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Goa’s Heartbeat: Anne rocks London pub Pg 14

Your levellers wish to level down as far as themselves, but they cannot bear levelling up to themselves..

– Samuel Johnson

KTCL to buy 20 buses this Chaturthi HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

It will be Ganesh Chaturthi bonanza for the commuters as Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) will procure 20 additional buses from Rs 3.75 crore approved by State Government.

KTCL Chairman Dipak Dhavlikar said that the process has started to take over this lot of buses, which was pending in the depot.

“The State finance department has approved Rs 3.75 crores for procuring these buses.

The amount is likely to be sanctioned in the next ten days,” Dhavlikar told Herald.

K TCL had obtained 20 Kadamba buses under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), this year. But as the Centre refused to pay the said amount, the buses were lying idle at the private depots.

“We will make sure that all these buses run along the State routes before Chaturthi,” he said.

Under JNNURM, the KTCL had rejuvenated its fleet with the induction of 30 buses, which started plying along the State routes last year.

These new ones are low floor buses with additional 10 seats (31-seater) and will provide shuttle services to the travellers. The low floor buses will facilitate the aged people and partially disabled to board them without any hassles. These buses will have special seating arrangements for students.

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, wednesday, july 28, 2010

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Business: Fuel price hike won’t affect consumers - Deora Pg 12

Sports: Lanka will struggle to contain India - Ojha Pg 18

Quotas for municipal elections HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

The Government has decided to reserve 19.5%, 12% and 2% reservation for candidates from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, respectively, in the forthcoming municipal elections.

Replying to a calling attention motion moved by Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar, Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao assured the Goa Legislative Assembly on these reservation figures.

“The absence of authenticated figures of these communities, the Government had decided to give “appropriate” reservation to them. Notification to this effect will be issued at an appropriate time,” he stated.

Narvekar, who expressed happiness at the decision, was highly critical of the Goa State Commission for Backward Classes for its failure to carry out survey of these communities as directed by the High Court in 2007. “The Commission, which is sitting on the survey for the last three years, doesn’t deserve to exist,” he derided and added, “It has committed contempt of court.”

Reacting to one of the questions raised by Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot, the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said the backward communities will not be deprived of due representation in the absence of any authenticated figures. “The data used for reservation in employment will be used till we get the actual census figures in 2011,” he mentioned.

In between noisy scenes were witnessed in the House over the issue prompting the Speaker to

In an interesting development, the five Sanatan Sadhaks charged by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) in the Margao bomb blast case have prayed to the South Goa Sessions Court that they be housed in a single cell in the judicial lock-up fearing physical assault by anti-social elements.

The five accused – Vinay Talekar, Vinayak Patil, Dhananjay Asthekar, Dilip Mangaonkar and Prashant Asthekar – also prayed to the South Goa Sessions Judge U V Bakre to conduct the trial in the Margao bomb blast case on a day-to-day basis.

In their application field by their Mumbai-based legal counsel, Adv Sandip Punalyekar, the five accused submitted to the court that they have been

housed in different barracks since their remand to judicial custody.

The accused maintained that they have apprehensions in their minds about a possible physical assault on them by anti-social elements following adverse publicity the case has been receiving from the media.

Special Public Prosecutor, S B Faria, who is representing the

House committee asks Law department to study case HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

A legislative panel has asked the State law department to study the possibility of bringing the office of the Archbishop Patriarch of Goa and Daman within the ambit of the RTI Act. The ad hoc committee on law, chaired by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Francis D’Souza, has asked the law department to reply within 15 days.

However, the department in written reply to the panel said: “The Vatican is recognised as a sovereign nation and the pope is the head of that nation.

In that sense it is not known how its institution could be compelled to make their records open to public.”

The committee’s decision to recommend the State law de-

OBCs: 19.5% STs: 12% Quepem man SCs: 2% gets treated for H1N1

stand up and ask the standing members to take their seats and have a sensible discussion. MLA Pandurang Madkaikar alleged that the Opposition was opposed to the reservation.

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar said BJP was not against reservation, but would like to point out in many places municipal ward numbers have been interchanged to keep out the backward community candidates out of the election process. The system of ward rotation for giving representation to backward classes needs to be streamlined, he mentioned.

Intervening during the noisy scene, CM said this was a very sensitive issue and no one should make comments without giving due thought. Parrikar mentioned there was no surety of the 2011 Census because the Government of India had not taken any decision on it.

Alemao reassured directions

A South Goa local was successfully treated for H1N1 influenza within few days, doctors at the Directorate of Health Services said. The 42-year-old person, hailing from Quepem earlier this month approached a private practitioner with cold flu symptoms.

The doctor suspected swine flu and immediately referred him to DHS where his throat swab samples were taken for testing. Without causing any delay, the doctors began his treatment against the influenza.

“We collected the swabs for testing and simultaneously began his treatment…At the same time counseled his relatives on do’s and don’ts…” DHS Director Dr Rajananda Desai said while speaking to Herald.

The patient, whose identity

(Continued on page 10)

(Continued on page 10)

Margao blast accused plead for single cell HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

Bishop’s office under RTI?

National Investigating Agency (NIA) in the case, later told newsmen that the application is nonmaintainable.

Faria said he would oppose the application on grounds that undertrials are governed by the jail norms, adding that the jail superintendent has to decide all such matters relating to under trials.

Faria said the accused also moved an application before the court for a day-to-day trial of the case, admitting that the NIA Act mandates trial on day-today basis.

Both the applications will come up for hearing before the court on August 5. Meanwhile, the Sessions Court is likely to frame charges against the accused at the next date of hearing.

(Continued on page 10)

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

PTI MUMBAI, JULY 27

The Reserve Bank today raised its key interest rates by up to 0.5 per cent to check double digit inflation and predicted dearer interest regime, but banks said they would wait for now.

Most banks, including market leader SBI and ICICI Bank, said though RBI steps had put pressure, they would not raise interest rates immediately. As a result, commercial, auto and home loan rates would not change soon, contrary to industry’s apprehensions.

RBI in its quarterly review of the policy increased the shortterm lending rate (repo) by 0.25 per cent to 5.75 per cent and short-term borrowing rate (reverse repo) by 0.50 per cent to 4.50 per cent though it kept cash reserve ratio (CRR), the portion of funds that banks keep with central bank, and bank

The government has launched a project to set up radar sensors along the country’s coastlines for surveillance to avoid a Mumbai-like terror attack during which Pakistani terrorists took the sea route to enter the city.

The Rs 350-crore project to set up the chain of radar sensors along the entire 7,517-km coastline, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep is implemented by the Coast Guard.

The radar sensors will be fitted on light houses at 46 locations, out of which 36 are in mainland, six in Lakshadweep Islands and four in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Radar sensors use Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave

(FMCW) to reliably detect moving or stationary objects even in extreme weather conditions.

“The government has been on continuing basis reviewing the security arrangements of our coastline in the light of emerging challenges, including from terrorists. The decision to set up a chain of radar sensors has been taken to strengthen the coastal security,” an official said.

As part of the overall coastal security, the Navy has been designated as the authority responsible for overall maritime security which includes coastal security and offshore security.

The Indian Coast Guard is additionally designated as the authority responsible for coastal security in territorial waters, including areas patrolled by State Coastal Police.

in a similar manner.

“Archbishop Patriarch of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrao, ought to open a public information office for the Church laws (Canons) that he follows and respond to applications made under the RTI Act for information on the Code of Canon Law (legislative document of the Church),” Abel said

3 paintings of naked deities kick up row HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Three paintings showing two naked Hindu deities making merry with nude women were withdrawn from an exhibition at Xavier Research Institute at Porvorim.

Hindu Janjagruti Samiti (HJS) held a protest, which forced the institution to withdraw the paintings depicting naked Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva reveling with unclothed women.

Inspector Devendra Gad informed that the exhibition was withdrawn completely following a protest by the Hindu-right wing members.

HJS spokesperson Nilkanth Chodankar filed a complaint with the Porvorim Police Station demanding withdrawal of paintings and action against the painter – Dr Jose Pereira.

“We reached the exhibition

RBI ups rates to check prices

Coastlines to have radar sensors PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

partment to “make a comprehensive study” and “forward a detailed report to the committee within 15 days” follows a written suggestion by Antonia Michelle Abel.

Abel said that while the State departments of law and the judiciary were covered under the RTI Act, the office of the Archbishop should also be treated

(long-term) rate unchanged.

RBI had earlier on July 2 hiked repo and reverse repo rates by 25 basis points and today’s hike was the fifth since January to combat inflation which is in double digits for the fifth month now.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee hoped that steps taken by the RBI will check inflation without hurting growth.

RBI Governor D Subbarao, however, said, “We expect credit to be dearer...As credit demand picks up, we expect lending and deposit rates to go up.”

“No immediate impact on the interest rate. In Q2, interest rate won’t go up by and large,” SBI Chairman O P Bhatt said, adding that the bank in the coming days would review the build-up of “upward bias”.

hall immediately after receiving a formal complaint. The organisers told us that they did not want any communal conflict, hence withdrew the paintings,” Gad told reporters.

Chodankar meanwhile has also written to the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Home Minister Ravi Naik and Director General of Police Bhim Sain Bassi about the paintings.

One may recollect, HJS had also launched protests against the painter M F Hussain and artist Subodh Kerkar, as these artists too depicted Hindu deities in various forms.

Kerkar’s installations showing Lord Ganesh in controversial positions invited anguish from Hindu groups, last year. He also faced apparent threats and police complaint under Section 149 of IPC which deals with hurting religious sentiments.

in her suggestion to the ad hoc committee, which audits the functioning of various government departments and recommends measures to improve their functioning.

Abel in her formal communication to the legislative committee also said the office of the Archbishop over the years had failed to formally convey to the Pope about Goa’s liberation from the Portuguese regime in 1961, which has resulted in a rather piquant situation.

“The Archbishop Patriarch of Goa and Daman was bound to repeal the Portuguese constitution, laws, customs, culture and traditions and report to His Holiness the Pope to come under the Constitution of India, Indian laws, customs, culture and traditions for the survival of the Catholic Church in Goa,” Abel said.

Quraishi new CEC S Y Quraishi, Election Commissioner, was today appointed the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the place of Navin Chawla, who demits office on Thursday. The notification elevating 63-year-old Quraishi as head of the three-member election body was issued today. He will have a little less than two years in the Constitutional post. -- (PTI)

... and this garland is for the chief investigating officer of your case, sir!!

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 28 JULY, 2010

Documents will be prepared by studying pros and cons: Sudin HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Concurring with the Opposition that there were discrepancies in the contract awarded to Shimnit Utsch Pvt Ltd for providing HSRP, Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Tuesday assured the House to strike down the controversial contract and float fresh tenders.

“Tender documents will be prepared by studying all pros and cons,” he said responding to a question tabled by Leader of the Opposition, Manohar Parrikar during “Question Hour” on Tuesday.

He said the right procedure was not followed right from the time tenders were floated for HSRP. “The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) manual was not followed however I will ensure that no such discrepancies are allowed when fresh tenders are floated,” said Transport minister as Parrikar demanded action against those involved in the criminal conspiracy.

In a written reply to a question related to HSRP, the Transport minister informed the House that the matter has been referred to the Vigilance department.

The findings of the Chief Secretary indicate there was criminal fraud, Parrikar said reading a para from chief secretaries report.

The State Government appointed enquiry under Chief Secretary as Opposition in the last session of the Assembly persistently followed the issue of HSRP alleging Shimnit Utsch had fraudulently managed to get the contract in connivance of officials of the Transport department.

Mainly, the Opposition had objected to the high r a t e quoted by Shimnit Utsch in providing HSRP as they claimed it can be made available at reasonably low rate.

Parrikar said their stand has been vindicated as Supreme Court recently, while deciding similar issue involving Shimnit Utsch India Pvt Ltd, versus West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, up held the decision of the West Bengal government in doing away with the conditions of experience in foreign countries and prescribed turnover.

The apex court ruled that the government’s decision was in larger interest without compromising on safety, security and quality or sustainable capacity.

Parrikar said, five country conditions were added to keep others out of the competition

FRESH HSRP TENDERS

while Dhavalikar said all pros and cons will be considered before issuing fresh tenders for HSRP. No taking sides: With Opposition accusing that police acted in “unwarranted haste” in dealing with complaint about bogus number plates, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said police will not be allowed to take sides and be used by anybody to achieve their goals.

The issue was raised by Sanguem MLA, Vasudev Gaonkar during “Question Hour.”

Referring to the complaint registered at Margao police station against the proprietor of a firm for providing HSRP without authorisation, he asked why did police go to Delhi to get the accused who was released on bail, the next day.

Ironically, even six months later police have not filed chargesheet in the case, as they are awaiting CFSL report, pointed out Parrikar. He said, police could have summoned the accused by issuing show cause notice as there was no tearing hurry in the case compelling Goa police to go to Delhi.

Did police get kickbacks from the rival company, Parrikar asked further adding “police are pawns in the hands of the companies providing HSRP but Kamat said police will not be allowed to take sides.

…assures to conduct thorough probe into tender for ad display on KTC buses HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Tuesday assured the House to conduct thorough investigation and to terminate the tender for advertisement display on corporation buses, issued in February 2, 2009 but

CBI summons Fiona, to reach Goa on July 30

extended for four years by the Board.

The Government was caught on the wrong foot when Canacona MLA, Vijay Pai Khot asked the minister whether tender for one year can be extended for four years and whether the Board is free to take such deci-

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Revenue leakage, encroachments on Communidade land, pending mundkar and tenant cases, pension to retired government servants, flood relief, low compensation and no compensation to farmers were some of the issues that came up for discussion on the seventh day of the Monsoon Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

Placing his view point, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar took on the functioning of the Revenue Department calling for strict measures to plug revenue leakages. “The State is in a debt trap to the tune of several crores of rupees. It is time to spend every rupee judiciously,” he mentioned.

He said the State was losing a lot of revenue because of the many scams in the Goa Excise Department. He yet again made a demand for a CBI probe into the functioning of the Excise.

Fatorda MLA Damu Naik said there has been no action into encroachments on Communidade land. The Government is allowing illegal constructions and the minister con-

The post mortem examination on the body of deceased nun Dipti Brahmane has revealed that she died due to drowning.

Maina Curtorim PI Sidhant Shirodkar has said the autopsy report clearly rules out any foul play in the death of the young nun. “The autopsy has attributed the death due to Asphyxia”, PI Shirodkar added.

Goa’s Karate sensation, 11-yearold Abieta Menezes from Calangute, stood up to receive accolades from Speaker Pratapsing Rane and other members of the House on the seventh day of the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

Menezes was seated in the visitors’ gallery when the motion congratulating her achievements at such a young age was read out by Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes.

When the MLA said the girl was present among them, the Speaker looked in the gallery and asked the young sports sensation to stand up. After the girl stood up the Speaker clapped for her after which the members of the House joined in.

In his congratulatory motion the Calangute MLA listed out the number of gold medals won by Abieta at different sports events.

She started karate when she was three and by the age of eight achieved quite a lot, he stated.

The MLA said the Government has to pay attention to this sport and give due financial and moral support to Abieta to excel further.

Congratulating the young sports prodigy Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar said the little star had won around 15 gold medals and this was no mean feat. The Sports Policy of the Government was encouraging many parents to take kin interest in the sports activities of their kids and this was a good sign, he stated.

Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza supporting the motion said the Education and Sports department should work together to include karate in the school curriculum. Karate has the potential to bring about mental discipline in the children, he mentioned.

cerned hasn’t been able to act into this matter, he stated.

Naik said transfer of mamlatdars has led to the pendency of mundkar and tenant cases. There is a need for a new cell to look into these cases and even a fast track court can be a viable option, he mentioned.

Santa Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes and Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco joined the chorus and voiced out their concern in saving the age-old institutions from rot.

Victoria charged the police of not acting into complaints of encroachments in Communidade properties.

She called for a Communidade Committee that had been assured to her sometime ago to look into several problems. The MLA pointed out the need to give some powers to Communidade attorneys and bring about an amendment to curb illegal constructions.

Reginaldo said the Government cannot turn a blind eye to the decay of this ageold institution. The Communidades need financial assistance and the Government should make the necessary provisions for

their smooth functioning, he added.

Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar said ten months had passed for the devastating floods in his constituency but the rehabilitation process under the Calamity Relief Fund of the Government was dismal. Tawadkar also raised the issue of compensation to many farmers in his constituency over the last two years.

Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar said while the farmers from Tawadkar’s constituency had received nothing, those from his constituency had received a compensation fit for beggars. In what could be an embarrassment he read out the compensation amounts of Rs 100, Rs 125 and Rs 150 that was disbursed in his constituency.

Parsekar made a case for saving the ‘matriz’ documents and chided the Government for accepting that the same were in bad condition but failing to act into the matter.

The MLA said he knew of a teacher who had to wait for fifteen months to receive her pension. The Government has to make pension available at the earliest, he stated.

House adjourned yet again over police-drug dealers nexus issue HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Year 2008

The Opposition’s demand for CBI enquiry into “Police-Drug dealers nexus” yet again caused adjournment of the House on Tuesday.

Last week too, the House was adjourned over the same issue following interruptions by the Opposition members.

Speaker Pratapsing Rane today adjourned the House until 2.30 pm, following protests by Opposition members demanding CBI enquiry into police-drug dealers nexus.

The Opposition members led

by Manohar Parrikar started denouncing the government as Chief Minister Digambar Kamat defended Crime Branch during “Question Hour”.

While the Opposition members demanded that investigation into police-drug dealers

Chargesheeted Convicted Acquitted Pending

82 Nil 31 81

Year 2009

Chargesheeted Convicted Acquitted Pending

40 Nil 07 58

Year 2010 up to June

Chargesheeted 09 Convicted Nil Acquitted Nil Pending 34 nexus be handed over to CBI since, they claimed performance of the Crime Branch has been extremely poor, the chief minister contradicted saying Crime Branch has done a good job.

The case of police-drug dealers nexus is being investigated

Nilkanth assures solution on rates of row houses HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Housing Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar on Tuesday assured the House he would inquire and find a solution to the increase in the cost of row houses allotted by Goa Housing Board in 2007 at Ambaji, Fatorda.

He was replying to a calling attention motion raised by Fatorda MLA Damu Naik, who, along with Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, maintained the increase in the rates of the row houses wasn’t marginal and thus unfair.

Reading out an allotment order given to an applicant the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said the GHB had the prerogative of changing the price, but he too admitted the increase cannot be abnormally high. I think the Housing Minister can find a solution, he stated.

Halarnkar in his reply to the motion that was circulated in the House mentioned, “The market rate of the land in this area is much higher than that fixed by the Board. Even today I can assure the cost of these row houses will be much cheaper than the market rate.”

“If these rates do not satisfy the proposed allottees the Board is willing to pay back 30% deposit at the rate of 15% compound interest and take back the allotment letters. The Board would be able to auction the houses in the market,” he stated in the reply.

The GHB in March 2007 announced a scheme for allotment of 16 row houses in Ambaji. The Board had tentatively fixed the price for each type-A unit at Rs 15.53 lakh.

by Crime Branch. Mandrem MLA, Laxmikant Parsekar said during last three years, Crime Branch has got not one conviction. “It’s performance is zero,” he said further adding that if you want acquittal, the case has to be transferred to the Crime Branch.

However, Kamat said most of the cases of acquittal are matka cases. Acquittal is high in matka cases because witnesses turn hostile making the case weak and an amendment to Gambling Act has been sought as word “matka” is not defined under the Act. Not satisfied with the government’s answer, the Opposition members started making noise and denouncing the government even as Speaker warned all to keep silence or else he will adjourn the House.

3 Ponda youth held for attempt to kidnap minor girl HERALD CORRESPONDENT PONDA, JULY 27

Ponda Police on Tuesday arrested three youth from Ponda for allegedly attempting to kidnap a 13-year-old girl from Ponda.

Ponda police have identified the accused as Yogiraj Digambar Kamat, Navesh Mazgaonkar and Sarvesh Jaiwant Kamat. Police have also attached Maruti Swift car (GA-05-B-3794), which was used by the accused.

According to Ponda Police, the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 3.30 pm when the girl was proceeding for her tuition at Silvanagar-Ponda. The three youths forcibly tried to lift the girl, but the courageous girl succeeded in escaping from the three youth. The girl took shelter in a nearby house.

In the meantime, locals managed to detain the three youths and were later handed over to Ponda police. PSI Sanjay Dalvi is investigating the case under the supervision of PI C L Patil.

MMC chairperson faces morchas, gheraos over various issues

Communidade land: govt fixes responsibility for encroachment HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

The State government on Tuesday announced that the deputy collectors, mamlatdars and the communidade administrator will be held responsible for any new illegal encroachment comes up on the communidade land of their jurisdiction.

“The deputy collectors, mamlatdars and communidade administrator will have to file an affidavit every month that no illegal encroachment has come up on the communidade land

Post mortem report reveals nun’s death due to drowning HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

money and there has to be transparency.

The tender was awarded to M/s Sandeep Publicity who had defaulted in the payment of rent of tender. Khot also questioned the government on this while Dhavalikar assured to conduct thorough investigation.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Revenue leakages, encroachments on Communidade land debated

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Fiona Mackeown, Brit mother of the deceased Scarlett Keeling Eden has rescheduled her trip for Friday morning. Fiona was originally due to reach Goa on Tuesday evening.

“She failed to get air tickets to Goa as the bookings are full owing to the school vacation period in London. But she will indeed reach here on Friday when she is asked to depose before the Children’s Court,” her legal representative Advocate Vikram Varma said.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) earlier this month issued her summons to appear on July 30 in connection with the death of her teenage daughter Scarlett. The school girl’s bruised semi-clad corpse was found on the Anjuna shore on early February 18, 2008 morning.

This was, incidentally at the time when Fiona along with her remaining children and her boyfriend was touring Gokarna, in Karnataka. Scarlett was left in the care of her 25year-old local boyfriend Julio Lobo.

Lobo, shack waiter Murali Sagar, other locals and policemen are among 18 of the total 72 witnesses testified so far.

Two locals, Samson D’Souza a n d P l a c i d o C a r v a l h o a re chargesheeted for culpable homicide, sexual assault and destroying evidence.

sions.

According to the minister, the Board took a decision to extend the contract for years even as he said it was not a proper thing to do but the Corporation is an autonomous body.

Speaker Pratapsing Rane pointed out that they use public

Karate kid Abieta praised in House

He said the parents of the deceased nun are arriving in Goa on Wednesday from Nasik.

The body of deceased nun was found in a well within the premises of the Convent at Raia on Monday afternoon. She had joined the Convent only 15 days ago following her transfer from Calangute.

The police, which has registered a case of unnatural death, is conducting further investigations.

Bal Rath Yojna amended HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

The scheme “Bal Rath Yojna” under which a school entitled to get mini bus, has been amended. As per the new amendment the school having 10 per cent of SC students will also be eligible under the scheme, informed Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in a written reply to a question tabled by Mayem MLA Anant Shet.

As per original criteria schools having 10 per cent students were entitled to apply under the scheme.

The scheme has been made applicable in 120 schools while the department received 136 applications.

in their jurisdiction,” Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said in the Assembly on Tuesday.

He said that despite this if any encroachments come up then the deputy collectors, mamlatdars and communidade administrators would be held responsible and will face action.

Kamat was replying to the statement made by the Cortalim MLA and the Dy Speaker that the government should legalise all encroachments so that the communidades earn some money.

The Speaker Pratapsing Rane intervened and said that should the encroachments be legalised only for vote bank purpose?

To which the chief minister said that the government has already taken a decision to legalise all encroachments upto 2000.

Earlier, in his reply Revenue Minister Jose Philipe D’Souza stated that no encroachment on communidade land will be allowed by the government.

“To curb corruption in the department instructions are issued

to the collector not to issue any NOCs to the change of name in Form 1 and 14 of the communidade land until the permission of government is sought,” he said.

The minister further stated that as and when cases of irregularities in the communidade are brought to the notice, his department has taken stern action.

“We have even sealed the offices and filed FIR whenever such irregularities are brought to our notice,” he said.

NSUI demands CBI probe into Kawthankar assault

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

National Students Union of India (NSUI) has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the attack on its state President Sunil Kawthankar. The fresh demand follows after their sustained demand to hand over the much-touted police-drug mafia nexus probe to the CBI. “We demand a CBI probe into the attack on Kawthankar because we strongly feel that this attack was carried out by those elements who are threatened by the signature campaign against the nexus...” NSUI (Goa Unit) National Delegate Gautam Bhagat said at a press briefing, last evening.

The NSUI activists have set seven days deadline to transfer both cases to CBI, failing which they have threatened to launch a massive agitation in the State. A student wing of the Congress party, NSUI has criticised its own Government in the State of a botched up investigation into the nexus.

Citing the entire Goa police investigation a ‘failure’, the activists are adamant to continue the signature campaign.

Kawthankar was attacked on July 23 while he was enroute to Assnora village for the campaign. Some unidentified men on Bajaj Pulsar motorbike threw a huge stone on the windshield of the car, which was driven by the students’ leader himself.

The stone smashed the windshield and hit his face leaving him severely injured. Along with him were three other activists in the car, who escaped unhurt. The police have released a sketch of one of the suspected assailants, but are yet to trace him.

After the attack, Bhagat said, they made a futile attempt to meet the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat with a memorandum.

Kamat could not be met as he was occupied in the on-going monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly. Nonetheless, the memorandum was then fur-

nished to the Governor S S Sidhu.

The activists interestingly were mum when asked to comment on the alleged involvement of a local politician in the nexus.

“We have no faith in the police investigation. We therefore demand a CBI probe. If the Home Minister or any politician is involved, it should come forward in the inquiry…all aspects of the case should be examined,” Bhagat articulated Kawthankar’s statement because of the latter’s lips operation.

NSUI has reiterated yet another demand seeking resignation of the Crime Branch deputy superintendent of police Chandrakant Salgaonkar ‘for his links in the police-drug mafia nexus.’

They also vehemently alleged that the money from the nexus is being routed for terror activities.

The wounded leader had met the Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, on July 15 about the failure of Goa police in the probe.

Margao New Market Traders debate with the MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho on Tuesday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Savio Coutinho on Tuesday faced as many as three morchas and gheraos by the traders and vendors of the New Market and Gandhi market, besides a citybased NGO over discrimination meted to a Goan worker employed by the Civic body.

While the chairperson said he is not surprised by the gheraos as they came on the eve of his birthday on Wednesday, the traders and vendors said they were forced to take the morcha to the Civic body on account of the failure of the Council to resolve their pending

demands.

“I knew that these people would take a morcha to the Civic body or will gherao me or the Chief Officer. Last year too, I had to face similar situation on the eve of my birthday. This year i s n o e xc e p t i o n e i t h e r ” , Coutinho said.

The Citizens Working Centre was the first to confront the Chairperson and Chief Officer Y B Tawde over the issue of discrimination by the Civic body in regularising the services of a Municipal worker belonging to the ST community.

This was followed by a morcha taken by members of the New Market Traders Association.

They were protesting against the holding of an exhibition cum sale at the BPS grounds for two days without permission.

Gandhi market vendors led

by Councilor Rajendra Azgaonkar also confronted the Chairperson and the Chief Officer in protest against the delay in lifting garbage from the market area.

Agitated vendors demanded to know from the Civic chief over the irregular lifting of garbage from Gandhi market and called for immediate action.

Azgaonkar maintained that if the city is to become clean, the Municipality should first remove garbage from the markets.

Organisers directed to stop exhibition at BPS grounds HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

The Margao Municipal Council on Tuesday directed the organisers of an exhibition-cum-sale at the BPS grounds to stop the activity by 4 this evening.

As per the Municipal direction, the organizers put up board on the entrance gate to the BPS grounds that the exhibition has been closed for the day due to some problem. A large number of customers – who throng the exhibitions cum sales at the BPS club – had to return home disappointed without shopping in view of the development.

Trouble began for the organizers this morning when the New Market traders Association

gheraoed Chairperson Savio Coutinho and Chief Officer Y B Tawde in protest against the holding of the exhibition for the last two days without permission.

Led by Association President Vinod Shirodkar, the traders pointed out that the exhibition had commenced two days ago, when the Municipality has given them permission to hold the exhibition for five days, beginning from Tuesday.

The traders alleged that the City Fathers has turned a blind eye to the exhibition held for two days without permission due to some consideration.

Accepting the contention of the traders, the Council issued a notice to the organizers saying

they had applied for the NOC for conducting the exhibition from July 27-31, but pointed out that the organizers started the activities before the day permission was sought to hold the sale.

IN the notice, the Chief Officer referred to the Council resolution No 3636 permitting exhibition cum sale for a maximum period of five days in a month.

The new market traders led

by Shirodkar also visited the venue of the exhibition to ascertain whether the Civic body’s notice has been implemented or not. The traders warned that they will be forced to take the law in their hands if the organisers go ahead with the activity despite the Municipal directions.

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Kabrastan: National Commission to decide on site at Sonsodo HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

Whether Sonsodo is a fit place for a kabrastan for the Muslim community or not will now be decided by the Delhi-based National Commission for the Minorities.

The minority panel headed by Chairperson Mohammed Shafi Qureshi will inspect Sonsodo in the near future to study the feasibility of the site for burial grounds.

The Commission has told the State government to identify three or four alternative sites for the Muslim kabrastan in case the proposed site at Sonsodo is not found suitable.

The Commission took the decision to visit Sonsodo following an invitation by the Goa government to ascertain the suitability of the proposed site. The government’s decision comes against the backdrop of the

stiff opposition by the Muslim community for Sonsodo as the site for the proposed kabrastan.

Incidentally, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat made his presence felt before the Commission twice last month and has assured the members that a suitable plot of land would be allotted for the Muslim community to set up the kabrastan.

At the hearing of the Commission in Delhi, the general secretary of the Sirvodem Masjid Abdulmatin Daud Carol charged the Goa government for conspiring to allot a piece of land near Sonsodo, saying the area is totally unhygienic and stinking.

Daud further drew attention of the Commission that the State government is not honouring the Resolution passed in 1999 in the Goa Legislative Assembly

to acquire and allot the land admeasuring 99,513 square meters at Aquem. Saying that the State government has also issued notifications for acquisition of this piece of land, Daud said that unfortunately the process was stalled due to reasons best known to the State government.

Chief Secretary Sanjeev Srivastava, however, submitted to the Commission that there were a number of objections raised by local residents for allotment of land in the resolution passed by the Assembly in 1999.

The Chief Secretary maintained that the proposed site at Sonsodo is 100-150 meters away from the garbage dump yard, adding that the government has already drawn up a plan for the installation of a plant for the treatment of garbage at the site.

Fire service personnel busy clearing the huge tree which uprooted on Panjim side of Mandovi Bridge in the afternoon on Tuesday.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Mickky gets anticipatory bail in forgery case HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

Former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco was on Tuesday granted anticipatory bail by the South Goa Sessions court in the forgery and cheating case registered against him at the Quepem and Margao police stations.

Additional Sessions Judge B P Deshpande ordered the release of Pacheco on a bail of Rs 5000 if arrested in the case.

While granting bail, Judge Deshpande observed that police could have very well taken the specimen signature of Pacheco for the last one year if they were interested in investigating the case.

Pacheco had moved the court fearing arrests in the forgery and cheating registered by the Quepem and Margao police following complaints lodged by his estranged wife Sara.

Earlier, Pacheco’s lawyer, T Karmali submitted to the court over the delay of more than one year and half in investigating the case since the registration of the case. He further said that no efforts were made to arrest the former Minister in these cases during the last one year and half.

Nadia’s brother moves for bail HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

The brother of deceased Nadia Torrado, Konrad has moved the South Goa Sessions court on Tuesday for anticipatory bail fearing arrest in connection with the death of his sister.

In another development, the brother of former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco, Simplicio has also moved the Session court for anticipatory bail in the forgery case registered at the Quepem police station.

In his bail plea, Konrad submitted that he has been falsely implicated in the case and his detention is not at all required for investigations of the case as he has fully cooperated with the police.

Apprehending that he may be arrested and detained in the case, Konrad said the Crime branch have maliciously registered an offense under Section 304 and 306 of the IPC even though both the sections are mutually incompatible.

Saying that he has not committed any offense and has fully cooperated with the Crime branch, Konrad said his mother had been informed by the Crime branch that he would be arrested by the in-

vestigating agency after his discharge from the hospital if the missing mobile phone is not produced. Saying that he has been traumatised by the continuous interrogations, Konrad submitted to the court that he is liable to be granted anticipatory bail.

Meanwhile, Adv Anacleto Viegas, legal counsel for the former Tourism Minister has informed that Mickky’s brother Simplicio has filed anticipatory bail fearing arrest in the Quepem forgery case lodged

by Pacheco’s estrange wife Sara.

CM rules out CBI probe into excise scam Says stringent steps taken to curb illegal flow of liquor HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Virtually ruling out CBI inquiry into the excise scam, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said that the State has taken stringent measures to check large-scale revenue leakage and curb the illegal flow of liquor.

“We will take stringent measures to plug the loopholes in the revenue leakage,” Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said in the House on Tuesday while replying to the cut motions tabled

by the Opposition.

He said the State has introduced the multicolored permits which will help in checking revenue leakage.

“We have asked the States to check multicolored permits before allowing the vehicles in or out,” he stated.

Kamat said that the States should cross check with the State.

We have also asked Karnataka and Maharashtra to re-confirm the permit with us before issuing the transport permit, he said.

“We have also asked each State where the liquor comes or goes to send a monthly statement of transaction on import or export of liquor,” Kamat said adding “Goa too will send the monthly statement to all the States.”

Besides, he said, for the first time the State government has taken steps to check all exports of liquor to be checked by Customs.

“We have also taken steps for computerising the entire department through which we will be able to check the movement

of every bottle produced in Goa,” Kamat said.

The Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar had asked for a CBI probe into the excise revenue leakage, which he had estimated was to the tune of Rs 100 crore.

However Kamat said that the steps taken by the department is good enough to plug the loopholes.

“We have transferred everybody from the commissioner to assistant excise commissioner to inspector so that there is no scope for manipulation,” he said.

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Kabrastan panel flays VoV demands white paper move to accept Sonsodo on garbage management HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

The prestigious Gulab ‘Man of the Year – 2009’ was presented to A N Nagvenkar, Chairman, Ann Institute at the hands of Eduardo Faleiro at Grace Church Hall, Margao. Parish Priest of Carambolim Church Fr Conceicao D’Silva, Chief President of Kala Mogi, Kuwait Domingo Araujo, President of Fr Freddy J Da Costa Memorial Trust Fr Manuel Gomes and others are present.

IPPAI retreat concludes

The Citizen Muslim Kabrastan Action Committee has lashed out at some Muslim leaders for accepting Sonsodo as the burial grounds for the Muslim community.

Briefing newsmen, Committee President Sameer Makandar said the Muslim community at a meeting held on July 11 had opposed Sonsodo ground as the site for the Kabrasan and lamented that some leaders rushed to Delhi and agreed for the Sonsodo proposal despite the opposition.

He disclosed plans to undertake a door-to-door campaign

to expose the true face of these leaders. “We are fed up of these Muslim leaders who are only interested in their personal gains rather than improving the situation of the backward and suppressed community”, Makandar said, adding “Kabrastan has been the issues for the last 30 years and our leaders have not been able to resolve the problem.

They are only interested in posts at the cost of Muslim sentiments and faith which Muslims have on them”.

He said a handful of Muslim leaders, who are puppets of the Ministers and politicians without any discussion, rushed to Delhi and agreed to accept

the land at Sonsodo without considering the sentiments of the Muslims of South Goa. “These leaders have no right to play with the Muslim sentiments and we will not keep quite”, he added.

He said the Sonsodo land is only 16,000 square meters and the balance 14000 square meters falls in the jurisdiction of Raia village, and warned that the Committee will undertake a door-to-door campaign to expose those leaders who have stabbed Muslim community.

Makandar also disclosed plans to hold a meeting at the Lohia Maidan next month on the issue and chalk out the future course of action.

Govt to lay thrust on making one department paperless: CM HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 27

Indian and foreign panelists take part in the discussion at the 11th Regulators and Policy Makers Retreat 2010 at Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Sinquerim.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

CALANGUTE (HC): The 11th Regulators and Policy Makers Retreat 2010 organised by Independent Power Producers Association of India (IPPAI) concluded at Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Sinquerim, on Sunday.

On the concluding day, a panel discussion was held to ascertain the views of panelists on successful regulation. The panelists included policy makers from USA William Massey, Chairman Ron Binz, William Bryan and Indian members Dr V K Garg and Ajay Shankar.

Panelists from USA and India were of the view that successful regulation is the need of the hour for benefits of consumers and others involved in the trade. The panelists were of the conclusion that for effective regulation, a good and focused approach to avoid a conflict of interest between owners and end users is required.

They were also of the opinion that creating economic efficiency should be the keyword for regulation.

The curtains came down on the 11th Regulators and Policy Makers Retreat 2010 on Sunday after fruitful discussions and deliberations for five days from July 21 with policy makers from India and abroad taking part in the conference.

A Lions Club of Colva member donating blood at the blood donation camp organised by Lions Club of Colva at Lions Club hall, Colva under the supervision of the medical team from Hospicio Hospital, Margao. Twenty members donated blood under the supervision of Lions Club of Colva officials, A B Fernandes, Kenneth Luis, Joaquim D’Costa and president Alexander Fernandes.

Kidzee student champ

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday said the government would give more thrust on making at least one of its departments paperless on the lines suggested by Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily with regard to courts during his recent visit to the State.

Kamat was speaking after laying the foundation for Sinchayi Bhavan and inaugurating the new building of Data Centre and Laboratory Level II of Water Resource Department at Porvorim.

Speaking further, Kamat said staff working at the Data Centre should endeavour to make their Data Centre as one of the best in the entire country and the data they collect should be authenticated.

“The Water Resource Department should give a serious thought to the interlinking of rivers in the State to reduce water scarcity problems,” said Kamat.

With regard to water shortage problem being faced by the residents of Porvorim, Kamat said he was very much aware of it and as soon as the Assembly Session is over, he would call a joint meeting of the MLAs from Bardez taluka and concerned PWD officials and discuss the issue threadbare.

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar said if the government lays a separate pipeline from Guirim to Porvorim to supply raw water, which is being received from Tillari, the water shortage problem faced by the Porvorim and surrounding areas would be reduced to a considerable extent.

“The government should

Excise Dept chided for not booking single narcotics case

S Sashanjana, champion of 6th All India Abacus competition, (top row standing fourth from right) along with her teacher Manisha Prabhu and other students.

VASCO (HR): S Sashanjana, a Std 1 student of Kidzee School, emerged champion in the 6th All India Abacus competition of ideal play Abacus, which was recently held in Bangalore.

Sashanjana excelled among 3,500 students, who were from all over India.

In all, 33 students from Goa took part in the competition and few of them had secured fifth grade. The students were guided by their teacher Manisha Prabhu.

Hindi workshop organised

PANJIM (HND): Corporation Bank recently organised a daylong Hindi workshop for its officers. B B Tejappa, deputy General Manager said that liaison officers nominated in the branches should take up the work of implementation of national language Hindi earnestly. He urged all the officers to motivate the other staff members to make sincere efforts in official language implementation, by doing their internal work in Hindi.

During the day-long proceedings, participants were informed about the provisions of Official Language Policy of Government of India and methods of implementing it by way of various theoretical and practical sessions. Hindi Teaching Scheme Pradhyapak Devkinandan Pathak, Bank of Maharashtra Manager G P Gupta, Sr. Manager (Hindi) Canara Bank Vanita Gadiyar and B B Tejappa delivered lectures during the workshop.

The workshop was attended by official language liaison officers of 44 branches of Goa Zone of Corporation Bank. B B Tejappa presented prizes to the winners of best liaison officer contest, held for last year. A quiz competition titled ‘Rajbhasha Gyan Pratiyogita’ was also arranged on the occasion. Officer (OL) N Saravanakumar compered the workshop.

The Voice of Villagers have demanded that the government bring out a white paper on garbage management and formulate a consolidated garbage management policy and plan for the entire state instead of the present adhocism, causing much distress to people of various victimsed villages.

VOV spokesman Edwin Pinto said this policy and planning needs to be worked out in consultation and consonance with the Water Resources Department, the GSPCB and other relevant environmental agencies.

The VOV expressed deep shock at the Chief Minister acceding to the Cortalim MLA's request for land in the Verna Industrial Estate environs to create a garbage dump that would service six villages of Cortalim Constituency.

VOV pointed out that if Cortalim constituency is suffering from lack of infrastructure like garbage disposal facilities, then the most important and logical solution would be to suspend and put a moratorium on all mega housing projects in the constituency with immedi-

ate effect.

“In fact the mega projects presently being implemented in Cortalim constituency will result in a steep increase in the population, placing unbearable burden on the already tottering infrastructure”, Pinto said.

VOV said that it was most unfair that Cortalim constituency roll out the red carpet for luxurious mega projects and Loutolim constituency be expected to accommodate its garbage. “How is the concept of a garbage dump in the Verna Industrial Estate compatible with the government's promotion of pharmaceutical companies in the area? Are these pharmaceutical companies who are supposed to maintain international standards of hygiene and quality comfortable with the idea of cohabiting with a garbage dump and landfill? Would their international customers accept products manufactured in an unhygienic environment”, Pinto sought to know.

He said if Goa's largest slum in Zuari Nagar, comprising around 10,000 people, which indisputably has plenty of similarity to a garbage dump, is not only being tolerated but

nurtured in the vicinity of Dabolim Airport, then it is incomprehensible why the Cortalim MLA cannot find a suitable garbage dumping site in his own constituency as required by a recent High Court ruling.

Demanding to know what Loutolim MLA have to say about this sell out of his constituency by the Chief Minister to the Cortalim MLA in the Assembly, Voice of Villagers has appealed to the LoutolimMLA Aleixo Sequeira, who is also the Environment Minister, to put an end to the insult dealt to him and his voters in Loutolim constituency by the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in turning Verna Industrial Estate into a dumping ground for Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho.

“After all, as the Environment Minister must surely be aware, this area is the source of the River Sal, besides being the source of many natural springs and an important water recharge zone. Contamination of this area would easily spread to the water table in the entire South of Goa”, Pinto added.

Citizencredit Cooperative Bank opens branch in Porvorim HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORORIM, JULY 27

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat lays the foundation for Sinchayi Bhavan at Porvorim.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

give emphasis on rainwater harvesting. In Indoor Cricket stadium at Porvorim, we have introduced rain harvesting system and the Academy does not depend on the water supply of Public Works Department,” said Narvekar.

Minister for Water Resources Filipe Neri Rodrigues said the Data Centre of Water Resource Department would cater to the needs of the State.

“Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has assured me full financial support and authorized me to create manpower to safeguard water resources of the State,” said Rodrigues.

“The general public expects the performance from my department and hence the staff of Water Resource Department should work to the best of

their ability and live upto the expectations of the people,” he added.

On the occasion, Kamat felicitated Water Resource Department Chief Engineer Sandeep Nadkarni, Superintendent Engineer Arvind Salelker, Chief Architect Radha Pamani and Architect M Gomes.

Earlier, Secretary for Water Resource Department Ashok Acharya in his welcome address said water is life and hence it should be preserved at any cost.

“The project of Sinchayi Bhavan costing Rs 4.3 crore will be completed within 18 months,” assured Acharya.

Engineer Nazareth Vaz compered the function, while Chief Engineer Sandeep Nadkarni proposed the vote of thanks.

Poinguinim road develops cracks, pose threat to motorists

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

A Legislative panel has criticized the state Excise Department for not booking a single narcotics related case in the last four years, despite a designated cell to tackle drug trade.

The ad hoc committee on Finance, headed by Calangute legislator Agnelo Fernandes has also recommended starting of a full fledged cell to curb narcotics trade in Goa. “The committee is disappointed that the Anti-Narcotics cell is non functional for several years,” the report which was tabled in the House said. “…as a result of this, drug peddlers got a golden opportunity to establish their trade in Goa having connections with foreign drug peddlers specifically along the coastal belts,” the report states.

The committee has also pointed out that the Anti Narcotics Cell in the police department is not functioning properly and public is losing faith in the police department.

For the last few months the state has been rocked with the police-politician-drug mafia nexus in which several officers of the anti narcotics cell of the Goa police were linked.

Seven policemen attached to the elite unit have been arrested for their links to the drug mafia, in which the home minister Ravi Naik’s son has also been linked.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

Citizencredit Cooperative Bank Limited, a scheduled bank with 28 branches in Mumbai, has opened its second branch at Porvorim after Panjim.

Holy Family Church (Porvorim) Parist Priest Fr Anand da Gama Pais inaugurated the bank on Tuesday in the presence of Fr Joseph Baptista from the Pilar Society, Citizencredit Cooperative Bank Limited Lucian D’Souza, Managing Director Vere J Carneiro, General Manager Harold Ferrao, Branch Manager Janice Plavinkal, Secretary of Porvorim Residents Welfare Association Juino De Souza, Roque Dias, Edmund D’Souza, Rumania Dias, Dattaram Usgaonkar and other customers.

The bank has consolidated its position in the Co-operative Banking Sector and has formulated a policy on acquisitions and mergers and has been exploring various options for amalgamating with banks in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and other states.

The bank’s chairman, Lucian D’Souza, who is a chartered accountant, was the past treasurer of The Catholic Gymkhana Limited, a premier Goan club in Mumbai.

The bank has a proper internal system to ensure that all assets are safeguarded and there are regular Audits carried out by independent Auditors in addition to internal audits.

Corner stone laid for recreation center at Merces HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, JULY 27

PWD workers carry out repair work to avoid further damage to the road which developed cracks near Poinguinim bazaar.

Photo by Kathy Pereira HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 27

About five metres of the road near the Poinguinim bazaar in Canacona has developed cracks, posing a serious threat to motorists.

PWD workers were dispatched to attend to the Galgibaga road after one side the road showed signs of falling apart.

Locals, who witnessed the development, soon informed

PWD officials, who rushed to the site and carried out rehabilitation work to salvage its total collapse.

It is reportedly learnt that over a truckload of rubble and mud was used to fill the loosened portions, which temporary helped to avoid further slide.

It is learnt that during the October 2 floods, this portion of Galgibaga road had become weak.

Rotary’s aid to needy students PANJIM (HND): Rotary Club of Panjim Charitable Trust has invited applications from financially weak and needy students who have passed XII std in 2010, with a minimum of 50 per cent marks, and who desire to continue their studies till graduation or any professional course.

This is an unique financial assistance scheme wherein a student is given Rs 4000 per annum as scholarship, till the completion of his/her course.

The student has to pass his/her

examination every year with good marks.

The Trust has appealed to the students to collect application forms from Hotel Manoshanti, behind EDC House, Panjim and submit the form duly filled with bio-data, passing certificate, one photo, residential certificate, income proof of earning members in the family and any other details. Applications must reach the above address on or before August 7.

St Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes laid a foundation stone for a recreation center in Bhamon Bhat-Merces to mark her 76th birthday celebrations.

St Cruz Welfare Action Committee President Rudolf Fernandes, Panch Armstrong Vaz, former Merces sarpanch Prakash Naik, former deputy sarpanch Yogita Kavlekar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The works, which have been undertaken through PWD, would provide benches and other equipments for the open space, which would be developed into a garden for the villagers of Merces, especially Bhamon Bhat locals.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Victoria Fernandes said: “Though I have completed 76 years of my life today, I have not even spent a single minute of my 76-long years and has always been working for the development of my people and my constituency.”

“I always tried to carry out maximum developmental works in and around my constituency, from which this was one such work, which I had laid a foundation stone for a Recreation Center so that people of Merces, especially from Bhamon Bhat, could enjoy fresh air during their free time,” said Fernandes.

(From L to R): D Usgaokar, Juino De Souza, Citizencredit Cooperative Bank Chairman Lucian D'Souza, Branch Manager Janice Plavinkal, General Manager Harold Ferrao and Porvorim Parish Priest Fr Anand Gama Pais.

uPCoMInG eVents MMC chief on HCN

PANJIM (HND): As the commercial capital Margao is gripped by several problems, watch the Margao Municipal Council’s Chairperson Savio Coutinho discuss the probable solutions and also highlight the various inconsistencies in the City Development Plan only on HCN on July 28 at 11 am, followed by a repeat telecast at 9 pm.

ZIL seminar for farmers

PANJIM (HND): Zuari Industries Ltd, in association with Directorate of Agriculture, will organise a one-day seminar on importance, need and use of micronutrients and speciality fertilizers (water soluble fertilizers) for important crops of Goa viz coconut, mango, cashew and vegetables. The seminar will be held on July 30 at Krishi Bhawan, Tonca from 10 am onwards.

Ex-Principal Scientists, IIHR, Bangalore Dr Edward Raja will speak on micronutrients and ex-Principal Scientist, IIHR, Bangalore Dr R Palaniyappan will guide on speciality fertilizers.

Farmers seeking to take benefit of the seminar may contact taluka ZAO’s or 9423055532, 9881338383, 9623448091 for further details.

Vrundavan’s obesity camp

PANJIM (HND): To help maintain oneself in a better way, Vrundavan Hospital and Research Centre, Mapusa will hold an obesity camp on August 1, from 10 am in the hospital premises.

Laparoscopy and bariatric surgeon Dr Ramen Goel, laparoscopic surgeon Dr Sujoy A Das and Dr Digambar Naik will guide and consult the patients. All the patients attending the camp will be provided free physical examination with body mass index measurement. Other test if required will be provided at discounted rates.

Prior registration is necessary and to do so, contact Minette on 9850450540. All the attendants are requested to be present in the hospital by 10 am on the camp day.

Astronomy workshop

PANJIM (HND): The Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa) will organise an astronomy workshop on July 31, from 10 am to 4.30 pm at the Vaza Hall, Bosahn building, near Bodgeshwar Temple, Mapusa, in collaboration with the Shri Sandipani Sanskar Varg, Mapusa.

The day long workshop is meant for the secondary school teachers interested in astronomy and will cover various interesting topics in both theoretical and practical astronomy.

Faculty development program

PANJIM (HND): The Institute of Personality Development will organize a faculty development programme for the teaching profession at Institute of Personality Development, Panjim, from August 2 to 7, from 6 pm to 7 pm. It will deal with communication skills, human relationship, leadership, personality, techniques of reading and lecturing and public speaking.

Interested teachers may contact Prof Agnel Crasto at Pinto Chambers, block A, 2nd floor, opp Dena Bank, Panjim or call on 2435838/9420818302.

Power shutdown JULY 28 MAPUSA: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Hotel Preeti International, Kamarkazan and nearby surrounding areas.

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Govt directed to submit reports Court reserves order on petition seeking probe into IFFI scam of Sawant, Karapurkar panels HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

The Bombay High Court at Goa on Tuesday directed the State government to submit the detailed report of Sawant and the Karapurkar committees, appointed by the State Government to identify the forest cover in the State.

The government has to submit the report by Thursday July 29.

The division bench comprising of Justice A S Oka and F M Reis, while hearing the petition filed by Goa Foundation challenging the report filed by Forest department, questioned that when both the committees have identified a particular area as forest cover, how can after demarcation it can be reduced.

“If the committee in 19992000 has identified a particular land cover as forest then on what bases after ten years the Forest department can say it’s a non-forest area,” the court said.

Replying to the Court, Advocate General Subodh Kantak made it clear that if a particular area is just covered up by only cashew or mango plantation

then as per the Forest Act that cannot be termed as a forest area.

AG also said that if the total demarcated area by the Department is not accurate then the State is ready to re-demarcate it.

Earlier, during the hearing, amicus curiae Norma Alvares pointed out that how Forest department during the process of demarcation can reduce the forest cover, which was identified by the two committees.

The Sawant and the Karapurkar committees identified about 6,712.2 hectares as private forests. However, after demarcation by the forest department it came down to 4242.3 hectares.

Alvares said that the Forest department was only entrusted with the duty to demarcate or plot private forests where survey numbers had partial forests that were identified by two committees.

“What has been done is even in survey numbers that were identified as having total forest cover has been now identified as non-forest area,” she stated.

Illegal hutments re-surface near Margao bus stand

The Forest department had been directed by the High Court to actually demarcate the private forests on the map that were identified by the two committees.

She further pointed out that the apex court in its order in May 2001, had stated that no action should be taken contrary to the final report of Sawant committee.

W h e n t h e o rd e r o f t h e Supreme Court has not been vacated – how could the Forest department redo and show reduced forest cover, she questioned.

The Goa Foundation had approached the apex court when Karapurkar committee appointed in 2000 to identify balance private forests, started re-identifying private forest areas that were already covered

by Sawant committee.

The Sawant committee during its tenure from 1997-1999 identified about 46.89 sq kms of private forests. While the Karapurkar Committee, appointed in 2000 had identified about 20.18 sq km of private forests.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

The Special Court on Tuesday reserved the final order to August 7 on a petition filed by activist Kashinath Shetye seeking thorough investigation into the alleged International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2004 related scam running into crores of rupees.

When the matter came before the court today afternoon, Special Judge Nutan Sardessai pointed out that CBI has failed to submit the case diary to the court, which was suppose to be given during weekends.

As such she postponed the order for August 7 afternoon.

The Special Public Prosecutor S R Rivonkar appearing on behalf of CBI, told the court that the case diary is ready and will submit today.

Claiming that only former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, was targeted in the case, Shetye approached the court seeking a direction to CBI to examine the culpability of all the members of the core committee.

He had also alleged that the firm Bharat Construction which was owned by a wife of a top politician, who was the member of the core committee, had been

HC refuses to review order in Vishwajeet’s case HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

illegal hutments have mushroomed near the KTC bus stand right under the nose of the Margao Municipal Council and the district Collector, South.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

Illegal hutments have re-surfaced once again near the Margao bus stand, causing nuisance to the local residents and farmers.

The residents demanded to know why the Margao Municipal Council and the health authorities are dragging their feet to initiate action against the illegal hutments.

A local resident Berta Fernan-

des pointed out that the farmers cannot even enter the fields as the hutment dwellers answer nature’s call in the open.

Incidentally, the authorities have till date not cracked a whip against the scrapyard near the KTC bus stand for reasons best known to them. Sources in the know said the illegal scrap yard has been operating in the area for quite some time, but the city Fathers have been hesitating to initiate action till date.

The Bombay High Court at Goa on Tuesday refused to review its order in Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane case.

The Division bench comprising of Justice A S Oka and F M Reis today heard the review petition filed by Advocate Aires Rodrigues drawing the High Court’s attention that there were two errors apparent on the face of the record in the order.

Failing to get justice from the High Court, Rodrigues has now decided to move a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court challenging the entire High Court order which had ruled that Section 506 of Indian Penal code was non-cognizable while quashing the chargesheet against Rane.

Rodrigues has stated that the Supreme Court would also have to examine on the point of law the decision of the High Court that the Goa government had no powers to issue a notification making Sec 506 cognizable.

High Court on July 21 held that an offence under Section 506 (threat to kill) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) was non-cognizable and had directed the Old Goa Police to proceed in the matter under Section 155 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The 73-page chargesheet was filed by the Old Goa Police against Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane under Sec 506 of Indian Penal Code for allegedly having threatened to kill social activist Adv Aires Rodrigues on July 31, 2007.

Incidentally, Sec 506 was made cognizable by a notification issued by the Goa Government in 1973 when Vishwajeet Rane’s father Pratapsing Rane was the Law Minister.

However when Section 506 was invoked against Health Minister, the Goa Government suddenly took a stand that the section is non-cognizable.

Urine tests in Canacona for early detection of kidney ailments HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Around 44,000 urine samples of the people from Canacona would be collected to check the cause of the mysterious deaths due to kidney ailments in last few years.

Dr Shekhar Salkar, President of the Indian Medical Association’s Goa Unit told reporters here on Tuesday that except for children below ten years of age, urine samples of all would be collected and tested from August 15 onwards.

“Once we detect suspected patients through urine tests, their blood would be tested so that the treatment can begin at once,” Salkar said.

He said the exercise is being carried out in association with Directorate of Health Services and Manipal Group of Hospitals.

“In the exercise group of doctors, para-medics, anganwadi workers and volunteers will be formed,” he continued.

The test would be conducted to quantify protein, albumin and red blood cells (RBC) in the urine.

Canacona taluka is troubled spot with kidney ailments attaining alarming proportion over last several decades.

Rough estimates point out that of the total patients admitted in Goa Medical College (GMC), 80 per cent are from Canacona taluka.

“It is estimated that 70 per cent of the people from Canacona taluka are affected with kidney ailment,” Prof F M Nadaf, a geographer, teaching in the taluka, said.

“Almost one of the two person from Canacona belong to Pagi or Velip community. These communities are high risk groups for this disease,” Dr Salkar said.

The government record indicates that there are 394 kidney patients in this taluka, of which 94 are regularly taking dialysis at state government hospital.

An Urban Health Centre at Canacona has conducted 25,000 dialysis since 2003, when the machine was commissioned there.

“The problem here is acute.

There are large number of people who realize that they are suffering from kidney ailment at much later stage,” Vasudeo Pagi, a journalist hailing from this taluka, said.

Pagi lost his father and aunt to this disease.

The repetitive studies by the state government through private agencies have failed to pin point the reason behind the kidney cases.

“I personally feel that the cases may be basically because of chemical composition of water in this area,” Nadaf said.

Dr Salkar said that till now many studies are conducted but no cause could be identified.

“Now we want to have early diagnosis so that there is early treatment,” he said.

114 foreign nationals held for overstaying since 2007 HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

About 114 foreign nationals were arrested for overstaying in the State for a period between 2007 and 2010 with majority being nationals of Russia, Nigeria and British. However, in the last two years the number of Russians and Nigerians citizens overstaying have increased.

The statistics about foreign nationals who stayed even after the expiry of their visas was submitted by home minister in the House on Tuesday, in his written reply to a un-starred question

Period

No of Foreign nationals overstayed

2007

31

2008

29

2009

28

tabled by Fatorda MLA, Damu Naik.

In 2007, the number of British, Russians and Italians nationals overstaying was high however, now it is mostly Nige-

rians and Russians.

In 2009, the number of Russians who overstayed was seven and that of Nigerians was five whereas just three British nationals were found to be overstaying during this period.

But this year – January 1 to July 8 – Nigerians topped the list – eleven Nigerian were arrested by police found overstaying while seven Russians were arrested for over staying. Majority were arrested from North Goa’s beach areas of Calangute, Anjuna and Pernem.

KR services between Goa to Mumbai unlikely to resume

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

Train services on the Konkan Railway route between Goa and Mumbai are unlikely to resume in the next two days.

The services continue to remain affected due to continuous unprecedented rainfall and resultant landslide / soil slippageinto the section between Nivsar & Adavali, informed KRC Sr Public Relations Officer, Baban Ghatge.

He said it would take more than two days now for the KRC to restore the rail services at Ratnagiri, adding that heavy rainfall is hampering the restoration work.

He said that Konkan Railway has been compelled to Terminate / Divert / Cancel / Transship the following train services as a precautionary measure.

Short Route Termination: 01.

KR5/KR6 Diva–Sawantwadi Passenger Train will run between Diva–Ratnagiri– Diva and will be cancelled between Ratnagiri – Sawantwadi – Ratnagiri on 2807-2010.

Trains that has been cancelled are: 0103 Dn CSTM-Madgaon Mandovi Exp; 0104 Up Madgaon-CSTM Mandovi Exp. on 28-07-2010;0111 Dn CSTM –Madgaon Konkankanya Exp; 0112 Up Madgaon – CSTM Konkankanya Exp;2051 Dn CSTM –Madgaon Jan Shatabdi Exp;2052 Up Madgaon-CSTM Jan Shatabdi Express;2619 Dn LT(T)-Mangalore Matsyagandha Exp;2620 Up Mangalore– LT(T) Matsyagandha Exp.;KR8/KR7 Madgaon-Sawantwadi Passenger Train. While Trains which have been diverted are the 2617 Ernakulam – Nizamuddin Mangala Express leaving from Ernakulam via Madgaon, Londa, Miraj, Pune, Karjat & Panvel, Nizamuddin – Ernakulam Mangala Express leaving from Nizamuddin on 27-07-2010 via Panvel, Karjat, Pune, Miraj, Londa & Madgaon.

n The complaint against Parrikar and others was filed by Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho in 2006, alleging multicrore scam in IFFI related works. awarded IFFI contracts.

The complaint against Par-

rikar and others was filed by Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho in 2006, alleging multicrore scam in IFFI related works.

Parrikar who was chief minister in 2004 was also chairman of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).

Major infrastructure development for holding the first IFFI in Goa was executed through GSIDC. However, CBI in their argument had maintained that the members of the core committee have already been questioned.

OHERALDO

GOA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 28 JULY, 2010

Pg 7 Goods, gold ornaments stolen at Sanquelim HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, JULY 27

Electronics items and gold ornaments worth over Rs 1 lakh were stolen from a shop and a flat at Gokulwadi-Sanquelim in the wee hours of Tuesday.

According to reports, the incident occurred at about 4 am.

T h e b u rg l a r s b ro ke o p e n Natekar Electronics at Shetye Plaza, Sanquelim, and decamped with three LCD TV sets, several mobile phones and a Handicam, all worth about Rs 90,000.

Later, the burglars effected entry into a flat belonging to one Shakila Aga from the same building and stole a Mangalsutra, camera and some gold ornaments. Aga, who was alone in the flat, had gone to her neighbour’s flat to sleep at night.

In the morning, dog squad was pressed into service and even help of finger print experts was sought. The dogs went upto Desai Nagar, but were unable to find any clue.

As per the reports, the police patrolling van had seen a suspicious person in the area at about the same time and when the police called out for the person, he ran away leaving a bag behind. The bag contained some chargers, TV remote and some mobile phones. PSI Ditendra Naik is investigating the case.

SMC turning blind eye to vendors request HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, JULY 27

Given the negligent attitude of Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) in repairing the shop allocated to the lone newspaper vendor in Sanguem, a newspaper vendor has been asked to occupy a table space in the adjoining building to distribute newspapers.

Vasta has been occupying the table space, admeasuring about 8 sq mtrs, just below the Parker Hotel since the last many years.

Vasta is the lone newspaper agent in Sanguem selling all newspapers and periodicals for the people in and around Sanguem, besides providing newspaper service to schools, government offices and libraries in Sanguem.

Since the last over one year, Vasta has been complaining to the Chief Officer, SMC for the repair of the shop allocated to him, as the seepage of water inside the shop from the water drain existing underneath the shop had made the conduct of business difficult for him.

Due to the seepage of water inside the shop, the shop is stinking badly with mosquitoes straying all around, thereby giving no peace for Vasta and his employees to serve the people with the much-needed service.

Incidentally despite several request to the municipal authorities, the SMC has not paid any heed to Vasta’s request, thereby compounding the problems faced by Vasta with every passing day.

Speaking to Herald, Vasta claimed that if it was any other business, then he would have shut his shop and shifted elsewhere.

“But being in the newspaper agency, I have commitments to the locals, particularly my annual subscribers, which compels me to stay around despite many odds I have to face in the conduct of the business,” added Vasta while making a fervent appeal to the SMC for early repair of the shop so as to enable him to conduct the business smoothly in the interest of the locals.

2 held for manhandling Linesman at Curtorim

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 27

The Maina Curtorim police has arrested two persons from Curtorim for allegedly manhandling an Assistant linesman on Sunday night.

The Assistant Linesman John Fernandes had alleged that when he was manhandled by the two persons Seby Hilario and Vitorino Fernandes while discharging his duties.

The Maina Curtorim police are investigating.

OHERALDO

Edit Page Template:Layout 1 7/27/2010 11:07 PM Page 1

OPINION

Pg8

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

A whole human being

Vol No CX No: 192 Goa, Wednesday 28 July, 2010

I

Telling it like it is

n a remarkable display of candour, a Legislature Committee − the Ad hoc Committee on Finance − has given a very accurate picture of a number of the government’s pet projects and severely embarrassed the government on a few other issues. Calangute Congress MLA Agnelo Fernandes, who headed the panel, must be congratulated on his committee’s accurate perceptions. It is committees like this − which comprise MLAs from most of the leading parties in the Legislative Assembly and, therefore, do not tend to exactly toe the line of the government − that reveal the real strength of a democracy and the wisdom of creating a balance of power between the three pillars of the state; the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.

In its report submitted to the Assembly today, the Ad hoc Committee on Finance has asked the government to rethink the Dona Paula-Vasco Sea Link project. “The committee is of the opinion that the project would be a white elephant on the economy of the state,” the report states, urging a complete rethink of the project. Without mincing words, the report says it is a mindless project with a provision of Rs100 crore just for appointment of consultants in the year 2009-10, which has resulted in blocking of a huge amount of funds for no reason, which could have been put to use for other, more tangible developmental activities. It goes on to say: “The committee is also of the opinion that the sea link project may not benefit a small state like Goa. The committee therefore recommends to the government to avoid such huge unnecessary provisions in budget estimates in future.” How’s that for high thinking and plain speaking?

The Ad hoc Committee on Finance has also expressed serious concern about the increasing debts of the state, and suggested that the Goa government needs to implement new measures urgently to increase the state’s revenue. “The committee is of the opinion that though the government has succeeded in implementing the recommendations of the VI Pay Commission to the [government] employees, it has come at a high price,” the report says. It also points out that most government departments have not followed any austerity measures and rather, indulged in reckless expenditure, increasing the government’s liabilities, for which there are no alternatives other than borrowing money from the open market. While the government should be implementing new measures to increase its revenue in order to reduce the debt burden, it points out that on the contrary, the government has failed completely to implement the various revenue earning schemes like professional tax, mining rejects tax and state entry tax, which it declared with great fanfare in the State Budget. These, it says, have regrettably “remained only on paper”. If the government does not become serious about the high rate of debt (which is increasing day by day), it may lead Goa into a debt trap, the report warns.

The committee’s report goes on to castigate the Goa Excise Department, which it says has not booked even a single narcotics-related case in the last four years, despite having a designated cell to tackle the drug trade. “The cell is not functional for the last several years, as a result of which drug peddlers have got a golden opportunity to establish their trade in Goa, which has connections with foreign drug peddlers, specifically along the coastal belt,” Committee Chairman Agnelo Fernandes said in his summary of the report. The committee has also noted that the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) in the Police Department is not functioning properly, causing the public to lose faith in the police. It goes on to recommend starting of a full-fledged cell to curb the narcotics trade in Goa. Nothing could be more frank or straightforward than that.

But is the government listening?

To achieve authentic power, we must align our personality with our soul, says iBOniO D’sOUZA

A

study of figures such as the philosopher William James, psychologist Carl Jung, scientist Albert Einstein and our own Mahatma Gandhi, leads one to the conclusion that their great ideas concerning human life and the universe came from somewhere ‘beyond the personality’.

They were able to cut through the clouds of the ego and receive information or wisdom that was already there but needed to be tapped into. It is this capacity to make a connection with our soul and its purpose for our life; that is intricately woven into the greater purpose of the evolving universe.

There is physical evolution, which we all know about, but what does it mean when we say that someone is a much evolved human being? What made Mahatma Gandhi or Mother Teresa, for instance, different? What evolution means to us reflects the knowledge that we have gained of our world through our five senses. However, if we were to explore the universe beyond the five senses – by becoming ‘multi-sensory beings’ – we would have a correspondingly larger understanding of the universe.

Most times, if we cannot observe something through our five physical senses, we doubt that it exists. In the five-sensory world, the ability to survive is the main criterion for evolution and, therefore, fear of not surviving is the defining characteristic of human relationships and psychology.

The ability to control the environment, whether it is nature, other people, or economics, is the main indicator of power, and therefore power is always something external. But, if you look at many of the great figures in history, those who have transformed the way we think, many of them had no external power.

Did we not see that the words and actions of Jesus became more powerful then the might of the Roman Empire?

A soul knows what it would like to achieve before it enters a body on Earth, but this intention is forgotten when we are born. Our personality is born with our body, but our soul lives beyond the body.

Our personality has likes and dislikes, but our soul has intentions that it would like to see fulfilled. It will try to guide our life so that these are fulfilled, but the personality may have desires that override them and end as the true shapers

The Missing Link of our life. Because not many people understand the distinction between the soul and the personality, most people exist according to their personality. But the wise learn to let their soul shine through and allow it to express its purpose.

Only the personality can create and experience the ‘bad’ emotions of fear, anger, greed, sorrow, regret, indifference, cynicism, and so on. Yet, people who are aware of their soul are able to see beyond these states in others and in themselves.

When we decide to sense the intentions and purposes of our soul, we become authentically empowered. We may resist what it is asking, but our evolution depends on our listening and acting.

If we are to achieve authentic power, aligning our personality with our soul must be the main concern of our life.

Our world of science and logic marginalises feelings and subjectivity. Yet, those people who do not look for the deeper meaning in their lives often end up with despair or emptiness. They are, in effect, unconsciously ‘living out their karma’, like robots.

But it is possible to live at a more conscious level recognising our tendencies and trying to move ourselves higher.

We have not been taught to listen to our intuition. We tend to experience life only through our five senses and, therefore, disregard hunches

and unexplainable insights.

To someone ruled by only their five senses, intuitions are not really considered ‘knowledge’ and so are disregarded or treated as curiosities.

The multi-sensory person, however, understands hunches and promptings to be their link to a wiser, larger mind that speaks the truth.

There are many practical tools to be receptive to intuition or spiritual guidance, and most of them have to do with the present. This requires cultivating a quiet mind. We live in a noisy world, filled with distractions and bright lights, both inside ourselves and in the outside world of chatter, bustle and information overload.

We have to learn how to dim those lights if we are to connect to the Supreme who can guide us. Meditation, Yoga, walking in nature, sitting in beauty; all these are portals to the present that invite a quiet mind. When your body feels relaxed, peaceful, open and receptive, there is more availability of wisdom.

Another way to cultivate intuition is to have a sense of faith that what we are experiencing in life has a reason to it, and trusting that it is all for a good end. This makes us less judgemental, and more open to the truth.

Intuition is like a walkie-talkie between the personality and the soul. Most people are unwilling to fully trust their intuition, because sometimes it points us in a way not to our liking, a path of greater resistance.

But if we are unwilling to take the advice of our soul, we will never be able to flower into our true potential. Our personality will choose what suits its purposes, but these purposes are usually less noble than the soul.

The modern world seems chaotic because it is mostly a reflection of the personality in all its anger, lust and insecurities. If the world is truly going to evolve, it needs to be built around greater awareness of the soul, as opposed to the personality.

The person with authentic power is simply one who has achieved an alignment of his soul and his personality – the power of one. We chase fame, money and position because we feel lack of power inside, but without knowing our soul, real power will always elude us. When a personality is in full balance, you cannot see where it ends and the soul begins. That is a whole human being.

sauce Age Pao-war!

Goan abroad!

I

opened the freezer. My parrot reeled from the hot blast. “God, you giddy gent,” she screamed, “What’s that smell?” “S’cuse the wordplay,” I said, “but it’s uh, pun...gent.”

My freezer, packed with spicy sausages brought from Goa by Salu Chonch, steamed in the searing NY summer heat.

“Phooey!” Cocky wrinkled her eyes. “Those Goa sausages are ripe... What would I give for a real Yankee hot dog!”

So I took her down to our friendly wiener-stand on the corner.

Imagine my shock to see it manned by....Combo Caitan! Tied to one end, was a cute little dachshund too.

“Kitem,” I said “Combo Caitan? Anga kith vikhtat re, loliya?”

“Comber Cayton, to you,” he snapped, “Wanna hot dog?”

“I see you have a real live sausage dog,” cackled Cocky.

“S’cuse me,” glared Combo, “but he’s no ornery mutt. I got him from Hollywood; he’s a movie star, he’s played...”

“Sausage....roles?” chortled Cocky wickedly. Combo glared as the little dachshund panted in the summer heat. “Looks a real...

hot dog, too,” I ventured giggling.

“Do you idiots want a hot dog, or not?” yelled Combo. “Well actually...” I thought aloud, “you wouldn’t happen to be selling real Goan chouris-pao, would you?”

“Do I look like like a pao-walla to you?” he was sarcastic.

“Yes,” I smiled, “You’re having a pao wow with us, too...”

“Aaargh,” he screamed “You’re worse than Mauvin Bobo!”

Both Combo Caitan and Mauvin Bobo were reformant felons.

As part of its rehabilitation program, the City of NY had given both crims a handcart each. Interestingly both started up hot dog stands in different corners of Central Park.

“Ha ha,” Cocky crowed, “How’s your pao’war struggle going?”

“You both think you’re very witty don’t you?” cried Combo. “I never sausage a bunch of bad puns!”

“Stick to the pork,” I said, “You got chouris-pao or not?”

“Not!” he snapped, “I only do real pork wieners and hot dogs; not that dog-meat served by Mauvin Bobo.”

By Francis Rodrigues “Dog-meat?” spat Cocky, “I’m not sure the City would be too happy with your own live dog around raw food.”

“Oh?” spat Combo, “And where will I park my darling pooch?”

“How about,” cackled Cocky, “The pork’ing lot?”

“Swine,” snarled Caitan, “I know more about sausages and pork than you dukors ever will. Since you’re so cocky, tell me - how long sausages should be grilled?”

“The same as short ones,” chortled Cocky in evil glee.

“We’ll take two hot-dogs,” I hurried to placate Combo Caitan. “Mustard and relish, but easy on the ketchup.”

“No, no,” disagreed Cocky, “I want lotsa sauce. Like money, it’s the grease that makes life palatable... in this day and age.”

“What... day and age?” I enquired acidly.

“The... Sauce Age,” she screamed in hysterical glee.

The popat always knows.

[If you just arrived: Langoti “Long” John Silva is a globe-trotting Goencar, always accompanied by his wise-cracking parrot Cocky]

Letters to the Editor Another increase?

Half and half

Peter Simoes, Siolim

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

The report ‘Bus travel to cost more from Aug 1’ (Herald, 24 July) is amusing. The Directorate of Road Transport is unaware of how private bus operators and even Kadamba have already been charging increased fares from 8 July, without any prior notification as required by the RTO. This is needless fleecing of the public. The RTO should ensure strict compliance of the Code of Conduct by bus operators.

The crack in the hull of the MV River Princess has further widened and there are fears that the ship might break into two, even as two companies are involved in a tussle to win the bid to remove the stranded ship (Herald, 24 July). Probably the best solution is to allot one half of the ship to one company and the other half to another. That way, the stranded ship will be removed in double quick time.

Be nicer, please

New actors, too

Blossom Cabral, Nagoa Though it hurts, the aam admi cannot whine about the proposed hike in bus fares as the prices of diesel have spiralled. Hopefully, when travelling by bus, passengers will be treated in a more civil manner by the bus staff, bringing in good cheer despite the hike.

100 Years Ago

Sajla Chawla, Margao In the article ‘Reworking the script’ (Herald, 23 July), Dr Oscar Rebello has stressed the need for political parties to come up with a new ideology, using the analogy of the need for a good script to make a good a movie. We do not just want a new script, but new actors as well. The present actors in our political scenario have too many personal agendas, scams, womanising and other horrendous obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Highway House Panel PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

28 July 1910 Stamp Circulation

In accordance with the Decree dated 19th August 1909, from the 1st January of the present year, the circulation of the new postage stamps, has begun.

Land Concession

It is reported that the Government has granted the land concession, in the District of Sanvordem, to install the “Goa Coir & Oil Mills”.

Ashok Kerker, by email As Manohar Parrikar was pressing the issue of people affected by road widening, Churchill Alemao proposed forming a House Committee. If indeed such a committee comes up, the CM and Churchill should not be on it. It should comprise the Leader of the Opposition and the MLAs of the affected constituencies, who should visit every affected person and compensate them as per present market value.

Stand tall, be brave

Launch Unutilized

Maria Nita do Rosario Gomes, Curtorim (a teacher)

Counterfeit Silver

Congratulations to Judge B P Despande for respecting Sonia as a ‘teacher’ and for allowing a sorrowing mother to be free to soothe her ailing and agonising son.

The friendship between Mickky and the late Nadia must have been one of consent.

Nadia consumed poison without realising the bitter legacy she was leaving behind for her loved ones.

The motor-launch “Rocada” was rendered unutilized after its helix broke when it rubbed the wrong way against a rock.

It is reported from Bombay that counterfeit silver coins suspected to arrive from China, were found in the market.

Letter of the Day

Temple in Ravindra Bhavan?

Peter Andrade, Vasco During the demolition of the Baina red light area, many shrines of different faiths were demolished. One small Muslim shrine was rebuilt and demolished time and again. The Mormugao MLA asked a question in the ongoing Assembly about illegal shrines on government land, and the concerned minister – who is also the Vasco MLA – replied.

I want to ask both these MLAs who has authorised a small Hindu temple to be built inside the Ravindra Bhavan complex, on the same land that was cleared of similar encroachments earlier. This temple was concealed behind tin sheets and seemed to be a security cabin, but is now open to all as a temple. If the concerned MLAs and officials can permit a concrete temple inside the fenced area of Ravindra Bhavan, why should the Muslim shrine outside the complex not be permitted? Either allow both or demolish both, as they are both on government land.

Mickky’s plight is nothing but political vendetta and police harassment. Greater crimes like the drugs-cops nexus still await justice. Teacher Sonia, you have proved your mettle. Stand tall, stand brave.

Double standards Cedric da Costa, Margao The proposed ‘padyatra’ by the Congress in Karnataka to protest against illegal mining smacks of double standards. In Goa, the ruling Congress is itself neck deep in illegal and legal mining. The CM refuses to entertain any allegation against the mining lobby, as members of his extended family are in the mining business. Let the Congress take out a ‘padayatra’ against illegal mining in Goa first!

Sonia’s tragedy Sidonio Mendes, Chandor After reading ‘A lady of substance’ (Herald, 20 July), I was touched by the sincerity of Cicero Lourenco for standing by his teacher in her difficult situation. Sonia is a dedicated teacher for the last 30 years, but that it could not stand for her bonafides in this unfortunate situation is a tragedy.

May all those school dropouts who are our political leaders, the few ‘tiatrists’ who crucify people based on gossip, and the pliant cops please read the above letter and think over it?

No substance Atanasio Silva, Ribandar I was amused reading ‘A Lady of substance’ (Herald, 20 July), in which Cicero Lourenco raises ‘hosannas’ to a teacher of a leading Margao school for being a guiding light in his life. Why couldn’t this outstanding teacher be a guiding light to her own household, but instead allowed it to become a den of vice? What use is it to conquer the world, but lose one’s own soul? Such people deserve no sympathy.

Real reason Socorro Cardozo, Varca Has any true blue-blooded Goan realised that the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Nadia Joelle Torrado is simply the fallout of a materialistic and uniquely foreign culture that has invaded the simple fabric of Goan social life? This is a heady mix of dirty money, flashy cars and false promises. Indeed if it was not so, there would be Joelle (‘God is willing’; translation from the Hebrew).

White elephant Robert Castellino, Calangute In its report to the Goa Assembly, the Adhoc Committee on Finance headed by Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes has stated categorically that the Vasco-Dona Paula sealink will be a white elephant. Even in Mumbai, the actual number of vehicles using the Sea-link is only about 35,000; 50 per cent of the expected traffic.

In Goa, traffic density is comparatively very low. Not many vehicle owners will opt to pay a heavy toll to use the proposed sealink.

The project needs to be buried once and for all, and the money used to benefit the ‘aam admi’, not contractors and middlemen.

Day of the aged Polls & Kabrastan Murad Karol, Navelim Politicians are quick to acquire land for various other projects, but for the Kabrastan, their attitude is biased and unreasonable.

Sonsodo as a burial place was opposed by the Muslim community long ago.

The Muslim community strongly insists on the 1999 Assembly resolution in which an area of 99,513 sq metres at Aquem was proposed for burial grounds of all communities.

During elections campaigns, Congress as well as BJP leaders make a lot of promises, which are forgotten the instant the polls are over. Goan Muslims should be careful about who they vote for in the next election.

Michael Vaz, Merces On 26 July, Christians all over the world celebrate the feast of Saints Joachim and Anna, the parents of Blessed Virgin Mary. In our parishes, it is also reckoned as ‘Grandparents’ Day’.

It is right and fitting to think of the elders in our community and make life pleasant for them.

In our country, by and large, there is respect for the elderly. Even in Goa, only a small percentage of senior citizens live in old age homes. No effort should be spared to make living in old age homes a pleasant experience.

Humans need more than food and healthcare. They need proper recreation facilities and space to move about. The government should give a serious thought to this.

Paths of Wisdom The Greatest Devotee

By Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Once upon a time conceit entered into the heart of Narada and he thought there was no greater devotee than himself.

Reading his heart, the Lord said, “Narada, go to such and such a place, a great devotee of mine is living there.

Cultivate his acquaintance; for he is truly devoted to me.”

Narada went there and found an farmer who rose early in the morning, pronounced the name of Hari (God) only once, and taking his plough, went out and tilled the ground all day long.

At night, he went to bed after pronouncing the name of Hari once more.

Narada said to himself “How can this rustic be a lover of God? I see him busily engaged in worldly duties and he has no signs of a pious man about him.”

Then Narada went back to the Lord, and spoke what he thought of his new acquaintance. There upon the Lord said, “Narada, take this cup of oil and go round this city and come back with it. But take care that you do not spill even a single drop of it.” Narada did as he was told, and on his return the Lord asked him, “Well, Narada, how many times did you remember me in the course of your walk round the city?” “Not once, my Lord,” said Narada, “and how could I, when I had to watch this cup brimming over with oil?”

The Lord then said, “This one cup of oil did so divert your attention that even you did forget me altogether. But look at that rustic, who, though carrying the heavy burden of a family, still remembers me twice every day.”

(Source: Wikipedia)

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INDIA

GOA, wednesdAy, 28 july, 2010

opinionated A Salute To Murali

By Mauro Fernandes

Only the last wicket to fall, his wicket tally reads 799 wickets and he is playing in his farewell test match. It was nothing short of a Bollywood pot-boiler. And yes he did it. Muttiah Muralitharan created history at Galle on July 22, 2010 when he became the first bowler and perhaps the only one in a long time to come, to claim 800 test wickets .Even though his last victim Pragyan Ohja was a Indian, and India were absolutely trashed by the rampaging Lankans, and every Indian will feel sorry for the battered Indian team, yet they will be extremely happy for this great yet, humble Tamilian . Murali will go down in history as the greatest ever bowler in the history of test cricket who toiled very hard against all odds to bring Sri Lankan cricket the high standard that it has today. He along with Arjuna Ranatunga , Aravinda D’Silva, Sanath Jayasurya and Chaminda Vaas laid a strong foundation for Sri Lankan Cricket, the results of which can be seen in the performance of the cricketers of that country.

Muralitharan was born in the village of Nattarampotha in Kundasale (near Kandy), the eldest of the four sons to Sinnasamy Muttiah and Lakshmi. He is the first and only Tamil of Indian origin in the Sinhalese dominated Sri Lankan team to represent Sri Lanka in international cricket. Interestingly, he started his career as medium pace bowler and took up off spin bowling only on the advice of his school coach Sunil Fernando. An unorthodox off spinner, he came to prominence in the infamous boxing day test of 1995 against Australia at MCG. Australian umpire Darrell Hair called Muralitharan for throwing in front of a crowd of 55,239. The off-spinner, was no-balled seven times in three overs by Hair, who believed the then 23-year old was bending his arm and straightening it in the process of delivery; an illegal action in cricket. The entire Sri Lankan team was outraged by Hair’s actions and they stood by Murali. A bold Arjuna Ranatunga the then Sri lankan captain, walked out with his team in protest amidst abuses and racial chants from the vociferous Aussie crowd.

However, Murali’s action was cleared by the ICC after biomechanical analysis at the University of Western Australia and at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology in 1996.

They scientists concluded that his action created the 'optical illusion of throwing’. After being cleared by the ICC, he never looked back and went from strength to strength to help the Lankans become a top team and claim the World Cup the greatest prize in Cricket, in 1996-an honour that even our own legend Sachin Tendulkar’s career hasn’t witnessed.

Murali with another team mate and legend Chaminda Vaas ably shouldered the responsibility of the Sri Lankan bowling attack for almost two decades, bringing much success to the Emerald Island in the field of cricket.

His bowling technique and capabilities was a cut above the rest of his contemporaries such as Anil Kumble and Shane Warne. Wisden, known as the cricketing Gospel named him as ‘Cricketer of the year’ twice - in 2002 and 2006. But the greatest honour came in 2002 when Wisdem ranked Murali as best test bowler of all time even ahead of another spin wizard the legendary Shane Warne. Former Australian captain Steve Waugh called Murali "the Don Bradman of bowling. On 3 December 2007, just hours after Muttiah Muralitharan became Test cricket's leading Test wicket-taker, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced that it had unveiled a portrait of the Sri Lanka off-spinner at Lords, the Mecca of Cricket – indeed a great honour for an Asian player. On the same day, the Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts in Sri Lanka issued a circular stamp with a denomination of Rs. 5 to mark the world record set by Muttiah Muralitharan. The circular design was meant to denote the cricket ball. Muttiah Muralitharan is also the highest wicket taker in ODI s and still going strong in the shorter format of the game. In fact, he has played in two World Cup finals, And who knows the next year’s World Cup in Indian sub continent could his swan song?

A gentleman to the core, he is very good human being as well and has donated generously to Charity. Muralitharan, along with his manager Kushil Gunasekara, established the Foundation of Goodness,[ a charity organisation, in the early 2000s. This organisation is committed to the wellbeing of the Seenigama region (in southern Sri Lanka) and supports local communities through a range of projects across areas including children’s needs, education and training, healthcare and psycho-social support, housing, livelihoods, sport and the environment. When Sri Lanka was ravaged by the devastating Tsunami on December 26, 2004 Murali was in fore front to galvanised support to ensure aid reached the affected people at the earlist. He also played at crucial role in the reconstruction work. His foundation raised more than US$ 4 million to help survivors, and has built homes, schools, sports facilities and computer centres. All this speaks volumes of this great man.

As the golden chapter of Murali glittering cricketing career comes to end , we salute and pay glowing tributes to this living legend who served Sri Lankan cricket unselfishly for very long time and enthralled cricket lovers globally with his mesmerizing spin bowling. May God shower his choicest blessing in his future endeavours on this ‘incredible smiling assassin’.

Court issues non-bailable warrants against Shah’s aides PTI AHMEDABAD, JULY 27

The CBI court has issued nonbailable warrants against Yashpal Chudasama and Ajay Patel, two close aides of former Gujarat minister Amit Shah, who have now been declared absconders, in the Sobrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.

T h e warrant was issued by the chief additional judicial magistrate A I Raval yesterday after CBI probing the case, applied for their remand.

According to the chargesheet filed by CBI, after the probe in the case was transferred to the agency in January this year, Shah directed Patel and Chudasama to "convince, coerce, threaten, influence the witnesses on his behalf to conceal the truth from CBI, about the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin."

Investigation revealed that Patel conveyed a message to two witnesses Raman Patel and Dashrat Patel that what they would be deposing before CBI would be supplied to them in the form of written statements

by DCP Abhay Chudasama, who is also an accused in the case.

Both the witnesses had four meetings with middlemen sent

by Shah at four different places.

These meetings were videographed by the two witnesses in a discreet manner. These audio-visual recording has been seized by the CBI. "The transcription of these meetings revealed obstruction and influencing the witnesses of this case by Amit Shah and Abhay Chudasama," the chargesheet said. Shah, the former Shah is now in CBI custody and lodged in Sabarmati jail.

"The audio-visual records also indicate that Ajay Patel and Yashpal Chudasama had actively participated in the main conspiracy and the crime committed in furtherance to the conspiracy," it added.

Raman Patel and Dashrat Patel are owners of Popular Builders where Gujarat police had stage managed a shoot out using close aides of Sohrabuddin with the purpose of lodging FIR against the alleged gangster in Gujarat in December 2004, it further said.

SOHRABUDDIN CASE

US investigating possible ISI role in Mumbai attack PTI WASHINGTON, JULY 27

In the wake of India's assertion that ISI was involved in the Mumbai attacks, the Obama Administration has said it was investigating the matter to find out whether Pakistan's spy agency played a role in the 26/11 terror strikes.

"We are very much engaged in this question," a senior Administration official told PTI, when asked about the statements made by Home Secretary G K Pillai and National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon that ISI had played a role in planning and execution of the Mumbai terror attacks.

The official, who requested anonymity, said that the matter was under investigation and he would not like to comment till the probe was over.

The revelation about ISI role

in 26/11 had not only come from the interrogation of Pakistani-American LeT operative David Headley, but also through India's own investigation which had been shared with the US officials.

Pakistan, for its part, has strongly denied that ISI had any role.

It is understood that the issue was raised when US National Security Advisor James Jones met his Indian counterpart during his trip to New Delhi this month.

It is learnt that officials of the Obama Administration were more considerate than ever about the Indian assertion against the ISI. In fact, Pakistan has been told by top American officials, who visited Islamabad, this month that "it must" take strong action against those involved in the Mumbai terrorist

attacks and that this would be the barometer of its sincerity and willingness to improve its relationship with India.

"The message has been delivered quite forcefully and quite convincingly," Gen Jones had told an Indian channel.

Pakistan must recognise that it is contrary to their own interests for the future and the stability of the region to continue to tolerate the existence of insurgents within their borders, he said.

"So as a first means of correcting that then, as a first means of showing that Pakistan wants the same things we want and has the same values we want, they have to make the tough decision to go after these terrorist organisations and state, I think, concretely and publicly that this, as a matter of policy cannot be tolerated," he said.

Price rise: Parliament disrupted, Oppn set for another showdown PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Demanding a debate on price rise under a motion that entails voting, the entire opposition today prevented functioning of both Houses of Parliament and vowed to press the issue again tomorrow, setting the stage for another showdown.

Cutting across party lines, the opposition including BJPled NDA and Left created pandemonium in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by pressing for Adjournment Motion on price rise issue on the first day of business during the Monsoon Session that began yesterday.

Among other parties pressing the demand were Samajwadi Party RJD and JD(U).

BSP also wanted suspension of Question Hour to discuss price rise but not under a motion that entails voting as it does not want to be seen "with BJP".

While the government has expressed readiness for a debate on the issue, it is not willing to do so under the rule that provides for voting, arguing that such a discussion has already taken place under Cut Motion in April.

To blunt this argument, the opposition parties are pressing for discussion on increase in prices of kerosene and LPG, which have taken place recently.

The Opposition members created uproar in both the Houses while pressing their demands. In view of the situation, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned, first till 1200 hours and then for the day without transacting any business.

Amid pandemonium, the Lok Sabha was adjourned thrice till 2 PM, when it was adjourned for the day.

BJP and Left parties said they would again press for Adjournment Motion tomorrow, set-

ting stage for another showdown. BJP, in fact, made it clear that it will not allow Parliament to function till its demand was met.

Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj said the hike in fuel prices has disturbed the the common man's budget and the entire opposition was united in demand.

She noted that a number of opposition members have submitted adjournment motions on the issue.

"We want that all work should be suspended and the Adjournment Motion taken up on priority. The entire opposition is united on this," she said.

"Accept our adjournment motions and allow a discussion on the issue," she said pointing out that even some parties supporting the government have made common cause with the opposition.

No plans to make voting compulsory, says Moily PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Children play in water pipes at a construction site on the banks of the Yamuna River in Allahabad.

India to discuss Afghan, defence ties during Cameron’s visit PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

India and the UK will discuss issues ranging from the situation in Afghanistan to finding ways to bolster bilateral ties during British Prime Minister David Cameron's two-day visit here from tomorrow.

As his visit coincides with the revelation that Pakistan's ISI backed the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan and antiIndia activities, Cameron's meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to be dominated by India's concern over the process of reconciliation of the Taliban in the war-torn country.

An online whistle-blower's leak of around 91,000 US military documents yesterday revealed how Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) backed the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan and

Moderate earthquakes hit North-East

its operations against India.

During his trip, the British Prime Minister is also expected to witness signing of the 700 million pound deal for 57 Hawk jets, with sources indicating that the deal was "close to fruition".

Asserting that "this is a visit of unique scale and ambition", British High Commissioner Sir Richard Stagg told reporters that the aim was to start the process of building an even closer and more productive relationship between the UK and India "... one that is for the longterm, focused on addressing the strategic challenges of global security, sustained economic growth, and climate change, to mutual benefit".

"The objective is to inject a new energy, a new lease of life into a relationship that the UK has not made as much of in the

past as it might have. The success of this visit will really be judged when we look back in 12-24 months time and see what is different," he said while referring to a feeling among ministers in his country.

The fact that India is the first country Cameron will visit for a bilateral visit, apart from his 'compulsory visits' to EU countries as also the US and Afghanistan, indicates the importance the UK attaches to its relations with this country, sources said.

On the position of the two countries on Afghanistan-Pakistan, Stagg said "There is no huge disconnect between the UK and India over AfghanistanPakistan. We have the same objective - to avoid a return to the pre-2001 situation, with the Taliban harbouring terrorist extremists bent on attacking us.

Gyaneshwari train accident suspect surrenders PTI JHARGRAM (WB), JULY 27

An alleged Maoist, Jiten Giri, suspected to be involved in the May 28 Gyaneshwari train disaster which left 148 passengers dead, has surrendered at the Jhargram court in West Midnapore district.

He was remanded to 14 days judicial custody.

The 48-year-old Giri, against whom several cases including murder, sedition, arson, possession of illegal arms, loot and conspiracy were also pending, surrendered before the the Sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Sk Mohammed Reza yesterday.

Giri, a resident of Moraboni in Jhargram sub-division and a Maoist squad member for the last three years, was suspected to be involved in the Gyaneshwari train mishap, a senior district police official told PTI.

E-learning portal promises to be landmark for DU students

PTI SHILLONG, JULY 27

PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Three mild earthquakes shook various places in the North eastern region within eight hours since midnight, officials said here today.

A moderate intensity earthquake, measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale, was felt in Assam, Meghalaya and neighbouring states at 12.43 am.

Its epicentre was located at Barpeta in Assam by Central Seismological Observatory here.

A light intensity earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale shook Meghalaya and parts of Assam at 7.52 am followed by another quake, measuring 2.4 in the scale, at 8:16 am.

Epicentre of both the quakes were located here.

There was no report of damage or casualty. People rushed out of their homes when they felt the second quake this morning that lasted for over 15 seconds.

Its revolutionary e-learning portal that supplements classroom teaching is less than two months old, but for students of Delhi University who have just entered a new academic year it promises to make education a different experience.

The varsity launched its elearning portal, which has all the elements of chalk and blackboard teaching along with a host of supplementary features, in May. With the opening up of the new session of the University, the portal is set to become a part of the students' educational lives, and the institution wants it to become a model for transforming higher education throughout the country.

"We are providing the necessary details along with passwords to all colleges, which will allow students to avail the facility of this landmark tech initiative," said A K Bakhshi, director of the Institute of Life

Long Learning, who is the brain behind the portal.

The portal www.illldu.edu.in offers an interesting blend of lectures, along with a range of interactive features like equizzes, e-lessons, and even elabs.

The portal that currently has the syllabi of as many as 12 courses available for teaching, will also play a role in making the best professors available to all students irrespective of the college they study in.

The portal is all set to include Punjabi and Geography to its list of 12 courses whose syllabi is currently covered by the portal.

"We have recorded live and uploaded lectures delivered by our best teachers on all topics and subjects included in the syllabi. This more or less makes the college you study in immaterial since you have access to the lectures of the best faculty no matter in which college you study," he told PTI. The portal was conceptu-

alised in 2008, and took two years of planning and work to finally get into implementation mode.

The lessons which are divided into units, chapters and topics and are followed by quizzes which are no less than 17,000 in number.

Moreover, the multiple choice questions do not end at giving you the correct answers, they also tell you what makes the choice you picked wrong and what is the reasoning behind the right answer.

And compiling this was no easy task.

The effort involved contributions by as many as 1,000 teachers, who prepared the content for the lectures, quizzes and labs and later reviewed everything that was uploaded on the portal.

"We wanted to make sure, the learning experience is much more than in the classroom and that students don't end up reading text on screen," Bakhshi told PTI.

Close on the heels of the Election Commission terming the idea as impractical, Government today said it has no plans to frame a law making voting compulsory.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Law Minister M Veerappa Moily said there were no plans to make voting compulsory. "No sir," was his reply to a question on whether government was contemplating a law on the subject.

Explaining the reasons, he said the issue was considered by the Dinesh Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms in 1990. "But the measure was, however, not favoured because of the practical difficulties involved in its implementation," he said.

The Law Minister said the Centre has not received any proposal from the state governments on making voting compulsory.

Recently, Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla had said compulsory voting

AppOINtMENtS

was "not practical."

"Suppose 200 million people did not vote, is it possible to file a case against each of them," he had asked. There were many people working in unorganised sector who could not come to vote, the CEC had said.

Chawla had said Parliament or assemblies would have to debate such issues and enact laws. "It is the choice of Parliament. We have no machinery that would help make everybody vote," he had said.

AppOINtMENtS

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 28 JULY, 2010

Haneef sues Aussie govt, former minister defiant PTI MELBOURNE, JULY 27

Australia's former Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews remains defiant in the face of a lawsuit filed by Mohammad Haneef and defends the cancelling of the Indian doctor's visa in a bungled terror probe, contending that he acted upon the advice of his department and police.

Andrews had come in for crit-

icism after he acted to cancel Haneef's visa, just hours after a magistrate granted the doctor bail, ensuring that he remained behind bars.

"I acted upon the advice given by the immigration department and the federal police and I had to act upon that advice which I did," Andrews told PTI here today.

The former minister, who had then said that he "reasonably suspected" that Haneef had an association with people involved in terrorism, however chose to remain tight-lipped over Haneef's decision to sue the authorities for wrongly confining him in the Glasgow terror attack case.

Haneef, who was wrongly accused of involvement in the 2007 UK terror attack has recently filed a case against the Australian government.

"He has a compensation case and that's a matter for the Australian government of present time. They will obviously deal with that... and take the legal advice about it," he said.

Andrews also declined to comment when asked if he now believes that Haneef was wrongly accused in the case.

"It’s probably inappropriate for me to comment on that at this stage strictly because there are legal proceedings so all I can say at this stage is I had an advice at that time and I acted upon that," he said.

Earlier this month, Haneef's lawyer Maurice Blackburn had said the suit was lodged on behalf of Haneef in the Brisbane Supreme Court.

The doctor's legal team has also launched defamation proceedings against Kevin Andrews.

Haneef, who was working as a registrar at a Gold Coast Hospital, was arrested in July 2007 at the Brisbane airport after his mobile phone SIM card was linked to a failed terror attack

in Britain that year in which his cousin Sabeel Ahmed was involved.

He was held for 12 days before being charged with recklessly giving support to a terrorist organisation.

However, Haneef was later cleared of terror charges as prosecutors admitted to bungling the case and conceded there was insufficient evidence.

Blackburn's partner Rod Hodgson said the court action was the result of the Clarke Inquiry's findings in the case.

He said the inquiry gave a clean chit to Haneef, stating he did nothing to justify his treatment by the then government and Australian Federal Police.

Jesus’ baptism site not polluted: Israel AGENCIES JERUSALEM, JULY 27

Israeli officials said Tuesday that a famous Christian baptismal site on the Jordan River near Jericho is not polluted as recently reported, and is open for use by religious pilgrims.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) carried out bacteriological tests on Sunday to check the quality of the water at the Qasr el-Yehud site, where many Christians believe Jesus was baptized by John.

Results of the test showed "88 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters of water," the statement said. Israel's Ministry of Health standard allows up to 1,000 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters of water.

A previous test in April also showed that the water met the ministry's standards, according to the release.

The Friends of the Earth Middle East (FEME) group had previously called on regional

authorities "to halt baptism in the lower Jordan River until water quality standards for tourism activities there are met," after a Health Ministry report warning tourists not to use the facility, owing to a possible health risk.

"Sadly, the lower Jordan River has long suffered from severe mismanagement with the diversion of 98 percent of its fresh water by Israel, Syria and Jordan and the discharge of untreated sewage, agricultural run-off, saline water and fish pond effluent in its place," FEME said in an earlier statement.

"I am pleased that these tourists, who are so important to Israel, will be able to continue visiting and using the site safely," Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said after the results were released.

The ministr y said some 100,000 tourists visit the site annually, and that it is under development.

Turkey refuses air corridor for Cyprus Airways AGENCIES NICOSIA, JULY 27

Turkey turned down requests on Tuesday for the use of is airspace by Greek Cypriot commercial planes, a move expected to cause more obstacles to its drive to join the European Union.

Cyprus' Civil Aviation Department had filed with Eurocontrol flight plans for Cyprus Airways planes to fly through Turkish air space as a way of overcoming delays in flights to and from European destinations caused by a work-to-rule action by Greek air controllers.

According to Cyprus Airways spokesman Kyriakos Kyriakou, the airliner had initially asked for two flights to be made through Turkish air space, one to Brussels and the other to Amsterdam.

"Ankara's reply came promptly and was negative," said Kyriakou.

Greek Cypriot flight links with Europe have relied entirely on Greek airspace since 1974, when Turkey landed its troops on the island in response to a short lived coup by Greek army officers.

Cyprus Airways planes flying north have to take a long detour to avoid Turkish air space, resulting in longer flights and higher flying costs.

Meanwhile, the breakaway

Turkish Cypriot north has no direct air links with the outside world except mainland Turkey.

The Ercan airport under Turkish Cypriot control has been announced as "illegal" by the int e r n a t i o n a l l y re c o g n i z e d government of Cyprus Republic.

The decision to test the ban was reached after more than 400 flights were affected by the Greek air controllers' action, with up to 50 flights cancelled.

The flag carrier of Cyprus was hit the hardest with an estimated loss around half a million euros in two days.

Transport Minister Erato Kozakou-Markoulli said she had lodged a strong protest with her European counterparts, demanding actions to force Turkey to reconsider the ban.

Meanwhile, the situation at the main Cyprus airport in Larnaca eased considerably on Tuesday after two days of utter chaos.

An airport spokesman said the situation was markedly better on Tuesday, with shorter delays after non-Cypriot planes avoided delays by using alternative air corridors over Turkey.

Cyprus Republic, a European Union member since May 2004, has blocked six negotiations concerning Turkish actions related to Greek Cypriot interests.

From Page 1 Quotas for civic polls will be issued to the municipalities to find out how many backward community people were residing in their respective jurisdictions before the elections. In his reply to the motion, he mentioned as per the last Census of 2001 the population of SC in urban areas was 2.09%. This doesn’t permit reservation of a single ward in any of the municipal councils, he mentioned.

Margao blast accused The court was expected to frame charges against the accused under the Explosives Substances Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, for waging a war against the State. The court, however, could not frame the charge as the draft charge was not prepared by the prosecution.

Quepem man treated was not disclosed, was quarantined for a brief period till his treatment was on . Desai said that the person is now fully recovered.

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US to pressure Pak after leaks PTI WASHINGTON, JULY 27

The US may seek to gain leverage from the WikiLeaks disclosures about ISI's links with Taliban and Al-Qaeda, to get Islamabad act tougher on militant groups on its soil, as voices grow louder against giving Pakistan a 'blank cheque' in the war on terror.

"This is now in the open", a senior Obama administration official said referring to the 92,000 documents of the US Defence department's war in Afghanistan made public by the online whistleblower WikiLeaks.

"It’s reality now. In some ways it makes it easier for us to tell Pakistan they have to help us", the New York Times reported quoting the official.

"The documents seem to lay out rich new details of connection between the Taliban and other militant groups and Pakistan's main spy agency, the Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence or ISI," the paper said.

It quoted several administration officials privately expressing the view that they might be able to use leaks and their description of a sometimes duplicitous Pakistani ally to pressurise Islamabad to cooperate more fully with the US on counter-terrorism.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs insisted that more

needs to be done by Pakistan as status quo was not acceptable.

Gibbs said that Pakistan should not expect a blank cheque from the US in the fight against terror, and progress is to be made in addressing the issue of safe havens, of extremists operating in the country.

There is a backdrop of mistrust and wariness between US forces and Pakistan's military intelligence, other US media reports said claiming that the new leaks could lead to a near freeze in cooperation between US agencies and ISI or only exchanges on the need-to-know basis.

NYT quoted leading democrats as saying that while the disclosures were not altogether new, "the details underscored deep suspicions they have harboured towards the ISI".

"Some of these documents reinforce a longstanding concern of mine about the supporting role of some Pakistani officials in the Afghan insurgency", Senator Carl Levin, Michigan Democrat who heads the Senate Armed Services Committee told the Times.

Levin, who recently visited Pakistan, said he had confronted senior Pakistani leaders about ISI's continuing ties to the militant groups.

Pak acquires sophisticated US missiles

JuD moves court to ban Facebook

Pakistan has acquired sophisticated air-to-air missiles from the US for its newly inducted F-16 fighter jets, a move which will bolster its defence capabilities "manifold", an official said today.

The first batch of AIM-120 Advance Medium Range Air-toAir Missiles will be used with the new Block-52 F-16 C/D jets of the Pakistan Air Force delivered by the US. "The induction of these 'beyond visual range missiles' in the PAF's inventory marks the achievement of another major milestone in the air force's developmental plan and "bolsters its defensive capabilities manifold," said an official statement.

The capability also brings PAF at par with other modern air forces in terms of sophistication of its air-to-air arsenal, the statement said.

Even as the Jamaat-ud-Dawah mounts pressure on Pakistani authorities to slap a ban on Facebook, a petition filed in a court has sought a permanent bar on access to the social networking website due to the launch of an "anti-Islam competition".

Acting on the petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel chairman Muhammad Azhar Siddique, Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry of the Lahore High Court today sought the stance of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to the demand for a permanent ban on Facebook.

In his petition, Siddique sought a permanent ban on the website as it was hosting a page with a contest named "Everybody Burn Quran Day". Siddique said in his petition that Facebook was also displaying blasphemous pictures of "Khana-e-Kaaba".

He asked the court to declare such acts as "illegal, un-Islamic, unconstitutional and against the injunctions of Islam." He also asked the court to launch contempt of court proceedings against the website’s owners and to punish them accordingly.

Siddique asked the court to direct authorities to ensure that no blasphemous material is published in the country.

PTI ISLAMABAD, JULY 27

PTI LAHORE, JULY 27

Vehicles are lined-up outside a gas station in Athens, on Tuesday after Greek truck owners started a strike in protest against a draft bill to open up the road freight market, including that of fuel that is currently served only by licenced vehicles. The strike caused serious shortages of fuel in the market.

Malaysia fines Muslims for Hindu temple protest between Muslims, who make up the majority of the country's 28 million population, and minority Hindus and Christians who complain of discrimination. ''Going ahead, this will become a political issue for the country's minorities and further reinforce their unhappiness,'' said James Chin, a politics pro-

fessor at Monash University in Kuala Lumpur.

The 12 were from a group who had marched in August last year with the head of a cow to protest a plan to build a Hindu temple in their mainly Muslim neighbourhood. Hindus, who consider the cow to be a sacred animal, were angered.

Non-Muslims, who together constitute 40 per cent of the population, handed the country's ruling coalition its worst defeat in the polls in 2008 due to growing alienation.

Since taking office in April last year, Prime Minister Najib Najib Razak has tried to reach out to minorities with an inclu-

Serbia vows never to recognise Kosovo

Bear crashes in runaway car

REUTERS KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 27

A Malaysian court sentenced a Muslim to a week in jail today and fined 11 others for a brandishing a cow's head during a protest against the construction of a Hindu temple.

Critics said the light sentences may further strain race relations

AP BELGRADE, JULY 27

Serb lawmakers passed a resolution Tuesday vowing that their country will never recognize Kosovo as an independent state, despite a UN court ruling backing the independence declaration by the former Serbian province.

As expected, Serbia's 250member parliament overwhelmingly approved the motion with 192 votes in favor, 26 against and two abstentions after a heated debate during which the opposition blasted the government for "the diplomatic debacle" before the World Court.

The emergency session was held after the International Court of Justice dealt Serbia's struggle to retain Kosovo a blow by ruling last week that the former province's 2008 independence declaration was legal.

Serbia lost control of the territory during a 1998-99 war

Jon, Kate reach custody settlement AGENCIES LAS ANGELES, JULY 27

Wow. What will the world be like if these two nut jobs are actually getting along and enjoying a respectful, amicable relationship? We may find out, as the epic child custody war between Jon and Kate Gosselin is officially over.

The former stars of Jon and Kate Plus 8 have reached a settlement agreement. The terms are extremely confidential, but the new deal replaces a previous one in which Jon was on the hook for child support he could not pay.

Jon filed documents in a Pennsylvania court asking for custody of their eight kids in April, looking to renegotiate those child support payments. He then dropped that lawsuit and sought a truce with Kate, which he apparently got.

Earlier this month, the oftencontentious former couple officially agreed on a new arrangement that involves both custody and financial obligations.

The terms of the agreement have been sealed by the court.

"An official agreement between Jon and Kate was reached and they will be working together for the benefit of their children," a close source confirms.

Good for them. Bad for celebrity gossip lovers accustomed to wars of words, tearful implosions and baseless legal accusations, but good for them.

The head of the Serbian legal team for the ICJ, Dusan Batakovic, addresses the extraordinary parliament session in Belgrade.

against ethnic Albanian rebels and the ensuing NATO air bombardment that led to an international administration of

Kosovo.

The parliament resolution called for "peaceful negotiations" for a lasting solution. Kosovo

China bans shame parades REUTERS BEIJING, JULY 27

China will end the public shaming of criminal suspects by parading them through the streets, the People's Daily reported today, after online commentators championed the case of a prostitute.

A spokesperson at the Public Security Bureau in central Henan province confirmed the ban on the practice long used by local law enforcement officials.

Although the ban is meant to apply to all suspects, the ''shame parades'' have most often been used in periodic government crackdowns on prostitution.

Online activists launched a campaign to halt the marches this month after a suspected prostitute was pictured barefoot, handcuffed and led about by a rope in a street in Dongguan in southern Guangdong province.

Netizens expressed outrage at a ''humiliating'' act and urged sympathy towards sex workers, according to Mop.com, a popular online forum. ''They would not become prostitutes if they did not have to support their younger siblings to finish school back in their home village,'' said a commentator identified only as ''388943''. ''I know sex workers who donated hundreds of yuan to the (2008) Sichuan earthquake. They are also human beings. Where is the respect? What about human rights?'' another post said.

There are no official statistics for sex workers, but a World Health Organisation study estimated the number at four million.

Prostitution is banned and a taboo topic that generates scant coverage in the state media, except for annual crackdowns.

British dogs urged to work off fat REUTERS LONDON, JULY 27

Over a third of British dogs are overweight, a veterinary charity warned today and the proportion could rise to nearly a half in three years if owners do not change their pets' habits.

Poor diet and lack of exercise are the chief culprits, the PDSA said.

In a survey of some 30,000 dogs in the UK over the past four years, it found 35 percent were heavier than they should be.

It also found that owners gave them leftovers, fatty meats, cheese, pigs ears, chips and biscuits.

A similar PDSA study four years ago found that 21 per cent

of British dogs were overweight, which means that nearly half of them could be too fat by 2013 if the trend continues. ''Thousands of pets across the UK are having their quality of life, and ultimately their life expectancy, cut short as a direct result of obesity'', said a PDSA senior veterinary surgeon.

The latest survey also suggested that around half a million dogs are not taken on daily walks.

To tackle the problem, the PDSA has relaunched its annual pet slimming competition, Pet Fit Club, which offers 10 overweight pets the chance to go on a free 100 day diet and fitness programme overseen by PDSA vets and nurses.

officials have repeatedly rejected any further talks with Serbia on Kosovo's independence.

Serbian President Boris Tadic

Lufthansa cargo flight crashes in Riyadh AFP RIYADH, JULY 27

A cargo plane owned by Lufthansa crashed in Riyadh on Tuesday and the two-man crew are being treated for minor injuries, the German airline said, confirming earlier statements by a Saudi official.

The Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 flying 80 tonnes of freight from Frankfurt to the Saudi capital crashed at 11.38am (0838 GMT, 1838 AEST), Lufthansa Cargo said.

Both pilots suffered minor injuries and were immediately hospitalised.

"The captain and the copilot are in good health; they only had minor injuries," Khalid alKhaibri, a spokesman for the Saudi civil aviation authority told AFP. The German airline said "it is not yet known exactly what type of freight it was or which customers are affected. The cause of the accident is still being investigated. At the moment, we have no further details."

However, Khaibri told AFP the pilot reported to ground officials a fire in the cargo hold of the aircraf t before landing at Riyadh's King Khaled International Airport.

told the parliament his country will seek new talks on Kosovo at the UN General Assembly in September and will try to halt more international recognition of the state before the gathering.

Tadic said Serbia will seek a compromise solution, and will not wage another war over Kosovo — rejecting such suggestions by some lawmakers.

"We are in a very difficult situation ... but we won't beat the war drums," Tadic said. "We cannot protect our interests in Kosovo without integration into the European Union and good relations with the United States, Russia and China."

Kosovo's statehood so far has won backing from 69 countries, including the US and most EU nations. But many countries in the 192-member UN General Assembly are still hesitant, some fearing it could embolden their own separatist movements.

REUTERS DENVER, JULY 27

A black bear attracted by the smell of a peanut butter sandwich managed to open the door of a car, climb in and got stuck, knocking the gear stick into neutral and sending the car rolling down a slope into trees, in Larkspur near Denver.

sive ''1Malaysia'' policy.

But ethnic and religious tensions remain high after a number of religiously charged disputes including the ''cow head protest'' and an ongoing row over the use of the word Allah by Christians.

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BIZ

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 28 JULY, 2010

Fuel price hike won't affect consumers: Deora PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Ruling out any rollback in cooking gas and kerosene prices, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora today said that the increase was "not that high" and would not affect consumers much.

"What should we rollback?

We have increased prices only

by Rs 3. If a family uses 5 litres of kerosene in a month, then its expenditure is increased only by 50 paise per day," he told reporters here.

Deora was asked if the government was planning to rollback the hike in petroleum prices in the wake of the

Colorcon buys Pharma Coatings HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, JULY 27

Colorcon, Inc announced the acquisition of the business of Pharmaceutical Coatings Pvt Ltd (India) which includes the company's full product portfolio, plus a new facility in Goa that is currently under construction.

The addition of the film coating products from this acquisition complement Colorcon's existing wide range of highquality, one-step, tablet film coatings for pharmaceutical solid oral dose development.

Tabcoat TC, one of the newly acquired products, is widely recognized in the Asia/Pacific market. It is available as an organic, hydro-alcoholic, or aqueous solvent system which can be adjusted according to the needs of the customers, and the nature of the active ingredient in the formulation. The addition of this product also augments Colorcon's offering for herbal / vitamin / nutraceutical formulation options for its regional customers.

According to Jean-Claude Deneuville, president of Colorcon, Inc, "The acquisition broadens and strengthens our ability to respond to the specific needs of companies in the fast growing Asia/Pacific.”

strong opposition protest.

He asked the Opposition parties to not make the price rise a "prestige issue" as kerosene prices have been increased only by Rs 3 a litre and cooking gas by Rs 35 a cylinder, which are "not that high".

"We have increased cooking gas prices only by Rs 35 and this is nothing as a family uses a gas cylinder for one month, which means only Rs 1 increase in price per day," he added.

Deora said that one of the reasons behind increasing the price of kerosene was to check its theft and prevent its use as an adulterant for diesel. The

huge price difference between diesel and kerosense was encouraging the practice, he said.

He said that the CPM had alleged that oil companies were making profits but the Indian Oil Corporation has said it was incurring losses.

He said oil PSUs need more money as they are expanding and setting up a number of new projects such as refineries across the country.

Asked if the prices of petroleum prices were expected to increase in the near future, the Minister said, "As far as petroleum prices are concerned, their prices will go down next week."

Govt says 'no' to ban on Fe ore export PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

The government has informed the Lok Sabha that it has no plans to bring about a policy to ban export of iron ore. "No," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a written reply to a query whether the government proposes to bring about a comprehensive policy on banning export of iron ore.

He said that India has one of the largest reserves of iron ore in the world, and mining is only expected to increase due to advanced exploration techniques. “it is unlikely that reserves will be depleted with exports," he said.

Training for food safety officers on HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, JULY 27

As a prelude to the rolling out the implementation of the FSS (Food Safety and Standards) Act, an ambitious capacity building is being undertaken

by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) by organising “Orientation Programme” and “Training of Trainers Programme” for all the regions of the country.

The first such Orientation programme for food safety commissioners of the sates/ UTs was conducted by FSSAI at it’s headquarter at New Delhi on June 7- 9, 2010. It was participated by the food safety

commissioners from Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Orissa, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The next orientation programme is scheduled in September, 2010 wherein the remaining food safety commissioners are expected to be trained.

Further, to train the large number of personnel at the level of designated officers & food safety officers, FSSAI has devised a Training of Trainer (ToT) programme.

Govt panel for sustainable tourism: Minister AGENCY NEW DELHI, JULY 27

The government's efforts to create a new paradigm for sustainable development of tourism in India have resulted in several 'environment friendly initiatives', union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said Tuesday.

The initiatives focus on rural tourism, capacity development, linking rural communities to the mainstream with tourism projects and stressing on the conservation of vernacular and rural architecture, she said.

'Our dedication towards according priority for tourism with inclusive growth is best exemplified by our innovative rural tourism project that covers 166 rural sites across the country,' Selja said.

She was addressing a twoday National Workshop On Sustainable Tourism Criteria For India being held in the capital Tuesday and Wednesday.

'Given that the year 2010 is being celebrated as the International Year of Biodiversity, India as a member of the 14country Marrakech International Task Force on Sustainable Tourism Development contributed widely in enabling the transition to a 'United Nations Partnership for Sustainable Development' and subsequent fostering of 'Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria

(GSTC)',' she said.

Selja said: 'The three pillars of sustainable tourism were environmental integrity, social justice and economic development.'

In this context, she said ecotourism was a niche product with major revenue and employment generation capacities.

'Travel to eco-tourism destinations like national parks are growing but better management of forests requires immediate attention,' the minister said.

As a modest beginning, the government has set aside Rs 200 crore as a special golden jubilee package for Goa to preserve its natural resources by restoring its 'erosion prone beaches through sustainable forestry'.

The tourism ministry is spearheading interactions with industry stakeholders under the 'Tigers: Our National Beauties' scheme to preserve natural habitats of tigers in

eco-tourism and rural destinations, she said.

The inaugural session of the workshop was attended

by Sultan Ahmed, minister of state for tourism, Ashok Khosla, chairman of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Anand Kumar, joint secretary of tourism, Sujit Banerjee, secretary, ministry of tourism, Rajesh Gopal, member secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority, Mandip Singh Soin, president of the Eco-Tourism Society of India, Jose Dominic, founder of the Our Native Village Bangalore and several others.

The workshop, divided into four sessions, addressed issues like 'Global Trends on Sustainable Tourism', 'Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and Tourism Sustainability Council' and 'Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria in Indian Context'.

'Part of our blueprint to promote India abroad as a

holistic tourist destination is sustainable tourism. Rural tourism is integral to the sustainability criteria. We had started with 36 UNDP-supported rural tourism destinations and the number has now swelled to 166. The rise in the number of tourism destinations has seen a 300 percent increase in livelihoods of the rural and ethnic communities engaged in rural tourism projects across the country,' Sujit Banerjee, secretary, ministry of tourism, said.

He cited Samod, a heritage village retreat in Rajasthan, as an example. 'It has a thriving local handicrafts industry supported by the government's rural tourism initiative,' he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Khosla said: 'The changing climate and rising sea levels were going to imperil several tourism destinations across India.'

Citing figures, he said, nearly

TALK BUSINESS

4D motion based simulator opens PANJIM (HBD) – Mennen Aviation and Hospitality Ltd, has recently added to its portfolio the skills of an established venture in the design, manufacture and development of simulator, an attraction for the entertainment industry worldwide through collaboration with a company which is specialised in this field.

With the technology that have broken entirely new ground in terms of Styling, Ergonomics, as well as raising the threshold of Operational Reliability and built-quality. MAHL is set to take the entertainment sector by storm.

The commercial operation of the 4D Simulator has begun, recently. The simulator will be in operation for all the general public to enjoy this ‘ride’ between 10 am and 10 pm every day. The charges would be Rs 59 (for Children below 12 years) and Rs 99 (for adults).

Sensex advances by 57 pts.

PTI MUMBAI, JULY 27

The BSE benchmark Sensex today rose by over 57 points as investors took comfort in the Reserve Bank’s moderate hike in short-term policy rates.

Fresh buying in interest rate sensitive auto, realty and banking stocks drove the 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange index up by 57.56 points, or 0.32 per cent, to 18,077.61 points.

These counters had taken a hammering yesterday on worries that RBI would steeply hike the policy rates.

Brokers said markets have already factored in the rate hike and RBI steps were not shocking to investors, who were also excited about central bank’s 8.5 per cent economic growth for 2010-11.

A GDP growth forecast of 8.5 per cent even by conservative RBI is promising, they further said.

Aban Offshor, 827.8, 836.5, 819, 825.2 Abb Ltd., 830, 852, 798.25, 809.1 Abg Shipyard, 252.35, 252.35, 244.5, 245.6 Acc Limited, 826, 849.9, 820, 848.45 Adani Enterp, 560, 595, 560, 586.8 Aditya Birla, 808.85, 808.85, 784.2, 787.65 Allahabad Ba, 184.5, 188, 183.55, 186.35 Alstom Proje, 687.9, 708.7, 673.2, 691.4 Ambuja Cemen, 116.5, 119.8, 115.85, 118.4 Andhra Bank, 142, 144.45, 141.1, 141.7 Ashok Leylan, 73.9, 73.9, 71.5, 71.85 Asian Paints, 2535.15, 2548, 2420.25, 2438.35 Axis Bank Li, 1387, 1395.95, 1368, 1374.45 Bajaj Hindus, 114.8, 115.25, 113.5, 114 Bank Of Baro, 722, 726.5, 715, 723.95 Bank Of Indi, 395, 402.15, 390.05, 397.35 Beml Limited, 1005.6, 1021, 1005.6, 1014.65 Bharat Elect, 1848, 1848, 1798.3, 1816.15 Bharat Forge, 335, 335, 323, 325.95 Bharat Petro, 628.8, 636.55, 624, 630.15 Bharti Airte, 322.2, 324.4, 317.15, 322.65 Bhel, 2472, 2474.7, 2432.2, 2449.55

Bhushan Stee, 1554.1, 1566, 1551.2, 1554.7 Biocon Limit, 322.05, 322.05, 317.9, 319.3 Bombay Dyein, 525.8, 528.5, 517.1, 523 Bosch Limite, 5750, 5750, 5611.1, 5618.25 Brigade Ente, 138.5, 141.5, 135.5, 136.7 Cairn India, 335.9, 335.9, 328.95, 331.5 Canara Bank, 470, 473.75, 464.4, 468.55 Central Bank, 153.65, 158.15, 151.15, 154.45 Century Text, 449.15, 457.5, 449.05, 454.65 Cesc Ltd, 388, 393.5, 386.1, 391.1 Chambal Fert, 68.2, 68.2, 67.6, 67.95 Chennai Petr, 257.45, 263.75, 257.2, 258 Cipla Ltd, 326.5, 328.45, 323.9, 325.7 Colgate Palm, 852.8, 856, 844.1, 846.4 Container Co, 1380, 1400, 1377, 1382.45 Crompton Gre, 284.5, 286, 270.8, 275.15 Cummins Indi, 589, 590.25, 583.05, 589 Dabur India, 205.55, 205.9, 202.15, 202.9 Deccan Chron, 134.1, 135, 131.5, 132.8 Dish Tv Indi, 45, 45.2, 44.25, 44.6 Divi’s Labor, 768, 776.3, 768, 769.8 Dlf Limited, 313.1, 322.75, 308.5, 320.05 Dr. reddy’s, 1335, 1341, 1303.45, 1330.5

Edelweiss Ca, 510, 510, 497.1, 500.2 Educomp Solu, 617.75, 626.75, 616.1, 619.85 Eih Limited, 127.85, 129, 125.05, 125.75 Engineers In, 312, 316.5, 307.05, 313.45 Essar Oil Lt, 129.6, 129.6, 126.6, 128.35 Essar Shippi, 83.85, 83.85, 82.05, 82.35 Exide Indust, 138.5, 139, 135.35, 136.25 Federal Bank, 342, 348.75, 340.05, 344.7 Financial Te, 1262, 1295.45, 1261.55, 1282.35 Gail (india), 453.5, 456.6, 446.35, 449.4 Gammon India, 214, 219.6, 213, 214.45 Glaxosmithkl, 2057, 2085, 2055, 2060 Glenmark Pha, 287, 294, 282.25, 284.9 Gmr Infrastr, 59, 59.35, 58, 58.95 Godrej Indus, 179.85, 187.8, 177.6, 183.25 Grasim Indus, 1825, 1847.65, 1821, 1834.7 Great Offsho, 420, 422.9, 416.05, 419.6 Gtl Infra.Lt, 45.3, 46.85, 45.3, 46.65 Gujarat Mine, 121, 122.1, 120.2, 120.75 Gujarat N R, 63.55, 63.85, 63, 63.4 Gujarat Stat, 102.8, 104, 102.05, 103.3 Gvk Pow. & I, 44.4, 44.4, 43.55, 44.15

Hcl Technolo, 375, 381.4, 371.95, 380.5 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2053.2, 2078, 2045, 2066.8 Hdfc Ltd, 2950, 2987, 2923.5, 2939 Hero Honda M, 1810, 1901.9, 1805.1, 1863 Hindalco in, 156.8, 159.3, 156, 157.25 Hindustan Co, 134, 136.8, 131.85, 132.9 Hindustan Ma, 71.5, 72.2, 70.3, 70.9 Hindustan Pe, 432, 440, 430, 433.15 Hindustan Un, 263.2, 266, 259.4, 260.4 Hindustan Zi, 1002.25, 1005, 984.45, 998.7 Housing Dev, 255, 266.3, 252.1, 262.6 Icici Bank L, 915.3, 927.5, 898.25, 924.2 Idea Cellula, 67.75, 69, 67.55, 68.6 Ifci Ltd, 62, 62.7, 60.55, 61 India Cement, 105, 106, 104.1, 104.45 India Infoli, 96.2, 96.6, 94.35, 94.65 Indiabulls F, 161.15, 162, 158.1, 159.5 Indiabulls R, 160, 163.3, 156.4, 162.15 Indian Bank, 221, 226.8, 220, 223.4 Indian Hotel, 103, 103.2, 101.4, 101.95 Indian Oil C, 362, 368, 361.75, 363.35 Indian Overs, 113.25, 115.6, 113.25, 114.95 Indus Dev Ba, 119.85, 121.45, 118.8, 120.2 Indusind Ban, 209.6, 210.5, 204.1, 205.3

15,000 sq km of area was turning into desert in India every year and by 2030 'the country will need the combined resources of three India to support one nation'.

BOARD MEETINGS Havells India HCL Tech Patni Computer Agro Tech Foods Phoenix Mills Alfa Laval Piramal Glass Allied Digit AMD Inds PTL Enterprises Arvind Prod Indswift Lab Bajaj Elect Jindal Steel JM Financial Kirloskar Oil Sun Pharma Can Fin Homes Chennai Petro Lupin Mahindra & Mahindra Tata Comm Marico Maruti Sec Corporation Bank Merck DLF MMTC MRF Voltas Gujarat Ambuj Ex Neyveli Lignite NRB Bearings Source: Indiainfoline.com Infosys Tech, 2803, 2834, 2803, 2828.8 Infra. dev., 192.95, 193.8, 189.35, 190.3 Ispat Indust, 18, 18.15, 17.9, 18 Itc Ltd, 307, 307, 303, 304.25 Ivrcl Infras, 179, 180.5, 174.2, 175.9 Jai Corp Lim, 244, 248.4, 242, 242.75 Jaiprakash A, 122.15, 122.4, 120.1, 120.6 Jet Airways, 621, 648.9, 616.05, 644.2 Jindal Saw L, 203.45, 203.45, 201.15, 202.05 Jindal Steel, 643.5, 643.75, 634.15, 639.5 Jsw Steel Li, 1180, 1191, 1154.1, 1162.4 Kotak Mahind, 770, 772.7, 762, 766.85 Lakshmi Mach, 2110, 2167, 2110, 2127.55 Lanco Infrat, 66.65, 66.8, 65.7, 66.05 Larsen & Tou, 1930, 1930, 1845.1, 1863.65 Lic Housing, 1071, 1089, 1065.5, 1081.8 Lupin Limite, 1966.1, 1976.6, 1936, 1953.55 Mahanagar Te, 66.5, 68.45, 66.2, 67.35 Mahindra & M, 625, 642.65, 619.2, 639.85 Maruti Suzuk, 1190, 1239.9, 1182, 1207.5 Max India Lt, 154.5, 156.3, 153.35, 154.9 Maytas Infr., 204.9, 208.1, 203.05, 204.6

MF FUNDA ICICI PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND has approved changes under all plan and / or options of ICICI Prudential Long Term Floating Rate Plan.

The changes will be effective from July 26, 2010.

Subscription Period: The scheme shall re-open for fresh purchases / additional purchases / switch-ins till further notice.

Change in exit load structure: The exit load charge will be 0.5% of the applicable NAV, if the amount sought to be redeemed or switched out, is invested for a period of upto 9 months from the date of allotment. The exit load charge will be nil if the amount sought to be redeemed or switched out, is invested for a period of more than 9 months from the date of allotment.

Introduction of quarterly dividend frequency Dividend under all the options of the scheme is proposed to be declared at a quarterly interval.

RELIANCE MUTUAL FUND has launched a new fund named as Reliance Fixed Horizon Fund - XV - Series 2, a close ended income scheme. The duration of the scheme is 6 months from the date of allotment.

The NFO price for the scheme is Rs 10 per unit. The new issue is open for subscription from July 27 and closes on July 28, 2010.

The scheme offers two options namely growth and dividend payout option. The minimum application amount is Rs 5,000 and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter.

The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription (minimum target) amount of Rs 200 million under the scheme during the NFO period.

Entry and exit load charge will be nil for the scheme. Benchmark Index for the scheme is CRISIL Liquid Fund Index. The fund manager of the scheme will be Amit Tripathi.

DSP BLACKROCK MUTUAL FUND has floated a new scheme named as DSP BlackRock FMP - 3M - Series 18, a close-ended income scheme.

The tenure of the scheme is 3 months from the date of allotment. The NFO price for the scheme is Rs 10 per unit. The new issue will be open for subscription from July 27 and close on July 28 2010.

The scheme offers a choice of two options, growth option and dividend payout option.

The minimum application amount is Rs 10,000 and in multiples of Rs 10 thereafter.

The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription (minimum target) amount of Rs 100 million under the scheme during the NFO period. Entry and exit load charge will be nil for the schemes Units of scheme are proposed to be listed on the National Stock Exchange of India.

Benchmark Index is for the scheme is CRISIL Liquid Fund Index.

The fund manager of the scheme will be Dhawal Dalal.

TAURUS MUTUAL FUND has filed an offer document with SEBI to launch Taurus Fixed Maturity Plan 120 Days Series 1 & 2, a closeended debt scheme.

The NFO price for the scheme is Rs 10 per unit. The scheme offers a choice of two options, growth option and dividend option.

The minimum application amount is Rs 10,000 and in multiples of Rs 10 thereafter.

The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription (minimum target) amount of Rs 10 million under the scheme during the NFO period. Entry and exit load charge will be nil for the schemes.

Benchmark Index is for the scheme is Crisil Short Term Bond Fund Index.

The fund manager of the scheme will be Pankaj Jain.

The AMC also filed an offer document with SEBI to launch Taurus Fixed Maturity Plan 180 Days Series 1, a close-ended debt scheme.

The NFO price for the scheme is Rs 10 per unit.

The scheme offers a choice of two options, growth option and dividend option.

The minimum application amount is Rs 10,000 and in multiples of Rs 10 thereafter.

The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription (minimum target) amount of Rs 10 million under the scheme during the NFO period.

Entry and exit load charge will be nil for the schemes.

Benchmark Index is for the scheme is Crisil Short Term Bond Fund Index. The fund manager of the scheme will be Pankaj Jain.

IDFC MUTUAL FUND has announced July 30, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under the dividend option of IDFC Super Saver Income Fund- Medium Term Fund-Plan A. The quantum of dividend will be Rs 0.06 per unit, subject to the availability of the distributable surplus as on the record date.

Moser-baer (, 66.95, 66.95, 66.25, 66.55 Mrpl, 80.35, 81, 79.55, 79.7 Nagarjuna Co, 182.75, 182.75, 177.6, 178.65 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.55, 31.55, 31.05, 31.25 National Alu, 432, 439, 432, 437.75 Neyveli Lign, 155, 157.9, 153.8, 157.15 Ntpc Ltd, 201.5, 204.5, 198.55, 201.35 Oil And Natu, 1260.1, 1272.4, 1258.55, 1262.9 Omaxe Limite, 108.05, 109.5, 106.2, 107.05 Oriental Ban, 362, 367.5, 356.55, 365.6 Pantaloon Re, 453.95, 454.8, 444.1, 450.95 Parsvnath De, 129.9, 130.85, 127.4, 128.3 Petronet Lng, 81.2, 83.3, 80.55, 82.25 Power Fin Co, 318.4, 322.5, 314.6, 320.25 Power Grid C, 100.15, 101.8, 100.15, 101.15 Praj Industr, 77, 77.8, 76.1, 77.1 Punj Lloyd L, 133.35, 133.35, 129.8, 130.25 Punjab Natio, 1046, 1058, 1031.3, 1051.1 Rajesh Expor, 89.25, 91.25, 88.8, 90.1 Ranbaxy Labs, 447, 449.8, 442.45, 445.75 Rashtriya Ch, 86.5, 87.9, 85.5, 86.05 Rel. nat. re, 44, 44.3, 43.2, 43.3

Reliance Cap, 786, 796.4, 780, 790.4 Reliance Com, 188, 190, 187.05, 187.6 Reliance Ene, 970, 980, 935, 957.64 Reliance Ind, 889.85, 893.5, 875.1, 879.9 Reliance Ind, 1058.85, 1061.15, 1051.1, 1053.5 Reliance Pow, 173, 173.7, 171.4, 172.35 Rolta India, 177, 177, 174, 174.9 Satyam Compu, 91.9, 92.75, 90.3, 90.6 Sesa Goa Ltd, 370, 376, 363.5, 368.3 Shipping Cor, 156, 158.4, 155.35, 158.1 Siemens Ltd, 712.1, 725, 712.1, 718.45 Sintex Indus, 357, 372, 357, 366.45 Sobha Develo, 333, 344, 332, 342.65 State Bank O, 2419.95, 2446.9, 2400.6, 2435.15 Steel Author, 208.5, 209.65, 206.15, 207.25 Sterlite Ind, 174.75, 177.85, 174.5, 176.1 Sun Pharmace, 1761, 1780, 1761, 1774.95 Sun Tv Netwo, 440, 448, 438.05, 446.95 Suzlon Energ, 59.7, 59.9, 58.75, 59.05 Tata Communi, 288.5, 288.5, 281, 286.15 Tata Consult, 855, 859.8, 846.2, 849.15 Tata Motors, 821, 847.95, 821, 844.55

Tata Power C, 1325.05, 1331.6, 1318.95, 1325.6 Tata Steel L, 540, 542, 526.2, 529.85 Tata Teleser, 21.4, 21.65, 21.4, 21.45 Tech Mahindr, 730.55, 730.55, 703, 710.45 The Ge Shpg., 283.7, 284, 279.25, 283.35 The Phoenix, 222, 228.8, 220.25, 221.85 Thermax Ltd, 755.2, 784, 755.2, 762.15 Titan Indust, 2800, 2872.95, 2742, 2830.25 Torrent Powe, 344, 346.1, 339.5, 343.2 Triveni Engg, 101.2, 102.2, 100.1, 101.2 Tv18 India L, 80, 80.1, 78.25, 78.65 Uco Bank, 90.5, 92.35, 89.75, 91.2 Ultratech Ce, 836, 848, 824.4, 845.65 Union Bank O, 322, 326.8, 316.2, 323.8 Unitech Ltd, 83.9, 85.5, 82.55, 84.6 United Phosp, 178, 194.4, 178, 186.3 Videocon Ind, 215.05, 215.05, 212.3, 214.4 Vijaya Bank, 69.7, 70.9, 69.55, 69.7 Voltas Ltd, 203, 207.85, 203, 205.2 Wipro Ltd, 414.95, 419.5, 414.7, 418.05 Yes Bank Lim, 300, 302.8, 298.65, 299.75 Zee Entertai, 300.5, 303.75, 296.7, 297.35

OHERALDO

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BIZ

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 28 JULY, 2010

RBI HIGHLIGHTS The following are the highlights of the RBI's first quarter review of the Monetary Policy 2010-11, released today: d Repo rate raised by 25 basis points to 5.75 per cent d Reverse repo rate hiked by 50 basis points to 4.50 per cent d CRR and bank rate kept unchanged at 6 per cent d Hike in policy rates with immediate effect d FY'11 growth seen at 8.5 per cent, up from projection of 8 per cent earlier d Inflation pegged at 6 per cent by FY'11 end, up from 5.5 per cent earlier d Demand-driven inflationary expectations at elevated level d Expect to maintain financial conditions conducive to growth d To start new mechanism of mid-quarter review d First mid-quarter review on September 16, 2010 d Monsoon better than last year, good for agri production d Capital inflows expected to be high on strong economic growth d Second quarterly policy review on November 2, 2010.

RBI ups growth, warns of uncertain global recovery PTI MUMBAI, JULY 27

Upbeat over a normal monsoon and the robust industry and services sectors, the RBI today raised its projections for economic growth to 8.5 per cent this fiscal from the earlier estimate of 8 per cent, but warned that a global slowdown may cast a shadow on the economy.

"Taking into account the progress of monsoon so far... the baseline projection of real GDP growth for 2010-11 is revised to 8.5 per cent, up from 8.0 per cent. This upward revision is primarily based on better industrial production and its favourable impact on the services sector," the RBI said in its quarterly monetary review unveiled here.

The RBI's projection is in line with the government and the Prime Minister's economic think-tank PMEAC's forecast for the fiscal. However, it is less than the optimistic forecast of 9.5 per cent made by the IMF for this calendar year.

The central bank said the growth prospects of the Indian economy have improved since April, 2010.

"Although cumulative rainfall so far has been 14 per cent below the long period average (LPA), the monsoon has been better than last year. Should overall monsoon performance turn out to be as projected (102 per cent of LPA), there will be a pick-up in rural demand," it said.

Rising demand in the rural economy will further give momentum to the performance of the industrial sector, which has been growing firmly since October, 2009, the RBI said.

However, uncertainty about the global recovery may cast its shadow on India, the central bank warned.

"Prospects of a sustained global recovery appear to be increasingly uncertain, with possible adverse consequences for emerging market economies (EMEs), including

India," it said.

The central bank said the main challenge to India's growth story comes from the global scenario, which recently witnessed a sovereign debt crisis in Greece, a slowdown in the eurozone and tight credit and high unemployment in the USA. It said there is expectation of a slowdown of the global economy in the second half of 2010, which will affect India's manufacturing and services sectors, besides significantly reducing the flow of foreign capital into the country.

"The main risk emanates from the global scenario and has two key dimensions... A widespread slowdown in global trade will have an impact on important manufacturing and services sectors...," the RBI said, adding that a bigger risk could be a slowdown in capital inflows.

Such a situation could also constrain domestic investment, the RBI said.

Interest rates to move up: Subbarao PTI MUMBAI, JULY 27

The RBI said it expects both the lending and deposit rates to go up following its decision to raise key policy rates to check inflation which is in double-digits.

"We expect credit to be dearer...As credit demand picks up, we expect lending and deposit rates to go up," Governor D Subbarao said.

To stamp on inflation, RBI raised its key short-term lending and borrowing rates by 0.25 per cent and 0.50 per cent respectively. The increase in short-term lending rate (repo) to 5.75 per cent and short-term borrowing rate (reverse repo) to 4.5 per cent will be effective immediately.

Move will hurt growth: India Inc PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Contrary to the government''s expectations, industry said the RBI''s move to up short-term rates may hinder industrial growth as interest rates are likely to be jacked up. Industry chambers described hike in short-term borrowing (reverse repo) rate by 50 basis points as "surprising".

"This is a huge surprise as general expectation was at most 25 basis points increase in both rates.

The reverse repo increase will incentivise parking of funds by banks with RBI thus reducing lending opportunities to industry," Ficci President Rajan Bharti Mittal said.

Aim is to check inflation, not hurt growth: FM PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the Reserve Bank's decision to raise short-term key rates will check inflation without hurting growth.

"I expect this policy will lead to further easing of inflation which already is going down and it should also keep us fully on track in terms of growth," Mukherjee told reporters inside Parliament complex.

In its first quarter monetary review, the central bank today raised short-term lending and borrowing rates by 0.25 per cent and 0.50 per cent respectively.

The increase in short-term

lending rate (repo) to 5.75 per cent and short-term borrowing rate (reverse repo) to 4.50 per cent will be effective immediately.

"The monetary policy just announced by RBI is another calibrated step in the right direction ... The RBI has not only raised policy rates but has narrowed down the spread between repo and reverse repo rates for a more efficient financial system," he said.

This is the fourth policy rate hike by the Reserve Bank so far this year.

The overall inflation has been in double digits for the past five months and stood at 10.55 per cent in June.

The RBI in order to keep suf-

ficient liquidity in the system has, however, kept the cash reserve ratio (the amount of deposits banks park with RBI) unchanged at 6 per cent.

"It is a welcome measure and particularly I am happy that CRR has not been increased because of successful auction of 3G has created some strain on liquidity," Mukherjee said.

The government has raised over Rs one lakh crore from the auction of 3G and BWA spectrum, against the estimates of Rs 35,000 crore.

"Under these circumstances, not tightening credit by direct quantitative measures like the CRR, shows sophisticated thinking," he added.

RBI pegs inflation at 6% by March PTI MUMBAI, JULY 27

The Reserve Bank today expected inflation to come down to 6 per cent by the end of this fiscal from the current level of over 10 per cent, but said high rate of price rise is likely to continue for some more time as demand pressures are building up in the economy.

Earlier, the apex bank had projected inflation at 5.5 per cent by March 2011, and the latest higher estimate is on account of the impact of fuel price hike,which it said, is likely to add a full 1 percentage point directly to the headline inflation numbers with the second round impact coming in the next few months.

To cool inflation, the central bank today raised short-term lending rates by 0.25 per cent

and overnight borrowing rate by 0.50 per cent.

"Non-food inflation has risen and demand-side pressures are clearly evident. With growth taking firm hold, the balance of policy stance has to shift decisively to containing inflation and anchoring inflationary expectations," the RBI said in its quarterly monetary policy review here today.

The overall inflation has been in double-digits for the past five months and the June figures stood at 10.55 per cent.

"If this pattern continues, final WPI inflation numbers for the coming months can be expected to be higher," it said.

The central bank said the prospects of softening of inflation around the middle of this fiscal are contingent on moderating food prices. Despite mod-

eration, food inflation stood at a higher level of 12.47 per cent for the week ended July 10.

The Reserve Bank said rainfall has been generally adequate so far, indicating good prospects for the farm sector. But, with two months yet to go for the season, the risk of inadequate rainfall adversely affecting specific regions and crops remains, it cautioned.

The apex bank said it had earlier expected inflation to be 5.5 per cent by this fiscal-end.

"Subsequently, there has been an increase in prices of many administered /regulated items such as petroleum products, iron ore and electricity," it added.

The central bank said there can be an up to 1 per cent impact on WPI-inflation owing to

fuel price hike. In June, the government had raised petrol prices by Rs 3.5 a litre while decontrolling it and hiked diesel prices by Rs 2 a litre, LPG by Rs 35 a cylinder and kerosene by 3 a litre.

"Assuming that global crude oil prices remain stable, the immediate impact on inflation will be about 1 percentage point on WPI inflation, with second round effects coming through in the months ahead," the RBI said.

It said going forward inflation outlook will be determined on the basis of the Kharif harvest, global commodity prices and build-up of demand side pressures.

The apex bank said the main objective of RBI in medium term would be to bring down inflation to 3 per cent.

Interest rates to stay till Oct: bankers

PTI MUMBAI, JULY 27 Leading bankers today ruled out any rise in the interest rate regime in the second quarter despite the increased pressure on the rates following the Reserve Bank policy action.

Admitting that the Reserve Bank decision to raise the short-term lending (repo) and borrowing (reverse repo) rates will increase pressure on interest rates, bankers said they will

take a call on interest rates in October when they expect an uptick in credit demand.

Reserve Bank Governor D Subbarao, however, told newsmen that lending and deposit rates will increase with the rising demand for credit.

"No immediate impact on the interest rate. In Q2 interest rate won't go up by and large," State Bank Chairman OP Bhatt told reporters after the monetary policy.

Increase in lending rates will be followed by hike in deposit rates, he said, adding, it is difficult to state for the banking industry as each bank would take a call depending on its asset liability position.

The central bank today upped its short-term lending and borrowing rates by 0.25 and 0.50 per cent respectively to bring inflation down to a projected 6 per cent by March next from the double-digits now.

Canara Bank CMD AC Mahajan said, "I don't see interest rates are going up before October."

Acknowledging that excess liquidity has disappeared from the system, ICICI Bank chief executive and MD Chanda Kochhar said interest rates depend not only on policy measures but also on the liquidity situation. "We are already witnessing a rise in interest rates for wholesale deposits," she said.

Asian Paints Q1 FY 11 net up 26% PTI MUMBAI, JULY 27

Asian Paints's consolidated net profit has increased 26.2 per cent to Rs 222.2-crore in Q1 FY 11 as against Rs 176.1-crore in the year-ago period. Sales and operating income is up 25.3% to Rs 1,830.2-crore in the reporting quarter as against Rs 1,460.2-crore in the year-ago period. "The company has done well during the quarter driven by favourable demand for decorative coatings across the country. Demand conditions for international and industrial businesses were challenging, although automotive coatings business performed well," Asian Paints' MD and CEO, P M Murty, said.

CREDAI plan to file case against proposed GST PTI CHENNAI, JULY 27

Real estate developers apex body Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI) plans to file a case against the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST), a top official said here today.

'Currently we are collecting it from our customers which we don't want to.Soon we will file a case at the national level,' CREDAI National Vice-President Prakash Challa told reporters.

He said the Service Tax would only escalate cost (to customers).

Challa said developers collect money either by charging 4.12 per cent of construction cost or by collecting 10.3 per

cent from the overall saleable value.

"We have spoken to our members (in this regard) and will soon file a case at the National level", he said.

He said the govt should refrain from introducing the Model Real Estate (Regulation of Development) in the present format as many clauses in it would affect the common man.

"We welcome the Bill but not in the present format" he said.

Stating that a CREDAI delegation had thrice met government officials, he said one of the proposed clauses would result in construction costs shooting up by Rs 296 per square feet. "The most immediate impact will be felt by the af-

fordable segment", he said.

On the clause which says a developer needs to register each and every project, he said this would only result in construction delays.

He suggested a provision to make the developer register for a five year period and then renew it. he said.

He said the Bill also has no details about the timeline for project approvals.

"Normally it takes about 1824 months to get all approvals.

But a timeline for getting all the approvals is not informed (for a project)", he said.

CREDAI currently has 20 member Associations across India and over 5,000 individual developers as members.

RIL net jumps 32% to Rs 4,851 cr PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Reliance Industries today reported the best-ever quarterly profit and revenue numbers with a 32.3 per cent rise in profit and a massive 85 per cent jump in revenues in the quarter to June, helped by robust performance of its refining and petrochemicals businesses.

While the company saw its net profit touching Rs 4,851 crore, which is a 32.32 rise over the year-ago period, its net turnover zoomed nearly 85 per cent to Rs 58,950 crore in the reporting quarter.

The Mukesh Ambani-led corporate giant saw robust gains in its earnings from oil and gas production and exploration business, helping it achieve its highest-ever quarterly net

profit and revenue figures. The company has a net profit of Rs 3,666 crore in the June 2009 quarter, RIL said in a statement.

The total income rose by a whopping 85 per cent to Rs 58,950 crore for reporting quarter from Rs 31,896 crore in the same quarter year-ago period. Excluding duties and taxes, turnover rose by 88.1 per cent to Rs 61,007 crore, from Rs 32,441 crore in yearago period.

Commenting on the results, Reliance CMD Mukesh Ambani said, "we had yet another record quarter due to high operating rates and improving margins across all our businesses."

Talking about "two major initiatives to create incremental value" undertaken during the

quarter, Ambani said, "we entered into joint ventures in shale gas to globalise and diversify our upstream portfolio.

Reliance has also committed itself to participate in the high growth and exciting area of broadband wireless. Both these initiatives are in line with the strategy to identify and invest in new, value creating businesses."

RIL said its strong financial growth was supported by rise in volumes as well as prices, while its exports more than doubled to Rs 32,849 crore, from Rs 16,145 crore.

The company's total expenditure also nearly doubled in the quarter to Rs 52,371 crore, from Rs 26,681 crore. Staff cost rose to Rs 617 crore from Rs 557 crore.

Bill to replace ULIP order, FM allays RBI fears PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Allaying RBI's fears, the government today proposed to elevate its governor's post in the proposed joint mechanism to address the differences among financial regulators over hybrid products.

The legislation, Securities and Insurance Laws (Amendment) and Validation, Bill 2010, presented in the Lok Sabha to replace the ULIP Ordinance, also seeks to have a joint committee to resolve the differences among the financial regulators - SEBI, IRDA, RBI and PFRDA. The committee will be headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

The Ordinance on Unit Linked Insurance Products had given the power of regulating ULIP to insurance regulator IRDA. The Ordinance also mandated the government to set up a committee to decide on the jurisdiction issues between regulators over hybrid products, which contain features

Opto Circuits buys Unetixs PTI

NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Opto Circuits India, a developer and maker of patient monitoring systems, today said it has fully acquired US-based Unetixs Vascular for USD 9.7 million (about Rs 45 crore) in cash.

Unetixs Vascular is a specialist in detection of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the acquisition will give Opto Circuits India''s (OCI) access to USFDA-approved non- invasive equipment for diagnosis of vascular diseases, the company said in a statement.

that fall under the regime of different watchdogs.

However, RBI had raised certain objections to the proposed joint committee, saying autonomy of regulators will be affected.

The bill, presented by Mukherjee in the Lok Sabha, sought to address concerns by Reserve Bank of India (RBI)by elevating its Governor as ViceChairman of the joint commission.

Currently, the inter-regulatory body, called the High Level Coordination Committee on financial sector, is headed by RBI. The ordinance had treated RBI at a par with other regulators but governor D Subbarao had expressed his reservations, saying parity would dilute the central bank's authority.

When asked whether the bill has addressed the concerns of RBI, Subbarao said, "No comments."

The bill retained PFRDA, IRDA and SEBI chairmen as

members of the proposed body.

Stock Market and Insurance regulators SEBI and IRDA were at loggerheads over the jurisdiction ULIPs. In the midst of a deadlock, the government came out with an Ordinance giving the jurisdiction to IRDA. Making another deviation from the Ordinance, the bill proposes that in case of future differences among the regulators, the reference shall be made to the joint commission only by the respective regulators and not by the government.

"As both Houses of Parliament were not in session and immediate action was required to be taken, the President promulgated the Securities and Insurance Laws (Amendment and Validation) Ordinance, 2010 on 18th June, 2010," to resolve differences between the two regulators, SEBI and IRDA, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said while introducing the Bill.

IL&FS Financial Services Limited (IFIN) has set up a consortium with five public sector banks to fund big-ticket infrastructure projects.

The consortium, 'Pan India Pooled Syndicate Facility' seeks to cut down project financing period significantly, a top IL&FS official said.

IL&FS has tied-up with Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank and Union Bank of India to set up the fund pool.

"A fund pool of Rs 2,750-

L&T net at Rs 666 cr PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Engineering giant Larsen & Toubro reported a net profit of Rs 666 crore for the quarter to June against Rs 1,598 crore during the same period a year ago. "The profit after tax for the corresponding quarter of the previous year at Rs 1,598 crore included an exceptional gain of Rs 1,020 crore from sale of its long term investment in UltraTech Cement," the company said in a filing to the stock exchanges.

"Excluding this exceptional gain in the said quarter, PAT from normal operations grew by 15% during the current quarter," the filing added. The higher operating margin of 12.9% recorded by the company in the current quarter contributed to this growth, it said.

During the quarter, the company won customer orders worth Rs 15,626 crore, registering a growth of 63% over the corresponding quarter of last year. The company''s order book stood at Rs 1,07,816 crore as on June 30, 2010.

Godrej Ind PAT up 200% PTI MUMBAI, JULY 27

With healthy contributions from almost all its businesses, diversified conglomerate Godrej Industries' PAT in Q1 FY 11 has zoomed 200 per cent at Rs 49-crore as against Rs 16-crore in the year-ago period.

The consolidated total income for the company stood at Rs 1,101-crore, up 30 per cent from Rs 780-crore in the same period a year ago.

"This has been a positive quarter for all the group companies...the big driver is India's improving economy.

We see better quarters ahead due to good monsoons this year. It will provide adequate impetus to our agri-business

segment. Godrej Properties has been on a high performance spree with strong growth both in topline and bottomline," Godrej Industries' Chairman, Adi Godrej, told PTI here today.

Going forward, the com-

IFIN, 5 PSBs form pool to fund infra projects PTI MUMBAI, JULY 27

RIL said its outstanding debt as on June 30 was Rs 73,422 crore (USD 15.8 billion), up from Rs 62,495 crore as on March 31, 2010. It had cash and cash equivalents of Rs 26,407 crore (USD 5.7 billion), which are in fixed deposits, certificate of deposits with banks, mutual funds and government securities/bonds. The net capex towards projects for the quarter was Rs 3,628 crore.

Its oil and gas (exploration and production) business revenue grew 150 per cent, which was entirely on account of KGD6 production. At the same time, refining and marketing revenue more than doubled to Rs 50,531 crore, while petrochemicals business revenue rose by nearly 19 per cent to Rs 13,903 crore.

crore has been aggregated for meeting the requirements of debt financing for the projects," IL&FS MD and CEO, Ramesh Bawa, said here today.

Presently any large project usually takes 4-6-months for financial closure, Bawa said, adding, "therefore, we have come out with this wellthought-out plan, which will reduce the time-line from 4-6-months to 3-4-weeks."

"The facility would also enable developers to keep limited number of projects open for financial closure, thereby reducing the project financial closure

risk for infrastructure developers," Bawa said.

"This will mark a big change in the financial sector," he added. Bawa noted that the facility would also provide a quicker decision and faster credit delivery platform to the infrastructure sector.

He said that guidelines would also be framed for making available funds for various projects under this facility.

"The guidelines would be framed in 2-3-weeks and from September 1 we would start providing this facility," he added.

pany's aim would be to focus on CREATE strategy -- Consumer and Chemicals, Real Estate, Agri-business, Transformation and Emergent, he said.

Its animal feeds business chipped in with the maximum contribution at Rs 297-crore followed by chemicals at Rs 218-crore and veg oils at Rs 214-crore.

The company has earmarked a Rs 230-crore investment this year for setting up an oleochemical manufacturing unit at Ambernath. The facility will be operational by FY 13.

India, UAE discuss trade AGENCY ABU DHABI, JULY 27

India's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) M K Lokesh and the director general of UAE's ministry of foreign trade, Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, met here to discuss issues related to bilateral trade.

The Indian envoy was told Monday that the UAE is keen to bolster its trade cooperation with India, as it is the key trade partner in UAE's non-oil trade.

Currently, the Emirates' nonoil trade with India stands at $29.4 billion, accounting for 61 percent of the region's total non-oil foreign trade.

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Rolling with the The Captivating Aura of Rain Black and White

The rains often bring out different moods in different people and also bring around a time to make memories and indulge in various activities. Herald finds out how today’s generation is making the most of the heavenly downpour

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES aindrops have the power of magnifying the most smallest of beautiful thing and that’s perhaps the reason why poets call it one of the most romantic seasons; they have the ability to inspire masterpieces. There of course are some who let the heavy showers dampen their spirits. Many carry on with their mundane routines, finding little free time to just enjoy the pitter-patter raindrops. During that time, the least we can do is open the windows, let the droplets kiss your face and sip on a piping hot cup of tea or coffee while enjoying some bhajias, or chai time snacks while watching the skies fill up with lightning, thunder and the chilling winds.

The rains are the time for new opportunities. New life is sprouting in the wild and the plants have different shades of green all over them. The beauty of the monsoons is evident in the low-hanging storm clouds, the verdant sparkle, the rainbows and the night skies glowing with veins of lightning.

With artistic droplets of water hanging from leaves and branches of trees, small streams of clear water flowing to form fresh water springs and small mushrooms sprouting from dry and damp wood pieces, our surroundings seem like living poetry.

John Lino D’Mello, a musician and photographer, says, “If it is raining too heavily I prefer to stay indoors and practise keyboard notes. I also enjoy long bike rides just to hear the sound of the rain. I love clicking photographs of the shades of green especially droplets falling. Though there are always problems with keeping the camera dry in the rain, the pictures are worthwhile. A crowd of people wearing colourful

R ue ting has a uniq in a p l a o rc a h c All The art of conducting an is A C M Y e h T charm. encil) drawing P & l a o rc a h .

Goa YMCA (C t 14 in Panjim s u g u A n o n of competitio g th e s c e n e in h tc e k s s ie H e ra ld tr ting in Goa Charcoal Pain

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES he soot covered hands, covering the canvas in different strokes, creating masterpieces from the charm of charcoal painting hasn’t died down, since it was in vogue right from the times of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Even though various other mediums keep emerging, there are a load of artists today who still resort to this medium of art to express their ideas and thoughts onto the canvas.

The medium of charcoal has its own charm; the various works of art have magnetic charm that leaves the viewer wondering how a burnt piece of wood could produce such a marvellous creation. What is it that draws the artist to this age old medium? “The choice of medium depends on the temperament of the artist,” says Loretti Joyce Pinto, an etching artist who also uses the medium of charcoal, among others. “Charcoal was the first writing or drawing tool, and it continues to hold the fascination of the people,” says artist Dr Subodh Kerkar.

Emotions can be captured in colour but the charcoal gives it a unique touch, “You can capture all kinds of emotions in charcoal; any expression can be drawn in black and white,” says Dr Kerkar. A work of art depends on how the artist interprets his ideas on the canvas. Art often is a combination of the various life experiences coupled with the themes on which the artist is trying to communicate. “I choose my mediums according to work and my ideas. I believe when an artist paints, his inner being comes out on the canvas and he will mould this with the themes he is working on,” says Loretti.

“Charcoal is a wonderful medium, it gives the painting a kind of softness,” explains Dr Kerkar. The softness of the lines that are created by charcoal is what the artists love about charcoal. “You can draw all kinds of lines using a charcoal. When using a pen, you get fine definite lines, but if I have to use softer lines for a facial expression, the charcoal sticks are the best,” says Loretti. “It enables me to work on both, lines and volume simultaneously,” she adds.

T

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E New ideas and new avenues will take you toward a very enriching e x p e r i e n c e t o d a y.

(21 Mar – 19 Apr) Though you may often prefer to tackle your own plans and projects first, today brings a chance to earn some serious karma by helping a friend or coworker before all else. Go for it!

The best way to try something new is to ask for ideas. Consult your wildest pals. You feel a (23 Sep – 22 Oct) bit crazy right now -- so much so that you might chuck your schedule book and try for something new. It's a good idea for you to keep in touch with all your VIPs, though!

There is a lot of weird behavior around you today.

Don't let it throw you off.

Play to the crowd today (20 Apr – 20 May) -- one-on-one business might not work out as well for you.

It's not that you're not still perfectly charming, just that you need to broaden your spectrum a bit.

Buck up on your fix-it skills; there are problems at home that need your attention. Your love life (23 Oct – 21 Nov) could use a boost -- and today's fantastic emotional energy is just what it needs! You may meet someone new and striking or just see your long-term partner in a lovely new way.

You can bring a new point of view to the discussion, so stand up and speak up. If you and (21 May – 21 Jun) your sweetie are squabbling or finding weird little faults, it's not the end -- you just need to ride out this weird communication energy.

If it lasts more than a few days or weeks, consult a professional.

You'll be able to comprehend new ideas faster than others, so step up to lead today. You're (22 Nov – 21 Dec) more in the mood to listen than to speak up now -- so make sure that you're surrounded by the right people. They've got plenty to say, and you might learn quite a lot by keeping your mouth shut.

To bring someone to your side today, appeal to their intellect, not their emotions. You're the per(22 Jun – 22 Jul) fect good Samaritan today -- helping others without a thought as to how much it might cost you. That good karma is priceless, though you may need to make use of it soon!

It's never too early to plan for the future, but it can be too late. Get started today! You don't (22 Dec – 19 Jan) often put much stock in hunches or flashes of inspiration, but today brings a strong feeling of suspicion that you really need to follow up on. It may not pan out, but it's worth the effort nonetheless.

Show a new person in your life that you can be adaptable to anything they propose. Your cre(23 Jul – 22 Aug) ative energy is peaking now, though you may feel at loose ends in some important part of life.

If you can integrate your wild ideas with work or family, things should work out well for you.

You're more attractive than you realize! Step out and show yourself to the world. It's important that (20 Jan – 18 Feb) you treat yourself right today -- even if that makes someone else feel left out! Your energy is a little tapped right now, so it's harder than usual to help others when they need it.

When you tell them what you really think today, be constructive with your criticism. You aren't all (23 Aug – 22 Sep) that thrilled with a change announced today, but you also know that change is an important part of life. It's a good time for you to practice acceptance and watch your worst fears fade away.

More than ever, it's vital for you to be open to change. Opportunity is knocking. You've got en(19 Feb – 20 Mar) ergy to spare, and no shortage of plans and projects to spend it on -- so get busy! You may outlast almost everyone else, so don't worry too much if you find yourself working alone.

The various sizes in thickness of the charcoal pencil is what enables the artists to bring variation in the lines, “Even while using the charcoal stick you use all the sides of it, if I want a thinner line I turn the charcoal to the point where it has worn out and use the most pointed part,” says Loretti. Holding the charcoal stick in hand is an amazing feeling by itself, “Our hands become black covered in the soot of the stick, that is another great feeling,” says Subodh Kerkar, The basic step to paint a charcoal painting is that you need charcoal sticks of various sizes and a canvas. Artists prefer special canvas meant for charcoal painting as it brings out the texture in the paintings. When you have finished the out line and the basic image, you proceed to the shading of the picture, using finer tips when a darker line is needed and thicker ones for the lighter shades. “The only problem with charcoal paintings is that after you paint you have to fix the painting using the various fixatives available, as an accidental touch can smudge the painting,” says Dr Kerkar.

Charcoal is not only popular among professional artists, many other people who draw as a hobby also love the magic of charcoal painting, “In using pencil, you have to keep using various strokes while when using charcoal, you can get the strokes in one go,” says Shiral Coutinho, an MBA student, who likes the fact that you can get the effect of shading for the charcoal paintings.

And giving people a platform to showcase their talent in charcoal and pencil drawing, the YMCA Panjim is organising an All Goa YMCA (Charcoal & Pencil) drawing competition on the eve of Independence Day at the YMCA International Goa Hall with various categories and themes for the competition. “The reason why we thought of charcoal is to bring quality into the competition, we have categories for the school and college and even an open category, and we are expecting professional artists also to participate for this category,” says Godwin from the YMCA. (Registrations are open for the competition)

raincoats or carrying different coloured umbrellas make beautiful photographs.”

Football players find the rains most fun and they can slide in the muck without getting bruised and fighting the rain while playing simply adds to the thrill of the game. Who cares for the fever and cold that follows, every youngster’s life has to have a game in the rain, even if it is merely standing on the boundary line and cheering the players. Christopher Leitao shares his experience, “Football in the rain is exciting.

I also enjoy fishing and catching crabs in the fields. It is difficult to stay away from friends despite the weather so we meet me for a freshly prepared plate of pani puri or chaat.”

Shirley Pinto says, “I enjoy gardening as the earth is moist and it is much easier to dig and plant new saplings. The new thing now is kitchen gardening, it will eventually help in cutting costs so I plan to start growing vegetables in my backyard. You don’t even have to water the plants as the showers come with lesser breaks these days.”

Adventurous ones tread long paths to make the most of the rains, exploring gushing springs in the monsoons or trekking over the fresh coat of greenery in the wild.

Gwen Dias says, “The greenery comes alive with the droplets sparkling on the leaves.

I carry my camera along to click snaps of moths, butterflies and new branches budding out of trees.”

Well, for those who find it difficult to go out to enjoy the rain, the next time you are travelling by bus or car, keep your window open and enjoy the raindrops falling on your face, singing, ‘Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head…nothing’s worryin’ me…’

‘Khatta Meetha’ gets Sweet and Sour Reception

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uperstar Akshay Kumar starrer ‘Khatta Meetha’ has had a sweet-sour effect on the box office as the Priyadarshan helmed comedy has made single-screen audiences burst into guffaws but left the multiplex gentry asking for more. The overall average occupancy for ‘Khaata Meetha’ over the weekend was 75 percent.

Word of mouth is not that great and it is not being appreciated.

Basically, it is a masses film meant only for single-screens where it is doing very well unlike in the multiplexes.

An official from a popular multiplex franchisee stated, “The weekend was Ok and the occupancy was only 60 percent. The content is average and the initial was not as expected as out of an Akshay Kumar movie. We hope it sustains this week. However, it is doing well in single-screens.”

Produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd and distributed by DreamWorld Searchlight Pictures, ‘Khatta Meetha’ takes

a dig at corruption and bribery.

Akshay’s character in the movie is modelled on renowned cartoonist R.K. Laxman’s iconic ‘Common Man’ character.

A remake of Priyadarshan’s 1988 Malayalam film ‘Vellanakalude Naadu’, it also stars Makrand Deshpande, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Trisha, Aroona Irani and Milind Gunaji.

The weekend for ‘Khatta Meetha’ was only above average and not as per expectations, though not below too. The occupancy over the weekend has only been 70-75 percent vis-a-vis Akshay’s films that generally get a 90-95 percent opening.

The content is being appreciated at small centres and singlescreen theatres are going gaga over the film.

“People are liking the movie and it might stretch for a week at least, said a single-screen owner,” adding, “We have had an average occupancy of 80-85 percent in the initial weekend with a gross of over Rs4,00,000. We are very happy with the audience reaction.”

Another single-screen cinema owner added, “The movie has done good business here with an occupancy of over 80 percent. In fact Sunday was houseful and jam-packed. We are hoping it will sustain for at least two weeks.”

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Anne Hathaway rocks London Pub

ollywood star Anne Hathaway recently impressed the locals while filming a new movie in London by embracing the hard-partying pub scene.

The Devil Wears Prada star is currently in the capital working on an adaptation of David Nicholls' novel, 'One Day', and has spent her time off relaxing in the Prince Arthur pub in Hackney, East London.

Hathaway impressed the bar staff and regulars at a recent late-night party when she took the microphone and performed an impromptu cabaret set into the early hours.

But the 27-year-old has kept up her professionalism by turning up on set ready to work despite her late nights.

“She's built up quite a reputation since the performance.

But whatever she does in the pub, Anne has an enviable

knack of showing up for filming the next morning as fresh as a daisy, as though she'd gone to sleep at 9pm with a mug of cocoa,” informed a source.

The story of ‘One Day’ charts an extraordinary relationship. Emma (Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) meet on the night of their college graduation. She is a working-class girl of principle and ambition who dreams of making the world a better place. He is a wealthy charmer who dreams that the world will be his playground.

For the next two decades, the film reveals how the two are faring, as their friendship ebbs and flows with the passing of the years. Through laughter and romance, heartbreak and exhilaration, they experience the grandeur of life. Somewhere along their journey, these two people realise that what they are searching and hoping for has been there for them all along.

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Environment

GOA’S HEARTBEAT Wednesday, 28 July, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

All Goa YMCA (Charcoal and Pencil) drawing competition, organised by the YMCA will be held on August 14 from 9:30am to 11am at the YMCA International Goa Hall, Campal, Panjim. E-mail ymcagoa@gmail.com.

Call 2227112 or 9423170317.

‘C Alvares – Patxea Duetancho’, a musical show by Mil–Mel–Nel will take place on August 1 at 10:30am at GVN, Margao. It is held to commemorate the birth anniversary of the popular Konkani Tiatrist, C Alvares. It will also be staged on August 7 at 7pm at Saligao Panchayat Hall, Saligao, the birth place of the late C Alvares and on August 8 at 6:30 pm at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Vasco.

Tailoring, machine and hand embroidery, crochet, flower making, fabric painting, candle making and bakery and cookery courses, organised by Caritas, Goa will be held from August for a period of 6 months at Dr Graciano de Santana Ribeiro Empowerment Centre, Porvorim.

The courses are specially designed for the benefit and empowerment of women. Call 2416716 or 9765256547.

‘Folk Plays of Salcete’, a talk and discussion by Dr José Pereira will take place on July 28 at 5:30pm at the Xavier’s Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim.

Call 2417772or 2414971.

A Konkani literary contest in the Roman script, organised by the Goan Review Art Foundation (GRAF) is open for registration till July 31. Call 2630139.

Applications for various music examinations are open at the Bal Bhavan, Campal Goa. Registration closes on August 16. Call 2226823.

Scholarship for advanced training in the field of Indian classical music

Polka Function Noun Meaning 1: a lively couple dance of bohemian origin, with music in duple meter 2: polka dot : dot or round spot repeated to form a pattern Example Sentence The Allens skillfully danced the Polka on a pink polka dotted rug.

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HERALD FEATURES he Kala Academy Goa has constituted two separate Parent Teacher Associations for its Faculty of Indian Music and Dance and Department of Western Music, respectively. Sudin Pai Kane from the Faculty of Indian Music and Dance and Lydeo Noronha from the Department of Western Music have been elected as chairpersons for the respective bodies.

In order to have a smooth co-ordination between the teaching faculty and the parents of the student community in these academic divisions and to have constructive exercise and effective implementation of teaching methods, the Kala Academy has for the first time taken initiative to form parent teacher bodies for these academic divisions.

As a part of the aforesaid exercise, the first meeting of the parents and teachers of the Western Music Department was convened recently, which was chaired by Paresh Joshi, vice chairman, Kala Academy. The advisory committee members including Cecilia Menezes, Dr Francisco Colaco, Father Eufemiano Miranda and Schubert Cotta besides Pandurang Phaldesai, member secretary, Kala Academy, Candida Fernandes, director (admisnistration) and Tereza Figueiredo, director, Department of Western

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Music were also present on the occasion. The following committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Lydeo Noronha: vice chairman, Gilly Rebeiro, treasurer, Tina Aguiar, secretary, Tereza Figueiredo, joint secretary, Gorettee Pinheiro and members, Octavio Rodrigues, Molet D’Sa and Langrej Pereira.

Kamlakar Naik, principal, Goa College of Music presided over the meeting of the Faculty of Indian Music and Dance held on July 3. Pandit Vasantrao Kadnekar and Pandit Sudhakar Karandikar, members of the Advisory Committee (Indian Music), besides officials of the Kala Academy were present on the occasion.

The Parent Teacher body for Indian Music and Dance under the chairmanship of Sudin Pai Kane was unanimously elected.

The composition of the committee: vice chairman, Dadu Mandrekar, secretary, Maheshkumar, vice chairman and joint secretary, Premanand Amonkar, treasurer, Mukesh Desai and other members, Milind Mate, Priyanka Karapurkar, Geeta Narkar, Arun Ajgaonkar, Vijay Shirodkar and Rupesh Gawas.

The Advisory Committee members Cecilia Menezes, Schubert Cotta, Pandit Vasantrao Kadnekar and Pandit Sudhakar Karandikar were elected as representative members of the Kala Academy on these bodies.

HERALD FEATURES he third painting workshop of 15 artists from Mumbai, Baroda, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Goa, organised by Gallery Beyond, Mumbai and the Kerkar Art Complex, which concluded on July 25, 2010, successfully resulted in a wide array of artworks formed using different mediums, mainly paper, canvas and reel.

The masterpieces, meticulously created by the participating artists, are on display at the Kerkar Art Complex, Calangute in an exhibition titled, GO AA which will go on till July 31, 2010.

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“Everyone is a genius at least once a year. The real geniuses simply have their bright ideas closer together.”

– Georg C Lichtenberg DAILY GROOK TYPE GRIPE

by Francis Rodrigues in the company tiers secretaries are last, and thus their fears of being type-caste!

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 615 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

SOUTH POLE

11:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi

Fashion

An Amalgam of Artistry

GARFIELD

11:00 Indian Idol 13:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Aahat 14:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 15:00 C.I.D Classics 19:30 Godh Bharaai 20:00 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Boogie Woogie Kids 22:30 Aahat

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

Funny Quote

Pronunciation pohl-kuh

10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Tere Liye 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

CURR

Information Technology

Kala Academy forms PTA for Indian and Western Classical Departments

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 616

and dance, Western classical music, drama, folk-art and painting and sculpture outside the state of Goa are available at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Registration closes on August 5. Call 2420452.

‘Yuva Goa 2020’, an incident writing competition, organised by Hauns Theatre Training Centre, Ponda is open for registration till July 31. Email haunstheatre@rediffmail.com.

Call 9823229961 or 9823645380.

A Konkani Musical Programme on National Integration held under the Tiatr Academy of Goa’s (TAG) scheme, ‘Production of Musical Programmes on Patriotism/ National Integration/ Communal Harmony’ will be held on July 27 at 7pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim.

Call 2420452.

‘Information as a form of Art’, a talk by Nandini Sahai will be held on July 28 at 6.30pm at the Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

Documentary films on artists (Matisse, Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Rothco, Goya, Cezanne, Monet, Cezanne, Manet, Vermeer, Dali, etc) will be screened at the Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Membership at this club will help those applying as IFFI delegates. Call 2421311.

Animation courses, graphic and web designing courses are open for admissions. Call 2225153, 9423885224, 9823013484, 9823611824 or 9890432246.

Applications for various music examinations are open at the Bal Bhavan, Campal Goa. Registration closes on August 16. Call 2226823.

‘GO AA’ an art exhibition of 15 artists will be held till July 31 at the Kerkar Art Complex, Calangute. Call 2276017.

Education

11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 15:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 15:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan 19:00 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 22:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 22:30 Mera Naam Karegi Roshan

11:15 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

14:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 FIR 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

16:30 Papad Pol 17:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

18:30 Papad Pol 19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Papad Pol

08:15 The Longshots 10:15 Just Married 12:15 Moonraker 15:00 Commando 16:50 Josie and the Pussycats 18:50 Scream 21:00 The Pink Panther 2 22:55 The World Is Not Enough

Twin Hearts Meditation at Pranic Healing Workshop HERALD FEATURES r Anjali Shackelton, pranic healer from the All India Yog Vidya Pranic Healing Foundation, Tirupati and doctor by profession headed the free twin hearts meditation introductory session last Sunday at Clube Gasper Dias, Mirmar, Panjim.

The hall encompassed around forty attentive persons, most above thirty years of age.

Dr Shackelton gave the audience a thorough understanding of pranic healing. “‘Prana’ or life energy exists in the fourth state of matter, the plasmic state. Solar, air and ground ‘prana’ combine to form cosmic energy, which then, can be used as a healing process.

Pranic healing is based on two laws.

The first states that the body possesses a natural healing mechanism which pranic healing only accelerates and the second is the law of life force energy, which states that there is energy in life forms,” she expounded.

Most of the sessions focused on twin hearts meditation, which she ex-

D

08:00 Veeru Dada 11:20 Karz 15:55 Kala Bazaar 20:00 D-War 22:20 Mera Farz

09:30 Om Bahadur 12:30 Deedar-E-Yaar 16:00 Naam 20:00 Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa 10:00 Beyond Loch Ness 12:00 Fire from Below 13:45 Fool's Gold 14:00 Traitor 15:30 TMZ 19:00 Monsters vs. Aliens 21:00 Crocodile Dundee 23:00 Get Smart

09:55 Bad Santa 11:55 Hitch 14:15 Snake in the Eagle's

Shadow 16:15 G.I. Jane 18:45 Death and the Maiden 21:00 Into the Sun 23:10 Next

08:30 Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai 12:00 Joru Ka Ghulam 16:00 Baaz: A Bird in Danger 20:00 Tezaab 23:55 Chal Mere Bhai

08:00 Samraat 12:00 Sone Pe Suhaaga 16:00 Ravan Raaj: A True Story 20:00 Mother India

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 22:00 Lapataganj 22:30 Yeh Chanda Kanoon Hai

11:00 Laughter Dons 12:00 Laughter Ke Phatke 12:30 Dill Mill Gayye 13:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 13:30 Geet 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 15:00 Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai

18:00 Laughter Ke Phatke 18:30 Star One Horror Nights 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Dill Mill Gayye

11:00 CSI: NY : Point of View 12:00 Total Wipeout 13:30 So You Think You Can Dance 14:30 Caught on Camera 15:30 Whacked Out Sports

17:00 The Amazing Race 18:00 Fear Factor 19:00 Guinness World Records 20:00 Masters of Illusion 21:00 Whacked Out Sports 22:00 Wipeout

10:30 MasterChef Australia 12:00 V.I.P 13:00 Moment of Truth 14:00 Criminal Minds 15:00 Desperate Housewives 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 Friends 17:00 Criminal Minds

plained as group meditation that activates the heart and crown ‘chakras’.

When these ‘chakras’ are collectively activated, they believe that divine power flows down in abundance, which can then, be used to bless the world.

The participants obediently followed most of the exercises as well as the instructions from the twin hearts meditation CD and eag e r l y questioned Dr Shackelton about it all. Besides clearing their queries about the therapy, the participants were eager to carry it forward. Tentative plans to get together and experiment with the healing therapy were being discussed.

The five-day weekend course will be held on two separate weekends.

The basic course will be held this weekend, July 31 and August 1 at Clube Gasper Dias, Miramar, Panjim and the next is yet to be decided but will be in the month of August.

18:00 V.I.P 19:00 Castle 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 How I Met Your Mother: 21:00 MasterChef Australia 22:00 Criminal Minds

10:30 FIA F1 World Championship 12:00 Gp2 Series 2010 14:00 International Motorsport News 2010 15:00 TNA Impact 17:00 Game 17:30 Glitch 18:00 TNA Badshah 20:00 Bwf Super Series H/ls 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 22:00 Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2010 : Magazine: Round 7 22:30 FIM Motocross World Championship 2010 H/ls 23:00 Singha E-San Open

10:30 Winter X Games 14 : Slammed/stomped (2010) 11:00 Senior Open Championship 2010 14:00 KIA X Games Asia 2010 : Day 3 16:00 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Germany 2010 : Quarterfinal: USA vs.

Nigeria 18:00 KIA X Games Asia 2010 19:00 Uca National High School Cheerleading Championship 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Classic Boxing : A Forgotten Heavyweight : Jerry Quarry

Goan Book on Diaspora launched in the UK

London-based first-time author Selma Carvalho released her book 'Into the Diaspora Wilderness' at the UK Goan Festival on July 25, 2010. The 290-page book digs up significant new information specially about the British Empire and the 'New World', along with focusing on Goa in 1900, the adventures of 'tarvottis' and colonial East Africa. The Goa launch of the book is due for August 2010. Copies will be available at Broadway Book Centre, Panjim.

22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia

09:00 2010 India tour to Sri Lanka : Preview 10:00 2010 India tour to Sri Lanka : 2nd Test Day 3 17:00 2010 India tour to Sri Lanka : Review 17:30 WWE: Bottom Line 18:30 WWE: Specials : Money In the Bank 21:30 2010 India tour to Sri Lanka H/ls 23:30 WWE: Bottom Line

07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Career Guidance 11:30 Divine sitar 12:00 Konkani Songs 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Konkani Movie 15:30 Sangeet 16:00 HCN Smash Hits 16:30 Flavors 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Summer T10 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Straight Talk 22:00 English News 23:00 Career Guidance 23:30 Divine sitar 00:00 Konkani Songs 00:30 Flavors 01:00 Art of living 01:30 Health Watch 02:00 Kids Club 02:30 Flavors 03:00 Career Guidance Note: Subject to change

HERALD CROSSWORD - 616 Across 1- Enlivens, with "up"; 5Seize; 10- Energy source; 14- Oil-rich nation; 15- Slow, musically; 16- An apple or a planet will have this at the centre; 17- Biblical birthright seller; 18- Like Cheerios; 19Swenson of "Benson"; 20Supernatural; 23- Defeats; 24- Crackers; 25- Squat; 28Apians; 30- Swank; 31- Inconstant; 36- Jackie's second; 37- Cutting out?; 39Guadalajara gold; 40- Retire; 42- Verdi opera; 43- Ages; 44- Simplistic ideas; 46Highways, e.g.; 49- Fragrant resin; 51- Estimations; 56Calamitous; 57- Birthplace of Muhammad; 58- Small mountain lake; 60- Change for a five; 61- Staggering; 62- Dies ___; 63- Capone's nemesis; 64- Sows; 65Fluid-filled sac; Down 1- Filled pastry crust; 2- Formerly, formerly; 3- Early latenight host; 4- Short and stout; 5- Slick; 6- Hit back, perhaps; 7Pays to play; 8- Type of gun; 9Fishing hole; 10- Like a blackberry; 11- Scout master?; 12Church instrument; 13- Dry and crumbly; 21- Kan. neighbor; 22Adonaïs, Thanatopsis, or In Memoriam; 25- Celestial body; 26- Raced; 27- Single entity; 28- Curse; 29- SASE, e.g.; 31-

Billiard implements; 32SOLUTION - 615 Possessed; 33- Thwart; 34- Language of Pakistan; 35- Rich soil; 37- Trunk; 38- Nipper's co.; 41- To correct; 42- Of the absence of life; 44- Flower parts; 45- Parisian pal; 46Radioactive gas; 47- Express a viewpoint; 48- ___ski; 49- Host; 50- Tied; 52December day, briefly; 53Able was ___...; 54- Not any; 55- Ladies of Sp.; 59After taxes;

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SPORTS

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GOA, Wednesday, 28 July, 2010

Ponda, Nuvem in finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JULY 27

Host Ponda Footballers defeated Rebello Pandal, Curtorim 5-4 via tie-breaker to confirm their place in the first semis of the 21st allGoa St Anne’s soccer festival organised by Ponda Footballers at

Curti ground, Ponda.

Ponda Footballers took the lead in the 7th minute through a beautiful header by Siddi off a corner kick taken by Johnny Clemente.

Curtorim’s efforts paid off when Roland’s header found the net in the dying minutes of the first half to equalise the score 1-1.

With the teams locked in a goalless draw at full time, the tie-breaker system had to be adopted where Alex, Johny, Siddi, Thapa and John shot on target for Ponda Footballers.

Vincent, Vitorino, Bruno and Piedade scored for Rebello Pandal while Nelson’s shot was collected by Siddi, who was later declared man-of-the-match.

In the second semis, Cazy Friends, Nuvem got the better of Cortalim Brothers 3-1. Soccoro (2) and Benjo scored for Cazy Friends while Celio scored for Cortalim. Cazy Friends will now meet hosts Ponda Footballers in the finals on August 1.

Navelim Sporting in quarters HERALD CORRESPONDENT PANJIM, JULY 27

Navelim Sporting had to work hard to pip a stubborn Carmona Sports Club 1-0 to enter the quarter-finals of Fraxier trophy soccer tournament organised

by Young Strikers Club Benaulim at St John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim on Tuesday.

Substitute Bitu Singh scored the match-winner five minutes before close. The first session was evenly balanced. Navelim got more opportunities but could not find the net. Carmona defense led by Yuri Ferrao also put a solid performance to negate the moves initiated by Navelim medios Domnic Cabral and Richard Costa.

After resumption Navelim pressurised the rivals but Carmona's young keeper Berny Rodrigues made a couple of saves. When it appeared that the match was heading towards

the tie-breaker, winger Sunford Costa found Bitu Singh clear on the left flank and the youngster struck a powerful left footer which crashed onto the post before landing into the nylons in the 55th minute.

That was not the last action of the match as a minute later Yuri's long pass found Hanuman inside the box but the striker, to the frustration of the Carmona supporters, slammed the ball high with only Navelim keeper Jhonathan Faleiro at his mercy.

Yesterday, Verna Sports Club managed to eke out a narrow 54 win via the tie-breaker over St Anthony’s Sports Club, Assolda.

There was no score at half time.

Verna enjoyed a slight edge and created openings especially in the first half. They could have scored but striker Rexon Fernandes was the worst offender as he ballooned over from close range a Cruz Gomes pass.

At the other end, St Anthony’s were struggling and hardly troubled the rival defence.

Crossing over, St Anthony’s put up a better display and their persistent raids fetched them dividends when striker Socorro Fernandes bulged the net with a snap shot after he picked up a pass from Cruz Gomes.

Stung by the setback, Verna kept themselves in the hunt for the equaliser and finally snatched it midway in the second half when striker Santan Rego unleashed a 20-yard stiff shot which beat the Assolda goalkeeper hands down.

In the tie-breaker, Verna emerged victorious scoring through Francis Fernandes, Mario Rego, Rexon Fernandes and Martsio Abranches while Socorro Fernandes, Cruz Gomes, and Jose Gomes converted for Assolda.

India-Australia ODI preparations begin HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JULY 27

The preparations for the IndiaAustralia ODI to be hosted by Goa Cricket Association on October 24 at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda began in full swing as the pooja was held before marking the outline of the pitch.

The grass is being trimmed and the soil to prepare the pitch is being sought from Indore.

GCA chairman of ground committee, Suryakant Naik said that the BCCI would be deploying a curator from Madhya Pradesh to help out the local association in preparing the pitch.

When asked about his view on the pitch, Naik said it is early to comment but promised to make it a high scoring one since it is a prestigious one-day international match.

GCA and SAG officials supervising the pitch preparation at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Tuesday.

BPS Club (Margao) wins Angleys TT

BPS Club, Margao, winners of Angleys Cup TT in Panjim on Tuesday.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JULY 27

BPS Club, Margao emerged champions in Angleys Cup Table Tennis Team Championship event or-

Nitish retains joint 1st place HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JULY 27

Nitish Belurkar drew with Aryan Gholemi of Iran at World School Chess Championship in Turkey today. He is on 5 points after 6 rounds in the U-9 open category and is in joint 1st place.

Riya Savant beat G.Cinnem Kagla of Turkey in the girls category and is on 4.5 points.

ganised by Panjim Gymkhana at Gymkhana Premises, here on Tuesday.

BPS registered a convincing 3-0 win over last year’s champions Panjim Table Tennis Club

to emerge triumphant.

Agnelo Naik gave BPS a dream start defeating former state champion Ajit Ghantker 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7. Goa's top paddler Diljeet Velingker made it 2-0 for BPS with a comfortable 11-7, 12-10, 11-7 win over Goa's stalwart Noel Noronha.

The third tie was a pulsating edge-of-the seat contest with fortunes fluctuating ever y minute. Amit Naik of BPS lost the first two sets 8-11, 9-11 but came back strongly to win the next three 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 to clinch the championship for BPS. Dr Ajit Nagarshekar was the chief guest and distributed the prizes in the presence of K i s h o re A n g l e y, P r a s h a n t Kakode, Sanjay Pednekar. The Tournament was conducted

by Ajit Ghantker.

Yesterday, Panjim Table Tennis Club moved into the finals

as they prevailed over BPS B 3-1.

Tito Diniz gave BPS B a dream start with a shock 3-0 win over Ajit Ghantker. In the second rubber, Tejas Shevde of BPS B lost to Noel Noronha 3-2.

Wilber Fernandes gave Panjim T T Club a decisive 2-1 lead with a hard fought 3-2 win over Akhil Shirwaiker in the third rubber in another pulsating contest.

In the first reverse singles Ajit Ghantker used all his guile and experience to score a comfortable 3-0 straight sets win over Tejas Shevde.

In the other semi-finals, it was a stroll in the park for BPS. They featured Goa’s top two paddlers Diljeet Velingker and Agnelo Naik and stormed into the finals with a thumping 3-0 win over Remy Fans.

Milagres enter finals

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JULY 27

Milagres Sports Club, Mapusa trounced Holiday Club, Arpora 3-0 to move into finals of Vagator Parish Youth Trophy Inter-Village football tournament organised

by Vagator Parish Youth at Ozrant ground, Vagator on Tuesday.

Arpora began on a promising note and could have taken the lead in the very 2nd minute but a rasping drive by Pramod Mardolkar off Adnan Beig hit the post and went out of play. Mi-

lagres slowly regrouped and mounted pressure on Arpora. A good try by Milind Rane was saved by Arpora keeper Nandan Simepuruskar in the 20th minute. Arpora wasted another opportunity to forge ahead through Stanley Coutinho.

Changing over, Milagres took the lead through Krishna Chouge in the 40th minute as Arpora keeper Nandan failed to make a neat clearance.

Down by a goal, Arpora could have immediately restored par-

ity in the 42nd minute but a good try by Lawrence Rodrigues was tipped over by Milagres keeper Wilbur Menezes. Milagres doubled the lead off a penalty awarded by referee Ashok Shirodker in the 50th minute as Raghuvir Shirodker kicked Jolene Fernandes of Milagres. Anup Govekar made no mistake to put his team 2-0 ahead. Jolene Fernandes rounded off the tally in the dying minutes.

Milagres will now take on Parish Youth Nuvem in the finals on August 1.

Delhi move into quarter-finals Fraxier soccer: Ambelim SC v. Sporting Club, Davorlim, St. John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim, 4.45 p.m.

Gaura Vaddo Cup soccer : Agar Vaddo v. Naikka Vaddo, Calangute Association ground, 4.30 p.m.

AGENCIES KOLKATAM JULY 27

Delhi stormed into the quarterfinals of Santosh Trophy National Football Championship defeat-

ing Chhattisgarh 4-3 on penalties at Howrah Maidan, here on Tuesday.

Delhi dominated from the outset and scored a goal in each

GOA DIARY Steffi for Asian all-Star meet

PANJIM (HSD) – Goa’s star athlete Steffi Cardoso has been selected by Athletic Federation of India to represent the country at Asian All-Star Athletic Championship to be held in New Delhi from July 29. She will be competing in shot put event.

One-day football at Calangute

CALANGUTE (HC) -- The YGS Boys, Agar Vaddo, Calangute will organise their 1st All-Goa 7-a-side one-day football tournament on August 1 from 9 a.m. at Calangute Association ground, Calangute. The winners and runners-will get Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively beside trophies. The losing semi-finalists will be awarded Rs 2,500. Those interested may contact Salis Fernandes on 9823105561 upto July 30. Only 16 teams will be accepted.

Trek to Dudhsagar

PANJIM (HSD) – The Off Trail Adventure will organise a trek to Dudhsagar waterfall on August 1 as a Friendship Day bonanza.

The pick up at Panjim, near Santa Monica Cruise will be at 7 a.m; at Mabai Hotel, Margao at 8 a.m. and at Safa Masjid, Ponda at 9 a.m. Details may be obtained from Bianca Dias on 9960054428.

half through their man-in-form Tuishim Mashangva. However, they failed to consolidate their lead and went to concede two goals to end up on neutral terms.

Umtta Vaddo in semis HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JULY 27

Umtta Vaddo defeated Gaura Vaddo 2-0 to move into the semi-finals of Gaura Vaddo inter-ward football tournament at Calangute Association ground, Calangute on Tuesday.

The teams played an attacking game but failed to score at lemon break.

Flino Ratos’ free kick was neatly connected by Criston Fernandes to slot home the first goal.

Gaura Vaddo fought back but failed to score. Umtta Vaddo yet again won a free kick which was beautifully executed by Flino Ratos leaving the defensive wall and the Gaura Vaddo keeper beaten.

Pg17

SPORTS GOA, Wednesday, 28 July, 2010

Aiyar’s statement is Chhetri feeling frustrated at Kansas Wizard anti-national: Kalmadi to acclimatize," said Chhetri, only the third Indian to ply trade in a foreign professional league.

KC Wizards manager Peter Vermes was well aware that the diminutive striker possesses powerful offensive instincts but felt there is need to work more in certain areas to field him in the MLS. The technical staff was still trying to help Chhetri refine his contributions on the defensive side of the ball and deal with larger, more powerful players while building the physical level required to accomplish that.

"Let's face it, the reason why he's here is because he wants to play," Vermes said. "There is a frustration level when he doesn't get to play every week. I will say that he's handled it pretty well. I know that there are some weeks where he is more up and others when he is a little down. That's part of being a player," Vermes said.

There are also reports that Chhetri could leave KC Wizards and join his national team-mates camping in Portugal now but it could not be confirmed from the All India Football Federation officials.

Chhetri, who has been nominated by the AIFF for this year's Arjuna Award, made a low-key appearance in KC Wizards surprise 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Kansas City on Sunday.

He is the second player after national captain Bhaichung Bhutia to play against Manchester United. Bhutia played against the Red Devils in 2001 when he was with English Championships side FC Bury.

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, JULY 27

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday hit back at former Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar for his scathing criticism of the upcoming event, saying the senior Congress leader's comments are "irresponsible" and "anti-national".

Aiyar said he would be "unhappy" if the Commonwealth Games were a success and that only "evil" will patronise them.

Reacting to the statement, Kalmadi said, "No individual can spoil the Games. It is totally irresponsible and ridiculous statement from such a senior person, who has also headed the sports ministr y earlier. No Indian na-

tional can speak like that.

"With the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, he should know his responsibilities and think before making such a statement. He is an elected member of Rajya Sabha and it is to tally an anti-national statement from him.

"It was because of his openness that he was removed from the Sport Minister's post.

If he would have been the minister, the Commonwealth Games would never have come to India," Kalmadi said.

I will be unhappy if CWG is a success: Aiyar

Gill, Dikshit inaugurate stadium

cannot be God," said Aiyar, a known critic of the Games who has vent his ire often in the past.

He said instead of spending a whopping Rs 35,000 crore on the Games, the money should have been spent on children.

"Thousands of crores are being spent on circuses like these while the common children are being deprived of basic

facilities to play," Aiyar said, adding all "expectations" from the Games had been belied.

The Congress was quick to dismiss Aiyar's comments.

"I do not take him seriously," Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit said.

The BJP, which has also raised questions about the preparations and the manner in which funds were being used, said irresponsible statements should not be made on the issue.

"The Central and state government should understand that prestige of the country is associated with the Commonwealth Games. Irresponsible statements should not be made on the issue," BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Taking exception to Aiyar's remarks, Samajwadi Party said that those opposing the Games are doing so for "sadistic pleasure".

After several missed deadlines, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue for the Commonwealth Games, was finally inaugurated by Sports Minister M S Gill and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit here today.

The remodelled 60,000 capacity stadium, built at a cost of Rs 960 crore, got delayed umpteen times because of the construction of an underground tunnel for the opening ceremony of the October 3-14 event.

The stadium will host the Games' opening and closing ceremonies and athletics, weightlifting and Lawn tennis events.

Also present on the occasion were Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, Sports Authority of India Director General Sayan Chatterjee and several sportspersons and senior officials of the sports Ministry.

"Their passion, personality, and presence as well as their amazing pursuit of excellence truly reflect the vision of the Organising Committee.

Their focus, mental strength and resilience make them role models, inspiring generations of Indians not just with their achievements but also with their work ethic, discipline and determination.

"It ties up with the ideals of the Organising Committee and I am sure these champions will inspire Indians to back the Commonwealth Games and take to Olympic sport," he added.

The 27-year-old Bindra won top honours in the 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Shooting Championship in Zagreb in 2006 and became the first Indian to clinch an individual gold medal at the Olympics.

He has also won two gold, a silver and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Melbourne.

Barely 20, Saina began with a quarterfinal appearance at the Olympic Games and has since won three Super Series crowns in the past 12 months.

Air pistol expert Jung, 40, has won seven gold medals, three silver and a bronze in the last two editions of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Melbourne. His haul of five gold, a silver and a bronze in 2006 saw him being named for the David Dixon Award for the best athlete of the Games.

Before his middle weight category bronze in the Olympic Games, the 24-yearold Vijender won a silver in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games as well as bronze medals in the Asian Games at Doha in 2006. Last year, he became the first Indian boxer to clinch a medal at the World Amateur Championship by managing a bronze in Milan.

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Tuesday said he will be "unhappy" if the Commonwealth Games are a success, and only "evil" will patronise them, remarks which were quickly dismissed by both his party and the BJP. "I am delighted in a way because rains are causing difficulties for the Commonwealth Games. Basically, I will be very unhappy, if the Games are successful because then they will start bringing Asian Games, Olympic Games and all these," the former Union sports minister told reporters outside Parliament House.

The Rajya Sabha MP lashed out at the massive expenditure being incurred for the October event.

"Those who are patronising the Games can only be evil. They

Ivanovic wins opening match AGENCIES STANFORD, JULY 27

Ana Ivanovic and Dinara Safina practiced together on the eve of the Bank of the West Classic.

The two former world No. 1 players with a combined 20 tour titles had to rely on wildcard invitations to gain entrance into the event. Now they’re both hoping to use it as a springboard back into prominence.

Ivanovic beat Alisa Kleybanova, 6-3, 6-2, Monday night in the first round, ending a twomatch losing streak to the 26thranked Russian. Safina, plagued by a lower back injury much of the year, lost—again—to Kimiko Date Krumm, 4-6, 7-6(0), 6-2, in a match that lasted two hours, 22 minutes.

“The main difference is fitness,” Ivanovic said. “I’m able to maintain rallies and it has put me at ease. I always felt like I was pulling the trigger early and going for my shot without much confidence.”

The Serbia native is currently ranked No. 63, her lowest in five years, but after an early exit from Wimbledon, and losing five of her previous seven matches, she returned to training with gusto.

Bindra, Saina among 6 brand ambassadors PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal and boxing hero Vijender Singh are among the half a dozen sportspersons who were today named brand ambassadors for this year's Commonwealth Games.

Best athlete of the 2006 Commonwealth Games Samaresh Jung, Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar and four-time world champion woman boxer M C Mary Kom are the other three brand ambassadors for Delhi 2010.

The six would be the faces of the Games to be held from October 3 to 14.

"These champions have done India proud with their achievements and will serve as remarkable Brand Ambassadors for the Games," Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said at the inaugurations of the event's main venue Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Federer to work with coach Annacone AGENCIES MIAMI, JULY 27

With his ranking on the decline, Roger Federer is working with coach Paul Annacone on a trial basis. , an American, is the former coach of Pete Sampras.

He also coached Marat Safin and Tim Henman, and is now the head coach of men’s tennis for Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association.

“I’ve been looking to add someone to my team, and I’ve decided to spend some days with Paul Annacone,” Federer said on his website Monday. “As Paul winds down his responsibilities working for the Lawn Tennis Association, we will explore our relationship through this test period. Paul will work alongside my existing team, and I am excited to learn from his experiences.”

In the past two months Federer has slipped to No. 3 in the ATP rankings, the first time since November 2003 he’s been that low. He trails No. 1 Rafael Nadal and No. 2

PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Novak Djokovic.

Federer has worked with coaches Darren Cahill, Jose Higueras and Tony Roche, but has also gone without a coach for extended stretches.

He’s scheduled to play his first tournament since Wimbledon beginning Aug. 9 in Toronto. He plans to play in Cincinnati the following week before heading to the U.S. Open, and may be accompanied by Annacone.

“They will take the necessary time to see if the relationship can work,” Federer’s agent, Tony Godsick, said in an e-mail. “I would assume that Paul, if he can work it in with his remaining responsibilities and schedule with the LTA, will join Roger for some of his upcoming summer hard court events in North America.”

Federer’s most recent title came in January at the Australian Open, his 16th Grand Slam championship. His record streak of reaching the semifinals at 23 consecutive major tournaments ended when he lost in the quarterfinals at the French Open.

At Wimbledon, he also lost in the quarterfinals following seven consecutive appearances in the final.

Menezes revamps Brazil squad for US friendly AGENCIES SAO PAULO, JULY 27

New Brazil coach Mano Menezes made wholesale changes with only four survivors from the World Cup when he named his squad on Monday for next month's friendly against the United States.

Dani Alves, Ramires, Thiago Silva and Robinho were the only members of Menezes's squad who were in South Africa, where Brazil lost in the quarter-finals to the Netherlands.

Santos pair Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar, controversially left out of the World Cup squad by Menezes's predecessor Dunga, were among 11 uncapped players included.

The others were goalkeepers Jefferson, Renan and Victor, defenders Rafael, David Luis and Rever, midfielders Ederson and Jucilei and striker Andre.

Menezes recalled AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato who also missed out on the World Cup as well as Liverpool midfielder Lucas.

The continuing wait for his Major League Soccer debut despite being with the Kansas City Wizards for four months has left Indian striker Sunil Chhetri frustrated.

Though he was fielded against Manchester United in an international friendly on Sunday, Chhetri is yet to make the 18-man roster since joining the KC Wizards in late March.

He, however, made his club debut on April 13 when he played the first half of a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup game against the Colorado Rapids.

His move to MLS hasn't exactly gone according to plan since then and he has struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the game in the United States, according to mlssoccer.com.

"There are times when I think it's just not happening, and I should move on and think of different alternatives," Chhetri said.

"But then it's a kind of challenge for me. Everyone looks up to me in my country, and there is a point to prove for myself. I came here to learn, and I think I can learn more over here. That really motivates me," he was quoted as saying by the website.

"It's been three months that I have been here working a lot and trying to understand the kind of game we play in Kansas City. It's been difficult because I am not used to all the things that happen over here, but I am trying to do my best

New generation of fans would accept gay footballers: survey AGENCIES LONDON, JULY 27

A new generation of British soccer fans would be tolerant about professional footballers admitting they were homosexual, according to an online survey conducted

by Staffordshire University in England.

The sur vey of 2,000 supporters (www.topfan.co.uk) found that only seven percent believed that soccer had no place for homosexuals.

It was conducted by culture, media and sport professor Ellis Cashmore and senior sociology lecturer Jamie Cleland.

"The big surprise was that we got what I suppose you'd call a counter-intuitive response and that was that 93 percent said they felt there was no place for homophobia in football and it should be stomped out and they felt that it brought shame on football," Cashmore said.

"There was a call for greater transparency.

A lot of people said they would prefer it if gay footballers came out because they don't think they would have to put up with that much abuse."

Only one professional footballer, England

Kluft scrapes into long jump final

international Justin Fashanu, has revealed he was homosexual during his career.

Fashanu committed suicide in 1998 at the age of 37.

Players in other sports have been equally reticent. Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas revealed in a newspaper last year that he was gay, saying: "It's pretty tough for me being the only international rugby player prepared to break the taboo."

Thomas's candour prompted sympathy from British former National Basketball Association (NBA) player John Amaechi, who announced he was gay after retiring in 2007, plus a warning that homophobia was still present in sport.

Former England rugby coach Clive Woodward was more positive, saying he expected the sport to take Thomas's announcement in its stride, while Welsh media reported recently that Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke was considering portraying Thomas in a film.

HEAVY BURDEN "The question remains when will a gay soccer player come out?," Cashmore said.

"The fans themselves are of the opinion

that, yes we know there are gay players and when we watch football every week we know we are watching gay players but actually it doesn't matter to us."

Cashmore said homophobia now was equivalent to the racism which blighted British soccer during the 1970s and 80s.

"Football fans who have for long been characterised as Neanderthal types, the knuckle-dragging kind of macho type who believe homosexuality is still taboo; actually they have changed as well," he said.

"We have a new generation of football fans - managers, coaches, players themselves, I class them all as fans in some way.

"They don't actually care very much about a person's sexual orientation. But of course the players are living with a legacy and the legacy has become a heavy burden for football.

"It's going to make it extremely difficult for the first living footballer to come out.

For a footballer to come out after his career is over, in a sense that is the path of least resistance.

"It's still enormously difficult but not as difficult as they think."

Scouts saved United millions on Hernandez: Ferguson

REUTERS BARCELONA, JULY 27

REUTERS HOUSTON, JULY 27

Delighted former world and Olympic heptathlon champion Carolina Kluft scraped into the women's long jump final at the European championships today with a season's best effort of 6.62 metres.

The Swede, who ditched the heptathlon in favour of the long jump in 2008, has struggled in her new event since tearing a hamstring last July and was well behind defending champion Lyudmila Kolchanova who topped qualifying with 6.87.

Kluft was given a wildcard into the Swedish team after failing to meet the entry standard and the 27-year-old was clearly ecstatic after her opening jump, pumping her fist as she walked out of the pit.

Russian teenager Stanislav Yemelyanov also had reason to be cheerful, taking the first gold medal of this week's championships with victory in the men's 20-km walk in his first season competing as a senior.

Yemelyanov finished in a time of one hour, 20 minutes and 10 seconds with Italy's 50-km walk Olympic champion Alex Schwazer 28 seconds behind.

Portugal's Joao Vieira finished third to repeat his bronze medal of four years ago.

The 19-year-old Yemelyanov, who was never out of the top two, raised his arms aloft as he crossed the line after 20 laps on Barcelona's streets and was immediately handed a Russian flag, which he draped around his shoulders.

The women's shot put (2300 IST) and the men's 10,000 metres (1905) are the other finals scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

Manchester United saved millions by signing Mexican striker Javier Hernandez before he shone at the World Cup, manager Alex Ferguson said.

Hernandez, who joined his new team mates in Houston yesterday, could make his United debut in Wednesday's game against the MLS All Stars.

Ferguson, who will wait for news on the 22-year-old's fitness before deciding whether to play him, paid tribute to the club's scouts who plucked the forward from Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara. ''I think our scouting people deserve 10 out of 10 for identifying him before the World Cup and I think if we had been trying to negotiate after the World Cup it would have been very diffi-

cult,'' said Ferguson. ''I think a lot of teams would have been after him and it would probably have cost us two or three times more,'' he added.

United did not disclose the transfer fee they paid to Chivas but media reports have placed the deal as worth around 7 million pounds ($10.81 million), including United playing a friendly in Mexico on Friday.

Ferguson was full of praise for the Mexican club for helping keep the deal quiet. ''Our relationship we have built with Chivas has been excellent, they really were very accommodating in everything..the amazing thing was that no-one in the club said a word. ''At Manchester United we find that almost impossible, news always leaks out at our club, but Chivas kept it quiet which was marvellous asset for us and full marks for their professionalism.

Hernandez will play half that game for Chivas and half for his new club but his debut may come earlier in front of thousands of Mexican fans in Houston. ''He joined us today and so we have to ascertain what he has been doing in the last few weeks physically, we would like to use him in part of the game on Wednesday - partly because I know there is a big Mexican population in Houston and it would be a very exciting attraction for them,'' said Ferguson. ''Secondly we want to try to integrate him into the team as quickly as possible so those are the reasons we would like to play him but we want to just have a chat with him and see what he has been doing physically -- I don't think it would be wise to play him without having any real preparation for this game,'' he added.

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SPORTS

India-Australia ODI preparations begin Pg 16

Aiyar’s statement is anti-national: IOA Pg 17

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 28 JULY, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

India make good start to run fest reply PTI COLOMBO, JULY 27

Mahela Jayawardene sweeps fluently.

We can run through Indian batting: Jayawardene PTI COLOMBO, JULY 27

The wicket at the SSC ground may be a batting paradise but Sri Lanka Vice Captain Mahela Jayawardene is confident of ripping apart the strong Indian batting in the second cricket Test here.

Jayawardene, who hit his 27th Test hundred today, said their spinners will go all out against the Indian batsman.

"We have runs on the board, so our guys will go on the attack.

At the same time we know they have some quality batsmen who could bat for long periods.

"We will try and control Viru (Virender Sehwag) and other batsmen. We have three days of play left and just need a couple of opportunities to run through them," Jayawardene, who scored 174 in Sri Lanka's first innings said after second day's play.

"The game is in our hands.

We need to put in lot of efforts.

The wicket is still pretty good dene said India's depleted bowland we just need to be smart ing department and their own about it and try and get the first attacking approach helped their 10 wickets and then see how we cause. can get the next 10," he added.

"We thought Bhajji is the most More than 400 runs were experience bowler and he can scored today at be the match t h e S S C a n d n Jaywardene w i n n e r. We Jayawardene thought if we surpassed Sir was of the view can control Don Bradman that heavy scorhim we could ing makes Test get runs. They record of scoring cricket exciting. are short of most Test "I think Test their few sencricket will surior bowlers.” centuries at vive. We scored "I and venue with his 400 plus runs Sangha comth 10 ton but here today plement each which itself is other very refused something spewell being comparisons with cial. Now a days right and left the Australian it is not boring. hand. The It is very attracbowlers find it legend. tive and it is not difficult to seteasy." tle to one line. Both of us are Talking about his side's splen- now more attacking. Earlier in did show with the bat, Jayawar- our careers we were much de-

fensive in Test cricket. Now I think we attack more. Put lot of pressure on the bowlers," he said.

Jaywardene today surpassed Sir Don Bradman record of scoring most Test centuries at venue with his 10th ton at SSC but refused comparisons with the Australian legend.

Bradman scored nine tons in 10 matches at the MCG. "I needed 23 Test matches to get there (10 centuries at ssc ground) and don got it in 10 at MCG. That caps it of. I am pleased that I have got the record. I don't think you can compare what he had done at that time and what we are doing right now. He is a legend.

"The record will definitely be a moment for me. I love to play in my home ground. I grew up playing here. It is fun play before the club members. It is something special," he said.

HI goes for polls today PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

After three postponements and an acrimonious run-up marked by mudslinging from both the camps, Hockey India goes for its much-awaited polls here tomorrow with a question mark over its legality.

But on the eve of the elections, there was much drama and confusion with the Delhi High Court declaring that the erstwhile KPS Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation was the only recognised federation for the game in the country and HI is a private body.

The court directive prompted the Sports Ministry to withdraw its observer SK Mendiratta from the elections but HI officials made it clear that they would

lGovt

withdraws observer

go ahead with the polls irrespective of the court order.

Hockey India, which has the recognition of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), has to complete its election process by the world body stipulated deadline of July 31, failing which India would be barred from participating in international tournaments.

After intense discussions, HI officials decided late in the evening to go ahead with the elections which will see 83-yearold Vidya Stokes and former India captain Pargat Singh contesting for the post of president.

"As scheduled we will be conducting our elections tomorrow.

All the State federations officials

have already arrived here and as directed by the High Court's order we have given them the clarification on HI's status," an HI official said.

"The government has withdrawn its observer but FIH observer Antonio von Ondarza has already arrived for the polls," the official added.

Abiding by the High Court's directive, the Sports Ministry withdrew its observer for HI elections.

In a letter, the ministry stated that it decided to withdraw its observer, Mendiratta from the poll process on the instruction of the High Court, which today said IHF was the solely representative of the national game

in the country and HI was a private body.

"The government election observer's presence at the Annual General Meeting of HI, which is scheduled to be held tomorrow, does not in any manner reflect government's endorsement of the election process or its outcome. However, in deference to Honourable High Court's directives, the government has decided not to depute the government election observer to oversee the elections," the letter signed by Joint Secretary Injeti Srinivas said.

The government has also taken note that during the scrutiny of nominations for the elections, HI took a stand that they were not bound by the government guidelines relating to age and tenure limits.

Govt won’t approve NSFs violating rules: Gill n With a view to ensuring proper adherence to the government guidelines, a system of annual recognition of NSFs has been introduced with effect from the current calendar year.

-- M S•Gill PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 27

Furious with National Sports Federations for not complying with its tenure and age limita-

tion guidelines, the Sports Ministry today threatened to deny annual recognition to NSFs which refuse to fall in line.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Sports Minister M S Gill said out of 68 NSFs, only 42 have been accorded annual recognition for this year.

"With a view to ensuring proper adherence to the government guidelines, a system of annual recognition of NSFs has been introduced with effect from the current calendar year," Gill said.

"Under this system, annual recognition is granted to those federations that fully comply with the government guidelines.

During the current year, out of the total 68 NSFs, only 42 have been accorded annual recognition for 2010," he added.

Gill said the recent elections held in the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and the Swim-

ming Federation of India (SFI) were in violation of the guidelines.

"The Badminton Association of India and the Swimming Federation of India have held elections in June and elected office bearers who are in breach of the government guidelines with regard to age and tenure," he said.

The recognition from the government makes NSFs eligible for financial grants, railway concessions, income tax exemption and other tax benefits.

Gill said the Ministry was unhappy with the federations' functioning as they had failed to comply with guidelines meant to ensure transparency and fair administration.

"The government is not satisfied with the functioning of the NSFs because none of them have fully complied with the good governance practices prescribed by the government in

the guidelines for recognition of NSFs," he said.

"A recent study undertaken by the government shows that most of the NSFs are not having proper election bye-laws that can ensure fair and transparent elections.”

"Similarly, most federations do not have reservation for the representation of sportspersons on their respective management and also do not have a proper grievance redressal mechanism for sportsperson," he added.

The Ministry's guidelines require that the President of any NSF, including the Indian Olympic Association should not be in office for more than three terms and set the age limit for all office-bearers at not more than 70.

The IOA and NSFs have rejected the guidelines, claiming that the directions are an assault on their autonomy.

Sri Lanka buried a hapless India under a mountain of runs as they relied on skipper Kumar Sangakkara’s seventh double century and Mahela Jayawardene’s sparkling ton to push the visitors on the backfoot in the second cricket Test here today.

Sangakkara led from the front with an imposing 219 while Jayawardene (174) notched up his 27th century as the hosts declared the first innings at a mammoth 642 for four.

In reply, India were 95 for no loss but still trailing by 547 runs at close on the second day which saw only two wickets fall and as many as 425 runs being scored on a placid. Sinhalese Sports Club.

It was yet another day of toil and frustration for the Indian bowlers who failed to make much of an impression against the L ankan batsmen, who scored at a brisk pace right through the day.

Sehwag (64) and Murali Vijay (22) batted in contrasting fashion as India survived 18 overs in the last session of the day without a blot on its scorecard.

The sound start, best in the series so far, also lifted the gloom over the India camp as they worked hard without much success in the field for more

than five sessions.

Perched on top the Test rankings, India need to win this match as a defeat would not only take away their number one rank but also extend their winless streak in a Test series in the Island nation.

Sehwag was his usual aggressive self and was harsh on the Lankan bowlers, particularly paceman Dammika Prasad, whom he hit thrice in third over to set the tone for the Indian reply.

Exploiting the life less track, like their counterparts, India scored quickly and at an impressive run-rate of 5.27.

Sehwag, the only centurion on this tour for the visitors, scored 48 of his 64 runs in boundaries while Vijay batted cautiously from the other end.

Resuming the day at 312 for two, Sri Lanka started from where they had left on day one

as Sangakkara and Jayawardene went about murdering the clueless Indian attack effortlessly.

The Lankan skipper, overnight 130, did not take much time to complete his double century and with Jayawardene raised a 193-run partnership for the third wicket.

Sangakkara's knock came in 335 balls and was laced with 29 hits to the boundary.

Thilan Samaraweera (76) joined his vice-captain in the middle and remained their till the declaration.

As Jayawardene missed out on getting his double hundred, the Lankans asked India to bat.

He was caught by debutant Suresh Raina off Harbhajan Singh while pushing hard to get his double hundred.

Jayawardene and Samaraweera raised a 176-run stand for the fourth wicket to add to India's misery and frustration.

Sri Lanka 1st Innings: (Overnight 312 for two) Tharanga Paranavitana b Sharma 100, Tillakaratne Dilshan c Laxman b Ojha 54, Kumar Sangakkara c Dravid b Sehwag 219, Mahela Jayawardene c Raina b Harbhajan 174, Thilan Samaraweera not out 76. Extras: 19. Total: 642 for 4 declared.

Fall of wickets: 1-99, 2-273, 3-466, 4-642. Bowling: Abhimanyu Mithun 23-5-117-0, Ishant Sharma, 23-5-102-1, Pragyan Ojha 46-9-172-1, Harbhajan Singh, 42.4-4-147-1, Virender Sehwag 20-0-71-1, Suresh Raina, 5-0-21-0.

India 1st Innings: Murali Vijay batting 22, Virender Sehwag batting 64. Extras: 9. Total: 95 without loss. Bowling: Dammika Prasad 3-0-270, Dilhara Fernando 7-0-31-0, Angelo Mathews 4-0-13-0, Suraj Randiv 3-1-15-0, Ajantha Mendis, 1-0-9-0.

Lanka will struggle to contain Indian batting: Ojha PTI COLOMBO, JULY 27

Forced to toil hard on a life-less track in the second Test, India spinner Pragyan Ojha today said even the Sri Lankan bowlers will struggle to contain a strong Indian batting line up on such a pitch.

"The way things are going I don't think anything extraordinary will happen to the wicket because it is a rock solid wicket.

I just think our guys will keep on batting.”

"We have realised in the last two days that it is a very good wicket to bat on. If you don't make any silly mistakes I think you can just bat on. And the way those guys have played it shows that if we apply ourselves we are going to get a good score here," Ojha told reporters after day's proceedings.

The second day of the match saw more than 400 runs being scored for the loss of just two wickets at the Sinhalese Sports

CA may drop Howard’s nomination UNI SYDNEY, JULY 27

Cricket Australia is likely to withdraw their former prime minister John Howard's candidacy for International Cricket Council vice-presidency after a meeting on Friday, a media report said.

According to a report in 'The Australian', CA has called a special board meeting for Friday where the matter is expected to be tabled. ''The meeting is expected to begin the search for a new nominee but there are growing fears in the Australian cricket community that the ICC's disgraceful and unconstitutional snub of Howard will ostracise other quality candidates,'' the report said. ''While anger still remains among CA and New Zealand Cricket board members over the destruction of the ICC's presidential electoral process, there is a growing feeling that renominating Howard will only antagonise the bloc that controls cricket.''

The report also said that CA chairman Jack Clarke and his New Zealand counterpart Alan Isaac are the front runner after former NZC chief Sir John Anderson declined to contest for the post.

Club wicket today and Ojha was of the view that pitches that give an equal chance to both bowlers and batsmen should be prepared for Test cricket.

"I think I had come here in 2008. Same was the situation. It was more of a batsmen friendly wicket than bowlers. I feel personally, we should have a wicket where there is a competition between the bat and the bowl.”

"There was not much turn for me and it was coming on to the bat with the new ball. With the old ball also it was not doing much," he rued.

Talking about the good turn

In a run up to AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011, senior India team, which is currently in Portugal for two months training cum exposure trip, will play a couple of practice matches this week.

The All India Football Feder-

It’s golden Talasha again HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27

Goa’s swimming sensation, Talasha S Prabhu claimed yet another gold (27.90 scc), winning the 50m freestyle event at National Federation Cup aquatic championship at Talkatora swimming pool, New Delhi on Tuesday.

Talasha was rightly declared the fastest swimmer of the meet, which is being held to finalise the India squad for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Lahore attack report awaits govt clearance AGENCIES

LAHORE, JULY 27

Rubbishing Ehsan Mani's claim that PCB was dragging its feet on the resumption of international cricket in Pakistan by delaying the report on the Lahore attack, Board chief Ejaz Butt said they were ready with the document but were awaiting government's clearance to submit it to ICC. "Mani's interpretation is far from reality. The inquiry report into the incident was prepared by a Lahore High Court panel and the copies of the report have already been given to both PCB and the government," Butt said.

"It is a sensitive issue and we can't bypass the government.

We will surely send the copy of the report to the ICC as soon as the government permits us to do so," the PCB chairman said.

Pakistan has been deprived of international cricket after leading countries refused to tour the strife-torn nation following the militant attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in March last year, which killed eight people and injured seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach.

But Mani, who was president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2003 to 2006, on Sunday said that PCB's failure to submit a report on the Lahore attack was a major hindrance in the revival of international cricket in Pakistan.

PCB chairman Butt, however, came down hard on Mani for leveling various allegations on him and his policies.

I have no differences with Younis: Yawar AGENCIES LONDON, JULY 27

Pakistan team manager in England Yawar Saeed has denied having differences with Younis Khan and said it was drummed up by the media and that he has tremendous respect for the former skipper.

The differences between the two was highlighted in the media and is deemed to be one of the main reasons for the Pakistan Cricket Board not considering Younis for the Test series against England.

"These concepts of a dispute or having differences with Younis have been drummed up by the media. I have no differences with him and I respect him as a former captain and player," Yawar told Jang daily newspaper in London.

Media reports said the two developed severe differences during last year's Champions Trophy in South Africa, which eventually led to the board removing Yawar for the tour to New Zealand and Australia.

But after Younis was banned in March, the board re-appointed him as manager. Ac-

Team India to play in Portugal UNI KOLKATA, JULY 27

Virender Sehwag managed to extract, Ojha said," Yes there was a rough patch on the wicket.

They were getting some help as an off spinner."

The Hyderabadi sppiner India's fortune could have been different had they got a chance to bowl second.

"I think winning or losing the toss was not in our hands. I think we would have liked to bowl second. The amount of runs Sri Lankans got. If we had got the same amount of runs we would have bowled second.

It would have been different," he said.

Ojha also expected a good tussle against Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis.

"I have been watching him for the past two years. As far as our batsmen are concerned definitely he is a good bowler. He got six wicket haul against us in the first class match. So I think every one is really looking forward to play him."

Pg 18

ation today said both matches will feature two third division sides of the Portuguese league.

Team India will take on Caldas SC tomorrow, July 28 at (IST 1105 hrs) at Pilado Ground, while on Friday, Indian team will play against Monsanto at the same venue.

n These concepts of a dispute or having differences with Younis have been drummed up by the media. I have no differences with him and I respect him as a former captain and player.

-- Yawar Saeed cording to reports, Younis blames Yawar for instigating a revolt against him within the team and encouraging players to go and complain to the board chairman instead of speaking to him directly about their grievances with him. Even during the inquiry proceedings held by the board into the team's poor show in Australia, Younis initially refused to attend a hearing as Yawar was part of the inquiry committee formed by the board.

But Yawar said he had no reason to have any issues with Younis. "I am just appointed as manager by the board and other

than that I have no involvement or say in other matters of the board," Yawar said.

"By trying to drag me into this controversy, efforts have been made to defame me but the truth is I have a cordial relation with Younis," he said.

The Pakistan manager also claimed that he was not removed as manager on Younis's insistence and he had himself declined to accompany the team to New Zealand and Australia for personal reasons.

"Younis came to Bradford for the team's official dinner and met me with lot of warmth and respect. He respects me a lot.

These stories that I encouraged players to take an oath against Younis are totally untrue. I didn't know about this issue until it came before the inquiry committee," Yawar added.

Yawar said it was a fact that he was a friend of PCB chairman for the last 50 years. "But while I work within my domain I do not allow anyone to influence me in my work as manager. If Younis is not being selected that is for the selectors to decide, not me. I personally respect him and he remains a great Pakistani player," he said.