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India: Kelly Brook turns down Pg 9 ‘Big Boss’ offer

Business: Satyam FY ’10 loss Pg 13 is Rs 125 crore

priCe rs. 3.00 (air Surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16

Sports: Modi took 24 luxury watches free -- BCCI Pg 16

Ayodhya: D-day today PTI LUCKNOW, SEPT 29

IN BRIEF Miliband quits Former British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband on Wednesday quit frontline politics following his crushing defeat in the Labour leadership contest to his younger brother Ed Miliband. -- (PTI)

Security beefed up in State HERALD REPORTERS PANJIM/MARGAO, SEPT 29

With just few hours remaining in the sensational Ramjanmabhoomi - Babri Masjid title suit verdict, Goa Police held peace committee meeting of Hindus, Muslims and Christians at Panjim Police Headquarters on Wednesday evening.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat is also learnt to have held meeting with the Director General of Police to review the security measures.

The meeting is supplemented by strategic deployment of armed police at seven mosques and other places as there could be law and order situation.

(Related reports on pg2) Thirty-six out of a total 38 Tiswadi representatives including members from the sensitive areas like Chimbel, Ribandar, St Cruz, Taleigao and Panjim attended the meeting.

“Prevention is better than cure. We have suggested maintaining peace and communal harmony. We have also advised not to fall prey to any inciting language or activities,” said the DySP Deu Benaulikar.

The Government has otherwise banned any victory processions, agitations, protests and (Continued on page 10)

India waits anxiously as the 3judge Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court will deliver its judgement tomorrow on the 60-year-old RamjanmabhoomiBabri Masjid issue, amidst worries about the fall-out of the verdict.

Security was ramped up across the country and leaders cutting across political and religious spectrum appealed for calm on the eve of the verdict on four title suits on the ownership of the 2.7 acre land, the dispute over which changed the course of politics in the last two decades.

With Supreme Court clearing hurdles, the verdict by the 3Judge bench consisting of Justices S U Khan, Justices Sudhir Agarwal and Justice D V Sharma will be delivered at 15.30 hours tomorrow and the court has been turned into a virtually impregnable fortress having been declared as a “no access zone”.

The first suit in the case was filed 60 years ago by a Hindu seeking right to worship. After

Paramilitary troops stand guard on a street in Ayodhya on Wednesday.

twists and turns the UP Central Sunni Board of Waqfs moved to file a claim in 1961 followed by another civil suit in 1989 in the name of Lord Ram for declaration and possession of the Masjid complex.

All the cases were transferred from a Faizabad court in 1989 to a special bench of the High Court.

As the issue was hanging fire, the BJP and Sangh Parivar outfits mounted a campaign for building Ram temple in Ayodhya at the dispute site claiming it was his birth place.

The campaign reached a

crescendo in 1992 when the 500-year-old Babri Masjid was razed to the ground.

BJP came to power in 1998 but the party has not been able to script a success since the 2004 elections and observers believe the Ayodhya issue may have lost its steam down the years.

However, not leaving anything to chance Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister P Chidambaram appealed to the people to accept the verdict and maintain peace and tranquility.

They stressed that no attempt should be made by any section of the people to provoke another section after the verdict.

Leaders felt that tomorrow’s verdict was not the final word as legal process was still available to parties to approach the Supreme Court.

The BJP also made it clear that they respect the judicial process and want peace and calm.

Chidambaram summed up the situation saying India has “moved on since 1992” and the country’s young people have recognised that India story is much more than a dispute over a religious place.

“The Central government has taken adequate measures and has deployed adequate security forces all over the country in order to assist the state governments to maintain law, order and peace,” he told a press conference.

Chidambaram said around 1.90 lakh security personnel have been deployed in Uttar Pradesh which he felt was more than enough to maintain law and order.

Setback for BJP in Valpoi HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, SEPT 29

In a setback to the BJP, Deepaji Rane, executive member of State BJP Committee, on Wednesday filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the October 18 bye-election for Valpoi constituency.

Rane filed his nomination before Returning Officer Raju Gawas, who was assisted by Mamlatdar Satish Dessai and

Joint Mamlatdar Trupti Rane.

Rane’s action has surp r i s e d everyone in Va l p o i , a s Deepaji is the executive member of State BJP committee.

Rane, who was the former sarpanch of Pissurlem Pan-

chayat, had unsuccessfully contested against Pratapsing Rane in Poriem constituency in 1999 elections and had polled 3,000 votes.

The soft-spoken Rane is well known in Sattari having worked for BJP for over two decades.

He was also the president of BJP (Poriem Unit) few years ago.

Addressing a press conference at Valpoi late Wednesday evening, Deepaji Rane informed

that he does not want to disclose his strategy or purpose of contesting the election at this point of time, but would announce his strategy after October 4.

“I am contesting the election in my individual capacity and I am still a BJP worker,” stated Rane.

He further stated that he is not contesting against the BJP

India slams Pak for sponsoring J&K terror PTI UNITED NATIONS, SEPT 29

India today slammed Pakistan for sponsoring militancy and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and said Islamabad should not impart lessons to it on democracy and human rights.

Hitting back at Pakistan a day after its Foreign Minister S h a h M a h m o o d Q u re s h i harped on giving the Kashmiri people the right to “self-determination through plebiscite”, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said Islamabad must stop its Statesponsored militancy and terrorism in the State.

“Jammu & Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, is the target of Pakistan-sponsored militancy and terrorism.

Pakistan must fulfill its solemn commitment of not allowing territory under its control to be used for terrorism directed against India,” he said in his firmly worded speech at the 65th UN General Assembly session here.

Krishna said the “credible and firm action by Pakistan against terrorist groups operating from its soil is in the interest of the region as it is in Pakistan’s own interest.”

Slamming Qureshi for his remark against Indian security forces, Krishna said, “Pakistan cannot impart lessons to us on democracy and human rights.”

He said India was committed to good neighbourly relations with all our neighbours,

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro today said that henceforth the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) visiting India will be issued only long-term extendable visas and not tourist visas.

Addressing a press conference, Faleiro, a former Union Minister of State for External Affairs, said that the Union government’s visa manual has been revised to ensure that PIOs do not face hardships when they visit their home country.

Faleiro pointed out that earlier Goans holding foreign passports were being given tourist visas and asked to leave the country as soon as their short period of the visa expired. “…but that has changed for better now,” Faleiro said adding “as per the revised visa manual, all Goans as well other PIOs holding foreign passports will henceforth be issued only long-

term ‘X’ visas (extendable visas) and not tourist visas.”

He said that the earlier conditions were inhuman and unfair to PIOs, who had roots in India.

“I had earlier received several complaints from Goans holding foreign passports that some of our embassies and high commissions abroad, issue them tourist visas (valid for three to six months) at the end of which they have to leave the country though they have property matters to deal with and have families here,” Faleiro said.

The NRI Affairs Commissionerate in Goa looks after the interest of a large number of Goans who are employed abroad, a majority of whom are concentrated in countries located in the Gulf region.

ON PAGE 2

‘My Village’ fails to get recognition

The Tourism Department is looking forward to promote Goa as hub of “cruise tourism” once the new cruise terminal at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) becomes operational by December end.

In the last few years cruise liners calling at MPT have gone up, yet the Tourism Department restrained itself from promoting cruise tourism for want of proper cruise terminal.

However, this situation is likely to change in December when the new terminal is made operational.

Speaking to Herald Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik, said they had series of meetings with the Director General of Shipping as also MPT and the independent cruise terminal will be thrown open in December.

Currently, cruises calling at MPT use cargo terminal and it is not good situation due to coal dust pollution emanating from adjacent terminal.

When State Home Guards double up as stock witnesses!

VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, SEPT 29

Police Home Guards are forced to double up as stock witnesses in various criminal cases as investigating officers fall short of panch witnesses. Random look at various cases booked in Goa shows that in many instances Home Guards, who interestingly are auxiliary to the police force, are chosen as witnesses.

These are mostly cases related to gambling, theft, accident, motor vehicle cases and assaults.

SP Home Guard D K Sawant when contacted said he was not in a position to comment as it has not come to his notice.

Police officials state that it becomes difficult to scout for witnesses once the case is booked or party leaves on a raid.

“Naturally Home Guards become handy in such circumstances, as they are available at the police station and do not refuse the request,” said a senior police officer.

Goa Police historically has been reeling under allegations

ThE ‘hOME’ WITNEssEs… Mohan Korgaonkar

Theft case in August 2004 at Old Goa Police Station l Four gambling cases in September 2004, April 2004, May 2004 and June 2007 at Old Goa Police Station l Accident case in December 2001 at Ribandar Police Station. l

Tukaram Narvekar

Gambling raid cases in July 2001, December 2003, March 2004 and September 2004, all at Agassaim Police Station. l

Raya Mandrekar

Theft and breaking doors/window cases in January 2004 l Theft case in January 2003 l Gambling case in August 2008, all at Panjim Town Police Station. l

sanjay Bakal

Two attempt to commit offences in November 1999 and January 2000, respectively at Goa Velha Police Station l Mischief and theft case in March 2000 at Goa Velha Police Station l Matka raid at Bambolim in July 2001 l Causing hurt and house trespass case in February 2000 at Agassaim Police Station. l

Narendra Parab

Theft case in November 1999 l Two gambling cases in April and May 2004 l Motor vehicle accident case in November 2001, all cases at Old Goa Police Station. l

that witnesses are rigged or false witnesses are produced after booking a case. Home Guards being an integral part of policing

are relied upon when it comes to giving witness as there is zero possibility or no possibility of (Continued on page 10)

including Pakistan.

Krishna, however, emphasised that “Pakistan has to live up to its commitment not to allow use of its soil by terrorists acting against India.”

This, he said, would significantly help reduce the trust deficit that impedes the development of better bilateral relations between our two countries.

Stating that there can be no justification for terrorism just as there can be no good and bad terrorists, Krishna said it has emerged as one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

(Continued on page 10)

Now, only ‘X’ visas Goa eyes ‘cruise tourism’ for PIOs visiting India BINDIYA CHARI PANJIM, SEPT 29

Jammu & Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, is the target of Pakistansponsored militancy and terrorism. Pakistan must fulfill its solemn commitment of not allowing territory under its control to be used for terrorism directed against India.

Besides regular cruise liners, the department is also looking at recreation sorties of foreign navies as another lucrative option from tourism point of view.

“There were complaints in the past from cruise liners about coal dust pollution,” says the director, explaining why they did not go ahead with promotion of cruise tourism even as number of cruises calling at MPT increased.

Besides regular cruise liners, the department is also looking at recreation sorties of foreign navies as another lucrative option from tourism point of view.

“MPT receives a lot of enquiries from foreign navies,” he added.

In view of the increase in the number of cruise ship arrivals at MPT — Goa’s natural advantage in cruise tourism is clearly

evident.

While in 1996-97 eighteen cruise vessels with total 3813 visited MPT; by 2006-2007 the number of cruise liners visiting Goa port crossed the seventy mark with total 8433 passengers.

According to the tourism director, benefits from cruise tourism are high as cruise liners carry passengers in big numbers.

Presently though, many cruise liners call at MPT, the State has not been able to benefit in a big way because passenger ships halt for a brief period.

“Cruises come in the morning and leave in the evening,” Naik pointed out, indicating that tourism industry will definitely benefit when new cruise terminal is commissioned.

It means passenger vessels will halt for a longer period. A large cruise vessel has carrying capacity anything between 1000 to 1500 passengers where as the capacity of smaller ones is anything between 500 to 1000 passengers.

Somali pirates hijack ship with 15 Indian crew

Somali pirates hijacked a cargo ship with 15 Indian crew on board off East Africa, the European Union Naval Force said today.

The Asphalt Venture lost contact with its owners on Tuesday night, said EU spokesman Lt Col Per Klingvall. He could not provide further details of the incident. -- (AFP)

Your blood pressure is back to normal without taking any medicine? But how, sir?

OHERALDO

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GOA

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GOA, THURSDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010

Hopes dim over Dr Gomes library opening HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 29

When the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) handed over the district library building at Margao to the Directorate of Art and Culture couple of months ago, hopes were raised that the over Rs 10-crore Dr Francisco Luis Gomes district library will be formally opened for the public on September 30 – the death anniversary of the great nationalist Dr Francisco Luis Gomes.

Though the state-of-the-art library is completed in all respects, there’s no sign that the library will be opened on the death anniversary of the great Nationalist on Thursday.

A visit to the librar y on Wednesday revealed that around 40,000 books have been housed in the modern library and the staff deployed at the library has completed work of data entry of around 10,000 books.

But, one does not find any readers availing the reading facility at the prestigious library built by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation at an estimate cost of over Rs 10 crore.

Foundation stone for the construction of the library was laid three years ago in the presence of former Navelim MLA Luizinho Faleiro and ML A Digambar Kamat.

SGF not to contest Valpoi by-election

The state-of the-art district library building at Margao located along the Navelim Church-Margao railway station road.

Photo by Sidharth Mehta

The imposing structure comprises of a ground-plus-fourfloor building and houses an exhibition hall, lecture hall and a canteen, a section for newspapers and periodicals, Braille section, a section for juveniles and administration section.

Besides, the library has a separate section for children, besides a host of facilities like closed circuit TVs, fire alarm and

protection system etc.

Around 15 staff members have been working in the library since November last year and they have no idea about the delay in commissioning the library.

When contacted, GSIDC Managing Director, Sanjit Rodrigues informed that the library building has been completed in all respects. IN fact, he pointed out that the library building has

Unaware of Navy’s plan to acquire islands off Baina coast: Jose Philip Says will inquire of any such proposal with Collector

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 29

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 29

The Save Goa Front has decided not to contest the byp o l l f o r t h e Va l p o i constituency and instead resolved to serious focus on the general elections which will be held soon.

S G F P re s i d e n t A n t o n i o Gauncar said the party members have unanimously decided not to contest the bypolls as the Valpoi elections will be for a temporary period only.

He said the party has also resolved to support the ST, SC & OBC Federation’s request o the government to get the views and opinions of the public before notifying the reservation of wards for the Municipal polls so as to avoid the problems that arose at the time of notifying wrong wards at the Panchayat elections.

Claiming he is unaware of any proposal of Goa Navy to acquire islands off Arabian Sea, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza on Wednesday said he would inquire if any such proposal is with the South Goa Collector.

D’Souza, who recently arrived from a trip abroad, was quick to oppose any plans by the Navy to acquire the islands off the Baina coast.

“I won’t allow it to happen,” said D’Souza, while speaking to reporters at his residence on Wednesday morning.

“There is no such proposal and if such proposal is with the South Goa Collector, we will inquire into it,” assured D’Souza.

“In the name of security, we have donated large chunk of land to the Central government as most of the places have been occupied either by MPT, GSL, Navy and Coast Guard or other central organisations in Vasco,” he claimed.

“We need to preserve remaining land for the benefit of the local people, as there is scarcity of land in Vasco,” added D’Souza.

He further said both Pequeno and Grande islands are significant for Hindu and Catholic fisher folk community, while in terms of tourism, it is also important for boat and water sports operators.

“People will be definitely restricted if both the islands are acquired by the Navy. People apprehensions are true that once it is acquired, threw will be re-

Margao blast accused plea for day-to-day trial rejected HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 29

The South Goa Sessions court on Wednesday rejected the application moved by the Margao bomb blast accused seeking dayto-day hearing of the trial.

Sessions Judge U V Bakre also rejected the application filed by the accused persons for lodging them in a single cell on security grounds.

The Court, however, party allowed the application filed by accused Dilip Mangaonkar to speak to his wife from the land line. While partly granting the application, the court has said that the date and time when

Contractor commits suicide

CALANGUTE (HC): A 59-year-old contractor from Kolhapur committed suicide by hanging himself to a ceiling in his resort flat on Wednesday.

According to Calangute Police, Bhairo Shankar Mishal, resident of Porba Vaddo- Calangute, was found hanging to the ceiling hook with the help of nylon rope at about 9 am.

Police further informed that Mishal was working as a contractor at a resort in Porba Vaddo.

“The post mortem report indicated that the person died due to hanging,” informed PSI Harish Gauns.

Meanwhile, a man in his mid thirties was found dead near an apartment at Naikka VaddoCalangute on Wednesday at about 11.30 am.

Calangute Police informed that the body has been preserved at GMC Hospital in Bambolim for post mortem.

been handed over to the Directorate of Art and Culture around six months ago. “The building has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore. All civil and other works stands completed”, he added.

The Director of Art and Culture, Prasad Lolyenkar was not available for comment to throw light on the delay in opening the district library.

the accused would speak to his wife should be decided first and that the conversation should take place infront of the jail guard.

Special Public Prosecutor, S B Faria, representing the National Investigating Agency, told Herald that the court today examined two prosecution witnesses, Syed Hussain and Ramakant Velip in support of its case.

Two more witnesses will be examined by the court when the case comes up for hearing on Thursday, he added.

The accused arrested in the bomb blast case had asked the

court to lodge them in a single cell on grounds that they apprehended threats to their lives due to adverse media publicity.

The application to lodge them in one cell, however, did not find favour with the court on security considerations.

Replying to a question, Faria said the chargesheet against accused Prashant Juvekar and Prashant Asthekar will be filed by the NIA after completion of investigations. “Investigations into the case are still continuing and the chargesheet will be filed after the investigations are over”, he added.

MMC’s pre-bid meet with consultants on Oct 4 HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 29

Days after the high-powered committee headed by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat reviewed the progress of the waste treatment plant at Sonsodo, the Margao Municipal Council has set in motion the process of meeting with the consultants to monitor work on the project.

Sources in the know said the Civic body has worked out a plan, wherein civic officials will have a pre-bid meeting with the consultants tentatively on October 4. This will be followed by the opening of the bid received from the consultants to the Expression of Interest invited by the Civic body.

It is learnt that the newly-appointed Chief Officer, Prasanna

Acharya has chalked out a detailed plan to complete the process of having the pre-bid meeting as well as opening the final bids, including the financial and technical bids.

Incidentally, though the Margao civic body will complete the process, the high powered committee headed by the Chief Minister has made it amply clear to the Civic body that the consultant will be finalised by the committee.

Hyderabad-based Ramky Enviro Engineering Ltd, Ahmedabad-based P U Asnani along with other outstation consultants have submitted their bids for the appointment of the consultant to monitor setting up of the waste treatment plant and the land fill site at Sonsodo.

strictions for fishing and other tourism activities surrounding the islands,” claimed D’Souza.

“We will support the cause of the fishermen, boat and water sports operators since this government is for the people,” said D’Souza.

Islands are significant for fishermen during rough weather conditions, as boat and canoe operators use these islands as berthing facility, besides religious significance for Hindu and Catholic fisher folks.

He further informed that it was his old proposal that islands should be developed for tourism activities, as these islands have tourism potentials.

Meanwhile, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (GFBOA) has also opposed Navy’s proposal to acquire the islands.

GFBOA President Simon Pereira said once islands are acquired, the security personnel would certainly harass the fishermen and restrict fishing activities surrounding the islands.

Complaint against illegal shack at Calangute HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

While shack allotment for beach stretches in North Goa was just completed on Tuesday, the Tourism Department on Thursday received a complaint about illegal shack on Calangute beach.

The complaint which was initially filed before Travel and Tourism Association (TTAG) has been now forwarded to the Tourism Department.

Confirming of the receipt of a complaint from TTAG, Pamela Mascarenhas, deputy director of Tourism, said she has asked the officer in-charge to take necessary action.

Meanwhile, the department on Wednesday allotted 92 shacks through lots for beach stretches in South Goa. While 106 were marked for South Goa, total allotment could not be carried out.

As far as Palolem beach is concerned allotment of shacks has been put on hold due to High Court directive, told tourism official.

It is learnt that Shack Owners Welfare Society has filed a complaint with Canacona Municipal Council saying illegal shacks have come up in private properties along Palolem beach.

3 youth rescued CALANGUTE (HC): Three youth from Kerala were saved from drowning by Drishti Surf Life team at Calangute Beach on Wednesday afternoon.

According to reports, Abin K (21), Binoy B (22) and Deepesh R (21) were saved from drowning by lifeguards Sachin and Dinanath with the help of Jet Ski Operator Peter.

Monica stakes claim for Fatorda seat HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 29

Now, Goa Congress Mahila chief Monica Dias has staked claim for the party ticket to contest the Assembly polls from Fatorda constituency.

And, Dias requested the All India Congress Mahila chief Dr Prabha Thakur to give party tickets to women in both North and South Goa districts.

Addressing a mahila function here this evening which was attended by Thakur, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar, Dias said she is entitled for the party ticket to contest the Assembly polls given here long stint in politics and seniority in the party organisation.

“I have been a Municipal Councillor, besides a grass-root worker of the party. Certainly, I am interested in contesting the polls if given ticket by the party leadership”, she said.

I n t e re s t i n g l y, D i a s h a d claimed ticket for herself as well as two tickets each for women in both the districts in the last elections, but in vain.

She, however, said that she would not leave the party if the ticket is not given to her and would work for the party as its loyal soldier. “Last time too, I was not given the ticket, but I worked wholeheartedly for the Congress candidate in Fatorda”, she said.

Monica’s claim for the congress ticket in Fatorda is expected to trigger a race for the party ticket in the constituency. Already, GPCC general Vijay Sardessai, who lost the seat from Fatorda in the last Assembly polls, is making all out efforts to re-contest the polls from the same constituency.

There are reports that senior congress leader and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Luizinho Faleiro is not averse to contest the coming Assembly polls from Fatorda if the High Command asks him to do so. Though the former Chief Minister has so far declined to speak out his mind on contesting from Fatorda or Navelim, sources in the k now say the anti-Sardessai forces in Fatorda may rally behind the CWC member if the Congress high command tells him to contest the polls from the constituency.

Ayodhya verdict: people urged to maintain peace HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, SEPT 29

In view of the Ayodhya verdict on Thursday, Bicholim Police convened a special meeting urging the people to maintain peace in the taluka.

The meeting was convened in the DySP ’s office on Wednesday and Bicholim PI Harish Madkaikar was present for the meeting. The meeting was called asking all the communities to maintain peace in the taluka after the sensitive verdict on Ayodhya issue is pronounced on Thursday.

The police had called some prominent persons from Bicholim and Valpoi from all the three communities including Hindu, Muslim and Christians. The meeting was also attended by some religious groups from both the talukas.

“The basic purpose of the meeting was to maintain

peace and also to avoid any untoward incident in the area,” PI Harish Madkaikar told Herald.

“People from Bicholim and for that matter the entire State are very peaceful and the meeting was just to appeal the people not to get instigated and keep the communal harmony,” said PI Madkaikar.

Bicholim DySP Bossuet D’Silva also urged the people to be alert and contact

the police in case if they feel that any group is trying to disrupt peace in the taluka.

The people accepted the suggestions of the police and extended their support in the endeavour. They also appreciated the efforts of the police.

Meanwhile, in view of the verdict, police would be deployed in some of the religious areas, including Bicholim Mosque.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 29

deploy police in some sensitive areas in its police jurisdiction.

However, earlier in the day, Director General of Police (DGP) Bhimsen Bassi had listed Vasco town among the five towns of Margao, Mapusa, Ponda and Curchorem that has mix population and which has the potential of triggering crisis, where additional security would be provided.

Security beefed up at Vasco

Vasco Police has beefed up security in the sensitive areas in Vasco, in view of Ayodhya verdict on Thursday.

Vasco PI Braz Menezes informed that they would deploy police at most of the religious places in Vasco from Thursday morning.

Similarly, Verna Police will

Temple reps asked to take alternate route for Ganesh immersion HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 29

Taking no chances to deal with any situation in the aftermath of the Allahabad High Court on the Ayodhya land dispute, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Margao on Wednesday proposed to the representatives of the Swami Samarth Gad Temple to take alternate route for the Ganesh immersion ceremony on October 1.

The proposal, however, did not find favour with the President of the Temple located at Rumdamol-Davorlim, who maintained that the route cannot be changed given the involvement of religious sentiments as women perform aartis along the procession route after the flyover bridge.

The SDM had proposed that the immersion route from Kohinoor hotel near the Margao Municipal take the alternate route from Margao Residency-Loyola School, Comba railway crossing to Khareband as against the normal flyover-Chinchal-Khareband route.

The proposal was put to the temple committee at a meeting of the citizens from all religious communities besides police officers from the Margao police sub-division.

The SDM later told newsmen that the meeting was called as the 21 day Ganesh immersion procession coincides with section 144 of the CrPC imposed by the district Magistrate banning processions in the city.

“The Ganesh immersion procession was chalked out for the 21 day immersion ceremony long back and has nothing to do with Section 144. It is just a coincidence that the immersion procession and the prohibitory orders have come on one day”, he said.

Replying to a question, Johnson said all the members, except the Temple committee members, who attended today’s meeting agreed with the proposal to go for an alternate route. “The alternate route is just a temporary route suggested by the administration in view of the prevailing situation.

We would explore solution to the problem”, he said.

Meanwhile, Margao Sub-Divisional Police officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar, who attended today’s meeting along with DySP Traffic, Gajanan Prabhudesai, Margao PI Santosh Desai, Maina Curtorim PI Sidhant Shirodkar, later told Herald that no more meetings will be held on the issue.

He said the law enforcing machinery is all geared up to meet any law and order situation in the Margao sub-division in the aftermath of the Allahabad high court verdict on the Ayodhya land dispute.

“We have asked for additional police reinforcements to deal with any situation. The police would be deployed in strength in the city on the day of the Ganesh immersion”, he said.

‘My Village’ fails to get recognition from NRGs HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

Goa’s NRI commissioner Eduardo Faleiro on Wednesday rued the fact that there is no response for the scheme allowing non-resident Goans investing back home here.

Addressing a press conference here, Faleiro said that the NRI Commission had launched a scheme called ‘My Village’ but there is no response coming from

the NRGs. “Under the scheme, the State government was willing to pitch in with half of the financial cost of the project, if rest portion was shouldered by NRGs,” he said.

“Government could invest upto Rs 10 lakh in these developmental projects,” Faleiro said.

The State had designed this scheme in order to allow the NRGs invest in the developmental project in their village. The

scheme was launched last year.

Faleiro said that NRGs are not willing to invest “maybe because the State government was not providing them with the land required for the project.”

“We are still hoping to get NRGs invest in their native villages,” he said adding that the scheme was based on Punjab model where a similar format is adopted to attract NRIs contribute for their village.

Yet another leopard trapped in Cuncolim

GU students’ council polls kept on hold HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

The leopard, which was trapped at Cancanamodi-Cuncolim on Wednesday morning.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 29

Yet another leopard was trapped at the Cancanamodi area of Cuncolim in the wee hours of Wednesday.

This is the second leopard trapped by the forest officials after locals sighted movements of wild cats in the locality.

Locals had complained that the leopards, who were on the prowl in the locality for months now, had devoured around 28 pigs and dogs. A leopard was trapped in the area last month and had laid another trap after locals had sighted three more leopards moving in the locality.

A local youth Samson Fernandes told newsmen that another two leopards are on the prowl in the area and praised the forest officials for successfully trapping two leopards within a month’s time in the locality.

He said the leopards had made life difficult for the local residents as they lost around 28 pigs, besides canines at the hands of the wild cats.

His mother appealed to the forest officials to catch the remaining two leopards so that the children as well as the domestic animals are safe in the area.

Forest officials said the leopard, aged between 3-4 years, will be released in the wild forest at Mollem after checked by the veterinary doctor.

Goa University Students’ Council election which had been scheduled to be held on September 30 has been kept on hold.

In view of objections raised by the BJP Students’ Cell, election to University students’ council has been stayed. Goa University Vice-Chancellor Dilip Deobagkar has on Wednesday assured BJP Students’ Cell that election will not held as per the schedule and, they will approach the executive council on October 1, to consider cancellation of current election.

The BJP Student’s Cell had warned that they will not allow election to happen, which is scheduled on September 30, alleging that the entire process was “politicised by the Congress leaders.”

Earlier in the day, members of the BJP Student’s Cell protested outside the Goa University administrative block by shouting slogans against the Vice-Chancellor.

Following protests Vice-Chancellor gave a written reply to BJP Students’ Cell that the said students’ council elections will not be held as per schedule.

“In view to create a conducive atmosphere for a free and fair election it has decided to keep the elections in abeyance and approach the Executive Council on October 1,” says Vice-Chancellor.

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Reserve 50% govt jobs for women: Mahila Cong In his address, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat did not respond to the demand for reservation of jobs for women, but underlined the need for the fairer sex to stand on their legs.

Saying that women should have patience in politics, Kamat said that patience is the catch

All India Mahila Congress president Prabha Thakur inaugurating a mahila convention at Margao on Wednesday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 29

The All India Mahila Congress Chief Prabha Thakur has urged the Goa government to reserve 50 per cent of government jobs for women of the State.

She, however, evaded a question from newsmen why Santa Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes, being the lone woman MLA, has not found representation in the Digambar Kamat Minister Cabinet. “In Goa, there are only 40 Assembly seats. That can be one problem to accommodate everyone in the Cabinet”, she said, adding that women would automatically find a berth in the Ministry once 33 per cent of reservation for Parliament and State Assemblies come into force.

Addressing Goa Mahila Congress members at a function here Wednesday evening, Thakur said women comprises nearly 50 per cent of the population and the government would only do justice to them if 25-30 per cent government jobs are reserved for the fairer sex. “Women face a lot of difficulties while seeking government jobs. All these hardships can be overcome if jobs are reserved for women”, she said.

The All India Congress Mahila chief has said the UPA government under the leadership of Congress President Sonia Gandhi is determined to provide 33 per cent reservation of seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. “It is because of Sonia Gandhi that the Reser-

vation Bill was introduced and passed in Rajya Sabha. It is a matter of time that the UPA will get the Bill passed in Lok Sabha as well”, she said, adding that Sonia Gandhi is committed to fulfill the dreams of late Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi to reserve 33 per cent seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.

Saying that women in Goa are educated and empowered economically, Thakur attributed Goan women are better placed as compared to their counterparts in other parts of the country as they are equal partners to the wealth of the husband.

“Because of this unique position, Goa witnesses less number of cases of domestic violence and other atrocities”, she added.

Bus owners’ ego has forced them on brink of crisis: Dhavlikar HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

The private bus operators’ ego has forced them on a brink of crisis and only government intervention will solve their problem to a large extent, Transport Minister Ramkrishna Dhavlikar stated on Wednesday.

Speaking to Herald here, Dhavlikar said that since long the ministry has been insisting for various measures to curb irregularities in private bus system which were not heeded by them.

“We could not go ahead with the plans due to bus operators’ ego,” he said.

The Transport Department has decided to go ahead with an extensive drive tightening noose around erring conductors from October 1 onwards.

The drive is a fall out of cordial meeting between private bus operators, Transport De-

partment officials and officials of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL).

The Department will keep a stringent check over conductors without uniform, non issuing of tickets and spoilt number plates on the buses.

The minister pointed out that the bus operators themselves have finally admitted that it has become difficult for them to control erring conductors.

“Now their ego has subsided and they have approach us and conceded to our measures,” he said.

Lawlessness by private bus conductors and drivers has also restricted All Goa Private Bus Owners Association (AGPBOA) from forming a society of owners, drivers and conductors.

Dhavalikar also stated that rather than trying to approach chief minister and minister for

small reasons, the bus owners need to seat with the transport director and plan out.

When asked, AGPBOA General Secretary Sudip Tamankar reacted that it’s only after several requests by the Association, the department has agreed to conduct such a drive.

“We have been asking the department to carry out such an exercise which will keep track on the functioning of conductors and drivers. These people misbehave with public as well as with RTO officers, which affects our business,” he said.

Tamankar had earlier said that more than 40 per cent of drivers and conductors in the State are non-Goans.

Forest Dept to go ahead with public hearing at Cotigao HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

Notwithstanding Opposition from the locals, the Forest department will go ahead with the public hearing at Cotigao for Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH) scheduled on September 30.

The residence of Cotigao and surrounding villagers are likely to strongly object to the declaration of the sanctuary as CWH during the public hearing on Thursday.

“Let them oppose…we will go ahead with the hearing and will try to explain them how important the CWH status is,” Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Dr Shashi Kumar told Herald on Wednesday morning.

Dr Kumar said that the aim of the public hearing is just to inform the villagers what the Department is planning to do and how it will benefit the locals.

“This hearing is been conducted to recognise the rights and claims of the affected villagers if any,” he added.

The PCCF said that even after declaring these areas as CWH, the rights of scheduled tribe and other traditional forest dwellers, who are recognised under Forests Rights Act, 2006 will be protected.

“No development, whatsoever, will be allowed in the area once it is given CWH status,” he clarified.

The 86 sq km spread Cotigao wildlife sanctuary was established in 1969 and is located in Canacona Taluka.

Like Cotigao, the Forest Department had also faced objection from Chorao residence in declaring Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary as CWH. Currently the matter has been kept on hold.

Bondla wildlife sanctuary is the first one to be notified as CWH.

CWH ISSUE

word in politics, and reminded Mahila Congress workers that the government is making all out efforts to ensure that women are independent.

GPCC President Subhash Shirodkar, Goa Congress Mahila Chief Monica Dias, Pramod Salgaonkar and others also spoke.

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s h o rt ta K e s CME programme held at GMC

Mormugao MLA, GSPCB inspect MPT’s sewerage treatment plant HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 29

Dr V Gaonkar, Dr Wiseman Pinto, Dr A Borkar, Dr A Mahajan, Dr S Kanvinde, Dr Sushma Kirtane and Dr Mimi Silveira at the CME programme held in GMC.

PANJIM(HND): The Medical Education Cell GMC in collaboration with the Pediatric Department GMC, Indian Academy of Pediatric Goa Chapter organised a CME Programme in Pediatric Oncology recently. The visiting guest faculty were Dr Anupama Borkar, professor of Pediatric Oncology, Manipal University and KMC Manipal, Dr Shaileah Kanvinde, Consultant Pediatric Oncologist, Dinanath Mangueshkar Hospital, Pune and Dr Anita Mahajan, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

The CME was coordinated by Dr R.G.Wiseman Pinto, Dr Mimi Silveira, Dr Sushma Kirtane and Dr Virendra Gaonkar.

Goa Medical council gave CME accrediation to the CME.

Varsha excels in Konkani

PANJIM(HND): Varsha D Bandodkar secured highest marks in Konkani language at the recently held examinations of SSC Board exams 2010. She is the student of Holy Rosary Convent High School, Nuvem.

She is the daughter of Damodar Bandodkar. The PTA of the school has congratulated Headmistress Sr Divya A C and Kalyani S Karmali for their dedicated hard work and able leadership, says a press release.

Blood donation camp held

Mormugao MLA Milind Naik along with Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) officials on Tuesday inspected Mormugao Port Trust’s (MPT) Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP), which has been accused of discharging sewage into the spring, well and sea.

The treatment plant, located on the hillock of Japanese Garden at Headland Sada, had allegedly discharged untreated water in the spring and well, which are located on low-lying areas of the garden, while treated water released in the sea, for which the MPT reportedly has no permission.

It was supposed to be a joint inspection of GSPCB and MPT, but MPT sanitary officials failed to attend inspection and it is expected that a similar inspection would be conducted next week.

GSPCB Scientific Officer Edma Fernandes and junior Environment Engineer Shailesh Vaigankar took samples of the treated water from the STP to ensure that regulated standards are maintained for treatment of

sewerage water.

Speaking to media, Shailesh Vaingankar stated that there was a complaint from local MLA Milind Naik and people that sewerage water released in springs and wells was contaminated.

“We have collected samples, which will be analyzed to ensure that it meets regulated standards,” said Vaigankar.

He further informed that Naik complained that seweragetreated water was utilized to sprinkle on coal dust at the mechanized berth of a private port.

As the treated water from STP is utilized for gardening and other purpose, they have to assess whether same water could be utilized to sprinkle on coal dust, as the MLA has complained about it, informed Vaigankar.

Speaking to media, MLA Naik said people from the surrounding area have complained that STP has released untreated water in the spring and well.

“I had raised the issue on functioning of MPT’s STP during the assembly session and asked GSPC to inspect along with MPT officials, but MPT officials failed

Mormugao MLA Milind Naik along with GSPCB official inspects MPT sewerage treatment plant at Headland Sada. Photo by M Prabhav

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, SEPT 29

PANJIM(HND): A blood donation camp was organized by United Cultural Association, Paliem, Uccasaim at VP Hall of Uccassaim, Bardez recently. A total of 19 donors came forward to donate blood.

Guests invited on the occasion were Sarpanch Manisha Mayekar, Dy Sarpanch Cosme Martins, Members Nitesh Gadekar, Prakash Bandekar, Officers of Mineral Foundation of Goa, Sangam Patil, GMC team comprising of Dr Indrani Pal, Mr Bhonsle and Ms Teja.

‘Consumers Shoppee’ opened in Panjim

Hectic activities have begun for the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) elections, with sitting councilors busy preparing their female family members to contest in the reserved wards.

Nearly all of the 12 CCMC councilors have decided to

civic polls curchorem contest from their respect i v e w a rd s , re s e r v e d f o r women, by either fielding their mother, wife or other female relative, besides they would contest from other wards.

The Ward 4 seat had been lying vacant following the death of councilor Albert Fernandes.

Many new faces, male and female, are appearing on the scene to contest the forthcoming elections.

In the last CCMC election, the voters had rejected the old faces and elected new faces, except Councilor Deva Naik of Ward 10.

This time too people except the same trend, as no significant development works have been can carried out by the council.

The council has received a setback from Kudchade Vikas Sanghatana, which was formed with the initiative of Curchorem ML A Shyam Satardekar. The Sanghatana has been carrying out works like cleanliness and door-to-door garbage.

It is learnt that the Sanghatana is likely to form its own panel to contest the election.

During the last two CCMC elections, BJP and Congress had formed its own panels to contest the election, but this time it seems difficult for them to form panels due to the over ambitiousness of some workers.

Some councilors want to contest the election and also want to field their wives, mothers and any other women reactive in the reserved wards.

Uncertainty looms over some sitting councilors, as government is yet to declare which wards will be reserved for OBC, SC and ST.

Winner of ‘India Today’ Subscribe to Drive offer, Walburg Coutinho receiving the Skoda Car from the India Today’s Asst Publisher R Shennoy. Also present are Welsh Colcaco GM and Parind Nachnolkar-MD of Priority Automobile, Goa.

Car-bus collision claims two lives at Karwar HERALD CORRESPONDENT POINGUINIM, SEPT 29

Councillors plan to field family members in reserved wards

Dr Indrani Pal from GMC, Bambolim and donors at the blood donation camp at VP Uccassaim organized by United Cultural Association, Paliem, Uccassaim.

to attend the inspection,” said Naik.

He further said the basic requirement to manage STP is lacking, as contractor released untreated water in the sea.

“These things were pointed out by the GSPC official on Tuesday,” he added.

Naik has asked the GSPC to ensure that treated sewerage water that is used to sprinkle on coal dust in port is permissible or not.

Yahya Khan, a chemist at Naik Environment Engineers Pvt Ltd, who is a contractor appointed

by MPT to manage the STP, said the sewage of nearly 500-odd residential flats is treated at the STP. “Three months ago, some untreated and treated sewage water had been released in the spring, as pipeline was damaged, which is repaired now,” admitted Khan.

“The treated water is released in the sea, but we do not have the permission for this," he claimed.

In a tragic accident, two occupants of a car died and two others were seriously injured when a car and a bus collided with each other at Majali-Karwar on Tuesday morning.

Chittakula Police PSI Uma Mahesh has identified the deceased as Jaiwant Vernekar, who was working at Panjim, and driver Hasan Sayed Basha from Hangal-Karnataka.

The accident occurred when the car (GA-07-C-2931) in which deceased Vernekar and Basha along with the injured Shivappa and another person were traveling, collided with a bus (KA-01C-81) along the highway at Majali.

According to the police, the bus was proceeding towards Goa while the car was proceeding

towards Karwar. The car was destroyed in the accident and was later moved to the Chitakulla police station at Sadashivgad.

Shivappa and another person were rushed to the Government District hospital at Karwar with severe head injuries.

It is learnt that the condition of the injured is critical and that they were unable to speak to the police.

The stranded passengers of the bus were transported to their destination on a special bus that was arranged by the transporter.

Speaking to Herald, PSI Uma Mahesh said most fatal accidents occur on the roads during the wee hours of the day and speculated that the drivers could be drowsy while driving at that time.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 30

The grand exhibition sale of appliances, furniture, home décor, fashion products and home products; ‘Consumers Shoppee’ exhibition was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Mayor of Panjim Caroline Po in the presence of Fr Willy of Don Bosco High School and Vasant Desai of Desai Bandhu Ambewale.

This six days shopping bonanaza is a platform for more than 80 renowned companies to showcase their newest and latest range of products with live demonstration. The Goan consumers will be able to view at more than 10,000 products under one roof including handlooms and handicrafts.

Some of the participants are IFB, Crompton Greaves Ltd., TTK Prestige, Eureka Forbes Ltd. Prime Plastics, Jyoti, Sundaram, Amrutanjan Ltd, Mapro, Shree Rakhdi Bio, Global Enterprises, Karnataka Soaps, Prabhat Dairy, Hem Corporation, Singer, Usha Internationa, Pravin, Gits, Sanobar, Pitambari, Werner, Advent healthcare, Alkon, Alkosign, KDD, Lotus furniture, Grand design sofas, Mobilica Classica, Shri Ganesh House of Furniture, Wrought Iron furniture and brass furniture and many others.

‘Consumer Shoppee’ exhibition will remain open till October 4 at Don Bosco High school, Panjim between 10 am to 9 pm, says a press release.

The car that met with an accident at Majali-Karwar.

Photo by Freddy Rebello

Power shut down at Loliem on Oct 1, 5 HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 29

Electricity supply in Loliem-Canacona will be disrupted on October 1 and 5 due to feeder shutdown for maintenance of HT Line.

In a press note, electricity office at Canacona informed that 11 KV feeder at Loliem will be shutdown on October 1 and 5 between 10 am and 3 pm to enable the maintenance work.

The affected areas will be Pedem, Shelim, Polem and Polem beach. Public are requested to take note of it.

Crash course on interviews PANJIM (HND): The Institute of Personality Development will organise a crash course on ‘Interviews’ from October 4, from 10 am to 11 am. The course will includes personality development, communication skills, public speaking, hospitality, human relationship, leadership and mind control, writing of application and biodata. The duration of the course is five days and will be conducted by Prof Agnel Crasto, Director of Institute of Personality Development at Pinto Chambers, block A, 2nd floor, Menezes Braganza road, opposite Dena Bank, Panjim. Those interested may contact Prof Agnel Crasto on 2435838/9420818302.

By RON FiDELiS

W

ith loads of loud dialogues and some great characterization, 'Tuji Vokol Mhoji Bail' that took place on Tuesday, was more of a performance oriented play. With couple tiatrists Bhushan-Lajja, Jack Rodson, Antonette Mendes and newcomers Serozel Rebello and cousins Violet and Janet Fernandes doing well in the songs side, the main cast comprised of merely five artists. Clash dialogues were accompanied by light effects at each by Piety along with some apparently well rehearsed background music by Jose Carvalho that even synchronized with the body language of the actors.

Apart from title in the last dialogue as is almost customary, this tiatro’s first 'rosto' scene lays out the plot that also ends with the title dialogue, thus kick-starting the play from there on. This scene shows two men fighting over a girl - one whom the girl loves, and the other, a vindictive spoilt brat son of a politician.

Menino Fernandes’ cool mimicry of Osvy Viegas with his

counterpart recording the same on a mobile studio (made of thermocol) received claps. And apart from claps at the end of every scene and cantar by the

tiatr review polite audience, the other distinct instance when the politician says, 'Man is only prone to making mistakes.' The dialogue further states that the greatness of a human is not when he condemns the one who makes the

Mass for workers PANJIM(HND): The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated for workers on October 1 at Mary Immaculate Church, Panjim at 1:15 pm. This mass is being organized by the Directorate of Archives and Archaeology. A priest will be available for confession from 12:30 pm. All are invited to this Thanksgiving celebration, says a press release.

Inauguration function PANJIM(HND): The inaugural function of the 61st TB Seal campaign, organized by the TB Association of Goa will be held on October 2 at 4 pm at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Health Services, Campal, Panjim. The Health Secretary Rajeev Verma, IAS will inaugurate the campaign and distribute the awards and certificates to the winners of the 60th TB Seal campaign. The Secretary of the Association, Dr Damodar B Bhounsule, will present report of the past TB Seal campaign and other important activities of the Association, says a press release.

DKA’s workshop PANJIM(HND): Owing to the tremendous response received from the enthusiasts who wish to learn the rudiments and polish their skills in Konkani compering, Dalgado Konkani Akademi (DKA) will organize its second Konkani compering workshop on October 10 at BPS Club Conference Hall, Margao.

Dr Ajay Vaidya will be the resource person for the day and will guide the participants. Dr Vaidya is a much sort after person for compering functions, formal as well as other cultural functions all over Goa. The workshop will be held from 10:30 am to 1 pm. Those interested in attending the workshop are requested to contact DKA’s Secretary, Jose Salvador Fernandes on 0832- 2221688 (O) or 9881810832 (Mobile).

Marathi drama at Vasco

Tuji Vokol Mhoji Bail Mayor of Panjim Carolina Po inaugurating the exhibition.

upcoming events

mistake. But rather the when one makes this guilty person analyze, understand and realize his folly and not repeat it again.

The politician, usually labelled corrupt, is shown here in his avatar as the father who gets wiser with his age and experience. At first, plagued by his own riches and pride, he gives his son everything including the girl he so adamantly wants. The son however, only wishes to posses this girl only in order to satiate his power trip with the other male who had challenged him earlier. The girl complies

with this marriage to save her own father – an eminent doctor – who is framed for using duplicate medicines in his hospital; courtesy the politician’s ploy to get his son’s wish granted in return for bailing him out of this situation. Then again, having lost his own wife in the past due to the demerits of an 'elite' lifestyle and learnt his lesson, the politician father played brilliantly by Ali Corriea tries in vain to stop his son from destiny alike. The spoilt brat (Martin Mendes) however gets into drinks and depression even after marrying this girl. Although she serves him like a perfect wife, heart of hearts; he figures out that she doesn’t really ‘love’ him – thus explaining the title.

Martin Mendes, the director, made sure the actors made use of the entire stage with their movement. The loud and the distinct pattern of dialogue delivery that inevitably has the end two words of the dialogue with extra emphasis and even more volume, according to the director, was purposefully done at many places only to make an impact !

PANJIM(HND): St Joseph's Institute (Primary Section) Vasco will be organising a 2 Act Marathi drama based on the famous fairy tale - snow white and the seven dwarfs. There are sixty children (age group - 6 to 10 years) who are taking part in this drama. All the back drops, props and costumes have been created by the teachers of the School.

The Script has been written by the well known Marathi writer Girija Murgodi who is also the Marathi Language teacher of the school. The choreographer of the play is 13 years old Pallavi Desai, a student of class VII of St Joseph's Institute.

This drama will be performed by the children on October 9 at Ravindra Bhavan, Fatorda, Margao at 6 pm.

Motorcycle rally at Bicholim BICHOLIM(HC): Patanjali Yog Samiti and Bharat Swabhiman Trust, North Goa, will organise a massive motorcycle rally at Mayem-Bicholim on October 2.

Addressing a press conference in Bicholim, Programme Incharge Sameer Gawas informed that the rally is organised to make Mayem village free from all sorts of addictions.

“The rally is being organised to make the people aware about the disadvantages of addictions and to free them from all type of addictions,” said Gawas.

“The Mayem village was adopted by Swami Ramdev Baba through Bharat Swabhiman Trust and in view of this, the rally has been organised so that people come to know about the ill-effects of addictions,” he added.

The rally, which would consist of about 250 motorcycles, will begin from Government Polytechnic, Mayem, at 3 pm and will proceed via Varpal, Haturlim, Tikhajazn, Vaiginim, Kumbharwada, Bhatwadi, Kelbaiwada, Jambhulbhat, Gaokarwada, Poira, Shikeri, Haldanwadi and will culminate at Aadhinath Math, Mayem. At 6 pm, Dr Shekhar Salkar will address the gathering highlighting the dangerous effects of alcohol, tobacco and other addictions. Mayem MLA Anant Shet will also be present for the function. The Bharat Swabhiman Trust will also felicitate persons, who pledged to do away with all sorts of addictions.

POWER SHUTDOWN SEPTEMBER 30

PORVORIM: Between 3 am to 6 pm. Areas affected are Resicom Home elite, Sabnis Park, Goa Scan centre, Gauri Apartment, Khana Khazana, PDA Colony, M/S Tarun Bharat, Part of Teen building, O’Coqueiro and surrounding areas.

OCTOBER 1

PERNEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Pernem Municipal Council area.

BATIM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Goa-Velha, Batim, Curca, Santan, Moula-Batim, part of Pilar and surrounding areas.

WEATHER REPORT Max Temp: 32.40C Min Temp: 22.50C Humidity: 71% Seasonal Total: 3383.7 mm Forecast: Occassional spells of rain.

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ADB assisting India to restore eroding beaches HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

In what could be called as a major help for the restoring the eroding beaches in India and Goa in particular, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is helping India protect its coastline affected by severe erosion.

The ADB’s Board of Directors today approved a multitranche financing facility of up to $250 million for the Sustainable Coastal Protection and Management Investment Program which aims to reduce coastal erosion and instability in the western coastal states of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

In the recent times, the pristine beaches of Goa, one of the prime tourist destinations in the world, were victims of soil erosion including Sinquerim, Siridao, Coco beach and several others.

According to media reports, the ADB will focus on solutions that protect the coastal environment, as well as support private sector and community involvement in the protection and management activities.

State agencies in Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra will execute project activities which are expected to be completed

by December 2019.

"India has over 7,500 of kilometers of coastlines with up to a quarter of its population living within 50 kilometers of the sea.

Natural effects, such as, storms and currents, along with activities such as dredging, river damming and sand mining or construction of littoral barriers, have accelerated coastal erosion, damaging or destroying hundreds of hectares of land, large areas of crop land, and residential and industrial buildings every year," ADB informs.

An expected increase in the frequency of storms, along with rising sea levels as a result of climate change, poses serious economic and environmental threats.

Past coastal protection strategy in India has focused on hard structures, such as seawalls, which do not necessarily address the root cause of erosion problems. The investment program will incorporate “softer” technologies such as artificial reefs, beach nourishment and dune management, which are both environment-friendly and offer potential economic benefits.

“The introduction of these new technologies for coastal protection will not only help protect the coastline from erosion but will enhance income-

generating opportunities for communities living near the affected areas,” said Rezaul Khan, Natural Resources Economist, in ADB’s South Asia Department.

The investment program will help the states develop capacity for shoreline planning and development, facilitate private sector participation in coastal protection and management, train local communities in shoreline management, and identify and support potential income generating activities.

The key performance target is to protect and manage 150 kilometers of coastline with community and private sector involvement.

The facility will release funds from ADB’s ordinary capital resources in four tranches. The first loan of $51.6 million is allocated for two sub-projects in the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. The initial loan has a 25-year term, including a grace period of 5 years, with an annual interest rate determined in accordance with ADB’s LIBORbased lending facility. State governments and private sector sources are earmarked to provide a combined $154.6 million, for a total investment program cost of $404.6 million.

Illicit liquor manufactured with officials support: Mollem locals HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

In a revelation that could pose a question mark over the functioning of the Excise Department, the residents of Mollem have alleged that a company is illegally manufacturing liquor with full backing from the officials.

The locals, speaking to Herald on condition of anonymity said that a company named Tetraqueen Distilleries, situated at Sukhtale Mollem, which is in existence for last eight years, is manufacturing Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) illegally.

“The company is set up in the forest and without proper conversion,” the locals alleged.

Further, they said the company does not even pay a single rupee in terms of excise duty to the Excise Department and the officials are in full knowledge of the same.

The locals further said that during the BJP regime the Excise department raided the company many times and the Keralabased owner – Peter Korneli was behind bars for 21 days for illegal manufacturing of liquor.

“We have brought this to the notice of the department but they are doing nothing maybe the owner has made a settlement with the officials,” the residents alleged.

When contacted Excise Com-

Russians show keen interest in tar balls phenomenon HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

The tar balls which swamped Goa’s beaches earlier this month created a few ripples in Russia too, a top Tourism Department official has said.

Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik, who returned from a tourism promotion event in Russia, stated that the Tourism Industry in Russia were keen to know more about the tar balls phenomenon.

“The Russians wanted to know about the tar balls phenomenon and about the steps taken by the State government to handle the crisis. They raised three issues one of which included tar balls,” Naik said adding “this was a result of the extensive media coverage”.

“We had attended the 'Leisure Fair' held in Moscow and met a delegation of over 76 different re p re s e n t a t i v e s f ro m t h e tourism trade,” said Naik, who was part of the official delegation to Russia along with

tourism promotion Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar and other Tourism department officials.

“We informed them that this (tar balls) was an annual phenomenon and that it has been taken care of. With regard to the issue of security for tourists, there were some issues, but we told them that a

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, SEPT 29

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

The Tourism Department has been upbeat with the probability of witnessing an excellent season, this year.

The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has already predicted 15 per cent rise in charter arrivals this season.

Speaking to Herald Swapnil Naik, said besides Russians, this season, they are expecting tourist arrivals from European countries such as Poland and Holland.

To begin with a delegation of hundred travel agents from Holland is arriving in Goa on October 1, informed tourism director.

While the department is expecting that percentage of tourist arrival from UK and Germany will be maintained, this season, it is expecting an increase in the number of tourist arrival from Kazakhstan.

Good response to delegate registration HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

Over 2500 delegate applications have already been received for the forthcoming 41st International Film Festival of India, Goa. A press release issued by the Entertainment Society of Goa states that within 60 days of the commencement of delegate registrations the response has been tremendous.

This year, in a new initiative ESG has simplified the procedure of registration for IFFI 2010 wherein if you have registered as a delegate during IFFI 2009 you need not register as a fresh delegate.

ESG has sent an email with an ID number and PIN number.

Using this, the delegates can view their data and submit the same application again.

However, if the data like phone numbers, addresses, have changed, these can be updated online in the same mail and can be submitted online. The approval is automatic. The initiative is supported by National Informatics Centre and jointly organised

by NIC and ESG, the release says.

Further, it says, fresh applicants can also register through the official ESG website www.iffigoa.org for IFFI 2010 and the last date for registration is November 16, 2010.

iffi 2010

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, SEPT 29

Fearing his arrest by Anjuna Police in the Samprit Malvankar murder case, a 38-year-old man surrendered at JMFC Mapusa on Wednesday.

Anjuna Police team led by PI Manjunath Dessai later took custody of Prashant Kondulkar, who has been lodged at Anjuna police station for further interrogation.

With the surrender of Kondulkar, Anjuna Police have so far arrested seven people in connection with the Samprit Malvankar murder case, who was shot by an unknown person a few days ago in a bar at Anjuna.

Anjuna Police had earlier arrested Dattaram Salgaonkar, Suraj Govekar, Srikant Salgaonkar, Yogesh Salgaonkar, Ajit Kambli and Laxman Salgaonkar, all suspects in the murder.

Charter tourists expected to rise 15% this year!

Sanquelim theft: two Margao residents held Bicholim Police on Tuesday arrested two persons residing at Margao in connection with a theft at Shetye Plaza, Sanquelim.

According to Bicholim PI Harish Madkaikar, they arrested Parshuram Hanumantappa Madgul (31), originally from Sirsi-Karnataka and Sultana Kasimsahab (36) from Bellari.

Police further informed that one of the accused has been handed over to Pernem Police in connection with another case.

It may be recalled that some persons had broken into a shop and flat in Shetye Plaza, Sanquelim and decamped with a booty, which included mobile phones, LCDs, cameras and golden ornaments, all worth Rs 2 lakh.

“Acting on the complaint, Bicholim Police conducted an extensive search operation and were finally able to trace the accused through their mobile phones,” informed PI Madkaikar.

PI Madkaikar is investigating the case.

special tourist force was being put in place to handle this aspect,” Naik said, adding that Russia was crucial to tourism in Goa, because of the nearly half a lakh tourists that come to the sun-kissed beaches of the State.

“We told them that out of 24 lakh tourists who visit the State each year, almost everyone goes back happy. We have reinforced the idea that Goa is a safe tourism destination,” Naik said, adding that queries about new visa guidelines released by the Home Ministry were also discussed.

The 'Leisure Fair' was held in Moscow from September 21-24 and included a road show in which the Goa tourism officials had participated.

Fearing arrest man surrenders at Mapusa JMFC

TourisT ArrivAls (YeAr Wise) Year

Domestic

Foreign

Total

2005

1965343

336803

2302146

-6.0

2006

2098654

380414

2479068

7.7

2007

2208986

388457

2597443

4.6

2008

2020416

351123

2371539

-9.5

2009

2127063

376640

2503703

5.5

2010

814995(P)

198200(P)

1013195(P)

With its appalling experience of post 26/11, when Tourism Industry was badly hit, the department has been now focusing on variety of destinations.

“When one destination calls off there are others to reply upon”, says Naik.

So along with its traditional destinations, the department is exploring variety of destinations such as Iran, Canada as

% Change

also US. With Canada, the departm e n t h a s b e e n t a rg e t i n g mostly expatriates and so far the response has been good, he says.

Thrust of the department is also on Free Independent Traveler (FIT) tourists and domestic tourists – both segments are growing. According to tourism director, arrival of FIT tourists is on the rise.

missioner PS Reddy said he does not have any knowledge of the issue.

“Let me check the facts and I will get back to you with details tomorrow,” was his reply.

OHERALDO

OPINION

Pg8

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Tar Balls and its genesis

Vol No CX No: 246 Goa, Thursday 30 September, 2010

H

Privatising our heritage

eritage activists have alleged that five star lobbies could be the brain behind the state government’s move to amend the law relating to ancient monuments.

The Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) has strongly objected to ‘The Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2010’, passed during the budget session of the Legislative Assembly in March. In a first-person report on the front page of ‘Herald’ last week, GHAG executive member and History lecturer Prajal Sakhardande pointed out how the amendments to the Ancient Monuments Act could seriously threaten the very sites the law was supposed to protect.

Mr Sakhardande was strongly critical of the inclusion of words like ‘re-erection and ‘re-construction’ of heritage monuments, specifically allowed in the amendment Bill, which was phrased as ‘maintain’ in the original Act, enacted in 1978, when Shashikala Kakodkar was the Chief Minister.

As far as ancient monuments go, the ‘conservation policy’ is followed worldwide. The very word ‘conservation’ suggests that not only the value and the significance of the site must be preserved, but that as much as possible of the original must be restored. ‘Re-erection’ and ‘re-construction’ is only taken up if the monument is crumbling, or has completely collapsed. Even in such circumstances, only the original existing pieces are pieced together, as has been done, for example, in the case of the Tambdi Surla temple. ‘Re-erection’ and ‘re-construction’, framed as loosely as it has been in the amendment, can completely deface the history and heritage character of a monument.

An alarming aspect of the amendment is that it allows any agency, other than the government, to take over ancient monuments and put them to adaptive reuse. This, the GHAG has rightly argued, throws the field open to private vested interests, hotel lobbies and other commercial interests, which will prey upon Goa’s priceless heritage to make a quick buck.

And, in a bizarre twist, the amendment comes into effect retrospectively, with effect from 1 March 2007. This throws up the possibility that the amendment has been specifically designed to provide a legal cloak for some secret illegal deals that have already been concluded, and are now sought to be ‘legalised’. Shades of Regional Plan 2011…? Are some or all of Goa state’s 51 monuments – chapels, temples and forts notified by the Archaeology Department – under threat of being handed over to private firms? It wouldn’t be the first time… In the past, a European company tried to take over the Cabo de Rama Fort in South Goa, helped by a pliant government that tried to denotify the monument. It was only after strong protests that the move was scuttled.

Even now, certain public areas in the historic Tiracol Fort, which has been leased to a private hotelier, are illegally restricted as ‘private’. The hotelier has also converted part of the ramparts – which should be left open to the public – into a cafeteria space.

Goa’s monuments belong to the heritage of the land and its people. The government is just the caretaker, not the owner. It cannot barter away the people’s patrimony.

H

I, me, mine

ealth Minister Vishwajeet Rane, who is all set to retain his Valpoi seat in the coming by-poll, has said that he wholeheartedly supports the mining industry in Goa, and that those who talk about a ban on mining should first say how they will give alternate employment to the people of the area.

Mr Rane also says that mining should not be at the cost of the environment. How true. But let him first show the people some genuinely ‘environmentally friendly’ mines, before he expects them to understand his views.

hydrocarbon finger printing and detection analysis installation will contain this menace says DR Joe D’SouZA

T

he Goa Government and the people of Goa seem to wake up each year to the tar ball fiasco, striking with accurate frequency during the monsoons since 1976. The initial report in the seventies through the work carried out by our post graduate students of Bombay University under the auspices of Centre for Postgraduate Institution and Research, had published the data on hydrocarbon degrading bacteria as well as yeasts isolated from the tar balls and sands along the beaches at Miramar, Candolim, Calangute and Vagator which were contaminated with mineral oil from oil sticks.

The NIO journal ‘Mahasagar’ as well as Indian Journal of Marine Science published our findings in 1979. Ever since, I have been writing regularly about the growing menace of the oil slicks, oil spills and the tar ball phenomena along the west coast, especially around Goa. Despite this annual ritual, reported and extensively studied, both by University as well as NIO, the Government of Goa and the press in general are bent on treating tar ball appearances as an unforeseen natural disaster worth intense investigation and study by Natural Environment Engineering Research Institute at Nagpur.

Having covered this issue extensively in the national newspapers and magazines over the last twenty years, once October sets, the tar ball issue is neatly swept under the carpet till June of the following year. It is then that the phenomena comes back to roost, like some celestial occurrence.

For the last 20 years in particular, Goa has witnessed the emergence of successive Environment Ministers and the Goa State Pollution Control Board, who behaved like ‘headless jumping chicken’. Alexio Sequeira and the Goa State Pollution Control officials have been issuing statements and conducting field trips to sites of tar ball infestations, as if they have landed on the surface of ‘Mars’ and have made novel observations. It is the headless jumping chicken approach of Alexio Sequeira and his Governmental machinery that is responsible giving Goa a bad name both at the national as well as at the international level.

Particularly in the last six years, I have extensively documented in all Goan news papers that from May to September, the South West monsoons bring in the already deposited heavy oil fractions

RecuRRing Phenomenon on the shore, since the lighter mineral oil discharges are already evaporated or emulsified in water and degraded by bacteria, fungi or yeasts, The heavier aromatic oils fractions, which are poly nucleated, are not easily degraded by micro organisms, and being heavier and denser than water, they sink and coalese at the bottom of the sea and slowly drift to the shore, due to oceanic currents and the monsoon wind directions which blow land wards.

It has been established that the benthic or the ocean floor up to the continental shelf is laden with huge puddles of spent oil deposits from transhippers that find it profitable to offload their spent oil wastes into the sea off the Indian coast.

They escape fines, penalty or punishment, as India does not undertake Hydrocarbon finger printing and detection analysis. However, in Europe, America and Australia have finger printing done of all possible mineral oil samples and therefore, the data of mineral oil on board is maintained on the log book. This is inspected during entry and at exit and vessel is certified by scientific

staff on duty for journey or anchorage.

For the last 10 years, I am fervently appealing that Goa should acquire computerised data base of mineral oil finger prints and hydrocarbons from the oil fields or British Petroleum, which supplies oil to tankers moving from the Middle East to the east Asian countries. The details of spent fuel on board and in use in the engines of the vessels at Marmagoa harbour, MPT and other anchoring facilities must be made available at the monitoring facilities to be established.

A ‘white elephant’ in the form of Indian Oil Corporation has been established at Betul. They could undertake the oil finger printing detection and analysts facility on an urgent basis. If the IOC at Betul is unable to do this, then a capable organisation should be appointed to do this arduous task.

During the investigation in 2003-04, with the help of German scientific laboratory, the tar balls analysed in German laboratories have clearly established that the tar ball factions contain aromatic hydrocarbons, though harmful to the skin, can

also cause irritations, and eruptions but are also carcinogenic. Let alone the extensive damage these aromatic oil factions do to the food chain cycle in the sea, the adverse impacts on bio magnification processes in the marine environment, and its impact on genetic biodiversity and the ecosystems along the coastal stretches, both terrestrial and marine, are adversely affected.

The mere trumpeting by politicians is that the tar ball problem is seasonal and harmless. The reality is that tourism and the quality of our lives and the economy that we thrive on will get severely affected. This does not bode well for our state’s future. Our research and appeals to take the malignant issue of tar balls pestilence with seriousness has met with disregard and disdain by our Government. Primarily, the callous attitude of Goa government is due to the lackadaisical approach of society, which has failed to fight this grave menace with an iron hand.

The “tar ball” phenomenon is a siren alert by Mother Nature that all what is happening in our oceans is unnatural and as a result of human neglect. Neither Alexio Sequeira nor his earlier counter parts in charge of the “Goan Environment” have done anything significant to keep our seas clean and healthy. The department of Environment and the Government of Goa is fully responsible for the tar ball malaise and should install Hydrocarbon finger printing and punish the guilty.

The details of the chemical analysis of Tar balls carried out by Petrolab Ltd., Speyer, Germany, in September 2001 is as under: There is the presence of napthelene, acenaphthelene, phenathrene, florene, fluoroanthrene, pyrene, benz (a) anthracene, benz (a) pyrene, benzo (a,h) anthracene and 16 other aromatic hydrocarbons which are extremely toxic to living fauna and flora. From 2001 to date, several articles as well as a press briefing were given by the author and has been featured in Herald, as well as used as a matter of evidence by learned Adv Valmiki Menezes in 2003 and thereafter.

A book published by the author ‘The probable effects of tar balls along the Goan coast on Ecology and Environment and Health’ presented in 2003, described in details about the genesis and actions the Goa government needs to initiate to take care of the regular feature of tar ball menace on Goan beaches.

A Place for Dreaming

Facts of Life

T

here are few sights as beautiful as a hillock nature offers, dotted with nice smelling trees, especially cashew, small patches of land among rocks, sharp stones of various colours, a leaf, a shell, a flower, a feather. One just sits with these gifts of earth. Stopping “head talk”. It is a feeling of being with nature’s objects. Touching, holding reverently, and listening. Going further, holding it to the heart, undoubtedly touches and influences every part of life.

Early morning the hamlet still in shadow but the sun rises fast and in its first rays bathe the rolling hills in flaming gold. What a landscape lies below, face of nature shows in all the hues of heaven.

The hills surrounding my village served a purpose for our families — they were, with grace and welcome, a sanctuary and a place of meditation. Anyone who climbed to the top of one of the nearest hills and settled into the waiting arms would find quiet and calm, release and comfort. Throughout the year, whenever each of us — villager, wife, son or daughter needed some privacy, this is where we went. It not only calmed you down, but became part of your anchor and companion.

All the problems of living — unpaid bills, worry over an illness,

slights and fears, and failed promises were taken up the hill and, often left there. A hill was also a place where good things were contemplated, picnics and outings were planned, garden improvements considered, romantic episodes relived. It was a place where we could ask for heavenly guidance, and a place where some inner joy at being alive in a beautiful world could be shouted to those heavens. For heaven seemed close and sometimes answers came swiftly!

My special place on the hill was a large naked boulder under an old, old sheltering tree, waiting for me, I felt. The view from the peak of the hill was a field, a stream, and distant twinkling lights of an industrial estate. Occasionally, I would listen to the murmurs from the hill. They seemed to tell something!

Here was the place our daughter always went. Sometimes as I watched the slight figure trudge towards the hill, I knew from the way she dragged her feet or the way her head was bent that she was taking some great burden to the hill. Perhaps she was remembering a school dance where a certain boy had asked another girl to dance, and made her feel that life had passed her by. There

By marc de Souza

were sad times. But there were other occasions when she would dart down the lane and scramble up with twinkling feet to relive a triumph, reach out for the stars. Sunk in the friendly hill, all sorts of things could be imagined!

From the glorious heights, a small girl could dream on and on of the world that awaited her down the road. Truly, when children grow and become independent, they have energised us so much, for so many years. When they leave, a part of us dies and lives with them!

I’ve left the village to live in Miramar but the village has not left me; otherwise how could I write so often on the country side! In fact, again and again it beckons me, and I sure begin to feel at home. I’ve loads and loads of memories, pleasant and not so pleasant. I relished night walks in the subdued light of the full moon that was directly related to the pull I was sensing from God. Late in the evening, I once saw two fox cubs playfully pawing with one another, just for few flying seconds, as they vanished with their mum.

In a way, showing signs of aging, I haven’t climbed the hill for a long time. Some things had simply to be let go.

Letters to the Editor All eyes on verdict Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco 30 September 2010 will be a historic day in the history of Indian democracy as the Allahabad High Court is all set to deliver the judgment on the disputed site at Ayodhya.

The country had to wait for sixty long years to see the tangle come to a close. It must be said that no one desires to prolong the stalemate. The Indian populace wants to keep bitter memories of the tussle behind and move ahead. After all, the country will not progress if it is divided on religious lines. Incidentally, the politicians have not been a part of the solution to the vexed problem, but a part of the problem. Hopefully, one prays that tomorrow and the coming days will pass off peacefully, and

100 Years Ago

that trouble does not brew up anywhere in the country.

Expand KTC’s bus service Vishal D’Costa, Cuncolim At every festive season the Goa-Mumbai private bus owners increase their fare twothree fold depending on demand. This is unjustified. The Transport Dept should take cognisance of the matter. The form submitted by the operator at the border check post RTO does not include the fair paid by the passenger. All the checks are settled with Rs 100 attached to the form.

KTC needs to operate more luxury buses on this and other state routes. Connectivity with Pune, Bangalore, and Gujarat needs to be enhanced. KTC should also expand to the Divine Centre in Kerala so that it can generate revenue.

To a greater Goa? P L Fernandes, Old Goa

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

30 September 1910 Official Bulletin

The Official Bulletin published a decree which states that the Governors of all the Overseas Provinces are to appoint Special Councils to revise the works undertaken towards the amendment of tariffs.

Bill for Amendment

A Bill for the amendment for the Criminal examining magistrates states that the perpetrators cannot be held guilty until proven otherwise.

Talks held

The Count of Mayem deliberated with the Minister of Navy in regards to agricultural situation in the territory.

Tragic accident

A tragic accident took place at the Royal Seminary of Rachol where a young-student of Theology succumbed in that disaster while the other is battling for his life.

The merger of Goa through the back door has already taken place. Goans may still flaunt and be complacent enough of the great achievements of winning the verdict of the famous opinion poll, but it is evident that the merger has entered through the front door and from different directions too, thanks to the vote bank politics of the Congress, and Luizinho Faleiro. This time, it is not the merger of Goa but merger of a part of a neighbouring state.

Luizinho need not waste his time on the achievability of a greater Goa. On the contrary, to regain his composure in regional politics, he should pursue with everything he has got since he is provided with the Centre’s special status. He will leave an indelible mark on Goa’s history, whenever he achieves that.

Bad driving a risk Jerome C Goes, London There has been lot of talk about broadening the roads in Goa and there has been improvement. Usage of dividers has brought some semblance of traffic sense.

However, Goan motorists lack proper traffic sense and do not obey rules. Statistics reveal a story, and deaths due to road

Letter of the Day

Cheers to democracy

Allwyn George, Carmona

Come election time, the people of Navelim and Benaulim constituencies are again face to face with destiny. The same old war horses are again on the battlefield with the intention of hoodwinking the electorate. Suspense is likely to dominate as the scenario unfolds. The Congress party and its breakaway groups are out to blackmail the people with promises and lies. Some seafarers are also expected to pitch in and try to succeed.

It looks like the old war horses and their proxies may succeed in their bid as the electorate has a history of succumbing to their evil designs. The BJP under the leadership of Manohar Parrikar had shown how a government can deliver. He needs to find ways and means to conquer Salcete from the clutches of Congress and its affiliates. Well, the clergy is the key, Manohar Parrikar!

I dread the fact that nothing will ever change and we are certainly going to see most of same old faces in the next Assembly. Best wishes to all and sundry and cheers to democracy! accidents are on the rise. As a Goan myself, I have lost three of my family members due to road accidents. So is the case with so many Goan families.

Drivers need thorough training before they are granted licences. In the UK or in the Arabian Gulf countries, unless one achieves perfection in driving, a driving licence cannot be obtained. But in Goa, it is easy to obtain a licence.

The roads in Goa are another cause of accidents. Our roads open up during the monsoon due to sub standard material being used. The drainage system also leaves a lot to be desired.

The Transport department should ensure that accidents are minimised thereby saving precious lives.

Navy’s hidden agenda Savio Pinto, Nagoa The Navy’s intention to acquire islands off Goa’s coast by giving an alibi of security concern, is unacceptable. Goans are deeply upset of the development which looms large. Goan land is getting looted, and our ever ready politicians will lend them a helping hand. Naval officers, of late, have been in the news for the wrong reasons. They have generated ill conceived ideas to grab land under the guise of security.

Goans need to remind the Centre that no more land from Goa would be parted with. If the Navy does secure these islands, will the state ever be safe? Aren’t there any other options left to safeguard the coastline? It is time for Goans to raise their voices in unison against the Navy’s hidden agenda.

Promises reneged Tony S, by email The proposed move of the Navy to acquire the Grande islands has been condemned.

Now, they have come out with a pious explanation of safety and how the people, our fishermen, devotees, etc, will have access to them, even after the takeover. I feel people should not fall to these pious sayings, because we know what happened to Anjediva Island. They promised the church authorities that people would have access to the Church there, but have reneged on their promises. It only creates hurdles for devotees desiring to go there for the feast of Our Lady. I am positive that it won’t be different for Grande Islands.

MPT must diversify S Kamat, Alto Betim Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has again been

in the news for the wrong reasons in relation to its expansion. It would be appropriate if the State Govt. appoints a high level committee to go into the indiscretions that the MPT has committed or what’s in the pipeline. A silver lining is that the current Chairman’s term completes sometime in mid October. One hopes that the new incumbent will not be as intransigent as the current one.

MPT’s future progress revolves on its diversification into a specialised port with less of bulk handling or coal and mineral ore to avoid dust and traffic pollution. It should tune itself to handle the needs of the burgeoning pharmaceutical industry in Goa. Similar other requirements from non polluting industries may also be considered. This will create a niche for itself rather than follow the ‘big is beautiful’ slogan.

Impose fines Cedrick Fernandes, Margao The anti tobacco drive personnel impose fines on public figures for use of tobacco at public places. Those involved in chewing tobacco, gutka, supari paan and other allied tobacco products are never fined. Worst still are the government servants who chew tobacco in offices but are never fined. Collecting fines from public servants would serve as a good revenue earner.

They can then cut down on bribes and corruption

What’s the logic?

Cajetan Peter D’Souza, Mumbai I oppose the decision of parents and NGOs in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai who will boycott schools on Monday and Tuesday to push the government to regulate the school fees in private, unaided schools. In many schools, it is observed that parents are objecting the rise in fees. This clearly lacks logic.

There is also a need for the Government to implement Grant-in-Aid to all schools, even those English medium schools started after 1979, which will help the parents to continue their education without fee raise.

The Government must regulate the fee structure for all students and increase the fees in aided schools and grant in aid to all schools.

Paths of Wisdom

No Attachment to Dust Zengetsu, a Chinese master of the Tang dynasty, wrote the following advice for his pupils: Living in the world yet not forming attachments to the dust of the world is the way of the true Zen student.

When witnessing the good action of another, encourage yourself to follow his example. Hearing the mistaken action of another, advise yourself not to emulate it.

Even though alone in a dark room, be as if you were facing a noble guest.

Express your feelings, but become no more expressive than your true nature.

Poverty is your treasure. Never exchange it for an easy life. A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may be only guarding his wisdom carefully.

Virtues are the fruit of self-discipline and do not drop from heaven themselves as does rain or snow.

Modesty is the foundation of all virtues. Let your neighbours discover you before you make yourself known to them. A noble heart never forces itself forward. Its words are as rare gems, seldom displayed and of great value.

To a sincere student, everyday is a fortunate day. Time passes but he never lags behind. Neither glory nor shame can move him. Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right or wrong.

Some things though right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may be recognised after centuries, there is no need to crave for an immediate appreciation. Live with cause and leave the results to the great law of the universe.

Pass each day in peaceful contemplation.

Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald & Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com — For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com — For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Herald represent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.

INDIA

OHERALDO

Pg 9

GOA, THURSDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010

HC admits Kasab’s appeal, rejects plea to meet lawyers PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 29

The Bombay High Court today admitted an appeal filed by Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab challenging the death penalty awarded to him for his role in the 26/11 attacks but rejected his plea for a closed-door interview with lawyers in jail.

The 25-page appeal will be heard by Justices Ranjana Desai and R V More along with confirmation of death sentence awarded to Kasab on a daily basis from October 18. The State’s appeal against acquittal of Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed will also be clubbed along with these matters.

The court has restrained Kasab from appearing in person but said he would be present through video conference.

On October 6, the bench would give its ruling on who should open arguments first — State or Defence.

Government counsel Ujjwal Nikam said Kasab’s appeal should be heard first and if that fails only then confirmation of death sentence should be taken up, while Kasab’s lawyer Amin Solkar insisted he would argue after Nikam concludes.

In a separate development, the court rejected Kasab’s plea for a private conference with lawyers looking into his past record of aggressiveness towards jail staff. The judges also took into account CCTV footage presented to the court by Nikam showing Kasab assaulting jail personnel on September 1.

“Threat perception to Kasab

cannot be questioned by this court in a case of this nature.

National interest and safety outweighs all other considerations.

We, therefore, reject the prayer for legal interview not within hearing distance of jail staff,” the court ruled.

The court, however, made it clear that the interview would be allowed but in the presence of jail staff and that no police personnel, including those connected with the 26/11 case, would remain present.

The court took on record confidential reports about Kasab’s aggressive moves in jail and said these would remain in a sealed cover until the hearing concluded.

The court agreed with Nikam that the presence of jail staff was necessary within hearing distance from Kasab, taking into account the serious threat perception.

“The presence of jail staff is a must in this case. Having seen relevant rules and CCTV footage we are of the view that the judgements cited by Kasab’s lawyer are not applicable here.

The applicant can have interviews within the sight and hearing of jail staff,” the judges noted.

Shah’s custody extended

Obama must try seal Kashmir deal during India visit: Riedel PTI WASHINGTON, SEPT 29

PTI AHMEDABAD, SEPT 29

The special CBI court today extended the judicial custody of former Gujarat minister Amit Shah, arrested in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, till October 13.

The 46-year-old leader was produced before Judicial Magistrate A Y Dave from Sabarmati Jail, where he is lodged since his arrest on July 26, through video-conference.

Earlier, the court had exempted the BJP leader from personal appearance and allowed him to depose before it via video-conference.

The close aide of Chief Minister Narendra Modi was arrested by CBI, which described him as "kingpin" of entire conspiracy leading to the staged encounter of Sohrabuddin, killing of his wife Kausar Bi and also Tulsi Prajapati, a key witness.

When US President Barack Obama visits India in November he must secure a deal on Kashmir, which has the potential to spark off another Indo-Pak confrontation, a former top CIA official has said.

Bruce Riedel, senior fellow, foreign policy at the Brookings Institute wrote in an article that Obama's challenge would be to quietly help Islamabad and New Delhi work behind the scenes to get back to the deal negotiated between former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"Just as the war in Afghanistan is getting bloodier and Pakistan is drowning in floods, a new (yet old) battlefield is heating up in Kashmir. President Obama's strategy for dealing with Afghanistan and Pakistan always needed a Kashmir component to succeed, that need is becoming more urgent and obvious now. His trip to India in November will be a key to addressing it," he wrote.

Posted on the website of Brookings Institute – a Washington-based think-tank –-

Pak troops violate ceasefire again, fire at indian posts PTI JAMMU, SEPT 29

Violating the ceasefire again, Pakistani troops today targeted several Indian forward posts along the LoC in Poonch district using rockets, mortar bombs and light machine guns.

This was the second ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in Poonch sector since last night.

Pakistan troops had targeted posts along the LoC in KG subsector of Poonch by firing over 45 rockets and 40 mortar shells followed by firing from light and medium machine guns for over 2 hours beginning 11:45 PM. Brigadier General Staff (BGS), 16 Corps, Brig S Dua told PTI that Pakistan troops again resorted to heavy firing, showered rockets and mortars on Indian

forward posts in Krishnagati sub-sector of Poonch district around 0630 hours.

Dozens of mortars and rockets were fired, which exploded away from the posts without causing any damage, he said, adding "this was clearly an unprovoked act and ceasefire violation".

Indian troops guarding the border took positions and fired back resulting in heavy exchanges for over an hour, he said, adding there was no loss of life or injury to any one in both the firing incidents.

"It is a ceasefire violation and was aimed at infiltrating militants into this side of the LoC", he said.

Pakistani troops fired from their Roza, Battal, Pimple and Daku posts and targeted Indian

forward posts of Naveli, Nagi Tekri, Kranti, Kripan, Chajja and Gorda in Balnoie forward belt of Krishnagati and Jallas subsectors in Poonch.

This is fifth time this year that Pakistani troops have fired mortars bombs and rockets on Indian posts.

On May 23, Pakistani troops had fired rockets and mortars in Poonch's KG sector.

Pak troops had also fired mortars and rockets on Indian posts on September 18 and before that on August 19 in the same sector.

Pakistani troops had violated the ceasefire along the LoC and targeted six Indian posts with mortar, rockets and small arms fire in Poonch sector on the intervening night of July 15 and 16.

as verdict date nears, devotees visiting makeshift temple drop PTI AYODHYA, SEPT 29

With the town turning into a virtual fortress ahead of the verdict in the Ayodhya title suit case, the makeshift temple at the disputed site, which is otherwise abuzz with activity, wears a deserted look with the number of devotees trickling down.

"The number of devotees has definitely gone down by almost 60 per cent in the last few days," head priest of Ram Janmbhoomi temple Mahant Acharya Satyendra Das told PTI. While more than 12 lakh devotees had paid obeisance at the Ramlala temple in August, the turnout in September was between one to 1.5 lakh only, temple sources said.

"Usually 7,000 to 8,000 devotees visit the temple every day, which goes upto 15,000 during peak season," Acharya Das said.

He said that after the verdict date was fixed by the Allahabad High Court last week, the num-

ber of devotees visiting the city drastically came down.

For instance on September 25, only 2,700 devotees visited the temple to pay obeisance to Ramlala, the sources said, adding this number included jawans deployed in the town.

"This is despite the fact that usually the number of devotees increase during 'pitra paksh' when people perform 'shrada' of their ancestors," Mahant Das said.

"Those visiting the temple at this time are mostly local residents, who pay obeisance to Ramalala on a daily basis. The actual decline is among devotees coming from outside," he said.

The turnout of devotees was low even on 'bhadon purnima' on September 23.

"The decline in number of devotees has also affected the local business which largely depends on the tourists andvisitors," local businessman Akash

Gupta said.

He claimed that curfew-like situation had added to the tension in the city.

Thousands of security personnel have been deployed in the twin towns as a part of security arrangements ahead of the court's verdict on September 30.

"For the residents of Ayodhya and Faizabad this is recession time," said Pushpa Srivastava, a medical practitioner.

"There should be an end to all this. People are fed up and wants normalcy to be restored. We want that the verdict should be delivered," she said.

"Irrespective of the verdict going in favour or against which party, people should take the decision as supreme to strengthen the unity, integrity, brotherhood and democracy," Mahant of Saryu Kunj Ram Janaki Mandir Jugal Kishore Sharan Shastri said.

Playboy model Kelly Brook turns down ‘Big Boss’ offer

PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 29

British model-actress Kelly Brook has turned down the offer to appear in 'Big Boss', the reality show to be hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, despite being promised a whopping pay cheque of Rs180 million.

Brook, who is famous for her curvy figure had grabbed headlines when she netted half a mil-

lion dollars after posing naked for men's magazine Playboy and had also famously stripped for her debut Hollywood movie 'Pirahna 3D'.

Producers of the show, which airs on TV channel Colors, wanted a international star for the fourth season and were keen to sign Brook, but she turned down the offer.

"Kelly told the bosses that she is putting all her efforts into her film career in Hollywood and could not commit to the show. Bur she was flattered by the interest," said a source in the channel.

The source added that the channel is now trying to line up Hollywood pin-up and 'Baywatch' star Pamela Anderson.

Anderson who has fallen on hard times after mismanaging her funds had also appeared in the original British version of the show called 'Big Brother'.

Earlier actress Neetu Singh and sports' A-list couple Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik had

turned down the offer to be on 'Bigg Boss'.

The controversial show has earlier been hosted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood beauty Shilpa Shetty and 'Munnabhai Star' Arshad Warsi.

'Bigg Boss' revolves around celebrity contestants who are locked in a house under the surveillance of multiple cameras for three months without any contact with the outside world.

Riedel's article, however, said that an independent Kashmir is not in the offing as neither India nor Pakistan would ever accept that outcome.

For the US, Riedel said, reducing and resolving the India-Pakistan Cold War before it goes hot is critical to stability in South Asia, isolating the jihadi extremists and preventing a war in South Asia that could go nuclear.

The recent unrest in Kashmir "makes it imperative to get back to the back channel and finish the talks," he said.

"Pakistan has been trying to annex Kashmir since the hour it was born in 1947 and has long and established ties to many terrorist groups operating in the province like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, the group that attacked Mumbai in 2008. India is determined to hold on to the part of Kashmir it won in the 1947-48 war at all costs," he said.

Referring to the recent unrest in the Kashmir Valley and the widescale protests witnessed there since June, he suggested that the reported solution reached between Musharraf and Singh after four years of back channel diplomacy could be the most viable one.

alert in UP PTI AYODHYA/LUCKNOW, SEPT 29

Ahead of the Allahabad High Court's judgement on the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid case tomorrow, an alert has been sounded across Uttar Pradesh with security in and around the disputed site tightened and intensive searches being carried out in Faizabad district.

The security forces are carrying out intensive searches on people entering into Ayodhya district, officials said.

The intelligence units have also been put on high alert to monitor movement and activities of anti-social elements.

"An alert has been sounded across the state and Chief Minister Mayawati has directed the administrative and police officers in all districts to remain vigilant," a senior official said here today.

As a preventive measure aerial survey, including at night, of sensitive places, including Ram Janmbhoomi complex in Ayodhya has been done, he said. aPPointmentS

aPPointmentS

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Sacked Moscow mayor to move court AGENCIES MOSCOW, SEPT 29

Former Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov will appeal to Russia's Supreme Court over his removal from office by President Dmitry Medvedev, a close friend of Luzhkov told media on Wednesday.

"Yury Mikhailovich told me yesterday that he would challenge the decision to remove him from office in court," State Duma member Iosif Kobzon was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

"I told Luzhkov this is absolutely hopeless. But he is a man of principle. It looks like he will not change his mind," Kobzon added.

Luzhkov had been in the post for the last 18 years. Some offi-

cials believe Medvedev's decision to sack Luzhkov came after the former mayor assumed the role of master of the city.

"Unfortunately, Yury Luzhkov chose a different way. Perhaps, there was an inner conflict in his understanding of what is a good manager and master of Moscow. The belief that he had become the master of Moscow influenced the president into deciding to remove him from office," State Duma Speaker and Chairman of the United Russia party's Supreme Council Boris Gryzlov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

The decree on Luzhkov's dismissal was issued on the Kremlin website Tuesday morning and was immediately effective.

China issues warning to Nobel panel AGENCIES OSLO, SEPT 29

The Chinese government has warned that relations with Norway could suffer should a Chinese dissident be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2010.

Deputy Foreign Minister Fu Ying conveyed that message during a visit to Norway earlier this year, Nobel Institute Director Geir Lundestad told Norwegian broadcaster NPK. The institute assists the fivemember Nobel panel in selecting the winner. This year’s prize is to be announced October 8.

A handful of Chinese dissidents, including imprisoned Chinese human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, AIDS activist Hu Jia, and human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, are believed to be among the record 237 nominees this year.

Mumbai-style plot in Europe uncovered AGENCIES LONDON, SEPT 29

Intelligence agencies have intercepted a terror plot to launch Mumbai-style attacks on Britain and other European countries, according to Sky News sources.

Sky's foreign affairs editor Tim Marshall said militants based in Pakistan were planning simultaneous strikes on London and major cities in France and Germany.

He said the plan was in the advanced but not imminent stage and the plotters had been tracked by spy agencies "for some time".

Intelligence sources told Sky the planned attacks would have been similar to the commandostyle raids carried out in Mumbai.

Then, Pakistan-based Islamist group Lashkar e Taiba killed 166 people in a series of gun and grenade attacks in the Indian city.

Marshall said the European plot had been "severely disrupted" following intelligence sharing between Britain, France, Germany and the US. It is not known whether the attackers are already in Europe.

News of the planned strikes came as the Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated because of a bomb scare for the second time in two weeks.

"It doesn't necessarily mean it was a target, but it shows how nervous the French are," added Marshall.

When the terror plan came to light, the US military began

helping its European allies by trying to kill the leaders behind the plot in Pakistan's Waziristan region.

There have been a record 20 missile attacks using drone aircraft there in the past 30 days.

"I am led to believe a number of these attacks were designed against the leadership of this particular plot, which had an al Qaeda and possibly some sort of Taliban connection projecting into Europe," Marshall added.

"And they have killed several of the leaders - which is why the terror threat has not risen."

Britain's terror threat level remains at "severe" following the underpants bomber's attempted attack on Detroit airport last Christmas.

Nigerian town shuts down fearing kidnaps Anti-austerity protests sweep Europe REUTERS ABUJA, SEPT 29

Schools, banks and markets are refusing to open in Nigeria's south-eastern town of Aba where 15 children were kidnapped on their way to school on Monday.

Residents said they feared further attacks by gang leaders notorious for demanding large ransoms.

Police say the gunmen holding the children have demanded $130,000 for their release.

There has been a rise in hostage-taking in Abia state, where many middle class Nigerians travel with armed escorts.

Abia state is on the fringes of the Niger Delta, where gunmen used to target oil workers for a ransom.

But in recent years, they have been kidnapping prominent Nigerians and their relatives, rather than foreign oil workers, whose

security has been improved.

Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna told the BBC that efforts had been intensified to find the whereabouts of the children.

They were on their way to the Abayi International School in Aba, the state's commercial capital, when a vehicle blocked the path of their school bus.

He said the children, of nursery and primary school age, came from wealthy Nigerian families.

Most hostages are released unharmed after a ransom is paid.

President Goodluck Jonathan described Monday's kidnapping as "callous and cruel".

"President Jonathan has ordered the inspector general of police and heads of other security agencies to take all necessar y steps to rescue the abducted children and return them safely to their parents," his spokesman Ima Niboro said.

A banker, who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, said he would not return to work until security was improved, and he was keeping his children at home.

Correspondents said that on Wednesday morning market keepers were also seen closing down, as rumours of an attack spread.

The BBC's Caroline Duffield in Lagos said Abia state was awash with guns and in recent months it had become a by-word for kidnapping and armed robbery.

In recent weeks the governor of Abia state offered the gang leaders an amnesty in return for giving up weapons.

Aussie Greens lobby for gay marriage again AGENCIES SYDNEY, SEPT 29

The Australian Greens have reintroduced a bill to federal parliament legalising gay marriage.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young tried to remove all discrimination based on sexuality and gender from the Marriage Act last year but the draft laws were defeated in February.

"I vowed to keep fighting and I promised to reintroduce my bill for a second time in the new parliament," Senator HansonYoung told the upper house on Wednesday.

AP BRUSSELS, SEPT 29

Anti-austerity protests erupted across Europe on Wednesday — Greek doctors and railway employees walked out, Spanish workers shut down trains and buses, and one man even blocked the Irish parliament with a cement truck to decry the countr y's enormous bank bailouts.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators poured into Brussels, hoping to swell into a 100,000strong march on European Union institutions later in the day and reinforce the impact of Spain's first nationwide strike in eight years.

All the actions sought to protest the budget-slashing, taxhiking, pension-cutting austerity plans of European governments seeking to control their debt.

In an ironic twist, the march in Brussels comes just as the EU Commission is proposing to punish member states that have run up deficits to fund social programs in a time of high unemployment across the continent. The proposal, backed by Germany, is expected to run into strong opposition from France.

"It is a bizarre time for the European Commission to be

Pickets shout slogans, outside a bus depot during a nationwide general strike organized by the Spanish unions, in Madrid, on Wednesday.

proposing a regime of punishment," said John Monks, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, which is organizing the Brussels march.

"How is that going to make the situation better? It is going to make it worse," Monks said in an interview with Associated Press Television News.

Unions fear that workers will become the biggest victims of an economic crisis set

Israel releases propaganda activists REUTERS JERUSALEM, SEPT 29

Five of the ten propaganda activists who attempted to break Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip in a boat have been released from police custody, though five others who had been on board the ship are set to be deported.

The Israeli army said in a statement on Tuesday that Israeli forces boarded the Irene "without incident" and that "no violence of any kind" was used by either side.

Irene carried a symbolic aid package including children's toys, musical instruments, textbooks, fishing nets, prosthetic limbs and a water purifying kit.

Israel has said the cargo will be screened and sent to Gaza.

The Irene, a 10-metre catamaran, is tiny in comparison

with the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish-flagged ship that was part of a six-ship aid convoy intercepted by Israel on May 31. Israeli marines raided the Mavi Marmara and killed nine of its passengers: eight Turkish citizens and one Turkish-American.

Yousef Rizka, a Hamas official, said: "The government has received Jewish activists heading to Gaza before. The government positively views all attempts to break the siege on Gaza".

Israel eased its naval blockade following harsh international condemnation for storming the Mavi Marmara. The nine deaths were a public-relations disaster for Israel.

Since then, groups from Iran, Ireland, Lebanon, and Libya, among others, have been trying to reach Gaza - with varying degrees of success.

Mitchell, Netanyahu meet in bid to save talks REUTERS JERUSALEM, SEPT 29

President Barack Obama is "more determined than ever" to achieve Middle East peace, his envoy to the region was quoted as saying on Wednesday during talks in Israel aimed at salvaging negotiations with the Palestinians.

There was no sign, in a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office as he met envoy George Mitchell, of any progress toward a formula that could avert a threatened Palestinian walkout over settlement building.

Mitchell, the statement said, told Netanyahu that Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asked him to deliver a message to Israelis and Palestinians assuring them of their commitment to achieving comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

"Mitchell noted that he knows there will be many bumps along the road but they (Obama and Clinton) are more determined than ever to achieve the com-

mon goal of a Middle East with peace and security," the statement said.

Peace talks that began on September 2 were plunged into crisis after a 10-month moratorium on new housing construction in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank expired on Monday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to quit the negotiations unless the measure is extended, but has put off a decision until an Arab League forum discusses the issue on October 4.

Netanyahu, whose governing coalition is dominated by pro-settler parties including his own rightwing Likud, had rebuffed calls by Obama and other foreign leaders to extend the partial freeze.

"I am committed and the government is committed to reaching a peace agreement that will preserve the security and vital interests of the state of Israel," Netanyahu said at the meeting with Mitchell, according to the statement.

off by bankers and traders, many of whom were rescued by massive government intervention.

Several governments, already living dangerously with high debt, were pushed to the brink

of financial collapse and have been forced to impose punishing cuts in wages, pensions and employment — measures that have brought workers out by the tens of thousands over the past months.

FROM PAGE 1

Security beefed up demonstrations as these are likely to provoke communal fury.

However, if situation arises, Goa Police is ready to hold nakabandis all across the State, he said.

To avert any potential knotty circumstances, a police sub-inspector, head constable and four constables have been deployed at seven mosques including three at Panjim and Old Goa, respectively and one at Agassaim.

The department has besides ensured repeated police patrolling around temples, highway from Panjim KTC bus stand to Agassaim Bridge, Panjim city and other places.

Goa government has already imposed Section 144 CrPC with effect from 00:00 hours on September 30, 2010 to October 3, 2010.

During the enforcement of this order, assembly and collection of five or more persons, carrying out fire arms or weapons, use of loudspeakers, shouting slogans, burning fire crackers are prohibited in the whole North Goa district.

Chief Minister along with DGP Bhim Sen Basi on Wednesday too reviewed the security arrangements in Margao on Wednesday.

The meeting reviewed the security arrangements in sensitive areas such as the Rumamol Housing Board, Margao market, Moti Dongor, Margao Railway Station and other areas of Margao subdivision, including Cuncolim.

It has been decided to deploy police in strength in the communally sensitive Rumdamol Housing Board. Six platoons of police force, besides force from the police stations, will be deployed across the Margao police sub-division as a precautionary measure.

Setback for BJP in Valpoi candidate, but against Congress candidate.

“I am fighting the election on two issues, employment and environment conservation,” he added.

Rane, who is associated with social and cultural organisation, besides politics, disclosed that he had intimated senior BJP leaders before filing his nomination.

When contacted, former deputy speaker Narhari Haldankar said there is no ‘rift’ in BJP. “Deepaji Rane has filed his nomination in his personal capacity as Independent and party cannot prevent him in doing so,” Haldankar told Herald.

However, rumours are doing round that it is a BJP strategy and Deepaji Rane has acted as per the direction of some senior BJP leaders and the picture would be clear only after October 4.

Meanwhile, BJP President (Valpoi Unit) Narayan Gawas has also filed his nomination on Wednesday evening as a dummy candidate for BJP candidate Santosh Haldankar.

In all, there are only three candidates, who will contest the byeelection, Vishwajeet (Congress), Santosh Haldankar (BJP) and Deepaji Rane (Independent).

Home Guards

him being hostile.

Home Guard Company Commandant John Aguiar said that Home Guard is a voluntary force, which is renewed every three years.

The Supreme Court judgment in 1972 said, “Persons appearing as prosecution witnesses four or five times in police cases pertaining to particular cases, evidence of such witnesses does not carry any value.”

However, there are several Home Guards who have stood witnesses in more than four cases.

A record available from the department reads that Home Guards like Mohan Korgaonkar, Tukaram Narvekar, Raya Mandrekar, Sanjay Bakal and Narendra Parab, are few of them who have been State’s ‘stock’ witnesses.

Goa Home Guard services have around 750 personnel who are attached to various police stations and divisions of the department.

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3 top Al-Qaeda leaders killed in drone attacks PTI PESHAWAR, SEPT 29

Al-Qaeda suffered severe reverses losing three key commanders in Afghanistan and tribal havens in northwestern Pakistan as US and NATO forces carried out a record number of air strikes and drone attacks.

Those felled by missile strikes included Al-Qaeda's new number 3. Sheikh Fateh al-Misri, who had replaced Mustafa Abu alYazid who was killed in a drone attack in Pakistan in May. Al-Misri was believed to be in a vehicle in Pakistan's north Waziristan tribal region when a US drone fired Hellfire missile struck him. The Al-Qaeda commander was on his way to Afghanistan.

Sources said that Pakistan intelligence and military authorities were investigating reports of his death.

Two other commanders Ab-

dallah Umar al-Qurayshi, who coordinated Osama bin Laden's Arab fighters in Afghanistan, and explosives expert Abu Atta al Kuwaiti were targeted by precision bombing by NATO jets and helicopter gunships in Kunar province in Afghanistan on the border with Pakistan.

The US is believed to have launched 21 missiles into tribal areas of northwestern Pakistan in last 24 days and American officials believe that a large number of al-Qaeda and foreign fighters are among the over 100 casualties.

The high militant toll was reported as British and American officials said they had foiled a major Pakistan-based terrorist plot to launch another Mumbaistyle attack in London and other major European cities.

The US and NATO officials said the plot had been foiled as Taliban, al-Qaeda and Haqqani

network had taken a beating in the stepped up drone campaign.

Giving details of the attacks, the International Security Assistance Force said it was working to confirm the exact identities of other high-level insurgent commanders, who were meeting when the strike was conducted.

“The death of Abdallah Umar al-Qurayshi is a significant victory for the people of Afghanistan,” said US Army Col Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.

“We deliberately targeted a major threat to Afghanistan, which will significantly degrade the Al-Qaeda activities throughout the region. We will relentlessly target the remaining foreign fighters, Al-Qaeda, and senior Taliban leadership still operating in Afghanistan and those who harbor them,” he

North Korean youths and students dance to celebrate their leader Kim Jong-Il on re-electing as general secretary of the Workers' Party on September 28, 2010 in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Korean leader Kim has made a military general of Kim Jong-Un, believed to be his third son.

Peace resolve strong, Nepal tells UN N Korea’s Kim expands son’s reach UNI UNITED NATIONS, SEPT 29

Nepal’s Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal has said drafting a new Constitution is the next crucial step in the country’s historic transformation, and stressed on Kathmandu’s steadfast commitment to the peace process. ''From June 2006 when the peace process started, we have come a long way, with some ups and downs which is only natural for a complex peace process,'' Rawal told the Assembly’s annual high-level debate yesterday.

That year, the government and the Maoists signed the Comprehensive Peace Accord ending a decade-long conflict that claimed some 13,000 lives. After conducting constituent assem-

bly elections in May 2008, the Asian country abolished its 240year-old monarchy and declared itself a republic. ''Yet, our national determination remains strong and unwavering and we are fully committed to bringing the ongoing peace process to its meaningful conclusion by resolving all outstanding issues,” Rawal said.

He pointed to remarkable progress made in recent years, including the promulgation of the Interim Constitution and the elections for the constituent assembly.

That 601-member body, the official said, is one of the most inclusive assemblies, with women comprising one-third of its membership, and also includes the participation of rep-

resentatives of different ethnic groups, regions, traditionallymarginalised communities and others.

Establishing a new Constitution will ''consolidate gains made over the years in establishing people as the real sources of sovereignty and State authority and guaranteeing multi-party democracy, human rights, federal structure and inclusive governance,'' he said.

This step, Rawal underlined, will further push Nepal’s 'historic transformation' of its political, economic and social structure.

The deadline for drafting the new Constitution considered a key element of the peace process was extended in May as the parties remained deadlocked on issues such as powersharing arrangements and the

reintegration of the Maoist excombatants.

Rawal also announced that the government and the Unified Communist Party of NepalMaoist (UCPN-M) have agreed to complete the process of integrating and rehabilitating former Maoist combatants within four months.

He also expressed his appreciation to the UN Mission in Nepal for supporting the country’s nationally-driven peace process.

Earlier this month, the Security Council voted to wind up UNMIN’s work in January next year after Nepal’s caretaker Government and political parties reached an agreement to complete the remaining tasks of the peace process by 14 January 2011.

AGENCIES

SEOUL, SEPT 29

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il expanded his son's growing portfolio Wednesday, using the country's largest political conference in 30 years to cement his family's role in protecting his reclusive regime.

North Korea's state news agency reported that Kim Jong Il's son, Kim Jong Eun, took his first positions within the ruling Workers' Party, where he'll need to build a base of support among members who might question his age or experience.

He was named vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, which had previously had just eight members, including his father, and to the party's Central Committee.

The jobs, in addition to his

appointment to a top military position the day before, underscore the Young General's accelerated rise: This weekend, he had never been named in the North Korean news media. Now, at 26 or 27 years old, he is North Korea's second most powerful man.

One day after Kim Jong Il's son and sister received top military positions, son Kim Jong Eun - further verifying his role as heir - took his first positions within the ruling Workers' Party, where he'll need to build a base of supporters among members who might question his age or experience.

One day after Kim Jong Il's son and sister received top military positions, son Kim Jong Eun - further verifying his role as heir - took his first positions

TV host goofs up Aussie model show Reuters SYDNEY, SEPT 29

Singer Haila performs for Cuban former leader Fidel Castro during celebrations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) in Havana

Producers of Australia's Next Top Model have been left red faced after supermodel host Sarah Murdoch announced the wrong winner in what newspapers said was the country's most awkward TV moment.

Murdoch, the daughter-in-law of media baron Rupert Murdoch, was close to tears after realising she had mistakenly announced Sydney contender 19-year old Kelsey Martinovich as the winner of the Foxtel TV series during the live finale.

Martinovich had completed her acceptance speech before Murdoch backtracked on stage to reveal the real winner from a public vote was 18-year-old Gold Coast rival Amanda Ware.

“I don't know what to say right now. I'm feeling a bit sick about this,” Murdoch told a 2,000-strong live audience.

“I'm so sorry. Oh my God, I don't know what to say. This is what happens when you have live TV folks, this is insane, insane, insane.”

Foxtel is owned by Australian phone company Telstra, Rupert Murdoch's News Corp and Consolidated Media Holdings.

Foxtel Publicity Director Jamie Campbell on Wednesday blamed a miscommunication between series directors in a broadcasting truck control room and Murdoch on stage.

Series judge and fashion designer Alex Perry told Sydney radio that Murdoch had made a genuine mistake, denying accusations in media reports that the bizarre mix-up was a publicity stunt.

“Everybody wants to tag something sinister on it and say it was done for ratings. I know Sarah and I know the executive producer. It's just not their style,” Perry said.

Auto parts retailer sued for discriminating against Sikh PTI BOSTON, SEPT 29

Automobile parts retailer AutoZone has been sued by a federal agency for discriminating against a Sikh employee, who was not allowed to wear a turban and was called 'bin Laden' and 'terrorist' by the company's other employees and customers.

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination, has filed a lawsuit against AutoZone alleging that it “created a hostile work environment for Frank Mahoney Burroughs because of his Sikh religion.”

The lawsuit alleges that a

manager at AutoZone asked Burroughs “if he was a terrorist and had joined Al- Qaeda and whether he intended to blow up the store”.

Further, AutoZone failed to intervene when customers referred to Burroughs as “bin Laden and made terrorist jokes”.

AutoZone also refused to let Burroughs, who had converted to Sikhism, wear a turban and 'kara' (a religious bracelet) as required by his religion.

When Burroughs complained against the discrimination, AutoZone retaliated by firing him “because of his religion”.

“It was very painful to be humiliated and insulted by them (AutoZone). They made me feel

as though I had no right to practice my faith,” Burroughs said in a statement.

He added that when he complained, he was “discarded like a piece of trash”.

Burroughs, who says he spent more time with AutoZone staff than with his own family, does not want “AutoZone to do this to anyone else”.

The lawsuit filed in US District Court for the District of Massachusetts yesterday adds that Burroughs was subjected to “bigoted harassment” and Autozone “refused to accommodate his religious need to wear a turban”.

The matter was brought to the EEOC's notice by the Sikh

Coalition, the nation's largest Sikh civil rights organisation.

The Sikh Coalition filed the charge of discrimination with the EEOC in March 2010 on behalf of Burroughs that led to the lawsuit.

Staff Attorney at the Sikh Coalition Sandeep Kaur said Burroughs had been a “model employee” for years but things changed after he converted to Sikhism and started wearing a turban.

AutoZone managers called him a terrorist, told him he was offending customers and terminated him, Kaur said.

“As evidence by the lawsuit filed, clearly it was AutoZone that did the terrorising,” Kaur

added.

In the years since 9/11, “misperceptions” about the appearance of Sikhs have led to hate attacks and discrimination against Sikhs across the country.

The Sikh Coalition said it has recorded over 600 incidents of bias against Sikhs on its website since 9/11.

“AutoZone's egregious actions are occurring in other workplaces, where religious minorities face bigoted and unlawful discrimination after 9/11,” Staff Attorney for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law of the Boston Bar Association, Laura Maslow-Armand said.

Tennessee-based AutoZone,

Poles head for forests to hunt mushrooms Reuters

WARSAW, SEPT 29

Taking a stroll in a Polish forest this autumn can resemble a visit to the local shopping mall – people jostling each other on all sides, armed with baskets, consumption on their minds.

The visitors are enjoying the traditional Polish pastime of mushroom picking and this year more young people seem to have joined the hunt, encouraged by a bumper crop following an unusually wet spring and summer.

“I never expected mushroom

picking to be so relaxing and so exciting at the same time,” said Karolina Kulfan (33) clutching a large basket crammed with “boleti” mushrooms. “Finding a nice boletus is like winning the lottery,” she joked.

The boletus, which usually has a white stalk and brown or yellow top, is generally considered the best-tasting mushroom.

Poland is one of the biggest mushroom exporters worldwide and is estimated to provide some 90 percent of the boleti eaten in Europe.

With nearly a third of Polish territory covered by forest, many Poles have easy access to good mushroom picking areas.

Families will happily spend a whole weekend searching for mushrooms and the results of their labour is a favourite topic of conversation at work on Monday mornings.

In many rural communities, local people sit for hours by the roadside trying to sell their hoard to passing motorists.

Mushroom gathering is also popular in Russia, the Baltic States and some other parts of eastern and southern Europe.

Though Poles pride themselves on their mushroom knowledge and teach their children and grandchildren which ones to avoid, accidents still happen and hospitals receive a steady flow of people during the autumn who have eaten toxic varieties.

The whole country rejoiced last month when a six-year-old boy who had eaten a highly poisonous ''death cap'' mushroom and had had to undergo a liver transplant successfully recovered in hospital.

a national distributor and retailer of automobile parts, is a publicly traded Fortune 500 ompany with more than 4,300 stores throughout the US as well as in Mexico.

Director of EEOC's New York District Office Spencer Lewis said the EEOC would continue to take "swift action" to protect employees from religious discrimination, adding that emp l o y e r s a re o b l i g a t e d t o accommodate the religious beliefs of employees unless the accommodation poses an undue hardship.

within the ruling Workers' Party, where he'll need to build a base of supporters among members who might question his age or experience.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, in the last two days, has used a national political conference to endow his family members with high-profile jobs. One day after Kim Jong Il's son and sister received top military positions, son Kim Jong Eun - further verifying his role as heir - took his first positions within the ruling Workers' Party, where he'll need to build a base of supporters among members who might question his age or experience.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il promoted his son and his sister to top military positions in the hours before the country's

largest political conference in 30 years, demonstrating anew his reliance on family bloodlines to protect his reclusive regime.

But experts say it was the tapping of Kim Jong Il's sister, Kim Kyong Hui, as a military general that offered a glimpse into the North Korean leader's strategy for protecting power as his health declines and his untested son emerges. Put simply, he plans to rely on his family.

Politics is the Kim family business, and staying in business is the family's latest challenge.

Though the Kims have always used North Korea as an expansive family headquarters - "the entire bureaucracy is just a personal staff for Kim Jong Il," Seoulbased analyst Park Hyeong-Jung said

OHERALDO

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Pg12

GOA, THURSDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010

TALK BUSINESS

Honda CB Twister mileage contest held

Centre turns down alternative GST model PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 29

CB Twister mileage contest winners.

PANJIM (HBD) -- Honda Motor Company’s 100% subsidiary Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Pvt) Ltd has launched its first high end bike CB Twister in the month of February this year.

Inspired by Honda’s Superbike CB1000R, the CB Twister is known for its attractive styling, performance and class beating mileage of 70 kmpl.

To further enhance its reputation as the best mileage bike a Mega Mileage Contest for CB Twister Owner’s in Goa was organized at Miramar Beach Circle. In all 85 CB Twister owner’s from Goa participated in this Mega Mileage Contest. The route chosen was from Miramar Circle to Dona-Paula and back.

The first 3 highest mileage achievers were Luis C Fernandes from Benaulim who achieved a mileage of 125 kmpl, got 1st prize of a mobile worth Rs 5000. Raviraj Chari from Bicholim achieved a mileage of 116 kmpl to bag 2nd prize, DVD Player worth Rs 3000 and Augustinho Fernandes from Benaulim achieved a mileage of 116 kmpl to clinch 3rd prize, a wrist watch worth Rs 2000.

Further biking tips were given to its users to get a better mileage and also all participating vehicles were fine tuned free of cost by the Honda Dealers of Goa, Goa Rajee, Nuvem-Margao, Vistar Honda, Panjim and Counto Honda, Mapusa. Vallabh Kuncoliencar from Goa Rajee, Rajesh Counto from Counto Honda and Vishnu Tarcar from Vistar Honda attended the function.

HCG bags Frost and Sullivan award PANJIM (HBD) -- HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd (HCG), South Asia’s largest cancer care network with 18 state-of-the-art cancer treatment centers across South Asia, has bagged “The Frost and Sullivan Oncology Healthcare Provider Company of the year 2010” award for its innovative growth strategies and solutions adopted.

The 2010 award was co-hosted by Frost & Sullivan and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc, at Mumbai on September 23, 2010.

Vishal Goel, executive director, Alexandria, in front of an august gathering that represented the who’s who of the Indian Healthcare industry presented the award to Dinesh Madhavan, director marketing, who represented HCG. Excellence in healthcare awards are presented to companies in lifescience / healthcare sectors, demonstrating best practices in a variety of regional and global markets. They recognize the superior planning and execution of product launches, strategic alliances, distribution strategies, technological innovations, customer service, healthcare delivery services and mergers and acquisitions.

A host of other crucial factors such as leadership, strategy, growth, service, innovation, integration, marketing, financial performance and development are also considered as part of the Award Methodology. The companies that are commended as Excellence Award recipients are those with the diligence, perseverance, and dedication required to develop a successful business plan and excel in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.

The Centre today refused to accept the alternative model of Goods and Services Tax, mooted by state GST panel head Asim Dasgupta and a couple of BJP-ruled states.

"We have regretted our ability to accept either the suggestion of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat or chairman of empowered committee because they do not, in our opinion, allow the essential features of GST to operate," Revenue Secretary Sunil Mitra said.

As the Centre tried to build consensus on its proposal on constitution amendment bill, required for the rollout of GST, and even floated revised draft to please states, some states came out with alternative model that would not require the amendment of constitution.

"We will not take it (GST) forward without constitution amendment," Mitra said.

The alternative model suggested by Dasgupta, who rep-

resents West Bengal in the Empowered Committee of state finance ministers, moots that states be allowed to impose service tax without constitutional amendment.

Apprehending encroachment on the fiscal autonomy of states by the Centre's proposal on the constitution amendment bill, Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Raghavji also proposed that the states be allowed to impose service tax without the amendment.

Gujarat also came out with alternative model on GST. The Centre has so far floated two drafts on constitution amendment bill. The first one was rejected by states as it proposed GST Council, which they alleged gives veto power to Union Finance Minister on taxation issue of states.

The draft had proposed that changes in GST could be brought about by two-third majority in the council.

To assuage states, the Centre came out with another

draft, which says that changes in GST could only be made when there is complete consensus in the GST council.

This draft is also opposed by the BJP-ruled states, besides Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee suggested that the Centre would come out with another draft.

When asked about this, Mitra said states have not given their views on the second draft so far.

Mitra said if consensus emerges on the bill at Empowered Committee's meeting in Goa next month, the legislation could be tabled in the winter session of Parliament.

"Only then, I can take the legislation to winter session and though it will be a setback by a few months it can become operative from mid-next year," he said.

The roll-out of GST has already missed a deadline of April 1, 2010 and the next slated date of the start of next fiscal is also not set to be met.

GVK eyes Goa port projects HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 29

GVK Power & Infrastructure is looking to bid for port-linked projects in Goa apart from Mumbai and Chennai.

The company is also considering bidding for Indian highway projects worth up to $1 billion. The firm, which is developing airports in Mumbai and Bangalore, will bid for a proposed new international airport in New Mumbai and will also seek opportunities overseas, he said.

GVK is also scouting for coal and gas assets overseas for $200 million to $1 billion to fire its power projects in India, the company's vice chairman said.

G V Sanjay Reddy said the company, which focuses on energy and transportation projects, was looking at assets in Indonesia, Australia, Africa and South East Asia.

"Depending on how much equity it is, we can easily put in $200 to $300 million," he said.

"If we need more equity, then we may look at partners to supplement our requirements."

PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 29

The BSE benchmark Sensex today dropped by 148 points, led by metal major Sterlite Industries, to end below the 20,000 level for the first time in four days on profit booking and weak European cues.

Extending losses for the second straight session, the 30- share barometer of the Bombay Stock Exchange closed lower by 148.52 points, or 0.74 per cent, at 19,956.34, with most of the losses coming in from Sterlite, ITC, ONGC, ICICI Bank and Bharti Airtel.

Tata Motors is likely to monetise investments in its subsidiaries and associate companies to raise cash in order to bring down its high financial gearing substantially.

The company has not yet finallised the quantum of money it would raise through monetising investments, they added.

Tata Motors has a net debt of Rs 20,000 crore on its book as of quarter ended June 30, 2010. As of FY2010, company had an investment portfolio of Rs 22,337 crore.

Tata Motors had piled up debt on its book mainly for financing its big ticket acquisition of British marque brand Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The country's largest vehicle maker had bought JLR from Ford, its American owners, for a consideration of $2.3 billion in March 2008. It was the second big ticket acquisition by Tata group company after Tata Steel took over Corus in a multi-billion dollar deal. Company officials could not be contacted for comments immediately.

IDFC plans to triple loan book

PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 29

PTI BANGALORE, SEPT 29

Retail chain Shopper's Stop today said that it has raised Rs 130-crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), a source close to the development said.

"The QIP issue was over-subscribed by nine times within hours of its launch," the source said, adding "the book is closed."

The company had earlier launched the QIP for up to 2million equity shares from QIBs (qualified institutional buyers)-FIIs, MFs and other institutions pegging the floor price at 648.88.

Enam Securities has been appointed as the global co-ordinator and book-running lead manager while IDFC Capital is the co-book-running lead manager for the issue, the company said in a statement.

The Shopper's Stop scrip closed at Rs 682.50, up 0.71 per cent, on the BSE today.

Infrastructure Development Finance Company, recently accorded the Infrastructure Finance Company status by the Reserve Bank, plans to triple its loan in the next three to four years.

"We are planning to triple our loan book in the next three to four years. We achieved a PAT (Profit After Tax) of Rs 11 crore last year and are looking at a 35-40 per cent CAGR in the coming years", executive director IDFC, Vikram Limaye told reporters launching the firm's first tax-free infrastructure bonds to raise Rs 3,400 crore here today.

"Power, transportation and telecom will be important components of our growth", he said.

IDFC, a leading 33 year-old knowledge-driven financial services company in India which went public in 2005, has a foundation called the IDFC foundation through which it plans to train 10,000 civil servants in capacity building for infrastructure development, Limaye said.

AGENCY MUMBAI, SEPT 29

Sensex drops 148 pts to close below 20K level

HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 29

Shopper's Stop raises Rs 130-cr

Raza, Husain paintings among 100 seized: I-T officials

Winner of India Today English subscribe to Drive offer, Walburg Coutinho receiving the Skoda Car from India Today’s assistant publisher R Shennoy. Also seen is Welsh Colcaco GM and Parind Nachnolkar, MD of Priority Automobile, Goa.

Tata may monetise ACGL stake

Income tax (I-T) officials on Tuesday said they have stumbled upon 100 paintings of prominent artists, including SH Raza, MF Husain and VS Gaitonde, during raids on GTL Ltd, a network services company, in the city.

Around 300 I-T officials were involved in the raids at 45 premises belonging to the firm and its owners, the Tirodkars, Aban Offshor, 848.1, 853, 829, 832.35 Abb Ltd., 954, 976, 930.7, 939.1 Abg Shipyard, 247.4, 248.45, 243.1, 243.95 Acc Limited, 1029.05, 1037.95, 1003.5, 1005.15 Adani Enterp, 667.55, 676, 666.5, 673.2 Aditya Birla, 870, 872.5, 855.15, 858.65 Allahabad Ba, 229.1, 230.8, 227.05, 227.85 Alstom Proje, 784.4, 815.05, 784, 810.75 Ambuja Cemen, 147, 148.25, 145.9, 147.15 Andhra Bank, 134.35, 164, 134.35, 160.2 Ashok Leylan, 73.35, 74.55, 72.5, 72.75 Asian Paints, 2787, 2799.5, 2733.5, 2749.35 Axis Bank Li, 1450.2, 1522.35, 1450.2, 1510.4 Bajaj Hindus, 135.1, 135.8, 130.1, 130.85 Bank Of Baro, 881, 894, 877, 886.15 Bank Of Indi, 518.2, 528.6, 517.05, 523.5 Beml Limited, 1112.05, 1124, 1103, 1106.05 Bharat Elect, 1770.05, 1805, 1755.05, 1761.35 Bharat Forge, 365.8, 366.7, 355.6, 356.55

in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

A senior I-T official said the 100 paintings were seized from one of the firms owner’s south Mumbai flat, where they were stacked. “We have seized paintings of Raza, Husain and Gaitonde. We will check whether all these paintings are genuine and send them for valuation,” the official said. The owner has declared neither the paintings nor the flat from where they were seized, he

Bharat Petro, 782, 785.5, 758.45, 765.15 Bharti Airte, 375, 376.7, 362, 363.4 Bhel, 2489, 2515, 2470, 2477.4 Bhushan Stee, 433, 435.45, 418.3, 419.85 Biocon Limit, 370.05, 370.85, 360, 361.8 Bombay Dyein, 642.7, 645, 629, 631.6 Bosch Limite, 6203.4, 6208.9, 6140, 6144.1 Brigade Ente, 147.7, 153.4, 147.7, 148.95 Cairn India, 334, 335.8, 330, 330.5 Canara Bank, 580.5, 584.45, 570.6, 573.05 Central Bank, 196.9, 199.8, 195.1, 196 Century Text, 519, 523.8, 509.2, 511.5 Cesc Ltd, 396.2, 398.95, 388, 389 Chambal Fert, 71.5, 72, 69.6, 69.95 Chennai Petr, 250.95, 253.8, 246.1, 250.15 Cipla Ltd, 321, 322.4, 315.35, 317.1 Colgate Palm, 902.55, 907.8, 875, 878.05 Container Co, 1301, 1325.2, 1301, 1315.05 Crompton Gre, 318, 319.7, 313.5, 315.45 Cummins Indi, 752.9, 759, 745, 746.9 Dabur India, 103.4, 106.1, 103.4, 105.55 Deccan Chron, 132.1, 133.8, 130.7, 131.3 Dish Tv Indi, 55, 55.4, 54.3, 54.55 Divi’s Labor, 713.15, 715.9, 703.1, 705

said.

Officers said they normally find cash and jewellery during raids. “Such a large number of paintings is unusual,” the official said.

The raids were conducted after the I-T department found that GTL was allegedly showing bogus expenditure to minimise its profit in account books in order to evade tax.

GTL’s chairman and managing director Manoj Tirodkar is

Dlf Limited, 381, 385.15, 372.25, 372.95 Dr. reddy’s, 1465, 1472.6, 1450.45, 1459.3 Edelweiss Ca, 53.2, 54.15, 52.5, 52.6 Educomp Solu, 616.2, 622.85, 606.35, 609.95 Eih Limited, 140.1, 140.5, 137, 137.25 Engineers In, 357, 357.95, 349.1, 353.2 Essar Oil Lt, 133.6, 134.15, 130.05, 130.6 Essar Shippi, 113.95, 114.7, 111.85, 112.1 Exide Indust, 165.25, 167.7, 162.1, 162.85 Federal Bank, 408.2, 410, 394.15, 397.95 Financial Te, 1227.6, 1237, 1175, 1184.45 Gail (india), 478, 483.2, 470.5, 474.65 Gammon India, 228.2, 228.8, 215, 220.95 Glaxosmithkl, 2160, 2253, 2160, 2240.95 Glenmark Pha, 305, 306.05, 294.3, 296.15 Gmr Infrastr, 58.6, 58.95, 57.5, 57.85 Godrej Indus, 221.85, 221.85, 216, 217.2 Grasim Indus, 2200, 2229.5, 2189, 2210.55 Great Offsho, 380.25, 382.75, 375.25, 376.15 Gtl Infra.Lt, 45.05, 45.35, 44.05, 45.1 Gujarat Mine, 134, 134.9, 131.7, 132.25 Gujarat N R, 61.5, 61.7, 60, 60.15 Gujarat Stat, 114, 115.6, 113.05, 114.55

Gvk Pow. & I, 47.25, 47.45, 46.45, 46.55 Hcl Technolo, 417.5, 421.5, 413.75, 417.2 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2474, 2474, 2426.2, 2442.85 Hdfc Ltd, 712.45, 720.05, 698.95, 707 Hero Honda M, 1863.1, 1877.95, 1852.1, 1865.1 Hindalco in, 197, 198.45, 190.3, 191.55 Hindustan Co, 61.4, 62.25, 60.2, 60.6 Hindustan Ma, 74.6, 75.5, 73.35, 73.65 Hindustan Pe, 537.7, 537.9, 516.05, 519.95 Hindustan Un, 307.8, 309.5, 303.6, 306 Hindustan Zi, 1139.7, 1139.7, 1085.05, 1091.05 Housing Dev, 272.4, 273.1, 263.8, 265.45 Icici Bank L, 1115.1, 1117, 1095.65, 1101.95 Idea Cellula, 75.95, 75.95, 73.5, 73.95 Ifci Ltd, 62.25, 62.9, 61.8, 62 India Cement, 121, 123, 117.75, 118.25 India Infoli, 115.1, 115.45, 112.55, 113.6 Indiabulls F, 145.4, 145.9, 141.15, 142.95 Indiabulls R, 176.5, 176.95, 171.25, 172.65 Indian Bank, 270.2, 276.9, 269, 275.25 Indian Hotel, 103.25, 103.5, 100.35, 100.7

currently in Goa. “He will come on Wednesday after which we expect a disclosure of concealed income,” the official said. “Preliminary investigation suggests the concealed income could run into crores.”

A network services provider for telecom and tech firms, GTL’s revenue for 2009-10 was Rs 2,236.94 crore. Tirodkar could not be reached, and no GTL official was available for comment.

Indian Oil C, 444, 447.7, 429.35, 431 Indian Overs, 136.25, 136.85, 131.75, 132.05 Indus Dev Ba, 154.4, 155.3, 152, 152.55 Indusind Ban, 268.6, 270, 265.5, 266.95 Infosys Tech, 3026, 3079, 3002.6, 3031.05 Infra. dev., 202, 203.8, 199.45, 202.05 Ispat Indust, 22.5, 23.9, 22.5, 22.9 Itc Ltd, 178.5, 180.3, 173, 173.6 Ivrcl Infras, 171.6, 171.9, 163.1, 163.65 Jai Corp Lim, 259.6, 261.95, 253.5, 254.45 Jaiprakash A, 122.8, 123.55, 121.05, 121.5 Jet Airways, 821.2, 843, 820, 826.65 Jindal Saw L, 216, 221.7, 214, 215 Jindal Steel, 711, 715, 704, 706.15 Jsw Steel Li, 1335, 1340, 1315.55, 1324.85 Kotak Mahind, 493, 493.2, 480, 484.1 Lakshmi Mach, 2399.85, 2399.9, 2351.35, 2363.45 Lanco Infrat, 70, 72.2, 69.5, 71.85 Larsen & Tou, 2050, 2055.7, 2028, 2040.3 Lic Housing, 1453, 1496.5, 1444.05, 1454.5 Lupin Limite, 396, 399.9, 387, 389.4 Mahanagar Te, 63.9, 64.5, 63.1, 63.4

Monetising investment, in accountancy parlance, means selling an investment and bringing only the profit from the deal to the profit and loss (P&L) account under the extra ordinary income or exceptional item categories. It is focused on further reducing financial gearing from Rs 20,000 crore as of June 2010 by issuing further equity, internal accruals and monetising investments.

The company plans to raise $500 million through equity issue, although terms are not yet finalised. “The board is cognisant of the fact that it needs to balance interests of both the promoter and minority shareholders and hence would be raising funds through both differential voting rights (DVR) and normal equity shares” an analyst with a domestic brokerage house, who does want to be named, said.

According to the company's 2009-10 annual report, Tata Motors has five subsidiaries and more than five dozens step down subsidiaries. The direct subsidiaries of the company are TAL Manufacturing Solution, Tata Tech, Tata Motors European Technical Centre, and TML Holdings, Singapore. The seven associate companies of Tata Motors include Fiat India Automobiles, Tata Cummins, Tata AutoComp Systems, Tata Precision Industries, Nita Co, Tata Construction Equipment and Automobile Corp of Goa. As of FY ending March 31, 2010, company had a total investment portfolio valued at Rs 22,336.90 cr, up from Rs 12,968.13 cr as of March 31, 2009. The company had invested Rs 10,575.6 cr in equity and preference shares of TML.

BOARD MEETINGS Ispat KDDL Sark Sys Cranes Soft Mercator Lines Transgene Bio Financial Eyes Gopal Iron Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA SBI MUTUAL FUND has decided to revise the exit load structure for its SBI PSU Fund. The changes will be effective from October 1, 2010.

Accordingly, the exit load for the fund would be 1.00% of the NAV for redemptions/switch outs anytime within 1 year from the date of allotment and Nil for redemptions/switch outs anytime after 1 year from the date of allotment.

Mahindra & M, 715, 720.2, 696.3, 698.75 Maruti Suzuk, 1452, 1481.95, 1425.2, 1430.05 Max India Lt, 172.4, 175.4, 167.5, 169.4 Maytas Infr., 220.65, 227, 217.7, 223.45 Moser-baer (, 71.1, 71.1, 68.65, 69 Mrpl, 79.3, 79.4, 77.5, 77.75 Nagarjuna Co, 163, 163.35, 157, 157.65 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.1, 31.1, 29.5, 29.95 National Alu, 409, 410.9, 403, 405 Neyveli Lign, 162.25, 163.9, 159.55, 159.9 Ntpc Ltd, 220, 221.2, 215.9, 217 Oil And Natu, 1467, 1467, 1416, 1421.35 Omaxe Limite, 142.55, 143.85, 137.55, 139.65 Oriental Ban, 462, 464.95, 447.1, 450.5 Pantaloon Re, 492.95, 493, 484, 485.9 Parsvnath De, 148, 148.7, 145.55, 147.45 Petronet Lng, 108.4, 109.9, 106.1, 107.55 Power Fin Co, 340.05, 345.8, 336.25, 343.75 Power Grid C, 107.1, 110.45, 107.1, 108.65 Praj Industr, 77, 77.2, 75.3, 75.5 Punj Lloyd L, 133, 133, 126.25, 126.9 Punjab Natio, 1305.55, 1314.85, 1291,

1297.35 Rajesh Expor, 102.2, 104, 100.8, 101.45 Ranbaxy Labs, 562, 567.85, 551.4, 556 Rashtriya Ch, 83, 83.1, 81.3, 81.6 Rel. nat. re, 40.1, 40.6, 39.3, 39.5 Reliance Cap, 819.9, 821.65, 792.3, 796.15 Reliance Com, 170.5, 172, 168.7, 169.9 Reliance Ene, 1150, 1185, 1150, 1176.38 Reliance Ind, 876.8, 880.9, 863.1, 866 Reliance Ind, 1000, 1009, 995, 999 Reliance Pow, 164.9, 165, 160.7, 161.2 Rolta India, 168.4, 169.5, 165, 165.8 Satyam Compu, 100, 102.7, 98.3, 98.95 Sesa Goa Ltd, 334.95, 335.6, 324.55, 328.55 Shipping Cor, 166.5, 167, 162.65, 163.75 Siemens Ltd, 825, 846.8, 817.05, 821.6 Sintex Indus, 386, 396.4, 378.15, 389.7 Sobha Develo, 394.8, 398, 383, 385.05 State Bank O, 3190, 3225, 3186.2, 3195.7 Steel Author, 206.65, 207.9, 203.2, 204.85 Sterlite Ind, 169.95, 169.95, 160.25, 161.4 Sun Pharmace, 1975, 2015, 1975, 2000.65 Sun Tv Netwo, 529.85, 532.5, 510.25, 513.5 Suzlon Energ, 54.25, 54.25, 52.5, 52.75 Tata Communi, 320.5, 321.9, 311, 313

Tata Consult, 925, 937.25, 914.9, 920.35 Tata Motors, 1080.85, 1109.85, 1080.55, 1106.45 Tata Power C, 1350.55, 1368, 1340.35, 1351.25 Tata Steel L, 650.2, 664.7, 650.2, 653.1 Tata Teleser, 22.9, 22.9, 22.45, 22.5 Tech Mahindr, 810, 851, 785, 793.25 The Ge Shpg., 323, 324.95, 313.15, 314.95 The Phoenix, 230, 239.5, 227, 229.45 Thermax Ltd, 794, 867, 784, 790.75 Titan Indust, 3388, 3402.9, 3301.2, 3312.2 Torrent Powe, 329, 329, 318.05, 320.15 Triveni Engg, 118.3, 123.8, 116.1, 122.3 Tv18 India L, 94.5, 94.85, 92.05, 92.5 Uco Bank, 115, 115.5, 113.45, 113.8 Ultratech Ce, 1052.9, 1084.5, 1051, 1075.9 Union Bank O, 385, 391, 380.15, 381.95 Unitech Ltd, 86.7, 88.7, 86.7, 87.8 United Phosp, 184.5, 185.4, 181.6, 182.65 Videocon Ind, 282.1, 283.2, 272.3, 274.5 Vijaya Bank, 83.05, 83.4, 82.25, 82.55 Voltas Ltd, 248.1, 250, 242.8, 246.75 Wipro Ltd, 441.5, 450.2, 437.5, 442.35 Yes Bank Lim, 353.1, 358.7, 351, 352.8 Zee Entertai, 309.5, 310.5, 300.6, 301.3

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PM, Sonia launch Aadhaar, UID project PTI TEMBHLI, SEPT 29

The world's first ID project where biometric data is used to provide unique identification numbers for India's billion-plus citizens rolled out today with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chief Sonia Gandhi handing over the first set of 12-digit numbers to 10 tribals.

The country's most tech savvy initiative called 'Aadhaar'(base) to provide the unqiue ID cards was hailed by Singh and Gandhi at the launch function as a "historic step" to provide identity to every Indian citizen and make delivery processes transparent.

Biometric-based data including from fingerprints and an iris scan is being used for the first time anywhere in the world to provide a cost-effective nationally valid and verifiable single source of identity proof through an authentification infrastructure "Nowhere in the world, technology has been used in such a big way. I hope every citizen will get this number very soon," Singh said kickstarting the multi-billion project in the backward Tembhli tribal hamlet in western Maharashtra, about 300 km from Mumbai.

Singh also said the rolling

out of the unique numbers displayed a symbol of a new and modern India. "We are moving fast in the field of technology."

He said the issuing of unique identity cards is a beginning of a big effort for the welfare of the common man.

"The poor did not have any identity proof. Due to this shortcoming, they could not open bank accounts or get ration cards. They could not avail the benefits of government welfare programmes because of this and many times, these benefits were pocketed by others," Singh said.

The 'Aadhaar' number will be for lifetime and can be used anywhere in the country, the Prime Minister said, adding the project will help in National Integration.

"I hope that soon every Indian will have a Aadhaar number," he said.

Gandhi said "The project launched from this village today, will reach over a billion people and is a historic step."

"Our goal is not only development but inclusive growth," she said.

Late Rajiv Gandhi dreamt of a 21st century India where Information technology will improve life of 'aam aadmi', she said, adding that Tembhli village is a symbol of "Rajiv's vi-

sion".

"We are using technology to better our lives. It can make the system transparent and ensure speedy delivery of resources to the needy without any malpractice," she said.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Chief Nandan Nilekeni, the former co-chairman of Information Technology major Infosys, was also present at the function.

UIDA said the government plans to give every Indian a number in the coming years after they submit their personal details, including fingerprints, an iris scan and photograph, to a vast Internet database.

It said the scheme would provide a cost-effective, ubiquitous authentification infrastructure to easily verify identities online and in realtime.

"Today there are a large number of residents, especially the poorest and the most marginalised, who face challenges in accessing various public benefit programmes due to the lack of possessing a clear identity proof," it added.

Fingerprints and iris recognition will help agencies and service providers across India clean out duplicates and fakes from their databases, it said.

Satyam FY'10 loss is Rs 125 cr PTI HYDERABAD, SEPT 29

Mahindra Satyam (formerly Satyam Computer) today reported a consolidated loss of Rs 124.60 crore for year ended March 2010, a far better show from the previous fiscal when it had plunged into a deep crisis after founder B Ramalinga Raju admitted to multi-crore rupee scam.

Helped by a sharp reduction in employee cost at Rs 3,981.10 crore in 2009-10 from Rs 6,073.7 crore in the previous year, the company reduced the net consolidated loss from Rs 8,176.8 crore in 2008-09.

In FY 2009, the company had to incur exceptional expenses related to the scam.

Cash and bank balances were to the tune of Rs 2,176.8 crore as on March 31, 2010. The loan balance as of March 31, 2010 was Rs 422 crore.

The results of Mahindra Satyam were keenly awaited across industry and markets as the real financials were shrouded in mystery after the scam --said to be India's biggest corporate fraud-- came to the light in 2009.

The audited numbers would now give a clear picture about the financial health of the company. The scam had thrown up many questions on corporate governance and accounting practices.

Mahindra Satayam audited financial results are coming after a gap of nearly two years. The company had obtained exemption from the Company Law Board from publishing audited results for the past two fiscals after its takeover by Tech Mahindra in April 2009.

China to drive global steel output REUTERS SHANGHAI, SEPT 29

Global crude steel production is on track to hit record highs this year and the next, largely driven by top producer China, where booming output and demand has overcome that of the recession-hit developed world.

A government campaign to cut production in the world's top producer and consumer did not manage to reduce the forecasts for Chinese output of around 620-630 million tonnes this year, up 9-10 percent from 2009.

Analysts predict global steel production to be near or hit 1.4 billion tonnes this year, its highest ever and 4 percent above the pre-crisis high of 1.345 billion tonnes in 2007.

"If you look at the first half of the year, with China's production annualised, global output is looking at 1.5 billion tonnes," said analyst Colin Hamilton at Macquarie. "So even with these cutbacks, we're still pretty comfortable with the 1.4 billion figure."

China's crude steel output fell on a monthly basis in August, down about 1.7 percent from July, after several provinces ordered mills to cut output as the country strives to meet a deadline to improve energy efficiency.

However, the 425.8 million tonnes it achieved in the first eight months of the year was way above the 351.4 million tonnes recorded in the same period of 2008, when steel demand was booming.

It was also up by more than 15 percent from the same period of 2009, when the $500 billion steel industry went through one of the worst downturns in its history and nearly halved its production while China increased it by over 13 percent.

EVEN BRIGHTER 2011 "We've seen a softening in Chinese apparent demand in the third quarter, but we fully expect growth to resume in the fourth," said Chris Houlden, principal consultant at metals and mining consultants CRU. Demand from the commodity-hungry country, which grew more than 8 percent in 2009 when the developed world was in recession, is only set to increase in 2011, thanks to more construction plans which analysts bet will be unveiled in the government's new five-year plan covering 2011-2015.

"Logic tells me that the Chinese could accelerate the development of Central and Western regions," said Jeffrey Kabel executive director, Global Ferrous Products at JPMorgan, adding that the steel consumption per capita in those regions remained lower than that of the coastal area.

"My guess is that infrastructure, housing and all construction projects for Central and Western regions are drawn up yet need to be executed. This leads me to believe that the recent steel capacity cuts, inventory overhang, and price declines may be shorter lived than conventional wisdom."

But for others, like the United States and Europe, recovery is a slow process that goes two steps forward and one step back.

Through the summer in the northern hemisphere, markets fluctuated on the back of mixed macroeconomic data from the U.S., where analysts now are looking at the Federal Reserve to step in to boost the economy, if necessary.

"It is likely to take four years for the developed world to fully recover from the crisis of 2009," analysts at Credit Suisse wrote in a recent note to the clients.

Finmin to announce tax exemption on PF returns

PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 29 The Finance Ministry is believed to have agreed to modify its notification for exempting from tax the entire 9.5 per cent interest on provident fund deposits for 201011, and will soon announce the good news for EPFO''s six crore depositors. "The Finance Ministry will soon revise the notification brought out on August 26, for giving exemption on returns on provident fund deposits up to 9.5 per cent (rate of return) for this fiscal", an official source said.

‘Google most attractive employer’ PTI

NEW DELHI, SEPT 29

Google has emerged as the world''s most attractive employer, but four global auditing giants are posing a challenge for the technology firm, says a survey by employer branding company Universum. According to Universum''s -- The world''s most attractive employers 2010 - index, Google retains its number one position for the second consecutive year.

The Universum survey saw auditing majors -KPMG, Ernst and Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte -- dominating four of the top five positions. Auditing firm KPMG ranked second after Google, while Ernst and Young came third followed by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte which were placed fourth and fifth in the list.

"We are witnessing the auditing firms and FMCG companies reconquering their talent group after a brief love affair with the IT industry," Universum CEO Michal Kalinowski said. However, companies in the banking and investment industry, management consulting, and oil and gas now encounter the problem of being perceived as less attractive employers, Universum said.

Other world's most attractive employers in the list include Procter & Gamble (6th), Microsoft (7th), Coca Cola Company (8th), J P Morgan (9th) and Goldman Sachs (10th). In the engineering category, the IT companies continue to dominate.

Kerala to let tourists peep into village life PTI KOCHI, SEPT 29

Exploring new avenues of tourism to woo tourists, especially foreigners, tour operators in Kerala are marketing Rural Tourism circuit which would give visitors a slice of the rural life in the 'God's Own Country'.

'Gramika', the rural tourism brand of Great India Rural Tours (GIRT), a division of GITPAC, the consultancy body of Air Travel Enterprises (ATE), has launched a number of village tours to 10 rural locations in Kerala.

These tours offer the tourists a rare opportunity to experience the culture, traditions and the life style of the people living in the villages of Kerala, says GIRT Vice President U V Jose.

Half-a-day tour costing Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 and and full day tours priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 are offered at various locations like Kovalam, Kumarkom, Vaikom, Aranmula, Thekkady, Kumbalangi, Thiruvely, Muthanga, Sugandhagiri, Ooramana which are all exotic in its rural richness, he said.

Jose said that the Responsible Tourism initiatives implemented by the Global Infrastructure and Tourism Planners and Consultants (GITPAC) which supported the Responsible Tourism activities of Kerala Tourism since the last two years, was the inspiration behind the village tour product development.

'We did not want to restrict ourselves to Kerala and wanted

to go throughout the country.

To start with four products have been launched in Jaipur and Udaipur belts in Rajasthan and Kerala', he said adding in Kerala, twenty packages in 10 destinations has been launched this year.

Jose said 60 per cent of the amount collected as tariff for the tours would go back to the community. Separate funds for village development to build common facilties had also been set apart, he said.

As the expectations of tourists keep changing with them looking for more experimential tour packages, the Rural tour was thought of, he said adding this package would be a win-win situation for all.

'Oyster Opera', a typical Rural theme village in Padanna panchayat in Kasaragod in north Kerala, treats the visitors to the culture of its people, their livelihood and food habits, preserved for decades.

The visitors can see mussel farming, oyster farming and clam collecion.

Says Gul Mohammed, a national award winning farmer, who is the promoter of the 'Oyster Opera', around 6,000 men and women of four villages in Kasaragod are engaged in the 'Great Mussell' farming and the villagers even now collect clam and oyster by immersing themselves in the water.

This is the only destination in the state with mussel farming, oyster and clam collection as its theme, he said adding visitors are treated to a range of gourmet delicacies

and hideouts totally cut off from the hustle and bustle of cities.

Visitors from Germany, Switzerland, UK are frequent visitors, besides a group of US students come for two to three days every year, Mohammed said.

From Sweden a group of tourists, who like cycling and traveling in bus and lorries, also come to the village.

Mohammed, who participated in the recently concluded Kerala Travel Mart in London, said he had received good response.

A tour operator from London has promised to visit 'Oyster Opera' next month, he said.

The villagers serve as guides taking the visitors by walk or on bicycles and by boat for fishing in their traditional method.

Jose said that in Kumarkom the tourists would be taken in boats through various Canals to give them an experience of the village life. The visitors would also be able to see the different methods of fishing adopted in the state.

Aji Alex, Proprietor, Mannaas Veedu' in Elanthoor in Pathnamthitta, says he gets visitors mostly from France, Germnay and Britain.

He started 'Mannaas' to develop his village and promote responsible tourism and rural tourism.

The visitors are offered a complete Kerala experiencetraditional homely cuisine, visits to nearby temples, churches, fishing and much more, he said.

The new notification would be out in next 10 days as the ministry has already initiated the process of revising the earlier notification, the source said. The Finance Ministry had on August 26 -- before the Central Board of Trustees of the EPFO recommended the interest rate hike to 9.5 per cent for the current fiscal -- came out with a notification that said the returns of up to 8.5 per cent on provident fund deposits would enjoy tax exemption.

The notification became effective from September 1, 2010. Unless the notification is amended, the additional one per cent interest on provident fund would be subjected to income tax affecting 80 per cent of subscribers who otherwise do not pay taxes.

Earlier EPFO''s Central Provident Fund Commissioner Samirendra Chatterjee had indicated that he would take up this matter with the Finance Minister through Labour Ministry to get the issue resolved.

Under Schedule IV of the Income Tax Act, 1961, there is provision for exempting re-

Aircel 3G services in Q1 next year PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 29

Mobile phone service provider Aircel today said it will launch its 3G services in the first quarter of next year and will invest USD 500 million for the same in the first year of launch of the services. "The company will launch 3G services in the first quarter (January-March quarter) of next year," Aircel COO Gurdeep Singh said.

The company will invest USD 500 million in the first year of launch of 3G services. For the entire 2G and 3G it will invest a little over USD 1 billion.

It hopes to finalise the equipment manufacturer by next week. The firm, which currently has a subscriber base of 45 million, targets to increased it to 75 million by next year out of which 10 per cent will come from the 3G services.

Initially the company will launch 3G in top 10 cities of each circle and then will cover the rest of the states in which it has received spectrum. In the country Aircel had already doled out its plans to double its subscriber base and invest USD 5 billion in its network over the next three to five years.

turns on retirement fund from taxes.

EPFO''s apex decision making body Central Board of Trustees headed by Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge on September 15 decided to give a return of 9.5 per cent on the provident fund deposits, up from 8.5 per cent during the last five years. Earlier, the exemption was provided on interest income of provident fund up to 12 per cent, though only 8.5 per cent was paid to the subscribers.

"This had never happened in the history of the EPFO. The rate announced by the EPFO has been the benchmark rate for exemption. The Finance Ministry will have to revise its notification", A D Nagpal, secretary Hind Mazdoor Sabha and member of the CBT had said.

"With around 40 percent demand loss versus peak in the major developed nations in the most recent downturn this suggests around four years for a full recovery, which suggests a recovery in 2012-2013."

In Europe as well investors remain edgy, with the pace of the recovery appearing to lose steam and worries about the health of the banking sector still in question, and the steel industry cannot comfortably

predict a bright future.

"We have just spoken to a number of industry contacts in Europe. Market weakening in Q4 - quite different to what was expected in early September," Credit Suisse said.

The bank predicted hotrolled coil (HRC) prices in Europe falling to 520-540 euros per tonne versus 550-560 euros per tonne in the third quarter.

"Demand is weaker across board," it added.

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GOA, Thursday, 30 September, 2010

Sporting, Faria share spoils Nhehern sets world yoga HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 29

Super sub Anthony D’Souza scored with his first touch after coming in for Sporting Clube de Goa to salvage a point as they drew 1-1 with Faria Sports Management in Kingfisher Pro League at Duler stadium here on Wednesday. The match was goalless at the lemon break.

Against the run of play Felix Barreto put Faria ahead in the 69th only to see Sporting equalize seven minutes later.

With a mix of flair and discipline, Sporting dominated the match but indecisive finishing

in front of goal cost them the victory in their opening Pro League encounter.

Faria have their young goalkeeper Sujitesh Mandraker to thank for pulling off first class saves to keep their heads above water.

As early as the 5th minute Sporting tested the rival goalkeeper when Jovel Martins hit a 35-yard screamer which came back off the crossbar.

In the 22nd, Freiman Peixoto hit a shot from distance which was easily gathered.

On the half hour mark, the Faria keeper did well to save a shot from Valzinho Fernandes to deny him a scoring chance with his feet.

Towards the end of the first half, Faria brought in two attacking players. They emerged in the second half determined to tussle on a more equal footing with Sporting.

The pendulum swung towards Faria when they managed to win the ball deep in the Sporting half and broke forward and eventually supplied the ball to forward Felix Barreto, who made no mistake in firing past Sporting custodian Felix D’Souza with

a thunderous drive.

Felix was hugged by teammate . Shortly after, Felix was injured and had to be replaced and this was a big blow for Faria.

Sporting took the first step in reasserting their superiority replacing Valzinho Fernandes with Anthony D’Souza.

Moments later, Anthony picked up the ball and struck a low drive into the bottom corner to beat Faria custodian Sujitesh.

In the later stages Sporting brought on strikers Agnelo Colaco and Joston Pereira to try wrestling the three points away from Faria.

Sporting’s Mackroy Peixoto had a shot saved near the close of play. In the end, both teams had to be content to share the points.

record with 4 gold

Sub-jr football probables HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 29

Following players have been asked to attend the selection camp of Goa team which will participate in the sub-junior National Football Championship for Coca Cola Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy 2010-11.

Clinton Menezes, James Fernandes, Rakesh Ambi, Simon D’Mello, Joster D’Souza, Savio Vaz, Filburn Crasto, Klins Mendes, Issac Negerdo, Jesus D’Souza, Elison Pereira, Pandurang Goltekar, Shawyn Fernandes, Joel Fernandes, Quan Gomes, Floyd Fernandes, Russell Vaz, Austern Fernandes, Aliston Fernandes, Sanito Colaco, Nalel Naik, Amey Kalangutkar, Manish Kauthankar, Jorge Rodrigues, Avrhisto Fernandes, Akshay Mandrekar, Shailesh Cauhan, John Pereira, Jesuino Pereira and Leichombam Binaton Singh.

Players may report to Seby Rodrigues or Gajanan Kambli with their original birth certificates, playing and residential kit on October 4 at 7 a.m. at Duler football complex stadium, Mapusa.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

Thirteen-year-old Nhehern Acharya lived up to top expectations as he set a record, winning won four gold for India at World Yoga Championship in Rosario City, Argentina last night.

Nhehern won the gold in yogasana display, artistic display, rhythmic yogasana, artistic air display.

Nhehern, a student of Dr K B Hedgewar High School, Panjim, who is also the award winner in the last championship, kept up his good display, improving on his last performance at the world level.

The 13-member India team won in all 12 gold, 7 silver and 13 bronze in eight events.

Nhehern’s father, Navin who is the assistant secretary of SAG,

attributed the success to the SAG, his school, Yoganusandana Kendra of Tapobhumi, Cundaim; Akshada Azgaonkar from Mapusa, who is his dance and bharatnatyam, teacher, Goa Yoga Association and well wishers for their full-hearted support and guidance.

India won the overall championship beating hosts Argentina in the finals.

PCCE cagers triumph

Trek to Vezra

PANJIM (HSD) – The Offtrail Adventure will organise a trek to Vezra Waterfalls on October 3. Participants will trek through a dense forest for two hours to reach the waterfall. Pick up will be at Mabai Hotel, Margao at 7 a.m. and near Santa Monica Cruises, Panjim at 8 a.m. Details may be obtained from Bianca Dias on 9960054428.

PCCE, winners of Goa University inter-college basketball.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 29

Padre Conceissao College of Engineering (PCCE), Verna won the inter-college basketball championship organised by Goa University. In the finals, they defeated V M Salgaoncar College

of Law, Mira Mar 47-19.

Ashish Bhupal 18, Shielton Messais 8, Ashish Pednekar 8, Aditya Hosangadi 8, Nikhil Da Gama 2, Conrad Barreto 2 and Amey Desai 1 scored for PCCE while Kher Simoes 9, Aldrin Rodrigues 6, Johnson

Simoes 3 and Peter Fernandes 1 were the scorers for Salgaocar.

Donaldo Rodrigues, Dy. Registrar of Goa University was the chief guest and gave away the trophies and medals to the winners.

Don Bosco emerge North Goa champs HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 29

Don Bosco High School, Panjim demolished St. Joseph High School, Pernem, 3-0 in the finals of North Goa District under-14 Subroto Mukerjee football tournament at Peddem ground, Mapusa on Wednesday.

Akeraj Martins scored a brace in the first half and Dale Nunes scored one in the second half.

St. Joseph made some attempts but failed to convert.

Earlier in the semi-finals, Don Bosco High School, Panjim defeated Our Lady of Grace High School, Bicholim 7-0. For Don Bosco, Dale Nunes shot 3 goals, Akeraj Martins 2 and Kallen Colaco and Pathson Ribeiro one each.

In the taluka finals, Don Bosco defeated Fr. Agnel High School, Pilar 7-0.

Ticklo excels for Friends HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 29

A second half brace from Dwayne Ticklo masterminded

the victory for Friends Xl SC as they defeated Sinquerim, Mayem 2-0 in GFA’s Third Division at Quitula ground on Wednesday.

Dwayne netted in the 52nd and 72nd to wrap up the three points.

3rd Division football: St Anthony's SC, Assolda v. St Sebastian Club of Aquem, Areal ground; Shiroda YC v. Socio Cultural Club, Loutolim, Loutolim ground; Sirvodem SC v. Mandopa Sporting Club, Navelim ground; Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda v. United Club of Benaulim, Dando ground; Baina Youth and RC v. Quelossim SC, Cansaulim ground; Clube Athetico de Parra v. Sangolda Lightening, Anjuna ground. Kick off at 4 p.m.

Flame of Unity U-14 schools soccer: St. Anthony High School Majorda v. Infant Jesus High School, 3. 30 p.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus Carmona v. Our Lady of Rosary High School, Fatorda, Mabai ground, Per-Seraulim, from 3.30 p.m.

Navelim Benaulim Constituency soccer: Ganot Boys, Carmona v. UB 40 Boys Colva, Shumbull Mull, Benaulim, 4. 30 p.m.

Quepem Taluka Women Sports Festival, Quepemm Tilamol-Xeldem, Quepem, 9.30 a.m.

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Pg15

SPORTS GOA, Thursday, 30 September, 2010

Goa move into semis national tennis ball cricket HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 29

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, center, celebrates with his teammates after Angel Di Maria scored a goal against Auxerre during their Champions League soccer match in Auxerre, central France.

Sharada Mandir, Don Bosco district winners

Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge, left, jumps over a tackle by Marseille's Andre Ayew during their Champions League group F soccer match at Stamford Bridge, London.

Real scrape through, Arsenal, Chelsea win

REUTERS LONDON, SEPT 29

Angel di Maria's late intervention spared Real Madrid another inquest into the case of the misfiring forwards while Zlatan Ibrahimovic's sense of occasion salvaged a Champions League point for AC Milan.

Di Maria struck shortly after coming on to give Real a 1-0 win away to Auxerre on Tuesday, just as another embarrassing goalless draw was looming for a team boasting Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema in the starting line-up.

While Real were nervously clinching a second win in two Champions League games, Group G rivals Milan had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Ajax Amsterdam.

Ibrahimovic earned them the point, controlling superbly and smashing in for the equaliser

Chelsea.......................2 Partizan Belgrade.......1 Spartak Moscow........3 Ajax.............................1 Roma...........................2 Auxerre.......................0 Basle...........................1 Braga...........................0

Marseille..................0 Arsenal.....................3 MSK Zilina................0 AC Milan...................1 CFR Cluj-Napoca......1 Real Madrid...............1 Bayern Munich..........2 Shakhtar Donetsk......3

on his return to the club where he came to prominence.

Bayern Munich, last season's runners-up, were also behind at Basel in Group E before Bastian Schweinsteiger struck a controversial penalty and grabbed a second a minute from time to give the Germans a 2-1 victory.

Roma won by the same scoreline at home to CFR Cluj in the other Group E game while there were more comfortable wins for English rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as Spartak Moscow and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Chelsea scored twice in the first half to set up an easy 2-0 win at home to Olympique Marseille in Group F, where earlier Spartak had beaten Zilina 3-0.

Arsenal were shaky at the back at times against Partizan Belgrade in Group H but came away with a 3-1 win -- making

it nine goals in two games after their 6-0 win over Braga.

Jose Mourinho, hired by Real after winning the Champions League with Inter Milan last season, could do with similar fireworks as he seeks to become the first coach to win the competition with three different clubs.

Real have had no trouble dominating possession under his leadership but have scored only six goals in five La Liga games, including two goalless draws.

They did manage a 2-0 win over Ajax in their Champions League opener but that was scant reward for their dominance.

They were clearly superior again on Tuesday but needed Mesut Ozil and Di Maria to come off the bench to provide fresh impetus, the Argentine chesting the ball down in the area before

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 29

Don Bosco HS, Panjim won the inter-school table tennis U-17 boys district level tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem complex on Wednesday. St Thomas, Aldona secured the second place while St Joseph’s, Pernem were placed third.

In the girls category, Sharada Mandir, Panjim emerged victorious while SFX, Mapusa and St Joseph’s were placed second and third respectively.

Lourdes Convents HS, Saligao won the inter-school boys volleyball U-17 taluka level tourna-

Volleyball, kabaddi trials

Arsenal's forward Marouane Chamakh (centre) scores a goal against Partizan during their UEFA Champions League Group H football match at the Partizan Stadium in Belgrade.

volleying into the corner for the winner, as Auxerre players claimed Sergio Ramos had handled the ball in the build-up.

"When I came here, this team had defensive problems," Mourinho said in his own defence.

"Now we are more solid but we still need to find our stride in attack."

Real top the group with six points, with Milan second on four. Real host Milan next in a clash of two sides who have won the European Cup 16 times between them.

Four-times winners Bayern also

lGoa team denied penalty, Kolkata team misses penalty PTI/AGENCIES CUTTACK, SEPT 29

Guwahati Region emerged champions in 41st KVS National Sports Taekwondo Meet (boys) wining four gold, two silver and two bronze medals at KV No 1, which concluded here.

Bengaluru emerged runnerup with two gold and two sil-

who beat Braga 3-0, Brazilian winger Douglas Costa creating two goals and scoring another.

Arsenal played brilliantly at times in Belgrade but flirted with trouble, eventually winning through goals from Andrei Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci.

Cleo scored a penalty for Partizan and missed another after the hosts had Marko Jovanovic sent off in the second half. Arshavin also missed a penalty for Arsenal in a frantic game that went ahead despite multiple floodlight failure.

Holy Cross top, Chubby Cheeks up Holy Cross HS Siolim defeated St Clara’s HS, Assonora 2-0 in the mini-secondary U-17 boys, Bardez zone football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem complex on Wednesday. Alton D’Souza and Maxcy Menezes scored the vital goals.

In the girls tournament, Holy

Cross HS, Bastora overcame St Xavier HS, Moira 5-0 to progress into the semi-finals. Pranisha Sabhale scored a hat-trick while Orlena Vales and Kajal Karapurkar were also on the scoresheet.

In the semi-finals of U-14 boys Subroto Mukherjee football tournament Chubby Cheeks HS, Porvorim defeated St Joseph’s, Pernem 4-3 via the tie-breaker.

Mickky, Alberto back Shrinivas for GFA l3rd

dinner diplomacy meet in Margao

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 29

East Bengal launch an attack against Churchill Bros at Barabati stadium, Cuttack.

Guwahati Region top HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 29

have maximum points in Group E after Schweinsteiger's late heroics, while Chelsea and Spartak are making all the running in Group F with six points apiece.

Chelsea's victory was in no doubt once John Terry had squeezed the ball home with the outside of his left boot for an opener in the seventh minute.

Nicolas Anelka dinked in the second from the penalty spot as Chelsea safely avoided what could have been a third straight defeat in all competitions.

Arsenal have six points in Group H along with Shakhtar,

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 29

spearheaded by Churchill pointsman Okolie.

Churchill were desperately unlucky not to equalize in the first half as a well taken shot from Odafa hit the woodwork while Koko Sakibo failed to hit the target from the follow up.

Just before the half time break Robin Singh almost scored the second when his 40-yard pile driver was well collected by Lalit Thapa.

That penalty miss seemed to have taken away some confidence from East Bengal's play as they failed to retain possession in the second period and started sitting deep in their own

ver, while Delhi secured third place with one silver and two bronze.

Lal Chand Meena, IDSE, SE CWE (NW), Goa, was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.

Earlier, Principal, KV No.1 Vasco, Velayudhan K P welcomed. Manicka Samy proposed the vote of thanks.

half. As a result Churchill saw a lot of the ball and often tested Sandip Nandy from set pieces and crosses.

There was a huge controversial moment in the 77th minute when Okpara appeared to have handled the ball while clearing an Odafa shot from the goalline.

However, the referee only gave Churchill a corner as East Bengal escaped and a penalty was denied to Churchill.

Seven minutes of added time gave Churchill hope to salvage a late equalizer but they were reduced to ten men when a high challenge from Denzil Franco on Guwahati Region with the winners trophy and Lal Chand Meena in Vasco on Wednesday.

ment defeating St Anthony’s Duler in the final 25-17, 25-14.

In the girls category Lourdes Convent defeated St Thomas, Aldona 25-11, 25-7.

In the taluka level kho kho U17 boys tournament, Kamleshwar HS, Korgao won by 4 points.

DMB HSS, Mulgao came second and Harmal Panchakroshi HSS finished third.

In the taluka level U-17 girls kabaddi finals, DMC, Mapusa defeated Junta HS, Mapusa by 26 points. In the boys finals, St Clara’s, Assonora overcame Shanta Durga by a narrow 4point margin.

GOA DIARY

East Bengal pip Churchill, in final Defending champions East Bengal entered the final of 32nd Federation Cup defeating Churchill Brothers 1-0 in keenly contested semi-final match at Barabati stadium here tonight.

Tolgey Ozebe of East Bengal beautifully controlled a long lob off Harmanjot Khabra and scored a spectacular goal in the 11th minute which turned out to be the clincher for the Kolkata giants having entered the Cup final for the 14th time.

However, the red-and-gold brigade lost a gilt-edged chance to increase the tally (2-0) as Ozebe failed to convert a penalty after being brought down by the Churchill defence inside the box in the 22nd minute.

Churchill custodian Lalit Thappa tried to get hold of Ozebe shot and as the ball bounced back Ozebe again unsuccessfully attempted a left footer as the alert defence managed to clear the ball.

Churchill Brothers played attacking game throughout and spurned an initial opportunity as a left footer by Odafe Oaklie was valiantly saved by East Bengal custodian Sandip Nandy.Though East Bengal managed to salvage a win in the crucial match, their defence often faced a torrid time due to the waves of counter-attack, mostly

Goa women team entered the semi-finals and men the quarter-finals of 21st Senior National Tennis Ball Cricket Championship in Nagpur.

Goa defeated All-India Industrial Board (AIIB). Put on to bat AIIB scored 41 runs in 6 overs.

Sharmila Naik clinched 2 wickets while Dixita and Dhanshree Gaude took a wicket each.

In reply, Goa scored the required runs in 2.1 overs.

Sharmila Naik 20 runs (n.o.) and Dhanashree Naik 10 (n.o.) scored for Goa. Sharmila Naik was declared the woman-of-the-match.

In the quarters, Goa beat Jammu and Kashmir. J&K scored 33 runs all out in 6.1 overs.

Sharmila Naik grabbed 3 wickets, Dixita and Manisha took a wicket each.

In reply, Goa scored the required runs in 4.2 overs, Gauri Kundaikar 17 runs, Pratima and

Manjita scored 5 runs each for Goa. Gauri Kundaikar was declared the woman-of-the-match.

In the men’s, Goa beat Delhi.

Electing to bat, Delhi scored 40 runs in the allotted 8 overs, Naresh Parsekar and Sarvesh Gaude took 2 wickets each. In reply, Goa scored the required runs in 4.4 overs. Mohsin Shaikh 21 runs and Naresh Parsekar 12 were the scorers for Goa. Mohsin Shaikh was aadjudged man-of-the-match.

In the pre-quarterfinals, Goa defeated Bihar. Electing to bat Goa scored 74 runs in 8 overs, Naresh Parsekar 20, Dattatrai Sikerkar 16, Sarvesh Gaude 11, Gaurav 9, Sushant 7, Amey 7 were the scorers for Goa. In reply, Bihar could score 23 runs (all out). Sagar Naik clinched 3 wickets, Naresh Parsekar and Sarvesh Gaude 2 each for Goa. Naresh Parsekar was declared man-of-the-match.

The quarter-finals and semifinals will be played on September 30 at 9 a.m. at Yashwant Stadium, Nagpur.

Penn earned the India Under-23 international his second booking.

In the end East Bengal held on to record their ninth consecutive win in all competitons under Trevor Morgan and progressed to the Federation Cup final for the 14th time in their history.

East Bengal thus remained unbeaten in the tournament so far winning all their matches.

Interestingly both semi-finals played in Barabati stadium are Bengal-Goa encounters as in the second semis tomorrow, Mohun Bagan would take on fancied Dempo Sports Club.

NCP leader, Mickky Pacheco, MLA threw his weight behind Shrinivas V Dempo holding a meeting with the contestants as well as Salcete club representatives at Betalbatim on Wednesday. Shrinivas was also present.

The GFA elections are slated for October 24.

Mickky disclosed that it was at the instance of the clubs that he was holding the meeting in which Shrinivas, who is contesting for the post of president, was present for the first time.

Shrinivas stated that in the past he had declined to contest, giving others the chance but that this time he had ventured to be on the field. “I need your support and help,” Shrinivas said while expressing his gratefulness to Mickky.

On being asked about the Salcete panel, Shrinivas stated that it was not finalised as yet but that he would take people who are good. The post of general secretary will be a full time paid post and the right person will be selected,” he added.

Later, at a meeting at Nanutel, Margao, Shrinivas addressed an-

other meeting which was attended by AIFF general secretary, Alberto Colaco and Urban development Minister and GFA president, Joaquim Alemao.

Shrinivas spelt out his vision, highlighting the need for greater cooperation from all the stakeholders. Alberto also spoke.

There were proposals that there should be three offices of GFA in Margao, Mapusa and Vasco. Besides, some clubs felt that the big clubs when signing young p-layers from small clubs should pay transfer fees.

Vinod Parkot, Schubert Furtado, Anthony Pango, D’Silva, Arnaldo Costa, Benjamin D’Silva, Lawrence Gomes, Prakash Naik, Andrew Rodrigues, who are contesting the elections from South Goa/Salcete were among those present.

Nelly Rodrigues, ZP member from Colva was present at Betalbatim meeting.

Shrinivas’ was the third dinner diplomacy meeting today, the earlier ones being at Mapusa and Vasco. This is the first time that Alberto Colaco has come out openly in support of Shrinivas. In fact he arrived from New Delhi today, it is learnt.

PANJIM (HSD) – The DSYA will conduct selection trials to select the State U-19 kabaddi and volleyball teams to represent Goa at 56th National School Games in Kabaddi U-19 boys and girls from October 25 to 29 at Burhanpur (MP) and volleyball U-19 boys and girls from 25 to 30 October in Mangalore.

Volleyball players may report to Sanjay Shirodkar, TSO on October 4 from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Massano de Amorim court, Panjim.

Kabaddi players may report to Sadanand Sawal Desai, TSO on October 1 at 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sports complex, Campal.

Players born on or after 1/1/1992 studying upto Std. XII are eligible and may report alongwith their identity card, kit and an authority letter from the head of the institution.

Affiliated institutions have been asked to depute their outstanding bonafide students to attend the trials.

Mini-marathon in Panjim

PANJIM (HSD) – THE F X D’Sousa Memorial Trust, Merces in association with Rotar y Clubs of Panjim and Panjim Riviera will organise the 10th all-Goa mini-marathon race on the occasion of 10th death anniversary of former famous Goan referee F X D’Sousa from A Lua Hotel, Merces at 7.30 a.m.

It will proceed to Old Goa Circle and return via Ribandar Patto - Merces Chimbel Junction covering 22kms.

Cash prizes will be awarded besides a trophy.

Those interested may contact Andrew D’Sousa, A Lua, Merces on 9822103419, Lorenz Imaging, Rangavi Shopping Centre, Opposite Margao Municipality, Margao or Photo Mohamad, Vasco.

SPORTS

GOA, THURSDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010

www.oheraldo.in

Village ready, I am satisfied: Dikshit PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 29

The Commonwealth Games Village is ‘absolutely ready’ and ‘for the first time, I am feeling very satisfied’, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said today as the city braced for the mega sporting event starting on Sunday.

Dikshit, who was tasked last Wednesday to put everything in place in the Village in the wake of complaints of ‘unlivable conditions’, toured the sprawling 63.5 acre complex that will house the participating sportspersons and declared that ‘everybody is happy’ with the arrangements.

Emphasising that a lot of efforts were put in to improve the conditions, she told PTI

that "The Village is absolutely ready. Cleanliness and other aspects are now upto the mark. For the first time I am feeling very sat-

isfied."

"The Village has reached a stage where there is no complaint. I am feeling happy. Everybody is feeling happy. Most importantly the players are happy," she said.

The conditions at the Village had come under sharp criticism from the Commonwealth Games Federation which said it was ‘filthy’ and ‘unlivable’.

Taking cognizance of these complaints, the Prime Minister's Office last Wednesday directed the Delhi government to take charge of sprucing up the complex which was till then being handled by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) which is controlled by Union Urban Development Ministry.

Dikshit, who has been personally monitoring the clean-up operation at the Village, said all the lifts in all the 34 towers are

now functioning properly and fumigation operation is continuing to prevent dengue-mosquito breeding.

Chidambaram walks after driver stopped AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 29

Strictly following the rule book, home minister P Chidambaram today walked about 500 meters to reach a venue of Commonwealth Games after Delhi police disallowed his personal security officer and car driver to accompany him for not carrying accreditation cards.

The minister, who toured the CWG venues this morning, was asked to stop at Siri Fort sports complex by the Delhi police for security check.

Although Chidambaram had an accreditation card and his car carried the entry sticker, the accompanying security officer and the car driver did not have the documents.

The officials politely told the home minister that he and his car can go inside the venue but the security officer and the driver would not be permitted.

Chidambaram abided by the Delhi police officials' request and got out of his car and walked nearly 500 meters to enter the venue as his staff and car remained at the parking area.

Shah Rukh not performing AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 29

Bollywood takes the centre stage at almost all the big events in India. But for a change, the much-awaited Commonwealth Games 2010 will keep away from Bollywood masala.

It was rumoured that Shahrukh Khan would perform at the opening ceremony of the event on October 3 but the organisers confirmed that the actor, or any other Bollywood actor for that matter, would not perform.

Instead, Indian dance, songs and culture will be showcased at the CWG opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

However, Oscar winning composer A.R. Rahman will be performing a few songs including the latest version of the CWG anthem.

Pg16

Army completes bridge in 4 days PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 29

The foot overbridge outside main Commonwealth Games venue Jawaharlal Nehru stadium was made ready by the Army today, eight days after it collapsed causing a major embarrassment to the country.

The Army engineers, whose help was sought by the Delhi Government to rebuild the bridge, completed the task in a record four days.

The 95-metre-long under-construction foot overbridge came crashing down on September 21 injuring 27 people and raising

serious questions over quality and standards of construction of Games infrastructure.

The hanging bridge was built by a private firm for Delhi Government's P ublic Works Department along with another adjacent bridge at a cost of Rs 10.5 crore to connect the parking lot of the stadium with other side of the street in Lodhi Road in south Delhi.

The Army engineers had begun construction of the bridge on Saturday after receiving the SOS from the city Government.

BCCI shakes up IpL l Drops Gavaskar from GC, ousts Modi franchises – Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Kochi -- for irregularities in their ownership patterns and dropped all charges of misappropriation of funds in the PILCOM accounts of the 1996 World Cup against former Board chief Jagmohan Dalmiya.

"The IPL Governing Council constitution was changed today at the AGM. The period of the Governing Council, which is a subcommittee, of the Board has been reduced to one year from five years," BCCI president Shashank Manohar told reporters at a press conference after the AGM. "It will have five members and two crick-

eters will be part of the committee. Earlier, cricketers were used to be paid Rs one crore In a major revamp of the IPL and the BCCI, but BCCI decided no payment will be made cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar was today from now onwards," he said. dropped from the Twenty20 League's "Modi is not part of the BCCI any more. trimmed Governing Council, while the door Now he cannot say that he is a suspended was effectively shut on the suspended Lalit IPL Chairman," added Manohar.

Modi without a formal expulsion.

Manohar alleged that the wrongdoings The decision to drop Gavaskar from the of Modi, facing the Board's disciplinary IPL Governing Council was taken by the panel hearing, stood exposed further five Cricket Board in its 81st Annual General days ago vis-a-vis the deal he made with a Meeting here, which also appointed interim company called ‘Visual Impact’ for providing chairman Chirayu Amin as the full-time chief security vans during IPL-3. of the Twenty20 league.

"Yesterday when the Visual Impact guy The BCCI did not give any reacame to us he was asked about son for dropping Gavaskar from it and he gave it in writing he the council but there is speculawill refund Rs 3.5 crore to the tion that it could be a result of Board," Manohar said. the Board's decision to not pay Modi has been replaced in the cricketers, who were earlier the vice-President's post by angetting Rs one crore a year, in other central zone representaAGENCIES the panel. tive Rajiv Shukla and Modi's MUMBAI, SEPT 29 Asked about reports that lawyer Mehmood Abdi reacted Gavaskar had asked for Rs five Amid media reports that Sunil Gavaskar is dropped from the Indian angrily to the decision.

Premier League's governing council, Board of Control for Cricket crore to sit on the panel, Board "It further establishes our case chief Shashank Manohar said in India president Shashank Manohar clarified that a decision on of malice and personal prejudice ‘you have to ask Mr Gavaskar the former India captain being retained on the panel has not yet against Modi. It shows that the been taken. about it’. entire BCCI is suffering from There were reports that Gavaskar decided not to accept the Modi-phobia. They are shutting Gavaskar refused to comment honorary post, but Manohar made it clear that they still haven't on the development merely statall doors on his return," Abdi told ing that, "I have no idea about spoken to the former India opener. reporters.

"Who said he is not included? We haven't spoken to him because the AGM. I just saw something "First they suspended him, we have to talk to them before we appoint them. on TV, that's it." then they removed him from the "Earlier they were paid one crore for being on the Governing vice-President's post and have Among other notable decisions taken at the AGM, the BCCI issued Council, but now they have to work honorary. So we have to get now reduced the tenure of the show-cause notices to three IPL their consent. governing council," Abdi added.

PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 29

‘Who said Gavaskar is dropped?’

Modi took 24 luxury watches free: BCCI AGENCIES MUMBAI, SEPT 29

Lalit Modi's fall from grace was complete on Wednesday when he was ousted from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Chirayu Amin replaced him as Indian Premier League chairman after the BCCI reconstituted the T20 league's governing council at its Annual General Meeting in Mumbai.

Rajeev Shukla took Amin's place as BCCI vice-president from Central Zone.

"He [Modi] is out of the Board. He cannot write now 'IPL Commissioner/Chairman Suspended'," BCCI president Shashank Manohar declared while briefing newspersons after the AGM. There was more to Modi's woes as the BCCI revealed

‘Don’t expect a traditional Mohali pitch’ AGENCIES

CHANDIGARH, SEPT 29

The pitch at the PCA stadium in Mohali has traditionally been a bouncy one but the pitch is expected to be a lot slower when it is used for the first cricket Test.

Curator Daljit Singh was forthright in his assessment of the strip on Wednesday.

"Due to heavy rainfall in North India this time, the surface didn't get enough time to bind. Also, before any international match, quite a few practice matches are organised in order to get an assessment of the pitch. That wasn't possible due to the heavy downpour. So the wicket will be on the slower side," Daljit said.

more financial irregularities by him.

Lalit Modi"I can tell you an instance, which, according to me, 100 per cent proves the criminality, which I found out five days earlier and yesterday I got the evidence for that.

"For the IPL games, three security trucks were hired and a contract was entered into with Visual Impact, a company supplying the trucks for eight years. For the first year, they were to be paid five crore and from the next year they were to be paid 6.5 crore.

"About five days earlier, a person came to our office and told us, 'Sir, the trucks were hired from us for 1.5 crore. We have been paid 70 lakh and the balance 80 lakh is not paid, so can you help us out?' So we asked him to give the invoice and all, which he gave to us."

BCCI withdraws charges against Dalmiya PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 29

The BCCI today withdrew the fund embezzlement case against its former President Jagmohan Dalmiya and also lifted a fouryear-old expulsion imposed on him, clearing the decks for his return to national cricket administration.

The 70-year-old former ICC President had been a pariah in Indian cricket administration for four years after he was accused of embezzling the 1996 World Cup funds in a lawsuit filed in the Bombay High Court in 2006.

The veteran administrator, who currently heads the Cricket Association of Bengal, has bounced back with the BCCI deciding to gave him relief in its Annual General Meeting here.

Dalmiya said he felt vindicated by the decision of the Cricket Board.

Sehwag’s aggressive batting takes off pressure: Nielsen PTI MOHALI, SEPT 29

Virender Sehwag's pyrotechnics with the bat give Indian cricket team an edge as the flamboyant batsman takes the pressure off his middle-order colleagues by scoring at a fast pace, Australian coach Tim Nielsen said today.

"Sehwag's performances at the top of the order has had a damaging effect on opposition teams. His aggressive approach has helped the likes of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman to play freely.

"It obviously helps when you get quick 90 or a 100 from Sehwag and batsmen coming after

him are able to build their innings on that foundation," Nielsen told the reporters after Australia's morning practice session at the PCA Stadium today.

Contrary to popular notion that Indian bowling attack is not capable of taking 20 wickets if the conditions are not conducive, Nielsen feels that Zaheer Khan and Co. are a consistent bowling unit.

"After Sehwag sets it up, India have very capable bowler in Zaheer Khan. Also you have Harbhajan Singh who has more than 300 Test wickets. Ishant Sharma has also been pretty impressive when he first came onto the scene against Australia in 2007.

"He made quite an impact in the final two Test matches of that series. May be he hasn't quite been the wicket-taking bowler that he was but he is capable of producing some good spells," the coach said.

The coach is also not perturbed that skipper Ricky Ponting has never really got going on previous tours to India.

"I have never seen Ricky as motivated and fit as he is now.

He knows only too well that he will be remembered if he plays well. He has no niggles. In fact he has never been as good as he is now on the second phase of his career," Nielsen said.

Virender Sehwag cracks one hard during a practice session at Mohali on Wednesday.

Dhoni, Raina join Indian squad after CL T20 victory

Team India's new ODI kit unveiled

are left with little time to get a feel of the conditions before the first Test starts while Murali Vijay is expected to reach later in the day.

Bollinger and Hussey arrived in Chandigarh on Tuesday leaving them with a couple of days to prepare and adjust to the conditions ahead of the first Test scheduled for Friday.

"We will make sure that we make the most of the two days and get ourselves prepared as best as we can," said Bollinger.

"It's not ideal, but it's the best we can do and make sure we get ourselves prepared as best

AGENCIES CHANDIGARH, SEPT 29

AGENCIES CHANDIGARH, SEPT 29

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina on Wednesday joined the Test squad ahead of the first Test against Australia in Mohali after completing their Champions League Twenty20 engagements for Chennai Super Kings in South Africa.

Australian pacer Doug Bollinger and batsman Mike Hussey also joined their squad after CSK's title triumph in South Africa just two days before the opening Test gets underway.

Dhoni and Raina, who reached Chandigarh at 11 am,

Sehwag named ICC brand ambassador AGENCIES DUBAI, SEPT 29

Explosive India batsman Virender Sehwag is one of four leading cricketers chosen by the International Cricket Council as its ambassadors for 2010-2011.

The ICC has named five ambassadors, including Australian umpire Simon Taufel, for the year, during which its flagship event, the ODI World Cup, will be jointly staged by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, England's World Twenty20-winning captain Paul Collingwood and Australia vicecaptain Michael Clarke are the other ambassadors.

"Virender, Michael, Kumar, Paul and Simon have so much to offer and to have access to their valuable time and energy for issues of importance to the ICC is beneficial to the game as a whole," ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said.

"By making appearances at press conferences, social events and coaching clinics, the ICC Ambassadors will also provide valuable support and general awareness of the activities of the ICC and its key stakeholders," he added in a statement.

we can," he said.

"Playing for Australia, that is my priority. If you feel your body needs rest, play less IPL and the Champions League Twenty20," Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke had said on Tuesday when asked to comment on too much cricket being played these days.

The Australians, who took a break from the practice session on Tuesday, were at the nets on Wednesday while it will be the fourth day when the Indian team members will be having their practice after most of the team had arrived in Chandigarh last week.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Team India is all set to be seen in brand new attire after their official apparel sponsor Nike unveiled their new One-Day kit in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and Pragyan Ojha donned the new apparel that was unveiled by Nike.

Skipper M S Dhoni was not present since he had just arrived in the city after being in South Africa for the Champions League Twenty20.