HERALD PUBLICATIONS-MAY 23

S U N D A Y

O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, sunDaY, maY 23, 2010

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Sports: Sangakkara wants fair chance for Lanka Pg 16 IN BRIEF 13-yr-old youngest to reach Everest A 13-year-old American boy from California today became the youngest summiteer to reach top of Mount Everest, moving closer to achieving his dream to climb the highest peaks on all seven continents.

-- (PTI)

25 kg of RDX seized in Kishtwar An arms cache, including 25 kg of RDX and two improvised explosive devices, was seized by security forces from a militant hideout in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir today. -(PTI)

pRiCE Rs. 3.00 (air surcharge Rs 1.50) pages 16+6

World: Pakistan detains at least four over New York plot Pg 11

India: Shammi uncle’s a kid -- Ranbir Pg 9

AI plane crashes in Mangalore; 158 dead PTI MANGALORE, MAY 22

In the country’s worst air disaster in a decade, a Boeing 737 plane of Air India’s low budget carrier overshot the airport runway here and burst into flames early this morning killing 158 persons but eight others survived.

As the Air India Express flight from Dubai came into land at the Bajpe airport at around 6.30 am in cloudy weather but good visibility, it went beyond the touchdown area, broke up and caught fire even as some passengers jumped out.

The aircraft, carrying 160 passengers and a crew of six, hit a concrete localiser instrument, a navigation aid, and fell into a ravine 200 to 300 metres deep.

The passengers included four infants and 19 other children.

Rescuers battled inclement weather and rough terrain in their search for survivors. Nine passengers, including some who had jumped off the plane, survived and were taken to hospital but one died on the way.

The cause of the crash was subject of considerable speculation but Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel who announced a statutory probe, said the plane had overshot the runway.

The Boeing 737-800 was less than three years old and the flight was piloted by a British national of Serbian origin Captain Zlatko Glusica, 53, who had 10,200 hours of flying experience of 19 previous landings at the ‘table top’ airport here. Copilot H S Ahluwalia had landed here 66 times. Two air hostesses were among the four-member cabin crew.

By tonight 152 bodies were recovered from the from the crash site. The eight survivors including four with minor injuries while three sustained

Praful offers to quit, PM says no PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 22

Owning “moral responsibility” for the Mangalore air crash, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel is tonight believed to have offered to resign to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who reportedly turned down the offer.

Patel, who met Singh after visiting the crash site in Mangalore, conveyed his “deep sense of anguish” over the tragedy.

He is understood to have told Singh that over the last six years he had done a lot for the development of civil aviation sector and whatever might have been the cause of the accident, he had (Continued on page 11)

RUNWAY ‘TRICKY’, SAYS KRISHNA

50 VICTIMS ARE KERALITES

RS 2 LAKH COMPENSATION

US, BRITAIN, PAK OFFER CONDOLENCES

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said it was known that Mangalore airport “is a very tricky” runway and that skills of a pilot would be put on maximum test while landing there.

The crash plunged Kerala into deep sorrow as at least 50 of those killed are believed to be Malayalis.

While 14 of the victims from Kerala had been identified, going by the names of the passengers.

Family members of each of those killed in the crash will get up to Rs 76 lakh as compensation. PM has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation to each crash victim family and Rs 50,000 each to those hurt.

The US, Britain, Russia, Germany, Pakistan and several other countries today condoled the death of 158 people in an Air India plane crash in Mangalore, the worst air disaster in the country in a decade.

major injuries. One person also escaped unhurt, Patel said.

The plane broke into two and smoke billowed from the main fuselage. The plane was almost completely burnt with only its

tail visible.

A majority of the victims were Keralites. The entire six-member crew including the two pilots perished in the accident. The passengers comprised 105 men

Govt agencies task cut off to save Colva’s ecology: GSPCB HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 22

Will the various government agencies at least now put their act together and get down to the serious business of putting an end to environment degradation with the Goa State Pollution Control Board compiling a damning report on the state of affairs in Colva?

Well, even the Pollution Board is of the considered opinion that the situation pertaining to the indiscriminate discharge of sewage by various commercial establishments in Colva warrants immediate concerted action of all concerned government departments.

A perusal of the Pollution Control Board report indicates that multi-government agencies have a task cut off for them to save further environmental degradation in the village.

Take for instance, the health services. Having unearthed that most establishments discharge sewage and kitchen waste in the open, the Board wants the health services to inspect the residential apartments, restaurants, eateries vis-à-vis the dis-

… says creek is polluted

Analysis of water samples from the Colva creek has indicated that the levels of Dissolved Oxygen are below the permissible limits. The water is greenish in colour, emitting an offensive smell and a thick layer of scum was found floating on the surface.

The Pollution Control Board has said that the creek water does not meet the primary water criteria for Class SW III water.

The Board has pointed out that discharge of sewage and kitchen water into the Colva creek, storm water drains and fields would only lead to a health hazard and cause environmental degradation in the coastal village.

Sadly, the authorities connected the Colva creek to the Arabian sea ostensibly to drain off the contaminated waters, but promptly abandoned the plans after local villagers cried foul over the illconceived decision of the government agencies. posal of sewage and kitchen waste and to stop discharge of the waste into storm water drains, Colva creek and adjacent fields.

The Food and Drugs Administration also has a task cut out to verify the unhygienic conditions prevailing in the restaurants, eateries and initiate necessary action. During inspections, Board officials had observed unhygienic conditions prevalent at a number of hotels, restaurants, eateries and shacks located in the village.

That Colva, like many other

coastal villages, lacks a sewage system has attracted the attention of the Pollution Control Board. In fact, the Board has now recommended to the State Government and the PWD to consider a sewerage scheme to ensure proper treatment of sewage and sullage water. This recommendation assumes significance as it was unearthed during inspections, that many establishments have installed sewage treatment plants, but have not been put into operation to save power costs.

(Continued on page 11)

and 32 women.

An Airport Authority of India(AAI) official said there was no distress call from the pilots when they got clearance for landing the plane, about seven

Pak blocks 800 URLs PTI ISLAMABAD, MAY 22

Pakistani authorities have blocked 800 URLs that feature “blasphemous” and “sacrilegious” content in the wake of the ban on Facebook and YouTube, a representative of the country’s association of internet service providers said today.

Acting on an order of the Lahore High Court, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority initially banned popular social networking website Facebook over a page featuring a contest for “blasphemous” cartoons of Prophet Mohammed.

The ban was later extended YouTube and other links.

The move also affected access to Wikipedia and Twitter, internet users said.

“So far, two sites and about 800 URLs have been blocked to prevent access to blasphemous and sacrilegious content,” Wahaj-us-Siraj, a spokesman for the Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan told PTI. Siraj said that since the author of the page on Facebook featuring the blasphemous cartoons had been removed, the PTA “probably needs to go back to the Lahore High Court, and then the court could lift the ban”.

Kasab gets 26/11 verdict copy, can appeal in 2 months Pak yet to approach Interpol PTI MUMBAI, MAY 22

Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab, sentenced to death for killing 166 people in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has been handed over a copy of the judgement by the jail authorities.

Kasab was given a copy of the judgement yesterday and he kept it with himself in the cell, jail sources said today.

According to the jail manual, a convict can appeal to the High Court by writing a letter within two months of receiving the judgement.

At this stage, Kasab does not need a lawyer and he may inform the jail authorities that he intends to appeal against his

conviction by writing a letter.

The jail authorities would in turn submit his petition (letter) to the Bombay High Court in a prescribed format. When the High Court hears the appeal, Kasab can engage a lawyer of his choice or, if he cannot afford to do so, the court may on his behalf appoint a lawyer.

The trial court would also forward to the High Court a copy of the judgement along with documents and affidavits of witnesses for confirmation of death sentence awarded to Kasab.

The process is on and would be completed soon, sources said.

Meanwhile, Pakistani prosecutors were today caught on the wrong foot as an anti-ter-

rorism court hearing the 26/11 case was told that Interpol is yet to be approached for a Red Corner notice for Ajmal Kasab, weeks after they claimed the matter had been taken up with the Paris-based agency.

The Rawalpindi-based antiterrorism court conducting the trial of LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and six other suspects accused of planning and facilitating the Mumbai attacks adjourned the matter till June 5.

Judge Malik Mohammad Akram Awan adjourned the trial after hearing arguments by the prosecution and defence on whether Kasab and Fahim Ansari could be made part of the trial.

km away from touchdown.

The Flight Data Recorder (FDR), also known as the black box which could give vital clues to the cause of the crash, was yet to be recovered from the

wreckage, Patel said.

Patel, who visited the crash site and personally supervised the rescue operations, later met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and briefed him

on the accident.

The reason for overshooting of the aircraft will be known only after the high-level inquiry by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is completed, he told reporters after his meeting with Singh.

Patel said preliminary observation showed there was no problem with the four-year-old runway or the aircraft Mangalore airport, which is in a hilly area, was shut down immediately after the mishap but reopened after about eight hours.

One of the survivors Umar Farooq said the aircraft experienced turbulence. One eyewitness said a tyre of the ill-fated plane had burst on landing.

Charred bodies, strewn luggage and mangled remains of the aircraft bore a grim testimony to the tragedy.

“The plane shook with vibrations before it split into two. As soon as it hit the ground, I managed to get out and jump into a pit. There was smoke all over as the plane caught fire. After ten minutes, there was an explosion,” said Pradeep, one of the seven survivors.

“I can’t believe I survived the crash,” he said reliving the moments minutes before the aircraft went up in flames.

About 150 CISF personnel, airport officials and fire service personnel along with civilians and local police were quickly pressed into service to pull out any survivors out of the burning plane.

Today’s air mishap was the first major plane crash in the country in nearly a decade. 61 people were killed when a Boeing 737 aircraft of domestic airline Alliance Air, crashed into residential area near Patna airport in July 2000.

Belgaum iron ore illegally dumped, transported to Goa!

BY LOUIS RODRIGUES BELGAUM, MAY 22

The Belgaum Forest Department has found huge amounts of iron ore worth several crores of rupees being illegally dumped along Goa’s border with Belgaum district, from where it was reportedly being transported to Goa. Acting on complaints, the Forest Department recently found that the iron ore was being transported and dumped illegally in private lands located in the forests neighbouring Karnataka along the Goa border for the past few years.

The Forest Department has

filed FIR against these illegal activities.

According to some environmentalists, the activity is being carried out with the blessings of politicians and businessman from Karnataka and Goa allegedly having their vested interests in the mining business.

The iron ore was being brought from parts of Hospet, Bellary, Chitradurga, Bagalkot and other areas and dumped in the forest areas near Goa, before allegedly transporting it to Goa, from where it is being sent to China and other nations.

The illegal activity has been rampantly going at Ramnagar,

Jamboti and other areas neighbouring Goa. Karnataka’s Chief Conservator of Forests U V Singh had conducted a secret survey on the transportation of iron ore from parts of Karnataka to Goa recently and exposed the illegal activities.

Deputy Conser vator of Forests Girish Hosur told Herald that during a recent survey, the Forest Department found that iron ore which is being transported to Goa via parts of Karnataka.

“The activity was going on daily without relevant license and permission from the Forest (Continued on page 11)

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No breakthrough yet in Cuncolim shooting case HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 22

There’s no breakthrough as yet in the Cuncolim girl shooting case, even as the Cuncolim police on Saturday recording the statements of 10 more persons in connection with the case.

Though the mother of the deceased has named two suspects, the police say they are looking into several angles, including the friends of the deceased 22year-old girl.

PI Nelson Albuquerque said the process of interrogation and

questioning persons which might provide some clue in the detection of the sensational case is presently on. “This murder case needs to be investigated into several angles. That has made the task difficult so far”, he said, adding that the police are hopeful of detecting the case at the earliest.

Police sources in the know said that investigations conducted so far has not provided any vital clue to the police in the detection of the case. The police are also investigating

into why the girl was staying at her friend’s place at Agassaim for many days and also her friends in Calangute and other places.

Besides, the family angle is also being probed into, as the mother of the deceased, Rita has named a woman suspect from Mumbai. “We have taken cognizance of the statement made by the victim girl’s mother.

But, there are many other things, the police are looking into as part of the investigations”, remarked a police officer.

Family among 10 from Karwar perish in Mangalore plane crash HERALD CORRESPONDENT KARWAR, MAY 22

An entire family was among the 10 persons from Karwar district who perished in the Air India plane crash at Bajape airport in Mangalore on Saturday morning.

The deceased include Mahendra Kodkani of Dandeli, Prasad Manjrekar of Sultanpur Kadwad (28), Afreen (23) and her son Abaan (3) of Jaali road, Bhatkal, Afreen’s relative, Abdul Bar (11) and Hussain Sheikh (48), residing near Govt hospital Bhatkal.

Other deceased were the entire Damodi family, comprising Mohammed Naseer Damodi (42), his children,

Bibi Sara (11), Nabeeha (9) and son Suhaib (6), all from 1st Cross Bandar road, Bhatkal.

As fate would have it, Mohammed Damodi’s wife had expired barely one-and-half month ago when a Tata Sumo had collided against a bus at Kabathkod at Baindur taluka in Udupi district.

Following the tragic demise of his wife, Mohammed had taken all his three children to Dubai. They were returning to Bhatkal, when they died in the plane crash at Bajape.

Prasad Manjrekar had completed his AC mechanical course in Mangalore and had gone to Dubai two-and-half

years ago. He was returning home for the first time from Dubai when he died in the plane crash.

CM urged to effect changes in Curtorim RP HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 22

The Curtorim Regional Plan Committee has urged Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to effect necessary changes in the draft Regional Plan 2021 relating to Curtorim village and treat certain areas inhabited by the Scheduled Tribe community as settlement zone.

Chairman of the Committee, MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco said the Committee after making necessary changes in the draft RP plan 2021 inadvertently missed to recommend that the properties surveyed under No 253 (two parts), 282, 552 (small part) and 500 (two parts) in the village of Curtorim be treated as settlement zone which are presently erroneously shown as orchard. “The said area is inhabited by local scheduled Tribe Community, who are the original settlers of Curtorim village”, Lourenco said, adding that ‘the same has been verified personally by inspection conducted by the members of the Curtorim Regional Plan 2021 Committee.

Siolim–Marna sarpanch ousted HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 22

Siolim–Marna Sarpanch Sylvester Fernandes was voted out of office on Friday after a no -confidence motion was passed against him by 6-0 votes in a nine-member panchayat.

A notice of no-confidence motion was submitted to the Block Development office at Mapusa by five panch members, accusing Fernandes of encouraging illegal constructions and failing to take panch members into confidence while taking decisions on developmental issues.

According to a mutual understanding between the ruling panch members, Fernandes was supposed to step down on completion of his two-year term. He submitted his resignation in the last week of April, but withdrew it within seven days, sources told Herald.

The other panch members got annoyed with his action and hence decided to move a noconfidence motion against him.

The Block Development officer, therefore, convened a special meet-

ing in the panchayat office on May 21 to discuss the no-confidence motion against the sarpanch.

Only six panch members, Sanisha Torasker, Savita Govekar, Pratibha Shirodker, Fondu Shirodker, Peter Fernandes and Vittal Salgaonker attended the meeting. The remaining three members, Sylvester Fernandes, Rita D’Cruz and Rita Fernandes remained absent.

On behalf of the Block Development Office at Mapusa, Extension Officer S V Naik conducted the proceedings of the elections and Panchayat Secretary Kishor Pagui assisted him.

Reginaldo commissions water sump, enraged Churchill boycotts function

(left) Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco inaugurating the water sump at Curtorim. (right) An enraged PWD Minister Churchill Alemao boycotting the function in protest against the inauguration by Lourenco in his absence.

Photos by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 22

Commissioning of a water supply improvement scheme in Curtorim village in his absence by Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco on Saturday left PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao fuming.

That the Curtorim MLA commissioned the scheme in his absence left the PWD Minister so much agitated and perturbed that he boycotted the function and warned a PWD official of a transfer to far away Pernem on Monday.

An embarrassed Curtorim MLA literally pleaded with the PWD Minister to attend the function, but all pleas fell on his deaf ears, who insisted that Lourenco ought to have waited for him to inaugurate the water sump.

The incident occurred this evening when the stage was set to commission the 400

cu m capacity water sump built at a cost of Rs 11 lakh. The scheme was scheduled to be inaugurated at the hands of the PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao, but things turned awry when it was decided to commission the scheme because of the evening Mass.

After the sump was blessed by the Priest and inaugurated by the MLA, the PWD Minister made his presence felt at the venue, and demanded to know from Lourenco why he had invited him if he planned to inaugurate the same in his absence.

When Lourenco tried to explain that the Priest had to leave the venue because of the Mass, Alemao retorted by saying that the Priest should have been called only after he reached the venue. “You think I am free”, he questioned Lourenco and rushed to his official car to return back home.

Lourenco followed Alemao to his car in

a bid to convince him to attend the function, but Alemao appeared unmoved. “This is not correct. How can you go ahead with the inauguration when you told me to come at 5.30 pm. Now, you go ahead with the inauguration, I am not interested in the function”, he said and left the venue, but not before warning a PWD official to pack his bags to go to Pernem.

Reginaldo later told Herald that there was misunderstanding on the timings since the inauguration had to be done in the absence of Alemao because of the evening Mass.

He said the sump has been built at a cost of Rs 11 lakh, while the distribution line has cost the government Rs 65 lakh. “This will cover many areas of Curtorim. Another tank will be inaugurated next month. Both these tanks will benefit a sizeable population of ST community in the village”, he added.

MMC showing no haste in desilting nullahs!

Khandepar sarpanch voted out HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MAY 22

Curti-Khandepar Sarpanch Suraj Naik was ousted in a no-confidence motion by 6-0 votes.

Deputy Sarpanch Deepa Naik, who presided over the no-confidence motion, requested the voting by raising of hands.

According to reports, as soon as opposition panch members raised hands in favour of the motion, the other panchas, comprising Sarpanch Suraj Naik, Deputy Sarpanch Deepa Naik and panchas John Pereira, Madhumita Garde and Narayan V Naik, walked out of the meeting.

It may be recalled that Suraj Naik was elected as sarpanch barely two months ago.

The six panchas, Hussain Mullah, Bhika Kerkar, Narayan R Naik, Anita Naik, Parvin Banu Tahsildar and Ravindra Gaude, who moved the no-confidence motion accused the sarpanch acting in an authoritative manner and not taking them into confidence.

The sorry state of the main water nullahs in the Commercial capital.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 22

The fast approaching monsoons seems to have not made the Margao Municipal Council to show any haste in the desilting of the water nullahs in the Commercial Capital.

Almost all the major nullahs – which drain off surface water into the River Sal – are awaiting desilting by the Civic body. The

Margao Municipal Council says that the Civic body has already asked the water Resources department to take up the desilting work at the earliest, but the ground reality speaks otherwise.

A visit to the main nullahs at Old Market and the SGPDA market revealed that the desilting work is yet to commence till date. That’s not

Photo by Savio Dias

all. The water nullah passing by the SGPDA market is literally covered with weeds and grass – a fact that has not spurred the Civic body to undertake the work expeditiously.

The water nullah at Old market is no better either, with the water channel emitting foul odour due to the stinking conditions.

Govt re-constitutes Animal Welfare Advisory Board HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 22

The Goa government has re-constituted the State Advisory Board for Animal Welfare in the State of Goa under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Animal Husbandry) which is mainly to ensure that the provisions for prevention of cruelty to animals are implemented by the government.

The 19-member body includes Conservator of Forests, Director of Municipal Administration, Director of Panchayats, Director of Animal Husbandry, Dy Director of Dept of AH & VS, The Under Secretary (AW II), Representative of Animal Welfare Board of India, Norma Alvares, The Representative of People for Animals, Representative of Goa Animal Welfare Trust, Bansai, Cacora, Curchorem, Representative of International Animal Rescue Centre, Assagao, Bardez, Representative of Goa SPCA, Torda, Salvador-do-Mundo Representative, PAWS, St Inez-Panjim, Dwarkapuri Gowseva Ashram, Tisk, Usgao, The Green Cross, Dattawadi, Mapusa-Goa, Dr Rozario Menezes, Vaddem, Vasco Ms Pravina Kerkar, Haveli, Curti-Ponda Animal Rescue Squad (ARS), Bicholim and Architect Girish Kelekar, Mardol.

According to the notification issued by Director of Animal Husbandry, P K Patidar, the Board has several functions which include to ensure that the provision for the prevention of cruelty to animals as in force in India are implemented by the Government properly giving special emphasis to amended provisions under sub-section (1) of Section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to under take study of problems if any faced for effective implementation of such law from time to time.

It also has to advise the Central Government in framing rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (59 of 1960), with a view to preventing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals generally and more particularly when they are being transported from one place to another or when they are used as performing animals or when they are kept in captivity or confinement.

ON DESIGN: The Board would also have to advise the Government or any local authority or other person on improvements in the design of vehicles so as to lessen the burden on draught animals.

Besides, the board is required to take all such steps as the Board may think fit, for amelioration of animals by encouraging or providing for the construction of sheds, watertroughs and the like and by providing for Veterinary assistance to animals; As an advisory function, the board will have to guide the Government or any local authority or other person in the design of slaughter-houses or in connection with slaughter of animals so that unnecessary pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is eliminated in the pre-slaughter stages as far as possible, and animals are killed, wherever necessary, in as humane a manner as possible.

UNWANTED ANIMALS!: The notification says, the board would have to take all such steps as the Board may think fit to ensure that unwanted animals are destroyed by local authorities, wherever it is necessary to do so, either instantaneously or after being rendered insensible to pain or suffering.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: The board, in addition will have function to encourage, by the grant of financial assistance or otherwise, the formation or establishment of pinjarapoles, rescue homes, animals shel-

ters, sanctuaries and the like where animals and birds may find a shelter when they become old and useless or when they need protection.

The board also has powers to give financial and other assistance to animal welfare organizations functioning in any local area or to encourage the formation of animals welfare organizations in any local area which shall work under the general supervision and guidance of the Board.

On care of the animals, the board will have to advise the Government on the matters relating to the medical care and attention which may be provided in animals hospitals whenever the Board thinks it necessary to do so.

EDUCATION: It will have to impart education in relation to the humane treatment for animals and to encourage the formation of public opinion against the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and for the promotion of animal welfare by means of lectures, books, posters, cinematographic exhibitions and the links.

OFFICE: The office of the Board shall be located in the Office of the Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Patto, Panjim-Goa. TERM: The term of the Board shall be three years from the date of its constitution.

The term of office of the ex officio Member shall continue so long as he holds the office by virtue of which he is such a member.

The Non Government members of the Board are entitled to sitting fees of Rs 400 per meeting, the notification said. Only one person will represent each NGO. This Notification supersedes all previous notifications issued in this context in the past, Patidar said.

Countering terrorism discussion on HCN

A one-hour panel discussion on Countering Terrorism hosted by Juino De Souza in Straight-Talk will be telecast on Sunday May 23, at 11 am and again the same night at 9 pm on HCN. The panellist comprise: Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Edu a r d o Fa l e i r o , G e n e r a l 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? Are we safe from Religious terrorism?

Why is government not expanding and investing on police machinery?

Engineering student commits suicide HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MAY 22

A first year e ngineering student reportedly committed suicide by hanging himself to a nylon rope in the hostel of the Goa Engineering College at Farmagudi.

Ponda police said the deceased, Emili Sanam Longche (20) of Nagaland, was student of the first year batch of civil engineering.

According to Ponda police, the incident was reported at around 6 pm in the hostel of the GEC located in the college campus.

The motive of the death is unclear and Ponda police said there was no suicide note left behind by the deceased.

Truck driver dies in Sanquelim mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, MAY 22

A 45-year-old truck driver from Navelim-Sanquelim died on the spot when the truck he was driving skidded off the road and turned turtle at Pissurlem on Saturday.

According to Valpoi police, the incident took place at about 3 pm as Vidhyadhar R Paldoskar was driving the truck in the mining area.

PI Harish Madkaikar conducted the inquest and sent the body for an autopsy at GMC hospital at Bambolim. Investigations are in progress.

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No single case of gutkha violation by FDA in ’09 VHAG calls for strict implementation of COTPA HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 22

Voluntary Health Association of Goa has observed that the Food and Drugs Administration has not booked a single case of ‘gutkha’ violation in 2009 and the number of cases registered in the last five years have been very dismal.

This observation has come out as a result of VHAG’s one-year campaign where random surveys were conducted in Panjim to check the implementation of Control of Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

The random surveys revealed a lot needs to be done as far as prohibition against smoking in public places and clandestine selling of gutkha packets from the counters of gaddas and shops in spite of the ban on it was concerned.

In the task force meeting held this month the Chief Secretary had directed the Director FDA to move a file to amend the Public

Health Act to make a provision for compounding of offences against those in possession of gutkha and those involved in its sale.

VHAG has stressed upon the Directorate of Health Services to come up with clear procedures and mechanism for reporting violations of COTPA. The association noted that many private and even government offices do not have signages and some of these that were found were incomplete not as per COTPA. It has found that gaddas and shops selling tobacco products do not have signboards stating they sell tobacco. The products, especially cigarette packets, are displayed on the counters openly and the authorities concerned have overlooked the same, it mentioned.

VHAG has called upon the FDA for stringent enforcement of law by brining in strict licensing procedures and regular monitor-

ing of the law. The Steering Committee formed for the purpose needs to make sure FDA is clear on what provisions of COTPA law they will be monitoring and what action can be taken by it regarding public places that do not comply with the law, it has suggested.

It further called upon the FDA to monitor all tobacco products and ensure that the new pictorial warnings are appropriately present on the cigarette packets and other tobacco products.

VHAG has called for a dedicated website containing all the details, activities, actions, punishments, etc related to COTPA with an aim to have a one-stop-place to have all information for anyone to refer to.

The findings of the one-year campaign have been submitted to the chairperson of the Tobacco Task Force Steering Committee and Director of Health Services Dr Rajananda Desai.

Man held selling medical products sans valid documents at Vasco

Parsem youth held for kidnap, rape of minor HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, MAY 22

Vasco Urban Health Centre Dr Vikas Kuvelkar inspects the products.

Photo by M Prabhav

The products, which are being sold on a fancy trolley, have attracted curious onlookers and the salesman was busy distributing leaflet of products.

The products did not carry any company name, date of manufacture and other mandatory details.

Some residents of Vasco called the Vasco UHC Dr Vikas Kuvelkar, who immediately rushed to the site and detained the accused.

When Dr Kuvelkar sought the relevant documents, the accused could only produce a paper from the Talipur panchayat, which stated he is a resident of the area, and had nothing else to produce before the authority.

Incidentally, instead of booking the accused under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Vasco police merely arrested Arman under Section 34 of IPC for obstructing traffic and later released him on bail.

The arrest had little effect on Arman and the moment he was released by the police, he once again found selling the products and that too outside the SubDivisional Magistrate’s office.

On seeing him selling the products for the second time after his arrest, some media per-

sons alerted Vasco police and after some coercion, the police arrested Arman again, this time under Section 9, Section 9A R/W 13 of DCA 1940.

Incidentally, one person, Mohammed Bhursan Alam Khan (26), who had come to release Arman, was also arrested on charges of also being involved in the illegal trade.

It may be recalled that on September 8, 2009, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the regulator in the pharmaceutical sector, has asked state authorities to implement the recent changes in law to punish companies making adulterated drugs as well as those drugs that copy an established brand but may not necessarily be harmful to consumers (spurious drugs).

The recent amendments in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act (DCA) prescribes stricter punishment for companies guilty of manufacturing ‘adulterated’ or ‘spurious’ drugs. The punishment for this has been increased from 5 years imprisonment to 10 years which could be extended to life imprisonment. The monetary fine has also been increased to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 10,000.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 22

Forget about vegetables, fish and other eatable items, it is now a common sight to find concoctions claiming medicinal properties being sold by the roadside in the port town.

Armed with only a single identification paper from Talipur Panchayat in Mushidabad, West Bengal, a boarding district of Bangladesh, a man was found openly selling medical products like lotions and powder to clean the teeth in front of the Vasco vegetable market on Saturday morning.

The police arrested the accused, Sheikh Arman (22), after Vasco Urban Health Centre Dr Vikas Kuvelkar caught him red handed selling the drugs without any valid documents from the food and drugs authorities.

Sources from Vasco police informed that Arman along with his friends were preparing the product in Margao and were selling it in the market.

The tooth cleaner claims to be an ayurvedic and herbal product of Poly Herbal Centre, and the powder is priced at Rs 25, while the tooth cleaning lotion is worth Rs 15.

Officials confused over pumping of water from Mudkud River HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 22

PWD authorities are still in a dilemma over the resumption of pumping water from the contaminated Mudkud River, as efforts are being made to supply potable water to the twin villages of Agonda and Khola.

After the Mudkud River was found to have been polluted on May 5, PWD authorites stopped pumping water from the river. Water tankers have been sent to Mudkud (Agonda), Karegal and Kudai and Ambdem in Khola village, while many of the areas earlier serviced by the river are getting limited tap water supply from the Chapoli dam in Agonda.

“Neither the reason for river water contamination has been established nor it is known if this river water is safe for consumption,” a source told Herald.

However in a surprise move, the PWD reportedly pumped water from three different pumps on Wednesday to fill overhead storage tanks, added the sources.

This infuriated some locals who confronted local PWD officials on Thursday, after which the pumping was reportedly stopped.

According to locals, PWD authorities from Wednesday reportedly began pumping river water to fill an overhead storage tank at Agonda, apparently to resume water supply to the locals at Agonda.

“Neither the authorities have ascertained how the marine life died in the contaminated river, nor have any reliable tests been conducted to confirm that the river water is safe for consumption or other domestic use. These facts have to

be clearly established before resuming supply to avoid playing with people’s health,” said a resident of Agonda.

Added Nitesh, a resident of Mudkud: “How could the PWD start pumping water from the Mudkud River without getting a clear signal to do so?”

“Secondly, have authorities come to any conclusion as to what had caused the destruction of the entire marine life? Have any responsibilities been fixed for the contamination of the river,” asked Nitesh.

When contacted, an official of the local PWD (water Supply) said: “It is wrong to say that we have resumed pumping of water from the Mudkud River. It takes a minimum of three days to fill the overhead water tank at Agonda.”

“The fact is, we have collected water samples after storing it in a tank and we are awaiting a report in the next three days. Presently, all supply points have been cut off from this tank and we will resume water supply only after getting a green signal from our lab,” the officer said.

To add to the misery of locals, the report of the water samples sent by local health authorities are yet to be made available even though the samples were submitted to the concerned lab at Panjim almost 15 days ago.

When contacted, Health Officer Dr Murlidharan told Herald that the laboratory at the Health Services was still not ready with the test report.

Rumors are doing the rounds in the locality that some chemicals, which include remains of wielding waste, and some other poisonous substances, were used to kill fish in the river.

Pernem police arrested a youth from Parsem on charges of kidnapping and raping a minor girl of the same village.

According to reports, the incident occurred on May 12, when the girl’s father had lodged a missing complaint with Pernem police, after she was missing from their house.

During investigations, police learnt that the youth had taken the girl to Karwar and later to his aunt’s house at Kurke-Sindhudurg.

The youth was arrested in Vengurla and the girl was later taken to a hospital for a medical check. Medical reports have confirmed that the girl was raped. Police is investigating the case.

Hoteliers, guesthouse owners ordered to admit foreigners with ID proof HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 22

The government has once again issued a notification calling upon hoteliers, guest house owners and all those renting out their premises to ensure that they admit their customers only with identity proof and to submit ‘C’ Form to the nearest police station in case of foreign guests.

North Goa Collector Mihir Vardhan has, under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, ordered that that owners/management of all hotels/lodging and boarding, private guest houses, paying guest accommodation of all religious bodies, should not allow any visitors/guests to check in without providing any Photo Identity Proof such as Smart Card, Election Card, Employment Card, ATM Card or any other Photo Identity Card issued by the recognised authority, to furnish details of all foreigners staying in their premises in ‘C’ Form (prescribed by the Govt.) and the In-charge of such lodging places shall provide all such information for inspection to the Police Authority.

This order will be effective for the period of 60 days upto 0907-2010, the notification said.

Any person contravening this order shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, it further warned.

The exercise is being done again following reports received from the Superintendent of Police (North), Porvorim that due to

Private bus owners remind govt about fare hike HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 22

Seeing no positive response to their 15 days notice over the demand in bus fare hike, the All Goa Private Bus Owners’ Association reminded the Government the ultimatum ends on May 24 and on May 25 it has decided to keep private buses off road.

AGPBOA in a meeting held in the city on May 8 had demanded a hike in bus fares by 0.20 paise, a demand which it maintained was pending for the last oneand-half-month.

The association had observed for the first three kilometres the bus fare was Rs 5 and after this distance for every subsequent kilometre it was 0.45 paise. In view of the rise in diesel prices it had impressed upon the Government that 0.65 paise for every subsequent kilometre after the first three kilometres was justified.

On Saturday, General Secre-

Quepem bridge to remain closed today HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, MAY 22

The Quepem Bridge over Kushawati River will be closed on May 23 from 7.30 am to 6 pm, with a gap from 1 pm to 3 pm to all traffic, on account of load and structural feasibility tests by the PWD. PWD sources informed Herald that as the Quepem Bridge will be closed, traffic has been diverted towards Paroda, Amona and Tilamol.

It may be recalled that the Quepem Taluka Mining Affected Peoples Front had submitted a memorandum to the Collector and other departments earlier this month, claiming that the bridge, which was constructed in 1962, was designed for a safe working load for capacity of 34 tonnes.

Since then, the bridge has sustained stress and strain for over 48 years and has not been tested for its present loading capacity and structural safety since its commissioning in 1962.

However, heavy vehicles are

allowed over the bridge without any regulations being enforced on the speed and load capacity on the bridge, the Front claimed.

They added that the bridge has become weak due to passage of time and natural decay and deterioration of structural materials. “Cracks have developed on the structure and vibrations are sensed by pedestrians walking over the bridge, thereby suggesting that grave danger and tragedy awaits the bridge and its users,” the Front claimed.

“The vibration symptoms of the bridge suggest that the same is still sustaining in dangerous condition and is in a danger of imminent collapse and hence is not fit for movement of heavy traffic until structural damage control exercises are conducted by the departments concerned.”

Taking cognizance of the memorandum submitted by the Front, the PWD has decided to test the bridge for its load bearing capacity.

tary AGPBOA Sudip Tamankar, said there was no response to our notice that was served on May 10. The 15 days period of the notice ends on Monday, May 24 and since there is no response from the Government we are going on a token strike the next day, he stated.

Tamankar said after the token strike was over the private bus owners would meet again and decide on the future course of action.

Besides the fare hike, the private bus operators are asking the Government to consider their demand to be included for shuttle services on Mapusa-Panjim route along with buses of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited.

They have also demanded for allowing them to carry advertisement on their buses as done

by KTC vehicles.

the prevailing situation in the country and intelligence inputs regarding terrorist threats to Western Coast of India, anti-social elements with an intention of committing crime in Goa, stay in hotels with fictitious names and bogus residential/official address, telephone numbers and after commission of crime, it becomes very difficult to locate the culprit on the basis of available information recorded in the Registers of Hotels/Guest Houses/Inns, as on verification it is found to be bogus.

Hence, he said, it is necessary that some checks should be put on the Owners/Management of all Hotels, Lodging and Boardings, Private Guest Houses, Paying Guest Accommodation of all religious bodies so that terrorists/anti-social elements/foreigners in the guise of guests/visitors may not cause terrorism/anti-social activities and that prompt action is necessary for the prevention of such undesirable situation.

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GOA, SUNDAY, 23 MAY, 2010

S H O RT TA K E S Anniversary celebration

Gym at Peddem stadium under threat this monsoon!

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 22

Cortalim MLA, Mauvin Godinho felicitating social worker Bhojraj Naik. Others present are Ramakant Borkar, Ashok Naik, Anacleto D’Sousa, Prabhakar Salgaonkar, Fr Conceisao D’Silva, Adv Uday Naik and Caitan Xavie

PANJIM(HND): The second anniversary of the Goa Sanskrutik Mandal of Cortalim was celebrated at Manguesh Maharudra hall recently. While addressing the gathering, Mauvin Godinho, Cortalim MLA, who was also the chief guest of the function said, “Konkani language is Goa’s identity. Everyone has to struggle hard to preserve it. I always supported Konkani from my heart not only that, my support for Konkani will continue in the future too.”

Present on the occasion were Parish Priest of Carambolim Church, Fr Conceicao D’Silva who was the guest of honour.

Cortalim Sarpanch Caitan Xavier, Anacleto D’Souza, Cynthia D’Silva, Aparna Bhojraj Naik, Prabhakar Salgaonkar, Goa Konkani Sanskrutik Mandal President, Professor Ashok Naik, Vice President, Adv Uday Naik and Ramakant Borkar.

Fr Conceissao D’Silva applauded Mr Godinho’s contribution and support for the Konkani language.

Later, Devendra Kenkre, a businessman, Bhojraj Naik, a social worker, A C D’Sousa, newspaper seller and Supriya Sawant, a dance teacher, were felicitated at the hands of Mauvin Godinho.

Similarly, Mauvin Godinho was felicitated at the hands of Fr Conceissao D’Silva for his valuable contribution towards the development of the Konkani language.

Earlier, the programme began with a cultural programme.

Lata Satyavan Naik introduced the guests. Professor Ashok Naik welcomed the gathering and the programme was compered by Prof Satyawan Naik.

Mater Dei students excel

PANJIM(HND): The students of Mater Dei Institution, Saligao achieved cent per cent results at the ICSE examination for the tenth year in succession, since the first batch of ICSE students appeared for examinations. The school secured 40% distinctions and 60% First Class.

Medical camp organised

PANJIM(HND): Free medical camp was organized under the dynamic leadership of Sanquelim Municipal Council Chairperson, Sunita Verenkar for the people of Sanquelim and nearby areas which was a grand success with 1170 people taking benefit of it. The doctors from the state namely, eye specialist Dr Chandrakant Shetye, Gynecologist, Dr Subhod Kasar and skin specialist, Dr Deshpande along with their team of 13 doctors checked the patients. Around 600 people with eye problems were examined and 450 were detected with reading/vision problems who will be given spectacles while around 100 people were identified with cataract and other similar problems who will be operated soon free of cost. All 450 peoples who are identified with vision problems will be given spectacles free of cost with design of their choice. The organizers have requested all 450 persons who have been identified with vision problems to come with their registration receipt to collect their spectacles.

The gymnasium at Indoor Stadium at Peddem-Mapusa could soon turn into a swimming pool during the monsoons.

This is because the roof has been exposed at many places and rainwater will flood the gymnasium if the roof is not repaired before the monsoon. This could also damage the equipment in the gymnasium, besides posing a threat to those frequenting the premises.

The gymnasium has been reduced to such a deplorable condition that the floor has developed cracks at various places. Most of the window panes are broken, thereby providing easy access to rats and other reptiles.

The toilets have not been maintained and have been rendered unusable, besides causing unbearable stench in the area.

There is no drinking water facility for the youth using the gym and given the workouts, there is not First-Aid facility at the gymkhana.

In a letter to the Directorate

Curchorem school excels HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

The Guardian Angel Higher Secondary School, Curchorem has excelled at the HSSC examination of March, 2010.

This year the School has secured a pass percentage of 80.79%, with a total of 244 students being declared successful.

Prabhu Shweta topped in the Science Stream secured a pass percentage of 97.87%. A total of 47 students appeared for HSSC examination in the Science stream and 46 students were declared successful. In the Vocational Stream out of 116 students 103 passed. Electronic Technology (93.33%), MREEDA (100%), Computer Technique (76.67%), and Bakery & Confectionery (86.67%).

Principal Fr Frank Mendes expressed his happiness and appreciated and praised the teachers for their hard work and dedication. He said the School has achieved 97.87% in Science Stream even though the students were admitted with less percentage.

Contacto Goa on RTP HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

The 52th episode of Contacto Goa will be broadcast on RTP international (Portuguese channel) on May 25 at 1.15 pm and 7 pm, and on Wedneday, May 26 at 6.45 am. This episode is directed and presented by Nalini Elvino de Sousa, photographed by Jude Fernandes and Ricardo Estanislau, edited by Nuno Oliveira and produced by Rohit Phalgaonkar. Further episodes of Contacto Goa will continue to be broadcast every 15 days, on Tuesdays at the same time, as given above.

PSIs selected to report at headquarters HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

The Goa Police Department has selected 26 candidates for the post of Police Sub - Inspector (Armed Police) for 2nd India Reserve Battalion. The selected candidates are directed to report to Police Headquarters, Panjim on May 24 at 10 am to complete the joining formalities. Officers selected have to proceed for training in the first week of June 2010.

The General Category includes: Shirgaokar Kabir Krishna, Bhandari Sar vesh Govind, Chopdekar Aparna Murari, Gawas Raju Prakash, Thanekar Harishchandra Uttam, Gaonkar Sidhesh Shankar, Sinari Jitendra Jairam, Bogati Dhanu Amar Singh, Kankonkar Mithun Shiva, Naik Nilesh Chandrakant, Rao

Gauresh Dharma, Fernandes Jennifer Tonny, Gauns Kailas Narayan, Gawas Dinesh Vithu.

Other Backward Class: Naik Shirishkumar Kanta, Gadd Sushant Devidas, Monkar Dinanath Manohar and Parab Sanju Hanumant.

Scheduled Tribe: Fatarpekar Mahendra Saptu and Narvekar Prasadanand Sudhir. Sportsman: Fernandes Sydney Alexandre.

The following waiting list candidates shall be on standby and can be asked to join at short notice in case any of the above candidates fail to report in time.

Sawant Sarvesh Raghoba, Marshale Venkata Narayan, Bhagat Rajesh Sairu, Pednekar Mahadev Jaihari and Gaude Dinesh Sitaram belonging to other categories are on the waiting list, says a press release.

of Sports and Youth Affairs, the Shiv Sena has asked the department to take measures immediately to repair the gymnasium, failing which they would be forced to take up the matter with the sports minister.

“Shiv Sena members were shocked to see the condition of the gymnasium, when they recently visited the gymkhana,” Shiv Sena (Bardez) head Philip

GOACAN has decided to hold the third meeting of Flat Owners at Mapusa as a part of its ongoing awareness campaign on their Consumer Rights.

The awareness meeting for Flat owners will be organised

by GOACAN on May 23 at Raikar Hall near Laximi Narayan Temple, Behind Suraj Bookstall Mapusa from 10 am to 1 pm, says a press note issued here.

According to a press release, the meeting seeks to provide an opportunity and a platform for Flat owners to narrate their problems, express their opinions on the possible solutions and chart out a course of action for the near future.

With the lack of proper legislation, poor monitoring by various government agencies, and most importantly lack of awareness of their consumer rights, Flat Owners across the State of Goa have been facing umpteen number of problems that have resulted in unnecessary litigation, large scale expenses, agony and mental tension for families interested in having a decent home and a peaceful life. Many senior citizens have also lost their life savings due to problems related to purchase of flats.

DCL to launch website HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

The Diocesan Centre for Liturgy (DCL) - Goa will launch their Website on May 23 at the hands of the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, His Grace Filipe Neri Ferrao. His Grace will preside over a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, after which he will release the Pastoral Letter to inaugurate the ‘Year of Blessed Joseph Vaz’, and dedicate the forthcoming Pastoral Year 2010 – 2011, to the native Goan priest who celebrates his 300th Birth Anniversary, says a press release.

D’Souza told Herald.

“The main objective of the directorate of sports and youth affairs is to provide good infrastructure to sportsperson, so that they can keep themselves fit physically and mentally and excel in the sports. If the infrastructure is not good then one cannot blame sportspersons if they do not perform well in sports,” D’Souza added.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 22

Chief Minister Digamber Kamat and PWD minister Churchill Alemao are to visit Agonda village on Sunday to inaugurate hotmixing works.

According to sources, former minister Sanjay Bandekar prevailed upon the chief minister and PWD minister of the need to hot-mix the road passing through Agonda and Khola villages and a few internal roads in Agonda village, which needs attention before onset of monsoon rains.

Accordingly, Kamat and Alemao agreed to commence hotmix and related works on Sunday, informed the sources.

According to Bandekar, the inaugural work of hot-mixing of state road will be held at Karashir-Moll, near SAG ground at 9.30 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, another inauguration will be held at Khola village to commence the hotmixing of road, which will be also attended by Quepem MLA Babu Kavelakar, Khola ZP Member Krishna Velip and others.

‘Rising Boys of Quepem’ construct own library, balwadi ‘HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, MAY 22

Expect government aid and you may land up with nothing. In a novel move, the Rising Boys of Copelabhat in Deao-Quepem raised their own funds and constructed a library cum Balwadi in their village.

The premises, ‘Mandda Ghor’, was inaugurated by Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar in the presence of Nehru Yuva Kendra South Goa Youth Coordinator Shirish Lawande, QMC Chairperson Lydia D’Costa and Ward councilor Anthoneta Simoes.

In his address, Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar appreciated the efforts of the Rising Boys of Copelabhat in starting a library for the village.

“Reading is necessary for every person to come up in life.

Knowledge gained in any field never goes wasted,” Kavlekar said.

Speaking on the occasion,

Flat owners to meet in Mapusa today HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

A group of boys from Tivim caught a 2..5 meter crocodile from the river at Assonora by displaying their bravery with the leadership of Clifford Falcao and later handed over the crocodile to the Forest Department.

The exposed roof of the gymnasium at Peddem-Mapusa.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalkar

CM, Churchill to inaugurate works at Agonda

The press release states further that GOACAN has held meetings at Vasco and Margao and proposes to hold similar awareness meetings in the towns of Ponda and Panjim.

GOACAN proposes to facilitate the process for the setting up of a Bardez Taluka Flat Owners Association to protect the interests of the Flat Owners in the Taluka. In this direction it will develop a charter of demands which would include lobbying for legislation with the members of the Goa Legislative Assembly from the constituencies in Bardez as well as guidelines for action by the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) as a local self governing body before the forthcoming Municipal Council elections.

Interested can write in to GOACAN Post Box 187, Margao Goa 403 601 or email to goacan@gmail.com, adds the press release.

Goa Konkani Akademi conducted its Konkani Certificate Course examinations in December 2009 at 11 different centres in Goa. The course was at six levels i.e.

Prarambha, Pravesh, Parichaya, Pravina, Parangata and Pradnya.

The result is as follows: Prarambha: Distinction : 4C 100, 107, 121, 123, 124 First class: 4C 102, 105, 109, 110, 122. 7A: 100, 103, 105, 106, 107, 110, 111, 112, 114.

9A: 100, 101, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112.

Second class: 4C: 101, 104, 106, 111, 115, 120. 7 A : 1 0 1 , 102, 104, 109, 113. 9A: 102, 106.

Pass class: 4C: 108, 116, 118.

7A: 108.

Pravesh: First class: 4B: 203, 205, 210, 211, 217. 4C: 205. 7A: 208. 8A: 200. 9A: 201, 210.

Bro Manuel’s retreat

PANJIM(HND): Bro Manuel will be conducting a one day retreat at Emerald Lawns, Parra on May 24, between 10 am to 5 pm, says a press release.

Bal Yuva Mahotsav

PANJIM(HND): Bharat Swabhiman Trust (BST), an offshoot of Patanjali Yog Samiti, will organize a taluka level Bal Yuva Mahotsav 2010 between May 24 and 29.

Various competitions have been planned which will be held between 7 am and 11 am during six days of the competition at taluka level.

The competitions will be held for two groups one upto 12 years and another of 16-18 years.

The objective of the camp is to inculcate good habits in children and youth and help them prepare to face challenges in life. The BST also aims to create better and responsible citizens.

Five major activities will be organized which include yoga class, personality development, Rangoli art, drawing and self defense.

For details contact Suchit 9823929756, Vilan 9423307779 and Nagendra 9326103552.

Aires turns 50

PANJIM(HND): Social Activist Adv Aires Rodrigues turns 50 on May 24. A get-together for family, friends and well-wishers has been arranged at Hotel Missel at Ribandar from 12 noon to 3 pm. Goa’s well-known Ribandar based band ‘Purple Rain’ will be in attendance. Goa’s noted singers and musicians will also perform on the occasion, says a press release.

VCD release

PANJIM(HND): A VCD dedicated to the life of late Prof Carlos da Cruz will be released on May 26 at 5 pm at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Prof Carlos who remained as unknown pioneer of Goa’s Freedom struggles – his efforts and endeavor have been envisaged into a latest documentary VCD film by the reputed Manfil Productions authored by Agnelo Fernandes.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will be the chief guest at the function.

MP Francisco Sardinha shall be the guest of honour. Derrick Braganza, Sarpanch Cavorim – Chandor shall be present. Professor Carlos da Cruz hails from Chandor village, says a press release.

Medical camp at Ponda

PANJIM(HND): Sree Narayana Guru Memorial Society Goa in association with Santhigiri Ayurveda Siddha Panchakarma Centre, Vasco, will organize a two-day Ayurvedic Medical camp on May 25 and 26 at Sree Narayanagiri, Ambegal, Ponda. The camp will offer free medical check-up/consultation with pharmacy facilities at the camp site itself. The camp timings will be from 9 am to 5 pm on both days. Patients anxiously waiting for the benefits of genuine Kerala style practice in Ayurveda may visit the camp and avail the facilities. Contact on tel: 9423060341, 9447957888, 9420688600, 3225469.

Retreat at Parra, Verna

Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar inaugurates the building ‘Mandda Ghor’ in the presence of QMC Chairperson Lydia D’Costa.

Shirish Lawande stated that a library is a right step taken by the village youth and advised the people to spend more time reading book rather than watching television. He assured all help from the Nehru Yuva

Kendra to run the Library.

Claiming that Right to Education is a fundamental right, QMC Chairperson Lydia D’Costa appealed to parents to educate their children as much as possible.

Margao health centre begins cleanliness drive in a big way HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 22

The Margao Urban Health Centre on Thursday made it presence felt in Fatorda in a big way, introducing fish larvae in wells, spraying the surroundings and educating household owners of the breeding place around their houses such as tyres, empty coconut shells, plastic bottles etc.

The cleanliness drive educated the household owners about the aedes mosquito causing Chikungunya and Dengue breeding areas.

Local MLA Damu Naik, who presided over the cleanliness drive at Gogol-Fatorda was attended

by Councilors Raju Shirodkar, Piedade Norohna and Narayan Fondekar and Priya Kamat.

The MLA said that several constructions in Fatorda have come up in recent times and underlined the need to maintain

vigilance on the malaria front. saying that Larvivorous fish is being introduced every year in the wells as a precautionary measure, the MLA asked the Councilors to have these drives in each of their ward in coordination with the Margao Urban Health centre.

Margao Urban Health Officer Dr.Geeta Kakodkar mentioned that the MLA has been actively involved in malaria control, adding that the number of malaria cases in Fatorda has shown a decline in recent times.

She, however, emphasized on the need to be vigilant, especially during the rainy season, asking people to check every fever case for malaria. The breeding sites of dengue and Chikungunya needs to be eliminated, she added.

The drive was supervised by Krishna Panchwadkar, Eusebio Silva, Michael Falcao and Suresh Karapurkar of Urban Health Centre.

GKA’s certificate course exam results declared HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

upcOming EvEnTS

Second class: 4B: 200, 204, 206, 207, 208, 209, 213, 216, 218, 219. 4C: 200, 202.

7A: 200, 202, 203, 204, 206, 207, 209. 9A: 200, 202, 203, 204, 207, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220.

Pass class: 4B: 201. 4C: 203, 204. 7A: 201, 205. 9A: 209, 211, 212, 221.

Parichaya: Distinction: 2B: 305, 306, 308. First class: 2A: 300, 301, 302, 305, 312, 313. 2B: 302, 303, 304, 307, 309, 311.

4A: 300, 303, 305, 307, 308, 312, 317, 318, 325, 329, 332.

4B: 300, 304.

6A: 301, 303, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312. 8A: 300, 302. 9C: 318.

Second class: 2A: 316. 2B: 300, 301, 310, 312. 4A: 301, 302, 304, 309, 310, 311, 313, 316, 321, 323, 326, 327, 328, 331, 334, 336, 337. 6A: 300, 302, 304, 305, 306, 307, 313,

315, 322, 323, 325, 327.

Pass class: 2A: 315. 4A: 306, 314, 315, 319, 320, 322, 324, 333, 335. 9C: 300, 302, 321, 324.

Pravina: First class: 2A: 400, 401, 404, 408, 409, 411. 4B: 400, 405, 407, 411. 9C: 402.

Second class: 2A: 405, 406, 410. 4B: 401, 402, 406. 6A: 400.

8A: 401, 402, 404, 405, 406, 408, 409. 9C: 400, 403, 404.

Pass class: 8A: 400, 403, 407, 410. 9C: 401.

Parangata: Distinction: 3A: 501, 506, 507. First class: 3A: 500, 503, 504, 505.

Pass class: 3A: 502.

Pradnya: Second class: 3A: 600.

The result and the certificates of the exams are available at Goa Konkani Akademi’s 243, Patto Colony, Panjim office. Candidates and centre co-ordinates are requested to collect it during office hours.

PANJIM(HND): Bro Johnson Sequeira will be conducting retreats at Emerald Lawns, Parra on May 25 and 26 and at Blue Berry, Verna on May 27 and 28, between 10 am to 5 pm, says a press release.

Chintamanis exhibition

PANJIM(HND): Chintamanis bring you their first gold and diamond exhibition at Hotel Mandovi, Panjim, from May 25 to 27, between 10:30 am to 8 pm.

Dr Nadkarni bags Kala Gaurav Puraskar HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

The Director of Art and Culture has announced this years Kala Gaurav Puraskar to Dr Sakharam Bhalchandra Nadkarni former Deputy Director of Health Services. The puraskar will be presented at the hands of the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Goa Statehood Day on May 30 at Dinanath Mangueshkar Kala Mandir, Panjim.

According to a press release, Dr Nadkarni was born at St Cruz, Goa on March 16, 1934 in an ideal fusion of Indian and Western Music.

He has the opportunity to be trained in violin under late Maestro Jose Santana Cota and at 'Academia de Musica’ under late Maestro Antonio Figueiredo for western Music and then under late Krishna Kansar and Late Joshi at Bharatiya Vidhya Bhuvan, Bombay for Indian style violin.

Dr Nadkarni was also trained in Sitar under Pandit Abdul Karim Khan at the Kala Academy has performed at a number of places along with his wife Lata Nadkarni, herself an exponent of Violin, a memorable performance being in 1967 at the Panjim Municipal garden under the Directorate of Information and

Tourism. He has accomplished on violin the famous Marathi Sanget natak 'Saubhadra' at Mapusa.

In 2007, his presentation of a musical programme featuring 3 generation under Kala Academy's 'Swarangan' was highly appreciated.

His avid love for music led him to various positions in cultural fields- like being the Chairman of the Mando festival (1987), the President of Goa Cultural and Social Centre Panjim (1988-91) to name a few.

A doctor by profession, music flows in his veins like blood, hence he has always pioneered musical activities be it founding of Cultural club in Pernem or launching of musical classes, adds the press release.

POWER SHUTDOWN May 23

MAPUSA: Between 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are Shardha hotel, St Britto High School, New Goa High School, Mapusa clinic, Telephone exchange, Mapusa court area, Football ground Duler, Peddem, ITI, SFX High school and surrounding areas.

PANJIM: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Nizmar centre, Yes Bank, Sujay building, HDFC bank, Bugde tailor, Phadte Arts, Bobby Saloon, Pastry cottage, Lar Milrock, Menezes building and surrounding areas.

TIVIM : Between 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Industrial area, Gothanichowal, Volvonem and surrounding areas.

CORLIM: Between 9 am to 1 pm. Areas affected are Corlim Industrial Estate, Entire Corlim village, Entire Carambolim village, Dhulapi, entire Old Goa village, Bainguinim, St Pedro, Dhauji, St Estevam and Kumbarjua, Guadalim and surrounding areas.

CUNCOLIM: Between 8 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Cuncolim Municipal area, l and the villages of Sarzora, Dramapur-Sirlim, Chinchinim, Assolna, Ambelim, Balli-Adnem, Velim, Betul-Naqueri, Nuvem, Morpilla, Barcem and Fatorpa, besides the Cuncolim Industrial Estate.

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All options open for JMM: Soren PTI BOKARO (Jharkhand), MAY 22

Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who had agreed to share power with the BJP for the remaining term of the government and then did a a volte face, today said “all options” were open for the JMM and it was for the saffron party to look for them.

“It is for the BJP to look for options. I am in touch with both the Congress and BJP. All options are open. My government will stay,” Soren, who has to step down as chief minister by June 30 if he is not elected to the assembly, told newsmen here.

He said he would meet JMM legislators tomorrow in Ranchi and make “a final announcement”.

Yesterday, the JMM chief had said that he had formed the government for five years and it would complete its tenure, after going back on the May 18 agreement with the BJP for sharing power with it on a rotational basis for 28 months each and the BJP to head the government first.

Senior BJP leader M M Joshi, speaking on the frequent change of stand by the JMM, had said in Delhi yesterday that Jharkhand “has become a theatre of the absurd.”

Soren, whose voting for the UPA during a cut motion in the Lok Sabha on April 28 led the BJP to withdraw support to his government, has to find a constituency to enter the assembly

by June end. He is currently an MP. He failed to enter the assembly during his second stint, losi n g a b y p o l l f r o m Ta m a r constituency in January 2009, leading to imposition of President's Rule for a year.

His first term in 2005 lasted just nine days.

The JMM and the BJP have 18 MLAs each and the Soren government is running with the support of two JDU legislators and five from the AJSU, besides two others.

Soren had yesterday said that there was no deadline for his resignation.

Children showing painted posters during an awareness campaign to Save the Dolphin at Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden in Patna on Saturday.

Hindu students face discrimination: BJP UNI MADURAI, MAY 22

Alleging that Hindu students were facing discrimination in view of quota and finance assistance only for religious minorities, the BJP has said the party will launch an “awakening campaign” from July 4 to 31.

After chairing the party's twoday State Executive Committee meet here yesterday, State BJP president Radhakrishnan said the party will demand similar monthly education assistance for the backward classes, scheduled caste, scheduled tribes and most backward community Hindu students during the campaign.

He said party cadres would stage demonstration in all district headquarters to press for their demand. ' “There are economically and socially backward people in the Hindu community also, who are\ not able to pursue education

like minorities. The government should help them.”

Radhakrishnan said the gove r n m e n t w a s p ro v i d i n g a monthly education finance assistance of Rs 350 for minority students, studying in Vth to Xth standard and Rs 500 for vocational course students. They are also getting concessions on tuition fee. The government was providing Rs 35,000 a year to each student hailing from minority community.

He said during 2009-10, 84,150 school students and 26,342 college students had benefited from the education finance assistance.

He warned that the government's move was indirectly encouraging religious conversions.

Referring to the Sri Lankan Tamil issues, he cautioned the Centre and State governments of the possibilities of anti-national and anti-people forces forming terrorist organisations.

‘Birds struggling to build their nests’ PTI PUNE, MAY 22

Electrocution of birds is on a rise following large scale tree felling and rapid urbanisation leading to destruction of natural habitats of the winged creatures.

As towering apartments dot the urban skyline, the felled trees making way for the concrete jungles have a sad story to tell about the displaced birds now struggling find a place to build their nests.

Highlighting the plight of birds, renowned ornithologist Dr Satish Pande says "Human intervention is leading to suffering of population of the habitat specific birds who are now forced to adapt to new places for nesting as they continue to lose natural hollows and cavities.”

Describing birds as the "bio indicator” of environment, Pande in an interview with PTI here strongly advocated a mass awareness to promote conducive environment for them by adopting various measures including artificial wooden nest boxes.

“There is a long list of bird species affected by rapid urbanization encroaching upon their nan environmental group, noted.

The destruction as well as modification of natural habitat and also pollution was badly affecting the winged friends who are not as flexible as humans when it comes to habitation as they need water bodies, trees, hollows and natural cavities to

live and multiply, Pande said.

“Those birds who earlier nested in tall trees are now taking refuge on electric polls, wires, satellite television towers, electricity meters and dish antennae. A bird like ibis having a large wing span is exposed to the danger of electrocution while flying just as the common smaller birds,” the ornithologist observed.

The nesting material too has undergone a change that is fraught with danger for the young ones.

“Earlier it used to be straws, leaves, dry grass etc. Now coir, nylon strings, aluminium foils, pieces of electrical wires are used alternatively. We have come across instances where the nylon threads used for the nest has led to tragic deaths of the chicks who get entangled in it,” he said.

From the ecological perspective also, the displacement of birds is proving to be harmful.

What is the remedy “Let us make friends with birds. Common citizens have to be pro-active. One can foist the artificial nest boxes in the residential premises. Plant fruiting and flowering trees as well as create small shrubs and creepers for birds like robin. The hole nesting birds can find nest boxes inviting. Offer them food and water and see the difference in your environs”. “If we do this, we would see a variety of birds twittering around and not just pigeons who in many parts become a nuisance.

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Canada all praise for BSF after diplomatic slip PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 22

In an attempt to control damage caused by stinging remarks by one of its diplomats against the Border Security Force (BSF), Canada today said it has “great respect” for India's armed forces and that it was “reviewing the situation” that has arisen.

Canada's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Catherine Loubier said in an e-mail statement that “vibrant people-to-people” connections are one of the “greatest strengths” of India-Canada relations which continue to be strengthened.

"I would like to stress that Canada has the highest regard for India's democratic institutions and processes.

Canada has great respect for India's armed forces and related institutions," she said in the statement mailed to PTI. The statement came in the wake of revelation of remarks of a first secretary of the Canadian High Commission here that BSF was a “notoriously violent” force which indulged in “systematic attack” and “systematic torture” of suspected criminals.

The diplomat had made the

comments while rejecting the visa application of a retired BSF constable.

The External Affairs Ministry has already taken up the issue with the Canadian government.

“We are reviewing the situation,” the Canadian spokesperson said but did not elaborate citing “privacy reasons”.

Loubier said India is a country with growing influence on the global stage and “our past has been marked by friendship and by strong ties that bind us closer than ever. We are also democratic nations that are ethnically, spiritually and linguistically diverse.”

She noted that the IndoCanadian community is approximately one million strong and makes significant contributions to the strength of Canada's economy as well as to people-topeople links between our two countries.

The Canada-India ties continue to strengthen following the very successful visit to India by a strong delegation led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper last November, she said.

With regard to visas, Loubier said decisions are made by pub-

applied for permanent immigration in 2005 as his only daughter is a Canadian citizen and is settled there along with her family.

After submitting his application, he had once been to Canada on a tourist visa.

In its rejection letter to the former BSF trooper, the Canadian High Commission alleged the BSF was “responsible for committing crime against humanity” and he was a part of it.

Pandher, 60, who retired from BSF a decade ago, had applied for immigration in April 2005.

He was called in for an interview on April 21, 2008 at the High Commission.

He said his case was rejected through a letter dated December 8, 2009 stating that he could not be allowed

APPOINTMENTS lic servants following an independent process governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Meanwhile, the retired BSF constable who was denied visa by the Canadian High Commis-

sion, today said he had approached the Prime Minister's Office in March seeking his intervention into the matter.

“I have not been called to New Delhi by any official agency so far. As and when I am called

I am ready to go to the national capital,” Fateh Singh Pandher, who for most part of his service was posted in Jammu and Kashmir, said.

Pandher, who hails from village Siarh in Ludhiana district,

Anti-Posco group demands security withdrawal PTI BHUBANESWAR, MAY 22

The CPI-backed Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti today said talks could be held with the Orissa government to resolve the dispute over setting up of Posco steel project if forces were withdrawn from the entry points to the site near Paradip.

The Samiti was responding to Orissa government's offer for talks to resolve the dispute.

“The forces must be withdrawn from Balitutha area, the entry point to the proposed plant site, in order to create an atmosphere for peaceful talks,” PPSS president Abhay Sahu told

PTI over phone after a general body meeting of the PPSS. Sahu said unless security personnel were withdrawn, people would not have faith on the government's sincerity on resolving the dispute. “We will not go for talk either with the district administration or the chief minister unless they remove police,” the PPSS leader said.

Sahu said some of the members were initially reluctant to hold talks with officials and demanded to meet the chief minister.

“Now all of us are ready to hold talks with the officials if the condition is met to create a peaceful atmosphere,” he said, alleging police had assaulted

the people while they were sitting on a dharna at Balitutha on May 15.

The PPSS is spearheading agitation against the South Korean steel major since it inked an MoU with the State government on June 22, 2005 for setting up a 12mtpa steel mill at an investment of Rs 52,000 crore.

Earlier, the CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan at a May 19 rally at Balitutha had called upon the chief minister to hold talks with the people likely to be affected due to the project.

A CPI (M) delegation had also made a similar demand when it met the chief minister.

“We had urged the chief min-

ister to hold direct talks with the people to be affected by the project,” said CPI(M) State Secretary Janardan Pati.

The PPSS also rejected the State government's formula of excluding only private land in Dhinkia village from the proposed project site terming it an 'one-sided' decision of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

A large number of families living at Dhinkia village undertake betel cultivation and fish farming on the government land since generations, it said.

“There is no meaning if one excludes only private land and acquires all government land for

Shammi uncle’s a kid: Ranbir AGENCIES NEW DELHI, MAY 22

A stork manages to catch a big fish in the pond in its enclosure in Delhi zoo on Saturday.

Veteran actor Shammi Kapoor is a favourite among audiences for his jolly acting and crazy dance moves and guess what, the septuagenarian is still a kid at heart, says family member Ranbir Kapoor.

"Shammi Kapoor had a style of his own. His style was different and unique. After so many years, he is still a kid. Recently he has seen a lot of downfall due to bad health but he has not lost his zest for life," said Ranbir, who is the grandson of Shammi Kapoor's late brother, Raj Kapoor.

"He still drives his own car and takes his wife to Paris for holidays. He'll be remembered forever," he said.

Tigress died due to internal injuries: vets PTI BHOPAL, MAY 22

The tigress that died in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve four days ago had succumbed to internal injuries after being hit by some blunt object, possibly a tourist jeep and not due to a territorial fight.

“The feline did not die due a territorial fight. It died of a liver rupture following which blood rushed to her abdomen after being hit by some blunt object,”

Man burnt alive over land dispute PTI

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) representative A B Shrivastava, who along with two other veterinarians performed the autopsy, told PTI today.

The tigress died on Wednesday in the Tala Range of the reserve. There was no external injury mark on her body, Shrivastava said adding, the wild animal's viscera had been sent for forensic test to a Sagar laboratory.

Badhavgarh Tiger Reserve Field Director C K Patil, too, agreed with Shrivastava's conclusion. "Initially it appeared that the tigress died of territorial fight, but this apprehension proved wrong in the autopsy," he said.

“We are of the view that a tourist vehicle had hit the tigress after which she died,” Patil said, adding the animal was 10 years old.

“We are investigating the

Modern machines to speed up cleaning of Dal Lake

JAIPUR, MAY 22

A 24-year-old man was burnt alive by a group of people over a land dispute in Rajasthan's Banswara district, leading to tension in the area, police said today Sarma was running a small kiosk set up on a disputed piece of land in Rail village. Unidentified persons yesterday entered into an argument with Sarma and pushed him inside the kiosk and set it ablaze, SP, Banswara, Gajanand Sharma saod. Police have arrested three accused involved in the murder.

The situation in the tribal area is tense as the family of the victim wants to perform a local tradition known as 'mautana' to avenge the killing.

“Relatives of Sarma are adamant to perform mautana, an illegal practice in which family members of the victim put the body outside the home of the accuser to take revenge or penalty,” he said.

case,” he said, adding around eight tourist vehicles had entered the Tala range onMay 19.

“We have questioned all drivers, guides and some tourists of these vehicles and have come to the conclusion that the tigress was not hit by four wheelers on May 19,” Patil said.

The tourists in the first jeep, which entered Tala Range around 5.58 am on May 19, found the tigress limping and not in a good shape, he said.

PTI SRINAGAR, MAY 22

In a bid to speed up cleaning operations in the famous Dal lake, the Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority is all set to procure seven state-of-the-art machines from three foreign countries.

The machines are being brought from Finland, Switzerland and USA, LAWDA officials told Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at a meeting convened by him to review the Dal develop-

ment works and rehabilitation process of Dal dwellers here.

“Scientific investigations revealed considerable improvement in the water quality of the lake. Studies on hydrology, watershed exports, floating gardens, houseboat pollution are being regularly carried out by LAWDA,” its Vice Chairman Irfan Yaseen told PTI today.

He said LAWDA had been successful in restoring four springs of the lake raising the number to 21 out of total 58 springs, most of which had been

choked due to pollution.

“Measures have been undertaken for dredging of blocked channels including the Rainawari navigation channel, Nowpora navigation channel, Meerakshah feeding channel, Chowdhary Bagh Channel and Dal-Kawpora channel and Chakoo channel,” he said.

Yaseen said steps have already been taken for acquisition of land at 'Rakh-e-Arth', which is being developed by LAWDA for rehabilitation of Dal dwellers.

Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah directed the authority to speed up the cleaning process and ensure that the first batch of families, who are being shifted from near Dal, get allotment of plots in Rakh-e-Arth within seven days. He emphasised that all necessary measures should be taken for construction of proper roads, provision of electricity and water facilities in the colony.

setting up the steel plant,” the PPSS said.

Bus waylaid , four people injured KRISHNAGAR(WB): Four persons were injured when robbers waylaid a bus and a vehicle and looted money and valuables from the passengers near Rajapur in Nadia district early this morning, police sources said.

A bus on way to Gangtok and a vehicle proceeding towards

the Mayapur Iskcon Temple from Kolkata were waylaid by the robbers near Rajapur. When the four people refused to hand money and belongings the dacoits attacked injuring the four, the sources said. A passenger lodged complaint with the local police station. (PTI).

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5 low-intensity blasts in Lahore, three injured PTI LAHORE, MAY 22

Five low-intensity blasts rocked a thickly populated area in this eastern Pakistani city tonight, injuring three persons, including a policeman.

Official sources said the blasts, which were of low-intensity in nature, occurred near Tabi city police station.

TV channels reported that the low-intensity blasts shattered the windowpanes of some of the houses and shops in the area. The sources said the policeman was among the three injured in the late evening blasts.

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Pakistan detains at least four over New York plot ReuTeRs ISLAMABAD, MAY 22

Pakistan has detained at least four people suspected of links with a failed bid to set off a car bomb in New York's Times Square, including one who worked for a catering company servicing embassies in Islamabad.

The failed Times Square bombing on May 1 has revived international fears about Pakistan, a US ally in the campaign against militancy, being a breeding ground for Islamist violence. ''They have been picked up on suspicion that they knew Faisal Shahzad,'' one Pakistani security official said, referring to a Pakistani-American, Faisal Shahzad, arrested over the New York bombing bid. ''We have not yet established whether they were involved in what he did,'' said the official, referring to Shahzad.

He said four people had

been picked up while another security official said five people had been detained.

The New York Times reported that an army major was among those detained. It quoted a US intelligence official as saying the officer, arrested in Rawalpindi, appeared to have been disaffected and that his suspected involvement with Shahzad did not signal the Pakistani army had been involved.

Norwegian mobile operator Telenor said one of its staff at its Pakistani unit had been detained by Pakistani authorities over the bomb plot. ''One of our employees has been brought in for interrogations in Islamabad in connection with the Times Square bomb plot,'' said Paal Kvalheim, vice president communications at Telenor in Oslo. ''Telenor hopes that the suspicions are unjustified and we will of course cooperate with the authorities in all possible

Russia to help Bangladesh set up nuclear power plants ReuTeRs DHAKA, MAY 22

Bangladesh said today Russia had formally agreed to assist the energy-starved South Asian country in building nuclear power plants. ''An agreement on cooperation for the peaceful use of nuclear energy to meet the growing power demand in the country was signed between the two countries in Moscow today,'' a foreign ministry spokesman told Reuters.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov witnessed the signing of the agreement between Russia's atomic energy corporation Rosatom and the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).

Bangladesh had requested the Russian authorities to assist in establishing two nuclear reactors with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts each by 2015, the spokesman said.

The plants are expected to cost up to 2 billion dollar and

to begin generating electricity by 2014, officials of the ministry of power, energy and mineral resources said.

Bangladesh has plans to set up the nuclear power plants at Rooppur, 200 km northwest of the capital Dhaka, to help deal with growing power shortages.

Growing concern over power shortages led Bangladesh to consider nuclear energy as natural gas reserves are fast depleting and most coalfields remain unexploited. Bangladesh now has nearly 60 power plants, mostly decades old and all fueled by gas or coal.

A power official said the country of 150 million experiences daily power shortfalls of 2,000 megawatts. Peak-hour demand stands at about 5,500 megawatts.

According to the agreement Rosatom will help Bangladesh AEC in designing, construction and operation of nuclear power and research reactors.

From Page 1 Belgaum iron ore illegally...

Department. We have seized a large amount of illegally transported iron ore and have registered cases against those involved,” stated Hsour.

“Stringent action will be taken in case such cases are found in future,” he said.

The state and national highways that connect Goa from Karnataka have lost shape due to the movement of over-loaded iron ore trucks. Considering the issue seriously, the Forest Department has initiated stringent measures stopping the illegal transportation a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the unabated transportation of illegal dumping has adversely affected the traffic movement on Belgaum-Goa road via Anmod. It is getting hampered due to the heavy movement of iron ore trucks causing major and minor mishaps.

The action by the Forest Department might give some relief to the vehicular movement on this road, as a large number of Goans visit Belgaum during this time of the year.

Govt agencies task cut off...

The disposal of solid waste was another area where Pollution Board officials found establishments disposing off waste by burning.

The Board, however, feels that this situation can be tackled if the Colva Village Panchayat ensures house-to-house collection of solid waste, segregation and treatment of the same in compliance to the provisions of the rural garbage disposal scheme.

The question that remains unanswered is whether these agencies will implement the directions of the Pollution Control Board in letter and spirit.

Take note, the Pollution Control Board had a year ago issued directions to the Margao Municipal Council to stop discharge of sewage waters into the once picturesque Saipem Lake in Navelim, but the directions have gone abegging with the civic body lacking the political will to reign in on the housing complexes and commercial establishments.

Says Judith Almeida, Convenor of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum: “We are aware that the implementation of the Pollution Control Board directions is a matter of concern, but we are determined to get the government agencies implement the directives both letter and spirit. The Forum would knock the doors of the Judiciary if the agencies default in executing the directions”.

Praful offers to quit...

“moral responsibility” for the mishap as the head of the “civil aviation family”.

Singh is believed to have told Patel that there was no need for him to resign and that he should focus on facing the situation.

PMO officials declined to comment.

Patel, on emerging from the 30-minute meeting with Singh, he felt “personally morally responsible for such a sad and tragic incident”.

Asked by reporters as to what the Prime Minister’s direction to him was, he said Singh told him “not to be overcome by the situation” but to face it.

“Certain things are beyond our control... If there are any mistakes to be corrected, they should be corrected,” Patel quoted Singh as telling him.

When pressed by reporters as to whether he offered to quit, Patel said, “all issues between me and the Prime Minister need not be discussed in public.”

manners, said Kvalheim, who did not give the staffer's name.

The US Embassy in Pakistan issued a warning on Friday about a catering company, the Hanif Rajput Catering Service, saying it may have terrorist links. ''The US Embassy is aware of threat information suggesting that terrorist groups may have established links to the Hanif Rajput Catering Service,'' the embassy said in a notice. ''US government personnel in Pakistan have been instructed to avoid using this company.''

The embassy said the company was owned by a father and son.

The catering company provides services to top-flight functions in the capital, including embassy receptions.

A government official said one of the detained suspects was the co-owner of the catering company.

Dalai Lama tweets to Chinese web users about Tibet PTI NEW YORK, MAY 22

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama today held a rare conversation with Chinese web users through Twitter on topics ranging from the vexed Tibet issue to his eventual successor.

During the over an hourlong chat, which was requested by a Chinese scholar Wang Lixiong, the Dalai Lama, who is now in New York, said over a decade of negotiations with China on autonomy for Tibet has not yielded any results because the government refused to acknowledge the problems Tibet faces.

Twitter has been banned by the Chinese government and media agencies on the ground reported that it was uncertain how many people were able to see the messages on Wang's Twitter feed.

Despite the ban, it is estimated that thousands of people living in China have Twitter accounts.

The questions had been pre-

viously submitted online.

Wangs's Twitter account (available in Chinese) had more than 8000 followers today.

"Unfortunately, in the past years, our relationship with Chinese government has not achieved a substantial improvement. But I still feel quite confident of the Chinese people. Therefore, I am glad to be here, communicating with them," the Dalai Lama wrote in a message.

"Always tell the Tibetans not to take whatever I said as granted, instead they must observe and understand the situations," the 74-year-old spiritual leader tweeted.

"In the Exile community, we have successfully made democratisation of the social system as reality in the past 50 years," he said.

The exiled spiritual leader, who is seeking autonomy for Tibet, is giving a series of lectures in New York to packed audiences at the Radio City Music Hall with tickets for USD

Iran nuclear deal still possible: Brazil minister ReuTeRs BRASILIA, MAY 22

Brazil still sees room for a negotiated solution to Iran's nuclear program but acknowledges Tehran's plans to continue uranium enrichment are a concern neither country addressed in talks, Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said.

Brazil and Turkey helped broker an agreement under which Iran agreed to send lowenriched uranium abroad, reviving a fuel swap plan drafted by the United Nations with the aim of keeping Iran's nuclear activities in check.

Washington regards that deal as a delaying tactic by Iran, and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council agreed on a draft resolution to impose new sanctions on Iran. ''Of course there need to be reassurances, discussions -many things still need to happen. It's difficult but there is a way out,'' Amorim yesterday told foreign correspondents in his office.

Nearly 6,000 killed in plane crashes in last 13 years PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 22

Nearly 6,000 people have lost their lives in around 380 plane crashes across the world in the past 13 years.

According to a 2007 report

by US-based aerospace firm Boeing, a total of 5,147 people were killed in 346 accidents, involving 286 commercial and 70 cargo jets, between 1998 and 2007.

Of them 78 were fatal accidents, while 146 were hull loss accidents, in which the airplane was totally destroyed or damaged beyond economic repair, the "Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents, 1959-2008" report said.

Since 2008, there have been about 40 such accidents, including this morning's Air India plane crash in Mangalore, according to various other sources which put the number of casualties in the past three years at around 1,000.

Ten days before today's incident, an Afriqiyah Airways plane from Johannesburg crashed while it was trying to land in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, killing 103 people.

Only a nine-year-old Dutch boy survived the crash.

A month ago, Poland's President Lech Kaczynski and 92 others were killed when their aircraft crashed near the western Russian city of Smolensk.

On June 1, 2009, 228 people on board an Air France Airbus A330 perished when the aircraft ran into thunderstorms and crashes into Atlantic Ocean on the way to Paris from Rio de Janeiro. On June 30, 2009, 153 people were killed when an Yemenia Airbus 310 en route the Comoros Islands crashed into Indian Ocean.

Fifteen days later, all 168 people on board an Iranian passenger plane were killed when the aircraft crashed near the city of Qazvin.

''You need to give it some time to work.''

If the sanctions were approved, Iran would cancel the accord with Turkey and Brazil, a member of Iran's parliament said.

Several countries were still open to the possibility of pursuing talks at the same time as imposing sanctions on Iran, said Amorim. ''Many countries have said they are committed to a twotrack approach. The thing about two tracks is that at one point, people go different ways

and you have to decide which way you'll go,'' Brazil's chief diplomat said.

Iran denies Western suspicions its secretive atomic energy program is aimed at developing nuclear weapons capability and has said it will continue enriching uranium for fuel for electricity generation.

Amorim acknowledged that Iran's insistence it would continue its highly enriched uranium activities was a valid concern to the global community. He said the issue had not been part of Brazil's talks with Iran. ''It wasn't on the agenda. Nobody told us, 'Hey if you don't stop 20 percent enrichment, forget the deal','' said Amorim.

Brazil argues Washington and other Western powers had prodded Brazil to try to revive the UN fuel swap deal proposed last October. ''We were encouraged directly or indirectly ... to implement the October proposal without any leeway and that's what we did,'' said Amorim.

360.

He spoke on a wide range of subjects from Marxism, capitalism to religion.

"I never say Buddhism is best. Buddhism has been best for me. Each person is different. I cannot say what is best for 100 people: Their own religion is best for them. It's like medicine. We cannot say pick one medicine, this is best for everybody," he was quoted as saying by NY Daily News.

Responding to another question about whether he liked New York, the Daily News reported that the Dalai Lama said, "Ever since I was a small boy, I think of New York," he said.

"The big buildings! The small streets! "I love New York!"

The 74-year-old Nobel Peace joined Twitter in February.

"In 1955, I was in Beijing, I know that Marxist theory is that of Marxism Without Borders, which means that the people are the same. I agree very much," he wrote today.

US drone attack kills at least six in Pakistan ReuTeRs MIRANSHAH, PAKISTAN, MAY 22

At least six people have been killed in a US drone missile attack in Pakistan's North Waziristan, a major al Qaeda and Taliban sanctuary, Pakistani intelligence officials said today.

The missiles struck a house around midnight in a village about 25 km west of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, the officials said. ''US drone aircraft fired five missiles at a house owned by a tribesman identified as Khayli, killing six militants,'' said one intelligence official who declined to be identified.

But residents in the area said 12 people, including four women and two children, were killed. They said those killed were not militants and were from the same family.

Six women and two children were also wounded in the attack and being treated at a hospital in Miranshah, one witness said.

Thai govt talks reconciliation, troops to pull back ReuTeRs BANGKOK, MAY 22

Thailand's government stressed national reconciliation today after the worst riots in the country's modern history but it would not commit itself to an early election date demanded by ''red shirt'' protesters.

Troops continued their search for explosives in the upmarket commercial area the ''red shirts'' occupied from April 3 until they were dislodged by troops on Wednesday, which sparked violence and arson around the capital.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva highlighted a reconciliation plan in an address to the nation yesterday but made no mention of the November election he had proposed at the

start of May as a way of ending the protests peacefully. Elections are not due to be called until the end of 2011. ''He does not rule out an early election,'' government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn told Reuters today. ''It depends on how much progress we make on the reconciliation roadmap. The prime minister will decide on the election date later.''

Any red shirt leaders not facing charges for offences allegedly committed during the unrest would be welcome to take part in the process, he added.

A 6 sq-km (2.3 sq-mile) area extending out from the ritzy shopping district was still under military control but government spokesman Panitan

said soldiers would pull back from Sunday and allow people and cars into the area again.

However, even as he spoke, a grenade was reported to have gone off in the area near the Central World shopping mall badly damaged in Wednesday's rioting.

A deputy governor of Bangkok said he understood no one had been injured. The grenade may have been set off as troops searched the area.

A curfew remains in force overnight on Saturday.

Financial markets, which were closed on Thursday and yesterday, are likely to open on Monday, although a final decision is yet to be taken on the stock market. A fire broke out in the Stock Exchange building during the protests.

Out with the old? Turk secularists seek new vision ReuTeRs ANKARA, MAY 22

Turkey's secular opposition is expected to choose a new, younger leader this weekend at a congress that will usher out an old guard who had posed little threat to the Islamist-leaning ruling party's hold on power.

The Republican People's Party (CHP), Turkey's oldest party and the voice of the secularist elite, is seeking a makeover in the hope of stopping Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan from winning a third consecutive term in an election due next year.

A dominant force in Turkish politics for decades, the CHP has been accused by critics of becoming out of touch with a rapidly-changing country and has blocked many EU-driven reforms.

Recently, CHP, founded by Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, was thrown

into disarray after veteran party leader Deniz Baykal resigned following a sex tape scandal this month.

Having been trounced by Erdogan's AK Party in the last two general elections, CHP

delegates will meet today and tomorrow in Ankara, where they are widely expected to choose Kemal Kilicdaroglu, a moderate, as new chairman, party insiders say.

3 prison guards shot dead in Russia ReuTeRs MOSCOW, MAY 22

Three prison guards were killed today when unidentified attackers opened fire on them in Russia's North Caucasus region of

Kabardino-Balkaria, the Prosecutor General's investigative unit said.

The unit said in a statement on its website that the attack took place near the city of Prokladnyi.

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Obama wants assurances on Rudy expresses concern over expatriate pilots drilling safety, names panel HeRALD CORResPONDeNT NEW DELHI, MAY 22

ReUTeRs VENICE, LA, MAY 22

President Barack Obama said today that future offshore drilling would require assurances that another massive oil spill would not happen again, as energy giant BP Plc scrambled to contain a seabed well leak billowing crude into the Gulf of Mexico.

Obama unveiled a commission to investigate the accident and vowed to keep pressure on firms involved in the still-uncapped spill -- BP, Halliburton and Transocean Ltd -- and added he would hold Washington accountable for mending its ways. ''The purpose of this commission is to consider both the root causes of the disaster and offer options on what safety and environmental precautions we need to take to prevent a similar disaster from happening again,'' Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address.

With frustration growing and political risks looming over the spill, Obama appointed former Democratic Senator Bob Graham and former Environmental Protection Agency chief William Reilly to co-chair the bipartisan panel and said he wanted its conclusions in six months.

The spill has raised major questions about Obama's earlier proposal to expand offshore drilling as part of strategy to win Republican sup-

port for climate change legislation.

A month after the well blowout and rig explosion that killed 11 workers, sheets of rust-colored heavy oil are starting to clog fragile marshlands on the fringes of the Mississippi Delta, damaging fishing grounds and wildlife. ''To me from the very beginning with BP it was nothing but public relations,'' said Roger Halphen, a south Louisiana school teacher who has worked both in the oil industry and as a commercial fisherman. ''It's just a disaster. Everybody was sleeping on this and now all of a sudden here it is,'' he said of oil washing up on the coast.

BP's battered reputation has been reflected in its share price which lost more than 4 per cent in London yesterday extending recent sharp losses.

US lawmakers and scientists have accused BP of trying to conceal what many believe is already the worst US oil spill, eclipsing the 1989 Exxon Valdez accident in Alaska. It represents a potential environmental and economic catastrophe for the US Gulf coast.

London-based BP, facing growing US government and public frustration and allegations of a cover-up, said its engineers were working with federal scientists to determine the size of the leak, even as they fought to control the

gushing crude with uncertain solutions.

It also reiterated yesterday that it was making an effort to be transparent about the unfolding situation. ''We are committed to providing the American people with the information they need to understand the environmental impact from the spill and the response steps that have been taken,'' BP's Chief Executive Tony Hayward said in a statement.

As ecological and economic damage mounts, analysts say the spill could become a political liability for Obama going into pivotal congressional elections in November when his Democrats already face the threat of big losses because of voter anxiety over nearly double-digit unemployment.

Creating a commission helps Obama show leadership in a crisis that has drawn heavy criticism not only of companies' safety practices but also loose government oversight.

The panel is patterned after past commissions that have probed incidents such as the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.

BP's next planned step is a ''top kill'' -- pumping heavy fluids and then cement into the gushing well to plug it. That operation could start next week, perhaps on Tuesday, BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles said.

Former Civil Aviation Minister and BJP spokesman Rajiv Pratap Rudy expressed concern that most of Air India pilots, including those bringing the ill-fated flight from Dubai to Mangalore, were expatriates as "there is an issue of unfamiliarity of terrain, language, etc."

He told reporters that the BJP would wait for the probe report into the Mangalore crash but he suspects possible human errors in the mishap from his own experience as a trained pilot who off and on flies a private airline's scheduled flights.

"We want the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct a detailed probe into the unfortunate accident. The detailed technical report into the reasons behind the mishap should be made public at the earliest," he said.

He, however, pointed out that there are many airports located abroad that have Mangalore-type hilltop short runways. Nothing frightening or unusual in the runways built on plateau and surrounded by cliffs, he said.

Rudy joined party president Nitin Gadkari, parliamentary party chairman L K Advani, and Leaders of Opposition in Parliament, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley in expressing sympathies with the bereaved families.

PM MONITORS: In Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was personally monitoring the rescue and rehabilitation operations at the airport and sanctioned relief to the bereaved families and wounded from his National Relief Fund. As a mark of re-

School children holding a candle light vigil to pay homage to the victims of Air India plane crash in Mangalore airport, in Patna on Saturday.

spect to those perished in the mishap, he also cancelled the anniversary celebration dinner at his residence Saturday night on the UPA government completing its first year of the second term.

Describing the Air India flight crash as the worst airline disaster in the nation, Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters that he had directed the defence ministry to supply all probable aid for save operations. “No need to wait for an order from higher authorities. I have told them to do whatever help is required," he added.

Pilots not unfamiliar with Mangalore terrain, says govt HeRALD CORResPONDeNT NEW DELHI, MAY 22

Rebutting former civil aviation minister and BJP spokesman Rajiv Pratap Rudy's concern over Air India engaging expatriate pilots unfamiliar with the Indian terrains, the government clarified that the ill-fated flight's commander had carried out 19 landings at the Mangalore airport in the last two years. The co-pilot had 66 landings at the airport to his credit.

The 53-year-old Capt Z Glusica, a British national of Serbian origin, had "fair amount" of

Clinton avoids China disputes ReUTeRs SHANGHAI, MAY 22

Girls venture out to enjoy the weather as Kolkata received much-awaited rainfall after several days of sultry weather on Saturday.

‘Shrek’ gives fairy tale break to backroom artist ReUTeRs LOS ANGELES, MAY 22

Sometimes fairy tales do come true. And where better than Hollywood and ''Shrek''?

Walt Dohrn, who normally works behind the scenes on the blockbuster movie franchise, has had a magical change in fortune that only the wily Rumpelstiltskin could pull off.

In ''Shrek Forever After,'' which opens yesterday, Dohrn was thrust from his day job at DreamWorks Animation to voice the trickster villain, Rumpelstiltskin -- one of the lead characters in the latest, fourth film. ''We found that his voice was just irreplaceable, it was so funny and so engaging,'' said director Mike Mitchell.

As head of story at the movie studio, Dohrn's regular job is to shuttle back and forth between ''Shrek'' writers and animators. He works with artists to start them on the

right track animating each scene, so that it matches with the story as a whole.

But after reading lines for the so-called ''scratch track'' opposite superstars Mike Myers (Shrek) and Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), the normallyreserved Dohrn won the part of new character Rumpelstiltskin.

When animators learned of the surprise casting decision they stood up and cheered, Mitchell said.

Rumpelstiltskin is a pintsized, black magic dealmaker who strikes a bargain with Shrek that gives him control of the fairy tale world they inhabit. Shrek must fight to overthrow Rumpelstiltskin, and win back the love of his life, Fiona.

Dohrn who has worked at DreamWorks Animation for eight years and spent most of that time on the studio's ''Shrek'' franchise, says he had mixed emotions about his new job.

''I thought, 'Oh my gosh, I have to really step outside my skill set and I have to step outside my dark little room and really put myself out there,''' Dohrn told Reuters.

Dohrn said he borrowed from a wide range of sources, taking the fast-talking drive of Sean Penn in 1985 film ''The Falcon and the Snowman'' and infusing the conniving sweetness of a child murderess in 1956 movie ''The Bad Seed.''

The New York Daily News said Dohrn ''steals every scene.'' But the Orlando Sentinel wondered why DreamWorks handed a pivotal character in a ''billion dollar franchise to a voice with no menace or personality.''

For his part, Oscar-nominated actor Eddie Murphy, who plays Donkey in the ''Shrek'' movies, was impressed. Murphy said he did not know Dohrn was cast, until he saw the film's final cut.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit after they signed a diplomatic agreement at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in Cairo on Saturday.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton passed out teddy bears to Chinese children as she toured the Shanghai World Expo on Saturday and carefully skirted the United States' many policy disputes with China.

At the start of a four-day visit whose centrepiece will be talks in Beijing about strategic and economic matters, Clinton spent a misty morning at the Expo, an emblem of China's rise on the world stage.

Dressed in a powder blue jacket to match the Expo's plump, cartoonish mascot, Clinton walked through the US and Chinese national ''pavilions'' shaking hands, posing for pictures and talking up the importance of people-to-people ties.

She avoided any public discussion of the issues that will occupy her in Beijing, including North Korea's suspected sinking of a South Korean warship, Iran's nuclear programme, and US calls for China to allow its currency to appreciate.

Speaking after her four-hour tour, Clinton suggested the event may mark a watershed in the history of China's financial hub and richest and most cosmopolitan city. ''It's like a coming out party for countries and cities,'' Clinton told reporters. ''There is a real historical significance to them doing this.''

That the chief US diplomat is spending two nights in Shanghai before the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing on Monday and Tuesday illustrates the importance of China's rising economic and political influence to Washington.

Clinton began her day at the US pavilion, which was a bare patch of ground less than a year ago with the United States short of money to build it and at risk of missing an event at the top of China's business and political agenda.

Thanks partly to her intervention, major US companies stepped up to the plate to fund the pavilion, whose attractions include three films highlighting the American way

of life.

In one, Americans including basketball stars Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson offered greetings in Chinese.

A second verged on corporate advertising, with an executive discussing the potential of wind to meet China's burgeoning energy needs with pictures of US-made windmills in the background.

A third was an allegory of what a single person -- in this case a young girl who plants a flower in an abandoned city lot -- can do to improve the environment.

After the film, Clinton handed out teddy bears to children in the audience.

The films made no explicit reference to democracy, human rights, freedom of religion or other political issues where the United States has long criticized China's record.

The US exhibit ends with a gift shop where a great many products -- from teddy bears and stuffed bison to silver lapel pins and pink cowboy hats -were all marked ''Made in China.''

Protect children in conflict with Naxalites: rights body UNI NEW YORK, MAY 22

India should take immediate steps to protect children caught up in its conflict with Maoist rebels, in light of a report by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Human Rights Watch has urged.

This is the first time that the long-running Maoist conflict in India has appeared in the Secretary-General's report to the UN Security Council about the use of children in armed conflict around the world.

India should immediately review state government policies of occupying and using school buildings as part of operations against Maoist armed groups, known as Naxalites, and give schools better protection from Maoist attacks, Human Rights Watch said.

The rights body also called upon the Maoists to immediately cease their recruitment and use of children, and stop attacking schools. ''Both the security forces and the Maoists in India are exploiting and harming children, destroying their chances at an education and causing damage that will affect their entire lives,'' Bede Sheppard, Asia researcher on children's rights at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement yesterday. ''The new UN report will

focus international attention on this tragic situation.''

The UN Security Council has stated repeatedly that it will consider targeted sanctions, including arms embargoes, against parties to armed conflict that do not end their use of child soldiers.

The Secretary-General's report described how the Maoists, particularly in Chhattisgarh, are recruiting and using boys and girls in their ranks, and have carried out systematic attacks on schools to damage and destroy government structures and to instill fear among local residents.

The report also noted that government security forces have been occupying school buildings in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. In 2009, security forces similarly occupied school buildings in Bihar and West Bengal. ''Having security forces occupy school grounds puts children and their education at unnecessary risk,'' Mr Sheppard said. ''Now this practice is putting India's reputation on the world stage at risk.''

In a 2009 report ''Sabotaged Schooling'', Human Rights Watch documented how government security forces -- both police and paramilitary police - occupy school buildings as bases for anti-Maoist opera-

tions, sometimes only for a few days, but often for periods lasting several months and even years.

Sometimes, the security forces take over entire buildings, while in other places they occupy parts of school buildings, with students trying to carry on their studies in the remaining space, often under distracting and even frightening circumstances.

The rights body has also documented that at least 34 schools in Jharkhand and 16 schools in Bihar were attacked by the Maoists during 2009.

These do not include schools that were occupied by security forces at the time of attack.

Most of the attacks occurred at night when students and teachers were not there.

Maoist attacks and school occupations by security forces unnecessarily place students at risk of harm, and lead many to drop out or to interrupt their studies. Girls are especially likely to drop out following a partial occupation of a school because of harassment, or perceived harassment, by the security forces.

Often, schools are closed altogether and students may not be able to attend at all or are forced to move into inferior sites, to study outdoors, or, for those able to reach them, to travel to schools farther away.

experience in the Mangalore terrain, Civil Aviation Secretary Madhavan Nambiar told reporters in Delhi.

He had 10,200 hours of flying experience and had made 19 landings at the Mangalore airport and as such he was quite familiar with the airport's topography, Nambiar said.

Glusica's co-pilot H S Ahluwalia, who was based in Mangalore, had 66 landings to his credit at Mangalore airport, the Secretary said. Both flew into Mangalore only five days ago on May 17.

Nepal PM says never favoured idea of CA to write statute PTI KATHMANDU, MAY 22

In remarks that may raise a fresh storm in Nepal, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has said that he was never in favour of the Constituent Assembly drafting a Constitution and had agreed to it to "please" the Maoists.

Nepal said there were other options for writing a constitution, and he was not in favour of the CA personally.

"Personally, I was not in favour of CA. There are other ways also to write the statute," he said after meeting visiting Norwegian Minister for Environment and International Development Erik Solheim yesterday.

Nepal said he had accepted the idea of the Constituent Assembly to please the Maoists and it was frustrating that the former rebels were now themselves trying to get it dissolved.

"I had never accepted the idea of the CA drafting the statute. There are other ways to write the constitution besides the CA," he said.

"I accepted the CA idea to please the Maoists and also because I supposed it would be good for the nation. Now, the Maoists are trying to dissolve the CA, which is very disgusting," he was quoted as saying by the Kathmandu Post.

Political parties are presently

struggling to find a consensus to extend the term of the 601member Assembly that is set to expire on May 28 without fulfilling its key task of framing a constitution.

Amid the crisis, the Maoists have said they would declare a new constitution from the streets on May 29.

Nepal's top Madhesi leader Upendra Yadav slammed Prime Minister Nepal for his remarks, saying they point out to a conspiracy against the republican system and in favour of reviving the 1990 constitution.

"The Prime Minister's statement is objectionable as it indicates a conspiracy to end the present republican system and revive monarchy," he charged.

He also slammed the Maoists for what he calls their attempt to impose a totalitarian rule in the country, while making a strong pitch to save the Constituent Assembly.

President of Madhesi People's Rights Forum (MPRF) Yadav said the Maoists are making a blunder by trying to impose the authoritarian rule in the country.

"In the present world, there is no place for totalitarian regime and authoritarian system," said Yadav, whose party was regarded as a major ally of the Maoists during its antigovernment agitations in the past.

Anti-Sikh riots case: Kumar terms CBI witnesses unreliable PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 22

Senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Saturday alleged before a Delhi court that CBI's witnesses in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against him were not reliable as they had retracted from their versions.

"All the witnesses, who retracted from their affidavits before the judicial officers, are liable to be prosecuted for lying on oath," Kumar's counsel I U Khan told Additional Sessions Judge Sunita Gupta.

Khan referred to a statement of victim Anek Kaur, whose husband Vakil Singh was killed in the riots, to claim that she had first named Kumar before Jain-Banerjee Committee constituted after the carnage in 1985 and later retracted it before a court.

"The Metropolitan Magistrate recorded her versions as court witness on November 13, 1998 and consigned the file to record room as untraced after she claimed that she did not see the

political leader," he submitted.

Kumar's counsel Khan and A K Sharma contended that the judicial order passed by the Metropolitan Magistrate had remained unchallenged and was still in operation.

"How can CBI rely on her version to seek prosecution of Kumar," they asked.

Their argument was, however, objected to by senior advocate R S Cheema, appearing for CBI, who said her (Anek's) statement was not part of the records before this court.

The CBI counsel also submitted that it cannot be said that the trial had already taken place if the file relating to the case had been consigned to record room.

Khan, on the other hand, claimed that her statement was made a part of basis for the recommendation of Justice Nanavati Commission to order registration of fresh FIR even though Anek had died in March 2000, two months before its constitution.

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Sao Miguel in finals cuncolim union trophy HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 22

Sao Miguel de Taleigao Sports Club defeated Union of Chinchinim Villagers 3-1 via the tiebreaker to storm into the finals of All-Goa 2nd Cuncolim Union

Trophy inter-village football tournament organized by Cuncolim Union at Cuncolim on Saturday.

There was no score at full time.

Sao Miguel de Taleigao, once they found the rhythm, threatened the rival citadel, but Samson Pereira,Victor Lobo and Caetano Pinho missed the mark narrowly.

In the tie-breaker, Cedric Peixoto, Victor Lobo and Ramesh Palyekar were on target for Taleigao while only Noel Leitao converted for Union of Chinchinim Villagers. Sao Miguel de Taleigao will face the winners of Don Bosco Oratory and Ambelim Sports Club in the final on May 30.

Ponda Veterans up HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

Ponda Veterans stunned Customs and Central Excise 2-1 in the inaugural match of All-Goa Diago Vaz memorial football tournament for veterans organised by Don Bosco Past Pupils Association at Don Bosco ground, here on Saturday. They led 2-0 at the break.

Ponda Veterans took the lead in the 15th minute through Vilroy Fernandes who also scored the second goal in the 25th minute.

Franky Mascarenhas reduced the margin off a cross from Daniel Noronha.

ONGC I-League: Churchill Bros v. East Bengal, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao, 4 p.m.

All-Goa Diago Vaz memorial veterans soccer: Merces Villagers v. Sporting Veterans, Don Bosco ground, Panjim, 4.45 p.m.

Santa Cruz Youth Cup soccer: Taleigao v. St Estevam, St Cruz ground, 4.15 p.m.

Atlanta Georgia Trophy football: Enfermos SC v. St Ro c k , M a j o r d a , Ro s a r y ground, Navelim, 4.30 p.m.

Miracle Youth Club’s late Vailan D’Mello 2nd edition all-Goa invitation volleyball: Haushi Sports Club v. Upasnagar Sports Club; Piety Sports Club v. Goa Police, Vanxem, Loutolim.

St. Anthony soccer: D.A.P Boys, Zuarinagar v. St. Anthony Youth, Goa Velha, Firguem bhat ground, Goa Velha, 5 p.m.

2-a-side floodlit tiebreaker, Azossim, 8 p.m.

Merces volleyball finals: Da Cruz Mala v. Beta Boys St Cruz, Moloca court, Merces, 8 p.m.

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Zuma warns of human trafficking Indian eves beat New Zealand REUTERS JOHANNESBURG, MAY 22

Parents must be vigilant

Messi scrape gave us fright: Maradona REUTERS BUENOS AIRES, MAY 22

Such is the focus on Lionel Messi in the countdown to the World Cup that even the slightest problem in training

gets full blown local media coverage, as with a scrape.

The world's top player, practising with Diego Maradona’s Argentina for the finals in South Africa that kick off on June 11, fell and suffered a minor scrape on his right knee at the team's training base outside Buenos Aires yesterday. ''We all got a fright,'' said Maradona with a grin in an interview with Canal 13 televi-

Da Cruz in finals

sion station later on Friday. ''I didn't see it, my back was turned. He and Masche (Javier Mascherano) clashed knees and then I saw that Messi had stopped. But it's nothing, he put ice on it and if he wants to play on Monday (against Canada) he'll be on the pitch.''

Team doctor Donato Villani said on the Argentine Football Association w e b s i t e (www.afa.org.ar): ''It was just a scrape.''

Messi, Argentina's big hope after a brilliant season at Barcelona including top scoring in Spain's La Liga with 34 goals, got up and walked from the training pitch after the accident.

Argentina, who face Nigeria, South Korea and Greece in Group B, began their countdown on Thursday and are preparing for a warm-up on Monday against Canada.

The team's farewell match at the River Plate stadium will double as part of the country's bicentennial independence celebrations.

during the soccer World Cup to guard against a possible jump in child trafficking, South Africa's President Jacob Zuma said.

In a speech launching a new child protection law, Zuma said that hosting an event of such magnitude could be seen as an opportunity for criminals, particularly during an extended school holiday.

South African schools will be closed for the month-long Cup, which starts on June 11. ''Not all parents and caregivers will be able to align their vacation with that of the extended school vacation. We urge parents to take extra care and ensure that their children are supervised and provided with guidance at all times,'' he said. ''Children wandering alone in shopping malls and football stadiums will be vulnerable to people with evil intentions.''

The United Nations says trafficking generates billions of dollars annually, with 79 per cent of those affected falling victim to sexual exploitation.

An estimated 6,000 to 8,000 people are trafficked a year, half of them children.

South Africa fast-tracked a new law against human trafficking to bring it into effect

before the World Cup, making it easier to prosecute suspects and giving South African courts jurisdiction over acts outside the country's borders.

Those found guilty could now face life imprisonment or a heavy fine.

Trafficking has not traditionally been a major issue in South Africa but activists say the problem is growing and child groups have warned of an increase in incidents during the tournament, when some 350,000 foreigners are expected to travel to the country.

Zuma said human trafficking had been prioritised within the justice system and that dedicated police co-ordinators and task teams had been set up. ''We will play our part as government but parents and caregivers also have to be vigilant,'' he said.

England's old song could have new chorus REUTERS LONDON, MAY 22

Before every major tournament England's refrain is the same: we really can win it this time.

To update the words of the Euro 96 anthem, England have now suffered ''44 years of hurt'' since winning their only major honour, the World Cup in 1966.

However, a superb qualifying campaign, the prodigious form of Wayne Rooney and the weather in wintry South Africa have given England hope of becoming world champions again.

Manager Fabio Capello, who succeeded Steve McClaren after the failure to qualify for Euro 2008, has given England back their self-belief while keeping the talented nucleus of the side that came up short two years ago.

England qualified for the World Cup after winning their first eight games although things have not run smoothly for Capello since then, with off-field headlines involving former skipper John Terry and Ashley Cole giving him headaches.

Injuries to important players such as Glen

Johnson, Aaron Lennon, Rio Ferdinand, Cole and Gareth Barry have added to his problems while David Beckham's absence because of a ruptured Achilles tendon has deprived him of the former captain's unique qualities.

Despite those setbacks England's prospects remain good if Rooney can carry his domestic form into the finals. Rooney scored 34 goals in all competitions for Manchester United before niggling injuries affected the end of his season.

Capello's likely starting lineup will have Robert Green in goal, behind a back four of right-back Glen Johnson, centre-backs Ferdinand and Terry with Cole on the left.

In a four-man midfield, Steven Gerrard will start on the left with Barry, if he recovers from an ankle injury, and Frank Lampard across the middle and either Shaun Wright-Phillips, Lennon or Theo Walcott on the right.

Rooney, with support from the muscular Emile Heskey, will spearhead the attack and the team should be able to take first place in Group C from Algeria, Slovenia and the United States.

West Zone taekwondo in Margao

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 22

Da Cruz, Mala beat Odxel, Taleigao 3-1 sets to enter the finals of United Boys of Merces volleyball at Moloca court, Merces.

In the other semi-final, Beta Boys beat Haushi YS in straight sets. The finals will be played on May 23.

The 3-day 2nd West Zone Taekwondo Championship organised by Taekwondo Association of Goa as part of their Silver Jubilee Year celebrations will be held from May 28 to 30 at SAG multipurpose hall, Fatorda, Margao.

Hosts Goa, Maharashtra,

Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chattisgarh and Daman will participate.

Power Minister, Aleixo Sequeira, organsing president, said that the host team was undergoing a rigorous camp for the last one month under the supervision of SAG coach Theophile Lowe who is being assisted by Sunil Sharma. He

exuded confidence that both the boys as well as the girls teams will corner glory.

In all, close to 620 participants (boys and girls) are expected to participate.

The Taekwondo Federation of India has appointed 40 National referees and technical officials to conduct the event. A committee has been

formed under the chairmanship of Harish Kumar, president, Taekwondo Federation of India.

Sports Minister, Manohar Babu Azgaonkar will be the chief guest at the inaugural function while Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat will be the chief guest at the closing function.

C-Licence course at Mapusa

as first aid, nutrition and laws of the game.

During the course they will have three practical exams as well theory papers to answer.

The particiSavio Messias, Marcus Pacheco, Vandana D’Cruz pants: Casmiro (r to l) at the AFC C-Licence course at Duler sta- Peixoto, Deggie Cardoza, Amit dium hall, Mapusa. Photo Aldrid Da Costa.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER Virnodkar, Fondekar Shirodkar, MAPUSA, MAY 22 Chandrakant Naik, Richard The Asian Football Confedera- Sanchez, Sebastian Rodrigues, tion “C” Licence coaching course Jude Fernandes, Seby Morais, got underway at Duler ground, Eugenio Rodrigues, Reagan Mashere on Tuesday. GFA secretary carenhas, Menino Miranda, Peter Savio Messias inaugurated it.

Fernandes, Prasadanand Nar- Tanishq Korgaonkar (5), Faye Kranza Coelho (8), Jeremiah Fernandes (7), Jeevani Fernandes (7), Sohan The 16-day course is being venkar, Ashwin Crasto, Milagres Parrikar (8), Simran Sirsat (11), Nadia Pinto (13), Kein Fernandes (7), Ana Karina da Gama Paes (10), Abconducted by Marcus Pacheco, Carvalho, Mario Vales, Ramesh haya Kittur (10), Rahul Da Gama Paes (13) who swam across Mandovi on Saturday alongwith Lourenco who is an AFC course instructor Vhonnali, Lero Almeida, Naresh Reginaldo, MLA, coaches Loretto Cardoso, Domnic Fernandes. The event was organised by Vista do Rio Resort, Porvorim. and is also currently the Indian Virnodkar.

National team goalkeeping coach.

Savio asked the participants PANJIM (HSD) - The VTTA will reopen for regular table tennis to take what they learn back to coaching and practice from June 1. Kolkata's Soumen Mukherjee their villages and enrich the will be the coach for children. Soumen is on his second assignment knowledge of the youngsters.

PANJIM (HSD) - The Indian Hockey Federation will organize at the VTTA, and brings a wealth of coaching experience, as “Our State has the highest nummen’s senior National inter-state hockey championships in the coach and as training partner to some of India's top players like ber of qualified football coaches 3rd week of June. The championships will be organized in two Poulomi Ghatak (multiple National champion and India internain the country, as the GFA tries phases with the first five zonal qualifying rounds in North, North tional), Nupur Santra (former India international in seniors), to organize the courses each East, Central, West and South zones.

Indibor Chaterjee (former National player) and present National year. Unfortunately, not everyTwo winners from each zone will qualify for the finals in New players like Shreya Ghosh, Anushila and other West Bengal players one who takes the course is putDelhi. The qualifying round for West Zone, from which Goa has in both sub-junior, juniors and men's level. ting it to good use,” Savio to qualify, will be played on a league-cum-knock-out-basis in Children will be coached in batches based on skill levels like remarked.

Mumbai. Players interested in selection trials for Goa State team Marcus spoke about the D-Limay submit their names alongwith two identity card-size photo- beginners-1, beginners-2, intermediate, advanced-1 and adcence course which he and his graphs to Sigmund De Souza (9823095064) or Anselm Gabriel vanced-2. Slots are available for coaching on a first-come-firstcolleagues devised especially for (9823281881) or John Lobo (9823033955) or meet Anselm Gabriel served basis. Entries for the regular programme will be accepted at the VTTA, Mehta Hall, opposite pick up stand, Vasco da Gama, Goans. “When seven coaches at Legend Sports, opposite Municipal garden, Panjim. from Monday to Saturday between 7-8 p.m. Details may be obfrom Goa including myself took tained on 9422056037 / 2541715. the A-Licence course in Kolkata, MARGAO (HC) - Salcete Football Club will hold selection trials we decided to create a course to select their First Division football team on May 26 and 27 at which was catered for Goans PANJIM (HSD) – The Mother of God Parish Youth, Pomburpa Don Bosco Oratory ground, Fatorda at 3.30 p.m .Those interested which would be more practical will organise an all-Goa 3-a-side football tie-breaker on May 29 may report to coach Robert Fernandes with kit. oriented in order to prepare them at Pomburpa church ground at 8 p.m. The winners and runnersfor the C-Licence,” he stated. up will receive Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 3,000 respectively. Spot entries The seven coaches were ArPANJIM (HSD) – The Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association will will be accepted. Details may be obtained from Peter on mando Colaco, Savio Madeira, conduct its 2nd and final selection trials on May 24 at Kunkolim 9049158051 / 9404434296.

Peter Vales, Brahamanand tennis ball cricket ground, Priol, Ponda from 9.30 a.m. to select Shankwalkar, Mariano Dias, Derprobables in boys and girls sections for the pre-national coaching rick Pereira and Marcus Pacheco.

PANJIM (HSD) – The all-Goa 2-a-side floodlit tie-breaker orcamp for the 18th Junior National Tennis Ball Cricket Championship The AFC has subsequently ganised

by United Boys of Malwara will be held on May 25 at at Faizabad, U.P. Registered junior players may report to Ajinkya started a one-week introductory Naik, SAG coach or Deepali Sawant , convenor, girls team at the Gaunchem bhatt, Malwara (near Gloria Service Centre) from 7 course similar to the D-Licence, venue with kit, original birth certificate and tennis ball cricket p.m. Rs 6,000 (winners) and Rs 4,000 (runners-up) will be awarded. which is being run in Goa. Spot entries will be accepted. outfit (black track pant, white T-shirt).

Vandana D’Cruz, who has recently returned from Malaysia after attending an AFC fast track PANJIM (HSD) – The all-Goa open 7-a-side tournament organised PANJIM (HSD) – The1st all-Cavelossim 7-a-side beachside coaching course, is the course football tournament will start on May 24, opposite Old Anchor by Youth of Mascarenhas, Goa Velha in memory Silko Miranda co-ordinator.

Beach Resort, Mobor. The inaugural match will be between will start on June 26 at PAP ground, Goa Velha. Rs 20,000 (winners), The participants will comMobor C v. United Boys Cavelossim at 4.45 p.m. Details may be Rs 15,000 (runners-up) will be awarded. Details may be obtained plete practical as well as theory from Alfred Mendes on 9881283243 or Angelo on 9823937986. obtained from Nobby on 9850480755. sessions covering topics such

GOA DIARY

Table tennis coaching at Vasco

Hockey selection trials

Salcete FC trials

3-a-side football at Pomburpa

Tennis ball selection trials

Tie-breaker at Agasaim

Beachside football at Mobor

7-a-side at Goa Velha

UNI WELLINGTON, MAY 22

A spirited second-half show by Indian eves enabled them to beat New Zealand 3-1 and the visitors took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-Test series here today.

India, who trailed 0-1 at half time, fought back in second session with goals from skipper Surinder Kaur (43rd), Saba Anjum (64th) and 15-year-old Rani Rampal (69th).

The lone Black Sticks goal came in the 21st minute with Piki Hamahona striking a rebound to put away in the top right corner.

Surinder Kaur scored the equaliser from a deflection in the 43rd minute, while Saba Anjum scored the next, flicking into the goal from close range in the 64th minute and Rani

Rampal sealed the series win with a breakaway goal right on fulltime. India won the first Test

in Palmerston North a week ago, while the next two Tests ended in draws.

Pg16:Layout 1 5/23/2010 1:05 AM Page 1

SPORTS

Sao Miguel in finals Pg. 14

GOA, SUNDAY, 23 MAY, 2010 www.oherald.in

IOC rejects govt’s limitation PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 22

IOA President Suresh Kalmadi and other sports administrators received a shot in the arm after the International Olympic Council rejected Sports Ministry’s argument for a tenure limitation regulation, warning such a move might result in India being thrown out of the Olympic family next month.

In a joint letter to Sports Minister MS Gill, IOC National Olympic Committee (NOC) Relations Director Pere Miro and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Director General Husain AlMusallam said if the Ministry insisted on implementing the guidelines, the issue would be referred to the IOC Executive

Board meeting next month which may lead to India's by suspension or derecognition of the country from the Olympic family. "...we would like to remind you, once more, that in the event where the directives issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would be imposed on the Olympic Movement in India (even for future elections) we would be forced to report this case to the next IOC Executive Board meeting (in June) according to the rules of the Olympic Charter," they wrote in the letter yesterday.

The Sports Ministry guideline which restricts National Sports Federation (NSF) including Indian Olympic Association, Presidents' tenure to 12 years, states that

secretaries and treasurers cannot rule for more than eight years at a stretch and advocates a retirement age of 70 for all executives.

Those who would be affected if the guideline comes into effect would be IOA President Suresh Kalmadi and NSF chiefs including VK Malhotra (archer y), Jagdish Tytler (judo) and SS Dhindsa (cycling).

Throwing their weight behind IOA and NSFs, Miro and AlMusallam warned the Sports Ministry against going ahead with the regulation and Rule 28.9 of the Olympic Charter.

That particular rule states "Apart from the measures and sanctions provided in the case of infringement of the Olympic Charter, the IOC Executive Board

may take any appropriate decisions for the protection of the Olympic Movement in the country of an NOC, including suspension of or withdrawal of recognition from such NOC if the constitution, law or other regulations in force in the country concerned, or any act by any governmental or other body causes the activity of the NOC or the making or expression of its will to be hampered."

This was in reaction to the May 12 letter sent to IOC by the Sports Ministry in which Joint Secretary I Srinivas had assured that the guideline would not affect the current office bearers of the IOA and NSFs and would be effective from future elections.

goa roundup

Churchill need full points

i-league preview HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MAY 22

Musli Power Churchill Brothers, after surrendering their title to Dempo, will have to perform if they nurse any hopes of finishing second in ONGC I-League when they meet East Bengal at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday.

Churchill Brothers (38 points) from 24 matches will have to

wake up from their slumber and snatch three vital points, or else they will allow Pune FC to grab the runners-up spot.

Churchill Brothers manager Denzie Ferrao said there were some minor issues that bothered the team. Stopper back Rowilson Rodrigues, on double booking, will miss the match.

Luckily Captain Odafa will be back after a one-match suspension.

“We have to go all out for a win,” said Denzie. “I hope the boys will go all out and give their best. I am confident they will come up trumps,” he added.

The three points are crucial as it will take Churchill’s tally to 41.

Belgian coach Philipe de Rider will be looking for his boys to turn a new leaf after their derby loss to Mohun Bagan.

East Bengal have struggled to

AIFF approves Duler Stadium after earlier rejections HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 22

Left with no other option, the AIFF today agreed to host the Salgaocar-Lajong match in the final ONGC I-League round at the once discarded Duler Stadium, Mapusa on May 28.

The AIFF dispatched their ILeague CEO S Dhar to Goa to carry out an inspection of Duler stadium on Saturday. And, the official readily gave the nod for the I-League match.

The AIFF had scheduled two I-League matches – Churchill Bros v. Air India and SalgaocarLajong in Goa on May 28. Both were home matches for the Goan clubs, with Churchill scheduled to play at Fatorda and Salgaocar at Tilak stadium, Vasco.

However, with the Tilak Stadium undergoing major repairs, there was no chance whatsoever that the match could be played at Vasco.

At one time, a proposal to resort to the toss of coin was mooted so that the loser would

move out of Goa. But this was not acceptable and the only option was to use the Duler Stadium.

Duler Stadium was rejected

by AIFF not once but twice in this season. Only some months back, the 2-member panel of AIFF consisting of Gautam Khar and Ravi Shankar had refused permission ostensibly on grounds of lack of proper security and other facilities. Surprisingly, the new inspector, Dhar appeared to have overlooked these two grounds and given the green signal to GFA to host the match. Obviously, these are the new professional standards of AIFF under the new CEO. The Duler Stadium has undergone no change whatsoever since the two last inspections were carried out by AIFF earlier which found the venue unfit to host I-league matches. The one debatable possibility could be the insistence of local clubs to not shift their matches outside Goa, and given the heavyweights

they are, it seemed to have worked out.

Meanwhile, Salgaocar’s Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifasaid, “We are not having any problem with the match being played at Duler Stadium. I heard that the CEO came down to inspect the pitch. Then he must have taken the right decision.

So, we abide by what the AIFF has decided.”

Expressing his knowledge about the ground conditions Karim replied, “I am not aware of the ground conditions at present.

I have scheduled training on Tuesday at Duler ground, so I will check out the conditions then But, I have been advised by my management that playing the match in Duler will not be a problem.”

“I also believe that the grounds in Goa are well maintained as compared to many other I-league venues in the country.”

Salgaocar are already safe but their opponents Shillong Lajong must win to beat the drop.

maintain consistency. Injuries to key players, overburdened National players and a hectic schedule with local and international matches have taken a heavy toll.

East Bengal will miss the services of Ghanaians Yakubu Yusif and Abel Hammond due to injury and double card booking respectively. All eyes, however, will be on India captain Baichung Bhutia tomorrow.

Sporting keen to avoid relegation HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 22

The relegation battle in the ILeague has come down to the wire. The last match day of the league will see four relegation battlers fighting for survival in three different regions of the country.

One amongst them is Sporting Club De Goa who are just two points behind Shillong Lajong and Mumbai FC and three behind Air India. Air India have 28 points, Mumbai FC 26, Shillong Lajong FC 26 and Sporting Clube De Goa 24.

In the bottom half, Salgaocar SC are at 8th spot with 30 points, followed by East Bengal on ninth with 29 points and Viva Kerala on tenth with 29 points.

May 27: Mahindra United JCT (Mumbai), Dempo SC - Pune FC (Goa), East Bengal - Viva Kerala (Kolkata).

May 28: Salgaocar - Shillong Lajong FC (Goa), Chirag United - Sporting Clube de Goa (Kolkata), Churchill Brothers - Air India (Goa), Mumbai FC - Mohun Bagan (Mumbai).

Coaching camp concludes at Borda

Messi scrape gave us fright: Maradona Pg. 15

Bopanna & Co lose in Nice final REUTERS PARIS, May 22

Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ulHaq Qureshi on Saturday missed out on their second ATP Tour title of the season as they lost the final of the Nice event in France despite a rollicking start.

Bopanna and Qureshi had grabbed a one-set lead in quick time but could not survive the counter-attack of Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares to lose 6-1, 3-6, 5-10 in one hour and 13 minutes.

The third seeded Brazilian duo captured their first ATP World Tour doubles title together and pocked Euro 21,650 as a team and 250 points each.

Bopanna and Qureshi split Euro 11,360 as prize money and earned 150 ATP ranking points each.

Bopanna and Qureshi had won their first title of the season together at Johannesburg in February. Last month they had lost in the final of the Casablanca event.

They also made two finals of the ATP Challenger tour in March, winning in Jersey, Great Britain while losing in Italy.

France's Richard Gasquet won the Nice Open when he beat Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 63 5-7 7-6 in the final.

Pg 16

Sangakkara demands fair chance for Lanka

AGENCIES FLORIDA, MAY 22

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has demanded 'equal opportunities' in the playing of Test cricket, saying chances for his country to play the five-day game were being reduced.

Sangakkara said he would welcome a World Test Championship, an idea being discussed within official bodies to give greater context to series, but said any new structure needed to give each team the same chances to play internationally.

"It's great to have a Test championship but I believe that all sides should have an equal opportunity to play test matches," Sangakkara told Reuters, ahead of this weekend's Twenty20 internationals against New Zealand, here.

"This year we are lucky that India wants to come and play Test matches but the opportunity for Sri Lankan players to fulfil their Test ambitions are getting more and more limited," he said.

Sri Lanka is perceived as an unappealing touring side due to lower box-office appeal at the gate and on television, even though the team has been a consistent force in the international game over the past 15 years.

Since a two-Test series in Australia in 2007, Sri Lanka's opportunities for Test tour have been limited to their own continent - a two-test series in Bangladesh followed by two in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka will tour England in 2011 for the first time in five years and they have not played a Test in South Africa since 2002.

"Sides must be given the opportunity to play a minimum number of Test matches and the Future Tours Programme must be reorganised so some of the best sides tour more than just once in five

years," Sangakkara said.

Several different plans for a more competitive context for Test series have been floated with the International Cricket Council (ICC) expected to hear from a working group looking into the issue in June.

"There was once talk of playing a test championship without Sri Lanka in the first year at a time when we were number two in the test rankings. These are the inconsistencies they must address.

"But I agree that a test championship is a great idea, another opportunity for the best to test themselves against the best," he said.

Sangakkara's team mate, leading batsman and former skipper Mahela Jayawardene, said a guaranteed minimum number of Tests per year was needed.

"I think we need to think a bit more about test cricket, you need to make sure all the teams are going to play eight to ten matches a year minimum and then you can strike that balance up for it but the only question I will raise is if all the teams will get equal opportunity," he said.

"I have only played four Test matches in my entire career in Australia; that's in 12 years of playing."

India to stage Super Series for 3 years UNI NEW DELHI, MAY 22

India has been awarded the rights to host the Super Series badminton events for a threeyear period starting next year.

According to the information received today, the World Badminton Federation (WBF), at its executive council meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, has elevated the Badminton Association of India (BAI) to the elite club of hosts of its Super Series events ahead of Switzerland and the meet will be held here immediately after the All-England Championship each year. ''This is a great news for us in India and in keeping with India's rise in the WBF circuit,'' BAI president VK Verma said in a statement. ''We are now ranked seventh in the world in both men and women's

Anand returns homeUNItoday CHENNAI, MAY 22

Super Grand Master Viswanathan Anand will be returning to his home town Chennai late night tomorrow to a grand reception at the airport, for the first time after defending his world chess championship.

Anand had retained his world title defeating challenger Vaseline Topalov of Bulgaria in the world title match at Sofia recently with a 6.5 after being tied 5.5 after the first 11 of the 12 game contest, it may be recalled.

The All India Chess Federation(AICF) and the Tamil Nadu Chess Association(TNCA) will accord Anand a grand reception when he arrives here by a Lufthansa Airlines flight at 11.45 hrs tomorrow.

Players from Tamil Nadu as well as ardent chess fans will be extending Anand a tumultuous welcome on his arrival, TNCA secretary K Muralimohan said.

sections, having been placed at 30th position five years ago.''

The Super Series event is a 500,000 dollar project (including prize money worth 200,000 dollar) and features world's top 32 players in men's and women's singles and doubles. It will be hosted in Delhi's state-of-theart Siri Fort Badminton Stadium with Hyderabad and Mumbai as stand-by venues.

Badminton legend Prakash Padukone, who won the All-England crown in 1980 and the World Cup in 1981, said he was delighted that India would host a Super Series tournament. ''A lot of young players will get an opportunity to watch the top players of the world in action and improve their own game,'' he said. ''More youngsters will also take up the game if events of this stature are held

regularly and publicised extensively in the print and electronic media.''

National coach P Gopichand, who won the All-England title in 2001, said the hosting of the Super Series from next year would help the sport gain more popularity in the country. ''It is a great moment for us.

I am happy that we are at a stage today to host such a prestigious event as a Super Series tournament. India has been put on the world badminton map well and truly and this will be a boon for the badminton fraternity in India,'' he said.

Verma, who is also BWF VicePresident and Badminton Asia Confederation Secretary General, said from Kuala Lumpur that he made a strong case for India to be elevated from a Grand Prix host to a Super Series host.

''We won the vote against the Swiss Open 10-7 with all nonEuropean nations supporting our bid,'' he said. ''As many as 16 players are ranked among the World's top 50, with Saina Nehwal sixth in the women's section. India also has a strong junior team, claiming two men's singles semifinal berths in the World Junior Championship 2010 in Mexico.'' ''Our presentation to the WBF included our excellent hosting of the World Junior Championship in Pune in 2008, World Championship in Hyderabad 2009 and Badminton Asia Championship in April 2010, the large and popular base for badminton, BAI's financial strength based on the backing of sponsors and the large pool of technical officials and management team,'' he added.

ICC recommends use of DRS in 2011 World Cup AGENCIES DUBAI, MAY 23

The ICC Cricket Committee on Friday suggested using Decision Review System in the 2011 World Cup in the Indian subcontinent and all Test matches apart from recommending a research into reduction of teams for future ODI World Cups.

The Committee, chaired by former West Indian captain Clive Lloyd, also recommended a research into increase in number of participating teams in the Twenty20 World Cup. "After a lengthy and constructive discussion the ICC Cricket Committee suggested that the principle should be that DRS should be introduced as soon as possible in all Test series," an ICC statement said.

"The ICC Cricket Committee also recommends that DRS, subject to agreement with ICC

broadcaster partners ESPN Star Sports, should be used in all matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka," it added.

"The Committee supported, in principle, proposals for a Test playoff every four years and a proposed league format for ODI cricket as well as research into a reduction in the number of teams in ICC Cricket World Cup and more countries competing in the ICC World Twenty20," the statement read.

These recommendations were made at ICC's two-day meeting which concluded in London on Friday. The recommendation concerning Test cricket was that each team will be allowed two referrals per innings.

It was also agreed that DRS would only be restored to technological failure rather than an inclusive outcome and that all

reviews should be requested within a 15 seconds.

The ICC thanked the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Cricket Australia (CA) for their research into coloured balls which could be used in day-night Test cricket and said it will play an even more pro-active role in the development of a ball which could be used under floodlights.

The Committee also noted that there would also have to be further discussions on the matters of clothing colours, the number of overs bowled before a ball change and the start times required for day-night Test matches.

According to the ICC, a research by David Kendix revealed that while the average of volume of cricket for teams was stable that the number of days the top 20 players were engaged in had fallen by 10 per cent.

Fixing may be impossible to prove: Waugh The participants at the summer football camp organised by Margao Sports Club.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO MAY 22

A 27-day summer football coaching camp organised by Margao Sports Club recently concluded at Multipurpose ground, Borda

In all, 120 students participated under the guidance of exinternational Rocky Barretto, Menino Miranda, Agnelo Noronha, Nelson Dias and Danny Dias. Football rules and coaching

tips were also provided by Milagres Noronha, Socorro Barretto and Caetano Clemente.

SAG Executive Director VM Prabhudesai was the chief guest and gave away certificates to the

participants in the presence of Anthony Pango GFA executive member, Luis Alex Cardozo, president, Margao Sports Club. Earlier, Luis welcomed. Succoro Baretto proposed the vote of thanks.

Salgaocar emerge veterans champions HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 22

The victorious Salgaocar Sports Club veterans’ team wearing the traditional Maharashtrian ‘pheta’ at Kholapur.

Salgaocar Sports Club scored a solitary goal win over Air India to emerge champions in the maiden All-India Veteran Football Tournament organised by Shivaji Sports Club, Kholapur, recently.

The all-important goal came from Lawrence Gomes, who emerged as the best player of the tournament.

Earlier, in the quarter-finals, Salgaocar defeated Gadhiglaz XI and overcame Kholapur Police in the semi-finals.

Salgaocar received Rs 31,000 while Air India had to settle for Rs. 21,000

UNI MELBOURNE, MAY 22

Former captain Steve Waugh said he would be ''devasted'' if the match-fixing allegations against Pakistani players in Sydney Test are legitimate but added that it would nearly be impossible to prove the charges.

Intikhab Alam, who was the coach of Pakistan team when it toured Down Under earlier this year, and Aqib Javed, the tour manager, had suggested that the players could be involved in match-fixing especially, with the way the visitors lost the Sydney Test. ''I thought it was a great Test match, I would be devastated

like all sports fans if there was an element of match fixing to it,'' Waugh said. ''It was up and down the whole way, it fluctuated, and that's what Test matches are all about, to have someone come out and say it wasn't quite right, that would be very damaging to the game and also to Pakistan. ''We have heard these things before and they have got to be substantiated.” ''There's always a lot of rumours, people have got to bring evidence to the table because otherwise it does damage the game of cricket,'' Waugh was quoted as saying by The Australian Associated Press (AAP).

Despite in a position of strength, Pakistan lost the Sydney Test in a dramatic fashion, which led both Aqib and Intikhab suggesting to an inquiry committee, set up to investigate the disastrous tour, that the match may have been tainted by the involvement of bookmakers.

Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke however, still maintains that he has no suspicion about the result of the match. ''I can only talk from me per-

sonally, I certainly had no suspicions, I guess the one thing I know about Australian cricket is we always play positive, aggressive cricket and we always put as much pressure on opposition teams as possible. ''Looking back it was a wonderful Test match and a huge win for us, but I certainly had no suspicions,'' Clarke had stated.

But Waugh cliamed that even there was an element of matchfixing, it would be almost im-

possible to prove it. ''It's very hard, very hard, particularly in cricket where it goes for six hours a day and there's a lot of deliveries, a lot of incidents happen,'' said Waugh, who has himslef played the game during the murkiest of years of match-fixing. ''There's a lot of mistakes made because they are human, a lot of great things happen, how you distinguish between those I don't know, that's always going to be the hard part.