1 Dec,2010 HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

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Sports: BCCI’s decision to terminate Royals stayed Pg 16 SC questions CVC tenability The Supreme Court virtually questioned the tenability of Chief Vigilance Commissioner P J Thomas supervising the CBI’s probe into the 2G spectrum scandal as he himself was Telecom Secretary at the relevant point of time. – (PTI)

Business: SUV owners must pay market price of diesel Pg 13

(air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

India: Sreeram to sing for Pg 7 Narnia 3 movie

SEZ land Scam gEtS muRkiER Pratapsing Rane’s role comes to light

SURAJ NANDREKAR PANJIM, NOV 30

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) land scam continued to get murkier with the information revealing that the then chief minister Pratapsing Rane too had recommended helping the SEZ promoters to get land in the State.

Herald on Tuesday had exposed a note by the then industries minister Luizinho Faleiro directing the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) to allot land to Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd at Keri.

This paper has evidence that the same note was also signed by the then chief minister Pratapsing Rane.

Moreover, another letter in possession of Herald reveals that the K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd had written to the then CM on April

11, 2006, asking for allotment of land for IT/ ITES/ Biotech or other services.

“We express our keenness to be a part of the initiatives taken by the Government of Goa towards promoting information technology, biotechnology and other services,” the letter by Raheja reads adding “we take this opportunity to introduce ourselves as one of the leading real estate developers in the country, catering to the requirements of IT, retail and hospitality industry in various cities in India.”

Three days after the letter was received, Rane has put a remark to the managing director GIDC “Please help these people”.

Not only this, the then chief minister has also signed another note forwarded by the GIDC MD for allotment of land even before

Rahejas walk out of Gujarat SEZ SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT PANJIM, NOV 30

Rahejas letter

We express our keenness to be a part of the initiatives taken by the Government of Goa. …we are one of the leading real estate developers in the country, catering to the requirements of IT, retail and hospitality… the then chief secretary could go through it.

SEZ promoter Peninsula

Rane’s note

Three days after the letter from K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd asking for allotment of land for IT/ ITES/ Biotech or other services, Rane put a remark to the managing director GIDC “Please help these people”.

Pharma Research Centre Pvt had written to the then chief minister on March 13, 2006, asking

Even as they were demanding ‘compensation’ for so-called losses incurred in their cancelled IT/ITES Special Economic Zone (SEZ) scheduled to have been set up on around 4 lakh sq metres of land at Verna, top Mumbai real estate developers Rahejas have been making plans to abandon similar SEZs that they claimed they wanted to set up elsewhere.

(Continued on page 10)

for land for setting up Export Processing Zone for R & D Centre Bio-Technology Park at San-

coale following which the GIDC MD moved a note for the allotment of land to the company.

What is shocking in this is that the then chief minister had signed the note even before it went to the chief secretary.

While CM signed it on March 13, the CS signed it on March 14, 2006.

Ironically, the chief secretary has put an interesting comment on the letter.

“There are no Export processing Zones allowed by the GOI, only SEZs are allowed for which a consultant is being appointed and a project report in this regard will be sent to the Union Commerce Ministry for approval of SEZ”, the then CS said. “…MD GIDC may examine all the implication on file and send it. If the said company desires (Continued on page 10)

no diktat to mhadei tribunal, goa told

Bansal, Gupta shunted to Arunachal HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 30

HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, NOV 30

Ministry of Home Affairs in an order today transferred red Goa Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) Superintendent of Police Veenu Bansal and Director of Industries Garima Gupta to Arunachal Pradesh.

Joint Secretary (Personnel) Y M Maralkar confirmed the development.

(Continued on page 10)

TAKING THE SILK ROUTE: Models display Indian silk sarees at the INIFD Goa fashion show presented by Cinema Couture 2010 in association with ESG in Panjim on Tuesday.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Govt failed to keep plans for public scrutiny: GBA HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 30

The Goa Bachao Abhiyan on Tuesday said the Government had not acceded to its demand of keeping the finalised plans for public scrutiny for 30 days prior to notification.

It chided the Government further saying attempts by it to get the CDs containing notified regional plans of Pernem and Canacona had borne no fruit and it finally managed to get the same from someone else.

It is now holding a discussion on the notified plans on December 5 at Institute Piedade Hall, here, at 10.30 am, where it has invited concerned citizens to see the plans and share their view points.

GBA Convenor Sabina Martins maintained the officials at the Town and Country Planning De-

None of the villages of Pernem and Canacona received the finalised village plans, even though the Government announced immediate implementation of the same. The GBA will now hold discussion on notified plans on Dec 5.

— Sabina Martins

partment claimed the CDs containing the notified plans were exhausted.

“When asked for the village plans of the notified talukas, we were quoted a price of Rs 400 per village plan that worked out to Rs 8,000 for taluka plan of Pernem which comprises 20 villages”, she observed.

Martins said the maps were

also not uploaded on the website and charged further, “None of the villages of the two talukas have received the finalised village plans, even though the Government announced immediate implementation of the same.

The villagers are expected to go to the taluka office to pursue this matter”.

The Convenor has expressed her displeasure over discarding of the VP3 status of 50 FAR (floor area ratio) that was given to the panchayat in the draft RP 2021.

This has been done without informing the people, she stated.

She said many villages had opted for lower FAR to protect their identities by avoiding rapid urbanisation. “Many villages have been placed in ODP areas without their consent making a mockery of the so-called participatory

The Old Goa Church authorities have taken a serious view of some stall keepers jumping the Basilica of Bom Jesus wall to use the tap water facility in the church premises during the novena days being celebrated in preparedness for the feast of St Francis Xavier.

The authorities on Tuesday said even though the Government has put up some 20 to 24 mobile toilets in the area for the novena days the same wasn’t enough and more needed to be done to see that everything was managed in a professional manner.

The church authorities maintained lakhs of people throng Old Goa during the novena masses in preparation for the feast of St Francis Xavier, but the international heritage area

had a few mobile toilets to cater to such a big number of devotees.

Rector Fr Savio Barreto said what was adding to the problem is a regular feature of stall keepers crossing over a wall of the Basilica of Bom Jesus on the Gandhi Circle side and entering the church premises to have bath.

Fr Barreto maintained it is so unruly to see these men, mostly

The terms of reference of such tribunals are never laid down as the tribunals being judicial bodies are free to frame the issues in dispute.

Hindi-speaking, bathing in their underclothes when devotees are converging to attend church services in the morning. The panchayat, I think, has to do more to take care of the sanitation because we are situated in an internationally recognised heritage site, he asserted.

The main coordinator for the novena masses, Peter Viegas, observes there is no harm in the traditional stall keepers coming in and using the tap water facility near the Basilica, but these migrants have scant regards for sanitation and decency. “This year, too, we are having the same problem. If the toilets set up in the area are enough then why do we have these men jumping over the church wall and entering inside,” he questioned.

Viegas said since we have (Continued on page 10)

PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

The CBI today booked Lalit Bhanot and V K Verma, two top aides of CWG Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, for criminal conspiracy and cheating in connection with alleged irregularities in a Rs 107 crore contract with a Swiss time-keeping company.

Bhanot, OC Secretary General, and Verma, Director General, were charged under sections 120B IPC (criminal conspiracy), 420 IPC (cheating) and various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act besides Switzerland based firm Swiss Timing Ltd and other unknown persons, a CBI spokesperson said.

The agency carried out searches at 11 premises in the national capital region including residences of both Bhanot and Verma besides some other officials including R K Sacheti, Joint Director General (Coordination) and Sangeeta Welingkar, member of the Games Image and Look Group.

The agency claimed that “voluminous incriminating” documents have been recovered during the searches.

“It is alleged that the accused officers abused their official position and entered into criminal conspiracy with a Switzerlandbased company and other unknown persons to cheat the Government of India in awarding contract to the said company for acquiring Timing, Scoring and Result (TSR) System at exorbitant rates of Rs 107 crore thereby causing huge loss to the Government”, the spokesman said.

He said the Expression of Interest (EOI) was published announcing that only the Swiss firm met the laid down criteria.

“Subsequently, Request for proposal (RFP) was issued on October 1, 2009. This was surreptitiously amended on October 4, 2009 thereby making the bids even more restrictive.

— Pawan Kumar Bansal

cally laid down by the Government in case of the Commissions set up under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, but not in case of the tribunals constituted for settling the inter-State disputes.

It is left up to the tribunals to frame the appropriate issues, he added.

Naik had earlier written to the Water Resources Minister that the tribunal will not serve any purpose if proper terms of reference are not framed to meet Goa’s objections to the Karnataka project.

(Continued on page 10)

Security issues come to fore at Old goa HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 30

The Centre on Tuesday ruled out any instructions to the Mhadei river water tribunal constituted at the Supreme Court’s instance to settle the water dispute that has arisen between Karnataka and Goa. Goa MP Shantaram Naik had approached the Water Resources Ministry to fix the terms of reference of the tribunal to ensure the water flow into Goa from the Mhadei river is not obstructed by the dams Karnataka is building on its tributaries Kalsa and Bhanduri.

His plea was, however, politely turned down by Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, pointing out that the terms of reference of such tribunals are never laid down as the tribunals being judicial bodies are free to frame the issues in dispute.

Bansal said his ministry will forward all the representations it had received to the tribunal, but it will be for the Goa Government to approach the tribunal to frame the appropriate issues regarding its objection to the Karnataka irrigation project.

Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was to attend the meeting convened by Bansal in his Parliament House chamber at the instance of Shantaram Naik, but he could not make it to Delhi

and hence the latter pleaded Goa’s case at the meeting.

Water Resources Secretary U N Panjiar and Commissioner A B Pandya, who is dealing with the Mhadei project, attended the meeting and responded to various queries of the Congress MP. Panjiar explained that the terms of reference are specifi-

CBI lodges cases against 4 Kalmadi aides

ec.10 1st to 5th D

We'lll not make any impact there, Sir!! It's already being attacked by politicians, police, drugs, builders...

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg2

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 2010

South officials devising strategy to meet bus owner’s strike HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 30

The district authorities, South are devising an appropriate strategy to meet the hunger strike threat as the All Goa Private Bus Owners Association has served a statutory notice on the Chief secretary to make open Margao’s Old bus stand for the short distance route buses.

The statutory notice has asked the government to open the Old bus stand for the 45 affected bus operators within seven days or threatened to sit on an indefinite hunger strike from December 6 in front of the office of the Deputy Collector, Margao. The bus owners have threatened to keep the buses off the road from the third day of the strike.

The hunger strike has been threatened by the operators to protest what they called as the injustice meted out to the 45 operators.

The operators maintained that the route on the Aquem, Gogol, Davorlim, Housing Board, Mandop etc have been prohibited from entering the old bus stand in the city

n The statutory notice has asked the government to open the Old bus stand for the 45 affected bus operators within seven days or threatened to sit on an indefinite hunger strike from December 6 in front of the office of the Deputy Collector, Margao. The bus owners have threatened to keep the buses off the road from the third day of the strike. and are forced to start from Anna Fonte Garden to their destination.

“This Association had a meeting with the Chief Minister and the RTA Chairman on the issue and had explained the problems faced by the affected 45 bus operators. We were promised that the old bus stand will be closed for all the route buses and the place would be used for parking”, Association general Secretary Sudip Tamankar told the Chief Secretary, adding that “though 20 days have passed, it is noticed that except 45 buses, the other buses are being using the old bus stand so also KTC buses are entering the into the city”.

Tamankar charged the RTA for meting out injustice to the 45 operators and reiterated its decision to go on the hunger strike if the Old Bus stand is not made open for these operators.

When contacted, RTA Chairman and Deputy Collector, Margao Johnson Fernandes said the matter will be discussed with the District Collector, South G P Naik to meet the situation.

It may be recalled that the RTA, at its meeting on Monday, has decided to continue with the traffic changes, by ignoring the hunger strike call given by the bus operators.

Housing Board meeting papers forged: activists HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 30

After pulling the State Vigilance officers to court for not filing FIR in a land scam involving Housing Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, social activists today alleged that Housing Board meeting papers are forged.

Kashinath Shetye and Ketan Govekar have further filed a complaint at Vigilance Department that the Housing Board has altered parts of the record of the Board. “…Avinash Bhonsle was not even present at the 412th (May 2010) meeting as he was not a member of the board of the said date. He came into the picture only thereafter and as such could not have chaired the meeting on the said date,” the copy read.

“Since the Goa Housing Board (GHB) Chairman (Francisco Pacheco) was not present in May 2010, the papers mention that the Board meeting was chaired by Bhonsle, but in fact he was never a member then,” Shetye alleged.

The pair has simultaneously informed the court on the updates and alleged political interference.

Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Panjim last week had issued notices to Vigilance Superintendent of Police Bosco George and Police Inspector Nilesh Rane for failing to register case on the alleged land scam.

Even as the officers were present, their request seeking three weeks time to appoint a counsel was turned down by the JMFC. They are instead asked to file a reply on the said matters on Monday.

The activists had moved JMFC alleging that Vigilance Department did not register the complaint that alleged scam in conversion of GHB land at Colvale involving Housing Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar.

They said that the land was acquired at the instance of GHB for the purpose of housing projects of the Board but it has now been allotted to Nilkanth Halarnkar Trust.

They alleged loss to the exchequer of more than about Rs 57-lakh.

The complainants also pointed out that the Chairman allotted 23,000 m2 land at a throwaway price of Rs 1000 per m2 which is worth about Rs 4,200 m2, to an institute of hotel management and the ownership is not known.

They have estimated a loss of Rs 7.36 crore to the exchequer through the alleged illegalities.

GHB Managing Director Melvyn Vaz however rubbished allegations levelled against the Board.

He said that in the detailed lay out plan there are areas embarked for residential, commercial and institutional plots, housing open spaces and others.

Door-to-door waste collection after concession pact: MMC HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 30

The Margao Municipal Council appears not only looking forward to sign the Concession agreement with Fomento to dispose off the city’s waste by scientific treatment.

But, the Goa-based company is likely to be drafted by the civic body to start door-to -door garbage collection in two wards – one each in Fatorda and Margao – as a pilot project in a bid to streamline garbage collection in the city.

Margao Municipal Chief Officer, Prasanna Acharya said the pilot project would be implemented by the civic body no sooner the concession agreement is signed with Fomento.

“The civic body would explore the possibility of engaging Fomento to start door-to-door garbage collection in the two wards. If the system turns out a success, it will be gradually ex-

tended to other wards”, he added.

Admitting that garbage collection in the Commercial capital needs to be streamlined to meet the growing requirements, Acharya said that the situation would hopefully change for the better by next month.

If Acharya is to be believed, Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has given the green signal to the civic body to engage 30 additional workers for garbage collection. “These workers will be used exclusively for garbage collection.

That should help streamline the garbage collection mechanism”, he added.

That’s not all. Acharya said that the Margao civic body is procuring four garbage compactors, adding that the tenders will be issued soon.

Besides, the civic body will soon place orders for 1500-plus

plastic bins to replace the worn out bins in the city.

The Chief Officer on Tuesday met a delegation from Madel led by Purnanand Chari and Savio Dias, who called for efforts from the civic body to streamline garbage collection from the housing societies.

The duo emphasised the need to lift garbage generated in the societies on a daily basis so that the waste does not find its way in the water nullahs and road sides.

Sources in the know said the civic body is likely to ask builders and housing societies to make use of the area earmarked for garbage bins.

At many place, it has been found that the area earmarked for a garbage bin inside the housing societies is not utilised for the purpose, forcing the household owners to dispose off the waste in the bins along roadside.

MP calls for denotifying SEZs FROM OUR BUREAU NEW DELHI, NOV 30

Goa’s Congress MP Shantaram Naik on Tuesday called on the Centre to denotify three SEZs (Special Economic Zone) projects in the State in the light of the Bombay High Court’s Panjim Bench quashing their land allotment.

“Since the developers are now not having any land with them, the three SEZ proposals are deemed to stand de facto denotified and all that now remains to be done is a formal notification issued by the government,” he said in a statement issued here.

He said he would be meeting Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, who is returning from abroad Tuesday night, in a day or two to request for denotifying the SEZ projects.

Naik said the ministr y deemed fit not to denotify these SEZs earlier in view of the pending petitions of the promoters that now stand disposed of.

‘Ties with ESG excellent’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 30

Federation of Film Fraternity today said that their relation with the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) is ‘not only cordial but excellent.’

President Arnold D’Costa said that the verbal spat between filmmaker Sanjiv Desai and ESG officials on November 25 has no connection with the federation as a whole.

“It is a matter of individual arguments the person had with the CEO (Manoj Srivastava). Hence the matter is to be resolved with the individuals. Our rapport with the Chairman and CEO is excellent, and at the request of Federation the series of so called T-20 cinema was dropped from IFFI 2010,” he said. He further said that ESG Chairman also given them an opportunity to screen Konkani & Marathi Films in “21st century Goa Village Film Festival 2010” where the Federation was given a go ahead to screen 20 films in 20 different villages in North and South Goa.

Pope raises Pilar Society to status of Pontifical Right HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, NOV 30

In a significant decision, Pope Benedict XVI has given his approval to the Goa-based Society of Missionaries of St Francis Xavier, Pilar (Society of Pilar) as a Society of Apostolic Life for mission Ad Gentes of Pontifical Right.

To commemorate the event, His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay will preside over a Eucharistic Celebration at 4 pm, on December 4, in the Pilar Seminary Chapel, Pilar.

His Eminence Telesphore Cardinal Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao and Archbishop Emeritus Raul Gonsalves, of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman will concelebrate at the Mass.

The official decree of the approval of the Society of Pilar as Society of Apostolic Life for mission Ad Gentes of Pontifical Right will be read during the celebration.

Students from Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh will present a special one hour programme in the Seminary Annexe Hall, Pilar.

An exhibition of the activities of the Society of Pilar will be inaugurated and special is-

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, NOV 30

Prolonged efforts by the Society of Missionaries of St Francis Xavier Pilar (Society of Pilar) finally bore fruits, with the society getting raised to the Status of Pontifical Right.

According to Fr Cosme Jose Costa, Professor of Church History at the Pilar Seminary, the indigenous Society of Pilar founded

by Fr Bento Martins was discreetly instituted with the approval of Dom Valente, the first Patriarch- Archbishop of Goa on 26th September 1887.

“However, since there was a ban on religious orders in Goa from 1835 to 1928, the Portuguese Government, would not allow new members to join the Society (when its existence came to their knowledge on the death of the Patriarch), and as the old members died out one by one, the Society by 1939, came to the verge of extinction with a lone survivor,” said Fr Costa.

“The Society was re-organized on July 2, 1939 by Fr Conceicao Rodrigues and Fr Francis Sequeira and their companions

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, NOV 30

Yet another revolution is set to enter the telecom sector with BSNL deciding to launch a cheap telephony service in the country.

According to sources, BSNL has decided that starting from December 1, 2010, all calls to any fixed or WLL landline number anywhere in India from BSNL

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, NOV 30

BSNL’s ‘Pyari Jodi’ launched recently during Diwali continues to make waves in the telecom sector combining BSNL’s landline

HERALD CORRESPONDENT LONDON, NOV 30

Tourists travelling along the NH17, which connects North and South Goa, would be dilemma of sorts, as signboards display different distances along the route.

While travelling towards South Goa, one can see a huge signboard erected near Agassaim bypass showing Margao (23 kms), Canacona (48 kms),

Karwar (87 kms) and Mangalore (305 kms).

However, if one drives further barely 200 mts, one more signboard alongside Zuari Bridge near Agassaim Police station is erected, which displays the distances of Margao (19 kms), Canacona (59 kms), Karwar (91 kms) and Mangalore (384 kms).

Interestingly, an old roadside mileage stone too differs. The stone erected below the main

signboard near Agassaim shows Margao (19 kms), while the signboard shows (23 kms) and within 1-km stretch from Agassaim Police station to Cortalim junction, three mileage stones have been erected.

The difference is astonishing between the two signboards erected at Agassaim by-pass and Zuari Bridge. Mangalore is nearly 79 kms, Canacona 11 kms, Margao 4 kms and Karwar 4 kms.

Commuters, especially the tourists, will be in dilemma to judge which signboard is correct.

When few media persons stopped a tourist from Gujarat, who was heading from Panjim towards Canacona, and showed him two different signboards, he too was in dilemma which signboard is correct and how many more kilometers he will have travel to reach Canacona.

have to be amended to incorporate the changes ordered by the Congregation for the Evangelization for Peoples.”

“These changes will be more regarding governance in order to reflect the new powers, rights and responsibilities of the major superiors in the society and about the relationship of the Society to the Holy See and to the other bishops,” said Fr Mascarenhas.

[7 new candidates (5 priests and 2 laymen)] with the above lone survivor,” he said.

The re-organizers remodelled the Society’s constitutions in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Canon Law of 1917, and also “with a view to making them fit for a Society of Pontifical Right” and submitted them for the approval of the ordinary on 9-6-1942.

However before getting the approval, the first two pages of the printed copies had to be changed, reprinted and pasted, dropping the ‘Pontifical Right’ provisions.

The approval was granted four years later, on 24th June 1946, and one of the printed copies of the ‘MENS’ containing the changes, was officially given back, rubricated by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese.

“It contains this modified clause ‘Constituitur in Archidiocesi Goanae Societas Missionariorum S. Francisci Xavierii ad norman Can. 673-681 C. I.C.’ The ‘Pontifical Right’ provisions stood consequently dropped,” stated Fr Costa.

The second attempt was made by the

then Superior General and Council on June 26, 1968. A petition was sent to the S. C. Propaganda Fide asking “to give thought to the possibility of erecting the Society into a Society of Pontifical Right”.

“There the matter ended as the Society was caught up in a web of crisis, necessitating three Apostolic Visitations,” he said.

On February 2, 2009, the petition for the Pontifical Right was renewed by the present Superior General and Council, as the Society had expanded into 4 Provinces of Delhi, Goa, Kolkata, and Mumbai and the Agnel Region, as well as opened communities in Nepal, Rome, USA, UK and Germany.

At present, the Society of Pilar has 458 professed members, of whom 319 are priests all formed in the Pilar Seminary, 11 Brothers, the remaining being scholastics under formation. They hail from Goa, Maharashtra, Mangalore, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, and are spread in a total of 130 houses, communities or residences.

landline will be of 3 minutes duration, 180 seconds.

Interestingly, calls made from BSNL landline to any landline fixed or WLL number of any operator in anywhere in India will be of 3 minutes.

Presently, 180 seconds (3 minutes) charging of landline-tolandline calls is eligible only within a telecom district, while landline-to -mobile calling

charges are calls to BSNL (Mobile) 1 minute and for other networks, 45 seconds makes up for 1 call.

Calls from BSNL landline to BSNL Intra Circle Cellular number will be of 2 minutes (120 seconds) and for Inter-Circle BSNL Cellular number, it will be of 60 seconds.

However, calls from BSNL landline to other operators (Cel-

and mobile services amid hopes to arrest steep decline in the landline phones.

Under the plan, BSNL subscribers having a landline or WLL phones can avail a free of cost Mobile SIM card and make unlimited free local calls to his/her parent landline/WLL number.

On activation of the ‘Pyari Jodi’ SIM card by a recharge voucher of Rs 33, the subscriber will get Rs 15 talk value, 1,000 local SMS and 1,000 national SMS and six months (180 days)

n Under the plan, BSNL subscribers having a landline or WLL phones can avail a free of cost Mobile SIM card and make unlimited free local calls to his/her parent landline/WLL number.

lular) numbers will be of one minute duration, 60 seconds only considered as one metered call.

According to sources, BSNL has decided to launch this scheme as part of its aggressive marketing step in making BSNL the cheapest service provider than any other telecom providers in the nation.

‘Pyari Jodi’ making waves

Brit holidaymakers prefer sun to snow

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, NOV 30

cipline”.

Father Theodore Mascarenhas, a Pilar Father in charge of the Departments of Asia, Africa and Oceania at the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Culture, stated that “the Society has to now gear up to its new role and new status.”

“The missionary charisma is to be further strengthened and new ways should be found to exercise it. The constitutions

BSNL to launch cheap telephony service today

When contacted, National Highway Assistant Engineer Sadanand Arolkar said they have not erected the signboard and it was erected by the Panjim Division Cell.

Signboard erected barely 200 mtrs near Agassaim by-pass.

sues of Fr Agnelo’s Call - a monthly magazine and Vavraddeancho Ixtt - a weekly tabloid will be released on the occasion.

Canon 593 of the Code of Canon Law explains the meaning of Pontifical Right as, “institutes of pontifical right are immediately and exclusively subject to the power of the Apostolic See with regard to internal governance and dis-

Prolonged efforts bear fruits, finally

Signboards — commuting dilemma along NH17!

Signboard near Zuari Bridge displays different distances.

Photos by M Prabhav

Pope Benedict XVI greets Fr Tony Lopes, superior general of the Society of Pilar.

From August to October 2010, Goa was the top destination British holidaymakers searched for on the Internet, jumping 22 places in the Experian Hitwise travel ratings during the three months.

Year-on-year, Morocco’s ‘red city’ Marrakech emerged as the fastest-growing destination, jumping 29 places from October 2009 to October 2010. Robin Goad, Experian Hitwise’s Director of Research said: “At this time of year we’d usually expect to see spikes in searches for winter sun destinations and ski resorts, but this quarter’s fastest movers are winter sun destinations. UK travellers are clearly looking forward to sun rather than snow this winter.”

validity period.

The scheme was launched on October 27, 2010 for 90 days.

The other major advantage of the ‘Pyari Jodi’ scheme is 1 paise per second billing to local as well as STD calls, all outgoing calls made from the concerned

mobile to rest of the numbers will be charged at 1 paise/per second plan.

Any BSNL subscriber can approach BSNL counters with a photo, ID proof and a latest paid telephone bill to avail the free SIM card, informed a BSNL source.

Collector orders police protection at Davorlim HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 30

South Goa District Collector G P Naik has ordered police protection at Davorlim from Wednesday to carry out the work of desilting of the spring and construction of the retaining wall at Layamati-Davorlim.

Maina Curtorim Police Station incharge, PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the Collector has issued the order as the work site witnessed some commotion on Tuesday morning.

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao rushed to the site to ensure there is no obstruction to the work, even as the

n Maina Curtorim Police Station incharge, PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the Collector has issued the order as the work site witnessed some commotion on Tuesday morning. village sarpanch and others asked the contractor to produce the work order from the PWD. PI Shirodkar informed that the Maina Curtorim immediately police deployed personnel at the site after the Salcete BDO has issued a letter stating that the Panchayat is not taking up the work.

Sources in the know said the police are not taking any

chances in the matter and will deploy adequate police force to tackle any law and order situation.

Incidentally, last week, the contractor along with the PWD engineer had visited the spring site to carry out the work, but had to beat a hasty retreat after the villagers charged them for damaging the embankment during the cleaning operation.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 2010

Flying Squad stops agro land filling at Cortalim HERALD REPORTER VASCO, NOV 30

The South Goa Flying Squad on Monday stopped an illegal filling of an agriculture land at Pazentar-Cortalim following a complaint from a resident in the area.

The South Goa Flying Squad has directed the violator to lift the mud, as truck loads of mud were dumped to fill the agricultural land in blatant violation of Goa Town and Country Planning Act 1974.

However, the effort of the violator to fill the land came to a grinding halt when an alert resident of Pazentar intimated the Flying Squad.

According to residents of Pazentar, it was steady an approach of the violator to fill the entire agriculture land and subsequently utilise it for commercial or residential purpose, as earlier some people had adopted similar tactics to fill the uncultivable agricultural land in Cortalim.

Speaking to media, Cortalim Sarpanch Anthony Miranda said after a resident of the area complained, the flying squad stopped the illegal activity and panchayat has verbally instructed the accused to stop filling since he did not obtain any permission.

“The land is not cultivated for the last few years and ac-

Illegal agriculture land filling at Pazentar-Cortalim.

cording to the information gathered by me, dumping mud was carried out to extend the existing small road to attach it to the small dam in the uncultivable land,” he said.

“Filling of agricultural land in Cortalim is nothing, as earlier people had meticulously filled their agriculture lands and utilised it for residential and

commercial purposes,” said Miranda.

Villagers have apprehension that with filling, other adjacent agricultural land would also get affected during the monsoon.

“As per the Goa TCP Act 1974 Section 17-A, filling of low-lying and agricultural land is prohibited without obtaining prior written permission of the Chief

Students seek Margao cops’ help to recover Aviation Academy fees HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 30

Up in arms over the sorry state of affairs, students of a city-based Aviation Academy on Tuesday approached the Margao Police seeking help and assistance to recover the huge fees paid to the institute.

Even a trainer engaged by the Academy has cried foul over the administration of the academy, claiming that the institute had even enrolled two underage students.

A couple of students claimed that they had paid an amount of Rs 1.55 lakh for the training course, but are yet to receive their certificates till date.

In their complaint to the Academy signed by 24 students, they pointed out that though they were promised a lot of things, nothing have been arranged by the management even after completing five months in the institute.

A female student claimed that she was with the institute for the last three years and has so far coughed around Rs 1.55 lakh, but lamented that the management has asked for Rs 3000 more money to issue her the certificate.

“There is no responsible person whom we can turn to. The management people are not showing

their faces. Except two, there are no teachers and lecturers. One of the teachers has left because she has not been paid. No fixed fees have been charged for the students. One of the student has paid a fee of Rs 1.55 lakh”, claimed another student, adding that the management has not even bothered to reply to their mails.

A male student said he does not his future as he has been told that the Academy will be closed from Monday.

A trainer at the Academy Ivola Crasto also spoke about the sorry state of affairs. She said the management had even enrolled two underage students in the academy despite the fact that they will not be able to apply in any airlines without passing Std XII. She claimed that the management had even told her to quietly leave the academy. “The academy has no hospitality trainer and a French trainer. The manager was aware of the things.

Even I was told to quietly leave the Academy”, Crasto added.

When contacted, Margao PSI Suraj Gawas said that the case is under investigations and has sought details of the Academy from the manager, adding that a decision on the action to be initiated against the institute will be taken on Wednesday.

Photo by M Prabhav

Town Planner,” said Mormugao Deputy Collector Levinson Martins.

An offence under this section shall be cognizable and Section 17A shall be punishable with a simple imprisonment for a period which may extend up to one year or a fine which may not be less than Rs 1 lakh or both.

North Goa Zilla Panchayat (ZP) has threatened to move contempt petition in the High Court, if State government does not delegate powers to them as per its assurance given to the Court.

At a meeting held in the Secretariat Conference hall, chaired

by North Goa Zilla Panchayat Chairman, Pandurang Parab, the members resolved to make presentations to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava over the government’s failure to delegate full powers to the ZP members as per the Panchayat Raj Act despite giving an assurance in the High Court.

The members have decided to give a month’s time to the government to come to the conclusion, failing which a contempt petition will be filed before the Court.

“We will be meeting Chief Secretary with our representation today. A month’s ultimatum will be given to the government to decide over the issue,” Parab told Herald.

A copy of representation asking devolution of powers and functions to ZP will be also forwarded to the Goa Governor Dr S S Sidhu and Minister for Panchayat Raj. It may be recalled that the State government had assured High Court that Second Finance Commission

The term of Police Sub-Inspector Sunil Gudlar at the Anti-Narcotics Cell of Goa Police was not without any controversy.

The PSI recently got shunted to Security and PSI Tushar Lotlikar was brought in his place.

Gudlar was pulled up by Deputy Inspector General of Police R S Yadav in March 2010 for not following legal procedures on duty. Gudlar was left with a warning and told to be careful the next time by Yadav.

On September 27, 2009, Gudlar, along with a few other policemen, had gone to Hill Top Bar and Restaurant at Vagator to check a foreigner, a Japanese national without following legal procedures. The PSI and the other police personnel were told to explain their action.

Gudlar and his accomplices had taken the Japanese in a Getz car (GA-07-C7053) to secluded place in some bushes

Anjuna Police along with the accused.

the trio was earlier involved in international courier business and the police suspect that they were selling drugs in courier envelopes.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

The police raid was carried out between 5.30 pm and 11 pm. The police team was led by DySP Sammy Tavares, PI Manjunath Dessai, PSI Videsh Pil-

the head constable, but they could do little in the matter.

According to sources, Vincy arrived in the state of Goa a few weeks ago and took an employment with one of the water sports operators in and around Calangute village in disguise of a poor boy from other state.

“He also went on to disclose that he belongs to a poor family and his parents are unable to

Vincy Thomas

report is ready and will constitute a committee, which will look into the powers of the ZP. The ZP members alleged that since formation of committee under chairmanship of Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira, it has failed to meet even once to decide over the matter.

“It’s been six months now since the committee is formed.

Every time, when we ask, the committee replies saying that the Director of Panchayats is yet to submit the report,” Saligao ZP member Michael Lobo said adding that the report will give a range of functions to ZP making it a powerful institution to reckon with.

The ZP member’s representation claims that the government and its competent authorities have totally neglected the ZP in the Panchayat Raj System in Goa. “Most of the powers have been devolved on paper and actual power devolution to ZP is less and in fact z e ro , ” t h e representat i o n re a d s adding that the various

known as Chakra Gems. In doing, so with dishonest intentions, all had failed to secure the presence of panchas, no panchanama was conducted and no station diary entries were made.

An order issued by the office of the Director General of Police and signed

by DIG Yadav states the explanation of the incident given by Gudlar and the other cops was found to unsatisfactory.

Yadav heard the cops in his orderly room and found that they failed to follow the mandatory procedures. The DIG stated since they realised their lapses and promised to discharge their duties in a professional manner, he took a lenient view of the incident by letting them off on a warning.

Police sources say this may be one of the incidents that had brought bad name to the career of Gudlar at the ANC. The end result, they note, was a transfer order. The ANC continues to remain without a PI till date.

Actor hurt HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, NOV 30

A Pune actor was injured while shooting for a film at Cavelossim beach on Monday.

According to Drishti report, actor Miaan Ahmad accidentally fell while he was doing a stunt on a rope. Drishti Zonal In-charge Amit, who was on a jeep patrol along with Sainath and Vishal, noticed a huge crowd at a particular spot on the beach. It was observed that Miaan lay on the sand and was finding it difficult to move his head and was shifted to Wockhart Hospital.

gaonkar, Bikaji Salgaonkar, Sushant Mahale, Keshav Naik, Samir Gauns, Umesh P Suhas Joshi, Nitesh Mulgaonkar and Vivek Ekavade.

Chennai cop in Calangute, searching for son A head constable attached to the Chennai Secretariat is in Calangute in search of his 25year-old son.

Head Constable Sen, who learnt of his son Vincy Thomas’s arrival in Goa, was in CalanguteBaga area looking out for his son.

Calangute Police was also alerted about his son’s Vincy Thomas’s disappearance by

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 30

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 30

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, NOV 30

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, NOV 30

North ZP threatens to move contempt petition in HC

Gudlar’s term at ANC mired in controversy

Bihar trio held with drugs at Anjuna Anjuna Police arrested three persons from Bihar on charges of illegal possession of drugs worth Rs 31,800 at Anjuna on Monday evening.

According to Anjuna Police, the accused, Natwarlal Yadav (36), Sanjam Kumar (32) and Ramesh Gopa (29), were arrested for allegedly possessing 192 gms cocaine, 440 gms heroin and 24 gms charas, all worth Rs 31,800.

Police said they were on patrol, when two persons standing along the road near Starco junction tried to flee from the place seeing the police.

However, both, Natwarlal Yadav and Sanjay Kumark Sharma, were arrested and the illegal drugs were found in their possession in the guitar and bags.

After their arrests, the place rented by them at Soranto Vaddo-Anjuna was raided and searched for illegal drugs and 62 gms cocaine and 324 gms of heroin was seized, while the third person Ramesh Gopa was also arrested.

Police further informed that

DEVOLUTION OF POWERS

cope up with the poverty and hence needed an employment,” informed sources.

Sources further informed that the boy was last seen in the Calangute village and at present his whereabouts are yet to be known.

Anyone aware of his whereabouts may kindly inform the Calangute Police Sation or the nearest police station.

functionaries are still accountable to their lien departments and not to ZP. The members during the meeting also pointed out that the extent of powers and funds transferred from the State to ZP is very small.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 4

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 2010

s H o Rt tA K e s Dandiya Garbha competition held

‘Poinguinim p’yat denying info on illegal tourism activities’ HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, NOV 30

MLA of Aldona, Dayanand Narvekar inaugurates the 8th All Goa Dandiya Competion organised by United Cultural Association, Paliem, at Shri Sateri Devsthan open air hall, Uccassaim.

PANJIM (HND): 8th All Goa Dandiya Garbha competition was held recently at Shri Sateri Devsthan open air hall, Paliem, Uccassaim, Bardez, organised by United Cultural Association, Paliem and sponsored by the Directorate of Art and Culture.

The chief guest, MLA of Aldona, Dayanand Narvekar, extended his full cooperation for the activities undertaken by the organisation and informed that GCA had given recognition to the United Sports Club of Paliem and the club has qualified to play in ‘C’ division league matches of GCA from April 2011 onwards.

Sarpanch Manisha M Mayenkar and President of the Association, Gurudutt, were also present.

Quiz contest organised VASCO (HR): Kendriya Vidyalaya INS Mandovi emerged winners of All Goa Inter School Quiz competition organized by Indian Navy, as part of Navy Week celebrations at Naval Museum, Bogmalo, on Tuesday.

Kendriya Vidyalaya INS Mandovi won the Rolling Trophy for 2010, Navy Children School, Dabolim, was the first runners up, while Loyola High School, Margao, was the second runners up.

The event was coordinated by Naval Aircraft Servicing Development Organisation (Goa). Sports commentator Gautam Bhimani was the quiz master for the event.

Various schools from all over the State took part in the quiz competition, which was aimed at providing a platform for the youth of Goa to enhance their awareness about the Indian Navy.

The quiz covered subjects of current affairs, Science and technology, sports, wildlife, History, Geography and Defence.

Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai NM, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area, was the chief guest and gave away the rolling trophy and other prizes to the winners.

Children also witnessed the static display of different aircrafts and flying operation at Naval Air Station, INS Hansa.

Blood donation camp held

ZP member Pradeep Dessai along with Community Resource Foundation Project Manager Sanjay Naik, ward member Ganpat Naik and others at blood donation camp at Sanvordem.

CURCHOREM (HC): Vakratund Sports and Cultural Club Sanvordem in association with the Community Resource Foundation Goa organized a blood donation camp at Sanvordem recently.

ZP member Pradeep Dessai was the chief guest for the camp. Community Resource Foundation Project Manager Sanjay Naik, ward member Ganpat Naik, businessman Amay Naik, senior Pathologist Hospicio Bank Dr Ciano Fernandes and Hospicio Blood Bank staff and members of Vakratund Sports and Cultural Club were present. Over 35 donors participated in the camp.

The chief guest appreciated the work of both the organizations towards the community and extended his support.

Sanjay Naik, Ganpat Naik, Amay Naik and Dr Ciano Fernandes also spoke on the occasion.

Vakratund Sports and Cultural Club President Ketan Salelkar welcomed the guests.

Diagnostic camp organised VASCO(HR): INHS Jeevanti, the Naval Hospital, as part of its community outreach programme and Navy Day celebrations, conducted a ‘diagnostic and treatment camp’ at Mangor HillVasco recently.

Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza inaugurated the camp.

Neny R D’Souza, Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval area, and Rama Pillai, President Naval Wives Welfare Association, were also present on the occasion.

Over 500 people with limited financial resources availed the benefit to get themselves examined and treated by a team of specialist doctors free of cost.

As part of community education, the medical officers also conducted a workshop, which included topics like prevention of water and food-borne diseases, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, etc.

Naval officers and sailors along with their wives donated over 200 units of blood to Goa Medical College this year.

Earlier on November 25, the hospital conducted a health camp for the orphanage of St John of the Cross at Sancoale.

The orphanage has been adopted by the hospital for a period of one year, during which facilities presently existing in the hospital will be offered to the children free of cost.

Vacancies for ex-servicemen PANJIM (HND): Applications are invited from ex-servicemen to fill up 810 vacancies in pay band-I of Rs 5200-20200 with grade pay Rs 1800 in southern railway and integral coach factory, Chennai. Ex-servicemen who have retired after putting in 15 years of service and have passed Army Class-I certificate or equivalent will be eligible. Ex-servicemen who have put in not less than six months continuous service will be given relaxation in age limit to the extent of period of service plus three years. Applications have to be submitted by December 27. For details, refer to employment notification no 03/2010 dated November 27 or log on to www.rrcchennai.org.in or www.southwesternrailway.gov.in. Secretary, Department of Sainik Welfare, Panjim may also be contacted.

Opposition to tourism activities at Galgibaga-Talpona coast is far from over.

A social activist has filed a complaint with Goa State Information Commission, accusing the Poinguinim Panchayat of denying him information on various alleged illegal tourism activities on the village coast.

According to details available with Herald, Eleuterio Anastasio Carneiro on August 16, 2010, had filed an application with Poinguinim Panchayat under RTI Act 2005 seeking information to unearth illegal constructions and other activities in six of the 10 wards.

The areas specified in the application are Khatibag, Magdal, Galgibaga, Dando, Ghanibag and Talpona.

He also sought some of the prime information with regard to houses/shops/schools with and without construction licenses, NOCs and other required clearances, etc, recently carried out CRZ-related demolitions, copies of survey/inspection reports, total persons residing, drinking water wells, employed and unemployed youths/adults, annual revenue collected as house tax, copies of village map showing sand

dunes, lakes, ponds, rivulet, est u a r i e s , r i v e r, m o u n t a i n , hill/hillock its height, area covered, radius dept and length among several other points listed in about 16 paras.

Reportedly piqued at not getting the sought information despite seeking time extension of 15 more days than the permissible time period, Carneiro filed an appeal/complaint against the PIO (Secretary) Poinguinim Panchayat with the First Appellate Authority (FAA), Block Development Officer, Canacona on October 11.

The FAA after ordered to appear before him, both parties filed respective replies, as BDO (as FAA) passed an order on November 11 allowing the appeal and directing Poinguinim Secretary to provide information to Carneiro in the format that is available in the panchayat free of cost within 10 days of passing the order.

The social activist, reportedly a resident of Navelim, but residing at Galgibaga, was accused by few residents for assisting a recently formed group of ‘Poingincarancho Ekvott’ spearheading total ban on Galgibaga-Talpona beach stretch.

The social activist has submitted a complaint dated November 23 under Section 20 of

RTI Act 2005 (Central Act No 22/2005) for not furnishing information within the time specified under Sub-section (1) of Section 7 of RTI Act 2005 (Central Act 22/2005).

Carneiro has further asked the Goa State Information Commissioner to penalize the PIO (Poinguinim Secretary) under RTI Act 2005, Section 20, and pay him compensation as per the RTI act for not furnishing information within the term specified under Sub-section (1) of Section 7 of RTI Act 2005.

Few villagers in the recently held Poinguinim gram sabha were reportedly heard raising the issue of an outside element creating problems to the residents who are engaged in tourism-related activities in village coasts.

Carneiro fears the unmanaged tourism and illegal activities undermine the safeguarding of ecological balance in the arena.

It may be recalled that newly formed ‘Poinguinkarancho Ekvott’ under Galgibaga Panch Caitano Barretto had strongly objected various tourism activities on village coast in and surrounding the CRZ-I restricted turtle nesting site at Galgibaga and called for stopping such misuse of nature.

Opinion makers from Punjab, Haryana, HP call on Governor HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

Governor Dr S S Sidhu, had an informative and constructive interaction with a group of 16 opinion makers from the States of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday The group included farmers, social workers, teachers, journalists and educationists.

The Governor told the opinion makers from that Goa with its rich cultural heritage, high per capita income and peace loving people was poised to register higher economic growth in the years to come. Its social indicators were excellent compared to the rest of the country, its literacy being nearly 84 percent and health care services having been expanded, coupled with the cosmopolitan outlook of the population were some of

the factors which have made Goa an important state in the country, he pointed out.

Dr Sidhu emphasised that despite the long colonial rule, Goans had maintained communal harmony with the result there were no riots in the State.

Tourism, mineral ore exports and industry constituted the backbone of the State’s economy though agriculture too played an important role. Added to these activities was the presence of the major port of Mormugao and the Goa Shipyard, which was building even big naval ships.

“Goa is a peaceful and progressive State”, he added.

Referring to the history of the state, the Governor said that many dynasties and rulers had ruled this part of the country including Rashtrakutas, Silaharas, Kadambas, Bahamanis and Adilshahi before the Portuguese

set foot on the land to remain here for four and half centuries.

Dr Sidhu pointed out that Goa would be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its Liberation from December 19 this year. There would be year-long celebrations to mark the occasion.

Replying to the queries of the opinion makers, the Governor stated that India’s diversity itself was the greatest unifying force while the democratic set-up was the intrinsic strength of the nation. He stated that India being the nation of youth would surpass even China in the matter of economic growth in the years to come. India was poised to register a double-digit growth next year, he added.

The visit of the opinion makers was organised by Pramod Khandagale of the Panjim Office of Field Publicity, Government of India.

‘Novo Dis Udetana’ honours real freedom fighters

By ELviS SEquEiRA

Every year on the Liberation Day freedom fighters are felicitated. Comedian Dominic’s Novo Dis Udetana questions the legitimacy of certain ‘freedom fighters’ while showing immense respect for the real freedom fighters who sacrificed a great deal to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule.

This tiatr also delves in the troubling garbage issue and tries to educate on how to dispose garbage in an eco-friendly manner, rather than blaming the authorities. Besides, many other issues that affect Goa and Goans have been highlighted in a well knit plot that is both educative and entertaining.

The story of Novo Dis Udetana revolves around Noel an honest and dedicated freedom fighter who has three unemployed sons and their wives.

Noel’s integrity and patriotism fails to find favour with his sons who are very interested in procuring government jobs for themselves under the reserved quota for freedom fighters. But Noel, an idealist to the core,

Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat released the Special Postal Envelope and Special Cancellation on well known poet B B Borkar, to commemorate his Birth anniversary at a function held at Goa State Museum Auditorium at Patto, Panjim, on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister also released nine books on Lt B B Borkar authored by Prof S S Nadkarni, Prof Vinay Bhapat, Prof Aruna Ghanu and Dr Vidhya Prabhudesai.

The Chief Minister said that the books and poems pub-

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, NOV 30

Orthopedics surgeon Dr Deep Bhandari and Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo released two books at a function at Porvorim recently.

Two books, an autobiography ‘Just Me, Jacqeline, on my way’ written by Jacqueline Colaco, managing trustee of Arthritis Foundation (India) and a novel ‘The story that must not be told’ written by critically acclaimed author Kaveri Nambisan were released at a function by Disha Charitable Trust.

The autobiography ‘Just me, Jacqueline, on my way’ was released by Dr Deep Bhandari and the novel ‘The story that must not be told’ was released by Damodar Mauzo.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bhandari said the book ‘Just me, Jacqueline, on my way’ talks of life experiences of Jacqueline Colaco and the suffering she had undergone because of Rheumatoid Arthiritis.

“The book which reflects the sporting attitude of the author provides insight into the agonies of the patient suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis as also the people around the patient,” said Dr Bhandari.

“Now, there has been lot of advancement in medical fields and because of new modalities of treatment available, patient suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis can be treated successfully,” said Dr Bhandari.

With regard to the novel, ‘The story that must not be told’, Mauzo said this novel is thought provoking and deals with the slum and its politics.

“In this novel, many faces of the slum dwellers have been portrayed and makes the readers to ponder over the issues of slum dwellers,” said Mauzo.

Later, a short film on Arthritis

by Christopher Rego was also released.

Dr Bhandari explained about different types of Arthritis and modern treatment available by which the disease can be cured effectively.

Editor of Goan Observer Rajan Narayan, Jacqueline Colaco and Kavery Nambsian also spoke on the occasion. Anand Madgaonkar compered the function.

upcoming events ‘Merchants 2010’ festival PANJIM(HND): ‘Merchants 2010’, a national level inter-collegiate managerial festival will be held on December 1 and 2, at Fr Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar.

Held for six consecutive years Merchants aims at harnessing entrepreneurial skills, business acumen, intellectual prowess and leadership qualities among college students.

There are six grueling events - Conclave, Ad Guru, New Venture Adventure, Quiz, M-News and the much coveted business baron. The competition offers a blend of seriousness, excitement and fun, says a press release.

An evening with Master Sha PANJIM (HND): Dr and Master Zhi Gang Sha, founder of the Love Peace Harmony Movement for Humanity, Mother Earth and All Souls is on his historic first time visit to India and is presently in Goa till December 2.

Goa Chitra an ethnographic museum, situated in Benaulim, has invited Dr and Master Zhi Gang Sha, on December 2 to interact with the public from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. During this experiential event, participants will learn simple, joyful and effective techniques to access and direct the power of soul, where all true healing begins. Additionally, each participant will receive powerful healing blessings that have assisted countless people worldwide to reverse conditions ranging from back pain, depression to life threatening illnesses.

For details and confirmation, call on 6570877/08322772910

by December 1. Online registration can be made at www.soulhealingindia.com or by emailing info@soulhealingindia.com.

Home Guard Day on Dec 6 PANJIM (HND): The raising day of Home Guards and Civil Defence will be celebrated at Police Head Quarters on December 6. The twin voluntary organisations - Civil Defence and Home Guards - were raised to provide protection to citizens. On December 6 first Home Guards Unit was conceived and raised in erstwhile Bombay State during the period of civil disorders and communal riots, as a civilian voluntary force auxiliary to Police in aid of administration, under the stewardship of exPrime Minister, late Morarji Desai.

Pranic healing workshop PANJIM(HNB): Dr Anjali Shackleton will conduct a basic Pranic healing workshop on December 5 and December 12 at Defence Colony, Porvorim. She will also conduct an advanced and psychotherapy workshop on the January 21, 22 and 23, 2011 at the Clube Gaspar Dias, Miramar, Panjim. For details contact Dr Anjali Shackleton on Ph: 2451080, 9987062209 or 9769967835.

Memorial lecture at Aldona PORVORIM(HC): The 4th Annual Memorial Lecture in memory of Late Principal Edward Soares - Founder of the St Thomas Schools - Aldona will be organised on December 4 at 4 pm at the St Thomas Parish Center Aldona. The keynote address on the subject "Difference between nurturing ignited minds and ordinary minds - Responsible Parents" will be delivered by Fr Domnic Savio, principal of Don Bosco High School, Panjim.

The programme includes a small cultural display and distribution of Principal Edward Soares scholarships to meritorious students.

Art of Living course PANJIM (HND): Art of Living will organise DSN (Divya Samaj ka Nirman) residential/ non-residential course from December 2 to 5 at Khedekar Hall, Sanquelim. The Course will be conducted by Ramprakash, a Chartered Accountant and a senior DSN Teacher from AOL’s Banglore Ashram and is open to all those who have done AOL Basic Course Part I.

Annual cake mixing held at Cidade de Goa HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

does not believe in availing such benefits. He also keeps well away from our dirty politicians and their nefarious activities, till one fine day when he opens the lid of the can and the dirt of the politicians’ misdeeds overflows.

Pradeep Naik is cast in the role of the freedom fighter and versatile Felcy as one of the daughters-in-law. Luiza is plays the the role of a suffering housewife, while Franklin as her husband adapts well to the changing facets of his character. The other members of the

cst are, Bab Andrew, Elias, Aplon, Albert Cabral, Willie and Leslie.

The comedy side shows are

by Dominic and Luis Bachan.

Interludes between the acts are filled with a variety of songs in the form of solos, duets and trios sung by Junior Rod, Felcy, Elias, Leslie, Comedian Dominic, Bab Andrew, Albert Cabral Luiza, Willy and others.

The musical score has been provided by Nolvert(trumpet), Minguel ( s a xo p h o n e ) , Xavier(paklo)(drums), Rocky(keyboards) Rafeal (bass).

CM releases special postal envelope on B B Borkar HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

Books released at Porvorim

lished on BB Borkar popularly known as ‘Bakibab’ will be a source of inspiration and guidance to the younger generation. He said, the publication of nine books will go a long way in depicting various facets of Bakibab’s life and work. He complimented Indian Post for bringing out the postal envelope on B B Borkar.

The function was attended

by Chief Secretary, Sanjay Srivastava, Director Postal Services Vina Srinivas, and Vice-President of B B Borkar Birth Centenary Celebration Committee, Datta Naik,

The function was organised

by Directorate of Art and Culture in association with B B Borkar Birth Centenary Celebration Committee and Indian Post.

Earlier, Director of Art and Culture Prasad Lolyenkar, welcomed and later Asst Director Ashok Parab, proposed the vote thanks.

The inaugural function was followed by a Musical Programme, Shabda Yatri Bakibab, based on the poems of Lt B B Borkar by Pt Prabhakar Karker, Rajesh Madgaonkar, Shilla Duble Parab and others.

The annual cake mixing ceremony was held at Cidade de Goa recently.

Guests and the Cidade de Goa team enthusiastically participated under the guidance of Executive Chef, Prasad Paul, to mix an array of ingredients like black currants, figs, candid ginger, prunes, nuts, dates, syrups and spices. Bottles of spirits and syrups were poured into the mix. Children had their own ingredients to mix like fruit raisins with fruit juices on a separate table. Gloved hands and aprons, the ritual of pouring and mixing the spirit into the mixed fruit mixture was celebrated with much enthusiasm and gaiety.

Guests and staff mixing the cake mixture at Cidade de Goa

Mixing was done in a festive style with live music by Chrystal.

The cakes will be baked in De-

cember and sold during Christmas at Docaria, Cidade de Goa’s cake shop open 24 hours.

Flanzy bags first prize at IT National Quiz HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

Flanzy D’Souza of Rosary College, Navelim bagged the first prize in the College Section of 4th IT National Quiz for the year 2010-2011 conducted recently

by The All India Society of Electronic and Computer Technology (AISECT) in Goa and Maharashtra through its branch Auxilium Computer Education Centre - Velim. 5900 students from 73 schools, higher secondary schools and colleges participated in the quiz that was conducted recently.

Second prize in the college section was bagged by Delilah Antonette Pinto of CES College Cuncolim.

The prizes of the quiz in the Level O, Class 5, were bagged

by Karen Simona Rodrigues of St Anthony HS, Margao, Anushree Pai Raikar of AJD Almeida HS, Ponda and Karen Coelho of Fatima Convent HS, Margao. Third prize was shared

by Vineet Rajeev Sukhtankar of Holy Cross Institute, Quepem, Ashika M Shety of Kings HS, Nesai and Ashwin Jakumar Naik of Pope John HS, Quepem The prizes in the Level I, Std VI –VII, were bagged by Shrusti Chowgule of AJ Almeida HS, Ponda, Froila Barbosa of St Theresa Convent School, Raia and Jude Simoes of St Xaviers HS, Velim .The third prize was shared by Eva Rodrigues of St Pius HS, Orlim, Manasi Monoj Naik Kurade of Cuncolim United HS, Cuncolim, and Balkrishna Dessai of The New Educational Institute, Curchorem The prizes in the Level II, Std IX –XII, were bagged by Michelle Gertrude Fernandes of Carmel HS, Nuvem and Sucorina Pinto of Mount Mary’s HS, Chinchinim.

The third prize was shared by Preston Rodrigues of Sacred Heart Of Jesus HS, Carmona , Kingsley Oliveira of St Alex HS, Curtorim , Jude Luis Baptista of St Joseph HS, Aquem and Myrell Viegas of

Perpetual Succour Convent HS. Benjamin D’Silva, Chairman of Cutbon fishery and the cooperative society Cutbonand the executive member of the GFA was the chief guest. Sr Hilda, the superior of Auxilium centre was the guest of honor for the event.

Power arrears clearance

by Dec 27 HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

All electricity consumers of Raia, Loutolim, St Jose de Areal, Guirdolim, Curtorim, Macazana, Nessai, Chandor, Camorlim and other areas under the jurisdiction of Electricity Department, Sub-DivI, Aquem-Margao have to pay their outstanding dues by December 27 to avoid disconnection of their electric connections.

Consumers in arrears after December 27 will be disconnected without further intimation.”

OHERALDO

Pg 5

GOA, WEDNESDAY,1 DECEMBER, 2010

Fatorda MLA chides Churchill over improper sewerage link

Fatorda MLA Damu Naik breaking the sacred coconut to mark the commencement of sewerage work at Gogol, Margao.

Photo by Savio Dias

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 30

Fatorda MLA Damu Naik has lambasted PWD Minister Churchill Alemao for not coming out with a subsidized scheme to encourage people to apply and get housing complexes and residential houses connected to the sewerage line.

He further said that due to poor maintenance of the sewerage line, raw sewage is flowing into open nullah at the Old market causing health hazards. The ML A said the government should have an effective and proper sewerage line to save

ground water from contamination.

The MLA was speaking to newsmen after lay after inaugurating work of laying of sewerage line to the Sanchayani Housing Cooperative society at Gogol, Margao in the presence of Ward Councilor Tito Cardozo.

IT may be noted that this complex, with more than 120 flats, had been facing hardships due to the absence of a sewerage link.

The Fatorda MLA said that 90 per cent of his constituency has been covered by the sewerage line, adding that the re-

maining portion would be covered by 2011. “I will achieve the target of 100 per cent conn e c t i v i t y o f Fa t o rd a c o n stituency to the sewerage line during my tenure as MLA”, he said, adding that he has accorded top priority for the sewerage line as major buildings were facing problems of overflowing soakpits and septic tanks. “The soaking capacity of the soil has decreased with the rising ground water level. Areas like Mungul and Dovonddem would be linked to the Margao sewerage system soon”, he added.

Calangute p’yat intervenes over shortage in gas cylinders

Calangute and Arpora women panch members in a queue for gas cylinders at Calangute.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, NOV 30

Calangute Panchayat has castigated the Civil Supplies Department for its failure to come to the aid of common people in LPG gas cylinder shortages.

Taking cognizance of report that appeared in Herald and long queues witnessed along the road, former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira summoned HP dealer Manguesh D Teli and sought details into the shortages of the LPG gas cylinders.

After a prolonged discussion, the dealer assured the pan-

chayat that they would try to overcome the shortages, which are beyond their control, to their best and hopefully the issue will be sorted out within two weeks.

Sequeira however criticized the civil supplies minister and its department for failing to come to the aid of common men at the crucial juncture.

“The ministers and government officials are able to get the required gas cylinders as and when they need, however the common men is badly affected. Residents of ArporaNagoa, Candolim and Calangute

are badly affected due to the shortages,” he added.

“Residents from Nagoa-Arpora and surrounding villages are seen in the queue which also included the women panch members of Calangute and Nagoa-Arpora panchayats (Annie Coelho and Asha Palyekar). It is a pity to see them wait in long queues for the gas cylinders,” said Sequeira.

“I appeal to the Chief Secretary to take cognizance of the hardships faced by the people and try to overcome the shortages at the earliest possible,” he said.

‘Tejas’ successfully completes tests ahead of induction into IAF HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, NOV 30

India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ successfully completed air-to-air close combat missile firing tests, ahead of its clearance for induction into the IAF. According to a statement by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), the tests for firing of R-73 missiles took place at the INS Hansa naval air base in Goa on Tuesday, where the LCA detachment is currently based as part of the last phase of its flight trials.

“As a run up to the impending achieving of Initiation Operational Clearance (IOC) and rel e a s e t o s e r v i c e , a Te j a s detachment has been operating from INS Hansa in Goa, conducting the last phase of flight trials.”

“One of the main objectives of the current phase of flight trials was clearing the firing envelope of air-to-air close combat missile from the Tejas,” a DRDO statement said.

The R-73 missile, which is the chosen air-to-air close combat missile for supersonic Tejas, is integrated with the on-board

n As a run up to the impending achieving of Initiation Operational Clearance (IOC) and release to service, a Tejas detachment has been operating from INS Hansa in Goa, conducting the last phase of flight trials.

Digital Stores Management System (SMS) and Open Architect u re M i s s i o n a n d D i s p l a y Computer.

The missile selection is performed from the high resolution Multi Function Display (MFD) pages integrated with the sophisticated on-board avionics.

All these equipment form the IOC standard of avionics, it said.

The test-firing was done from the Tejas LSP-4 aircraft piloted

by Group Captain George Thomas, Group Director (Flight

Test Operations) of the National Flight Test Centre at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

The test aircraft was accompanied by a chase Tejas piloted

by Group Captain Suneet Krishna.

The critical test was closely monitored and controlled by Test Director Wing Commander Toffeen, supported by safety pilot Group Captain (retired) R R Tyagi from the mobile telemetry positioned at the test location.

“The data and video from the test aircraft were also available at the base station in Bangalore through a dedicated fibre optic link set up for this purpose,” the statement said.

“This flight test demonstrated important requirements of the user like safe separation of the missile from the test aircraft, no missile plume-effect on the engine operation, avionics and weapon system functionality and safety interlocks, aircraft handling quality assessment during missile release, and effect of missile plume on the composite structure,” said DRDO officials.

Colva police finally acts!

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 30

The Colva police seems to have finally paid heed to a complaint lodged by a local activist over work being carried out by a resort allegedly in violation of CRZ regulations.

The police detained an electrician under section 151 of the Cr P C last night from the premises of the resort. He was released on Tuesday after being produced before the Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao Johnson Fernandes.

Incidentally, the SDM had issued two stop work order notices to the Colva police in the last fortnight to stop work on the project.

Sources in the know said the Colva police acted last night following a complaint lodged by a local activist that the resort was carrying out the work despite stop work order issued by the Sub-divisional Magistrate.

Herald understands that the action under the CRZ is yet to be initiated against the resort till date and a notice will be issued to the management only after an inspection of the site by the SDM, Johnson Fernandes.

Rise in govt earnings over traffic violations in North HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, NOV 30

Mapusa Police Traffic Department has booked 41,618 cases of traffic violations from January 1 to November 27 and has collected fines worth Rs 50.23 lakh in North Goa. However, during the same period in 2009, Mapusa traffic department had booked 36,295 cases of traffic violations and had earned fines of Rs 42.38 lakh. There has been rise of almost 18.50 per cent in the earning of the government on account of traffic violations in North Goa. According to sources, the traffic police do not appear to have imposed fines on the people found driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

Though they had booked 98 cases under Section 185 (driving under influence of alcohol) of Motor Vehicle Act, traffic police has not levied any fines on them.

If traffic police starts booking

the people who drive the vehicles under the influence of alcohol and levy fines on them, then the government will earn sizable amount, informed sources.

The seven police stations, Mapusa, Pernem, Bicholim, Valpoi, Porvorim, Calangute and Anjuna, come under the jurisdiction of Mapusa Traffic Department.

The Traffic department has booked 13,627 two-wheeler riders for not wearing helmets and collected fines to the tune of Rs 13,48,700.

Cases booked under other major offences and revenue earned by Mapusa traffic police are over speeding - 1,412 (Rs 4,14,000), rash and negligent driving - 393 (Rs 2,17,550), dangerous parking - 2,198 (Rs 2,19,300), overtaking - 1,998 (Rs 1,98,400), no entry - 4,300 (Rs 4,28,250), tinted glasses - 2,732 (Rs 2,72,500), without seat belt 2,970 (Rs 2,95,800), driving without motor driving license - 903

Goans excel at World Konkani Cultural Convention HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

The fourth day of World Konkani Cultural Convention was dedicated to the Youth with the Yuva Mela being inaugurated in a distinct way by former Mister Wo r l d R a y m o n d D ’ S o u z a through the hoisting of the Konkani flag. The youth of Kudumi community of Yedapadav formed a human pyramid.

The Youth Summit organizers Denis D’Silva and Mandd Sobhann President Luvi J Pinto were present at the dais. Santosh D’C o s t a c o m p e re d t h e p ro gramme.

The competitions for the top Konkani youth group was held among 19 groups who have arrived from Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Mumbai and other regions.

The youth groups staged shows of music, dance, skits etc on Konkani culture for the twenty minutes slot allotted to each group.

Arun D’Souza, Anil Fernandes and Susheelan Goa compered the competition.

Mr World Konkani and Miss World Konkani competitions were also held. Eleven youth and 13 women competed in these competitions that were held in two categories of both western and traditional dress.

Their IQ was tested with brain storming questions. Fashion designer Shanti Mohan, Sri Devi Fashion Designing College vice principal Kasturi Shetty and MIFT lecturer Juven Lobo were the jurors of these competitions. Denis

D’Silva compered the Youth Mela.

The Yuva Mela participated groups include: Konkani Salkam, Konkani Naktiram, Manglur Samskrati, Sheetal Tras, Yuva De Goa, Balehonnur, ICYM – Narampady, Jivit, Goa, Manglurchi Taram, Madgaoncho Jagor, Mumbai Group, FJCA Bangalore, Chikmagalur Group, Earth Production, Udent Goyen - Goa, Kasargod Group, Honnavar Group, Bridgitine Friends and Moodbidri Group.

At the cultural programme it was a “youth musical evening” and naturally it was the youth who took to the centre stage in the evening. Roshan Ferrao’s body building show, Joel- Ashwin and group, Roshan D Souza and Kevin Misquita groups entertained the audience by their music and singing.

Speaking on the occasion, H D Kumaraswamy recalled the contributions of Mangaloreans in the field of commerce, banking, education and health care and said he was overwhelmed to see the discipline and systematic way in which the first World Konkani Cultural Convention is conducted and the reception accorded to him.

S L Dharme Gowda, Sponsor of the event Lancy D'Souza, Ronald Colaco, Louis Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann among others were present. Stanley Alvares welcomed the gathering.

Santosh D’Costa compered the programme. Denis D’Silva delivered the vote of thanks.

The following were the win-

ners of different events: Singing (solo)First - Clement Fernandes (Brigitine Friends), Second Darshitha Chari (Madgaoncho Zagor), Third - Priya D’Souza (FKC A Bangalore), Singing (group).

First - Jivit Goa, Second - FKCA Bangalore, Third - Manglurchim Taram, Group Dance, First - Yuva De Goa, Second - Konkani Naktiram, Third - FKCA Bangalore.

Skit: First - Konkani Naktiram, Second - Arth Production, Third - Honnavar Group, Best MC First - Bavesh S Zambulikar (Yuva De Goa), Second - Vernon D’Souza (Konkani Sallkam), Third - Lionel D’Souza (FKCA Bangalore), Konkani Photogenic contests: Miss Konkani Photogenic Melita Jean Pinto, Miss Konkani Photogenic runner up I - Rashmi Rebello, Miss Konkani Photogenic runner up II - Teena Sharal D'sa, Mr Konkani Photogenic Ashwin Preetham D'costa, Mr Konkai Photogenic runner up I - C l e m e n t Fe r n a n d e s , M r konkani Photogenic- runner up II - Prince Jason D'almeida, Mr K o n k a n i Wo r l d W i n n e r Clement Fernandes, First runner-up – Vernon D’Souza, Second runner-up – V ikas Concessao.

Miss Konkani World, Winner – Elaine D’Souza, First runnerup – Jolita Rebello, Second runner-up – Snehal Lobo.

‘The Best Vishwa Konkani Youth Group’ award was bagged

by FKCA Bangalore. First runner up title was bagged by Konkani Nakthiram and second runnerup by Yuva De Goa.

Saudati Yellamma temple to get facelift HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, NOV 30

The Saudatti Yellamma Temple in Belgaum district, a popular place of worship for devotees in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa, is set to get a facelift.

The temple, which attracts lakhs of devotees every year, will be developed on the lines of famous Tirupati temple at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore.

According to Saudatti MLA Anand Mamni, the government has decided to provide the entire needed infrastructure at Saudatti and make the temple one of the attractive places in the state.

Saudatti is about 85 kms from Beglaum. Every year, the Yellamma Devi Jatra, the annual fair is held here as pompous celebrations in the region take place on the full moon day of Margasira (between November and December).

According to legends, the Yellamma Temple is the shrine of Yellamma Devi or Renuka, wife of Sage Jamadagni. The temple is located atop a hill known as Yellammagudda.

On the occasion, goddess Yellamma is worshipped in the manner of Shakti Puja, complete with all its attendant rituals. The age old ritual of Devdasi’s is prominent here.

During the Yellamma Devi fair, women become Devadasis or slaves of God. This age-old practice has been dubbed as religious prostitution by NGOs and other social organizations.

The famous Yellamma Temple at Saudatti.

Over 30,000 devotees from Raichur, Bellary, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Bidar, Belgaum and various districts of Maharashtra, Andhra, Madhya Pradesh and Goa participate in the Yelamma fair and the car festival.

Karnataka Government has given administrative approval for Rs 23 crore to take up the development of Saudatti Temple and Rs 13 crore has already released for the first phase of works.

For the annual jatra of Saudatti temple, lakhs of devotees from various parts of the country throng the temple and stay for almost a week at the temple’s premises. The district administration has already provided the basic in-

frastructure needed for the convenience of the devotees and conducts the jatra smoothly every year.

ML A Mamni, who also is chairman of the temple, has suggested several works needed to develop the temple on the line of Tirupati.

Kotargasti says that the temple committee hopes to attract more people from all areas of the country once it houses all the facilities to avoid any kind of inconvenience to the tourists.

Besides providing the temple with a proper water facility, the district administration has also taken up another multi-village water project to ensure smooth supply of water to 13 villages surrounding Saudatti.

(Rs 4,41,200) and using mobile while driving - 190 (Rs 87,100).

Police officials at Mapusa Traffic department said despite imposing fines, cases of traffic violations are on the rise.

“The rise in the number of cases booked for riding vehicles without wearing helmets this year indicates that two-wheeler riders prefer to pay fines rather than wear helmets,” said the officials.

“Almost 26 per cent of the fines have been collected from two-wheeler riders, who were found driving without helmets.

Wearing of helmets should be made mandatory on all the roads instead of highways alone,” opined the officials.

60-year-old man hurt in truck mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, NOV 30

A 60-year- old man from Cupwada- Quepem was seriously injured, after he was knocked down by a mining truck near forest gate at Kirlagalli- Quepem on Monday.

According to reports, the incident occurred when Shanker Deikar, who was walking alongside the road at Kirlagalli, was knocked down by a loaded mining truck (GA09-U-2233), which was proceeding from Cavrem towards Tank.

Deikar, who suffered severe injuries to his leg and backbone, was shifted to Hospicio in Margao for medical treatment.

OHERALDO

OPINION

Pg6

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

RP 2021 is now ‘our’ responsibility

Vol No CX No: 300 Goa, Wednesday 1 December, 2010

PAC probe is a must

I

n Goa and even the rest of India, politicians who rob public money face, at worst, the prospect of resignation. Crooked bureaucrats do even better; they usually get away completely.

Let us take for example the recent agitation against the widening of National Highway 17. Part of the problem has come about because officials in the Planning and Development Authorities (PDAs) and the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) allowed people to build in the no-development area of setback reserved for highway widening, taking so-called written undertakings from the developers that they were willing to demolish their structures if the land was required for road widening.

Now that it is actually required for six-laning NH17, which of these developers is in a position to pull down their structures? Most have sold offices, apartments and showrooms to third parties, and it is these people who will lose if the structure is demolished. Both the deceitful developer and the bent bureaucrat, who together connived to create this illegality, will in all probability get away, and the public will have to foot the bill. Why? Should not those who break the law be punished?

That is why it is refreshing to hear from Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar that he intends to probe the seven Special Economic Zone (SEZ) promoters whose land allotments were ruled illegal by the Bombay High Court at Goa on Friday, to determine whether bribery and graft were involved in the deals. Mr Parrikar is the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the top State Legislature Committee, which has members from all major political parties represented in the Legislative Assembly.

The PAC has the power to summon any official and find out whether the seven SEZ promoters paid bribes to government officials for illegal allotment of government land. The High Court has stated in its judgment that allotment of land to the companies by the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) was in undue haste and without proper scrutiny of their applications.

Mr Parrikar believes this SEZ tangle is part of a Rs100-crore scam involving several bigwigs in the ruling Congress party, many of whom are still in powerful positions today. He says anyone the PAC believes is connected with the alleged scam can be summoned and asked to depose before the committee under oath.

The Leader of the Opposition has taken a principled but practical decision to take the probe ahead through the PAC, rather than making a political spectacle out of this tawdry affair and demanding a judicial probe or a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. One wishes his colleagues at the centre had as much sense as he did.

Unfortunately, they are still obstructing the functioning of Parliament asking for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), even as both the CBI and the central PAC, headed by BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, are already investigating the 2G telecom scam.

Mr Parrikar has also promised that his party, the BJP, will file a criminal complaint against any individuals found to be involved in the scam, once the PAC completes its report in March next year. Let him go full speed ahead.

T

Call haul

he Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced that telemarketing companies making unwanted calls and sending spam text messages would not only be subject to fines ranging from Rs25,000 to Rs2 lakh, but could stand to lose their telephone connections. This is welcome, but it does not go far enough.

Many websites now offer the facility to send unlimited SMSes free of charge. They are being blatantly misused to send unwanted telemarketing text messages to lakhs of people. How does the TRAI propose to tackle them?

regional Plan 2021 can save Goa from destruction, but only if we are vigilant, says SaNDeSH PraBHuDeSaI

T

here are some people who think whatever the government does is right. And there are some people who think the government can do only wrong. There are also some people who think that government can do things right, especially when people participate in the process of ‘doing’, and that people should get right things done from the government. The third way of thinking is actually how democracy should function.

The Regional Plan 2021 is the creation of this third category; a process of participative democracy. It is not the government’s creation alone, but came out of a massive people’s agitation in 2006-07, the formation of a Task Force and then a State Level Committee (SLC), both comprising pro-people planners and architects like Charles Correa, Edgar Rebeiro and Dean D’Cruz. Lakhs of Goans have participated in this process through village planning committees and Gram Sabhas.

It is the definitive People’s Plan; a unique example in Indian democracy and a model for the whole country. A Goa Model.

Till date, we have seen two phases. The first was ‘negative’ mass opposition to scrap the destructive RP 2011. The second was ‘constructive participation’, to create a positive RP 2021. People participated in both, in huge numbers. Now it is time for the third phase – ‘vigilant implementation’. The government needs to implement it, and the people need to be vigilant, to see that it is implemented in both letter and spirit.

RP 2021 has two parts: (1) Land utilisation plans, and (2) A perspective for progress and healthy growth. The first part includes excellent maps to replace the incorrect survey maps we earlier had.

The SLC superimposed Google images on these maps to properly identify road networks, paddy fields, water bodies, green areas, and existing settlements, to get an accurate picture of Goa. It identifies two Eco Sensitive Zones. Eco 1 is almost 54 per cent of Goa, comprising forests (government and private), wildlife sanctuaries, mangroves, paddy fields, khazans, rivers and ponds, sand dunes, mud flats and no development slopes. No settlement is allowed in Eco 1 areas, and the plan removed all settlement areas shown in this zone in RP 2001. <None>Eco 2 consists of cultivable land, or-

D

“What’s the matter? Are you in dream?” Shyam asked him, surprised. “This is about ‘Bhoodan’ (land gift), under which I will be getting 10 acres of land free of cost,” Ram said.

“What? In these days of land scams, how can anyone promise you free land? You must be joking,” Shyam replied.

“No, No. I am confident that I will be getting 10 acres of land free of cost, which I will be able to use for farming as well for a farm house,” Ram retorted.

“My dear, nowadays people are not interested in farming; they’re interested only in farm houses. They grab agricultural land and manipulate records. It’s such a fad that a Hindi cinema superstar once claimed he was a ‘farmer’, just to get land in Barabanki in UP,” Shyam said sceptically.

“Despite that, I am certain to get the land. A bearded man who appeared in my dream has promised me the land,” Ram said.

“Look, all I know is that land costs a fortune. Every other day a new scam is being unearthed, whether it’s conversion of agricultural land or de-reservation of plots. Recently, the Maharashtra CM had

Pachu Menon, Margao

Allwyn George, Carmona

The Congress have learnt, the bitter way, that it needs to do something to erase memories of its insipid performance in the recently concluded assembly elections in Bihar. The time for elections in other states is close at hand. The minority factor can only help those parties which amalgamate their core ideologies with political objectives. That the BJP got Muslim votes in Bihar despite its ideologies is evidence enough. Congress really needs to introspect. With the Muslims being weaned away, what would be the Congress’s prospects in the five states going to the polls next year? They would have to do a re-think on its regional strategy.

The CWG scam, Adarsh scam, and the 2G spectrum scam, have haunted the government at the centre. Enquiry committees have been appointed. Scapegoats have been found. The resignation factor has been propped up. As if that would throw up a solution!

These committees never deliver as they are under the ruling party which allows the guilty to go free.

The Indian political system is riddled with corruption and while the PM is hoodwinking the world of India’s projected 9% GDP growth, is there any improvement in the condition of the common man? That the Central ministers were forced to declare their assets on the PMO website is a welcome move. Goa’s fat ministers should do likewise including the ‘benami’ ones.

1 December 1910 Sponge catchers frightened

Some sponge catchers who lately were seen slogging on the coast of Tunis, came out from the Mediterranean Seas utterly frightened by saying that they saw giants sleeping at the bottom of the sea.

Scientists’ revelation

The world knows the existence of insectivorous plants which devours bigger insects, but they are not aware of the plants with the ability to cough and its presence was revealed by the Scientists at the Academy of National Sciences of Paris.

Source of sleeping sickness

It is revealed that the sleeping sickness is due to ‘Trypanosomes’ which is a species of microscopic parasite which multiplies in human blood.

Government employees apathy

That the country was heading for total disorganisation was evident with the Government employees taking life easy and apathetic for which they dug the graveyard of the Monarchy.

Absurd way of thinking Joaquim Pacheco, Divar It is absurd that our government thinks that construction along the coast line is the way to develop tourism. As one drives along the coast, you will suddenly see trees disappearing giving way to a line of hotels.

About a decade ago, there were pine trees in place of the hotels. During the Congress regime, the construction boom along the coastal areas was unrestricted, limitless and in full flow. This continued coastal development is sheer suicide. It is a catastrophe to keep on building. Perhaps, they are being fed with the myth that construction equals tourism equals wealth. This is not true. By building on the unspoilt stretches of Goa’s coastline, the developers will actually drive away visitors.

Burglar nuisance Augustus Alphonso, Vasco After several cases of burglaries at various places of worship, I wonder what the hell is wrong with our so called guardians of law. Are the Police stations only meant for lodging complaints? The police should instead be actively involved in routine patrolling so that thieves are caught.

“Urbanised villages which have already grown will continue with the existing height and FAR of 80, as it already stands developed as per the present demands.”

Similarly, ODP and Zoning Plan areas outside PDA jurisdiction would now have a 20 per cent reduction in FAR for projects on plots larger than 4,000 sq metres. These include St Cruz, Merces, Bambolim, Chimbel, Old Goa, Carambolim and Azossim-Mandur in Tiswadi, Penha de Franca, Reis Magos, Pilerne, Sangolda, Socorro and Salvador do Mundo in Bardez, as well as Velsao, Cortalim and Cansaulim in Mormugao.

Charles Correa has also clarified that the six PDA-ODP areas of Panjim, Taleigao, Mapusa, Mormugao, Margao and Ponda will now have to exclude settlement zones from areas marked as Eco 1 and Eco 2, in their existing ODPs. It means no construction will be allowed in these cities on inappropriate slopes, in paddy fields, on sand dunes, etc. Obviously, this will have to be monitored by vigilant people.

Rather than further congesting the existing cities, RP 2021 suggests satellite townships close to existing towns. In order to discourage the ‘second homes’ owned by ‘outsiders’, the plan recommends imposition of a stiff non-occupancy tax on such unoccupied houses, which is to be collected by panchayats and used to improve the village habitat.

RP 2021’s perspective growth plan suggests a corridor – by widening the existing state highway

(This article first appeared in GoaNews.com. Adv Ramakant Khalap’s article ‘A just land acquisition policy ’ in yesterday ’s edition was also from GoaNews.com)

‘Bhoodan’ and land scams

eep in sleep, Ram exclaimed: “Bhoodan! Bhoodan!” It woke him from a deep slumber.

Government of scams

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

chard, natural cover, fish farms, salt pans, irrigation command areas, archaeological and heritage parks/trails/buffers etc. It also includes ‘kullagars’, and covers 26 per cent of Goa’s land and water mass. RP 2021 allows very limited development in these areas, to maintain its natural beauty.

Both Eco 1 and Eco 2 cover nearly 80 per cent of Goa, and cannot be used for new settlements.

This is the greatest achievement in what we as Goans fought for against RP 2011. But we will have to remain vigilant so our corrupt politicians and equally corrupt government officers do not tamper with it.

Goan villages are divided into two categories – VP1 and VP2 – for construction purposes. VP1 has 80 per cent Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for construction, while VP2 has 60 per cent FAR. Both are conditional. If the plot size exceeds 4,000 sq metres, the 80 FAR falls to 60, and 60 falls to 50.

This lower FAR applies to big builders and their mega-projects. No building in VP2 villages can be higher than nine metres, including stilts for parking. The existing height limit of 15 metres will now only be allowed in the few, ‘urban’ VP1 villages.

The whole of Canacona taluka falls in VP2, while all of Sattari, except Mauxi, is VP2. The big ‘tourist’ and ‘urban’ villages, like Calangute, Candolim and Nerul in Bardez, and Colva in Salcete, are VP1, with 80 FAR. The rest of the coastal belt, however, is now restricted to 60 FAR for houses and small buildings, and 50 FAR for mega-projects above 4,000 sq metres in area. As the report says,

Wondrous Wanderings

Lessons of Bihar

100 Years Ago

Clear Cut

from Tivim to Usgao-Dharbandora to Balli, to four lanes. This four-lane super-highway would intercept NH17 at Karaswado in Mapusa and Balli, and NH 4A at Usgao. Both railway lines (Konkan Railway and South-Western Railway) intercept this corridor at Tivim, Sanvordem-Curchorem and Balli.

The plan suggests three hubs along this corridor – Pernem, Usgao and Balli – shifting the developmental focus from the coast to the hinterland. The challenge is now to develop these three hubs to provide appropriate employment to Goans with affordable housing within easy commuting distance.

The plan also suggests Micro-Industrial Zones (MIZ) in villages, each around five hectares (50,000 sq metres) in size. Altogether 29 different small industries, from mills and garages to computers and electronics, to even fish or food processing units can be set up. Existing small industries in villages will also shift to these zones, to reduce pressure on power and water for the villagers, while providing self-employment to local youth.

Agro-based and coastal eco tourism projects in a minimum area of two lakh sq metres will be allowed, with only 10 per cent FAR. Only groundplus-one structures will be permitted, and building height will not exceed 7.6 metres.

This plan can not only save Goa from destruction and the onslaught of land sharks in collusion with politicians and officials, but provides a vision to develop Goa in a sustainable manner. But there are some blips too. The population figures of intrastate migration estimated in this plan do not taken changing scenarios into consideration. Neither has the huge inflow of migrant labour been accounted for. Goa needs migrant labourers in its cities, villages, as well as the newly proposed growth centres, but there is no provision for their settlements in this plan. Today, they comprise of a third per cent of Goa’s population; around five lakh.

But in spite of small lacunae, we now have an excellent vision for Goa in RP 2021, thanks to the people’s movement. What we need now is judicious implementation by the government and strict vigil from us all.

to quit owing to the Adarsh Society scam in Mumbai. The Karnataka CM was accused of usurping government land. That he was bailed out by his party is another matter…” Shyam explained.

“Do you mean to say that in these days, ‘Bhoodan’ has no relevance?” Ram asked.

“Of course ‘Bhoodan’ has relevance. But what is important is who gets the benefit of this land donation. Ministers and bureaucrats gift land to themselves that is reserved for the poor,” Shyam said.

“Are you sure about what you are saying?” Ram asked, wide eyed.

“Of course. Look at the scams. In 1990, the de-reservation of 285 plots in Mumbai shook the Maharashtra government. The ‘Maratha strongman’ was accused of having a hand in that scam,” Shyam said.

“In 2006, in the Dona Paula IT park case, the Goa government was accused of transferring 285,000 sq metres of primest real estate to the Goa Info Tech Corporation, most of which went to real estate firms floated by relatives of the then CM and ministers.

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) was accused of cheaply doling out 384 lakh sq metres of land to SEZ operators even before the SEZ policy was formulated,” Shyam went on.

“Any other scam you remember?” Ram asked.

By raju Vernekar

“In December 2008, the Chandigarh administration awarded 73 acres of land reserved for its theme-cum-amusement park to a private firm without approval. The Film City project was awarded to a private developer at an abysmally low price. In Andhra Pradesh, a former CM was accused of striking a land deal with a private firm called Emaar Properties, causing a loss of Rs2,500 crore to the public exchequer,” Shyam continued.

“Do you mean to say that no state is free of scams?” Ram asked.

“Absolutely correct,” Shyam replied.

“Still I am confident that I will get the land,” Ram said.

“Incidentally who was that bearded man who promised you the land?” Shyam asked him.

“He was Acharya Vinoba Bhave who started the Sarvodaya (awakening of all potentials) Movement in 1951. He walked across the country asking people to give him one-seventh of their land, to distribute to the landless poor. He also ran a ‘Godan’ (cow gift) movement,” Shyam replied.

“It sounds like a fairy tale. I don’t think Vinoba’s Sarvodaya has any scope now,” Shyam wondered aloud.

“Don’t be so pessimistic. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” Ram assured him confidently.

Letters to the Editor Letter of the Day

Spineless demand Neil Rodrigues, Siridao I was surprised to read in your newspaper of the demand made by a group of freedom fighters to close the Portuguese consulate in Goa. I am 35 years old and hail from Siridao. I possess a diploma in engineering from the Goa Polytechnic. I was unemployed for more then 2 years as I could not afford to pay any under hand money, that was being demanded for a decent job.

I was lucky to get a Portuguese passport, as my parents were born before Goa’s liberation, through the Portuguese Consulate in Goa. I am presently working in London, and earn an equivalent of Rs 2 lakhs per month.

I live frugally and send all my savings to my parents in Goa. With this money, they have been able to build a decent house and get my sisters married.

Thousands like me have got a chance to live a decent life, by possessing a Portuguese passport, which gave us access to the entire European Union.

In this fashion, we have contributed substantially to Goa’s economy. I dare the freedom fighters to close the Portuguese consulate in Goa.

Corrupt talathies Marcos Alemao, by email A Quepem talathi was caught while accepting a bribe. (Herald, 30 Nov). This is not uncommon in the state of Goa. Talathies in every Panchayat refuse to move a file unless their hands are greased. Otherwise, they will harass people by making them come repeatedly to get the work done. In view of such incidents, the government ministers should raid/pay a surprise visit to ensure whether talathis are in the office or not.

SC indictment Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar The indictment by the Supreme Court that there was something very rotten about the Allahabad High Court is yet another slap on the battered judiciary. The suggestion to transfer the rotten apples elsewhere is not the solution. Any judge with the slightest taint should be sent packing instantly.

The law needs an amendment so that the Chief Justice of our country does not remain a helpless spectator in this judicial chaos.

The proposed Judicial Accountability Bill with some more added rigours is the need of the hour with utmost transparency and

accountability exercised in the selection of every judge, who steps into the temples of justice.

Narrow minded vision Arwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi We know that many western countries are getting into partnerships with China and India due to the latter’s very high economic growth. An economic shift from West to East is clearly visible and it will only be a matter of time for the Asian tigers to overtake many Western nations. Why are there so many Goans who sell their priceless land to real estate and migrate to the West for short term gains? Perhaps these Goans know of something which others do not.

Heartless public Alic Alexander, Borda Jyot Society of parents with Autistic children had several performances all over Goa in the past week. Having attended such an event in Margao, it filled my heart with emotion to see children perform with so much enthusiasm. Sadly, empty chairs were conspicuous and audience was a poor 20%, which comprised of parents and a handful of VIP invitees. Alas, most people go to functions only where there is personal gain

involved with some munchies and beverages on offer. Children need appreciation and pubic recognition. What is our contribution to society? The public should be ashamed of their selfish attitude in not turning up for the function, despite being invited.

Be kind to the elderly Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim A notice in local transportation buses states that seats may be reserved for those who are injured, handicapped or senior citizens.

Some people disregard these written instructions. Gone are the days when good manners prevailed. Nowadays, very few offer seats to the old and infirm, a pregnant woman or a lady with a child.

It is advisable that the traffic police takes stock of such misgivings and ensures that those with infirmities are given a seat during bus journeys.

Fake freedom fighters Francisco D’Costa, Navelim The tourism industry thrives in Goa solely because of Portuguese influence and the associated western culture. Otherwise, most Goan beaches would not have been any different from those in Vengurla or Karwar. If at all Indian tourists come to Goa in droves, it is because of the feel of a ‘foreign country’ within India, which translates into more business and swells the bank balance of ‘patriotic Goans’. The Portuguese colonialisation of Goa was a blessing in disguise in many respects and principally so, because it churned out freedom fighters. The government is religiously scrutinising false ration card holders and false names on electoral rolls, perhaps it should also investigate the matter on those fake freedom fighters, who surfaced decades after the Portuguese left Goan shores.

CORRECTION In the ‘Letter of the Day’ on 26 November, ‘St Francis Xavier’s miracle’, it was wrongly stated that the miracle occurred in the presence of the Bishop, the Governor and the Secretary.

They were not present at the spot. The error is regretted. - Editor

Paths of Wisdom All for a loincloth

By Sri Ramakrishna A holy man gave up all his possessions.

His teacher had advised him to make a little hut. He began to live there, meditating long hours and going out only to beg his one meal.

But there was one problem. After his morning bath, the Sadhu (holy man) would hang his loincloth on the limb of a tree and when returned, it would be dry. But rats living on the tree chewed holes in the cloth. So he begged and got another one. “Who is going to supply you with cloth all the time? said the villagers, “Why not keep a cat; that will chase the rats away.” So someone in the village gave him a kitten and the rats disappeared.

Not finding any rats, it needed milk.

So off went the Sadhu to beg for milk.

After some days, a villager said, “We can’t go on this way. Who is going to supply you with milk all year long?

Why not keep a cow; for you and your cat.”

After a lot of search, finally someone took pity and gave him one. Eventually, she ate up all the greenery for yards around. “What will the cow eat now?” he thought. Going to the village to beg for some straw, he got more advice.

What do you think it was?

“Till the land around your place and grow your own grain!” someone said. He did all that. One day his teacher came that way. What he saw was a collection of possessions. The teacher went inside and found his disciple.

“What! You went out to be alone, and to meditate. You were going to renounce everything and be free. What in the world happened?” Shame-faced, the man told his story.

And this is why Sri Ramakrishna used to say, “Be careful: ‘All for a loincloth.’”

(Source: Tales and Parables of Sri Ramakrishna)

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GOA, WEDNESDAY 1, DECEMBER, 2010

OPinionatEd After gaffe, US now says Goa, the Portuguese and India

T

By Adv Antonio Lobo

he debate over the visit of NRP Sagres to Goa and the simultaneous protest of some 30 or less BJP/RSS/FF protesters is also to be viewed in the context of the send off given to the very same ship by a flotilla of fishermen from Vasco. This included people who decided to discard the vacuous and false propaganda of the so-called freedom fighters such as Karmali and others as well as what is taught today in the schools in Goa under the garb of history with regard to the period from 1510-1961.

Let me put before you the following facts, as food for thought, which may help all of us refrain from mindless repetition of untruths which only help in perpetuating them: It is an irrefutable truth that in less than 13 years after the annexation of Goa by India, all the colonies of Portugal attained their true freedom by becoming independent countries.

nThat Goa, Daman and Diu would have attained the same freedom as all the other colonies of Portugal were it not for “Operation Vijay” conducted by the armed forces of India. nThat the so-called freedom fighters did not ask India or Jawarharlal Nehru to conduct a plebiscite in Goa, Daman and Diu to decide the question of independence or merger with the Indian Union. Since such choice was not given, the claims by the so-called “freedom fighters” and by India that 19 December 1961 signalled the “liberation” of Goa is false and meaningless as it was nothing but an exchange of one colonial master for another. nThat Goa, Daman and Diu had to be kept under martial law for over a year after 19 December 1961 contradicts the claims by propagandists that Goa, Daman and Diu were “liberated”. A liberated population would not have been under martial law. nThat instead of a plebiscite, the Indian Government foisted upon Goa, Daman and Diu the Opinion Poll in 1967, which was a choice between becoming an Union Territory or disappearing politically altogether, forgetting the solemn promises made, pre-annexation, in the Indian Parliament by Nehru et al that Goa, Daman and Diu’s identity would be preserved at all costs. nThat, in this poll, even Goans residing outside Goa but within India were not given the right to vote in the Opinion Poll with a clear intention to tilt the balance in favour of the merger lobby led by Dayanand Bandodkar and the Maharashtrawaddi Gomantak Party. nThat Portugal signed a treaty with India recognising India’s sovereignty over Goa, Daman and Diu without any consultations with its populations, acting thereby exactly as the dictatorial regime under Dr Salazar would have acted and not as a newly democratic nation led by alleged “democrats” such as Dr Mario Soares, who signed the treaty as the foreign Minister of Portugal, giving away our land as if it was their chattel. nThe fact that India required a treaty with Portugal in order for the International Community of Nations to legalise the annexation puts paid to the argument that Goa was an integral part of India. nThat erstwhile colonies of any country have a right to independence is a fact recognised by the United Nations. For that reason East Timor, though annexed by Indonesia, was not recognised as part of Indonesia, by the world community mainly due to the refusal of Portugal to sign a treaty with Indonesia recognising it’s sovereignty over Timor. That Portugal therefore betrayed the population of Goa, Daman and Diu is an undeniable fact. nThat the entity pre-annexation known as “Estado da India” and post-annexation as the Union Territories of Goa, Daman and Diu with its geographical borders and its way of life had come about in part 450 years ago and the entire geographical unit as it exists today, about 250 years ago (upto 1961), with it’s own distinct culture, way of life and ethos. It came into existence even prior to the existence of the political entity known today as the Union of India whose existence is, in great measure, owed to the British. It’s existence is not as old as that of Goa, Daman and Diu. Where is the question therefore that Goa, Daman and Diu were always a part of India? India is not akin to the Indian subcontinent which includes Pakistan, Bangladesh and others. nThat true Goans have been at the forefront of seeking to preserve the unique identity of Goa and fighting for its survival.

This has been a thorn in the side of those who would wish that Goa could be dissolved and merged as was sought to be done earlier. Concerted efforts were made from 1962 onwards to ensure that the true Goan would be deprived of government jobs and left without means of sustenance. This is one of the reasons for the mass migration of Goans to foreign lands. nThat Goa’s demographic makeup was actively sought to be diluted by encouraging non-Goans to settle in Goa, beginning with the 20 point programme where under all non-Goans were given land and houses, coupled with the parallel programme where under all government servants not having land in Goa could obtain plots of the Comunidades. This was without any any competition, clearly having in mind the hordes of non-Goan government servants brought in by Bandodkar and his daughter Sashikala Kakodkar and later by successor Governments in Goa. nThe programme of Marathisation of Goa and glorification of Shivaji (who incidentally invaded Bardez and Salcete on several occasions and destroyed not only churches but also took away thousands of heads of cattle on the way out) was started by Bandodkar with the full blessings of the Centre solely with the purpose of starting the process of building up a new cultural identity. This programme went hand in hand with the mass import of Marathi teachers, Mamlatdars, Collector and Deputy Collectors, Surveyors and police and the humiliation of the then existing government cadre which was, not only efficient and capable, but also had a superior calibre. This was also necessary in order to implement draconian legislation such as the Tenancy Act and the Mundcar Act that had been ushered in by Bandodkar. nThat the majority of the so-called “Bahujan Samaj”, with notable exceptions, does not care whether other “Goans” are protected or not by the Goa Government. This “special class” of people was favoured during Bandodkar and his daughter’s time in the government to the detriment of all other Goans (this same community was the backbone of the pro-merger lobby) and this is evidenced by many instances, one of which is the gifting by Ravi Naik, the then Chief Minister of Goa, of the Anjediva Island to the Indian Navy despite the fact that this island has a special place in the hearts of the Catholic community for religious reasons. nThat the democracy ushered-in with such grandiloquent rhetoric post 1961 is nothing but a sham where votes of nonGoans are purchased thereby marginalising the “modlacho Goencar” only serving to legitimise the “election” of goons and Mafiosi elements and collaborators to form governments.

Goans, think, ponder and act!

One dies of suspected swine flu

Erode, Nov 30 (PTI) A 50-year-old man died of suspected swine flu, official sources said here today. An employee of Erode Municipal Corporation, he contracted developed fever few days back. Though he was hospitalised, he died yesterday, the sources said.

India has a greater role PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

The US today said it welcomes a greater global leadership role for India, two days after its Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's remark describing India as a “self-appointed front-runner” for a permanent UNSC seat was leaked.

“We regret and condemn any unauthorised disclosures of confidential information and sensitive national security information,” US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer said while reacting to release of diplomatic cables by whistleblower website WikiLeaks.

“By releasing these documents, WikiLeaks puts at risk the cause of human rights, the lives and work of dedicated individuals, and threatens our ability to conduct essential private and diplomatic dialogue,” he said.

As part of its massive leak of a quarter million classified documents of the US government, the website released a "secret" cable issued by Clinton where she has described India as a “self-appointed front-runner” for a permanent UNSC seat.

She had also directed US envoys to seek minute details about Indian diplomats stationed at the United Nations headquarters, according to classified documents released by WikiLeaks.

Roemer said, “The US welcomes a greater global leadership role for India and values its perspectives on how to meet common challenges, including countering terrorism, securing our maritime domains, and working together to promote democratic, political and economic development around the

world."

In an apparent damage control, Roemer said during Barack Obama's recent visit to India, the US President “reiterated that the relationship between the US and India, bound by our shared interests and our shared values, will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”

Obama's stay in India, the longest foreign trip of his presidency to date, underscores the US commitment to a long term strategic partnership with India, he said The president supports responsible, accountable, and open government at home and around the world, but this reckless and dangerous action runs counter to that goal, he said.

"The US government is committed to maintaining the security of our diplomatic communications and is moving aggressively to hold accountable those responsible," Roemer said.

Nityanand fans censure chargesheet PTI BANGALORE, NOV 30

Controversial self-styled godman Nityananda's ashram today described as ‘bogus, falsified and motivated’, the chargesheet against him and four of its members for alleged rape and unnatural sex.

Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam said the reason behind charging the five persons was “simply to trouble the spiritual organization and nothing more.”

“Truth will prevail and all these five individuals will be cleared with honor and dignity in the shortest possible time," the ashram near here said in a statement.

A 430-page charge sheet, filed

by CID in a court near here on November 27, named Nityananda, Nitya Bhaktananda, Nitya Sachidananda, Nitya Sadananda and Maa Sachidananda alias Ragini on the basis of two FIRs filed against them.

Karunanidhi played caste politics: BJP PTI CHENNAI, NOV 30

The BJP's Tamil Nadu unit today slammed DMK president and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for playing the Dalit card in the 2G spectrum scam, allegedly involving his party colleague A Raja, saying the issue should be seen only from a corruption angle and not caste point.

'Caste has no place in this issue (of 2G spectrum scam).It is only a case of corruption and Karunanidhi's argument (that Raja was being targeted since he was a Dalit) holds no ground,' BJP's former state unit president and senior leader L Ganesan told a press conference here.

Karunanidhi was only attempting to divert attention on the allegations of spectrum scam, which eventually led to Raja quitting as Union telecom Minister, he said adding people will not accept this.

Karunanidhi had said recently at Vellore that Raja was being

A P Singh named CBI’s new director

2 more whales returned to sea Two more whales were today released back into a sea near Sutrapada village and Dhamlej port in Junagadh district, 300 kms from here, after they had strayed into a fish trap.

“With this, we have rescued three whales and released them back into the sea in the past 24hours," Dinesh Goswami of the Prakruti Nature club told PTI over phone from Vadodara.

Yesterday, a 22-feet long whale, weighing four tonnes was released into a sea near Dhamlej port.

“One of the whales, rescued today was 45 feet long and weighed 10 tonnes, making it the second largest whale rescued by the club," a member of the NGO said, adding, a couple of years ago, they had released back a 54-feet long whale. PTI

PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

IPS officer Amar Pratap Singh was today appointed the new Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation for two years succeeding Ashwani Kumar.

The Appointments' Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh cleared the name of 58-year-old Singh, a 1974 batch IPS officer from Jharkhand cadre, for the post of the new chief of the elite investigating agency.

Singh was serving as Special Director of the agency. He has also held post of additional Director General in BSF and is a recipient of Indian Police Medal and President's Police Medal.

Ashwani Kumar, whose term comes to an end today, took over as the director on August 2, 2008. He held the position for a period of two years and four months.

APPOINTMENTS Police personnel patroling in a newly introduced all terrain vehicle ' Kazuma ' at Elliots Beach, in Chennai on Tuesday.

At 80, Tintin to entertain in Hindi PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

Iconic Belgium comic cub- reporter Tintin's famous catchphrase "Great Snakes" becomes "Baal ki khaal" and his best friend Captain Archibald Haddock would say “Karod kasmasate kaale kacchuve” for his trademark "billions of bilious blue blistering barnacles,” as their adventures across the world gets translated into Hindi.

After being translated into 58 languages from the original French, Tintin, 80 years after he was created by Herge finally gets to speak in Hindi also from now on. A set of eight Tintin books were unveiled in the national capital last evening by the Embassy of Belgium in collaboration with publisher Om Books International.

“Tintin in Belgium is more than a cartoon character. He is truly part of our national cultural

heritage. Everybody in Belgium knows Tintin –children as much as their parents," said Jean M Deboutte, Ambassador of Belgium.

"For many Belgians, Tintin albums have often been their first gateway to the world, discovering new people, new countries, new environments, and made them develop a taste for adventure and discovery. Thanks to the wonderful translation in

Hindi, we are proud that many more people will now be able to enjoy Tintin albums the same way," he said.

While Tintin remains the same in Hindi, his four-legged companion Snowy has been rechristened Natkhat and detectives Thomson and Thompson have been renamed Santu and Bantu.

"The adventures of Tintin are one of the best comics in the

Sreeram Chandra roped in to sing for Narnia 3 movie PTI

I am delighted, honoured and humbled to have this opportunity.

Now, of course, it all depends on how well the audience accepts and responds to our endeavour. The final verdict, as always, is theirs!.

--Sreeram Chandra

MUMBAI, NOV 30

Upcoming singer and 'Indian Idol' season five winner Sreeram Chandra has been roped in by Fox Star Studios India in association with Sony Music for a special song in magnum opus 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader'.

The 24-year-old singer has recorded a song in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Apart from English, the 3D version of the movie is going to be released in these languages also.

targeted since he was a Dalit.

'Is it fair to adopt one stand against a Brahmin (late T T Krishnamachary) and another against a Dalit (Raja),' the DMK president had said on Saturday.

He had pointed out that when an allegation of corruption was levelled in the Nehru era against then Finance Minister Krishnamachary,he had resigned from the Union ministry and the o pposition, which demanded a JPC probe before his resignation, had allowed parliament to function after his exit.

Ganesan termed the DMK the 'most casteist party' for playing the Dalit card in this matter, though the 'party claims to be striving for a caste-free society.'

He said whoever was involved in the scam should be brought to justice and said that Raja was 'just a a pawn' in the .entire episode, believed to have caused the exchequer a loss of around Rs 1.76 lakh crore.

The song 'Rehnuma', composed by Harpreet, will feature with the end credits of the respective language versions of the film and will also have a special music video featuring Sreeram and clips from the film.

This song is also a part of Sreeram's first album 'Rehnuma' released by Sony Music after his winning the prestigious title.

An ecstatic Sreeram said, "Indian Idol was a dream come true and now 'Rehnuma' in 'Narnia 3' is like magic unfolding right in front of my eyes. I am delighted, honoured and humbled to have this opportunity. Now, of course,

it all depends on how well the audience accepts and responds to our endeavour. The final verdict, as always, is theirs!."

This association is a part of a unique initiative by Twentieth Century Fox – where as an industry first, a special song for the film is being recorded by several international artists for their respective country markets around the world.

While American Idol winner, multi-platinum selling recording artist, songwriter, and 5-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood has recorded the end title song, 'There's a Place for Us,' for the United States, Joe McElderry has recorded the song for the UK, and Swedish boy-band E.M.D. has recorded it for Sweden, etc…

The keenly awaited third instalment in the immensely popular Narnia series, 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader', is set for a December 3 release in India.

world and I'm glad that having the books in Hindi makes them available to a wider range of readers", said Puneet Gupta, who translated the comics.

Gupta who is an advertising filmmaker, writer, graphic designer and photographer, said translating Tintin into Hindi was one of his most enjoyable assignments.

Ajay Mago, publisher Om Books, a fan of the comic book series says he was struck by the absence of Tintin's adventures in Hindi and in 2005 decided to approach the Franco-Belgian Casterman Publishers for the translation rights.

“I couldn't imagine anyone who wouldn't love Tintin after reading his adventures in Hindi.

There's something in them for everyone. I thought it would be interesting to bring these amazing stories to the Hindi readership,” he said.

More tigresses to be relocated PTI BHOPAL, NOV 30

To revive the big cat population in Panna Tiger Reserve, two more tigresses will be translocated in the park on December 6, a top Forest Department Official said.

“Two tigresses from famous Kanha Tiger Reserve will be brought by road and will be put in the wild of Panna Tiger Reserve on December 6,” Panna Reser ve Field Director R S Murthy told PTI. The distance between Kanha and Panna - both situated in eastern Madhya Pradesh - was roughly around 450 km.

The tigresses will be tranquilised and brought to the Panna, he said.

“These two tigresses are fiveand-a-half-year-old,” Murthy said, adding that “the two felines had been reared in an enclosure in that park after they became orphaned.”

A tigress from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was translocated in Panna on March 6, 2009 and another feline was translocated from Kanha in the park on March 14, 2009, Murthy said.

Five killed in mishap Five persons were killed and nine others injured when the jeep in which they were travelling rammed into a truck in Bihar's Siwan district, police said today.

According to police, the vehicle which was carrying a marriage party hit the stationary truck in Daraunda area last night. The injured were admitted to a nearby hospital and the condition of two of them was stated to be serious, they said PTI

WORLD

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 2010

Climate change threatening survival of man: delegates AGENCIES CANCUN, NOV 30

Participants of the United Nations Climate Change Conference agreed on Monday that climate change is threatening the survival of human beings and actions are needed to tackle the problem.

The talks, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 10, are aimed at searching for solutions to the climate problem. About 25,000 participants from governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations and research institutions of close to 200 countries gathered in Cancun, a resort city of Mexico.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon told the opening ceremony that the Cancun conference shows the responsibility of the human beings to fight global warming.

"The disasters caused by climate change are threatening the survival of human beings.

Each topic at the conference has a close link with everyone," he said.

The Copenhagen climate conference held in Denmark's capital in 2009 has reached some agreements although no legally binding treaty was made.

According to Calderon, the Cancun conference will continue the progress of fighting climate change. He said that a crucial moment has arrived for human beings to face the challenges of global warming.

"At present, it is more and more expensive to control global warming. We should try to promote the progress between the people and nature and shorten the gap between the developed nations and poor countries with financial support and technological support," he said.

Mario Molina, the Mexican scientist who won the 1995 Nobel Prize in chemistry, said that global warming will bring dramatic changes, like the drying up of the Amazon rainforest or the disruption of India's vital monsoon rains.

According to some analysts, it is hard to reach a legally binding treaty at Cancun, but they are hopeful that substantial achievements can be made in financial aid, technological support and forestry protection, which can lay a solid foundation for the South Africa conference next year.

In an interview with Xinhua,

Su wei, head of the climate change department of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, said China takes a positive attitude at the Cancun conference.

"Cancun is an important station in the international progress of facing climate changes. We continue to stick to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the 'Bali Roadmap'," he said.

"We hope the Cancun conference can reach positive progress in all the areas where political agreements were made at the Copenhagen summit."

The Cancun conference is another important step for the international community to advance the "Bali Roadmap" negotiations after the conference in Copenhagen last year failed to reach a legally binding treaty for the years beyond 2012.

The parties will try to reach a legally binding treaty at Cancun Conference although the chance is slim. They will also pay attention to the issues including green technology transfer and additional financial support to developing countries.

'WikiLeaks founder could be charged for espionage PTI WASHINGTON, NOV 30

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange could be charged under the Espionage Act for making public classified US government documents which he obtained illegally, a media report said here today.

US authorities are investigating whether Assange, also Editor-in-Chief of the whistle-blower website, violated criminal laws by disclosing the classified information, 'The Washington Post' reported.

The FBI is examining everyone who came into possession of the documents, including those who gave the material to WikiLeaks and also the organisation itself, it said, citing those familiar with the probe.

According to the Post, charges against WikiLeaks and Assange could be filed under the Espionage Act. "The Pentagon is leading the investigation and it remains unclear whether any additional charges would be brought in the military or civilian justice systems. Pfc. Bradley Manning, an Army intelligence analyst suspected of being the source of the WikiLeaks documents, was

Trainee Afghan cop Wikileaks window on kills six US troops Middle East thinking AFP ASADABAD, NOV 30

Six American soldiers training Afghan police in a Taliban flashpoint were shot dead by one of their students in the deadliest such incident in at least two years, officials said today.

The shooting, which follows a string of similar attacks on NATO troops, underscores the challenges faced by the US-led mission as it aims to build the national army and police to take responsibility for security by 2014.

NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said the gunman, identified as a local resident who had been in training with Western troops for only a few days, was also killed, and an investigation was underway.

Wearing Afghan border police uniform, the man turned his weapon against ISAF troops during the training mission yesterday, killing the six soldiers in

Ta l i b a n - i n f e s t e d e a s t e r n Afghanistan, NATO announced.

A US defence official identified the six troops as Americans but declined to give further details.

Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar province where the incident took place, named the gunman as Azat Gul, a policeman being schooled at the training centre in the Pachir Agam area of Khogyani district.

"After a few days of training, yesterday he opened fire and killed six American soldiers.

The incident is under serious investigation," Abdulzai told AFP. Americans make up most of the foreign troops based in eastern Afghanistan, one of the worst flashpoints in the nineyear Taliban insurgency.

The deaths bring the number of coalition troop fatalities this year to 668, according to an AFP tally based on that tracked by the independent icasualties.org website.

It is the highest annual toll since the US-led invasion in late 2001. Last year 521 NATO soldiers died.

AGENCIES LONDON, NOV 30

Anyone who has spent time res e a rc h i n g i n g o v e r n m e n t archives, rifling through boxes of diplomatic telegrams, will recognise the tone in the documents that have come from Wikileaks.

Diplomats back in their embassies are writing up accounts of meetings, adding analysis of their own and pen portraits of the people to whom they have been talking.

Sometimes it is not much more than colour, high quality gossip - useful stuff but an illumination rather than a revelation or a record.

But sometimes they are relaying direct quotes from national leaders, or from their close advisers.

The difference between the Wikileaks material and the files of yellowing paper in the archives is time.

Usually historians have to wait a generation, at least, before they get to see the written diplomatic record.

Now we are all able to get a taste of the conversations that are going on, right now, inside

US dismayed by Egypt poll problems AGENCIES WASHINGTON, NOV 30

The US has said it is "dismayed by reports of election-day interference and intimidation by security forces" in Egypt, which it

counts as a key ally.

Voters in Egypt went to the polls on Sunday to elect a new parliament. A result is expected later, with a second round of run-off voting set for Sunday.

Opposition parties allege widespread bullying and ballotstuffing. The main opposition Muslim Brotherhood says it failed to win a single seat outright. The government says the poll was fair.

Egyptian media have carried images and testimonies of mass faked ballots and thugs intimidating voters at polling stations, and protests erupted around Egypt following Sunday's voting.

"We are disappointed by reports in the pre-election period of disruption of campaign activities of opposition candidates and arrests of their supporters," said US state department spokesman Philip Crowley.

"We are also dismayed by reports of election-day interference and intimidation by security forces," he added.

The Muslim Brotherhood denounced the vote as "rigged and invalid". The party is barred from taking part in Egyptian elections, so its candidates stand as independents.

They currently hold 88 seats in parliament - nearly a fifth of the assembly's 508 seats. The Brotherhood now says none of its 130 candidates won an outright victory - though one report indicates that one woman has been elected into a newly formed women's quota of deputies.

Twenty-seven candidates will go through to Sunday's run-offs, AP news agency reported, along with a handful of the 222 candidates who ran for the liberal New al-Wafd party.

palaces and foreign ministries about the big issues of our time.

Anybody who follows the smouldering crisis over Iran and its nuclear ambitions over the last few years will have been working things out for themselves.

Before this huge leak of classified American documents they would have been able to tell you, for example, that Iran's neighbours in the Gulf were deeply worried about Iran, and scared about what it might do.

They would have heard predictions of a nuclear arms race if Iran developed a bomb, something, by the way, that the Iranians deny repeatedly that they are doing.

And they would have heard endless speculation about the chances of an American or Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear sites.

But what is different now is that we have seen the Saudi ambassador in Washington reminding senior Americans that when it comes to Iran, King Abdullah has told them "to cut off the head of the snake".

We can read King Hamad of Bahrain's opinion on Iran's nuclear programme that "the danger of letting it go on is greater than the danger of stopping it".

Sudan to reject AU-EU Summit decisions AGENCIES KHARTOUM, NOV 30

Sudanese ambassador to African Union Rabie Abdelati Obeid today called on the entire African continent to resist, in his words, the dictatorial tendencies of the European Union.

Sudan is boycotting this week's summit after the EU threatened to walk out if Bashir, under international indictment, took part.

“Our government will not recognize what will be concluded and all the resolutions that form this summit, which is being held in Libya. The withdrawal of Sudan from contributing to this summit was due to pressure (from) the European countries on Libya,” said Obeid.

“Therefore, we are not concerned about what happened at this summit and we are not also concerned about the resolution. I think such summits are just (aimed at) exchanging views and opinions, (but) not to decide something to be implemented in the African countries.”

Obeid warned, if not stopped, the European Union’s actions could plunge the continent into what he described as perpetual subjugation.

“It is a sign also for the African countries taking part in this summit that, if they allow this pressure to continue, this will definitely, and ultimately, (undermine) the sovereignty and independence of African countries. And, this will be a very dangerous situation (that) will transform the summit from cooperation between Europe and Africa to be only a summit for issuing instructions to African countries,” said Obeid.

arrested by the military this year," the daily reported.

Under the Espionage Act, anyone who has "unauthorized possession to information relating to the national defence" and has reason to believe it could harm the United States may be prosecuted if he publishes it or "willfully" retains it when the government has demanded its return, Jeffrey H Smith, a former CIA general counsel, told the paper.

However, "no charges are imminent", sources were quoted as saying, adding it is unclear whether any will be brought.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that "the stealing of classified infor-

mation and its dissemination is a crime."

"We have an active, ongoing criminal investigation with regard to this matter. We are not in a position as yet to announce the result of that investigation, but the investigation is ongoing," US Attorney General Eric Holder said.

"To the extent that we can find anybody who was involved in the breaking of American law and who has put at risk the assets and the people ..., they will be held responsible. They will be held accountable," Holder said when asked if action could be taken against Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder and Editor-in-Chief.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the US is taking aggressive steps to hold responsible those who stole this information.

"I have directed that specific actions be taken at the State Department in addition to new security safeguards at the Department of Defence and elsewhere to protect State Department information so that this kind of breach cannot and does not ever happen again," she told reports.

FROM PAGE 1 SEZ land scam gets murkier to put SEZ it has to put an application to the government of Goa as per SEZ Act June 05 & SEZ rules 2006. MD IDC may advise them accordingly,” the chief secretary said in his noting on the file.

Efforts to contact Rane proved futile as his phone was continuously out of reach while there was no answer on any of the listed landline numbers.

It may be noted that the High Court of Bombay at Goa has already stated land allotments were arbitrary and does not stand the test of reasonableness.

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party too has alleged a SEZ land scam to the tune of Rs 100 crore.

Rahejas walk out of Gujarat SEZ The Rahejas, who had said they wanted to set up an SEZ meant specifically for information technology (IT) and IT enabled services (ITES) in Vemali village of Vadodara district, have now told the Gujarat Government that they are “not interested”.

The SEZ company, set up in the name of Strength Real Estate Pvt Ltd, has already “surrendered” 13.74 hectares (1.37 lakh sq metres) of land to the Gujarat Government, which had allocated it to them.

Strength Real Estate was issued a letter of approval (LOA) to build an IT/ITES SEZ on September 2, 2008, but didn’t. “Now the developer has requested for withdrawal of formal approval”, an internal Government note says, giving three reasons for withdrawal. These are: (1) Global recession (2) Unsuitability of the land allotted (3) Discontinuance of benefits to SEZ units operating after March 31, 2011 as per the proposed direct tax code.

The company approached the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries on August 24, 2010 to withdraw from the SEZ. The state government has “no objection”, but is verifying whether the developers have refunded the tax/duty benefits, if any, which they might have availed under the SEZ Act/ Rules.

Bansal, Gupta shunted to Arunachal “The file to relieve IPS officer Bansal has been moved whereas the lady IAS officer’s relieving order is already issued to her”, he told Herald.

Bansal, who was transferred to Goa Police some two years ago, was recently photographed angling in a boat that belongs to Goa Marine Police force. The Government has taken serious cognizance of the matter and asked the department to initiate an inquiry against the officer.

The photograph had also shown Bansal’s guests enjoying a day out wearing lifejackets meant for marine police. The officer hit headlines in the police-drug peddler nexus case and arrests of international drug dealers David Driham alias Dudu and Yaniv Benaim alias Atala.

Govt failed to keep plans for public scrutiny: GBA process”, she charged.

She maintained the GBA was apprehensive over the concept of new micro-industrial zones in villages which were not mentioned in the draft RP2021. Some of the policies which have land-use implications were not made public prior to notification of the plans, she stated.

Martins lambasted further, “The Government has declared the VP status of all villages in the State and announced its immediate implementation. However, most villages are unaware of the status accorded to them”.

She has appealed to people to come to view the plan and take part in the discussion to give their opinions.

Security issues come to fore at Old Goa these men jumping over it can be even construed as a problem of security breach. Even though there are local policemen and other national security men around, these miscreants surprisingly find their way inside the church premises, he said and added, “When they were inside I informed 100 once but nothing happened.”

The panchayat has allotted roughly 700 stalls, including the ones set up on private properties. Old Goa Sarpanch Jenita Madkaikar maintained besides the mobile toilets there are toilets of PWD and Sulabh. People should also act responsibly to go and use these facilities, she stated.

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Five killed in Pak blast PTI PESHAWAR, NOV 30

A suicide bomber struck a police vehicle at a city in the restive northwest Pakistan today, killing at least five persons, including a child, and injuring 15 others.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Iftikhar Khan said the bomber, who was on foot, targeted the vehicle near the main police station of Bannu in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Other officials said a police constable, a child and three civilians were among those killed.

Four persons were killed instantly while a man succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

The 15 injured people were taken to a nearby hospital, where an emergency was declared. Police cordoned off the site of the blast and launched a search operation. A suspect was arrested from the area, officials said.

N Korea touts nuclear prowess AFP SEOUL, NOV 30

North Korea boasted Tuesday to running "thousands" of nuclear centrifuges, a week after launching a deadly artillery attack on South Korea, as China pressed for six-nation crisis talks.

State media in the North, which has already tested two atomic bombs made from plutonium, said "many thousands of centrifuges" are operating to enrich uranium at a new plant which it claims is for peaceful energy purposes.

The country first disclosed the new plant to US experts less than two weeks before its artillery assault, which killed two civilians and two marines on a South Korean island near the disputed Yellow Sea border.

Experts and senior US officials fear the plant could easily be

Huge plumes of smoke rise from Yeonpyeong island following a recent deadly ar tillery attack by North Korea.

configured to make weaponsgrade uranium.

Analysts say the nuclear revelation and artillery attack appeared coordinated to pressure Washington and Seoul into resuming dialogue and aid, and possibly to bolster the credentials of the North's leader-inwaiting Kim Jong-Un.

For a third day, the US and South Korean navies staged war games far south of the border involving 11 ships, air power and 7,300 personnel.

South Korea is separately strengthening artillery and troop numbers on frontline islands near the tense frontier.

The North's state media

blasted the naval drill, saying it was provocative and heightened the risk of war.

"We have full deterrence to destroy our enemies at once," said cabinet newspaper Minju Chosun. "If the US and South Korean enemies dare to fire one shell in our territory and sea territory, they will have to pay for it."

China's refusal publicly to condemn its ally for the shelling -the first of a civilian area in the South since the 1950-53 war -has stirred anger in South Korea.

And its call for talks to end the crisis has so far received a dismissive response from the United States and its Japanese and South Korean allies.

China Sunday suggested emergency consultations between envoys to the stalled sixnation talks on the North's nuclear disarmament.

Strike paralyses Bangladesh AFP DHAKA, NOV 30

Thousands of riot police patrolled the streets of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Tuesday as a nationwide strike called by the main opposition party brought much of the country to a standstill.

One empty bus in the city was set on fire by activists protesting against the eviction of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and ex-premier Khaleda Zia from her home.

All shops, businesses and schools were shut and major roads were deserted.

"More than 10,000 police have been deployed across the country -- we have adequate security to prevent violence," Dhaka police spokesman Masudur Rahman said.

Dozens of opposition BNP activists were arrested following arson attacks on cars and buses

on the eve of the strike, deputy police commissioner Abdul Baten told AFP. The BNP said more than 2,000 of its supporters had been arrested, in what BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain called a "heavy-handed" police crackdown. "They are trying to prevent our supporters holding a legitimate protest," he said.

The BNP called Tuesday's strike -- the second in two weeks -- to protest against what it calls the "forced eviction" of Zia from her home.

On November 13, police en-

Punjab Governor stands by blasphemy convict

Pakistani Christian woman Aasia Bibi is seen in an undated photo handed out by family members in Punjab province on Nove mber 13.

AGENCIES LAHORE, NOV 30

Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer on Monday said that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, and denounced those who opposed his support to Aasia Bibi, a blasphemy convict.

While addressing the launch ceremony of a book by Indian writer and mystic, Muzaffar Ali, titled “The Sufis of Punjab”, at the Governor’s House, Taseer said peace, mercy and justice were the message of Islam. He questioned the philosophy being promoted by terrorists in the name of Islam. He added that the universities and institutions established under the Abbasids and other Muslim kingdoms were centres for promotion of tolerance.

The governor said it was the Sufis who spread Islam across the globe, not terrorists and suicide bombers, and Muslims remained the most peace loving and tolerant people throughout the history. He said Sufis were the true followers of Islam. Talking about his support to Aasia Bibi, Taseer said he had been warned that hate mongers would oppose him over this but

he drew strength from the support of tens of thousands of Pakistanis who, he said, backed him.

The governor denounced those clerics who had issued fatwas against him after he visited Aasia Bibi in jail. On the occasion, Taseer recited the poetry of Baba Bulleh Shah and Faiz Ahmad Faiz, which, he said, promoted the message of equality and stood against injustice.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ali said that mysticism was in the blood of the people of subcontinent and Sufism was the force which could lead the nation forward. He said it was vital that India and Pakistan invested in ideas rather than arms.

People of the two countries had tender feelings for each other, he added. Ali said following the principles of mysticism would help build bridges between the two countries and it will change society. He added that it was time to project Islam in its true sense. Ali said we have lost the message of Rumi, Iqbal, Ghalib and Faiz, who were mystics and promoted humanity. He said that it was our obligation to take the message of mysticism to the young generation.

Haiti election valid: OAS AGENCIES PORT-AU-PRINCE, NOV 30

Haiti's general election on Sunday was valid despite "serious irregularities", international observers have said.

The joint mission from the Organisation of American States and the Caribbean regional grouping, Caricom, said delays at some polling stations were not reason enough to cancel the election.

Most opposition presidential candidates had called for the vote to be annulled because of alleged vote-rigging.

But two of the leading candidates later withdrew their objections.

The election is seen as crucial to the future of Haiti, which is battling a cholera epidemic and trying to rebuild after January's devastating earthquake.

Polling day on Sunday was marred by disorganisation and some violence, as well as allegations of fraud in favour of the governing party candidate, Jude Celestin.

But the OAS and Caricom election monitors said there was not enough reason to call it off.

tered Zia's house in Dhaka, forcing the 65-year-old widow of former military dictator Ziaur Rahman to flee.

Zia had lived in the home for nearly 40 years, but a string of court orders, culminating in a Supreme Court verdict on Monday, ruled her possession of the property was illegal.

During her time as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, Khaleda Zia had cancelled a long-term lease on the state property that current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lived in.

A struggle for power between the two women has dominated Bangladesh for decades.

Analysts say the highlycharged events of the past couple of weeks could mark the start of a new round of confrontational politics, often played out in street violence, which has in the past hit Bangladesh's economy hard.

Hostages at US school freed; gunman shoots self WASHINGTON: A gun-toting student released 24 people he held hostage at a high school in the

northern US state of Wisconsin before shooting himself, news reports said. The 23 pupils and

one female teacher were held about five hours in Marinette before being freed Monday.

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Govt to set up Rs 2,000-cr VC fund to promote drug discovery PTI MUMBAI, NOV 30

The Government is planning to set up a Rs 2,000-crore venture capital fund to promote drug discovery and strengthen the infrastructure of the pharma sector in the country, a top Government official said on Tuesday.

“The Government is in the process of appointing a consultant for preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) in this regard (for developing India as a drug discovery and pharma innovation hub). The total corpus of the fund will be Rs 2,000-crore,” Department of Pharmaceuticals, Sec-

retary, Mukul Joshi, told reporters on the sidelines of a FICCI event on the pharma industry here.

The selection of a consultant would be made by the yearend, he said.

Joshi further said that in a bid to give a fillip to the pharma industry, the Government is planning to set up pharma parks.

“The Government is also planning to set up a few pharma parks in association with State Governments in the country. All is in planning stage... nothing has been finalised,” Joshi said.

The Government also pro-

poses to set up a committee under the healthcare ministry that will prepare a National List of Essential Medicines. The list will be prepared by this yearend, Joshi said.

On the Government’s initiative to promote and encourage usage of generic medicines, Joshi said that the Government already sells such medicines through its ‘Janaushodhi’ outlets.

Presently, it has 79 outlets and plans to ramp-up the network to 740 over the next twoyears at an investment of Rs 95-crore, Joshi said.

Under the initiative, the Government plans to sell branded generic medicines at an affordable price.

The Government plan to set up at least one such Janaushodhi outlet in every district in the country.

RCom hits record low

AGENCIES MUMBAI, NOV 30

Reliance Communications’ share fell for the sixth-straight session to hit an all-time low on BSE, shedding 3.6 per cent after the Supreme Court upheld imposition of maximum penalty on the telecom giant for wrongly routing international calls through the BSNL network.

Anil Ambani-led RCom, which is already facing the allegations under the 2G spectrum row, witnessed another blow on Monday, reacting to which the firm share plunged by 3.64

per cent to a new low of Rs 123.05 in the early trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The scrip is under pressure and has lost by 14.46 per cent in the last five trading sessions.

Similarly, RCom share at the National Stock Exchange tanked by 3.68 per cent to Rs 123.

Meanwhile, the 30-share benchmark Sensex was trading at 19,357.50, down 47.60 points from the previous close.

Monday, the apex court upheld the imposition of the maximum penalty by BSNL on RCom for wrongly routing international calls through the state-run telco’s network as local connections, tampering with Calling Line Identification (CLI) numbers.

Besides, the government on Monday said it will ask the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to investigate the CAG allegation that Swan Telecom, which got licences and spectrum in 2008, acted as a front company of Anil Ambani-led RCom. RCom, on the other hand, has maintained that while it held a 9.9 per cent equity stake in Swan through Reliance Telecom till December 5, 2007, it had offloaded shares prior to the award of a telecom licence to Swan on January 10, 2008.

Gas based power project at Cheemeni PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, NOV 30

Kerala cabinet on Tuesday gave approval for setting up natural gas based power project at Cheemeni in Kasargode district, State Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said here.

The approval was given to Kerala State Electricity Board, Achuthanandan told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

The capacity of the project, a proposal of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) would be implemented by identifying a development, a KSIDC official said.

The official said details on the project was yet to be worked out. The original proposal was to set up a 1000 mw plant, the official added.

Sensex up by 116 pts PTI MUMBAI, NOV 30

Buoyed by impressive economic growth data for the second quarter this fiscal, BSE barometer Sensex pared early losses to settle with a gain of 116 points, mainly on the bounce-back in realty stocks led by DLF. The 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange index Sensex lost nearly one per cent during intra-day trade, but gained momentum on smart GDP data and finished 0.60 per cent or 116.15 points higher at 19,521.25.

Similarly, the National Stock Exchange's 50-share index Nifty too settled with a smart gain of 22.70 points at 5,862.70.

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Hindu Pharmacy: Waiting to be 100 BhArATI PAwASkAr In 1911, Dada bought The Hindu Euro- family tells, “Dada travelled the length ‘Sometimes the best medicine is no med- pean Aushadhalaya with the help of Vish- and breadth of Goa to heal patients. Dada icine at all’ – the pharmacy displaying this nubab Dempo and renamed it as Hindu was an institute in himself and never as its motto – The Hindu Pharmacy on Dr Pharmacy. Exclusive Ayurvedic herbs pro- brushed aside the queries of us kids, Cunha Rivara Road at Panjim is stepping cured from the surroundings in Goa were when he visited us in Margao. He was into its 100th year in a few days. “The sold there along with the medicines pre- dead right practical and taught by live excentenary celebrations will commence pared by Dada Vaidya himself in his medi- amples. At Haveli, Ponda Dada had an and continue throughout the year 2011. cine factory at Haveli, Ponda and at his Ayurvedic Ras-Shala, a factory where doWe plan to do health and social aware- ancestral home in Keri. The ancestral home mestic medicines were manufactured. In ness activities for the community and that was a witness to Dada’s philanthropic the ancestral home at Keri, there was a come out with a book on Dr Dada activities is preserved in its glory today. room known as ‘sarabatachi kholi’ where Vaidya,” says Raj Vaidya, the proprietor of Vaidyas have maintained it well by refining ‘kasai’ (liquid extract medicines) were the Hindu Pharmacy at Panjim. Started by a n d kept in huge vessels and dispensed as per the great visionary, late Dr Dada Vaidya, restoring need to those who came for it. The room the three Hindu Pharmacies in Goa (Panthe old in our ancestral house at Keri is still jim, Margao and Vasco) still follow the anf o r g o t - known by the same name. Most of the cient tradition of Vaidya Panvelkar clan. t e n medicines were given free of cost.”

Dada represented the sixth generation in memoEnlightening on how the family got its this family of Ayurvedic doctors while ries of surname Vaidya, Dr Gopal explains, pharmacist Raj falls eighth in the row, his the by- “Vaidya meaning doctor was the identity father Shripati being the adopted son of gone era. of our family and not our actual surname.

Dr Dada Vaidya.

It was in the later years that M. Pharm. himself and a ‘Panvelkar’ got automatically Communist Pharmacist, Raj is changed to ‘Vaidya’ and stuck also Vice-President and Chairto our names as a surname.” man of the Indian PharmaceutiDr Gopal tells, “Dada’s expecal Association – Community rience and expertise led to crePharmacy Division. Stepping ations such as Dwikshar, into his father’s – Shripati Shaivalkshar and Daradrasayan, Vaidya’s – shoes in his early available even today in our twenties, Raj has been officially Pharmacy at Margao. taking care of the day-to-day afDaradrasayan is used to treat fairs of the pharmacy from jaundice. Dada’s mixture for 1989. “My father spent dediSciatica gives effect in four cated 55 years at the pharmacy weeks, if the illness has not and though he is now 86, we turned chronic.” still need his valuable advice as Dada’s authored books on he belongs to the old school. He subjects ranging from medicine got his pharmacy degree from to social issues. He published the Escola Medico de Cirurgiao, Raj Vaidya, proprietor of Hindu Pharmacy at Panjim interacting with a client at magazines like ‘Pathyabodh’ at the old GMC at Campal.” and ‘Prachiprabha’. At 87, he the pharmacy. (Inset) Dr Dada Vaidya, the founder of Hindu Pharmacy.

Briefing the professional acwas still strong, with a sharp tivities Raj offers us a glimpse in his Hindu Hailing from Vaidya Panvekar family, Ra- memory and enthusiasm of a youth.

Pharmacy at Panjim that retains its tradi- machandra Pandurang alias Dada Vaidya Known as a noted Ayurvaidya, he cured a tional space where the old wooden cup- represented the sixth generation of relative of the Maharaja of Kolhapur and boards and drawers still stock the Vaidyas. Born on 8 September 1859 at the son of the Portuguese Governor Genprecious herbal and Ayurvedic medicines Keri in Ponda, he was the second son to eral of Goa (which no Portuguese doctor that Dr Dada Vaidya prescribed to his pa- noted Vaidya Ramachandra Panvelkar. could cure). The Portuguese, impressed tients in the olden days. Raj introduces us Dada’s primary education was completed by this, granted special permission to to the newer sections of the pharmacy as at home. He learnt Sanskrit from Ke- Dada to practice Ayurveda in spite of the well, where homeopathic and allopathic shavshastri and his son Bhalchandrashas- general ban. Dada’s miraculous medimedicines also find prominent place on tri Marathe. Not a formal degree, but cines cured many critical illnesses and in the shelves. “We have 4 pharmacists ex- passion led to Dada Vaidya’s unearthing recognition, Popat Parashuram cluding me and we take turns to advise secrets of Ayurveda for benefits of thou- Ayurvedic College from Mumbai those who visit us their queries on health sands. Overwhelmed by his dedication to awarded Dada Vaidya with the Upadhi of and medicines. The Patient Care Area serve humanity, the Portuguese took the ‘Pranacharya’.

(PCS) deals with the day-to-day patients exceptional decision to erect a statue in With ‘Education for Enlightenment’ in who walk in just to get their BP checked his honour. The statue brought from Por- mind, Dada Vaidya founded Goa Vidya or measure their height and weight or get tugal was yet to be unveiled when on 19 Prasarak Mandal and Almeida College of a free advice for being obese or diabetic. December 1961 when Goa was liberated Ponda. He constructed the building of the Such walk-in patients are around 100 per by the Indian Army. The statue was mis- college with his own expenses and conday and we maintain a diary with details taken to be that of some Portuguese and tinued to give Rs750 (today’s Rs750 lakhs) of their BPs,” explains Raj, managing a would have been destroyed. The locals for 25 years. Dada’s entrepreneurial spirit pharmacy that gives right advice along convinced the jawans that the statue was is reflected in his founding a tiles factory, with perfect medicines. While the two of Dada Vaidya, a Goan noted Ayurvedic a printing press, a medicine factory and Hindu Pharmacies – the one at Panjim and doctor passed away in 1947. The statue, pharmacies. His dream to start a glass facMargao are still with Vaidya family, the therefore, was installed ceremoniously. tory, however, remained just that.

Hindu Pharmacy at Vasco is with their kin “Dada Vaidya was a great visionary,” Dr Dada Vaidya lent richness to Goa’s – Suhas Bakhale. Chronologically the says Dr Gopal Vaidya, 78, the proprietor social, economical, educational, medicipharmacy at Panjim started in 1911, the of Hindu Pharmacy at Margao. Reminisc- nal and industrial history. His inspired livone at Margao in 1020 while the third at ing incidents with Dada Vaidya, Dr Gopal, ing is an example to us all, of how we can Vasco started later. a practicing Ayurvedic doctor from Vaidya make a positive difference…

‘Old GSM operators making huge profits’ AGENCIES NEW DELHI, NOV 30

Tata Teleservices on Tuesday said old GSM operators have made huge profits by hoarding spectrum, which helped them add subscribers manifold over several years.

"We are merely seeking a level playing field and waiting for our legitimate right to get spectrum in Delhi and 39

Dr. reddy’s, 1798, 1803, 1770.1, 1786.7 Edelweiss Ca, 48.2, 51.8, 47.35, 51.35 Educomp Solu, 547.8, 570.8, 534, 565.2 Eih Limited, 106.2, 106.45, 103.75, 105.15 Engineers In, 325.55, 328.75, 322.65, 326.85 Essar Oil Lt, 119, 123.8, 117.1, 123.2 Essar Shippi, 95, 99.7, 91, 98.75 Exide Indust, 163.4, 164.4, 159.25, 161.35 Federal Bank, 438.75, 446.1, 435.1, 443.45 Financial Te, 811, 845, 791, 832.75 Gail (india), 492.9, 499, 485.15, 491.5 Gammon India, 163.5, 176.9, 162.1, 171.6 Glaxosmithkl, 2123.95, 2148.5, 2091.1, 2130.6 Glenmark Pha, 353.2, 364, 345.1, 352.25 Gmr Infrastr, 46.15, 46.9, 45.15, 45.65 Godrej Indus, 185, 191.4, 183.8, 188.75 Grasim Indus, 2252, 2281, 2227.6, 2275.35 Great Offsho, 361, 370.9, 356, 365.05 Gtl Infra.Lt, 43.5, 43.95, 43.5, 43.65 Gujarat Mine, 136.7, 137.5, 130.7, 132.7 Gujarat N R, 53.8, 55.75, 51.1, 55.15 Gujarat Stat, 108.9, 109.65, 107.2, 108.5

Gvk Pow. & I, 40.9, 41.9, 39.35, 41.3 Hcl Technolo, 388, 406, 387.5, 403.75 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2297, 2334.05, 2258.5, 2285.4 Hdfc Ltd, 693, 696, 678.2, 686.65 Hero Honda M, 1948, 2061.9, 1929, 1982.7 Hindalco in, 200, 208.85, 195.6, 206.55 Hindustan Co, 40.5, 43.7, 39, 43.45 Hindustan Ma, 60, 62.3, 59.55, 61.75 Hindustan Pe, 406, 419, 401, 412.6 Hindustan Un, 295.15, 300.35, 294.45, 298.25 Hindustan Zi, 1101, 1162, 1092.1, 1147.45 Housing Dev, 178.9, 190.95, 172.7, 189.35 Icici Bank L, 1150.1, 1156.7, 1127.65, 1142.1 Idea Cellula, 69.4, 72.95, 68.05, 72.55 Ifci Ltd, 61, 62, 58.6, 61.1 India Cement, 102.95, 106.9, 101.5, 106.3 India Infoli, 83.7, 85.3, 80.4, 83.05 Indiabulls F, 166, 175.3, 164.6, 174 Indiabulls R, 144.8, 159.45, 140.3, 153.75 Indian Bank, 267.75, 287.4, 262.2, 278.75 Indian Hotel, 90.05, 92.95, 90, 91.2

other locations for nearly three years now," TTSL Managing Director Anil Sardana told PTI. Sardana's comments came in view of Vodafone's statement, saying "it is ridiculous to imply" that they (GSM operators) are holding excess spectrum.

"Such operators need to refer to and carefully read CAG (Comptroller and Auditor GenIndian Oil C, 347.6, 349.8, 339.1, 346.65 Indian Overs, 138, 148.65, 136, 147.2 Indus Dev Ba, 160, 165.2, 155.7, 163.5 Indusind Ban, 294, 299.95, 285, 292.35 Infosys Tech, 3043.5, 3082.7, 3012.2, 3051 Infra. dev., 179.85, 187.7, 178.2, 186.75 Ispat Indust, 18.1, 20.8, 17.85, 17.95 Itc Ltd, 167.55, 173, 166, 171.9 Ivrcl Infras, 119.1, 120.9, 117.2, 119.8 Jai Corp Lim, 215.1, 224.5, 212.25, 220.15 Jaiprakash A, 105.9, 111.7, 103.3, 110.15 Jet Airways, 800, 817.7, 779, 805.35 Jindal Saw L, 183.5, 188.3, 180.25, 187.6 Jindal Steel, 617.2, 650.8, 614.75, 636.7 Jsw Steel Li, 1128.6, 1138, 1095.75, 1127.9 Kotak Mahind, 464.95, 480, 455, 476.7 Lakshmi Mach, 2460, 2500, 2425, 2467.9 Lanco Infrat, 62, 63.2, 61.05, 62.25 Larsen & Tou, 1964.9, 1964.9, 1917, 1950.05 Lic Housing, 950, 1007, 926.1, 1001.8 Lupin Limite, 512, 519.75, 502.1, 511.45 Mahanagar Te, 51.25, 53.45, 50.05, 52.75 Mahindra & M, 774.3, 783.5, 757, 765.3

eral) and TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) documents.

"This is not just being emphasised by us, but both by CAG and TRAI, both having clearly mentioned that some of the incumbents are holding excess spectrum which should be paid for, beyond the 6.2 MHz," Sardana said.

Maruti Suzuk, 1406.05, 1428.75, 1376.45, 1422 Max India Lt, 147.5, 152, 146.05, 149 Maytas Infr., 169.95, 181.95, 169.95, 179.25 Moser-baer (, 54.1, 55.2, 53.1, 54.1 Mrpl, 69.9, 72.25, 69.25, 71.6 Nagarjuna Co, 126.5, 132.55, 123.15, 130.55 Nagarjuna Fe, 33.1, 33.15, 31.9, 32.35 National Alu, 355, 355, 346.1, 352.7 Neyveli Lign, 124.3, 131, 124, 129.05 Ntpc Ltd, 179.8, 185.3, 178.05, 184 Oil And Natu, 1244, 1249.65, 1226.35, 1245.3 Omaxe Limite, 138.2, 139.8, 131.3, 138.65 Oriental Ban, 422, 431.9, 417.95, 424.25 Pantaloon Re, 392.6, 406, 389.2, 393.25 Parsvnath De, 57.15, 59.35, 54.3, 58.3 Petronet Lng, 117, 119.75, 115.3, 116.4 Power Fin Co, 316.8, 340, 312.2, 336.75 Power Grid C, 93.1, 95.1, 91.8, 94.95 Praj Industr, 70.7, 70.7, 68.1, 70 Punj Lloyd L, 97.7, 99.2, 94, 98.3

Punjab Natio, 1185, 1225, 1153, 1218.6 Rajesh Expor, 114, 125.45, 110.6, 124.3 Ranbaxy Labs, 566, 579, 566, 572.5 Rashtriya Ch, 106, 109.7, 104.15, 105 Reliance Cap, 636, 659, 628, 650.45 Reliance Com, 125.6, 132.7, 123, 131.8 Reliance Ene, 1116.55, 1180, 1102, 1144.86 Reliance Ind, 710, 724, 701, 711.9 Reliance Ind, 999.8, 1008.7, 981.1, 985.6 Reliance Pow, 156, 161.7, 153.5, 160.2 Rolta India, 160.45, 162.85, 155.1, 160.35 Satyam Compu, 60.75, 63.4, 60.3, 62.35 Sesa Goa Ltd, 307, 312.9, 302.85, 307.7 Shipping Cor, 145.15, 145.15, 142.35, 143.65 Siemens Ltd, 741, 777, 738, 770.05 Sintex Indus, 201, 208, 198.55, 203.95 Sobha Develo, 307, 332, 300, 325.9 State Bank O, 2872.4, 2999.9, 2855.25, 2992.2 Steel Author, 178, 180.2, 173.25, 176.65 Sterlite Ind, 160.8, 162.4, 157.65, 161.25

Sun Pharmace, 449.5, 455, 442.05, 447.55 Sun Tv Netwo, 476.35, 507.5, 476.35, 504.9 Suzlon Energ, 46, 48.35, 44.6, 47.75 Tata Communi, 270, 274, 256.5, 272.2 Tata Consult, 1060.5, 1086.05, 1053.1, 1076 Tata Motors, 1175.05, 1244.25, 1163.35, 1234.95 Tata Power C, 1301, 1310, 1280.55, 1293.45 Tata Steel L, 589, 589, 574.1, 584.8 Tata Teleser, 19, 19.55, 18.6, 19.5 Tech Mahindr, 632, 646.85, 624, 639.3 The Ge Shpg., 381.5, 381.5, 367, 370.05 The Phoenix, 213, 226.5, 212.95, 221.9 Thermax Ltd, 885.3, 891, 875, 881.75 Titan Indust, 3663, 3736.05, 3622, 3693 Torrent Powe, 283.25, 286.8, 276.15, 284.5 Triveni Engg, 102.85, 107, 101, 105.4 Tv18 India L, 69, 71.75, 67.6, 71.15 Uco Bank, 133.3, 140.1, 130.4, 138.85 Ultratech Ce, 1156.05, 1175, 1110.65, 1137.6 Union Bank O, 348.2, 359.7, 344.5, 352.3 Unitech Ltd, 59.5, 63.9, 57.35, 63.4 United Phosp, 183, 190.65, 183, 188.5

OHERALDO

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 2010

SUV owners must pay market price of diesel: Ramesh PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

We introduce the diesel subsidy for a certain economic purposes but have ended up with a wholly different purpose... I’m not knocking the growth of the automotive industry but those who want to use diesel cars must pay the full market price for the fuel. Why should they get subsidised fuel meant for farmers?

- Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh

Continuing with his attack on diesel-guzzling cars like sports utility vehicles (SUVs), Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday asked the users of such cars to pay full market price for the fossil fuel which is being sold at subsidised rates for farmers.

“Why should they get subsidised fuel meant for farmers,” Ramesh asked while speaking at a conference on 5th Sustainability Summit organised by CII. “We introduce the (diesel) subsidy for a certain economic purposes but have ended up with a wholly different purpose...,” he said while favouring incentives to the firms aiming at sustainable development.

However, he made it clear that his “deliberate” criticism of the vehicles, which had created some-what of a controversy re-

cently, need not be seen as being anti-automobile sector.

“I am not knocking the growth of the automotive industry but those who want to use diesel cars must pay the full market price for the fuel. Why should they get subsidised fuel meant for farmers?” he said.

Ramesh said there was a need for creating an incentive structure from a fiscal point of view particularly which rewards

and added that stimulating sustainable development at the producer-end is absolutely important.

The remarks by Ramesh, who had earlier called SUVs as criminals and Socially Useless Vehicles for being bad emitters, has raised a storm in the auto sector with BMW manufacturer Germany taking a serious exception to it.

The Minister also called for an incentive structure which has to be skewed in favour of sustainable development choice as far as consumers are ready to embrace such mechanism.

“We need to move to a system which looks at rewarding or incentivise those companies that actually promote the objective of sustainable development, that promote energy conservation, water conservation and protection and preservation of natural resources,” Ramesh said.

John Athwal is Asian of the year PTI LONDON, NOV 30

Gold buying retreats as rupee weakens AGENCIES MUMBAI, NOV 30

India gold buying retreated on Tuesday afternoon as the rupee weakened, making the dollarquoted precious metal expensive, after a brief pick up in offtake in the previous session, dealers said.

“Yesterday, I placed indents for about 122 kgs, but there is nothing today,” said a dealer with a state-run, bullion-importing bank in Mumbai.

Gold contract on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) was trading 0.01 percent lower at 20,383 rupees per 10 grams at 12:53 pm, tracking overseas markets, but a weaker rupee kept the downside limited.

“I have covered only for 10 kg from morning, stocks aren’t moving today,” said another

dealer with a state-run bullion dealing bank.

The Indian rupee came off its fresh 10-week lows on Tuesday afternoon, but was still weak, following a stronger-thanexpected rise in July-September GDP but losses in shares continued to weigh.

The rupee plays an important role in determining the landed cost of the yellow metal, which is quoted in dollars.

India is still in the midst of the wedding season, when demand for gold tends to go up, after strong Dhanteras and Diwali festivals earlier in the month.

In the quarter to September, India imported 214 tonnes of gold, up 21.6 percent on year, the World Gold Council said.

Honda to launch Brio in India, to cost less than Rs 5 lakh

A leading NRI entrepreneur has been chosen for the Asian of the Year 2010 Award for his outstanding success in making a Christmas decorations business into a multi-million pounds industry.

Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair presented the award to John Athwal at a gala function organised by the Asian Who’s Who International at Dochester Hotel here on Monday.

Receiving the award, 57year-old Athwal, Managing Director of Premier Decorations Ltd said, “I am very proud to be standing here representing the 2nd generation that have taken their forefathers dreams and built on them for the future.

Today’s descendants have a much better chance to build even further, with educational opportunities and stable backgrounds that we could only have dreamt of.”

He dedicated the award to his mother and father, “who brought us into this country to give us a better start in life.”

He said “it’s not been an easy journey, there always seemed to be more intelligent people than I, more successful than I, and more articulate than

I, but being recognised by your peers is one of the biggest accolades that can be given.”

He was eight when his parents migrated from Punjab to the UK in 1961.

Premier, set up by John, during the 90s, expanded from a small Christmas Decorations importer with three staff, to the largest distributor of Christmas products in the UK. Today, Premier has over 70 permanent staff which expands to 120 during peak season. He also raises funds for charity.

Other recipients of the awards were Dalip Puri, Head of Multicultural Banking UK, HSBC Bank Plc (Asian Leadership in Diversity), Simi Choudhry (Asian Leadership in Charity), Tony Patti (Asian Leadership in Music and Culture) Arun Panchariya (Asian Leadership in Banking), Atul Pathak (Asian leadership in Franchise) and Sheetal Kapoor (Asian Leadership in Europe).

Previous recipients of the Asian of the year Award included Lord Swraj Paul, Surinder Mongia, R Baxi, Lord Khalid Hameed, Dr Kartar Lalvani, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Lord Raj Loomba, Baroness Shreela Flather, Lord G K Noon, Imran Khan, Prof Bhikhu Parekh and Keith Vaz, MP.

Japanese auto giant Honda Motor Co on Tuesday unveiled the prototype of its small car ‘Brio’, which will be introduced in India in 2011 with a price tag of less than Rs 5 lakh.

The company said it will use the vendor base of its two-wheeler business in India to make the car price competitive.

“This car has been developed for Thailand and Indian markets.

While the basic design is same, the vehicle has been tailored to meet requirement of each market,” Honda Motor Co President and CEO Takanobu Ito told reporters here.

He said mass production of the car will start in Thailand in March, 2011.

Commenting on the Indian launch, Ito said: “In India, we want to launch the car within 2011, with price less than Rs 5 lakh.”

To make ‘Brio’ a competitive product, the company, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Siel Group, is looking to localise 80 per cent of the components.

“For this vehicle, Honda will leverage the resources that it has cultivated through its motorcycle business and utilise local sourcing of parts and materials such as sheet,” Ito said.

The company operates its two-wheeler business through the wholly-owned subsidiary Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, which has a manufacturing facility in Haryana and currently constructing the second plant in Rajasthan. It is also reportedly scouting for location to set up a third facility.

Honda also has a two-wheeler joint venture with the Hero Group. Both the partners hold 26 per cent stake each in Hero Honda, India’s largest two-wheeler maker.

Elaborating on the strategy to promote ‘Brio’ and other Honda products, Ito said: “We have a strong passion to reach a wider customer base for our products. To accomplish this, we have focused on creating an attractive package at an attractive price.”

Earlier, the company had said that it will introduce two versions of the ‘Brio’ based on this prototype.

The company has a manufacturing facility at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh with an installed capacity of one lakh units. It had later committed an investment of Rs 1,200 crore to set up the second manufacturing facility at Tapukara in Rajasthan, with an installed capacity 60,000 units per annum.

RBI’s monetary policy depends on inflation: Rangarajan PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

Asserting that food prices are still at high levels, the Prime Minister’s Economic Panel on Tuesday said that the Reserve Bank’s decision to tighten monetary policy further will depend on inflation (behaviour) in the month of December.

“Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will decide (on monetary action) depending on behaviour of inflation in the month of December,” PM Economic Advisory Council Chairman C Rangarajan told reporters here.

He further said that he expected wholesale price inflation to fall between 5.5-6 per cent by March 2011 from 8.62 per cent in September this year.

Rangarajan also said that there could be decline in food prices in the coming month.

To tame inflation, RBI had earlier this month increased its short-term lending and borrowing rates by 25 basis points to 6.25 per cent and 5.25 per cent, respectively. This was the sixth time in this fiscal that the apex bank had raised key lending and borrowing rates to cool inflationary pressures in the economy.

GDP growth of 8.9% in Q2 exceeds expectations PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

Belying expectations of a slowdown, the Indian economy expanded at better than expected pace of 8.9 per cent in the second quarter of this fiscal, prompting experts to peg the growth rate for the current financial year at 9 per cent.

The growth rate during the period depicts India as the second fastest growing large econ-

omy after China, which had registered a growth of 9.6 per cent in the September quarter.

Driven by robust farm output and services sector growth in the second quarter, the gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 8.9 per cent during the first half of the current fiscal.

The Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) also upped the GDP growth of first quarter (April-June) to 8.9 per cent,

9% GDP this year possible: Basu PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

Buoyed by robust performance of the economy in the second quarter, a top advisor in the finance ministry on Tuesday said it is possible to record 9 per cent growth this fiscal.

“It is not impossible any more. We are very close to that,” Chief economic advisor (CEA) Kaushik Basu told reporters when asked whether the economy will grow by 9 per cent in the current fiscal.

The robust second quarter GDP data also prompted the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to say that the Indian economy will grow by 8.7-8.75 per cent in the current fiscal.

“We may be confident that at the end of this year the GDP growth will not be less than 8.7-8.75 per cent. I always go by conservative estimates,” Mukherjee said.

GDP for the first half of the current financial year has risen to 8.9 per cent as against 7.5 per cent during the corresponding period of the last fiscal.

Basu said business services, which have done historically very well, grew by 8.3 per cent in the second quarter.

from 8.8 per cent earlier.

The revision is on account of the new base year adopted in the calculation of inflation and industrial output.

The numbers prompted Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to say “amid all the depressing news there is a good news” and also exude confidence of the economic expansion to be over 8.75 per cent.

“We may be confident that at the end of this year the GDP growth will not be less than 8.7-8.75 per cent... It may be more,” Mukherjee said.

The government as well as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had earlier estimated the economy to grow by around 8.5 per cent in the current fiscal, up from 7.4 per cent in 2009-10.

High numbers also prompted the Finance Ministry advisor to be positive on the economic expansion in the current fiscal.

“It is not impossible any more. We are very close to that,” Chief economic advisor (CEA) Kaushik Basu said to a query on whether the economy will grow by 9 per cent in the current fiscal.

HSBC Group Country Head Naina Lal Kidwai said there is a very strong chance of Indian economy clocking 9 per cent growth this fiscal.

Major ports to offer world class facilities in future: Vasan UNI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

Major ports of India have formulated perspective/business plans to facilitate their transformation into world class facilities suited to the requirements of the Indian economy in the near future,

Shipping Minister G K Vasan told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

In a written reply, he said these perspective business plan contain longterm vision for the ports and goals to be achieved with a detailed strategy and plan of action. The perspective

plans of the major ports consist of long term plan for 20 years and short term plans for seven years for the respective major ports.

Vasan said various steps have been undertaken to improve the productivity and efficiency of these ports,

Govt to take call on regular sugar exports at end of Dec PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

AGENCIES BANGKOK, NOV 30

Onion prices have skyrocketed in recent days making it unaffordable for the common man, at Kottayam Market on Tuesday.

The government will take a decision on permitting regular exports of sugar towards the end of December, following an assessment of total production of the sweetener in the 2010-11 crop year.

“I will take the review of the production report (sugar) in the third week of December and then will take a decision (on exports),” Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar told reporters here.

Most sugar mills have not even commenced crushing operations and hence, the production review could not take place this month, he said.

The ministry has pegged sugar production in the 201011 sugar year (October-September) at 24.5 million tonnes, as against the annual domestic demand of 22.5-23 million tonnes. However, the industry has projected that production of the sweetener will touch

25.5 million tonnes this year.

Monday, a senior Food Ministry official said the government may consider permitting regular exports of sugar if output in the 2010-11 sugar year surpasses the estimate of 24.5 million tonnes.

The official had said the ministry will review the sugar production situation before deciding to permit exports. “If the government decides to ease exports during Decemberend, there is enough time to enter into export contracts in

the next calendar year,” he noted.

The government recently allowed the export of about 1 million tonnes of sugar through the Advance License Scheme (ALS), under which mills are required to meet an equivalent export obligation by March, 2011.

Sugar mills imported over 2 million tonnes of sugar between 2004 and 2008 through the ALS to make up for the shortage in domestic production.

After a gap of two seasons, sugar production of India – the world’s second largest producer and biggest consumer of the sweetener – is estimated to be higher than domestic demand. In 2008-09 and 2009-10, sugar production in the country stood at 14.7 million tonnes and 19 million tonnes, respectively. Six million tonnes of sugar have been imported by India since February, 2009, to meet domestic demand.

namely, construction of new berths and terminals to remove congestion, replacement of old cargo handling equipment, mechanisation of berths and terminals, deepening of channels, widening of roads and providing adequate rail-road connectivity for faster

Lufthansa to launch first biofuel plane AGENCIES BERLIN, NOV 30

Germany’s biggest airline, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, on Monday said it will launch the world's first passenger flight using biofuel next year.

The company said that in April 2011, it will begin a sixmonth trial of renewable jet fuel with an Airbus A321 on scheduled commercial flights on the Hamburg-FrankfurtHamburg route Pending certification, one of the aircraft's engines will use a 50-50 mix of biofuel and traditional kerosene. The primary purpose of the project is to conduct a long-term trial to study the effect of biofuel on engine maintenance and engine life.

During the six months trial, Lufthansa will save around 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions, said Lufthansa Chief Wolfgang Mayrhuber in Berlin today.

“Lufthansa will be the world's first airline to utilize biofuel in flight operations within the framework of a long-term trial,” said Mayrhuber.

evacuation of traffic and implementation of Electronic Data Interchange and Port Community System (EDIPCS) for online handling of shipping documents. No specific organisational changes are being implemented to attract private investment in the ports.

RBI action to inject liquidity in the system: Finmin PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 30

The Finance Ministry on Tuesday said RBI action to allow banks to borrow more funds from it would inject liquidity into the system that is facing a cash crunch due to a slew of IPOs and busy credit season.

“They have taken some action yesterday and that would put money in the system and (RBI) would keep doing it as and when necessary,” Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla said.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function organised by the Finance Ministry and think tank NIPFP. RBI Monday allowed banks to borrow funds from it, even if they miss mandatory requirement to keep 25 per cent of their deposits in government bonds by 2 per cent.

For this purpose, RBI will continue to conduct special

Liquidity Adjustment Facility.

RBI lends and borrows money from banks against government securities under this facility.

RBI announced these measures on fears of tightening of liquidity in the coming weeks due to expected pick up in credit offtake and lining up of IPOs. While manganese ore company MOIL’s IPO is open for subscription, Shipping Corporation’s FPO will open tomorrow. Both IPOs are expected to raise around Rs 1,200 crore each.

Around Rs 22,000 crore has been mopped up from public offers of state-run companies so far this year.

The tight cash position in the system can be gauged from the fact that banks have borrowed over Rs 1 lakh crore through the liquidity adjustment facility of the RBI since November 8.

GSPC raises Rs 3,000 cr term loan to fund DDW PTI AHMEDABAD, NOV 30

State-run oil and gas explorer Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), Initial Public Offering is likely to be sometime later next year as it has tied up Rs 3,000 crore term loan through a consortium of 15 banks.

“GSPC has tied up Rs 3,000 crore term loan through a consortium of 15 banks to finance its Deen Dayal West field in Krishna Godavari Basin on

coast of Andhra Pradesh,” a top SBI group executive said.

“A consortium of 15 banks, led by Bank of Baroda, has arranged for the loan. The funds shall be used to finance Deen Dayal West block in KG Basin. The IPO will now be sometime away,” GSPC top officials told PTI. The state-run energy major was scheduled to hit the capital markets with an IPO in June this year, to raise

over Rs 3,000 crore. However, the IPO was delayed due to market conditions.

The Director General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) has certified two TCF (trillion cubic feet) gas reserves in GSPC’s Deen Dayal block in the KG basin.

DDW is being developed by consortium partners of GSPC like Jubiliant and Geo Global Resources Inc. The field, in the KG basin, off the east coast, was discovered in June 2005

and awarded to GSPC under the third round of the New Exploration Licensing Policy.

As per the DRHP which was submitted to SEBI earlier by the GSPC, the estimated cost of developing Deen Dayal West (DDW) field is Rs 8,464 crore which are estimates upto fiscal 2015. The development cost includes the facility and drilling cost for 15 wells up to fiscal 2015.

GSPC has proposed to fund part of

its share of capital expenditure towards development cost of DDW. “While, the estimated cost of developing DDW field upto fiscal 2013 is over Rs 5,971 crore, GSPC’s share towards capital expenditure in the same period will be over Rs 4,777 crore, of which Rs 3,000 crore has been arranged,” a GSPC official said.

GSPC has proposed to commence commercial gas production from the DDW field by June 2012.

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SPORTS

Pg 14

GOA, Wednesday, 1 December, 2010

Alfred’s brace sends Telaulim into semis gfa 3rd div

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, NOV 30

U n i t e d C l u b o f Te l a u l i m blanked United Club of Seraulim 2-0 to advance into the semi-finals of GFA Third Division play - off at Curtorim

ground, on Tuesday.

There was no score at half time.

The teams went into attacking mode right from the start and called the shots against each other. There was plenty of action at either end, but both team defenders were alert in frustrating the attempts.

After a barren first half, Telaulim showed better appli-

cation and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Alfred Menezes bulged the net.

Spurred by success, Seraulim piled on pressure and orchestrated a couple of moves but all in vain.

Alfred Menezes struck once again in the 85th to complete his brace.

Stunned, Serualim tried their best but failed to get past the rival rearguard.

Customs Veterans in finals

flame of unity soccer HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, NOV 30

The Customs and Central Excise, Panjim defeated Sporting Clube Veterans 2-0 to enter the finals of 7th All-Goa Flame of Unity Veterans soccer organised by Flame of Unity Sports Club, PerSeraulim, Colva. There was no score at half time.

The teams were fast in their approach while each of their keepers were outstanding under their respective bars. Roque Carneiro could have put Customs into the lead had it not been for Sporting keeper’s good save.

Changing ends, Customs shot into the lead when Domnic Cabral scored off a cross from Frankie. Ten minutes before the final hooter, Frankie Mascarenhas sealed victory after shooting on target off a defence splitting pass by Roque Carneiro.

Swera finishes 4th HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

Swera Braganza finished 4th at National U-7 Chess Championship in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. She lost to Garima Gaurav of Bihar in the finals and remained on eight points. Other results: Viraj Porob (6 points). Akanksha Naik (5.5).

Aryan Faldesai and Beverly Mendonca (5 each). Kshavnish Naik (4.5) and Jayesh Shettigar (4).

Kingfisher Pro League football: Sesa Football Academy v.

Faria Sports Management, Duler Stadium, Mapusa, 4 p.m.

GFA Third Division football quarters: Sports and Welfare Club Zaino v. Sao Jose De Areal SC, Curtorim ground, 3.45 p.m.

GFA U-16 football: Guardian Angel SC v. Sarzora SC, Curchorem ground; Cana Benaulim SA v. Salcete FC, Dando ground; Betalbatim SC v. Ave Maria Athletic Welfare and Association, Betalbatim ground.

Kick off 4 p.m.

4th St Domnic Savio Cup soccer: Regina Mundi HS, Chicalim v. Guardian Angel HS, Curchorem, 3 p.m; St. Joseph HS, Calangute v. Infant Jesus HS, Colva, 4.15 p.m. Tilak Maidan, Vasco.

Bro Eulalio Vaz memorial soccer: Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda v. Parish Youth, Nuvem, Don Bosco Oratory ground, Fatorda, 4.30 p.m.

Cana Friends soccer semis: Holy Cross, Vaddem v. Fun Boys, Cana, Samuel ground, Cana-Benaulim, 5 p.m.

7th Rosary Cup soccer: Sporting Clube de Menezes, Goa Velha v. Real Benaulim, Rosary ground, Zorrivaddo, Davorlim, 4.30 p.m.

Captain of Sporting Club of Davorlim receiving the Curtorim Villagers Cup from chief guest, MP South Goa, Francisco Sardinha in the presence of Fr Livio D’Mello, parish priest, St Alex Church, Curtorim; Milagres Rodrigues, former Curtorim sarpanch and Sebastiao Barretto, president, Curtorim Gymkhana.

St Xavier Institute, Loyola’s HS move up st domnic savio cup HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

The Loyola’s High School, Margao scraped past formidable Fr. Agnel, Pilar 2-0 in the 4th St Domnic Savio Cup, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Tuesday.

The teams had equal exchanges with Carlton breaking the ice in the 43rd minute with a deft placement.

Fr. Agnel fought back valiantly but were denied any opportunities by the tall Loyola defenders. Loyola’s added another goal

in the dying minutes through Ralston Fernandes. Carlton Rebello of Loyola’s was declared player-of-the-match.

In another match, Stephen was at his best as he scored four goals to give an upper hand to St Xavier’s Institute, Curtorim against Don Bosco High School, Panjim.

Initially, the game proved to be an equally absorbing affair with the teams dishing out good soccer. Gautam of Don Bosco playing a wall pass scored from a close in the ninth minute.

Immediately, Don Bosco added another goal through a

long shot by Sabino.

Later, Don Bosco’s were reduced to 10-man when Dayne Britto was sent off for dangerous tackle.

This expulsion gave a new lease of life to St. Xavier’s who splendidly rallied from behind by scoring four goals, all of them through Stephen Fernandes.

Stephen was rightly adjudged player-of-the-match.

Fr. Wilfred Fernandes, administrator and manager of Don Bosco, Panjim and Fr. Michael Mascarenhas were the special guests and gave away the prizes.

Ajay helps Verna advance bro eulalio soccer HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, NOV 30

A splendid brace by striker Ajay Satarkar enabled Verna Sports Club defeat Raia Sporting Club 2-1 and enter the semi-finals of All-Goa Bro Eulalio Vaz memorial inter-village football tournament organised by Don Bosco Oratory,

at Don Bosco Oratory ground, Fatorda, on Tuesday. The teams were tied 1-1 at half time.

Verna enjoyed a lion share of exchanges and went into the lead in the 15th minute when striker Ajay Satarkar unleashed a stiff shot which crashed into the net.

Stung by the setback, Raia regrouped quickly and neutralised the lead midway, when Ashley

D’Sousa punished the rival keeper with a snap shot.

Verna put up a better performance in the second half and created many openings in the rival territory.

With the match heading for a tie-breaker, Verna made their last ditch efforts and it bore fruit when Ajay Satarkar placed the ball into the far corner of the net.

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, South Goa ZP chairperson Maria Luzz Rebello and social worker Valanka Alemao giving away the winners trophy to Upcoming Boys of Sernabatim.

Upcoming Boys champs HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

Upcoming Boys of Sernabatim took the better of Something Unique, Benaulim with a solitary goal win to emerge champions

in the finals of first Colva-Benaulim inter-ward 8-a-side football tournament, organised by Friends Circle Boys of Dando, Colva-Benaulim, at Dando ground, Benaulim, recently.

John Fernandes scored the match-winner. The winners were richer by Rs 20,000 and a trophy while the runners-up had to be content with Rs 15,000 and a trophy.

Goa cricket teams enter semis HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

Goa men and women teams entered the semi-finals of 19th Federation Cup Tennis Ball Cricket Championship at YMCA Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

In the women’s category, Goa defeated Maharashtra. Electing to bat first Maharashtra scored 35 runs in the allotted overs.

Manisha and Manjusha clinched a wicket each for Goa. In reply,

Goa scored the required runs in 5 overs. Danashree Naik scored 24 runs while Manjita scored 5.

In another match, Goa defeated Vidharba. Electing to bat first Vidahrba scored 28 runs in the allotted overs. In return, Goa scored the required runs in 3.3 overs. Dhanshree Naik 10 and Aartis cored scored 11 runs.

Earlier, Goa defeated Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh scored 41 runs. In reply, Goa scored the required runs in 4.5 overs. For Goa, Sharmila Naik scored 21 runs and Manisha 9.

In the men’s category in Group B, Goa defeated Tamil Nadu by 21 runs. Electing to bat first, Goa scored 61 runs in eight overs.

For Goa, Tek Bahadur 22, Hemant Khot 15 and Sarvesh Gaude 10 were the scorers. In return, TN could score 40 runs (all out).

For Goa, Hemant and Sarvesh took two wickets each.

In another match, Goa defeated Maharashtra by 14 runs.

Electing to bat first Goa scored 49 runs in eight overs. Haresh Parsekar 18, Hemant 6, Sarvesh and Gaurav scored 5 runs each for Goa. In reply, Maharashtra could score 35 runs in the allotted eight overs. For Goa, Tek Bahadur clinched three wickets while Hemant Khot grabbed two.

Earlier, Goa defeated Vidharba by 37 runs. Goa scored 71 runs in eight overs. For Goa, Tek Bahadur top scored with 44 runs while Haresh Parsekar scored 20.

In reply, Vidharba could score only 34 runs (all out). Sarvesh grabbed two wickets while Haresh, Tek and Mayur took a wicket each.

The semi-finals will be played on December 1.

GOA DIARY

Selections trials for cricket, kho-kho

PANJIM (HSD) -- The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs will conduct State level selection trials for U-14 boys cricket and U-17 boys and girls kho-kho to participate in national sports events in New Delhi from December 28 to January 2. Cricket selections will be held on December 4, at Campal Sports Complex, Panjim, at 9 a.m. Participants may report to Gurudas Bandodkar, APEO while the kho-kho selections will be held on December 4, at Campal Sports Complex, Panjim, at 2 p.m. Participants may report to Divakar Kotkar, APEO. Participants should get along their identity card, kit and a letter from school authority.

Pg 15

SPORTS GOA, Wednesday, 1 December, 2010

Barca humiliate Real 5-0 AFP MADRID, NOV 30

Jose Mourinho had a nightmare first “clasico” as champions Barcelona crushed his Real Madrid side 5-0 at Camp Nou on Monday to go two points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of the Spanish first division.

Spanish World Cup winners Xavi and Pedro Rodriguez put Barcelona into a two-goal lead

after just 17 minutes and David Villa marked his first “clasico” with a brace inside two minutes (54 min, 56) before Jeffren added a late fifth as Mourinho stomached an unforgettable first defeat in charge of Real.

"It was an important win by a big margin and it puts us top two points above Real in the table which is what we wanted," said Villa.

Clasico nightmare for Mourinho lBut

defiant despite drubbing

REUTERS BARCELONA, NOV 30

The President of Goa Cricket Academy Dayanand Narvekar addressing the gathering alongwith the other dignitaries. Photo: Anil Shankhwalke

Sher Bahadur tops GPL auction bid

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, NOV 30

Sher Bahadur Yadav became the topmost cricketer to be auctioned for Rs 4.25 lakh courtesy Al Fatah, Margao at the GCA Professional League action, here, tonight.

There will be just six teams, like the previous season with Chowgule opting out this time.

Their slot has been taken over

by Mechvac Fabricators of Bardez owned by Raj Chodancar.

Sagun Kamat became the second highest played to be auctioned at Rs 4.05 lakh (Goa Sports Academy, Candolim).

Robin D’Sousa got Rs 3.95 lakh (Sarvodaya Royal, Sanguem), followed by Shadab K Jakati for Rs 3.15 lakh (Salgaocar), Reagan Pinto Rs 3.05 lakh (Mechvac), Saurabh Bandekar Rs 2.65 lakh (Mechvac), Swapnil Asnodkar Rs 2.15 lakh (Dempo CC), Ryan D’Sousa Rs 1.85 lakh (GSA).

All Ranji Trophy players, except

three namely Vidhyut Shivramkrishna, Ninad Pawasker and Buddhdev Mangaldas could not cross the mark of rupees one lakh.

Six franchisees, Salgaocar Sports Club, Dempo Cricket Club, Chowgule Sports Club, Al Fatah Cricket Club, Sarvodaya Royal, Goa Sporting Academy and Mechvac Fabricators competed in the bidding process.

Bidding was conducted by Bharat Naik.

Earlier, the President of GCA Dayanand Narvekar welcomed the gathering and stated the bidding amount has been raised to Rs 10 lakh and the franchise should opt for minimum of nine players and maximum of 11 out of which four must be from Group A (Ranji players).

There were 24 players in GPL Group A and 43 players in Group B. Group A Ranji players: Sherbahadur Yadav (bowler Rs 4.25 lakh). Harshad Gadekar (batsman Rs 1.85 lakh). Amit Yadav

(bowler Rs 2.15 lakh). Ryan D’Sousa (medium pace Rs 1.85 lakh). Vaibhav Naik (wicket keeper Rs 1.05 lakh). Vidhyadhar Kamat (off-spinner Rs 1.25 lakh).

Regan Pinto (batsman Rs 3.05 lakh). Ajay Ratra (wicket keeper Rs 2.75 lakh). Vidhyut Sivaramkrishna (batsman Rs 85,000). Sahil Dhuri (medium pace Rs 1.65 lakh). Rohit Asnodkar (batsman Rs 1.25 lakh). Advait Katkar (batsman Rs 1.05 lakh). Anup Kolamkar (batsman Rs 1.05 lakh). Swapnil Asnodkar (batsman Rs 2.15 lakh). Sagun Kamat (batsman Rs 4.05 lakh). Shadab Jakati (LA off-break Rs 3.15 lakh).

Robin D’Sousa (all-rounder Rs 3.95 lakh). Rahul Keni (wicketkeeper/batsman Rs 1.95 lakh).

Saurabh Bandekar (all-rounder medium pace Rs 2.65 lakh).

Aniket Dessai (batsman Rs.1.05 lakh). Ninad Pawasker (batsman Rs 85,000) Buddhdev Mangaldas (bowler Rs 75,000). Hemant Shetaonker (batsman Rs 1.35

lakh) and Keenan Vaz (wicket keeper/batsman Rs 3.25 lakh).

Players in GPL Group B (U22/U-19/others) who were sold for Rs 50,000 and above: Ganeshraj Narvekar (leg break Rs 1.85 lakh). Suraj Dongre (batsman Rs 1.85 lakh). Rupesh Sarvanker (batsman Rs 1.15 lakh).

Rohan Belekar (batsman Rs 1.15 lakh). Girish Yadav (spinner Rs 1.05 lakh). Darshan Mishal (batsman Rs 1.45 lakh). Madhu Kamat (batsman Rs 60,000). Gajanan Azgaonkar (batsman Rs 55,000).

Rajkshekar Harrikanat (wicket keeper Rs 80,000). Arun Wagi (bowler Rs 75,000). Amogh Dessai (bowler Rs 70,000). Sayed Baiuzzam (bowler Rs 55,000).

Shrinivas Phadte (bowler Rs 55,000). Rohit Naik (batsman Rs 50,000). Chandrant Ghadi (batsman Rs 50,000). Sherman Vaz (batsman/bowler Rs 50,000).

Vitharaj Sangodker (batsman Rs 50,000) and Sumiran Amonkar (batsman Rs 85,000).

A defiant Jose Mourinho brushed off Real Madrid's crushing 5-0 defeat at arch rivals Barcelona saying there were plenty of matches left in the season and the championship would still go down to the wire.

The flamboyant Portuguese, a former assistant coach at Barca who later managed Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan before being poached by Real, suffered his worst defeat in a league match at the hands of the La Liga champions but said it was ''by no means a humiliation''. ''It's easy to digest because it's a defeat in which there was no chance of winning,'' he told a news conference at Barca's Nou Camp stadium yesterday. ''One team played to their potential tonight and the other played very badly,'' he added. ''The championship will be very close to the end.''

Mourinho had got off to a flying start in the Spanish capital in his bid to end Barca’s twoyear reign as domestic champions and restore Real’s fortunes in the Champions League.

His expensively-assembled side were undefeated in all competitions before Monday but have now slipped two points behind leaders Barca with 13 of 38 matches played.

Mourinho, who has failed to win at the Nou Camp in six attempts, said the Barca team was ''the finished article'' and ''the result of many years of work'' and reiterated that it will take time to mould the Real squad

into an effective unit. ''The result today does not reflect the difference between the two teams,'' he said. ''Obviously I am sad because nobody likes losing and least of all by that score. ''I hope it doesn't affect the players psychologically and I told them exactly that, that the championship does not end today and who knows we might be back at this stadium again this season (in the Champions League).'' BAD JOB He urged his players to ''show character'' and pick themselves up for Saturday's La Liga match at home to Valencia. ''When you lose by four or five goals you don't need to go out and cry but go out with a desire to train, to work and to win the next match. ''I have no need to be concerned about my team, who have played fantastically up to now. ''Today they did a very bad job and on Saturday they have to return to winning ways.” ''There is nothing more to be done today but from tomorrow a great deal.''

"However, it is only November and there are lots of games left and we have to keep on winning."

For Barcelona it was a fifth successive “clasico” win over their arch rivals as coach Pep Guardiola maintained his 100 per cent record in the fixture and exacted revenge over Mourinho, whose Inter Milan side defeated Barcelona in last season's Champions League semi-finals.

Real went into the game unbeaten and hoping for a first win at Camp Nou since December 2007.

However, Barcelona gave old boy Mourinho, who used to work for the Catalan club as a translator under Bobby Robson, a night to forget with an emphatic win, one of the heaviest

oLD sTORIES OF yORE

Today in History

1640

Champions Holy Spirit Youth and runners-up Goa Diocesan Priests alongwith Fr Mariano D'Costa.

Allan assured of National Supercross title HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

Goa’s ace two-wheeler rider, Allan Sequeira of Sirvodem, Margao assured himself of the National MRF Supercross championship title as he tallied a record 173 points finishing third at the 5th National FMSCI round at Kholapur on Sunday.

Allan, who had two first places finishes and two second

spots in the previous four rounds, is all set and expectedly, excited to be officially crowned National champion at the final round in Pune on December 12, irrespective of the placing.

Actually, Allan is so comfortably placed at the top with a lead of 71 points over his nearest rival, Goa’s Mohammed Kadar (102 points) and 73 points adrift Badal Joshi (100) and Jatin Jain (100) that he does not even have to compete in the final round.

It is on December 12 that Allan will become the first-ever Goan rider to win the prestigious National title and thus the State will open another glorious chapter in sports history.

Allan was all set to win the event at Kholapur as he was leading in both motors, but a serious mechanical breakdown with his borrowed bike, pushed him to the third. Despite, the front axis wobbling and the bearings giving way, Allan proved his mastery over the machine and with superb grit and dexterity managed to finish third and gain valuable 30 points.

“I was hell bent on finishing the race. I was focussed

in a podium finish came what may. And I did it. Sheer guts and determination,” voiced the s o f t s p o ke n r i d e r w h o i s backed to the hilt by his wife Cher, who makes it a point to provide full support for each and every race.

“Since it is the SAG that has been backing me up to the hilt, I had to do my State proud and prove that Goa has a vast potential in the adventurous but dangerous sport. Then, there was another Goan, Mohammed Kadar who was also being backed by SAG and he too did Goa proud by taking the fourth place. Both of us kept Goa’s flag flying high and we are eager to create history shortly,” assured Allan who is gearing for the final round.

“I owe my success to the Government, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Sports Minister Babu Azgaoncar, P WD Minister Churchill Alemao, MLAs; SAG’s Executive Director V M Prabudesai, Assistant Secretary Navin Acharya, all my fans and supporters and my family and not forgetting both the print as well as the visual media. Certainly, I cannot forget the early support provided to me by Ashley Gomes, president of Goa Motor Sports Association and Goa Sports Academy (Candolim) for giving the much needed push all these years and allowing me to use his private track for practice. I know I have to work still harder. I am ready to accomplish my goal as I am concentrating solely on the objective,” summed up Allan.

Photo: Savio Dias

Holy Spirit Youth champs HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

Holy Spirit Youth, Margao pulled a hard-fought victory over Goa Diocesan Priests to emerge champions in the 1st Fatorda inter-ward floodlight volleyball tournament, organised by Social and Cultural Committee of Aguad, Fatorda, at Aguad volleyball court, Fatorda.

Holy Spirit Youth, Margao defeated Goa Diocesan Priests 2325, 25-19, 25-22 and 25-18.

Fo l l o w i n g p r i z e s w e r e awarded: Best player: Erissa Faleiro (Holy Spirit). Best lifter: Fr A g n e l o P i n h e i ro . B e s t smasher: Alison Morenas (Holy Spirit).

Fr Richard Pinheiro and Fr Donato did well for the priests.

Fr Mariano D’Costa, assistant parish priest, Rosary Church, Fatorda was the chief guest. Fr Kyriel D’Cruz, Fr Boulais D’Costa, Dipak Dessai and Querobino Fernandes were also present.

Cash prizes and trophies were awarded to the winners and runners-up respectively.

In all, 15 teams from Fatorda participated.

For a while Portugal was peaceful under the rule of the Spanish kings, where the Portuguese noblemen were given high-ranking positions within the government. However the apple cart was upset when Spain attempted to make Portugal a Spanish province. Therefore a war of independence against Spain was launched, and Portugal attained its independence on 1st December, 1640. This marked the official end of the Iberian Union. The Spanish continued to reassert their authority for years later, but finally acceded in 1668.

1919 Lady Astor was the first female Member of

Parliament to take her place in the House of Commons, in the United Kingdom. She wasn’t the first to be elected however, as that distinction belongs to Constance Markiewicz. Lady Astor’s term was fraught with criticism however, as she was seen to be from the upper classes and wholly disconnected from the common man she represented. She also became unpopular due to her stringent views on alcohol and her complete lack of awareness on the issues of women’s suffrage.

1988

Benazir Bhutto has the honour of being the only women to lead a Muslim nation, Pakistan.

She held the post of Prime Minister twice, and her first term began on the 1st of December, 1988. She came from a political family, as her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was Prime Minister as well, and she was married to the current President, Ali Zardari.

Dempo Sports Club and East Bengal ONGC Super Cup 201011 match scheduled on December 1 at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Gurgaon, Haryana will be telecast live on 24 Ghanta channel from 5 p.m.

The Boston Tea Party

There was a great deal of unrest in the American colonies, as they disputed the right of British Parliament to tax them without any representation from their side. This issue was further exacerbated when the British tried to tax tea. The colonists refused to buy the British-supplied tea (brought in by the East India Trading company) and chose to smuggle in tea from Holland instead.

The British counteracted this maneuver by slashing the taxes on the tea, although not getting rid of them, and thereby making the British tea cheaper than the Dutch alternative. However the colonists still fumed at being taxed and therefore boycotted the tea further.

In spite of the distinct lack of sales, the East India Company continued to bring tea to the American shores. When three laden ships berthed in Boston, the colonists ordered them to leave immediately without the payment of taxes. The Customs official refused to let the ships leave without the due payment, and therefore the ships were stuck there.

On December 16th, a group of men climbed abroad the three ships and dumped forty-five tons of tea into the Boston Harbour. The action became the precursor to the American battle for Independence.

Dempo, EB tie live on 24 Ghanta HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, NOV 30

defeats in his glittering career, that evoked memories of the 6-2 drubbing of Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in May 2009.

It was a huge psychological win for Barca in the title race and the omens are good with the winner of the first “clasico” going on to be crowned champions in the last six seasons.

Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain was a last-minute withdrawal for Real due to injury so French international Karim Benzema was handed a chance to shine on the biggest stage.

Guardiola said Real were the best counter-attacking team in the world but said Barcelona would attack and they were good to their word.

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SPORTS

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Sher Bahadur tops GPL auction bid Pg 15

Alfred’s brace sends Telaulim into semis Pg 14

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

India to try and continue good run PTI JAIPUR, NOV 30

Young Virat Kohli will be the cynosure of all eyes as a new-look India seek to continue the team's dominating run at home in the current calendar when they take on New Zealand in the second cricket one-dayer here tomorrow.

In the absence of the creme de la creme of Indian cricket, the dashing right-hander from Delhi gave enough indication of why he is the one to look for in future with a match-winning century in the opening match in Guwahati.

With regular stars such as skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh being rested for the first two one-dayers, Kohli stole the limelight with a fine hundred that paved the way for India's 40-run win in the series opener.

The young Kohli, going through a dream run having scored two back-toback tons in Ranji Trophy apart from his second successive ODI century, would be keen to bat the way he has been doing of late at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium tomorrow.

India have a good record at this

venue winning six out of 10 matches, aged to score 42 valuable runs, often the last being a humdinger against employing the sweep against the slow South Africa in February when the hosts bowlers to good effect. won by one run.

Stand-in captain Gautam Gambhir, India have lost just one match -- coming on the back of a decent Test seagainst South Africa on February 27 -- ries, looked solid as long as he was in the two series it has played at home there at the crease in the first match. in 2010.

And, with this being the last home India won the series series before the against the Proteas 2- India v. New Zealand upcoming World 1 and pipped Australia Cup, the left-hanTime: 2.30 p.m.

1-0 in the rain-hit seder would be ries in October. keen to spend as Going into the second one-dayer much time in the middle as possible. against the Kiwis, what would also keep Keeping the scoreboard ticking durthe momentum in India's favour, is that ing powerplays and accelerating in the both Daniel Vettori and Brendon Mc- death were areas of concern in the first Cullum are still doubtful starters for to- match and are something the hosts morrow's match. would like to improve upon in the next The New Zealand skipper is suffering match. from a sore back, after shouldering the India nearly gave it all away by losing bulk of bowling responsibilities in the their last six wickets for just 26 runs three-match Test series, and Mclluum after Kohli, in the company of Yuvraj, is also down with a similar condition. laid a solid platform.

Runs from Yuvraj Singh's blade in A cameo from Yusuf Pathan down the first match were also a welcome the order, however, helped the hosts sight for the Indian camp. set New Zealand a challenging target.

The southpaw, who was recently deAs far as bowling is concerned, moted to contract B by the BCCI, was India, like in the first match, would not at his flamboyant best but still man- again look to their spinners, espe-

cially Ravichandran Ashwin to stem of stand-in skipper Taylor at a crucial the flow of runs in the middle overs juncture, seemed to have changed the on a strip that can be called more course of the match. than decent.

It was no surprise that Taylor later The Chennai Super Kings off-spinner regretted his shot selection. Nothing bowled beautifully inside the power- would boost the visitors more than the plays and picked up three important return of Vettori and McCullum, but if wickets, including that of Ross Taylor today's net session was any indication, who top-scored for the visitors with a the two still looks doubtful. well-compiled 66.

The team management though, S Sreesanth deserves special mention boosted by the appointment of former for picking up three wickets, but Ash- England coach Duncan Fletcher as its win and Yuvraj's contributions with ball full-time coaching consultant, has its were no less important in the context fingers crossed. of the match.

Fletcher, who has just joined the Apart from team composition and squad, has been hired by New Zealand form, what could play a crucial role is Cricket (NZC) in a bid to 'keep the enthe dew factor. So, the team winning vironment fresh' within the team. the toss would, in all probTEAMS ability, opt to bowl first as gripping the ball becomes India: Gautam Gambhir (captain), Murali Vijay, Virat difficult when the dew Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Saurabh Tiwary, comes into play in the sec- Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Yusuf Pathan, ond session, at this time of Sreesanth, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel, R Vinay Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin the year.

For New Zealand, it was New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (captain), Grant Elliott, a case of so near yet so far Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins (wk), Jamie How, Brenin the series opener. The don McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Andy McKay, Kyle Mills, James Franklin, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Kiwis were in with a chance Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, Kane Williamson. at one stage but the wicket

We need to score big today: Gambhir PTI JAIPUR, NOV 30

Gautam Gambhir bats during a training session at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday.

India's stand-in skipper Gautam Gambhir today said the batsmen need to score heavily against New Zealand in the second one-dayer here tomorrow since the dew-factor would be crucial to the outcome of the match.

"It's always good to score as many runs as possible in the sub-continent. If we are batting first 300 should be a good score but because of the dew factor, the more we score the better it would be for our bowlers," Gambhir said after a net session at the Rajasthan Cricket Asso-

PTI MUMBAI, NOV 30

Chautala lashes out at BCCI for not sending teams in Asiad

Following the opposition from the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and some of the country's top players like captain M S Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, the controversial Umpires Decision Review System (UDRS) would not be used during India's upcoming Test tour of South Africa.

"There won't be any UDRS (during the series)," said BCCI's Chief Administrative Manager Prof. Ratnakar Shetty here today.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had left it to the two cricket boards -- BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA) to deal with the issue, though normally it's the prerogative of the home country's board.

India got at the receiving end of the UDRS when they toured Sri Lanka for the Test series in 2008 and have consistently opposed it since then, neither implementing it at home nor agreeing to its inception in away series.

Dhoni and Tendulkar are opposed to the UDRS as they feel it's still not fool-proof.

But two other top Indian cricketers Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag have publicly supported the referral system in which each team can challenge the on-field umpires' decision at least twice during an innings. Successful challenges are not counted.

India created history in Guangzhou by winning the minded organisation. maximum haul of medals It does not think for in Asian Games history, but Chautala said the country the country. If it had could have done better. sent men and "We all are happy that women's teams in the India produced the bestever performance we could Asian Games, India have done better. We had would have won two done so well in the Commonwealth Games and it more gold medals for could have been even betsure ter in the Asian Games," he -- Abhay Singh Chautala said.

"Besides two sure shot PTI gold in cricket, we could have NEW DELHI, NOV 30 won three or four more gold The Chef-de-Mission of Indian from tennis and chess. The two contingent in the Asian Games, senior tennis players (Mahesh Abhay Singh Chautala today Bhupathi and Leander Paes) did lashed out at the BCCI for not not participate but they were sending cricket teams to playing somewhere. I don't Guangzhou and depriving the want to comment on that but country of two ‘sure shot’ gold I wish they had played for the medals. country in the Asian Games.

"BCCI is only a money "And then, two top chess minded organisation. It does players (Viswanathan Anand not think for the country. If it and Koneru Humpy) were not had sent men and women's there. We could have won at teams in the Asian Games, India least five gold more and India would have won two more gold would have finished fifth as tarmedals for sure," Chautala told geted before the Games," ChauPTI today. tala rued.

"The sports ministry should Chautala said af ter the blacklist such a sport body record-breaking shows in the (BCCI) which chooses money CWG and the Asian Games, over bringing laurels for the India should do better in the country," Chautala, who is also London Olympics than they perpresident of Indian Boxing Fed- formed in Beijing two years eration, said. ago.

No UDRS for India-SA Test series

Four more players involved in spot-fixing: Mazhar Mazhar Majeed, the UK based bookie who was at the centre of spot-fixing scandal three month back, today claimed that four more Pakistani players were involved in fixing international matches besides the suspended trio of Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir.

'Geo News' channel claimed today that they had received a fresh video recording of Mazhar Majeed in which he names Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz, Kamran Akmal and Imran Farhat as the four other players on his payroll, helping him do spot fixing.

Flintoff game for non-playing role in IPL His promising career cut short due to injuries, former England skipper Andrew Flintoff on Monday said he had no qualms of getting involved in the Indian Premier League in capacities other than a cricketer.

"I actually don't mind playing in it. But due to injury, I can't. I never actually

n BCCI is only a money-

IOC asks BBC to give evidence to authorities

thought about it (getting involved in other capacities).

But now you have mentioned it, why not? The IPL is a spectacle you watch on TV. It's the best domestic comREUTERS petition in the world. You BERLIN, NOV 30 play in front of screen before The International Olympic Comhundred-thousand people," mittee (IOC) urged the BBC he said in Mumbai. today to give any evidence of Haider's wife looks alleged bribes taken by FIFA exto join husband ecutives to the proper authoriThe wife of Pakistan wicket- ties after the screening of its keeper Zulqarnain Haider Panorama programme. wants to join her husband in It also said it would refer the London as she fears for her matter to its Ethics Commission children's safety after Haider as one of the executives involved, said he would expose those Issa Hayatou, was an IOC member. taking bribes in Pak cricket. ''The IOC has taken note of Iqra Haider, flanked by her the allegations made by BBC two small children, said on Panorama and will ask the proGeo News that she was gramme makers to pass on any scared after getting threat evidence they may have to the calls from unknown callers. appropriate authorities,'' it said.

‘Discontinue The television programme Brasa's services’ broadcast on Monday said FIFA Questioning Jose Brasa's cre- executive committee members dentials as a top hockey Ricardo Teixeira of Brazil, hosts coach and accusing him of of the next soccer World Cup, fanning groupism in the Confederation of African Footteam, four national selectors ball (CAF) chief Hayatou and have recommended the South American (CONMEBOL) Sports Ministry to immedihead Nicolas Leoz took bribes ately discontinue his servfrom a marketing company to ices as the coach of the help it win a lucrative contract. national team.

ciation’s academy.

"It (dew) is a big factor but we also have bowlers who have the experience and who have bowled enough in dew conditions. They will use some chemical and that will make a difference I think but there are certain things like toss and dew which are not in our hands," the skipper said.

Asked about the wicket at the Swai Man Singh stadium, he said, "There is no point thinking about the team composition and wicket right now as we are going talk to the coach. The wicket looks dry and it might spin a bit if we

bowl first."

The Indian team trained for an hour and half today, with Yuvraj Singh doing the bulk of batting at nets. Coach Gary Kirsten was seen giving tips to the southpaw and also did some throw-downs with him.

Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli and Yusuf Pathan did some batting practice against S Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Vinay Kumar and the local bowlers. But comeback man Ashish Nehra, surprisingly, did not bowl long enough.

Quizzed on that, Gambhir said, "He is a very experienced campaigner and is bowling in

Arbitrator stays BCCI’s decision to terminate Royals’ contract PTI MUMBAI, NOV 30

In a major reprieve for Rajasthan Royals, an independent arbitrator today granted injunction in their favour by staying the termination of its IPL contract by the BCCI. A legal source said that Justice BN Srikrishna, who was acting as arbitrator, held that prima facie the termination of contract by the Cricket Board was "illegal".

The injunction against the termination will be in effect for six weeks and the arbitration proceedings will continue in the meanwhile, the sources said.

Royals had challenged the termination before the Bombay High Court. However, the case in the High Court was kept pending as both the parties agreed to resolve the matter through arbitration.

The BCCI had on October 10 decided to terminate the franchise agreement of Rajasthan Royals, along with that of Kings XI Punjab, for alleged breach of agreement by them.

good rhythm at the moment.

Sreesanth has also bowled a lot in the Test series and doesn't need to bowl that long. Moreover, in sub-continental wickets, batting is also very important."

The men in blue are high on confidence after their convincing win over the visitors in the first ODI of the five-match series in Guwahati but Gambhir cautioned the side against complacency.

"This is a young side and no one can afford to be complacent, we still have a long way to go. I don't there is place for anyone who is complacent in

Sachin is today’s Bradman: Lara AGENCIES CARIBBEAN, NOV 29

Brian Lara has described Sachin Tendulkar as the 'Don Bradman' of modern era.

Lara, himself a legendary left-handed batsman from the Caribbean, said what astonishes him the most about Sachin Tendulkar is his longevity.

"I don't think there is any race. Both are great players.

Tendulkar has shown the world what he is capable of and his longevity in the game is something to be really appreciated," Lara said.

"The time he will spend in the game, records are going to tumble. The fact that someone can be there from the age of 16 and still at the age of 37 perform brilliantly is something that I cherish more than anything else," he said.

The West Indies player is of the opinion that Australian great Don Bradman, who ended his career with an incredible Test average of 99.96, and Tendulkar should not be

compared as they played and flourished in different eras.

"He is our period's Don Bradman. Forget the difference in averages with Bradman but whoever I have spoken to who have seen very old players in action, they believe that he (Bradman) would not have averaged 99 in today's cricket.

"So I believe that Sachin is our period's Bradman," Lara told Gulf News.

Lara said he has just got back into cricket by playing three games in a Twenty20 tournament in Zimbabwe.

He also denied reports that he is becoming Zimbabwean coach but said he will be helping them in the batting department. He said he is fanatical about golf these days and spend time on the course.

this team," the left-hander said.

The left hander from Delhi, who will be leading the national team for only the second time in his career tomorrow, said he is enjoying the opportunity.

"As far as captaincy is concerned, you need to take care of the entire unit. As I have always said a captain can be as good as his and this has been a very good team effort. I am enjoying the stint," Gambhir said.

The skipper also reiterated that, with so many stars missing from the line-up, this is a 'great opportunity for the youngsters' to prove their mettle.

Tuffey ruled out of series PTI JAIPUR, NOV 30

Already burdened by back injuries to skipper Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum, New Zealand today suffered yet another setback as their fast bowler Daryl Tuffey was ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against India due to a bicep strain.

Tuffey, who took two for 56 in the five-ODI series opener in Guwahati on Sunday, will return home. But the visitors have not yet announced his replacement.

"Daryl developed discomfort in his right bicep while he was playing but was able to manage it during the match. It appeared to be OK when he was bowling, but now he's unable to throw without pain so he will return home for further assessment and treatment," Mark Greatbatch, New Zealand's coach and selector, said in a statement.

Vettori to play

PTI JAIPUR, NOV 30

Injury-hit New Zealand today got a boost as their skipper Daniel Vettori declared his availability for second ODI while opener Brendon McCullum is still a doubtful starter for tomorrow's match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium here.

"Tuffey is out of the tour. I am coming in but I'm not sure about Brendon...haven't seen him training but will find out. We are waiting on his fitness," said Vettori after a net session at Rajasthan Cricket Association's academy today.

"We did create some chances to win the first game but didn't take them," was Vettori's assessment of the first match.