SEPTEMBER 9

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O HERALD O

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India: John can wait, work comes first for Bipasha Pg 9

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, thursday, september 9, 2010

Business: Deregulation of interest Pg 13 rates on radar -- RBI

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Sports: Bopanna-Qureshi reach Pg 18 US Open semis

CBI books Mickky for conspiracy, forgery THE US CONNECTION

HERALD CORRESPONDENT nEw DELhi, sEPt 8

What we frankly give, forever is our own.

George Granville

IN BRIEF Shiney Ahuja’s maid denies being raped the 20-year-old girl appeared before a fast track court on september 3, and said that she was never raped by shiney ahuja and that she had filed the complaint against the actor at the behest of the woman who had secured her the job of a maid in ahuja’s residence. -- (Pti) (detailed report on Page 9)

2 LeT men arrested in Bakery blast PTI MUMBai, sEPt 8

nearly seven months after a powerful blast ripped through Pune’s german Bakery killing 17 and wounding 56, Maharashtra’s anti-terrorism squad on wednesday claimed to have made a breakthrough in the case with the arrest of two Let operatives.

Mirza himayat Baig (29), who heads Let’s operations in Maharashtra, was arrested from Mahatma gandhi bus stand in Pune on tuesday afternoon, while his aide shaikh Lalbaba Mohammed hussain alias Bilal (27) was nabbed from subash Chandra Bose Marg in nashik tuesday night, Maharashtra ats chief Rakesh Maria announced at a crowded press conference.

Baig and Bilal were produced before courts in Pune and nashik which remanded them in ats custody till september 20 and 16 respectively for interrogation.

“Both played a key role in triggering the Pune blast. the conspiracy was hatched in Udgir town in Latur district in January this year,” Maria, additional Director general of Police, ats, said.

two days after 46-year-old former goa minister Mickky Francisco Pacheco’s stout denial of any hand in the Us immigration racket, the Central Bureau of investigation (CBi) on wednesday registered a case against him and two others he helped to travel to america on allegedly forged documents. the Benaulim MLa, who is out on bail since July 26 after 18 days in custody for allegedly murdering his close friend 28year-old nadia torrado that forced him to resign from the ministry early June, has been charged with conspiracy, cheating, forgery and certif ying forged documents to enable Pedro antonio Joanes, Daniel Raymond Fernandes travel to the United states in 2007-08. a CBi spokesman said the case names the former minister, Joanes, Fernandes and other unknown persons involved in the alleged migration racket unearthed by the Us under section 120-B read with 420, 468 and 471 of the indian Penal Code (iPC).

Pacheco is charged with entering a criminal conspiracy to help Joanes, Fernandes and other unknown persons to help them obtain crew member’s visa from the United states Consulate in Mumbai on the basis of forged documents and to facilitate their travel to the United states. the accused persons obtained the crew men employment letters with the help of Pa c h e c o b y p a y i n g h e f t y amounts, the CBi spokesman said, adding that further investigation are in progress. the CBi acted on the basis of

v Mickky Francisco Pacheco is charged with entering a criminal conspiracy to help Pedro Antonio Joanes, Daniel Raymond Fernandes and other unknown persons to help them obtain crew member’s visa from the United States Consulate in Mumbai on the basis of forged documents and to facilitate their travel to the United States. v Charges also state that they have obtained the crew men employment letters with the help of Mickky Pacheco by paying hefty amounts.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco comes out of his business office along with a CBI official.

a formal complaint received from the Bureau of Diplomatic security – a unit of the Us state Department, that Pacheco may be involved in a massive immigration and money laundering racket.

Formula One to race into India in October 2011 PTI PaRis, sEPt 8

india will host its first ever Formula one grand Prix on october 30 next year, the world governing body of the game Fia announced on wednesday, ending the country’s long wait to become a part of the F1 calendar. india will stage the 18th grand Prix on the 20-race calendar, released by the Fia after a meeting of the world Motor sport Council here. however, the indian gP is subject to Fia homologation. india’s F1 race will be held at Jaypee group Circuit, which is under construction now in greater noida, about 50 kilometres from new Delhi. in october, 2007, the Fia signed a Rs 1600 crore contract with JPsK sports Private Limited to organise an F1 race in india. the estimated cost to develop the 5.15 km circuit is about UsD 215 million with a seating capacity of 150,000. the construction work is expected to be complete by June 2011. the 2011 season will begin with Bahrain grand Prix on

March 13 and conclude on november 27 in Brazil. the Fia decided to continue the championship with 12 teams till the 2012 season, saying they could not find a team. “a number of interested parties expressed their interest. it was considered that none of the candidates met the requirements to be granted an entry into the Championship. Consequently, the allocation of the 13th team will not be granted,” a statement on Fia website said.

Meanwhile, Villeneuve had hoped for a return to F1 next season Formula 1’s governing body has turned down all the entries from teams hoping to fill the vacant 13th slot in 2011. the decision ends for ex-

world champion Jacques Villeneuve’s hopes of returning to the grid as he had lodged one of the rejected entries. the Fia said on wednesday: “none of the candidates meet the requirements to be granted an entry.” the 13th slot arose as a result of the collapse of the Us F1 team before the start of the 2010 season. among the teams applying for the vacant slot were Villeneuve’s, and another bid from the spanish outfit Epsilon Euskadi, which was one of the teams who were rejected in 2009 when the Fia approved the applications of Manor Motorsport (which became Virgin F1), Campos Meta (which became hispania) and Us F1.

though the Benaulim MLa was quick to issue denial after the report appeared about his alleged role in the racket, the bureau is believed to have backed its allegation with documents and details of banking

Software to measure mobile phone radiation REuTERS hERZLiYa, isRaEL, sEPt 8

israeli start-up firm tawkon (pronounced talk-on) has developed a software to measure mobile phone handset radiation, to help users reduce exposure to emissions without giving up their phones. tawkon’s application is already available for Research in Motion’s (RiM’s) BlackBerry phones and will be launched for google’s android-based phones and nokia’s symbian later this year. “it’s the first solution that can be downloaded to a phone,” tawkon co-founder and CEo gil Friedlander said. till now, radiation emissions had to be measured with an external device. the application monitors the phone user and if radiation levels reach a certain threshold called the ‘red zone’, an alert is sounded. the application also suggests how to minimise exposure, by simple measures like changing the phone’s position from horizontal to vertical. on many phones, the antenna is on the bottom and covered by the user’s hand, causing the phone to emit more radiation.

Connecting a ear piece or switching on the speakerphone reduces radiation exposure.

transactions. the CBi swung into action to register the case after finding substantive evidence against the former minister and those he helped shift to the United states through forgery.

in yet another distasteful revelation, it is known that absconding drug peddler Yaniv alias atala Benaim after his conditional release in June was often hooked at the house of a former drug dealer at siolim – Baba alexi. incidentally, siolim falls within the coastal belt, where atala has been barred from entering according to one of the bail conditions set by narcotics and Drugs Psychotropic substances (nDPs) Court at Mapusa on June 21. “atala booked a room at angel’s resort at Porvorim, on June 26 and amidst the period before he vanished, he lived in

alexi’s house at igrezwado along with a Russian girl,” sources informed herald. the notorious Russian’s house was abandoned since he was blacklisted and deported back to his country after a local court’s order, couple of years ago. sources further said that

the house is apparently being used for illegal trade and is known to be a hide-out for certain notorious elements, activity happening right under the police nose. with distinctive tattoo on his arms, atala was often seen driving a blue wagonR along north

goa before his sudden disappearance even as he apparently visited a restaurant at arambol for a ‘special steak’ for which he paid Rs 6,000 each. attempts by goa police to trace the israeli have hitherto proved futile, against whom the interpol has already issued redcorner notice. the department is however oblivious to the said report. “there is nothing to be said about this. we have taken action from the rime the need was felt for his presence before the investigating officer and once it was discovered he disappeared, further action of tracing him has been launched,” said the police spokesperson superintendent of (special Branch) Police at-

sleuths of the Central Bureau of investigations on wednesday evening raided the Betalbatim residence of former tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco in connection with the alleged immigration and money laundering racket, even as the Benaulim MLa said he is innocent and vowed to come out clean. the CBi officials descended at the residence-cum-business premises of the Benaulim MLa at Betalbatim and searched for records and documents. they were holed up in the building, spanning over three hours, scanning records in a bid to lay their hands on the alleged incriminating documents.

Mickky along with an official once came down from the building and entered the business premises facing the road. he was huddled with the officials for some time, before they returned back to the building. the MLa was inside the building even as the CBi officials conducted the search. some of his supporters were seen near his residence this evening, as the raid continued late in the night.

Pacheco on sunday said that the investigating agencies were free to check all records, and that he would make available the records to the CBi for scrutiny. the Benaulim MLa appeared calm and composed when he spoke to media over the telephone, with the former minister saying he would come clean on the issue.

“Let the CBi conduct investi-

HERALD REPORTER PanJiM, sEPt 8

the Entertainment society of goa seems to be set for another showdown with the Directorate of Film Festival over the organisation of the forthcoming international Film Festival of india. the Esg has expressed displeasure over Union Ministry of information and Broadcasting move to take over majority of the role in hosting iFFi. sources in the Esg told herald that the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the iFFi, to be held in novemberDecember, is unacceptable to the Esg. “the Esg governing council met today and discussed the draft sent by Directorate of Film Festival (DFF), which in its current form is unacceptable to Esg,” sources informed adding “the MoU intends to take away majority of role from Esg.” sources further informed that according to the MoU most of the rights will go to DFF. sources stated that DFF has recommended that the events like red carpet to various artists be handled by them, which was

Visited Arambol restaurant for ‘special steak’ of Rs 6,000 Yaniv alias Atala Benaim after his conditional release in June last lived in the house of a former drug dealer Baba Alexi at Igrezwado, Siolim along with a Russian girl. The house is allegedly being used for illegal trade and is known to be a hide-out for certain notorious elements.

HERALD REPORTER MaRgao, sEPt 8

All is not well for IFFI 2010

Atala lived in Siolim with Russian girl HERALD REPORTER PanJiM, sEPt 8

Residence-cum-business premises raided

maram Deshpande. atala who is allegedly linked to Roy, home Minister Ravi naik’s son jumped bail during the first week of august and has since been missing with speculations he might have been killed by another group of drug mafia in goa. the alleged drug peddler was arrested on March 11, after his former girlfriend Lucky Farmhouse amori uploaded videos on internet video sharing sites – youtube.com and metacafe.com wherein atala bragged his connection with goa police. six policemen were further arrested and simultaneously suspended on charges of corruption and conspiracy.

initially a mandate of Esg. “the responsibility of Esg will be restricted to only providing logistic support, which is not acceptable to us,” sources said. the meeting chaired by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat also resolved to meet information and Broadcasting Minister, ambika soni, and discuss the issue. “the delegation would be led by the chief minister,” a member said. speaking to reporters, Kamat admitted that there were some issues unacceptable to Esg in the draft MoU sent by DFF. “the members suggested various things which would be put across to the DFF,” the chief minister said.

Let the CBI conduct investigations. A thorough inquiry would help me to come out clean. I am innocent and not involved in any immigration racket nor into money laundering.

— Mickky Pacheco gations into the so called alleged immigration and money laundering racket. a thorough inquiry would help me to come out clean. i am innocent. i am not involved in any immigration racket nor into money laundering”, Pacheco told herald. he said around 15 CBi sleuths had descended at his residence this evening, looking out for documents vis-à-vis immigration, while reiterating that he is innocent and vowed to come out clean in the matter. terming the allegations as politically motivated, the former minister said that he has nothing to worry about and all the records and documents will be made available to the investigating authorities. he accused his rivals for leveling the baseless allegations after they found him gaining support and sympathy in the case of abetment to suicide.

Pacheco had on sunday stated that the investigators can check whether millions of dollars have been transacted on his account, saying that he is a businessman and have been transacting money lawfully from bank to bank.

Ohio Guv bans outsourcing PTI washington, sEPt 8

Running behind in opinion polls, ohio governor ted strickland of Democratic party, who till now was going out of his way to woo indian companies, has banned outsourcing, arguing that this undermines economic development and has unacceptable business consequences for his state.

Reacting to the order, the indian it sector, which gets 60 per cent of its export revenue from the Us, termed the move as discriminatory and said it amounts to a trade barrier. the move comes ahead of Us President Barack obama’s visit to india in november.

Why we need house committee meeting? We all members are regularly chatting on facebook

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GOA

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GOA, THURSDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER, 2010

Start process of removing Princess, HC tells govt HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday directed the State government to start process of removing River Princess vessel from Candolim shore within two months.

The Division Bench comprising of Justice D G Karnik and F M Reis also asked the government to make sure that the vessel is removed before onset of next monsoon.

Pointing out to the report submitted by the Ministry of Earth Science, the Court in its order stated that the vessel has led to immense ecological imbalance at Candolim shore.

“The vessel is in a bad shape and any further delay in its removal may lead to further weakening of it,” it added.

The Division Bench made it clear that the government has already initiated the tender process for removal of the vessel.

The State government by next

3 MMC engineers transferred HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 8

The Director of Municipal Administration has finally transferred three Margao Municipal engineers on Wednesday after they had come under the scanner of the government.

The Margao Civic body today received a fax message transferring Vishal, Diptesh and Suhas to Mormugao, Curchorem and Canacona Municipalities respectively.

MMC Chief Officer Y B Tawde confirmed that his office has received the fax message transferring the three engineers. He, however, feigned ignorance about the reasons behind the transfer of the engineers, saying that no reasons was mentioned in the transfer order.

Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao had last week told media that three Margao Municipal engineers have come under the scanner of the government following complaints from the Chief Minister and members of the Public.

Alemao had announced that the engineers will be transferred after consulting with the Chief Minister.

This is perhaps the first time that the government has transferred Margao Municipal engineers. Last time around, there was a hue and cry made by the City Fathers for the transfer of an engineer, but the proposed was grounded for reasons best known to the government.

week will submit the name of the company, to whom the tender is allotted.

The State government last week had told Court that Salgaonkar Mining Industries Pvt Ltd (SMIPL) would be given preference to tow the vessel as they are the actual owners and are ready to take the vessel free of cost. M/s Titan Salvage and M/s Madgaonkar Salvage are the other two bidders.

When the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday morning, River Princess Hatao Manch (RPHM) through their lawyer Nigel D’Costa objected to SMIPL taking part in the tender process.

“How can SMIPL take part in the tender process when they are responsible for grounding of the vessel?” D’Costa questioned. As such, court observed that there is no consent among the parties and decided to pass a judicial order over the petition.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed

by River Princess Hatao Manch (RPHM), which had complained about the environment degradation caused by the stranded vessel during the last ten years.

D’Costa also objected to the manner the vessel is removed and stated that though there is urgency in removal of the vessel, it cannot be towed.

He submitted to the court that as per the report filed by experts from Ministry of Earth Science and National Institute of Ocean Technology, the vessel is not in a position to be broken and towed.

However, the court did not consider the objection over the manner it is to be removed as the matter is pending and there is no enough material submitted before the court.

The court also directed the government to continue with their suggestions to control further environment degradation.

Living with HIV and AIDS is still associated with stigma and discrimination among elders as a result rendering millions of children orphans and vulnerable.

On September 15, around 25 children living with HIV in the State will put forth their problems before the Government at Clube Gaspar Dias in Miramar, here, at 3 pm, where Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar will be present.

Help India Charitable Trust has provided a platform for these children, most of them from South Goa, in association with World Vision and Zindagi to place their problems before the stakeholders concerned.

Before moving to Panjim the children will share their grievances at a consultation programme to be held from September 13 to 15 at SVD Sem-

One hurt in group fight HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

A confrontation between a group of youth in the Panjim municipal market on Wednesday evening, saw one injured and four arrests.

According to Panjim police, trouble broke out when Salim accompanied with Ganesh alias Bulli, both residents of Chimbel indulged in a heated argument with Kaif Nawabsab, which resulted in a brawl.

A fourth person – Adil Pathan of St Inez entered the fight scene to settle the issue but he was whacked and slightly injured. No weapons were used in the fight.

All four were arrested under preventive measure. The police revealed that Kaif often threatened Salim over the phone which resulted in a physical fight.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 8

The Digambar Kamat-led government appears determined to acquire land admeasuring 1.20 lakh square meters for the proposed multi-utility project despite stiff opposition from the villagers.

This became evident on Wednesday when the government ordered the South Goa district Collector to acquire the land in question. The order to acquire the land was issued under Section 7 of the Land Acquisition Act, which had now been mandatory for the government following a recent high court order.

Officials in the district Collectorate stated that the government’s order issued under Section 7 of the Land Acquisition Act clearly indicates that the government has no plans to back out from the acquisition proceedings.

Davorlim villagers had been opposing the acquisition of the land in question since the publication of Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act way back in December 2009. Their pleas against the acquisition of the

67 KTC drivers demand service regularisation HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

Sixty-seven drivers who were taken into service by Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) in 2004-2005, on contract basis has raised ante demanding that they be confirmed into service.

Matter has now reached the Labour Court and disgruntled drivers today threatened to go on agitation if their long pending demand is not fulfilled.

Though hearing on their petition was adjourned till tomorrow afternoon --when they will know for sure whether they have any of hope of getting confirmed into services – Putu Gaonkar, President of KTC Workers Union, said KTC management today declined to commit before the Labour Commissioner.

Speaking to Herald after hearing adjournment of the hearing he said as per the contract signed between the drivers and KTC management, they were assured that they will be taken into service permanently in a phased manner on completion of five years.

While twenty-drivers engaged in 2003 were absorbed, KTC dilly-dallied honouring understanding arrived at when sixtyseven drivers were hired on contract basis.

The KTC Managing Director Venacio Furtado has submitted that they have sent a proposal to the government to take in only eighteen drivers on the ground that they don’t need more drivers even as sometime back KTC had advised posts of

forty drivers, told Gaonkar.

The Managing Director Furtado who was present for today’s hearing before Labour Commissioner however avoided the media -- he just walked away when this reporter tried to question him on the issue.

Apparently, contract drivers have more issues with KTC. Alleging that they are given stepmotherly treatment, Vijay Kubal, contract driver says not only they are paid less -- Rs 175 as daily wages, even after completion of seven years for KTC, they are not entitled to public holidays. “ They cut our salar y on weekly off days in-fact, we don’t get paid even for May 1, a day which is celebrated as labour day, “says a dejected Kubal.

Was profit motive behind Dourado’s murder?

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 8

Disclosing a likely motive behind the gruesome murder of Naresh Dourado (26), Vasco DySP Mahesh Gaonkar claimed that accused Snehal Dias may have murdered Dourado for gain.

It may be recalled that Snehal Dias (19) of Non-Mon in Khariwado-Vasco was arrested on charges of murdering Dourado in the flat of his (Dourado's) brother at Chicalim

on August 2.

Sp ea k in g to med ia o n Wednesday, DySP Gaonkar informed that police has recovered all articles and valuables that went missing from the flat when the murder took place.

“Police have even recovered the camera that went missing from the flat, besides laptop and mobile phone, which the accused had sold in Vasco,” said DySP Gaonkar.

Incidentally, DySP Gaonkar said both Naresh and Snehal

HIV children to put forth their grievances HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

Govt firm on acquiring Davorlim land

inary, Raia, Salcete.

J Allen Benjamin of World Vision says the programme has been organised to know the problems and issues related to

HIV positive children. We have called those in the age group of 14 to 18 because these are bold enough to talk and put forth their grievances, he mentions.

Benjamin adds the basic aim was to identify the needs of these teenagers and empower them to live a healthy life free

from stigma and discrimination.

There are over 130 HIV-positive children in the State as per Government data, he informs.

Sunitha Shetty of Help India Charitable Trust observes the programme will also deliberate on brining in new programmes aimed at orphans and vulnerable children in the State. It is time we stand and speak out on issues of poverty, stigma and discrimination that have arose due to HIV, she adds.

Shetty says the basic objective of inviting the Opposition leader for the Panjim programme was to bring to his notice the problems of HIV infected children so that the same reach the Government.

She claims the problem of children living with HIV and AIDS is big and complex and only a few institutions are responding to the needs of children living with the disease.

knew each other very well.

For the first time, police has openly disclosed that gain could be the motive behind the murder.

It is learnt that on the night of murder, Naresh had taken Snehal to his flat in his car.

A close friend of Snehal claimed that prior to murder, the accused had met a youth near a café in Vasco. Later, the accused traveled with the deceased in the Chevrolet Spark car.

Father, daughter killed in mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, SEPT 8

In a tragic incident, father and his 10-year-old daughter were killed, while another girl was injured, after the scooter on which they were travelling met with an accident at ChinkangalShiroda on Wednesday morning.

According to Ponda Police, the accident occurred at about 8 am when the scooter (GA-01K-6835) rider was overtaking a KTC bus (GA-01-X-0338).

It is learnt that scooter rider Santosh Naik lost control over the vehicle and he along with his daughter Saloni came under the rear wheels of the bus.

Luckily, another girl, Priyanka (12) travelling on the same twowheeler escaped with minor injuries.

Colva panchayat plan for playground hits roadblock HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 8

Colva Panchayat suffered a major setback when its plan to build a football ground-cumPanchayat ghar in low lying area opposite the Church has run into rough weather.

Panchayat plan to take up filling of the low-lying land admeasuring around 30,000 sq mts has not found favour with the Town Planning department.

In a letter to the Panchayat, Chief Town Planner Morad Ahmad has rejected the Panchayat proposal for land filling.

“The proposal has been scrutinized by officials of the TCP department and found that the filling cannot be allowed as the land is catchment area. It is a

main drainage which has potential to create flooding during heavy rainfall. Hence, the proposal is rejected”, the Chief Town Planner told the Panchayat body.

The low lying land opposite the Church was acquired by the Panchayat to set up infrastructure projects, including a football ground, Panchayat ghar et al.

Deputy Sarpanch Anthony (Mama) Fernandes said that besides the football ground and Panchayat ghard, the Panchayat had planned to utilize the land for a cattle pound and parking for the Church.

“The Panchayat is aware that the Chief Town Planner has rejected the proposal for land fill-

ing. We now intend to place the matter before the Gram Sabha for an appropriate decision. Let the gram Sabha tell what action the Panchayat should take now in view of the TCP decision”, he said.

Colva Civic and Consumer Forum secretary Judith Almeida, however, expressed satisfaction that the Chief Town Planner has rejected the Panchayat proposal for land filling.

“The Chief Town Planner gave a just decision. This has to be appreciated”, Almeida said, adding that land filling of the low lying acquired land -- which acts as a water nullah and main drainage -- would have spelt ecological disaster”, Almeida added.

Communidade land, which they claimed was preserved by their ancestors for the original inhabitants of the village, fell on deaf ears when the government published Section 6 of the LA Act in June last.

The villagers had been opposing the land, amongst other grounds, that the land will be used for the setting up of a Kabrastan for the minority community.

Incidentally, the land is being acquired by the district Collector, south, who in his note, pointed out that a multipurpose utility project in South Goa was a long standing desire.

Naik pointed out that the project would cater to the needs of all the inter-linked as well as independent projects for the overall development of the society, wherein the needs of individuals from educational, social and cultural aspects would be catered.

Interestingly, the district Collector stated in his note that if the land in question is not acquired by the government, then there is every possibility of encroachments by miscreants in the land.

Rs 1 lakh stolen from car HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 8

Cash of Rs 1 lakh was stolen from the car of a contractor of Chicalim on Wednesday morning.

According to Vasco Police, some unknown person decamped with cash of Rs 1 lakh from Ganesh Kumar’s Maruti car, which he had parked near Vasco Residency Hotel.

Police further informed that the burglar damaged the side glass of the rear door of the car and fled with the cash, which was kept in the dash box of the car.

Kumar claimed that he had withdrawn Rs 1.5 lakh from a bank on Wednesday at about 10.30 am.

“I had kept Rs 50,000 in my purse and the remaining amount of Rs 1 lakh, wrapped in paper, was kept in the dash box of my car,” said Kumar.

After parking his car outside the Vasco Residency Hotel, he went to meet his client at Apna Bazar building.

However, when he returned after half an hour, he was shocked to see the rear window of his car damaged and cash missing from the car.

Vasco Police have regist e re d a c a s e a g a i n s t u n known person and is investigating the case.

People buying fruits and vegetables for Matoli in Banastari market.

Bicholim getting set for Ganesh celebrations HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, SEPT 8

Bicholim villages and surrounding areas are gearing up to celebrate Ganesh festival with zeal and enthusiasm.

The preparation for the Ganesh festival has already started with village farmers busy collecting Matoli material (traditional forest plants, which are put up above the Ganesh idol).

The collected matoli material is then sold to the people in the market premises.

These rare species comprising forest plants and fruits comes from remote areas like Latambarcem, Kudchirem, Aai, Matne, Kharpal and surrounding villages and out of the money earned after selling matoli material, the villagers celebrate their Ganesh Chaturthi.

Matoli material includes ropes of Kevni tree, which are used to tie matoli materials consisting of betel nuts, Kangoni, Kavndal, Nagul Kuda, Kallawi, Bhendi, Mauling, Sharwad Chiddo and other forest fruits to the square-

Canacona MLAs on charm offensive HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 8

With Ganesh festivities approaching fast, both Canacona MLAs are on a spree to distribute some of the food provisions required to celebrate the festival. According to sources, channa dal, razma (grams), rawa, oil and moong is distributed among most of the people celebrating Ganesh festival to the residents at Canacona and Poinguinim constituencies.

Sources informed that the needy people have to bring their ration card at one of the MLA’s residence and take necessary provisions, which is kept ready packed in separate bags.

The other MLA has deputed his men with the required provision to respective houses or has made provisions available at one of the centralized house of a locality so that it is evenly distributed and all the needy residents celebrating Ganesh festival gets it before the festival.The ration cards are reportedly sought to avoid duplication of the beneficiaries. shaped wooden frame, which is installed above the Ganesh idol.

Ganesh artists are busy giving final touches to the Ganesh idols, even as some devotees from far away places have already taken away the idols to their homes.

There are several artists in Bicholim village, who prepares Ganesh

Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza said the port town of Vasco city is all set to get a stateof-the-art bus stand on par with award winning bus stops of Cuncolim, Canacona and Honda.

D’Souza along with Transport Director Arun Desai, Architecture Rahul Despande of Rahul Despande and Association, Kadamba Transport Corporation Executive Engineer Gurudas Naik and Councillor Kritesh Gaonkar inspected the dilapidated Kadamba bus stand at Mundvel on the outskirts of Vasco on Tuesday afternoon.

D’Souza said since he had made an effort long ago to develop Vasco bus stand into a state-of-the-art bus stand in par with other well-designed bus stands in the State, Tuesday’s inspection was carried out in that respect.

Joaquim rules out policy on municipal reservation HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 8

Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao has said it is not possible to formulate a policy on Municipal ward reservation at such a late stage and any delay in reserving the wards would only cause injustice to the OBC and ST population.

Reacting to the demand made

by Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar that the government should formulate a policy on ward reservation to avoid arbitrariness, Alemao recalled that reservation of seats for the OBC and STs was announced by the government in the House.

idols. One among them is Ladu Harishchandra Kudaskar from BordemBicholim, who is expert in designing eyes of Lord Ganesh.

This SSC passed artist achieved this art from his uncle Shivanand Harmalkar and cousin Yeshwant and presently is in great demand from all over the State and Maharashtra.

Mauvin calls for railway meet HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, SEPT 8

With emotions running high, a top-level meeting has been convened at the Deputy Speaker's Chamber in Porvorim on September 20 to discuss the imbroglio caused by the proposed doubling of Hospet-Vasco rail connectivity.

Confirming this, Mauvin Godinho told Herald that he had called for a meeting involving the South Western Railway, Railway Vikas Nigam Limited, Konkan Railway and MPT, to discuss in detail the issue regarding bypass and its fallout on the local populace.

While stating that he would do every possible to protect the

interest of his people, Godinho blamed the Cansaulim-ArossimCuelim Panchayat for not having put up before him the concerns raised by the people.

"Whatever moves that has been initiated, have been done by me after the people approached me with their probl e m s . H a d t h e Pa n c h a y a t approached me in the beginning the whole picture may have been different and I am being blamed in some quarters for the wrongdoings of the Panchayat," said Godinho.

Godinho informed that as per information he received from the railway authorities, the Railway Board had sanctioned Rs

Jose Philip assures modern bus stand for Vasco HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 8

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

“The transport minister has assured that bus stand in Vasco is the need of hour and once all approvals are obtained, it would be completed in the next one or one-and-half years,” informed D’Souza.

“The work will be carried in a phased manner, as construction and routine bus stand operations should go hand-in-hand,” added D’Souza.

Speaking to media, Transport Director Arun Desai said as some land has been acquired by Goa Shipyard, Vasco Fire Brigade, State Administrative building, Tuesday ’s inspection was carried out to ascertain how much land was in possession of the KTC. “About 30,000 sq mtrs of land is available with KTC, while 3540,000 sq mtrs is the minimum requirement for an ideal bus stand. But 30,000 sq mtrs is also adjustable,” said Desai.

When asked whether he would assure that once stateof-the-art bus stand is constructed, it should not be white elephant like Cuncolim and Honda bus stands, he said considering the arrival and departure ratio of Vasco bus stand, such a problem would not arise and once administrative building take shapes, commuters load would increase.

Architecture Rahul Despande of Rahul Despande and Association assured that even with 30,000 sq mtrs of land, they would design state-of-the-art bus stand with all modern amenities.

Rahul Despande and Association is acclaimed at the national level for designing state-of-theart bus stands at Cuncolim, Canacona and Honda and has been awarded as best architect for designing the Cuncolim bus stand.

2,127 crore and work had been assigned to Railway Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).

The first phase from Hospet to Tinai Ghat which is close to Castle Rock had been finalised, while the remaining distance from Tinai Ghat to Vasco has not been finalised as yet, Godinho informed.

He assured that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence before the finalisation of the railway line.

Recently, a delegation from Utorda and Arossim had approached Godinho and had raised fears on the problems likely to be faced due to the new railway line.

Fake currency case sent to Crime Branch HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

The case of counterfeit currency involving Bollywood actor Isaiah and local businessman Ismail Munshi, have been transferred to the Crime Branch from Porvorim police station.

Police spokesperson Superintendent of Police Atmaram Deshpande informed that the case has been handed over to the Crime Branch on Wednesday.

Following a complaint by Revenue Intelligence officials on Sunday, Porvorim police arrested the accused pair under sections 489 ,489, 419 and 420 of IPC. Presently in seven-day police custody, the pair would pay for casino chips with fake currency notes, which were imported from England through Munchi’s agent. On winning, the actor would win Indian currency and continue playing on fake currency that looked almost original.

Babush alleges abuse via fake Facebook account HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate has fallen prey to a fake Facebook account, a complaint which he promptly filed with the Panjim police station on Wednesday.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Deu Benaulikar confirmed the minister has filed a complaint against facebook impostor(s) who has connected with several people on the minister’s name till date.

When contacted the minister told Herald that Reginald (Lourenco) brought to his notice after being abused via Facebook chats by the fake account holder.

“I am a computer illiterate. I don’t know to operate these networking sties…Somebody

created an account in my name and has been chatting via Facebook. Reginald told me because the impostor abused him on the Facebook chat,” Monserrate said.

On accessing the Facebook profile page, Herald witnessed that the account holder has involved 198 people in the friends list which includes PWD minister Churchil Alemao and youth, basically college students. Besides, the impostor has uploaded two photographs of Babush and added his phoney profile.

“I have not even seen the Facebook page in my name… someone told me that there are 50 responses. I have submitted the profile page to the police,” he further said.

The police suspect the origi-

nal account holder is an outsider even as the team has flung into action to trace the unknown impostor.

The Facebook page was last updated on September 3 at 8:11pm. Interestingly, the impostor has uploaded youtube video song “to all the girls I have loved before (sung by Julio Iglesias)” to the profile page.

Replying to a comment by a lady friend in connection with the song, the fake account holder says, “But darling this is Julio singing” to which the lady replies, “Oh you right dear but the original song is sung by Engelberts.”

Inspector Sandesh Chodankar said they are yet to thoroughly look into the social communication site, naming the minister.

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Amonkar rubbishes allegations

by Trajano, Jose Philip HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

The battle of words today continued with the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President Sankalp Amonkar today targeting Civil Supplies Minister Jose Philipe D’Souza and NCP spokesperson Trajano D’Mello.

Addressing a press conference at the Congress House, Amonkar refuted all allegations made by the NCP yesterday.

Reacting to charges made by the NCP, he said, “The Congress is the oldest party and like a father to the NCP. The NCP should not try and teach its father what to do.”

On the charges, he said, “I have handed over the flood relief money of Rs 10.38 lakh to the GPCC. It was the GPYC which worked for the people of Canacona and we did not go to media to get publicity for the work.”

“We witnessed death there and we had a close shave with death dying once, he said adding “but we feel sad since despite doing so much, some people are levelling such charges against us”.

On Trajano’s allegations, he said, “What is the credibility of that man who has never been elected as panch or councillor. He is only known for negative thinking.”

“These people don’t know how many parties they have changed.

During the Lok Sabha election Trajano did not even help his party (NCP’s) candidate Jitendera Deshprabhu whereas the GPYC worked whole-heartedly for him,” he claimed.

He also refuted claims that he took money from vegetable vendors to celebrate his birthday saying “tell him to bring one vendor and I will resign from politics.”

About contesting elections from Vasco, he said, “If my party wants me to I will surely do so.”

Further, he charged Vasco MLA and Civil Supplies Minister Jose Philip of corruption in the distribution of essential commodities under PDS. “Everybody knows what Jose Philip was 15 years ago and what he is now,” he said.

“This person has been involved in corruption from PDS scheme to job recruitment and also issuing illegal ration cards,” Amonkar charged.

On drugs, Amonkar said that he has always backed the NSUI President Sunil Kauthankar, who has taken up the issue. “We have extended our support to NSUI on the issue,” he said.

When Congress spokesperson N Shivdas was asked to comment on drugs issue, he simply said, “I have been asked by the president not to speak on the matter.”

Final arguments on contempt plea against CBI HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

The District and Sessions Court will hear final arguments on the contempt petition filed against CBI in connection with the IFFI scam.

Three petitioners Kashinath Shetye, Ketan Govekar and Atish Premnath Mandrekar have said that the court in their earlier petition had directed CBI to place the case diaries of the investigation of IFFI scam before it.

Replying to the petition, CBI today told Court that the case diaries were submitted before the court and the petitioners have made their own convenient interpretations of the facts. The CBI has said that the applicants do not have any cogent ground for invoking contempt of Court.

“The petitioners have raised this issue on misconceived, untenable and frivolous grounds, which now appear to impede the investigation carried out by CBI,” the reply reads.

CBI also made it clear that the preliminary inquiry in any case can be converted into regular case as soon as sufficient

material becomes available to show that prima facie there has been commission of cognizable offence.

The fresh contempt petition before the court had pointed out that CBI had produced some case diaries pertaining to the period after the case was transferred from Panaji police to them.

The petitioners said that they had sought information under Right to Information (RTI), information act from CBI which is different from that provided to the court.

The petitioner said that CBI had not provided the facts before the court that case was filed with police on March 16, 2006 and thereafter FIR was registered on October 25, 2006, which is six months after the complaint.

The matter was referred to CBI on April 19, 2007 and a fresh FIR was filed in this case.

“These vital facts were suppressed by CBI before the court and were not placed when they were directed to produce records of the investigation,” the contempt petition pleads.

Permitting N-plants along coastline will disturb environment: Matanhy HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

Expressing strong resentment over the draft Coastal Regulation Zone notification 2010, National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) have alleged that granting of permission for setting up nuclear plants along the coastline would have adverse effect on the environment.

Speaking at a one-day seminar on ‘CRZ-2010 Draft: Responses & Challenges’ at Dona Paula, NFF acting chairman Matanhy Saldanha claimed the draft notification as ‘bundle of contradictions’ resulting in weakening the agenda on protecting coastal environment.

“The draft notification gives blanket permission to set up nuclear plants along the coastline. Safety of the people residing in these areas is one concern that immediately hits you in the eye…similarly, the notification permits setting up thermal plants along the coastline,” he criticized.

The former tourism minister expressed anguish that despite Government knowing this would result in marine environment degradation, the latter is seeking setting up more such plants along the coastline which in long term would displace traditional fishermen and destroy traditional occupations.

“These are significant disturbance in the water quality and quantity as it is used for the cooing tanks and various other processes involved. No study whatsoever has been undertaken to determine the effects… ” he rued citing one of the reasons to object setting up nuclear plants along the coast.

The seminar organized by In-

ternational Centre of Goa, National Institute of Oceanography and Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry also highlighted on the reverse consequence as a result of construction of ports.

Saldhana pointed out that beaches in Canacona have undergone a massive change ever since the Indian Navy developed its Sea Bird project further South at Karwar. He vehemently compared Mormugao Port Trust to Special Economic Zone of Goa. “MPT does whatever it wants…

I stand by what I say…Every private company wants to have their own private port least bothering on the profits or environmental hazards,” he complained.

Shooting further grievances regarding the CRZ draft, he expressed apprehensions over the ‘hazard line’, fearing it would result in destruction of cliffs and plateaus alongside the coast.

The acting chairperson expressed disappointment towards the Government attitude that the main demand of right to life and livelihood of the traditional occupants of the coastline hitherto is not considered.

Former TTAG President Ralph D’Souza remarked that any further degradation would result in the downfall of Goa’s hospitality.

CRZ draft, which has been amended at least 25 times ever since it was introduced also suffers setback around sensitive zones restricting development and other activities closeby, Centre for Earth Studies at Thiruvananthapuram K V Thomas speaking on ‘Setback lines for CRZ-Different Approaches and Implications’ explained through a slide show presentation.

Money is with the party: GPCC HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee today came to the rescue of Goa Pradesh Youth Congress president Sankalp Amonkar saying the money collected for Canacona Relief Fund is deposited with the party and will be used at an appropriate time.

According to the party the suitable time to spend the money for Canconkar has still not come. Addressing a press conference in the city, Congress Spokesperson N Shivdas refuted allegations by the Nationalist Congress Party that the GPYC had siphoned off the money collected under Canacona Relief Fund.

“The GPYC has handed over Rs 10.38 lakh to the GPCC and we are awaiting for an appropriate time to use the amount which is deposited in the GPCC Disaster Relief Fund account at the Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank,” he said.

Shivdas further said that the amount of Rs 18 lakh (including eight lakhs collected by GPCC)

is safe and not a single pie has been misappropriated. “The allegations are wrong and tonally baseless,” he stated.

Asked why the GPCC took almost a year to spend the money, the spokesperson said, “We are awaiting for an appropriate time.”

“We have come to understand that the government, NGOs as well others have been contributing directly in rehabilitating the victims. So we decided to spend the money at an appropriate time when the victims are rehabilitated,” he said adding “apart from houses people also need other things like educational support and other necessary things in the house so we decided to help them in this way.”

“Between the Ganesh festival and the Diwali we will spend the mount for the benefit of the victims,” he said.

T h e s p o ke s p e r s o n a l s o claimed that the amount collected was not entirely for Canacona flood relief but it was meant for all disasters.

Russian envoy decries treatment to overstayers NEW DELHI (HC), SEPT 8

The Russian Embassy’s Senior Counsellor Sergei Karmalito on Tuesday met Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) bosses in New Delhi to ask why Russians accused of overstaying were being

treated so harshly by the police.

In particular, the Embassy has highlighted cases of two Russians in Goa who were sentenced to a year's imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000 each for overstaying. There is also the case of Olga Timoshik

who is in custody at a police station in Ropar, Punjab. Russia has submitted a list of 15 detenus who are being treated harshly for merely overstaying, and have not committed any other crime.

Karmalito was particularly critical

of the police preventing Russians in custody from contacting the Embassy. “We would like to get a clearer picture, particularly about the Goa cases. The police must be more friendly and allow consulates to help their citizens,” he said.

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S H o Rt tA K E S LIC drawing contest results

Inter-religious Ramzan Iftar held to boost secularism HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 8

LIC officials and winners of the drawing contest.

PANJIM(HND): During the 54th anniversary of Insurance Week, LIC Goa Divisional Office had organized the ‘All Goa Drawing Competition’ for children in the Divisonal office premises, which was held under 2 categories, first for children upto 8 years and second category for children above 8 years but below 15 years.

The competition was very successful as it received an overwhelming response. The results are as follows: In the first category Ashish Rath bagged the first prize, Jonathan Vaz bagged the second prize while Eeshani Pai Kane secured the third prize.

Consolation prizes were awarded to Harsh Rataboli and Tanmay Dessai.

In the second category Kenneth Da Silva bagged the first prize, Tasha Gracias bagged the second prize while Gyles Ferrao bagged the third prize.

Consolation prizes were awarded to Joslyn Pereira and Liesl Braganza.

The prizes were given to the winners at the hands of A K Madhankar, Sr Divisional Manager, LIC Goa at a function held on Wednesday.

H1N1 awareness at Utorda

With an endeavour to further strengthen secular bonding in Goa, an inter-religious Ramzan Iftar was recently organized in a mosque at Masjid-E-Noor at Alto-Dabolim, Sancoale.

People from different communities including politicians, bureaucrats, police officers, sports administration and civil activists attended the Ramzan Iftar and shared common platform to taste the food with diff e re n t c o m m u n i t y i n t h e mosque.

Trustee Iqbal Mohidin of Mohidin Memorial Trust claimed that it is for the first time in the history of Goa, an inter-religious Iftar was organized in the mosque with a motive to promote goodwill, better understanding and brotherhood among the communities.

Addressing the gathering, Bramachari Prahlad Chaitanya expressed happiness at the initiative taken by the Masjit-eNoor and said only love and respect for each others religion can bring true peace in the society.

“When we all human beings are equal, the religion we follow should be one. The confusion has arisen as we have not understood the term ‘religion’ in depth,” said Bramachari Prahlad.

Convenor of the Apostolate of Inter-religion Dialogues, Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Fr Agnelo Pinheiro observed that religion should unite the people and lead the society towards development.

“All religions should unite to build a positive society, as

CD on malaria control released Dr Malini Karekar, Clara Dias and other officials and organizers of the event.

PANJIM(HND): A combined health awareness programme on HlNl and vector borne diseases was held recently at Utorda ground conference hall.

The camp was conducted by the Primary Health Center, Cansaulim with the co-ordination of local social activist.

The programme was mainly organized to create awareness on vector borne diseases and keep their surroundings clean.

Mihir Korjuemkar (Extension Educator) gave a power point presentation on H1N1 and Malaria. The situation on Malaria in Utorda and Majorda as whole was discussed with the local people.

Narshinv Prabhu (Sanitary Inspector) spoke on the occasion and explained the people about importance of maintaining sanitation.

Clara Dias (PHN) briefed the gathering. She also thanked the local volunteers Maria Soares, Ivona Fernandes, Jose Rodrigues, Tony Fernandes and Praxedes Fernandes for organizing the camp and congratulated Mr Praxedes for his selfless efforts and cooperation during malaria check-up campaign in the village by forming 3 different centers held earlier in the month of July.

Dr Viraj Parob (Medical Officer ), Namdeo Gaonkar( Sanitary Inspector) Kavita Bhagat (ANM) Malini Karkar (LHN) and VishalAmolkar (MPHW) also aired their views.

Earlier, Praxedes Fernandes welcomed and introduced the officials to the audience and Jose Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.

Teenage Day celebrated PANJIM(HND): As part of the adolescent reproductive and sexual health programme, the Directorate of Health Services, Panaji in collaboration with NSS Wing and Red Ribbon Club of Dr TB Cunha Government Higher Secondary, Panaji celebrated state level Teenage Day recently. The function started with a welcome address by Madam Rose D’Souza, Principal of Dr TB Cunha Higher Secondary, Panaji. This was followed by a keynote address by the guest speaker of the day Dr Pradeep Padwal, Project Director Goa State AIDS Control Society.

Dr Padwal spoke at length on the theme Teenage Day namely Three Idiots- DMT (Drugs, Media and Tobacco). He made the students aware of the pros and the cons of drugs, media and tobacco. Later, Dr Maya Kudchadkar (Chief Medical Office, State Family Welfare Bureau) in her address to the student’s spoke about the various problems faced by the adolescent and informed about Teen clinics at the peripheral centres.

Dr Cheryl D’Souza (Lady Medical Officer, State Family Welfare Bureau) proposed the vote of thanks. Also present at the function were other officers of the Directorate of Health Services, Dr Pradeep Korgaonkar, Dr Pritam Naik, Dr Kedar Raikar, Dr Nandita Nadkarni and Bhagwant Gaonkar. The function was coordinated by Medha Rivonkar, Arpita Korganokar and Jeuness Fernandes.

Progamme Officer(NSS) Devidas Kudav compered the function while Dr Rosy Menezes, Red Ribbon Club in-charge officer proposed the vote of thanks.

POWER LINE WARNING The newly erected 630 KVA, 11KV/0.433KV Transformers along with 11KV RMU, 440V ACB panel and associated HT and LT cables at ‘Models Exotica’ , Near PWD Office at St Inez Panaji is test charged and will remain charged thereafter.

Public are cautioned not to come in contact with the above equipments as the same may be dangerous to human and animal life.

WEATHER REPORT Max Temp: 29.50C Min Temp: 23.60C Humidity: 84% Rainfall past 24 hrs: 017.6 mm Seasonal Total: 3055.8 mm Forecast: Occassional spells of rain or thunder shower would occur in some areas.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

Referring to the release of an animation film CD on malaria on Monday, Vice Chancellor of Goa University Prof Dileep Deobagkar claimed while a highlevel committee under the Indian Council of Medical Research was thinking on the steps to prevent the disease the State had taken a good initiative.

Deobagkar, while speaking at the release of the film titled ‘Mosquito Control: I can do it’, said the national-level high-level committee’s first meeting will deliberate on the issues pertaining to malaria, but the CD speaks of volumes of the State’s commitment towards preventing the disease.

The CD, a joint initiative of the National Academy of Vector Borne Diseases (Western India Chapter) and Goa University, was released at the hands of the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

Prof Deobagkar is also the President of the national Executive Committee of NAVBD. Kamat, who was the chief guest at the function, also applauded NAVBD (Western India Chapter) and GU for their joint initiative.

Deputy Director National Institute of Malaria Research Goa and Chairman of NAVBD (Western India Chapter) Dr Ashwani Kumar was also present. Member Dr Manoj Borkar compered the programme.

People from inter-religious community share a common platform during the Iftar function at Masjid-e-Noor, Alto-Dabolim, Sancoale.

Photo by M Prabhav

life is just a short journey and we all have only one chance on this earth to make it a better place to live,” said Fr Pinheiro.

Madrasa Imdadul Islam, Kolhapur, Lecturer Maulana Niaz Siddique, highlighted the significance of Roza and Zakat and how fasting makes a person experience true hunger and enables him to be more generous to his fellow human beings.

“Ramadan month symbolizes through fasting, that evil thoughts and deeds should be kept at bay and human beings need to take up charity,” said Siddique.

Irrespective of political differences, BJP, Congress and other political party officer bearers attended the Iftar.

Speaking to Herald, Goa Pradesh Congress General Secretary Vijay Sardesai said such inter-religious function further

strengthens the brotherhood among the community.

He appreciated Mohidin Memorial Deeni Trust for making an effort to bring all the communities under roof during the Iftar celebration and that too in holy place – Mosque.

BJP officer bearer Krishna Salkar too expressed similar views and said such get together showcase the secular fabric of Goa and its people, who leave in harmony.

Interestingly, Masjid-e-Noor is the only mosque in the State, where special provisions have been made for women to offer prayer in the mosque. Many women attend regular prayers in mosque during evening.

Masjit-e-Noor Trustee Iqbal Mohidin welcomed the gathering and compered the function, while his elder brother Mohidin presented momentous to the guests.

Kidnapped girl rescued at Assagao HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, SEPT 8

Anjuna Police rescued a 16-yearold missing girl from Sikar-Rajasthan at Assagao and arrested one person in the connection.

According to Anjuna Police, a missing complaint was filed with Sikar Police station on May 5, 2010, which was later converted as kidnapping and a search operation was carried out all over the country.

Based on the complaint, an Anjuna Police team led by PSI Videsh Pilgaonkar under the supervision of PI Manjunath Dessai kept a track on suspected persons.

They rescued the girl and arrested one Sultan native of Sikar, who was living with her. PSI Pilgaonkar is investigating the case.

Damu wants ban on PoP idols HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 8

BJP MLA from Fatorda Damu Naik has come against the Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols made in the State.

In a press note issued here by the BJP office, Damu Naik says the govt should take serious action on those producing Plaster of Paris Ganesh idols as it is responsible for environmental pollution. The BJP govt in Goa had banned the PoP idols and the effective implementation of the same had helped for the significant progress in the traditional profession of more than 400 artisans in the State.

Damu Naik is making every effort to ban PoP idols for the last 10 years, adds the press release.

Jerdon’s Red Spotted Pit viper found in India HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 8

While conducting a Herpetofaunal survey of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, India, during 2006-2008, four Indian researchers reported the first record of the Jerdon’s Red Spotted Pit viper (Protobothrops Jerdoni Xanthomelas).

This venomous sub-species of Jerdon’s Pit viper is an addition to the 278 plus species of snakes documented in the country. With the addition of this species, the number of pit vipers found in India has risen to over 21 species.

The earlier records of this snake are from central and southern China, from Henan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei and Guangxi Provinces.

The current range record of this subspecies from Lama Camp ( We s t K a m e n g d i s t r i c t , Arunachal Pradesh, India) is a range extension of approximately 1,200 km southwest from Sichuan in China - the nearest area where the Jerdon’s Red Spotted Pit viper has been reported.

Four individuals of this snake were found by the team that included Amod Zambre from

Curchorem Merchants Association President Hanumant Vast has urged the voters to be vigilant and elect only those candidates who are concerned about the welfare of the people in the coming Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) elections.

Speaking to Herald, Vast said the dream of the people that the Council would give better service has been shattered and people feel that the erstwhile panchayats were far better.

“When Curchorem and Cacora panchayats were merged and CCMC was formed, trade taxes, rents, house taxes, construction licence fees, etc, were hiked and the general rules became more strict,” he said.

“The CCMC has failed to solve

the problems of garbage disposal, maintenance of gutters, drainages, street lights, dust pollution, parking problem, stray animals, etc. CCMC could not bring any ideal project to boost the business or generate employment,” he stated.

“With the initiative of Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar, Curchorem Vikas Sanghatana has been formed, which is maintaining cleanliness in the Curchorem market and collecting door-to-door garbage,” he said.

“CCMC should hang its head in shame for not providing urinals or a toilet in the main Curchorem market at least for the convenience of women,” claimed Vast.

“In the coming CCMC election, people should elect the right candidates so that better services are provided to the public,” he said.

upcominG EvEntS Br Anil’s retreat

PANJIM(HND): Bro Anil of Salvation Ministry will be conducting a retreat on September 12 at Miramar Residency between 3 pm to 6 pm. Watch the Salvation Ministry services on Rophe TV every Saturday between 9:30 pm to 10 pm.

Contact on 9226387098 and 9763553575.

Mass for the sick at Sancoale

PANJIM: (HND) Mass for the sick with special prayers for a Miraculous Healing will be held at the shrine of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Sancoale on Friday, September 10. The service will begin at 7.45 am followed by Mass at 9 am. The sick will be prayed over for a Miraculous Healing through the intercession of Blessed Joseph Vaz, the patron of Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Mass for the sick with special prayers for Miracle is organised on every 2nd Friday of the month. People with all kind of sicknesses are welcome for the service.

Friday Masses are as follows: 7 am and 8.45 am at the Sanctuary and evening Mass at the Oratory of Paternal House of Blessed Joseph Vaz at 4 pm. Terminally sick are prayed over every Friday from 10 am to 12 noon. Childless couples, pregnant mothers and kids are prayed over every 3rd Sunday of the month at 9 am. Priest is available at the Sanctuary on Wednesdays fro confession and spiritual guidance from 9 am to 12 noon. Sunday masses are held at the Sanctuary at 7 am and 9 am and weekday at 7 am.

Jaycee week

Pune, Chintan Sheth from Bangalore, Shashank Dalvi from Mumbai and Nirmal Kulkarni from Goa. All the individuals were found at 2,350 meters above sea level.

Pit vipers are highly evolved venomous snakes belonging to the sub family Crotalinae that have deep pit, or fossa, in the loreal area between the eye and the nostril on either side of the head.

These loreal pits are the external openings to a pair of extremely sensitive infrared detecting organs, which in effect give the snakes a sixth sense that helps them to find and perhaps even judge the size of the small warm-blooded prey on

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 8

A German couple savour their food in-front of their tent, which they intend to use during their 6-month tour of India.

was placed just across their tent, which kept on burning even as rains lashed the coast.

The couple is not even quipped with an umbrella, as Toby blocked the strong coastal wind accompanying the rains from blowing-off the stove.

Once the rains subsided, the woman crawled out from the cave sort of entrance of the tent, while the rain-drenched man went inside, changed his clothes and sat at the tent's door, as both began to savour the food they had prepared.

The woman, who introduced herself as Maria and could speak

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, SEPT 8

PANJIM(HND): The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Salcete Coastal will celebrate its second annual Jaycee Week which will commence from September 9 with the inauguration at the hands of the Immediate Past Zone President, Jc Nitish Raj Victor with a mega dental camp for Government School at Kavre, Quepem in association with SM Group of Companies.

which they feed The Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai, has accepted the research paper concerning this important find.

The team has thanked Ramana Athreya – Kaati Trust/Eagle-nest Biodiversity Project who provided funds to survey Eaglenest WLS, snake taxonomist Ashok Captain for editing and reviewing the manuscript; Indi ‘babu’ Glow for everything in Eaglenest. Kesang, Phurpa, Maila, Khandu, Jetha, Neema and Dorjee for their tireless help during field work.

The team has also thanked the Arunachal Forest Department for permissions to work in the area.

German couple on unique tour in State With an accommodation barely a few feet in area, a young German couple is on an unusual tour in the State.

The couple was seen occupying a small tent, literarily not even sufficient to sit erectly, and could perhaps with much difficulty can accommodate two sleeping humans, across the beach shore of Agonda.

The interesting aspect about this couple, as they claim is wherever they go, they won't occupy any hotel, motel or even rented room, but will stay put in their own a small-sized 12 by 4 ft tent, which they say is weather proof, including its resistance to rains and chilly nights.

Toby and Maria, as they call themselves, informed that they landed in Mumbai a week ago and after putting up two days in that metropolitan city roadside, travelled by bus to Goa and straightway landed in the sleepy coastal village of Agonda.

It's been six days now, the couple is putting up on the vacant grassland across the southern end of Agonda beach shore, a favourite picnic spot during prime and summer season.

This correspondent noticed the couple busy in preparing food over a petrol stove, which

Vote for people-centric candidates, says Curchorem traders chief

broken English, went on to explain that soon they will leave to another beach at Palolem or Patnem in Canacona and after a week's time will got to Gokarn or Hampi in Karnataka.

"We plan to visit most of the Indian states, before we leave to our country in six months time. However, wherever we go, we will use only our tent for the stay, as we have planned our tour in that manner, which we intend to complete without occupying any of the accommodations existing at various tourist spots," she said.

The couple seems to be well-

versed with Indian tourist important places and the woman was heard fluently taking names of many such places, while saying that from Karnataka, the couple has plans to move to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Agra, Delhi, Rajasthan, etc.

Interestingly, the couple also has a dog of special breed, which is fed along whenever they take food.

The man, however, except saying his name as Toby, and that too hesitantly, asked his partner to do the talking, when this correspondent finding their uniqueness engaged the couple for talks.

Ramzan Id in Panjim PANJIM(HND): Ramzan Id is scheduled to be held on September 10 or 11 depending upon sighting of the moon the earlier night. In Panjim city, the Association Anjuman Nurul Islam, Panaji has arranged the Id Namaz in the premises of Jumma Masjid, Panjim as well as on the adjacent Dr Dada Vaidya Road upto Singbal Book House. The Id Namaz will be performed at 9am.

The Muslim brothers are requested to remain present at the above said venue before commencement of Namaz with Uzo and Musallan, says a press release.

Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani Award to Colaco

HERALD NEWS DESK VASCO, SEPT 8

Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani Award has been presented to Francisco Colaco for outstanding individual achievement and distinguished service to nation in the hands of Balmiki Prasad Singh, Dr Iqbal Singh, Dr Bhishma Narain Singh, Ch Randhir Singh.

In today’s world how many people believe in these words.

“Honesty, hardwork, sincerity?

The answer is “very few”. This man here has set an example for all by believing in these words and following them.

Francisco Colaco a successful businessman today who started his career as a helper on a fishing boat and then he worked as a labourer in a tile godown. He has seen lots of ups and downs during his initial days but never gave up.

He continued his hardwork and started supplying building material which followed by undertaking small construction contracts.

After getting hand on experience in construction line he launched his first housing project “Colaco Residency” at Saipem under his own company F & C Construction and Estate Developers the project was successful. From there on he didn’t look back he started expanding his business.

There are seven companies under F&C Group of Companies namely F & C Construction & Estate Developers, F & C Construction, F & C Land Dealer, Patvel Enterprises, Patvel Transport, Patvel Material Supplier, Mai Vailankani Seafood.

In short he has all the needs that are required for a full fledge construction company.

Many times it happens after becoming a successful businessman next step is to enter politics same was with Mr. Colaco but reason was not former. His entry in politics was made by choice. It was a challenge given to him by one of his friend who said it was not his cup of tea. As they say where there in will there is a way.

Mr Colaco entered politics with Panchayat elections but in the first attempt he could not make it. But he didn’t give up and he was elected as panch member.

This new phase gave him chance to interact with more people. Soon after, he was also joined by his wife, Pascola Colaco by her successful entry in politics.

She too was elected and both these couple worked for the betterment of their respective areas with sincerity.

Though today he has become financially strong he never forgets his old days and that’s what makes him different from others He is well known for his good deeds in Reis Magos and the surrounding areas like Verem, Nerul, Candolim, Pilerne, Sangolda and Saligao. Whatever Mr Colaco is today, he gives the full credit to Almighty God, his wife and people. Who have supported him.

In his tenure of village panchayat membership he has done his duties sincerely and people have supported and appreciated his work and appointed him as the deputy Sarpanch today. Mr Colaco wants to take the next step and contest the assembly election and he is sure that he will come out victorious by his good deeds and peoples support.

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Save Goa from corrupt Cong, appeals Parrikar

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar addresses public meeting at Bicholim.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, SEPT 8

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar has called upon the electorate to bring BJP back to power to save Goa and the people from the hands of corrupt Congress government.

He was addressing at a special meeting of BJP delegates at Deendayal Hall, Bicholim, on Saturday evening.

Parrikar also accused the Congress government of adopting dirty politics, thereby

discontinuing schemes like Dayanand Suraksha Yojna and various other schemes.

“Exorbitant hike in essential commodities has also collapsed the general living of the common men,” stated Parrikar.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Sripad Naik also stressed the need of BJP coming back to power to safeguard the interests of the State and the people.

State President Laxmikant Parsekar raised an alarm to stop the tradition of ruling the

Photo by Vishant Vaze

State or the nation by one family.

Mayem MLA Anant Shet highlighted the problem of evacuee property, Mhadei and other issues.

Rajan Kadkade, Dr Pramod Sawant and Shilpa Naik also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar welcomed the gathering, Bicholim Municipal Council Chairperson Satish Gaonkar and the councilors were present at the meeting.

Suspension of KTC buses on Chorla route puts passengers to hardship HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, SEPT 8

The dilapidated condition of the Belgaum-Goa road between Jamboti and Chorla and subsequent suspension of buses by Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) for an indefinite period has put passengers from Jamboti, Kankumbi, Sanquelim, Bicholim and other areas in this region to a lot of inconvenience.

The suspension of buses on this route by the KTC has added to the financial burden of thousands of commuters.

Moreover, suspension of KTC buses has come at a time when a large number of Goans from this area flock to Belgaum during Ganesh festival holidays.

The condition of about 30 kms of this state highway is so bad that the movement of vehicles along this route has become impossible.

Traffic movement along the route had come to a complete halt twice for about four days and people from this area had staged a Rasta Roko on August

20 and 27.

The contractor had immediately shifted the required machinery to undertake the repairs of the road. However, this turned out only to be a farce as the contractor immediately withdrew the machinery after carrying out repairs only for a few yards.

The fact that insufficient equipment has been left to carry out repairs of the road that has literally become ‘death trap’ for the commuters has irked the people of the area.

According to KTC office at Belgaum, there are four buses plying from Belgaum to Goa and vice-versa between Belgaum and Panjim via Chorla.

“The buses to Mapusa-Panjim via Chorla are now plying via Usgao-Tisk-Honda route,” the KTC staff at the bus stand opposite Belgaum Railway Station told Herald and expressed anonymity about restarting of the buses via Chorla.

It is learnt that to reach Bicholim-Sanquelim via the diverted route, the passengers

have to shell out Rs 30 extra, which is causing extra burden to their wallets.

However, it is also interesting to know that the North Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) despite the dilapidated road is plying five buses daily on this route.

“There is no alternative for us as the authorities for the convenience of passengers have ordered not to stop plying buses on this road,” said Sebastian Mascarenhas, the controller at the bus stand.

Meanwhile, people from both states have expressed their anguish as the elected representatives and the government authorities from either side have ignored the issue.

“It is high time that authorities from Karnataka and Goa take stringent action on the repair of this road or we will be compelled to stage a massive agitation for the justice of the people in this area,” warned a social activist in the area.

Move to grant more time to shift truck body building unit opposed HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, SEPT 8

Citizens from Dando-Sanguem, who had complained against a truck body building unit at Dando, have decried the alleged extension granted to the unit owner to shift the premises at Cacora Industrial Estate

by Goa State Pollution Control Board.

The complainant informed Herald that in its order dated November 11, 2009, the GSPCB had directed the unit owner to control the noise levels emitted due to the operation of the unit by erecting a temporary acoustic enclosure around the shed.

The owner was also asked to maintain the timing of the operation of the unit from 9 pm to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm. Besides, the unit owner was also directed not to operate all the machineries simultaneously and to shift the truck body building activity at Cacora Industrial Estate within three months from the date of receipt of order.

The unit owner was also directed not to carry any noise generation activity after 6 pm.

The complainant told Herald that as per the GSPCB order, the truck body building unit was supposed to be shifted by February 2010.

“In February 2010, the unit owner made an application to the GSPCB seeking further extension of the time limit to shift the unit by another six months. The GSPCB despite objections from the complainants allowed the application moved by the unit owner, thereby giving time to the unit owner to shift the unit by mid August 2010,” stated the complainant.

However till date, the unit owner allegedly with the connivance of the GSPCB officials is yet to shift the unit to Cacora Industrial Estate,” alleged Crisologo A Fernandes.

Fernandes informed that due to the operation of the said unit in the locality, the residents are facing tough times in their day-to-day living.

“The living is made all the more difficult due to the truck body building unit being operated in the thickly operated locality by the unit owner,” added Fernandes while demanding immediate action from the GSPCB officials to shift the truck body building unit from Dando to Cacora Industrial Estate.

“We are only asking the GSPCB only to put in operation the order passed by the Board in November 2009. The extension of time limit sought by the unit owner to shift the unit to Cacora Industrial Estate should not be entertained on flimsy grounds as the unit owner allegedly trying to play with the Board order with the sole intention of harassing the complainants,” alleged Fernandes.

When contacted, garage owner Chari informed that he has already completed all procedural formalities to shift the garage to Cacora Industrial Estate.

“The Goa State Industrial Development Corporation has already granted a plot to the unit and the shed is also ready for getting the unit shifted to the new premises,” informed Chari.

“It is only out of frustration that the Complainants are seeking shifting of the unit to Cacora Industrial Estate,” he claimed.

“The garage is in operation since 1974 and there wasn’t many people residing in the locality at that time,” claimed Chari.

“Further, the unit is run and operated based on the trade license issued by the Sanguem Municipal Council which is presently due for renewal,” added Chari.

“However, notwithstanding

the legality of the unit, I shall abide the court order,” claimed Chari.

“I will shift the unit to the new premises shortly which is ready in all respect. However, due to financial difficulties faced by me, I could not shift the unit to the new place,” informed Chari.

House burgled in Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 8

Unknown miscreants barged into the house of Pedro D’Silva in the city here on Wednesday morning and decamped with gold ornaments worth around Rs 50,000.

Margao police said the accused effected entry into the house when the owner had just gone out at around 11 am, only to find the house burgled after returning back.

A gold chain, finger ring, besides cash all amounting to Rs 30,000 was lifted away by the miscreants. The Margao police are investigating.

Calangute VP to elect Sarpanch on Sept 14 HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, SEPT 8

Calangute Panchayat will elect its new sarpanch on September 14 at 10.30 am.

A notification to this effect was issued by the Directorate of Panchayat through the Block Development Officer Mapusa.

It may be recalled that the post had fallen vacant, following the resignation of sarpanch Laxman Porob Palyekar as per the power-sharing agreement.

Mining contractors to field candidate for Quepem civic polls HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, SEPT 8

Mining agents and transport contractors transporting iron ore via Quepem town are reportedly planning to field their candidate for the Quepem Municipal Council election in October.

According to sources, in the last mining season, the mining transport contractors had to face stiff opposition from Quepem villagers, who were backed by some of the Council members.

“To root out the opposition and have smooth and reckless mining transport in this season, the mining agents/transport contractors have planned to have political power in the Quepem Municipal Council by getting their candidate elected in every ward, particularly

those wards through which mining road passes,” sources told Herald.

Sources further informed that some candidates promoted by the mining agents/transport contractors have already started campaigning to woo the voters.

However, due to the reservation of wards for ST and OBC, their campaign has been slowed down.

It is learnt that the candidates sponsored by the mining contractors have planned to go to any extent to get elected.

Reliable sources informed Herald that where mining agents/contractors do not get suitable candidates, they would finance those candidates, who are pro-mining.

Sources further informed that as of now, mining contrac-

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to visit State

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 8

There’s good news for the followers of the Founder of the Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

His Holiness will visit Goa for three days from September 2426 and will hold a huge congregation at the Colva beach on September 25 evening.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will also conduct a three-day advance meditation course at the Nanu beach resort at Betalbatim during the period. Around 500 people from all over the country are expected to participate in the advance course, informed Pravas Naik.

Briefing newsmen, Dr Venkatesh Hegde said the Art of Living is a promising stress management and personality

development program benefiting millions of people across the world. The course designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is taught all over Goa, wherein management of one’s emotions, thought is achieved by a powerful breathing technique Sudarshan Kriya.

“Art of Living is the biggest NGO in the world, having so many service projects as tribal schools, etc. Goa is also coming up with a de-addiction centre for Alcohol & drug addiction”, he added. Dr Hegde said there will be a youth conference Yuvashakti – Commitment, Solutions, Action, during which Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will address youth leaders of Goa at the Ravindra bhavan, Margao on September 26 from 10 am to 1 pm.

tors are working underground to defeat those candidates who have opposed or worked against the mining transporting via Quepem town.

Quepem people are apprehended that if candidates promoted by mining companies get elected to Quepem Municipal Council, then the problem faced by Quepem town due to mining transport like dust pollution, traffic jams, overloading, spillage, etc, will be increased and life of the people will be unbearable.

It is learnt that mining problem will be one of the issues in the coming Quepem Municipal Council election. It is also learnt that like-minded people of Quepem Municipal Council are planning to get united to defeat the candidates fielded by the mining contractors.

Canacona police arrest Bihar native on suspicion HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 8

Canacona Police on Wednesday arrested a native of Bihar on charges of moving suspiciously at Palolem.

According to police sources, Virandra Singh was taken under preventive custody and was booked under Section 41, as he could not provide satisfactory to justify his presence in coastal Canacona.

It is learnt that police is activating its intelligence at strategic areas in the taluka, leaving no loopholes for any security problems/threats in view of the fast-approaching Ganesh festival, during which people will converge in large numbers, especially at Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals.

Due to security concerns, it is expected that police will erect metal detectors, at

Elderly woman attacked HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, SEPT 8

A 70-year-old woman from Bordem-Bicholim was allegedly attacked by an unknown person, after the woman refused to lend him Rs 200.

In her police complaint, Laxmi Shamba Halarnkar stated that a person, who had worked at her house for a day last year, came to her house on Tuesday and demanded Rs 200, which he needed. Halarnkar told the person that she did not have any money and after asking him to go away, the woman went inside her house. However, when she was having food, the person rushed inside the house and hit her on her head with a ‘koita’.

The woman was rushed to

PHC Bicholim and was later discharged. The woman was unable to disclose the name of the accused and she said that if she sees the person, she would be able to recognise him.

least at one or two heavily visited Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals during the 10-day period in Canacona to keep a strict tab.

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Work on Neogi playground resumes HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 8

Following repeated controversies, work will finally commence at Neogi playground at New Vaddem-Vasco, after Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza performed the Bhoomi Pooja to commence work on Tuesday morning.

Among those present were Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Shekhar Khadapkar, Vice Chairperson Kashinath Yadav, Councilor Kritesh Gaonkar, Anvind Shinde and others.

The Neogi playfield, an open space of plot owners, was being utilized by the local people as playing field. However, since its surface was very hard, the local people demanded that the ground should be developed as better playing field.

However, during the last one year, the ground had generated a lot of controversies.

Initially, local Councilor Carlos Almeida had garnered a large chunk of fund from private business houses to develop the field.

However, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr Susan D’Souza had then claimed that as they are in possession of the land, it is mandatory to obtain their permission to develop

Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza performs Bhoomi Pooja to commence the work of Neogi ground at New Vaddem.

Photo by M Prabhav

the ground.

After this episode, the minister decided to develop the ground under Sports Authority of Goa and performed the Bhoomi Pooja to commence the work on Tuesday.

The revenue minister in-

formed that the play field would be developed at a cost of about Rs 27 lakh. “It might cross Rs 30 since floodlights will also be installed, besides a proposal to develop a small volleyball court,” he added.

World Konkani Day held in Mumbai

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MUMBAI, SEPT 8

‘World Konkani Day 2010’ was celebrated by the Goan Review Art Foundation (GRAF) in a function held at Antonio D’Souza High School, Byculla, Mumbai, recently. Sheela Kolambkar, renowned Konkani litterateur and winner of the Sahitya Academy Award, speaking as chief guest on the occasion, highlighted the development of the Konkani language and said that the five

scripts of Konkani should unite Konkans just as the five fingers of a fist come together and work for the progress of the language.

Konkani activist and entrepreneur Lawrence D’Souza and Felix Dias, president, Federation of All Goan Clubs, were the guests of honour.

Gerson Da Cunha of AGNI, and Fr Francis Ramesh, patron of ‘Mandd Sobhann’, were also present. Fausto V Da Costa presided.

A minute’s silence was observed in honour of the late Ravindra Kelekar, doyen of Konkani literature. Konkani writer and Tiatrist Peter Vaz De Chandor and social worker Jeetendra Lotliker were felicitated. Roque Gonsalves, ‘Goan Review’s Man of the Year 200910’, was honoured.

Konkani Tiatr ‘Vantte’, written by Rio Rosa, was the highlight of the day. The crowd then enjoyed Xacuti, Sorpotel and Pulao.

Teachers felicitated in Canacona

The felicitated teacher, Anthony Barreto, along with Shri Mallikarjun College of Arts and Commerce, Canacona Principal Jagmohan Singh.

Photo by Kathy Pereira HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 8

Lions Club of Canacona felicitated two teachers for their services to the people of the taluka on the occasion of Teacher’s Day. Celebrating teachers day at S S Angle Higher Secondary School, Maxem, on Monday, Lions Club of Canacona felicitated Anthony Barretto alias Tony Martin and Govind Shet, both grade-I teachers from Canacona taluka.

Shri Mallikarjun College of Arts and Commerce, Canacona, Principal Jagmohan Singh felicitated the two teachers, who were presented with a certificate, memento, shawl and a coconut.

“Teachers do need appreciation and recognition of their services which they cater in building the society and nation in general,” said Singh.

Reiterating that Lions every year felicitates two teachers recognizing their meritorious services to the communities in the taluka, Lions President Motesino Fernandes said: “Let’s pay them back by a wide ‘smile’ for being what they have been and are through your academic years.”

“This will go a long way to the teaching faculty for being recognized by their own pupils,” said Fernandes.

Anthony Barretto is an English teacher with S S Angle Higher Secondary, Maxem,

while Govind Shet is a Maths teacher with various government schools, before he was recently posted as ADEI, Canacona.

Earlier, SS Angle Higher Secondary Acting Principal Hemant Kamat welcomed the gathering, while Lions presented flowers to all the teaching and non-teaching staff.

Manuel Martins compered the function, while Club Secretary Ulhas Phaldessai proposed the vote of thanks.

Club Treasurer Lawrence Barretto, district 324-D2 Additional Cabinet Secretary Mario Fernandes, Dr Vilas Pawaskar, Gopichand Vernekar, Anand Naik, were some of the Lion members present on the occasion.

Foundation stone for community hall laid at Dharbandora HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, SEPT 8

Foundation stone for the construction of a community hall with due efforts of Dharbandora ZP member Rashmi Lambor was recently laid in remote Sathpal-Sancorda, Sanguem.

ZP member Lambor laid the foundation stone in the presence of villagers and village elders. The construction of the community hall will be of great help for the villagers from the locality, particularly youngsters to organise and

Darbandora ZP member Rashmi Lambor lays the foundation stone for the community hall at Sathpal-Sancorda.

Photo by Alfred Fernandes

conduct activities in the village.

Speaking at the function, Lambor assured all possible support and co-operation to the villagers for the all-round development in the village.

“Whatever needs of the villagers will be fulfilled and duly adhered, if they are within the powers of the Zilla Panchayat and other authorities concerned,” added Lambor.

The community hall is constructed with the funds allocated by the Zilla Panchayat.

OHERALDO

OPINION

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O HERALD O

Selfish eyes on a sacred hill

Vol No CX No: 229 Goa, Thursday 9 September, 2010

I

Footwear & the first family

n the bad old days, low caste poor peasants could not come into the presence of their upper caste landlords with footwear or headgear. It was considered an affront, just like raising their lowered glance and looking him squarely in the eye. The penalties for these kinds of transgressions could be fearsome. One still hears of horrors from Iran, Saudi Arabia and even neighbouring Pakistan. Not to be outdone, North India’s khap panchayats keep India neck-to-neck in the backwardness and barbarism stakes.

So when we heard that students wearing chappals were denied entry for an interaction with Rahul Gandhi at an agricultural college in Akola, Maharashtra, on Tuesday, our eyebrows rose. But, as it turns out with most other things in this world, George W Bush was to blame!

His name was Muntadhar al-Zeidi, an Iraqi TV journalist.

He became an instant hero when, during a press conference in Baghdad on 14 December 2008, he hurled his shoes at then US President George W Bush and called him a dog.

Since that day, throwing shoes at the mighty has become a ‘globalised’ phenomenon. Footwear has flown at the Prime Ministers of China and Turkey, the Chief Justice of Israel’s Supreme Court, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

It was to ensure that Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi did not join this global list that students of Akola’s Panjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth who wore chappals were stopped at the gates of the university on the day young Mr Gandhi was to interact with students there.

That this wasn’t done at Rahul’s instructions became clear only later, when policemen abruptly changed their attitudes and allowed in students regardless of footwear. But by then, the interaction of the Congress party’s heir apparent with the country’s future agricultural elite was already coming to an end.

Some may dismiss Rahul Gandhi’s efforts to interact with ordinary people as a publicity stunt. But there’s more to it than that. In his soirees with students, most of whom look down on politics as a dirty game, Rahul makes the contra case. He told students that just as a hike in petrol prices affects everything, politics is the single biggest determinant of our lives today.

“Our task in the next 30 to 40 years is to bridge the gap between the two Indias,” he said, adding that only the energy of young people could help India bridge that gap. He also stated that the number of seats in colleges should be increased, as opposed to increasing reservations to bring about inclusiveness.

As he always does, he asked students to join politics through the youth wing of the Congress – the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). And though he insisted that one did not need a family name or influence to enter politics, he was candid enough to admit when asked that it was much easier for him because of his last name.

While most of these ideas are not new, his approach to them is fresh and positive. He does not speak in tired clichés like his party’s other leaders. Cynical as we may be about what he can accomplish, we owe it to this young leader to at least lend him our ears.

H

Acts and facts

ow can the Indian Railways claim immunity for its holiday home at Colva – it is within 200 metres of the High Tide Line – from demolition, on the specious grounds that the Railways Act, 1989, has an overriding effect on the CRZ notification and the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994?

A holiday home is no strategic asset of national importance, nor is it essential to the operation of the Railways. Why should it get an exemption?

Ditto, Naguesh-bab Stephen Dias, Dona Paula The letter ‘No thanks, Shantaram’ by Lambert Mascarenhas (Herald, 8 Sept) is spot on. On earlier occasions, freedom fighter Naguesh Karmali played a similar role in Fontainhas.

Lambert is right. Shantaram Naik must have very little work in Parliament if he can waste his time suggesting that India change its name to Bharat, when Goa has thousands of problems that need to be urgently tackled.

With the new fat salary that he gets, we expect a better job from Shantaram.

Cross at your peril…

Allwyn George, Carmona The recent death of a girl student of Damodar College at the Comba railway crossing in Margao seems not to have opened the eyes of the administration. Numerous people continue to cross the tracks everyday. Surprisingly, despite heavy traffic at the railway crossing, neither the government nor the KRC feels the need for a flyover!

Our susegad CM will probably not wake up until the next election, busy as he is with a/c toilets and fountains…

New land shark Vishal D’Costa, Cuncolim The news of a massive new Industrial Estate at Cuncolim, over 150 acres, has created a shockwave in the minds of Cuncolkars. The existing industrial estate is itself a heavy burden; most units are scrap iron melting

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

9 September 1910

September 8 was declared a holiday, to celebrate the feast of the Birth of The Blessed Virgin Mary. There was no publication dated 9 September.

Can a mining company dig up a hill that tribals worship as sacred? erVeLL e MeneZeS outlines the issues

W

hen the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) last week rejected the Vedanta bauxite mining proposal in the Niyamgiri Hills, Orissa, it most certainly struck a blow for ecological consciousness. Not surprisingly, the motives of the central government in general and of Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh in particular were in doubt; they were accused of political deviousness in targeting a ‘beneficial’ project in a non-Congress state .

Vedanta is an 8-billion-dollar mining and industrial giant that projects itself as a benevolent godfather spreading prosperity and cheer wherever it goes. But the truth is sometimes contrary to the image. The Niyamgiri project is a $1.7 billion bauxite operation meant to feed Vedanta’s aluminium refinery. Opposing the project all the way from the Niyamgiri hills to the plains of New Delhi and the Supreme Court is the indigenous Dongria Kondh tribe. For them, the hill is sacred; the home of a pantheon of deities. The Vedanta plan to disembowel their sacred hill is seen as the work of a demon. Till very recently, the Kondhs had been short-changed with the lure of prosperity.

Their protest has got support from the Environment Protection Group to Amnesty International. Bianca Jagger (former wife of Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger) visited the site earlier this year and wrote an article in ‘The Guardian’, a major British newspaper.

But perhaps the most damning indictment came in the 120-page report by the Dr N C Saxena committee, submitted on 16 August, on the basis of which the MoEF acted. It is a compelling report that leaves little doubt about the fundamental issues involved, and dispels even the last iota of suspicion that it could be politically motivated.

Of the various charges made, the most serious is of grabbing village forests without permission, sourcing material from illegal mines in violation of an express condition, and a massive six-fold expansion of Vedanta’s refinery capacity without taking any permission whatsoever. That all this was blatantly done seems to indicate that law and order was conspicuous by its absence.

Ms Jagger was interviewed by Tehelka in its 1 May issue, and provided much information about the till-then fairly unknown project. Why did she make a trip to interior Orissa?

She said she has been a human rights, social

Minding our BuSineSS justice and environment protection advocate for the last 30 years. “I am the founder of the chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation.

I also love India and have a long relationship with this country. This is why Action Aid approached me to meet Sitaram Kulsika, a tribal leader who was coming to London to testify at the Vedanta shareholders’ meeting,” she said.

She was moved by his compelling testimony and commitment to his homeland. “Once they start mining, the mountain will be bulldozed, the rivers will dry up and our livelihood will be lost,” he said. “We don’t know how to adapt and survive… we will be lost… extinct,” he went on.

Ms Jagger was so appalled by what Vedanta was doing in Orissa that she bought the company’s shares to be able to attend its shareholders meeting. “Vedanta screened a glowing film of all the wonderful things they were doing in India,” she told Tehelka, but there were many activists present, like Amnesty International, Action India, Survival International and other Indian groups who work in areas where Vedanta is operating. They asked serious questions and presented evidence of its less-than-satisfactory human rights record.

A room of their own

Facts of Life

I

was not upset with the impulsive rearrangements – now scuffling, now a bumping, a thumping, a long-drawn-out scraping, moving furniture in one of the upstairs rooms – I was just amused at their frequency. It reminded me of my own feelings when I was a teenager, as our children now were. The startling and rapid evolution of body, mind and emotions; the need to invent and reinvent yourself through clothes and hairstyle; and through the arrangement of the decor of your bedroom.

When we were building our bungalow in Miramar, one day my three children took me aside and asked me if they could each have a room of their own. So, with the master bedroom on the first floor, we made three bedrooms; one for each child.

One day our son came to tell us that he would now not be living in the family home any more. His eyes lit up with all the love that had passed between us over the years.

One by one, my three children graduated from Dhempe College and, ultimately, left the family nest in search of greener pastures abroad. The nest was now empty.

Their three rooms, now unoccupied, were so much a part of

plants, without any waste management system in place. The result: pollution of subsoil water in wells of neighbouring villages.

A lot of illegal electricity tapping is done by most units, which goes unchecked. Will our MLA-Minister save Cuncolim from this new ‘land shark’?

Private shuttle buses Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco One of the grievances of private bus operators was that the state-owned KTC was introducing buses on routes where private buses were operating. The non-stop shuttle bus service started by KTC between major towns has become very popular. Unfortunately, KTC cannot cope with the increase in the number of passengers who travel by shuttle. There are long queues and passengers have to wait. It would be great if private bus owners are also allowed to start shuttle services between major cities to reduce waiting time for commuters.

Excellent judgment Pascoal Vaz, Canacona We the citizens of Palolem are extremely happy that there wouldn’t be shacks on Palolem beach, since they were a nuisance, polluting the sea by throwing garbage into it at high tide. Even small children were involved in selling drugs, and stopped from going to school. Thankfully, the High Court has stopped all beach shacks in Palolem.

BJP & criticism Santosh Bale, Verem In ‘How to woo Minorities’ (Herald, 7 Sept), Edgar Martins says the BJP is against Muslims and Christians, and responsible for violence in Gujarat, Orissa, etc. Edgar does not say why the violence took place. In Gujarat, the reason for the violence was that Kar Sevaks were burnt alive. Would Edgar have kept quiet if the Kar Sevaks had belonged to his community?

In Orissa, the violence was because of the killing of a Hindu Saint who was against conversion. Why should the Hindus keep quiet? It is not the BJP’s issue, but the issue of all Hindus. Manohar Parrikar is not responsible for this.

Vedanta founder-director Anil Agarwal had no answers for these questions, so she wrote an article for ‘The Guardian’ asking its shareholders to reconsider their involvement with Vedanta.

“The trip to Orissa was the next logical step,” she said.

She felt at the heart of what was wrong was a very basic question. Are we saying in the 21st century that in the name of progress and development, we are prepared to sacrifice the fundamental rights of tribals and indigenous communities?

“The Niyamgiri mountain is a very important rain forest. Not only do the Kondh tribals see it as sacred, they have managed to retain their traditions and live completely self-sufficient lives in harmony with nature,” she said. The only things they buy from the outside world is salt and fuel.

One of the tribal elders told her: “Just as fish cannot live outside water, we cannot live outside Niyamgiri.”

But the Kondhs are not the only issue. The top of the mountain is a bauxite-rich plateau. Bauxite collects rain waster very efficiently. These waters feed two major rivers and approximately 34

streams. So the Vedanta project will not only affect the Kondhs, it will also dry up water sources and impact communities further downstream.

“Is such a project worth it?” she questions.

The only reason it came through was because the Orissa state government owned 25 per cent of Vedanta’s Indian subsidiary, a very lopsided partnership to say the least. But this is how devious projects go through. Sheer corruption!

Born in Nicaragua, Ms Jagger has been brought up on a country which had many foreign occupants. She cites examples of vast natural resources in South America being exploited by foreign corporations. South American governments are known to change as frequently as fashionable women. The inequality is so stark that 10 per cent of the population owns 90 per cent of the wealth.

I met a Brazilian filmmaker, Sandra Wasnik (I think, not too sure of the surname) who made a film on street kids. She told me: “At least in Mumbai they are not shot… as they are in Rio.” Living conditions, we know, are appalling.

But back to India. Two days after permission to mine was refused to Vedanta, Rahul Gandhi visited the Niyamgiri hills and told the tribals: “You have been fighting for your rights peacefully.

You have saved your land, mountain and religion.”

He promised to be their representative:. “I will always remain your sipahi in Delhi,” he promised.

Rahul is a symbol of hope, and Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh is another stalwart one can depend upon. Together, they can achieve much. Getting to the origin of a problem is a better way to solve it. If this approach was adopted in Central India, the Maoists movement would not have grown to this size and strength. It’s an old adage: ‘A stitch in time saves nine’, but no one seems to care.

Finally, coming to our own beautiful state of Goa, we have illegal mining too. I saw it personally in Salguini around five years ago. One is not too sure what action is being taken against the illegal mine owners. We have CRZ violations, and SEZs are still in a grey area, despite Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s assurances.

So maybe Rahul and Ramesh should pay Goa a visit, to check on our errors of omission and commission. Don’t we all know the state’s dubious ‘distinctions’? You can send them an invitation, Mr Kamat.

our lives over so many years. In these I taught them; we constructed architectural wonders out of blocks, and set up elaborate desks.

It was there that they perfected their art work and struggled with university applications. It was the place my wife and I told them a thousand stories, and where we had a million conversations. I could almost touch the little boy and girls; I knew had gone forever.

It was there our son banged away at his drum set while the music played softly. It was there that our daughters played the organ. Both these instruments were bought in London, taken to Iran, where we were stationed, and subsequently brought with us to Goa. Neighbours still remember our son playing the drums, and they ask us if he still plays. As conscientious parents, we strive to foster independence. But when it actually happens – when you pause outside their doors and look at the blank panels – it is always enormously unsettling. Parenting is a series of letting go by degrees.

At regular intervals, they came on short holidays, from Dubai, London and Canada. And we jumped into the task of cleaning the

By Marc de Souza rooms, closets and drawers full of marathon letters and what not.

I know the letters to friends must have been filled with thoughts and opinions they did not share with us. Things like snapshots, a stack of homemade thank-you cards, old report cards that stung me with pride…

All my three children are married now, but they still keep coming home, one by one, with their extended families. We are grateful grandparents now.

I cannot express what I felt when our first grandchild arrived.

Pride and joy filled me when I beheld her with my eyes and cradled her in my arms. I felt like ringing the bells, blowing the trumpet, lighting crackers and popping the champagne. That was Hannah Clare. She plays and dances like a dream.

Then it was Eve Sofia’s turn. She manages her own movements gracefully and handles objects skilfully. The third is Daniel Robert.

He is the Creator’s masterpiece. He is musically gifted.

Grandparents are enchanted with the wonderful things their grandchildren do. They certainly add such a great deal to our lives.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

The Cop Shop

PIO stands for ‘Person of Indian origin’.

How is it that foreigners enjoy this status?

I am aware of at least two foreign women married to Goans and living in Goa, who have PIO cards. Can anyone explain?

Marcos Alemao, Varca

More dreams derailed

Traffic cops are not found directing traffic, but are seen in groups at isolated corners, only to challan innocent two wheeler riders, while habitual offenders like those overspeeding, overtaking on turns, and driving while using mobile phones get away.

The first and foremost duty of a traffic cop is to direct traffic and guide people to cross the road safely. The places where traffic police are necessary are near the old railway gate, near the present railway gate at Comba, near the post office cross-road junction, near Kakode’s shop, (traffic jam due to wrong parking of cars), opposite LIC office behind Grace Church, etc. But they are never to be found at these places.

Elvino Rodrigues, Navelim

Congrats in advance Camilo D’Souza, Ponda Srinivas Dempo is a gentleman with commitment and passion. We warmly congratulate him in advance, as there will be no candidate to oppose him in the upcoming GFA election. He will win. We the youth of Ponda dream of seeing an Indian team with Goan players reach the qualifying stage, if not the finals, of the FIFA World Cup. Only he can fulfill our dreams.

Media for crime?

Michael Vaz, Merces Television is a powerful medium that can educate. But it can also be misused to spread wrong messages. In the serial ‘Pratigya’ on Star Plus on Saturday, I was shocked to see minute details of planning to electrocute the bride. No effort was spared to ‘educate’ people that by wetting the ground and being barefooted, she could be electrocuted. They even showed how the fuse box can be locked so that no one can switch the power off!

When there are so many atrocities against women, will this not inspire copycat crimes?

It is high time that people in television understand the power the medium wields – for both good and bad.

Saffron terror is real Jerry Fernandes, Saligao I salute Union Home Minister P Chidambaram for openly using the term ‘Saf-

fron Terror’. The BJP has no right to politicise this statement.

The whole world knows who is indirectly sponsoring the anti-social activities of activists of extremist groups like Abhinav Bharat and Sanatan Sanstha, who are accused of planting bombs and killing innocent people. If this is not ‘Saffron Terror’, what is it?

If Islamic terror is real, so is Saffron terror.

The Congress, instead of playing hide-andseek games, should stand firm and fight all forms of terror, including Saffron terror, to save India from destruction. Jai Hind!

Dual citizenship Efigenio Dias, Colva The Portuguese government, through the Consulado Geral in Goa, has facilitated the people of Goa, Daman and Diu to obtain Portuguese citizenship and get the Bilhete de Identidade, so that they and their children can get good jobs or do business in European countries, or simply visit them without visas.

The Government of India must bring legislation allowing dual citizenship, to facilitate these citizens to get the benefit of this.

PIOs or resident aliens?

Jerry Martins, Taleigao From recent statements by the NRI Commissioner, I understand that NRIs are to be given voting rights in India. PIOs and OICs will not get voting rights.

Upon reading ‘A Dream Derailed’ by Anthony J Simoes (Herald, 24 August), I was reminded of an MLA who said years back in the Goa Assembly that the Konkan Railway would be a curse on Goans. However, he was not spared by the then MGP MLAs and other ‘stalwarts’ from North Goa. The loss caused to maintain this unviable project is huge and enormous, but it doesn’t include the incalculable loss caused to people while laying tracks through fertile lands, which perhaps will never ever recover.

Cause and effect Maria Fernandes, Calangute The coastal belt from Sinquerim and Anjuna has a serious problem of erosion in this monsoon. But everyone seems to blame the MV River Princess for the calamity. If the River Princess is responsible, why has erosion taken place at Anjuna and Nerul beaches? Is it not a fact that global warming is taking place?

The Government of Goa has been violating CRZ rules by increasing the numbers of beach shacks every few years, which prevents shifting of sands. There are illegal structures coming up within 50 metres of the high tide line. All High Court orders to Panchayats have been ignored. There will never be any demolition of structures built by the rich and powerful. The only people to face disaster are poor fishermen who have mud houses on the coast. Does anyone care about their plight?

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

Paths of Wisdom

Putali Bai

Putali Bai, Gandhi’s mother used to observe every day a vow-ritual known as “Kokila Vrata”. As soon as she completed the ritual, she would wait for the call of the Kokila (the Indian cuckoo) to have her breakfast. However, one day, she waited for a long time for the call of the cuckoo without taking food. Noticing this, the young Gandhi went out of the house, imitated the cooing of the cuckoo and then told his mother: “Now that the cuckoo has made its call, please, mother, take your food. Unable to contain her grief, the mother slapped on the cheeks of Gandhi and wailed: “What sin have I committed that such a liar should be born to me! What a great sinner am I to have begotten such a wicked liar, as son, Oh Lord!” She was shedding tears as she spoke. Deeply moved by his mother’s words, Gandhi made a promise to her: “In my life henceforth, I will not utter falsehood.”

In those days, the mothers used to watch the behaviour of their children and strove to keep them on the right path.

Mahatma Gandhi’s quotes on Truth l An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it. l Truth resides in every human heart, and one has to search for it there, and to be guided by truth as one sees it. But no one has a right to coerce others to act according to his own view of the truth. l All the religions of the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but Truth.

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OHERALDO

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INDIA

GOA, THURSDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER, 2010

opinionated Making guinea pigs of our children

By Cosme I Dias

“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.”

– Stacia Tauscher

A

re we sensitive to the pressures our children are subjected to? If we are, then why, may we ask, are so many children falling prey to pressure exerted by parents, teachers and educationists? Should we push them to live to our expectations? Worse still, should we be silent spectators while they are made guinea pigs in ‘educational’ experiments?

We were told that the new grading system introduced at the SSC level would reduce pressure on SSC students. That is to be seen, but there is something else the Goa Board has introduced this year (rather surreptitiously). Will it boost or mess up the careers of this year’s SSC batch (don’t think only about your child)?

The Goa Board has decided that the mid-term and terminal examination, as well as project marks will constitute 20 per cent of the final marks. In other words, the Board Exams marks will constitute only 80 per cent of the total, and ‘inhouse’ marks will fill the rest.

There are many questions which come to mind about this new system: (1) Why was such an important decision announced so late, and in such a ‘casual’ manner? One would expect such critical decisions to be announced well in advance – at least six months, if not a year earlier. But it was announced after the new academic year began. The coaching classes that started during the summer holidays would have accordingly trained the students to face ‘a part of the final battle’ now.

(2) Why were parents kept in the dark about a decision that would affect their children’s careers? When the Board sent its circular, it could have advised schools to send letters to the parents of Std X students explaining the new system. Even today, most parents don’t seem to be aware of the implications of this decision. This can be gauged from observing the ‘tension level’ of parents. It should have been high, as it is when their wards answer the SSC exams. Even the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) of most of the schools are unaware of it, and Principals express their helplessness in this matter.

(3) Why weren’t the schools advised to give the first midterm exams the importance they deserve as per the new system?

Most the schools had more than one exam per day. Prior to these exams, the teachers continued with topics that were not prescribed for these exams. The students had to divide their time between homework and studies. Some of the teachers had to rush with last minute topics, because the Board sent the syllabi (for the mid-term exam) late.

(4) Isn’t this system too subjective? How is any uniformity in paper setting and corrections going to be achieved?

It is a fact that in elite schools it is tough to get promoted from one class to another, because of the high standards they follow (which eventually helps students to tackle the Board exams). But in this new situation, wouldn’t strict correction affect their students’ results? A look at the first mid-term exams all over Goa reveals that some institutions (I don’t blame them) set very easy papers; there is talk that others even ‘leaked’ the papers.

(5) Wouldn’t lesser-known schools be tempted to push their students with ‘generous’ marks to get better overall results?

What would such practices do to the standard of education in Goa? (6) How will these exams help boost the weaker students, when the system calls for consistency in performance?

If a student does well in the first mid-term and does not maintain this performance in the First Term exams, his or her percentage can suffer. Moreover, for the final exams, they anyway have to tackle papers with the same marks as their predecessors did – the syllabus is not any less. Yet their final grades will depend greatly on the 20 per cent that they answered earlier. Is this fair?

(7) What about the ubiquitous corruption factor?

Since 20 per cent of the marks are decided at the school level, doesn’t it offer fertile ground for corrupt elements? Can we be sure that bribery, favouritism, victimisation, etc, will not play its part in determining marks?

(8) What will schools do with students who don’t clear this year’s SSC? Will they have to go back to school to once more answer mid-term and First Term exams for the ‘internal’ 20 per cent?

As it is, the Board is not clear on what institutions should do in case of students who were unable to answer the first midterm exams.

(9) What is the use of security measures and secrecy to ensure there is no leakage of the final exam papers, when no such measures are taken for school exams?

After all, 20 per cent of marks come from school exams…

Many parents have reported that in some schools, question papers were leaked to students.

(10) Wouldn’t the tension of students increase 10-fold while preparing for the final exams, if they haven’t done well in the ‘internal’ exams?

Tension levels during the final exam are high anyway. We can only imagine how the poor children will cope with this additional burden.

(11) Do students’ projects and assignments really serve their purpose?

Projects and assignments are a good way of making children think out of the book. But one wonders whether there are any standardised criteria to evaluate these projects, especially science models. Since the marks will be part of the ‘internal’ 20 per cent, will these projects test the students or their parents? What of children whose parents are not so educated and not too rich (nowadays, one can pay and get them done by experts).

(12) What was the need to introduce this system?

While answering SSC exams, students are not supposed to write their names anywhere on the answer paper (even letters in the English paper have to be signed XYZ). This is to ensure that they get fair appraisal from teachers correcting the papers.

Would this latest move of the Board not undermine this system of anonymity?

Parents need to ask (if necessary, under the Right to Information) how the Goa Board is convinced its decision is foolproof. Will it remain for the next 10 years, or is it just another experiment at our children’s cost? If this experiment fails, who will compensate for the damage done to our children’s careers?

Activists protest against cruelty to animals in scientific experiments. Who will protest against such experiments with our children’s careers?

(On a personal note, there are bound to be others with different viewpoints. I would appreciate if they could send their opinions/reactions on <cos28@rediffmail.com>.)

Maoists release 2 abducted men in Orissa ROURKELA (Orissa), SEPT 8 (PTI)

Two persons abducted by Maoists on Monday night have been released unharmed in Orissa's Sundargarh district, police said today. Bular Tirkey (28) and Suman Gudia (18) of B.Jharbeda village in K.Balang police station were kidnapped when they were returning home by a motor bike.

US to look to India for ‘changes’ PTI WASHINGTON, SEPT 8

The US says it will look to India to see what "changes" can be made to the Nuclear Liability Bill just passed by Parliament in the wake of concerns over making suppliers of equipment also liable in the event of a nuclear accident.

"We continue our discussions with the Indian Government on this issue and we note that Indian business leaders are concerned about some specific aspects of the law that was just passed by Parliament," State Department spokesman P J Crowley said in the first reaction by the Obama Administration to some controversial provisions in the Bill.

"We will look to the Indian Government to see what changes can be made," Crowley told reporters in response to a question on the US business

being reportedly unhappy on some aspects of the liability law.

The liability legislation was a vital step to clear the decks for the full implementation of the historic Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

On August 30, Parliament had adopted the nuclear liability

nUclear liability bill bill with the government insisting that the compensation package for victims matches that of the US and it was still open to accommodate some suggestions.

A US South Asia expert has recently suggested that the Parliament had passed a flawed civil nuclear liability law, warning that it could cast a pall over the Indo-US nuke deal.

US policymakers and industrial leaders were taken off guard over the passage of the legislation "despite retaining language inconsistent with international standards for engaging in nuclear commerce," according to Lisa Curtis, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia at The Heritage Foundation, a Washington think tank.

The law includes language that makes suppliers of equipment, raw materials, and services liable after the construction of a plant during any nuclear accident.

Noting that Indian business groups have denounced the legislation, Curtis said "This latest obstacle in the US-India nuclear deal is unfortunate, as it follows the successful completion of a US-India nuclear reprocessing agreement earlier this year, which granted India the right to reprocess spent nuclear fuel."

Shiney's maid makes U-turn, says she was never raped PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 8

In a twist in the sensational rape case involving Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, his maid has backtracked from her allegations that he raped her at his residence here last year and said the incident never occurred.

The 20-year-old girl appeared before a court on September 3, and said that she was never raped by Shiney and that she had filed the complaint against the actor at the behest of the woman who had secured her the job of a maid in Ahuja's residence.

In June last year, the girl had lodged a police complaint alleging that she was raped by the actor at his residence. Shiney was subsequently arrested on June 14 and was released on bail three months later.

"On September 3, the victim identified Shiney in the court and said she used to work at his residence as a domestic help.

But when asked about the incident she said it never happened and that she was never raped," public prosecutor Kashinath Dighe said.

Following this, the court declared her hostile. If the court deems fit, she can be punished for perjury, he said.

The prosecution will continue presenting other evidence in-

cluding the statements of 12 other witnesses, forensic reports and other The next date of hearing has been fixed on September 15.

The police in its 109-page chargesheet had charged Shiney with rape and wrongfully confining the victim. He faces a maximum punishment of ten years if convicted.

The victim in her complaint to the police had said on June 14 last year that she and the 37year-old actor were alone in the house when Shiney allegedly raped her.

The maid had alleged that Shiney had confined her to his bedroom for hours before allowing her to go.

Once she was allowed to go, she told her aunt about the incident who then took her to the Oshiwara police station to lodge a complaint.

Shiney in his defence had said that he was falsely implicated and that he was innocent.

Rajiv wanted quick action on imparting education: Sibal PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 8

Rescuers help a woman to move a safer place from flooded Ghaghar river after heavy rains in Punchkula in the northern Indian state of Haryana on Wednesday.

TN would approach Centre on Cauvery issue: Karuna PTI TIRUCHIRAPPALLI (TN), SEPT 8

Tamil Nadu Government would approach the Centre if Karnataka did not provide "sufficient" Cauvery water to the state, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said here today.

"You all know about the (legal) problems after the tribunal was set up and it gave its verdict.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Governments are holding talks and on humanitarian basis the Delta districts are getting possible amount of water in Cauvery river for cultivation," he told reporters here.

When asked if the problem, which was now pending before the Supreme Court, would be resolved during next year, he said "We can only try to expedite the case."

Karnataka has moved the apex court challenging the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal given in February 2007. As per the interim award, Tamil Nadu has to get 205 tmc ft of water annually.

Karunanidhi said the Tamil Nadu river grid programme was progressing "very well" and the work on linking Tamirabarani

with Karumeni was in full swing.

On resettlement of internally displaced Sri Lankan Tamils, he said Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao had met him before visting the island recently and told him that she would take up the issue of the security and protection of the Tamils and welfare measures for them with the Sri Lankan Government. But she did not meet him after her return.

Referring to the trade union’s agitation over price rise, he said “Tamil Nadu government had taken possible steps to reduce the burden on the people due to the hike in the prices of essential commodities."

He ruled out the possibility of reducing the sales tax on petrol and diesel saying the state had already lowered it twice earlier.

Rejecting AIADMK’s charge that its leader Jayalalithaa was not being provided sufficient security, he said “We are giving the same amount of security which she enjoyed when she was Chief Minister. Because newspapers do not carry our statement regarding this we have given advertisements today.”

John can wait... work trumps love for Bipasha AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 8

Work comes first for Bipasha Basu, even before a planned holiday with the beau. Bips was to go on a ten-day vacation to London this week with boyfriend John Abraham. The two have now postponed their trip to October this year, when John starts shooting for Desi Boyz there.

Says the actress, "lot of work suddenly came up, and so, I had to postpone my London holiday.

Work is priority. I want to complete all pending assignments and endorsements before I leave for any holiday. But I don't mind.

I will go there next month, when John shoots for Desi Boyz in London. It's better for me as I can also spend time with him."

London won't be Bipasha's only holiday destination. Bipasha says, "I will also be going to Philadelphia in USA to visit my best friend Suzy.

She went there a few months ago and I miss her like crazy. Her second baby is due in October and I

To another question, he said the present DMK-Congress alliance in the state was ”strong, healthy and friendly”. "We will take a decision about admitting new allies after consulting the Congress," he said adding DMK would form the Government in 2011.

On Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that Supreme Court should not get into "the realm of policy formulation", Karunanidhi said it was not against the apex court.

Every institution had its own boundaries and limitations and they should function within that limit..."That is what the Prime Minister would have meant when he made the statement," he added.

When asked whether the DMK would get any additional representation in the proposed union cabinet expansion, he said the Prime Minister did not consult him and he (Karunanidhi) would not take any initiative.

Re f e r r i n g t o t h e S e t h u Samudhram Shipping Channel project, he said it had not been given up and the case regarding the project was pending in the Supreme Court.

As hopes for any deal on global warming dims at the Cancun meet later this year, UN climate chief Christiana Figueres today made it clear that the Kyoto Protocol will continue post 2012 as a second protocol since it does not have a "sunset" clause.

"Yes, it (Kyoto Protocol) will continue to exist as a second protocol because it does not have a sunset clause. It does not end," said Figueres, newly-appointed executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Figueres, who is in India ahead of the UN meet on the climate change at Cancun in Mexico, was replying to a query on the fate of the Kyoto Protocol which seeks numerical targets for cuts in emissions by rich nations but does not have any emission caps for developing countries.

"What the governments are negotiating now is the second

ment to defer the Education Tribunal Bill.

Rao, joined by members from other parties, had attacked Sibal in the Rajya Sabha for his "hurry" to get the House to pass the Education Tribunal Bill Quoting Rajiv Gandhi extensively, Sibal noted that providing quality education had reduced to encouraging mediocrity which must be changed.

"One of the concept which got lost in our drive for mass education has been that of excel-

Govt orders Judicial probe into hooch tragedy PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, SEPT 8

The Kerala Government today ordered a judicial probe into the hooch tragedy in Malappuram district that claimed 23 lives.

"The Government will seek the service of a sitting High Court judge to conduct the investigation," Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

A crime branch probe into the incident was on, he said, adding that the licencee and those running the toddy shops from where people consumed the killer brew have been arrested and cases of murder slapped against them.

Achuthanandan said the government would take necessary steps to combat the illicit liquor menace in Kerala.

He said the cabinet also decided to enhance compensation to families of victims from Rs one lakh to Rs five lakh.

Those who lost their eyesight would be given Rs four lakh, he said, adding that the government would bear all medical expenses of those undergoing

Kyoto Protocol to continue past 2012: UN climate chief PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 8

hope to meet them then. Her inlaws are all settled there so she won't be able to return to India until next year."

Bipasha is depressed that her best friend of over 12 years has shifted to Philadelphia. "Suzy is like my support system. I have known her ever since I started my career as a model. She's a producer."

Bipasha jokingly adds that she's upset with Suzy's husband for taking her away to Philadelphia. "We keep in touch through e-mails, phone and Skype but it's not enough. When I want to cry or feel depressed, I can't call her."

Hitting back at his detractors who had accused him of rushing an education bill, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal today invoked Rajiv Gandhi and said the former Prime Minister had desired that the task of imparting quality education should be achieved in a few months.

"If people say that we are in a hurry, then I would like to state that Rajivji had said it in 1985 that this should be achieved in a few months," Sibal said at a function to mark 25 years of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV), an initiative taken by the late Rajiv Gandhi.

Sibal's remarks could be seen as an apparent rebuff to detractors like K Keshav Rao, who had attacked the policies of the HRD Ministry in a debate in the Rajya Sabha that forced the govern-

lence...everything is reduced to mediocrity may be even lower than that. This must be changed," Sibal said at the function also attended by chairperson of National Advisory Council Sonia Gandhi.

Earlier, Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the newly constructed buildings of 31 JNVs via video conferencing coinciding with the Literacy Day celebration.

He rued that it is over 25 years now since Rajiv Gandhi had said so but "till today we have been unable to provide quality education to students".

As the JNVs entered 25 years of existence, Sibal proposed to open schools dedicated to sports, arts and vocational education for bright students.

In her brief remarks, Sonia Gandhi praised the JNVs and wanted other government schools to emulate their success.

commitment period.

"But the Kyoto Protocol continue to exist—whether there is going to be a second commitment period or whether countries want to take all of the elements of the Kyoto Protocol and put them in a different framework that is for them to decide," she said.

The developed nations are pushing for a new treaty other than the Kyoto Protocol that makes major growing economies like India and China to take up the binding GHG emission cuts, a move opposed by the latter citing their need to walk on carbon path for sustainable development.

The UN climate chief also said that though there were not much expectations from Cancun but we read it that "countries are assuming their responsibility, that they're being realistic, that they're being productive, that they're being constructive and that they're counting on very clear outcomes from Cancun."

treatment in hospitals.

Three persons were arrested yesterday in connection with the tragedy at Kuttipuram and

Vandoor in the district.

Police had also raided the supplier's house at Pattambi in Palakkad district.

appoIntmentS

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Looted artefacts returned to Iraq

BAGHDAD, SEPT 8 (REUTERS)-- The headless statue of a Sumerian king and more than 500 other artefacts looted from Iraq’s museum and archaeological sites during the 2003 US-led invasion have been returned home, officials said.

Labour-kingmaker MP ties hit snag over mining tax PTI MELBOURNE, SEPT 8

Divisions appear to have cropped up in the ruling Labour’s nascent alliance with a kingmaker independent MP over plans to make mining firms pay more tax, exposing the fragility of Julia Gillard’s minority government which can be brought down by a single defection.

A day after extending his crucial support to Labour for government formation, rural independent lawmaker Tony Windsor today flagged a disagreement with the Treasurer over the mining tax.

Under the deal to get the support of Windsor and another independent Rob Oakeshott for government formation, Gillard, the first woman Prime Minister of Australia, and Treasurer Wayne Swan had promised to hold a public summit of tax experts by June 30 next year to discuss options for tax reforms.

But, Swan today said the tax would not be on the summit’s agenda because the government was in the process of designing the measure and preparing legislation for parliamentary approval.

Windsor, who gave Labour one of four crossbench votes it needed to form government, had specifically wanted the minerals resource rent tax to be discussed at the forum.

With the support of independents, Labour now controls 76 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives following the August 21 cliffhanger polls, with the opposition Coalition of Liberal party leader Tony Abbott having 74 MPs. However, Swan said Labour was committed to the tax and a panel chaired by former BHP Billiton chairman Don Argus was looking at it in greater depth. “...the mining tax is going through the process that we outlined prior to the election,” he said.

Expressing surprise at Swan’s remarks, Windsor said: “That’s the first time I’ve heard of that.”

“I thought it was going to be included in any discussions in relation to taxation and the Henry (Tax) Review,” he said.

Swan, in his remarks on the issue, further said Windsor and the independents will have views about the design of the tax, which they can express to the government “but we have to move forward with legislation.”

He said hat he had held productive talks with Windsor about the tax in the past and that he would be working with all the independents and minor groups in Parliament on the issue, regardless of the decisions taken by them yesterday over which party to support.

“It’s very important that we do build a consensus behind major reforms, so essential for the future of our country,” Swan said.

Russian federal judge shot dead REUTERS MOSCOW, SEPT 8

Gunmen shot dead a Russian federal judge in a North Caucasus province plagued by violence linked to an Islamist insurgency, authorities said today.

District judge Dzhulber Bykov was shot several times with a pistol outside his home in Kabardino-Balkaria late on Tuesday, the Investigative Committee of the regional prosecutor’s office said.

Police were searching for the unidentified gunmen.

Kabardino-Balkaria is one of four provinces in Russia’s North Caucasus that have had frequent attacks on authorities in the decade since federal forces drove separatists from power in Chechnya in the second of two devastating postSoviet wars.

The Kremlin is battling a growing Islamic insurgency on Russia’s southern flank, across the Caucasus mountains from ex-Soviet Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia — a strategic route for westward exports of Caspian Sea energy resources.

Violence has been more sporadic and less severe in KabardinoBalkaria than in the North Caucasus provinces to its east — Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia — but has been increasing.

Late last month, officials said security forces killed five militants holed up in an apartment building in the provincial capital, Nalchik.

Dozens of suspected militants are being tried over a brazen attack on police and government buildings that turned Nalchik into a war zone for a day in October 2005.

Blair postpones book party at Tate Modern REUTERS LONDON, SEPT 8

Former premier Tony Blair has postponed a party at the Tate Modern art gallery celebrating the launch of his autobiography because of threats from protesters, his office said today.

Anti-war demonstrators had planned to disrupt the reception today evening and a group of celebrated artists including Tracey Emin and Vivienne Westwood had called on the gallery to cancel the ‘’disgraceful’’ event.

Blair has also been forced to cancel a signing session for ‘’A Journey’’ at a bookstore in central London.

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China-US ties improving, Hu tells White House team

US drone strikes kill 10 militants in Pak

REUTERS BEIJING, SEPT 8

PTI PESHAWAR, SEPT 8

Stepping up attacks on Taliban hideouts on the Af-Pak border, a US drone today fired missiles at a house in the restive tribal belt in northwest Pakistan, killing 10 militants and injuring several others.

Two missiles were fired at a suspected militant position in Danday Darpa Khel, two kilometres north of Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan Agency, killing the militants, officials said.

The exact identity of the dead militants and the group to which they belonged could not immediately be ascertained.

This was the fifth missiles strike in the region over the past six days. North Waziristan is a hot bed of al-Qaeda operatives and Taliban fighters associated with the Haqqani network that are engaged in battle against the US and Nato forces across the border in Afghanistan.

More than 1040 militants have been killed in over 120 drone strikes since August 2008.

Those killed include Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, al-Qaeda’s no. 3 Abu Mustafa al-Yazeed and some other top operatives of the terror group.

Government supporters hold pictures of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during a rally in favor of constitutional amendments being voted on in parliament today in Colombo on Wednesday. The proposed changes would allow President Rajapaksa to contest another term and replace a 10-member constitutional council, designed as a check on the president, with a five-member panel that has no veto power and only two opposition members.

UN may terminate political mission in Nepal PTI UNITED NATIONS, SEPT 8

UN chief Ban-Ki-moon has warned that the world body may terminate its political mission in Nepal unless parties ended their standoff, as his senior officials cautioned that prolonged political bickering and distrust could hit the constitutional process.

“I will propose alternative measures to the (Security) Council, including the possible termination of United Nations Mission in Nepal’s mandate,” Ban said in a terse report to the Security Council.

Ban’s warning over the future of UNMIN came in his latest report to the UN Security Council, which is considering its extension beyond September 15.

Ban said UN would consider withdrawal if Nepal did not quickly form a government and hold talks on the UN mission.

“I call on the parties to invest greater effort in serious and sustained political dialogue,” he said.

Ban said that there has been “no substantive progress” on the future of the national and Maoist armies and drafting a constitution.

“The major parties are preoccupied by profound internal fissures and the question of power-sharing,” he said.

In a briefing, the head of the peacekeeping force in Nepal Karin Landgren described the situation in the country as “discouraging”.

She said political parties had failed to revive

the peace process but, it was still not too late.

Landgren said there were still hopes that the parties would put to rest any fears that they will abandon the path of constitution and democracy.

The head of the peacekeeping mission said that the Nepalese Army had continued recruitment since 2007 in defiance of an arms monitoring agreement.

“The changes foreseen to the Armies under the peace agreement have not taken place,” she said.

The tenure of UNMIN is set to end on September 15 even as the country has been in political limbo since the June 30 resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who is currently heading a caretaker government.

For the seventh time in a row, Nepalese lawmakers failed to elect a new prime minister yesterday.

Maoist supremo Prachanda failed to become Nepal’s new Prime Minister, as a breakaway group of Madheshi MPs, whose support he was banking on, opted to stay away from voting in Parliament at the last moment.

Lawmakers will again meet on September 26 for the next round of poll.

The world body established the UNMIN as a special political mission in 2007 with a mandate to manage the arms and armed personnel of the Maoists and the Nepal Army. Its term has so far been renewed six times and expires on September 15.

Lennon’s killer refused parole for sixth time REUTERS NEW YORK, SEPT 8

John Lennon’s killer was denied parole for the sixth time, three months before the 30th anniversary of the former Beatle’s death.

The New York State Division of Parole turned down Mark David Chapman’s request, citing concerns ‘’about the disregard you displayed for the norms of our society and the sanctity of human life,’’ according to a report

by CNN. The three-member parole board panel concluded in written comments that Chapman’s ‘’discretionary release remains inappropriate at this time and incompatible with the welfare of the community.’’

The New York Daily News said the parole division received 75 letters arguing against Chapman’s release, including one from Lennon’s 77-year- old widow, Yoko Ono, who said last month she believed Chapman posed a risk to her, Lennon’s two sons, the public and even to himself.

South Korea imposes new wave of Iran sanctions REUTERS SEOUL, SEPT 8

South Korea blacklisted on Wednesday 102 companies, including the Seoul branch of Iran’s Bank Mellat, and 24 individuals accused of facilitating Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

Bank Mellat has been at the heart of US demands for tougher South Korean sanctions, as it has been accused of facilitating hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions for Iranian nuclear, missile and defence entities. ‘’We based the measures on the need to join in international efforts related to Iran’s nuclear programme,’’ a government official told reporters. ‘’Any transactions by Bank Mellat as small as $1 will require government authorisation. It’s our belief that normal transactions by Bank Mellat will be difficult.’’

South Korea would also ban investment and construction contracts in Iran related to petroleum resources, he said.

South Korea has agonised for weeks over to whether to back close ally the United States and

Police beat customers at graft-hit Kabulbank REUTERS KABUL, SEPT 8

Afghan security forces used batons on unruly customers scrambling to withdraw their savings today from a branch of the graft-hit Kabulbank, the country’s biggest private financial institution.

Kabulbank’s troubles have threatened to add a financial crisis to Afghanistan’s other woes, with military and civilian casualties at record levels as a Talibanled insurgency grows and ahead of parliamentary elections on September 18.

Officers from the National Security Directorate struggled to maintain control of up to 200 people outside one branch in the capital as desperate customers tried to take out money ahead of a three-day Muslim holiday.

The crisis developed after the company’s top two directors resigned amid unproven media allegations of corruption.

Corruption is a common complaint among ordinary Afghans and Washington fears graft is boosting the insurgency and complicating efforts to strengthen government control so foreign troops can hand over to Afghan security forces – whose salaries are paid through Kabulbank.

The central bank on Monday ordered the assets of Kabulbank’s former chairman Sher Khan Farnood and chief executive officer Khalilullah Fruzi to be frozen, together with those of several other shareholders and major borrowers, pending an inquiry.

Reuters witnesses saw armed officers of the National Security Directorate beat several people — including at least one policeman — among queues of angry customers gathered outside the only bank branch to open today. ‘’It’s Eid, we need money for food, clothes, candy,’’ said Hameed Iqbal, an airforce member. ‘’They said all the bank branches would be open, they lied. I’m extremely angry.’’

Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s spokesman promised the bank’s customers their savings were safe and told them to be calm. ‘’We guarantee their money and the central bank is ready to pay loans to Kabulbank whenever it is needed,’’ Siamak Herawi said.

Another customer, who identified himself as Rahim, blamed the government for the crisis at the bank. ‘’If they do not listen to us we will break all the windows of Kabulbank, we will loot all the branches and even ... the presidential palace,’’ said Rahim, who

said he was a cook in a government office.

Widespread perceptions among Afghans that corruption is rife in Karzai’s government will be a major issue at a Sept. 18 parliamentary election, which is seen as a litmus test of stability in Afghanistan.

Kabulbank’s customers include 250,000 state employees.

Sayed Hammad, a 38-year-old grocery store owner, said he had heard on television on Tuesday that all Kabulbank branches would be open instead of just the single branch in Kabul. He said he wanted to withdraw 3,000 dollar and close his account. ‘’I used to trust the bank but not anymore,’’ Hammad said. ‘’You put your money in; you don’t know if you’ll get it out.’’

Last week, US media reported the central bank had taken control of Kabulbank, forcing Farnood and Fruzi to resign and ordering the chairman to hand over 160 million dollar worth of luxury villas bought with bank funds in Dubai.

The Afghan government and the central bank governor have both rejected the allegations, denying that the central bank had stepped in and saying Farnood and Fruzi had stepped aside in line with new financial regulations.

Men seeking to impress on dance floor, move that body REUTERS CANBERRA, SEPT 8

Men hoping to impress women on the dance floor now have science to help them.

A European study has found that men who move their necks and trunks more to the beat are most likely to attract women.

British and German researchers filmed 19 men, aged 18-35, with a 3-D camera system as they danced to a basic rhythm, and then mapped their movements onto featureless, white, gender-neutral humanoid characters, or avatars.

A group of 37 heterosexual women was asked to rate the dance moves of the avatars, which gave no indication of the men’s attractiveness, to help identify the key movement areas of the bodies that decided if their dancing was ‘’good’’ or ‘’bad.’’ ‘’This is the first study to show objectively what differentiates a good dancer

from a bad one. Men all over the world will be interested to know what moves they can throw to attract women,’’ said psychologist Dr Nick Neave of Britain’s Northumbria University in a statement.

The study, which also involved German’s University of Gottingen, found that eight movement variables made the difference between a ‘’good’’ and a ‘’bad’’ dancer.

These were the size of movement of the neck, trunk, left shoulder and wrist, the variability of movement size of the neck, trunk and left wrist, and the speed of movement of the right knee.

The analysis was concentrated on three body regions: legs including the ankle, hip and knee, the arms with shoulder, elbow and wrist, and the central body with neck and trunk.

The study found that female perceptions of good dance quality were influ-

enced most greatly by large and varied movements involving the neck and trunk.

The speed of the right knee movements was also important in signalling dance quality.

A ‘’good’’ dancer thus displays larger and more variable movements in relation to bending and twisting movements of their head/neck and torso, and faster bending and twisting movements of their right knee,’’ the researchers said in a report published in the Royal Society Journal Biology Letters.

Neave and fellow researcher Kristofor McCarty from Northumbria’s School of Life Sciences said the study was the first to identify potential biomechanical differences between ‘’good’’ and ‘’bad’’ male dancers.

Neave said he believed such dance movements may form honest signals of a man’s reproductive quality, in terms of

China and the United States said today that their sometimes rocky relationship is sounder after talks in Beijing, with both putting an optimistic face on ties that have been jolted by economic and security tensions.

The friendly mood-music between two of the world’s biggest economies came during talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao and two White House advisers, Deputy National Security Adviser Tom Donilon and National Economic Council Director Larry Summers.

Throughout 2010, Washington and Beijing have gone through bouts of friction over Internet policy, Tibet, US arms sales to Taiwan, China’s currency and Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea. The gaping US trade deficit with China, worth 226.9 billion dollar in 2009, has fueled trade disputes.

President Hu is likely to visit the United States early next year, and he played down the rifts in remarks to Donilon and Summers, who arrived in Beijing on Sunday for meetings with senior economic officials and diplomats. ‘’I’ve heard your discussions have gone well.

I’m sure that this visit will certainly enhance mutual communication and mutual trust,’’ Hu told them at the start of the talks, while reporters were briefly allowed in the meeting room. ‘’Since President Obama assumed office, ChinaUS relations have on the whole maintained healthy development thanks to the efforts of both sides,’’ added Hu. The Obama administration was also looking to smooth ties with Beijing, Donilon told Hu. ‘’Our discussions have been productive, detailed, far-reaching — covering the full range of

security and economic issues,’’ said Donilon, who was seated next to Hu. Neither side has said what issues are being discussed during the three days of talks ending on Wednesday, which included a meeting between Summers and Zhou Xiaochuan, the head of China’s central bank, which steers currency policy.

But the two sides have had plenty to talk about.

Washington complains that China keeps its yuan currency too low against the dollar, giving its manufacturers an unfair advantage and making Chinese exports cheaper.

China unofficially pegged the yuan to the dollar from mid-2008 to mid-2010, so the currency weakened against other trade partners as the value of the dollar slid.

China ended that de facto peg on June 19, but has risen only about 0.4 per cent against the dollar since then.

As well, Beijing has complained about US military activities near the Chinese coast, and in recent months held a succession of naval exercises accompanied by warnings from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army about Washington’s intentions.

But Hu is looking to visit the United States early next year, an important but tricky political trophy for the leader as he enters his final two years as President.

Both sides appear keen to keep a lid on tensions before that visit, as well as G20 and regional summits later this year when Obama and Hu will also have chances to meet. ‘’China looks positively on the fresh progress made in China-US relations, and we are willing to work together with the United States in promoting the advance of healthy and stable ChinaU.S. relations,’’ said Hu.

health, vigour or strength.

He intends to continue research to grasp the implications, but studying dancing in a natural setting is hard as it then also brings in facial attractiveness, height, clothing and socio-economic status. ‘’We now know which area of the body females are looking at when they are making a judgment about male dance attractiveness,’’ he said. ‘’If a man knows what the key moves are, he can get some training and improve his chances of attracting a female through his dance style.’’

McCarty said it did seem that women appear to like and look for the same sort of moves. ‘’From this, we predict that those observations have underlying traits associated with them but further research must be conducted to support such claims,’’ he said.

impose toughened sanctions on Iran, or heed Iran’s warning that new sanctions could risk business deals and endanger oil supplies from a major source.

Iran is the fourth-largest source of crude oil for South Korea, accounting for about 10 percent of its supplies.

Any disruption of shipments would have a big impact on Asia’s fourth-largest economy, which relies on imports for all its energy resources.

The United States has demanded that South Korea adopt new sanctions on Iran in addition to US-authorised measures to punish it for its uranium enrichment programme.

Billions of dollars are at stake in Iranian contracts for South Korean construction firms and shipbuilders.

The US Treasury Department on Tuesday said it had designated an Iranian-owned bank in Germany as facilitating Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons, a move that effectively prevents the firm from doing business with international financial institutions.

The IAEA said in a report obtained by Reuters on Monday that the Islamic Republic was pushing ahead with its nuclear work in defiance of tougher international sanctions.

Philippines massacre trial starts REUTERS MANILA, SEPT 8

The trial of a former mayor accused of masterminding the massacre of family members of a rival politician and dozens of journalists started in the Philippines today, a key test of the government’s commitment to law and security.

A n d a l A m p a t u a n J r. , whose family ruled Maguindanao province for nearly a decade and enjoyed the support of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is charged with 57 counts of murder for the massacre of seven family members of his rival, 33 journalists and several civilians.

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TALK BUSINESS

Computerised access control at MPT

Wooing MF investors with ‘go demat’ drive

Shoe market opens in Agra

base of about 1.75 lakh depository participants and about 3 lakh investors availing the services of its broking firm.

“It`s a very calculated move. Our aim is to attract other potential investors. Currently we handle equity AUM worth Rs 2 lakh crore through mutual funds and we aim to bring in about Rs 50 billion more into the fold,” Goyal added.

But not all registrars and broking firms are too excited about this move for now.

Though they agree there are advantages to it, they say that there is also a flip side to it. ``Earlier, it was possible for the investors to interact with the fund houses directly. The non-demat way of transacting meant that investors got customised services from the fund houses. They could log on to the Web site of the AMC and avail themselves of their services. But that would not be possible in the demat account format. There would be an intermediary involved,`` said a spokesperson for a leading registrar company.

India's first 'Joota Mandi' or shoe market has opened in this Taj city. Uttar Pradesh Minister for Urban Development and Public Works Nasimmuddin Siddiqui inaugurated it.

The Agra Development Authority spent Rs 21 crores to develop the exhibition-cumtraining complex on a 6,870 sq metre plot, complete with a basement and three floors.

An official said it had 22 warehouses, an auditorium, an exhibition hall and 268 stalls or shop counters.

'It would now be possible for foreign buyers to see the wide range of leather shoe products manufactured in Agra and negotiate directly. Even smaller manufacturers can showcase their products,' the official said.

Agra is the biggest leather shoe manufacturing centre in India, with more than two lakh people directly involved in the production process.

'Shoes are manufactured in Agra according to designs approved and quality constantly monitored by national and international companies,' said Ved Gautam, a forex agent.

AGENCY MUMBAI, SEPT 8

Praveen Agarwal, IRS chairman of MPT addressing the meet.

PANJIM (HBD) -- Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has introduced the Computerized Access Control System, based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology which fully complies the requirements of ISPS code, said the chairman of MPT Praveen Agarwal, IRS, while launching this unique system at a function organised at MPT on Monday.

A new procedure has evolved, taking into consideration the various work practices being followed by the Port Users and the Port Contractors for obtaining Harbour Entry Permits (HEPs). As per the new procedure, all the Port Users and Port Contractors will be allowed entry to the Port only on production of the proof of work and the antecedent verification along with the application signed by an authorised person.

The main feature of this system is the security guard posted at the gates need not verify the HEPs since the picture of the cardholder will be displayed on the LCD screen installed at the entry and exit points of the gates by showing the HEPs on the card readers. Apart from this facility, the new system has many salient features like In and Out timings of personnel & vehicles along with their entry/exit points which can be accessed on real time, at any given point of time, the total number of persons/vehicles inside Port is a click away, the number of HEPs issued shift-wise/daywise can be seen instantaneously, the retrieval of data at any given point of time even after many years is possible, any company can receive data from the Port regarding Entry/Exit details of their Employees/Vehicles amd Traffic patterns across all the gates can be retrieved and reported.

This system has been supplied, installed and commissioned by Bartronics India Pvt Ltd. Earlier traffic manager N Vaiyapuri welcomed the gathering and explained the necessity of the introduction of the modern access control system. The dy chairman, P C Parida gave the key note address. P Shayam Rao, President of Bartronics India Pvt Ltd, explained the salient features of the system. Dy Conservator Capt K V Vaswani gave a speech on ISPS code. Commandant CISF S S Mishra proposed the vote of thanks.

ICICI Bank opens Colva branch

The ICICI Banks Colva branch being inaugurated.

PANJIM (HBD) -- ICICI Bank launched its Colva Branch on September 8, 2010. With this ICICI Bank now has 14 branches in Goa. ICICI Bank now has around 2500 branches ail over India keeping in line with their ongoing service mantra of "Khayaal Aapka", ICICI Bank aims to provide the best of the services to its customers.

Colva Branch will be providing all services to the customers including all types of accounts (savings, easiness, professional accounts), Demat, loans, Forex and NRI services.

The branch was inaugurated by Dinkar Vernekar Dist chairman, for Wise Investments with Lion's International and the ATM by renowned Dr Elvis Mascarenhas in the presence of Trevor Barreto (regional head for Goa and Kolhapur Region) and Richard Rosario (duster branch manager) along with all the jubilant Bank Staff of Goa Rev Fr Diogo Manuel Fernandes Parish priest - Colva was present to grace the occasion and bless the branch and the branch staff. Macbeth Dias is the branch manager.

Sensex extends gains for third straight day, up 22 pts PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 8

Recovering from early losses, the BSE benchmark Sensex today ended almost 22 points higher at a fresh two-and-half year high, ignoring weak global cues.

Rising for the third session in a row, the 30-share index of the Bombay Stock Exchange closed at 18,666.71, up 21.65 points, or 0.12 per cent, with the major contribution coming from SBI, Bharti Airtel, Infosys and HUL. This is the best close of the Sensex since January 18, 2008, when it settled at 19,013.70.

Tracking weak global cues, domestic markets also opened on a subdued note and were trading in the negative zone till noon.

With mutual fund investors now having the choice of converting their folios into dematerialised accounts, registrars and broking firms are going all out to attract investors into holding demat accounts with them.

Registrars and broking firms, which have the responsibility of converting these accounts, are leaving no stone unturned in this pursuit. Some registrars are even willing to take a hit on their books for it.

COST OF CONVERSION “We are taking the entire hit of the conversion on our books.

The cost of converting the paperwork into an online account is Rs 3 and that of the courier service is Rs 25 per scheme. If we provide both services, then the conversion cost comes down to Rs 25 per scheme. We are not charging the investors for the service, nor will the fund houses reimburse us,” explained Rakesh Goyal, Senior Vice-President, Bonanza Portfolio.

Bonanza has an investor

Vodafone sells China Mobile stake REUTERS LONDON, SEPT 8

Vodafone, the world's largest telecommunications operator by revenue, said on Tuesday it sold its 3.2 percent stake in China Mobile for $6.6 billion.

The sale was part of Vodafone's new strategy to exit nonstrategic minority investments, which analysts and investors believe have weighed on the company's overall value in recent years.

Vodafone said UBS, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley were handling the placing and around 70 percent of the net proceeds would return to shareholders via a buyback, while the remainder would be used to pay down debt.

Vodafone Chief Executive Vittorio Colao has said the group's minority holdings are not considered essential and it would focus on its core markets in Europe, Africa and India instead.

People familiar with the matter had earlier told Reuters that eight banks including Goldman Sachs, UBS, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley and HSBC were pitching to arrange the placing, managed by corporate adviser Rothschild.

The exit comes after Vodafone's lock-up period on the China Mobile stake ended recently. One person familiar with the situation said Vodafone had raised the idea of sellAban Offshor, 814.1, 824.85, 810.2, 817.15 Abb Ltd., 779.25, 786, 779.25, 783.5 Abg Shipyard, 246.4, 251.45, 242.15, 245.7 Acc Limited, 961.4, 1002, 949.55, 993.35 Adani Enterp, 655.8, 660.8, 649.9, 654.55 Aditya Birla, 834, 847.5, 822.25, 832.25 Allahabad Ba, 219.9, 226.85, 217.65, 225.45 Alstom Proje, 728, 735.5, 714, 721.5 Ambuja Cemen, 135, 138.8, 134.05, 137.2 Andhra Bank, 154.95, 157.35, 152.2, 155.6 Ashok Leylan, 74.9, 75.5, 73.5, 73.9 Asian Paints, 2853.35, 2878, 2830, 2836 Axis Bank Li, 1390, 1392.7, 1373.1, 1381.25 Bajaj Hindus, 123, 124.7, 122, 122.75 Bank Of Baro, 821, 849, 821, 838.3 Bank Of Indi, 437.1, 469.8, 437.1, 463.05 Beml Limited, 1185, 1193, 1161, 1172.3 Bharat Elect, 1731, 1743.25, 1708, 1711.3 Bharat Forge, 362.9, 367.8, 359.55, 362.6 Bharat Petro, 754.4, 766.8, 746.4, 756.95 Bharti Airte, 341, 353.7, 338, 352 Bhel, 2434.05, 2449, 2421.15, 2439.75 Bhushan Stee, 1890, 1932.25, 1868.5,

ing the stake a year ago, and ahead of recent investor criticism.

"Today's transaction achieves a near doubling of Vodafone's original investment in China Mobile and combines our stated portfolio strategy with ongoing cooperation with China's leading telecommunications company," Colao said in a statement late on Tuesday.

The two groups said they would continue to work together on issues such as roaming and technology developments.

Vodafone purchased the holding in two parts between 2000 and 2002 for a total of $3.25 billion. China Mobile shares are also currently performing well, up 12.5 pct in 2010, compared with a 2.2 percent fall in the broader Hong Kong Index.

And analysts had said it would be one of the easier minority stakes to sell for Vodafone, compared with other possible disposals such as its 44 percent stake in France's SFR and its 45 percent holding in Verizon Wireless, which only have one possible buyer each.

Despite China's position as the world's biggest mobile market, with nearly 800 million subscribers, growth for China Mobile and its competitors has also been slowing as revenue from voice calls declines in the face of increasing cellphone penetration rates.

1883.05 Biocon Limit, 348, 352.9, 345.15, 347.3 Bombay Dyein, 617.6, 648.9, 611, 639.6 Bosch Limite, 6369, 6449, 6301, 6347.6 Brigade Ente, 140.4, 144.5, 140.05, 141.1 Cairn India, 332, 334.9, 328.25, 328.95 Canara Bank, 534, 547.45, 533.3, 545.15 Central Bank, 180.9, 181.85, 177.7, 179.15 Century Text, 519.3, 523.9, 508.8, 511.3 Cesc Ltd, 398.3, 405.9, 393.5, 398 Chambal Fert, 72.65, 74.1, 72, 72.5 Chennai Petr, 242.15, 243.2, 238.6, 242.1 Cipla Ltd, 316, 316, 309.65, 310.7 Colgate Palm, 828.9, 829.35, 823.2, 826.8 Container Co, 1323.4, 1350, 1281.4, 1304.7 Crompton Gre, 317, 317, 305.5, 307.25 Cummins Indi, 729.8, 737.95, 719, 731.8 Dabur India, 108.3, 109.45, 106.9, 107.4 Deccan Chron, 133.35, 135.4, 131, 132 Dish Tv Indi, 51.1, 56.45, 51.1, 55.95 Divi’s Labor, 755.2, 760, 744.2, 755.35 Dlf Limited, 315, 319.3, 313.15, 318.25 Dr. reddy’s, 1430, 1439.8, 1387.75, 1404.65

But keeping in mind the advantages for the investors, most broking firms and registrars are likely to follow suit and provide demat services to their investors. ``Eventually, all broking firms will have to do the same.

Any broking firm will want to provide these services as it gets total control of the entire transaction. Earlier the investor had to deal with a large number of people for these transactions. Also, broking firms having control over the transaction process means that purchase of each unit will start yielding brokerage income, which was not possible before,`` said Prakash Diwan, Head of Institutional Equity, Networth Stock Broking.

NOT A BIG HIT However, Diwan believes that the hit on the books is not that big. ``First of all the number of investors not holding DP accounts is very small. The challenge will be to get those investors who avail of our services but do not have a DP account with us,`` he added.

Dhanlaxmi Bank opens two ATMs HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 8

AGENCY AGRA, SEPT 8

REUTERS TOKYO, SEPT 8

The number of mobile subscribers in the country crossed the 652.42 million mark in July, with the addition of 16.92 million connections, official data show.

According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the wireless user base grew 2.66 percent to 652.42 million in July from 635.51 million in the previous month.

With this, the total telephone subscriber base touched 688.38 million.

The growth in this category was led by Bharti Airtel, which added 2.6 million users to take its subscriber base to 139.2 million users.

Reliance Communications added 2.5 million new subscribers, taking its subscriber base to 113.3 million. Vodafone added 2.4 million connections taking its user base to 111.4 subscribers.

According to the data, the broadband subscriber base grew 2.67 percent from 9.45

Shipping Corp plans to buy stake in Indian shipyard REUTERS MUMBAI, SEPT 8

Shipping Corp of India, the country's largest shipping company, has sought expression of interest from Indian shipyards for picking up stake, CMD S Hajara said on Wednesday.

"We have asked for expression of interest. All the Indian private shipyards are free to give their expression of interest," he said.

Edelweiss Ca, 51, 52.3, 49.8, 51.55 Educomp Solu, 571, 579, 566.2, 570.25 Eih Limited, 145, 148.25, 141, 141.9 Engineers In, 347, 356.4, 347, 352.7 Essar Oil Lt, 127, 128.75, 126.3, 127.3 Essar Shippi, 114, 115.6, 108, 113.55 Exide Indust, 156.05, 161.3, 156.05, 159.55 Federal Bank, 358, 367, 353, 362.1 Financial Te, 1405, 1409.8, 1365.1, 1370.25 Gail (india), 466.4, 473, 463.35, 466.9 Gammon India, 223.65, 230, 216.8, 227.4 Glaxosmithkl, 1916, 1929, 1911, 1918.35 Glenmark Pha, 281.6, 284.5, 278.5, 283.25 Gmr Infrastr, 58.5, 59.15, 58, 58.75 Godrej Indus, 235, 235, 226.75, 232.05 Grasim Indus, 2200, 2239, 2156.35, 2163.4 Great Offsho, 398, 407.45, 395.2, 404.5 Gtl Infra.Lt, 45, 46.5, 44.75, 46.15 Gujarat Mine, 136, 138.35, 133.5, 136.75 Gujarat N R, 64.9, 65.65, 63.55, 64 Gujarat Stat, 120.45, 121.45, 117.25, 118.55 Gvk Pow. & I, 48, 50.95, 47.5, 49.9 Hcl Technolo, 399.15, 406.75, 398.1, 405.75

Hdfc Bank Lt, 2188, 2199.9, 2171.3, 2179.6 Hdfc Ltd, 630, 634.95, 627.5, 630.55 Hero Honda M, 1708, 1714.5, 1698, 1705.75 Hindalco in, 179.4, 182.4, 178.35, 181.3 Hindustan Co, 60.8, 61.95, 60.15, 60.75 Hindustan Ma, 77.95, 78.6, 76.65, 76.85 Hindustan Pe, 515, 532.5, 510.8, 527.7 Hindustan Un, 269.5, 275.4, 269, 274.25 Hindustan Zi, 1102.2, 1120, 1090, 1096.55 Housing Dev, 272, 281.8, 270.1, 279.1 ICICI Bank L, 1030.05, 1041.25, 1023.8, 1027.6 Idea Cellula, 73.9, 76.3, 72.55, 75.9 Ifci Ltd, 60.5, 61.05, 59.6, 60.4 India Cement, 118, 118, 112, 113.55 India Infoli, 99, 100.25, 97.25, 98 Indiabulls F, 151, 151, 146, 148.2 Indiabulls R, 176, 178.4, 173.8, 177.5 Indian Bank, 257.9, 260, 253.05, 259.15 Indian Hotel, 106.1, 107.9, 105.1, 106.35 Indian Oil C, 414, 417.25, 410.7, 413.75 Indian Overs, 131.6, 143.3, 131.6, 140.1 Indus Dev Ba, 126.1, 136.25, 125.3, 133.85 Indusind Ban, 232.35, 241, 232.35, 240

Mizuho Financial Group, Japan's second-largest lender by assets, said it is looking to acquire commercial banks in Asia to expand in the fast-growing region in the face of weak prospects at home.

Nobuhide Hayashi, head of Mizuho Corporate Bank's international banking unit, also said the bank would not rule out the possibility of selling the preferred shares it holds in Merrill Lynch, which was taken over by Bank of America early last year.

"In terms of inorganic growth, our main focus is Asia," Hayashi told Reuters in an interview.

"We have yet to discuss a specific budget (for acquisitions), but I don't think it would be less than 100 billion yen ($1.2 billion)," he said.

Japan's big banks -- Mizuho, top-ranked Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and No. 3 Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group -have been accelerating their overseas expansion as they suffer from weak demand for

loans in Japan amid a fragile economic recovery and deflation.

The pressure to build new revenue generators has only increased since the three banks tapped the stock market to raise more than $50 billion since December 2008 to replenish capital.

Mizuho Corporate Bank is one of Mizuho Financial's two core units, targeting large corporate clients and overseas markets.

Hayashi said Asian commercial banks are attractive because, in addition to their broad sales networks and client base, they tend to play a central role in each country's financial sector, having securities, asset management and other businesses under their wing.

"I don't know whether it would be one of the top five banks in the country in question, but it would be meaningless unless (a target bank) has that kind of size," he said.

Mobile user base crosses 652.42 m AGENCY NEW DELHI, SEPT 8

Dhanlaxmi Bank, one of the fastest growing mid-size private sector banks in India, announced that it has inaugurated two off-site Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) at Panjim and Calangute in Goa. The expansion of network is part of the Bank’s strategy to mark its footprint in the western region.

The ATM located at Jupiter building, Naikawado, Calangute Bardez was inaugurated by V K Parvatikar, assistant general manager, Reserve Bank of India, Goa, while the ATM located at Land Scape Tower, St Inez, Panjim was inaugurated by Ajit Naik, MD, Goa Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. Also present at the occasion were senior officials of the Bank including David de Souza, branch head, Panjim, Dhanlaxmi Bank.

Mizuho looks to buy Asian banks

Infosys Tech, 2857, 2886.6, 2825, 2879.4 Infra. dev., 184, 186.5, 182.75, 185.75 Ispat Indust, 20.25, 20.65, 19.95, 20.3 Itc Ltd, 165.15, 165.9, 163.25, 164.3 Ivrcl Infras, 159.8, 162.15, 159, 160.85 Jai Corp Lim, 265.35, 268.45, 259.3, 263.5 Jaiprakash A, 119.4, 120.5, 117.55, 118.85 Jet Airways, 752, 758.45, 737, 747.55 Jindal Saw L, 215, 217.6, 212.5, 214.5 Jindal Steel, 706.75, 712.7, 700.1, 710.5 Jsw Steel Li, 1201, 1229.5, 1201, 1215.85 Kotak Mahind, 850.05, 853.9, 840, 846.55 Lakshmi Mach, 2410, 2510, 2374, 2474.6 Lanco Infrat, 69.1, 70.25, 68.35, 68.8 Larsen & Tou, 1873.4, 1883.1, 1852.5, 1866.55 Lic Housing, 1189, 1189, 1165.5, 1170.6 Lupin Limite, 368, 379.8, 364, 375.5 Mahanagar Te, 63.75, 65.8, 63.1, 65.15 Mahindra & M, 630, 638, 627.5, 635.25 Maruti Suzuk, 1319.7, 1336.9, 1303, 1307.5 Max India Lt, 155.5, 165.5, 155.15, 163.9 Maytas Infr., 211, 213.95, 210.1, 211.5 Moser-baer (, 68.2, 68.3, 64.5, 66.8

million in June to 9.77 million in July 2010.

However, the wireline segment declined further. 'Wireline subscriber base declined from 36.18 million in June2010 to 35.96 million at the end of July-2010,' said TRAI in a statement.

BSNL and MTNL, the two state-run operators, hold 83.86 percent of the wireline market share.

BOARD MEETINGS Aqua Logist Gujarat Capital Vama Inds BASF India Crisil Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA TATA MUTUAL FUND has launched a new fund named as Tata Fixed Maturity Plan-Series 27 - Scheme B, a close ended debt scheme. The duration of the scheme is 366 days from the date of allotment. The NFO price for the scheme is Rs. 10 per unit. The new issue is open for subscription from September 7, 2010 and closes on September 14, 2010.

The scheme offer growth option, quarterly dividend optionpayout and periodic dividend option-payout option.

The scheme will have maximum derivative gross notional position of 50% of the net assets of the scheme. Investment in derivative instrument may be done for hedging and portfolio balancing.

The minimum application amount is Rs 10,000.

The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription amount of Rs 100 million under the scheme during the NFO period.

Entry and exit load charge for the scheme will be nil.

Benchmark Index for the scheme is Crisil Short Term Bond Fund Index.

The fund manager for the scheme will be Murthy Nagarajan.

CANARA ROBECO MUTUAL FUND has approved September 13, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option of Canara Robeco FORCE Fund - Retail and Institutional Plan.

Re 1 per unit shall be declared as dividend as on the record date on a face value of Rs 10 per unit. Canara Robeco FORCE Fund (Financial Opportunities, Retail Consumption & Entertainment Fund) is an open-end Scheme having a primary objective to generate income/capital appreciation by investing in equities/equity related instruments of companies in the Finance, Retail & Entertainment sectors.

Mrpl, 78, 78.55, 77.05, 77.9 Nagarjuna Co, 158.8, 159.85, 156.8, 157.4 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.4, 32, 31.15, 31.55 National Alu, 407, 410, 402, 405.55 Neyveli Lign, 162.3, 164.8, 160.8, 162.75 Ntpc Ltd, 198.4, 199.9, 197.5, 199.45 Oil And Natu, 1345.3, 1364.8, 1340.05, 1355.5 Omaxe Limite, 131.5, 133.3, 130.15, 132.1 Oriental Ban, 435, 444.9, 432.45, 439.6 Pantaloon Re, 489, 491, 478.1, 482.75 Parsvnath De, 139.15, 141, 138.65, 140.05 Petronet Lng, 113.7, 114.8, 112, 113.5 Power Fin Co, 349.7, 350.85, 342.25, 346.95 Power Grid C, 106.7, 107.1, 105.75, 106.5 Praj Industr, 76.95, 79.25, 76.25, 78.1 Punj Lloyd L, 112.7, 113.4, 111.5, 112.4 Punjab Natio, 1210, 1240.8, 1202, 1229.2 Rajesh Expor, 93.3, 94.1, 91.2, 93.45 Ranbaxy Labs, 508.1, 518.5, 505, 512.4 Rashtriya Ch, 84.45, 86.3, 84.1, 85.1 Rel. nat. re, 39, 39.4, 38.7, 38.95 Reliance Cap, 793.05, 798.35, 774.25,

776.35 Reliance Com, 163, 165.35, 160.4, 164.75 Reliance Ene, 1080, 1235, 1075, 1112.63 Reliance Ind, 882, 889, 871, 878.55 Reliance Ind, 955.1, 964.7, 952, 959.6 Reliance Pow, 157.5, 158.5, 156.05, 156.3 Rolta India, 169.4, 170.9, 167, 168.05 Satyam Compu, 94.5, 95.5, 92.55, 93.75 Sesa Goa Ltd, 318, 320.9, 314.1, 315.1 Shipping Cor, 166.5, 170.6, 165.55, 168 Siemens Ltd, 708, 709.9, 704.1, 706.5 Sintex Indus, 377, 377.9, 369.35, 370.7 Sobha Develo, 368, 377.7, 365.15, 373.5 State Bank O, 2825.05, 2906, 2809.2, 2895.9 Steel Author, 197.4, 201.5, 194.65, 198.65 Sterlite Ind, 163, 168.7, 162.15, 167.1 Sun Pharmace, 1740, 1848, 1740, 1753.85 Sun Tv Netwo, 504.8, 516, 502.05, 509.55 Suzlon Energ, 51.35, 52.3, 51, 51.55 Tata Communi, 336.2, 344, 333.1, 340.2 Tata Consult, 864, 882.9, 858.9, 879.05 Tata Motors, 1035, 1043.7, 1026.15, 1032.9

Tata Power C, 1268.7, 1287, 1265.55, 1274.05 Tata Steel L, 572, 586.55, 567.9, 580.6 Tata Teleser, 23, 23.6, 22.85, 23.5 Tech Mahindr, 702.4, 719.7, 702.4, 710.1 The Ge Shpg., 315.5, 323, 313.5, 317.2 The Phoenix, 247, 250, 242.05, 243.7 Thermax Ltd, 796.9, 812, 785.6, 797.6 Titan Indust, 3000, 3030, 2956, 2962.4 Torrent Powe, 340, 344, 338.5, 342.1 Triveni Engg, 103.9, 107.4, 103.5, 105 Tv18 India L, 94, 96.95, 93.05, 96.2 Uco Bank, 116.15, 118.55, 115.35, 117.05 Ultratech Ce, 995, 1016.9, 978.55, 993.05 Union Bank O, 342, 348.45, 340, 345.05 Unitech Ltd, 81.65, 82.7, 81, 82 United Phosp, 184.15, 186.7, 182.05, 183.4 Videocon Ind, 264.8, 269, 262.3, 263.75 Vijaya Bank, 83, 84.85, 81.8, 83.8 Voltas Ltd, 216.95, 223.05, 215.55, 218.65 Wipro Ltd, 407.8, 415.65, 403.5, 410.55 Yes Bank Lim, 318, 319.5, 313.85, 317.7 Zee Entertai, 292.9, 294.9, 287.1, 291.7

OHERALDO

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BIZ

GOA, THURSDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER, 2010

Deregulation of Interest rates on radar: RBI PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 8

The Reserve Bank today said deregulation of interest rates on savings accounts is on its radar and it will soon be examining the possibility of implementing the same.

"Deregulation of interest rate is on our radar. A working group will soon be set up to examine the possibility of deregulating interest rates," Reserve Bank's Deputy Governor, Usha Thorat, said while addressing a banking conference organised

by FICCI and IBA here.

"We have to examine whether the de-regulation can help bring more people into the formal banking system," she said.

At 3.5 per cent per annum, interest on savings accounts is the only regulated rate in the banking system presently and a

highly contentious one given its impact on the common man.

For achieving the goal of financial inclusion, there is a need for a higher number of tie-ups between banks and the non-bank finance companies (NBFCs) ho have better delivery systems to ensure better last mile connectivity, Thorat said.

The senior RBI official also said that the apex bank is in the process of "tweaking" regulations on securitization to ensure the growth of the securitised market in an orderly manner.

Banks should also ensure that there is no excessive borrowing as such borrowings can lead to the formation of bubbles which can deter stability, she said.

Looking at the high growth

Organic farming may grow fast PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 8

in credit in recent years, Thorat advised banks to do more "forward looking provisions" to cover their non-performing assets (NPAs) whose increase is "inevitable" in the future.

In her address, Thorat laid a greater stress on rating agencies and asked them to provide "holistic approach" while rating as it has a direct link to the bank's assets.

She also highlighted the need for development finance institutions to launch more risk mitigants like the Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) which offers collateral-free loans for the benefit of small farmers, landless agricultural labourers, those engaged in allied activities related to agriculture and ones affected by natural calamities.

Area under organic farming in India is likely to grow over ten-fold to one crore hectres in the next five years on buoyant domestic market and increased farmers'' interest to ensure sustained yield at lower costs. "Since the beginning of organic farming almost ten years back, acreage in India is still minuscule at 11 lakh hectres.

I hope this will grow ten-fold in five years," International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture President Mukesh Gupta told PTI. Gupta, who is also Operations Director at Morarka Organic Foods, one of the pioneers in organic farming in India, said growth in the chemical fertiliser-free, pesticide-free process of farming was inevitable in India in sync with the enhanced awareness among the people on the back of higher per capita income.

"Unlike in chemical agriculture, in organic farming you don''t use anything from outside for production. Everything you use, is there in the land. No chemical fertiliser, pesticide.

This ensures sustainability of yields at no cost. Farmers are now more inclined to this mode of farming.

Consumers are also preferring organic products," he said. Organic farming, though at its infancy in India, is now practiced across the country in states like Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Sikim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand.

"The growth in organic farming has been phenomenal in the last three years during which almost 300 products have been made into the list of cultivation under it. We believe that this will go up in the coming days," Gupta said.

Indosolar's IPO to open on Sept 13 PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 8

Solar photo-voltaic cells manufacturer, Indosolar Limited, today said that it plans to raise

up to Rs 357-crore through an IPO scheduled to open on September 13.

"The proceeds will be used to expand into our third manu-

LAUNCH PAD

New SBI Life ULIPs PANJIM (HBD) -- SBI Life, a leading new generation life insurer, has launched Smart Performer and Unit Plus Super. These products are part of the new range that would address long term wealthcreation and protection needs of varied customer segments.

In compliance with the new IRDA guidelines, these newly launched ULIPs are equipped with enhanced features such as benefits of higher protection, multiple investment options and a wide range of riders offering additional protection. Guaranteed Additions, Lower Charges , Convenient Partial withdrawals and Premium Redirection are the hallmarks of Unit Plus Super. Automatic Rebalancing and Highest daily NAV Guarantee are the key customer friendly differentiators of Smart Performer.

A unique daily NAV Guarantee ULIP, SBI Life Smart Performer offers policy holder 5% higher than highest NAV during the first seven year or NAV at Maturity, whichever is higher. A “Automatic Rebalancing” mechanism under Secure & Growth plan allows customer to avail the potential of higher gains. 80% of the premium is allocated to the Daily Protect Fund and the balance in Index Fund, allowing for higher participation in equity. Gains higher than 15% from Index Fund, are auto-transferred to the Daily Protect Fund. Using CPPI, the asset allocation under Daily Protection Fund is dynamically rebalanced to provide a guarantee of 105% of the highest NAV. The policy holder can opt for Secure Plan or Secure & Grow Plan. The plan is available as a regular premium, 5–year limited premium payment term or single premium option.

A flexible ULIP, SBI Life Unit Plus Super offers customer an attractive opportunity to opt for innovative P/E Managed fund from the 9 funds available. Based on the Forward Price Earning Multiple on NSE S& P CNX Nifty index, the premium under P/E Fund, is dynamically allocated between equity and equity related securities and debt instrument, money market and cash. Guaranteed additions, wide range of riders including the innovative Criti Care 13 and Income Sustainer, flexible premium payments terms under regular, limited and single plan are some of the key features of the Plan. Furthermore, customer can choose to increase or decrease the Sum Assured amount depending on his changing lifestage need.The company, shortly, plans to launch a bouquet of uniquely-featured ULIPs in the Child, Non- Medical, Pension and High Networth Individual (HNI) category.

Recently, SBI Life Insurance retained the unique distinction of being a Life Insurer from India, topping the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) 2010 across the globe, for the second consecutive year.

Godrej Interio’s green range PANJIM (HBD) -- Godrej Interio, a leading player in the home and office furniture category is lead sponsor and is participating in the 3rd annual networking meet for global facility and admin managers, held recently in Goa. Through this meet, Godrej Interio aims to promote and highlight the benefits of their entire green range of office furniture.

Godrej Interio have taken up measurable targets on reduction of harmful emissions, consumption of key resources and use of renewable and recyclable resources, thus fulfilling our commitment towards benefitting the environment.

Godrej Interio ‘Green Range’ of products is specially designed for offices and is technologically advanced that keeps a proper check on indoor air quality in the office spaces. It also helps to control volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which trigger problems related to headaches and dizziness, asthma and allergies and various other aspects that cause severe health problems over the long term.

When versatility is essential along with space and energy saving is the order of the day, only Godrej Interio’s Green range caters to furniture needs of each and every individual. There are three uniquely designed products under the Green Range offered by Godrej Interio:

Market Xcel’s market research tool NEW DELHI (PTI) -- Looking to tap the growing demand for lowcost market research tools in the country, Market Xcel has launched ''Xcel-Omnibus'', designed to help marketing professionals, advertising agencies and public relations firms. The new tool introduced by the market research solutions provider would deliver quick-result small surveys to aid opinion poll conductors, marketing and advertising agencies.

"Omnibus Surveys are more suitable for measuring and tracking public opinion, attitudes and behaviour, general brand evaluation, establishing market share and incidence and measuring advertising awareness," Market Xcel CEO R Vishal Oberoi told PTI. "It would be the most cost effective and reliable survey program for clients and provide results in just a week''s time," Oberoi added.

Omnibus research would help in asking simple questions that allow people to choose from a list of possible answers and can also handle more complex question style like attitude statements and advertising evaluation.

Market Xcel plans to conduct a total of 1,200 face-to- face interviews each week, across 12 cities (100 each), balanced to match the census/IRS data by age and gender. Market Xcel, an end-toend market research firm that provides custom market research solutions, has offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore & Kolkata.

facturing line of solar cells of 100 MW. This should be ready within a year," Indosolar's MD, H R Gupta, told PTI here.

The company has fixed the price-band of its issue at between Rs 29 and Rs 32 per equity share.

The company presently has two SPV cell-manufacturing lines having an aggregate annual manufacturing capacity of 160 MW. Presently, the promoters hold a 97.5 per cent stake in the company, which, post-IPO will stand reduced to around 63 per cent, he said.

The company has sold a combined 1.8 per cent stake to two entities -- Bennett Coleman and Singapore's Schmid Technologies -- for Rs 20-crore.

While the former has bought shares at Rs 36 per share for Rs 5-crore, Schmidt Technologies has purchased shares at Rs 40 per share for Rs 15-crore, Gupta said.

Indosolar, which expects to break-even this fiscal, earns around 90 per cent of its revenue from exports and the balance from the domestic market.

"However, given the immense growth potential in India, the mix will shift predominantly to the domestic

market with around 75 per cent revenue to come from here and the balance from overseas markets in the next one-year," he said.

Indosolar's strategy is to take advantage of the favourable domestic regime for solar power. "There are enough triggers for growth in the domestic market," Gupta said.

The company has been shortlisted for capital subsidy under the semi-conductor policy where if one invests Rs 1,000-crore, he is eligible for 25 per cent capex subsidy (of Rs 250-crore).

"We have already invested Rs 750-crore over the last twoyears to build up our present 160 MW capacity. We will soon touch the Rs 1,000-crore investment mark," Gupta said.

The company plans to use the amount to either invest in a fourth manufacturing line or retire its debt, which, presently stands at Rs 460-crore (obtained from five public sector banks).

"If we go in for a fourth manufacturing line, then it should happen by mid-2012 at an investment of around Rs 300crore," he said.

The book-running lead manager (BRLM) to the issue is Enam Securities.

Prices to rise 10%: JK Cement PTI CHANDIGARH, SEPT 8

Cement major JK Cement today said that cement prices, which remained subdued so far this fiscal, will go up by 10-15 per cent after monsoon.

Besides, the company further said it plans to expand capacity by 2-3 million tonnes next year with an anticipated capital infusion of Rs 1,500 crore in Rajasthan.

"We expect that cement prices will increase in the range of 10-15 per cent after monsoon comes to end," Company's MD & CEO Yadupati Singhania told reporters here today.

Noting that the overcapacity coupled with long monsoon had a bad impact on cement prices this fiscal, Singhania said that cement prices were much better last year.

"Last fiscal we were getting Rs 50 more per bag (50kg) (compared to this financial year's cement prices)… The main reason behind low prices is excess cement capacity in the market and monsoon season," he said.

At present, cement prices range between Rs 220 per bag to Rs 250 per bag in northern India, while in the southern market it costs Rs 200-220 per bag.

With less price realisation this year, companies are hesitant about expanding capacities. "Cement companies are not going for expansion because of overcapacity in the market," he said.

JK Cement, which has 3.5 per cent market share, is expecting modest sales of Rs 2,000 crore in the current fiscal against Rs 1,900 crore achieved last fiscal.

Singhania said that the cement industry is expected to grow by 8 to 10 per cent this fiscal.

When asked about ramping up capacity, Singhania revealed

that the company would look at raising capacity next year at its plant in Rajasthan, which would see a capacity addition of 2-3 million tonnes, entailing an investment of Rs 1,500 crore.

"We hope the cement industry will improve next year and then we will look at expanding capacity," he said.

Along with it, the company would also set up a 30 MW captive power plant for self-consumption.

Boeing not ruling out merger REUTERS CHICAGO, SEPT 8

Boeing is "actively" looking at potential acquisition opportunities in response to a changing security environment and will not rule out a merger with another large defense contractor, Boeing's head of defense said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Reuters Aerospace and Defense Summit in Washington, Dennis Muilenburg said Boeing continues to look at high-growth areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence and surveillance and unmanned systems for potential deals and will make targeted acquisitions in those areas.

"We continue to see acquisitions as an opportunity area for us. It's one of the tools that we use to grow," said Muilenburg, chief executive of Boeing's defense, space and security division.

Audi eyes 30% share, to launch A8 by Dec PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 8

Luxury car-maker, Audi, is targeting a 30 per cent marketshare in the Indian market by next year even as it plans to expand its dealership network to 18 and launch its high-end A 8 model by end-this year, a top company official said today.

Currently, Audi enjoys around 24 per cent of the luxury car market in India, that is pegged at around 15,00020,000 units of cars.

"We are looking at increasing our marketshare as well as focusing on profitabilty. By next year we target around 30 per cent share in the Indian market. We expect a huge growth coming from the metros as well as Tier II cities," Audi India Head, Micheal Perschke, said on the sidelines of the launch of its new showroom here.

The company is looking at selling about 1,000 units during September-December pe-

RBI warns on surge in non-bank lending REUTERS MUMBAI, SEPT 8

A Reserve Bank of India deputy governor on Wednesday cautioned against a sharp rise in lending activity by non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) to companies, which she said can lead to asset bubbles.

Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Usha Thorat also said she does not support a further increase in exposure limits for banks to an infrastructure borrower or group of such borrowers.

NBFCs have caught up with banks in lending to Indian companies, according to recent data, she said.

"Excessive borrowings beyond the need of production and investment can lead to potential asset bubbles and deterioration of credit quality," Thorat said in a speech at a banking seminar.

NBFCs source their funding from domestic capital markets and money markets as well as offshore, she noted, warning that it is difficult to monitor the end-use of funds extended by non-banking financial firms.

Non-bank financial institutions have stepped up lending to Indian corporates since the RBI launched a new lending rate structure for banks from July 1, known as the base rate,

Surya Roshni plans to increase export PTI HYDERABAD, SEPT 8

Surya Roshni, one of the largest flagship companies of the Rs 2000 crore Surya Group plans, to enter new areas to increase its export.

Talking to mediapesons here today, J P Agarwal, CMD, Surya Roshni Limited said, "India and China are the hubs for export market for GI Pipes."

"From the present Rs 400 crore export turn over of GI Pipes, we are planning to increase turn over by entering new areas", Agarwal said.

Presently we are exporting in over 40 countries including Canada, USA, Europe, Germany and Middle-East.

He said company is also investing Rs 100 crore for its Shimoga (Karnataka) plant to manufacture over one lakh tones of GI Pipes. When asked Agarwal said Surya has 15 per cent of the GI Pipes. All India market size of the GI Pipes is about Rs 10,000 crore, he added.

Agarwal, on the company's

riod this year. So far this year it has sold around 1,876 cars (January-August) as against 1,128 units in the year-ago period.

In August alone, it sold 250 cars, a 46 per cent jump from 171 units in the year-ago period.

The German car-maker of the Volkswagon Group, that makes cars such as Skoda and Volkswagon, is looking at increasing the dealership network to 18 across the country from the current 10.

"We are looking at increasing our distribution network. India is a strategic market and is growing as demand is coming from smaller cities such as Bhubaneswar and Patna in the eastern region. We are looking at a 45 per cent growth next year. We are planning to open more showrooms in cities such as Surat, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Indore and Coimbatore," he said.

Currently, Audi has showrooms in Ahmedabad, New

programme to educate millions of consumers across 250 cities in India on the hazards of using spurious pipes, said the programme aims to educate dealers, 20,000 retailes and consumers on the ill effects and hazards of using spurious steel pipes. The programme also covers highlighting benefits of using good quality GI and ERW pipes.

Elaborating on the issue, Agarwal said, "spurious pipes last for just 2-3 years while pipes manufactured as per prescribed norms last for over 30 years or more. At a cumulative level, consumers end up paying more if they use sub-standard pipes."

Today sale of spurious pipes comprises over 30 per cent of the total steel pipe mrket sales.

These are manufactured by using half the quality of spurious 'Goomati Zinc' coating, which reduces the life of the product. These poor quality pipes are produced using under gauge patra coils from patra sub standard steel, in-

stead of tested H.R. coils manufactured by SAIL. He said Surya Group has undertaken an expansion of 550 crores mainly in Steel Pipes for water, oil and gas and also for lighting which is expected to generate employment for 6000 more people and new jobs.

Surya Steel Pipes Division has also expanded into manufacture of Structural Hollow Section (pipes) for use in a wide range of applications. These Square and Rectangular Hollow steel sections, manufactured under state of the art Japanese technology are used in many major application areas by a large number of customers, such as industries, shopping and commercial malls, furniture manufacture, Airport Authority, Railways, Metro Services, Auto Industry, Bus Stands, Industrial Sheds, Towers, Buildings and the National Highway Development Infrastructure Program.

under which banks cannot lend below that reference rate.

Consequently, the cost of funds for many companies has moved up, prodding them to seek finance at lower rates from other sources.

"When we had looked at the recent data on the flow of funds to the commercial sector we find that the source of funding from non-banks has been equal to if not more than from banks," she said in the speech.

She also warned banks against over-reliance on rating agencies, as ratings may not necessarily reflect broader systemic risks. Banks ought to be moving to advanced approaches with less reliance on rating agencies," she said.

"Agencies in turn have to take a holistic approach while awarding ratings, keeping in regard the tendency for end-use, asset bubbles and possible instability," she said.

Thorat is also not in favour of further relaxation of infrastructure lending norms after the RBI eased its single borrower and group borrower exposure limits earlier this year.

Those rules limit a bank's lending to a single borrower or group of borrowers. "If you look at the concentrated risk and asset-liability mismatches, any further relaxation would be imprudent," she said.

Delhi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Kochi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Chandigarh and Bangalore.

The auto major had last year sold 1.5-million units globally with China being the largest market.

"India is a key growth market and we are confident of our performance this year and will grow by 40 per cent.

We will also invest more in expanding capacity at our Aurangabad unit. We are looking at producing 3,000 cars in India by next year," Audi AG's Executive Director, Overseas, Andra Konsbruck, said.

The company plans to invest Euro 30-million in India by 2015, of which it has already used 60 per cent in expanding the dealership network, setting up manufacturing unit and brand-building.

The premium car-maker is also looking at launching its highend A 8 model by end this year for Indian consumers.

Rotorcraft for unit at GMR SEZ PTI HYDERABAD, SEPT 8

Indian Rotorcraft, a joint venture between Tatas and Italian helicopter company AgustaWestland, will set up a helicopter manufacturing unit at GMR's aviation SEZ at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here soon.

The JV will manufacture AW119, a eight-seat utility helicopter here for AgustaWestland, a company owned by Italy-based Finmeccanica.

G M Rao, Chairman, GMR Group said an international helicopter manufacturer is planning to set up its shop in their SEZ but refused to confirm the name of the company.

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Global Academy of Meta Mind Management will be organising ‘Meta Mind Happiness Beach-a-Thon’ and ‘Art and Emotions’ from September 24 to 26 and on September 25, respectively, in Baga. Who are GAMMA and what is the camp and the workshop about? Herald answers these questions

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FFEATURES n the city of Margao is an Academy with a mission to ‘…channel exceptional people, outstanding programs and world class education, with a positive growth strategy and a strong commitment’, or so says their website. The name of the Academy is Global Academy of Meta Mind Management abbreviated to GAMMA, a group of educational institutions that work towards personal and professional excellence.

GAMMA built office in Goa in the first month of 2010 and has since been conducting sessions for individuals and organisations. The people at GAMMA however have got a taste of Goa as its founder Avinash Gulrajani, a motivational speaker and behavioural trainer used to come down here to lecture and experience what tourism has to offer. His Academyrelated works take him all over the world.

What does this Academy have in the offing? “Interactive and theatrical sessions that work towards one’s personal and professional excellence,” says a firm stander for the Academy’s core philosophy, Amey Hegde. He holds the post of International Meta Mind Management Trainer, GAMMA, Goa. “Every occupational sector from that of a coolie to a CEO requires sets of skills that will help them better their productivity. They simultaneously require help on the personal front too,” he says.

The Academy, through its sessions, claims to give those attending, positive behavioural tools that strive towards continuous excellence professionally and personally. It goes without saying that both affect the other, a change – positive or

I

negative – in one will most definitely witness a change in the other. They prefer to employ narrative, rather than a lecture style at their sessions and customise it according to region. They throw in local tales and anecdotes, speak in the local language – Konkani and Marathi for Goa – and basically acquaint themselves with the nuances of the region.

Research has gone into the Academy’s framework of training. Experts that are part of the research team of the Academy study human behaviour in various situations and have based the framework on their results. “Plenty of spirituality and Eastern knowledge, besides behavioural psychology are a part of it,” Amey informs.

He adds, “No one science or discipline covers everything, there is always something that is left out. We have combined knowledge from various world disciplines and are presenting it through GAMMA.” Along these lines, the Academy is holding a 3-day residential camp and a 1-day workshop from September 24 to 26 and on September 25, respectively, in Baga.

The camp, titled ‘Meta Mind Happiness Beach-a-Thon’ and the workshop, titled ‘Art and Emotions’ will have GAMMA’s founders Avinash Gulrajani and Varsha PG heading it. Both are open to all. While the first will put to practice what it preaches, the second will bring art into the picture.

“Through the art work, there will be a release of pent-up negative emotions,” affirms Amey. This release, he states, will leave one at peace and ready to learn how to excel.

Amey has said he has seen change in people at these sessions and invites the Goan people at large to participate in it.

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Money is powerful, but charm is unbeatable -turn it on to get what you want. You are in a good (21 Mar – 19 Apr) position to get started on something -- and it might be something big! Your energy is just right for making the first move when it comes to partnerships or new agreements.

Those who have a great appreciation of beauty are really appreciating you. Your love life gets a (23 Sep – 22 Oct) boost, whether or not it really needs one. Your great energy helps you attract a new mate or rekindle your spark with your current sweetie. Life doesn't get much better!

Coworkers look to you for inspiration. You have more influence than you realize. Your great social (20 Apr – 20 May) energy is perfect for work -- even if you're off the clock or between jobs. Get involved in networking to maximize the good results, and you should be pleased with the final outcome.

When you're in a more powerful position, you have to make more difficult decisions. It's a great (23 Oct – 21 Nov) day for discussion, preferably of big ideas. That could happen anywhere from the boardroom to the dorm room, so expect massive intellectual work to go down all around you today.

A weekend trip could add some spice to your romance. Pick a spot and book it. You are sure (21 May – 21 Jun) to get started on quite a few different projects today, but you don't have to worry about the consequences. You know perfectly well that there are others who can easily pick them up later!

The first step to making your wishes come true is to share them with a confidante. You're the person (22 Nov – 21 Dec) to hit up for answers today, and your people are sure to be asking all the right questions.

Your social energy is just right for taking the right people seriously -but not too much so!

Keep an eye out for friends who need help - not everyone knows how to ask for it. You (22 Jun – 22 Jul) need to relax, even though your plans aren't exactly turning out as you had hoped. See if you can get your friends to pitch in for a while, or try to get an extension on that one pesky deadline.

Get your head out of the daily grind -- how can you jumpstart your career? Your energy is (22 Dec – 19 Jan) focused on work today -- maybe a bit too much so. It's a good time to get a lot done, for sure, but try to make sure that your relationships don't suffer as a result.

Stand up for what you believe in, and others will agree with you -- and support you. Whether (23 Jul – 22 Aug) you are single or longpartnered, tonight is perfect for a date. If you have no prospects, ask out someone who seems close to your type -- your good energy should get a good response.

Sometimes in life, we have to settle for good when we really wanted great. Your energy is flow(20 Jan – 18 Feb) ing freely today and it's easier than ever for you to focus on personal issues. You don't need to close anyone else off, but you do need to let yourself act without restraint.

One deep and meaningful conversation could change your life, so be ready to talk. You can't (23 Aug – 22 Sep) seem to make up your mind about some big project -- or maybe some person who is pushing you in a new direction. You should ask for a deferral if possible, or just hope for the best.

Let go of the perfection myth. Something in your life will always need improvement. You are (19 Feb – 20 Mar) thinking quite a bit about all you do for your friends and family -- and what they may or may not do for you in return. Try not to get too bitter, but don't be shy about asking for payback.

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A Model of Success in Rainwater Harvesting

Positive results yielded four years after successful implementation of rainwater harvesting through the Ground Catchment System and Rooftop Harvesting System at the Goa University.

Herald details…

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES oa is a land bestowed with numerous gifts from nature. Whether it is the Western Ghats which is an eco system in itself, the glorious sands and sea, the lush greenery, the rustic surroundings, the nutritious local produce etc! One such blessing is the bountiful rainfall we receive year after year. And this year, the rainfall has been tremendous and it still continues to rain. But alas! Copious amounts of this just goes down the drain and into the sea.

With the amount of rainfall we receive, if harvested, Goa should never be a state suffering with shortage of water.

Yet, it tires one to hear superficial talk from sources at the various departments in Goa opine that rainwater harvesting through the Ground Catchment system is not viable for Goa due its topography as coastal areas have porous soil, thereby most water would be lost. Yet, Mr A G Chachadi, reader at the Department of Earth Sciences, Goa University, assertively enlightens, “Goa doesn’t just involve coastal areas like Panjim or Bardez, there are numerous laterite plateaus in Goa with unique geographical features that are ideally designed for the Ground Catchment system and augmentation through water recharging.” He adds, “These plateaus occupy a strategically important place in the socio-economic development arena as the major industrial and human settlements are located on and along the plateaus.”

Intelligent lexis coming from the brain behind the rainwater harvesting project at the Goa University who has tangible evidence! When the project was implemented almost four yeas ago, success according to Mr Chachadi was, “As of now we are sure of 60% success of the water going down. We can actually see the levels going down and also hear the noise. But when we do our study next May, where we will be measuring the water table, we will know for sure if the yield has increased.”

And true enough the study conducted revealed successful results. The professor enlightens, “First, before initiation of the project we conducted the yield test and then this was compared to the yield test done after about two years and we recorded a positive 15 per cent increase in the water table. This year, we can safely say there would be about 17 to 18 per cent increase as we have had excellent rains.”

And the Rooftop Harvesting system which was implemented also yielded positive results. Prof Chachadi informs, “Two years ago, we recorded 4 lakh litres of recharged water and this year as of date, we have recorded 7½ lakh litres.”

These results are definitely commendable quotients considering this was obtained from just two projects. Just goes to show what marvelous results can be obtained if many more institutions came forward and adopted rainwater

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I am paranoid, I have major issues: Abhishek Bachchan

harvesting. Interesting information wrought from Mr Chachadi is that, water that is absolutely good, devoid of minerals or bacteria is not palatable. He explains, “For our second project we got the extremely good quality rain water on the roof as revealed by the analysis report. Yet, after the stages of further distilling and treating the water, we redirect it into the ground where it will absorb certain minerals and bacteria which enhances the taste and makes it drinkable.”

Mr Chachadi ponders sadly over the fact that there is still no initiation from the government. He says, “It would make a marked difference if the government joins in. In fact, they should direct every industry in Goa to give back to the earth what water they use up.” He opines that rainwater harvesting definitely warrants the involvement of the Government and should be incorporated into municipal and panchayat bye-laws and regulations, for it to hugely materialise all over Goa. He adds, “We, as an educational institution want to generate awareness among the water planners and users about rainwater conservation for meeting their individual requirements by replicating this model, besides making the Campus self reliant in its water demands over a period of time. On our part, we organise workshops to enlighten people. Some time back, a few schools showed interest but then that subsided.

It should be a sustainable effort.”

The academic lauds the efforts of some private organisations that have come forward and implemented harvesting of rain water. He adds, “Besides recharging water, another positive consequence is that the pollutants in the soil, which are results of saltwater intrusion and industrial pollution, get diluted and flushed out.”

The erudite reader’s concluding advice is, “Every residential complex should take the initiative to harvest rainwater. The water collected on the roof should be directed to the tanks which can be used for non-drinking purposes. It just takes a minor job in plumbing for this. This would impact the main filter plants as it would remove the burden from the Municipal supply. It is the case of every drop of water makes a mighty ocean.”

Robert Pattinson and Leonardo DiCaprio have Boys’ Night Out

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bhishek Bachchan has planned his funeral! Well, that’s the statement that a popular magazine is making! Abhi goes on to declare, “I am paranoid. I have major issues. I can’t walk into a restaurant or a hotel. I just can’t do it, and it takes an unbelievable amount of courage for me to do it.” Abhi continues, “If I am alone in a hotel and I have to order dinner, I will not. I am not kidding. Aishwarya calls... She will actually order my dinner!”

The actor claims to be a very shy person.

“I’m very shy. I grew up in a boarding school where there were 300 students in total.

So everybody was very closely knit. I spent nine years there, so, you know, even if you had a girlfriend, she was in your class or whatever.”

According to Abhishek, “Don’t ever give women an opportunity to ask you how they’re looking. Be it your sister, your mother, your girlfriend, your wife, whatever. Don’t let it come to the point where they’re asking, ‘How am I looking in this?’ That’s a trick question.

Because if you’re honest, then it’s ‘Oh! So you don’t like me in this? Am I looking too fat? Is my make-up...?’ There is no right answer... The idea is to tell them how they’re looking before they can ask you their question. That’s the trick, guys. And I will only say this to a men’s magazine!!”

The article also has him sharing his family plans and giving out a strict warning to prying tongues.

He said: “I’ll be happy with two kids. I feel these are blessings of God, and it should just happen as and when. You know, whenever it’s meant to be. I also find questions about Ash’s possible pregnancy intrusive. I really don’t want to know when other people are having babies; why would you want to know when I’m having babies?”

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obert Pattinson was spotted hanging at the ultra-private Soho House in West Hollywood with some guy friends and his blond agent, Stephanie Ritz, his go-to date since Kristen Stewart is on location filming.

Pattinson showed up to Soho just before 11, trying to be as incognito as possible. Something he’s learned from fellow heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio, who was also there.

Wearing a baseball cap, jeans and a darkcoloured letterman jacket, the ‘Twilight’ star kept his head down as much as possible until making his way to a table in the back of the restaurant area.

According to a source, Pattinson and his friends we’re chatting, drinking water and beer, smoking cigarettes and kept it rather mellow for a boys’ night out.

“You could tell Rob didn’t really want to be noticed, but he did chat with a few people it seemed like he knew who stopped by his table,” says a supremely lucky eyewitness. “At one point he was laughing and joking around with the wait staff. It seemed like he was having fun.”

Leonardo DiCaprio, ensconced in a front booth, donned his standard baseball cap as well and was dining with another dude but left before Pattinson arrived. Too bad. These guys have so much to talk about—like their crazy fans and which hat to wear for what occasion. The night before, Leo was out with his BFF Kevin Connolly at Voyeur and joining them was Kev’s co-star Emmanuelle Chriqui. According to onlookers, Kevin and Emmanuelle looked like “more than co-stars” and were way flirty all night.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Thursday, 9 Sept, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘Fernao Mendes Pinto – The Fascinated Gaze’, an art exhibition to mark the 500th birth anniversary of the writer will be inaugurated on September 9 at 5.30pm at the Xavier Centre for Historical Research, Porvorim. Visit www.xchr.in. E-mail info@xchr.in. Call 9417772.

‘Meta Mind Happiness Beach-aThon’, a 3-day residential training camp and ‘Art and Emotions’, a 1day workshop, both organised by GAMMA, Goa will be held from September 24 to 26 and on September 25 respectively on the Baga beach, Baga. Visit www.metamindmanagement.com.

E-mail a m e y. h e g d e @ g m a i l . c o m o r info@metamindmanagement.com.

Call 9096938269.

‘83rd Annual All India Art Exhibition’ is announced by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, New Delhi.

It will be held in two parts. Part I will be All India Painting and Sculpture Exhibition and Part II will be All India Drawing and Graphics Exhibition.

Registration for Part I and II is from September 13 to 20. The corresponding exhibitions for Part I and Part II will be held from December 15 to 29 and January 3 to 17, 2011, respectively. Call the Kala Academy, Panjim on 2420452.

‘Rising Number of Suicides in Goa, A Cause for Concern’, will be the topic of discussion at the Friday Balcao on September 10 from 4pm to 6pm at Goa Desc Resource Centre, Mapusa. Email goadesc@gmail.com.

‘All About Audio’, a session conducted by sound engineer and professional DJ, DJ Aneesh Gera will be held on September 16 at MGM Animations Academy, Panjim. E-mail

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

apparition

Funny Quote

Pronunciation ap-uh-RISH-uhn Function Noun Meaning 1: a ghost, spectre or phantom 2: the sudden appearance of something or somebody Example Sentence Ron spotted a filmy apparition and, to his horror, realised that he was staring at a ghost.

SUDOKU 651

mgmanimations@gmail.com. Call 2225153, 9423885224, 9823013484, 9823611824 or 9890432246.

‘Empowering Children for HIV and AIDS Mitigation’ will be the theme for the consultation of children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, organised by World Vision, Help India Charitable Trust and Zindagi, Goa. It will be held from September 13 to 15 at the SVD Seminary, Raia-Margao.

This will be followed by the children sharing their issues with the government on September 15 at 3pm in Panjim.

The 10th Goa State (under-16) interschool Tennis Ball Cricket Championship for boys and girls and the 7th State (under-19) inter-higher secondary school championship for boys and girls, organised by the Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association and the Sports Authority of Goa will take place from October 3 to 5 at Vasco and Campal, Panjim. Registration closes on September 20. Call 2462609, 2463266 or 2464726.

The State Level Youth Festival 2010, organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs will be held to select young persons for the National Youth Festival 2011. The North District Level Youth Festival will be held on September 30 and October 1 at Gomantak Maratha Samaj Hall, Panjim. The South District Youth Festival will be held on October 7 and 8 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Registration closes on September 27 at 5pm. Visit www.dsya.go.gov.in to download application forms or collect them from the office of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Campal. Panjim.

Call 2463197..

“Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.”

– A J Liebling DAILY GROOK GRIM LIMB

by Francis Rodrigues in dark africa too when it gets colder, cannibals give you the cold shoulder!

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Goa to witness 5th Birth Centenary Celebrations of Fernao Mendes Pinto

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HERALD FEATURES arking the 500th birth anniversary of famed Portuguese explorer and writer Fernao Mendes Pinto, the Centro de Lingua Portuguesa/ Instituto Camoes with the Fundacao Oriente and Xavier Centre of Historical Research will be organising a list of events at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research, in Porvorim.

The celebrations kick off with the inauguration of an exhibition titled Fernao Mendes Pinto – The Fascinated Gaze, at the hands of Dr Paulo Neves Pocinho, Consul General of Portugal in Goa on September 9. The exhibition consists of 24 panels that are based on the book ‘Peregrinacao’, which is about the journeys and explorations by Pinto. The exhibition, with illustrations by Joao Fazenda, has been conceptualised by Ana Paula Laborinho, Professor at the Faculty of Arts, University of Lisbon and the present President of Instituto Camoes, Portugal and the presentation of the panels will be done by Dr Delfim Correia da Silva, Director of the institute.

There will be a talk held on September 16 by Eduardo Kol de Carvalho, Director of Fundacao Oriente in India, entitled ‘St Francis Xavier and Fernao Mendes Pinto, Pioneers of Globalization and Ecumenism in Japan’.

On September 17, there will be a screening of ‘Os Olhos da Asia’, a film directed by Joao Mario Grilo, followed by and open discussion. All the events will be held at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim.

Irish Delight and Sparkling Water!

TAG to support NonCommercial Tiatr Troupes

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iqueur connoisseurs and lovers have a treat in store, with the Intercontinental, The Lalit serving up some smooth Irish delight at all the outlets of the resort, including the exclusive Mediterranean restaurant Sirrocco.

The Lalit has also launched the wonder waters offer wherein guests can sample some of the well-known natural mineral water brands of the world. Some of the prominent brands include Ty Nant, which is a natural spring mineral water from Ceredigion Wales, launched in 1989.

It is perhaps best recognised for its distinctive blue cobalt glass bottle which was revolutionary at the time of its launch.

Sole is sparkling natural mineral water from Italy. This premium natural spring mineral water originates from the pure surroundings of Vrujci Spa located at the base of Mount Suvobor in the heart of Serbia. This is one of the most unspoiled environments in Europe and is well known for its therapeutic spa. The Vrujci Spa spring which was discovered at the end of the 18th century offers a unique water of pristine quality.

nancial support to the participating troupes as it is given to commercial tiatr artistes for participating in the popular Tiatr Festival organised by TAG. In order to explain the details of the scheme to the participating troupes for the 36th Tiatr Festival, a meeting of all concerned is called on September 15 at 4.30pm at TAG’s Conference Hall, Campal, Panjim.

Tiatr hones plenty of local talent and with TAG’s announcement of schemes of such a nature it will definately benefit those participating in non-commercial tiatr.

The representatives of the participating troupes are requested to attend the meeting.

The scheme will be made applicable to all the participating troupes of the 36th Tiatr Festival organised by Kala Academy Goa which will commence on September 21 at the Kala Academy, Panjim.

HERALD FEATURES n the meeting of the Executive Board of Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) held on September 8 it was unanimously resolved to give financial support to the dramatic troupes participating in the yearly Tiatr Festival organised by Kala Academy, Panjim.

The financial assistance to be given to each troupe is Rs 10, 000. The purpose behind this scheme is to help the producers of tiatr to improve the quality of stage setting, light effects, background music, costumes, make-up and direction.

TAG is of the opinion that this financial support will help them stage a better performance which will lead to the improvement of the standard of tiatr.

In fact the participants of the yearly Tiatr Festival have sent a memorandum to the president of TAG explaining thereby the need of fi-

I

Youth participate in Girl Child Day Event

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 650 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

HERALD FEATURES he Margao Deanery Youth, consisting of the Parish Youth Groups of the parishes in the Margao Deanery, organised the Girl Child Day at Grace Church Hall, Margao. The programme saw youth in large numbers from all over the Margao Deanery.

The day started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Fr Derrick Fernandes, Asst Priest at Grace Church, Margao and Youth Animator for Margao Deanery while the Youth from Fatorda provided beautiful and sacred music for the Mass.

For the Homily, Fr Derrick spoke about the simplicity and love of Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta with the help of a PowerPoint presentation.

He helped the youth reflect on her different sayings and quotations.

After the Mass, Prolife activist Milagres Pereira and his team, the Artists for Life Charitable Trust, continued the morning session. Milagres spoke

T

GARFIELD

about his own experiences and how even today the girl child is looked down upon and how many families resort to abortion for the same. The team performed a musical skit showing how through history many major historical figures promoted independence of women and destroyed the sacredness of women. The skit showed how the forces of evil have constantly tried to destroy the family. On the pretext of independence, women today are beginning to feel children as a burden rather than a joy. They also sent the message loud and clear that the church is not a block to women rather the contrary.

The skit was followed by a Q&A round and the Post-lunch session had the youngsters divided into many groups with each group performing a skit to proclaim the message of the girl child.

WIZARD OF ID

Kuch Bhi Karega 22:30 Aahat

10:00 Tere Liye 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 15:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Tere Liye 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

10:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 11:00 Comedy Circus Ke Superstars 12:30 Comedy Ka Daily Soap 13:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Entertainment Ke Liye 15:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 15:30 Comedy Ka Daily Soap 16:30 C.I.D 18:30 C.I.D Classics 19:30 Mahi Way 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Comedy Ka Daily Soap 21:30 Entertainment Ke Liye

10:30 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 11:00 Aapki Antara 11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 14:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 15:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 15:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 18:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 19:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 22:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 22:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan

10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

11:00 Lapataganj 11:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:00 Gutar Gu 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

14:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale

Parenting

09:25 Who Framed Roger Rabbit 11:30 Jumper 13:20 Surrogates 15:20 Street Kings 17:25 Swimfan 19:10 Cyborg Soldier 21:00 The Pink Panther 2 22:55 The X-Men

08:00 Don 12:40 Kya Kehna 16:45 Hathyar 20:00 Chandni Chowk to China 23:50 Papi Gudia

09:30 Main Aisa Hi Hoon 12:30 Sau Din Saas Ke 16:00 Tum Se Achcha Kaun Hai 20:00 Indra: The Tiger 09:30 Spanglish 12:15 The Making of : Fast & Furious 12:30 Fast & Furious 15:15 Sex and the City 18:30 He's Just Not That Into You 21:00 The Shepherd 22:45 Star Trek V

10:30 The Business 12:25 Over Her Dead Body

16:20 Half Nelson 16:25 Playing By Heart 18:50 Timecop 21:00 Spin 22:50 The Gift

12:30 Dana Paani 16:30 Koyla 20:00 Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki 23:40 Kis Kis Ki Kismat

08:00 Saudagar 12:00 Naseeb Apna Apna 16:00 Welcome to Sajjanpur 20:00 Anari

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta….

16:30 Papad Pol 17:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

18:30 Papad Pol 19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Papad Pol 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 22:00 Lapataganj 22:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai

10:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 10:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 11:00 Geet 11:30 India's Magic Star 13:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 13:30 Geet 14:00 Dill Mill Gayye 14:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 15:00 Geet 15:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 16:00 Dill Mill Gayye 16:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 17:00 Geet 17:30 Rang Badalti Odhni

18:00 Charmed 19:00 Fear Factor 20:00 Sports Crash 21:00 Destination Truth

10:00 MasterChef Australia 10:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

11:00 Bones 12:00 How I Met Your Mother 12:30 The Simpsons 13:00 MasterChef Australia 13:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

14:00 Friends 14:30 The Simpsons 15:00 Ugly Betty 16:00 How I Met Your Mother 16:30 The Simpsons 17:00 Bones 18:00 MasterChef Australia 18:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

19:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Best of Koffee with Karan 21:00 MasterChef Australia 22:00 Bones

18:00 Dill Mill Gayye 18:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Dill Mill Gayye

11:30 Glitch 12:00 Guinness World Series of Pool 2010 H/ls : Final 13:00 MotoGP World Champ 16:00 The Immortals 16:30 Simply the Best 17:00 TNA Impact 19:00 TNA Impact 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 TNA Ppv : Destination X

12:00 World Records Smashed 13:00 Whacked Out Sports 14:00 Breaking The Magician's Code 15:00 Fear Factor 17:00 World Records Smashed

11:30 KIA X Games Asia 2010 12:00 Hitz 12:30 2007 Netball World Champ 14:00 MLB Regular Season 2010 : Los Angeles Dodgers vs.

San Diego Padres 17:00 Global Football 17:30 16 Nations: Road to Qatar 18:00 Tour De Delhi 2010 H/ls 19:00 Premier League World 19:30 Superstars:Sachin Tendulkar 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Superstars:Harbhajan Singh 21:30 Superstars : Kieron Pollard 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia

10:30 US Open Tennis H/ls 11:30 European Tour 2010 15:30 WWE: Raw 17:30 US Open Tennis H/ls : Men's Quarter Final Women's Quarter Final 18:30 WWE: Raw 20:30 US Open Tennis

07:30 Health Watch 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Disha 12:00 Revolutionz 12:30 Konkani 13:00 English News 14:00 Tiatr 15:00 Jazz Concert 15:30 Sangeet 16:00 Konkani Play 16:30 HCN Smash Hits 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Health Watch 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Queens Baton In Goa 22:00 English News 23:00 Juke Box 23:30 Fashion Show 00:00 Talking Talkies 00:30 Flavors Note: Subject to change

HERALD CROSSWORD - 651 Across 1- Take ___ from me; 5Colombian city; 9- Purse; 12Heath; 13- Corpulent; 15Distribute, with "out"; 16Long luxuriant hair; 17- Birthmark; 18- Zeno's home; 19Earache; 21- Book of hymns; 23- Grad; 24- Chemical ending; 25- Dissepiment; 28- Recalcitrant; 33- Donnybrook; 34- Campus mil. group; 35"The Time Machine" race; 36- According to; 37- Gravy, for one; 38- Gear tooth; 39Tear; 41- Pituitary hormone; 42- Semblance; 44- Dendroid; 46- Temper; 47- ___ vivant; 48- Mouth bones; 49Lie; 53- Assign; 57- Actress Hatcher; 58- Gate fastener; 60- Consumer; 61- Goddess and sister of Ares in Greek mythology; 62- Klondike territory; 63- Church center; 64Dip in liquid; 65- Roundish projection; 66- Evil is as evil ____.; Down 1- Rifle adjunct; 2- Exactly; 3New Rochelle college; 4Church dignitary; 5- Poison hemlock; 6- At right angles to a ships length; 7- Monetary unit of Bulgaria; 8- The jig ___!; 9Metal fastener; 10- "Hard ___!" (sailor's yell); 11- Equipment; 14- Spirit; 15- Erase; 20- Adhesive; 22- Black bird; 25- Stylish; 26- Conger catcher; 27- Flat

surface; 28- Path; 29- Draw SOLUTION - 650 with acid; 30- 1961 Heston role; 31- Snare; 32- Large cat; 34- Tiered shelves; 37Holy; 40- Ruins; 42- Stare in awe; 43- Defective; 45Bud's bud; 46- Nymph of Greek myth; 48- Son of Isaac; 49- Salt Lake City hoopsters; 50- Emperor of Rome 54-68; 51- Journey; 52- Drag; 54- Golfer Aoki; 55- Actress Campbell; 56Very, in Versailles; 59Ref's decision;

SPORTS

Pg16

GOA, Thursday, 9 September, 2010

Kendriya Vidyalaya, St. Britto’s win HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 8

Following are the results of inter-school boys and girls swimming championship at Peddem complex on Wednesday.

U-10 boys (50m freestyle): Rishikesh Rao (St Britto’s, Mapusa), Madhukar Baidkar (Dattaram Mantravadi) and Sagar Patil (St Anthony’s, Duler). 50m backstroke: Xavier D’Souza (Stepping Stones), Rishikesh Rao and Madhukar Baidkar (Dattaram Mantravadi). 50m breaststroke: Madhukar Baidkar, Sagar Patil, Xavier D’Souza.

50m butterfly: Rishikesh Rao, Xavier D’Souza and Sagar Patil. 100m individual medley: Xavier D’Souza, Rishikesh Rao and Sagar Patil.

U-12 boys (50m freestyle): Omkar Joshi (Saraswat Vidyalaya), Sairaj Shirodkar (Kendriya Vidyalaya) and Jerry

D’Mello (Stepping Stones). 50m backstroke: Sairaj Shirodkar, Victor D’Souza (St Britto’s) and Jerry D’Mello. 50m breaststroke: Sairaj Shirodkar, Aliston Braganza (St Britto’s) and Omkar Joshi (Saraswat Vidyalaya). 50m butterfly: Omkar Joshi, Sairaj Shirodkar and Aliston Braganza.

200m individual medley: Victor D’Souza, Aliston Braganza and Jerry D’Mello.100m freestyle: Sairaj Shirodkar, Omkar Joshi and Victor D’Souza.

U-10 girls (50m freestyle): Akshata Karapurkar (Kendriya V idyalaya), Dhaini Shetty (Kendriya Vidyalaya) and Mithika Karapurkar (Kendriya Vidyalaya).

50m backstroke: Akshata Karap u r k a r, P o o m i n a S h e t t y (Kendriya Vidyalaya) and Dhaini Shetty. 50m breaststroke: Valita Pereira (St Ann’s), Akshata Karapurkar, Dhaini Shetty.

50m butterfly: Akshata Karapurkar, Dhaini Shetty, Mithika Karapurkar. 100m individual medley: Akshata Karapurkar, Dhaini Shetty, Poomina Shetty.

U-12 girls (50m freestyle): Neeta Halankar (St Francis Xavier), Suman Patil (St Anthony’s, Duler), Simran Bhaidkar (St Mary’s Convent). 50m backstroke: Neeta Halankar, Suman Patil and Abigail D’Costa (Lourdes Convent).

Tanisi, Wesley cruise into finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 8

To p s e e d Ta n i s i K i r t a n i stormed into the finals of girls mini-cadets of all-Goa Major Ranking Table Tennis tournament organised by Panjim Gymkhana at indoor stadium, Campal.

Tanisi registered an emphatic 11-7, 11-4, 11-4 win over Prutha Parrikar. She will meet Vaishali Chandana who beat Abigail Cunha 11-4, 11-6, 11-7 in the

other semis.

In the cadet girls semis, talented Urmila Mense beat Abigail Cunha 11-3, 11-3, 11-2 while Arantxa Noronha beat Tanvi Raikar 5-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-9 in a thrilling contest. Urmila Mense moved into the finals of sub-junior girls, beating Laxmi Shetye 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-9 in a close contest where fortunes fluctuated from set to set. R Aishwarya defeated Kafira Rodrigues 11-5, 5-11, 11-8, 4-

11, 11-5 to set up an exciting title clash with Urmila.

The young and talented Wesley Rosario will be in line for a double crown as he moved into the finals of mini-cadets and cadets boys event. In the minicadets semis, Wesley beat Gandhar Thakur 11-6, 11-6, 11-4 to set up a title clash with Varun Gangodkar who beat Athawa Nadkarni 11-8, 11-5, 11-8. In the sub-junior boys semi-final, Wesley scored a comfortable 11-6,

11-6, 11-4 win over Abner Cunha. He will meet the second seeded Mangesh Sakordekar who beat Nandan Sakordekar 11-8, 11-5, 11-3.

Results sub-junior girls (quarters): Urmila Mense beat Roshni Gopani 11-7, 11-5, 14-12. Kafira Rodrigues beat Arantxa Noronha 11-3, 12-14, 11-3, 11-7. Kaxmi Shetye defeated Shyamli Souza 11-7, 11-9,11-8 and R Aishwarya Bharti beat Tanisi Kirtani 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 12-14, 11-1.

Kajol bags bronze in shot put HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 8

Kajol Vernekar, a student of Manovikas English Medium School, Margao secured a bronze medal in the shot put U-14 girls category at 22nd All-India inter-zonal athletic championship at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Kajol hurled the shot put to a distance of 8.47 meters.

Meanwhile, her coach Awadesh Kumar attached to SAG congratulated Kajol for her outstanding per formance.

Our lady of Lourdes High School, Valpoi, winners of Subroto Mukherjee Cup after defeating Shree Hanuman Vidyalaya, Valpoi 3-0 in the inter-school Taluka Level football tournament organised by DSYA at Municipal ground, Valpoi. The team was trained by PE teacher Pramod Naik and Mahesh Naik. Photo: Ashraf Khan.

Don Bosco Farm HS claim Quepem football title HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 8

Don Bosco Farm High School, Sulcorna thrashed New Educational Institute, Curchorem 40 to emerge champions in Quepem Taluka U-14 girls interschool football tournament at Tilamol Panchayat ground, Quepem. Don Bosco led 2-0 at the breather.

Don Bosco dominated the entire proceedings from the start with midfielders and forwards working in tandem to put the opponents’ defence into disarray.

Don Bosco broke the deadlock when Gracy Naik slotted

past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.

Don Bosco piled on pressure and troubled the rival defence with well orchestrated raids.

Their persistent raids fetched them dividends when Sumitra Goankar doubled the lead with a pile driver.

Stung by the double blow, New Educational Institute made some concerted efforts to reduce the margin and came close but Pooja Shinde’s shot was blocked by Don Bosco’s keeper.

Crossing over, it was one-way traffic for Don Bosco who repeatedly raided the rival citadel with their opponents’ defence

buckling under slightest pressure from the Don Bosco forwards.

Gudia Horo consolidated the lead when she punted the ball to the far corner of the net. Fiola Gomes rounded off the tally late in the second half.

Arvind Chavan, Physical Education teacher of Guardian Angel High School, Curchorem was the chief guest and distributed the certificates. John Fernandes, APEO Quepem Taluka was the guest of honour. Earlier, Raymond Pereira, Quepem Taluka Sports Organiser welcomed and, later proposed the vote of thanks.

The finalists at All-Goa Major Ranking Badminton Tournament organized by Mormugao Badminton Club at Deepvihar High School indoor badminton court, Headland, Sada.

St Pius outplay Bhatikar Model HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 8

St Pius High School, Orlim, Infant Jesus High School, Colva and Marina English High School, Verna recorded victories in the Salcete Taluka U-14 boys interschool football tournament at Government ground, Manora, Raia on Wednesday.

St Pius outplayed Bhatikar Model English HS, Margao 8-1.

St Pius dominated the proceedings as their opponents struggled to contain the rampaging

St Pius forwards. The highlight of the day was a four-goal blitz including a hat-trick by N a s h Re b e l l o . C a l v i o Ro drigues, Joylon Cardozo, Nash Pereira, Xavier D’Costa and Preinceval Fernandes completed the rout while Yogesh Yadav scored the consolation goal for Bhatikar.

Infant Jesus swamped King’s HS, Margao 6-1. Sneeden Rodrigues scored four goals including a hat-trick while Dylon Lawrence and Keegan Menezes

accounted one goal each for the winners.

Loyola HS made short work of St Jude HS, Betalbatim 4-0.

Sneeden Madeira was the hero of the day as he struck twice for Loyola while Ronaldo Mascarenhas and Daven Fernandes scored one each for Loyola.

Marina Englsih HS scored a solitary goal win over Our Lady of Carmel HS, Curtorim. The allimportant goal was scored in the first session by Frazer Baretto.

3rd Division football: Arpora SC v. Nagoa SC, Chapora ground; Sai Avtar SC v. Holiday SC, Arpora, Anjuna ground; Mandopa SC v. Carmel SC, Navelim ground; United Club of Benaulim v. C.R.C Chinchinim, Dando ground; Immaculate Conception SC v. Miracles SC, Paroda ground. Kick off 4 p.m.

3rd interward football finals organised by Young Boys of Sirvodem: Rosary Youth Zorivaddo v,. Fabric Boys Nagmodem, Sirvodem ground, Margao, 5 p.m.

Girls football – Rosary College, Navelim v. Goa United, 4 p.m.

Gold Silver Trophy soccer: St Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva v. United Club of Nerul, Rosary ground, Navelim, 4.30 p.m.

St Joseph Festival soccer: Verna SC v. Sao Jose de Areal SC, Dramapur ground, 4.30 p.m.

SPORTS

Pg17

GOA, Thursday, 9 September, 2010

Elvis, Arnaldo, Schubert, Rooney on target Pango file nominations as England win euro 2012 qualifiers

ElEctions

AGENCIES BERLIN, SEPT 8

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 8

Cuncolim Union president, Elvis Gomes (CCP Commissionner) became the first to file the nomination for the post of VicePresident (South Goa) while Arnaldo Costa, Anthony Pango, Schubert Furtado filed their nominations today for the post of Salcete membes for the GFA Executive Committee elections to be held on October 24 in Panjim.

Elvis’ nomination was on the expected lines given the immense support that he enjoys among the clubs and the outstanding work that he undertook for GFA and Goan football at large during the past three years where he served as Vice-President.

Despite his heavy commitments and busy schedule that are associated with the heavy, responsible posts that he has been occupying, Elvis was always at hand, ever ready to lend a hand for all GFA projects.

His contribution was immense as can be authenticated from his attendance at GFA Executive Committee meetings during the past three years.

Grassroots and youth development have been his forte, nay his passion, having made himself available with the other members during all the parleys with the high-powered Aus-

Elvis Gomes

tralian delegation which signed a full-fledged, comprehensive programme, the first of its kind in India. Undoubtedly, it is the best ever programme.

Elvis’s popularity can be gauged from the fact that he scored a near runaway victory during the last GFA elections in 2007, which he contested for the first time.

Arnaldo filed his form this morning while Pango and Schubert submitted the forms in the evening. Lawrence Gomes is the lone member from Mormugao to have filed for the post of Mormugao member yesterday.

Arnaldo was a member of the 2007 Executive Committee. He is presently one of the 10 centre heads of GFA’s Australia Youth Development Programme, being at the helm of affairs for Curtorim and Salcete zones.

Anthony Pango

Arnaldo has involved village clubs - Curtorim Gymkhana, Wilred Leisure, Macasana, Maina Sports Clubs and the schools from surrounding areas in the programme, which is running for almost a year now, and roped in a record number of 147 boys and girls who are being coached by qualified coaches - Joaquim Gunja (D Licence), Franky Fernandes (C Licence Prov), Dumiana Gomendes (D Licence and Premier Skills), Gracy D’Costa (Premier Skills), Luis D’Sousa (D Licence), who have been declared very competent to undertake the coaching.

Arnaldo is an asset when asked to take up any assignment and is meticulous in financial management. He has a long experience with Curtorim Gymkhana where he has occu-

Arnaldo Costa Photos: Rozario Estibeiro

pied key posts for quite long periods. He is also at the helm of affairs of an educational institution at Curtorim.

Pango, who is with the Executive Committee for the past six years, has been involved with youth development being the manager of State U-21 team.

Most importantly, he was the chef-de-mission of the Goa team which won the Santosh Trophy last season. He also filled in the post this year. Pango was the organising secretary for South Goa, looking after the GFA office at Fatorda Stadium.

Pango was associated with the organizing committee of Churchill Bros which organised the AFC Cup matches at Fatorda.

Pango is the general secretary of Snows Football Academy, having earlier been with Raia Sporting for almost 15 years.

Gill slams IOA on National Games AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 8

The Union Sports Minister, M.S. Gill, criticised the haphazard allotment of the National Games, even when it was rarely held on time, by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), at the State Sports Minister’s conference here on Tuesday.

Gill was upset that the IOA was acting like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in awarding the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) allotting the Commonwealth Games.

“Jharkhand has been stuck for seven years, trying to host the National Games.

But three more editions have already been allotted to Kerala, Goa and Chhattisgarh.

You can allot the National Games for the next 100 years, but this is not right.”

“We have to judge the fairness of it. You must consult the Sports Ministry. The Home Ministry also has to be taken into confidence as conducting the games involves the aspect of security”, said the minister.

Gill stated that the National Games were being given like gifts to State A or B. Once it was done, the State governments make a project and seek central government assistance to the tune of “200, 400 or even 500 crore rupees”.

“This can't happen like this. There has to be a rational, sensible decision. There has to be a system”, he opined. The minister also expressed his “horror” about an ice skating rink being proposed in Kerala. He made it clear that the government was keen to have the National Games hosted regularly and would continue to pay money for infrastructure. He brought the attention of the State sports ministers about Madhya Pradesh winning the Rashtriya Protsahan award this year from the President during the Arjuna Awards function.

“Next year onwards we will have a regular

award for a State. Please work for it from now”, he goaded the gathered ministers, even as he encouraged them to witness the Commonwealth Games for which the government was willing to make arrangements. “We want to hear your views on what we are proposing. We have also sought a written response, because many things cannot be said in limited time during a conference”, he remarked.

The minister said that the government was willing to fund even 100 per cent on infrastructural development, even if some States were unable to foot 10 per cent share of the expenditure, but requested concrete plans at a modest level. “We want to fund hockey turfs, synthetic running tracks and an indoor hall that can be used for many games like table tennis, badminton, weightlifting etc. Don't get greedy.

Ask for something reasonable. I will try to make the project bigger. We will also pay for the coaches hired to run the schemes”, he promised.

The Union Sports Ministry had gained sanction for “additional central assistance” to the tune of Rs. 60 crore from the Prime Minister for the project. “We will do everything, you have to run it properly”, Gill said.

Talking about the Panchayat Yuva Krida

aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA), that has supported sports in about 6000 villages, Gill said that Rs. 185 crore had already been spent on the project this year and that he was keen to exhaust the full budget of Rs. 430 crore. The PYKKA project had been given Rs. 92 and Rs. 135 crore in the last two years.

“About 30,000 panchayats were picked, and more than two million people participated”, he said.

The minister also highlighted the youth development and youth hostels scheme.

He warned against the misuse of government property, sought efficient management of the facilities and stressed the importance of them being self-sustaining in nature.

Gill praised the successful conduct of the Rajiv Gandhi adventure scheme, which meant camping for about 2000 National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers for 10 days at places ranging from the Himalayas in the North, the deserts of Rajasthan to Coonoor and Thekkady in the South.

n “Jharkhand has been stuck for seven years, trying to host the National Games. But three more editions have already been allotted to Kerala, Goa and Chhattisgarh. You can allot the National Games for the next 100 years, but this is not right.”

M S Gill Union Sports Minister

AVC Kuwait emerge IFF League champions HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 8

Formidable AVC Kuwait created history when they were crowned champions at the inaugural IFF Kuwait League 2009-10.

Ten teams fought for the honors but AVC with former national players like Agnelo Miranda, Alvaro Dias and ex-Churchill Bros midfielder Francis Fernandes proved too much for the other

teams.

Mercurial striker Anthony Rodrigues who netted 17 goals to emerge the top scorer proved decisive in the end while the contributions from Kevin Vaz,

Braulio Rodrigues, Moley Fernandes, Molvito Mascarenhas and the hard tackling Vincy Pereira were also crucial to make AVC the champions in the first season.

Schubert Furtado had the distinction of being a member of GFA Executive for three terms earlier, having even occupied the post of Assistant Secretary for one term.

Schubert was synonymous with Navelim Sporting having served the club with aplomb for 14 years before taking over as the secretary of Enfermos Sports Club. He is also the vicepresident of Salcete Football Club.

Schubert’s commitment for football in Salcete is well known, having always delivered when asked to. He was closely associated with the organisation of all major football events held at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.

Once any work was assigned to Schubert, one could sit back without any worries, for he would do it with flying colours.

Rosary Youth meet Fabric Boys today HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 8

Rosary Youth, Zorivaddo will clash with Fabric Boys of Nagmodem in the finals of 3rd interward football tournament organised by Young Boys of Sirvodem at Sirvodem ground, Margao on Thursday at 5 p.m.

The finals will be preceeded by a girls exhibition match between Rosary College, Navelim and Goa United at 4 p.m.

Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat will be the chief guest.

France’s recovery from a humiliating World Cup finally began with a first win in European Championship qualifying on Tuesday night, while Germany and the Netherlands earned their second straight victories.

The French had begun with a surprising loss in Group D to Belarus on Friday, but Karim Benzema and Florent Malouda led them to a 2-0 victory at BosniaHerzegovina.

Italy and England also put miserable World Cup campaigns behind them by making it two wins out of two on the path to Euro 2012.

Following Sunday tabloid stories alleging he cheated on his pregnant wife last year with a prostitute, Wayne Rooney ended his yearlong goal drought for England in a 3-1 victory over Switzerland.

Italy cruised to a 5-0 victory over the Faeroe Islands, Miroslav Klose’s two goals helped Germany beat Azerbaijan 6-1, and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored twice for the Netherlands in a 2-1 victory over Finland.

Spain was beaten for the first time since winning the World Cup, allowing its most goals in a decade it a 4-1 exhibition loss at Argentina.

Spain trailed 3-0 down by halftime after goals by Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez.

Sergio Aguero added Argentina’s fourth in second-half injury time after Fernando Llorente scored for Spain. Interim coach Sergio Batista won his second game since replacing Diego Maradona.

Having lost its previous four games, France had little margin for error in Bosnia. But it took until the 72nd minute for Benzema, who had recovered from a sore ankle, to put the visitors ahead with a left-footed shot after turning a defender.

Malouda doubled the lead six minutes later to give Laurent

GOA DIARY 7-a-side football at Tivim

PANJIM (HSD) – St Christopher SC will organise their XIVth one-day All-Goa 7-a-side football tournament on September 19 at Tivim football ground at 10.30 a.m. Only amateur players are eligible. Entries may be submitted to Robert Colaco (2298594), Savio Mesquita (9552827241) or Jude Sequeira (9763063504).

Spot entries will be accepted.

Major ranking TT at Campal

PANJIM (HSD) – The Panjim Table Tennis Club in association with SAG and JCI, St. Inez will organise an All-Goa Major Ranking TT tournament from September 16 to 19 at 4 p.m. at indoor stadium, Campal. The tournament will be held in cadets, subjuniors and juniors categories for boys and girls. The schedule: Cadet and sub-junior boys (September 16), junior boys (September 17), all-girls (September 18) and finals on September 19. Entries may be submitted to Irwin Cordo (9860187323), Noel Estibeiro (9890057200), Lenny Rosario (BPS, Margao) or at Sunny Sports, Panjim or Shree Mahalaxmi Temple Hall, Panjim by September 14. Details may be obtained from Sandeep Heble on 9326129171.

Basketball referees exam

PANJIM (HSD) – The BFI will conduct the referees examination.

Basketball players who wish to appear for the referee’s exam National Panel ‘B’ during the 37th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship at Kangra from September 24 to 30 may send their applications on or before September 9 at C-2 Kundaikar Nagar, Dr. Dada Vaidya Road, Panjim

5-a-side soccer at Quepem

PANJIM (HSD) – The Youth of Crossland, Vittolamoddi, Quepem will organise their All-Goa 5-a-side football tournament on September 10 at Vittolamoddi ground, Quepem. Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 will be awarded to winners and runners-up respectively.

Spot entries will be accepted. The finals are slated for September 12. Details may be obtained from James Fernandes (8007335460), Lawry Gonsalves (9823257576) or Ivo Daniel (9822132625).

Raia soccer selection

MARGAO (HC) – The Raia Football Club will conduct U-14 football selection trials on September 10 at Raia Panchayat ground, at 8.30 a.m. Those born on or before 1.1.1997 are eligible. Those interested may report to coach Anthony Oliveira with birth certificate and full kit.

Taekwondo trials at Fatorda

PANJIM (HSD) – The Taekwondo Association of Goa will organise selection trials on September 19 at Multipurpose Hall, Fatorda at 9.30 a.m. to select the State team for the 29th National Senior Taekwondo Championship at Bilaspur, Chattisgarh from October 20 to 23. Students with black belt TFI identity cards and TAG annual membership card are eligible.

Varsity football semis

AVC Kuwait team

PANJIM (HSD) -- The semi-final matches of Goa University inter-college football championship 2010-11 which were postponed due to heavy rain and unsuitable weather conditions will now be held from September 20 to 22.

St. Xavier’s will clash with Carmel in women’s semi-final while Chowgule will play St. Xavier’s and Fr. Agnel will take on DM’s in men’s semi-finals on September 20. The final matches will be played on September 22 at university ground.

Meanwhile, the collegiate swimming championship 2010-11 for men and women will be held at Campal swimming pool on September 21 at 9.30 a.m.

Blanc his first win since taking over from coach Raymond Domenech after the first-round exit in South Africa.

France is third in Group D behind Albania and Belarus, which both have four points. Hamdi Salihi’s goal led Albania to a 10 win over Luxembourg, while Belarus was held 0-0 by Romania.

Italy looked a shadow of the side that struggled to beat Estonia 2-1 on Friday.

At his home ground, Fiorentina’s Alberto Gilardino headed Italy ahead after 11 minutes against the Faeroe Islands after 11 minutes.

Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Cassano added further goals before halftime, while substitute Fabio Quagliarella scored from close range in the 81st and Pirlo completed the rout in the 90th.

Italy has a two-point lead in Group C over Serbia, which was held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia.

New Jersey-born Giuseppi Rossi at forward started for Italy, while Neven Subotic, a defender from Salt Lake City, started for Serbia in a 1-1 tie against Slovenia.

Former Real Salt Lake forward Yura Movsisyan scored his first international goal, helping Armenia gain a 2-2 tie at Macedonia. A 23-year-old who holds a U.S green card, Movsisyan potentially was eligible to play for the U.S. national team but made his debut for Armenia last month.

Playing his third international match, he opened the scoring after cutting through Macedonia’s defense in the 40th minute.

Mario Gjurovski tied the score a m i n u t e l a t e r. E d g a r Manuchar yan put Armenia ahead in second-half stoppage time, but Ilco Naumovski retied it moments later.

The buildup to England’s match had been overshadowed by tabloid allegations against Rooney.

But the Manchester United forward shrugged off his personal crisis to score his first England goal since last September, slotting home in the 10th

minute after meeting Glen Johnson’s cross unmarked.

Adam Johnson added another in the 69th, four minutes after Swiss right back Stephan Lichtsteiner was ejected for fouling James Milner.

Xherdan Shaqiri scored for Switzerland, but Darren Bent sealed England’s win with his first international goal.

England tops Group G on goal difference ahead of Montenegro, which beat Bulgaria 1-0 thanks to Elsad Zverotic’s long-range shot. Stanimir Stoilov quit as Bulgaria’s coach after the game.

Unlike their European rivals, the Portuguese are still not over their World Cup woes. With coach Carlos Queiroz suspended for six months for insulting antidoping officials, the team lost 1-0 to Norway, having only managed a 4-4 draw with Cyprus last week.

Norway tops Group H, while Denmark moved up to second by beating Iceland 1-0 in its first qualifier on Thomas Kahlenberg’s injury-time goal.

Germany’s 6-1 victory over Azerbaijan keeps it ahead of Turkey in Group A on goal difference. Turkey beat Belgium 32 after defender Vincent Kompany was ejected.

Olof Mellberg’s 34th-minute sending off made no difference to Sweden, which was already leading 3-0 and went on to rout San Marino 6-0 for the Group E lead.

Ireland moved into the Group B by beating Andorra 3-1. Slovakia behind Ireland on goal difference after stunning Russia 1-0 to earn its second straight qualifying win.

In Group I, Stephen McManus headed in a dramatic winner seven minutes into second-half stoppage time as Scotland came from behind to beat Liechtenstein 2-1. Scotland has four points and is even with Lithuania, which won 1-0 in the Czech Republic.

At Monterrey, Elias Hernandez scored in the 89th minute to lift Mexico over Colombia 10 in an otherwise a lackluster exhibition.

Tevez hints at international retirement AGENCIES BUENOS AIRES, SEPT 8

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez says he may consider retiring from international play before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil because of the physical toll on his body.

The 26-year-old Tevez says he has been worn down by the physical nature of the game and all the league and national team matches. He has played for Boca Juniors, Corinthians, West Ham, Manchester United—

and now Manchester City.

Tevez said Wednesday that “I’m tired. I’m 26—I’m old,” and added that “I don’t know if I will make it to 2014.”

Tevez didn’t suggest he would retire immediately from international play, which is good news for Argentina as it prepares to host next year’s Copa America — the contin e n t a l championship.

Tevez scored one of the goals in a 4-1 friendly win over Spain on Tuesday.

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Pg18 Clijsters, Venus set up marquee semis Don Bosco Farm HS claim Quepem football title Pg 16

Elvis, Arnaldo, Schubert, Pango file nominations Pg 17

GOA, THURSDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

In BrIef

Spain thrashed

by Argentina Spain's 4-1 defeat by Argentina yesterday underlined that there is no such thing as a friendly when you are the world champions.

Vicente del Bosque chose to start with a line up including up to five 'squad players' in Buenos Aires and watched a fired up Argentina storm to victory.

Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez had the hosts 3-0 up at halftime, proving perhaps that repairing damaged pride in front of your own fans after a disappointing World Cup was a stronger motivating factor than impressing your boss for a starting place.

l

AGENCIES NEW YORK, SEPT 8

Nobody can say Kim Clijsters took an easy path to her US Open title last year. She played both Williams sisters.

This year, she’ll only play one, though this could be an even more effective version of Venus Williams than came to Flushing Meadows in 2009.

Clijsters and Williams each won their quarterfinal matches Tuesday to set up a marquee semifinal—the No. 2 seed, Clijsters, vs. the No. 3 seed, Williams, and a pair of women both seeking a third U.S. Open championship.

Last year, Clijsters returned from a 2 1/2 -year layoff and was hoping to use the U.S. Open as a bit of a tune-up and a test—so she could see how big-time competition felt before she made the comeback in earnest in 2010.

In one of the best comeback stories of the year, she ended up winning the whole thing. It started looking like a real possi-

India eves trounced 0-3 by New Zealand A hapless India suffered its fourth defeat in the tournament, losing 0-3 to New Zealand in its final pool A match of the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup here.

Skipper Kayla Sharland struck twice in the 44th and 55th minutes, while Katie Glynn scored in the 52nd after India succumbed to a yellow card fever in the second half as first Subhadra Pradhan was sent off then Chanchan Thokchom.

‘No need to ban whole Pak team’ Spot-fixing scandal should be dealt in an appropriate manner but it would be unfair to ban the whole Pakistan team for the alleged involvement of their three players, feels Australian captain Ricky Ponting.

"I think that's going a bit too far, let's just start with the people we know about at the moment and make sure they're dealt with in the appropriate manner," Ponting said.

"I think to ban a whole team would probably be a bit unfair. The world game doesn't really need that, (and) can't really afford that to happen.

I know the world game can't afford these sorts of scandals happening in the game either," he was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.

Waugh wants ICC to find the truth Australia's World Cup winning captain Steve Waugh today said the International Cricket Council (ICC) should find out the truth and punish the guilty allegedly involved in the spot fixing incident at Lords.

"The incident(spot fixing) is very unfortunate. It should have been avoided by the players in the interest of the game," the former Test and ODI star said.

Waugh is in the city to visit "Udayan", a home for children of leprosy patients at Barrackpore, which gets financial support from the former cricketing great.

Actor Neetu denies links with Asif Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra has denied having any links with Pakistani bowler Mohammad Asif, embroiled in the latest spotfixing controversy that has rocked the world cricket.

Chandra, who found her name being dragged in the spot-fixing scandal, in a statement, read out by her publicist Dale Bhagwagar, denied having any connection with the ongoing controversy or tainted cricketer Asif.

"Neetu personally doesn't know Mohammad Asif or any other Pakistani cricketer. Her name is unnecessarily being dragged in this whole match-fixing episode," said Bhagwagar.

India go down 1-2 to Thailand in friendly AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 8

India went down 1-2 to Thailand in the return leg of their friendly international football match at the Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi on Wednesday.

Winothai Teerathap and Keawsombat Keerati were on target for Thailand while N P Pradeep scored from a goalmouth melee the solitary goal for India.

In the first leg in Bangkok, India had lost 0-1 to Thailand.

Nadal eases into quarters bility when Clijsters beat Williams, who was visibly hobbling on an injured knee, 6-0, 0-6, 6-4 in the fourth round.

Williams overcame nine double-faults and a total of 33 unforced errors—much of it caused by a wind that whipped around Arthur Ashe Stadium for yet another day— to beat reigning French Open champion Francesca Schiavone 7-6 (5), 6-4.

Clijsters also got pushed—

by No. 5 Sam Stosur. In a match that featured 15 breaks of serve, Clijsters finally held at the end of the third set for a 6-4, 5-7, 63 victory. It was one of the few times since the Belgian returned to Flushing Meadows—the 0-6 set last year against Venus was another—when she didn’t appear totally in control.

In men’s play Tuesday— “Spain Day”—No. 1 Rafael Nadal advanced with another threeset victory, this time over fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez. Nadal, who hasn’t lost a set or a service game yet in the tournament, advanced to play No. 8 Fernando Verdasco, who defeated No. 10

Embarrassment piles on India l 'B' samples of two swimmers, two athletes test positive PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 8

Embarrassment piled on India today barely a month ahead of the Commonwealth Games with four athletes, including three in Games squad, failing their 'B' sample tests while a weightlifter was also caught for a banned substance here today.

The 'B' samples of two Commonwealth Games-bound swimmers -- Ric ha Mishra and Jyotsana Pansare -- and a shot putter Saurabh Vij returned positive for methylhexaneamine.

Har yana discus thrower Aakash Antil, who was not in the Games squad, also failed his 'B' sample test for the same methylhexaneamine.

"Richa, Jyotsana, Saurabh and Antil's 'B' samples have tested positive. So we are sending them what is called the second notice to face (NADA) disciplinary panel.

We have asked the panel chief to fix an early date for a hearing.

All of them have tested positive for methylhexaneamine," NADA Director General Rahul Bhatnagar told PTI today.

"The punishment to be handed on them will be decided by the

England win over Pakistan REUTERS LONDON, SEPT 8

World champions England profited from an abject batting display by Pakistan to win the second Twenty20 international in Cardiff by six wickets.

After Pakistan had collapsed to 89 all out from 18.4 overs, England romped to 90 for four with six overs to spare to win the series 2-0. The teams will now meet in a five-match 50 overs series.

Pakistan could not cope with either a barrage of short-pitched bowling from the England pacemen or the slow bowling of Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy.

Umar Akmal hit Swann for two straight sixes into the sightscreen but was bowled for 17 when the England off-spinner kept his nerve and floated up another tempting delivery. Yardy was again economical, conceding 10 runs from his four overs.

An early wicket to Shoaib Akhtar and a brilliant run-out by Umar Akmal who hit the stumps at the bowler's end to account for Craig Kieswetter for 16 temporarily lifted Pakistan's morale.

n Thingbaijam Sanba (Sanamacha) Chanu is

expected to face life ban if her 'B' sample also turns out to be positive and she is unable to clear her name before a NADA appeal panel since she had already been banned for two years after flunking a dope test at 2004 Athens Olympics. disciplinary panel," he added.

Bhatnagar also confirmed that 53kg woman weightlifter Sanamacha Chanu, who was added in the Commonwealth Games core group in August last year but did not make it to the CWG squad announced last month, tested positive for methylhexaneamine.

"One lifter Thingbaijam Sanba (Sanamacha) Chanu has tested positive for methylhexaneamine," he said.

The 31-year-old Chanu, one of the most successful woman weightlifters in the country and an Arjuna awardee in 2000, returned positive in the NADA test conducted at the Commonwealth Games trials here last month.

She is expected to face life ban if her 'B' sample also turns out to be positive and she is unable to clear her name before a

NADA appeal panel since she had already been banned for two years after flunking a dope test at 2004 Athens Olympics.

Chanu's dope flunk came days after Indian Weightlifting Federation completed payment of a hefty USD 5 lakh fine to the international body after its six lifters failed WADA dope tests conducted last September.

The country's lifters were allowed to take part in next month's Commonwealth Games here after the CWG OC gave an interest-free loan of Rs 1.75 crore for the IWF to pay the remaining two instalments of the USD 5 lakh fine by August 31.

Indian Weightlifting Federation Secretary Sahdev Yadav said that one lifter, who was not in the Commonwealth Games squad announced last month,

Butt, Akmal charge-sheeted AGENCIES DUBAI, SEPT 8

The International Cricket Council charge-sheeted Test captain Salman Butt and stumper batsman Kamran Akmal after getting unsatisfactory replies on the show cause notices served on them last month, media reports said in Karachi on Wednesday.

A report in the Dawn said the two players were served the notices on August 21 -- the day Pakistan won the Oval Test against England.

The PCB, though, ignored the notices and went onto announce special victory bonuses for the players and the team management.

Sources informed that the ICC was tipped off about the suspicious activities of the two players after the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the governing body also had some information on the conversations between them and the alleged

bookie Mazhar Majeed.

The report said both Salman and Akmal were asked to reply to notice within 14 days, asking them to provide their mobile phone numbers, which they used during the World T20 besides some other information.

After finding their replies unsatisfactor y, the ICC sent charge-sheets to the two players and were delivered at their personal addresses and not through the PCB. The report quoting sources said although the PCB had some reports about the suspicious activities of Akmal, it was unaware about the activities of Butt, who was elevated to the post of Test captain after Shahid Afridi quit job.

Butt along with pacers Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamir is under investigation by Scotland Yard for the alleged spot-fixing and betting racket carried out by their agent Mazhar Majeed.

BCCI to cut down tenure of IPL Governing Council PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 8

In a move that can be viewed as cutting down the vast powers enjoyed previously by the Indian Premier League, the Cricket Board has decided to limit the IPL Governing Council's tenure from five years to one.

The BCCI is all set to make this important change at its AGM on September 29 in the wake of the scandal which engulfed the now suspended Lalit Modiled IPL, a sub-committee of the Board, and bring it on par with

its other sub-committees, revealed a top source today.

"It needs a constitutional change and can be done at the AGM. The idea is to bring down the IPL Governing Council's tenure to one year, on par with the other sub-committees of the Board," the source told PTI. The reconstituted IPL GC will also have only two former cricketers, and not three as it is at present, and will have a Chairman, five other members plus all the office bearers of the BCCI in it, the source said.

The present 13-strong committee comprises three ex-captains in Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri and they are entrusted with looking after the cricketing part of what is essentially a businesscum-sport venture of the BCCI. Under Modi, who was suspended on April 26 and is facing a slew of charges of financial irregularities in the running of the T20 League, the IPL virtually functioned as a parallel power centre as he was given free reins in running the League.

had returned positive for a banned substance but refused to divulge the name.

"One lifter has tested positive but under rules we don't give names till the 'B' sample result comes. The 'B' sample result is expected to come by Monday.

But I can say that the lifter is not among the Commonwealth Games squad," he said.

The two swimmers Richa and Jyotsana can now apply to appear before the NADA disciplinary panel to plead their case but they would be out of Commonwealth Games.

Swimming Federation of India Secretary Virender Nanavati said that Richa and Jyotsana would not compete in the Commonwealth Games.

"They can now appear before the NADA disciplinary panel on their application. But that is more of a formality and they are technically out of the Commonwealth Games," Nanavati said.

Richa, who was adjudged the best female swimmer of the 64th National Aquatic Championship in Jaipur, and Jyotsana were named in the CWG swimming squad.

ICC sends official notice to Akmal AGENCIES DUBAI, SEPT 8

The ICC has sent an official notice to Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal telling him that he is under investigation for allegedly fixing the Sydney Test.

"Only months after clearing the Pakistan team of any wrongdoing in relation to the controversial Test, the ICC has written to Kamran to advise him he is now in their crosshairs for the Sydney debacle," a report in the Courier Mail said.

Kamran had dropped four catches in the Sydney Test where Australia won the match from a losing position, rasing doubts of match-fixing. The ICC then investigated the matter and gave a clean chit to him.

David Ferrer, also of Spain, in a classic match, 5-7, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Nadal-Verdasco will be the first all-Spanish quarterfinal in US Open history. It’s a rematch of their five-setter in the semifinals of the 2009 Australian Open. Nadal won that and is 100 lifetime against his Spanish rival.

Wawrinka beat No. 20 Sam Querrey, which means no American man will be in the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open for the second straight year. More bad news on the U.S. scene: This is the worst Grand Slam year ever for the men, with Andy Roddick making the lone quarterfinal appearance of any American man, at the Australian Open in January.

Since the French Open began admitting foreigners in 1925, U.S. men have made at least two quarterfinal Grand Slam appearances every year until now.

In men’s quarterfinal action, No. 17 Gael Monfils plays No. 3 Novak Djokovic and No. 5 Robin Soderling plays five-time champion, No. 2 Roger Federer.

Kaneria cleared from betting allegations AGENCIES LONDON, SEPT 8

Pakistan legspinner Danish Kaneria has been cleared by Essex police of betting during an English county match last season, his lawyer said.

"The police have cleared Danish as they didn't find any concrete evidence to support the allegations," Furqan Anwar told Reuters on Wednesday.

Kaneria, who has played 61 Tests and taken 261 wickets, was questioned by police investigating allegations two Essex players placed bets on their Pro-40 match against Durham last September.

The police did not name the players but media reported they were 29-year-old Kaneria and former England Under-19 pace bowler Mervyn Westfield, 22, who was released by Essex last month.

Bopanna-Qureshi reach first-ever Grand Slam semis PTI NEW YORK, SEPT 8

Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ulHaq Qureshi reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in their career after recording a thrilling 7-5, 7-6 (2) win over 10th seeds Wesley Moodie and Dick Norman in the US Open men's doubles quarterfinals here.

Reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals this year was the best ever performance for the 16th seed Indo-Pak pair before this memorable win.

Bopanna is the only Indian left in the draw and was delighted with his good run in the last Grand Slam of the season.

"I can't describe the range of emotions we went through today, it was such a closely

fought match and to come out victorious in the end, it's just unbelievable," Boppana said.

The Indian though said it was not easy to mow down their opponents.

"With both our opponents being over 6ft 7inches tall it wasn't easy handling their serves

but we played confident, positive tennis throughout."

The duo now face the unseeded pair of Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos for a place in the finals.

The Argentines, who knocked out Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi in the second round, will be a difficult pair to handle says the Coorgi.