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India: Goa more than just a tourist paradise — Abhishek Pg 11 It’s a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what. The weird thing about telling someone they’re dying is it tends to focus their priorities. You find out what matters to them. What they’re willing to die for. What they’re willing to lie for. — David Shore
Future trading in iron ore? HERALD NEWS BUREAU NEW DELHI, DEC 9
Future trading in iron ore is on the card. Two leading commodity bourses have approached market regulator Forward Markets Commission (FMC) in Mumbai to allow future contracts in iron ore to help the steel companies manage price risk. A future contract is a standardised contract to buy or sell a specified commodity at a certain date in the future. The price of iron ore currently is around Rs 3000 a tonne. A report says the FMC that functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs headed by Sharad Pawar has sought some clarifications about settlement issue for trading in iron ore. The ministry sources say a future contract would work effectively only when there is a counter-party.
Business: FM cautions against volatility in FII flows Pg 12
(air Surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4
Sports: India eyes series Pg 16 whitewash
2G SCAM TRIGGERS CoRpoRATE WAR
Tatas hit out at BJp PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 9
The 2G scam today triggered a corporate war with industrialist Ratan Tata hitting out at the policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government, and Rajya Sabha member of parliament Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who had alleged that Tatas were one of the biggest beneficiaries of the spectrum allocation. Accusing certain GSM operators, represented by Cellular Operators Association of India, and journalists of trying to subvert policies to suit their interests, Tata said many of the flip-flops in the telecom policy occurred during the BJP regime. Stating that the telecom licence policy of 2008 helped break the powerful cartel, Tata demanded that 2G spectrum allocation since 2001, a period that includes the BJP-led NDA regime, be probed. Reacting to an open letter by Chandrasekhar, a former president of COAI and an independ-
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Many of the flip-flops in the telecom policy occurred during the BJP regime. The switch over from auction to revenue sharing system for telecom operators during the BJP regime could have caused a loss of Rs 50,000 crore. — Ratan Tata ent MP supported by BJP-Janata Dal(Secular), Tata said the recent policy (2G spectrum allocation
Drishti acts tough against lifeguards to be rushed to the Primary Health Centre by 108 service. Drishti Beach Management Serv- Besides, Drishti lifeguards resices has finally acted tough cued three persons at Vagator , against the protesting lifeguards Pallolem and Ashwem today. by issuing show-cause notices Drishti deployed 152 lifeto 308 personnel and terminat- guards from October 2008 and ing 54 trainees. 268 lifeguards commencing “The objective of lifeguarding from November 2009. In Noservice is to save precious vember 2010, 78 trainee lifehuman lives. guards were Hence Drishti coninducted for onsidered it prudent job training. to issue Show The manageCause Notices to ment expects that 308 personnel. with such action, Also, 54 trainee the adamant lifelifeguards have guards would rebeen issued termiturn back to their nation notice as work. their conduct does The lifeguards not make them resorted to strike worthy of being on Monday deappointed as life- DRISHTI: ALL AT SEA manding hike in guards,” said the Chief Operat- salaries, action against senior ing Officer V Kanwar. lifeguards for assaulting their He said that the services juniors and reducing work along the beach stretch from hours. Since the negotiation Baga to Sinquerim stretch which with them did not work out, the has been affected due to the il- management finally decided to legal strike is being patrolled take stern action. continuously by Rescue Jet Ski The 308 personnel issued operators. show cause notice comprised According to Drishti officials, as under: lifeguards administered major 30 personnel appointed in first aid to a domestic tourist July 2008 (Total appointed 101) at Calangute who suffered a 28 personnel appointed in (Continued on page 10) deep gash in his sole and had HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
54% Indians paid bribe last year AgENcIES BERLIN, DEC 9
One person in four worldwide paid bribe during the past year while 54 per cent Indians say they greased the palms of authorities to get things done, says a study released today to mark International Anti-Corruption Day. “Corruption has increased over the last three years, say six out of 10 people around the world, and one in four people report paying bribes in the last year,” the Berlin-based non- governmental agency, Transparency International (TI), said. Releasing the findings of the 2010 Global Corruption Barometer , a worldwide public opinion survey on corruption, TI said it showed that in the past 12 months one in four people paid bribe to one of nine institutions and services, from health to education to tax authorities. The police are named the most frequent recipient of bribes, according to those surveyed, with 29 per cent of those who had contact with the police reporting that they paid bribe. The biggest number of reported bribery payments in 2010 is in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cameroon, India, Iraq,
Retired judge to probe policies from 2001-09
Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Uganda where more than 50 per cent of people surveyed paid bribe in the past 12 months. In India, 54 per cent of users of services said they paid bribe to receive attention from service providers. Almost half of all respondents say they paid bribes to avoid problems with the authorities and a quarter say it was to speed up processes. Most worrying is the fact that bribes to the police have almost doubled since 2006, and more people report paying bribes to the judiciary and for registry and permit services than they did so five years ago, TI said. Worldwide, sub-Saharan Africa was the region reporting the greatest incidence of bribery with more than one person in two saying they had made such payments to officials in the past 12 months. The Middle East and North Africa were the next most corrupt regions with 36 per cent of people there reporting having paid bribes. This compared to 32 per cent in the former Soviet republics, and 23 per cent i n S o u t h America.
A day after the Supreme Court favoured widening the probe, the government today asked a retired judge of the apex court to look into the spectrum allocation procedures and policies during 2001-2009, a period that includes the NDA regime. Announcing the decision, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters that the oneman committee of retired Supreme Court Justice Shivraj V Patil, will :examine appropriateness of procedures (adopted) by DoT in the issuances of licences and allocation of spectrum during the period 2001-2009”. in 2008) broke the powerful cartel that had been holding back competition and delaying im-
plementation of policies. It was in 2008 that Tata’s telecom arm, TTSL - a key player in CDMA space - entered the GSM platform dominated by big names like Airtel and Vodafone. Rebutting the charges, Chandrasekhar, an erstwhile telecom entrepreneur, hit back, saying that Tata was trying to divert the issue — which is the gap between the group’s claim on probity and conduct of their telecom venture TTSL. He alleged that Tata was one of the biggest beneficiaries of spectrum policies, contrary to all their claims of fair play and transparency. Tata’s charge that “many of the flip-flops in the telecom policy occurred during the BJP regime,” drew sharp reaction from the BJP which said the industrialist was “no judge” and his views will not be given much importance as he himself was a “beneficiary” of United Progressive Alliance’s telecom policy. Tata alleged that the switch (Continued on page 10)
India rejects emission cuts PTI CANCUN, DEC 9
Cracks have developed among India and three other developing countries on accepting legally binding emission cuts at the climate change summit here, with Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh saying there is concerted pressure on the country and China to accept such cuts. Rejecting legally binding emission cuts, Ramesh said India, China and the US are not in favour of it though such a move is supported by other developed countries.
Sorry Sir, We can’t give you 4 options & life lines. You are being quizzed for your scam.
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GOA, FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER, 2010
Politicos eye Mickky’s b’day bash at Betalbatim HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 9
All eyes are focused on Betalbatim – the home village of former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco – as the BenaulimNuvem felicitation committee has planned a bash on the occasion of Pacheco’s birthday on December 12. While the grand birthday celebrations scheduled on Sunday evening at the Betalbatim football ground is not something new for the flamboyant legislator, the celebration assumes significance this time round, with expectations that the former minister would convey a message about his political future, amidst indications that he is grooming candidates in most assembly constituencies. While a host of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders are expected to descend at Betalbatim to partake in the celebrations, sources in the know said that many a probable candidate short listed by the Benaulim
MLA to contest the next assembly polls, are likely to share the dais. In fact, the birthday preparations at the Betalbatim grounds on Sunday has made many a Congress leader from Salcete to wait and watch the developments unfolding on Sunday as the former minister has been preparing grounds to field candidates in all the eight assembly constituencies at stake in the taluka. Incidentally, there’s an air of excitement amongst Pacheco’s supporters that their leader might make a comeback in the State cabinet before the birthday celebrations or soon thereafter. In fact, speculations gained ground on Thursday when Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat reportedly called on the Governor this morning, but senior Congress leaders said no directions have come from the party high command to induct Pacheco in the cabinet. Sources in the know said the
Benaulim-Nuvem Felicitation Committee 2010 under the chairpersonship of Colva Zilla Panchayat member Nelly Rodrigues are making hectic preparations for the D-Day on Sunday. Raia ZP member Domnic Gaonkar and Nuvem ZP member Wilfred D’Sa are the organizing vice-chairman and organizing secretary respectively. Sources said the organizing committee has printed thousands of invitation cards and the organizers are expecting nothing less than 10-12,000 guests for the birthday celebrations. I n c i d e n t a l l y, Pa c h e c o ’ s birthday celebrations in the last two years had been a low key affair, with the MLA even appealing to the people to donate generously to wards his ambitious project -- the mobile mortuaries. This time round, the MLA says that he had no option than to bow to the sentiments of his supporters spread across the State.
Dhupia to be star invitee
HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
Bollywood Actress Neha Dhupia would be the star attraction for Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco’s birthday on December 12. Pacheco would be completing 45 years on that day. Sources close to Pacheco said a massive gathering has been called by the legislator at Betalbatim ground at 6 pm. Dhupia, who has worked in movies like Action Reply, De Dana Dhan will felicitate Pacheco and she will also address the supporters. Sources stated that Pacheco is likely to announce his future political plan during the gathering.It may be recalled that Pacheco had hosted massive convention of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) at Betalbhatim, last January.
Margao cops claim breakthrough in theft cases HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 9
The Margao police on Thursday has claimed to have solved around 10 theft case that were reported in the Commercial Capital in the last few days. The police said the arrest of miscreants from the two gangs in the last two days have helped the men-in-uniform to achieve a breakthrough in the spate of thefts and burglaries. Margao Police station incharge, PI Santosh Desai told newsmen said the police has arrested two separate gangs involved in burglaries. One of the gangs, he said is based in Panjim and had made Margao their base in their operations following pressure mounted on them by their Panjim police counterparts. He said the eight member
Tourist found dead in hotel room
Margao PI Santosh Desai seen with the gang of thieves arrested by the police last night. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar
gang of thieves have confessed having committed
thefts in 10 house breaking thefts in the city.
HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
A 32-year-old tourist from Nasik was found murdered in a room at a resort in Calangute on Wednesday. According to Calangute Police, three tourists from Nasik had checked-in at a resort on December 7 by paying an advance of Rs 500. “After spending their day out, the trio entered the resort at about 11 pm and later paid a visit to the resort’s bar & restaurant,” informed police. Police further informed that when the waiter presented the bill, there was a heated argument among them. The waiters prevailed upon them and the bill was finally paid. Later, the trio had a quarrel in their room, causing inconvenience to other guests. The room boy requested the trio to maintain peace. Police said on Wednesday morning, two of them went, locking their other friend in the room and did not return till at about 11 pm. It was then that the resort staff suspected some foul play and called for the third person in the room, but there was no response. The room boy opened the room with the help of a duplicate key and the body of the third tourist was found under the bed.The resort staff accordingly informed the owner and later informed the Calangute Police at around 11.30 pm. Calangute Police led by PSI Mahesh Kerkar rushed to the resort and carried out investigations. DySP P L Mapari along with SP Arvind Gawas too visited the resort to take stock of the situation. Police further informed that the 32-year-old tourist was strangulated to death with hands. A hunt has been launched to arrest the absconding tourists.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will file a reply on allegations by Education Minister Babush Monserrate into the mob attack case on Panjim police station in 2008 at Goa Bench of Bombay High Court by Monday. Monserrate had filed an application before a single bench Judge N A Britto challenging the CBI chargesheet that prosecuted him for rioting, unlawful assembly with deadly weapons, causing hurt and grievous hurt to public servants and mischief. He along with 37 others including his wife Jennifer, former Cor-
poration of City of Panaji (CCP) Mayor Tony Fernandes, present CCP Mayor Carolina Po and others are also charged under section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Replying to the application, Special Public Prosecutor for CBI Joseph Vaz sought time to file the reply either by Saturday or Monday. In his application, Monserrate also alleged that the State has till date not registered his complaint against the police for ransacking his house at Miramar and Taleigao and thrashing his family, even after the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) ordered to do so.
The delays in renewing the appointments have left few Public Prosecutors (PPs) work without their salary since last three months. Sources confirmed that at least five Public Prosecutors on adhoc basis have not been paid their salaries. “We are not paid our salaries since October this year onwards. Our adhoc extensions are twice a year and processing is done only the expiry of a term. This
The High Court has meanwhile ordered stay in the proceedings, which is currently before the Panjim Chief Judicial Magistrate. The CBI in its chargesheet had mentioned that the minister collected crowd to launch a protest march from Taleigao to Panjim police station on February 19, 2008. It further said that provoking speeches were followed by a clash which injured 41 personnel and others. Stones were also pelted on the police station and personnel, some of whom were not armed. The 800-odd pages chargesheet also charged the unruly mob of burning tyres and motorbikes.
Margao locals face risk as anti-rabies vaccines run out of stock at Hospicio HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 9
Citizens in the Commercial Capital now face the double trouble from stray dogs. While citizens now run the risk of bitten by stray dogs in the city’s lanes and by-lanes, victims are now forced to run from pillar to post to get antirabies vaccination at the Hospicio hospital.; That the rush for anti-rabies vaccines has been so heavy in recent times, that the vaccines have run out of stock at this government-run hospital. Thursday saw anti-rabies vaccines running out of stock at Hospicio, leaving many a dog bite victim high and dry. What left many a victim agitated and turn their tirade against the hospital staff was the fact that no one was aware
when the stock would be replenished by the health authorities. As usual, a number of dog bite victims approached the Hospicio this morning, only to be told about the vaccine shortage and the hospital would receive the stock at around 10.30 am. A citizen told Herald that the Hospicio staff told him to come around 12.30 pm, but the stock had not arrived at that time. “When the victims again inquired with the hospital staff, we were told to come back at 3.30 pm. Sadly, the injections did not come to the hospital till this evening”, the citizen informed. When the victims called on the Hospicio Public Relations Officer, he expressed his helplessness in the matter, saying the company supplying the in-
5 PPs without salaries for last 3 months HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
The Margao police has said that another gang was caught red handed on December 8 night when they were trying to barge into a shop near Cine Vishant, Aquem. PI Desai said that the accused were in possession of house breaking implements to bend the shutters, and provided the names of the accused as Anton Pillai, Radhu and Chetan Chari, all from Panjim. He said the accused are being interrogated by the police to ascertain their role in similar thefts and burglaries elsewhere in the state . Replying to a question, he said ruled out the question of the two gangs involved in the recent Temple thefts, adding that the miscreants have been mostly involved in house breaking thefts.
CBI to file reply to Babush’s plea challenging chargesheet
HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 9
consumes time,” said the PP, on condition of anonymity fearing departmental action. Senior bureaucrats dealing with salaries for adhoc appointees told Herald that the delay is because the adhoc appointment is yet to come. “The file has been processed. We are expediting the matter… We have asked them (PPs) to follow up with the Goa Public Service Commission as well,” he said. The PPs however rued that
the procedure for extension should begin two months prior to the expiry of their term. “ The authorities have to process our files atleast two months before the expiry of the term. But they function otherwise. Its usual practice to hold back our salaries,” a PP said. The set of five PPs who are facing the problem are on adhoc since 2004, out of which four of them have not received their salaries since October 2010.
Moratorium on mining leases, renewals to continue pending redrafting of MMRD Act
jections has run out of stock. “This explanation is unacceptable. The hospital has to place orders before hand and not wait to place orders after the citizens are attacked by the stray dogs”, remarked another citizen. Tempers ran high when a hospital nurse told a patient to procure the vaccine from the market. The matter was later taken up with the Hospital Visiting Committee members Damu Shirodkar and Andrew Sequeria, who inquired with the Hospicio authorities about the drug shortage. Incidentally, Hospicio doctors in the know informed that the number of dog bite patients has witnessed a substantial rise in recent times, resulting in the shortage of the anti-rabies vaccines.
Labourer found dead in well HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, DEC 9
A 58-year-old labourer from Hassan-Karnataka was found dead in a well near the PWD water tank at Chopdem on Tuesday. According to reports, the deceased has been identified as Goda Karrippa Indraju and the autopsy report has confirmed that the death was caused due to drowning.
The moratorium on the further mining leases and renewals is expected to continue for a longer time as the state government is till waiting for redrafting of Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act (India) (MMRD) by centre. Goa Environment Protection Council, which met at Raj Bhavan today, was told by the State government that the mining policy could be finalised only after centre redraft MMRD act. “There is no point in finalising the mining policy when MMRD act is undergoing change,” Chief Minister Digambar Kamat told the council. The meeting which was chaired by Governor Dr S S Sidhu was attended by Kamat, Environment Minister Alexio Sequiera, Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava, National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) director
3 held for possessing drugs
nSources stated that Chief Minister told the Council that Goa does not want to finalise its mining policy as it should not be in contradiction to MMRD act. Dr Shetye, Goa State Pollution Control Board director Simon D’souza, environmentalist Dr Nandkumar Kamat and others. Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) had put moratorium on further mining leases and its renewals asking the state government to draft its mining policy. Sources stated that Chief Minister told the Council that Goa does not want to finalise its mining policy as it should not be in contra-
diction to MMRD act. During the meeting, Governor expressed his concern over the after effects of climatic change on Goa and emphasized the need for formulation of the State Action Plan to protect and conserve the environment of the state. He said that NIO has been asked to submit the exact situation on Goa’s coast. “NIO is preparing the report. Also the institute will identify the spots where extreme impact of climate can happen,” sources stated. The Council suggested that situation like 35 cm of rain in just seven hours that lashed Canacona on October 2, 2009, should be studied with scientific perspective. “Governor suggested that the reaction time of government machinery in case of calamities has to be decreased,” sources added. The Council also deliberated on the proposal of contractor for removing M/V River Princess
Central level probe demanded into SEZ land allotment
HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, DEC 9
HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
Bicholim Police arrested two persons on charges of possessing drugs worth Rs 50,000 in separate incidents in Bicholim taluka. According to Bicholim PI Harish Madkaikar, in the first case reported at Sanquelim bus stand on Tuesday evening, police arrested one Nazir Allahabaksha Ahmad (74) from Haveri-Karnataka on charges of possessing Ganja, about 380 gms, worth Rs 5,000. In yet another case, Bicholim Police on Wednesday arrested one Rameshuddhin Rehman (26) from Assam at Bicholim bus stand on charges of carrying Charas, about 4.62 gms, worth Rs 45,000. PERNEM CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Pernem Police on Wednesday evening arrested a 35-year-old Canadian tourist on charges of possessing Charas worth Rs 25,000 at Arambol Beach. According to Pernem Police, acting on a tip-off, the police arrested David Michal Underwood in possession of 210 grammes of Charas.
After a fortnight the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court pointed out large scale irregularities in the allotment of 32 sq kms of land to seven SEZ promoters in Goa, one of the petitioners has demanded a Central level probe into the scam. Addressing a press conference, Advocate F E Noronha who represented petitioner John Philip Pereira in the Public Interest Litigation in the Court said that the Government should hand over the probe to Central agencies like the CBI. “Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) allotted 2.4 sq kms of land to SEZ promoters within a week without any project report or processing. Moreover, the SEZ applications were handwritten and neither sealed nor stamped…It is a scandal,” he alleged. Pereira, who was also present for the briefing demanded immediate resignation of GIDC Board of Directors and conniving bureaucrats who were instru-
mental in the fraudulent land allotments. The petitioner has also demanded stepping down of the Legislative Assembly speaker Pratapsing Rane, former GIDC director Alexio Sequeira and the present GIDC chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar. Other demands included that land above a certain limit should be auctioned, Government to stop acquiring lands at Verna Industrial Estate and to appoint professionals on the GIDC Board of Directors. The advocate besides cited a note by the Chief Minister stating ‘Please help these people’ in Raheja’s letter. “CM and Industries Minister were in support of the allotment,” he alleged. “Land was allotted at Rs 650 per sq mtr which is quite a less amount. Besides, the open space was allotted free of cost earlier which was later allotted at Rs 100 per sq mtrs,” he added. The scam related to SEZ land allotment to the tune of 32 lakh sq mtrs is spread in seven pockets across the state.
325 bags of PDS rice seized at Patradevi, 4 arrested HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, DEC 9
Pernem Police and Mapusa Police in a joint operation on Thursday afternoon seized 325 bags of PDS rice worth Rs 1.27 lakh at Patradevi. Pernem Police have arrested four persons and seized the vehicle which was used to transport 8 tonnes of rice from Mapusa to Vapoli-Sawantwadi in Maharashtra. According to Mapusa DySP Sammy Tavares, after he received a telephone call from an unknown person stating that a blue-coloured Canter (MH-071936) is likely to cross the Goa border with rice on Thursdays, Tavares immediately instructed all the police stations at the Goa border to keep a watch on the vehicle. DySP Tavares also asked the police stations to carry out search of the vehicle and to detain it, as soon as it arrives at
at Candolim. “The contractor has asked for one acre of land to dump the scrap after ship is cut. The government has been asked to provide the required land,” sources said. The CM told Council that the Centre and Planning Commission has been asked to release necessary funds to meet the cost of removal of the vessel. The Council suggested the need to have a rain water harvesting project at each village level. The Governor also expressed gratitude to the government for finalizing Regional Plan (RP) 2021, for Canacona and Pernem talukas. The meeting was informed that RP in respect of all talukas will be notified by 2011. “The CM has informed the Council that by December 31, RP would be finalised for two more talukas,” sources said adding that the names of the talukas were not disclosed.
High Court on November 26 passed an order setting aside the allotments terming them ‘illegal’ and done in ‘undue haste’. The Court also ordered that the allotted land be reverted to the GIDC which had allotted the land to the seven promoters. “The procedure adopted in the allotment is not fair and transparent. The allotments made by the GSIDC do not stand the test of reasonableness,” the Court had observed. The opposition meanwhile has already called for a criminal investigation of two former Congress chief ministers – Pratapsing Rane and Luizinho Faleiro for favouring SEZ promoters. CM Digambar Kamat in a recent interview had told reporters that he has ‘still not read the order.’ The State was forced to denotify the allotment of 32 lakh sq mtrs of land to SEZ promoters following stiff opposition from the Goans, years ago. The SEZ promoters then approached the High Court challenging the Government’s de-notification, which is set aside in the recent order.
Xeldekar’s family given compensation HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, DEC 9
Mapusa DySP Sammy Tavares with other police officials along with the accused. Photo by Anil Shankwalker
the border. After police stationed at Patradevi informed Pernem Police Inspector Uttam Raut Dessai that the vehicle has arrived at Patradevi, PI Dessai rushed to the spot and inspected the goods in the vehicle. “The vehicle contained 8
tonnes of rice and the driver did not possess the required documents. On enquiry, it was revealed that the rice was dispatched by Devendra Shinde, owner of fair price shop in Khorlim-Mapusa, to canter driver Satish Dattaram Gawas of Vapoli-Sawantawadi.
The family of Swapnesh Vinayak Xeldekar, who was killed in an accident involving truck at Cacumoddi-Curchorem on Wednesday, was given a compensation of Rs 3 lakh by the concerned mining company. Quepem Deputy Collector Agnelo Fernandes handed over the cheque of Rs 3 lakh during a special meeting. “Though the mining traffic will restart from Friday, several restrictions would be imposed,” informed Curchorem ML A Shyam Satardekar, It may be recalled that Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar on Wednesday assured the irate mob assembled at the accident site that the mining traffic would be stopped till immediate action is taken in the matter. Satardekar had also assured that the government would pay an amount of Rs 2 lakh to the bereaved family.
GOACAN organises campaign in Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 9
GOACAN on Thursday joined consumers worldwide to fight against corruption by organizing an Awareness Action near the Communidade building, Margao. The Awareness Action was held as part of its ongoing Consumer rights awareness Fortnight by GOACAN on the occasion of the international anti-corruption day on December 9 which has been promoted worldwide by the United Nations. GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins said today’s awareness action participated by volunteers of consumer forums highlighted the importance of supporting the ongoing worldwide fight against corruption by consumers in their daily lives. “During the Awareness Action, consumers were reminded that on a daily basis they use goods and services provided by the Goa Govt. controlled De-
GOACAN volunteers outside the Communidade building, Margao as part of an awareness action against corruption. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar
partments and Corporations covering a range of services like w a t e r s u p p l y, e l e c t r i c i t y, kerosene, rations, milk, bus transport, ferry boats, pay toilets, pay parking, roads etc”, he said.
Martins said while many consumers grumble about the poor quality of service and about being over charged, few consumers actually file complaints to make a change in the system so as to improve service
delivery and put a stop to being short changed. The fight for better services by consumers is in actual fact a fight against corruption which is the primary cause of the problems faced by them, he added.
GOA, FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER, 2010
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short tAkes Kharedi Yatraa inaugurated
GBA fumes at govt’s stoic silence on eco zones Demands public scrutiny of RP before notification
HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
Director of Women and Child Development Sanjiv Gadkar, inaugurates ‘Kharedi Yatraa’ in presence of administrator of Don Bosco HS Fr Willy.
PANJIM (HND): ‘Kharedi Yatraa’ exhibition of consumer products was inaugurated on Thursday at Don Bosco High School, Panjim, at the hands of Director of Women and Child Development, Sanjiv Gadkar, in presence of administrator of Don Bosco HS Fr Willy. The Yatraa will remain open till December 14 from 1.30 pm to 9 pm; on Sunday it will start at 10 am. 80 reputed companies are displaying their latest products TTK Prestige, Crompton Greaves, Nirlep, Pidilite Industries, Singer, Reebok, Eureka Forbes, Sumeet, Pigeon and many other well known name in the field of consumer household products are participating in the exhibition.
Prize distribution organised
Kalay Sarpanch Santosh Gaonkar awards prize to one of the winners.
PANJIM (HND): The prize distribution function of Frontline Academy, Kalay was held recently at Govt High School Hall, Kalay. Following prizes were distributed: For Ghumat Arti competition, the first prize went to Dev Deveshwar Arti MandalDevnamol, second prize to Kalnath Aarti Mandal-Kalay and third prize to Om Shri Hari Aarti Mandal-Kuinamol. Mangesh Navlu was awarded the best singer of Ghumat Arti, Prayesh Naik the best Ghumat vadak and Tejal Borkar the best Shamel vadak. For Narkasur competition, the first prize was awarded to Narkasur K K Star-Khutkarwada, second prize to Junior BoysThorlemol and third prize to Junior Boys-Khutkar Wada. Ravikiran Pawaskar won prize for best Krishna role. For Akash Kandil competition, the first prize was won by Suvamraj Borkar, second prize by Prakash Desai and third prize by Mangesh Kutikar. The prizes were given at the hands of Kalay Sarpanch Santosh Gaonkar.
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Close on the heels of the Pilerne Citizens Forum threat to come out and agitate claiming anomalies in the regional plans for Canacona and Pernem, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan on Wednesday charged the Government of hurriedly declaring FARs for the whole of Goa, but maintaining silence on the notification for eco-sensitive zones. GBA Convenor Sabina Martins said a report in a section of the press and TV news channel quoting Chief Town Planner on application of eco-sensitive criteria only to Pernem and Canacona and not the rest of the State was shocking. A press release issued by Secretary GBA Reboni Saha questioned, “When the status of FARs and zoning has been hurriedly notified, why have eco zones been left out?” The GBA demands the Government immediately mark and notify the eco-sensitive zones for all of Goa, regardless of when they complete the RP, Reboni demanded. She demanded the finalised plans should be kept open for 30 days prior to notification so
that no new projects whether under sec 16/16A, PPP or otherwise were introduced without public scrutiny. She said all villages that have been put in the ODP areas or higher VP status has to be kept in abeyance till the eco-sensitive zones were notified. Till then only VP3 FAR should be made applicable, she demanded. Reboni said it was now obvious the full RP-21 will take a long, long time to be ready. “In the meanwhile, the real estate developers will have a field day,” she mentioned. Raising the issue of FAR yet again, she chided, “When the promise of VP3 at a low FAR of 50 was provided in the draft plan, why was it withdrawn. “Some villages have been arbitrarily assigned higher VP status and in some cases disappeared into new zones with no proper explanation. The new higher VP status will have implications in terms of broader road width for which land acquisition will take place,” she observed. She questioned, “Where have the new ‘zones’ come from, specifically ‘non-PDA ODPs and municipal zones
which suddenly affect the FAR of villages?” “Why are the document guidelines silent on the eco zone status as far as these ‘new zones’ are concerned? Does this mean even more of Goa has been ‘removed’ from the purview of the RP as was stated in case of ODPs?” she raised questioned further. She said the GBA once again demanded the notified plans be made available. “The official RP-21 document and village maps are still not available with the Town and Country Planning Department even after payment.” The GBA wants to know why the government is fighting shy of transparency even after the two plans were notified, she stated. Reboni said as head of the State Level Committee, the Chief Minister owed the people an explanation of the anomalies in the current release of the RP-21 document. “The GBA and representatives of the aggrieved villages seek an appointment with the CM and the SLC members for clarifications on the various issues that have emerged,” she demanded.
‘VIJIT’ ready for commissioning HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 9
ICGS ‘VIJIT’, the second of the new class of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) indigenously designed in house and built by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) will be formally commissioned in Indian Coast Guard by Raksha Rajya Mantri M M Pallam on December 11 at GSL. Within a span of nine months GSL has delivered two offshore patrol vessels of this new 90m class to the Indian Coast Guard. The first vessel
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Intel India inaugurated the ‘Computer Mela’ on Thursday to showcase a range of personal computing devices for first-time PC users. The ‘Mela’ will continue till December 11 at Vasco, Ponda and Margao. At the ‘Computer Mela’, a variety of personal computing devices were displayed, giving consumers an option to select the device best suited for their computing needs. The Intel® Atom™ processor based entry level desktops and netbooks are designed to be compact, energy saving, smart and sleek devices which provide a basic computing and internet experience to the users at affordable prices. If consumers want to go for performance, they can choose from a mainstream desktop powered by all new 2010 Intel® Core™ processor family range with the Intel® Core™ i7 processor based PC being the optimal choice for high-end gaming and multimedia experiences. As a special offer on spot booking of desktops, a computer cover, game pad, antivirus, 2 GB pen drive and head phone can be availed. On laptops booked at the venue, special offers on head phones, USB mouse, cleaning kit, screen guard, scratch guard, laptop lock, USB light, vacuum cleaner, laptop bag and key guard can be availed. The offers are available at Vasco based Channel Partners C-Libz It Mall, PC-Station, in Ponda at Softek Marketing and IT.Com in Margao. The Computer Mela makes it easy for people to own their first PC and explore the wonders of the internet.
HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 9
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HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 9
Women urged to work towards social transformation
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Intel’s computer mela inaugurated
ICGS ‘Vishwast’ was commissioned on March 17. This state-of-the-art offshore patrol vessel, 90 meter in length has an Integrated Bridge System (IBS) equipped with a contemporary navigation and communication equipment and is also provided with a Platform Management System. Propelled by two MTU engines, this vessel is capable of 26 knots and an endurance of 4500 nautical miles. The vessel is also equipped with a 30 mm gun to counter intruders and is fitted out for helicopter operation. She is the only vessel of this class in the world with the large range of capabilities for pollution control, fire fighting, search & rescue, surveillance and patrol provided in a 90 meter vessel. ICGS ‘VIJIT” will join the fleet after commissioning and shall be deployed extensively for safety of the nation’s maritime zones and offshore assets.
Social Welfare Minister Ramkrishna Dhawalikar has highlighted the role of women as torchbearers of the society and called upon them to take active part in social transformation. Dhawalikar was speaking after distributing cheques of financial assistance amounting to 15 Self Help Groups under Madhavrao Dhawalikar Trust at Ravalnath Sabhagraha, Kundai recently. Speaking further, Dhawlikar said that the government has initiated several schemes and programmes for empowerment of women and the real development of women lies in their self reliance, which can be achieved by deriving the benefits of schemes. Women, he said are a strong force to reckon with and should not confine their activities within the four walls of their house, he added. Marcaim Sarpanch Rajendra Phadte, former ZP member Manuja Naik, Kundai dy Sarpanch Vidya Naik were present.
The Great Royal Circus opens today at Mapusa
upCoMInG eVents Dhempe’s PTA meet
PANJIM (HND): The general body meeting of the Dhempe College of Arts and Science Parent Teachers Association (DCASPTA) will be held on December 11 in the college premises at 11am. The meeting will be followed by ‘Open Day’. Parents may meet the lecturers and collect the mark-sheets of their wards.
Yoga classes
PANJIM (HND): Ambika Yoga, Shantinagar, Aquem, Baixo will commence the XXIII Yoga batch on December 12. New participants may avail maximum benefits of the same. The classes will be held on Sundays from 6.30 am to 8.30 am and will be conducted under the able guidance of Bala Kakodkar. For more information and admission, contact Bala Kakodkar on 2753220, Deepak P Sangodkar on 9822177425, Ganapati Mangueshkar on 2766334, Vinda Kakodkar on 9881884228 or Shankar Mavlankar on 9422740211.
Golden Jubilee of priesthood
PANJIM (HND): A group of close friends and well wishers of Fr Richard D’Silva under ‘the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee’ will celebrate 50 years of his priesthood on December 11 at Mount Carmel Chapel, Ponda. There will be a solemn Thanksgiving Mass under the theme, ‘Lead Kindly Light - Lead Thou me on’ at 6 pm followed by a felicitation function and a Konkani musical show by AnFr Richard iceto and his group. Ex-Spiritual Director of the Rachol Seminary Fr Richard is currently on a Franciscan mission at Raipur in Chatisgarh and has been invited by the committee to attend the function.
Sahitya Sammelan
MARGAO (HR): Shree NirakareVents Education Society’s S S Angle upCoMInG higher secondary school will host the 12th Yuva Konkani
Sahitya Sammelan on December 11-12 at Dapot, Mashem. Konkan Bhasha Mandal President Prashant Naik told newsmen today that the prestigious event held annually is jointly organized by the Goa Konkani Academy and the S S Angle higher secondary school. He said over 300 young writers from across Goa and Karnataka are expected to participate in the two-day event. S S Angle HSS is the only higher secondary school to host the event which has traditionally been hosted by colleges over the years. Poet and dramatist Shridhar Kamat is the President of the Sammelan, while Indranil Chakraborthy will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony. Director of Higher secondary education Bhaskar Nayak will be the chief guest at the closing ceremyh.
Chandor gram sabha
MARGAO (HR):– The gram sabha of the village Panchayat of Chandor-Cavorim will be held on December 12 at 9.30 am in the Community Hall, above village Panchayat office.
Art of living course
PANJIM (HND): Art of living Course designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shanker, will be organised at Sri Sri Management Studies, Borda, Margao from December 13 to 18, from 7 pm to 9.30 pm. The course will teach breathing technique ‘Sudharshan Kriya’ which is very effective for stress and stress induced ailments as depression, diabetics, hyper tension, etc. Interested persons may call Dr Venkatesh Hegde on 9422063255.
Workshop on soft skills
PANJIM (HND): The Department of English of Rosary College of Commerce & Arts, Navelim in collaboration with the Lion’s Club of Navelim will organise a one day state-level workshop on soft skills entitled ‘Developing a winning personality’ on December 14, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm in the College Seminar Hall. The resource persons for the workshop are Joan Rebello, Wendy Pereira and Dr Celso Fernandes.
CArol SInGInG ConTeST At Canacona
CANACONA (HC): Our Lady of Fatima Sports and Cultural Club, Ordhofond-Canacona will conduct the Canacona taluka level carol singing competition on December 13 at the chapel premises. According to the club general secretary Albert Fernandes, the carol singing competition will be held in two groups at 'high-school level' and 'open level'. All participants from the taluka will be suitably reimbursed with travelling allowance. Further details of the contest are available with Fernandes on Ph: 9823664384.
At Chicalim
VASCO (HR): Chicalim Youth Club will organise an All Goa Inter School Carol Singing competition at Regina Mundi School Hall, Chicalim, on December 19. The competition is open to all the schools from Goa and will start at 5 pm. Entries may be submitted to Bro Anish John, Headmaster of Regina Mundi School, Chicalim.
Agricultural camps
HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 9
The Great Royal Circus, one of the oldest in the country into its 131st year, will be inaugurated on December 10 at Carnival Ground, Mapusa, at 7 pm by Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza in presence of Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Sudhir Kandolkar, vice-Chairperson Vijeta A Naik, CCP Commissioner Elvis Gomes, and Goa Housing Board MD Melwyn Vaz. Apart from the local flavour, the Circus also has few imported elements. The highlights of the show will be a guest performance by a troupe of six-member African artists led by Anthony from Nairobi, who will perform acrobatics and the fire dance. A special feature is a graceful ‘Boneless Act’ performed by a Russian
artiste. Among the local flavour is the balance-in-trapeze acts performed by Nepalese artist Sushila Arya. The circus also has the spine-chilling globe-ofdeath performance by two motor-cyclists. Additionally, there is the high wheel cup saucer, cycling trapeze, cycle acrobatics, sky walk and many other delightful thrills. There are also the exciting elephant acts such as elephant girl, elephant cricket and ring dance which are popular among the audience. The Arabian horse, with capacity to identify colours, is a major attraction for the children. This is an interactive act since the audience decides the color of the handkerchief to be picked and the smart horse identifies it, to the surprise of the audience.
PANJIM (HND): Farmers Training Centre, Ela-Old Goa will organise training-cum-demonstration camps during according to following schedule: on December 10 at 10.30 am at OxelSiolim, on December 14 at 10.30 am at Virnoda BhutwadiPernem, on December 15 at 10.30 am at Bhatim-Maula, on December 17 at 10.30 am at VP Volvoi in Ponda. The agricultural camps will be held at the Panchayat halls and Home Science Camps will be held at Anganwadi Centres.
lok Adalat at Panjim
PANJIM (HND): The permanent and continuous Lok Adalat will be held in the court hall of Civil Judge, Senior Division and Chief Judicial Magistrate, Panjim on December 11 from 10 am onwards to take up the cases of claim petitions arising out of motor accidents, civil and criminal matters of District Court and Subordinate Courts pending in North Goa District for settlement. Advocates and concerned parties whose cases have been referred the Lok Adalat may attend the same.
power shutdown DECEMBER 10 TALEIGAO: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Taleigao, Shankar Wadi, Durga wadi, Odlem bhat, St paula, Amaral Waddo, Fredrick Plastics, Taleigao Market areas and surrounding areas. KEVNEM: From 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Noble Shelter, Canara bank quarters, Venusta Residency, At Antonio Apt, Part of Kevnem and surrounding areas.
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Lifeguards stir: No solution in sight HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
Even four days after there is no solution in sight for the striking lifeguards issue. While more than 50 percent lifeguards in Goa are on strike for four consecutive days, Drishti Special Response Services Pvt Ltd and the Government have failed to resolve the matter yet. While Drishti has refused refused to accede to the demands of the lifeguards, the government continued to maintain distance. Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar and Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik are on Japan tour since last month. 200-odd lifeguards attached to Drishti Services have boycotted work since Monday over demands to hike their pay.
On Tuesday, more than 150 lifeguards struck work after a batch of 85 lifeguards manning the coastal stretch from Miramar to Baga struck work on Monday. “Though some presence is maintained on the 105-km beach stretch and we have worked out alternative arrangements”, a Drishti official said. The negotiations have not yielded results so far, as apart from the pay dispute the striking lifeguards are also demanding suspension of senior lifeguards because of a scuffle among them at a lunch party on Sunday. Their third demand includes reduction of work hours. The management has however reiterated that the lifeguards are ‘misguided’ by certain elements. Speaking to Herald, Drishti
Chief Operating Officer (COO) V K Kanwar said that they are interacting with the lifeguards on one-to-one basis to sort out the issue. “Some are on flash strike though some others have decided not to join them. Among those who are on strike, some have volunteered to work without uniforms and have carried out minor rescue operations,” he said. The management is however not in a mood to give in to the demands. “They want increase in money but we cannot, because we are paying them as per the contract,” he stated. Kanwar mentioned that a new entrant is paid Rs 6,500 with five percent hike every year, one month bonus and promotions to few of them. At present there
ASI has failed in protecting historical sites: Activist HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, DEC 9
Social activist Baptist Pereira from Corlim on Wednesday accused Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of its failure of conserving historical sites of Goa with rapid increase in illegal constructions within the premises of Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral Church at Old Goa and other areas. “Archaeological Survey of India, which is a powerful tool in safeguarding historical monuments and its areas, could have
done a lot in Goa protecting historical and ancient sites of Goa in the last few years,” Pereira told Herald. “But having its base in Goa itself and that too within the premises of Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, the ASI is not bothered to take a note of a number of illegal structures within its limits and also in the other parts of the State,” alleged Pereira. “Years prior to April 2010, the ASI had its setback limit of 100 mtrs from the boundaries of his-
torical sites, where no constructions were allowed,” informed Pereira. “It is shocking for me and people of Goa to note that from April 2010, the setbacks have increased to 300 mtrs for better protection of historical sites and monuments, but for me the major concern is whether the ASI will be capable of maintaining the new setback of 300 mtrs, as earlier ASI failed to take control of its 100 mtrs setback,” asked Pereira.
‘Mother Express’ train to reach Vasco today
at Vasco on December 10 and on December 11 afternoon, it would halt in Margao at 3 pm and thereafter leave to Hubli station on December 12 at 11 pm. The entry for public will be free from 10 am to 8 pm.
HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 9
The ‘Mother Express’ Train that was flagged off by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee coinciding with Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday will arrive at the Vasco Railway station on Friday. The Indian Railways has decided to run an exhibition train dedicated to Nobel laureate Mother Teresa, giving an insight into her life devoted to the poor and the destitute. The Train will showcase life and philanthropic deeds of Mother Teresa, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna in 1980 for her humanitarian work. The Train would comprise
three air-conditioned coaches in which photo graphs, write-ups, etc, will be exhibited to project the life, work and message of Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata and worked tirelessly in the service of the poor, sick, orphaned and destitute for over 47 years. The Train would halt in Goa
are 40 lifeguards who have been promoted as Captains and are being paid basic salary of Rs 8,500 plus increment. While, Supervisors are paid Rs 12,000 with increments, zonal heads are paid anywhere between Rs 20,000 and 29,000 and Sector Heads are paid upto Rs 35,000 or more. He said that although few lifeguards, Captains and Supervisors are on strike, those holding higher positions have taken over beachfront duties till the matter is resolved. “We have called lifeguards from Mumbai to man jet skies and other activities on the beach,” said the COO. Lifeguard services on South Goa beaches are also hit due to the strike. A total of 460 lifeguards have been appointed by Drishti Services.
‘Presentation on DHE website soon’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
The Department of Information and Technology has received information from government and aided colleges of their courses which will be fed into a new website of the Directorate of Higher Education that is in the process of being designed. Director of Higher Education Bhaskar Nayak said a detailed presentation on the website was to be done before him on December 2. It is likely the same will be held tomorrow afternoon or in the next two days after which I will send it to the Government for approval, he informed. The website being prepared by DoIT will have a list of 27 degree government and aided colleges giving all information on courses available in these institutions making it easy for students to choose from. Nayak said the colleges under the DHE will be listed on this official website as a result of which students need not worry about the credibility of the institutions or the courses. The website will be ready before the 2011-2012 academic year begins, he stated.
Cell phone shop burgled in Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 9
Even as the Margao police claimed a breakthrough in the spate of thefts with the arrest of two separate gangs, thieves struck once again in the Commercial capital last night, this time a Cell phone shop, much
to the embarrassment of menin-uniform. The latest theft indicates that though the police have nabbed around 11-12 persons in the last two days, there’s still another gang on the prowl in the city. If the shop owner Shrish Kane
is to be believed, the miscreants ransacked the shop after effecting entry inside through the ventilator. The miscreants are believed to have decamped with 14 mobile sets worth Rs 80,000. The Margao police are investigating.
OHERALDO
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www.oheraldo.in
O HERALD O Vol No CX No: 309 Goa, Friday, 10 December, 2010
I
Extempore equanimity
n an unprecedented move, Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh announced on Wednesday at the Cancun Climate Change Conference that India was open to legally binding commitments for its domestic actions to combat climate change. At the plenary of the 16th Conference of Parties on Climate Change, which concluded yesterday at Cancun, Mexico, Mr Ramesh said: “All countries, we believe, must take on binding commitments under appropriate legal form.” It made clear that India was also agreeable to international supervision for its voluntary domestic commitments on climate change. India has always maintained, as it did at the Copenhagen conference last year, that its domestic actions on mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG) are purely voluntary in nature and non-binding. China, which has recently overtaken the US as the largest GHG polluter, accounting for 22 per cent of global emissions, has also taken a similar position. The US is now second with 19 per cent and India third with five per cent. But the point is, India’s per capita emissions are one-twentieth of the US. However, the USA has been demanding a legally binding commitment from emerging powers, particularly from the BASIC group, in which India is a member along with China, Brazil and South Africa. This the BASIC countries have refused, on the very sound reasoning that most of their people do not lead energy-intensive lifestyles, and no commitments are possible till a basic level of livelihood and infrastructure is guaranteed to each citizen. But the minister’s statement would now open up the country to international monitoring and verification of its domestic mitigation action, which has always been stoutly resisted both by people’s organisations and governments of developing countries globally. Earlier during the summit, the minister had proposed international consultancy and assessment (ICA), which urged developing countries with over 1 per cent of global GHG emission to report and get their emission reduction actions verified by international experts. But it met with stiff resistance from other BASIC members when it was presented in the group meeting. The most interesting aspect of Mr Ramesh’s new proposal is that it was not part of his prepared speech, which he was to read at the plenary, but was made completely extempore. In 17 years of climate talks, India and other developing countries have always held that global warming is a problem caused by rich countries, and it was up to these countries to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions first. In fact, the statement appears to be a departure from Ramesh’s mandate given by the Union Cabinet last week, which said that India should not agree to any legally binding agreement at this stage, stick to second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol and no absolute emission cuts. India has maintained that its domestic mitigation commitment, made as part of the non-binding Copenhagen Accord, with which 140 countries associated, was purely voluntary in nature and not binding. The problem is, the European Union and the 40-strong group of island nations, backed by the US, circulated a proposal to replace the existing Kyoto Protocol with a legally binding instrument for all countries, for what they called long-term cooperative action (LCA) to combat climate change. The proposal was backed by 70 nations, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and the Maldives from South Asia, and said that the new instrument should be agreed in the next climate summit in Durban, South Africa, in 2011. Mr Ramesh’s reasoning is that if India doesn’t agree, it will be isolated. He has admitted that the move is in response to pressure from industrialised countries, applied through the poorest of the developing countries and those most vulnerable to climate change effects. So, is the UPA government slowly but systematically realigning India’s climate change policies with those of its new ‘friend’ the United States of America?
Ex-GMC dean clarifies... Dr M N Pal, Panjim The news item “Ex-GMC dean took money from students, depose doc,” (Herald, 4 Dec) is patently false, defamatory and has been made without any legal basis. The statements made by Dr Edmund Rodrigues, associate professor of forensic medicine (GMC) are the outbursts of his unwarranted baseless impulsive annoyance. I have countered that his post mortem report in the case of Vasant Shastikar as inconsistent and false which was duly backed up with facts and reasons, during the depositions
100 Years Ago
PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS
10 December, 1910 Trial orchard to be established
The Provisionary Republican Government is intending to establish a trial orchard at Assolna in the area of 50 hectares and 3 others in an area of 100 hectares respectively in Districts of Sanguem, Sanquelim, and Valpoi.
Scarcity of Water
Were replenished to the fullest the water tanks of the Church of Bom Jesus at Old Goa which lately were facing dearth and more so when the Exposition of Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier is at its peak.
He saw lines of his palms
It is reported that on the evening of 29 November, a blind postman who had retired some few years earlier, when he went to kiss the feet of the revered Saint he felt a strange sensation on his eyes and was surprised in the presence of the pilgrims to see the lines of his palms.
Travel concession granted
The President of the Municipal Council stated that as a result of the telegram signed by the people from Salcette requesting for rail travel concession during the Exposition, the same was granted.
The IFFI Smoking Gun
The tobacco industry has capitalised on films to boost its marketing potential, says DR GLADSTONE D’COSTA
A
nother IFFI is behind us, and once again, subtle use of the film industry to promote the use of tobacco, has surfaced. Given the sphere of influence of films, the management of any tobacco company would be insane not to capitalise on the marketing potential of the industry. A WHO study on the portrayal of tobacco in Indian cinema revealed that India produces more than 900 films per year in various Indian languages; 27% of the global volume. These reach 250 million youngsters in India alone; apart from huge audiences in SE Asia, the Middle East, UK, USA, Europe and Africa. Indian ticket sales cross 5000 million. Then there is the satellite television with ten round the clock local movie channels and five English language ones. And finally, an estimated 230,000 people watch movies illegally every day through cable and compact disk piracy. The tobacco industry utilises these facts with amazing subtlety and intelligence. The concept is not new. Sylvester Stallone received $ 500,000 to use tobacco products in five films in 1983. Larks paid $350,000 for exposure in James Bonds “License to kill” in 1989. Smoking is believed to have been first depicted in India in 1949, in the film Velai Kari. Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Ashok Kumar have all been shown smoking in association with romance tragedy or rebellion. More recently, tobacco usage in films appears to be directed by wizards in psychology. Audiences tend not to emulate the “bad guys” resulting in a gradual shift to the “good guy” or the “neutral” character (the reformed bad guy) smoking, often with special filmy effects. Rajnikanths antics with tossing a cigarette in his mouth and lighting it have become a subject of adulation. “Good guy” smoking has gone up from 22% in 1991 to 53% in 2002. With Amitabh Bachchan came the angry young man, and in Coolie, Sholay and Deewar even the bidi came into its own. There followed Sanjay Dutt and Sunny Deol; and with Shahrukh and Salman Khan, the canvas was complete. When healthy actors with fine tuned physiques and bulging biceps are shown smoking, the association of tobacco with health is sealed. But why should there be such a concern about such “creative” freedom. The WHO study clarifies; “Non-smoking teens, whose favourite stars smoke
Breakfast of Champions
HEALTH HAZARD frequently on screen, are 16 times more likely to develop positive attitudes towards smoking.” One US study showed, 52% of new smokers in the age group 12-17 years may be recruited through tobacco imagery in the movies. (Lancet 2003, 362(9380):281-285). With 5,500 new Indian smokers every day, we are in deep trouble as a result of “creative” freedom. Surveys in US, Germany, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, come to the same conclusion; the higher the exposure, the higher the likelihood on initiation of the tobacco habit. When 76% of the most popular films show some form of tobacco usage, that is high exposure indeed. And when stars like Rajnikanth have temples dedicated to their glory, one wonders of the impact on impressionable young minds. The context of “mood association” is interesting. The highest incidence of tobacco usage was shown in scenes associated with tension and stress, followed by scenes linked to relaxation, then wealth/power and finally, rebellious incidents. The audience associates the mood with the act as a panacea. Truly a psychologist was at work. With an increase of the “normal” guy smoking, the stamp of “approval” is complete. India is a signatory to WHO’s “Framework Convention on Tobacco Control” and has, in addition, passed its own COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) effective 2004. Section 5 of this act places a comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Article
RP 2021, Golf & Women’s lib
S
ometimes in ‘Susegad’ Goa, things move quickly. The stereotyped Goan can no longer be found in his hammock slung between two coconut trees near the beach, à la Mario Miranda. More so if he senses a threat to the ecology / environment. Right now is one such time. RP 2021 has dared to mention the ‘G’ word. For a ‘niz’ Goenkar, it is worse than the ‘F’ word. Using the word ‘GOLF’ is like waving a red rag at a bull. And not just one golf-course; RP 2021 talks about two or three golf-courses, so nothing short of a Round Table Conference (RTC) will pacify the Goan. So on a Sunday, we see all these chariots parked outside the Marriott. Their owners have taken their seats round the table. Their names are familiar. They are seen and heard often at the Azad and Lohia Maidans preaching to the already converted. Another lot are forever pontificating about progress, development and modernity being ushered into the state by the government they work for. They were all there; the GTs or government types; the ETs or environmentalist types; the ATs or academic types; and the FTs or freeloader types. Charles Correia was also present. He began by explaining how open spaces can enhance buildings that have been designated heritage structures by the ASI and Carolina Po. That’s when Prajal
made before the court. Besides being an ex-professor of gynaecology, I also have knowledge of law and am a holder of LL.M with specialisation in medical negligence. There are no regulations/statues of Medical Council of India wherein it is stated that the expert medical witness appearing in a criminal case is required to conduct himself without any post mortem autopsy or required to be a MD in forensic medicine.
Policy or hypocrisy? Cedrick Fernandes, Margao Every individual/organisation has a different policy; from regional plan to national highway policy and now the land acquisition policy. Goa celebrates the golden jubilee of its liberation on 19 December, and Goans, at large, had experienced many policies from the first MGP government, till date. Most of the central/state government policies are good, but when it comes to implementation, nothing is being done. The best example is the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments of the central government. The present government celebrated centenary day of our first CM, but there is no official celebration of “Opinion Poll day” and “Father of Opinion Poll, Dr Jack Sequeira.” We had agitations commencing from opinion poll onwards, and now have the land acquisition policy to contend with. Are all these moves aimed at diverting the attention of the people from the two main issues–RPG-2021 and the NH realignment issue?
Whither non violence? Arwin Mesquita, UAE During post-independent India, key Indian leaders preached non-violence and many countries admired the stance, taken at that time. But then, why did India use military force in 1961, to invade little Goa, instead of pursuing the non-violent option? Is this not hypocrisy? The worse is that the promises made to Goans at that time to preserve our prized identity are still not honoured, and we paid a big price for the nonviolent option. It is high time that Goans realise that we have been taken for a ride, and demand safeguards to preserve our land, demographics, environment and identity.
13 of the FCTC provides guidelines for the implementation of this ban. It recommends that the comprehensive ban should cover traditional media (print, television and radio) and all other technologies such as films. If constitutional restraints exist, a signatory should “restrict tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship on radio, television, print media and other media as appropriate”. In other words, there is both a national and international obligation in place. The ground realities were alarming. The WHO conducted studies on the depiction of tobacco usage in films before (2003) and after (2005) FCTC and COTPA and found that tobacco imagery, including brand display increased in the wake of bans in other media. On 31st May 2005, the rules of the act were amended to stipulate:— No individual or a person or a character in cinema and television programmes shall display tobacco products or their use. Programmes produced prior to this notification, shall place a health warning as a prominent scroll at the bottom of the television or cinema screen which reads “Smoking causes cancer” or “Smoking Kills” for smoking and “Tobacco causes cancer” or “Tobacco Kills” for chewing and other forms of tobacco. The health warning shall be in the same language/s as used in the cinema or the television programme. — Brand names or logos of tobacco products appearing in a programme shall be cropped or
masked to ensure they are not visible. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB), suggested flexibility and that freedom of expression should not be impinged. Where there was creative justification for depicting tobacco, India’s Central Board of Film Certification should grant an “A” (Adult) film rating certificate. In October 2006, after numerous inter-ministerial consultations, the MoHFW relaxed provisions of the blanket ban to allow depictions of tobacco in some circumstances, with warnings:- “Smoking kills,” “Smoking causes cancer, “Tobacco kills” or “Tobacco causes cancer” to scroll under the depictions of tobacco use. — Anti-tobacco spots, a minimum of 30 seconds long, should be screened at the beginning, middle and end of programmes that were produced before publication of the revised rules. Exceptions are programs that i) clearly and unambiguously reflect the dangers of tobacco; and ii) live television coverage of news, current affairs interviews, public meetings, etc. in which there is a “purely incidental and completely unintentional” image of tobacco use. — Where there is a creative justification for tobacco imagery or depiction of a real historical character who used tobacco, programmes, will be given an “A” certification accompanied by: i) a recorded disclaimer from the actor concerned regarding the harmful effects of tobacco use; ii) an anti-tobacco health scroll, starting 60 seconds before the scene with tobacco and ending 60 seconds after. The rules were challenged in court in February 2008; a two judge bench gave a split verdict. In 2009 the High Court struck down these rules. The matter is now before the Supreme Court in an appeal against Mahesh Bhatts’ petition. The Government of India maintains that the national constitution allows reasonable restrictions to promote public health, and the MoIB is updating the nation’s regulations to strengthen restrictions on tobacco imagery on screen. In the final analysis, the choice is simple; is “creative” freedom more important than the destruction of 114 Indians every hour from tobacco related diseases. (The author is a member, National Executive committee, Voluntary health Association of India)
jumped-up to say that the ASI was not the final authority on heritage structures, and they must get an endorsement from Percival Noronha and Naguesh Karmali. Naguesh, of course, refused to attend the RTC because of the Portuguese Popot. Tina complained how the whole RTC was getting male-dominated – a typical MCP hijacking of proceedings. She explained how the game originated in the Scottish highlands 500 years ago. Scotsmen tending to flocks of sheep passed the time of day knocking around roundish stones with their staffs, while their sheep dogs chased away wolves. One day, a round stone was struck and it rolled down a rabbit hole. ‘GOLF’ was born. At St Andrews, the first ever golf course in the world, they have a stone statue of a shepherd crawling out of an enlarged rabbit hole triumphantly holding a round rock in one fist and a wooden staff in the other. Now Tina was in full-flow. She explained how this accident evolved into the game as it is now played with its birdies, bogeys, eagles and tens of thousands of camp-followers. Scottish shepherds spent weeks and months without female company, and gradually became some of the world’s leading misogynists. This new pastime only made things worse for their womenfolk, as the pastime became a passion and obsession. Said Tina, ‘GOLF’ is an acronym for ‘Gents Only Ladies Forbidden’.
Heroes turned into zeroes
Angela da Cunha, Panjim
Your editorial entitled ‘Risky Racing’ (Herald, 6 Dec) had all the trappings of sheer brilliance. The number of appalling accidents involving youngsters riding two wheelers is distressing. In November, two senior citizen pedestrians lost their lives thanks to reckless bikers. Recently, two 17 year olds on a ‘Bajaj’ Pulsar motorcycle lost control, which resulted in the death of one of them. What was an expensive Pulsar doing in the hands of a 17 year old? Some ‘heroes’ who ride Honda bikes s are actually, irresponsible ‘zeroes’. Maybe it is the parents of these riders, who need to be educated, because they are indirectly responsible for the fatalities. Let your children purchase bikes when they have the wherewithal, instead of gifting kids hazards, that have the potential to kill. In the Arabian Gulf states, anyone who causes another’s loss of life on account of a fatal road accident has to pay ‘Diya’ or ‘blood money’ to the deceased’s family or languish in jail for the better part of his life. Perhaps, if we introduce a heavy fine on those lines, which accompanies stringent punishment, then parents would think twice before buying high power motorcycles, and although they can be used as a convenient mode of transport, youngsters speed recklessly on them which results in loss of life and limb. After all, parents, what counts are not the flashy motor bike your son rides, but whether he will still be riding them in future!
Col Cyril P D’Souza ( Retd.), Calangute This is with reference to the news article in Herald where Velingkar, the staunch RSS protagonist, was felicitated by Dr Dev, former dean of medical college. During the felicitations, the speeches were all toned down to suit the audience, keeping in mind that most of the students and few faculties, come from the minority community. The Goan public cannot be fooled as Goan voters are, by and large, peace loving and smart enough to see through the hidden agenda of communal parties. As the time for elections draws closer, the efforts to woo the Goan voter will become all the more evident. Some parties may play a different tune and Goans would be well advised to reject these overtures, and vote for a party they think fit.
Killer roads Vishant Shirodkar, Ponda The latest incident of death on the roads of Curchorem, once again brings into sharp focus, the issue of unregulated mining traf-
The others applauded, expecting she would rest her case having made her point. But for TINA, there-is-no-alternative to women’s lib – whether its drudgery at home or ‘trudgery’ on the golf course. She said women have taken to GOLF in a big way, and soon it will be an acronym for ‘Girls Only Louts Forbidden’. The temperature in the conference hall had risen. The tension was so palpable one could lean against it. The manager acted swiftly and asked the catering crews to serve the snacks and coffee. The mood changed quickly, as the delegates fed. Now, GOLF was an acronym for ‘Gourmet Ordered Lunch Feast’. It reminded me of Mrs Pankhurst’s speech in the English House of Commons when she fought for the women’s right to vote. She said: “We want what men have. It may be much, but we want it all the same. Too long we have been denied our due. If we cannot have it without friction, we will have it with friction. We will no longer take things lying down, but with our backs to the wall. What do men mean when they shout from the galleries: ‘Down with the petticoats?’ I say, ‘Up with petticoats and down with trousers.’ Then we will see things as they stand…!” The rest of the speech was drowned in pandemonium, just as my pen has run out of ink.
Letters to the Editor
Letter of the Day
Reject the overtures
By Anthony Simoes
fic on village/town roads. The people went out on to the streets and protested against the MLA, who is supposedly a stooge of the mining lobby. The MLA made good his presence at the accident site and tried to placate the angry mob by offering monetary assistance to the next of kin, but the paltry sum of Rs5 lakh was the most ridiculous amount ever imagined. Is this the sum payable for snuffing out the life of a human, by a killer mining truck? The public could have taken law into their own hands, but fortunately, he got away unscathed. What is the value of a human life? A human life is precious and cannot be compensated even by money. But in this instance, a reasonable amount should have been given as compensation. Unregulated mining traffic is the bane of many of Goa’s villages where its effects greatly inconvenience the public and have proven catastrophic, as on this occasion.
Burglars on Cloud Nine Augustus Alphonso, Vasco/Kuwait With the innumerable burglaries in Goa, it
seems that this trend is on the rise and for burglar, is the easiest way to get-rich-quick. If the Home Minister wants to be true to his word, he should work hard to get the police working round the clock, on their toes, and with their weapons. It seems that our tiny state of Goa is a land of the free! Furthermore, until and unless the Unique Identification Card is introduced in Goa, there won’t be much room for law and order. And, unless fear is instilled in the minds of the law breakers, nothing can ever change!
Colour of terrorism Sameer P Khutwalker, Vasco Da Gama After the terror attack in Varanasi which claimed the life of an 18 month old child and left over a dozen people injured, it seems that the government is helpless and is not in control of the situation. Chidambaram owes an explanation to the whole nation as to what colour he would subscribe to this form of terrorism. It is high time that the government looks beyond vote bank politics on the issue of terrorism which is growing in strength, day by day, and attempts to divide this great nation, on the basis of religion, culture and unity in diversity. The government should now realise the true enemy and the cultivators of terrorism, and take tough action against those, regardless of their religion, creed and colour.
Drowning death Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco The unfortunate death of a 15 year old youth due to drowning off Calangute beach, could have been avoided, if not for the flash strike by lifeguards of Surf Life Saving Goa. 200 out of the 300 lifeguards, are on strike. It is impossible for the remaining 100 lifeguards to keep a vigil. The government should intervene and sort out the problem, or invoke ESMA. Letters should be 150 words or less in length, and should have the writer’s name, address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for size and readability, and to delete any personal attacks or libellous /objectionable matter.
Paths of Wisdom Devoted to Almighty Allah By Samir Khan “Become exclusively devoted to Allah, ascribing Divinity to none other than Him. Whoso ascribes Divinity to aught beside Allah, it is as though he fell down from the sky whereafter either the birds will snatch him away, or the wind will sweep him to a distant place (causing him to be shattered to pieces). Such is the fact of the matter. And whoso venerates the sanctity of all that have been ordained as symbols of Allah surely does so because it is part of the true piety of the hearts.” (Al-Qur’ân – 22:31-32) The word ‘sky’ in this parable stands for the natural state of man wherein he is the servant of none except God and his nature recognises no other doctrine than this, i.e. the doctrine of pure monotheism. When a man embraces the guidance brought by the Prophets, it helps him adhere to monotheism on the grounds of knowledge and sound insight and this carries him to even greater heights. On the other hand, when someone embraces polytheism or atheism, he falls away from this natural state and is then confronted with either of the following two situations. First, that Satan and those who are out to misguide others, those who are metaphorically called ‘birds’ in the above account, pounce upon him, each trying to snatch him away. Second, that he is carried to and fro by his lusts, emotions and fancies, all of which are likened in the above verse to the wind, with the result that he is ultimately hurled into some abysmal ditch. The word sahîq signifies a place so deep that anything that falls into it is reduced to particles. Here, a depraved state of thought and action is likened to a ditch, where he who falls in is blown to pieces.
Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83. HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junior@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald; junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com — For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com — For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Herald represent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.
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Benaulim VP has failed on all fronts: BVAC HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 9
Reiterating that the Benaulim panchayat has failed not only on the garbage front but in the overall development of the village, Benaulim Village Action Committee has challenged the Sarpanch to show even one single developmental activity being undertaken by the present dispensation during the last three years. BVAC has also welcomed the decision of the Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes to file a police complaint, saying the truth needs to come out and promised to assist the authorities to take the investigations to its logical conclusion. “The village will benefit. BVAC would like to reaffirm its commitment to the social and environmental
Aurangabad native drowns
cause”, said BVAC Convenor Seby Fernandes. He said the BVAC would be more than willing to show from where the waste is coming from if the Sarpanch pretends to be unaware of the same. “We would also remind the sarpanch that the villagers, including Ciriaco Barretto have already got themselves into positive and practical mode”, he said and advised the Sarpanch to take legal recourse if she feels that the senior clerk and Panchayat secretary have provided false information under the RTI Act. Seby said the BVAC also wants the Sarpanch to show evidence of garbage being collected by the Village Panchayat since July 2009 by way of records, resolutions, appointments and payments
made for the same. “The Panchayat members, Secretary and the Panchayat staff have admitted and are on record to state that the waste collection has started only in August, 2010. BVAC would like to remind the Sarpanch that we have got video footage of the Gram Sabha held in June this year where she is on record to state that she and the Panchayat have been unsuccessful in finding a suitable person to collect the waste”, he added. The BVAC also asked the sarpanch to let the Banaulikars know as to what action she has taken regarding the illegal scrap yard in the village and demanded to know who has appointed Arjun Chawan and whether he is a GSPCB approved recycler.
Pale MLA Pratap Gawas inaugurates ‘Lokutsav 2010’ at Malpan-Sattari. Photo by Ashraf Khan HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, DEC 9
Pale MLA Pratap Gawas has stated that there is a need of socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities. Gawas was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of ‘Lokutsav 2010’ or-
ganised by Jai Malahar Sports and Cultural Club, Malpan-Sattari. ZP member Humlo Gawde, Sarpanch Prakash Gaonker, Sattari Dhangar Samaj President Dhaku Pawane, Club President Bhiro Kale and Sadashiv Gaonker were present on the
HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, DEC 9
Hard days are ahead for farmers in Canacona who are preparing to raise paddy nursery for Rabi cultivations in the taluka. According to agriculture sources, there is acute shortage of paddy seeds except for one variety in the taluka. Farmers have already taken nursery plantation preparatory works, as farmers fears chances of getting good yields is at stake due to non-availability of their choice from the supply agency. Sources told Herald that Goa
n If sources are to be believed, 80% of the farmers in the taluka prefer ‘Jyoti’ brand as the preferred variety for Rabi Cultivation. Bagyatdar, which is the paddy crop seeds supply agency in the taluka, who procures it from National Seeds Corporation (NSC), presently holds paddy seeds of only ‘Jaya’ variety, while the much sought brand of ‘Jyoti’ and ‘Karz’ is not in the stock.
Dr Mahendra Kudchadkar releases ‘H.A.B.I.Ts’ in the presence of other dignitaries.
‘H.A.B.I.Ts’ – a well-researched and practical book on exercises, especially authored and designed for women by the biggest name in fitness in Goa, Norbert D’Souza, proprietor of the famed Norbert’s Fitness Studio - was released at the Goa International Centre, Dona Paula. Goa’s prominent orthopaedic surgeon Dr Mahendra Kudchadkar was the chief guest at the book release function. TTAG Chairman Gaurish Dhond was the guest of honour while Dr Asha Thali was the special invitee. This book, aptly titled ‘H.A.B.I.Ts’, describes the areas of bodily concern to a majority of women – hips, abdominals, butt, and inner thighs. This concise and easy-to-follow book is an interesting and rel-
The South Goa District Disaster Management Authority is gearing up to hold a mock drill in one of the Major Accident Hazard (MAH) unit in Mormugao taluka anytime after December 8. District Collector, G P Naik said the mock drill will be held with limited surprise to the concerned company. “As all the identified MAH units are located in Mormugao taluka, the mock drill will be held in the taluka itself ”, Naik added. As part of the mock drill, a siren will be blown, certain roads will be blocked for regular traffic for certain time, he said, adding that news may be flashed on cable network, FM radio and other modes of public communication about the drill. The whole exercise may last for 2-3 hours, he
occasion. Speaking further, Gawas said: “The ‘tribals’ should also be given due and equal importance in our society and members of these communities must be united.” He urged to forward the grievances and hardship faced by the communities to the government through proper forum. He also assured support and help in solving their issues. Sattari Yuva Morcha (SYM) Secretary Vinod Shinde said students of these communities are doing well and the upliftment of tribals has remained a foremost priority of SYM. Lauding the efforts of the organizers, he said: “This community has preserved traditional art and culture of our State through such events which otherwise would have become extinct.” Earlier, students who excelled in the field of education were felicitated by the chief guest.
Shortage of paddy seeds to affect Canacona farmers
‘H.A.B.I.Ts’ - A guide for women to stay fit
HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 9
HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 9
MLA calls for upliftment of tribals
HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 9
A 23-year-old native of Aurangabad, but residing at Nerul, drowned off Calangute Beach on Wednesday afternoon. According to Drishti report, the Surf Life Team was not able to help Zamir Sheikh, who drowned off Calangute Beach. Calangute Police led by PSI Harish Gauns later took possession of the body. Though the senior lifeguards, other lifeguards and lifeguards from its sister concerns worked tirelessly for over 12 hours a day to ensure that no life is lost on the beaches due to the illegal strike, an unfortunate incident of drowning was reported in Calangute. In a press release, Drishti Special Response Services Pvt Ltd has stated that they have been providing beach lifeguarding services to the coastal beaches of Goa under a contract with the Department of Tourism since October 2008 under ‘Surf Life Saving Goa’. “However, our normal services were affected due to an illegal strike initiated by a few disgruntled lifeguards from December 6,” states the press release. Drishti has not accepted any of the demands put by lifeguards for the illegal strike as there were no prior complaints by any of the lifeguards with regard to salary. “A sudden strike in an essential service like life guarding is a feeble attempt at holding the company at ransom and putting the lives of public and tourists at large to risk,” adds the press note. The lifeguards have been sternly warned of necessary action by the management,” states the press note.
Another mock drill in the offing in Mormugao
atively straightforward guide to help lose weight and ensure that those pounds stay off and do not creep back on. The exercises in the book have been designed keeping in mind the difficulties often faced by first time exercisers and graduate from the simple to the complex. Each workout regimen also includes stretches and flexibility exercises to ensure injury prevention. The featured exercises also do more than merely help dissipate the unwanted fat – they tone up various areas of the body and make sure that the heart, the organ upon which all life depends, is getting a ‘workout’ that will enable it to pump with lesser intensity, and therefore, last longer. The book includes answers to Frequently Asked Fitness Queries as well as ‘jiffy’ workouts to keep the fat at bay.
Valuable nutrition information to supplement your weight loss endeavour is also provided in the book, as is a special ultimate bridal workout and tips on working out when pregnant. Although the book is targeted at the lady populace, men too can benefit from the book as the well-illustrated exercises also provide a cardiovascular workout. Many people in the fitness field also fail to understand that the exercise needs of women are very different from those of men, and this book further serves to underscore the exclusiveness of a woman’s fitness regimen. Making Goa a healthier and fitter State has always been Norbert’s dream, and by writing this book he hopes to reach out to the masses and educate them about the need to shape and tone their bodies.
This has severely inconvenienced the farmers who due to their busy field preparatory works are undecided what to do next. According to agriculture sources, Karz seeds can be obtained on previous order placed with agriculture department at 50% subsidy. The present market rate of ‘Karz’ paddy seeds is Rs 24 and farmers booking it through agriculture department gets it at Rs 12 per kg subsidized at 50%. Incidentally, 800 hectares of paddy fields in Canacona taluka are cultivated for Rabbi season and one hectare requires 50 kgs, which means 800 hectares of paddy fields are in need of 40,000 kgs of paddy seeds in the taluka. If sources are to be believed, 80% of the farmers in the taluka prefer ‘Jyoti’ brand as the preferred variety for Rabi Cultivation. Generally, farmers begin paddy nursery preparatory works in the first week of December in Canacona taluka. Interestingly, this year many farmers in the taluka are still in the process of salvaging their paddy crop which they have cultivated for Khariff season.
added. Naik urged members of the public not to panic due to the alarm siren, or road blockade or news about the drill, saying the drill is part of the Disaster Management plan to introspect and identify the lacunas in combating the actual emergency situation. Calling for cooperation from the public in general with the traffic police drafted for blocking or regulation traffic on certain roads during the drill, Naik said the alternate route for traffic diversion may be inquired with the police during the period of the drill. This is the second major drill, the district disaster management authority is planning to hold in South Goa. Last time around, the mock drill was held in Mormugao taluka, and which had attracted lot of flak from the public.
Chaudi youth seriously hurt in mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, DEC 9
A 21-year-old youth from Chaudi was seriously injured after his motorcycle rammed head-on with an oncoming four wheeler at Char-Rasta, while another man from Sirsi-Karnataka suffered minor injuries in a mishap involving three vehicles at Gulem. According to Canacona Police, Wellington Barretto was proceeding towards Margao when his Pulsar motorcycle (GA-02 P-4451) rammed against an oncoming Innova tourist car (GA08 T-4081). Barretto, who sustained severe leg and injuries to other parts of his body, was rushed to CHC Chaudi, from where he was shifted to Hospicio in Margao. Police further informed that a man from Sirsi-Karnataka, but residing at Davorlim, suffered minor injuries when his motorcycle (GA-08 L-7245) went off the road after it hit an oncoming Bolero (A-09 A-3230) at a steep turn at Gulem. While the Bolero was standstill after the mishap, a pick-up (KA-30 2967) hit the jeep.
Canacona freedom fighters to hold torch march HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, DEC 9
Freedom fighters of Canacona will hold a Torch March at two different venues on the eve of the golden jubilee of Goa's Liberation. According to the convener Kamlakar Mhalshi, one Torch March will commence at Shree Shradanand Vidyalaya grounds, Poinguinim and will culminate at Forest Rest House, Poinguinim. The another Torch March will start at Martyrs Memorial (near ADEI Office), Chaudi and will end at KTC Bus-Stand Chaudi. Both the marches will commence simultaneously at 6 pm on December 18, the eve of Goa's Liberation Golden Jubilee year. In order to chalk out further program, a meeting has been convened on on December 12 at S S Angle higher-secondary, Maxem. The convenor along with committee members have appealed to all sarpanchas, panchas, CMC chairperson, councillors, MLAs and other representatives of social organizations/NGOs to take part in the historic torch march.
Police on lookout for Delhi girl
PANJIM (HR): Orissa police have issued a ‘hue and cry notice’ regarding the missing of a 19-year-old girl from Delhi. Mansi Mallick is reportedly in Goa, reads a press note issued by Goa police. “She is missing from Delhi and a case of missing is already registered with the help of an NGO at Prashant Vihar police station in Delhi. Now, it has come to our notice that the missing girl is in Goa,” police inspector Prashant Vihar said in the press release.
Tourism dept plans to recruit 500 guards HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
While Tourism Department recently inducted thirty ex-servicemen to build its own security force for safety of tourists and, thirty more will be recruited in the second phase - it now plans to recruit 500 tourist guards for manning tourist places under a new scheme of the Central government. Though the scheme has come from the Centre entire
responsibility of execution will be of the State government. Guards employed under this scheme will be deployed at various tourist places including beaches, said tourism officer. The scheme will be put in reality soon. The security guards will work exclusively for Tourism Department and will be trained by the Police Department. The eligibility criteria will be fixed in line with nature of their work, said the officer.
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Freeze brings Paris to a standstill AFP PARIS, DEC 9
Icy roads left much of the Paris region paralysed on Thursday after the heaviest snowfall in almost 25 years, with drivers advised not to use their cars unless absolutely necessary. Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux asked drivers to leave their vehicles at home the day after 11 centimetres (more than four inches) of snow fell on Paris, the most since 1987.
China, North Korea reach consensus over crisis: media ------REUTERS BEIJING, DEC 9
China and North Korea reached consensus on the Korean peninsula crisis after “candid” talks, Chinese state media reported, which analysts said suggested Pyongyang likely agreed not to
inflame the situation. The meeting came as Beijing and Washington continued to trade barbs over how best to deal with the spike in tension on the divided peninsula, with China rejecting US pressure to take its impoverished ally to task over last month’s artillery attack on the South. China’s Xinhua news agency said State Councilor Dai Bingguo met the isolated North’s ailing leader Kim Jong-il for talks in the Pyongyang and “the two sides reached consensus on bilateral relations and the situation on the Korean peninsula after candid and in-depth talks.” North Korea’s KCNA news agency said the talks were “held over the issue of boosting the friendly and cooperative rela-
tions between the two countries and a series of issues of mutual concern.” “It’s difficult to expect much in the consensus more than a general agreement on the need to resolve the situation ... in a peaceful manner and through dialogue, and that they can’t have tensions escalating,” said Park Young-ho of the Korea Institute of National Unification. Neither news agency gave any further details. “It is hard to say what the consensus Xinhua mentioned really is, but from the words ‘in-depth’ and ‘candid’, I think that Kim Jong-il must have had a good attitude towards the meeting,” said Wang Dong of the School of International Studies at Peking University. “Dai may have gotten some kind of verbal promise from North Korea that there will be no escalation from its side, as China may have told Kim Jongil to make an expression of goodwill to bring the other four countries back to the six-party talks table,” Wang said. The talks on Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme comprise the two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the United States but have been on hold for about two years. The North wants to resume the talks, but Washington and Seoul have said they will only consider a return when Pyongyang shows it is sincere about denuclearisation. The United States has repeatedly called on Beijing to bring its ally to heel after the North
bombarded a South Korean island last month, killing four people, and revealed advances to its nuclear programme opening another route to make an atomic bomb. Earlier on Thursday, the U.S. military chief criticised Beijing for enabling its ally P yongyang’s “reckless behaviour ”, prompting a sharp rebuke from Beijing. “I would like to question that person who has accused China as to what he has done for maintaining peace and stability in the region,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters in Beijing. “Military threats are not the solution. That will only worsen regional tensions.” The South has vowed to hit back hard against its neighbour if Pyongyang orders a repeat of last month’s attack, bolstering its defences in the disputed West Sea area and amending military rules of engagement to permit the use of fighter jets and bombs. “I actually believe that because these provocations continue, and seemingly at a more frequent interval, that the danger is going up and that steps must be taken to ensure that they stop,” Mullen said. He also said that the United States wants sustainable military ties with China, instead of on-and-off contact. At the same time, Beijing said it had sent General Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of general staff of the People’s Liberation Army, to the United States for military-tomilitary talks.
Over 50% Russians believe corruption has increased: poll AGENCIES MOSCOW, DEC 9
Over half of Russians (53%) think corruption has increased in their country during the last three years, an opinion poll by Transparency International has indicated. The Berlin-based non-governmental anti-corruption organization Transparency International has persistently rated Russia one of the most corrupt nations in the world. In the 2010 Corruption Perception Index, Russia was ranked 154th of 178, below countries like Kenya, Laos and Papua New Guinea. The poll, called The Global Corruption Barometer, was carried out for Thursday’s International Anti-Corruption Day.
In the opinion poll, 1,500 people were asked about corruption-related situations they have faced in their everyday life. 23% said they had given a bribe to a service provider in the past 12 months. “As a whole, the results of the opinion poll show that increasing corruption in Russia is not unnoticed by the public and a growing number of people are ready to support anti-corruption initiatives,” Yelena Panfilova, director of the Transparency International Center in Russia, said. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev admitted earlier this year that his anti-corruption drive had so far yielded few practical results.
Sharif ‘most trusted man’ of Saudi royals in Pak: PML-N PTI LAHORE, DEC 9
Pakistan’s main opposition PMLN party says its chief Nawaz Sharif is the Saudi royal family’s “favourite and most trusted man” in this country despite “some misunderstanding” between them in the past. These remarks by a senior PML-N leader came amid release
of secret US cables by WikiLeaks, which showed that Sharif broke a promise made to the royal family by issuing political statements from Saudi Arabia while he was living there in self-exile and by visiting Pakistan in 2005 in violation of an agreement not to return to the country for 10 years.
FrOM page 1 2G war goes corporate
over from auction to revenue sharing system for telecom operators during the BJP regime could have caused a loss of Rs 50,000 crore going by the parameters adopted by government auditor CAG on 2G spectrum allocation. On Chandrasekhar’s allegation that group company Tata Teleservices (TTSL) was a beneficiary of out-of-turn allocation of spectrum, Tata said that the true position is that TTSL has not, “I repeat not” been advantaged in any way by Raja or any earlier minister. Using Tata’s statement, Congress attacked the BJP saying it was shying from a debate on 2G spectrum issue as its top leadership was involved in taking “wrong” decisions when NDA was in power which led to a loss of Rs 60,000 crore to the government. “Is it not a fact that in July 1999 immediately after the Kargil war the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took the Communication portfolio from Jagmohan and helped the telecom companies which resulted in loss of Rs 60,000 crores to the country,” party spokesperson Manish Tewari said.
Drishti acts tough
October 2008 (Total appointed 57) 19 personnel appointed in December 2008 (Total appointed 44) 12 personnel appointed in July 2009 (Total appointed 21) 70 personnel appointed in October / November 2009 (Total appointed 94) 62 personnel appointed in December 2009 (Total appointed 95) 51 personnel appointed in May 2010 (Total appointed 126)
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PM leaves for Brussels to push FTA UNI NEW DELHI, DEC 9
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today left for Brussels to give a political push to India's free trade agreement with the 27nation European Union expected to be signed early next year even as Finance Ministry has decided to undertake an audit of FTAs the country has signed over the years. The proposed trade and investment agreement, which has
been in works since 2007, missed its December 2010 timeline as both sides have yet to resolve contentious issues of labour and social standards and intellectual property rights. Economic crisis in Greece and Ireland also led to delay. However, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said on Tuesday the deal, which India calls broad-based trade and investment agreement, will be concluded by March 2011.
Foreign Ministry's senior official Vivek Katju, briefing the media on the eve of Prime Minister's visit to India-EU economic summit at EU headquarters in Brussels tomorrow, said the ambitious agreement has the potential to double the bilateral trade to 100 billion euros from 53 billion euros recorded in 2009. India and the EU are expected to release a status report on the proposed treaty at the summit, sources in the Commerce Min-
istry said. It will take an audit of what has been achieved so far during the negotiations and the timeline by which the deal will be closed. New Delhi has been pressing EU that the proposed pact should not curtail Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to produce and export low-cost life-saving medicines. Mr Sharma during his meeting with EU trade commissioner Karel De Gucht in Brussels on November 30 had insisted on including this core provision in the treaty which is expected to be signed early next year. The decision may be announced by European Commission President Jose Barroso and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the India-EU summit in Brussels on Friday, the sources said. For India, manufacture and export of generic medicines is a key area of concern and it wants EU not to make more stringent the intellectual property rules on these pharma products. India is a leader in the manufacture of low-cost generic drugs, and exports affordable life-saving medicines to the tune of Rs 35,000 crore every year to countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Generics are copies of drugs patents for which have run out in the country of production and are usually much cheaper than the patented medicines.
Abhishek feels Goa is more than just a tourist paradise
india under pressure to accept â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pactâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at Cancun PTI CANCUN, DEC 9
Cracks have developed among the developing countries including the BASIC group on accepting legally binding emission cut at the climate change conference here, with India saying there is concerted pressue on it and China to accept such cuts. The United States, India and China are not in favor of accepting a legally binding agreement, which is supported by other developed countries, and several nations within the G77 including African nations and Least Developed Countries. "There is a concerted move by a group of developed countries using developing countries to put pressure on India and China and within BASIC, since South Africa and Brazil are supportive of a legally binding agreement," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said. "There are differences within BASIC. India and China are united on this issue. Brazil and South Africa are united," he said. "This pressure is coming from developed countries through AOSIS, BASIC and LDCs." "At this stage India's strategy is to keep the door open, the door was being closed on us," he told journalists. Pushing hardest for a legally binding treaties are small island nations, which are the most vulnerable to climate change. Countries in India's vicinity Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal - are also supporting a legally binding agreement.
India's close allies on the climate change issue - Brazil and South Africa - are also in favor of a legally binding agreement, which is causing divisions within the BASIC group. With the conference closing tomorrow, India has objected to raising the issue so late in the day. It has also said that currently it is important to concentrate on the Kyoto Protocol, which is the only legally binding treaty on climate change, but its future is uncertain since several countries want to abandon it. Speaking at an open meeting here, Ramesh told delegates that "all countries must take on binding commitments under appropriate legal form." Later, the minister indicated that he raised this point to assure countries close to India like Nepal and Bangladesh that New Delhi was committed to fulfilling its domestic commitments. "We will honor these," he said, noting that India was not ready to reflect these in an international agreement yet. The present discussion has also raised questions about what constitutes the "bindingness" of a treaty. Other countries, however, argue that binding needs to be more formal maybe on the lines of the Kyoto Protocol. India has also consistently argued that the substance of any outcome needs to be detailed before the form is decided - a position which is supported by Philippines and Egypt.
appointments
PTI MUMBAI, DEC 9
Abhishek Bachchan who plays a police officer from Goa in his upcoming movie "Dum Maro Dum", says he got to know a completely different side of the tiny tourist state during the shoot of the film. "The film is about a police officer from Goa. Hence, shooting in Goa for Dum Maro Dum has been a great experience as the film is based there," Abhishek told PTI. "Usually as tourists when you go to Goa, you get to know more of the touristic sites. But during this shoot, we actually got to see more of the local places in Goa and literally experienced that the place is more than just the resorts, so it was very interesting," Abhishek recalled. He agreed that Goans have been typecast in certain way in many movies. "The image of drinking and making merry is not an accurate account of what the Goan people are. People are very loving and sweet, unfortunately they get typecast but that is not what I have noticed," he added. Abhishek said he liked outdoor shoots very much. "I am fine shooting anywhere and any place actually, at the end of the day, I am an actor and I am just here to do the job. I am not particular that way about within India or abroad - I will go anywhere, wherever the film requires," he said. However, Abhishek says actors get so busy working on outdoors that even though they get opportunity to travel to all the beautiful and historical places but are not able to actually spend time and learn about the place. The 34-year-old actor said one of his first memories of Goa was during the shooting of his father's 1983 film 'Pukar'. "One keeps going back to Goa every now and then but over the last 12 months, I have spent a huge amount of time there because I have shot three films in Goa - "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se", "Dum Maaro Dum" and now the first schedule of "Players"," he said. Abhishek said the first of his films that has been shot entirely in Goa is the recently released "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se". "Otherwise I have earlier also shot certain portions for Dhoom and Dhoom 2 in Goa." Shooting in Goa has an advantage, he said adding that it is impossible that any visitor will not like the food.
appointments
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FM cautions against volatility in FII flows, Europe PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 9
The Government today said though the economy is on the recovery mode, it still faces risks from volatility in capital markets, slow down in FDI inflows, trade imbalance, high current account deficit and European crisis. Addressing the Parliamentary consultative committee attached to his ministry, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said even while the economy is on a path of higher growth, yet
there are certain areas of concern. In this regard, he specifically mentioned trade imbalance, volatility of FIIs, current account deficit, reduction in FDI inflows to almost half in last six months and above all, crisis in Euro zone affecting trade balance. FIIs have pumped in a record 39 billion dollars in the Indian capital markets in this calendar year so far. However, FII money is considered hot and volatile in nature compared to foreign direct investment (FDI). FDI inflows, however, de-
clined 28 per cent in the first half of this fiscal to 11 billion dollars. India's trade deficit stood at 81.7 billion dollars during the first eight months of this fiscal, more than half of its exports. High commodity prices may further increase the deficit, the analysts said. The current account deficit, representing net flow of income out of the country barring capital movements, surged three-fold to 13.7 billion dollars in the April-June quarter over the same period last year. The deficit widened due to
higher imports because of economic recovery and larger payments overseas for certain services. After sovereign debt crisis in Greece, Spain and Portugal, banking crisis has erupted in Ireland. Mukherjee said the Government has taken several fiscal
and administrative matters to contain the price rise and continues to be vigilant on the price front. Meanwhile, food inflation marginally rose to 8.69 per cent during the week ended November 27 against 8.60 per cent a week ago. The Finance Minister said
ICAI holds meet on Indirect Tax
Vice president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, CA G Ramaswamy at the Goa Branch of WIRC. Also seen from left to right are CA Virendra Prabhudesai Secretary Goa Branch, CA Mangesh Kinare Secretary WIRC, CA G Ramaswamy vice president of ICAI,CA Sanjeev Lalan chairman WIRC/ICAI, CA Ashish Verlekar chairman Goa Branch of WIRC. HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, DEC 9
The Goa branch of Western India Regional Council (WIRC) of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) organised a seminar on Indirect Tax. CA G Ramaswamy, vice president, ICAI updated the media about the various initiatives taken by the Institute for its members and students. Some of the recent initiatives taken by the Institute are as mentioned below. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is spearheading the convergence of Indian Accounting Standards with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). IFRS is the need of the hour and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has played a proactive role in this direction. The Institute had already started an exercise to train its members in industry as well as in practice. ICAI is committed to meet the deadline of the convergence of the Indian Accounting Standards with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) effective April, 2011 in select entities as per the roadmap laid down by the Government. In order to synergize the training process, ICAI has launched various programs with a view to familiarize the professionals with IFRS so as to equip them with essential knowledge of the same. The Institute has also taken various initiatives in creating awareness among the masses about the convergence .The Certification Course on IFRS was launched from December 2008 and till date 2023no.s of CAs have attended Certification Course. The ICAI has also commenced training programmes for industry at 58 centers in
Sensex nosedives 454 points PTI
MUMBAI, DEC 9
Stock markets fell sharply for the third-straight session today amid a string of concerns related to scams, liquidity crunch and inflation, with the benchmark Sensex plunging 454 points, dragged by banking majors like SBI and ICICI Bank as well as corporate heavyweight RIL. Heavy sell-off by the FIIs and jittery retail investors pulled down the Bombay Stock Exchange sensitive index by 454.12 points or 2.31 per cent to 19,242.36. Sensex registered the biggest 15-day intra-day fall of 536 points, witnessing heavy selling in the last hour.
Aban Offshor, 728.2, 728.2, 665.05, 670.3 Abb Ltd., 799.9, 802, 753, 759.85 Abg Shipyard, 389.6, 389.6, 323.75, 330.85 Acc Limited, 1012, 1022, 977, 990.2 Adani Enterp, 640, 655.3, 612.6, 623.4 Aditya Birla, 749, 759.2, 718, 725 Allahabad Ba, 205, 209.8, 199, 204.4 Alstom Proje, 720, 720, 644, 654.15 Ambuja Cemen, 138.4, 139.25, 131.1, 133.55 Andhra Bank, 147.9, 148, 137.95, 142.05 Ashok Leylan, 71.25, 71.5, 65, 67.45 Asian Paints, 2625.05, 2685, 2610.5, 2643.6 Axis Bank Li, 1262.4, 1299, 1229.7, 1245.75 Bajaj Hindus, 106.2, 107.4, 100.1, 101.3 Bank Of Baro, 893.5, 912.8, 862, 880.35 Bank Of Indi, 440.1, 445.95, 418.6, 425.85 Beml Limited, 1014.8, 1014.8, 995.05, 1000.3 Bharat Elect, 1782.6, 1782.6, 1732.6, 1744.2 Bharat Forge, 379.25, 379.25, 356.55, 359.95 Bharat Petro, 684.9, 698.6, 650.65, 673.3 Bharti Airte, 349, 349.6, 336, 338.45 Bhel, 2246.7, 2256.5, 2206.9, 2226.8 Bhushan Stee, 449, 453.9, 417.1, 422.65 Biocon Limit, 398.35, 398.35, 375, 381.4 Bombay Dyein, 526.9, 526.9, 442.85, 478.85
Bosch Limite, 6281.15, 6329.8, 6020, 6057.3 Brigade Ente, 110, 110.9, 104.5, 106.25 Cairn India, 325.65, 329.4, 319.6, 322.4 Canara Bank, 670, 677.5, 641.35, 653.05 Central Bank, 176, 179.2, 160, 162.7 Century Text, 414, 420, 390.55, 399.9 Cesc Ltd, 375.9, 375.9, 354.95, 360.1 Chambal Fert, 79.5, 81, 71.5, 73.85 Chennai Petr, 238, 239, 228, 230.05 Cipla Ltd, 368.95, 370, 346, 349.9 Colgate Palm, 885, 885, 829.1, 834.5 Container Co, 1248.6, 1308.95, 1230, 1285 Crompton Gre, 334, 334, 318.4, 325.1 Cummins Indi, 761.2, 774, 719, 746.35 Dabur India, 97.85, 99.8, 95.15, 96.65 Deccan Chron, 102.35, 103, 93.05, 97.2 Dish Tv Indi, 71, 71.5, 57.15, 63.15 Diviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Labor, 611.2, 611.2, 591.3, 598.95 Dlf Limited, 291.9, 292.75, 281.35, 283.75 Dr. reddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 1853, 1854, 1792.6, 1812.5 Edelweiss Ca, 46.95, 46.95, 42.5, 42.7 Educomp Solu, 558, 559.5, 512.6, 517.1 Eih Limited, 116.4, 116.6, 107.5, 111 Engineers In, 327, 338, 327, 331.4 Essar Oil Lt, 131.15, 131.8, 121, 123.3
Essar Shippi, 101, 101, 92.1, 92.1 Exide Indust, 171, 172.7, 159.25, 163.05 Federal Bank, 432.75, 432.75, 402, 403.9 Financial Te, 855, 874, 795, 802.55 Gail (india), 511, 514.3, 494.05, 496.9 Gammon India, 174, 175.75, 165.15, 166.7 Glaxosmithkl, 2141.7, 2153.9, 2080, 2130.55 Glenmark Pha, 384, 384, 350, 353.4 Gmr Infrastr, 47.45, 47.45, 43.5, 44.2 Godrej Indus, 180.9, 180.9, 165.25, 168.55 Grasim Indus, 2360, 2374.9, 2315, 2328.3 Great Offsho, 386, 386, 348.05, 353.3 Gtl Infra.Lt, 43, 43.9, 42, 43.15 Gujarat Mine, 130.9, 131.35, 122, 124.05 Gujarat N R, 59.2, 59.2, 55.15, 55.65 Gujarat Stat, 112.5, 113.3, 106, 107.6 Gvk Pow. & I, 40.2, 40.2, 36.8, 37.5 Hcl Technolo, 433, 435.5, 419.5, 425.4 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2273.15, 2284.4, 2219.3, 2232 Hdfc Ltd, 690, 690, 662.5, 671.95 Hero Honda M, 1767, 1778, 1710.1, 1749.9 Hindalco in, 222.1, 223.05, 207.65, 209.75 Hindustan Co, 45, 45, 41.55, 41.9 Hindustan Ma, 69.95, 70.35, 63, 63.55 Hindustan Pe, 415, 421, 375.6, 394.9
Hindustan Un, 297.8, 298.2, 282.35, 289.1 Hindustan Zi, 1190, 1198.75, 1120, 1155.25 Housing Dev, 195.8, 197, 184.4, 185.85 Icici Bank L, 1104.05, 1120.7, 1045.1, 1058.3 Idea Cellula, 70.3, 70.85, 66.1, 68.1 Ifci Ltd, 59.8, 59.9, 54.3, 54.9 India Cement, 107.5, 107.9, 99.55, 99.95 India Infoli, 82.2, 82.75, 75.1, 76.55 Indiabulls F, 170.45, 173.4, 162.55, 165.05 Indiabulls R, 136.55, 140.45, 126.45, 127.7 Indian Bank, 252, 256.9, 236.55, 242.95 Indian Hotel, 93.35, 95.9, 89.35, 89.7 Indian Oil C, 377, 382.25, 350, 356.75 Indian Overs, 137, 138.4, 129, 130.1 Indus Dev Ba, 156, 156.7, 147.55, 148.2 Indusind Ban, 278, 279.9, 252, 256.9 Infosys Tech, 3145, 3182.1, 3141.15, 3151.45 Infra. dev., 174.85, 175.15, 164.25, 165.2 Ispat Indust, 18.8, 19.1, 17.2, 17.8 Itc Ltd, 167.45, 168.5, 165.8, 167.3 Ivrcl Infras, 124.5, 126, 116.1, 117.5 Jai Corp Lim, 212, 214.5, 196, 198.7 Jaiprakash A, 105, 105.95, 98.5, 99.95 Jet Airways, 790, 790, 741.1, 747 Jindal Saw L, 183.4, 188, 176.8, 181
silver lining is that inflation in food item has declined to single digit. "With normal rainfall, the kharif production is now expected to rise by over 10 per cent year on year for food grains and even higher for cash crops such as cotton and sugarcane," he added.
RBI to re-visit inflation in January KOLKATA: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today said that it would re-visit the inflation figures in the third quarter review in January. RBI governor D Subbarao said that for the medium-term, the inflation figure was pegged at 4 to 4.5 per cent and for the short term ending March 2011, the headline WPI inflation under the new series was at 5.5 per cent.
India in collaboration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Disciplinary Mechanism: The ICAI has decided to recommend to the Government of India that power to act against erring firms be given to the Institute after making necessary amendments in the Act. Capacity building exercise for small and medium practitioners: The Institute is engaged in capacity building exercise on a continuous basis for small and medium practitioners through different approaches. Also on the anvil is the review of merger and demerger schemes.
BOARD MEETINGS Fiberweb India State Bank BikJpr Zenotech Lab Parle Software Source: Indiainfoline.com
MF FUNDA PRAMERICA MUTUAL FUND has filed offer document with SEBI to launch Pramerica Treasury Advantage Fund, an open ended debt scheme. The New Fund Offer price is Rs 1000 per unit. Options: The Scheme has two Options, namely, Growth Option and Dividend Option. Dividend Option has the following two facilities: i. Dividend Reinvestment facility at a Daily Weekly, Fortnightly & Monthly frequency; and ii. Dividend Payout facility at Fortnightly and Monthly frequency. (If the amount of Dividend payable under the Dividend payout facility is Rs. 500/- or less, then the Dividend would be compulsorily reinvested in the Dividend Option of the Scheme.) Minimum application amount: Rs. 5,000 or any amount in multiples of Re.1 thereafter. Minimum target amount: Rs. 10 million Benchmark: CRISIL Liquid Fund Index Fund Manager: Mahendra Jajoo The AMC also filed offer document with SEBI to launch Pramerica Treasury Advantage Fund, an open ended debt scheme. The New Fund Offer price is Rs 1000 per unit. Options: The Scheme has two Options, namely, Growth Option and Dividend Option. Dividend Option has the following two facilities: i. Dividend Reinvestment facility at a Daily Weekly, Fortnightly & Monthly frequency; and ii. Dividend Payout facility at Fortnightly and Monthly frequency. (If the amount of Dividend payable under the Dividend payout facility is Rs 500 or less, then the Dividend would be compulsorily reinvested in the Dividend Option of the Scheme.) Minimum application amount: Rs 5,000 or any amount in multiples of Re.1 thereafter. Minimum target amount: Rs. 10 million
Jindal Steel, 697.65, 700, 675.1, 679.95 Jsw Steel Li, 1146, 1151.4, 1060, 1066.3 Kotak Mahind, 470, 471, 439.85, 452.75 Lakshmi Mach, 2494.4, 2494.4, 2270, 2291 Lanco Infrat, 61.5, 61.95, 57, 58.55 Larsen & Tou, 2009, 2011.6, 1931, 1940.35 Lic Housing, 965, 966.25, 772.1, 885.65 Lupin Limite, 466.5, 468.8, 434, 439.1 Mahanagar Te, 54, 54.6, 50.1, 50.5 Mahindra & M, 790, 793, 751, 760.35 Maruti Suzuk, 1406, 1415, 1383.25, 1391.15 Max India Lt, 148, 148.5, 142.4, 144.7 Maytas Infr., 177.95, 177.95, 158.4, 164.95 Moser-baer (, 56.9, 57.1, 51.3, 52.6 Mrpl, 71.8, 71.9, 66.05, 67.05 Nagarjuna Co, 135.9, 135.9, 120.35, 122.8 Nagarjuna Fe, 30.3, 30.6, 27.65, 27.85 National Alu, 365, 367.95, 351, 355.7 Neyveli Lign, 127.3, 128.2, 116.25, 118 Ntpc Ltd, 191.7, 191.7, 186.5, 187.9 Oil And Natu, 1351.7, 1355.85, 1294.6, 1321.6 Omaxe Limite, 140.5, 142, 136.5, 137.95 Oriental Ban, 381, 391, 374, 379.25 Pantaloon Re, 389, 392, 338.3, 346.05 Parsvnath De, 53.7, 54, 50.35, 50.85
Petronet Lng, 122.45, 122.45, 114.5, 116.35 Power Fin Co, 306.2, 314, 295.25, 297.2 Power Grid C, 97.8, 98.25, 95, 95.6 Praj Industr, 71.1, 71.2, 68.15, 68.85 Punj Lloyd L, 104, 107.8, 97.55, 98.8 Punjab Natio, 1179.95, 1198, 1155.1, 1172.15 Rajesh Expor, 116.2, 117.4, 109.35, 111.85 Ranbaxy Labs, 570.5, 573, 543.7, 546.95 Rashtriya Ch, 98, 98.9, 83.7, 88.45 Reliance Cap, 682.7, 685.7, 648.1, 653 Reliance Com, 131.1, 131.1, 120.4, 122.25 Reliance Ene, 1209.95, 1340, 1092, 1130 Reliance Ind, 699, 714.9, 670.5, 675.15 Reliance Ind, 1024.55, 1033.85, 978.75, 984.5 Reliance Pow, 157.9, 157.9, 150.25, 151.05 Rolta India, 156.9, 158.35, 149, 151.15 Satyam Compu, 63.05, 63.05, 59.7, 60 Sesa Goa Ltd, 305.45, 305.95, 292, 294.35 Shipping Cor, 142, 142.3, 138.5, 139.35 Siemens Ltd, 782, 786.65, 760.15, 769.45 Sintex Indus, 198, 198, 176.5, 180.15 Sobha Develo, 315.05, 323.95, 308.05, 316.05 State Bank O, 2815, 2817, 2666.5, 2686.9 Steel Author, 178.8, 180, 172.8, 174.2 Sterlite Ind, 170.65, 172, 159.8, 162.5
Sun Pharmace, 461, 465, 436.35, 449.1 Sun Tv Netwo, 520.05, 524.95, 505, 516.9 Suzlon Energ, 50.5, 50.75, 47, 47.35 Tata Communi, 258.25, 259, 240.35, 244.7 Tata Consult, 1083.7, 1097.3, 1068.1, 1072.6 Tata Motors, 1337.05, 1340, 1259, 1273.85 Tata Power C, 1291.35, 1309.8, 1260.4, 1280.2 Tata Steel L, 628.5, 630, 600.1, 604.55 Tata Teleser, 19.1, 19.2, 18.05, 18.35 Tech Mahindr, 664.85, 667.2, 635, 640.65 The Ge Shpg., 351.35, 358.85, 316.1, 326.75 The Phoenix, 230.85, 230.85, 206.8, 220.25 Thermax Ltd, 855.1, 863, 835.1, 836.75 Titan Indust, 3550, 3590, 3302, 3352.7 Torrent Powe, 290, 297.1, 278, 280.55 Triveni Engg, 104.85, 105.8, 100.15, 101.85 Tv18 India L, 68.95, 69.45, 60.6, 62.05 Uco Bank, 123.25, 124.8, 108.4, 110.55 Ultratech Ce, 1080, 1106.5, 1061, 1082.5 Union Bank O, 323.25, 323.25, 309.2, 313.95 Unitech Ltd, 65, 65.05, 59.65, 60.95 United Phosp, 180, 181.85, 170, 172.05 Videocon Ind, 206.9, 208.95, 191, 198.8 Vijaya Bank, 94.4, 95, 88.25, 89.65 Voltas Ltd, 236, 236, 223.3, 229.4
OHERALDO
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GOA, FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER, 2010
Cyber group says WikiLeaks ElBaradei calls for Egypt presidential attacks to grow REUTERS LONDON, DEC 9
More cyber attacks in retaliation for attempts to block the WikiLeaks website are likely in a “data war” to protect Internet freedom, a representative of one of the groups involved said today. Though no major websites appeared to be under attack early today, Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet said the Swedish government’s website was down for a short time during the night. Sweden had issued an arrest warrant for WikiLeaks’ founder. “Anonymous has targeted mainly companies which have decided for whatever reason not to deal with WikiLeaks. Some of the main targets involve Amazon, MasterCard, Visa and PayPal,” a spokesman calling himself “Coldblood” told BBC Radio 4. “The campaign is not over from what I’ve seen, it’s still going strong. More people are joining, more and more people are downloading the voluntary botnet tool which allows people to command dos (distributed denial of service) attacks,”
he added. The speaker, who had an English accent, said he was aged 22 and was a software engineer. Credit card giants MasterCard and Visa came under intense cyber attack on Wednesday as supporters of WikiLeaks retaliated for moves against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange after the release of US diplomatic cables that angered and embarrassed the Obama administration. “I see this as becoming a war, but not your conventional war. This is a war of data. We are trying to keep the Internet free and open for everyone, just the way the Internet always has been,” “Coldblood” added. Assange is in a London jail after he was arrested over allegations of sexual assault in Sweden. His supporters say the accusations against him are politically motivated. “It’s very hard to get hold of anyone from WikiLeaks. The only (person) you could really get hold of was Julian, but unfortunately he’s not available at the moment,” said “Coldblood”.
More US billionaires pledge to give away wealth REUTERS NEW YORK, DEC 9
Another 17 US billionaires, including Facebook co-founders Mark Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz, have pledged to give away at least half their fortunes in a philanthropic campaign led by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. A total of 57 billionaires now have joined The Giving Pledge, which was launched by Microsoft founder Gates and investor Buffett in June. The campaign announced the new pledges in a statement late yesterday. Gates, his wife Melinda, and Buffett have asked US billionaires to give away at least half their wealth during their lifetime or after their death, and to publicly state their intention with a letter explaining their decision. The Giving Pledge does not accept money or tell people how to donate their money but asks billionaires to make a moral commitment to give their fortunes to charity. “People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done?” Zuckerberg, who gave 100 million dollars in September to the beleaguered public schools of Newark, New Jersey, said in a statement. “With a generation of
younger folks who have thrived on the success of their companies, there is a big opportunity for many of us to give back earlier in our lifetime and see the impact of our philanthropic efforts,” he said. In addition to Zuckerberg and Moskovitz, the world’s youngest billionaires, pledges were made by AOL co-founder Steve Case, financier Carl Icahn and Michael Milken, a former Wall Street executive who went to prison in the early 1990s for securities violations. Morningstar Chief Executive Joe Mansueto, businessman Nicolas Berggruen and private investor Ted Forstmann also are among the new billionaires to take the pledges. “In just a few short months we’ve made good progress,” said Buffett, who made his fortune with insurance and investm e n t c o m p a n y B e r k s h i re Hathaway Inc. “The Giving Pledge has re-energized people thinking about philanthropy and doing things in philanthropy and I look forward to many more conversations with families who are truly fortunate and whose generosity can and will change lives,” he said. Along with speaking to about a quarter of the wealthiest people in the United States about
US defence secy to visit China next month REUTERS BEIJING, DEC 9
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates will visit China next month, as the world’s two largest economies try to repair a relationship that has been battered by arguments about military exercises and Taiwan. Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the long-expected announcement about the visit at a news conference in Tokyo today. “One of the very difficult parts of the United States’ and China’s relationship right now is we have no military-to-military contacts, no military-to-military relationship,” Mullen said. “Secretary Gates will visit China next month from the US,” he added. “I would hope that we can sustain that military-to-military relationship as opposed to what it has been, which has been onand-off over the years, which just doesn’t do either one of us very, any good.” At the same time, China announced that a Chinese military delegation headed by a senior general left for the United States on Thursday for what state media said were regular defence talks. General Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of general staff of the People’s Liberation Army, will attend the 11th annual round of bilateral defence consultations, Xinhua news agency said. The two sides will “exchange views on military ties, maritime military security and other international and regional security issues”, Xinhua said, citing a Chinese Defence Ministry statement. It gave no further details. US and Chinese defence chiefs in October met for the first time since Beijing lifted a freeze on US military ties, imposed after Washington unveiled a new arms sales package to self-ruled Taiwan.
The Giving Pledge, Gates and Buffett hosted a dinner with Chinese billionaires in Beijing in September in a bid to promote a culture of philanthropy in China. The pair plan to visit India in March. Forbes magazine said the United States is home to more than 400 billionaires, the most of any country. Individual Americans gave more than 227 billion dollars in 2009, according to the Giving US report by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, down just 0.4 per cent from the previous year despite the US recession. Buffett pledged in 2006 to give away 99 percent of his wealth to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and family charities. Bill and Melinda Gates have so far donated more than 28 billion dollars of their fortune to their foundation.
poll boycott
REUTERS CAIRO, DEC 9
Egyptian opposition activist Mohamed ElBaradei urged supporters to boycott next year ’s presidential election after what he called a “farcical” parliamentar y vote this month that quashed hopes for reform. The former UN nuclear watchdog agency chief has said he would consider running for president if amendments were made to Egypt’s constitution that would make it easier for independent candidates to run. No changes have been made, effectively ruling out his bid. “I ask you to send a clear message to the system that we will not participate in this farce next year in the presidential election if changes to the constitution are not completed,” ElBaradei said in a video posted on his Facebook page. ElBaradei’s entry into Egyptian politics initially excited the country’s fragmented opposition, but enthusiasm for his campaign has largely fizzled since then. Analysts say he has spent too much time abroad and not enough time on the street. The National Democratic Pa r t y o f P re s i d e n t H o s n i Mubarak, who has ruled for almost 30 years, cruised to an overwhelming victory in the second round of parliamentary elections this month after the two biggest opposition blocs with-
drew. Opposition leaders complained of fraud and dirty tricks in the first round. The NDP and the government said that voting was open and fair. “The (parliamentary) elections might be the straw that broke the camel’s back,” ElBaradei said in the online video. “The whole world is going in one direction, and we are going backward.” Mubarak, 82, has not said if he will seek a sixth term next year. If he does not, many analysts assume he will try to lever his son Gamal into power, a plan both father and son deny. Safwat el-Sherif, the NDP secretary-general, told Reuters last month the constitution would not be changed before the 2011 vote.
Israel bombs 4 Gaza sites AFP GAZA CITY, DEC 9
The Israeli air force bombed four sites in the Hamas-ruled Gaza
Strip on Thursday, causing no casualties, Palestinian security officials said.The air raids came after Palestinian militants fired
several mortars into southern Israel from Gaza late Wednesday, wounding one person, the military said.
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SPORTS GOA, Friday, 10 December, 2010
Beto resumes training HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 9
Defending I-League champs, Dempo Sports Club’s Brazilian playmaker Roberto Mendes da Silva alias Beto attended practice sessions at Goa University ground on Thursday morning, after missing the Super Cup at Gurgaon and two I-League matches against Churchill Brothers and East Bengal. Dempo have refused to issue him a no-objection certificate for leaving the club, stating that he needs to honour the contract. The management claimed that it is not fair to leave the club at the beginning of the I-League.
Pango congratulated
MARGAO (HC) --Goa Football Association’s executive member, Anthony Pango was congratulated by the Raia villagers during the Gram Sabha held at Raia recently. Panch, Judas Quadros and many other speakers applauded Pango for his role in the development of soccer in the village and also for getting elected for the third consecutive term of GFA. The resolution was moved by Xavier Fernandes.
Siolim Sodiem promoted to 2nd Div HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 9
A brace from Anthony Fernandes secured promotion for Siolim Sodiem Sports and Cultural Association as they defeated Nagoa Sporting 3-0 in GFA’s Third Division Bardez Zonal finals at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Thursday. Siolim led 1-0 at the interval. Siolim manager, Paul Fernandes was delighted with the performance. “The boys stuck to the game plan. I wanted them to score the early goal and then keep possession of the ball,” remarked Paul. Siolim managed to pin down their opponents in the midfield, using tight man-to-man marking to stop Nagoa’s exciting midfielders. Nagoa started the brightest out of the two teams but after the first goal went in, they started to fade and were not given the opportunity to settle into their usual rhythm. In the 28th minute, Siolim
The winning Siolim Sodiem team with GFA executive Bardez member, Babli Mandrekar.
took the lead after Anthony Fernandes was put through on goal and critically steered the ball past the Nagoa custodian. After the breather, the tempo reduced but both teams went in search of more goals.
In the 67th, as Nagoa pushed more and more forward for an equaliser, they were stopped in their tracks. The ball was played over the top for Anthony and he used his pace to get around the keeper and slot home his
second. Four minutes later, Rakesh Vaigangkar sent in a teasing ball across the face of the goal and teammate, Besil Fernandes accepted his invitation by tapping into an empty net.
Photo: Aldrid Da Costa.
CAC Cansaulim beat Young Humourists Club 3-1 in a Second Division match. Selwyn Sequeria, Clayton Dias, Ferrao Fernandes scored for CAC. Pankaj Siyan netted for Humourists.
St Clara’s, Chubby Goa trail Tripura by 113 runs Cheeks champs HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
u-17 bardez football HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 9
St Clara's HS, Assonora defeated Dynanprasarak HS, Mapusa 8-3 to clinch the football U-17 boys Bardez taluka title organised by DSYA at Peddem complex on Thursday. St Clara's led 4-0 at the interval. St Clara’s displayed a great combination of passes. They
continued their dominance in the second half too. Holy Cross, Bastora secured the third place. In the girls U-14 tournament, Chubby Cheeks HS, Porvorim over came Little Flower of Jesus HS, Calangute 6-1 in the finals to win the title.
Mother of Mercy move into quarters trikannad schools cricket HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 9
Third Division football: Sao Jose De Areal v. Sporting Club of Davorlim, Curtorim ground, 3.45 p.m. GFA Second Division football: Mangor SC v. Mundivel SC, Tilak Maidan, Vasco, 4 p.m. GFA U-16 football: FC Sanquelim v. ABC Arambol, Municipal ground, Sanquelim; Goa United Sports Academy v. Dunes SC, Poriat ground. Kick off 4 p.m. GFA U-14 football: Brasil Futebol Academia v. Jawahar Club, Agacaim ground; Fr Agnelo Youth Center, Pilar v. Don Bosco Oratory, Pilar ground. Kick off 4 p.m. 5th Gouveia memorial soccer: Goa Velha SC v. Sinquerim SC, Mayem, Colvale church ground, 4.45 p.m. 7th Rosary Cup soccer: Real Benaulim v. Mix Friends, Pilerne, Rosary ground, Zorrriwaddo, Davorlim, 4.30 p.m.
Mother of Mercy defeated Rosary HS by 18 runs to enter in the quarter-finals of 12th Mukund Trikannad memorial allGoa inter-school U-16 cricket tournament organised by Margao Cricket Club. Mother of Mercy scored 84 runs (all out) in 20 overs. For Mother of Mercy, Yamnappa Kadvi scored 17 runs, Anil Naik 12 (not out) and Suraj Naik 10. For Rosary’s Mohammad Hussain clinched 3/14, Altaf Mulla 2/10, Dhawal Byadul 1/18, Rohit Kumar 1/10 while Sameer Soren 1/12. In reply, Rosary could score only 66 runs (all out) in 19.4 overs. Mohsin Dessai top scored for Rosary with 36 runs. For Mother of Mercy Akash Madar grabbed 3/17, Maruti Huggi 2/15, Siddharth Naik 2/9 and Shailesh Shinde 2/15.
Goa were trailing by 113 runs with six wickets remaining on the second day of their 4-day Ranji Trophy Plate League Group A match against Tripura at GCA stadium, Alto Porvorim on Thursday. Tripura folded at 353 and Goa were 128 for 4 at stumps in their second knock after they were bundled out for 112 in the first innings yesterday. Sagun Kamat (58) and Rahul Keni (39) were involved in a 67run partnership after the fall of A Ratra with the scoreboard 61 for 4. It was yet another bad start for Goa in the second innings, losing the first wicket with just 10 runs on the board. N S Shetty stole the honours for Tripura this morning hitting
105 with 11 fours and a six. R Dutta (76 not out) was the other batsman who gave solidity to the visitors knock. They folded
at 353 with Robin D’Sousa scalping four wickets, followed by S Bandekar and Shadab Jakati with three each.
GOA (1st innings): 112. Tripura (1st innings): R H Saha c Vidyut b Bandekar 32, A S Das c Kamat b D'Souza 22, W A Mota b Jakati 38, N S Shetty lbw b Jakati 105, N N Sen Chowdhary c Ratra b D'Souza 22, B S R Das b Bandekar 6, T K Chanda lbw b Bandekar 7, R Dutta not out 76, S K Reang c Vidyut b Jakati 15, Rana Dutta c Ratra b D'Souza 17, A Dey b D'Souza 6, extras 7. Total (all out; 103.4 overs; 451 mins) 353. Fall: 1-36, 2-65, 3-129, 4-179, 5-196, 6-211, 7-266, 8-288, 9-339, 10-353. Bowling: S S Bandekar 27-5-102-3, R R D'Souza 23.4-3-77-4, H H Gadekar 13-1-43-0, S B Jakati 22-7-63-3, Amit Yadav 18-3-62-0. Goa (2nd innings): S K Kamat not out 58 (10 fours), V U Naik c Dutta b Chanda 1, S Vidyut c Dutta b Chanda 5, R J Pinto c Saha b Chanda 16, A Ratra c Dutta b Rana Dutta 0, R Keni not out 39 (8 fours), extras 9. Total (4 wickets; 30 overs) 128. Fall: 1-10 (Naik), 2-24 (Vidyut), 3-53 (Pinto), 4-61 (Ratra). Bowling: W A Mota 11-0-55-0, T K Chanda 10-1-43-3, Rana Dutta 5-015-1, A Dey 4-1- 14-0.
Progress High School, Panjim, district level winners of inter-school U-14 and U-17 judo championships organised by DSYA at Peddem ground, Mapusa. In all, the school won four gold, four silver and two bronze medals. Sitting (l to r): A Rodrigues (PE teacher), Satish Mhapsekar (headmaster), Arjun Kadam (gold). Standing: Daniel (silver), Shivaji (gold), Preeti (bronze), Priyanka (silver), Siddhi (silver), Deepak (bronze), Baleshwar (silver), Pallavi (gold) and Ruksar (gold).
Sudhir stars for Sirsaim GOA DIARY HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 9
A brace by Sudhir Kanekar helped Sirsaim Sports and Welfare Club defeat Friends XI, Vaddem 2-0 in 5th Pio Jose Gouveia memorial soccer organised by Youth Club, Colvale at Colvale church ground on Thursday. Both
goals came in the second half. Sudhir Kanekar opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a fierce grounder and just 10 minutes later, struck once again in the 60th minute to seal Sirsaim’s win. Sudhir was declared the manof-the-match.
Orlim walk past Majorda HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 9
Orlim Sports Club blanked AA de Majorda 2-0 in the GFA U-14 League at Orlim ground, on Thursday. Orlim were leading 10 at half time. Orlim dominated from the start and harassed the rival defence with well orchestrated raids. Their persistent forays paid dividends when Limbert Rebello bulged the net giving no chance to the rival keeper.
Stung by the setback, Majorda tried their best but could not breach the rival defence. Orlim had many scoring chances but their forwards were inept after reaching the rival danger zone. Orlim continued to enjoy a lion share of exchanges after the change of ends and tested the rival keeper with long rangers. Lionel Fernandes doubled the lead with a snap shot. At Raia ground, Snow’s Football Academy and Ambelim Sports Club played a 1-1 draw. At Curtorim ground, Curtorim Gymkhana held Raia Football Club to a goalless draw.
Portais U-14 football team
PANJIM (HSD) -- Portais Sporting Club, Panjim conducted their soccer selection trials from November 24 to 27 at Don Bosco school ground, Panjim to select their U-14 team for GFA’s U-14 League (Ilhas Zone). Following players have been selected: Salu Santos (captain), Ashley Rodrigues (vice-captain), Malcolm Henriques, Neves Xavier, Akshay Kunkalkar, Akash Madkaikar, Aman Bariva Sousa, Rohit Raut, Prajat Mondal, Amit Surlikar, Karan Shirodkar, Joshua Rebello, Gautam Murgaokar, Saish Naik, Anish Gawas, Devendra Murgaokar, Karan Kunkalkar, Rajiv Martins, Akshay Gauns, Joseph Fernandes, Darshan Naik, Richard Fernandes, Diptesh Kundaikar, Sahil Divkar and Girish Chatri. Players may report to coach Frankie Mascarenhas or manager Ryan Cardoso at Don Bosco school ground, Panjim from December 11 onwards at 2.30 p.m. for practices with full kit.
Basketball tourney at Mira Mar
PANJIM (HSD) -- KJ’s Basketeers will organise their 3rd All-Goa knock-out basketball tournament from December 14 to 17 at Youth Hostel, Mira Mar. Cash prizes will be awarded. Last date for entries is December 11. Details may be obtained from Glen on 9850466555, Dilip Ghosh on 9420165476 or Lambert on 9422593897.
3-a-side soccer at Cansaulim
PANJIM (HSD) -- Big Ben Boys, Prial, Cansaulim will organise their 2nd All-Goa 3-a-side soccer tie-breaker near Gama Caterers house on December 11 at 11 a.m. The winners will take home Rs 15,000 plus a trophy while the runners-up will pocket Rs 10,000 and a trophy. Spot entries will be accepted. Details may be obtained from 9881288001 or 9822139903.
Yoga classes at Aquem
MARGAO (HC) -- Ambika Yoga, Shantinagar, Aquem, Baixo will conduct their 23rd batch yoga classes on December 12 at Shantinagar, Aquem. The classes will be held on Sundays from 6.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. under the supervision of Bala Kakodkar. Details may be obtained from Bala Kakodkar on 2753220, Deepak Sangodkar on 9822177428, Ganapati Mangeshkar on 2766334, Vinda Kakodkar on 9881884228 or Shankar Malvankar on 9422740211.
Learn to swim classes at Campal
Charmaine Furtado who won the bronze at National U-14 triathlon.
BAFF held
MAPUSA (HSR) -- BAFF and Goa United had to be content in sharing points as they drew 1-1 in GFA’s U-14 League at Bicholim ground on Thursday. Emmanuel netted in the 58th minute for Goa United, while BAFF managed to score five minutes from the end.
PANJIM (HSD) – The SAG will conduct learn to swim classes from December 14 to January 2 at Campal. Morning: Gents (7 a.m. to 8 a.m.), ladies (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.). Evening: Children (4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.) and mixed batch ladies and gents (5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.). Details may be obtained from SAG reception, Campal between 6 a.m. to 12 noon and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on all days, except Monday and holidays.
Kayaking expeditions
PANJIM (HSD) -- Goa Kayaking will conduct its daily kayaking expeditions from December 10 to 14 in Mandovi, Zuari and Nerul rivers/backwaters. Details may be obtained from Goa Kayaking on 9422056037 or 2541715.
Pg 15
SPORTS GOA, Friday, 10 December, 2010
AIFF signs Rs 700-cr IMG-RIL deal lPlans
for another Pro League, infrastructure, floodlights
AIFF•President Praful Patel addressing the Annual General Body Meeting of the Federation in New Delhi on Wednesday alongwith other officials. PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 9
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday roped in International Management GroupReliance Industries Limited as their commercial partner by signing a 15-year agreement worth Rs 700 crore, one of the most lucrative deals in Indian sports. The deal was signed between AIFF’s new general secretary, Kushal Das and John Loffhagen, senior vice-president IMG - one of the world's leading sports management company - at the AIFF headquarters. "We have entered into an agreement with IMG-RIL for 15 years for the promotion and development of football. We are excited that this will lead to wider reach of football in the country and elsewhere," AIFF president, Praful Patel told a press conference after the Annual General Body Meeting of the federation. The agreement with AIFF grants IMG-RIL all commercial rights to football in India, including sponsorship, advertising, broadcasting, merchandising, film, video and data, intellectual property, franchising and new league rights. The AIFF has also mandated IMG-RIL to develop the branding and marketing aspects related to National team, domestic competitions and participating teams. IMG-RIL would also look at scheduling, restructuring and reformatting of the domestic competitions. In addition, IMG Reliance plans to develop, operate and administer a new professional football league in the country. Through AIFF, IMG-RIL will also work with the member associations in developing these various proposals. Patel said IMG-RIL and the
AIFF will work together to develop Indian football talent, significantly impact the competitive level of the sport as well as attract high quality international players. This will include training facilities, modelled on IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida. Patel disclosed that FIFA had also decided to give $2 million to the AIFF and it would be used for the development of infrastructure and together with the new deal, Indian football will touch greater heights. "FIFA will also give $2 million for development of infrastructure and we will start using it in floodlighting some stadiums, including Ravindra Sarovar Stadium, Bangalore Football Stadium and Cooperage in Mumbai, so that the I-League matches are held in the evening under lights," he said. "We hope Indian football will scale greater heights with effective marketing and development at the grassroot level," he said. Patel admitted that the earlier partner Zee Sports was not being able to promote football effectively and the AIFF had wanted a stronger partner. "We wanted to see that Indian football was marketed effectively and meaningfully and develop the game better. We had a contract with Zee Sports five years ago, which was for 10 years with an option to extend it for another 10 years. While we had a fruitful relationship with Zee Sports we felt we need to do something even more effectively. We need to bring in much stronger partner.” "In an amicable agreement which was reached between AIFF and Zee Sports, we have terminated the old contract and entered into a new contract with IMG-RIL. The agreement with IMG-RIL is for the balance 15 years of Zee Sports. For the five
years, IMG-RIL will give money to AIFF under the same terms and conditions we had with Zee Sports. In the next 10 years, IMG-RIL will pay AIFF an annual amount of Rs 50 crore or 20 per cent of the revenue whichever is more. "IMG-RIL has also given a buyout amount of Rs 70 crore to Zee Sports to exit from the agreement five years before expiry," the AIFF president said. Patel said IMG-RIL will decide on the sponsorship and broadcast partners of the I-League which have been running without any telecast of matches since it kicked off on December 3. He said the bidding process initiated recently by the AIFF for the broadcast rights was a back-up plan and "does not hold good" anymore. Three channels - 24 Ghanta, joint bids of Kolkata TV and Channel 10 and another one from Kolkata had applied for the telecast rights of the ILeague. "They (bids) no longer hold good anymore. That was an interim arrangement, back up plan in case this deal was delayed. Now that the deal is done with IMG-RIL, we will decide on the new telecast holders and sponsor for the I-League. I hope they will do it fast," he said. IMG senior vice-president Loffhagen said the deal would lead to profound changes in Indian football and develop it better. "We hoped the deal will help in bringing profound changes in Indian football with better marketing. With the World Cup awarded to Russia and Qatar it is exciting time for football and I feel India can aspire for better things," Loffhagen said. Patel said more than what was written in the agreement, IMGRIL has expressed their willingness to do more for Indian football, including building in-
frastructure. "I have personally met RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani and the IMG head and they are keen to play their role in development of Indian football, including building infrastructure. Ambani has shown interest in developing the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai once the PIL going on the court involving the ground is settled. "We have also signed a 30year lease of the Ravindra Sarovar Stadium in Kolkata besides Karnataka Football Association owning a stadium in Bangalore. By next year we will be having two or three good stadiums owned by the State bodies or the AIFF," he said. "We are also strengthening the I-League and starting another league to make Indian football more professional," he added. The Ravindra Sarovar Stadium and KFA Stadium in Bangalore are being developed by Jindal Steels, whose managing director Sajjan Jindal was made the chairman of the reconstituted ILeague committee recently. Patel was evasive when asked about the spate of injuries among Indian National team players, now training in Dubai for the January 7-29 Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar. "It is a matter of concern that there have been injuries. There is very little time left for the Asian Cup and we will continue with the arrangements we are having now. We are being placed in a very tough group but we hope for the best." Asked if National coach Bob Houghton will continue after the Asian Cup, he said, "Bob has a contract till 2013. Let the Asian Cup be over." Patel also evaded a question on whether the team doctor had returned from Dubai, making him accountable for the spate of injuries. Commenting on the deal, Nita Ambani, member on the Board, IMG-RIL said in a release, "As the youth of India make a mark in the global stage, we need to invest in developing platforms which can help our talent to realise their potential." "IMG Reliance is committed towards developing these platforms and the tie-up with the AIFF is a significant step in this direction. I am thankful to Patel and all the senior office- bearers at AIFF and it is a privilege to partner them in the joint pursuit of developing Indian football to its truest potential," she said.
Francesco Totti (right) of AS Roma vies for the ball with Ionut Rada CFR Cluj during the Champions League match in Cluj-Napoca city, northwest from Bucharest on Wednesday.
AP LONDON, DEC 9
Arsenal, AS Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk became the final three teams to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League on Wednesday. Roma secured second place in Group E, behind Bayern Munich, by drawing 1-1 at Cluj. FC Basel came into the final matchday needing to beat Bayern to stand any chance of catching Roma but was thrashed 3-0 in Germany. Group H had both qualifying spots open but Shakhtar finished top by winning 2-0 at home to FC Braga, and Arsenal joined the Ukrainian champions after a nervy 3-1 victory over Partizan Belgrade. Chelsea’s perfect record in Group F ended with a 1-0 loss at Marseille to increase the pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti, while Real Madrid remained unbeaten after its six matches in Group G courtesy of a 4-0 win over Auxerre, with Karim Ben-
zema scoring a hat trick. The draw for the last 16 will be held on Dec. 17, with group winners and teams from the same country prevented from playing each other. Roma only needed a point to go through, but looked as if it would pick up all three when Marco Borriello put the Italian side in the lead in the 21st minute from 12 yards. Lacina Traore headed home in the 88th to earn the Romanian team a draw. France winger Franck Ribery scored in both halves for Bayern, which was already assured of winning the group. Defensive midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk also found the target for last season’s runner-up. Basel finished third and will play in the Europa League. Arsenal reached the second round of the Champions League for the 11th straight year but was given a scare by Partizan and needed late goals by Theo Walcott
SQAY training
Saina in quarters of HK Open
SQAY Association of Goa organised martial arts coaching classes at Corlim in the Pooja committee hall, PDA colony recently. The students were trained by Mahesh Pujari who was deputed by Anil Kumar Pawar, SQAY coach. The function was organised by Ranganath Kavlekar in the presence of panch, Naresh Naik and Chandrakant Kundaikar. Khwaja Ayub was the chief guest while Nafisa Khwaja and N Koppana were special invitees. Classes are being organised thrice a week. Details may be obtained from Ranganath on 9604291288.
AGENCIES WANCHAI, DEC 9
MRF Calangute win 6-a-side hockey Aryans beat Monte HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 9
MRF Calangute winners of 6-a-side hockey tournament.
1 0 0 2 2 1 0 0
Arsenal, Roma, progress; Chelsea stumble
HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 9
Participants at the training demonstration at Corlim.
Arsenal .................... 3 Partizan Belgrade.... Marseille.................... 1 Chelsea........ Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Braga MSK Zilina 1 Spartak Moscow AC Milan 0 Ajax CFR Cluj-Napoca 1 Roma Real Madrid 4 Auxerre Bayern Munich 3 Basle
MRF, Calangute emerged victorious getting the better of MRF, Tivim 4-2 in the men section while in the women’s section, Aryans beat Monte-de-Guirim 2-1 via the tie-breaker in AllGoa 6-a-side hockey tournament for men and women at Tivim Panchayat ground, Tivim recently. In all, 26 teams participated. Tourism Minister, Nilkhant Haldankar was the chief guest and assured all possible help in promoting hockey in Goa. He later gave away the prizes i n t h e p re s e n c e o f T i v i m sarpanch, Arjun Aroskar, Premanand Mauligkar, Robert Colaco and Sesa Football Academy chief coach, Clifford Chukwuma.
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong Super Series with a comfortable straightgame win over Salakjit Ponsana of Thailand in Wanchai on Thursday. The World number two Indian took just 26 minutes to get the better off Ponsana 21-10, 21-12 in the second round of the women's singles event. However, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist P Kashyap had a disappointing day on the court as the Indian lost in straight-games to fifth seed Jin Chen of China. Kashyap was defeated 15-21, 18-21 by Chen in a 45 minute battle in the men's singles.
and Samir Nasri to seal the win. Robin van Persie, making his first start in the competition in more than a year, put the Gunners ahead from the penalty spot in the 30th after he was fouled by Marko Jovanovic. But Arsene Wenger’s side, which climbed to the top of the Premier League last weekend, was far from its best and conceded when Cordova Cleo’s shot deflected off Sebastien Squillaci and over diving Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski in the 42nd. “When it was 1-1, you never know,” Wenger said. “Football is mysterious sometimes. They got a deflected goal, they hadn’t had many chances and sometimes when it’s all against you they can score a second goal.” Wenger sent on substitute Walcott and the England winger scored within six minutes, volleying home after collecting a poor defensive clearance.
Nasri wrapped the game up in the 77th, the in-form midfielder slamming in a left-footed shot from 15 yards for his 12th goal of the season. Bacary Sagna was sent off in the 85th minute for a professional foul and will miss the first leg of the last 16. When asked which side Arsenal would like next, Van Persie said: “As a football fan, Barcelona or Madrid, but we’ll see what the draw will be.” The Gunners could also face German teams FC Schalke or Bayern. Braga had to better Arsenal’s result, or win 4-0 in Donetsk, to clinch a top-two finish but never threatened and conceded two goals in the final 11 minutes. Madrid coach Jose Mourinho watched from the stands as his team finished Group G unbeaten. Mourinho was serving a onegame ban for instructing Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos to deliberately incur red cards in a victory at Ajax two weeks ago. Madrid had no problems without its coach’s touchline prompts, Benzema opening the scoring in the 12th and adding two more goals in the final 18 minutes in his best display in 18 months with the club. “Karim deserves this because he’s been working very hard,” said strike partner Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in the 49th for his 21st goal of the season. “Things hadn’t been working out but he answered very well.” The nine-time champions closed out its most successful Champions League group campaign with 16 points from a possible 18. In the group’s other match, Demy de Zeeuw and Toby Alderweireld scored second-half goals for Ajax in a 2-0 win over AC Milan to secure the Dutch side a spot in the Europa League. In Group F, Brandao’s 81stminute goal gave Marseille a 10 win over Chelsea, ending the English club’s bid to become only the fifth team to win all six matches in the group stage. The Brazilian striker struck the winner by wrong-footing goalkeeper Petr Cech from close range after collecting a deflected shot from defender Taye Taiwo inside the area. Chelsea has now won just two of its last eight matches in all competitions. Zilina’s home match against Spartak Moscow was interrupted for 20 minutes shortly after kickoff due to away fans throwing flares onto the field. When play resumed, Tomas Majtan put the Slovak champions ahead in the 48th. But Alex equalized and then sent in a cross for Ibson—who was later sent off— to tap in a winner from close range seven minutes later. Zilina and Partizan finished the group stage without a point.
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SPORTS
Siolim Sodiem promoted to 2nd Div Pg 14
GOA, FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER, 2010 www.oheraldo.in
India look for series whitewash PTI CHENNAI, DEC 9
High on confidence after steamrolling the opposition in the first three matches before snatching an improbable win in the next, a rampaging India would look to rout New Zealand with a 5-0 series whitewash in the fifth and final cricket one-dayer here tomorrow. The young Indian side have done remarkably well in the series in the absence of senior players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh who have been rested ahead of the tough tour to South Africa. A 5-0 series whitewash would be a sweet revenge for India for the 2-5 drubbing during their visit to New Zealand in 2003. It would also be a humiliating defeat for New Zealand since the two sides played each other since 1975-76. Fortunately for cricket fans in Chennai, who have seen abandonment of matches due to inclement weather in the recent past, sun has come out brightly since yesterday after continuous rain for the past few days. With weather gods relenting, the ground is expected to be fully dry up and a full match appears to be on the card at the M A Chidambaram Stadium. Most of the top-order Indian batsmen have been among runs in the series, with the exception of Murli Vijay, and one or two have raised their hands in all the four previous matches to take the side to comfortable victories. Yusuf's blitzkrieg unbeaten 123 of 96 balls and useful contributions from Sourabh Tiwary (37 not out), Rohit Sharma (44) and Parthiv Patel (53) must have boosted the confidence of the side that they can go for a whitewash. Gambhir himself was upbeat with the chance to complete a memorable series clean sweep. "We need to win this game. It is important. It would be good to have five wins in a row and wind up the series before heading for South Africa and it would be useful," he said. In the bowling front though, India will have to improve upon their performance in the last ODI in Bangalore where they leaked
runs at the death overs, an oftrepeated problem for the side. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has done a decent job in the series so far with eight wickets from four matches though he was expensive in the last ODI. Yusuf and Yuvraj Singh have also chipped in with useful contributions in Bangalore.
Anand held by Nakamura in London chess PTI LONDON, DEC 9
World Champion Viswanathan Anand tried his best but could not penetrate the solid defences of Hikaru Nakamura of United States in the opening round of the London Chess Classic here today. On an exceptional day of exciting chess, England's Luke McShane created the first big upset of the tournament shocking World Number two Magnus Carlsen of Norway in a cracker of a game. The other two games in this eight players round robin tournament were also decisive with Russian Vladimir Kramnik outplaying former world championship challenger Nigel Short of England and local hero Michael Adams crushing compatriot David Howell. After the end of the first round in the football-like scoring system, Kramnik, McShane and Adams share the lead with three point while Anand and Nakamura are behind with one point apiece.
Left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra has been a bit of a let down having taken just three wickets in the four matches by conceding 197 runs. Zaheer Khan, having missed the first two ODIs due to injury, has taken two from the two matches. For New Zealand though it has been a tough tour of India
having lost the three-match Test series 0-1 and an ODI whitewash looming. The Daniel Vettori-led side would, however, be happy with the way they had cornered India in Bangalore before a Yusuf special bailed the home side out. Match starts at 2.30 pm.
AIFF signs Rs 700-cr IMG-RIL deal Pg 15
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Friday, 10 Dec 2010
HeartBeat
Goa gets Sizzling in December! Goa is an international tourist destination that receives tourists throughout the year, especially during the festive month of December. Though first, it was just Christmas and New Year that attracted tourists, Goa now offers many more reasons to celebrate. Herald finds out more
BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES ith the drastic climatic changes, December seems to be the busiest month for the tourism industry. Take a walk down the beachside and one will notice the increase in the number of sun beds almost kissing the shore. Goa brings to mind sun, sand and surf but now you can add music festivals, wildlife, cruises and religious festivals to what Goa has to offer. From the beginning of December itself, there is a flow of tourists pouring into the state from different parts of the world. December 3 brings devotees to Goa for the feast of St Francis Xavier, some of whom come down for a month long vacation. Those few who don’t know about the festivities that Goa celebrates grandly like the Panjim and Margao feast, Christmas and New Year to wind up the year, once in Goa, they get acquainted with the happenings in the state. However, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation has introduced several activities that entertain tourists not only for enjoyment but also give them insight into the culture, history and ecology of the state. One of the new trends noticed in the tourism industry are frequent visits to spice farms. Pascoal Spice Village is one farm that pioneered this trend. Milagres Fernandes who set up the entire organic farm, enlightens, “Pascoal Spice Village was the first spice farm to bring the concept to Goa. We have been organising walks in the spice village for the past 13 years. I was awarded Mr Farmer by the Goa Government in 1992 and then I was awarded on a national level by ASPEE, an American company in 1998.” He further adds, “The farm has every plant that is commercially grown in Goa and it also has exotic plants. It is the biggest plant
W
M a g Tu k a m Melltolem, darar mar dar ugoddtolem – Anonymous
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A vacation is like love anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia – Anonymous
This Tea Party is open to the World
F
nursery in Goa spanning over 50 acres. Tourists have been coming here from the beginning but now foreign tourists show more interest as compared to the domestic tourist. One can spend the entire day with nature.” If a person loves water then one can take advantage of the numerous water sports that Goa is gradually gaining importance for. Windsurfing, dinghy sailing, scuba diving, water skiing, water scooter and kayaking are a few of them. Want to be close to water but don’t want to get wet? Here is an option for tourists in Goa. Go on a cruise tour that even includes sightseeing to spice farms while showing historical structures. Rekha Nirl e ka r, M a n a g e r o f R i v e r Cruises, says, “The entire itinerary of the cruise has been changed since last year. We now have six dances for a one hour trip, which are ‘Goff ’, coconut shell dance, ‘Corridinho’, ribbon dance, Jive and Carnival. Even dinner cruises are offered to guests on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Another feature of the cruise trips are Backwater Thrills which are organised on Tuesdays and Fridays. The cruise leaves the jetty at 9:30am and heads to Savoi Verem Spice farm on Tuesdays and Tropical Spice farm on Fridays.” When asked about the change in flow of tourists, she says, “Tourists both foreign and domestic have enjoyed the cruises from the very beginning. The number of tourists have increased over the years and now with the changed itinerary, there is even more rush for the cruises. We also organise dances in the month of December for Christmas and New Year.” So if you are down in Goa, this is the right time to get out your fashionable glares, rub a little sunscreen lotion and head out to explore the adventurous activities Goa has to offer.
High Hopes, Hard Realities for India’s Low Priced, Tablet Computer T he Indian government won headlines around the world when it unveiled a prototype 35-dollar tablet computer in July, but questions are now growing over whether the project is just a pipe dream. At the computer’s launch, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal vowed “the solutions for tomorrow will emerge from India” as he revealed the breathtaking price tag - a fraction of the 500 dollar cost for an Apple iPad. Officials said the touchscreen device, aimed at the country’s millions of students, could even be hammered down to just 10 dollars once production rates increase. The tablet computer, which has yet to be named, is billed as boasting a three-hour power back-up, Internet browser, media player, video-conferencing capability, good data storage, hard disk drive and webcam. “The price includes a small component of profit for the manufacturer and hence higher volumes will fetch more returns. This low-cost device is likely to revolutionise the education system in our country. It will have a very positive impact on our literacy campaign,” said Sibal. But Indian promises of a ‘laptops for the masses’ have hit the buffers before. The government said it was on the brink of putting the computer on sale in both 2005 and 2009 - only for the much-hyped product never to materialise. Terry Thomas, a partner in the local arm of global audit firm Ernst and Young, is among those striking a note of caution. “A computer with all normal functionalities at this price will not be sustainable unless it is subsidised by the government or the industry,” he said. Thomas suggested a ‘stripped-down version’ with a bare minimum of facilities could perhaps be engineered at nearer the advertised cost, though users would likely be unimpressed. The first 100,000 computers are slated to be released as soon as January, but details of its exact specifications is still scarce - as is the level of government subsidy that will be essential to keep the price down. Experts have also warned the device could struggle with issues such as cheap imports and India’s rising labour charges. “If one takes out the cost of labour then the cost of materials like plastic and silicon will have to be virtually nothing,” said Joydeep Bhattacharya, of the Indian unit of US computer giant Hewlett-Packard. The motherboard of a prototype cost 47 dollars alone, Sibal’s ministry said in a statement earlier this year, claiming it was still possible to cut costs. He hopes that 10 million of the computers will be manufactured within 12 months of the first one coming off the production line - an ambitious target by any measure. Just months before the first models are due in public; the government has been determined to keep its manufacturers a secret. The Delhi-based Manufacturers’ Association of Information Technology (MAIT) stressed that government subsidies may not be able to guarantee the 35-dollar price tag (about 1,600 rupees) against market pressures. MAIT executive director Ashwani Aggarwal said he wondered if the price included taxes, transportation charges and delivery costs. And he said not enough thought had been given to the potential users. “Parallel to the cost factor, serious effort must be put into triggering demand through programmes that deliver easy finance to students,” Aggarwal said. India, whose 61 per cent literacy rate lags far behind many other developing nations, such as China with 92 per cent, is making major efforts to improve its education system. The planned tablet computer is part of a push to increase the number of students in higher education and give them the technological skills needed to further boost India’s economic growth. Despite the many obstacles, George Paul, executive vice president of Indian technology firm HCL Infosystems, is optimistic, saying the march of progress means the affordable computer was a long-term certainty for India. “The One Laptop per Child Association in the US was difficult to comprehend and there was scepticism then but it led to the low-cost Netbook laptops,” he said. “This is a journey which will evolve.” (Courtesy: AFP)
rom Vancouver to Kolkata and between Montreal and Yokhama, Zen artist Bryan Mulyil flits across continents attempting to bring people from disparate cultures together to talk about anything under the sun over a cup of tea. “Tea is the perfect medium for a human meeting ritual, almost every community in the world today has a tradition of drinking tea,” says Mulyil, the founder of the art salon World Tea Party (WTP). The artist and tea connoisseur is currently participating in the ongoing Delhi International Arts Festival here and hosted a tea ceremony at the Russian Cultural Centre. Mulyil began as a practitioner of ‘Postal Art’ - a global cultural movement quite popular in the 1960s and 1970s that involved sending visual art (also including music, sound art, poetry, etc) through the international postal system to a network of artists worldwide. During his travels to the trans-Himalayan region, he says he painted an “imaginary conceptual tea house using mythology and Buddhist art forms.” Later in the year 1993, he collaborated with Montreal-based artists Daniel Dion and Su Schnee to create a large interactive exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada that they named the World Tea Party’. “We used the existing exhibits at the Canadian Gallery and took everything that had anything to do with tea and created a tea room there,” recalls Mulyil. The art event featured Indian miniatures and Chinese scrolls depicting the tradition of drinking tea as well as performances from artists from various countries. Since then, the WTP has been held in Tokyo, Paris, Cologne and Montana among other cities across the world. It came to Kolkata in 2008 as part of the Calcutta Art Fair and there was a WTP in the same year at Delhi’s Travancore Gallery. He also held the tea party at the recent Winter Olympics. “The Tea Party for me is a non-profit, contemporary art project; it is a social sculpture that is community based and works with a lot of different artists. Since I am interested in the human meeting rituals the WTP serves a sense of coming together for shared exchanges of ideas and experiences,” says the artist who expresses his dissatisfaction with the current Tea Party movement in the US. “The WTP sees the commonalities of cultures and communities rather than their differences. The current Tea Party movement in America is very right wing and is trying to promote white picket fencing,” says Mulyil. The artist says, “I am planning on developing a court case for defamation against them as they hijacked the spirit of the tea party.” The Tea Party is a populist political movement in the US that has sponsored locally - and nationally - coordinated protests since 2009. It endorses causes such as reducing government spending, lowering taxes, and reducing the national debt among other things. In the tea parties that he usually holds, Mulyil with his collaborators explores the tea drinking ceremonies across countries. India he says has not yet developed a distinctive tea culture. “India is one of the largest tea producers in the world but it has never really developed its own tea culture. What it has is the ‘chai’ culture that comes from the British Army. I think now is a great opportunity for independent India that is growing strong politically and economically to promote its unique tea culture,” says Mulyil. The artist who also paints in calligraphy style of the ancient Buddhists says, “Globally there is increasing interdependence, we need to find a common meeting place where we can appreciate each other in all our diversity.” All this over a cuppa tea seems not a bad idea. (Courtesy: PTI)
Inspired by a Higher Power
“Without Him I can do nothing. But with Him I can do all things and I will never fail. For He makes possible the impossible, and helps us turn our dreams and desires to reality,” believes Pascoal Rodrigues. It is this faith and parental support that made this talented man what he is today
BY ELVIS SEQUEIRA HERALD FEATURES mother is said to be the fulcrum on which the lever of her child’s future is pivoted. Like a potter gives a definite shape to their earthenware, a mother moulds a child to give shape to his future. Pascoal Rodrigues, a reputed writer, director and actor of the Konkani stage, would not have reached where he is today had his mother not played the part she did in her son’s quest to become a successful tiatrist. She even pawned her gold ornaments to finance her son’s tiatrs, knowing well that the returns could not be guaranteed. But Pascoal’s hard work and determination combined with his inborn talent and immense faith in the Almighty propelled him to success and turned his dreams into reality. His father, a tiatrist at the village level, also encouraged him to act in tiatrs from a very young age. Much before he made his mark on the tiatr scene as a director, Pascoal acted in tiatrs written and directed by well-known directors C D’Silva, Late Aristedes Dias, Roseferns and others. Being the only
A
experienced tiatrist from his village of Dongorim-Majorda, Pascoal was entrusted the responsibility of writing, directing and staging a tiatr on the occasion of the feast of St Sebastian, celebrated at the village chapel. His very first tiatr with an amateur cast from his village was well received by the audience, and thereafter it became an annual affair. Encouraged by the success he tasted at the village level, he staged his first tiatr ‘Battli’ in 1987 with a professional cast and it became an instant hit, clocking 100 shows. The success of ‘Battli’ gave him a much needed foothold on the tiatr stage as a director. And since then, he has never looked back. He went on to score centuries with ‘ Bazar’, ‘Rozar’, ‘Paizonnam’, ‘Maim’ and other tiatrs. Over the years Pascoal, has written, directed and staged 49 tiatrs, focussing mainly on the different facets of family life. His 49th production ‘Dev Borem Korun Maim’ which he has dedicated to his mother is currently being performed all over Goa. What pulls the crowds to watch his tiatrs is his ability to weave a simple theme into an interesting plot with a lucid script that can be easily grasped by tiatr lovers. When quizzed about what inspires him to pen tiatrs with such interesting storylines, he states simply, “It is the power of the Word of God.” He further explains, “I go for Mass everyday and listen very attentively to the homilies, understanding and visualising every word that is spoken and read. And, by the time I come out of church, I am all charged up and full of inspiration.” His advice for all new and upcoming tiatrists is: “Put love for the art before fame and money. Let commitment and dedication be your motto. And then the rest will follow.”
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WHAT’S UP IN GOA?? Hills to Himalayas II, a photography exhibition by Ecotreks Goa is underway till December 11 at Attic Gallery, Panjim. E-mail ecotreksgoa@gmail.com. Call 9 8 2 2 1 6 8 11 2 , 9 4 2 2 4 4 5 4 4 4 o r 9422442973. Techfest, the Annual International Science and Technology Festival of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai will be held from January 7 to 9. It is open to students from all over the country. Registration closes on December 20. E m a i l ronniephilip1991@gmail.com. Call 9969688761. Kayaking Expeditions, organised by Goa Kayaking Daily will be held on December 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Visit www.goakayaking.com. E-mail goakayaking@gmail.com. Call 9422056037 or 2541715. First Ever Goa Arts and Literary Festival will be held at the International Centre Goa in partnership with the Sahitya Academy, Goa Writers Group, Goa Konkani Academy, Gomantak Marathi Academy and Goa Tourism from December 12 to 14. Visit www.goaartlitfest.com. Festival of Carols, organised by the Kala Academy will take place on December 19 at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452. ‘Crazy Idea Competition’, organised by the Staff Club of the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula is open for registration. It will be held on the occasion of NIO Foundation Day. Visit www.nio.org/innovative ideas competition. E-mail crazyidea@nio.org. The 20th Ranga Sammelan and Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar: Felicitation of Dr Ashok G Ranade for his contribution towards music will be held on December 17 and 18 at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452. Weekend Workshops: Basic photography workshop in Goa designed for aspiring photographers who would like to experiment and achieve
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HOROSCOPE competence and confidence with their camera will be by Goa Centre for Alternative Photography. E-mail info@goa-cap.com. Call 9822087276. German Culture Week, Goa, organised by the Indo-German Friendship Society of Goa, is underway till December 12. There are various programmes scheduled during the week including Rally Panjim to Anjuna with a VW Bulli, Traditional German Home Pastry Class by German Ladies, presentations and talks. E-mail info@igsg.org. Call 9960822490. Christmas Crafting Workshops will be held this Christmas season. Call 9881696445. The 3rd All India Annual Art Competition and Exhibition 2010, organised by Bhikuram Jain Foundation, New Delhi is open for entries. The exhibition and the award presentation ceremony will be held on February 12, 2011. Call the Kala Academy, Panjim on 2420452. Solo Dance Competition for under-16 year olds, organised by Omkar Cultural Association, Colvale will be held on December 30 at Kala Academy. Registration is open. Entry forms are available at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 9673997188 or 9823306652. The Annual All-Goa Carol Singing contest organised by the Betalbatim Cricket Club will be held on December 18 at 5.30pm at Betalbatim. Call 9822104181. ‘Sabores de Goa’, a culinary delight of Goan Portuguese cuisine will be held on December 10 at 7pm at Agnel Ashram, Verna. Call 9822184111. Yoga sessions conducted by Hoor S Girglani are underway till December 18 from 6:30am to 7:30am at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Call 9766015762 or 2451363. NINE - Sunday Brunch Reloaded, organised by Goa Marriott Resort will take place on December 12, 19, 26 and January 2, 9, 16 and 23 at Waterfront Terrace and Bar, Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar, Panjim. Call 246 3333.
Today, when you are working in a group dynamic, you 21 Mar - 19 Apr might want to hold back. Your future is much on your mind right now, and with good reason -- you can see that things are getting better, but your new ideas are starting to push you in a new, even more positive direction!
Taurus Prioritizing responsibilities over fun is not wise -- make 20 Apr - 20 May room for playtime today. Your conservative nature is out in force today, though it almost certainly has nothing to do with politics -- unless it's office politics. In that case, you lay down the law for those who embrace change for its own sake.
Yo u a r e t h e Gemini ringleader of the day's amusing circus -wrangle every21 May - 20 Jun one together. Shake things up a bit mentally and try to fully adopt a new point of view -- temporarily - and get a better understanding of those you consider enemies, or at least non-allies. You should learn a lot!
If your temper -- or the tempers of people around you -are rising, just 22 Jun - 23 Jul ride it out. Your finances deserve more attention today, so get to it as soon as possible. You may have to drag your mate down with you as you dredge through budgets and whatnot, but it's all worthwhile.
Glide through your day without a direction and just experi24 Jul - 23 Aug ence things for a w h i l e . Yo u may be intensely frustrated, especially early today, with those who can't seem to figure out what they want. Let them noodle about -- your patience is sure to be rewarded if you can stick it out.
Stick close to home and focus on just one or two proj23 Aug - 22 Sep ects that need you the most. It's a good time to rethink your approach to your furniture, books, accessories or whatever else you think is under control. New systems of organization are easier to bring to life today!
Doing what other people ask of you is nice but not al23 Sept - 22 Oct w a y s w i s e . Take control. Your love life should get quite a boost today, so see if you can make the most of it. If you're seeing someone, surprise them with something sweet. If you're single, get out there and fix that!
Scorpio Channel your charms today - a well-timed joke can make 23 Oct - 22 Nov powerful people notice you. You may be so focused on your own way of doing things that you don't notice when something newer and better comes along. Today brings a hot idea that you'd do well to adopt as soon as you can.
Sagittarius Avoid anything
Capricorn Are your old habits giving you comfort, or are they holding 22 Dec - 20 Jan you back? Dec i d e t o d a y. Don't let anyone fast-talk you into new schemes -- especially if they involve money. If it's your money, you need to back away as fast as you can, at least until you've had a few days to really think hard.
Aquarius They say to 'live in the moment,' but today you should look 21 Jan - 19 Feb farther down the road. You've got twice as much energy as usual, so get ready to take on some big, wild, fun projects at home or at work. You may inspire others to join in, or at least to watch you at your very best.
Spend more time with the people who tell you the truth 20 Feb - 20 Mar because it's good for you. Change is inevitable -- nobody knows that better than you. Still, that doesn't make it fun, and as you cope with today's big news, you need to remind yourself that it's all a part of the cycle of life.
Aries
Libra
that could lure you away from your primary 23 Nov - 20 Dec focus today. To d a y i s a l l about communication -- especially talking or writing about the new ideas that are sure to be filling your head. It's a good time to let the world know what you're up to lately.
WORD OF THE DAY
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
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DID YOU KNOW? What is a Ouija Board?
truncate Pronunciation truhng-keyt Function Verb Meaning 1: to shorten by cutting off a part; cut short 2: Mathematics to shorten (a number) by dropping a digit or digits Example Sentence Jeff took a firm decision to truncate the time he spends at work and do things that make him happy, like playing golf and surfing.
LAFFS
A Ouija board (/wee-jee/ board) also known as a spirit board or talking board, is a flat board marked with letters, numbers and other symbols, supposedly used to communicate with any spirits. The term is possibly from the French and German words for ‘yes’, oui and ja. The board uses a planchette (small heartshaped piece of wood) or movable indicator to indicate the spirit's message by spelling it out on the board during a séance. Ouija is a trademark for a talking board currently sold by Parker Brothers. Following its commercial introduction by businessman Elijah Bond in the late 1890s, the Ouija board was regarded as a harmless parlor game unrelated to the occult until American Spiritualist Pearl Curran popularised its use as a divining tool during World War I.
WIZARD OF ID
Funny Quote fresh air.”
“Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the clubs and the – Jack Benny
DAILY GROOK SLEEP TRIP by Francis Rodrigues fones that intrude into my dream fest, are reason i would never get the rest!
GARFIELD
MIND BENDERS
SUN MOON TIDES
Tongue Twister Did Dick Pickens prick his pinkie pickling cheap peaches or framing photos of his famed French finch ?
Chance of Rain Friday 30° C | 21° C 20% chance of precipitation
High 01:56
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Jaye 16:30 Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi 20:00 Sarfarosh 11:55 The Myth 14:25 The Day the Earth Stood Still 16:35 What's the Worst That Could Happen? 18:40 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 21:00 Ninja
09:30 Funny People 12:15 The Phantom 14:15 You Don't Mess with the Zohan 16:15 Frost/Nixon 19:15 In & Out 21:00 The Big Hit 23:00 The Uninvited
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Which is the only word in the English language that contains three consecutive pairs of double letters?
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D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins
Ladies Tailor Pratigyabadh Devdas Naya Ghulam 1947: Earth
Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Echo
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Half Nelson Redline Poor Boy's Game 16 Blocks
Duplicate Koyla Adventures of Tarzan Agneepath
12:00 Gutar Gu 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 14:30 Lapataganj 15:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 16:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 17:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 19:00 Jaankhilavan Jasoos 20:00 Papad Pol 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 21:00 Jaankhilavan Jasoos 22:00 Gutar Gu
10:45 Eastern Promises 12:40 The One 14:30 Hitch
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08:00 Kya Kehna 12:10 Kahin Pyaar Na Ho
Betaab Bhai Roohani Taaqat Khoon Pasina
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Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!! Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Pyaar Kii Ye Ek
IDIOT BOX 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30
Tere Liye Saath Nibhana Saathiya Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Behenein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Mere Sapne Hamari Devrani Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak? MasterChef India Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Sasural Genda Phool Saath Nibhana Saathiya MasterChef India Sabki Laadli Bebo Saath Nibhana Saathiya Sasural Genda Phool Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Behenein Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Liye Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya
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Kaun Banega Crorepati Kaun Banega Crorepati Kaun Banega Crorepati C.I.D C.I.D C.I.D C.I.D Krishnaben Khakhrawala Baat Hamari Pakki Hai Comedy Circus Ka Jadoo C.I.D
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10:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo 11:00 Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dharmyudh 11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Dil Se Diya Vachan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Bhagonwali
SUDOKU 728
Riddle Me This
Sunrise 06:51 - Sunset 18:04 Moon rise 10:26 - Moon set 22:16
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Pavitra Rishta Dil Se Diya Vachan Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dharmyudh Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Jhansi Ki Rani Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dharmyudh Dil Se Diya Vachan Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo Jhansi Ki Rani Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Pavitra Rishta Sa Re Ma Pa
11:15 Lapataganj
Kahaani 14:30 Yeh Ishq Haaye!! 15:00 Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein 15:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 16:00 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 16:30 Yeh Ishq Haaye!! 17:00 Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein 17:30 Geet 18:00 Yeh Ishq Haaye!! 18:30 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 19:00 Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein 19:30 Geet 20:00 Yeh Ishq Haaye!! 20:30 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 21:00 Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Yeh Ishq Haaye!!
11:00 Breaking The Magician's Code 12:00 Minute to win it 13:00 CSI: Miami 14:00 Step it Up and Dance 15:00 The Amazing Race Asia
16:00 Minute to win it 17:00 SoYouThinkYouCanDance 18:00 Breaking The Magician's Code 19:00 Minute to win it 20:00 E Buzz
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WWE: Raw Saudi PSA World Open Saudi PSA World Open 2010 West Indies tour of Sri Lanka H/ls 2010 South Africa tour of Pakistan WWE: Smackdown 2010 West Indies tour of Sri Lanka ICC Cricket World Asian Games H/ls WWE: Smackdown
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Creative Vision Creative Vision Nat Geo Wild Great Migrations Great Migrations Inside Big Great Migrations Nat Geo Amazing! Great Migrations Great Migrations Big Cats Week Big Nat Geo Amazing!
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Modern Family Koffee With Karan Burn Notice The Bold and The Beautiful Modern Family MasterChef Australia How I Met Your Mother Friends Modern Family The Simpsons Burn Notice MasterChef Australia Koffee With Karan How I Met Your Mother Friends MasterChef Australia Burn Notice
08:30 AustralianPGAChampionship 12:30 Nations of Champions 13:00 Best of Australian Open Tennis 14:00 Nsw Open 16:00 Best of Australian Open Tennis 17:00 Australian PGA Championships 18:00 TNA Sikander 20:00 Best of Australian Open Tennis 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 Asian Tour Golf Show 22:00 V8 Supercars Championship
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Planet Speed Barclays Premier League Big Ten Men's Basketball Bwf Super Series Premier League World 16 Nations: Road to Qatar Bpl Express World of Football Football Asia Sportscenter India Sportscenter Asia India Edition Road to the Final Gameplan
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07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Divine Praises 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Musical Show 11:30 Netravali Tracking 12:00 Flavors 12:30 Fairyland 13:00 English News 14:00 Konkani Movie 15:00 Sangeet 15:30 Success Mantra 16:00 Care for Mother Earth 16:30 HCN Finetunes 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Netravali Tracking 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Musical Show 21:30 HCN Smash Hits 22:00 English News 23:00 Musical Show 23:30 Health Watch Note: Subject to Change
Instructions for Sudoku 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes
SUDOKU SOL 727
HERALD CROSSWORD - 728 Across 1- Japanese soup; 5- Miss; 9Horse locks; 14- Between ports; 15- Actor McGregor; 16- Fright; 17- Celestial body; 18- California wine region; 19- Wash lightly; 20- Pirate; 22- Having a crest; 24- Bishop's headdress; 26- DC bigwig; 27- Passionate; 30- Widespread; 35- Baron; 36"So be it"; 37- British nobleman; 38- Discount rack abbr.; 39Blow up; 42- ___ kwon do; 431996 Tony-winning musical; 45Hog sound; 46- 8th letter of the Greek alphabet; 48- Shaped like a bagel topping; 50- Selected; 51- Clear tables; 52- Carousal; 54- Stronghold; 58- Garment worn over armor; 62- Change for the better; 63- Exclamation to express sorrow; 65- Editor Wintour; 66- Gas- 60- Auth. unknown; 61- Bar bills; 64- Monetary unit of Romania; tropod mollusk; 67- Skin; 68- Door part; 69Multitude; 70- Adds; 71- Seemingly forever; Down SOLUTION - 727 1- Not fem.; 2- Analogy words; 3- Scorch; 4Person who rows; 5- Mildness; 6- Alert; 7Dupe; 8- Break, card game; 9- Made of different-color fibers; 10- Person to whom property is transferred; 11- Granny; 12- Formerly, formerly; 13- Hook's helper; 21- Actress Anouk; 23- Of Thee ___; 25- Sends back into custody; 27- Agitates; 28- Trio; 29- Merits; 31- Enliven; 32- Ships' officers; 33- Angry; 34- Unsoiled; 36- Et ___; 40- Snare; 41- Early anesthetic; 44- Bloodsucking fly; 47- Bread once baked on a farm tool; 49- Jumble; 50- Pie coverings; 53Sacred song; 54- Money; 55- ___ expert, but...; 56- Drop of water expelled by the eye; 57- Drinks (as a cat); 59- ___ account (never);
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BY ASHRAF KHAN HERALD FEATURES he Phoenix Socio Cultural Association (PSCA) of Valpoi recently organised an all Goa solo and group dance competition called Dancing Liberty at the Valpoi Higher Secondary School Ground, Valpoi. This competition was witnessed by an audience of around 2,000 people from different parts of the state. Speaking at the formal inaugural function, Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane said, “Giving a platform to the young talents and working for the downtrodden section of society are the two important works of the PSCA. The people of Valpoi must support this association in their good work.” Before the commencement of this competition, a tribute was also paid to the martyrs of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack as well as the freedom fighters of Goa as part of the golden jubilee pre-celebration of Goa’s Liberation Day by lighting candles. Gauri Bhartu, Aruna Phatarpekar, Ankita Desai, Sarvangi Desai, Sanshika Shirodker, Sobita Kudtarkar and Srushti Nerurkar performed in the solo dance category while 8 groups, namely Valpoi Rockers, Gyan Sagar, Vanashree group, Extremer, Krishna group, Free-stylers, Blooming flowers and Mind-Freekers showed their dance versatility in the group dance category. Srushti Nerulker was declared winner in the solo dance section, while the group Free-Styler from Vasco bagged the first place and was awarded Rs10,000 and trophy in the group section. The competition was judged by a panel of juries which comprised Jagetha Murlidahran, Rajesh Tiverekar and Abrar Shaikh. During the function the meritorious students of Valpoi
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were felicitated at the hands of the Rane. Those felicitated were MBBS student Pooja Hegde and architect Jamila Shaikh who topped in Goa College of Architecture in May 2010. Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony, Umesh Gulelkar, Chairperson of Valpoi Municipal Council praised the association and said that t h e
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Friday, 10 Dec 2010
Dancing Liberty receives Great Applause
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Radiant Winners: Srushti Nerulker bagged the first prize in the solo dance category(left) and Panjim Group stood in the Group Dance section(right)
PSCA is performing well in the social and cultural field. “Organising such an event with a dual concept of entertainment and motivation is to be appreciated,” he said. Vice chairperson VMC Faimida Khan and Councillor Darmendra Salonke lauded the efforts of the association. President of PSCA Abdulla Khan read out the report of the activities held during the whole year.
Health Minister, Vishwajeet Rane felicitating Valpoi Architect, Jamila Shaikh (right)
Photos by Ashraf Khan
Goa G gets Chicer
BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES oa Chic, James Ferreira and Paul B’s collection of hi-fashion clothes and jewellery was recently launched in the presence of members of the art and fashion circle from Mumbai and Goa and guests. Held at RUST, a colonial Portuguese house-turned lifestyle store in Sangolda, it was a very genial affair over wine and cheese. Paul B’s jewellery lay on the low, wooden tables that were placed besides the shelves that were laden with James’ clothes. Three beautiful models, Andrea, Joanne and Amanda strutted around the rooms of the house in James’ creations. James and Paul, both Mumbai based artists and two very humble souls embody a strong spirit of creativity. Friends for a long time now, the two love the fact that their works are displayed together in Goa. Said Paul, “Though I am a serious artist I have been experimenting with jewellery for years now. This is the product of that experimentation.” He goes on to catchphrase his collection saying, “I look at it as a Prince collecting a trusso for his bride.” As for James, he says this collection is completely inspired by Goa, by its good food and its fresh air. “Its all abut comfort. That in place and the rest follows,” he stressed. As soon as their next body of work is complete, they both state that showcasing it in Goa is definitely on their mind.
(Above) Happy to pose with proprietor, Nilofer Rustomjee are Paul B, Bina Ramini, James Ferreira and Leela Ellis and (left) Lounging happily: Robert Patzschke, architect from Germany
Photo by Herald Features
(Left)Wouldn’t miss this for anything: Wendell Rodricks, James Ferreira and friends, and the fashionable mother-daughter duo: Nutan and Avami Kalanjee (top)
Getting a feel of the chic designer wear: Andrea, Joanne and Amanda and (right) Saying cheer to designer wear: Peter and Abhishek
TIATR REVIEW
Vichitr Natem explores the Fragile Thread of Family Values HERALD FEATURES ldrin who made his debut on the Konkani tiatr stage with Amchi Bhumika Sompta and then followed it with yet another successful venture Rajkaronn, is back, this time with a gripping family saga presented in a unique style and a thought-provoking ending that brings to the fore the notable aspects of a marital relationship. The story revolves around a businessman, Zico, his wife Zarina and their children Sanford and Zhea. And as goes the popular adage, ‘A family that prays together stay together’, this family stands united enjoying the fruits of Zico’s labour, thanking God for His abundant grace, until the day when tragedy strikes the family, putting to the test their unity and its preservation in times of grief. The turning point of the plot is beautifully presented with sequences of song and dialogue, thereby enhancing the beauty of the play. The young director has chosen his cast well, for they not only excel in their performances but also honour the faith that their director has reposed in them. Elvis as Zico excels in portraying the many nuances of his character, whist Carmen as his wife Zarina delivers yet another outstanding performance. Tracy as their daughter Zhea is full of life while Godwin plays the role of their son Sanford in his own inimitable style. The four share a strong stage ca-
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maraderie and this makes them look like a real family on stage. Among other performances, Andrew of AVA Trio fame as Uncle Tom gives one of his best performances. The comedy side-shows with Oldrin as a music teacher of the olden days with Betty as his daughter together with Comedian Kenny and Comedian Seldy evoke tremendous laughter. Oldrin, performing a comedy character for the first time adapts well to his new avatar. Comedian Kenny emanates maturity as a comedian and he is well complemented by newcomer Betty with prospects of a future comedy star. Vichitr Natem has an array of meaningful songs in the form of solos, duets, duos and trios by Connie M, Ave, Bonny Alvin, Milroy, Godwin, Seldy, Betty, Carmen and Tracy. The music is written and directed by Mestre AD Diniz and played by AD Diniz(trumpet), Santan de Varca(saxophone), Mervin(keyboards), Baldomiro(bass) and Santan(drums). The light effects are handled by Seby (Zank). Vichitr Natem will be staged on December 12, 2010 at 3:30pm at GVN, Margao.
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angna Ranaut has been approached to feature in Ekta Kapoor’s next horror flick which will be directed by Pavan Kripalani. This is no ordinary horror but based on a true story. They thought they’d film their lovemaking on their romantic getaway. Little did Raginni and her lover know that they’d shoot more than they had bargained for. The footage they shot showed the young woman possessed by something paranormal. And so, unlike other steamy videos, this one didn’t go on to become a public scandal. However, producer Ekta was approached with this footage and after looking at the video, the Balaji head honcho felt compelled to tell the young girl’s story to the world. Thus, began the groundwork for Raginni MMS, a psychological horror. The producers of the film have bought the rights to the video from the girl in question, the script is ready and they will begin work on Raginni MMS soon. Her real life experiences will be taken into consideration. The idea is to make it as less ‘filmi’ as possible and there will be no diluting of content. She’s very clear that the film will be made without any changes. Says Ekta, “I am super excited about this project. It has none of the conventional horror film trappings bloodbaths, gore or creaky doors.” She adds, “I could have gone ahead and made another LSD 2, but I didn’t want that. When I read the script for Raginni, I knew it would be great. I am a huge fan of horror films like Paranormal Activity and Blair Witch Project and the way they have been marketed are brilliant. We plan to devise new and unique ways to create buzz about Raginni in the coming months.” Breaking all norms, Ekta will announce the project on Bigg Boss 4 this weekend. “The marketing and promotion of Raginni MMS will be done very differently, which is why we are announcing the launch of the project on a TV show even before we go on floors.”
Robert Pattinson can’t drive
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obert Pattinson may be one of the highest paid young stars in Hollywood, but he cannot splurge on fancy cars because he is bad behind the wheels. The 24-year-old is yet to pass his driving test and he is confused by the knobs and dials of a car. The Twilight heartthrob does not even know how to turn on the wipers and had a scary experience when he ventured out in rain recently. ”I don’t know how to use the little wipey things, so I couldn’t see. I don’t know how to drive. It’s terrifying,” said Pattinson. The British actor who is dating Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart is not the only star who cannot drive. Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is yet to get his driver’s license and comedian Russell Brand is learning how to drive at the age of 35.
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Kangna for Ekta’s next Horror
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Failures keep you grounded: Neil Nitin Mukesh
F
ive films old, plenty of critical acclaim but no real box-office success yet... Neil Nitin Mukesh takes everything in his ‘positive stride’ and says he finds it gratifying that his directors are approaching him again to be part of their films. “I don’t fear failure at all as it is a step towards success. Failure is something that teaches you and helps to keep you grounded,” Neil said. Instead of making his debut with the usual love story, Neil chose a negative role in the 2007 crime thriller Johnny Gaddar. Though the film was not a commercial success, both the film and Neil earned critical appreciation; then followed Aa Dekhen Zara, Jail, New York and Lafangey Parindey, all average grossers at the box office. “To be very honest, I’m delighted with the fact that with all the films I did, the producers of those did not suffer losses. At least they recovered their costs. Moreover, most of the directors I worked with earlier are approaching me again to be a part of their films, which is very gratifying as an actor,” the 28 year old actor said. He says he is humbled by the fact that he had fans who liked him. “I have given my best always. I have been born and brought up in such an environment where my parents taught me to be neutral. I take everything in a positive stride.” Grandson of legendary singer Mukesh, Neil decided to chart a new path and chose to face the camera instead of going behind the mike. “When I was growing up, I had a vision of larger than life films. All those fights, bullet firings and action sequences always excited me. I have grown up watching Amitabh Bachchan’s films like Sholay and Trishul. These films influenced me a lot,” he said. “Action is thrilling and where there is thrill, you will always find me,” added the actor who performed some dangerous stunts in Lafangey Parindey. Neil’s next is Tera Kya Hoga Johnny, which is releasing on December 17. Directed by Sudhir Mishra, the film will see him in the second lead. The protagonist Johnny is played by debutant Sikander Agarwal. It is a film where emotions like greed, lust, love, betrayal and hope acquire a new meaning in India’s melting pot Mumbai, a city that desperately wants to be Shanghai.
Aniston invites Ex-boyfriends to Party
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ctress Jennifer Aniston hosted a bash at her Beverly Hills mansion during the weekend for 150 guests, including former flames Gerard Butler and Christopher Gartin.“It was awkward but Jen just got on with it. She thinks it’s nice that she gets on with all her exes but they seemed to find it weird all being in the same place,” a source said. The 41-year-old star has been unlucky in love ever since her divorce from Brad Pitt in 2005.Sources even say that she is still in love with Brad Pitt, and wishes to get back with him according to a close friend. Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt have always maintained silence on their private life. Jen has never let her complains to Angelina Jolie for stealing her husband out in the public and is very upset with her friend, Chelsea Handler’s bad comments on Angelina Jolie. Jennifer Aniston still loves Brad Pitt and realises that such incidents will only make things worse. “She is furious with Chelsea for bringing the whole situation back to life again and landing her on the cover of a weekly magazine with a Brad headline. Jen doesn’t just let these sort of people in her life. She hates drama or unnecessary attention and certainly doesn’t want to ever see her face on a tabloid again with a headline about Angie or Brad. Jen wants badly to believe Chelsea didn’t revive her Angelina-skewering jokes now that the two are good friends,” said a source.
Good High School Grades bolster Health
‘Smart’ Wallets tell you when you are Low on Cash
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he ‘A’ grades that high-schoolers earn also bolsters their health as adults. New research by Pamela Herd, associate professor of public affairs and sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, US, shows that better performance in high school plays a critical role in better health throughout life. “How well you do in school matters,” says Herd about the findings, reports the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour. “We already know it matters for things like your work and your earnings, but this proves it also matters for your health,” adds Herd. The conclusion is based on data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study involving more than 10,000 graduates of Wisconsin’s high school class of 1957 during the last 53 years. Wisconsin researchers have gone back to the class members six times since they graduated, asking questions about work, life, family and now, as the class ages, health. The report on academic performance and health looked at links between educational attainment, high school academic performance, personality and psychological characteristics, and late-life health among high school graduates. Herd’s findings showed that the higher a study participant’s high school rank was, the lower the probability that participant experienced worsening health between 1992 and 2003, when the class members neared retirement age.
Music can be a Chilling Experience
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ost people feel chills and shivers in response to music that thrills them, but some people hardly feel them at all. People who are particularly open to new experiences are most likely to have chills in response to music, according to a new study. The researchers, Emily Nusbaum and Paul Silvia of the University of North Carolina in the US asked students about how often they felt chills down their spine, got goose bumps, or felt like their hair was standing on end while listening to music, reports the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science. They also measured their experience with music, and five main dimensions of personality: extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism and openness to experience. People high in openness are creative, curious about many things, have active imaginations and like to play with ideas, and they much more frequently feel chills in response to music. People with a lot of openness to experience were more likely to play a musical instrument themselves and they rated music as more important in their lives than people low in openness. Not surprisingly, people high in openness also spent more time listening to music. “There are a lot of ways in which people are basically alike, but the experience of chills isn’t one of them,” said the authors. “Some people seem to have never experienced chills while listening to music - around eight percent of people in our study - but other people experience chills basically every day.”
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t is all too easy to lose track of how much you are spending. But now an inventor has solved the problem with a set of ‘smart’ wallets that actually tell you when you are low on cash. The wallets were developed by product designer John Kestner who works at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab in the US. There are a variety of wallets being manufactured. One of the ‘Proverbial Wallets’ actually shrinks when your bank balance is low in an effort to discourage you from spending. The peacock wallet changes size depending on the owner’s account balance. It grows and shrinks depending on how much money its owner has. At the start of the month, it will puff up thanks to a small mechanical arm inside itself - potentially attracting a mate, said Kestner. Come the end when you a waiting for the next paycheck however, it will completely deflate. The Mother Bear wallet, so named because it is protective of the money inside it, is designed to encourage saving and has a hinge that gets harder and harder to open the lower the bank balance. Once its owner has nothing in their account, the hinge simply keeps the wallet shut. The Bumblebee meanwhile has a tiny vibrating motor inside it which buzzes when a bank transaction takes place, be it an Internet purchase or using a credit card at a shop. The bigger the transaction, the longer the buzz, giving those who use it a physical reminder of how much they are spending. The idea behind such wallets is to remind ourselves in our 21st century cashless society, we need to remind ourselves each time we spend our hard-earned money, rather than just swiping a credit card and forgetting about it. They are currently at the prototype stage but, should banks or consumers take an interest, the designs could be put into mass production, he said. The wallets have a tiny computer inside them and use a Bluetooth connection to the individual’s mobile phone which then connects to the Internet and their bank account information. This means that the wallet is constantly updated with how much money the user has in his account, and can act accordingly. “The Proverbial Wallet gives us that financial sense at the point of purchase by unabstracting virtual assets. Tactile feedback reflecting our personal balances and transactions helps us develop a subconscious financial sense that guides responsible decisions,” said Kestner. Kestner added that he is working on a slimmed-down version of the devices which is credit card shaped and could fit into any wallet. “We want to make it as economical as possible - it would be rather ironic if we charged a fortune for something that is supposed to save you money,” he said (Trends Courtesy: Agencies)
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