HERALD PUBLICATIONS-MAY 20

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Sports: Day-night Tests in near future -- Morgan Pg 18 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith — II Timothy

IN BRIEF Afzal’s file moves to and fro The file on Afzal Guru, sentenced to death in Parliament attack case, went back and forth today within Delhi Government with the Chief Minister unambiguously backing the execution but at the same time asking the Centre to take care of the law and order situation. -- (PTI)

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, thurSDaY, maY 20, 2010

Business: India may curb iron ore exports Pg 13

Cabinet hikes natural gas prices

Power tariff to go up PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

In a far-reaching decision, the government today raised natural gas prices by more than double to USD 4.20 per mmBtu, a move that will result in a rise in power and fertilizer production cost and rise in CNG rates.

The Cabinet hiked price of gas sold to power, fertilizer and city gas projects from Rs 3,200 per thousand cubic metres (USD 1.79 per million British thermal unit) to Rs 6,818 per thousand cubic metres (USD 3.818 per mmBtu), Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said.

After adding royalty, the price for user industries would be Rs 7,500 or USD 4.2 per mmBtu, at par with the rate at which Reliance sells its gas.

Apurva Chandra, Joint Secretary in Oil Ministry, said the decision that would come into effect once the decision is no-

FUELLING A HIKE

The new gas price on an overall basis would result in 2.75 per cent increase in power tariff and up to 20 per cent hike in price of compressed natural gas (CNG) sold to automobiles. tified in the next few days, would result in a rise in fertilizer production cost, power generation tariff and CNG price.

Fertilizer prices will not be increased as the government subsidises the sector. But today’s

decision would result in rise in fertiliser subsidy by Rs 3,500 crore. “The Government stands to gain (in royalty) an amount larger than this subsidy payout,” he said adding the impact to the government would be positive.

The new gas price on an overall basis would result in 2.75 per cent increase in power tariff and up to 20 per cent hike in price of compressed natural gas (CNG) sold to automobiles in cities like Delhi. CNG in Delhi currently costs Rs 21.90 per kg.

State-run ONGC and OIL produce 54.32 million cubic metres per day or about 40 per cent of total gas produced in the country, from fields given to them on nomination basis. This gas is sold on government controlled rates - about 50 mmscmd to power and fertilizer units and city gas projects at USD 1.79 per mmBtu and rest to other industries at USD 4.75 per mmBtu.

Prophet cartoons: Pak bans Facebook PTI ISLAMABAD/LAHORE, MAY 19

Pakistani authorities today cut off access to Facebook following a court’s order to block the popular social networking website over a page featuring blasphemous caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed.

Justice Ijaz Chaudhry of the Lahore High Court issued the order to temporarily block Facebook till May 31 while acting on a petition filed by the Islamic Lawyers Forum, which had sought a complete ban on the website.

The court directed the foreign ministry to raise the issue of the blasphemous caricatures at international forums.

It also asked the Foreign Secretary to register a protest with the concerned countries.

Vehicle registration at showrooms soon HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 19

The long queues in Transport Department’s office will be a thing of past with pilot project ‘Vahan and Sarathi’ being implemented in the office in the Capital City.

“The new software is expected to reduce interface between people and the officials,” Transport Director Swapnil Naik said.

He said that the data is being fed in the computers and it will be launched from Panjim office on pilot basis.

Governor Dr S S Sidhu had announced the implementation of this unique software during his speech in the State Legisla-

tive Assembly session, this year.

The State has 7.27 lakh vehicles registered.

The State Government-run Goa Electronic Limited (GEL) is managing this software which is designed and licensed to National Informatics Centre (NIC).

Naik said that with the software most of the process will be computerised so the data collection will become very easy.

“This will help the department in being more efficient,” he added.

Also those who purchase vehicle now may not have to visit Transport Department office as entire process can be completed at dealer’s place including payment, receipts and also the registration number.

With the software in place, the dealers can also work on Saturdays when Transport Department offices are usually closed.

Interestingly, the software will also plug the revenue leakages for the department, which is one amongst the highest revenue earner for the (Continued on page 10)

4 CRPF men killed in Lalgarh blast PTI MIDNAPORE, MAY 19

Four CRPF personnel were killed and two others, including a Deputy Commandant, seriously injured in an IED blast triggered

by Naxalites at Lalgarh in West Bengal today, the second day of a bandh called by the left wing extremists in five states.

The blast comes a day after Union Home Minister P Chidambaram asked the Naxals to abjure violence and come forward for talks.

Official sources said the CRPF men had set out from their camp at Goaltore market to patrol nearby villages and to visit another camp when the blast took place at Ramgarh in Lalgarh police station area in West Midnapore district at 11.30 am.

“Four CRPF jawans were killed and two were injured in an IED blast set off by Naxals,” M Nageswar Rao, CRPF Inspector General of Police, told PTI. The deceased have been identified as constables B Santara, D K Samanta, D Ramesh and Rakesh Kumar. Among the injured is CRPF Deputy Commandant B P Singh.

The personnel were travelling through the state highway. “As soon as they crossed a small bridge, the vehicle in the front was blown up,” sources said.

Don't get excited to the minister's promise and stop messing around with my stick.

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Goa’s Heartbeat: Modelling to music, Kate joins band Pg 14

‘Laila’ may affect Goa rain pattern HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 19

The cyclonic storm ‘Laila’ which is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast by tomorrow will skip Goa but it is likely to affect the monsoon pattern in the State.

The depression that formed over the Bay of Bengal on Monday turned into a full-blown cyclonic storm by Tuesday.

Official from the Indian Meteorological Observatory said that the monsoon pattern of the State is likely to be affected as the cyclonic storm has started moving towards the Andhra coast. “But later it will change the course and hence it won’t hit the Goa coast,” an official said.

An official explained that with this cyclonic storm, the moisture and the wind pattern are likely to change thus affecting the arrival of monsoon.

“Even the fissure pattern changes, thus causing a low rainfall during monsoon,” official stated.

However, the official refused to predict whether the monsoon arrival will be late or early, as against predicted by them ear-

lier. The department had claimed that the monsoons will hit the Goa coast by first week of June.

The official also said that as there is time for the monsoon arrival, the impact might not be much. “Laila is likely to pass within this week and the monsoon pattern will get enough (Continued on page 10)

Rains batter TN, alert in AP PTI CHENNAI/HYDERABAD, MAY 19

Two persons were killed and four fishermen injured as heavy rains under the influence of a cyclone battered coastal Tamil Nadu while a high alert was sounded in Andhra Pradesh where the windstorm is likely to make a landfall tomorrow morning.

Normal life was thrown into disarray in several parts of Tamil Nadu as widespread rains and strong winds, triggered by cyclonic storm “Laila”, which lay centred in the Bay of Bengal, lashed these areas.

RCom, Bharti big winners in 3G bid PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

The auction for 3G mobile licence ended today with RCom, Bharti and Aircel bagging 13 circles each, and will leave the government with a Rs 67,710 crore revenue windfall.

However, no single operator managed to bag all 22 circles on offer — the total bid price for which touched Rs 16,750.58 crore on the 34th day of bidding.

Anil Ambani-led RCom will pay Rs 8,585.04 crore towards the 3G licence, but the single largest outgo would be from Bharti that will pay Rs 12,295.46 crore.

Vodafone, which is second in terms of fee outgo, would be paying over Rs 11,617 crore for licence to offer high-speed voice and data service in nine circles.

Key circles Mumbai and Delhi went to Bharti, Vodafone and RCom. Bharti complained that the auction format and severe shortage drove up the prices beyond reasonable levels.

The government had fixed a reserve price of Rs 3,500 crore for 3G spectrum and had originally estimated to raise Rs 35,000 crore from the sale.

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GOA

GOA, THURSDAY, 20 MAY, 2010

Govt plans to hire ex-servicemen to train marine police: CS HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 19

Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar Srivastava has stated that the State government has plans to engage retire naval and coast guard officials to train the State Marine Police, which has been equipped with High Speed Interceptor Boat (HSIB) to secure the state’s coastline.

The chief secretar y was speaking to reporters along the sidelines of the launching of the 12-tonne HSIB boat at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on Wednesday afternoon.

The Marine Police has been allotted five HSIB boats and the

latest 12-tonne HSIB boat will be deployed at Betim, while two HSIB’s have been stationed at Betul and one each are at the Harbour and Siolim.

Some Marine Police staff had undergone training conducted by the GSL in the operation of the boats.

“Some Marine Police staffers are not well versed in the technical aspects of the boats, hence the government plans to seek the services of retired personnel f ro m t h e n a v y a n d c o a s t guard to train the marine police,” said Srivastava.

“We need a trained staff as

n“Some Marine Police staffers are not well versed in the technical aspects of the boats, hence the government plans to seek the services of retired personnel from the navy & coast guard to train the marine police,”

these boats required a boat master and other

technical staff,” said Srivastava.

He also informed that the state government has proposed to construct six jetties in the State and initially, two will be built at a cost of Rs 2 crore.

It is learnt that as part of the contract, the GSL has trained the Marine Police from different states.

In the last one year, 180 police personnel from the west coast have been trained in 17 batches to operate the boats, while police staff would also be imparted with maintenance aspects in the future.

GSL delivers interceptor boat to Goa Marine police HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 19

As part of an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to strengthen the coastal security, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) delivered a High Speed Interceptor Boat (HSIB) to the Goa Marine Police on Wednesday.

This is the third in the series of six 12-tonne boats allotted for the State and till date, a total of five boats have been allotted, including two 5-tonne boats.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar Srivastava flagged off the 12tonne category boat built by GSL in the presence of Chairman and Managing Director of GSL Rear Adm (Retd) Vineet Bakhshi, DIG R Yadav, SP South Allan D’Sa, Captain of Ports A Mascarenhas, officials from Marine police and GSL. Ministry of Home and Affair has entrusted with responsibility to GSL to build 116 HSIB to strengthen the coastal security in western coast states (Goa, Gujarat, Maharastra, Karnataka and Kerala) and union territories (Lakshadeep and Daman and Diu).

Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar Srivastava flags off the state-of-art interceptor High Speed Interceptor Boat built by GSL

The 12T boat is 13mtrs long capable of operating at 35 knots on full load. The boat can carry four crew members along with a patrol party of 16 persons and fully equipped with life saving, fire fighting and communication facilities.

The wheel house of these boats is fitted with ballistic panels for protection of patrolling crew to withstand a threat of an AK47 assault

rifle at 10 meter range, while its powerful equipment will make search and chase easier for marine policemen as it can outperform any small vessel with its high speed and superb maneuverability.

Speaking to reporters, GSL CMD Bakhshi informed that GSL has ensured delivery of 66 HSIBs to various states and union territories, of which 32 are of the 5-tonne category and 34 are of

the 12-tonne category.

“The delivery rate is one boat per week and GSL is well on schedule in delivery time. HSIB are the one of the finest boats in the world in their class, considering various features,” added Bakhshi.

The chief secretary expressed gratitude to the GSL for delivering boat on schedule to the Goa Marine Police to strengthen the coastal security.

Curchorem HSS puts up impressive show HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, MAY 19

Smt Chandrabhaga Tukoba Naik Higher Secondary School at Curchorem has excelled in the HSSC exams at the Curchorem centre.

While Shrusthi Karpe topped the Curchorem centre and secured the seventh rank in the State in Commerce with 514/600 marks (86%), Shweta Marathe bagged the 10th rank with 507/600 (84.5 %).

The Smt Chandrabhaga Tukoba Naik HSS secured a pass percentage of 72.34% in Arts, 89.81% in Commerce, 95% in Science and 91.55% in vocational section, 88.8% in Mreeda, 94.7% in O.S.S and 91.1 % in A.A. The dominance of the HSS at the Curchorem Centre was evident as it secured 12 of the 16 distinctions (Science), four distinctions (Commerce), two distinctions (Arts) and 11 distinctions (Vocational) at the Curchorem Centre.

Of the 285 students from all four streams who appeared for the board exams, 253 students were successful with distinctions (29), first class (112), second class (96) and pass class (16), securing an overall percentage

Discussion on terror today HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 19

A one hour panel discussion on Countering Terrorism hosted by Juino De Souza in Straight-Talk will be telecast on Thursday 20 May at 9pm on HCN, Goa’s leading 24 hour news and entertainment channel.

The panellist comprise: Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro, General Secretary, BJP, Govind Parvatkar, General Secretary, NCP, Adv Avinash Bhonsle and Superintendent of Police, Atmaram Deshpande.

Among the other issues discussed are: What is terrorism and what are its causes and whether terrorism will stop or continue? Whether Goa a tourist destination will also become a terrorist destination? How safe are the goans from terror attacks? Is Goa becoming a hideout for Naxals?etc. The repeat telecast will be on Sunday.

of 88.46%.

In Science, Gayatri Pradip Kudchadkar topped the Curchorem centre with 512/600 marks (85.3%).

Other students who sec u re d a d i s t i n c t i o n w e re M u r i e l Fe r n a n d e s ( 4 5 9 ) , Pooja Pradip Dalvi (473), Shruti Parashuram Maralappanavar (461), Shweta Parashuram Maralappanavar (487), Saurabh Somnath Naik (458), Gaurak Madhu Phal Dessai (502), Aparna Anand Tiloji (459), Gaurav Shantaram Varde (473), Shridhar Shashidhar Halali (477).

In Commerce, students who secured a distinction were Shruti Sanzgiri (469) and Tanvi Shenoy (462).

In Arts M G Ashodi (465) stood first in the Centre, while others meritorious students were Kalpita Sawant Dessai (462), Faria Precilla (669) and Saniya Datta Raut D e s s a i ( 6 2 3 ) i n O. S . S , Dabekar Saheel Umesh (643), Kalpesh Kamalakar Naik (606) and Abhijitsingh Putu Gaonkar (605) in Mreeda, B a b i t a Ku m a r i ( 6 5 2 ) , A b hishek Ashok Kutre (646), A n n i e Re b e l l o ( 6 3 0 ) a n d Raghunath Nilu Gauns Dessai

(630) in A.A. School principal Vaman Bhadri expressed happiness over the results of the students.

“Despite the new syllabus, the result has been excellent.

Credit goes to the teachers for their untiring efforts and cooperation, the students and the management of the school,” Bhadri said.

Manovikas achieves 100 pc results HERAL DREPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

Manovikas English Medium school, Margao has achieved cent per cent result in the ICSE examination 2009-10.

A total of 59 students had appeared for the ICSE Class X examination, of which 39 secured distinctions, first class (13), second class (5) and two students passing in pass class.

Sailee Simant Sansgiri and Amruta Pai secured 93 per cent, while Nevin Zachariah Mathews and Tanya Dattakukar Nadkarni secure 92 per cent marks.

Dattakukar Nadkarni secuired 91 per cent marks.

Two enumerators issued show case HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

The Salcete Mamlatdar has served show cause notices on two census enumerators for the delay in submitting the report on the census work.

Mamlatdar Paresh Faldessai served the memos on the two enumerators, with a copy to the head of the parent department for necessary action against the two employees.

Sources said though the one and half month long census exercise ended on May 15, the two enumerators failed to submit the report of enumerating the households to the Mamlatdar office. “Appropriate action will be initiated by the department against the two employees for the delay in submitting the

n“Appropriate action will be initiated by the department against the two employees for the delay in submitting the report”

report”, Faldesai told Herald.

Meanwhile, Faldesai said the enumerators and supervisors engaged for the census work are submitting their reports from their respective areas after the May 15 deadline. “The process of receiving the census details is on right now. The entire exercise will be over in the next few days”, he said.

One held for burglary in Bangalore HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

This security man took shelter in the state after committing a daring heist in Bangalore, before he was nabbed by the Konkan Railway police at the Margao railway station in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Police said that Ishwar Raj Bahadur, a security man engaged by a timber merchant, looted gold ornaments worth Rs eight lakh, besides cash of Rs 2.10 lakh from his owner along with his accomplice before heading for Goa to enjoy with the booty.

The accused is believed to have had a jolly good time in the state with the stolen booty during his brief stay. He is learnt to have purchased a brand new cell phone, besides costumes.

On Wednesday morning, the accused was found at the Margao railway station to board the Delhi-bound Mangala Express, before personnel of the Konkan Railway police detained him on suspicion after he was carrying cash of Rs 83,600, besides the cell phone. During interrogations, the accused spilled the beans and he was immediately placed under arrest under section 41 of the IPC. This evening, the police sought a three day remand for the accused from a local court and have intimated their Bangalore counterparts over the arrest of the accused.

The Bangalore police are expected to arrive in the state to take the accused into custody for further investigations.

The accused security man who was nabbed by the Konkan Railway police at the Margao railway station.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

CMC issues stay order on bungalow

Builder issued notice for hill cutting

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

The Cuncolim Municipal Council on Wednesday issued a stop work order to stop construction activity on the controversial bungalow at Adiband, even as Cuncolim ML A and Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao promised to stand by the people in their agitation.

CMC Chief Office Shivaji Desai issued the stop work order to the builder to stop construction work and has called for a hearing of the parties on Monday.

The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has a notice on a builder for cutting the Pajifond hillock to show cause why his construction licence should not be revoked for violating the TCP rules.

The MMC Chief Officer Y B Tawde has also lodged a complaint to the Margao police to initiate appropriate action against the builder for cutting the hillock.

MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho has informed that the

action against the builder was initiated as he did not possess the necessary permission for the hill cutting.

“The Civic body has taken serious note of the violation.

That’s the reason, the Chief Officer has served a show cause notice for revocation of the construction license”, he added.

The hill cutting was going on for quite some time right under the nose of the authorities and the action follows following a complaint lodged by a local NGO.

CM sets July 15 deadline, wants Hospicio in pink of health

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

Asserting that Hospicio will see a complete turn around and become one of the best hospitals in the state by July15, Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat warned doctors, nurses and servants that they will have to move out if they do not fall in line with the ongoing efforts to improve the health of the district hospital.

“I have personally decided that by July 15, Hospicio will become one of the best hospitals in the state. This is my responsibility. I have committed my self to the people of the state”, he said, while addressing health workers and citizens after inaugurating the Advocacy workshop on Vector Borne diseases organised by the Margao Urban Healh Centre here today.

Saying that enough is enough

with patients and relatives complaining of the ills plaguing Hospicio, the Chief Minister said “it is a fact that when I became the Chief Minister, I was not getting enough time to devote time for Hospicio. But, now I have decided to personally monitor the hospital functioning on a dayto-day basis”.

Saying that the government is making available free medicines to the patients to the tune of nearly Rs two crore annually, he said these medicines should reach the needy and lamented that patients are made to even procure cotton from the market.

“I will henceforth sit and check up with patients on the availability of medicines. I have that capacity to put things in order”, Kamat said and expressed confidence that the hospital would be in the right

tracks.

He warned that no indiscipline would be tolerated from any quarter, whether doctors, nurses or servants, adding that the hospital staff has been conveyed the right signal that he means business.

“If these people don’t fall in line, then it is high time, they move out of the hospital”, he said, adding that the functioning of the hospital directly affects the health of the common man.

Complimenting the Margao Urban Health Centre for the proactive measures initiated to combat vector borne diseases in the city, the Chief Minister said the situation has improved considerably in the last two years and reiterated his government’s commitment to improve the health of the citizens, especially the common man.

In his address, MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho said that Margao would be free of vector borne diseased due to the persistent follow ups by the Chief Minister and the Margao Urban Health officer.

“The Margao Health Officer Dr Geeta Kakodkar has been sparing no efforts to tackle vector borne diseases. She has been personally monitoring on health related issues”, he a The Margao Urban Health Officer Dr Geeta Kakodkar the workshop is being organised to spread awareness amongst the people on how to combat the problem of vector borne diseases.

She thanked the political support from the Chief Minister and Fatorda MLA Damu Naik, besides the Collector to tackle vector borne diseases in the city.

pavements inaugurated at Calangute HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 19

Calangute Sarpanch Laxman Parab inaugurated the new pavement at Shree Shantadurga Temple and Holy Cross Chapel, here, in the presence of large number of devotees and villagers.

Others present on the occasion included former sarpanchas Joseph Sequeira and Albert Fernandes, former deputy sarpanch Ana Marie D’Souza, Panchas Subhash Salgaonkar and Sneha Salgaonkar and Shree Shantadurga Temple Committee members.

Palyekar offered prayers and sought blessings for the work at the Holy Cross Chapel and Shree Shantadurga Temple, Naikka Vaddo, Calangute.

He later broke the traditional coconut to throw open the new pavements in and around the Holy Cross Chapel and Shree Shantadurga Temple premises.

The floor has been given a new look with interlocking tiles for the stage area, pavements along the temple and the chapel and surrounding areas.

The estimated cost of the expenditure for the works done by the Calangute panchayat is Rs 10 lakh. The panchayat has also installed lights at the temple premises.

Besides the temple and chapel works, the Calangute Panchayat also carried out works on internal roads in every ward of the village.

The Dongorpur to Dharwadkar Hospital road work has been done with estimated cost of Rs 7.5 lakh, while new roads have been laid in Gaura Vaddo (East

Calangute Sarpanch Laxman Parab, former sarpanch Joseph Sequeira and others at the inaugural ceremony of the new pavments.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

& West) to the tune of Rs 60 lakh, which includes culverts and drains.

A drain to take care of the monsoon water has been laid along the Naikka Vaddo road at an estimated cost of Rs 7 lakh.

Speaking to Herald, Sequeira said the Calangute panchayat has done work on roads and drains in a planned and systematic manner considering the infrastructural needs of the village and villagers.

"A footpath from St Alex Church, Calangute to the Bandodkar statue at Umtta Vaddo, Calangute, has also been pro-

posed and we intend to begin the work very soon.”

“We have also proposed to put up TY CFL lamps on the linking road named after Dr Francisco Leao Pinto for the benefit of motorists and pedestrians making use of the new road,” Sequeira said.

“Besides, we have also proposed a market complex which is in final stages, a bypass road from Agar Vaddo Kidnian to Cobra Vaddo, a Children’s park cum parking behind the Ronil Resort and hosts of other projects for the benefit of the Calangute villagers,” he added.

Curtorim local held guilty HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

The South Goa Sessions Court on Wednesday held guilty a resident of Curtorim for culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the death of Reshma Redkar.

Additional sessions Judge, P V Kamat held the accused Minguel Fernandes guilty under section 304-A of the IPC instead of murder. The incident had taken place on May 15, 2008 when the accused had allegedly hit the victim causing injuries.

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I am not dependent on your votes: CM Digambar’s words draw ire of village groups HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 18

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has found himself in the centre of a controversy over his statement “I am not dependent on your votes” to a delegation of five women from the village groups who went to see him over land-use violations on Monday.

Addressing a press conference, Edwin Pinto, who is one of the persons in the forefront opposing land illegalities, said, “This is serious. We are Goans and the women who went to put forth their grievances to the CM were Goans. If he is not dependent on Goan votes, how will he look after Goan peoples’ interests,” Pinto questioned.

He said the five women mem-

bers were furious and angry and came and told us what had transpired between them and the CM in his chamber at the Secretariat. “The CM has to clarify on what he meant by his statement that he was not dependent on our votes. Then we have to see whether he was riding on the wave of migrant votes,” Pinto asserted.

Carmen de Miranda from Loutolim, who was one of the members who went to see the CM, narrated, “He refused to look into our demands and said we had no appointment to see him. At that point of time I asked him during elections they never took appointment to come to see us for votes. He told us point blank he wasn’t dependent on our votes at which we were con-

fused and didn’t know what to say. He further said do what you’ll want and didn’t care.”

Zarina da Cunha, Judy Rebello, Swati Kerkar and Carmen Correia were the other four women who were part of the delegation. They said the CM’s behaviour towards them was cold and bitter.

They said the CM was responsible for unleashing a reign of terror on the people, who had gone to redress their grievances, by using the police force. “We were taken to the police station where the men and women were kept in one cell and were never even offered food,” they narrated.

Neri Fernandes said he had accompanied the women to the CM’s chamber. “After the meet-

ing when we were walking back three political leaders Subhash Shirodkar, Deepak Dhavilkar and Reginaldo Lourenco also gave us a cold shoulder,” he mentioned.

Croyden Madeira said the water provided at the Porvorim police station was muddy. Our basic human rights were not taken care of, he stated.

The village groups have called for action against Porvorim PI Devendra Gad who has been accused of manhandling women activists time and again.

Goa Bachao Abhiyan member Prajal Sakhardande said the people had elected the Government so that it will look into their problems. “But the opposite was happening. The people are left to fend for themselves. Hills are

being cut down blatantly and the authorities are turning a Nelson’s eye to the activity,” he mentioned.

The village groups have ridiculed the flying squads stating the same were mere eye wash and pressed for some members of the village groups to be included in them.

Edwin Pinto said the village groups had come together in a strong way to save Goan hills and fields for the next generation. “We are sure to take this fight to its logical conclusion.

The CM’s statement has bolstered us to take up the challenge and wage a war against the illegalities in our villages and in between if there was aggression the Government will be responsible,” he observed.

Woman rescued, paramour drowns HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, MAY 19

A woman who jumped into the Zuari River near the Sanvordem Bridge was rescued, but her lover who tried to rescue her was feared drowned on Wednesday evening.

According to reports, the two lovers were engaged in a conversation on the footbridge for quite some time and they were noticed by crew on nearby barges and some women who were washing their clothes in the river.

Suddenly, the woman jumped into the river and her lover raised an alarm, before he

jumped into the river in a bid to rescue her.

A woman, Supriya, who was washing clothes at the site, jumped into the water and managed to rescue the woman from the river. Other women threw sarees but the man could not catch them and disappeared into the river.

The woman rescued from the river was later shifted to Hospicio at Margao in a serious condition.

Curchorem fire services and some divers searched frantically in the river but could not locate the man. PI Bhanudas Dessai is investigating the case.

The development of St Inez water body faces a major hurdle as it needs to be notified as a creek to get funding under central scheme.

The sub-committee led by Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday passed the resolution asking the state government to notify the water body as creek for its development. Sources from the sub-committee said that funds under Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewal Mission (JNNURM) will be sanctioned only after the water body is notified as creek.

Household goods gutted in Guirim HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 19

Household goods worth about Rs 3 lakh were destroyed in a fire that broke out in a house at Prasad Waddo in Guirim on Wednesday afternoon.

Pradeep Vasant Haldanker alerted the Mapusa fire services of a fire in his house at Guirim at about 4.40 pm.

Fire Station officer Nitin Raiker along with a fire tender and his team rushed to the spot.

Since the house was located at a remote place, they had some difficulty in reaching the house.

Firemen managed to douse the flames within about 90 minutes with the help of two fire tenders.

The kitchen was destroyed and firemen managed to remove the gas cylinder and prevent further damage at the site.

The items destroyed in the fire included two TVs, two fridges, utensils, furniture and clothes, all worth Rs 3 lakh.

The exact cause of the fire is not known and investigations are in progress.

“The union ministry had clearly said that the amount will be awarded for the development of creek, a water body and not for drainage,” sources said.

The committee had also decided to carry out site inspection of the water body to check the illegal developments, only after its notification as creek.

“Unless the state government comes out with a proper notification, we cannot go ahead with the inspection as the water body is not officially declared as creek.

And hence, we cannot raise objections to the illegal developments, that have mushroomed

A crowd gathered at the Zuari River near the Sanvordem Bridge.

Photo by Suresh Naik

‘stop encroachment in Mhadei sanctuary’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 19

The environmental NGO in the state has requested Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) to cease the encroachment in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary.

“We appeal that the encroachment in Mhadei wildlife sanctuary be dealt with and the land be turned back to forest,” Sandeep Azrencar, Nisarga, has said in his memorandum to MoEF. The memorandum says that no action has been taken, though the fact finding report on this aspect was submitted by the Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) way back in 2006-07.

The memorandum was submitted to the MoEF officials on Tuesday during the interactive

n“Unless the govt comes out with a notification, we cannot go ahead with the inspection as the water body is not officially declared as creek.’’

along the bank of the creek,” sources maintained. “Once it is declared as creek, we can check the developments, whether they have come-up within ‘no development zone’,” sources added.

The beautification of St Inez creek project has been hanging fire since the time it has been taken up under JNNURM. Meanwhile, the committee has decided to take up the beautification of the creek in three different phases, as the entire project cannot be cleared this year.

“As we don’t have enough time left to forward the entire project, the committee decided to go in phasescreek functioning, de-siltation process and

beautification and protec tion of the creek,” sources explained.

Sources said that the committee will be soon forwarding the first phase DPR, which will include removal of all the structures which are above the height of the creek and will be also checking the stagnation process, to the union urban development ministry for the sanctioning of funds.

It seems that the development work at the first phase itself will be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore.

Also claims Carmonkars support for project PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao has strongly demanded that Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat come out with a policy on mega housing projects, even as he favoured low cost housing to meet the requirements of the common man.

“I have asked Chief Minister to work out a clear-cut policy on housing projects. Many a Goan builder is in the soup today because of opposition.

We need housing projects. How can anyone just object to projects. How will this benefit the state”, the PWD Minister sought to know, while making a strong case for a government policy on mega housing.

Saying the government should work out a policy, whether ground-plus two or three storey building for the coastal belt, Alemao batted for housing projects, adding “We need housing projects. Without

session between the mining firms and the environmentalists.

The NGO have pointed out that of the 1200 sq km forest land, nearly 4882 hector of forest is been encroached in Goa. “These are official figures but it is believed that the actual encroachment is even more than these figures,” the NGO added.

“The area of Mhadei wildlife sanctuary is the same place where the incident of tiger poaching is recently booked by the forest department. Even during recent animal census the evidence of animal is found,” Azrencar said.

The memorandum has been submitted along with Google images of this sanctuary, which clearly shows denudation of forest in several patches.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

The police has said that investigation into the Cuncolim girl shooting case is progressing in the right direction and exuded confidence of achieving a breakthrough soon.

South Goa Superintendent of Police, Allan De Sa said that the police have got a vital clue in the case and are working on the lead collected by the specially constituted police teams.

He said the police are investigating into two aspects, one the possible enmity on family matters and the victim’s enmity with her friends. “During investigations, we have come to know that she had a friend in Agassaim and was staying there.

A police team was dispatched to Agassaim. The police has also

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 19

Churchill backs Raheja’s project HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

Girl shooting case: Cops confident of breakthrough summoned her friend from Calangute as part of the investigations”, SP, De Sa said, adding that the police are analyzing the report collected by the team which was sent to Pernem last night.

Expressing confidence that the police would detect the case at the earliest, he said the police has completed the preliminary work of ascertaining and analyzing the facts that could give vital clues in the detection of the crime.

When asked whether the assailant could have been contracted to execute the killing, the SP said the background of the accused would be known only after the all the possible angles are probed into by the police.

The deceased girl, Wilma Co-

Heritage activists protest CCP move to build structure

st Inez water body development faces major hurdle HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 19

Pg3

development, you want to finish everyone”.

Claiming that around 1000 Goan builders have been affected by the ongoing opposition to mega housing projects, Alemao said “Construction activity is the occupation of these builders. Around two lakh people are employed by these builders. They are in trouble and some even want to commit suicide because there is no policy”.

While urging the Chief Minister to come out a clear policy on the mega housing, Alemao said that development of the state cannot be paralysed because of the opposition to the housing project.

Supporting low cost housing scheme for Goans, Alemao said ordinary Goans cannot afford to buy flats and houses at huge rates. “The low cost housing should meet the demands of the ordinary people”, he added.

Strongly coming out in favour

of the Rajeha project in Carmona village, which has been opposed by anti-mega housing activists, the PWD Minister criticized Carmona Panch member Orlando D’Silva for opposing the project.

“D’Silva had supported a housing project when he was the panch member. Why is he opposing the project now when the whole panchayat body and village is supporting the project”, he questioned.

Claiming that villagers have no problem with the Raheja project, Alemao said only this one man (Orlando) is opposing the project, which will benefit the villagers. When newsmen asked the PWD Minister in what way people will be benefited by the project, Alemao said jobs of watchman and other vacancies will be created by the project.

Charging Orlando for distributing pamphlets stating that the project would invite Muslims in the village, Alemao said he has asked the Superintendent of Po-

lice, South and the District Collector to take action against the panch member. “How can you discriminate against other religious communities. The land belongs to all communities. Orlando had tried to stop the project through various means, but the villagers of Carmona knows Churchill well and are supporting the Rajeha project”, he asserted, adding that the villagers had even confronted Orlando for opposing the project at the gram sabha meeting.

Claiming that Orland is he right hand man of former ML A Luizinho Faleiro, the PWD Minister said that the housing project was first passed during the tenure of the former MLA. When newsmen asked whether the village has adequate infrastructure to host the Rajeha project, Alemao said the Gudi- Orlim water pipeline would solve the water problem in the area.

Cuchelim residents object to movement of heavy vehicles

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 19

Residents of St Jose Vaddo and Khodapa Vaddo in Cuchelim ward of Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) have objected to the movement of heavy vehicles along the road from Gotnicho Vau to the Cuchelim Church junction.

In a memorandum to the Bardez Deputy Collector, they mentioned that there is continuous movement of heavy vehicles carrying building materials like sand, laterite stones, cement and tiles along the stretch of road every day from 4 am to 8 pm.

‘Vehicles proceeding to their destinations such as Siolim, Sodiem, Anjuna and Tivim, Assnora, Mumbai and elsewhere make use of this road. Over 200

n ‘‘... Over 200 heavy vehicles ply along this stretch of road everyday, threatening the safety of villagers including school children who commute along this road’’

heavy vehicles ply along this stretch of road everyday, threatening the safety of villagers including school children who commute along this road,’ the memorandum stated.

‘Further the constant honking of these vehicles right from the wee hours till night is causing a

noise pollution. Recently, this stretch of road has been hotmixed, which is why heavy vehicular traffic has increased and the smooth road has encouraged drivers to drive their vehicles in high speed.’

‘Earlier, heavy vehicles were plying from the Kharaswada junction to the Duler junction, before proceeding to their respective destinations. Heavy vehicle drivers use this route to reach their destination faster so that they can make large number of trips per day,’ the memorandum added.

Residents have demanded the closure of the stretch of road to heavy vehicular traffic and have sought the deployment of traffic policemen at the church junction and at the entry point of Gotincho Vau.

The heritage activists today protested against the decision of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to construct structure behind Fontainhas spring in the city.

In a letter to Corporation of the City of Panaji, the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) has asked not to go ahead with the construction behind Fonte Phoenix (Mala spring).

“The spring has been declared as a heritage structure and as such any development in its surrounding will affect the beauty of this structure,” Goa Heritage Action Group member Prajal Sakhardande said.

“When we came to know about this construction, we inquired with the Corporation of the City of Panaji commissioner Elvis Gomes, who said that the work is been undertaken by the corporation,” Sakhardande added.

However, the activists are not aware about for what the construction is been undertaken.

Meanwhile, the phone calls made to the Mayor Carolina Po and Gomes for the reaction on the issue went futile as they were not available.

The spring in Mala at the foot of Marutigad of the Altinho

hillock is ancient one.

The Portuguese, gave due importance to the natural springs, in this developing township and with an intention to preserve these water body, constructed the enveloping structures around them, and which have been preserved till date.

laco was shot dead point blank on her chest in the balcony of her house on Tuesday evening by an unknown assailant.

Cuncolim police said they interrogated the girl’s friend from Agassaim, while interrogation of the friend from Calangute was in progress late Wednesday evening at the police station.

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GOA, thurSdAy, 20 mAy, 2010

short takes Annual Day observed

PANJIM (HND): The children of Prerna School for Life Skills, Zuarinagar celebrated its Annual Day with an exhibition of their own handicrafts. There were beautiful table linen, stitch work, embroideries, personal articles, bags and toys made by the children.

A nice show was presented of performing arts with dances from Rabindra Sangeet and regional folk songs.

Kalashree Mahila Mandal president Asha Kamat inaugurated the program and gave away prizes to the deserving children and Jaikisaan Ladies Club President Sonali Datta presided over the proceedings.

Led by a dedicated group of ladies from the Jaikisaan Ladies Club, Prerna is dedicated to the financially challenged girl child.

The children are imparted the following vocations of life skills: stitching, sewing & needlework, handicraft/toys making, art & craft, interiors, beauticians, filling in studies, performing arts - music & dances, elocutions and computer studies.

ICICI opens new branch

PANJIM (HND): ICICI Bank opened its 10th branch in Goa at Curchorem to cater better services to the areas nearby. With this, the total number of branches of ICICI Bank has reached 2000 all over India and with ‘KhayalAapka’ campaign going on all over, it is more stressing now on customer service.

ICICI bank has plans to open up 7 more branches in Goa within the next few months which would take its figure to 17 branches in Goa and a total of 37 ATMs in Goa. The Curchorem branch was inaugurated in the presence of Regional Head for Goa, Kolhapur and Konkan Region Trevor Barreto.

Also present were Regional Marketing Manager for Goa and Kolhapur Saurav Ghosh, Branch Manager Venkatesh Sheshadri, Nilesh Kande and Deepti Naik.

‘Hem Tumkam…’ on HCN

PANJIM (HND): Babit De Zuari is an upcoming writer, director and has written and directed 13 shows. His cast always include amateurs and are selected from the village. His latest show ‘Hem Tumkam Sogleank’ was staged recently at Goa Velha. The same show will now be telecast on HCN Channel May 20 at 11 pm.

The artists who have acted in this drama include Ruzai, Savita, Joshell, Melissa, Agnelo, Joeboy, Anthony, Jr Reagan, Jerry, Tony de Agassiam, Ignatius de Xelvon, Rosario de Benaulim and Babit de Zuari.

Legal literacy camp held

PANJIM (HND): A legal literacy camp was held at Cumbharjua in Vasant Bhuvan, near bus stand. Counsellor Madhuri Rao spoke on the subject ‘rights of women’.

Advocate Harsha Naik spoke on the subject ‘Domestic Violence Act and benefits of Legal Aid’.

The camp was attended by Bharati Prabhudessai and 40 women of All India Women’s conference-Goa branch.

There was an open question answer session in which a number of women participated. The camp was attended by 40 people from the locality.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Sharmista S Naik. The function was held under the auspices of Tiswadi Taluka Legal Services committee, Panjim.

Cheques distributed

PANJIM (HND): Cumbarjua MLA and ex-transport minister Pandurang Madkaikar distributed cheques under vegetable vendors’ scheme to 21 beneficiaries from St Mathias panchayat jurisdiction at Divar, recently.

Madkaikar also distributed certificates to 57 women from the village, who attended five-day fruits and vegetables preservation camp.

While speaking on the occasion, Madkaikar urged the gathering to take advantage of various government schemes available with the help of the panchayat. He also praised the panch members for being active in helping the needy.

On development of the island, he said that a lot of development has taken place, such as road repairs, drainages, improvement of water supply, and promised to bring in more development in the near future.

Earlier, deputy sarpanch Tulsidas Kundaikar welcomed the MLA in the presence of panch members Ludovina Ataide, Asha Pai, Ramdas Bhomkar, Prashant Harvalkar and Jerry D’Souza.

Later, Jerry D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.

Hot mixing works inaugurated

MARGAO (HR): Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday inaugurated road hot mixing works in the Aquem area of his Margao constituency.

He broke the sacred coconut to mark the commencement of the work costing Rs 8.5 lakh.

Margao Municipal Councilor Ganashyam Shirodkar and other citizens were present at the inauguration.

Meanwhile, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Vijay Sardessai today inaugurated drainage works costing Rs 23 lakh near the Arcanjo hospital.

The works was inaugurated in the presence of ward Councilor Ramdas Hazare and acting MMC Chairperson Raju Naik.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardessai said that Councilor Hazare has taken up and completed works more than the works carried out by the Fatorda MLA. He said all sections of the society have supported the development work undertaken by the ward councilor.

Construction of speed breaker

PANJIM (HND): The District Magistrate, North Goa district, Panjim has ordered the construction of ‘Speed Breaker’ over feeder roads at a distance of 10 meters on either of the main road within the premises of Housing Board Colony at Harvalem, Sanquelim in the jurisdiction of Sanquelim Municiapal area in bicholim Taluka.

The District Magistrate also authorized the erection of cautionary sign boards ‘Speed Breaker’ at appropriate distances on either side of the speed breaker and at the placement of the speed breaker in consultation with the concerned traffic authorities showing the sign ‘Speed Breaker’ in order to regulate the motor vehicular traffic.

Construction of rumblers

PANJIM (HND): The District Magistrate, North Goa district, Panjim has ordered the construction of ‘Rumbler Strips’ near the house of Chandrakant Pawse at Keskarwada in front of Chandrakant Pawse house and near the house of Noorja Bi Murad Khan in front of Noorja Bi Murad Khan’s house in the jurisdiction of Village Panchayat Morlem in Sattari.

The District Magistrate also authorized the erection of cautionary sign boards ‘Rumblers Ahead’ at about 40 mts in advance of the first rumblers and traffic sign board showing the sign ‘Rumblers’ at the placement of the rumblers in order to regulate the motor vehicular traffic.

Mormugao council lags behind in utilising funds HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 19

The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has been constantly complaining of insufficient funds, but when funds do come its way, they often go unutilized.

According to reports, the MMC was in receipt of Grant-in aid (GiA) for developmental work, but nearly Rs 1 crore has been unspent between 200203 and 2008-09.

From 2002 to 2008, nearly Rs 2.3 crore had been sanctioned of the form of GiA, while an additional Rs 37 lakh had also been sanctioned. Of these funds, the amount utilized was Rs 1.67 crore.

These observations were made by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Goa’s last report for the period April 1 till September 30, 2009.

Incidentally, the MMC had

presented three consecutive deficit budgets, as a major chunk of receipts was spent on salaries, pension and gratuity of staff and daily wage workers and administrative expenditure, thus creating a vacuum for major development works in the last three years.

However, in the current budgetary provision, development work worth Rs 2.2 crore has been proposed in all 20 wards.

As per rules, the council has to utilize the GiA within one year of sanction and the unspent balance, if any, needs to be refunded to the sanctioning authority.

The CAG observation further states that since the grants were sanctioned by the government on submission of detailed estimates passed by the council, any delay in utilization of grants lacked justification.

“The council often faces difficulty in utilizing GiA fund for development works. Wherever the council has decided to take some minor development work, either the landlord doesn’t give us the NOC or other problem arises,” explained MMC Chairperson Shekhar Khadapkar.

He said the council had recently refunded some unutilized amount.

Councilor, Daji Salkar, who has mobilized help to beatify the footpath, claims the previous chief officers never made an effort to guide councilors on how much the GiA had been granted and how to utilize it.

“Since the GiA was not sufficient for major development works, the council tried other means to mobilize funds by involving corporate houses in the port town,” added Salkar.

MMC yet to file writ on former CO’s allegations HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 19

It’s exactly a fortnight since the Margao Municipal Council passed a resolution to five a writ petition in the high court to direct former Chief Officer Prasanna Acharya to divulge the names of the Councilors extorting money from the builders.

However, neither the petition has been filed by the Civic body till date nor the Municipal Chairperson has sought legal opinion from the Municipal legal counsel on the matter.

In fact, when MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho was questioned on the matter, he said he has resumed office only this evening, having proceeded on leave since the last five days.

Moreover, Coutinho said he

has received minutes of the special meeting held a fortnight ago to decide on the corruption allegations made by the former Chief Officer against the Councilors. “I have received the minutes only today. The same would be checked and forwarded to the Chief Officer to take necessary action”, Coutinho added.

Incidentally, Coutinho is strongly in favour of seeking legal opinion from the Municipal lawyer on the question of filing a writ petition in the high court, even as he has come under fire from the opposition group in the Council for seeking legal opinion on the matter.

Incidentally, though the Civic body is dragging its feet on the question of going to the court to direct the former Chief

Officer to divulge names of the councilors involved in extorting money from the builder, the only positive thing that may emerge from the special meeting is that technical section has agreed to furnish information on construction licenses cleared by the Civic body since 2008.

In fact, Chief Officer Y B Tawde told Herald that the process of compiling information relating to the construction licenses is almost over and the same would be handed over to the Chairperson as and when he resumes charge.

Sources in the know say the Chief Officer may hand over the information to the Chairperson in the next two days as work on compilation of the records is almost complete.

Exhibition creates awareness on waste management HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 19

Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOCAN) organized an exhibition on waste management in the conference hall at Mamlatdar building at Mapusa.

Different plastic materials and other waste such as used battery cells and medical waste were displayed in this exhibition.

GOACAN Convenor Roland Martins explained to the visitors the toxic aspects of the waste and conveyed the message that solid waste management by people is a low cost solution to keep the State clean.

Speaking to Herald, Martins said the purpose of holding an exhibition is to create public awareness that everyone should take the initiative to protect the environment by disposing off waste through environment friendly methods.

He also mentioned that segregation of waste at source is important.

“Tetrapacks can be recycled into roofing material, note-

Fr Maverick denies addressing meet HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, MAY 19

Council for Social Justice and Peace Executive (CSJP) Secretary Fr Maverick Fernandes has clarified that he did not address activists and villagers at the meeting on Verna plateau in Cortalim on Monday.

In a letter, Fr Fernandes informed Herald that he was at the CSJP office in Institute Piedade at Panjim from about 9.25 am to 2 pm and had been continuously holding meetings with different groups.

Herald had inadvertently reported in its Tuesday’s edition that Fr Fernandes had addressed activists and villagers at the meeting, prompting Fr Fernandes to issue the clarification.

Roland Martins is seen explaining the ill-effects of waste.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

books, tissue paper, etc. Plastic bottles can generate sling bags, school bags, etc. Goa Dairy has introduced a takeback scheme of the empty milk packets. If 60 empty packets are returned to Goa Dairy, one gets a milk packet free. If other companies also introduce such take-back schemes, there would be drastic reduction of waste material,” said Martins.

Martins stated that as per Goa Non–Biodegradable

Garbage (control) Act 1996 and Rules of 1997, every panchayat and municipal council is required to set up a garbage committee and members of this committee can be provided training in waste management.

“GOACAN is willing to cooperate with the municipal council or panchayat to conduct such training programmes for its councilors or panchayat members,” Martins added.

People urged to use energy judiciously

NCES Secretary Kumaraswamy inaugurates life long learning (3L) programme on efficient energy, at Goa International Centre, Dona Paula on Wednesday.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 19

Stressing on the need to save energy by adopting energy saving technologies and practices, Non Conventional Energy Sources (NCES) Secretary Kumarswamy urged people to use energy judiciously since Goa depends on neighbouring

Awareness on courses in polytechnics HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 19

All polytechnics in Goa will celebrate an ‘Awareness Week’ from May 31 to June 4. The polytechnics have tied up with schools so that SSC students visit the institute everyday.

Such as scheme is worked out considering the poor awareness among school students about the avenue for employment. There are five polytechnics affiliated to Board of Technical Education. They are Government PolytechnicPanjim, Government Polytechnic-Bicholim, Government Polytechnic-Curchorem, Agnel Polytechnic-Verna and Institute of Ship Building TechnologyVasco.

The awareness week will be held in all polytechnics simultaneously. There are two hotel management institutes affiliated to the Board. They are Fr Agnel Institute of Food Craft & Culinary Sciences Verna and Guardian Agnel Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Curchorem.

The admission eligibility for hotel management course is XII standard (any stream) and for polytechnic it is Xth standard.

Diploma in Pharmacy held at Goa College of Pharmacy-Panjim is also affliated to the Board and suitable arrangement for awareness week is being made.

Presentation will be made on diploma education in Goa by expert teachers from 10 am to 11 am everyday. Thereafter students will be taken around the institute to show various laboratories and other facilities. Sufficient teachers will be made available to answer all types of queries from the prospective candidates for diploma admission. The afternoon session also will be open to all parents and other admission seekers.

Ancient Ganesh idol found at Parra HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 19

An ancient brass Ganesha sculpture was found while digging, in the house of Jagganath Chodankar of Aradi, Parra. The idol of Ganesha seated on singhasan holding an axe in the right arm and a noose in left are representative of symbols of his ability to cut through obstacles.

The idol was found after divine appearance of the lord in the dream of 18-year old Pooja alias Baby Chodankar, daughter of Jagganath for the past several years. The lord apparently conveyed to her that he was suffocating underneath. The idol was incidentally found on Vaisakha Suklapaksa 2067 Shak Samvat 1932 Punarvasu nakshetra as per Hindu calendar.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat visited the residence of Chodankar and had darshan of the Lord Ganesh and also made inquires about the idol. He evinced keen interest in the an-

states for its energy requirements.

Kumarswamy was speaking after inaugurating a one-day life long learning (3L) programme on ‘adoption of energy efficient process technologies & practices and implementation of energy conservation Act 2001 in ECBC in hotels & buildings, pharmaceuticals, mining and foundry sector’, organised by Goa Energy Development Agency in collaboration with Bureau of Energy Efficiency for industrial sector at the Goa International Centre, Dona Paula.

Speaking further, Kumarswamy expressed happiness for organising workshop on this important subject and said efforts should be directed to create awareness on energy saving equipments and prac-

tices. He said proper education and motivation to people will result in saving energy.

Vice President Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mangirish Raikar said that the saving energy by industries will boost the profitability of the units. “This will be positive aspects for industrial sector as well as the government”, he informed.

Travel and Tourism Association President Gaurish Dhond, Dr N P S Varde, Saurabh Yadav also spoke on the occasion.

73 delegates representing ECBC in hotels and buildings, pharmaceuticals, mining and foundry sectors participated in the day long workshop.

Earlier Ashok Kumar welcomed the guests. Anil Sharma and Sheikh proposed the vote of thanks.

upCoMInG eVents Anti-Terrorism Day

PANJIM (HND): Anti–Terrorism Day will be observed on May 21 in the State. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will administer the anti-terrorism pledge in the Secretariat at Porvorim on May 21 at 11 am.

All the officers and staff members in the Secretariat have been instructed to remain present in the Secretariat at 10.55 am to take the pledge.

‘Balotsav’ programme

PANJIM (HND): Bal Bhavan, Panjim in collaboration with Directorate of Art & Culture will organise the 4th State Level ‘Balotsav’ (Children Festival 2010) on May 20 at Master Dinanath Mangueshkar Kala Mandir, Kala Academy, Panjim at 2.45 pm.

An exhibition of art, craft and clay modelling items prepared by the children will be held from May 20 to 22, in the Art Gallery of Kala Academy. This Balotsav will consist of colorful cultural programme of dance and songs. The programme will be held in the presence of MP Francisco Sardinha and National Bal Bhavan Director Amita Shaw.

Workshop on tobacco control

PANJIM (HND): The Voluntary Health Association of Goa in collaboration with GOACAN, the Goa Union of Journalist and the International Centre-Goa will organise a workshop on tobacco control and role of the media, on May 25 at International Centre-Goa, Dona Paula from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.

The workshop will examine the role of media in the context of the 'Global and Indian scenario of tobacco control advocacy and current tobacco control legislation in India & Goa.' The workshop also seeks to draw up a media plan of action keeping in mind the health effects of consumption of tobacco products and the importance of effective control on their promotion and sales.

To register for the workshop, interested individuals may call 0832 2221012 or send an email to vhagoa@gmail.com by May 21 with name and contact number.

Aptitude Testing Program

PANJIM (HND): The Goa Education Development Corporation will conduct an Aptitude Testing Program for students of Std Xth on May 22 at the Teachers Training College, Porvorim.

The test will be conducted by experts from Jnana Prabodhini Sanshodhan Sanstha, Pune. This test will help parents in deciding the correct career path for their child.

A fee of Rs 500 per head will be charged for the same. For booking and details contact Goa Education Development Corporation on 2411187/94.

power shutdown

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat pays a visit to the house of Jagganath Chodankar at Aradi, Parra for darshan of the newly found Ganesha idol. IGP Sundari Nanda and Pooja Chodankar are present.

cient artifact.

Pooja Chodankar told the Chief Minister how they found the statue and washed it to get rid of the mud. She told him that the Lord appeared in her dreams and said that he is suffocating and hungry underneath. After removing the idol, the lord again visited her in her dreams and suggested that his

temple should be built at the same place where he was found.

Kamat was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Sundari Nanda.

The news spread by word of mouth and devotees started visiting them, wanting to have darshan and to offer their prayers.

MAY 20 COLVALE: From 8 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Revora, Nadora, Bombay centre, Colvale and areas under Chicalim, Camurlim panchayats and surrounding areas.

VASCO: From 9 am to 2.30 pm. Areas affected are HTC-Hansa.

TALEIGAO: From 9 am to 2.30 pm. Areas affected are Shankarwadi, Borbhat, part of Chincholem and surrounding areas.

CARANZALEM: From 9 am to 2.30 pm. Areas affected are Purva apt, Martins Morod and surrounding areas.

BRITONA: From 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Kadamba depot, Salai-Quitla, Ekoxim, Donwado, Britona, Manas and surrounding areas.

MAY 21 TIVIM: From 8 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Limathod, Tivim panchayat office, St Anna colony, Dhanva, Auchutwado, Major Bakery, Madel Damade and surrounding areas.

CORLIM: From 8 am to 11.30 am. Areas affected are Diwar village, Chorao village and Vaxim village.

VASCO: From 9 am to 2.30 pm. Areas affected are Birla Petrol pump, Goa Carbonic, Queeny Nagar, Upasnagar, Cansaulim, Velsao, Zuarinagar near Pump house and Housing board Zuarinagar, Cortalim Church, Shantadurga temple and surrounding areas.

PANJIM: From 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are Dempo tower, Fish market, Bank of India and surrounding areas.

BICHOLIM: From 8 am to 10 am. Areas fed from Bicholim s/s will be affected.

HE RA LD

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SUPPLEMENT

GOA, THURSDAY, 20 MAY, 2010

A

ACE building exciting careers

cademy of Culinary Education (ACE) was established in 1995 by Foundation for Education, Work and Environment Society promoted by Cidade de Goa with an objective to provide an unique career opportunity to the aspiring chef who would like

to make a career in Culinary Arts.

ACE offers a unique opportunity to earn while learning and provides the environment to serve the guest and learn the hospitality skills which are necessary to satisfy customers. ACE has the infrastructure which is

required in the contemporary times. This helps the students to acquire hands on skill sets through latest technology.

ACE being attached to Cidade de Goa, provides students an ideal environment of a Five Star hotel kitchen and encourages them to take over responsibilities of managing a hotel kitchen before the beginning of their career preparing them for their future responsibilities in operations. Students have a rare opportunity of training and grooming under watch-

ful supervision of experienced chefs. They are offered an unique opportunity to be part of a team managing theme evenings, special cuisines, barbecues and on site providing them experience.

Students trained in ACE get well placed with high degree of skills sets and proficiency.

Before they complete the course, students are provided opportunities to be placed with hotels assuring a bright and secure career with potential for growth.

Shree Devi Education Trust offering wide career opportunities

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hree Devi Education Trust was established in the year 1992. Shree Devi Institute of Technology offers BE, MBA and MCA courses.

The following branches of Engineering are offered Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication and Mechanical Engineering.

Shree Devi College and School of Nursing is recognized

Karavali Group of Colleges: Revolutionizing professional education through excellence

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aravali Group of Colleges, which made an impressive entry into the field of professional education in the year 1996 by introducing the first University affiliated design course in India. Since then it has registered a trailblazing track record of success.

The students of Karavali Colleges have obtained university ranks every year by establishing

outstanding records in the field of education. With a 100% continuous success rate in almost all its courses and 100% placement for students after completion of the courses, the college today attracts students from all over India and also from foreign countries like Uganda, Maldives, Dubai, Nepal, Sri L anka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tibet, Iran, Sudan, Tanzania and Kuwait. A brainchild of its founder chairman and eminent educationist Mr. S. Ganesh Rao, recipient of International Award in recognition of extraordinary services rendered in new untapped areas of professional education.

Karavali Group of Colleges has three independent own campuses at Kottara Chowki, Vamanj o o r a n d N e e r m a rg a i n Mangalore city with excellent infrastructure on par with international standards. College has well equipped modern state-ofart Mechanical Engineering Labs, Civil Engineering Labs, Computer Labs, Physics Lab, Chemistry Lab, Central Workshop, Mechanics and Kinematics Lab, Materials Testing Lab, Electrical Science Lab, Electronics Lab for Engineering Courses, Pharma chemistry Lab, Pharmacognosy Lab, Pharmaceutics Lab, Anatomy & Physiology Lab, Machine Shop, Microbiology Lab for Pharmacy Course. Design Studio for Interior Design Courses, Fashion Lab, Garment Workshop and Computer Lab with internet for Fashion Design Courses. For Nursing Course best lab facility is provided like Fundamental Nursing Lab, Community Health Nursing Lab, Nutrition Lab, Psychology Lab, Bio-Chemistry Lab, Anatomy Museum. College offers clinical facility for Nursing students in 750 bedded multi-specialty Hospital.

The College has very good facilities for Hotel Management courses with practical Restaurant, House Keeping Lab, Service Lab, Nutrition Lab and Food and Beverage Production Lab comparable with the standards of Five Star hotels. College organizes two months summer placement in Five Star hotels for Hotel Management students. The college has up-to-date well-stocked libraries with national and international books and journals.

The college has highly qualified and experienced professional faculty comprising Doctorates and P.G.’s with excellent academic standards in their respective fields. College runs separate hostels for boys and girls with all facilities. Lot of care has been taken to make the hostel “a home away from the home”. In order to give practical exposure to students and also to ensure 100% placements, the college has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with connected industries and institutions. College also runs hygienic canteens and provides xerox facility, telephone facility, banking, internet facility, transportation facility and also provides indoor and outdoor sports facilities with professional coaching to all the students.

Karavali Group of Colleges offer B.E. Courses in Information Science and Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering and Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, B.H.M. (Bachelor of Hotel Management), B.Sc. Nursing, M.Sc. Nursing, P.C. B.Sc. Nursing, B. Pharm., Pharma D., M. Pharma, Polytechnic –

Diploma Courses in Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Electrical and Civil, M.B.A., M.S.W. (Masters in Social Work), B.Sc. Interior Design, B.Sc. Fashion Design, B.C.A. (Bachelor in Computer Applications), B.Sc. Hospitality Science (Hotel Management), B.B.M. (Bachelor of Business Management), B.Ed., D.Ed. (Diploma in Education).

Above courses are affiliated to RGUHS, Bangalore / Mangalore University / VTU, Belgaum along with all mandatory recognition like All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi, Indian Nursing Council (INC), Karnataka Nursing Council (KNC), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) & Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).

The college also independently offers Diploma Courses in Interior Design, Fashion Design and Hotel Management.

For further details please contact : Karavali Group of Colleges, N.H. – 17, Near Kottara Chowki, Bangra, Mangalore – 575 013.

Tele/Fax (0824) 2455656, Mobile:094802 65857, E-mail:info @ karavalicollege.ac.in,info @karavalicollege.com, Website: http//www. karavalicollege.ac.in and www.karavalicollege.com.

by Indian Nursing Council. The college is attached to 1000 bedded Govt Hospital, 500 bedded Medical College Hospital and 150 bedded parent hospital.

S h re e D e v i C o l l e g e o f Hotel Management has the credit of bagging the First Rank in the Mangalore University examination during the academic year 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008

and the college has 100% p l a c e m e n t re c o rd . S h re e Devi College of Interior Design has the credit of bagging First Rank in the Mangalore University examination during the academic year 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and the college has achieved 100% results. Shree Devi College of Fashion Design has the credit of bagging the first prize in many

inter-collegiate fashion show competitions.

Shree Devi College of Physiotherapy established in the year 1993 is the pioneer in Physiotherapy education which offers BPT and MPT courses.

Shree Devi College of Pharmacy has the credit of 100% result in the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences examination.

HE RA LD GOA, THURSDAY, 20 MAY, 2010

Pg7 Terrorists slip through LoC: intel inputs PTI SRINAGAR, MAY 19

Intelligence inputs suggest that some hardcore Lashker-e-Toiba terrorists including a dreaded militant 'Furqan' have sneaked into Kashmir valley raising questions over claims that infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) have declined sharply.

Sources in the state home department have said the inputs of wireless intercepts suggested that Furqan, whose actual name was not known, had infiltrated into the valley to muster support among the local population and to streamline the operations of the terror outfit.

The intelligence inputs comes in the face of repeated assertions by Army that infiltration had reduced along the LoC and had come down drastically.

However, during internal meetings, officials of the Military Intelligence and other senior Army officials were taken aback when they were briefed about the intercepts showing heavy presence of Lashker militants in higher reaches of Kupwara and Uri. Besides Furkan, five battlehardened terrorists of Pakistanbased LeT were among them, the sources said.

The state police and central security agencies provided specific credible intelligence including tell-tale signs of the presence of nearly a dozen militants in Nichnai forests in higher reaches of Yusmarg in Central Kashmir.

While Army has been maintaining a studied silence over the issue, sources said intelligence about infiltration of militants, who managed to escape the Army vigil at LoC, was picked up by the local police leading to various encounters across the state.

Girls top ICSE results PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

It was girls all the way on top in this year's Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations that saw three students from Mumbai, Kolkata and Agra at their academic best.

The class X examination or the ICSE has been topped nation-wide this year by Mumbai girl Jhanvi Vipul Phoshani, who outshone other students securing 98.80 per cent marks.

Jhanvi is a student of Srimati Lilavati Poda High School, Mumbai.

The class XII examination meanwhile was topped by two girls who scored a joint 98.75 per cent aggregate marks.

One of them Shreya Daga represents the Mahadev Birla Shishi Vihar school from Kolkata, while the other Sumedha Rai is from the St Anthony's Junior College, Agra.

Maintaining the trend, girls again outshone boys in the overall results securing better pass percentages in the Class-X and Class-XII boards exams.

As many as 55,760 candidates appeared for the Class-XII exams while 1,12,820 students took the test for Class-X in March this year. The pass percentage of girls in Class-X was 98.77 per cent as against 97.95 per cent of the boys. Similarly, the pass rate for girls stands at 98.26 per cent in Class-XII as against 96.17 per cent in case of boys.

Common link between SRK, Leonardo PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

What connects Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo Dicaprio besides their acting skills?

The love for Formula One racing.

DiCaprio, an avid racing fan, recently kick-started the Tag Heuer's Odyssey of Pioneers- a unique roadshow travelling to 15 destinations, with a specially designed Tesla's special electric sports car in Basel, Switzerland.

After making the rounds in cities like Monaco, Milan, Budapest and Warsaw the road trip finally reached New Delhi and Shah Rukh along with Formula One driver Karun Chandhok, launched it further to its next stop Beijing here today.

44-year-old Khan, who is the brand ambassador for Swiss watch brand, expressed his love for the sports and said, "I have always been an avid fan of automobile marvel. It's exciting to welcome the road trip to India which shows that our country is finally making its foray in Formula One racing."

OHERALDO

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OPINION

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

May Be or May Not Be…

Vol No CX No: 131 Goa, Thursday 20 May, 2010

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A bigger foe

ore in Goa are coming round to believe that they are being made to suffer a number of controversial projects and dubious plans being thrust on them. Add to this, poor governance and also the feeling — rightly or otherwise — that our politicians and bureaucrats are simply not responsive to the people’s needs. Put all this together, and you can’t blame public opinion for the view that politicians in power, regardless of their colour and ideology, are quick to respond to the needs of some controversial lobby but slow to face-up to issues placed before them by the commonman.

Blame it on the system of governance we choose to follow.

Once a politician secures sufficient votes in the EVM, there is no pressure whatsoever on him to serve his voter. There is little sense of accountability for the five years term that he gets in power. Many voters don’t even see the face of their ‘representative’ after elections are done with. Except by accident.

Given the increasing role money plays in day to day politics, it is no surprise that the people’s “elected representatives” need to depend far more on lobbies and cartels. The voter who put them in the seat of power in the first place is fast forgotten.

In such a situation, protests are growing. This week, it was the turn of the Village Groups of Goa. In recent times, the protests are not just about higher wages and trade union issues. Increasingly, Goa is seeing its people getting together to question over how “planning” decisions are taken, how land is being re-zoned, how projects get approved, and how common property is being privatised or taken over to serve the interests of a few.

Contrary to what is being projected, Goans are not “opposed to everything”. Nobody is opposed to educational infrastructure, parks and playgrounds, health projects, public transportation or market infrastructure. What people are indeed questioning is privatising of common-lands, real estate rackets in the name of IT infrastructure, shops set up in fields and palmed off as sporting facilities, money-spinning (for a few) mega-projects of a controversial kind, and resource grabs (particularly of land).

Many groups have been formed in recent years to highlight such issues. Some have been doing a good job in bringing to light the lapses and lobbying, manipulations and machinations that gets concealed under the administrative and political process. Others groups have tried hard. It goes to only show what a small group, committed to the idea of info-activism, can achieve.

But even as all this happens, there is one worrying aspect emerging. While most campaigners are focussed on the errors or excesses of governance, a few seem intent on targeting one another. Instead of focussing on the larger goal, of the clean-up that Goa needs so badly, a small caucus of campaigners prefers to badmouth, spread bitterness and undertake campaigns of innuendo.

It could be argued that we in Goa bring on ourselves many of our problems. In the past too, the mutual suspicions among different groups and segments proved costly to everyone. If one section felt hit by the impact of some project, and raised a protest over it, their intentions would be suspect. Their campaign would be termed “communal”. Or, other segments of Goa would simply not be bothered about the issues raised.

Sand-mining in the 1970s was an issue seen as affecting the Salcete coast alone. The impact of iron-ore mining was an “interior Goa” issue. Narcotics’ impact was not a concern beyond pockets of coastal Bardez. Zoning-corruption and land-conversions were not a concern in areas where their impact was not visible, and so on.

Today, the thrust has changed. One campaigner distrusts another. While it is easy to understand a difference in approach, it is unfair to label and tar someone we disagree with. It is time for campaigners to show more maturity, if they wish to convince wider sections of the righteousness of their cause.

Egos should have no place in campaigns; if these are really pro-bono in nature, then party politics and other differences need to be kept aside too.

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Ever since the hippies discovered Goa , life has never been the same writes Ervell E. Menezes

h for the month of May and mangoes. It was “we’re all going on a summer holiday” to the muluk, that is Goa. How expectantly we waited for those May holidays. “No more Latin, no more French, no more sitting on those dirty old benches.” Actually, that was the icing on the cake.

So, it was a quantum switch from the urban grind to that quaint old world of rustic beauty and solitude of Goa. It was the 1950s and the pace was easy like the words of the song “summer time and the living is easy.” No, let’s not get into that “susegado” mould. It’s a word flogged to death, but still often misunderstood. It means “comfortable” and not lazy as is often misconstrued. “Death is the end of life, ah why should life all labour be,” the Goan feels in the words of the great nature poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Or at least that was what the Goa of the 1950s under the Portuguese rule, was. Many of us liked to be associated with Western culture and some were even anti-Indian with the common “these Indians” refrain. Not that the Portuguese did very much for us, and many had to go to India to earn a living, and the few schools in Guirim, Arpora and Parra were able to provide an English education for jobs in Africa and elsewhere, but let’s leave it at that.

But then came Liberation in 1961. And, by the end of the 1960s the hippies discovered Goa. Ever since, life has never been the same. It soon became a tourism paradise with its “swaying palms and virgin beaches.” For the hippies it was “make love, not war” and they were seen in various stages of undress, taking the tan while also being subjected to the domestic tourists’ lecherous gaze. Restaurants and hotels sprung up like mushrooms, motorbike pilots ferried folks around and slowly but surely, life and the hospitable nature of the Goan changed. Fast forward to 2010 and the same pristine Goa had changed diametrically. It was “make a fast buck Goan” that emerged from the ashes of the once hospitable Goan. Politically, the two main parties the United Goans Party (UGP) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) made way for the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and it became a State with no political conscience. Floor crossing was the order of the day, and in the 1980s Chief Min-

Those were the days

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Minding Our Business isters changed like ladies changed their fashion.

They say small states suffer from this malaise, but nowhere in India do we have such a mindless, conscienceless band of legislators as in Goa, often referred to the Chalis Chor with wordatarian Digambar Kamat as Ali Baba. The depths to which the Chief Minister’s chair had dropped, has never been so low.

All he does is give assurances. This has given rise to activism, and in this respect the Goa Bachao Andolan (GBA) is the most prominent. It was formed in the context of the 2011 Regional Plan.

In between, it laid low due to infighting. But in 2009, it was revived and they have made it a point to be at the heels of the Chief Minister to get things done. GBA secretary Reboni Saha recently said that it was convinced that the announcement of flying squads to halt hill-cutting and filling of low-lying land, was a damp squib, given the fact that nothing much had happened

after the first assurance was given by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on March 4, 2010 that the Regional Plan 2021 would be completed in six months.

The Goa Town & Country Planning Act 1974 was not in sync with Article 243, especially 243G, 243N and 243ZD and the Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules thereunder. The Goa Law Commission, which was entrusted with the review of the TCP Act, is not known to have done anything in the context of Section 16 and 16A amended in March 2008 itself. Hence, it is the well known formula of letting things lie, till they are forgotten about.

It this a government that works?

One plus point, however, is the government hand in getting the Supreme Court ruling to uphold the High Court, directive that the subsidy paid to the power-guzzlers should be recovered because the notification was not as per law. In this respect, Power Minister Alexio Sequeira must be

lauded for engaging top lawyers and getting the guilty to pay for their crime. I clearly remember those days in 1994 when the Soccer World Cup which was won by Brazil was on, and power failed for long periods, even over a day with food stocks getting spoiled thanks to the then Power Minister Mauvin Godinho.

But an interesting facet of this discussion, was the slinging match between former Chief Minister Monohar Parrikar and the then Power Minister Godinho. When Parrikar accused Godinho of paying Rupees 12 crores to some power-guzzlers Godinho turned back and told Parrikar that during his regime they had paid Rs 15 crores to a certain power-guzzler to which Parrikar had no answer.

And pray who was the Power Minister then. No prizes for guessing correctly. He was none other than our own all-time low Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. Now Godinho was known to be corrupt, but what about Parrikar and Kamat. Weren’t they caught with their pants down?

Well, then this only shows the sad way in which the Government operates. One step forward and then three steps back. There is no enforcing authority or vigilance or anti-corruption body at work. The common man or aam admi referred to so much in Ministerial rhetoric is left to fend for himself between the devil and the deep blue sea.

On my way to Goa by the day train on Konkan Railway I had to raise a hullabaloo over the absence of air-conditioning and mine was the only dissenting voice. In fact I lost my cool and told my co-passengers that they took everything lying down- such as the buses packed like sardines and other such misdemeanours. No wonder, the service on the KR has vastly deteriorated and you get more than the required passengers in the reserved section. That the TCs use the berths meant for the passengers.

That’s why public prosecutor Winnie Coutinho who was sacked on February 14,2008 (Valentine’s Day) got another order on the same day keeping the first order in abeyance, and she continued in office for over a year before Aires Rodrigues’ PIL convinced her to call it a day, That’s why the Margao Municipal ropes in as sopo contractor without inviting bids. That’s why so many things take place to make nonsense of a government that works. Are you listening Digambar Kamat?

Slow Down And Enjoy Life

adness and shock sweeps through the whole village at the news of a tragic death. It is almost more than can bear. The death bell rings freely in slow time from the steeple of the Church, as soon as the sacristan has received word. There is both sinful and righteous anger. Everyone keeps wondering what the outcome will be. The house is filled with the presence of his absence. The absence can bond the family more tightly than they were ever bonded before. Hugs, kisses and kind caring words are thrown in. They learn the name of the game - no original insight here - is people needing people.

I have yet to come across anybody who does not think that dangerous driving is criminally foolish. Fatally foolish, as has been tragically proved again and again. And yet every year, the message has to be pushed home even harder, even more graphically .

This year is not different, the carnage depicted in the news media will make us grasp with horror. Stories of the enduring grief suffered by those who have lost loved one, will take us from tears of sorrow to tears of rage at some of the lenient sentences passed on culprits. But will it stop the senseless death and mutilation? T The answer is a big NO. It will keep the statistics looking slightly healthier, that is all, although if it saves just one life I suppose the

campaigns, the spread-out stories are worthwhile. But why don’t we ever learn? Because once we have registered the impact of the horror, and shed our tears, we believe cannot/ it will happen to us.

It’s the oldest confidence trick in the world but we all play it on ourselves over and over again.

Be honest, how many of you reading this have driven a vehicle dangerously, say, after a drink or two? Ah, you say, but that is not enough to put me in danger. The point is, until we separate drink and driving altogether, then the problem can never be solved. Half measures, in more ways than one, are not good enough. So, if we and our kind are to be safe, we must change our collective attitude.

If we drink , we do not drive; if we drive we do not drink. Simple?

If only it were ...

There is nothing like having a gas cylinder truck nearly run you off the road, to marvellously focus one’s thoughts on the here and now. I discovered this truism recently during one of those leisurely morning rides that I take fortnightly to my village. The fact is, I cruise. 1 do not zoom. As you might imagine , this means I am forever being passed by a variety of fellow travellers. This marked the first time, however, that a gas cylinder truck almost sent me to the sweet hereafter.

By Marc de Souza

Everyone seems to be in such a hurry these days. Like everyone else, I suppose that I have done my share of driving at frantic speeds.

Now, it makes me wonder what people do with the time they save by rushing. Do they ever notice the scenery along the way?

These are probably the same folks who are too busy to listen to their children when asked a question? Have they enjoyed a meal lately rather than bolted food down to keep their body fuelled?

Have they taken time to appreciate what it means to be given yet another day to live? I am not on a crusade. I only want to bring about awareness.

I do not say that you should not drink. I only say, that when you drink, please, please don’t drive, because it may mean another tragic tragedy. It doesn’t have to happen. Don’t let it happen.

At a cemetery I saw an epitaph on a tombstone: Here doth lieth Robert Prayet Reason whyeth...

Fast driving dieth, We may not always see eye to eye but we can try to see heart to heart. I guess that’s all I have to say.

Letters to the Editor Not learnt the lesson

The modern day Nero(s)

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

SND Poojary,Miramar

It has been nearly a fortnight since the tragedy occurred at the Baina beach wherein a slab of an old structure fell on two little children who had a miraculous escape.

Till this day nothing has been done by the authorities to bring down the remaining structure which seems beyond repairs. Even the slab that came crashing down has not been removed and serves as a grim reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on that day.

It must be said that children of migrant labourers are seen playing around this place.

Last week the Mormugao Municipal Council organized a week long summer festival at the beach which attracted huge crowds.

Unfortunately nothing was done to remove this dilapidated structure.

Are the authorities waiting for another mishap to occur before acting? The concerned authorities would probably have acted if the falling slab had caused death on that fateful day. Will we ever follow the dictum ‘Prevention is better than cure’?

The proverbial Nero ‘fiddled when Rome burnt’. The Central government appears to be in similar mode in dealing with Naxalism.

On May 17, one more entry is added to the government statistics when the Naxals blew up a bus killing some 44 people, mostly security personnel. For the government, they are just numbers. However the impact is felt by the members of the families of those who were butchered by the killing machines.

These families are left to mourn the dead for the rest of their lives.

We have a Home Minister who wishes to take on the Naxals, but he is stopped by the fratricidal attacks on him by his own fellow travelers, who are surreptitiously encouraged by his own Party. Now he appears like a wounded lion nursing his wounds, but unable to protect his men. It is high time that he puts his foot down or puts his papers.

100 Years Ago PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

20 May, 1910 l

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A most determined issue in regards to the colonial backwardness is the lack of colonial directions and guidance.

Were discarded at the Custom’s warehouse sacks of imported rice for being spoiled.

Last evening, the announced Football and Tug-of-War between the City Youth and that of Caranzalem, took place at Caranzalem.

Last week Germany was deluged with heavy rain fall accompanied by gusty winds and lightning.

A Muslim was condemned to be hanged from the gallows at Rangoon for killing a nine-year- old girl-child.

Detrimental to Konkani unity Fr Mousinho de Ataide, Seminary of Rachol If Konkani is one language –and it is one – it would have been preferable for the late Dr Olivinho Gomes to have written a comprehensive history of Konkani literature in all scripts. It would also have helped readers to have an overall view and make a comparative study.

However, as the book has been commissioned by the DKA, it could not but have a sectional slant, very detrimental to the unity of the Konkani Samaj. I mean no offence to the hallowed memory of Dr Olivinho.

Need to adopt right approach Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai At last Ajmal Kasab is awarded a death sentence. Whether he is executed or not does not really matter when seen in the broader picture of tensions in the sub-continent.

Elements remain very much alive and stronger than ever for terrorist attacks to be carried out in India. Because of the ten-

Letter of the Day

Goan writers (are) barking

Stephen Dias, Dona Paula

Now Goans are no longer found sussegad in Goa, especially the Goan writers who are on the toes, you see them barking loud but many of them are unlucky to see their articles/letters in the newspapers columns, since either their letter/articles are on queue or the prescribed minimum words are not within their specified limit. However by hook or crook, certain writers manage to convince the Editors/reporters and their articles/letters are published. I feel Editors should consider increasing these columns in order to express these kinds of views.

It is a pity that some of these Goan writers who want to express their views on the safety of their motherland, are deprived getting into the local newspaper columns. In fact these newspapers should play a role of scrutinising letters/articles to publish which is of great importance for the welfare of Goans at large.

Whatever letters/articles are published they are continuously going in politician’s dustbins without any action.

When our renowned Goan scientists such as Dr Nandkumar Kamat, Dr Joe D’Sousa and others also experiencing the same phenomena, who bothers for their write-up?

Instead we see devastating incidents such as of creeks, environment, pollution, land grabbing, illegal constructions, casinos and many things which are constantly been damaged. Also no proper infrastructure such as water, electricity and swage etc. is made available.

I feel in the name of tourism, Goa is been ruined forever. There is no proper planning at all. sion gripping them, both India and Pakistan spend billions of dollars for military preparedness and maintaining border security.

By all count they must be serious to put a firm end to the public war of words and engage in confidence-building measures leading to meaningful dialogue. That is the only way ahead for the two sides if they were to hope for an end to the perpetual threat of terrorism regardless of its source.

End the monopoly at NSF

By Rocky Dias The decisive action of the Sports Minister in introducing new guidelines for the National Sports Federation on the tenure of the officials is very encouraging and bold.

The reduction of the term of tenure will certainly help the country produce more professional sports managers who have new innovative ideas and thus help improve and explore new ideas for the benefit of the federation.

The uncontrolled powers given to bureau-

crats, politicians and businessmen in public institutions must be limited. Honest and deserving people must be given a chance on merit. This will not only help to bring in a clean governance but also help open a new dimension for transparency and accountability. The monopoly in the NSF must be brought to an end as quickly as possible.

Also, those who have been occupying the seat for 15 to 24 years must be asked to resign immediately. The retirement age for the officials must be fixed at 70 years.

The threats of the old guards must simply be ignored even if they go on the offensive.

Even the International Committee will not support them, as long as the Indian Sports ministry works within the frame work of Olympic rules. No one can stop them from bringing in new guidelines.

No one can make a public institution his or her monopoly. Any brazen efforts by the existing administrators to jeopardize the working of the Sports Ministry, which is supreme, must be averted. The fixing of tenure and age limit cannot be in violation

of Olympic Charter and thus cannot invite an international ban on India. It is the prerogative of the Indian Sports Ministry. The bosses of our National Sports Federation must act as a disciplined regime in all sincerity and accept the guidelines of the Sports Ministry and restore the normal functioning of the federations. We all know that we are not meant to function till our last breadth, then why not be good sportsmen ‘On And Off The Field’?

Punish the real terrorists Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata A butcher of Mumbai has been sentenced to death; but when will the rabid, and often elite think-tank be vanquished from the face of the earth who religiously exploit the acute poverty in the society and brainwash the Kasabs to create mayhem? It is indeed unfortunate that only those who are used as mere instruments get punished, but the real sponsors of terrorism get off scot-free.

Why are desecrators never nabbed?

Marcos Alemao, Varca Several cases of idol desecration have been reported in Goa in recent times and there is no headway to nab the culprits of this dirty game by the government. Desecration of idols which are lifeless and dumb is no work of good, intellectual person, but of idiots, who are trying to divide us on communal lines.

If the same thing had happened during the BJP rule, we would castigate BJP as communal party, but it happened during Congress rule. So what should we call Congress party? Secular? When such incidents take place, top officials like collectors, mamlatdars, police officers, MLAs and ministers visit the site to show up their faces, as if they are concerned of such incidents and there is no action thereafter.

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

Paths of Wisdom

To Die Like An Angel

by Mother Teresa

One evening we went out and rescued four people off the streets. One of them was in a desperate condition.

I told the sisters, “You take care of the others. I will care or this one who is worse off.”

I did everything for her that my love could do. I put her into bed, and I saw a beautiful smile light up her face. She squeezed my hand and only managed to say two words, “Thank you.” And then she closed her eyes.

I couldn’t help but ask myself there beside her body, “What would I have said if I had been in her place?” My answer was very simple. I would have said that I was hungry, that I was dying, that I was cold. Or I would have said that this or that part of my body hurt or something like that. But she gave me much more. She gave me her grateful love. And she died with a smile on her face. l Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. l Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat. l Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. l Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. l Even the rich are hungry for love, for being cared for, for being wanted, for having someone to call their own. l Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

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INDIA

HE RA LD

Pg 9

GOA, THURSDAY, 20 MAY, 2010

opinionated

Opposition not playing their role

By Jose Maria Miranda

T

he role of the Opposition in a democracy is generally that of a watchdog keeping a tab on the functioning of the Government. During the BJP rule in Goa, the Government headed by Manohar Parrikar had a free hand because the Opposition, the Congress, was hesitant in raising any issue out of fear of skeletons tumbling out of their party’s cupboards. In fact, most Congress MLAs and ex-MLAs behaved like little mice, always apprehensive that the cat might pounce on them, any moment. It was then said that Parrikar had the dossiers of each and every MLA even of his own party, and hence none dared cross swords with him. That enabled him to behave like a despot, deciding matters on his own and often backtracking after reactions from the people. He kept the sword hanging over the heads of some Congress leaders, but never allowed it to fall for reasons best known to him.

Had he acted, it would have had some deterrent effect.

Presently, the BJP leader is taking the Government to task on many fronts but not very effectively. He has proved with statistics that illegal mining is going on unabated and even asserted that several Ministers were involved in it, but is again hesitating to take on them headlong. The BJP could have capitalized on the opposition to many of the Governments’ follies and supported several people’s movements or started some on their own, but either they themselves have a hand in the destructive activities or are looking forward to toeing the line of the Congress, if and when they come to power, because after all there is big money involved and without money, nothing much can be achieved, especially when it comes to contesting and winning elections. When the Opposition keeps a check on the Government, especially on corruption and malpractices, not only are the Ministers put on guard against misadventures but the people too do not feel the need to agitate with an effective Opposition in place.

Despite several demands for a CBI inquiry on the extravagant spending on the IFFI 2004, the Congress Government that took over immediately thereafter, decided not to have a probe, perhaps because their own people were far worse. And that, they have proved beyond any doubt. The CBI has woken up now, five years later, to investigate into the IFFI 2004. Manohar Parrikar calls it vendetta. Possible, but perhaps because they have too many hidden skeletons, the Congress does not have, unlike the BJP, a history of vengeance. And certainly Parrikar is least qualified to talk about vendetta. However, to be fair to the BJP, one must say that at least on the pretext of IFFI 2004, we had Panjim spruced up for the event and we need to credit Parrikar for his vision in having another Patto bridge, without which Panjim would have been choked today. I wonder what vision, if any, our Chief Minister, Mr. Digambar Kamat has for his constituency and Goa’s commercial capital, Margao.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for motorists and even pedestrians to move in Margao, but it matters very little to our CM, so long as he can retain his chair. Perhaps his only vision is to convert Margao into a slum to strengthen his vote bank. There was no doubt extravagant, unnecessary and wasteful expenditure at IFFI 2004, but there isn’t there much more now? Three bridges are being built in a span of a few kilometres in South Goa, when this money could have been better spent in improving the road network, to minimize accidents. In several years of its rule, the Congress could not give us till date a four lane road from Margao to Panjim, despite land being available. People are already crying for water, when God has been kind to Goa in giving us an average of 100 inches of rain every year, which our Government allows to go waste. What awaits us and our future generations with such poor infrastructure, mega projects coming up and the explosion of population and vehicles is anyone’s guess. Though we are already facing a crisis, when it eventually reaches unbearable proportions, as it has happened in many cities, these jokers responsible for it will not longer be in power and perhaps will settle down in some other country to avoid facing the wrath of the people and the problem they have themselves created.

What enabled the BJP to give us a reasonably efficient administration was their disciplined cadre. Their MLAs did not scramble for portfolios Unfortunately, however, their autocratic rule, their devious ways of retaining power, the violence they unleashed even with the involvement of Ministers, left such a lasting obnoxious impact on the people that one wonders whether the BJP will ever be voted to power again, despite many of its plus points. In the present Government, Ministers, in their greed for more plum portfolios regularly gun for the CM’s head and appear ever willing to bring down the Government, yet reluctant to lose their jobs. The attempt by an unqualified chap, by any standards, to take over, fortunately failed. They call him the leader of the masses, but a better title for him would be “the leader who amasses”. Does the CBI sincerely feel they have the moral authority to investigate into Parrikar’s extravaganza when there is a general feeling that there is much more to investigate in the current administration? The BJP could certainly put some of the present Ministers in the dock if it had the will, but they too seem to be dragging their feet because they may need them in the future. The BJP v/s Congress-NCP-MG reminds me of an argument I witnessed many years back on the beach between two fishermen who went on for ten minutes challenging each other – Tum mhaka ath lai – tum mhaka ath lai – but none of them was willing to test the strength of the other. As common people generally comment “ Tem soglem ek” – one worse than the other that none wishes or dares take on the other.

Navy Chief asks commanders to maintain vigil, moral conduct PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma today asked his commanders to maintain a high state of preparedness as the force's role in fighting terrorism and piracy would grow.

He also emphasised the need to maintain the highest standards of "moral conduct and integrity in addition to professional excellence."

"The Navy needs to maintain a high state of preparedness due to the ever-increasing demands of maritime security both in the littorals and high seas," Verma said at the four-day Navy Commanders Conference, which began here yesterday.

He said the tempo of operational commitments were increasing significantly necessitating greater attention to improving operational efficiencies and material availability.

"Professional excellence, coupled with material preparedness,

sound logistics, effective maintenance and comprehensive training are the cornerstones of combat readiness," he said.

His remarks on moral conduct come against the backdrop of reports that a senior Naval officer, Commodore Sukhjinder Singh, posted in Russia to supervise the Admiral Gorkshkov aircraft carrier project, had established inappropriate relationship with woman there.

The Navy has ordered a probe to find out if Singh's liaison with the woman could have influenced the hike in the price of Gorshkov's repair and refit from the contracted USD 974 million in 2004 to the recently concluded cost of USD 2.34 billion in 2010.

Verma pointed out that during the 2009-10 financial year, the Navy had fully utilised its allotted budget and signed major contracts including those for additional MiG29K fighter jets from Russia and for revision of Gorshkov cost.

SPOs risked lives to save Naxals may have links with LeT: Raman Singh people in Dantewada PTI RAIPUR, MAY 19

As Naxals killed with impunity innocent bus passengers in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, a few brave policemen risked their lives to drive the injured to nearby hospitals while taking on the outlaws at other end.

When the blast occurred, the bus was tossed in the air and its rear end was completely damaged. Some passengers were blown in to pieces, and some were thrown off the vehicle, said Special Police Officer (SPO), Vatti, who was travelling in the bus when the explosion took place, leaving 35 dead.

"I was lying there when four AK-47 wielding gunmen started firing. At this moment some other SPOs armed with INSAS rifles came over there. We retaliated and forced them to retreat. I was drenched with blood and felt that my end is near," said Vatti, now undergoing treatment at a hospital in Sukama.

Inspector General R K Vij said had the SPOs not retaliated, the casualties would have risen and the Naxals would also have

n I was lying there when four AK-47 wielding gunmen started firing. At this moment some other SPOs armed with INSAS rifles came over there. We retaliated and forced them to retreat. I was drenched with blood and felt that my end is near. looted police weapons.

Many injured SPOs, carrying automatic rifles, battled the outlaws. Help came in the form of some more SPOs and jawans, who arrived in a vehicle, and encircled the injured ensuring that the Naxals could cause no further damage, Vij said.

"As Naxals fled, an SPO present there stopped a jeep and asked the driver to take the injured to nearby hospitals in Sukama. Scared, the driver didn't agree...he then himself drove the vehicle, thus saving many lives," Vij said.

The SPOs had boarded the bus, which left Dantewada at around 2 P.M., at Gadiras village and some of them sat atop the vehicle's roof due to passenger rush and sweltering heat.

The private commercial bus ferrying passengers from Dantewada to Sukma was blown up between Gadiras and Bhusaras near Chingavaram village, about 450 kms from here with the Naxals detonating Improvised Explosive Device with gelatin sticks planted on the metalled road on May 16.

The bus was targeted at 4.45 P.M after the Naxals got to know through their intelligence network that SPOs were on the bus.

According to police officials, when Salwa Judum movement started in 2005, many Naxals and their supporters surrendered and also helped the police in their anti-maoist operation.

PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

Labelling naxals as the "biggest terrorists", Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today said they may have links with Lashkar-e-Taiba and the menace would have to be tackled through joint efforts between the Centre and the state without use of air strikes.

Two days after naxals carried out another major strike in his state in a month killing 35 people, Singh the Left-wing extremists were now better trained and "force" would have to be applied along with development to deal with the problem.

Addressing a press conference here, he said he was getting adequate support from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram.

"Who else can be termed as terrorists? They are the biggest terrorists... Naxalism is a biggest challenge to the democracy.

They want to capture power at gunpoint," Singh said when asked whether naxals were terrorists.

Giving details of naxal activ-

ities in last 10 years in the state, he said they have killed more than 1000 civilians and over 650 policemen besides blowing up 132 electric towers, 106 school buildings and three hospitals in the state.

The Chief Minister said the naxals were better trained now as was indicated by the recent incident in Dantewada where they blew up a bus.

"Though I have no confirmation but some facts have come to light indicating that naxals may have some connection with Lashkar (LeT) militants... The manner in which they are using IEDs, explosives and weapons with 100 per cent technical surety shows there are experts behind this who are giving them training," Singh said.

To a question, he said aerial support was welcome but air strikes could not be an option in the naxal-infested areas because it could have collateral damage.

"There are landmines in upto 100 kms in an area. If there is a blast it will take hours to take the injured to hospital by road.

Army helicopters can be used

here. And also for supplying emergency rations," Singh said.

"But I don't recommend use of air power as Chhattisgarh has a huge dense forest cover inhabited by tribals and if any such attack is launched, then they will suffer greatly... Bombing is not possible in these areas. This is not a war," he added.

To a question, Raman Singh said, "There cannot be any hard or soft line to tackle naxalism.

What has been achieved by adopting a soft line against them in the last 50 years?"

The Chief Minister said the strategy was to continue with the development process in Maoist-infested areas. "At the same time force should also be applied to deal with them," he said.

He also said a joint strategy with Centre is needed on a long term basis to fight naxalists.

When asked about the support his state is getting from the Centre, Singh said it has been "adequate" and specifically mentioned the Prime Minister and the Home Minister as the ones who have always supported him.

Bardhan opposes air force, questions ‘limited mandate’ PTI BHUBANESWAR, MAY 19

Vehicles passing through a flooded road in Chennai on Wednesday following heavy rain due to cyclone ' Laila ' in the Bay of Bengal.

UPA-II has become ‘increasingly vulnerable’, says Karat PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

As Manmohan Singh government celebrates the first anniversary of UPA-II, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat has said it has become "increasingly vulnerable" and accused it of "cynically" using investigating agencies for political purposes.

In an article in party mouthpiece 'People's Democracy', Karat said the government has been "callous" to the common man's suffering due to price rise while it showed "great solicitude" to big business and corporates during meltdown.

Only the Congress government could be blamed if there is an impression of it being "directionless", he said noting that there is growing opposition within the coalition against the policies and programmes of the government.

"Politically, the striking outcome of the first year of the UPA government is its increasing vulnerability. In May 2009, the UPA won the elections but failed to get a majority. Congress ignored this reality and became complacent with the unilateral declaration of support by parties like SP, BSP, RJD and JD(S).

"By the end of the first year,

that complacency has been shattered. During the last budget session, Congress had to adopt the tactic of bargain and striking deals to garner support amongst these parties," Karat said in his article.

If the government thinks it can go ahead with its own "prescription", he said, they will find themselves in a position where coalition partners often "look at things differently and assert themselves".

He said the last three weeks of the Budget session witnessed manoeuvres to prop up the government's majority against the cut motions and the struggle to ensure passage of legislations.

"The cynical use of the CBI for political purposes is undermining the credibility of the agency," he said.

"The first year of the government has seen the IPL affair, the 2G spectrum allocation scam and the mining scandal of the Reddy brothers. All this can be directly sourced to the nexus between big business and ruling politicians," Karat said.

On the Maoist violence, Karat alleged that the government tends to treat it solely as a law and order problem without realising that some of its own policies like giving licence for

"indiscriminate" mining in the forest areas was alienating the tribal people.

"Moreover, it finds itself hampered by its own partner in gove r n m e n t , t h e Tr i n a m o o l Congress. Mamata Banerjee has declared there are no Maoists in West Bengal and therefore there is no need for joint operations against them," he said.

Karat claimed that the government failed in tackling the "relentless" price rise of essential commodities. "This has been the biggest cause for people's suffering in the past year. For the poor, it has meant less food and more hunger and malnutrition," he said.

"This is not a failure but an outcome of the determination to pursue neo-liberal policies.

Food items and other essential commodities are traded and speculated in the market in a big way," Karat said.

"The forward trading system is the playground for big trading companies and corporates. The government is least interested in curbing these interests who are making huge profits," he said adding, the government failed to bring legislations which could provide relief to the common man.

‘3 Idiots’ screened at the UN PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

Aamir Khan starrer '3 Idiots' is scaling new heights - the film had a special screening at the UN followed by a discussion on the film's message concerning the education system.

The superhit movie produced

by Vidhu Vinod Chopra was shown at the United Nations headquarters in New York, which was attended by director Rajkumar Hirani and screenwriter Abhijat Joshi.

"Abhijat and I were present there for the screening and the question and answer session," said Hirani, adding that he felt "honoured" to present his movie to the UN. "The Department of Management at the UN got in touch with Vidhu Vinod Chopra's office and requested a screening followed by a two-hour long post-film session with UN members who will focus on how the film has impacted their lives and how each character influences education system," a source said.

However nobody at the United Nations had imagined such a huge turn-up when they sent out the invites.

They expected only Indian expats.

A ‘green’ PHQ with a helipad in the offing in Delhi PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

The new Delhi Police Headquarters to be built on Parliament Street will be a 'green building' and have a helipad to ensure better mobility of personnel.

To be built in 8.02 acres at a cost of Rs 279 crore, the proposed state-of-the-art building, which will be equipped with modern technology to minimise communication delay, will be located less than a kilometre from Parliament House.

"It will be a visible statement

of Delhi Police's public positioning and reflect its national character and significance. It will be equipped for hi-tech operations and provide efficient workspace," a senior police official said.

The new headquarters will be coming up in the plot which presently houses the Parliament Street police station, Deputy Commissioner's office and barracks of policemen. The police headquarters is presently located in ITO. According to the Union Home Ministry's Outcome Budget, the

new headquarters is likely to be completed by December 2013. The building will come up in Public-Private-Partnership mode.

"We are developing it as a green building. Energy conservation methods will be adopted.

It is likely to have rain harvesting units. Its impact on environment will be less compared to other buildings in the area," the official said.

One of the highlights of the building will be a helipad. "The building will have a helipad.

Our proposals for helicopters

were shot down earlier saying we do not have the adequate infrastructure or space required for parking and other operational aspects," the official said.

Delhi Police has been asking for helicopters since 1996 to keep surveillance over the city from air. It has sent a number of proposals earlier.

The official said the building will be equipped with modern technology to minimise communication and coordination time among various police functions.

The CPI today opposed the idea of using air force to fight Maoists and said it did not comprehend the idea of "limited mandate" being given to Home Minister P Chidambaram in dealing with the problem.

"What more mandate you (Chidambaram) want? I do not understand what he means by limited mandate. All the police, para-military forces are with you.

You are carrying out operations," CPI general secretary A B Bardhan told PTI here.

"Once you start using air power, that is the thin end of the edge," Bardhan said, adding, air power was used only in worst cases.

He said after air force proved inadequate to deal with the Maoists, the government would fall back on the Army and in that case the country would plunge into a civil war.

"Will you land this country in a civil war? Make the army to

n What more mandate you (Chidambaram) want? I do not understand what he means by limited mandate.

All the police, para-military forces are with you. You are carrying out operations. fight our own people? After all, we have not decided that Maoists are foreigners or terrorists from abroad," he said last night emphasising that Maoists were not indulging in cross-border terrorism.

In any case, he said, for logistics and all that the help of the Army was being taken.

Road accidents on a rise in Andhra Pradesh PTI HYDERABAD, MAY 19

Be it Highways or the arterial roads in urban areas, major road accidents have become a daily feature claiming scores of lives in Andhra Pradesh, according to the State Crime Records Bureau.

That more than 120 people were killed in separate road accidents in the State since the beginning of this month alone speaks about the gravity of the situation.

Andhra Pradesh had one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the country with 43,108 people losing their lives in 1,35,713

accidents in the last three years.

According to the statistics compiled by the State Crime Records Bureau, 14,792 people were killed and 59,506 injured in 44,164 road accidents in the state last year.

The fatalities went up from 2008 which witnessed 14,529 deaths and 64,526 injuries in 46,389 accidents. In 2007, 13,787 people were killed and 63,070 injured in 45,160 accidents.

Till March 31st this year alone the figure for road deaths was 3,714, while 14,397 got injured in 10,856 road accidents.

appointments

HE RA LD GOA, THURSDAY, 20 MAY, 2010

Pg10 FROM PAGE 1 ‘Laila’ may affect Goa rain pattern

time to recover,” official added.

According to the IMD report on Tuesday evening, the cyclonic storm settled over some portions of Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata. The IMD report also mentions that the system is likely to intensify further and move in the north-west direction during the next 48 hours towards Andhra Pradesh. While the coastal areas of north Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are likely to get widespread rainfall.

Vehicle registration....

State Government. “ The system will keep a check on the arrears. If some tax is due, it will pop out, informing the department about it. It can also generate demand notices automati cally,” Naik said.

Goa will be the fifth State to adopt this software after the States like Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

4-yr-old Indian girl dies after being left in school bus PTI DUBAI, MAY 19

In a tragic incident, a four-year old Indian girl died apparently of heat and asphyxiation after she was mistakenly left in a locked school bus for over four hours in Qatar.

The incident happened when the bus driver parked the vehicle and took the children to their school, failing to ensure that they all got off on reaching their destination.

HE RA LD

Pg11

THE INDIAN NAVY

GOA, THURSDAY, 20 MAY, 2010

Taliban attacks key US base in Afghanistan AP KABUL, MAY 19

Insurgents launched a brazen pre-dawn assault on Wednesday against the giant US-run Bagram Air Field, killing an American contractor and wounding nine service members in the second Taliban strike at NATO forces in and around the capital in as many days.

At least 10 insurgents were killed as Taliban suicide bombers attempted to breach the defences of the base north of Kabul, while others fired rockets and grenades inside, according to a statement issued by US forces.

The attack started around 3 am Blasts and gunfire only subsided around midday, said Master Sgt. Tom Clementson, a spokesman for US forces. No insurgents managed to get into the base and none were able to detonate their suicide vests, the statement said.

The Bagram attack came a day after a suicide bomber struck a US convoy in Kabul, killing 18 people. The dead included five American troops and a Canadian, making it the dead-

liest attack on NATO in the Afghan capital in eight months.

The back-to-back attacks show the militants intent to strike at the heart of the US-led mission, apparently part of an offensive announced by the Taliban earlier this month even as NATO prepares for a major operation to restore order in the turbulent south.

In the latest violence in the south, a NATO service member died in a bomb attack today, the military alliance said in a statement.

It did not provide further details.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for both the Kabul bombing and the attack at Bagram, 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Kabul.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said 20 suicide attackers were involved. An Afghan provincial police commander, Gen. Abdul Rahman Sayedkhail, said the attack began when US guards spotted would-be attackers in a car just outside the Bagram base.

The Americans opened fire, triggering a gunbattle in which at least one militant triggered his suicide vest. Running gunbattles broke out as US troops hunted down the other attackers.

Curfew extended across 23 Thai provinces Agencies BANGKOK, MAY 19

A curfew was extended to cover 23 Thai provinces as well as Bangkok on Wednesday after a deadly army crackdown on an anti-government rally sparked rioting and arson in the capital.

Thailand's Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) said in a statement it had "imposed the curfew in 23 more provinces from 8 pm to 6 am".

Anyone violating the curfew would be jailed for two years maximum or fined USD 1,200 dollars or both, but a government spokesman earlier said those who needed to travel should carry passports or ID and tickets.

Earlier, General Prawit Wongsuwon told AFP that the curfew would be imposed in Bangkok and checkpoints would be set up across the city.

"We are waiting until the people go back home, then we will deal with rogue protesters," he said.

Meanwhile, rioters set fires at the Thai stock exchange, several banks, the headquarters of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the high-end Central World shopping mall and a cinema complex that collapsed.

The Thai government declared a curfew in Bangkok from 8 pm until 6 am. An announcement signed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and broadcast

on television banned anyone from leaving home during those times without permission from authorities.

At least two protesters and an Italian news photographer were killed in today's army crackdown. Three other foreign journalists and 15 Thais were wounded in the fighting.

The chaotic end to the Red Shirt campaign is certain to deal a heavy blow to the economy and tourism industry of Thailand, a key US ally and long considered one of the more stable economies of Southeast Asia.

The Red Shirts are demanding the ouster of Abhisit's government, the dissolution of Parliament and new elections.

The Red Shirt protest leadership surrendered to authorities this afternoon and the army declared itself in full control, but fresh violence soon erupted across central Bangkok and unrest boiled over in the northeastern countryside, where the protests draw many of their mostly poor, rural supporters.

Protesters also turned their rage on the local media, which they have accused of biased coverage toward the government.

Groups of rioters attacked the offices of state-run Channel 3 TV, where they set fires to cars parked outside, punctured water pipes that caused flooding and entered the building.

10+2 CADET (B TECH) ENTRY SCHEME (PERMANENT COMMISSION) COURSE COMMENCING - JAN 2011

LIVE YOUR DREAMS - BE PART OF CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY 1.

Applications are invited from UNMARRIED MALE CANDIDATES (fulfilling the conditions regarding nationality as laid down by the Govt of India) to join the prestigious Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala under 10+2 Cadet (B Tech) Entry Scheme.

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS Age. 17 to 19½ years (i.e. born between 02 Jul 1991 & 01 Jan 1994. (both dates inclusive).

2.

3.

Educational Qualification. Senior Secondary Examination (10+2 Pattern) or its equivalent from University/Board with at least 75 % aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) and at least 50% marks in English (either in Class X or Class XII).

4.

Physical Standards (a) Height and Weight. Minimum height - 157 cms with correlated weight as per age. (b) Eye Sight. The minimum acceptable vision standard for distant vision 6/12, 6/ 12 correctable to 6/6, 6/6 with glasses. Should not be colour/night blind.

Note: There will be no relaxation in physical standards.

HOW TO APPLY 5.

(a) If you meet the above requirements, apply on A4 size paper (typed or handwritten) in the prescribed Application Format. The envelop containing the form should be superscribed with “ 10+2 CADET (B TECH) ENTRY SCHEME - JAN 2011 COURSE, Educational Qualification .................. Perentage ...............% in PCM. Send your application latest by 29 Jun 2010 to:-

15. Leave Entitlements. On Commission, officers are entitled to 60 days annual and 20 days casual leave every year (subject to service exigencies). They are also entitled for 40% rail concession to any place and free travel (as per extant rules) for self and dependents. Leave during training period will be as per the Training Policy in vouge.

16. Sports & Adventure. The Navy provides facilities to pursue any sport of your liking. In addition, one can learn and participate in adventure sports, such as river rafting, mountaineering, hot air ballooning, hang gliding, wind surfing etc.

APPLICATION FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING UP 1. APPLY ON A 4 SIZE PAPER (TYPED OR HANDWRITTEN) AS PER FORMAT BELOW. 2. ONLY APPLICATION AS PER FORMAT BELOW WILL BE ACCEPTED. 3. APPLICATION FORM TO BE FILLED IN ENGLISH ONLY IN BLOCK CAPITALS. 4. STRIKE OUT WHATEVER IS NOT APPLICABLE. 5. ATTACH ATTESTED COPY OF CLASS TEN CERTIFICATE FOR DATE OF BIRTH VERIFICATION. 6. ATTACH ATTESTED COPIES OF ALL OTHER EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES 7. APPLICATION AND ENCLOSURES TO BE PROPERLY TAGGED TOGETHER BY THREAD OR STAPLED TO AVOID LOSS OF ENCLOSURES.

Regd. No....................

(For Official use only) APPLICATION FOR 10+2 CADET (B TECH) ENTRY SCHEME - INDIAN NAVY

POST BAG NO. 5, GPO, New Delhi - 110 001 (b) Application must be sent in the format given in the advertisement, otherwise it will be rejected.

JAN 2011 COURSE

(c) Application must be accompanied by attested copies of 10th Standard Certificate (for verification of date of birth) and other educational certificates as required. (d) Application and requisite enclosures must be properly tagged by thread or stapled.

Integrated Headquarters of Min of Defence (Navy) [IHQ-MoD (Navy)] will not be responsible for loss of enclosures, if sent loose.

Note:- Application sent by Speed Post/Regd Post/Courier will not be accepted.

TYPE OF COMMISSION 6.

On successful completion of course / training, candidates will be granted Permanent Commission as Executive or Technical Officers (Engineering, Electrical or Naval Architect Branches) of the Indian Navy.

LAST DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATION 29 JUN 2010 Candidates submitting more than one application will be disqualified 1. Candidate’s Name:(a) Name: ....................................................................................

(As in Matric / Equivalent Certificate) (b) Surname or last name......................................................... (c) Expanded full name (if abbreviated)..................................

2.

Date of Birth:-

D

D

M

M

Y

Y

Y

Affix self attested recent Passport Size Colour Photograph

Y

SELECTION PROCEDURE 7.

The selection procedure for the Entry is as follows:(a)

The candidates will be issued call up for Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews based on their PCM marks in 10+2/equivalent Examination.

(b)

SSB interviews for short listed candidates will be scheduled during Jun to Nov 2010 at Bangalore, Bhopal or Coimbatore.

(c)

The total duration of SSB interviews is of 5 days, consisting Stage I (Day one) and Stage II (Four days). Stage I Tests consist of Intelligence Tests, Picture Perception and Discussion Tests (PPDT). Candidates who fail to qualify in Stage I will be routed back on the same day from SSB centre. Stage II Tests consist of Psychological Tests, Group Task Tests, Group discussion and Interview. Successful candidates will therafter undergo Medical Examination at nearest military hospital for duration of 05 days.

(d)

Candidates recommended by the SSBs and declared medically fit, will be appointed for training in order of all India merit depending on the number of vacancies.

(e)

Change of SSB centre for interview is not permissible under any circumstances.

(f)

Candidates who wish to change their SSB dates must apply to the President of the SSB. Award of fresh dates for SSB would be subject to avaibility at respective SSB.

(g)

No compensation will be paid in respect of any injury sustained as a result of tests.

(h)

Return 2nd Class Sleeper rail fare is admissible for the SSB interview, if appearing for the first time for the entry.

TRAINING 8.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

The training is scheduled to commence in Jan 2011.

(As per Matric / Equivalent Certificate; should be between 02 JUL 1991 to 01 JAN 1994. (both dates inclusive) (a) Father’s Name :...................................................................................................... (b) Father’s Occupation / Designation..................................................................

(If retired or serving in Army/Navy/Air Force attach certificate) Candidates’s Address:For Correspondence ............................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ......................................................... Pin .................................................................

E-Mail........................................

Telephone/Fax No, if any...............................

Permanent Address .................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. .......................................................... Pin ...................................................................

E-Mail........................................

Telephone/Fax No, if any...............................

Marital Status (Married/Unmarried) State to which you belong ..............................................................................................

Nationality. .......................................................................................................................

Visual Identification Marks ............................................................................................ s Education Details (10+2/Equivalent qualification)

Name of Name of School/ Board/ College University

9.

Selected Candidates will be inducted as Cadets for four year B Tech course in Electronics & Communication or Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala Kerala. During the course, Cadets will be allotted Executive or Technical (Engineering, Electrical or Naval Architect Branch). On completion of the course, B Tech Degree will be awarded by Jawahar Lal Nehru University (JNU).

10. Physical fitness. In Naval Academy curriculum, a lot of emphasis is laid on physical fitness. You are therefore, advised to build up yourself by physical training, sports, running, swimming, etc. so that you meet the training goals successfully.

Subject

(XII th class)

Aggregate Percentage In PCM

Physics Chemistry

Note:- The entire cost of training, including books and reading material, will be borne by the Indian Navy. The cadets will also be provided with free clothing and messing.

Mathematics

THE NAVY OFFERS YOU

Total

On successful completion of training you will be commissioned as Sub Lieutenant. The benefits of the life as an officer in the Navy are enumerated in succeeding paragraphs.

English

11. Pay Scale & Promotions. The promotion from Sub Lieutenant to Commander is on time scale basis and thereafter on selection basis subject to fulfilment of requisite service condition.

The Pay Scale and promotion criteria is as follows:-

( Xth class)

RANK

PAY BANDS/SCALE

GRADE PAY

MSP

SUB LIEUTENANT

PB-3/15600-39100

5400

6000

LIEUTENANT

PB-3/15600-39100

6100

6000

LIEUTENANT CDR

PB-3/15600-39100

6600

6000

COMMANDER

PB-4A/37400-67000

8000

6000

CAPTAIN

PB-4/37400-67000

8700

6000

COMMODORE

PB-4/37400-67000

8900

6000

REAR ADMIRAL

PB-4/37400-67000

10000

NIL

VICE ADMIRAL

PB-4/37400-67000

12000

NIL

80000/FIXED

NIL

NIL

VICE ADMIRAL (C-IN-C/VCNS/PSO)

Maximum Marks marks Secured

12. Allowances (as applicable). The rates of allowances applicable to officers are as follows:Allowances

To whom granted

Rate Per Month (pm) (in Rs)

Technical

Technical Officer on course qualified

2000-5000/pm depending

English

CERTIFICATE OF VERIFICATION OF DOB & MARKS Certified that I have verified the Date of Birth and Marks secured by the candidate in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English from his Original Matriculation/10+2 Certificates and attest them as true.

Signature...................................... ...............

Name of the Attesting Officer ...................... ................................................................

Official Seal

Designation/Appointment held .................... ...............................................................

Office/Min./Dept......................................

Telephone..............................................

Date................... Place............................

Note :- (To be attested by a Gazetted Officer of the Central/State Govt. Principal of Secondary School/College, 1st class Magistrate, an MP or an MLA) 10. Have you attended any other SSB interview earlier? If yes, indicate (for all the earlier attempts):Navy Army Air Force (a) Type of Entry ....................................................................................................... (b) Name and Station of SSB ................................................................................... (c) Batch No ............................................................................................................. (d) Month and Year of Interview ................................................................................ (e) Whether Recommended. ....................................................................................

Instructional

All Officers posted as Instructor

1800/pm

Flying Allowance

Qualified Pilot/Observer

9000-14000/pm

Submarine

Qualified Submariner

9000-14000/pm

Marcos

Qualified As Marcos

9000-14000/pm

Diving

Clearance/Ships Diver

800/400/pm

Sea going

All Naval Officers Serving Onboard Ships (Sailing Only)

4200-5200/pm on basis of Rank

Uniform

All Officers

16000 (Initial grant) & 5000 (Every 3 Yrs)

Hard Area

All Officers posted in Hard Area as declared by Govt.

25% of basic Pay

13. I, hereby, solemnly declare that all the statements made in the above application are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

House Rent

All Officers not provided Govt.

Accommodation

10-30 % of Basic (Pay Band +Grade Pay +MSP)

14. I fully understand that in the event of any information being found false or incorrect, appropriate action can be taken against me.

Transport

All Officers

1600-3200 ( + DA thereon)

Place : ........................

Signature................................

Date : ..........................

Name of the Applicant.............

11.

Details of service under Central/State Govt., if any ...............................................

(Candidates already in service should apply through proper channel and obtain NOC from the present employer) DECLARATION 12. I, hereby, declare that I am an unmarried male, governed by nationality conditions as laid down by the Govt of India and have never been debarred from appearing at any examination.

I have neither been arrested/ prosecuted and convicted by a criminal court nor have been involved in any other case registered by the Police.

13. Privileges. Free Medical Facilities for Self & dependents,Canteen Facilities, Entitled Ration, Mess/Club/Sports Facilities, Furnished Govt. Accommodation, Car/Housing Loan at subsidised rate.

14. Group Insurance & Gratuity. Insurance cover of Rs. 40 lakhs (on contribution) and Gratuity will be granted to the officer as per the latest rules in vogue.

The terms and conditions given in this advertisement are subject to change and should, therefore, be treated as guidelines only Details are also available on website : www.nausena-bharti.nic.in

davp10701/11/0009/1011

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BIZ

GOA, THURSDAY, 20 MAY, 2010

April exports expand 36.2% PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

The economic crisis-worn exports sector posted a staggering 36.2 per cent growth in April to USD 16.9 billion, but the government tempered the euphoria saying growth appeared large due to last year's poor showing.

Last April, exports had shrunk nearly 30 per cent to

USD 12.4 billion in line with a nine per cent contraction in global trade as a result of a worldwide financial crisis.

India's exports contracted for 13 straight months starting October 2008, before turning positive in November'09.

Barring food grains and handicrafts, all other sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery and marine products

performed well in April.

"Don't get carried away by these numbers... because base was low and that's why you have an increase in percentage terms. You are still running below the export level in April 2008-09," Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said.

Low base effect makes even a nominal increase now appear large because the numbers in

the year-ago comparable period were too low.

Imports too increased in April by 43.3 per cent to USD 27.3 billion from USD 19.1 billion a year ago. Trade deficit for April was USD 10.4 billion against USD 6.7 billion in the year-ago period.

Oil imports increased to USD 8.1 billion against USD 4.7 billion in April last year.

Imports jump 43.3% PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

India's imports surged by a never-seen-before USD eight billion in April, indicating the rapid pace of domestic economic activity, even as the government downplayed the 36.2 per cent jump in exports.

The "real interesting story here is the huge surge in imports because I have never seen numbers this large... USD 8 billion jump in a month," Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said today.

Imports were up by a huge 43.3 per cent to USD 27.3 billion in the first month of the current fiscal, indicating that the domestic industry was consuming more and its output could grow.

Factory production has also been rising steadily, with a 13.5 per cent growth in March and 10.4 per cent for 2009-10.

Worldwide mobile phone sales to end users totalled 314.7 million units in the first quarter of 2010, a 17 per cent increase from the same period the previous calendar year, according to IT research and advisory firm Gartner, Inc. Smarpthone sales to end users reached 54.3 million units, an increase of 48.7 per cent from the first quarter of 2009.

"In the first quarter of 2010, smartphone sales to end users saw their strongest year-onyear increase since 2006," said Carolina Milanesi, research vice president at Gartner.

"This quarter saw RIM, a pure smartphone player, make its debut in the top five mobile devices manufacturers and saw Apple increase its market share by 1.2 percentage points. Android’s momentum continued into the first quarter of 2010, particularly in North America, where sales of Android-based phones increased 707 per cent year-on-year", she said.

Growth in the mobile devices market was driven by double digit growth of smart-

ReuTeRs MUMBAI

US venture capital giant Sequoia Capital is in talks with unlisted Indian health insurer Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. to pay about $54 million for a 20 percent stake, two sources with direct knowledge of the deal said.

"The deal is likely to be signed in a couple of weeks," said one of the sources.

Sequoia will invest Rs 250 crore in the company, said sources who did not wish to be named as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

Star Health and Allied Insurance is a joint venture between Oman insurer ETA Ascon Group and a group of insurance industry veterans from India.

The company recently raised Rs 120 crore from ICICI Venture, the private equity arm of No 2 Indian lender ICICI Bank.

Star Health is India’s first stand-alone health insurer and started its operations in 2006.

I-T dept to introduce new taxpayer schemes PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

With the present Income Tax Act proposed to be replaced by the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) next year, the I-T department is planning to introduce a host of services related to processing of tax returns and refunds in the current fiscal.

The department will also observe 150 years of the introduction of the first ever I-T Act in 1860, as it will celebrate the 'Income Tax day' on July 24 this year.

The event is likely to be inaugurated by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who will also lay out a roadmap of the department for the future.

"This is the last year of the 1961 Income Tax Act. This year, a number of taxpayer programmes of the department can be initiated and completed," CBDT Member (Revenue) Durgesh Shankar said.

The department, this fiscal, is planning to set up an independent Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) directorate while

fast processing of tax returns and technological upgrade of tax refunds are the other core issues, he said.

The revenue accrued from TDS has been constantly growing over the years and with the increase in the number of service organisations across the country, the share from under this category of taxes is bound to grow, Shankar said.

According to estimates, the TDS revenue contributes almost 40 per cent to the direct taxes kitty.

Programmes like the Refund Banker scheme, presently on in 15 cities of the country, will also be extended to other locations this fiscal.

The DTC, aimed at simplifying the tax structure, is proposed to be introduced in April next year and will ultimately replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, bringing all other direct taxes, including wealth tax, under its purview.

Mukherjee had said that if a reasonable level of discussion happens on the code, a bill

Hyundai plans $550 m new engine unit in India AGeNCY SEOUL, MAY 19

Worldwide mobile phone sales up 17% in Q1 PTI BANGALORE, MAY 19

Sequoia near stake in India insurer

phone sales in mature markets, helped by wider product availability as well as mass market price tags.

"Increasing sales of whitebox products in some emerging regions, in particular India, also drove sales of mobile phones upward. We expect sales of white-box products to remain very healthy for the remainder of 2010, especially outside of China," said Milanesi.

The first quarter also saw some movement outside the top five mobile handset vendor ranking.

Hong Kong-based manufacturer G-Five made its debut into the top 10, grabbing 1.4 per cent of market share in the first quarter of 2010. The rise of white-box manufacturers from Asia has also helped the "others" section, as a proportion of overall sales, increase its market share to 19.20 per cent in the first quarter of 2010, up 2.7 percentage points.

"This is having a profound effect on the top five mobile handset manufacturers’ combined share that dropped from 73.3 in the first quarter of 2009

Sensex tumbles 467 pts PTI MUMBAI, MAY 19

India’s benchmark Sensex plunged 467 points to touch the lowest in over three-months, as Germany’s efforts to curb market volatility tripped stocks worldwide.

Germany banned speculative short-selling in bonds, but the move sent the Euro crashing to a four-year low against the US dollar.

A weak Euro compounded concerns that austerity measures initiated by debt-laden Greece and other Euro zone nations may derail economic recovery.

Indian market was the worst hit in Asia, with the Bombay Stock Exchange’s 30-share barometer sinking 467.27 points, or 2.77 per cent, to end at 16,408.49 points — its lowest close since February 25.

to 70.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2010,” said Milanesi.

In the first quarter of 2010, Nokia's mobile phone sales to end users reached 110.1 million units, a 1.2 per cent decline in market share year-on-year.

Samsung sold 64.9 million devices in the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 26.3 per cent year-on-year.

RIM’s mobile phone sales reached 10.6 million units in the first quarter of 2010, a 45.9 per cent increase year-on-year.

Sony Ericsson sold enough units to remain in the top five mobile handset manufacturers, but its market share declined 2.3 percentage points in the first quarter of 2010.

The first quarter of 2010 was Apple’s strongest quarter yet, which placed the company in the number seven position with a 112.2 per cent increase in mobile devices sales.

Smartphones accounted for 17.3 per cent of all mobile handset sales in the first quarter of 2010, up from 13.6 per cent in the same period in 2009.

Aban Offshor, 770, 770, 695.35, 703.3 Abb Ltd., 824, 834, 821.1, 830.95 Abg Shipyard, 258, 259.25, 247.5, 248.45 Acc Limited, 858.75, 870.8, 827.65, 842.6 Adani Enterp, 581, 587, 571, 578 Aditya Birla, 766, 774.9, 749.3, 763.75 Allahabad Ba, 155.25, 158.75, 153.25, 154.1 Alstom Proje, 590, 592.75, 571.3, 578.2 Ambuja Cemen, 106.5, 107.95, 103.8, 104.95 Andhra Bank, 130.75, 131.8, 127.7, 128.25 Ashok Leylan, 63.4, 65.7, 63.1, 63.25 Asian Paints, 2147, 2175, 2101, 2109.75 Axis Bank Li, 1243, 1244, 1193.35, 1205.05 Bajaj Hindus, 108, 111.8, 104.6, 105.65 Bank Of Baro, 681, 688.75, 671.1, 675.4 Bank Of Indi, 333.85, 333.85, 320.4, 323.45 Beml Limited, 1025, 1043, 978.1, 984.85 Bharat Elect, 1801.1, 1821, 1758.5, 1785.3 Bharat Forge, 266.45, 268.85, 250.4, 253.7 Bharat Petro, 545, 549.2, 539.1, 544.3 Bharti Airte, 266.5, 267, 258.1, 259.7 Bhel, 2315, 2329.4, 2282.5, 2291.1

Now UAE visa online PTI BANGALORE, MAY 19

Emirates passengers from India can now apply for UAE visa online and fly to Dubai.

Passengers can apply for the visa by logging on to ‘Manage a booking’ section on Emirates.com. They can upload the requisite documents including passport biopage, photograph and proof of residence and then track the status of their application, Orhan Abbas, vicepresident India and Nepal, Emirates Airlines said.

Under the new visa application procedure, a 96-hour visa will cost Rs 1980 plus about Rs 765 service fee and any applicable sales taxes. A 30-day visa will cost Rs 2565 plus about Rs 765 service fee and any applicable sales taxes. Additionally, a deposit of Rs 12,262 is mandatory which is refunded after exit from Dubai, he said.

Emirates is also offering return economy class fare from Dubai of Rs 13,990 till June 18, 2010. Further, Emirates now offers "Mobile Emirates.com"- facility of booking tickets over mobile phones, he said.

The airline has also come up with offerings like "Kids Go Free", Dubai stopover and complimentary stay for first and business class passengers.

Bhushan Stee, 1471, 1475.2, 1421.35, 1436.35 Biocon Limit, 282.05, 289.65, 278.5, 280.6 Bombay Dyein, 528, 573.5, 520.1, 526.2 Bosch Limite, 5100, 5100, 5022.05, 5078.3 Brigade Ente, 137.4, 139.95, 134.2, 135.35 Cairn India, 288.5, 288.5, 276.05, 278.8 Canara Bank, 426, 433.25, 421.25, 422.9 Central Bank, 146, 151.25, 145.5, 148.75 Century Text, 460.1, 467.9, 445, 449.35 Cesc Ltd, 386, 392, 371.5, 375.05 Chambal Fert, 59.5, 60.1, 57.65, 57.85 Chennai Petr, 251, 257.45, 251, 254.65 Cipla Ltd, 309.7, 314.9, 309, 312.35 Colgate Palm, 721, 726, 695.05, 699.95 Container Co, 1282.5, 1329.7, 1282.5, 1322.6 Crompton Gre, 239, 242.85, 231, 232.9 Cummins Indi, 574, 575.85, 561.3, 569 Dabur India, 187, 188.85, 180.55, 181.3 Deccan Chron, 137.5, 141, 133, 135.55 Dish Tv Indi, 37.05, 38, 37, 37.15 Divi’s Labor, 699.8, 704, 681.2, 687.45

Hyundai Motor plans a $550 million diesel engine plant in India with locally-sourced components to give customers a wider choice and consolidate its position as the country's largest exporter of passenger cars, top officials said.

'We concluded a feasibility study on a new diesel engine plant in India around three months ago. I think, a decision on that will be taken soon at our global headquarters after due consultations with our executives in India,' a senior official here said.

'It would cost around $550 million to set up a diesel engine plant with an annual capacity of 300,000 units,' the official told IANS on condition of anonymity, as internal rules did not permit him to speak to the media.

The momentum towards a diesel engine plant in India is increasing now, as Hyundai is planning to launch a diesel variant of its popular i10 model to counter emerging competition.

'We initially want to localise some critical engine components in India. Once that is done making other components like cylinder block heads is not a problem.'

When asked for his formal comments on the issue, Hyundai Motor's managing director for its Indian subsidiary Han Woo Park did not commit any time frame on the new plant, but indicate that a diesel

Dlf Limited, 286.95, 286.95, 276, 279.2 Dr. reddy’s, 1288.8, 1322, 1288, 1294.5 Edelweiss Ca, 404, 417, 397.15, 406.6 Educomp Solu, 570, 583.5, 550.05, 554.25 Eih Limited, 121, 121.75, 118, 118.5 Engineers In, 390, 402.8, 373, 378.15 Essar Oil Lt, 130.2, 130.95, 124.75, 126.2 Essar Shippi, 90, 90.95, 83.1, 84.15 Exide Indust, 118.9, 122.25, 115.35, 116.3 Federal Bank, 309, 320, 307.65, 312.7 Financial Te, 1388, 1388, 1325.3, 1337.65 Gail (india), 436, 442.2, 428.25, 432.2 Gammon India, 194.1, 195.75, 186.25, 189.45 Glaxosmithkl, 2192.75, 2192.75, 2053, 2064.3 Glenmark Pha, 270, 274.35, 265, 265.75 Gmr Infrastr, 58.8, 59, 57.35, 57.55 Godrej Indus, 156.95, 163, 155.35, 156.5 Grasim Indus, 2640, 2649.8, 2566, 2576.3 Great Offsho, 437.7, 452.45, 431, 442.75 Gtl Infra.Lt, 40.2, 40.4, 36.95, 37.7 Gujarat Mine, 122.9, 129, 120.15, 120.85 Gujarat N R, 70.05, 71.2, 65.45, 65.9

Gujarat Stat, 92.6, 94.4, 90.2, 90.6 Gvk Pow. & I, 41.8, 42.25, 41.3, 41.5 Hcl Technolo, 394, 394, 363.95, 371.85 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1879, 1888, 1841.6, 1868.55 Hdfc Ltd, 2724, 2738, 2667, 2673.7 Hero Honda M, 1825, 1867.8, 1822.2, 1858.6 Hindalco in, 160, 162.75, 154.7, 156.5 Hindustan Co, 114.15, 114.3, 106.5, 108.55 Hindustan Ma, 73, 74.3, 69.8, 70.45 Hindustan Pe, 335, 339.8, 333.7, 336.65 Hindustan Un, 246, 246, 232.2, 233.35 Hindustan Zi, 1001, 1001, 961, 966.55 Housing Dev, 240, 240, 229.3, 230.9 Icici Bank L, 880, 884, 818, 824.45 Idea Cellula, 56.9, 56.9, 52.05, 52.55 Ifci Ltd, 50.8, 52.8, 49.6, 50 India Cement, 114.15, 115.9, 113.05, 113.85 India Infoli, 100, 104, 99.6, 101.05 Indiabulls F, 152.6, 154.7, 142.55, 143.6 Indiabulls R, 163, 168.3, 156.4, 157.85 Indian Bank, 212, 215.7, 206.25, 209.3 Indian Hotel, 114, 115.2, 108.8, 110.4 Indian Oil C, 316, 320.9, 312, 313.5

version of i10 was on the radar.

He also said Ford India Figo was a model to watch out for carefully, and not Nissan Motor's yet-to-be-launched small car Micra. Ford Figo is logging good sales numbers in India and more so its diesel version.

Hyundai's Indian plant rolled out 270,000 i10s last year -- both petrol and diesel put together. The diesel model, though, is only for the export market for the present and is shipped out fitted with engines imported from South Korea.

'We sold 149,000 i10s in India last year, all fitted with petrol engines. 'It is true there is a need for a new small diesel engine, but it needs to be developed,' said Arvind Saxena, director for sales and marketing at Hyundai's India operations.

The diesel engine being strapped to i10s is for exports and of high specifications. It may not be suitable for Indian market, Saxena said, adding that for a diesel engine plant to be viable, the demand should be around 150,000 to 200,000 units per annum.

Hyundai claims to be India's largest exporter of cars and second largest passenger car manufacturer after the Indo-Japanese MarutiSuzuki. Last fiscal, the company's Indian operations accounted for 600,588 cars -a 20.8 percent growth over the year before.

The Indian arm, company of-

Indian Overs, 93.75, 94.05, 92.5, 92.75 Indus Dev Ba, 115.25, 116.25, 110.95, 111.45 Indusind Ban, 187, 191.9, 180, 180.8 Infosys Tech, 2626, 2652.35, 2593.45, 2602.85 Infra. dev., 159.7, 160.75, 156.85, 158 Ispat Indust, 17.9, 18.35, 17.65, 17.75 Itc Ltd, 268.45, 268.45, 258, 259.2 Ivrcl Infras, 160, 161.55, 150.55, 154.75 Jai Corp Lim, 228, 242.9, 224.1, 226.65 Jaiprakash A, 125.5, 126.4, 119.4, 120.6 Jet Airways, 516.7, 526.5, 508.1, 511.45 Jindal Saw L, 187.9, 191.7, 181.15, 183.85 Jindal Steel, 630, 633.7, 613.5, 618.35 Jsw Steel Li, 1137, 1140, 1065.05, 1081.85 Kotak Mahind, 775.3, 784.9, 737, 743.8 Lakshmi Mach, 1901.1, 1960, 1884, 1891.25 Lanco Infrat, 60.5, 61.25, 57.7, 58.2 Larsen & Tou, 1650, 1672.85, 1615, 1633.6 Lic Housing, 965, 972, 915, 921.75 Lupin Limite, 1798, 1798, 1760.15, 1769.9 Mahanagar Te, 58.2, 59.5, 55.2, 56.2 Mahindra & M, 555, 558.95, 514.6, 525.4 Maruti Suzuk, 1234.7, 1254, 1221, 1226.8

ficials said, currently exports cars to some 110 countries across EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Australia. It has been the number one exporter of passenger car out of India for the sixth year in a row.

could be placed in the winter session of Parliament.

According to Finance Ministry records, the first I-T Act was introduced in India in 1860

by James Wilson who became the first Finance Member of the country. This became necessary since suppression of the 1857 struggle entailed heavy expenditure and made a large addition to public debt.

The Act received the assent of the Governor General on July 24, 1860. It came into effect immediately and was modeled on the English Statute.

BOARD MEETINGS shree Cement Jet Air India shri shakti LPG Bell Ceramics Karur Vysya Bank TTK Healthcare Grasim Inds Hindustan Compo Wockhardt HsIL Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA HDFC MuTuAL FuND has approved May 24, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option of HDFC FMP - 14M Feb 2009 (1), under both retail and institutional plan.

The retail plan offers dividend under normal as well as quarterly options. The face value of per unit is Rs 10.

The quantum of the dividend will be 100% of distributable surplus as on the record date.

ICICI PRuDeNTIAL MuTuAL FuND has approved May 24, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option of ICICI Prudential Interval Fund II - Quarterly interval Plan C (both retail and institutional option). The face value of per unit is Rs 10.

The quantum of the dividend will be 100% of distributable surplus as on the record date.

CANARA ROBeCO AMC announced the launch of Canara Robeco InDiGo Fund - an open-end debt scheme. The NFO is open for subscription from May 19, 2010 and will close on June.10, 2010.

Ritesh Jain, Head Fixed Income is the fund manager for this scheme Speaking on the NFO, Rajnish Narula, chief executive officer (CEO), Canara Robeco Asset Management said, “Canara Robeco InDiGo Fund focuses on Gold – an Asset `Class` apart. It keeps the purchasing power intact, protects against weakening of US Dollar, less volatile than equities and valued as a savings/investment tool. Thus, Gold is one of the only few assets to have inherent value. Combination of Fixed Income and Gold aims to provide enhanced yield without additional duration / credit risk, he added.”

Elaborating on the fund, Ritesh Jain, Head Fixed Income, Canara Robeco Asset Management said, “Given the current market volatility and rising interest rate environment, investments in to higher accrual instruments is the way forward. The portfolio aims to provide higher liquidity and low duration. Gold allocation in the portfolio would aim to generate capital appreciation and provide alpha to the portfolio, he added.”

Max India Lt, 180.4, 180.9, 172.1, 173.45 Maytas Infr., 194, 194.6, 186, 186.9 Moser-baer (, 64, 64, 59.25, 60 Mrpl, 70, 70.7, 68.1, 68.55 Nagarjuna Co, 165, 166.45, 160.7, 161.4 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.4, 31.4, 30.05, 30.3 National Alu, 408.1, 408.1, 396.15, 399 Neyveli Lign, 145.05, 147.45, 142.5, 143.45 Ntpc Ltd, 208, 208, 200.3, 201.8 Oil And Natu, 1057, 1057, 1012, 1025.1 Omaxe Limite, 91.5, 95.6, 91.5, 92.25 Oriental Ban, 340, 343, 319.25, 324.85 Pantaloon Re, 409, 416.95, 397, 400.55 Parsvnath De, 113.6, 125, 110.05, 120.95 Petronet Lng, 84.9, 84.9, 81.6, 82.25 Power Fin Co, 285, 287.6, 277.1, 279.45 Power Grid C, 104, 104, 102.1, 102.7 Praj Industr, 83.6, 83.6, 79.55, 80.35 Punj Lloyd L, 141, 142, 132.95, 135.25 Punjab Natio, 1020, 1035, 1000.05, 1007.4 Rajesh Expor, 120.7, 121.9, 119.35, 121.65 Ranbaxy Labs, 445, 446, 420, 423 Rashtriya Ch, 79.25, 81.45, 77.6, 78.15

Rel. nat. re, 45.2, 48.25, 44.1, 46.45 Reliance Cap, 669.95, 672.5, 630.05, 635.2 Reliance Com, 144.1, 144.1, 135.65, 136.75 Reliance Ene, 910, 937, 900.1, 903.76 Reliance Ind, 771, 778, 738.05, 743.65 Reliance Ind, 1017, 1017.75, 995.1, 998.65 Reliance Pow, 141, 144.95, 139.1, 140.1 Rolta India, 160, 167.55, 155, 165.35 Satyam Compu, 86, 86, 83.65, 84.2 Sesa Goa Ltd, 363.6, 373.5, 356, 359.1 Shipping Cor, 162.1, 164.75, 156, 157.95 Siemens Ltd, 675, 687.8, 668.55, 674.55 Sintex Indus, 297.6, 299.8, 285.1, 288.5 Sobha Develo, 308, 317.8, 295.2, 297.55 State Bank O, 2260, 2273, 2190, 2214.15 Steel Author, 207, 207.2, 201, 202.35 Sterlite Ind, 687, 687, 634.9, 637.75 Sun Pharmace, 1565, 1565, 1548, 1555.8 Sun Tv Netwo, 420.1, 430.8, 410.1, 414.85 Suzlon Energ, 63, 63.5, 59.1, 59.9 Tata Communi, 244.1, 248.5, 243.1, 243.7 Tata Consult, 730, 733, 716.3, 721.5 Tata Motors, 765, 765, 707.05, 714.9

Tata Power C, 1292, 1313.8, 1287.25, 1302 Tata Steel L, 525, 529.5, 510.35, 512.5 Tata Tea Ltd, 1109, 1136, 1093.55, 1101.05 Tata Teleser, 20.4, 20.5, 19.6, 19.75 Tech Mahindr, 709, 720, 671.2, 678.7 The Ge Shpg., 299.8, 299.8, 277, 280.6 The Phoenix, 204, 212.25, 203.1, 207.8 Thermax Ltd, 692, 692, 671, 680.25 Titan Indust, 2290, 2298.9, 2252.55, 2261.55 Torrent Powe, 348, 348, 329.05, 330.75 Triveni Engg, 107, 110.25, 100.55, 102 Tv18 India L, 75.2, 76.65, 73.6, 74 Uco Bank, 72, 73.3, 69.75, 70.3 Ultratech Ce, 954.45, 959, 933, 951 Union Bank O, 295, 303.7, 291.2, 294.35 Unitech Ltd, 75.25, 75.25, 70.4, 71.35 United Phosp, 171, 171.75, 161.65, 164.4 Videocon Ind, 214.4, 214.9, 207, 208.65 Vijaya Bank, 56, 57.5, 55.1, 55.55 Voltas Ltd, 176, 177.9, 174.25, 174.75 Wipro Ltd, 654, 655, 639, 649.7 Yes Bank Lim, 270, 273.9, 263.6, 265.2 Zee Entertai, 293, 301.8, 284.1, 285.45

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India may curb iron ore exports AGeNCY NEW DELHI, MAY 19

India may impose taxes and quotas on exports of iron ore from the country to increase availability of the raw material for the domestic steel industry, steel minister Virbhadra Singh said Wednesday.

'The government has taken a few policy measures to discourage avoidable exports of iron ore and consequently raise domestic availability by increasing export duty on lump ores to 15 percent and having a 5 percent duty on fines. Although this will have a marginal impact on

exports, the government would have to look at the question differently by bringing in definitive deterrence,' Singh said.

'If needed, we will resort to taxation measures and quantitative restrictions to conserve the use of iron ore for today and for the future. But such measures can be brought in a phased manner with a clear long-term plan,' he said.

He was addressing a press conference on 'Challenges for Indian Steel Industry in Infrastructure and Resources', organised by industry lobby FICCI.

Singh said his ministry was in close touch with the mines ministry to formulate a new mining policy to ensure coking coal supply.

'A new mining policy bill will be presented for parliamentary approval soon,' he added.

He also asked public sector enterprises to invest aggressively to acquire mining assets.

'It is time for the Indian steel and mining companies, whether in the public or private sector, to look for opportunities overseas more seriously.'

Iron ore and coking coal are

the two primary raw materials used in manufacturing steel and contribute almost 65-70 percent of the total cost of production. Indian steel producers often have to import coking coal due to domestic supply constraints.

Recently, another industry lobby Assocham recommended imposing 20 percent duty on exports of iron ore fines as against present five percent.

It said that doing so will not only curb illegal mining but also add extra revenue of Rs 15,000 crore to the exchequer.

Goa industry mulls conveyor belts AGeNCY PANJIM, MAY 19

Mining industries in Goa are mulling the possibility of setting up a network of conveyor belts to transport ore from the mining pits to the port from where it is exported, an industry insider said Wednesday.

Secretary of the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA) Glen Kalavampara said a string of conveyor belts may be the answer to increasing pollution and accidents,

PIC to develop digital lighting PTI BANGALORE, MAY 19

Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bangalore announced it would develop a range of innovative digital lighting solutions for global markets.

Announcing the commencement of development activity for Philips lighting, PIC's new CEO Wido Menhardt said the initiative envisaged the requirements of consumers and at the same time keeping in mind environmental concerns.

Outlining PIC's plan of action for the coming year,he said the key area of activity would be developing cutting edge technologies for the healthcare sector, but now with an increased focus on India.

"PIC has a talented pool of engineers and scientists who are able to develop top of line technologies for any market in the world. At this point in time, our focus would be on delivering products and solutions of the highest quality, especially in healthcare, but with an increased focus on India", Menhardt said in a statement.

Product lines the engineers work on include technologies in X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, PET, radiation oncology systems, patient monitoring and information management and resuscitation products.

which occur as a result of transporting ore by trucks from extraction sites in the hinterland to shipping points along the coast.

'Although a bit expensive, the industry may look at conveyor belts to transport ore in the future,' Kalavampara said in a presentation to senior officials of the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF).

'Conveyor belts, especially in congested areas will cut down pollution and ease the traffic

scenario,' the GMOEA secretary said.

The GMOEA, which has a representation of nearly all the mining industries on its board, is the spokesperson for the industry on matters related to the Rs 6,000 crore mining industry in Goa, which includes big names such as the Vedanta Resources-owned Sesa Goa Ltd. An increasing number of fatal vehicular accidents involving mining trucks had led to an impasse in various mining

Geithner to press China on trade barriers, yuan ReuTeRs WASHINGTON

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Tuesday that a stronger Chinese yuan would help level the playing field for American exporters, but he would focus mainly on reducing trade barriers in talks with Beijing next week.

Geithner said he was confident China would determine that a more flexible exchange rate regime was in its interests.

He was speaking at the Port of Tacoma to highlight growing US exports to China.

"China moving again toward reforming its exchange rate regime will allow the exchange rate to reflect market forces.

This is a very important part of our efforts to make sure our firms are placed on a level playing field," Geithner told a news conference.Asked if he needed a contractual agreement with China on the yuan to show progress, he said: "I don't think we do. I think China needs to just demonstrate to the world that it's able to take actions that are enormously in their interest."

After a rain-soaked tour of stacked shipping containers, Genie port cranes and Caterpillar tractors ready for export, Geithner said he was concerned about a new Chinese industrial policy that could discriminate against US compa-

nies.

"INDIGENOUS INNOVATION" CRITICIZED He said China's new "indigenous innovation" program would provide preferential treatment to some domestic companies and products in government procurements, and he was concerned that this would put US exporters at a competitive disadvantage.

"American companies are very concerned that this approach has the potential to discriminate against foreign-made products and could disadvantage American exporters and investors as they compete with Chinese firms," Geithner said.

"We share these concerns."

He said the Chinese government had taken some steps to address these concerns, "but we have some more work to do in this area."

Geithner and several Obama administration officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk are due to meet their Chinese counterparts on May 24-25 for the bilateral Strategic and Economic Dialogue talks.

Geithner's comments echoed those of Kirk, who said in Washington earlier that he would use the talks to pressure China to step back from preferences for local companies and

Mandhana Ind eyes Rev of over Rs 750-cr in FY 11 PTI MUMBAI, MAY 19

Textile company, Mandhana Industries, which today listed on both the BSE and NSE, is aiming for a revenue of over Rs 750-crore in FY 11.

"As per the un-audited statements of the company, we have reached the Rs 590-crore mark in FY 10. We are now eyeing a Rs 750-crore revenue this fiscal, as the market is picking up and there is a great demand for textiles," the company's MD, Manish Mandhana said.

The company will be declaring its FY 10 results by June.

The company, which is engaged in the manufacturing of textiles (70 per cent) and garments (30 per cent), had recorded a turnover of over Rs 460-crore in FY 09.

towns spread across Goa's hinterland.

In March this year, after a local was crushed under the wheels of a mining truck, protesting residents of mining towns of Quepem and Curchorem had barred movement of mining ore-laden trucks, which had in turn forced the state administration to intervene and forge an amicable situation.

Nearly 40 million tonnes of iron ore is exported out of Goa annually.

The businesses of the company include designing, yarn dyeing, weaving, processing, dyeing and garment manufacturing.

"We are now planning to expand our weaving capacity from 18-million meters to 36million meters by January 2011. We are also aiming to increase our garment manufacturing capacity to 43-lakh pieces per year," Mandhana said.

Last month, the company had raised Rs 108-crore through a share-sale, the proceeds of which it said it would use for setting up a garment manufacturing facility at Tarapur in Maharashtra.

Mandhana said that the demand for garments was picking up gradually as the global fi-

nancial meltdown was subsiding.

"The market is picking up gradually. There is a great demand for readymade garments.

We are confident that the trend will continue as the financial meltdown is slowly subsiding," Mandhana said.

The debt-equity ratio of the company stands at 1:1, which is the lowest in the Indian textile industry, Mandhana said.

Shares of Mandhana Industries after opening firm on the Bombay Stock Exchange surged 5 per cent to touch a high of Rs 136.80, over its issue price of Rs 130.

On the National Stock Exchange, the scrip opened at Rs 131, up 0.76 per cent. The company has listed with 3.31-crore shares on both the bourses.

press for stronger protection of intellectual property.

Geithner said the Obama administration would press China to reduce subsidies and other preferences to domestic companies.

"We want China to give American firms the same opportunities to compete in China that Chinese firms face in the United States. This is a simple principle of fairness," he said.

Geithner said the US economy was "getting stronger" and that Main Street was starting to experience a recovery, due in part to growing exports.

China's rapid growth was important to keeping US exports growing he said, noting that in the first quarter exports to China grew by nearly 50 percent over the same period of 2009 and rose by 20 percent to the rest of the world.

China also was buying more US exports because of a shift in its economy toward more domestic consumption and less reliance on exports. At the same time, the United States is saving more and shifting away from consumption-led growth.

"We want to make sure they're growing rapidly, and therefore able to expand opportunities for American companies. And how they grow matters," he said.

India large market for Emirates PTI BANGALORE, MAY 19

India is the largest market for Emirates outside Dubai, a top airline official said today.

"India is the largest market for Emirates outside Dubai.

West Asia and Indian Ocean region, which includes India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius and Seychelles, account for 12 per cent of revenue", Orhan Abbas, Vice President India and Nepal, Emirates Airline said.

Corporate travel, which was down by almost 50 per cent last year, "is back with a vengeance this year. India is always of interest to us. India is the first country which has bounced back (from the economic recession) stronger on its feet."

3G to earn govt over Rs 67,700 cr

Veta to invest Rs 22 cr on centres

PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

PTI MUMBAI, MAY 19

The auction for 3G mobile licence closed today, leaving Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee with Rs 67,710 crore-- twice the revenue he expected to raise.

The pan-India bid for third generation spectrum stood at Rs 16,750.58 crore and Anil Ambani-led R-Com bagged the highest number of 13 circles, followed by Bharti in 12, Idea in 11 and Vodafone and Tatas in nine circles each, according to the Department of Telecom (DoT).

Key circles Mumbai and Delhi went to Bharti, Vodafone and R-Com. Delhi spectrum went for Rs 3,316.93 crore, while that the bid for Mumbai closed at Rs 3,247.07 crore on the 34th day of auction.

No single player could bag pan-India licence for 3G mobile services.

The government had estimated raising Rs 35,000 crore from sale of spectrum for 3G as well as Broadband Wireless access (BWA) put together.

But with auction for BWA spectrum yet to begin, the revenue mop up could go up further.

Besides Delhi and Mumbai, Bharti has got 3G spectrum in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, UP (West), Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, North East and Jammu and Kashmir.

Bharti, however, lost out in Punjab, from where company promoter Sunil Mittal hails.

RCom would be able to offer 3G mobile services in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, Kolkata, Punjab, North East and Jammu and Kashmir, other than Delhi and Mumbai.

Vodafone-Essar has succeeded in Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kolkata, Haryana, UP (East).

Vodafone also bagged Delhi and Mumbai.

Veta, Asia's largest spoken English training academy, plans to open 100 English training centres across the country by March 2011 at an investment of Rs 22-crore, a top company official said.

"We plan to open 100 spoken English training centres by March 2011. About 66 centres will come up in central and north India, while in the west we plan to open 15 centres in Maharashtra and Gujarat. In the eastern zone, we plan to open 15 centres and the remaining in the south," Veta executive director, Major Rajan said.

Founded in 1981 as Vivekananda Institute, the academy, now known as Veta has 250 training centers in over 140 cities.

Currently, of the 250 centres 50 are company-owned and 200 are based on the franchisee model. This fiscal, it will have 20 more company-owned and 80 franchisee centres across the country.

Each centre will be established at an investment of Rs 20-30-lakh depending on the location. With a total investment of Rs 22-crore for expansion, Amoha Education, that owns Veta, will invest Rs 6crore and the remaining Rs 16crore will be invested by the franchisees, Rajan said.

The company also has major expansion plans for its VetaOne programme meant for semirural areas with a population of about 1-lakh.

"We intend to open about 300 centres in semi-rural areas at a minimum investment of Rs 1-lakh per centre.

There are about 30,000 towns that have a population of about 1-lakh--we intend to reach to 300 towns this year," Rajan said.

VetaOne program is a single classroom concept with a spoken language course and based on the franchisee model.

Samsung eyes 30% laser printing biz PTI CHENNAI, MAY 19

Consumer durables and electronics major Samsung aims to garner a 30 per cent market share by end of 2010 in the laser printing business category, a top company executive said here today.

"The company, with a presence in high definition LCD TV sets, (Front Projection Television), mobile handsets and monitors, is targetting a 30 per cent market share in the printing technology business," Samsung Electronics (Mobile and IT Business) Ranjit Yadav said here

today, while launching eight new printers under the laser, multi-function and network printer categories today.

"This area is of particular strength for us.. We grew at a very good rate, from 17 per cent in the fourth quarter of2009 to 24 per cent in the first quarter of 2010,"he told reporters Stating that the company's IT business would mainly be driven by display, computing and printing models, he said the company has set a target of becoming the number two player in the Indian printer

Soon, cow dung may light up data centres PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

The multifarious use of cow dung gets wider if the computer major HP''s research finding is anything to go by. While the use of this waste material as cooking fuel, manure and bio-gas is not new, it has the potential to generate power to run data centres, says a research by HP Labs.

In a research paper presented at the ASME International Conference on Energy Sustainability by HP Labs (the computer major HP''s central research arm) shows that manure of cows can be used to generate waste-derived power, which will be supplied to data centres. The research suggests that a farm of 10,000 dairy cows could fulfill the power requirements of a one-megawatt data

centre (equivalent of a medium-sized data centre) and surplus power left over to support other needs on the farm.

"A medium-sized dairy farm with 10,000 cows produces about two lakh metric tonnes of manure per year. About, 70 per cent of the energy in the methane generated via anaerobic digestion could be used for data centre power and cooling, thus reducing the impact on natural resources," HP said.

Today, when the call for data centre efficiency is growing louder amid depleting non-renewable sources of energy, the move might present an alternative to the needs of enterprise.

HP researchers estimate that dairy farmers would break even within the first two years of using a system like this and then, earn roughly USD 2 mil-

Facebook, mobile carriers offer free access to site ReuTeRs SAN FRANCISCO, MAY 18

Facebook has teamed up with 50 wireless operators to offer cellphone users a strippeddown version of the social networking site that can be accessed without incurring data charges.

The new site, dubbed 0.facebook.com, is a text-only version of Facebook's flagship Internet site and is specially designed for mobile phones with limited bandwidth Internet connections.

The new site will be available beginning on Tuesday in 40 dif-

ferent countries, including Brazil, India, Indonesia and Turkey from a variety of carriers.

The new site comes as the world's largest Internet social network continues to grow its base and looks for ways to increase the amount of time Web surfers spend using its service.

At the company's annual developer's conference last month, Facebook introduced new technology that allows third-party Web sites to integrate Facebook features directly.

Roughly one quarter of Facebook's 400 million users access the site on mobile devices, according to the company.

But Facebook wants to make the service more accessible to cell phone users who do not own high-end smartphones such as Apple Inc's iPhone, or phones based on Google Inc's Android software.

"We are targeting people whose major barrier is they have little experience on the mobile Internet. They want to try it, they want something super simple, super

fast. And they are potentially afraid of browsing costs," said Henri Moissinac, who heads Facebook's mobile business. "If you take an iPhone user in San Francisco, that's not his problem."

Among the carriers partnering with Facebook are Reliance and Videocon in India (with Tata Docomo coming soon), TMobile in Hungary and Vodafone in Greece.

Customers of the participating wireless operators will be able to access the new Facebook site without paying any

market this year.

"We would stabilise our business with stronger and stable brands, increase channel partners and by 2011, be a total complete solution provider", he said.

He said the Indian printing market was growing at 11 per cent from 8.57 lakh units in 2009 to 9.50 lakh units in 2010.

Samsung registered 58 per cent growth last year from 1.80 lakh units to 2.85 lakh units in 2010, he said.

Samsung Electronics Deputy General Manager (IT Solutions business) Uday Bhat claimed

wireless data charges, Facebook said.

The 0.facebook site offers the same capabilities as Facebook's standard website, allowing members to view their news feed, comment on posts and send messages.

But 0.facebook will not feature any photos or videos -Web surfers can link to view photos and videos, although they will be charged standard wireless data fees by their carriers at that point.

Facebook is not paying the wireless operators any money to reimburse them for the

free usage they provide and there are no financial terms to the partnerships, said Moissinac.

In addition to many so-called emerging economies in which 0.facebook will be offered, the site will be available in the United Kingdom, Finland and Hong Kong, among other places.

While the United States is not among the countries in which Facebook has operator deals, Moissinac said he hoped the site would eventually be available there as well.

lion annually in revenue from selling waste-derived power to data centre customers.

"Using animal waste to generate power has been around for centuries.

The new idea that we are presenting is to create a symbiotic relationship between farms and the IT ecosystem that can benefit the farm, the data centers and the environment," Tom Christian, principal research scientist, Sustainable IT Ecosystem Lab at HP said.

that its ML-1666 printer launched today was smallest in the world. Though it is available in other countries, they had reconfigured it exclusively for the Indian market.

On the total laser printing business,Samsung's market share grew from 17 per cent (in Q4-2009) to 24 per cent(in 1Q2010). "We want to be a dominant player in India', he said.

He said Samsung would also increase their Point of Presence from 1,500 to 2000 in Tier III cities this year. In Tier II cities, it would reach 125 from 100 Point of Presence outlets.

Geely plans world's cheapest car BEIJING: Chinese manufacturer Geely plans to unveil a budget city car which would cost less than the Indian-made Tata Nano.

The new Geely IG would sell for around $2,250 when it goes on sale in China in 2012. That compares to an asking price of between $2,700 and $3,800 for the Nano in India.

The basis of the new Chinese runabout is the flamboyant Geely IG showcar, recently shown in Beijing.

Sports

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Culture

Environment

GOA’S HEARTBEAT Thursday, 20 May, 2010

A

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Education

Information Technology

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There is just one life for each of “us: our own - Euripides

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Lifestyle

thoim ghor “ Pott bhorta - Anonymous

Travel

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email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

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Pg14

VE I US L C EX

Getting Ready to Win the Universe They have the perfect smile, they walk the ramp like a piece of cake, but there is a lot of hard work behind that aura. The contestants of ‘Miss Universe India 2010’ –‘I Am She’ are chilling in Goa, getting groomed to win the title.

Alila Diwa Goa, the Destination Partner is hosting an extravagant soiree on May 20 to bid farewell and wish the contestants luck for the upcoming finale. Herald gets behind the scene to find out what makes the perfect Miss Universe

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ is strictly followed for the girls to remain healthy and look beautiful. They are transHERALD FEATURES formed from girl-next-door to divas within ontrary to the image portrayed in movies, women a month. With the busy schedule, the are not involved in gossiping, back stabbing and girls were given just a few minutes to injealousy. And to win a title, a woman doesn’t have teract, and speak their mind. to be a dumb beautiful babe blabbering on stage Reha Sukhega, a 19 year old from Hyher answers that are taught to her like a parrot. derabad is the tallest among all the conThe Miss Universe India beauty pageant will be won by a testants at 6 feet 1 inch. She says, “This woman with elegance, have her mind of her own and who experience is so beautiful. In the beginning can represent India in front of the world. Though some girls I was nervous to compete with the conat this year’s pageant might seem young, they surely have testants, constantly wondering whether the potential.

I would fit in but the moment I met them, That was made clear while interacting with the girls at they all made me feel comfortable. SushCasino Royale during a Miss Photogenic photo shoot. They mita Sen was my role model from the day were have having a gala time, enjoying in each others company she answered her question to win the and bonding into a family of their own. Ask the 30 contestants title. I was in awe of her not just because if they are missing home and you get their response in she was a Bollywood celebrity but the chorus, ‘We missed our family and home in the first week fact that she is a complete woman. The but now we are comfortable here and really wonder why we day I met her in the Tantra office, she don’t miss home.’ came forward and hugged me. She was This year, the preliminary to the '2010 Miss Universe Pagso comforting just like a mother and what eant' 'I AM She' has been conceptualised and produced by is more amazing is that she knows each Tantra Entertainment Pvt Ltd (TEPL) in collaboration with one of us to the core.”

Sushmita Sen, Bollywood Diva and former 1994 Miss Universe “Our day normally begins with a fitness herself. The finale will be held on May 28 at National Centre session, meditation, breakfast, commuFomer Miss Universe, Sushmita Sen with the participants during a light moment Performing Arts, Mumbai. Till then, the contestants are going nication session by Asmita Parashar, ethics through a month long period of self realisation and the true session followed by lunch and then ramp understanding of being. While the final perk of the competition walking. This is like a whole new family and is winning the title of Miss India-Universe and participating in the International Miss Universe, competing there is no such cut throat competition so far, now I don’t know what will happen at the end of with the beauties from around the world, the final five contestants have added benefits too like entering the competition. Everyone is too good to be true while in fact they are.” into the fashion industry and also studying fashion at the top fashion institutes in Milan and also entering The Fashion Consultant of the pageant, Rajat Tangri elaborates “Each of the girls have their the School of Film and Acting, New York. individual style which makes my job way easier. I feel that the clothes you wear should make Neeraj Gaba, Sales and Marketing head says, “Without truly understanding yourself, you cannot have you feel comfortable. I explained to the girls that I am here to fill in the blanks. It has been two the confidence. The girls have to follow a strict regime for the pageant. Their every need is taken care of weeks now and the girls are very encouraging, it is the way you put it across that makes a and we work as a big family. It has been decided that instead of three finalists, we will have five finalists. difference. So far we have 14 luxury brands like Georgio Armani, Just Cavalli and Levi on board.

Under the banner of TEPL, I Am Foundation is a non profit charity organisation and a sister concern of I Everything is team effort, we organise everything and convey briefs before the shoots.”

Am She, the organiser of the national pageant. Each one of the five finalists will be given the responsibility Sangya Lakhanpal, 22 from Lucknow is having the time of her life at the pageant. Happily, she to work for one of the five associations which are involved in the field of child welfare and education, concludes, “It is really enriching and I have 29 great friends with me. Life has not changed much cancer, AIDS, MSSI, TERI and the protection of our environment for a year.” yet as I had the basics that were required. Here, I am just like a sponge absorbing everything I The contestants are living a life totally cut out from the world. No cell phones or internet, they are not can, like gaining confidence and being strong. I want to stay in the Fashion industry with my in touch with their family and friends. Their day is scheduled with self realisation sessions and the regime own style house but the crown is surely a priority.”

C

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E You're finally getting your routine down -- time to focus on the next big goal. Your energy is (21 Mar – 19 Apr) aligned toward the real, material world today -- which is not to say that your soul is withering! It just means that you take greater pleasure in food, gardening, nature and so on.

Yo u r p e r c e p t i o n i s sharper than ever -share your insight with those who need it. You (23 Sep – 22 Oct) get a glimpse into your heart's desire today -- and it may surprise you! Sometimes ambition can be complex, and you might need to start changing course somewhat to get where you want to go.

Put the fun back in your romance -- schedule a date night and visit a new hot spot. It's one of those (20 Apr – 20 May) days when you know you're right, but you just can't convince others to pay attention. The Cassandra complex can be hard to deal with, but time is actually on your side for once.

While dishing secrets with friends, you detect some suspicious inconsistencies. Work issues (23 Oct – 21 Nov) can be extremely difficult today, especially if you are in conflict with the boss (or a customer, client or board member).

It's a good idea to hold your tongue for a few days.

Try harder to connect with a difficult family member. The extra effort is worth it. You're (21 May – 21 Jun) not always pushy with your point of view, but today you feel compelled to be just that.

You may actually do quite well, as others are fairly open-minded today.

They're working on your last nerve -- get some distance before they drive you crazy. Your (22 Nov – 21 Dec) mind is traveling, even if your body isn't quite ready to hit the road. If you are actually on a trip, your energy should be perfect for anywhere you find yourself, so get out there and explore!

You rock -- and everyone knows it. Let your confidence show -- don't be shy. You aren't really (22 Jun – 22 Jul) a show-off by nature, but you do need to strut your stuff from time to time -- like right now! You can make the right kind of impression without any serious effort on your part.

Proceed with caution at work -- look beneath the surface and you'll see surprising things. A sud(22 Dec – 19 Jan) den impulse today takes you by surprise -- and many others, too, if you decide to act on it! See if you can aim yourself toward places where big decisions are unlikely to go awry.

For a celebrity sighting, look in the mirror!

You're a star -- and you know it. You need to (23 Jul – 22 Aug) show the world what you are capable of -- and fortunately, your energy is amazing right now! It's a good idea for you to step up a bit and talk up your big achievements.

Anything worth having is worth the compromise -give in to get what you want. It's easy for you to (20 Jan – 18 Feb) expect the unexpected - but even you are surprised by today's big news. No one can say just yet if it's positive or negative, but your brain helps you make the most of it!

You've been hitting it out of the park, and your achievements will be recognized. You're the (23 Aug – 22 Sep) underdog today, but that isn't frustrating -- far from it! If anything, you're happier when you have to struggle a little than when you've got absolutely everything you want.

No one is as good at being impetuous as you -- throw caution to the wind and do it! It's a good (19 Feb – 20 Mar) time for you to take a hard look at your work situation. Any conflicts with management are signs of something deeper, though you may actually need to change direction completely.

Partying on...

Droplets of rain graced many live gigs the past week. For the new week, there is some good quality Goan dance music up north and much more

BY CLARON MAZARELLO ow let’s see what we’ve missed. The Wednesday gone by officially marked the end of the Flea market at Anjuna and with it, the entertainment that went on at Café Loodas and Sea Breeze throughout the season.

And among our very own Goan musicians who helped made it a successful one here, Croydon on percussions and Elvis Lobo and Joe Ferrao on guitars were also responsible for ‘creating a scene’ at Shore bar, Anjuna on what almost seemed as one of their last regular Tuesday nights of this season if not the last one itself. “Well then, what are you guys doing next week?” was the mindset of Richard from the management of this age old venue pretty popular with the hippy crowds during the early nineties that apparently had Abhishek Bachhan and friends having a private bash in the near past this season at this ‘underground-ish location’ so-to-speak even with its not-so-underground disposition of being right at the beach front staring blatantly into the sea (a lovely sunset spot). “Maybe we could pull this off for another week. If it rains, at the most, you guys will get a bit wet,” laughed out Richard to the leader of ‘The Joe Ferrao Band’ even as droplets of rain graced many live gigs this past week. Besides these jam evenings at Art Escape Benaulim where many south Goa musicians coming together to have musical conversations as they all jam up every Friday, what is rocking in the north is this performance by the jazzy Steve and Kittu with Elvis Lobo at the exotic Poco Loco restaurant at the Royal Goan

N

Beach Club at Baga. Wednesday and Sunday Karaoke nights by KDj Tony at DTR, Panjim, are also doing well; apart from this occasional performance by the lovely Belinda with Elvis. Nights of Salsa and Rock n Roll dancing amidst some great Goan cuisine and barbeque after this Goan band called ‘Street Light People’ (SLP) at L’Orange at Candolim are also something one could check out. New tunes - Bob Sinclar n Shaggy’s ‘I wanna’ (a Michael Calfan mix) and a whole new batch of 2010 remixes are what we can be excited about according to Dj Navin who also makes it a point to promote ‘some good quality Goan dance music production’ artistes as he professes.

The was cancelling of screening at Art Escape Lounge last Sunday, possibly only to share spoils in all fairness with the north places like Waves at Calangute who would be screening this Sunday instead – as advertised by them both – together on Facebook (It works believe-u-me). Even on that harmonious note, the point remains - with all this happening, where are you headed?

Modelling to Music, Kate Moss joins Band

K

ate Moss might be best known for smoking fags, hanging out with uber-trendy music people and claiming that “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” but it looks like she’s going to add pop star to her CV at long last.

The model has made no secret of wanting to get into the music business, but it looks as though she’s finally bent her boyfriend’s ear for long enough that he’s caved in and agreed to help her.

The Kills' Jamie Hince has reportedly formed a new five-piece band featuring his girlfriend Kate Moss.

It is being claimed that the guitarist's new group with his supermodel girlfriend have started recording sessions, having already laid down a cover of an unnamed song by The Velvet Underground.

An anonymous source has informed that Moss had been helping out by “taking the session musicians out for dinner and giving her musical input.”

Despite reportedly gearing up the new band, Hince is still set to return with The Kills soon.

Bandmate Alison Mosshart recently said the duo’s new album was nearing completion.

It might not be too long before fashion and music are officially fused.

Why hasn’t India won the title after Lara Dutta in 2000?

The main Miss Universe Pageant is held over a two week period with the winner being crowned by the previous year's titleholder during the final competition.

The Miss Universe contest is more than a beauty pageant: women aspiring to become Miss Universe must be intelligent, well-mannered, and cultured. Often a candidate has lost because she did not have a good answer during the question responses rounds; although this section of competition has held less importance during recent pageants.

Although not mentioned in the book of clauses, beauty is no doubt the major factor at play at these pageants. With a number of beautiful women fitting the pre-requisites of the competition, personality has to act as a short-lister. Coupling beauty with brains is ingrained into the Indian woman. A strong personality is an addition to her pretty face. Besides the much hyped beauty pageants, it can be witnessed in a load of other occupational sectors and among the common woman too.

Sadly, Donald Trump wants beautiful women in the Miss Universe contest. And is not interested in their college board scores, their abilities on various musical instruments, or their stated commitment towards working with crippled children after they win Miss Universe. The only qualification to win Miss Universe is to be beautiful, beautiful and beautiful.

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

GOA’S HEARTBEAT Thursday, 20 May, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

A photography exhibition by Thomas Vaz is being held till May 25 at the Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa. Call 2285299.

‘Open Competition of Carnival Plays’, organised by HCN and Vandana Productions is being held till May 20 at Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Margao. Call 9822983541.

‘Balotsav 2010’, a children’s festival, organised by the Bal Bhavan and the Directorate of Art and Culture will take place on May 20 at 2:45pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

A tagline competition, organised by the website www.goaadventures.com is open to entries. Call 9850472932.

E-mail goaadventues@gmail.com.

An art, craft and clay exhibition, organised by the Bal Bhavan, Miramar will take place from May 20 to 22 from 10am to 7:30pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘School Administration’ a seminar, organised by the All Goa Government Recognised Unaided Schools Association will take place on May 21 from 9am to 1pm. Call 9822132182 or 9823158535.

‘Urinary and Renal Diseases’ a medical camp, organised by the Gomantak Ayurveda College and Research Centre, Shiroda will take place on May 22 from 10am to 2pm.

Call 2306309, 2306827 and 2307395.

‘Olakh’, the Marathi play, presented

by Kala Academy’s Rangmel will be presented on May 20 at 7:30pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘Padmashree M Boyer Hanchea Kantarancho Ugddas’, a musical programme which will highlight memorable songs sung by the late M Boyer will take place on May 23 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Sanvordem.

mirage

Meaning 1 :an illusion sometimes seen at sea, in the desert, or over hot pavement that looks like a pool of water or a mirror in which distant objects are seen inverted 2 :something illusory and unattainable

Fashion

Travel

INGS email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Tourism

Photos by Samson Dias

Artists give Message through their Art

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES rt is a form of entertainment and can be an effective medium of mass communication also. Every artist strives to get his message out to the world through his paintings and that is just what the two artists, Ramesh Thorat and Sachin Naik are trying their best to achieve with their latest exhibition at the Ruchika Art Gallery.

The two artists have displayed their individual works, in the mixed medium. Thorat works with Acrylic and charcoal while Naik works with prints including etching, Woodcut and lithographs. “I use acrylic and charcoal, but use a special technique and some chemicals to make the works look like oil,” says Thorat.

The themes vary from human nature and symbolism in these paintings. While Thorat delves upon the ‘Lok kala’ or folk art of Maharashtra with a combination of figurative and abstract works depicting the instruments, and life of the folk people, the other artist Naik, speaks about human nature and emotions through his works. “I have used symbols to represent the human nature in my works, my symbols are in the form of animals, depicting he crab mentality of people or may be like dogs barking,” says Naik.

The exhibition will be open to public viewing till May 22 at the Ruchika Art Gallery.

A

DAILY GROOK MUM TOMB

by Francis Rodrigues (Idea: I Gannaway)

males in egypt lie dead funny, in every crypt dad's a mummy!

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 556 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

Old Goa through Thomas Vaz HERALD FEATURES homas Vaz, one amongst Goa’s ace photographers displayed his works at the Christian Museum of Art, Old Goa on World Museum Day. It included everything from Old Goa’s buildings of archaeological value to scenes from its everyday life.

The exhibition will be on till May 25.

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GARFIELD

SOUTH POLE

10:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Zara Nachke Dikha 18:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

10:00 Mahi Way 11:00 Godh Bharaai 11:30 Boogie Woogie Kids Championship 2010 13:00 Godh Bharaai 13:30 Boogie Woogie Kids Championship 2010 15:30 C.I.D 16:00 C.I.D Classics 18:00 Boogie Woogie Kids Championship 2010 19:30 Godh Bharaai 20:00 C.I.D Classics 21:00 Boogie Woogie Kids Championship 2010 22:30 Crime Patrol

10:00 Choti Bahu 10:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 11:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Do Saheliyaan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Do Saheliyaan 15:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 15:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:00 Do Saheliyaan 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 22:00 12/24 Karol Bagh

11:15 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Mr. and Mrs. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Maniben.com 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

14:30 Mr. and Mrs. Sharma Allahabadwale 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta….

16:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 17:00 Mr. and Mrs. Sharma Allahabadwale

08:35 Heart of Dragon 10:30 Turner & Hooch 12:30 The Brothers Grimm 14:50 Confessions of a Shopaholic 17:00 Sweet Home Alabama 19:10 Pathology 21:00 The Touch 23:10 Original Sin

08:00 Missionary Man 10:00 Without a Paddle 12:00 Forgetting Sarah Marshall 14:00 Hideaway 16:15 I Spy 18:15 Beethoven's Big Break 20:30 TMZ 21:00 Monster Ark 22:45 Death Warrant

08:15 Tere Mere Sapne 12:00 Nagina 15:50 Masti 20:00 Aladin 23:25 Ghatotkach

09:30 Hum Kaun Hai? 12:30 101 Dalmatians 16:00 Phool 20:00 Ram Aur Shyam 23:00 Fatal Target

08:40 A Good Man in Africa 10:35 Fakers

12:20 The Legend of Zorro 14:55 A Chinese Tall Story 17:00 Panic 18:50 Hush 21:00 Festival in Cannes 23:10 Death and the Maiden

12:00 Mehndi 16:00 Dana Paani 20:00 Dhoom 2 23:55 Commando

12:00 Shirdi Ke Sai Baba 16:00 Gundaraj 20:00 The Don

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

18:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mr. and Mrs. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Maniben.com 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta….

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mr. and Mrs. Sharma Allahabadwale 22:00 Lapataganj

10:00 Dill Mill Gayye 10:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum

11:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 11:30 Geet 12:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 12:30 Dill Mill Gayye 13:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 13:30 Geet 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 15:00 Pyaar Ke Side Effects 17:30 Laughter Ke Phatke 18:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni

11:00 Csi: Crime Scene Investigation 12:00 Video Zonkers 13:00 Wipeout Australia 14:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 15:00 Guinness World Records 17:00 The Amazing Race Asia 18:00 Terminator 19:00 Wipeout Australia 20:00 Ghost Adventure 21:00 Sports Crash

10:00 Monk

11:00 American Idol 12:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 12:30 Castle : Deep in Death 13:30 90210 14:30 Two and a Half Men 15:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 15:30 Monk 16:30 Friends 17:00 Castle : Deep in Death 18:00 90210 19:00 Friends 19:30 Two and a Half Men 20:00 Monk 21:00 Friends 22:00 Castle : The Double Down

21:30 The Contenders : North Korea & Denmark 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia

10:30 Football India 11:00 FIFA: Futbol Mundial 11:30 2010 Margaret River Drug Aware Pro 12:30 ITU World Championship Series 2010 : Seoul WCS Magazine 13:30 2010 South Africa Tour to West Indies H/ls : T20 15:30 Football India 16:00 Football League Show 16:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 17:00 WWE: Raw 19:00 Football India 19:30 2010 South Africa Tour to West Indies H/ls : T20 21:30 WWE: Raw

09:15 FIA F1 World Championship 2010 Main 11:15 FIA F1 World Championship Chequered Flag 2010 12:00 Roland Garros 2009 Daily 13:00 V8 Supercars Championship Series 2010 : Round 6: Races 11:00 India : Slum City 14:30 ATP Nice Open 12:00 Don't Tell My Mother : 20:30 Ace 2010 07:00 CongoKids Club 21:00 Score Tonight 07:30 Flavors 21:30 ATP Nice Open 08:00 News 13:00 English Dangerous Encounters : 23:30 TNA Sikander 09:00 HippoKonkani StakeoutNews 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Sitar Moments : 14:00 Divine Most Amazing 11:30 Summer T10 National 12:00 LifeGeographic's is to Live Amazing Moments 12:30 Simply the Best 12:30 Flavors 13:00 The Contenders : Spain 13:00 English News 15:00 Konkani Monkey Thieves 13:30 The Contenders : Algeria, 14:00 Movie : Beggar's Banquet Honduras & Paraguay 15:30 Hymn Singing 14:00 World of Gymnastics 16:00 Summer T10 15:30 Flavors Monkey Thieves : Cops 14:30 Bupa Great Edinburgh Run 16:30 and Robbers 15:00 World of Gymnastics 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Concert of Classical Music 15:30 NBA Action 18:00 16:00 Konkani Nat Geo News Junior: Big Bang 16:00 Goals of the Season 19:00 Marathi News 17:00 Review of the Season 20:00 16:30 English Nat GeoNews Junior : One 18:00 KIA X Games Asian 2009 21:00 MinuteStraight WonderTalk 19:00 Premier League World 22:00 English News 19:30 Global Football 23:00 Movie Moments : 17:00 Konkani Most Amazing 20:00 Sportscenter India 00:30 Flavors National Most Dan20:30 Sportscenter Asia 01:00 Art Geographic's of living gerous Moments 21:00 The Contenders : Argentina Note: Subject to change

HERALD CROSSWORD - 557 Across 1- Greek physician, son of Xenon; 6- Ace, e.g.; 10- Excavate; 13- New Zealand aboriginal; 14- Bread spread; 15Clock face; 16- Mingle with something else; 17- Cheerful; 18- ___ expert, but...; 19- Observed; 20- National songs; 22Proceed in a leisurely way; 24Tidy up; 28- Large homopterous insect; 31- Marshal; 32- Home of the Black Bears; 34- Capp and Capone; 36- Think; 37Form of poem, often used to praise something; 38- Person who is thrown out of house and home; 41- After taxes; 42- Vincent Lopez's theme song; 44Biblical verb ending; 45- Prepares for billiards; 47- Serious wrongdoing; 49- Uncouth; 51Steep bank under a rampart; 53- Capture again; 56- Devoted; 59- Coarse file; 61- "It's Impossible" singer; 64- Ray of light; 65- Island off Venezuela; 66- ___ Bator, Mongolia; 67Speech issue; 68- Aired again; 69Driller's deg.; 70- Like Cheerios; 71Prepares for publication; Down 1- Latin I word; 2- A trainee in a profession; 3- Lover of Juliet; 4- River in N South America; 5- Put the kibosh on; 6- Eye membrane; 7Bunches; 8- 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; 9- Senior member; 10- Caliginous; 11- Author Fleming; 12- Day-___; 15- Take guns from; 20- Recess; 21- Cry ___ River; 23Fork feature; 25- Main stem of a tree; 26- Alleviates; 27- Russian no;

Parenting

Pg15

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“By all means let's be open-minded, but not so openminded that our brains drop out.”

– Richard Dawkins

Function Noun

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

HERALD FEATURES he carnival play fever continued at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao with day two of the Carnival Plays – Festival of Goa. The plays were larger than life and the talent fresh and new. It began with director, Peter De Macazan and his team who presented their plays ‘Koxt’, ‘Ghatt’, and ‘Moron’. Speaking about one of his plays ‘Moron’, Peter de Macazan said, “‘Moron’ is a play of the masses. It tells the story of how youngsters sometimes forget the laws laid down by God. They partake in unlawful practices like abortion and finally bear the consequences of their sins.”

The afternoon session was even more interesting with Jose de Velim and his young team taking the stage with their plays ‘Hanv Guneanvkari’, ‘Mhaka Maf Kor’ and ‘Mhoji Chuk Zali’. Twelve year old, Jackson and Lidhya were quite the crowd favourites with their display of emotions.

The evening saw the arrival of the sponsors of the event, B Raghavendra, MD, R R Steels and Yogesh Goyal, director, Shirdi Steels. They were given a floral welcome.

The latter part of the evening saw the talented Jack Rodson and his team stage their plays, ‘Noxibantlem’, ‘Konnak Chokonna’ and ‘Sukh Pavla’.

Among the audience was seated Goa’s favourite tiatrist Prince Jacob thoroughly enjoying the tiatrs. He said, “Carnival plays provide a stage where talent evolves and artists are groomed.”

Day three, the final day will see a presentation of Salvador Alfonso and his team with their plays ‘Mog’, ‘Rag’ and ‘Dusmankai’ in the first part. This will be followed by Eddy de Quepem and his team with their plays ‘Devan Sonsar Ghodlo’, ‘Monxak Sonsarant Dhadlo’ and ‘Devcharan Taka Nadlo’ in the second and finally Xavier de Sanguem and his team will stage ‘Tem Tuka Somzunk Na’, ‘Mhonis Mhonn’ and ‘Mhaka Polleunk Naka’.

Funny Quote

Pronunciation muh-RAHZH

CURR

Information Technology

Day 2: Carnival Plays draw Crowds

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 557

It is organised by Konkani singer Andrew D’ Souza and the Tiatr Academy of Goa. ‘Reuse, Reduce and Recycle’, a workshop headed by waste architect V R Iyer will take place on May 22 and 23 at Art Escape, Benaulim. Both days will see the screening of a film on the environment, ‘Energy Efficiency and Future Conservation’ on May 22 and ‘Home’ on May 23. Call 9881568756 or 9323590051.

‘Mahaquizzer’, a national level quiz, organised by the Karnataka Quiz Association and the Sunday Evening Quiz Club will take place on May 30 at the Goa Pharmacy College, Panjim. The last date to register is May 23.

E-mail mahaquizzer@gmail.com, seqcgoa@gmail.comor rajivdsilva@gmail.com.

Visit www.seqc.blogspot.com.

‘Musical programme’ will be held at the Shantadurga Temple, St Inez, Panjim on May 20 at 7pm.

An art exhibition by Ramesh Thorat and Sachin Naik will be open for public viewing at the Ruchika Art Gallery, Campal, Panjim till May 22. Call 2464004-32 or 9850571283.

‘Coconut Heritage Photography Contest’ a photography contest organised by the Heritage Jazz is open for entries till June 10. The entry forms are available at Champs and Big G, Margao and Champs, Magsons, the Don Bosco Oratory and the Gonsalves Mansion, Panjim. Call 2228010.

Prathishtadin Mahotsav will be celebrated on May 20 at 7pm at the Guru Mandir, Ambegal by the Sree Narayana Guru Memorial Society Goa, Ponda.

‘Swarat Bhijali Paijora’, a musical concert, to take place on May 20 at 6pm at the Kala Academy will witness Bakibab’s poems being sung out, as part of his birth centenary year celebration. Call 2420452.

Education

29- Russian country house; SOLUTION - 556 30- Cockpit abbr.; 32- Smells; 33- Museum piece; 35- Sequence; 37- A single time; 39How was ___ know?; 40- 3:00; 43- River in N South America; 46- Burnt; 48- Before; 50Dowdy; 52- Cellist Casals; 54New Zealand evergreen tree; 55- Convocation of witches; 57- Sci-fi princess; 58- Kiln for drying hops; 60- Gives a bad review; 61- Cow chew; 62Advanced in years; 63- Barker and Bell; 65- 100 square meters;

SPORTS

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GOA, Thursday, 20 May, 2010

India U-14 hold Iran, lose to Pak PANJIM (HSD) -- India U-14 boys started their AFC U-14 boys football festival with a draw as they were held 2-2 draw by Iran.

Playing in the second match,

India went down to Pakistan 42, while the India youngsters will take on Maldives later in the night aiming to notch up their first win.

Churchill Bros to miss Odafa today

i-league preview HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 19

Sahil Sujan Naik, who won three gold medals in 50m back stroke, 200m back stroke, 200 fly, four silver medals in 100m back stroke, 100m fly, 100m breast stroke, 200m breast stroke, two bronze in 200m individual medley and 800m free style at 22nd all-Goa junior and sub-junior aquatic championships at Fatorda recently.

Churchill Brothers and Pune FC go into the penultimate round OF ONGC I-League match on the morrow at Balewadi Sports Complex with just one task at hand – to try and finish second as Dempo SC have already sealed the title with a match to spare.

Since the title is out of the reach, Churchill, who have three more matches to go, will be eager to make it 1-2 for Goan clubs despite missing prolific striker Odafa Onyeka Okolie – out from the match against Pune FC due to double booking he received on Monday in a match with Mumbai FC. As the season is coming to an end, Ogba Kalu Nnanna and teammate Felix Chimaokwu are looking to wrap up the 10month long season and head home. Kalu and Felix have an enviable task at hand in steering Churchill attack in the absence of Odafa.

Both Kalu and Felix have scored quite well for Churchill though Odafe remains the top scorer. They need to be at their best on Thursday against an inform Pune FC and score to guarantee Churchill a second place finish.

On the other hand, fourthplaced Pune FC are just one point behind Churchill on 38, but whatever be the result, the debutants should play without any pressure. A win for them in their penultimate game will give Pune FC a well-deserving second position, at least for a while.

Both the teams have a chance to finish runners-up but Churchill have an extra game in hand.

Odafa’s absence could be a key factor but Churchill coach has enough faith in his team to seal the second place.

“Odafa's suspension was unfortunate, it could have been avoided. We will surely miss him as he leads the side by example.

But he is not here, so we have to look beyond him. We have played a few games without him

Tilak unfit for I-League: GFA HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 19

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the fixtures for the final round of matches for the I-League and that has already created a potential problem in Goa as the local state association opines that one of the grounds named as the venue isn’t fit to host a match.

On the final day, Shillong Lajong face Salgaocar in what could be one of the most crucial matches in the I-League with the north easterners hoping to avoid the drop. The match has been scheduled at Tilak Stadium, Vasco while Churchill Brothers will come up against Air India at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.

According to Goa Football Association (GFA), Tilak Stadium is undergoing renovation and it wouldn’t be befitting to have an I-League match at the concerned setting.

“The dressing rooms at Tilak have been demolished and there is none for the players and the referees at the present moment.

You can’t have a game without the dressing room,” said Savio

Messias, GFA secretary.

“The ground is in bad condition and I would say that it’s worse than any ground in India right now,” he added stating that they shall send a letter to the AIFF on this issue.

Meanwhile, the AIFF has a different story to tell as they point out that the state associations were written at least a week back asking them the availability of the ground but till date they haven’t received a reply from any one.

“We had written to GFA, IFA and WIFA a week back asking them to book the grounds and check the facilities at their disposal for May 27, 28 and 29.

“However, we haven’t received a feedback from anyone. Hopefully, when we receive the official intimation from GFA we shall take a call accordingly,” informed the I-League CEO, Sunando Dhar.

It is also learnt that a particular club isn’t happy to play their final game at Howrah Stadium in Kolkata and also the 4 p.m kick-off could be an issue as the ground doesn’t have floodlights. (Goal.Com)

Candolim move into finals nerul cup

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 19

Candolim Sports Club prevailed over Adarsh Yuvak Sangh 3-2 via the tie-breaker after both the teams were involved in a 1-all draw to move into the semi-finals of 17th Nerul Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament organized by Nerul Sports Club at Nerul grounds on Wednesday.

After a goalless first half, Can-

dolim forged ahead in the 36th minute through Francisco Rebello, who tapped the ball in off a long throw by Pedro Gonsalves. Adarsh fought back and equalised through Rohidas Malogi’s penalty as Shankar was brought down by Kashinath in the danger zone.

Joelit Simoes and Patrick Gonsalves converted for Candolim while Francis Fernandes was on target for Adarsh in the penalty kicks.

and done well. Hopefully we can perform well tomorrow too,” said the Brazilian coach of Churchill Brothers, Carlos Pereira.

“We have Felix and Kalu upfront and Odafa's replacement Durga Boro also will be handy.

We want to win tomorrow and don't leave it for the remaining two games to finish second,” Pereira added.

Carlos will have to keep an eye on fellow Brazilian striker Edmar Figueira who scored the equaliser against Churchill in Goa to open his account.

Figueira has scored five goals in the last three home games against Viva Kerala, JCT Mills and Sporting Clube de Goa, all resulting in big wins. He will be keen to finish the last home game of the season on a high.

Izumi Arata, Dohou Sey Pierre and Sergey Tokov are the other players that will keep the Churchill defence comprising Gouramangi Moirangthem, Warun Deep, Rowilson Rodrigues and Noaba Singh occupied.

Soccer tourney at Curchorem HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, MAY 19

The Friends Circle of Curchorem will organize their 5th All-Goa 11-a-side football tournament from May 20 at Figueredo ground, Pontemol, Curchorem.

The winners will be awarded Rs. 20,000 and the runners-up Rs. 15,000.

Taca Goa U-20 play-off: Goa Velha SC v. Youth Sports Club of Colvale, Taleigao ground, 4.15 p.m.

Arpora-Nagoa Village Panchayat Cup semis:Sangolda Lightning v. Friends XI, Vaddem, Salt Lake ground, Arpora, 4.45 p.m.

Varca Panchayat Cup soccer: Ambelim SC v. Orlim SC, Varca ground, 4.30 p.m.

Atlanta Georgia Cup soccer: Betalbatim Sporting Club v. Chandor Club, Rosar y ground, Navelim, 4.30 p.m.

2nd Cuncolim Union Trophy soccer: Cuncolim Union v. Sao Miguel de Taleigao, school ground, Cuncolim 4.30 p.m.

Shooting Star soccer: Don Bosco Fatorda v. Davorlim Sporting Club, Ambelim ground, 4.30 p.m.

Lakhanpal Novino soccer semis: Calangute Association v. Adarsh Yuwak Sangh, Dr Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.30 p.m.

United Boys volleyball semis: Da Cruz Mala v. Odxel SC Taleigao, Merces Moloca court, 8 p.m.

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SPORTS

Pg17

GOA, Thursday, 20 May, 2010

Da Cruz, Odxel in semis

I will be 100% fit at World Cup: Kaka REUTERS BRAZILIA, MAY 19

FIFA to go with extra linesmen experiment REUTERS ZURICH, MAY 19

Soccer's experiment with two extra linesman behind the goals is to continue for another two years and will be extended beyond Europe, the sport's rulemaking body said on Tuesday.

The new system, backed by UEFA President Michel Platini, was used in this year's Europa League and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) said on Tuesday that, although there were positive aspects, it needed further testing.

It is the only significant proposal on the table at present to help referees after the IFAB ruled out the use of goal line technology at a meeting in February.

"There's a general consensus that the experiment to date has been extremely interesting and I think most will agree that the results have proved more favourable than negative," said IFAB member and Welsh FA chairman Jonathan Ford.

"That's why we've supported the idea that this can be extended and opened up."

Jonathan Hall, another IFAB member, added: "We've had the test in the Europa League and 205 games in total, a number

of incidents were noted in those games, but 205 games in the context of all the football played is not enough.

"We haven't seen enough evidence to say it's the most fabulous idea in the world but there are positives in terms of the deterrent effect for behaviour in the penalty area.

He added: "We're conscious that there are five confederations and 150 national federations outside Europe and we wanted to give them the opportunity as well.”

"I think we will learn more from the pilots over the next two seasons."

FIFA General Secretar y Jerome Valcke said that all six continental confederations and 208 national associations would be invited to use the experiment in any competition.

The only condition was that the five officials would have to be used throughout the whole of any given competition.

"You can't just say you will carry out this test in the final," Valcke told reporters.

"It has to be throughout a competition, not just a single game. It has to be from the first game to the final game."

Brazil playmaker Kaka shrugged off worries about his fitness and form after a difficult season for Real Madrid on Tuesday and said he would be 100 per cent fit at the World Cup. Kaka, who missed Sunday's La Liga game at Malaga with a hamstring problem, said he would spend four days at Brazilian club Sao Paulo for physical reconditioning before Brazil assemble for a pre-World Cup

REUTERS PARIS, MAY 19

The man French soccer fans love to hate, Raymond Domenech, has a point to make at the World Cup after which he will bow out and lead a quieter life.

Booed at every match and repeatedly reminded he has never won anything as a coach, Domenech has been left in

Bronze medalists Bhakti and Nitesh. (Right) Ivana displays her silverware at Dabolim on Wednesday.

Photo: M Prabhav

After a hectic 25-day tour, Goa’s chess prodigy, Dempo Goodwill Ambassador, Ivana Maria Furtado returned with two silver medals won at U-12 Commonwealth Games and National Championship at Dabolim here on Wednesday.

Ivana with her manager, Jennifer arrived from New Delhi to a warm and affectionate welcome from Goa State Chess Association officials, fans, friends and well wishers.

“The Commonwealth Games

had tough contenders. I faced strong opponents and I am happy that I finished as runner-up,” stated a shy Ivana.

“Overall, Ivana has acquitted creditably. She has kept up the momentum and shown sustained progress as her road now becomes tougher and tougher. It was a great challenge especially at the Commonwealth, because you have some of the top rated players from the region,” explained her father Elli.

training camp on Friday in Curitiba.

"I'm going to Sao Paulo to be evaluated, they will see my condition and that I won't have any problems," he said.

"I will be 100 per cent by the World Cup," added Kaka who was also sidelined for six weeks in March and April.

He had a frustrating first season at Real Madrid, failing to find his best form while his team were knocked out in the last 16 of the Champions

League and saw arch-rivals Barcelona walk off with the league title.

"It was a very difficult season which I had, but we have examples of players who were not in good form before the World Cup and ended up doing well, so I'm not worried," he said.

Five-times champions Brazil face North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal in their first round

group at the month-long World Cup finals.

charge until the June 11-July 11 finals in South Africa, but will be replaced in their aftermath.

Former World Cup winner Laurent Blanc was widely expected to be his successor, after telling his club Girondins Bordeaux that the French soccer federation had approached him.

The stubborn, 58-year-old Domenech upset the odds to guide the team to the final of the last World Cup in Germany but his team have under-performed ever since, notably at Euro 2008 when they suffered an embarrassing first-round exit.

For a man who has revelled in controversy, having qualified for a World Cup courtesy of a blatant handball is not a problem.

Domenech's first comments after captain Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up to

the late goal that sent France to South Africa at the expense of Ireland was that he had not seen it properly.

Later, he offered no apologies, although he did compliment Ireland for a spirited performance in their 2-1 aggregate playoff defeat by the former world and European champions. ''To go to university, you need A-levels but you don't need to have passed them with honours,'' Domenech said of France. ''You have your A-levels, so you can go. That's where we stand.''

Such statements came as no surprise to the France fans who had heard the same man ask his partner, television journalist Estelle Denis, to marry him immediately after France lost to Italy and failed to survive the group stage at Euro 2008.

An uncompromising defender with a thick moustache

in his playing days, Domenech, who won eight caps, has never made an effort to be loved.

When he played for Olympique Lyon on visits to archrivals St Etienne, he was famous for banging the ball against the advertising boards below the section packed with the most fervent St Etienne fans during the warm-up, just to annoy them.

As a coach, Domenech has been criticised for his cautious tactics, despite having plenty of fine creative players with a taste for attacking football in his squad. He succeeded Jacques Santini after France's disappointing exit from Euro 2004. ''I'm convinced this team have a date with destiny in 2010,'' said Domenech, a theatre lover with a passion for astrology, and described as clever and charming by those who know him well.

Domenech’s last chance to win hearts

Ivana tops among Goans at Commonwealth

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 19

Ivana and her parents expressed deep gratitude to Shrinivas V Dempo, Chairman, Dempo Group of Companies. But for Dempo’s magnitude, Ivana could not have scaled such great heights,” remarked Elli.

Besides the lone silver, Goa managed to get two bronze at the Commonwealth, Bhakti Kulkarni in the juniors category and Nitish Belurkar in the U-10 category.

Narrow win for PY Nuvem HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 19

Parish Youth, Nuvem surprised Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club with a narrow 11-10 win via sudden-death to enter the quarter-finals of All-Goa Atlanta Georgia inter-village football tournament organized by Enfermos Sports Club at Rosary ground, Navelim on Wednesday.

The teams were locked goalless at the end of regulation time.

The teams made their intentions clear as they instantly went on the offensive. They had their scoring chances but the defences stood tall. With the teams unable to break the deadlock, the tie-breaker system was implemented but it also failed to resolve the stalemate.

Flyod Colaco, Neville Fernandes, Milagres Fernandes, Cristo Colaco, Richard Colaco, Rosario Noronha, Rollin Borges, Remy Colaco, Neves Noronha, Joao Colaco were on target for Parish Youth while Alleullia Fernandes, Mario Baretto, Polly Valladares, Ignatious Olveira, Ronnie Monteiro, Selfon Dias, Diaisy Olveira, Fredric Endro and Asio Antao converted for Sao Jose de Areal.

In the sudden death, Richard Fernandes converted for Parish Youth Nuvem while goalkeeper Luis Dias failed to score for Sao Jose d e Areal.

Panjim Boxing Club reign supreme again HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 19

Panjim Boxing Club regained the team championship for second successive year in 4th Pandarinath Shirodkar memorial boxing championship organised by Panjim Boxing Club at Campal here on Wednesday. Mapusa RCC emerged runners-up.

Lavania Kunchi (RCC Peddem) displayed quick footwork to outbox Nandina Kendialya (PBC) in the women’s finals.

Keith George knocked out Anand Lotlikar, Clyde Fernandes

(Peddem), Pushkar Bhonsle (Tiger Boxing Club) registered confortable wins. Clyde beat Ganesh Bike (PBC).

Prakash Lamani (RCC Peddem), Amay Borkar (Margao), Pramajot Singh (PBC), Sameer Shaikh (Margao), Dinesh Korgaocar (SAL), Nehal Gurudas (SAL), Akshayu Borkar (Margao), Kevin Gorge (PBC), Keith George (PBC), Rakshata Patil (RCC Peddem) won in boys section.

Shadab Shaikh (SAL), Ravikalamani (Margao), Nikhil Bongali (PBC), Santosh Verma

PANJIM (HSD) -- Da Cruz, Mala beat Pujari Six, Upasnagar-Vasco, 25-20, 25-12 in the quarters of allGoa floodlit volleyball tournament

(SAL), Chetan Das (Peddem), Rupesh Sharma (RCC Panjim), Pobkhar Bhonsle (JBC), Kaushik Tari (PBC), Kaushal Chawhan (PBC), Sairaj (PBC), Rahul Lotlikar (RCC Panjim) were the winners at the junior level.

Noorjahan Shaikh (Peddem) beat Geeta Talwar (Peddem) in 50kg women finals.

Salim Khan (PBC) beat Shiv Kumar (RCC Panjim) in fly weight, Pritesh Adgonkar (PBC) beat Mahadev S Ghatagorri (SAL) in bantom, Ashish Bhandari (PBC) beat Vivek Sidhar (RCC

Panjim) in welter for seniors.

Deva Naik made good use of his height to beat Dupender Pun. Rahul Remetr (men) and Chetna Agaria (women) were declared best boxers. Ganesh Karan (men) and nandani (women) were adjudged best losers.

Peter Vaz, GFA vice-president and director of Models was the chief guest. Victoria Fernandes, MLA and president of Goa Amateur Boxing Association was the guest of honour. Charlotte Da Silva e Fernandes, PBC treasurer, proposed the vote of thanks.

Last chance for Goa Velha HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, MAY 19

Goa Velha Sports Club lock horns with Youth Sports Club of Colvale in Taca Goa U-20 play-off at Taleigao ground, on Thursday.

The stakes are high as the winners will take the final spot available in next season’s First Division Taca Goa competition.

Goa Velha who finished bottom of the First Division Taca Goa tournament this season have been handed a lifeline to stay in the top flight. Youth Sports Club of Colvale

Oratory in semis

cuncolim union trophy HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 19

Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda trounced Curtorim Gymkhana 4-0 to march into the semi-finals of All-Goa 2nd Cuncolim Union Trophy inter-village football tournament organized by Cuncolim Union at school ground, Cuncolim on Wednesday.

Cliff Barretto put Don Bosco Orator y ahead in the 16th minute after he picked up a pass from Roque Borges and unleashed a 40-yard long ranger.

Don Bosco Oratory did not have to wit for long to score the second goal. Midfielder Francis Andrade unleashed a left footer which beat the Curtorim Gymkhana goalkeeper all ends

UB Benaulim advance HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 19

United Boys of Benaulim booked a place in the quarter-final when they edged past St Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva 1-0 in AllGoa Varca Panchayat Cup intervillage football tournament organized by Varca Sports Club at Varca ground on Wednesday.

The all-important goal came midway in the opening session through Ozie Fernandes who bulged the net from close range.

Lucky win for UC Nerul HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 19

Boxers from Panjim Boxing Club alongwith Peter Vaz, Victoria Fernandes.

qualified for the play-off after finishing as runners-up behind Macasana Welfare Club in the Second Division Taca Goa competition.

Goa Velha played six matches, losing five and drawing one match. They scored 4 goals and conceded 22 goals in the process which gave them one point.

Youth Sports Club of Colvale in their five matches they collected 10 points, scoring 10 goals and conceding only 2. They qualified after having a superior goal difference over Sarzora SC.

United Club of Nerul got the better of Clube Sao Miguel Taleigao 5-3 via the tie-breaker after both teams dished out a dull draw to move into the semifinals of Novino Lakhanpal Gold Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Candolim Sports Club at Dr. Gustavo Montiero Stadium on Wednesday.

With the teams on level terms, the match was decided on penalties.

Nerul slotted home all their penalties to win the match 5-3.

Newton Pereira, Benit D'Souza, Agnes Lobo, Melvyn Lobo and Russel were on target for Nerul while Cedric Peixoto, Caetano Pinho and Gautam converted for Taleigao.

up soon after resumption.

In the 42nd minute, Francis Andrade struck for the second time to complete his brace off a cross from Cliff Baretto.

Valente Silva drove the last nail intoCurtorim Gymkhana coffin in the 24th minute after he picked up a through pass from Wilson Fernandes.

organised by United Boys of Moloca-Merces. In the quarterfinal, Odxel SC, Taleigao beat Friend Circle, Mercurim 25-19, 25-13.

pg18:Layout 1 5/20/2010 12:59 AM Page 1

SPORTS

Churchill Bros to miss Odafa today Pg. 16

GOA, THURSDAY, 20 MAY, 2010

Ivana tops among Goans at Commonwealth Pg. 17

www.oherald.in

Associations, clubs come under RTI Act

BY JOVITO LOPES PANJIM, MAY 19

State level associations and sports clubs recognised by Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) have been brought under the RTI Act 2005 with immediate effect.

V M Prabhudesai, SAG’s Executive Director, disclosed that associations and clubs shall promptly furnish requisite information sought by any Indian citizen within the meaning of RTI Act 2005 and Section 3 thereof and provide such details to SAG office or directly to the applicant, as the case may be as laid down under Section 2 (h) of the Act. Prabhudesai clarified that RTI applications received by the association or club will have to be cleared or settled by the association or club within the stipulated time period. “Failure to comply with, the reply will attract a fine of Rs 250 per day, till the date of supplying the information to the applicant,” he added.

The SAG recognised bodies

Sai Avtar in finals HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 19

Sai Avtar, Anjuna defeated hosts Arpora Sporting Club 2-0 to book their place in the finals of NagoaArpora Panchayat Cup 2010 intervillage soccer at Salt Lake ground, Arpora on Wednesday.

In a keenly contested encounter, Anjuna took the lead in the 7th minute through Saprem Diukar.

Stung by the reverse, Arpora mounted pressure but failed to find the net.

Changing over, Arpora continued their dominance but failed to score.

Rupesh shot over from handshaky distance while German failed to beat the Anjuna Keeper in one-to-one situation.

Saprem Diukar doubled the lead for Anjuna in the dying minutes.

nThe SAG recognised bodies have been asked to strictly maintain proper data base and information in terms of the constitution, elections held, managing committees in the past and present, list of ordinary members, life members, income and expenditure accounts, selection procedure, list of selected teams, criteria adopted in selection, audited statement of accounts, activities reports and any other relevant information or documents which can be asked for under any RTI query. have been asked to strictly maintain proper data base and information in terms of the constitution, elections held, managing committees in the past and present, list of ordinary members, life members, income and expenditure accounts, selection procedure, list of selected teams, criteria adopted in selection, audited statement of accounts, activities reports and any other relevant information or documents which can be asked for under any RTI query.

Prabhudesai pointed out that

the documents sought for, can be also examined in person by the applicant and based on the requirement or need, the applicant may request the association or club to provide a copy of the particular document on payment of stipulated charges or fees.

A valid RTI application shall be accompanied by an application fee of Rs 10.

Associations and clubs have been asked to procure a copy of the Act so that they can familiarise with the contents and procedural aspects.

Barca sign Villa for $49.66 m AGENCIES MADRID, MAY 19

Barcelona h a v e m o v e d quickly to reinforce their squad snapping up Spain striker David Villa from Valencia for 40 million euros ($49.66 million) on Wednesday, three days after winning a second consecutive La Liga title.

After a board meeting at Valencia in the morning, their president Manuel Llorente said they had accepted Barca's offer.

"We have sold David Villa to Barcelona for 40 million euros,"

he said at the Mestalla.

"As everyone knows we could have done this deal last year but we thought at that moment it was best to keep our squad together to try and get into the Champions League.

"We have achieved that aim and finished third in the league, and he has contributed a lot towards this. We think it is good sale and necessary for the economic situation of the club."

Barcelona confirmed the deal in a statement on their website (www.fcbarcelona.com), saying Villa would sign a four-year contract with an option for one more year.

Villa, 28, will lead the line for European champions Spain at the World Cup in South Africa starting next month.

Bhutia gets Portuguese FPA life membership HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 19

Bhaichung Bhutia has been the sole torch bearer of Indian football in the international arena.

Ever since becoming the only second Indian to play professional football in Europe, Bhaichung has become a star of international fame.

His recent appearances at two charity matches in Munich and Lisbon gave him a chance to share the pitch with stars like Micheal Ballack, Robin Van Perise, Clarence Sedorf, Zinedine Zidane, Edgar Davids, Kaka and host of other renowned footballers.

Giving a rare honour for the works done by the Indian captain the Portugal Football Players Association has now awarded Bhutia with a lifetime membership. The Portuguese counterpart of the FPA of India boasts of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nuno Gomes as some of their members.

Speaking to Goal.com Bhaichung Bhutia confirmed the fact by saying, "I have been given the lifetime membership by Portugal Players' Association. I have yet to receive it though."

Day-night Tests in near future: ICC AGENCIES DUBAI, MAY 19

ICC President David Morgan on Monday said he is hopeful of day-night Tests being played in either Australia or India in the near future.

The ICC chief said it "won't be too long" before day-night Tests will see the light of day and he also said a "context" for Test and one-day international matches was on its way.

"I talked to administrators in Australia whom I expected to be so conservative as to be against day-night Test cricket but they are very much for it and I believe it won't be too long before we see day/night Test cricket in Australia or India," Morgan said.

One complaint is that too many Tests, as well as One-dayers,

AGENCIES

Disappointed with Australia's loss in the summit clash of the Twenty20 World Cup, Test and ODI captain Ricky Ponting said the finals of such tournaments should be a best-of-three affair.

Australia won every match except for the all-important final in the just-concluded World Cup and Ponting said given the short format, the title should not be decided by just one summit showdown.

"I've always been of the belief in Twenty20 tournaments there should be a best-of-three finals.

We know with the game, it can hinge on one over here and there," Ponting told Fox Sports.

"They dominated the competition all the way through ... I was disappointed for the boys;

lack "context". Although the ICC has introduced a Test table, its complex rating system has so far failed to excite much interest.

Morgan, a former chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), said: "Our chief executives' committee has been looking at producing a context for both ODI cricket and Test match cricket so watch this space.

"Enriching ODIs and Tests are two major opportunities, and I have little or no doubt the game will embrace those fairly quickly."

Morgan added the biggest regret of his term as president, which expires within weeks, was Pakistan becoming a no-go area for international cricket following the armed attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore last year.

"I feel sad for the people of

n It "won't be too long" before daynight Tests will see the light of day. A "context" for Test and oneday international matches was on its way.

-- ICC President David Morgan Pakistan and for the cricketers in Pakistan," he said.

"Pakistan has produced some of the most stylish cricketers in the last couple of decades - Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.”

Bhupathi, Bopanna in quarters UNI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advanced into the quarter-finals of the ATP 250 event in Nice, France with their respective doubles partners.

Top seeds Bhupathi and Belarusian partner Max Miryni defeated British pair Ross Hutchins

Ponting suggests best-of-three T20 finals SYDNEY, MAY 19

Pg 18

no doubt they were the best team right through the tournament but they stumbled at the last hurdle," he added.

Ponting said despite the crushing loss in the finals to Ashes rivals England, the Aussies should be happy about their campaign.

"They should be proud of the way they conducted themselves."

Newly-appointed T20 captain Michael Clarke has become insecure about his place in the team due to a string of poor performances in the World Cup but Ponting backed him.

"I don't know what he had to say about himself, but everything I've been reading is very positive about him and how he's led the team," Ponting, who has retired from T20 cricket, said.

and Jordan Kerr of Australia 61, 7-5 in their opening round of the euro 398,250 clay court event, which serves as a build up to the French Open.

Meanwhile, another Indian in the fray Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan had to fight hard before the unseeded Indo-Pak pair knocked out Simon Greul of

Chawla denied permission to play for Surrey PTI MUMBAI, MAY 19

Surrey's plans to rope in Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla did not materialise as the Board of Control for Cricket in India refused him permission to play in the county cricket.

Surrey, which signed former Pakistan captain Younus Khan on a deal that will last until midJuly, said in a statement that Chawla failed to get the BCCI's nod and hence would not join the side.

"Surrey can reveal that Indian leg spinner Piyush Chawla has been refused permission to play county cricket by the BCCI and will therefore not be joining up with the squad this season," the county said.

Germany and Rogier Wassen of the Netherlands 7-5, 6-7(6), 10-4 in their first round encounter.

Bhupathi and Mirnyi will next take on the Italian pair of Andreas Seppi and Potito Starace.

Bopanna and Qureshi will take on British combination of Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski in their next match.

Prakash Amritraj yet again failed to make the main the draw of a Grand Slam event when he crashed out of the French Open qualifiers, losing in the first round to Brazilian Joano Souza in Paris on Tuesday.

The unseeded Indian had the advantage after winning the first set but the 17th seed Souza shut the door on him with a 4-6, 62, 8-6 triumph in the opening round of the clay court Major's qualifying event.

Now Indian hopes rest on Somdev Devvarman, who has advanced to the second round after he beat Jiri Vanek.

Somdev will next take on Kiwi Daniel King-Turner.

"It's a country we need to continue to be producing fine cricketers, a bit like the Welsh (rugby union) 'outside-half factory," the 72-year-old Welshman added.

"When these things cease to flow, the game is a great deal poorer."

Indian eves held to 2-2 draw UNI NEW DELHI, MAY 19

Indian eves threw away a twogoal lead and were held to a 22 draw by New Zealand in the third Test match today at the Kett Capital Hockey Stadium, Napier.

India lead the five-match series 1-0, having won the opener at Palmerston North, while the second test was drawn.

For India, who led 2-1 at halftime, Saba Anjum (4th) and Subadhra Pradhan (8th) were the goal scorers while, Stacey Brannigan (27th, 57th) sounded the board twice.

Indian goalkeeper Deepika Murty made an important save in the final minute to deny the Black Sticks form securing their first win of the series.

The final two matches of the series will be played in Wellington this coming weekend.