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Goa’s Heartbeat: Depp turns Graffiti artist in Venice Pg 4 UK toughens entrance rules Amid efforts to curb immigration to the UK, the government proposed tougher entrance criteria and limits on work among some of the key changes as part of a shake-up of the student visa system that is likely to adversely impact Indians. — (PTI)

Business: RBI to pause on rates — Parekh Pg 13

(air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

Sports: Yusuf Pathan’s hundred Pg 16 flattens Kiwis

TERROR STRIKES VARANASI PTI VARANASI, DEC 7

Terror struck this holy town when a low intensity blast ripped through a crowded bathing ghat on the banks of the Ganges river during evening prayers killing a two-year-old girl and injuring around 25 persons including a couple of foreigners.

Terror outfit Indian Mujahideen(IM) claimed responsibility for the blast in e-mails sent to media houses and said it “attributed” the attack to the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992.

Home Secretary G K Pillai said the government believes that the blast, which also led to a stampede, was a terror strike.

Some people were injured in the stampede, police said.

The girl identified as Swastika Sharma, who was with her mother for the prayers, died at Marwari hospital after the blast, according to IG(Varanasi) R P Singh. She was around two years, he said. It was not immediately known whether she suffered injuries in the explosion or in the stampede.

An Italian and a French national were among the injured.

Security officials and onlookers gather at the site of the blast at a 'ghat' (bathing point) in Varanasi.

IM warns of more attacks

The banned Indian Mujahideen (IM) today claimed responsibility for the blast in Varanasi, “attributing” it to 1992 demolition of Babri Masjid and warned of more such attacks.

The blast occurred at around 6:20 pm when thousands of devotees and some foreign

In a five-page email dated yesterday and sent to media houses, the IM, which was responsible for a series of previous terror attacks in India, warned that it would carry out similar attacks “very soon”.

tourists had assembled at the Dashashwamedh ghat for having darshan of the Ganga Arti ritual,

Despite pressure, govt sticks to its guns on JPC PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 7

Notwithstanding some of its allies putting pressure, government today ruled out a JPC probe into the 2G spectrum allocation scam even as the issue paralysed parliament for the 18th working day.

“There is no rethinking on the JPC. JPC is uncalled for. It is only a political handle being used by the opposition. The allies are very much part of the government and we stand united,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal told reporters here.

Bansal said that the allies sentiments have been “quite eloquently ” expressed by

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar.

His comments came close on the heels of allies emitting different signals on the issue of JPC with Trinamool Congress saying it supported a JPC probe into the matter but would go along with any government decision on it.

“If the government agrees for a JPC, it is good .... but we will support the government in whatever stand it and the prime minister take. We believe the prime minister is honest,” the party’s chief whip in Lok Sabha Sudip Bandopadhyay told reporters here.

“We want the deadlock in parliament to end. If JPC is formed,

it is good. But we are with the government,” he said.

DMK Parliamentary Party leader T R Baalu, whose party is another key ally, left it to the government to decide whether or not to constitute a JPC. “We will sail along with the government,” he said.

DMK MP A Raja had resigned as Telecom Minister on November 14 after the CAG said in its report that there has been a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer as a result of 2G spectrum being allotted at cheap rates.

Scotching speculation about any division in the ruling coalition, Bansal said “They are very much part of the government.”

e-services launch to make work easier

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 7

Come December 19 and people of Goa in a way will be really liberated from the clutches of government departments as they will able to get done many of their jobs on-line.

Whether filing a complaint or seeking permission to do something — nineteen departments of the government will kickstart delivering e-services from December 19.

To begin with 88 services

from nineteen departments have been enlisted for this purpose, said government sources.

However, at the initial stage, only few services of the departments have been enlisted for eservicing as it involves upgrading and updating technology employed in delivery of services in a big way.

The Department of Panchayats has thus enlisted five services and has been highly activite as it has to complete training people for handling e-services, repair and replace computer and ensure connectivity before December 19.

And certainly, it is not an easy task when there are 189 panchayats to look after.

Menino D’Souza, Director of (Continued on page 10)

Insurance scheme for Russians a big hit VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, DEC 7

The one-year-old ‘cashless insurance’ cover for the Russians in Goa has received a whopping 124 cases, in a mere two months since the tourist season kicked off in October this year.

While, three Russian tourists succumbed to death, remaining were trivial cases which were dealt with successfully.

The Moscow administration, last year ensured a much secured holiday for the Russians here by taking care of their medical emergencies.

Moscow-based firm ‘Liga of Defence and Medical Assistance (LDM)’ enforced a cashless insurance to its travelers and also their representatives in Goa will attend to the customer 24 x 7 in case of medical emergencies.

“From October 5, 2010 till date, we have attended a total of 124 cases, out of which three were deaths,” the company’s legal advisor Vikram Varma told Herald.

The senior most among the deceased - Irina Oganesyan (78), wife of a scientific officer with Joint Institute for Nuclear Res e a rc h i n Ru s s i a D r Yu r y Oganesyan, died of heart attack while touring the coastal state.

Another tourist, Igor Sukhanov (48) also died of heart stroke. Whereas, 28-year-old Evgeny Dergachy died of ‘accidental drowning’ at a resort swimming pool, incidentally a day prior to his birthday on October 11, 2010.

Few of the other cases included fractures, head injuries, (Continued on page 10)

police sources said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appealed for calm. Several

cities including the national capital were put on high alert.

Additional Director General Law and Order Brijlal told reporters in Lucknow that the blast took place due to “some explosive material” kept on the stairs of the ghat.

Pillai said roughly between “20 to 25 persons” are currently injured. An Italian and a French national were among the foreigners injured. But police said 30 to 35 persons may have been injured. The injured have been rushed to district hospitals.

The blast occurred at a spot some two km away from Sankatmochan Temple which was targeted by terrorists in 2006.

“According to the information that we have, it was a low intensity blast which occurred around 6.20 pm,” Pillai said in New Delhi. But Secretary(Internal Security) U K Bansal said the explosion was a “medium intensity” blast.

Some people suffered injuries due to the blast while some were hurt during the stampede which occurred due to the collapse of the railing.

Some of the injured persons (Continued on page 10)

Wikileaks founder Assange arrested PTI LONDON, DEC 7

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been in hiding for nearly a week, was arrested here today on suspicion of rape af ter surrendering over a Swedish warrant, a move described as an attack on the freedom of press by his whistle-blower website that has leaked a cache of secret United States cables.

Thirty nine-year-old Assange, an Australian citizen, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police on the basis of an arrest warrant issued from Sweden relating to allegations of sexual assaults against him.

The elusive WikiLeaks founder and editor-in-chief has denied allegations that he sex-

ually assaulted two women in Sweden.

In a statement, police said: “Officers from the Metropolitan Police Extradition Unit have this morning arrested Julian Assange on behalf of the Swedish authorities on suspicion of rape.”

Assange “was arrested on a European arrest warrant by appointment at a London police station at 9.30 am. He is accused by the Swedish authorities of one count of unlawful coercion, two counts of sexual molestation and one count of rape, all alleged to have been committed in August 2010.”

Soon after he was taken into custody, a spokesman for WikiLeaks said the arrest will not stop the release of more secret files.

Passing NET must to be a lecturer: HC PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 7

Degree of M.Phil or PhD will no longer be sufficient to secure a job in academic field in colleges as the Delhi High Court has upheld the University Grants Commission policy of making it mandatory for an aspiring lecturer to qualify National Eligibility Test (NET).

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan said the test is essential to maintain uniformity and quality in higher education as different yardsticks are followed by universities while granting degree of M.Phil or PhD. “The results of exams conducted by various examination bodies vary from university to university and they are, therefore, neither reliable nor comparable. Consequently, to attain the objective of common national yardstick in terms of qualification for every candidate who aspires to be a lecturer and that the quality of education in higher education is maintained at the highest level, the impugned Regulations 2009 were issued by the UGC,” the court said.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by All India Researchers Coordination Committee challenging the 2009 Regulation of changing the eligibility conditions for the post of lecturers.

According to the new regulation, only those who pass NET would be eligible for the post of lecturer.

We are ready to cut air fares provided we're allowed to carry passengers like Goan buses.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg2

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 2010

Lifeguards stir pose risk to tourists Visitors left to fend for themselves at Colva

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

Even as life guards posted along the South Goa beaches joined the strike on the second day on Tuesday, thousands of tourists visiting the world famous beach Colva were left to fend for themselves at the beach on Tuesday in the absence of the guards.

A large group of children from Mumbai which had descended on the beach on Tuesday afternoon appeared a confused lot, not knowing the spot safe for swimming. The children were seen forming a chain inside the waters to save them from the undercurrents.

However, not taking any chances, the teacher incharge of the group, brought the children ashore and was highly critical about the government not providing adequate security and life guards at the beach.

Tourists visiting the beach pointed out that in the absence of the life guards on the beach,

they were wary about entering the waters.

“There were no life guards on the beach. We were afraid to take the children to go anywhere near the water. There ought to be security around”, remarked a teacher who had come with the students.

Incidentally, the men-in-uniform too were not seen on the beach to control or guide the tourists from venturing into the waters.

When the attention of the tourists was drawn to the ongoing strike by the life guards, the tourists remarked saying that the government ought to have made alternate arrangements at the beach. “The life guards may be on strike, but that has not stopped the tourists inflow on the beaches. There ought to have been alternate arrangements, at least the security presence to guide the tourists”, remarked another domestic tourist.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, DEC 7

Over 60 lifeguards posted by Dristhi Rescue Services on Cana-

cona’s coast went on a strike in support of their colleagues in North Goa, who refused to perform their duties after an alleged

Children visitors to the Colva beach seen forming a chain as they descend in the waters on Tuesday morning.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

assault by seniors for the second day on Tuesday.

According to reports, all the personnel engaged by Dhristhi Rescue Services on Goan beaches strike their work on Tuesday with demands that also includes hike in pay packets.

At Palolem beach, a lone lifeguard, reportedly a junior team officer of Dristhi Rescue Services (an overall in-charge of Canacona taluka) by Tuesday afternoon pulled the Jet-ski into the seawaters and was seen taking rounds on the coast.

On Tuesday, Palolem beach remained partially busy as most foreign tourists lying on shore for sunbath while few including some domestic tourist were seen either swimming or taking bath in the sea.

When this correspondent visited Palolem beach, few lifeguard personnel were seen assembled near the lifeguard watch tower, as the in-charge asked a personnel to apply lock to the storeroom-cum-lifeguard watch tower.

According to sources, lifeguards who reported for duty early Tuesday morning made over the rescue tubes, rescue boards, walkie-talkies, etc, normally individually handled by them to their respective captains who then kept it under lock, while operation of Jet-ski or jeep remained standstill throughout the day.

With the maximum 20 lifeguards guarding Palolem beach, on an average 10 personnel each guards the beach shores at Agonda, Patnem, Rajbag and Galgibaga. However, except at Agonda, all the watch towers-cum-storerooms were kept under lock and key.

Initially, all the lifeguards turned up for the duty early Tuesday morning at their respective beaches, however refused to report for duty and almost all reached Palolem and assembled at the lifeguard watch tower.

According to sources, by afternoon, including the team captains (supervisors), some personnel left for Miramar beach in Panjim, where reportedly over 500 personnel from all over the State beaches converged with their demands.

DSRS unfazed HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 7

Drishti Special Response Service (DSRS) on Tuesday claimed that despite absence of 200 lifeguards, Drishti lifeguard service was able to cover all the beaches under contract and ensure that no drowning incident took place.

In a press note, DSRS stated that this was possible because 100 lifeguards worked timelessly throughout the day and maintained vigil over the beaches, which otherwise uses the service of over 300 lifeguards.

“Inspite of the hurdle, the lifeguards on duty at Calangute successfully rescued a Russian woman from drowning,” states the press note.

Drishti management met the dissenting lifeguards on Tuesday evening and informed them that it was in their own interest that they resume duty at the earliest, as the company cannot take any decision on their demands of higher salary, reduced working hours. The management is confident that more lifeguards shall join duty on Wednesday, added the press note.

Animal Birth Control programme Benaulim VP has not failed on garbage in Margao could be in jeopardy front: Sarpanch HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

If the South Goa Animal Welfare Trust -- engaged by the Margao Municipal council to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program in the Commercial capital – abandons the project, the local Civic would be solely responsible for the decision.

For, the activists of the Trust had been virtually running from pillar to post to get what was promised by the Civic body since the NGO inked an agreement with the Municipality a year ago.

Take the case of the payments. As per agreement, the Civic body is required to pay the NGO an amount of Rs 11,000 per month for implementing the ABC progamme in the city. But, ask the head of the NGO, Sandra Fernandes, and she says that the Civic body is yet to make the payments for the last three months.

Everytime, Fernandes visits the Civic body to inquire about the monthly payments, she is flooded with queries from civic officials whether the NGO has sterilised 100 dogs a month as per the agreement. “How can the civic officials expect the NGO to sterilise 100 days when the shelter provided by the Municipality can accommodate only 20 dogs at a time”, Sandra countered.

She said the NGO is more than willing to sterilised 100 dogs a month, but the Civic body should help extend the shelter to meet the requirements.

That’s not all. Since the number of stray dogs euthanized by the NGO has drastically gone up every month, there’s a dire need for a pit to dispose off the carcass. “Only the rabid dogs are disposed off in a pit. The Civic body is yet to provide pits for the disposal of dogs euthanized in the shelter. Given the magnitude of the problem, we have started using lime for quick decomposition of the carcass”, she added.

Incidentally, the Margao Mu-

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, DEC 7

Five two-wheelers were damaged, after a pick up dashed against them near Holy Family High School, Porvorim, on Tuesday.

According to Porvorim Police, the pick up (GA-02-U-5189) was proceeding from Panjim towards Mapusa.

A Honda City car, which was moving ahead of the pick up, suddenly slowed down and the pick up driver applied the brake due to which the vehicle skidded off the road a n d d a s h e d against five two-wheelers, (GA-07-D -3101), (GA-07-A6047), (GA-07-B-8221), (GA03-J-4526) and (GA-03-D-0425), which were parked in the open space.

Porvorim Police has registered the offence against the

Canacona coast lifeguards also join strike

Personnel apply lock and key to store-cum-watch tower at Palolem.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

6 vehicles damaged in mishap

nicipal Council had fixed the amount of Rs 11,000 for sterilisation of dogs nearly a decade ago and has no plan to increase the amount in the future. Even as Civic official have sympathised with the NGO over the inadequate facilities at the dog shelter.

Sandra says that the time is running out for the Civic body to honour its commitments as per the agreement or threatened to quit from the Animal Birth Control Program. If at all the NGO decides to call it a day, the South Goa Animal Welfare Trust will be the second NGO after Goa Animal Welfare Trust (GAWT) to quit the ABC program for want of support from the Margao Civic body.

Nigerian held

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 7

Calangute Police on Tuesday arrested a 28-year-old Nigerian national on charges of overstaying in the country.

Calangute Police arrested one Stanley Udoka for overstaying in India without the valid passport. Udoka was arrested at Baga.

PSI Gaurish Parab is investigating the case.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

Benaulim Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes has said there is no question of any failure on the part of the panchayat on the garbage front and asserted that it is for the courts to decide whether there is any failure or success on the garbage front.

Reacting to the dumping of garbage collected by residents near the panchayat ghar on Monday, the Sarpanch said the Colva police would be investigating from where the waste was collected and how the persons could produce tons of waste overnight.

Welcoming the statement made by Ciriaco Barretto that garbage is not just a problem in the village, but a big menace, Carmelina said she would induct Barreto and other persons involved in the garbage collection in the garbage committee to see how successful and interested they are to suggest the garbage disposal site which has been recently rejected by the Goa Pollution Control Board.

She, however, sought to know why Baretto did not intimate the Panchayat if the garbage was lying along road side all these day, adding that Benaulim people are vigilant and always in-

form the panchayat if there is any garbage around.

On the statement made by Seby Fernandes warning that the situation would out of hand if things are not controlled now, the Sarpanch said this only show what his intention are and sought to know whether this is the language to threaten the Panchayat.

“Information provided vide letter dated 10/06/2010 under Right to Information on which issue is made is incorrect, without proper knowledge and has been issued without checking the records of the Panchayat and conducting inquiry with the Panchayat Body by Senior clerk Avelina in charge of all office records and secretary Deepak Chari’, she said, adding that the Senior clerk and secretar y should have asked the body if there were no documents.

“When the garbage was dumped outside the panchayat, the secretary and senior clerk without permission of deputy sarpanch has conveniently put the same inside the panchayat room. This shows that the Secretary and Senior clerk Avelina in charge of all office records have acted in collusion to deliberately cause the present confusion”, she added.

With the state land acquisition officer pointing severe discrepancies in the report prepared

by US-based Wilber Smith firm, the anti highway expansion activists have said that Goa should scrap the contract signed with the firm.

National Highway Diversion Action Committee (NHDAC) pointing out to the land acquisition report by state administration has demanded that the contract with the firm should be terminated on immediate bases

and should get back Rs 9 crore paid as consultant fees.

“Wilbur Smith Associates Pvt Ltd had gone off track while showing the areas required to be acquired and the areas already in possession with state government,” the report reads.

NHDAC Convenor Sunil Desai said that the land acquisition report by state administration has pointed out several discrepancies in the composition of the alignment and the area actually required for the widening of the road. “ The state government

should terminate the contract entered in with Wilbur Smith and ask them to pay back the entire amount,” Desai said adding that the committee will seek legal opinion over the report.

Desai said that the government report prepared by land acquisition officer Anthony D’Souza has clearly mentioned that due to consultant’s goof up, there were lot of confusions during the site inspection.

The activists also demanded that the house committee should immediately scrap the project and take public into con-

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 7

Inspector General of Prisons Mihir Vardhan today said that action against the four jail guards responsible for attempting to loot a truck driver last week has been reserved till the police report.

Four jail guards - Ankush Naik, Vishal Naik, Keshav Naik and Dinesh Warang attached to the Central Jail at Aguada were arrested on Sunday early morning.

They are alleged for attempting to loot a truck driver by assaulting him on Panaji-Ponda highway, late on Saturday night.

“It’s a lengthy procedure.

We just can’t take action without knowing the facts.

We are waiting for the police report after which we will

decide on what could be done,” Vardhan said.

It is reportedly learnt that the jail guards, who joined the Jail administration only a year ago were off-duty when they allegedly committed the offense.

Ponda town Police Inspector C L Patil had informed that the jail guards were caught assaulting and trying to loot a truck driver by stopping the vehicle on the highway.

A Police Control Room (PCR) van patrolling the area noticed the commotion and approached the truck.

The quartet tried to escape but was however caught a distance away. “They were dressed in black t-shirts and pants, similar to any robber so that they can hide or escape in the dark,” said a police official.

Security at Secretariat revamped HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 7

After the expose of security lapse at the Legislative Assembly complex at Porvorim, the entire protection measures have been modified.

Personal inspection by Herald on November 3 at this most sensitive establishment revealed certain flaws in the execution of the security plan. It was not much difficult for anyone to get inside unchecked or showing fake identity.

The security arrangements have however been revamped and every guard is instructed to verify details of visitors before entering the venue. Moreover,

the entrances have been restricted with intensified security personnel.

Earlier, a normal visitor would encounter first security ring in the form of armed security policemen, to be precise two to three of them. This cover was not an issue for government servants, who could show their Identity Card and step in.

T h e re g i s t r a t i o n w h i c h seemed just a formality then is now stricter and cross-checked.

The security had been strengthened since November 1 onwards. The security lapse was clearly visible also as a persons candidly walking around inside the building were not ques-

tioned.

The vast secretariat complex houses ministerial blocks where ministers carry out their routine activities, bureaucrats and most importantly assembly sessions is slated to begin soon.

Besides the Goa police squad, the secretariat has private security manning the entire premise.

At present, apart from a large squad of private security, 30 armed and plain clothed policemen are deployed in the premise. Goa police recently proposed the Government of one platoon Central Security force to be deployed at the secretariat.

Kiosk comes up on Sanguem municipal land overnight HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, DEC 7

Citizens from Sanguem are surprised over an alleged illegal kiosk constructed overnight on Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) owned land, barely about 10 mtrs away from the council building.

According to sources, the kiosk is allegedly constructed by a local to run dairy business.

But what surprises the locals is the fact that the construction was undertaken by taking advantage of holiday on Saturday and Sunday.

Incidentally, despite the alleged illegal construction was undertaken much under the nose of some ruling councillors, the councillors failed in initiating any action in the matter.

When contacted a councillor in the ruling group, he claimed that the previous council had granted permission to the local to construct the kiosk and that they have no say in the matter.

“It is as per the decision given by the previous council that the local has constructed the kiosk and as such, it cannot be termed as illegal,” remarked the councillor.

Incidentally when contacted an ex-councillor, who was member of the ruling group in the outgoing council, denied that the previous council granted any permission for the construction of kiosk in the municipal property.

The said councillor however informed that at one meeting the issue of one local having applied for construction of kiosk in the municipal property had come for discussion and the council had resolved for construction of kiosk in the municipal-owned land.

But the ex-councillor reiterated the decision taken by the outgoing council claiming the

Anti-highway activists want contract with US firm scrapped HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 7

Action against 4 jail guards after report, says Vardhan

fidence. “ The 69-kilometer-long highway expansion is embroiled in the controversy after people objected to it.

The state government is trying to bulldoze the land acquisition by not taking the affected people into confidence,” Desai said.

The leader also said that since one year has lapsed from the date of notification for the land acquisition, the state government should hold back the process of land acquisition.

The notification was issued on November 29, last year.

The alleged illegal kiosk constructed in Sanguem Municipal Council owned land.

Photo by Alfred Fernandes

resolution passed by the council to be not final.

The resolution needs to be forwarded to the Director of Municipal Administration for approval and only after having obtained the permission, the resolution takes shape.

“In the instant case, no such approval is obtained,” alleged the ex-councillor and as such demanded for strict action against the officials and councillors involved in allowing the alleged illegal construction.

However, efforts to contact the SMC Chief Officer proved futile as he did not remain present in the office on Monday and neither could be contacted on phone as his phone was out of coverage area.

It may be recalled that some

four years ago, two youth from the locality had procured kiosks under ‘Din Dayal Rojgar Yojana’ and sought NOC from SMC to install kiosk in the municipal area, but the council refused the youth request allegedly on the ground that the same is objected by the existing traders within the municipal area who feared of themselves running into losses.

The citizens now are surprised over the council remaining mum over the alleged illegal construction of kiosk in the municipal area and that too barely about 10 mtrs from the council building. Some aggrieved citizens have urged for immediate action in the matter as the construction of the kiosk defies the order of the High Court.

Bad season for fishing community continues HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 7

After the incessant rains till the last month which kept fishermen away from fishing, now the undersea currents is further killing the fishing business in the state.

Chairman of the Mandovi Fishermen Cooperative Society Menino Afonso told Herald that many trawlers are anchored on the jetty as undersea currents are pretty bad.

The fishermen are already facing tough days due to fall in fish catch, which has cut down their earnings. “There is boom only in mackerels’ catch and it is being priced at Rs 50 per kg,” Afonso said.

The mackerel sell is fetching good price compared to its rate few months ago. While, a month back it was sold off at cheap price at Rs 20 per kilo, its price last year was as high as Rs 70 per kilo. We hardly have any fish to export.

“We are able to catch only Mackerels through purseine nets

and Ribbon fish from regular trawling,” Afonso said.

Interestingly, Goa’s favourite – Kingfish has run out of stock as the catch is negligible.

Although mackerel catch might be silver lining in the clouds, it’s not as much as expected during this season.

“Total catch of mackerels in a week is only four-to-five tones and Ribbon fish either one-tone or as low as 800 kilograms,” he calculated.

“Whatever amount we collect from the sale is spent for the diesel of the trawler. We have incurred tremendous loss,” said the Chairman.

The problem-stricken jetty expected ample ‘Ribon fish’ and ‘squid’ catch via trawling and ‘King fish’, ‘Pamphlets’ and ‘Tuna fish’ catch via perseine nets.

While battling with the nature and fate, the Goan fishermen are also battered with the arrival of fishermen from Karnataka, who invade the sea with high powered trawlers.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 2010

Sudin against grading system, says students will suffer HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, DEC 7

Ex-GMC dean denies charges of corruption

Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar has stated that students will suffer due to the newly introduced grading system, which is implemented for the students of Std 10 and 12 from this year.

Dhavlikar was addressing during the cultural mela organized

by Ponda schools Association (PSA) in association with Department of Art and Culture at Ramnathi-Ponda.

“The grading system is not properly done and many students are bound to get affected because of it. I am not against the grading system, but many questions pertaining to this system are unanswered,” he said.

“Teachers, parents and students have to be well-informed about the system and it should be discussed,” added Dhavlikar.

“I have been discussing this with teachers, parents and even the secretaries in the State government. There are many unanswered questions and if not resolved, then I am sure students are going to suffer,” said the transport minister.

“I am not against the grading system, but it should have been done properly. Students, parents and teachers ought to know the grading system thoroughly and the department should have focused on it,” he said.

“There are many issues pertaining to the grading system introduced by the Goa Board and I feel students will suffer because of this. Something has

Former Goa Medical College (GMC) dean Dr M N Pal has denied statements that alleged his involvement in corruption during his tenure as an Examiner.

In a statement issued here, Dr Pal said that his deposition in the Sessions Court regarding a murder case was backed up with facts and reasons.

“The statement by the associate professor of forensic medicine (GMC) Dr Edmund Rodrigues were outbursts of his unwarranted baseless impulsive annoyance, as his post-mortem report in the case of Vasant Shastikar were countered by Dr Pal stating as inconsistent and false, duly backed up with facts and reasons during the depositions made before the Court,” he said.

Dr Rodrigues while deposing as prosecution’s witness in the case had alleged that Dr Pal was involved in taking money while functioning as an Examiner for the medical students.

The doctor has also stated that Dr Pal had never conducted autopsies during his service.

Replying to this, Dr Pal, who also holds LLM degree with specialization in medical negligence said that ‘there are no regulations or statutes in the Medical Council of India wherein it is stated that expert medical witness appearing in a criminal case has to conduct post-mortem.’

State government has initiated inquiry into alleged mining operation near Netravali wildlife sanctuary, which has been going on despite Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) rejecting permission for the same.

National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) standing committee last month had directed Goa chief Wildlife Warden to stop a mine of M/s A X Poi Palondicar which is operating near Netravali Wildlife sanctuary.

The CWW has been ordered to submit the report urgently to the MoEF. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (APCCF) Dr Shashi Kumar told Herald that the matter has been re-

Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar addresses the gathering at Ramnathi-Ponda.

Photo by Amresh Parab

to be done and I hope teachers, who are aware of problems with the grading system, will rightly communicate to the Goa Board,” he added.

A teacher on condition of anonymity told Herald that students, especially brilliant students, are going to suffer and the new grading system, which has been implemented from this year, is disadvantageous to students.

In support of their claim, the teacher said under the grading system, if students do not have satisfactory performance in one of the exams, then it will affect their results.

“All the exams are important as against earlier when students only used to concentrate on the final board exam,” added the teacher.

About 72 schools participated in the annual event organized

by PSA, which has about 98

member schools from across the State.

Principal of Government College Khandola and former Goa University Registrar Mohan Sangodkar said every child has to have some special qualities, however with importance given to bookish knowledge, identifying specialties in a child has gone astray. He said importance should also be given on identifying hidden talent in students.

“Today, the focus in education system has gone on memorizing, the better you memorize, better are the exam results. But focus is not on identification of the specialties of the child. Every individual, I feel is unique and has to have something special in them,” said Sangodkar.

“There cannot be any individual who is useless. It has to be identified, but we are unable to identify that hidden talent,” added Sangodkar.

ferred to the concerned wildlife division.

“Soon after MoEF order, the department has asked the concerned office to probe whether mining activity by M/s A X Poi Palondicar is still on or not,” Dr Kumar said.

APCCF said that once the department receives the report, the decision would be taken accordingly.

“I am yet to get the report from the section. If mine owner is found illegally extracting the ore, then immediate action would be taken either by the forest department or concerned department,” he said.

Deputy Inspector General Prakriti Srivastava in a letter to Goa government on November 23 has asked the State to submit

the status report on this mine, which according to them, is operational in full swing since last two weeks.

18th meeting of standing committee of NBWL had rejected the proposal by M/s A X Poi Palondicar for production of Iron Ore with the production capacity of 0.20 MTPA and expansion in the capacity of manganese ore.

The proposal was rejected as the mine was 5.3kms in South – East and 6.5kms East of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Committee was of the view that, mining activities, even though outside protected areas would have negative impacts on the Wildlife in the sanctuary as well on bio-diversity and environment.

Plans to shut down Margao’s old bus stand opposed

Sancoale boy missing

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, DEC 7

A 13-year-old boy Lesly Vaz of Old Church area, Sancoale, has been reported missing from Monday evening.

Vaz, a student of Blessed Joseph Vaz High School, Sancoale, did not return home after he left for tuition on Monday evening. He was last seen boarding a bus, according to his family members.

When contacted, Verna Police Inspector Jivba Dalvi said a case had been registered. A look notice had already been dispatched to all the police stations, Dalvi informed.

Anybody having information may contact on his residence number (0832) 2550588.

Bag, shoes give anxious moments HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

The Margao old bus stand at the centre of a row over its closure by the authorities.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

Plans to shut down Margao’s old bus stand located in front of the Margao police headquarters has come under strong opposition from short distance route bus owners, gadda traders and commuters as well.

Be it the gadda traders or the owners of buses operating from the old bus stand, they were categorical in staying the closure of the bus stand would spell doom for their small time business.

Bus commuters, on the other hand, maintained that the aam admi will be suffer the most as they will be required to shell out additional money from the city to the KTC bus stand to catch the bus to their destinations.

Workers employed in shops and business establishments in the commercial capital – who commute daily by public transport – are also to be hit the most by the closure of the bus stand.

Drawing paltry salaries, these employees will have to spend more on to and fro travel everyday.

Senior citizens too have joined the chorus of opposition to the closure of the bus stand. Senior citizens told newsmen at the old bus stand on Tuesday that the Ministers should instead stop the loot in the govern-

Worker robbed

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 7

Govt orders probe into mining near Netravali sanctuary HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 7

Burglars reign in Margao continues; wholesale shop, courier office robbed

ment instead of targeting the aam admi.

On the other hand, gadda traders said they will be rendered unemployed if the old bus stand is closed down by the government.

Fatima Shaikh told Herald that her family is eking a livelihood on the business generated at the bus stand, adding that her family will suffer if the bus stand is closed down.

Another gadda trader Ashish said the kiosk business will suffer if the old bus stand is shut down. He said that no customers will come to their kiosks if buses don’t come to the bus stand. These gadda traders were rehabilitated at the old bus stand after being displaced after the high court order on encroachments. “Will there be any business at the old bus stand sans the buses and people”, Ashish questioned.

A private bus operator on the Margao-Shiroda route Francics Verghese said the bus business will be doomed if the buses are told to ply directly from the KTC bus stand. “There are buses leaving to Shiroda from the KTC bus stand. Where will the business come if the buses operating from the old bus stand are told to operate from the KTC stand”, he said.

RTA chief calls for meet HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

Whether the old bus stand will be closed for the short distance route buses will be known on Friday at a meeting of the RTA meeting.

RTA Chairman and Deputy Collector Johnson Fernandes said he will convene a meeting of the RTA on Friday to discuss the demand of the All Goa Private Bus Owners Association on the closure of the old bus stand.

He clarified that the question over the closure of the old bus stand have cropped up after the bus owners Association referred the same in their statutory notice served on the Chief Secretary.

Sources in the know said that Transport and Traffic officials are in favour of closure of the bus stand to cover up their failure in regulating growing traffic in the Commercial Capital. A proposal is gaining ground that short distance route buses be diverted at the Nanutel instead of permitting them entry into the city, but the chaos witnessed on the Nanutel-Abade Faria after the authorities debarred shuttle buses from entering the city is still fresh in the minds of the commuters.

A bag containing a school uniform of a girl student and footwear near the Khareband bridge on Tuesday gave some anxious moments for citizens and the men-in-uniform.

As news spread that girl student has ended her life by jumping in the River Sal near the Khareband bridge, the Margao police rushed to the spot and took possession of the bag containing the uniform and the footwear.

Margao PI Santosh Desai informed that the incident occurred this morning when a passerby found the bag with the uniform and footwear hanging on a tree.

‘No sooner the police were informed of the matter, a police team was sent to the spot. As there were suspicions that a girl might have committed a suicide, we maintained a close look at the river, but found nothing suspicious”, he said.

PI Desai said that as a matter of abundant precaution, the police have approached the management of the city-based school to find out whether any student has gone missing or has not reported for school in recent days.

“Based on the colour of the uniform, we have approached the school for details just to rule out the possibility of anything suspicious”, PI Desai added.

Sources in the know said a delegation of the school management had visited the police station and clarified that none of the school students are missing.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

The broken lock of the shutter of an business establishment in the city.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

Thieves continued to make merry in the Commercial Capital for the second day.

A day after targeting a pharmacy and a stationary shops, burglars returned back last night to burgle a wholesale shop and a courier office right in the heart of the city. In both the case, the miscreants effected entry by breaking open the shutter locks.

Owner of Goa Wholesale Centre, Uday said the miscreants ransacked the general merchant establishment after laying their hands on the keys.

Fortunately, the miscreant could not lay their hand on any valuables in both the wholesale establishment

and the courier office.

“I along with my son came rushing to the shop after the incident was intimated to us this morning. We immediately called the police and found to our shock that the shop was ransacked inside. The miscreants, however, could not lift away anything”, he added.

That the gang of thieves were freely targeting the shops and business establishments in the Commercial Capital in recent times has created a fear psychosis amongst the business community.

A prominent shop owner said if thieves has the audacity to break open the locks and bend shutters without being caught

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

by the police indicates that something wrong has gone in the law and order machinery.

“Where is the safety and security if thieves can break open shops and establishments at will in the city represented by the state’s Chief Minister”, he asked.

The businessman further said that the Margao police should stop complaining over manpower shortage by deploying officers for night patrolling on a daily basis.

Incidentally, the spate of thefts have come at a time when the Margao police had recently taken into custody a 7-member gang of thieves, who were arrested by the Karwar police in similar offenses.

They were on the prowl to burgle shops and establishments, but ended in committing a robbery late Monday night.

A worker employed in a printing press in the Commercial Capital was robbed of cash of Rs 3000, besides his cell phone late last night The victim Puttu Alwekar told the Margao police that he had just gone out of the establishment at around 12 pm to answer nature’s call when five young persons – aged between 20-25 years – pounced on him.

“They manhandled me and after putting fear, robbed cash of Rs 3000, besides my cell phone”, he said.

The five persons later escaped under the cover of darkness.

Police are investigating to ascertain whether the same gang was responsible for the spate of shutter bending cases in the city.

Presiding officers fails to turn for Seraulim dy sarpanch poll HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

In an unprecedented development, election to fill up the vacant post of deputy sarpanch of Seraulim Panchayat was scuttled on Tuesday after the Presiding Officer drafted to conduct the polls by the Director of Panchayats played truant.

One of the aspirants for the coveted post, Polly D’Cruz was quick to allege that the presiding officer Deepak Chari did not turn up due to political pressure.

The incident occurred this morning when the panch members assembled at the panchayat ghar as per the meeting con-

vened by the Director of Panchayats to fill up the vacant post.

The election was scheduled at 11 am, but there was no sign of the Presiding Officer for the meeting. After waiting for 15 minutes, one of the Panch member called up the Salcete Block Development Officer, and it was only later that realization dawned that the Presiding officer skipped the meeting on grounds that he fell sick.

Panch member Polly said the elections were scuttled by the Presiding Officer upon pressure from the political masters. “I had a majority on my side. That’s the reason why the Presiding

Bungalow gutted in Dabolim HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 7

Goods worth Rs 3 lakh were gutted in a fire that broke out in a bungalow near MES College Dabolim-Sancoale on Tuesday morning.

However, timely intervention of Vasco Fire Services, property worth nearly Rs 20 lakh was saved from getting destroyed from the bungalow belonging to electrical engineer Sandeep Gupta.

According to reports, the incident occurred at about 10 am when the owner had gone for work and no one was present in the house. Vasco Fire Brigade In-charge Bosco Ferrao said the cause of fire could be due to short circuit or power fluctuation in the split AC in the bungalow.

“Furniture, electronic items

Russian rescued

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 7

A 57-year-old Russian woman was rescued from drowning by D r i s t h i S u r f L i f e Te a m a t Calangute on Tuesday.

According to Drishti report, Valiya Vala, who was swimming in no-swim zone, called for help.

Vala was rescued and brought safely to the shores by lifeguard Shashikant Jadhav.

and other electrical appliance amounting to Rs 3 lakh have been damaged in the fire,” informed Ferrao.

“Preliminary enquiry suggests that fire might have caused due to short circuit or power fluctuation. But we have written to the electricity department to give their opinion on cause of fire,” said Ferrao.

officer failed to turn up for the meeting”, he added.

When contacted, Salcete BDO Uday Prabhudessai said that he was in Panjim this morning to attend the meeting convened by the Director of Panchayats on e-services to be implemented in the Panchayats from December 19.

“The incident was brought to my notice when I was in Panjim.

I have been informed that the Presiding officer dispatched a note after he fell sick”, he said.

When questioned why no replacement was made by the BDO office if Deepak had sent a sick note, Prabhudesai said

there was no one in the BDO office to take such a decision.

“If I was there in the office, I would have immediately done the replacement”, he said, adding that he would send a detailed report to the Director of Panchayats to fix a fresh date to hold the polls for the post of deputy Sarpanch.

The election for the post of deputy Sarpanch was necessitated after the incumbent Joaquim Dias quit office on October 24 citing personal reasons.

Many an eye brow is also raised why the Director of Panchayat took a long time to call a meeting of the Panchayat to hold the election to the vacant post.

OHERALDO

GOA

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 2010

‘INS Sumitra’ launched

UPcOmiNg EvENTS Maestros to perform at ‘Heartbeats’

The Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) INS 'Sumitra' launched at GSL by Shiela Singh, wife of R K Singh, Secretary (Defence Production). Also present are R K Singh, Chairman and Managing Director GSL Vineet Bakhshi and FOGA Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 7

The state-of-art 105 mtr Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) 'INS Sumitra' was ceremoniously launched at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on Monday by Shiela Singh, wife of Secretary (Defence Production) R K Singh.

'INS Sumitra' is the fourth vessel in the series of four naval Offshore Patrol Vessels being indigenously designed and constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd for the Indian Navy.

Secretary (Defence Production) R K Singh, Flag Officer

Commanding Goa Area, Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai NM, Chairman and Managing Director GSL Vineet Bakhshi and various other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The NOPV will help meet the increasing requirement of the Indian Navy to undertake ocean surveillance and surface warfare operations in order to prevent infiltration and transgression of maritime sovereignty.

This Vessel will be deployed for monitoring sea lines of communication, defence of offshore oil installations and other im-

portant offshore national assets.

Besides this, the Vessel can be deployed for escorting high value ships and fleet support operations. Sporting a flight deck, the Vessel supports embarkation and operation of a multi role Helicopter.

The NOPV is powered by twin diesel engines, each driving a controllable pitch propeller through a reduction gearbox. The Vessel is fitted with a lethal weapons package and associated fire control system, state-of-the-art Navigation, Communication and Electronic Warfare Equipment.

Ex-Servicemen need our assistance: Governor HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 7

PANJIM (HND): A fusion musical concert ‘Heartbeats - the music within’ India Tour- 2010, featuring Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Sivamani, Selvaganesh and U Shrinivas will be staged on December11 at the Open Air Amphi Theatre, Kala Academy, from 7 pm onwards.

Zakir Hussain, the veteran tabla maestro, Shankar Mahadevan, the extremely versatile vocalist comfortable with both Carnatic and Hindustani genres, U Shrinivas, the child prodigy whose music excites emotions, Sivamani, the ace percussionist and young Selvaganesh a percussionist par excellence, promise to mesmerize the audience with their music.

‘Heartbeats’ has received overwhelming response from music connoisseurs around the country.

Season passes of Rs 1150 and Rs 550 will be available at Kala Academy and Bharat Electronics behind GPO in Panjim and Desai Cashew Centre, Ponda from December 5 2010. For further details call Mahesh Nathe on 9223241726.

Fete at Calangute CALANGUTE(HC): Don Bosco High School at Calangute will organise its annual two-day school fun fete cum interschool dance competition on December 9 and 10 on the school ground from 6.30 pm onwards. The fete will include fun games, music, dance performances and other cultural items the family.

Workshop on rights of senior citizens PANJIM (HND): VM Salgaocar College of Law will organise a state level workshop on the rights of senior citizens on December 11 in the college conference hall from 10 am to 2 pm. Senior citizens, NGO's, professionals and others interested in participating should register their names with the college office before December 8.

‘Walking in the Light’ at KA PANJIM(HND): Mary Immaculate Girls High School, Panjim, will be presenting a play entitled 'Walking in the Light' based on the life of the foundress of the Fransciscan Hospitallers Sisters -- Mother Maria Clara do Menino Jesus -- aluminous figure whose deeds have touched and transformed the lives of many.

The play takes the form of a musical and will be presented at the Kala Academy open air theatre on December 10 from 6.30 pm. There is no entry fee, says a press release.

Governor, Dr S S Sidhu has said the ex-servicemen, who rendered valuable service to the nation, need our help and assistance. He expressed happiness that the State Government has been concerned about it, and is extending all possible

S H O RT TA K E Dr Pinto on international panels Armed Forces Flag Day flag sticker being pinned on the coat of Governor Dr S Sidhu, by Secretary, Department of Sainik Welfare, Major (Retd) Venugopal Nair on the occasion of armed forces flag day at Raj Bhawan, Donapaula on Tuesday.

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help to them. The ex-servicemen he said with their experience and training background, will be able to render useful services.

The Governor was speaking at the Armed Forces Flag reception at the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday.

Speaking further Dr Sidhu said that the country is now passing through a critical juncture in terms of security environment. There is need for much greater vigilance and preparedness to face any challenges and threats, both from within and beyond its borders. In our longdrawn efforts to achieve the avowed objectives and aspirations enshrined in the Constitution, we need a peaceful atmosphere in the country, devoid of tensions and threats, for its continued economic development and inclusive growth.

Dr Sidhu said it is our belief that, in keeping with their highest and hallowed traditions, the Armed Forces will continue to render their selfless service to the nation’s honour, integrity, freedom and peace with still greater enthusiasm, determination and patriotic spirit.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said that the Armed Forces Flag Day reminds us about the sacrifices of the officers and men of the armed forces. The Civil society he said should express solidarity with the armed forces and give a message to them that we all are with them. The Chief Minister was concerned that not many youth of the state are coming forward to join the armed forces and said the situation should change.

Motivation is required for our young boys and girls to join the forces.

Kumari Gautami Hede sang an inspiring patriotic song in honour of the soldiers.

Director of Education Celsa Pinto received the Army trophy at the hand of Governor for highest collection on flag day last year. Director of Women and Child Sanjiv Gadkar received the Navy Trophy for the second highest collection while Excise Commissioner Sanjiv Dessai received the Airforce trophy for third highest collection. ‘Umed se Jyada’ trophy was bagged by the Directorate of Women and Child.

The Achievers Award this year was bagged by Ex- Sergeant in the Airforce and Grade -1 Officer of Goa Civil service, Arun Dessai.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava also spoke on the occasion.

Speaker Pratapsingh Rane, Chairperson of Bal Bhavan Vijayadevi Rane, Secretaries to the State Government, Senior Defence Serving and retired officers and other ranks, Government officers and prominent citizens were present.

State Ex-NCC Cadets headed

by Adv Avinash Bhosle along with John Aguiar, Pramod Naik, Pralhad Mayekar, Pandurang Hegde, Pradip verekar , Sadika Buddashet were also present.

Secretary, Department of Sainik Welfare, Maj Venugopal Nair welcomed while Brig Ian D’Costa (Retd) proposed a vote of thanks. Pankaj Kurtarkar compered.

Earlier the Armed Forces Flag Day souvenir was released.

POWER SHUT DOWN DEC 9

DONA PAULA: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Machado Cove, Manipal Hospital, Vagunium valley, Odxel, Landscape shire and surrounding Dona Paula areas.

DEC 10

!

!

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

PANJIM(HND): Dr R G Wiseman Pinto Professor and Head of Pathology Department Goa Medical College and Past President of the Indian Academy of Cytologists has been appointed on 3 International Committees of the International Academy of Cytology namely 1. Continuing Education and Quality Assurance Committee. 2. Committee to promote education and professional development in Cytology in Developing countries 3. Membership Committee of the International Academy.

Dr Pinto has been appointed by Dr Diane Solomon ,from USA who is the President of the International Academy of Cytology and will hold office for 3 years (2010 to 2013 ) Dr Pinto also represents the Indian Academy of Cytologists at International meetings of the EFCS ( European Federation of Cytology Societies ) and the International Academy of Cytology.

Alemao favours memorial for Floriano HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

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

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

Sardessai maintained that it was due to the sacrifice made

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

by Goa attaining statehood.

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

Incidentally, the Chief Minister, who spoke at the ST convention, refused to speak his mind out on the matter. During his brief speech, Kamat responded to the

demand for providing jobs to the land losers, but was silent on the erection of Floriano’s memorial in Fatorda.

Sources in the know disclosed that the move to erect Floriano’s memorial was made last year by Sardessai and his supporters when a demand was put forth to erect the memorial at the traffic junction at Munj Vihar, which is close to the residence of the deceased.

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

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

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 2010

‘Compilation of professional Goan expats list has begun’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 7

NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro has begun an exercise to try to compile the list of Goan-origin people living outside, who can be invited as experts in various institutions, corporates and industries to share their expertise.

“I have contacted our Ambassadors and High Commissioners across the world and requested them for information about qualified Goan expatriates, scientists, Information technologists, educationist and others,” Faleiro told reporters today morning.

Faleiro has also sought information about Goan associations abroad along with their addresses and whether they are recognized by the Indian Embassy and High commission in respective country.

“These qualified people might be willing to interact with Goan institutions, industries and corporations and contribute their expertise,” he said.

The NRI commissioner was talking at the concluding function of ‘Know Goa’ programme, which was attended by 14 Goan

Diaspora youth.

“A significant number of Goans live in neighbouring European Union member states such as Portugal, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg,” he said.

Faleiro said that the people living in the European countries urged that at some stage, the Global Goans convention should be held in their region.

Earlier, the commissioner claimed that the Union Overseas Affairs Ministry has failed to accommodate even a single Goan origin youth in their ‘Know India’ programme, since its inception.

“Thirteen ‘Know India’ pro-

grammes for Diaspora youth are held so far but not a single Goan youth could be accommodated among the hundred of participants,” Faleiro said adding that the said reason has forced the state to design its own initiative.

The third edition of ‘Know Goa’ programme, which kicked off on November 28 had participants from USA, UK, Canada, Tanzania, Malaysia and Australia.

The participants on Wednesday will be going through New Delhi as a part of this study tour.

“Nobody must have thought about Goan youths because Goa is a small place,” Faleiro said adding that he would talk to Union ministry to get Goan youths in `Know India’ programme.

During their nine-day long stay in Goa, the participants visited places of historical and religious interest, academic institution, industrial organisations and also met government dignitaries.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava, NRI Commissionerate’s Secretary Ganesh Koyu and Director U D Kamat were also present during the function.

GOACAN to observe consumer awareness fortnight

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

GOACAN will observe a Consumer Rights Awareness Fortnight with the theme "An Enlightened Consumer is an Empowered Consumer" from December 7-20 in preparation for National Consumer Rights Day. GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins said the awareness activity is being undertaken keeping in mind that the months of December-January being peak tourism season, has an impact on the quality of services, availability of products and functioning of the supervisory, vigilance and redressal mechanisms for consumers in Goa. In order to draw public and media attention to consumer issues during the fortnight, he said various events such as lectures, poster display, surprise

‘Tourism-related business hit over frequent power cuts’

visits to pharmacies, super markets & grocery stores to check products and take samples, checking the bus transport service and the implementation of weights & measures rules etc. will be held.

Awareness will also be created in Schools, HSS and Colleges through the Consumer Welfare Clubs for the benefit of the students and teachers”, he said, adding that consumer Forum volunteers will organise a 'phone in' with the Commercial Tax, Legal Metrology, Food & Drug Administration, Tourism, Civil Supplies, Transport and other consumer related Departments.

Doubtful Gift schemes & Investment offers, fake and unlicensed products, spurious & fake drugs, cosmetics and medical devices, violations of Packaged Commodities Rules and

the ISI mark will be highlighted during this fortnight.

During the fortnight consumer forum volunteers will publicize the official email, telephone & fax numbers of the various Departments at the local & State level, highlight the redressal avenues available such as the Consumer Conciliation Committee and Public Grievance Redressal officers at the Taluka and District level. Formats and procedures for redressal of LPG, Electricity, Telephones, Bus transport and PWD water supply complaints will also be publicised.

Consumers are requested to send copies of their suggestions/complaints by post to GOACAN Post Box 187, Margao Goa 403 601 or by email to goacan@gmail.com during this fortnight.

3-day expo on homoeopathy at Shiroda HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 7

Want to get familiarized with homoeopathic way of treatment? Visit the 12th annual health exhibition organized by Shri Kamaxidevi Homoeopathy Medical College & Hospital between December 10 and 12 in the college premises in Shiroda.

Organized in collaboration with National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa Science Centre, Directorate of Health Services and St John’s Ambulance, the exhibition will have special session on diabetes treatment in Homoeopathy, said Dr Arvind Kothe, Principal of Shri Kamaxidevi Homoepathic Medical College while addressing a press conference on Tuesday here.

The project on diabetes will deal with causation, types, patho-physiology, symptomatology, complications, management, diet and exercise and general advise on do’s and don’ts, added Dr Kothe.

The exhibits will also be on neural control and co-ordination (centre nerves system) body fluids, endocrine system, immune system, drug and alcohol abuse, excretory system, reproduction, musculo skeletal system, nutrition for adolescence, garbage disposal and lifestyle related diseases especially diabetic mellitus.

The exhibits shall comprise of the organs, models, experiments, skits, video clippings.

A team from students from Sweden who are with Chowgule College for student exchange programme and members of the National executive council of Indian Institute of Homoepathic physician will visit the exhibition, Dr Kothe said.

Screening of ‘Madre Teresa’

PANJIM (HND): The English movie ‘Madre Teresa’ will be screened on December 12 at Don Bosco grounds, Panjim, at 7 pm.

Entry for the movie is free and all are invited to view this Italian production starring the Golden Globe winner, Olivia Hussey, in a convincing portrayal of the simplicity and unwavering faith of the professor of love. This 3-hour has run to full capacity in other parts of the country and has been viewed by people of all faiths. It is brought to Goa by Panjim unit of The Don Bosco Past Pupils Association.

Goa Pavilion makes waves at IITF-2010 in Delhi

Need to protect water bodies in State: Minister

Parish Priest of Raia Church, Fr Cypriano D’Silva seen inaugurating the irrigation tank at Manora-Raia.

Water Resources Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues and Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco are also seen.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 7

Water Resources Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues has said that he has accorded utmost priority for water conservation in the state and vowed to take up construction and desilting of lakes, besides their upkeep and maintenance.

Addressing a function held to mark the inauguration of a irrigation tank at Manora-Raia on Tuesday evening, Filipe Neri said Goa is blessed with natural beauty and underlined the need to protect the traditional water bodies in the state.

He promised to take up construction and desilting of lakes in Curtorim constituency as per the proposals mooted by the local MLA Reginaldo Lourenco.

“The department of water resources is not building the lakes, but only protecting what nature has given to human beings”, he said.

The Water Resources Minster later inaugurated a tractor for the benefit of the local village.

The tractor as well as the water tank was blessed by Raia Parish Priest Fr Cypriano D’Silva.

In his address, the Curtorim MLA said that the lake would not only help in irrigating the fields, but will give a big boost to vegetable cultivation. “If we had not to build the tank, houses would have come here”, he said.

Lourenco profusely thanked the Water Resources Minister for sanctioning the development of the Curtorim lake at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore and

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 7

Balaji Academy franchisee office opened

Former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira has criticized the electricity department for it failure to provide stable and uninterrupted power supply to the villagers of Calangute and surrounding villages, including Candolim and NagoaArpora.

Speaking to Herald, Sequeira said: “There is frequent breakdown of power supply to the villagers of Calangute, besides Candolim and Nagoa-Arpora since the last two months and there is no improvement till date.”

“The frequent power supply breakdown is having a bad effect on tourism-related business in the coastal belt, thereby putting the villagers to losses in thousands of rupees. The government is also not doing anything worthwhile to get rid of the miseries of the common people while the matter is going from bad to worse,” stated Sequeira.

“If the situation persists, the villagers of Calangute and surrounding areas will be hard hit on business front,” added Sequeira.

Lately, Calangute Sarpanch Alex Fernandes called on Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to apprise him on frequent breakdown of power supply in Calangute and surrounding areas. The chief minister however promised to initiate steps for improvement in supply of stable and uninterrupted power to the villagers of Calangute and surrounding areas.

Sequeira further said he has spoken to the junior engineer a couple of times for improvement of power supply to the villagers of Calangute and surrounding areas, but to no avail.

“Even today, there are frequent cuts in power supply to the villages of Calangute, Candolim and Nagoa-Arpora, which needs attention from the electricity department,” he said.

Quepem MLA and Chairperson of Goa Industrial Development Corporation Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar recently inaugurated the office of Sri Balaji Academy Goa as a master franchisee office of UCMAS (Universal Concept Mental Arithmetic System) for the State of Goa. Chief Managing Director Balaji Pillai of the newly inaugurated Sri Balaji Academy, which is located at Flat No TF-1, Leandra Castle, Opp Gomes Classic, behind Hotel Red Roof, MadelMargao, informed that the Academy is expecting enormous growth in terms of implementation, services and popularity of UCMAS in Goa through Franchisee Centres and Schools for the benefit of students between the age group of 5 to 13 years.

“The Academy is also looking for the empowerment through employment of graduate housewives to work as UCMAS teachers in the educational programme along with curricular and co-curricular involvement and development of overall excellence of the students enrolled for the programme,” added Pillai.

UCMAS, Pillai claimed is successfully running this pro gramme through 15 schools, 13 private centres for 1,000 students from all over Goa. “UCMAS has also entered into the Limca Book of Records for conducting National Level Competition with largest number of students at one venue in one day,” said Pillai.

Giving details of the programme at the inaugural function, Pillai said UCMAS is ISO 9001:2000 certified, whole brain development educational programme for children aged 5 to 13.

Chief Guest Kavlekar complimented the CMD of Sri Balaji Academy Goa for taking the initiative of reaching the maximum students and getting them enrolled for UCMAS.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, DEC 7

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, MPs Francisco Sardinha and Shripad Naik and other officials from the State.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 7

T h e G o a Pa v i l i o n e v o ke d tremendous response at the 30th edition of IITF-2010, Delhi, organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization on theme ‘Clean and Energy Efficient Technology, Products and Services’.

The fair which was held over a fortnight till November 27, offered exposure to a variety of industries, their products and services. It brought together leaders of trade and industry, key decision makers, entrepreneurs, foreign delegates, business persons, civil servants, policy makers, media persons and thinkers.

The fair attracted participation from 23 countries, each showcasing their range of products and services. Japan and Uganda

participated for the first time.

Exhibitor categories included products/services related to engineering, software and hardware, automobiles, electronics, telecom, leather, textiles, handicrafts, jewellery, furniture and furnishings besides a wide range of consumer goods.

The Goa Pavilion, built in traditional architectural style of Goa, evoked overwhelming response.

The design elements embodied the unique nature of Goa, with vibrant colours, intricate patterns and country tiled roofs. It contained separate sections demarcated for the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC), Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Goa IDC), Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Department of Information and Publicity, Goa

Agriculture Department and others. Companies like Smartlink Network Systems Ltd (Digilink), Siemens and Putzmeister were also represented in the Pavilion.

The Goa Pavilion was a one-stop treasure trove for everything potential visitors and investors would want to know about the state.

Soon after the inauguration, the Goa Pavilion was thronged by business and trade visitors from all over the world. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat visited the pavilion recently to honour the Goa Day celebrations which was also attended by Members of Parliament Shripad Naik, Francisco Sardinha, Shantaram Naik and Managing Director of IDC, Ajit D Naik.

The stall was conceptualized, designed and executed by Vinsan Graphics,Vasco.

Azgaonkar: Rs 6 cr earmarked for water supply in Dhargal HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 7

M i n i s t e r f o r Pa n c h a y a t s , Manohar Azgaonkar has said that Rs 6 crores has been earmarked for extension of water pipelines to supply drinking water in Dhargal.

Azgaonkar was speaking after

commissioning the free water tap costing Rs 4.5 lakhs for the benefit of 10 families at Pednekarwada, Mopa, in Pernem.

While reviewing the developmental works, Azgaonkar said, the works of construction of ‘Nullah’ costing of Rs 35 lakhs at Samata Park Mopa and com-

munity hall at an estimated cost of Rs 9 lakhs at Torse has commenced. He also assured to look into the demand for adequate facilities in the area.

Later Azgaonkar inaugurated the Ravalnath Self Help Group and Swaranand Saunstha at Karmaliwada, Mopa.

has urged the Minister to sanction Rs 1.5 crore for the development of the Bebki Tolem at Raia village.

Saying that a tractor has been given to the village to boost agricultural production, Lourenco said he had introduced tractors in Curtorim constituency three years ago and disclosed that efforts are on to build a rice mill for the benefit of the farmers.

“The government has raised

the support price for the produce. An automatic rice mill may soon become reality”, he added.

Raia Sarpanch Savio Gomes, Rachol Sarpanch Joseph Vaz, Panch members, BDO Uday Prabhudessai, besides officials of the Water Resources Department were present.

OHERALDO

OPINION

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Debating ethnicity

Vol No CX No: 306 Goa, Wednesday, 8 December, 2010

The need for speed

W

hen it announced the Regional Plan 2021 (RP 2021) for the talukas of Pernem and Canacona, the members of the State Level Committee (SLC) as well as the officials of the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) gave the impression that notifications in respect of statewide policy changes, as well as the actual surface utilisation plans for two talukas were being notified, and that these would become law immediately thereafter.

The categorisation of 76 per cent of the land mass of Goa in the eco-sensitive Eco I and Eco II zones would put a stop to rampant conversion of land for settlement and commercial use.

Or so we thought.

Now, Chief Town Planner Morad Ahmed has brought us all back to Earth. He told a local TV news channel on Monday that the criteria of eco-sensitive zones would apply only to Pernem and Canacona, the two talukas whose surface utilisation plans are notified. Regrettably, Mr Ahmed is right. While the complete prohibition of any construction in the Eco I zone and the severe restrictions on what is permissible in Eco II zones is now in force all over the state, it cannot be brought into effect outside of Pernem and Canacona until these zones are marked on taluka surface utilisation maps in terms of survey numbers and duly notified.

Therefore, the ecological criteria will not apply to the remaining nine talukas till their surface utilisation plans are notified. This means that for these talukas, the old RP 2001 will continue to be in force till the plans for these areas are notified. Any person can go ahead with land conversions and even construction, till the RP 2021 taluka plans are notified.

The specific problem here is that under the provisions of RP 2001, paddy fields can be converted for settlement and commercial use. This is happening at a frighteningly swift pace, especially in the ‘urban’ villages close to Goa’s cities, which are rapidly developing as ‘suburbs’, as people migrate within Goa from the villages to the cities, primarily for commuting convenience and to ensure better education for their children. Building in paddy fields creates its own set of problems; mainly hill cutting to fill the low-lying fields, and disruption of traditional drainage patterns developed over thousands of years. This causes waterlogging and its attendent problems, including spread of disease.

If it is any consolation, the VP-1 and VP-2 status applies to the whole of the state as villages have been listed in RP 2021. But this only ensures that the new VP-I and VP-II floor area ratios of 80 and 60 respectively will apply, with the proviso for 20 per cent less FAR for mega-projects of 4,000 sq metres area and above.

The SLC needs, therefore, to speed up finalisation of the remaining taluka plans to whatever extent is possible, to prevent big builders from reaping a bonanza while the RP 2021 finalisation process is still underway. The SLC also needs to look into the ‘anomalies’ that the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has identified in the plan document. Constructive criticism must be taken in the right spirit and given appropriate consideration on merit.

I

Well begun is...

t is only right that the newly appointed Chairman of the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) P Mara Pandiyan has stressed on bridging the communication gap between the MPT, the state government and the central government by having closer co-ordination. He has said that he will hold talks to sort out problems that have been created owing to a communication gap. As the MPT chairman has said, the port should usher in development that is “in the interest of the people and the state of Goa”.

Man-animal conflict Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco In Goa, one reads of reports of wild animals like leopards, wolves, monkeys, snakes and even elephants venturing into the villages, thus posing danger to its residents. There have been several instances of leopards having fallen into wells, of monkeys stealing bananas, papayas etc. In many places, snakes venture into people’s homes.

All this takes place because we humans have encroached into the natural habitat of these wild animals by building residential buildings and mega projects. The forest cover has been replaced by development.

Thus man-animal conflict has ensued.

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

8 December, 1910 President’s declaration

The President of the Provisionary Portuguese Republic in its speech declared that the Government clearly understands to maintain absolutely integrity on its colonial dominion.

Health check on employees

Was determined that every employee arriving from colonies to Lisbon should be subjected to scrutiny undertaken by the Health Council.

Decree on rent

The Decree to be published in regards to dissociation of Church from the State reserves towards Clergy the rent which will be determined out of maximum and the minimum from its actual revenue.

Holy Father sends telegram

The following telegram was sent by the Holy Father to the Patriarch of Goa: On the occasion of Exposition of Mortal Remains of St. Francis Xavier. He renews from the bottom of His Heart His Blessings to Your Excellency, His Clergy, and to the People of Goa beseeching upon all divine favors.

I

Migration over the millenia has fused all into the salad bowl called Goa, says FReDeRicK NoRoNHA

n recent times, few issues grab the Goan imagination as much as concerns over ethnicity, migration and the like. For a region which has long been part of other larger empires (based far from the boundaries of current-day Goa), and which has a large number of its people scattered across the globe, this is an unusual approach indeed.

Goa has been ruled by many different empires over time. Ours is a melting pot, where people of very many different groups and shades of skin colour have come and settled. Migration into Goa has happened over the millennia, and all have fused — sometimes willingly, sometimes reluctantly — into the salad bowl that is today called Goa. If Goans elsewhere need a level playing field, and should not be subject to racism, then others settled in Goa too deserve the same, one would have thought.

But this is not to be. Take up any debate and you will see strands of regional chauvinism creeping into the same.

Last fortnight, migrants into Goa were blamed in some debates for taking to a life of crime. This came about after reports quoted police saying that four jail guards attached to the high-security Aguada central prison were arrested while trying to rob a truck driver on a national highway.

There was no reason to drag “non-Goans” into the debate, but that was done nonetheless. Not just that, the debate went on to blame migrants for charging more for goods and services, after settling in Goa for a few years. If you ask me, the inflationary pressures in a place like Goa are just very high, regardless of ethnicity. We make scapegoats of migrants just about, at any excuse.

Our politicians find this convenient, and it can be a campaign issue when suitable in our opportunism-fuelled politics. People’s sentiments run high over such concerns, and few emotions are as strong as fear. We are always quick to react when we feel that we are under some kind of threat. And the in-migrant, specially if he or she is poor, can be taken to be a serious threat.

Yes, we do have a lot of concerns that need to be tackled. But is this really a debate about ethnicity alone? First and foremost we need to face

Devil’S ADvocAte up to the question about the efficiency of Goa as a society. In a world that is fast getting globalised, we have to compete not just with people — often better equipped and trained — who are migrating into Goa, but also with the rest of the country and the world. Whether our kids go out for jobs to Bangalore, or whether it’s the question of nationwide competitive exams, a small State like Goa has to necessarily look towards wider horizons. In the past, despite the colonial yoke (or because of it), Goans proved to be very good at this. With competition growing, it is all the more important for Goa to face up to the same, whether it is inside the state or beyond. Yet, we now have so few institutions of excellence. You could count them on the fingers of one hand, with some to spare.

Not just that, as a society, we are actively involved in ensuring that institutions don’t grow, that we trip up one another, and that we’d rather not have an institution if we can’t extend hegemony over it. (The thwarted national university in Goa is one good example.)

Take a look around and you would immediately get an idea of the institutions that have fallen to

All About My Son

Chip of the old block

H

e finally did it! My teenage son bought himself a mobile. I tried my best to dissuade him, coercing him with eviction threats, cajoling him to look at inexpensive models, but, no! He pooled in all his ‘pocket money’, and took an advance on it for the next six months and threw in his ‘gift money’ as well and got himself a posh version of my Aam Aadmi one, camera, internet, FM, et al. It is the envy of my eye and the bane of his Dad’s. My Son: The Resolute Rebel.

“Mama, get these ‘smallies’ off my back. I want my privacy.”

This is the constant wail of my boy-man, every single day and night. The three ‘monsters’, as he refers to his three younger siblings, get into his well-groomed hair, invade his deeply desired need for solitude and leave him in such a fury, that could shatter glass with his hysterical screams. My Son: The Tantrum Thrower.

His tummy has now developed a perpetual never ending hole which he loves to fill with junk food from the local ‘dhabas’. “Lets order food today, Mama. We haven’t eaten ‘outside’ food for a long time now.” His favourite: Butter chicken and naan. Now its our favourite too. The last time we attended a wedding, people looked strangely at our plates, then at the buffet table, and sighed in relief. They had all thought the only dishes on the menu were -you guessed it! My Son: The Food Freak.

We ought to be blamed for these attacks, due to human encroachment. In future, whenever a mega project is proposed, the government should take of the encroachment factor, before clearing the licence.

Wild life maintenance is important with so many animals on the list of endangered species.

Meek surrender L I Colaco, Margao Elected representatives are bent to destroy Goa by unplanned development recently in the form of highway broadening. There is a need to limit the number of vehicles owned by individuals, rather than to broaden the roads. If we continue in this fashion to cater to the ever growing traffic, there will be a lot of inconvenience in store for us. Majority of Goans are educated, but have very poor leadership qualities and are also self centred. If all Goans from different religions, castes and classes come together to make Goa the best place for all Goans, then nothing can hinder its progress. Many Goans have realised that campaigning for a just cause is futile and have surrendered to the whims of its greedy representatives.

Aldona development Jonas Correia, Aldona Its nice to know that our dynamic MLA has earmarked Rs50 crores for the overall development of the constituency. He is the most progressive MLA which has been proved by his repeated re-election by the voters.

However, one thing which requires urgent attention is the Aldona market, which is in bad shape. Pieces of concrete had fallen from the overhead terrace on several occasions, in which a woman was left severely injured.

Vendors are scared to occupy the place and squat on the roadside causing inconvenience to the public. We hope that the various co-owners of the market and surrounding areas coordinate with the MLA and the Panchayat to find an amicable solution. A speedy reconstruction of the market would go a long way to avoid any further casualties.

the wayside because of ego-clashes and a jostling for power. It keeps happening all the time, and Goa has lost some of its best institutions, including educational ones, in this manner. Besides this, Goa lacks institution builders. Those few who exist, and were taking the state along a useful road, have been effectively side-tracked. So how do our younger generations compete with the others?

Another concern crops up here, when the ethnicity debate gets raised. That is about the way in which we treat migrants into Goa. Because we are suspicious, if not hostile, it is not possible to build bridges, tap their skills, and jointly work towards something better. We are indulging in a self-fulfilling prophecy that will ensure that someone settling here never really feels to be a part of Goa, and so won’t put their best foot forward in contributing to the region. As a result, we remain in a separate, hostile camp. Each side mistrusts the other. Nobody gets ahead.

I am not making a case for anybody here, but judging people on the basis of stereotypes, is not apt. This holds true for migrants into Goa, and this holds true for some tourists too. Russians and

Israelis are, for some reason, the lowest in the pecking order when it comes to tourists visiting Goa. We also often easily pair the word “Russian” with “mafia”. Some cases that (probably rightly) hit the headlines in coastal Pernem are repeatedly cited to justify our bias. Yet, take the recent news that is emerging and see what stands out. Stringent visa rules are pushing away the Russians. A Russian was molested by a burglar in a Goa apartment. Two elderly Russians died while on holiday in Goa. In yet another case, a Bangalore techie was lured into a “honey trap” by a man who posed as a “Russian girl”, and allegedly robbed the software engineer with the help of three others. Not a word of concern or caution from anyone to give hint that something is going wrong. Our simplistic positions on those-we-don’t-like may be reassuring and help in fuelling to our own bias. But it doesn’t take either side anywhere.

Coming back to the migration issue, the logic that in-migration are bad is simplistic. It is as out of sync as is the claim that controversial projects offer “jobs to our youth”. It is time that those who care about Goa took more trouble to separate the wheat from the chaff. At this point of time, there is a clamour for ‘special status’ for Goa. As some campaigners have rightly pointed out, it is about time that those demanding special status explain what exactly this would mean to a state like ours.

Would it be on restrictions on buying land? Or on entry? Or on having residence here? If so, how would this be regulated, and would it be done with honesty?

Or would it be as bogus as the 80% job reservations in local industries which we heard so much about earlier, but now hardly makes a difference to anyone?

It could be worse: Like the planning regulations in Goa, that affect the small-man in a big way, which anyone with clout (and the money to pay) can easily squeeze through. Like the ‘domicile’ clauses, it might only end up affecting locals, people like migrants, whose children can then not claim the domicile needed to take up a seat in a professional college.

Goa needs to define what its priorities are.

Let’s not get misled because pushing either agendas meant confusing main issues we face, or attempts to promote some private goal under the guise of very nice-sounding labels.

When you have a teenager in your home, there’s a lot of mental jugglery to do. I am used to ordering everyone about, being a teacher by profession and a dictator by choice. So, when my hand is caught mid-air by my young he-man to stall the slap he was accustomed to getting in his diaper days, I am taken aback. What strength in those fingers! How come I never noticed what a grownup stature he has attained? I lament at my lost advantage; physical weakness and cannot hope to conquer. I try another strategy. I argue, I bargain, I scream, I give up. Game over! But in an instant, he’s there, making up, and trying to hug me as I push him away.

I slink away, my tail between my legs, defeated but determined to have the last word. So after an hour or two, we are back to playing games again. My Son: The Macho Mambo.

I got to know, through my spies, that my son is a budding casanova and the class clown in college. Right from the bespectacled nerd in the first row to the acne-ridden introvert sitting in the corner, the other half of the world just adore my handsome hulk.

Well, its not a life-threatening situation: I’d be wary if he brings anyone home, though. I’m told even his teachers love the ground he walks on.

“Kirsten, what’s the answer?” “Kirsten, get these notes xeroxed.”

“Where is Kirsten? Not come today?” My Son: The Class Clowncum-Casanova.

Man of the Year 2010

SND Poojary, Miramar

Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, deserves the ‘Man of the Year 2010’ title.

Many countries, including the US, are baying for his blood. An American politician has termed Assange as a ‘tech-terrorist’. The USA wants to arrest and prosecute him, but he has gone underground. What is his fault?

As a journalist, he had a scoop, — a massive one indeed. He put it on the internet, in installments, and the world views it on a daily basis. Because of these leaks, you come to the ‘cloak and dagger’ persona of many leading political figures, the world over. Nations play a double game.

The duplicity and complicity of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism would not have been proved, but for Julian Assange’s efforts. The leaks establish as to who is funding terror outfits.

The different countries, instead of securing their official documents and punishing those who leaked them, are making efforts to throw him behind bars.

John M Vaz, Aldona This is with regard to the signboards in Konkani and Marathi. Our state official language is Konkani. This is not implemented.

English is the medium for communication all over the state and also in administrative functions. As for the signboards, Konkani and Marathi one are not used.

This is because Goa is a tourist destination. It will not serve any purpose but it may satisfy the pleasure of those, who cannot decipher the right from the wrong.

Now is the time for all those to realise, that there is a need to be realistic. After all, working towards the success of our state should be our motto.

Seventh acquittal Fatima Sardinha, Margao Maha-anand means great joy. Apparently, this is with reference to Mahanand Naik, who must be rejoicing with the seven acquittals that he received, as it is a sign of victory of evil over good.

It is, therefore, evident that the crime branch has proved its super inability at investigating murders. Past records have proved its expertise in investigating only ‘high profile suicides’. Where are the NGOs who fight for the cause of women? What

My umpteen attempts at getting him to get to his study table and stay put, meets with a ‘Mumble, Mumble, Groan, Groan’. A special room was created for him in the balcony, separated from the adjoining bedroom, by tinted glass. I expected him to make it his haven of refuge. But alas, he abandoned it for his best friend’s place, “Bro” as he affectionately calls Sirus. (I call him Virus because my son always downloads the latest forbidden music, the wildest video clips and the craziest jokes from his computer.) My Son: the Patience-Testing Procrastinator.

Colourful expletives (how teens love them!), catchy phrases (Anytime, Anywhere is his favourite), a limited grasp on the English language are the forte of all self-respecting teenagers. When I ask my boy whether he wants a cup of tea, he replies, “Yo, Mama”.

If I tell him to run an errand, he says, “Cando.” Once I told him to make the evening snack and he retorted, “Wedding or What?” I’m slowly learning to “Yo” and “Cando” myself now in an effort to talk his lingo. My son: the Minimum-Brained Multilinguist.

Am I grumbling too much? I guess I have this humungous chip on my shoulder, right? But before you mistake it for hate, let me assure you, and My Son: The Teenager, that, although I feel like throwing him out with the trash at times, I ‘Cando’ it. Why? Coz I just luv my Son: The Teenager, dat’s Y!

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

Government signboards

By Auriel Ribeiro Sa

is their considered opinion, on these acquittals? Where are those keen in giving justice to souls of women, who end their own lives? Why is there no justice for those women whose lives are cut short by people to satisfy their animal instinct and greed?

Can someone give answers to the above queries?

Striking the right chord Paul Rodricks, Caranzalem The two absorbing articles appeared in Herald (7 Dec) namely “Sardar? Sultan?

Sphinx?” by Anthony Simoes and another, “Who Changed our Regional Plan?” by Venita Colaco.

Anthony Simoes in a candid, humorous, and hard-hitting manner highlights the depth of the “vicious circle” of those in power- politics and socio-economics.

The GBA and the likes of Venita are the real saviours; peeling off the first innocuous layers of “devious” loopholes that could lend to safe guarding the “hidden” self interests of those, who prey upon the vulnerability of the Goan society and state’s resources.

Nuclear risk Allwyn George, Carmona Nuclear power seems to be indispensable to India. Any accident in a nuclear plant can have disastrous consequences. Cher-

nobyl in Russia is a perfect example. While USA and European countries have shed away their reliance on nuclear energy, India needs nuclear power to sustain its economy with new plants coming up in India. What is of immediate concern to Goa is we are very close to the existing Kaiga atomic power plant in Karnataka. Another plant is being planned in Ratnagiri. Goa’s close proximity to the two nuclear power plants can be an ideal target in a terrorist attack.

Is there a hint of disaster looming large in our neighbourhood?

CM’s largesse on NH Michael Vaz, Merces Arguments both for and against the NH expansion project in Goa, have been witnessed. Many have stated that widening and having multiple lanes on highways is the need of the hour, especially with the relentless increase in vehicular traffic.

Traffic congestion, time wastage, higher fuel consumption, excessive carbon emissions and increasing road accidents point to a change in highway structure. Those who oppose are keen in ensuring that nothing progresses. They feel that land will be lost in the process and people will be inconvenienced.

The CM’s assertion that land will be compensated at market rates and those affected would be provided jobs, is the best that one can expect. People must respond to this call and ensure that the project takes off expeditiously.

Help affected people Cajetan Peter D’Souza, Mumbai It was observed that during the second anniversary of the attacks on India on 26th November, political parties polluted the city with their illegal hoardings and loud music. Instead of helping the people who are affected with the terrorists’ attacks and wars across the country, money was wasted on unnecessary loud music, hoardings, banners, which only had the photos of the political leaders, showing their greatness.

Political parties should instead help the people affected either by terrorist attacks or people within their constituency, and those who are in dire need of funds for education etc.

Paths of Wisdom

Healing revelation

By Vernon Howard There was once a man who was locked in a warehouse at night. He started searching desperately in the dark to find a flashlight, but none could be found. Finally, the idea came to him to stop the desperate search and just relax for awhile. New ideas came to him and he remembered a certain turn that he made to get back into the dark part of the warehouse. Retracing his steps, he worked his way back to the lighted sections.

Healing revelations enter when frantic efforts to know, are released. This frantic state often tries to label itself as sincere, even spiritual, but a thrashing mind is a thrashing mind, no matter how it labels itself. We are receptive when we consciously don’t know and are not disturbed by this fact. Silence is a willingness to receive.

Your true self Like a freshwater geyser on the ocean floor, your True Self is the inner location from which all vitality flows. Underwater geysers are very rare places in nature and great quantities of life are found there. Likewise, spiritual ideas of tremendous powers and clarity are hovering around our Essence, but we are asleep to this paradise. It is the purpose of all authentic spiritual teachings to awaken us to the treasures we already possess within.

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OHERALDO

Pg7

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 2010

MARY - MIRROR OF VALUES

Avelino de Sa ary is a perfect model of the values of Jesus.

One could say she was a mirror of the values of Jesus.

Just like Jesus she had concern for others, was humble, was a silent sufferer and accepted the will of God in all circumstances of her life no matter how painful they might have been and she had a forgiving nature. She had all the above values inspite of her human nature.

Mary’s concern for others can be seen from her interceding with her son Jesus at the wedding at Cana to help the family in distress without the family asking for her intercession. Her concern for others can be seen also from her going to help his cousin Elizabeth and doing all her housework even though she herself was expecting the Saviour. The above also shows her humility. She did not let the fact of her being the mother of God go to her head. She being a silent sufferer can be seen from her silence when Jesus answered her back when he was found in the temple and also during the

M

scourging and cruxifiction of Jesus on the cross. Her forgiving nature can be seen from her forgiving the apostles for betraying and denying Jesus during his passion on the cross. She sat and prayed with them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. From the above we can also see that she accepted the will of God in all circumstances of her life and she never grumbled and complained about her problems but she praised God in all circumstances. Mary is glorified in Heaven and Jesus gave her to be our mother only because she was a mirror of the values of Jesus inspite of her human nature.

Mary’s values can be seen even today. She has come down to earth in many places in the world over the past centuries to show her concern for her children by asking us to pray and to do reparation for the conversion of sinners. She suffers silently when her children who have left the Catholic Church speak blasphemy against her and when her children in the Catholic Church forget to pray the rosary and have recourse to her in times

Panjim Church Square wears festive look

Come 8 December and the Panjim Church Square wears a festive look. All Panjimites and residents of neighbouring villages throng in a festive mood to celebrate the religious feast of Immaculate Conception of our Lady. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is decked just like a bride on this festive day. The feast is celebrated every year in Panjim and Margao on 8 December.

The Immaculate Conception mentioned in the Old Testament narrates the holy birth of Christ.

A feast called the ‘Conception of Mary’ arose in the Eastern (Catholic) Church during the seventh century and spread to the West in the eighth century. It received its present name, the Immaculate Conception, in the eleventh century. In the eighteenth century, it became a feast of the Roman Catholic Church, following the verdict of Pope Pius IX, who defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 1854. Since then, this day is celebrated as a holy day of obligation and feast is held commemorating the holy conception of Christ by Virgin Mary.

The concept behind the Feast of the Immaculate Conception has its reference in the New Testament of the Bible. It refers to the miraculous conception of Lord Jesus by the Virgin Mary. The Im-

maculate Conception rendered Jesus free of Original Sin and made him Divine. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is dedicated to Virgin Mary and celebrates her purity and devotion and obedience to God and his will.

This Christian religion was introduced into the Goan culture as a direct result of the Portuguese colonization.

Farmers cut the first harvest of milk-filled corn from the rice field and offer it to God to thank him for a good harvest this year and to ensure one in the coming year. During the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a big fair is held in front of the Mary Immaculate Conception Church around the Church square. A firework display is carried on in front of the church gates every night of the week before the feast at 19:30 hrs. The morning Mass under the sun is followed by a colourful procession carrying the Virgin around the town. The Feast is held most significant by the people of Margao and Panjim.

This year, the masses on the occasion of the feast of the Patroness of Panjim Church, will be held at 5:30am, 6:30am and 7:30am (all in Konkani), 8:30am (English), 12:30pm and 5:30pm (offered by Navhind Times staff).

The concelebrated Feast Mass will be celebrated at 9:30am.

of their need. She suffers silently when we receive her son Jesus in a state of mortal sin in the holy communion, when we persist in our sinful habits and when we do not trust in her son’s plan for our salvation. She suffers silently when we speak against our priests, her son’s anointed ones and when the priests forget their calling and lead her children away from heaven. She suffers silently when couples forget their commitment made to Jesus on their wedding day and go in for a divorce least bothered about the future of their children. She suffers silently when we abort the innocent unborn child in the mother’s womb. She forgives each one of us and intercedes with Jesus on our behalf. She is our heavenly mother and like a mother she knows our needs much better than we do.

As we prepare for the feast of our beloved Mother let us ask ourselves – Do I have the values that Mary had? Do I show concern for others? Am I a silent sufferer? Do I accept the will of God in all circumstances of my

life? Have I forgiven everybody who has hurt me? Am I humble enough to acknowledge my faults and weaknesses?

Let us pray to Mar y our beloved mother that we may have the values that she had so that we too can be a mirror of the values of Jesus just like she was.

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Morgado - Goa Velha

NDA, Left brace up to take 2G issue to people HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, DEC 7

Parliament remained paralysed for the 18th day running on Tuesday even as the BJP-led NDA and the Left-led Third Front vowed to go to people after the session on the issue of the Government running away from a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the 2G scam.

Both also blamed the government’s adamancy for blockade of the Parliament business. NDA convener Sharad Yadav made an offer, after a meeting of its allies, to hold a 5-day special session to clear the government business held up due to the logjam, provided the government concedes the JPC demand.

“Let the government hold a special session of Parliament for five days after constituting the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

We are ready to sit till midnight to complete the Parliament work,” Yadav told reporters. No such session if no JPC, he added.

The Left, on the other hand, organised a silent “dharna” in the Parliament House complex before the Gandhi statue with placards that read ‘Accept demand for joint parliamentary committee’ and ‘Allow Parliament to function to discuss burning issues like price rise.’ MPs of AIADMK, Biju Janata Dal, TDP and RLD joined the demonstration.

The Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal MPs kept away from both the camps even while endorsing the demand for the JPC. “This is the beginning of a mass campaign. Now we all go to the people,” CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said after the dharna. The NDA meeting attended by leaders of BJP, JD-U,

Shiv Sena and Akali Dal, also chalked out plans for a rally against corruption, but Sharad Yadav did not disclose its likely date discussed in the meeting.

The NDA leaders were upset at former BJP minister Murli Manohar Joshi becoming “highly active” in pursuing the 2G scam in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) he heads as they felt it undermines the Opposition’s

campaign for the JPC. “There was a view that the JPC demand should not be diluted. Even BJP leaders raised the issue,” the NDA leaders said.

The Congress also had a dig at the BJP, asking it to explain why it does not trust Joshi who is one of the seniormost party leaders activating the PAC and stating that it has powers to probe all aspects of the scam.

Bill on sexual harassment piloted HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, DEC 7

A legislation aimed at preventing sexual harassment of women at workplace was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday amid the daily pandemonium on JPC to probe the 2G scam before the House was adjourned for the 18th day running without doing any business.

Though short of the activists’ expectation to cover the sexual harassment of the domestic servants, the Bill tries to cover every type of harassment, including intimidation or implied or overt promise of preferential treatment to any woman employee.

The Parliamentary Affairs Min-

istry sources said the Bill was pushed for introduction to enable its reference to the parliamentary standing committee after the current winter session ends on Monday as otherwise it would get put off longer even if introduced in the next session.

Objective of the Protection of Women Against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill, piloted by Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath, is to have a comprehensive legislation that guarantees safe, secure and enabling environment free from all forms of sexual harassment to every woman, irrespective of her age or employment status.

FrOM pagE 1 Terror strikes...

were reported to have been hurt by metal pellets.

Official sources in New Delhi said that an improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered from a metal dustbin at the site of the blast. Bomb disposal squads were also rushed to the spot.

Eyewitnesses said a loud noise which also shook some nearby buildings was heard when the explosion occurred.

Brij Lal told PTI in Lucknow that the explosive was planted in the wall between the Dashashwamedh and Shitla ghats and most of the persons suffered injuries due to stone splinters.

He said the baby girl who fell from the lap of her mother after the blast succumbed to injuries in hospital.

The ADG said that the injured Italian has been identified as Alexandeo Mantello who was now out of danger.

The forensic teams are being airlifted from Agra and being rushed to Varanasi for detailed investigations, the ADG said, adding no live bombs have been recovered from the spot.

On the Indian Mujahideen e-mail, Brij Lal said that it would be probed threadbare.

He however said that there was no specific warning in the email for today as the one that is being referred to was for the anniversary of Babri mosque demolition yesterday.

Varanasi, which was rocked by twin blasts on March 7 in 2006 in which 20 persons were killed, has been under constant threat from various terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT).

Security personnel had then recovered four live bombs from a Dashaswamedh ghat.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Murli Manohar Joshi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, said there seemed to be a “motive” behind the blast since it occured during prayer time.

E-services ...

Panchayats speaking to Herald, said the department will be delivering e-services on five counts wherein the applicant will able to submit his application on-line.

This include application for income certificate, application for issue of residence certificate, application for issue of copy of birth certificate, application for issue of death certificate and search of birth and death registration.

The Forest Department will open up three e-services. This includes application for transport of forest produce, application for felling of trees less than two — application for felling of trees more than two and application /renewal of sawmill license.

Other departments that will also offer e-services include civil supplies and consumer affairs, art and culture, agriculture, animal husbandry and veterinary services, women and child development, transport, archives and archaeology, commercial taxes, Central/ State election offices, fisheries, social welfare, collectorate, settlement & land records, higher education, technical education, municipal council and tourism.

Insurance scheme..

kidney failures and minor accidents. Considering the rise in cases, the company expects to receive 500-odd cases by the end of the tourist season.

From its launch in December 2009 till date, the company received nearly 240 cases, all of which are being handled by a team of six members comprising of four Russians and two Goans.

Varma said the insurance covers both legal and medical necessities to short term Russian tourists in Goa. “The money reimbursement amount is upto $30,000 (Rs 13-lakh approximately) to each Russian tourist who is covered by two insurance companies namely European Insurance (EI) and Rozno,” he said.

The overall billing for the present term has been around Rs 12lakhs, so far.

The Russian embassy this year expects over 60,000 tourists in Goa, of which around 45,000 are covered under by EI and Rozno.

Goa is the pioneer state to launch LDM in the country in December 22, 2009. Though the tourist season was coming to an end, the company received 173 big and small cases. “We saved 32 lives because of timely response in the past tourist season,” Varma added.

The insurance cover provides facilities like ambulance, medical treatment, evacuation, transportation of dead bodies, etc. It is also tied up with state’s best private hospitals for good support.

“With improved quality of medical support to Russian tourists, I am confident that we can establish Goa as an excellent tourist destination for Russian families,” he said.

Although the medical benefits would come easy for the customers, the insurance cover is not extended for law breakers including drunken driving or narcotics related accidents.

“Any person who is involved in illegal activities will not be given insurance even though they are covered under the insurance.

However, we will examine any suspicious situation, if the victim comes on record,” he said.

Goa received Russia’s first chartered tourist flight carrying 300 passengers in the first week of October.

With this, the company expects to promote medical tourism mainly because of the low medical cost. “Goa has proved to have excellent medical facilities and I am confident of opening avenues for medical tourism in Goa,” said the legal advisor.

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China calls Nobel winner’s supporters clowns AGENCIES BEIJING, DEC 7

Supporters of this year's Nobel peace prize, which honours a jailed Chinese dissident, are "clowns" perpetrating a farce, the foreign ministry in Beijing said today.

China is furious at the decision to give Liu Xiaobo the prestigious award, which will be celebrated at a ceremony in Norway on Friday. He is serving an 11-year sentence for incitement to subvert state power for his co-authorship of Charter 08, a call for democratic reforms.

The authorities have placed his wife, Liu Xia, and other supporters under house arrest and have barred other activists and dissidents from leaving the country, apparently for fear they will attend the event.

A foreign ministry, spokeswoman Jiang Yu, said Liu's supporters were fundamentally opposed to China's development and wanted to interfere in the country's politics and legal system. She added: "We will not be pressured by clowns."

The Norwegian Nobel committee said China and 18 other countries have declined invitations to the ceremony "for various reasons". The others are Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Serbia, Iraq, Iran, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Venezuela, the Philippines, Egypt, Sudan, Ukraine, Cuba and Morocco.

China had written to diplomats in Oslo urging them to boycott the ceremony and warning of "consequences" if they did not do so, but 44 countries will send representatives. Not all countries are invited as not all have missions in Norway.

A committee member said the Chinese embassy in Oslo is returning all correspondence unopened.

According to the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, all invited countries sent representatives last year, when Barack Obama won. The previous year, about 10 countries did not attend the ceremony for Martti Ahtisaari.

The event would normally be marked by the handover of the Nobel gold medal,

Liu Xiaobo, Chinese dissident and winner of the Nobel peace, photographed by his wife in 2005.

a diploma and prize money worth 10m kronor (£1.04m), but organisers say that will not happen this year because only close family can collect the prize on a winner's behalf. China is unlikely to let Liu's relatives attend.

The organisers said yesterday they would hold the traditional torch parade from Oslo city hall to the Grand Hotel.

Normally the winner appears on the balcony of the hotel to greet the public,

but this year a picture of Liu will be projected on to the building.

Another dissident under tightened restrictions gave a staunch defence of Liu in an article published today by the New York Times. Bao Tong said the signatories of Charter 08 were "resolved to protect the republic, not to subvert her".

Bao was the most senior official jailed over the 1989 pro-reform protests in Tiananmen Square, in which Liu Xiaobo played an important role. He lives under round-the-clock surveillance and his telephone was cut off shortly after the announcement of the award.

He added in his article: "There are indeed people who have subverted the People's Republic of China, and two quite famously. The first was Mao, who boasted of being 'bound by no laws or heavenly constraints'. Another was Deng, who initiated and led the Tiananmen crackdown.

Mr Liu was convicted for attempting to save the republic after its principles and ideals had been stripped away. That is all."

US works to stop arms flow to Islamists

SituationS Vacant

AGENCIES JERUSALEM, DEC 7

Israel's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned as "highly regrettable" Argentina's announcement of the previous day that it recognized Palestine as "a free and independent state" within its borders prior to the 1967 Six-Day War. The decision was highly "damaging," foreign ministr y spokesman Yigal Palmor said."

The recognition while peace negotiations are ongoing and no final peace deal has yet been reached "is contrary to the existing legal framework of the peace process," he added.

That legal framework states that establishment of a Palestinian state can only be the outcome of negotiations and mutually agreed solutions.

US lobbied with Pachauri against Iranian scientist PTI WASHINGTON, DEC 7

REUTERS LONDON, DEC 7

Washington has worked discreetly to block the supply of Iranian and Syrian weapons to Islamist groups in the West Asia, Britain's Guardian newspaper said on Tuesday, citing US diplomatic cables obtained

by WikiLeaks.

The United States, in many cases using secret intelligence provided by Israel, had pressured Arab governments not to cooperate with arms smuggling to Palestinian group Hamas or Lebanon's Hezbollah, it said.

The details were part of 250,000 diplomatic cables obtained by the website WikiLeaks that are being made public.

Israel warns Argentina over Palestine

South Sudanese traditional Dinka wrestlers from Yirol East of the Lake State and the Mundari wrestlers from Terekeka County, Central Equatoria compete in a match in Juba Stadium.

US lobbied with top UN scientist R K Pachauri to prevent appointment of an Iranian scientist to a key position in the Inter-Government Panel on Climate Change, according to a secret US memo leaked by WikiLeaks.

However, Pachauri has denied any such allegations and asserted that he was not influenced by any one during the selection process of the said post, which ultimately went to an Argentinean.

"USDEL (US delegation) is working actively to prevent the election of an Iranian scientist to the developing-nation cochairmanship of Working Group Two, a position which would

pair him with a US scientist running unopposed for developed nation co-chair of the same group," says a confidential State Department memo, dated September 02, 2008.

The United States, which has charged the Wikileaks of indulging in a criminal act by stealing and releasing these cables, has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of these documents.

"Prior to arrival in Geneva, USDEL contacted IPCC Chairman Dr Rajendra Pachauri (please protect), who agreed to work on this issue to avoid the potential for disruption to one the organisation, s three core working groups XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX," the cable said.

Taliban ready to smoke peace pipe; India alarmed HERALD BUREAU NEW DELHI, DEC 7

After stoking violence over the years in Afghanistan, Taliban appears ready to smoke the peace pipe and even willing to break its umbilical cord with Al-Qaeda.

With a flicker of hope emerging from the new wish-list it slapped on the NATO-led UN security mission in the war-ravaged country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rushed S K Lambah, India's special envoy on Afghanistan and Pakistan, to

the United States on Sunday for urgent consultations.

Taliban that always aligned with the international terror outfit Al-Qaeda during its regime and since after its ouster by the US forces appears no more standing by it as seen from its 5-point wish list that has not been reported anywhere yet.

Right now there are no more than 200 Al-Qaeda activists in Afghanistan and Taliban appears prepared to dump them by negotiating on this point.

India has absolutely no interest in letting Taliban return to power in any way but it won't mind any strategy that helps separate Al-Qaeda and Taliban that paves way for the emergence of a stable and democratic Afghanistan.

Lambah's task in the US is to explore how far it will go in this respect and get back to India to report back to Dr Manmohan Singh before he heads for Germany on Thursday for attending the India-EU summit in Belgium.

Though the United States has been trying to rope in Taliban for restoring peace in Afghanistan, so far there are no formal and credible talks with Taliban. Whatever we hear in media are just preliminary contacts.

The Afghanistan watchers in India say Al-Qaeda may have wielded influence on Afghansitan's Taliban but it has not been able to turn it into a part of the global Islamic terror movement.

It remains an inward movement and that makes sense in the US

trying to negotiate with its leaders after failing to suppress them with its military might.

As Rahimullah Yusufzai (Yousafzai), a noted Pakistani journalist and the resident editor group of the Jang Group's English daily "News International" at Peshwar, says Taliban in Afghanistan are different from the Pakistani Taliban.

According to him, Afghanistan's Taliban recently came out with its wish list that has not yet come into the media.

Russian spies can’t take their eyes off UK AGENCIES LONDON, DEC 7

There is little that changes in the world of espionage. The Russians have been spying on Britain since the days of Sidney Reilly, the “Ace of Spies”, who was executed for his part in attempting to overthrow the Bolshevik regime in 1918. Ever since then, the Russian secret services have hated their British counterparts. But if Katia Zatuliveter is a spy, the Russians

appear to have had a new kind of star.

Once, the role of an attractive young woman in an espionage tale was simply to be the honeypot, but Zatuliveter is suspected of being a serious agent, and probably a very effective one. Many of the agents deployed now are far more dynamic than in my day: they speak foreign languages fluently, work in important companies and institutions, and move be-

tween countries and jobs with ease. They are often better than the officers they work for – and, working within Parliament, w o u l d b e w o r t h m o re t o Moscow than the whole of the KGB’s London station.

In 1985, when I escaped from the Soviet Union, there were 25 KGB officers and 14 GRU officers – their military counterparts – working at the embassy in London. Twenty years after the end of the Cold War, there are exactly

NRI paid £1,400 to taxi driver to have wife killed AGENCIES LONDON, DEC 7

The British husband of the bride hijacked and killed on their South African honeymoon has been accused of paying for the attack.

The dramatic claim was made by the state's prosecutor this morning in court.

State prosecutor Rodney de Kock told the Western Cape High Court that taxi driver Zola Tongo, arrested following the murder, was offered 15,000 rand (£1400) by Shrien Dewani to kill his wife Anni.

'The deceased was murdered at the instance of her husband,' De Kock said in reading out a plea bargain agreement which saw Tongo plead guilty to murder.

The taxi driver fingered Shrien Dewani and his Swedish wife Anni, 28, on their luxury holiday in Cape Town.

Tongo, 31, is said to have agreed to a plea bargain to ‘reveal all’ in exchange for a lesser sentence.

Over the past two weeks, there have been police leaks alleging that Mr Dewani, 30, a millionaire businessman from Westbury on Trym, near Bristol, was involved.

But the claims have always been ‘off the record’ with no evidence presented.

Meanwhile Dewani's friends claim he has been set up.

Shrien and Anni Dewani

THE husband of murdered bride Anni Dewani fears he is being ‘set up’ by South African police, his friends revealed yesterday.

Sources close to Shrien Dewani claimed detectives were under political pressure to pin the horrific killing on someone other than a South African.

The millionaire businessman was said to be in an ‘absolutely dreadful state’ as he waits to return to Cape Town to identify the armed robbers who shot dead his wife on their honeymoon.

One friend said: ‘We are just increasingly conscious that there are some people who are definitely trying to set him up. It suits them because an English guy who has done this would

be much less damaging to South Africa than if one of their own had done it.

The Dewanis, who had been married for two weeks, were hijacked on November 13 on the way back to their five-star hotel in central Cape Town.

They had agreed to take a detour through a township but within three minutes of leaving the motorway, the taxi was ambushed by two gunmen.

Dewani was thrown out and his wife’s body was found later.

She had been shot in the neck.

Two men and Tongo were arrested and charged with murder.

Dewani's spokesman, Max Clifford, has repeatedly insisted that he is nothing other than a victim.

the same number there now.

The operation in London is nowhere near as big as in the US or Germany, largely because of the number of expulsions – in 1971, 105 “diplomats” were thrown out; then, in 1985, another 31 were expelled; and in 1989 11 went, followed by occasional expulsions ever since.

But with a total of 39 officers, and at least 20,000 Russian students it is easier than ever to work and recruit here.

Balochistan CM survives bid on life PTI ISLAMABAD, DEC 7

Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani today survived an assassination attempt by a suicide bomber, who killed one person and injured 10 others in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta.

The attacker initially lobbed a grenade at the Chief Minister's motorcade as it slowed down to cross a railway crossing at Saryab Road, a key thoroughfare in provincial capital Quetta, but it failed to explode.

The bomber then detonated his suicide vest, police said.

One person was killed while five policemen and as many civilians were injured. Two of the injured were in a serious condition, officials said.

List of facilities vital to US security leaked AGENCIES LONDON, DEC 7

A long list of key facilities around the world that the US describes as vital to its national security has been released by Wikileaks.

In February 2009 the State Department asked all US missions abroad to list all installations whose loss could critically affect US national security. The list includes pipelines, communication and transport hubs.

Several UK sites are listed, including cable locations, satellite sites and BAE Systems plants.

BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus says this is probably the most controversial document yet from the Wikileaks organisation.

The definition of US national security revealed by the cable is broad and all embracing, he says.

There are obvious pieces of strategic infrastructure like communications hubs, gas pipelines and so on. However, other facilities on the list include: Cobalt mine in Congo, anti-snake venom factory in Australia and insulin plant in Denmark.

In Britain, the list ranges from Cornwall to Scotland, including key satellite communications

sites and the places where transAtlantic cables make landfall.

A number of BAE Systems plants involved in joint weapons programmes with the Americans are listed, along with a marine engineering firm in Edinburgh which is said to be "critical" for nuclear powered submarines.

The geographical range of the document on installations is extraordinary, our correspondent says.

If the US sees itself as waging a "global war on terror" then this represents a global directory of the key installations and facilities - many of them medical or industrial - that are seen as being of vital importance to Washington.

Some locations are given unique billing. The Nadym gas pipeline junction in western Siberia, for example, is described as "the most critical gas facility in the world".

It is a crucial transit point for Russian gas heading for western Europe.

In some cases, specific pharmaceutical plants or those making blood products are highlighted for their crucial importance to the global supply chain.

aPPoINtmeNtS

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Finmin wants transparency in road project auctions PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 7

Taking a bitter lesson from the way 2-G spectrum was handed out, the Finance Ministry today suggested a transparent

auction system for awarding road projects to private developers with the government following a hands-off approach.

After facing flak on the 2-G

Sensex slips 47 pts PTI MUMBAI, DEC 7

Grappling with weak investor sentiment and continuous hammering in banking blue-chips, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today shed 47 points despite firm cues from global peers.

Marketmen said the banking sector, already facing heat from the bribery-for-loan racket, saw further dampening of investor sentiment as lenders have hiked interest rates.

The 30-share index Sensex saw a subdued trade throughout the day and settled with a loss of 0.23 per cent or 46.67 points at 19,934.64. The National Stock Exchange's wide based Nifty too declined by 15.70 points to finish at 5,976.55.

spectrum allocation in 2008, the government this year resorted to a transparent and hands-off auction system for the 3-G radio waves allocations resulting in a huge collection of Rs 1.06 lakh crore to the exchequer against the projections of Rs 35,000 crore.

In the mid-year analysis of the economy, the Ministry said that during the first half of the current financial year only 691 km of roads have been completed against a target of 2,500 km for the year.

Aban Offshor, 738, 741.75, 716.2, 727.25 Abb Ltd., 790, 810, 790, 803.2 Abg Shipyard, 425, 428.55, 408.5, 411.75 Acc Limited, 979, 1013.8, 975.1, 996.8 Adani Enterp, 669.95, 673.45, 655.2, 659.75 Aditya Birla, 750, 759, 746.6, 751.85 Allahabad Ba, 235.35, 235.35, 216.35, 218.95 Alstom Proje, 688.5, 697.85, 683.65, 685.9 Ambuja Cemen, 136.85, 140, 135.1, 138.95 Andhra Bank, 155.6, 155.9, 149.55, 150.15 Ashok Leylan, 72, 73.25, 71.5, 72.85 Asian Paints, 2682.1, 2718.85, 2664, 2707.65 Axis Bank Li, 1385, 1385.05, 1307.5, 1324.5 Bajaj Hindus, 113, 113.55, 110.25, 111.6 Bank Of Baro, 917, 922, 885.8, 902.55 Bank Of Indi, 458.5, 460, 435.3, 440.55 Beml Limited, 1005, 1039, 996, 1023.45 Bharat Elect, 1794, 1806.35, 1765.15, 1781.9 Bharat Forge, 394.35, 394.5, 380.5, 384.3 Bharat Petro, 669.4, 674, 657.15, 661.05 Bharti Airte, 346.95, 354.75, 345.25, 348.85 Bhel, 2232, 2265, 2220.7, 2239.85 Bhushan Stee, 449, 465.7, 399.4, 457.2 Biocon Limit, 404.65, 405.6, 392, 395.95 Bombay Dyein, 536.75, 545, 521.1, 538.5

Tata AIG posts profit of Rs 11.5-cr PTI MUMBAI, DEC 7

Tata AIG General Insurance Company (Tata AIG) has reported a profit after tax of Rs 11.5-crore for the half-year ended September 30, 2010, as against a loss of Rs 7.2-crore for the same period in the previous year.

The rise in profit was on account of increase in gross direct premium and net earned premium witnessed by the company. The company's direct premium income grew 34% whereas the net earned premium grew 23% over the previous year.

This growth in profit was also supported by the reduction in loss ratio by 9% over the last year and reduction in Expenses of Management (including commission paid) as percentage of Gross Direct Premium by 4 percentage points over last year, the release said.

Bosch Limite, 6302, 6389, 6251.65, 6275.5 Brigade Ente, 115.5, 116.5, 112.1, 112.7 Cairn India, 330, 333.65, 328.3, 330.2 Canara Bank, 690, 706, 674, 698.7 Central Bank, 192, 192.95, 184.65, 186.6 Century Text, 438.9, 438.9, 422.45, 430.75 Cesc Ltd, 371, 374, 368.05, 369.95 Chambal Fert, 87.5, 88.4, 83.3, 83.95 Chennai Petr, 243.05, 243.75, 237, 239.8 Cipla Ltd, 371, 373.65, 363.75, 371.35 Colgate Palm, 877, 882, 854.5, 863.9 Container Co, 1306.9, 1306.9, 1255.05, 1270.65 Crompton Gre, 338, 339, 332.1, 332.9 Cummins Indi, 781.95, 782, 766, 769.05 Dabur India, 98.5, 99.1, 95.3, 96.35 Deccan Chron, 107, 108, 104.05, 105.8 Dish Tv Indi, 72.1, 73.3, 70.25, 71.5 Divi’s Labor, 615.2, 615.2, 602, 605.55 Dlf Limited, 307, 308.2, 295.05, 297.9 Dr. reddy’s, 1826, 1849, 1821.1, 1830.1 Edelweiss Ca, 49.95, 51.4, 47.2, 47.85 Educomp Solu, 560.15, 575, 548.55, 570.25 Eih Limited, 116, 117.15, 113.75, 115.25 Engineers In, 348.8, 348.8, 334.35, 337.6 Essar Oil Lt, 131.5, 134.8, 129.5, 133.9

Goa Portuguesa: just 22!

BHARATI PAWASKAR

The month-long celebrations began from 3 December, in Goa and in Mumbai. The feast of St Francisc Xavier begins on this auspicious day. This day coincides with one more thing – very much Goan – ‘Goa Portuguesa!’ Yes, the celebrations are on at Goa Portuguesa Restobar at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. It has just turned 22 on 3 December. India’s only ISO/GTDC Certified Restobar – Goa Portuguesa claims to be Mumbai’s only Goan Restaurant that serves more than 200 vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Goa Portuguesa has successfully exploded the myth that – Goan food is only ‘nonveg’ and that it is spicy, vinegary or full of coconut – by introducing more than 100 pure vegetarian delicacies. Goa Portuguesa has separate kitchens and green crockery for vegetarians. Member of the leading restaurants of the world, it is a renowned designer restaurant recognised by

Essar Shippi, 104.05, 104.9, 98.1, 98.3 Exide Indust, 173, 174.25, 169.85, 172.2 Federal Bank, 450.95, 450.95, 430.65, 435.4 Financial Te, 901, 918.15, 886, 910.45 Gail (india), 493.4, 504.7, 491.25, 501.95 Gammon India, 180.4, 185, 177, 181.1 Glaxosmithkl, 2111, 2159.6, 2109.35, 2150.9 Glenmark Pha, 384, 389.9, 372, 384.8 Gmr Infrastr, 49.05, 49.35, 48.4, 49.05 Godrej Indus, 185.05, 186.8, 180.05, 181.15 Grasim Indus, 2332, 2365, 2315, 2351.45 Great Offsho, 383.9, 384.9, 372.1, 374.9 Gtl Infra.Lt, 43, 43.6, 43, 43.2 Gujarat Mine, 134.8, 137.8, 132.3, 133.8 Gujarat N R, 60.95, 61.55, 58.75, 61.35 Gujarat Stat, 112, 115.9, 110.5, 114.7 Gvk Pow. & I, 40.85, 42.45, 39.35, 40.4 Hcl Technolo, 421.25, 438.75, 421.25, 435.9 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2380, 2390, 2328.5, 2351.65 Hdfc Ltd, 708.85, 708.85, 695.1, 700.8 Hero Honda M, 1770, 1800, 1764.8, 1789.35 Hindalco in, 222.5, 228.5, 221.5, 226.8 Hindustan Co, 45.5, 47.5, 44.3, 45.6 Hindustan Ma, 71.4, 73.3, 70.05, 71.55 Hindustan Pe, 409, 410, 394.8, 396.7

the Indian and Internaments’ white uniform tional media. Ask not to Chefs’ white coat.” the secret of this sucSuhas visits Goa four cess, because surpristimes a year to meet his ingly there is no secret family. “I come to meet at all. It is the success my mother-in- law and story – essentially it’s 5 brother-in-laws, all teamwork and hard efliving in Bardez,” he forts making every says. Deepa comes to client feel like a VIP, Goa more often. She and not comprising on says, “I love Goa. I don’t the quality of authentic miss a single opportuGoan food with a trio nity to visit it – maybe of musician playing 5 to 6 times a year!”

Goan music in the Both have friends in Goan ambience along Goa. Getting nostalgic with genuine Goan hosDeepa says, “I have so pitality a la Deepa and many friends in Goa Suhas – Deepa Mahamand it will be difficult to bre Awchat and Dr name a few but I can Suhas Awchat. only name one family Dr Suhas Awchat, whom I have known the founder of Goa Porfrom my childhood and tuguesa, is a multifacis very close to them aleted personality. He is most like a family – a qualified MD, FRSH Late Mr Minguel, from England, a theatre Gracinda Braganza and buff, a movie actor, a family, specially their sharp shooter, a freeson Zito and also my lance journalist, a Spetable tennis partner cial Executive Subhash Kolwalkar.”

Magistrate… and yes Dr Suhas Awchat and Master Chef Deepa Awchat outside What about Goans this is not even half of their restaurant 'Goa Portuguesa' in Mumbai. visiting Goa Porhis Bio-data. He has tuguesa? “Again, it’s won President’s medals, Udyo- Awchat is a retired police com- very difficult to name them all! gshree Award by the Maharash- missioner. Deepa’s father late Most of the Goans visiting tra Chamber of Commerce, Jagannath Mahambre was a Mumbai come to Goa PorMaharashtra Ratna by the CM known personality in Mapusa. tuguesa, especially when they and his restaurant has won the Deepa’s five brothers – feel homesick. We feel good highest foreign exchange Ramesh, Suresh, Ashok, Vallabh and very proud when they and Dilip are well known compliment us by saying that earner restaurant award.

Co-founder of Goa Por- sports stars of Goa (football our food is like ‘gharche jevon’ tuguesa and its CEO Master and Table Tennis). “My brother with a homelike Goan ambiChef, Deepa Awchat is very Ashok coached me in table ten- ence and music. In the past few much Goan, by birth, by heart nis. Both, my mother-in-law years we have been visited by and is an author, too. Hailing most of the Goan politicians, from Mahambre family in Maindustrialists, business men, pusa Deepa was Goa’s numero artists, bureaucrats, sportsmen Uno in table tennis for years and many others…” Both anand received Jivbadada Kerkar swer in one voice.

Award. She won gold medal in Suhas genuinely regrets that TT in All India Civil Services, all the government functions or Revenue Department. Her jourevents held at Raj Bhavan or ney to Mumbai and the birth of Secretriat or anywhere else do Goa Portuguesa is quite internot serve authentic Goan veg, Meera and mother Sushila are non-veg food, neither do the esting.

During one of their visits to great home-makers! Sister five-star hotels; only a very few Goa, Suhas hit this idea, “Let’s Vitha Wagh is settled in Mum- restaurants and hotels serve start a Goan restaurant in bai.”

Goan food. To promote Goa, Deepa loves prawns curry, the government should faciliMumbai and name it Goa Portuguesa!” Soon Goa Por- fish curry rice with fried fish, tate tax exemption for all the tuguesa, a blend of traditional chicken and mutton Xacutti. restaurants serving Goan food, Hindu, Catholic and Por- While Suhas is crazy for stuffed he feels. tuguese cuisine, was declared crab, tender coconut cashew Awchats have common open on 3 December 1988 on ‘sukke’, lobster Goa Por- dream to start Goa Portuguesa the feast of St Francis Xavier, tuguesa, ‘nishte’ curry and in Goa. Suhas says, “Well, I per‘Goencho Saib’, the patron Goan ‘ukdo’ rice! Wow! sonally feel that going back to While Suhas loves socialising our roots we should promote saint of Goa. After that there was no looking back... Flanked with close friends and net- our proud culinary culture. by two of its globally awarded working to find new friends, Around 9000 students pass out restaurants – Dakshin Culture English movies, plays and trav- from hotel management and Curry and Diva Maharashtra- elling. Deepa’s hobbies have catering technology institutes cha, it first won International been sports, cooking, garden- every year yet do not know recognition by the New York ing, interior decoration and de- how to make ‘udit methi’, Times, followed by the ‘Best In- signing. What a combination! ‘solkadi’, ‘sungtachi kadi’, Both have common favourite ‘hooman’ or ‘cafreal’. Give me dian Restaurant Award’ from the Tourism Department of places to visit – Goa, Paris, Lon- some time, I’ll start Goa PorGovernment of India and the don, Singapore and Dubai. tuguesa in Goa, too.” third ‘The Outstanding Gour- While Deepa loves Bangalore, Sharing the dream with her met Restaurant Award’ in India Coorg, Jaipur, Delhi and Kash- husband, this Goan beauty with by the International Tourism mir, too. brains says, “Being a true blue Goa Portuguesa brought a Goan I would love to start Goa Council.

Why not ‘Goa Portuguesa’ in sea change in their lives. Suhas Portuguesa in Goa but before Goa? To this both, Suhas and admits, “Meeting and marrying that we would like to popuDeepa answer unanimously, my beautiful Goan wife Deepa larise Goan and Portuguese “We have every intention of and starting Goa Portuguesa food in other parts of Mumbai starting Goa Portuguesa in Goa for her, changed my life com- and metro cities in India.” but before that we thought of pletely.” For Deepa it was a So all the best to us all spreading our wings in other transition from one profession Goans out here! ‘Goa Porparts of Mumbai and the metro to the other. She happily ex- tuguesa’ is coming home soon! cities of India to keep the Goan claims, “The birth of ‘Goa Por- For now, visit Goa Portuguesa, tuguesa’ changed my life speak in Konkani and get disflag flying high!”

Dr Suhas’s father Laxman totally from Customs Depart- counts all the year round!

Hindustan Un, 300.3, 301.75, 294.9, 295.75 Hindustan Zi, 1151.65, 1178.9, 1151.65, 1165.5 Housing Dev, 206, 206, 197.65, 201.05 Icici Bank L, 1148.7, 1148.7, 1100, 1110.5 Idea Cellula, 70.8, 70.8, 70.05, 70.55 Ifci Ltd, 63.75, 64.4, 61.35, 61.9 India Cement, 108.95, 109.7, 107, 108.75 India Infoli, 84.85, 86, 83.5, 84.55 Indiabulls F, 175.1, 176.75, 168, 168.9 Indiabulls R, 143, 146.75, 137.5, 139.5 Indian Bank, 272, 272, 253, 256.1 Indian Hotel, 95.25, 96.6, 94.35, 95.9 Indian Oil C, 377.8, 377.8, 366.75, 369.15 Indian Overs, 146.25, 146.65, 141.5, 142.9 Indus Dev Ba, 168, 168.45, 159.8, 161.85 Indusind Ban, 285.5, 292, 277.1, 287.35 Infosys Tech, 3145.85, 3195, 3140.2, 3178.6 Infra. dev., 180.3, 182.35, 176.25, 180.3 Ispat Indust, 18.85, 19.6, 18.75, 19.15 Itc Ltd, 168.6, 169.7, 166.3, 168.2 Ivrcl Infras, 129, 129.6, 126, 128.4 Jai Corp Lim, 221, 223.85, 216, 218.25 Jaiprakash A, 109, 109.1, 105.2, 107.05 Jet Airways, 820, 833.9, 805.1, 821.45 Jindal Saw L, 190.1, 192.45, 184.15, 185.9

Jindal Steel, 702, 715, 690.7, 701.8 Jsw Steel Li, 1173.2, 1177.5, 1125.1, 1170.1 Kotak Mahind, 478.1, 481.1, 461.55, 463.95 Lakshmi Mach, 2540, 2540, 2500, 2521.2 Lanco Infrat, 61.35, 65.2, 60.6, 63 Larsen & Tou, 2010, 2027.8, 1977.15, 2016.5 Lic Housing, 1029, 1031, 983.1, 1002.25 Lupin Limite, 475, 480, 468.5, 472.4 Mahanagar Te, 54, 54, 52.4, 53.2 Mahindra & M, 794.1, 805.3, 793, 800.95 Maruti Suzuk, 1410, 1446.7, 1408.7, 1428.65 Max India Lt, 153.95, 154, 150, 151.05 Maytas Infr., 180, 180, 173, 174.55 Moser-baer (, 55.9, 56.15, 54, 55.05 Mrpl, 72.25, 73.7, 72.05, 72.7 Nagarjuna Co, 136.05, 140.85, 135.05, 135.75 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.5, 31.7, 31, 31.2 National Alu, 370.2, 376.7, 370.05, 373.55 Neyveli Lign, 132.9, 133.75, 129.5, 129.65 Ntpc Ltd, 187.55, 192.85, 186.95, 191.6 Oil And Natu, 1330, 1346, 1325, 1337.95 Omaxe Limite, 142.1, 143, 140.1, 141.75 Oriental Ban, 400.7, 412, 380.45, 385.05 Pantaloon Re, 406.25, 406.25, 391, 397.9 Parsvnath De, 56, 56.1, 53.1, 53.95

Petronet Lng, 121.75, 123.8, 119, 122.05 Power Fin Co, 324, 326.5, 310, 312 Power Grid C, 98.95, 99.5, 98.1, 98.95 Praj Industr, 73, 74.1, 72.25, 72.65 Punj Lloyd L, 107.25, 107.9, 103.75, 105.8 Punjab Natio, 1229, 1232.1, 1184, 1196.95 Rajesh Expor, 119.5, 120.75, 115.5, 117.45 Ranbaxy Labs, 570, 573, 557, 560.15 Rashtriya Ch, 101.95, 103.45, 100.7, 101.5 Reliance Cap, 708.55, 711.95, 695.25, 707.65 Reliance Com, 134.95, 136.05, 132.85, 134.15 Reliance Ene, 1150, 1175, 1142, 1150 Reliance Ind, 720, 731.95, 712.05, 720.85 Reliance Ind, 1020, 1039.7, 1020, 1030.75 Reliance Pow, 159.8, 161.4, 158.55, 160.05 Rolta India, 159.2, 161.5, 156.4, 159.6 Satyam Compu, 65.8, 65.8, 63, 63.95 Sesa Goa Ltd, 303.1, 308.9, 302, 307.65 Shipping Cor, 145, 145.5, 143.15, 143.65 Siemens Ltd, 782, 799, 776.4, 788.2 Sintex Indus, 199, 204.55, 196.95, 201 Sobha Develo, 325, 331.7, 318.3, 322.75 State Bank O, 2953, 2955, 2850, 2864.5 Steel Author, 184.15, 185.4, 180.5, 183.4 Sterlite Ind, 172, 173.9, 170, 172.4

Sun Pharmace, 459.9, 467.75, 457.7, 463.35 Sun Tv Netwo, 527, 531, 522.65, 527.15 Suzlon Energ, 52.4, 52.9, 50.4, 51.05 Tata Communi, 265, 267.95, 255.95, 265.4 Tata Consult, 1100, 1100, 1082.1, 1087.5 Tata Motors, 1350.1, 1352.3, 1312.2, 1335.4 Tata Power C, 1286.3, 1314.4, 1281.15, 1303.95 Tata Steel L, 639.4, 644.35, 633.1, 639.35 Tata Teleser, 19.4, 19.95, 19.2, 19.45 Tech Mahindr, 667, 675.4, 660.05, 671.55 The Ge Shpg., 361.95, 364.1, 352.65, 361.55 The Phoenix, 231.1, 237.4, 227.5, 229.5 Thermax Ltd, 866.7, 875, 849.3, 852.6 Titan Indust, 3720, 3726.7, 3655, 3694 Torrent Powe, 292.5, 292.5, 285, 286.2 Triveni Engg, 110.65, 110.75, 106.5, 109.15 Tv18 India L, 73.4, 74.8, 69.3, 69.8 Uco Bank, 134.1, 135.8, 127.25, 129.35 Ultratech Ce, 1100, 1189, 1100, 1123.55 Union Bank O, 350.2, 358, 333.5, 338.8 Unitech Ltd, 63, 67, 62, 66.1 United Phosp, 183.5, 184, 176.2, 180.5 Videocon Ind, 208, 212.95, 207.2, 210.7 Vijaya Bank, 100.95, 101, 96.35, 97.7 Voltas Ltd, 239.1, 243.35, 235, 238.45

OHERALDO

Biz13_Layout 1 12/7/2010 10:19 PM Page 1

BIZ

Pg13

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 2010

Growth prospects better, India-EU trade agreement expected by 2011 Europe a concern: FM PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 7

PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 7

The Government today attributed higher economic growth projected in the mid-year economic analysis for this fiscal than the Economic Survey to robust economic expansion in the first half.

It, however, cautioned against the impact of fragile European recovery on Indian economy.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters that a sizable percentage of Indian exports are destined towards Europe.

"Therefore, the recoveryrather rapid and robust recovery- of Europe is important from India's point of view," he said.

The analysis, tabled in Parliament today, projected economic growth in the range of 8.75 per cent plus or minus 0.35 per cent.

This is against 8.5 per cent plus or minus 0.25 per cent projected in Economic Survey, brought out in February this

year.

"Our assessment... CSO has already projected in first two quarters... growth is 9 per cent.

It was originally 8.9 in both terms and now first quarter has been revised from 8.8 to 8.9.

"Second quarter is 8.9... that is also quite encouraging," Mukherjee said while speaking on the projections of the Midyear analysis.

Mukherjee attributed the range of economic growth in the analysis to fragile economic recovery in Europe.

"One of the reasons is there have been certain uncertainties like recovery of Euro.

"And Europe has relevance from viewpoint of FDI, investment and also from external trade, particularly export," Mukherjee said.

He said a sizable percentage of Indian export are destined towards Europe.

"Therefore, the recoveryrather rapid and robust recovery- of Europe is important from India's point of view," the Finance Minister said.

RBI to pause on rates: Parekh PTI MUMBAI, DEC 7

With severe liquidity crunch continuing to persist, the central bank is unlikely to hike rates further when it undertakes the mid-quarter review on December 16, HDFC Group chairman Deepak Parekh said today.

"I don't think they (Reserve Bank) will tighten (the interest regime). There is so much shortage of liquidity in the system...I don't think they can increase interest rates further (at this juncture)," Parekh, told reporters after being awarded Chevalier de l'ordre de Legion d Honneur' (Knight in the order of the legion of honour) by the French government here.

Liquidity, which was in abundance has disappeared following the continuous tightening measures by the RBI in its effort to contain the mounting inflationary pressures in the system, Parekh said adding, "Today banks are borrowing large sums of money on a daily basis ranging from Rs 70,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore."

Since mid-October, RBI has repeated opening a second liquidity window (liquidity adjustment facility or LAF) under which it has been allowing banks to borrow twice a day from the central bank.

Since the beginning of this year, RBI had brought back the interest and key policy rates to the pre-crisis levels by six successive interventions since the beginning of this year.

That apart, the apex bank has also brought down the SLR (statutory liquidity ratio, which is the mandatory amount of funds banks have to maintain with themselves to meet prudential norms) by 100 basis points to 24 per cent as a temporary measure to keep the

Big demand for Polo, Vento: VW PTI MUMBAI, DEC 7

German car-maker, Volkswagen, today said that because of the huge demand for its Polo and Vento models, there was a waiting period of two to three months for both.

The company plans to rampup production at its Chakan facility in Maharashtra to cater to the increasing demand.

"Presently, we have at least two to three months of waiting period for the Polo and Vento.

We are ramping-up capacity at our Chakan facility to meet demand," Volkswagen Group Sales India (Passenger Cars), Director, Neeraj Garg, told reporters here.

"We have started a second shift to scale-up production to meet the high demand for the Polo and Vento. We are gradually ramping-up production, but not rapidly, as we do not want to compromise on quality," Garg said.

He, however, did not specify by how much the production has been scaled-up.

The company sold 4,613 units of Polo and Vento in November this year. It sold over 26,000 units across models from Jan-Nov this year.

system liquid.

The lower SLR facility is now open up to January 15.

Most of the banks, including HDFC Bank and State Bank of India have already hiked interest rates both on lending as well as deposits, he said.

The money is expected to come back into the system once the government starts spending in the next quarter, he said.

"We hope the government spending will start. Government has collected a lot of money through taxation, spectrum and broadband fees, etc.

Tax revenue has also been very buoyant. So once the Government starts spending, it (will) come back into circulation," he said, adding until then, the liquidity crunch will continue.

The noted banker said to generate cash it is important for banks to offer attractive deposit rates. "We have to offer attractive rates, otherwise you will not get deposits, if you don't get deposits, you can't do business," he said.

On the up to 150 bps hike in deposit rates by SBI yesterday, Parekh said, the SBI move is only for short-term and is aimed at meeting the shortterm funds.

Following RBI Governor D Subbarao's recent advice to banks to bring down their net interest margins by paying more to deposits and lending cheaper, with a the larger objective of helping a fast growing economy meet its fund needs, the largest bank SBI had yesterday announced an up to 150 bps spike in deposit rates.

"So there is shortage of short-term funds also, therefore SBI has increased the deposit rates much higher for shorter-terms," he added.

After sovereign debt crisis in countries like Greece, Portugal and Spain, Europe has been hit by a financial mess in Ireland.

On inflation, the Finance Minister said though falling, it should decline further.

"Inflation is coming down.

Now it is at the single digit but I would like it to be further reduced. I am hoping that by March it would be around 6 per cent, but it should come down further," he said.

The analysis said inflation has started coming down and is placed at 8.6 per cent in October as compared to 11 per cent in April.

The Finance Minister said the report has been rechristened Mid-Year Economic Analysis from Mid-Year Economic Review as the new name has wider connotation.

"Earlier, the term was review but this time we have chosen the term analysis as it gives us a broader space," he said.

An ambitious Trade and Investment Agreement between India and European Union that could help in increasing bilateral trade by about 40 per cent to touch 100 billion Euros is expected to be finalised early next year.

"Negotiations are progressing well and we are hopeful of concluding the agreement in early 2011," Vive Katju, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry said today.

Katju was briefing newsmen on the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Brussels and Berlin.

Singh leaves for the Belgian Capital on Thursday to attend the 11th India-European Union(Summit) the next day.

He will be in Berlin on Saturday for summit talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel before returning home on Sunday.

The combined bilateral trade in goods and services in 2009 was around 70 billion euros.

The EU economic bloc comprises 27 countries.

"The Broad-Based Trade and

Investment Agreement(BTIA) will give a fillip to bilateral trade which could incrrease to 100 billion Euros," Katju said.

Katju refused to be drawn into a discussion over a delay in wrapping up the Free Trade talks this year itself or any contentious issues between the two sides.

The pact was to have been originally concluded to coincide with Singh's visit to Brus-

sels for the summit.

"The Free Trade pact was originally supposed to have been finalised at the Brussels summit. But it is taking a longer time than expected," German Ambassador Thomas Matussek said yesterday.

Intellectual property rights and social issues like environment and labour standards are reported to be among some critical issues where the nego-

tiations have got got stuck.

Katju said a Joint Declaration on Culture is expected to be signed between the Department of Culture and the EU Commission. The First India-EU summit was held in Lisbon in

2000.

The EU side will be represented at the Summit by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council and Joses Barroso, President of the European Commission.

Pg 14

SPORTS GOA, Wednesday, 8 December, 2010

Gilbert’s brace saves Salgaocar HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 7

A brilliant brace by man-of-thematch, midfielder Gilbert Oliveira enabled former NFL

champs, Salgaocar Sports Club to register a 4-3 win over Kolkata’s Chirag United in a second round match of AIFF’s ILeague at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Tuesday. Salgaocar led 2-1 at half time.

Salgaocar started on a positive note and forged ahead in the very first minute through Gilbert Oliveira, following a Tomba Singh floater, which was trapped by Anthony Barbosa at the edge of the rival penalty box. The later essayed it to midfielder Gilbert Oliveira, who unleashed a stiff shot which hit the crossbar and the rebound deflected from the back of Chirag’s keeper Abhijit Mondal and rolled into the net to the loud cheers from the Salgaocar supporters.

Early success spurred Salgaocar to mount pressure on the rival citadel and they went ahead with the remaining part of the opening session dominating all through.

Salgaocar doubled the lead in the 14th minute through Japanese import, Ryuji Sueoka.

A flag kick taken by Rocus Lamare dipped into the rival penalty box and Ryuji beat his marker and headed it in.

At the other end, Chirag lost the edge in the opening session as there were many mis-passes and were unable to trouble the rival defence. Chirag came close to reducing the margin, but midfielder Lalkamal Bhomick’s try found the side-netting after he was fed by Devdas Denson.

Chirag tried to force a fightback but their midfield was ineffective and their forwards starved off passes. Salgaocar showed pluck and the midfield played with panache. Anthony Barbosa and Gilbert Oliveira came alive and put the Kolkata defence to the sword with a scorching pace and impressive darting runs in the flanks and often making in-

roads into Chirag’s defence.

Chirag’s Brazilian striker Josimar Da Silva, after picking up the ball from the left, outpaced a couple of defenders and unleashed a right footer to beat the advancing Salgaocar keeper Karanjit Singh in injury time.

Earlier, the Brazilian striker could have scored but his feeble push was not enough to beat the Salgaocar keeper.

Crossing over, Salgaocar were desperate for more goals and went all out and increased their tally in the 49th minute through Gilbert Oliveira. Anthony Bar- Salgaocar and Chirag players fight bosa switched the ball to de- for ball supremacy. fender Jaspal Parmar who Photo: Third Eye without wasting time fired a hot blooded shot. Chirag’s keeper goalline save to deny Anthony Abhijit Mondal let the ball slip Barbosa a sure goal after the from his hand and lurking Gilbert keeper was beaten.

Anthony Barbosa added his Oliveira pushed the ball in.

In the 57th minute, Chirag name on the scorer list in the 77th minute when he punished United were denied a legitimate the rival keeper with a pile driver penalty when midfielder Denson off a pass from Yakubu Yusif.

Devdas dribbled past a rival deChirag retaliated and made it fender and Salgaocar stopper 3-4 in injury time when Nigerian back and captain L uciano striker Junior Elijah nodded in Sabrosa gave pushed him un- off a well executed floater from fairly but referee A Shekar from substitute Gouranga Biswas.

Karnataka overlooked it. The With this win, Salgaocar coldecision left the Chirag bench lected six points from two matches angry. There were some hush while Chirag suffered their first words for the match officials. defeat and have three points.

Chirag midfielder Denson DeChirag coach, Subrata Bhatvdas beat Salgaocar keeper Karan- tacharya, expressed satisfaction jit Singh with a snap shot after on his team’s performance but Brazilian striker Josimar sold a said poor refereeing also played a part in his team’s loss. He quesdummy to Denson Devdas.

The reducer helped Chirag as tioned the referee’s decision in they piled on pressure and denying them what was a legitnearly levelled the score but imate penalty. “He did not give keeper Karanjit Singh saved the penalty, just because we are a small team. That does not Denson Devdas’ left footer.

At the other hand, Chirag cap- mean we should be treated this tain Arnab Mondal effected a way,” concluded Subrata.

JCT, Churchill share honours AGENCIES

SONS OF ANTHONY DE VELSAO Presents

GURGAON, DEC 7 Churchill Brothers rode on Okolie Odafe's 65th minute strike to salvage a 1-1 draw against JCT in their second round I-League match at Tao Devi Lal Stadium on Tuesday.

JCT, after a shocking defeat against HAL in their opening fixture, looked on course to register their first win, after Balwant Singh put them in the lead with a 37th minute goal.

Odafe, however, had other ideas and struck the equaliser 19 minutes into the second half.

The Punjab outfit looked positive from the start and the aggressive approach paid off, when Balwant headed in Amandeeep Singh's assist from the right. It was Saran Singh who did the spadework and gave the ball to Amandeep.

Odafe, who helped his team come from behind in their opening fixture against defending champions Dempo, did a repeat when he headed in a corner. The ball hit the crossbar on its way

to the post.

Much before that, in the first half, JCT skipper Daljit Singh lost possession in the midfield and that nearly proved disastrous for his team, but a diving Pawan Kumar under the bar stretched full length to prevent Bineesh Balan's attempt.

In his quest to find the equaliser, Churchill Brothers coach, Vincent Subramaniam tried to rev up the midfield, bringing in Charan Rai in place of Chandam Chitra Singh, but the move did not yield the desired results, as JCT went to the lemon break with their lead intact.

But fortune favoured the Goans, after the change of ends with Odafe scoring the much-needed goal. The Nigerian, in fact, may have given his team its first win of the League but his 82nd minute attempt, after being fed from the centre, went over the bar.

JCT too had a chance in the second half, but enterprising Omolaja Kareem's shot touched Churchill goalkeeper Lalit Thapa before flying over after hitting

AI hold Viva Kerala HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 7

Viva Kerala and Air India had to settle for a 1-1 draw in a round two tie of I-league at the Sahu Maharaj ground, Kolhapur on Tuesday. Both goals were scored in the first half.

The teams took a cautious approach and showed no sign of hurry, but it was Viva Kerala who took the lead in the ninth

minute through C S Sabeeth.

Mohammed Muneer saw his shot blocked by Air India goalkeeper Arup Debnath, but to the Mumbai’s outfit despair, the ball fell in for Sabeeth, who wasted no time to slot it home.

After some drab play, in the 33 rd minute, Air India made a comeback and scored the equaliser through Manjit Singh.

RESULTS Salgaocar…4 Chirag…3 JCT…1 Churchill…1 AI…1 Viva Kerala…1 the post.

While JCT coach, Parminder Singh was satisfied with the result, Subramaniam was disappointed.

"I am disappointed with the result. Three points lost. We need to beef up the attack.

There was a lot of pressure on Odafe, but he missed quite a few chances. In the I-League, if you get two to three chances, you need to score once or twice, otherwise you lose," said Subramaniam. His counterpart Parminder said: "After the loss in the first match we played well against a strong team."

It was Churchill's second consecutive draw in the league, after being held 1-1 by Dempo, while JCT managed a point after the surprise defeat against newly promoted HAL.

Goan eves excel

PA N J I M ( H S D ) : T h e G o a women’s volleyball team entered the quarter-finals in Group IV at the 36th National Women’s Sports Festival in Karnataka.

The Goa basketball team too, entered the quarter-finals in Group I in Chattisgarh.

B a s ke t b a l l re s u l t s : G o a thrashed Bihar 38-0 and Goa defeated Andhra Pradesh 26-3.

Shaheen Rebello, Michell Fernandes, Christine Soares, Tejal Mahambre, Kezia Fernandes and Alisha Jose scored.

I-League: Dempo v. East Bengal, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao, 3.45 p.m.

Second Division football: Cortalim SC v. Vaddem SC, Tilak Maidan, Vasco, 4 p.m.

GFA U-16 football: Guirdolim Club v. Guardian Angel SC, Chandor ground; Rossman Cruz Nagoa SC v. Dicarpale SC, Nagoa ground; Brasil Futebol Academia v. Piedade Youth Association, Agacaim ground; Sai STC v. Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim, Ponda ground. Kick off 4 p.m.

GFA U-14 football: Young Strikers v. Ave Maria WWA, Dando ground, Benaulim, 4 p.m.

Football festival exhibition first division match: Calangute Association v. Goa Velha SC, Po r i a t f o o t b a l l g ro u n d , Calangute, 4 p.m.

12th Mukund Trikannad memorial All-Goa inter-school U-16 cricket: Adarsh HS, Margao v. Mata Secondary School, Vasco, 8. 30 a.m.

Ranji Plate Cricket: Goa v.

Tripura, GCA stadium, Alto Porvorim, 9 a.m.

Pg 15

SPORTS GOA, Wednesday, 8 December, 2010

Dempo have a point to prove against E Bengal TODAY’S FARE Dempo Mohun Bagan AIFF XI Mumbai FC

v. E Bengal v. HAL v. ONGC v. Pune FC

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 7

An exciting contest is on the cards, when champions Dempo Sports Club take on Federation Cup winners East Bengal in a second round match of AFFI’s ILeague at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday at 3.45 p.m.

Dempo and East Bengal are determined to adopt a positive attacking approach and go allout for a win to grab full three points.

Dempo will have the physio-

logical advantage over their opponents after securing a comfortable 3-1 win over East Bengal in the Super Cup just a week back at Gurgaon. Playing at home makes Super Cup champions the favourites, but a string of injuries to key players means chief coach, Armando Colaco will have to shuttle his resources around.

Defenders Valeriano Rebello and Creson Antao have long term injuries and to add to that international striker, Joaquim Abranches and midfielder Joe Rodrigues, will not be available for the crunch tie after aggravating their injuries, leaving Colaco very few options.

“At the moment, our injury list is piling up and this makes

us the underdogs for tomorrow’s match. We are short on players and until everybody gets back into shape we remain as underdogs for the elite ILeague,” explained Colaco. He added that his team will put up everything to notch up a win.

Dempo’s injury woes forced chief coach Colaco to provide a debut start to youngsters, Myron Fernandes and Jessel Carneiro, while talented wing back Shallum Pires is also expected to get a big chance.

Colaco described East Bengal as a strong side and tough opponents. “We are playing a tough team, which is capable of defeating the best, East Bengal has enough depth and is a quality side, but for our young

side, this is an opportunity to showcase their abilities and win the match. With that, I would hope that we’ll not get additional injuries,” stated Colaco.

Dempo will start with Nigerian striker, Ranty Martins.

Cliffton Gonsalves or Cavin Lobo will spearhead the attack. Nigerian Ogba Kalu will marshall the midfield along with Godwin Franco, Nicolau Borges and Peter Carvalho.

John Dias will have a big role to play at the back alongwith Domnic Noronha, Deburata Roy and Marcus Peixioto. Laxmikant Kattimani will stand under the bar.

East Bengal don’t face any injury or suspension hassles and are in a position to field the best

possible line-up for the crucial encounter. They had strenuous workouts at Nehru Stadium on Tuesday morning with coach Trevor Morgan, concentrating on short passing and the former Hull City Development coach expressing confidence of securing a victory leaving the memory of losing the Super Cup encounter behind.

“For us it’s a thing of the past but we are confident of winning tomorrow’s match. Dempo are a good side and have good players in their ranks. They have a good record - winning four League crowns in five years. We will have to be very sharp and cannot afford to relax. The boys are in fine shape and are looking forward to go out and win. I am

Bye for Dempo, AFC play-off on Feb 19 HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 7

The winners of 35th National Yoga Championship, Haryana with chief guest Ramakant Angle, Kishor Narvekar, Chairman, Madgaum Urban Cooperave Bank, Subash Naik, Navin Acharya, Goa Yoga Association secretary at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Tuesday. Nhehern Acharya won 2 gold medals in artistic and yogasanas display. Rudraksh Kelkar, Enidd Cotta and Nirmala won the 6th places.

Goa meet Tripura in must-win tie today PTI PORVORIM, DEC 7

Hosts Goa will aim for an outright victory to boost their chances of making it to the knock-out stages during their final Ranji Trophy Plate A league match against bottom-placed Tripura at the GCA Academy ground here beginning tomorrow.

Goa, who are placed third with 11 points from four matches behind Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan who have 15 points each from as many matches, will qualify for the knock-out stage if they score an

outright victory and also defeat either Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan in their final round matches.

Following an outright win against Jharkhand at home and three points against Hyderabad in an away match, Goa have put themselves in the fray to qualify for the business stage of the country's premier domestic cricket tourney.

“Our boys have played according to the plan in the last two matches which gave us a chance to qualify for the next stage. I hope they continue to score against Tripura as we are

expecting an outright win," said Goa coach Rajesh Kamath.

Reagan Pinto, who scored three centuries in the last two matches will lead the hosts' batting alongwith Ajay Ratra, Vaibhav Naik and Rahul Keni who have also contributed to the team’s cause.

Left-arm tweaker Shadab Jakati, who clinched ten wickets against Jharkhand will be looked up to in the bowling department. "If he displays the same form which he did against Jharkhand, then there is no doubt we are going to win outright," stated Kamath.

Maxi excels for Dempo Jrs HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 7

Maxi Menezes netted four goals as Dempo Sports Club Juniors trounced Santo Estevam Sports Club 16-0 at Santo Estevam ground on Tuesday. Dempo led 10-0 at the lemon break.

Nitesh Mangeskar, Mclister Paes and Yobrindra Thappa scored three goals each. Nerry Alphonso, Harsh Tiwari, and Sanford Rodrigues chipped in with a goal each.

Dempo Juniors manager, Babu Arolkar was happy with the performance. “The team played well and I am happy the boys have started their campaign on a winning note,” remarked Babu.

The battle lines were drawn for the 2011 AFC Cup with the draw for the group stage on Tuesday throwing up intriguing encounters across the continent.

Dempo have been given a bye in the West Region. They will play in away match on February 19 with the winners of another play-off to decide which one team will proceed for the AFC Champions League. Should Dempo lose, they will proceed for the AFC Cup. Twenty-eight teams came out of the pots to be slotted into eight groups of four teams each.

Four teams that miss out on the AFC Champions League will complete the line-up. Five groups are in the West and three in the East.

2010 AFC Cup runners-up Kuwait’s Al Qadsia were placed in Group B alongside the AFC Champions League Play-off 1 loser, Yemen’s Al Saqr and Uzbekistan’s Shurtan.

Inaugural AFC Cup champions Al Jaish from Syria and Jordan champions Al Faisaly, who won two consecutive titles in 2005 and 2006 and were runners-up to Shabab Al Ordun in 2007, look strong in Group C to take the top two berths after being slotted with Al Nasr (Kuwait) and Iraqi champions Duhok.

In Group E, attention will be focused on Syrian giants Al Karamah, who finished runnersup in the 2006 AFC Champions League and 2010 edition of the AFC Cup, and 2009 Iraq champions Arbil after they were pooled with Al Ahed of Lebanon and the winner of Oman’s Sultan Cup between Fnjaa and Al Oruba.

2009 AFC Cup winners Kuwait SC will battle it out for one of the top two spots, which guarantees a place in the Round of 16, with Al Talaba (Iraq), Al Wehdat (Jordan) and Al Suwaiq (Oman).

Group A will see AFC Champions League Play-off (West) 2 loser, Al Ansar (Lebanon), Nasaf (Uzbekistan) and Al Tilal (Yemen).

In the East division, focus will be on Group H with South China (Hong Kong) and Chonburi FC (Thailand) in the fray with East Bengal (India) and Persipura Jayapura (Indonesia).

confident that we will win,” explained Trevor, when the media men asked for his views on the big match. Trevor also complimented those concerned, for the lush greenery at the stadium.

For East Bengal, Nigerian playmaker, Prem Orji and Australian striker, Tolgay Ozbey will be danger men for the hosts. The redand-gold brigade has also some well known faces when it comes to goalkeeper Sandip Nandy, Alvito D’Cunha, Mehtab Hussain, Sushant Mathew and Soumik Dey. East Bengal could create a lot of problems for the holders of the I-League title, whose brittle defense will have to improve considerably, if the Goans need to keep their record going against the Bengal foes.

Sunshine Boys win

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 7

Sunshine Boys beat Khalpora Boys 1-0 to win the finals of the football tournament organised

by Sunshine Sports Club on De-

cember 5.

Mahendra Madkaikar netted the match-winner. Kundan Bhomkar, panch of Carambolim was the chief guest while Dinesh Usgaonkar was the guest of honour.

pg16_Layout 1 12/8/2010 12:22 AM Page 1

SPORTS

Goa meet Tripura in must-win tie today Pg 15

Gilbert’s brace saves Salgaocar Pg 14

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

Yusuf’s ton flattens Kiwis PTI BANGALORE, DEC 7

Yusuf Pathan celebrates after scoring a century during the fourth ODI match in Bangalore on Tuesday.

New Zealand: M Guptill c Yuvraj Singh b A Nehra 30, B McCullum c R Sharma b Ashwin 42, J M How c Yusuf Pathan b A Nehra 4, R Taylor lbw b Ashwin 44, S BStyris c S Tiwary b Y Pathan 46, J Franklin not out 98, D Vettori b Pathan 16, K Mills b Pathan 1, N L McCullum not out 13.

Extra: 21. Total: 315 for 7. Fall of Wicket: 1-62, 2-70, 3-91, 4-170, 5-210, 6-249, 7-251. Bowling: Z Khan 8-0-40-0, P Kumar 7-0-42-0, R Ashwin 10-0-66-2, A Nehra 9-1-70-2, Yuvraj Singh 3-0-21-0, Y Pathan 9-0-49-3, R Sharma 4-0-19-0.

India: Gautam Gambhir c M Guptill b McKay 27, Parthiv Patel c sub K Williamson b N Mccullum 52, Virat Kohli c Mills b Mckay 0, Yuvraj Singh c J.How b N Mccullum 20, Rohit Sharma c D Vettori b T Southee 44, Yusuf Pathan not out 123, Saurabh Tiwary not out 37. Extra: 17. Total: 321 for 5.

Overs: 48.5. Fall of Wickets: 1-67, 2-68, 3-103, 4-108, 5-188. Bowling: K D Mills 10-0-57-0, T Southee 10-0-64-1, A McKay 7-0-63-2, N Mccullum 7.5-038-2, S Styris 4-1-27-0, D Vettori 10-0-57-0. Man-of-the-Match: Y Pathan.

Australia collapse, England lead series AP ADELAIDE, DEC 7

Graeme Swann took three of the last six wickets to tumble today as England dismissed Australia for 304 to complete a comprehensive innings and 71-run victory in the second Ashes Test.

England wrapped up the Test and a 1-0 series lead before lunch on the final day, with Swann, Jimmy Anderson and Steven Finn combining to claim the last six wickets for 66 runs after Australia had resumed at 238-4 with high hopes of salvaging a draw or being saved by forecast rain.

"We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but if we keep these standards we have a good chance of winning the series," England captain Andrew Strauss said.

The third test starts December 16 in Perth and England, which holds the Ashes after winning at home last year, could conceivably retain the old urn by taking a 2-0 lead ahead of the fourth and fifth tests in Melbourne and Sydney.

"We've been totally outplayed this game, there's no hiding that," Australia captain Ricky Ponting said. "Now we have to find a way to get better for Perth.

"No doubt it's a bad loss for us, there's no hiding that fact, an innings and 70 runs having won the toss on a good Adelaide wicket, probably just about says it all."

Australia rallied for a stunning comeback win at Adelaide in the previous Ashes series at home,

and went on to complete a 5-0 series sweep to avenge losing the previous series in England.

But after a draw to open this series in Brisbane and the loss in Adelaide, Ponting's squad looks vulnerable to slumping to its first Ashes series loss on Australian soil in more than two decades.

After Michael Clarke was out on the last ball Monday evening to part-time spinner Kevin Pietersen, Australia's hopes rested on Mike Hussey working with the middle order and tailenders.

But Finn made the crucial breakthrough when Hussey mistimed a pull to Anderson at mid-on to depart for 52.

Three wickets in four balls effectively ended Australia's chances of a draw. Anderson had Brad Haddin caught behind for 12 and trapped Ryan Harris lbw with consecutive deliveries.

Harris' exit gave him two firstball dismissals, known as a ‘king pair’. He is only the second Australian batsman after Adam Gilchrist in 2001 who has had that dubious milestone in test cricket.

Two balls later, Swann had Marcus North trapped lbw for 22. England's appeal was initially turned down but the video umpire ruled that the ball had struck the Australian batsman in front of the stumps and would have gone on to dislodge the bails.

Swann then bowled Xavier Doherty and Peter Siddle to finish with a five-wicket haul and complete England's 100th test victory over Australia.

Australia 1st innings: 245 (M Hussey 93, B Haddin 56, S Watson 51; J Anderson 4-51).

England 1st innings: 620-5 decl (K Pietersen 227, A Cook 148, J Trott 78, I Bell 68 not out) Australia 2nd innings: (overnight 238-4) S Watson c Strauss b Finn 57, S Katich c Prior b Swann 43, R Ponting c Collingwood b Swann 9, M Clarke c Cook b Pietersen 80, M Hussey c Anderson b Finn 52, M North lbw b Swann 22, B Haddin c Prior b Anderson 12, R Harris lbw b Anderson 0, X Doherty b Swann 5, P Siddle b Swann 6, D Bollinger not out 7. Extras: 11. Total: 304 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-84, 2-98, 3-134, 4-238, 5-261, 6-286, 7-286, 8-286, 9-295, 10304. Bowling: Anderson 22-4-92-2, Broad 11-3-32-0, Swann 41.1-12-915, Finn 18-2-60-2, Collingwood 4-0-13-0, Pietersen 3-0-10-1.

Liverpool win

AGENCIES LIVERPOOL, DEC 7

Liverpool handed the returning Gerard Houllier a morale-sapping defeat Monday, beating Aston Villa 3-0 to move up to eighth in the Premier League.

David Ngog, Ryan Babel and Maxi Rodriguez scored to spoil Houllier’s first competitive return to Liverpool since his sixyear spell in charge of the club ended in 2004.

Liverpool rose four places to 22 points, a h e a d o f We s t Bromwich Albion on goal difference and seven points behind the Champions League qualif ying places.

Houllier’s Villa side is just two points above the relegation zone in 16th place.

Liverpool created the platform with two goals in three first-half minutes at Anfield, with Ngog getting the first in the

14th. Martin Skrtel’s header from a corner kick was heading just wide of goal, but Ngog dived to head it past goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Villa hardly touched the ball before conceding the second goal. Lucas Leiva chipped a pass for ward to Babel and the Netherlands forward smashed a shot across Friedel and into the net.

Babel came close to scoring again but Maxi got the third in the 55th, with a right-foot shot into the top corner from about 18 meters (yards).

Liverpool’s fif th straight home win leaves it 10 points behind leader Arsenal, which moved into top spot with a 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday.

The Gunners overtook Manchester United after its rival’s game against Blackpool was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

Yusuf Pathan butchered the New Zealand bowlers as he struck a 79-ball century to guide India to a fantastic five-wicket victory in the fourth ODI here today.

Courtesy Yusuf's (123, 96 balls, 7x4, 7x6 and three for 49) allround performance, India now lead the five-match series 4-0.

When Kyle Mills came on to bowl the 43rd over India needed 72 runs off 42 deliveries. The senior Pathan hit Mills for three boundaries and a huge six over mid-wicket. He took 21 runs from the over and brought equation down.

In the next over he hit Andy McKay for a flat batted tennis shot over long to complete a well deserved maiden century in ODIs. The best of the seven sixes was the one off Mills which was hit more than 100 metres hitting the roof of the stadium and disappearing further.

Even an hour's delay due to rain couldn't stop Yusuf as he lifted Vettori for a huge six of the first delivery he faced after break.

Yusuf had two fruitful partnerships -- first with Rohit Sharma (44, 48 balls, 4x4, 1x6) when they added 80 runs in 13.5

overs and then 133 runs with Saurabh Tiwary (37 not out 3x4, 1x6) for the sixth wicket This was incidentally the highest run-chase in an ODI at this ground. It was young Saurabh who finished the proceedings with a six off Nathan McCullum.

Parthiv Patel (53, 57 balls, 8x4) playing his first one day match after six and half years got his maiden ODI fifty.

Along with skipper Gautam Gambhir (27, 24 balls, 4x4), he added 67 runs for the first wicket before Gambhir was out trying to cut a widish delivery from left-arm seamer Andy McKay. Virat Kohli (0) who has been in splendid form was out when he mistimed a hook shot after McKay dug in one short and was holed out at long leg where Kyle Mills took a simple catch.

Patel whose innings was full of flashy shots through the thirdman and point region completed his fifty in the company of Yuvraj Singh (20) who started off with a six but couldn't get elevation trying to hit off-spinner Nathan McCullum over mid-wicket as Jamie How took a smart low catch.

Earlier, James Franklin once again turned out to be an unlikely hero with the willow as his smashing innings of an unbeaten 98 from only 69 deliveries helped

New Zealand reach a commanding 315 for seven in 50 overs.

After scoring 70 in the previous match at Vadodara, Franklin hit 12 boundaries and three huge sixes today during his 88minute stay at the wicket. The southpaw hit couple of sixes and boundaries each as 22 runs were scored off Ashish Nehra's over which was the 50th of the innings.

It was due to Franklin's mayhem that Black Caps managed 63 runs in the last five overs as they crossed the 300-run mark.

Along with Nathan McCullum (13 no), Franklin, who came to bat in the 30th over added 64 runs for the eighth wicket after the Indian bowlers were successful in stopping the flow of runs during the middle overs when it didn't look like the visitors would be able to cross 300-run mark.

Earlier, put into bat New Zealand openers Martin Guptill (30, 25 balls, 5x4) and Brendon McCullum (42, 42 balls, 8x4, 1x6) showed positive intent right from the onset as they went after both Zaheer Khan and Praveen Kumar who made a comeback in this match.

McCullum in fact stepped out and slashed hard for a six off Praveen while Guptill also hit a number of boundaries. However,

Ashish Nehra had the last laugh when he got Guptill after being hit for successive boundaries with Yuvraj Singh taking a good catch in the cover region.

Nehra got his second wicket when Jamie How (4) poked at an away going delivery and Yusuf Pathan standing at widish second slip fumbled but ended up taking the catch.

McCullum who looked good for a big score was sent back by offie Ravichandran Ashwin when his mistimed aerial shot was smartly taken by Rohit Sharma standing at mid-wicket.

The score was 91 for three at that stage. Then there was a 78run fourth wicket partnership between Ross Taylor (44, 73 balls, 3x4) and Scott Styris (46, 48 balls, 3x4, 1x6). The duo didn't take any undue risk as they took the score to 170 before Styris was holed in the deep by Saurabh Tiwary off Yusuf Pathan's bowling.

Pathan (three for 49) turned out to be the most successful bowler as he made good use of the bowling Powerplay as he was able to breach through the defences of rival skipper Daniel Vettori (17) and Kyle Mills (1).

Ashwin in the meantime got his second wicket when he was able to trap Taylor plumb in front.

Pg16

Serbia seal first Davis Cup title AGENCIES BELGRADE, DEC 7

Viktor Troicki sealed Serbia's first Davis Cup title with a straight-sets win over Michael Llodra in Belgrade.

Troicki, the world number 30, won 6-2 6-2 6-3 after Novak Djokovic had earlier levelled the tie with a similarly dominant win over Gael Monfils.

Troicki's success sent a partisan home crowd into wild celebrations after the 24-year-old, who was born in the city, had

been drafted in to replace Janko Tipsarevic for the do-or-die encounter.

Troicki responded with arguably the finest match of his young career as he revelled in the home support and outplayed a French opponent ranked seven places higher than him.

The mood inside the Belgrade Arena had already been stoked after an emotional 6-2 6-2 6-4 win from Djokovic, who wore his heart on his sleeve in typical style.

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HeartBeat

Wednesday, 8 Dec 2010

Celebrating the Feast of Panjim Church Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

December holds a special place in the hearts of the Christian c o m m u n i t y. T h o u g h m o r e popular for the joyous feast of Christmas, it also marks the feast of the Immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES he Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception stands tall in the capital city in all its glory, and with the beginning of the month of December, Goa gets ready to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8.

Contrary to common belief, this day commemorates the conception of Mary and not that of Jesus Christ. “The feast is celebrated in honour of the conception of the mother of Jesus and not of Jesus himself,” said a priest from the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Panjim. Mother Mary herself was of immaculate birth, i.e., born without original sin and the feast is celebrated nine months before the nativity of Mother Mary on September 8. Although this feast was celebrated as the immaculate conception of the most holy mother for centuries before, it was not until 1859 when Pope Pious IX declared a dogma about the immaculate conception of Mary. “A dogma can be translated as ‘an infallible truth’,” says Fr Feroze Fernandes. “The feast of Immaculate Conception was first celebrated as early as the 5th century by the eastern churches; this is the case with many of the other rituals surrounding the Virgin Mary. It was not until the 8th or 9th century that the Western churches adopted these traditions,” says Fr Feroze.

The feast celebrated by the residents of Panjim as well as Margao calls for a whole lot of fervour and excitement, especially in the capital city as this is the only feast celebrated by the city. “As the Immaculate Conception feast is the only feast of the ‘Panjimkars’, it is celebrated with fun and frolic” says Panjim resident, Menino Da Cruz.

The church is lit up in all its grandeur and the altar is set for the High Mass. “We have a fair every year at the church square and traditionally

T

there were stalls selling sweets and souvenirs,” says Menino. Although last year the fairs were shifted to the Parade Ground in Campal, this year the festivities are back to the heart of the city. This fete used to be something to look forward to in the days when there were no other forms of entertainment and it continues to be a meet-

ing ground for people of all ages.

When asked about the changes over the years in the way of celebration, Menino replies, “I think times have changed. Earlier we used to have less money and more fun, but now we have loads of money but no fun.” Explaining this further, he adds, “Everything has become so commercialised.” The commercialisation of the feast is probably why this year the fair is going to be restricted to only the traditional stalls.

Like every feast celebrated in Goa, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary is also celebrated with pomp and frolic, with the traditional brass bands following the High Mass.

And in the homes, the feast is celebrated with great food and festivities. “‘Sanna’ and ‘sorpotel’ are one of the favourites in most households, part of the grand feast to celebrate this grand fest,” says Menino.

Kaidea bhair cholxi, sonkottank sampoddxi - Anonymous

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Motherhood has a ver y humanizing effect.

Everything gets reduced to essentials - Meryl Streep

Scientists develop Drought Tolerant Rice

A

new breakthrough study by scientists has led to the development of a rice crop that is not only drought tolerant but high yielding despite the lack of water. The crop has been developed by scientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the genotypes have been dispersed to other Asian countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

Originally, researchers planted different rice genotypes on two separate plots at IRRI headquarters in Los Baños. The field plots were of similar soil fertility and the crops were equally managed apart from receiving different amounts of water.

IRRI scientists were able to identify 26 second-generation aerobic rice genotypes that produced significant yields compared to the first generation crops. Initial analysis of the research found rice crops grown in drought like conditions show a decrease in plant height, harvest index, and grain yield.

The rice crops subjected to less water yielded 50 percent more than the previous generation and further gains are expected as the cycle is repeated.

“Aerobic rice is a good strategy for coping with the increasing water shortage and ensuring rice food security in tropical regions. A breeding protocol is key to the success of a breeding programme in developing new aerobic rice varieties,” said Dule Zhao, one of the authors of the study. Aerobic rice breeding studies are continuing at IRRI. Researchers are attempting to develop rice crops that are also weed competitive and high quality.

(ANI)

The Deeper Meaning of Life through Art ‘An Evolved Soul Poetry, Philosophy and Prayer on Canvas’, a recently opened art exhibition by Deepa Shah at Gallery Gitanjali will be open to all till December 11. Herald spoke to the artist behind these colourful works

New Technique recovers ‘Unrecyclable’ Cartons and Stickers

A

Thai firm has developed a technology that can recover pulp from laminated and other paper previously impossible to recycle. Paijit Sangchai’s firm, Flexoresearch, has developed a series of blended enzymes that can recover pulp or fibre from laminated paper such as cigarette packets, stickers or milk cartons that were previously hard or impossible to recycle.

First, enzyme attacks the water-resistant chemical coating the surface, and then other enzymes take over and tackle the paper and adhesive layers.

The resulting pulp can then be used to produce new paper products thus saving trees or turned into building materials that can be used as an alternative to asbestos, which is potentially hazardous to human health. “In developing countries such as Thailand, laminated paper is usually thrown away,” Paijit said. “Most people burn it illegally and that causes toxic fumes which harm people’s health,” he added.

“For people in developing countries who suffer from the fumes and don’t know why they are sick, it can help improve their lives,” he said. The technique also produces clean plastic that can be recycled and used to produce new products.

Flexoresearch was recently named one of 31 Technology Pioneers by the World Economic Forum, which said its products were “poised to reduce the use of asbestos in the developing world, positively impacting people’s health.”

“Every country uses laminated paper, in stickers and wrappers of food. That’s all laminated and people throw it away,” he said. “I think this is a global market. I make a profit from a problem. I convert waste into wealth,” he said.

(ANI)

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES mmersed into art from the very young age of six, Mumbai based artist Deepa Shah’s interest only doubled through her sister’s artistic spirit and works. All throughout, as far as she can remember, this 21 year old mother of one said she wanted to become an artist. “Art stood strong throughout my younger days; I rarely wavered when it came to what I wanted to do with my life. I knew it was art all along,” she says, introducing her passion of the field.

Not limiting her creativity to one form of art or craft, this young woman finds raw material in almost all waste; she finds inspiration in experiences, in everyday life, and most importantly she believes in herself. Besides making

I

art, she imparts knowledge to art students too, giving art classes. She conducts classes at her place and even at students’ houses. “A lot comes from family and friends,” she says. A supportive, encouraging husband, a participative, talented daughter and all those young students are catalysts to her collection, says the artist, adding, “Teaching keeps me going. While I’m at it, I’m also learning and there is so much to learn from these young, fresh minds.”

The art in ‘An Evolved Soul Poetry, Philosophy and Prayer on Canvas’ currently on display at Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhes, Panjim is part of her first collection ever and her first to come to Goa. Its focus is the head of Gautam Buddha, surrounded by Deepa’s emotions expressed in shapes, colours, patterns and symbols. “Religion apart, the face in these paintings belongs to an androgynous soul. It began with experimenting with just one face and I knew I had to work around this concept and create many more,” she explains.

To a personality resounding with creativity, the generic question had to be asked. What does art mean to you? Not quite the generic reply: “Art is my being. It is my life. It works like meditation would work on anyone else. It relaxes me and keeps me away from negativity.”

Deepa’s family experiments with socially thought-off, alternative methods of healing, and adds topics on spirituality to their everyday conversations.

This has not only influenced Deepa as a human being, but also comes across in her work. “There is a definite overlapping,” she nods, adding, “My work is stimulated through these activities, which in turn stimulate more activity.” A continuous, spiritual and artistic cycle of growth; it really seems as if Deepa will be forever stimulated to create, to learn, to grow.

Curiosity on our part brought up this question, one maybe to be answered by a psychologist. Where does creativity come from? A few seconds of deep thought and she answers, “If I do not create by the end of the day, I cannot sleep. My day is not complete. It is a part of my living.”

Delving a bit deeper to answer the question, she says, “In my belief, it doesn’t come from anywhere. It is innate. It takes time for one to tap into their creativity. When you find it, maintain it, hone it, and cultivate it.” What are Deepa’s tips to achieving this? “Partake in activities that work both sides of the brain, the right and the left. Stimulating the left brain subsequently sharpens and brightens the right and vice versa,” she says. Something a psychologist would definitely agree too. She practices just that by involving herself in crosswords, mathematic puzzles, word games, besides writing poetry, slogans, short stories, poems, etc.

“Art takes time to give you returns, so have a plan B,” she advises the upcoming talent, “but never give up; always follow your passion.”

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Wednesday, 8 Dec 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

First Ever Goa Arts and Literary Festival will be held at the International Centre Goa in partnership with the Sahitya Academy, Goa Writers Group, Goa Konkani Academy, Gomantak Marathi Academy and Goa Tourism from December 12 to 14.

Visit www.goaartlitfest.com.

Yatra – A public art project by Patricia Geraldes, she will be doing a live installation at the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim from December 6 onwards.

Yoga sessions conducted by Hoor S Girglani are underway till December 18 from 6:30am to 7:30am at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Call 9766015762 or 2451363.

‘Our Cultural Diversity’, a workshop for in service school teachers up to the age of 48 years, organised by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi will be held till December 11. The schools intending to depute their teacher can visit the Department of Art and Culture, Patto, Panjim. Call 2438103.

A painting exhibition of contemporary abstracts of acrylic on small and large, ready to hang stretched canvas is on display at Abstract Artz World, Borda, Margao. The work on display is done by Piety D’Silva. The exhibition will be open from 4pm to 7pm from Monday to Saturday through the month of December. Visit www.piety-dsilva.artistwebsites.com. Email dasilvamaan@yahoo.com. Call 9822185185.

Festival of Carols, organised by the Kala Academy will take place on December 19 at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘Crazy Idea Competition’, organised by the Staff Club of the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula is open for registration. It will be held on the occasion of NIO Foundation Day. Visit www.nio.org/innovative ideas competition.

E-mail crazyidea@nio.org.

The 20th Ranga Sammelan

Parenting

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HOROSCOPE and Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar: Felicitation of Dr Ashok G Ranade for his contribution towards music will be held on December 17 and 18 at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

Weekend Workshops: Basic photography workshop in Goa designed for aspiring photographers who would like to experiment and achieve competence and confidence with their camera will be by Goa Centre for Alternative Photography. E-mail info@goa-cap.com. Call 9822087276.

Daily Kayaking Expeditions held by Goa Kayaking will take place till December 8 in the Mandovi, Zuari and Nerul rivers.

E-mail goakayaking@gmail.com. Call 9422056037 or 2541715.

German Culture Week, Goa, organised by the Indo-German Friendship Society of Goa, will be held from December 8 to 12. There are various programmes scheduled during the week including Rally Panjim to Anjuna with a VW Bulli, Traditional German Home Pastry Class by German Ladies, presentations and talks. E-mail info@igsg.org. Call 9960822490.

Christmas Crafting Workshops will be held this Christmas season. Call 9881696445.

The 3rd All India Annual Art Competition and Exhibition 2010, organised by Bhikuram Jain Foundation, New Delhi is open for entries. The exhibition and the award presentation ceremony will be held on February 12, 2011.

Call the Kala Academy, Panjim on 2420452.

A hi-fashion clothes and jewellery collection by couturier James Ferreira and contemporary artist Paul B will open on December 8 at RUST, Sangolda.

Solo Dance Competition for under-16 year olds, organised by Omkar Cultural Association, Colvale will be held on December 30 at Kala Academy. Registration is open. Entry forms are available at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 9673997188 or 9823306652.

Today you can choose to have a less stressful experience. Let 21 Mar - 19 Apr go of small hassles. Don't doubt yourself today -- that way lies madness. You could end up down the rabbit hole, when you really ought to be taking care of business in a new way. Believe in yourself and get ahead!

Taurus You need to take some time right now to prepare yourself for 20 Apr - 20 May the next several days. You feel more in touch with the world around you, and others can see that you know what time it is. You may be able to help a friend in need, but it may take a bit of magic on your part!

When you emGemini b a r k o n a bumpy rollercoaster ride t o d a y, go 21 May - 20 Jun against your instincts. Other people are harder to deal with than usual, but that doesn't mean that you need to give up or walk away. Perseverance pays off today, even if it feels like you're getting nowhere fast.

Go with the f l o w, a n d enjoy the freedom of not having to be the 22 Jun - 23 Jul one in charge.

Do you feel off-balance? If so, you may need to try a little adjustment -- or even a major shift -- to move yourself back into the right space. It's easier than you think to make life a little easier to handle.

Completion is important --it will give you the sense of accom24 Jul - 23 Aug plishment you need. You may be wildly enthusiastic about your new project or health discovery, but you ought to keep it to yourself for now. It's not that you're boring -- it's just that others are wrapped up in their own business, too.

If one of your friends has been acting out of character, 23 Aug - 22 Sep t h e y m i g h t need your help.

Your creative energy is vibrant now, but you need to do something about your inner critic.

It's far easier to nip promising projects in the bud than it is to risk failure. Go for something huge!

Today, try to find a balance between putting forth effort and 23 Sept - 22 Oct putting up your feet. Be extra careful today -- it's not that you're in danger, just that you've got more hazards than usual to avoid if you want to make it to your goal. As long as you keep your eyes open, all should be well.

Scorpio N o o n e c a n knock you off the cloud you are on now, no 23 Oct - 22 Nov m a t t e r h o w hard they push.

Keep the initiative today -- if you can move faster than the competition, that's pretty much all you have to do to win big. It may be tiring for the long haul, but you should still see good results as early as tonight.

Sagittarius Worrying too

Capricorn Inspiration will come in many forms today, so try to keep your 22 Dec - 20 Jan mind open and act. Your energy levels just can't be beat today -- so make the most of them! You should be able to finish up work that nobody else thought could be done, or impress exactly the right person.

Aquarius Like an onion, relationships have many layers -- as you 21 Jan - 19 Feb d i g d e e p e r, tears may come. You may be exhausted today, but if you take a little time out, you should be able to rest and recharge. Even if you can't, tonight's sleep should be more refreshing than usual. Hit it tomorrow!

The line between your private world and public 20 Feb - 20 Mar world will be crossed today.

You and your people are all bound up in webs of mutual assistance, and today highlights those bonds in a positive way. Try not to say no to any reasonable requests, and you should get similar treatment.

Aries

Libra

much about how others perceive you will 23 Nov - 20 Dec hold up your progress. Do as much as you can for yourself today. That includes meal prep, walking instead of driving and taking care of work yourself instead of delegating.

Self-sufficiency needs reinforcement now and then.

WORD OF THE DAY

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? Why is there one pink Advent candle?

killjoy Pronunciation kil-joi Function noun Meaning : a person who spoils the joy or pleasure of others; spoilsport Example Sentence The kids had just started with Little Ronny’s birthday party when uncle Smith popped in like a killjoy and made them turn down the music.

LAFFS

Advent is a four-Sunday season of preparation in the church for the arrival of Christ. For this, the advent wreath is decorated with greenery had has one large white candle, called the Christ Candle, in the middle and four candles, three purple and one pink, surrounding it. The reason for the pink candle is hidden in Lent. Though Lent was a solemn season, it also has a twinge of hope and joy with the resurrection. So traditionally, on the third Sunday of Lent, the church used to encourage not to fast, but to feast and on that day, the Pope would honour a citizen with a pink rose. When the season of Advent was instituted, the church viewed it as a mini-Lent and adopted the first four candles of Lent, changing the third candle to pink in honour of the Lenten tradition.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“I used to sell furniture for a living. The trouble was, it was my own.”

– Les Dawson DAILY GROOK FRIEND FIEND

by Francis Rodrigues french sailors strike female hearts so deep, love sailing off like their....french ship!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Pure food for poor mules Wednesday Scattered Clouds 31° C | 22° C

Riddle Me This

Sunrise 06:49 - Sunset 18:04 Moon rise 08:58 - Moon set 20:33 High 12:44

Low 06:26

TIDES High Low 11:31 18:11

15:45 Ek Aur Ek Gyarah 20:00 Hero No. 1 23:30 Dulhan Dilwale Ki 08:00 10:15 11:55 14:30 16:50 18:50 21:00 23:10

Barbershop 2 Hell Ride The Mexican Never Back Down Fled Hannah Montana Goldfinger X2: X-Men United

09:45 The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' 12:00 Bollywood Hero 13:15 Two Brothers 15:30 Cape Fear 18:30 The Mirror Has Two Faces 21:00 Bean 23:15 Angels & Demons

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

The sum of the ages of a father and son is 55. The father's age is the son's age reversed. Furthermore, the father's age is a multiple of the son's age.

How old could the two be?

High —

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

Do Qaidi Sau Din Saas Ke Nikaah EMI Kala Sona

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: A mystery

13:10 15:45 18:30 21:00 23:20

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 23:45

Reservation Road Push All the Pretty Horses The Boys Are Back Dungeons & Dragons

Aaj Ka Laawaris Rishtey Sangram Golmaal: Fun Unlimited Kareeb

12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30

Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Lapataganj Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale FIR Gutar Gu Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Papad Pol Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale

08:50 A Bronx Tale 11:15 Cruel Intentions

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00

08:00 Deewana Mastana 11:30 Style

Lahoo Ke Do Rang Shirdi Ke Sai Baba Ravan Raaj Ram Lakhan

10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30

Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Rang Badalti Odhni Geet

IDIOT BOX 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Saath Nibhana Saathiya Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Behenein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Mere Sapne Hamari Devrani Maryaada MasterChef India : Highlights Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Sasural Genda Phool Saath Nibhana Saathiya MasterChef India : Highlights Sabki Laadli Bebo Saath Nibhana Saathiya Sasural Genda Phool Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Behenein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Liye Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

11:00 Saas Bina Sasural 11:30 Comedy Circus 12:30 Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Nata Koi 13:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Krishnaben Khakhrawala 14:00 Saas Bina Sasural 14:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 15:00 Krishnaben Khakhrawala 15:30 C.I.D 20:00 Krishnaben Khakhrawala 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Kaun Banega Crorepati 22:00 Saas Bina Sasural 22:30 Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Nata Koi

11:00 Apno ke liye Geeta 11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Dil Se Diya Vachan

SUDOKU 726

12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00

Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Bhagonwali Pavitra Rishta Dil Se Diya Vachan Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Preet Se Bandhi Yeh Dori...

Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Jhansi Ki Rani Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dil Se Diya Vachan Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Jhansi Ki Rani Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Pavitra Rishta Preet Se Bandhi Yeh Dori...

Sanjog Se Bani Sangini

12:00 Gutar Gu

14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00

Minute to win it CSI: Miami : Show Stopper Step it Up and Dance SoYouThinkYouCanDance Minute to win it So You Think You Can

18:00 BreakingTheMagician'sCode 19:00 Minute to win it 20:00 Whacked Out Sports 21:00 Men 2.0 21:30 Criss Angel Mindfreak 22:00 Minute to win it

10:30 12:30 14:30 15:00 17:00 18:00

12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 18:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00

Burn Notice The Bold and The Beautiful Modern Family MasterChef Australia How I Met Your Mother Friends Modern Family The Simpsons Burn Notice MasterChef Australia Koffee With Karan How I Met Your Mother Friends MasterChef Australia Burn Notice

12:00 FIA Wtcc 2010 :12:30 Asian Tour Golf Show 13:00 Asian Tour 2010 H/ls 14:00 Barclays Premier League 16:00 Best of Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships H/ls 17:00 Game 17:30 Glitch 17:55 AFF Suzuki Cup 20:00 Best of Australian Open Tennis H/ls 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 Nike Football Locker Room 22:00 Sport Express 22:30 TNA Ppv : Final Resolution

12:00 Barclays Premier League 14:00 Atlantic Coast Conference Basketball 16:00 Bwf Super Series H/ls 17:00 Premier League Highlights 18:00 Bpl Express : 19:00 Goals!

19:30 Global Football 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 World Cup Upsets 22:00 Road to the Final 22:30 Gameplan : 1987: Australia's Campaign 23:00 Sportscenter India 23:30 Sportscenter Asia

19:00 21:00 21:30 22:30 23:30

UEFA Champions League UEFA Champions League FIFA: Futbol Mundial Italian Serie A : AC Milan vs. Brescia WWE: Bottom Line Moto GP H/ls : Gran Premi Aperol De Catalunya UEFA Champions League : FC Barcelona vs. FC Rubin Kazan Serie A Show Asian Games 2010 H/ls WWE: Bottom Line La Liga H/ls

11:00 Big Cats : Jungles 12:00 Great Migrations 14:00 True Stories : Rhino Rampage 15:00 Big : Airport 16:00 Great Migrations 17:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

18:00 Great Migrations 20:00 Nat Geo Wild : Cat 21:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 22:00 Great Migrations : Need to Breed

07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Village Wise 11:30 Success Mantra 12:00 Flavors 12:30 Talking Talkies 13:00 English News 14:00 Sport light with Malaika 14:30 Noman Tuka Goa 15:00 Sangeet 15:30 Divine Praises 16:00 Feast of Immaculate Conception 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 HCN Fine Tunes 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Village Wise 21:30 Musical Show 22:00 English News 23:00 Feast of Immaculate Conception Note: Subject to Change

Instructions for Sudoku 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

SUDOKU SOL 725

HERALD CROSSWORD - 726 Across 1- Cease; 5- Conducted; 8Court order; 12- Claw; 14- An apple or a planet will have this at the centre; 15- Bang-up; 16Coeur d'___; 17- Anger; 18Dunce; 19- Music symbol; 21Book of elementary principles; 23- Digit of the foot; 24- Shoebox letters; 25- RR stop; 26Seaport in N Spain; 30- Capital city of Yemen; 32- Bellowing; 33- Slopes bordering a river; 37- Sailors; 38- Penalized; 39Informal greeting; 40- Persistent; 42- Warble; 43- Wears well; 44- Add fizz; 45- Botanist Gray; 48- Draft org.; 49- "___ and hers"; 50- Surroundings; 52Concordant; 57- Jason's craft; 58- Greek fertility goddess, sandvicensis; 55- OPEC member; 56- Fluidflightless bird; 60- Mimicry; 61- Corn powder; filled sac; 59- Yes, in Yokohama; 62- "…countrymen, lend me your ____"; 63Grannies; 64- Finishes; 65- Bro or sis; 66- Fast time; SOLUTION - 725 Down 1- Attempt; 2- Currency unit in Western Samoa; 3- Corrida cries; 4- Soprano Lily; 5- Idle away time; 6- Unit of energy; 7- Intensified; 8- Dry watercourse; 9- Chambers; 10- Bay; 11- Aquarium fish; 13- Drink of the Gods; 14- Native Canadian; 20- Elton's john; 22- Back; 24- Roof overhangs; 26- Inner layer of a quilt; 27- Dies ___; 28- Bereft; 29- Basic; 30- Nasal cavity; 31Detest; 33- Tumults; 34- Verdi heroine; 35Russian no; 36- Cabbagelike plant; 38- Cracks; 41- Beer buy; 42- Sycophant; 44- Atmosphere; 45- Astonish; 46- Femme fatale; 47- Chilly; 49Lukas of "Witness"; 51- Charged particles; 52Aromatic plant; 53- Fall birthstone; 54- Branta

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Wednesday, 8 Dec 2010

Decking up for Christmas

Parenting

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Photos by Dolcy D’Cruz

D

HERALD FEATURES eck the halls with boughs of holly, ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so get out all the decorations and begin making your house, one filled with joy and happiness. Though the season of Advent begins on the last Sunday of November, the decorations usually make its presence gradually before Christmas. J D Fernandes, one of the first stationary and decoration stores in Panjim has already put up their decorations. Christmas trees, reindeers, snowman and Santa Claus all welcome customers into the store that has everything for everyone. Customers can choose from a variety of decorative items that include hollies, mistletoe, bells, trinkets, streamers and candles.

“We display the decorations at the beginning of Advent itself. That is the time when we should start preparing for Christmas. This year, we have introduced a new variety of decorations like big coloured baubles and bells, Christmas trees and even Christmas stickers of Santa Claus and snowman.

The decorations are long lasting and can be used for many Christmas season if stored properly. These stickers which can be stuck on glass and cars are made without traditional gum so they can be reused for at least five times. These decorations cannot be found in the market for such reasonable pricing,” says Oswald Fernandes, proprietor of J D Fernandes, which is located opposite the Municipal Garden, Panjim.

Soul Poetry, Philosophy and Prayer on Canvas Photos by Herald Features

Goa Revels in Cuban Spirit HERALD FEATURES wenty three works of artist Deepa Shah hang from the walls of Gallery Gitanjali in Panjim. Primarily done with acrylic on canvas, a medium the artist says she began working with in the recent past, there is also a usage of a wide variety of effects through scratching, shading, etc. A big fan of the colour of the rainbows and in every shade, she states that she makes sure her work contains all the colours she can use, making the final product something of an explosion of colours, as seen in the exhibition. Though the work comes across as deeply spiritual, it has a very modern feel to it. She agrees, “Something you can hang in your bedroom, study, living room and office too.”

The exhibition is open till December 11.

T

HERALD FEATURES nternationally acclaimed band Deep Central brought out the Cuban spirit in Goa as Havana Club presented Havana Club-Deep Central Live at Café Mambo on Sunday, December 5, 2010. The crowds rocked to the beat of Deep Central and asked for more all through the night.

Havana Club collaborated with Deep Central – a contemporary Romanian dance music band with Doru Todorut, the voice of the band, and George Calin, responsible for the mixing who have hit singles such as ‘Cry it away’, ‘In Love’ and ‘Russian girl’ to their credit.

Speaking at the event, artists of Deep Central commented, “We are excited about our association with Havana Club and it’s a treat to perform in India.”

I

MUSIC REVIEW

BY COLIN SAVIO COELHO colin.coelho@gmail.com

Creativity to the Fore

BY COLIN SAVIO COELHO riginal music is a healthy trend that has hit Goa of late. There are so many talented musicians and lyricists today. This is surely something that Goa can speak of with a sense of pride and satisfaction.

L’Amour, another brainchild of Amul Mainkar has begun this trend that has hit Goa today. The eight tracks in the album are all original.

Some of the singers featured on the album are from amongst the best young talent Goa has produced. The music is a mix of both slow rhythms and upbeat tempos.

The treats offered by L’Amour all begins with Love me too. This one, sung by the well-known face of Goan music Jus’ Leo has a nice blend of music with plenty of Indian instruments on offer. The next track Pausa Disani by Goa’s upcoming talented singer Ulfa Khwaja begins with a pleasing ad-lib with some piano accompaniment. Later it takes off into a smooth ballad.

O

Listen to my heart again sung by Jus’ Leo is a blend of English and Konkani in this predominantly Konkani album. The track begins with a very intense flute introduction. Mog di re has the thrilling voice of Ulfa again and this is one of those songs which is a little more upbeat.

Another famous face of Goan music to feature on this album is Sonia Shirsat. She puts her heart and soul into the song Venget majha.

The distinctive voice of Sonia adds to the elegance of the music in the song. The mellifluous voice of Sameer Karpe is introduced with Sapana majhin.

The only Hindi track in the album Duniya Meri is sung with gusto

by Ulfa. The whole album ends with an instrumental called Sunset Love that is expressed prominently by a flute recital.

The music is very intricately put together. The singers have also performed with great élan. L’Amour is true to its French meaning. It does propagate its extreme affection towards music and originality.

This is surely a great attempt to promote creativity and originality.

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Wednesday, 8 Dec 2010

Pg4

H

ollywood superstar Johnny Depp showed his artistic skills by painting his famous ‘Jack Sparrow’ character from the Pirates of the Caribbean series on a restaurant’s wall.

Depp shot his upcoming film The Tourist with Angelina Jolie in Venice for three months and was a regular visitor at the Italian restaurant.

“I even let him do a self portrait on the ceiling of the pizzeria and he signed it – we have a great picture of him standing on a step ladder painting it,” restaurant owner Cristiano Vitale said.

“With Depp’s self portrait on the ceiling, that’s one Venice pizzeria he can certainly call his own,” he added.

The 47-year-old actor also experimented behind the bar by mixing cocktails for customers and staff.

“Johnny was the life and soul of the party and he treated us like we were part of his family – we had some great nights in the bar and he brought his wife and children in for dinner a couple of times,” said the owner, adding, Depp promised to re-visit the place.

The Tourist is due for release in America next month.

Y

ana Gupta is making headlines again. This time around, it is due to reports that a UK men’s magazine is offering her a crore to pose nude on the cover.

With the recent ‘no panty’ escapade, Yana has become one of the hot searches on the Internet, getting her plenty of eyeballs.

This UK ‘bare-all’ offer was made shortly after a social activist filed a case against Yana, the photographer and the event organiser of the charity where Yana was spotted.

Rizwan Ahmed, a self-proclaimed activist from Lucknow, was appalled with the photos of the Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo girl doing the rounds, while she coined and titled herself the ‘no panty girl’, instead of making an apology.

Ahmed was also of the opinion that the Yana and the photographer had created this as a publicity stunt. Otherwise why would such a ‘malfunction’ happen at a children’s charity, no less.

Post the allegations, Yana Gupta is believed to have gone underground. But she is expected to be seen grooving in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 4.

The stem of all allegations was when Yana had been clicked sporting no panties and a plunging neckline at a children’s charity event.

Hiking inspires Hilary Swank

Don’t invade my personal space: Purab

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scar-winning actress Hilary Swank gets inspired whenever she goes hiking with her dogs as she has nothing else to think about then. The Million Dollar Baby star often goes climbing in the Hollywood Hills with her dogs which helps her to have a clear mind and come up with good ideas.

“When I climb, I sometimes get good ideas. I’m not supposed to be doing anything else, so things pop up. It’s interesting,” said the 36year-old actress. Swank, who grew up in a trailer park says she is determined to succeed in whatever she does and isn’t afraid to make risky choices.

“I think you can change your fate. Everyone, every day, can make a choice in how they want to live their life. I’m all about making choices,” she said. Swank also insisted that her upbringing played a very vital role which made her to appreciate the good things in life and not let the bad times bring her down.

“You hear people say, ‘Oh, I didn’t get that bonus,’ or, ‘I got fired.’ And look, I’ve experienced not getting that bonus and I’ve gotten fired. I feel it and say, ‘That sucks.’ I get depressed.

I cry. I have feelings. I don’t gloss over them. But then, after that, I pick myself up, brush myself off and say,’ Why did this happen? What am I supposed to learn?’,” she added.

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eejay-turned-actor Purab Kohli is disturbed at media reports about his dwindling, threeyear-old marriage with theatre actress Yamini Namjoshi. He says his personal space must not be invaded. “Everything isn’t meant for public discussion and especially when those are personal matters that involve families. It’s important that people realise where to draw the line and respect the sanctity of our personal space,” Purab posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

According to reports, the Rock On actor is now living with his mother, after his relation with his wife started getting sour. The couple dated for six years before settling into matrimony. A source familiar with the matter revealed, “Though the couple have been together for nine years, in the past few months, they began facing problems. They are giving each other some time and space.

They have not even gone for counselling.”

Rumour has it that Purab came close to co-star Gul Panag while shooting for their upcoming film, Turning 30, so much so that the actor’s wife had to pay special visits at the shoots. It seems that Purab and Gul got so lost while sharing a lip-lock in a scene that they did not even hear director’s ‘cut’ and continued kissing each other.

Prakash Jha’s Turning 30 focuses on Naina, a young, independent girl who realises being jobless and manless as she turns 30. Set in Mumbai, the film is a light, heart-warming journey of a woman and her struggle with love, life and work.

India’s Cougar Couples

IT could help Prevent and Treat Depression

When a Man loves an Older Woman

omebody has very rightly said love knows no age. At a time when the dynamics of marriage are changing rapidly and youngsters are experimenting with their lives, ‘cougar’ relationship is a new phrase catching up among them.

The term cougar refers to a relationship where a woman is romantically involved with a much younger man and it was the theme of the 2009 film ‘Wake Up Sid’. Audiences loved watching Ranbir Kapoor falling in love with the older Konkona Sen Sharma.

“This trend is not so uncommon in India. It has been around for some time now. And, yes, Indian sensibilities are not in conflict with such relationships,” said psychiatrist Sanjay Chugh. “The phenomenon, whether people like it or not, is increasingly coming out in the open. In the past too, such relationships existed but were not talked about too much,” he added.

Quite a few Hollywood celebrities have had successful ‘cougar’ marriages and the recent example is Demi Moore who is enjoying marital bliss with 15-year younger actor Ashton Kutcher.

In India, the most publicised cougar couple was Saif Ali Khan who married Amrita Singh way back in 1991. She was 12 years older than him.

Their marriage had raised a lot of eyebrows, with people questioning the compatibility and the big age-gap, but it lasted a good 12 years. In 2004 they got divorced.

Samir Parikh, a consultant psychiatrist at Max Healthcare, says anything unusual is bound to get attention. “Anything which is slightly different raises eyebrows for a while. This happens more so with celebrities because they are so much in the public glare and the reactions are all the more manifest,”

Parenting

Johnny Depp turns Graffiti Artist in Venice

Yana offered a Crore to pose Nude?

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Tourism

said Parikh.

Sometimes such marriages are seen by society as an attempt by a woman to have some fun in her life or by someone who wants to tame her partner and can do so by marrying a younger man.

Chugh said: “Just as a woman would look for a father figure or fulfil her needs for protection in an older man, a man would look for a mother figure or fulfil his needs for tender care and love in an older woman.”

“Women today, just like the men, are experimenting and are also sure enough of themselves to take such chances. In this whole discussion, we must not make it a feminist thing as it is as much a woman's choice as a man's. The younger man is also, at the same time, taking the decision to marr y an older woman,” added Chugh.

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

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nformation technology and data mining techniques can be used to improve the diagnosis and treatment of depression, suggests a new study.

Depression often precedes and may cause, directly or indirectly, many chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Using information technology could bring to bear the power of computing in early diagnosis and the development of treatments.

Maja Hadzic, Fedja Hadzic and Tharam Dillon of the Curtin University of Technology have developed a system that integrates three different kinds of patient data as well as the data describing mental health of therapists and their interaction with the patients. This system can

be data-mined using standard techniques as well as modern tree-mining techniques so that patterns can be seen in the onset, treatment and management of depression.

“The data describing patients’ activities, bodily functions and feelings as well as the data describing mental health of therapists will be collected and collectively mined to reveal interesting patterns,” explained the team.

The patterns that emerge from data mining this information will not only improve understanding of the disease, but could give practitioners new insights into prevention and treatment.

Their approach balances the fact that no two cases of depression are the same as all patients are individuals and all are different whereas healthcare practitioners do observe similarities in behaviour and response to treatment between different patients.

“Patients will be able to receive highly personalised treatments, the therapists will be assisted in making evidence-based decisions, and the scientist will be able to pursue new knowledge revealing true causes of depression whilst developing more effective treatment approaches,” concluded the team.

Cell Phone Usage during Pregnancy linked to Behavioural Problems in Kids

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new study has suggested that pregnant mothers who use mobile phones regularly are likely to give birth to kids with behavioural problems, especially if those children start using mobile phones early themselves.

The study enrolled nearly 100,000 pregnant women between 1996 and 2002, with the intention of tracking their kids’ long-term health.

The mothers supplied detailed information on their lifestyle, dietary and environmental factors during and after pregnancy.

When their children reached the age of 7, the mums were quizzed again about their and their kids’ health, including behaviour, which were scored using validated assessments.

They were also asked to provide details of their mobile phone use during pregnancy and their kids’ mobile phone use.

In the new group, more than a third (35 percent) of the 7year-olds were using a mobile phone compared with 30 percent of the previous group. And whereas around one in 10 children of the previous group were jointly exposed to mobile

phones before and after birth, this applied to 17 percent of the new group.

In both groups, around 3 percent of children were considered to have borderline behavioural problems, and similar proportions were categorised as exhibiting abnormal behaviour.

Children in both groups exposed to mobile phones before and after birth were 50 percent more likely to have behavioural problems, after taking account of a wide range of influential factors. Those exposed to mobile phones before birth only were 40 percent more likely to have behavioural problems, while those with no prenatal exposure but with access to them by the age of 7 were 20 percent more likely to exhibit abnormal behaviours.

“Although it is premature to interpret these results as causal, we are concerned that early exposure to cell phones could carry a risk, which, if real, would be of public health concern given the widespread use of this technology,” the researchers concluded.

(Trends Courtesy: Agencies)

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