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Heartbeat: Winslet hails DiCaprio as her emotional rock Pg 4

Business: MPs demand more funds for education Pg 13

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Sports: Tendulkar records Pg 16 2,000 WC runs

Counselling for school kids gets Govt nod public work”, Kamat said. The bill has been drafted on the lines of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

LAND RATES: The Cabinet also decided to increase the compensation for tenanted land, acquired by the Government.

Kamat said that the price has been increased to Rs 25 per sq meter from the existing Rs 5 per sq meter.

“It will, however, be upto the officer to decide whether to increase the rate on a case to case basis. We have said that the minimum rate should not be less than Rs 25”, he said.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 9

The State Cabinet today approved a scheme to provide counselling to students in Government and Governmentaided schools.

Addressing a post Cabinet press conference Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said of late there were many cases of students committing suicides due to academic pressures.

He said the Cabinet approved the counselling scheme for students which will be implemented with the help of NGOs. “For this the Government is

expecting an expenditure of Rs 1.14 cr per annum”, he said adding “all selected NGOs will be paid Rs 15,000 per month for the work”.

ACCOUNTIBILITY: The Gov-

ernment today also gave its consent to the Goa Public Service Guarantee Bill 2011.

“A Government officer or employee would be accountable for delay caused in any

Bypasses in mining areas

phase work from Cavrem to Kurdi is still being finalised”, he said.

He said construction of the bypasses would be carried out by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).

“A tripartite agreement would be signed between the Government, GSIDC and the mining companies for execution of work”, he said adding the other modalities like toll for maintenance etc are being worked out.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 9

The Cabinet today gave its nod to construct bypasses in mining areas.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat told reporters the work will be carried out in three phases and the expenditure for the construction of these bypasses would be borne by mining companies.

“The State will only provide them land”, he said.

He said the Cabinet approved awarding the contract of first

IN BRIEF President to visit Manipur President Pratibha Patil would pay a two-day visit to Manipur from tomorrow, official sources said. Sources said the programmes of the President were not yet announced. Manipur People’s Liberation Front, Revolutionary People’s Front and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak called for boycott of Patil’s visit and a 40-hour general strike in the state from midnight. — (PTI)

13 killed in Egypt clashes At least 13 people were killed and more than 140 injured in religious clashes between Egyptian Muslims and Christians. The clashes erupted five days ago when groups of both the religion clashed in the village of Sula in south of Cairo in relation to a love affair between a Christian man and a Muslim girl. – (PTI)

phase work of nine-kilometre mining bypass from Uguem to Guddemol while also approving

Now, Kasab kills time with karate PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 9

Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, who has been awarded death penalty for his role in the 26/11 terror attacks, is bidding his time by practising karate in the highsecurity Arthur Road jail here, police sources said on Wednesday.

“Kasab does exercise and practices karate sometimes to kill his time. He also often strikes a conversation with the security guards deployed there to guard him round the clock”, said a jail official.

The terrorist appears to be knowing karate kicks very well, the official said.

The lone surviving gunman is currently lodged in a strong bomb-proof “anda cell” inside the jail and process to shift him to the Yerawada central prison in Pune is underway.

After reviewing the security of Kasab at the Arthur Road jail, the police had moved a proposal to the Government requesting the death-row convict be shifted to Yerwada, the biggest prison in the State.

The official further said Kasab talks a lot sometimes.

“However, security guards at the cell avoid speaking to him”, he said.

tendering work for 13 km bypass from Guddemol to Kapshem.

“The alignment for the third

Pirates free ship with 11 Indians

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

Eleven months after being seized, a ship with 11 Indians and 12 others has been freed

by Somali pirates, Government sources said today.

M V Rak Africana, registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadine, is still said to be in the Somalian waters but all the Indians on board are safe.

“We can confirm that the ship (M V Rak Africana) and its crew members have been freed but the ship is still in the Somalian waters”, said a source in the Shipping Ministry which is the nodal department in such matters.

The source said the ship had developed a technical snag and will take some time to sail again, but refused to share other de-

tails.

Babu, father of Roji V John, second officer trainee in the ship and a native of nearby Pathanamthitta district told PTI that authorities of Rak International company, which owns the ship handed over the ransom amount yesterday.

Babu, who travelled to Dubai about a month back and returned on March 7 said “today we received the phone call from John and e-mail from the authorities about his release. They will reach Kenya and from there to Mumbai within a couple of days”, he said.

John was part of the 23 member crew of M V Rak Africana which was hijacked while on its way to Morali in Africa. He had joined the ship as part of his Bsc Nautical Science Course two years ago.

The pirates, numbering about 25, were demanding a ransom of seven million US dollars. “Negotiations were going on all these days and they might have reduced the amount little bit”, he said.

Babu said “yesterday the authorities who had flown in a chartered flight dropped the bundle of notes covered with a plastic bag in the sea as per the instructions of pirates who arrived the spot in a speed boat”

ASHES TO ASHES: Panjim Parish Priest Fr. Antimo Gomes marks the symbol of the cross with ash on the foreheads of faithfuls during Ash Wednesday service at Mary Immaculate Conception’s Church, Panjim.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

9 Ukranians assaulted at Candolim HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MARCH 9

About nine Ukranian tourists were attacked by a taxi driver and unknown persons at Candolim late Tuesday evening.

According to Calangute Police, Ms Oheru Fedoruk claimed that a taxi driver and others assaulted her friends at Candolim while they were on their way to a discotheque at 11 pm.

The incident is believed to have been sparked off when a taxi driver drove his vehicle close to the Ukranian tourists, who were walking by the roadside.

This apparently angered the Ukranian tourists who confronted the driver.

In the heated arguments that followed, some locals rushed to the aid of the taxi driver and began assaulting the Ukranian tourists.

(Continued on page 10)

Zilla members plan ‘power’ march HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

Exasperated over the huge delay in devolving powers and functions to the district Panchayat bodies, members of the North and South Goa Zilla Panchayats on Wednesday resolved to take out a morcha on the first day of the Budget Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

At a joint meeting of members of the two Zilla Panchayats held in the office of the South Goa ZP office here this evening, agitated members further resolved to file a contempt petition in the High Court against the Government for the delay in granting powers to the two bodies as prescribed under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act.

Goa police has prepared an extensive arrangement to provide watertight security before, during and post municipal polls scheduled for March 13.

Over 300 armed police personnel will be on duty to ensure free and fair elections keeping a vigil at polling stations to avert any anti-social activities even as separate police teams will be on continuous duty on two and four wheelers.

A report released on Tuesday listed several measures that have been laid down one of which includes thorough police cover for maintenance of law and during door-to-door contacts, party meetings, corner meetings, evening meetings and processions.

“Adequate police staff will be deployed at all places with spe-

POLICE AT WORK

Two police constables will be on duty at places having one booth l One head constable and 4 constables will man areas having two booths l Places having three booths one ASI, head constable and 6 constables will be on duty. l One PSI, head constable and 8 constables will keep a watch in areas with four booths. l

cial attention to sensitive areas.

Police team will be on patrolling duty and they will submit an hourly report of the area to their superiors through the control room”, said a police source.

Wireless sets and other communication devices are also made mandatory to be carried by duty personnel.

The Police Department has instructed political groups and

— Michael Lobo

The protest morcha will begin at the Azad Maidan and culminate at the KTC bus stand on the first day of the budget session of the Assembly. “Let the people of Goa know how the Government had been dilly-dal-

lying on the devolution of powers to the Zilla Panchayats”, remarked Michael Lobo, member North Goa ZP. He said that information collected from the Director of Panchayats has revealed that the Committee constituted by the Government to look into the devolution of powers has done absolutely nothing since the Government gave the assurance to the High Court. “The two Zilla Panchayats have no option than to again knock the doors of the Judiciary for justice”, he said.

South Goa ZP Chairperson Maria Rebello said today’s joint meeting of the two Zilla Panchayats has decided to take out (Continued on page 10)

DMK, Cong sign poll pact PTI CHENNAI, MARCH 9

A day after breaking the deadlock, DMK and Congress today formalised their seat-sharing pact for the April 13 Assembly polls, under which the national party will contest 63 seats.

DMK chief M Karunanidhi and TNCC President K V Thangkabalu signed the agreement, hammered out after hard bargaining by both sides for about a fortnight.

“Following discussions, it has been decided to share 63 seats with Congress”, the copy of the agreement released to the media said.

Later, Thangkabalu described the DMK-Congress combine as a “winning alliance.”

If DMK gets a second term, we would automatically form part of their Government”, Thangkabalu said.

DMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and TNCC President KV Thangabalu showing documents after signing an agreement for seat-sharing for assembly elections, in Chennai on Wednesday.

The seat-sharing talks had run into rough weather with DMK refusing to allot 63 seats and Congress was dead set on its demand, which had brought the seven-year-old alliance under serious strain.

The stalemate continued till Tuesday when DMK finally re-

CCP elections: cops leave nothing to chance HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 8

The protest morcha will begin at the Azad Maidan and culminate at the KTC bus stand on the first day of the budget session of the Assembly to highlight how the Government has been dilly-dallying on the devolution of powers to the Zilla Panchayats.

Plaint against SEC over CCP poll notification HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 9

A complaint has been filed with the Panjim police against the State Election Commissioner (SEC) of cheating and HERALD corruption and acting in violation of law.

It may be recalled in its edition dated March 8 Herald had exposed the illegality of the notification for CCP elections. supporters of contesting candidates to avoid canvassing and soliciting people for votes within 200 meters from the polling station.

“If they are found indulging

The complaint filed by Ulhas Naik Desai of Miramar and Mahesh Kamat of Margao has drawn attention to the news article published in Herald. “ The CCP IMPACT election notification was shown as duly signed by Dr M Modassir on February 14 from Panjim, when actually he was on sanctioned leave from (Continued on page 10)

in unlawful activities, we will register a cognizable offense against them. Static pickets, checking, nakabandis and patrolling will be carried out”, said (Continued on page 10)

lented to Congress’s demand for 63 seats.

DMK and Congress had contested the 2004 and 2009 Lok Sabha polls from the same platform besides the 2006 Assembly elections.

Thangkabalu also said that the election panels of the two

parties, comprising Union Ministers P Chidambaram and G K Vasan and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin on either sides, would meet tomorrow to finalise the constituencies they will contest from.

“We will take good decisions”, he said.

Meanwhile, after conquering mount DMK, the Congress faces another uphill task - that of finding a seat-sharing formula acceptable to the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

The Trinamool Congress has given the Congress a list of 58 seats that it is willing to give the Congress for the polls based on the civic polls results of 2010.

Party sources said Mamata is in no mood to relent beyond 60 seats.

OHERALDO

Pg 2

GOA

GOA, THURSDAY, 10 MARCH, 2011

Independents release election manifesto

‘Manifestos are like dreams, it is not always possible to fulfill them’ In run-up to the CCP election we will carry a serious of interviews of some of the prominent candidates in fray. Deputy Mayor Yatin Parekh who is part of Babush Monserrate panel - Panjim City Corporation Development Front (PCCDF) speaks to Herald on some CCP issues.

CCP ELECTIONS – THE BIG GUNS

Don’t you think this CCP election is different from previous municipal elections you have contested?

I don’t think so, there’s no difference. In fact, I believe this fight is totally one-sided. It’s only the hype because Ashok Naik is contesting.

I have nurtured my ward (XIV) fully during the last three terms

and have full faith in the people of my ward that they will elect me for the fourth term.

Certain active citizens' groups are working against your panel which was not the case during CCP election in 2006.

Again I say that their presence will not have any impact on the performance of our panel. It’s more of hype. Because in reality such things don’t work -- wards are small with a voter population of an average thousand voters.

If any citizen feels or the doctors who are canvassing think there is a need for change, then why aren't they contesting this election to bring about the

change they are seeking?

What is the score that you are looking at this time?

We expect to win in about twenty-five wards.

There have been allegations that your panel head Taleigao MLA Babush Monserrate distributed goods to the voters.

Does your panel believe in wooing voters by gifting them goods?

There’s no substance in those allegations. The State Election Commission (SEC) has given him a clean chit. It is our opponents who are these spreading rumours.

During election time all panels come out with manifestos

Constable denies assault on Cipriano in custody HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 9

Suspended police constable Sandip Shirvaikar has denied that any police officer, except the guard on duty, ever went to the room where Cipriano Fernandes was held after his arrest on January 7.

In his deposition before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Shirvaikar said that there was only one police guard in the ‘officers room’ adjacent to the police inspector’s cabin at Panjim town police station.

“There was nobody in the room except a police guard – constable Bale to keep watch over Cipriano after he was detained under preventive measure based on Georgina Nunes’ complaint,” he said.

“He was left alone till the next day when we had to rush him to Goa Medical College and Hospital after he complained of giddiness,” the Head constable, who has been suspended for procedural lapses, told JMFC Shabnam Sheikh.

His statement is an outright denial of Georgina’s deposition in which she had claimed that she saw couple of policemen kicking Cipriano in the closed room on the fateful day.

While Georgina claimed that she had peeped through the window glass from outside the police station, Shirvaikar told the Magistrate that the window glasses are always closed and covered with curtains.

Cipriano, 39, a seafarer, was in Goa on holidays when he was arrested on January 7 after his lady friend Georgina complained against him of threatening her with a knife. He died in police custody on January 9.

The crime branch is investigating the custodial death, which has been confirmed by sub divi-

We tried to pacify Georgina (on her complaint). But she compelled us to pick up Cipriano, as she feared that he would murder her.

-- Constable Shirvaikar

sional magistrate’s (SDM) report.

Three officials – Inspector Sandesh Chodankar, Sub-Inspector Radhesh Ramnathkar and Shirvaikar were suspended for procedural lapses.

Recalling the fateful day, when he was on duty from 8 am onwards, Shirvaikar stated that Cipriano was detained for noncognizable offence on Georgina’s complaint.

After the control room informed the police station about the complaint, we sent a team of local intelligence bureau who returned to the police station with Georgina.

“We asked her to file a complaint, which was registered as non-cognizable after which we asked her to go home. We assured that we would look into the matter. But she compelled us to pick up Cipriano, as she feared that he would murder her,” he said adding, “we tried to pacify her but she said that if we do not take action on her complaint, she would complain against us to higher authorities.”

Allegedly bowing to her pressure, the Panjim police team had to take action and proceeded to pick up Cipriano in a private Bolero jeep, which was arranged

by Georgina. The entire episode started from 8 pm onwards even as police inspector Sandesh Chodankar had come to the police station for a while after a meeting at Porvorim office.

Curtorim local killed in hit-and-run HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH

Curtorim resident Manuel Pereira, 45, was found dead along side the road in Guirdolim village early Wednesday morning.

Maina Curtorim Police, however, said the deceased was apparently killed in a hit and run case as evident by the nature of injuries on his body.

PSI Suraj Samant said that the police rushed to Guirdolim after receiving information that body of a male person was lying dead on the roadside.

“After examining the nature of injuries, a case under the Motor vehicle Act stands registered against unknown persons for causing the death of Manuel Pereira, a resident of RaloiCurtorim”, PSI Samant said.

Replying to a question, he said the post mortem report has said that the deceased might have died after being run over by a vehicle.

“He (Cipriano) was brought to the police station at about 10.45.pm. He was kept in the officers’ room. He refused to go for medical examination and even food. Next morning on January 8, we woke him up at 7 am to offer tea but he once again refused,” he said in the two-hour long deposition.

Since the Hawaldar was signing off on January 8 morning, he preferred to keep Cipriano in the police station so that he could be produced before the SDM without any delay.

“I went home to my Dona Paul residence to freshen up on January 8. On my way back to the police station, I was informed that Cipriano collapsed due to giddiness,” he added.

Earlier from the place of his arrest, the Hawaldar admitted, that although Cipriano requested to take him for medical as he met with an accident and injured his head, he was not taken for medical.

“While on way from Porvorim to Panjim police station, Cipriano requested to take him for medical. But Georgina said that he was making excuses to escape and that he is ‘mental and criminal’.

Moreover, if we take him for medical, she would complaint to senior police officers because of which we brought him to police station first,” he recalled.

His further deposition will be recorded on March 10.

Reacting to the Shirvaikar’s statement Georgina has rubbished his overall statement before the JMFC. “It is total false… rubbish claims made by Shirvaikar. This is an attempt to save himself. If I forced him to do what all he told the Court, why he asked to changed my statement before the SDM,” she told Herald.

but in reality, they are forgotten once elections are over.

Manifesto contains dreams of people and vision for the city. I personally believe it is not practically possible to deliver on each aspect of the manifesto.

You need to have full support of the government to deliver assurances made in the manifesto.

As far as Panjim is concerned, I think, three problems -- parking, garbage and St’Inez Nullah has to be dealt with without wasting any further time. We will definitely find a solution to the problem.

Your panel head is part of the government?

We did not have enough support from the government so where is the question of talking about his presence in the government.

One hangs to death in Mapusa HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 9

A 53-year-old resident of Pillambiwado-Sodiem committed suicide by hanging himself to a branch of cashew tree on Tuesday night.

According to Mapusa Police, deceased Chenappa Rathod’s wife was working as a maid servant since the last 16 years and was residing in an out house of her employer. Her husband, Chenappa, was unemployed and used to drink alcohol heavily.

On Tuesday night, Chenappa committed suicide by hanging himself to the branch of a tree near the out house.

Mapusa Police on Wednesday morning rushed to the site and retrieved the body. After conducting the panchanama, the body was sent to GMC Hospital at Bambolim for postmortem.

Police informed that the post mortem will be conducted on Thursday and Police Sub Inspector T Dhavasker is investigating the case.

Car released HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

The Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao has ordered the release of the Maruti Van, which was attached by the police in connection with the headless body murder case.

The Court ordered the release of the van upon execution of a bond of Rs three lakh.

The court had earlier ordered the release of the Swift Dzire car which was attached in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, arguments on the bail applications filed by accused Govind Naik and Nitin Dicholkar will come up before the Sessions court.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 9

It’s not just two panels that are in the fray for election to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) that have released manifestos but some candidates in their individual capacity too have come out with manifestos.

Surendra Furtado and Ruth Furtado representing wards IX and X, respectively, Rui Ferrira social activist lawyers who has been supported by the NCP panel as well Adv Aires Rodrigues who is contesting from ward XXX have released manifestos.

While the manifesto of Adv Rodrigues is limited to his ward XXX which forms part of Ribandar, Ferreira highlights broader issues affecting the city.

Adv Rodrigues feels his ward which is located five kms away from Panjim has been conveniently left neglected for many years now.

Youth of Gaondongrim and surrounding areas donated cash to the family of a boy, who was seriously injured after he met with a bus accident.

Tukaram Kust Gaonkar, Std 9 student of Government High School Gaondongrim, seriously injured his right leg in a bus accident three months ago while proceeding to his school.

Tukaram, who resides with his poor farmer family at Tamnem-Gaondongrim, was reportedly seated on the last bus seat, when the accident turned his life upside down.

He has since been operated and fitted with steel plates and rods to support his recovery.

However, the local youths noticed the poor family of Kust Gaonkar financially going through a bad patch and decided to do something for the family.

Ably assisted by Gaondondgrim Sarpanch Rajendra Velip, several youth started to make contributions from well-wishers to hand over a decent amount to the family and accordingly succeeded in collecting Rs 15,000 in a short span of time.

Most of the youth, including the sarpanch and a former deputy sarpanch Narayan

Fishermen from Desterro-Vasco have raised their voice against Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) over the controversial 2.55 km stretch of NH-17B from Desterro to Headland Sada junction.

As a part of ward-wise meeting, Mormugao BJP MLA Milind Naik, convened a meeting with Destero Fishermen Association at Desterro on Tuesday.

During the meeting, most fishermen unanimously agreed to oppose the 2.55 km stretch commencing from the old MPT Hospital, Destero to Sada junction, as they are of the view that new port connectivity from

Ravindra Bhavan via flyover from Baina to Gate 9 of MPT is sufficient and hence there is no need to extend the highway.

Addressing the fishermen, DFA President Anthony Mentero said that since the MPT has got the port connectivity from Gate 9, there is no need to take the NH-17B further till Sada junction.

About 70-odd houses along the Headland Sada junction have raised an objection, while MLA Milind Naik has introduced a private member bill in the Assembly sometime back to save these structures, the bill was unanimously passed.

Naik said when the proposed flyover connecting Gate 9 of MPT from Ravindra Bhavan is already under construction, there is no need to extend the NH-17B till Headland Sada, as the port’s purpose is served by taking the flyover to Gate 9.

The 2.55-km odd stretch is very crucial from MPT’s port expansion plan, as it would provide connectivity to the proposed West of Breakwater (WOB) dedicated iron ore terminal, while engineers have been working with the possibility of providing road connectivity to Berth 7, dedicated coal terminal which is under construction.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

South Goa Sessions court on Wednesday heard arguments on the contempt petition filed by the defence lawyer against the editor of a Marathi daily and a writer Vasant Bhat in the Margao bomb blast case.

After hearing the arguments, the South Goa Sessions Judge U V Bakre adjourned the matter to March 18 Defense lawyer, Adv Sanjeev Punalyekar said the contempt application was filed as the publication published a news item critical of him and the two deceased persons, Malgonda Patil and Yogesh Naik. “Our argument was that the article was published in an attempt to vitiate the trial and to prejudice the mind of the Judge,” he said.

Adv Punalyekar further said the article would influence the witness and further vitiate the trial in the case.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, MARCH 9

Tension flared up at the Mahamaya Devasthan, Mayem, when two groups clashed with each other and manhandled some reporters at the site on Wednesday.

According to reports, trouble began at the annual Kalsotsav, when people from various places had gathered near the Mahamaya Devasthan on Wednesday.

Every year, the Kalash of goddess Mahamaya is carried out in procession and during the seven days of festival, it goes to every house in Mayem.

But the tradition was interrupted since last year, after a rift between the Parab group and Naik group from the village.

Both the groups demanded that they have the sole right to handle the Kalash of the goddess. The Parab group was of the opinion that it is their right, while the Naik group demanded that they should have equal right over the religious ceremony.

After the controversy last year, the deputy collector had stopped the celebrations.

However this year, sighting law and order problem, Deputy Collector Narendra Gad along with the police were present at the site. In the evening, both the groups assembled at the temple and the deputy collector tried to resolve the issue.

As the discussions were going on, the mob got violent looking at the media present at the site.

One of the persons started abusing the media persons and attacked the reporter of Prudent Media Uday Parab, who fell on the ground. The entire mob got furious and rushed towards other reporters present there.

In the incident, Parab sustained injuries to his hand and leg, while his camera was also damaged.

Gaonkar, reached the boy’s house at Talem on Sunday and handed over the cash to Kust Gaonkar, father of Tukaram.

Meanwhile, the youths have demanded financial assistance to the family from Chief Minister’s relief fund at the earliest possible to tide over the financial difficulties presently faced by the family.

Former minister Isidore Fernandes, when informed about the plight of Tukaram’s family, assured to approach Chief Minister Digambar Kamat at the earliest possible impressing him the need to extend financial assistance.

Bicholim Deputy Collector Narendra Gad (extreme right) tries to pacify the Naik and Parab Groups.

Photo by Samir Umarye

Attack on reporters condemned HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, MARCH 9

Condemning the attack on reporters during the annual Kalsotsav at Mahamaya Devasthan, Mayem, on Wednesday, the Bicholim Patrakar Sangh has denounced the act of the villagers.

The Bicholim Patrakar Sangh had convened a meeting following the attack on reporters.

Uday Parab of Prudent, Vishant Vaze (journalist), Sandeep Desai (photographer Gomantak) and Sudesh Mayekar, who were covering the event at Mahamaya Devasthan were attacked by the people.

Uday Parab expressed great concern over the issue and said that it is an attack over freedom Other reporters, including Vishant Vaze, Sudesh Mayekar and Sandeep Desai, managed to save themselves from the fury, as one of the persons from the mob subdued their attack. The attack was such that some vil-

Rare surgery performed on mouse HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 9

In rare surgery ever to be performed in Goa, Government veterinary doctors successfully treated a one-year-old mouse for a ‘tumor-like mass’ on the face close to the right eye.

The white mouse, belonging to Nitesh Rivonkar of Mapusa suffered from irritation near the eye for over a month after which he was referred to veterinary hospital at Karaswada, Mapusa, whose doctors referred him to their counterparts in Panjim at Tonca.

Nitesh revealed that his pet “would continuously scratch the area near his right eye.

Gradually the eye turned reddish after which we had to rush to the doctor.”

Noted Goan veterinary surgeon Dr Gustav Pinto, who conProject Director of National High- ducted the surgery on the way Authority of India (NHAI) P S mouse, said that the mouse atDodamani said that the 2.55-km tempted to self mutilate the stretch was handed over to NHAI lump as it would hinder his long back for port connectivity by sight and other activity.

The one-inch tumor was rethe State government and the work has commenced on the stretch, but moved in 45-minute surgery it was stopped recently when some and thus saved the eye-sight NGOs complained about hill cutting. of the mouse.

H o w e v e r, d u e t o p o s t “There is standing High Court order that the government should surgery effects, the mouse has clear the structures along the stretch reduced the food intake. But and hand it over to NHAI. A small Dr Pinto assured the family that stretch near the old MPT Hospital the post-op treatment would at Desterro and few structures at heal all the pain and would Sada are yet to be cleared,” said Do- surely but slowly improve its damani. appetite.

Fishermen oppose MPT’s highway HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 9

proactive so that landslides in the ward avoided. He is contesting from ward XVI. He has also promised to make Panjim garbage and plastic free and to pursue for a garbage treatment plant.

He has also assured to work on priority basis to construct a footpath beginning from Altinho hill upto the base of the hill near the Panjim Church joining the Corte de Oiteiro footpath to facilitate the free and smooth movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic on the busy VIP Altinho road.

His manifesto also talks about pursuing and procuring funds allotted by the Centre for the development of Panjim and to arrange funds for the maintenance of heritage homes from CCP. He has also promised to work to cut exorbitant increase in house tax and other levis imposed on the residents.

Mayem tense after group clashes

Gaondongrim youth donate money to accident victim HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 9

“The step motherly treatment of Ribandar can no longer be allowed or tolerated. It is our right to be heard and our needs to be met.” he pointed out in his manifesto observing that he shall endeavour to make his ward better.

He believes the CCP should have branch office in Ribandar so that the locals need not travel to Panjim with their grievances and promises to have CCP branch in Ribandar.

He has promised to build market, childrens' park and a public library for Ribandar and more such developmental works for his ward.

On the other hand Ferreira through his manifesto commit himself to fight and strive to obtain certain works done on priority basis in his ward as well as other parts of the city.

He wants that the disaster management cell of the North Goa district should be made

Margao blast: arguments heard in contempt plea

of the expression.

Sangh President Durgadas Garde said that the attackers would be called to the police station and would be strictly dealt.

“We will not allow such things to happen and we will urge the police to look into the matter.

It was a shameful act of the villagers and the journalists who went to cover the event were made scapegoat when the real controversy was between two groups,” said Garde.

Vishant Vaze also condemned the attack and termed it as an attack on the fourth pillar of democracy. Reporters including Rajesh Chodankar, Raviraj Chari, Ramesh Sawaikar and others were present for the meeting.

lagers also lifted stones to throw it on the reporters.

Later, the Bicholim Deputy Collector was forced to cancel this year’s Kalasotsav due to the non-cooperation from the Naik and Parab groups and also due

to the tension in the village.

Bicholim Mamlatdar Pramod Bhat, Joint Mamlatdar Gurudas Desai and PI Harish Madkaikar along with police force of about 150 police personnel were present at the site.

After Carnival fun, it’s time for political bickering in Vasco HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 9

Though the Carnival celebration in the port town was full of fun and frolic, it soon turned into a political battle among old rivals, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza and some councillors of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC).

The absence of MMC Chairperson Suchita Shirodkar and most ruling councillors has sparked off a controversy between D’Souza, who was the Vasco Carnival Committee (VCC) chairman and the ruling councillors.

Chairperson Shirodkar along with Councillors Sharad Chopdekar, Carlos Almeida, Saifullah Khan and Manesh Arolkar have alleged that the VCC did not take MMC into confidence.

“VCC didn’t even invite a single ruling councillor, while on the contrary family members of the ruling councillors were humiliated during the float parade in Vasco,” they alleged.

However, D’Souza and VCC treasurer have refuted the allegation and said invitations were sent to each and every councilor.

They claimed that a written invitation was sent to Shriodkar, which she had accepted and the proof of it is that VCC has got the acknowledgement copy of it.

“We have made an effort to bring quality programme for the people of Vasco and politics was kept at bay and such allegation has no meaning,” said D’Souza.

“One should appreciate that the Carnival celebration received overwhelming

response from the people of Vasco,” claimed D’Souza.

VCC Treasurer Raulf Trinidade said: “We had sent invitations to every one, besides eight VIP passes were given to Shirodkar.”

He alleged that the councillors want to politicize the issue, as they are D’Souza’s rivals.

When contacted, Chairperson Shirokdar said: “The minister doesn’t know to respect the first citizen of Vasco, as he has failed to invite me for the float parade and ‘Music Fusion’ at Tilak Maidan.”

She claimed that she did not receive invitation from VCC on both the days of celebrations, besides most of the ruling councillors were also not invited.

Councillor Almeida alleged that D’Souza has made Vasco Carnival his personal affair and running the show as per his whims and fancies.

Says Manesh Arolkar: “I have filed a complaint against the contractor, who damaged pavement of the municipal council during the Carnival float parade.”

“The contractor is liable to be offender as under Section 181 sub sections 1 of Goa Municipal Act for damaging municipal property without any prior permission from the chief officer,” said Arolkar.

Councillors Sharad Chopdekar and Safullah Khan also criticized D’Souza for dragging Carnival into politics.

Interestingly, few staff who had given MMC’s sofa and chairs to VCC without permission of the chairperson have been asked to justify their act.

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Monica Dias demands Cong ticket for Fatorda

Pollution Board to monitor removal of Princess

Goa Congress Mahila chief Monica Dias addressing newsmen on their demand for Assembly tickets.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

Two officers of the Goa State Pollution Control Board will monitor the exercise of cutting of the grounded vessel off Candolim beach.

The North Goa Collect Mihir Vardhan has asked GSPCB to depute its two staff at the site of the vessel -- M V River Princess during the process of breaking the vessel, sources said.

The North Goa Collector made the suggestion following M/s Arihant Ship Breakers, a Mumbai based company which has been engaged by the government to break the grounded vessel, gave a detailed presentation as to how the vessel would be cut.

The government is taking extra measures to ensure that there is no further damage to the already degraded beach as a result of the grounded vessel.

The representative of the company has informed the government that toxic waste that would be generated because of cutting operation will be taken care of.

It is learnt that Customs notification notifying Britona jetty as cutoms point has been issued and the government has been asked to pay a Customs duty of Rs 3.94 crore.

The government is now free to sign an agreement with the company and issue work order.

Demands more representation for women

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 9

Staking claim over the Fatorda Assembly seat, Goa Pradesh Congress Mahila Chief Monica Dias has cautioned that the Mahilas will not sit quiet if the party leadership ignores the genuine demand of mahilas for minimum two Assembly tickets in the coming Assembly polls.

That’s not all. Mahila Congress workers warned the Congress leaders that mahilas would boycott the Congress party and even work against party candidates if the party does not reserve one seat each in North and South for women.

When newsmen asked Ms Dias what would be her future course of action if the party denies ticket to her, she shot back “We will not keep quiet this time and Congress President Sonia Gandhi will not deny party tickets to women contenders this time around.”

Asked whether she would stake claim for the Fatorda seat in the coming polls, Dias said

“One hundred fifty per cent. I will stake claim for the Fatorda seat.”

Saying that Mahila Congress workers have been fooled all along with empty promises of giving tickets for women, Dias said “hope the leaders will not succeed in fooling us this time around. Women are the architects of the congress victories.

They will not get fooled this time around.”

In fact, the Mahila Congress chief has urged Congress leaders to stop declaring or announcing prospective candidates as that would only leave other hard working contenders dejected and hurt. “There’s still time to go for the polls. We fail to understand why some leaders are announcing party candidates,” she said.

Dias said the Goa Mahila Congress will mostly stake claim on seats which are open and represented by the Opposition. “We will make a strong case before the Party leadership to allot open seats for women members

Salpem farmers against land acquisition

Chaka Chak team offers to help St Cruz in treating waste

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

The Salpem Tollem Xetkarancho Ekvott has requested the PWD Minister Churchill Alemao to drop the land acquisition proceedings and leave the fields in possession of the farmers.

They have also called for expediting the commissioning of the sewage treatment system for Margao to help stop the illegal dumping of raw sewage in the Salpem Lake and its fields.

Formed to protect the interests of Salpem lake farmers, the Ekvott had been strongly opposing the acquisition of their fields for the purpose of expansion of the sewage treatment plant serving Margao city and its buffer zone.

The farmers has contended that the PWD department has in their possession land admeasuring around 33,000 sq m of land, which they said is more than sufficient for the sewage treatment plant and its buffer zone for the next 30 years, but lamented that the government is acquiring three lakh sq mts of agricultural fields under the guise of public purpose.

Referring to the statement made by the PWD Minister that the fields would be release to the farmer for cultivation, the farmers have sought to know the reason behind acquiring the fields in the first place. “Shall the farmers then become illegal in their own fields? If the MLA changes and decides to give the land to a private party, what legal rights the farmers have?” they have demanded to know and requested the PWD Minister to drop the land acquisition process.

Two injured in Varca fire HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

Two persons suffered minor injuries due to suffocation following a fire in a store room of a starred hotel at Varca on Wednesday noon.

Assistant Fire Divisional Officer, Prakash Parab who rushed to the hotel with two fire tenders, after receiving a call, informed that the duo were suffocated while engaged in the fire fighting operation.

He said the store room storing mattress caught fire this afternoon, but was later put off by the fire personnel.

The total loss caused by the raging fire was put at Rs 3 lakh.

The cause of the fire is being ascertained.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MERCES, MARCH 9

Citing an example of how she treats garbage in her own backyard, Chaka Chak Goa coordinator Patricia Pinto offered help to the Santa Cruz Panchayat in setting up of composting units in the village to take care of wet garbage.

Pinto made the offer when the Chaka Chak team visited the panchayat to chalk out plans to tackle waste menace in the village.

She further offered her services in training some villagers in maintaining the composting units in a scientific manner so that foul odour does not emanate from these units.

“The Director of Panchayat has also informed that the government is willing to finance these composting units,” she added.

Deputy Sarpanch Tony Fernandes, though, said that currently the panchayat is facing problem of non-availability of land and also non-cooperation from the villagers in tackling waste menace.

Tony further added that the problem is only compounded

as that would not affect the present set up,” she argued.

Reminding all and sundry that she was thrice elected Margao Municipal Councilor, Dias said the young aspirants vying for the party ticket should be made to wait by the party leaders, adding the young leaders may be given the tickets in the future.

Fatorda Mahila Congress President Eliza said that women from the constituency will rally behind Monica Dias in her bid to get nomination from the Congress party to fight the coming polls.

Another Mahila Congress leader Pratima Narvekar said the women members of the party would have no option than to quit the Congress and join any other political party. “The party leaders should realize that the Mahila congress had been working at the grass root for the success of the party. The leadership should not ignore the claims of the mahilas for tickets,” she asserted.

since the Pollution Board does not give NOC for setting up of waste plant in fields and emphasized the need for convincing the Pollution Board officials first.

Taking note of the grievance, Patricia said she would speak to the Pollution Board officials in this regard to know the reasons behind rejecting fields as site for waste treatment.

“If due permissions are obtained from authorities like the TCP and others to fill a barren field and if due care is taken to see that pollution of water bodies is avoided, I see no reason why such barren fields can’t be used for setting up waste plant,” she opined.

Earlier, Patricia laid emphasis on the effective functioning of the garbage committee, which she said can play a big role in coordination with the panchayat authorities in tackling waste menace.

She also advised the garbage committee members to put politics aside and work together as a team for the betterment of the village.

Patricia then made the panchayat authorities aware of the

Vasan assures to look into seafarers’ woes HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

Union Shipping Minister, G K Vasan has assured South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and representatives of seamen from Goa that he would accord top priority to solve the problem of payment of ex-gratia to the retired seafarers and widows.

Vasan told a delegation comprising the South Goa MP and president of Goan Retired Seamen Welfare Association Ifrona Dias and Association advisor Melson Luis that a decision would be taken after getting a detailed report which he has asked from the management of the Seafarer’s Welfare Trust Fund.

The MP suggested to the Union Shipping Minister that the government could provide a special fund to help the seafarers and widow of seamen.

During the meeting, representatives of the Seamen’s Association brought to the notice of the Union Shipping Minister that the retired seamen are

presently paid a pittance amount of Rs 200 per month as an ex-gratia and impressed upon the minister that the amount should be enhanced to minimum Rs 1500 per month.

They also brought to the notice of Vasan and the South Goa MP that many seamen’s widows are not getting their pension regularly, adding that in some cases, the monthly monetary assistance has been stopped after a period of 10-12 years. “The issue of proper pension scheme for seafarers and for retired seamen was also take up by them”, informed Association President.

The meeting between the Union Shipping Minister and the representatives of the Seamen’s We l f a r e A s s o c i a t i o n w a s arranged by the South Goa MP and Chairman of the Lok Sabha Estimate Committee in New Delhi on March 8 to discuss the long pending demand of ex-gratia monetary assistance paid to the seamen and the pension scheme.

Tourist robbed CALANGUTE: Goods worth Rs 1 lakh were stolen from a domestic tourist at a rented house in Badem-Assagao on Tuesday night. Gurupich Singh lodged a police complaint stating that his goods, which included a laptop, two mobiles, an iron and a cheque book, were stolen from the room.

two schemes which are available for tackling garbage namely plastic menace scheme and rural garbage scheme.

“The easiest scheme which can be implemented immediately is the plastic menace scheme,” she explained and advised the panchayat to apply for this scheme while going into the details of how the scheme works.

“Currently, the government gives a fund of Rs 25,000 per year under this scheme,” she informed and added that she will urge the government to raise the fund of Rs 50,000 to make the scheme more effective.

Concurrently, Patricia urged the panchayat to enforce the plastic ban rule, which does not allow anyone to sell plastic bags below 40 microns. She also laid emphasis on educating the public on segregation of waste, without which it would be difficult to achieve total success.

Also present at the meeting were Chaka Chak member Valerie Madredeus, Sarpanch Rosy Fernandes, panchayat secretary Pednekar, garbage committee members and concerned citizens.

Poinguinim baker crushed to death HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 9

A 6 0 - y e a r - o l d b a ke r f ro m Poinguinim was crushed to death by a speeding truck, after the baker fell off his motorcycle near Canacona Police station on Wednesday morning.

According to unidentified sources, Francisco Fernandes, who was riding a motorcycle (GDH-6951) wearing a helmet, got his head crushed under the rear wheels of a pick-up (KA-316009). The truck was transporting bananas from Sirsi to Mapusa.

Canacona Police informed that Fernandes operating a bakery at Poinguinim was transporting bakery items like cakes, biscuits and breads on his motorcycle.

On reaching near Canacona Police station, Fernandes fell off his two-wheeler and came under the rear wheels of a pick-up which was also proceeding in the same direction.

Unidentified eyewitness informed that the mishap scene was so horrific that a pond of blood immediately began to flow on the slope, while the mutilated body lied motionless.

The incident that occurred at about 8 am was barely few metres from Canacona police station.

Vidya Vikas asked to roll back fees HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

The Director of Education has directed the management of Margao-based Vidya Vikas Academy to roll back the fees as per the fee structure approved by the department in 2008-09 until further orders of the High Court.

Parents of the VVA had on several occasion brought to the notice of the Director of Education so also Education Minister, Babush Monserrate that the school management was charging fees in contravention of the

Goa Education Act, 1984, wherein it stipulates that the management need to seek the approval for the fees to be charged from the Director of Education.

Welcoming the directions, Chairman of All Goa Unaided School Parents Association Nisser Dias and also a parent, said the struggle by the parents against exploitation stands vindicated. He further said that the VVA management had been defiant in its functioning despite the orders of the High Court

Treatment of Comba wells recommended HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

Accepting the report from BITS Pilani which categorically negated reports that the Comba wells were contaminated with oil and grease, Inquiry officer, Deputy Collector Johonson Fernandes has recommended treatment of the affected wells with aeration and shock chlorination.

In his report submitted to District Collector G P Naik, Johnson has recommended to engage the services of Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Dr Srikant Mutnuri to oversee the process by engaging the services of the PWD and Municipality in coordination with the owners of the wells, so that the costs incurred could be shared.

“After having carried out the meticulous exercise to nail down

the polluters, it is by one’s own volition that the wells have become useless for safe drinking water. Constant usage of the well water would have perhaps not resulted in the formation of iron content”, Johnson said in his report.

Moreover, the report cleared stated that the inquiries conducted by BPCL and HPCL by shutting down the two petrol pumps near Metropole revealed that there were no losses suffered by the petrol pump owners, indicating absence of seepage from the tanks.

“I have submitted the inquiry report to the district Collector for information and action. The reports received from both Dr Mutnuri and the Goa State pollution Control Board has revealed there is absence of grease and oil in the water wells”, he said

and continued to exploit parents by charging exorbitant fees and today they stand exposed.

“Parents through their complaints to the DoE had attached copies of the fee books, where the management had stamped “Subject To Approval” thereby clearly indicating that there was no approval to charge the unauthorised fees that were being collected from the parents”, he said.

Acting on such complaints the DoE issued a circular signed by deputy director Anil V Powar dated 7th March 2011directing VVA management “to roll back

the fee as per the fee structure approved by this Directorate in 2008-09 till the High Court decides the matter and issues the order”.

Ashely Fernandes executive member of AGUSPA and also a parent, while terming it as a parents victory demanded that the management of the school should immediately refund excess fees illegally collected from the parents and at the same issue fresh fee slips with the approved fees of 2008-09 to those parents who have not paid the fees so as to facilitate the payment to the school.

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UPCOMING eVeNtS Prayer programme at Vasco PANJIM (HND): Global evangelist preaching and prayer programme will be conducted by Rev Devasia Mullakkara on March 11 at MPT Institute Hall, Near Bank of Baroda, Vasco, from 10 am to 7 pm and on March 12 at Communidade Hall, 1st Floor, Mangor Hill, Vasco, from 10 am to 7 pm. For details, call 9970372478/9404456983.

Kaleidoscope quiz PANJIM (HND): The second round of the Kaleidoscope Hindi quiz, organised by Communicare Cultural Centre will be aired on March 11 on Prudent news channel at 2 pm with repeat telecasts at 4 pm and 10.30 pm. Quizmaster Neha Shaikh will take the four participating teams through a series of questions based on grammar, culture, and spelling skills. The quiz has been organised in collaboration with Instituto Camões, Alliance Française, Fundação Oriente, Broadway Book Centre, Reira IT Solutions, Hotel Mandovi and Business Goa.

Special prayers at Sancoale PANJIM (HND): Holy Mass for the sick with special prayers for a miraculous healing will be held at the Shrine of Bl Joseph Vaz, Sancoale on March 11 starting at 7.45 am followed by Holy Mass at 9 am.

The sick will be prayed over for Miraculous Healing through the intercession of Bl Joseph Vaz, the Patron of the Archdiocese of GOA and Daman. Mass for the sick with special prayers for a Miracle are held on every 2nd Friday. People with sicknesses are welcome for the service.

Friday Masses in Lent at the Sanctuary will be held at 7 am, 8.45 am and 4 pm, followed by Way of the Cross at the Hillock of Bl Joseph Vaz. Terminally sick are prayed over on every Friday from 10 am to 12 noon. Childless couples and pregnant mothers and kids are prayed over on every 3rd Sunday of the month at 9 am. Sunday Masses are held at the Sanctuary at 7 am and 9 am and on weekday at 7 am. Priest is available on Wednesdays for confessions and spiritual guidance from 9 am to 12 noon

Discourse on ‘Effortless Change’ PANJIM (HND): Fr Abraham Painumkal SJ, a Jesuit priest and counsellor, will deliver a discourse on ‘Effortless Change’ on March 13 at Loyola High School Hall, Margao, at 4.30 pm. It is open to all and free. Fr Abraham is available for counselling a t J e s u i t H o u s e , Pa n j i m . Fo r d e t a i l s , c o n t a c t 9850123667/2223495.

‘Non-functional’ power dept irks Mauvin HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, MARCH 9

Peeved over step-motherly treatment meted out to the constituencies of Cortalim and Dabolim by the electricity department, Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho served a 10-day deadline to the department to repair all street lights in these constituencies.

Godinho, who was presiding over the meeting along with the sarpanchas in his private chamber at Queeny Nagar, told Executive Engineer Shiv Shankar that all the streetlights should be repaired within 10 days.

“I want action taken report at the review meeting which will be called in a fortnight,” Godinho told the electricity department officials tersely.

Most of the sarpanchas and their deputies lamented at the care-a-damn attitude of the electricity department especially of the junior engineers (JEs). The JE representing the Zuari Nagar area came in for sharp criticism from Sancoale Acting Sarpanch Ramakant Borkar.

Borkar complained to Godinho about the lackadaisical attitude of Zuari Nagar junior engineer who he said would not heed to complaints.

“I have been requesting the JE to repair the streetlights and shift the poles for several months but nothing has happened,” Borkar said. “It is better that the JE be transferred,” Borkar demanded.

Another important issue that came up at the meeting was the streetlights on the newly built St Jacinto Bridge.

Godinho expressed the need to bring the streetlights under the department’s control so that they can be attended to in case of any breakdown.

“Due to the darkness on the bridge, many immoral activities are going on,” Godinho informed the engineers and said that corrective measures had to be undertaken to put things in place.

Godinho also informed that he would have a joint meeting

… vows to raise Goan issues in Assembly HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, MARCH 9

Claiming that he would not be a silent spectator, Cortalim MLA and Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho said he would be vocal on various issues affecting Goans and common man during the Assembly session due this month.

Godinho, who is also the election campaign manager for the Congress Party, said that the garbage issue would be at the centre of his grievances and added that the government should act fast in tacking this scourge.

Godinho was speaking at a review meeting with the electricity department officials in his chamber at Quenny Nagar.

“I will not remain silent merely because I am appointed a campaign manager. I don’t mind even if I am dropped from the post,” Godinho warned.

Godinho also send a stern warning to Bogmalo Panchayat officials over the continued illegal activities on communidade land.

“There should be a stop on these activities. Any illegal construction should be immediately demolished,” Godinho said and wondered as to whose blessings these activities were carried on. with the chief minister in solving the electricity crisis.

Chicalim Deputy Sarpanch Marie Mascarenhas appealed to the MLA to put up ornamental lamps from Chicalim junction to Dabolim airport.

“I have seen ornamental lamps in Cuncolim. Why such lamps should not be put up on the airport road which is the

Medical camp on kidney problems PANJIM (HND): RG Stone Urology and Laparoscopy Hospital will organise a free medical checkup and awareness camp on March 10, 11 and 12 from 10 am to 2 pm wherein free consultation on problems related to Gall bladder Stones, Kidney Stones, Enlarged Prostate, Hernia, Appendix and Piles will be given along with free ultrasound, uroflowmetry, PSA if required. Patients can get their registration done on RG Stone’s helpline number 9552546070.

Understanding Technology

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gateway to Goa?” Mascarenhas wondered.

Others who attended the meeting were Cortalim-Quelossim Sarpanch Anthony Miranda, Chicalim Sarpanch Raul D’Costa, Chicolna-Bogmalo Sarpanch Urbano Rodrigues, Cortalim ZP member Cynthia D’Silva and JEs of various sub-divisions in the constituencies.

Farmers of Taleigao start organic farming HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 9

Dr N P Singh, ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research) praised farmers from Taleigao in their efforts to revive farming in Taleigao, while recently addressing a gathering of farmers in Taleigao paddy fields. Dr Singh also raised concern about the drainage problems in the fields, which apart from causing damage to the crops, renders the about 150 acres of farm land unfit for cultivation for four to six months in a season. He expressed urgency for finding solution to this problem.

President of the club Xavier Almeida informed the gathering that within short period of their formation, ‘The Progressive Farmers Club of Taleigao’ has taken a huge leap in motivating farmers to start farming activities in Taleigao with the help of ICAR, Department of Agriculture, Horticulture Corporation and NABARD. He informed that club has recently purchased a tractor which would be useful for local farmers and that the club is in process of purchasing other implements.

In function held at Taleigao paddy fields near village community hall, members of the Farmers Club gathered in large numbers and an inspection was carried out by the Director of ICAR of the crops grown. He expressed his happiness over successful implementation of their programmes.

ICAR officer and mentor of the Club Hiralal Prabhudesai offered thanks.

Afghanistan, Yemeni students showcase culture at Navelim meet HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 9

The International Students Day which included Afghani and Yemeni students was held at Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim, Salcette.

On the occasion the students put up various cultural programmes that showcased the vibrant culture and traditions of Afganistan and Yemen along with Indian culture.

The Afghani students studying at Rosary College along with their counterparts from various other colleges in Goa displayed exemplary unity and performed the ‘Atan’, and Afghan folk dance, a fashion show and various items that gave the audiences a glimpse into the way life is in Afghanistan and how closely the traditions, culture and heritage of Afganistan is to our own Indian heritage.

Chief guest Rajan Satardekar, Regional Director of ICCR, Goa was the chief guest and released the annual magazine, ‘Aryana’, which is a compiled by the exchange students. Satardekar, lauded the efforts of Rosary College and explained the various events undertaken by ICCR, Goa to help students of various countries seek opportunites in the educational sector of the state.

Principal of Rosary College,

Rev Fr Simao Diniz, said that the college provides the international students studying in the state of Goa the opportunity to come together and share views, build relations and create a vibrant international students community.

Associate Professor and viceprincipal , Juao Costa and coordinator for the international students, Rosary College in his speech lauded the international students for fitting in the culture of the land and exploring opportunities that the college had to offer and become students, who will be geared to go into society as skilled individuals.

Mahshid Mahsadarwazi, an Afghan student, currently doing her TYBBA at Rosary College speaking on behalf of the Afghan and Yemeni students expressed happiness at the various facilities the college provided and had a special mention for Principal, Fr Simao Diniz, who according to her was a real mentor to the student community in terms of studies, knowledge, discipline and guidance.

The function also saw a power point presentation by Mashid on Afganistan and India, and explained the importance of India as a very important ally in the reconstruction and development of contemporary Afganistan.

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Archbishop of Sindhudurg, Rev Fr Allwyn Barretto felicitating Custodio Manuel Estibeiro for life time contribution in the field of Konkani Literature and Culture at the 3RD Konkani (Romi Script) Literature and Cultural conference held at Kala Academy recently. Also present are MLA Victoria Fernandes, Fr Conceicao D’ Silva, Premanand Lotlikar, Tomazinho Cardozo and Pio Esteves.

Liberation Day in Kuwait

PANJIM(HND): ‘Lovers of Kuwait’ recently celebrated Kuwait's Golden Jubilee of Independence, the 20th Liberation Day of Kuwait and the 5th anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's assumption of power at a Chalet in Kabad where they held their second annual outdoor get-together. The main theme of this year’s outing was ‘Pro Life – Anti-Abortion’.

This outing commenced with a prayer, thanking and praising God for this beautiful country Kuwait, its rulers and the Kuwaiti people as well as their generosity. The outing was jam-packed with activities which were interspersed with meaningful skits and various games which were enjoyed all.

All the skits were enacted by the members themselves. ‘Pro Life - Anti-Abortion’ skit carried a message to all that abortion is a crime and that the children are a gift from God and God alone is the author of life and death.

In warmth of togetherness and camaraderie members were treated to a sumptuous home-cooked food. Gifts and prizes were distributed during the course of the outing.

Workshop for Mahilas organised

Fr Maverick Fernandes addressing the gathering.

PANJIM(HND): Women force is the need of the hour to eradicate poverty and to root out corruption said Director of the Council for Peace and Justice, Rev Fr Maeverick Fernandes at the recent inauguration function of the two-day workshop conducted by Central Board for Workers Education and Goa Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan (GPMSA).

President of GPMSA Nelly Rodrigues and officer of Central Board for Workers Education Aruna Wagh informed that various sessions on important topics were arranged to equip the elected mahilas for their role in the Panchayats.

The first session on role and importance of SHG and facilities was offered by NABARD Bank and forming of federations for farmers was delivered by Anita Karambalkar.

On the second day lively and interesting sessions were conducted by Amita Salatry on consumer awareness and Vasu Walwaikar on leadership and motivation. Vice-President Abelina Menezes (ZP Member) welcomed the gathering.

Bardez Block President, Carmelina proposed the vote of thanks and vice-president of North Goa District Shilpa Naik compered the programmed.

Big Discount Shopping expo underway at Campal

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S H O Rt tA K e S

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 9

Chief guest Rajan Satardekar, Regional Director of ICCR, Goa releasing the annual magazine, ‘Aryana’.

Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters complete 125 years in India HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 9

The Franciscan Hospitaller sisters of the Immaculate Conception are celebrating 125 years of their presence in India. They are the first sisters to come to Goa at the request of the Archbishop of Goa in 1886. They maintained the apostolic work generously, educating the poor children attending to the sick and caring for the old and the mentally challenged children.

On Tuesday was the closing of the bi-centenary of the birth of their Founder Fr Raimundo dos Anjos Beirao. He welcomed every one with fatherly kindness and advised and guided them in their difficulties. He used to often tell them “Daughters, have great charity towards the poor.

Remember that they are the children of God like us. Treat the

old as your parents, the youth as your brothers and sisters and the little ones as your children”.

Finally the long awaited joyful event – the Beatification of their Venerable Mother Maria Clara do Menino Jesus, will take place on May 21 2011 in the Stadium of Restelo, Lisbon, Portugal.

So in preparation for the triple celebration in their congregation they held a play on their Foundress Mother Maria Clara do Menino Jesus by the teachers and students of Mary Immaculate School at Ravindra Bhavan on Monday and Archbishop Filipe Neri celebrated the Eucharist on Tuesday at the Basilca of Bom Jesus. South Province, Bangalore Provincial Sr Magdalena Fernandes and North Province Bandra, Mumbai Provincial Sr Eunice Menezes were present.

Big Discount Shopping exhibition of exclusive furniture and interior products is underway at Parade Ground, Campal.

The exhibition is open for a period of six days and is displaying products like Lotus

furniture, Kenya handicrafts, electronics, melamine crockery, antique wall clocks, ladies hand bags, garments, marble vases, flowers, chapatty maker and other consumer products.

The exhibition is open from 10.30 am to 9 pm upto March 13.

tIdeS March 10

High tide: 0059; 1425 Low tide: 0738; 1938

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Mysterious disease strikes paddy crops at Poinguinim HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 9

A mysterious disease has struck paddy crops at Poinguinim and has almost destroyed 25 acres of plantation in the area.

Agriculture officials from Panjim are likely to visit Canacona to examine the affected crops before initiating remedial measures.

Over a dozen farmers of Poinguinim are a concerned lot, as major parts of their rabbi cultivation at Karegal farmland, which were transplanted in January, are slowly being destroyed by the unknown disease.

"This is an unknown disease and we are not aware of its reasons or its remedies," said a farmer.

The incident was reported to local agriculture authorities in the taluka. They visited the area, but could not identify the exact disease that has hit the paddy crop at the tender stage itself.

When contacted, an agriculture officer said: "We are already in touch with our top officers in the head office. An expert team is likely to visit the affected paddy crops in Poinguinim."

The disease that has struck paddy crops at Karegal-Poinguinim.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

"The exact disease will be known only after an expert examination, after which suitable measures will be taken to curb the menace and avoid its spread," added the officer.

Incidentally, farmers have suspected that the disease could be the outcome of using a defective hybrid variety of paddy seeds.

A villager said: "Almost all

farmers at Karegal-Poinguinim, whose rabbi crops have been struck by the unknown disease, had obtained the 'Jaya' breed of hybrid seeds from the Bhagyatdar's counter in the taluka."

It is learnt that Karegal farmers normally grow the 'Jyoti' brand of paddy seeds, but this season they had preferred the 'Jaya' brand due to its easy availability.

Residents voice concern over levelling of Guirim pond HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 9

Residents of Guirim have raised strong objections to the levelling of the pond ‘Pokurli’ in the area.

The residents during a Gram Sabha adopted a resolution stating that the panchayat should carry out beautification and development of Pokurli Pond through the Panchayat Fund.

Accordingly, the panchayat was requested to prepare the estimates and send it to the Block Development Office for approval.

On September 1, 2010, Guirim Panchayat had written a letter to Guirim Communidade seeking its no-objection certificate for the beatification of the pond.

However, the Guirim Communidade on January 15, 2011, sent a letter to Guirim Panchayat stating that it has no objection for carrying out repairs and renovation of the southern side of the Pokurli Pond and the balance area of the pond should be levelled to prevent any misuse.

Citizens greet CM on b’day HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 9

Citizens from all walks of life greeted Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on his birthday on Tuesday.

Kamat’s Ministerial colleagues, including PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao, Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao, Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane, Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar joined the MLAs and citizens to extend him warm birthday wishes at his Malbhat residence.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Subhash Shirodkar and senior Congressmen also called on the Chief Minister to wish him on the occasion of his birthday.

The Chief Minister took time off in the afternoon for an interaction with the inmates of the old age home near Hospicio hospital and was to attend a senior citizens program later in the evening.

His supporters from Margao constituency lined up in large numbers since morning to greet the Chief Minister on his birthday.

Pond at Guirim.

Speaking to Herald, Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar stated that the purpose of levelling the northern side of the Pokurli Pond is that the Guirim Panchayat plans to construct a Communidade building in the area.

“The pond has been in existence for several decades now and it provides water for cattle and other animals,” said Parulekar.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

“This pond is being used by Hindus for Ganesh immersion.

It is totally unfair to level the part of the pond. Hence, I have written a letter to the water resource department on February 10, 2011, to take necessary action to prevent destroying natur a l w a ter reso urc es an d develop the entire pond for the benefit of Guirim villagers,” added Parulekar.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 9

Accusing the Road Transport Officials (RTO) of harassment, the South Goa Truck Owners Association (SGTOA) has convened an urgent meeting on March 10 at 10 am at CADA Hall, Curchorem, to discuss its future course of action.

The SGTOA have urged all truck owners to attend the meeting in large numbers and to keep their trucks off the road for the day.

The SGTOA has been protesting against the fines levied by the RTO on truck operators for fitting wooden planks on the cargo box of the trucks.

"The very action of the RTO, even after truck owners have abided with the tonnage carrying capacity of 10.5 tonnes per trip, is absurd and highly disturbing," complained SGTOA President Prakash Raut Dessai.

The results of Carnival float parade/competition held in Panjim on March 5 are as follows: In the sponsored category, LG Wonderland (Filipe Alvares) won the 1st prize of Rs 20000. Nestle Maggie (Vinayak Dessai) won the 2nd prize of Rs 10000 and Communal Harmony (Purnanand Chari) won the 3rd prize of Rs 5000.

Prize winner in the Club/Institution category: Goemcho Tinto (Allison Barretto) 1st prize of Rs.30000, Activities of Lions Club (Samuel Dias) 2nd prize of Rs 20000, Dovrine Sports Club (Minguel) 3rd prize of Rs 15000, Boys of Sangolda (Samson Dias) 4th prize of Rs 10000, Nomoxint Boys (Terry Rodrigues) 5th prize of Rs 5000, Tito’s party animals (Vishal Mandrekar) 6th prize of Rs 3000, St Sebastian Boys (Ashirwad) 7th prize of Rs 3000, Dona Paula scene (Vicky Naik) 8th prize of Rs 3000, Swan (Symbol of beauty by Frank Dias) 9th prize of Rs 3000, Moving Tiger (Joseph D’Costa) 10th prize of Rs 3000 and Chorao youth group (Glen Colaco) 11th prize of Rs 3000.

Traditional category prize winners: Koxxti Gonvli (Jeron Colaco) 1st prize of Rs 50000, Divadechi Bonderam (Raul Pereira), 2nd prize of Rs 30000, Kunsvar (Crispino D’Cunha) 3rd prize of Rs 20000, Musical Goa, Mendonsa boys 4th prize of Rs 15000, Gaunchem Daiz (Francis Leitao) 5th prize of Rs10000, Life style Native Toddy Tappers (Martin Rodrigues) 6th prize of Rs 5000, Vavradi (Anthony Pereira) 7th prize of Rs 5000, Global Warming/Waste Management (Kennedy Afonso) 8th prize of Rs 5000, Save Nature, Save Goa (Vijane Godinho) 9th prize of Rs 5000.

Fun/Junk cars category: Goa Heaven for Pirates (Allan Fernandes) 1st prize of Rs 10000, Terrence garage (Terrence Carvalho) 2nd prize of Rs 7000, Denzil garage (Denzil Carvalho) 3rd prize of Rs 5000, Global warming (Devdat Dangui) 4th

Presence of leopard raises fear in Bicholim HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICOLIM, MARCH 9

A leopard has struck terror in Bicholim taluka, after the wild cat reportedly killed a calf and injured another calf.

According to reports, the leopard killed a calf belonging to one Dhaku Varak of Kudchirm-Bicholim and injured another calf belonging to one Sawaikar from Wavti-Vathadev.

It may be recalled that the leopard had recently killed a dog and injured some other animals in Wavti area.

On receiving information of the attack, Animal Rescue Squad chief Amrut Singh and forest department officials visited the site and took stock of the situation.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MARCH 9

A 21-year-old tourist from Pune was rescued from drowning at Calangute on Tuesday.

According to reports, Wasim Ayas was rescued by lifeguards while he struggled to swim back to the shores at Calangute Beach.

On noticing the tourist struggling in deep waters, lifeguard Vinod Gaonkar swam across to the tourist and brought him safely to the shores.

Stay away from greedy politicians: Ravi Naik

Home Minister Ravi Naik and Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik along with the Yashadamini awardees at Curti-Ponda. Photo by Amresh Parab HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MARCH 9

The occasion may have been the International Women's Day, but Home Minister Ravi Naik seized the opportunity to lash out at the "greedy politicians" in the State.

Home Minister Ravi Naik has urged people to stay away from politicians who use money power to lure people, especially during elections.

"People should be cautious not to fall prey to such tactics

of selfish politicians, whose only aim is to win elections and do nothing for the people," said Naik, while addressing a function at Curti-Ponda to commemorate International Women's Day. The Yashadamini Puraskar were also awarded to women from different fields. The function was attended by around a large number of women.

"Political leaders should guide people, but a few of them are misguiding the people. Greedy

HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, MARCH 9

Cashew plantation which was gutted in a fire at Pale-Sattari.

Photo by Ashraf Khan

tations at Advoi-Sattari on Friday afternoon and farmers have suffered a loss of about Rs

40,000. The cause of the fire in both the cases is not been ascertained.

Results of Carnival floats declared

HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, MARCH 9

Tourist rescued from drowning

Cashew plantation gutted at Pale Cashew plantations worth about Rs 1 lakh was gutted in a fire at Pale-Sattari recently.

According to Valpoi Fire Services official, about 1,500 cashew grafts have been destroyed in the fire. After being informed about the fire, fire service personnel rushed to the site and managed to extinguish the fire.

Fire Officer In-charge R S Dhavaskar was assisted by leading fire fighters Y N Gawas, S M Hanif, S K Naik, P Shankar, Gaonkar, A N Dessai and fire fighters J P Gaonkar and S B Gawas.

Sources informed that fire also broke out at cashew plan-

Truckers meet to discuss RTO harassment

politicians, a few of who are in the State, are not interested in welfare of the society but are self-centred," said Naik.

"Such greedy politicians make use of money power to lure people. They distributes liquor, Biryani and their work is over," he added.

Naik urged the large gathering of women to ensure that such politicians do not succeed in the their vested endeavour.

"Women can play an important role and stop such practises which are rampant this days.

Everyone has right to vote and during elections you can send such politicians back home," he said.

Commenting on certain allegations, Naik said, "This meeting is not for any political gain.

Every MLA from Ponda taluka was invited for this meet. But sadly out of the four MLA, only Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik and I have attended this meet. Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavlikar and Priol MLA Deepak Dhavlikar did not attend and not even send us their messages."

Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik raised concern over the growing number of widows. "Many deaths take place due to alcohol related problems. There are various schemes of the Social Welfare department, one of which is a financial help of Rs 1000 to the widow," he said.

Naik also said the Social Welfare department should increase the financial allowance under Kanyadan scheme from Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000.

On the occasion, the Yashadamini Puraskar were awarded to Krishnavi Walve, Seema Pednekar, Aparnadevi Rane Sardessai, Priyanka Rane, Rupa Kerkar, Gulab Vernekar, Aswini Jambaulikar, Prachika Almeida and Pushpal Dhaimodkar.

prize of Rs 3000, Junk Car Fun (John Fernandes) 5th prize of Rs 2000, Zumba Boys (Romeo Mascarenhas) 6th prize of Rs 1000, Papu boys (Manashrey Dicholkar) 7th prize of Rs 1000, Viraj England 8th prize of Rs 1000, Goenchi Circus (Arnold Rodrigues) 9th prize of Rs 1000, Young boys of Taleigao (Vardhan Haldarnkar) 10th prize of Rs 1000, Young boys of Sangolda (Seby D’Souza) 11th prize of Rs 1000.

Clown/Jokers categor y: Anselmo Fernandes 1st prize of Rs 5000, Balchandra Naik 2nd prize of Rs 4000, Francis Fernandes 3rd prize of Rs 3000, Felix Rodrigues 4th prize of Rs 2000, Manuel Gomes 5th prize of Rs 1000. The other prize winner who to get Rs 500 each are Pandu Naik, John Pinto, Milagres D’Mello, Diamond Fernandes, Salvador Dias, and Shamsuddin.

Family categor y: Novais Familicho Ekvott (Caetano Novais) 1st prize of Rs 10000, Dungor Family (Reuben Pinto) 2nd prize of Rs 7000, Apolo Magician (Ishwar) 3rd prize of Rs 5000, Somali Pirates (Roy Fernandes) 4th prize of Rs 3000, Young boys of Campal (Caetano Rebello) 5th prize of Rs 2000. The other prize winner to receive Rs 1000 each are Stop Abortion (Melvin Fernandes), Octopus Paul II (Clinton Menezes), Hundred and one Dalmations (Anastasia Fernandes), Shadow Boys of Sangolda (Vicky Parwar), Wonderland (Francis Rodrigues), Liliput Family (Reuben Pinto).

Workshop on ‘special status’

PANJIM (HND): Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association and Village Groups of Goa will conduct a Workshop on ‘Special Status for Goa under Article 371’ of the Constitution of India, on March 19 at Grace Church Complex Hall, Opp Laxmi Plaza, VV Road, Margao, from 3.30 pm to 6 pm. Public can participate.

Registration is free. For details, call 9822166876/ 9822102131or e-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

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O HERALD O

All that glitters…

Vol No CXI No: 068 Goa, Thursday, 10 March, 2011

T

Alliances & divorces

he Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants an alliance with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) for the next legislative assembly elections. Announcing this was none other than the BJP’s national General Secretary and former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Gopinath Munde, not any local leader of the Goa BJP. This is a little like the parents of the would-be groom putting an alliance proposal out for a girl their son likes. But it’s not because he is too shy to ask for her hand himself. It’s because their courtship has a chequered history.

Getting an alliance together after a divorce is not a simple thing. Leading Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor and actor Richard Burton are said to have done it twice, having gotten divorced and remarried twice. But that rarely happens in India. The BJP and the MGP were once in alliance, and it was the BJP that walked out. Now, it is asking for the MGP’s hand back. Is it any wonder that the MGP is not over-eager to rush back into the arms of its estranged partner?

Besides, the MGP is presently a partner in the ruling coalition in power in Goa. Does the opposition BJP seriously expect the MGP to respond to its overtures and ruin its relations with the ruling Congress? Little wonder that MGP General Secretary Lavu Mamledar has clarified that the party is in no hurry to form any new alliance.

The BJP’s sense of urgency may be understandable. The party rightly expects that the coming assembly election might come about much earlier than their scheduled date of May 2012. But there is a bitter history to the earlier divorce between the parties, which the MGP cannot easily forget.

Till the 1994 election, the MGP was Goa’s biggest opposition party. The MGP and the BJP fought that election in alliance for the first time. But the MGP could win only 10 seats and the BJP four, failing to get a majority. Though the Congress did not have a majority either, it could cobble together enough MLAs to form a coalition.

It was the performance put in by Panjim MLA and BJP leader Manohar Parrikar, both in the legislative assembly and outside, which impressed a lot of people. The next election was in 1999, just a few months after the Kargil War. The BJP had just won the Lok Sabha election. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister and, though he personally was in favour of an alliance with the MGP for the Goa assembly election, BJP leader Manohar Parrikar was convinced that the BJP could not become Goa’s second leading party unless it contested on its own. So he broke the alliance despite Mr Vajpayee’s wishes.

In the event, the Congress got 21 seats and an absolute majority. But the BJP got more seats than the MGP, to become Goa’s second party. Later, Mr Parrikar would back Francisco Sardinha to split the Congress and oust the Luizinho Faleiro-led Congress government, only to topple Sardinha some months later and become chief minister himself.

Tactically, Mr Parrikar had played a masterstroke. But in doing so, he had marginalised the MGP. The humiliation was complete in the 2002 mid-term assembly poll, in which the MGP was reduced to a single seat.

Since Mr Parrikar himself was toppled by defection in 2005, the party has preferred to be in alliance with the Congress. So now, if the MGP is hesitant to respond to BJP overtures for an alliance, it is completely understandable. Little wonder that when he was asked whether the MGP would prefer to forge an alliance with the Congress rather than the BJP in the next election, the MGP’s Mr Mamletdar said: “Anything can happen.”

‘Kafan Chor’ government M Kumar, New Delhi It pains me to read that in the Budget 2011, some of the hospital services, viz air-conditioning is covered under service tax.

Many times A/C is essential for patients in certain operations. It is no more a luxury especially for a patient. Taxes are imposed on most medicines. It, therefore, seems absolutely correct to label this government as a ‘Kafan Chor’(shroud thieves) Health is foremost and important for all the citizens of India. What guaranteed services does this government provide to any citizen, in return for the taxes that people

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

10 March 1911 Carts create nuisance

It is reported about the nuisance created by carts who are transversing during the nights sans any lights through the streets of Vila de Margao with no Police to stop them for which we are making the Government to take necessary precautions.

Landlord donates Image

It is reported that Joao Climaco da Silva Colaco, a wealthy Landlord from the Parish of Velim is going to donate to the said Parish, a Image of the Patron Saint of Indies similar to the one worshiped at ‘Casa Professa’ of Old Goa.

Vermin exterminated

Has commenced the extermination of all the vermin from the fields of the Parish of Assolna availing poison.

Church refurbished

Is made known that Felix Dias, a wealthy Capitalist and Businessman from Mombasa, is going to refurbish with marble the body of the Church of Velim from where he hailed from.

OPINION

O

Little do the tourists know the real goa and its problems, says erVeLL e MeneZeS

urs is the land of fun and frolic, a holiday destination, paradise or that is how it is projected after the hippies first set foot on it in the late 1960s. But beneath that glittering front, there is a much rumbling, corrosion, even destruction and all that glitters surely is not gold.

The recent Carnival, which is fast losing its commercial gloss, the film festival, fashion shows and beauty contests continue to attract tourists, to say nothing of it being a wedding destination.

So, there’s no dearth of reasons why folks should not make a beeline to Goa. But little do the tourists know the real Goa and its problems. The recent agitation at Cavrem Pirla is just one example where 150-odd tribals under the banner of the Cavrem Adivasi Bachao Samiti marched to Panjim and after a 12-hour ordeal saw that the Mines Department and the Goa State Pollution Control Board ordered the closure of the mine and removed all machinery. It is a small victory but the problem of mining is deeprooted and has been going on for decades, even under the Portuguese regime.

It is a well thought out modus operandi of first getting the villagers involved by promising them jobs, giving them loans to purchase trucks to be used in the mines and virtually buying their consciences. But at the time, they are not even aware of the price they are paying for allowing the mines to function. The land gets arid, devastated and the perennial dust and grime inhaled brings with it diseases and death. And today, the mines are no longer owned by a few families.

Politicians have moved in like bees to a honeycomb and the “chalis chor” or the first few of them have struck rich (or is it richer?) by becoming “raising contractors” which is a term used to absolve them of ownership, but not its benefits.

Like the drug mafia and the “River Princess,” these are perennial problems that little can be done about, because there is no political will to act and may be only a people’s movement will be the ultimate answer. But will that ever happen?

During that unforgettable 19-month emergency, courtesy Indira Gandhi, this writer thought “even a worm will turn, but not an Indian.” But that has since changed a good deal. That Mrs Gandhi met her Waterloo by listening to her inner coterie

Minding Our BuSineSS (read chamchas) and going for elections is now history, and a lesson for others to learn.

In the same vein I think that the Goans are too complacent or otherwise occupied to start a people’s movement. We put up endlessly with the hollow promises of a dithering Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and his equally devious Cabinet Ministers, a Home Minister Ravi Naik with a number of skeletons in the cupboard and other infighting Ministers already acting as Chief Ministers.

Where does that leave the much-mentioned in rhetoric, aam admi? Well, out in the cold, that’s where he has been for decades and will continue to do so, for many more.

Another major problem in Goa is the sexual exploitation of children and among the earliest villains or the patron saint of paedophiles, is that foreigner Freddy Peats who under the guise of

A thought for the aged

Facts of Life

E

veryone hates getting old, and wish to stay young or atleast middle-aged. But time keeps on marching.

It’s the morning after my 79th birthday. Appropriately, the idea of obsolescence was on my mind, as I discovered when I attempted to define the word ‘Obsolescence’ as the sin, the crime people commit against themselves when they start believing that their shell life has expired.

At my age, I could be a sea wreck washed upon the shores of time, but on whose calendar? On God’s calendar, perhaps, though the Ancient of Days has never told me that I am no longer young in his eyes.

On my daily long walks, I meet trees that have lived intimately in all seasons with the sun and the rain for more than a century.

Trees that neither spin nor toil, survive night winds in the monsoon.

They wait with inexhaustible patience for the bright day to come, so that they can again serve the wild things as hosts and benefactors.

The woodland is thrifty, and allows nothing that exists to outlive its usefulness. The hollow trunk of a tree that lightning has killed can become a gold treasury where bees store their honey, or squirrels make a home. Some wild flowers grow best in soil kept damp by a fallen log. Ants can make their colonies in its dry rot as well.

But which flowering garden did God make in his own image?

pay? If some comforts are provided by some hospitals for medical treatment, especially in private hospitals and private doctors, what is wrong in it? At least, government can contribute to the health of every citizen by not levying any kind of taxes or duties on medicines and hospital related ancillary services.

Attacks on RTI activists S Kamat, Alto Betim The number of attacks on RTI activists and the killing of some of them have reached alarming proportions. The cause for this alarm has been that the attacks have been coming from almost all parts of India and concentrated more in the west and north of the country. They are frequent in nature.

To protect people seeking RTI, there needs to be a mechanism instituted by which their identities are protected until the information they seek is delivered to them. This will, at least, ensure that they are not attacked just for seeking information about any die-hard and committed offenders like politicians and the like who have a vested interest in protecting the information from coming out in public domain. This is because they fear being hauled up by the courts of law.

Doctors and the CCP election S N D Poojary, Miramar Some physicians stationed in Panjim have decided to support a particular panel in the CCP election. It is further reported that if the panel that they support, comes out victorious, then the medicos would function like a watchdog to oversee the working of the CCP. Of course, it is welcome that the medical fraternity is live to the civic problems, and the members of the fraternity would like to contribute something to improve the working of the civic body.

It must be remembered that politicians need not follow any code; but the medical profession is governed by the Hippocratic Oath. Probably, it would be good for the health of the physicians to concentrate on their chosen field and leave the politicians

doing good for kids, exploited them ruthlessly.

Now, a path-breaking bill dealing exclusively with sexual offences against children was introduced by the Union Cabinet last week, providing for a jail term up to 10 years or even life imprisonment for the guilty. While welcoming the new law, one must add that it is the implementation that is even more important, and in Goa, it is more the rule than the exception that these laws are never put into practice. Therefore, it will not be easy to stop this evil, unless there is a widespread and sustained effort by the people.

The incidence of crime is on the rise, and the inability of the police to check it, makes it even worse. Here the setting up of a forensic laboratory in Goa, will surely expedite matters. Having to send samples to other states and waiting for the results, is delaying and denying justice. A premises

for the laboratory has been set up in the Verna plateau, over three years ago, but the personnel must be employed. This is a common malaise in Goa. The same is the case with the government hospital set up in Mapuca some years ago, but still waiting to be operational and there is much opposition to privatising it. The case of Scarlett Keeling dragging on for years is a glaring example of the inordinate delay in dispensing justice. The police force in Goa which is notorious for its acts of omission and commission, must be totally revamped and it must be insulated from political interference, though that appears to be an impossible dream.

With the Congress image at the Centre taking a drubbing with each passing day, the latest being the quashing of CVC, P J Thomas’ appointment, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) must be girding its loins for a comeback at the Centre with “evergreen” L K Advani blogging every morning (except when India is playing in the World Cup), Sushma Swaraj tweeting during the day and Arun Jaitley featuring on TV in the evenings. And Goa’s former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is trying to capture the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) via the back door. By invoking the support of PINC to back BJP candidate Ashok Naik, it is likely to divide the Christian vote and eat into Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate’s vote bank. It is a case of “your enemy being my friend” and Parrikar ad Monserrate being sworn enemies, they are both vying for control of the CCP. It is for the Panjim voters to pause and take all the possibilities into consideration, before casting their vote.

The latest entry into politics is yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who has attracted the attention of Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh who has asked him not to point fingers at others, unless he wanted to bring his yoga empire under a scanner. Says Ramdev “I have a billion followers across the world. Will they believe I am a thief and not to be trusted with their donations?” He then goes on to say “I am a sadhu and don’t own anything other than my saffron robe and clogs.”

Social psychologist Ashis Nandy likens Ramdev to what V P Singh did to the country by entering politics in 1989. Though he professes to address corruption, may be the operative colour is saffron.

Which of the sequoias did he invite to his table saying “Take and eat, this is my body which is given to you”.

If this is my Father’s world, why are the old dears whom he loves so much, treated as though the age that is withering them, has left them good for nothing? They would get more respect if they were wild flowers, born to blush unseen and waste their sweetness on the desert air.

Why do we round up the aged, and keep them in aged homes, where they can weep at the sadness of seeing each other, like a mirror image of themselves grown long in the tooth? Why do doctors keep inventing miracle drugs that insure long life, if old age is more burdensome to deal with, than the sins the parents have visited onto their children, unto the third and fourth generation?

If this meditation is getting on your nerves, please remember that it represents the first fruits of the morning after my 79th birthday.

The crowd I grew up with, did not take time out of fragment into groups needing to have their hands held, when they felt sorry for themselves. Going to school we had first the great depression, and then World War II, to keep our minds of the luxury that was later called ‘the generation gap’. In the 50s when Elvis came along, the accent was on youth. My contemporaries were too long in the

It’s a shame!

Ayres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo It is sad to note that the Goa government made a generous contribution of Rs30 lakhs for a few hours of carnival revelry in the city of Panjim. But it cannot provide our Talathi the requisite stationery, namely Form I & XIV, that is needed for the villagers. The Salvador do Mundo panchayat has run short of the above forms. My efforts to contact the Bardez Mamlatdar in this regard, has proven futile. It’s a shame that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who just celebrated his birthday with pomp, brags of his aam admi governance. The fact is this governance is riddled with corruption, bribery and deceit at every public office.

GBA in disarray Allwyn George, Carmona At the height of the Regional Plan agitation in 2006, GBA could not ride onto the wave of tremendous momentum it created, due to the resentment of the Goan people with the government, on account of the Regional Plan.

On the contrary, it preferred to broker a deal with the spectacled devil himself to satisfy their passion. GBA seems to have disappeared into oblivion caused by their egos and tempers.

Today, the apolitical GBA is in disarray and splinter groups are concentrating more on cleaning Goa’s garbage rather than helping to clean Goa’s political filth, which is the need of the hour.

Today, the tiger that roared in 2006 has lost most of its teeth due to its bad breath and political allergy. At election time can we expect GBA to replace their fallen dentures and act as leaders again?

Panjim needs Babush?

Jose Maria Miranda, Margao I refer to Anthony R Fernandes’ letter (Herald, 8 March) saying that Panjim needs Babush to usher in the much needed development, akin to what happened in Taleigao. If Anthony is from Panjim, isn’t he aware in whose hands the CCP has been till now, and what kind of development

tooth to sing: “They try to tell us we are too young”. Many things happened thereafter. By the time the 60s were starting to unfold, we were too old to be tempted to join the beatniks.

My grandmother started to die when she was the same age that I’m now; it took her 20 years to complete her exodus. My grandfather died at home in his favourite chair when he was 74, after a three week illness. Who was luckier?

It seems elderly people are the last guardians of polite language and rampart against the rising floodwaters of vulgarity. They provide a pleasant link with the past, and they have a feeling for homely things: like teapots and walking sticks, flowers and babies.

At the Miramar Beach, the lady of Goan beaches, in the cool of the evening, I was listening to two moms carrying on a booming conversation about the Muncipal elections and a young mother and her baby. Nobody but the elderly woman was paying the baby any notice. She was watching her with the special rapt attention with which old folks look at kids. She struck me as being a person with a sound sense of priorities, one of the many valuable qualities we should learn to cherish in senior folks.

Those in the golden years should count their days by smiles and not tears. Also to count the age by friends and not years.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

and their voters to their fate.

By Marc de Souza

has been done in Panjim during the tenure of Babush’s henchmen or women, who are ruling till date? Isn’t he aware of the scams that the CCP has been accused of time and again?

Has Anthony looked only at the development in Taleigao and not at the destruction of hills and fields in Taleigao and Bambolim and the attempted destruction of Goa by Babush through his infamous Regional Plan? I hold no brief for Manohar Parrikar and there are candidates other than from his party. However, it would be a shame for intelligent Panjimites, if they give Babush another chance to loot…

Own gender conflict J Fernandes, Mapusa I don’t know what it means for the female sex to celebrate women’s day but being a male and having seen so many women including my own sister suffer at the hands of female judges, I am constrained to state that it is not the male power which has subdued females, but they have dug their own grave.

Female judges have shown a lot of inclination towards males that they give them special treatment and favour them, when it comes to a judgment and don’t even bother to consider the plight of a woman in the circumstances.

I have known instances wherein even the State Women’s Commission are known to favour males. Can anyone challenge me on this bias, by their own gender?

I am ready to provide details, if required.

CCP elections Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar The CCP elections scheduled or 13 March, of which Ribandar is a part, is an opportunity for citizens to elect persons, who can clean up the piled up muck and mess that the CCP is embroiled in.

Over the last five years, the focus has been only on haphazard tiling of footpaths and the installation of pavers anywhere and everywhere. The major issues of garbage, sanitation and parking have remained unattended. A record number of new building licenses have been issued. We have witnessed an unprecedented number of scams and frauds with the CCP coffers being virtually emptied. It will be a challenging and daunting task for the new corporators, who take over.

We need to usher in the much needed transparency and accountability at the Corporation of City of Panaji. It’s time for citizens to stand up and be counted. I am confident the people of Ribandar will lead the way.

Illegal working Ian Jones, UK I read an article this week in your publication regarding a UK national having property confiscated, and then a ridiculous letter apparently in support of her. For the record, a visitor on a tourist visa must leave the country after 180 days. There is no exception to this rule. To buy property in India, one needs to reside in the country for 183 days. This is obviously impossible on a tourist visa.

Why this lady wanted to spend her money buying property, that she knew would never be hers, is unclear? Furthermore, in her defence, Ms Ashby claims that she carried out voluntary work with dogs.

The tourist visa specifically states that the holder cannot undertake work of any type, whether it is paid or unpaid.

She, therefore, has admitted to working illegally in Goa since 1998. I cannot understand why the authorities did not cancel her visa and deport her for these activities.

Paths of Wisdom Age and information

By Kalidas Sawkar The boy grew up, was 12 year old, intelligent and smart. The conservative father enquired certain information of his friends, all between 20 and 25 years.

None knew the answer.

The 12 year old son had the answer, but there was command in the family that when elders are speaking, younger generation should not butt their nose.

After not getting the answer the father rebuked his friends for not telling the answer. Then, one replied, “when the answer is not known, how and what could be said”.

The father in his dominating ways said, “Ok, guess”. To this the 12 year old thought, ‘since nobody knows, I might as well give the answer’.

He gave his reply, but father was angry because a child has interfered with the elders.

He asked, “How do you know?” The child said, “My friend told me.” “How old is your friend”. “16”.

Father said “My friend is 22. Now, tell me is number 22 bigger or 16 is?” Son said “22 is bigger, but knowledge does not depend on age” This was followed by the father’s tirade on dependence of knowledge on age and sage for a couple of hours.

As it turned out, the answer by son’s friend who was 16 turned out to be factual.

However, the generation gap persisted and so did the difference between old ways and the new, old perceptions and the newer information and a father and his son.

A child is the father of man, they say, so fathers should try to be sons to have new perceptions of the changing society for harmony in family.

(Source : Kaliyug ki kahania)

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INDIA

GOA, THURSDAY, 10 MARCH, 2011

opinionateD

Yeddyurappa-run trust got over Rs 27 crore as donation: JD-S

This is not my Goa

A

BY LAWRENCE FERNANDES

fter almost five decades, a close friend called me and asked if I could pick him up from Dabolim Airport. I said I would be more than happy to receive him and if necessary, allow him to stay with me. He promised to bring one bottle of ‘muscatel,’ my all time favourite.

We talked and talked for hours as we were meeting after fifty years. He had left Goa for Portugal via Karachi as he was employed by ‘TAIP’ (Transportes Aereas da India Portuguesa) at once upon a time our only and civilian airport built by the Portuguese to make life easy for “susegad” Goenkars. He said this beautiful airport was built by ‘Obras Publicas’ and wanted to know whether it was since transferred to its equivalent PWD (Public Works Department). He was shocked to know that it was not, but used both by civilian authorities and controlled

by Indian Air Force/Naval authorities. He almost fainted and I had to take him to hospital. As he was quite familiar with Panjim, he insisted on visiting the Old Goa Medical College. He was confused and asked me why I was taking him to a cinema house called ‘Inox’. Quietly, I brought him to Bambolim but by mistake, I took a right turn, a bit late, and we reached the entrance of ‘IPHB’ (Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour).

My friend by now thought whether we both needed treatment there. I apologised for making that silly mistake.

After relaxing and spending a week at my place, he asked me if I could take him to his ancestral home at Margao, to which I agreed. He requested me to drive him to ‘Monte Hill’.

When I told him it is no longer called ‘Monte Hill’ but ‘Moti Dongor’, he could not believe it. Anyway, when we reached the entrance of his ancestral home, we were greeted by a man wearing a ‘lungi’ (a semi-national dress.) My friend asked him, where are the Fernandes’ from this house? “He said “Tum kaun hai?” As by now, he had almost forgotten Konkani, my friend told him in Portuguese ‘Eu sou o filho d’aqui’ (I am a son of this place). Chunnappa shot back “Jacqui idhar nahi rahta hai.”

When I translated to him what he said ‘mal criado’ was what my friend uttered in anger. “Malcurad Goa mein abhi nahim milta hai keonki Goa Government malcurad export karke Amrika bhejhta hai.” We came back home totally dejected and my friend almost finished a bottle of local brew by PVV. In the end, he realised that he lost everything dear to his heart i.e. Dabolim Airport, a house at Moti Dongor, pristine lush green fields of his homeland, “Escola de Medica” (now Inox) and decided to go to “East Timor” instead of Portugal, earlier than scheduled. I advised him to talk to PWD Minister to see if he could do something about reverting the Dabolim airport back to his Department PWD as it rightly belonged to its equivalent (Obras Publicas) and since Churchill did not favour “Mopa” much.

Before he bid farewell, he said in a sad voice “Quem foi para Portugal, perdeu seu lugar”(Whoever has gone to Portugal has lost his land).

Dikshit meets DU student’s fly, vents ire against police

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today continued to vent her ire against police on law and order situation in the Capital while assuring support to the family of the Delhi University girl student, who was shot dead in broad daylight, so that they get justice.

“I have said very clearly that it is a matter of great concern.

The attacks are taking place on women. We hardly hear about any such attacks on men. The police must be more sensitive to ensure safety and security to women,” Dikshit said after meeting the family of 21-yearold Radhika Tanwar at Naraina village and conveying her sympathies.

Officials said the Chief Min-

ister assured the family of the girl that her government will do the needful so that the family gets justice.

Tanwar, a second-year degree student, was killed outside her college in Dhaula Kuan’s Shantiniketan area yesterday by a man, who is believed to have been stalking her for sometime.

The incident came on a day when the city was celebrating the International Women’s Day. Dikshit also asked people of the city to speak up against such crimes and said her government has already launched a novel initiative called ‘Awaz Uthao’ under which area-based community groups with special powers will be formed to combat incidents of eve-teasing, violence and harassment of women.

In a strong comment, Dikshit had yesterday said that it was a matter of shame that women do not feel safe and secure in the capital of the country.

“We invited you here to convey our great concern over the feeling of insecurity among the women in the city. Leaving aside the statistics, I want to ask you do we feel safe in the city.

Belgaum all set to host World Kannada Meet HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, MARCH 9

Poised to be the second capital of Karnataka, Belgaum has received another shot in its arms as the city against all odds, is all set to host the historical World Kannada Meet (WKM).

Flurry of activities are being witnessed while the legislative and the executive are working in tandem to see that no stone is left unturned off course under the watchful eyes of the media.

Apart from Karnataka, large number of Kannada-speaking people from Goa will take part in the three-day meet. Invitations in this regard have been sent to the organisations and Kannada-speaking people of Goa. Film star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajya Sabha MP Hema Malini are some of the celebrities will be in Belgaum on Friday to take part in the inaugural function of the Meet which will be inaugurated by Infosys mentor Narayan Murthy.

The first of its kind global event has placed Belgaum in a rather enviable position. The citizens bearing the brunt of the power cuts, demolitions, road widening and busy schedules of the officials are in a rather in-

quisitive state of mind as questions are being raised regarding what good the most talked of the event has in offing for the city and their future generations.

About 5 lakh Kannadigas including litterateurs, poets, writers, thinkers, philosophers, intellectuals, entrepreneurs and artistes will make their presence felt during the Meet which is being held after a long gap of five years. Elaborate arrangements like food, accommodation and transport are being made to make the Meet a memorable one.

The colourful paintings and slogans being drawn on most of the fence walls in view of Meet are giving a new and attractive look to the city, adding to the atmosphere. Since last four weeks, several artistes are busy drawing fabulous sketches on the walls to create a festive atmosphere for the mega Kannada meet, which is being held after a gap of 25 years in the state.

The banners and hoardings limiting the pictures of eminent litterateurs with Chief Minister Yeddyurappa’s photo taking prominent position heralding the Meet are adorning the strategic locations in and around the city and district.

PTI NEW DELHI/BANGALORE, MARCH 9

Policemen beating Samajwadi Party workers during the last day of their protest against BSP goverment in Hazratganj in Lucknow on Wednesday.

Battle lines clearly drawn for TN Assembly polls PTI CHENNAI, MARCH 9

Battle lines have been clearly drawn for the April 13 assembly polls in Tamil Nadu with DMK and Congress clinching a seat sharing deal after a fortnight of hard bargaining.

The ruling DMK, in alliance with Congress, PMK,Viduthlalai C h i r t h a i g a l , Ko n g u N a d u Munnetra Kazhagam, IUML and Moovendar Munetra Kazhagam would take on the rainbow alliance led by opposition AIADMK, with actor politician Vijaykant’s DMDK, MDMK and Left parties as also some minor parties.

Though DMK clinched the deal with Congress after a logjam over

seat allocation and identification, cadres of both parties are yet to forget the mental agony they underwent all these days, according to political analysts here. The high commands will find it a tough task to prevail on them to go for election campaign straightaway, they said.

Maligned by the 2G spectrum scam, which AIADMK has already made an election issue,DMK is finding it tough to sail through the polls, despite doling out many freebie schemes to people, especially popular among rural folk.

The Congress, for the first time in recent memory, did not bow to its regional ally

and stood firm on its demand of 63 seats and got it. The Congress thinking was that in the post poll scenario, their role would be crucial if neither DMK nor AIADMK along with their allies gets an absolute majority.

Though AIADMK finalised alliance partners much before DMK, it was unable to get into the nitty gritty of seat sharing.

It allotted 41 seats to DMDK, two to Puthia Tamizhagam, and one each to Moovendar Munnetra Kazhagam, Akila India Naadalum Makkal Katchi of actor Karthik, and RPI, but is yet to strike a deal with CPI-M, CPI and MDMK, which are reportedly seeking more seats.

JD-S today leveled fresh allegations against Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa claiming that an educational trust run by him had received over Rs 27 crore as donation from companies, including some loss-making ones, which benefited from the government.

Senior JD -S H D Kumaraswamy alleged that some loss-making companies had paid crores to Prerna Educational and Social Trust, formed by Yeddyurappa’s son B Y Raghavendra.

“Even BJP leaders know about these things. They are fighting corruption committed by UPA and at the same, they are shieldi n g Ye d d y u r a p p a , ” K u maraswamy told reporters here.

The press conference was also attended by Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), A B Bardhan (CPI) and Namo Nageswara Rao (TDP) among others.

The leaders said they will raise the issue in Parliament.

“The trust collected Rs 27.18 crore from Adarsh Developers,

Industrial Techno Manpower Ser vices Ltd (ITMS), M B Jayashankar of Adarsh, Prof Doraiswamy and his son Prof Jawahar, Real Technical Solutions and South West Mining Ltd among others,” he said.

He alleged that the Adarsh Developers have encroached lakes, canals and government land to built villas. “ These donations were made by the companies for the favour they received from the government,” Kumaraswamy alleged.

He claimed that the Karnataka government has not recovered Rs 118 crore dues from JSW Steel, the joint venture partner of Mysore Minerals Ltd. He also alleged that ITMS which has a paid up capital of only Rs one lakh has donated Rs 3.4 crore to the Trust.

“The compulsion for giving such huge donation by incurring losses is based on the fact that JSW Steel, a company under the same management, have obtained substantial gains by modification of an MoU on mining,” he alleged.

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Pg 10 GOA, THURSDAY, 10 MARCH, 2011

INDIA

A kite maker Ajit Datta preperes one of his art work which carries Trinamool Congress party's symbol among others kites with other party symbols are on sale at his shop in Kolkata, Wednesday. The state assembly election of West Bengal will take place in six phases starting from April 18 2011, the counting of votes will take place on May 13, 2011.

No clarity on no-fly zone move in Libya: India PTI UNITED NATIONS, MARCH 9

Amid mounting calls by western nations for enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya, India said there was not much “clarity” on key questions like objective and assets required for the measure.

As Britain and France worked on a draft resolution for consideration of the UN Security Council on a potential no-fly zone in the strife-torn North African nation, New Delhi also said that deliberations on the issue were at a “very preliminary” stage.

“Consideration for imposing a new-fly zone is still at a very preliminary stage,” Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s ambassador to the UN told PTI. India is a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council.

“There has been some mention but without clarity on what the objective would be. There is even less clarity on where assets for imposing a no-fly zone would come from,” he said, stressing that no “formal pro-

posal” was in front of the Security Council yet.

Puri, however, said that “it is clear to most people that implementing a new fly zone would involve military action including neutralising ground installations such as air defence systems like radars. This would be viewed as military intervention.”

The Indian envoy noted that the meetings of the Arab League on Saturday “would be critical for firming opinion” on the nofly zone issue.

“The no-fly zone is now the objective of the international community,” Arab League envoy to the US Hussein Hassouna said.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague had said , “It is a realistic possibility and it is a practical possibility. It has to have a clear legal base, it has to have the necessary international support, broad support in the region itself.”

The Security Council was briefed yesterday on Middle

East and North Africa in a closed-door session by the UN’s top political official Lynn Pascoe.

“As we see in the battles that have been going on, clear actions are being taken against the people there, both in Tripoli and other cities,” he told journalists after the meeting.

“This is a matter of huge concern for all of us in the secretariat, certainly for the Security Council,” he said.

Responding to whether a nofly zone was discussed at the meeting, Pascoe said it was among the several issues that were part of a “serious and interactive discussion” on the role of the Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s office in the face of the Libyan crisis.

Last month, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution slapping sanctions on the Libyan regime, which includes a complete arms embargo, an asset freeze and a travel ban on strongman Muam-

mar Gaddafi and his loyalists, and a referral to the Haguebased International Criminal Court.

US President Barack Obama had yesterday discussed about the creation of a no-fly zone with UK Prime Minister David Cameron during a telephonic conversation.

The two leaders “agreed to press forward with planning, including at NATO, on the full s p e c t r u m o f p o s s i b l e re sponses, including surveillance, humanitarian assistance, enforcement of the arms embargo, and a no fly zone,” a statement from the White House said.

The UN is set to take a stand on the no-fly zone issue next week, while NATO has already launched a 24-hour air and sea surveillance of Libya.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meanwhile said any decision to impose a no-fly zone over Libya should be taken by the UN and “not the United States”.

FROM PAGE 1

Zilla members plan a morcha in Panjim on the first day of the Assembly session. She said members of the two bodies are united and have unanimously resolved to fight for powers as mandated under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

Former Curtorim ZP member J Santano Rodrigues said the time has now come for the ZP members to take to the streets as pleas made to the Government and MLAs have not elicited response in favour of the district Panchayat bodies.

He said the movement to demand all powers and functions to the Zilla Panchayats would continue till the Government finally implements the provision in the Constitution.

Members at the meeting pointed out that the Government should not waste public funds on the district Panchayat bodies, saying that the Government should either arm the Zilla Panchayats with powers or scrap the bodies.

9 Ukranians assaulted

Serhiy Kvachuk (25) was badly injured and suffered injuries on his head and is presently recuperating at a private hospital. Ms Fedoruk has been discharged from GMC, Bambolim while her other friends also suffered minor injuries.

Calangute Police have registered an offense against the unknown persons. PSI Harish Gauns is investigating the case.

CCP election

the officer.

Loudspeakers and megaphones are also banned. More than 13,000 Panjim voters will be going to polls on March 13 from 8 am to 5 pm.

Electronic Voting Machines from 68 polling stations will be collected and stored at the Government Pharmacy College, Panjim, where counting of votes will begin from 8 pm. The results are expected on the same day.

CCP poll notification Governor of Goa from February 7 to 18”, the complaint states. It further adds “from his leave application it reveals that he was in Aligarh, which can also be proved by tracing his mobile phone location on that day”.

Therefore, the complainants say, “it is necessary the police must carry out investigation in this illegal action of forgery, cheating and corruption in connivance with the ministers and politicians who are getting their illegal work done with the help of bureaucrats, who acted for illegal gratification received (directly or indirectly)”.

According to the complaint, “the officer has acted in blatant, brazen and utter disregard and violation of law and its specific mandate. In the process he has abused the very position and powers given to him to protect and enforce the letter and spirit of the law…”. The complainants have asked the police inspector to file an FIR in the matter failing which they would be forced to approach the court.

However, even 24 hours after the complaint was lodged, no FIR had been registered in this regard. Officials at Panjim police station said they are looking into the matter.

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Pg 11 GOA, THURSDAY, 10 MARCH, 2011

Gaddafi’s forces break into Zawiyah PTI CAIRO, MARCH 9

Tanks of Muammar Gaddafi’s forces Wednesday broke into the embattled western Libyan city of Zawiyah while his fighters pounded the oil port of Ras Lanuf in the east as the US and its western allies appeared to be firming up plans to impose a no-fly zone over the country.

The tanks rolled into Zawiyah after days of pitched battle between the loyalists and rebels, which according to residents have reduced large parts of the town to rubbles with unclaimed bodies strewn all over, Al-Jazeera reported.

US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron discussed a possible no-fly zone over Libya but both countries maintained that any intervention must have wide international support.

But US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made it clear that “any decision to impose a nofly zone over Libya should be made by the UN and not by US.” As the possibility of international intervention grew, the Libyan strongman Gaddafi hit back warning that his people would take up arms if such a zone is imposed by the western nations or the UN. Unfazed by an ultimatum served on him by the rebels to step down within 72 hours, Gaddafi, in his interview to Turkish TV, said a no-fly zone would show the true intention of the Americans and their European allies to “colonise Libya and seize its oil wealth”.

68-year-old Gaddafi also appealed to the people in the east, who have shunned him, to rise and topple the members of the newly-formed rebel Libyan Na-

tional Council.

Al-Jazeera reported that Gaddafi had not deployed a major portion of his elite army regiments and was holding them to confront a feared western invasion.

Gaddafi was shown walking into a five-star hotel in the capital Tripoli to give interview to state TV and the Turkish TV. His comments came amid reports that rebels had served him an ultimatum to step down within 72 hours.

“If he leaves Libya immediately, during 72 hours, and stops t h e b o m b a rd m e n t , w e a s Libyans will step back from pursuing him for crimes,” Mustafa Abdel Jalil, head of the opposition National Council, told AlJazeera.

“Conditions are that firstly he stops all combat in the fields, secondly that his departure is

within 72 hours; thirdly we may waive our right of domestic prosecution ... for the crimes of oppression, persecution, starvation and massacres,” Jalil said.

No-fly zone decision should be made by UN, says Clinton PTI LONDON, MARCH 9

As pressure piled up for an international intervention in Libya, Secretary of States Hillary Clinton Wednesday said any decision to impose a no-fly zone over battle-torn country should be taken by the UN and “not the US”.

“Such an important move should come from Libyan people, rather than being a US-led offer,” Clinton said in a series of interviews to the British media as calls for military intervention grew as pro-Gaddafi forces bombarded areas held by rebels.

“We think it is important that the United Nations make that decision,” she said in an interview to BBC. She said Washington would support the efforts that are being made.

Her comments come amid reports that Britain and France have drafted a resolution asking for enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya for consideration of the Security Council.

As rebel fighters are being pushed back by pro-Gaddafi forces, Clinton expressed concern over the unabated violence and called Gaddafi to step down peacefully, but warned that the crisis in the oil-rich North African nation would be protracted.

A rebel fighter uses binoculars to monitor the skies over the flashpoint town of Ras Lanuf on Wednesday, as Libya’s air force carries out raids.

36 killed in Pak suicide attack PTI

PESHAWAR, MARCH 9

At least 36 mourners were killed and over 50 others injured today when a suicide bomber attacked a funeral attended by members of an anti-Taliban militia in Pakistan’s troubled northwest, the latest in a string of terror attacks that have rocked the country.

The bomber targeted the funeral prayers of the wife of Hakeem Khan, a leader of the “peace committee” or anti-Taliban militia of Adezai, a tribal area near Peshawar, the capital o f K h y b e r - Pa k h t u n k h w a province.

The attacker, a youth who was on foot, joined a crowd of

mourners at Mattani, 35 km south of Peshawar, and detonated his explosive vest.

Over 200 tribesmen were attending the funeral.

Bomb disposal experts from the army later carried out the controlled detonation of a bomb that was found at the site of the attack.

Officials at the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar said they had received 36 bodies and 51 injured. The condition of 10 of the injured was serious, the officials said.

The Darra Adam Khel chapter of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was car-

ried out to avenge the killing of militants in a military operation in Adezai area.

Footage on television showed bloodied shoes and caps lying at the site of the attack.

A pall of gloom hung over the Adezai area as people buried the dead.

Witnesses and local residents said 25 people, including young boys and elderly men, were killed instantly while others died in hospital.

The anti-Taliban militia of Adezai, formed in 2008, has been at the forefront of efforts by tribesmen to flush out militants from the region around Peshawar.

7.3 offshore quake jolts Japan AFP TOKYO, MARCH 9

A major 7.3-magnitude offshore e a r t h q u a ke r a t t l e d J a p a n Wednesday, swaying Tokyo buildings, triggering a small tsunami and reminding the nation of the ever-present threat of seismic disaster.

Police reported no casualties or property damage, and operators of nuclear power plants and Shinkansen bullet trains quickly gave the all-clear, while the wave hitting the Pacific coast measured just 60 centimetres.

The tremor struck in the late morning about 160 kilometres offshore and 430 kilometres northeast of Tokyo, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres below the Pacific seafloor, authorities said.

In greater Tokyo – the world’s most populous urban area with more than 30 million people – the earthquake and a succession of tremors that quickly followed were uncomfortably felt as they shook buildings.

Television channels immediately cancelled their programming to transmit information on the quake and a coastal tsunami advisory.

APPOINTMENTS

A view of Swiss artist HR Giger's 'Li I' at the exhibition 'Traeume und Visionen' (Dreams and Visions) at the Kunsthaus Wien in Vienna, Austria, on Wednesday. The retrospective of Hans Ruedi Giger work runs from March 10 until June 26, 2011.

Religious leader gets 14 years rap for molestation PTI HOUSTON, MARCH 9

A US jury Wednesday sentenced an elderly Hindu religious leader to 14 years in prison and fined a USD 10,000 on each of 20 counts of molesting two girls who grew up on the ashram he founded and led in Central Texas.

Prakashanand Saraswati, known to his devotees as Shree Swamiji and head of the 200acre Hindu ashram in Texas, was sentenced by a Hays County jury after he failed to appear before it for the punishment phase of his trial.

District Judge Charles Ramsay will decide later whether 82year-old Swamiji’s prison sentences are to be ser ved concurrently.

Last week the jury found Swamiji guilty of indecency with a child by sexual contact, based on his repeated groping of two teenagers whose families lived at the ashram he founded southwest of Austin.

Now 27 and 30 years old, the women brought charges against the Swamiji three years ago, saying he molested them on the Barsana Dham ashram in Driftwood in the mid-1990s while they were in their teens.

The parent organisation to which Swamiji’s Barsana Dham ashram belongs owns and operates temples and hospitals in India and other countries.

Meanwhile, the search for the guru, missing since Sunday evening, continued with police reporting no new leads as to his whereabouts. Prakashanand is thought to be travelling with his longtime assistant and caregiver, Vishwambhari Devi. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Earlier, prosecutors asked the jury to sentence Swamiji to 20 years in prison — 400 years total — for “each and every” one of the 20 criminal counts on which the guru was convicted of molesting two girls.

UAE activists demand direct polls AFP DUBAI, MARCH 9

Emirati intellectuals and activists, inspired by uprisings across the Arab world, petitioned the president today to introduce direct elections and vest parliament with legislative power.

In an online petition they cite “rapid regional and international developments that necessitate improving national participation,” a reference to anti-government protests that have redrawn Arab politics in recent weeks.

They call for the direct election of all members of the Federal National Council (FNC) and constitutional amendments to invest the toothless advisory body with full legislative and regulatory powers.

The petition was signed by 133 Emirati nationals including academics, journalists and rights activists.

“Alluding to changes in the region is not meant as a threat.

But there is an aspiration to widen the margin of freedoms, as we have seen in some Arab countries,” said United Arab Emirates University sociology

Police dog show goes to pot for Czech student AFP PRAGUE, MARCH 9

A police sniffer dog found more than officers had bargained for on a field day at a Czech secondary school when the animal accidentally detected a stash of marijuana, the DNES daily reported Wednesday.

Police doing a demonstration with the German shepherd named Quito had purposely planted a drug in a school locker to demonstrate to students how their anti-crime canine goes about sniffing out drugs.

But the animal stunned them by heading towards another locker and barking at its door.

Inside the locker, belonging to a 19-year-old girl, the police found a plastic bag full of marijuana.

In the Czech Republic, one of Europe’s safest havens for casual drug users, the possession of up to 15 grammes of marijuana for personal use is considered a minor offence punishable by a fine.

The hapless student faces both punishment at school and possible criminal prosecution, the daily said.

professor Ibtisam al-Ketbi, one of the signatories.

The UAE, which groups seven emirates including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, had indirect elections in 2006 for the first time.

The government described the polls as the start of a process that would eventually see all Emiratis electing half the members of an expanded FNC with greater powers.

Biz12:Pg12 3/9/2011 11:21 PM Page 1

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Pg 12 India targeting 40 pc jump in trade with ASEAN: Govt PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

India is targeting a 40 per cent jump in its trade with the ASEAN to USD 70 billion in 2012 with the signing of Free Trade Agreement with the 10-

nation trade grouping, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said today.

He told the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour that India's trade with ASEAN has grown to USD 50 billion in 2010 from USD 41 billion after New Delhi signed a Trade in Goods Agreement with the South East Asian block on August 13, 2009.

"We have to take care that there is a balance...If imports have increased, India’s exports (to ASEAN) have also increased," he said.

ASEAN consists of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The agreement that provides for both India and ASEAN reducing tariff on agreed goods, has come into force with all but Cambodia and Philippines.

"The agreement mainly con-

sists of exchange of tariff concessions by India and ASEAN countries during January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2024," he said.

Allaying fears that the FTA will harm domestic agriculture, he said majority of the agriculture items are protected by placing them in exclusion of negative list where no tariff concessions are available to ASEAN countries.

Items on the negative list include vegetables, fruits/nuts, spices, cereals/grains, oilseeds/oil, natural rubber and tobacco.

"The agreement also provides for a safeguard mechanism to address sudden surge in imports on account of tariff concessions," he said. "When such a surge is likely to hurt the domestic market, safeguard measures including imposition of safeguard duties can be initiated to prevent or remedy se-

rious injury and to facilitate adjustment for the domestic market."

Sharma said 1,297 products including 689 agriculture goods, have been kept in the negative list.

On reduction of tariff on tea and coffee, he said the tariff on tea and coffee will be 45 per cent each and that on pepper will be 50 per cent in 2020, a 1.8-5 per cent reduction from present import duties.

To a separate question, Sharma said the government plans to formulate a manufacturing policy to increase the

PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 9

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today closed up by 30 points to extend gains for the second day in a row, helped by abating political worries and softening global crude oil prices.

After a highly volatile trade, the 30-share barometer settled at 18,469.95 points, a gain of 30.30 points, or 0.16 per cent, from its last close.

The index touched a high of 18,583.30 points during the day.

However, early sharp gains attracted profit booking and the barometer fell by over 130 points in the day trade, marketmen said.

Aban Offshor, 619.05, 625.8, 605, 617.35 Abb Ltd., 715.05, 736, 714.2, 726.2 Abg Shipyard, 358.4, 362.8, 353.4, 358.2 Acc Limited, 994.95, 1009.45, 990.1, 1004.45 Adani Enterp, 595.4, 602.9, 591.05, 592.85 Aditya Birla, 763, 775, 758.7, 762.7 Allahabad Ba, 207.5, 208.8, 205.8, 206.9 Alstom Proje, 524, 524, 514.15, 520.4 Ambuja Cemen, 124.45, 128.9, 123.3, 128.2 Andhra Bank, 137, 139.85, 137, 138.95 Ashok Leylan, 52.8, 53.9, 51.75, 52.25 Asian Paints, 2521.95, 2526.9, 2500, 2501 Axis Bank Li, 1317, 1329.55, 1292, 1300.95 Bajaj Hindus, 70.5, 71.4, 69.5, 71 Bank Of Baro, 912.4, 924, 902.15, 909.9 Bank Of Indi, 463.1, 472.25, 463.1, 470.2 Beml Limited, 642.5, 672, 642.5, 662.45 Bharat Elect, 1669.95, 1674, 1651.65, 1655.3 Bharat Forge, 323.55, 324.85, 315.8, 319.5 Bharat Petro, 569.8, 572.45, 543, 551.5 Bharti Airte, 334.35, 336.8, 330.5, 332.5 Bhel, 2051.95, 2055.8, 2036.35, 2042.25 Bhushan Stee, 420, 434, 419.8, 431.8 Biocon Limit, 324, 325, 314.75, 320.15 Bombay Dyein, 352, 367, 351.5, 364.5

Bosch Limite, 6100, 6100, 6000.25, 6022.3 Brigade Ente, 96.25, 97.2, 96, 96.35 Cairn India, 351, 351, 341.55, 342.35 Canara Bank, 628.9, 636.3, 619, 621.2 Central Bank, 156, 158.5, 152.05, 155.05 Century Text, 316, 325, 313.65, 323.15 Cesc Ltd, 317.1, 329, 317.1, 326.35 Chambal Fert, 75, 75, 71, 72.55 Chennai Petr, 193.85, 193.85, 188.15, 189.45 Cipla Ltd, 308, 309.4, 300.1, 301.5 Colgate Palm, 850, 861, 845, 848.3 Container Co, 1181.05, 1194.95, 1178, 1185.75 Crompton Gre, 254.05, 262.85, 252, 259.95 Cummins Indi, 655.45, 679, 655.45, 673.05 Dabur India, 99.1, 99.7, 97.05, 97.5 Deccan Chron, 73.6, 73.7, 71.1, 71.8 Dish Tv Indi, 60.8, 62.85, 60.7, 62.15 Divi’s Labor, 624.8, 627, 612.3, 622.95 Dlf Limited, 224, 227.6, 223.8, 225.45 Dr. reddy’s, 1605, 1626, 1581.05, 1619.45 Edelweiss Ca, 36.55, 37.4, 36.15, 37.1 Educomp Solu, 457, 458.8, 449.1, 452.45 Eih Limited, 79.9, 80.35, 78.55, 78.85 Engineers In, 301, 301, 290, 290.1 Essar Oil Lt, 116, 121, 114.2, 120

tor between 2004-05 and 2008-09 has been between 4.14.3.

Cost of labour as percentage of the total cost of production in organised manufacturing sector was 4.2 per cent in 2004-05.

It fell to 4.1 per cent in 2006-07 and climbed to 4.3 per cent in subsequent two years.

He said the total investment in capital intensive industries has increased from Rs 1.94 lakh core in 1990-91 to Rs 15.35 lakh crore. Labour has also increased from 82.79 million in 1990-91 to 113.27 million currently.

Airlines owe Rs 1,122 cr to AAI PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

Airlines operating in the country owe Rs 1,122 crore to Airports Authority of India, Lok Sabha was informed today.

The dues of Airports Authority of India (AAI) against Air India as on January 31, 2011 are Rs 720 crore, Minister of Civil Aviation Vayalar Ravi said in a written reply.

For Kingfisher, the figure is 257.62 crore, Go Airlines - 6.77 crore, Interglobe Aviation Ltd. (Indigo)- 13.29 crore, Jet Airways - 38.49 crore, Jet Lite (India) Ltd 13.96 crore, Spicejet Ltd -16.99 crore and Paramount Airways - 4.88 crore.

Kunbi saree fabric on revival path HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 8

With Goa’s fabric on the verge of extinction, here’s a person who is zealous to revive the dying tradition.

The traditional Kunbi tribe collection that was showcased at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion week, in October 2010 is being used as a tool not only to revive Goan weaving but also to train rural women for selfemployment.

Poonam Pandit, a Mumbaibased textile designer has decided to take the project ahead on her own with the help of local organisations. She was associated with the internationally acclaimed fashion designer Wendell Rodricks giving the whole collection a very modern and an elegant look, which was displayed at the prestigious fashion show.

“Wendell has assured me to market the product. It can be sold at emporiums although Goa does not have any emporium of textile at present,” she said.

She said that not only the Kunbi saree is at the diminishing stage in Goa but also the weavers are no more existing, except one at Pernem.

Kunbi saree was originally worn by Kunbi and Gawda tribe women, who were basically paddy field workers. But in the present era, the tradition to drape Kunbi saree has faded away.

During their research in sourcing the weavers and working with tribals, Wendell and Pandit came across one person from Pernem taluka, who incidentally is the lone person weaving these sarees.

Baburao Babaji Tilve, 73, fondly called as ‘kaka’ was roped in to help the fashion designers to display the ethnicity of the group. It was then modified with today’s contemporary style of clothing and presented at Delhi fashion show.

Along with kunbi saree fabric, the stress is also laid on reviving generation old products like nine-yard sarees, panchas, pudwe (dhoti) and kashti (lace).

Sensex up 30 points

share of manufacturing in the nation's gross domestic product (GDP).

Share of manufacturing in India's GDP is 16 per cent as compared to 26 to 33 per cent in other fast growing economies, he said.

Though there is no decline in industrial production, the share of manufacturing in GDP has remained almost stagnant at 16 per cent over last few years, he said.

Sharma said the cost of labour as percentage of the total cost of production in the organised manufacturing sec-

BIZ

GOA, THURSDAY, 10 MARCH, 2011

Essar Shippi, 92, 92, 88, 88.65 Exide Indust, 137.1, 139.5, 135.8, 136.35 Federal Bank, 378.1, 382, 373.95, 380.15 Financial Te, 792.45, 793.05, 781.05, 784.75 Gail (india), 444.5, 444.6, 434.1, 441.15 Gammon India, 118, 118.85, 116, 116.65 Glaxosmithkl, 2169.9, 2203.3, 2162, 2182.75 Glenmark Pha, 291, 291.9, 275.55, 279.35 Gmr Infrastr, 40.05, 40.8, 39.8, 40.5 Godrej Indus, 172.95, 173.4, 169.3, 172.4 Grasim Indus, 2300, 2328, 2300, 2312.45 Great Offsho, 237, 237.75, 231, 236.75 Gtl Infra.Lt, 36.5, 36.6, 36, 36.45 Gujarat Mine, 122.8, 125.75, 122, 124.8 Gujarat N R, 48.9, 48.95, 47.5, 48 Gujarat Stat, 94.4, 96.4, 93.25, 95.2 Gvk Pow. & I, 26.3, 26.7, 25.7, 26.55 Hcl Technolo, 461.75, 469.5, 459.6, 464.5 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2210, 2238.7, 2195, 2206.05 Hdfc Ltd, 677, 683.1, 665, 672.7 Hero Honda M, 1510, 1548.2, 1492, 1537.7 Hindalco in, 212.35, 215.4, 211.2, 213 Hindustan Co, 35.35, 35.55, 34.75, 35.05 Hindustan Ma, 61.9, 62.55, 60.6, 61.35 Hindustan Pe, 325.95, 328.4, 308.25, 319.65

Crude oil prices likely to calm down: Kaushik Basu PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

The government today said it is hopeful that the rally in crude oil prices due to the ongoing political turmoil in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region will be short-lived.

"If you look at futures market also, there is expectation that this (crude oil prices) is going to go down. So overall, my expectation is that this very high price regime is not going to last," Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu told PTI. Crude prices, which, has become a big concern for the government fighting inflation, softened to about USD 104 to a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange after touching USD 107 a barrel, its highest level since September 2008.

While pointing out that rising crude price in international market was indeed a concern for the government, Basu expressed the hope that the rise driven by political problems in the Middle-East will be short-

Hindustan Un, 283.4, 283.9, 278.5, 279.7 Hindustan Zi, 138, 138, 130.9, 134.1 Housing Dev, 164.95, 166.2, 161.7, 164.7 Icici Bank L, 1029.7, 1040, 1021.3, 1035.25 Idea Cellula, 61.9, 62.55, 61.4, 61.85 Ifci Ltd, 54.95, 55.5, 53.4, 54.3 India Cement, 92, 94, 91.45, 93.45 India Infoli, 74.2, 74.2, 70.55, 71.9 Indiabulls F, 143.4, 145.35, 141.4, 142.3 Indiabulls R, 109.9, 113.85, 109.5, 113.3 Indian Bank, 225.45, 230.25, 224.5, 229.15 Indian Hotel, 84, 84.3, 81.65, 83.05 Indian Oil C, 315, 315, 302.5, 307.8 Indian Overs, 141.8, 148, 141.8, 146.2 Indus Dev Ba, 137.05, 139.5, 136.8, 138.3 Indusind Ban, 248.4, 252.25, 243.1, 244.5 Infosys Tech, 3120, 3132.8, 3071, 3095.5 Infra. dev., 145.1, 146.8, 142.2, 144.95 Ispat Indust, 22.45, 22.6, 22.15, 22.45 Itc Ltd, 172.4, 173.15, 170.6, 171.75 Ivrcl Infras, 73.95, 77.2, 73.8, 76.7 Jai Corp Lim, 171.05, 174.85, 168, 170.45 Jaiprakash A, 85.1, 85.85, 83.1, 85.35 Jet Airways, 444, 459.3, 444, 455.35 Jindal Saw L, 197.8, 198.5, 195.4, 197.7

lived.

"The reason is (that) this is being driven largely by MiddleEast crisis. And if you look at crude spot price in US, (they are) lower than the price in Middle East and usually such a big diversion (does not exist)", he added.

However, he added, India's growth could be impacted if the crude oil prices rise to USD 130-140 a barrel and remain there for sustained period of time.

"If we get into very high sustained oil price regime, because the Middle Eastern crisis become more serious and continues for a long time, then that would be a matter of great concern, more for the growth than for the inflation.

"If it crosses USD 130-140 a barrel mark like it did in 2008...if it gets into those kinds of figures, and sustains somewhere, then that will begin to make a dent on our growth figures", Basu said.

India has been trying to combat inflation, which has

Jindal Steel, 670, 677.7, 660, 665.9 Jsw Steel Li, 939.9, 972.4, 935, 967.05 Kotak Mahind, 425, 436.9, 424.9, 431.75 Lakshmi Mach, 2135, 2150, 2111.15, 2144.7 Lanco Infrat, 38.2, 38.85, 37.55, 38.7 Larsen & Tou, 1580, 1585.9, 1557.6, 1570.45 Lic Housing, 197, 202.6, 197, 201.65 Lupin Limite, 392.75, 396.7, 390.25, 394.55 Mahanagar Te, 42.5, 42.9, 41.9, 42.35 Mahindra & M, 665.35, 673.75, 664, 669.1 Maruti Suzuk, 1262, 1283, 1260.1, 1266 Max India Lt, 143, 145.5, 142.8, 144.25 Moser-baer (, 41.5, 42, 40.3, 41.55 Mrpl, 61.5, 62.35, 60.3, 61.9 Nagarjuna Co, 101.8, 102.4, 100.2, 100.65 Nagarjuna Fe, 28, 28, 25.3, 27.45 National Alu, 454.65, 468.4, 454, 460.3 Neyveli Lign, 102.9, 105.4, 102.75, 103.75 Ntpc Ltd, 180.6, 181.1, 177.2, 177.75 Oil And Natu, 273, 274.95, 266.3, 271.3 Omaxe Limite, 136.5, 136.95, 133.3, 135.15 Oriental Ban, 353, 366.9, 352, 365.05 Pantaloon Re, 269.25, 275.6, 264, 265.35 Parsvnath De, 30.8, 31.5, 29.75, 30.3 Petronet Lng, 115, 119.25, 112.5, 116.05

Power Fin Co, 255.85, 258, 253, 254.4 Power Grid C, 98, 98.5, 97.6, 98.05 Praj Industr, 66.9, 68.8, 66.5, 68.35 Punj Lloyd L, 62.8, 64.05, 62.6, 63.4 Punjab Natio, 1092, 1098.7, 1070.05, 1076.15 Rajesh Expor, 122.7, 123.4, 120.15, 120.55 Ranbaxy Labs, 459, 460.6, 448.1, 453.05 Rashtriya Ch, 82.1, 83, 81.45, 81.7 Reliance Cap, 487.15, 506, 487.15, 503.3 Reliance Com, 91, 100.2, 90.85, 99.35 Reliance Ene, 1075, 1080, 1070, 1070 Reliance Ind, 641.85, 667, 633.25, 649.4 Reliance Ind, 988.7, 1004.4, 968.1, 993.85 Reliance Pow, 123.3, 125.6, 121.45, 124.6 Rolta India, 149.9, 150, 146.05, 147.85 Satyam Compu, 65.3, 66.5, 64.1, 65.3 Sesa Goa Ltd, 277.9, 281.95, 274.2, 280.45 Shipping Cor, 106.95, 108.45, 106.25, 107.45 Siemens Ltd, 858, 860, 854.4, 857.1 Sintex Indus, 153.4, 154.2, 148.55, 149.65 Sobha Develo, 267.9, 272, 265.05, 267.3 State Bank O, 2659.7, 2665, 2617.2, 2627.35 Steel Author, 152.8, 155.9, 152.6, 155.3 Sterlite Ind, 169, 169.9, 165.3, 166.7 Sun Pharmace, 423.55, 429, 411.4, 415.55

been hovering at above 8 per cent, much above the comfort level of 5-6 per cent.

India has recovered fast from the impact of the global financial meltdown recording a growth of 8 per cent in 2009-10, up from 6.8 per cent in the previous fiscal.

The growth in the current fiscal is projected to be at 8.6 per cent and 9 per cent in 2011-12.

India was growing at over 9 per cent, before the crisis pulled down the growth rate to 6.8 per cent in 200809.

Sun Tv Netwo, 424, 440.05, 420, 426.85 Suzlon Energ, 48.5, 48.7, 47.05, 47.6 Tata Communi, 212.65, 216.9, 210.1, 214.6 Tata Consult, 1122.55, 1138, 1118.5, 1126.7 Tata Motors, 1171.3, 1176.5, 1153, 1163.3 Tata Power C, 1234, 1244.8, 1222.7, 1231.75 Tata Steel L, 618, 620.55, 607, 612.95 Tata Teleser, 15.1, 15.3, 15, 15.2 Tech Mahindr, 745, 745, 725.35, 733.95 The Ge Shpg., 262.5, 268.3, 262.5, 264.25 The Phoenix, 174.7, 174.7, 168.4, 170.2 Thermax Ltd, 610.5, 614.9, 601, 607.35 Titan Indust, 3499, 3519, 3460.75, 3492.95 Torrent Powe, 228.05, 233.75, 228.05, 232.15 Triveni Engg, 100, 102, 100, 101.4 Tv18 India L, 78.85, 78.85, 76.1, 77.5 Uco Bank, 99, 100.6, 98.5, 100 Ultratech Ce, 1034.45, 1034.45, 1014, 1020 Union Bank O, 334.95, 336, 330.1, 331.75 Unitech Ltd, 38, 38, 36.25, 37.55 United Phosp, 138, 138.4, 135.1, 135.55 Videocon Ind, 189.6, 190.45, 187.1, 188.1 Vijaya Bank, 76.1, 77.25, 75.7, 76.55 Voltas Ltd, 158.05, 159.75, 157.2, 157.75 Wipro Ltd, 448, 453.15, 443.55, 450.95 Yes Bank Lim, 275.05, 280, 274.1, 275.45 Zee Entertai, 126.5, 127.45, 125, 126.1

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Govt: India to face coal MPs demand for more shortage by 2021-22 funds to agri, education PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

The government today admitted that the country will face a huge shortfall of 269 million tonnes of coal by 2021-22 as the coal producing entities have failed to keep pace with the demand as well as economic growth.

"In the last 8-10 years, the economy grew at a much faster pace compared to coal production even as the Coal India Limited registered a growth of 7-8 per cent. We are trying to adopt different technologies which are more efficient in coal usage to meet the demand," Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal said in Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

As per estimates, demand for coal in 2021-22 is projected at 1,353 million tonnes against the production assessment at 1,084 million tonnes, leaving a shortfall of 269 million tonnes.

"In view of the widening demand-supply gap of coal, the country is unlikely to become self-reliant in meeting the demand of coal indigenously in near future," Jaiswal said. He also informed the House that several states were allocated coal blocks more than five years ago but no where the states have started production.

Chattisgarh was allocated nine coal blocks more than five years ago, Maharashtra was given seven blocks and Madhya Pradesh 10 blocks, he said adding that unfortunately no production has begun at any of these blocks.

Replying to a supplementary on whether irregularities in allocation of coal blocks have come to the notice of the government, Jaiswal replied in negative. He also said that now coal blocks are allotted only through competitive bidding

and there was no possibility of any wrongdoing.

In view of India producing only 10 per cent of good quality coal, it has been placed under Open General Licence (OGL) scheme so that industries like sponge iron, steel and power producers could import good coal as per their demand.

Jaiswal opposed Madhya Pradesh government's demand that all coal produced in the state should be allotted to it for the development of industry there.

This prompted Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj to intervene and clarify that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister never demanded that whatever coal was produced in the state be given to them.

He had said that state's demand should be met first from the coal produced in the state.

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

More emphasis on investment in agriculture, increasing expenditure on education and tackling price rise were some of the demands made by members in the Lok Sabha today during the discussion on the General budget for 2011-12.

Supriya Sule (NCP) hailed the budget but said crop loans given to farmers were not sufficient as it took care of only 40 per cent of the total cost involved in raising a crop. She wanted the government to give more subsidies. She suggested that export of surplus cotton and sugar should be permitted.

"120 lakh tonne bale of cotton produced in India is not used. Similarly, 20 lakh tonne of sugar is surplus. This should be exported," Sule said.

She also demanded tax relief to urban cooperative banks.

Nishikant Dubey (BJP) said the government had not done enough in the budget for its

three target segments of youth, minority and women.

He maintained that the government had removed all subsidies for the minority community, while for women it had only increased the remuneration for anganwadi workers.

Dubey said the government should increase expenditure on education to 6 per cent from the present 3.39 per cent of GDP as recommended by the Kothari Commission. He demanded increase in expenditure on agriculture.

"You are fudging the budget somewhere," he alleged, adding that manipulation is being done everyday in the functioning of SEBI. Dubey said government should not open the insurance sector to FDI from 26 per cent to 49 per cent.

K Suresh (Cong) demanded a metro rail for Kochi and an IIT for Kerala. He also demanded setting up of a cashew board, a long-standing request from Kerala.

Baliram (BSP) described the budget as "directionless, disap-

pointing and one which drives the poor to tears".

"No special provisions have been made for the poor which could end their hunger and poverty," he said, adding food grains are rotting in go downs while people are hungry. He said Indian black money stashed abroad should be brought back.

Namo Nageshwar Rao (TDP) said according to the Economic Survey, India is the 5th most indebted country in the world.

He alleged that the government was "mesmerising" people that the country is doing well. "There should be an agriculture budget. 25 per cent of the GDP should come from agriculture," he said.

Shivkumar Udasi (BJP) said the net income of farmers is much less than that of government servants. He demanded abolition of MPLAD fund.

Jyoti Mirdha (Cong) said government should allow FDI in developing infrastructure related to agriculture.

FDI in India plunges 48% in Jan PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

Fair goers walk past a giant mockup of the golden mask of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun on display at the Egyptian stand on Wednesday at the ITB (Internationale Tourismus Boerse) travel trade fair in Berlin. More than 11,000 exhibitors from 187 countries present their products during the world's top tourism fair running until March 13.

Nissan opens seven new dealerships PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 9

Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd (NMIPL) today announced the opening of seven new dealerships across the country in an endeavour to achieve maximum customer outreach, in line with its growth strategy and long-term commitment to India.

The auto major has opened seven new dealerships in Karnal, Agra, Goa, Kolhapur, Vadodara, Secunderabad and West Delhi, a press release issued here stated.

With the opening of Malwa Nissan in Karnal, Haryana, Atmaram Nissan in Agra, AM Nissan in Goa, SMG Nissan in Kolhapur, Aster Nissan in Vadodara, Fortune Nissan in Secunderabad, and Sky Nissan in West Delhi, Nissan currently has 30 dealerships operational across the country.

It marks the automotive major’s expansion strategy to reach commercial coverage in more than 70 per cent of the national territory, the release said.

Presently, 14 states of the country have Nissan dealerships.

With the establishment of Fortune Nissan in Secunderabad, this will be Nissan’s third dealership in Andhra Pradesh after Hyderabad and Vijayawada. And with Sky Nissan kicking-off in Delhi, it is the second in the National Capital after Nath Nissan, it said.

With economic recovery in the rich countries, especially European nations, remaining fragile, FDI inflows to India plunged by 48 per cent to USD 1.04 billion in January over the same period last year.

Countries including Mauritius, Singapore, US, UK, Netherlands, Japan, Germany and UAE are the major investors in India.

In January 2010, India attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth USD 2.04 billion.

During the ten month period (April-January 2010-11) of the current fiscal, FDI declined 25 per cent to USD 17 billion over the year ago period, a source told PTI. India had received USD 22.9 billion FDI during April-January 2009-10.

"The numbers are reflecting that, we will not be able to touch the FDI figure of the previous fiscal," the source said adding "it is a matter of great concern".

In 2009-10, the country's foreign direct investment had declined to USD 25.88 billion from USD 27.33 billion in the previous financial year.

"The numbers are bad. Going by the trend, it appears that India will receive less FDI in 2010-11 compared to the previous fiscal. The global economic recovery is fragile," CRISIL Principal Economist D K Joshi said.

After falling consecutively in October and November 2010, in December last year, foreign direct investment in India in-

Stop Vedanta from taking over Mangala oilfield: MP PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

A demand for aborting the USD 9.6 billion Cairn-Vedanta deal to take over the Mangala oilfield in Rajasthan to avoid "another 2G kind of scam" was made by a CPI-M member in the Rajya Sabha today.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Tapan Kumar Sen said, "A multinational company (Vedanta) with dubious potential has been barred in bauxite mining exploration in Orissa.

The same company is being allowed to take over the total control of the oilfield in the Mangala Oilfield in Rajasthan."

Alleging that the government was facilitating in the process because ONGC was having a 30 per cent stake in that field, he said ONGC was made not to assert their right on the plea that the price offered by Vedanta was overvalued.

"If the price offered by

Vedanta is overvalued, whether Vedanta is coming to take over the Rajasthan Oilfield for philanthropy or for making business," he questioned.

Sen said that the matter should be seriously inquired into and the question of overvaluation which was "doubtable proposition" needed to be examined thoroughly by an independent agency.

Demanding that the whole matter of valuation of the "Mangala oilfield, resources and the Cairn India Limited share be examined by the CAG," he said "Vedanta must not be allowed to take over Cairn India Ltd, or, in that matter, the Mangala oilfield."

Insisting that the government should take steps "to avoid another 2G kind of scam to unfold and disturb the whole atmosphere," Sen said the metal and mining major should not be allowed to take

over the Mangala oilfield and other oil resources and "ONGC must be made to assert its right."

London-listed Vedanta Group, is facing hurdles in completing USD 9.6 billion deal to acquire Cairn India and it is yet to be cleared by the government.

UK's Cairn Energy Plc is selling most of its 62.4 per cent stake in Cairn India to the mining group, which in August 2010 had announced buying out of Scottish independent Cairn Energy Plc's majority stake in its Indian unit.

However, the deal got mired in regulatory hurdles as Oil Ministry is insisting that Cairn needs government approval before transferring control in the 10 properties it has in the country. Besides, ONGC insists that it has pre-emption right by virtue of partnering Cairn in most of its properties including the mainstay Rajasthan oilfield.

Dr Reddy’s may launch 3 new drugs PTI HYDERABAD, MARCH 9

Pharma major Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) may launch three new drugs, which have been successfully come out of legal tangle, in the next fiscal in the USA market.

According to Dr Reddy's, the city-based drugmaker may launch Rivastigmine, an antimild-to-moderate Alzheimer's drug, Desloratadine, used to treat allergies and Pseu-

doephedrine, a nasal/sinus decongestant.

In 2008, the company had entered into a settlement agreement with Novartis Pharma which involves a stipulation of dismissal of the lawsuits in the United States relating to Rivastigmine capsules sold under the trade name Exelon.

Dr Reddy's inked agreements in 2009 with Schering and Sepracor of the USA which will

allow the Indian drugmaker to manufacture and market generic versions of the Desloratadine starting in 2012.

Similarly, Dr Reddy's got a shot in the arm after the US District Court of New Jersey recently cleared decks for the launch of the generic version of Allegra-D 24 in USA. This product may also be launched next year, the company said.

creased by about 31 per cent to USD 2 billion over the same period last year.

FDI inflows in October 2010 dipped by about 40 per cent to USD 1.4 billion over the year ago period. In November too, it fell by 7 per cent to USD 1.6 billion.

In view of declining foreign investment inflows, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering setting-up a panel to find out the reasons for FDI

slowdown and suggest ways to encourage it.

The sectors that attracted FDI include services (financial and non-financial), telecommunications, housing and real estate, construction activities and power.

As far as FII inflows are concerned, they too dipped in January, declining to USD 1.19 billion from USD 1.84 billion during the same period of January, 2010.

GPCL finalises site for tidal power project in Gujarat PTI AHMEDABAD, MARCH 9

State-run power utility Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL) today said it has narrowed down on a site suitable for the commissioning of 50 MW tidal power project.

This will be the first big tidal power project to be ever commissioned in the country, as only a demonstration project

for setting up 3.75 MW capacity tidal energy power plant is being executed by National Hydro Power Corporation Ltd in Sunderban region of West Bengal.

GPCL had inked a MoU with the UK based Atlantis Resource Corporation in 2009 Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summit for commissioning of tidal power projects in the state.

Pg 14

SPORTS

GOA, Thursday, 10 March 2011

Kayne’s double sinks Mumbai R E S U LT S

Sunando Dhar, CEO of I-League, Khusal Das, AIFF general secretary, with former GFA secretary and present executive committee member, Savio Messias at Dabolim airport on Wednesday. This is Kushal Das’ first visit to Goa after being appointed as AIFF secretary.

Photo: M Prabhav

Air India win AGENCIES MUMBAI, MARCH 9

Air India recorded a 2-1 victory over ONGC in an I-League match at Rajarshi Shahu Stadium on Wednesday.

Manjit Singh gave the Airmen an early lead in the 6th minute., ONGC's Badmus Babatunde equalised in the 53rd minute.

Thirteen minutes later Allan Dias scored the crucial winner.

Soccer, cycle races for SC

PANJIM (HSD) – The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs will organise their 1st All-Goa Dr Ambedkar 7-a-side soccer tournament and cycling race for U17 boys from the scheduled caste community at St Joseph High School on March 13. Those born on or after 1/1/1994 are eligible. The last date to submit entries is March 11. Details may be obtained from R V Kumbhar, APEO on 9890355371 or Vivek Pawar, APEO on 9422441158.

Churchill Bros 3 Mumbai FC 1 Man-of-the match: Kayne Vincent (Churchill) East Bengal 3 JCT 0 Man-of-the match:Baljit Sahni (E Bengal) ONGC 1 Air India 2 Man-of-the match: Manjit Singh (Air India) HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MARCH 9

A brilliant brace by substitute striker and man-of-the-match Kayne Vincent enabled Churchill Brothers to register a 3-1 win over Mumbai Football Club in a 18th round I-League match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday. Churchill were leading 1-0 at the breather.

Churchill played wholeheartedly, showed plenty of gumption in the opening session and nearly broke the deadlock early but striker Boima Karpeh was the culprit as he spurned the easiest chance after rival defender Peter Sidique committed a cardinal mistake in the rearguard. The former made a mess of it with only the rival goalkeeper at his mercy.

Earlier, Churchill had a narrow escape soon after kick off as Nicholas Rodrigues’ free kick was cleared harmlessly by Churchill defenders and the ball travelled to C Malsawm Kima whose crossed to Sukore

T who failed to guide into the goal.

Captain Odafe Okolie put Churchill into the lead in the 16th minute through a spot kick.

Following a well measured cross from the right by defender Denzil Franco, midfielder Israil Gurung beat his marker and raced inside the rival penalty area. Mumbai goalkeeper Ishan Debnath was caught in two minds whether to come out and hesitantly he brought down Israil inside the penalty area and referee M B Santosh Kumar without any hesitation awarded the spot kick. Odafe scored.

Churchill took the battle to the rival half during which Mumbai’s citadel was stormed.

The Mumbai goalkeeper blocked midfielder Zakeer Mundampara’s snap shot. Earlier, his well executed free kick missed the mark narrowly.

The change of ends saw Churchill stepping on the gas.

Israil was in his elements as he sprayed accurate passes to keep his forwards busy.

Acting coach Alfred Fernandes’ decision to bring Kayne Vincent in the second half in place of half-fit Odafe paid dividends as the fleet-footed striker timed his run perfectly to meet Raju Yumnan and beat the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish.

Churchill had plenty of scoring chances. First, Israil squandered an easy chance after being fed by Charan Rai. Later, Denzil Franco delayed in meeting Lenny Rodrigues’ pass inside the rival penalty box.

Down by two goals, Mumbai were desperate to reduce the margin but Churchill goalkeeper Lalit Thapa brought off two saves denying Ezeh Henry and Keegan Pereira.

Mumbai did not give up and reduced the margin in the 78th minute when Ashutosh Mehra floated the ball inside the rival area. The rival defence was caught napping and striker Ezeh Henry found the roof of the net keeping the rival goalkeeper

AGENCIES KOLKATA, MARCH 9

East Bengal registered a win after losing points in five consecutive matches when they tamed JCT 3-0 in an I-League match at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, Wednesday. Man-of-the match Baljit Singh Saini scored a brace, while Ravinder Singh netted the other goal for the red-and-gold brigade.

East Bengal coach Trevor Mor-

Augustias win

them through to next phase.

India started with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the goal, while Raju Gaekwad, Abhishek Das, Vishal Kumar and Inderpeet Singh completed the back four.

Subodh Kumar, Shaikh Jewel Raja, Shilton D’Silva and Lalrindika Ralte took the charge of the midfield with Malswamfela pairing up with Jeje Lalpekhlua upfront.

It was the home side which looked impressive in the first half and made numerous inroads in their opponent citadel, but the Indian defence stood up to their task curtailing them throughout the first 45 minutes.

Augustias Sports Club, Pomburpa defeated United Sports Club by 50 runs in a GCA ‘C’ Divison match at Peddem ground on Wednesday.

Augustias were all out for 197 after 36 overs, while United SC was all out for 147 after 27.2 overs.

Yogesh Kasgoakar top scored with 44 for Augustias. Nitesh Haldankar took an impressive 4 wickets for 26 to help Augustias win.

Pandurang Korgaonkar hit 27 not out for United SC and Paresh Naik took 5 wickets for 33.

A 90th strike by C S Sabeeth helped India to hold Myanmar 1-1 in an away encounter of preOlympic qualifier at Youth Training Centre, Yangoon here on Wednesday afternoon.

India had a mixed day on the field. However, it ended on a high note as they successfully moved into the next phase of the Olympic qualifiers.

In the home tie, India edged past Myanmar 2-1 at Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune, while a draw today was enough for the Desmond Bulpin’s Boys to see

India too had their share of the luck with Shilton D’Silva coming close twice to notch up the opener. The scoreline was blank at the break.

Myanmar took the lead in the 64th minute through Kyaw Ko Ko, but a minute later the striker received his second booking of the match leaving his side down to ten men.

The away goal might have worked in favour of the home side, but substitute Sabeeth, who replaced Inderpreet Singh in the 83rd minute scored the all-important equaliser in the nick of the time to spoil their party.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, MARCH 9

Goa shine at para-archery HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 9

Goa bagged 7 gold medals and a silver at the 1st FITA round National para-archery championship in Amravati, Maharashtra from March 5 to 7.

The Goa team was representated by Mangesh Kuttikar and Rachel Selva Dhanaraj.

Mangesh won gold medals in 30, 50, 70 and 90m events while Rachel won a gold medal in 30m and a silver in 50m events. Goa also won the overall championship gold medal in both boys and women categories.

Mangesh Kuttikar, an ace archer had represented India in IWAS (International) championship earlier and a bronze

I-League: Dempo v. Mohun Bagan, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda-Margao, 4 p.m.

GFA First Division: Raia SC v. Corps of Signals, Raia ground; St Rock's SC v. Salcete FC, Assolna ground. Kick off 4 p.m.

Nagoa village panchayat soccer quarter-finals: Nuvem SC v. Davorlim SC, Nagoa ground, 4.30 p.m.

Front row (l to r): Mangesh Kuttikar and Rachel Selva Dhanaraj. Back row (l to r): Vishram Naik (president), Deepak Desai (treasurer) and Sudesh Thakur (secretary).

medal winner in National paraa rc h e r y c h a m p i o n s h i p a t Bhuwaneshwar in January 2010.

Presently, he is working in MPT. Rachel is a computer lecturer at Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi.

dazed.

In injury time, striker Kayne Vincent scored a brace neatly flicking the ball into the net off a cross from Steven Dias.

Churchill have 36 points from 18 matches while Mumbai have 27 points from 17.

Churchill’s acting coach Alfred Fernandes was a pleased man.

“It was definitely our good performance. We went our there and gave it our all and I am glad that we came away with three full points,” a beaming Fernandes stated.

gan did not risk Tolgey Ozbey in the first eleven as he was not fully fit, while Robin Singh is currently in Myanmar.

East Bengal opened the scoreline in the 28th minute. From Sonju Pradhan's long pass, former JCT player Baljit Singh Sahni showed good skill as he took the ball inside box, dribbled past the last defender and put the ball inside goal via left foot.

Baljit scored his and East Ben-

gal's 2nd goal in the 73rd minute. It was Penn Orji who made a terrific run down the right flank, got past Gurtej Singh and from his cross, Baljit just had to head the ball in.

Ravinder Singh made the scoreline 3-0 after three minutes. Ravinder got the ball at edge of the box. He made an inside dodge and took a right footed shot. The ball hit the crossbar and went in.

East Bengal too good for JCT

India hold Myanmar, qualify AGENCIES RANGOON, MARCH 9

Churchil and Mumbai players in the thick of action. Photo: Third Eye

Both were trained by Laxmi Priya, SAI coach. President Vishram Naik and secretary, Sudesh Thakur of Goa Paralympic Association congratulated both players.

Dempo keen to maintain momentum against Bagan HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MARCH 9

An upbeat defending champions Dempo Sports Club are determined to maintain their winning momentum when they take on Mohun Bagan in an 18th round match of I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Dempo chief coach Armando Colaco is keen to exploit the home conditions and play for a win. “We know the ground much better than the opposition. Keeping that in mind, we have to try and outsmart them and play for a win,” he said. The Panjim-based club has an excellent record against Mohun Bagan in the League.

“The morale of the players is very high after recording three victories in the I-League and one at the AFC Cup and I am confident that they will play to win,” stated Colaco after his team had a light training session on Wednesday.

Colaco was quick to point out that any team in the competition cannot be taken lightly.

Colaco will miss the services of Peter Carvalho who is out due to a double booking. He was optimistic about the chances of his team. “The team has been playing well and the win against Yemen’s Al Tilal in the AFC Cup was creditable. We will play our usual game and try to create chances. We have to stay focused,” Colaco went on to add.

Nigerian striker and captain Ranty Martins who has been scoring at every match will lead

the attack alongwith promising striker Joaquim Abranches and will surely keep the Mohun Bagan defenders on their toes.

He has been well supported by their midfield troupe of Clifford Miranda, Brazilian Roberto Mendes da Silva and Climax Lawrence. The defence will be manned by international Mahesh Gawli, Domnick Noronha, Samir Naik and Debarata Roy. Subhasish Roy Chowdhury will be under the bar.

Mohun Bagan coach Sujit Chakraborthy is hoping that good fortune will smile on his team tomorrow.

“We have a full strength team and we are going to tomorrow’s match looking for better performance from the boys to get back on track. The only concern for me is the fitness of ace Brazilian striker Jose Barretto but we will decide tomorrow whether he will be playing in the first eleven,” Chakraborthy said. The Kolkata side are expected to start with Edeh Chidi and Muritala upfront.

When questioned about the inconsistency of the firing line, Chakraborthy said, “I am hoping for an improved performance from them against Dempo. We cannot underestimate Dempo as they are one of the best teams in the country, so we have to play exceptionally well. They have some good quality players in their ranks and have performed consistently well so far in the League. So, we have to be at our very best and I have full respect for our rivals,” Chakraborthy concluded.

Gadekar stars for Laxmi Prasad HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, MARCH 9

A brace in the last 13 minutes from Premnath Gadekar allowed Laxmi Prasad to battle their way past Saligao United 2-1 in GFA’s Second Division on Wednesday.

The match was goalless at the breather.

A strategic half time substitution from Laxmi Prasad which involved Preminath moving from

midfield into the forward line, paid dividends as he finished both goals clinically.

Saligao pulled back an impressive consolation goal in the last minute through V ijay Parsekar.

Laxmi finished the first half strongly, which saw Jolious D’Costa hitting the crossbar with a shot from a distance. Defender James Soares saved Saligao with

a last ditch tackle to deny Mosin in injury time.

In the 77th minute, Laxmi Prasad caught Saligao on the break, and moved the ball down swiftly down the field.

Joelif Simoes layed the ball o n f o r P re m i n a t h a n d h e rounded the goalkeeper to score.

Three minutes later, Preminath did well to stay on this

side after receiving a pass from Jolious and he delightfully chipped over the rival custodian to double Laxmi’s lead.

In the 90th minute, Saligao’s substitute V ijay Parsekar swung in a corner from the left side, which clattered the cross bar and came off a defender on its way into the back of the net.

Mech Vac’s fluent win over Al Fatah HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 9

Mech Vac beat Al-Fatah by 10 wickets in the GPL cricket match at BITS campus, Zuarinagar on Wednesday.

Mach Vac were penalised 25 runs for slow over rate.

The two other matches – GSA and Salgaocar; Dempo and Sarvodaya Royals ended in draws.

Al-Fatah (1st innings): 220 all out. Mech Vac 439 for 8 declared.

Al-Fatah (2nd innings): Sumiran Amonkar c and b Atish Gawand 3 (17b), Srinivas Phadte c Shoibh Shaikh b Saurabh Bandekar 7 (25b), Ninad Pawaskar run out Atish Gawand 13 (21b), Jiniv Joshi lbw Saurabh Bandekar 3 (21b), Rahul Keni c Vivian Castelino b Saurabh Bandekar 12 (23b), Sher Bahadur Yadav

lbw Saurabh Bandekar 8 (30b), Jyot Chhaya c Shashank Rao b Amit Yadav 32 (52b), Gazanand Azgaonkar lbw Amit Yadav 32 (49b, 1 four), Sahil Dhuri lbw Vivian Castelino 42 (82b, 1 four), Sayyed Badizzuma c Kiran Powar b Amit Yadav 4 (8b), Yogesh Yadav not out 13 (50b).

Extras: 25. Total: 194 all out in 62 overs.

Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-19, 327, 4-36, 5-45, 6-71, 7-117.

Bowling: Saurabh Bandekar 18-2-65-4, Atish Gawand 16-535-1, Vivian Castelino 5-1-15-1, Amit Yadav 15-6-31-3, Kiran Powar 2-1-11-0, Shashank Rao 4-0-21-0, Vidhyadhar Kamat 21-5-0.

Mech Vac (2nd innings): Amit Yadav not out 0 (6b), Rupesh Sarvankar not out 1 (5b). Total: 1 for no loss in 1.5 overs. Bowl-

ing: Sahil Dhuri 1-1-0-0, Sherbahadur Yadav 0.5-0-1-0.

GSA and Salgaocar match drawn.

GSA (1st innings): 150 all out.

Salgaocar 193 all out.

GSA (2nd innings): Sagun Kamat c Amit b Vikrant 83 (143b, 11 fours), Anup Kolambkar c Amit Patil b Dheeraj Narvekar 1 7 ( 4 1 b , 4 f o u r s ) , Tu s h a r Narvekar lbw Advait 6 (34b), Reagan Pinto b Advait 0 (1b), Naveen Sharma ct behind Sabarwall b Advait 42 (73b, 3 fours), Aditya Angle st Sabharwalll b Advait 77 (110b, 5 fours, 1 six), Pratik Naik b Vikrant 47 (90b, 4 fours), Ryan D' Souza c Dongre b Vikrant 6 (11b), Dilip Sagar ct behind Sabarwall b Advait 10 (20b, 1 four), Sachin Khokar b Vikrant 0 (1b), Ajit Sharma not out 0 (3b). Extras: 8. Total: 296.

Fall of wickets:1-35, 2-58, 358, 4-137, 5-153, 6-278, 7-284, 8-289, 9-289, 10-296.

Bowling: Vikrant Yadav 17-253-4, Amit Gawande 8-0-39-0, Advait Katkar 29.5-2-95-5, Dheeraj Narvekar 9-3-11-1, Vishal Tyagi 12-1-42-0, Girish Yadav 102-37-0, Rohit Patil 2-12.

Salgaocar (2nd innings): Rohit Sabharwall c Sagun b Ryan 10 (12b, 1 four), Suraj Dongre not out 55 (138b, 6 fours), Advait Katkar not out 45 (132b, 7 fours).

Extras: 12. Total: 122 for 1 in 47 overs. Fall of wickets: 1-19.

Bowling: Dilip Sagar 8-2-320, Ryan D'Souza 8-4-10-1, Anup Kolambkar 10-4-12-0, Reagan Pinto 8-2-28-0, Aditya Angle 112-19-0, Sagun Kamat 2-0-10-0.

Salgaocar 3 points. GSA 1 point.

Dempo and Sarvodaya Roy-

als match drawn.

Sarvodaya Royals (1st innings): 205 all out. Dempo 392 for 3 declared.

Sarvodaya Royals (2nd innings): 112 for 3. Amogh Dessai b Harshad Gadekar 27 (108b, 4 fours), Hemant Shetgaonkar b Shailesh Misquin 0 (2b), Aniket Dessai ct behind Keenan Vaz b Harshad Gadekar 1 (2b), Rohit Asnodkar not out 55 (115b, 8 fours), Darshan Misal not out 11 (25b, 1 four). Extras: 18.

Total:112 for 3 in 42 overs. Fall of wickets:1-8, 2-11, 3-85.

Bowling: Harshad Gadekar 11.3-21-2, Shailesh Misquin 7-37-1, Buddhadev Mangaldas 1-010-0, Arprit Vasavada 5-1-16-0, Arun Wagji 10-6-11-0, Vishal Joshi 6-0-20-0, Ilyas Naroo 2-0-9-0.

Dempo 3 points. Sarvodaya Royals 1 point.

www.oheraldo.in

Pg15

GOA, THURSDAY, 10 MARCH, 2011

Lanka have yet to peak: Jayawardene

Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga delivers a ball during a team training session at The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Wednesday.

AFP PALLEKELE, MARCH 9

Sri Lanka are still to peak at the World Cup, vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene said on Wednesday, as the 1996 champions prepare to tackle Zimbabwe and book a quarter-final spot.

Sri Lanka go into Thursday's game with five points from four games after wins over Kenya and Canada, a share of the points in a washed-out match against Australia and a narrow defeat at the hands of Pakistan.

Jayawardene believes that Sri Lanka's campaign has been energised by Lasith Malinga's belated entry into the tournament after the slingshot seamer missed the matches against Canada and Pakistan

Hundred up for Aussie umpire Davis AFP NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

Australian umpire Steve Davis stood in his 100th oneday international on Wednesday when he officiated in the World Cup match between India and Netherlands.

Davis, 58, made his international debut on December 12, 1992 in a match between Pakistan and West Indies in Adelaide and has also stood in 31 Tests and 14 Twenty20 Internationals.

In all, 14 men have umpired 100 or more ODIs with Rudi Koertzen on top of the list with 209.

with a back injury. keep improving and make sure we make "Lasith coming back into the team has the most of half-chances." given us a few more options in our bowlJayawardene also warned his team not ing attack which is to under-estimate ZimTODAY’S great," said Jayawardene, babwe who still have an of Malinga who took a outside chance of making MATCH career-best 6-38 against the last eight.

Kenya.

Sri Lanka face a potenSri Lanka v.

Malinga also took his tially tough last match Zimbabwe second World Cup hatagainst New Zealand in trick during that match.

Mumbai so they can ill af"I think we can still ford any upsets against improve on our batting, try to bat for the African nation. longer periods and make sure we build "We rank Zimbabwe with any other partnerships. Even on the field there is team. I think they are a very good allalways room to improve. round side and we know they can be a "We are a very hard-working side when surprise package so we are not taking it comes to fielding. We just have to anything lightly," Jayawardene said on

Wednesday.

Sri Lanka won their first match against Canada by 310 runs before going down to Pakistan by a narrow 11-run margin.

They also beat Kenya by nine wickets before their match against Australia was abandoned due to rain.

Jayawardene said Sri Lanka need to be on their toes to win their last two matches.

"We just want to concentrate on our performances. That's in our control and we will execute a game plan because we know every team is dangerous and have quality players," said Jayawardene, who hit a century against Canada.

Fans vent anger against Pakistan wicket-keeper AFP PALLEKELE, MARCH 9

Emotional cricket fans went berserk on Twitter and Facebook, venting their frustration against fumbling wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and demanding he be dropped from the team.

Kamran gave century-maker Ross Taylor two astonishing letoffs during Pakistan's 110-run defeat against New Zealand on Tuesday, missing two regulation chances when the batsman was on nought and eight.

Taylor went on to hit an unbeaten career-best 131, lifting New Zealand to an imposing 302-7 in the World Cup Group A clash before Pakistan were restricted to 192 all out.

"Has Kamran applied for political asylum in Sri Lanka?"

tweeted Farhan Saya, referring to former wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider, who fled Pakistan's team hotel in Dubai last year and sought asylum in Britain.

One fan said on Twitter: "Has Shahid Afridi told Kamran that he has dropped the World Cup with two catches?".

Others listed Kamran's home address in Lahore, for fans to express their anger.

Zafar Iqbal posted a message on Facebook: "World's greatest birthday gift declared by Guinness -- Kamran Akmal for Ross Taylor."

Taylor celebrated his 27th birthday on Tuesday.

Another Twitter message said: "Kamran thinks being a wicketkeeper means letting the batsman keep his wicket."

Another fan, Mohammad Parekh, asked: "What do Kamran and Michael Jackson have in common? They both wear gloves for no reason."

Angry reactions from die-hard fans are common in the sub-continent. The most recent came when the West Indies team bus was stoned after they defeated co-hosts Bangladesh, in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram received death threats after his team lost the 1996 World Cup quarter-final against India, while angry fans attacked the houses of Indian players following their first round exit from the 2007 World Cup. Ex-players also took aim at the hapless Kamran.

"I only notice when Kamran per forms well behind the stumps, bad wicket keeping is routine for him," a sarcastic Rashid Latif, a former national team wicket-keeper, told AFP. Another former captain and wicket-keeper Moin Khan blasted team management for keeping faith in Kamran.

"It's wrong to play Kamran consistently after his poor keeping," said Moin.

"When you give so many chances in a World Cup match, you have to pay the price."

Former captain Imran Khan said Pakistan must move on from the defeat.

"Pakistan should learn fast from their mistakes and move on from here, if they don't it will hurt their campaign."

This combination of photographs shows Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar (R) reacting after wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal dropped a catch off unseen New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor at The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Wednesday.

Messi inspires Barca win over Arsenal Shakthar 3 Roma Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 AFP PARIS, MARCH 9

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi (second right) of Argentina is challenged by Arsenal's players Andrey Arshavin, right, of Russia, Bacary Sagna, second left, of France and Johan Djourou of Switzerland during a Champions League, round of 16, second leg soccer match at the Nou Camp, in Barcelona, Spain on Tuesday.

Kaka on his way out at Real AFP MADRID, MARCH 9

Real Madrid hopes to offload its injury-plagued Brazilian star Kaka in the summer close season, although he still has four years left on his contract, a Spanish sports daily said Wednesday.

The 28-year-old midfielder, signed from AC Milan in 2009 for 65 million euros, underwent surgery on his left knee on August 5 and only returned to training in December.

The Spanish club then announced on Tuesday that he would be sidelined for another two weeks after he injured his same knee again.

"Real Madrid will try to sell Kaka in June," the Madrid-based sports newspaper AS said in a front-page story.

"His poor showing in these two seasons determined the change in policy on the Brazilian. He was out for 85 days last season.

"The problem is that he still has four years left on his (sixyear) contract at nine million euros net per season," or 15 million with taxes, said AS, which did not quote any sources for the report.

"That is a total of 60 million euros, and the big question is which club would take on that salary. Not to mention that he would not go free and there would be a market price on his transfer."

FICA urges players to boycott CL T20 AFP SYDNEY, MARCH 9

The Federation of International Cricketers' Association is urging players to stay away from this year's Champ io ns League Twenty20, saying the tournament has "little or no credibility" given that prize money from last year's edition has still not been paid.

FICA Chief Executive Tim May said six million dollars remain unpaid, of which Victoria is owed 200,000 dollars while South Australia 500,000 dollars.

"FICA will be recommending that players refrain from agreeing to play in future CLT20s without some certainty as to the payment of participation fees and prize money," May was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Australian Cricketers' Association chief Paul Marsh echoed May's views.

"Given the uncertainty over payment of this prize money, and the assurances that have so far amounted to nothing, I'm sure players will have concerns about participating in the future," Marsh said.

Marsh said he expects Cricket Australia to make up for the delay by paying the players from its coffers.

"We would expect CA to follow (South Africa's) lead and pay the players directly. This ex-

n Six million dollars

remain unpaid, of which Victoria is owed 200,000 dollars while South Australia 500,000 dollars -- FICA Chief Executive Tim May tremely long delay in paying players money to which they are entitled is both unacceptable and embarrassing to all involved in the event -- including CA as a key stakeholder," he said.

But CA spokesman Peter Young said the matter is between the players and the CLT20 organisers.

"It's a CLT20 obligation," he said. "They should be paying it."

Dean Kino, CA's legal affairs manager and its representative on the CLT20 board, said the delay has been caused by the administrative work that is required to get such a huge amount of foreign exchange released from India.

"It requires Indian foreign exchange sanction before it can be released," Kino said.

"The (Indian board) has to make an application for it to be released, and is still waiting for approval," he added.

Spain top FIFA world rankings AFP PARIS, MARCH 9

Argentina have moved ahead of Brazil into fourth place as top South American nation in the latest FIFA world rankings.

That was due to their 2-1 win over Portugal in a friendly while Brazil lost 1-0 to France in Paris.

European teams - Spain, Netherlands and Germany filled the top three places once again.

FIFA top 10: 1. Spain, 2.

Netherlands, 3. Germany, 4. Argentina (+1), 5. Brazil (-1), 6.

England, 7. Uruguay, 8. Croatia (+1), 9. Portugal (-1), 10. Greece.

Serena calls health crisis ‘scariest moment’ ever AFP LOS ANGELES, MARCH 9

A medical emergency resulting from a blood clot in her lung was "the scariest moment in my life," Serena Williams said Wednesday, adding she did not think the health crisis will hurt her tennis game.

"Luckily enough, I was able to catch it soon enough that my career won't be affected," Williams told NBC television's "Today Show" program.

"I love tennis and now more than anything I have so much to look forward to just playing," she said.

Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk reached the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday after seeing off Arsenal and AS Roma respectively with both the losing sides finishing with 10 men.

Barcelona dominated Arsenal to win 3-1 on the night - 4-3 on aggregate - though the losers were left seething at the second-half dismissal of Dutch star Robin van Persie for a second bookable offence when he shot at goal after the referee had already blown his whistle.

Barca's goals came from a double by Lionel Messi and one from Xavi while the Gunners sole reply was a Sergi Busquets own goal in a match where the losers might feel aggrieved but the statistic of 19 shots by the hosts, with 10 on target, to Arsenal's zero tells its own story.

Shakhtar eased through 3-0

at home to Roma for a 6-2 aggregate victory - the Italians played for 50 minutes with 10 players after French central defender Philippe Mexes was also dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Roma were fortunate not to

also see Daniele De Rossi get a straight red card for a vicious elbow on Shakhtar captain Dario Srna on the stroke of half-time - England's World Cup final referee Howard Webb ended up booking a bemused Srna instead.

Shakhtar's victory - which confirmed they are a force to be reckoned with by most teams left in the competition will be keenly felt by Arsenal as well.

Not only did former Gunners striker Eduardo get among the goals for the Ukrainian side in Tuesday's win but Arsenal demolished them 5-1 in the group stage at the Emirates only to end up second to the 2009 UEFA Cup winners in the final standings.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admitted it had been a tough decision by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca to book Van Persie for the second offence but he had no truc with Arsenal's unlucky losers claim.

G o a l s b y To m a s H u b schmann, outstanding Brazilian Willian and Eduardo extended Shakhtar's unbeaten home record in European competition to October 2008 when they went down to Sporting Lisbon.

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India dampen Orange spirit

Tendulkar records 2,000 PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

Yuvraj Singh plays a shot against Netherlands in New Delhi on Wednesday.

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9

Netherlands: E. Szwarczynski b Chawla 28, W. Barresi lbw b Yuvraj 26, T. Cooper c Dhoni b Nehra 29, R. ten Doeschate c Zaheer b Yuvraj 11, A. Kervezee c Harbhajan b Chawla 11, B. Zuiderent lbw b Zaheer 0, T. de Grooth run out 5, P. Borren c Nehra b Zaheer 38, B. Kruger run out 8, Mudassar Bukhari b Zaheer 21, P. Seelaar not out 0. Extras: 12. Total: 189 all out.

Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-64, 3-99, 4-100, 5-101, 6-108, 7-127, 8151, 9-189, 10-189. Bowling: Zaheer 6.4-0-20-3, Nehra 5-1-221, Pathan 6-1-17-0, Harbhajan 10-0-31-0, Chawla 10-0-47-2, Yuvraj 9-1-43-2.

India: V. Sehwag c Kervezee b Seelaar 39, S. Tendulkar c Kruger b Seelaar 27, Y. Pathan c and b Seelaar 11, G. Gambhir b Bukhari 28, V. Kohli b Borren 12, Yuvraj Singh not out 51, MS Dhoni not out 19. Extras: 4. Total: 191 for 5. Fall of wickets: 1-69, 2-80, 3-82, 4-99, 5-139. Bowling: Bukhari 6-1-33-1, ten Doeschate 7-0-38-0, Seelaar 10-1-53-3, Borren 8-0-33-1, Cooper 2-0-11-0, Kruger 3.3-0-23-0. Man-of-the-match: Yuvraj Singh

India overcame some anxious moments before suppressing a spirited the Netherlands with a nervy five-wicket victory in a World Cup Group-B match and virtually secure a quarter-final berth here today.

After restricting the minnows to a modest 189, the fancied hosts started off with a flourish but lost wickets in a heap before scampering home with 81 balls to spare in what turned out to be another hard-fought win for the hosts.

Yuvraj Singh (51 not out) played another responsible knock to guide the team to the victory target on a slow Ferozeshah Kotla track.

Virender Sehwag (39), Gautam Gambhir (28) and Sachin Tendulkar (27) got the starts but failed to make it count.

With this win, India consolidated their position atop the points table with seven points and were almost certain to qualify to the quarter-finals from the group.

Yuvraj hit a boundary to not only notch up his half century

but also bring about the victory, sending a near capacity crowd at the Kotla into a frenzy.

India will now travel to Nagpur to play their next match against South Africa on Saturday.

But it was not a very convincing performance by the Indians as they were made to sweat for the win by the minnows who had lost all their earlier matches by huge margins.

Chasing the paltry target, Sehwag spanked the first ball off pacer Mudassar Bukhari to the mid wicket boundary to launch the Indian innings with a flourish.

Tendulkar opened his account in similar fashion by glancing Ryan ten Doeschate to the fence.

Tendulkar spanked ten Doeschate for three consecutive boundaries to entertain the crowd.

In the next over, it was Sehwag's turn to massacre the Dutch bowling as he blasted Bukhari for three boundaries, although he could have been caught by Eric Szwarczynski at mid on. He was on 16 then.

With runs coming much too easily, Dutch captain Peter Bor-

We need to improve in some areas: Dhoni

Yuvraj hails performance after injury-marred year

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 9 Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said there are areas India needed to work on after his side's fivewicket win over the Netherlands in a Group B match of the cricket World Cup here today.

"Quite a few of the objectives have been achieved, but there are areas we need to improve.

The powerplay overs, the lower order shouldn't have come in to

finish this off. And fielding, we have been consistent," Dhoni said post match.

The India skipper reasoned that Ashish Nehra was replaced with Yusuf Pathan only after one over with the new ball owing to lack of assistance for fast bowlers at the Feroz Shah Kotla wicket.

"There was nothing really for fast bowlers with the new ball.

The batsmen were just hitting through the infield. It's always better to use the spinners up front and use the fast bowlers later with the old ball."

Despite chasing a modest total, India, for the second successive time, faced some worrying moments before Yuvraj Singh led the way with an unbeaten fifty.

"Yuvraj batted brilliantly again," Dhoni said.

India's batting line-up is one of the most formidable in the tournament and Dhoni is pleased to have such an array of strokemakers in the side.

"They are the pick of our batting. We rely on good starts,"

he said when asked about Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

"We have got 2-3 batsmen who can attack the opposition, and also have 2-3 batsmen who can attack as well as defend, play according to the situation. It's a good mix," Dhoni said.

About the chase, he said "it's always challenging to chase a modest target against good opposition".

Piyush Chawla's place in the XI has been questioned by many but Dhoni seemed satisfied with the leg-spinner, who picked up two wickets today.

"Apart from the last over, he bowled well today. He needs a bit of confidence. We have seen patches of brilliance from him.

He bowled well in the warm-up game," Dhoni said of the bowler.

India faced some worrying moments before reaching the modest target, but the skipper is happy as long as the team is winning. "If we are winning, I don't mind chasing or defending," he said.

Yuvraj, who got the man-ofthe-match award, said he is happy to be performing after an injury-marred last year.

"Last year was full of injuries; I was coming in and going out.

So I am happy to be back in form. My job is the play the middle overs and try to take the team to the end. I batted according to the situation," he said.

Asked about his bowling, Yuvraj said, "I have been bowling well. It feels nice to contribute, and nice to get ten Doeschate's wicket."

Rival captain Peter Borren praised his players for their fighting show against the world number 2.

"I am proud of my boys. Hats off to Pieter Seelaar, he won't forget tonight," he said of the bowler who picked up three wickets, including Tendulkar and Sehwag's.

"At 100 for 4, you never know, if we had sneaked a couple. To get back from the start given

by Sehwag and Tendulkar to get it to 100 for 4.

Reverse swing key against India: Morkel PTI NAGPUR, MARCH 9

South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has not done much for his side in the ongoing World Cup but is banking on reverse swing to fetch him wickets during his side's high-profile league match against India on Saturday.

Morkel said previous rewards here for the pace bowlers, including Dale Steyn's seven for 51 in South Africa's Test win against India last year, could mean that their traditional strength might come to the fore again.

"Past performances here, even in the IPL, show that the quick bowlers have a very good record here," Morkel said after team training.

"But the key is reverse-swing and Dale had done so well the last time we were here. There will definitely be an opportunity for reverse-swing and the quicker we get it going, the better for us," Morkel said, while recollecting South Africa's innings victory in the opening

match of the three-match Test series here last year.

With the pitch sporting little grass, Morkel said it looked like a batting paradise and his bowlers could come under pressure against the formidable Indian batting line-up.

"Indian batsmen are all dangerous and they can be destructive. We're have to bowl as a unit, but at the end of the day, those batsmen are only human as well," Morkel said.

He admitted that the fine form of South African spinners had meant the role of the fast bowlers had changed during the tournament.

"We've just quietly gone about our business because the pitches have been slow and turning. The roles have been reversed because t h e

spinners would normally just be holding up one end for us when the wicket is green and grassy.

But we are now doing the holding job for them, they're the ones attacking," he said.

The 26-year-old has taken just two wickets in his last three matches but said he was confident of returning to his wickettaking ways soon.

"It has been difficult, especially for me because I rely on bounce not much on swing. But I can use a bit of reverse if it's on offer. I haven't changed anything. I have to keep on doing the right thing and I am sure the rewards will come.â&#x20AC;?

"It's a funny game. A couple of months ago, you are getting wickets and things are going well," said Morkel, who took 12 wickets against India in the home ODI series before the World Cup. "If I can bowl dot balls and keep one end tight, I've done my job. It will be great to get wickets. We have some important games to come so I know that my day will come soon."

"It's a brand new day and a new challenge we are looking forward to. It's a big game of the tournament against India and we also want to get the momentum going. We've learnt our lessons. We have three games left and we are focusing on our next challenge and that's India."

ren introduced left-arm spinner Peter Seelaar in the sixth over of the innings.

The Indian openers put on 69 brisk runs before Seelaar provided the breakthrough for the Dutch by getting the prized scalp of Sehwag, whose 26-ball 39 contained five fours and two sixes.

Sehwag went for a cut but only succeeded in hitting the ball straight to Alexei Kervezee at point. The Indians promoted Yusuf Pathan to the number three slot and the lanky all-rounder got into the act immediately by clobbering Peter Borren for a six.

Tendulkar's belligerence did not last long as he became Seelaar's second victim. He went down the track for a big shot but could not control it and Bradley Kruger took a well-judged catch at long off. His 22-ball 27 was laced with six boundaries.

The hosts suffered a big jolt a few balls later when Pathan also returned to the pavilion, offering a simple return catch to Seelaar for his third wicket.

Virat Kohli also joined him soon.

From a comfortable 69 for no

loss, the hosts suddenly slumped to 99 for four leaving the crowd stunned.

Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj then steadied the innings to some extent with a 40-run partnership before Bhukhari broke their association by castling the left hander.

Earlier, three Dutch batsmen -- Eric Szwarczynski (28), Wesley Barresi (26) and Tom Cooper (29) -- got the starts but could not translate them into big knocks as the minnows lost wickets at regular intervals on a placid Ferozeshah Kotla track.

The opening pair put on 56 runs but the other batsmen succumbed rather tamely against a disciplined Indian bowling attack which exploited the conditions well. The visitors could have been in bigger trouble had it not been for Borren's 36-ball 38 and Muddasar Bukhari's (21) late onslaught.

Zaheer Khan was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 3 for 20 while Yuvraj (2/43) and Piyush Chawla (2/47) were the other wicket-takers.

Sachin Tendulkar today added another feather in his cap when he became the first batsman to score 2,000 runs in the World Cup. He achieved the feat during his 27-run knock in their group B match against the Netherlands here at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

Playing in his 40th World Cup match, the champion batsman reached the milestone in style, smashing Ryan ten Doeschate for three consecutive boundaries.

Tendulkar, who has equalled Javed Miandad's record of six World Cup appearances, has five centuries and 13 half centuries in the megaevent.

Having hit maximum number of tons in Tests (51) and One-day Internationals (47), the 37-yearold is the highest runscorer in both forms of the game.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting is

placed next in the list of highest run-scorers in the World Cup with 1,577 runs from 42 matches.

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Besides being the owner of the popular Hotel Leonaras, the jolly Jerome Mendes is an avid art collector and patron. Along with artwork from a few artists in Goa, he put his collection on display in an exhibition called ‘Spirit of Goa’ in the vicinity of the hotel itself. Herald finds out more Photos by Roz

ario Estibeiro

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES eonaras is a popular hang-out joint for those living in the villages of Verna and Nuvem in South Goa. It has its snack and drinks section, a hotel with a variety of foods on the menu, quite surprisingly a hair and beauty salon in the vicinity and very interestingly, a space dedicated to art.

The myriad works of art find themselves in one room, neatly placed in accordance to artist and type of art; but there’s more! Head inside the three-floored hotel and you will find proof that Jerome Mendes, owner of Leonaras, is surely in love with art. The art space aside, the interiors and exteriors of his hotel are almost compact with frame after frame of art. The frames include old posters, paintings, mirage images all in an explosion of colour and creativity.

A scan through the colourful, choc-o-block art space and one will see a variety of artwork on display, in different forms and using different media. All had their artistic value and beauty, but a few that stood out were the large paintings – acrylic and mix media on canvas – by the Goan artists. Among the ones special to Jerome was a cross made of solid gold. The cross is one among the many religious artworks put up here. It does not stop at just Catholicism with Jerome being a Catholic, but goes on to depict Hindu Gods and Goddesses in all their magnificence and might. Also, famous mythological scenes from Hindu scriptures stare at you from large brown frames. “I am a man of faith, its true, but I believe that all religions and every human being should be treated equally,” he says. The same clearly applies to his art collection.

Elaborating on the beginning of his fifteen-year collection, Jerome says, “When I was a young man, I met a Goan artist who would paint on

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silver foil and work with metal. I liked a lot of his work and began buying them.

I’ve always had a liking for art.”

After a tour of the entire property and an obvious question will be, ‘How did you manage to collect all this?’

“I travel. I love it. I’ve travelled a lot to many parts of the world.

These travels of course give me a chance to look at some beautiful art, some of which I bring back home to Goa,” he answers.

The collection he has amassed has almost all popular artistic forms and types – paintings in oil watercolour and acrylic; china paintings;, ceramics and tribal art besides plenty of crafts both Goan and from other parts of India as well. While most is from his travels, others are from his friends and other art collectors.

In this way, he patronises art from all over the world, promotes Goan artists and most importantly, opens the door to the Goan populace to the variety the world has to offer in the realm of art. “It did start with just a collection but then I realised that all of this has to be put on display for the Goan people, to enrich their knowledge of the variety of art,” he says with meaning.

Okhot zori zalem voizachem, tori udok zai bainchem -Anonymous

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It is a thousand times better to have common sense without education than to have education without common sense - Robert Ingersoll

T

he US Army has introduced yoga for the first time in its physical fitness regimen. The changes in its ‘combat readiness test’ are being made as part of an overhaul of its fitness programme for the first time in 30 years. The training will incorporate the elements of yoga and benefits of rest among other workouts. The new regimen, announced March 1, will be carried out in phases.

“There have been all kinds of rumors about what this is and what it isn’t. People have said, ‘It’s yoga-like, it’s like Pilates’… And frankly, it is all those things,” stated Gen. Mark Hertling, deputy commanding general for initial military training at the US Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.

He pointed out that tough training leads to stress, fractures and other injuries. Hence, the new doctrine extols the virtues of breaks on long marches. This new training is a departure from how the army tests its soldiers.

“We’ve only done push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run for the past 30 years,” said Hertling, but “none of those address the kinds of things soldiers are asked to do in combat.”

To address this issue, shuttle runs and long jumps have been added to the fitness programme, he said.

(Courtesy: IANS)

Delhi Slum Children to now study in Australia

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Unveiling a different aspect of beautiful T i b e t t o d a y, a r t i s t Subodh Kerkar is bringing to Goa their tradition of the prayer flags through his installation. With this, Subodh aims at breaking barriers by creating the largest land art project in India.

The artist reveals

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Dreams to unfold with Unfurled Prayer Flags

f Mumbai’s slum children could walk the red carpet at the prestigious Academy Awards ceremony in 2009 for Danny Boyle’s ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, Delhi’s urban poor youth will have a chance to go all the way to Australia for studying. Under an exchange programme between Delhi-based NGO Asha and the University of Melbourne, selected students from around 400 slum youths currently studying in Delhi University will get this golden opportunity.

“Education is the only way for these children to break the shackles of poverty and take part in the economic progress of this country.

They are as talented and intelligent as other students. They lack opportunity and we are providing them with that,” says Dr Kiran Martin, a paediatrician and founder of the NGO that works for welfare of slum dwellers.

“Delhi has some 1,500 slums. Every third Delhi resident lives

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES alking along the Calangute-Baga belt, one can observe Tibetan markets selling jewellery, gems, silverwork and the most revered statues of Buddha.

They always sit together and sell their wares, not really bothered if some customer prefers buying from another vendor. Nothing seems to disturb their amicability and they sit chatting, joking but never quarreling in public. That is one of the major qualities that Subodh Kerkar noticed within the Tibetan community. “I often see them sit in tranquility, almost like they are sitting and meditating like Buddha. Unlike other vendors, they don’t use any gimmick to sell their ware,” says Kerkar, a well known installation artist who will install the largest land art project in India.

“I have always admired the Dalai Lama and his teaching that happiness is the purpose of life interests me tremendously. Almost one and a half years back, I visited Sikkim and was amazed to see an ocean of flags in the sky on the Himalayas and the wonderful sound that the flags make in the wind. From then, I was toying with the idea of doing something with the flags known as ‘Lung Tas’ or prayer flags and the Tibetan culture. As a member of the committee for the Festival of Ideas, I was pleased to have lunch with the Dalai Lama with the Chief Minister of Goa. I told him about my project and he informed me to put it on display on March 10, 2011 as it is the 52nd anniversary of the uprising in Tibet against China. I dropped all my previous projects and concentrated on getting this land art project called ‘Unfolding of a Dream’ ready for the day,” says Subodh.

A prayer flag is a colorful panel of rectangular cloth, often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks high in the

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Trial version at Morjim beach

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in a slum colony and around 86 per cent of the urban poor in Delhi are illiterate.

By the age of 14, only 30 per cent of slum children attend school,” she adds.

Coming from a background of neglect and poverty, these students have fought against all odds to get into Delhi University through merit. These youngsters needed some counselling and personality development programmes before joining the college, as they had not mingled with students who were wealthy and from good public schools.

“We had to build their confidence and tell them that they are no less than anyone else – and at the end of the day, the great equaliser will be how well they do in their exams,” says Dr Martin.

Apart from that, the NGO had to convince their parents to allow them to study further. “Nobody in our family has studied so much before us. Our parents are proud and supportive of us now,” says first year B Tech Engineering student, Mahesh, who lives in Dr Ambedkar Basti slum colony.

Still facing problems like noisy neighbourhood, lack of electricity and family problems, these students study in college libraries and study centres set up by the NGO for better concentration.

Other children in their localities look up to them as role models and many of them want to study further.

Dr Martin says that she wants to make it a movement and more and more slum children should get education. “We have set an example. Now, the government should come forward and help others. These children have proved that with the right opportunity, they are no less than others.”

(Courtesy: PTI)

Himalayas. They are used to pray for blessings on their land and people and they are left on the hills until they fade away, as it is believed that once the colour fades, their prayers are answered. In Goa, the flags will be on display till March 17, 2011.

The project ‘Unfolding of a Dream’ will be on display from today, March 10, 2011, 6pm onwards on the Vagator beach where the flags with bulbs on them are arranged in a spiral form coming down from the Vagator hill and heading to the beach.

“As Tibet has a population of 600 million people, I will use 600 prayer flags ranging in the shades of red and attached with bulbs on each bamboo. I have used 4 kms of wire for the project. It is the largest project in Goa and the largest land art project in India. It will be a visually delightful project and I want the people of Goa to enjoy it. The installation will also include an interweaving choreographed procession of 200 Torch-bearing Tibetans in a ‘Mashall’ March. We currently have approximately 400 Tibetans living in Goa but as it is time for the Tibetan Prayer Flags reopening of schools in Tibet, most of them have headed home to reach their children who were in Goa for holidays. Most of the Tibetans are used to Goa and speak in Konkani and yet have kept their tradition alive.”

On March 10, 2011, at 6pm, the installation will be on display with the Torch March by Tibetans on Vagator beach followed by prayer and meditation by Buddhist prayer groups. The installation will be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Digamber Kamat. A documentary film ‘Never Give Up’ will be screened at 7pm. On March 11, the Indo-Tibetan Cultural festival will be inaugurated by Nilkanth Halarnkar, Minister for Tourism. Gesse Wangchung and Tashi Phuntsok will give a talk followed by ‘Cham’, the Tibetan mask dance. Tibetan handicrafts stalls and food stalls will add to the authenticity of the evening.

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WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

The 2nd Popular Tiatr Festival 2010 cum Competition, organised by Tiatr Academy of Goa will commence from March 10 at the Kala Academy, Panjim.

‘Four Women Artists and a Cartoonist’, an art exhibition, organised by Alexyz and Gallery Attic is underway till March 17 at Gallery Attic, Panjim. It is held to celebrate International Women’s Day and will feature four female artists along with Alexyz. Call 2257690, 2257931 or 2420929.

‘Right to Information’, will be the topic of the workshop organised by Benaulim Community Centre and Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association on March 13 from 4pm to 6pm at Benaulim Community Centre, Benaulim. Call 2256445 or 9822104033. Email trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

‘Capture the Sights, Colors and Revelry of Carnival 2011 Photography Contest’, organised by Goan Shutterbugs is open for registration till March 31.

Visit www.goanshutterbugs.com to download entry forms. Call 9822151419.

36th State Art Exhibition (Student Category), organised by the Kala Academy will be inaugurated on March 10 at 5.30pm at the Kala Academy Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Panjim. It will be open to public viewing from March 11 to 14 from 10am to 7pm. Call 2420452.

A Duets, Duos, Trios, Quartets, Quintets and Choral Songs Singing Competition, organised by Tiatr Academy of Goa will be held on March 23 from 3pm onwards at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Registration is open.

‘Suicides by school students in Goa’, will be the topic of discussion at the fortnightly Friday Balcao session. It will be held on March 11 from 4pm to 6pm at Goa Desc Resource Centre, Mapusa. E-mail to goadesc@gmail.com.

A half-day budget seminar to try and unlock the

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H O R O S C O P E mysteries of the budget proposals will be held on March 12 from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Surendrababu Timblo Hall, Panjim, Goa. It will be conducted by Bharat Raichandani. Call 2424252.

‘Special Status for Goa under Article 371’, will be the subject of a discussion organised by Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association and Village Groups of Goa to be held on March 19 from 3.30pm to 6pm at Grace Church Complex Hall, Margao.

E-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in. Call 9822166876 or 9822102131.

‘Heritage Walk through Panjim’ organised by Goa Heritage Action Group will be held March 13 from 5:30pm to 7pm. It will start from the Panjim Head Post Office.

E m a i l GHAGwalks@gmail.com.

A music therapy workshop, organised by Centre for Child Development and Family Guidance will be held on March 13 from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Alto-Porvorim. Call 6513749.

A beach, hill and history trek to Shahapur (Chapora), organised by Wildtrek Adventures will be held on March 13.

Departure at 8am from Mapusa and 8.30am from Panjim. Call 9822123458, 9822155809 or 8796418565.

An integrated Theology course for Catholics, conducted by Pilar Theological College will be held on March 13 every two Sundays a month at Sangam Spirituality Centre, Vasco.

Registration closes on March 11. Call 2541188 or 9890172696.

‘Unfolding of a Dream’, a live art installation by Subodh Kerkar will be held on March 10 at 6pm at Vagator Beach, Vagator. The installation will be on view from March 10 to 17. Visit www.subodhkerkar.com. E-mail kerkarart@gmail.com or subodhkerkar@satyam.net.in. Call 2276017 or 2276509.

Indo-Tibetan Cultural Festival will be inaugurated by Nilkanth Halarnkar, Minister for Tourism on March 11 at 6pm.

A big test of your patience will come in the form of a de21 Mar - 19 Apr manding person today. Try to reconnect with your core values today -- they are more important than you might realize, even when it comes to basic, mundane tasks like those you face right now. Remember what's most important.

Taurus Your practical side is in total control today, so this is a good 20 Apr - 20 May t i m e t o b e tempted. It may feel decadent (and expensive) to give in to your impulses today, but it's totally worth it!

Go ahead and buy that luxury item or spend the day in bed -- whatever your heart desires.

Whatever you Gemini do today, do it with conviction.

This isn't the time to be 21 May - 20 Jun wishy-washy.

It's time for you to seek out some solid advice -- on a day like today, you are receptive to the right words at the right time. It could come from a trusted family member or a street preacher.

Socialize with friends -- as many as you can. Quantity matters more 22 Jun - 23 Jul t h a n q u a l i t y.

Your originality is important today -- but you don't have to check through all of history to make sure your ideas are totally without precedent. Just speak your mind and let others know you're honest.

Make sure you don't confuse stubborn behavior with determination. Live and 24 Jul - 23 Aug let live. If you can avoid the DMV, post office and every other place involving lines and paperwork, you should be at your best. You have a tough time coping with bureaucracy today -- tougher than usual, even!

Large personalities could rub off on you - make sure 23 Aug - 22 Sep they don't overshadow you.

Your brain hungers for knowledge, so give it something to snack on -- or a gourmet meal! Take a class, dig up info online or ask around to learn more about your favorite hot topic.

Kindness will play a big role today. Be honest and compas23 Sept - 22 Oct sionate about how you feel.

Today is all about the people you can count on -- not just random social network friends or those you don't see often, but reliable family members and others you've known for quite a while. You all need each other!

Scorpio B e w a r e o f forces beyond your control t o d a y. M e e t 23 Oct - 22 Nov every challenge head on. You can be quite intense when things are trying -- and today could be a toughie. That doesn't mean you need to give up, but you do need to watch out for the tendency to snap at people you care about.

Sagittarius If you're on a

Capricorn Unresponsive people won't bore you today -- your creativity 22 Dec - 20 Jan is at an all-time high. Try not to make a big deal out of it, but today is best for assuaging your conscience. That could mean making amends, or it could be as simple as taking care of that one chore you've been putting off for too long.

Aquarius H a v e c o n f i dence that you can be forceful without losing 21 Jan - 19 Feb y o u r d i g n i t y today. History doesn't always interest you (as you spend so much time pondering the future), but right now, you're wondering how much energy you're wasting redoing work that has already been completed.

Communication is hard today. Assumptions are being 20 Feb - 20 Mar made and people aren't listening. Try not to let today's warm, wonderful energy go to waste. If you like cooking, go for it with gusto -- and if you don't now is a good time to learn! Anything quiet and creative is perfect for now.

Aries

Libra

diet, make sure you don't overeat today. Ignore 23 Nov - 20 Dec y o u r s w e e t tooth. Don't worry about what's going down today -- you can totally handle this! It's a good time for you to step up and make sure that you're really facing the issues that are the most important, though.

WORD OF THE DAY

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? What is Hydra?

quondam Pronunciation kwon-duhm Function Adjective Meaning : belonging to some prior time; erstwhile, former Example Sentence Old grandpa James sat on his favourite chair and reminisced about quondam times when life was tough but simple and fulfilling.

LAFFS

This question actually has a number of answers as ‘hydra’ can refer to various things. In Greek mythology, the Lernaean Hydra was an ancient nameless serpent-like chthonic water beast that possessed many heads – for each head cut off, it grew two more – and poisonous breath so virulent even her tracks were deadly. On a more real note, Hydra is a genus of simple fresh-water animal possessing radial symmetry. They can be found in most unpolluted sweet-water bodies in temperate and tropical regions. Usually a few millimetres long, biologists are especially interested in hydras due to their regenerative ability; and that they appear not to age or die of old age. When food is plentiful, many hydras reproduce asexually by producing buds in the body wall, which grow to be miniature adults and simply break away when they are mature. Hydra also is the largest of the 88 modern constellations, measuring 1,303 square degrees as well as the name of the outermost known natural satellite of Pluto.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, where the heck is the ceiling.”

– Anonymous DAILY GROOK RISE SURPRISE

by Francis Rodrigues rise the career slope frustrating discovery, pushing the envelope its still stationery!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Thursday 34° C | 22° C Dawn 06:25

Clear

Sunrise 06:47

Moon rise 09:58 High 01:01

Low 07:40

Larry Hurley, a burly squirrel hurler, hurled a furry squirrel through a curly grill

Sunset Dark 18:44 19:06 Moon set 23:11

TIDES High Low 14:15 19:47

What do you fill with empty hands?

High —

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: When the door is ajar (a jar)

18:55 Sniper 2 21:00 Sleepless in Seattle 23:15 Men in Black II 11:55 14:10 16:15 18:30 21:00 23:15

The Birdcage Flubber Mirrors Blue Streak Shanghai Noon The Patriot

09:00 Revolutionary Road 11:30 The Ghost and the Darkness 13:45 Rendition 16:15 In & Out 18:00 The Andromeda Strain 21:00 Octopus 23:15 Octopus Il

09:55 14:10 17:30 21:00

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

Dil Maange More Taaqatwar Aulad Jo Bole So Nihaal Grosse Pointe Blank

11:25 Open Range 14:05 The Tailor of Panama 16:10 The Dog Problem

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 23:40

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00

Gambler Heroes Izzat Indian

Aaj Ka Mujrim International Khiladi Hathkadi Waqt Hamara Hai Kaal

Aaj Ka Goonda Raj Aitraaz Chandramukhi Arya: Ek Deewana

14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Lapataganj FIR Ring Wrong Ring Mrs. Tendulkar Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Mrs. Tendulkar Gili Gili Gappa Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Gili Gili Gappa Lapataganj FIR

12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein

IDIOT BOX 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

Saath Nibhana Saathiya Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Mere Sapne Hamari Devrani Sapno Se Bhare Naina Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak? Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Sasural Genda Phool Saath Nibhana Saathiya Behenein Sabki Laadli Bebo Saath Nibhana Saathiya Sasural Genda Phool Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Liye Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30

11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30

SUDOKU 803

Riddle Me This

Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Kismat Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Krishnaben Khakhrawala Saas Bina Sasural C.I.D C.I.D Classics Krishnaben Khakhrawala Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Maa Exchange Saas Bina Sasural Kismat

Pavitra Rishta Apno ke liye Geeta ka Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Choti Bahu Pavitra Rishta Sanskaar Laxmi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini

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

Ram Milaayi Jodi Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Choti Bahu Jhansi Ki Rani Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dil Se Diya Vachan Choti Bahu Jhansi Ki Rani Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Pavitra Rishta Ram Milaayi Jodi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Sanskaar Laxmi

12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30

Lapataganj Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Mrs. Tendulkar Papad Pol

17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

12:25 13:20 14:15 15:10 16:05 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00

Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

Masters of Illusion House Got to Dance Fear Factor The Amazing Race Asia Top Chef Got to Dance Fear Factor Guinness World Records Smashed 21:00 House 22:00 Masters of Illusion

12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00

Dexter The Bold and The Beautiful Friends Las Vegas The Good Guys Two And A Half Men The Simpsons Dexter Las Vegas Koffee With Karan How I Met Your Mother Modern Family Las Vegas Dexter

11:00 12:00 16:00 18:00 18:30 19:30 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30

Mr. Bean: The Animated Chhota Bheem Marathon Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl M.A.D Chhota Bheem Anpanman Breadman Just for Laugh Gags Takeshi's Castle Mr. Bean The Pink Panther Show

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 13:00 ICC Cricket World Cup

10:00 12:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00

2011 Winter X Games 15 Barclays Premier League 2010 Speed Pool Challenge Goals!

Football Crazy Bpl Express Football Crazy Premier League World The Immortals Sportscenter Asia Uca/uda College Cheerleading Ch’ships 22:00 2010 Speed Pool Challenge 10:30 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00

UEFA Champions League BT Pro-Am of Champions European Tour Weekly Serie A Show UEFA Champions League

17:00 19:00 19:30 21:30 23:25

WWE: Raw Real NBA UEFA Champions League WWE: Raw UEFA Champions League

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 13:00 Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc 14:30 ICC Cricket World Cup 22:15 Cricket Extra 23:15 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Express H/ls

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Creative Vision Planet Carnivore Nat Geo Amazing!

World's Deadliest Animals Drugs Inc Fight Masters Fight Science Nat Geo Amazing!

World's Deadliest Animals I Didn't Know That Nat Geo Specials Super Factories Megastructures

07:30 Kids Club 08:00 English News 09:00 Dudhsagar 09:30 Varuna 10:00 English News 11:00 Catechist Programme 12:00 Tattoo Programme 12:30 Namaah 13:00 English News 14:00 Clown Fiesta 14:30 Rhythmic Breathing 15:00 Success Mantra 15:30 Art of living 16:00 English News 17:00 Chris Perry’s Musical show 17:30 Kids Club 18:00 English News 19:00 Bingo Draw 5 March repeat 20:00 English News 21:00 Angos Musical Show 21:30 Namaah 22:00 English News 23:00 Jazz Gospel Concert 23:30 Catechist Programme 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 802

HERALD CROSSWORD - 803 Across 1- Timetable, for short; 5- Play for time; 10- Golfer Aoki; 14- Seine feeder; 15- Ancient region of Asia Minor; 16- Stream of air; 17- Close with force; 18- Divinity; 19- Old Dodge model; 20- Idle; 22- The act of uniting again; 24- Babylonian title; 25- Microbe; 26- Redeploy; 30- Clamp; 35- Thunder Bay's prov.; 36- Big Apple sch.; 37- Art supporter; 38- Ragtime dance; 41Violent whirlwind; 43- Connected series of rooms; 44- 6th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; 45- With it; 46- Fungal infection; 47- Evening; 50- Dramatic troupe; 53- Genetic material; 54- The first Gospel; 58Sport of hunting; 62- Switch ending; 63- Biblical mount; 66- Adhesive; 67- Trading center; 68- ___ Mio; 69- Moon of Jupiter; 70- A dish with many ingredients; 71- Fiddlesticks!; 72- Chieftain, usually in Africa; Down 1- Fair; 2- Tartan skirt; 3- Morales of "NYPD Blue"; 4- Discharges from the RAF; 5- Remove from action; 6- Digit of the foot; 7- Black bird; 8- Brit's bottle measure; 9- Stratum; 10- Victor's cry; 11California's ___ Valley; 12- ___ Domini; 13- Thor's father; 21- Paris possessive; 23- Brown earth pigment; 25- Bearded grazer; 26- Perch; 27- Affectation of sophisticates; 28- Dined at home; 29Swindle; 31- Campaigned; 32- Japanese beer brand; 33- Yielded; 34- Get hitched quick; 39Sault ___ Marie; 40- Instruct; 41- The last letter of the Hebrew alphabet; 42- Summary; 44- Fido's appointment; 48- Vane dir.; 49- Snarl; 51- Author of fables; 52- From Bern, say; 54- Office note; 55-

Asian sea; 56- Singer Amos; 57- Baum barker; 59K-6; 60- Designer Gernreich; 61- 365 days; 64Japanese drama; 65- According to;

SOLUTION - 802

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ESG to hold Young Jury Award Ceremony

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HERALD FEATURES uring the 41st International Film Festival of India, the Young Jury Award 2010, a competition conceptualised by the Lokmat Group in collaboration with the Entertainment Society of Goa was held. The award function will be held on March 14, 2011 at the Maquinez Palace Auditorium.

The basic aim of this initiative was to train young minds so that they evolve into technically sound Film Critics. Young Juries (students) were selected by the Lokmat Group and were trained under the guidance of film critics and trainers, followed by the young juries appraising a selection of films from the Indian Panorama section, during IFFI 2010.

The film ‘I Am Kalam’ directed by Nila Madhab Panda and produced

by Smile Foundation, India was selected as the Best Film by this panel of young juries.

‘I Am Kalam’ is the first ever feature film produced by a development organisation (NGO) addressing the issue of children’s education in India. The director, Nila Madhab Panda, has directed over 60 documentaries, television dramas and films and this film has participated at a number of International film festivals and has been well received.

During the award function of the Young Jury Award, Panda will be honoured for her contribution towards cinema and social awareness.

Panaji Bazarkar Mandal to celebrate Annual Day with Concert HERALD FEATURES musical concert, titled Saregama Swar Bahar will be held at Panaji Municipal Market complex which is the venue for the annual Satyanarayan Mahapooja organised by the Panaji Bazarkar Mandal, today, March 10, 2011, at 7pm onwards. The musical concert by Vaishanavi Creations, Margao, is organised by the Panaji Bazarkar Mandal to celebrate their annual day.

Noted singers Rahul Saxena, Aarohi Mhatre, Chaitanya Kulkarni and Susmirata Davalkar will perform live in the concert while actress Meghana Erande will compere the show. The musical concert will feature songs in Hindi and Marathi.

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Photos by Herald Features

Malyechi Zatra celebrated with Zest HERALD FEATURES he annually held ‘Malyechi Zatra’ of Kandola attracted a large number of devotees who thronged the shrine of Shri Bhagwati Haldankarin on Sunday night. A mix of devotees including a large number of women and newly married couples offered their prayers to the deity. A palanquin of the deity was taken out along with the ‘tarangs’ and the ‘malye’, which is a huge earthen lamp, was lit.

T

An Entrancing Evening of World Music

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES Musical Evening with Tal Kravitz and Fiona Lorraine Aloysius’ was recently held at the Kala Academy, Panjim. It was a mixture of music, information and fun. This can be credited to the nature of the two key musicians, besides their musical talent.

The Israeli-born Tal, a true blue musician, has travelled to 25 countries across the world, having first-hand experiences with tribal and folk instruments. And he brought all of these experiences on stage along with Lorraine Fiona Aloysius. Lorraine, on the other hand, is an expert on the piano and sings in Konkani as well as Hebrew.

While they played tunes that were oh so familiar to us – Western classics and Bollywood among them – there also were tunes that were unfamiliar, yet interesting and captivating. Tal sang most of these, sometimes joined by Koby, his musician friend from Israel. These were sung accompanying a medley of ethnic, folksy instruments lying around on the stage. If it was not the djembe putting a beat to a song, it was the Scottish bagpipes. When these Fiona and Aubrey were put down, in came the Biblical flute, the Filipino nose flute, the African adongo and an assortment of others. Through it all they interacted with each other on song background, themselves, their musical pieces and much.

This they did not limit to the stage alone, taking it to the audience as well. A number of times, Tal randomly broke into popular Bollywood songs on his guitar, complete with lyrics in Hindi! He sang, ‘Tujhe dekha toh yeh jana sanam’ and ‘dil toh pagal hai’ to an amused audience, all clapping and singing along simultaneously.

The Goan performance came in the form of Olaf, who played ‘Yo yo Katrina’ on a comb!

Tal and Lorraine are musicians who are passionate about their music and this was witnessed at the concert. As the music wavered so did their expressions, their faces swelling with emotion.

Rarely does one get to have music of such a nature play live in front of them – music that has a deep, spiritual connection to ancient times and ancient people, music with a purpose, music that has plenty of old-world charm if not more. The fact that it was accompanied by the very familiar piano was all the more appealing.

‘A

Photos by Chandan D’Sa

Koby and Tal

Public learn about their Right to Information A

HERALD FEATURES workshop on public awareness of the Right to Information Act 2005 was held recently at the Panchayat Hall, Moira. Rui Da Gama, the convenor of the Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association, conducted the workshop.

Da Gama explained the Act and the formalities involved while filing for information. The Act book was distributed to all present along with instructions and a sample format. Queries from the public were answered by Da Gama and some other prominent people from the village.

During the workshop, a member of the public projected a hypothetical situation where a person investigating some issue files for RTI and then receives threats from the concerned party to stop investigations and asked the panel what the next step of this person should be.

Da Gama and others replied that in such a situation, a group of people should get together on this and file for the same RTI together as this will definitely deter the concerned party to refrain from any illegal actions.

Another person pointed out that as per Section 18(3), The Central Information Commission or State Information Commission, as the case may be, shall, while inquiring into any matter under this section, have the same powers as are vested in a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in respect of these kind of matters and are in a position to take action against such miscreants.

Da Gama implored people to use the RTI as a tool against corrupt practices and other irregularities of the Government. The next workshop is planned for March 13, 2011 from 4pm to 6pm at Benaulim Community Centre, Benaulim.

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I look up to Aditya Chopra: Imran

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Witherspoon campaigns against Domestic Violence

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A

ctor Imran Khan, who is working with Katrina Kaif on Yashraj Films’ Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, says he looks up to director-producer Aditya Chopra. Imran, who got hitched to his long-time girlfriend Avantika recently, is currently doing two back to back films with Yashraj.

He is also back with Karan Johar after the success of I Hate Luv Storys. The actor will be seen opposite Kareena Kapoor in Johar’s Short Term Shaadi.

Chopra reportedly was so impressed with Imran’s performance in My Brother Ki Dulhan that he has given him some more scripts to read.

When asked about that, Imran said, “I am still very new in this industry and have only done handful of films. Adi is somebody that I look up to and take advice from. Karan is someone whom I am extremely close too.”

ctress Reese Witherspoon has joined a campaign to stop violence against women. The 34-year-old star is lending support to cosmetic firm Avon’s new empowerment charm bracelet, which is being sold for $8 in Britain to raise funds for domestic violence charities Refuge, Women’s Aid and Unifem.

“Although the problem may seem insurmountable, there are ways for women and men everywhere to help bring an end to violence against women across the globe,” said Witherspoon.

Winslet hails DiCaprio as her Emotional Rock

New York Indian Filmfest to open with Do Dooni Chaar

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ate Winslet insists her bond with Leonardo DiCaprio is proof that not all cross-gender friendships are based on sexual attraction. Kate has praised Leo – who she starred alongside in 1997’s Titanic and 2008’s Revolutionary Road – for helping her through the dark times after splitting from director Sam Mendes last year. She said: “He knows me better than anyone else in the world.”

“Lots of male friendships begin as a cheeky snog; or a little undercurrent of flirtation. But Leo and I? No. He’s my rock. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t had him.”

Leo has returned the compliment, saying their closeness stems from growing up in the cutthroat movie industry together. He added: “And in every major life event we’ve been there as a support mechanism for each other.”

Kate, who divorced first hubby Jim Threapleton in 2001, also credits her two children Mia, 10, and Joe, seven, with keeping her in buoyant spirits. “I grew up in a family with lots of people. I’ve never been lonely.

And with Mia and Joe, that remains the case. But to be in a place now where I can say I really like this space. “It’s a surprise to discover that I like being on my own, and that’s a really nice feeling.”

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he popular New York Indian Film Festival will open this year with the North American premiere of Disney’s critically acclaimed family comedy Do Dooni Chaar starring the legendary actor couple Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh. The Habib Faisal-directed film marks the Hollywood studio’s first live-action production in India and earned some of the best reviews of any Hindi film in recent years.

The closing night selection for the 11th annual edition of the Indo-American Arts Council’s May 4-8 festival in Manhattan is Rituparno Ghosh’s Noukadubi, an adaptation of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s acclaimed novel, which stars sisters Riya and Raima Sen. “Do Dooni Chaar is a charming and sweet indie film that reflects the realities of a middle-class family in modern day Delhi,” says NYIFF Director Aseem Chhabra.

“Written and directed by first time filmmaker Habib Faisal, the film is a perfect blend of authentic dialogues, characters and situations, with a touch of Bollywood charm.”

Following the May 8 screening of Noukadubi will be a special tribute to Tagore who was born 150 years ago on that day.

Why People choose to work with their Right Hand rather than Left

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new study tries to find out why a majority of people, 90 per cent in fact, are biased towards using their right hand than left. Researchers from the University of Aberdeen, UK, believe the explanation may stem from actions that require us to use both hands at the same time, which may bias right-handers toward choosing their right hands.

For the study, the team asked left- and righthanded participants to reach first towards a pair of targets with both hands at the same time and, immediately afterwards, towards a new single target with only their closest hand.

Just before they began the reach, subjects were given a short vibratory pulse on one of their hands, giving them a clue about where the new target would appear, and hence which hand should perform this second portion of the reach.

In some cases, the pulse was given to the wrong hand, which meant that subjects had to restrain the reach with this incorrectlycued hand.

Results showed that right-handed volunteers found it far more

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xercise may increase our desire to feast on doughnuts and chocolate, making it difficult to shed the extra pounds, a study has revealed. The research suggests that nearly half of us could be ‘predisposed’ to crave high-fat, sugary foods after working out.

In tests, 34 men and women followed the same three-month weight loss programme involving supervised, calorie-burning exercises five days a week. After each 50-minute session in the gym, they were shown photographs of different snacks and asked to choose their preference.

Researchers identified two different types of exercisers. One group tended towards healthier, low-fat foods such as rice, pasta and boiled potatoes. The other showed ‘increased cravings’ for all kinds of food, but particularly sweet options such as cream cakes, doughnuts and chocolates.

The 14 volunteers who failed to achieve their weight loss target fell into the second category, called ‘non-responders’.

Experts believe that these non-responders may have a built-in preference for eating high-calorie ‘reward foods’ after intense exercise. This could be because exercise causes hormonal changes which increase their urge to consume excess sugar and fat.

Professor Neil King, of the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, said: “Further research may identify responders and nonresponders with blood tests.”

difficult to deal with this incorrect cue when it was given to their right hands, making more mistakes and taking longer to successfully inhibit the reaches, almost as if the right hand was already pre-selected to carry on during the bimanual reach.

The left-handed subjects showed no such asymmetries, suggesting that they are less inherently biased to select one hand over the other.

“One explanation for these data is that hand choice is related to hemispheric specialisation for speech and language,” said Dr David Carey at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, adding, “Many left-handed people have ‘right-handed’ brains, which weakens the typical bias towards choosing their dominant left hand.”

Looks-centric Women share more Photos Online

Exercise may increase Cravings

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emales who base their self-worth on their appearance tend to share more photos online and maintain larger networks on social networking sites, a study shows. Michael A Stefanone from the University of Buffalo, who led the study, said the results suggest that females identify more strongly with their image and appearance, and use Facebook as a platform to compete for attention.

Stefanone co-authored the study with Derek Lackaff and Daven Rosen from the Universities of Texas, Austin and Hawaii, Manoa, respectively. In the study, 311 participants aged about 23 years – 49.8 per cent of whom were female – completed a questionnaire measuring their contingencies of self worth, among others.

Stefanone noted that the women in this study who base their self worth on appearance were also the most prolific photo sharers. “It is disappointing to me that in the year 2011 so many young women continue to assert their self worth via their physical appearance – in this case, by posting photos of themselves on Facebook as a form of advertisement,” he added.

Courtesy Agencies

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

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