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O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, wednesdaY, julY 7, 2010
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Sports: Muralitharan to quit Test cricket Pg 13 IN BRIEF First night trial of Astra conducted For the first time, India today conducted the night trial of its indigenously developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-toair missile ‘Astra’ in inclement weather. -- (PTI)
Business: Tap semi-urban, rural savings -- FM Pg 12
pRiCe Rs. 3.00 (air surcharge Rs. 1.50) pages 18
Goa’s Heartbeat: What’s next for the Harry Potter kids? Pg 14
Mickky’s date with fate today HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
The fate of former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco will be finally decided on Wednesday morning, even as Crime Branch on Tuesday submitted before the Sessions court that Pacheco’s custodial interrogation is necessary not only to recover certain missing items, but to find out the involvement of more persons connected with Nadia Torrado’s death. After hearing arguments advanced by the prosecution and defense counsel, Additional Sessions Judge P V Kamat has reserved his orders to Wednesday morning.
Ve h e m e n t l y o p p o s i n g Mickky’s bail plea, Public Prosecutor Sarojini Sardinha said the former minister is required in custody to answer questions on
the various discrepancies in his statements and those made by Nadia’s mother, besides to recover the weapon used in the assault on Torrado. She said
prosecution for test by medical board HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
Public Prosecutor Sarojini Sardinha has asked the Sessions Court to subject Pacheco to examination by a medical board and call for the hospital papers right from the date of admission saying the medical certificate issued by Hospicio on Pacheco’s health is suspect and needs to be checked for its genuineness. (Continued on page 11)
there could be more persons involved in the death of Nadia Torrado. “It is high time the accused subjects self to custodial interrogation. The entire truth will be revealed only through Pacheco’s custodial interrogations”, She submitted, adding that interrogations of Pacheco without custody would defeat the very purpose of the Supreme Court order. “The applicant has moved for bail in order to camouflage the orders of the High Court and Supreme Court”, Sardinha said, adding that there is no change in the circumstances right from the day (Continued on page 11)
27 detained with fake Dubai visas PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
Unearthing a major fake visa racket, security personnel today detained 27 people at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here when they were trying to board two Dubai-bound flights allegedly with forged travel documents. The detentions by the CISF came this evening after Kingfisher and Jet Airways call centres received calls from an anonymous person that these people were to board two flights to Dubai with fake visas. The caller also gave PNR numbers of their flight tickets, sources said.
Centre asks Naxal-hit States to be vigilant PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
The Central government has asked Maoist-hit States to remain vigilant and take all possible steps to foil any attempt at violence, including hostage-like situations, ahead of the twoday bandh called by Naxals to protest killing of their leader Azad. The Home Ministry asked the Naxal-affected States and the Railways to take necessary action to guard railway properties, tracks, public places, markets and other vital installations to avoid any untoward incident
Daylight murder at Baina HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JULY 6
A youth allegedly murdered his friend at Baina-Vasco on Tuesday afternoon. According to reports, the accused, Ahmed Shaikh (20), allegedly murdered Mehabosabh Mulasabh Kamatgi (33) of Baina, who also had a criminal record in Baina. The accused allegedly hit a borewell pump handle on Mehabosabh’s head, killing him on the spot. Mehabosabh’s wife, holding her eight-month-old baby boy, told media that Mehabosabh had informed her that he had a quarrel with Ahmed about a week ago. Friends of the accused also informed that Mehabosabh along with some persons had allegedly assaulted Ahmed near Hanuman Temple, Baina, about a week ago, where the murder took place on Tuesday. “Ahmed doesn’t listen to anyone, when he sniffs white-ink (the accused was habituated to the sniffing of correction ink). Earlier, Ahmed had also beaten few other people in an inebriated condition,” said a friend of the accused, who present at the murder site after the incident. “No one entertains him when he is in intoxicated condition. He also had quarrels with police constables,” added the friend. Relatives of Ahmed added that (Continued on page 11)
during the 48-hour bandh called by CPI-Maoists beginning tomorrow. The bandh was called in protest against the killing of top Naxal leader Cherukuri Rajkumar alias Azad in Andhra Pradesh last week. The Maoists have vowed to take revenge of Azad’s killing by Andhra Pradesh Police in an alleged encounter near Sarkapalli village in Adilabad district. The Maoists also reportedly asked people not to travel by train during the bandh period. “There have been intelligence
Army DeployeD iN SriNAgAr
reports that the Maoists may try to create a hostage-like situation to demand the release of their jailed leaders,” an official said. The Centre is particularly concerned over the safety of Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express trains, rail tracks and passengers as nearly 150 people lost their lives following the derailment of Jnaneswari Express in West Bengal on May 29 by Maoists. Meanwhile, the Railways said it was taking the situation seriously and has kept ‘crack teams’ on standby.
Security personnel chasing demonstrators at Batamaloo in Srinagar on Tuesday. PTI SRINAGAR, JULY 6
The Army was deployed tonight in Srinagar and indefinite curfew imposed as fresh violence erupted in Kashmir Valley, claiming four lives and leaving over 70 injured after days of calm. Fayaz Ahmad Wani was killed when security personnel allegedly opened fire at a stonepelting mob protesting the death of a man who he fell into a drain during a demonstration in Batmaloo area of the city last night. A 25-year-old woman identified as Fancy was killed by a stray bullet in the same area when security forces fired in air to disperse a mob which attacked a police building after torching a welfare centre in the same premises, police said. Indefinite curfew was clamped in the city after the latest spell of violence. The army called out on the streets of Srinagar late tonight to enforce the curfew keeping in view the non-availability of
adequate number of police personnel many of whom have been deployed for Amarnath Yatra and counter-insurgency operations, official sources said. In the evening, Abrar Khan, 18, was killed while 20-year-old Owais Ahmad was seriously injured when police fired to disperse protesters in Maisuma in the heart of Srinagar city after they defied curfew orders, police said. Besides Srinagar, violence also took place in Baramulla, Pampore in Pulwama and parts of curfew-bound Anantnag leaving 25 injured including an assistant sub-inspector who was hit by a stone on his head at Mattan Chowk in Anantnag. Police said the mobs also pelted stones on police stations at Pattan and Pampore. The policemen fired in air to scare away the protesters. Police resorted to firing to disperse mourners carrying the body of Fancy who was killed in Batmaloo.
Goa Scholarship Scheme soon: CM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday said the government would soon come out with the Goa Scholarship Scheme to assist students who excel at the national level for IIT, IIM and BITS Pilani. He was speaking at a function organised by the Margao Municipal Council to felicitate SSC students from the city schools scoring highest marks in social studies.
“The scheme is not exactly a scholarship, but the government intends to financially assist the students pursuing IIT, IIM and education in BITS Pilani. “Not only the poor even the middle class cannot afford to pursue professional education. The scheme would work out a way wherein the government bears the cost of hostel charges, equipments and other things”, he said, adding that the Director of Higher Education is working out the modalities of the scheme.
Saying that this is the age of the survival of the fittest, Kamat said merit will be the main criteria in respect of admissions to professional colleges in the future. Complimenting the Margao Municipal Council for deciding to felicitate SSC students for excelling in social studies, the chief minister advised the students not to forget the parents and teachers who contribute towards their success. (Continued on page 11)
They have robbed my expensive car but since petrol price is hiked, they have left its engine for me.
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Land acquisition heading for roadblock at Curchorem HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, JULY 6
Residents of Tilamol, Cacora, Curchorem and Bansai are gearing up to oppose the proposed land acquisition for widening the road from Tilamol to Curchorem. It may be recalled that the government on July 1 issued a notification under Section 4 of Land Acquisition Act to acquire land to construct the road, a four lane, from Tilamol to Curchorem and Quepem Deputy Collector Agnel Fernandes was appointed land acquisition officer. The residents on Sunday con-
vened a meeting at Bansai to oppose the land acquisition and make the people aware about its effect on the people residing alongside the road. The villagers had come under the banner ‘Ganv Rakhonn Jagrut Manch’, which was attended by over 500 villagers. Addressing the residents, Babu Prabhu Dessai said if the road is for the benefit of the local people, then the people will demolish their houses themselves, but if the proposed acquisition is for the benefit of the mining lobby, then they will not allow the acquisition.
“The plan showing the land to be acquired for road widening is drawn on a survey plan, which is not being updated for years. If the physical survey of it is carried out, then several houses will be demolished to make way for the road widening,” he claimed. Adv Mahesh Kakodkar questioned government’s intention in the matter. He said the present road is enough for the normal traffic and widening is not required by demolishing houses of hundreds of people for no proper reason, unless the government has some hidden motive behind this move.
Christanand Pednekar said recently there have been numerous accidents due to mining transport and if widening becomes a reality, then people will have to walk with their coffin in their hands expecting death any moment. “A four-lane road is not required for the normal traffic, as the present road is adequate,” he added and called upon the people to oppose the proposed road widening with all their might. Soccorina Goes said people have been asking for a by-pass road for so long for mining activity which the authorities had prom-
ised, but now it is evident that they were fooling the public. “I am confident that this widening is done to enable the mining lobby to transport ore and not in the interest of the people,” she alleged. “People will not take things lying down, but will agitate with all their might to stop this double intentional move of the government,” warned Goes. Mafaldo Fernandes said the government should forget about the road widening and take up the by-pass road work, if they want peace in the region. “We will never let the mining
lobby succeed in this move of road widening,” warned Fernandes. Curchorem BJP President Pradeep Naik, Vinod Velgaonkar and Rajendra Kakodkar also spoke at the meeting. Villagers have decided to meet Quepem Deputy Collector Agnelo Fernandes, who was appointed acquisition officer, and submit their grievances. They also decided to meet Chief Minister Digambar Kamat over the issue. The villagers warned that if their demands are not met by the elected representatives, then they would knock the doors of the court.
Bank ordered to pay NRI Rs 6.26 lakh HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
The Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, South has ordered a leading private bank to pay to an NRI an amount of Rs 6.26 lakh for deficiency in service by the bank resulting in causing loss to the complainant. In this case, the complainant Savio Fernandes had lost his bag containing all documents of his bank transactions, including those of the accounts with the bank. He immediately through his mandate holder requested the bank to block his accounts so that the same could not be operated by the person, who had managed to secure possession of his bank documents together with ATM cards. He, however, maintained that there was deficiency in service by the bank by neglecting to adhere to the instructions to block the account, resulting in a loss of the amount withdrawn by the culprits from his account. The bank, in its reply, had denied any deficiency in service or dereliction of duty by the bank staff. In his order, President of the Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Adv Jagdish Prabhudessai
The bank has miserably failed to comply with the timely instructions given by the complainant. Contributory negligence attributed by the bank to the ATM card holder are not applicable to the facts of the present case. observed that the Forum is duty bound to accept the legitimate grievance of the complainant that this is clear case of failure to perform duty towards the account holder of the bank. “The bank has miserably failed to comply with the timely instructions given by the complainant. We agree that instructions are issued to the account holders of the precautions to be taken to protect the ATM card, but they do not come into picture in the present case since the documents were all lost and bank was informed to block the account. Hence, contributory negligence attributed by the bank to the ATM card holder are not applicable here”, Adv Prabhudesai said.
As the world cup fever is on, young Panjimites plays football on the street near education department.
For a common man ration card has multiple usage! Very often it is traded as a social document even as the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (CSCA) abhors the practice. “We have intimated all departments of the government not to insist on ration cards as a social document as it can be used only for purchasing ration from a fair price shop,” says CSCA Director Gurudas Pilarnkar. The department has started generating awareness among people that ration cards can’t be used as social document. The message is also printed on
the ration card. Pilarnkar said, “During consumer meetings we tell people that ration cards cannot be used for any other purpose than what it is meant for.” But people continue to use ration cards for other purposes as most government departments consider them as one of the important social documents. Immediate fallout of this practice is people continue to apply for ration cards not because they want to stake claims to their share of ration but to use it as a social document. “If this practice is stopped, at least, genuine and needy people will get more ration,” pointed out Pilarnkar.
Complaint lodged against contractor HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, JULY 6
A resident of Sirvoi-Quepem has filed a complaint against one contractor for constructing a stage in his property at Sirvoi. One of the co-owners of the property, Vikas Vasu Bene said the contractor constructed a stage in his property at SirvoiQuepem in March 2010, which was inaugurated by a councilor. “Since the contractor did not take consent from me at the time of construction of the
stage, I filed a compliant with Quepem Municipal Council (QMC) to initiate action against the work,” stated Bene. “The QMC on April 30 forwarded the complaint to PWD to verify whether the PWD has undertaken the construction. The PWD in turn in a letter dated June 10 informed QMC and me that they had not executed the work,” he said. “The QMC officials also denied that they had executed the work,” alleged Bene.
HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 6
The axe is likely to fall on a number of temporary structures, which continue to dot Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) coast, even though the tourism season ended last month. According to municipal sources, police protection has been sought to carry out dem-
olition drive of illegal temporary structures in civic areas on Wednesday. It may be recalled that councillors in their last meeting had urged the chief officer to initiate stringent measures on defaulting temporary licence holders, who had failed to restore their places to normal self after the expiry of licence period.
Accordingly, it is learnt that CMC’s team was deputed to inspect and conduct assessment of all the illegally standing temporary structures in the coastal areas at Palolem, Patnem, Colomb, Rajbag, Tarir, etc. When contacted, CMC Chief Officer Deepak Dessai confirming Wednesday’s demolition said: “There may not be much
Total quota of foot grains received from the Centre is distributed equally among total card holders. But in reality, many do not purchase their share of ration. It’s only when the practice (of using ration cards as multi-purpose social document) ceases, there could be fair distribution of ration quota among genuine ration card holders. The number of ration cards has gone up even as ration quota received by the civil supplies department has remained static. There are 3,54,000 ration card holders in the State. “If people stop using ration card for other purposes genuine ration holders will get more ration,” Pilarnkar added.
Canacona gets 30-tonne rice less HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 6
Contrary to government claims that sufficient ration is provided to its citizens, Canacona is receiving 30 tonnes of rice less for the distribution to 11,845 ration cardholders of Canacona taluka. According to the data collected from taluka’s civil supplies section, Canacona has received only 63 tonnes of rice as against 93 tonnes, the quota normally the taluka used to receive. “This is 30 tonnes less, which can put several ration cardholders to great hardships,” informed sources. The taluka has 14 fair price
shops servicing 11,845 ration cards in different areas of Canacona taluka. The 8,580 APL cardholders from the taluka are eligible for 10 kgs of rice with a price tag of Rs 8.90/kg, while 2,445 BPL families get 35 kgs of rice at Rs 6.15/kg. The 807 Antodaya ration cardholders get 35 kgs of rice at Rs 3/kg, while 10 kilos of rice is given by the government free of cost to 13 families having Annapurna ration cards in the taluka. Sources also informed that 2 kgs of wheat is eligible to APL cardholders, while only 500 grams of sugar is sold to all the ration cardholders.
Valpoi local held for assaulting wife HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, JULY 6
A 46-year-old man from Asodem-Khotodem, Valpoi, but residing at Masandiwada-Mollem, was arrested on charges of assaulting his wife on Tuesday evening. According to Collem police PI Manoj Mardolkar, accused Arjun Laxman Masurkar, who was staying with his wife and two children, was not in good terms with his wife for the last
two years. “There used to quarrel over some minor issues. Thereafter, Arjun left his house and was staying at Asodem. However, on July 4, he came to Mollem and assaulted his wife with an iron rod,” informed police. Police further informed that the woman suffered grievous head injuries and was rushed to ID Hospital in Ponda, from where she was referred to GMC Hospital in Bambolim.
After committing the act, Arjun fled from the site. PI Mardolkar along with Head Constables Akbar Ali Khan and Pradeep Gauns and Constable Hassan Patel went to Asodem on Tuesday and arrested the accused. Collem police have registered a case against the accused under Section 307 IPC (attempt to murder). The accused will be produced before Sanguem JMFC on Wednesday.
Malaria cases down, but we can’t relax! HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 6
Even though Malaria cases have reduced in the last ten years, it is no reason to be unworried and health department needs to focus on high risk areas to arrest its spread in other parts of the State. The trend observed is almost 88 per cent of the cases in 2009 and 85 per cent of cases in 2008 were from the project areas where construction activity is going on. “Almost 50 per cent of the cases are reported from areas in Panjim and Candolim where construction activity is rampant. This is a good breeding site for the anopheles stephensi species of mosquito which transmits malaria. The labourers at the construction sites are also come
HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 6
Police on Tuesday took the alleged abductors of the Anjuna hotelier’s son to the cashew plantations at Khola reportedly to examine and identify the location where the youth was kept captive last week. It is reliably learnt that Anjuna PI Manjunath Dessai reached the same Khola spot between Molorem and Matvem-moll on Tuesday evening along with the abductors. Even though sources could not confirm the number of abductors brought at the site, black-coloured clothes had covered their heads, as they were reportedly brought down from the vehicle and were taken deep inside the cashew plantations as part of police investigations into the kidnapping case. It may be recalled that Goa Police assisted by some local youth from Agonda rescued the boy and arrested all the seven abductors, who were allegedly involved in abduction for ransom. Earlier, the police had reportedly taken in their possession a makeshift plastic tent, which the abductors reportedly erected and used on Friday night, after bringing their captive all the way from Anjuna. Police succeeded in nabbing the last and seventh abductor,
who reportedly dodged 400 policemen on Saturday night by hiding under dried leaves in the same forest. One of the local youth, who helped police during rescue operations, told Herald that in the absence of suitable light, they found it very difficult to walk inside their own houses, but the way the Nepali (seventh abductor) ran on that Saturday night from the purview of police torchlight was amazing. “He ran like a rabbit in total darkness in an unfamiliar place and disappeared to make the strong police force to search for him throughout Saturday night till he was reportedly found hiding under dried but rain-drenched wet leaves on Sunday at about 5.30 am,” added the local youth. Meanwhile, taking cognizance of reports appearing in print media, including Herald, about the help provided by three Agonda youth, Canacona police on Monday reportedly collected their contact details. It may be recalled that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Home Minister Ravi Naik announced Goa police a reward of Rs 1 lakh for its swift action in rescuing hotelier’s son and for arresting all the alleged kidnappers.
Temporary structures along Canacona coast face axe
Multipurpose use of ration cards hits needy HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 6
Photo by Rozario Estibeiro
Anjuna youth’s abductors taken for site identification
from various malaria endemic three months of 2009 with 2010, Directorate of Health Services states in India and help in the there were 1246 cases of malaria is making all efforts to consolispread of the disease,” said Dr from January to March, 2009. date the gains, control the disAmit Dias, lecturer, Preventive But, this is not a reason to be ease, lower malaria cases further & Social Medicines, Goa Medical complacent. We have to learn and prevent all deaths due to from the past where malaria was malaria. But what’s puzzling is College & Hospital. Hence, focus has to be on almost eliminated in this coun- why Goa has not been able to high risk areas to prevent the try and then made a comeback,” contain the spread of vector borne diseases especially, spread of the disease in the said Dr Dias. It is now mandatory that all Malaria despite of having the State, says Dr Dias. In 2008, 9,822 cases of malaria the labourers have a malaria test best public health care facilities. were reported of which around and possess a Malaria card. The According to Dr Dias the 28 per cent were due to problem of Malaria is falciparum malaria (the manmade and ironiMalaria cases and deaths dangerous species of cally it is unconYear Malaria Falciparum % of Deaths trolled development malaria) and 21 deaths. cases cases Falciparum In 2009, there were that has led to the 5056 cases with 21 per resurgence of this cent falciparum cases and 2006 5010 1196 23.9 7 disease. ten deaths and data till 2007 “The malaria vec9755 3047 31.2 11 March this year show that tor breeds all over -2008 9822 2727 27.8 21 there were 434 reported it breeds in clean 2009 5056 1056 20.9 10 water at the concases with no deaths. 434 59 - struction site as well “If we compare the first 2010***
as in our houses, in flower pots, water tanks, rain water that collects in tyres, coconut shells, tins left open in the garden -everywhere. The parasite is slowly developing resistance to the usual drugs and we are required to adopt more stringent regiment to treat malaria in the State,” said Dr Dias. More research on the parasite and vector dynamics in the State to improve techniques to fight the disease has to be promoted. “Need for more research on newer drugs, better insecticides and hopefully a vaccine for malaria is needed,” he says. He suggested that local NGOs, panchayats and schools could be engaged to control breeding sites and bring about awareness and behavioural change in the community.
to do on Wednesday, as most of the structures are reportedly razed by the licencees themselves after recent CMC’s notices giving 48 hours were served on some defaulters.” “I even told a few people who met me a few days ago that nothing doing and all has to honour the terms and guidelines of temporary licences issued to
the applicants during last tourist season,” said the chief officer. “We will not allow any defaulters in allowing them to continue with the structures that people were permitted to erect for specific period,” he said. But contrary to what Dessai says, locals in the civic areas alleged that at least one-third of 1,200 temporary structures per-
mitted by CMC during the last tourist season continue to stand tall and some are reportedly doing business. The locals also alleged that structures of some influential people continue to stand illegally and instead fictional specifics are provided to the controlling authorities by inspecting teams with ulterior motives.
Where is Margao’s CDP? HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
Where’s the City Development Plan (CDP) – which the Margao Municipal Council had promised to keep for public viewing for a period of 15 days. When citizens came to the Civic body to view the plan, there were no maps displayed anywhere in the Municipality. The citizens were only told that a copy of the bulky CDP has been kept with an Assistant engineer for viewing, raising questions whether the Civic body is really serious in getting objections and suggestions from the citizens on the CDP. The situation has evoked criticism from the opposition in the Civic body, who demanded to know the whereabouts of the plan. Former Chairperson Piedade Norohna said an important plan such as the CDP should not be taken lightly by the Civic body. “It’s nearly two days now, but there are no plans displayed vis-
à-vis the CDP. How are the citizens supposed to know the contents of the plans. Are they supposed to go through the bulky plan in a short span of time”, she asked. Councilor Narayan Fondekar echoed similar sentiments by seeking to know whether the Civic body is fooling the citizens under the pretext of keeping the CDP for public viewing. “Prudence demands that copies of the plan are displayed for viewing. But, we are told that a copy of the bulky plan is kept with an engineer for the public to peruse. Will this serve the purpose”, he demanded to know. An official said the very purpose of keeping the CDP for public viewing will be defeated if the public have no proper access to the contents of the plan. Another official recalled that the Civic body should approach Architect Rahul Deshpande – who has prepared the plan at the instance of the GSIDC – to submit copies of the information which
Cow electrocuted HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JULY 6
A cow died after coming in contact with an electric pole at Sadar-Ponda on Tuesday afternoon. “I was on the opposite side of the road and suddenly saw the cow making some weird noise. The cow was electrocuted and could not move away from the electric pole. We were helpless and could not save the animal,” said the eye witness. “The animal had gone there in search of some eatables, as the place is often used by people to dump garbage,” he added. Incidentally, the municipal workers had cleared garbage from the same spot on Tuesday morning and were lucky to have escaped from getting electrocuted. After receiving information of the incident, the power line was disconnected. The electricity department from Ponda informed that the animal died due to an electric shock from an electric connection provided to a nearby building. The cable was underground and partially
burnt. Ward Councilor and Ponda Municipal Council Deputy Chairperson Vincent Fernandes said authorities should take precautionary measures so that such incidents do not repeat in the future. “Today morning our municipal workers cleared garbage from the spot and they are indeed lucky. I hope authorities will take note of this and take necessary measures to avoid such incidents in future,” said Fernandes. Fernandes also charged the electricity department Ponda for not maintaining street lights during night. “Every time, there is no one to switch on the street lights during night. The personnel are least bothered and even when we call, they do not listen,” claimed Fernandes. “Streets are kept in the dark most of the time. Sometimes, we switch on the street lights and we don’t even have protective hand gear. This I do only for the people in my ward when electricity personnel do not switch on the lights. This happens often,” he said.
he had displayed in the Municipal hall at the time of audio-visual presentation for the Margao City Fathers.
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Lawyer casts doubts on Nadia’s injuries HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
Fo r m e r m i n i s t e r M i c k k y Pacheco’s legal counsel has submitted that the age of the injuries found on the body of deceased Nadia Torrado is doubtful, saying the post mortem examination conducted at Chennai and Goa do not speak anything about the age of the injuries. Defense counsel Adv Surendra Desai said that there is something wrong in the police investigations if the case papers of both Apollo Victor and Jupiter Hospitals do not speak anything about the injuries. Adv Desai sought to know how the doctor from the Chennai hospital has fixed the age of injures without examining the body. “How does the doctor say that the injuries were of 1216 days old without examining Nadia’s body? The doctor ought to have looked at the medical papers of Apollo Victor and Jupiter Hospitals. There is something wrong with the doctor who has fixed the age of the injuries,” he submitted. On the delay in admitting Nadia to the hospital, Adv Desai said that Nadia’s mother came to know of the consumption of poison only at around 2.30 pm when she heard loud vomiting sound. ‘The mother’s inquires revealed that Nadia had consumed Ratol,” he said. Saying that the medical evidence goes in favour of proving the innocence of Pacheco, Adv Desai said if Pacheco is denied bail, he will be detained illegally.
Examining slashing VAT on fuel: CM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has said that he has only asked the VAT Commissioner to examine the question of the government reducing VAT on petroleum products in the wake of a hike in prices. During an informal chat with newsmen, Kamat reminded that the Centre has decontrolled the petroleum prices, a situation which may lead to the upward and downward movement of the prices. In fact, he said due to decontrol in the petroleum prices, the prices may even come down after 15 days. “I had only said that I am examining the question whetherwe can reduce VAT on fuel. The VAT Commissioner will submit all details on the matter soon,” he added.
Mickky’s supporters kept away from court
The High Court has issued notices on the Margao Municipal Chief Officer and the Margao Municipal Employees Association on the writ petition filed by the Green Goa Foundation for the implementation of the bio-metric finger scan reader in the Margao Civic body. The petition will come up for hearing in the court on July 26. In the petition the Green Goa Foundation headed by Chairman Raison Almeida had prayed to the court for a writ of mandamus directing the Margao Municipal Council to implement the attendance of employees by use of the bio -metric finger scan reader. The petitioner stated that the bio-metric finger scan machine is the most effective means of
Supporters of Micky Pacheco stopped by police at the entrance gate to the Sessions Court building. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
In a move that attracted flak from the crowd, the Goa police on Tuesday stopped supporters of former minister Mickky Pacheco from coming to the Sessions Court at today’s hearing on Pacheco’s bail application. Unlike the previous two occasions, a large number of Pacheco’s supporters who came to hear the court proceedings were left disappointed and agitated after they were stopped by a huge police contingent at the entrance to the court building. The police erected a barricade at the main entrance gate of the court premises to keep the supporters at bay. That’s not all. A
police party manned the main door of the building and allowed people inside, only after scrutiny. Inside the court room of Additional Sessions Judge, P V Kamat, most of the chairs were found occupied, this time not by Pacheco’s supporters, but by male and lady police constables in civil dress – a strategy by the men-in-uniform to keep the supporters at bay. Margao Sub-divisional Police officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar led the police force comprising of police officers from Margao, Colva and Maina Curtorim police station. The supporters, who braved heavy rains outside the court building, were an agitated lot,
The dispute over the election of the Navelim Block Congress committee reached the national capital, with the GPCC President Subhash Shirodkar accompanied by the PWD Minister Churchill Alemao briefing Congress organisational poll coordinator Oscar Fernandes on the issue on Tuesday evening. Fernandes is believed to have told the GPCC president and Navelim block congress committee president Leon Raikar to file an appeal against the report of the returning officer declaring Conceicao Piexote as the newly elected president of the Navelim congress block. Oscar further told the dele-
demanding to know whether the court has ordered the police not to allow them inside the building. They accused the police for acting on their own for the decision against allowing them inside the building. When questioned, Margao Police inspector, Santosh Desai said there was no court order banning Pacheco’s supporters or sympathizers from attending the court hearing. He, however, said the police has acted on information that a large number of Pacheco’s supporter would come today to the court building. “The decision not to allow the supporters inside the building was taken as a precautionary measure,” PI Desai added.
Govt likely to ‘pardon’ bus operators who joined strike HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 6
The private bus operators, who joined July 5 strike, are likely to be pardoned by the State government, with transport department terming any action against them as ‘unfair’. The action of bus operators of keeping their vehicles off the road has not affected the people as there were no commuters on Monday, Director of Transport Arun Desai told Herald. “Under such situation any action against them would be unfair,” he added. The private bus operators in the State had gone on all Goa strike on Monday demanding hike in ticket fares by 20 paisa. The BJP too had called for Goa bandh on July 5. Transport Min-
ister Ramkrishna Dhavalikar had earlier warned of cancellation of temporary bus permits if remained off the road. “Though the Maintenance of Essential Services Act was in action, the Goa bandh forced the people to remain indoors. Here we can’t ask bus operators to run their buses,” Desai said. He said that “it won’t be fair to take action and we can’t harass the operators.” “I had personally visited most of the State bus stands, where there were no passengers. Even Kadamba bus services saw presence of hardly few people,” Desai said. However, he maintained that the department would conduct case to case study on the private buses. “We will have dialogue
recording the employees’ presence in the office and ensuring they do not skip work. He pointed out that realization of the importance of such a machine, the civic body issued an other directing the employees to record their attendance on the bio-metric finger scan machine, adding that there was
disobedience of the order, with workers discontinuing using the machine. Incidentally, the use of the finger scan was shot down by the employees following protests, which prompted Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat to direct the Margao Municipal Council to keep the proposal on hold.
Govt to install cameras HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has said the government will now take up the responsibility of installing surveillance camera in the Margao Municipal Council and two other civic bodies to keep a tab on the employees. When newsmen asked the Chief Minister over the failure by the Margao Civic body to install the surveillance cameras
within a month’s time, Kamat said the government might not mind spending its own money to install the cameras in twothree Civic bodies, besides the Collectorate and other departments where the public contact is more. He said the government is working out and identifying certain departments for the installation of the sur veillance cameras.
Navelim Block Congress poll dispute reaches Delhi HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULEY 6
HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 6
HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, JULY 6
HC notice to MMC, employees HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
Bicholim Toddler drowns at Nerul construction site Porvorim police rushed to the mortem. Later, the body was woman sets site and after conducting the handed over to his parents. Poa tragic incident, a 2-year-old inquest sent the body to GMC lice Sub Inspector Sawant is inherself ablaze Intoddler drowned at a construc- Hospital at Bambolim for post- vestigating the case.
gation to submit a report how the elections were manipulated by the returning officer to the advantage of the Piexote group. Elections to the Navelim block Congress committee had created a controversy, with an agitated Navelim MLA Churchill Alemao demanding the declaration of Piexote as null and void or else threatened to constitute parallel block committees across if the congress leadership fails to dissolve Piexote led block committee. Commenting on today ’s meeting with Oscar Fernandes, Alemao said since the congress leader has asked the GPCC President and Raikar to file an appeal and a detailed report on the manipulation of the election, he
would wait for a decision from the congress high command. “I will wait for the GPCC president to file an appeal and a decision from the Congress leadership before taking the next course of action,” he said. The election hit a bitter row last week and the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was briefed on the issue by the Alemao brothers comprising Churchill and Joaquim and Shirodkar. On the other hand, Piexote - a close aide of CWC member Luizinho Faleiro – has maintained that he has been duly elected as the Navelim block Congress committee and wondered how the party leadership can dissolve the committee within days of the election.
with bus operators and if we are not convinced with their answers we may initiate against them,” Desai said. Talking about hike in bus fares, Desai said the government has take into consideration the burden that would be passed on to the public, who might opt for alternate option at cheaper rates. “We have already given them hike by ten paisa. We need to also think about the people,” he said. The private bus operators have threatened indefinite strike from July 12, if all their demands including bus fare hike by 20 paisa was not approved. A seven day notice has been served on government on Monday, with a deadline of July 11.
Propose alternate locations, casinos told HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 6
The ball is now in the court of casino operators who have their vessels operating within city limits of Mandovi River. The Bombay High Court at Goa on Tuesday asked casino operators to submit their suggestions to Captain of Ports (CoP) about possible alternate location for operating their floating casinos. The six casino operators of floating casinos are before High Court who were served notices by the State Government to shift at Aguada Bay on ground that their casinos were posing navigational hazard. Six floating casinos - Maharajah, Caravela, Leela, Casino Royale, Arabian Sea King and Pride of Goa are currently operating in the Mandovi River after obtaining stay on government’s order. When the matter came up for hearing before a Division Bench of Justices A S Oka and F M Reis today morning, the lawyers appearing on behalf of the casino operators told the court that they would like to suggest suitable locations for operation of floating casinos that would not cause any navigational hazard to other vessels operating in the river, they submitted. The State Government has stuck to its stand that the Mandovi river forms a navigational channel while and these casino vessels pose a serious navigational hazard to barges, trawlers and pleasure cruises operating in the river. The Division Bench has also directed casino operators to approach the CoP within two weeks with their suggestions. The court will hear the petition further on August 4.
A 30-year-old woman from Kudchirem-Bicholim committed suicide by setting herself ablaze at her residence late Sunday night. According to Bicholim police, one Nikita Naresh Gaonkar committed the act as her husband would frequently abuse her. On Sunday night, when her husband started abusing her, she allegedly poured kerosene and set herself ablaze, as she could no longer bear her husband’s abuses. Nikita died on the spot. She was married four years ago and has a one-and-half-year old son. Deputy Collector Narayan Gaad and PSI Harish Madkaikar conducted the panchanama.
Canca woman alleges dowry harassment HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 6
A 30-year-old woman from Canca has accused her husband and in-laws of harassing her on the pretext of dowry. In her compliant, the victim told Mapusa police that she was married in February 2010 and within 15 days of marriage, her husband and in-laws started harassing her. “They assaulted and ill-treated me demanding dowry,” stated the woman in the complaint. According to Mapusa police, her in-laws and her husband were repeatedly asking her to get cash of Rs 1 lakh and jewelry from her parents. “The situation got aggravated and on Monday, the victim’s husband allegedly tried to set her on fire by pouring kerosene. However, the woman managed to escape with the help of a cousin of her husband and filed a complaint with Mapusa police,” informed police. Police have registered an offence against her husband and PSI Udai Gawde is investigating the case.
tion site at Nerul on Tuesday. According to Porvorim police, the incident occurred when the child, Manjunath Baswaraj Pattimanohar, was playing at the construction site at Nerul. His mother had gone to deliver tea to her husband, when the child accidentally fell in the pit at the construction site and drowned. When his mother returned, she found the child missing and began a frantic search. The body was later found in the pit.
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S H O RT TA K E S Diabetes detection camp
Alemao: Romi script will help in preserving Goan identity HERALD CORRESPONENT CANACONA, JULY 6
People availing the facilities of the camp at Kurtarkar Medical Stores.
PANJIM(HND): As a regular customer care service, Kurtarkar Medical Stores conducted their 3rd diabetes detection camp at their medical store in Ponda. The camp was held in association with ROCHE Accucheck Glucometer. The camp was held under the supervision of area sales manager, Maitrey Bhagwat and Pratik Naik, in all, 75 patients took advantage of the camp. Patients, mostly diabetics, queue up early in the morning and took advantage of the camp to check their blood sugar level. Customers were given few important tips and information booklets to control their blood/sugar level. In the beginning, Nutan Kurtarkar welcomed the customers and later proposed the vote of thanks. Proprietor Ratnadeep Kurtarkar said the camps are held every two months for the awareness of the general public. Free height check, weight check and free blood pressure measurement facilities are available in the pharmacy every day to all the customers, he added. They also have the facility of giving information to the customers regarding drug-drug interaction, when multiple drugs are prescribed to the patient. They also have patient counseling facility wherein all the details of the drugs are given, regarding its dosage, storage conditions, side effects and precautions to be taken while taking the drug. Rupali Sawant, Vidya Gaonkar and Nitesh Gaude helped in conducting the camp smoothly.
PWD Minister Churchill Alemao has stated that if Goa had a Romi script Konkani as official language, the identity of the State will be prospered for the future generations to come. Alemao was speaking as the chief guest at the Lions Club of Canacona 30th Board of Directors installation ceremony recently. “If Goa had a Romi script Konkani as official language, the identity of our State will be prospered for the future generations to come and at the same time help check the migrant infiltrations in future, which is likely to outnumber Goans in Goa if properly not checked in immediate future,” stated Alemao. “I am not against Devnagiri script which according to me is cousin sister (Mauxi bhoin) of Marathi, but the need of the hour is to keep the identity of Goa and Goans at all the cost and to do that it is high time that Romi lipi Konkani is made official language of Goa,” said Alemao. “Goa should be preserved for Goans, as rest of the states do to their own people by having official language in the script of that state’s local people,” added Alemao. “If I was with the government then, I would have never allowed to sign Goa’s Official Language Act with the Devnagiri script,” he said. Earlier, Alemao felicitated Sahitya Academy awardee Jess Fernandes, who won laurels with the national organization for his poetry collection of ‘Kirvant’ book published in 2006, while poetry writer Gourish Vernekar, who incidentally is the recipient of Kala Academy Award in 2008, was also honoured by Alemao. Alemao also came hard on NGOs without naming any one said: “Some NGOs are shouting at the top their voice in demanding to send back all the migrants to their home states.” “How can government do that? Government has not brought migrants into the State, it is the people like you and me, who
Fatorda getting priority treatment: Damu
PWD Minister Churchill Alemao addresses the gathering at Canacona. Photo by Kathy Pereira
brought them,” he added. “With the law of the land reigning supreme, every citizen of India has a right to live and work in any part of the country. The best thing could have been to establish our identity by making Roman Lipi Konkani as the official language of Goa. We can very well keep the migrants under checks,” stated the minister. “We Goans in Goa are only 13 lakh, but over 30 lakh Goans are spread across the world earning their livelihood,” said Alemao sarcastically remarking “What will happen to those, if someone takes up a stand to send back all Goans back to Goa from around the world.” Alemao who turned up late for the function, after reportedly watching Saturday’s first quarter final match between Argentina and Germany, remarked “At one time, I may leave politics but not football,” and regretted his late coming to the function.
After getting installed as the 30th president of Lion Club of Canacona, Moteshinho Fernandes made vehement appeal to the government to take up a study to find out the causes for increased kidney ailments targeting residents of Canacona. At the same time, he requested the government to double the government’s pecuniary monthly assistance of Rs 15,000 for dialysis patients, which is far less and insignificant for most dialysis patients. Ulhas Faldessai and Lawrence Barretto were installed as the club’s secretary and treasurer, while Manuel Martins and Dr Vilas Pawaskar are installed as 1st vice president and 2nd vice president respectively. Besides, 18 members Board of Directors in the club strength of 39 membership, is also installed, while one new member Valarian Viegas was inducted by District Chairperson (Sight-First) Dr Celso Fernandes.
‘Community Kitchen’ concept launched in State
HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
Chairman of Austin 7 owners Club London, Howard Annett, Pradeep Naik (Ashvek Vintage World-Goa), Mark Dingle (car owner) at "The Royal George" pub in Hersham, Surrey recently, and is the meeting place of the South London Centre of The Austin 7 Owners Club (London). The car is a 1934 Austin 7 Replica Ulster with a polished Aluminium body.
Felicitation function
One of the studens being feted at the function.
PANJIM(HND): The felicitation function for distinction holders of SSC batch of 2010 of G S Amonkar Vidya Mandir was held recently. Nidhi Kamat stood first in the school followed by Shriyash Kamat and Pranav Mayekar. A welcome address was given by Ajay Sardessai, the manager of the school. Certificates were presented to meritorious students. Suharsh Usgaonkar, treasurer of the New Goa Educational Trust speaking on the occasion congratulated the meritorious students and advised them to show interest and be creative in whatever they do in the future. Headmistress of the School, Mabel De Sa proposed the vote of thanks. Zena Viegas compered the programme. The other dignitaries present on the occasion were the PTA Chairman, Avinash Belekar and the members of the Trust, Sudin Usgaonkar, Sanjay Usgaonkar and Mohan Kaul.
Chef contest organised
The students of Heritage Institute of Hotel and Tourism at the Chef contest organised by the institute.
PANJIM(HND): Heritage Institute of Hotel and Tourism, Goa organized Chef competition for the students recently. Students of the 3rd semester participated. There were 11 groups which prepared four course menu. The students had prepared various kinds of soups, salads, dressings, carvings, and main course. Three of the groups emerged out to be the winners and they were given prizes. The judges for the contest were Ranjit Patil, Anandam Lahiri and Cheryl Abreu Lobo.
Fatorda MLA Damu Naik has said that development of Fatorda constituency has been taken up on topmost priority and many roads in Borda, Murida, Chandrawado, Gauliwadda, besides internal road network will soon get a new look. He said that Madel area, which was not attended because of the laying of sewerage pipeline will be taken up for hotmixing after the monsoons. He said the laying of sewerage line is almost complete, adding that he had taken up work on the underground line due to pollution and contamination of drinking water wells. “Madel was facing a grave issue of overflowing soakpits septic tanks. Sewage waste was released in the open drains and paddy fields, posing a health hazard to the residents”, he said. He said the sewerage line will take care of the mushrooming constructions and multi-storey buildings coming in and around Madel. “Now the roads which were in bad shape will be hotmixed after the monsoons. The work will be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crore. The work will be tendered soon”, the MLA added.
‘Brainworks’ providing quality education HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 6
A parent who wants their toddler to join the ranks of the Newtons and Einstiens in the future needs no longer search for the means to make this possible. According to a press release, Brainworks, the national chain of preschools that provides quality preschool education at affordable prices has now set up shop in Goa. The new center, located in the arterial area of Sangolda Bardez offers facilities like a playschool, nursery, KG, day care and hobby classes for children and aims to help enhance their learning in one of the most crucial periods of their development. “The first few years of a child’s life are the most important for his or her mental development. We, at Brainworks, strive to provide them with an environment conducive to their social, emotional, cognitive, physical and lingual development so that they have a strong foundation to build on, which will help them cope with today’s ultra-competitive school environment,” said Nanette D’Sa, CEO Brainworks For details contact: Deepti Dhoot on 09867857577 and Prachi Desai on 09819088363.
GRE hails Goans for supporting bandh HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 6
The Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has hailed the people of not only Goa, but the entire country for wholeheartedly supporting the bandh and expressing their resentment against the policies of the Central Government which are not in the interest of the aam admi. According to a press release, GRE General Secretary Matanhy Saldanha took strong exception to the statements made by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. “Mukherjee’s statement and reaction smack of arrogance and a total disregard to the people of India who had expressed their opposition to the government policies in a democratic and peaceful manner,” Matanhy stated. Matanhy urged the Goa Government to do what ever possible on its part to reduce the VAT on petroleum products to alleviate the sufferings of the Goan people. However, the Government should raise the mining cess to off set the loss, he added.
Agnelo Rodrigues, President of GRE, thanked the fishermen, fish vendors, fruit and vegetable vendors and all other traders for voluntarily observing the bandh and respecting the appeal made by GRE not to carry out business on the day of the bandh. “The UPA government at the Centre that claims to be for the aam admi should take note of the people’s resentment and suffering immediately roll back the hike in petroleum prices,” Matanhy added.
Training in jute items will aid women to start own venture: Shirodkar
Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes, lighting the lamp along with GPCC President, Subhash Shirodkar in the presence of Nerul Sarpanch Sanjay Kalangutkar, Reis Magos Sarpanch Sushmita Pednekar and Sangolda Dy Sarpanch Nilkanth Naik. HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 6
Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza switches on a gas stove installed in HP Gas Rasoi Ghar at New Vaddem in the presence of HP Regional Manager Vasanta Rao, Councilor Arvind Shinde and social worker Babu Nanoskar. Photo by M Prabhav HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JULY 6
At a time when prices of gas cylinders have increased, Hindustan Petroleum has launched the ‘Community Kitchen’ concept in the State. Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza along with Mormugao Municipal Council Chairperson Shekhar Khadapkar, local Councilor Arvind Shinde, officials from Hindustan Petroleum inaugurated the Community Kitchen at HP Gas Rasoi Ghar at New Vaddem recently. HP senior Regional Manager Vasanta Rao explained the gathering how the community kitchen concept took shape for the benefit of rural villages, where LPG connection is rare. The concept is widely accepted and appreciated by the petroleum ministry. “In order to benefit these people and bring them into
LPG fold, the concept of community kitchen was started in 2004 and till date, about 2,000 community kitchens have been installed in India,” informed Rao. He further informed that with Rasoi Ghar, people can get easy access to a ready kitchen to cook their daily meals comfortably and faster than before. “Rasoi Ghar offers savings in money, time and helps protect the environment. It is ideal for daily wage earners, who cannot afford LPG installation charges and the recurring costs of refilling a cylinder,” said Rao. “Normally, the cost of gas per hour works out between Rs 3 or 4 for cooking, where people could bring their eatables and cook it,” added Rao. After hearing Rao’s speech with great interest, a 32-yearold woman, Fatima Shaikh, who was unaware of the concept,
said: “Though we have LPG gas connection, this community kitchen is a good concept during hours of emergency and cooking jointly with other women is really a fun.” However, most women, who attended the function echoed similar views and said they were happy with the community cooking concept that started in their locality. Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza appreciated the assistance of HP to start community kitchen in the State and that too in his constituency. He also urged the women to utilize the facility for safely and healthy cooking. HP officials thanked local Councilor Arvind Shinde, Gajashree Vidhyalaya and Jay Santoshi Maa Temple Community for providing the facility to start the Rasoi Ghar in New Vaddem.
Canacona students feted HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 5
About 26 passed-out students from Canacona taluka during the last academic year were felicitated during the 2nd Gramosthav 2010 organized by All Goa Tribal Association at Gaondongrim on Sunday. This year’s Gramosthav 2010 theme ‘Education and Community Development’ is inaugurated by educationist and Congress party Goa State President Subhash Shirodkar in the presence of Gaondongrim Sarpanch Vishant Gaonkar, All Goa Tribal Association President and Cotigao Sarpanch Rajesh Gaonkar and State Central Zone Education Deputy Director Shambu Gadi. Shirodkar felicitated 26 passedout students, holding ranks at different stages from the taluka, along with their parents by presenting
GPCC chief Subhash Shirodkar presents memento and certificate to a SSC student. Photo by Kathy Pereira
mementos and certificates. The first 10 rank holders from the taluka, who passed out in last March SSC examinations, first two rankers each in respective streams at Std XII and graduation level, including Vocational courses, were
presented with meritorious certificates and mementos. Different competitions like group singing, solo singing, general knowledge and dances were organized and prizes were given away on the occasion.
GPCC President Subhash Shirodkar said workshop cum training programme on making of jute items by women will help them to be independent by establishing their own business under small scale industry. Today, jute made items are in demand, as its sales are seen in the international markets. Training will be given in the different groups, so that each trained person will get proper attention in practical work. All items will be supplied for practical session Mr Shirodkar was speaking at the inaugural function of a workshop cum training programme for women on making of jute items at panchayat hall, Nerul. The workshop was organized by the Central Goa Agricultural marketing co-operative society under National Youth Board affiliated to Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Other dignitaries present were MLA Agnelo Fernandes, Sanjay Kalangutkar V P Nerul, Sushmita Pednekar V P Reis Magos, Jayesh Salgaonkar ZP member, Carmelina D’Souza, Dy Sarpanch VP Guirim, Kandolkar, Sarpanch, VP Sangolda, Ajay Pednekar, Saligao Block President and other Panch members of Nerul, Reis Magos, Saligao, Guirim and Sangolda Panchayat. Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said that he assures complete support to all the participants on successful completion of this training. Government has taken all measures in helping women to be self dependent. Financial assistance from EDC can also be given to needy to start her own business. He also praised the organizers for conducting this workshop for 20 days. Subroto Mukerjee (master trainer) in jute making items from Calcutta also spoke on the occasion. He revealed that this programme is successful all over the nation. Ajay Pednekar compered the programme, Jayesh Salgaonkar, Sarita Shirodkar, Piedade Almeida also spoke on the occasion. Finally, Ajay Pednekar proposed the vote of thanks. Satish Mandrekar, Mahesh Dabolkar, Panchayat staff also helped in organizing this function.
Schemes of Labour Welfare Board HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 6
Goa Labour Welfare Board is implementing various schemes for the benefit of Industrial Workers in Goa. Accordingly for the year 2010-2011 also, the Goa Labour Welfare Board continues to extend similar assistance/benefits to the eligible Industrial Workers in the state. Those Industrial Workers/Employees who are desirous of availing the benefits of the scheme may apply through their employers to the Office of the Secretary, Goa Labour Welfare Board, Shrama Shakti Bhavan, 4th floor, Patto Plaza, Panjim, says a press release. Workers who have put more in than 6 months continued service and whose pay does not exceed Rs 10,000 per month are eligible under the scheme. The Schemes are Grant of Financial Assistance for purchase of text book to school going children of Workers/Employees, to avail benefit should be applied before September 30, 2010. Grant of Financial Assistance to school going children of workers/employees studying in 1st to 4th standards for supply of one set of dress should be applied by September 30, 2010. Award of Scholarship to school or college going children of workers /employees should be applied by before September 30, 2010. Child care benefits for female industrial workers 6 month from date of delivery. Scheme to pay incentive to the wards of workers on the basis of percentage of marks obtained by them passing final examination conducted by the Board/Universities from class X onwards should be applied before September 30, 2010. Scheme for payment of extra monetary compensation for sterilization to employees, one year from the date of operation. Scheme to provide Incentives/Financial Assistance on the basis of attendance in School/College etc, to the female students studying in class V and onwards in any field of education being daughters of workers/employees should be applied before September 30, 2010. Retrenched Workers Assistance Scheme should be applied within one year from the date of retrenchment or within 6 months from the date of settlement, adds the press release.
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Corlim forum meets CM; want NH4 route diverted
No trust against Uguem sarpanch
suggested Kamat to divert the route from Corlim instead of making it to 30 mtrs width. It may be recalled that Forum members had raised fears of destruction to the houses along the highway in Corlim with the Central government’s plan to widen the NH4. The members had suggested diverting the highway from Old Goa through some other area. Speaking to Herald, Forum Secretary Baptist Pereira said: “We are happy that the chief minister gave a patient hearing and informed us that houses along the road passing through Corlim will not be touched at any cost and the State govern-
HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, JULY 6
HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, JULY 6
The Corlim Citizens Civil and Consumer Forum (CCCCF) members met Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Monday and urged him to divert the NH4A route from Corlim village through some other route. Led by Forum President Alexender Gomes and its Secretar y Baptist Periera, the members submitted a memorandum to the chief minister at his office at the Secretariat at Porvorim. The members briefed Kamat about the difficulties likely to be faced by Corlim villagers if the NH4 highway passes through Corlim village. They
ment will try and explore new dimensions while preparing the NH4A.” “The chief minister has also assured that no houses will be touched till everyone is taken into confidence, but at the same time, he has also stated that somewhere someone will have to sacrifice something for the highway,” said Pereira. “Kamat has called a meeting with the officials of the National Highway Authority to discuss about the grievances of the people from each and every village,” he said. PWD Principal Chief Engineer J J Rego and Joe Gomes, James Sequiera and Jaime Sequiera of the Forum were also present.
Corlim Parish Council joins hands with forum HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, JULY 6
In a bid to help Corlim Citizens Civil and Consumer Forum (CCCCF) over NH4A issue, the Parish Council of St Joao Facundo Church, Corlim, has decided to join hands with the Forum and organize public awareness meeting in different wards in and around Corlim. The meetings, which will be conducted in and around Corlim, will be organized by the sub committees of Parish Council of St Joao Facundo Church, known as Small Christian Communities, whose main aim is to create social awareness among the residents of Corlim on various fronts. It may be recalled that recently, the CCCCF members at a meeting had decided not to allow the widening process of the NH4A through Corlim which could not only destroy houses alongside
the road, but will also create problems for the locals if the NH4A passed through Corlim. In a bid to save houses along the national highway, which would be demolished if the NH4A is widened, CCCCF members had suggested that authorities should instead divert the highway from Old Goa through the fields of Carambolim and Corlim, before connecting it towards the highway at the Banstarim Bridge. The meetings which will be organised by the sub committee of the Parish Council are kept open for all and would take place at Churchward on July 10 and Mollar, Volwaddo and Belavista on July 11. Speaking to Herald, St Joao Facundo Church Parish Priest Fr Assis Dourado said: “We would also like to be part of the Forum in its movement in urging the State government to divert the
NH4 passing through Corlim.” “The meetings called by the Parish Sub Committee will inform all the people of Corlim about the effects it would have in Corlim village if the highway passes through Corlim,” said Fr Dourado. “There is no need for such a big highway for a small State like Goa and such highways do not pass through residential areas, the message which we will try to pass to the locals of our village through our Small Christian Communities meetings,” he added. Parish Council of St Joao De Facundo Church Chairperson Zena Sequirea said: “Our main aim behind organizing the meeting is to make people aware of the NH4 destruction and its consequences as our panchayat and other government bodies have failed to inform about it to the locals.”
Culvert along NH-17 at Bhatpal on verge of collapse
Authorities turning blind eye, say residents
Six panchas of the Uguem Panchayat, including its deputy sarpanch, on Tuesday filed a NoConfidence Motion against Sarpanch Madhevi Shiddikar. The motion has been tabled against Shiddikar over her failure in taking the panchayat members into confidence in discussing important panchayat matters and for not undertaking any development projects in the village since her taking charge as the sarpanch. The signatories to the motion are Deputy Sarpanch Xavier Furtado, Anand Naik, Devidas Naik, Subhash Gaonkar, Vidhiksha Bhandari and Anil T Zangale. Sources informed that there were allegations against the sarpanch for quite some time now over her alleged highhanded behaviour in the panchayat matters and the problems faced by the villagers in getting NOC’s and other documents. It is also alleged that the sarpanch was hardly giving any time for panchayat matters, thus affecting the development progress of the village. Over the last many years, Uguem village which comprises seven wards has not seen any development progress and this issue has been raised by the gram sabha members at every gram sabha, but to no avail. The development of the village continues to remain on the back foot allegedly due to paucity of funds in the panchayat coffers. Meanwhile, Panchayat member Anil Zangale has lodged a complaint at Sanguem police and with the assistant engineer electricity department Sanguem against unknown persons for damaging about 15 street lights at Chiraband ward recently. Zangale informed that he had got the street lights installed recently in the ward, but the miscreants damaged all the 15 street lights for no valid reason. Zangale has urged the police and the electricity department to take cognizance of the matter and immediately bring the culprits involved in the act to book.
Vatican urges Pilar Society to take up mission areas
HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, JULY 6
Bro. Minguel Souza kneels before Superior General Fr Tony Lopes sfx. Also seen are Fr Nazareth Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior of Pilar and Fr Peter Fernandes, Vice Rector of Pilar Seminary. HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, JULY 6
The Society of Pilar has received a request from the Holy See to take up challenging mission areas, stated Fr Tony Lopes, Superior General of the Society of Pilar. Speaking at the 71st anniversary of the reorganization of the Society of Pilar, Fr Lopes further said the Society has in its tradition taken up challenging mission initiatives in areas like Nagar-Haveli, Sanguem, Andaman-Nicobar Islands and Punjab Haryana. The Superior General gave a clarion call to its members to follow the noble tradition of their predecessors. In its recent request, the Holy See recognizes the indigenous dynamism prevailing in the Society. The Society of Missionaries of St Francis Xavier Pilar, commonly known as Society of Pilar, was founded by Fr Bento Martins in 1887. The Society was on the verge of extinction, when the prophetic words of Ven. Fr. Agnelo D'Souza, ‘The society will not die, the finger of God is here’ saw the Society being
reorganized on July 2, 1939. The foundation and the reorganization form two distinct moments in the life of the Society of Pilar – the latter transforming the former, this being a unique phenomenon rarely witnessed in the history of religions institutes and societies of apostolic life. The story of the Re-organization of the Society started with the movement called ‘Liga Xaveriana’ in honour of St. Francis Xavier. Fr Conceicao Rodrigues and Fr Francis Sequeira were the inspired persons of the Liga Xaveriana who took the lead in re-organizing the Society. Fr Remedios do Rosario Gomes, the lone surviving member of the Society – whole-heartedly accepted the proposal and later, Fr Manuel Barreto, Fr J o s e p h A l b u q u e r q u e , Fr Theodolindo Cabral, Bro. Peter Mascarenhas and Bro. Paixao Lacerda joined to re-organize the Society. To mark the special occasion, 54 priest members joined the Eucharistic celebration at Pilar Monastery presided over by Superior General Fr Tony Lopes.
Work on fire hydrants pending in Mapusa market HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 6
Heavy vehicles pass over the weak culvert bridge at Poltodbhag-Bhatpal, Canacona. Photo by Kathy Pereira HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 6
One of the oldest culverts along NH-17 at Bhatpal is on the verge of collapse and locals in the area have claimed that if not given immediate attention, there is a danger of mishaps claiming lives and property. Locals from Bhatpal are aggrieved with the highway authorities that despite the culvert being nearly washed away during the last year’s October 2 floods, none have bothered to inspect its load-bearing capacity or its present status, as several thousands of tonnes-loaded vehicles crosses over it daily. Some locals informed that they have even alerted the panchayat on several occasions to do something about the culvert.
Incidentally, according to locals, the Portuguese era culvert has no safety on its side and several vehicles in the past have plummeted over it, causing grievous injuries to humans and damaging vehicles. Since the culvert with severe depth down the nullah has no railings or any other protection, there is a danger of a walking person accidentally falling over it and if locals are to be believed, such incidences in the past has also taken place in the area with the humans and cattle. When the October 2 floods had hit the area hard, the water from nearby Khushavati River had raised several metres completely drowning NH-17 road, including the culvert and nearly washing it over endangering to
Birth centenary celebrations BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
The birth centenary of veteran singer and artist of Marathi Theatre Late Jaikrishna Bhatikar will be celebrated by Ravindra bhavan, Margao in collaboration with Directorate of Art and Culture on July 18. A committee under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has been constituted with persons and artists from various institutions. Detailed program has been planned on July 17-18 evening with a musical concert, seminars, interviews etc. Ravindra bhavan has requested lovers of art and culture to take note of the grant event and pay homage to the great artist.
cut-off an important link of highway at Poltodbhag-Bhatpal. A local further informed that it was around in the same location that two vehicles were taken away by floods, while a third car was kept tied to a nearby tree till floods subsided. “This culvert has become very weak after that the last year’s floods and there is danger of this culvert giving away at any moment,” informed Valent. When contacted, Shristhal Panch Sanju Naik, through which panchayat area this NH-17 runs, told Herald: “There is indeed danger to this culvert due to its weak status and non-existence of any supportive railings. But it is for the PWD (Highways) to immediately inspect and take necessary action.”
The contractor, who was allotted the works of installation of five fire hydrants in Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) market in January 2009, is yet to complete the work. As per the terms of the works order, the work of the installation of fire hydrants was to be completed by July 2009. There are 1,114 shops in Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) market. Besides, hawkers occupy every inch of the footpath and the road inside the market. The roads inside the market are so much occupied by them that in case fire breaks out in the market, it would be difficult for fire brigade personnel to wend their way through the hawkers. Hence, the Mapusa Merchants Association had requested MMC to install some fire hydrants to meet any eventuality. The PWD at the request of MMC decided to install five fire hydrants in the market. Accordingly, the PWD floated the tender for the installation of five fire hydrants and was awarded
An incomplete fire hydrant at the Mapusa Municipal market. Photo by Anil Shakhwalker
to one contractor on January 8, 2009 for Rs 11.18 lakh. But the contractor has installed only three fire hydrants in the market as of date. When contacted, PWD Assistant Engineer Prakash Surlikar said the contractor has stopped the work for the time being due to heavy rains. “The contractor in between also encountered some labour
problem. The work of the installation of fire hydrant need to be carried out during night, between 11 pm and 5 am only, as during day it is not possible due to business activities,” said Surlikar. “As soon as rains subside, the contractor will begin the work and the installation of the remaining two fire hydrants will be completed,” said Surlikar.
‘Dindi’ proceeds to Pandharpur
FIR lodged for land filling BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 6
The Cuncolim police on Tuesday registered an FIR against unknown persons for filling of low lying land near the Cuncolim bus stand. The FIR was registered under section 17-A of the Town and Country Planning Act following a complaint lodged by the Town Planner for filling of low lying land. The Cuncolim police are investigating.
A Dindi procession leaves for Pandharpur. HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, JULY 6
The Dindi comprising about 137 devotees of Lord Vithal from Ravalnath Temple, Mulgaon-Bicholim, proceeded to Pandharpur under the guidance of Hari Bhajani Pandit (Kirtankar) Udaybuwa Fadke.
Sanguem residents urged to keep area clean
The Dindi, also including Gokul Gawas (75) and Sairaj Korgaokar (17), proceeded to Pandharpur on foot despite torrential rains. The Dindi, which was inaugurated by local MLA Rajesh Patn e k a r, w i l l p r o c e e d t o Pandharpur via Dodamarg, Tillari, Patne, Halkarni, Mhale-
Photo by Vishant Vaze
wadi, Kamewadi, Halikkatti, Kamattur, Jainapur, Basawanguddi, Manjarishirguppi, Mhaisal, Subhashnagar, Bhose, Shirthon, Kerewadi, Junoni, Hatir, Watambare, Sangola-Khardi and Pandharpur and is expected to reach in 13 days with devotees walking 30 kms a day.
“We are called to walk in the footprints of Jesus and carry on the great commission,” stated Fr Lopes, stressing the theme of the Mass ‘Following Jesus as we live the great commission.’ During the Eucharistic celebration, nine members – Savio Cabral (Navelim), Minguel Souza (Arambol), Maria Devasahayam (Tamil Nadu), Rex Fernandes (Cortalim), Binod Kerketta (Jharkhand), Sagaya Selvam (Tamil Nadu), Michael Prakash (Jaipur), Lino Santiago (Margao) and Kuldip Lakra (Jharkhand) made their final commitment to the Society of Pilar, by kneeling before the Superior General of the Pilar Society, right hand firmly placed on the Bible, holding the crucifix in the left hand. The traditional football match between the Pilar Fathers and the Students of Theology was played with full gusto, in which the brothers managed to score 2 goals in the last 10 minutes.
Government Primary Health Centre, Sanguem, Health Officer Dr Anil Kakodkar has called on citizens from Sanguem to keep away malaria disease by keeping their neighbourhood clean. Dr Kakodkar was speaking at a function held recently at the Health Centre to make people aware of the measures that could be taken to make Goa malaria free. The function was attended by Sanguem Municipal Council Chairperson Harsha D Sambhari, Chief Officer Vassant Parwar, Dr Panchwadkar and others. Speaking further, Dr Kakodkar urged the locals to destroy unused tyres. “This simple measure, if resorted to by the locals, the malaria disease can be tackled to a great extent,” he added. “As of date, malaria disease in the locality has been decreased to a great extent,” he said. He urged the locals to further intensif y the drive against malaria by taking all precautionary measures they could be taken in keeping their surrounding clean, particularly with respect to unused tyres and unused utensils.
Workshop to improve vocabulary HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, JULY 6
Detroit Institute will organize a two-week workshop on ‘Build your English Vocabulary and Fluency’ from July 12. The workshop is aimed at building up vocabulary and speaking better English through games, stories and interaction. The workshop will help students to develop their English writing and speaking skills. The workshop will be for a period of two weeks and will be held at Detroit Institute, Jose Falcao Road, Near Mary Immaculate Conception Church, Opposite Progress High School, Next to Silimkhan Opticians, Panjim. For details, contact 9822131835.
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Make BJP ‘party with a difference’, asserts Advani PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
In a subtle message to his party leaders to put the interest of the organisation first, senior leader L K Advani today asked them to work towards reviving BJP as a "party with a difference". Advani, who seems to be fashioning himself in the role of an elder statesman who is above inner party squabbles, said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to say we were a party with a difference. We all should strive towards achieving this aim." He was speaking at a function held here to mark the birth anniversary of party ideologue Shyama Prasad Mookherjee. Advani's statement has come at a time when the BJP is still grappling with internal dissensions and several of its leaders speaking in different voices on issues. This had even led the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), the fountainhead of the Sangh Parivar, to tell the BJP top brass that the writ of party president should run and his word on any issue should be the final. After RSS propped up Nitin Gadkari as president of the BJP it wants to ensure that he succeeds in his project of reviving
the party. "His failure would mean failure of the RSS," a senior BJP leader said. As if toeing the Sangh line of putting the "country first, party second and self last", Advani said, "We are in politics not to serve our own agenda but to make this country great." This appeared to be a message to BJP's top brass who are mostly seen competing with each other for one-upmanship. It had led critics to call it the "party with differences" after BJP suffered its second successive Lok Sabha poll debacle.
Advani praised the BJP and its leaders as being "unique, incomparable (Ananya)" and asked the cadre to make the most of this.
India Post global money transfer under ED scanner PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
Global money transfer and banking operations of the country's postal department are being scanned by the Enforcement Directorate and other agencies for suspected terror-financing and Hawalalike transactions. At present, there are no other official channels, besides the pure banking route, to transfer or receive money from abroad. The Department of Posts had started this service in association with US-based Western Union Financial Services in April 2001 and customers can send or receive money from 205 countries. According to top Finance Ministry sources, the ED and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) -- an agency to monitor suspect financing in Indian financial channels – have initiated steps to check the remittances and transactions on the wires on a "real time basis". In 2008-09, the 'India Post' had delivered remittances to
the tune of more than Rs 7,649 crore. While the ED has asked 'India Post' to keep a check on all "kinds of transactions" and inform it of suspect transactions, the FIU has asked the service provider to strictly comply with the reporting norms. Under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), all banking entities or financial intermediaries who facilitate telegraphic or wire transfers or electronic remittances have to report the nature and value of the transactions to the FIU. "Also, the banking operations conducted by the India Post have been largely unregulated. There are many small accounts with a lot of money. The enforcement agencies are now tracking the remittances and withdrawals," a source said. The international money transfer service is currently available from 8,511 post offices.
Stop yatra, Cong tells Jagan PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
Congress today asked a defiant party MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy not to go ahead with his controversial yatra and threatened him with disciplinary action if he did not obey. "All true committed and loyal Congressmen must necessarily observe both the party dharma and laxman rekha of propriety and party discipline," party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said. In an indication of the party toughening its stand on the issue, he said, "Failure to do so would perforce lead to a chain of consequences, which are best avoidable. We hope and trust that compliance will take the place of defiance." The Congress spokesperson maintained that "party discipline like law does not discriminate between individuals." Notwithstanding party chief Sonia Gandhi's reservations about it, Reddy, the son of late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy, has decided to resume his controversial "Odarpu" yatra from July 8 to console party workers grieving his father's loss. Jagan, who had defied the party directive against undertaking the yatra in May also, had met Gandhi along with his family members on June 29 to seek her permission for the tour. The meeting took place in New Delhi on the request of Jagan’s mother Vijayalakshmi.
During the meeting, the Congress chief had suggested assembling the affected families at one place to console them and also to offer financial assistance, the young Lok Sabha MP said. In an open letter to the people, he said, "We explained to her the need to resume the yatra to console the family members of those who died following the death of my father. She (Sonia Gandhi) did not cite any specific reason but did not appear to be favourably inclined over resuming the yatra." Jagan would pay tributes to his father at Idupulapaya, the family estate where he was buried, today and later p ro c e e d t o I c h a p u r a m i n Srikakulam district to resume his tour. Defying the Congress high command's directive earlier, Jagan had left by train to start his yatra in Warangal district on May 28 but it was marred by violent protests from Telangana supporters.
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OPINION
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O HERALD O Vol No CX No: 173 Goa, Wednesday 7 July, 2010
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Medieval barbarism
n Sunday, when 53-year-old T J Joseph, a Malayalam lecturer in the private Newman College at Thodupuzha, Kerala, was driving home with his mother and sister after Mass, a van stopped his car. Six men pulled Joseph from his car and chopped off his right palm with an axe, in full view of his family members. At the Specialists Hospital at Kochi, he underwent two lengthy micro-vascular surgeries – lasting 16 hours – to ‘reconstruct and re-graft’ the severed palm, which police found about 200 metres from the scene of the crime, where it had been thrown by the assailants. Joseph is out of danger, but doctors are not yet sure whether his hand will get properly reattached. The reason Joseph was attacked was that over a year ago, a question paper he set for his undergraduate students contained a passage about an imaginary dialogue between God and Muhammad, on which students were asked to comment. Some Muslim organisations assumed that the ‘Muhammad’ in the passage was intended to be the Prophet Muhammad, and took offence at what they said was ‘blasphemy’. They staged protest rallies. Stones were thrown at the college, which is run by the Church. The college management apologised unconditionally. Then, on the government’s instruction, it placed Joseph under suspension for a year. The police registered a case against him. He was arrested under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code (causing communal hatred), and later released on bail. The case is still on. The attack on Joseph is nothing but medieval barbarism. What the assailants did was to cut off the hand that ‘offended’. But that is a punishment from the middle ages, not fit for a civilised society. The incident has been condemned by a large number of Muslim organisations, among others. Two activists of one of the organisations that earlier organised the protests against Joseph for his question paper – the Popular Front of India (PFI) – have been arrested in connection with the attack. The PFI – which, incidentally, also has a Goa branch – earlier came into focus when the Mysore Police accused it of played a ‘crucial’ role in riots in that city in April 2009, along with Pramod Muthalik’s notorious Sri Ram Sene. However, the organisation has also been the target of ridiculous accusations about ‘Love Jihad’, in which Muslim boys apparently ‘systematically seduce’ girls of other religions, to convert them to Islam. While the PFI has also condemned the attack, it has qualified its denunciation in a very peculiar way. It says that the “attack on the teacher is deplorable”, but adds: “Such unfortunate incidents are caused due to inaction of the government and related parties to check situation (sic) leading to such incidents.” That is not all. It goes on to lash out at the “hues and cries of those who hesitate to take appropriate action when provocative and uncivilised remarks and campaigns were repeated every now and then on Prophet Mohammed…” Last, it accuses “Christian Churches and mainstream organisations” of keeping a “sinful silence” when there are attacks on Islam. Does it sound at all sincere? In contrast, the All India Milli Council has pointed out that those who attacked Joseph forgot that the Prophet of Islam in his own life had pardoned a Jewess who used to throw garbage on him. When she did not do so one day, the Prophet enquired about her and, being told that she was ill, went to wish her an early recovery. The Prophet also forgave the people of Mecca after its conquest, though they had expelled him from his hometown and waged war against him for years. It says Islam explicitly forbids taking law and order into one’s hands when there are competent authorities to do so. “The criminals who attacked the professor,” it concludes, “have clearly sinned and defamed Islam by committing this crime.”
Understanding the ‘paint Goa black’ brigade there are strong political interests behind attempts to paint Goa black, says FReDeRicK NoRoNHA
G
oa seems to be getting nothing right these days. If you read about India’s smallest State in the newspapers (where else!) you’d get the impression that this is a region known for rapes, murders, politicians on the rampage, mayhem and what not. There was a time when Goa could get into the national media only with stories about mining. Then came tourism, Euro charters and all that. The season for toppling governments lasted throughout the 1990s. Now, it is the story of Goa’s ‘deadly’ politicians (and their kin) that makes news. Currently, it’s Mickky Pacheco. Before that it was Babush Monserrate. Somewhere in between was Mickky’s rival John and the Russian rape case. There are not-so-subtle insinuations made continually against home minister Ravi Naik and his kin. (Quite a few other controversial politicians are lucky enough to never get focussed on; one wonders why. Some protests have been raised already against the attempts to show Goa as a Sodom and Gomorrah, where everything goes wrong all the time. Yes, it is a fact that money-power has taken deeper root in Goa today than ever before. Our politicians, particularly since Statehood in 1987, have tasted the heady aphrodisiac of power and money. But to imagine that Goa has suddenly degenerated is to live in a make-believe world that takes no cognisance of the reality we have been living with. The fact is that Goa’s political class - why should we be obsessed with them alone? They are as degenerate and hypocritical as the ones that have preceded them. It is the perception of reality, rather than the reality itself, which has changed drastically. And behind this portrayal lies the big story, one which we have to still wait for our media to sufficiently expose and narrate. *** Without doubt, behind every such case that has propelled Goa to national - nay, international - headlines in recent years, there has been a strong political interest. Some media observers have, belatedly, pointed out how Goa home minister Ravi Naik has been squeezing every drop of opportunity out of taking on his former colleague, ex-tourism minister Mickky Pacheco. Not coincidentally, it was Pacheco who made life miserable for him with all his tall talk and bombastic statements while
Devil’s ADvocAte in office. This doesn’t mean Mickky is innocent. What it does mean is that if one is on the right side of power, you can get away with murder. Take on the current powers that be, and you’re in for trouble. Including nine-hour investigations, all kinds of charges, and an investigation into a suicide/murder case with an efficiency that Goa has seldom seen! But it is not the fight within rivals in the Cabinet itself that is setting the agenda. If anyone deserves credit for setting the agenda for issues in Goa of recent times, it is the former chief minister Manohar Parrikar and his BJP, that ruled Goa for almost half-a-dozen years without the mandate to do so. With an elaborate network of friends in the press, a handful active online, and even among lawyers and “NGOs” - the goal is to show that Goa is the most ineffectively ruled State in the nation. This is ironic on two counts. Firstly, chief minister Digambar “Digu” Kamat, when the No. 2 man of the BJP dispensation in power, was not credited with any of the many failings and flaws that he is now seen as being guilty of. (From depending on migrant vote-banks to hobnobbing with “dubious” members of the minority com-
munities, and worse.) Secondly, there is so little difference between Goa’s ruling party and its main Opposition. The Digu-versus-Parrikar, Congress-versus-BJP dichotomy that is sought to be built appears more a mirage than anything. If you read your newspapers - Marathi as well as English, not forgetting the lone Konkani daily - with an eye on the political interests behind each, you get a good idea of where each thrust is coming from. The concerted clamour can often play a crucial role in agenda setting. As a result of which, we end up being focussed on the libidos and extra marital affairs of those who are meant to be lawmakers (and sometimes their kin), instead of focussing on issues about the development and future of Goa. As far as politicians go, it is interesting to see how a few are selected, targeted intensely. Following this, the whole of Goa undergoes a catharsis, an en masse cleansing or purging, as if these were the only concerns that Goa needs to focus on. We need to remind ourselves that those who ruled Goa- right from 1963, and definitely earlier too, in colonial times - have been as frail, prone to misdeeds, and controversial as are our politi-
cians now. However, because the media treated some of these with kid gloves, they have gone down in history as near-saint figures. But it is not the exaggerated focus on politicians alone that is today tarring Goa black. There is another angle that needs attention. In the past, NGOs were criticised and lambasted both by the government and the opposition, for the role they played. Today, a new kind of a politicised “NGO” is being set up, to act as the cat’s paw of political interest, pay an oppositional role (but only over some issues, not all) and hope to deflect votes in favour of or against a certain party in a certain area! Finally, the media has also to share its own responsibility in painting Goa out to be one of the black spots in India - not just the ‘pimple’ that Nehru complained it was, in colonial times. True, it is difficult to get space for a small State like Goa in the national media. True, editors sitting in larger cities like New Delhi do not understand the priorities of many areas across the country, not just tiny places like Goa. But then, it’s not worth bartering the perception about Goa just for the sake of earning a few headlines. Goa has many serious issues that await focussing on. We are a State which has so many good things happening for it, but all this could be subsumed in the negativism brought on by the excessive and obsessive focus on the misdeeds of a handful of politicians. Over time, we could convince ourselves that everything else is worthless, and things are terrible just because of few blots brought on by the alleged misdeeds of a few. At the end of the day, Goa’s fate depends more on its people and their abilities; it could go ahead or receive setbacks, not because, but despite its politicians. It wouldn’t have been so bad if all the focus on what-is-wrong had to focus on wider issues, rather than just individuals. In cases which suddenly get dropped (remember Alemao and COFEPOSA, or Narvekar and molestation, anyone?) when political interest is no longer served. The current attempt to paint Goa black is as realistic as earlier claims that ours was “the best State” in the country. Danger is, however, if we dwell on this for too long (specially the former), it could well become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
i c U in the icU!
Goan Abroad
S
aaar! my parrot Cocky screamed. I jumped in surprise. “What the heck?” I yelled, “And why are you saluting, idiot?” “Once more, Inspector Clue Joe, saar!” she screamed. “Saar, reporting for duty saar, to Goa Police, choi saar... I see you!” “Of course you see me, kud’dea,” I protested, “I’m no ghost.” “No saar, I meant I going ICU of hospital saar! “ she cried. “Stop that baniani English, and stop calling me saar,” I spat. “Yes sir, no sir, three bags full,” she laughed, “Can I go Goa?” “No, pandu!” I yelled. “Your transfer is not approved, sorry!” “But I need to keep an eye on the Gorment Hospital ICU, saar, people may be killed, there is an ‘axe montri’ there.” “Ex-minister, idiot, not axe,” I laughed. “How do you know?” “Andy TV,” Cocky spat, “TV for ’andicapped folks like him.” “A pest like you, “ I remarked, “Will be caught by the montri’s goons and tied up. I wonder if the montri has any pest chains?” “Pest chains, no,” she smiled, “But I hear he has chest pains!” “Oh you’re a real comedian,” I snapped, “Just like the montri.
Did you hear his Andy TV hospital interview after admission?” “Real hysterical,” cackled Cocky, “I have a small transcript: AndyTV: Sir, kosso assai, sir? Lok mhunntat... jaundice ha? Montri: No, no, John D’Sa is my peon, I’m only montri... saar. AndyTV: Ha ha! Sir, in Gulf, folks say you had a Russian chick? Montri: No, no, not Russian. She was Polish, with good body. AndyTV: Yes, her top was thinly covered, like a band-aid strip. Montri: Oh, I busted that. You could call it Polish band-o-bust. AndyTV: Ha ha, and now you yourself have police bandobust. (Here, an aide rushes up to the bed and whispers in the montri’s ear) Montri: What, what? We all are here? Of course, we all are here! AndyTV: No sir, not ‘we all are here’. He said, ‘Viola here,’ ha ha… Montri: Forget her. Even in ICU, I am finding romance here. AndyTV: Whaaat? I can only see one female patient… in a
By Francis Rodrigues coma. Montri: But doctor told me she has a cute angina. I must see! AndyTV: Sir, acute angina is just like your chest pain, ha ha. “You know,” quipped Cocky, “It would be lots of fun guarding this montri in the ICU! But Gorment could have saved money.” “How?” I asked. “You can’t treat a montri’s chest pains in the OPD.” “No,” she smiled, “But if he was only a union-leader like the Navelim ex-montri, Gorment could have put him in the maternity ward.” “Whaat?” I gasped, “You can’t treat chest pains in maternity.” “That ex-montri,” cackled Cocky, “never suffered chest-pains.” “What then?” I was breathless. “Union leaders,” she screamed, “Only suffer... labour pains!” The popat always knows. [If you just arrived: Langoti ‘Long’ John Silva is a globe-trotting Goencar, always accompanied by his wise-cracking parrot Cocky]
Letters to the Editor Why drag BJP in?
Walkover
S Kashyap, by email
Cedric da Costa, Margao
Dr Francisco Colaco has marred his otherwise excellent letter ‘Towards a Police State’ (Herald, 3 July), by unnecessarily dragging the BJP’s name into it. What does he mean by saying: “Not that the BJP regime was any better”? Were there fugitive ministers in the BJP government? Did the BJP admit every turncoat back into the party? Did the BJP Home Minister say there were no drugs or drug dealers in Goa? Then why is he equating the BJP with the present maladministration? Is this what he calls his ‘apolitical’ stand, or is he simply placating the ruffled feathers of his Margao boss?
On the morning of 5 July, when I went to Margao to get petrol for my car, all the pumps were closed. I called up Chief Minister Diganbar Kamat, who is also the Margao MLA. He told me that he had provided adequate protection to the petrol pumps, but if they chose to close down voluntarily, he could do nothing about it. I told him that I am an ‘aam admi’ from his constituency, and I was affected; to which he replied, “I am in Porvorim and I am not aware of the situation,” and hung up the phone. I am sure that if he had dealt with a firm hand, the bandh would have been a flop. Instead, the Fatorda MLA and a twice-defeated BJP Margao candidate were openly enforcing the bandh, with no opposition. Where were the Congress workers? It was a walkover for the BJP, causing loss to the exchequer and inconvenience for everybody.
100 Years Ago PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS
7 July 1910 Perry promoted Commander Perry, the Hero of the North Pole Expedition, is being promoted to Rear Admiral of the US Navy for services rendered to the Nation.
Taxi service It is reported that ‘Phoenix & Co’, which was recently established in the capital city, is going to contract from Bombay some vehicles to ply from Betim to Mapusa.
Floods in Paris The River Seine has been on the rise again, and some quarters of Paris are totally inundated.
Lisbon coalition A new Party with some Monarchists is to be launched from Lisbon. They will form a new block constituted of various parties to run the Municipal administration.
Spineless govt John Eric Gomes, Porvorim The High Courts of Kerala and Mumbai have banned bandhs and declared them illegal. They have also said that the resultant damages must be recovered from the parties enforcing the bandh. The Supreme Court has ratified these decisions. But our spineless government will not take firm action, and just watches as the damage is done. The ‘aam admi’, in whose name all this is done, is the biggest sufferer. Are we a banana republic?
Bandhs a solution? Samir Khan, Mapusa In any bandh, the worst affected are daily wage earners, small traders and commuters. Although the demand for a price roll back in fuel prices is genuine, the method adopted by the opposition – bandh – is appalling. Losses are Rs3,000 crore, putting more pressure on the tax payer’s pocket. Would it not have been better if the BJP, as a responsible opposition party, had come up with an alternate economic policy to counter budget deficits and growing inflation as a long term solution, instead of resorting to bandh?
Letter of the Day
Think before you speak
Shalom Sardinha, by email
This is in reference to Manohar Parrikar’s request (‘BJP gears up for all India bandh’, Herald, 1 July) to make the 5 July bandh a success. It is true that the increase in fuel prices will have a near-exponential effect on the cost of all essential commodities, which are already high. What was amusing, however, was his claim that petrol could be sold at Rs23 if the government did its calculations right. During Mr Parrikar’s rule in Goa in 2001 (when the BJP ruled the centre) the cost of petrol was Rs28.90 a litre, while crude oil cost $23 a barrel. Today, petrol is Rs53 a litre, when crude oil costs $72 a barrel. Any person with even basic common sense can see that today, compared to crude oil costs, petrol prices are comparatively lower than in 2001. It would do Mr Parrikar’s image a lot of good if he properly analysed facts before speaking. That said, I am eagerly waiting to see how much the Digamber Kamat government will decrease VAT, to reduce the burden on the ‘aam admi’ of Goa.
Govt-assisted bandh Pachu Menon, Margao On Monday, deserted streets and market places gave the impression that the Bharat Bandh was a grand success in Goa. The fact is that the BJP cadre did not have to try much. The private bus operators’ strike ensured that people would stay indoors, thanking them for an extended weekend. The authorities made tall claims of foiling the strike, but Kadamba buses were conspicuous by their erratic and inconsistent operations. In the absence of KTC buses plying on private bus routes, no transport was available for the people. The government actually helped the bandh succeed!
Dogui bodmas Praxy Fernandes, Sanquelim Public memory is indeed short. I found it strange that Jose Maria Miranda in his letter ‘Action please’ (Herald, 6 July) has exhorted the BJP to expose the ruling party in coming assembly session. The public seems to have conveniently forgotten how much money was invested by 25 candidates to get recruited as police sub-inspectors during BJP rule, and how they in turn are now systematically recovering their investment by extorting money from the public.
school or the church, once or twice a month, instead of on an obligation day. In many places, including Mumbai, confessions are heard every week, preferably on Saturday evenings. The priest is in the confessional for at least an hour. In Goa’s villages, confession is only during important festivals. Parish priests must follow in the footsteps of their patron saint John Mary Vianney, who searched for people in need of confession. Pastoral visits by Parish priests are very important, as our simple and peaceloving people are encircled by evil and sinful practices.
Tell us why Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Governance is an ongoing process, and so is corruption. Political parties make noises only when in the opposition. They loot doubly when in power. Our hopes should lie with non-political citizens, who use institutions like RTI, Lokayukta, etc, to expose all corrupt politicians.
In keeping with judicial propriety, any judge who feels unable to decide a case impartially, declines to hear the matter and recuses himself. This is appropriate. Justice needs not only to be done, but seen to be done. But is it not also desirable that every judge, when he says: “Not before me,” also gives the reason why he is recusing himself from the case? That would leave no room for public speculation and rumours on the issue.
Part-time Minister?
KTC revenues
S N D Poojary, Miramar Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar has requested the PM to reduce his burden of work after he became ICC President. The taxpayer meets the salary and all expenses of a minister. Being a minister is not a honorary post; it is a full-time, paid job. Mr Pawar should either have resigned as cabinet minister, or not accepted presidency of the ICC.
Children’s Mass Rocky Dias, Raia In Mumbai and other places, Sunday children’s Mass is in English, since most Catholic children attend English medium schools. But in Goa, children’s Sunday Mass is in Konkani. Many of the children do not follow the mass, become restless and distract other worshippers. If the Konkani Mass is to maintain language identity, it can be held in
Carlos Mascarenhas, Loutolim The news item ‘Cash strapped KTC exploring new methods to raise revenue’ (Herald, 24 June) highlights three proposals – vending machines, centralisation of maintenance depots, and shuttle service to include one stop. Centralisation does control costs, but often loses in providing efficient services. KTC buses are filled beyond capacity, and already maximising revenue per bus/trip. The problem is that not all the money collected reaches the KTC. The vending machine will not stop this thievery; the machines will mysteriously malfunction and the thievery will continue as before. Think again. The shuttle services are the best of KTC. Do not mess this up with standing passengers. One stop is okay, but only to fill vacant seats. However, be prepared for revenue leaks as on other buses. Instead, charge more for the shuttle services. People will be prepared to pay adequately more to avail of an efficient non-stop service.
Paths of Wisdom
Should He Bite Me… by Roger D. Abrahams A large stone fell upon Snake and covered her so that she could not rise. A white man, it is said, came upon her and lifted the stone, but when he had done so, she wanted to bite him. The White Man said, “Stop! Let us first go to someone wise.” They went to Hyena, and the White Man asked him, “Is it right that Snake should want to bite me, even though I helped her so much?” Hyena (who was looking for his own share of the White Man’s body) said, “If you were bitten, what would it matter?” So Snake thought that settled it, but the White Man said again, “Wait a little, and let us go to other wise people, that I may hear whether this is right.” They went and met Jackal, and the White Man put the same question to him. Jackal replied, “I don’t believe that Snake could ever be so covered by a stone that she could not rise. Unless I saw it with my two eyes, I wouldn’t believe it. Take me to the place where you say it happened so I can see for myself whether it can possibly be true.” They went together to that place, and Jackal said, “Snake, lie down, and let yourself be covered.” Snake did so, and the White man covered her with the stone; and although she tried with all her strength Snake couldn’t get up. Then the White Man wanted to let Snake go again, but Jackal stopped him saying, “Don’t life the stone. She wanted to bite you, therefore, let her get up and lift it herself.” Then they both went away and left Snake there, just as before.
Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83. HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald & Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com — For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com — For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Herald represent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.
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opinionateD
Hangovers and divine solutions By PAULO VARELA GOMES n a recent article in Herald titled ‘Divine Cult or Divine Solution?’ (3 July), Dr Teotonio de Sousa, under the pretext of writing about the history of confraternities by Leopoldo da Rocha, focuses on “some Portuguese art historians”, accusing these of “throwing up wild suggestions to explain the grandeur of church architecture and painting in Goa in order to emphasize the uniqueness of the so-called Indo-Portuguese art”. By “some Portuguese art historians” he means me. I know this, not because he had the decency of mentioning my name (forgetting all about common rules of scholarly protocol or simple boa educação), but because his arguments refer to an article that I have published recently, which he also criticised in an earlier article he wrote in the Herald, a piece titled ‘Of Portuguese Colonial Hangovers’ (19 June). Both writings by Dr Sousa refrain from explaining to their readers exactly what it is that I wrote in my article, thereby maintaining a convenient distance from actually having to debate the arguments I put forward in my article. Whenever he mentions precise points, he misinterprets my intentions and tries to cast doubts about my scholarship. For example, in his previous article, he draws my attention to the rebellion of the Pintos without actually explaining his point (he unravels the argument with question marks and innuendo, as is his style). Then he makes a derogatory comment about my scholarship by obliquely suggesting – but, again, not directly saying – that I know nothing about Mateus de Castro’s writings (well, Dr Sousa: Castro did write a treatise, albeit in the initial stages, and there is one version in Portuguese). More importantly, my article (and my forthcoming book on Goan church architecture) discusses and gives a new meaning to the expression ‘Indo-Portuguese art’, suggesting that this expression should itself be dropped in favour of ‘Goan art’, at least as far as architecture goes. This, Dr Sousa hides from his readers, accusing me of precisely the opposite: “emphasising Indo-Portuguese art”. This does not happen by accident. Dr Sousa is fully aware of the danger that my ideas on church architecture present to his simplistic thesis on Portuguese colonialism in Goa, and the role played by the Catholic church. When he presents us with a random list of facts that might lead to an academic debate from which we ourselves and our readers could learn something – facts about confraternities, comunidades, Archbishops – he again forgets to clarify what it is that he doesn’t agree with in my article, and does not discuss its main thesis about the fundamental role played by the Goan clergy in church architecture. He just aligns a series of indirect suggestions that the hierarchy of the church and the colonial state would never allow for that to happen, and kept Goan Catholics conveniently poor. Dr Sousa’s ignorance about things architectural does not explain why he failed to see that my point is precisely that the buildings themselves show otherwise: church architecture in Goa in the 18th and 19th centuries was not Portuguese, but Goan. It was not poor, but rich (and so were the Goan houses, by the way: Goan and rich). He misses the point on purpose. One can feel his irritation at my idea, his bitterness. Dr Sousa likes to see the past as a simple ‘bad guys vs good guys’ story, and he has a profound contempt for the Catholic church and the role it played in Goa. I would advise him to cool down. Partisan anger is not a scholar’s best tool. The facts that Dr Sousa expounds are known to me. Some are even mentioned in my article, a point again ‘unnoticed’ by him. Does he then have all this information printed out for the benefit of the Herald’s readers? Allow me to doubt it. I have read enough of Dr Sousa’s very bitter pieces in the Herald to suspect that the real reason for his display of erudition is the fact that he cannot accept that anyone writes or publishes about the colonial history of Goa in a way that does not adhere to his beliefs and methods (remember the way he treated Angela Barreto Xavier’s book?). In his previous article, referring to me, he insisted upon emphasising that my ideas were nothing new. This is when I became absolutely sure that they are. If I imagined that the ideas that I exposed in my article would be subject to a real debate, I’d gladly engage in it. But I don’t trust Dr Sousa’s motives and I don’t like his methods. Therefore, I will not debate further with him or answer anything he writes in reply.
I
Cong may arm-twist allies in reshuffle
To chalk out a cohesive strategy to counter the Maoist violence, the government has convened a meeting of Chief Ministers of Naxalaffected states on July 14 which is expected to be addressed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The day-long meeting of the Chief Ministers of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar will take stock of the situation arising out of the recent Maoists violence and will fine tune a fresh strategy being worked out to curb the Left Wing extremism. The plan to redeploy the para-
military forces engaged in antiNaxal operations and development schemes undertaken under the aegis of the Planning Commission are expected to be discussed threadbare. Home Minister P Chidambaram will brief the Chief Ministers about the government's plans, seek their suggestions and discuss how to go about it. The Prime Minister, who had described the Naxal menace as a grave threat to internal security, is likely to address the Chief Ministers and hear their views on the issue. The meeting comes in the wake of a spurt in Naxal attacks.
Refuting any possibility of estranged Thackeray cousins Raj and Uddhav coming together, MNS spokesperson Shirish Parkar has ridiculed the idea. "There is no question of Shiv Sena and MNS coming together. The idea is ridiculous and if it was initiated by the Shiv Sainiks, Sena chief Bal Thackeray should make them understand," Parkar said in his fortnightly magazine Mi Maharashtracha, Maharashtra Maza released recently. Parkar was referring to the 'Thackeray Jodo' campaign started by some Sena activists to unite Raj and Uddhav ahead of Mumbai Municipal Corporation polls scheduled in 2012. Criticising Sena for 'boasting about' working for Marathi people, Parkar said "people like Chandrika Keniya, Ram Jethmalani, Pritish Nandy and Videocon's Rajkumar Dhoot were elected with the support of Sena but they were never seen holding the party's saffron flag. Is this not a breach of trust of Marathi manoos?" Sena came into the power after raising the Hindutva issue and keeping aside Marathi agenda, he said.
PoK ‘PM’ asks Pak to put Kashmir on hold
5 Bhopal gas convicts granted bail
PTI ISLAMABAD, JULY 6
In a major policy shift, the PoK 'Prime Minister' has advised Pakistan government not to link ongoing negotiations with India to resolution of the Kashmir issue, saying this is not the right time as Islamabad's position is "quite weak" due to "internal vulnerabilities". Raja Farooq Haider suggested that Pakistan should first resolve "small irritants and controversial issues" before finally sorting out the "core issue of Kashmir." He told 'The News' daily that Pakistan and India should maintain status quo on Kashmir for "some time." He said he believed that India and Pakistan "should resolve other issues before taking up Kashmir." It would be "wiser for Pakistan to wait for the right time to restart negotiations" on the Kashmir issue, Haider said. He explained that he was giving this advice because he believed "this was not the right time for Pakistan to press for a Kashmir settlement." At the moment, Pakistan is facing a "formidable security challenge from the militants"
The ultras have killed at least 100 policemen in Chhattisgarh since April and derailed an express train in West Bengal that claimed the lives of nearly 150 people. Government has been maintaining that accelerated development and calibrated police action are the two pillars of its anti-Naxal policy. Chidambaram had said that on both fronts, the primary responsibility rests with the state governments though the Centre will offer all help. According to an estimate, about 40,000 sq km areas in Naxal-affected states are under the control of Maoists.
Naval version of LCA rolls out, Antony upbeat PTI BANGALORE, JULY 6
India's first indigenous Naval Light Combat Aircraft, touted as the only carrier-borne warplane in the light category in the world, rolled out here today in an important milestone for the Navy. Defence Minister A K Antony described as "a defining and a memorable moment" the rollout of the two -seater LCA (Navy) NP1 whose first testflight is expected by this yearend. The naval version of IAF's LCA assembled at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility here is now ready to undergo systems integration tests, leading to ground runs, taxi trials and flights, officials said. Once the ground based tests are com-
It is a defining and a memorable moment as it will give boost to indigenization. -- A K Antony pleted it is expected to make its maiden flight by the end of this year. The aircraft, with state of the
PTI MUMBAI, JULY 6
let the Ministry of Food be given away to someone else. Sources say DMK and Trinamul Congress A mini reshuffle of the Union Ministry, the first will also have to yield one or two key portfolios. since the UPA II government took the reins over Ahmed Patel, political secretary of Congress a year ago, is on the card, with indications that President Sonia Gandhi, started contacting allies the Congress will arm-twist the allies to shed from Tuesday to informally discuss the upcoming some of the milky portfolios. reshuffle of the ministry. He had a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not disturb Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel of NCP on Tuesthe balance of the share of portday and then rang up Dayanidhi folios that was agreed upon at Sharad Pawar may Maran to discuss the proposed the time of formation of his first changes with his DMK supremo. government in 2004, but the Con- have to let go of the So as not to give an opportugress leadership feels time has Ministry of Food. nity to Pawar to gang up the allies now come for the party to have Sources say DMK and against the Congress with the in its hands the key portfolios. charge of big brother’s “dadaThe Congress case is that Trinamul Congress giri,” sources said the PM may these portfolios have been mis- will also have to yield bring in Ajit Singh as the new handled by the ministers of the one or two key food minister, though he is vying allies while it gets all the sticks to better get agriculture than as the major partner in the gov- portfolios. DMK’s M K food from Pawar’s big list of po ernment. Its leaders think the Alagiri may have to Sources said DMK supremo party can handle the issues like and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M price rise if the ministry is under shed either chemicals Karunanidhi has been requested the command of a party leader. or fertiliser portfolio. to allow A Raja shed the telecom Indications are that the portfolio and retain only inforreshuffle will take place between July 10 and 15 mation technology with him. The Congress wants to give enough time to the persons getting new a party nominee to be the new telecom minister. responsibilities to acquaint themselves with the There is also speculation that former union ministries before Parliament begins monsoon minister Ram Vilas Paswan who got elected to session on July 26. the Rajya Sabha is brought in the ministry as a The Prime Minister has already started sending part of the strategy for alliance in the upcoming subtle hints to the allies’ leaders for the intended Assembly elections in Bihar. DMK’s M K Alagiri reshuffle. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief may have to shed either chemicals or fertiliser Sharad Pawar got the hint to personally offer to portfolio for him. HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, JULY 6
Govt working on new naxal plan PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
‘Raj-Uddhav patch up impossible’
art technologies and punch, is designed to operate from the future indigenous aircraft carriers the Navy plans to acquire. It is the first indigenous effort to build a complete air element for the Navy. It will be operating with a wide variety of operational weapons and equipment like the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile, Anti-ship Missiles, Conventional bombs, Air Defence guns, and drop tanks. "It is a defining and a memorable moment as it will give boost to indigenisation," Antony said at the event attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, Secretary (Defence Production) and top officials of HAL and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
and is not in a position to effectively fight the case of Kashmir, he added. Haider said that his comments did not mean a "reversal of Pakistan's traditional stand on Kashmir, as many emotional people might instantly try to
infer." "What I am trying to suggest is that this is not the right time to negotiate Kashmir with the Indians as Islamabad's position is obviously quite weak because of its internal vulnerabilities," he said.
appointments
PTI BHOPAL, JULY 6
Former Union Carbide India chairman Keshub Mahindra and four others convicted on June 7 in the Bhopal Gas leak case were today granted bail by a court here. UCIL former Managing Director Vijay Gokhle, former Vice President Kishore Kamdar, former Works Manager J Mukund and former Production Manager S P Choudhr y were others granted bail by Chief Judicial Magistrate R V Singh. Former Plant Superintendent K V Shetty and former Operator S I Qureshi, who were also convicted, did not get bail today as they were not present in the court. The convicts had filed an appeal in the sessions court against the June 7 verdict. They were sentenced under section 304 A, 336, 337 and 338 read with section 35 of the IPC under which each was awarded two years imprisonment and a fine of over Rs 1 lakh.
RJD assails Nitish Main opposition RJD today accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of implementing a 'secret agenda' of the RSS. "Nitish Kumar and RSS have tacit a understanding... Being an ally of BJP, the chief minister is sitting on RSS' lap and is implementing the secret agenda of RSS," RJD leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan said
appointments
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Protest at UN office in Lanka against rights probe panel PTI COLOMBO, JULY 6
Hundreds of Sri Lankan activists led by a Cabinet minister on Tuesday protested at the UN office here against a world body panel set up to probe allegations of human rights abuses during the LTTE war, a day after detained ex-army chief Sarath Fonseka asked the government to face it with courage. Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa, shouting slogans along with other protesters, demanded withdrawal of the advisory panel by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. He said his party, the National Freedom Front (NFF), fears that the appointment of the panel could be a precursor for the establishment of an international war tribunal to investigate the alleged offences. The NFF is a constituent of the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) coalition headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The operation against the LTTE, which was defeated in May last year, was initiated purely on the people's demand under the
direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to release innocent Tamil civilians in the North and East, Weerawansa said. He said if the UN tries to have a postmortem to find the facts in favour of the LTTE, then people should stand up against the world body decision as well. Weerawansa also criticised Fonseka's alleged inclination to give evidence before the panel. Fonseka, an opposition MP from DNA, told Parliament yesterday that the war against LTTE was carried out in line with international conventions and covenants. The former General, who led the security forces in eliminating the LTTE, said that as the then Army Commander he was prepared to uphold the reputation of the military. He said he was not afraid of any experts' panel appointed by the UN chief to advise him on allegations of human rights violations during the war, "as the then Army Commander I can candidly say the war was waged in line with international covenants and conventions. I fully support the military in this case."
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No fresh order issued on Saeed’s movements: pak attacks, from travelling abroad. Saeed's name was included in the Exit Control List, a list of Pakistani authorities on Tuesday persons barred from leaving said no fresh order has been isPakistan, by the Interior Minsued to ban militant groups workistry on December 11, 2008 ing under new names or to after the UN Security Council impose curbs on foreign travel designated the JuD chief as a by individuals like JuD chief Hafiz terrorist individual subject to Saeed, though action will be sanctions like a travel ban and taken only if evidence is found Hafiz Saeed an asset freeze. against them. Saeed had not been removed from the Exit Responding to local media reports that 23 militant groups operating under new names Control List since then though he was freed from have been banned, Law Minister of Punjab house arrest on the orders of the Lahore High province Rana Sanaullah, Lahore police chief Court last year, the sources said. Law Minister Sanaullah made it clear that the Muhammad Aslam Tareen and sources in Islamabad said no notification has been issued with provincial government did not have the powers regard to the outlawed organisations or indi- to ban any group and such a step could only be taken by the federal government. viduals like Saeed. He also contended that there were no militant "The Punjab government has not issued any new notification banning any proscribed organ- camps or "no go" areas controlled by extremists isation that is working under a new name. They within Punjab province. Police chief Tareen said his force had not reare already banned," Sanaullah said. Authorities in Punjab were "planning to crack ceived any specific directions from provincial audown on militants if they are related to any thorities to take action against militant or extremist groups that had changed their names banned organisation," he said. This crackdown will be a "continuous process after being banned. He said steps had already in the nature of a search operation," Sanaullah been taken to ban the groups created after outlawed organisations changed their names. added. "The police have directions to launch a crack"The persons who are carrying out these incidents of suicidal bombing are (hiding) in different down on suspicious elements, but not against cities... So the police is now pursuing them and any particular group," Tareen told PTI. The police will take action against all militants, we are also probing the role of the Jamaat-udDawah. And if any evidence will be found, we he added. His remarks came amid reports that Punjab will arrest those people," he said. Sources in Islamabad told PTI that no fresh government had banned 23 militant organisations notification has been issued to bar Hafiz Saeed, operating under new names after having been blamed by India for masterminding the Mumbai outlawed. PTI ISLAMABAD/LAHORE, JULY 6
Afghanistan urges Pak to act against terror groups AFP KABUL, JULY 6
Afghanistan's national security adviser has called on the Pakistani government to "take serious measures" against Islamist groups launching attacks onAfghan targets from secure havens inside Pakistan. Rangin Dadfar Spanta spoke to AFP in an interview a week after the Al-Jazeera television network said Afghan President Hamid Karzai had met the man who runs the Al-Qaeda-linked Haqqani network in talks mediated by Pakistan. Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Taliban have all denied any such meeting. Spanta's comments signal an about-turn by the Afghan government after months of overtures to Islamabad in efforts to prompt Pakistan to deal with militant groups, including AlQaeda and the Taliban based along Afghan border. Spanta told AFP yesterday that Afghanistan had "tremendous evidence" that Pakistani authorities allowed Al-Qaeda and other terror organisations to operate on the country's soil and had presented it to Islamabad "many times". Islamabad had failed to act against the groups based in Pakistan's tribal areas on the Afghan border, he told AFP.
Celebrations,sadness as Dalai Lama turns 75 AFP DHARAMSHALA, JULY 6
The Dalai Lama turned 75 on Tuesday, a milestone marked by celebrations in his hometownin-exile but tinged by sadness that his compatriots in Tibet were unable to honour the occasion. Under relentless rain, the Ti-
betan spiritual leader addressed a packed crowd of 5,000 followers at his temple in McLeod Ganj, a hill station in the Indian Himalayas where he has lived since fleeing Tibet in 1959. In a reminder of the situation in his homeland, where China views him as a dangerous separatist, he expressed sadness
from page 1 Mickky’s date with fate
Pacheco was last interrogated on June 4. Pointing out that Pacheco has exhausted his right to approach the courts for bail, the prosecutor said “it is his duty now to obey the orders of the courts and subject himself to examination”. She said the cell phones of deceased Nadia, the Ratol tube, besides the weapon need to be recovered by the investigating agency. Sardinha said Nadia’s death cannot be attributed to the tiatr advertisement, which stated that Viola is the wife of Mickky saying that deceased Nadia was aware of the Viola’s relationship with the former minister. The court has extended Pacheco’s judicial custody for another day, while reserving his orders on the bail plea to Wednesday morning.
Prosecution for test
Sardinha pointed out the overwriting on the medical certificate issued by Hospicio in respect of Pacheco’s blood pressure. “There’s not even a date mentioned on the medical certificate issued by the hospital. The certificate does not indicate when it was prepared”, she said. The public prosecutor further said that even before the former minister was subjected to medical examination, he was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Meanwhile, the jailor of the Margao judicial lock-up was personally present in the courtroom and submitted a certificate indicating the medical status of the former tourism minister.
Goa Scholarship Scheme
In his address, MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho said it was decided to felicitate the students excelling in social studies as that would make them aware of the civic responsibility and instill civic sense in them. “To score in maths and sciences, there are various facilities available for the students, but not in social studies”, Coutinho said, while congratulating 19 students who excelled at the SSC examinations. The students were felicitated in the presence of their parents and teachers.
Daylight murder at Baina
there were a number of complaints against him. Caretaker of Hanuman Temple at Baina, Abhimanyu, who was also an eye witness to the incident, informed that Ahmed took the bore well pump handle and hit it on Mehabosabh’s head. Vasco DySP Mahesh Gaonkar informed that they have identified the accused and efforts are on to locate him. Incidentally, Ahmed was often seen loitering near the Vasco Railway Station or bus stop hooked to a substance - white ink or the correction fluid used to erase typing mistakes. “People often used to make fun of him or deliberately beat him, but when he was intoxicated with the white ink, no one dared to repeat such acts,” said his friends who wished not to be quoted. “Since Ahmed could not afford expensive drugs, he would use the white ink, which is easily available for Rs 20 and one pack lasts a full day,” added his friend. Family members tried every possible means to ensure that Ahmed got rid of the substance, but in vain. “Recently, police had detained him for some theft case and recovered stolen valuables and cash from him, but despite that, he was later released,” added his friends. The small red packet of white-ink bottle carries a warning that states: “contains toluene. Intentional misuse by deliberate concentration and inhaling the contents can be harmful, even fatal.” Recently when DySP Gaonkar had convened a meeting with the shopkeepers, he had urged them to avoid selling white-ink to street children. “However, selling white-ink is not illegal or contraband. There are legal hurdles for the police to book people, who misuse whiteink,” said DySP Gaonkar. Anti-Narcotics Cell DySP Naresh Mahamal said it is a pure misuse of solvents that white-ink contains, since such products are easily available in the market and framing cases against people who misuses such products is legally difficult.
that his followers there would be unable to pay tribute because of fear of reprisals. "The Tibetans in Tibet have a great desire to celebrate my birthday but they are not allowed to," he said in Tibetan, according to a translation given to AFP by an official from the Tibetan government-inexile. Staring out at a banner depicting him at various stages over the last three-quarters of a century, he reflected on his work of preaching peace and religious tolerance while keeping the issue of Tibet in the spotlight. "When I see those pictures and see the development, I know my life has not been wasted," he said. He favours meaningful autonomy for Tibet under Chinese rule, but Beijing accuses him of inciting unrest with a hidden pro-independence agenda. Decades of on-off negotiations with China have made no tangible progress. Amid the dancing, singing and tributes on Tuesday, there were frequent reminders of the challenges ahead for the Tibetan exiles, above all the eventual succession of their ageing spiritual leader. The Dalai Lama has been in hospital twice in recent times -- for a pinched nerve
Explosion hits Indian restaurant in Sydney PTI MELBOURNE, JULY 6
An explosion triggered by a suspected arson attack ripped apart an Indian restaurant in Sydney, prompting police to investigate the possible links of the incident to a bomb threat. The Indian restaurant in Sydney was last night engulfed by fire, which police suspect was 'deliberately lit' and four people escaped unhurt in the incident. Police is investigating the possibility of links to a bomb threat at the Copper Tiffin restaurant on Cleveland Street some time back, Sydney Morning Herald reported. An unnamed nearby restaurant owner said he had heard a "loud explosion, like bomb" just after 11:30 pm. The explosion threw out debris and caused glass and signs to cover the road. "Then I see people climbing out of a window, about four, (it was) very lucky," he said. Two people were seen running away from the site just after 11.30 pm as fire engulfed the building, witnesses told police. Shortly thereafter, an explosion was heard and a witness said the front of the shop was missing. Police and fire brigades reportedly said the blaze was 'deliberately lit' and that they were hunting for two men who were seen running away from the scene. The explosion damaged property but four people at a residential property above the restaurant escaped, with only one needing hospital treatment for smoke inhalation.
in February last year and for surgery to remove stones from his gall bladder in October 2008.
"My expectation is that Pakistan after nine years – because theoretically Pakistan is part of the anti-terror alliance – they have to begin to take some serious measures against terrorism," he said. "They have to hand over the leadership of the terrorist groups, they have to give a list of the people they have arrested and are holding in the detention centres inPakistan." Afghan officials have blamed a number of major attacks on Pakistani-based groups whom they say are supported by Pakistan's intelligence and military. Such militants were blamed for blowing up the Serena Hotel in Kabul in 2008, attacking the Indian embassy, other Indian targets and a UN guesthouse in October that led to a mass withdrawal from Afghanistan of UN staff. "We have evidence that the terrorists from Pakistan are involved in daily attacks against our people and international 'jihadi' groups are active here. They have their base and sanctuaries behind our border and this is a serious problem," Spanta said. "We have to address the menace of terrorism." Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have been traditionally marked by distrust, but there had been growing signs of rapprochement.
India an important strategic partner, says Wen Jiabao AGENCIES BEIJING, JULY 6
Premier Wen Jiabao has said that China regards India as an important strategic partner and the two countries would "take care of each other's core interests and major concerns". "We will work with India to maintain high-level visits and take care of each other's core interests and major concerns," Wen said on Monday while meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special envoy and National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon. Wen pledged to enhance dialogue and cooperation with India as well as make joint efforts to promote world peace, People's Daily reported on Tuesday. Hailing diplomatic ties between China and India, Wen said the relationship had matured well. Political trust has deepened and remarkable achievements in cooperation had taken place in various sectors. The two countries have also
reached important agreements and made sound coordination in coping with the international financial crisis, climate change and other major issues, Wen noted. He said China and India, as neighbours and as large developing nations with large populations, enjoyed not only profound historical and cultural
origins but also broad common interests. "A healthy, stable and dynamic China-India relationship is of far-reaching significance to the two nations, Asia and the whole world at large," Xinhua quoted Wen as saying. Menon delivered to Wen a l e t t e r f ro m M a n m o h a n Singh.
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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 7 JULY, 2010
Q1 direct tax mop-up jumps to Rs 68,675 cr PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
The collection of direct taxes during the first quarter of the current fiscal increased by over a full 15 per cent to Rs 68,675 crore, indicating higher corporate earnings. The government has budgeted an overall tax mop-up of Rs 7.46 lakh crore during this fiscal, out of which Rs 4.3 lakh are expected to be realised from direct taxes. Realisation of direct taxes, which mainly include corporate tax and income tax, went up to Rs 68,675 crore, as against Rs 59,465 crore in the same period last fiscal. According to the figures released by the Finance Ministry here today, corporate tax collection, which is a reflection on the performance of India Inc,
soared 21.65 per cent to Rs 43,439 crore during the reporting period and thus contributing to the maximum during the reporting period. But the realisation from personal income tax, securities transaction tax, banking cash transactions tax etc grew marginally by only 1.24 per cent to Rs 24,075 crore during the April-June period. However, the realisation from the securities transaction tax declined to Rs 1,094 crore, from Rs 1,462 crore during the first quarter of previous fiscal. As regards advance tax, the first quarter witnessed the highest increase of 31.4 per cent to Rs 26,876 crore, up from Rs 20,456 crore during the same period last fiscal. While the advance tax col-
lection dropped by 3.5 per cent during 2008-09, it recorded an increase of 25.1 per cent in the previous fiscal. The increase in advance tax collection was 30 per cent in 2006-07 and 26.9 percent in 2005-06. The government expects to mop up Rs 4.3 lakh crore by way of direct taxes during the current fiscal, an increase of over 13 per cent over the yearago period.
NMDC to set iron ore pipeline PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
State owned NMDC today said that it will invest Rs 3,000 crore to set up a 12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) pipeline in Chhattisgarh to supply iron ore to its domestic steel customers. "We will set a 424-km pipeline between our Bailadila mines and Vizag at an investment of Rs 3,000 crore and will have an annual production capacity 12 MTPA," NMDC Chairman and MD Rana Som said.
Tap semi-urban, rural savings: FM PTI CHANDIGARH, JULY 6
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today asked banks to tap the vast opportunity provided by the semi-urban and rural markets by converting savings in these areas into financial assets. "I advise banks to transform savings from the semi-urban and rural markets into financial assets through effective financial inclusion," Mukherjee told the chief ministers of Northern states and PSU bank heads here today. The Finance Minister said
PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
India Inc's hiring activity grew by 21 per cent in June this year compared to the year-ago period, led by the improving business sentiment, job portal naukri.com said in a report. Naukri.com's monthly job index -- JobSpeak -- moved up to 947 in June this year compared to 784 in the same month of 2009. Hiring activity in June also showed an improvement over the previous month as well, with the job index increasing by four per cent in June from 913 in May, the study revealed. "Companies are actively hiring now and have shed their ''wait-and watch'' policy.
Service tax will hit home buyers: Credai
CSR DEEDS
Sesa Goa launches Mobile Health Unit PANJIM (HBD) -- Sesa Goa Ltd launched a Mobile Health Unit at Rivona on July 2, 2010. The mobile health unit was inaugurated by Chief Guest Vasudev Meng Gaonkar, MLA Sanguem constituency in the presence of Gitanjali Naik, Sarpanch of Rivona Panchayat, Josefena Fernandes, Sarpanch of Vadde-Curdi Panchayat, Mahesh Patil, GM-HSEC, Arun Matkar, Ex- Sarpanch of Vadde-Curdi Panchayat and Dr Sunil Kakodkar, AGM medical Services. The Mobile Health Unit was launched with the aim to impart primary health care services to the rural population in and around South Goa Mines and cater to the health needs of mine workers. The beneficiaries of this MHU are the villagers of Colomba, Curpem, Vichundrem and Rivona which are about 10000. The planned route for the MHU will be: Day 1- 9 am to 11.30 am - Curpem Village (Chimutwada/Satarkarwada/Devabhat), 11.45 am to 12.45 pm – Curpem Mines, 2 pm to 4.30 pm – Rivona near Utkarsh High School. Day 2- 9 am to 12.30 pm – Vichundrem, 2 pm to 3 pm – Shivsurem Village, 3.15 pm to 4.30 pm – Colomba Mines. This sequence will be followed on alternate days.
Sensex up 173 pts PTI MUMBAI, JULY 6
The BSE benchmark Sensex today surged by over 170 points on hopes that the world’s second largest growing economy would get a boost with the monsoon covering the entire country. Marketmen said the investor sentiment also got a fillip after bourses across the world recovered from recent losses. China’s Shanghai index with a 1.92 per cent jump led the rally in Asia as investors bought shares available at low levels, analysts said. European bourses also opened in the green, further bolstering the investor confidence, leading to a fag-end rush for financial and IT stocks.
He said there were 19,141 areas with population above 2,000 as per the 2001 Census that did not have banking facilities in the Northern states. The Centre has set a target to provide banking facilities to areas with population above 2,000 by March 2012,the Finance Minister said, adding the credit-deposit ratio of the Northern states except that of Chandigarh is not satisfactory against the benchmark of 60 per cent. The Finance Minister also asked the states, which are signatories to the revival package for the short-term cooperative credit structure, to take up re-
form measures required to be put in place to avail of the Central funds. "Punjab and Uttrakhand have not yet made the required amendments to their State Cooperative Societies Acts. I would request them to take up this task," Mukherjee said. The Finance Minister also asked the chief ministers to regularly review the progress of the Centrally-sponsored schemes to take the desired benefits to the common man. Mukherjee said implementation of the Aam Admi Bima Yojana and Swavalamban or the contributory pension scheme, are priorities of the Centre.
India Inc's hiring activity soars 21% in June
TALK BUSINESS
PANJIM (HBD) -- The imposition of service tax on under-construction projects effective on and from July 1, 2010 housing will come dearer in both the cases of pre-bookings in under-construction properties as well as purchase of finished apartments. For under-construction properties home buyers will now have to pay a service tax at the rate of 10.3%, incase of finished projects the pricing is expectedly higher on account of the appreciation, says a press release from Credai. Also, if demand for completed projects goes up, it will stagger the funding cycles of projects thereby reducing capacity of the developers to develop multiple projects. The applicability of Service Tax on under construction real estate projects, especially in the residential space will escalate project cost and in turn impact affordability of the consumers significantly when the net per unit price shoots up by 2 - 3 % approximately. An estimation done by Credai on percentage of service tax payable by a certain purchaser on an under-construction property worth Rs 30 lakh shows that the purchaser has to pay service tax on 25% of the installment at 10.3% approx which comes to around 2.6%. Santosh Rungta, president, Credai says, “The construction of property and transaction of the same now considered as a service is confusing. On one hand, when the government emphasize upon development of housing in the country through its National Habitat Policy urging all the State Governments to reduce the stamp duty and bring it down to 2% - 3% in order to make home buying affordable, imposition of service tax is just the contrary step to impact on same affordability factor of the end consumers.”
the financial sector is growing at a fast pace and provides growth opportunities unparalleled and unmatched by the mature financial markets around the world. He said with the improvement in banking technology, efforts to spread banking activities to all will increase the customer base of banks. "Financial inclusion initiatives will strengthen financial deepening," Mukherjee pointed out. Mukherjee said as of today only 37.2 per cent of bank branches in the country are in rural areas and only 40 per cent of the population have bank accounts.
Edserv to open QIP issue
Govt starts debate on opening retail to FDI
PTI CHENNAI, JULY 6
PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 6
City-headquartered education services company EdServ Softsystems today said it has decided to open the Qualified Insitutional Placement (QIP) issue with a minimum floor price fixed at Rs 205 per share. Proceeds of QIP would be used to fund the company's plans in the schools segment where it was investing in several schools this year, its new LAMPSGLOW online webstore education business model, infrastructure expansion and towards expanding its presence Pan India in the Higher Education and career placements, EdServ Chairman S Giridharan said in a statement. The Directors would decide on the closing date in consultation with the Lead Managers in due course, it said. The company said it would implement Learning Management Systems, school and student management systems through investing in its Vidhyadhana Academy.
After keeping the lid on FDI in the politically sensitive multibrand retail business, the government today threw open a debate on opening up the sector saying it would not only help farmers earn more but also keep the price-line under check. "Keeping in view the large requirement of funds for backend infrastructure, there is a case for opening up of the retail sector to foreign investment," Industry Ministry said in a discussion paper released today but with the caveat there was a need for enough safeguards for domestic traders as also employment opportunities. While FDI in multi-brand retailing is prohibited in India, foreign investment in single brand retail – since being opened in April 2006 -- is about Rs 900 crore, said the paper, on which comments are invited by July 31. Pointing that India was losing agri products, fruits and
Aban Offshor, 817, 832.4, 797.45, 828.9 Abb Ltd., 860, 864.5, 860, 863.85 Abg Shipyard, 256, 260, 255.6, 257.85 Acc Limited, 861.85, 867.5, 853.5, 855.85 Adani Enterp, 533.5, 541.7, 529.2, 532.65 Aditya Birla, 769.95, 773, 758, 768.4 Allahabad Ba, 161.3, 162.95, 160.35, 161.85 Alstom Proje, 657.5, 661.9, 654, 659.85 Ambuja Cemen, 112.4, 115.05, 112.4, 113.35 Andhra Bank, 130.1, 132.9, 130, 132.3 Ashok Leylan, 66.1, 67.35, 65.8, 67.1 Asian Paints, 2330, 2352, 2325.55, 2345.2 Axis Bank Li, 1240, 1258.9, 1236, 1253.3 Bajaj Hindus, 117.8, 117.8, 116.1, 116.85 Bank Of Baro, 715.35, 720, 713.15, 714.65 Bank Of Indi, 366.2, 377.7, 362.85, 373.9 Beml Limited, 999.75, 999.75, 987.05, 996.4 Bharat Elect, 1756, 1799.95, 1750, 1790.25 Bharat Forge, 288.5, 312.9, 288.5, 308.2 Bharat Petro, 660, 669, 651.1, 663.55 Bharti Airte, 268, 272.3, 267, 271.55 Bhel, 2355, 2384, 2355, 2370.6 Bhushan Stee, 1407, 1482, 1407, 1473.9
Biocon Limit, 315, 318.9, 313.05, 318.05 Bombay Dyein, 493.4, 521, 493.4, 512.7 Bosch Limite, 5429, 5645, 5421.15, 5621.7 Brigade Ente, 131.1, 135.8, 131.1, 133.5 Cairn India, 293.9, 301.4, 293.9, 300.7 Canara Bank, 456, 463.45, 452.8, 458.55 Central Bank, 141.75, 143.8, 139.7, 141.45 Century Text, 459.1, 468.4, 459.1, 466.15 Cesc Ltd, 373, 381.55, 372, 378.95 Chambal Fert, 69, 70, 67.65, 67.75 Chennai Petr, 263, 264.7, 259.05, 260.1 Cipla Ltd, 340, 341.8, 338, 338.9 Colgate Palm, 842, 847, 840, 841.5 Container Co, 1401.55, 1425, 1381.15, 1414.25 Crompton Gre, 253, 254.7, 248.5, 252.25 Cummins Indi, 599, 600.5, 591, 595.25 Dabur India, 204.7, 207.2, 202.5, 205.75 Deccan Chron, 121.8, 123.8, 121.5, 122.7 Dish Tv Indi, 45.4, 45.6, 44.35, 44.75 Divi’s Labor, 765, 772.9, 765, 770.4 Dlf Limited, 280.05, 284.25, 279.05, 282.35 Dr. reddy’s, 1465.1, 1479, 1465.1, 1470.55 Edelweiss Ca, 483.5, 488, 473.1, 476.45
vegetables to the tune of Rs one lakh crore annually, thepaper said that establishment of cold chains and back-end infrastructure could cut down the losses by more than half. While there had been political resistance to the idea on the presumption that global players would swallow the small 'mom and pop' (kirana) stores, the industry has been pitching for allowing FDI in retail sector. Even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had earlier this year sought a debate on opening up the sector pointing to the vast difference between farm gate and consumer prices. Almost echoing the views, the paper pointed out that the farmer, in the present system, gets just a third of the consumer prices for their produce. "FDI in retail, may, therefore, be an efficient means of addressing the concerns of farmers and consumers." Besides, the paper also sought to make a strong case in favour of small retailers in
Educomp Solu, 529.05, 533, 526.3, 531.55 Eih Limited, 121.9, 122.45, 118.6, 119.25 Engineers In, 356.5, 369.4, 355.05, 358.5 Essar Oil Lt, 137.75, 140.35, 137.1, 139.2 Essar Shippi, 86.3, 88.7, 86, 86.3 Exide Indust, 126.25, 127.9, 124.5, 126.8 Federal Bank, 330.8, 346.75, 330.8, 344.8 Financial Te, 1360.1, 1378, 1353.1, 1366.3 Gail (india), 465.05, 468.4, 462, 465.25 Gammon India, 215.05, 219, 212.5, 213.45 Glaxosmithkl, 2179, 2179, 2129, 2135.2 Glenmark Pha, 272, 275.45, 271.2, 272.45 Gmr Infrastr, 59.65, 60.2, 59.5, 59.7 Godrej Indus, 170.45, 172, 169.5, 170.4 Grasim Indus, 1825, 1839.9, 1812.1, 1819.65 Great Offsho, 436, 447.9, 436, 439.85 Gtl Infra.Lt, 44.4, 45.7, 43.1, 45.35 Gujarat Mine, 122.8, 125.25, 122.8, 124.25 Gujarat N R, 62, 62.45, 61.2, 61.95 Gujarat Stat, 105, 105.85, 104, 104.3 Gvk Pow. & I, 43.5, 44, 43.4, 43.65 Hcl Technolo, 355, 361, 353.65, 360 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1915, 1969.75, 1910, 1964
Hdfc Ltd, 2944.8, 2952.1, 2925.1, 2945 Hero Honda M, 2026, 2031.5, 2003, 2013.95 Hindalco in, 142, 145, 141.5, 143.85 Hindustan Co, 117, 118.5, 117, 117.4 Hindustan Ma, 70.75, 71.95, 70.65, 70.85 Hindustan Pe, 469, 471.45, 458.7, 461.9 Hindustan Un, 267.7, 268.25, 265.5, 267.35 Hindustan Zi, 945, 966, 943.55, 950 Housing Dev, 239.45, 243.5, 236.5, 242 Icici Bank L, 839.5, 861.7, 838.45, 858.8 Idea Cellula, 59.5, 59.7, 58.4, 59.25 Ifci Ltd, 56.9, 58.1, 56.75, 57.5 India Cement, 106.05, 107.4, 106.05, 107.1 India Infoli, 93.7, 94.5, 92.65, 93.35 Indiabulls F, 141.5, 142.85, 140, 141.15 Indiabulls R, 154.2, 157.2, 154.2, 156.6 Indian Bank, 224, 227.7, 223.5, 226 Indian Hotel, 103.95, 105.35, 103.55, 104.5 Indian Oil C, 399.9, 401.9, 393.05, 394.5 Indian Overs, 103, 108.5, 103, 107.95 Indus Dev Ba, 118, 120.15, 118, 119.85 Indusind Ban, 207.75, 210.9, 207.6, 210.15 Infosys Tech, 2743, 2799, 2743, 2785.1 Infra. dev., 181, 182.45, 179.75, 181.55
the unorganised sector, saying their growth was constant at around 15 per cent annually compared to dip in profits recorded by the organized retailers. "It is therefore clear that organised retail cannot have a cake walk and will face a growing challenge from the unorganised sector," the ministry said, in an obvious bid to dispel fears of threat to livelihood from corporate giants and MNCs. Listing out a number of posers for checks against any fall-out of opening the sector for foreign investment, it said views and suggestion be given to the government by end of July. The ministry, however, said that in the Indian context FDI in retail, which employees about 33 million people, should be done in a calibrated manner. "We must ensure that the FDI does make a real contribution to address the inadequacies of back-end infrastructure," it said.
Ispat Indust, 17.85, 18, 17.7, 17.9 Itc Ltd, 302.2, 303.3, 301.1, 302.9 Ivrcl Infras, 184.6, 186.4, 183.7, 185.45 Jai Corp Lim, 255, 257.6, 252.6, 253.4 Jaiprakash A, 125.6, 126.85, 124.5, 124.9 Jet Airways, 526.2, 537, 522, 532.3 Jindal Saw L, 197.2, 201.65, 197.2, 200.75 Jindal Steel, 614, 632.35, 614, 630.1 Jsw Steel Li, 1030, 1079.7, 1028.75, 1075.9 Kotak Mahind, 764, 769.5, 757.05, 765.55 Lakshmi Mach, 2019, 2047.9, 1990.05, 2020.6 Lanco Infrat, 66.9, 67.6, 66.5, 67.3 Larsen & Tou, 1793, 1805.25, 1787, 1799.7 Lic Housing, 978.6, 996, 977, 990 Lupin Limite, 1922, 1934.8, 1912.95, 1917.8 Mahanagar Te, 65.25, 66.9, 64.95, 65.85 Mahindra & M, 610.25, 629.25, 610.25, 627.05 Maruti Suzuk, 1396, 1396, 1385, 1392.35 Max India Lt, 158.45, 159.5, 155.65, 156 Maytas Infr., 207.55, 209, 206.25, 208.05 Moser-baer (, 67.3, 68.8, 67.1, 68.45
The hiring growth in June is secular in nature, with a balanced rise seen across all sectors and cities," Info Edge (owner of naukri.com) COO and Director Hitesh Oberoi said. Hiring has been bullish in the first six months of this year, with 22 per cent more recruitment seen in the January-June period of 2010 compared to the same period last year. "The first half of 2010 has been very encouraging, as most of the key industry sectors have been able to move out of the slowdown phase and are heading towards recovery," Oberoi added. The IT-enabled service (ITES) sector has been bullish on hiring, with the sector registering a notable growth of 25 per cent in the job index for June compared to May. Other key indus-
try sectors such as telecom and oil and gas exhibited strong hiring growth, with the sectoral job indices moving up by 14 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively, in June compared to May. On his outlook for the months ahead, Oberoi said, "Second half of 2010 is expected to create increased opportunities, as indicated by the increased GDP figures of the country." Among cities, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore witnessed an upsurge in jobs in June, with their job indices moving up by 10 per cent, six per cent and four per cent, respectively, compared to May.
BOARD MEETINGS Aegis Logistics Infomedia 18 Samyak Intl Ajel Info Jai Mata Glass Star Leasing Finaventure Cap Mahalaxmi Rub Talwalkar Garden Silk Network18 Media TV Eighteen Hittco Tools Roman Tarmat Veritas India Source: Indiainfoline.com
MF FUNDA TATA MUTUAL FUND has approved July 9, 2010 as record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option of Tata Pure Equity Fund. The face value of per unit is Rs 10. The quantum of dividend will be Rs 2 per unit, subject to availability and adequacy of distributable surplus on the record date. The AMC also announced that the load free period for the month of July 2010 has been extended by one business day ie upto July 6, 2010 under Tata Fixed Income Portfolio Fund Scheme A2. JM FINANCIAL MUTUAL FUND has approved July 7, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option in Regular Plan of JM G-Sec Fund. The quantum of dividend will be upto Re 0.25 per unit as on the record date. L&T MUTUAL FUND has announced that the closing date for the NFO of L&T FMP - I (July91D A), a close-ended income scheme having a tenor of 91 days has been extended from July 6, 2010 to July 7, 2010.
Mrpl, 82.2, 82.9, 80.9, 81.4 Nagarjuna Co, 185.9, 186.95, 184.1, 184.8 Nagarjuna Fe, 34.5, 34.8, 33.9, 33.95 National Alu, 428.5, 432, 424.9, 425.15 Neyveli Lign, 161.5, 161.9, 158.85, 160.25 Ntpc Ltd, 200, 201.6, 199.5, 200.7 Oil And Natu, 1278, 1299, 1278, 1293.45 Omaxe Limite, 94, 95.6, 94, 95.05 Oriental Ban, 320.1, 327, 320.1, 325.5 Pantaloon Re, 421, 444.8, 420.15, 441.6 Parsvnath De, 122.85, 123.8, 121.5, 122.1 Petronet Lng, 78.7, 78.7, 78.05, 78.5 Power Fin Co, 296.5, 299.5, 294.55, 298.3 Power Grid C, 102.1, 102.45, 101.8, 102.05 Praj Industr, 80.5, 81.65, 80.1, 81.05 Punj Lloyd L, 134.9, 136.8, 132.7, 136.3 Punjab Natio, 1075, 1085.95, 1061.4, 1074.95 Rajesh Expor, 81.05, 82, 81.05, 81.2 Ranbaxy Labs, 462, 462.9, 458.1, 460.2 Rashtriya Ch, 91.7, 92.4, 90, 90.65 Rel. nat. re, 46, 46.9, 45.3, 45.75 Reliance Cap, 750, 756, 745.7, 751.8 Reliance Com, 185, 185.85, 181, 182.35
Reliance Ene, 909.99, 909.99, 900, 904.8 Reliance Ind, 972.5, 981, 966.25, 970.5 Reliance Ind, 1065.5, 1081.9, 1065.5, 1073.9 Reliance Pow, 182, 182, 177.75, 178.5 Rolta India, 167.5, 174.65, 166.5, 174.15 Satyam Compu, 91.5, 92.4, 91.2, 91.35 Sesa Goa Ltd, 348.6, 358.2, 347.15, 357.15 Shipping Cor, 157.15, 159.6, 157.15, 159 Siemens Ltd, 719, 725.9, 716.25, 725 Sintex Indus, 315, 319.5, 314, 317.9 Sobha Develo, 288, 300, 287, 298.65 State Bank O, 2273, 2319, 2268.35, 2312.8 Steel Author, 190.35, 194.2, 189.7, 193.7 Sterlite Ind, 160.75, 163.4, 159.6, 162.4 Sun Pharmace, 1750, 1808.6, 1736.05, 1799.85 Sun Tv Netwo, 430.9, 431.6, 426.15, 427.75 Suzlon Energ, 57.9, 58.4, 57.55, 58.05 Tata Communi, 261.9, 269.85, 261.9, 267.3 Tata Consult, 736.5, 761.9, 735.85, 759.15 Tata Motors, 764.95, 771.8, 761, 767.9 Tata Power C, 1306, 1316.95, 1303.35,
1314.2 Tata Steel L, 473, 481.95, 468.1, 480.4 Tata Tea Ltd, 120.7, 121.35, 119.5, 120.35 Tata Teleser, 22.2, 22.2, 21.65, 21.85 Tech Mahindr, 759.95, 767, 755.15, 761.5 The Ge Shpg., 292, 300, 291, 296.8 The Phoenix, 215, 232, 214.7, 217.15 Thermax Ltd, 754, 784, 750, 765.3 Titan Indust, 2331, 2403.5, 2313, 2385 Torrent Powe, 356, 365, 355, 361.45 Triveni Engg, 103.45, 104.85, 102.3, 102.7 Tv18 India L, 101.85, 101.85, 96.2, 97.1 Uco Bank, 78.85, 79.4, 77.45, 78.9 Ultratech Ce, 864.9, 870.6, 855, 863.15 Union Bank O, 312, 314.95, 310.2, 313.9 Unitech Ltd, 72.5, 74.1, 72.1, 73.9 United Phosp, 181.2, 181.5, 175, 176.3 Videocon Ind, 214, 214, 210.3, 212.3 Vijaya Bank, 61.5, 62.25, 61.25, 61.8 Voltas Ltd, 203.2, 204.8, 202.3, 203.15 Wipro Ltd, 390, 398.5, 384, 397.35 Yes Bank Lim, 269, 278.9, 268.35, 275.85 Zee Entertai, 293.5, 296.35, 293.25, 295.15
Pg13
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SPORTS GOA, Wednesday, 7 July, 2010
Goa not prepared for Nat Games: Narvekar l ‘Goa University yet to implement Sports Policy’
HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 6
“I have my doubts if Goa is prepared for hosting the National Games in 2012,” remarked Dayanand Narvekar, MLA here today. “The National Games will be conducted by the Goa Government and till date, the sports associations have no knowledge about the programme. That apart, Goa does not have teams which are fit to be fielded in many events,” stated Narvekar. “There is no point in participating in National Games for the sake of participation. At the end of the day, winning medals matters most. Besides, Goa does not have the required infrastructure to hold some games like cycling. Hence, the State should not host the Games unless it is fully geared up from all angles,” opined Narvekar. Meanwhile, Narvekar who has been appointed as Chairman of the ad-hoc committe of Sports, Information Technology and Education by the Goa Government,
India-Australia ODI on Oct 24 at Nehru Stadium With the BCCI allotting the 3rd ODI between India and Australia on October 24, the GCA president, Dayanand Narvekar has asked the SAG to hand over the Nehru Stadium at Fatorda by July 15. Narvekar, addressing a press conference at Porvorim, disclosed that the matter of hosting the match had already been taken up with the SAG. The GCA will appoint six committees - security, match, media, logistic, medical, ticketing and sponsorship for the smooth conduct of the match. The GCA will finalize and
announce the names of the members of the committees shortly and announce the names on or after July 9. Narvekar stated that GCA has ordered a full cover for the entire ground to protect it from rains.The cost of the cover will be Rs.10 lakhs. The GCA has strengthned the managing committee by adding three more members and will be co-opting another three members. With this, the strength will increase to 18. This year, the GCA has been allotted the under-19 one-day matches (South Zone) which starts from October 20, said Narvekar.
disclosed that due to the implementation of Sports Policy by the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, around 1800 students had ben-
efited. Due to allocation of additional marks to the students who participated in sports activities, the pass percentage of students has increased by 10%,”
HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 6
GFA all set to change constitution on July 18 AGENCIES PANJIM, JULY 6
The Goa Football Association (GFA) is all set to become the first state association of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to adopt its statutes on the principles of FIFA Standard Statutes at its Extraordinary General Meeting on July 18. GFA General Secretary, Savio Messias informed that the EGM will be followed by the association’s AGM. A total of 180 delegates, including representatives from 155 registered clubs, life members and members of the executive committee, jur y of appeal and founders are expected to attend the meetings. The AFC had suggested several amendments in the GFA Statutes, including the election of the executive committee to be done at the general body, full-time appointment of the
general secretary, independence of judicial bodies, specification of voting rights to members, role of Goa Referees Association in the qCongress. The GFA had set up a committee in order to redraft the existing statutes in line with AIFF statutes and on the principles of FIFA Standard Statutes. The committee consisted of legal experts and prominent members of the GFA Executive Committee. Assistance from AIFF and AFC was also sought in this matter. The adoption of new statutes is the first step towards implementation of the Vision IndiaProject Goa. The AFC Vision Asia team has also asked the GFA to amend its rule of participation of players in the leagues and make sure that players playing in the Indian League do not take part in the local league.
Indo-Pak series The Pakistan-India series is likely to be played next year, with the newly-appointed ICC chief, Sharad Pawar assuring PCB chairman, Ijaz Butt to offer his support for the revival of the bilateral series as soon as possible. Sources said Butt, who returned home from Singapore after attending an important International Cricket Council (ICC) meet, had a detailed meeting with Pawar there and was happy to have managed to get the ICC chief's support for the revival of Pakistan-India series. ''It was agreed between Butt and Pawar that all out efforts will be made to revive the Pakistan-India series as soon as possible,'' a source told 'The News'. ''Pawar has also assured all-out support for revival of international matches in Pakistan as the new ICC president wants this to happen during his tenure,'' he added.
Wilred Leisure Sports Club,Curtorim prevailed over Verna Sports Club 5-3 via the tiebreaker to romp into the quarter-final of 16th Muriel Faleiro memorial inter-village football tournament organised by Parish Youth, Nuvem at Nuvem church ground on Tuesday. The teams were locked goalless at the end of regulation
University sports meet PANJIM (HSD) - The Goa University will conduct a meeting of college directors of physical education and sports of colleges affiliated to Goa University on July 8 at 2.30 p.m. in the committee room of Goa University, Taleigao. Matters relating to the first phase inter-college championships and to draw fixtures for badminton for men and women, TT for men and women, judo for men and women, chess, cross country for men and women, weight lifting, power lifting and best physique for men, swimming for men and women, tennikoit for women, football for men and women, cycling for men and basketball for men and women will be discussed.
period. Wilred Leisure Sports Club dominated the proceedings right from the word go and went into the attacking mode with the midfielders and forwards working in tandem to put tremendous pressure on the Verna citadel. Wilred Leisure Sports Club continued in the same vein after the change of ends and tried their best to break the deadlock
but their forwards frittered away chances from hand-shaking distance. In the ensuing tie-breaker, N e l s o n Fe r n a n d e s , Pe t e r Pereira, Valzunio Fernandes, Seby Monteiro and Nickson Costa were on target for Wilred Leisure Sports Club while Francis Fernandes, Richardson Fernandes and John Costa converted for Verna Sports Club.
Maymol: Goa U-19 girls will do well HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JULY 6
Goa will participate in 9th girls U-19 Junior National Football Championship in Chandigarh from July 15 to 30. The team: Astrid Savia Pereira, Angel Braganza, Cassandra Fernandes, Malvita Mascarenhas, Mayola Fernandes, Nagma Shaikh, Hezal Dias, Stessi Cardoza, Michel Margaret Casthanha, Ayesha Alvares, Ageema Rodrigues, Hazel Dias, Zenya Twinkle Fernandes, Jessy D'Costa, Anet Mascarenhas, Manjula Hullikeri, Avril Antao, Melisa Pereira, Velini Rodrigues and Valerie Carvalho. Manager Mario Vales. Coach Maymol Rocky. Goa will kick off their cam-
paign against Himachal Pradesh on July 15. They will face Sikkim on 17 and their final group match will be against Kerala on July 19. Speaking to Our Mapusa Sports Reporter, Goa U-19 coach Maymol Rocky said, "We have a talented group of girls and I know they will give a good account of themselves at the tournament." The group has been involved in a training camp together since June 7 at Verna ground after being put through a three-day trial. Orissa had won the last two editions, but Manipur hold the record of five championships, winning consecutively between 2002 and 2006.
Maxem Boys emerge champs
Maxem Boys and Mastimoll Boys alongwith Moteshinho Fernandes, Fr.Vincent Leitao, Fr. Franky Fernandes and match officials. Photo: Kathy Pereira HERALD CORRESPONDENT, CANACONA, JULY 6
Maxem Boys defeated Nirankar, Mastimoll Boys 2-0 in the finals of mini-lighting 7-a-side football tournmament organised by SFX Sports Club, Bhatpal at Mokardamoll grounds, Bhatpal. Clemy Fernandes shone for Maxem Boys scoring both goals and leading his team towards victory.
The winners became richer by Rs.5555 while the the runners-up had to be content with Rs.3333. In all, 20 teams from all over Canacona participated. In the semi-final, Maxem boys overcame the stiff challenge of Challengers Sports Club, Pedem by scoring two hard-fought goals against none. Nirankar boys, Mastimoll pipped Young Strikers, Xeller
1-0 in the second semi-final. Canacona Lions Club president, Moteshino Fernandes was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Bhatpal parish priest, Fr. Vincent Leitao and Capuchin Fr. Franky Fernandes. Earlier Fr. Franky welcomed. Bendick Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
AGENCIES LONDON, JULY 6
Australia have confirmed plastic bottles were thrown at their players after the 23run Twenty20 defeat by Pakistan at Edgbaston on Monday. The incident occurred as about 13,000 Pakistan fans celebrated the victory which ended a 12-match losing streak against Australia in all cricket. "Yes some plastic bottles were thrown and yes one nearly hit a player," said a Cricket Australia spokesman. "But we have every confidence in the security for Tuesday's match." The sides meet again at 1700 BST at the Birmingham Test venue and the England and Wales Cricket Board, which is in charge of security, said changes would be made to the on-field post-match interviews. They had to be moved 30 metres inside the boundary rope after the incident.
Akmal inspires Pakistan to revenge win over Australia AGENCIES BIRMINGHAM, JULY 6
Pakistan avenged their heartbreaking defeat in this year's World Twenty20 semi-final to beat Australia by 23 runs in the first T20 international in Birmingham on Monday. Umar Akmal's sparkling 64 from 31 balls lifted the Pakistanis to a competitive total of 167 for eight and excellent bowling from Mohammad Aamer and Umar Gul strangled Australia, who slumped to 144 all out in the 19th over. Pakistan struggled with the bat after winning the toss and stumbled to 47 for four. However, Akmal settled immediately and struck three huge sixes and seven fours to change the momentum of the match. Pakistan looked on course for a large total but the return of Shaun Tait to the Australian attack held them back. The fast bowler bowled Abdul Razzaq (7) with the first ball of his spell and deceived Akmal with a superb slower delivery
Saina shuttles on the ramp Lay out of Tour
UNI LAHORE, JULY 6
Wilred Leisure prevail HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JULY 6
said Narvekar. Narvekar pointed out that the Sports Policy had not been implementing by Goa University as yet. The committee has, therefore, written a letter to Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of Goa University requesting them to implement the Sports Policy from this year so that more students engaged in sports activities will get benefit. “They may have some problem in implementing the Sports Policy for professional courses such as Engineering and Mediine where attendance is of utmost importance but they can implement it for Arts, Commerce and Vocational streams without any problem, stated Narvekar. Narvekar also stated that his committee had suggested to the government to reduce the percentage of attendance in schools and colleges from the present 25 to 15, especially for National and international players so that the students can focus fully on their sports in right earnest.
Bottles thrown at Aussie stars
Saina Nehwal in a Pallavi Jaipur creation AGENCIES HYDEREBAD, JULY 6
Gorgeous Saina was the talk of the town as she walked the
PY Nuvem rout Valankani
CALANGUTE (HC) --Parish Yo u t h , N u v e m t r o u n c e d Valankani Sports Club, Arambol 3-0 to move into the quarter-finals of Vagator Parish Youth Trophy inter-village football tournament organised by Vagator Parish Youth at Ozrant ground, Vagator on Tuesday. In a fast paced encounter, Nuvem had the first look at the Arambol goal in the 13th minute but a Jose Colaco try off Richard Colaco missed the mark narrowly. Richard Colaco, however, made amends for the miss scoring in the 20th minute off Neves Noronha, beating the Arambol defense. Down by a goal, Arambol had a golden opportunity to level the score in the very next minute but Bernard Fernandes missed the sitter. Gammy Costa doubled the lead for Nuvem in the closing stages of first half off a 15-yard shot. Changing over, the teams fought well to outdo the other but a defensive lapse by the Arambol team allowed Rosario Noronha to score and give his team a comfortable 3-0 lead. Down by three goals, Arambol did not give up and fought till the final hooter but were unable to pull one back. Earlier, the tournament was kicked off by Pedro Mendonca, social worker in presence of the Chairman of Vagator Parish Youth and Parish Priest of Vagator Fr. Cristo Menezes and youth members.
Vagator Parish Youth soccer: Goa Velha Sports Club v. Sodiem Siolim Sports Club and Cultural Association, Ozrant ground, Vagator, 4.30 p.m. Muriel Faleiro memorial soccer: Pax of Nagoa Sports Club v. Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, church ground, Nuvem, 4.40 p.m. 34th Cana Benaulim soccer semis: Sporting Club of Davorlim v. Parish Youth, Nuvem, St John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim, 4.45 p.m.
ramp for designer Pallavi Jaipur. Having set her mark in the field of badminton with her ostentatious wins in the international circuit, she set the stage on fire at her hometown. The ace shuttler, who currently, rose to world number 3 position, looked abstemious in the rose pink velvet zardosi bridal lehenga. Saina said, “It was all so much fun, and yes a good break. I am used to being a m o n g s t c ro w d s d u r i n g matches so that wasn’t unneverving, but wearing a heavy lehenga and walking the ramp was sure an exciting experience. It made me feel royal and pretty I suppose.” D e s i g n e r Pa l l a v i w h o seemed happy with ace shuttler donning her designed outfit said Saina was anxious before hitting the ramp. Saina’s coach who has always avoided glamour and advertising world, is not averse to her doing these off court things as the shuttler says, “He always keeps me away from all this and loves to see me on the court, but he was okay with me doing this.”
ARENBERG (AFP) -- Frenchman David Le Lay became the latest crash victim of the Tour de France on Tuesday, the AG2R rider being forced to leave the race after suffering apparent collarbone injuries. Stage three on the race features seven cobblestoned sections totalling 13km that were set to take a heavy toll on a peloton which, after just two days, has suffered more than its fair share of spills and injuries. Climbing specialist Le Lay crashed on a relatively smooth section of road just after the halfway stage of the 213km ride.
B’ton tourney
PANJIM (HSD) – The Dhond memorial badminton tournament organised by Goa Badminton Association will be held from July 15-18 at indoor stadium, Campal, here. Entry forms may be obtained from Roy Athaide or Vinayak Kamat or Oasis Petrol Pump, Panjim. Events – U-10 boys and girls, U13 boys and girls, U-16 boys and girls and U-19 boys and girls. The last date so submit entries is July 12. Details may be obtained on 98231345524.
PAKISTAN: Butt c Warner b D Hussey 13, Hasan c D Hussey b Nannes 0, Kamran Akmal run out 23, Shoaib Malik c Paine b Nannes 21, Shahid Afridi lbw b Smith 0, U Akmal b Tait 64, Razzaq b Tait 7, Aamer not out 11, Gul run out 10. Extras: 18. Total: 167 for 8. Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-45, 3-45, 4-47, 5-98, 6-137, 7-153, 8-167. Bowling: Nannes 4-0-41-2, Tait 4-0-25-2, Johnson 4-0-33-0, Hussey 4-0-33-1, Smith 4-0-34-1. AUSTRALIA: Warner b Saeed Ajmal 41, S Watson lbw b Aamer 0, Clarke c Shahid Afridi b Razzaq 5, D Hussey c Shoaib Malik b Shahid Afridi 34, C White c Shahid Afridi b Aamer 17, M Hussey b Gul 18, Smith b Aamer 12, Paine b Gul 1, M Johnson st Kamran Akmal b Saeed Ajmal 3, Nannes not out 0, Tait st Kamran Akmal b Saeed Ajmal 6. Extras: 7. Total: 144 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-2, 229, 3-81, 4-85, 5-109, 6-132, 7-134, 8-137, 9-138, 10-144. Bowling: Aamer 4-0-27-3, Shoaib Akhtar 2-0-34-0, Razzaq 2-0-15-1, Shahid Afridi 4-0-26-1, Gul 3-0-13-2, Saeed Ajmal 3.4-0-26-3.
as Pakistan struggled in the closing overs. Australia's reply started badly when the consistent Shane Watson was trapped lbw by Aamer second ball and captain Michael Clarke fell for five. David Warner and David Hussey added 52 for third wicket but both fell in quick succession and Cameron White and Michael Hussey, whose extraordinary innings lifted the Aus-
tralians to an unlikely win in the World Twenty20 semi-final in St Lucia, also failed to build on solid starts. Aamer completed figures of three for 27, Gul two for 13 and Ajmal three for 26 as Pakistan clinically dismantled the Australian tail. The second and final match of the Twenty20 series takes place on Tuesday before the teams meet in two Tests in England.
Muralitharan to quit Test cricket PTI COLOMBO, JULY 6
Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muraitharan, the world's leading wicket taker and one of the finest exponents of spin bowling, today announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a glittering career spanning 18 years. The first Test against India in Galle, beginning July 18, will be the last game for the 38-year-old Muralitharan, who has taken an amazing tally of 792 wickets in 132 Tests and 515 wickets in 337 ODIs. Although Murali will no longer play after the first match of the three-Test series, he has kept open the option of playing the 2011 ODI World Cup, to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka along with India and Bangladesh. "World's leading wicket-taker and champion spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has decided to retire from Test cricket after the first Test in Galle against India," a statement by Sri Lanka Cricket said. "Muralitharan has had discussions with the national selectors,
Sri Lankan Cricket officials and has had the blessings His Excellency Sri Lanka President, Mahinda Rajapakse and the Minister of Sports, C B Ratnayake," the statement added. Cricket website Cricinfo, however, said that the wily off-spinner was contemplating retirement from all forms of the game. The off-spinner, who was called for throwing by a few umpires during his illustrious career, has been one of the most talked about players in contemporary cricket. Muralitharan is one of the most successful bowlers in the history of the game but controversies were an integral part of his successful career. The cricketer, who made his debut in 1992 against Australia, had the world cricket debating about his unorthodox and weird bowling action. Right from the onset of his career, his action came under the scanner and three years after making his debut he was called for throwing during the 199596 Australia tour by umpire Darrel Hair.
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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Wednesday, 7 July, 2010
Tennis on the Goan Courts
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doing so well in his career,” he added. “Oh, I’m in seventh heaven, he is originally from Goa and any Goan will be proud of this day,” says Suresh Kamat, former president of the Tennis Association, who knows Leander personally and is elated at the fact. Although India has produced many players who have achieved great fame and brought laurels to the country, the sport still has to catch up in popularity as the other sports have. There are people who watch the games, and follow it very closely, but playing the sport is often out of bounds for them. “I love watching the game but I don’t think I’d ever play it,” says one tennis fan. “I love Nadal and would have loved to play with him, prvided someone sponsored me,” jokes another. “Tennis is not as popular as cricket or football as it is comparatively an expensive sport; there are a few courts in the state, and not many are open to public, most are part of clubs and other private courts, so the common man can’t normally afford to play the sport,” says Kamat. “I think the sport is not as popular as the others because it’s more expensive than cricket and football as you need a special turf, while the other games can be played on any grounds. Also, the government is not really doing anything much to promote and encourage the game,” says Atson Carvalho, who while studying in Mumbai had the facility of being sent for training in tennis. “But when I came to Goa, not many schools concentrated on sports apart from football,” he adds. The Tennis Association and the Sports Authority of Goa are trying their best to promote different sport in Goa, tennis included. “There are a number of courts and the Panjim Gymkhana is one such place,” says Dukle. The SAG along with the tennis association are trying to promote the sport among the youth. “The tennis scene is Goa right now is looking bright and there are many national level players in the state, like Natasha Palha, Aishwarya Nunes, Tejas Shevde are some young talents in the state,” says Dukle. The association has organised camps during the vacations and they also have the entries on a subsidised rate to promote the sport in Goa. With the efforts of the government and the sports associations, the sport of tennis can gain popularity and more budding tennis stars can dream of achieving the Grand Slam title one day.
You'd be surprised how much cultural influence you have -- you're a trendsetter. You're hav(23 Sep – 22 Oct) ing too much fun to stop -- but when are you going to get some rest? Try not to overdo it today, as tomorrow could be a really big day, and you don't want to be stretched too thin.
When you're feeling good, advertise your happiness with a great big smile! If you're single, (20 Apr – 20 May) now is the perfect time to look for someone new -- you are definitely hot and ready to go! If you're involved, make sure you shower your sweetie with some deep affection.
At this state of the relationship, the pressure's off. Now just relax and have fun! You're not sure (23 Oct – 21 Nov) what to make of today's odd signals and happenings -- what does it all mean? The good news is that it means nothing, at least as far as your future is concerned. Just move on.
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Goa’s ‘Olmi’:
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edible wild G o a ’s used in mushrooms can be e cures the future to produc rs an d fo r va ri o u s ca n ce lmi’, the tumours. But the ‘o es, is an Genus Termitomyc cies of endangered spe ght now mushrooms. Act ri u r ‘o lm i’ in co n se rv in g yo ear from before they disapp h forever the face of the eart
Photos by Dolcy D’ Cruz
BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES es, Goa’s glorious rains stir up many cravings! Be they an urge to start penning poetry, a passion for romantic drives in the rains, a picnic getaway and many more. Unfortunately, one such craving is to gorge on the seasonal edible wild mushrooms, the Genus Termitomyces, locally known as ‘olmi’! This is highly unfortunate, because demand for these mushrooms keeps rocketing with each passing year visa-vis the reduction in diversity of these species. People are ignorant of the fact that these very mushrooms with the help of bio technology is as precious as gold. They can be used to produce cures in the future for various tumours and cancers. Besides, the industry can generate thousands of jobs for the people. But as always, unlike animals and birds who live in harmony with nature, most humans are callous and highly insensitive to the environment we live in. Now, what makes these mushrooms unique? Devoid of any kind of technology, they are grown wild, farmed by the mound building termites through their symbiotic association. And according to the scientists, these mushrooms can never be cultivated by any kind of technology. Their very nature makes The uncontrolled trade is erod- them irresistible to the Goans, ing its genetic base. In 1975, but in the wrong manner. Perit is the very thrill of the their fruit bodies were sold at haps hunt for something wild. Or, Rs 5 for a packet of 100, but by the idea of going back to na2004 the packet size was re- ture and collecting non-cultiduced to 30-40 and the price in- vated food. Who can resist a of wild delicacy; somecreased to Rs 150. Presently, serving thing that seems exotic? Emithey are sold at Rs 400 for 50 nent scientist, Dr Nandakumar to 60 mushrooms Kamat reasons, “Don’t people crave to eat a wild boar xacuti or the jumping chicken? It is a similar craving for these mushrooms.” People cherish the idea that there is something forbidden about these wild mushrooms. And the forbidden is always more desirable to humans. This wild desire surpasses the penchant for the cultivated mushrooms. Yet, according to Dr Kamat, the manner in which one cooks is what makes a dish delectable, whether they are other varieties of mushrooms or the wild ‘olmi’. He says, “If cooked well, you won’t even know the difference in taste. So, it is easy to see, that it is not really any difference in taste but just a selfish whim by humans to eat these mushrooms.”
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We all are aware of the ban on these mushrooms and the copious heat, noise and thunder it generated even in the Goa assembly at that time. Similarly, there were conflicts between the locals and the forest officials too. Why this fracas when the exclusivity of the ‘olmi’ and the dire need to conserve it is easily comprehensible to anyone? Isn’t it starkly clear that a species that takes 182-220 million years to take form, is surely greater than Goa’s GDP? Who gives anyone the right to wipe this very vital species off the face of the earth? The unanimous view from most scientists and experts is, “There is a politic agenda to it. When the people in and around the wild life sanctuaries scream hoarse about injustice with regard to their source of assured income from urban and roadside marketing, the politicians claim harassment to their mycophilic political supporters.” Besides, the income generated is lucrative. Inquire with Dr Kamat on the monetary gains and he enlightens, “In 1984 the trade turnover was estimated to be about Rs 5 lakhs, by 2004, a single wholesaler in Panjim made a cool Rs 20,000 in a day. Presently, they are sold at Rs 400 for 50 to 60 mushrooms.” As infuriating as it sounds, we need to take heed of the intelligent and punctilious scientist’s warning that the mushrooms have to be allowed to re-generate themselves in the wildlife sanctuaries. If you are a true lover of the ‘olmi’, you need to be one supporting the ban as how will our future generations ever know the taste of ‘olmi’, if we wipe them off the earth now? Or, the tremendous benefits that can be reaped in the future; invaluable benefits? We urban consumers need to adapt sound food ethics which respects wild habitats of edible fungi. The authorities need to ensure that importance is given to consumer awareness alongside collectors’ training. Edible wild mushrooms need to enjoy same status as wild game, frogs, turtles and dolphins. Commercial species have to be vigorously promoted to make the wild species less attractive to consumers. And top priority has to be given to ‘save what remains’. As Dr Kamat aptly cautions, “When you realise your folly, you will never be able to get back what you lost!” So, it is high time we wake up from our callous slumber in idealising the eternity of our ‘olmi’; from a sense that it would endure no matter how humans behaved towards it. Let us not make mistakes that would severely and negatively impact our future generations.
I can’t cry like Shekhar Kapur: Sajid Khan
HOROSCOPE Your hard work is finally paying off -- and not just financially. Enjoy the victory. You're not exactly (21 Mar – 19 Apr) known for your patience, but that doesn't mean you can't surprise people now and then. Make a big show of how forgiving you are for missed deadlines or whatever else tries you today.
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rush has ledon Slam b im W t n ce s’ re oment Leander Pae rate. At this m b le ce to l a e nis reat d ok at the ten given him a g ld takes a lo ra e H , n tio of celebra a scene in Go BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES he Wimbledon championship may have ended and the winners hailed, but India has reason to celebrate the spirit of the Grand Slam with Leander Paes being a part of the winning team that won the Mixed doubles title along with Zimbabwe's Cara Black. Another feather to his cap having already won as many as 12 Grand Slam titles, Leander has won his fourth Wimbledon title in the doubles and mixed-doubles titles. “This win will hopefully encourage the youth to take up tennis as a sport; it will be a good source of encouragement,” says Sachin Dukle, Secretary of the Tennis Association of Goa. “I feel proud of his achievements, it is good to se him
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irector-comedian Sajid Khan promises to be fun on ‘India’s Got Talent’ rather than cry like acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur whom he has replaced as a judge on the second season of the talent hunt show. “I can’t cry like Shekhar Kapur. I don’t cry so easily. What immensely touches me and moves me is cruelty against children and elder people. That is something I am sensitive about; I don’t cry otherwise,” said Sajid. Kapur frequently got emotional while watching heart-wrenching performances by the physically challenged or poor contestants in the first season of ‘India’s Got Talent’ (IGT). “I am going to be fun on the show. Actually, my reactions will match the talent I see. I am usually frivolous and fun, but
sometimes I can be dead serious in my comments. It completely depends on the acts,” he said. Though Sajid has started auditioning for the show, he confesses that hasn’t seen even a single episode of the first season of the show. “I haven’t seen ‘IGT 1’. It came at a time when I was in Britain shooting for ‘Housefull’. The channel asked me to watch it, but I couldn’t. I had twothree offers either to judge or host a show at that time, but most were at the end of the year. This seemed doable, so I agreed,” he said. After the success of his multi-starrer laugh riot ‘Housefull’, Sajid says he is working on two films, an emotional drama and an action entertainer. He hopes to finish the script of at least one of these projects within the next seven months.
What's Next for the Harry Potter Kids?
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he eighth and last Harry Potter flick wrapped production earlier this month, and the young stars all have post-Hogwarts plans. They are actors, after all. For example, the lead actor in all eight of the Harry Potter films, Daniel Radcliffe, is attached to do a war picture. He's signed on to play the lead, Paul Baumer, in a remake of the World War I picture ‘All's Quiet on the Western Front’. As for Emma Watson aka Hermione Granger, the final Potter film recently wrapped filming, and she has no film projects officially announced. Then again, she doesn't need any, given that she, along with fellow actor Rupert Grint reportedly earned $30 million—apiece—for their appearances in the two-part Potter finale. Right now, Watson has told interviewers that she wants to concentrate on the student life, hence no new flicks, at least, not right now. Now let's talk Rupert Grint, the charming Ron Weasley. While Radcliffe will be slogging through the Battle of Verdun, Grint will be leaping in the snow in an upcoming comedy currently in pre-production. Dubbed ‘Eddie the Eagle’, the comedy tells the true story of England's first contender for an Olympic ski jumping title. It's in preproduction. That may not sound like much, relatively, but Grint may end up with the biggest career out of the three. Why? Get this: Martin Scorsese really, really likes him. “I thought he was great in the Harry Potter films—in a lot of scenes, the boy stole the show,” the director was reported saying. “I would be very interested in working with him. I would have no issues in casting him as a gangster. He is a very talented young man.” Scorsese was even heard comparing Grint to a serious A-lister. The ladies seem to also have a soft corner for Tom Felton, so we'll tell you about him, too. Once he hangs up his Death-Eater get-up, the onetime Draco Malfoy will debut a horror flick already in the can. It's called ‘The Apparition’, something about a college experiment gone horribly wrong.
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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Wednesday, 7 July, 2010
WHAT’S UP IN GOA?? ‘Gadad Tinsana’, in memory of the legendary Goan poet, the late B B Borkar will be held on July 8 at 4:30pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. It is organised by the Department of Art and Culture and the B B Borkar Birth Centenary Committee. Call 2420452. ‘Found Objects’ an art exhibition of Ayub Khan Soudagar’s antique collection will be held at the Art Lounge on July 7 at 6:30pm at Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts. All Goa Inter-School Elocution Competition For Environmental Awareness, organised by Radio Mirchi 98.3FM is being held till July 7 across Panjim, Margao, Vasco, and Mapusa. Call 6656666. Log on to www.radiomirchi.com. The 10th Zeitgeist- The Art History Club session will be held on July 8 at 6pm at Gallery Gitanjali, Panjim. ‘Nrityaranga- a Bharatnatyam dance’ is organised by Kalanjali on July 10, 2010 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao at 6pm sharp. ‘Coconut Heritage Photography Contest’, organised by Heritage Jazz is open for registration till July 10. Entry forms are available at Champs and Big G in Margao and Champs, Magsons, Don Bosco Oratory and the Gonsalves Mansion in Panjim. Entries should be submitted at the Gonsalves Mansion, Campal. Visit w w w. h e r i t a g e j a z z . c o m . C a l l 2228010. ‘A new world…VISION 2050’, a creativity contest on graphic designing on the subject, will be held on July 10 and 11. Call 9423885224 or 2225153. Visit www.mgmgoa.com. Free Sanskrit speaking classes, conducted by Siddharth Seva Pratishthan are being held till July 12 from 6pm to 7:30pm. Call 9260039334, 9270159090 or
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HERALD FEATURES n memory of the Birth Centenary of Balakrishna Bhagwant Borkar, also known as Bakibab Borkar, the B B Borkar Birth Centenary Committee has organised for a year long celebration. The year was inaugurated on November 30, 2009 and will continue till November 30, 2010. ‘Gadatha Tinsana’, an event which will feature reading of Bakibab’s poems, is organised by the Department of Art and Culture and the B B Borkar Birth Centenary Committee in association with Instituto Menezes Braganza and Kala Acad-
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emy on his birth centenary, July 8, 2010 at 4:30pm at Kala Academy. “As the entire year is dedicated to Goa’s well known poet Bakibab Borkar, ‘Gadad Tinsana’ will take place at the Black Box, Kala Academy. The function will have participation from noted poets like Pundalik Naik, Ramesh Veluskar, Dr Ajay Vaidya and Vishnu Surya Wagh with each one reading out Bakibab’s poems,” says Ashok Parab, Assistant Director, Directorate of Art and Culture. Bakibab Borkar was born in 1910. He was a renowned poet in Marathi and Konkani and was honoured in 1967 by Government of India with Padma Shri to recognise his service in the field of Literature and Education. A legendary poet from Goa, Bakibab Borkar started writing poems at an early age and was also an important figure in the freedom struggle for Goa. He also was a prose writer though his poems are more famous.
Shooting Goals… HERALD FEATURES hether Hrithik Roshan in ‘Kites’ or the recently released ‘I Hate Luv Storys’, the lead stars were seen guzzling down shots of Tequila. In our very own Goa, Tequila has wound its way into the football frenzy. With the scene heating up as we move into the semi-finals and final, and adrenaline pumping high, though Mexico is out of the tournament, one of the liquors that is surfing on the World Cup euphoria is Toroloco Tequila which is creating quite a buzz. Supporters of teams following the World Cup at Football match screenings are spotted shooting Tequila shots in the midst of watching football shots.
and Shots of Tequila
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“Age is not important unless you're a cheese.” – Helen Hayes
DAILY GROOK RHINO WHINO by Francis Rodrigues if a situation precarious rose for the large mammal, to favour the rhinocerous makes it...hippo critical! Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 597 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes
DKA’s Konknni Compering Workshop a Success
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HERALD FEATURES he Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) recently conducted their Konknni Compering Workshop which evoked a good response with 73 participants, most of whom were youth and college going students. The workshop was held in two sessions. The duties and responsibilities of a compere were impressively spelled out by well known compere Dr Ajay Vaidya. “The duty of a compere is to conduct a function in a disciplined manner. That is why the person who has accepted the responsibility to be compere for any function should report on the venue half an hour before the function and leave the venue half an hour after the function,” Dr Vaidya said while guiding the participants in the workshop. He urged the participants to do the preparation and home work much in advance for the compering of any function. In the second session, Xavier Fernandes, who has been booked as Master of Ceremonies for the next three years shared his various experiences in the field of compering. His experiences gave insight to the participants that while compering the functions, the compere should be ready for any eventuality. The workshop was formally inaugurated at the hands of Dr Ajay Vaidya and Xavier Fernandes in presence of DKA’s President Premanand A Lotlikar and Secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes. Due to the demand of many more workshops in the field of compering, it was announced that DKA will hold its next workshop on compering in Margao very soon. At the end of the workshop, certificates were presented to the participants at the hands of guests.
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23:15 Sugar & Spice
10:00 Godh Bharaai 10:30 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 11:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 11:30 Indian Idol 13:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 14:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 14:30 Aahat 15:00 C.I.D Classics 17:30 Indian Idol 19:30 Godh Bharaai 20:00 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Boogie Woogie Kids 22:00 Indian Idol : Extra 22:30 Aahat
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Pronunciation vis-tuh Function Noun Meaning 1 : a view esp. one seen through a narrow avenue or passage, as between rows 2 :a far-reaching mental view Example Sentence The vista of the lake from the tower window is a sight worth seeing.
10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Tere Liye 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya
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Poems to revere Bakibab Borkar
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9762471782. A part time Konkani course in the Roman script, conducted by the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), Porvorim will be held from July 12 to August 11 every Monday and Thursday between 9:45am to 12:45pm at Chicalim, Vasco. Call 2415864 or 2415857. A legal literary camp will take place on July 17 at 4pm at Gananath Temple Hall, Nivankal, Ponda. A Ponda Taluka Interschool and Higher Secondary School Level Essay Competition will be held on July 18 from 10am to 12pm at the Saraswati High School, Kawale. It is organised by the Gomantak Maratha Samaj as part of the Dayanand Bandodkar birth centenary celebration. ‘Fundamentals of Photography’, photography classes, conducted by Tiger Studio begins on July 19 from 3pm to 5:30pm. Call 9822388450 or 9421742818. A Konkani literary contest in the Roman script, organised by the Goan Review Art Foundation (GRAF) is open for registration till July 31. Call 2630139. Applications for various music examinations are open at the Bal Bhavan, Campal Goa. Registration closes on August 16. Call 2226823. ‘Click a Croak’, an amphibian photographer contest, organised by Earthworm Ecostore is open for registration till August 8. E-mail earthwormgoa@gmail.com. Call 2410871. ‘Art Event 2010’, free art workshop, organised by the Society for Promoting Arts, Culture and Education (SPACE) and supported by the Directorate of Art and Culture will be held till March 2011 every Sunday from 10:30am to 12:30pm at the Bartholomeu’s School Hall or at the Dayanand Bandodkar High School. Call 9922898694 or 9850871608.
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10:00 Choti Bahu 10:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 11:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Do Saheliyaan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Do Saheliyaan 15:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 15:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:00 Do Saheliyaan 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 22:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 22:30 Do Saheliyaan
11:15 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta.. 13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta… 14:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 FIR 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta… 16:30 Papad Pol 17:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma
08:15 Swimfan 10:00 Penelope 12:05 The Living Daylights 14:35 Taken 16:30 P.S. I Love You 18:55 Who Framed Roger Rabbit 21:00 What Happens in Vegas 23:00 The Man With the Golden Gun
08:15 The Animatrix 10:15 Deep Blue Sea 12:30 Timeline 15:00 The Hunt For The BTK Killer 16:45 Magic in the Water 19:30 Animals 21:00 Deep Blue Sea
08:00 Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai 12:00 Hogi Pyar Ki Jeet 16:00 Ilaaka 20:00 1920 23:30 House on Haunted Hill
09:30 Gunaah 12:30 Badaltey Rishtey 16:00 Gayab 20:00 Khoobsurat
09:55 Fun with Dick and Jane 11:50 Into The Sun
13:55 Click 16:05 Grey Owl 18:25 What's Eating Gilbert Grape 21:00 Charlie's Angels 23:20 Bound
12:00 Joru Ka Ghulam 16:00 Aaj Ka Mujrim 20:00 International Khiladi The Iron Man 23:45 Gol Maal
08:00 Divyashakti 12:00 Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein 16:00 Yamraaj 20:00 Pardes
E N T E R TA I N M E N T Allahabadwale 17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta … 18:30 Papad Pol. 19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Papad Pol 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta… 21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale
11:00 Laughter Dons 12:00 Laughter Ke Phatke
12:30 Dill Mill Gayye 13:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 13:30 Geet 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 15:00 Lakeer18:30 Star One Horror Nights 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni
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12:00 Total Wipeout 13:30 So You Think You Can Dance 14:30 Caught on Camera 15:30 Whacked Out Sports 17:00 The Amazing Race : Sean Penn Cambodia here we come (cambodia) 18:00 Estate of Panic 19:00 Guinness World Records 20:00 Masters of Illusion 21:00 Whacked Out Sports
10:00 30 Rock 10:30 The Simpsons 11:00 V.I.P
12:00 Friends 12:30 White Collar 13:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 15:00 Desperate Housewives 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 Friends 17:00 White Collar 18:00 V.I.P 19:00 30 Rock 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Glee 21:00 Friends 21:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 22:00 White Collar
09:00 TNA Impact 11:00 FIA Wtcc 2010 H/ls 11:30 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 12:30 Resorts World Sentosa Martial Combat 2010 14:30 Golf Focus 2010 15:00 TNA Impact 17:00 Game 17:30 Glitch 18:00 K1 Dream 7 20:00 Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2010 20:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 2010 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships
09:00 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa: Germany vs. England 11:00 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Post Show 11:30 2010 FIFA World Cup Matchday H/ls 12:30 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa: Netherlands vs. Slovakia 14:30 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Round of
Dr Ajay Vaidya lighting the traditional lamp to inaugurate the workshop, in the presence of Premanand A Lotlikar, president of DKA, Jose Salvador, secretary and Tomazinho Cardozo, president of Tiart Academy of Goa
16: Brazil vs. Chile 17:00 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Round of 16: Paraguay vs. Japan 19:00 2010 FIFA World Cup Matchday H/ls 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 2010 FIFA World Cup Matchday H/ls 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Express : South Africa 23:00 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Pre-Show
17:00 WWE: Bottom Line 18:00 Great Centuries 18:25 ICC Cricket Show 18:50 Tour de France 21:00 Real NBA 21:30 Motorsport Mundial
07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 In Conversation with 11:30 Fashion Show 12:00 Talking Talkies 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Kids Club 14:30 Divine Sitar 15:00 Face-2-Face 15:30 Fashion Show 16:00 In Conversation with 16:30 Flavors 17:00 Khell Tiatr 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Khell Tiatr 22:00 English News 23:00 Juke Box 23:30 Fusion Concert Note: Subject to change
HERALD CROSSWORD - 598 Across 1- Ornamental fabric; 5Thick slices; 10- Castro's country; 14- OPEC member; 15- Flower segment; 16Salt Lake City hoopsters; 17- Sportscaster Albert; 18Bluffer's ploy; 19- Morse element; 20- Mountain climber; 22- Fourscore; 24- Portnoy's creator; 25- Church recess; 26- Important; 29- Orthography; 33- Dried plum; 34Style; 35- Actress Peeples; 36- Sailors; 37- Liberates; 38- African antelope; 39Dash lengths; 40- Fragrance; 41- Infectious agent; 42- Well statistic; 44- Break; 45- Hastens; 46- Go after; 47- Igneous rock of a lava flow; 50- Suitable place for camping; 54- Old Testament book; 55- Declaim; 57Shout in derision; 58- Centers of activity; 59- Undulated; 60- Gillette brand; 61Ages; 62- Destitute; 63- Wish for; Down 1- Bean town?; 2- Asian sea; 3Complain unreasonably; 4Surroundings; 5- Goblin; 6Strap; 7- Arguing; 8- ___-relief; 9- Railway ties; 10- Club; 11D-Day beach; 12- Of the highest quality; 13- Pale; 21- Brief letter, paper money; 23- Land in water; 25- Sleep disorder; 26- Made a choice; 27- Picture
border; 28- Suckle; 29SOLUTION - 597 Appears; 30- Accustom; 31- Nest; 32- Unit of magnetic field strength; 34Vulgar; 37- Capital of Sierra Leone; 38- Trinket; 40- Indigo; 41- Prez's second; 43- Aspect; 44- Cure; 46- Satisfied; 47- Bundle; 48- Latin love; 49Caribbean dance music; 50- Spelunking site; 51Bit; 52- Ripped; 53- Coup d'___; 56- Actress Charlotte;
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GOA, Wednesday, 7 July, 2010
Investment paid off: Zuma AFP CAPE TOWN, JULY 6
Battle of hitmen - Klose v. Villa
President Jacob Zuma said Tuesday the billions South Africa had spent on the World Cup had paid off with improvements to the country's infrastructure as well as 'priceless' social benefits. "Economically, the tournament has been a success. We can safely say that we have good returns on our investment, which includes 33 billion rand (4.2 billion dollars), spent on transport infrastructure, telecommunications and stadiums," Zuma said.
David Villa omparison between Germany's leading scorer Miroslav Klose and Spain's top marksman David Villa ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final between the two countries:
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KLOSE Has dispelled doubts about the wisdom of his selection in the squad let alone the starting XI by showing he is the man for the big occasion and especially World Cup finals. In less than a month the 32-year-old has scored more goals than he did in the entire Bundesliga season last term - four here to three in the league where he lost his starting place. 'Miro' has taken his total in World Cup finals to 14 (he scored five in both the 2002 and 2006 events) and is within one of equalling Brazilian star Ronaldo's all-time record total of 15. However, the Polish-born striker is clear about what prize he would prefer. "If I was given the choice between becoming
Miroslav Klose a world champion or pass Ronaldo's mark, I would obviously choose the title of world champion," he said. VILLA The 'Kid' as he is known is in the form of his life. He earned a well deserved big money move to Barcelona from Valencia on the back of yet another productive season domestically scoring 21 goals, and in South Africa he has scored five of the six goals his country have netted. He is on course to add to his crown as Euro 2008 leading scorer - though he was injured for the final. Like Klose the 28year-old is keener on the team prevailing than any personal honour. "I have played well but on Wednesday there will be no presents, and I have to play as I have been doing. The title of leading scorer? It is the least of my worries."
STYLE OF PLAY KLOSE He is as sly as a fox inside the penalty area. Klose is not a dribbler, but he uses his physical presence to great effect, standings at 1.82m (5ft 9inches) and weighing in at 74kg (11st 6lbs) to wear down opposing defenders. Has changed his style in scoring goals since his World Cup finals record of five headed goals achieved in 2002 in tune with the more flowing style of play of the German team developed under first Jurgen Klinsmann and then Joachim Loew. VILLA He doesn't complain about having to go back and help out the defence, or playing out on the left when Fernando Torres plays alongside him. "All my life, I have played centre forward but I have proved that I can perform in other positions in attack and the team has benefited from that," he said before the finals. But his natural place is certainly in the centre forward position, a lively but never static presence and good with the ball at his feet. His speciality: shots from out of the blue, no matter from where and with both feet. The only thing really missing from his armoury is his heading capability.
CAREER
KLOSE Comes from a sporting background. Born in Poland, the son of a footballing father, who numbered amongst his clubs French side Auxerre. His mother was a handball international. Klose moved with his family to Germany aged eight. His professional career took off at Kaiserslautern where he won his first cap in March 2001. He signed for Werder Bremen in 2004 where he was leading scorer in the 2005/06 season with 25 goals. Bayern Munich stepped in and signed him for 12 million euros in June 2007 at the same time as French international Franck Ribery and Italian World Cup winner Luca Toni. VILLA Got his taste for goalscoring at Sporting Gijon in the Third Division and then the Second when he was bought in 2003 by Real Zaragoza. Since then, he has spent seven years in the elite, five of them at Valencia. 'MaraVilla' (the marvel) has never scored less than 15 goals in the championship, accruing 140 goals, an average of 20 a season. He has an astonishing international record, 43 goals in 62 appearances, just one off the all-time record of Raul, whose mark came in over 100 games. Real Madrid tried to prise him away last year but Valencia retained his services and he opted for Barcelona prior to the finals. (AFP)
Refs biased against S America: Castro AGENCIES HAVANA, JULY 6
Fidel Castro is apparently still alive. And he's been watching the World Cup! According to Goal.com, he even has some views on the tournament that are exactly what you'd expect from the Puma jacket-wearing former Cuban leader. "The vast majority of football fans do not even know what continent Uruguay is in but it seems to me that the referees are biased against the South American sides," Castro was quoted as saying by reporters.
So, wait, do the referees not know what continent Uruguay is in, either? If so, it sounds like that might be good news for Uruguay. "It happened when Brazil lost to Holland, when all the decisions went against them and they were sent down to 10 men at a crucial time, which should never have been done." One has to assume Fidel dozed off during the part of the match where Felipe Melo stomped on Arjen Robben's thigh while the Dutchman was laying on the ground.
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GOA, Wednesday, 7 July, 2010
Cup a success: Sepp Blatter
n Blatter insisted, however, that he was "happy" about the turnout and the presence of statesmen such as Germany chancellor Angela Merkel and former USA president Bill Clinton. AGENCIES PRETORIA, JULY 6
FIFA President, Sepp Blatter has declared World Cup 2010 a success with the first tournament to be held in Africa coming to a close. Critics of the decision to bring the competition to the continent had stated that problems about high travel fees and crime rates would deter supporters from making the trip. Speaking to reporters in
South Africa on Monday, Blatter was in bullish mood about the attendance figures for games. "More than 500,000 fans will have come to South Africa and the figure may be even higher," he said. FIFA had admitted earlier this year that ticket sales had not been as productive as forecast and empty seats have been in evidence at many of the matches. Blatter insisted, however, that he was "happy" about the turnout and the presence of statesmen such as Germany chancellor Angela Merkel and former USA president Bill Clinton. "The forecast from 'old Europe' was the fans wouldn't come - well here they are," Blatter added. "I am a very happy president today and I hope I will be happy until the very end of this week.” "There is a political dimension to football too - how many heads of states have come to visit South Africa, and they all want to make sure they have the pictures taken in the stands. That's the power of football.” "Football gives emotions in this deranged world. Look at the news and you see the world appears to have suddenly stopped and the TV cameras will after 12 July be used everywhere else in the world.” "We are giving hope to the world that perhaps through football we can become better human beings."
Michael Ballack refused to discuss his international future on Tuesday, despite calls for his retirement, with the injured midfielder preferring instead to pledge his support to his World Cup team-mates. Ballack was forced to skip the World Cup in South Africa, but his team has thrived in his absence by reaching the semi-finals, where they face Spain on Wednesday. Former Germany star Lothar Matthaeus has told the 32-yearold Ballack to quit international football, while stand-in skipper Philipp Lahm has said he wants to keep the captain's armband after the World Cup has finished. "I don't want to talk about this subject," Ballack told the Essentiel newspaper's Internet edition. Ballack, who will play for Bayer Leverkusen next season after leaving Chelsea, said he believes Germany have every chance to make Sunday's final. "Everyone is playing well, they go into the semi-final with a lot of confidence," he said. "They have beaten two good teams (England by 4-1 and Argentina 4-0) by playing great football. We have a great chance against Spain and the team is full of confidence."
AFP ACCRA, JULY 6
Thousands of football fans thronged Ghana's main airport Monday to welcome back home the national team which gallantly and narrowly lost to Uruguay in quarter finals at the World Cup in South Africa. Kotoka international airport was choked with fans who started gathering as early as six hours before the team's expected arrival. Even a two hours delay in arrival from 9:30 pm (2130 GMT) would not deter the drumming and dancing fans who eagerly awaited the heroes' return. There were spontaneous shouts of joy when the South African Airways jet the Black Stars flew in touched down at 11:30 pm (2330 GMT). National flags were waved at the players as they stepped out of the plane amid a deafening sound of vuvuzelas. Fans carried placards reading "We love you our heroes, you made Ghana and Africa proud". Ghana's Black Eagles made it to the quarter finals of the World Cup for the first time equalling the feat chalked up by Senegal and Cameroon, and became the only African team to make that far at the tournament in South Africa. "You’ve really held high the flag of Ghana and the entire African continent," Nii Nortey Duah, Deputy Minister of Sports, told the players at the airport. "We did our best but luck was not on our side but we’ll go to Brazil in 2014 to be major contenders," captain Stephen Appiah said.
Germany's World Cup harmony was disrupted today after skipper Philipp Lahm said he had no intention of willingly giving up the captain's armband when Michael Ballack returns to fitness. Lahm's comments in an interview with the newspaper Bild, were published today and team manager Oliver Bierhoff had to answer a series of questions about the issue -- and the departure of Ballack from the team camp. Bierhoff denied that the controversy, which broke out just over an hour before the German team were due to fly to Durban for their Wednesday semi-final with Spain, had upset the team. ''There is no dissent whatsoever, not even a hint of conflict,'' he told a news conference at the team's hotel.” Lahm is officially the World Cup captain while Ballack, who
recently moved from Chelsea to German club Bayer Leverkusen, remains the team captain. Ballack, who has missed the tournament due to an ankle injury, flew out to be with the team ahead of the quarter-final with Argentina but returned to Europe yesterday prompting speculation he may have been upset with Lahm's comments. ''It's not the case, Ballack visited the team in Sicily before the tournament and it was always agreed that he would visit for the quarter-final. ''It is an unfortunate coincidence that Ballack's departure and Lahm's statement coincided,''
"I think there was such expectation on him. There was talk he was going to be the player of the tournament," the Scot said. "Don't forget, that was the prelude to the whole thing - he was going to be the star, he was going to outshine them all - (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo. So that level of expectation comes into it. "And he's not got great experience of playing in the World Cup really. You wait, in four years' time you'll see a different player." Ferguson said he was "baffled" by England's mediocre performance in the tournament. "That is going to be one of the imponderables - what has
really happened and why are they (England) not getting better form. I watched their games and I was baffled by what I saw." He said England's World Cup qualifying campaign - which they sailed through - might not have helped. "Expectation was a big thing. They qualified from a group which you'd have to say was a million to one they wouldn't qualify from. So it was an easy passage into the finals," the United boss said. "Maybe it would have been better if England had been in a tougher group. They'd have earned the right to be one of
REUTERS ERASMIA, JULY 6
AFP LUXEMBOURG, JULY 6
New France coach Laurent Blanc on Tuesday promised to usher in a new era for Les Bleus just three weeks after the team were plunged into the darkest days of their history at the World Cup. The former Bordeaux coach has been given the task of cleaning up the mess after a catastrophic World Cup campaign
AFP LONDON, JULY 6
Wayne Rooney flopped at the World Cup due to the weight of expectation on his shoulders, his Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on Tuesday. Rooney, who had been in outstanding form for United during the English Premier League season, struggled to have anything like the same impact in an England shirt and failed to score in their four matches in South Africa. But Ferguson reckons Rooney, 24, will have learned from the experience and will be one of the key players at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
which brought down the curtain on the six-year rule of Raymond Domenech. A member of the glorious 1998 World Cup-winning team, Blanc said he had been "outraged" by the behaviour of certain players during the tournament but refused to be drawn on whether sanctions would be taken. "I can't act as if nothing happened in South Africa," said Blanc. "I followed events with great sadness. I
was disappointed by the sporting performance but I was above all outraged by certain behaviour. I'll take stock of these elements in my analyses and thoughts." Blanc continued: "What shocked and disappointed me most was the group's behaviour during the only training session open to the media 48 hours before the third match against South Africa." There have been calls that World Cup
captain Patrice Evra never be allowed to play for France again for his role as the ringleader in the team's refusal to train, but Blanc refused to attribute blame. "Those responsible are many but it's not up to me to say if sanctions will be taken. My problem is to put together the best team with the best players. I won't be the bogeyman."
Maradona ‘chapter’ over as coach REUTERS BUENOS AIRES, JULY 6
Argentina coach Diego Maradona told a local newspaper his ''chap-
ter had ended,'' although the country's local football association and a close friend told Reuters he had not resigned. ''It's done, my chapter has ended,'' Cronica newspaper quoted Maradona as saying, two days after Germany's resounding 4-0 win over Argentina. ''I gave everything I had.'' A spokesman for the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said Maradona had not officially resigned and that AFA President Julio Grondona would meet with Maradona after the World Cup had finished. A close friend of Maradona's told Reuters: ''I still can't confirm it, (the resignation) is something that's being discussed.'' The friend said Maradona's decision would be announced during a press conference but he did not say when.
''Diego is at home with his family thinking this over,'' he said. Yesterday, Maradona's assistant and former international team mate Alejandro Mancuso said he believed Maradona would continue as Argentina's coach. ''Knowing Diego it's hard to think that he'd step down after not reaching the goal of winning the World Cup,'' Mancuso told local r a d i o . ' ' We can't dismiss all
the good things he's done.'' Maradona returned to Buenos Aires along with the rest of the national team on Sunday, a day after Germany trounced Argentina to advance to the World Cup's semi-finals. Argentines still suffering from their team's stunning loss debated whether Maradona should remain coach of the national squad. In online polls conducted by the country's main newspapers, most respondents say Maradona should quit. But Maradona, who rose from a slum to win the 1986 World Cup and took over the team as coach in 2008, still has plenty of supporters. Thousands of fans greeted the national team at the
airport on Sunday, chanting Maradona's name. ''For me Maradona is great,'' said Enrique Gonzalez, 40. ''He had a lot of experience playing in World Cups. What he didn't know about coaching he had in mystique and courage, so he was the best coach for us.'' Others though, said Maradona, who had only two brief coaching stints before the national squad, clearly lacked the credentials. ''He's the best player but he wasn't prepared as a coach,'' said Jose Parra, 40, a factory worker. Maradona has an agreement with the AFA until 2011 when Argentina will host the Copa America.
‘Unworthy’ squad decline presidential invite AFP BUENOS AIRES, JULY 6
Diego Maradona and his Argentinian World Cup squad declined an invitation by the country's President Cristina Kirchner to be received at the presidential palace becaused they deemed themselves unworthy, the president revealed. The President - who succeeded her husband Nestor as head of state in December 2007 - also said that she had tried to speak to Maradona following the 4-0 hammering by Germany in Saturday's quarterfinal but the former playing great had been too upset to talk. "You know that this president shows her true colours to the
Bierhoff told a news conference, adding that the midfielder's return was because he needed to continue his treatment on his ankle. ''He felt good and had excellent physiotherapy, luckily his injury is healing surprisingly fast... he needs a lot of rehab now, he needs special facilities and a lot of time. ''It emerged that Michael didn't want to take out any resources from the team. He knew that if his rehab was to proceed he needed more time from staff... he decided that it was better to continue treatment in Luxembourg,'' said Bierhoff. Former AC Milan and Ger-
many striker Bierhoff said that Ballack may return to South Africa if Germany reach the final. In the comments to Bild, Lahm said: ''It's obvious that I'd like to keep the captain's armband. The job gives me a great deal of enjoyment. Why should I then give it up by choice? ''If you do the job out there on the pitch and you have it under control, as in my case, you want more. You want more responsibility. You want to take care of it all. That is the case with me,'' he added. Bierhoff said: ''We have freedom of speech in the team and need players willing to speak their mind. It is rather like when a player says he is disappointed to be left out -- are you supposed to be annoyed that he is disappointed? ''But in the end, it is the coach who makes the decision over who is captain.''
the favourites and it would have helped that they'd played good teams before they got there." Ferguson said Germany's mentality helped them to humble England, then follow it up by beating Argentina 4-0 in the quarters. "The history they've got is quite incredible," the knight said. "That organised mentality they have, the belief in themselves, it carries them a long way. "None of the English teams have any experience of playing in a semi-final at a World Cup.
The German mentality is 'we are always in the semi-finals'." Ferguson tipped the Netherlands to beat Uruguay in Wednesday's semi-final and go on to win the trophy.
WC expectation rattled Rooney: Ferguson
Laurent Blanc takes over French hot seat AFP PARIS, JULY 6
Heroes welcome for Ghana
Captaincy row hits Germans
Ballack keeps quiet over future
people in the difficult moments and not just the good ones," the 57-year-old told a rally in the northern suburb of San Miguel. "And I invited our squad to come to the Pink House (the presidential palace). "The players refused because they felt they did not deserve such an accolade but I believe they are wrong because they all deserved it and I will wait for them. Yes, long live Argentina," she added. Kirchner, who was a senator for 12 years before being elected to the presidency, told all Argentinians to be strong in such a moment of sadness which saw the two-time winners fail to reach the last four
for the fifth successive finals. "On Saturday when Germany beat Argentina, Argentinians were very sad," she said. "But have patience (gather your strength) Maradona, the squad and the country, even if the sadness will last. "I called him (Maradona) after his press conference on Saturday but he was not able to talk because he was crying." "I offer my support because nobody has ever given as much pleasure on the pitch than Diego Armando Maradona gave us," she said. Her speech went down well with her audience who answered with joyous cries of: "Ole, ole, ole, ole, Diegoooo, Diegooooooo!".
Gerrard won’t quit playing for England AFP LONDON, JULY 6
England's World Cup captain Steven Gerrard said there was "no way" he would be calling time on his international career after their miserable run in South Africa. The 30-year-old midfielder said he would not be following in the footsteps of his Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher in stepping down from England duty. England's World Cup campaign ended in a 4-1 defeat to Germany in the second round. "There is no way I want the disappointment of the Germany game to be my last for England," Gerrard said, according to Liverpool's website. "It was such a low and I am determined to do as much as I can to make amends for what happened. "I expect there to be a lot of changes to the squad and it is up to the manager whether I am selected, but I am going to continue to make myself available for my country." G e r r a rd w a s E n g l a n d ' s vice-captain but skippered their World Cup campaign after Rio Ferdinand pulled out of the squad due to injury. Defender Carragher, who had quit international football, was persuaded to return for the tournament by England manager Fabio Capello. But despite playing in South Africa, he has now withdrawn himself from the international scene once again.
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Holland in final Germany ready to sink Spain Netherlands..........3
Uruguay ............2
AFP CAPE TOWN, JULy 6
when veteran captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst fired a leftfooted thunderbolt into the topright corner from 35 yards. Uruguay drew level before half-time with a curling strike from their talisman and standin skipper Diego Forlan, but Bert van Marwijk's side secured victory through second-half goals from Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben.
The Netherlands ended a 32year wait to reach the World Cup final on Tuesday with a 3-2 victory over Uruguay in a tense semi-final match at Green Point Stadium. Holland, who previously reached the final in 1974 and 1978, took an 18th-minute lead against the two-time champions
Right-back Maxi Pereira pulled a goal back for Uruguay in the second minute of stoppage time to set up a nervous final few moments. The Netherlands will play either Germany or Spain, who meet on Wednesday, in Sunday's final in Johannesburg. Veteran Dutch defender van Bronckhorst got the breakthrough on 18 minutes with a stunning 35-yard strike before Forlan did exactly the same on 40 minutes against the run of play. Both teams were forced to make changes with players suspended and in chilly conditions at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium it was the Dutch who adapted the best. They had a decent chance as early as the t h i rd m i n u t e w h e n A r j e n Robben whipped in a teasing cross which Fernando Muslera punched straight to Dirk Kuyt on the edge of the box, but the Liverpool winger skied his shot.
Players of the Germany train at Northlands school, Durban. AFP DURBAN, JULy 6
Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera (centre) concedes a goal by Netherlands' defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst (unseen).
Sorry Germany, mystic octopus has spoken Germans shell-shocked l Paul’s perfect 5-for-5 record l
Germany's abrupt coming of age at this World Cup has caught almost everyone by surprise -everyone that is but their coach Joachim Loew. Written off as too inexperienced in the run-up to the finals, Loew's squad will kick off Wednesday's semi-final against Spain as slight outsiders. But it is testimony to the vibrancy of the performances Loew has overseen in South Africa that no-one will regard it as a major shock should they end Spain's dream of lifting their first World Cup. While outsiders thought they could see significant weaknesses in a Germany squad rejuvenated by an influx of talent from the under-21 side that won last year's European Championship, Loew always felt he would be leading a competitive group into Africa's first World Cup. "I've never doubted this team's potential or development," he said. "They've shown a thirst for victory that is worthy
of world champions." Australian, England and Argentina -- all of whom saw their own World Cup dreams shattered by four-goal thrashings at the hands of the Germans -- will testify to that. As well as coaxing some devastating displays from his players, Loew appears to run a happy camp, something that has not always been the case in the past, even with successful German squads. "It's a nice team," he said. "They like to learn, they're very motivated and I'm very proud of them. It has been a great experience, on and off the pitch." While Germany's performances have surpassed what was expected of them, Spain have not yet delivered a collective display equal to the sum of the individual talents in their ranks. There is intense pressure, too, on a group of players weighed down by the burden of making up for decades of under-achievement on the international stage by a country whose domestic league has long been one of the
Dutch only booked hotel up to semis AGENCIES PRETORIA, JULy 6
The fact that the Dutch have made it this deep into the World Cup has been a surprise to a lot of people. Mainly, the Dutch. Some of their fans have already gone home, having arranged to only stay in South Africa through the quarter-final under the assumption that that's as far as this team could possibly go. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) had a little more faith than that, though and booked the team's Johannesburg hotel up to July 5 (FIFA covers team accommodations the night before and after each match), apparently not thinking that by making it that far, they will still be playing the last
weekend of the tournament, either in the final on Sunday or the third place match on Saturday. So what happens after their match against Uruguay? From Reuters: The KNVB confirmed they must leave the Sandton Hilton as it is fully booked for the rest of the tournament. “It is not the case that we will be homeless after the semi-final,” an optimistic spokeswoman Martine Bruggink told Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad. “FIFA is searching for another accommodation.” “No, they won't be homeless. They have the bus and they can always sleep under a bridge or something. But FIFA is on the case!
MORE SPORTS ON P 13, 16, 17
An octopus named Paul sits on a box decorated with a Spanish flag and a shell inside at the Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen, western Germany, on Tuesday. REUTERS BERLIN, JULy 6
Germany was in a state of shock on Tuesday after their “oracle octopus” Paul picked Spain to win the World Cup semi-final match against Germany in South Africa on Wednesday. Not an ordinarily superstitious people, Germans have bec o m e b e l i e v e r s i n Pa u l ’ s possible psychic powers. “This is not a good omen,” wrote Bild newspaper’s online edition after the news of Paul’s pick flashed across Germany. The octopus has turned into an international celebrity after accurately picking the winner of all five German World Cup matches to date - including their 1-0 loss to Serbia. Two national networks interrupted their programming on Tuesday for live coverage of Paul’s latest forecast, and groans of disappointment rang out across Germany after Paul went for a container with a morsel of food in it bearing the Spanish flag. “We were all a little bit shocked when Paul picked Spain,” said Tanja Munzig, a spokeswoman for Sea Life in Oberhausen. “To err is not only human - animals can also make mistakes. Let’s hope Paul got
this one wrong.” The octopus, considered by some to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates, was again given the choice of picking food from two different transparent containers lowered into his tank - one with a German flag on it and one with a Spanish. The container Paul opens first is regarded as his pick for the match. Paul first put his tentacles around the German container before moving to his left to the Spanish box - first opening the lid and then snatching the morsel of food inside. Germans stunned by Paul’s decision to pick Spain took consolation in the fact that Paul got one of his five picks wrong at the Euro in 2008. Oddly enough it also involved Spain: In the final Paul picked Germany over Spain. But Spain won 1-0. It was Paul’s only inaccurate pick of that tournament. He has never been wrong since and has an overall record of 9-1. “Maybe Paul was just trying to give Spain a false sense of security,” said Munzig, who said scores of journalists were at Sea Life to witness Paul’s latest pick. Thousands of people have visited Sea Life to see Germany’s newest celebrity.
“To be honest I’m going to have butterflies in my stomach watching the Spain match,” she added. “I’m not a superstitious person but he’s had an incredible winning streak so far.” Paul was born in England. He has been five for five at the World Cup. He picked Germany wins over Australia, Ghana, England and Argentina - as well as their Group D loss to Serbia. Media attention over Paul’s picks in Germany and abroad has grown with each pick and some commentators have even wondered aloud whether his uncanny run might even be having an influence on superstitious players. Paul’s winning streak may have contributed to a growing superstition among the Germany team. Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted he will not wash a favourite blue sweater as long as his team keeps winning. Loew said he bowed to pressure from other coaching staff and players to keep wearing the sweater for their matches. Every time Loew wore the blue V-neck sweater Germany scored four goals. “I am not even allowed to wash it now and I think I will wear it again (against Spain),” Loew said on Monday.
strongest in the world. The likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa will be acutely aware that, in terms of pure footballing ability, the unexepected demise of Brazil has left them head-and-shoulders above the other teams left in the competition. They know they will have squandered an opportunity that is unlikely to come again should they fail to go on and emulate the West Germany side that followed up their triumph at Euro 72 by becoming world champi-
KEy TO THE MATCH
Concentration. Germany have thrived by being able to commit men to attacks in numbers and quickly regain their defensive shape when they break down. It worked well against England and Argentina but the precision of Spain's passing narrows the margin for error.
WC has been a ‘success’: Sepp Blatter AGENCIES PRETORIA, JULy 6
FIFA President, Sepp Blatter has declared World Cup 2010 a success with the first tournament to be held in Africa coming to a close. Critics of the decision to bring the competition to the continent stated that problems about high travel fees and crime rates would deter supporters from making the trip. Speaking to reporters in South Africa on Monday, Blatter was in bullish mood about the attendance figures for games. "More than 5,00,000 fans will have come to South Africa and the figure may be even higher," he said. FIFA had admitted earlier this year that ticket sales had not been as productive as forecast and empty seats have been in evidence at many of the matches.
FIFA to monitor Nigeria over interference REUTERS JOHANNESBURG, JULy 6
FIFA will watch for any further signs of political interference in Nigerian soccer after a dispute with the government almost led to the suspension of the local football federation, it said today. Soccer's ruling body on Monday lifted a threat to suspend Nigeria from all FIFA-related activities, including an annual grant of $250,000, after President Goodluck Jonathan reversed a ban on the national team participating in international competitions as punishment for its poor World Cup performance. The president's decision, which narrowly beat a FIFA deadline, came after the federation pledged to disband the side and rebuild it following the Super Eagles' failure to win a game during their first round
elimination from the World Cup. FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot told a news briefing today that Nigeria had done what was required to have the suspension threat lifted. ''But, of course, as usual in such cases, we are monitoring the situation and we will continue to monitor the situation,'' he said. ''you always have to avoid political interference... it is not that we are simply sending a letter. The work goes further than that,'' he added. Jonathan's action responded to
widespread discontent in Nigeria with the team's dismal performance, but FIFA is vehemently opposed to any political interference and has suspended federations in the past over the same issue. The Nigerian presidency said on Monday that Jonathan reversed his decision after the federation agreed to disband the team and after appeals from Nigerians including former leaders. The federation had previously fired its top two officials in an effort to get Jonathan to change his mind. The federation ''assured the President of their commitment to evolving an enduring football development programme, and grow a new senior national team that will bring glory, rather than consistent embarrassment to Nigeria on the world stage,'' the presidency statement said.
ons on home soil two years later. The Spanish have only once before been this close to World Cup glory. In 1950, in Brazil, where only 13 countries took part, they made it to the final group stage, where a draw with the eventual champions Uruguay and defeats by Brazil and Sweden resulted in them finishing fourth. In the Spanish camp however, suggestions that the intensity of expectation surrounding them could represent their Achilles heel are batted away, and their hope is that Germany will give them the opportunity to impose their quickpassing style on the match. "We've had tough games against opponents who, above all, wanted to stop us playing," said head coach Vicente Del Bosque. "I think the semi-final will be different. Both teams want to reach the final. "We know we can play better than we have done so far, hopefully it will be an open match and a good advert for football." Del Bosque has not changed
TODAY’S SEMIS Germany v. Spain 11.55 p.m. his line-up for the last three matches and is set to keep faith with misfiring Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, who has struggled in a lone striker role while team-mate Villa has plundered five goals from a deeper position on the left. Germany though will still be wary of the striker who scored the only goal of the match when Spain beat Germany in the Euro 2008 final. "It'd be nice to do it again, but it doesn't matter who scores as long as we win," Torres said. Spain have no injury concerns while Germany will be significantly weakened by the loss of outstanding midfielder Thomas Mueller, who is suspended. Loew has to decide between Hamburg attacking midfielder Piotr Trochowski and 20-yearold Toni Kroos as a replacement for a match in which one goal will see striker Miroslav Klose equal Ronaldo's record of 15 in World Cup finals.
German injury worries ease ahead of semis REUTERS ERASMIA, JULy 6
Germany's injury worries have cleared up ahead of tomorrow's World Cup semi-final with Spain, with team manager Oliver Bierhoff declaring that all the squad are fit for the clash in Durban. Germany will be without suspended midfielder Thomas Mueller but Sami Khedira and Cacau, who have been training separately for the past two days, were available to coach Joachim Loew, said Bierhoff. Central defender Arne Friedrich, who had a foot problem, also sat out training yesterday but will be ready to play. ''The most important thing is
for the coach to be able to pick from all the squad except for Mueller,'' said Bierhoff who said the team would cope with the absence of the exciting 20-yearold. ''In a tournament a team settles and so Thomas's absence is a little link in the chain missing and he has been outstanding,'' said the Germany team manager. ''The team have reacted admirably whenever key players (have been) missing,'' he said. Germany have several options for replacing Mueller with Cacau and Toni Kroos in the frame but the most likely choice is winger Piotr Trochowski, positionally more of a straight swap.