten us,” he said.

This year’s awarding of the

Peace Prize to Liu, an academic and dissident who issued “Charter 08,” which calls for multiparty democracy, has provoked outrage on the part of the Chinese government, which regards him as “a criminal.”

Liu was formally sentenced to 11 years in prison for co-authoring the document, which dared to challenge the Communist Party’s monopoly on power.

Numerous lawyers, academics and China’s best known artist Ai Wei-Wei have been prevented from taking international flights in recent weeks, out of state concern they might attend Friday’s ceremony in Oslo and draw greater international attention to it.

Liu’s wife, Liu Xia, has not been able to get near an airport.

She remains under 24/7 guard under house arrest in her home in Beijing, where authorities have cut off all communication she once had with the outside world.

A spokesperson for the UN’s Human Rights Commissioner Navanethem Pillay said earlier this month that she would not be attending because of a previous commitment and noted the UN rights commissioner does not normally attend the

Samy Vellu steps down as MIC chief PTI KUALA LUMPUR, DEC 6

After heading Malaysia's largest ethnic Indian party for over three decades, Samy Vellu today stepped down as MIC president at a time when the party is exploring ways to regain the confidence of the Indian community in the country.

74-year-old Vellu, a minister in the successive Barisan Nasional coalition government till he lost his parliament seat in 2008 elections, has been the unchallenged chief of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) since 1979.

Hours after Vellu announced his decision, G Palanivel succeeded him as party president.

"From the moment that I go out of the room, I am no more (party) president," Vellu said.

"I would like to announce that I am stepping down as MIC president even though my term only ends in March 2012," he said.

"I made the decision to enable my successor to make the necessary preparations, especially to face the 13th general elections."

Vellu said he was "happy" to hand over the baton.

LeT’s annual operations budget is Rs 23 crore PTI WASHINGTON, DEC 6

Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistan based terror outfit blamed for Mumbai massacre raises an annual operation budget of a whopping USD 5.2 million (23 cr) according to US intelligence estimates, with most of it coming from private fund raised by its parent oragnisation JuD's charitable networks.

Funds are raised through a variety of sources mainly from private donations, NGOs, madrassas and business spread throughout South Asia, the Middle East and Europe, a nonpaper prepared by the American intelligence says.

The information in the nonpaper was shared with the Pakistan Government in August 2009 at the direction of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, leaked US diplomatic cables have revealed.

The new reports of funding of terror outfits like LeT come as WikiLeaks quoting diplomatic documents said Saudi Arabia was the key source for funding of radical Islamist groups includ-

A supporter of banned Islamic group Jamaat-ud-Dawa brandishes a toy gun during an anti-Indian rally in Lahore, Pakistan.

ing LeT, Al Qaeda, Taliban and Hamas.

Other Gulf States like Qatar, Kuwait and UAE were reported to be lax in pursuing wealthy Sheiks who contributed money to these groups.

The findings are contained in a series of American diplomatic documents spanning a period of several years, which depict the tough task Washington faces to shut down the tap of terror funding, much of which comes from wealthy donors.

Contrary to denials, the document said that Hafiz Saeed continues to lead both the LeT and its front organisation Jamaatud-Dawa and that some of the funds collected in the name of charitable activities have been used for planning terror attacks.

The leaks said that US intelligence assesses that Saeed and operations chief of LeT Zaki-urRehman Lakhvi continued to run the organisation despite being detained for their role in the Mumbai attacks.

40 killed in Pak suicide attack Pak kangaroo court stops amending blasphemy law PTI PESHAWAR, DEC 6

Forty people were killed and 60 others injured today when two suicide attackers targeted a government compound, where an anti-Taliban militia was holding a meeting, in the lawless Mohmand tribal region of northwest Pakistan.

The first suicide bomber blew himself up outside the office of an assistant political agent in Ghalanai, the headquarters of Mohmand Agency.

Security forces attempted to capture the second attacker, who detonated his suicide vest outside another office.

Forty people were killed and more than 60 others injured, Muhammad Jahangir, Medical Superintendent of the state-run hospital in Ghalanai, told the media.

Twenty of the injured were in a serious condition, he said.

Several seriously injured persons were taken to Peshawar,

PTI LAHORE, DEC 6

The injured are being transferred to hospitals in Peshawar.

the capital of KhyberPakhtunkhwa province. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned the attack, describing it as an "inhuman and brutal act of militants who have no regard for any religion".

The blasts caused widespread damage to the government compound.

However, two assistant political agents whose offices were targeted by the attackers escaped unhurt.

Security forces cordoned off the site of the blast and authorities imposed curfew in Ghalanai. The entr y points of Mohmand Agency were cordoned off and additional security personnel were deployed at all check posts in the region.

A Pakistani court today restrained the government from amending the blasphemy law, which has been at the centre of a heated debate after a Christian woman was convicted under it and sentenced to death last month.

Chief Justice Justice Khwaja Sharif of the Lahore High Court barred the government from introducing any change in the blasphemy law in response to a petition filed by a man named Muhammad Nasir.

Sharif issued a notice asking the government to clarify its position on the issue at the next hearing scheduled for December 23.

In his petition, Nasir asked

the court to stop the federal government from making any change in the law.

The Chief Justice said the government should not take any step till the court gives its verdict on the petition.

Nasir further said in his petition that the government plans to change the law.

He argued that parliament has no power to change the law under "foreign pressure".

The government's lawyer told the court that no amendment will be introduced in parliament till the court's final verdict is announced.

The blasphemy law introduced during the regime of late military ruler Zia-ul-Haq carries the death penalty for insulting Islam or Prophet Mohammed.

Obscure UK MP is an useful idiot to Kremlin AGENCIES LONDON, DEC 6

The idea of a Kremlin mole in the office of an obscure Liberal Democrat MP will strike many as absurd. Why would mighty Russia bother to spy on a minor figure in a minor British political party?

Yet such complacency is woefully misplaced. The material I have uncovered while researching a book about Russian espionage in the West is chilling.

Kremlin spies in Britain, the US and elsewhere pose a serious threat to our safety and wellbeing.

Serving and retired officials urgently wish to raise the alarm.

This summer some of them, unprecedentedly, spoke to a BBC radio programme called Why Russia Spies.

They highlighted Russian nuclear bombers’ regular probes of our air defences to reveal

both our electronic capabilities and our willingness to respond to provocation.

Meanwhile, Russian submarines lurk in the waters outs i d e o u r Tr i d e n t b a s e i n Scotland, hoping to pick up the acoustic signatures of the vessels which carry our nuclear deterrent. Such efforts, if successful, could disable our defences.

Russia wants to steal our technological know-how to plug the deficiencies in its own shambolic military and hi-tech industries.

It also continues to try to penetrate our security and intelligence services.

Most sinister of all is its attempt to gain first-hand insights into our government’s decisionmaking – and to influence it.

This task has become all too easy. Our counter-intelligence resources are already overstretched by Islamist extremism

Bangla Nobel Laureate faces tax evasion charges PTI DHAKA, DEC 6

Bangladesh government has ordered a "thorough" probe into allegation that Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus transfered nearly USD 100 million originally meant for microcredit operations of his Grameen Bank to his another venture to avoid tax.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said that Grameen Bank's exposure to the controversy could have occurred as it tried to play a "trick" to evade government taxes by transferring USD 100 million to a nonprofit sister venture of the bank.

"There should certainly be a thorough investigation to find out what actually happened," she said. Hasina also appeared very critical of the "very high" interest rate the bank charged its poor clients, saying their microcredit mechanism did not allow the poor to come out of the poverty cycle as "micro-financers nurse poverty to run their brisk business".

"Many examples are set in

Bangladesh. It was an example of wizardry how one could play with (donor provided) people's money," Hasina said.

However, Finance Minister AMA Muhith earlier defended Yunus and said, "I see no fault in the transfer of the fund, if their (Grameen Bank) claim (of doing so under an understanding with the Norwegian government) is true." Meanwhile, Yunus welcomed the government probe.

"Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the issue on Grameen Bank which was discussed in several newspapers, should be investigated. I welcome such initiative," Yunus said in a brief statement yesterday.

A Norwegian TV documentary aired last week had exposed Grameen Bank to a massive controversy. Yunus won the Nobel Prize in 2006 for his efforts in making Grameen Bank as a microfinance organisation and community development bank that provides small loans to the impoverished.

Useful idiot: Hancock is regarded as one of the most pro-Russian MPs in Europe.

and resurgent terrorism in Northern Ireland.

Worse, Britain and most other NATO members have dropped their guard, becoming soft targets for the Kremlin’s expert spycraft.

During the Cold War, the prevailing climate of suspicion would have made it impossible

for any MP to have hired an attractive Soviet helpmate. Yet the young Katia Zatuliveter was able to persuade the portly, bearded Mike Hancock that she would be the ideal addition to his office.

Mr Hancock denies any wrongdoing and insists that his research assistant is no threat to this country. Yet even before this scandal, his extreme proKremlin stance has given rise to frequent controversy, not least at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, an international talking shop, where Russia has been gaining ground fast in recent years.

Matyas Eorsi, a Hungarian member, said of Mr Hancock in August: ‘He is the most proRussian MP from among all of the countries of western Europe.

You just have to read his speeches.

‘When it came to debates on

Putin, freedom of the media or the war with Georgia, Michael always defended Russia.

‘Among the Liberal bloc in Strasbourg we were all stunned by his position. According to him, Russia really is a fullyfledged democracy.’

Mr Hancock might well be what the Soviet dictator Vladimir Lenin termed a ‘useful idiot’ – one who serves the Kremlin’s interests out of gullibility and idealism rather than because he is bribed or bullied.

But the truly sinister element in this case is not his muddled views, but the suggestion that he might have been the vehicle (witting or unwitting) for Russian espionage against this country.

For a start, the parliamentary questions put down in his name in recent months show a peculiarly detailed interest in the most sensitive parts of Britain’s defences.

Singer Christina on comeback AGENCIES NEW YORK, DEC 6

She's been through her fair share of trouble over the past year, breaking up with husband The Dream while still pregnant with their child.

But it looks like things are definitely on the up for Christina Milian.

The singer was in New York City today promoting her made-for-TV movie Christmas Cupid at the Rock Center Café in Rockefeller Center.

Wearing a very plunging deep red dress, the 29-year-old glowed with health and happiness as she held little nine-month-old Violet Nash close.

And little Violet looked equally festive in a matching red dress and Santa hat.

Christina recently opened up about how she lost her baby weight so quickly after giving birth.

According to the star, breastfeeding and exercise helped her shed some of the 45 pounds she gained while pregnant with daughter Violet.

But she said the real secret to her weight loss was the help she got from her mother, Carmen.

She says: 'The first month, I lost weight drastically. 'On top of that, she cooked me a lot of raw vegetables and raw salads and proteins -and it worked! I also drank a lot of water.'

Christina gave birth to daughter Violet Madison Nash in February, and soon after it was revealed she had already split from her husband of ten months.

Further shocks were in store, as photographs emerged of him frolicking in the Caribbean sea with his female assistant.

Court documents stated that the marriage was

Happy holidays! Christina Milian holds on to little daughter Violet Nash as she promotes her new film in New York on Monday.

'irretrievably broken', and that 'there is no hope for reconciliation'.

Christina's much delayed fourth album is due to arrive next year - and she promises it will be worth the wait.

She says: 'I think I always say that, but this time I mean it. I just had to find some time to revamp and regroup everything for what this new album’s gonna be.

'It’s gonna be fun, it’s gonna be sexy, it’s gonna be everything that embodies what has happened in my life, but of course in the most fun manner.'

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DGCA asks domestic airlines to fares on their websites PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 6

Aviation regulator DGCA today directed all Indian carriers to show route-wise and date-wise airfares on their websites by Wednesday evening and ensure transparency so that flyers do not feel cheated by high ticket prices.

A fresh directive was issued shortly after top officials of the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation met representatives of full-service carriers -- Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher.

DGCA had met officials of the no-frill carriers – IndiGo,

Spicejet and GoAir, on Saturday after issuing a directive asking all carriers to explain the high fares they were charging.

In order to maintain transparency in tariff and enable predictability for customers, all scheduled domestic airlines have been directed to "upload the route wise tariff across its network in various fare categories commensurate with date of purchase on their respective websites, in addition to adhering to the directions issued on November 19", the directive said.

All airlines have agreed to comply with the directive that has to be implemented "latest by 1700 hrs of December 8", an official spokesperson said.

The directive implies that the airlines would have to not only provide details of routewise fares but also detail them for each 'fare bucket'. Aircraft seats are grouped into different categories, each at a distinct

KF to launch $250-$350 m GDR in Jan ReuTeRs MUMBAI, DEC 6

Carrier Kingfisher Airlines will launch its global depositary receipts to raise $250-$350 million in January, Chiarman Vijay Mallya told reporters on Monday.

He also said there is no case for capping airfares in a liberalised environment, refering to the federal civil aviation ministry's recent directive to the regulator to monitor steep hikes in fares by local carriers. price. These categories are referred to as 'fare buckets'.

At the two meetings, all airlines were briefed about the provisions of Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, which deals with publishing of tariff established by them on their websites or in daily newspapers.

In view of the "sudden and inordinate surge" in airfares from November 15 particularly on the metro routes, all airlines were directed to bring tariffs to a reasonable level, the spokesperson said.

Following this, the DGCA had issued a directive on No-

vember 19 asking airlines to furnish a copy of established tariff route-wise across its network in various fare categories to the DGCA on every first day of the calendar month.

"The response of the airlines to the notice was not satisfactory and as the increase in tariff continued unabated, the DGCA commenced meetings with the CEOs of the established domestic airlines on December 4 and 6 in order to remedy the situation," the spokesperson said.

Kingfisher Airlines promoter Vijay Mallya said airfares should not be capped by regu-

latory authorities. "There is no case of capping airfare in a liberalised environment, be it at upper or lower band. It is a function of demand and supply," he told reporters.

Mallya refuted the contention that airlines were charging the customers saying, "It is not exploitation by the airlines... Airlines are fighting for market share, so demand and supply has to be respected."

While agreeing with the fresh directive issued today, airline officials, requesting anonymity, said they have been providing fare details to customers on their websites.

SBI hikes deposit rates by up to 150 basis points PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 6

Country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) today raised deposit rates by up to 150 basis points or 1.5 per cent across various maturities, a move that will provide better returns to people with fixed deposits in the bank.

The new rates will become effective from tomorrow.

The decision comes close on the heels of various private and public sector lenders including ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank, Syndicate Bank and Bank of India raising their deposit

rates, in response to RBI Governor D Subbarao's suggestion of giving better returns to depositors.

SBI, according to a official release, will offer a maximum interest rate of 8.75 per cent for deposits with maturity period of 8-10 years, marking an increase of 100 basis points.

The highest increase of 150 basis points will be in case of term deposits with maturity of 46-90 days. The depositors will earn an interest of 5.5 per cent as against existing 4 per cent.

The decision of SBI to raise

TALK BUSINESS

IOB’s ‘Walk-in-Bank’ initiative held PANJIM (HBD) -- Indian Overseas Bank has embarked on a drive to expand its customer base and project itself as a ‘cutomer-centric’ bank. As a part of this effort, the bank conducted a one day door-to-door campaign, called ‘Walk-in Bank’ on Sunday.

The campaign was kick-started by bank’s CMD, M Narendra, in Karaikudi the birthplace of Indian Overseas Bank. Simultaneously the launch in Mumbai and Chennai was done by the executive director Nupur Mitra and A K Bansal respectively. The bank’s entire staff numbering more than 26,500 actively campaigned to enlist new clientele across the country.

At Panjim, this campaign was launched by A Diwakar Rao, senior regional manager, Regional Office, Goa. The campaign included visit to individual households, organising medical or blood donation camps, putting up stalls in parks in order to publicise the bank’s products and services, etc to project bank’s customer-friendly image.

Sensex ends flat PTI MUMBAI, DEC 6

Weak European bourses, coupled with fag-end selling in financial stocks like ICICI Bank and SBI, saw the benchmark Sensex erasing its early gains to end the day on a flat note in a highly choppy trade.

The country’s top lenders — ICICI Bank and SBI – which have hiked deposit and lending rates, played the biggest role in dampening the positive sentiment in the market.

Although the Bombay Stock Exchange bellwether Sensex started the week on a firm note, it pared initial gains to settle with a marginal gain of 0.07 per cent or 14.38 points at 19,981.31.

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fixed deposit rates will prompt other lender to hike their rates to compete for savers money.

In an effort to tide over tight liquidity situation and increase its credit, ICICI Bank raised interest rates on fixed deposits of various tenors by 0.25-0.50 per cent.

These announcements come after RBI Governor D Subbarao recently asked banks to hike deposit rates and lower lending rates, to raise the level of national savings as well as to encourage investments needed for double-digit growth.

Term deposits of 91-180 days maturity will now fetch customers 6 per cent interest as compared to earlier 5.5 per cent, SBI said.

At the same time, it said, interest rate on fixed deposit with 181 days to less than 1 year maturity has been increased by 125 basis points or 1.25 per cent to 7.25 per cent against existing 6 per cent, it said.

For fixed deposits with a tenor between 1-year to 554 days, the new interest rate will be 7.75 per cent against the existing 7 per cent, while 555day fixed deposits of SBI will attract an interest rate of 8.5 per cent, an increase of 100 basis points.

Divi’s Labor, 627.25, 633, 607.6, 612.85 Dlf Limited, 306.1, 314.9, 305.95, 308.4 Dr. reddy’s, 1835, 1850, 1805.15, 1819.4 Edelweiss Ca, 51.4, 51.95, 49.05, 49.55 Educomp Solu, 574.95, 581.4, 553.15, 560.15 Eih Limited, 116, 117.6, 114.1, 116.2 Engineers In, 337.95, 352.2, 335, 339.85 Essar Oil Lt, 129.15, 132.5, 129.15, 131.05 Essar Shippi, 103.4, 105.4, 100.5, 103.25 Exide Indust, 172, 176.4, 171.3, 172.45 Federal Bank, 459.9, 468, 443, 446.8 Financial Te, 912, 926.95, 905, 905.45 Gail (india), 492, 496.2, 489.65, 493.45 Gammon India, 185, 185.05, 179.05, 181.55 Glaxosmithkl, 2131, 2170, 2107.3, 2131.35 Glenmark Pha, 375.05, 388, 375.05, 382.65 Gmr Infrastr, 49, 50.05, 48.6, 48.95 Godrej Indus, 190.95, 193.2, 185, 186.1 Grasim Indus, 2355, 2375, 2341, 2351.6 Great Offsho, 383, 387.5, 368.5, 380.2 Gtl Infra.Lt, 44, 44.3, 43, 43.05 Gujarat Mine, 136.05, 139, 133.5, 134.45

Gujarat N R, 59, 61.2, 58, 60.6 Gujarat Stat, 114.15, 114.3, 111.2, 112 Gvk Pow. & I, 40.85, 41.5, 40.35, 40.65 Hcl Technolo, 425, 431, 420, 426.15 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2420, 2425, 2375.25, 2383.25 Hdfc Ltd, 704.9, 712, 699, 704.85 Hero Honda M, 1802, 1814.35, 1743.4, 1774.8 Hindalco in, 215.85, 224.9, 215.85, 221.35 Hindustan Co, 44, 46.25, 44, 44.85 Hindustan Ma, 75, 75, 71.15, 71.75 Hindustan Pe, 416.85, 425.35, 405.75, 407.6 Hindustan Un, 302.4, 304.2, 299.1, 300.3 Hindustan Zi, 1181, 1204, 1161.5, 1165.8 Housing Dev, 205.95, 210.95, 203, 204.45 Icici Bank L, 1189.5, 1195.2, 1143.2, 1151.2 Idea Cellula, 70.5, 70.95, 69.9, 70.5 Ifci Ltd, 64.8, 65.65, 63.55, 64.05 India Cement, 109.45, 110.4, 106.65, 107.55 India Infoli, 84.5, 86.35, 84.25, 84.85 Indiabulls F, 178, 182.5, 173.55, 174.9 Indiabulls R, 148, 154.4, 144.3, 146.4 Indian Bank, 282.7, 284.85, 269.15, 272.15

Referring to Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, they said, "It only wants us to publish the fares. We have already been publishing our fares on the net, but not giving out competitive information like what our bucket-seat prices would be.

Now that may have to be done."

Many major carriers across the world file their bucket seat prices to the Washingtonbased Airlines Tariff Publishing Company, which then gives out the information to international booking and distribution systems like Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport, maintaining

Use tech to reach out to people: RBI PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, DEC 6

Uitiling the possibilities of new generation technology was important for banks to reach out to villages in India to achieve targets of programmes like total financial inclusion, RBI Regional Director Suma Varma observed here.

Inaugurating the Financial Inclusion Smart Card of South Indian Bank (SIB) here today, she said taking banking services to even remote villages in the country had been identified by RBI as a major banking challenge.

"India has some six lakh villages.The number of bank branches is far below the number of villages. This wide gap could be filled by using technologies like Financial Inclusion card, she said.

The most vital component of a robust banking system in any country was it ability to live up to the requirements of their customers. "It is the customers who play the most important role in evolving the banking policies. All the initiatives are worked out to meet their needs", Suma Varma said.

SIB's M D and CEO, Dr V A Joseph, said the smart card being launched was designed as per the standards set by Indian Bankers' Association and was capable of incorporating the UID programme.

Indian Hotel, 95, 96.8, 94.7, 95.15 Indian Oil C, 387.9, 388.5, 374.3, 376.6 Indian Overs, 151.9, 151.95, 145.9, 146.9 Indus Dev Ba, 169.7, 173.2, 167, 168 Indusind Ban, 292.5, 297.95, 287.2, 289.05 Infosys Tech, 3130, 3176.4, 3126, 3143.4 Infra. dev., 186.95, 187.6, 179.85, 180.2 Ispat Indust, 18, 18.9, 17.9, 18.7 Itc Ltd, 171, 171, 168.5, 169.05 Ivrcl Infras, 131, 132.4, 127, 129.05 Jai Corp Lim, 222, 227.3, 218.8, 219.65 Jaiprakash A, 109.3, 112.35, 108.5, 109.4 Jet Airways, 826.55, 827.95, 807.3, 820.1 Jindal Saw L, 190, 194.5, 188.25, 190.1 Jindal Steel, 690, 712.95, 685, 699 Jsw Steel Li, 1125.2, 1190, 1125.2, 1167.9 Kotak Mahind, 485.85, 495, 474.6, 480.2 Lakshmi Mach, 2547.7, 2592, 2532, 2554.3 Lanco Infrat, 62, 62.8, 61.45, 61.5 Larsen & Tou, 2020, 2051, 1999, 2009.4 Lic Housing, 1047.4, 1063, 1025, 1028.55 Lupin Limite, 500.1, 501, 476.3, 478.15

strict confidentiality.

If this information was shared on the web, it would have an adverse impact on competition and hence on the health of the airline industry, these officials said.

However, after the Ministry and DGCA cracked the whip on them for charging exorbitant fares in the non-peak season, overall airfares have come down by 20 to 25 per cent.

Though the fares for tickets bought both at the last minute and in advance during November-December are yet to return to the average levels during the same period last year.

The fare range on DelhiMumbai sector now was Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 on economy class ticket, while that on Delhi-Chennai and DelhiKolkata it stood between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000, the officials said.

Two weeks ago, the lowest last-minute Delhi-Mumbai fare was about Rs 17,000, even though holiday travel season had not begun. The lowest available fares at the same time last year was about Rs 3,000 for Delhi-Mumbai and Rs 4,000 for the Delhi-Chennai and DelhiKolkata sectors.

Asked whether these fares were at the same level as last year, DGCA officials said these were at least 20 per cent higher than the same period in 2009, if not more.

Infy to build facility in WB PTI KOLKATA, DEC 6

Infosys will begin construction of its first facility in West Bengal at New Town Rajarhat adjacent to the metropolis within six months and does not foresee any problem from opposition political parties opposed to land acquisition.

"We are for creating employment opportunity in the state as well as in the region. We are not in any politics," CEO and MD Kris Gopalakrishnan said.

"The Infosys facility will come on over 50 acre it received from the WB govt to create employment opportunity for nearly 20,000 people," he said.

BOARD MEETINGS Colgate Palmolive supreme Tex DCM Fin serv shiva Cement Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA suNDARAM MuTuAl FuND has approved December 10, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option in regular and institutional option of sundaram select Focus Fund. The face value of per unit is Rs 10.

The quantum of dividend will be Rs 2 per unit. l&T MuTuAl FuND has approved December 9, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option in regular plan of l&T Opportunities Fund. The face value of per unit is Rs 10. The quantum of dividend will be Rs 2 per unit.

TAuRus MuTuAl FuND has approved December 10, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend plan in Taurus ethical Fund. The face value of per unit is Rs 10.

The quantum of dividend will be Rs 1.80 per unit.

MIRAe AsseT MuTuAl FuND has approved December 10, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option in regular plan of Mirae Asset India Opportunities Fund. The face value of per unit is Rs 10. The quantum of dividend will be Rs 1.50 per unit.

NIKKO AsseT MANAGeMeNT CO (Nikko AM) today announced it has reached an agreement with DBs Bank (DBS Bank) to acquire DBs Asset Management (DBSAM), the asset management arm of DBS Bank.

In return, DBS Bank will become a strategic minority shareholder in Nikko AM, taking a 7.25% stake in the Tokyo-based firm.

This transaction will add USD 7 billion in assets under management to Nikko AM and significantly broaden the firm`s distribution capabilities in Asia.

The agreement also establishes a strong strategic alliance between Nikko AM and DBS Bank, bringing together two firms with complementary strengths across products, investment platforms, distribution channels and geographies. As part of this arrangement, Nikko AM and DBS Bank will enter into a non-exclusive distribution agreement through which Nikko AMC`s investment products can be distributed via DBS`s networks in core markets in the region.

DBS Asset Management is widely recognized as one of the leading investment management firms in Southeast Asia.

DBSAM`s 33% stake in Changsheng Fund Management, a joint venture fund management company in China, will not be part of the transaction and will be held by DBS Bank. Nikko AM is already a 40% shareholder of Rongtong Fund Management Company, the 6th largest Sino-foreign joint venture fund management company in China.

Mahanagar Te, 54.35, 55, 53.55, 53.8 Mahindra & M, 805.8, 809.5, 792, 794.8 Maruti Suzuk, 1417, 1417, 1391, 1408.1 Max India Lt, 157.45, 158.2, 151.8, 152.55 Maytas Infr., 177, 187, 174.6, 178.7 Moser-baer (, 56.55, 57.5, 54.8, 56.1 Mrpl, 73.15, 74.2, 72.75, 73 Nagarjuna Co, 138.4, 141.35, 137, 138.65 Nagarjuna Fe, 32.3, 32.75, 31.5, 31.65 National Alu, 373, 380.95, 372, 374.2 Neyveli Lign, 135, 135.4, 132, 132.85 Ntpc Ltd, 186.4, 188.8, 185.6, 187.05 Oil And Natu, 1334.8, 1336, 1318, 1320.5 Omaxe Limite, 142, 143.6, 141.6, 142 Oriental Ban, 435, 436.8, 408.25, 411.65 Pantaloon Re, 402.55, 418.2, 401.2, 403.75 Parsvnath De, 59.95, 60, 54.4, 55.75 Petronet Lng, 122, 123.9, 118.05, 120.05 Power Fin Co, 330, 334, 319.15, 321.05 Power Grid C, 100, 100.3, 98.8, 99.7 Praj Industr, 74.5, 75.9, 72.65, 73.1 Punj Lloyd L, 107, 110.65, 106.15, 107.05

Punjab Natio, 1289, 1289, 1204.6, 1227.1 Rajesh Expor, 121, 125.5, 118, 119.3 Ranbaxy Labs, 575.15, 583.9, 566, 568.15 Rashtriya Ch, 107.05, 107.5, 100.3, 101.5 Reliance Cap, 715.15, 726, 707.3, 711.55 Reliance Com, 141.5, 142.8, 135, 135.4 Reliance Ene, 1135, 1292, 1135, 1159.11 Reliance Ind, 732, 739, 715.5, 719.75 Reliance Ind, 1015.85, 1030, 1013, 1020.15 Reliance Pow, 161.25, 163.25, 158.65, 159.3 Rolta India, 158.45, 160.75, 156.95, 157.55 Satyam Compu, 64.2, 66.4, 64, 64.5 Sesa Goa Ltd, 310.45, 313.65, 301.2, 302.3 Shipping Cor, 144.85, 147.1, 144.25, 144.5 Siemens Ltd, 774, 789.9, 770.05, 783.95 Sintex Indus, 205, 209.9, 200.1, 201.25 Sobha Develo, 326, 331.45, 323.45, 328.75 State Bank O, 3079.7, 3090, 2935, 2952.35 Steel Author, 184.9, 187, 182, 184.05 Sterlite Ind, 167.9, 173.9, 167.55, 171.75 Sun Pharmace, 454, 463, 451, 455.95

Sun Tv Netwo, 520.55, 529.45, 485.7, 527.05 Suzlon Energ, 52.45, 54.4, 51.8, 52.25 Tata Communi, 270.2, 270.2, 263, 264.4 Tata Consult, 1100, 1110, 1095.3, 1101.7 Tata Motors, 1325, 1382, 1323.05, 1357.85 Tata Power C, 1309.7, 1309.7, 1285, 1291.9 Tata Steel L, 621.9, 639.9, 620, 635.05 Tata Teleser, 20.2, 20.2, 19.55, 19.6 Tech Mahindr, 670, 683, 658.25, 665.45 The Ge Shpg., 368, 371, 360, 361.7 The Phoenix, 232, 239, 232, 237.35 Thermax Ltd, 876, 879.9, 866, 868.95 Titan Indust, 3714.15, 3787, 3678, 3693.25 Torrent Powe, 289.25, 292.8, 287.25, 288.45 Triveni Engg, 111.75, 113.85, 109.6, 110.65 Tv18 India L, 73.45, 75.25, 72.5, 72.8 Uco Bank, 139, 140.65, 133.7, 134.4 Ultratech Ce, 1122.5, 1122.5, 1108, 1111.05 Union Bank O, 369, 372.7, 355, 357.1 Unitech Ltd, 64.15, 65.4, 62.5, 63.15 United Phosp, 184.3, 187.25, 182.5, 183.4 Videocon Ind, 204, 213.9, 199.1, 208.35

OHERALDO

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BIZ

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GOA, TUESDAY, 7 DECEMBER, 2010

France looking to invest over Euro 10 b in India PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 6

France today said its companies will invest 10 billion euros in India by 2012 and the inflows could be higher if the multi-brand retail and insurance sectors were liberalised.

New Delhi on its part said the liberalisation of the two sectors were "very much" on government's agenda but the policy has to be calibrated. "..(Relaxation of) FDI cap on insurance and multi-brand retail is very much on the agenda," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said in the presence of French Minister of Economy and Finance Christine Lagarde who is part of the delegation accompanying President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Addressing the India French Business Forum, organised by FICCI, Ahluwalia said, "As far as insurance is concerned, the government has initiated the Parliamentary process to create a legislation to go for 49 per cent FDI in the sector."

At present FDI up to 26 per cent is allowed in the insurance sector.

Lagarde said investment from French companies can go beyond 10 billion Euros by 2012 if sectors like insurance and multi-brand retail are liberalised by India.

"There could be a lot more than that for sure, if it was possible to develop activities in insurance and retail," she said adding "if the Indian authorities consider it sensible to open up the sectors, I know French companies will significantly expand their activities."

She said, "Everything is about give and take and twoway street."

On the French demand for increasing the FDI in insurance, Ahluwalia said that the UPA was a coalition government and it was important to build a consensus among its constituents.

"There is a coalition, you need to keep everybody happy (in Democracy). So, I am optimistic on the insurance front," he said.

On FDI in multi-brand retail, he said, several ministries have supported the proposal for allowing FDI in the sector.

The government has already put out a discussion paper on the politically sensitive subject.

The Joint statement issued after talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sarkozy said the two governments are committed to more than doubling their trade by 2012 to 12 billion Euros from the level of 5 billion Euros in 2008.

The areas of investment and trade include automobiles, electrical equipments, rail transport and water utilities.

It said France and India recognised the importance of agriculture and food processing sector for ensuring affordable food production in both the countries.

In his statement Singh said that India would work closely with France to push forward the global economic recovery and better regulation of the international financial sector.

Mc Donalds to invest in Gujarat PTI AHMEDABAD, DEC 6

Fast food chain, Mc Donalds today said it will invest Rs 350 crore over next fours year in Gujarat to increase the count from the existing 10 quick service restaurants (QSR) here to over 40 by 2014.

"We are looking to invest Rs 350 crore in Gujarat over next four years, which includes indirect investment by our few partners to open around 30 QSR's by 2014," Mc Donalds director Alliances and Corporate Affairs Nishit Pandey told reporters.

US-based food chain is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat Government, in the forthcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit-2011 beginning January 12, for the same.

Mc Donalds has pitched in to Gujarat government's proposal to open QSR's along the highways in the state beginning from Vapi. The company has shortlisted around 30 locations in Gujarat off the highways.

Indian Basmati under threat

HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, DEC 6

A private German testing laboratory has created a panic in government and among the exporters, with its claim of finding high level of pesticides in the Indian Basmati rice exported to Europe.

Though the retailers in the 27 countries of the European Union have so far not cancelled any orders pursuant to the Hamburg laboratory report, the All India Rice Exporters Association is worried that the Basmati may also meet the fate of honey and grapes that Europe stopped buying because of the alleged high pesticide content in them.

The old farming practices will have to be changed to save the Basmati export business, says association president Vijay Setia. He said the association is going out to the farmers in tandem with the agriculture officers of the state governments to see what can be done to minimise the residue of pesticides in rice.

Concerned that India earns US $300 million from Europe alone in exports of 3 lakh tonnes out of total Basmati ex-

ports of 26 lakh tonnes in 2009-10, the government has swung into action to persuade the farmers on an appropriate use of the pesticides.

The German lab has claimed that the pesticide spray at a time when the Basmati crop is flowering leads to its penetration in the milky stage of the grain and can not be removed.

The agriculture experts say such spray can be avoided if the farmers sow fungicidetreated and disease-free seeds and use pesticides before flowering only as preventive measure. Proper watering of the fields can also prevent heat stress that leads to damage to the grains that farmers try to prevent through spray, they point out.

Even while asking the state agriculture departments to mount an awareness campaign among the farmers and issue a manual on the best practices for pesticide spray, the Centre has disputed the German lab's claim of pesticides found in the samples it tested.

The Agriculture Ministry sources say what the Hamburg laboratory found was a higher level of Iso-prothiolane, a fun-

‘EGoM should decide on diesel price deregulation’ PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 6

Mukesh mulls PE venture with Rs 1k cr investment PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 6

Billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani is planning to provide Rs 1000 crore seed capital to kick-start a new venture that would invest in innovative business ideas, including in technology and healthcare segments.

Ambani, who heads the country's most valued corporate entity Reliance Industries, will probably make this investment of about USD 250 million in his individual capacity, sources close to the development said.

A RIL spokesperson did not offer any comment.

The process has begun for stringing together a team of experts with domain knowledge of various sectors for managing this private equity venture, sources said.

It said some of his close aides at RIL group might also be brought on board.

The top tier of people to be associated with this venture would include those with expertise in biotechnology, healthcare, energy and consultancy businesses, besides private equity and venture capital segments.

The new venture would

Opto Circuits acquires US-based Co PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 6

Medical equipment-maker Opto Circuits said it has completed the acquisition of USbased Cardiac Science Corporation. The company has acquired 100% stake in Cardiac Science Corp. As a result of the transaction, the US-based company has become a whollyowned subsidiary of the Indian firm, Opto Circuits said in a filing to BSE. The domestic firm has completed the merger of its wholly-owned unit Jolt Acquisition Company into Cardiac Science Corp, it added.

mostly invest in start-ups working on innovative business ideas in sectors like biotechnology, healthcare, information technology, new and renewable energy as also traditional energy sources, among others.

However, it was unlikely that RIL group itself would get involved in the venture and it was most likely that the investment would be made by Ambani in his individual capacity, sources said.

The sources said the venture would also look at roping in other investors, mostly from overseas.

He would join the likes of N R Narayan Murthy and Azim Premji -- founder and Chairman of two of the country's biggest IT majors Infosys and Wipro, respectively, who have floated private equity investment ventures at their individ-

ual levels.

Besides, a number of large industrial houses, such as Tatas, Aditya Birla group and Anil Ambani group have their own private equity investment arms that invest in various companies as per their respective mandates.

RIL and Ambani himself have often talked about need to invest in areas like business innovation, new technology and research and development.

Earlier in 2007, RIL group firm Reliance Life Sciences had announced a partnership with MPM Capital, a US-based global investment management firm focussed on healthcare business, to invest in Indian life science sector.

Subsequent to the deal, RIL invested nearly Rs 80 crore in a MPM BioVentures fund during the last fiscal 2009-10.

The group has also created a Reliance Technology Group (RTG) by consolidating various research and technology functions of its businesses.

It has also set up a Reliance Innovation Council that comprises of eminent scientist R A Mashelkar and Ambani himself, among other global leaders,from fields of science and business.

An Empowered Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will have to take a call on making prices of diesel fully market-determined, Oil Secretary S Sundareshan said today. "That call (to free diesel prices from government control) will have to be taken by EGoM," he told reporters.

State-run Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum currently sell diesel at Rs 4.71 per litre discount to its imported cost. If diesel rates are deregulated that is the amount by which retail prices will go up.

The EGoM had on June 25 freed petrol price and had decided to make diesel prices market-determined in due course. "Unfortunately, crude prices have been consistently going up since June," Sundareshan said.

Asked if the EGoM meet has been scheduled to discuss diesel price deregulation, he

UAE for one currency for GCC AGENCY ABU DHABI, DEC 6

The UAE is still looking forward to a unified currency for the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, Economy Minister Sultan al-Mansouri said.

The UAE, the second-largest Arab economy and the world's third largest oil exporter, opted out last year of the GCC plans for monetary union, becoming the second country in the sixnation body to withdraw from the drive.

Oman was the first to drop out of the project, saying its economy is not ready yet.

However, Mansouri Sunday gave a glimpse of hope that the UAE could be back on the track of the monetary union talks, reports Xinhua.

'I look forward that one day there would be a unified currency for the people of the Gulf,' Mansouri said in an interview with Saudi Arabia's Aleqtisadiah newspaper.

said: "That''s not what I said. All I said was that a call for the issue will have to be taken by the EGoM." "We are not going to EGoM now," he said.

"I think it is extremely difficult for the government to pass on the entire burden (of moving to free price regime) to the consumers." "We were (in June this year) hoping crude prices would soften and there would be reasonable grounds for passing on a small additional burden to the consumer," Sun-

dareshan said.

International crude oil (raw material for making petrol and diesel) prices have risen by over USD 10 per barrel to over USD 85-86 a barrel since the June decision.

Sundareshan said the deregulation of diesel price will not hit the follow-on public offer (FPO) of IOC slated for January 2011.

"I dont think these issues are related. Reforms are ongoing process.

gicide used to control rice blast disease, which does not fall in the list of the pesticides for which maximum limits are specified in Europe.

While the upper limit for pesticide residues in Europe is fixed at 0.01 mg/kg, the laboratory claimed to have noted el-

evated levels of 0.03 per cent of carbedenzum and iso-prothiolane. The government is countering the claim, pointing out that the Europe allows import of rice from Japan that too have higher residual level of pesticide than the permitted 0.01 mg/kg.

Pg 14

SPORTS GOA, Tuesday, 7 December, 2010

Akolo, Tanvi emerge fastest athletes Goa baseball juniors bag double Nat titles HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 6

The mini-secondary school district level athletics meet organised by DSYA concluded at Peddem Sports Complex on Monday.

Results: U-14 boys: 100m -

Akolo Kambli (Holy Cross HS, Bastora), 400m - Zaki Khan (Chubby Cheeks HS, Pilerne), 600m - Pratik Kannaik (St Joseph’s HS, Pernem), shot put - Sharik Khan (Dattaram Mantravaddi HS, Mapusa).

U-14 girls: 100m and shot put

- Tanvi Vargaonkar (Savajanik HS, Carambolim), 600m Meredith Bothelo (Mary Immaculate HS, Panjim), high jump Simantha Fernandes (St Michael HS, Vagator), discus - Alisha Azavedo (Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa).

U-17 boys: 100m - Irfan Shaikh (St Anthony’s HS, Duler), 800m - Shubam Mulgaokar (Ideal HS, Pilgao), high jump -

Nikhil Narvaker (Radha Krishna Vidyalaya HS, Bicholim), triple jump - Navin Shirodkar (Assagao Union HS, Assagao).

U-17 girls: 100m - Ruchira Gawas (GS Amonkar HS, Mapusa), 800m - Laxmi Lamani (Government HS, Namoshi, Guirim), triple jump - Jolainee Moses (Mary Immaculate HS, Panjim), discus - Astrid Pereira (Holy Family HS, Porvorim).

Goa Boys beat Chattisgarh 7-1 in the finals while Goa Girls trounced Orissa 28-1 in the finals.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 6

GOA DIARY

I-League season tickets

I-League football: Salgaocar v. Chirag United, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, 3.45 p.m.

GFA U-16 football: Santo Estevam v. Dempo Sports Club (Juniors), Santo Estevam ground, 4 p.m.

PANJIM (HSD) -- The I-League season tickets for 38 matches to be held in Goa will be available at GFA’s Fatorda and Panjim offices from 2 p.m. onwards on December 7. Tickets are priced at Rs 1,000 for the West stand and Rs 500 for the East, North and South stands.

Goa baseball girls team alongwith V M Prabhudesai, Ramakant Angle, Minanath Upadhey, Dilip Naik, Sharendra Naik, Kavita Avati, Devadatta Kerkar, Kiran Dhargalkar. Below, the boys team.

Loutulim football tourney

MARGAO (HC) -- Socio Cultural Club of Loutolim will organize the second All Goa Loutulim Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament on December 12 at Loutulim ground. The finals are slated on January 24. Details may be obtained from Domnic Dias on 9822150845, Micheal Rodrigues on 9822153602 or Charles Dias on 9822686132. Cash prizes will be awarded. Entries close on December 7 at 5 p.m.

Carom tournament

PANJIM (HSD) -- The All-Goa Ranking Carrom Tournament for junior boys and girls (U-18) will be held at Siddhi Carrom Club, behind Stop and Relax Restaurant, Patto, Ribandar on December 12 at 9.30 a.m. Those interested may submit their names along with proof of age to P M Chari on 9823850155 or Dinanath Pilarnekar on 9421246896 on or before December 10.

Goa bagged a double winning both the boys and girls titles at 22nd Junior National Baseball Championship in Kolkata on Sunday.

It was Goa’s hat-trick of double titles in baseball, having won earlier the 56th National School Games U-19 title and the Senior Nationals in Indore.

Goa bioys beat Chattisgarh 7-1 homes. Kumar Sunny Gaude, Nirjay Gaude, Amey Borkar, Nikhil Bhamaikar, Vinesh Satarkar, ganesh Sudir, manohar Gaionkar, Shubam and Devanand excelled for Goa. The girls beat Orissa 28-1 homes Sharol D’Mello, Karishma Gaude, Mamata Desai, Sneha Gaude, Anjali, Nikhita, Nandini, Asha, Leena shone for Goa. Nilesh Prabhudesai and Chitra Gaude were the coach and manager respectively.

Salgaocar rope in striker Ekene from E Bengal HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 6

Former NFL champions Salgaocar Sports Club will be looking to keep the bright start going on when they clash with Kolkata’s Chirag United in a second round match of All India Football Federation’s I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Tuesday at 3.45 p.m.

Salgaocar are upbeat after registering a 3-0 win over Kerala’s Viva Kerala away from home and this will be their first match in front of their supporters.

Securing a victory is very much in the mind of Salgaocar’s Moroccan coach Karmim Bencherifa. “We had done very well in the first match. It is always nice to start with a victory

l Churchill face JCT, Air India meet Viva Kerala

and we’ve done that. Chirag are a good team and we will have to be patient against our opponents who have some quality players in their ranks.We had our preparations accordingly and the boys are very eager to play in front of our fans. It can be a challenge for the players and I am hopping that everything works out as per our plans so that we get the three valuable points,” explained Bencherifa.

Salgaocar will be having some injury worries with defenders Peter Costa, Milagres Gonsalves, Chandrashekar Chinta being on the injured list. However the Moroccan coach felt that the injury problems are part of the game. “We have injury problems

in the defense as most of them are nursing injuries. But we have to get on with it. We’ll have to be positive and get the consistency in our approach. The encounter is crucial as we aim for full points. I hope the boys will deliver,” said Bencherifa.

Salgaocar will be strengthened with the return of Nigerian striker Ekene Ikenwa who was released by East Bengal and has rejoined the Green Brigade. But the Nigerian frontman is not entirely guaranteed a place in the first eleven as Bencherifa will be assessing the fitness of their last year’s I-league top scorer.

Salgaocar will be relying heavily on Ghanaian import Yusif Yakubu who is not a stranger in

Clement, Sharnifa bag honours in Macau

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 6

G o a ’ s C l e m e n t Fr a n c i s c o emerged 4th in half marathon in the men’s Category A at the 29th Macau International Marathon in Macau on December 5.

Clement finished fourth in the half marathon (21kms) with a timing of 1 hour 17 minutes and stood seventh in the general

category. He was awarded a trophy and a medal. Clement is an employee of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa. In all, 1265 athletes from 65 countries participated.

In the women’s section, Sharnifa D’Costa of Varca finished 5th with a timing of 1 hour 43 minutes and came 15th in the general category. Altogether, 279 athletes from 58 countries

participated.

Clement and Sharnifa were the only athletes to represent India in Macau.

President, Goa Olympic Association, Subhash Shirodkar, who was also present stated, “We need to focus on such athletes, so that they improve. This is an impressive performance

by Goan athletes, for which every Goan should be proud of.”

Gurudatta Bhakta, general secretary, Goa Olympic Association, and vice-president, Goa Olympic Association, Girish Chodankar were also present.

Surprisingly, Girish, who is president of Goa Kho Kho Association accompanied the 2member athletic team as manager, when actually a qualified official from the field of athletics or Goa Athletic Association or an athletic coach ought to have been with the State team which was fully sponsored by SAG.

Goa having played for Churchill Brothers. Japanese midfielder Ryuji Seoka has been amongst goals and could be the key man for the hosts. Midfielders Cajetan Fernandes, Anthony Barbosa, Brazilian Luciano Sarbosa and goalkeeper Karanjit Singh will be the other players whose performance would be vital for the Goan team.

Chirag United have made a fantastic start this season after annexing the Durand Cup against all odds and the Bengal team carried the good work into the I-League with a calculated 2-1 win over AIFF XI. However, coach Subrata Bhattacharya is cautious about their opponents.

“Salgaocar are a different side

this time. They have strengthened the team with experienced players and it will be very difficult playing against them on home soil. We have won the first match but the margin could have been different if we had converted all the chances. I don’t want the boys to repeat it and we cannot be complacent. If we want to win, we will have to play at our best and get three point,” said the former Mohun Bagan stopper back after a light practice session at Nehru Stadium on Monday morning.

Chirag United are a very balanced outfit with players like Brazilian striker Joshimar da Silva Martins, Nigerian defender Chika Wali, goalkeeper Abhijit

Mondal, Lal Kamal Bhomick, Denson Devadas, Nacimento Silveira, Jerry Zirsanga and Nigerian Junior Elijah having loads of experience playing in the I-league and the Bengal team will be trying to make it two wins on-the-trot.

Tomorrow’s match will be a battle between two teams high on confidence after winning their opening fixtures and shrewed Chirag boss Bhattacharya will be having a plan to upset the host team. But Salgaocar coach Bencherifa is known for his attacking flair and that strategy could be the difference between the two teams.

Churchill Bros meet JCT at Tau Devi Lal Stadium and Air India take on Viva Kerala in Kholapur also on Tuesday.

GOA PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE T-20 CRICKET Dec 24 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 2

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Dempo CC v. Mechvac Fab Salgaocar v. Al Fatah Sarvodaya Royal v. GSA Salgaocar v. Mechvac Fab GSA v. Dempo Sarvodaya v. Al Fatah Salgaocar v. GSA Dempo v. Al Fatah Sarvodaya v. Macvac Fab Salgaocar v. Dempo GSA v. Al Fatah Salgaocar v. Sarvodaya GSA v. Macvac Fab Sarvodaya v. Dempo Al Fatah v. Macvac Fab Semi-finals Semi-finals Finals

Venue: GCA ground, Porvorim.

Vasco Club’s Goa River Marathon on December 19

BY SAVIO MESSIAS VASCO, DEC 6

Vasco Sports Club will organize its first marathon run on December 19 following the membership drive wherein young and enthusiastic businessmen, who came with fresh ideas and realistic goals were roped in.

Though Vasco is primarily a football club, the new members decided to widen the club’s sphere of activities and targeted the local community because a public club, they felt, should do more for the community and the needy.

This young enthusiastic group decide to organize a half marathon called the Goa River Marathon. A few organizations did organize such events with limited success in the past and the number of participants was not too encouraging. However, the present set of members is a determined lot and is putting in their heart and soul to make the marathon and the charity walk with the theme “Keep Goa Green” a huge hit.

The entries have been pouring in from all over the country and the list of participants makes very interesting reading.

We decided to talk to a few well

known participants and find out their idea behind participation.

The first person we talked to was Giles Drego, a veteran runner from Mumbai with an interesting background.

Q: What motivated you to continue running up to this age?

A: Well I used to be quite a good middle distance runner at school excelling at the 800m and 1,500m. Then I shifted to long distance like 5000 and 10,000m when I entered college.

I excelled again and was even selected to represent Mumbai University. However, after completing my college, I had to take up a job and so my sporting and running activities died a slow death. Then came my marriage and then with two kids - responsibility grew and running took a back seat. I crossed 50 and put on weight (touched 80 kg).

Then one day we were celebrating a family birthday with a few drinks going around, when suddenly I announced that I would run the half marathon. I was fat, totally out of shape, so everybody had a good laugh at my expense, but I was serious and determined. The Mumbai Marathon was just three months away and I decided to train hard

Giles Drego

for the half marathon. The very next day I put on my shorts and T-shirt and went for a short jog, which I couldn't do - managing a mere 400m - talk about 21 km. However, within 2 and 1/2 months, I had brought my weight down to 66kg and ran

my first ever half marathon on January 21, 2007, completing it in a good time of 2hrs 08min.

There was no looking back after that. And what motivates me to continue running is ever since I re-started my running, I have been really fit and as healthy as

never before. What's more, I am enjoying life to the fullest - meeting like-minded friends at the jogging park and what motivates me even further is that when I am at the jogging track, many youngsters come up with compliments like "I'd like to be as fit as you when I'm your age".

Believe, me, Savio, that keeps me going no end.

Q: What’s the reason behind participating in the Goa River Marathon A: I aim to use this half marathon as a build up to the full marathon that I'll participate in Mumbai (the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on January 16, 2011). Running is my passion and I like to take part in upcoming races in the country. Wherever I go, many of my students and group runners tend to follow. I am coming to Goa, bringing along at least 15 Mumbaites and in the coming years more will take part in the GRM. In future, the GRM would become bigger and better and then I would like to think that I was one of those who participated in the First GRM. Q: Your message to young generation A: If you want to make it in

running, then there's no short cut. You need to train and train hard. Also, training hard is not enough, training correctly is more important. It is always better to train under a coach. One could easily come in for a serious injury because of wrong training methods or over-training.

Q: Your major achievements in marathons.

A: I haven't been around for long in marathon (less than 5 years), but in this short period, I have been an India representative (stand-by) having stood 6th (50+ category) at the All India Veteran's National Championship (2007). I stood 35th at the International Mumbai Marathon 2007 (half marathon), 22nd at the International Mumbai Marathon 2008 (half).Stood 21st at the International Mumbai Marathon 2009 (half), 22nd at the International Mumbai Marathon 2010 (half), 5th at Kaveri Trail Half Marathon, Mysore (Oct. 2010), 5th in 50Km Ultra Marathon, Bangalore (Nov. 2010). I have represented Maharashtra State at the National Veterans Athletic Championships for 3 years ina-row.

Pg 15

SPORTS GOA, Tuesday, 7 December, 2010

Bharat, Keerti, Brajanath top

Sesa Football Academy on shooting spree HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 6

Brameshananda Swami felicitating the international yoga medalists on Monday.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 6

Following are the results of Nation al yoga championship at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Monday.

17- 21 years boys: 1.Bharat Kumar, Haryana; 2. Roshan, Delhi; 3. Soumit Biswas, West Bengal; 3. Kartik K, Karnataka; 4. Ravi Praksh, Haryana; 5. Kanta

Betalbatim thrash Macasana HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 6

Bresources Betalbatim Sporting Club thumped Macasana Welfare Club 9-0 in the GFA U-16 League at Curtorim ground, on Saturday.

Betalbatim dominated the proceedings and virtually toyed with the rival weak defence. The highlight of the day were brilliant braces each through Vishal Fernandes, Russel Vaz and Selwyn Costa. Elvis, Danny and Cedric accounted one goal each.

At Assolna ground, Sirlim Sports Club trounced Rossman Cruz Sports Club, Nagoa 5-2 after the teams were tied 2-2 at half time.

BPS beat Sangati HEALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 6

BPS, Vazangal defeated Sangati Sports Club, Uddain, Shiroda 21 in the inaugural match of BPS inter-ward football tournament on Monday. There was no score at half time.

In the second half, BPS shot into the lead in the 15th minute, through Anthony Colaco. However, their happiness was shortlived as a little later, Sangati equalised through Melvin.

In the dying minutes, Valento netted the much awaited goal.

Earlier, the tournament was declared open by panch, Jeronimo D’Costa in the presence of other club members.

Xavi, Iniesta, Messi on Ballon d'Or shortlist REUTERS PARIS, DEC 6

Spain's World Cup winners Xavi and Andres Iniesta were joined by holder Lionel Messi on an allBarcelona shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d'Or announced today.

Iniesta scored the winning goal in Spain's World Cup final victory over the Netherlands in Johannesburg in July and, along with his midfield partner Xavi and Argentina forward Messi, helped Barcelona to win the Spanish league title.

Messi had a disappointing World Cup by his own high standards, failing to score in the tournament as Argentina, coached by Diego Maradona, suffered a 4-0 defeat by Germany in the quarter-finals.

Vicente del Bosque of Spain, the man who masterminded Spain's first World Cup success, made the shortlist for the Coach of the Year award along with Barcelona's Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho, who won the Champions League with Inter Milan. ''Since 2008, Spanish football is really ahead of the rest. They are also dominating so much at club level,'' FIFA general Secretary Jerome Valcke told a media conference. ''They are playing so well in their club. They are crushing world football at the moment.

Barcelona's match against Madrid last week was a brilliant display of football.''

It was the third time that three players from the same club had been named on the Ballon d'Or shortlist. In 1988 and 1989, AC Milan monopolised the first three spots on the list, with Marco Van Basten winning both times.

This year's winners will be announced on January 10 in Zurich.

The honour was formerly organised solely by France Football magazine but has now merged with FIFA's World Player of the Year.

Prasad, Karnataka; 6. Shivanath, West Bengal.

Girls - 1. Keerti, Haryana; 2.

Tana Nag, West Bengal; 3. Arti Pal, MP; 3. Raki Chatarji, West Bengal; 4. Sachin, Haryana; 4.

Madhubanti Dey, West Bengal; 5. Suman, Haryana; 6. Shalini, Karnataka.

21 to 25 men - 1. Brajanath B, West Bengal; 2. Tapas Bal,

West Bengal; 3. Raju H D, Karnataka; 4. Vinay Paul, West Bengal; 5. Sagar Dattalaya, Maharashtra; 6. Veerbhan, Haryana.

Women - 1. Jyothi Sharma, Haryana; 2. Bharati Haryana; 3.

Mamt Arajak, West Bengal; 4.

Priyanka Kolly, West Bengal; 5.

Deepali, Maharashtra; 6. Madhuri Hajare, Maharashtra.

Fun Boys Cana emerge champs HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO,DEC 6

Fun Boys, Cana recorded a solitary goal victory over ABC Boys in the finals of Cana Dynamites football tournament organized

by Cana Dynamites at Samuel ground, Cana Benaulim on Sunday.

After the change of ends Fun Boys surged ahead through medio Remedios Fernandes who latched on to a Milton Fernandes pass and struck a ferocious right footer which crashed into the nylons.

ABC then pressed hard for the equaliser but Fun Boys defenders Grayfans Popu, Floriano Rebello and Johny put up a solid show while goalkeper

Cookie Fernandes also excelled under the bar with a couple of smart saves to deny rival strikers Cedric and Danny.

Benaulim MLA, Mickky Pacheco was the chief guest. Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes was the guest of honour and gave away the prizes.

Following prizes were awarded Best goal of tournament Cedric (ABC). Highest scorer Brandon (Holy Cross). Best goalkeeper of finals Cookie (Fun Boys). Best half of finals Milton (Fun Boys). Best defender of finals Popu (Fun Boys). Man-ofthe finals Remedious (Fun Boys).

Earlier, Manuel Fernandes welcomed. Thomson Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.

Orlim drub Ave Maria HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 6

Orlim Sports Club drubbed Ave Maria Athletic W and A, Benaulim 3-1 in GFA Under U-14 league at Betalbatim ground on

Monday.

Orlim enjoyed the lion share of exchanges in both halves.

Nash Pereira, C Shetye and Lionel Fernandes were the goal getters while Tony reduced the margin.

Rebello Pandal in semis HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 6

Rebello Pandal, Maina defeated Bond XI, Curtorim 5-4 via the tie-breaker to march into the semi-finals of 7th

Rosary Cup football tournament at Rosary ground, Zorrivaddo- Davorlim on Monday.

The teams were locked goalless at the end of regulation time .

State taekwondo at Fatorda

PANJIM (HSD) -- The Taekwondo Association of Goa will conduct their 19th State Taekwondo Championship to coincide with the Silver Jubilee of the association from December 10 to 12 at Nehru Multipurpose Hall, Fatorda. Altogether, 600 participants are expected to participate in sub-junior, junior, senior men and women categories.The opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. The medals distribution ceremony will be held on December 12 at 4.30 p.m.

With the International Film Festival of India coming to end recently in the city, it was Mapusa’s turn to enjoy some of the glitz and glamour.

Sesa Football Academy was shooting a corporate film at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Monday as part of the Vedanta Group’s social responsibility programme.

The boys were assembled into two teams. The senior team wore the all-blue home jersey while the junior team wore a black kit and were called “The Eagles”. The players had to mimic various football scenarios, which included attacking, defending, scoring and celebrating.

“Cut!” screamed the Mumbai-based director. “I need more aggression!” The director expected Oscar winning per-

formances from the players and the players were happy to oblige, as they enjoyed being in the limelight.

“They are used to being filmed,” disclosed Sesa’s Dr Bhatikar from the sidelines.

“We film each match and then the coach sits down with the team in the evening and explains how they can improve in the next encounter.”

A rumor circulated that John Abraham was going to turn up. He did not attend on this occasion, but to be honest, he was not needed.

A large crowd of supporters had gathered and they played a starring role, as they blew horns, played drums and took part in the Mexican wave.

Sesa coaches, Bramanand Sankwalkar, Clifford Chukwuma, Agostinho Dias and Ajay Acharya were also present.

pg16_Layout 1 12/7/2010 12:06 AM Page 1

SPORTS GOA, TUESDAY, 7 DECEMBER, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

Pg16 Aiming for clean sweep: Gambhir Goa baseball juniors bag double Nat titles Pg 14

were different. Be it the flat tracks in Jaipur or the seaming wicket in Vadodara, they have done well for us, Bowlers deserve the maximum credit for us winning the

n Our target is to win all five games. The team that plays better cricket in the 100 overs will win. We are looking forward towards performing well and hopefully we will keep the momentum going. We need to maintain the same intensity with which we played the earlier three matches.

-- Gautam Gambhir PTI BANGALORE, DEC 6

Having already clinched the series with an unassailable 3-0 lead, stand-in captain Gautam Gambhir is eyeing a clean sweep as India take on New Zealand in the fourth ODI in Bangalore tomorrow.

"Our target is to win all five games. The team that plays better cricket in the 100 overs will win. We are looking forward towards performing well and hopef u l l y w e w i l l ke e p t h e momentum going. We need to maintain the same intensity with which we played the earlier three

matches," Gambhir told the mediapersons today on the eve of the penultimate one-dayer.

Gambhir however refused to divulge about the playing XI and said that he would take a call after consultation with the coach.

The Delhi lad praised his teammates and said that at this point of time there aren't any such area where improvement is needed.

"We are always tested in international cricket. It is not that we have not got runs at the top of the order. But I must say that the bowlers have done well in all the matches where conditions

series," the skipper said.

"In the next two outings, all we need to do is to play to our potential. We should stick to our strengths and hopefully we will win," he said.

Gambhir also ruled out any chance of complacency and stressed on the fact they needed to field their best side in order to win.

"It is a young side and we have some experienced players in the squad too. It is an international game and we need to field a best team. It is not like that we have won the series and we will be taking things lightly," he sounded cautious.

"The good thing is that we don't take any game lightly. In the due course, if youngsters get an opportunity, I think they need to grab it. Right now, we would like to field the best amongst the available lot for the match."

When asked whether team's bowling in the slog over is a concern, the southpaw said, "It is difficult for bowlers to contain with the old ball and it applies

more so in third Powerplay as well. It is always difficult for bowlers in such situations in one-day games."

Although it is a known fact that some of the juniors will have to again warm the benches when the seniors like Sachin Te n d u l k a r, Virender Sehwag, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina come back, Gambhir feels that everyone should get enough opportunities to prove their worth at the international level.

"They have done it in the past and I think they should get enough opportunity to express themselves in international cricket. For example, if you see Ravindra Jadeja or Yusuf Pathan have not got enough opportunities with the bat."

"Pathan had batted in the last 10 overs only. He has not got enough chance to take on the bowlers. We can still think of giving them the opportunity by putting them in early so that they can use those chances to their advantage."

"If you have watched the first game, you will find that Yusuf batted with tail-enders. He was in a situation that he had to go after each and every delivery."

He said, "I may just ensure that Yusuf gets to bat with the top-order so that he can play enough deliveries and use his

Vettori urges teammates to perform well n Each individual has to stand up and perform well. It is missing. We need couple of top order batsmen coming good in the next two matches. What we have to do on Tuesday is to have to be clear in our minds and perform the roles that we need to do.

-- Daniel Vettori

New Zealand cricketers Daniel Vettori gives bowling tips to Nathan McCullum as they take part in a fielding session.

PTI BANGALORE, DEC 6

Facing the challenge of avoiding a series whitewash, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori today asked the top-order batsmen to respond to the tough situation as they face a rampaging India in the fourth ODI tomorrow.

New Zealand are down 0-3 and the Kiwi skipper said it's

time that the players of his side wake up and perform.

"Each individual has to stand up and perform well. It is missing. We need couple of top order batsmen coming good in the next two matches. What we have to do tomorrow is to have to be clear in our minds and perform the roles that we need to do," Vettori said on the eve of the penultimate match of the series.

Aussies suffer blow AFP ADELAIDE, DEC 6

Australia suffered a massive blow with the loss of key batsman Michael Clarke in the final over today to leave them facing an uphill battle to salvage the second Test against England at the Adelaide Oval.

Clarke looked on track to go to stumps leading a fighting vanguard only to fall to a catch close to the wicket off part-time spinner Kevin Pietersen with four balls left of the fourth day.

Clarke had appeared to have recaptured his best form after cheap dismissals in Brisbane and the Adelaide first innings before he was out for 80.

At stumps, Australia, chasing 375 runs to save the Test, were 238 for four with Mike Hussey the not out batsman on 44.

The Australian vice-captain went to the crease under pressure following scores of nine and two and his team needing him to produce a long matchsaving innings against dominant England, who are chasing their first Adelaide win since 1995.

Rain might yet help Australia's rearguard after a storm suspended play for an hour after tea with more bad weather forecast for tomorrow's final day.

Top-rated spinner Graeme Swann proved the major threat with his sharp turn out of the rough and captured the key wickets of Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting.

Katich's painful resistance ended in the 30th over, when he pushed forward to Swann and got a touch for wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Australia 1st innings: 245 (M Hussey 93, B Haddin 56, S. Watson 51; J. Anderson 4-51).

England 1st innings: (overnight 551-4) A Strauss b Bollinger 1, A Cook c Haddin b Harris 148, J Trott c Clarke b Harris 78, K Pietersen c Katich b Doherty 227, P Collingwood lbw Watson 42, I Bell not out 68, M Prior not out 27. Extras: 29. Total: 620 for 5 dec. Fall of wicket: 1-3 2-176 3-351 4-452 5-568. Bowling: Harris 29-5-84-2 (w-1), Bollinger 29-1-130-1 (w-6), Siddle 303-121-0 (w-1), Watson 19-7-44-1, Doherty 27-3-158-1, North 18-0-62-0.

Australia 2nd innings: S Watson c Strauss b Finn 57, S Katich c Prior b Swann 43, R Ponting c Collingwood b Swann 9, M Clarke c Cook b Pietersen 80, M Hussey not out 44, M North not out 0. Extras: 5. Total: 238 for 4. Fall of wickets: 1-84 2-98 3-134 4-238. Bowling (to date): Anderson 15-3-70-0, Broad 11-3-32-0, Swann 34-10-72-2, Finn 14-2-41-1, Pietersen 1.2-0-5-1.

Easy win for Bangla REUTERS DHAKA, DEC 6

Left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak and paceman Shafiul Islam grabbed four wickets each today to give Bangladesh a 65-run win over Zimbabwe in the third oneday international and a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Zimbabwe looked distinctly second best when they were reduced to 47 for six before limping to 181 all out in 48.1 overs chasing Bangladesh's challenging 246-7 under a cloudy sky.

Razzak plunged Zimbabwe's

innings into disarray with a superb first spell in which he claimed three wickets and conceded only four runs in as many overs.

He added another wicket in his second spell to finish with four for 14, his third consecutive haul of four or more wickets in one-day internationals. Only five other bowlers have managed the same feat.

Razzak's tally in the series now stands at 13, including a hattrick in Bangladesh's six-wicket win in the second one-dayer on Friday. Zimbabwe won Wednesday's first match by nine runs.

destructive batsmanship to good effect."

The skipper termed the Baroda batsman as a match-winner.

"He is a match winner. I would personally see what's the situation in our tie tomorrow. The top four have really done well and I do not think, Pathan could be brought up in that order. If the situation arises, we might promote him at number five."

When the skipper was asked about his splendid return to form with back-to-back centuries, he replied, "I think I had always been saying that the "Captain is as good as the team."

"I have got such quality in the side that I do not need to do much. Bowlers like Zaheer, Ashish and Munaf have played enough international matches and Yuvraj has been of great help to me in the middle. If I need to take any suggestions, I know that there is someone to whom I can walk up to."

"I have enough players in the side to deliver for me and I must say that I am lucky as to having such a great bunch of guys and I always believed that the Captain is as good as his team. It's not the captain only who wins you a game but the team effort is the main reason.

"I have enjoyed captaincy. It is a responsibility and to live to the best of my ability and hopefully I can continue in the next two games."

The Kiwi skipper blamed the flop show of batsmen for the embarrassing situation they have landed in.

"Reasons for the three-match drubbing is relatively simple and unfortunate. We failed to post enough runs on the board by trying different things. We did not put pressure on the Indian batsmen.

"In this part of the world you need to be harder with the ball and make it straight. It is number of things and we just trying to make improvements to give us a bit of performance," Vettori said.

The left-arm spinner though was full of praise for the host batsmen especially his counterpart Gautam Gambhir, who struck back-to-back centuries to lead India to series win.

"The Indian batsmen having been playing extremely well, particularly Gambhir. We got to find a way to stop him."

Vettori was hopeful that Brendon McCullam, who is still not comfortable with his back, would do the duty behind the wickets.

"Hope he keeps wickets. His

back is still giving him a bit of trouble. It is difficult to keep wickets with a sore back. He is on for the game tomorrow morning and is progressing and getting better. I am just hoping that he keeps wickets but I am not hundred per cent sure," he said.

Talking about the wicket, Vettori said, "I just got to ask Ross Taylor as he knows a lot more than I do. It has got lot more grass on it and probably not damp but little sticky. We need to see what the change is going to be in the next 24 hours. We would take a decision tomorrow."

On possible changes in his team for the match, he said, "I think the present lot is good enough to win the game but there may be a couple of changes here and there."

Vettori gave hint that their consultant for coaches Duncan Fletcher may not continue after the India tour and also disclosed that their Cricket Board is keen to appoint Mushtaq Ahmed as spin bowling coach.

"I think our Board had talked to Mushtaq on spin bowling.

Duncan (Fletcher) has come in under the same set of umbrella for batting. He has lot of ideas on bowling, fielding and batting.

He has come and trying to help the guys as much as possible.

"It has been good because there are fresh boys and the rut we are in, it is good to have people like him. Something we do and some things we could improve on. He is there till end of this tour and after that, I am not too sure," he said.

Asked if he is worried the way Ross Taylor is getting out Vettori replied, "Ross has been performing well and has a good record for a long time. We are hopeful that he is comfortable here in Bangalore. Obviously this is a real turning point for him in the series."

Match starts at 2.30 pm.

Bharat, Keerti, Brajanath top Pg 15