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Goa’s Heartbeat: Madhuri wants to invite the 3 Khans to dinner Pg 4

IN BRIEF Two killed in police firing The army was being deployed in violence-hit areas of Darjeeling district after two persons were killed today when the police opened fire to stop Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters from taking out a march in adjacent Jalpaiguri district defying prohibitory orders, sparking arson by GJM workers who torched government vehicles and offices.

“From tonight, the army will undertake flag marches in all the affected areas of Darjeeling district, including Kalimpong sub-division,” Additional District Magistrate (Darjeeling) Rajat Kumar Shaini said. — (PTI)

Belgaum vegetable suppliers CAG absolves Parrikar block supply to GSHC IFFI IRREGULARITIES SCAM

of most charges

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

In what could be termed as a major reprieve to the opposition leader Manohar Parrikar, the Comptroller and Auditor General has dropped ‘its faulty 14 charges” against the former chief minister, who is facing CBI inquiry into the financial irregularities in infrastructure development during IFFI 2004.

W h i l e C A G d ro p p e d 1 4

17 sailors abducted Using rocket launchers and submachine guns, suspected Somali pirates today abducted 17 Indian and five Italian sailors after hijacking a large Italian-flagged oil tanker in the Indian Ocean.

The 266-metre long and 46metre wide ‘Savina Caylyn’ with 22 crew members on board was attacked by the pirates and taken over at 0520 hours IST, a senior official at the Directorate General of Shipping said. Initial reports said no one was hurt in the attack by five pirates who were armed with rocket-propelledgrenades and rifles. — (PTI)

Absconding MLA arrested Absconding Samajwadi Party MLA Vijay Mishra, who was allegedly involved in last year’s attack on UP Cabinet Minister Nand Gopal Nandi, was today arrested by the Special Task Force in Delhi, a senior officer said here.

The Uttar Pradesh government had announced an award of Rs 2.5 lakh on the arrest of Mishra, who has 62 cases, including 15 of murder and seven of attempt to murder, registered against him in Bhadohi, Allahabad and Mirzapur. — (PTI)

Sports: Sree replaces injured Praveen in WC squad Pg 16

charges against Parrikar the Public Accounts committee has recommended that the remaining nine charges also be dropped due to satisfactory replies from Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).

The PAC has also recommended the CAG office to conduct an enquiry as to how this incorrect finding was given and take remedial action against the concerned officers who have given these erroneous findings in the audit report 2005-05.

The public accounts committee (PAC) had constituted a sub-committee under Mapusa legislator Francis D’Souza, Nilkanth Halarnkar and Damodar Naik.

While Parrikar refused to be part of the committee in view of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry against him, Halarnkar seized to be member of the sub-committee after being inducted into the cabinet in June, 2010.

The committee convened 22 meetings with the CAG and GSIDC officials.

The PAC report, which was submitted in the just concluded as-

ISRO to call off deal with Devas PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 8

As political attack mounted on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on yet another alleged spectrum scam, ISRO today announced that the process to terminate a suspect deal was underway.

The space agency claimed there was no financial loss to the government on account of the 2005 contract between its commercial arm Antrix and Devas Multimedia, floated by a former ISRO official for use of scarce S-band spectrum.

However, at a late evening press conference, ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan admitted that details about contract that gave Devas rights to 90 per cent usage of transponders on two satellites, were not shared with the Space Commission or the Union Cabinet.

“One point that was not ex-

plicitly mentioned (to the Union cabinet) was that GSAT 6 and GSAT 6A satellites are going to be predominantly used for this novel and commercial application that Antrix had entered into with s Devas,” he said.

The ISRO press conference came on top of a denial by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of media reports claiming that a Devas has been allotted 70 MHz of spectrum for Rs 1000 crore.

It said no decision has been taken and hence charges of revenue loss of a whopping Rs 2 lakh crore were without any basis.

But the BJP was not convinced by the PMO clarification dubbing it as meaningless.

The party said there were important questions which the prime minister must explain to the nation.

sembly, states that the CAG had decided to drop 14 out of 23 paras.

“Out of the 23 audit paras CAG decided to drop 14 paras on the grounds that the explanations given on these were satisfactory and accepted by the committee while the remaining nine paras were discussed in detail,” the report said.

The charges or paras dropped are – payment of bonus; Defective clause in the agreement; undue favour to the contractor; restoration and upgradation of facilities at Kala Academy abnormal variation; award of work at rates higher than market rates; deficient contract management non levy of liquidated damages; non-recovery of mobilization advance; award of work without land acquisition; idle charges; incorrect estimation of quantity for dredging work; variations; consultants for Kala Academy Works; appointment pf consultants for road package works.

The other nine charges which the committee has sought details from the Finance Department and recommended dropping are – defective or nontransparent bidding process and evaluation; award of contract at (Continued on page 13)

Govt may yield to JPC demand on 2G scam PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 8

Signals that the government may agree to formation of a JPC (joint parliamentary committee) to probe the 2G spectrum scam emerged today after talks between government and the opposition to break the stalemate in parliament ahead of the budget Session.

Coming out of the all-party meeting convened by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, opposition leaders claimed there was “consensus” on the JPC issue and both the sides were keen that parliament should function.

“The allies of the government too say they have no problems with JPC. We have told the government, and I think there is hope, that first government will take a decision, approve formation of JPC and parliament will function properly,” Sushma Swaraj told reporters.

Photo by Louis Rodrigues

There is nobody so irritating as somebody with less intelligence and more sense than we have — Don Herold

India: PSO stoops to clean Maya’s shoes Pg 7

(air surcharge Rs 2.00) pages 16+4

IN THE EYE OF STORM: Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) market in Belgaum (Related reports on pg 3) HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, FEB 8

Wholesale vegetable suppliers of Belgaum market, who are affected by the policy of Goa State Horticulture Corporation’s (GSHC), blocked all supplies to the corporation on Tuesday, sparking off tension in the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) market yard.

The agitated members, who gathered at the yard late Tuesday evening, did not allow loading of vegetables to GSHC. The members have resolved to intensify their agitation if GSHC does not come to terms for the benefit of the suppliers and the Goans.

However, supplies to the regular Goa market continued, while flurry of activities was witnessed in Belgaum market.

A strong police force was also deployed at the site.

The Cantonment Wholesale Vegetable Market Association with a membership of about 500 members submitted a memo-

Acquisition of land for public purpose has, in recent times, led to agitations and violence.

Acquisition of agricultural land for special economic zones (SEZs) was opposed in many parts of the country, because of displacement. The central government has since assured citizens that no agricultural land will be acquired for SEZs. Even when land is required for a central government project, the State government acquires it. The central government does not acquire land directly, even though there is a provision in the Land Acquisition Act. Meagre compensation: At present, the government gives monetary compensation to land owners, which is meagre, and takes possession after publishing the required notifications under the act. In most cases, the price fixed by land acquisition officers (deputy collectors) is challenged in the district courts and, invariably, district courts give a much higher price to land owners.

The formulae adopted by land

acquisition officers are fundamentally wrong; the variation between the land acquisition officer’s price and the district court’s price is, in most cases, more than 100 per cent.

New Policy: The central government has a Rehabilitation and Settlement Policy, from 2007. Some state governments have their own policies. But a policy is not the same as a law; it takes effect only if it is backed by legislation. Policy lays down the broad approach and the direction in which the government proposes to deal with the subject. It may indicate how legislation on the subject will be implemented. There are also certain things that require a human touch, which are covered under policies.

The government of India introduced the ‘Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2007’ to give statutory backing to the policy announced that same year. It says that the law will be primarily applicable to the rehabilitation and resettlement of persons adversely affected by land acquisition for projects. But the provisions of the bill may also apply for rehabilitation and resettlement of persons involuntarily displaced for any reason.

In brief, the bill provides for a social impact assessment through a participatory, informed and transparent process involving all stakeholders, including the affected persons.

The rehabilitation process should augment income levels, enrich the quality of life of displaced persons, rebuild sociocultural relationships, capacity building and provide public health and community services, Adequate safeguards have been proposed for protecting the rights of vulnerable sections.

Though a Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy was announced in 2004, it was not followed by legislation. Nor was the Land Acquisition Act of 1894

tronizing only four suppliers, does not come to terms allowing participation of more suppliers.

According to the irate members, it was learnt that the horticulture corporation is procuring vegetables from only four members, of which about 75 per cent is procured only from one supplier.

They have also alleged that GSHC is trying to terminate the age-old Belgaum-Goa ties, as the suppliers to the Corporation

Nexus suspected

BELGAUM: The wholesale vegetable merchants in Belgaum are suspecting a nexus between the four suppliers and Goan authorities.

The wholesale vegetable suppliers have demanded investigation in the subsidy nexus, as they have alleged that despite the availability of vegetables at lower prices, the four suppliers are enjoying a huge margin.

“Proper investigations must be made in this regard as we understand that a supplier, who enjoys over 75 per cent of the supplies, has provided a flat to a senior official in Goa,” alleged the wholesale vegetable suppliers.

They have also alleged that the subsidy stunt is being mobilized keeping in mind the forthcoming elections. — HC

are procuring vegetables from outside Belgaum.

“We have sent more than 150 applications to the Goa horticulture corporation to purchase vegetables from other wholesale vendors as well. However, the Goan authorities are reluctant to concede to our demands for reasons best known to them,” said a senior vegetable supplier.

“Prices of vegetables can be highly competitive provided there are more suppliers. Moreover, Goans can enjoy better rate with the government subsidy. Moreover, since the corporation is prompt in its payment as the payments are made every week, vegetables can be supplied at highly competitive rates,” a veteran member said urging the Goan authorities to give opportunity to more suppliers from Belgaum.

Since Monday is the weekly holiday for the Cantonment Wholesale Vegetable Market, here, a flurry of activity was (Continued on page 13)

Mickky threatens to quit NCP HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

In an interesting development, the Mickky Pacheco led group in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has threatened to leave the party if the NCP high command does not accept their series of demands by Saturday.

Party officials also stated that Mickky will float a new party if the NCP does not adhere to his demands.

The group in a communication to the NCP high command

Centre moots new approach to land acquisition: Naik SHANTARAM NAIK NEW DELHI, FEB 8

randum to the District Administration.

Apart from demanding inclusion of more suppliers in the list, the Association has also sought the intervention of Karnataka government in this regard.

In a rather unprecedented development, the members have arrived at a unanimous decision to stop the entire vegetable supplies to Goa if GSHC, which is adamant with its policy of pa-

amended. But this time the government first announced the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy of 2007, then introduced the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2007, to give the force of law to the policy.

Most important, the government has also introduced the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill, 2007, to improve the law of land acquisition and to bring it in conformity with the 2007 policy and bill.

Social impact assessment: The new rehabilitation bill provides that whenever a new project or expansion of an existing project that involves involuntary displacement of 400 or more families in plain areas, or 200 or more families in tribal, hilly or areas mentioned in the fifth or sixth schedules of the Constitution, a social impact assessment study must be carried out.

This must include the impact the project will have on public and community properties, assets and infrastructure; particularly, roads, public transport, drainage, sanitation, sources of drinking water, sources of water for cattle, community ponds, (Continued on page 13)

has made three demands – induct Mickky into the cabinet, drop the two NCP ministers Jose Philip and Nilkanth Halarnkar or if the two demands cannot be met withdraw support to the Congress-led government.

NCP General Secretary Prabhu Moni, when contacted by Herald here confirmed the development.

“Yes, we have communicated to the high command to accept our demands or we leave the party,” Moni said.

He stated that the Congress party is taking the NCP for granted in Goa. “It is over a month our high command has conveyed their decision to Congress on Mickky’s induction and dropping of two ministers but nothing has happened till date,” Moni explained adding “Our high command is still unable to get an audience with United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on the (Continued on page 13)

We are American scientists doing research on your secret behind surviving easily with unaffordable food prices.

OHERALDO

Pg

GOA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY, 2011

MPT, GSRB in controversy over Adarshnagar land HERALD REPORTER VASCO, FEB 8

About 500 kms away from Mumbai, another “Adarsh” is embroiled in a controversy of sorts.

The issue that has raised a storm pertains to a plot at Adarshnagar-Chicalim, which is being claimed by the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) as well as the Goa State Rehabilitation Board (GSRB).

The land, measuring 23,553 sq mts at Adarshnagar-Chicalim, has been assigned for the rehabilitation of the people.

It may be recalled that the fate of Khariwado fishermen is hanging in the balance over demolition notices served by MMC. After acquisition of Adarshnagar land about nine years ago over with drains and roads as the planning norms, the commercial value of the land has increased drastically over a period of time, as it is located in an area like Chicalim.

Fo r m e r M P T c h a i r m a n Praveen Agarwal had even alleged that GSRB is misappropriating the Adarshnagar land belonging to MPT. “A plot of land having an area of 23,553 sq mts was acquired on behalf of MPT in 2002 for relocating/rehabilitating PAPs of MPT projects,” Agarwal had said.

“However, the State Government transferred the land to GSRB, which has entered into agreements with the private de-

The Adarshnagar land embroiled in a controversy between MPT and GSRB.

velopers for a residential colony.

Thus, the land acquired for a public purpose under Land Acquisition Act, 1894, is sought to be utilised by the State Government for private benefits,” he had said.

He further said that refusal of transfer land to MPT is delaying the rehabilitation and relocation projects of MPT. GSRB Chairman Surendra Sirsat refuted the allegation levelled by former MPT chairman and said the land is owned by the State government and it has been handed over to GSRB. However, he admitted that MPT paid amount for land acquisition. “At the same time, Adarshnagar land was acquired

for Project Affected People (PAP) of National Highway 17-B and not for the Khariwaddo fishermen rehabilitation.”

“In return of Adarshnagar land, we allotted nearly 7,000 sq mtrs of land at Headland Sada and 4,500 sq mts near Baina sewerage treatment plant for rehabilitation of PAP of national highway, thus the question of MPT’s claim for Adarshnagar land doesn’t arise,” stated Sirsat.

He further said MPT has showed willingness to rehabilitate Khariwaddo fishermen at Adarshnagar by appointing national agencies under Integrated Housing Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) Scheme of Min-

Photo by M Prabhav

istry of Housing and Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation and JNURM. “When GSRB is constituted for the rehabilitation purpose, there was no need for MPT to approach central agencies as the board would have taken the rehabilitation of Khariwaddo fishermen,” added Sirsat.

He assured that there is no intention of the State government to allot the Adarshnagar land for private players, as it is meant for rehabilitation.

“If the State government directs us to allot Adarshnagar land for Khariwaddo fishermen, we are ready to take it at any given point of time,” added Sirsat.

Burglars ransack judge’s house HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

When burglars strike, they don’t spare anyone, including the police and even the Judges.

This became evident on Tuesday when unknown miscreants targeted the residential house of Judge Edgar Fernandes at Cuncolim.

The miscreants are believed to have ransacked the house in search of the booty, but fortunately, there were no valuables inside.

Cuncolim PSI Prasanna Bhagat informed that the miscreants effected entry into the house by breaking open the window. He said the miscreants ransacked the entire house, but could not find anything. The crockery, clothes and lines were left untouched, he said. There were no inmates in the house at the time of the incident.

The incident came as a shock to the residents and brought to the fore the question of police patrolling of Cuncolim Town to keep burglars and miscreants at bay. Incidentally, the house is located just a stone throw away from the NH-17.

Interestingly, Cuncolim police admitted that this is the second time that miscreants targeted the house in the last eight months. Police said the miscreants tried to open the door locks around eight months ago, but in vain.

Meanwhile, police informed that miscreants had a couple of years ago had targeted the Judges’ colony atop Margao’s Monte hill. A year ago, the house of then Colva police station incharge, PI Edwin Colaco at Nuvem was burgled by unknown miscreants.

GRM to stage ‘Dhadak Morcha’ at CM’s house HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, FEB 8

Indian-born British economist and intellectual Lord Meghnad Desai addressing the gathering at D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas, at Kala Academy, Campal-Panjim on Tuesday.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Minister warns Centre over Mhadei water diversion HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira has warned the Centre over diversion of Mhadei water source, which he said “will cause grave threat to the ecology, environment and wildlife of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary”.

In a letter to the Union Minister of State for Environment Jairam Ramesh, Sequeira has informed that Karnataka’s plans are bound to disturb the river eco-system.

“Presently, the lifeline of the State of Goa, the River Mandovi is under scourge of damming and diverting project of Karnataka State, as the work of connecting the Kalasa tributary to the Malaprabha Water Basin is going on war footing at Kankumbi, by constructing a canal barely within 2.82 kms,” the minister said in the letter.

He said that from the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, 43 percent of Goa’s geographical area lies in the Mandovi River basin and “any diversion of this water source will cause grave threat to the ecology, environment and wildlife of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary which is exactly 291.4 metres from the proposed Kalasa Dam site.”

“The project annual requirement of water of Goa by 2051 is 2674 metric cumecs, whereas the water resource actually available in the Mandovi is only 1531 metric cumecs,” he said adding “Thus the Mandovi is a water deficient basin. Karnataka’s plans are bound to disturb the intricate and complex river eco-system”.

Sequeira pointed out that Mhadei region has been recognized as the habitat for the endangered

tiger (level 1, Tiger Conservation Unit by WWF International) and also identified as an Important Bird Area by the Bird Life International Cambridge.

“This region of the Western Ghats is biodiversity hotspot and several rare and endangered species exists, which are not found anywhere else in the Universe. As recently as one year, two caecilian species have been found,” he explained.

He also stated that the area proposed for constructing Kalasa-Bhandura Dams are falling in reserve forests and the construction is freely proceeding without obtaining the prior permission of the MoEF. “Karnataka has already undertaken the work for the canal excavation and construction which is presently going on a rapid pace. On the orders of the Supreme Court and at the request of the Goa government, the Centre has constituted a Water Dispute Tribunal, yet the work proceeds,” Sequeira stated in the letter.

“My personal request and that of the State would be that you may direct Karnataka to forthwith stop the work and issue such orders under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Wildlife Act, 1972l; to stop work, as the same is being carried out without prior permission and approval of MoEF,” he said.

He said that recently work on the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) under the able leadership of Prof Madhav Gadgil has commenced.

“May I once again request your good self to order halt to the work till such time the WGEEP report is finalized,” Sequeira said.

Plea for cross examination rejected HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Panjim on Tuesday rejected application of suspended police inspector Sandesh Chodankar who had sought cross examination Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) forensic doctors in the Cipriano death case.

In his application on January 31, Chodankar had questioned the findings of the team of the forensic department, headed by Dr Silvano Sapeco, as regards to the death of Cipriano.

The suspended cop disputed the findings of the forensic examination and sought to cross examine the doctor. He questioned the court if Cipriano had head injuries why the same not found during the CT scan soon after he was taken to the GMC for treatment.He also maintained the clinical cause and the final cause of death were both contrary.

While CT scan had revealed ‘celebro vascular accident’, the final cause of death stated that Cipriano died due to fatal head injuries. He pointed out further since the deceased was not treated in the neurosurgery ward was indicative of the fact he had no head injuries.

Bus panel complains to Vigilance against Transport official HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

In a complaint before the State Vigilance Department, a senior Transport Department official has been accused of giving state permits to tourist buses.

All Goa Private Bus Owners Association General Secretary Sudip Tamankar in a complaint before Vigilance Department has accused Assistant Director

of Transport (ADT) and member secretary of RTA, South Goa, Prakash Azavedo, of giving permits to tourist buses as stage carriage buses.

Tamankar’s complaint reads, “Two buses bearing registration numbers GA-01/T-3417 and GA02/T-4303 with regular sight-seeing (tourist) permits are plying as stage carriage buses harassing regular operators.” In the com-

plaint, the route reads as Margao.

The AGPBOA General Secretary said when asked Azavedo replied the two buses were being plied as “relief ” buses.

Tamankar alleged Azavedo had misguided the RTA members during a meeting held on July 3, 2009.

“He has bypassed the Motor Vehicles Act to give permission to the buses to ply as relief vehicles,” he accused further.

He explained, “The ADT has illegally and with the intentions of material gains placed the matter before RTA and bypassed the MV Act,” the complaint adds.

Tamankar asserts as per MV Act, a bus operator having minimum ten buses plus one spare bus is termed as a fleet operator, who can request the RTO for grant of permission for plying a relief bus.

The Ganv Rakhon Manch (GRM) of Curchorem will stage a ‘Dhadak Morcha’ at the residence of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in Margao on Wednesday at 8 am.

The decision was taken while the indefinite hunger strike started GRM in front of Curchorem Police Station to oppose the proposed four-lane road from Tilamol to Sanguem Court entered the seventh day on Tuesday.

On Tuesday morning, former CCMC chairperson Paresh Bhende, who was on hunger strike, was shifted to CHC Cacora due to deterioration in his health condition.

He was then replaced by Ajit Parulekar, who had started the hunger strike.

GRM Convenor Adv Atrey Kakodkar accused Quepem DySP Rohidas Patre and Curchorem Police Inspector Bhanudas Dessai of forcibly trying to shift Bhende to CHC Cacora at about 1 am though Dr Achut Kakodkar had informed them that Bende’s condition was stable. Adv Kakodkar condemned the police action.

Pay performance guarantee, Govt reminds Arihant HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

Tourism Department on Tuesday shot a reminder to M/s Arihant Ship Breakers, a Mumbai based company, to pay performance guarantee of Rs 10 crore.

The Mumbai-based company was awarded with the contract to break and remove the grounded M V River Princess off Candolim beach in November last year after it emerged as the lowest bidder with its quote of Rs 99 crore.

The ship-breaking company was asked to pay the performance guarantee four weeks back, however, it is yet to pay the same. The Tourism Department sent a reminder to the Mumbai office of the company on Tuesday, said a tourism official who did not want to be named.The officer said the government will not sign the agreement with the company unless performance guarantee was paid.

“In the past we have got into trouble for signing an agreement before obtaining the performance guarantee,” he added.

However, he said it was not known why the company has not paid the performance guarantee till date, even as it has started mobilising the equipment and machinery required to break the vessel which has been grounded off the beach for a decade now.

Disaster Management Authority issues show cause notice to BP HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

It’s official. The South Goa Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday issued a notice on Bharat Petroleum officials to show cause why the vehicles belonging to the company should not be stopped from plying on the roads of South Goa district in view in the Ambora Aviation Tanker fuel accident.

Disaster Management Authority Chief Executive Officer, Y B Tawde issued the notice on Tuesday a day after Deputy Collector, Margao Johnson Fernandes submitted a report stating that the company officials had failed to appearance on the scene on the day of the incident to take stock

of the situation and to adopt remedial measures on a war footing.

“It has been reported by the deputy collector that on account the tanker that skidded at Ambora, considerable amount of damage has occurred to the Khazan lands as well as the paddy fields admeasuring 1.72 lakh square meters. The preliminary estimate of the losses is pegged at Rs 29.54 lakh”, the report stated.

The notice stated that inaction on the part of the BPCL officials in responding to emergency situations and lack of expertise in tackling the situation has apparently revealed dereliction of duty and lack of

proper approach on the part of the company.

Incidentally, the notice said that the company has committed an offence under Section 8 of the Environmental Protection Act, 1985, Rule 15(1) of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989, under Section 336 of the IPC and section 58 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Company officials, including the station manager and territorial manager have been directed to appear before the Disaster Management Authority next week and justify why action should not be initiated against the company and officials.

No scam in water tanks distribution: Churchill Ready to quit politics if people …

Sarpanchas back Alemao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao makes a point to newsmen on the distribution of water tanks by the PWD. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

Asserting that there’s no scam in the distribution of water tanks by the Public Works department, PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao on Tuesday said he is ready to quit politics if majority of the people tells him that his decision to distribute free water tanks was wrong.

“There’s no question of any scam in the water tank distribution. I would have admitted of a scam if the tanks were not distributed to the people”, he said, while asserting that the water tanks were distributed by following the tendering process.

Briefing newsmen on Tuesday, the PWD Minister further said there is no question of discontinuing with the exercise of distributing the water tanks, saying nothing hanky panky is involved in the exercise. “There’s a complaint before the police on the distribution of water tanks. Let the police come out with the facts”, he said, adding that he would place before the public all facts relating to the water tank distribution at the right time.

When newsmen questioned that the tanks have been distributed sans a scheme and without setting any criteria, Alemao shot back “Whether there was a scheme or not, I will make it public at the right time. All I know for the moment, is that the poor and the downtrodden affected by water supply has

been benefited by the exercise”.

Replying to another question, the PWD Minister said he has enough powers under the maintenance head to purchase the water tanks and distribute to the people.

Giving a background to the exercise, Alemao said the PWD has been distributing the water tanks since the last two years, adding that people in almost all the constituencies have benefited by the tanks. “Even the Fatorda MLA Damu Naik had asked me for the water tanks. It’s another question that the tanks were not given to the Fatorda MLA”, he said and challenged to prove that he has pocketed any money by not distributing the tanks to the poor beneficiaries.

Lashing out at the Fatorda MLA for criticizing him for distributing rice, dal and oil to the poor in Navelim, Alemao demanded to know who is Damu Naik to question him for his gesture. “People like Damu should realize that I have been distributing ration for the poor and downtrodden since the last several years, irrespective whether I have been in power or not”, Alemao said, and asserted that those who want to keep the poor always poor have no right to be in politics. “Even Damu was not supported by his own Party MLAs in the House when he was shouting in the House”, he added.

A number of Sarpanchas from Navelim constituency represented by the PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao have come out in open support of the decision to distribute water tanks to the people.

Navelim Sarpanch Paul Pereira said that free water tanks supplied by the PWD have brought a big relief to many areas of the village, who were facing water shortage due to host of factors.

“Where is the scam in the water tank distribution when the tanks have reached the needy and the poor in my village? I have distributed around 300-odd tanks to the people in Navelim alone.

I have a list of the beneficiaries in the Panchayat office. Anyone can come and inspect the water tanks”, he asserted.

Carmona Sarpanch Estaquio D’Costa said the water tanks distributed for the needy in the village has helped to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

“The water tanks have reached the people of the village”, he added.

The Sarpanch of Aquem Baixo said the water tanks have especially come in handy for the scheduled tribes and others who were facing water supply problems.

Colva Panch Calvert Gonsalves said that many people in Colva village, who faced water problems, due to water supply to hotels, benefited from the distribution of the water tanks.

Sarpanch of Telaulim, Varca, besides Panch members and Alemao’s close supporters were present for the press briefing.

CMC will curb illegal activities on its civic coast, says CO HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, FEB 8

Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) Chief Officer L S Pereira has stated that illegal activities, including the Lamani menace, will be curbed on its civic coast.

In an informal chat with few scribes, Pereira informed that CMC will soon inspect the coastal areas within the civic jurisdiction and take suitable action against any illegal activities on the shore.

“We did receive few complaints that some illegal activities that include trades without municipal licenses are underway on the civic coast of Palolem, Ourem, Colomb and Patnem beach areas,” said Pereira.

“We are shortly undertaking a survey of the places to ascertain the complaints and initiate future course of action to stop those malpractices,” added Pereira.

“We cannot simply allow such a dilution of municipal funds,” Pereira also replied in negative when a scribe asked him to provide figures of licenses granted

by CMC to operate different trades.

People alleged that several illegal kiosks operating massage parlours have cropped up on the coasts and the same premises are also engaged in other illegal activities.

Pereira again replied in the

Palolem beach coast.

negative when asked if CMC had issued any license on its coasts, especially Palolem beach, to operate massage parlour.

“We only issued trade license, but the civic body is in the dark as to what trade the licenses are engaged in.”

Pereira informed that he had not received any complaint from any tourist or anyone else of lamani harassments on Palolem beach.

“Unless we receive a complaint, we are unable to act. As far as I know, there is no lamani menace on our beaches,” he said.

When scribes informed that scores of lamanis can be seen at Palolem at any given time, he asked: “Is there ban or can anyone be stopped from moving

Photo by Kathy Pereira

on a public beach? There are also tourist police posted at Palolem.”

When asked if CMC gets any revenue from these activities, Pereira replied in negative.

“If what you quote is true, we will also initiate action against lamanis, but basically it is the job of tourist police to see such visitors’ harassments, which doesn’t take place in their presence.”

“In our upcoming survey, CMC will try to curb the illegal activities so that the due income is earned for the municipal coffers,” he said.

Pereira also spoke on helplessness to keep a tab where locals obtains licenses and later allows outsiders to operate their business.

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GOA

Pg3 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY, 2011

Mobile vans, outlets to run out of veggies today HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

The stocks in Goa State Horticulture Development Corporation (GSHDC) outlets and mobile vans will run dry on Wednesday as supply of vegetables from Belgaum has been stopped since Tuesday.

“There is no vegetables supply for tomorrow (Wednesday). Nearly 130 tonnes of vegetables were spoiled by a mob of around 300 wholesalers at Belgaum, which resulted in a loss of around Rs 35 lakh. The truckers commuting vegetables to Goa were threatened and beaten,” GSHDC Chairman Sankalp Amonkar told reporters at a press briefing today evening.

He said that the problem between corporation and wholesalers have been brewing for sometime now. “The wholesalers are backed by political parties who are against our subsidised schemes.

They are trying hard to sabotage our efforts to provide fresh and healthy vegetables to Goan consumers,” he said.

Since the Belgaum based wholesalers had refused to provide vegetables, the corporation had brought it from places like Chikmangalore, Nashik and Kolhapur which is assembled in a yard at Belgaum and brought to Goa. The Karnataka Government’s Agriculture Produce Marketing Corporation’s (APMC) godown

is hired by GSHDC to assemble the vegetable before transporting them to Goa. “The protesters today entered APMC godown and assaulted our staff there before spoiling the vegetables and rampaging the trucks,” Amonkar said.

He stated that prices of vegetables sold in the open market are not controlled by any authority.

Of the total vegetables brought to Goa, 40 per cent is sold through the corporation’s 350-odd outlets and 246 mobile vans.

“Our initiative of selling vegetables at subsidized rates has hampered the prospects of individual vegetable vendors. These vendors had hiked the prices, which are not monitored. This is their insecurity,” he added.

A high-level delegation headed by the agriculture secretary and Agriculture Director Satish Tendulkar will be visiting Belgaum on Wednesday to sort out the crisis that has triggered after wholesalers from Belgaum has stopped the supply.

He said if the crisis continues the officials may even file a complaint with the police station. He had sought police protection to trucks bringing vegetables to Goa. The corporation gets around 120 tonnes of vegetables from Belgaum market which is sold at subsidized rates through outlets and mobile vans.

Govt urged for subsidy to reduce vegetable prices VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, FEB 8

The Ponda-based Bagayatdar society has urged the State government to offer subsidies to it on par with Goa State Horticulture Development Corporation (GHDC) Limited in a bid to make available vegetables to people at affordable prices.

Goa Bagayatdar Sahakari Kharedi Vikri Saunstha Maryadit Chairman Narendra Sawaikar said that the society has been selling commodities at competitive rates, but subsidy by the Government would help them to drop down the prices drastically.

“We want subsidy like what GSHDC is availing so that vegetables could be sold at much cheaper rates across the counters,” he said.

Sawaikar has sent reminders to the Government about the proposal, reply of which is awaited. “We had written to the Government a year back pro-

posing subsidy. We also sent a reminder two months ago after which we were told that our proposal is under consideration,” he added.

The society which has branches across the State has already created a record by selling onions at Rs 22 per kg as against GSHDC’s price of Rs 25 per kg some time back.

Sawaikar said the society also procures vegetables from wholesale markets in Belgaum but absence of subsidy on transportation and direct subsidy by the government is an impediment.

“Let government give us the much-needed subsidy and we will have much cheaper vegetables on our counters,” he said adding, “We procure over 10 tonnes of vegetables per day, besides fruits, with monthly turnover touching Rs 45 lakh approximately.”

Mauvin undecided on Congress offer HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

Cortalim legislator Mauvin Godinho “will not accept the bait” offered by the Congress by appointing him the election campaign manager for the next assembly polls, to be held early next year, sources close to the deputy speaker said.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Subash Shirodkar had told Herald on Monday that the Congress high command had already appointed Mauvin as election campaign manager to lead the party into elections.

However, when contacted Mauvin told this paper he has not thought over the issue yet.

“Yes I have been offered the job, but I have not made up my mind,” was how Mauvin replied.

While Mauvin gave a vague reply sources close to the legislator confirmed that he has turned down the offer from Congress.

All eyes now on RPs of mining talukas SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, FEB 8

Some of Goa’s interior talukas where mining activity, both legal as well as illegal, has become a bone of contention will see their regional plans (RPs) notified together in the next one month, a senior official said.

The senior official from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department on condition of anonymity said the StateLevel Committee (SLC) led by Digambar Kamat has decided to release surface utilisation maps for Quepem, Bicholim and Sanguem together.

He informed Sattari’s plan, which was approved on January 14, will also be notified together along with these three within a month.The State Government is already drawing flak over RP for not adhering to several recommendations of the Task Force.

All eyes will be now on these four talukas, which have maximum mining operations.

The SLC has asked the Mines Department to map the mining activity in these talukas. The gigantic exercise of mapping along with the areas covered has already begun.

“Mauvin is not very happy with GPCC President Shirodkar, who he feels has not been vociferous against the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party,” sources informed.

“He will not accept the bait offered by Congress,” they stated.

Sources also questioned Shirodkar’s offer to Mauvin as the former’s future itself is unsure of continuing as the GPCC president.

Congress sources, however, said that Mauvin’s aggressive posturing in the recently concluded winter session of the Goa legislative assembly, in which he took several ministers to task on issues relating to corruption, had forced the Congress high command to dangle the ‘campaign manager’ carrot before him.

He said that his society decides its own rates. Its total sale between April 2009 and March 2010 was a whopping Rs 4 crore.

Agriculture Minister Vishwajeet Rane told Herald, Government should examine the situation in the interest of the people who are feeling the pinch on account of the fluctuating vegetable prices.

“The Government has certain limitations. The issue needs a policy decision. We have to examine the situation before I make any statement. Let the Finance Department look into the matter,” Rane said.

He said GSHDC’s subsidised scheme is a measure adopted by government to arrest food inflation.

Rane orders audit of horticulture schemes HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

Agriculture Minister Vishwajeet Rane has ordered internal audit into subsidised schemes of the Goa State Horticulture Development Corporation (GSHDC).

The decision was taken following allegations by the Opposition that the Corporation was buying veggies from the Belgaum wholesale traders at a hefty commission.

“We have asked for an internal audit of the GSHDC schemes because the Opposition has been making a noise on our noble initiative. We will conduct a monthly audit,” Rane told Herald.

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar had charged the corporation of buying veggies from neighbouring Belgaum for hefty commissions as a result of which there were no buyers for local farm produce.

The Horticulture Corporation formulated several schemes over the last three years, Rane said, adding that a push has been given to agriculture in the State.

He said initiatives have been taken to give boost to small farmers and vegetable growers through the Corporation, while at the same time concentrating on mechanisation of agriculture in a big way by providing subsidies for purchase of modern machinery. Reacting to fresh threats

by Belgaum traders of not cooperating with the Corporation, the minister said he will probe as to who was provoking them.

Sources said that few vendors had visited Belgaum on Saturday provoking the wholesalers, which triggered the crisis. The vegetable vendors were reportedly disturbed after Corporation began selling fruits at a lesser price through the outlets, which affected their business.

Parents call for detailed probe into Navelim youth’s death HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

Parents of the 26-year-old youth from Navelim-Telaulim, Randall Jason Fernandes, who was found dead onboard the passenger cruise liner “Costa Fortuna” has appealed to Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat for a detailed probe, suspecting foul play in the death of their son.

Taking cognizance of the representation made by the parents, Joseph Natividade Veriano Fernandes and Aruna Leopoldina Fernandes, the Home Department has directed South Goa District Collector G P Naik to urgently look into the matter and conduct appropriate inquiry into Randall’s death through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. The Home Department has further directed the Collector to appraise the government about the same on completion of the inquiry at the earliest.

In the representation to the Chief Minister, the boy’s parents pointed out that their son Randall had first joined the services as assistant waiter in November 2006

and started the latest contract in May 2010 and was to return to Goa for vacation in January 11.

However, the parents were intimated on phone by the Mumbaibased agents of Costa Cruise Lines on January 7 that their son had died on board Costa Fortuna on January 6, citing his death as a result of hanging.The parents, however, has refused to believe the theory that their son has committed suicide. “Our son was strong,

healthy and was a very independent and upright person and was of a strong mind and body.

We do not believe that our son Randall has committed suicide and do not believe that the company and the processes followed by the company and other authorities are genuine”, the parents stated in their representation, while firmly believing that their son has been murdered onboard the ship.

Merces murder victim’s friends, relatives grilled

OLD GOA, FEB 8 (HC) -- Old Goa Police on Tuesday interrogated some people in connection with the murder case of Amitabh Borkar (19) of Chimbel, who was found dead at Zarikade-Merces on Monday morning.

Old Goa Police questioned Amitabh’s friends and relatives in connection with the case. Police have stated that they are inching towards solving the case, but refrained from divulging any further details.

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UPCOMING EVENTS World Marriage Day

PANJIM (HND): The Diocesan Family Service Centre will celebrate World Marriage Day on February 13 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Arambol from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm.

World Marriage Day honours husband and wife as head of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life. Eucharistic celebration will be held at 12 noon. For registration and other details contact Valentine and Anna Coelho on 9326128259 / 2410565.

Veterinary dispensary opening

PANJIM (HND): Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development Joaquim Alemao will inaugurate veterinary dispensary at Cuncolim on February 11, at 10 am. Cuncolim Municipal Council chairperson Devendra Dessai and Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Sidhivinayak S Naik will be present.

Counselling competition

PANJIM (HND): V M Salgaocar College of Law will organise a Louis Brown Client counselling international competition, National Round Western and Central Region on February 12 and 13. Eight teams from the western region have registered for participation. The competition will be inaugurated at 9 am.

Prize distribution function

POIINGUINIM (HC): S S Angle Higher Secondary School Mashem-Loliem of Shri Nirakar Education Society’s will organise its 18th annual prize distribution function in the school campus hall on February 11 at 3.30 pm. Prizes will be distributed to the excellent students of the college. Cardiologist Dr Francisco Colaco will be chief guest. Officiating Principal of the school Hemant Kamat, PTA President Satish Painginkar and Chairman of the institution Prashant Naik will be present.

Exhibition on crime

PANJIM (HND): The students of Criminology Club of V M Salgaocar College of Law have organized an exhibition of various procedures of criminal investigations and also punishments by the criminal courts. The exhibition is conducted with the help of pictures, drawings and models. The exhibition will be kept open on February 12, from 10 am to 12 noon.

Language courses

PANJIM (HND): Communicare, the centre for languages, will start a new batch in Hindi, Konkani and Sanskrit languages for adults for beginners level, at Dona Paula. The classes will be having a duration of 2 months. For enrollment contact by e-mail: communica_mundus@yahoo.co.in or visit our cultural centre Communicare, row house no 2, Vivendas Goesas , La Citadel Colony, opposite Resort Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula.

Telephone nos: 08322456156/9561715525.

POWER SHUTDOWN FEBRUARY 9 PERNEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are VP Ozarim.

False ‘shutdown’ alarm irks North Goa residents HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, FEB 8

For a change, people were “shocked” to have regular power supply in North Goa on Sunday.

This is because residents from North Goa were peeved by the electricity department’s unexpected cancellation of the power shutdown and its failure to intimate them of the cancellation.

It may be recalled that authorities had issued a press note stating that most parts of North Goa would be without power supply on Sunday morning, due to major maintenance work at the Tivim sub-station.

According to the scheduled shutdown, there was to be no power supply to the talukas of Bardez, Pernem, Bicholim and Tiswadi from 7 am to 3 pm on February 6.

Since the Tivim sub-station had planned a power shutdown, the Porvorim power station had also decided to coincide its power shutdown during the same period.

According to sources at the Porvorim sub-station, the de-

Sudin pledges support for Chorao locals

partment had planned to attend to sub-station work at all distribution transformer centres, besides attending to loose contacts, tree cutting along various feeders, attending to red hots and general maintenance of distribution transformer centres.

All areas fed from the Porvorim sub-station, which included Penha-da-franca, Socorro, Salvador-do-Mundo, Pilerne, Sangolda, Betim and surrounding areas, were to be affected by the power shutdown.

Accordingly, a number of residents had sent SMS and other messages, alerting family and friends in North Goa of the proposed power shutdown on Sunday.

As such, most residents attended to household activities dependent on electricity on Saturday itself. Many had also made alternative plans on Sunday.

While a number of residents decided to avoid staying at home, others had even decided to go on a picnic.

But to everyone’s surprise, there was not power shut down

on Sunday.

“People are cursing me for spreading a hoax,” claimed a resident from Aldona, annoyed that he had sent many text messages to alert friends and relatives of the power shutdown, only to realize that there was no power shutdown on Sunday.

When contacted, officials at the electricity department were left red-faced over the false alarm.

“We had intended to have the power shutdown on Sunday.

However, there was already an unplanned breakdown in Porvorim on Thursday and Friday.

As such, we did not want to cause further hardship to residents of Porvorim on Sunday as well. As a result, power supply authorities collectively decided to postpone the shutdown planned for Sunday,” said an official from the electricity department office at Porvorim.

“But in the process, we forgot to intimate the people of the cancellation of the power shut down notice and we are extremely sorry for this,” the official added.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, FEB 8

Penha-de-Franca Deputy Sarpanch Reshma Amonkar was on Tuesday voted out of office, after a vote of no-confidence motion was passed against her by 6-0 votes in the 11-member panchayat.

The signatories to the motion included Eknath Narvekar, Manisha Naik, Visranti Dessai, Rajendra Naik, Jhanavi Bhonsle and Rajesh Volvoikar.

The six panchas accused the deputy sarpanch of encouraging illegal constructions, did not take the panch members into confidence while taking decisions on developmental issues and misusing the powers.

Panchas Umesh Phadte and Subhash Kalangutkar also attended the meeting, but abstained from voting. Block Development Office, Mapusa, had deputed Gurudas Bandekar as observer for the meeting.

Later speaking to media, the panch members stated that Amonkar has been voted out because she committed the fraud by issuing No objection certificates to a party without approval of the panchayat.

Coconut craft artisans urged to develop new designs

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, FEB 8

Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar on Saturday assured to remain attached with the villagers of Chorao even if it is included in Mayem constituency in the future.

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating Sri Rudreshwar Art, Sports and Cultural Club at Muddi Pandavwada Chorao.

Sarpanch Salvador Cruz, panch Nilima Kalangutkar, Krishna Chodankar, club president Deelip Dalvi, Rudreshwar Pratisthan president Rudresh Chodankar and others were present on the occasion.

Speaking further, Dhavlikar termed the soil of Chorao as the “land of artistes and players”.

Penha VP’s dy ousted

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 8

GHRSSIDC Chairperson Sameer Salgaocar visited the design development workshop in coconut

craft Goan artisans, which is organised by GHRSSIDC in collaboration with South Asia Foundation.

Salgaocar interacted with the

designers, participants and encouraged them to start producing new designs with the ideas they get from the workshop. He assured that GHRSSIDC will provide tools to the participants in order to enable them to start replicating new designs and also provide full marketing support to the artisans.

25 artisans are participating in this workshop, which is being held at Parra and is conducted

by Sajith Gopinath, a designer from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.

GHRSSIDC has organised this workshop with the objective of introducing the coconut craft artisans to new designs and techniques and keep them updated about the latest trends in the market.

Valentine’s offer at Shnaia’s Physics

Isaac Newton not only discovered the three laws of motion, but also gravity. He was famously sitting under an apple tree, when one fell on his head. This event made Newton question what unseen force propels an object towards the Earth, and therefore went on to discover the law of gravity.

Prior to Newton and Galileo, most people were under the impression that the forces acting upon objects on Earth, and those responsible for stellar events were entirely different. Isaac Newton however realized that the same laws of physics apply everywhere in the universe, and therefore his law of gravity is called the law of ‘universal gravitation’.

Force of Gravity

At any given point in time or space, there are gravitational forces acting between any two objects in the universe. For instance, there is a gravitational force between a chair and Earth. Also there are gravitational forces between a tree and the Sun; between two people, and so on.

The reason one motion happens instead of the others is simply because one gravitational force exceeds all the others.

Therefore things respond to the gravitational pull of the Earth and fall, instead of flying off into the air because of the gravitational pull exerted by the moon.

The force of gravity between two objects de-

pends on the masses of the two objects and the distance between the centers of the two objects. As the distance between two objects gets larger, the gravitational force between them gets smaller.

The Relationship between Gravitational Force and Mass

There is a direct relationship between the masses of the objects and the gravitational force between them – meaning, if the masses are greater,

S H O RT TA K E S Restricted water supply

PANJIM (HND): There will be restricted water supply to Tivim, part of Sirsai, Madel and Karaswada on February 9 due to breakdown of 350 mm dia CI pipeline near petrol pump at Duler. Consumers are kindly requested to bear the inconvenience caused.

Sanitation drive held

Staff of Merces SHC along with the panchayat authorities at the sanitation drive.

PANJIM (HND): The Village Health and Sanitation Committee in association with the Merces Panchayat carried out a sanitation drive in ward 6 of Merces.

Health officials of Merces sub health centre along with the Merces Sarpanch Deepika Shirgaonkar, deputy Sarpanch Yateen Palekar and panchas Venita Gracias and Girish Uskaikar went around areas at Buttem Bhat, Sallem Bhat and Gaunchem Bhat, and identified areas where water stagnation had taken place.

Later, the health officials sprayed the affected areas with anti-larval solution to stop mosquito breeding and also advised the residents to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings.

The sanitation drive will be carried out in all wards of Merces.

Dr Ofa felicitated

Dr Ofa Shah receives trophy at a felicitation at Valpoi.

Photo by Ashraf Khan

VALPOI (HC): Dr Ofa Kutboddin Shah of Valpoi was felicitated in an annual felicitation function organised by Haji Sadru Aga at Hath-wada-Valpoi on Sunday.

Dr Shah was honoured with a trophy for having topped BHMS Degree exam conducted by Goa University in December 2010 (Bachelor of Homeopathy Medicines and Surgery).

She was a student of Shree Kamaxidevi Homeopathy Medical College, Shiroda.

Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) Chairperson Umesh Gulelkar and organiser Haji Sadru Aga gave away the trophy.

On the occasion, three top SSC students from Valpoi Centre (March 2010 examination) Ketan Betkekar, Vishant Gawas and Ketan Teli were felicitated. Besides, three top meritorious Muslim students from Valpoi (SSC March 2010 Exam) Afreen Kazi, Shaikh Afshan and Shaikh Aftab were felicitated by the organiser Haji Sadru Aga, VMC Vice Chairperson Famida Khan and Jamat President Haji Jaffar Aga.

Sports kit distributed

Newton’s Law of Gravity Law of Universal Gravitation

GOA

the pull exerted will also be proportionately more.

Finding the gravitational force between two objects requires multiplying the masses of the two objects.

If your mass were to be twice as much, the gravitational force between you and Earth, which is your weight, would double. If Earth were to become twice as massive, without changing its size, your weight would also double.

Increasing either mass, increases the gravitational force between two objects; decreasing their mass decreases the gravitat i o n a l force.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 8

Goa’s exclusive cosmetic and beauty product store Shnaia’s Beauty Spot, situated at Ashirwad Bldg, Margao, has initiated the Valentine’s beauty offer from February 4 to 14.

As part of the offer, customers purchasing beauty products worth Rs 600 or more will get attractive gifts including fancy brush set, manicure set, golden clutch, sports sipper, vanity case, shopping bag, cosmetic pouch, sippers, deodorants, etc.

Besides cosmetic products items like hair straightener, curl-

ing iron, hair brush, vanity boxes, foot file, pumic stone, shower caps, waxing strips, etc are also available.

The store for ladies offers all ranges of various national and international brands of beauty and cosmetic items including Revlon, L’Oreal, Nutrogena, Street Wear, Garnier, Wella, Lakme, Ponds, Shannaz Husein, Biotique, Dove, Streaks, Olay, Ayur etc.

Shnaia’s Beauty Spot is open from 9.45 am to 1 pm and 3.45 pm to 7.15 pm and is closed on S u n d a y s . Fo r d e t a i l s c a l l 2711334.

Rachol Seminary celebrates annual day HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, FEB 8

Integrated into the Fourth Centenary celebrations, the Seminary of Rachol conducted its annual day function recently.

B e l g a u m B i s h o p Pe t e r Machado was the chief guest, while Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao presided over the function. Archbishop Blasco Colaco also attended the programme.

Rector Fr Dennis Fernandes welcomed everyone and explained the significance of the day.

The main item was the staging of Konkani play ‘Panz’ by playwright Pundalik N Naik and directed by Fr Polly Lobo. Its powerful message was protection of greenery against depredation and of children against exploitation.

Other item was the Musical Operetta on Blessed Joseph Vaz. The lyrics were by Fr Simiao Fer-

nandes and music by Fr Romeo Monteiro. It was directed by Fr Donato Rodrigues.

In between these two main items were presentations by the Seminary Choir ‘Yesterday’ (Beatles) and ‘Sing to the Lord’ (Haydn), and by the Orchestra ‘Sonatina in C – KV 329’ (Mozart), as well as a ‘dekhnni’, consisting of traditional words, music being arranged by late Fr Lourdino Barretto.

Bishop Machado in his address, highlighted the role of the Rachol Seminary as the epicenter of Evangelization throughout India.

Archbishop-Patriarch Ferrao recalled the person of Blessed Joseph Vaz as a model for Seminarians and Missionaries.

The annual ‘Luceas’ was released by the chief guest, who also distributed prizes to students who had excelled in academics last year. Deacon Dylon D’Costa compered the function.

PANJIM (HND): Sesa Goa Ltd distributed sports kit to four schools of Navelim at the hands of Navelim Sarpanch Pandhari Gawas in the presence of panch Bharat Gawas, Principal of Government High School Narayan Sawant, and managers of Sesa Goa Dinesh Kamat and Shriram Venkata.

The sports kit included sets of badminton rackets, badminton nets, footballs, skipping ropes and rings.

Pandhari Gawas said that students should be encouraged to take part in sports activities along with studies and other curricular activities. He appreciated activities carried out by Sesa Goa in the field of education and assured that they will always welcome such activities.

The programme was coordinated by Shruti Dhupkar and vote of thanks was given by Ramdas Madkaikar.

Garments sale

PANJIM (HND): Bombay Export House has organised a sale of branded garments in Panjim and Margao from February 9 to 12. The Panjim sale is on at Hotel Fidalgo and in Margao at Hotel Damodar from 10 am to 9 pm.

Garments for ladies, gents and kids include branded cargos, jeans, 100% cotton shirts, T-shirts, jackets, ladies top, children’s T-shirts and thousands of other garments. Each of these garments are available at throw away prices from Rs 250 onwards.

The company wishes to clear its stocks to be ready for the next production season and is hence disposing of the stocks.

Lee, Wrangler and other jeans and cotton pants and cargos are available for Rs 350 onwards.

Film director felicitated

Konkani Film Director Neville Pereira felicitated by Lions Club of Nagoa-Arpora-Parra.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

CALANGUTE (HC): The Lions Club of Nagoa-Arpora-Parra felicitated Konkani Film Director Neville Pereira at its XVI Charter Nite celebrations at ‘Mackies Nite Bazaar’, Arpora on Sunday.

Pereira was feted for his Konkani film ‘Nisha’ by chief guest and Lions District Governor Nitin J Maganlal in the presence of Lions Club of Nagoa-Arpora-Parra President Agnelo D’Souza and other dignitaries including Sadanand Verenkar and Pandurang Gaonkar.

Two new members, Charles Saldanha and Claudia D’Souza, were also admitted in the Lions Club of Nagoa-Arpora-Parra

by Region Chairperson Michael Mascarenhas.

Speaking on the occasion, Maganlal congratulated the Lions Club of Nagoa-Arpora-Parra for felicitating a film personality of Nagoa-Arpora.

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Pg 5 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY, 2011

Mines dept cracks whip on illegal sand extraction at Curtorim Attach trucks, canoes involved in activity HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

Officials of the Department of Mines and Geology on Tuesday finally cracked a whip against the illegal sand extraction and transportation at Manke Tar, Curtorim by attaching five trucks and as many canoes.

While the attached trucks were later parked at the Verna police station for want of space at the Maina Curtorim police station, the canoes were kept in possession with the owners for want of berthing infrastructure.

L o c a l M L A Re g i n a l d o Lourenco, who accompanied the officials, instructed the officials not to spare the guilty and stop the illegal activity.

The raid was conducted by a team comprising of Assistant Geologist R V Shetgaonkar following petitions from the residents of Sovonxem, Curtorim against the illegal sand extraction and sand transportation.

Shetgaonkar told Herald that a total of seven trucks were initially attached by the team, but two of the vehicles were let off as no mineral was found inside the vehicle. “The trucks have been kept at the Verna police station premises and will be released if the own-

Trucks attached by the officials on the bank of the river.

ers come for compounding of the offence. The canoes will be dealt with similarly and will be released only after the cases are compounded”, Shetgaonkar added.

Replying to a question, he said that the sand extraction activity going on in the river is blatantly illegal as the operators do not possess any license from the department of mines and geology. “The department have received around 3-4 applications for sand extraction and the applications are being processed by the department. The applicants have been told get report from the department of River

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

Navigation and Captain of Ports as well”, he added.

Curtorim ML A Reginaldo Lourenco told Herald that the raid was arranged by him as the transportation of sand was causing immense hardships and posing danger to the local residents. “There’s no objection to the sand extraction per se, but the objection is for the plying of sand transporting trucks on the narrow road leading to Manke Tar. We cannot put the lives of the people in danger”, he said, adding that the transporters should explore the possibility of transporting the sand via an alter-

nate road.

Agitated residents of Sovonxem, Curtorim have been demanding action against illegal sand extraction and migrant workers working on the canoes used for extraction.

The residents had contended that the road had virtually become a death trap with around 30-40 trucks transporting sand from Manke Tar. The MLA said since the illegal activity was raided on Tuesday, he said the department of Mines and Geology should put a full stop to the activity and take the investigations to the logical conclusion.

Navelim farmers want halt to land acquisition for sewerage plant

Headless murder case: accused moves for bail HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

Farmers and Navelim villagers protesting against the acquisition of fields in and around Salpem lake.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

Navelim villagers under the banner of Salpem Tollem Xetkarancho Ekvott on Tuesday protested in front of the South Goa district Collectorate and demanded scrapping of the acquisition of land admeasuring three lakh square meters for the buffer around the Margao sewerage plant.

The villagers later made their presence felt before deputy Collector, Land Acquisition Agnelo Fernandes and pressed for the demand for scrapping of the

Police leave for Orissa in search of suspects HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

A Colva police team headed by PSI Sudesh Velip had left for Orissa and Jharkhand in connection with the murder of the male person, whose skeletal remains were recovered from a field last week.

A day after examination of the skeletal remains showed that they were remains of a male person, the Colva police has started investigations into the case in right earnest and has almost identified the deceased person.

The police are on the look out of two persons, who are believed to be suspects in the gruesome murder of the male person. The police are investigating.

land acquisition proceedings.

The villagers and farmers, who were called by the Land Acquisition office in connection with the inquiry under the Land Acquisition Act, told the land acquisition officer that they have filed a writ petition in the high court against the decision of the PWD to acquired their fields for the expansion of the sewerage project.

The deputy Collector, however, said that his office has not received notice from the high court so far and later gave a fresh date of hearing of the mat-

ter.

The farmers along with the villagers of Navelim have been agitating against the acquisition of their fields since the last one year, demanding scrapping of the proceedings.

They have contended the fields have been a source of livelihood for the farmers, adding the rampant discharge of the sewage waters from neighbouring Margao has left the Salpem lake contaminated and polluted and leaving the fields devastated by sewage waters.

The gigantic task to conduct the population enumeration for the Census of India 2011 begins from February 9 and will be completed on February 28, with March 1, as its reference date.

The houseless population will be enumerated on the night of February 28. An extensive revisional round will be conducted from March 1 to 5, to bring the

Poinguinim rider seriously hurt CANACONA (HC): A motorcyclist from Poinguinim was seriously injured, after he was knocked down by a jeep at Madditolop-Loliem on Monday afternoon.

According to Canacona police, the Sumo (AP-04 TV-5433) was proceeding towards Karwar, when it accidentally hit and oncoming motorcycle (GA-08 B4368) at Madditolop at about 12.45 pm.

Concert and seminar on cleaner, greener Panjim HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

Intellectuals from Panjim and civic body of Amersfoort in Netherlands have joined hands to exchange the best amongst both the cities on civic and music front.

A team of Jazz musicians will be in Goa next week to participate in two major events – a music concert and a seminar on greener and cleaner Panjim.

Armando Gonsalves from Transmedia, who has aligned with International Centre Goa (ICG) told mediapersons on Tuesday the Mayor of Amersfoort in the Netherlands is focusing on designating Panjim and Amersfoort as ‘twin Jazz cities’.

“Both cities are similar; they have river ways, gardens and are quaint in their own right,” he added.

“Keeping in mind the forthcoming civic polls, we thought it was the right time to place development proposals for the city,” he added.

The seminar titled ‘Cleansing the Urban Environment’ will highlight Goa’s environmental problems and solutions through the Dutch experience on February 13 at ICG. Organisers said the seminar will highlight major issues haunting the capital city like solid and liquid waste management, traffic management and intra-city public transport and heritage action policy for Panjim.

Prominent speakers like Dr O s c a r Re b e l l o , J e ro n i n i o Almeida, Prajal Sakhardande, Architect Dean D’Cruz and Clinton Vaz will participate in the daylong seminar that will also see participation of Dutch delegates.

Census work begins today HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 8

One of the accused arrested in the headless body murder case has knocked the doors of the South Goa Sessions Court for bail.

Accused Vivek Dhamale was arrested by the police nearly 10 days ago in connection with the murder case. The bail application will come up for hearing in the sessions court on February 10.

The Margao police has so far arrested nine persons, including prime suspect Jayesh Naik and his two brothers Govind and Rajesh, in connection with the case.

However, the Maina Curtorim police has so far not been able to lay their hands on the head of deceased Sultan Bellary and the weapon used in the offence.

population up-to date with reference to March 1.

The important schedule that will be canvassed is the household schedule containing 29 questions. The household schedule will be canvassed for each and every living individual in the household.

About 3920 enumerators and supervisors will do the census work in Goa. The information collected in

the schedule will be treated as confidential under the law and will be used only for statistical purpose. No individual identity will be related and the data cannot be used as evidence in any court.

The Government of India has guaranteed a complete secrecy of the census data so that citizens can feel free to furnish correct information without any fear in mind. The information collected is used for future planning.

The seminar, which is likely to come up with crucial recommendations, would also be attended

by Leader of Opposition and Panjim MLA Manohar Parrikar and Education Minister and Taleigao MLA Babush Monserrate.

Gonsalves said at the end of seminar a white paper would be prepared which will be circulated to the policy makers.

Also, a task force consisting of eminent personalities will be formed, he added.

He pointed out in spite receiving huge grants under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the government bodies have failed to utilise these funds.

Cutting a sorry figure over the garbage issue ICG Director Nandini Sahai said, “We have huge pile of garbage next to our centre. We have been complaining to the Taleigao MLA. He has assured us of a waste treatment plant in six months.”

The seminar which is part of ‘Jazz musical festival’ will also have a three-day long ‘Music for environment’ festival, beginning from February 12.

As many as twelve prominent Dutch musicians, including Karmaveer Puraskar award winner Saskia Laroo, will be performing during the festival.

Goan music talent too will be at the forefront with performances from well-known percussionist Bondo, Sonia Sirsat and Crosslee Menezes.

‘Do not blame Sardinha for failure to solve Kabrastan issue’ HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

Youth Congress State secretary Kalim Khan Pathan said that S o u t h G o a M P Fr a n c i s c o Sardinha is being targeted by some political rivals for not having solved the Kabrastan issue when other political leaders such as PWD Minister Churchill Alemao have also failed to solve the long pending demand of the Muslim community.

Reacting to the allegations made by Rumdamol panch Nissar Kiledar against the South Goa MP, Pathan said the South Goa MP has been unnecessarily dragged by the panch when Muslims in Goa will never forget the efforts made by Sardinha for a direct Haj flight arrangement for the minority community.

He reminded Nissar and others that former Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro had given the land for the three religious communities at Rumdamol during

his tenure and offered to quit politics if any single MLA had given land for the Muslim community in any constituency.

“It is very easy to make allegations before the media, but one should know that Muslims were only getting assurances and were used as a vote bank”, he added.

Pathan said that Sardinha cannot be blamed for scuttling the setting up of a Kabrastan at Sao Jose de Areal as the local Panchayat body had adopted a resolution not to allow the graveyard to come in their area. “ The resolution was later handed over to Sardinha when he was the MLA with a request to forward the same to former Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane.

Since that day, so many assurances have been given to the Muslim community by the leaders, including Churchill Alemao, which they have failed to honour till date”, he added.

Ore carrying trucks stopped from plying at Sanguem HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, FEB 8

Residents of Cottarli and Orcotto-Sanguem on Monday morning stopped all trucks plying for transportation from an iron and steel plant at XelpemSanguem.

Villagers stopped trucks carrying low grade mineral ore from the factory citing various reasons. The prime grudge of the villagers was however that of the trucks being overloaded.

The villagers claimed that the trucks were allegedly carrying ore much beyond the body level and were also reportedly found to be carrying load over the prescribed limit of 10 tonnes.

Police rushed to the site and had discussions with the ag-

grieved villagers. The villagers made the police aware of the dust pollution they have to face due to overloaded trucks and the spillage of ore on the road.

The villagers also brought to the notice of the officials the representation they had made to the law enforcing agencies in December 2010.

The villagers however claimed that despite written representation to stop trucks from carrying overload, the authorities failed in adhering to their request.

Finally, the villagers having left with no other option resorted to the flash strike. All the trucks were later pro ceeded to leave after issuing challans by the police.

KTCL clears garbage at Mapusa bus stand HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, FEB 8

Following the visit of scientists of Goa State Pollution Control Board at the Kadamba bus stand Mapusa on February 2, the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) cleared the garbage that was piled up at the bus stand.

The KTC also initiated steps to abate nuisance of open air urination and dumping of garbage at the bus stand.

It may be recalled that on September 30, 2010, on receipt of complaint from GOAC AN, B a rd e z D e p u t y C o l l e c t o r Dashrath Redkar along with the officials of Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), Directorate of Transport and the then health officer of Urban Health Centre Mapusa Dr Pratima Thali inspected the premises at Kadamba bus stand.

The delegation had directed the KC officials, Gurudas Naik and Depot Manager C A J Pereira, to maintain cleanliness at the bus stand.

On February 2, Shiv Sainiks called on PCB Chairman Dr

Sanvordem man killed in mishap HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

A 25-year-old motorcyclist from Sanvordem was killed in a road accident at Mugalli in Sao Jose de Areal on Tuesday.

Maina Curtorim PSI Suraj Samant informed that Alberto D’Costa, a resident of DadiemSanvordem, who was proceeding towards Margao, died on the spot after he was knocked down by a speeding truck.

He said the truck was passing through a road banned for heavy traffic, adding that the truck driver has gone into hiding after the accident.

Simon D’Souza and submitted a memorandum stating that there is no improvement in the situation at Kadamba bus stand despite the visit of Deputy Collector and Urban Health Officer.

The GSPCB chairman deputed his scientists to conduct inspection of Kadamba bus stand and report.

Immediately, KTC cordoned off the area, which was being used for open air urination and dumping of garbage by way of barbed wires held together by cement poles.

The KTC officials found it difficult to carry out the work, as the people who still wanted to use this area for illegal purposes started obstructing them and told them that they will break the fencing shortly.

Later, the KTC officials filed a complaint with Mapusa Police Station and requested for police protection.

Mapusa police deputed a police team and thereafter the work continued smoothly. MMC, at the request of KTC officials, sent the truck for garbage collection.

Rape victim’s mother arrested HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 8

The Cuncolim police on Tuesday have arrested the mother of the victim minor girl who had alleged rape by an accused person from Fatorpa.

Cuncolim police informed that they have also placed under

arrest Manish Naik Desai (38) in connection with the rape of the minor.

Meanwhile, both the accused Vinesh Faldessai and Manish have been remanded to seven days police custody by a court. The police are investigating.

OHERALDO

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Corruption eating into Goan society

Vol No CXI No: 039 Goa, Wednesday, 9 February, 2011

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A spectrum of scams

s if there weren’t enough scams tainting the no-longer lilywhite reputation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s UPA-II government, we now have a second spectrum scam that threatens to dwarf the one that just paralysed the entire winter session of Parliament. This allnew ‘S-Band’ scam involves the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) commercial arm, called the Antrix Corporation Ltd, and a company called Devas Multimedia Pvt Ltd, run by a former ISRO insider.

The deal was that ISRO launches two satellites for Devas.

But the sweetener was a massive ‘free’ benefit – unrestricted use of 70 MHz of the scarce S-band spectrum over a 20-year period. Also known as 2.5 Ghz band, the S-band is used for fourth generation technologies like WiMax and Long Term Evolution (LTE). ISRO comes under the Department of Space (DoS), which is directly in the Prime Minister’s charge.

Just to put things in perspective, last year the central government got around Rs67,719 crore by auctioning 15 Mhz of spectrum for 3G mobile services. Government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) leased 20 MHz of S-Band broadband spectrum, and had to pay Rs12,847 crore for it. But Devas is getting access to 70 Mhz of spectrum in the same band for just over Rs1,000 crore!

If that is not a scam, what is?

The newspaper ‘Business Line’ has reported that according to preliminary Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) estimates, this ‘gift’ of spectrum could cause the public exchequer a loss of around Rs2 lakh crore, more than its estimate of Rs1.76 lakh crore as presumptive loss in the 2G spectrum scam.

Devas Multimedia is a company floated in 2004 by one Dr M G Chandrasekhar, its present Chairman, who was a former Scientific Secretary at ISRO and then Managing Director of the defunct satellite radio company WorldSpace. In 2008, Deutsche Telekom took a 17 per cent stake in Devas for about $75 million (Rs350 crore). Columbia Capital and Telcom Ventures have unspecified holdings in the company. Its board of directors includes former Nasscom President Kiran Karnik, former Verizon vice-chairman Larry Babio, and former XM Sirius Satellite Chairman Gary Parsons.

Under the contract with Devas Multimedia, ISRO must build and launch two satellites – GSAT-6 and GSAT-6A – for which it gets $40 million (Rs190 crore) as pre-launch capacity reservation and $250 million (Rs1,200 crore) for satellite capacity lease payments. Devas gets to use 10 transponders on each of the satellites, and Antrix would have earned $11 million (Rs53 crore) a year per satellite for 12 years. The two are to ‘share revenue’ after broadband services start, but the exact revenue share is not public. The company plans to invest $500 million to $750 million (Rs2,400 crore to Rs3,600 crore) once the service is launched.

The spectrum lease, for 20 years, is ‘included’ in the deal, for free. Originally the two satellites were to be launched from India in 2010. But the recent GSLV rocket disasters have delayed that. Now Devas is pushing ISRO to launch GSAT-6 through the European Arianespace, because the agreement has a penalty clause for delays. This may cause ISRO a loss.

It seems the agreement is loaded completely in favour of Devas Multimedia, and to ISRO’s disadvantage. The 70 MHz of spectrum is just ‘included’ in the deal, as if it is of negligible value. Unlike contracts ISRO has signed in the past, there are no restrictions on Devas Multimedia sub-leasing the spectrum to third parties. In fact, it all so closely resembles A Raja’s 2G scam, that they could be twins separated at birth. What is the government going to do about it?

Agitation in Curchorem Vishant Shirodkar, Ponda The agitation in Curchorem against the four-lane highway has shown how desperately the local population has been trying to ward off the threat posed by threat of trucks and dust pollution. Hats off to brave people like Paresh Bhende, who have put their lives on the line by voicing their opposition to the local MLA’s devious plans.

His connivance with the mining lobby is sickening. Over here we have a MLA, who has no sympathy or care for his constituents.

If our constitution allows a recall, then the people of Curchorem must unite as our MLA is definitely not working in the

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

9 February 1911 Committee for proposal

The Minister of Colonies appointed one Committee entrusted to present a proposal on organization of the Republican Guards in the Colonies.

Quepem council

For the Municipal Council of the District of Quepem were appointed Mr Jose Filomeno de Figueiredo and Mr Lingu Raghavir Dalvy to be the President and the Secretary respectively.

our politicians have contributed to the gulf nations’ prosperity through money laundering, says DR JoE D’SoUSA

B

efore venturing into the nitty-gritty of the genesis of corruption and its adverse effects on the much sought after; “all inclusive” holistic growth, I must clarify that the cancerous malaise of exploitation through corruption, is today deeply rooted and disseminated across every section of our society and thus selective targeting of any particular stake holder involved in the “corruption pie”, would render our exercise towards weeding corruption, futile and useless.

Whether it is the issue of the chicken or the egg first, the tweedle dee or the tweedle dom or further still, the ruling or the opposition party, first to breed corruption, the answer would lie in the societal or the public attitude towards dealing with the “corruption monster.”

As long as there are boundaries across the globe and so long as there are differences of perceptions, ideologies across economic growth religious belief, societal understandings and political thinkings, exploitation by man of man would fuel disparity, hunger, poverty, and hatred leading to the battle for survival or extinction, in the cruel race for domination of one society over the other.

The issue, therefore, of weeding out corruption and fostering of the all inclusive growth, justice and quality life of all the people, cannot be ushered in by replacing governments in power, with those in the opposition, if the mindset of those now shouting hoarse against corruption, are not the people committed to holistic development, fair play and justice, since India is reeling under corruption under several different governments, for over sixty years.

It is not only about the ill-famous “Adarsh scam” which has exposed the fragility of “value system” in our defence forces, if we minutely examine the functioning of many prominent charitable institutions, religious bodies and other commercial and political associations as well; it is the ‘central coterie’ of those in the power, who benefit most, through their kingly lifestyle.

The increasing number of poor living, below the poverty line, and those lying down under the open sky on an empty stomach dying in millions each day does not instil in us any sense of grief or guilty feelings; as we have no time to stand, stare or ponder about the fate of the poor. Our faith is confined only to the welfare of our fate.

We do not wish to realise or know that the tsunami of corruption is not only annihilating the poor but also marginalising the common man or the aam admi, as a result of the rising levels of inflation corruption and exploitation by our

Philosophy professor

It is now officially confirmed that for the Post of Professor of Philosophy at our Lyceum was appointed Dr Mario Jorge Placido.

Killing goA politicians, and the coterie of individuals, who claim to possess the keys to the gates of heaven only fostering just words of faith and instilling hope in the “Aam Admi” of our deeply religious country, that justice will be given to us in heaven after death in misery. The facade of the religion is misused by corrupt politicians in Goa particularly. Look at any village feast day or religious festivities; it is the most corrupt politicians who would be prominently seated in the front most seats closest to the venerated deity.

Jesus Christ did whip the money changers in the temple and Lord Ram killed the demon for the crime. However, today’s money spinners are like cheats, exploiters, holding offices of authority and power misuse governmental funds and donations to charitable institutions and religious bodies to promote personal “vested interests” in the name of God or for the sake of the common man. This is disastrous for society. In the Nehruvian era and that of Mrs Indira Gandhi we saw heights of socialism where government controls deterred productivity and growth, thus the poverty remained due to lack of goods and services with rates of unemployment rising. With Rajiv Gandhi in power in the nineties and with Manmohan Singh today in control of India’s economy policies,

O

ne is accustomed to policemen making news by cracking a difficult crime case or making arrests of wanted criminals and anti-social elements. But of late, the men in khaki have been making front-page news for all the wrong reasons. In the past, during our childhood days, we may recall the image of a policeman as a man with an angry look, probably sporting an bushy moustache, a stick in hand and wearing his uniform with great pride. The very looks in his eyes, was enough to send shudders down one’s spine.

The robbers, the thieves, the law-breakers and the anti-social elements would all fear the cops as if he was a raging bull ready to attack. In the distant past, the policeman was respected and held in high esteem as guardians of law by one and all. We always felt safe whenever we saw a uniformed policeman on the beat.

The profession of a policeman was considered a noble one. Cops of the past were sincere, honest, courageous, diligent in their work and always willing to help the citizens. They were not known

best interests of the residents of Curchorem.

Why no water?

Shanti Naik, Panjim Most Goan villages are facing water shortage. I fully support Damu Naik for highlighting the water scam in the recently concluded assembly. He should have flayed the MLA for selling water to the hoteliers of the southern coastal area. Everyone knows of this. This highly corrupt politician has been breeding the virus of corruption and is ably supported with someone to collect the commissions.

Basketball’s dead-end Eduardo Rodrigues, via email As an avid follower of basketball in Goa for the last many years, I wish to express my disappointment over the poor representation Goa has had at the national level, over the last many years. Goa once produced some fine players like Luis Fernandes, Menino DSouza, Gavin Walker, Shekar Jain etc.Those were the heady days of basketball, but unfortunately, this is not the case today.

The days of the lovely sport, which is managed by the Goa Basketball Association are now over. Basketball, thanks to the attitude of the GBA, looks like a dying sport in Goa today. Selections are held at random and boys are selected at the whims and fancies of those in power.

Help is now needed. We looked for a change in the management of the GBA this for the betterment of the sport in Goa. Unless there is a clean up, this may well be our cul de sac.

Yashwant Parab, Arossim

The Cansaulim Sarpanch has resigned after a very controversial term marked by shocking allegations of graft and of bribes and for conniving with certain real estate builders and a local politician to destroy this beautiful village of Cansaulim-ArrossimCuelim in the name of ‘development’.

There seems to be no one willing to occupy the seat after the villagers exposed

the wheel has turned the other way round with the private sector and the corporate big businesses generating wealth but the government has lost total control as politicians, babus and the corporate bosses amassing wealth which has been created by the private sector by squeezing the poor and leaving them high and dry with growing scams, inflation and food shortages amidst plenty due to hoarding, smuggling and cheating crushing those who are living below the poverty line.

Today our political environment is vitiated as the venom of corruption is across political ideologies be it the Congress in Goa or the BJP in Karnataka they are both equally responsible for growing levels of corruption and degeneration of the quality of life of the society.

The Bharat Niaman of the Congress or the feel good factors of the BJP have both betrayed the common man. Today the black money, from India is contributing to the prosperity of Switzerland, Germany and Malaysia. Do Goans know that most of our Ministers from Goa and many of our MLA’s too frequently shuttle between Dubai and Dabolim. Does Goan realise that Goan ministers are contributing immensely to the prosperity of the Middle East countries with the wealth gen-

erated in Goa being flushed out into the real estate prosperity of Dubai and round about?

While Goans politicians are found in Dubai looking after their personal prosperity acquired through tax evasions and criminal transfer of black money at the cost of Goan poor. It would do the local BJP in general, and Parrikar in particular, to explore and expose the details of the numerous Dubai visits of our politicians. The frequent visits of our politicians to foreign countries need to be exposed and investigated.

Our newspaper reporters, need to be vigilant investigative and proactive in reporting about hundred of crores of Goan wealth realized through shady land deals, illegal mining and vicious acts of corruption through the tendering processes, today parked in Dubai and not in Switzerland. If the money from Goa parked abroad is brought back to Goa, it would be able to generate economic and industrial development and helps in reducing poverty.

Do the Goans not realise that today even a minister’s son or his daughter is capable of filling up pages of a newspaper with birthday advertisements and other promotional advertorials?

The Goans fail to realize that the prosperity of political families in Goa is all at the cost of society at large. The virulent but the latent virus of corruption is today cause of garbage menace mining ills leakages in government finances, exploration of the common man as a result of the growing menace of bribes, commissions, setting fees, for each and every governmental business, job or procurement.

What is even worse is our judiciary is succumbing to the cancer of corruption and our religious institutions as well as social organizations are also slowly getting deeply rooted in corruption and deceit. It is alarming that even “God” is sought to bribe or appeased by the corrupt and the guilty, whereby the ill gotten wealth is partly donated in an attempt to procure prosperity and power.

Why should money and jewelry be kept idle and dormant or placed uselessly to adorn idols, catalyzing robberies and thefts on a frequent basis in Goa? Why aren’t funds generated by religious bodies used to help poor who die on Goan streets on regular basis, while religious structures legal or illegal seem to mushroom all on middle of roads thus not only harassing but killing people. Who best can stall this mess, if not our religious leaders?

It is time to stall corruption malaise in Goa before it degrades and degenerates us.

Police beat

Tongue in Cheek

Vicar gets principal’s post Cansaulim panchayat Was provisionally appointed the Vicar

and the Purveyor of our Archdiocese Canon Pedro Remigio das Merces Barreto, the School Head Master of the Patriarchal See and the actual Fiscal Promoter.

OPINION

to take bribes and did not use physical force wherever it was not necessary. Almost all these policemen have retired and some of them have even gone to their heavenly abode. Many of them were honoured by the government for their service to society. Unfortunately, over the years, the image of the policeman has received a severe bashing. It probably all started with the small-time cops taking bribes and regular haftas.

It was mostly the traffic cops who were blamed for taking bribes from offenders of traffic rules. In the long run, this brought a bad name to the noble profession. The citizens looked down on the policemen, as corruption crept into the police force. The politicians played a vital role in making the police-force what it is today. These cops were made to dance to the tune of the politicians. Promotion was always on the cards, if a policeman toed the line of the local politician. Therefore, it was the politicians who held control of the respective police-stations. From taking bribes and regular haftas the modern men-in-uniform seem to have ‘graduated’ to bigger things

like hard drugs. Because of their godfathers in the corridors of power, today’s policemen have become bolder, not in carrying out their duties, but indulging in corruption. They mingle with anti-social elements and law-breakers.And along comes a new phrase. That of a “police-drug-mafia-nexus”. The modus operandi seems to be to catch the drug peddler, seize the drugs, stock it for sometime, and then sell it back to the drug-mafia. Quite a lucrative ‘trade’ if one may say so.

Another mode of making a quick buck is to extract cash from a person by warning him of arrest after planting a drug on him.

But then, nowadays, the cops appear to resorting to third-degree torture even before the suspect is brought to the police-station, right there in the police-vehicle.

Whenever a custodial death does take place, these men in uniform leave no stone unturned to stay away from the long hands of the law. Now, incidentally, the law-keeper becomes the one who is on the run. But then these are just a miniscule number of policemen who bring a bad name to the entire police-force.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

Whither Goan identity?

Percival Noronha, Panjim

is uncalled for.

The commitment of an educationist should be to educate the child both academically and morally. The act of playing with the career of a child is unpardonable.

Take immediate action Atul Raikar, Arlem-Raia

It is said not without reason that every adversity brings its own strength and every pain its own relief. This applies to Goans. After the so-called ‘Liberation of Goa’, we face all sorts of discrimination and injustice.

Goans lived freely in an unpolluted land with a perfect continental administrative system. Censorship was imposed from 1929 onwards by Salazar. But one could write one’s grievance to the government. If genuine, it would be remedied. In any case, it was much softer than Indira Gandhi’s ‘Emergency’.

Anti-social activities were rare, and dealt with firmly. Today, Goans are not safe even in their own homes! Crime and corruption are growing and, worse, people’s representatives and government officials themselves indulge in anti-social activities.

Mass education has created an army of educated unemployed, while traditional arts and crafts, and artisans, have disappeared. Forced acquisition of our ancestral properties has become the order of the day, leaving Goans landless and destitute in their own land!

Government jobs are no longer for Goans, as one has to pay through the nose even for clerical posts. The top echelons of the civil service are in the hands of non-Goans.

All sorts of people – from millionaires to beggars, including a host of criminals – are migrating to Goa. The only great post-Liberation achievement is electrification and the completion of water works initiated by the old administration.

Then, Goa had a good network of roads for its restricted population and traffic.

Much-needed bridges over the Mandovi and Zuari were to be built by a Japanese company in exchange for iron ore, starting April 1962. But Liberation intervened, and we had to wait till 1971 for the Mandovi Bridge (again till 1992 after it collapsed), and till 1983 for the Zuari bridge.

The Mormugao harbour and the Dabolim airport were more than enough for trade with all countries. These Goan assets are today in the hands of MPT and the Navy, who are harassing Goans.

We have problems like garbage, mining and industrial pollution, destruction of our ecosystem and, above all, the loot and destruction of our age-old comunidades. The government is depriving Goans of all the prime necessities of a decent life. Even our spiritual identity has been mauled by ugly communalism, which is spreading its tentacles to all of Goa. Where are those high-sounding promises of Jawaharlal Nehru, that Goan identity would be preserved? his chicanery. The vigilant villagers have managed to keep in check irregularities in the day-to-day functioning of the village Panchayat body and have become a force to reckon with.

This is a catch 22 type of situation that the panchas have made for themselves.

They now stand to bear the consequences of abetting in the illegalities and the extensive ecological damage caused.village.

By Adelmo Fernandes

Manovikas in the news Varsha Ambe, Cuncolim It is extremely shocking to learn that Manovikas School has refused to give the results to students, for non payment of fees yet to be approved by the Education Department. It is now evident that they do operate as business men and women and disguised as the true educationist. This

Pressure tactics have yet again been used

by Manovikas to force parents to part with huge amounts against fees that have no approval till date. This is unpardonable and unacceptable. I make a sincere request to the Education Department officials to ensure that this matter is not taken lightly and necessary action is taken.

Suggestions go a-begging Subhash R Surlakar, Vasco da Gama How many suggestions given by any MLA during the assembly session are given at least a second thought? I will cite an example. Two years ago, the Fatorda MLA Damu Naik, lamented on the reconstruction of banks of nullahs with cement concrete, and had suggested to use the traditional method of construction by using rubble stones. He had also suggested carrying out stone pitching wherever such concrete walls were constructed so that the endangered species of fish and crabs may take shelter and breed in the void spaces between the stones.

Secondly, our MLAs are least bothered about the skyrocketing prices of vegetables and our government does not show any interest in making our Green Goa self-sufficient at least in the horticulture needs.

Goan scamsters J M de Almeida, Alto Betim The short winter session of the Goa Assembly is over. The Opposition had pointed out the acts of omission and commission perpetrated by the government. In the recent past, a number of scams have been exposed like the allotment of land to SEZs, industries, and rampant illegal extraction of mineral ore particularly in Quepem and Sanguem talukas. No effective steps have been taken by the government. Such attitude sends wrong signals to the electorate.

Paths of Wisdom Narada

Narada or Narada Muni is a divine sage from the Vaisnava tradition, who plays a prominent role in a number of the Puranic texts, especially in the Bhagavata Purana, and in the Ramayana. Narada is the author of the Pancaratra, a standard text for Vaisnava’s priests which contains the technical and philosophical meanings of the temple Deity worship. This book is very important for the Hare Krishna movement, since they belong to the same Guru-Sampradaya (a very long chain of spiritual masters) as Narada.

Narada is portrayed as a travelling monk with the ability to visit distant worlds or planets (lokas in Sanskrit).

He carries a musical instrument known as a Tampura, which he uses to accompany his singing of hymns, prayers and mantras as an act of devotion to his Lord, Vishnu. In the Vedas, Narada is described as a saintly traveler who sometimes while remembering Vishnu by singing His Glories his Brahminical holy thread breaks, because of bodily expansions through the emotions he feels of pure bhakti (love of God) in separation, which he derives from his unalloyed devotional service. In the Vaishnava tradition he is held in special reverence for his chanting and singing of the names Hari and Narayana and his promoting of the process of devotional service, known as bhakti yoga as explained within the text accredited to Narada himself, known as the Narada Bhakti Sutra.

Narada is also said to have orated the maxims of the Naradasmtyi (100BC-400CE), which has been called the “juridical text par excellence” and represents the only Dharmasastra text which deals solely with juridical matters and ignoring those of righteous conduct and penance.

(Source : Wikipedia)

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oPinionated Shourie slams Patil report on 2G scam Soli Sorabjee: Historic constitutional cases

By AruN r uPPoNI

O

ur country crowns ‘Ace legal Pandit Soli Sorabjee’ for his support, for independence of judiciary. Now, let us see how this far-famed Jurist has built up a huge legal mountain in his decent field, out of a mole, by his uncanny skill and juristic intellectualism, to bring unique developments in our democracy, by winning tough and high profile cases in the Supreme Court. All of the knotty cases won by him, carry a magnificent legal value and weight, some of which are illustrated here.

Article 356 relating to President’s rule: Karnataka and Bihar Assembly dissolution cases of 1994 and 2006. Both of these nationwide famed cases, won by Sorabjee, brought a classic victory to our democracy, by enhancing his own towering personality. Two separate SC benches by a majority of 5:4 and 3:2 respectively, on the basis of Sorabjee’s arguments, had out rightly rejected the government law officers’ contentions and quashed the president’s rule imposed on these two states, unconstitutionally. The angry SC, in its further part of ruling, said that the governors of Karnataka and Bihar states, wholly failed in their duties, in giving an opportunity to the largest alliance party leaders, Bommai of Karnataka and Nitish Kumar of Bihar, to stake their claim to form the government. Besides the SC, in the Bihar case, had also rapped the centre, for accepting flawed report of Governor Buta Singh, without properly examining the same. He (Governor) had subverted the democracy, by recommending the Assembly dissolution, the Judges remarked.

Article 164 (4): In the Jaylalita’s CM controversy case, after fully accepting AMICUS-CURIAE, Soli Sorabjee’s commendable arguments, a five member constitution bench of the SC, had entirely put aside the feeble conditions of his opposing lawyer, K K Venugopal and had ruled that article 164 (4) of the Constitution, prohibited a person from becoming CM, if he or she was sentenced to imprisonment for a criminal offence, for not less than two years. Further, the bench also made it clear that a governor could decline to give an oath to a person for the CM’s post, if he or she had been disqualified by the election commission, to become a member of the house.

TMA Pai Foundation vs State of Karnataka (relating to Minority Educational Institutions,(MEIs): In this case, the SC has sought Soli Sorabjee’s able assistance. The landmark judgement, by a 6:5 majority had ruled that linguistic and religious institutions had an unfettered right to establish educational institutions of their choice, but the right to administer them was not absolute, as the state and the universities could apply regulatory measures for maintaining educational standards and excellence, even if they were unaided. The judgement further said that fees charged by the unaided MEIs could not be regulated, but they (MEIs) could not take capitation fees.

For the aided MEIs, the court said “50 per cent minority group could be admitted.”

Article 124: Judges’ Appointment case of 1999: Due to the controversy which broke out during the appointment of the then SC Judge Punchi for the Chief Justiceship, the SC had to come forward to rescue our democratic institution, the judiciary.

A nine member constitution bench of the SC, had soundly ruled that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was required to consult four of his senior most brother judges and that even two judges gave their adverse opinion. The CJI should not send the report of recommendation of appointing SC judges to the central government. Now, regarding HC Judges appointment, the CJI must consult only two other senior most colleagues.

Sorabjee played a great role in this case to guide the SC, till the last day of hearing the case.

Kesavanand Bharati vs State of Kerala case of 1973: This complicated case was heard by a constitution bench of 13 judges of the SC for 69 days and this was the largest hearing in the history of the SC. The majority ruling had held that Article 368 (concerned with amending our constitution) did not empower parliament to alter the basic structure or framework of the constitution. Further, over-ruling the Golaknath case verdict of 1967, the SC said that the fundamental rights, including the property rights could be amended.

The world court jdgement: The internationally watched ‘aircraft shooting case’ against Pakistan filed in 1999 before the International Court of Justice at The Hague (comprising 15 Judges and chaired by President Justice Gilbert Guillaume of France) had upheld chief counsel and Attorney General of India, Soli Sorabjee’s comments, proving that the world court had no jurisdiction to entertain Pakistan’s complaint.

It may be recalled that Pakistan sought heavy compensation from India, for shooting down Pakistan’s naval craft in the Kutch region. After the judgement, Pakistan was very much upset and their Attorney-General, who had appeared in that case, was reproved for losing the case.

Akshay plays Dawood in ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai’ sequel

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, FEB 8

Though his last few films couldn’t do much wonder at the box office, Akshay Kumar still continues to be a hot favourite of the producers. The Khiladi Kumar has been approached by Ekta Kapoor to play Dawood in the sequel of ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai.’

Wondering what will happen to Ajay Devgan and Emran Hashmi? Well, both the actors

are not part of the sequel.

Ajay couldn’t have been because his character was killed in the film. Emraan, however, has got the short end of the stick and replaced

by Akshay who will play a matured don.

We h e a r t h a t Akki has already spoken to Ekta about the role.

Milan Luthria will again wield the megaphone for the project which will continue the story of Shoaib (Dawood) and how he makes his empire after Sultan (Haji) dies in the first part.

It’s heard that Akki is negotiating his remuneration for the film. The original was a major hit of the year 2010 and Ekta doesn’t want to take chances.

She can even opt for a new storyline and there might be another actor who will act as the rival of Akki.

Since Akshay is there, expect the film to be high on action sequences.

PTI MUMBAI, FEB 8

Trashing the report on 2G scam

by Justice Shivraj Patil, former Telecom Minister Arun Shourie today accused Union Minister Kapil Sibal of trying to save A Raja by functioning as his advocate.

"Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal is an advocate of A Raja.

He always tried to save Raja by saying that he had informed everything to the Prime Minister," Shourie told reporters here.

Shourie said the report by the former judge appointed by the government in December is a complete misrepresentation and distortion and it only helps the government.

The report had said all procedures followed by the NDA government in 2003 as also by the UPA government till 2008 were not transparent and that it was not done in a fair manner.

"Sibal is lying," Shourie said, adding former Telecom Minister Raja changed the priority list for spectrum allocation in 2008 and advanced the cut-off date to help certain companies.

"A handpicked judge gives the report to the government which is so convenient that they can derail the issue. It is a perversity.

How can documents be suppressed," he said, blasting the report and Sibal.

"I have the documents which

Raja remanded to CBI custody for two more days PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 8

Former Telecom Minister A Raja was today remanded to two more days of CBI custody by a court here for further interrogation after the agency submitted that he was not divulging any "useful information" regarding his role in the 2G scam.

Special Judge O P Saini also sent former Telecom Secretary Siddartha Behura and Raja's former Personal Secretary R K Chandolia to Tihar Jail under judicial custody as the agency said it no longer needs them in its custody.

Raja will remain in CBI custody till February 10.

The trio, arrested by the agency on February 2 for their alleged role in the 2G spectrum allocation scam, involving a loss of Rs 22,000 crore to the public exchequer as per the CVC estimates, were produced before the Special Judge following expiry of their five-day custody with the CBI. After producing the trio before the court, the CBI sought four more days of custody to interrogate Raja saying that he was "not divulging any useful and crucial information" about his role in 2G spectrum scam.

"Some more documents are to be recovered and accused A Raja is to be confronted with them," senior CBI prosecutor Akhilesh submitted.

Refuting allegations by Raja's counsel Ramesh Gupta that the agency had not disclosed to the court the outcome of the probe conducted so far in this case, Akhilesh said, "The case diary has already been submitted to the court. Each and everything cannot be disclosed in the open courtroom." were suppressed and not placed before the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General)," Shourie said.

The CAG has estimated the financial loss to the exchequer

in the allocation of 2G spectrum licences by Raja, now under CBI custody, at Rs 1.76 lakh crore.

He said while "Justice Patil says we (the BJP regime) devi-

PSO stoops to clean Mayawati’s shoes, opposition slams CM PTI AURAIYA (UP), FEB 8

A personal security officer of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati touched a new low when he bent down to wipe her dusty shoes with his handkerchief during her visit to the district.

The incident took place on Sunday when Mayawati was visiting Naunipur village in the district.

On noticing her dusty shoes after alighting from a chopper, PSO Padam Singh, who has been working with her for long and was close to BSP founder Kanshi Ram, started cleaning her shoes.

The shoe-wiping continued for some time even as the chief minister spoke to district officials who had converged on the tarmac to welcome her.

Singh, a retired police officer currently on extension, supervises the personal security of Mayawati, sources here said.

Opposition parties have slammed the "feudalistic" attitude of the chief minister.

"The manner in which the chief minister is behaving and working is shameful and a security personnel wiping her shoes is a deplorable incident," SP state president Akhilesh Yadav alleged.

Only a Cong govt can deliver in UP, says Rahul PTI AMETHI, FEB 8

Accusing the Mayawati government of stifling centrally-sponsored schemes in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi today said that Congress can only ensure development after coming into power in the state.

"Programmes are being chalked out in Delhi, but here problems are being faced in their implementation. Frankly, without having a government in UP, it is not easy to carry out development works," Rahul said while addressing a function in constituency.

"We will make an effort to form a government in UP, then both the governments will work in tandem," said the Congress General Secretary who has been leading a campaign to revive the party in the crucial state where the Congress has been out of power for over two decades.

The Congress' Lok Sabha tally jumped to 22 from nine in the 2009 general elections in the state which sends 80 MPs to the Lower House. The party's strength is just 22 in the 403member UP Assembly, elections to which are due next year.

Rahul alleged that the benefits of welfare schemes were not reaching the targeted population in Uttar Pradesh.

"Earlier there was shortage of funds for development works, but it is not so now. The problem is that the benefits are not reaching the needy," Rahul said.

He said that adequate funds are provided by the Centre for roads, but the projects are not carried out properly due to corruption.

ated from TRAI recommendation, actually every single TRAI recommendation was adhered to by us in letter and spirit."

"On every single matter of this we consulted TRAI and acted accordingly. This was done in consultation with the Finance Ministry.

Member, Finance was sitting on every meeting. His signatures are on every decision including firstcome, first-serve," he said.

On the charge of wrongdoing in distributing spectrum during NDA regime, Shourie countered it saying, "This was not Manmohan Singh cabinet that the Ministry could do anything. It was Atal Behari Vajpayee's cabinet. You could not do one milimetre more than what Cabinet has decided."

The CBI arrested Raja on February 2 in connection with its probe in the 2G scam.

"Sibal gives half truths. He is not the advocate of the government. He is advocate of Raja and with every press conference he holds to protect Raja and implicates PM." Shourie, however said, that he did not agree with the estimate of the CAG on the losses incurred to the exchequer on 2G."Sibal has said that Raja had kept PM fully informed of every decision.

In that case what was Manmohan Singh doing for the last six and half years when the loot was going on?, asked Shourie.

Court to decide today on CBI closure report in Aarushi case PTI GHAZIABAD, FEB 8

A Special CBI Court here today reserved its order for tomorrow on the agency's closure report in the Aarushi murder case following over three hours of argument during which the CBI claimed that circumstantial evidence points to the parents of the dead teenager.

CBI counsel R K Saini opposed the protest petition filed by Aarushi's father Rajesh Talwar against the CBI closure report

during the last hearing on January 25.

Saini said there was nothing left in the case and there was no scope of further probe.

He also said that the Investigating Officer of the case has ruled out involvement of servants or any intruders.

Saini said, "The circumstantial evidence in IO's probe puts suspicion on parents' role but in all fairness he has also admitted weakness in successful prosecution in the case".

appointments

Wanted Maoist commander gunned down in Orissa PTI ROURKELA (Orissa), FEB 8

He said that it was a sad to see that a person entrusted with the security was wiping Mayawati's shoes.

"If this government continues then even the officials will have to do the same act," he alleged.

"She is starting new traditions in politics. First she got her statues installed now this shameful incident has come to the fore.

This is a feudalistic attitude," Yadav said.

Slamming the chief minister, Congress spokesman Akhilesh Pratap Singh said, "Mayawati, who rode to power by claiming to fight against feudalism, has adopted the same culture after becoming the Chief Minister".

"Getting shoes wiped by a government official is wrong and the security personnel should not have done such an

act for the sake of self-respect," he said.

However, the BSP said nothing much should be read into the incident.

BSP MLA Nawab Seyd Kazim Ali said, "I don't think this is really an issue at all because the chief minister never...I don't think she asked to security officer to clean her shoes or anything and this is something which is a non-issue if a handkerchief falls and if somebody picks it up and so you can't make that into an issue".

"If I go in to a village and there is a puddle of water and If I step into the puddle of water, the people of the village, somebody will come and clean my shoes," he said asking as to why everybody was "gunning" at the chief minister.

Maoist leader Samir Khalko, who was involved in the killing of a sub-inspector and bombing railway stations in Orissa, was today gunned down by security forces during an encounter in Mundatola forest.

An encounter with the security forces began early this morning when they were fired upon by the armed Maoist group which Khalko was leading in the dense forest.

Khalko, the area commander of Nuagaon area of the Naxal outfit, was killed on the spot when the security forces retaliated, sources said.

The body was recovered from the spot and brought to Chandiposh police station.

Police said Samir was the leader of Maoist activities in Orisa-Jharkhand areas. He was involved in several Maoists activities including killing of Koida sub-inspector of police Ajit Bardhan nearly one-and-a-half-years ago. He was involved in blasting of railway stations at Chandiposh and Bandamunda.

Security forces seized a 9 mm pistol, 30 rounds of live cartridge and a bag containing uniform of Maoists and other articles from the spot.

India, Pak to discuss outstanding issues over next few months PTI THIMPHU, FEB 8

With the dialogue process back on track, India and Pakistan will have a series of interactions to discuss outstanding issues like Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism and Siachen over the next few months before Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visits New Delhi in the middle of this year.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, who held the path-breaking talks with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir here on Sunday, said the two countries were in the process of bridging the "trust deficit" and appealed that the process of re-engagement should not be "killed" by anybody through any statement or action.

"Let it breathe," she said.

"For the next few months, things

are not going to remain dormant.

There will be activity... There will be a lot of activity, lot of interaction that had in a sense been put in abeyance for many months now.

The intention from both sides is to resume that process," Rao told reporters here on the margins of a SAARC conference.

She identified the issues that would be discussed between departments concerned on both sides as Jammu and Kashmir, Peace and Security, terrorism, narcotics trafficking, Sir Creek, Siachen, trade, promotion of people-to-people contacts and cross-LoC trade.

"There are issues to be discussed and when you say all outstanding issues are to be discussed, obviously, you have to discuss all outstanding issues

appointments

and who discusses these issues -- a number of stake-holders, a number of government departments. It will be a comprehensive exercise," she said.

Rao was asked whether it would mean resumption of the Composite Dialogue, that was halted by India after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, as all the issues named were being discussed by departments concerned under that process. "I don't want to get stuck in terminology. What is in a name," she responded, citing the famous quotation of Shakespeare.

To a question, she said the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and Peace and Security would be discussed at the level of Foreign Secretaries. Significantly, the same was the case under the Composite Dialogue.

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obituaries

OHERALDO

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WORLD

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY, 2011

Trouble could lie ahead for Egypt protesters Mubarak preparing for ‘treatment’ in Germany

AGENCIES CAIRO, FEB 8

As protests in Egypt entered a third week Tuesday, the scene in Cairo's Tahrir Square might appear relatively calm. Cameras no longer captured images of Molotov cocktails and chunks of concrete flying through the air. Demonstrators settled into a routine of spending days or weeks on the square to demand the immediate d e p a r t u re o f P re s i d e n t H o s n i Mubarak.

But some say more danger could come -- and depending on the stamina of the protesters, those speaking out against the government could face consequences.

"The protesters have now entered the most dangerous phase of this conflict," Fouad Ajami, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Johns Hopkins University said on CNN's AC360.

"They are known to the security services. They have bet it all. And if indeed this regime survives -- if this regime truly, in a way, deludes us that it has changed ... most of these protesters, the leaders of these protesters are in great, great danger,” Fouad Ajami said.

"The regime is not yet spent," Ajami added. "There is a heavy dose of repression, if need be, that could be applied to this conflict."

Mubarak has ruled Egypt since 1981, aided by an emergency decree that

AGENCIES DUBAI, FEB 8

Anti-government protestors in Tahrir Square on the 15th day of protests call for an end to President Mubarak's regime.

gives him sweeping powers. Since the protests began January 25, he has appointed a vice president for the first time, reshuffled his cabinet and announced that he won't seek a new term in September.

Protesters in Tahrir Square -- which has been a focal point during the demonstrations -- have expressed concern about how long they could keep up the protests.

Egyptian actor slams Mubarak

regime But some Egyptians said they were compelled to join demonstrations after an emotional interview by a Google executive who had been missing since January 28.

Wael Ghonim told Egypt's Dream TV that he was seized around 1 a.m. January 28 as he tried to catch a cab. He was released Monday.

"I found all of a sudden four people surrounding me. They were kidnapping me," he said. "I yelled, 'Help me,' but

of course I knew these were security forces."

Ghonim, a Dubai-based marketing executive, joined the protests that began January 25. He walked out of the Dream TV interview in tears after being shown photos of those killed in the uprising.

"I want to say to every mother and every father that lost his child, I am sorry, but this is not our fault," he said before leaving. "I swear to God this is

Bashir to accept secession of South AGENCIES KAMPALA, FEB 8

With the announcement of final voting results, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan said Monday that his government would accept the choice of the long-embattled region of southern Sudan to separate from the north, setting the stage for the creation of the world’s newest country this summer.

According to the final count,

announced in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, 98.83 percent of the more than 3.8 million registered voters in southern Sudan chose to separate from the north. In many parts of the country the vote was over 99 percent.

Sudan has endured two long and brutal civil wars between the Arab north and the mostly animist and Christian south, in a period from the early years of independence from Britain to

Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir (right) with southern leader Salva Kiir.

2005, when a peace agreement was signed, setting the stage for the referendum.

Both President Bashir and the southern region’s president, Salva Kiir, were in attendance for the announcement as street celebrations spread through the southern capital, Juba.

“Today we received these results and we accept and welcome these results because they represent the will of the southern people,” Mr. Bashir said in a statement on state television, according to Reuters.

He also said that along with southern independence would come an Islamist renaissance in the north.

In Washington, the White

House released a statement by President Obama congratulating the people of southern Sudan and announcing “the intention of the United States to formally recognize southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July 2011.”

Obama also offered to the government of Sudan the prospect of improved ties with the United States, saying, “For those who meet all of their obligations, there is a path to greater prosperity and normal relations with the United States, including examining Sudan’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.”

With the referendum vote now official, actual independence is expected to be declared July 9, when the peace agreement that set the stage for the vote expires.

Across the vast, African, oilproducing south, voters overwhelming chose to secede from the Arab north, which through conflict and marginalization helped keep the south one of the poorest and least-developed regions in the world.

Chechen rebel claims Moscow airport blasts AGENCIES MOSCOW, FEB 8

Doku Umarov, a Chechen warlord has claimed responsibility for the pernicious bomb attacks on a Moscow airport in Jan 2011.

Umarov, one of the most wanted fugitives in Russia, has in an online video said that the attack was a response to "Russian crimes in the Caucasus".

Speaking in Russian he warned of more such attacks.

The video appeared on the Kavkaz Tsentr website and is dated Jan 24, the day of the attack.

Appearing alone, Umarov speaks to the camera, "This special operation was carried out on my orders and, God willing, special operations like it will continue to be carried out."

He argues that worldwide Muslims are under attack and condemns "Zionist and Christian regimes led

by Israel and America".

The warlord has previously claimed responsibility for the the March 2010 suicide bombings on the Moscow Metro and is believed to have ordered the November 2009 bombing of a train from Moscow to St Petersburg.

Doku Umarov is the leader of the "Caucasus Emirate", an Islamist militant group. He is one of the few prominent Chechen rebels still active.

Egypt's embattled president Hosni Mubarak is preparing to go to Germany to ensure a smooth exit as president of Egypt under the guise of a medical checkup, a German newsmagazine has reported.

According to German weekly Der Spiegel, the plans for Mubarak to stay at a luxury clinic in Germany are "more concrete" than previously reported, and are believed to be part of a deal that is being discussed between the US government and Mubarak's regime.

A number of hospitals are being considered, particularly the Max-GrundigKlinik Bühlerhöhe in the southwestern town of Bühl near Baden-Baden, the magazine reports.

Mubarak's health is reported to be deteriorating. During the spring of 2010, Mubarak had his gallbladder and an intestinal polyp removed in the Heidelberg University Clinic.

In a similar situation, the Shah of Iran left Tehran to the US for medical treatment during what came to be known as the Islamic Revolution in 1979, and never returned.

Biz12:Pg12 2/8/2011 10:46 PM Page 1

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Pg 12 Ulhas Jewellers: A benchmark in gold

BLACK MONEY

FM rules out giving names

BHARATI PAWASKAR

PTI KOLKATA, FEB 5

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today yet again ruled out disclosing names of those who have stashed away money in tax havens abroad.

He disclosed to the media that of the 18 names of secret account holders in a bank in Liechtenstein notices have been issued to 17. One person was dead and so no no prosecution was possible, he said.

The Finance Minister was talking to reporters a day after the media put out details of a list of 18 names, including 15 individuals and three foundations, holding accounts in a Lichtenstein Bank.

Recalling his press conference in Delhi last week, Mukherjee said government was not not in a position to disclose the names it has got of those holding secret accounts abroad and these will be known once the matter comes up in court.

"I had said in my earlier press conference as and when there will be prosecution and the matter will come to the open court then the names will be disclosed.

"But government suo motu cannot disclose the names.

These are their concealed income. We have given the notices and prosecution will start very soon," he said.

Mukherjee said "of the 18 names we got we have already started prosecution. Notices have been issued in case of 17 persons. One person is dead so no no prosecution could be made."

You talk of style, purity and originality when you talk of Ulhas Jewellers, one of the oldest jewellery business houses in Goa. With trust as their epitome, Ulhas Jewellers retain a reputation spread over eight decades of business with excellence in quality. Goa’s first jewellery house to be certified as ISO 9001-2008 company, Ulhas Jewellers maintain individuality and unique style. “We offer stunning designs and patterns in gold, diamond and precious stones jewellery that gives pure pleasure to the wearer,” says Pritam Verlekar, joint managing director of Ulhas Jewellers.

Over generations, his father Ulhas, grandfather Pandharinath, great grandfather Amrutrao and great great grandfather Shankar Shet Verlekar – had earned prestige by maintaining the quality and standard in ornamental gold.

Representing the fifth generation of Verlekars in the jewellery business, brothers and JMDs – Pritam and Vikram have added new lustre to the luminous business by giving a complete facelift to their traditional jewellery showroom at New Market, Margao.

Following faithfully the footsteps of their forefathers and adopting the technological transcend, the duo changed the face of the family business in a short span of time. Their plans of expansion materialised a year-and-ahalf ago with the opening of Ulhas Jewellers’ second show-

Above: Ulhas Jewellers showroom at Margao Right: Ulhas Verlekar.

room in Goa at Mahalaxmi Chambers in Panjim. “We have varied plans. This year we are throwing open a grand showroom, one and only of its kind in Goa. We are also diversifying in various other businesses,” says Pritam dreaming big.

The illustrious family of Verlekars is well known in the lustrous jewellery community of Goa for over a century. Pioneer Shankar Babli Verlekar built the strong foundation of the existing business. Carrying his legacy forward his ambitious sons Amrutrao, Ghanashyam and Krishna Verlekar jointly started a jewellery shop at Margao in 1927 – Joalharia Modern. Verlekars were one of the leading importers of diamonds from Belgium. After some years the trio parted and started individual business. Pandharinath joined his father Amrutrao.

‘Joalharia Modern’ transformed into ‘Ulhas Jewellers’. Verlekars are closely associated with organisations like Gomant Vidya Niketan, Mahila & Nutan Eng-

lish Highschool, Damodar College of Science, Mathagramastha Hindu Sabha and The Goa Hindu Association Snehmandir.

Respecting the Verlekar family’s philanthropic activities the statue of Shankar Babli Verlekar has been erected at the site of Mathagramastha Smashan Bhoomi at Margao.

One of its kind – the 1000 sq ft showroom of Ulhas Jewellers Pvt Ltd at Margao provides a great shopping ambience with an exclusive range of ethnic and contemporary jewellery that includes exquisite 916 Hallmark gold jewellery certified by the Government of India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and also authenticated IGI certified diamond jewellery and other items in white gold, spectacular 18 carat gold jewellery, platinum jewellery, diamond watches and traditional Goan crafted jewellery.

Indian jewellery market is witnessing a rapid transformation. To establish any brand in the market one has to keep pace with the changing technologies and offer specialised services. What’s so exclusive about Ulhas Jewellers? Pritam

Concerns over inflation exaggerated: Puri

IIFCL to raise upto Rs 1,200 cr PTI HYDERABAD, FEB 8

India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) has announced a public issue of long term infrastructure bonds to raise upto Rs 1,200 crore.

The issue proceeds are proposed to be used for the company's infrastructure lending activities, CMD of the company S K Goel said.

The issue which opened for subscription on February 4 would close on March 4.

The Tax Saving Bond which will have five-year locking period has four series with rate of interest ranging between 8.15 per cent and 8.30 per cent, Godel said adding that the face value of the Bond is Rs 1000.

The Bonds have been assigned a credit rating of "AAA/ Stable" by CRISIL and "CARE AAA" by CARE indicating 'Highest Safety' with regard to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal amount of the bonds.

BIZ

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY, 2011

PTI MUMBAI, FEB 8

Terming concerns expressed by some quarters over governance-deficit, tight liquidity and inflation in the country as "alarmist and highly-exaggerated", a leading banker today said that India is well-poised to achieve 8-9 per cent economic growth per annum over the next few years.

"Some say there is a governance-deficit in India—I think it is too strong a word. There have been some lapses but on the whole, things have been good. To paint the whole nation as suffering from a governance-deficit, is, in my opinion, too harsh," Managing Director of HDFC Bank, Aditya Puri, told PTI here.

Similarly, though liquidity is tight, the fears expressed are "over exaggerated," he said, adding "there has been no shortage (of funds) to fuel

Sensex, Nifty at 7-month lows PTI

MUMBAI, FEB 8

Stock markets dipped to 7-month lows today, with the BSE benchmark Sensex closing below 18,000, declining 261 points or 1.45 per cent, as investors sold heavily on concerns over rising inflation and interest rates.

Selling was seen across the board with all sectoral indices settling down between 3.81 per cent and 0.10 per cent. Consumer durables, realty, auto and banking segments set the pace for decline.

The Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share index opened firm at 18,141.51 but could not maintain the level and turned negative on all-round sell-off.

growth."

Puri said that governance issues have been recognized and the authorities are committed to it.

"We have a landmark legislation--the Right to Information Act--and this plus e-governance initiatives will definitely enhance transparency. We need improvement but on the whole, I feel things are functioning very well."

According to him, the Reserve Bank has indulged in a calibrated increase in its rates to combat inflation.

"There has been no runaway increase in interest rates-instead there has been a calibrated increase. May be over the next one-year, there will be a 100 basis points increase--probably between 5075 basis points--but it will not be a major concern for growth," the HDFC Bank chief said.

Aban Offshor, 655.15, 656.85, 613.05, 618.05 Abb Ltd., 670, 677.7, 635.1, 644.15 Abg Shipyard, 341.95, 354.9, 337.1, 345.15 Acc Limited, 982.1, 992.15, 967.2, 970.5 Adani Enterp, 595, 601.95, 561.65, 585.7 Aditya Birla, 779, 779, 743.2, 746.5 Allahabad Ba, 202, 202.55, 191.2, 193.55 Alstom Proje, 570.05, 576.95, 545.2, 558.2 Ambuja Cemen, 120.5, 121.5, 118.25, 118.95 Andhra Bank, 140.9, 144, 136.05, 138.35 Ashok Leylan, 52.2, 53.4, 49.6, 50 Asian Paints, 2507, 2565, 2471.1, 2479.6 Axis Bank Li, 1225.1, 1234, 1182.1, 1190.7 Bajaj Hindus, 84.5, 85.5, 78.1, 78.6 Bank Of Baro, 849.8, 850, 818, 820.25 Bank Of Indi, 435.05, 437.15, 409, 412.1 Beml Limited, 776, 776, 659, 675.3 Bharat Elect, 1695, 1695, 1673.4, 1680.25 Bharat Forge, 334, 336.5, 323.6, 325.45 Bharat Petro, 602, 615.2, 595.45, 599.4 Bharti Airte, 335, 340.35, 332.1, 333.3 Bhel, 2217.65, 2217.65, 2180.5, 2185.8 Bhushan Stee, 402, 407.65, 378.5, 380.2

On inflation, he said that it was not a matter of concern for India alone but for all emerging markets (EMs) as well. "It is a concern, yes, but it is being addressed," he said.

Food inflation has been persistent but a portion of it has been transitory, he said, pointing to prices of onions which had shot to a high of Rs 80 few days ago but now have fallen to around Rs 20 per kilo.

"People shouted from the rooftops when it (onion price) was at Rs 80 per kilo but now that it has fallen to Rs 20, nobody is writing about it," he said.

The Reserve Bank has upped its inflation projection by endMarch to seven per cent from the earlier 5.5 per cent, which he described as "realistic".

"If growth is sub-8.5 per cent, then inflation will be at the lower end of the 6-7 per cent band," Puri said.

Biocon Limit, 340, 340, 323.95, 326.1 Bombay Dyein, 394.35, 399.95, 380.05, 382.1 Bosch Limite, 6084, 6097, 6030, 6061.55 Brigade Ente, 101.9, 108.7, 101.1, 103.4 Cairn India, 325, 326.4, 320.1, 321.1 Canara Bank, 570.15, 571.5, 548.2, 550.25 Central Bank, 156, 156.55, 150, 150.5 Century Text, 317.35, 320.95, 305, 311.1 Cesc Ltd, 300.4, 301.2, 281.55, 284.9 Chambal Fert, 74.6, 74.8, 70.1, 70.7 Chennai Petr, 216.9, 216.9, 201.25, 203.1 Cipla Ltd, 318.8, 322.4, 314.65, 316.8 Colgate Palm, 829.7, 840, 798.1, 812.55 Container Co, 1205, 1205, 1116, 1129.75 Crompton Gre, 268, 268, 256.5, 258.6 Cummins Indi, 633.35, 640.8, 630, 634.45 Dabur India, 92.8, 93.9, 91.5, 92.25 Deccan Chron, 85.4, 85.4, 80.75, 81.85 Dish Tv Indi, 58.6, 58.6, 54.7, 55.5 Divi’s Labor, 652.95, 653, 636.1, 645.1 Dlf Limited, 244.75, 245, 237, 239.3 Dr. reddy’s, 1584, 1584, 1517.25, 1534.6 Edelweiss Ca, 38.45, 38.45, 36.1, 37.05

answers modestly, “We are specialised stockists of imported jewellery. We import pure jewellery from Hong Kong, Singapore, Italy and Dubai. We have trained personnel to provide information regarding the four ‘C’s of a diamond – Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat size. I believe in customer education regarding the price, quality, purity and making charges.

Answering each and every ‘why’ is utmost important. No customer should walk away with doubts in his mind. Our staff handles different clientele well and satisfies all with authentic information. Deal or no deal, we warmly welcome each customer with a smile at our showrooms. All are greeted and treated equally. Each query is answered smilingly and untiringly. I don’t mind losing a business today but I definitely do not want to lose a prospective future customer. We have to think of tomorrow and fol-

Aero India from today PTI BANGALORE, FEB 8

With India offering a multi-billion dollar military hardware market, a total of 675 global and Indian defence and civilian aerospace companies will showcase their products and capabilities at the eighth edition of the Aero India air show starting here tomorrow.

The show, which will be inaugurated by Defence Minister A K Antony, will see 380 foreign manufacturers from 30 different countries showcasing their military and civilian aerospace capabilities at the largest ever show alongside their 295 Indian counterparts.

The importance attached to India by weapon manufacturing countries can be gauged from the fact that there is a threefold increase in the number of delegations visiting the show -going up from a little over 100 to 350. The US is sending 250 delegations to attend the show followed by the Germany and Italy with 35 and 10 delegations, respectively.

Educomp Solu, 450, 451.5, 426.15, 428.45 Eih Limited, 98, 98.25, 95.1, 96.55 Engineers In, 291.95, 329, 288, 291.2 Essar Oil Lt, 119, 119.3, 113, 113.6 Essar Shippi, 98.1, 98.1, 88, 91.05 Exide Indust, 131.3, 132.2, 127.15, 128.1 Federal Bank, 350, 351, 338.65, 343.2 Financial Te, 768.1, 776, 742.6, 749.1 Gail (india), 454, 454, 439, 441.55 Gammon India, 128.4, 130.5, 125.1, 125.9 Glaxosmithkl, 2227, 2249.95, 2208.25, 2241.75 Glenmark Pha, 297, 299.75, 288.5, 290.7 Gmr Infrastr, 39, 39.5, 35.5, 35.95 Godrej Indus, 167.1, 168.15, 160.1, 160.9 Grasim Indus, 2300, 2361.9, 2284.2, 2306 Great Offsho, 285, 289.4, 267.2, 270 Gtl Infra.Lt, 39.1, 39.5, 37.5, 38.75 Gujarat Mine, 117.95, 117.95, 111.75, 112.7 Gujarat N R, 54.65, 54.9, 52.5, 52.8 Gujarat Stat, 99.9, 101, 95.25, 96 Gvk Pow. & I, 29.75, 30, 27.15, 27.5 Hcl Technolo, 478, 479.9, 462.15, 465.45

Hdfc Bank Lt, 2059.9, 2059.95, 1985.1, 2002.85 Hdfc Ltd, 596, 603, 584.5, 589.15 Hero Honda M, 1598, 1598, 1499, 1506.95 Hindalco in, 234.65, 238.95, 231.05, 233.85 Hindustan Co, 36.1, 36.55, 34.45, 34.7 Hindustan Ma, 64.5, 64.95, 61.35, 61.75 Hindustan Pe, 352, 354.8, 344.1, 347.2 Hindustan Un, 276.7, 276.7, 270.85, 273.35 Hindustan Zi, 1267, 1273.95, 1220.5, 1226.85 Housing Dev, 145, 145.5, 137.15, 137.7 Icici Bank L, 985.9, 986, 946.8, 951.55 Idea Cellula, 69, 70.2, 67.65, 68.4 Ifci Ltd, 54.5, 54.5, 50.15, 50.45 India Cement, 89, 89.55, 87, 87.25 India Infoli, 70.8, 71.8, 61.15, 66.9 Indiabulls F, 152.45, 154, 147.15, 148.45 Indiabulls R, 119, 119.5, 112.7, 113.6 Indian Bank, 209.5, 211.5, 202.5, 203.35 Indian Hotel, 91.05, 91.45, 87.2, 87.55 Indian Oil C, 325.95, 330.2, 320.5, 321.9 Indian Overs, 125.8, 126.8, 121.1, 122.1

low a strict code of conduct while dealing.”

One cannot discover new oceans unless one has courage to lose sight of the shore! After graduation Pritam directly plunged into business taking it to great heights. Vikram joined Universal Diamond Grading Institute in Mumbai for training.

He worked with some prestigious jewellers to gain expertise before returning to Goa, a decade ago. An active member of various trade organisations and bodies connected to the trade – The Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, GJF, World Gold Council, Vikram is the President of Goa Gold Dealers Association. Pritam gets due credit to make Ulhas Jewellers the first authenticated BIS Hallmarked showroom in Goa. His commitment to excellence has paved the way for Goa’s only jewellery business house to get an ISO 9001-2008 certification in 2007.

Tagged as trend setters in the Goan jewellery community brothers-in-arms Pritam and Vikram have excelled as young entrepreneurs setting an ideal example for those who have the courage to lose sight of the shore.

BOARD MEETINGS ABC Paper ABG Shipyard Honeywell Auto REC IL&FS Trans BASF India Birla Precision Bombay Rayon JBF Inds Jetking Info BPCL BPL Britannia Inds Maharashtra Poly Mahindra & Mahindra Man Infra Tilaknagar Inds Mcdowell Hold Microsec Fin Serv Twentyfirst Cent Mgt Nirma United Spirits Vadilal Inds Orbit Corp Firstsource Sol Patni Computer West Coast Paper Zodiac Cloth GMR Infra Source: Indiainfoline.com Indus Dev Ba, 133.3, 134, 128.2, 128.85 Indusind Ban, 224, 224.5, 216.15, 219.15 Infosys Tech, 3100, 3120, 3072, 3096.6 Infra. dev., 137.4, 137.4, 130, 130.9 Ispat Indust, 24.2, 24.35, 21.6, 21.85 Itc Ltd, 157.5, 158.25, 156, 156.1 Ivrcl Infras, 72.45, 74.25, 71, 71.95 Jai Corp Lim, 166.8, 166.8, 154, 155.75 Jaiprakash A, 87, 87, 80.55, 81 Jet Airways, 507, 507, 463.5, 469.1 Jindal Saw L, 213, 214.4, 185.15, 201.65 Jindal Steel, 649.95, 650.8, 628.8, 631.9 Jsw Steel Li, 902, 903, 813, 822.6 Kotak Mahind, 360.3, 364.25, 335.05, 337.95 Lakshmi Mach, 2181, 2240, 2110.05, 2149.1 Lanco Infrat, 46, 47, 37.4, 38 Larsen & Tou, 1546.35, 1547.9, 1504, 1506.9 Lic Housing, 180, 184.75, 177.3, 178.25 Lupin Limite, 411.8, 411.8, 393.55, 396 Mahanagar Te, 46, 46.25, 43.9, 44.1 Mahindra & M, 678.5, 678.5, 624.15, 627.7 Maruti Suzuk, 1194, 1194, 1170.1, 1176.8

MF FUNDA IDFC MUTUAL FUND has launched three new fund named as IDFC Fixed Maturity Plan - Yearly Series 37, IDFC Fixed Maturity Plan Yearly Series 38 and IDFC Fixed Maturity Plan - Sixteen Months Series 3, close ended income schemes. The new issue opening and closing dates are as follows: IDFC Fixed Maturity Plan - Yearly Series 37: NFO opens February 4, 2011 - closes February 9, 2011. The duration is 1 year.

IDFC Fixed Maturity Plan - Yearly Series 38: NFO opens Feb. 11, 2011 - closes Feb. 17, 2011. The duration is 1 year.

IDFC Fixed Maturity Plan - Sixteen Months Series 3 NFO opens Feb. 04, 2011 - closes Feb. 14, 2011. The duration is 16 year.

The minimum application amount is Rs 10,000 and in multiples of Rs 10. The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription (minimum target) amount of Rs 10 million under each of the scheme during the NFO period. Entry load and exit load charge will be nil for the schemes. Benchmark Index for the schemes is CRISIL Short Term Bond Fund Index. The schemes will be managed by Anupam Joshi.

LIC MUTUAL FUND said that it has filed an offer document with market regulator, the SEBI to launch LICMF Fixed Maturity Plan Series 46-47-48-49, a close ended income scheme. The new fund offer price is Rs 10 for each unit.

Plans/Options offered: Dividend Payout, Dividend Reinvestment, Growth Plans: 1 Plan- LICMF FMP Series - 3 months having duration of 3 months from the date of allotment 1 Plan- LICMF FMP Series - 6 months having duration of 6 months from the date of allotment 1 Plan- LICMF FMP Series - 367 Days having duration of 367 days from the date of allotment 1 Plan- LICMF FMP Series - 18 Months having duration of 18 months from the date of allotment Benchmark: Crisil Liquid Fund Index Loads: Not applicable Minimum Application Amount: Rs. 10,000 and thereafter in multiples of Re.1 Minimum Target Amount: Rs. 10 million Fund Manager: Anant R Nayak BNP PARIBAS MUTUAL FUND has filed an offer document with market regulator, SEBI to launch BNP Paribas Capital Protection Oriented Fund - Series I, II, III, a 3 year close ended capital protection oriented fund. The new fund offer price is Rs 10 for each unit. The scheme is rated AAA (so) by Crisil. Maturity date of the scheme would be 3 years from the date of allotment of units as may be specified in the Scheme at the time of launch, unless rolled over.

Options offered: Growth Option; Dividend Option (Dividend on Maturity Option). The Dividend Option offers only Dividend Payout Facility.

Benchmark: Crisil MIP Blended Index Loads: Nil Minimum Application Amount: A minimum of Rs. 5,000 per application and in multiples of Rs 10 thereafter.

Minimum Target Amount: Rs 10 million Fund Managers: Alok Singh and Amit Nigam ICICI PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND has filed an offer document with market regulator, the SEBI to launch ICICI Prudential Fixed Maturity Plan - Series 57, a close ended debt fund. The new fund offer price is Rs 10 a unit.

Options offered: Cumulative and dividend option. Dividend payout is the only facility available under the dividend option. The cumulative option shall be default option under the plans of the scheme.

Plans: The scheme will have 1 year Plan A, B, C and D (with duration of 373 days) and 3 years Plan A, B and C (with duration of 1110 days).

Benchmark: 1 Year Plan A, B, C and D: Crisil Short Term Bond Fund Index 3 Years Plan A, B and C: Crisil Composite Bond Fund Index Loads: No entry or exit load is applicable.

Minimum Application Amount: Rs 5,000 & in multiples of Rs 10 thereafter.

Minimum Target Amount: Each plan seeks to raise a minimum subscription of Rs 50 million.

Fund Manager: Chaitanya Pande DSP BLACKROCK MUTUAL FUND has announced that the NFO period of DSP BlackRock FMP - 12M - Series 14, a close-ended income scheme, with a maturity profile of 12 months from the date of allotment, which commences from February 8, 2011 and was scheduled to close on the same ie 8 February 2011, has been extended to close on February 14, 2011.

Max India Lt, 150.45, 150.45, 144.3, 146.05 Moser-baer (, 49.4, 49.8, 45.75, 46.3 Mrpl, 69.8, 69.8, 66.5, 67 Nagarjuna Co, 100, 101.9, 92.45, 95 Nagarjuna Fe, 29.7, 29.8, 27.45, 27.7 National Alu, 420.2, 423.8, 414.05, 418.1 Neyveli Lign, 103.85, 103.85, 99.5, 99.95 Ntpc Ltd, 181.85, 181.95, 173.15, 174.15 Oil And Natu, 300, 301, 278.3, 282.05 Omaxe Limite, 136, 136.95, 133.4, 133.9 Oriental Ban, 319.5, 321, 302.4, 306.5 Pantaloon Re, 284.85, 284.9, 271.15, 272.3 Parsvnath De, 42, 44, 40.5, 40.9 Petronet Lng, 130.2, 132.5, 125, 125.2 Power Fin Co, 260, 265.4, 256.9, 258.95 Power Grid C, 99, 99, 95.45, 95.7 Praj Industr, 73.8, 73.9, 67.3, 67.85 Punj Lloyd L, 86.2, 86.7, 77.1, 78.2 Punjab Natio, 1029, 1036.95, 998, 1004.85 Rajesh Expor, 130.2, 133.7, 128.1, 130.15 Ranbaxy Labs, 517.9, 517.9, 495.3, 498.2

Rashtriya Ch, 85, 85.6, 80.7, 81.7 Reliance Cap, 501.6, 503.5, 478.35, 480.55 Reliance Com, 116.4, 117.2, 109.8, 110.45 Reliance Ene, 1013, 1080, 1013, 1027.66 Reliance Ind, 550.55, 552.9, 523, 526.85 Reliance Ind, 935.7, 935.7, 911.25, 915.25 Reliance Pow, 128, 129.5, 123.05, 124.15 Rolta India, 142, 142.95, 136.25, 137.7 Satyam Compu, 60, 60.85, 59.45, 60.2 Sesa Goa Ltd, 322.8, 323.4, 315.3, 318.1 Shipping Cor, 115.6, 116.5, 113, 113.4 Siemens Ltd, 843.5, 852.85, 843.5, 849.7 Sintex Indus, 155, 157.85, 153.25, 154.15 Sobha Develo, 222, 227, 206.1, 208.2 State Bank O, 2664, 2685, 2624, 2638.2 Steel Author, 163, 163.85, 156.75, 158.25 Sterlite Ind, 171.4, 171.4, 164.3, 165 Sun Pharmace, 418, 418, 394.45, 396.95 Sun Tv Netwo, 408, 433, 402, 410.15 Suzlon Energ, 50.1, 51.7, 48.5, 48.85 Tata Communi, 229.3, 232.95, 222.15, 223.05 Tata Consult, 1132, 1149.9, 1118.5,

1125.1 Tata Motors, 1150, 1157.8, 1104.25, 1112.25 Tata Power C, 1212.4, 1228, 1191.35, 1210 Tata Steel L, 645.1, 645.1, 616.3, 619.7 Tata Teleser, 16.3, 16.8, 15.95, 16 Tech Mahindr, 632.15, 634.8, 608, 616 The Ge Shpg., 289, 290, 280.15, 282.15 The Phoenix, 192.9, 195, 188.1, 189.85 Thermax Ltd, 630, 632.7, 612, 617.95 Titan Indust, 3440, 3464, 3220, 3232.35 Torrent Powe, 219, 221.45, 210.5, 211.25 Triveni Engg, 96, 96.6, 89.1, 90.55 Tv18 India L, 76.05, 77, 72.3, 73 Uco Bank, 103.5, 104.6, 99.2, 99.55 Ultratech Ce, 994.4, 999, 942.25, 953.4 Union Bank O, 323, 329.2, 318.2, 320.75 Unitech Ltd, 45, 45, 40.65, 41.1 United Phosp, 141.75, 141.8, 131.6, 136.1 Videocon Ind, 202.15, 203.45, 189.25, 197.5 Vijaya Bank, 85, 85.5, 80.55, 81.25 Voltas Ltd, 171, 172.3, 167, 167.9 Wipro Ltd, 428, 431.35, 421, 425.75 Yes Bank Lim, 260, 261, 245.5, 247.35 Zee Entertai, 117.3, 119.85, 114.6, 115.05

OHERALDO

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BIZ

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY, 2011

24x7 customs clearance at 8 ports PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 8

Round-the-clock customs clearance at eight major ports, reduction in bank charges on foreign currency and concessional loans are among the measures announced by the government to cut transactions cost.

As many as 21 measures have been unveiled on the recommendations of a task force headed by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia which examined the problems faced by exporters that pushed their transactions costs.

According to government estimates, the implementation of these steps would result in reduction of business cost for exporters to the extent of Rs 2,100 crore, which however is considered small given the country's export value of USD 200 billion.

The other cost saving step include reduction of charges by the Delhi International Airport for screening express cargo and courier shipments from Rs 6 to Rs 1.65 per kg for the export courier.

The booking charges for foreign currency by banks have been reduced from Rs 750 to Rs 400-500 per transaction.

Leading banks have been asked by the RBI to extend preshipment credit in foreign currency at the global benchmark of LIBOR (London Interbank Offer Rate) + 2% interest rates.

"I am told that quantum of transaction cost is about 7-10 per cent of total value of Indian

exports. This amounts to a significant, about USD 15 billion.

In that context these initiatives by the ministry of Commerce is really a welcome step," Finance Ministry Pranab Mukherjee said while releasing the report.

Besides the monetary measures, several procedural issues have also been addressed.

From Page 1 CAG absolves Parrikar higher cost; avoidable expenditure on INOX appointed consultant; improvement and beautification of roads and allied works; irregular award of contract; appointment of consultant; appointment of lead consultant; wasteful expenditure on abandoned projects.

The CAG finding in 2004-05 was the main base for registering an FIR (first information) in the IFFI misappropriation case and with majority of the charges being dropped this may come in as huge relief to Parrikar, who has claimed innocence in the case.

Vegetable suppliers witnessed in the market on Tuesday.

However, the attempt of suppliers to the GSHC who tried to load vehicles from the APMC market yard was thwarted by the suppliers who gathered there in large number and strongly opposed the loading of the vehicles.

According to members, Goa’s policy of procuring vegetables from only four vendors has not only posed serious threat to the existence of the Belgaum wholesale vegetable market, but has also left scope for corruption at a larger scale.

The crisis has deepened further, as this has also posed serious threat to a large number of vegetable growing farmers from Belgaum district, as members of wholesale vegetable market have decided to block supplies of vegetables to the horticulture corporation of Goa. “We are not against the subsidy, but we have demanded that Belgaum farmers should not suffer and all the other suppliers too must get an equal opportunity,” said Association President Divakar Patil.

When asked about Goa’s alternative of procuring vegetables from other places, he said it is extremely difficult as except for a few items, most of the vegetables are a perishable commodity.

When contacted, the deputy Commissioner of Belgaum said she had called GSHC Chairperson Sankalp Amonkar, who it was learnt is sending a delegation comprising senior GSHC officials to Belgaum.

A meeting will be held at the deputy commissioner’s office at Belgaum on Wednesday morning.

Mickky threatens... matter”.

“We have conveyed our sentiments and if the high command wants us in the party they need to act fast,” he remarked adding “90 to 95 per cent of the party are supporting this decision”.

He also questioned what is the need to stick with the Congress government when the NCP has decided to go all alone in the next assembly elections?

“We need to withdraw support and start working in all 40 constituencies right now,” Moni stated.

Centre moots...

grazing land, plantations, public utilities such as post offices, fair price shops, food storage godowns, electricity supply, health care facilities, schools and educational or training facilities, places of worship, land for traditional tribal institutions, burial and cremation grounds.

It also provides for examination of the Social Impact Assessment Report by an independent multi-disciplinary expert group and, wherever it is required by law, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to be carried out too. The bill also provides that if relocation of affected people takes place in an existing settlement area, the same infrastructure should be extended to the host community.

Transit accommodation: Where land is acquired under urgency clauses, each affected family must be provided transit and temporary accommodation pending rehabilitation and resettlement, in addition to the monthly subsistence allowance and other rehabilitation and resettlement benefits they are due.

Development of periphery: The bill provides that the acquiring body contribute to the socio-economic development of the area on the periphery of the project site, and earmark a percentage of net profit or, in case no profit is declared in any year, a minimum alternative amount determined by the government for this.

House plots: Clause 35 of the bill states that any affected family whose house has been acquired or lost, shall be allotted land for house – up to 250 square metres in rural areas and 150 square metres in urban areas to each family within the affected family – without having to pay for the land, subject to the actual area acquired or lost. In urban areas, a house of up to 100 square metres carpet area may be provided in lieu.

Each below poverty line (BPL) affected family which is without homestead land and has been residing in the affected area continuously for not less than five years shall be provided with a house having at least 50 square metres carpet area in rural areas,

These include round the clock availability of the plant quarantine services at Chennai and Mumbai international airports.

The move would help importers and exporters of plant materials and agricultural commodities.

The eight major ports where round-the-clock customs clearance would be provided in-

clude Vizag, Kolkata, Jamnagar, Mangalore, Bhubaneswar and Chennai.

After a decline in 2009-10, India's exports, which contributes about 20 per cent to the country's GDP, have grown by an impressive 29.5 per cent during April-December 201011 to USD 164.7 billion from a

or 25 square metres carpet area in urban areas, in the resettlement area. Any such family that opts not to take the house offered can get one-time financial assistance for house construction. The amount shall not be less than what is given under any programme of house construction by the government of India. Houses in urban areas may, if necessary, be provided in multi-storied buildings.

Land for land: Clause 36 states that each affected family whose entire land has been acquired or lost, or been reduced to the status of a marginal farmer by the acquisition, will be allotted – in the name of each person included in the records of rights – agricultural land or cultivable wasteland to the extent of the actual land loss, subject to a ceiling of one hectare of irrigated land or two hectares of unirrigated land or cultivable wasteland, if government land is available in the resettlement area.

‘Public purpose’ defined: The Land Acquisition Amendment Bill defines ‘public purpose’ to include: (i) Strategic purposes relating to naval, military and air force works, or any other work vital to the State. (ii) Infrastructure projects of the government where the benefits accrue to the general public. (iii) Any other purpose useful to the general public, for which 70 per cent of the land has already been purchased lawfully, but the remaining 30 per cent is yet to be required.

The bill also proposes to bar the jurisdiction of civil courts, if the central government establishs a Land Acquisition Compensation Disputes Settlement Authority for the speedy disposal of disputes.

This will be only for acquisition of land by the central government.

Damage done during survey: The bill provides that damage caused during survey, digging or boring sub-soil, marking boundaries or cutting trenches or clearing away any standing crop, fence or forest, or any other damage, particularly to land excluded from acquisition, is to be evaluated and compensation paid within six months of completion of the work.

Genuine ‘market value’: The bill revolutionizes the concept of market value. Clause 11B defines the criteria that the collector will adopt: (i) The minimum land value specified in the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, for registration of sale deeds in the area where the land is situated. (ii) The average sale price for similar land in the village or vicinity, ascertained from not less than 50 per cent of sale deeds registered during the previous three years, where higher price has been paid, or the average of the sale price, ascertained from prices agreed to be paid for not less than 50 per cent of the land already purchased for the project (the higher price applies). (iii) Where the land is situated in an area where land transactions are restricted by any other law, the registered sale deeds for similar land are not available for the preceding three years, or the minimum land value has not been specified under the Indian Stamp Act,1899 by the appropriate authority, the government must specify the floor price per unit area of the land based on the average higher prices paid for similar land situated in adjoining areas, using the same methods described above.

Before determining the market value, the collector must ascertain the intended land use category of the land and take into account the value of land in this category in adjoining areas.

In determining the market value of buildings and other immovable property or assets on the land, or buildings to be acquired, the collector must use the services of a competent engineer or specialist in the field. To determine the value of trees and plants, the collector must use the services of experienced persons in the field of agriculture, forestry, horticulture, sericulture, or other relevant fields. To assess the value of standing crops damaged

year ago period.

However the shipments from the country was suffering from the cost disadvantage as pointed out by Commerce and industry Minister Anand Sharma.

"The average cost to an exporter on account of transaction cost has been monetised at a level of USD 945 per container as compared to USD 460 in China, USD 450 in Malaysia and USD 625 in Vietnam," Sharma said.

Mukherjee asked the exporters association and the Commerce department to undertake a study to assess the time taken for the goods to leave the Indian shore from their production facilities.

"Compare how that fares with other countries and suggest measures so that the total time taken for exports could be reduced substantially," the Finance Minister said.

Mukherjee said a committee has been appointed to examine and recommend rates of refund of service tax for output services.

With a view to expedite refund of service tax on output services, it is proposed to introduce an "All Industry Service Tax Rate" on the lines of "All Industry Rate of Duty Drawback," he said.

"This will help exporters in getting their service tax refunds expeditiously," Mukherjee added.

Scindia, on his part, said a single bond would now be required to be submitted by the organisation for multiple authorisations to be obtained from customs.

during land acquisition, the collector must utilise the services of experienced persons in the field of agriculture.

The Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill 2007 and the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill 2007 are historic legislations. They will revolutionize the approach of governments towards acquisition of land.

Hopefully, they will be passed during the forthcoming budget session of parliament.

The government of Goa proposes to have a Land Acquisition Policy. Since, ‘Acquisition and requisitioning of property’ comes under the Concurrent List, if the central legislations become law, there is no need for Goa to enact any such policy or amend the Land Acquisition Act. Only if the central legislation fails to get through, should the Goa government amend the Land Acquisition Act or frame a new policy.

(The writer is Goa’s Rajya Sabha MP)

Stop looking for sops: FM PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 8

Ahead of the Budget, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said exporters will have to "fight" their own battle and stop expecting fiscal incentives from the government.

"Government only can play its part. Ultimately, exporters will have to compete and fight their own battle in the overseas markets," Mukherjee said here adding "they have to stop looking towards the government for sops".

Unveiling a report that listed measures for cutting export transaction costs, the Finance Minister said the country's exporters must innovate and become more productive.

The Government will present the Union Budget on February 28.

However, the Finance Minister expressed optimism that India would be able to achieve the USD 200 billion export tar-

get this fiscal.

Overseas shipments have already reached USD 164.7 billion during April-December 2010-11 and according to Commerce Ministry's assessment they may well touch USD 215220 billion.

Referring to high transaction cost for exports, estimated at 7-10 per cent of the cargo value, Mukherjee said the government was committed to help reduce the same.

With exports entering negative zone in October 2008 due to economic slowdown, the government had given several fiscal sops such as two per cent interest subsidy and incentives for exporting products to se-

PUBLIC

lect markets.

NOTICE

This is to inform the General Public and specially our esteemed clients, that Mr. Bellamkonda Ranga babu alias Ranga Babu S/o Late Shri R. V. Narsimha Charry who was residing at No. A-4, Estate Agency, Siolim, Bardez, Goa and permanent resident of House no 7-185/1/A, Dhamkaram Road, Ameerpet, Hyderabad-16, has been absconding from his duties since 23rd Jan 2011 without intimating the company. He was working as an Assistant Accounts Manager with Country Club De Goa, Anjuna, Goa and after enquiries with his local residents, we have been informed that he has left the residence at Goa. We have carried out an internal audit an on preliminary findings we have noticed that the said Mr. Bellamkonda Ranga babu alias Ranga Babu has misappropriated company funds, without being duly authorized, and used the said funds for his personal gains. We have also noticed he had forged and fabricated the company letter heads and misused the same with the bank and company suppliers.

We have also noticed that he has misused the Company cheques for his own personal gains.

We have lodged a criminal complaint against him with the Anjuna Police Station, Goa and is contemplating appropriate legal action against him.

We hereby warn the general public, our esteemed clients and our suppliers not to entertain the said Mr. Bellamkonda Ranga babu alias Ranga Babu on behalf of Country Club De Goa or Country Club India Ltd. and if you do so the company shall not be responsible for any such dealings.

We hereby also request the general public, that in the event they know about his whereabouts or his address, kindly inform us on the Below mention telephone numbers.

The photograph printed here with is of Mr. Bellamkonda Ranga babu alias Ranga Babu.

Any information given about him will be kept confidential and suitably rewarded.

Sd/Resort Manager Country Club De Goa, Anjuna, Goa. 0832 - 2274742 / + 91 - 8008882765

Pg 14

SPORTS

GOA, Wednesday, 9 February, 2011

Nilesh for Nat Games

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 8

Police too strong for YB Tonca HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 8

Nilesh Naik of Sports Authority of Goa has been selected as competition official/organiser by the organising committee of National Games 2011 to be held in Jharkhand.

Nilesh will be in-charge of netball which will be held from February 18 to 24 in Dhanbad.

This is the first time that Nilesh has been selected for such a big event by the committee.

Goa Police proved too strong for Young Boys of Tonca as they defeated them 3-1 in GFA’s Second Division League at Dr Remigio Pinto ground, Taleigao on Tuesday. Police led 1-0 at the lemon break.

In a fairly disciplined contest, referee Joao Pereira showed only one yellow card to Vilroy D’Cruz in the second half for not retreating the full 10 yards during the opposition’s free kick.

Goa Police were much fitter

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, FEB 8

Regina Mundi High School, Vasco struggled before they got the better of St Anthony’s High School, Monte de Guirim 4-3 via the tie-breaker.

Yesterday, Our Lady of Rosary High School, Fatorda blanked Loyola High School, Margao 2-0.

Sachin Fernandes and Lester Fernandes were the goal getters.

In another match, Infant Jesus High School, Colva waltzed to a 5-4 win via the tie-breaker over Fr Agnel Multipurpose High School, Borda.

Our Lady of Rosary High School, Fatorda will meet Infant Jesus High School, while Don Bosco High School, Panjim will meet Regina Mundi High School, Vasco in the semi-finals slated for February 10.

Earlier, Fr Kinley D’Cruz, Rector of Don Bosco Oratory was the chief guest and declared the tournament open in the presence of Gromiko Fernandes, headmaster, Our Lady of Rosary High School, Fatorda. Thereza Colaco, widow of Roque Colaco was also present.

and a lot more clinical in front of the goal. The menacing Paresh Morje, with his basketball player height tormented his rivals.

Tonca had their young de-

fender Malcolm Fernandes out with a knee injury, which hampered their ambitions, but there were times when they did play some good football.

Wilred beat Mangor HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 8

A fine brace from Sertario Monteiro helped Wilred Leisure Sports Club thrash Mangor Sports Club 3-0 in GFA’s Second Division South Zone play-off at Tilak Maidan, Vasco on Tuesday.

Wilred Leisure were leading 20 at the break.

Sertario opened Wilred’s account in the 20th minute. Andrew Colaco doubled the lead in the 34th minute.

Changing ends, Sertorio completed his brace in the 70th minute.

In the 29th minute, Police’s Paresh Morje ran in on goal and deflected the rival custodian’s clearance back into the goal.

After the breather, Punaji Kalangutkar crossed from the left and Aggio Antao knocked the ball back for Sudesh Kerkar to fire in Police’s second.

Roger Dias pulled back a well deserved goal back for Tonca in the 62nd with a superb volley.

Four minutes from the end, Police substitute Rohidas Mhaloji, blasted in Rupesh Morje’s cross to seal victory.

Don Bosco in last four Tatvesh wins Raikar chess

Don Bosco High School, Panjim huffed and puffed their way to a solitary goal victory over St Joseph High School, Calangute 1-0 to march into the semi-finals of Roque Colaco memorial AllGoa U-14 inter-school football tournament organised by Our Lady of Rosary High School, Fatorda at Don Bosco Oratory ground, Fatorda on Tuesday.

Akeeraj scored.

In the other quarter-finals,

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, FEB 8

Tatvesh Sawant emerged champions in Sita Pandhari Raikar memorial chess tournament organised by Canacona Sports Ac ad emy at Shrad hanand Vidyalaya, Poinguinim on Sunday.

Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated by Arun Bhat, chairman, Shradhanand Dynan-

prasarak Mandal by lighting the traditional lamp in the presence of Ratnakar Raikar (sponsor) and Anant Agni.

U-15: Sabesh Nambiar, Satyam Dessai, Sonica Vernekar, Adil Dangui, Rahul Kudtarkar.

U-12: Aniket Naik, Sahil Shet, Pawan Vernekar, Utkarsh Naik, Yeshwant Kaimal.

Above 15: Tatvesh Sawant, Saeer Petkar, Jeet Painnginkar,

Punarv Acharya, Aditya Prabhugaonkar.

At the concluding ceremony, Koturkar, ADEI, Canacona was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Dr Aman Prabhugaonkar and Sanjay Kavlekar, SAG coach.

Sharendra Naik welcomed and later proposed the vote of thanks. Anant Agni compered.

In all 75 participated.

The archery medal winners at the 56th National School Games in Pune alongwith Chetan Kavlekar (secretary, Amateur Archery Association of Goa), Laxmi Priya Devi (coach) and members of Goa Archery Association

Rama meets Dalvi in final

G FA F i r s t D i v i s i o n : Calangute Association v. Mormugao Port Trust, Poriat ground, Calangute, 4 p.m.

GFA Second Division: Agasaim Youth Club v. St Sebastian, St Cruz, Taleigao ground, 4 p.m.

GFA U-14: AA de MajordaUtorda-Calata v. Orlim SC, Musson ground, Majorda; Ave Maria AWC v. Colmorod Ratwaddo SC, Rosary ground; Snow's FA v. Mandopa Sporting, Raia ground; Ambelim SC v. Verna SC, Assolna ground; Vasco SC v. Dabolim YC, Tilak Maidan, Vasco. Kick off 4 p.m.

Lourdes soccer semi-finals: Wilred Leisure SC v. Sporting Club of Davorlim, Chinchinim church ground, 4 p.m.

All-Goa St Sebastean soccer quarters: Pogo Boys v. Real Boys, greenfield, St Cruz, 7 p.m. Interward soccer: Bondir SC v. Cujira SC, 8.15 p.m.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 8

Rama Naik will clash with Abhishek Dalvi in the junior boys finals of State carrom championship organised by Goa Carrom Association in collaboration with Sports Authority of Goa at Government Primary School, Ribandar.

In the junior girls event, Disha M u l g a o n k a r a n d Va r s h a Halarenekar entered the finals.

In the sub-junior boys finals, Ganesh Pujari will lock horns with Laxman Naik. In the semi-

finals, Laxman defeated Shambu Pilarnekar 17-8, 17-19, 21-3. Abhishek Dalvi beat Laxman Naik 21-0, 15-10.

In the junior girls semi-finals, Disha defeated Zenelyn Alfonso 21-0, 21-0 while Varsha defeated Tulsi Naik 18-3, 13-14, 12-6.

Earlier, Laxman Naik, accounts officer, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs inaugurated the championship in the presence of guest of honour, Anil Dalvi.

Shashikant Amonkar, president welcomed. P M Chari proposed

the vote of thanks.

The men singles event will be held on February 12 while the women singles will be held on February 13.

Results: Varsha beat Ankita Chari 12-11, 3-10, 21-12. Zenelyn Alfonso beat Chaitali Harizan 20-0, 21-0. Hrushikesh Pilarnekar beat Athang Kankonkar 21-13, 6-18, 20-16. Laxman Naik beat Suyash Karapurkar 14-13, 14-19. Rama beat Cripton 21-0, 12-13, 15-6. Tulsi Naik beat Supriya Chowgule 21-4, 16-10.

Blessed Joseph Vaz High School, Sancoale, winners of Taluka Level U-17 boys and girls handball teams alongwith Sr Santana Goes (headmistress) and Flyton Pereira (PE teacher)).

Siolim Sodiem felicitation MAPUSA (HSR) -- The successful Siolim Sodiem Sports and Cultural Association team which qualified for GFA’s next season Second Division will be felicitated on Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. at Sodiem church hall, Siolim.

Sodiem qualified for the Second Division after defeating Nagoa Sporting 3-0 in the Bardez play-off finals.

“This is the first time in history that we have been promoted and we felt it was the

best time to recognise the achievements of our players who have worked hard and have not demanded any money from the club, as they are our local talent,” explained Siolim coach, Paul Fernandes.

U-15 camp concludes

Coach Seby Rodrigues and manager Gajanan Kambli with the young Goan hopefuls.

Photo: Aldrid Da Costa HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 8

The 10-day camp for the Goa U15 team training for the final phase of Mir Iqbal Hussein Trophy concluded on Monday, here at Duler Stadium.

The team will leave for West Bengal, Kolkota on February 10 and will play in group ‘B’ against Tripura on February 15, Kerala on February 17 and finally Orissa on February 19, at Barasat Stadium. Only one team will qualify for the semifinals.

Striker Savio Vaz who was part of the squad for the first phase has pulled out understandably due to school examinations. Coach Seby Rodrigues has decided to replace him with defender Amoy Kalangutkar. “I have another player, defender Floyd Fernandes who can also fill in upfront if called upon, as he is aggressive with a killer instinct,” remarked Seby.

In the first phase in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, Goa swept aside Rajasthan 8-0 and Gujarat 4-0. So what are Goa’s chances

in the final phase? “Of course you always want to do well and win, but it is not right to put pressure, they are young after all.” Seby continued, “I have told them to enjoy their football because it is the only way they will learn. I am imparting the football knowledge I have in order to further their professional careers,” summed up Seby.

GFA executive Bardez member, Gajanand Kerkar dropped in on the training session to ensure everything was okay with the team.

Pg 15

SPORTS

GOA, Wednesday, 9 February, 2011

Goa’s ex-goalkeeper Basilio passes away

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

Basilio Soares, one of Goa’s outstanding goalkeeper in 60s

GVM, DM advance HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 8

GVM's College, Ponda and DM's College, Assagao entered the third round of inter-college cricket championship organised

by Goa University at Taleigao ground on Tuesday.

GVM's College beat Government College, Khandola by eight wickets.

Khandola College won the toss and decided to bat first.

They were 79 all out. Govindraj Tari (19), Sushil Halgekar (18), Roopak Haldankar (10). Pratik Prabhu 3-26, Saish Naik 2-0, Vikrant Prabhu 2-10. Govindkumar Prasad and Vashist Bhati took a wicket each. GVM's College won in the 11th over with eight-wickets in hand. Govindkumar Prasad (33), Mayur Phadte (20), Sarvesh Dhargalkar (13).

Pawan Anandache and Diptesh Phadte claimed a wicket each.

In another match, DM's College beat Chowgule College by 10 wickets. Batting first, Chowgule College scored 87 runs.

Rudraksha Madkaikar (28), Oswald Gomes (15) and Suprasad Bhat (13). Utkarsh Pokle 3-14, Bapu Malik 2-16, Ajinkya Kudtarkar, Nitesh Raikar and Jagannath Gadekar took 1 wicket each. Ashish Hirloskar (48) and Nitesh Kawthankar (32) put together 88 runs to bring victory for DMC.

Rossman up

PANJIM (HSD) --Rossman Cruz Sports Club Nagoa defeated Dramapur Sports Club 2-0 to enter the finals of Lourdes soccer on Tuesday. There was no score in the first half.

Shawn Pereira scored first in the 50th minute. In the very next minute, Luis increased the lead.

and early 70s passed away early Tuesday following a heart attack at his residence at Santa Ines. He was 69 and leaves behind his wife, son and daughter.

Basilio, met with his friends last night and was as usual, jovial. The end came suddenly this morning after he complained of chest pain.

Those who saw him at the then Police grounds in Panjim in sixties, vividly remember Basilio donning the goalkeeper jersey for Santa Ines and stopping the then Academica’s (Dr) Wilson Mazarelo’s and Salgaocar’s Aisao Coutinho’s canonlike shots with panache. He was at his best during the then

Goan derby Santa Ines v. Academica.

Basilio effected several outof-the blue saves for Santa Ines and figured prominently in a number of memorable victories earned by his team. On his day, he was simply unbeatable and always inspired his colleagues with brilliant collections and daring interceptions. The crowd always loved to see him spinning the ball on his index finger after making a daring attempt.

Basilio donned colours for the State senior team in the Nationals at Cuttack in 1968.

He served the Electricity Department and retired as Assistant Engineer, having played for the Goa Civil Services foot-

ball team being its vice-captain.

Friendly and fun-loving, Basilio was a popular figure at the carnival float parades in Panjim from 1960 to 2004 having donned the King Momo crown once in 2003.

Football was his passion even after his retirement, seldom missing any big football match.

He strongly believed that fitness is very important to keep one hale and hearty and as such was the brain behind Basilio’s Health Club at Santa Ines which is managed by his son Aldrin, CCP Corporator.

His funeral will leave his house to Santa Ines cemetery on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Force India launches VJM-04 AGENCIES NEW DELHI, FEB 8

Force India has launched its 2011 car, the VJM-04, which will carry the hopes of Adrian Sutil, British rookie Paul di Resta and test driver Nico Hulkenberg in the coming Formula One season. The team finished seventh in the constructors standings in 2010 -its best-ever finish -- and chairman and team principal Vijay Mallya is expecting even better results in 2011.

"This year there is even more to be optimistic about. We've got three race drivers who are hungry to take the next steps in their careers, whether that be points, podiums or wins.

"We have an experienced technical team that has the ingenuity, flexibility and drive to adapt to the new wave of rule changes, and we also have the tools and resources in our partnerships with McLaren Applied Technologies and MercedesBenz High Performance Engines to aim even higher," Mallya said.

Stick wizards, St Anthony’s HS, Monte de Guirim, continued their domination on day two of North District hockey finals, at Peddem sports complex here on Tuesday.

In the girls U-17 finals, Guirim defeated Our Lady of Rosary HS, Dona Paula 1-0 courtesy of a field goal from Shutrani Haldankar.

In the boys U-14 finals, Guirim overcame Fr Agnel HS, Pilar 31.

Ashwin Chandi and Pankaj Korlkolkar netted field goals, while Ritesh Kushwar scored from a penalty corner. Vincent Colaco pulled one back for Fr Agnel.

l All-India YMCA championship from Thursday

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

The capital city is agog with excitement as big time basketball is set to return with the hosting of prestigious all-India interYMCA basketball championship for Dalton McClelland shield (trophy) from February 10-13 at Fr Benedict Furtado memorial hall at Don Bosco’s indoor stadium of Don Bosco’s Oratory here.

The 4-day event will see 17 top YMCA teams from Mumbai, Guntur, Ernakulum, Secunderabad, Coimbatore, Bareilly, Pune, Palakkad, Hyderabad, Vizag, Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, Fort Cochin and Kalyan vying for top honours with Goa YMCA fielding its own Panjim YMCA team for the first time ever in Goan basketball scenario. Bombay, the holders, will field two teams, according to a press briefing by P M Vaz, Goa YMCA president, Isaac Prasadam, senior secretary Bombay YMCA and organising secretary and Ashley do Rosario, coordinator.

Basketball was at one time among the popular sports in Goa and the YMCA Goa is determined to bring back its past glory as several National and State players will be seen in action in matches which are expected to go the full distance and generate thrills aplenty, according to P M Vaz. “The Goa Unit is very much involved in youth development programme and basketball forms part and parcel of our campus activity. Hence we have formed our own team as part of promotion of basketball in the State,” P M Vaz elaborated.

“Its time for our youth to come and witness matches of

Subash Shirodkar, president, Cheeerleading Federation of India speaking at the media briefing alongwith Guirish Chodonkar in Panjim on Tuesday.

Photo: Rozario Estibeiro

Cheer Sports has already made its entry as the latest sport in

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 8

Big time basketball in Panjim

P M Vaz addressing the media on all-India basketball championship at YMCA House, Campal on Tuesday in the presence of Isaac Prasadam, Ashley do Rosario and Joseph Vaz. Photo: Rozario Estibeiro.

very high standards as the YMCA is taking a giant leap in promoting basketball. We are grateful that Don Bosco’s have provided us with the indoor stadium, but eventually, we will need our own one for which the authorities will have to provide us with the necessary space,” remarked P M Vaz. “The investment in organising the event is Rs 10 lakh, with the Bombay YMCA bearing the entire expenditure in which Manvin’s will provide lodging at subsidised rates,” disclosed P M Vaz. “YMCAs are known for high quality performance basketball teams all over India. This is our regular, annual affair in which the youth, boys and girls, men and women look forward with keen interest to participate,

cheer as we channelise energy in the right direction,” stated Isaac Prasadam, the chief organiser.

“We have outstanding players and they are all raring to go, to display their best in Goa. Basketball is a very popular sport in the world and the fare dished out by the YMCA teams will be worth going miles to see,” voiced Isaac.

C o o rd i n a t o r A s h l e y d o Rosario said that matches will be played at 7 a.m., 8.30 a.m.

10 a.m. 11.30 a.m., 3 p.m., 4.30 p.m., 5.30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The semi-finals will be played on Sunday at 4 p.m. while the semi-finals will be at 7.30 and 9 a.m.

Group matches will be played on league basis with the semi-

Cheerleading contest on Saturday

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

Monte de Guirim top

India, with the Cheeerleading Federation of India affiliated to US’ International Cheerleading Union based in Atlanta being al-

ready established with its headquarters in Goa (Shiroda). It has already completed one year.

Subash Shirodkar, president of the federation and Goa Olympic Association (GOA) addressing the media said, “After successful organisation of the first National Cheerleading Championship in November last in Margao, the Cheerleading Association of Goa is geared up to organise the 2nd National championship on February 12 at Goa Museum Hall, Patto, here at 6.30 p.m. in which nine States have been invited.”

“Delhi, Punjab, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have already confirmed partici-

Messi v. Ronaldo in Kolkata?

AGENCIES KOLKATA, FEB 8

After a procession of current and former international football stars, Kolkata is set to play host to perhaps the biggest of them all from the current generation.

According to an ambitious plan, the twice FIFA Player of the Year is likely to play an exhibition match in the city with the Argentine national team in September this year. And, if all goes according to the plan, it could be a double whammy for football fans, with a full-strength Argentina playing either Spain or Portugal in the match at the one-lakh capacity Yuba Bharati Krirangan. That would mean get-

Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi

ting to see the likes of Messi and Carlos Tevez against Iniesta, Fernando Torres — Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Carvalho, if it happens to be Portugal.

“We have signed an agreement for bringing the star-studded Argentine team to Kolkata,” Bhaswar Goswami, executive director of Celebrity Management Group, a sports management company, said, confirming the development. IFA general secretary Utpal Ganguli also confirmed the news. “ The Argentina team are scheduled to play an exhibition match either against Spain or Portugal on September 2 here. The IFA is organising the event, however another firm is bringing the Argentina national side,” he said.

pation with hosts Goa fielding a strong, promising contingent,” disclosed Subash, who is also the president of Congress in Goa. Elaborating, Shirodkar said, “The participants will revel in athletic activities like cheerdance doubles, jazz doubles, hip hop doubles, freestyle, allgirls group stunt, coed stunt, teams, jazz, hip hop, freestyle, all-girls elite, all-girls premiere, coed elite and coed premier.”

In order to popularise the new sport in the State, interschool, inter-higher secondary and college level contests have been planned from October this year, stated Shirodkar.

England's Morgan out of World Cup AFP LONDON, FEB 8

England batsman Eoin Morgan has been ruled out of the World Cup with a broken finger, coach Andy Flower told a news conference here on Tuesday.

Left-hander Morgan's place in England's 15-man World Cup squad will be taken by Essex allrounder Ravi Bopara.

Former Ireland international Morgan missed England's final one-day international (ODI) against Australia in Perth on Sunday with the injury, which he suffered in the ODI in Adelaide last month.

Although he endured a tough tour of Australia, failing to break into the Test side and then struggling for form in the ODIs, which the tourists lost 6-1, Morgan's innovative middle-order batting was considered crucial to England's World Cup hopes.

The 24-year-old has played 61 ODIs, scoring 1,094 runs at an average of 38.08, and at an impressive strike-rate of 81.19, including four centuries.

finals and finals being on knockout basis.

The teams: Pool A – Bombay, Guntur, Ernakulum, Secunderabad. Pool B – Coimbatore, Bombay B, Bareilly, P une, Palakaad. Pool C – Hyderabad, Vizag, Kolkata, Panjim. Pool D – New Delhi, Chennai, Fort Cochin, Kalyan.

Joseph Vaz of YMCA was also present.

With seniors return, Dempo gunning for Churchill Bros HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 8

Dempo Sports Club defender Valeriano Rebello insists that his team’s back-to-back victories away from home can galvanize the holders of I-League crown in defending their title.

Valeriano himself is frustrated for remaining sidelined since the start of the league following a thigh muscle tear on the left leg but the long serving right wing back felt that the return of his international teammates came at the right time. “We've got back all of our players for the first time in the season. In-

MAS Nayal enter semis HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, FEB 8

MAS Nayal Sports Club beat Chaitanya Sports Club by 57runs to sail into the semi-finals of 1st All-Goa Union Trophy T20 cricket tournament.

Bating first, MAS scored 157 for 7 in 20 overs. Aashay Korde who topscored with 43 runs was later adjudged man-of-thematch. He was well supported

by S Someshwar who scored 16.

For Chaitanya, Rudresh Azgaokar and Mukund Bandodkar were the successful bowlers scalping two wickets each while Babani Kuelkar claimed one wicket.

In reply, Chaitanya scored 105 for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Rudresh Agaoakar who scored an unbeaten 28 was not enough to grab the win. Aditya Parkar chipped in some valuable 20 runs.

For MAS, Stanley Fernandes was the wrecker-in-chief scalping 3-13. Akshay Korde was the other successful bowler claiming 2-45.

Brief score: MAS Nayal SC, 157 for 7 in 20 overs (Aashay Korde 43, Amay Dhamsekar 30, S Someshwar 16). Rudresh Azgaokar 2-23, Mukund Bandodkar 2-43, Babani Kulekar 1-14.

They beat Chaitanya, 105 for 8 in 20 overs (Rudresh Azgaokar not out 28, Aditya Parkar 20, Siddharth Dhamaskar 16). Stanley Fernandes 3-13, Aashay Korde 2-15, Truptesh Phadte 13).

Valeriano

juries and international commitments had affected us very badly. Now that everybody is back, it has lent us the necessary strength. It's not only us, the other teams also have their players back but most importantly for us our senior players are back into the team and that has given the others the belief and the assurance,” said Valeriano.

“We need another win and when we play Churchill Brothers on February 12 in the next round and it's a huge match, a victory on Saturday will get us right back into contention but the second phase had just started and it's still a long way to go,” explained Valeriano, who has resumed training.

Dempo had missed out on

the services of their reliable defender since the Federation Cup last year but the former Goa Santosh Trophy skipper will have to wait at least another three weeks to regain full fitness. “It's very irritating, I wanted to play in the AFC Cup tie on February 19 and that'll be either in Syria or Qatar and it's not possible as I have started practicing recently. I have to regain my full fitness before playing again,” expressed Valeriano.

The Dempo defense had been error-prone such that the last year I-League winners had tasted an embarassing 4-0 defeat at the hands of minnows Air India but Valeriano supported his colleagues. “It happens sometimes, you had that terrible day where nothing goes right. We had players in every position but we can't single out someone for the blame. Now we have Mahesh Gawli and Samir Naik back and that makes our rearguard very tough. Dempo now have a full and complete side and I think we're ready to climb up the table, there's still a lot to play for,” Valeriano revealed, before disclosing that the result of the local derby featuring Dempo and Churchill Brothers on Saturday at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao will have a vital impact on the course of the ILeague title.

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY, 2011

Police too strong for YB Tonca Pg 14

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Mike Hussey, Hauritz out of World Cup AGENCIES MELBOURNE, FEB 8

Australia batsman Mike Hussey and spinner Nathan Hauritz have been ruled out of the World Cup through injury and will be replaced by Callum Ferguson and Jason Krejza, Cricket Australia

said on Tuesday.

Ricky Ponting, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and all rounder Steve Smith, however, have recovered sufficiently from injury to depart for India with the 15man squad on Wednesday.

Revised Australia squad:

SPORTS

Goa’s ex-goalkeeper Basilio passes away Pg 15

Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke, Callum Ferguson, David Hussey, Cameron White, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger.

Eden gets ‘encouraging’ response

l Lorgat virtually rules out any match involving India duration," Lorgat said, giving clear indiYet to get official nod: Dalmiya cation about the end of any hopes that

PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 8

International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat today virtually ruled out any possibility of an India match being held at the Eden Gardens though the three World Cup fixtures at the venue next month are expected to be held as per schedule.

"I have received a preliminary report (after yesterday's inspection) and the progress has been very good since January 25. In all likelihood, the remaining three matches will be held as per schedule," Lorgat told mediapersons at a promotional event announcing ICC's tie-up with Hyundai Motors here.

Eden Gardens was originally allotted four World Cup matches but the IndiaEngland game originally scheduled there on February 27 was shifted to Bangalore

Cricket Association of Bengal president Jagmohan Dalmiya today said he was waiting for an official communication after ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said Eden Gardens would "in all likelihood" host the three World Cup matches next month.

"We are hearing that Lorgat said

the three matches could be held in Eden Gardens. We hear that the ICC team that inspected the venue yesterday has said the Eden is ready. But it's not yet official," Dalmiya told PTI. "We don't want to create any controversy now. If we get any official word on this, we will let you know," he said.

due to under-preparedness of the stadium.

The three remaining matches scheduled to be held at the venue are South Africa vs Ireland (March 15), Netherlands vs Ireland (March 18) and Zimbabwe vs Kenya (March 20).

When asked whether there is any possibility of shifting the India vs Ireland game from Bangalore to Kolkata, Lorgat did not sound too optimistic.

"That will be extremely difficult. A shifting requires all sorts of logistical changes which may not be possible in such a short

PTI KOLKATA, FEB 8

Ganguly rules out retirement PTI KOLKATA, FEB 8

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly today ruled out retiring from competitive cricket and said he was still hoping to play in the Indian Premier League if an opportunity came his way in the future.

A day after speculation about his retirement from all forms of cricket did the rounds, he said it was a classic case of misunderstanding and he was "shocked and disappointed" to see how his comments were misinterpreted by the media.

"After learning that something was misunderstood during the interview, I had sent a rejoinder and said if I don't get to play IPL, I will not be participating in any forms of domestic cricket.

But if I do get an opportunity to play IPL, I will play domestic cricket to stay fit," Ganguly told PTI in an interview here.

Reiterating that he has not called it quits from domestic cricket, Ganguly said the media blew his remarks out of proportion and in no point of time during the interview he has mentioned about his complete retirement from the game.

"It was completely misunderstood. It was in a sequence of questions I had said that I would not play domestic cricket if I don't play in IPL. It was said in a different perspective completely," the former Indian captain said.

"I had never said in the interview that I was retiring from all forms of cricket and there was no question of backtracking. I don't understand how they (media) came to such a conclusion," he said.

An interview to a television channel yesterday triggered speculation about Ganguly's retirement from all forms of the game as his comments were misinterpreted by the media.

Kohli jumps to joint 2nd in ICC ODI rankings AGENCIES DUBAI, FEB 8

Talented Indian batsman Virat Kohli jumped three places to joint second in the latest ICC ODI players' rankings issued on Monday.

Kohli and South African AB de Villiers share the second spot with 784 points behind another Protea Hashim Amla (889).

Dhoni and Gambhir are the other two Indians in the top 10 at fifth and ninth respectively.

Dhoni slipped one place while Gambhir gained one spot.

Explosive batsman Yusuf Pathan soared 34 places to be at 47th.

In the bowlers' chart headed

by New Zealand's Daniel Vettori, South Africa pacers Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe achieved career-best rankings at second and 10th respectivley.

CAB harboured about having at least one India match at the Eden Gardens.

Lorgat re-iterated ICC's stand of 'zero tolerance' towards corruption in the game.

"It's an unfortunate reality but greed is not restricted to any particular region or city. We have a measure of such activities and the perpetrators will certainly be brought to book," he said.

As someone who has always been vocal about introduction of legalised betting in India, Lorgat said, "If one legalizes betting then it will be far easier to manage the issue of temptation towards corruption. In countries like Australia, England, there is a regulatory industry.

Wherever betting is illegal, things tend to go underground."

Sree replaces Praveen PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 8

Kerala speedster S Sreesanth today replaced injured paceman Praveen Kumar in the Indian squad for the upcoming cricket World Cup starting later this month.

Praveen who sustained an elbow injury during the South Africa ODI series failed to recuperate in time and was ruled out after it became clear that he won't be fit by the time India play their first match against Bangladesh on February 19.

"Praveen Kumar has been ruled out of the ICC CWC 2011 due to an elbow injury. The AllIndia Senior Selection Committee has picked S Sreesanth as Praveen Kumar’s replacement in the Indian team for the tournament", BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said in a press release.

"The ICC has confirmed that Praveen Kumar can be replaced in the squad by Sreesanth," he added.

Time was always running out for Praveen who was sent to London by the Indian Board to get his elbow injury checked by

famous British surgeon Dr Andrew Wallace who had earlier treated Sachin Tendulkar for his tennis elbow problem.

However, yesterday when Praveen was put through the rigorous fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, it was clear that the Uttar Pradesh seamer was not at the peak of his fitness which is expected for a big tournament like the World Cup. That Sreesanth will get the nod became clear as the pacer was also asked to appear for a fitness test in Bangalore yesterday as the board knew Praveen may not pass the test.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Get Set Run…

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES oa is grooving to the tune of workouts and exercising. In the last decade, gyms have mushroomed all around the state, right from the small-time local gym, amidst crowded localities to the ultra-chic spas in the five star hotels. In fact, these days, many are going a step further and getting enrolled in various dance classes like zumba, salsa, ballroom, Bollywood dancing and yes, even belly dancing etc or for activities like trekking, cycling and even the latest, indoor rock climbing. But an activity that has been around for a long while and still remains thoroughly enjoyed is running.

Quiz 20 different people as to why they like running and they will give you 20 different responses. But the crux of the matter remains that these are people who enjoy the activity tremendously and have reaped and are still reaping the benefits of running. The one response from most runners that hit me was the enjoyment in reaching the ‘runner’s high’. Now what is this ‘runner’s high’? The reply is, “That euphoric, clear and calm People in Goa continue state that we feel after a long run.”

These people are known to lead w i t h t h e i r q u e s t t o better quality lives than most who acquire magnificent and do other forms of exercise. They come across as generally happier healthy bodies, and gyms than many others. And they are constantly honing in on their cre- continue to mushroom. ative energies. But you first need A m o n g t h e v a r i o u s to get started with the running before you reach ‘runner’s high’. a c t i v i t i e s , r u n n i n g – For starters, medical experts inform how studies have shown the whether outdoors or on health benefits of running to be the treadmill, remains a tremendous, reducing your chances of any form of illness – highly preferred activity. from the common cold to cancer.

They even opine that running is Herald details… perhaps among the best aerobic exercises for physical conditioning of your heart and lungs. They enlighten, “The entire body receives efficient flow of blood and oxygen. It helps improve fitness and stamina and as a weight-bearing exercise, running also increases bone density, which can fend off osteoporosis.”

They continue, “It entails the involvement of your legs, feet, arms, heart and lungs. This exercise builds your muscles and strengthens your body resistance. You get fitter and healthier and your body is able to fend off many ailments and thus improves longevity.”

Surprisingly, most runners didn’t cite weight loss as a reason and instead were committed to overall fitness. Humorously they quip, “In fact, the heavier people hate to run.” Yet, they believe this is one of the most vigorous exercises and thereby is an extremely efficient way to knock off those unwanted calories. Fitness experts enlighten, “Running burns about 100

G

Udkachea bollar sungott udta - Anonymous

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Runners just do it, they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first - Anonymous

calories per mile for a person weighing around 70 kg. Running also builds muscle mass and so your resting metabolism will increase which means you will burn calories even while resting.”

So, if you combine running with sensible eating, you will definitely notice a new sexy you. But don’t look for a quick fix, you need to stay patient and committed and the end result is amazing.

Another interesting aspect cited with regards to running is recreational running. Runners see this as a great form of entertainment and the fact that you are going to reap the huge health benefits from this activity exacerbates the enthusiasm. This has picked up in recent times, where friends and acquaintances group up and do fun running. And in Goa, this often means, on our exquisite beaches. With the negative ions emitted on the beaches, you will feel wholeheartedly rejuvenated and energetic. Okay, there may be instances where you are a loner or find it hard to gather a group for recreational running. All you need to do is take your dog if you have one and just sprint. It is beneficial to both of you.

Yes, now we get to the most important question. How can someone with no running experience get started? The health experts’ first piece of advice is to get your physicals done. You need to make sure that your health status can allow you to pursue running. This is especially warranted for the heavier people so that the physician ensures you are able to run or jog without over stressing your body systems.

Then you need to invest in a good pair of running shoes. Do not forget that running also brings about injuries like pulled hamstring, shin splints and snapped hip. Choosing the right running shoes is crucial to avoid such injuries. According to medical experts, more than half the number of runners have injuries from improper shoe selection. Doing proper warm up and cool downs stretching is also necessary. Stretching after you complete your run is vital.

For the ones who want to go into professional running or want to chalk out a strict running regimen, after you get your physicals done, you need to find a trainer or coach who will advise you accordingly. And do not forget the all important rest periods for your body. It is vital to take breaks to recover so that your body recovers and adapts to the new level of stress. During the rest breaks, you can swim, play tennis or do some other activity that you enjoy doing.

Want another reason to get you to sprint like you are on a chase? The experts enlighten, “By the age of 50, only about 44% of your teenage lung capacity is opened even if you don’t smoke. But if you start running and do it consistently, your lungs’ blood vessels open up and remain open. This will enable you to feel better and improve your immune system.

As for choosing running locations, majority of runners claim that running outdoor in the open, fresh air is more fun. But at times, especially during our glorious monsoons when the rains beat down with a passionate fury, running indoor becomes imperative. You can do your rain dance after your running!

We need to remember that living an active life ensures one remains fit without the effort to remind oneself to get fit. Make hard work the entire day a habit, then stand under a cool shower at night before slipping between the sheets and your body will tingle with positive pain while your mind and soul will drink in the pleasure from that pain.

All in all, running does a world of good to your heart, body, mind and soul. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your runners and get dashing…

Play was a Central Element of People’s Lives even 4,000 Years ago

Jazz to cast its Spell on Goa Music from the trumpets, saxophones and pianos flows through the air, enchanting the listeners who hear it. Jazz has a spellbinding feel that can charm anyone who has an ear for it. As a number of Dutch Jazz musicians are making their way to the state to treat Goa to a festival of Jazz to be held from February 12 to 14, 2011, Herald introduces you to four Dutch and one Goan performers

Tourism

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Crosslee Menezes

BY HERALD FEATURES He will be performing alongside Saskia on February 14 at the Kala azz music has always been close to the heart of Academy with the focus being mainly on European Jazz and its comevery Goan, given that many Konkani songs too parison with American Jazz. have a jazz beat. The music has a charm that Jaime Rodriguez, percussionist and vocalist, has been known for continues to enchant its listeners and giving Goa his foray into Colombian and Latin music many a jazz treat is the Heritage Jazz, which, in and is the founder of the salsa orWarren Byrd association with the Tourism Department of Goa chestra Rumbata. Born in Colombia, and the International Centre Goa (ICG) is organ- Jaime studied music in Colombia ising the Jazz for Goa Music Festival. The festival will be a mélange and Spain, forming a Latin Amerof Dutch artists with a tinge of the Goan flavour sure to give a jazz ican music group ‘Grupo Cali’ fan something to remember. and holding numerous concerts in the NetherPerforming at the festival will be Saskia Laroo. Saskia’s musical lands, Spain and France. performances display a combination of new styles into traditional He has played with jazz music termed as ‘nu jazz’ or ‘swinging body music’ that groups from Chile, Latin highlight a vivacious blend of hip-hop, jazz, salsa, funk reggae American countries, besides and world. Playing since the age of eight, she chose the trumpet the Dutch music theatre as her launch instrument while studying in Amsterdam. group ‘Het Groot niet Saskia finally made it big when she became a fullte Vermijden Dans en fledged professional, performing with Dixieland Show Orkest’ (The bands and mainstream jazz combos and got the Great Unavoidable Dance right break when she was asked to perform with and Show Orchestra) and Dutch tenor saxophonist Hans Dulfer and becoming Saskia Laroo’s Salsabop and a regular in his bands and also Rosa king’s UpUruguayan singer Beatriz side-Down Band. After being a part of many Theo de Jong Aguiar. bands, she went solo in 1993 and then formed Theo de Jong (bass guitar) started experimenting her own Saskia Laroo band. with all kinds of instruments at a very young age Her love for experimenting with different genres and began playing the bass guitar when he was of jazz music was taken to another level when Saskia 11. Pop music was his first interest and he bebelted out some the Konkani tunes on her trumpet at came a member of several pop groups. At age the first ‘Konkani Rocks’ jazz music show held in Goa. Saskia Laroo 15, he was frequently visiting the local jazz club Having performed at festivals and concerts in some 42 countries around the globe, Saskia will be literally blowing and got familiar with the standard jazz repertoire. Theo played her own trumpet again to regale jazz music lovers in Goa in the Rob Franken trio with drummer Bruno Castellucci, accompanying great musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby Malach, at the ICG from February 12 to 14.

Warren Byrd, who plays the keyboard in the Saskia Victor Feldman, Philip Catherine, Dee Daniels and Tony Scott.

Laroo Band, is also a pianist, composer and vocalist. His During these concerts he developed his solo playing skills and experiences with performing began with singing in also played a lot of incidental concerts.

From 1983 till 1987, Theo was occupied almost solely with the the church choir and gained valuable experience from the vast expanse of the past and present mu- Latin band Batida with singer Josee Koning. After having performed sical ideas – earning him a full scholarship for Clas- at various concerts and an album with this band, he decided to sical Vocal Studies at Hartt College of Music. He “leave the stage” for a while and start teaching on the Conservatories had his mind was made up to become a jazz artist of Hilversum (now Amsterdam) and Utrecht. In the past few years, and listening, absorbing, practicing and synthe- he again worked as a freelance musician doing recording sessions sising the legacies of not only jazz but also classical, and concerts and expanded his teaching abilities creating new ideas folk and popular music of the past and present for students on how to approach improvised music.

Crosslee Menezes, the Goan component in the festival, is a helped him formulate his approach to improvisation and composition. Warren considers singer and performs as a One-Man-Band singing songs from over composition as the cornerstone of his devel- the years beginning with the 50s. His easy listening, soothing opment as an artist. The last several years have vocals, slow Jazz and Country songs have earned him a whole lot witnessed him performing in many interna- of praise and also won some of the singing completions, namely tional tours and an album release with Saskia the one organised by Remo Fernandes where he was awarded Laroo and two duo albums, four ensemble first place for Original Song. He later joined the Big City Band as albums, and considerable press exposure with its lead singer for around a decade. In 2006, Crosslee released his Jaime Rodriguez David Chevan and the Afro-Semitic experience. first music album, ACCBA.

lay was an important part of people’s everyday lives as far back as 4,000 years ago, according to an archaeology thesis from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, which investigates the social significance of the phenomenon of play and games in the Bronze Age Indus Valley in present-day Pakistan.

It is not uncommon for archaeologists excavating old settlements to come across play and game-related finds, but within established archaeology these types of finds have often been disregarded.

“They have been regarded, for example, as signs of harmless pastimes and thus considered less important for research, or have been reinterpreted based on ritual aspects or as symbols of social status,” explains author of the thesis Elke Rogersdotter.

She has studied play-related artefacts found at excavations in the ruins of the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro in present-day Pakistan.

The remains constitute the largest urban settlement from the Bronze Age in the Indus Valley, a cultural complex of the same era as ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

The settlement is difficult to interpret; for example, archaeologists have not found any remains of temples or palaces.

It has therefore been tough to offer an opinion on how the settlement was managed or how any elite class marked itself out.

Elke Rogersdotter’s study shows some

surprising results. Almost every tenth find from the ruined city is play-related. They include, for instance, different forms of dice and gaming pieces.

In addition, the examined finds have not been scattered all over. Repetitive patterns have been discerned in the spatial distribution, which may indicate specific locations where games were played. “The marked quantity of play-related finds and the structured distribution shows that playing was already an important part of people’s everyday lives more than 4,000 years ago,” says Elke.

“The reason that play and game-related artefacts often end up ignored or being reinterpreted at archaeological excavations is probably down to scientific thinking’s incongruity with the irrational phenomenon of games and play,” believes Elke.

“The objective of determining the social significance of the actual games therefore, in turn, challenges established ways of thinking.

It is an instrument we can use to come up with interpretations that are closer to the individual person. We may gain other, more sociallyembedded approaches for a difficult-to-interpret settlement.”

(Courtesy: ANI)

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Wednesday, 9 Feb 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas, organised by the Director of Art and Culture is underway till February 10 at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘Sunset Art Programme’, an innovative art programme for children, organised

by Kala Academy will be held every Sunday from 5pm to 6.30pm for 6 weeks at the Jetty. Call 2420452.

‘Asturi’, an exhibition for woman by woman organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Women’s Wing will be held from February 10 to 13 from 10amto 8pm at Azad Maidan, Panjim. Registration is open.

E-mail goachamber@gmail.com. Call 2424252.

SEQC’s Twenty Paces – Solo Knock-Out Quiz Finals will be held on February 20. Call: 2452805-10 or email: prog@incentgoa.com All Goa Special Healing Retreat for Married Couples is underway for the next 5 consecutive Fridays at the Carambolim Church.

Transport will be available from Margao near Fatima Convent, Bus Stand from 6:30am onwards.

‘Landscapes of the Mind’ – Impressions from near and far, an exhibition of mixed media paintings by Rani Sarin will be held on February 12 and 13 from 10am to 7pm at Gallery 3 of the Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

A Solo Singing Competition, organised by Omkar Cultural Association will be held on February 19 at 5.30pm in Dhargal. Call 9823306652 or 9673997188.

Third Konknni (Romi Lipi) Literary and Cultural Sammelan, organised by the

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H O R O S C O P E Dalgado Konknni Academy will be held on February 19 and 20 at Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘Ensuring peoples participation in the International Year of Forests’ will be the discussion of this fortnights Friday Balcao session to be held on February 11 from 4pm to 6pm at Goa Desc Resource Centre, No 11, Liberty Apartments, Feira Alta, Mapusa.

E-mail goasdesc@gmail.com.

A condolence meet in order to condole the death of late Rosary Ferns’ is organised by TAG on February 10, 2011 at 5pm at the Pavillian Hall, BPS Club Margao.

International Year of Forests 2011 will be the focus at the Friday Balcao, a fortnightly discussion will be held on February 11, 2011.

Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public.

HFT, jazz, fusion and world music band will play live on February 12 at Goa Chitra, Benaulim. Call 6570877.

Jazz for Love, a performance by Dutch band will be held on February 12 and 13. E-mail prog@incentgoa.com.

Call 9765404391 or 2452805-10.

‘Heritage Walk through Panjim’, organised by Goa Heritage Action Group will be held on February 13 from 8am to 9:30am. The starting point will be the main head post office in Panjim.

E-mail GHAGwalks@gmail.com.

Painting exhibition of contemporary abstracts, acrylic and mix media on small and large, ready to hang stretched canvas by Piety D’Silva are on display at till February 28 from 5pm to 7pm at Pietyz-Abstractz Artz World, Borda-Margao. E-mail d a s i l v a m a a n @yahoo.com. Call 9822185185.

If you see something that needs to be fixed, do it. No 21 Mar - 19 Apr one else is as observant now.

Something needs to give -and whatever you need given comes your way, thanks to your affable, charming nature.

It's just one of those days when people are naturally inclined to help you out.

Taurus To d a y i s a l l about endurance -- it's time to stretch 20 Apr - 20 May your expectations of yourself.

You stumble into a funny situation pretty early today that keeps you smiling well into the night. It might be a good time to let go of some old stresses that have been holding you back.

Today brings Gemini r e s t r i c t i o n s .

Don't let them hold you back -find a way 21 May - 20 Jun around them.

Your advice is golden today, but you should still dispense it freely -- there are so many people in need! It's a good day for you to check in with younger relatives and see what you can do for them.

You'll be outside of your head, and not too concerned with your emo22 Jun - 23 Jul tions or fears.

Someone needs to be in charge today, and it might as well be you. Your determination is strong, and people are certainly looking for direction, so make something big happen as soon as you can.

Financial conservation will be a major theme now. In24 Jul - 23 Aug vestigate investment ideas.

Your self-confidence might be misread today, so try to either dial it down a few notches or avoid situations where people are likely to be judging you.

Put off that big date for another few days.

You're entering a contemplative time, when thinking about 23 Aug - 22 Sep things will illuminate you.

You've got depths that are seriously appealing right now -romantically, career-wise and in almost every other way. Your positive energy helps you draw on these depths to bring your dreams to life.

There's nothing wrong with patting yourself on the back.

23 Sept - 22 Oct You did well, so be proud!

You need an outside mediator to intervene -- in fact, you may have to play the part yourself! You've got everything in balance today, so it shouldn't be hard for you to play judge.

Scorpio Finishing up your work will bring you a much-needed 23 Oct - 22 Nov sense of accomplishment now. You feel yourself drawn to opposites today, possibly at the same time -- which can lead to some interesting situations.

The polarity should at least help you see things in a new, clearer light.

Sagittarius Point things

Capricorn If you're considering a del i c i o u s adventure, you 22 Dec - 20 Jan must move forward on a plan soon! Work your connections to save money today -- your great energy should be able to help you make the rounds and bring in whatever you need under budget. Apply the leftover bucks to something fun!

Aquarius Your internal struggles get calmer. Things are slowing 21 Jan - 19 Feb (and quieting) d o w n . Yo u r mental state is often receptive to new ideas, but today, you are actually in search of old ones. Education comes in many forms, and you may find yourself quite a bit smarter by the end of the day.

Attitude is the missing link n o w. I f y o u think it will be 20 Feb - 20 Mar so, then it will be so! Your poetic sensibilities are making sense of the world today. You should find that your mind is more grounded as long as you are able to express yourself in new, more creative ways

Aries

Libra

where you want them to go now.

You have more 23 Nov - 20 Dec influence than you think. You can definitely deal with whatever is going down today, so don't panic -- in fact, you need to make sure that you're as sharp as can be when things start to heat up. Your belief in yourself makes it all happen.

WORD OF THE DAY

Cancer

Leo

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Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? The durian’s smell evokes mixed reactions

tutelage Pronunciation TOO-tuh-lij Function Noun Meaning 1: an act of guarding or protecting 2: the state of being under a guardian or tutor 3: instruction especially of an individual Example Sentence Under the tutelage of his swim coach, Liam has improved his times.

LAFFS

The durian is the fruit of several tree species belonging to the genus Durio and the Malvaceae family. Widely known and revered in Southeast Asia as the ‘king of fruits’, the durian is distinctive for its large size, unique odour and formidable thorn-covered husk. The fruit can grow as large as 30cm long and 15cm in diameter, and it typically weighs 1-3 kg. Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the colour of its husk green to brown, and its flesh pale yellow to red, depending on the species. The edible flesh emits a distinctive odour, strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. Some people regard the durian as fragrant; others find the aroma overpowering and offensive. The smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust, and has been described variously as almonds, rotten onions, turpentine and gym socks. The odour has led to the fruit’s banishment from certain hotels and public transportation in Southeast Asia.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“How many people here have telekenetic powers?

Raise my hand.”

– Emo Philips

DAILY GROOK CHEAT CHAT

by Francis Rodrigues gossipers suffer the abnormality of grouping in a heard mentality!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Green glass globes glow greenly Wednesday 33° C | 20° C Dawn 06:40

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise 07:02

Sunset Dark 18:36 18:58

Moon rise 10:36 High 01:46

Moon set 23:34

TIDES Low High Low 08:25 14:41 20:07

17:30 Heroes 21:00 Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi 07:55 10:20 12:35 14:50 16:50 18:45 21:00 23:30

Crossing Over Another Stakeout X-Men Origins: The Devil's Tomb Into the Blue 2: 3 Men and a Little Lady You Only Live Twice The Reader

11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

A box without hinges, lock or key, yet golden treasure lies within. What is it?

High —

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Short cut

14:20 16:25 18:15 21:00 23:15

New York I Love you Being Cyrus Gosford Park Underworld: Evolution Vacancy 2

Abhimanyu Patthar Aur Payal Pratighat Spy Hard

16:00 Dana Paani 20:00 Koyla 23:25 Pyar Ke Naam Qurban 10:00 12:00 15:45 17:45 19:15 21:00 23:30

Code of Silence The Lord of the Rings Megafault Hey Arnold! The Movie Underworld He's Just Not That Into You Black Water

08:35 Iris 10:25 Saving Silverman 12:20 A Perfect Getaway

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00

09:40 China Gate 14:00 Chal Chala Chal

Sangam Meherbaan Bol Radha Bol Tahalka

12:30 13:00 19:30 16:00 16:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Mrs Tendulkar Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Saajan Re Jooth Maat Bolo Lapataganj FIR Ring Wrong Ring Saajan Re Jooth Maat Bolo Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Mrs Tendulkar Ring Wrong Ring Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Saajan Re Jooth Maat Bolo Mrs Tendulkar Lapataganj FIR

12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30

Pyaar Ki Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhani Geet Pyaar Ki Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti

IDIOT BOX 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30

Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Behenein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Mere Sapne Hamari Devrani Sapno Se Bhare Naina Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak? Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Sasural Genda Phool Saath Nibhana Saathiya Tere Liye Sabki Laadli Bebo Saath Nibhana Saathiya Sasural Genda Phool Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Behenein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Liye Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Kaali: Ek Agnipariksha Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak?

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11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00

Krishna Ben Khakhrawala Maa Exchange Baat Hamari Pakki Hai Krishna Ben Khakhrawala Saas Bina Sasural jhalak dikhhla Jaa Cid Krishna Ben Khakhrawala Baat Hamari Pakki Hai Maa Exchange Saas Bina Sasural Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Crime Patrol

Pavitra Rishta Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Bhagonwali Pavitra Rishta Sanskaar Lakshmi

SUDOKU 779

Riddle Me This

14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00

Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Ram Milaye Jodi Bhagonwali Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Jhansi Ki Rani Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dil Se Diya Vachan Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Jhansi Ki Rani Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Pavitra Rishta Ram Milaye Jodi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Sanskaar Lakshmi Pavitra Rishta

11:30 Mrs Tendulkar 12:00 Lapataganj

16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Pyaar Ki Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye Pyaar Ki Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye Pyaar Ki Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhani Pyaar Ki Ye Ek Kahaani

12:25 13:20 14:15 15:10 16:05 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00

Got to Dance Reaper Wipeout Sports Crash Top 20 Countdown Top Chef Wipeout Got to Dance World Records Smashed Breaking The Magician's

22:00 India's Minute to Win It

13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30

The Bold And The Beautiful Two And A Half Men The Bachelor How I Met Your Mother Friends Two And A Half Men The Simpsons Burn Notice Friends The Simpsons Koffee With Karan How I Met Your Mother The Bachelor Burn Notice Two And A Half Men The Simpsons

12:45 National One Day Cup Match 16:30 Best of the Best 17:00 Premier League Highlights 18:00 Bpl Express Match 19:00 Global Football 19:30 Goals 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Best of the Best 21:30 World Cup Superstars 22:00 Contenders 22:30 Best of the Best

16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30

Best of the Best Premier League Highlights Bpl Express Global Football Goals!

Sportscenter India Sportscenter Asia Best of the Best World Cup Superstars The Contenders Best of the Best Sportscenter India Sportscenter Asia

10:00 10:30 12:30 14:30 15:00 17:00 18:00

Real NBA 2010/11 NBA 2010/11 La Liga 2010/11 FIFA Italian Serie A 2010/11 WWE WWE Specials 2011

21:00 21:30 22:30 23:30

FIFA La Liga Weekly 2010/11HLs WWE NBA 2010/11

08:00 Wild 09:00 True Stories 10:00 Creative Vision 11:00 Wild 12:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

13:00 India 14:00 Animal Impact 15:00 Situation Critical 16:00 Nat Geo Junior 17:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

18:00 Wild Week 19:00 I Didn't Know That 19:30 I Didn't Know That 20:00 Wild 21:00 Big 22:00 Dangerous Encounters

07:00 Amche Bakibab 07:30 Amazing Fusion of Dance Beats 08:00 English News 09:00 Pilar Care for Mother Earth 09:30 Clown Fiesta 10:00 English News 11:00 Sanz Sangoddachi 11:30 Health Watch 12:00 Flavors 12:30 Bike Ssscape 13:00 English News 14:00 Grape Escapade 14:30 Tiny Tots 15:00 Amche Bakibab 15:30 Divine Praises 16:00 English News 17:00 Angos Musical Show 17:30 Pilar Care for Mother Earth 18:00 English News 19:00 Amazing Fusion of Dance Beats 19:30 Netravalli Trekking 20:00 English News 21:00 Jazz Gospel 21:30 Grape Escapade 22:00 English News 23:00 Sanz Sangoddachi 23:30 Art of living 00:00 Clown Fiesta 00:30 Bike Ssscape Note: Subject to change

Instructions for Sudoku 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

SUDOKU SOL 778

HERALD CROSSWORD - 779 Across 1- Coin; 7- Exec's degree; 10Latin I word; 14- Vehement speech; 15- Fair-hiring abbr.; 16Trail mix; 17- Person who fishes; 18- Big ___; 19- Detest; 20- Having the same color; 23- Slumbered; 26- Hosp. readout; 27Donkeys; 28- Long luxuriant hair; 29- NFL scores; 30- Cpl.'s superior; 31- Greek goddess of justice; 33- Graffiti; 34- Filled pastry crust; 37- Georgia, once: Abbr.; 38- ___ es Salaam; 39- How was ___ know?; 40- Genetic material; 41Garden tool; 42- Directional ending; 43- Stony; 45- Ed.'s pile; 46Old Ford; 47- Able was ___...; 48200 milligrams; 51- O Sole ___; 52- High points; 53- State in SE Brazil; 56- Cornerstone abbr.; 5755- "___ She Lovely?"; 59- Involuntary muscular "___ Ventura" was played by Jim Carrey; 58contraction; 60- Holiday start; 61- ___ Moines; Drunken; 62- Burn soother; 63- Be human; 64Aboriginal; 65- "Ol' Man River" composer; 66Acapulco article; 67- Vestiges; SOLUTION - 778 Down 1- RR stop; 2- Slender metal fastener; 3- Unit of energy; 4- Instrument for measuring thickness; 5That is, in Latin; 6- Architect Saarinen; 7- Interlocks; 8- French market town; 9- Dynamic beginning; 10- Shocked; 11- Castle water pits; 12Bandleader Shaw; 13- Glasses, briefly; 21- Like a Lebanese tree?; 22- Legless larva of certain flies; 23- Shatter; 24- Cow catcher; 25- ___ nous; 29Rips; 30- Satisfied; 32- ___ Fideles; 33- Stealthy walk; 34- Introduction; 35- Accustom; 36- Alleviates; 44- Soft cheese; 45- Infuriate; 46- Passenger ships; 48- Harsh squeaky sound; 49- Bridal path; 50- Chopper topper; 51- Start of something big?; 52- Bellowing; 54- Woman who killed Sisera;

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Wednesday, 9 Feb 2011

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BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES opal Pardeshi has created a perfect village ambience through his paintings at the exhibition ‘Aangan’. Looking at the 13 paintings, one can easily mistake them for a photograph or even actual objects as the shadow effect with the rural rustic touch added by wooden planks bring the paintings to life. “That is exactly what I want. When the viewer is looking at the paintings, I want them to stare into the paintings and forget about the surroundings. I have worked for almost one and a half years to get these paintings ready for the exhibition.”

Gopal Pardeshi from Pune had exhibited his paintings in Goa in 2005 and 2009. “I keep coming back because of the friendly people of Goa and the encouragement they give me for my work. People might think that I am coming here for commercial success but motivation is more important. Most of my paintings are inspired from

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my village life in Pune. I had to complete the paintings and then search for wood to add as the frames. I had to search for railway tracks which were made of wood and were discarded. Twelve paintings are painted using acrylic paint and the knife was used to give the effect.

One huge painting is made of oil colours and has over 150 layers; it took me eight years to complete. The painting is being bargained for by a client from Mumbai and this might be the last exhibition before handing it over to the client.”

Gopal has used simple objects like a thread hanging from a nail, door knockers, house doors and windows and baskets with leaves blown in with the wind to bring out the beauty in a painting with depth. One quality that really makes the paintings stand out is the shadow effect which stands out from the canvas to the frame.

Prasad Pankar inaugurated the exhibition which is on display at Kala Academy till February 10, 2011 from 10am to 7:30pm.

Inaugurating the exhibition: Prasad Pankar

A ray of hope: Leela Alice watches a painting depicting just that(above)

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osary Ferns, a prominent personality of the tiatr stage expired suddenly on January 12, 2011 in his village at Benaulim, Goa. In his death, tiatr stage has lost a dedicated artiste who served tiatr and its song and music for almost 30 years. He was instrumental in promoting Goan tiatr in the Gulf, especially in Kuwait where he was employed. He was a good lyricist and singer too and has many audio albums to his credit. Rosary Ferns has also written and staged many tiatrs.

TAG has organised a condolence meet in order to condole the death of late Rosary Ferns’ on February 10, 2011 at 5:00 pm in the Pavillian Hall of BPS Club Margao.

All tiatr artistes and tiatr lovers are invited to attend this condolence meeting.

The Dutch and Goans to share Music and Much More

Photos by Rozario Estibeiro

Aangan – An Exhibition of Life-like Paintings

Parenting

TAG organises Condolence Meet for late Rosary Ferns

HERALD FEATURES algado Konknni Akademi (DKA), an organisation working for the promotion of Roman script will be organising its Third Konknni (Romi Script) Literary and Cultural Sammelan on February 19 and 20, 2011 in Panaji, at Kala Academy.

In a recent DKA meeting, Fr Conceicao D’Silva was elected as the Chairman of the Reception Committee of the Sammelan while Bonaventure D’Pietro was elected Working President and Pio Esteves as the Secretary of the Sammelan.

Fr Conceicao D’Silva is presently the parish priest of Carambolim church. He has served as a curate in the parishes of Verna, Tilamol and Calangute and as a chaplain in Ambelim chapel, following which he was the parish priest of Mandur church. He is actively involved in social, cultural and sports activities and promotes Konknni in Romi script through different modes. Known for preaching the word of God in Goa and abroad, Fr Conceicao recently received the state award for his social work at the hands of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

Bonaventure D’Pietro is a multifaceted personality with involvement in music and journalism. He has contributed much for the cause of Konkani, having penned several books in the language. He has to his credit eight novels, namely Kallea Vistidachi Choli, Clara, Mhozo Paicho Fondd, From Goa With Love, Ek Bhett Mungllurchea Xharak, Jimmy, Tichea Mornna Uprant and Janya Celli. He has also received several awards from different institutions for his immense contribution to Konknni in Roman Script.

Pio Esteves is a journalist by profession and presently working with a leading newspaper in Goa. He is also a writer, cartoonist and musician and has authored six Konkani books, namely Kupam, Pakham, Sallkam, Ambott-Tik, Kaddyo-Boddyo and Jinneche Panvdde. He is a regular contributor to magazines like Gulab, Goan Review, besides weekly Vavraddeancho Ixtt.

The Third Konknni Literary and Cultural Sammelan is an attempt to bring together all lovers of Konknni. This conference aims to create enthusiasm and love and to foster unity among the Konkani speaking people.

Knock knock: Artist Gopal Pradeshi smiles next to his work of art (above)

Tourism

BY HERALD FEATURES win Jazz cities, Amersfoort and Panjim have a lot in common – the music, the heritage and the city problems. Giving Dutch music a platform for three days is International Centre Goa where ‘Jazz for Goa’ will be held from February 12 to February 14, 2011. A Dutch delegation of 13 members will perform in Goa, including Karmaveer Puraskar award-winner Saskia Laroo, Mike Del Ferro (piano), Roy Dackus (drums), Theo de Jong, Alexander Beets (saxophone), Anne Chris (Jazz singer), Warren Byrd (keyboard), Jaime Rodriquez (percussion) and Izaline Calister (vocals), Floor Visser (Artist manager) and Pheadra Kwant (bass and singer). Inter-

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nationally acclaimed DJs Maestro (Blue Note – Europe) and DJ Robbie Taylor (DJ Beats producer) will also fly in to Goa. “Music for the environment is the new Goan mantra for mid-February this year. We want to present Goa as the music capital of the East. The musicians will perform on three days and on the second day of the programme, we will discuss our city issues and what recommendations can be given to the municipal councillors,” said Armando Gonsalves, CEO of Trancemedia, and organiser of ‘Jazz for Goa.’ Ricardo Rebelo, an Infrastructure consultant, elaborated, “Clinton Vaz will present a talk on Solid and Liquid waste management followed by Dean D’Cruz’s seminar on Traffic Management and Intra city public transport on February 13 and finally a talk on heritage action policy for Panjim by Prajal Sakhardande. We have invited the Panjim and Taleigao MLAs to present them with recommendations.”

‘Jazz for Goa’ will be held on February 12 to February 14 at International Centre Goa. Day 1 will begin at 6pm with DJs, Dutch musicians and Goan musicians performing. Day 2 will start on a more serious note at 9am with seminars and the music will begin at 6:30pm. The final day will begin at 10am and will include workshops like trumpet workshop, Colombian workshop and will conclude at 5pm.

Kaleidoscope completes First Round of Portuguese Quiz

HERALD FEATURES ommunicare Cultural Centre is organising a language quiz in Konkani, Hindi, Portuguese and French, titled Kaleidoscope, for the students of higher secondary schools around Goa. Kaleidoscope recently completed the first round of its Portuguese quiz.

Quizmaster Clifton Afonso took the four participating teams through a series of questions based on grammar, culture and spelling skills. Students were seen really keen and enthusiastic about the entire proceedings.

The winner of this round was Os Falcoes of St Xavier’s Higher Secondary School which had two participants, Marsha Barretto and Nolan Rodrigues. The runners up were Os Invenciveis from Chowgule Higher Secondary which consisted of participants Divya Pinto and Siddharth Machado. They will proceed to the finals and will compete against two other teams who will be selected from the second round of this Portuguese quiz which will be held on March 4, 2011.

A unique competition, Kaleidoscope aims to improve reading skills in different languages taught in secondary and higher secondary schools. The four participating schools for the French leg of Kaleidoscope were Chowgule Higher Secondary, Margao; Our Lady of Rosary Higher Secondary, Dona Paula; Mushtifund Higher Secondary, Panjim and St Xavier’s Higher Secondary, Mapusa.

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Wednesday, 9 Feb 2011

Madhuri wants to invite the Three Khans to Dinner

Parenting

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Julianne Moore honoured for Philanthropy Work

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ollywood actress Madhuri Dixit has revealed that she would like to invite all the three Khans – Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman – to dinner at her home someday. “I would love to invite Salman, Aamir and Shah Rukh to come and have food over at my place. I know Shah Rukh would always praise my cooking, Aamir would give me advice on how the food could be a little better which would help me improve, and Salman would just say ‘where’s the food, give it to me quickly’,” a jovial Madhuri told reporters at the launch of celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s new 24-hour food channel Food Food.

While it is often said that women are better cooks than men, Madhuri has no qualms in admitting that it is her husband Sreeram Nene who takes the cake when it comes to cooking at home.

“He (Nene) loves to cook. It is a natural art. Like I have the affinity for dance, he has natural affinity for cooking. He is also a fast learner. He is the one who aroused my interest in cooking and thanks to him I have become a good cook,” she added.

ctress Julianne Moore has been honoured for her philanthropy work at a star-studded ceremony in New York. The Kids Are All Right star serves as ambassador for Save the Children programmes in the US and is involved with the TS Alliance to raise awareness of tuberous sclerosis.

It has been reported that Moore, who is also a long time supporter of same-sex marriage, was handed the trophy to mark her campaigning work.

“I am at the HRC event tonight in NYC - sitting with my husband and Mark Ruffalo – human rights and marriage equality for everybody,” she posted on her Twitter account while attending the ceremony.

Salma to star in New Alex de la Iglesia Film

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exican actress Salma Hayek is the star of the new film by moviemaker and president of the Film Academy of Spain, Alex de la Iglesia.

Willy Toledo, Javier Gutierrez, Jose Mota, Juan Luis Galiardo and Santiago Segura complete the cast of La Chispa de la Vida (The Spark of Life) to be filmed in Madrid and Cartagena, said publicists in a press release.

The film tells the story of Roberto, an out-of-work advertising man, creator of the slogan ‘la chispa de la vida’ for the soft-drink brand Coca-Cola, who is rebuffed by every agency where he applies for a job. But everything changes when he suffers an accident that has him hanging between life and death.

De la Iglesia’s last picture, Balada Triste de Trompeta (The Last Circus) won prizes for best director and best screenplay at the last edition of the Venice Film Festival.

The film is also a heavy favourite for Spanish cinema’s Goya prizes. It is nominated in 15 categories, including best film, best director and best original screenplay.

Bad Things seem Worse if they are expected to happen Again

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ew studies suggest that when people think unpleasant events are over, they remember them as being less painful or annoying than when they expect them to happen again, pointing to the power of expectation to help people brace for the worst.

In a series of eight studies exposing people to annoying noise, subjecting them to tedious computer tasks, or asking them about menstrual pain, participants recalled such events as being significantly more negative if they expected them to happen again soon.

This reaction might be adaptive. People may keep their equilibrium by using memory to steel themselves against future harm, said co-authors Jeff Galak of Carnegie Mellon University, and Tom Meyvis of New York University.

The laboratory studies (of 30, 44, 112, 154, 174, 160 and 51 subjects) exposed people to five seconds of vacuum cleaner noise.

People who were told they would have to listen to more vacuum cleaner noise said it was significantly more irritating than people who were told the noise was over.

Other studies varied the method to allow researchers to understand what subjects were experiencing emotionally. For example, the researchers found evidence that people used more intensely negative memories to steel themselves against the future.

Also, people recalled fun activities, such as playing video games, as equally enjoyable whether they thought they would play again or not.

The authors concluded that emotions negatively shape memory’s judgment of unpleasant experiences, but positively shape the recollected quality of pleasant experiences.

“The prospect of repeating an experience can, in fact, change how people remember it,” the authors concluded.

Stay on Schedule and in Touch with Travel Apps

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here the fast-paced worlds of travel and technology meet, smartphone applications provide travellers with better control over their hectic schedules.

Though ash clouds, extreme weather and stringent security measures have cast their fair share of travel gloom, apps on smartphones which help users save time when booking flights, provide constant updates on flight status, allow internet access when on the hoof, and provide detailed maps and weather updates are a ray of sunshine for business travellers.

Three of the many apps aimed at business travel are: Tripit: An interactive app that ensures your travel information is never far from your fingertips. Email your particulars to Tripit and it will generate a detailed itinerary (maps, weather updates, images). Plans tend to change unexpectedly: it's easy to alter hotel/restaurants/café reservations and client meetings on the go. Tripit provides real-time updates to your calendar and even creates directions from the airport to the hotel, etc...

FlightTrack: Say farewell to your travel agent; this app supports the frequent business traveller pre-flight with speedy updates and user-friendly layout. Access detailed information on flights covering more than 4,000 airports and 1,400 airlines.

Boingo: A service-provider app which enables unlimited Wi-Fi at selected airports, hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and other venues in more than 200,000 hotspots worldwide. Boingo is useful for frequent business travellers, who can stay connected without having to deal with roaming fees at popular meet-and-greet venues across the planet.

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

Junk Food Diet in Early Childhood may lower IQ

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hildren fed chips, pizza and other junk foods are likely to have lower IQs, says a new research. Researchers said that a diet, high in fats, sugars and processed foods in early childhood may lower IQ, while a diet packed full of vitamins and nutrients may do the opposite.

The findings are based on participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), which is tracking the long term health and well being of around 14,000 children born in 1991 and 1992.

Parents completed questionnaires, detailing the types and frequency of the food and drink their children consumed when they were 3, 4, 7 and 8.5 years old.

Three dietary patterns were identified: ‘processed’ high in fats and sugar intake; ‘traditional’ high in meat and vegetable intake; and ‘health conscious’ high in salad, fruit and vegetables, rice and pasta. Scores were calculated for each pattern for each child. IQ was measured using a validated test (the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) when they were 8.5 years old. In all, complete data were available for just under 4,000 children.

The results showed that after taking account of potentially influential factors, a predominantly processed food diet at the age of 3 was associated with a lower IQ at the age of 8.5, irrespective of whether the diet improved after that age. Every one point increase in dietary pattern score was associated with a 1.67 fall in IQ. On the other hand, a healthy diet was associated with a higher IQ at the age of 8.5, with every one point increase in dietary pattern linked to a 1.2 increase in IQ. Dietary patterns between the ages of 4 and 7 had no impact on IQ. The authors say that these findings, although modest, are in line with previous ALSPAC research showing an association between early childhood diet and later behaviour and school performance.

“This suggests that any cognitive/behavioural effects relating to eating habits in early childhood may well persist into later childhood, despite any subsequent changes (including improvements) to dietary intake,” they say.

Courtesy Agencies

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