7 MAY-HERALD PUBLICATIONS

SC verdict on RIL-RNRL dispute today

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O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, FRiDaY, maY 7, 2010

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Sports: Ivana bags silver at Nat U-11 Pg 18 Britons vote Britons today voted in what is billed as the most tightly-contested general election since World War II which could lead to a hung parliament, though latest opinion polls gave a clear edge to opposition Tories over the ruling Labour as well as Liberal Democrats.

The polls will also decide the fate of a record 89 Asian origin candidates, including those from India. The Conservative Party, which is eyeing to capture power, has fielded 30 members from the community. Prominent among them are Keith Vaz, who has represented Leicester East for Labour for the last 23 years. -(PTI) REPORT ON PG 11

Goa’s Heartbeat: KJo turns mediator in SRK-Farah war Pg 14

KASAB GETS DEATH SENTENCE Convicted on 5 counts l To be hanged by the neck until death PTI MUMBAI, MAY 6

Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab was today sentenced to death for the Mumbai terror attack by a special court which held that keeping him alive will be a “lingering danger” to society from a person who has no chance of reform.

“Kasab shall be hanged by the neck until death,” Special Judge M L Tahaliyani said while reading out the sentence awarded to the 22-year-old lone surviving terrorist in the November 26, 2008 carnage in which 166 people were killed.

Bringing the curtains down on one of the fastest trials in a terror case three days after finding him guilty, the judge sent Kasab to the gallows on five counts—mass murder, abetment of murder, waging war against the Indian State, conspiracy and terror, offences covered under Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Prevention of Activities Act. The death sentence will be subject to confirmation by the Bombay High Court. If ratified, Kasab, a foot soldier of Lashkare-Taiba (LeT), can also appeal against it in the Supreme Court to be followed by a mercy petition to the president if it fails.

Kasab was also handed down life sentence on an equal number of counts—attempt to murder, conspiracy to wage war, collecting arms with an intention to wage war against the nation, kidnapping in order to commit murder and causing explosion to endanger life or property.

What the judge said…

Kasab had no remorse for his actions and hence there was no chance of rehabilitation or reformation. Keeping such a terrorist alive will be a lingering danger to the society and the Indian Government.

JUSTICE, AT LAST

There are no words to explain the extent of brutality...there are no circumstances to create a balance in favour of the accused and he does not deserve lesser punishment.

The rarest of rare…

Kasab is a “killing machine manufactured in Pakistan.

If he is not sent to the gallows he would turn into a blood thirsty wild animal.

— Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam Kasab, who wore a white kurta-pyjama, sat stoically through the proceedings in the specially created courtoom in the high-security Arthur Road jail, lowered his head and was seen sobbing as the judge read out the sentence.

After pronouncing the sentence, the judge asked Kasab to stand up and explained to him

What next…

Kasab was mentally The death penalty will have to be confirmed prepared to attack India and had voluntarily by the High Court. Even if the HC upholds joined LeT in Rawalpindi the judgment, he can go in appeal to the and offered himself to be SC. If the apex court too upholds the a “Fidayeen” (suicide sentence, he has the option of filing a killer). mercy plea before president of India.

the verdict in Hindi.

“Pakistan ke LeT se milkar saazish ki uske liye maut, khoon kiya uske liye maut aur Bharat sarkar ke khilaf jung cheda uske liye maut...aapko marte dam tak sazayen maut di jayegi (For conspiring with Pak-based LeT, for committing murders and for waging war against India, you will be hanged till death),” the judge

Naxal group leader, 17 others held at Mapusa

told Kasab, who just nodded.

“Keeping Kasab alive would be a lingering danger to the society and the Indian government.”

“The possibility of Kasab reforming is completely ruled out by the barbaric manner in which he had behaved. When the planned attack was delayed he was very anxious to attack India

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

Sambu Beck, leader of a wellknown Naxalite group Maobadi Trishul Manch (MTM) was arrested today by Goa Police alongwith 17 of his supporters from Mapusa.

Goa Police officials said that Sambu was wanted in several cases including murders, rapes and cases under the Arms Act. While Sambu was arrested from Mapusa, the others were arrested from Bhoma and Old Goa. Disclosing this at a press conference, Goa Anti Terrorist Squad Chief Atmaram Deshpande said that Sambu, the 25 year old MTM leader was arrested after specific information received from the Orissa Police a week ago.

“The Orissa Police (Sundargarh) informed us a week ago that Sambu, who is involved in many dreaded crimes, was taking shelter in Goa,” Deshpande said adding “Upon receiving the info the Goa Police launched a joint operation involving two agencies the Crime Branch as well as the Anti Terrorist Squad.”

This may seem strange but true.

If you are shocked over the bail granted to the Margao bomb blast accused due to delay in filing the chargesheet by the National Investigating Agency (NIA), then hold on.

Apart from the delay in the filing the chargesheet by the NIA in the sensational case in the Vasco magistrate’s court as the papers are yet to come down to Goa from Delhi, the government is yet to issue a notification appointing a special court to try the bomb blast case.

That there is no notification till date appointing a special court came to light during the bail plea filed by accused Vinayak Patil and Vinay Talekar. Sources said the NIA submitted before the court that there is no notification to try these matters by a special court. The NIA further admitted that such a notification will be published shortly.

When the notification constituting a special court to try the Margao bomb blast case will

The arrested men being escorted to the Panjim Police Station.

After almost a week of launching the operation the Goa Police teams today arrested Sambu from Mapusa alongwith 17 of his supporters from Old Goa, Mapusa and Bhoma (Ponda), he said.

Deshpande informed that 17 supporters arrested have been working in different industrial estates in Goa at Kundaim, Karaswada etc When asked whether the accused was only taking shelter or was planning anything in Goa, Deshpande replied, “This will be known only during the

course of interrogation.”

“We have informed the Sundargarh police and they will be Goa to take the custody of the accused,” he said.

On whether the supporters too were involved in the crime, he said, “As of now we have no knowledge but things would be clear in a few days time.”

Asked whether the nakabandis all over the State was due to this information, he replied in negative.

“There is no link between the (Continued on page 10)

....there are too many aggravating circumstances and the court has no option but to impose death penalty,” he said.

Flashing the victory sign, Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam, who expressed happiness over the capital punishment, described Kasab’s sobs as “crocodile tears.”

(Continued on page 10)

MARGAO BLAST CASE That there is no notification till date appointing a special court came to light during the bail plea filed by accused Patil and Talekar. Sources said the NIA submitted before the court that there is no notification to try these matters by a special court. come is a subject matter for debate, but the fact remains that the NIA has little over a week’s time to file the main charge sheet against the accused in the case.

Sources say the 180 days of custody of the accused persons expires next week and the NIA has to somehow compile a chargesheet next and file the same in the court.

When Special Public Prosecutor and senior counsel representing the NIA in the case S B

Locally grown chilli evokes global curiosity HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 6

The Canconchi mirsang (Cancona chilli) has been popular in and around the State, but it has now even invited international attention.

According to sources at the local agricultural office, scientists from Japan reached Goa to take samples of the Canconchi mirsang to explore its unique features.

Interestingly, only the chilies grown on mountainous terrains (Kamath) during Kharif season shows uniqueness in its taste and colour. Besides, these chilies contain more seeds than any other brand of chilies grown elsewhere during Khariff season or even in Canacona’s low-lying areas during the rabbi season.

“The Kamathanthuleo chilies from Canacona usually have thin skin and bright red skin, eventually earning the distinction for its uniqueness,” informed the source.

“With the growing curiosity over Canconchi mirsang, even Zuari Agro Co

The ‘Canconchi Mirsang’.

Ltd (ZACL) is doing research for its uniqueness in taste and looks,” added sources.

Another source from agriculture office indicates that the matchless taste of chilies grown on Canacona hillocks during Kharif season is due to the variety of soil on Canacona mountains.

Meanwhile, given the heavy demand

India wants others extradited PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 6

In the wake of sentencing of Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist caught alive during 26/11 attacks, India today pressed for extradition of his co-conspirators based in Pakistan so that they could be brought to justice here.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said the trial and sentence awarded to Kasab sends a message to Pakistan that justice will be meted out to anyone waging war against this country.

“In the light of the findings of the trial judge and in the light of the offences that Kasab had

Photo by Kathy Pereira

for Canacona chilies, many people are misguided in buying chilies from the taluka for exorbitant rates, which are however grown during Rabbi season in low-lying ‘Porsant’ areas, fields in the taluka, which incidentally do not have similar looks and taste.

Sources informed that the breed variety of chilies grown in Canacona during

Rabbi season is in fact the Aldona breed and is normally found and grown all over the State, which is not the case of breed of chilies grown during Kharif season on Canacona hillocks.

During the season, ‘Kamath’ chilies grown on hillocks across the taluka command high rates.

With the rising kidney failure incidents overshadowing all other sickness in the taluka, unconfirmed sources attribute these incidents to regular practice of heavy consumption of Canaconchi mirsang, which however has no standing in medical sanctity, adds the source.

Interestingly, growers of Canconchi Mirsang quotes above Rs 300 per kg, the rate which is stagnant since the last three years, but claim stocks are unavailable.

The chilies grown during Rabbi season in Porsam will be shortly out and local sources claimed that the rates they expect to get is Rs 250 per kg with some banking on the fame of Canaconhi mirsang tag to earn more rate.

committed, I think the judge has come to the most appropriate conclusion which could send a positive message that anyone who wants to wage a war against India is caught and after going through a fair trial, he will find that justice will be meted out,” he told reporters while commenting on sentencing of Kasab. He said the sentence was based on concrete evidence about Kasab’s involvement in the carnage.

Slain cop’s brother happy with verdict HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 6

Expressing satisfaction over the death sent e n c e awarded to A j m a l Praveen Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist in the 26/11 Mumbai carnage, the Karkare family has hoped that the sentence will be executed as soon as possible.

“We are happy and equally

No notification yet to appoint special court

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 6

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

IN BRIEF

Business: SC verdict on RIL, RNRL dispute today Pg 13

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Faria was contacted by Herald to throw light on the matter, he said “No doubt, there is presently no notification to try the bomb blast case by a special court. But, the chargesheet can be filed in the Sessions Court before the 180 day custody of the accused persons expires next week”.

Faria declined to comment on the delay by the NIA to file the chargesheet against accused Vinayak Patil and Vinay Talekar in the Sancoale case, but sources say the chargesheet is being prepared by the NIA bosses in Delhi and the documents would be dispatched to Goa no sooner the chargesheet gets a clearance from all angles.

Incidentally, the NIA tried to impress upon the magistrate court to reject the bail pleas of Vinay Talekar and Vinayak Patil on grounds there is no notification appointing special court to try the case. The magistrate, however, rejected the plea saying her court would not have powers to entertain the bail application if there was any notification appointing any court as a special court.

satisfied with the verdict on Ajmal Kasab. We only hope the sentence will be implemented even faster. Hopefully, it won’t drag on like the Afzal Guru case, who attacked the heart of our democracy,” said Praveen Karkare, younger brother of Hemant, the police official who was slain in the 26/11 terrorist attacks.

Praveen, a manager at a nationalized bank at Canacona, said the whole family was eagerly awaiting the verdict.

(Continued on page 10)

MPLAD scheme validity upheld PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 6

The Supreme Court today upheld the constitutional validity of the MPLAD Scheme under which members of parliament (MPs) are allocated Rs 2 crore annually for development of their constituencies, saying it cannot be scrapped merely because of allegations of misuse by some MPs. In an unanimous verdict, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said there are “sufficient checks and balances” to prevent misuse of the scheme.

She is claiming to have leaked only delicious Indian recipies...

BJP reaches out to ‘untouchables’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 6

Probably realizing that they cannot come to power on the plank of Hindutva, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has began its political planning for 2014 parliamentary polls by trying to encompass communities that hitherto remained “untouchables” to the party.

The BJP has aimed to increase its vote bank by 10 per cent comprising of minorities and SC/ST (scheduled castes and scheduled tribes).

Also, professionals as well people in the unorganized sector are being targeted, said Nitin Gadkari, BJP national president at a press conference on Thursday here.

Gadkari who is on two day visit of Goa will address a

public meeting at Azad Maidan on May 7. Reacting to the query , he said, they have had interactions with SC/STs as a step towards increasing its vote bank.

He also pointed out that, no religion should be linked to terrorism and their party is for progress and development and opposed to terrorism.

However when questioned whether BJP has given up on Hindutva, there was no clear answer.

Interactions help to absolve misunderstandings and prejudices, said the national president who has an uphill task to up the falling fortunes of the BJP and also help nurture leaders that would be able to rein in increasing might of the Congress party.

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Chemicals used to kill Mudkud River fish poses threat to Agonda, Khola locals Death of calves, dog prompts PWD to suspend pumping of water HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 6

The use of chemicals to kill fish in the Mudkud River has posed a serious threat to the lives of over 5,000 people in Agonda and Khola.

Two calves and a dog reportedly died after consuming the dead fish from the river banks on Thursday morning, prompting the PWD to suspend pumping of water from the river.

According to sources, some persons on Tuesday used some chemicals to kill fish in Mudkud River, which is largely used by PWD department to pump water for consumption at three different places. The water is later supplied to Agonda and parts of Khola areas.

According to locals, sweet water fish and other marine life, including river snakes, were seen floating in the river.

“Two calves and a dog died after they consumed the dead fish from the river banks on Thursday morning,” informed the locals.

The incident came to light on Thursday morning, after smell started to emanate from the river fronts. Later, hundreds of residents from Agonda and Khola gathered near the river.

The residents feared the water, which is supplied for consumption in their villages, is obviously poisoned and demanded immediate remedial action for avoiding any damages to human lives.

The incident reportedly invited the attention of PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, who

Dead fish and other marine life float in the Mudkud River, AgondaCanacona.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

ordered the immediate suspension of a ‘valve-operator’ with PWD (water supply).

The local PWD officials visited the areas and collected water samples for testing at three different locations from the river points at Karegal, Kudai and Mudkud.

The PWD officials also suspended pumping of water from these points, besides dislodging locally made bandhs to discharge water from the river and also ordered emptying of storage tanks, which stored water from the river since Wednesday night.

According to PWD sources, police are also informed and visited the site. The panic-stricken

villagers were heard questioning about the safety of water which is already supplied to them.

“We are taking all precautions that unless the water is cleared of any contamination, it will not be supplied to any areas,” assured Canacona PWD (water supply) Assistant Engineer K Velingkar.

“Even though locals are alleging it to be handiwork of some local PWD ‘valve-operators’, we are still unsure as to how the contamination has occurred in such a large scale,” said Velingkar.

“Fish was caught was in huge quantity on Tuesday. Over five jute sacks were taken away by

some people on that day itself,” informed sources.

Some residents blamed local PWD (water supply) staff for reportedly using chlorine (which is stocked and normally available with the staff locally treating the water) in large quantity eventually causing the accident.

“This is a common practice here, where local PWD staff uses chlorine to kill river fish and also supplies fish to their higher ups,” informed one Sandeep of Mudkud.

Says another local, Nitiesh: “We know and even informed authorities the identification of culprits, who caused the accident destroying marine life in Mudkud river.”

Acting swiftly, PWD officials which include Canacona AE Krishnanand Velingkar and JE Deepraj Madkaikar visited the site and immediately stopped pumping of water, ordered discharge of stored water in some storage overhead tanks in the villages.

“We still don’t know what caused the dead of fish and other water lives in large quantity, but we have collected water samples at three different areas and have sent it for testing at Panjim,” said Velingkar.

“The water supply to many areas in Agonda and some parts of Khola will be affected, but w e a re m a k i n g a l t e r n a t e arrangements to supply water by tankers till doubts are cleared over the alleged contamination of water used for tap supply,” said JE Madkaikar.

Sub-committee to decide fate of St Inez creek project HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 6

The sub-committee under Urban Development Ministry will meet on May 18, to decide whether work of St Inez creek should be taken under Central funds or not.

The beautification of St Inez creek project has been hanging fire since the time it has been taken up under Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for funding.

Sources maintained that the upcoming meeting will come out with the final verdict on the issue.

“Various aspects of the proj-

ect will be taken up during the meeting. The project has always been under crisis for one or the other reason. The committee will verify all the matters in the meeting,” sources said.

The committee chaired by Manohar Parrikar will then visit the St Inez creek to examine all the illegal activities taking place around the creek.

Rs 17 crore up-gradation project has been on hold since the committee member Nandkumar Kamat raised objection to the concretisation of the creek as it will have an adverse effect on ecology.

Later, along with Kamat, Dr Joe D’Souza and Petricia Pinto strongly expressed their discontent over the constructions that have sprung along the water body. The committee chairman had then decided to have a sight inspection on May 6, which was called off later.

The State government has already forwarded the first slot of projects for funding under JNNURM. Six projects worth Rs 7 crore under heritage conservation as well as six more projects under urban renewal parks and garden at a cost of Rs 11 crore have been forwarded.

Fomento seeks time to return draft Concession agreement HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

A day after it received a reminder from the Margao Municipal Council on the Sonsodo matter, Fomento has wrote back to the Civic body to give them time till mid-May to return the draft Concession agreement for ratification.

And, Fomento in its letter to the Civic body, has reminded the Council that the Civic body had consumed much time in

getting the draft agreement vetted by the Municipal advocate.

MMC Chief Officer Y B Tawde said Fomento has asked for some time to go and study the points in the draft Concession agreement before the same is sent back to the Civic body for ratification by the City Fathers.

He, however, stated that the company has promised to submit the draft Concession agree-

ment by mid-May. The Margao Municipal Council had on Wednesday dashed off a letter to Fomento reminding the company on the urgent need to cap the Sonsodo site with tarpaulin in view of the fast approaching rains.

The Civic body had also asked the company to carr y out drainage works at the site to ensure that water from the dump yard is channelled out in the right direction.

With Tawde on leave, whom will DMA depute to run MMC affairs?

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

All eyes are focused on the Director of Municipal Administration as the newly-appointed Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Y B Tawde has proceeded on leave from Friday.

In the past, the DMA used to deputy A-Grade Officer Prasanna Acharya – who holds the post of South Goa Additional Collector – as a stop gap arrangement whenever the MMC Chief Officer proceeded on leave.

But, much water has flown down the River Sal since the last three months and it is an open secret that relationship between the Margao Municipal Councillors and Acharya has hit rock bottom after he presided over the affairs of the Civic

body for a brief period.

In fact, the Margao City Fathers, especially the ruling group, feels that the outgoing Chief Officer Acharya let down the Councillors by raising the bogey of corruption against them without divulging the names of the corrupt councillors involved in extorting money from the builders.

As things stand today, sources in the know said the DMA has two options, one to hand over the charge of MMC Chief Officer to the District Magistrate G P Naik, who had in the past presided over the affairs of the Civic body for quite some time.

The second option is to hand over the charge to the Mormugao Municipal Chief Officer to fill up the vaccum left by Tawde, who will resume duty only on Thursday next.

Along with St Inez creek project, the mobilisation project has been also kept on hold as the committee is not happy with the draft plan prepared by the civic body.

Colmorod local roughs up census enumerators HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

Census enumerators had to face the ire of a household owner in the city here on Thursday morning when a male member roughed up the officials while carrying out the census duties.

The incident occurred Thursday morning at Colmorod when the two enumerators visited a household when the male member came charging towards them and asked them to leave the premises.

Enumerator Ashok Prabhu informed that the male member even snatched the enumeration papers and put cancellation marks on the papers.

Prabhu immediately intimated the incident to the Deputy Collector Johnson Fernandes and later lodged a complaint with the Margao police.

Prabhu told the police that the male member sought to know how they could seek details without informing him.

Incidentally, the enumerators find themselves in a tight spot as many have been pulled up by the census officials for the delays and have to sometimes face hot tempered people on the field.

This is not the first time that census enumerators had to face anxious moments while undertaking the month and half long exercise.

Last month, an enumerator employed with the Power department made his presence felt before the Deputy Collector stating that he was roughed up by a household owner after he visited the house to seek details pertaining to the census work.

Bank employee held for cheating, forgery HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

The Colva police on Thursday arrested a young bank employee of a nationalised bank for cheating, forgery and impersonation after she allegedly withdrew money amounting to Rs 3.75 lakh from an account through the ATM facility.

Acting on the complaint lodged by the manager of the Benaulim branch of Bank of Baroda, a team of Colva police led

by PSI Anand Shirodkar rushed

to the branch and took the employee Helfia Viegas (20), Varca into custody.

PSI Shirodkar stated that the employee allegedly obtained an ATM facility in the name of a bank account holder Savio Rosario D’Silva by forging his signature.

If the police is to be believed, around Rs 3.75 cash was withdrawn from Savio’s account since the last one month, before the account holder, who is working abroad, suspected

something fish about his transactions.

The police said that Savio sent an e-mail to the branch manager on Wednesday seeking details of his bank statement, only to find that cash of Rs 3.75 lakh was found withdrawn fraudulently.

As Savio’s account was subsequently blocked following the disturbing disclosure, the bank employee, police said, tried to withdraw the cash from Savio’s account on Thursday morning,

but failed to succeed since the account was blocked.

The bank manager Sudin Borkar immediately alerted the Colva police and the employee was later taken into custody.

She has been booked under Section 409, 465, 468, 471, 419 and 420 of the IPC. PSI Shirodkar said the police has attached a fixed deposit of Rs 60,000, besides cash of Rs 36,000 from the accused bank employee.

Further investigations are on.

One held for damage to property at Sinquerim HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 6

Calangute police on Thursday arrested a native of Karnataka on charges of criminal trespass and damages to property at Sinquerim.

In his complaint, Anthony D’Souza of Sinquerim, who looks after the Central Excise Guest House at Sinquerim, told Calangute police that one Ramesh Lamani, residing at Sinquerim, and two others entered the guest house and broke window panes, thus committing trespass.

Lamani, who is working as a boat driver at Sinquerim jetty, was arrested under Sections 452, 323, 506 read with 34 IPC for criminal trespass, assault and damages to the property. PSI Sherif Jacques is investigating the case.

Congress Seva Dal looking to strengthen Goa base HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 6

Claiming to be working behind the scenes the lesser known All India Congress Seva Dal on Thursday assured to take up issues pertaining to Goa’s environment and other matters having social implications, including casino gambling.

Addressing a press conference, chief organiser of All India Congress Seva Dal Mahendra Joshi said this was his second visit to Goa, but first as far as attending an organisational meeting was concerned. Yes there are issues and in this regard I have come to Goa to strengthen the Seva Dal here, he mentioned and added, “There are many problems which have to be looked into.”

However, when questioned whether he was given the knowledge of the issues facing

Goa Joshi turned to the State chief organiser who said they were abreast of the issues and were working silently without coming to the press to publicise their work.

Joshi on being questioned by the press on the casino gambling issue in Goa maintained it was against the principles of Seva Dal and he would talk to the Congress leaders in the State about the same.

When questioned about the mining issue having implications on the environment of the State, he said now that the matter was before him he had taken note of it and would seek more details.

Joshi said the Seva Dal had planned training camps for which they would select two each from the 7,500 blocks across the countr y. Nearly 15,000 and more Seva Dal vol-

Met to install ARG stations to analyse rainfall trend HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 6

Goa Meteorological Department will be installing eight Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) stations across the State to ensure there is real time mapping of the rainfall.

“It’s a project embarked by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) across the country.

And as a part of this project we are going to install ARG in our State, which will analyse rainfall trend in much better way,” IMD, Goa in-charge K V Singh told Herald.

He said that the idea behind installing these automatic gauges is to avoid any real time delay in gathering data.

“It will help to gather rainfall data every hour from remote and inaccessible areas that otherwise takes a couple of days or hours owing to the difficulties in having proper communication channels between these places and us,” Singh said.

The Met department has selected eight places across the state for the installation of ARG but the department is waiting for No Objection Certificates (NOC’s) from various departments.

“It’s not possible to reveal the names of sites at the movement. We are waiting for NOC’s from forest and agriculture de-

partments,” he said.

The entire project is of Rs 15 lakh as sanctioned by Union ministry.

Giving more boosts to weather forecast, the department has set up Automatic Weather System (AWS) in Panjim and is planning to have two more in South Goa. “One will be installed at Mormugao shortly and we are looking for yet another site in South district itself. The total cost is Rs 15 lakh and it’s funded by the Central government,” Singh said.

Singh explained that the AWS would have meteorological sensors to measure various parameters, including the relative temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and wind speed and direction. It would update information on an hourly basis.

“The system will save man power and will also help in the measurement from far areas,” he added.

The department last year installed Global Positioning System (GPS) worth Rs 84 lakh, to measure vertical profile of water vapour in vertical atmosphere.

The observatory will be soon installing sophisticated Doppler radar costing Rs 11 crore, which will make climate forecast a

much accurate task.

The radar has already arrived in Goa on April 8. However, the work of installation is yet to be started as the work of the building is still under process.

Since last six months, the Met department is working on modifying the radar building at Altinho with the help of Central Public Work Department (CPWD).

Singh confirmed that since the radar has been made in China, experts from China will be coming to Goa to install the same.

The Met department hopes that the new high-tech sophisticated computer operated Doppler radar will enable them to render near accurate forecast, especially during monsoons.

Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Prithviraj Chavan in a reply to the Goa Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Shantaram Naik has said that Rs 12.30 crore has been already sanctioned to the Met department in Goa. Singh said that the as per the sanctioned amount, the instruments (GPS, ARG and AWS) are being installed.

“Doppler radar is yet another instrument funded by the ministry and will be installed soon,” he said.

unteers would be trained so as to make them responsible citizens. In Goa we are holding a training camp in August, he mentioned.

He said Seva Dal had started a membership drive to enrol youngsters because the youth showed more inclination towards joining the Youth Congress. Even though we are looking for youngsters the major criteria for their selection would be the ideological commitment they would offer to the organistaion, he observed.

Joshi said though Seva Dal was one of the frontal organisations of the Congress it was not a full-fledged political organisation. Dal is the parent party’s nursery where youth are trained for handling themselves in the Congress party and to become responsible Indians, he mentioned.

Cops patrol coastal waters for second day HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

For the second day on Thursday, the coastal police effectively patrolling the Arabian Sea and the mouth of River Sal, intercepting two boats at Betalbatim and at Mobor as part of Sagar Kavach.

Sources in the know said the police patrol boat first intercepted a vessel at Mobor in the wee hours of Thursday, opposite Leela beach. The operation continued thereafter and the patrol boat led by Betul Coastal police station incharge, PI Gurudas Kadam intercepted the second vessel off Betalbatim.

A patrol party of the Betul coastal police station also maintained round-the-clock vigil at the mouth of River Sal at Betul, conducting search of the fishing vessels returning to the nearby Cutbona fishing jetty for suspicious men and armaments.

“It was a rich experience for the men-in-uniform to maintain a vigil right at the river mouth at Betul. The mock drill will help the police in the future to immediately take positions in times of terror alerts”, remarked a police official.

In fact, the police patrol boat whistled to every incoming boat into the river to make available for a search as part of the twoday operation.

PWD removes mud deposited in Bicholim river HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MAY 6

The PWD on Thursday began removing the mud, which was deposited in the Bicholim River, where the construction of a bridge is in progress.

It may be recalled that PWD, while undertaking the construction work of the parallel bridge on Bicholim River, had deposited heaps of mud near one of the main pillars of the bridge, due to which the entire flow of water from Bicholim River had been blocked.

Taking note of the situation, the WRD, engaged in undertaking flood remedial measures in Bicholim, had issued a notice to PWD with a request to clear the mud at the earliest to save Bicholim city from getting flooded during the monsoon.

However, PWD Assistant Engineer Natarajan reportedly did not pay any heed to the request. Left with no option, the WRD reported the matter to Bicholim Mamlatdar Pramod

Labourer falls to death at Borda

MARGAO (HR): A 42-year-old labourer from Karnataka died after he came crashing down from the building at Borda.

Margao PI Santosh Desai said the incident occurred last night when the labourer Nagaraj fell from the building.

A case of unnatural death has been registered by the Margao police.

Police passing out parade

VALPOI (HC): The passing out parade of the 43rd batch of recruit police constables will be conducted at Prerna Maidan, Police Training School, Valpoi, on May 7 at 9 am.

Home Minister Ravi S Naik will be the chief guest and give away the prizes. Besides oathtaking ceremony, the pro gramme will include March Past, Band show and Mass PT.

Work of removing the mud in progress along the Bicholim river.

Bhat, who in turn reported the matter to Collector Mihir Vardhan and called for a meeting on Wednesday with PWD and WRD officials to settle the

issue.

After discussion with the officials, Collector Vardhan later inspected the site.

Collector Vardhan directed

Photo by Vishant Vaze

the PWD to clear the mud by May 25, failing which he cautioned them to shoulder the responsibility of floods during monsoon.

Passing the buck continues over land for kabrastan at Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

The blame game and the game of passing the buck continues over the long-pending demand of Margao’s Muslim community for a spacious kabrastan.

If the Margao Municipal Council pushed the ball in the court of the District Collector, South by asking the district revenue head to identify land for burial grounds for the three religious communities some time back, the District Collector has returned the ball back in the court of the Civic body.

Sources in the know said the District Collector, G P Naik has put a note clearly stating that the Margao Civic body puts up a concrete proposal before his office and supported by docu-

ments on the land to be acquired for acquisition for the purpose.

This clearly indicates that the District Collector has made it very clear to the Civic body that his office is not a acquiring department and only acquires land based on requisition received from concerned department.

The District Collector’s note also implies that the revenue office wants the local Civic body to shortlist and identify suitable land for the burial grounds before submitting a concrete proposal for land acquisition.

Incidentally, the Margao Municipal Council had pushed the ball in the court of the Magistrate after they shied away in identifying land for the burial grounds at the special Council meeting convened specifically

to address the burning issue.

Meanwhile, sources in the know informed that the District Collector is believed to have filed a detailed report to the Chief Secretary on the questions raised by the National Commission for the Minorities vis-à-vis kabrastan.

Sources in the know said the Collector is reported to have stated in his report that is purely for the Social Welfare department to move to his office after identification of land for the purpose of land acquisition.

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary has been summoned by the National Commission for the minorities on May 25 with all reports and documents on the long-pending demand for a kabrastan by Margao’s Muslim community.

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BJP flays misuse of CBI, to stage nation-wide protests on May 12 HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 6

To condemn alleged gross misuse of the CBI by the UPA government to harass its Opposition leaders, the BJP on May 12 will stage nation-wide protests. BJP workers will stage protests outside CBI offices in the State capitals.

The National President of BJP, Nitin Gadkari who is on a two-day visit of Goa while addressing a press conference on Thursday here, said BJP strongly condemns the gross misuse of the CBI in the last six years by the Congress-led government and would protest outside CBI offices in various State capitals.

Terming CBI as Congress Bureau of Investigation, Gadkari charged that in the last six years, Congress has used CBI against its political opponents particularly those belonging to BJP, SP and RJD and harassed opposition leaders who were not vulnerable to government pressure.

He listed names such as Ajit Jogi, who he charged was systematically finished by misusing the CBI whereas in the Bofors case, the complete failure to bring the Italian Quattrochi to face the Indian courts was accomplished by misusing the CBI. On the other hand, Congress has helped its own people to get out of the rut such as Sajjan Kumar. A Delhi Court has criticised CBI for its failure to arrest and produce former Congress MP. The CBI was also criticised by the Supreme Court for acting at the behest of the Centre in trying to clear Jagadish Tytler from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Alleging that opposition leaders not vulnerable to government pressure are harassed, Gadkari said this is more evident in Gujarat.

While cases of fake encounter killing of dreaded criminals by police are registered all over the country, the UPA government has taken extra ordinary interest to entrust the case of the encounter killing in Gujarat to the CBI even after the Gujarat Police filed charge

Coming down heavily on the Congress government, BJP President Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the main reason for increase in essential commodities and inflation in the country is bad governance and faulty economic policies of the Congress government.

He was speaking at the meeting organized by Mapusa BJP Mandal at the residence of Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza on Thursday.

“The inflation in 25 nations is only 2%, whereas it is 11 % in India. Prices of essential commodities like wheat, rice and sugar are much higher in India as compared to other nations,” stated Gadkari.

“Since there isn’t enough storage capacity in the country, food grains and other essential commodities are getting get dam-

BJP President Nitin Gadkari, flanked by Goa unit president Laxmikant Parsekar and former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, addressing press conference on Thursday during his 2-day visit to Goa.

sheets against several senior police officers.

There are several cases pending against Sohrabuddin, who was accused of spreading terror and was arrested and remanded to police custody in 1995 and there are several cases pending against him in different States, and was also linked with Dawood Ibrahim, yet UPA government acting in tandem, being pressurised by NGOs and activists, took the case of an anti-national and a criminal like Sohrabuddin, he charged.

He also alleged that CBI is being misused to suppress and defame the chief minister of Gujarat and the State is being punished for electing BJP successively in every election.

Our Vasco Reporter adds: State BJP workers accorded a warm welcome to BJP President Nitin Gadkari on his maiden visit to the State on Thursday morning.

Gadkari, who arrived in a special aircraft, was welcomed by State President Laxmikant Parsekar, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, Fatorda MLA Damu Naik, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik, BJP Secretary Narendra Saviokar, former MLA Rajendra Arlekar, Avinash Koli, former Mormugao Municipal Council chairman Deepak Naik, Councilor Daji Salkar, Jayant Jadhav and BJP workers.

The BJP workers welcomed Gadkari in a traditional manner with an aarti and garlanding him, while BJP youth workers played the traditional music.

Gadkari convoy was halted near Shantadurga Temple at Sancoale, where Cortalim constituency workers welcomed him by offering him a garland.

Huge posters of Gadkari were seen from the airport junction at prime locations along NH-17A.

aged. The distribution system is also very poor. Due to speculation and manipulations of middle agents, essential commodities do not reach the common man,” said Gadkari.

“There was a turnover of 4.50 lakh crores of essential commodities in the country, but essential commodities worth Rs 4,500 crore has reached the people.

The beneficiaries are corporate sector and multinationals whose share prices have escalated by almost 300%,” added Gadkari.

He further said out of 63 years, the Congress has ruled the country for nearly 53 years.

“As per the report submitted to the Planning Commission by five committees, the below poverty line population has increased by 41 crores since Independence. Of these 41 crores, 75% of the population is Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes

and OBC,” said Gadkari.

He said price rise, unemployment, death of farmers, internal and external security are some of the major problems the country is facing today.

“These problems can be tackled only with good governance and better socio-economic policies. BJP is not against minorities, but against criminals and terrorists, be they Hindus or Muslims,” said Gadkari.

“BJP is a secular party. Congress leaders have tried to spoil BJP’s image by labelling it as a communal party. BJP believes that government, military forces, judiciary, media, etc, should be secular. Religion is a way of life and every individual has got the right to follow his own region,” added Gadkari.

He further said the politics of development and progress can only change the socio-economic scenario of the country.

Shoreline illegally reclaimed at Khariwada fishing jetty: MPT

“Public-Private enterprises should be encouraged. Agriculture and rural economy should get a priority,” he said.

“The initial estimated cost of Bandra-Worli Bridge was Rs 420 crore, but by the time it got completed, the cost rose to Rs 1,680 crore. Inflation and price rise has taken place wherever the Congress party has ruled the country,” said Gadkari.

Earlier, Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza welcomed the gathering and Youth Wing of BJP President Jaisingh Rane compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.

North Goa MP Sripad Naik, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, BJP State President Laxmikant Parsekar, Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik, Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar and Siolim MLA Dayanand Mandrekar were present on the occasion.

Man assaults wife, son with razor HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, MAY 6

A man allegedly assaulted his wife and minor son with a razor at Valpoi on Thursday at about 1 pm.

According to Valpoi police, the woman suffered multiple injuries on her face, while the son sustained injuries on his back.

They were rushed to Community Health Centre Valpoi. However, after administrating the first aid, the doctor on duty referred the victims to Asilo Hospital in Mapusa.

Police further informed that the accused has been absconding after committing the crime and are making extensive search to nab the accused.

The illegally reclaimed shoreline at the Khariwado fishing jetty.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 6

Some persons have reportedly reclaimed nearly 1,000 sq mtrs shoreline attached to the Khariwado fishing jetty, in violation of Costal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and Port Act. Addressing reporters in his office on Thursday, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) Deputy Chairperson P C Parida said some unknown persons have reclaimed shoreline close to Khariwado jetty some days ago, which is in gross violation of CRZ norms and Section 46 of the Port Act. “Criminal proceeding has to be initiated against the persons, who have reclaimed the shoreline,” stated Parida.

It may be recalled that five months ago in a joint meeting chaired by MPT officials along with Fisheries Minister Joaquam Alemao, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik, then chief secretary Sanjay Srivastav and office bear-

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 6

In a major reshuffle, the State personnel department has transferred several senior grade officers including Excise Commissioner Sandip Jacques, which was demanded by the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party alleging his involvement in the Rs 40 cr Excise scam.

Jacques has now been given charge as the Commissioner Commercial Taxes Department.

Director of Lotteries TS Reddy has been given charge as the Commissioner of Excise while S a n j e e v G a d ka r, D i re c t o r Women and Child department, has been given additional charge of Director Lotteries.

Vallabh Kamat has been trans-

Cong’s faulty policies blamed for rise in prices HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 6

Govt reshuffles senior grade officers

ers of Goa Fishing Boat Owner Association (GFBOA) had agreed to shift its operation from the existing Khariwado fishing jetty to the new site towards the southern end of Baina beach once it is functional.

Parida said the fishing body at Khariwado fishing jetty had agreed during the tri-party meeting to shift its operation at the new location once it is commissioned.

“But with such illegal reclamation, it reflects that the fishing community is not willing to shift, even though port and State government have agreed to the demand,” added Parida.

He further informed that port officials are working to finalise the feasibility report on the new site. Soil test has been completed and they would shortly put forward proposal before the Central government for the construction of fishing jetty, which is estimated to cost Rs 40 crore.

“We understand Khariwado fishing jetty is the livelihood of

Photo by M Prabhav

many fishermen. We want to compensate them in the best possible manner due to which we have agreed to build the new fishing jetty. Recently, we have spent nearly Rs 40 lakh on the repair of fishing jetty at Khariwado,” said Parida.

However, it is learnt that for the last few months, work is going on to reclaim the shoreline and nearly 400 truckloads of rubble have been dumped to make it slip-way for boats.

It is further learnt that about 1,000-odd area, which has been reclaimed, would be utilised for repair of boats during off season.

“We came to know about the reclamation recently,” added Parida.

He said the port authority has complained to the CRZ authority, District Collector, Deputy Collector and local police about the reclamation and expecting CRZ authority to inspect the site shortly.

ferred as the managing director of Goa Industrial Development Corporation.

Interestingly, Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik has been transferred and posted as the is Director of Transport.

Nikhil Desai, who is already holding two charges of MD GHRSSIDC and MD GTDC has been given additional charge of Director Tourism.

Director of Transport Venancio Furtado has been posted as managing director of Kadamba Transport Corporation.

Administrative Director of Health TS Sawant has been posted as Project Director GRDA while SV Naik, executive director of Goa Medical College has been posted as Administrative Director of Health.

Inmates out of station, burglars make merry at Sarzora HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

Planning to go out of station to enjoy the summer holidays with your family?

Beware, ensure that you don’t keep money and valuables in the house while you are out. For, you may be the next target of the burglars on the prowl as happened to the Furtado family at Sarzora Wednesday night.

In a daring burglary, unknown culprits barged inside the house of Cedric Furtado when the inmates were out on a holiday in South India.

Cuncolim police said the miscreants barged inside the house by breaking the latch hook of the main door. Once inside, the miscreants ransacked all the four bedrooms for the booty and finally managed to lift away around 1500 US dollars, approximately Rs 69,000.

It is not known whether the culprits have managed to lay their hands on any gold ornaments and the question will be answered only when the family members returns home.

After the incident came to light, the Cuncolim police immediately pressed into ser vice a sniffer dog, but

could not obtain any clues so far.

The Cuncolim police has registered a case under 380 of the IPC. Further investigations are on.

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short tAkes Award for Nagvenkar

PANJIM (HND): A N Nagvenkar, Chairman of ANN Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology has been selected for the ‘Mother Teresa Excellence Award’.

The award will be presented at a seminar on ‘Development challenges towards 21st century India’, which is organised by Integrated Council for Socio-Economic progress, on June 6, in Chennai.

Prominent national leaders, captains of business and industry, leaders of eminence and experts will address the seminar.

Interview for JRF

PANJIM (HND): A walk-in-interview will be held on May 11 for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) (one post) to work under the project on ‘An oxygenic phototrophic bacterial primary productivity and studies on the endolithic bacterial communities of marine ecosystems’ funded by Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Interested candidates are requested to report by 10 am alongwith the application addressed to Prof Saroj Bhosle, Head, Department of Microbiology, Goa University with attested copies and original certificates at the Department of Microbiology.

Qualification for the post is post graduate degree with 55% in Microbiology. Fellowship includes Rs 12000 per month plus HRA as applicable.

retailers cautioned not to overcharge milk HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAy 6

The public is hereby informed that despite booking several cases against overcharging on milk packages above MRP it is found that some retailers/sellers are still charging 50 paise to one rupee more than the MRP as declared on the milk packages.

This practice of overcharging is in contravention of Rule 23 (2) of the Packaged Commodities Rules, punishable with a fine of maximum Rs 2000. Therefore the retailers are hereby to sell the milk packages according to the price declared as MRP on the packets.

In case of overcharging, the public may contact the following offices of Legal Metrology for their grievances regarding overcharging of the milk. The Controller, Legal Metrology, office of the Controller, Legal Metrology (head office), above Cafe Shanbag, Rua Diogo de Couto Road, near Municipal Garden, Panjim (2426432); the Asst Controller, Legal Metrology, North Zone, 2nd floor, Tourist Shopping Complex, Mapusa (2256311); the Asst Controller, Legal Metrology, Central Lab/Packaged Commodities, office of the Controller, Legal Metrology (head office), Rua

Diogo de Couto Road, near Municipal Garden, Panjim (2421037); the Asst Controller, Legal Metrology, Central Zone, Ghanekar building, opposite Dukle Hardware, Mala, Panjim; the Asst Controller, Legal Metrology, South Zone, Char Rasta, opposite Konkan Railway Station, Margao-Quepem road, Navelim, Margao (2703859); office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology (Weights and Measure), Pernem; office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology (Weights and Measure), c/o Umesh Mashelkar, Vasumati Niwas, Sonarpeth, Bicholim; office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology, Market yard, Mapusa; office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology, government building, Tisk-Ponda; office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology, Roshn Manzil, Pixi Dongri, Vasco; Office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology, opposite Konkan Railway Station, Quepem-Road, Margao; office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology, Srisan Plaza Building, opposite Government Primary School Sanguem; office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology (Weights and Measures), Market yard, Curchorem and office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology, Ghanekar Building, opposite Dukle Hardware, Mala-Panjim.

Fight against vector borne diseases

Mickky for workshops at p’yat level HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAy 6

Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco has favoured holding of advocacy workshops on vector borne diseases at the Panchayat level. This, he said, is necessary not only to ensure community participation but also to create greater awareness among the masses about these diseases.

Speaking as chief guest after inaugurating an advocacy workshop on vector borne diseases, organized by Primary Health Centre, Cansaulim of the Directorate of Health Services at Majorda, Mickky complimented the organizers for participation of social workers, anganwadi workers, students and representatives of local self government bodies in the workshop, which he pointed out will help to enlighten them about sicknesses caused due to malaria, dengue, chikungunya, filaria and Japanese encephalitis.

Emphasizing on the need to adopt preventive measures to get rid of diseases such as malaria, Mickky said the holding of workshops in each and every village in Goa with powerpoint presentation on vector borne diseases and its preventive measures is necessary to

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will lay the foundation stone for beautification works in Canacona in the distinguished presence of Minister for Urban Development Joaquim Alemao, MLA and GSIDC Vice-Chairman Francisco Silveira and MLA Vijay Pai Khot at a function to be held at Canacona on May 7.

The function will also be attended by former minister and Chairman of Goa Infotech Corporation Subhash Shirodkar, Canacona Municipal Council Chairperson Shyamsundar Dessai and Vice-Chairperson Dilip Kenkre.

The beautification works include asphalting of existing road, providing pavers, providing islands to road, storm water drain with pre-cast cover, illumination and landscaping, upgradation of fish market and

Major power shutdown in Ilhas HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAy 6

A major power shutdown has been arranged by Kadamba sub station on May 9, from 8 am to 4 pm, to carry out maintenance work on 33KV Bambolim-I and Bambolim -II feeders.

On account of the shutdown, there will be no power supply to Merces, Chimbel, Siridao, Bambolim, Dona Paula, Cidadede-Goa, Bambolim Beach Resort, GMC Mortuary, Military, Menezes twin factory, AIR, Batim, Neura, Agasaim, Bambolim, University, RMO’s, Dental, NIO, Caranzalem, Taleigao, Odxel and Pilar.

painting of Municipality building, which will be taken up under GSIDC. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will also lay foundation stone for beautification works in Sanguem town in the presence of Minister for Urban Development Joaquim Alemao at a function to be held at Sanguem on May 7, at 10 am.

The function will also be attended by MLA and GSIDC

Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco inaugurates an advocacy workshop on vector borne disease, organised

by Cansaulim PHC at Majorda, on Thursday. Also present are ZP member Nelly Rodrigues, NVBDCP dy director Dipak Kabaddi and others.

control and check the growth of such type of diseases.

Mickky further said that due to increase in construction activities and influx of migrant labourers, preventive measures should be taken to live a disease-free life. He also said that the government is spending crores of rupees on

Azgaonkar vows to develop Dhargalim

Best p’yat: Mollem VP comes second HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, MAy 6

Panchayat Minister Manohar Azgaonkar unveiling the plaque to mark the inauguration of hot-mixing of roads in Dhargal. Also present are Sarpanch Pramod Parab, panch Seema Khadpe and others.

CM to launch works in Canacona, Sanguem HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAy 6

Red Cross Day

under BPL. NVBDCP Dy Director Dr Deepak Kaabadi spoke on the present malaria scenario in Goa, Dr Viraj Parab gave presentation on vector borne diseases and its preventive measures. Health Officer Dr Juse de Souza welcomed the guests.

Stating that he intends to develop each and every village coming within the jurisdiction of Pernem, Panchayats Minister Manohar Azgaonkar said that the pace of development has already been accelerated in Dhargalim and that vigorous efforts will be made to see that the village is developed in all

Vice-Chairman Francisco Silveira, MLA Vasudev M Gaonkar, Sanguem Municipal Council Chairperson Harsha Shambari and vice-Chairperson Caitan Fernandes.

The work of includes asphalting of existing road, providing pavers, storm water drain with precast cover, illumination and landscaping, and will be taken up under Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation.

sectors of human endeavour.

Azgaonkar was speaking after launching several people oriented developmental projects in Dhargalim and its peripheries today.

The projects which the Minister launched included foundation stone for culvert at Tiwada, improvement of roads at Tulaskar wadi and protection wall at Uguem. All these works will be executed through PWD and are estimated to cost Rs 20 lakhs.

Azgaonkar also commenced the work of providing hotmix to internal roads at Tiwada which will cost Rs 60 lakhs and also hotmix for roads at Ga-

vatan wada in Mopa at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakhs.

Some of the other works which Azgaonkar launched included inauguration of footpath and well at Gayatanwada and beautification of Rastroli Devastan at Ozari. These works have been completed under GIA funds at a cost of Rs 16 lakhs.

North ZP Chairperson Pandurang Parab, ZP member Surangi Harmalkar, Dhargalim dy Sarpanch Shobha Harmalkar, Varkhand Sarpanch Gauri Josalkar, dy Sarpanch Aba Talakatkar, Mopa Sarpanch Pramod Parab and panchas of Dhargalim, Varkhand and Mopa were present on the occasion.

Girl dies in GMC hospital HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAy 6

A 18-year-old girl from HubliKarnataka passed away due to illness at GMC Hospital in Bambolim on Tuesday.

According to Calangute police, Laxmi Lamani, residing at Calangute, was admitted to

GMC Hospital on May 2 due to sudden illness.

Her body has been preserved at GMC morgue while her relatives have arrived in Goa from Hubli. The exact cause of death is not yet known. PSI Harish Gauns is investigating the case.

Mollem panchayat bagged the second prize in the best panchayat contest held recently at Gomantak Maratha Samaj meeting hall, Panjim.

The Directorate of Panchayat awarded the second prize to Mollem panchayat in ‘C’ Category in recognition of its performance among 96 village panchayats in the State during 2008 and 2009.

Speaking to Herald, Mollem Sarpanch Govind Gaonkar said about Rs 50-60 lakh was spend for the developmental works in panchayat areas.

“Mollem has a population of about 3,000 people and the income of panchayat exceeds Rs 1 crore every year and over 50% of the amount is spent to carry out various developmental works in the panchayat area,” said Gaonkar.

“There are seven wards in the panchayat and equal attention is given to each and every ward while carrying out development work,” added the sarpanch.

Facilities provided to the villagers included schemes, financial help to Mahila mandals and various clubs to organise various programme, uniform, shoes and books to the Balwadi, Government Primary schools and secondary school students.

Besides, roads are also constructed in each and every ward, said the sarpanch.

It may be recalled that Mollem panchayat had bagged the third prize in ‘C’ category in recognition of its performance among the panchayats in the State during 2004 and 2005.

Socorriana, a woman who wrote her own destiny

T

he late Socorriana D’Silva from Chandor was a woman of grit and guts for whom no problem was without a solution and no obstacle was insurmountable. She was a leader in her own rights, breaking new grounds especially in agriculture and very often taking the path less travelled.

Hailing from a baker’s family, Socorriana took to being a landlady like fish taking to water. Although not having large landholdings, she was a pioneer in agriculture trying new crops and new methods in her bid to make the few properties purchased from the sweat of her husband, as productive as possible.

She was a natural student, quick to grasp not only the lessons in classrooms but also of life. During her stay in the Gulf, she spoke fluent Arabic and having learnt Portuguese in her childhood, she would easily pass off as a child of a Catholic Brahmin family. In her later years, as there were more and more natives of Karnataka living in her vicinity, she picked up Kannada and would converse with the natives of Karnataka.

Today, what the village remembers her mostly for is her pioneering work in agriculture. She was the first person in Cavorim to install a dedicate power line for agriculture which was possible because of the then MLA of the region Francisco Sardinha who was also the

Jesus Christ feast

PANJIM (HND): The annual feast of Jesus Christ at Vanxim, Tiswadi will be held on May 9. The Eucharistic celebrations will be held at 10 am. The main celebrant will be Fr Hermogenes Fernandes, the Parish Priest.

This year, the feast is being celebrated by Teo Fernandes and Bonny Fernandes. In the evening, Vanxim youth Association have envisaged lots of variety entertainment programmes including a drama entitled ‘Bhurgim Kortat Pap Ani Mai-Pai Ditat Zap’ by renowned stage artiste Milagres de Chandor at 10.30 pm.

PANJIM (HND): Red Cross Day will be celebrated throughout the World on May 8. This day is commemorated with the birth date of Jean Henry Dunant, the father of Red Cross who was born on May 8, 1828 in Switzerland.

The Red Cross Organization in Goa will celebrate this day by arranging a ‘blood donation camp’ at the conference hall (AC) of Indian Red Cross Society at 18th June Road, Panjim, from 9 am to 1 pm. The blood collected on this day will be handed over to blood bank of Goa Medical College, Bambolim.

All the members of the Red Cross Society, public, social workers are requested to come forward to donate blood.

health sector to improve and provide better healthcare facilities to the people of the State.

ZP member and President of Mahila Shakti Abhiyan Nelly Rodrigues felt that elected representatives should work to reach out the benefit of government schemes to people

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAy 6

upCoMIng eVents

agriculture minister then. Today other farmers in the vicinity are using the same power line that she had got installed for agriculture purpose and she was very happy for them.

Socorriana was the first farmer from Chandor to go in for sugarcane cultivation and quite successful she was in it.

After the three year period of the sugar cane cultivation, she moved further on to different crops.

She was the first person in Chandor to experiment with red oil palm cultivation and was in fact, awarded the best red oil palm cultivator in Salcete within three years of venturing into this new vista.

The barren land named Nagzor tolloi that she had purchased along with her husband became her own laboratory for trying new and untried methods of agriculture. She went in for mango plantations, cashew plantations and a very massive banana plantation. In fact, the younger generation of her kith and kin knew her as “banana aunty” because she used to heap bananas from her farm on all her relatives.

Long before ‘teakquity’ became a catch word and even before the present Speaker and then chief minister Pratapsing Rane mooted this concept, Socorriana had planted over 3,000 teak trees in her properties, many of which

are robust today and ready for harvesting.

Socorriana was also at the forefront of social causes. Long before the Kadamba Transport Corporation came into being and when the public were at the mercy of the bus operators, she was one of the leaders in the village to object every time the bus owners arbitrarily hiked the rates. In fact, she was quite well known in the Transport Office for leading delegations protesting against fare hikes and on more than two occasions succeeded in forcing the bus operators to roll back the fares.

The road passing in front of her house was built only due to her efforts and the excellent rapport she shared with the then MLA Francisco Sardinha. Today if areas like Fatramoll, Bachikamoll have developed with many houses therein, to a great extent it is because of this road that Socorriana had got constructed nearly 30 years back.

Even after she fell victim to diabetes and its related complications, she was very much involved in the battle against the blasting in the village to extract black metal. As a part of the delegation to voice their protest before the then Additional Collector, she made it a point to speak her mind out. It was indeed quite befitting that she breathed her last only after the Cavorim Commu-

In MeMorIAM

nidade intimated the party carrying out the blasting that it was not going to renew the license given for the same.

That she was a woman of guts and grit can be seen from the fact that she learnt to ride a bicycle pretty late in life.

As it was becoming difficult to walk from her house to her properties situated exactly 2.5 kms away, she decided to master the cycle. This at an age when she had given birth to four children and had even undergone hysterectomy!

After her husband’s sudden demise 22 years ago, Socorriana did not lose heart but took on the onus of bringing up her three surviving sons. She struggled to make her properties earn sufficient money to look after her family even if it meant renting out some of her house premises.

Socorriana was known to have a sharp tongue and very often it was used for the benefit of the people at large.

Many elected representatives including panchas, Sarpanchas and even MLAs fell prey to her sharp tongue whenever they were guilty of dereliction of their duties and responsibilities and had to bow their heads in guilt.

Truly, she was a rare person and it appears that the good Lord broke the mould after creating her. A woman like Socorriana is rare to come across and the village of Chandor will miss her for a long time to come.

Study group inauguration

PANJIM (HND): Goa Study group will be inaugurated on May 8 at the Goa International Centre, Dona Paula at the hands of CM Digambar Kamat, at 9.30 am. Commissioner for NRI affairs Eduardo Faleiro will preside.

Inauguration of EDP in films PANJIM (HND): Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will inaugurate an Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) in film and television, lighting and camera equipment, rental business organized by Entertainment Society of Goa in collaboration with the Economic Development Corporation on May 7 at EDC House, Training complex, Panjim at 10.30 am. The Entrepreneurship Development Programme will be held from May 7 to 9 May.

St Ana’s feast at Raia

PANJIM (HND): The traditional feast of St Ana Chapel, Solva, Raia will be celebrated on May 16 at St Ana Chapel, Solva, Raia. The novenas will begin from May 7 and the mass will start at 7.30 am during the novenas. Fr Pinehero, Fr Patrick, Fr Boulias, Fr Caetano will be celebrating the masses during the novenas.

On the feast day, the first mass will be at 7.30 am and the feast mass will be at 9.30 am. This year the feast will be celebrated by the family of late Gabriel Frenandes of Solva Raia.

Passing out parade

PANJIM (HND): The passing out parade of the recruits of batch XLIII will be held on May 7 at Parade Ground, Police Training School, Valpoi, at 9 am.

Home Minister Ravi Naik will be the chief guest for the function.

NSS selection trials

PANJIM (HND): The Directorate of Sports and youth Affairs will conduct the State level selection trials on May 13 at youth Hostel, Miramar, at 10.30 am to select the best 10 NSS volunteers (5 boys and 5 girls and one Programme officer) for being deputed to participate in the summer adventure camp 2010 to be organized in May/June. The dates and place will be intimated shortly.

The above adventure programme will include activities like trekking, hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, etc.

All NSS volunteers of various higher secondary schools who have completed one year of NSS service and are medically, physically fit and who can bear the strain of trekking for 18 to 20 kms per day are eligible to attend the selection trials.

They should report to Laxmidas Mangeshkar, APEO on May 13 at youth Hostel, Miramar, at 10 am with a letter of recommendation from Principal of the institution and any other credentials, certificates of achievements in the field of sports/art, culture, adventure, etc.

power shutDown MAY 7 PANJIM: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Sapna Centre, Panjim Mosque, Menino Residency, Nanu Enterprise Office, Singbal Book Stall, Jhon Paul Building, BSNL Office, CCP Office and Old Municipal Building, Cafe Central and surrounding areas.

PORVORIM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Khana Khazana, PDA Colony, Tarun Bharat multigraphics, Teen building, O’Coqueiro, Resicom, Goa scan centre and Gauri apartment and surrounding areas.

BETIM: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Baba tiles, Solmar Exotica, Betim and surrounding areas.

REIS MAGOS: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Kegdevelim, Reis Magos and surrounding areas.

DONGRIM: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Cruz nagar, Beliem, Dongrim, Mandopa, Moddi, Telephone exchange, Shantinagar, Firgullem and surrounding areas.

VASCO: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Patrong Baina, Bhute Bhat and Junta quarters.

BETUL: From 10 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Betul, Canaguinim, Naqueri, Nuem, ONGC and Goechebhat.

MAY 8 ASSOLNA: From 10 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Assolna, Ambelim, Velim, Baga, Goechebhatt and Banda, Assolna.

MAY 9 TALEIGAO: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Dona Paula, Taleigao, Caranzalem, Miramar, Kamat Kinara and surrounding areas.

MAPUSA: From 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are Alto Duler, Sunset Boulevard building and surrounding areas.

powerlIne wArnIng PANJIM (HND): The newly erected 630 KVA transformer alongwith RMU, LV panel and LT cables at Neelkamal near Kundaikar Nagar, Panjim, has been test charged and remain charged therafter. Public is hereby cautioned not to come in contact with the above stated equipments as the same may be dangerous to human and animal life.

MAPUSA: The public of Mapusa are hereby informed that the 200 KVA transformer center alongwith the associated HT & LT line, opposite Pednekar Jeweller shop, Mapusa Municipal Market, Mapusa has been test charged and will remain charged thereafter. Interference, touching to poles, stays, etc or kite flying at the vicinity will be dangerous. Hence, public is requested to keep away from the line and equipment at their interest.

HE RA LD

GOA

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GOA, FRIDAY, 7 MAY, 2010

GRB preparing draft rehabilitation policy HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 6

In a bid to keep a check on sprawling shanties or slum areas in different parts of the State and also to ensure successful rehabilitation of the inhabitants of slums, Goa Rehabilitation Board (GRB) is in the process of drafting a rehabilitation policy.

Speaking to Herald, Chairman of GRB, Surendra Sirsat said it is preparing a draft rehabilitation policy for effectively carrying out rehabilitation of various slum areas in the State.

Saying that growing slum areas is a serious problem, he said, attempt would be made to undertake rehabilitation project on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as it is practically

not feasible for the government to make huge investment in rehabilitation of inhabitants of the slums.

The projects undertaken through Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) on PPP in Mumbai have been successful, he said, and that such experiments can be done here, too.

Khorlim slum area that covers almost entire Assagao plateau with around 3000 slums is under consideration of the GRB for PPP project.

However, there could be no progress until rehabilitation policy is in place, he said.

Rehabilitation at Sada-Vasco: A four blocs building for rehabilitations of people affected by

‘Ailing’ mortuary atop Monte Hill emanating foul odour

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

The ailing mortuaries in the Commercial capital are once again in the news. This time, the mortuary at the TB sanatorium atop Monte Hill here created problems for the health officials to handle following decomposition of bodies.

Blame it on sub standard quality of the mortuary installed at the TB hospital or the soaring temperatures as cited by a health official, one of the two mortuary unit reportedly went out of order.

Hospital staff and others complained that the entire TB hospital was enveloped by foul odour since Wednesday.

Taking serious cognizance of the situation and the nuisance in the hospital premises, Dr Geeta Kakodkar along with other health officials were on Thursday personally seen visiting the concerned departments, including the Margao Municipal Council and the police stations

in south Goa for disposal of the dead bodies at the earliest.

Dr Kakodkar submitted a detailed representation to the MMC this afternoon, calling upon the Civic body to take up the disposal of the dead bodies.

When contacted, she said efforts are on to first get the bodies dispose off at the earliest.

Replying to a question, she said the mortuary unit might have broken down to the sweltering heat, even though eye brows are raised over the breakdowns of this mortuary.

Incidentally, the morgue installed at the TB hospital had seen repeated breakdowns since its commissioning in mid 2000. In fact, it is not out of place to mention here that the morgue at the TB Hospital had developed technical snags days within its commissioning, with officials in the know admitting that many bodies have got decomposed because of the ailing mortuary.

G-7 against 33% reservation to women, says Churchill

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao has said the so-called G-7 tried to topple the Congress-led Digambar Kamat government when the UPA government at the centre was in the process of passing a legislation providing 33 per cent reservations for women.

He was speaking at a launching of a self help group in the village of Rumdamol-Davorlim on Thursday evening.

“The G-7 tried to overthrow the Kamat government when UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had given the green signal for 33 per cent reservations for women”, he said, trying to con-

vey the impression that the G7 was opposed to reservations to women.

Calling upon the women to come forward in public life, she said the Congress president is trying her best to bring women forward by 33 per cent reservations.

“The Congress is determined in giving due representations to women. The president of India is a woman, the South Goa ZP Chairperson is a woman”, he said and expressed confidence that the Congress would sweep the polls if reservation comes true.

Alemao appealed to the people to avail benefits of the Nat i o n a l Ru r a l E m p l o y m e n t Guarantee scheme by taking up jobs under the sceheme.

The Minister also disclosed plans to build a 2000 capacity air-conditioned hall in Rumdamol-Davorlim for the benefit of the local populace. “I have earmarked funds for this hall.

All the formalities will be completed at the earliest”, he assured.

Colva p’yat inspects road side kiosks

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 6

The Colva Panchayat on Thursday inspected road side kiosks for having erected permanent sheds when they license conditions mandates them as mobile carts.

Sarpanch Anglea Borges, Panch member Shakuntala Mesquita, besides the Panchayat secretary conducted an inspection of the five kiosk as per the decision taken by the Panchayat body.

The sarpanch later told newsmen that the inspection report would be placed before the body

meeting for an appropriate decision. She said the kiosks are not supposed to erect permanent sheds when their license condition mandates to only move around with the cart.

She said that notices would go to the hand cart owners after a decision is taken by the Panchayat body.

The gram sabha as well as the Panchayat body had demanded action against the kiosks saying that they create traffic bottlenecks and a cause of many accidents, besides being a nuisance to the neighbours.

four-lanning of national highway from Verna Junction to Varnapuri has been almost complete, he said.

The project costing Rs 12 crore has been funded by MPT and affected family will be al-

lotted housing with 32 sq mts area at Sada, Vasco.

Also, GRB has acquired land at Colvale, Bardez to rehabilitate some families that were affected by landslide at Tariwada in Mapusa, said Sirsat.

HE RA LD GOA, FRIDAY, 7 MAY, 2010

Pg7 Muivah puts off visit to Manipur, 3 die in stampede PTI VISEMA (NAGALAND)/IMPHAL, MAY 6

NSCN(IM) leader T Muivah today put off his visit to his ancestral village in Manipur even as three among a crowd waiting to welcome him across the border were killed in a stampede when police fired teargas shells to disperse them.

Official reports reaching Imphal said the Manipur police fired teargas shells when the crowd waiting at Mao on the inter-state border in Senapati turned restive and burnt a vehicle of the India Reserve Battalion.

The police action led to the stampede in which three persons, including two women, were killed and some others injured, the reports said, adding the injured were taken to Senapati.

Muivah, who arrived at V isema village from the NSCN(IM) headquarters near Dimapur yesterday, said he responded to the request made by four NGOs to postpone his visit to his ancestral village of Somdal in Manipur’s Ukhrul district as they wanted a few days to facilitate proper arrangements.

Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh who flew to Delhi early morning to brief Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on the situation in the state returned here this afternoon.

Muivah’s visit has been opposed by the Manipur government on the ground that it would disturb communal amity in the state. Muivah has defied the government’s direction and said he would visit his ancestral village.

The NSCN(IM) has been demanding a ‘greater Nagaland’ proposed to be formed by merging Naga populated areas of adjoining states, which has been rejected by the Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments.

Websites giving second marriages a fillip PTI BANGALORE, MAY 6

Life deserves a second chance, more so when it comes to marriage and trying to meet the demand of those keen on walking down the altar again are matrimonial websites which offer specialised services.

There are a growing number of people keen on tying the knot again but this time with better judgement, prudence, discretion and a lot of help from matrimonial portals.

“We are seeing a growing demand of people who are looking for a spouse the second time over. We have one to two second marriages happening through our site every week”, says Vivek Pahwa, CEO, Secondshaadi.com, which claims to have around 1.5 lakh members and sees a monthly addition between 5,000 to 10,000.

“There is a growing openness about second marriages” says Gourav Rakshit, Business Head, Shaadi.com, which has 10 per cent of its business coming from the second marriage market and sees a monthly addition of 10,000 registrations.

With the divorce rate increasing in the country and the fact that much of these divorcees were young (28-32), there had been a favourable tilt towards second marriages, says Murugavel Janakiraman Founder & CEO – Consim Info Pvt Ltd (Bharat Matrimony), which has registrations of 45,000 divorcees.

Another cop arrested PTI AHMEDABAD, MAY 6

An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) was arrested today from Patan district by the state CID crime in connection with the Tulsi Prajapati encounter case of 2006.

Darbar is the third cop arrested in connection with the encounter of Prajapati, a key witness in the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and alleged murder of his wife Kausar Bi. Jathubha Darbar was arrested this morning and produced before a court in Danta taluka of Banaskantha district hearing the case. Judge B M Prajapati sent Darbar to custody of CID crime probing the case, till May 11.

IPS officer Vipul Agarwal and police constable Vinod Chaudhary were arrested by CID earlier this week and are presently in the agency's custody till May 11.

OHERALDO

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OPINION

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

The Media’s Role

Vol No CX No: 118 Goa, Friday 7 May, 2010

Buried in garbage

S

outh Goa’s major garbage dump at Sonsoddo is in the news once again. The Margao Municipal Council has cause to be worried; with monsoons round the corner it is talking about the need to cap Sonsoddo to prevent leachate from flowing into adjoining water bodies. Goa needs to take proper precautions, more so given the heavy spells of rain we’ve been receiving in recent years.

But the million rupee question is whether the MMC is doing enough over Sonsoddo. It is just sufficient to write polite reminders, and imagine that it has done its duty? Sonsoddo epitomises Goa’s failure in dealing with its mountains of garbage in recent years. Unfortunately, the official policy has been to pussyfoot around, and hope the problem will vanish, without taking any hard stands. So, nobody’s interests are touched, even as we all face the threat of drowning in our own garbage.

Plastic wastes continue to be generated all over Goa, without a second thought. Many plans to curb plastic use ended in nought, as the lobbies benefitting from the lucrative plastic market manipulated their way around the law. Or ensured a lax implementation of the law. Even consumers don’t seem to be too bothered about the ecology, as long as they get a “free” plastic bag. Segregation at source has not been adequately implemented, though environmentalists assure us there is a lot of potential through this route. Nobody talks about cutting down on needless consumption either.

Sonsoddo has often drawn attention, mostly for the wrong reasons. In May 2009, there were reports of fires there. Margao Municipality was blamed with failing to comply with its own voluntary undertaking to the High Court to treat all old garbage at Sonsoddo dump by January-end 2010. Environmental group Goa Foundation was earlier involved with the clean-up there, but moved off the project. A treatment plant was due by April 2010.

Both bureaucrats and politicians who are the decision-makers on this front need to be held responsible for their actions. Or, lack of it. If they are unable to deliver results, Goa deserves to know why this is not possible. It is time for a more mature, long-term look at the many unsolved garbage problems that Goa is facing. We can’t just wish them away.

I

Politics of sports

s there a code of conduct for ministers who hold posts in sports association? This question was raised by the Bombay High Court, and the union government was asked to explain, according to an NDTV report. The court also reportedly asked that Union agriculture minister minister Sharad Pawar be made a respondent in a case related to the controversy-hit Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.

For a State like Goa, where politicians take to sports like fish to water — only to control it — this is a relevant question indeed. Over recent years, politicians in Goa have been at the helm of almost every sport possible. And check the results; things have certainly gone downhill!

Politicians running their own clubs is one thing; managing government-funded associations is quite another. What is the justification for politicians to head sporting bodies? That the represent the “people”? The sad fact is that politicians have come to act as powerbrokers who often mismanage the game, leading to its ruin.

For their part, sports enthusiasts believe that they have better access to power and patronage with a politician at the helm.

But this comes only at a price. Even in sporting fields where Goa has done well, the arrival of politicians on the field has been a bad omen, resulting in standards being lowered and funds routed away from where it is needed most.

In one recent Right to Information decision in Goa, it was held that a sports association — which receives a substantial government grant — should be treated as a “public authority” under the RTI Act. This accountability is long overdue. Politicians don’t just need a code of conduct here; they need to be thoroughly accountable, if not shunted aside to let those who really matter — the sportsman and sportswomen — reclaim the playground.

Manage traffic effectively Mike Carvalho, Canada It is heart breaking to read the news of the young man Martin Fernandes losing his precious life in a road accident four days before his marriage. Accidents are a part of life all around the globe, however in Goa lots of precious lives could be saved only if the authorities would manage traffic in a more efficient and smart way. Goa roads are narrow enough to hold the enormous traffic volume at the same time we have speeding vehicles that make the situation worse. In my opinion with the present road and traffic conditions in Goa, speed limits on all roads should not exceed 40 kph, and within the city 20 kph. Hope our so called patriotic politicians address the present infrastructure conditions and law and order in the state other than supporting the population explosion caused by movement of uncontrolled migrants into the State. Every life is so precious. My heart goes out to the be-

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

7 May, 1910

• The Budgetary debate over the next financial year which took place at the Chamber of Deputies is concluded and very soon there will be the implementation of Legislative Powers.

• The Fiscal Court at its Sessions granted provisionally what was requested by the Custom Delegation from Daman in regards to Cess.

• The repair of the Clock at the Municipal Tower of the City, is deemed to be necessary as the time shown is erratic.

• An individual from Caranzalem who was seriously wounded with a gun, has been admitted at the Military Hospital of the City.

• The Maharaja of Holkar announced that he has discovered a remedy against Cholera and that his private secretary is dispensing the medicine to the needy.

R

The media should verify whether proper preventive and corrective action is taken writes PRABHAKAR KULKARNI

eaders and viewers of the print and electronic media are always eager to know about events that have social, economic and political connotations. Whether attempts are made by the media to respond to these expectations is a vital issue that needs periodical scrutiny. What are the reactions of the regulatory authorities in the government after the significance is revealed?

The media should then verify whether proper action both, preventive and corrective is taken.

This expectation is duly responded to by an electronic media as disclosed in a follow-up discussion held by the CNN-IBN -Lokmat on the Maharashtra government’s near blunder in selecting Khairlanji village as being eligible to receive the prestigious ‘Tanta Mukti Gram Puraskar’ (Dispute-free village Award).

Khairlanji village of Bhandara district in the Vidarbha region in Maharashtra, came into the limelight when six members of a Dalit family were brutally murdered by about 50 villagers.

The only survivor of that family with other Dalit organizations and social activists are struggling to get the accused sentenced to capital punishment. If this village has been a target for its antiDalit stance, how can it be selected by the Maharashtra government for the prestigious award? This question was first raised by NCP MLA Ram Pandagale who sought an inquiry into the cruel blunder and take action against those responsible for this blunder.

While no one in the print media has followed up the issue in depth, the electronic channel CNN-IBN-Lokmat invited the MLA Pandagale and others persons to discuss the issue in its question-hour.. The activists have demanded stern action against the members of the selection committee, including the Guardian Minister, the District Collector and the District Superintendent Of Police. The trio are alleged to have selected this village despite the sad incident. Pandagale has demanded action against the guardian minister irrespective of his political party and the two officers who should be prosecuted under the Atrocities Act. Cricket and the IPL scam controversy While most of the Marathi and English newspapers have covered the hot controversy of the IPL and the Lalit Modi phenomenon, the CNNIBN-Lokmat channel has taken up the issue in its question-hour and carried out elaborate discussion

Information Matters on the subject. As the income tax authorities have been investigating tax evasion and other financial deals in the alleged scam, the channel editor Nikhil Wagle invited retired income tax commissioner Gupta for the discussion. Mr. Gupta has categorically alleged that black money might be involved in the IPL and the scam which has now come to light though the inquiry was secretly being done by the IT department for the past nine months. He disclosed that there certainly was tax evasion and attempt to turn black money into white as alleged by the opposition leader Gopinath Munde. When Wagle questioned about the possible involvement of Pawar-Patel in the IPL, senior journalist Hemant Desai referred to involvement of Purna Patel daughter of Union minister Prafulla Patel which indirectly indicates Patel’s interests in the IPL. Wagle then asked about how Purna was employed in the IPL and if she was appointed on her own merit or by any other organization or influence? These questions it seems clearly indicate Patel’s secret involvement in the IPL and indirectly that of Sharad

From the heart

Feel The Rain

I

t’s the season of the Green Carpet event once again; of life springing up from Dormant Earth. As the rains wash away the dirt and grime of a dusty summer, Nature gets a fresh makeover.

The forest comes alive with the vibrant colors of wildflowers and the exuberant peacock shakes out his resplendent plumage as if to say “Come dance with me” In a dazzling display of dashing moves, he pays homage to the collecting clouds in the sky. Frogs in the pond lend their resonant voices to the orchestra of thunder and lightning in the firmament.

Have you ever danced in the rain? I used to wait eagerly every June for the first rains to come so I could run outside and get thoroughly drenched in the pouring shower. The smell of the mud drove us mad as my friends and I sang and laughed, abandoning all inhibitions to the wind that swept around us. The cooling waters cleansed our spirits and revived our souls. It was a truly awesome experience. Just close your eyes and let every drop of rain reach your heart.”

The farmer longs for rain; no sooner has he ploughed the field then he prays for it. A year of drought spells doom for the farmer

reaved family and would have been bride of Martin Fernandes.

Goa wrinkled!

Blossom Cabral, Nagoa Since lately, I have been reading in your esteemed paper, ‘Herald’ in the column ‘OPinionatED a lot about Goa. Undoubtedly, this small state, supposedly called, ‘Rome of the East, is a paradise in her own way, so to speak. However, over the years, she has been losing her charm and is now besotted with wrinkles mainly due to the greed, and selfish motives of those who desire to amass wealth at the cost of tampering with her natural beauty.

Felling of trees, especially, the aged ones that stood tall and firm and adorned this beautiful state have become a source of aggrandizement, an easy route to amass wealth...

Garbage strewn on the roads what with the garbage bins overflowing with some leftovers that attract stray dogs who go on rummaging for food to relish. How pathetic? Isn’t it?

Plastic bottles, cans and plastic bags scattered on the streets, lanes and every nook and cranny make an ugly sight too!

Lakes, rivers and seas get murkier dayby-day. Who is responsible for this?

Rampant killing of wildlife only goes to mar the flora and fauna of this paradise.

They too deserve freedom in their environment, then why make them a ‘prey’?

Agricultural land so easily converted giving way to concrete buildings thereby making it a concrete jungle. Where are the green pastures gone?

Mining on a massive scale will only worsen the lives of our future generations as they will get asphyxiated with so much pollution .Were our ancestors not lucky enough to breathe freely?

Need not say more, but all I hope and pray this beautiful state will be ‘Paradise Regained’.Viva Goa!!!

Desecration of holy places S Kamat, Alto Betim There have been a number of desecrations for some time now of places of worship in Goa coupled with thefts and robberies.

Pawar who once supported Lalit Modi, but is silent now with declaration that the governing body will unanimously take decision about lalit Modi and allegations against him? .

The other invitees to the discussion panel Bharatkumar Raut, Shivsena MP and editorial consultant of the Times Group has expressed utter discontent against the involvement of black money as alleged by the retired income tax commissioner Gupta during the discussion. He expressed severe doubts about the very future of this country if such malpractices were occurring in the name of game and involvement of the powers that be in both the corporate and political fields.

If Lalit Modi’s dealings are suspect, as is alleged, and if these things are going on for the last several months why was it not exposed earlier and now only when the Shashi Tharoor phenomenon came on the surface asks Mr. Raut who also alleged that Sharad Pawar is involved though behind the curtain. He alleged that the BCCI is a centre of corruption and it should also be thoroughly scrutinised and investigated, which should

have been carried out earlier when open betting was going on on-line and the big and the powerful were openly disclosing their monetary stakes in crores. Ganesh Aayyar cost accountant of the cricket organisations was also invited, but he tried to defend both the IPCL and BCCI with the statement that since the investigation is in progress, there is no need to attempt to nail anybody or throw aspersions against individuals until the investigations and legal process is over.

Wagle commented that it was now clear that Ayyar is defending Modi and others involved in the scam and did not ask him any more questions.

Wagle then pointed out that the public poll showed that 97 percent of votes indicated that IPL is the greatest scam in the sport world.

Pawar has been blamed for Lalit Modi’s rise.

Daily Lokmat, owned by Congress MP Vijay Darda has analyzed the IPL controversy in its editorial ‘ Indian Pawar League” (instead of Indian Premier League –IPL) and has alleged that Modi-Shanshank Manohar and Pawar were involved in mutual interests and when Manohar (BBCI Chief ) told Pawar about Modi’s monetary transactions, he withdrew his support to Modi. However in the whole IPL episode and the exposure of the details after the investigation, Pawar may lose his political clout as has been predicted by a section of the English media. Another vital point raised in the aforementioned editorial is that there was a secret understanding between the members of the IPL members, that names of those who have invested their money in the matches, should not be disclosed. This fact has been disclosed by the BBCI chief Shashank Monohar when Modi threatened to disclose names of those involved in the deal.

If such assurance secrecy is given to those investing huge amounts, is obviously a grave offence.

Belgaum-based Tarun Bharat has revealed in an editorial that Prafulla Patel is trapped due to the email leaked by his daughter Purna and sent to Tharoor through his official channel. Although not Pawar, his daughter Supriya Sule, despite her denial of any involvement in the IPL, is found to have 10 percent share through her husband Sadanand Sule who has these shares in MultiScreen Media to whom IPL had assigned transmission rights. Due to Sule and Patel the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) seems to be involved much to the embarrassment of the party workers, comments the editorial.

who survives on rain to water his crops to abundant life. Rains are indeed the lifeline of farmers and their families in such places. A year of drought could bring a flood of suicides for the debt-ridden’ men of the soil’.

Rains are vital not only for farmers and the growth of their crops, but also for all of us. Many a times, we grumble when we see an ominous black cloud, dreading the impending monsoons because of the inconveniences it brings. Slush, drenched clothing, waterlogged gutters, floods, cyclones; these are the other side of the coin. But if we take proper precautions to prevent them, the monsoons can be a joyous season for us all.

As a school-going child once recited, “’Tis fun to splish-splash in puddles And then get Mom’s scolds and cuddles”. Parents are careful to see that their children don’t get wet in the rains for fear that they might fall sick. So they protect them with raincoats and umbrellas. Aren’t most people always cautious about stepping out when it’s pouring cats and dogs or taking shelter when caught in a sudden unexpected downpour? So little wonder then that they have never savoured a rain shower or revelled in a rain dance. If

By Auriel Ribeiro Sa you are feeling sad, upset or even angry, JUST DO IT once! Go stand in front of a shower hose, just close your eyes and let the water flow onto you. What you feel then is exactly what you will feel when you dance in the rain.

Numerous songs have been composed to give expression to the feeling of joy when the monsoons come; Raag Malhar is a ‘classical’ example. Poetry and essays have also been written, but my favourite was the ‘Rainy Season’ drawing we did every June when school began. Then there were some cute nursery rhymes we used to recite with gusto like ‘Oh! Where do you come from You little drops of rain?’ and riddles like ‘What goes up when the rain comes down?’ In college too, we had a special cultural event called MALHAR during the monsoons which was a hair-hanging-down time of fun n-frolic that all of us looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed.

So grab the opportunity this monsoons. Feel the rain on your skin, revel in its feather-light caresses on your soul and experience God’s Love in the life-giving waters that spring from His heart to yours!

Letters to the Editor Letter of the Day Drugs, condoms in school bags!

Freddy Agnelo Fernandes, Dubai Page 2 of Herald dated 5 May 2010, has an article captioned “Tourism ill-effects affecting children in Canacona,” It is a bleak reminder that “all is not well with our children today”. It is not just in Canacona, the deadly epidemic has engulfed the whole of Goa and not just limited to the coastal belt.

It was indeed shocking to know that children were carrying drugs and condoms in their school bags, were they going to school or a rave party? It is not just the duty of the teachers to be vigilant but it is the moral responsibility of the parents and the home people to see, what their children are up to and should by all means know what they carry to school.

How it is possible that the parents are unaware of their kids’ involvement in drugs, drug addiction is so very obvious. If parents and the home people cannot detect then how do we expect the teachers to do it? No doubt some schools and teachers are sometimes offenders, when they try to hide such things because of adverse publicity to their institutions, but they should know that morality and the wellbeing of children is far more important than their reputation and as such these cases should be dealt with accordingly.

Goans in coastal areas have to be more vigilant and take utmost care that their loved ones do not fall prey to the glitter of drugs and sex. I have seen a lot of people along the coast, let their houses to the tourists and they themselves live in sheds that too has an adverse effect on the kids, who then value money more than life. We should not make money our prime objective. NGOs and organizations are trying their best to educate children on the ills of drugs and sex. It is of paramount importance that the parents take up this cause for their children.

Where is the Home Minister who said that there were no drugs in Goa? Has reality hit him in the face or is he still in wonderland? It is the responsibility of the Home Department and the duty of the security services to keep our streets and neighborhoods clean and clear off the unhealthy elements of society trading in drugs and sex.

With the nexus between the police and the drug lords being exposed, the police have been hit where it hurts, hope they will do all they can to resurrect themselves from the ashes of disgrace and prove themselves honest and competent. After the exposure of the police, we await the exposure of the politicians involved in the garbage piles; I won’t be surprised, if it involves the next of kin of the moron who said “No drugs in Goa.” If money is lost – nothing is lost, if health is lost – also, nothing is lost, but if the innocence of our children is lost – everything is lost! Wake up Goan parents and be vigilant. During our younger days at school, mom made sure we had a holy picture in our bag as we made off for the boarding, who knew about drugs and condoms then?

Most of the time it has been found that these incidents have been perpetrated by people of unsound mind or those with a grudge of a kind or another or simple, petty robbers. Therefore our people including the religious leaders of the community which gets affected should not speak in haste and allude these incidents to communal problems. Though admitted that

these leaders sign off their speeches or statements saying we should ensure communal harmony remains and that nothing should be done to disturb that fabric. But this is considered unnecessary since once these leaders talk of communal issues the lay people automatically assume that their community is under threat and start thinking of taking some action or other. Therefore

such leaders would do a service to our society by taking the objective position of let us investigate and establish facts first before accusing community/communities.

This will contribute to maintaining the balance that is essential in any society. We too need to analyze the reasons for these incidents at different places of worship. These are occurring regularly in the recent past possibly because of psychological problems and related trauma which is also largely being contributed by the economic stress of runaway prices that our poor face. Therefore these places of worship are what are called ‘soft targets’ since on one hand while people believe that faith will deter incidents like theft, robbery etc. but then for the robber because of lack of proper protection of these places, is precisely the reason why he will choose these targets. It is therefore best that each community works out a better security program for their places of worship to prevent such attacks, since then both those of unsound mind and those with deliberate intent, can be thwarted.

Roof-top water harvesting Soter D’Souza, Socorro S Kamat has rightly exposed the bluff of the Government on the status of Goa’s ground water in ‘Opinionated’ (Herald 6/5/2010). The government officials, politicians and real estate agents need to under play the water crisis so they can continue making their bucks. Water supply by tankers is definitely highly beneficial to officials in the PWD. Faster the depletion of the water table that necessitates roof top harvesting will also be economically benefiting to some environmentalists and industries. That is why some environmentalists are lobbying for compulsory roof-top harvesting as in Chennai rather than demanding the conservation of existing surface water reservoirs and creation of new ones. Some are enjoying the party as the ‘aam admi’ gets sandwiched between need and greed.

Letters should be 150 words or less in length, and should have the writer’s name, address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for size and readability, and to delete any personal attacks or libellous /objectionable matter.

Paths of Wisdom Respect Human Life

By Samir Khan "… he who slays a soul unless it be (in punishment) for murder or for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind; and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind. And indeed again and again did Our Messengers come to them with clear directives; yet many of them continued to commit excesses on earth.

(Al-Qur’an – 5:32) This verse from the Holy Qur’an shows how big a crime, it is considered in Islam to unjustifiably kill people and what a great virtue it is to save people from the danger of being killed.

Peace-loving people know well that by indulging in aggression and tyranny Man cannot find peace of mind and a calm heart. Only by adopting the ways of justice and truth can he achieve the wealth of satisfaction and peace.

This means that the survival of human life depends on everyone respecting others and contributing actively to the survival and protection of others.

Whosoever kills unrighteously is not merely guilty of harming one person, but proves by his act that he totally disrespects human life and is not sympathetic towards them. Such a person, therefore, is Man’s enemy, because he happens to be possessed of a quality which, were it to become common to all men, would lead to the destruction of the entire human race.

The person who helps save or preserve life is the protector of humanity, for he possesses a quality which is indispensable to the survival of mankind.

After showing the severity of murder and killing to the Children of Israel, Allah had sent His Messengers who had been explaining to them the Commandments of Allah, and who had been warning them against disobeying Allah. Mankind has been warned of the severe chastisement in this world for committing excesses and also never ending chastisement awaiting them.

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 Eroding Goan Coastline

Mumbai terror trial judge faced many a tricky moment PTI MUMBAI, MAY 6

By Freddy Agnelo Fernandes

Science says that our universe was caused by an eruption of great magnitude in the solar system and this has been so far universally accepted, since then our planet has gone through the changes of evolution, from the first, one cell protozoa to the complex human being of today. As the evolution process went on, the face of this planet also changed, as evolution was the cause of life on earth, there were different factors that contributed to the changing face of this earth. The major factors being erosion by sea and wind, eruption of volcanoes and the changes in weather, heat, cold and storms. All these factors where natural occurrences, until then all was going according to natures plan.

Today Man has become so obsessed with his ingenuity that he fails to see beyond the tip of his own nose, man’s greed has so overwhelmed his senses that he is become the victim of his own gluttony. Man in his infinite wisdom has failed to perceive the doom that awaits him. We have been reading a lot about global worming and the rising water levels, but still fail to fathom the magnanimity of the issue. It is man the ultimate and the most superior creation of God and nature that is responsible for all the evil that has besieged planet earth.

The green revolutionaries and the environmentalists have been upping the ante but to no avail, toxic emissions are the order of the day, increasing it’s deadly density by the hour, disappearance of forests world wide have further contributed to the agony. Man is only looking for answers without trying to stop contributing to the destructive cause. Very soon man will be fighting for his very own survival, with his back to the wall.

Goa a very small entity, though a mere speck on the world front, has been contributing unabashed to the degradation of our nature and our environment in a profound manner. Goa’s once proud green forests are fast disappearing, hill cutting is rampant, excessive, illegal and open cast mining is thriving, mining rejects and dust silting our river beds, polluting the river and threatening it’s natural flow of water. Although alarm bell have been sounded by various organizations our Government and our bureaucracy seem to have gone deaf, dumb and blind.

All of a sudden today, the Goa Government has got up from its “Kumbkaran sleep” and is worried about the erosion of Goa’s coastline, although more erosion has been caused by the man-made factors rather than by the natural phenomena’s.

Today Goa is on the brink of an environmental disaster due to it’s excessive and open cast mining, hill cutting and land filling which have been intensified inexorably and due to the silting of our river beds, but our Government has shown no desire to act against the destructive forces but rather encouraged the destruction by it’s lacklustre attitude towards the environment.

The CRZ has been active for a very long time and has been the cause of sleepless nights for a lot of coastal Goans. The Government has done it’s best to curb the freedom of coastal Goans in order to facilitate the billion dollar hotel industry.

After a couple of decades after the CRZ notification the Government has now realized the fact about Goa’s eroding coastline.

All this while the Government was busy in finding ways and means to expand the Tourism industry without ever trying to preserve its most valuable asset, the coastline.

Coastlines have been eroding from time immemorial, this phenomenon is not new, whereas most countries have been protecting their coastline, our government has not only failed to protect but helped to erode it further. Year after year we have been hearing of the same old stories about washed up and eroded beaches and waterfronts during the rainy seasons.

Last year itself there were pictures of the heavy erosion of the Betalbatim and a couple of other beaches. These were just a few places but there have been many other places that have been hit even worse. What exactly has our Government done to prevent its reoccurrence this rainy season? Or will coastal Goans have to go through the same acrimony and risk to human life, this rainy season too? Goa government has approached the centre with a begging bowl for funds to protect our coastline at the twelfth hour. Why did the Goa Government not show any interest to this major issue during the last ten months?

Our tax payers money should be judiciously used in the protection, preservation and development of our beautiful beaches and our coastline and not spent on our high flying Ministers and their vulgar, ostentatious lifestyles and their fancies. The dividends of a good tourism policy are invariably very high, and our Government has to tap the recourses that attract tourism in the first place. Preservation and protection of our beaches and our coastline should be a priority of the Goa Government.

Goa being blessed with a waterfront on the entire length of its west coast and a range of mountains called the Western Ghats, rich in bio-diversity on its eastern front, our government should do everything possible to protect and preserve these divine provisions that God and nature has bestowed on Goa. It is not just our coastline that’s eroding, and more than the coastline, the principles and the credibility of our Goan politicians have been eroding and it is high time we made efforts to restore our coastline and the sanity of Goan politics.

Prabhakaran’s mother deported with CM’s knowledge: Vaiko PTI MADURAI, MAY 6

MDMK leader Vaiko has alleged that Parvathy Ammal, mother of slain LTTE leader Prabhakaran was deported to Malaysia from here recently with the knowledge of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, despite his claims to the contrary.

“If the Chief Minister is not aware, how did a posse of police at airport bar entry to us to receive her,” Vaiko said at a public meeting here last night.

Karunanidhi had denied knowledge of deportation of Parvathy Ammal, who had flown down to Chennai for medical treatment.

The Tamil Nadu government last week recommended to the Centre to allow Parvathy Ammal to undergo medical treatment in Chennai following a request by her.

Both Vaiko and Nedumaran, leader of Tamils Nationalist Movement alleged that police prevented them from entering the visitor’s gallery at the airport to receive her, though they had valid passes.

They also denied Karunanidhi’s charge that Parvathy Ammal was refused entry because AIADMK leader Jay-

alalithaa, in her earlier tenure, had asked the Centre to blacklist all those connected with LTTE. “If she has been blacklisted, how did the Indian Embassy at Malaysia grant her a visa,” they asked.

They demanded an apology from the Centre and state governments for their “inhuman act against an ailing old woman.”

On the Mullaperiyar issue, they alleged that Kerala’s sole intention in constructing the proposed dam across the river was to prevent Tamil Nadu from getting any water and warned that the entire South India would turn into a desert if that state went ahead with its plan.

They said the proposed “Rasta roko”agitation on all 13 roads leading to Kerala on May 28 in protest against Kerala’s move was not for political gains nor against the people of that state, but to establish Tamil Nadu’s rights over the dam.

Any move to decommission Mullaiperiyar dam would be opposed tooth and nail, they said.

They felt that Karunanidhi should have pressurised the centre to increase the dam level.

However, he has compromised on the issue, they alleged.

Madan Laxmandas Tahiliyani, the judge who sent Ajmal Kasab to gallows, is versatile in both criminal and civil laws, an experience that came in handy during many a tricky moment during the Mumbai terror attack trial.

In a career spanning 23 years, Tahiliyani, a Sindhi from Gondia district of Maharashtra, has earned a reputation of being both tough and fair.

As the judge in the 26/11 trial, Tahaliyani kept a close watch on the lone surviving gunman in the Mumbai attack who is known to have had mood swings ever since the trial began in midApril last year.

The judge used a combination of tact and wit to ensure that the decorum of the court is always maintained, even during tense moments like when Kasab got up to admit his guilt.

His experience in criminal and civil laws came in handy during tricky moments in the trial—like when a lawyer had to be appointed for Kasab or when the gunman pleaded that he was a minor or when he pleaded guilty in court.

He has presided over other high profile cases too like the murder case of music baron Gulshan Kumar but he shot into limelight since he presided over the Mumbai attack trial.

Tahaliyani began his career in 1987 when he was appointed a metropolitan magistrate in a Bandra court and was appointed as Additional Sessions judge in the Mumbai Sessions Court in 1997.

He was promoted as a judge in the city’s civil and sessions court in early 2000 prior to taking up his assignment in the high court as Registrar (inspection). He was appointed as a judge in the 26/11 trial in 2009.

He was also posted as a special judge to handle CBI cases.

Tahaliyani also presided over the trial in the murder of trade union leader Datta Samant, who was gunned down in 1997 by members of the

Chhota Rajan gang.

Dedicated judge he is, Tahiliyani along with his staff worked through the Diwali vacations and didn’t take time off even when there were no court hearings. He would come to finish even the administration work related to the case.

People who have seen Justice Tahiliyani closely say that he was very keen on the trial getting completed as soon as possible.

Justice Tahaliyani hails from Gondia district in Maharashtra. He completed his Law degree from Nagpur.

A cleanliness freak, Tahaliyani dabbles in gardening and carpentry, besides prescribing common medicines to his staff whenever they complain of minor ailments.

After he was named as the judge in the 26/11 case, Tahaliyani would visit Arthur Road Jail almost every day to monitor work on the prison barrack that had to be converted into an air-conditioned trial room. He also gave directions to engineers of the Public Works Department on how he wanted the court to look.

A keen follower of national and international affairs, Tahaliyani makes it a point to read foreign newspapers online at night.

He is also conversant in many languages and can even speak a bit of Urdu, Kasab’s tongue. In fact, he makes it a point to speak to Kasab in Urdu. He also takes great pride in being able to speak fluent Marathi.

Nothing seemed to shake his composure as he meticulously planned his schedule and quickly cleared his tasks. But that has also earned him the ire of some defence lawyers.

Kasab’s lawyer Abbas Kazmi has often complained in court that the judge doesn’t adjourn proceedings even when he seeks time to study his papers.

Lawyer Saba Qureshi, representing co-accused Fahim Ansari, even went on to say, “Sir, you are being very harsh”, when Tahaliyani turned down her request for an adjournment.

Don’t delay execution, says daughter of slain cop PTI MUMBAI, MAY 6

“My father’s sacrifice has paid off,” said the daughter of assistant police sub-inspector Tukaram Ombale, who died while trying to capture Ajmal Amir Kasab, after the Pakistani terrorist was sentenced to death in the 26/11 attacks case.

An emotional Vaishali Omable said Kasab’s execution should not be delayed as in the case Afzal Guru, who was sentenced to death in 2001 Parliament attack case.

“I am very happy today that Kasab was awarded death sentence. I welcome the sentence...

He deserves it. Finally my father’s sacrifice has paid off...,” Vaishali told PTI.

“The 26/11 terror attacks accused hiding in Pakistan should be nabbed. The Indian government should ensure the arrest of all the accused involved in the attacks and they should be punished,” she said.

Since the government has given top priority to completing court proceedings to convict Kasab, it should also try to execute the death penalty to the terrorist at the earliest.

Tukaram’s cousin Navdeo Ombale said, “I am extremely happy that Kasab would be hanged for the heinous crime he committed. But the only wish we have now is that the execution should be delayed at any cost.”

Kasab breaks down in court PTI MUMBAI, MAY 6

Ajmal Kasab, who was today awarded death sentence on five counts in the 26/11 terror attack case, broke down after hearing the sentence.

As special judge M L Tahilyani was reading out the sentence, Kasab was seen sobbing. He asked for a glass of water during the pronouncement.

After the sentence was read out, the Judge explained it to him in Hindi that he had been given death penalty on five counts and whether he wanted to say anything.

But the Pakistani gunman simply shook his head after which he was taken away by the police back to jail.

26/11 survivors, kin of victims hail verdict PTI MUMBAI, MAY 6

Their wounds may never heal but survivors and relatives of victims of the November 2008 terror attacks today voiced satisfaction that Pakistani gunman Ajmal Amir Kasab has been handed down the maximum punishment under law.

“I am feeling good (after the verdict). But this cannot heal the wounds.... The decision has reinforced the faith in the judicial process of the country... the pain will always be there,” said Ragini Sharma, widow of a chief Ticket Collector at the CST who was killed on the fateful night by Pakistani terrorists, after Kasab was sentenced to death by a special court.

Vaishali, daughter of assistant police sub-inspector Tukaram Ombale, who died while trying to capture Kasab, said her father’s sacrifice had paid off but demanded that his execution should not be delayed as in the case Afzal Guru, who was sentenced to death in 2001 Parliament attack case.

“I am very happy today. He (Kasab) deserves it. Finally my father’s sacrifice has paid off...,” Vaishali told PTI. Since the government has given top priority to completing court proceedings to convict Kasab, she said it should also try to execute the death penalty to the terrorist at the earliest.

Eknath, brother of Tukaram, said, “we are satisfied with the decision... this is the right decision and right verdict for him. Everyone was expecting nothing less than a death sentence for him.”

K Unnikrishnana, father of slain NSG commander Sandeep, who sacrificed his life during the 26/11 terror strike, termed the sentencing as “symbolic”.

“The sentencing is a symbolic one and I regret that our system cannot give much more harsher punishment that this. So I have to be satisfied with this. What we could have finished with the single bullet in a second, we have taken 17 months,” Unnikrishnan said.

DEEMED UNIVERSITY ROW

SC refuses stay on fresh admissions PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 6

The 44 deemed universities sought to be de-recognised by the government today got a reprieve with the Supreme Court refusing to stay any fresh admissions to these institutes.

A bench of Justices Dalveer Bhandari and Gyan Sudha Misra rejected the Union HRD Ministry’s plea for an injunction against any fresh admissions which are likely to commence from July.

The apex court said that it could not pass any such injunction order as the validity of the very constitution of the highpowered Tondon Committee is under challenge.

The review committee headed by Professor P N Tondon had earlier recommended derecognition of the 44 institutes spread across the country on the ground that they failed to meet the standard required for sustaining status of a “deemed”

university.

Though Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, appearing for the government, pleaded that at least, a condition be imposed that any fresh admissions would be subject to the final outcome of the case pending in the apex court, the bench was in no mood to grant any relief to the Centre.

“The constitution of the committee is itself under challenge; it has to be adjudicated first. There is no point in passing any injunction. It would not be appropriate for us to pass any injunction,” the bench said.

The apex court pointed out that there are allegations that Professor Tondon himself was heading a deemed university and it was not appropriate for him to head the high-powered committee which sought derecognition of the aggrieved universities.

Hence, the bench asked the government and the varsities to

file their replies and rejoinders so that it could take up the matter for further hearing on August 3.

After directing the Centre to put on the Internet the recommendations of the Tondon Committee and the Task Force, the apex court had on March 8 granted two weeks to the aggrieved varsities to file their responses on the Centre’s decision to derecognise them.

The bench had also agreed to examine the validity of the government’s decision to derecognise the varsities as the institutions claimed that under the statutory rules, it was only the UGC which has got the power to strip them of their deemed status.

The Union HRD Ministry had denied the allegations of the institutes that they were not given sufficient opportunity to explain their academic performance before deciding to de-recognise them.

Muslim children celebrating award of capital punishment to 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab, at Eid Gah in Lucknow on Thursday.

Kasab’s death penalty: Where is hangman?

PTI MUMBAI, MAY 6

Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab may have been sent to gallows but where is the hangman?

This question popped up today after 22-yearold Kasab was ordered by a Mumbai trial court to be hanged by the neck until death since not a single hangman is on jail rolls.

Maharashtra, whose capital Mumbai suffered the country’s worst terror attack in 2008, does not have a hangman.

The story is the same be it in the national capital’s Tihar jail where the last hanging was carried out in 1989 or in West Bengal which executed a capital punishment in 2004.

“We had always borrowed hangman from other prisons. Anyone who volunteers for the job can do it. Even if there is no hangman to be found, any police officer from the rank of a constable can also do it if he volunteers,” a Tihar Jail official said. Legally, the government can appoint a hangman either for a short-term basis or as a perma-

nent appointee.

“If there is such a problem, it is only temporary. The government can either appoint someone on a short-term basis or permanently.

Moreover, any jail official can also do the job if he wishes,” G Venkatesh Rao, senior Supreme Court lawyer, who was also involved in the Indira Gandhi Assassination case said.

It was in 1989 that Satwant and Kehar Singh, convicted in Indira Gandhi Assassination case, were hanged to death.

The latest case of execution was of Dhananjay Chatterjee who killed 14-year-old Hetal Parikh on March 5, 1990 at her apartment residence in Bhowanipur. Chatterjee was kept at Alipore Jail for 14 years before his mercy plea was rejected by former President A P J Abdul Kalam and he was hanged to death on August 14, 2004.

He was executed by the 87-year old hangman Nata Mullick in West Bengal. Mullick, whose father Shibal Mullick was a hangman in the British colonial days, died in December 2009.

Kasab deserved death: Muslim clerics, scholars PTI LUCKNOW MAY 6

Muslim clerics and scholars have welcomed the capital punishment awarded to the Mumbai terror attack convict Ajmal Amir Kasab saying the court verdict has reiterated the faith of all countrymen in Indian judicial system.

“There could not have been any lesser punishment than capital sentence to Kasab who is responsible for the killing of scores of innocent people and it is the right decision”, Vice President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board and noted

Shia scholar Kalbe Sadiq told PTI. “A person responsible for killing scores of people should be hanged many times and we think that the Mumbai court has done justice in the case”, Sadiq said adding it has sent a strong message that there would be no leniency to the guilty.

Niab Imam of the idgah and member of the Muslim Personal law Board Khalid Rasheed Firangimahli, while welcoming the punishment, said it would provide some solace to the families of those killed in the Mumbai attack.

Kasab’s lawyer says has right to appeal PTI MUMBAI, MAY 6

The lawyer of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab today said he has the right to appeal against the death sentence served on him for Mumbai terror attacks but a decision was not taken as he has not spoken to his client.

K S Pawar, the lawyer who appeared for Kasab, said any accused has the right to appeal against the verdict if he is not in agreement with it.

“I will not criticise the verdict. If an accused is not satisfied with the verdict given by a court, he can appeal in the higher courts,” Pawar told reports after Kasab was sentenced to death for Mumbai terror attacks.

When asked whether Kasab will file an appeal, he said he had not spoken to him regarding this. “I will be given an opportunity to meet him. Then I will ask him and then it (whether to file an appeal) will be decided,” he said.

Pawar said he was satisfied with the way he argued for Kasab.

“I believe that I have put forward points to save Kasab in the best possible manner. Whether it is accepted or not is a different matter,” he said.

Asked whether he accepted that he was defeated, he said for a lawyer, arguing in a case is not like a “street wrestling” competition.

“The punishment would also be a lesson to all those indulging in anti-India activities—that terrorists would be meted out the strictest of treatments by the country and would act as a deterrant”, Firangimahli said .

Firangimahli said the decision has reiterated the faith of all in the judicial system as the acquittal of the other two accused Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin has proved that the innocent would never be punished.

“Their acquittal has also proved wrong the theory floated by some vested interests that Muslims were being meted out bad treatment in the country and that everyone, irrespective of his or her caste, creed or community were the same in the eyes of the law”, Firangimahli said.

aPPointMEntS

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CIA drones hit wider range of targets in Pakistan ReuteRs WASHINGTON, MAY 6

The CIA received approval to target a wider range of targets in Pakistan's tribal areas, including low-level fighters whose identities may not be known, US officials said.

The expanded strikes began under President George W Bush and have accelerated under President Barack Obama.

Supporters credit the covert targeted killing program with dealing a serious blow to al Qaeda and the Taliban, benefiting US forces in neighboring Pakistan.

Critics say the expanded CIA strikes raise legal as well as security concerns amid signs the suspect behind Saturday's attempted car bombing in New York's Times Square had ties to the Pakistani Taliban movement, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. Despite initial US skepticism, an official said TTP yesterday links to the case looked increasingly ''plausible.''

CIA-operated drones have aggressively targeted TTP leaders over the past year in Pakistan's tribal areas, and the group has vowed to avenge strikes that have killed several top leaders and commanders.

Current and former officials said government lawyers backed expansion of the ''target set'' for CIA drone strikes on self-defense grounds based on the threat the fighters pose to US forces in Afghanistan and the United States as a whole.

In his few public references to the drones, Obama cited what he called the need to ''take out high-level terrorist targets'' if Pakistan would not.

Hijacked Russian tanker freed, crew safe, pirate dead ReuteRs MOSCOW, MAY 6

Russian forces freed a hijacked Russian oil tanker in a helicopter-backed operation today, rescuing its crew and, according to one report, killing a Somali pirate.

Pirates yesterday hijacked the MV Moscow University in the Gulf of Aden with its 23-member crew and a cargo of crude oil worth 52 million dollar.

The European Union's naval force said the Russian warship Marshal Shaposhnikov had sent in a helicopter that returned fire after being shot at by pirates. ''Eventually the pirates surrendered and a boarding team from the Marshal Shaposhnikov arrived on board the tanker, captured all the pirates and freed the crew. All the crew are safe and well,'' and EU naval statement said.

However the state-run RIA news agency, citing an unnamed Russian navy official,

said the Russians had killed one pirate and captured 10.

A spokesman for Russia's Foreign Ministry, Igor Lyakin-Frolov, confirmed that some pirates had been captured, but said it was unclear if there were casualties among them. ''The captured pirates will most likely be handed over to the authorities of countries in the region,'' he told Reuters.

The tanker would most likely continue on its planned voyage to China, he said.

Somali pirates are still able to seize ships despite the presence of an international fleet of warships in the busy shipping lanes linking Europe with Asia. Shipowners and insurers have paid out tens of millions of dollars in ransoms.

The successful rescue operation will please the Kremlin, which has been seeking to revive Russia's naval muscle despite limited resources.

Russia has been sending warships to pa-

Nepal asks for UN peace-monitoring mission to stay ReuteRs UNITED NATIONS, MAY 6

Nepal, engulfed in a political crisis, asked the United Nations to keep its peace-monitoring mission in place there even though the world body had hoped to start withdrawing it later this month.

Maoist former rebels called an indefinite general strike in the Himalayan state last weekend, demanding that the government make way for a national unity coalition headed by them.

Under a 2006 deal that ended a decade-long civil war between the government and the Maoists, the United Nations has supervised compliance by the former combatants with an agreement on their arms and armies.

The current mandate of the UN mission, known as UNMIN, ends on May 15 and was meant to be its last. But Nepal's UN Ambassador, Gyan Chandra Acharya, requested the Security Council on Wednesday to extend it for another four months.

In a speech to the council yesterday, Acharya acknowledged Nepal was ''going through a difficult time,'' but added, ''We are confident that we will be able to conclude the peace process with tangible progress in the days ahead.'' ''We need to build on the positive prospects to maintain the momentum. It is for this reason and also as we are at an important juncture of the peace process, the government of Nepal has decided to seek the extension of UNMIN's mandate,'' he said.

The 250-strong UNMIN has arms monitors based at camps

for former Maoist fighters where weapons are stored and at a weapons storage site in a Nepal army barracks. More than 19,000 ex-fighters remain at the camps, waiting to be absorbed into the security forces or civilian life.

In January, the Security Council asked Nepal to make arrangements to take over UNMIN's monitoring duties. But U.N. special envoy to Nepal Karen Landgren told the council Nepalese officials had told the mission ''that alternative monitoring arrangements were not feasible.''

The United Nations had also expected a new constitution to be drafted by a scheduled target date of May 28. But political parties said last month the deadline could not be met.

Nepal's political problems began a year ago when the Maoists quit the government after the country's president refused to endorse their dismissal of Nepal's army chief.

In her address to the council, Landgren said tensions had worsened since her last report in January.

In a statement to reporters, Lebanese Ambassador Nawaf Salam, current president of the 15-nation body, said members were concerned by the tensions. ''We urge all sides to avoid provocative behavior and we call upon all parties to continue working toward a political and peaceful long-term settlement,'' he said.

Diplomats said the council had not yet decided what to do, but was likely to accede to Nepal's request for an extension of UNMIN's mandate at a meeting next Wednesday.

Karzai may face hostile audience in US Congress Reuters WASHINGTON, MAY 6

Once hailed as a hero in the US Congress, Afghan President Hamid Karzai may find the welcome mat a bit smaller when he visits Washington next week.

Karzai, whose recent behavior rankled both US political parties, has some explaining to do if he wants Congress to see him as a credible ally whose government is worth the continued cost of the Afghan war, some US lawmakers say.

President Barack Obama has asked Congress to approve $33 billion more to help fund 30,000 additional US forces this year, and 4.5 billion dollar for related foreign aid and civilian operations directed by the State Department.

But this request is languishing on Capitol Hill amid work on other domestic priorities and scarce budget resources. ''He has a major task ahead of him to convince the Congress that he has the capacity and commitment to be a reliable and committed partner in our efforts to defeatal Qaeda and the Taliban,'' Democratic Representative Nita Lowey told Reuters.

She chairs the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees spending on Obama's civilian ''surge'' in Afghanistan.

Back in 2004, lawmakers feted Karzai as the then-in-

terim leader talked of building a new Afghanistan in an address to a joint meeting of Congress, an honor given to few foreigners.

More recently Karzai sparked Washington's ire by accusing Western countries and officials of perpetrating election fraud in Afghanistan, in comments the White House called disturbing and untrue. He also hosted Iranian President Ahmadinejad, no friend of Washington, in Kabul.

The Obama administration and Karzai have tried to smooth over their rift. But the Afghan leader, who arrives in Washington on Monday and will also see Obama, can expect to be questioned aggressively by lawmakers.

Obama administration officials hope Karzai's performance is enough to convince lawmakers they should approve the supplemental funds Obama wants for the Afghan war.

So far this year, Congress' Democratic leaders have been in no hurry to do so, letting Obama's war funding request wait while they work on issues like the economy and healthcare.

A small but vocal minority of the Democrats want the United States to leave Afghanistan.

Democratic Senator Robert Menendez said Karzai would be pressed over his allegations about last year's election.

trol and protect Russian crews and cargoes off the Horn of Africa since the hijacking of the Ukrainian-owned cargo ship MV Faina in 2008 and the death of its Russian captain.

The Faina was carrying a cargo of 33 tanks.

Two Russian fishing vessels were hijacked in the early 2000s off Somalia, though Wednesday's attack was the first on a large Russian-owned merchant vessel, said Andrew Mwangura, who runs the East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme.

A spokeswoman for the tanker's owner, Novorossiysk Shipping Company, said the crew survived the 20-hour siege by hiding in a safe room that was inaccessible to the hijackers.

Some oil tankers are sailing around southern Africa and further east into the Indian Ocean away from Somalia's coastline to avoid the Gulf of Aden and pirates who are striking deeper out at sea, shipping experts say.

From page 1 KASAB GETS DEATH

“I am happy because my effort to bring relief to the families of those killed by terrorists has met with success,” said Nikam for whom Kasab was the 38th person to be given death penalty in a case handled by him.

Kasab’s laywer K P Pawar said he would not criticise the judgment but his client has a right to appeal. The verdict evoked instant reaction with people bursting crackers outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus(CST) where Kasab was caught on camera killing people.

The court cited the example of 1999 Kandahar plane hijack incident in which dreaded terrorists were released in exchange for passengers.

Kasab was on May 3 convicted of almost all the 86 charges.

Justifying death penalty for Kasab, the court observed, “The life of any person who wages war against the country stands forfeited.”

The judge also said that Kasab had no remorse for his actions and hence there was no chance of rehabilitation or reformation.

He observed that Kasab was mentally prepared to attack India and had voluntarily joined LeT in Rawalpindi and offered himself to be a “fidayeen“ (suicide killer).

While reading out the sentence, he observed “The terror acts were meticulously planned with use of modern equipment and techniques and necessary precautions were taken to see that the attack was a success.”

“There are no words to explain the extent of brutality...there are no circumstances to create a balance in favour of the accused and he does not deserve lesser punishment,” Judge Tahaliyani observed.

While remaining non-commital on whether he would move a superior court in appeal, Kasab’s lawyer K P Pawar said “I will be given an opportunity to meet him. Then I will ask him and then it (whether to file an appeal) will be decided.”

Prosecutor Nikam urged the court to levy compensation for damages to property to the tune of Rs 155.73 crore. Asked by the judge who will pay it, he shot back saying LeT should shell out the fine.

The court, however, said it was disinclined to consider Nikam’s plea after which he did not press for it.

Crime Branch chief Himanshu Roy said the judge has correctly convicted Kasab and awarded the death penalty.

“We welcome the sentence. I feel it was very a important probe.

Those thinking about terror activities against the country will also have an adverse impact,” he added.

On May 3, Kasab was pronounced guilty under various sections of IPC, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Explosive Substances Act, Railways Act, Passport Act, Customs Act,

Slain cop’s brother happy

“My babhi (Kavita Hemant Karkare), who is away in Mumbai, is also equally satisfied. We are of the opinion that considering the gravity of 26/11, Kasab should not be allowed liberty for further appeal,” he added.

“Indian government should now direct its attention to reach out to big fish and prove their involvement in 26/11 to international community and accordingly punish them,” stated Praveen.

Replying to a query if Kasab was directly involved in killing his brother, he said: “Yes, Kasab in his reported deposition with the court agreed that he had shot at a police van in which my brother, Hemant, was an occupant.”

“Given the enormity of this particular case, we are full of praise for Special Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam, who in no time filed over 1,100 pages chargesheet and proved 83 of the 86 framed charges,” Praveen said.

“The special court disposed off the case in just 172 working days, sentencing Kasab to death on four counts and life imprisonment on another five counts.”

“I believe the entire country is happy with the verdict and our family feels proud that Hemant Karkare shed his life for this great country.”

Recollecting with sadness his last conversation with his brother, Praveen said: “I made a phone call to my brother on 26/11 morning and while speaking about attending a family wedding, which he expressed his inability to attend and asked me instead to go and attend on the family’s behalf.”

“I informed him about a threat to his life he received at Pune a day before on September 25. He just laughed it-off saying ‘aise threats to har din aate raheteim hai’,” (We keep getting threats like these every day) said Praveen.

“I asked him to take his bodyguards whenever he goes for morning walk, which he assured me to follow from next day, but sadly the next day never came in his life,” said Praveen.

“My brother was a bookworm, his personal library even now should have over 20,000 to 30,000 books and his only wish was to erase corruption at all levels,” he added.

“My brother used to normally say ‘money from drugs finances 90% of the terrorist activities’ and during his tenure as chief of Anti Narcotics Cell, he did a lot of work at ground level to stop drug abuse,” added Praveen.

Praveen’s other brother, Shirish, works for an insurance company in Mumbai, while their sister is married in Pune.

“I used to share a fatherly-cum-friendly relationship with my elder brother, who used to always ask other siblings never to use influence to achieve or get work done for us. Despite his high position, not a single family member used his name to influence for our works. My brother’s life is cut short by these cruel people from across the border,” added Karkare.

Naxal group leader nakanbandis and this operation,” he said.

Interestingly, the police did not find any weapons from the accused or any of his supporters.

Asked whether he retaliated or tried to escape during the operation, Deshpande said, “he did make an arrest but was not successful.”

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us probing shahzad’s links to af-pak border PtI NEW YORK, MAY 6

As evidence mounted of involvement of Pakistani Taliban in the Times Square bombing plot, with reports that the suspect had meetings with the group's bomb-maker Qari Hussain, US investigators have now shifted focus to tracing the links to the volatile Af-Pak border.

The US probe is now focussing on unearthing the Taliban and other militant links to the plot following revelations

by Faisal Shahzad that he attended a terrorist training camp in Waziristan, a stronghold of Taliban and al-Qaeda militants.

"A big part of that ongoing investigation is to evaluate where he was and what he was doing during his time in Pakistan," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters.

Gibbs said Justice Department and investigating agencies are actively looking at the time which Shahzad, son of a retired Pakistani Air Vice Marshal, spent in Pakistan and New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said a team was dispatched to Karachi, where several people have been arrested in connection with the case.

US President Barack Obama

met his National Security Team which includes, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defence Secretary Robert Gates to discuss in depth the Pakistani links to terror attacks in America.

Times square bombing ploT The US Ambassador to Islamabad Anne Patterson has held discussions with President Asif Ali Zardari and top Pakistani cabinet ministers about the search for leads in the US investigations.

The Obama Administration is preparing to push Pakistan for harder action against dreaded outfits like LeT, Taliban, al-Qaeda and Haqqani network, fearing that these groups are aiming to spread their terror footprints to the country, US media reports said.

'Washington Post' said that US Administration was preparing to deliver to Pakistan detailed request for "urgent and specific" assistance on the case by the end of the week.

The main fear rankling the US investigators is whether Shahzad acted alone, had outside help or was acting on behalf of a larger group either in Pakistan or elsewhere.

In his last trip to Pakistan, Fox News quoting Pakistani officials said that Shahzad was introduced to Qari Hussain, the Number 3 in the top tier leadership of the Pakistani Taliban, the organisation's bomb maker and suicide trainer.

'The New York Times' quoted officials as saying there were strong indications that Shahzad knew other key members of Pakistani Taliban and the group had a role in training him.

According to charges filed in the court, Shahzad has admitted to receiving bomb making training in Waziristan.

Other Pakistani groups like Jaish-i-Mohammad and Laskaee-Jhangvi also have a presence in the area. Pakistani officials were quoted by CNN as saying that Shahzad had been trained in a Jaish-i-Mohammad terror camp.

"There is a link to Pakistan," New York Police Commissioner said. "My guess is you got policemen on their way to Karachi right now who want to talk to the people there," Kelly said.

The Post said, the pressure to take decisive action to uproot these groups is growing.

There is a widespread change in public mood and perception after the latest failed terror plot.

Thai protesters demand more talks before quitting ReuteRs BANGKOK, MAY 6

Thai anti-government protesters demanded today more talks before agreeing to end two months of protests that have stifled the economy, scared away tourists and sparked Thailand's deadliest political clashes in 18 years.

The red-shirted supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have broadly welcomed premier Abhisit Vejjajiva's five-point national reconciliation plan to end a crisis in which 27 people have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded.

But thousands remained on Bangkok's rain-slicked streets, barricaded in a 3 sq-km (1.2 sqmile) stretch of upscale department stores, luxury hotels and expensive apartments, escaping tropical rains under a network of makeshift tents. ''We still have problems with many issues,'' Nattawut Saikua, a protest leader, told reporters.

They have yet to agree to Abhisit's offer for a November 14 election, he added.

The mostly rural and urban poor protesters have de-

Jonathan sworn-in as Nigeria’s new President PtI ABUJA, MAY 6

Goodluck Jonathan was today sworn-in as the President of Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, following the death of the country's elected leader Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

Jonathan, who had been serving as acting president since early February following the illness of President Yar'Adua, was sworn-in by country's chief justice Katsina Alu just after 9 am at the presidential villa.

The new President will now lead a funeral entourage to the hometown of Yar'Adua. He has already declared a week-long national mourning in respect of the dead leader whom he described as jewel on Nigeria's crown.

58-year-old Yar'Adua, who long had suffered from kidney ailments and was recently hospitalised in Saudi Arabia because of heart inflammation, died at yesterday. He is survived by an aged mother, wife Turai Yar'Adua and nine children.

Prior to assuming the position of acting president, Jonathan was the deputy to Yar'Adua who disappeared from public view last November when he became very ill and was hospitalised in Saudi Arabia.

President Jonathan was born on November 20, 1957 and was governor of Bayelsa state, in the Niger Delta region before assuming the position of vice president in 2007.

manded immediate elections Thaksin's allies would be well placed to win, and say the ruling coalition lacks a popular mandate after coming to power in a controversial parliamentary vote 17 months ago.

They chafe at what they see as the military and unelected royalist aristocracy meddling in politics, and targeted the shopping district as a symbol of wealth out of reach to rural masses in a country with one of Asia's widest income disparities.

Some question the sincerity of Abhisit's peace overture.

The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, better known as the ''red shirts'', want to see the outcome of a ruling coalition meeting tomorrow before determining their next move, added Nattawut, a former spokesman of the now-defunct Thaksinbacked People's Power Party.

Protest leaders are demanding a specific date for dissolution of parliament -- a technicality analysts said was likely being used as an excuse to negotiate better terms or to help protest leaders escape

possible terrorism charges once the rally ends.

Abhisit said dissolution would take place between September 15 and 30 under laws requiring parliament be dissolved 45 to 60 days before an election. His Democrat Party made the same statement yesterday.

But if protesters don't leave, a November election may not be possible at all, he added. ''The reconciliation plan is very vague and Abhisit's promise is slippery. We have to make sure what we are getting before we declare victory,'' said Weng Tojirakarn, another protest leaders.

The stock market was down 1.8 per cent as trade resumed a day after a public holiday, broadly in line with Asian markets. The baht was also softer.

Central Patana PCL, which manages Southeast Asia's second largest shopping mall, Central World, said the protests had caused a combined loss in revenue of 37 million dollar for all retailers at the site, which has been closed since early April.

Britain votes in knife-edge poll PtI LONDON, MAY 6

Britons today voted in what is billed as the most tightly-contested general election since the World War II which could lead to a hung Parliament, though latest opinion polls gave a clear edge to opposition Tories over the ruling Labour as well as Liberal Democrats.

Polling stations opened at 7 am local time and the voters have until 10 pm to exercise their franchise, as police commenced a probe into alleged fraudulent postal voting and false registration of voters' addresses.

Over 44 million people were registered to vote for nearly 4,150 candidates in 649 constituencies. Polling in one constituency - Thirsk and Malton has been delayed until May 27 because of the death of one of the candidates during the campaign.

First results are expected at 11 pm local time. The vast majority of constituencies will count votes and declare results overnight.

A string of eve-of-election opinion polls gave David Cameron's Conservatives a clear lead over Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

But they still suggest the Tories may not reach the level of support they need to claim an overall majority in the 650member House of Commons.

Cameron is likely to form a coalition government with MPs

23 killed, 161 injured as tornado strikes China PtI BEIJING, MAY 6

At least 23 people were killed and 161 injured today when a tornado struck China's southwestern Chongqing Municipality, damaging houses and crops.

The tornado - followed by torrential rains, hail storms and high winds - hit Dianjiang and Liangping counties at around 2:00 am (2330 IST), state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

"At least 23 people died and 161 others were injured," it said quoting local government officials.

Liangping county was hit by a tornado and hailstorm, leaving six people dead and another 34 injured. Seventeen people died and 127 people were injured in Dianjiang county, according to rough statistics.

The municipal government has begun to carry out an emergency plan and started relief work. Officials were working to tally the number of dead and injured, as well as the number of homes damaged.

Vatican talks with splinter group difficult: Cardinal ReuteRs PARIS, MAY 6

Vatican talks with a controversial splinter group have been difficult and the ultra-traditionalist Catholics will have to make concessions if an accord is to be reached, a senior Vatican cardinal said.

The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), whose four bishops were readmitted to the Church last year after a ban of 21 years, cannot conduct the doctrinal discussions on their terms, but only on those of the Vatican, Cardinal Walter Kasper said yesterday.

The closed-door talks are a key issue for the Catholic Church because, although the SSPX is small, its return to the fold has been so stormy. One readmitted bishop, Richard Williamson, is a Holocaust denier convicted and fined for hate speech in Germany.

Pope Benedict's eagerness to rehabilitate the SSPX, despite its rejection of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) reforms, troubles Catholic critics who see them as anti-Semites who want to turn back the clock on 40 years of dialogue among religions. ''Dialogue with them is not easy,'' Kasper, who heads the Vatican department for relations with other Christian churches and with Jews, told a news conference during a visit to Paris. ''The main problem with them is not the Mass in Latin,'' he said, referring to the

SSPX's insistence on the preCouncil liturgy, ''but the concept of tradition. Do we want a living tradition or a petrified one?'' ''I'm for a dialogue, but on our conditions, not on the traditionalists' conditions,'' he added. The SSPX had to accept the Council reforms, the ''sine qua non'' of any accord.

Without an accord, the group will have no official status and its clergy will not be recognised as Catholic priests or allowed to exercise their ministry.

Benedict, who has promoted a return to Catholic tradition and identity during his five-year papacy, said in January that the talks among three theologians from each side were held up over ''doctrinal problems'' he did not specify.

The SSPX, numbering several hundred thousand members, insists it represents the true faith and the Vatican and the vast majority of the Church went off the rails at the Council.

Even while its theologians meet Vatican experts every other week to seek a common understanding of the Council, its leaders have been criticising key doctrines of that historic event.

SSPX head Bishop Bernard Fellay said in March the Vatican theologians ''wish the Church well but also want to save the Second Vatican Council -- that's like squaring a circle.''

Williamson, ignoring a gag order Fellay imposed on him after his interview denying the Holocaust, dismissed the Vatican talks in January as a futile bid to harmonise irreconcilable views. ''Either the SSPX becomes a traitor, or Rome converts, or it's a dialogue of the deaf,'' he said.

In recent months, the SSPX head in Germany has criticized Benedict for visiting the Rome synagogue and the French district head said dialogue with other faiths was ruining the Church.

from Northern Ireland.

The result is the most uncertain in any election since 1992

and there is the first real prospect of a hung Parliament in almost 30 years.

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Air India losses coming down: Govt PtI NEW DELHI, MAY 6

The government today claimed that the losses of Air India were coming down and admitted that there were "some issues" which were affecting the process of its merger.

The losses have started declining and with more synergy the situation will improve further, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told the Lok Sabha

during Question Hour.

On the criticism regarding mounting losses in the national carrier after merger of Air India and Indian Airlines, he said "the merger was planned with a great degree of confidence...

Yes, there are some issues which need to be handled carefully and merger is not a oneday process, it is 2-3 years process for full integration."

He asserted that Air India

TALK BUSINESS

ICICI Bank inaugurates its 2000th branch PANJIM (HBD) -- Chanda Kochhar, managing director and CEO, inaugurated the 2000th branch of ICICI Bank at Veera Desai Road, Andheri West, Mumbai. ICICI Bank is the first private sector bank to reach this milestone, giving the bank a wide distribution reach in the country.

The bank continues to expand its branch network to enhance its deposit franchise and create an integrated distribution network for both asset and liability products. In conjunction with the expansion in branch network, the bank continues to invest in its electronic channels namely internet banking, mobile banking, phone banking and ATMs.

Acer, Microsoft join for PCs loaded with Windows 7 OS PANJIM (HBD) -- Acer along with Microsoft, has announced aggressive marketing plans to provide impetus to the sales of Windows 7 OS loaded PCs. Titled Acer Windows Advantage the company has tied up with 66 of its retail partners, including Acer Malls and Acer Points, to increase the attach ratio with Windows 7 OS. The breadth of the Windows platform with its host of options, has given Acer the momentum to develop fresh features in its PCs, to suit new forms of consumer demand. Acer has introduced into the market Windows 7 based SKU line up across platforms, including touch enabled notebooks. These notebooks aid in bringing out the best features of Windows7. The evolution of netbooks also, has now reached a new high with this advanced version of Windows OS. Netbooks these days have moved on from being basic web-surfing devices to become more powerful all encompassing computing devices. The familiar and easy-to-use interface of Windows makes working on these devices an enjoyable experience

Pegasystems, Wipro expand global strategic alliance PANJIM (HBD) -- Pegasystems Inc, the leader in Business Process Management (BPM) software solutions, and Wipro Technologies, the global IT services business of Wipro Limited, announced an expanded global strategic alliance to provide industry-leading BPM solutions and services to worldwide clients.

The Pegasystems and Wipro alliance will focus on developing agile and innovative business solutions worldwide, across a varied range of industry verticals. These solutions help clients improve customer retention through differentiated customer experience and enable clients to achieve productivity improvements of 3040%. Clients will benefit from Wipro’s strong ability and significant depth of experience in architecting and building BPM and rulesbased solutions for over 12 years to a multitude of customers.

Wipro will leverage Pegasystems’ award-winning SmartBPM® solution to deliver faster and more robust solutions to clients.

Pegasystems’ patented Build for Change technology provides agile, configurable business platforms. Through this, Wipro clients will be able to better adapt to ever changing business needs. Pegasystems’ industry specific framework solutions, a library of industry solution accelerators for rapid success in BPM deployments, will complement BPM services from Wipro for the customer service, financial services, insurance, and healthcare industries.

Pegasystems and Wipro will provide full BPM project management, including consulting and delivery resources, full training and enablement, and support for establishing client BPM Centers of Excellence (COEs).

Sensex shaken by European debt crisis PtI MUMBAI, MAY 6

Stock market bellwether Sensex lost 100 points today to close below the 17,000 level, as world markets wobbled on concerns that Europe is facing prospects of a protracted debt crisis.

The Bombay Stock Exchange’s 30-share index closed trade at 16,987.53 points, down 0.59 percent or 100.43 points. The barometer had tumbled 265 points in the intra-day trade to touch a low of 16,823, but recovered partially in the final hours as investors found shares at attractive bargains.

The retreat below 17,000 comes despite a good corporate earnings season and within a month of the index touching the 18,000 level.

would remain a national carrier under the UPA regime.

Taking a dig at former Civil Aviation Minister and BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain, who had claimed that Air India and Indian Airlines were profitable during the NDA rule, Patel said "...be assured that Air India was and will remain a national carrier in the UPA regime and not like NDA which had planned to sell it."

Asserting that the government was fully committed to support National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL) which runs the merged carrier, Patel said Rs 800 crore worth equity was infused into it last year and another Rs 1,200 crore would be put in this fiscal.

The Minister informed the House that Air India has offices in 13 cities where it does not have its own flights. These are Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Milan, Vienna, Copenhagen, Zurich, Brussels, Moscow, Cairo, Tehran, Nairobi, Sydney and Chittagong.

These offices have been established on account of code sharing with other airlines and for revenue generation.

"The commercial viability of all such offices is in the process of review by Air India and appropriate action is being taken to close all offices in cities where alternative arrangements can be made to ensure revenue generation," Patel said.

ICICI eyes Bank of Rajasthan ReuteRs MUMBAI, MAY 6

ICICI Bank, India's No 2 lender, is in talks to buy a holding in Bank of Rajasthan from the Tayals, who control the small private-sector bank, the the Economic Times reported on Thursday.

The Tayals, who had about 29 percent holding at end-December according to the Bombay Stock Exchange data, are also negotiating with other suitors, the newspaper said, quoting unnamed sources.

Bank of Rajasthan has a market value of $324 million, and ICICI has indicated it is willing to pay more than the market price for the stake, it said.

"There are differences on valuations and talks have not progressed ... a deal could be sometime away," the paper quoted a a senior banker familiar with the negotiations as saying.

A spokesman for ICICI refused to comment on the report, while officials at Bank of Rajasthan could not immediately be reached.

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BPTP gets nod for $325 m IPO

Greece crisis to hit India, says UBS

ReuteRs MUMBAI, MAY 6

PtI MUMBAI, MAY 6

Indian developer BPTP Ltd has received approval from the markets regulator for an initial public offering to raise about 15 billion rupees ($325 million), two sources with direct knowledge said on Thursday.

JPMorgan India and IDFC Capital are the book running lead managers to the issue.

So far this year, three Indian developers have raised funds through IPOs but have needed strong bids from institutions to make up for the lack of retail response.

International uncertainties such as the one prevailing in Greece would have an impact on equity markets globally, including India, a top financial sector expert said.

"The uncertainty in Greece will impact the Indian equity market as well those of other countries," UBS India CEO and country head Manisha Girotra said on the sidelines of a FICCI event here.

The global environment will continue to remain choppy for sometime following the debt crisis in Greece, Girotra said, adding the contagion may spread to Spain and some other countries.

The UBS India chief, however, said India would not be affected by the crisis in a major way. In India, the growth story "is intact" and the Government policies are positive, she said.

"The country has a robust economy and our corporate sector is strong."

Asked about the interest rate regime going forward, Girotra said she expected a "gentle tightening of interest rates."

There is optimism of a good monsoon this time, she said.

"We expect a good monsoon this year -- this will help in easing of high inflation rate."

The prevailing inflation (9.9%) is a reflection of last year's poor monsoon, she said.

Free CDMA calls @ Rs 599/month ReuteRs NEW DELHI

Reliance Communications, India's second-largest mobile firm, said on Thursday its prepaid CDMA users can now make unlimited calls for 599 rupees ($13) per month.

Alcon eyeing over 40% jump in Rev PtI MUMBAI, MAY 6

Healthcare solutions provider, Alcon Inc's Indian arm, Alcon India, is eyeing an over 40 per cent growth in its revenue this year at USD 60-million, a top company official said.

"We are targeting an over 40 per cent growth in our revenue this year at USD 60-million from our India operations," Switzerland-based Alcon Inc's President and CEO, Kevin J

Buehler said.

Last year, its Indian operations earned a revenue of USD 42.5-million.

Alcon India is into sales and marketing of a wide range of optical surgical equipments.

"The opportunities in the eye-care sector in India are huge. There are about 500-million cataract procedures done in the country," he said.

The firm plans to capture at least 20 per cent of this

through Phacoemulcification Cataract Surgery in the next 10-years, he said.

"500-million is a huge number. If we can shift some of this number to Phacoemulcification Cataract Surgery, we are confident of attaining a 20 per cent market share in the next 10years," Buehler said.

Another area that the company is betting big on is the timely detection of glaucoma that can prevent loss of eye-

3i Infrastructure sees more deals in pipeline ReuteRs LONDON, MAY 6

British group 3i Infrastructure Plc said the pipeline of new deals is strengthening as governments and large corporates consider disposals after a stabilisation in markets for infrastructure assets.

The listed investor said on Thursday its own portfolio, including Anglian Water Group and oil storage business Oystercatcher, posted a robust performance, helping drive an underlying return of 17.5 percent for the year to end March.

Net asset value was 113 pence per share, excluding a 3.3p final dividend, just beating analyst forecasts of 110p to 112p.

The environment for investing has become more positive, with asset price volatility decreasing and sellers more willing to enter into deals, the

Bhel, 2446, 2446, 2401.55, 2415.85 Bhushan Stee, 1585.1, 1615, 1565.15, 1602.05 Biocon Limit, 289, 292.55, 285.2, 290 Bombay Dyein, 563, 573, 555.1, 561.05 Bosch Limite, 4795, 5015, 4731, 4994.4 Brigade Ente, 138.8, 146, 138.1, 138.7 Cairn India, 297.35, 297.95, 289.1, 292.35 Canara Bank, 432, 442.95, 425.1, 439.05 Central Bank, 145.05, 153.7, 145.05, 148.1 Century Text, 496, 500, 478, 487.2 Cesc Ltd, 392, 399.5, 390.5, 396.25 Chambal Fert, 63, 63.55, 61.5, 62.8 Chennai Petr, 277.05, 278.8, 271.5, 274.55 Cipla Ltd, 337, 348.5, 335.2, 345.6 Colgate Palm, 752.1, 761.85, 745.15, 747.4 Container Co, 1320, 1322, 1297.3, 1301.1 Crompton Gre, 264, 265, 252.05, 253.15 Cummins Indi, 565, 574, 555.15, 564.15 Dabur India, 186, 190, 184.15, 188.65 Deccan Chron, 148, 148.45, 142.6, 147.4 Dish Tv Indi, 35.6, 37.1, 35.55, 36.45 Divi’s Labor, 707, 717.85, 697, 701.3 Dlf Limited, 301.4, 302, 295, 298.15

group said.

"We are much more optimistic that the market for infrastructure assets is improving.

Our pipeline is double the size by volume and value from when we talked about it at the interim results," Managing Partner Cressida Hogg told reporters on a conference call.

Some large PPP (public private partnerships) projects and privatisations are being driven by government budgetary constraints, Hogg said. Other disposals are coming from large corporates and financial institutions wanting to raise cash, or facing pressure from regulators to dispose of assets.

3i Infrastructure bought a 49.9 percent stake in Scottish and Northeast England schools and healthcare group Elgin Infrastructure in January, its only new investment during the year amid what it termed diffi-

Dr. reddy’s, 1250, 1269.9, 1227.05, 1242.55 Edelweiss Ca, 418.7, 419, 404.8, 415.2 Educomp Solu, 682, 684.85, 661, 663.6 Eih Limited, 124.2, 129.35, 122.4, 126.05 Engineers In, 400, 461.3, 398, 461.3 Essar Oil Lt, 137.25, 139, 132.1, 134.2 Essar Shippi, 89, 90, 86.2, 87.4 Exide Indust, 121.7, 122.5, 119.4, 119.95 Federal Bank, 299, 299.05, 288.05, 294.35 Financial Te, 1480, 1480, 1401.1, 1438.6 Gail (india), 418, 428.3, 414.75, 426.55 Gammon India, 221, 222, 212.25, 215.15 Glaxosmithkl, 1917.25, 1995, 1917.25, 1985.3 Glenmark Pha, 288, 296, 280.5, 282.35 Gmr Infrastr, 61.95, 62.95, 60.1, 61.75 Godrej Indus, 159.5, 162.8, 155.75, 158.15 Grasim Indus, 2580, 2628, 2571, 2614.2 Great Offsho, 453, 456, 445.2, 451.5 Gtl Infra.Lt, 41.1, 42.2, 40.1, 41.6 Gujarat Mine, 134, 134, 128.55, 130.9 Gujarat N R, 79, 81.25, 74.95, 79.3 Gujarat Stat, 94.05, 96.8, 92.8, 93.7 Gvk Pow. & I, 45.25, 45.5, 43.35, 44.25

Hcl Technolo, 406.5, 407.85, 393.2, 399.9 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1905, 1916, 1877, 1895.5 Hdfc Ltd, 2790, 2802.9, 2720.3, 2752.8 Hero Honda M, 1885, 1905, 1862.1, 1895.9 Hindalco in, 163.5, 164.95, 158.5, 164 Hindustan Co, 124, 124.75, 120.6, 122.15 Hindustan Ma, 73.2, 82.15, 71.25, 79.6 Hindustan Pe, 332, 337.8, 327.1, 332.85 Hindustan Un, 227, 235.5, 227, 232.15 Hindustan Zi, 1138, 1142.8, 1111, 1129.25 Housing Dev, 248, 255, 245, 250.7 Icici Bank L, 898.45, 912.55, 891, 902.85 Idea Cellula, 63, 63.75, 61.15, 62.6 Ifci Ltd, 51.9, 52.65, 50.2, 50.95 India Cement, 121, 122.9, 117.95, 119.35 India Infoli, 105.1, 105.2, 100.75, 103.55 Indiabulls F, 154, 157.8, 148.1, 149.7 Indiabulls R, 161.9, 166.5, 159, 162.75 Indian Bank, 235, 236.6, 223.55, 225.45 Indian Hotel, 106.05, 106.95, 103.5, 105 Indian Oil C, 302, 310.5, 301, 307.3 Indian Overs, 96.15, 96.75, 93.65, 95.3 Indus Dev Ba, 124.9, 124.9, 120.15, 122.95 Indusind Ban, 192, 194.35, 186.55, 187.65

cult conditions for deals.

"This year we would expect to see a much higher level of new investment, which should bolster the income position," JPMorgan Cazenove analyst Chris Brown said in a note to investors.

GOVERNMENT DISPOSALS The British government earlier this year announced a clutch of infrastructure sales, including the channel rail link and Europe's busiest ferry port, Dover, as it looks to raise money to plug the budget deficit.

"My own view is whatever the colour of the government, even if it's multi-coloured government we get after today, there will be disposals that go ahead from that list. The Dartford crossing is clearly one of those," Hogg said, referring to the UK parliamentary election.

Infosys Tech, 2690.3, 2690.3, 2645.55, 2658.15 Infra. dev., 163, 163, 158.3, 160.95 Ispat Indust, 19.55, 19.55, 18.7, 19.05 Itc Ltd, 245, 262.5, 245, 259.05 Ivrcl Infras, 164.45, 166.75, 161.15, 164.3 Jai Corp Lim, 245.1, 252.9, 243.2, 247.55 Jaiprakash A, 133, 135.6, 131, 133.6 Jet Airways, 505.45, 527, 495.15, 516.4 Jindal Saw L, 205.25, 208.35, 199.05, 206.25 Jindal Steel, 705, 705, 652, 658.9 Jsw Steel Li, 1144, 1169, 1123.5, 1154.85 Kotak Mahind, 745, 757.8, 732, 749.9 Lakshmi Mach, 1979, 2039, 1965, 2001.45 Lanco Infrat, 60.95, 62.2, 58.8, 60.3 Larsen & Tou, 1531.3, 1539, 1502, 1526.9 Lic Housing, 955, 968.6, 934.55, 952.5 Lupin Limite, 1821, 1834, 1772.1, 1817.2 Mahanagar Te, 70, 70.3, 69.1, 69.85 Mahindra & M, 518, 521.3, 507.45, 517.8 Maruti Suzuk, 1284, 1289, 1265.25, 1278.5 Max India Lt, 174, 183.3, 173, 181.45 Maytas Infr., 198, 201.5, 194.3, 197.65

sight, he said.

"This segment too presents a huge opportunity," he said.

"Hopefully we will be able to introduce the procedure for glaucoma diagnosis before the end of this year after we testmarket it specifically for India," he said.

To buttress its Indian operations, Alcon India now plans to up its headcount to close to 450 by end-this year.

"Presently, we have 140 employees--we plan to up this to close to 450 by end-2010," Buehler said.

BOARD MEETINGS Aditya Birla Nuv Panasonic Home Advani Hotels Gujarat Foils Piramal Health Hindustan Dorr Pratibha Inds ICsA India Infomedia 18 J Kumar Infra Bank of India KPIt Cummins Lloyds Finance tata Metaliks Mahalaxmi Rub torrent Power NIIt Cipla uflex Dhanlaxmi Fab Novartis India Digjam Oracle Fin Financial eyes Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA IDFC MutuAL FuNDs has approved May 11, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under IDFC Arbitrage Plan B and IDFC Arbitrage Plus (Plan A and B).

The quantum of the declaration is 0.1% under IDFC Arbitrage Plan B and 0.2% under IDFC Arbitrage Plus (Plan A and B).

KOtAK MutuAL FuND has approved May 11, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under Kotak Quarterly Interval Plan series 6.

The quantum of the declaration will be 100% of the distributable surplus as available under the plan(s) on the record date.

Moser-baer (, 70.95, 72.4, 69.55, 70.4 Mrpl, 74.65, 75.85, 73.6, 74.95 Nagarjuna Co, 175.6, 179.75, 173.25, 175.25 Nagarjuna Fe, 32.3, 32.5, 31.3, 32 National Alu, 402, 404, 396, 401.8 Neyveli Lign, 146.35, 149.5, 145.55, 147.55 Ntpc Ltd, 205.9, 205.9, 203, 204.05 Oil And Natu, 1030, 1049.5, 1021.1, 1042.85 Omaxe Limite, 94.5, 97.05, 93.5, 96.6 Oriental Ban, 348, 353.45, 342, 348.9 Pantaloon Re, 395, 406, 395, 400.7 Parsvnath De, 121, 122.4, 118.6, 119.65 Petronet Lng, 82.9, 83, 79.4, 81.15 Power Fin Co, 274.2, 278.7, 267.65, 277.2 Power Grid C, 106.5, 107.5, 105.4, 106.75 Praj Industr, 92.05, 93.9, 90.1, 90.6 Punj Lloyd L, 156.55, 156.55, 152.25, 154.3 Punjab Natio, 1145, 1145, 1025.8, 1043.9 Rajesh Expor, 122.95, 123.4, 121.5, 122.5 Ranbaxy Labs, 442, 465.6, 442, 461 Rashtriya Ch, 80.2, 82.3, 79.3, 81.5 Rel. nat. re, 68.5, 69.6, 67.5, 68.35 Reliance Cap, 710, 716, 695, 710.1

Reliance Com, 160.55, 161.05, 156.15, 156.6 Reliance Ene, 942, 942, 921, 921 Reliance Ind, 794, 818.55, 790, 800.9 Reliance Ind, 1019.8, 1023.3, 1004, 1007.85 Reliance Pow, 154, 156.4, 153, 153.95 Rolta India, 186, 187.7, 179.2, 180.55 Satyam Compu, 90.45, 92.3, 90, 90.95 Sesa Goa Ltd, 399.3, 403, 382.7, 392.6 Shipping Cor, 160.05, 164.9, 159.25, 164.15 Siemens Ltd, 674, 676.4, 660, 662.85 Sintex Indus, 303.85, 307.1, 295.05, 302.6 Sobha Develo, 307, 307, 290.15, 295.05 State Bank O, 2280, 2320, 2262.3, 2311.6 Steel Author, 211.5, 213.4, 207, 210.95 Sterlite Ind, 748, 748, 724.2, 740.2 Sun Pharmace, 1529, 1569, 1516, 1560.25 Sun Tv Netwo, 412.85, 422, 408, 413.4 Suzlon Energ, 68, 71.75, 67.3, 71.25 Tata Communi, 262.3, 268.7, 262.3, 264.15 Tata Consult, 767.95, 770.9, 759.2, 767.1 Tata Motors, 835, 835, 806.2, 813.45 Tata Power C, 1318, 1320, 1292.2, 1302.85 Tata Steel L, 573, 579.9, 561.2, 575.9

Tata Tea Ltd, 1030, 1045.5, 1011.15, 1030.25 Tata Teleser, 22.2, 22.55, 22.1, 22.35 Tech Mahindr, 742, 756, 726, 734.2 The Ge Shpg., 319.85, 319.85, 305.15, 307.55 The Phoenix, 208.8, 211.5, 207.55, 208.7 Thermax Ltd, 689, 703.7, 685, 695.4 Titan Indust, 2198, 2208, 2152, 2171.55 Torrent Powe, 305.2, 322, 305.2, 319 Triveni Engg, 109.05, 110.75, 102.5, 108.55 Tv18 India L, 78.2, 79.45, 76.6, 78.05 Uco Bank, 73.85, 75, 72.1, 72.95 Ultratech Ce, 960, 972, 945.1, 950.6 Union Bank O, 304, 306.8, 294.7, 296.7 Unitech Ltd, 79, 79, 75.15, 77.3 United Phosp, 169.5, 174.8, 167.3, 171.95 Videocon Ind, 104, 107, 101.1, 105 Vijaya Bank, 55.9, 57.5, 54.5, 56.9 Voltas Ltd, 173.8, 173.8, 167.4, 170.4 Welspun Guj, 268.3, 269, 260.8, 267.9 Wipro Ltd, 671, 685, 655, 659.45 Yes Bank Lim, 274.5, 276.4, 267.6, 270.05 Zee Entertai, 290, 292.4, 284.6, 286.35

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GOA, FRIDAY, 7 MAY, 2010

SC verdict on RIL-RNRL dispute today PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 6

The Supreme Court will pronounce tomorrow its verdict on the nation's most talked corporate battle over gas supply, outcome of which will shape the future of flagship energy firms run by brothers Mukesh and Anil Ambani.

A three-judge bench headed

by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, who demits office on Tuesday, will give its judgement on the high voltage gas pricing and supply dispute between Reliance Industries and Reliance Natural Resources.

Before the SCstarted hearing the case, the two sides en-

gaged in a bitter public battle with the two estranged brothers charging each other with reneging on commitments.

The dispute had also reverberated in Parliament and spilled on to the front pages of newspapers by way of an unprecedented media campaign against the government.

At stake is Reliance Industries' leap to become India's Exxon - an energy super major, and the Anil Ambani Group firm's dream of building the largest single-location power plant to become the biggest private electricity generator.

The apex court will decide if RNRL is entitled to get 28 million cubic meters a day from RIL's eastern offshore KG-D6 fields, at USD 2.34 per mmBtu, a price 44 per cent lower than government approved rates.

A day before the judgement, investors appeared to be keeping their fingers crossed, with the shares ending lower. RIL shares were down about one per cent to close at Rs 1,010.90, while RNRL was down 0.22 per cent at Rs 68.35.

Shares of both the companies had taken a beating in the run up to the judgement.

RNRL claims at least onethird of peak output from KGD6 flows citing a 2005 family agreement that divided Dhirubhai Ambani empire between the two brothers, with Mukesh getting the energy and petrochemical business while the younger one inheriting power, telecom and financial services business.

RIL already is India's largest firm by market cap and is on the verge of becoming the nation's biggest firm by profit this year, but for a judgement where it would have to sell gas at lower rate while paying royalty and taxes at $4.2 per mmBtu. On the other hand, Anil, who led a front page attack on Oil Ministry through newspaper advertisements accusing it of siding with his elder brother, may have to rework plans for the ambitious 7,800 MW planned power project at Dadri in UP if the apex court refuses to give it preferential treatment in supplies and price.

Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, who had after 26 days of hearing reserved a judgement on lawsuits fought by high profile lawyers Harish Salve (for RIL) and Ram Jethmalani (for RNRL) on December 18, is due to demit office on May 11.

Before coming to the Supreme Court, the Bombay High Court had ruled that RNRL was entitled to get gas at concessional rates as had been decided in the family agreement.

However in the apex court, the government through the

Oil Ministry impleaded in the case asserting that natural gas was a national property and it cannot be surreptitiously divided through private agreements.

The intervention led to accusations, by Anil Ambani Group through advertisements and Samajwadi Party in Parliament, that Oil Ministry was trying to bail RIL out of its commitment.

Oil Minister Murli Deora vehemently denied the charge saying the intervention, decided at the level of a ministerial panel headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, was to protect the government's right to approve the price at which a firm can sell gas to customers including itself and also its right to decide on customers keeping national priority in mind.

If the three-judge panel upholds the Bombay High Court verdict, RIL will have to supply gas to Anil Ambani group's proposed Dadri power plant at

USD 2.34 per mmBtu, 44 per cent lower than the government set price.

That may not be a problem for RIL unless the court says the government fixed price of $4.2 per mmBtu for KG-D6 should be used for calculation for taxes and royalty. In such a scenario, RIL stands to lose huge revenues over the 17 year contract period.

Also, RIL will have to find new source of gas to meet its obligation as KG-D6 field may not be producing 28 mmcmd for 17 year from the date Dadri is commissioned, which may be a least three years from now.

If, however, the RIL contention that it cannot sell gas at price less than USD 4.20 per million British thermal unit as set by the government and to customers other than those identified in accordance with the Gas Utilisation Policy, is upheld, Anil Ambani Group will have to rework plans for 7,800 MW Dadri plant.

Sports

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Keeping Konkani flying High

Information Technology

but don't triumph “Conquer, - Marie E-Eschenbach

“

Relationships

Friday, 8 May, 2010

Entertainment

hamarachi nodor “ Cpayancher - Anonymous

Fashion

“

Lifestyle

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

“I

E

BY PRASAD PANKAR dwin Pinto has the answers to these questions. The boring shoe designs of the 70s led Edwin to design a pair for himself and thus began his romance with leather. Now with his own successful label ‘Janota Goa’, Edwin is the most sought after, internationally acclaimed shoe designer.

Asked on how the entire journey of designing a shoe begins, he quips, “It’s all about getting an idea. Initially it’s a vague one and sometimes it is just a fantasy. I’m inspired by nature.” Lack of formal education has been a blessing in disguise for this talented designer, for he could think out of the box since there were no rules to follow.

Invariably as in any design, the next step is to get your idea on the paper. Yes, you got to sketch what is in your mind, on to the paper. Many aspiring designer shy away at the mention of sketching; they think you have to be an excellent illustrator. “I’m

BY CLARON MAZZARELLO ell you see, here in Goa we are used to a variety of entertainment. Transgressing from merely audio to audio-visuals the advent of the rains brings with them 'movie screenings' which are apparently, not just plans for us 'hommies'. After going through match screenings and blatant visual displays at mega-shows alongside the music who wouldn't want to go watch a movie while the wining and dining happens as well. Then again, such ventures are bound to be much less noisier; besides being a novel way of entertaining oneself as we watch the rain's pitter-patter with occasional thunder and cool light effects from the skies.

While this may sound like quite a party outdoors as well, besides the very many beach shacks that have also been indulging in such ventures, Art Escape at Benaulim that seems to be going in high gear ever since 'The Joe Ferrao Band's every Friday - classic rock and blues stint - will also be having a wine tasting session on May 7.

What began earlier as movie screenings with special invites at places like Goa Chitra occasionally, have now become monsoon magic novel trends entertainment. While two Conflict's brewing -- keep screenings – ‘From Mali to Mississippi’ (tracing the origin of blues) and ‘Buena Vista Social your head down and stay Club’ (a documentary about the music of Cuba) have been scheduled this Sunday at the Art out of it. Don't be curious.

Escape in Benaulim. As for the north, soon after the turn opposite the Calangute Mall (as if You can be flexible when (23 Sep – 22 Oct) you need to be -- which proceeding to a reverie), if one were to proceed 100 metres further, then according to the is a good thing today! Someone else mail directions over Facebook we are to reach a white building on the left - more specifically is barreling through your life like a a place called the Friday Salon at Waves restaurant, Kerkar Art Complex - that screened two maniac, and the best you can do is animation films last week and have ‘King Amadeus’, ‘Fight Club’ and an Iranian film scheduled get out of their way or help them every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, beginning in May. find rest.

With the regular club gigs keeping party-folk on their toes with two special DJ’s lined up There's a romantic mysat Azur this Saturday, besides Remo's gig at the Rajendra Prasad Stadium, Margao, this last tery -- can you solve it? week saw the Arlem Festival doing its bit to jazz up the south.

The solution will surprise you. Art holds Among the 'yet-to-happen' are a new set of performers at L'Orange, Candolim, a new set (23 Oct – 21 Nov) some serious appeal to of owners at this excellent party-place location at Paradiso, Anjuna and possibly a little you today, even if you consider further down into the future is a tentative re-opening of a cool club - a name that just might yourself deeply materialistic. It may throw us out of our seats thinking of a few wonderful times we might have had at this be that something catches you at the right time, or that you're inlocation on a hill with a pool. spired to create.

Keeping this thunder for next week's update, here's hoping these update-singing birdies don't migrate before then.

Losing things causes

W

frustration. Relax -- you can't be on the ball all the time. Today is perfect (22 Nov – 21 Dec) for opening doors and heading in new directions -- you've got a universal wind at your back!

Don't think too hard about opportunities or they'll wander off without you.

Be prepared for your mind to wander -- weekend plans distract you from work. You're feeling (22 Jun – 22 Jul) pretty great about today's activities-- even if you haven't worked them all out yet! Your good energy is enough to get you moving in the right direction, so make something good happen.

Creative writing brings satisfaction -- make it a bigger part of your life.

Try a little harder to con(22 Dec – 19 Jan) nect with that distant friend or a colleague who's nothing but trouble -- you should find that bridges are much easier to build. A positive sign comes your way late in the day.

Put a lock on your wallet -- watch your spending and avoid financial deals.

Things are just a little bit (23 Jul – 22 Aug) weirder than usual today, so you can expect to have to deal with unhappy people. The good news is that they're easy to help out -- at least if you don't mind a little fasttalk.

Credit cards aren't cash -- keep that in mind if you're tempted. Be fiscally cool. Something (20 Jan – 18 Feb) small starts to give way midday, and you almost certainly decide to defend the underdog -in one way or another. It might be tricky, but you can pull it off if you think big.

Everyone is going through relationship issues now -- share your woes. You might have (23 Aug – 22 Sep) trouble with work or chores today -- but nothing too serious. If anything, you're most likely to just run into slowdowns and interruptions that get your nowhere fast.

Do something you usually have someone else do. Get a sense of accomplishment. It's the (19 Feb – 20 Mar) best possible day to work on a huge project -- by yourself. In fact, it's a really good day to work on yourself, if you've got any personal goals or ambitions you have yet to meet.

not good at sketching, for me it’s a means to convert my idea into a reality. My sketches are more scientific than artistic,” confesses Edwin.

Next thing for Edwin is ‘making of a paper’, that is to cut the paper and make a shoe out of it. “At this stage I decide what kind of leather to use. Colours and the sizes are also decided,” says Edwin. Once the pattern of the upper body and the sole of the shoe is finalised then it’s ready for the craftsman’s table.

It isn’t just enough to be good at designing; one has to market the products.

Edwin has a permanent retail outlet in Porvorim and a series of exclusive showrooms are in the offing. And in the season, he retails in Arpora and at the Saturday night bazaar.

Edwin’s advice to the aspiring shoe designers is to come out with exclusive work, since the market in this segment is increasing in India. He says, “Have your heart in your work and keep coming up with special stuff.”

EDWIN’S TIPS • First and foremost go for comfort. The whole idea is to be comfortable in your shoes • Go by your heart.

Go for what gels with you, instead of the latest in the fashion

KJo turns Mediator in SRK-Farah War

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E

Misunderstandings are frustrating, so be clear.

Save yourself the stress.

You are sure to find that (21 May – 21 Jun) people are talking about you today -- you'd better hope that they're telling the truth! It may be hard to leave that kind of thing to others, but letting go is crucial right now.

Pg14

Photos by Prasad Pankar Model: Jessica Da Silva Hair and Make-Up: Minette Pereira

Newer Entertainment Trends This Rains

When something troubles you, talk to your friends. Their compassion helps. Your emo(20 Apr – 20 May) tional state is close to that of your peers today -- enough that you can read them pretty easily.

It's a good day for you to check in with those who have been trouble for you lately.

Parenting

One look at shoes and you can tell a lot about that person. Yes, shoes say a lot. But how often do we pay attention to what we wear on our feet?

How often do we wear what matches our personality?

fortunately, they prefer to put up an act of ignorance of the language. It is hard to comprehend this behaviour when other states are overtly proud of their local language. Then there are the literary beings who have constantly felt sidelined and unappreciated. Renowned Goan poet, Brian Mendonca had

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS lamented, “There is no encouragement for Goan poets. The media must play a HERALD FEATURES proactive role to encourage and publish good poetry and not hide it away in t has been a hard and daunting task that was entrusted to me by the final pages as an apology.”

Dalgado Konknni Akademi, which I took upon me as a labour of But then it is said good and bad are two sides of the same coin. Similarly, love, to dispel the cobwebs of ignorance and prejudice that have traverse down the positives and it is heartening to encounter the section of blinded the detractors of Konkani in the Roman script to heap scorn on it without even reading what is being written in it,” said the late Goans who zealously respect the language and insist on handing it down to Professor Doctor Olivinho Gomes on his labour of love, titled, ‘Konkani Literature their future generations. For instance, take the adored ‘tiatr’, the Goan art form in Roman Script – A Brief History’. Affirming the above, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, which has stamped its indelible mark in the state, thereby contributing in a president of Tiatr Academy of Goa who will speak on the book in the function massive way towards keeping our mother tongue alive in the hearts of Goans. says, “People need to appreciate both scripts and get enlightened on the facts The huge turnout of crowds and the manner in which they enjoy and appreciate this drama says it all. Besides, there is ‘Tiatr’s’ counterpart ‘Notak’ and the of the Roman script too.”

Citing facts, Mr Cardozo continues, “In 1556, when the first printing press Konkani films too. This might draw in relatively lesser crowds but there is no came to Goa, the alphabets were in English. The then missionaries learnt the denying the endeavours of the people in trying to keep their language alive.

For the last 12-14 years, The Goa Konkani Academy and the Konkani Bhasha language in the Roman script and reproduced the same for the locals. Whereas, literature in the Devnagiri script surfaced mainly in 1910, thanks to Shenoi Mandal are striving hard in preserving and promoting Konkani and in honouring Goembab. So, basically Dr Gomes’ books will give detailed information on the and respecting various contributors of the language. They conduct competitions fact that Konkani in the Roman script existed much before the other script. in poetry, short stories, essay writing etc which attracts about 3,000 youth Besides, there is mention of how advocate Uday Bhembre brought out evidence from all over the state. Tomorrow, Dalgado Konknni Akademi will even organise of the existence of the Roman script in Goa even before Marathi came in.”

Dr Gomes’ book release. Mr Prajal Sakardhandhe, heritage expert says, “Konkani Roman or Devnagiri script, language is perhaps the most massive and inclusive gives us a distinct linguistic identity in the diversity of India. Firstly, we are art, we as humans know. Only people who speak in Konkani (rightly pronounced indebted to Shenoi Goembab, the Father of the Renaissance in Konkani who as Konkni) can truly understand the beauty and sweetness of this language. Yet, revived the language which was marginalised by the Portuguese.” even today, Konkani; the pedigree of the Konkan residents is looked down as It is good to hear the diverse views on the language and its dual scripts. Yet, ‘Kriyadaanchi Bhaas’, meaning ‘language of the servants’ by many of the Goans there is no denying the fact that in the midst of strife and struggle, there is a themselves. “We need to break this myth,” asserts Mr Rohit Phalgaonkar, noted feeling of unity and a distinct identity that only Konkani can give to the locals. historian. He says, “Konkani was spoken even by the aristocrats and bureaucrats So, it is time we respect both scripts and appreciate the language as a unifying in the 11th Century. So, this fallacy created by the Portuguese needs to be factor in our lives. busted by every Goan.” Many are keen to enlighten that there are a large (Book release to be held on May 8 at Kala Academy’s Black Box at 5 pm.) number of Goans having excellent command over the local language, but un-

Approach this problem the way you approach conflict. Don't fix what isn't broken. Use your (21 Mar – 19 Apr) rather diffuse energy to help a friend or family member who's flailing. You can be their anchor, even if you're not entirely sure how stable you're feeling yourself.

Tourism

Sole Mates

To commemorate the 156th birth anniversary of Msgr Sebastiao Rudolfo Dalgado, Goa’s finest linguist and a scholar of international repute, the late Professor Doctor Olivinho Gomes’ book, ‘Konkani Literature in Roman Script – A Brief History’ will be released on May 8. An insight into the conflict of dual scripts

ve s E ve ry b o d y lo ie s. ov m w at ch in g the r e The bigg tt er be sc re en th e ing the movie-watch How ex p er ie n ce . g it about takin r an o u td o o rs , fo re n t fe if d en ti re ly ? experience

Travel

Scarlett Johansson Eager to do Another Album D

espite her successful movie career, Scarlett Johansson is keen to release more music.

After releasing a disc of Tom Waits covers, ‘Anywhere I Lay My Head’, in 2008, as well as last year’s (09) album ‘Break Up’, on which she collaborated with Pete Yorn, the ‘Lost in Translation’ star now wants to record her third album.

Johansson is eager to head back into the studio to record more tracks – but this time she wants to write her own songs for the record.

“I would love to do another album. The spirit has not moved me yet in that direction, but I would never put that idea out. I had such an incredible time doing ‘Break Up’ and doing the Tom Waits covers album that I think there might be something in there in the future,” the actress was quoted saying.

“I mean, I love to do covers.

Covers are fun. I’m a huge music lover, music collector, listener and all those things. I like to do covers because I feel like I’m in the shower. I think I’d probably do original songs for sure,” she added.

I

n a desperate bid to make his good friend actor Shah Rukh Khan and director Farah Khan be friends again, film-maker Karan Johar has asked director Gurinder Chadha to invite the warring parties to a special screening of her new film. Karan told Gurinder about this when he met her in London a few days ago and asked her to hold the special screening ‘somewhere near Bandra’.

Sources say Karan has also promised Gurinder that he would personally ensure that both Shah Rukh, along with wife Gauri, and Farah, along with hubby Shirish Kunder, land up at the screening.

Gurinder Chada says, “I am planning a screening in Mumbai and have invited everyone I know in the industry. It was Karan’s wish that I invite his close friends at the event and I am doing just that.”

A source says, “It seems Farah has said she will attend the event with Shirish. Apparently, even Gauri is keen to attend. But Shah Rukh hasn’t responded yet.”

Apparently, Shah Rukh and Farah drifted apart after she signed on Akshay Kumar for her movie ‘Tees Maar Khan’. It seems this did not go down too well with Shah Rukh. However, reports say Farah did it because Shah Rukh had apparently kept delaying her film.

The other element in question, Akshay Kumar, clears his name of the blame for being the reason behind the rift, saying, “It is beyond me when some people think that Farah shouldn’t have the right to work with anyone that she wants to. Shah Rukh and Farah mean a lot to each other. I feel this is being made into something which it is not. At the end of the day, work is work. Everyone has the right to earn a living.”

Well, let’s hope Karan has some success in getting his two favourite Khans together again.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Friday, 7 May, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

The book release of ‘Konkani Literature in Roman Script - A Brief History’, written by Professor Olivinho Gomes will take place on May 8 at 5pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. It is organised by the Dalgado Konknni Akademi to commemorate the 156th birth anniversary of Monsignor Sebastiao Rodolfo Delgado, Goa’s finest linguist and scholar.

Call 2420452.

‘Sobit Amchem Goem’, a festival of Goan music, dance and drama, organised by the Chicalim Youth Club is on till May 9 at the Village Panchayat Ground, Chicalim. Call 9822120807.

The movie ‘From Mali to Mississippi - Feel Like Going Home’ and the documentary ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ will be screened at Art Escape, Benaulim on May 9 at 7:3pm and 9:30pm, respectively.

Call 9820695272 World Aids Orphan Day 2010 (WAOD 2010) will be observed at Mangoor Sports Club, Mangoor Hill, Vasco on May 7 at 2:30pm.

The theme is ‘I Am Positive’.

The feast of the Holy Cross Shrine, Bambolim will be celebrated on May 16. The first mass will be held at 7:30am, the high mass will begin at 9am and the evning mass at 5pm.

‘Srujanotsav Gulzar’, a trilogy of Hindi plays based on Gulzar’s works is on till May 8 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. It is organised by the Ravindra Bhavan and the Directorate of Art and Culture. Call 2653083.

Competitions will be held by the Indian Medical Association, Students Wing to mark the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on May 31. The last day to submit entries is May 31.

Call 9860030131 or 9923568524.

All Goa Quiz Contest for students on May 14 at 3:30pm to be held at

repartee Function Noun Meaning 1 : a quick and witty reply ; an interchange of clever retorts 2 : cleverness in reply Example Sentence The RJs deft use of repartee in his interviews is what keeps the show going.

Gulzar’s Genius comes to Goa

BY RUSSEL D’COSTA HERALD FEATURES he Ravindra Bhavan, Margao offers theatre lovers a treat as a veteran of Indian cinema, Gulzar, a writer, director, lyricist and poet, brought out his masterpieces on stage.

‘Atthanniyaan’ was loved by the audience. The cast included Yashpal Sharma, Lubna Salim, Atul Kulkarni and Amit Jairath to name a few. The story is based on the classic underdog trying to make a living in a metro.

The show was a vivacious collage of poems and stories about the Mumbai Mahanagar.

Through the play ‘Lakeerein’, a variety of emotions circulated amongst the hall – hope, despair, passion and redemption being some of them. The play offered a peek into the lives of people who are divided by lines drawn on a piece of paper. The play is inspired by a few real life incidents.

Today, Gulzar portrays the suffering of the nation during the partition and the extreme, hazardous action taken in the name of religion through another of his masterpiece ‘Kharaashein’. Thousands of citizens were slaughtered unreasonably in the name of partition at a time when there should have been rampant celebrations and gaiety forms the storyline.

May 8 will see an interaction with Gulzar, a Padma Bhushan awardee who has also received several national and film awards for his works.

T

DAILY GROOK EUREKA STREAKER

by Francis Rodrigues archimedes speaka to his wife greeka, you no bath take-a and so, you reeka!

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 546 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

10:30 C.I.D Classics 15:30 Indian Idol 20:00 Mahi Way 21:00 Seven 22:00 C.I.D 23:00 Aahat 23:30 Comedy Circus Mahasangram

09:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 09:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 10:00 Choti Bahu 10:30 Pavitra Rishta

10:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom 13:00 Balika Vadhu 13:30 Agnipareeksha Jeevan...

14:00 Aise Karo Naa Vidaa 14:30 Na Aana Iss Des Laado 15:00 Uttaran 15:30 Bhagya Vidhata 16:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom 18:30 Uttaran 19:00 Bhagya Vidhata 19:30 Maat-Pitaah Ke Charnon ...

20:00 Balika Vadhu 20:30 Bairi Piya 21:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom 22:00 Uttaran 22:30 Na Aana Iss Des Laado

10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

11:15 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Lapataganj 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta ..

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Maniben.com 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

09:00 Batman Begins 12:00 Silk 14:15 Punisher: War Zone 16:15 King Solomon's Mines 18:30 You Got Served 21:00 Collateral Damage 23:15 Batman Begins

08:15 Gair

08:00 Traveller 10:05 The Cooler 12:05 Eastern Promises 14:05 Monster's Ball 16:15 K-19: The Widowmaker 18:55 Live Free or Die 21:00 Insomnia 23:25 S.W.A.T.

08:30 Junoon 11:30 Super Gaane 12:00 Agneepath 16:00 Yeh Kaisa Karz 20:00 Meri Jung: One Man Army 23:45 Aasha

08:00 Humraaz 12:00 Hanuman 16:00 Lalkar - Ek Jung 20:00 Aankhen

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 14:30 Lapataganj 15:00 Office Office 15:30 Gutar Gu 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

18:00 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai 18:30 Gutar Gu 19:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 19:30 Lapataganj 20:00 Sri Adi Manav 20:30 Gutar Gu 21:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

10:00 Dill Mill Gayye 10:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 11:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh

11:30 Geet 12:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 12:30 Dill Mill Gayye 13:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 13:30 Geet 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 15:00 Laughter Ka Special Dose 17:00 Laughter Ke Phatke 18:30 Dill Mill Gayye 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 22:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Tourism

Parenting

Pg15

Bal Bhavan celebrates its Silver Jubliee with ‘Athaa’

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES ala Academy’s art gallery had a different look for ‘Athaa’, an exhibition-cum-sale of paintings created by the Advanced Art Course students of Bal Bhavan. Children were spotted happily pointing out their paintings to their friends and family while the adults came along with their families, including grandchildren, to proudly present their work.

Organised by Bal Bhavan in association with Kala Academy, the exhibition was inaugurated on May 6, 2010 by Pratap Singh Rane. The exhibition has displayed works with mediums like pastels, poster colours, mixed media, watercolours, charcoal, pen and ink, pencils and oil and forms like Tints and shades, abstract and portrait.

G y l e s a n d Ty l a Fe r r a o , a brother-sister duo who were students at Bal Bhavan, have displayed their works at the exhibition. “We attend classes throughout the year. We have learnt different mediums and have put up our works. I have put up works in pen and ink,” says Gyles Ferrao, an 11-year old.

The exhibition is on display at the Kala Academy till May 8 from 10am to 7pm.

K

t’s not an easy life for all those Goans working on board the ship. They have to encounter hardships untold while they slog to earn something for their living and simultaneously support their backward families, way back home in Goa. But their challenges are worth an appreciation as it has helped many seafarers to have a roof above their heads and a decent living with their wives and children.

This is the message conveyed by Menino de Bandar in his ongoing drama ‘Koxtt Tarvotteanche.’ He has aptly brought to light the hurdles encountered by many seamen and on the other hand, way back home, how some women get tempted to waste their hard-earned money, through lavish spending.

Thomas (Antush) works as a seaman and not only supports his wife Joshila (Antonette de Calangute) but also his unemployed younger brother Desmond (Satyawant Tari), his wife Bushenn (Ida) and their only son Michael (Max).

Over a period of time, Thomas makes an attempt to help his brother get employed on board the ship and work successfully as a seafarer.

Once employed, Desmond’s wife Bushenn places herself on cloud nine and does not miss a single opportunity of spending lavishly all the hard-earned money sent every month by her husband. She does not think of the future or what awaits her and her family in the future, but

12:15 Maa 16:00 Imtihaan 20:00 Sapoot

09:30 99.9 FM Nothing is 100% 12:30 Pyari Behna 16:00 Bewafaa 20:00 Page 3 23:00 Sky High

Travel

HERALD FEATURES

SOUTH POLE

08:45 Born to Fight 10:40 Never Been Kissed 12:45 Mirrors 15:00 Death Proof 17:10 Cyborg Soldier 19:00 Honey I Shrunk the Kids 21:00 Phone Booth 22:40 The Midnight Meat Train

Fashion

Tiatr Review ‘Koxtt Tarvotteanche’ explores a Seafarer’s Trials I

GARFIELD

10:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 18:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

Entertainment

INGS

A

marry someone, go have lunch with his ex-wife.”

– Shelley Winters

12:00 Dance India Dance L'il Masters 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Dance India Dance L'il Masters 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Kahani Ab Tak 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:00 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Dance India Dance L'il Masters

EN

PEN T HAP

BY KESHAV NADKARNI n interaction with renowned dramatist Mahesh Elkunchwar was held this Thursday at the Black Box of the Kala Academy, Panjim. Back in Goa after almost 22 years Marathi dramatist and the writer behind dramas like ‘Wada Chirebandi’, ‘Holi’, ‘Atmakatha’, etc, has created a number of tremendous plays in the world of Marathi theatre. In 1988 at my residence in St Cruz, he had a very similar ‘gappa tappa’ which he still remembers.

Having grown over the years with his intellect and writing the interaction was a treat to the lovers of drama and literature. After the welcome by Dr Pandurang Phaldessai, member secretary, Kala Academy, Rajeev Shinde, another noted dramatist and artist made Elkunchwar talk about his works and his life.

A very straightforward writer he spoke about his works with plenty of humour. The audience enjoyed it immensely and went into peals of laughter at his anecdotes. Speaking straight from his heart he answered the all the questions put across by the audience.

Towards the end, he stated that Grotosky, the famous Polish dramatist is a big influence on him.

The entire session was an eye opener to the man, especially for budding writers and dramatists who received tips on drama writing.

It was, indeed a great pleasure meeting this theatre great!

Funny Quote “ Whenever you want to

Pronunciation rep-er-TEE

CURR

Information Technology

Meeting the Magnificent Mahesh

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 547

Raghvendra Swami Hall. Call 9823580272.

The presentation of the Sahitya Puraskar for the year 2008 will take place on May 7 at 5.30pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

A seminar titled, ‘Developmental Issues in Goa: A Media – Government Interface’ will take place on May 8 and 9 at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Call 2452805-10.

A reading of poems of Konkani poet, Dr Manohar Rai Sardessai will take place on May 9 at 6pm at Casa da Moeda, Panjim.

‘Open Competition of Carnival Plays’, organised by HCN and Vandana Productions will take place on May 18, 19 and 20 at Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Margao. Call 9822983541.

The 8th Introduction to Kayaking and Training Program 2010, organised by Goa Kayaking will take place from May 7 to 10 and May 14 to 17 at the Vainguinim beach, Dona Paula.

Call 9422056037 and 2462182. Email goakayaking@gmail.com.

Athaa, an exhibition cum sale of paintings created by the students of the Bal Bhavan’s Advanced Art Course is on display at the Kala Academy till May 8 from 10am to 7pm.

Call 2420452.

An entrepreneurship training workshop in Film and Television Lighting and Camera Equipment, Rental Business, organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa, Panjim will be inaugurated on May 7 at 10:30am at the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) House, Panjim. It will be held from May 7 to 9 from 9:30am to 5:30pm at the EDC House, Panjim. Call 2224541-2, 2220128, 2221458, 2423983 or 2428111-5.

Visit www.iffigoa.org.

The Joe Ferrao Band will perform at the ‘Friday Night Live’ at Art Escape, Benaulim. Call 9881568756.

Education

11:00 Drop Dead Diva 12:00 Top Chef 13:00 Ghost Adventure 14:00 Sports Crash 15:00 Video Zonkers 17:00 So You Think You Can Dance 20:00 Top Chef 21:00 Sony Style Tv Magazine 21:30 E Buzz 22:00 The Bone Collector

10:00 Monk

11:00 American Idol 12:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 12:30 Castle : Hell Hath No Fury 13:30 90210 14:30 Two and a Half Men 15:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 15:30 Monk 16:30 Friends 17:00 Castle : Hell Hath No Fury 18:00 90210 19:00 Friends 19:30 Two and a Half Men 20:00 Monk 21:00 American Idol 22:00 90210 23:00 V.I.P

12:30 FIA Wtcc 2010 H/ls 13:00 Hot Water 14:00 Barclays Premier League 16:00 TNA Sikander 17:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 17:30 Ace 2010 18:00 TNA Sikander 19:00 Cagewars 20:30 Inside Grand Prix 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 TNA Sikander 22:30 GS Caltex Maekyung Open 23:30 MotoGP World Championship 2010 H/ls

Cheerleading Championship 19:00 Football Asia 19:30 First Edition 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Uca National High School Cheerleading Championship 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia

10:00 Surya Nepal Masters 11:00 2005 West Indies vs. South Africa H/ls : 4th ODI 13:00 UEFA Europa League H/ls : Semi Final 13:30 World of Athletics 14:00 Homes of Cricket 14:30 ICC Cricket Show 15:00 West Indies Tour of South Africa 2007/08 17:00 WWE: Smackdown 19:00 ICC Cricket Show 19:30 UEFA Europa League H/ls

07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Divine Sitar 11:30 Revolutionz 12:00 Face-2-Face 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 11:00 Uca National All-STAR 14:00 Konkani Movie Cheerleading Championship 15:30 Summer T10 12:00 Barclays Premier League 16:00 Straight Talk 17:00 Kids Club 09/10 : Sunderland vs.

17:30 Ugdas Adlea Cantarancho Manchester United 18:00 Konkani News 14:00 Barclays Premier League 09/10 : Manchester City vs. 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News Aston Villa 16:00 Uca National High School 21:00 Evening with the Parishioners Cheerleading Championship 21:30 HCN Smash Hits 22:00 English News 17:00 Goals!

23:00 Face-2-Face 17:30 Portugol!

23:30 Talking Talkies 18:00 Uca National High School Note: Subject to change

she simply loves to live in the present, by making unnecessary expenditure on clothes and other accessories.

She spoils her only son Michael by purchasing a mobile worth Rs 25,000, besides a motorcycle worth lakhs of rupees even when he is a minor and does not own a licence. Tragedy strikes their family when Michael is involved in an accident and her husband is caught in a tempest at sea.

Will Desmond make a safe return home? What are the hurdles encountered by Bushenn and her brother-in-law Thomas at home? What follows in both the families is worth watching in the second half of the drama.

Dialogue delivery by all the actors and different scenes depicted on stage are worth the effort and Menino deserves a pat on his back for the powerful message conveyed through this drama. It’s an eye opener for all those women who fail to appreciate the hardships their husbands face once they board the ship and make their journey.

Jesus Antao, Rudolfin, Peter de Macazana, Alcin and T Britton provide pills of laughter with their interludes in between the acts.

Some of the songs by Antush, teenager Francia Camelo, Cielo, Reginaldo, Sheikh Amir are worth listening as they convey a message or two to the audience.

HERALD CROSSWORD - 547 Across 1- Money-related: Abbr.; 5Implied; 10- Salver; 14- ___ breve; 15- Draw out; 16- Sibilate; 17- Expensive; 18Tripoli's country; 19- Architect Mies van der ___; 20- One who has been cast out; 22Dodge or Nash; 24- Place; 25- Remove water from a boat; 26- Go at full speed; 29Adherence to law; 33- Collect; 34- Grain stores; 35- Moo goo ___ pan; 36- Fishing gear; 37- Circular water container; 38- Torn clothing; 39- Baseball stat; 40- Confiscate; 41Metal pin; 42- Noncommissioned officer; 44- Cornball; 45- Tirade; 46- Bottom of the barrel; 47- Economize; 50Liver of a lobster; 54- Shout in derision; 55- Express a viewpoint; 57- Bit; 58- Drop; 59Actress Sophia; 60- Minn. neighbor; 61- Slippery; 62Bring to bear; 63- Obtains; Down 1- Become dim; 2- Holly; 3- Hit with an open hand; 4- Inattentive; 5- Bank employee; 6- Farewell; 7- Raise to third power; 8- Very cold; 9- Teacart; 10- Pleasurable feeling; 11- Civil disturbance; 121975 Wimbledon winner; 13- Belgian river; 21- Falsehoods; 23Narrow inlets; 25- Contradict; 26Feels for; 27- Love, Italian-style; 28- "M*A*S*H*" name; 29- Hungarian composer; 30- ___ at the

office; 31- Wise ones; 32SOLUTION - 546 Indistinct; 34- Person of exceptional holiness; 37Skinny kid?; 38- White wine; 40- Thin stratum; 41Greek fertility goddess, flightless bird; 43- Sandy; 44- Building material; 46Hermit; 47- Foot covering; 48- Draw near; 49- Agitate; 50- Air-filled rubber hoop, become fatigued; 51- Veinlike deposit; 52- Coup d'___; 53- Tibetan oxen; 56Plague;

SPORTS

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GOA, Friday, 7 May, 2010

Nerul enter quarters CALANGUTE (HC) -- Nerul Sports Club defeated Milagres Sports Club 2-0 to move into the quarter-finals of Nagoa-Arpora

Panchayat Cup soccer organised

by Arpora Sporting Club at Salt Lake ground, Arpora on Thursday.

After a goalless first half, Nerul took the lead in the 15th minute of second half through Jennifer Clemente while Clyde Dias made the issue safe for Nerul within minutes. Milagres on the hand failed to convert a couple of chances that came their way.

Salgaocar fight to avoid relegation Salgaocar…1 Mumbai FC…0 HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 6

A spirited Salgaocar Sports Club scored a solitary goal victory against Mumbai Football Club in an exciting 24th round ONGC 3rd I-League match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday.

Nigerian striker Ekene Ikenwa ‘s lone strike in the first session paved the way for Salgaocar to collect full points. They now they have 27 points from 24 matches while Mumbai remained with 25 points.

Salgaocar put up a much better display today with Ekene Ikenwa working in tandem with the half line to take the fight to the Mumbai side.

Salgaocar could have taken the lead in the very 3rd minute but stopper back Rouhollah Samiena failed to put his head to a well executed cross from Cajetan Fernandes from the left

via Francis Fernandes. Salgaocar were stopped form forging ahead in the 8th minute as midfielder Cajetan Fernandes unleashed a right footer from 30 yards out, but Mumbai goalkeeper Amit Singha Roy rose to the occasion and parried the ball for an abortive flag kick.

It was Ekene who found success in the 15th minute. Following an Anthony Barbosa well measured cross he flicked the ball over the Mumbai goalkeeper.

Mumbai survived a scare in the 20th minute as Anas Edathodika, in an attempt to cut off a Francis Fernandes shot, saw the deflection missing the target by inches.

At the other end, Mumbai took Salgaocar by surprise in the 27th minute as striker Bashiru Abass Mohammed unleashed a rasping volley which, however, missed

the target narrowly.

Goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey came to salgaocar’s rescue as he managed to stop a header from Surojit Roy off a floater from Noel Wilson from the centre.

Mumbai came close to neutralizing the lead in the 43rd minute when Subhash Chakraborthy sent a cross inside the rival box but striker Abhishek Yadav’s smart header was fisted away by the Salgaocar Salgaocar’s Cajetan Fernandes trygoalkeeper. Bashiru Abass Mo- ing to outsmart a Mumbai FC player hammed punted the ball goal- at Fatorda on Thursday.

Photo: Third Eye wards but man-of-the match and captain Luciano Sabrosa man- the upright. aged to clear the ball to safety.

Salgaocar coach Karim The visitors put up a better Bencherifa was a relieved man display on resumption but and had a reason to smile for Bashru Abass Mohammed the team’s success “The boys wasted a gilt edged opportunity did their best and we have to off an Abhshek Yadav pass. Later, keep up this winning momenAbishek’s rasping free kick from t u m i n t h e t w o r e a m i n g the top of the box bounced off matches,” said Bencherifa.

Crunch time for Churchill HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 6

A keen contest is on the cards when defending champions Musli Power Churchill Brothers take on Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in an ONGC 3rd I-League match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Friday.

Churchill Brothers are on 35 points from 21 matches behind table toppers Dempo Sports Club and Mahindra United and know that another slip against Mohun Bagan could see them giving the crown on a platter to Dempo.

Churchill Brothers coach Carlos Pereira Da Silva is keen to exploit the home advantage and play for a win. “Keeping that in mind, we have to try and outsmart them and play for a win,” he said. “The three points are very crucial, as it will take our tally of 38 points and stay closer to Dempo,” the Brazilian coach,

who has been very unimpressive in the last outings said.

Pereira said that even though they held a psychological advantage over Mohun Bagan, having beaten in the finals of IFA Shield and Durand Cup, they would not take the Kolkata side for granted. “We have to really play well,” stated the coach, who will have to ask the defenders led by Gouramangi to perform or perish.

“I have confidence in my boys.

After the victory at home, their morale is very high. I have great respect for Mohun Bagan.They have quality balance and are a very set side. After their defeat against Dempo in Kolkata, they will be motivated to turn the tide by going all out for a win,” said Pereira.

Churchill will miss the services of right wing back Robert L due

to an injury. Wing back Naoba Singh will return and it will boost the morale of the team.

Mohun Bagan coach Biswajit Bhattacharjee is hoping fortune will smile back on them. “The loss in the previous match hasn’t affected the boys, but we will miss the services of attacking midfielder Ishaf Ahmed due to an injury. The boys played brilliantly and took an early lead.

But suddenly, we lost the momentum and made a couple of mistakes that resulted in our eventual defeat to Dempo.”

“Churchill Brothers have the home advantage. They have some quality players like Odafa, Felix, Ogba, Gouramangi Singh, Arindam Bhattacharya and have performed consistently well this season. So we have to be at our very best,” the Bagan coach disclosed.

St Anthony in final HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 6

ONGC I-League: Churchill Bros v. Mohun Bagan, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda-Margao, 4 p.m.

U-19 I-L eague soccer : Dempo SC v. Sporting Clube de Goa, Duler stadium, Mapusa, 4.30 p.m.

St Anthony Super soccer semis: Sporting Club of Davorlim v. Betalbatim Sporting, Colva ground, 4.45 p.m.

St Sebastiao soccer: St Caitan v. Milagres Boys, Vaddy, A Lua ground, Merces, 5 p.m.

5th Late Frank Pires trophy soccer: Verna SC v. Ambelim SC, Siridao church ground, 4.30 p.m.

17th Nerul Panchayat Cup soccer inaugural: Adarsh Yuvak Sangh v. Navelim Villagers, Nerul ground, 4.30 p.m.

Arpora-Nagoa Village Panchayat Cup soccer: Cuncolim Union v. Friends XI Vaddem, Salt Lake ground, Arpora, 4.45 p.m.

James Alvares memorial beach soccer: Baina Boys v.

Fukott II, United Boys of Sancoale v. Chicalim Boys; 7788 v. Parish Youth of Velsao, Bogmalo beach from 4.45 p.m.

Immaculate Conception festival soccer semis: Curtorim Gymkhana v. Navelim Sporting Club, Avedem panchayat ground, Paroda, 4.30 p.m.

St Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva entered the final of AllGoa Alvernaz and Lalush Alemao memorial inter-village football tournament organized by Churchill Brothers edging out St Savio Sports Club, Calangute 5-4 via the tie-breaker at Varca ground on Thursday.

In an evenly fought encounter, chances were few and far be- St Anthony and St Savio players in tween with the defences of the the thick of action at Varca on Thursteams not allowing the rival at- day.

Photo: Third Eye tackers much space.

With the regulation time endBruno Coutinho almost gave ing in a stalemate, the tieCalangute the lead as he unleashed a booming scorcher breaker was resorted to. St which was, however, palmed Anthony’s scored through John away by the Colva goalkeeper. Fernandes, Bulio, Clyde Pacheco, St Savio almost snatched the Nelson Gomes and Denzil lead at the stroke of lemon break Coutinho while Alban Fernanbut Pedro Fernandes’ shot was des, Pedro Fernande, Agostinho Fernandes and Blake Fernandes wayward.

St Anthony’s, who were strug- converted for Calangute. gling in the opening session Calangute goalkeeper Andrew showed some urgency and cohe- was adjudged man-of-the match.

St Anthony’s will now meet Varca sion late in the second session but failed to get past the rival defence. Sports Club in the final on May 9.

Sai Avtaar, Nerul in semis HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 6

Sai Avtaar Sports Club, Anjuna and United Club of Nerul moved into semi-finals of U-16 CocaCola Celebration Cup Soccer tournament organised by Goa Football Association at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim, on Thursday.

In Group A, Sai Avtaar got the better of Calangute Association 5-2. Jesmine Carvalho (3), Uday Gadekar and Leston Martins scored for Anjuna while Rajun Haldankar (2) scored for Calangute.

Earlier, Sai Avtaar beat Candolim Sports Club 3-0. Venkatesh Mainkar and Leston Martins (2) scored for the winners.

Calangute Association thrashed Candolim Sports Club 8-1. Allwyn D'Souza (2), Rajun Haldankar (2), Charles Cardoz (3) and Suraj Singh scored for Calangute while Devendra Pednekar found the mark for Candolim.

In Group B, United Club of Nerul had to sweat it out against St. Augustias Sports Club before

prevailing 6-5 on penalties to book their place in the semi-finals.

In the opening match, St. Augustias and United Club of Nerul were involved in a thrilling 4all draw. Sydney Fernandes (2), Rahul Gawale and Anson D'Souza scored for Nerul while Devesh and Maxy Menezes (3) found the mark for St. Augustias.

In the other matches of the group, United Club of Nerul and St. Augustias Sports Club blanked YSC Colvale by identical 9-0 margins forcing penalty shoot-outs between the two to decide the semi-finalist. In the penalty shoot-out, United Club of Nerul prevailed over St. Augustias 6-5 via the sudden death.

United Club of Nerul keeper Sainath was the hero of the day saving two spots kicks to take his team in the semis. Sainath, Anson, Rahul, Sydney, Francis and Sairaj converted for Nerul while Cosme, Maxy, Akhil, Dattaraj, Aldo were on target for St. Augustias.

SPORTS

Pg17

GOA, Friday, 7 May, 2010

Spurs clinch Champions League spot

Pele WS win HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 6

Pele Water Sports, Benaulim deto spark wild celebrations among Arsenal who have 72 points in The fact that they have broHowever, times have changed Fulham...0 Stoke...1 fans who had travelled up from third spot. Victory at relegated ken into the established top- and City, bolstered by their for- feated Benaulim Rickshaw Drivers Man City...0 Tottenham...1 north London to see their team Burnley on Sunday and defeat four at the expense of Liverpool midable spending power, are by 16 runs in a cricket match at REUTERS MANCHESTER, MAY 6

Tottenham Hotspur guaranteed a top-four finish in the Premier League for the first time when Peter Crouch's late header secured a gutsy 1-0 win at Manchester City.

Crouch, with England manager Fabio Capello watching on, nodded in a rebound after 82 minutes

book a place in the Champions League qualifiers yesterday.

City would have leapfrogged Tottenham with a victory but could have no complaints as the visitors carved out the better chances in a match of gutwrenching tension at Eastlands.

Tottenham have 70 points from 37 matches and could still finish above north London rivals

Ronaldo keeps Real’s title hopes alive Athletic Bilbao 1 Malaga 1 Osasuna 3 Deportivo1 Real Zaragoza 1 Espanyol 0 Atletico Madrid 3 Valladolid 1 Racing Santander 1 Sevilla 5 Mallorca 1 Real Madrid 4 AGENCIES SPAIN, MAY 6

Cristiano Ronaldo fired a hattrick to keep Real Madrid's title challenge alive with a 4-1 comeback victory at Real Mallorca on Wednesday.

The world's most expensive player single-handedly inspired Re a l a f t e r t h e y h a d b e e n stunned by Mallorca's early goal.

It was his first hat-trick in La Liga and took his tally for the season to 25, one behind team mate Gonzalo Higuain who scored Real's fourth.

Manuel Pellegrini's side moved to 92 points, one behind Barca with two matches left after winning what was considered the toughest game of their title run in.

Barcelona visit Sevilla on Saturday when Real are at home to Athletic Bilbao. On the final weekend of the season Barca host rel-

egation-threatened Real Valladolid and Real visit struggling Malaga.

Mallorca slipped out of Spain's last Champions League qualification place to fifth on 59 points, with Sevilla having earlier hammered Racing Santander 5-1 to climb on to 60.

Striker Negredo scored twice, the last a thunderous far-post volley, and winger Navas bagged one along with Diego Capel and Frederic Kanoute, to leave freefalling Racing deep in the relegation trouble.

The Cantabrians slipped down to 17th, one point above the bottom three with 36 points, the same as Malaga in 16th who have a superior head-to-head record. Malaga drew 1-1 at Athletic Bilbao.

Tenerife are 18th, Valladolid are 19th with 33 points after a 3-1 reverse at Europa League finalists Atletico Madrid.

Bottom club Xerez are hanging by a thread on 30 points, their superior head-to-head record over Malaga the only thing that is saving them from the drop down to the second division.

Davorlim storm into finals HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 6

Sporting Club of Davorlim downed Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club 2-0 to storm into the finals of All-Goa Immaculate Conception Festival inter-village football tournament organized by Immaculate Conception Sports Club at Avedem panchayat ground, Paroda on Thursday.

There was no score at half time.

The match was well contested, as both sides went into

the offensive from the outset, but not many chances were created in the first session.

Davorlim were a transformed side and they showed greater urgency and repeatedly raided the Sao Jose de Areal goal and were rewarded in the post interval session as Andrew Colaco fired home from close range in the 47th minute.

Davorlim doubled the lead when Bruno Costa slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a stiff grounder in the 70th minute.

21 Goans get AFC’s C Licence PANJIM (HSD) -- Twenty-one Goans have been declared successful

by AIFF at the AFC C Licence course held in June in Goa. They are Mario Soares, Micky Fernandes, Coelho Levy Ubald, Bibiano Fernandes, Antonio Prestley Pereira, Gavis Elias Araujo, Caetano De Sousa Pinho, Francis Silveira, Kanan Priolkar, Jhonson D’Sousa, Joao Minino Rebello, Mario Bonnie Pereira, Gajanand Uttam Kambi, Roque Carneira, Virender Singh, Edwin Moraes, Those Alex Alvares, Nazareth Sebastiao D’Silva, Frankie Mascarenhas, Elvis Joao Pereira.

GOA DIARY Dempo meet Sporting today

MAPUSA (HR) -- Dempo Sports club will lock horns with Sporting Clube de Goa in the opening match of U-19 I-League football tournament at Duler stadium, here on Friday. Dempo, who recently finished third in Taca Goa U-20 league have streghtened their squad taking on Sesa striker Amol Salgaonkar and teammate Sesa midfielder Girish Naik. They have also signed Vasco U-20 keeper Guendolen Vaz. The last time this competition was held in Jamshedpur in September 2008, Sporting Clube de Goa defeated Dempo 3-2 in the semi-finals. Sporting lost to Tata Football Academy 3-1 in the final. Mapusa football supporters will be treated to a game each day for the next ten days in this competition which will also include Viva Kerala, Musli Power Churchill Brothers and Salgaocar Sports club.

Overam cricket at Karanzal

PANJIM (HSD) – The Rising Sports Club of Ladewada, Marcaim, Ponda will organise their 1st All-Goa floodlit overarm control tournament from May 7-9 near Karanzal market. Rs 8000, Rs 5000, Rs 2000 and other prizes will be awarded. Details may be obtained from Vishant Naik on 9823225233 or Suresh Naik on 9823988723.

Tie-breaker at Qatar

PANJIM (HSD) - The Friends Circle, Qatar will organize a 3-aside football tie-breaker on May 7 at Ahmed Bin Hanbal Independent Secondary School near Mall from 4 p.m. Individual trophies will be awarded to best goalkeeper, best shooter and promising player. Entry forms may be obtained from Designer Tailors (Philip Fernandes 5890361). Details may be obtained on 5488614/5198932.

Tie-breaker at Cujira

PANJIM (HSD) – The Young Boys of Cujira will organise an allGoa 3-a-side football tie-breaker tournament on May 8 near Cujira chapel, Santa Cruz from 1 p.m. Rs. 5,000, Rs. 3,000 and other individual prizes will also be awarded.

Cricket tournament at Ponda

PANJIM (HSD) – The Rising Sports Club of Ladewada, Marcaim, Ponda will organize their 1st all-Goa floodlit over arm control tournament on May 7, 8 and 9 near Karanzal market. The winners and the runners-up will receive Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively. The semi-losers will get Rs. 2,000 each. Other prizes will also be awarded. Details may be obtained from Vishant Naik on 9823225233 or Suresh Naik on 9823988723.

State athletic meet

PANJIM (HSD) – The Goa Athletic Association will organise their 42nd State athletic championship on May 11 and 12 at Peddem comple, Mapusa from 8.30 a.m for junior boys and girls U-14, U-16, U-18. The Goa team will be selected for west zone meet. Those interested may contact Shripad Chopdekar on 9422456143; Vrunda Vernekar, Panjim; Audesh Kumar on 9422402406; Sashi Kumar, Mapusa; Narayan Marathe, Bicholim, M Kurade, Ponda, Namdev Chopdekar on 9766621196.

for Arsenal at home to Fulham would mean Tottenham going straight into the Champions League group stages.

The north London club, who like City have lived in the shadow of their neighbours for so long, have not appeared in Europe's top club competition since 1962, a year after they last won the English title.

and big-spending City marks an amazing transformation since Harry Redknapp took over as manager in 2008 with the club bottom of the Premier League.

Tottenham arrived for their most vital game since that costly defeat at West Ham buoyed by the knowledge they had won 10 of their last 11 league matches against City.

threatening to change the hierachy of English football having spent more than 120 million pounds ($182 million) on new players with plenty still to spare.

Meanwhile Fulham prepared for its Europa League final against Atletico Madrid next Wednesday by losing 1-0 to visiting Stoke on Matthew Etherington’s 83rd-minute goal.

Vaddem ground, Benaulim recently.

Batting first, Pele scored 76 in their eight overs. Jack Fernandes was the top scorer with 40 and was later declared manof-the match.

In reply, Rickshaw Drivers were bundled out for 60. For Pele, Jack Fernandes was the most successful bowler scalping three wickets.

Inter...1 Roma...0

face Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on May 22.

Roma captain Francesco Totti, who started the game on the bench, was sent off late on for a wild kick at Mario Balotelli.

The incident, witnessed by Italy coach Marcello Lippi as he considers whether Totti should make a comeback at the World Cup, was just one of a host of rash fouls in the tense match.

"It was a game with aggression and intensity. We always controlled the game and Roma lost their heads a bit," Inter coach Jose Mourinho, whose future with the club remains un-

certain, told Rai TV. Inter just edged the first half with Maicon seeing a shot saved from a tight angle and Milito having an effort ruled out for offside, prompting Mourinho to rush to a television near the dugout to check the replay.

Minutes later the Argentine goal machine was properly on the scoresheet when he buried a superb angled shot.

Apart from a couple of penalty appeals, Roma's best chance came in the second half when defender Juan somehow headed over after Totti's shot had been parried.

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri

surprised everyone in a pulsating Stadio Olimpico by leaving Totti on the bench while Mourinho was also playing his usual mind games.

The coach had said playmaker Wesley Sneijder was almost certainly not fit but the Dutchman took his place in Inter's starting lineup only to limp off after five minutes with a thigh problem to be replaced by Balotelli.

Police were out in force given increased tensions following Inter's controversial 2-0 league win at Lazio, whose supporters cheered the goals because they want bitter rivals Roma to miss out on the title.

Inter Milan win Italian Cup AGENCIES ROME, MAY 6

Imperious Inter Milan seized the first part of a potential treble by using all their might and muscle to overcome AS Roma 1-0 in a bad-tempered Italian Cup final on Wednesday.

Striker Diego Milito fired home from the edge of the area on 40 minutes in the fifth final between the sides in six years to register Inter's sixth Italian Cup triumph.

Serie A leaders Inter, two points clear with two games left, are also battling Roma for the title and

Kingfisher beach soccer at Colva HERALD CORRESPONDENT MERCES, MAY 6

Colva Beach would be buzzing with activity as ‘Kingfisher Beach Soccer 2010’ tournament will be organised by Goa Football Association in association with Kingfisher, Big FM, Procam International and Goa Tourism, on May 8 and 9.

In all, 16 teams will participate in the tournament, which will be played on knock-out basis. The teams include Mundivel SC, Faria S Mngt., Varca SC, St Sebastian SC-St Cruz, Clube Sao Minguel de Taleigao, Merces club, Navelim SC, Vailankanni Arambol SC, Maina SC, Goa Police SC, Curtorim Gymkhana, Goa Velha SC, Wilfred Leisure SC, St Cruz Club of Cavelossim, Nagoa Sporting club and Sinquerim SC. The winning team will walk away with a prize of Rs 15000 while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 10000.

Announcing this at a press conference held at Vivanta by Taj, GFA secretary Savio Messias said that beach football is becoming very popular in Goa and that Goans are showing keen interest in the game.

To support his claims, Messias informed that the Indian team

Savio Messias addressing the media alongwith Lyndon Monteiro, Hidayath Khan Ajit Ravindran, Govind Tiwari.

Photo: Rozario Estibeiro

that participated in the Asian Beach Championship at Dubai and Bali (Indonesia) consisted of all Goan players, and did very well.

“Our endeavour is to take the tournament to a higher level and ensure the growth of beach football in the State,” said Messias and added that to help develop the game in Goa, GFA is in touch with Beach Soccer Worldwide and TransStadia, which has promised to send one of their coaches to explain the finer aspects of the game.

Messias further said that the combination of GFA, Big FM, Procam International and Goa Tourism is a winning combination, which is primarily aimed at promoting football in the State.

Badkar shines in South’s win PANJIM (HSD) -- Propelled by Abhishekh Bhadkar (45 and 210) South Zone beat defending champion West Zone by 26 runs on the opening day of JK Bose Trophy T20 for sports journalists of SJFI at Gymkhana here.

North beat East by 41 runs.

Dharmendra Pandey (21 and 310) starred in North’s victory.

North Zone 119 for 9 in 20 overs

(Vijay Kumar 24, Dharmendra Pandey 21, P Chakravarty 3 for 26, Arup Chatterjee 3 for 24, Alok Chaturvedi 2 for 16) bt East 72 (Santosh Suri 3 for 8, Dharmendra Pandey 3 for 10,Rakesh Thapliyal 2 for 20). South 163-4 in 20 overs (Satish Viswanathan 41, R Kaushik 35,Abhishek Bhadkar 45) bt West 137 for 7 in 20 overs (Abhishek Bhadkar 2 for 10).

Later, when Herald questioned whether GFA is thinking of professionalizing beach football in Goa, Messias said that the first objective is to popularize the game in the State and if all goes well, only then will the GFA think about professionalizing the sport.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajit Ravindran of Procam International said that the success of a tournament depends on the spectators and to ensure spectators’ participation, fun-filled activities are planned on the sidelines of the tournament so that apart from the players, the families too can join in the fun and make the tournament a resounding success.

Ajit further added that Procam has been involved with GFA in promoting football and hoped that this initiative will grow bigger in the times to come.

Vice-Chairperson of Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Lyndon Monteiro said that the Tourism Department, particularly Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco, has been in the forefront of promoting football in the State since football is in the blood of Goans. He further urged the GFA to ensure the growth of beach football in Goa. Govind Tiwari of KingfisherUB Group promised to make the tournament a bigger affair from next year. Hidayath Khan of Big FM also spoke.

Rohan, Yash champs PANJIM (HSD) -- Rohan Ahuja (5) won the Super Chess Housie VI chess tournament organised

by Chess Activity Centre at International Centre, Dona Paula on Sunday.

Deeptesh Karmalkar (4), K.Avinash (3.5), Vivek Shetye (3.5), Shaunak Kuncolinkar (3.5) stood 2nd, 3rd 4th and 5th re-

spectively in Group A. Yash Ainapurkar (4) won the Group B title. Pratik Parulekar (4), Shriram Parab (4), Jayesh Shettigar (3), Coleridge Fernandes (2.5) stood 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th in Group B. In all, 31 children participated in the 2-day, 5 rounds tournament.

More teams may go Mahindra way l

‘Refereeing standard is poor; I-League has lost charm’ AGENCIES NEW DELHI, MAY 6

The Mahindra Group’s decision to disband their football team may have hit Indian football hard but the extreme step taken by the Mumbai Club management has several sympathisers among other corporate teams.

The top bars of most of the company-backed clubs are extremely unhappy with the way the I-League is being run by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and say that football fans shouldn’t be surprised if a few more clubs go the Mahindra way in the future.

“I am saddened by Mahindra’s decision to pull out but I can understand their problem,” said Samir Thapar, MD of JCT, the company that runs the North India’s biggest and oldest corporate backed club.

“I-League has no charm and value and is not being run pro-

fessionally at all. Someone should convince me why the JCT would continue spending so much money every season,” he questioned. “We certainly have no immediate plan to take any extreme measure but I am not sure as to how long we will be able to sustain,” stated Thapar.

“The business is slow, yet we run the club as a part of our social responsibility. In return, we get to play in a kind of an I-League where the crowd is fast receding and the television coverage has been reduced to near zero,” remarked the JCT boss.

Equally dejected is Babu Mather, the founder director of Viva Kerala, a team run by a group of local businessmen in the State. “We are facing severe cash crunch and don’t know how long we will be able to drag it,” Mather admitted.

Tennis ball sub-junior Nationals

PANJIM (HSD) -- Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association in collaboration with SAG will organize their 15th sub-junior National tennis ball cricket championship for boys and girls from May 13 to 16 at P.J.N. Stadium, Fatorda.

The championship has been recognized by Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and Government of India and will be played under the banner of Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India (TBCFI). Twenty one girls and 26 boys’ teams have confirmed participation.

The championships will be played under two floodlit grounds and 3 grounds for day matches will be made at the stadium’s football and cricket ground. The championship will be inaugurated on May 13 at 7 p.m.

“The problem is that I-League is run so badly that it also diminishes our chances of survival.”

“Even the standard of refereeing in the I-League is poor and is a dumping ground for non-qualified and inefficient match commissioners, who are sent only to make pleasure trips. No corporate team would survive if immediate overhauling is not done,” stated Mather.

A source in the Salgaocar club, who refused to be quoted said, though the club management is committed to the cause of football for more than 50 years, it is frustrated by the way the AIFF is running the show.

“We are already getting disturbing reports about Mumbai FC and Air India.

The I-League in Goa is played under scorching sun in the month of April and May in front of empty stands and with hardly any television coverage.

“If that is AIFF’s idea of promoting football, then let me predict, no corporate team would survive in the I-League in the near future,” he concluded.

SPORTS

Pg 18

Inter Milan win Italian Cup Pg. 17

Salgaocar fight to avoid relegation Pg. 16

GOA, FRIDAY, 7 MAY, 2010

www.oherald.in

In BrIef Bopanna-Qureshi in Estoril quarters Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul Haq Qureshi scripted a stunning comefrom-behind victory over fourth seeds Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski to book a berth in the doubles quarter-finals of the ATP Estoril Open in Portugal. The unseeded Indo-Pakistani pair overcame a sluggish start to beat their British opponents 2-6, 6-3, 10-5 in the opening round of the euro 450,000 clay-court event, on Wednesday. World number one Roger Federer said he had to get tough and forget about the beautiful side of his game to beat Germany's Bjorn Phau 6-3, 6-4 at the Estoril Open and post his first win of the clay season. Second seeded Croat Ivan Ljubicic has pulled out due to a muscle injury.

Serena in Rome semis Top-ranked Serena Williams dispatched Maria Kirilenko 6-1, 6-4 on Thursday, then waited to see if she will meet sister Venus in the Italian Open semi-finals. Venus Williams was up against Jelena Jankovic in a night match of former Rome champions at the Foro Italico. “I have a really tough opponent next match whether it’s Venus or Jelena,” Serena said. “Obviously, ‘Go V!”’ In the other half of the draw, 26th-ranked Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain defeated Lucie Safarova 76 (6), 6-4. Martinez Sanchez’s semi-final opponent will be either former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic or Nadia Petrova, who were next to play in new 10,500seat stadium, which was less than half full.

More trouble for Modi Lalit Modi's troubles compounded with the cricket board slapping another showcause notice on the suspended IPL Commissioner for activities "detrimental to Indian Cricket, English Cricket and World cricket at large". In a rather cryptic statement which did not reveal details, BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said the board acted on an e-mail from England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Giles Clarke. "The BCCI has issued another Show Cause Notice to Lalit K Modi on Thursday, based on an email received from Clarke, informing the President, BCCI, about the activities of Modi," Srinivasan said.

India take on Aussies today PTI BRIDGETOWN (Barbados), MAY 6

India are faced with a selection dilemma on whether to strengthen their pace attack or rely on part time spinners when they brace up for the crucial Super Eights match against Australia in the T20 World Cup here tomorrow.

The Indians have a clutch of part-time spinners, who have filled up the slot of the fifth bowler but the think tank may be tempted to tinker with the composition and bring in a specialist fast bowler with the Kengsington Oval expected to favour the quickies.

Pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, who was rested for the South Africa match, is almost certain to come back into the team for the encounter which promises to be a thrilling battle of skill and nerves.

With the left-handed Gautam Gambhir also declared fit for the INDIA M S Dhoni (C), Murali Vijay, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Dinesh Karthik, Ravindra Jadeja, Zaheer Khan, Praveen Kumar, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Vinay Kumar and Rohit Sharma.

l

Face selection dilemma

game, the Indian batting order looks solid but it the selection of the bowlers which will make the task of the team management difficult.

Both the sides have big hitters in their ranks but when it comes to bowling, the Aussies, who have won three back-to-back 50-over World Cup titles, have the edge.

Their pace quartet – Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait, Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson -- is about the most lethal attack in the tournament.

Considering that Gambhir is just about recovering from his indisposition and has naturally not been at his best, India's task

would be a lot more difficult if he fails to get going.

In such a scenario, a lot would depend on Suresh Raina who made an electrifying 60-ball 101 against South Africa.

Given Raina's form and his ability to win matches on his own, the Australians would have a strategy in place to tie him down.

Short balls could be used more sparing against the left hander.

Yuvraj Singh would have to be on top of his game to take the fight into the Aussies camp.

Murali Vijay, Yusuf Pathan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja would have to contribute with the bat if India are

Praveen out, Umesh in

PTI BRIDGETOWN (Barbados), MAY 6

India will miss the service of seam bowler Praveen Kumar, who was today ruled out of the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup because of an abdominal muscle tear.

Praveen had sustained the injury during a practice session at the 3Ws Oval and the Indian team management sent him for an MRI which revealed a a tear in abdomen muscle.

Praveen will return home today. Unheralded Vidarbha pacer Umesh Yadav will replace Praveen. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has picked Yadav as replacement," BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said.

Yadav was not part of the probables. He now needs a nod from the tournament's technical committee, which is expected to be a formality.

to get past their first hurdle in the Super Eights. A victory against Australia tomorrow would enhance their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Ashish Nehra, if selected, will have to show more discipline with the ball to keep the likes of Shane Watson, David Warner, Michael Clarke, the Hussey brothers -- David and Michael - and Cameroon White quiet at the crease.

India have a bevy of spinners in Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja and part-time tweakers Pathan, Yuvraj in their ranks, who could possibly stop the Australian batter in their tracks. But then, it depends to be seen how they perform under pressure.

India could answer Australia's pace with spin and bat with the same aggression and tenacity of their opponents. But when it comes fielding, the men from Down Under hold a distinct edge.

AUSTRALIA Michael Clarke (C), Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Dirk Nannes, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White and Daniel Christian.

TODAY’S MATCHES India v. Australia 7 pm Sri Lanka v. West Indies 11 pm

India held by China in Azlan opener PTI IPOH (Malaysia), MAY 6

Ravi Pal Singh's last minute equaliser saved India's blushes as the defending champions eked out a 1-1 draw with China in their first match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today.

China went ahead in the 13th minute through Sun Tianjun and India, after squandering chances galore, equalised at the fag end of the tie when Ravi Pal Singh scored from a goalmouth melee.

India will now play Pakistan in their next match on Friday.

In an earlier match, South Korea whipped Egypt 6-0.

Kevin Pietersen of England plays a shot, at Barbados, on Thursday.

Pietersen punishes sloppy Pakistan

REUTERS BRIDGETOWN, MAY 6

A fine unbeaten 73 from Kevin Pietersen led England to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their opening Super Eight game at the Twenty20 World Cup today.

With plenty of English support watching in the Barbados sunshine, Paul Collingwood's team had little trouble in surpassing Pakistan's total of 147 with three balls to spare. ''Let's not get too carried away, but we're delighted with the win and to get some points on the

board,'' Collingwood told reporters.

Pakistan made a bright start, reaching 50 inside seven overs, but their momentum was lost after the introduction of spin with Graeme Swann picking up the vital wicket of opener Salman Butt, who had made 34 off 26 balls.

Slow left-armer Michael Yardy took two wickets but the second major breakthrough wicket came when Pietersen made a superb running catch in the deep to get rid of Umar Akmal who had reached 30 in 25 balls.

Pakistan's troubles were partially self-inflicted, skipper

Shahid Afridi getting himself out attempting a suicidal run from his first ball.

Afridi's day was to get substantially worse, however, when his team took the field.

England's South African-born opening pair of Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter put on 44 for the first wicket.

Kieswetter was dropped in the first over by Ajmal who spilled the same batsman again before giving Lumb a life.

Lumb (25) went in the sixth over, spinner Ajmal redeeming himself partially as he lured the

England batsman down the track for a stumping but

Pietersen was in the mood for a match-winning display.

Pakistan innings: Kamran Akmal c Kieswetter b Broad 15, Salman Butt c Collingwood b Swann 34, Mohammad Hafeez c Broad b Yardy 18, Umar Akmal c Pietersen b Sidebottom 30, Shahid Afridi run out 0, Misbah-ul-Haq b Yardy 13, Abdul Razzaq c Bresnan b Sidebottom 10, Fawad Alam c Kieswetter b Broad 1, Mohammad Aamer c Yardy b Bresnan 3, Saeed Ajmal not out 13, Mohammad Asif not out 0. Extras: 10. Total: 147 for 9. Fall of wickets: 1-31 2-71 3-77 4-77 5-102 6118 7-120 8-132 9-132. Bowling: Sidebottom 3-0-28-2 (3w), Bresnan 4-0-36-1 (1nb, 4w), Broad 4-0-25-2 (1nb), Yardy 4-0-19-2, Swann 4-0-28-1, Collingwood 1-0-10-0 England innings: M Lumb st Kamran Akmal b Saeed Ajmal 25, C Kieswetter c Umar Akmal b Abdul Razzaq 25, K Pietersen not out 73, P Collingwood c Umar Akmal b Shahid Afridi 16, E. Morgan b Saeed Ajmal 5, L Wright not out 1. Extras: 6. Total: 151 for 4. Fall of wickets: 1-44 2-65 3-125 4-140. Bowling: Abdul Razzaq 3-0-22-1, Mohammad Asif 4-0-43-0, Mohammad Aamer 4-0-25-0 (1w), Saeed Ajmal 3.3-0-18-2, Mohammad Hafeez 1-0-12-0 (1w), Shahid Afridi 4-0-28-1.

Dottin shows the way as Ivana bags silver first female T20 centurion at Nat U-11 AGENCIES ST KITTS, MAY 6

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 6

West Indian Deandra Dottin became the first woman cricketer to hit a Twenty20 International century, also the fastest ever in this format, when she blasted a 40-ball unbeaten 112 against South Africa in the World Cup. Dottin completed her century in just 38 balls, with nine sixes and five fours, and later added two fours from as many balls as the Women's World Cup got off to a stupendous start on Wednesday.

Riding on her heroics, the West Indies beat South Africa by 17 runs.

Batting at number six, the Barbadian eclipsed the fastest hundred in the men's game hit by her compatriot Chris Gayle, which he had scored off 50 balls, also against South Africa in 2007.

Her first 50 came in 25 balls three more than her own record of 22 balls set last year but the second 50 took just 13 deliveries.

Dottin's sixth wicket partnership of 118 with Shanel Daley is also the highest in any male

Goa’s wonder girl, Dempo’s brand ambassador, Ivana Maria Furtado won the National silver at U-11 National Chess Championship in Chennai.

Ivana defeated Shiny Das (1580) of Tripura to clinch the silver medal for Goa. She scored 8.5 points out of 11 rounds, having lost one, drawn three and won the remainder seven.

Last year Goa’s golden girl was a gold medalist in the same category. This shows Ivana’s hunger for success, which has kept her going and has always kept the Goan flag shinning high. This year, Goa could field 4 extra players in the U-11 girls category as Ivana had won the National gold last year at Shivamoga, Karnataka.

“Goa Chess Association is proud of Ivana and wishes her all the best in the future tournaments,” stated seceratry Mhamal. Ivana will now proceed to New Delhi on an invitation for Commonwealth Games based on her suoperb perform-

Deandra Dottin celebrates her hurricane hundred.

or female Twenty20 match comfortably, beating the record of 77 set by Australia's Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey in Auckland in 2005.

West Indies total of 175-5 was also the highest total by any

women's team in this format while South Africa's gallant chase, in which Shandre Fritz scored 58, was the second highest score by a side batting second in women’s Twenty20 cricket.

ance.

Other results: Riya Savant drew with Gauri Hadkonkar and finished 6th with the score of 8 points. Gauri Hadkonkar finished 10th with 7.5 points.

Rishubh Naik finished 20th in the main prize list in boys section. Ritviz Parab, Saeesh Bandodkar and Nitish Belurkar scored 7 points out of 11 rounds, Vagesh Tendulkar, Urvi Bandekar, Aishwarya Thorat and Aditi Prabhugaonkar scored 6 points while Apurva Naik totalled 5.5 points, Anant Prabhudesai (5), K. Tushar and Amey Audi scored 4.5 points each.

AIFF meet to discuss Bob’s resignation

Australia, Proteas qualify for Super 8

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, MAY 6

PTI BRIDGETOWN (Barbados), MAY 6

With key India players headed by skipper Bhaichung Bhutia publicly supporting chief coach Bob Houghton, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) can do little except reject the Englishman's resignation and extend his tenure beyond the Asian Cup in January.

The AIFF executive committee is meeting on Friday to assess the situation following Houghton's resignation in a huff after he learnt that AIFF secretary general Alberto Colaco had sounded an agent in Malaysia to find a new coach for the National team.

Some influential executive committee members, who feel that the issue has been handled rather unprofessionally, are also unhappy at the way the AIFF top brass allowed Mahindra United to disband its team without making an attempt to prevent it.

They say both these developments could not have happened at a more inopportune time than now when the Asian Cup is barely eight months away.

"Instead of helping the National team prepare for the Asia Cup, in which India are clubbed with strong regional sides Australia, South Korea and Bahrain, the AIFF management is busy d i g g i n g t re n c h e s b e h i n d Houghton," said a senior executive committee member, not wanting to be named.

Patel held informal discussions with the executive members on the eve of the meeting in a bid to smoothen the ruffled feathers as some of them made no secret of their dislike for Colaco for the way he has been running the federation despite being secretary general for a decade.

"The AIFF is going through one of its worst phases. Someone should be held responsible for the way things have happened, first the Mahindra bombshell and then the Houghton howler," he added.

"Colaco will have to explain why teams are unhappy and want to close shop as he is the chairman of the ILeague. Some other teams are threatening to go the Mahindra way and the trend has to be bucked. Then, why was Houghton's contract renewal kept in abeyance when he was willing to extend it? Who authorised Colaco to look for another coach?" the official said.

Paceman Dirk Nannes took four wickets as Australia beat Bangladesh by 27 runs to move to the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup here on Wednesday.

The Aussies rode on Michael Hussey's unbeaten 47 and Nannes' four-wicket haul to drew curtains on their group campaign on unbeaten note after having defeated title holders Pakistan by 34 runs in their opening match.

Australia's win also ensured Pakistan's entry into second round from Group A. Michael played the all important knock and shared crucial 74 runs with Steven Smith (27) for the seventh wicket to lift Australia to 141 for seven.

Defending the modest total, Nannes (4/18) wreaked havoc as Australia bowled out Bangladesh for 114 in 18.4 overs.

Nannes was ably supported

by David Hussey (2/8) and Smith (2/29) at the middle.

Captain Shakib Al Hasan topscored for Bangladesh with a run-a-ball 28 while wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim (24 off 25) gave him the good support from the other end during their 48run fifth-wicket partnership.

In another match, Morne

Morkel sent in a destructive fast bowling spell as South Africa crushed debutants Afghanistan 59 runs to advance to the second round.

The new comers did well to restrict South Africa to a modest 139 for seven after opting to bowl but were skittled out for a lowly 80 by their formidable opponents.

The Prortea pace battery of Morkel (4/20), Dale Steyn (2/6) and Charl Langeveldt (3/12) proved too hot to handle for the players of the strife-torn country.

However, they still save themselves from the ignominy of making the lowest score in a Twenty20 international match, which remains with Kenya, who had made 67 against Ireland in Belfast in 2008.